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Giant panda Meng Mengs twin cubs gaining strength nearly 3 weeks after birth

08:44, September 11, 2024 By Yu Xi ( Global Times

The 11-year-old giant panda Meng Meng's twin panda cubs have been gaining strength after they were born on August 22 at Zoo Berlin, in Germany, while their mother Meng Meng's health is being monitored 24 hours a day around the clock, according to the information shared by Zoo Berlin with the Global Times.

Meng Meng is being "cared for by keepers who have been familiar with her for many years," as well as by two very experienced colleagues from Chengdu, Southwest China's Sichuan Province, according to an email sent to the Global Times by Zoo Berlin.

According to the latest blog post from the zoo, the panda team has been excited by the healthy weight development of the panda cubs. Their fluffy black ears, characteristic eye patches, and well-filled bellies indicate that they are starting to look like real giant pandas, the zoo wrote. The weight gain of the two cubs is particularly satisfactory. They have more than doubled their birth weight and currently weigh 510 g and 450 g, according to the zoo.

The zoo said that it can't predict exactly when the cubs will be on display for visitors for the first time, but there is hope that it will be later this year.

There is strong collaboration and ongoing communication between the Zoo Berlin and the giant panda base in Chengdu. On special occasions, such as mating season and births, the giant panda base in Chengdu will dispatch a carefully selected team of experts to Berlin.

It's not the first time that Meng Meng has given birth to twins. Meng Meng arrived in Germany in 2017 from China. In August 2019, Meng Meng gave birth to the twin panda cubs, Meng Xiang and Meng Yuan, in Germany. In December 2023, the twins were returned to China.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing)
Photo-Illustration: Intelligencer; Photos: Getty

Elon Musk is a painfully unfunny edgelord who recently became a vocal Donald Trump supporter. So naturally, when Taylor Swift endorsed Kamala Harris shortly after Tuesday nights debate, the billionaire X owner searched for the creepiest response possible. He found it, replying to Swifts identification of herself as a childless cat lady (a dig at Trumps running mate, J.D. Vance) by offering, or perhaps threatening, to impregnate her.

Fine Taylor  you win  I will give you a child and guard your cats with my life  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 11, 2024

Understandably, people are very focused on the I will give you a child part of this post. Theres a lot going on here. Musk is openly sexually harassing Swift on X for expressing a political opinion; he has previously been accused of sexual misconduct (which he denies). And the remark ties in with other weird and unsettling things the billionaire has said. Musk  who has fathered at least 12 children with three women  is obsessed with low birth rates, which has led to him spreading the great replacement theory, a white-supremacist conspiracy theory (though he says he doesnt subscribe to that).

What you may be missing is that theres also a racist angle to Musks response to Swift. On first read, the guard your cats with my life bit could be interpreted as Musk teasing Swift with some version of I know you want a strong man to protect you and your beloved cats in response to Swifts childless cat lady quip and the appearance of one of her cats in her endorsement post.

But Musk was actually saying, Taylor, Ill protect your beloved cats from the migrants trying to eat them. We know that Musk believes the baseless claim that Haitian immigrants are kidnapping and eating pets in Springfield, Ohio. On Sunday, he did his part to spread the rights new favorite conspiracy theory:

Apparently, peoples pet cats are being eaten  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 9, 2024

And during the debate, he retweeted this post complaining that the moderators fact-checked Trump for shouting, Theyre eating the dogs!

ABC has let Harris get away with the Charlottesville hoax, bloodbath hoax, police officers dying on J6 hoax, etc



But they fact check Trump on animals in Ohio when he was correct  Shaun Maguire (@shaunmmaguire) September 11, 2024

On the other hand, Musk seemed to endorse the idea that Swift post was just a joke:

So I guess we all need to lighten up about one of the most powerful men in the world saying disgusting things about women and minorities!
Photo: Alex Brandon/AP Photo

If youve followed Donald Trumps recent antics, you know the chances of us getting out of his first debate with Kamala Harris without hearing about the late great Hannibal Lecter and the debunked story about migrants stealing peoples pets and eating them were pretty low. But the way these two topics came up was still something to behold.

Surprisingly, it was Harris who brought up the Silence of the Lambs villain. She referenced two classic unhinged Trump bits  Lecter and windmills cause cancer  while asserting that his MAGA rallies are all about self-indulgent rambling rather than proposing policies that will actually help people.

VP Kamala Harris:

"You will see during the course of Trumps rallies, he talks about fictional characters like Hannibal Lecter. He will talk about how windmills cause cancer. What you will also notice is that people start leaving his rallies early out of exhaustion & boredom." pic.twitter.com/Tcmal1kedp  Chris Strider (@stridinstrider) September 11, 2024

Her attack seemed to rattle Trump. A few minutes later, as he was ranting about crowd size, we got a fresh example of the bizarre exclamations you can see at a Trump rally. In Springfield, theyre eating the dogs! the former president shouted, referring to a city in Ohio.

Trump continued, The people that come in, theyre eating the cats. Theyre eating the pets of the people that live there. And this is whats happening in our country, and its a shame.

Trump continues to double down on anti-immigrant fear-mongering with the egregious claim that Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Illinois are eating cats and dogs. There are no credible reports of immigrants harming pets, according to local officials. #PresidentialDebate pic.twitter.com/zwC9qArPic  Stop AAPI Hate (@StopAAPIHate) September 11, 2024

Many viewers likely have no idea what Trump was talking about. But the too-online among us will recognize this as the rights hot new racist hoax. On Monday, Trumps running mate, J.D. Vance, took to X to spread a debunked claim about Haitian immigrants to Springfield, Ohio, kidnapping residents cats (not dogs) and eating them, as NPR explains:

Vance, who represents Ohio in the U.S. Senate, spread a debunked claim about Haitian migrants living in the city of Springfield, Ohio, on Monday, accusing them of abducting pets and eating them.

The claim, which local police say is baseless, was made by far-right activists, local Republicans and neo-Nazis before being picked up by Vance. A well-known advocate for the Haitian community says she received a wave of racist harassment in the aftermath of Vances post.

Vance made the claim as part of a political attack against Vice President Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee. On the social media site X, Vance wrote, 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?

Debate moderator David Muir clearly came prepared for Trump to bring up false pet-eating claims. ABC News did reach out to the city manager in Springfield, Muir said. He told us there have been no credible reports of specific claims of pets being harmed injured or abused by individuals within the immigrant community.

Undeterred, Trump insisted that hes seen people on television who say my dog was taken and used for food.

During the presidential debate, Donald Trump revived the debunked claim, falsely alleging that migrants in Springfield, Ohio, were "eating dogs and cats." His statement prompted David Muir to step in with a fact-check.



Trump insisted, In Springfield, theyre eating the dogs, pic.twitter.com/ml0u7WBLSG  Lunionsuite  (@LunionSuite) September 11, 2024

When invited to respond, Harris just said, Talk about extreme! and chuckled.

Trump has actually mostly moved on from the late great Hannibal Lecter since praising the fictional cannibal during his RNC acceptance speech. At its core, that riff is about vilifying migrants in the cadence of a joke, so perhaps the ridiculous dog-eating bit is a natural addition to his routine.
Photo-Illustration: Intelligencer

Two months and one political lifetime ago, Donald Trumps supporters rushed to the cameras gathered in Atlanta after his debate against Joe Biden to crow about his obvious victory. For a while, there was no Biden representation in the spin room at all as the presidents morose surrogates like Gavin Newsom and Raphael Warnock hung back, caucusing with campaign officials about how on Earth to paint the night as anything other than a catastrophe for Democrats. On Tuesday night in Philadelphia, however, the spin room lit up before Trump even finished his closing statement. Out first was Pennsylvanias hyped-up Democratic governor, Josh Shapiro, there to declare the debate a resounding success for Kamala Harris.

For the second debate in a row, everyone with eyes and ears could interpret for themselves what had happened onstage. (Spin rooms are awful by design  which self-respecting journalist needs campaign-selected talkers to tell their audience that their candidate did great and their opposition is a moron?  but campaigns know that many voters are influenced by press coverage and try to seed storylines to any reporter wholl listen.) One Harris aide shrugged to me that his job was easy: No one had real questions for him and the campaigns attention was already elsewhere; the candidate herself was off celebrating with supporters, and the TV networks were showing her party live. Trumps handpicked cheerleaders, meanwhile, tried pivoting everything back to the border, just like he had all night.

I gave it half an hour or so, but the big gaggles forming around the likes of Matt Gaetz and Vivek Ramaswamy werent enough to keep me there. The spectacle seemed tired, and no one was learning anything new. Just as I was walking out, two of Trumps top advisers, Jason Miller and Chris LaCivita, rushed in past me. I overheard LaCivita say that he was coming to the spin room  he was obviously Trump.

The former president appeared a few minutes later, lowering himself to spin duty, desperate as ever for the cameras and microphones. It was clearly not a sign of great confidence that he was in control of the evenings narrative, but there wasnt much he could do at this point, though once again he couldnt help himself. Trumps hair was fixed up, his scowl slightly lighter than it had been onstage now that he was in his natural habitat with hundreds of reporters surrounding him and dozens of cameras in his face. He didnt have much to say. Lindsey Graham had already started suggesting that he fire his debate-prep team after the evenings disaster and Trump himself had already started whining about the moderators. But he found Sean Hannity and did some more of that, and said hed won anyway, and complained about the border and the fact that Harris had prepared for the debate, and he waffled about doing a second one. It was a fittingly flat end to his night, especially since he was in the process of getting upstaged yet again. As Trump spoke, the rooms attention drifted. About half of the people left opened Instagram to see Taylor Swifts endorsement of Harris.

Harris had not come to Philadelphia expecting to land a knockout punch on Trump. Instead, she came prepared with a list of clearly defined points to hit, each planned out to reach different defined segments of the voting population that are still curious but wary about her in their own ways. And for nearly two hours onstage, with Trump glaring at his lectern just feet away, she pursued them methodically.

In the weeks of her vertiginous rise, the vice-presidents biggest challenge has shifted from introducing herself to voters to arguing that she, not Trump, is the change agent in the race. In the days leading up to the debate, I asked an array of her allies to identify the audience it was most important for her to reach on Tuesday. One top party financier immediately replied Nikki Haley Republicans, a longtime friend in politics said she still had to convince some young voters she was on their side, and a senior Democratic pollster told me her top objective had to be convincing older voters. All agreed, however, on the fundamental message these groups had to hear: that she is a serious, steady, and energetic leader who can move the country past the Trump era. There are voters who dont yet know who the vice-president is, what her leadership journey has been, California senator Laphonza Butler, a former Harris aide and longtime confidant, said shortly before Harris walked onstage.

Immediately, it was clear that Harris saw rattling Trump as central to that goal, convinced that the angrier he got, the easier it would be for her to present the contrast. Immediately, she walked straight up to Trump onstage and introduced herself as she shook his hand  a moment he clearly didnt expect or know how to handle.

It took only a few minutes for Trump to grow flustered by Harriss reference to a negative analysis of his economic plans by professors at Penns Wharton School, his alma mater. Minutes later, she directly quoted a tweet of his praising Chinese leader Xi Jinping over Beijings handling of COVID, and he once again spluttered. Soon after, he mixed up Virginia for West Virginia when he went on a tirade about Democrats and after birth abortion. He also praised the genius and heart and strength of the six conservative Supreme Court justices who overturned Roe v. Wade  a historically unpopular move. As Trump refused to make eye contact with Harris and grimaced into his notes, I was reminded of what Celinda Lake, a senior Democratic pollster who works with the Harris campaign, told me a few hours earlier: Research shows that 70 percent of what voters take away from debates is the theater aspect, only 30 percent is the actual policy difference.

Harriss campaign relished the chance to throw Trump off his game after he won the first debate against Biden by simply letting his opponent expose himself as just too old for the job. This time, the Harris team ran an ad on Fox News and stationed billboards around the city taunting Trump about his smaller crowd sizes, an obsession of his that voters find childish. When Trump accused her of busing in paid crowds to her own events, Harris looked like she almost couldnt believe he took the bait instead of responding to her claim that he doesnt care about everyday voters. She laughed as Trump insisted that undocumented migrants were eating family pets in Ohio, a far-right conspiracy that took his focus far from his straightforward attempts to blame her for the migrant surge at the southern border. One top Democratic operative, whod been basically comatose at that point early in the first debate, started texting me YES, YES, YES every few moments as Trump preached to the far-right corners of X more than persuadable voters in swing states.

Talk about extreme, Harris began after Trumps claims about pet-eating, before appealing to Haley voters by listing off her endorsements from former GOP officials, including Dick Cheney and a series of Trumps own former national-security aides. Her point was that he is erratic and cant be trusted, and she isnt and can. Her biggest accomplishment, the top operative told me, was making Trump look exhausted, exhausting, and out of touch with regular people, an argument that resonates especially with moderates who simply want to move on from him, no matter if they agree with some of his policies.

Still, it was independents and older voters whom she courted most clearly in her set-piece moments. Seniors are watching the debate more, and she is softer with seniors  they worry about her qualifications and have some sexist and racist assumptions about that, Lake said a few hours before showtime. They underestimate her strength and theyre not sure what her plans are, theyre nervous about her, they see her as less change and more risk.

Since the Democratic convention in Chicago, Harris has tried appealing to seniors in particular by painting herself as a stateswoman, talking with increasing specificity about her meetings with foreign leaders. And when Trump refused to answer directly whether he wanted Ukraine to beat Russia, she launched into patriotism: Giving up on Ukraine, she said, is not who we are as Americans. She spoke about her meetings in the region and the air defense, the ammunition, the artillery, the Javelins, the Abrams tanks that we have provided to Kyiv to make sure Russia cant roll over Ukraine and into the rest of Europe. After the debate, deputy campaign manager Quentin Fulks made sure Id caught that Harris had specifically brought her answer around to the 800,000 Polish Americans right here in Pennsylvania. (She also went out of her way to insist she no longer opposed fracking, a sensitive issue in rural Pennsylvania.)

Throughout the evening, the Harris campaign had a group of undecided voters in the battleground states reporting their feelings about what was happening onstage in real time. Such dial testing is standard practice, but campaigns dont tend to share any details of how that testing is going if things arent going well. On abortion, Trump insisted Democrats were open to executing infants, claimed credit for overturning Roe, and refused to say whether hed oppose a nationwide ban, while Harris spoke about women affected by the bans. David Plouffe, one of her senior-most advisers, revealed that there was a 40-point gap between the voters approval of the candidates answers during this exchange. Widest gap Ive ever seen in debate dials, he said.

Only later did the Harris campaigns private testing confirm one of the central underlying hypotheses of her candidacy: that Americans are tired of the Trump era, and want to believe a new political age is possible. The debates low point for these voters, according to the dials, was when Trump once again claimed to have won the 2020 race as part of a longer conspiratorial ramble. Its high point for Harris was when she replied to Trumps spurious claim that she hadnt always identified as Black by detailing his history of racism, such as calling for the execution of the Central Park Five, before ending on an up beat: The American people want better than that. Want better than this.

Ever since Harris became the presumptive Democratic nominee, Republicans have dismissed the excitement around her, saying there is a big difference between vibing with partisans and actually convincing voters. Once Harriss poll numbers started to flatten out this month, it became obvious that this was a big part of her challenge: convincing this final decisive slice of the electorate that shes up to the job of president and that shes sufficiently different from Biden. In front of her biggest audience yet on Tuesday, Harris succeeded in making the case.
Photo: Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

This week, state officials will send out the first mail ballots of the 2024 election in an unofficial kickoff to Election Day. But a group of close to three dozen election officials are warning the United States Postal Service that irregularities within the agency could pose a risk to mail-in voting.

On Wednesday, the National Association of Secretaries of State and the National Association of State Election Directors sent a letter to Postmaster General Louis DeJoy to express their ongoing concerns about the USPSs performance ahead of November 5. Among the issues raised are an increase in mail deemed undeliverable and long delivery times. The officials claim that some USPS staffers lack knowledge of election mail rules, that ballots sent to election offices have been returned to voters, and that postmarked ballots in multiple states have been received ten or more days after the noted date.

The officials write that, though they have raised the issues to USPS staff on both the state and local levels, they have not seen improvement or concerted efforts to tackle the problems. We implore you to take immediate and tangible corrective action to address the ongoing performance issues with USPS election mail service. Failure to do so will risk limiting voter participation and trust in the election process, they said.

The letter is reviving old concerns about the dependability of the postal service, worries that first emerged during the 2020 election cycle when the agency was hit by both internal strife and the COVID-19 pandemic. DeJoy, who was appointed by Donald Trump, sought to overhaul the agency in the wake of financial difficulties, resulting in increased prices and changes to mail delivery. Just last month, USPS has proposed new changes to its delivery logistics that are aimed at saving the financially strapped agency $3 billion a year annually. Per the Washington Post, a key adjustment would be allowing for longer processing times for those located farther away from USPS regional hubs, which would likely result in slower mail delivery for those who live outside of cities. Issues with mail service have plagued the agency as of late, with consumers complaining about higher shipping costs as well as consistent delays in mail and package deliveries throughout the country. NBC News notes that many of the highly affected regions, such as Atlanta, Richmond, and Houston, were part of the initial rollout of the postal services new hub-distribution system.

Though voting habits have changed since the height of the pandemic, mail-in voting is still likely to play a significant role in this years election. According to a report from the U.S. Election Assistance Commission, nearly 32 percent of all voters used mail ballots in the 2022 election, a drop from the 2020 election peak but higher than pre-pandemic levels. Several states vote largely or entirely by mail, including Colorado, Hawaii, and Washington.
Auburn University will be hosting a competition on Tuesday, Oct. 1 for aspiring entrepreneurs, innovators and visionaries from across East Alabama to secure $1,000 in funding to take their ideas to the next level.

Set for 5 p.m. in the BEST room at Horton-Hardgrave Hall, the Auburn Ideas Jam competition supports early-stage business ideas and startups by offering a platform for growth without the need for a business plan or side deck.

Our goal is to create an inclusive and accessible environment where anyone with a solid idea can step forward, share their vision, and receive support, said Joshua Sahib, managing director of the Lowder Center for Family Business and Entrepreneurship at Auburn University. By eliminating traditional barriers like business plans or slide decks, were opening the door for a wider range of participants and hoping to spur the winning entrepreneurs to quickly move from ideas into action.

The competition encourages participation from both college students and community members in East Alabama who are still in the idea phase or have early-stage businesses with minimal revenue.

Unlike conventional pitch competitions, the Auburn Ideas Jam will feature separate pitch booths, allowing several teams to compete simultaneously, with a $1,000 prize awarded at each booth. This format significantly increases the participant's chances of winning.

Application for the competition closes on Wednesday, September 25. To apply for the event, visit https://aub.ie/ideas-jam.
East Alabama Health spent Monday morning celebrating a milestone in the construction of the expansion project at East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika.

EAH representatives, local political leaders, employees at Bailey-Harris Construction Company and other members of the community gathered in front of EAMC as the new expansion was officially topped-out with the final beam being placed on the top of the building.

Placing the beam symbolized a milestone in the project that will add three floors and 30 critical beds to the West Pavilion at EAMC.

"That topping out that occurs really points to this building moving forward and being completed, but what this beam also symbolizes to us is years of work and planning," said Greg Nichols, the EAH executive vice president and administrator with EAMC-Lanier.

The expansion was announced in March and construction began over the summer. According to EAH, the expansion will offer 67,395 square-feet of additional room divided between three floors: a mechanical space on the third floor, additional space for growth on the fourth floor and 30 new beds on the fifth floor.

The fifth floor will feature a 20-bed ICU with a satellite pharmacy and a 10-bed unit that can be used interchangeably for step-down or intensive care patients. The project has an expected completion date of late fall 2025, with plans for first patients to be cared for in early 2026. The project is estimated to cost $32.5 million. Bailey-Harris Construction Company is the general contractor on the project.

In the week leading up to the topping out ceremony, the beam has been signed by EAH employees and physicians.

"Their names are going to be placed into this building, that they will remain there for generations to come" Nichols said. "Those employees are just symbolic of the many employees that will take the bricks, the mortar, the steel, the glass that we're placing into this building, and then they'll take that and they will turn this into a place, as Laura[Eason] had in her prayer, a place of hope, a place of healing, a place of compassion through the high quality, compassionate care that they provide."

In their release announcing the expansion, EAH said the population growth throughout the region in recent years has underscored the need for more critical beds at EAMC. According to EAH, the expansion will address that directly and also provide space for additional expansion.

"I'm so grateful to Laura Grill and her team and the forward thinking board of East Alabama Health. They're future focused, and we try to do that with the city of Opelika," Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller said. "They've had opportunities over the past number of years to rest on their laurels, but they haven't."

Fuller thanked EAH for the work it has done, such as the Spencer Cancer Center and the new mental health facility that will house 40 beds, which EAH broke ground on in January. Fuller also cited the growth of the community and credited EAH for meeting that growth.

"Our community, Opelika, Auburn and Lee County continues to grow. So you're anticipating the needs that we're going to have for healthcare. So I appreciate that," Fuller said.

East Alabama Health includes the East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika, EAMC-Lanier in Valley, the Spencer Cancer Center in Opelika, the Auburn Medical Pavilion and several other key medical clinics and practices that help provide care to patients throughout an 11-county area. EAMC is a 314-bed regional referral hospital. East Alabama Health employs about 3,700 people and is the second largest employer in the region, trailing only Auburn University. For more information, visit www.eastalabamahealth.org.



EAMC holds topping-out ceremony for West Pavilion project
Namibia, once considered a frontier market in the energy sector, is rapidly emerging as a potential oil powerhouse. Recent discoveries in the country's offshore Orange Basin, particularly the Venus and Graff discoveries, have attracted significant attention from international oil majors, raising hopes of a transformative economic impact. However, several factors, including geopolitical considerations and the financial viability of extraction, will play a crucial role in determining the success of Namibia's oil ambitions.

The recent oil discoveries in Namibia have sparked a flurry of interest from some of the world's largest oil companies. TotalEnergies, Shell, and Galp have all made significant investments in exploration and production activities in the country. The presence of these international oil majors brings not only financial resources but also technical expertise and experience in developing large-scale oil projects. The French energy giant has been particularly active in Namibia, holding a 40% operating interest in several offshore blocks, including Block 2913B where the Venus-1X discovery is located. This discovery is estimated to hold over 3 billion barrels of oil equivalent. Shell, with a 45% interest in the PEL 39 license, made a significant light oil discovery at the Graff-1 well in 2022. This discovery further strengthens Namibia's oil potential. Galp, the Portuguese energy company holds a 10% interest in the PEL 83 license, partnering with other players to explore and develop oil resources in the Orange Basin. The involvement of these major players signals confidence in Namibia's oil potential and underscores the country's attractiveness as an investment destination.

While the full extent of Namibia's oil reserves is still being assessed, recent discoveries suggest a significant potential. As of 2023, estimates place Namibia's proven and probable (2P) reserves at around 11 billion barrels of oil equivalent. This figure is expected to grow as further exploration and appraisal activities are conducted. With the recent discoveries, the country is projected to start producing oil as early as 2026. Initial production estimates range from 120,000 to 250,000 barrels per day, with the potential to ramp up to 500,000 barrels per day or more in the long term. However, the development of Namibia's oil resources will not be without challenges. The country's offshore fields are located in deep water, at depths of up to 3,000 meters, which adds complexity and cost to extraction. Additionally, Namibia will need to build the necessary infrastructure, including pipelines and export terminals, to transport and sell its oil. The estimated cost of developing these fields is in the tens of billions of dollars. Related: Oil Prices Jump 3% as Hurricane Takes 675,000 bpd Offline in the Gulf of Mexico

On the other hand, Namibia's oil boom is taking place against a backdrop of complex geopolitical dynamics. The country's proximity to South Africa, a major regional power, and its location on the Atlantic coast give it strategic importance. Namibia has sought to foster regional cooperation in developing its oil resources. It is a member of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), which promotes economic integration and collaboration among its member states. Namibia also actively participates in the African Petroleum Producers' Organization (APPO) to share knowledge and best practices in the oil sector. Also, the African country has also actively sought partnerships with international organizations and countries. While Namibia currently remains outside OPEC, the country has expressed strong interest in joining the organization. The recent oil discoveries have fueled this ambition, as Namibia recognizes the potential benefits of OPEC membership, including increased market access, technical cooperation, and a stronger voice in global oil policy discussions. It also maintains good relations with Western nations, ensuring a balanced approach to international cooperation.

The economic and financial viability of oil extraction in Namibia will depend on several factors, including the global oil price, the cost of production, and the availability of financing. The global oil price is a key determinant of the profitability of oil projects. A higher oil price makes extraction more economically attractive, while a lower price can make projects unprofitable. The recent discoveries in Namibia are considered commercially viable even at moderate oil prices, given the large reserves and relatively low operating costs once production starts. The cost of producing oil in Namibia is estimated to be between $25 and $35 per barrel. While this is higher than in some onshore fields, it is still competitive compared to other deepwater projects globally. Technological advancements and economies of scale could further reduce costs in the future. By the way, securing financing for oil projects can be challenging, especially in a volatile market environment. Namibia has been successful in attracting investment from international oil majors, demonstrating confidence in the country's potential. The government is also working to create a favorable investment climate to encourage further participation from both domestic and international sources.

To summarize, Namibia's recent oil discoveries have the potential to transform the country's economy, providing a significant boost to GDP, government revenue, and employment opportunities. However, the success of this endeavor will depend on several factors, including the ability to attract investment, develop infrastructure, and navigate geopolitical challenges. If Namibia can successfully manage these factors, it could become a significant player in the global oil market, contributing to energy security and economic growth for the region.

Source: Rystad Energy

Source: S&P Global Commodity Insights upstream E&P content

By Antonio Garcia for Oilprice.com

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Oil prices edged higher in Wednesday's intraday session, with Brent crude for November delivery up 2.12% to trade at $70.66/barrel at 14:46 hrs ET while WTI crude for October delivery gained 2.39% to change hands at $67.32/barrel.

The reversal in the oil price selloff came amid more shutdowns by oil and gas operators in the Gulf of Mexico with hurricane Francine expected to make landfall Wednesday afternoon or evening along the Louisiana coastline. According to the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE), energy companies have shut in close to 40% of oil and almost 50 percent of gas production in the Gulf of Mexico as the storm closes in.

However, its doubtful whether the Gulf of Mexico shutdowns will generate enough momentum to fully reverse the months-long oil price selloff. After all, hedge funds and other money managers have turned the most bearish on crude ever since the CFTC started to publish information on market positioning, with speculative positioning in crude oil currently extremely short. Brent and WTI net longs totaled a mere 139,242 lots in the week ended September 3; net speculative long bets across the four Brent and WTI contracts clocked in at a mere 2.3% of open interest, the lowest level going back to the start of 2011 and 2 percentage-points below the pandemic-era low. Net selling over the past week came in at 108.8 million barrels (mb), bringing cumulative net selling over the past eight weeks to 311.2 mb. Meanwhile, commodity analysts at Standard Chartered have reported that the banks proprietary money-manager crude oil positioning index has sunk to -100.0 for the first time this year.

Related: Oil Moves Lower as EIA Confirms Small Crude, Gasoline Build



According to commodity experts at Standard Chartered, there has been little so far to discourage trend-following algorithms from increasing the size of their short positions, with Brent having settled lower on 14 of the past 20 trading days and intra-day highs have been lower on 16 of those 20 days, including all of the past eight. StanChart says the current extreme in positioning is based on incorrect expectations of a looming crude oil surplus coupled with weakening economies in China, U.S. and Europe. More importantly, traders are overlooking the imminent removal of even more barrels from the markets in the coming months.

Back in July, Russia, Iraq and Kazakhstan submitted their compensation plans to the OPEC Secretariat for overproduced crude volumes for the first six months of 2024. According to OPEC, the entire over-produced volumes will be fully compensated for over the next 15 months through September 2025, with Russia paying back a cumulative 480 kb/d, Iraq 1,184 kb/d and Kazakhstan 620 kb/d. According to StanChart, the compensatory output cuts by the three OPEC members work out to a combined 370 kb/d reduction in October, and then an amount varying between 162 kb/d and 206 kb/d for November 2024 through to September 2025. StanChart has worked out that adding the compensation schedule to the recently announced reduction in targets due to delaying the implementation of tapering will result in OPEC production clocking in at 530 kb/d lower in Q4-2024; 540 kb/d lower in Q1 and Q2-2025 and 560 kb/d lower in Q3-2025, if all commitments are kept. StanChart has argued that the market's current assumption that there will be no compensation reduction is wrong because its highly unlikely that other OPEC+ countries would take it lightly. StanChart says Saudi Arabia, in particular, is unlikely to accept any further backsliding on promises made by the overproducers, noting that the high-profile visits to Iraq and Kazakhstan by the OPEC Secretary General, Haitham al Ghais suggests that OPEC intends to follow up on the promised cuts.

I received strong assurances that Iraq continues to be fully committed to the DoCs ongoing market stabilization efforts. During this visit, Iraq presented clear and determined steps to compensate for overproduced volumes and gave assurances that it would achieve full conformity going forward, al Ghais said after visiting Baghdad.

Regarding the near-term oil price outlook, Standard Chartered's proprietary machine-learning tool SCORPIO has predicted a $3.02/barrel increase in dated Brent for the week ending September 16. StanChart notes that whereas its going to take time for oil markets to start paying attention to actual fundamentals, positioning has turned extreme enough to skew price risks to the upside.



By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com

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OPEC and its partners from Central Asia and Russia earlier this month delayed a rollback in production cuts agreed in 2023 to stem the decline in oil prices. This means OPEC+ will produce 2.2 million fewer barrels per day than before the cuts until at least December. Some Big Oil majors may not be happy about it.

OPEC and Big Oil tend to be seen as competitors, especially when it comes to American supermajors such as Exxon and Chevron, who have a considerable footprint in the shale patchOPECs main challenger in modern times. What makes matters complicated, however, is the fact that Big Oil is also a big investor in OPEC oil and gas production.

The aim of foreign investors is not to spend billions of dollars on new oil wells and then shut them in, Jim Burkhard, vice president at S&P Global Commodity Insights, told the Houston Chronicle this week. If OPEC members want to continue to attract foreign investment, their investors need to see some type of return. Its part of the equation. You cant untangle that.

Indeed, state control over the production of any commodity does not tend to sit well with private investors in a way similar to price controls aimed at keeping a product or service affordable for consumers, reducing potential investor returns. But there is another side of the coin as welleven with the cuts, OPEC remains an important source of production and income for Big Oil majors. When this stops being the case, Big Oil simply exits, as Exxon did in Iraq.

Related: Demand Concerns Dictate Oil Prices Amid Stable Supply

In fairness, the countries where Big Oil is involved in oil and gas production heavily and is as such exposed to any unintended effects of the cuts are not the biggest cutter. The single biggest one is Saudi Arabia, whose oil industry is in the hands of the state oil company. The second biggest is Russia, where the situation is identical.

Of the countries with considerable Big Oil exposure, there is Iraq, the notorious laggard in the cuts, whose share of the total cuts is 220,000 bpd. Next is the United Arab Emirates, which has undertaken to withhold some 163,000 bpd in output. While not inconsiderable, the amounts are not all that significant either, especially in a lower-price environment where everyone is making less money from the same amount of oil.

The problem for them is they have to keep delaying, and at some point the dynamic is not sustainable. Holding back production to let competitors take market share is not a winning long-term strategy, former BP economist Mark Finley told the Chron in comments on the state of the relationship between Big Oil and OPEC. The fact countries like Kazakhstan rely on U.S. investment has gotten to be a bigger issue, but frankly, its secondary. Its still a sovereign decision.

Speaking of Kazakhstan, the relationship is especially complicatedthe country is demanding massive compensation from supermajors developing the Kashagan offshore field. Kazakhstans claim is for a total $160 billion for years of delays and cost overruns in the development of one of the biggest oil discoveries of modern times. Instead of the promised 1.5 million bpd, the field is producing just 400,000 bpd.

One could say Kazakhstan is not being very friendly to foreign investors. Yet one could also say that putting foreign investors interest above all else is unwise for any government. It is a fine line to walk between national interests and the interests of key foreign investors, and it seems like Kazakhstan and other OPEC+ members are leaning toward the direction of national interest.

The relationship between OPEC and Big Oil has always been complicated. They are both partners and competitors, after all. But when OPECs cuts lift prices, everyone benefits. When Big Oil finds a better way to extract oil and gas more economically, everyone benefits.

According to S&P Global data cited by the Houston Chronicle, foreign investment in the Middle East had swelled by 50% since 2019 to $62 billion. A lot of this is investment in energy, of course. But the suggestion made by that S&P executive might be a little biased. OPEC members such as Iraq certainly need the investmentsbut the same is true for the investors. They need the oil. Investments anywhere are not an act of altruism, after all.

If Big Oil is investing money, time, and expertise somewhere, it is because it expects to make money on that investment, even with potentially limiting state policies. After all, OPEC has been controlling production one way or the other for decades. Productionand pricecontrol is the point of the cartels existence. Big Oil and OPEC are far from a dramatic breakup and sour investor sentiment. Their relationship will, in all likelihood, remain complicated but very much alive for the observable future.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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The EU's focus on penalties rather than incentives for businesses to comply with ESG standards is driving companies to seek more favorable regulatory environments elsewhere.

European oil giants like Shell and TotalEnergies are considering moving their primary listings to the NYSE due to undervaluation in European markets.

Stringent ESG regulations in the EU are causing a decline in the competitiveness of European industries compared to their US counterparts.

The European Union has the world's most rigorous Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) regulations and the most ambitious decarbonization and net-zero targets. But the EU's approach to ESG rules and reporting has too many sticks and few carrots for businesses. European companies are suffocating under numerous EU directives and national laws in bureaucracy that are undermining Europe's competitiveness in many industries, including in green and climate technology.

The ESG rive has been much stronger in Europe than in the United States, and many European oil companies have felt the growing reluctance of funds and asset managers to invest in the industry. Moreover, new EU directives on corporate ESG and sustainability are additionally burdening all European firms with spending much more on regulatory compliance and reporting than their peers across the Atlantic.

Industry in Europe is too focused on penalties and not enough focus on rewards to continue doing business in Europe. Industry believes that firms have better chances of doing well in other jurisdictions, primarily in the United States. Valuation Gap

The ESG movement in Europe has become so strong that some of the top oil firms based in major European economies and listed on European stock markets are reportedly considering moving to a New York listing.

These include Shell and TotalEnergies, two of the biggest Europe-based oil majors.

Reports emerged earlier this year that Shell was considering moving its primary listing to the NYSE. Shell's CEO Wael Sawan said in April that the current location in London is "undervalued," referring to the valuation gap between lower-valued European oil majors and their U.S. peers listed in New York, such as ExxonMobil and Chevron.

TotalEnergies has also aired the idea of a primary listing in New York to attract a larger share of U.S. investors.

Unlike European investors, U.S. investors have resisted the ESG-driven backlash against oil firms, making the U.S. a more attractive option for a primary market of the supermajors.

According to Bloomberg's estimates, Europe's majors trade at a discount of about 40% to their American rivals. TotalEnergies could have been valued $108 billion higher if it was valued the same way as an average big U.S. oil producer, per earnings multiples calculated by Bloomberg.

Competitiveness Gap

It is not only oil executives who feel that their Europe-based firms are undervalued. Many other major companies see the EU regulations as increasingly burdensome, undermining their competitiveness compared to American rivals.

In the green energy technology sector, even with Europe's most ambitious net-zero goals among all regions, companies find less support and incentives than in the U.S. And some European firms plan more investments in America than in their home markets.

EU regulations, especially on reporting and ESG compliance, are further complicating the business of Europe-based companies.

For example, the EU's Directive on Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence, which entered into force in July, aims to foster sustainable and responsible corporate behavior in companies' operations and across their global value chains. Firms are thus obligated to identify and address adverse human rights and environmental impacts of their actions inside and outside Europe, including in their supply chains.

Moreover, the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), commonly known as the "carbon border tax," was launched on October 1 last year in the first transitional phase for imports of several carbon-intensive groups of products into the European Union. The first phase of the EU's carbon import pricing legislation will not impose levies on the productssuch will apply from 2026.

However, it is not certain that the carbon border tax would be as effective as it has been designed to be, a new report by Mario Draghi, former European Central Bank President and former Italian Prime Minister, showed on Monday. Draghi was tasked by the European Commission to prepare a report of his personal vision on the future of European competitiveness.

Referring to the carbon border tax, Draghi wrote in the report,

"While CBAM is an important instrument for European companies to stay competitive against their international peers that face lower or no carbon prices, its success is still uncertain."

In sustainability and industry, "Europe must confront some fundamental choices about how to pursue its decarbonisation path while preserving the competitive position of its industry. Black-and-white solutions are unlikely to be successful in the European context," Draghi said.

"Most importantly, the "European Green Deal" was premised on the creation of new green jobs, so its political sustainability could be endangered if decarbonisation leads instead to de-industrialisation in Europe  including of industries that can support the green transition," according to Draghi.

The renowned economist and politician also noted that "innovative companies that want to scale up in Europe are hindered at every stage by inconsistent and restrictive regulations."

Regulations, including ESG rules and directives, are impeding European competitiveness, company CEOs said in the latest survey of the European Round Table for Industry (ERT).

The survey showed in May that business confidence among CEOs and chairs of many of Europe's largest companies has rebounded to the highest level since May 2022. Industry leaders, however, "are markedly more positive about their companies' business outlook outside Europe than within."

When asked to point out the highest-impact strategies available to EU leaders to restore competitiveness, an overwhelming 91% of CEOs highlighted that improving and simplifying the EU's regulatory environment would be the most effective policy lever.

"Across capital investment, employment and sales, CEOs are significantly less optimistic about the future inside Europe than abroad," said Sara Murray, Managing Director, International, The Conference Board.

"CEOs are clear that Europe's hurdles are due to cumbersome regulation, failures to fully integrate the single market, and timidity on technological leadership."

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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Oil prices tumbled over 4% today, reaching a 3-year low as trader sentiment continued to sour ahead of tonight's highly anticipated U.S. Presidential debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, with bearish sentiment sinking to multi-year lows as traders continue overreacting to any negative development and ignoring relatively healthy fundamentals.

Indeed, hedge funds and other money managers have turned the most bearish on crude ever since the CFTC started to publish information on market positioning, with speculative positioning in crude oil currently extremely short. Brent and WTI net longs totaled a mere 139,242 lots in the week ended September 3; net speculative long bets across the four Brent and WTI contracts clocked in at a mere 2.3% of open interest, the lowest level going back to the start of 2011 and 2 percentage-points below the pandemic-era low.

Net selling over the past week came in at 108.8 million barrels (mb), bringing cumulative net selling over the past eight weeks to 311.2 mb. Meanwhile, commodity analysts at Standard Chartered have reported that the banks proprietary money-manager crude oil positioning index has sunk to -100.0 for the first time this year. According to the analysts, the previous time their positioning index reached -100.0 was in December 2023, immediately followed by a sharp rally. However, heres the bad news: the index reached -100.0 three times in Q2 2023 and the price low in that cycle was not achieved until a week after the third occurrence, meaning theres still some scope for further net selling. Positioning for ICE Brent is dire at -93.9, but its considerably milder for NYMEX WTI at -51.8 with speculative long-short ratio for WTI still well above historical lows.

According to StanChart, the current extreme in crude positioning is based on [incorrect] expectations of a looming crude oil surplus as well as persistent fears of a severe economic discontinuity. Whereas its going to take time for oil markets to start paying attention to actual fundamentals, positioning has turned extreme enough to skew price risks to the upside.

StanChart points out theres little evidence of an approaching economic cliff-edge in the latest Energy Information Administration (EIA) weekly data, with the main negatives in the report being the counter-seasonal rise in gasoline inventories and w/w falls in implied demand. The strongest part of the latest release was crude oil, with a -1.816 mb/d flow balance.

OPEC+ Delays Plans To Hike Production

One of the most important developments in oil markets over the past week was the announcement that OPEC+ oil alliance has agreed to postpone plans to hike production by a scheduled 180,000 barrels per day in October, as part of a program to gradually return a broader 2.2 million barrels per day to the market over the following months. The 2.2 million bpd cut--implemented over the second and third quarters--was scheduled to expire at the end of the current month. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Russia, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Oman and Algeria committed to the voluntary reduction that falls outside of the official policy binding all members of the OPEC+ coalition.

Related: Permian Basin Gas Pipeline Capacity Set to Increase with New Projects



Uncharacteristically, the extended curbs failed to generate any kind of momentum, with the selloff continuing and oil prices slumping back below $70 a barrel. According to Ben Luckock, global head of oil at oil and commodities trading firm Trafigura, the OPEC+ announcement failed to generate enthusiasm because the outlook for oil balances was not great. Earlier, OPEC cut its forecast for global oil demand growth in both 2024 and 2025, revising this years outlook to a still healthy 2.03 million b/d whilst cutting next years number marginally lower to 1.74 million b/d. As the oil market gathered in Singapore this week for the annual Appec conference, Luckock correctly predicted that oil would dip into the 60s soon, depressed by weakening demand in China.

Not even the recent removal of some 700,000 bpd from the markets has been able to jumpstart the stalled oil price rally. Libya is yet to resume oil exports two weeks after the Haftar clan blocked production in a bid to gain leverage over a battle to control the Central Bank. Six engineers have told Pan-Arab newspaper Asharq-Al-Awsat that exports remained halted at the ports of Es Sidra, Ras Lanouf, Hariga, Zueitina, Brega and Sirte although some production was being increased to feed local power generation and ease fuel shortages. According to S&P Global, up to 230,000 b/d crude output has been restored at three eastern fields under the control of warlord Khalifa Haftar, a far cry from Libyan output at 1.15 million b/d in July. Libyan crude exports reached multi-year highs in April, with refiners in Northwest Europe and the Mediterranean prizing Libyan light sweets.

There are a few positives, though, with the ongoing shutdown of Libyan oil exports proving beneficial to some crude oil grades including Azeri, African and U.S. oil grades. To wit, Azeri and Kazakh crude prices have shot up ever since the Libyan disruptions last week as refiners sought replacement barrels. Meanwhile, Europe's imports of WTI Midland hit 1.43 million barrels per day in August, good for a 24% month-on-month increase, partly supported by Libyan outages. U.S. WTI Midland physical crude prices have strengthened relative to WTI, with the price differential between the two grades widening to 80 cents per barrel from 60 cents just prior to the shutdown of Libyan oil fields.



In the meantime, tropical storm Francine, which is likely to become a category 1 Hurricane on Tuesday afternoon has led to shut-ins of crude oil and gas production in the Gulf of Mexico. The BSEE reported on Tuesday morning that personnel has been evacuated from at least 130 platforms, leading to a production shut-in of 412,070 bopd of crude oil and 494 MMCFD of natural gas, roughly 25 percent of total Gulf of Mexico production.

By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com

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Argentinas market deregulation efforts are expected to raise the energy investments in the country by about $2.5 billion to $15 billion next year, Energy Secretary Eduardo Rodriguez Chirillo said at an industry event.

The government of Argentinian President Javier Milei has pushed for new legislation, the so-called Large Investment Incentive Regime  or RIGI, by its Spanish initials  offering tax breaks and other incentives for major investors in the South American country.

These (new) rules will help shore up investments that are already in development, Rodriguez Chirillo said at the event, as carried by Reuters.

Thanks to the RIGI investment regime, Argentina expects a combined $30 billion in energy investments in 2025 and 2026, the energy secretary said.

In the first nine months of the Milei administration, the energy sector saw the highest oil production in 15 years in the first half of 2024, as well as the highest natural gas output in 17 years over the same period, Rodriguez Chirillo wrote on X.

The energy ministry is laying the foundations for the sector to be one of the engines of economic growth in Argentina, the secretary said.

Argentina relies on the Vaca Muerta shale play to boost its oil and gas production.

Vaca Muerta is estimated to hold recoverable resources consisting of 16 billion barrels of oil and 308 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. Those numbers make the Vaca Muerta the worlds second-largest shale gas deposit.

Supertankers could begin docking in Argentina to load oil from the countrys shale patch after a pipeline is set to connect Vaca Muerta with a terminal at Punta Colorada port capable of handling the so-called very large crude carriers (VLCCs).

Argentina is also moving a step closer to exporting LNG and monetizing its huge resource in the Vaca Muerta after maritime LNG infrastructure firm Golar LNG signed a 20-year deal with Pan American Energy (PAE) for the deployment of a Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG) vessel in Argentina.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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Its not the primaries anymore. Tonight, the two U.S. Presidential hopefuls will face off in an ABC-hosted debate, and neither are expected to flaunt any radical policiesnot even on the subject of energy.

To frac or not to frac

Tonights debate will hardly reach a conclusion without one of the most debated subjects in the energy world: fracking. It is a subject likely to be raised, with the Vice Presidents change in policies already coming into question.

Theres no question Im in favor of banning fracking, Kamala Harris said in 2019 Presidential Town Hall on CNN. Yes. And starting with what we can do on Day 1 around public lands, and then there has to be legislation. But yeah, and this is something Ive taken on in California. I have a history of working on this issue.

Harris went further, and in her defense against then would-be-president Biden, she argued on the campaign trail that Joe Biden will not ban fracking. That is a fact. That is a fact.

Harriss interview just weeks ago with CNN showed how much closer shes come to center since her failed bid for the highest office in the land. What I have seen is that we can grow, and we can increase a clean energy economy without banning fracking, Harris told CNN interviewer Dana Bash.

The answer to the fracing question is really about which voters Harris is courting tonight. Some analysts may suggest that the Vice President doesnt need to back away from her strong ban fracking policy to win Pennsylvania. Others insist there is no way sticking to her guns on a fracking ban will woo enough Pennsylvania voters to secure the state for her campaign in November.

But both candidates have largely secured the voter base of their own parties. The war for independents is now on.

Permitting

The oil and gas industry will be likely watching tonights debate to see where the candidates standat least at this point in their campaignon the red tape permitting processes that continue to stymie major projects like pipelines.

LNG Pauses, EVs, and Lawsuits

Other energy topics will be American energy security and how it relates to the pause on LNG export projects, EV subsidies and emissions regulations that will impact consumer choices when it comes to vehicle purchases, and lawsuits against oil companies.

America First

Former President Donald Trump seems to hold energy policies similar to ones he held in his prior campaigns. He would likely end the pause on LNG export permits, and broaden the scope of drilling auctions as part of the five-year offshore oil and gas leasing program, pushing for the United States to achieve the lowest cost of energy and electricity in the world.

By Julianne Geiger for Oilprice.com

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Amid the ongoing political standoff between rival governments, Libyas crude oil exports plummeted to 194,000 barrels per day (bpd) last week, an 81% plunge compared to the previous week, according to data from Kpler cited by Reuters.

Last week, the average export levels were way off the 1 million bpd in exports in the previous weeks, the data showed on Wednesday.

Libyas National Oil Corporation (NOC) has canceled some cargoes, although it has not declared force majeure on all exports from the country. NOC has declared force majeure on individual cargoes only, trade sources familiar with the matter told Reuters.

A source at NOC told the newswire that the company allowed some tankers to dock at Libyan ports and load crude from storage, in order to avoid fines if the shipments fail to fulfill contractual obligations.

The latest crisis in Libya erupted at the end of August.

Part of Libyas production and exports were halted due to a political standoff over the leadership of the OPEC producers central bank.

Oil production at several Libyan oilfields was halted on August 27 after the rival government in the east announced a stop to all oil production and exports from Libya.

Libya, which pumps about 1.2 million bpd of oil, was plunged into a deeper political crisis over the row about the leadership of the Central Bank of Libya, the only internationally recognized depository of Libyas oil revenues.

The internationally recognized government in the capital city in the west, Tripoli, was trying to replace Sadiq Al-Kabir, the governor of the Central Bank of Libya. This has led to the latest controversy between the Eastern and Western governments and political factions, threatening again to reduce Libyas oil production and exports.

Last week, Libyas feuding political factions reached an agreement on the mechanism and timelines for appointing the Central Bank Governor and Board of Directors in consultations hosted by the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL).

The situation, however, remains uncertain.

On Tuesday, UNSMIL said it would resume facilitating talks on resolving the crisis of the Central Bank of Libya at its headquarters in Tripoli on Wednesday.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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Abu Dhabis national oil company ADNOC is expected to soon make a formal offer to buy Germanys chemicals giant Covestro for $15.9 billion (14.4 billion euros) including debt, the Financial Times reported on Wednesday, citing sources with knowledge of the plan.

ADNOC, which pumps nearly all the oil in OPECs major producer the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has been looking to buy into chemicals and petrochemicals to diversify its downstream portfolio.

The company has been pursuing Covestro for a year.

If the German firm accepts the offer, the deal would be one of the largest cash transactions in the chemicals industry ever, as well as the first time a company part of the DAX 40 blue-chip index in Germany would be acquired by a state company from the Gulf.

In June, ADNOCs year-long efforts to acquire Covestro moved a step closer to a successful conclusion after Covestro it had decided to enter into concrete negotiations with Adnoc and open its books for due diligence on a proposed $12.9 billion (11.7 billion euros) deal.

Covestros board entered into these talks with ADNOC regarding a potential transaction after Abu Dhabis state energy firm raised its offer.

We have made good progress in our discussions with Adnoc. Therefore, we have decided to enter into concrete transaction negotiations with Adnoc, Markus Steilemann, CEO of Covestro, said in June.

ADNOC first approached Covestro a year ago. In September 2023, Covestro launched open-ended talks with the Abu Dhabi firm.

ADNOC is pursuing deals to expand in international markets, including in petrochemicals, as the major oil producers in the Middle East are keen to expand the markets for their oil and products and lock in future demand.

But in May, ADNOC terminated talks to buy a stake in Brazils petrochemicals company Braskem from its controlling company Novonor.

At the end of last year, the state oil giant of the United Arab Emirates proposed a non-binding offer to buy a stake in Braskem, in an offer implying an equity value of $2.14 billion (10.5 billion Brazilian reals) for Novonors 38.3% stake in the Brazilian company.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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Crude oil prices moved higher earlier today on anticipation that tropical storm Francine would disrupt oil and gas production in the Gulf of Mexico.

News that Exxon was reportedly cutting production rates at its refinery in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, helped prices move higher.

Reuters reported on Tuesday, citing unnamed sources, that Exxon planned to slash production at the 522,500-bpd facility to just 20% of capacity ahead of Francines landfall. Were closely monitoring and preparing for severe weather that may impact our Baton Rouge operations, an Exxon spokeswoman told Reuters. Our primary focus is the safety of our workforce and communities in the affected areas. We continue to meet customer commitments.

Earlier in the week, media reported that field operators in the Gulf were evacuating crews from offshore platforms ahead of the storm. Chevron, Shell, and Exxon were among the companies that paused work on some platforms in anticipation of the storm.

According to the latest update, Francine has strengthened to a Category 1 hurricane and will make landfall in Louisiana later today.

Yet storm activity in the Gulf of Mexico was not the only reason oil prices moved higher, according to some analysts.

Investors adjusted their positions after Tuesday's sharp drop, Nissan Securities analyst Hiroyuki Kikukawa told Reuters.

The sharp drop was largely caused by an OPEC update on oil demand, in which the cartel said it now expects more sluggish growth than previously forecast. This was the second downward revision of demand projections by OPEC, which now sees 2024 demand growth at 2.03 million barrels daily. Thats down from 2.11 million bpd in its previous monthly report, and 2.25 million bpd in earlier projections.

The group also revised down its demand growth forecast for 2025, to 1.74 million barrels daily, from 1.78 million bpd in last months oil market report.

These updates tempered any supply disruption concerns on Tuesday but now that Francine is approaching the Gulf Coast, these appear to have been reignited, pushing prices higher.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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Russian President Vladimir Putin has asked Moscow to consider limiting exports of some commodities such as uranium, nickel, and titanium in retaliation for Western sanctions, Bloomberg reported on Wednesday.

Russia is the leader in strategic raw materials reserves like uranium, titanium, nickel, Putin said during a televised meeting with the government. Since Western sanctions limit exports of some Russian commodities like diamonds, maybe we should also think about restrictions, he said, adding that such limits should not harm Russia

The U.S. and its Western allies have imposed numerous sanctions on Russias economy as punishment for its war in Ukraine. However, many vital commodities-- including nickel, palladium, and uranium are not under any restrictions and continue to flow to Western nations.

Back in June, the EU approved sanctions on Russian gas, the first time it has done so. According to the Belgian EU presidency, the EU will hit Russia with unprecedented sanctions against its lucrative gas sectora move that could potentially drain hundreds of millions from Moscows war chest.

However, the proposed penalties wont hit the majority of Russias liquid natural gas (LNG) exports to the EU; instead, the sanctions would prevent EU countries from re-exporting Russian LNG after receiving it and also ban EU involvement in upcoming LNG projects in Russia. The sanctions will also prohibit the use of EU ports, finance and services to re-export Russian LNG, essentially meaning that Russia would have to overhaul its LNG export model. Currently, Russia supplies LNG to Asia through Europe, with Belgium, Spain and France being major hubs.

If they can't transship in Europe, they might have to take their ice-class tankers on longer journeys, Laura Page, a gas expert at the Kpler data analytics firm, has told Politico, adding that Russia may not be able to get out as many loadings from Yamal because their vessels cant get back as quickly.

Norway and the U.S. have replaced Russia as Europes biggest gas supplier: Last year, Norway supplied 87.8 bcm (billion cubic meters) of gas to Europe, good for 30.3% of total imports while the U.S. supplied 56.2 bcm, accounting for 19.4% of total.

By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com

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The worlds biggest crude oil exporter and largest oil company, Saudi Aramco, has signed additional agreements with Chinas Rongsheng Petrochemical and Hengli Group to advance talks on cooperation in the refining and petrochemical sectors in China and Saudi Arabia.

Aramco signed a Development Framework Agreement with Rongsheng regarding the potential joint development of an expansion of Saudi Aramco Jubail Refinery Company (SASREF) facilities, the Saudi oil giant said on Wednesday.

The agreement is a follow-up of an April cooperation agreement about forming the joint venture in SASREF, as well as significant investments in the Saudi and Chinese petrochemical sectors. Rongsheng could potentially buy 50% stake in SASREF, the development of a liquids-to-chemicals expansion project at SASREF, while Aramco could acquire 50% in Rongshengs affiliate Ningbo Zhongjin Petrochemical Co. Ltd. (ZJPC), and participate in ZJPCs expansion project.

Aramcos agreement with Hengli Group advances talks relating to Aramcos potential acquisition of a 10% stake in Hengli Petrochemical Co., Ltd., subject to due diligence and required regulatory clearances.

Earlier this year, Aramco entered into discussions with Hengli Group about the potential acquisition of 10% in Hengli Petrochemical.

China is an important country in our global downstream growth strategy, and we look forward to building on a relationship that spans more than three decades to unlock new opportunities in this crucial market, Mohammed Al Qahtani, Aramco Downstream President, said, commenting on the deals announced today.

Saudi Aramco continues to be on the lookout for acquisition opportunities in the downstream and LNG, Yasser Mufti, Aramcos Executive Vice President for Products and Customers, told Reuters in an interview earlier this month.

In recent years, the Saudi oil giant has been pursuing deals to expand its international downstream presence, especially in demand centers such as Asia.

Last year, Aramco entered Pakistans downstream market by acquiring a 40% stake in Gas & Oil Pakistan Ltd, one of the countrys largest retail and storage companies.

Earlier in 2023, Aramco announced two major refinery and petrochemical deals in China, which not only give the worlds largest oil firm a share of the Chinese downstream market but also an additional export outlet for 690,000 bpd of Saudi crude in China.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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Families of Omaha Northwest High School students descended on the school grounds within minutes of reports of a shooting.

Some heard the news from social media or the traditional media. Others saw a vague alert sent out by the school district at 12:30 p.m., reporting that the school was "currently in lockdown due to reports of a situation in the building." Many received tearful phone calls from their children or text messages saying, 'I love you.'

At 12:23 p.m. Tuesday, a school resource officer at Northwest reported that a student was shot and the suspect ran from the building. The school was placed on lockdown and the victim, a 15-year-old boy, was taken to the hospital in critical condition. He was shot once in the stomach and is now stable, according to police.

Police said the suspect, a 14-year-old student, was apprehended shortly before 1 p.m. Police said "investigators believe this was an isolated incident and the victim was targeted by the suspect."

For families and students, though, the shooting's characterization as a targeted event was little comfort. Less than one week ago, two students and two teachers were shot and killed at Apalachee High School in Georgia, renewing fears of mass shootings in American schools.

The recentness of the Apalachee shooting was not lost on junior Nearhea Fuller, who was in the school's gym when her class was interrupted by a lockdown announcement over the school's intercom. Her class fled into a basement locker room, where they prayed together and watched a video circulating on social media that showed people tending to the shooting victim.

"I think it's kind of crazy because not even a week ago, we were just reading about the Apalachee shooting," Fuller said. "Now, it's us. We're now the next breaking news school with a shooting going on. It's kind of unbelievable."

Students describe a 'pop,' yelling and running

Exact details of how and why the shooting occurred are not yet known. Multiple students said the boy was shot in a hallway near the cafeteria's restrooms, but police had not confirmed the location by Tuesday evening.

One Northwest High junior, who asked not to be named, said she saw the shooting happen while she and her friend were in the hallway. She first heard a popping noise and was confused because it sounded like a book being dropped on the floor, she said.

Then she and her friend saw a boy collapse to the ground.

When we saw the kid fall, we sort of thought he was playing around because there was no commotion before it, other than the gun pop, she said, But when we realized that he wasnt getting up, thats when we panicked, and we realized he was shot.

Students said the moments after the shot were chaotic. Some fled the building before the school was placed into lockdown. Jalaya Dancer, a freshman, said she heard gunshots before the commotion.

"Everybody just started yelling and running out the doors," Dancer said.

Jaiyha Hodges, also a freshman, said he was in class when his friend ran into the classroom yelling that someone had been shot.

"Everybody was running outside, and just running around. It was a whole bunch of stuff happening," Hodges said. "It felt like half of the school already ran home (before the lockdown)."

A junior student who asked only to be identified by her last name, Morad, said she and other students heard yelling and thought there was a fight in the cafeteria. When they ran downstairs, they saw a person on the floor bleeding.

"This girl was crying, saying 'my brother, my brother,'" the student said. "I ran back upstairs and started to run into the classroom, and they wouldn't open the door, the teachers  which I get it, because they're not supposed to. Finally, the teacher opened the door and I sat in there for hours."

Families say students 'traumatized' by shooting

Family members, many of whom arrived at the school in the minutes after the shooting, waited anxiously for the students to be released. School personnel and police methodically let students out of the building class-by-class.

Nathan Else, the father of two Northwest students, was one of about 200 people gathered in the school's west parking lot shortly before 2 p.m. His son ran out of the school before the lockdown, but he was waiting for his daughter to be released.

"She's pretty upset," Else said of his daughter, who had said she was near the scene of the shooting. "She's traumatized."

Nickkie Davis said she received a text from her son after the school was under lockdown. Her son is a junior, but he was in an art class with freshman students.

He didnt know what was going on but said he could hear shouting in the hallway and then a shot fired, Davis said. His classroom was secured and he is safe, but definitely traumatized after this event.

Now that her son is home, she said shes worried about how he will transition back to school. She immediately set up a therapist appointment for her son to help him process what happened.

As a mother, it makes me scared that this is stuff thats happening on almost a daily basis around our country, Davis said. We need to do better to secure our schools so that students dont have to fear or worry about whether theyll live or die when going to school, or deal with the traumatic aftermaths from these situations.

At about 2 p.m., students began to pour out of the west doors. Parents wiped away tears as they walked off school property with their children in a tight embrace. Some students sobbed as they sprinted to their family members after spotting them in the crowd.

No school for Northwest students on Wednesday

In a message sent to students, staff and families shortly before 4 p.m., Northwest High School Principal Kimberly Jackson said students will have the day off on Wednesday before returning to class Thursday.

"We will have supports available for students and staff," Jackson said. "It will take time to process what happened today. It is okay to struggle. To be upset. To be angry. We will be here for one another."

Other schools in northwest Omaha  Adams Elementary, Davis Middle, Hale Middle, Hartman Elementary, Pinewood Elementary and Springville Elementary  were also placed on lockdown out of an abundance of caution, the school district said in a statement. Those schools will resume classes as normal on Wednesday. Roncalli Catholic High School was also locked down as was, reportedly, Marian High School.

Omaha Public Schools Superintendent Matt Ray said Tuesday that staff will do a thorough review of the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including an evaluation of current and potential new safety measures. Northwest High School does not have metal detectors, according to a district spokesperson.

"With any incident that we have, we debrief about it and look at what we could have done differently," Ray said during a Tuesday afternoon press conference.

State and local officials sent prayers and expressed gratitude for law enforcement in the hours after the shooting.

"Based on initial information, everyone at the school responded in an appropriate way," Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen said in a statement. "We are especially grateful for the swift action taken by local and state law enforcement to get to the scene and also secure a suspect. We know this was traumatic for everyone at the school and the parents of students at Northwest."

U.S. Rep. Don Bacon, who represents the Omaha area, said he was "saddened and angered" to learn of the shooting and prays for the students recovery.

"Thanks to the first responders who swiftly tended to the victim's needs and apprehended the suspect," Bacon said in a statement. "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."

World-Herald staff writers Luna Stephens and Kevin Cole contributed to this report.
BLOOMINGTON  Dozens gathered with their American flags Wednesday morning at the McLean County Museum of History to remember those who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001.

"It's always important to remember the history of the entire country  the good, the bad and the ugly," said Jerry Vogler said, superintendent for the McLean County Veterans Assistance Commission and Honor Guard Post 635 member, after the memorial ceremony.

The memorial ceremony was hosted by the American Legion Honor Guard, led by Vogler and featured a 3-plane flyover, taps by Kirby Reece, a three-volley rifle salute and "Amazing Grace" performed on bagpipes by Roger Traxler.

Though attendees, consisting of local residents, Bloomington Fire personnel and more were prepared for the gunshots of the salute, the sound still startled them. And fittingly, sirens could be heard passing by in the background while taps were sounded.

During the ceremony, Vogler said the flyover is significant because it represents the planes that were crashed on that day, killing nearly 3,000 men, women and children as well as represents the thousands of flights that were canceled that day as a result of the tragedy.

"(We can't) do away with its history.  We have to acknowledge what is good and bring the history to the forefront  reconcile things and move forward," Vogler told The Pantagraph.

Vogler also shared during the ceremony that the events sparked a "new wave" of patriotism and the sales of American flags skyrocketed, but expressed that he doesn't quite see the same level of patriotism today.

Diane Traxler also gave remarks during the ceremony in place of her husband, Roger Traxler, who expressed earlier that day that it was too difficult to speak about it even after all these years.

She recalled working at State Farm on that day and she said it suddenly became so quiet in the office you could hear a pin drop.

"I had never seen so many solemn-looking people," she said. (It) changed all of us. We don't travel or trust the same way."

Roger Traxler was in New York City shortly after the attacks performing military rites for the hundreds of firefighters who lost their lives, she said. He told her he could still smell the burning pile of rubble.

"(He) still smells it, tastes it. (That) memory is not gone," she said.

Also among the ceremony attendees were state Rep. Sharon Chung, who is running against challenger Republican Desi Anderson for the 91st House District, and former state Rep. Dan Brady, who is running for Bloomington mayor against incumbent Mboka Mwilambwe and Alderman Cody Hendricks.

In an interview with The Pantagraph, Brady said the 9/11 attacks are important to remember because that day changed the world and the country forever. He said it's important to remember those who served and the "overwhelming" loss of life.

"(It was) a dark day in American history. The importance is whatever division that was going on in the country at that time, it brought this country together.  (It) took a tragedy, but remembrance is the important part especially in our community, so it's nice to see this turn out," he said of those who attended the ceremony Wednesday.

Brady said even though it's been 23 years since the tragic events of 9/11, Americans still have to work as a country to make sure it never happens again on U.S. soil.

Photos: 9/11 remembrances on 22nd anniversary of attacks

Remembering 9/11 in photos
Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are, without question, the backbone of Ghanas economy. Representing over 90% of businesses in the country, SMEs contribute roughly 70% to the nations Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and account for about 85% of manufacturing employment. They drive over 80% of the total workforce employed in this sector, particularly in rural and peri-urban areas, where they foster economic inclusion and resilience. However, despite their critical role, SMEs continue to face significant hurdles that hinder their growth and sustainability. Chief among these is access to finance.



The International Finance Corporation (IFC) indicates that there is a financing gap of over $331 billion for formal SMEs in sub-Saharan Africa, with Ghanas SMEs contributing a significant share to this figure. The financing gap for SMEs in Ghana is estimated to be over $5 billion, leaving many businesses struggling to access the credit and capital needed to thrive. For women-led businesses, the situation is even more dire. Despite the fact that women-owned businesses represent about 44% of all SMEs in Ghana, they face a staggering financing gap. Research shows that women entrepreneurs in Ghana are 20% less likely to obtain formal financing than their male counterparts. In sub-Saharan Africa as a whole, women-led SMEs face an estimated $42 billion financing deficit.



This financing gap has significant implications for economic development. Women entrepreneurs, for example, tend to reinvest up to 90% of their earnings in their families and communities, compared to 40% for men. This means that when women-led businesses are underfunded, the broader social and economic benefits of their success are also constrained. This not only stifles the potential for economic growth but also hinders progress toward greater social equity and improved livelihoods across Ghana.



As a leading financial institution in Ghana, Stanbic Bank recognizes the urgency of addressing these challenges. Our mission to "drive Africas growth" is not just a commitment but a call to action. We understand that the growth of our continent is inextricably linked to the success of its SMEs. To this end, we are dedicated to bridging the financing gap that constrains SMEs, especially those led by women.



To bridge this gap, it is imperative to explore and implement innovative financing solutions tailored to the unique needs of SMEs. Traditional banking models often fall short when it comes to serving SMEs, primarily due to the perceived risks associated with these enterprises. However, new financial products, such as invoice discounting, supply chain financing, and fintech-driven lending platforms, are emerging as viable alternatives to traditional bank loans. These products allow SMEs to leverage their receivables or digital payment histories to access much-needed capital.



In addition, blended finance, which combines public and private sector funding, can play a pivotal role in de-risking SME investments and making them more attractive to investors. Development finance institutions (DFIs) and impact investors are increasingly looking at ways to support SMEs through blended finance models, providing a mix of grants, concessional loans, and equity investments.



At Stanbic Bank, we are particularly focused on supporting women-led SMEs. We believe that empowering women entrepreneurs is crucial not only for gender equality but also for the overall economic health of the country. Our programs are designed to provide women entrepreneurs with not just access to finance, but also with the training, mentorship, and networks they need to succeed.



Through partnerships with international organizations, we have launched several initiatives aimed at closing the gender financing gap. These initiatives include tailored loan products for women, capacity-building workshops, and financial literacy programs. By providing women entrepreneurs with the tools and resources they need to succeed, we are helping to unlock the full potential of Ghanas economy.



Our efforts are also aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 5 on gender equality and Goal 8 on decent work and economic growth. By empowering SMEs, and particularly women-led enterprises, we are not only fostering economic growth but also promoting social equity and improving livelihoods across the country.



Bridging the finance gap for SMEs is not just the responsibility of financial institutions like Stanbic Bank; it requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders, including government, private sector, and international partners. We must work together to create an enabling environment for SMEs to thrive, by improving access to finance, enhancing financial literacy, and providing the necessary infrastructure and support systems.



As we look to the future, it is clear that the success of Ghanas economy will depend on the success of its SMEs. By closing the financing gap, particularly for women-led businesses, we can unlock new opportunities for growth, job creation, and social development. At Stanbic Bank, we are committed to playing our part in this journey, and we invite others to join us in driving Africas growth.







Source: Farihan Alhassan, Head, Business and Commercial Banking, Stanbic Bank 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.

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Renowned Ghanaian content creator and popular YouTube personality, Kwadwo Sheldon says his experience when he visited Achimota Retail Centre, popularly known as Achimota Mall, was exceptional and would be hard to forget.



The value proposition here (at Achimota Retail Centre) is simply unbelievableand I can say that it is not matched by any of the shopping centres I have visited in Accra, Sheldon said in an interview after an exciting two-hour shopping stint at the mall.



Kwadwo Sheldon said he had never experienced so much superior customer care as it was displayed to him as he pranced from one shop to another, buying a few fancy items, checking on prices, and interacting with shop attendants at Achimota Retail Centre last Saturday.



Every shop had its own special friendly way of receiving customers..and they gave you that even when you wouldnt buy anything. I dont think it had anything to do with me Kwadwo Sheldon at all, because while I was in those shops, other people strolled in and received the same warm and hospitable handling from the attendants and shop supervisors. I was touched by that, the YouTube icon said at the end of his tour of the Centre.



The prices are so cool and competitive compared to other shopping malls. Even heavy-duty items like fridges and washing machines of the same brand cost much less at this mall than I find in shops elsewhere.



Look, I bought a top-grade air pod from Telefonika and a pair of sportswear from LC Waikiki and I was shocked to realise that they cost far less than how much I paid for the very same items at another mall I visited earlier. In addition, many of the shops here readily offer deals and discounts for their customers, Sheldon said.



According to Sheldon, three observations about Achimota Mall that caught his fancy are the highly competitive prizes of goods on offer, the exceptionally capacious and secured car park, and the fact that ARC seemed to be designed in such a way that no matter the volume of human traffic, the shops and walkways never seem to be overcrowded.



I am also fascinated by the layout of their food court. There are so many varieties of food vendors; they are all very tidy and are manned by friendly staff. I visited quite a number of themI ate at Basilissa and, I love Jollof rice so I bought myself a meal of Jollof at one of the food stores, said an excited Sheldon.



The twenty-nine-year-old Kwadwo Sheldon, who, in 2020 and 2021 was featured among Avance Medias 50 Most Influential Young Ghanaians for his work in media, was the first on a guest list of three seasoned personalities billed for visits to the Achimota Retail Centre. The accomplished Skit Comedian SDK Dele and Radio and TV personality, A.J. Sarpong (Nana Adjoa Akuoko-Sarpong), will visit the Centre on September 14 and 28 respectively.



Achimota Retail Centre is Accras most popular open mall, with one of the capitals most secured and spacious parking lots with a capacity for 585 cars, of which 250 slots are undercover in its basement.



The mall is home to a wide range of international and Ghanaian brands, with offerings in different retail categories, including fashion and clothing, electronics, grocery, health and wellness, banking, a childrens games arcade, and a range of alluring delicatessen and eateries.



The Centre is located at Dome, off the Accra-Nsawam highway. It provides modern, retail shopping services and quality recreation to catchment communities like Achimota, Dome, Tantra Hills, Taifa, Kwabenya, Ashongman, and the entire north-eastern quarter of the capital.

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.

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Stanbic Bank Ghana has reaffirmed its commitment to gender equality, describing it as both a moral responsibility and a strategic necessity.



Mrs. Aya Ayettey, Head of Production Assurance & Customer Care at Stanbic Bank Ghana, emphasized this during the launch of the 5th edition of the Women in STEM Ghana (WiSTEM) programme at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi.



Speaking on the theme, Transforming Opportunities for Girls through Gender-Responsive STEM Education, Mrs. Ayettey stressed the need for systemic change to achieve true equality. She stated, At Stanbic Bank, we believe that addressing gender disparities is not only a moral imperative, but also a strategic necessity.



Empowering girls with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to pursue STEM careers doesnt just transform their livesits an investment in the future of our communities, industries, and the world.



Women in STEM reaffirms that everyone has a role in STEM, and we are proud to support inclusive, equitable, and accessible engagement opportunities. While systemic change is essential for true equality, we hope that WiSTEM will challenge the stereotypes surrounding women in STEM and bridge the critical opportunity gaps that leave high school girls behind.



Mrs. Ayettey further noted that Stanbic Banks commitment to fostering gender equality extends beyond education. We view this bootcamp as a key component of that commitment.



Creating opportunities for girls in STEM is not just about education; its about dismantling barriers, challenging stereotypes, and building a more inclusive society. This is why we are dedicated to supporting programs that empower girls and young women to pursue their passions and realize their full potential.



Highlighting the broader importance of STEM education for socio-economic development, Mrs. Ayettey remarked, STEM education is not just a pathway to high-demand careersit is the bedrock of innovation, economic growth, and societal advancement.



Despite the vast opportunities STEM offers, gender disparities persist. Girls and young women are often underrepresented in STEM, not because of a lack of ability or interest, but due to systemic barriers, stereotypes, and insufficient encouragement and resources.



Through initiatives like this bootcamp, we are creating an environment where girls are not just learning about science and technology; they are envisioning themselves as future scientists, engineers, innovators, and leaders.



Over the years, Stanbic Bank has demonstrated its commitment to education through various STEM-focused initiatives. The bank has distributed 250 laptops to enhance STEM learning at KNUST and has supported many other educational institutions, including Takoradi Technical University, Sunyani School of Professional Studies, and Blessed Holy Child Academy.







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.

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Atik Mohammed has charged the nation to normalize the practice of consulting psychotherapists to prevent suicide attempts and other mental-related issues.



Tuesday, September 10, marked World Suicide Prevention Day to raise awareness about the prevention of suicide globally.



Every year, over 700,000 people take their own life and there are many more people who make suicide attempts, according to a research.



Ghana is ranked 64th on the list of countries by suicide rate and over 500 people have reportedly attempted suicide in the country this year.



Eighty-one Ghanaians are estimated to have died by suicide as at June 30th this year.



Discussing this on Peace FM's "Kokrokoo" show, Atik called on government and the citizenry to take mental health issues seriously.



He encouraged people to visit therapists, stressing seeing a therapist when one is depressed or faces a traumatic situation is a significant factor in the prevention of suicide.



"We need rehabilitation centres; it's very important. Every hospital, district, in fact even CHPS at some point, we should have some therapists there...Let's normalize the practice of seeing psychologists, therapits and so on. It will help us a lot," he stated.





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.

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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









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Ghana's foremost fashion expert and CEO of Fashion Vault Company Limited, Fredaline Asiedu, was honored as Ghana's Most Outstanding Personality in Sales and Retailing at the 8th edition of the PayAngel's 2024 Forty Under 40 Awards.



The event took place at the Kempinski Gold Coast Hotel in Accra on Friday, September 7, 2024.



This recognition was given in honor of her exceptional dedication and commitment to advancing the fashion industry, as well as her role as a respected advocate for best business practices across various sectors of the African economy.



The award also validates her continuous growth and contribution to the Ghanaian economy, setting benchmarks for others to follow.



Speaking with the media post-ceremony, Asiedu expressed her gratitude towards her family, friends, and dedicated staff for their unwavering support in delivering exceptional service. She remarked, "This is a dream come true. After striving for the past three years, I feel deeply honored by this recognition. I dedicate this win to my family, friends, and valued clients for their support and trust."



The award, an initiative by Xodus Communications Limited supported by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, aims to honor and celebrate the most influential and accomplished young business leaders under forty from various industries. The event saw attendance from prominent figures such as the Presidential Candidate of the New Force, Nana Kwame Bediako, along with members of the diplomatic corps, government officials, and traditional institutions.



Profile of Fredaline Asiedu, CEO of Fashion Vault



Fredaline Asiedu is the founder of Fashion Vault, a company known for retailing, marketing, and supplying original fashionable products, and for manufacturing and selling African fashion items. Under her leadership, Fashion Vault has elevated African fashion on a global scale. Her commitment extends beyond business, contributing significantly to social responsibility and impacting both her industry and community.





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.

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The Private Newspapers and Online News Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG) strongly condemns the rampant and irresponsible destruction of our nation's water bodies, forest cover, and environment in the name of illegal mining (galamsey) for monetary gains. PRINPAG sees this wanton environmental devastation, driven by greed, as a grave threat to the well-being of the Ghanaian people and the future of our country.



In view of the seriousness and the devastating nature of the menace, the leadership of PRINPAG is calling on all its members to join the national crusade against galamsey activities, which can serve as a recipe for disaster for us as a country if not nipped in the bud now.



We urge our members to take a firm and dispassionate stand against the practice as part of our collective effort to stop this menace, which has become a significant threat to the survival of our communities and the preservation of our natural resources and the environment.



As part of PRINPAGs commitment to this cause, we are encouraging all our members to expose individuals and groups who are complicit in these illegal activities, we are urging our members to publish the names and pictures of those involved in galamsey on the front pages of their newspapers and to give these prominence on their news websites, holding these social miscreants and deviants accountable to the public.



In order for this agenda to succeed it is crucial that, our members resist any form of influences, whether monetary or otherwise, that could compromise our efforts as accepting such inducements would undermine our contribution to the fight against galamsey, and the collective effort to protect our environment.



We also call on Parliament to demonstrate leadership in this fight, as exemplified by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, and to act without partisanship, considering only the long-term welfare of the nation. The leadership of PRINPAG believes that, with unity and focus, Ghana can win this fight against galamsey.



We also call on state institutions to act responsibly in mitigating environmental destruction. We urge the strict enforcement of laws that govern environmental sustainability, economic development, and growth. Additionally, technology should be leveraged to address the environmental challenges posed by certain investment activities.



As a demonstration of our resolve to help curb the on-going menace, PRINPAG members will in the coming days and weeks actively engage in a "naming and shaming" campaign to expose all those who are involved in illegal mining activities in the country, regardless of their position or influence in society. This is a necessary step to ensure accountability and to show that, no one is above the law.



While we fully support the national effort to help curb this menace, which has become a canker hanging around our necks, the national leadership of PRINPAG is also issuing a stern warning to any member found to be directly involved in galamsey, as such individuals will be expelled from the Association in accordance with our Constitution.



Additionally, any member who will be identified to have been financially or materially influenced in an attempt to sabotage the Associations fight against galamsey will equally face expulsion from PRINPAG after being taken through our disciplinary procedures stated in the Constitution of the Association.



These are the immediate and decisive actions that PRINPAG as an Association of media owners and practitioners, is taking to contribute to the fight against the galamsey menace. These have become necessary and urgent because the leadership of PRINPAG sees the on-going destruction of our environment as a matter of national urgency, and we must all do our part to protect Ghana for future generations.



PRINPAG pledges its support to all activities of the Media Coalition Against Illegal Mining and urges its members across the country to support the efforts of the Coalition to help minimize the effects of the galamsey menace.



The fight is a collective one and PRINPAG pledges the readiness of its members to lend support to the national effort to help curb the menace.







Source: Peacefmonline.com









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OccupyGhana has, in a series of press releases and, more recently, weekly open letters addressed to the President of Ghana, persistently demanded immediate and decisive government action to halt Galamsey, the illegal and irresponsible gold mining.



We have highlighted the devastating consequences of this activity on Ghanas environment, public health, and food security, and have urged the President to fulfill his 2017 promise of ending the menace.



In 2017, we were vocal in our support of the actions Government took to stop this scourge. In 2021, we were also vocal in our criticism when Government adopted the illegal burning of equipment instead of arresting the perpetrators, seizing the equipment and then allowing the courts to deal with both of them, as set down by the law.



Strangely, sadly and disappointingly, Governments legal efforts against Galamsey have petered out, replaced first by infighting and accusations over who in Government has been benefitting from Galamsey, and now, complete inaction.



While bemoaning the worse state that we find ourselves, compared with when we began the campaign for Government action, we are glad that several Ghanaians from all walks of life have joined the demand to stop the canker and regulate the industry.



We reiterate our 5 core demands:



1. Enforce the Law! On paper, Ghanas current Minerals and Mining Act is workable and contains sensible provisions to regulate the entire sector. Government must simply enforce it, namely (1) no mining without a government-issued mining lease or small-scale mining licence, (2) no mining outside the concession granted, (3) no mining by unapproved methods, and (4) imposition of severe sanctions for any breaches. These are enforceable.



2. Declare a State of Emergency in all Affected Areas! We urge the government to invoke article 31 of the Constitution to declare a state of emergency in all areas affected by Galamsey. This will put an immediate stop to all illegal mining and its unprecedented scale, which threatens the very essentials of life for communities. Parliament must also be willing to take the steps required under the Constitution to support the state of emergency. This should remain in place until we have established a safe regime for further mining.



3. Confiscate all Galamsey Lands! We propose an amendment to the law to criminalise landowners making lands available for Galamsey. Unless a landowner can prove that their land was forcibly taken over (by having made a contemporaneous report to the police) they should be taken to have abetted the offence by facilitating it. These lands should therefore be confiscated as tainted property and then repurposed for public benefit, including reforestation, farming or even regulated mining.



4. Take Immediate Action Against Galamsey Offenders! We call for urgent legal action against persons and companies accused of illegal mining, especially in protected areas. Government inaction, especially concerning politically connected entities, has fostered impunity and undermined public trust. This must be addressed forthwith.



5. Address The Health Crisis! When we began this fight, we pointed to the severe health impact of mercury poisoning due to Galamsey, contaminating water bodies and agricultural lands. Then, we faced a potential national health disaster if mercury exposure continued unchecked, with widespread effect beyond mining communities. Today, the thing we feared greatly has come upon us. A direct consequence of Galamsey is the recently reported shortages in water supply to the Cape Coast and Elmina areas, with the Ghana Water Company warning of impending shortages in other communities. The Paediatric Society of Ghana has spoken about congenital deformities in babies born in affected areas. These underscore the dire consequences of inaction, including ecological destruction, critical food insecurity, shortage of drinking water, mercury poisoning, and exacerbated climate change.



In conclusion, Ghana cannot become the modern day manifestation of the metaphorical myth that Nero fiddled while Rome burned. That is why we once again call on the President to lead the charge against Galamsey, invoking his 2017 promise to end the practice. Failure to act would be a betrayal of the trust placed in him by the Ghanaian people.

Source: OccupyGhana









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.

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The Director of Communications at the Presidency, Eugene Arhin, has announced Friday, September 13, as the date for the official commissioning of the Jamestown Fishing Harbour.



This project forms part of the governments infrastructure development for the fishing industry.



Eugene Arhin disclosed the completion of the project in a Facebook post on Tuesday, September 10, highlighting that the harbour is equipped with modern facilities to support the fishing industry.



The harbour includes cold storage units, processing facilities, a net mending bay, and administrative offices.



These additions are expected to enhance productivity for fishermen and fishmongers in the area, providing them with better tools for preserving and processing their catch.



According to Mr Arhin, the project was initiated as part of the government's broader agenda to improve the livelihoods of those in the fishing industry, while also promoting economic growth in coastal communities.



The fishing harbour is expected to serve as a vital hub for the fishing economy, creating jobs and boosting local businesses in the Jamestown area.



The commissioning of the Jamestown Fishing Harbour will be led by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, who will officially open the facility to the public.



"Jamestown Fishing Harbour completed; and will be commissioned on Friday by President Akufo-Addo," he posted.



This development is seen as a fulfilment of the governments promise to provide modern infrastructure to support the fishing sector, a crucial industry in Ghanas coastal regions.

Source: Peacefmonline.com









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The Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) has launched the Women in Maritime Security Code of Practice to elevate the role of women in maritime security across the Gulf of Guinea.



During the event, Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Issah Yakubu, stressed the importance of empowering women to foster inclusive and sustainable development in the sector. He highlighted the historical exclusion of women from the Ghana Navy until 1995 and the persistent barriers women face in the Blue Economy due to male-dominated narratives.



Rear Admiral Yakubu emphasized that the Code of Practice introduces ethical standards aimed at promoting gender equality and increasing the meaningful participation of women in maritime security. If effectively implemented, this framework will empower women to take on leadership roles and ensure their welfare in the maritime sector.



Rear Admiral Issah Yakubu pointed out that while women are often underrepresented in maritime security, their involvement enhances the sector's overall effectiveness by bringing diverse perspectives and skills to operations. He noted that the Women in Maritime Security Code of Practice serves as a blueprint for creating a more equitable environment, ensuring that women can contribute meaningfully to the protection of the Gulf of Guineas waters.



Major General Richard Addo Gyane, Commandant of KAIPTC, explained that the code, developed by the Centre with funding from the Danish Government, aims to promote gender equality while advancing peace and security across countries in the Gulf of Guinea, including Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, and others. Danish Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Tom Norring, reinforced the notion that maritime security requires contributions from all genders, and womens participation is critical to the success of maritime operations.



He added that the initiative is not just about increasing numbers but about ensuring that women are integrated at all levels, from decision-making to on-the-ground operations. This holistic approach will strengthen the region's maritime security by fostering cooperation among the participating countries and ensuring that women are positioned as key stakeholders in peacekeeping efforts across the Gulf of Guinea.



Danish Ambassador H.E. Tom Norring echoed these sentiments, underscoring that gender equality is essential for addressing security challenges in maritime spaces. He explained that inclusive maritime security efforts can better address issues such as piracy, illegal fishing, and trafficking. Norring praised the KAIPTC and its partners for their commitment to building a future where women are empowered to take on leading roles in ensuring the safety of the region's waters.



The launch of the Women in Maritime Security Code of Practice marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to promote gender equality and enhance maritime security within the Gulf of Guinea. By breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for women, the initiative aims to ensure a more inclusive and secure maritime environment for all.







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.

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Former PNC General Secretary, Atik Mohammed has admonished political parties, particularly the National Democratic Congress(NDC), not to interfere in the work of the Electoral Commission (EC).



Atik charged the parties to desist from usurping the EC's authority to declare election results and stop pressuring them regarding the voter's register.



He asked them to leave the EC alone, stressing the need for them to have faith in the Commission's impartiality.



"Let's allow the Electoral Commission to do their work . . . let's all have faith in the fact that the Electoral Commission is impartial and that they will do their work well."



Atik's comment made on Peace FM's 'Kokrokoo' show was also in relation to President Nana Akufo-Addo's remarks at the annual conference of the Ghana Bar Association.



The President, delivering a speech, stated; It is imperative that the Electoral Commission remains the sole authority responsible for declaring election results, to preserve the integrity and credibility of the electoral process.



He further charged the security agencies to effectively play their role before, during and after the elections.



They should ensure that they act within the confines of the law, protecting the rights of all citizens while preventing any form of violence or intimidation by enforcing strictly the law against vigilantism, the President stated.





Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









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The New Patriotic Party (NPP) National Executive Committee (NEC) is set to meet tomorrow, September 11, 2024, to discuss the controversy surrounding the Walewale election re-run.



The meeting comes after the partys national secretariat took note of the outcome of the re-run, which was marred by disruptions and allegations of foul play.



One of the feuding party, incumbent MP, Laraba Zuweira Abdul has withdrawn from the race.



The Walewale election re-run was held after the initial election was annulled due to irregularities.



However, the re-run was not without controversy, as a culprit was arrested for disrupting the sorting and counting process.



The Ghana Police Service has been commended for their swift action in arresting the individual and for their professional oversight throughout the electoral process.



In a statement issued by the Party General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, the party said that it remains committed to fully supporting the Ghana Police Service in their efforts to thoroughly investigate and resolve the matter without any obstruction.



The party has also called on its members, particularly those in Walewale, to remain calm as the party works to resolve the impasse.



This is not the first time that the NPP has been embroiled in controversy surrounding elections.



In recent years, the party has faced allegations of internal conflicts and disputes over election outcomes.

The Walewale case is just the latest in a series of challenges that the party has faced in its efforts to maintain unity and cohesion.



Despite these challenges, the NPP remains one of the dominant forces in Ghanaian politics.



The party has a strong track record of promoting development and freedom, and its members are known for their dedication to the partys ideals.

Source: dailyguidenetwork.com









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The possibility mantra of NPP flagbearer, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, featured prominently in last night's fiery US presidential debate when US Vice President and Democratic candidate, Kamala Harris, used it to emphasize her vision for America.



The tempestuous 90-minute debate showcased lots of similarities with Ghana's current political terrain and the ongoing campaign for December's presidential election.



First, the sitting Vice President Harris is locking horns with a former President Trump who lost the election as a sitting President; same as Ghana's sitting President, Bawumia, is facing former President John Mahama who has lost the last two general elections.



The debate was largely a battle of records with Vice President Harris exposing and attacking the record of former President Trump which, she said, was the reason why "81 million Americans fired him as President".



Similarly, Vice President Bawumia has forcefully turned the campaign in Ghana about records and has often exposed and compared what he calls inferior records of former President Mahama with the remarkable record of the present government in the various sectors.



Another similarity was the issue of inconsistencies in crucial national policies.



For example, just as Free SHS in Ghana, Harris accused Trump of inconsistencies on abortion rights as Trump appeared to move away from his original position of a total ban.



The abortion debate in the US election is just like the Free SHS which former President Mahama is also attempting to move away from his known position of being anti-Free SHS with the 2024 election in sight.



During the debate, former President Trump tried to pin down Vice President Harris to the Biden administration in some contentious issues but Harris, while she staunchly defended the Biden administration of which she serves as Vice President, was also strong in stressing her own vision and policies she will implement as President.



Again, this has been a familiar feature in Ghana with Vice President Bawumia who continuous to defend what he often presents as the "superior record" of the NPP over the Mahama-NDC administration while also presenting his own vision and policies which he will implement as President.



Interestingly, Harris borrowed a line from Bawumias possibility slogan during the debate as she hit back at Trump who attacked her policies.



After listing a number of new policies she has for the American people, Harris said she's the new page for America and urged Americans not to "turn back the page", referring to Trump.



"I am a leader who believes in what is possible", she emphasized as this resonates with Bawumia's "It Is Possible" mantra.

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.

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Photo of QMF60282 showing a partial limb bone and various cranial fragments at the surface (A), and 3D visualized results of final automated segmentation showing a partial procolophonid parareptile skull in left (B) and right (C) lateral views, and associated limb bone preserved inside. Note the presence of an ornamented amphibian cranial fragment (amph) in the anteriodorsal area, obscuring the right narial opening of the procolophonid. Credit: Scientific Reports (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-71245-1

Queensland Museum and James Cook University scientists are using AI to unlock the mysteries of our fossil past. The scientists have developed an AI-based technique that has sped up the analysis of fossils, taking a months-long process to just days. The study, "Accelerating segmentation of fossil CT scans through Deep Learning," is published in Scientific Reports.

Queensland Museum paleontologist and JCU Senior Lecturer Dr. Espen Knutsen, alongside JCU Deep Learning expert Senior Lecturer Dmitry Konovalov have been working on how to rapidly analyze fossils encased in rock.

"Computed Tomography (CT) scanning provides paleontologists with a way to look inside bone and study fragile fossil material without the need for physically removing the surrounding rock," Dr. Knutsen said.

Dr. Knutsen said the CT datasets consist of a stack of X-ray image slices which are imported into a computerbut then need to be manually told what parts of each slice is fossil and what is rock before it can produce a 3D model.

"With ever-improving equipment, the size of datasets and image resolution have significantly increased, which means a significant amount of time invested in manually segmenting data," Dr. Knutsen said.

"With datasets often exceeding 2,000 images per sample, this process can take months to complete."

Credit: Queensland Museum

Instead, the scientists manually segmented about 2% of 2,000 image slices and used these to train a Deep Learning model which completed the task by itself.

"We achieved a highly precise 3D representation of a tiny Triassic reptile from Queensland that was around 240 million-years-old. This was completed in days rather than months," Dr. Knutsen said.

The research removes a huge bottleneck in modern paleontology, allowing researchers to rapidly generate more data from fossil collections and spend more time exploring our ancient past.

The researchers will now work to expand the capability of their Deep Learning model to be used on other and more diverse fossil materials.

More information: Espen M. Knutsen et al, Accelerating segmentation of fossil CT scans through Deep Learning, Scientific Reports (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-71245-1 Journal information: Scientific Reports

Provided by Queensland Museum
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Biomes reconstruction during the LGM (left) as modeled in Sato et al10. (middle) using bias correction and (right) using clustering, driven by an ensemble of LGM climate reconstructions. Credit: npj Biodiversity (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s44185-024-00056-4

The Amazon rainforest is home to a remarkable variety of plants and animals not found anywhere else on Earth, with some species only located in certain areas, but the reason for this has perplexed and divided scientists for decades.

Now a new international study, led by the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH), challenges traditional thinking about how the Amazon evolved during the last Ice Age, which spanned the period between around 2.6 million and 11,700 years ago.

It demonstrates that the world's largest tropical rainforest is more sensitive to environmental change than previously thought, providing a further warning about how the ongoing, large-scale, rapid human-driven climate and land use change presents a threat to this precious ecosystem.

Some scientists have argued that, during the last Ice Age, the Amazon had "forest islands" (referred to as "refugia") that were completely isolated, while others have suggested the forest was continuous, covering roughly the same area as today.

The findings of the UKCEH-led modeling study, published in the journal npj Biodiversity, indicate the answer is somewhere in between: woodlands and savannas connected these forest islands. The authors conclude this allowed some animals, which could travel further and were more adaptable, to move between them, while acting as a barrier to more specialist species that reply on a certain type of habitat.

The make-up of an area's vegetation and climate influences natural evolution, meaning that while a species may originally have been present across a large area, different species gradually evolved in different areas as animals' local environment changed.

Study lead author Dr. Douglas Kelley, a Land Surface Modeler at UKCEH, explains, "Climate changes in the past played a huge role in shaping how the Amazon forest looked and where it grew. Similar changes are coming very soon and much faster.

"Previously, fluctuations in climate took thousands of years to happen, enabling plants and animals to adapt, but now significant global warming is happening within decades due to increasing human-driven greenhouse gas emissions."

The study involved UKCEH, the Ontario Forest Research Institute, Kiel University in Germany, the Met Office in the UK, INPA in Brazil and the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago.

The team used a combination of advanced climate and vegetation modeling techniques with computer-based predictions of the type of plants that grew during the last Ice Age and their location, based on records of fossilized pollen from sediment. Previous research has largely used single research techniques.

The researchers say, unlike previous studies, they considered the gaps that would have existed between the areas where fossilized pollen has been found and whether animals would have been able to move between habitats. Their advanced computer and statistical modeling indicated what type of vegetation would have grown there, verified by the type of plants recorded in any adjoining areas.

Forest cover was dramatically reduced during the last Ice Age due to the colder, drier climate. There was less carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and the dry conditions restricted tree growth and caused more wildfires that destroyed many forested areas.

Research co-author Dr. Hiromitsu Sato of the Ontario Forest Research Institute, says, "We believe our study, involving integrated modeling methods, provides the best evidence to date on the origins of the rich biodiversity in the Amazon.

"Using land surface modeling to provide crucial information on biodiversity is a new and very exciting innovation that could be used in future to investigate history of species where there is a shortage of data."

The researchers' next step is to explore when and where species within groups like monkeys, antbirds, frogs, butterflies, and lianas might have diverged from one another over thousands of years.

More information: Douglas I. Kelley et al, Niche-dependent forest and savanna fragmentation in Tropical South America during the Last Glacial Maximum, npj Biodiversity (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s44185-024-00056-4
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Dawn at Ahu Tongariki, Rapa Nui. Credit: Natalia Solar (CC license 4.0).

Rapa Nui or Te Pito o Te Henua (the navel of the world), also known as Easter Island, is one of the most isolated inhabited places in the world. Located in the Pacific, it lies over 1,900 km east of the closest inhabited Polynesian island and 3,700 km west of South America.

Although the island, its inhabitants and their rich culture have been extensively studied by archaeologists, anthropologists and geneticists, two key elements of Rapanui history remain very controversial to this day.

One of these is the theory of population collapse through "ecocide" or "ecological suicide" in the 1600s, thought to be the result of overpopulation and resource mismanagement. The other major contention is whether the Polynesian ancestors of the Rapanui interacted with Indigenous Americans before contact with Europeans in 1722.

The journal Nature features a genetic study that sheds light on these two debates related to Rapanui history by examining the genomes of 15 Rapanui individuals who lived between 1670 and 1950. The remains of these 15 individuals are currently hosted at the Musee de l'Homme, in Paris.

The new study was carried out by an international team of scientists and was spearheaded by Assistant Professor Victor Moreno-Mayar from the Globe Institute at the University of Copenhagen (Denmark), and Ph.D. student Barbara Sousa da Mota and Associate Prof. Anna-Sapfo Malaspinas from the Faculty of Biology and Medicine at the University of Lausanne (Switzerland), in close collaboration with colleagues in Rapa Nui as well as in Austria, France, Chile, Australia and U.S.A.

The collapse that never happened

The story of the Rapanui has often been presented as a warning tale against humanity's over-exploitation of resources. After Polynesians from the west peopled the island by 1250, the landscape on Rapa Nui changed drastically. Towering stone statuesthe moaiwere carved and placed in all corners of the island, while its original forest of millions of palm trees dwindled and, by the 1600s, was all but gone.

According to the "ecocide" theory, a population of over 15,000 Rapanui individuals triggered these changes that led to a period of resource scarcity, famine, warfare and even cannibalism, culminating in a catastrophic population collapse.

"While it is well established that the environment of Rapa Nui was affected by anthropogenic activity, such as deforestation, we did not know if or how these changes led to a population collapse," comments Anna-Sapfo Malaspinas, Assoc. Professor at the University of Lausanne and group leader at the SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Switzerland, and last author of the study.

The researchers looked into the genomes of the Ancient Rapanui individuals expecting to find a genetic signature of a population collapse, such as a sudden drop in genetic diversity. But surprisingly, the data did not contain any evidence of a population collapse in the 1600s.

"Our genetic analysis shows a stably growing population from the 13th century through to European contact in the 18th century. This stability is critical because it directly contradicts the idea of a dramatic pre-contact population collapse," says Barbara Sousa da Mota, a researcher at the Faculty of Biology and Medicine at University of Lausanne and first author of the study.

Through their genetic analysis, Moreno-Mayar, Sousa da Mota, Malaspinas and their colleagues have not only provided evidence against the collapse theory, but also stress the resilience of the Rapanui population facing environmental challenges over several centuries until the colonial disruptions that European contact brought after 1722.

Did Polynesians reach the Americas?

Another debate that has tantalized researchers for decades is whether Polynesians ever reached the Americas. Although long-distance maritime navigation using wooden watercraft likely halted after the Rapa Nui forest disappeared, archaeological and genetic evidence from contemporary individuals hints that voyages to the Americas did occur.

However, previous studies looking at small amounts of DNA from ancient Polynesians had rejected the hypothesis that transpacific voyages took place. Thus, these findings have put into question whether Polynesians reached the Americas and have suggested that the inferred contact based on present-day genetic data was mediated by European colonial activity after 1722.

By generating high-quality ancient genomes from the 15 Rapanui individuals, the team substantially increased the amount of genomic data from the island and found that about ten percent of the Rapanui gene pool has an Indigenous American origin. But more importantly, they were able to infer both populations met before Europeans arrived on the island and in the Americas.

"We looked into how the Indigenous American DNA was distributed across the Polynesian genetic background of the Rapanui. This distribution is consistent with a contact occurring between the 13th and the 15th centuries," says first author Victor Moreno-Mayar, Asst. Professor at the Globe Institute's Section for Geogenetics, University of Copenhagen.

"While our study cannot tell us where this contact occurred, this might mean that the Rapanui ancestors reached the Americas before Christopher Columbus," says Malaspinas.

Altogether, the results from the new study help settle longstanding debates that have led to years of speculation surrounding Rapanui history.

"Personally, I believe the idea of the ecocide is put together as part of a colonial narrative. That is this idea that these supposedly primitive people could not manage their culture or resources, and that almost destroyed them. But the genetic evidence shows the opposite. Although we have to acknowledge that the arrival of humans dramatically changed the ecosystem, there is no evidence of a population collapse before the Europeans arrived on the island. So we can put those ideas to rest now," says Moreno-Mayar.

"Many thought that present-day Rapanui carry Indigenous American genetic ancestry due to European colonial activity. But instead, the data strongly suggests that Rapanui and Indigenous Americans met and admixed centuries before Europeans made it to Rapa Nui or the Americas. We believe this means that Rapanui were capable of even more formidable voyages across the Pacific than previously established," adds Sousa da Mota.

Future repatriation efforts

Importantly, the scientists held face-to-face discussions with members of the Rapanui community and the "Comision Asesora de Monumentos Nacionales" in Rapa Nui (CAMN). These discussions allowed to steer the research and to define a set of research questions that were equally of high interest to the scientists and the community. For instance, the team was able to show that the populations closest to the ancient Rapanui are indeed those currently living on the island.

"We have seen that museum archives contain mistakes and mislabels. Now that we have established that these 15 individuals were in fact Rapanui we know that they belong back in the island," says Moana Gorman Edmunds, an archaeologist in Rapa Nui and co-author of the study.

Furthermore, when ongoing results were presented to representatives of the Rapanui community, the need to repatriate their ancestors was discussed as a central goal for immediate future efforts.

"We now have a strong fact-based argument to start an important discussion about how and when these remains should be returned to the island. Furthermore, through the CAMN, the Rapanui community will stay in control of who gets the genetic data of our ancestors and what they use it for," adds Gorman Edmunds.

More information: J. Victor Moreno-Mayar, Ancient Rapanui genomes reveal resilience and pre-European contact with the Americas, Nature (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07881-4. www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07881-4 Journal information: Nature
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

A federally backed project that aims to restore wildlife habitat and reduce flood risks along the South Platte River and two tributaries could displace dozens of residents in some of the west Denver neighborhoods most prone to flooding.

Draft plans for Weir Gulchwhich envision the acquisition of up to 70 residential propertiesare now more than five years old. But they've attracted only limited public notice as city officials have discussed larger plans to revitalize the South Platte system.

City and federal officials emphasize that those plans are subject to change as they ramp up public outreach to impacted residents and get a clearer picture of what flood risk looks like in 2024 and beyond.

While some potentially affected residents in the Barnum and Barnum West neighborhoods told The Denver Post they were aware of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' 2019 study and property map, the risks and project recommendations were news to at least some who live a stone's throw from Weir Gulch.

Miki Yang, who lives two doors down from the gulch on Perry Street, had no idea last week that her property was part of any federal environmental study or real estate plan. She has lived in her home for three years but has owned the property for over a decade, renting it out to others before moving in with her family.

"Kind of strange," she said after learning from a reporter that her home was circled on the Army Corps map, recommended for acquisition. "I never heard about it."

Improvements along Weir Gulch and Harvard Gulch are planned as part of a larger South Platte revitalization project that has won $350 million in federal funding for the city. The Post reported Sunday on the significant potential impact on the horizon as city officials, developers and nonprofits work on projects to improve the South Platte and build dense new neighborhoods alongside it.

Water-flow and habitat projects along the gulches, which travel through Denver neighborhoods on their way to the river, are still being solidified.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 2019 published a report identifying roughly 70 residencesmainly in the Barnum neighborhoodsthat may need to be acquired to make room for the expansion and improvement of Weir Gulch. The total value at the time was $23.1 million, the report says.

As for south Denver's Harvard Gulch, the Army Corps determined that there was no economically feasible plan for acquiring structures. Instead, it recommended voluntary participation by some homeowners in flood-proofing measures, such as elevation improvements to their lots or having their basements filled in.

Reducing flooding during storms

Weir Gulch, a zig-zagging waterway, takes the form of a close-to-natural creek bed in some places. In other segments, it's an open-air concrete basin or runs completely underground. It travels under roadways, park space with playgrounds and even some buildings as it ferries water from Lakewood to the Platte in the Sun Valley neighborhood.

Weir Gulch and the areas around it represent the largest unmitigated flood risk in the city, said Ashlee Grace, director of Denver's Waterway Resiliency Program, an overall $550 million project.

"The intent is definitely to increase the conveyance capacity so (that) it keeps the flows in the channel, and not spilling into the community that surrounds it" after heavy rainfall, Grace said.

Despite that 2019 report, officials say it's not a certainty that the city and its partners with the Mile High Flood District will need to acquire the homes identified by the Army Corps.

Design work is complete only for the portion of the Weir Gulch project in Sun Valley between where it meets the river and West Eighth Avenue, city officials say.

The city negotiated the purchases of five commercial properties last year to make that first phase possible, according to Nancy Kuhn, a spokeswoman for the city's Department of Transportation and Infrastructure. Of those parcels, two were vacant land and the others housed tenants including a construction company, a software firm, and a granite slab testing and storage business.

"Additional portions of Weir Gulch have not yet moved into the design phase, so it's too early to know what, if any, property impacts there will be," Kuhn wrote in an email last month.

In an emailed statement, Bert Matya, the project manager overseeing the South Platte River and tributaries work from the Army Corps' side, also said that it was too early to specify property impacts beyond the Sun Valley section.

"The Corps looks forward to working alongside Denver to develop innovative approaches that deliver the intended benefits of the project to the community," Matya said.

City-led outreach aimed at better determining the risk in those neighborhoods will begin in 2025, according to Kuhn, though she said the Mile High Flood District may start reaching out to people who live along the gulch sooner.

The study phase of the broader Waterway Resiliency Program dates back to the Obama administration, and the program has evolved over the more than 10 years since the Army Corps launched that assessment. It reached two major milestones in 2022, Grace said, when it was granted the $350 million in upfront federal money through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Denver became part of an Army Corps pilot program.

That pilot is aimed at overhauling how the U.S. government approaches massive infrastructure projects, with an aim of speeding up timelines and saving money. Part of that is accomplished by giving local governments more control.

"That puts Denver in the driver's seat of project delivery and the Army Corps in the approve-review role, which is a complete role reversal," Grace said.

Moving 'would turn my life upside down'

In the Barnum West neighborhood, Caroline Cordova has had a portion of the concrete channel of Weir Gulch as a neighbor for 25 years. She knew her home on Quitman Street was on a map of potential acquisitions for the waterway project after attending some community meetings about it a few years ago, she said.

Her takeaway from those meetings was that officials hoped to avoid using eminent domain to acquire properties to make way for the work.

But Cordova has no interest in selling her home and moving. She said she'd never been affected by flooding, even when the water was high in the channel next door. In the high-priced Denver housing market, she's not even sure where she would go. Her house has tripled in value since she bought it.

"It would turn my life upside down if I had to move," Cordova said. "As far as I am concerned, I am there until the day I die."

City Councilwoman Jamie Torres, who represents west Denver neighborhoods, said improving Weir Gulch is going to be a very challenging project that will require "potentially scary conversations."

She emphasized that discussions about home acquisitions, should any be necessary, could still be years in the future.

But Torres has already advised one homeowner who lives near the gulch not to build an accessory dwelling unit on her property, at least not before the city has provided more clarity.

"I hate to think of my residents taking on additional real debt when we don't exactly know what's going to happen in this gulch area," Torres said. "At the end of the entire process, though, we want to help create a much safer corridor. We want to help utilize this open space so it can be a better park system for residents (and) a better trail system for residents.

"So we're just trying to make sure that we're very honest and very careful about that conversation."

Grace, from the city, said the city's increased authority over how the project is run is already netting some benefits.

The section of the Weir Gulch that the city will get to work on next year in Sun Valley was eyed for a long box culvert in the 2019 study. Denver instead will build a bridge over an open channel at Decatur Street, a design change that Grace says will improve safety during high-water events and provide more accessible open space the rest of the time.

"One of the strengths Denver brings to the table is we know our community," Grace said. "We're in the midst of updating what was understood to be the conditions in 2019."

Barnum and Barnum West have been identified by the city as neighborhoods vulnerable to economic displacement. After looking at the Army Corps' map, Ean Thomas Tafoya couldn't help but notice all the Latino last names listed on the properties identified for potential acquisition.

Tafoya is a former Denver mayoral candidate and the Colorado director of Green Latinos, which advocates for environmental justice issues. He also grew up in Barnum and remembers catching crawdads in Weir Gulch.

Tafoya said he supports projects that protect water quality and reduce flood risks. But he has seen Denver's minority neighborhoods bear the brunt of the impacts of other large infrastructure projects, like the recent Interstate 70 expansion in northeast Denver.

He expressed hope that city leaders could find solutions that don't uproot residents along Weir Gulch.

"In the middle of a housing crisis and a climate crisis, we think the solution is to displace historic Latino communities?" Tafoya asked.

2024 MediaNews Group, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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The quasiperiodic landscape in which the new Bose glass forms, similar to a Penrose tiling. Credit: Many-body Quantum Dynamics Lab / Cavendish Laboratory

Physicists from the Cavendish Laboratory in Cambridge have created the first two-dimensional version of the Bose glass, a novel phase of matter that challenges statistical mechanics. The details of the study have been published in Nature.

As the name suggests, the Bose glass has some glassy properties and within it all particles are localized. This means that each particle in the system sticks to itself, not mixing with its neighbors. If coffee was localized, then when stirring milk into the coffee, the intricate pattern of black and white stripes would remain forever, instead of washing out to an average.

To create this new phase of matter, the group overlapped several laser beams to create a quasiperiodic pattern, a pattern that is long-range ordered like a conventional crystal, but not periodic, meaning that, like a Penrose tiling, it never repeats. When filling the resulting structure with ultracold atoms, cooled to nanokelvin temperaturesclose to absolute zero, the atoms formed the Bose glass.

"Localization is not only one of the toughest nuts to crack in statistical mechanics, it can also help to advance quantum computing," said Professor Ulrich Schneider, Professor of Many-Body Physics at the Cavendish Laboratory, who led the study. Since a localized system would not mix with its surroundings, quantum information stored in a localized system would be preserved for far longer.

"A big limitation of large quantum systems is that we can't model them on a computer," said Schneider. "To accurately describe the system, we have to consider all its particles and all their possible configurations, a number that grows very quickly. However, we now have a real-life 2D example which we can directly study and observe its dynamics and statistics."

Schneider and his team focus on research into quantum simulation and quantum many-body dynamics. They use ultracold atoms to study many-body effects that, in the absence of a large full quantum computer, cannot be simulated numerically.

Example of a Penrose tiling. Credit: Many-body Quantum Dynamics Lab / Cavendish Laboratory

Very often, this problem simplifies significantly because the system will always relax into a thermal state in which only the temperature of the system is important and most other details vanish. This is referred to as being ergodic and forms the basis of statistical mechanics, one of the pillars of how we understand matter.

"For instance, simply knowing the amount of milk poured in is enough to predict the final color of our coffee after a long stirring," explained Schneider. "If we want to predict the full structure of white and dark swirls during the stirring, however, it's important to know where the milk was poured in and how the stirring is done precisely."

Interestingly, the Bose glass appears to be non-ergodic. This means that it doesn't "forget its details," therefore modeling it will require all the details. This makes it a prime candidate for many-body localization.

"It's a long-term aspiration to find a system or material that has many-body localization," said Dr. Jr-Chiun Yu, the first author of the study.

"Such a material would offer many new possibilities, not only for fundamental studies, but also for building quantum computers, as quantum information stored in such a system should remain more local and not leak out into its environmenta process called 'decoherence' that plagues many current quantum computing platforms."

In the experiment, the researchers observed a surprisingly sharp phase transition from a Bose glass to a superfluid, akin to how ice melts when the temperature increases.

"A superfluid is a fluid that flows without any resistance," said Dr. Bo Song, a former Postdoctoral Research Associate in Cambridge and now an Assistant Professor at Peking University, who contributed to the research.

"Imagine particles swimming through a superfluid; there would be no friction, and the fluid would not slow them down. This property, called superfluidity, is closely related to superconductivity. Along with another quantum phase, the Mott insulator, the newly observed Bose glass and the superfluid make up the ground states of the Bose-Hubbard model that describes the physics of bosons in interacting and disordered system."

Bose glasses and superfluids are distinct phases of matter like ice and liquid water. However, like ice cubes in a cup of water, the atoms in their system can form both phases within the same experiment. The experimental results, confirming recent theoretical predictions, reveal how the Bose glass forms and evolves, so now the scientists can start thinking of applications for it.

However, though there are exciting opportunities for the future, Schneider believes we should exercise caution.

"There are many things we still don't understand about the Bose glass and its potential connection to many-body localization, both regarding their thermodynamics as well as dynamical properties. We should first focus on answering more of these questions before we try to find uses for it," concluded Schneider.

More information: Ulrich Schneider, Observing the two-dimensional Bose glass in an optical quasicrystal, Nature (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07875-2. www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07875-2 Journal information: Nature
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Comparison of the quantity of information disclosure by country and status (voluntary vs mandatory). Credit: Journal of Policy Modeling (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.jpolmod.2024.01.008

A team from the University of Cordoba compared the sustainability reports put out by 100 agri-food companies in Spain, Italy, the Netherlands and Germany. Their study is published in the Journal of Policy Modeling.

The philosophy of establishing common standards has been embraced by the European Union (EU) since its inception. Regulatory harmonization is a central issue in the EU, seeking to establish common ground rules for member countries through different regulatory frameworks, mainly directives.

To gauge how sustainable European companies are, in 2014 the EU enacted Directive 2014/95/EU (NFRD), which requires companies to submit sustainability reports with the aim of measuring, monitoring, comparing and managing companies' performance with regards to their sustainability.

Ten years after its launch, a team from the Department of Agricultural Economics, Finance and Accounting at the University of Cordoba, formed by Carlos Anguiano, Melania Salazar, Rossana Tornel and Macario Rodriguez, analyzed the amount and homogeneity of sustainability-related information divulged by 100 agri-food companies in the sector's strongest countries in Europe: Germany, the Netherlands, Italy and Spain.

Although this directive obliges some companies to produce sustainability reports (according to their size and whether they are listed on the stock exchange, depending on the country), provides for audits of those reports, and even sanctions for non-compliance, it does not stipulate a specific model to be used.

"The directive establishes that there are some standards and that each company can use the one that it finds most appropriate, as long as the reports have social, economic, governance and environmental sections, which are the basic ones," explained researcher Carlos Anguiano.

"The fact that the way the report is prepared is not standardized makes the information more difficult to compare and verify," he added.

The team analyzed the contents of the sustainability reports produced by the 100 European agri-food companies selected. These firms proceeded in accordance with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) disclosure standard which, divided into sections, sub-sections and indicators, makes it possible to better compare levels of disclosure. The conclusion was clear: disclosure as regards the sustainability of European agri-food companies is scant and very heterogeneous.

German companies stand out, disclosing a greater amount of sustainability-related information, closely followed by Spanish ones. Italy comes in third place, followed by the Netherlands, according to the study.

"In addition to the low levels of disclosure, the information collected is very heterogeneous," said Anguiano. The flexibility of the Directive allows countries to apply it in different ways. While in Spain companies with more than 500 employees must turn out a sustainability study, in Germany and Holland they are required only of those companies listed on the stock exchange.

According to the researcher, despite the lack of disclosure, the directive is still positive, as it can serve to dissuade companies from greenwashing or issuing misleading claims about their environmental practices. "In Spain we see that before there was a requirement, the level of disclosure was actually higher, so we believe that the information, although now less abundant, may be more accurate," added Anguiano.

The team's recommendation is the adoption of frameworks that are less flexible than a Directive, since "this may not be the most appropriate instrument to achieve the harmonization of sustainability information at the European level, if a wide margin is allowed for transposition by countries and it does not affect companies equally."

This is an analysis that could help the European Commission improve its updating of the regulation proposed for 2025.

More information: Carlos Anguiano-Santos et al, Sustainability reporting harmonisation? A utopian endeavour for European agri-food companies, Journal of Policy Modeling (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.jpolmod.2024.01.008
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A conflict would seriously disrupt the shipping of goods into Australia. Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

The intensifying great power competition between the People's Republic of China and the United States has meant the possibility of future war in the Indo-Pacific region has become a regular feature of Australia's national discourse.

It is surprising, then, how little attention has been given to what day-to-day life could look like if a war actually did break out.

While such a war is not inevitable, scrutinizing what it might look like should be an urgent priority so we can take the necessary steps to improve Australia's preparedness and ultimately our deterrence.

I previously worked in the Department of Defense analyzing what would be required to mobilize Australia's privately held industrial base and civil society to support various wartime scenarios. From this experience, I believe the government has a detailed understanding of how war could impact domestic supplies of critical goods and international freight transporting supplies to Australia.

What is missing, however, is a frank engagement with industry and the public about the hardships that may arise during a crisis and how our industrial base needs to be recalibrated to address these vulnerabilities.

Shortage of critical goods

There are three categories of goods that would be most impacted by war:

energy and fuel

pharmaceuticals and raw materials

smart devices and their components.

These are utterly indispensable to our daily lives and the continuity of our society. Yet, Australia currently lacks the ability to produce enough of these goods domestically to endure the supply disruptions that a conflict would bring.

For example, as a member of the International Energy Agency, Australia has an obligation to maintain sufficient reserves of refined fuel to meet its needs for 90 days. In practice, however, Australia has arguably never met this requirement.

Indeed, our domestic capacity for refining fuel has gone backwards and sufficient storage facilities have yet to be established. Recent unpublished estimates from the energy sector I've seen suggest if supply lines were cut today, Australia would only have enough fuel to meet just days or weeks of demand.

Once road freight is impacted by a lack of fuel, supermarkets would start experiencing shortages of basic goods. Air travel would collapse. Non-essential retail businesses and most personal vehicle travel would likely cease, as fuel would need to be rationed for freight, emergency services and the military.

It's important to emphasize that Australia's low onshore capacity to refine and store fuel would mean these dire impacts could be expected from even a relatively short-lived crisis disrupting our maritime supply lines.

When it comes to pharmaceutical products, the vast majority (90%) are also imported. China is an essential source of many of Australia's medicines, which means they'd be inaccessible if a war erupted between Beijing and Washington.

Australia has the facilities and expertise to produce a wide range of pharmaceuticals, but scaling up capacity would take time. Disruption to the availability of medicines could therefore have catastrophic impacts on the welfare of Australians and potentially spark a panic.

Australia's access to digital devices and components is also highly reliant on foreign imports, especially from China. While shortages of this kind would not be as immediately life threatening, there would still be a significant change to how Australians live.

More worryingly, smart devices have been embedded in the operational technology of most Australian industrial systems, such as food processing, waste management, water treatment, freight management, transport or pharmaceutical manufacturing.

A prolonged disruption to our technology supply chain could have devastating effects on our economy and essential services, as we would be unable to replace or upgrade key components. This problem would be exacerbated by our nascent capacity to disassemble and recycle the salvageable components of electronics, such as semi-conductors. Currently, we largely ship discarded devices overseas.

A 'first 90-day' crisis plan

While these scenarios are indeed alarming, we can take heart from the fact that Australia's maritime supply lines are highly adaptable.

A war over Taiwan or in the South China Sea would have a far greater impact to global shipping than the COVID pandemic. However, the pandemic demonstrated the capacity of international shipping and air freight to recalibrate and adjust as key markets were disrupted by lockdowns and other response measures.

The result was that after a period of shortages, the arteries of international trade to Australia were restored.

Given these complexities, Australia needs to focus its national preparedness and mobilization planning around the uncertain period between a crisis occurring and international shipping being re-established.

From my examination, such planning is not taking place to a sufficient degree.

The former secretary of Home Affairs, Michael Pezzullo, has similarly suggested such planning is overdue.

I believe the government should adopt a "first 90 days" national mobilization plan designed with industry partners. The aim: to ensure Australia's survival during the first 90 days of a war or similar catastrophe in our region.

Such a plan should be centered on increasing the domestic stockpiles and manufacturing capacity of the three most essential categories of goods mentioned earlierfuel, pharmaceuticals and smart devices (and components). This would give us the capacity to sustain Australia through the initial period of a conflict as we wait for international supply lines to adjust.

Australia must also look for ways to diversify sources of these goods away from China because of the high likelihood of disrupted maritime routes through Southeast Asia. This diversification would ensure critical supply chains are more resilient in those first 90 days and beyond.

Why talking about preparedness is important

There is a critical need to include industry in such preparedness and mobilization planning. Yet, from my experience, many business leaders are in the dark about what security interventions the Commonwealth may initiate in wartime to keep Australia ticking. There appear to be two reasons for this.

First, there's a view in government that this kind of talk would cause alarm. The opposite is true. Clarity about our nation's contingency planning in a crisis can only improve market confidence.

And second, policymakers may fear that any discussion about diversifying our key supplies away from China would harm our relationship with Beijing. It may also signal Australia is preparing for aggression.

Again, I believe the opposite is true. For many years, China itself has been on-shoring its key supplies to make its economy more resilient to stormier weather. Australia could simply point to China's example as demonstrating prudencehoping for the best, but preparing for the worst.

Ultimately, strengthening our preparedness through a "first 90 day" policy would make our deterrence more credible by showing we take the prospect of war seriously.

This would complicate the planning of would-be adversaries by ensuring Australia could not be easily isolated and neutralized. It would also show to our people, allies and adversaries alike that while Australia does not want war, we intend to endure it should one arise.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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Genetic structure at the individual level. Credit: Molecular Ecology (2024). DOI: 10.1111/mec.17508

A genome study of more than 700 European red deer has identified four distribution areas on the continent (Norway, Scotland, Spain and Central Europe), each with their own genetic characteristics that need to be preserved

An examination of the current distribution and origins of the European red deer, one of the main mammals on the continent, through their DNA entailed a journey across thousands of years based on the animal's current genetic situation. This is what a team of 25 people, coordinated by the Hunting and Fish Resources Research Unit (UIRCP) at the University of Cordoba, has done.

Drawing on information from 35,701 genetic markers (SNPs) from each of the 736 deer in the sample, from all over Europe, the team was able to identify four main areas of deer distribution (Norway, Scotland, Spain and Central Europe), their differences, and confirm the uniqueness of those inhabiting the Iberian Peninsula. Due to the peripheral nature of this population, these deer have maintained greater genetic variation from the rest, which makes adequate management and conservation policies even more vital in their case.

The study, published in the journal Molecular Ecology, consisted of analyzing the current genetic structure of the populations to deduce the processes by which the different genetic lineages have spread geographically, forming the current structure, which is known as phylogeography. This has been possible thanks to genomic studies that have greatly expanded the information that can be obtained from DNA compared to the methods previously used.

While DNA markers ranging from 15 to 30 in number were analyzed with previous techniques, this study used a tool developed in the United Kingdom for deer that allows for the observation of 50,000 genetic markers at specific points on the DNA, obtaining a more accurate image of the deer genome. Although these 50,000 points still pale in comparison to the approximately 3 billion base pairs they make up deer DNA, the study is an important step forward.

Analysis of the complete genome sequence is also currently underway. These modern tools have also managed to confirm what the UIRCP team had already published in 2016 in relation to the existence of two deer lineages in Spain, these being well differentiated genetically and proceeding from ice ages, with one in the south-central Iberian Peninsula and another in the west.

Along with the Spanish ones, the team has identified other deer populations on the European continent: Scottish deer, and Norwegian deer, which are also peripheral like Spanish ones; that is, they feature more well-differentiated genetic characteristics, while those populations corresponding to central Europe are more homogenized, as they have mixed with each other.

A history of distribution

The genetic differences identified by the study, together with those from previous studies that have analyzed mitochondrial DNA (a genetic material that, thanks to its periodic mutations, serves as a biological clock), the team has achieved a better understanding of how the current distribution of deer came about, over the course of thousands of years, with four main migratory waves that contributed to the uniqueness of Spanish deer and their relationships with the rest of the continent.

With northern Europe frozen, in the first two waves of distribution (one at the end of the Pleistocene, about 70,000 years ago, and the other before the last great glaciation, 22,000 years ago) the deer moved from their original location in eastern Europe to two others: one in the south of the United Kingdom (in an area currently covered by the sea) and another on the Iberian Peninsula, first to the west and then in the center.

Once the ice receded, the deer expanded into new territories to the north. About 10,000 years ago (in the Holocene), deer from the south of the British Isles migrated into Scotland, those from central Europe moved into Scandinavia, and those from southern France migrated into the center of the continent. The latter, during the late Holocene (last 4,000 years or so), mixed with each other.

In this way, the deer's four current distribution areas were established. Firstly, there is that of central Europe, and, secondly, the three peripheral areas protected by seas or mountains: Spain, Scotland and Norway, with the deer on the Iberian Peninsula being those which have remained isolated longest.

"For 20,000 years, the deer of the Iberian Peninsula haven't mixed with the rest," says Juan Carranza. Hence, Spanish deer maintain their own physical characteristics, and their own mating calls, differing from those in other areas.

In addition, due to those first two waves of distribution that the study cites, the deer most genetically similar to Spanish ones are Scottish, despite the fact that those in the center of the continent (including France, for example) are geographically closer.

A commitment to conservation policies

Although the Iberian Peninsula has, apparently, filled with deer on two occasions, giving rise to the current distribution, with two lineages featuring different characteristics between them, this does not mean that there has not been crossbreeding produced by proximity or human introduction. Therefore, the team endorses adequate management and conservation policies that preserve the uniqueness of the populations, both in peripheral areas of Europe, such as Spain, Norway and Scotland, and in the distribution areas of the two Spanish lineages.

These two lineages "are not described as two different subspecies, but, genetically, they do have characteristics sufficient to make them worth protecting," Carranza explains, adding, "Once you know what's there, and the history of how it was created, you assign it value and, by assigning it value, it's worth preserving."

More information: Juan Carranza et al, Genomewide SNP assessment of contemporary European red deer genetic structure highlights the distinction of peripheral populations and the main admixture zones in Europe, Molecular Ecology (2024). DOI: 10.1111/mec.17508 Journal information: Molecular Ecology
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Detectors positioned equidistantly at a distance d from the source are capable of sensing vertical displacements of the Mossbauer resonance point. In the subfigure (lower right), a detector is placed behind an absorber layer (indicated in red). This configuration allows the detector to monitor the height variations of nuclear resonance peaks by accurately measuring the corresponding photon flux. Credit: Science China Press

Scientists at the Institute of High Energy Physics (IHEP) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences have proposed an innovative method to realize gravitational wave detection by utilizing Mossbauer resonance. Their findings, recently published in Science Bulletin, highlight a new approach that could revolutionize the study of gravitational waves.

Analogous to the sensitivity of frog eyes to motion, the brand new stationary Mossbauer setup is particularly attuned to time-variant energy shifts caused by space-time vibrations, and enables the reconstruction of both the direction and polarization of gravitational waves.

The Mossbauer effect, which involves the recoil-free emission and absorption of X-ray photons by nuclei bound in a lattice, was a key discovery recognized by the 1961 Nobel Prize in Physics. Known for its exceptional precision, this effect was first used to test gravitational redshift in the famous Harvard tower experiment and has since been widely applied in material and chemical sciences, as well as in the development of Mossbauer spectroscopy.

In this latest proposal, IHEP scientists explore the potential of a stationary Mossbauer system, where gravitational frequency shifts caused by height variations could replace the traditional Doppler shift used in differential Mossbauer spectrometry. For isotopes like 109Ag, which possess an extremely narrow relative linewidth of 10-22, this method allows for the spatial localization of the Mossbauer resonance with an accuracy of 10 microns.

"It came to our realization that the local gravitational field is such a superb meter for energy calibration when it comes gravitational shift," said Prof. Yu Gao and Prof. Huaqiao Zhang (IHEP). The idea emerged during a discussion of whether nuclear systems can probe the photon energy shift inside a gravitational wave background.

As gravitational waves pass, they induce energy fluctuations in Mossbauer photons. Under the influence of the local gravitational field, these fluctuations lead to vertical displacements of the resonance spot. According to the team's calculations, with sufficient spatial resolution, the setup could achieve remarkable sensitivity to gravitational waves.

"Mossbauer spectroscopy, with its unparalleled precision, has become an invaluable tool across various research fields," said Prof. Wei Xu of IHEP. "By integrating this new detection scenario, we aim to bring this concept to fruition in a modern laboratory setting."

Modern high-energy detectors, with their superior spatial and temporal resolution, enable real-time monitoring of the Mossbauer resonance. The paper proposes a novel layout where detectors are arranged in a circular configuration around an activated silver source, enhancing sensitivity not only to the strength of gravitational waves but also to their direction of propagation and polarization angle.

More information: Yu Gao et al, A Mossbauer scheme to probe gravitational waves, Science Bulletin (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.scib.2024.07.038
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Technicians attach a solar array to one of the Electrojet Zeeman Imaging Explorer (EZIE) CubeSats. Credit: Brooks Freehill, Blue Canyon Technologies

In 2025, NASA will launch its first mission to image the magnetic fingerprint of intense electrical currents that flow high in our atmosphere when auroras shimmer above Earth's poles.

The EZIE (Electrojet Zeeman Imaging Explorer) mission is designed to make groundbreaking measurements of the auroral electrojets, electrical currents about 60 miles (100 kilometers) above the ground in a layer of Earth's atmosphere called the ionosphere, which separates Earth from surrounding space.

The mission features a trio of CubeSats, or small satellites, with an orbit that goes pole to pole to map the electrojets. Mapping the electrojets can give scientists greater insight into the physics of Earth's magnetosphere and help create better models for predicting the effects of space weather phenomena such as geomagnetic storms and auroras in the upper atmosphere and at Earth's surface.

In August, the EZIE team completed its pre-ship review, with NASA confirming that the three spacecraft and their support systems are ready to move to their eventual launch site for liftoff in 2025.

Previously planned for no earlier than 2024, a launch in 2025 gives EZIE the opportunity to make observations during two Northern Hemisphere summers, when EZIE's measurements can best be coordinated with ground-based instruments and when EZIE can make far more observations of the auroral phenomenon scientists are targeting.

The EZIE mission is managed by the Explorers Program Office at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. The Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory designed the EZIE spacecraft and leads and manages the mission for NASA. NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory built an instrument called the Microwave Electrojet Magnetogram for each of the three satellites, and Blue Canyon Technologies in Boulder, Colorado, built the CubeSats.

Provided by NASA
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

A quota system to reserve jobs in the civil service for specific groups, including descendants of war veterans, became the Achilles heel of Bangladesh's authoritarian prime minister, Sheikh Hasina. Weeks of unrest, which started as student-led protests against the quotas, ultimately forced her to resign and flee the country.

Hasina's government caused considerable chaos over its 15 years in power, so the country's interim leaders have much work to do. But they must focus particular attention on the civil service, which requires urgent reform.

The civil service recruitment examination process in Bangladesh has remained largely unchanged since British rule over the Indian subcontinent came to an end in 1947. However, it has been spoiled by corruption that starts even before recruitment begins.

Leaked exam papers are a common issue. In July, an investigative report by Bangladeshi news service Channel24 implicated officials from the body responsible for regulating civil service recruitment in these corrupt practices.

According to the report, several officials are alleged to have earned huge amounts of money by selling exam questions to eager candidates. In fact, cases have now been lodged against up to 90 people following a police inquiry, including 31 who were specifically named. Some have since reportedly admitted to their involvement in this unethical racket.

There is substantial evidence of widespread corruption as civil servants progress through their careers. Bangladesh ranked 149 out of 180 countries in Transparency International's 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index, a leading global indicator of public sector corruption.

Bribery is the most prevalent issue. Throughout Hasina's tenure, many civil servants engaged in activities such as sharing insider stock information and removing names from lists of those accused of misappropriating funds. Her government kept penalties for corruption relaxed, and even changed the official rules to this effect.

In 2018, for example, the government introduced "reprimand" as a penalty for proven corruption. However, this has often been limited to a simple job transfer, a reduction in salary or a demotion. All equate to a slap on the wrist, given the punishment would be termination of contract in any other sector.

Tackling corruption

In our opinion, the interim government should adopt a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption and misconduct in public office, with stricter penalties enforced for those found guilty.

It should also actively promote the Right to Information Act of 2009. This Act, in theory, gives citizens the power to request information from public authorities.

Regularly providing information to the public, on subjects such as contracts and who is delivering them, could improve accountability within the civil serviceif accompanied by a strict policy of no tolerance for public departments that ignore these citizen requests or provide misleading information.

Whistleblowers are a key line of defense against corruption and wrongdoing in public office all over the world. So, encouraging whistleblowing within civil departments in Bangladesh, perhaps through the introduction of rewards, should also be high on the interim government's priority list.

The Whistleblower Protection Act of 2011 offers those who report wrongdoing some legal protection from punishment and discrimination. However, very little is known about its impact and ability to promote transparency, accountability and good governance in the public sector.

Another way to tackle corruption is to introduce digital tools such as e-procurement platforms. These platforms can reduce direct interactions between civil servants and suppliers. And evidence from Latin America suggests they minimize opportunities for bribery and corruption.

In 2023, Bangladesh established a public procurement authority which has now written to all government ministries, requesting that they implement the government's electronic procurement system in their respective divisions and departments. However, there is no fixed deadline on this.

Human resources (HR) departments will also play a crucial role in reforming the Bangladesh civil service. Over the past 15 years, many promotions in public office have been granted without merit, so succession plans must be properly maintained.

And HR departments should also ensure that regulations relating to the filing and disclosure of assets owned by government officers and employees are followed.

Following Hasina's resignation, the police force effectively collapsed. This left the country's capital, Dhaka, in a state of chaos with no law and order.

Students and paramilitary forces took on the responsibility of managing traffic, and patrolled the streets at night to protect small businesses from extortionists and looting.

Restoring law and order in Bangladesh will be a significant challenge for the interim government. But reforming the civil service must be a top priority. The interim government needs to ensure that civil servants do not become mere instruments of the ruling party again.

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City-wide share of survey participants that reported trust in law enforcement in the days before and after Blake's shooting. Credit: Ben-Menachem, Torrats-Espinosa, 2024, PLOS ONE, CC-BY 4.0 (creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Survey data collected from Chicago, Illinois at the time of the 2020 police shooting of Jacob Blake in nearby Wisconsin shows that trust in police plummeted among Black residents after the shooting. Jonathan Ben-Menachem and Gerard Torrats-Espinosa of Columbia University in New York, U.S., present these findings in the open-access journal PLOS ONE on September 11, 2024.

For young minority men in the U.S., police violence has become a leading cause of death. Prior research has explored how police violence and misconduct might reduce trust in police, but most studies have been limited in their ability to explore how trust might vary with individual factors such as age, race, or prior arrest.

On August 23, 2020, police officer Rusten Sheskey shot unarmed, 29-year-old Black man Jacob Blake in the back, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down. A viral video of the shooting sparked widespread protests. At the time, the Chicago Department of Public Health was in the midst of conducting a survey broadly evaluating residents' health, which included questions about trust in law enforcement.

Ben-Menachem and Torrats-Espinosa recognized that the overlapping timing of the shooting and the survey could enable a quasi-experimental statistical analysis comparing how trust in police may have differed in the four weeks leading up to versus the four weeks following the shooting. Their dataset consisted of 584 Black and 939 white Chicago residents.

They found that, during the two weeks after the shooting, trust in police among Black residents declined by 31% overall. Declines were particularly pronounced for Black adults aged 18 to 44 and among Black residents who had previously experienced arrest or incarceration. Meanwhile, trust among white residents was relatively unchanged.

Further analysis showed that these results held true even when considering the possible influence of COVID-19 pandemic policies or the shootings perpetrated by Kyle Rittenhouse in Kenosha in the aftermath of the Jacob Blake shooting.

While further research is needed, these findings deepen understanding of how police violence may influence perceptions of law enforcement, perhaps exacerbating public safety issues.

The authors add, "Although other studies have shown that high-profile police violence can change residents' perceptions of police, we found these changes were most pronounced among three groups: Black residents, young people, and those who had previously been arrested or charged with a crime."

More information: Police violence reduces trust in the police among Black residents, PLoS ONE (2024). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0308487 Journal information: PLoS ONE
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A wastepicker walks past on a pile of garbage at a landfill in Depok on the outskirts of Jakarta, Indonesia, May 10, 2024. Credit: 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.

Tuesday's 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.

Cows stand together in a meadow in Wehrheim, near Frankfurt, Germany, Sept. 9, 2024. Credit: AP Photo/Michael Probst, File

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."

 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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Abundance of ice-wedge polygons and the subsequent network of ice wedges. Credit: Nature Water (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s44221-024-00276-9

As the pace of warming in the Arctic continues to surpass the global average, a complex and expansive network of capillary-like features is emerging across the landscape. These new and rapidly evolving features have the potential to accelerate changes in Arctic ecosystems.

For instance, despite increased precipitation, lakes across the tundra are disappearing and the capillary system could be a factor not only in changes in hydrology but also in how much carbon is stored in the permafrost.

While the impacts remain largely unknown, a team of scientists, including UConn Department of Natural Resources and the Environment Assistant Professor Chandi Witharana, Postdoctoral Research Associate Amal Perera, and graduate students Elias Manos and Michael Pimenta are using new technologies to create a pan-Arctic map to better understand the tundra capillary system and how this system will impact the region as the climate continues to change.

The researchers describe their progress in a recent Comment in Nature Water with lead author Anna Liljendahl, associate scientist at Woodwell Climate Research Center. Witharana met with UConn Today to discuss the project.

Can you talk about the tundra capillaries and how they form?

The capillaries are part of a unique landscape system. In the Arctic, we have the frozen layerthe permafrostand above that we have an active layer where the frozen ground cracks and, in the summertime, water gets in and refreezes again.

Over time, due to this repeated cracking, what forms is almost like mud and when everything refreezes, the cracks get bigger, creating ice wedges. The wedges push the soil up and together with other wedges form a network at the subsurface. Around the sides of the polygons there are depressions or troughs, and those troughs are connected in a network we call a capillary system.

A tundra capillary at Prudhoe Bay, Northern Alaska, in July 2019. Credit: Nature Water (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s44221-024-00276-9

How does the capillary system impact the landscape?

The troughs around the ice wedge polygons are very shallow, and could not be considered streams or creeks, but rather they are a kind of depression on the landscape and can act as a drainage network.

When the subsurface temperatures increase, the edges of the ice wedge polygons degrade, which means the top layers sink and the troughs get deeper over time through something we call vertical settlement and this means they can hold more water.

In the summertime, these small ponds can absorb more heat and that can transfer into the permafrost and further degrade the system. You can have isolated lakes in the permafrost across the landscape that are not connected, but over time, they can connect and then this capillary system can turn into something like a small creek or stream.

A stream is a moving agent that can carry so many things. When the water is in motion, it changes the dynamics of nutrients, energy, and biogeochemical cycles across the landscape. This is how the capillary system is evolving rapidly.

Have you observed changes in the landscape since you started this research?

I have been seeing landscape changes in satellite images. My collaborators see the changes on the ground in their field sites. Speaking with them about their field observations, they have seen dramatic changes over two years.

For example, last year they went to the field site, and this year they saw troughs get connected through vertical settlement, so it's happening not decade by decade, but much faster in certain places. Warming and its influence are happening disproportionately across the Arcticit is not homogeneous. The scientists in the field see this rapid transformation.

Can you talk about the technology you used to perform this research?

When we started this research, scientists observed these kinds of degradations as very local processes, but with combined field observations across Siberia and Canada, we realized that it is not local.

The problem is these are very remote locations across huge areas, 25 million square kilometers. We don't know how this is happening, and these are micro-scale processes. If a trough is changing over time and they are on the meter or sub-meter scale, to study this we need high spatial resolution remote sensing observations to identify the micro-topography.

Remote sensing satellites like Sentinel or Landsat work on a 30-meter scale and that is too coarse to capture these dynamics, but we were able to use commercial satellite data with sub-meter resolution of this region to pinpoint these degradations, like trough development, lake formations, and increasing connectivity.

Until this project, no one has tried mapping ice wedge polygons on a large scale. People tried mapping ice wedge polygons at a smaller scale, for example, a couple of thousand square kilometers, but the pan-Arctic tundra area is approximately 5 million square kilometers. If you put that into context, that is 384 Connecticuts.

Thankfully, the NSF Polar Programs granted us access to all the commercial satellite images. There are millions and millions of images and trillions of pixels, and we did a pilot project and developed a method to automate image extraction. We created datasets with the help of former and current graduate students who spent hours and hours digitizing small features, some 40,000 individualized polygons manually identified and digitized.

It's painstaking, but we needed this data to train the model. We used AI and trained the algorithm to deploy this. The NSF also gave us the computation resources we needed to produce the first pan-Arctic ice wedge polygon map.

We identified more than 1 billion individualized ice wedge polygons, and there are billions left to be mapped, but this is the first effort. We brought all the tools and heavy weapons into the picture to get this done.

What is the future of this research?

I think this project has opened eyes, including at the NSF Polar Program. This project triggered the chain reaction for studying other features, not only ice wedge polygons but also other disturbance features, including events similar to landslides. Since we have built the modeling pipeline, anyone can develop a model with their feature of interest.

Our next area of interest is mapping infrastructure at a pan-Arctic scale which will be detailed in a paper coming out soon. We plan to also look at economic assessment and political settlement. We are also mapping just the trough network since 1930 using historical aerial data to look at how the landscape has changed over the last 80 years.

We are trying to forecast the future. We feed satellite data into the forecasting model near real-time data where we know disturbances are happening, and we can focus on things like permafrost thaw and carbon release.

More information: Anna K. Liljedahl et al, The capillaries of the Arctic tundra, Nature Water (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s44221-024-00276-9 Journal information: Nature Water
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Open-source online imagery can play a vital role in investigating and prosecuting alleged crimesbut only if courts can reliably assess its authenticity.

Unfortunately, what we see online can't always be trusted. Misinformation and disinformation are rife on social media, and advances in technology have made it easier than ever to manipulate or fabricate imageseven generating them entirely through algorithms.

To help legal professionals navigate these challenges, we and our colleagues have created a guide for judges and fact-finders to better assess digital open-source content. This guide explains important terms and techniques for evaluating the reliability of online information, ensuring it can be used effectively in legal proceedings.

For evidence in international courts and fact-finding missions to be useful, it must be relevant, authentic and reliable. This is critical not only for ensuring justice for the accused, but also for establishing an accurate historical record.

The photos and videos you may have stumbled across on social media are examples of digital open-source information. This is publicly available data that can be accessed online at little or no cost.

In international law, this type of information is increasingly being used as evidence in courts and by human rights bodies. But it presents unique challenges in terms of reliability and authenticity.

Unreliable content

There are many reasons that a piece of content may be unreliable. For example, content may be misattributed or decontextualized, as in the case of a video that allegedly depicted Turkish attacks in northern Syria in 2019. Having circulated in mainstream news, it was eventually found to be footage from a gun range in Kentucky, US.

It is also possible for content to be staged and falsely attributed to real events. A well-known example of this was the "Syrian hero boy" case in 2014. A video allegedly depicting a boy saving a young girl from gunfire during the Syrian conflict was later proved to have been staged and shot on a film set in Malta.

Content may also be manipulated or generated using artificial intelligence (AI). An example of this emerged in 2022 in the context of the war in Ukraine. A purported video of President Volodymyr Zelensky telling his soldiers to lay down their arms and surrender to Russia was ultimately debunked and removed from social media platforms.

A content's metadata, its "data about the data," may suggest how, when and by whom a digital file was collected, created, accessed, modified or formatted. Metadata can help reveal if an image is a deepfake, or if the time, date or location of capture do not match those of the relevant event.

But metadata can also be manipulated or deleted, so it should always be viewed as part of an overall analysis of the content.

How to verify online imagery

One of the most critical indicators of a video or photo's authenticity and reliability is the source. Evaluators should assess whether the source is known. If so, they should ascertain whether the source may be subject to potentially problematic biases, or has a track record of posting unreliable content.

If a source is unknown, extra care should be taken to assess the content's authenticity and reliability. For example, the source of a video depicting the killing of two women and two children in Cameroon in 2018, which was shared widely across the media, was anonymous. Researchers from BBC Africa Eye were able to use other information from the video to assess its authenticity. It ultimately aided in the investigation and conviction of the perpetrators.

There are also multiple methods that anyone can use to confirm where a piece of content was captured. For example, reverse image searching is a process by which a person can use a search engine to see whether the image or a similar one has appeared online previously.

Matching geographic features in an image to satellite imagery is another technique. For example, researchers at the University of Essex matched features in an open-source video to those shown in satellite imagery when investigating the alleged killing of unarmed protesters in Nigeria in 2020. It established that the video did, in fact, depict the claimed location in the country.

When determining when a photo or video was taken, investigators can use contextual clues, such as the weather. For time of day, investigators can use techniques such as shadow analysis, which measures the length of shadows cast by objects and people in a particular location on a particular day, to indicate the position of the sun and therefore the time.

An illustration of this technique appears in a 2014 Bellingcat investigation which tracked the movements of a Buk missile launcher, and ultimately discovered Russia's responsibility for the downing of Malaysian Airlines flight MH17 over Ukraine.

Evaluating whether a piece of open-source imagery is what it's claimed to be relies on multiple methods of analysis. There is no single method or tool that can or should be used on its own. Nor can we rely solely on AI to automatically detect what is real and what is not.

Our guide aims to equip judges, investigators and the public with a deeper understanding of how to analyze and verify online imagery. By mastering these techniques, we can better uncover the "who, what, when, where, why and how" of digital evidence, strengthening justice for international crimes.

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The Nile Basin, from the Mediterranean to Lake Victoria. The Sudd lies between the cities of Juba and Malakal. Credit: Shannon1 / wiki, CC BY-SA

Enormous floods have once again engulfed much of South Sudan, as record water-levels in Lake Victoria flow downstream through the Nile. More than 700,000 people have been affected. Hundreds of thousands of people there were already forced from their homes by huge floods a few years ago and were yet to return before this new threat emerged.

Now, there are concerns that these displaced communities may never be able to return to their lands. While weather extremes regularly displace whole communities in other parts of the world, this could be the first permanent mass displacement due to climate change.

In the Sudd region of South Sudan, the Nile passes through a vast network of smaller rivers, swamps and floodplains. It's one of the world's largest wetlands. Flood levels vary significantly from year to year, mostly caused by fluctuations in water levels in Lake Victoria and controlled releases from the dam in Uganda where the lake empties into the Nile.

The Sudd's unique geography means that floods there are very different to elsewhere. Most floodwater cannot freely drain back into the main channel of the White Nile, and water struggles to infiltrate the floodplain's clay and silt soil. This means flooding persists for a long time, often only receding as the water evaporates.

People can no longer cope

The communities who live in the Sudd, including the Dinka, Nuer, Anyuak and Shilluk, are well adapted to the usual ebb and flow of seasonal flooding. Herders move their cattle to higher ground as flood waters rise, while indigenous earth walls made of compressed mud protect houses and infrastructure. During the flooding season, fishing sustains local communities. When floods subside, crops like groundnuts, okra, pumpkins, sorghum and other vegetables are planted.

However, the record water levels and long duration of recent flooding have stretched these indigenous coping mechanisms. The protracted state of conflict in the country has further reduced their ability to cope. Community elders who spoke to our colleagues at the medical humanitarian aid charity Medecins Sans Frontieres said that fear of conflict and violence inhibited them from moving to regions of safe ground they had found during a period of major flooding in the early 1960s.

Around 2.6 million people were displaced in South Sudan between 2020 and 2022 alone, a result of both conflict and violence (1 million) and flooding (1.5 million). In practice, the two are interlinked, as flooding has caused displaced herders to come into conflict with resident farmers over land.

Floodwaters surround Bentiu displacement camp in South Sudan. Credit: MSF, CC BY-SA

Stagnant floodwater also leads to a rise in water-borne infections like cholera and hepatitis E, snakebites, and vector-borne diseases like malaria. As people become malnourished, these diseases become more dangerous. Malnutrition is already a big problem, especially for the 800,000 or so people who have fled into South Sudan from Sudan following the start of a separate conflict there in April 2023.

Many people are housed in internal displacement camps like at Bentiu, where close to 100,000 people reside. Bentiu is now an island in the floodwaters, protected by embankments which require continued maintenance, as such there are concerns about the long term future and sustainability of the camp.

The new record levels in Lake Victoria this May raised the alarm over potential unprecedented flooding in the country this year. The two-and-a-half months it takes for floodwaters to make their way downstream to South Sudan provides an early warning system for communities and humanitarian agencies to prepare. However, forecast models are not able to accurately predict if the embankments at camps like Bentiu will hold.

Will people ever return?

Evacuating the camp may be inevitable, some say, because floods seem to be getting worse, likely linked to deforestation and anthropogenic climate change. However, while there is a clear upward trend to lake levels across East Africa, including Lake Victoria, this could also be down to the way water and land is being managed, as well as changes to precipitation.

Though there have been increases in the rainfall during the region's short rains in October, November and December, that's balanced out by decreases in the rainfall season between March and May.

However, climate models indicate increases in precipitation in the catchment, as well as more frequent positive phases of the Indian Ocean Dipole (a weather phenomenon similar to El Nino in the Pacific) which caused the record rainfall in 2020 and 2023. With floods taking a long time to recede, even small increases the frequency of these positive dipole phases, and small increases in rainfall, could lead to the Sudd wetlands growingpermanently.

Decision-makers in a country affected by conflict are used to uncertain futures, but will also need to consider a scenario in which an irreversible expansion of the Sudd wetlands could make the displacement permanent. Where these communities could be relocated is another question entirely.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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In this photo released by Roscosmos space corporation, the Soyuz-2.1 rocket booster with Soyuz MS-26 space ship carrying Roscosmos cosmonauts Alexey Ovchinin, Ivan Vagner and NASA astronaut Don Pettit, a new crew to the International Space Station, ISS, blasts off in the Russian leased Baikonur cosmodrome, Kazakhstan, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. Credit: Ivan Timoshenko, Roscosmos space corporation, via AP

A Soyuz spacecraft carrying two Russians and an American docked at the International Space Station on Wednesday, a little more than three hours after its launch.

The capsule atop a towering rocket set off from a Russian launch facility in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, and docked with the space station after two orbits of the Earth, a fast trip compared with some that have lasted for days.

The crew already aboard the station were performing a lengthy series of system checks before those in the capsule can enter.

The mission commander is Alexei Ovchinin, with Russian compatriot Ivan Vagner and American Donald Pettit in the crew.

The launch took place without obvious problems and the Soyuz entered orbit eight minutes after liftoff, a relief for Russian space authorities after an automated safety system halted a launch in March because of a voltage drop in the power system.

On the space station, Pettit, Vagner and Ovchinin will join NASA's Tracy Dyson, Mike Barratt, Matthew Dominick, Jeanette Epps, Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, and Russians Nikolai Chub, Alexander Grebenkin and Oleg Kononenko.

Wilmore and Williams have remained on the station long past their scheduled return to Earth. They arrived in June as the first crew of Boeing's new Starliner capsule. But their trip to the orbiting laboratory was marred by thruster troubles and helium leaks, and NASA decided it was too risky to return them on Starliner.

The two astronauts will ride home with SpaceX next year.

In this photo released by Roscosmos space corporation, NASA astronaut Don Pettit, left, Roscosmos cosmonauts Alexey Ovchinin, centre, and Ivan Vagner, crew members to the International Space Station, ISS, pose during a news conference on the eve of the launch in Russian leased Baikonur cosmodrome, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. Credit: Ivan Timoshenko, Roscosmos space corporation, via AP

In this photo released by Roscosmos space corporation, NASA astronaut Don Pettit, Expedition 72 crew member to the International Space Station, ISS, attends a news conference on the eve of the launch in the Russian leased Baikonur cosmodrome, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. Credit: Ivan Timoshenko, Roscosmos space corporation, via AP

In this image provided by NASA, Expedition 72 crew members: Roscosmos cosmonaut Ivan Vagner, top, NASA astronaut Don Pettit, center, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Alexey Ovchinin, wave farewell prior to boarding the Soyuz MS-26 spacecraft for launch, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024 at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Launch of the Soyuz rocket will send the trio on a mission to the International Space Station. Credit: Bill Ingalls/NASA via AP

In this image provided by NASA, a Soyuz rocket carrying Roscosmos cosmonauts Alexey Ovchinin, Ivan Vagner and NASA astronaut Don Pettit, a new crew to the International Space Station (ISS), blasts off from the Russian leased Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. Credit: Bill Ingalls/NASA via AP

In this image provided by NASA, a Soyuz rocket carrying Roscosmos cosmonauts Alexey Ovchinin, Ivan Vagner and NASA astronaut Don Pettit, a new crew to the International Space Station (ISS), blasts off from the Russian leased Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. Credit: Bill Ingalls/NASA via AP

In this photo taken from video released by Roscosmos space corporation, the Soyuz-2.1 rocket booster with Soyuz MS-26 space ship carrying Roscosmos cosmonauts Alexey Ovchinin, Ivan Vagner and NASA astronaut Don Pettit, a new crew to the International Space Station, ISS, blasts off in the Russian leased Baikonur cosmodrome, Kazakhstan, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. Credit: Roscosmos space corporation, via AP

In this photo released by Roscosmos space corporation, the Soyuz-2.1 rocket booster with Soyuz MS-26 space ship carrying Roscosmos cosmonauts Alexey Ovchinin, Ivan Vagner and NASA astronaut Don Pettit, a new crew to the International Space Station, ISS, blasts off in the Russian leased Baikonur cosmodrome, Kazakhstan, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. Credit: Ivan Timoshenko, Roscosmos space corporation, via AP

In this image provided by NASA, a Soyuz rocket carrying Roscosmos cosmonauts Alexey Ovchinin, Ivan Vagner and NASA astronaut Don Pettit, a new crew to the International Space Station (ISS), blasts off from the Russian leased Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. Credit: Bill Ingalls/NASA via AP

In this image provided by NASA, a Soyuz rocket carrying Roscosmos cosmonauts Alexey Ovchinin, Ivan Vagner and NASA astronaut Don Pettit, a new crew to the International Space Station (ISS), blasts off from the Russian leased Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. Credit: Bill Ingalls/NASA via AP

In this photo released by Roscosmos space corporation, the Soyuz-2.1 rocket booster with Soyuz MS-26 space ship carrying Roscosmos cosmonauts Alexey Ovchinin, Ivan Vagner and NASA astronaut Don Pettit, a new crew to the International Space Station, ISS, blasts off in the Russian leased Baikonur cosmodrome, Kazakhstan, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. Credit: Ivan Timoshenko, Roscosmos space corporation, via AP

 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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This illustration provided by SpaceX in 2024 depicts a spacewalk from the Dragon capsule. Credit: SpaceX via AP

First came space tourism. Now comes an even bigger thrill for the monied masses: spacewalking.

The stage is set for the first private spacewalk Thursday. Tech billionaire Jared Isaacman will pop out of the hatch of his orbiting SpaceX capsule, two days after blasting off from Florida on a chartered flight that lifted him and his crew higher than anyone since NASA's moonwalkers. He partnered with SpaceX CEO Elon Musk to buy a series of rocket rides and help develop brand new spacesuits.

SpaceX is the first private company to attempt a spacewalk, until now the domain of just 12 countries. There's a reason why it's such a niche and elite group: Spacewalking is considered the most dangerous part of any flight after launch and reentry, and demands extensive training.

"Spacewalks are a whole different entire ballgame than just strapping into a rocket and riding it, getting some zero-g time and coming back," said retired NASA astronaut Chris Cassidy.

Cassidy knows firsthand about the dangers of spacewalking: He was working outside the International Space Station in 2013 when his partner, Italian astronaut Luca Parmitano, almost drowned. Parmitano's helmet filled with water from his cooling garment, and he barely made it back inside in time. Another 30 minutes that day and "the answer might be different," Cassidy said.

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

Cassidy worries there's "a slippery slope" where the wealthy could try to jump to the front of a spacewalking line with minimal training.

Risk and disaster analyst Ilan Kelman of University College London said it's "appropriate and inevitable" that non-professionals will end up performing spacewalks. But he anticipates fatalities along the way.

"We can and should do plenty to reduce the risk," said Kelman. "We must be entirely honest with anyone participating, especially the low chance of rescue when something major goes wrong."

This spacewalk attempt won't be like what routinely happens at the International Space Station where astronauts float out to do repairs. Isaacman and SpaceX engineer Sarah Gillis will venture just barely outside the capsule as they soar about 450 miles (more than 700 kilometers) above Earth. Their orbit was initially twice that high, but reduced for the spacewalk.

In this image provided by TASS, Soviet cosmonaut Alexei Leonov climbs out a hatch of his spacecraft, the Voshkod-2, to perform the first spacewalk on March 18, 1965. Credit: AP Photo/TASS, File

Besides being new to spacewalking, the crew of four will test suits fresh off the factory floor. All will be exposed to the vacuum of space since the Dragon capsule, unlike larger space vehicles, lacks an airlock.

For Isaacman, throwing away the cabin atmosphere and then restoring it is the riskiest part of the endeavor.

"You can't afford to get anything wrong along that journey or you sidetrack it," Isaacman said. "We're going out just long enough to do what we need to do to get the data."

The bulk of their training over the past two years has focused on the spacewalk, the highlight of their planned five-day flight. SpaceX put considerable preparation and testing into the capsule and suits, said SpaceX's Bill Gerstenmaier, a former NASA manager.

For safety, Isaacman and Gillis will always keep a foot or hand on the capsule or the ladder-like support that they'll position above the hatch. They will be tethered to 12-foot (3.6-meter) lines, but there will be no dangling at the end of them.

In this photo provided by NASA, astronaut Ed White backs away from the Gemini spacecraft to start the U.S.'s first spacewalk on June 3, 1965, during the Gemini 4 mission. Credit: James McDivitt/NASA via AP

In this photo provided by NASA, astronaut Ed White performs the U.S.'s first spacewalk on June 3, 1965, during the Gemini 4 mission. Credit: James McDivitt/NASA via AP

In this image from video provided by NASA, astronaut Claude Nicollier, left, maneuvers around the Hubble Space Telescope as astronaut Micheal Foale looks inside the observatory during a spacewalk Thursday, Dec. 23, 1999. Credit: NASA via AP, File

In this image from video provided by NASA, astronauts Richard Linnehan, left, and John Grunsfeld wave to the camera during their last few moments of the final spacewalk for the Hubble Space Telescope repair mission on March 8, 2002. Credit: NASA via AP, File

In this image from video provided by NASA, astronaut Steve Robinson maneuvers under the shuttle Discovery to remove gap fillers on Aug. 3, 2005, the first time in spacewalking history that an astronaut has ventured under the belly of a space shuttle and performed repairs. Credit: NASA via AP, File

In this photo provided by NASA, astronaut Robert L. Curbeam Jr., left, and European Space Agency astronaut Christer Fuglesang, participate in a spacewalk during construction of the International Space Station on Dec. 12, 2006. In the background are New Zealand and the Pacific Ocean. Credit: NASA via AP, File

In this image from video provided by the Beijing Space Command and Control Center and the Xinhua News Agency on Sept. 27, 2008, Chinese astronaut Zhai Zhigang walks outside the orbit module of the Shenzhou-7 spacecraft for a spacewalk after docking with the Chinese station Tiangong 1. Credit: Beijing Space Command and Control Center, Xinhua via AP, File

In this photo provided by NASA, astronaut Bruce McCandless uses a nitrogen jet-propelled backpack, a Manned Manuevering Unit, outside the space shuttle Challenger on Feb. 12, 1984. Credit: NASA via AP, File

The duo will take turns emerging from the hatch, each spending 15 to 20 minutes outside as they flex and test their suits. Their crewmatesSpaceX engineer Anna Menon and former Air Force Thunderbird pilot Scott "Kidd" Poteetwill monitor the spacewalk from inside.

The entire spacewalk should last no more than two hours. Isaacman has refused to say how much he invested in the flight.

To date, 263 individuals representing a dozen countries have performed spacewalks, according to NASA statistics, led by Soviet cosmonaut Alexei Leonov in 1965 with NASA's Ed White close behind.

China, the only other country to launch its own citizens into space, joined the spacewalking club in 2008. Europe, Japan, Canada and the United Arab Emirates also have seen their astronauts float outside, but always in NASA or Russian garb and under NASA or Russian control.

With SpaceX intent on getting people to the moon and Mars, "we need to start somewhere and the first step is what we're doing on this mission," Gillis said.

 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

If you've noticed a little bit more greenery outside these last few weeks, your eyes haven't deceived you. Washington's drought conditions are improving ever so slightly.

And for what might seem like the first time yet this summer, the outlook for the months ahead seems to be improving.

Washington isn't out of the danger zone just yet, bear in mind. But with a bit of luck, conditions might not sink worse before the fall rains arrive.

As of Thursday, 40% of the state suffers from what the U.S. Drought Monitor calls a moderate drought. Less than 5% of the state is considered to be in severe drought and just over 1% of the state remains in extreme drought conditions. That marks the first time since June that the dry conditions have markedly improved across the state.

Climatologists and hydrologists warned of serious drought conditions earlier in the year after a poor snowpack in the mountains. The state declared a drought emergency in mid-April and early on farmers suffered from extremely low water supply, forcing some to shut off their spigots for a time. The dry landscape also pushed forestry experts to brace for wildfires.

But hydrologically speaking, Washington actually had a couple strokes of luck this year, said Karin Bumbaco, deputy state climatologist.

First was the cold snap this spring, which slowed the melting snowpack, holding on to the state's much-needed water reserves just a little longer. The scattered rains and unseasonably cool weather across much of western Washington also offered a bit of respite, Bumbaco said.

Now, much of Western Washington has emerged from the drought entirely and stream flows are showing an improvement, Bumbaco said. This is particularly relevant for the Olympic Peninsula, which was one of the driest regions of the state last summer.

Portions out west do remain dry, though. According to state's drought officials, at least two water systems (one each in Clallam and Whatcom counties) have been forced this summer to bring water into their communities by truckload. Clallam County is likely still trucking in water, but Whatcom County no longer is, said Caroline Mellor, the drought lead within the Department of Ecology.

Washington's drought emergency remains in place, Mellor noted, and will not be lifted until conditions have fully improved.

Central Washington is in the worst shape with the drought cutting into crop production in the Yakima River Basin especially.

Climatologists had anticipated a dry summer. El Nino conditions last year and into the winter pushed warm, tropical air into the Pacific Northwest, diminishing the much-needed snowpack. That trend has been exacerbated by atmospheric warming caused by humans burning fossil fuels.

The El Nino trend is now finished, Bumbaco said, and the state can expect the opposite trend in the months ahead: La Nina.

That likely means a bit cooler weather with perhaps slightly above average precipitation, Bumbaco said.

La Nina isn't expected to arrive in Washington until much later in the year, however, and the potential for a hot, dry September and October remains. Seattle experienced warmer temperatures last week and east-flowing winds heightened wildfire danger, according to the U.S. Forest Service.

"We are moving in the right direction," Bumbaco said. "But we're not totally out of the woods yet."

2024 The Seattle Times. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
ATLANTIC CITY  The Chelsea Economic Development Corp. has partnered with the local nonprofit El Pueblo Unido to bring the fifth annual Empanada Challenge to the neighborhood for the month of September.

The event was created to support businesses in the Chelsea neighborhood, between Texas and Jackson avenues, while celebrating the area's diversity.

Participating businesses are Boom Food Market, Sabor Salvadoreno at El Patron Restaurant & Bar, Mexico Restaurant & Bar, Queen's Pizza Palace, Sabor Latino II, La Tia Peruvian Cuisine and La Parada del Borinqueno y Algo Mas, which won the contest last year.

The establishments represent the diverse flavors of Latin American culture, coming from Colombia, El Salvador, the Dominican Republic, Honduras, Mexico, Peru and Puerto Rico.

An empanada is a fried or baked turnover made with dough and stuffed with a filling, like meat and cheese. The handheld food is common in Spain, Latin America, the Philippines and other countries.

After buying two or more empanadas, people can vote in the restaurants, use the QR code on the Empanada Passport that marks what empanadas they've tried or visit the Chelsea EDC's website to decide who has the best empanada.

A fiesta and announcement of the overall winner will take place from 2 to 5 p.m. Oct. 5 in O'Donnell Memorial Park.

Free empanada samples will be available to the public while a group of judges composed of local chefs will vote on who has the best presentation, filling, crust and overall taste.

The judging ceremony also will include Latin music, vendors, family activities and resources provided by local organizations.
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A Bettendorf teen faces charges in relation to a fatal August crash.

Authorities have charged Alexander McNicol, 19, with homicide by vehicle  operating under the influence; homicide by vehicle  reckless driving; and operating while under the influence  first offense, according to Scott County court records.

The crash happened about 3:15 a.m. on Aug. 16 in the 700 block of 15th Street, according to the Bettendorf Police Department. Investigators believe a 2007 Kia Rio driven by McNicol struck a parked vehicle, pinning the Rios passenger inside.

That passenger, Carter Fix, 18, also of Bettendorf, later died from injuries suffered in the crash, police said.

Authorities filed the case against McNicol on Monday, court records state.

They allege McNicol drove recklessly by taking the Kia down a steep hill while traveling 45 mph in a 25-mph zone, records state.

He had a strong odor of alcohol on his breath and walked unsteadily, the court records state. He also failed a field sobriety test.

After getting a search warrant, investigators analyzed a sample of McNicols blood and found a blood alcohol concentration of .154%, records state. The sample also showed evidence that hed used marijuana.

McNicol admitted he was the driver and had been using alcohol before the collision occurred, according to court records. The documents do not specify when McNicol made this statement.

McNicol made his first appearance on Monday, court records state.

The Bettendorf Police Department brought him to the Scott County Jail about 9:40 a.m. on Tuesday and he was free on $25,000 bond a few hours later, according to the jail website.

His next hearing has been set for Oct. 3, records state.

Photos: Historic Downtown Davenport
A Rock Island County judge has sentenced an East Moline woman to eight years in an Illinois prison in relation to a fatal 2022 crash.

The crash happened on Oct. 2, 2022, at the intersection of Kennedy Drive and 20th Avenue in East Moline, according to previous reporting. Elias E. Rocha and Alexia B. Dewalsche, both 31, of East Moline, were killed.

Initially, Tonya Franks, 55, faced multiple charges and citations, but on July 18 she pleaded guilty to a count of aggravated driving while under the influence, court records show.

Her plea was the result of negotiations between the Rock Island County States Attorneys Office, Franks and her defense counsel.

Judge Frank Fuhr sentenced Franks during a Tuesday afternoon hearing, records state. Along with the eight years in prison, she must also serve two years of mandatory supervised release after her prison sentence is complete.

She will not get credit for time she has been free on GPS monitoring, records state.

Franks must turn herself in by late September.

She was not in custody as of Wednesday, according to the Rock Island County Jail and Illinois Department of Corrections websites.

Before Fuhr sentenced Franks, he had access to a presentence investigation report and there was a mitigation hearing, records state. Both are meant to help a judge determine the appropriate sentence.

Presentence investigation reports provide background on defendants. while mitigation hearings can include arguments by attorneys and additional witness testimony.

The mitigation hearings can also include statements by the defendant, the victims of the crime or their survivors.

In Franks case, she made a statement, records show. There also were letters and statements presented by both Rocha and Dewalsches survivors and people speaking on Franks behalf.

Available records did not provide details of these statements.

Photos: Looking back at J.I. Case in the Q-C
PHILADELPHIA  Kamala Harris and Donald Trump showcased starkly different visions for the country on abortion, immigration and American democracy as they met for the first time Tuesday for perhaps their only debate before Novembers presidential election.

The Democratic vice president moved to get under the skin of the former Republican president, provoking him with reminders about the 2020 election loss that he still denies and delivering derisive asides at his other false claims. Harris' needling prompted Trump to launch into the sort of freewheeling personal attacks and digressions that his advisers and supporters have tried to steer him away from.

The high-pressure matchup after a tumultuous campaign summer offered Americans their most expansive look at a campaign thats been dramatically changed just hours before the first early presidential ballots will be distributed.

The vice president moved to far more effectively press the Democratic case against Trump than President Joe Biden did in June, presaging a more contentious and competitive race now that Harris is the one taking on Trump.

The pair outlined sharply opposite visions of where the nation is and where they intend to take it if elected. Harris promised tax cuts aimed at the middle class and said she would push to restore a federally guaranteed right to abortion overturned by the Supreme Court two years ago. Trump said his proposed tariffs would help the U.S. stop being cheated by allies on trade and said he would work to swiftly end the Russia-Ukraine war, even if it meant Ukraine didn't achieve victory on the battlefield.

Harris at times shook her head derisively as Trump spoke, occasionally staring at him with a hand on her chin, while Trump seemed to avoid looking toward the Democrat. Trump hewed closely to his rally talking points and the familiar attacks that have proven popular with his Republican base but his advisers worry don't appeal to a broader cross section of voters.

In one moment, Harris turned to Trump and said that as vice president, she had spoken to foreign leaders, And they say youre a disgrace.

Trump again denied his loss to President Joe Biden four years ago, when his efforts to overturn the result inspired the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection.

Donald Trump was fired by 81 million people," Harris said, "So lets be clear about that. And clearly he is having a very difficult time processing that.

Trump in turn tried to link Harris to Biden, questioning why she hadnt acted on her proposed ideas while serving as vice president. Why hasn't she done it? he said. Trump also focused his attacks on Harris over her assignment by Biden to deal with the root causes of illegal migration.

The Republican pledged anew to deport millions of people in the U.S. illegally and warned that Harris was worse than Biden and her policies would turn the U.S. into Venezuela.

He repeatedly dismissed her and Biden as weak, and cited the praise of Hungarys nationalist prime minister Viktor Orban to show that he is a widely respected by leaders around the world, saying Orban calls him the most feared person.

Saying it's time to turn the page, Harris delivered an appeal to Republicans and independents turned off by Trumps style and his efforts four years ago to overturn the 2020 presidential election, saying theres a place in her campaign for them to stand for country, to stand for our democracy, to stand for rule of law and to end the chaos.

Trump twice declined to say that it was in the best interest of the U.S. for Ukraine to win its war against Russia. Harris said it was an example of why America's NATO allies were thankful he was no longer in office, as she and Biden have sent tens of billions of dollars to help Kyiv fend off Russia's invasion.

As the former president made a series of false claims about migrants, Harris seemed to smirk as he said that migrants are taking jobs that are occupied right now by African Americans and Hispanics.

Talk about extreme, Harris responded, when Trump repeated unsubstantiated claims that immigrants in Ohio are eating their neighbors dogs and cats.

The candidates met in a small, blue-lit amphitheater converted into a television studio, with no live audience, meaning there was no rowdy applause, cheers or jeers. The intimate setting  with the candidates lecterns positioned less than 10 feet from each other  belied the contentious debate to follow.

As Harris seemed to try to interject during one of his responses, Trump replied, Im talking now, sound familiar?" harkening back to a moment when shut down an interruption from then-Vice President Mike Pence.

Harris sharply criticized Trump for the state of the economy and democracy when he left office, as the COVID-19 pandemic ravaged the nation and after his supporters stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, in a bid to overturn the 2020 presidential election.

What we have done is clean up Donald Trumps mess, Harris said. She opened her answer by saying she expects voters to hear a bunch of lies, grievances and name calling from her GOP opponent during their 90-minute debate.

Trump, meanwhile, quickly went after Harris for abandoning some of her past liberal positions and said: Shes going to my philosophy now. In fact, I was going to send her a MAGA hat. Harris smiled broadly and laughed.

Harris has sought to defend her shifts away from liberal causes to more moderate stances on fracking, expanding Medicare for all and mandatory gun buyback programs  and even backing away from her position that plastic straws should be banned  as pragmatism, insisting that her values remain the same.

As the debate opened, Harris walked up to Trumps lectern to introduce herself, marking the first time the two had ever met. Kamala Harris, she said, extending her hand to Trump, who received it in a handshake  the first presidential debate handshake since the 2016 campaign.

Harris, in zeroing in on one of Trumps biggest electoral vulnerabilities, laid the end of national abortion rights at Trumps feet for his role in appointing three U.S. Supreme Court justices who overturned Roe v. Wade, leaving more than 20 states in the country with what she called Trump abortion bans.

Harris gave one of her most impassioned answers as she described the ways women have been denied abortion care and other emergency care and said Trump would assign a national abortion ban if he wins.

Trump declared it a lie, and said, Im not signing a ban and theres no reason to sign a ban.

The Republican has said he wants the issue left to the states.

Harris used a question about her plans to improve the economy by saying she would extend the tax cut for families with children and a tax deduction for small businesses while attacking Trumps plans to impose broad tariffs as a sales tax on goods that the American people will ultimately pay.

Trump was stone-faced during her answer but retorted: I have no sales tax. Thats in incorrect statement. She knows that.

Trump, who 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 continued to call Harris a Marxist, and said Everyone knows shes a Marxist.

Trump, 78, 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 Republican former president has at times resorted to invoking racial and gender stereotypes, frustrating allies who want Trump to focus instead on policy differences with Harris.

I read where she was not Black, Trump said when asked about comments questioning Harris' race, and then he added a minute later, and then I read that she was Black. He seemed to suggest her race was a choice, saying twice, Thats up to her.

I think its a tragedy that we have someone who wants to be president who has consistently over the course of his career attempted to use race to divide the American people, Harris responded.

Harris said Trump has a long history of racial division, going back to when his familys company was investigated for refusing to rent to black people decades ago. She also mentioned that he called for the death penalty for the Central Park Five, who were falsely accused of rape, and spread false birther theories about President Barack Obama.

I think the American people want better than that, want better than this, she said, nodding toward Trump.

Harris hit Trump on one of his biggest sources of pride, his freewheeling campaign rallies. Harris noted how at the events, Trump, as he meanders through subjects, will sometimes muse on fictional characters like Hannibal Lecter and whether windmills cause cancer, and then said that if you watch his events you will also notice that people start leaving his rallies early out of exhaustion and boredom.

The one thing you will not hear him talk about is you. Your needs, your dreams and your desires.

Trump tried to use his next question to respond by accusing Harris of having no one attending her rallies except the people that he claimed, without evidence, that she has bused in and paid to be there.

She cant talk about that. People dont leave my rallies. We have the biggest rallies, the most incredible rallies in the history of politics, he said.

In rapid fashion after the June 27 debate between Trump and Biden, the incumbent bowed out of the race after his disastrous performance, Trump survived an assassination attempt and bothsides chose their running mates.

The debate subjected Harris, who has sat for only a single formal interview in the past six weeks, to a rare moment of sustained questioning.

Trump at one point launched into an attack on Biden, questioning his mental acuity by making the claim that Biden doesnt even know hes alive.

Harris quickly tried to turn it around to make Trump look less than sharp.

First of all, I think its important to remind the former president, youre not running against Joe Biden. Youre running against me, she said.
Former President Donald Trump renewed his criticism of then-Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam on late-term abortion during his debate Tuesday night with Vice President Kamala Harris.

Trump started by botching the state that Northam led  later correcting himself  then made what fact checkers called distortions about infanticide.

Trumps comments came 13 minutes into the debate, when he was asked about his shifting stances on abortion, particularly his recent comments about Floridas upcoming referendum, which would restore abortion rights until viability. Florida currently bars most abortions after six weeks. Trump had initially said that six weeks was not enough time, then said that he would vote against the ballot initiative.

They have abortion in the ninth month, Trump said during the debate Tuesday night. They even have  and you can look at the governor of West Virginia  the previous governor of West Virginia, not the current governor, whos doing an excellent job  but the governor before, he said the baby will be born and we will decide what to do with the baby, in other words, well execute the baby.

And thats why I did that, because that predominates, Trump said, because theyre radical, the Democrats are radical in that.

Trump did get Virginia right on a subsequent reference to the controversy, saying: The governor of Virginia said we put the baby aside and then we determine what we want to do with the baby.

Trumps renewed criticism stemmed from comments Northam, a pediatric neurologist, made in a January 2019 appearance on radio station WTOP.

The governor had been asked about a defeated bill sponsored by Del. Kathy Tran, D-Fairfax, that would have loosened restrictions on third-trimester abortions. Northam said that if a nonviable or badly deformed infant survived birth, a woman and her doctor could have a discussion about what to do next.

During the debate Trump also accused Harris running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, of saying abortion in the ninth month is absolutely fine and that execution after birth is OK, and thats not OK with me.

Linsey Davis, one of ABCs two debate moderators, followed Trumps comments by saying: There is no state in this country where it is legal to kill a baby after its born.

CNNs debate fact checkers wrote: Trumps claim about infanticide is false. No state allows for the execution of a baby after it is born.

They quoted Mary Ziegler, a professor at the University of California, Davis School of Law, who said in June: Every state explicitly criminalizes infanticide.

Factcheck.org wrote: The former president repeatedly said Democrats, including vice presidential candidate Tim Walz, were in favor of abortion in the ninth month  or even after birth. Abortion that late is exceedingly rare, and abortion after birth does not exist. Its homicide, and its illegal.

Trump also again falsely claimed that legal scholars across the political spectrum every Democrat, every Republican, liberal, conservative wanted Roe v. Wade overturned, and the abortion issue sent back to the states.

Northams 2019 comments

During the 2019 radio appearance on WTOP, Northam said: When we talk about third-trimester abortions, these are done with the consent of, obviously, the mother, with the consent of the physicians  more than one physician, by the way  and its done in cases where there may be severe deformities, there may be a fetus thats nonviable.

So, in this particular example, if a mothers in labor, I can tell you exactly what would happen, Northam said. The infant would be delivered, the infant would be kept comfortable, the infant would be resuscitated if thats what the mother and the family desired, and then a discussion would ensue between the physicians and the mother.

Northams comments prompted outrage from some conservatives. He later stood by his comments, saying he was speaking as a doctor who has had conversations with parents in situations in which there is no hope for survival.

Trans bill would have reduced the number of doctors required to sign off on a late-term abortion from three to one.

During a committee hearing, Del. Todd Gilbert, R-Shenandoah, had asked Tran whether her bill would let a pregnant woman who is dilating seek an abortion if a physician certified that her mental health was impaired.

My bill would allow that, yes, Tran said.

Tran later told The Washington Post that she misspoke. I should have said: Clearly, no, because infanticide is not allowed in Virginia, and what would have happened in that moment would be a live birth.

Trump, then president, told The Daily Caller at the time that the Virginia controversy is going to lift up the whole pro-life movement like maybe its never been lifted up before.

Photos from the Trump-Harris debate
Thousands protest Mexicos Senate judicial reform approval

Mexico City, Mexico  Mexicos Senate has approved President Lopez Obradors reform of the Judicial Branch after hours of debate and a change of venue. The delay was caused by the thousands of protestors in the streets, dozens of which stormed the building Tuesday night.

After nearly 12 hours, the reform was approved with 86 votes in favor of and 41 against, which will now be referred to State Congress. The reform, which needs to be approved by Congress to become law, is one of the most controversial reforms of recent years.

Dozens of protestors stormed the building Tuesday night.

If approved, the new law would mean the election of ministers, judges and magistrates through popular vote. The reform approval came after Morena and its allies, the Labor Party (PT) and the Green Ecologist Party of Mexico (PVEM), achieved a qualified majority, two-thirds of the Senate.

In a press conference afterward, the President of the Senate Board of Directors, Gerardo Fernandez Norona, said the next step is for each of the state Congresses to analyze, discuss and vote for or against the judicial reform initiative. For this proposal to move forward and become official, 17 of the 32 state Congresses must vote in favor of it.

The main points of the proposal establish that federal judges and ministers of the Supreme Court of the Nation (SCJN) must be elected by popular vote. The reform also supports reducing the number of Supreme Court justices from 11 to 9 and reducing their term of office from 15 to 12 years.

Mexicos Senate passed the reform proposal September 10, 2024.

Another of the points established in the reform of the Judicial Branch involves holding two elections to renew the positions within that Branch of the State. The first of these would be extraordinary and would take place next June, while the second election would take place in 2027.

Opposition members say that Lopez Obradors proposed judicial reform is a maneuver to take control of the judiciary, the only body that could prevent Morena and its allies from reforming the Constitution after their landslide victory in the 2024 elections.

On Tuesday morning ahead of the Senate meeting, Lopez Obrador defended his reform proposal saying when judges, magistrates, and ministers are elected (by the citizens), they will have to act with integrity.

Police are seen in riot gear during Senate protests in Mexico City Tuesday night.

They will have the people of Mexico as their leader, the people who are sovereign in a republic. () The judge will now have a different behavior because he will not feel influential or a product of influence or nepotism, but will be there, in that position, by the will of the citizens and he will feel free to be able to impart justice, he will not have commitments to anyone.

During his Tuesday morning press conference, he said those who are against judicial reform do so because they protect the interests and privileges obtained during the neoliberal period.

Thousands stormed the streets of Mexico City in protest. Photos: September 10, 2024.

Lopez Obrador stated that the discussion on the reform of the Judicial Branch exposes to public opinion the anomalies and irregular procedures in which judges, magistrates and ministers incur.

It is an issue that was not touched before, it was a forbidden topic, everything related to the Judicial Branch was in limbo. () I already spoke about how we have been cleaning up the Executive Branch, the Legislative Branch, but we came across the Judicial Branch, which is very important because it is the power in charge of administering justice and ensuring that the Constitution and the laws are respected, he said.

In our country, as part of the crisis and the decline, we have reached the point where this power has become the protector of the mafias of economic power and political power. So, the Executive Branch is being cleaned of corruption, the Legislative Branch is being cleaned, but the Judicial Branch needs to be cleaned up because it is in bad shape, he added.

Rosa Icela Rodriguez Velazquez says there are nearly 24,000 imprisoned in Mexico without being sentenced.

Photo: AMLO September 10, 2024.

The Secretary of Public Safety and Citizen Protection (SSPC), Rosa Icela Rodriguez Velazquez, reported that corruption in the Judiciary keeps nearly 24,000 people incarcerated and without a sentence.

Of those, she said 1,326 face pending federal proceedings of between five and 10 years, 2,488 report trials of ten to 15 years, 767 have a process of 15 to 20 years and 232 people deprived of liberty have been in a federal prison for more than 20 years without obtaining a resolution.
September 11 is not usually portrayed in cinema, perhaps as a sign of respect for the most shocking event in recent history. Perhaps its also because we do not know how to deal with terror. But if its a surprise that Hollywood has largely steered clear of the subject, a greater surprise still is that the only one of Americas celebrated directors to make a movie about the attacks is Oliver Stone, our most committed left-wing artist.

Most surprising of all, his 2006 movie, World Trade Center, is a wonderful portrait of America at her best. Its a story of blue collar patriotism, moral virtue, and sacrifice, proof that a terror attack cannot break national character. Moreover, its a true story following Port Authority policemen. Nicolas Cage plays our protagonist, Sgt. John McLoughlin, who assembles volunteers to respond to news of the North Tower being hit by the first plane. Among those who answer the call are Antonio Rodrigues (Armando Riesco), Will Jimeno (Michael Pena), and Dominick Pezzulo (Jay Hernandez), and later Officer Christopher Amoroso (Jon Bernthal).

Since we all know the story in advancewithout even realizing it, we learned the events of 9/11 almost livewhats at stake instead is the stories of the first responders, the people involved in the catastrophe who acted, as well as their families. The policemen at the center of the story, McLoughlin and Jimeno, are married, and the movie cuts from them, at Ground Zero, to their wives Donna and Allison, played by Maria Bello and Maggie Gyllenhaal, who are desperately trying to learn whats happening.

World Trade Center was something of a success back in 2006, making around $160 million worldwide, but it wasnt celebrated, even though it showed a worthy picture of America to audiences both home and abroad. There is an injustice in this fact and a missed opportunity. The anniversary of 9/11 is a good opportunity to remember the movie and, without spoiling the action, finally to realize its importance and the public spirit that gave birth to it. At the same time, since 9/11 sometimes seems forgotten in the rush of crazy new events, the movie can help us remember and thus finally fulfill its task as a work of art.

Id like to focus on those scenes of families separated by service and suffering, because there we get to the core of the movie. Stone is at his best in filming middle-class America, and for once suburbia looks morally impressive. Mothers taking care of their families in a moment of crisis, people praying in church, and in general the organization of the community for mutual helpeverything we somehow take for granted in the ordinary course of events turns out to be the source of the moral courage of the men who head into danger as first responders. As in all cases where self-interest and moral principle diverge, we see character revealed, and though we do not wish for suffering, we cannot help noticing that it is a condition of noble displays.

Dramatizing nobility, always a difficult thing when the subject is delicate, usually concerning true stories, is especially thorny in such a situation, because it may seem not only easy but almost a matter of good manners or even moral duty to become sentimental. This is a difficulty that affects not only producers and artists but also critics and the audience. Everywhere the question is, What interpretation must we put upon the events and the actions? Another way of looking at that difficulty is to ask how we understand what is best in us or how we act at our best.

So far as Stone is concerned, I think people should conclude on the strength of this movie that he is much more patriotic than his reputation suggests and that much of the agony depicted in his movies or indeed the strange things in his career follow from the tenderness he feels for the America he grew up in, its promise of decency and respect to all Americans. Accordingly, World Trade Center is not a partisan movie in any sense. Even the sentimentality contributes to a search for understanding of American character. The obvious difficulty Stone faces in his other works is that the American way of life is now so far removed from the major public institutions, whether politics or media. Only in World Trade Center does he get to show the solid foundation from which American freedom is forged. Moreover, he cannot be accused of flattery in his patriotism because not only is he famously critical of what he sees as injustice but he is also trying to restore confidence by his depiction of America, not to please arrogance. He knows that America needed reassuring in the years immediately following 9/11.

What reassures people also says much about them. Americans looked to first responders like the men depicted in World Trade Center and seen onscreen in the movies coda, returning us to reality, so to speak, because we believe that ordinary men can become heroes in extraordinary circumstances, even though our concern for safety and property makes us avoid those circumstances most of the time. It seems we as a society both shy away from heroism and embrace it passionately.

The movie hints rather delicately at the cause of the acts of heroism it displays: shame. When the men volunteer to try to save whomever they might meet down at the World Trade Center, they have no clear idea of what happened or how dangerous it is. A kind of love for fellow Americans, although in a way theyre merely strangers, moves them to act; perhaps there is something Christian in that motive, too. But in the chaos of events, it is the feeling they have for each other that moves themthey could not trust each other in dangerous moments, as their profession requires, without also feeling that they must act or else be dishonored. That is an intensity of love rarely reached and yet somehow it is implied in all our care for each other.

This is the highest theme in the movie, and it is the emotional throughline that gives unity to the work of art and most clearly reveals its intention. There is a mix of sorrow and relief in knowing that we believe in something greater than ourselves in order to help each other, and that these men proved on that day what we all hold to be true, that we think of heroism as sacrificial, defensive of everything we hold precious even as we feel defensive about it and do not wish it to be tarnished. Perhaps this is why events that transpired in a terrifying way on television are also in another sense a national secret.

Oliver Stones movie, and also this essay, is a case of saying what should go without saying. Thats somehow correlative to the problem of commemoration, that we wish never to forget something that is painful to remember. Thats the purpose of art, after all, and both by its beauty and by what it makes us think about, it offers a kind of compensation for suffering. So give World Trade Center a chance.
Gov. Glenn Youngkin got an overview Tuesday of ongoing improvements along Interstate 81 during a visit to the Virginia Department of Transportations Southwest Traffic Operations Center in Salem.

The I-81 Corridor Improvement Program was first developed in 2018, consisting of 65 projects at an overall cost of $3.7 billion. The Virginia General Assembly approved the program and former Gov. Ralph Northam signed it into law in 2019. So far, 35 projects, some far beyond the Roanoke Valley, have been completed with the remainder anticipated to be finished by 2036.

Folks are excited about orange cones, said Youngkin during Tuesdays presentation. They want orange cones because they understand what it means for I-81 and they are about to get a lot of orange cones over the next couple of years.

Those improvement projects, and the orange cones that come with them, are expected to enhance safety, reduce congestion and promote economic development along I-81. Dave Covington, VDOTs I-81 program delivery director, provided Youngkin with an update of the work that is ongoing and the benefits they will provide.

In addition to road improvement projects that are a majority of the work being done for the program. Covington emphasized operational improvements along the corridor that include additional traffic cameras, enhanced safety service patrol and a push to improve training of towing contractors to assure more complex incidents are resolved quickly and safely to reduce traffic backups.

They support us in a dramatic way during the delivery of these construction projects, Covington said.

Many of those operational improvements were showcased during a tour of the operations center, which included a wall of camera feeds that provided a real-time look at traffic along I-81 in the Salem and surrounding VDOT districts. Staff were able to monitor video feeds and even remotely control the operation of nearby traffic lights, dispatch safety patrol and operate digital message signs along the roadway.

I do think at some point we are going to be doing more than improving I-81, we are going to be unlocking I-81, Youngkin said. You can see as the projects progress, the impact that it will have, particularly the lane widening projects.

A nearby lane widening project along I-81 is set to start next year. That work involves widen I-81 to three lanes in both directions from exit 143 in Roanoke County north to exit 150 in Botetourt County. The completion date is set for the summer of 2031. The current lane widening construction, between mile markers 139 and 142, is due to be completed in late 2026.

Following the tour on Tuesday, Youngkin praised the work that is currently underway along the I-81 corridor but emphasized the need to accelerate the current timeline for completion. He said crews are already ahead of schedule and under budget for improvements.

Over the course of the next 10 years we are going to see a significant amount of work to make I-81 safer, to allow it to have less congestion and most importantly to just improve everyones experience as they are driving down this most important corridor in Virginia, Youngkin said.
Last week, more than 120 University of Virginia School of Medicine faculty and UVa Health workers sent a letter to the schools governing Board of Visitors alleging egregious acts committed by the heads of the two organizations.

But their demand for the immediate removal of the two executives likely will not be met.

In response to the letter of no confidence in UVa Health CEO Dr. Craig Kent and School of Medicine Dean Dr. Melina Kibbe, university President Jim Ryan sent a letter of his own to the 1,400 faculty members of the School of Medicine on Saturday. In it, he says the school will look into the claims  even though it is difficult to investigate generalized and anonymous claims of wrongdoing  but also asserts that Kent and Kibbe are the reason the university health system is in the best shape it has ever been in.

The letter itself is daunting, said Ryan. There are many accusations. There are few details.

At this point in time I find it difficult to believe that the right answer here is to force yet another change in leadership, only to bring in new leadership who will inevitably fail to satisfy 1,400 faculty members and thousands more health system team members, he added.

Employee dissatisfaction is to be expected, according to the president, who cites a national statistic showing that roughly 8% to 9% of medical school faculty are dissatisfied. This represents the same percentage of UVa professors and health care workers who anonymously signed the letter of no confidence.

In order to authenticate the letter, the authors did agree to meet in person with four members of the Board of Visitors, including Rachel Sheridan and Porter Wilkinson, the chair and vice chair of the Audit, Compliance and Risk Committee, as well as Stephen Long and David Okonkwo, both medical professionals with experience in academic health systems. Ryan did not make it on that list.

They have besmirched the reputations of not just Melina and Craig, said Ryan, who noted that the 128 signatories did not suggest that the two be afforded due process but instead demanded they immediately resign. Instead, through some of their allegations, they have unfairly  and I trust unwittingly  cast a shadow over the great work of the entire health system and medical school.

The contents of the letter have sent shockwaves through the health system and greater Charlottesville community. Saying the pair of executives has created a culture of fear and retaliation that is threatening patient safety, the 128 signatories of the five-page document also allege that Kibbe and Kent:

 Allocated money to their cadre of executive colleagues despite shortages at the clinical level.

 Turned a blind eye as senior leaders tampered with billing and patient records to modify adverse outcomes and productivity.

 Wielded promotions as a means to intimidate and retaliate against those who spoke up out of concern for patients.

 Pressured medical personnel to not officially report concerns regarding patient safety.

 Ignored integrity and quality standards during the hiring process.

 And explicitly threatened those who spoke out against them.

The letter goes on to claim that UVa Health and the School of Medicines failure to protect those making confidential reports and their practice of fraudulent billing stands in direct violation of the professional code of conduct detailed in the UVa faculty handbook. The handbook is approved by the Board of Visitors.

Craig Kent and Melina Kibbe have not only undermined but also directly attacked the values that inspired us to study, teach and work at the University of Virginia School of Medicine and UVa Health, reads the letter. [They] foster a negative environment that is contributing to an ongoing exodus of experience and expertise at all levels that contravenes with our mission to provide excellent  and safe  patient care.

Not all of the accusations came as a surprise to Ryan. Over the past several months, the president and UVa Provost Ian Baucom have been meeting with groups of UVa Health and School of Medicine employees to listen to and address some of their concerns. University officials seemed to view these conversations as productive, which is why Ryan expressed his disappointment in the 128 signatories who decided to take a more public approach.

The signatories have a different perspective, saying their letter was a last resort made out of urgent concern for our patients, colleagues, community, and the University of Virginia.

Some of these accusations are fairly evident references to specific matters that we have already addressed or are actively working on, said Ryan. Others are new to us, but we will do our best to run them to the ground and get to the bottom of them.

The university will conduct a review into all of the allegations against the Charlottesville-based health system, which employs close to 30,000 people across the commonwealth. Though disappointed in the unusual and unfortunate way in which they have been presented, Ryan assured the 128 people behind the letter of no confidence, all members of the UVa Physicians Group, they will not face any retaliation for speaking out.

This is not the first time Kent has been on the wrong end of a letter of no confidence.

Prior to taking the helm of UVa Health in 2020, Kent served as dean of the Ohio State University School of Medicine. A letter of no confidence was sent to the then-CEO of the schools Wexner Medical Center, Sheldon Retchin, in 2017, claiming that Retchin and his circle of high-level colleagues, including Kent, had cultivated a hostile work environment for employees.

The 2017 letter explicitly called out Kent, who had only been with the Ohio State health system for seven months at the time, saying he had already shown an emerging pattern of leadership in line with the style promulgated by Dr. Retchin.

At a meeting in December, UVas Board of Visitors approved a five-year extension of Kents contract, lasting through Jan. 31, 2030. Kent, who is already the highest-paid employee at UVa, secured a $500,000 raise this year, bringing his annual salary to $1.6 million.

Kibbe, who began her five-year contract as dean and chief health affairs officer for UVa Health in September 2021, is the third-highest earner at UVa with a salary of $829,000. Prior to UVa, Kibbe served as chair of the surgery department at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

I will reserve final judgment in this instance until we have done a thorough review, Ryan says in his letter. I think the real work, regardless, is to come together as a community to have a conversation  a real, honest, and ongoing conversation  about how to manage change.
CALmatters is a public interest journalism venture committed to explaining how California's state Capitol works and why it matters. Dan Walters has been a journalist for nearly 60 years, spending all but a few of those years working for California newspapers.
For the first time in more than a century, salmon are swimming freely along the Klamath River and its tributaries near the California-Oregon line. That development comes just days after the largest dam removal project in U.S. history was completed. Researchers determined that Chinook salmon began migrating Oct. 3 into previously inaccessible habitat. Dams were demolished as part of a national movement to let rivers return to their natural flow and to restore ecosystems for fish and other wildlife. The dam removal project was completed Oct. 2, marking a major victory for local tribes that fought for decades to free hundreds of miles of the Klamath.
Jada Sharice Fludd was supposed to celebrate her 17th birthday on Tuesday.

Instead, she was remembered at the Orangeburg High School for Health Professions with a balloon release.

Fludd and her cousin Ania Chalk, 8, were killed Saturday afternoon while they were attempting to cross U.S. Highway 601 on a 2020 Kawasaki ATV.

They were struck by a tractor-trailer, according to the S.C. Highway Patrol.

Fludd was a junior at the High School for Health Professions. Chalk was a student at the Willie Jeffries School of Excellence.

Prayers were offered and memories were shared during Tuesdays balloon release ceremony held by the Student Government Association.

Jayden Skinner, a student, served as master of ceremonies.

KeAsha Robinson, a student, welcomed and thanked her peers.

We are gathered here today to remember the life of Jada Fludd, an amazing human being who was so full of joy, she said.

Being here without her, without her light, and warm embrace, is almost unbearable at times. And though our grief may become easier to carry with time, for all of us, it will be impossible to look up at the sky from now on without thinking of her, Robinson added.

Marcus Claxton, a student, offered a prayer at the start of the ceremony.

Thank you, God, for the life that youve given us. Most of all, we thank you for the life of Jada Fludd, Claxton prayed.

In spite of our feelings and in spite of everything that were feeling this moment, God we just want to thank you for life, he continued.

I pray that you will give everyone strength, God, that may be grieving. Wipe away tears from their eyes, in the name of Jesus. Lord, then guide them and direct them into the way you want them to go, Claxton prayed.

Another student, Lyric Smith, offered a eulogy.

My friend, Jada, was a very cheerful person. There werent many times that you would see her without a bright smile on her face, Smith said.

Jada was also a very positive person who always had a positive outlook in any situation. Her smartness and intelligence were unmatched! she added.

She took pride in her schoolwork. As hard as she worked, she went just as hard as she played, Smith said.

With a warm laugh, she added, Jada was very childish, but in a fun way. She loved playing Roblox, making TikTok videos and dancing with her dance group, Royal Dynasty.

Jada was very caring and dependable. She was always there should anyone ever need her. It didnt matter to Jada who you were, where you came from or who you might have voted for, she was always willing to lend a helping hand, give you her time and help, words of advice or a listening ear, Smith said.

Those who knew Jada well would agree that she wouldnt want to see us cry today. Shed want this to be a celebration, one with a lot of love and smiles. The love she showed each of us is something that will always live on and it can give us strength until we meet again, she added.

Today we can find a little bit of happiness in all of the wonderful memories of the moments we spent with Jada. Every time she sat next to us, she gave us a hug or a handshake, offered some words of wisdom or advice on life, or kept us laughing with an unexpected joke, Smith said.

Student Bryce Robinson led students and staff in a moment of silence.

Let us take a moment to remember her and all of those crazy and joyful memories that will make us miss her most, he said.

High School for Health Professions Early College Coordinator Rahn Scott read a poem written for Fludd.

Deshawn Lambright, a student, told of the meaning behind the balloon release.

He noted that the balloon release symbolizes letting go, sending prayers to heaven, celebrating life and ascension.

With a bundle of blue and gold balloons, held high with white strings, student Laila Sumpter said, On the count of three, release the balloons into the air. Every balloon represents a beautiful memory for this wonderful human being that was so loved by us all.

Sumpter counted confidently, One! Two! Three! We love you, Jada! and balloons soared out of sight against the backdrop of a perfectly blue sky with a bright afternoon sun.

Student Tyleah Owens said, Jadas absence from our day-to-day lives will always be difficult. Well never forget her. That kind of love never leaves and I know well always remember her with the deepest love and a smile.

Her memory will live on in each of us, Owens said.

Jordan Avinger, a student, turned the remainder of the ceremony over to school administrators.

After the ceremony, licensed marriage and family therapist Nakisha Randolph spoke about the counseling services provided to students.

Randolph is one of the additional counselors on campus to help students following Fludds death.

Weve been working since Saturday, when this happened, Randolph said.

Weve been mobilizing, strategizing and planning the best resources and support that we can offer to the students here, she said.

She said students are experiencing, Overwhelming sadness. They are kind of still in shock and disbelief that this happened to such an energetic, happy and soulful person.

She and other counselors are encouraging students to know its OK to cry and express emotions.

There is no magic pill or formula, its just something that you have to work through, Randolph said.

Randolph said some coping strategies include:

 Talking about it. Share feelings and emotions. Talk to someone you trust.

 Get up for a walk if youre feeling like your head is a little foggy with thoughts or questions that cant be answered.

 Remember great memories.

 Support each other.

High School for Health Professions Principal Derwin Farr said in an interview that students are struggling processing the loss of Jada. Shes a wonderful student, wonderful friend, Early College student. Shes well-liked here at the school, so they are really struggling right now, but were trying to bring them together as one family.

Farr said there are about 500 students at the school.

Today is a little better day because were celebrating her birthday and celebrating her life. Yesterday was real hard, but I think we gave them a day to process (grief) at the memorial service we had on yesterday and the balloon release just kind of brought them together, Farr said.

As you saw, everyone was wearing blue, which was her favorite color, he added.

He said students were allowed to wear blue on Tuesday, instead of their usual daily wear of medical-type scrubs.

Farr noted that school employees are having a difficult time.

Staff is really taking it hard, you know. Were a small staff here, so Jada touched all of the staff here, he said.

Fludd entered the school when she was a freshman and was currently in her junior year.

Were really monitoring staff. The staff needs the support just like the students, he said.

Farr and others sometimes called Fludd The Cookie Monster.

Shed get cookies every day. She wouldnt eat lunch, but she definitely was going to get cookies, he said smiling.

Fludd had dreams of becoming an anesthesiologist, Farr said.

She had a 5.005 grade point average and already earned 27.5 credits.

She couldve graduated from high school early, Farr said. She was on track to get an associates degree.

Farr said additional counselors will remain on campus next week too.

Were here for our students 24/7, he added.

You know, the hard  Farr began to say, interrupted by his grief, taking a few seconds to gather his composure as a tears swelled in his eyes.

You know the hardest part about doing this job is students when they pass on, he said.

The rewarding part is seeing them walk across the stage. The hardest part is when you have a student to pass. It just feels like one of your own, he added.

Just keep the Warrior family in your prayers, Farr said.
Three massive wildfires continue to burn in Southern California

Xinhua) 09:00, September 11, 2024

Massive flames and heavy smoke are seen in Trabuco Canyon, Orange County, California, the United States, on Sept. 10, 2024. Three fast-moving wildfires continued to burn in Southern California Tuesday as millions of residents in the region are still under an excessive heat warning. (Photo by Qiu Chen/Xinhua)

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- Three fast-moving wildfires continued to burn in Southern California Tuesday as millions of residents in the region are still under an excessive heat warning.

The largest one, dubbed the Line Fire, had scorched at least 26,000 acres (about 105 square km) with only 5 percent containment as of Tuesday morning in San Bernardino County, forcing mandatory evacuation orders for thousands of people.

There are currently 65,600 structures threatened, including 9,200 structures under evacuation orders and 56,400 structures under evacuation warnings, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire).

"The north and east sides of the Line Fire continue to burn with the greatest intensity. Today will be mostly sunny over the fire area, and the smoke impacts are expected to grow as the day progresses," said Cal Fire in an update, adding that firefighters are creating control lines, protecting structures and the community, making contingency plans, and maximizing the use of aircraft when conditions are not too smoky.

The fire, which broke out on Thursday, grew exponentially in size over the weekend due to soaring temperatures and critically dry vegetation amid a record-setting heat wave in Southern California.

California Governor Gavin Newsom declared on Saturday a state of emergency in San Bernardino County to help ensure the availability of vital resources to suppress the fire. He announced on Monday the activation of the California National Guard to assist nearly 2,000 firefighters in battling the massive wildfire.

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 grew to nearly 3,000 acres (about 12.1 square km) with zero containment as of Tuesday morning.

A new blaze, dubbed the Airport fire, started Monday afternoon in Trabuco Canyon in Orange County. The fire charred more than 8,500 acres (about 34.4 square km) overnight with zero percent containment, prompting evacuations.

The fire spread quickly in hazardous weather conditions, leading to the evacuation of more than 1,400 homes and triggering responses by more than 1,000 firefighters, reported local KABC television station, adding that two firefighters were treated for heat-related injuries and one civilian was hospitalized for smoke inhalation.

Southern California is still facing dangerously hot conditions on Tuesday, and an excessive heat warning will stay in effect until Tuesday night, according to U.S. National Weather Service Los Angeles.

The massive wildfires have generated unhealthy levels of smoke in Southern California. The South Coast Air Quality Management District issued a wildfire smoke advisory, valid until Tuesday night, for a large part of the region.

"Smoke from the Line, Bridge, and Airport fires is expected to cause PM2.5 levels to reach at least the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups," said the agency.

Massive flames and heavy smoke are seen in Trabuco Canyon, Orange County, California, the United States, on Sept. 10, 2024. Three fast-moving wildfires continued to burn in Southern California Tuesday as millions of residents in the region are still under an excessive heat warning. (Photo by Qiu Chen/Xinhua)

A firefighting helicopter is seen above massive flames and in heavy smoke in Trabuco Canyon, Orange County, California, the United States, on Sept. 10, 2024. Three fast-moving wildfires continued to burn in Southern California Tuesday as millions of residents in the region are still under an excessive heat warning. (Photo by Qiu Chen/Xinhua)

A firefighting helicopter is seen above massive flames and in heavy smoke in Trabuco Canyon, Orange County, California, the United States, on Sept. 10, 2024. Three fast-moving wildfires continued to burn in Southern California Tuesday as millions of residents in the region are still under an excessive heat warning. (Photo by Qiu Chen/Xinhua)

Massive flames and heavy smoke are seen in Trabuco Canyon, Orange County, California, the United States, on Sept. 10, 2024. Three fast-moving wildfires continued to burn in Southern California Tuesday as millions of residents in the region are still under an excessive heat warning. (Photo by Qiu Chen/Xinhua)

Massive flames and heavy smoke are seen in Trabuco Canyon, Orange County, California, the United States, on Sept. 10, 2024. Three fast-moving wildfires continued to burn in Southern California Tuesday as millions of residents in the region are still under an excessive heat warning. (Photo by Qiu Chen/Xinhua)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
PHNOM PENH, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- A Cambodian court on Wednesday sentenced two Thai men to life in prison for trafficking a large amount of illicit drugs, according to a verdict.

Saehoe Somchai, 33, and Saehoe Thanat, 30, were both arrested in the capital Phnom Penh on August 21, 2023, with 118 kg of methamphetamine and ketamine.

"The duo was charged with possessing, transporting and trafficking illicit drugs," said the verdict pronounced by Theam Chan Piseth, presiding judge of Phnom Penh Municipal Court.

"The court decided to sentence each of them to life in prison," the verdict said, adding that the court also fined each of them 80 million riel (20,000 U.S. dollars).

Under the kingdom's law, the convicts have one month to file an appeal against the verdict.

Cambodia has ramped up efforts in combating illicit drugs since August 2023 when Prime Minister Hun Manet took office.

The Southeast Asian country detained 17,574 drug-related suspects, including 550 foreigners of 15 nationalities, during the January-August period of 2024, seizing a total of 5.75 tons of illicit drugs, according to the Anti-Drug Department. 
SOUTH SIOUX CITY  After three long days of questioning potential jurors, lawyers have chosen the 12 men and women who will hear the Jason Jones murder case.

Five alternate jurors also were chosen to sit in on the trial, which is scheduled to last more than two weeks.

Opening arguments will be heard Thursday morning, followed by the state's opening witnesses and exhibits.

Jones, 44, is charged with killing four Laurel, Nebraska, residents on Aug. 4, 2022. He has pleaded not guilty to four counts each of first-degree murder and use of a firearm to commit a felony and two counts of first-degree arson for the shooting deaths of Michele Ebeling, 53, in her home and Gene Twiford, 86, his wife, Janet Twiford, 85, and their daughter Dana Twiford, 55, in their home and setting both houses on fire.

Lawyers began the jury selection process on Monday at South Sioux City's Marriott Riverfront hotel, where conference space was utilized to accommodate the nearly 200 Dakota County residents summoned for jury duty. The trial now will move to the Dakota County Courthouse in Dakota City for the remainder of the trial.

The selection process was prolonged because lawyers individually interviewed several potential jurors who had indicated they might have religious or moral reasons to believe they couldn't be on the jury and follow the law if a death sentence is a possibility. If Jones is found guilty of first-degree murder, jurors would have to decide whether there were mitigating circumstances qualifying Jones for the death penalty. A three-judge panel, not the jury, would ultimately decide if Jones were sentenced to death.

The trial was moved to Dakota County from Cedar County after a judge determined it was unlikely Jones could receive a fair trial there.

Before opening arguments begin, District Judge Bryan Meismer will have a hearing on a complaint filed by the Cedar County News, a Hartington, Nebraska, newspaper, regarding the possible restriction of media access to some exhibits that will be presented at trial.

During a July hearing, the prosecution and defense informed Meismer of plans to agree to a protective order that would prevent media access to certain state exhibits during the trial because of a concern that publishing those exhibits could prejudice Jones' wife, Carrie Jones, who also has been charged with murder and has yet to stand trial. According to the newspaper's complaint, Meismer indicated he was willing to restrict the exhibits.

The newspaper argues such an protective order is a restraint of speech and not permitted under the First Amendment. Trials, and records presented during them, are open to the public and the press, and there is no valid justification to prevent the media access from the exhibits, the newspaper said in its complaint.
NORTH SIOUX CITY -- An occupant of a North Sioux City mobile home was hospitalized with burns from a fire that destroyed the structure Tuesday.

North Sioux City firefighters were dispatched at 3:54 p.m. to 36 Cotts Drive, where a neighbor had spotted the fire and called 911.

The home was engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived, assistant fire chief Jim Christenson said.

Christenson said the two occupants of the home had been sleeping and woke up when they smelled the smoke. A woman living there safely evacuated while a male occupant stayed inside and tried to put out the fire. The man suffered burns to his back and an arm and was transported to a Sioux City hospital. Christenson said he did not know the extent of the man's burns.

The home and most of its contents were a total loss, Christenson said, and a cat was found dead inside the home. The Red Cross was assisting the couple.

Christenson said the fire was caused by a discarded cigarette.

No firefighters were injured during the response, which included mutual aid from Sergeant Bluff.
How to Do It is Slates sex advice column. Have a question? Send it to Jessica and Rich here. Its anonymous!

Dear How to Do It,

Long story short, Im in a sexless marriage and Im considering the merits of just ending it all.

My wife is the only person Ive had sex with (she says she has been with 8-10 men before me, but claims not to really remember). We have been married almost 20 years.

My dick is below average. Im not very good at sex either. I am also overweight, and not particularly attractive. My wife, on the other hand, is totally hot. She could easily date someone 15 to 20 years below her age. I can totally understand why she isnt into me. Early in our marriage, she seemed fairly eager for sex, but between being shy and worried sick about getting her pregnant, things often didnt go well. Even at our peak, we had sex maybe two times a month on average.

She has never really expressed any interest in anything other than fairly plain sex, usually in a get it over with as soon as possible fashion. Again, as I am not good at it, I understand that. But shes never wanted to really talk about sex, show me what she likes, or anything else. She absolutely doesnt want me touching her pussy with anything other than my dick. Ever. After we finally had a child, her eagerness for sex diminished. After she swore off alcohol, it diminished even further. After I was diagnosed with terminal cancer, that was it. She seems to have lost all interest. As a result of cancer surgery, I had another surgery to get a penile implant. She has expressed no interest. Whenever I bring up the idea of sex, she seems to get angry. I have yet to use the implant.

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At this point, I feel like I have to take the hint. Im not going to ask her about it anymore. I would just end it all if it were not for the small child for whom I endure the absolute misery and pain of cancer treatment. There is no hope for cure. All they can do is prolong the inevitable. I probably have one, maybe two years left.

My wife is a kind, caring and compassionate woman. She has gone above and beyond with this cancer business and put up with far more BS from me before that than she has ever deserved. She just seems to have zero interest in sex with me. I dont blame her. In the meantime, I am DESPERATE to have a warm, female body next to me at night, and to have sex.

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It is worth pointing out that when I was first diagnosed with cancer, I told her she didnt have to endure it with me and offered her an exit. She declined and has done so several times since. I feel like she should stop wasting her time with me and move on with her life, but she says I am being ridiculous.

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My question is, should I seek out a sex worker and risk what little I have in this miserable life, or just be happy with masturbating two to three times per day? The lack of sexual interest from my wife often feels worse than the cancer treatment.

Dying for Sex in Mexico

Dear Dying for Sex in Mexico,

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This is so sad. From the terminal nature of your cancer to the self-denigration regarding your sexual abilities to the dysfunctional communication with your wife: It all amounts to a portrait of pain. I want that pain to reduce as much as possible.

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I dont recommend that people cheat on their partners in this column. Call me a naive optimist but Im guided by the belief that a viable relationship can withstand the kind of advance notice and ensuring communication that makes non-monogamy ethicalthe people participating in the relationship may never find the right words, but my position on this issue is predicated on believing that theyre out there. Applying a sliding scale to morality gets dicey and can lead to chaos, but at the same time, I want you to get laid again before you die. Im not running a foundation, but I want to help you make and achieve your wish.

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So heres what I propose: Tell your wife that youre considering hiring a sex worker. See what kind of reaction that gets. Maybe she will shut down, maybe she will get angry, maybe she will calmly discuss it with you, maybe she will immediately give you her blessing. Let her have her initial reaction. Walk her through how you got there if shes curious. If you dont see the conversation heading in a direction where you are at least being heard and your needs are being considered, let it drop, and then bring it up again in a few days. Let your wife know that this is a concern of yours and will continue to be. Its important that she acknowledge your unrealized desires and your ensuing frustration. If and when she realizes youre serious, she may have a counter planperhaps shell even suggest restarting sex with her. She may also be frustrated, so over the course of these conversations, be open to hearing her out. Maybe she has ideas about how sex could be made enjoyable for her that she has never felt like she had the ability or opportunity to express. Encourage that.

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If you get nowhere with this, what to do? The clock is ticking. Its at least worth mulling over the possibility of cheating, especially without getting caught. Youd have to be really careful. If you go the sex worker route, thats about as no-strings as it gets in a situation like this, which seems preferable for you. Pay in cash, communicate via encrypted app (if thats how youre coordinating), cover your tracks.

Consider whether it would really be such a shock if she were to uncover that you cheated on her given the state of sex in your relationship. Probably not, but it still could taint the picture of you she has in her head well after youre gone. You dont have to care about that, though. You could throw it all out the window and figure that youre going to live the rest of your life as you see fit since so little of it is left, but you also have a legacy to tend toits what your wife and child will have of you when youre gone. Your challenge is to leave behind good memories but also live true to yourself. We all deal with this tension to some degree, it just happens to present as more urgent in your current situation. Pursue the sex that you can have in the time you have left as ethically as your life allows.

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Dear How to Do It,

I have what Ive always considered an average, decent, uncircumcised penis, with which Ive had no problems. Sex and masturbation are pleasurable, frequent enough, and seem unencumbered. My new girlfriend has, however, alerted me to something that might be wrong: The head of my penis is numb. The foreskin around the head is sensitive and so is the shaft. I have always just assumed that the head was supposed to be numb, and that all men experienced that numbness, but my girlfriend doesnt think so. I dont think this is a problem necessarily, but if it is a problem with a simple fix, I would like to look into it. Maybe theres a whole world of sexual feeling that Im not experiencing and could be! What do you think?

Numb in the Head

Dear Numb in the Head,

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Your girlfriend is right about at least one thing: Not all glans are numb. For many, its the most sensitive part of the penis. But keep in mind that all bodies are different, so yours being numb is, as you pointed out, not necessarily a problem. Penile numbness is a known condition that generally describes the entire organ. It could be a sign of injury, low testosterone, or disease like diabetes. Dr. Charles Welliver, director of mens health at Albany Medical College, told me by email that when its been reported by his patients, penile numbness is usually psychological after a breakup without any actual physical exam findings.

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I have found that urologists tend to be unflappable. If you report a potential issue thats not really posing an actual problem, theyre not going to be extremely motivated to treat it. Welliver suggested that if it were something as serious as spinal cord lesions that were causing your numbness, youd also have numbness around your anus and the back of your legs. It could be an issue with a nerve that goes from the spinal cord to the penis, but Welliver said thats unlikely. Still, it wouldnt hurt to get this checked out (start with a urologist)it could help with a diagnosis, or at least peace of mind if a doctor tells you youre fine.

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He should get checked out, but I think its most likely that they dont find something, wrote Welliver. That said if they found something it would be a good chance it is not something you would want. Reason enough!

How to Get Advice From How to Do It

Have a nagging (or totally inconsequential) question about sex? Its fun to see your words in this column! Send it in now.

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Dear How to Do It,

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My boyfriend recently developed year-round allergies. He did all the right things: he saw an allergist, he takes over-the-counter medication, he uses air filters, and he keeps a clean home so pollen and dust dont sit. But he makes gross, snuffling, snorting mucus noises often now. He cant help having allergies, but it is very, very gross. It makes me twitch when it happens, and I get repulsed if were cuddling or spooning and suddenly he makes a wet, thick throat or nose sound. Because this happens so often, its genuinely turning me off. I dont have a very high sex drive to begin with, and being interrupted by wet cat hairball noises while Im trying to give a blowjob or enjoy foreplay kills it for me. I know he cant help having allergies, and hes doing the best he can. I know my body is gross too sometimes, and he doesnt call me on it, but what can I do?

Please Less Mucus

Dear Please Less Mucus,

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He cant help having allergies, but he can attempt to minimize the mucosal melodies. Think about his public behavior: Is he always making these noises? During intimate dinners? As he sits in the audience at the ballet? At the Alamo Drafthouse after that foreboding message about the theater being a quiet zone and all who dare to make a peep will be ejected? If this is somewhat controllable, based on the context, you have every right to request that one of those contexts be during sex. That might mean taking his allergy meds and/or expectorant (like Mucinex) right before you jump in bed. It might mean being mindful and actively suppressing to the best of his ability. Have you talked to him directly about this very issue? If not, he might not realize how much its affecting you and thus has little incentive to try to do anything differently. Knowledge could be key here.

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If he knows, or tries and fails to suppress the hawking cacophony, consider wearing earplugs or noise-canceling headphones during sex. While this would eliminate the kind of sounds that many enjoy during sex (feedback, dirty talk, etc.), it could also help you explore sensory-deprivation, which many enjoy and can intensify the physical sensations of sex. The trade-off could prove worthwhile.

Dear How to Do It,

Ive been married for eight years. I love my wife and our relationship, but we both know that I deeply crave new adventures. I get bored with the same routine every day. I love sex having sex with her, but Im also curious about taboo things like swingers parties, nudist resorts, or polyamorous relationships. Sometimes I feel that I am insatiable and I am just a flawed person because I wantand sometimes feel like I needthese things. How do I communicate this to my partner? Or should I drop the idea of wanting more and keep it wrapped up?

Dazed

Dear Dazed,

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Like everyone, you contain multitudes. Life is not a matter of either/or, but for the sake of communicating effectively what you want, youre going to have to figure out whats more important to overcome: Your issues with new adventures or your boredom with routine. Your letter suggests that you are more focused on ameliorating your boredom, so Im going to advise you to pursue that which you deem taboo (and that I, and many of my fellow urban gays would deem fun activities for a Tuesday evening). Start with the same kind of introductory affirmation contained in your letter: I love you and our relationship. And then get to the but: But Id like to explore more with you. If you set it up like a collaborative group activity, there is less chance youll be immediately shut down. Maybe your wife is interested in these things as well. You can research ahead of time and provide options of local swingers parties, nudist resorts, or poly groups to check out. Your tone should be probing, but not pointed. What does your wife think of this? Is there anything she would like to explore? Does she have concerns about this kind of exploration?

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It might also help to have a bit of general knowledge under your belt, so as always Im recommending some additional reading on nonmonogamy: Books like Tristan Taorminos Opening Up, Janet W. Hardy and Dossie Eastons The Ethical Slut, and Jessica Ferns Polywise will give you a greater sense of what it is youre asking for, and what the costs/benefits are in pursuing these things. Keep in mind that non-monogamy is not without its potential risks and complications and that no amount of talking may prepare you for them. But its possible to get through the complications and repair whatever damage they cause by frequent, compassionate communication, which means both articulation and active listening. If you arent good in either of these areas, bone up firstpractice the latter by writing down what you are feeling about the sex youre having and the sex you arent yet having but want to pursue. For the latter, heres an active listening primer. Good luck.

Rich

More Advice From Slate

Im a 48-year-old woman who recently started dating much younger men. But Im noticing a troubling pattern: They seem to be inordinately influenced by what they see in porn. They seem to be obsessed with things like coming on my face, anal before weve even mastered making me come, and also them masturbating to finish. Im not a huge fan of any of this. The guy Im currently seeing wants to work on this, but neither of us are sure how to recondition him. What should we do?
Tuning in to Fox News following Tuesdays presidential debate, it was hard to describe the mood. Somber comes to minda little like you might find at a funeral, perhaps for a beloved cat consumed by a political boogeyman.

Donald Trump had just spent almost all of his 90-minute debate with Kamala Harris ranting into his microphone in a 180-degree contrast from his previous appearance, against Joe Biden. If he kept it together for the first little bit, Trump quickly fell into the traps Harris laid for himabout his crowd sizes, his reputation among military chiefs, his standing among world leadersand the results were grim. To anyone watching who might have forgotten what the Trump years were like, it was an intense reminder.

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When the ABC moderators finally wrapped things up and the lights came up on the Fox News panel, the anchors seemed just as rattled as viewers at home. You instantly knew that things were bleak when host Jesse Watters tried to insist that there had been no winners. I dont think the American people are watching and thinking any of these people won, Watters stammered out. He then conceded, This was rough. This was pretty intense at times.

Brit Hume, the networks chief political analyst, was starker. Make no mistake about it: Trump had a bad night, Hume told Fox viewers. This was pretty much her night. Sounding exasperated, Hume complained that Trump had been repeatedly baited by Harris, leading Trump to relitigate so many of the old grievances that we had long thought Trump had learned were not winners politically. Harris, meanwhile, was composed and prepared, Hume said: She kept her cool.

Youre saying she had a good night? host Bret Baier asked him.

Im saying she certainly did, Hume said sternly.

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On MSNBC, the difference could not have been more pronounced. Chris Hayes seemed unable to sit still from excitement. Lawrence ODonnell was giddily proclaiming that Harris had turned in the best performance ever in a presidential debate. Rachel Maddow gleefully read out the breaking news of Taylor Swifts endorsement of the Harris ticket live on air to Gov. Tim Walz as if it were a message from God.

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But on Fox News, the strategy delivered after the initial shock passed seemed to be to attack the real villains: those pesky ABC journalists who had asked follow-up questions and fact-checked during the debate, such as when they told the American people there was, in fact, no evidence for Trumps frankly racist claims that the good pets of Springfield, Ohio, were being gobbled up by Haitian migrants.

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Related From Slate Harris Set a Series of Traps, and Trump Fell Into Every Single One Read More

Soon, a string of Fox News friendly faces was called upon. Looking beaten down, host Sean Hannity insisted that the biggest loser in the debate was ABC, bashing the networks journalists David Muir and Linsey Davis as far-left moderators. Speaking with the air of someone just grateful to be invited on television, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. complained about the evident bias of the moderators who were fact-checking constantly trivialities by President Trump. Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida called the moderators an embarrassment to journalism. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis told viewers he much preferred the moderating style of CNNs Jake Tapper and Dana Bash because they asked questions and they got out of the way.*

Eventually, Trump himself entered the debate spin rooma rare move for himand began an impromptu press conference of sorts, prompting Hannity to shush Kennedy so the viewers could listen in live. But without a mic clearly in front of Trump, the audience at home had to strain to hear him, creating an even more shambolic appearance. Instead of the former president, the Fox mics picked up the sounds of others in the room full of journalists and media figures: Why wouldnt you look at her? Why not let your performance speak for itself? Some just audibly snickered at the scene.

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When Trump did eventually find his way over to Hannitys set for the TV equivalent of a postgame massage, he complained it had been three against one but still insisted it had been his best debate ever. Visibly sweating and with his hair disheveled, however, he hardly sounded victorious.

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And it was the reaction of the Fox hosts that was the most revealing about how the night had gone for Trump. Watters even demonstrated one or two flashes of honesty for his audience; in between defenses, he groaned that Trump had some moments where you were like, Oh my God! Where is he going with this? Indeed, for those Fox viewers wondering where Trump had led them on Tuesday night, there was one grim answer: This race just got tighter, Watters said.

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.
JUBA, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- Nearly 800,000 refugees who have fled conflict in Sudan are facing hunger and diseases in South Sudan amid a lack of humanitarian funding and soaring cost of food, a global charity warned Wednesday.

Save the Children said about 794,000 refugees and South Sudanese returnees, including an estimated 476,000 children who have fled to South Sudan since the conflict escalated in April 2023 have seen their food rations squeezed.

"The country's economic crisis, however, threatens to deteriorate the value of the already inadequate food ration even further for those that will continue to receive it," said the charity in a statement.

Famari Barro, Save the Children interim South Sudan country director, said South Sudan is in the depths of a humanitarian disaster; already one of the world's poorest countries, reeling from the impacts of the climate crisis and food insecurity.

"Hundreds of thousands of children across the country rely on food rations to survive, many will now be plunged into even further precarity and exposure to malnutrition, disease and protection risks like child marriage or labor as families are forced to desperate measures," Barro added.

The UN's World Food Program (WFP) provides food rations and cash to refugees and South Sudanese returnees fleeing conflict in Sudan. It said recent funding shortfalls have meant that since 2022, refugees seeking safety in South Sudan only receive half of what the WFP considers a full food ration.

The charity said that further cuts are taking place in the refugee camps, which will affect the majority of Sudanese refugees who fled to South Sudan before April 2023 and will leave many more established refugee families without any direct food assistance.

The refugees have expressed fears that the food cuts affecting the longer-established refugee community in South Sudan will prompt people to leave the camp and even consider going back to Sudan despite a lack of safety.

The charity said conditions for refugees in South Sudan are dire as new arrivals live in flimsy shelters that offer little protection from the elements, while sanitation is poor. It warned that the looming threat of malnutrition from food shortages brings more risk of diseases, with severe acute malnutrition shutting down children's immune systems and making otherwise non-life-threatening conditions like diarrhea potentially lethal. 
As we get closer to the election, the Republican Party is finding it increasingly politically useful to fix the publics attention on the supposed dangers of immigrant populations. The Trump campaign keeps calling Vice President Kamala Harris the border czar in its attacks. (In actuality, Harris was tasked by the Biden administration with addressing the root causes of migration from Central America in 2021.)

Conservative media have played up stories of an apartment complex in Aurora, Colorado, that was supposedly taken over by a Venezuelan gang (it wasnt), and the Heritage Foundation has pushed the idea that noncitizen voters pose a serious threat to the legitimacy of the upcoming presidential election (they dont). On Tuesday, the House Judiciary Committee held a hearing on The Biden-Harris Border Crisis: Victim Perspectives, exploring the effects of the Biden-Harris Administrations open borders policies on American families and communities through testimony from victims of fentanyl poisoning and criminal illegal aliens.

But no anti-immigrant scare tactic has captured the troll internet space quite like the Haitian pet-eating panic.

On Monday, social media was flooded with A.I.-generated images of Donald Trump holding kittens and ducksand sometimes carrying them away from Black people giving them chase. The images, which as memes are meant to convey an own-the-libs kind of dark humor, are based on a false claim that has bounced around the conservative internetthat Haitian immigrants are stealing and eating Americans pets.

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As racist misinformation goes, this instance of fake news is particularly vile and dehumanizing, in a kind of classically nativist way. Theres no dog whistle herethe bigotry is open and gleeful. The claim originated with a fictitious Facebook post about Springfield, Ohio, in which the user said that their neighbors daughters friends cat was cooked and eaten by Haitians. The post also said that Haitians were cooking ducks and geese in a local park. These claims were utterly false, but some people on social media conflated it with an unrelated story from Canton, Ohio, in which a woman killed and ate a neighborhood cat. The woman does not appear to be an immigrant.

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In reality, the city of Springfield has experienced a large surge of immigration from Haiti since the pandemic, in part because of a boom in manufacturing and warehouse jobs, and some residents have complained bitterly about it. The New York Times noted that the city has recently seen a Nazi march and had a town meeting derailed by bigoted complaints, but that by most accounts, the Haitians have helped revitalize Springfield.

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The pet-eating rumor spread quickly, though. On Sunday night, a popular breaking news account shared the Facebook post onto X, where it took off. The account paired the Facebook post with a photo of a Black man walking down a residential street carrying a Canada goose by its legs. (The photo is from Columbus, Ohio, not Springfield; the person who took the photo has protested that it is not proof of anything.) In an effort to back up the bird-eating-related claims, social media users posted a clip of a man in a Springfield meeting saying, Theyre in the park, grabbing up ducks by their necks, and cutting their heads off and walking off with them, and eating them. There is no evidence of this.

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Former Trump adviser Stephen Miller, a man who has promoted white nationalist positions, went all-in on the story, tweeting repeatedly about how Harris plan is to turn America into a destitute refugee colony. The Trump campaign posted on X that Harris would send migrants who eat pets to your town next.

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Elon Musk, who has 197 million followers on X, was particularly obsessive, posting or sharing posts about Springfield and immigrants eating pets at least eight times. Several of the posts featured A.I.-generated memes. Others were pure speculation.

But what was really remarkable about the chain of events was how quickly the talking point was embraced by Republican lawmakers. Rep. Mike Collins of Georgia posted: Theyre in the park. Grabbing up ducks. By they neck. And eatin em. Rep. Lauren Boebert wrote: No one was eating your pets when President Trump was in the White House Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio posted twice about migrants eating pets, warning, Dont think it cant happen where you live too. Arizona Rep. Andy Biggs posted: Protect Americas pets!

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They got into the memes, too. The Republican House Judiciary Committee account shared an A.I. image of Trump cuddling animals in a lake. Sen. Ted Cruz didnt go for the A.I. images, but he did post a meme in the style of an earlier internet era, showing two embracing cats with the text Please vote for Trump so the Haitian immigrants dont eat us. He captioned it with three laughing emojis.

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And by Tuesday afternoon, the internet meme discourse hit the real world. According to the Arizona Republican Party, it had erected 12 digital billboards in the Phoenix metro area featuring a joke about it. On the billboards, which are a spoof of Chick-fil-As famous Eat Mor Chikin ad campaign, A.I. kittens wearing cow costumes have painted a message: EAT LESS KITTENS. Vote Republican!

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It remains unclear how much any of these people actually believe that Haitian immigrants are eating pets. Its all too easy to point out that pet-related conversations have not favored conservatives in recent months, given J.D. Vances misogynistic comments about childless cat ladies; South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noems writing about shooting her dog; and the published photo of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has thrown his support to Trump, miming the act of eating a barbecued dog. The A.I. memes, which are extremely plentiful on X, arent actually implying any level of seriousness about endangered pets; theyre just absurdist racist jokes. Theres a kind of internet shock humor to it all, an ugly meeting of Stephen Millers 19th-century-style racism with Elon Musks messageboard racism, plus some dissonant echoes of the heyday of the cat internet in the mid-2000s.

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But whether or not they believe in the pet-killing story, the countrys most powerful Republicans are trying to incite some kind of moral panic. On Monday morning, Sen. J.D. Vance, the Republican vice presidential nominee, posted on social media that he had previously raised concerns about Haitian immigrants in Springfield. 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?

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Tuesday morning, he doubled down, bringing up the death of an 11-year-old Ohio boy who was killed in a car crash caused by a Haitian man driving without a valid drivers license. (The boys family has disavowed the hateful rhetoric around the Haitian community in Springfield.) Vance wrote:

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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.

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.

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It was a tirade meant to stir up the fears that Trump loves to provoke. There was a political argument hereeven if its a xenophobic onebased on the idea that migrant populations are straining public resources. The New York Times reported that in Springfield, the Haitian population has taxed certain institutions, such as the health care and educational systems, but that it simultaneously rescued the towns flagging local economy. That kind of nuance is seemingly uninteresting to Vance, who indicated he cared less about the truth of the situation than in stoking hate. Dont let the crybabies in the media dissuade you, fellow patriots, he wrote. Keep the cat memes flowing.

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.
It had been reported before the debate that unlike Vice President Kamala Harris, Donald Trump underwent minimal preparation for facing off against his adversary. The results of that became apparent when the former president, seemingly rattled by Harris performance and her personal digsincluding about the crowds at his rallies, the prosecutions against him, and his reputation among world leadersanswered the moderators questions with error-laden rants and lashed out at Harris with convoluted tangents about niche online gripes.

Here are some of the strangest talking points he made during the night.

That Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Harris Pick for VP, Is OK With Executing Babies After Birth

Trump was asked why women should trust him on reproductive rights given how often he has changed his position on abortion. He framed the overturning of Roe v. Wade as a move that gave women more control, not less, because now decisions about abortion can be made at the state level. But he also tried to turn the tables by accusing Democrats of  er  wildly extreme abortion politics. Which led him to this whopper:

They have abortion in the ninth month. They even haveand you can look at the governor of West Virginia, the previous governor of West Virginia, not the current governor whos doing an excellent job, but the governor before. He said, The baby will be born, and we will decide what to do with the baby. In other words, well execute the baby. Her vice presidential pickwhich I think was a horrible pick, by the way, for the country because he is really out of itbut her vice presidential pick says abortion in the ninth month is absolutely fine. He also says execution after birthits execution, no longer abortion, because the baby is bornis OK.

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The falsehoods he rattled off about abortion were so bold that one of the moderators, Linsey Davis, firmly refuted oneThere is no state in this country where it is legal to kill a baby after its bornbefore moving on to the next question, something that happened only a handful of times during the night. Its not unheard of for Republicans to baselessly accuse Democrats of supporting the killing of infants, but Trump seems to have his baseless accusation a bit jumbled. His comments about the governor of West Virginia were probably meant to target something former Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam, a pediatric neurologist, once said about situations in which a baby was born with severe deformities that made survival unlikely.

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That the Autocratic Prime Minister of Hungary, Viktor Orban, Supports Him

Early in the night, Trump bragged that he had been essentially endorsed by a far-right European politician with dictatorial leaningsnot really someone who is known for respecting the democratic process.

The assertion followed a barb from Harris, who claimed that world leaders were laughing at Trump and thought he was a disgrace. Her point? Americans deserve better. To counter that, Trump brought up a particular favorite leader of his (and of many far-right Republicans).

Let me just say about world leaders: Viktor Orban, one of the most respected menthey call him a strongman. Hes a tough person. Smart. Prime minister of Hungary. They said, Why is the whole world blowing up? Three years ago it wasnt. Why is it blowing up? Because you need Trump back as president.

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He added: Look, Viktor Orban said ithe said the most respected, most feared person is Donald Trump.

Observers of international politics typically agree Orban has moved his country toward authoritarianism in pursuit of his illiberal Christian democracy. Its a worrying model of politics with a strange following on the far right in the U.S., especially among those who have given up on democratic ideals. That Trump was touting an endorsement from a foreign leader who has moved to weaken the courts, the press, and the ability of his opposition to present a challenge to his power is bad. But perhaps the most absurd part of Trumps quote was his conflation of the word strongman with the descriptor tough person. Thats not what strongman means.

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Related From Slate Donald Trump Nailed It (Just Kidding) Read More

That Immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, Are Eating the Dogs

For two days, Trump seemed to resist the call to spread misinformation via a deeply racist anti-immigrant tale that has been sweeping the internet. On Monday and Tuesday, Republican lawmakers began to post A.I.generated photos of Trump rescuing kittens and ducks, a joking reference to false rumors that Haitian migrants in Springfield, Ohio, were stealing and eating waterfowl and pet cats. While Trumps running mate, J.D. Vance, openly embraced the memes and the fearmongering, Trump had, up to this point, posted only more-standard complaints about Haitian migrants in Springfield. During the debate, he decided to go all in on the ghoulish fake story.

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A lot of towns dont want to talk about it because theyre so embarrassed by it, he said, referring to municipalities that were being supposedly overtaken by migrants. In Springfield, theyre eating the dogs. The people that came in, theyre eating the cats. Theyre eatingtheyre eating the pets of the people that live there, and this is whats happening in our country.

Again, this is not true.

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That When He Admitted Losing the 2020 Election, He Meant It Sarcastically

One of Trumps greatest political necessities is maintaining his professed belief that the 2020 election was stolen from him: It justifies, to his supporters, Trumps behavior leading up to Bidens inauguration, his goading of the mob on Jan. 6, and any future plans to challenge another potential election loss, while also allowing Trump to maintain his unbeatable saviorlike persona for his most devoted fans. And yet, in recent weeks, Trump seems to have slipped up on the narrative, saying in a press conference that he didnt quite make it, [was] just a little bit short, and telling a podcaster that he lost by a whisker.

At Tuesdays debate, moderator David Muir pointed this out.

I said that? Trump said.

Are you now acknowledging that you lost in 2020? Muir asked.

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No, Trump said. I dont acknowledge that at all. I said that sarcastically. You know that. It was said Oh, we lost by a whisker. That was said sarcastically.

OK, sure.

That When It Comes to Harris Racial Identity, Whatever She Wants to Be Is OK With Me

During a disastrous interview with the National Association of Black Journalists last month, Trump was strangely belligerent about Kamala Harris racial identity, asserting that Harris had only recently and for political reasons started identifying as Black. The language he used was that she happened to turn Black, and now she wants to be known as Black. This claim was, well, flatly untrue but also rude and racist. And it was received poorly. So Trump was likely aware he would be asked about it at the debate.

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Even still, when asked why he thought it was appropriate to weigh in on the racial identity of your opponent, he didnt bother with sensitivity or respect.

I dont care, he said. I dont care what she is. I dont care. You make a big deal out of somethingI couldnt care less. Whatever she wants to be is OK with me.

Pushed on this, he added: All I can say is I read where she was not Blackthat she put out, Ill say that. And then I read that she was Black, and thats OK. Either one was OK with me. Thats up to her.

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That Harris Wants to Do Transgender Operations on Illegal Aliens That Are in Prison

This line got a lot of attention because it ticked off so many buzzwords for conservative outrage in a very short sentence. Transgender operations! Illegal aliens! Prison!

The thing is, this claim appears to be based somewhat in reality. According to CNN, Trump was referencing a 2019 questionnaire Harris filled out for the ACLU. In that questionnaire, she wrote that it is important that transgender individuals who rely on the state for care receive the treatment they need, and transition treatment is a medical necessity. So, absurd as this statement wasHarris is certainly not actively advocating for gender-affirming surgeries for incarcerated undocumented immigrantsits one where Trump could at least cling to a sliver of truth.

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.
Negotiators believe that the chances of a cease-fire deal in Gaza are close to zero, according to Channel 12, Israels leading TV station. Which raises the question: Was a diplomatic accord to end the war and free the hostages ever really very likely? It seems not.

For months now, U.S. officials have claimed that a deal is in reach. Briefers talked of being inside the 10-yard line; just this month, one senior official noted that negotiators had settled 90 percent of the issuesthough as he continued to describe the situation, it became clear that the unresolved 10 percent touches on the basic, perhaps irreconcilable disputes between Israel and Hamas.

There was a timenot quite two months after Hamas Oct. 7 attack, which started this warthat a deal seemed within reach. On Nov. 24, Israel and Hamas commenced a four-day cease-fire, which eventually extended another two days. During that time, Hamas freed 110 hostages, while Israel released 240 Palestinian prisoners and opened up extensive corridors for humanitarian assistance to Gaza.

This was a deal negotiated by outside powers: President Joe Biden coaxing Israels wartime Cabinet, Qatar pressuring Hamas. Bidens hope was to keep stretching the duration of the cease-fire, giving the diplomats time to reach not only a permanent end to the war but the beginnings of a political settlement to the long-standing struggle between Israel and the Palestinians, possibly even a two-state solution.

But this was not to be. On Dec. 1, Hamas launched rockets into Israel, and Israel responded by resuming airstrikes on Gaza. The war was back on. The next day, the negotiations broke down. And while talks have sputtered on ever since, the fighting hasnt ceased.

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The problem has always been this: All the outside negotiators (the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt, with Saudi Arabia looking on from the side) want a cease-fire and hostage-for-prisoners exchange; the actual combatants (the Israeli government and Hamas) do not, at least not on terms that they would both find acceptable.

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Last week, in a background press briefing, a senior U.S. official described the outlines of the deal being negotiated. It has 18 paragraphs, 14 of which are finished. The other four are not. The differences concern, broadly speaking, two issues. First is the identity of the Palestinian prisoners to be releasedspecifically, how many of the most dangerous militants, a number of them convicted on murder charges, Israel will free. Second is the precise areas of Gaza from which Israeli troops must be withdrawn. The language says they must immediately leave densely populated areas, but the phrase is undefined. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has recently revised his definition so that troops are allowed to stay in the Philadelphi Corridor, near the GazaEgypt border, which Israel believes has been used to smuggle arms to Hamas. Netanyahu insists that Israeli troops stay there, to prevent further smuggling. U.S. negotiators have proposed stationing United Nations peacekeeping troops there; Netanyahu refuses.

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These are not small matters. And their significance has grown since Hamas murder of six hostages in a Gazan tunnel, as Israeli troops neared their location.

More daunting still, these disputes concern the first phase of what is to be a three-phase deal. The second and third phases are still rough sketches, at best.

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Finally, there is an even more fundamental issue. Hamas wants the cease-fire to be permanent and all Israeli troops to be withdrawn before the last hostages are released. Israel wants some troops to remainalong not just the Philadelphi Corridor but also some line in northern Gaza, to prevent Hamas militants from storming across the Israeli border againuntil all the hostages are freed. Netanyahu also wants to achieve total victory over Hamas before pulling out.

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Both sides positions are reasonable, given their interests. Hamas fears that without a permanent cease-fire and total withdrawal, Israel will inflict utter devastation on all of its positions (and suspected positions) after the last hostage is released. And Israel fears that Hamas will attempt another Oct. 7 if the group isnt first destroyed as a political and military power.

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Related From Slate A Global Problem Is Preventing the Wars in Ukraine and Gaza From Coming to an End Read More

Meanwhile, Israelis impatience with the war has grown. Since Hamas killing of the six hostages, hundreds of thousands of citizens, led by several of the hostage families, have taken to the streets of Tel Aviv, demanding an immediate cease-fire-and-hostage deal. Netanyahu has resisted these calls. Some of his inside criticsnotably Yoav Gallant, his defense minister (and likely political rival in a future election)have called for a compromise on Philadelphi, saying that arms smuggling can be monitored and blocked even without the presence of actual troops. Many Israeli military officers agree; they also argue that Israels raids and airstrikes have all but wiped out Hamas military brigades, leaving them as scattered guerrillas, enough so that Israel can take some slight risks for the benefits of peace and a return of the remaining hostages.

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There is also the looming risk of war on Israels northern front, as Hezbollah has escalated its rocket attacks from southern Lebanon. And Hamas militants are waging more violent resistance in the Israel-occupied West Bank, where extremist Jewish settlers have stepped up their campaign to evictand in some cases killPalestinian residents, often with the complicity of the Israeli government.

If Israel invades southern Lebanon (as its troops are training to do) or if violence ramps up in the West Bank, the war in Gaza is likely to spin further out of control. On the other hand, there are signs that if a peace deal were brokered in Gaza, some calm could be restored on the northern and eastern fronts as well.

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Meanwhile, Biden continues to send emissaries to the talks on the war in Gaza, hoping to strike an enduring dealor just get the hostages freedin the final months of his presidency. But even his aides are admitting that the chances are slim. Certainly he and his team have given it their all; the time theyve put in and their stabs at various compromises have been impressive. But the obstacles, on the part of both combatants, have been stiff.

Netanyahus governing coalition has continued intactand is likely to stay that way, provided that he avoids compromise. (This is one reason why he has resisted.) Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas, has no reason to compromise his goals while hes safe underground. The two men have that trait in common. As long as they remain uncompromising, and as long as both sets of outside allies seem unable or unwilling to lay down and enforce fierce demands that they come to the table and relax their terms, the war will rage on.
Tuesday nights debate devoted little time to foreign policy, but a few key moments revealedmore dramatically than half an hour of dedicated discussion might havejust how much a renewed Donald Trump presidency could weaken the United States and make the world a more dangerous place.

Many noted, after the debate, how readily Vice President Kamala Harris lured the ex-president into traps. All she had to do was push one of his buttonsto remark that the crowds at his rallies are bored, or that he inherited all of his wealth (then blew it in successive bankruptcies), or that world leaders laugh at himand he exploded in paroxysms of fury, ranting over grievances, rambling down ratholes of conspiracy theories, thrown off course from the issues at hand.

What we were seeing was the flip side of how easily foreign heads of state, especially tyrants, manipulate Trump to their favor. All they have to do is call him Sir (as he often recites them doing in stories, some possibly true, most clearly fictitious), and he will eat poison right out of their hands.

I like people who like me, Trump has publicly said in several contexts, and the heads of every intelligence agency on Earth no doubt took careful note. He respects me, Trump once said of Russian President Vladimir Putin. He famously sighed that he and North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un sent each other love letters, and, even now, years after the bloom faded, still beams, He likes me. At the recent Republican convention, he boastedboastedthat the head of the Taliban called him Your Excellency, and added, I wonder if he calls the other guymeaning Biden Your Excellency. I doubt it!

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Related From Slate When Trump Promises to End the Ukraine War, Heres What He Really Means Read More

In Tuesdays debate, Trump cited Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban as a character witness, recalling the time when Orban told him the world had fallen apart since he left office because all the leaders were afraid of him. It didnt matter to Trump that Orban is the least democratic leader in Europe, the one EU head of state who openly aligns with Putin (in Trumps scorebook, thats likely a point in Orbans favor). It would be funny, if it werent so alarming, that Trump took Orbans ego-stroking seriously.

The point is that in Trumps mind, everything is aboutand only aboutTrump. When Harris doubts or ridicules his stature, his wealth, the size of his crowds, or whatever, he feels compelled to fight back and restore his eminent centrality at once. When the likes of Putin, Kim, Orban, and the chief Islamist terrorist in Afghanistan bow down before him in even the most blatantly feigned respect, he basks in the gloryand (this is the dangerous part) reciprocates the gesture.

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Trump told Orban (according to Orban) that the way hed end the Russia-Ukraine war would be to cut off all military aid to Ukraine. He struck a deal with the Taliban, behind the Kabul governments back, promising the complete unconditional U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. He canceled joint military exercises with South Korea in order to please Kim (and Chinese leader Xi Jinping).

Even now, Trump doesnt think he did anything wrong here.

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After showing how deeply she could rattle him with the slightest personal insult, Harris turned the tables and spelled out how deeply others can win him over with the slightest compliment. It is absolutely well known that these dictators and autocrats are rooting for you to be president again, she said, because theyre so clear they can manipulate you with flattery and favors.

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She claimed that if Trump wins in November, Putin would soon after be sitting in Kyiv with his eyes on the rest of Europe, beginning with Polandand then laid it on thick, with a local spice for viewers in the pivotal state of Pennsylvania, where the debate was taking place:

Why dont you tell the 800,000 Polish Americans right here in Pennsylvania how quickly you would give up for the sake of favor and what you think is a friendship with what is known to be a dictator, who would eat you for lunch.

Harris said all this while looking straight at Trump. Many people who have dealt with Trump know this about his vulnerability to flattery, his envy of strongmen, his puzzlingly desperate need for approval and praise. Some of his aides have recounted this compulsion in books theyve written after leaving office. But its quite possible that Harris is the first person ever to say these things straight to his face.

Whatever else people might think of Harris, one way or the other, they can no longer honestly believe that shes too timid to go toe-to-toe with a bully.
This story was originally published by Undark and has been republished here with permission.

Just how deadly is the H5N1 avian flu? The virus, which is currently sweeping through U.S. dairy herds, rarely jumps to human beings, at least for now. But when it does, the consequences can be grave: The World Health Organization reports that 52 percent of people known to be infected with H5N1 have died from the disease.

The figure has been widely cited in academic papers, public health communications, and media reports, where it can provoke apocalyptic visions. Bird flu pandemic could be 100 times worse than COVID, claimed one New York Post headline. An article in The Guardian leads with the WHOs enormous concern about the spread of H5N1, which, according to one lead scientist quoted, has an extraordinarily high human mortality rate.

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The actual picture, while still alarming, is more complicated. The WHOs H5N1 mortality figure, an average of wildly different death rates from past outbreaks, doesnt factor in mild cases that went undetected. Even less certain is how lethal H5N1 would be if it evolves to spread not just from animals to humans, but also from person to person.

That genetic twist would likely diminish H5N1s virulence, experts predict, but no one can say how much less deadly it might become. And even a virus that kills far fewer than 52 percent of people would be devastating: As the world saw with the COVID-19 pandemic, even a death rate of 1 to 2 percent can be catastrophic.

But answering how lethal an H5N1 pandemic might be is no easy feat. A dive into that question reveals the ongoing challenges  and, some experts say, failures  of tracking the virus. And it offers a glimpse at the difficulty of communicating the risks and unknowns about an emerging pathogen.

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Since the first human outbreak of H5N1 in Hong Kong in 1997, the disease has cropped up sporadically around the world, almost entirely infecting people who worked directly with poultry. Between Jan. 1, 2003 and July 19th, 2024, the World Health Organization recorded 896 cases of H5N1 and 463 deaths. Dividing the total deaths by the number of cases results in what epidemiologists call a case fatality rate, or CFR, of 52 percent.

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But CFRs are notoriously uncertain. The fundamental problem is that a case is not a tightly defined scientific concept, said Harvard epidemiologist Marc Lipsitch. These numbers are something we have to use because we dont have something better, but people in the business are aware that they are potentially deceptive.

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When and where researchers look for cases can heavily bias CFRs. A virus that produces mild, undetected infections in 998 people, sends two people to the hospital, and then kills one of the hospitalized patients will have a CFR of 50 percent if public health authorities only manage to detect those two serious cases. But the true fatality rate would be one person in 1,000, or 0.1 percent.

Related From Slate The Misguided Buzz About Mosquitoes Read More

Accurate CFRs are critically important in an outbreak because marshaling a public health response depends on understanding the diseases severity. For example, when H1N1, also known as swine flu, emerged in Mexico in the spring of 2009, tens of thousands of mild cases went undetected, causing health authorities to overestimate the severity of the disease. In a study published later that year, Lipsitch and an international group of researchers from organizations including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that the actual case count among Mexican residents that spring was about 100 times higher than officially reported.

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On the flip side, though, if researchers overlook fatal cases they will underestimate the lethality of a virus. For instance, research suggests that health authorities initially undercounted deaths in a 2003 SARS outbreak in Hong Kong because they didnt follow patients long enough to record everyone who died of the disease.

Like many experts, Peter Palese, a microbiologist at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York, thinks that the CFR of 52 percent for H5N1 calculated by the WHO likely overestimates the diseases severity. To meet the WHOs definition of an H5N1 case, the person must have had a fever and tested positive for the virus in a lab with the technical capacity to follow WHO protocols. Because many of the outbreaks have been in rural areas without sufficient testing capabilities, the case count is drawn almost exclusively from patients who were sick enough to be hospitalized. Meanwhile, said Palese, many milder infections likely went undetected, although the exact number of those silent infections is unknown.

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It is not completely clear whether these high fatality rates are real, said Palese.

Outbreaks are like an iceberg where serious infections are immediately visible, but the larger numbers of mild infections are out of sight below the water line, said Malik Peiris, a virologist at the University of Hong Kong with extensive experience with H5N1. One of the best ways to get a more accurate case count, he said, is to test community members blood for antibodies against H5N1, which would indicate a previous infection: That gives you a much more accurate picture of the bottom of the iceberg.

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Researchers have conducted dozens of such studies. But results from that research, said Peiris, are a bit mixed and somewhat confusing. While antibody studies of some H5N1 outbreaks find evidence of widespread mild infections, studies of other H5N1 outbreaks do not, even among people who worked closely with infected birds. Peiris described the disparity as rather puzzling.

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Its possible, said Peiris, that antibody tests miss some cases. Type A influenza viruses such as H5N1 are characterized by the combination of two proteins on their surface: hemagglutinin, which can be one of 18 types numbered H1 to H18, and neuraminidase, numbered N1 to N11. Compared to the H1 and H3 proteins in the influenza A viruses responsible for seasonal flu, H5 proteins trigger a weaker response from the immune system, said Peiris: People may be getting mildly infected, but its not enough to elicit an antibody response.

Peiris and other experts described the current H5N1 outbreak in dairy farms as a prime opportunity to investigate how and where H5N1 is spreading as well as how we might contain it. But in many areas, farmers who are worried about the threat to their livelihood wont allow officials on site to test workers or animals.

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As of September 3rd, H5N1 has been identified in 196 herds of dairy cattle in 14 states. But wastewater surveillance data showing spikes of Influenza A outside of flu season in some regions suggests that H5N1 could be circulating more widely, said epidemiologist Michael Osterholm, who heads the University of Minnesotas Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy. Weve already missed a big chunk of potential worker infections, he said. Still, even now, antibody testing would give us a darn good picture of the number of human cases.

Thats the kind of thing we really need to get a handle on, Osterholm said. The absence of evidence is not evidence of absence.

Between March 2024 and now, H5N1 surveillance has entailed monitoring some 4,800 people who have been exposed to infected animals and testing 240 people, according to the CDCs Avian Influenza tracker.

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There have only been 15 reported cases of bird flu in humans in the U.S. since 2022, according to the CDC, with just nine of those confirmed as H5N1. Most cases have involved farmworkers who worked with infected animals, with the exception of a case identified in Missouri, which the CDC announced on September 6th. The agency is also providing technical assistance on an antibody testing by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services that is looking for asymptomatic infections among people who worked with sick cows.

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But, like many experts, Osterholm is worried that testing is wildly insufficient. More than 9 million cows produce milk across all 50 states, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. And the dairy farm industry employs more than 100,000 people.

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While Michigan appears to be ground zero for the current outbreak, Osterholm said, I dont believe for a second thats really true. Michigans agriculture and health departments have just been more proactive about surveillance and testing, he said: Im convinced, quite honestly, that if they can get on more farms in more states, youll see this is much more widespread.

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Accurately assessing the lethality and spread of H5N1 is crucial to predicting what could happen next.

For now, H5N1 has proven deadly, but still hard for humans to catch. If this were to become a pandemic virus, Osterholm said, it would have to go through major changes.

What those changes would mean for the virus lethality, though, is unclear.

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H5N1 could develop the capability for person-to-person transmission in a few ways. In the process of replicating, viruses could acquire random mutations that make them better suited to a human host. In addition, different types of viruses can swap genes through a process called reassortment. So, if a human or other animal were infected with both a typical human flu virus and H5N1, those viruses could generate a new strain that was both deadly and easily transmitted.

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Only a small set of avian influenza viruses have evolved to infect mammals, said Thomas Friedrich, a University of Wisconsin virologist who studies the evolution of pandemic viruses. To infect a host, viruses latch on to receptors on the surface of cells, Friedrich explained. The receptors H5N1 binds to in birds are configured differently from most of those in humans. People only have bird-type receptors deep in the lungs, said Friedrich, where infection is associated with severe disease.

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That can help explain both why human infections with H5N1 viruses have tended to be very severe, he said. And why those viruses that infect those unfortunate humans have a hard time getting from that human to another one. To efficiently spread from person to person, the virus would need the ability to attach to human-type receptors in the upper respiratory tract. Once it takes hold there, talking, sneezing, coughing, and even breathing will then spew it into the world.

While it would probably only take a couple of genetic changes to get to that point, said Friedrich, we dont find a whole lot of evidence that bird viruses infecting humans are evolving toward the ability to bind those upper respiratory tract cells.

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One theory for why, so far, H5N1 has not evolved to infect the upper respiratory tract in people is that the virus so successfully survives and replicates in the lower lungs that it outcompetes any mutations, said Friedrich. Data from his lab and others suggest that mutations that could bind with human-type receptors die off before taking hold.

But that could change, he said, when the virus infects a species with both human-style and bird-style receptors. For example, researchers have pinpointed the start of the 2009 H1N1 pandemic to pigs, which can be infected with both human and bird flu. And a recent study in preprint that has not yet been peer-reviewed finds that cow udders can also contain both types of receptors and so could potentially become a mixing vessel for bird and flu viruses.

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A new study published in the journal Nature suggests that may already be happening. A team of researchers from the U.S. and Japan found that H5N1 virus isolated from the milk of infected cows could bind with both human and bird receptors. Those results are controversial, however, as other researchers whove studied current strains of the virus concluded that it hasnt become more specific to humans.

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In the last two years, H5N1 has spread to nonhuman mammals such as foxes, skunks, cats, mice, and marine mammals  perhaps both because they are encountering more infected birds and because the virus has become better suited to mammalian hosts, said Friedrich. If the virus further evolved to infect the upper respiratory tract, rather than the lower lungs, of humans, researchers speculate that could make it less lethal, he said: But there is no hard-and-fast rule that viruses dont evolve to kill their host.

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Like many researchers, Peiris is concerned that if H5N1 becomes a pandemic virus, the mortality rate would be much higher than that of Covid-19. He pointed to a recent CDC study showing that an H5N1 virus isolated from a person infected in a recent outbreak was lethal to ferrets, which he said are the best animal model for human severity and transmission.

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An H5N1 pandemic would have catastrophic consequences, he said. I have no doubt about that.

There is one hopeful note. In early 2024, Peiris and his colleagues published a study suggesting that previous infection with the H1N1 swine flu may provide some protection against H5N1. In testing blood samples collected from a random sample of 63 adult blood donors, the researchers found that antibodies resulting from a previous infection of swine flu also reacted to the N1 protein in H5N1. While that immune response wouldnt block an infection entirely, it might mitigate its severity, said Peiris. The team is now studying that possibility in animal models.

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For now, many public health experts remain frustrated by the lack of clear data on H5N1  especially following similar problems in the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Public health authorities should be doing far more testing for evidence of H5N1 in agricultural workers, said Jennifer Nuzzo, who directs the Pandemic Center at the Brown University School of Public Health. But even if they did test more, said Nuzzo, there is a need for standardized protocols.

This is one of those things that we know we need to do, said Nuzzo, who spoke with Undark in June. Since then, the CDC has published such protocols for antibody testing, which would make studies easier to compare because researchers have used different methods in previous outbreaks. That has been an issue in the past, when, Nuzzo said, we jumped to very consequential conclusions based on these data that could very well be the product of a very biased study design.

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While Nuzzo would like to see more farmworkers tested regularly, she acknowledges that its a hard-to-reach population. Farm owners arent always cooperative. And the workers, many of whom are undocumented, may also be reluctant to submit to testing that they view as a threat to their tenuous lives in the U.S. In the meantime, Nuzzo is adamant that farmworkers should be offered vaccination against the virus.

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Amid the uncertainty, some public health experts suggest, the public conversation about H5N1 has become disconcertingly contradictory, with reassuring messages that risks are low juxtaposed against warnings of a brewing pandemic.

Communication about the threat of H5N1 often lacks nuance and perspective, said Osterholm. Figures like a 52 percent death rate, he said, do little to capture the profound unknowns about an ever-changing virus. At the same time, statements saying that theres little reason for the public to worry about H5N1  like recent pronouncements from the CDC  appear to downplay the threat. For example, Nuzzo emphasized that the risk to farmworkers is not low.

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Its true that the virus currently poses little risk to the general public, said Osterholm. But all that could change tonight.

Many health authorities view the flood of alarming and conflicting information on Covid-19 as an example of how not to communicate during a pandemic. Public guidance from the CDC was confusing and overwhelming, according to a 2022 internal review.

A common mistake was oversimplifying information, stripping out essential details and glossing over unknowns, said Nuzzo. That undermined peoples trust in advice that changed along with the evolving scientific information. You have to take people on the journey with you, she said. Because if you put a fairly high-consequence conclusion in front of them and dont kind of have anything to back it up, I think its natural that people are going to feel skepticism.

The public is much smarter than theyre given credit for, said Nuzzo, And I think people are hungrier for more information, not less.
Peter Kresanek had to go the extra mile to ensure everything, including the toilets, was in order.

Peter Kresanek, right, providing explanations to tourists in the UNESCO-listed 15th century wooden church in Hervartov, eastern Slovakia. (Source: Courtesy of Peter Kresanek)

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Under communism, tourists were an uncommon sight in Bratislava  the authorities strictly controlled who could come into the country. But for those who did make it, trying to enjoy the citys cultural and artistic sites was often a confusing and disappointing experience.

Peter Kresanek Art historian, conservationist and former politician

From 1990 to 1998 he was mayor of Bratislava

Founder of the Simplicissimus Reisen travel agency

Founder of the Simplicissimus publishing house

Author of the almost 1,000-page book Slovakia: Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Monuments

Art historian Peter Kresanek would often meet foreign visitors helplessly strolling around historical monuments, bereft of any professional guide or historical and artistic information on the sight itself.

Ashamed, he would sometimes offer his own services as a guide to these hapless sightseers and explain the significance and backstory of whatever it was that they had come across, sometimes even pointing out the connection it had to the country they had come from.

Years later, he decided to make a career out of this and launched the Simplicissimus Reisen travel agency, focusing on German-speaking clients.

They often said that after my explanation they understood themselves better, the 73-year-old art historian told The Slovak Spectator.

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Related article Slovakia attracts Germans in drovesa direct air route could bring even more Read more

The travel agency no longer exists  Kresanek closed it in 2019 as he wanted to pursue other interests and because of his age, he says. But he remains convinced that a niche business in cultural and historical tours of sights in Slovakia could play a key role in the countrys wider tourist industry.

In an interview, Kresanek told The Slovak Spectator about his specialist travel agency, what Germans and Austrians often find interesting about Slovakia, and how to get more of them to come to the country.

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Related article Top German diplomat: Risking the Slovak-German relationship would be utterly foolish Read more

How did Simplicissimus Reisen start in 2003?
Daytime temperatures set to drop to 10C.

People watch the water level of the Danube at Razus Embankment on June 6, 2013 in Bratislava. (Source: TASR)

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Meteorologists across Central Europe are sounding alarms as models predict an unprecedented deluge in the coming days, raising the spectre of catastrophic floods reminiscent of the devastating inundations that struck the region in 2013. Experts from Germany, the Czech Republic, Austria, Poland, and Slovakia warn that the convergence of cold northern air with warm, moist currents from the Mediterranean is creating a volatile weather system that could unleash up to 500 litres of rain per square metre in some areas, writes iMeteo.sk.

Water management officials are taking no chances. Reservoirs in the Czech Republic have begun releasing water in anticipation of the torrential rains, which are expected to start tonight in the Alps and gradually spread across Central Europe. By Friday, heavy downpours will likely sweep through southeastern Poland, Slovakia, Austria, and parts of the Czech Republic, inundating mountain ranges like the Beskids (Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia), Jeseniky (Czech Republic), and the Little Carpathians (Slovakia). On the northern and northeastern slopes of these mountains, local rainfall could reach approximately 300 to 400 mm by Sunday.

Slovak Environment Minister Tomas Taraba has announced that preparations for the extreme weather have started. Flood prevention measures are being prepared in Devin, a Bratislava borough situated by the Danube and Morava rivers.

At the Gabcikovo Hydroelectric Power Plant, southern Slovakia, seven out of eight turbines will be put into operation.

According to Taraba, the army will be ready to provide support if necessary.

https://sk.frame.mapy.cz/s/razarujace

In total, up to 200 mm of rain is forecast to fall by Sunday, raising concerns about severe flooding, particularly in areas that were ravaged in 2013. Back then, the Danube River, which also runs through Bratislava, swelled to record levels, causing damage in Germany, Austria, and Slovakia. Officials fear a repeat scenario, with the Danube basin again at significant risk.

In addition, the water levels of the Morava River, which forms a border with Austria and Czechia, and the Vah River, the longest river in Slovakia, are expected to rise.

In 2023, Slovakia saw a remarkable total of 1003 mm of rainfall. This amount is considered significantly above average. In Bratislava, the Koliba meteorological station recorded a total of 895 mm of rainfall. The Letisko (airport) meteorological station recorded 732 mm of rainfall. However, the average annual rainfall at Bratislava airport is typically 575 mm.

Though uncertainties remain in the models, there is little doubt that southern Germany, Austria, Czechia, western Poland, and northwestern Slovakia will face the brunt of the storm and potentially severe flooding.

The Slovak Hydrometeorological Institute (SHMU) has already predicted a significant change in weather later this week, as temperatures are expected to plummet to around 10C during the day.

Ensemble forecast of rainfall totals for the week of September 9-16 according to the ECMWF model. (Source: SHMU)

There is still high uncertainty regarding the specific totals for individual locations, but based on the probabilistic outputs of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) model, it can be estimated that most of the rainfall will once again fall in the west and north of the [Slovak] territory, stated SHMU on social media.

SHMU has already issued rain weather warnings for Thursday and Friday.

If forecasts hold, the region could see even more rainfall than during the 2013 floods, which were deemed a once-in-a-thousand-year event.
From the Velvet Revolution to recent demonstrations against Ficos government.

Protesters take to the streets of Dublin in response to the death of an Indian woman who was refused an abortion./Protesters in Bratislava demand the culture minister's resignation. (Source: Wikimedia/TASR)

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Few countries in the world have experienced the effectiveness of peaceful mass demonstration as Slovakia has. In November 1989, while countries behind the Iron Curtain began to rip apart at the seams, the upheaval in communist Czechoslovakia was so peaceful that it earned the moniker The Gentle Revolution in Slovak, and is known to English speakers as the Velvet Revolution. By contrast, the Romanian Revolution of December 1989 left around 1,000 dead in a single month. Czechoslovakia, which was peacefully dissolved in 1993, got off lightly.

The act of protest is foundational to both Slovakia and Czechia. It could be said that it is part of the founding myth of these two nations. Much like the founding myth of my own home country, the Republic of Irelandnotionally born in the 1916 Easter Risingwhere groups of armed militias took over several buildings in Dublin and held out for days against the superior arms and soldiers of the British Empiredemocratic Czechoslovakia was notionally born of an act of non-violent mass protest. The streets and squares of the country were flooded with citizens of all generations loudly proclaiming their desire for change, famously jingling their keys in their hands. Three short years later, the independent state of Slovakia was born. In this way, we can say Ireland was founded with firearms, Slovakia with keys.

The vigil for Savita
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240911/beijing-to-take-resolute-action-against-canadian-tariffs-on-chinese-products---embassy-1120104881.html

Beijing to Take Resolute Action Against Canadian Tariffs on Chinese Products - Embassy

Beijing to Take Resolute Action Against Canadian Tariffs on Chinese Products - Embassy

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Beijing strongly opposes Canada's latest 30-day consultation period on potential new surtaxes on solar and critical mineral products as well as battery and semiconductor imports from China and will take resolute measures to protect its interests, a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Ottawa told Sputnik.

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Earlier on Tuesday, Ottawa launched a 30-day consultation, from September 10, 2024, to October 10, 2024, on potential additional surtaxes on a range of Chinese products. The government argued that new tariffs could further curb alleged unfair competition from Chinese producers and help protect Canada's critical manufacturing sectors. Ottawa notably accuses China of engaging in practices enabled by its purported intentional and state-directed policy of oversupply. In late-August, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that Canada was imposing a 100% surtax on Chinese-made electrical vehicles and a 25% surtax on steel and aluminum imports from China to curb what it called "unfair competition" from Chinese producers. In the wake of those surtaxes, Chinas Embassy in Ottawa told Sputnik that Beijing condemned the measures and rejected the Canadian tariffs. The embassy empathized that China would safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of the countrys enterprises. On Friday, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce announced that it had lodged a consultation request at the World Trade Organization over Canadas decision to impose tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240911/harris-only-cares-about-sovereignty-of-other-nations-should-secure-us-border---cbp-union-1120104282.html

Harris Only Cares About Sovereignty of Other Nations, Should Secure US Border - CBP Union

Harris Only Cares About Sovereignty of Other Nations, Should Secure US Border - CBP Union

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Vice President Kamala Harris during her first presidential debate stressed the importance of defending the sovereignty and territory of other countries but fails to apply the same standards when it comes to securing the US southern border, National Border Patrol Council Vice President Art del Cueto told Sputnik.

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Democratic presidential nominee Harris during the debate against Republican rival Donald Trump on Tuesday night highlighted the Biden administration's work to defend Ukraine's sovereignty and territory amid Russia's special military operation but avoided fully addressing the illegal immigration crisis on the US southern border. Illegal migration on the US southern border has gone through three consecutive record-breaking years since Biden became president, totaling some 8 million illegal encounters during that period, according to US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) data. Since October 2023, an estimated 1.9 million migrants have been apprehended for illegally crossing into the United States on the southern border, CBP data shows.

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LUSAKA, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- China is ready to use its experience and help Zambia unlock its development potential, said Chinese Ambassador to Zambia Han Jing at a press briefing held Wednesday in the Zambian capital of Lusaka on the outcomes of the just-ended Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) held in Beijing.

"China stands ready to share its own development experience and opportunities with Zambia, a country rich in natural resources and human capital, to unlock Zambia's great potential for socioeconomic transformation with increased productivity, higher value addition, stronger resilience, and a higher degree of adaptability to a digital world," said Han.

Han said China's demography and experience of development in many ways mirror those of Zambia, stressing that China was ready to offer its experiences in various areas such as infrastructure construction, green energy, agricultural modernization, and industrial expansion.

The Chinese ambassador said China was encouraging more Chinese businesses to engage Zambian partners in solar energy and water management to help the southern African nation tackle the current electricity crisis.

According to him, China was working with the Zambian authorities to make strategic plans for multiple means of power generation, storage, and distribution to help Zambia end the current power cuts.

Han noted that once materialized, the strategic plans will not only help alleviate frequent power cuts but also turn Zambia into a net exporter of electricity.

He said a number of cooperation documents signed aimed at diversifying Zambia's energy mix will generate an additional 720 megawatts of electricity once completed. He also said the revitalization of the Tanzania-Zambia Railway will be a key project in promoting regional connectivity in the southern African region.

The railway line, he said, will not stop at being just a symbol of traditional friendship but will also be turned into a dynamic economic corridor.

He noted that the summit has opened a new chapter of China's relations with Africa as well as Zambia through comprehensive political and socioeconomic engagement with great significance and far-reaching impact for the next three years.

He said the contracts and agreements signed at the FOCAC summit will not just end at signing ceremonies. Once inked, both sides will amplify synergy in their collective push for inclusive and sustainable development.

The Chinese ambassador noted that the elevation of China-Africa relations to an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era demonstrates the firm resolve to share weal and woe and march forward amid the unprecedented transformation of the world. 
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240911/harris-tried-to-hide-her-imposter-syndrome-in-debate-with-trump---psychiatrist-1120105136.html

Harris Tried to Hide Her Imposter Syndrome in Debate With Trump - Psychiatrist

Harris Tried to Hide Her Imposter Syndrome in Debate With Trump - Psychiatrist

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Donald Trump made some good points during the presidential debate, while vice president Kamala Harris got through by skirting the issues, board-certified psychiatrist Dr. Carole Lieberman told Sputnik.

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Donald Trump made some good points during the presidential debate, while vice president Kamala Harris got through by skirting the issues, board-certified psychiatrist Dr. Carole Lieberman told Sputnik. Overall, the face-off was described as extremely disturbing by the best-selling author based in Beverly Hills, California. She noted that former California Attorney General Kamala Harris had prepared for the debate more than for anything else in her life. Even the law boards. As for Trump, he was overly concerned with not wanting to seem out of control if he took Harris bait, the psychiatrist said. She remarked that one of Trumps best lines was when he called out the VP over her father, Donald J. Harris, for being a Marxist, which we all know is true. Looking ahead, Dr. Lieberman voiced hope that there would be a second debate between Trump and Harris and the former president would have a chance to expose more of her sinister plans for America.VP Kamala Harris and former POTUS Donald Trump faced off on Tuesday for their first presidential debate in Philadelphia on Tuesday. After the 90-minute event, hosted by ABC News, Trump told the media that he believed it was his best debate ever." Trump also claimed Harris wants to do a second debate because she got beaten. The Republican presidential contender has not yet committed to another one-on-one later this month.

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2024 debate night, harris trump debate, harris crazy, stupid harris, donald trump, putin for harris, putin for trump, us elections, 2024 us presidential elections, 2024 presidential elections, trump loves putin, putin loves trump, putin-trump ties, putin-trump relations, crooked joe, corrupted joe, corrupt biden, corrupted biden, mental state, crazy laugh, harris laughing, presidential debate
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240911/nato-risks-hot-war-with-russia-as-biden-mulls-stepping-on-ukraine-long-range-missile-tripwire-1120109461.html

NATO Risks Hot War With Russia as Biden Mulls Stepping on Ukraine Long-Range Missile Tripwire

NATO Risks Hot War With Russia as Biden Mulls Stepping on Ukraine Long-Range Missile Tripwire

Sputnik International

The Biden administration is mulling formally greenlighting Ukraine's use of its NATO-gifted long-range strike systems to attack targets deep inside Russia. The scenario is fraught with risks, not least of which is turning the Russia-NATO proxy conflict into a hot war that drags the US in, says former CIA analyst Larry Johnson.

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2024-09-11T16:57+0000

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volodymyr zelensky

vladimir putin

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Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated Wednesday that there was a high degree of probability that a decision approving the use of US long-range strike systems by Ukraine has already been taken, and that the Biden administration is simply trying to formalize the measure using an information campaign through the media.That was Moscows reaction to President Bidens comments earlier in the week that Washington was in the process of working out whether to lift restrictions on Ukraines use of its US-made long-range weapons to attack targets deep inside Russia.Long-range US weapons already delivered to Kiev (or reportedly under deliberation) include:Russian officials have warned repeatedly of the consequences of providing long-range missiles to Ukraine to attack Russia. President Putin warned last year that the more long-range Western systems arrive in Ukraine, the further we will be forced to push the threat away from our borders via a security buffer zone. In June, Putin warned that Moscow might respond in kind to NATOs actions, supplying Russian long-range weapons to regions of the world that send missiles to Ukraine to attack Russia.Long-Range Missile Threat: Quickest Way to NATO-Russia Hot WarBiden has shifted every single position that he said was a red line, so I don't see why he's not going to violate this one as well, retired CIA analyst and counterterrorism expert-turned whistleblower Larry Johnson told Sputnik, commenting on Washington's threats to lift its missile restrictions.The Biden administration cant afford a defeat in Ukraine before the November vote, and thinks that if it takes the incredibly dangerous and foolish step of just okaying the missiles delivery and use, that will somehow help Ukraine, Johnson believes.Another question is whether Ukraine even has the relevant long-range missiles left, and whether the US is in a state to supply them, according to the observer.In that sense, while the Biden administration may believe the move to free Kiev's hand on the use of NATO missiles to attack the Russian interior could stave off the Zelensky regime's defeat, "it may actually have the opposite effect of causing this war to expand and expand in a way that will get the United States involved. And then we're into some very new and dangerous territory," Johnson summed up.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240817/biden-escalates-again-threatening-russia-with-long-range-cruise-missiles-1119800144.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20241004/russias-special-military-operation-in-ukraine-and-how-it-is-progressing-1105665248.html

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US long-range missile threats once again show the West is at war with Russia  Larry Johnson Sputnik International US long-range missile threats once again show the West is at war with Russia  Larry Johnson 2024-09-11T16:57+0000 true PT1M40S

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what will happen if us approves use of long-range missiles by ukraine, how can russia respond if us approves use of long-range strike systems to attack it
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240911/western-officials-admit-many-african-countries-resist-us-military-presence--reports-1120107528.html

Western Officials Admit Many African Countries Resist US Military Presence  Reports

Western Officials Admit Many African Countries Resist US Military Presence  Reports

Sputnik International

Western officials in Africa have admitted that even minor US military presence in Africa is unacceptable for many countries on the continent, the Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday.

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"Even a small American footprint is large for many African countries," a Western official in the Sahel. US Major General Kenneth Ekman said that Nigeria would like to acquire US military gear, but showed no inclination to welcome an enduring deployment of American troops, while a Ghanaian government official said the Western African nation did not intend to increase US presence in its territory. The United States suspended its military cooperation with Chad and Niger and withdrew over 1,100 troops from the two countries at the request of local governments this year. Veteran Defense Department analyst Lt. Col. Karen Kwiatkowski said the move marked the end of a neocolonial approach toward Africa.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240817/how-africa-is-stopping-the-hegemonic-craziness-of-the-us-and-the-west-1119805904.html

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Three $20,270 features for developing youngsters topped the Tuesday, Sept. 10 afternoon action at Pocono Downs at Mohegan Pennsylvania. Matt Kakaley, Poconos leading driver, accounted for the two highlight divisions for males, both winning by 4-1/2 lengths, and he almost won the third, having to settle for six winners at Pocono before heading to Yonkers Raceway.

The Captaintreacherous gelding Sudden Impact, a full brother to world champion Tall Drink Hanover, has now taken three of his last four outings, in this event for pacing males setting a new mark of 1:50.1 for Kalaley, trainer Scott Di Domenico and the ownership of Triple D Stables Inc., and Michael Rekoon. Crush Kill Destroy, second to top sophomore Njinsky two starts back, was the favourite despite the outside post, and he was used hard past a :26.4 opener to get the top, going to the half in :55.2, and then not able to stall the first-over bid of Sudden Impact, which carried the three-year-old to the lead nearing the 1:23 three-quarters and only grew longer the rest of the way. (Sudden Impact also paid the biggest price -- $10.40  on a chalk-strewn day.)

The partnership of Burke Racing Stable and Weaver Bruscemi, FAC Racing and Yannick Gingras looks like they found themselves a good trotter, as the International Moni sophomore gelding Dejerate Hanover won for them at first asking after a recent purchase. The three-year-old combines pedigree (his second dam D Train was also the dam of Donato Hanover) with finding top form at a good time, having shaken off earlier gait problems. Dejerate Hanover now won five in a row, this one in hand for trainer Ron Burke and Kakaley, who put him on the lead after the :29.1 quarter and set further fractions of :57.4 and 1:26.1, finishing on his own in 1:54.2 to take the top trot.

Kakaley gave the feature triple his best shot with Fight Not Flight, moving to the lead after a :27.3 initial fraction and then posting mid-times of :56.2 and 1:24.2 in the top contest for pacing distaffs. By the latter station, Bellucci had come a long way on an uncovered bid to challenge, and in the stretch Fight Not Flight tried to hold on, but Bellucci went by for a half-length victory while equalling her mark of 1:52. The winner completed a sweep of the pacing features for sire Captaintreacherous (her dam was the millionaire Agent Q), with the sophomore adding her fifth victory in her last seven starts for driver Anthony Napolitano, trainer Joe Bongiorno and the ownership of One Legend Stable Inc., and Howard Taylor.

Pocono will now be dark for live racing until a week from Tuesday, Sept. 17, to stage its annual Oktoberfest celebration.

(PHHA / Pocono)
Now is the time to register with CCI.live for online bidding for the Ohio Selected Jug Sale being held this Friday, Sept. 13 at the Pickaway Ag Center, Centerville, Ohio. Over 270 of the State of Ohios finest yearlings are being offered at the annual event, which will begin at 10 a.m.

To register for the Ohio Selected Jug Sale, visit the auction website at CCI.live by clicking here.

Yearlings are arriving on Wednesday in advance of Thursday's special Show Day. As always, the sales company and breeders will provide complimentary food and refreshments from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday, while prospective purchasers peruse the expansive offerings.

This is the last call for prospective purchasers that intend to utilize this state of the art auction management platform, as buyers must register in advance of the sale.

This system provides a secure and reliable bidding experience. The platform is user friendly for the buyer and simplifies sale registration. An auction is viewable on any mobile device, tablet or desktop, and has been in use for the last five years.

CCI.live was launched as a first of its kind live bidding and sale day management service that allows registered users to view, bid and buy livestock during traditional live auction formats, with an auctioneer.

The process is simple. Register, watch the auction and press the bid button. Thats it.

Rest assured this is a phone bidding application through the internet. The online platform CCI.live does not make settlement or collect funds for horses or charge a fee. As always, successful bidders will pay the sales office for their purchases.

For more information on the sale, visit ohioharnesshorsebreeders.com.

(Ohio Harness Horse Breeders Association)
The Longview School Board welcomed two new student representatives as nonvoting members at its Monday meeting.

Brooklynn Stevens, a senior at R.A. Long High School, and Paige Wirtz, a junior at Mark Morris High School, will give reports on their respective student bodies and provide input on board decisions.

I joined because theres a lot going on in our schools, especially in the modern day, and I want kids to feel like they can be happy coming to school, be safe coming to school and make it a place that kids actually want to go to, Wirtz said.

Principals at each high school selected their representative from a pool of applicants. The board adopted the policy allowing for student representatives in September, as board members said they felt they were missing a student perspective when making decisions.

Were excited, Board President Don Wiitala said. Were going to learn from them, and them from us.

The board intends to continue having one student from each high school, a junior and a senior, who will serve until they graduate. New representatives will be chosen on alternating years when the senior graduates.

At least twice a year, one of the representatives reports will be replaced by a report from a Discovery High School student who has not yet been chosen.
RIGA, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- The Latvian government on Tuesday extended its reinforced border protection measures along the Belarusian border until Dec. 31 to curb illegal migration.

The measure was initially implemented in March and set to expire on Sept. 12.

According to the Ministry of the Interior, the extension is necessary due to the high number of attempted illegal crossings from Belarus into Latvia.

The ministry stated that the reinforced controls are critical for maintaining border security in the municipalities bordering Belarus.

So far this year, Latvian authorities have prevented 4,210 individuals from illegally entering the country, while 16 migrants have been allowed to cross the border on humanitarian grounds.

In response to the challenge of illegal migrants, Lithuania has dispatched 10 officers to help Latvian border guards manage the daily influx of migrants attempting to enter Latvia from Belarus. 
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:

Lyu works with postdoctoral researcher Shan Jai in the UB Media Forensics Lab. Credit: Meredith Forrest Kulwicki/University at Buffalo

When misleading information spreads online, it can spread fast.

Yet many of the best tools for swiftly debunking viral photographs, videos and audio are only available to researchers, like University at Buffalo deepfake expert Siwei Lyu.

"Everyone from social media users to journalists to law enforcement often has to go through someone like me to figure out if a piece of media shows signs of being generated by artificial intelligence," says Lyu, who routinely obliges such requests. "They can't get an immediate and conclusive analysis when time is of the essence."

That's why Lyu and his team at the UB Media Forensics Lab developed the DeepFake-o-Meter, which combines several state-of-the-art deepfake detection algorithms into one open-source, web-based platform. All users need to do is sign up for a free account and upload a media file. Results typically come back in less than a minute.

Since November, there have been more than 6,300 submissions to the platform. Media outlets used it to analyze various AI-generated content, from a Joe Biden robocall telling New Hampshire residents not to vote to a video of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy surrendering to Russia.

"The goal is to bridge the gap between the public and the research community," says Lu, Ph.D., SUNY Empire Innovation Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, within the UB School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. "Bringing social media users and researchers together is crucial to solving many of the problems posed by deepfakes."

How it works

Using the DeepFake-o-Meter is straightforward.

Drag and drop an image, video or audio file into the upload box. Then, select detection algorithms based on a variety of listed metrics, including accuracy, running time and the year it was developed.

Each algorithm will then give a percentage of the likelihood the content was AI generated.

"We do not make strong claims about the uploaded content. We simply provide a comprehensive analysis of it from a broad range of methods," says Lyu, who is also co-director of the UB Center for Information Integrity, which combats unreliable and misleading information online. "Users can then use this information to make their own decision about whether they think the content is real."

Transparency

Earlier this year, Poynter analyzed the fake Biden robocall with four free online deepfake detection tools. The DeepFake-o-Meter was most accurate, giving a 69.7% likelihood the audio was AI generated.

Lyu says the other things that set his tool apart are transparency and diversity. The DeepFake-o-Meter is open source, meaning the public has access to the algorithms' source codes, and features algorithms developed by both Lyu and other research groups across the globe, allowing for a broad range of opinions and expertise.

"Other tools' analysis may be accurate, but they do not disclose what algorithms they used to come to that conclusion and the user only sees one response, which could be biased," Lyu says. "We're trying to provide the maximum level of transparency and diversity with open-source codes from many different research groups."

A benefit to researchers, too

Before uploading a piece of media, the site will ask users if they want to share it with researchers.

Lyu and his team mostly train their algorithms on data sets compiled by themselves and other research teams, but he says it's crucial to expose the algorithms to media that's actually circulating online. Nearly 90% of the content uploaded to the DeepFake-o-Meter thus far was suspected of being fake by the user.

"New and more sophisticated deepfakes emerge all the time. The algorithms need to be continuously refined to stay up to the date," Lyu says. "For any research model to have a real-world impact, you need real-world data."

Future of the platform

Lyu hopes to augment the platform's capacity beyond spotting AI-generated content, like identifying the AI tools most likely used to create it in the first place. His group has previously developed such tools.

"This would provide clues to narrow down who is behind it," Lyu says. "Knowing a piece of media is synthetic or manipulated is not always enough. We need to know who is behind it and what is their intention."

Despite the promise of detection algorithms, he cautions that humans still have a large role to play. While algorithms can detect signs of manipulation that the human eye or ear never will, humans have a semantic knowledge of how reality works that algorithms often don't.

"We cannot rely solely on algorithms or humans," Lyu says. "We need both."

That's why he hopes the DeepFake-O-Meter will eventually foster its own online community, with users communicating with and helping each other suss out AI-generated content.

"I like to think of it as a marketplace for deepfake bounty hunters," he says. "Because it's going to take a collective effort to solve the deepfake problem."
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

Top elected leaders from the northeastern parts of Canada and the United States urged their colleagues Tuesday morning to embrace renewable energy initiatives just as Massachusetts is attempting to spearhead a new round of offshore wind energy procurements without a key player.

At the outset of a regional conference hosted in Boston, Gov. Maura Healey touted agreements by Rhode Island and Massachusetts to purchase nearly 2,900 megawatts of offshore wind power from a trio of proposed farms, an effort that could need buy-in from Connecticut to proceed.

Healey said the procurements were a "historic joint solicitation" with the potential to create enough wind-generated electricity to power 1.6 million homes, or about 20% of Massachusetts' power needs.

"I believe that for the most intractable, or seemingly intractable problems, that we face today, we're only going to accomplish and find solutions through teamwork, through working together. Each of us has something to bring to the table. Each of us has something to give here," she said.

An announcement from Healey last week that Massachusetts and Rhode Island would forge ahead in securing thousands of new megawatts of offshore wind power came as leaders from Connecticut were mostly silent on the issue other than to say they were still reviewing bids.

Officials in the Nutmeg State had originally worked on the contracts for the offshore wind procurements with Massachusetts and Rhode Island but did not announce an energy buy alongside the Bay State and Ocean State.

Healey last week said she did not know what Connecticutwhich is grappling with rising electricity costsplanned to do.

"My hope is they buy in at some point," she said.

She may get a chance this week to pressure Connecticut on the issue with Gov. Ned Lamont present at the conference.

Healey, other governors, and Canadian premiers were expected to take questions from reporters at 1:30 p.m.

Healey offered opening remarks at the start of the New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers Conference, which this year is focused on clean energy technology like offshore wind and took place at Boston University.

The Democrat has made the push to increase Massachusetts' reliance on and fostering of climate technology a center-point of her first-term in office. She has advocated for state lawmakers to increase investments into the sectoran effort that is currently in limboand successfully competed for federal funds to boost infrastructure.

Healey said a roundtable discussion Tuesday morning would center on "our shared commitment to clean energy technologies."

"We're going to focus on harnessing the power of one of our greatest sustainable shared resources, and that is offshore wind. We're also going to have an important conversation about how we decarbonize our economy as we grow," she said.

Andrew Furey, the premier of the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador, said the northeast region is "integrated" and decisions made by one state or province impact the lives of residents in others.

Furey said the demand for "bold action" on renewable energy, climate resilience, and cross-border participation is "more urgent than ever before."

"The actions we take individually and collectively will most certainly shape the future of our region for generations to come. This is a significant weight for everybody at this table, but one I know everybody owns and takes full responsibility of," he said.

2024 MediaNews Group, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Evacuation map of Houston, TX. The utilized network, with at-risk TAZs marked in yellow to red and the recommended evacuation route defined by the local metropolitan planning organization (MPO). Credit: Transportation Planning and Technology (2024). DOI: 10.1080/03081060.2024.2360678

When a hurricane strikes, the most vulnerable are not always able to get out in time. UT Austin scientists are using supercomputers at the Texas Advanced Computing (TACC) to study how shared autonomous vehicles (SAVs) can get people who do not have their own car into shelters out of harm's way.

"A key finding of our study is that if you need to size this system for a certain evacuation period, then you're going to want one shared vehicle for every 14 evacuees along the very long coastline between Galveston and Houston," said Kara Kockelman, a professor of transportation engineering in the Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering at UT Austin. She co-authored the study, published in the journal Transportation Planning and Technology.

The idea is to use shared autonomous vehicles, akin to the robotaxis of companies like Cruise and Waymo, to bring carless people to bus stations, from which buses can then transport them to hurricane shelters further inland of Houston.

"That can be difficult to do in these low density, more rural environments to do in less than a couple of hours," Kockelman added. The areas at high risk for evacuation include Brazoria, Chambers, Galveston, Harris, and Liberty counties. The study focuses on the thousands of people who can be stranded, such as those listed in Medicare databases who don't have cars or access to a ride.

An estimated 900,000 people will receive orders to evacuate when a Category 5 hurricane strikesabout 12.4% of the Houston area's total population. The engineers estimated that the background traffic is about 50% of the normal traffic load. The rest of the population is assumed to remain in place.

The evacuees will travel across Houston's complex network of roads; 36,124 links spread across 5,217 areas, known as traffic analysis zones. Out of these, 1,035 zones are in areas highly likely to be hit by strong hurricanes.

Kockelman was awarded allocations for her traffic simulations with SAVs on TACC's Frontera supercomputer.

"This work is impossible without supercomputers," added Kockelman. "We're tracking individual persons and individual vehicles every few seconds over 24 hours or days of actual traffic as it evolves from morning to evening and overnight."

The traffic decisions in the simulations account for how bad traffic is, picking the best routes, and prioritizing pickups to minimize the time that it takes to clear evacuees.

The engineers used the (SUMO) Simulation of Urban Mobility traffic simulation software to assess traffic congestion and network capacities. They modeled pre-disaster evacuation scenarios with a lead time of several days before hurricane landfall.

"SUMO models the daily activities of everyone living in the region," said Kentaro Mori, a UT Austin Ph.D. student supervised by Kockelman. "There's a lot of complexity that adds to the computational cost. Without TACC, we wouldn't be able to run the many scenarios that we need to truly answer these important research questions and make the best policy recommendations."

The team started the simulations with 200 robotaxis expanding out to 1,200they also tried different sized cars.

"At the end of the day, the 5-seater cars were the nimblest," Kockelman said. "These vehicles accelerate more quickly into traffic compared to the larger vehicles." What's more, the simulations showed diminishing returns on a fleet larger than 200.

This study was a pioneering effort that provides suggestive data of a viable alternative mode of transportation for hurricane evacuees without access to private vehicles. While the results are not being directly used for hurricane applications yet, the engineers did consult with evacuation leaders for Texas in forming the study. The authors anticipate SAVs playing a bigger role in evacuations, as companies like Waymo broaden their ridership; and operations make improvements through methods such as smart repositioning of idle vehicles, optimal dynamic ride sharing matching, enhanced path finding algorithms, and more.

Kockelman added that the traffic simulations could apply to other cities and different disaster evacuation scenarios, such as wildfires on the west coast.

"The ability to simulate in detail and allow for uncertainty and heterogeneity in the population was never feasible before with the way people make decisions or how traffic unfolds second-by-second level," Kockelman said. "That richness comes alive with the use of TACC systems. We're fortunate that we're here at UT Austin and able to harness that ability."

More information: Jooyong Lee et al, Leveraging shared autonomous vehicles for vulnerable populations during pre-disaster evacuation, Transportation Planning and Technology (2024). DOI: 10.1080/03081060.2024.2360678
Elastic (NYSE:ESTC  Get Free Report) CFO Janesh Moorjani sold 6,941 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, September 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $70.25, for a total transaction of $487,605.25. Following the sale, the chief financial officer now owns 195,550 shares in the company, valued at $13,737,387.50. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website.

Elastic Price Performance

Shares of ESTC traded up $1.00 during trading hours on Tuesday, reaching $72.10. The company had a trading volume of 1,286,644 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,348,552. The company has a current ratio of 1.91, a quick ratio of 1.91 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.75. Elastic has a 12-month low of $69.00 and a 12-month high of $136.06. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $104.14 and a 200-day simple moving average of $105.50. The company has a market capitalization of $7.41 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 136.04 and a beta of 0.95.

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Elastic (NYSE:ESTC  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, August 29th. The company reported $0.35 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.25 by $0.10. The company had revenue of $347.42 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $344.67 million. Elastic had a net margin of 4.62% and a negative return on equity of 17.54%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 18.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted ($0.35) earnings per share. Research analysts expect that Elastic will post -0.94 earnings per share for the current year.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of equities research analysts have commented on the stock. Truist Financial dropped their price objective on shares of Elastic from $140.00 to $105.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, August 30th. Robert W. Baird downgraded Elastic from an outperform rating to a neutral rating and dropped their price objective for the company from $135.00 to $95.00 in a report on Friday, August 30th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their price objective on shares of Elastic from $138.00 to $125.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Friday, May 24th. Rosenblatt Securities reiterated a buy rating and set a $136.00 price target on shares of Elastic in a research note on Tuesday, August 27th. Finally, Piper Sandler dropped their price objective on Elastic from $131.00 to $100.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Friday, August 30th. Nine investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and thirteen have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $104.45.

Check Out Our Latest Analysis on ESTC

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in ESTC. Asset Dedication LLC grew its stake in Elastic by 1,333.3% in the 2nd quarter. Asset Dedication LLC now owns 301 shares of the companys stock valued at $34,000 after acquiring an additional 280 shares during the last quarter. AlphaCentric Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Elastic in the second quarter valued at about $40,000. Quarry LP acquired a new stake in shares of Elastic in the second quarter valued at approximately $40,000. Lynx Investment Advisory purchased a new position in shares of Elastic during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $43,000. Finally, Signaturefd LLC raised its position in shares of Elastic by 44.1% during the 2nd quarter. Signaturefd LLC now owns 389 shares of the companys stock worth $44,000 after purchasing an additional 119 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 97.03% of the companys stock.

About Elastic

(Get Free Report)

Elastic N.V., a data analytics company, delivers solutions designed to run in public or private clouds in multi-cloud environments. It primarily offers Elastic Stack, a set of software products that ingest and store data from various sources and formats, as well as performs search, analysis, and visualization on that data.

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Counter-terrorism forces in Indonesia arrested seven suspects on terrorism charges before and during Pope Francis visit to the country Sept. 3-6, local media outlets reported.

Special Detachment Densus 88, an elite counter-terrorism force, arrested the seven suspects from different parts of the country following their social media posts threatening to bomb and otherwise kill the pope and burn down sites of his appearances in Jakarta, media outlets reported.

Densus 88 has taken legal action against seven individuals...who made threats in the form of propaganda or terror threats via social media in response to the popes arrival, special detachment spokesman Aswin Siregar told reporters in Jakarta on Thursday (Sept. 5), according to the Jakarta Post. There was also a threat to set fire to the locations the pope paid courtesy visits.

Though the suspects came from different areas with no links to each other, most suspected terrorists are connected with or influenced by Islamic extremist groups such as the Islamic State, Kompas.com reported. Aswin gave no information on the motives of the suspects.

Two of the suspected terrorists were arrested on Sept. 2, one in Jakarta and another later that day in Bogor, West Java Province, about 31 miles east of Jakarta. The next day, three others were arrested in Bekasi, about 29 miles east of Jakarta, with at least one reportedly linked to the Islamic State (ISIS).

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One of the suspects conveyed provocation on social media to burn down places of worship (churches) during the popes visit to Jakarta, said Aswin. E.R., who uses the ABU MUSTAQIIM account, commented on Facebook with a provocative sentence, namely BBBOOOMMM!!!! in response to Pope Francis sermon which will be preached at the Istiqlal Mosque.

Two other suspects reportedly arrested on Sept. 4 were from Sumatra, one in Padang Padiaman on the western part of the island, and the other in Bangka Belitung on the east side, with one of them posting, I WILL BOMB THE POPE. IM A TERRORIST...JUST BE CAREFUL...WAIT FOR NEWS YEEE, Aswin said, according to the Jakarta Post.

One of the suspects, identified only as R.S., wrote on TikTok on Sept. 5 that he would shoot the pope, Aswin reportedly said.

The legal process against two suspects, namely D.F. and F.A., was carried out by Densus 88 Anti-Terror, Aswin reportedly said. The legal process against three suspects, namely R.H.F., L.B. and E.R., was carried out by Polda Metro Jaya, accompanied by Densus 88 Anti-Terror.

The suspect identified as H.S. was prosecuted by the Polda Bangka Belitung accompanied by Densus 88, and the process against R.S. was carried out by Polres Padang Pariaman and Densus 88, he said.

Other terrorist threats have appeared in Indonesia this year. On July 31 in East Java, authorities arrested a 19-year-old member of an Islamic extremist group and his parents, foiling a plan to suicide bomb two church sites. The high school student identified only by his initials, H.O.K, was arrested as he was on his way dispose of evidence in Jalan Langsep, Sisir village, Batu City, in Malang Regency, said Aswin said.

He described the suspect as a supporter of the Islamic State, becoming a member online of the Philippines-based Dawlah Islamiyah, said to be affiliated with ISIS. The suspect and accomplices were allegedly planning to carry out suicide bombings at two churches in Malang Regency, East Java.

Earlier this year the head of Indonesias counter-terrorism agency said officials are focusing on protecting teenaged children and women from Islamic radicalization as they have become the most targeted groups.

Citing a report by the Setara Institute for Democracy and Peace, Rycko Amelza Dahniel of the National Counter-terrorism Agency (Badan Nasional Penanggulangan Terorisme, or BNPT) on Feb. 20 said that from 2016 to 2023, the percentage of high school students in five cities who moved from passive intolerant to active intolerant doubled, from 2.4 percent to 5 percent.

Rycko said the Indonesia Knowledge Hub (I-Khub) BNPT Outlook 2023 showed that women, children and teenagers were the groups most targeted for radicalization, both offline and online.

Indonesia ranked 42nd on the Christian support organization Open Doors 2024 World Watch List of the 50 countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian. Indonesian society has adopted a more conservative Islamic character, and churches involved in evangelistic outreach are at risk of being targeted by Islamic extremist groups, according to the WWL report.
Everi Holdings Inc. (NYSE:EVRI  Get Free Report) EVP Darren Simmons sold 75,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, September 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $13.10, for a total value of $982,500.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 190,425 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,494,567.50. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website.

Everi Stock Up 0.2 %

NYSE EVRI traded up $0.03 on Tuesday, reaching $13.11. The stock had a trading volume of 1,251,959 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,602,614. The company has a current ratio of 1.05, a quick ratio of 0.95 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.94. Everi Holdings Inc. has a 1 year low of $6.37 and a 1 year high of $15.13. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $11.51 and a 200 day moving average price of $9.61. The company has a market capitalization of $1.12 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 20.16 and a beta of 2.15.

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Everi (NYSE:EVRI  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, August 7th. The credit services provider reported $0.11 EPS for the quarter, meeting the consensus estimate of $0.11. The business had revenue of $191.19 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $190.00 million. Everi had a return on equity of 17.86% and a net margin of 5.42%. On average, analysts forecast that Everi Holdings Inc. will post 0.49 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. Signaturefd LLC boosted its holdings in Everi by 2,428.6% in the second quarter. Signaturefd LLC now owns 3,186 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $27,000 after purchasing an additional 3,060 shares in the last quarter. CWM LLC lifted its position in shares of Everi by 117.5% in the second quarter. CWM LLC now owns 3,512 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $30,000 after buying an additional 1,897 shares during the last quarter. Quarry LP boosted its stake in shares of Everi by 38.9% during the 2nd quarter. Quarry LP now owns 10,230 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $86,000 after acquiring an additional 2,864 shares in the last quarter. Magnetar Financial LLC acquired a new position in shares of Everi during the 2nd quarter valued at about $104,000. Finally, Meeder Asset Management Inc. bought a new position in shares of Everi in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $118,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 95.47% of the companys stock.

Several research analysts have recently weighed in on EVRI shares. Truist Financial dropped their target price on shares of Everi from $11.00 to $10.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, July 18th. B. Riley boosted their target price on shares of Everi from $11.00 to $14.25 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Monday, August 5th. Stifel Nicolaus reaffirmed a hold rating and issued a $14.25 target price (up previously from $11.00) on shares of Everi in a research report on Wednesday, July 31st. StockNews.com initiated coverage on Everi in a research report on Saturday. They set a hold rating on the stock. Finally, Raymond James restated a market perform rating on shares of Everi in a research report on Monday, July 29th. Six equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $13.50.

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About Everi

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Everi Holdings Inc develops and supplies entertaining game content, gaming machines, and gaming systems and services for land-based and iGaming operators in the United States, Canada, and internationally. It operates in Games and Financial Technology Solutions segments. The company offers classic mechanical reel games and video reel games, as well as TournEvent of Champions, a national slot tournament; and sells gaming equipment and player terminals, licenses, game content, and ancillary equipment, such as signage and lighting packages.

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Olo Inc. (NYSE:OLO  Get Free Report) CRO Diego Panama sold 13,555 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, September 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $4.90, for a total transaction of $66,419.50. Following the transaction, the executive now owns 569,859 shares in the company, valued at $2,792,309.10. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink.

OLO Price Performance

Shares of OLO stock traded down $0.16 during mid-day trading on Tuesday, hitting $4.75. The stock had a trading volume of 529,890 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,009,356. The firm has a market cap of $761.65 million, a PE ratio of -16.86 and a beta of 1.27. The companys 50-day simple moving average is $4.96 and its 200-day simple moving average is $4.96. Olo Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $4.20 and a fifty-two week high of $6.84.

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OLO (NYSE:OLO  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, July 31st. The company reported $0.05 EPS for the quarter, meeting analysts consensus estimates of $0.05. OLO had a negative net margin of 9.36% and a negative return on equity of 0.47%. The firm had revenue of $70.50 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $67.79 million. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned ($0.04) earnings per share. The firms revenue was up 27.6% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, analysts expect that Olo Inc. will post -0.06 EPS for the current year.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On OLO

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its position in shares of OLO by 2.6% in the first quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 12,739,568 shares of the companys stock valued at $69,940,000 after buying an additional 319,544 shares in the last quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP increased its holdings in OLO by 13.9% during the 4th quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 3,411,071 shares of the companys stock valued at $19,512,000 after acquiring an additional 416,851 shares in the last quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC raised its position in OLO by 17.2% during the second quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC now owns 1,170,500 shares of the companys stock worth $5,174,000 after acquiring an additional 171,700 shares during the last quarter. Millennium Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of OLO by 24.3% in the second quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 996,486 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,404,000 after purchasing an additional 194,735 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Silvercrest Asset Management Group LLC grew its position in shares of OLO by 3.2% in the first quarter. Silvercrest Asset Management Group LLC now owns 876,961 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,815,000 after purchasing an additional 26,919 shares during the last quarter. 93.40% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Several brokerages have issued reports on OLO. Piper Sandler reissued an overweight rating and set a $8.00 price objective on shares of OLO in a research report on Thursday, August 1st. Lake Street Capital raised their price target on OLO from $8.50 to $9.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Thursday, August 1st. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $8.67.

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OLO Company Profile

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Olo Inc operates an open SaaS platform for restaurants in the United States. The company's platform enables on-demand digital commerce operations, which cover digital ordering, delivery, front-of-house management, and payments. Its solutions include Order, a suite of solutions powering restaurant brands' on-demand commerce operations, enabling digital ordering, delivery, and channel management through ordering, dispatch, rails, switchboard, network, virtual brands, kiosk, catering, and sync modules; Engage, a suite of restaurant-centric marketing solutions optimizing guest lifetime value by strengthening and enhancing the restaurants' direct guest relationships, through the guest data platform, marketing, sentiment, and host modules; and Pay, a frictionless payment platform that enables restaurants to grow and protect their digital business through customer payment experience that offers advanced fraud prevention to improve authorization rates for valid transactions, and increase basket conversion through its Olo Pay module.

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Dell Technologies Inc. (NYSE:DELL  Get Free Report) CEO Michael S. Dell sold 1,839,959 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, September 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $106.68, for a total value of $196,286,826.12. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 18,350,822 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,957,665,690.96. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink.

Dell Technologies Stock Performance

Dell Technologies stock traded up $0.75 during midday trading on Tuesday, reaching $106.64. 9,237,804 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 10,425,965. The firm has a market cap of $75.64 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 21.76, a P/E/G ratio of 1.08 and a beta of 0.90. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $116.50 and its 200 day simple moving average is $123.78. Dell Technologies Inc. has a 52 week low of $63.90 and a 52 week high of $179.70.

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Dell Technologies (NYSE:DELL  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, August 29th. The technology company reported $1.89 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates 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 previous year, the company posted $1.44 EPS. The businesss revenue was up 9.1% on a year-over-year basis. Research analysts forecast that Dell Technologies Inc. will post 6.9 earnings per share for the current year.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several brokerages recently weighed in on DELL. Barclays boosted their target price on Dell Technologies from $97.00 to $106.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Friday, August 30th. Morgan Stanley reduced their price target on shares of Dell Technologies from $142.00 to $136.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, August 29th. Sanford C. Bernstein dropped their price target on Dell Technologies from $155.00 to $140.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Friday, August 30th. Susquehanna began coverage on Dell Technologies in a research report on Tuesday. They issued a neutral rating and a $120.00 target price on the stock. Finally, Raymond James lowered their target price on Dell Technologies from $166.00 to $160.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Friday, August 30th. Three investment 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 company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $135.75.

Check Out Our Latest Research Report on Dell Technologies

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Dell Technologies

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Accordant Advisory Group Inc bought a new stake in shares of Dell Technologies during the second quarter valued at approximately $28,000. Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADV lifted its position in Dell Technologies by 58.2% during 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 last quarter. Nemes Rush Group LLC bought a new position in Dell Technologies during the second quarter valued at $33,000. Crewe Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of Dell Technologies during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $34,000. Finally, New Covenant Trust Company N.A. purchased a new position in shares of Dell Technologies during the first quarter worth approximately $30,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 38.10% of the companys stock.

About Dell Technologies

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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).

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Suruga Bank Ltd. (OTCMKTS:SUGBY  Get Free Report)s stock price reached a new 52-week high on Tuesday . The stock traded as high as $72.20 and last traded at $72.20, with a volume of 0 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $72.20.

Suruga Bank Stock Performance

The firms 50-day simple moving average is $69.41 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $63.73. The company has a market cap of $1.42 billion, a PE ratio of 13.78 and a beta of -0.07.

Suruga Bank Company Profile

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Suruga Bank Ltd. provides various banking and financial products and services to individuals and corporate customers in Japan. The company offers deposit products, such as time, ordinary, savings, foreign currency, and other deposits, as well as current and general accounts; card, housing, second house, startup, and business up term loans, as well as loans by purpose; credit and debit cards; overdrafts; and other financing products.

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AdvisorShares Investments LLC lifted its position in Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT  Free Report) by 7.4% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 53,461 shares of the healthcare product makers stock after purchasing an additional 3,672 shares during the quarter. Abbott Laboratories comprises approximately 1.0% of AdvisorShares Investments LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 25th largest holding. AdvisorShares Investments LLCs holdings in Abbott Laboratories were worth $5,517,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of ABT. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its position in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 5.6% in the first quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 165,301,921 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $18,788,216,000 after purchasing an additional 8,834,840 shares during the last quarter. Capital Research Global Investors grew its stake in Abbott Laboratories by 9.5% in the 4th quarter. Capital Research Global Investors now owns 86,588,614 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $9,530,825,000 after buying an additional 7,527,778 shares in the last quarter. Capital International Investors increased its holdings in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 9.1% in the 1st quarter. Capital International Investors now owns 70,177,564 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $7,976,382,000 after buying an additional 5,882,780 shares during the last quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP raised its position in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 3.3% during the 4th quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 32,236,101 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $3,548,228,000 after buying an additional 1,027,390 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Norges Bank bought a new stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories during the 4th quarter worth $2,115,836,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 75.18% of the companys stock.

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Abbott Laboratories Trading Up 0.5 %

NYSE ABT opened at $117.05 on Wednesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.33, a quick ratio of 1.18 and a current ratio of 1.68. Abbott Laboratories has a fifty-two week low of $89.67 and a fifty-two week high of $121.64. The stock has a market cap of $203.62 billion, a P/E ratio of 36.46, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.83 and a beta of 0.72. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $108.42 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $108.63.

Abbott Laboratories Announces Dividend

Abbott Laboratories ( NYSE:ABT Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, July 18th. The healthcare product maker reported $1.14 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.10 by $0.04. Abbott Laboratories had a net margin of 13.65% and a return on equity of 20.18%. The firm had revenue of $10.38 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $10.37 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $1.08 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 4.0% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, analysts forecast that Abbott Laboratories will post 4.66 earnings per share for the current year.

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, August 15th. Shareholders 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 1.88%. Abbott Laboratoriess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 68.54%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of equities research analysts have weighed in on ABT shares. Royal Bank of Canada restated an outperform rating and set a $125.00 price target on shares of Abbott Laboratories in a research report on Tuesday, June 4th. Barclays lifted their price target on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $140.00 to $143.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, July 29th. Citigroup increased their target price on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $119.00 to $127.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday, August 22nd. Edward Jones cut Abbott Laboratories from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, July 30th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group began coverage on Abbott Laboratories in a research note on Thursday, May 30th. They issued a buy rating and a $121.00 target price for the company. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $121.80.

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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.

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AdvisorShares Investments LLC lowered its stake in Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE:SMFG  Free Report) by 2.3% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 49,304 shares of the banks stock after selling 1,184 shares during the quarter. AdvisorShares Investments LLCs holdings in Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group were worth $663,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in SMFG. Simplicity Wealth LLC bought a new stake in Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group in the first quarter valued at about $5,359,000. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP raised its position in shares of Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group by 18.9% in the 4th quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 2,799,584 shares of the banks stock valued at $27,100,000 after acquiring an additional 445,413 shares during the period. StoneX Group Inc. bought a new position in Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group during the 4th quarter worth approximately $2,378,000. Dorsey Wright & Associates bought a new position in Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group during the 4th quarter worth approximately $2,069,000. Finally, BTC Capital Management Inc. acquired a new position in Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group during the first quarter valued at approximately $2,164,000. 3.85% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Price Performance

Shares of SMFG stock opened at $12.66 on Wednesday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.05, a current ratio of 1.05 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.92. Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc. has a 12-month low of $9.03 and a 12-month high of $14.53. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $13.35 and a 200-day moving average of $12.49. The firm has a market capitalization of $82.81 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.66, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.80 and a beta of 0.60.

Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Company Profile

Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group ( NYSE:SMFG Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Friday, August 2nd. The bank reported $0.36 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.30 by $0.06. Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group had a return on equity of 8.13% and a net margin of 11.28%. The firm had revenue of $16.18 billion for the quarter. On average, equities research analysts forecast that Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc. will post 1.13 earnings per share for the current year.

(Free Report)

Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, provides banking, leasing, securities, credit card, and consumer finance services in Japan, the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Oceania. It operates through Wholesale Business Unit, Retail Business Unit, Global Business Unit, and Global Markets Business Unit segments.

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A. O. Smith Co. (NYSE:AOS  Get Free Report) has been given an average rating of Hold by the seven ratings firms that are currently covering the firm, MarketBeat reports. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell recommendation, four have assigned a hold recommendation and two have assigned a buy recommendation to the company. The average 1-year price objective among brokerages that have covered the stock in the last year is $89.67.

Several analysts have recently commented on AOS shares. StockNews.com upgraded A. O. Smith from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, August 13th. Stifel Nicolaus upgraded A. O. Smith from a hold rating to a buy rating and increased their price objective for the company from $97.00 to $98.00 in a report on Wednesday, July 24th. Robert W. Baird decreased their price objective on A. O. Smith from $92.00 to $90.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, July 24th. Finally, UBS Group increased their price objective on A. O. Smith from $73.00 to $75.00 and gave the company a sell rating in a report on Monday, July 8th.

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Check Out Our Latest Research Report on A. O. Smith

Insider Buying and Selling

Institutional Investors Weigh In On A. O. Smith

In other A. O. Smith news, SVP Samuel M. Carver sold 14,705 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, August 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $81.00, for a total transaction of $1,191,105.00. Following the sale, the senior vice president now directly owns 2,399 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $194,319. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website . 2.70% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Isthmus Partners LLC acquired a new stake in A. O. Smith during the 2nd quarter worth about $27,000. Quarry LP grew its position in shares of A. O. Smith by 214.9% during the 2nd quarter. Quarry LP now owns 359 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $29,000 after acquiring an additional 245 shares during the period. Versant Capital Management Inc grew its position in shares of A. O. Smith by 157.2% during the 2nd quarter. Versant Capital Management Inc now owns 463 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $38,000 after acquiring an additional 283 shares during the period. ORG Partners LLC grew its position in shares of A. O. Smith by 665.0% during the 1st quarter. ORG Partners LLC now owns 612 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $55,000 after acquiring an additional 532 shares during the period. Finally, Twin Tree Management LP grew its position in shares of A. O. Smith by 188.9% during the 1st quarter. Twin Tree Management LP now owns 737 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $66,000 after acquiring an additional 1,566 shares during the period. 76.10% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

A. O. Smith Stock Up 1.0 %

A. O. Smith stock opened at $78.68 on Friday. The business has a fifty day moving average of $82.46 and a two-hundred day moving average of $84.07. The company has a quick ratio of 1.07, a current ratio of 1.70 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.07. The firm has a market cap of $11.48 billion, a P/E ratio of 20.38, a P/E/G ratio of 2.10 and a beta of 1.15. A. O. Smith has a twelve month low of $64.14 and a twelve month high of $92.44.

A. O. Smith (NYSE:AOS  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, July 23rd. The industrial products company reported $1.06 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.07 by ($0.01). A. O. Smith had a return on equity of 31.04% and a net margin of 14.67%. The company had revenue of $1.02 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $1.01 EPS. The firms quarterly revenue was up 6.6% on a year-over-year basis. On average, analysts forecast that A. O. Smith will post 4.07 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

A. O. Smith Announces Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, August 15th. Investors of record on Wednesday, July 31st were paid a $0.32 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, July 31st. This represents a $1.28 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.63%. A. O. Smiths dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 33.16%.

About A. O. Smith

(Get Free Report

A. O. Smith Corporation manufactures and markets residential and commercial gas and electric water heaters, boilers, heat pumps, tanks, and water treatment products in North America, China, Europe, and India. The company offers water heaters for residences, restaurants, hotels, office buildings, laundries, car washes, and small businesses; boilers for hospitals, schools, hotels, and other large commercial buildings, as well as homes, apartments, and condominiums; and water treatment products comprising point-of-entry water softeners, well water solutions, and whole-home water filtration products, and point-of-use carbon and reverse osmosis products for residences, restaurants, hotels, and offices.

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Black Hills Co. (NYSE:BKH  Get Free Report) has earned a consensus recommendation of Reduce from the five brokerages that are presently covering the company, MarketBeat reports. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell recommendation and four have assigned a hold recommendation to the company. The average 1-year price target among analysts that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $58.00.

Several equities research analysts recently weighed in on BKH shares. Mizuho lifted their price target on Black Hills from $53.00 to $57.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Tuesday, June 4th. Scotiabank increased their price target on shares of Black Hills from $54.00 to $63.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research note on Tuesday, August 20th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company boosted their price objective on shares of Black Hills from $61.00 to $64.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Friday, August 2nd.

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Check Out Our Latest Analysis on BKH

Black Hills Price Performance

Shares of Black Hills stock opened at $60.33 on Friday. The business has a 50 day moving average of $57.71 and a 200 day moving average of $55.29. Black Hills has a 52 week low of $46.43 and a 52 week high of $60.42. The company has a market cap of $4.16 billion, a PE ratio of 14.86 and a beta of 0.68. The company has a quick ratio of 0.94, a current ratio of 1.06 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.23.

Black Hills (NYSE:BKH  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, July 31st. The utilities provider reported $0.33 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.29 by $0.04. The business had revenue of $402.60 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $498.00 million. Black Hills had a net margin of 12.96% and a return on equity of 8.21%. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 2.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $0.35 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts forecast that Black Hills will post 3.92 earnings per share for the current year.

Black Hills Announces Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Sunday, September 1st. Investors of record on Monday, August 19th were given a dividend of $0.65 per share. This represents a $2.60 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.31%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, August 19th. Black Hillss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 64.04%.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. BNP Paribas Financial Markets raised its stake in shares of Black Hills by 108.0% in the first quarter. BNP Paribas Financial Markets now owns 101,774 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $5,557,000 after purchasing an additional 52,837 shares during the last quarter. Nebula Research & Development LLC bought a new stake in Black Hills in the 4th quarter worth about $1,564,000. Leeward Investments LLC MA raised its position in Black Hills by 5.6% in the 2nd quarter. Leeward Investments LLC MA now owns 170,148 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $9,253,000 after buying an additional 9,048 shares during the last quarter. Jupiter Asset Management Ltd. raised its position in Black Hills by 39.7% in the 1st quarter. Jupiter Asset Management Ltd. now owns 483,120 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $26,378,000 after buying an additional 137,356 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Versor Investments LP lifted its stake in Black Hills by 227.3% during the 4th quarter. Versor Investments LP now owns 31,425 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $1,695,000 after acquiring an additional 21,825 shares during the period. 86.71% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About Black Hills

(Get Free Report

Black Hills Corporation, through its subsidiaries, operates as an electric and natural gas utility company in the United States. The company operates in two segments: Electric Utilities and Gas Utilities. The Electric Utilities segment generates, transmits, and distributes electricity to approximately 222,000 electric utility customers in Colorado, Montana, South Dakota, and Wyoming; and owns and operates 1,394 megawatts of generation capacity and 9,106 miles of electric transmission and distribution lines.

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Shares of The Sherwin-Williams Company (NYSE:SHW  Get Free Report) have received a consensus recommendation of Moderate Buy from the twenty-two analysts that are currently covering the firm, MarketBeat reports. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell recommendation, six have assigned a hold recommendation, fourteen have issued a buy recommendation and one has given a strong buy recommendation to the company. The average 1 year target price among brokerages that have covered the stock in the last year is $362.68.

A number of research analysts recently weighed in on SHW shares. Robert W. Baird lifted their target price on shares of Sherwin-Williams from $310.00 to $325.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 24th. KeyCorp lifted their target price on shares of Sherwin-Williams from $400.00 to $410.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 24th. Morgan Stanley lifted their target price on shares of Sherwin-Williams from $338.00 to $375.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 24th. Redburn Atlantic upgraded shares of Sherwin-Williams to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Thursday, July 18th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group boosted their price target on shares of Sherwin-Williams from $344.00 to $390.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 24th.

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Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on SHW

Sherwin-Williams Trading Up 2.2 %

Shares of SHW stock opened at $371.85 on Friday. Sherwin-Williams has a 1 year low of $232.06 and a 1 year high of $372.34. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $342.13 and a 200-day moving average price of $325.70. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.17, a current ratio of 0.81 and a quick ratio of 0.50. The company has a market cap of $93.80 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 39.64, a PEG ratio of 2.83 and a beta of 1.17.

Sherwin-Williams (NYSE:SHW  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, July 23rd. The specialty chemicals company reported $3.70 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $3.51 by $0.19. Sherwin-Williams had a net margin of 10.92% and a return on equity of 75.58%. The company had revenue of $6.27 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $6.33 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $3.29 EPS. Sherwin-Williamss revenue for the quarter was up .5% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities analysts predict that Sherwin-Williams will post 11.47 earnings per share for the current year.

Sherwin-Williams Announces Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, September 6th. Investors of record on Friday, August 16th were issued a dividend of $0.715 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, August 16th. This represents a $2.86 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.77%. Sherwin-Williamss payout ratio is 30.49%.

Insider Activity at Sherwin-Williams

In related news, CFO Allen J. Mistysyn sold 14,520 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, August 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $366.83, for a total transaction of $5,326,371.60. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 63,520 shares in the company, valued at approximately $23,301,041.60. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. 0.60% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Sherwin-Williams

Several hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in SHW. HHM Wealth Advisors LLC grew its stake in Sherwin-Williams by 102.3% in the 2nd quarter. HHM Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 89 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $27,000 after acquiring an additional 45 shares in the last quarter. First United Bank & Trust bought a new position in Sherwin-Williams in the 4th quarter worth about $31,000. Semmax Financial Advisors Inc. grew its stake in Sherwin-Williams by 136.4% in the 2nd quarter. Semmax Financial Advisors Inc. now owns 104 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $31,000 after acquiring an additional 60 shares in the last quarter. Tortoise Investment Management LLC grew its stake in Sherwin-Williams by 158.5% in the 4th quarter. Tortoise Investment Management LLC now owns 106 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $33,000 after acquiring an additional 65 shares in the last quarter. Finally, VitalStone Financial LLC grew its stake in Sherwin-Williams by 233.3% in the 2nd quarter. VitalStone Financial LLC now owns 110 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $33,000 after acquiring an additional 77 shares in the last quarter. 77.67% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

About Sherwin-Williams

(Get Free Report

The Sherwin-Williams Company engages in the development, manufacture, distribution, and sale of paints, coating, and related products to professional, industrial, commercial, and retail customers. It operates through three segments: Paint Stores Group, Consumer Brands Group, and Performance Coatings Group.

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Andra AP fonden lowered its position in Edison International (NYSE:EIX  Free Report) by 7.2% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 229,500 shares of the utilities providers stock after selling 17,800 shares during the quarter. Andra AP fondens holdings in Edison International were worth $16,480,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Choreo LLC acquired a new position in Edison International during the second quarter worth about $402,000. Wedbush Securities Inc. raised its position in shares of Edison International by 31.4% during the 2nd quarter. Wedbush Securities Inc. now owns 9,335 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $670,000 after purchasing an additional 2,230 shares during the last quarter. Prudential PLC lifted its stake in Edison International by 53.4% in the 2nd quarter. Prudential PLC now owns 233,336 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $16,756,000 after buying an additional 81,242 shares in the last quarter. Ashton Thomas Private Wealth LLC purchased a new stake in Edison International in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $27,000. Finally, First Foundation Advisors grew its holdings in Edison International by 8.3% during the 2nd quarter. First Foundation Advisors now owns 3,262 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $234,000 after buying an additional 250 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 88.95% of the companys stock.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of research firms have recently weighed in on EIX. Argus boosted their price target on Edison International from $78.00 to $82.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, June 12th. Guggenheim upped their target price on shares of Edison International from $80.00 to $83.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Friday, July 26th. Morgan Stanley raised their price target on shares of Edison International from $62.00 to $68.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a research note on Friday, August 23rd. UBS Group boosted their price objective on shares of Edison International from $86.00 to $89.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Wednesday, September 4th. Finally, Evercore ISI raised their target price on shares of Edison International from $82.00 to $88.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, August 14th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have given a hold rating and six have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $82.36.

Insider Buying and Selling at Edison International

In other news, CEO J Andrew Murphy sold 28,995 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, July 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of $78.43, for a total value of $2,274,077.85. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 19,660 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,541,933.80. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In other Edison International news, VP Natalie K. Schilling sold 2,341 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, July 31st. The stock was sold at an average price of $80.00, for a total transaction of $187,280.00. Following the transaction, the vice president now owns 6,338 shares in the company, valued at $507,040. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, CEO J Andrew Murphy sold 28,995 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, July 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of $78.43, for a total value of $2,274,077.85. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 19,660 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,541,933.80. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 89,099 shares of company stock valued at $7,223,342 over the last ninety days. Corporate insiders own 1.03% of the companys stock.

Edison International Stock Down 1.7 %

Shares of EIX opened at $84.65 on Wednesday. The firm has a market cap of $32.69 billion, a PE ratio of 37.13 and a beta of 0.91. The company has a quick ratio of 0.96, a current ratio of 1.03 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.04. The companys fifty day moving average is $80.30 and its two-hundred day moving average is $74.57. Edison International has a fifty-two week low of $58.82 and a fifty-two week high of $88.77.

Edison International (NYSE:EIX  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, July 25th. The utilities provider reported $1.23 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.05 by $0.18. The firm had revenue of $4.34 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.12 billion. Edison International had a return on equity of 13.01% and a net margin of 6.60%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 9.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $1.01 earnings per share. Analysts forecast that Edison International will post 4.96 earnings per share for the current year.

Edison International Announces Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, July 31st. Investors of record on Monday, July 8th were issued a $0.78 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Monday, July 8th. This represents a $3.12 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.69%. Edison Internationals payout ratio is 136.84%.

Edison International Company Profile

(Free Report)

Edison International, through its subsidiaries, engages in the generation and distribution of electric power. The company supplies and delivers electricity to approximately 50,000 square mile area of southern California to residential, commercial, industrial, public authorities, agricultural, and other sectors.

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Missionaries from all corners of the globe gathered for the first time in six years at the Youth With A Mission (YWAM) Together 2024 in Manila, Philippines, with 4,500 people from 110 nationalities and currently serving in 120 countries. Hosted in Manila by Christs Commission Fellowship Church, an international non-denominational church, from Sept. 3 to 6, the event featured mission-focused teaching and worship.

Together 2024 marked a number of firsts: the first get-together since meeting in Pattaya, Thailand in 2018; the first global staff meeting since the COVID era; and, most poignant of all, the first-ever large gathering since the passing of YWAM founder Loren Cunningham, who went to glory aged 88 on Oct. 6 last year, 2023.

We come together from across the world, representing a wide range of ministries, read a YWAM Together statement. It is a time where there is a renewal of friendships, strengthening and encouragement of faith, great joy and renewed unity and focus on the Apostolic call on us as a movement.

A special focus was on children and youth, called partners in the mission, while participants also explored other topics, such as how to know God deeper, living with a radical faith, how to shake the nations through prayer, why diving into the inspiring stories of YWAM and its founder can strengthen their roots in God, and how to understand their unique role in YWAM as the arrowhead.

Jeff Fountain, former leader of YWAM Europe for 20 years, and now director of The Schuman Centre for European Studies, reflected after the event about the fact that the gathering was the first without the beloved founder, Cunningham.

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While acknowledging the uncertainty that comes with a transition from a founder-led movement towards a new generation of leaders, he expressed his hope for what lies ahead.

Moses was dead; we had not been this way before. No clear succession plan had been in place, wrote Fountain. However, as the week unfolded, it became clear that we were transitioning to a new Joshua generation of gifted and capable young leaders who had prepared this gathering and would competently lead the mission into the future. 

Fountain does not anticipate a singular leader emerging for YWAM after the death of Cunningham. No-one can replace Loren, he told Christian Daily International.

I personally think a collegiate leadership to be the way forward and there is talk of appointing 24 elders to provide oversight, Fountain added. Perhaps there could be rotational chairmanship as with the EU.

But YWAM is decentralized and value-driven so it is not a command structure. Decisions need to be made as close to the locality as possible.
Angeles Wealth Management LLC lifted its holdings in Colgate-Palmolive (NYSE:CL  Free Report) by 4.6% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 25,929 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 1,145 shares during the period. Angeles Wealth Management LLCs holdings in Colgate-Palmolive were worth $2,516,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other large investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Union Savings Bank increased its holdings in shares of Colgate-Palmolive by 76.6% in the 4th quarter. Union Savings Bank now owns 309 shares of the companys stock worth $25,000 after buying an additional 134 shares during the last quarter. E Fund Management Hong Kong Co. Ltd. bought a new stake in shares of Colgate-Palmolive in the 2nd quarter worth about $25,000. Atlantic Edge Private Wealth Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Colgate-Palmolive in the 4th quarter worth about $32,000. PSI Advisors LLC increased its holdings in shares of Colgate-Palmolive by 4,971.4% in the 1st quarter. PSI Advisors LLC now owns 355 shares of the companys stock worth $32,000 after buying an additional 348 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Core Wealth Advisors Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Colgate-Palmolive by 56.6% in the 4th quarter. Core Wealth Advisors Inc. now owns 404 shares of the companys stock worth $32,000 after buying an additional 146 shares during the last quarter. 80.41% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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Colgate-Palmolive Price Performance

Shares of CL opened at $106.84 on Wednesday. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $101.52 and a 200-day moving average price of $94.88. Colgate-Palmolive has a fifty-two week low of $67.62 and a fifty-two week high of $109.30. The stock has a market capitalization of $87.30 billion, a PE ratio of 33.81, a PEG ratio of 3.78 and a beta of 0.40. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 16.90, a quick ratio of 0.70 and a current ratio of 1.06.

Colgate-Palmolive Announces Dividend

Colgate-Palmolive ( NYSE:CL Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Friday, July 26th. The company reported $0.91 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.87 by $0.04. Colgate-Palmolive had a net margin of 14.21% and a return on equity of 470.19%. The firm had revenue of $5.06 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $0.77 EPS. The companys revenue was up 4.9% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities analysts predict that Colgate-Palmolive will post 3.57 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, August 15th. Stockholders of record on Friday, July 19th were given a $0.50 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, July 19th. This represents a $2.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.87%. Colgate-Palmolives payout ratio is presently 63.29%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of equities analysts recently commented on CL shares. Jefferies Financial Group cut shares of Colgate-Palmolive from a buy rating to a hold rating and dropped their price target for the stock from $103.00 to $95.00 in a research note on Wednesday, July 24th. HSBC reaffirmed a hold rating on shares of Colgate-Palmolive in a research note on Friday, July 26th. Sanford C. Bernstein lifted their price target on shares of Colgate-Palmolive from $100.00 to $103.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a research note on Tuesday, July 30th. Citigroup lifted their price target on shares of Colgate-Palmolive from $103.00 to $112.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 10th. Finally, Evercore ISI lifted their price target on shares of Colgate-Palmolive from $100.00 to $106.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, July 18th. Nine research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and thirteen have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $102.63.

View Our Latest Stock Analysis on CL

Insider Transactions at Colgate-Palmolive

In other news, EVP Gregory Malcolm sold 10,533 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, August 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $103.10, for a total value of $1,085,952.30. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 10,377 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,069,868.70. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. In related news, EVP Gregory Malcolm sold 10,533 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, August 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $103.10, for a total transaction of $1,085,952.30. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 10,377 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,069,868.70. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, Director Martina Hundmejean sold 2,313 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, August 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $103.86, for a total transaction of $240,228.18. Following the transaction, the director now owns 11,755 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,220,874.30. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last quarter, insiders sold 43,490 shares of company stock valued at $4,486,063. Company insiders own 0.34% of the companys stock.

About Colgate-Palmolive

(Free Report)

Colgate-Palmolive Company, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells consumer products in the United States and internationally. It operates through two segments: Oral, Personal and Home Care; and Pet Nutrition. The Oral, Personal and Home Care segment offers toothpaste, toothbrushes, mouthwash, bar and liquid hand soaps, shower gels, shampoos, conditioners, deodorants and antiperspirants, skin health products, dishwashing detergents, fabric conditioners, household cleaners, and other related items.

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Angeles Wealth Management LLC boosted its position in shares of Motorola Solutions, Inc. (NYSE:MSI  Free Report) by 2.8% during the 2nd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The institutional investor owned 2,382 shares of the communications equipment providers stock after purchasing an additional 66 shares during the quarter. Angeles Wealth Management LLCs holdings in Motorola Solutions were worth $920,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement System raised its position in shares of Motorola Solutions by 8.9% during the 1st quarter. State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement System now owns 189,360 shares of the communications equipment providers stock valued at $67,219,000 after acquiring an additional 15,488 shares during the last quarter. Corient Private Wealth LLC increased its position in shares of Motorola Solutions by 15.6% in the 4th quarter. Corient Private Wealth LLC now owns 24,237 shares of the communications equipment providers stock valued at $7,589,000 after buying an additional 3,278 shares in the last quarter. First Foundation Advisors increased its position in shares of Motorola Solutions by 37.7% in the 1st quarter. First Foundation Advisors now owns 354 shares of the communications equipment providers stock valued at $126,000 after buying an additional 97 shares in the last quarter. BDF Gestion bought a new position in Motorola Solutions during the 2nd quarter worth about $7,377,000. Finally, Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. increased its holdings in Motorola Solutions by 29.8% during the 4th quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. now owns 20,036 shares of the communications equipment providers stock worth $6,273,000 after purchasing an additional 4,594 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 84.17% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of research firms have issued reports on MSI. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their target price on Motorola Solutions from $436.00 to $440.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Friday, August 2nd. Barclays increased their price objective on shares of Motorola Solutions from $372.00 to $467.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, August 2nd. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft increased their price objective on shares of Motorola Solutions from $385.00 to $440.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, August 6th. Bank of America increased their price objective on shares of Motorola Solutions from $370.00 to $440.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, July 18th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group increased their price objective on shares of Motorola Solutions from $460.00 to $510.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, September 3rd. Eight equities research analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating, Based on data from MarketBeat, Motorola Solutions currently has a consensus rating of Buy and an average target price of $466.17.

Motorola Solutions Trading Down 0.2 %

Motorola Solutions stock opened at $438.10 on Wednesday. Motorola Solutions, Inc. has a one year low of $269.64 and a one year high of $448.98. The company has a market cap of $73.09 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 54.15, a P/E/G ratio of 3.76 and a beta of 0.97. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $410.57 and a 200-day moving average of $375.41. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 7.03, a current ratio of 1.20 and a quick ratio of 1.03.

Motorola Solutions (NYSE:MSI  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, August 1st. The communications equipment provider reported $3.24 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $3.01 by $0.23. Motorola Solutions had a net margin of 14.04% and a return on equity of 337.36%. The business had revenue of $2.63 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.59 billion. During the same period last year, the business posted $2.41 EPS. Motorola Solutionss revenue was up 9.4% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities analysts expect that Motorola Solutions, Inc. will post 12.22 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Motorola Solutions Dividend Announcement

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, October 15th. Shareholders of record on Friday, September 13th will be issued a $0.98 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, September 13th. This represents a $3.92 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.89%. Motorola Solutionss dividend payout ratio is currently 48.45%.

Insider Buying and Selling at Motorola Solutions

In other news, COO John P. Molloy sold 23,985 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, August 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $407.50, for a total transaction of $9,773,887.50. Following the transaction, the chief operating officer now directly owns 46,821 shares of the companys stock, valued at $19,079,557.50. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In other news, COO John P. Molloy sold 23,985 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, August 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $407.50, for a total transaction of $9,773,887.50. Following the transaction, the chief operating officer now directly owns 46,821 shares of the companys stock, valued at $19,079,557.50. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, SVP Rajan Naik sold 5,274 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, June 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $373.81, for a total transaction of $1,971,473.94. Following the transaction, the senior vice president now directly owns 8,939 shares in the company, valued at $3,341,487.59. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders own 1.50% of the companys stock.

Motorola Solutions Company Profile

(Free Report)

Motorola Solutions, Inc provides public safety and enterprise security solutions in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Products and Systems Integration, and Software and Services. The Products and Systems Integration segment offers a portfolio of infrastructure, devices, accessories, and video security devices and infrastructure, as well as the implementation and integration of systems, devices, software, and applications for government, public safety, and commercial customers who operate private communications networks and video security solutions, as well as manage a mobile workforce.

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Anson Capital Inc. boosted its holdings in Invesco S&P SmallCap Momentum ETF (NYSEARCA:XSMO  Free Report) by 11.5% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 17,351 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 1,783 shares during the quarter. Invesco S&P SmallCap Momentum ETF comprises 1.0% of Anson Capital Inc.s investment portfolio, making the stock its 29th largest holding. Anson Capital Inc. owned 0.25% of Invesco S&P SmallCap Momentum ETF worth $1,042,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the business. Wells Fargo & Company MN raised its position in Invesco S&P SmallCap Momentum ETF by 86.0% in the 4th quarter. Wells Fargo & Company MN now owns 278,586 shares of the companys stock valued at $15,784,000 after purchasing an additional 128,780 shares during the last quarter. Focus Financial Network Inc. raised its position in Invesco S&P SmallCap Momentum ETF by 0.5% in the 2nd quarter. Focus Financial Network Inc. now owns 200,950 shares of the companys stock valued at $13,090,000 after purchasing an additional 905 shares during the last quarter. Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC raised its position in Invesco S&P SmallCap Momentum ETF by 14.9% in the 2nd quarter. Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC now owns 196,737 shares of the companys stock valued at $11,814,000 after purchasing an additional 25,515 shares during the last quarter. Armbruster Capital Management Inc. raised its position in Invesco S&P SmallCap Momentum ETF by 6.2% in the 2nd quarter. Armbruster Capital Management Inc. now owns 179,100 shares of the companys stock valued at $10,755,000 after purchasing an additional 10,436 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. raised its position in Invesco S&P SmallCap Momentum ETF by 2.6% in the 2nd quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. now owns 120,821 shares of the companys stock valued at $7,255,000 after purchasing an additional 3,061 shares during the last quarter.

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Invesco S&P SmallCap Momentum ETF Price Performance

XSMO stock opened at $61.06 on Wednesday. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $63.38 and a 200 day moving average price of $60.78. Invesco S&P SmallCap Momentum ETF has a 12 month low of $45.10 and a 12 month high of $68.32. The company has a market cap of $428.64 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.91 and a beta of 1.19.

Invesco S&P SmallCap Momentum ETF Company Profile

The Invesco S&P SmallCap Momentum ETF (XSMO) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the S&P Small Cap 600 Momentum index. The fund tracks an index of US small-caps stocks selected by momentum. Holdings are weighted by a combination of market cap and momentum. XSMO was launched on Mar 3, 2005 and is managed by Invesco.

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Athena Investment Management increased its holdings in shares of Laboratory Co. of America Holdings (NYSE:LH  Free Report) by 4.8% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 1,040 shares of the medical research companys stock after buying an additional 48 shares during the period. Athena Investment Managements holdings in Laboratory Co. of America were worth $212,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other large investors have also bought and sold shares of LH. Pathway Financial Advisers LLC acquired a new position in shares of Laboratory Co. of America in the 1st quarter valued at $30,000. Industrial Alliance Investment Management Inc. bought a new position in Laboratory Co. of America during the second quarter worth about $27,000. Innealta Capital LLC acquired a new position in Laboratory Co. of America in the second quarter valued at about $32,000. Family Firm Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Laboratory Co. of America in the second quarter worth about $37,000. Finally, McClarren Financial Advisors Inc. raised its position in shares of Laboratory Co. of America by 313.2% during the first quarter. McClarren Financial Advisors Inc. now owns 219 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $48,000 after purchasing an additional 166 shares during the period. 95.94% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of analysts recently issued reports on the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered their target price on Laboratory Co. of America from $261.00 to $243.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, May 30th. UBS Group raised their price objective on shares of Laboratory Co. of America from $260.00 to $270.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Friday, August 2nd. Bank of America boosted their price objective on shares of Laboratory Co. of America from $240.00 to $260.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Monday, August 5th. Evercore ISI increased their target price on Laboratory Co. of America from $210.00 to $215.00 and gave the stock an in-line rating in a report on Tuesday, July 9th. Finally, Robert W. Baird boosted their price target on Laboratory Co. of America from $261.00 to $277.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Friday, August 2nd. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Laboratory Co. of America has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $250.82.

Laboratory Co. of America Trading Down 2.9 %

Laboratory Co. of America stock opened at $220.33 on Wednesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.39, a quick ratio of 0.77 and a current ratio of 0.88. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $219.57 and a 200 day simple moving average of $211.12. The stock has a market capitalization of $18.50 billion, a P/E ratio of 44.33, a PEG ratio of 1.72 and a beta of 1.06. Laboratory Co. of America Holdings has a 52 week low of $191.97 and a 52 week high of $238.46.

Laboratory Co. of America (NYSE:LH  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, August 1st. The medical research company reported $3.94 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $3.78 by $0.16. Laboratory Co. of America had a return on equity of 15.39% and a net margin of 3.60%. The business had revenue of $3.22 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.19 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $3.42 EPS. The firms revenue was up 6.2% compared to the same quarter last year. Analysts expect that Laboratory Co. of America Holdings will post 14.67 earnings per share for the current year.

Laboratory Co. of America Dividend Announcement

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 13th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, August 29th will be given a $0.72 dividend. This represents a $2.88 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.31%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, August 29th. Laboratory Co. of Americas payout ratio is 57.95%.

Insider Buying and Selling

In other news, EVP Lance Berberian sold 12,093 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, August 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $229.10, for a total value of $2,770,506.30. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 15,921 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,647,501.10. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. In related news, EVP Lance Berberian sold 12,093 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, August 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $229.10, for a total value of $2,770,506.30. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 15,921 shares in the company, valued at $3,647,501.10. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. Also, CFO Glenn A. Eisenberg sold 15,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, August 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $223.99, for a total value of $3,359,850.00. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer now owns 31,289 shares in the company, valued at approximately $7,008,423.11. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last ninety days, insiders sold 29,679 shares of company stock valued at $6,716,306. Insiders own 0.85% of the companys stock.

Laboratory Co. of America Profile

(Free Report)

Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings operates as a life sciences company that provides vital information to help doctors, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, researchers, and patients make clear and confident decisions. It operates in two segments, Labcorp Diagnostics (Dx) and Biopharma Laboratory Services (BLS).

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Biltmore Family Office LLC lifted its stake in Target Co. (NYSE:TGT  Free Report) by 11.2% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 1,927 shares of the retailers stock after acquiring an additional 194 shares during the period. Biltmore Family Office LLCs holdings in Target were worth $285,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the stock. Triad Wealth Partners LLC acquired a new stake in Target in the 2nd quarter worth $25,000. Washington Trust Advisors Inc. grew its position in Target by 56.1% during the first quarter. Washington Trust Advisors Inc. now owns 178 shares of the retailers stock worth $32,000 after buying an additional 64 shares in the last quarter. Slocum Gordon & Co LLP bought a new position in Target during the second quarter valued at about $28,000. Retirement Group LLC raised its holdings in Target by 85.0% in the 1st quarter. Retirement Group LLC now owns 198 shares of the retailers stock valued at $35,000 after acquiring an additional 91 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Ables Iannone Moore & Associates Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Target in the 4th quarter worth approximately $28,000. Institutional investors own 79.73% of the companys stock.

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Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, insider Brian C. Cornell sold 45,000 shares of Target stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, August 27th. The stock was sold at an average price of $158.67, for a total transaction of $7,140,150.00. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 303,843 shares in the company, valued at approximately $48,210,768.81. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. In related news, CAO Matthew A. Liegel sold 1,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, August 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $153.13, for a total value of $153,130.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 7,276 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,114,173.88. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, insider Brian C. Cornell sold 45,000 shares of Target stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, August 27th. The shares were sold at an average price of $158.67, for a total value of $7,140,150.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 303,843 shares in the company, valued at approximately $48,210,768.81. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Corporate insiders own 0.23% of the companys stock.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of research firms have recently issued reports on TGT. Truist Financial boosted their price objective on Target from $156.00 to $162.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, August 22nd. Evercore ISI increased their price objective on shares of Target from $158.00 to $160.00 and gave the company an inline rating in a research note on Thursday, August 22nd. Oppenheimer decreased their target price on shares of Target from $200.00 to $180.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, August 14th. StockNews.com raised shares of Target from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Thursday, August 22nd. Finally, UBS Group raised their price target on shares of Target from $185.00 to $200.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, August 22nd. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have given a hold rating, eighteen have issued a buy rating and two have given a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Target currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $179.68.

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Target Stock Down 1.7 %

Target stock opened at $148.05 on Wednesday. Target Co. has a fifty-two week low of $102.93 and a fifty-two week high of $181.86. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.95, a current ratio of 0.90 and a quick ratio of 0.27. The firm has a market capitalization of $68.49 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.62, a PEG ratio of 1.95 and a beta of 1.24. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $147.78 and its 200 day simple moving average is $155.11.

Target (NYSE:TGT  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, August 21st. The retailer reported $2.57 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.18 by $0.39. The company had revenue of $25.02 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $25.19 billion. Target had a net margin of 4.18% and a return on equity of 33.10%. The firms revenue was up 1.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $1.80 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that Target Co. will post 9.53 EPS for the current year.

Target Company Profile

(Free Report)

Target Corporation operates as a general merchandise retailer in the United States. The company offers apparel for women, men, boys, girls, toddlers, and infants and newborns, as well as jewelry, accessories, and shoes; and beauty and personal care, baby gear, cleaning, paper products, and pet supplies.

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BMO REX MicroSectors FANG Index 3X Inverse Leveraged ETN (NYSEARCA:FNGD  Get Free Report)s share price gapped down prior to trading on Monday . The stock had previously closed at $28.86, but opened at $27.71. BMO REX MicroSectors FANG Index 3X Inverse Leveraged ETN shares last traded at $27.44, with a volume of 256,438 shares changing hands.

BMO REX MicroSectors FANG Index 3X Inverse Leveraged ETN Price Performance

The businesss fifty day moving average price is $24.85 and its 200-day moving average price is $30.75. The stock has a market capitalization of $19.25 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 37.73 and a beta of -5.03.

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Institutional Trading of BMO REX MicroSectors FANG Index 3X Inverse Leveraged ETN

A hedge fund recently bought a new stake in BMO REX MicroSectors FANG Index 3X Inverse Leveraged ETN stock. Whittier Trust Co. of Nevada Inc. bought a new position in BMO REX MicroSectors FANG Index 3X Inverse Leveraged ETN (NYSEARCA:FNGD  Free Report) during the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The fund bought 1,165 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $43,000.

About BMO REX MicroSectors FANG Index 3X Inverse Leveraged ETN

The MicroSectors FANG+ Index -3X Inverse Leveraged ETN (FNGD) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the NYSE FANG+ index. The fund tracks -3x the daily price movements of an index of technology and consumer discretionary companies. The note uses derivatives to achieve its -3x exposure. FNGD was launched on Jan 25, 2018 and is issued by REX Microsectors.

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Brasada Capital Management LP trimmed its position in shares of TransDigm Group Incorporated (NYSE:TDG  Free Report) by 1.6% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 6,228 shares of the aerospace companys stock after selling 101 shares during the period. TransDigm Group accounts for 1.4% of Brasada Capital Management LPs portfolio, making the stock its 21st largest holding. Brasada Capital Management LPs holdings in TransDigm Group were worth $7,819,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Whittier Trust Co. of Nevada Inc. raised its position in shares of TransDigm Group by 0.8% during the 1st quarter. Whittier Trust Co. of Nevada Inc. now owns 966 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $1,190,000 after buying an additional 8 shares in the last quarter. Team Hewins LLC raised its position in shares of TransDigm Group by 3.0% during the 1st quarter. Team Hewins LLC now owns 275 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $339,000 after buying an additional 8 shares in the last quarter. Souders Financial Advisors raised its position in shares of TransDigm Group by 1.1% during the 1st quarter. Souders Financial Advisors now owns 767 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $945,000 after buying an additional 8 shares in the last quarter. Bennett Selby Investments LP raised its position in shares of TransDigm Group by 2.4% during the 2nd quarter. Bennett Selby Investments LP now owns 336 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $429,000 after buying an additional 8 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Coldstream Capital Management Inc. raised its position in shares of TransDigm Group by 1.6% during the 4th quarter. Coldstream Capital Management Inc. now owns 570 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $577,000 after buying an additional 9 shares in the last quarter. 95.78% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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Insider Activity

In other news, Director W Nicholas Howley sold 5,073 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, July 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $1,242.30, for a total transaction of $6,302,187.90. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 21,548 shares in the company, valued at $26,769,080.40. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. In related news, CEO Kevin M. Stein sold 10,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, July 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $1,248.60, for a total transaction of $12,486,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 8,158 shares of the companys stock, valued at $10,186,078.80. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, Director W Nicholas Howley sold 5,073 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, July 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $1,242.30, for a total transaction of $6,302,187.90. Following the sale, the director now directly owns 21,548 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $26,769,080.40. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last ninety days, insiders have sold 28,073 shares of company stock worth $34,795,388. Corporate insiders own 4.96% of the companys stock.

TransDigm Group Stock Performance

NYSE TDG opened at $1,310.75 on Wednesday. The firms 50 day moving average price is $1,277.86 and its 200-day moving average price is $1,265.50. TransDigm Group Incorporated has a 52-week low of $802.46 and a 52-week high of $1,380.83. The company has a market cap of $73.55 billion, a PE ratio of 51.99, a P/E/G ratio of 2.04 and a beta of 1.42.

TransDigm Group (NYSE:TDG  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, August 6th. The aerospace company reported $9.00 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $7.77 by $1.23. TransDigm Group had a net margin of 21.83% and a negative return on equity of 66.70%. The firm had revenue of $2.05 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.01 billion. During the same period last year, the firm earned $6.55 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was up 17.3% on a year-over-year basis. On average, analysts forecast that TransDigm Group Incorporated will post 30.69 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several equities analysts recently commented on the stock. Bank of America upped their price target on shares of TransDigm Group from $1,310.00 to $1,460.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, May 29th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft upped their price target on shares of TransDigm Group from $1,435.00 to $1,524.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday, June 20th. Royal Bank of Canada reiterated an outperform rating and set a $1,500.00 price target on shares of TransDigm Group in a report on Wednesday, August 7th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their price target on shares of TransDigm Group from $1,350.00 to $1,435.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, September 4th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company cut their price target on shares of TransDigm Group from $1,390.00 to $1,350.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, August 7th. Eight investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and thirteen have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $1,438.24.

Check Out Our Latest Research Report on TDG

TransDigm Group Profile

(Free Report)

TransDigm Group Incorporated designs, produces, and supplies aircraft components in the United States and internationally. The Power & Control segment offers mechanical/electro-mechanical actuators and controls, ignition systems and engine technology, specialized pumps and valves, power conditioning devices, specialized AC/DC electric motors and generators, batteries and chargers, databus and power controls, sensor products, switches and relay panels, hoists, winches and lifting devices, and cargo loading and handling systems.

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Coldstream Capital Management Inc. grew its holdings in Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (NYSE:BR  Free Report) by 3.7% in the second quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 10,905 shares of the business services providers stock after purchasing an additional 392 shares during the period. Coldstream Capital Management Inc.s holdings in Broadridge Financial Solutions were worth $2,148,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the business. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its stake in Broadridge Financial Solutions by 0.3% in the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 13,991,206 shares of the business services providers stock worth $2,866,238,000 after acquiring an additional 39,537 shares in the last quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD boosted its holdings in shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions by 0.7% during the first quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 4,168,197 shares of the business services providers stock worth $853,898,000 after purchasing an additional 28,180 shares during the period. Capital International Investors grew its position in Broadridge Financial Solutions by 0.3% during the first quarter. Capital International Investors now owns 3,061,983 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $627,278,000 after purchasing an additional 7,970 shares in the last quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. increased its stake in Broadridge Financial Solutions by 3.0% in the 1st quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 1,496,678 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $306,609,000 after buying an additional 43,958 shares during the period. Finally, Bahl & Gaynor Inc. lifted its position in Broadridge Financial Solutions by 1.9% in the 1st quarter. Bahl & Gaynor Inc. now owns 1,102,233 shares of the business services providers stock worth $225,804,000 after buying an additional 20,023 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 90.03% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several equities analysts have recently commented on BR shares. Royal Bank of Canada boosted their price target on shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions from $239.00 to $246.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, August 7th. DA Davidson reaffirmed a neutral rating and issued a $185.00 target price on shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions in a research report on Tuesday, June 11th. StockNews.com raised Broadridge Financial Solutions from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price objective on shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions from $224.00 to $225.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Tuesday, August 20th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Broadridge Financial Solutions currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $213.33.

Broadridge Financial Solutions Price Performance

Shares of NYSE:BR opened at $214.20 on Wednesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.55, a current ratio of 1.08 and a quick ratio of 1.08. The stock has a market capitalization of $25.00 billion, a P/E ratio of 36.55 and a beta of 1.05. The business has a 50-day moving average of $209.06 and a two-hundred day moving average of $202.92. Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $166.73 and a fifty-two week high of $223.81.

Broadridge Financial Solutions (NYSE:BR  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, August 6th. The business services provider reported $3.50 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping 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 analysts expectations of $1.96 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $3.21 earnings per share. The companys revenue was up 5.7% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities research analysts predict that Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. will post 8.51 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Broadridge Financial Solutions Increases Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, October 3rd. Investors of record on Thursday, September 12th will be paid a $0.88 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, September 12th. This is a positive change from Broadridge Financial Solutionss previous quarterly dividend of $0.80. This represents a $3.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.64%. Broadridge Financial Solutionss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 54.61%.

Insider Buying and Selling

In other news, President Christopher John Perry sold 31,539 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, August 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $207.37, for a total value of $6,540,242.43. Following the sale, the president now directly owns 67,215 shares of the companys stock, valued at $13,938,374.55. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. In related news, Chairman Richard J. Daly sold 21,938 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, September 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $207.66, for a total transaction of $4,555,645.08. Following the transaction, the chairman now owns 105,094 shares of the companys stock, valued at $21,823,820.04. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, President Christopher John Perry sold 31,539 shares of the 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 sale, the president now directly owns 67,215 shares of the companys stock, valued at $13,938,374.55. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 116,852 shares of company stock worth $24,370,893 in the last quarter. 1.60% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Broadridge Financial Solutions Company Profile

(Free Report)

Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc provides investor communications and technology-driven solutions for the financial services industry. The company's Investor Communication Solutions segment processes and distributes proxy materials to investors in equity securities and mutual funds, as well as facilitates related vote processing services; and distributes regulatory reports, class action, and corporate action/reorganization event information, as well as tax reporting solutions.

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AGF Management Ltd. cut its stake in shares of Brookfield Co. (NYSE:BN  Free Report) by 5.2% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 2,613,168 shares of the companys stock after selling 144,166 shares during the quarter. AGF Management Ltd. owned about 0.16% of Brookfield worth $109,049,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in BN. LGT Fund Management Co Ltd. grew its stake 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 last quarter. Choreo LLC grew its stake in Brookfield by 80.7% in the 2nd quarter. Choreo LLC now owns 33,931 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,395,000 after acquiring an additional 15,153 shares during the last quarter. Triasima Portfolio Management inc. grew its stake in Brookfield by 35.4% in the 2nd quarter. Triasima Portfolio Management inc. now owns 1,199,250 shares of the companys stock valued at $49,856,000 after acquiring an additional 313,436 shares during the last quarter. Caprock Group LLC acquired a new stake in Brookfield in the 2nd quarter valued at about $500,000. Finally, Asset Dedication LLC acquired a new stake in Brookfield in the 2nd quarter valued at about $56,000. 61.60% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Brookfield Trading Up 0.1 %

Shares of BN stock opened at $47.24 on Wednesday. The firm has a market cap of $77.65 billion, a P/E ratio of 77.44 and a beta of 1.53. Brookfield Co. has a 1-year low of $28.84 and a 1-year high of $50.46. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.39, a current ratio of 1.20 and a quick ratio of 1.03. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $46.42 and its 200-day simple moving average is $43.39.

Brookfield Announces Dividend

Brookfield ( NYSE:BN Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 8th. The company reported $1.35 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.78 by $0.57. The business had revenue of $23.05 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.24 billion. Brookfield had a net margin of 1.13% and a return on equity of 3.67%. The companys revenue was down 2.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $0.75 EPS. As a group, equities analysts forecast that Brookfield Co. will post 3.84 EPS for the current year.

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 27th. Investors of record on Thursday, September 12th will be issued a $0.08 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, September 12th. This represents a $0.32 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.68%. Brookfields payout ratio is 52.46%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of brokerages recently commented on BN. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods increased their price objective on shares of 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 shares of Brookfield from $50.50 to $51.25 and gave the company a sector outperform rating in a report on Friday, August 9th. Royal Bank of Canada reduced their target price on shares of Brookfield from $57.00 to $56.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Friday, August 9th. TD Securities upped their target price on shares of Brookfield from $62.00 to $63.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Monday, August 12th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their target price on shares of Brookfield from $49.00 to $52.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, July 31st. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $50.84.

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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.

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Canadian Western Bank (TSE:CWB  Get Free Report) declared a quarterly dividend on Friday, August 30th, Zacks reports. Investors of record on Thursday, September 12th will be paid a dividend of 0.35 per share on Thursday, September 26th. This represents a $1.40 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.66%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, September 12th.

Canadian Western Bank Stock Up 0.2 %

CWB traded up C$0.09 during midday trading on Wednesday, reaching C$52.54. 6,133 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 367,383. Canadian Western Bank has a one year low of C$24.66 and a one year high of C$53.00. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of C$47.83 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of C$36.12. The firm has a market capitalization of C$5.08 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.93, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.95 and a beta of 1.39.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several brokerages have recently commented on CWB. BMO Capital Markets cut Canadian Western Bank from an outperform rating to a market perform rating and increased their target price for the stock from C$35.00 to C$52.00 in a report on Wednesday, June 12th. Desjardins upped their target price on shares of Canadian Western Bank from C$53.00 to C$57.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, September 3rd. Raymond James downgraded shares of Canadian Western Bank from a moderate buy rating to a hold rating and boosted their price target for the stock from C$52.00 to C$54.00 in a research note on Tuesday, September 3rd. Jefferies Financial Group increased their price objective on shares of Canadian Western Bank from C$52.00 to C$57.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, September 3rd. Finally, Cormark increased their price target on Canadian Western Bank from C$46.00 to C$47.00 in a research note on Tuesday, September 3rd. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of C$48.03.

Insider Activity at Canadian Western Bank

In related news, Senior Officer Jenny Siman sold 1,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, July 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of C$46.05, for a total value of C$46,050.00. In related news, Senior Officer Jenny Siman sold 1,000 shares of Canadian Western Bank stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, July 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of C$46.05, for a total value of C$46,050.00. Also, Senior Officer Trent Albert Erickson sold 3,900 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, September 4th. The stock was sold at an average price of C$51.42, for a total transaction of C$200,538.00. 0.46% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Canadian Western Bank Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Canadian Western Bank provides personal and business banking products and services in Western Canada. The company offers current, savings, US dollar, chequing, flex notice, organization, business trust, and trust fund investment accounts. It also offers commercial lending and real estate, equipment financing and leasing, aviation financing, and dealership financing products; agriculture lending products and AgriInvest savings account; variable and fixed rate mortgages; line of credit; registered retirement savings plan, consolidation, and vehicle loans; and credit cards.

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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.

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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.
Carson Advisory Inc. decreased its holdings in Walker & Dunlop, Inc. (NYSE:WD  Free Report) by 2.7% in the second quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 12,750 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 350 shares during the quarter. Walker & Dunlop comprises approximately 0.9% of Carson Advisory Inc.s portfolio, making the stock its 28th biggest position. Carson Advisory Inc.s holdings in Walker & Dunlop were worth $1,252,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. National Bank of Canada FI raised its position in shares of Walker & Dunlop by 205.6% in the 2nd quarter. National Bank of Canada FI now owns 275 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $26,000 after acquiring an additional 185 shares in the last quarter. Fidelis Capital Partners LLC purchased a new stake in Walker & Dunlop in the first quarter worth $34,000. Benjamin F. Edwards & Company Inc. raised its holdings in Walker & Dunlop by 163.6% in the first quarter. Benjamin F. Edwards & Company Inc. now owns 398 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $40,000 after purchasing an additional 247 shares in the last quarter. EntryPoint Capital LLC purchased a new position in Walker & Dunlop during the first quarter valued at $57,000. Finally, Asset Dedication LLC bought a new stake in shares of Walker & Dunlop during the 2nd quarter valued at $94,000. Institutional investors own 80.97% of the companys stock.

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Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, COO Stephen P. Theobald sold 13,870 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, August 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $106.10, for a total transaction of $1,471,607.00. Following the transaction, the chief operating officer now directly owns 53,869 shares of the companys stock, valued at $5,715,500.90. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Corporate insiders own 5.47% of the companys stock.

Walker & Dunlop Price Performance

WD opened at $103.51 on Wednesday. The firm has a market cap of $3.49 billion, a PE ratio of 37.78 and a beta of 1.55. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $103.40 and a 200-day moving average price of $97.88. Walker & Dunlop, Inc. has a 1 year low of $62.51 and a 1 year high of $113.67.

Walker & Dunlop (NYSE:WD  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, August 8th. The financial services provider reported $1.23 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.16 by $0.07. The business had revenue of $270.70 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $274.50 million. Walker & Dunlop had a net margin of 8.41% and a return on equity of 9.65%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was down .7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $0.98 earnings per share. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that Walker & Dunlop, Inc. will post 5.27 EPS for the current year.

Walker & Dunlop Announces Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, September 6th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, August 22nd were paid a dividend of $0.65 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, August 22nd. This represents a $2.60 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.51%. Walker & Dunlops dividend payout ratio is 94.89%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several brokerages recently issued reports on WD. Wedbush increased their price target on shares of Walker & Dunlop from $95.00 to $105.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, August 9th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods raised their target price on shares of Walker & Dunlop from $105.00 to $112.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a research note on Thursday, July 25th. Finally, StockNews.com upgraded Walker & Dunlop from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Sunday, August 11th.

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Walker & Dunlop Profile

(Free Report)

Walker & Dunlop, Inc, through its subsidiaries, originates, sells, and services a range of multifamily and other commercial real estate financing products and services for owners and developers of real estate in the United States. It operates through three segments: Capital Markets, Servicing & Asset Management, and Corporate.

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Shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE:CMG  Get Free Report) traded up 1.1% on Monday . The company traded as high as $54.83 and last traded at $54.28. 1,927,877 shares were traded during mid-day trading, a decline of 87% from the average session volume of 14,927,962 shares. The stock had previously closed at $53.68.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

CMG has been the topic of several recent research reports. Argus boosted their price objective on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill from $73.36 to $77.76 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, June 18th. Raymond James lowered their price target on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill from $70.00 to $62.50 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, July 25th. Robert W. Baird cut their price objective on Chipotle Mexican Grill from $74.00 to $62.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, August 14th. StockNews.com lowered Chipotle Mexican Grill from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, July 4th. Finally, Piper Sandler dropped their price target on Chipotle Mexican Grill from $61.00 to $56.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, July 25th. Ten investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eighteen have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $62.36.

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View Our Latest Stock Report on Chipotle Mexican Grill

Chipotle Mexican Grill Price Performance

The stock has a market cap of $76.62 billion, a PE ratio of 57.99, a P/E/G ratio of 2.24 and a beta of 1.25. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $54.66 and a 200-day simple moving average of $81.03.

Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE:CMG  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, July 24th. The restaurant operator reported $0.34 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.32 by $0.02. The business had revenue of $2.97 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.94 billion. Chipotle Mexican Grill had a return on equity of 44.01% and a net margin of 13.23%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 18.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $12.65 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts anticipate that Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. will post 1.08 EPS for the current year.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other Chipotle Mexican Grill news, insider Curtis E. Garner sold 17,394 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, August 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $54.68, for a total transaction of $951,103.92. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 358,300 shares in the company, valued at $19,591,844. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. 1.02% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Chipotle Mexican Grill

Large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Swedbank AB acquired a new stake in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill during the first quarter valued at about $53,979,000. Transform Wealth LLC grew its stake in Chipotle Mexican Grill by 4,760.7% during the 2nd quarter. Transform Wealth LLC now owns 9,527 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $597,000 after purchasing an additional 9,331 shares in the last quarter. First Hawaiian Bank grew its stake in Chipotle Mexican Grill by 4,731.0% during the 2nd quarter. First Hawaiian Bank now owns 17,150 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $1,074,000 after purchasing an additional 16,795 shares in the last quarter. Valeo Financial Advisors LLC increased its holdings in Chipotle Mexican Grill by 4,747.7% during the 2nd quarter. Valeo Financial Advisors LLC now owns 20,409 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $1,279,000 after purchasing an additional 19,988 shares during the last quarter. Finally, MJP Associates Inc. ADV raised its position in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill by 5,588.0% in the 2nd quarter. MJP Associates Inc. ADV now owns 12,798 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $802,000 after purchasing an additional 12,573 shares in the last quarter. 91.31% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

About Chipotle Mexican Grill

(Get Free Report)

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, owns and operates Chipotle Mexican Grill restaurants. It sells food and beverages through offering burritos, burrito bowls, quesadillas, tacos, and salads. The company also provides delivery and related services its app and website. It has operations in the United States, Canada, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom.

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Shares of The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO  Get Free Report) traded up 1.2% during mid-day trading on Monday . The company traded as high as $72.03 and last traded at $71.97. 1,839,434 shares changed hands during trading, a decline of 86% from the average session volume of 13,135,916 shares. The stock had previously closed at $71.14.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

KO has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. Royal Bank of Canada raised their price target on Coca-Cola from $65.00 to $68.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, July 24th. Cfra restated a hold rating on shares of Coca-Cola in a research report on Thursday, September 5th. StockNews.com cut shares of Coca-Cola from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, July 19th. Barclays upped their target price on shares of Coca-Cola from $69.00 to $70.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, July 25th. Finally, BNP Paribas began coverage on shares of Coca-Cola in a research report on Monday, June 24th. They set an outperform rating and a $72.00 price target for the company. Five analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have given a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $70.73.

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Coca-Cola Price Performance

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 firm has a market capitalization of $306.21 billion, a PE ratio of 28.36, a P/E/G ratio of 3.94 and a beta of 0.60. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $67.82 and a 200-day moving average price of $63.73.

Coca-Cola (NYSE:KO  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, July 23rd. The company reported $0.84 earnings per share (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 analyst estimates of $11.78 billion. Coca-Cola had a net margin of 22.92% and a return on equity of 43.62%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 3.3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $0.78 EPS. Sell-side analysts forecast that The Coca-Cola Company will post 2.85 EPS for the current year.

Coca-Cola Announces Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, October 1st. Shareholders of record on Friday, September 13th will be paid a $0.485 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, September 13th. This represents a $1.94 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.73%. Coca-Colas payout ratio is currently 77.60%.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other Coca-Cola news, insider Nikolaos Koumettis sold 80,891 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, June 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $62.34, for a total value of $5,042,744.94. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 218,880 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $13,644,979.20. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. In other Coca-Cola news, insider Nikolaos Koumettis sold 80,891 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, June 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $62.34, for a total transaction of $5,042,744.94. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 218,880 shares of the companys stock, valued at $13,644,979.20. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, major shareholder Cola Co Coca sold 598,619 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, July 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $925.00, for a total transaction of $553,722,575.00. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 1,883,546 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,742,280,050. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 1,055,606 shares of company stock valued at $584,747,672 in the last quarter. 0.97% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Coca-Cola

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. Newbridge Financial Services Group Inc. increased its holdings in Coca-Cola by 7.2% in the 2nd quarter. Newbridge Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 9,608 shares of the companys stock valued at $612,000 after purchasing an additional 648 shares in the last quarter. Cannon Financial Strategists Inc. acquired a new stake in Coca-Cola in the second quarter valued at approximately $3,611,000. Brightwater Advisory LLC acquired a new position in shares of Coca-Cola during the second quarter worth $367,000. Heritage Wealth Management Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Coca-Cola in the second quarter valued at $1,931,000. Finally, Sanctuary Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in Coca-Cola during the 2nd quarter worth $23,007,000. 70.26% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Coca-Cola Company Profile

(Get 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.

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Direct Line Insurance Group plc (LON:DLG  Get Free Report) declared a dividend on Wednesday, September 4th, Upcoming.Co.Uk reports. Shareholders of record on Thursday, September 12th will be given a dividend of GBX 2 ($0.03) per share on Friday, October 11th. This represents a yield of 1.04%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, September 12th. The official announcement can be seen at this link.

Direct Line Insurance Group Stock Performance

Shares of Direct Line Insurance Group stock traded down GBX 2.30 ($0.03) on Wednesday, hitting GBX 180.70 ($2.36). The stock had a trading volume of 1,263,994 shares, compared to its average volume of 5,590,361. The stock has a market cap of 2.35 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 796.96, a P/E/G ratio of 2.53 and a beta of 0.42. The company has a current ratio of 0.57, a quick ratio of 0.28 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 20.04. Direct Line Insurance Group has a 52-week low of GBX 149.50 ($1.96) and a 52-week high of GBX 240.10 ($3.14). The companys 50 day moving average price is GBX 187.66 and its 200 day moving average price is GBX 193.97.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several research firms have recently weighed in on DLG. Royal Bank of Canada reissued a sector perform rating and issued a GBX 195 ($2.55) price objective on shares of Direct Line Insurance Group in a report on Monday, June 24th. Berenberg Bank decreased their price target on shares of Direct Line Insurance Group from GBX 220 ($2.88) to GBX 215 ($2.81) and set a hold rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, July 2nd. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reissued a buy rating and set a GBX 240 ($3.14) price objective on shares of Direct Line Insurance Group in a research report on Thursday, September 5th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Direct Line Insurance Group has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of GBX 206 ($2.69).

Insider Activity at Direct Line Insurance Group

In other news, insider Carol Hagh acquired 10,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, September 4th. The stock was bought at an average price of GBX 195 ($2.55) per share, for a total transaction of 19,500 ($25,500.20). Insiders have bought a total of 10,152 shares of company stock worth $1,980,088 in the last three months. Insiders own 1.98% of the companys stock.

About Direct Line Insurance Group

(Get Free Report)

Direct Line Insurance Group plc engages in the provision of general insurance products and services in the United Kingdom. The company operates through Motor, Home, Rescue and Other Personal Lines, and Commercial segments. It offers motor, home, van, landlord, rescue, pet, tradesperson, business, creditor and select, and travel insurance products, as well as commercial insurance for small and medium-sized enterprises.

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Dorsey & Whitney Trust CO LLC cut its holdings in shares of Jacobs Solutions Inc. (NYSE:J  Free Report) by 1.1% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 6,521 shares of the companys stock after selling 71 shares during the quarter. Dorsey & Whitney Trust CO LLCs holdings in Jacobs Solutions were worth $911,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

A number of other hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. EdgeRock Capital LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Jacobs Solutions during the 2nd quarter worth $26,000. Bruce G. Allen Investments LLC raised its holdings in shares of Jacobs Solutions by 427.5% in the 2nd quarter. Bruce G. Allen Investments LLC now owns 211 shares of the companys stock worth $29,000 after purchasing an additional 171 shares during the period. ICA Group Wealth Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of Jacobs Solutions in the 4th quarter worth about $30,000. Union Savings Bank lifted its stake in shares of Jacobs Solutions by 78.1% in the 4th quarter. Union Savings Bank now owns 285 shares of the companys stock valued at $37,000 after purchasing an additional 125 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Quarry LP grew its holdings in shares of Jacobs Solutions by 108.9% during the 4th quarter. Quarry LP now owns 305 shares of the companys stock worth $40,000 after purchasing an additional 159 shares during the period. 85.65% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, insider Steven J. Demetriou sold 7,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, August 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $146.88, for a total value of $1,028,160.00. Following the sale, the insider now owns 527,138 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $77,426,029.44. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. In other Jacobs Solutions news, Director Christopher M.T. Thompson sold 1,898 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, August 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of $150.85, for a total transaction of $286,313.30. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 42,069 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $6,346,108.65. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, insider Steven J. Demetriou sold 7,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, August 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $146.88, for a total transaction of $1,028,160.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 527,138 shares in the company, valued at approximately $77,426,029.44. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 21,516 shares of company stock worth $3,132,273 over the last quarter. 1.00% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

J has been the topic of a number of recent research reports. Robert W. Baird reduced their price target on shares of Jacobs Solutions from $163.00 to $160.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, August 7th. Royal Bank of Canada increased their price target on Jacobs Solutions from $161.00 to $167.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, August 7th. StockNews.com cut Jacobs Solutions from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, August 15th. Truist Financial reiterated a hold rating and issued a $158.00 target price (up previously from $153.00) on shares of Jacobs Solutions in a research note on Wednesday, August 7th. Finally, UBS Group boosted their price target on Jacobs Solutions from $161.00 to $165.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, August 14th. Six analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Jacobs Solutions has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $160.40.

Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on Jacobs Solutions

Jacobs Solutions Price Performance

Shares of J stock opened at $143.14 on Wednesday. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $145.12 and a two-hundred day moving average of $144.19. The firm has a market cap of $17.92 billion, a P/E ratio of 27.63, a P/E/G ratio of 1.63 and a beta of 0.72. Jacobs Solutions Inc. has a 1-year low of $120.71 and a 1-year high of $154.50. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.31, a current ratio of 1.14 and a quick ratio of 1.14.

Jacobs Solutions (NYSE:J  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, August 6th. The company reported $1.96 earnings per share for the quarter, meeting the consensus estimate of $1.96. Jacobs Solutions had a return on equity of 14.76% and a net margin of 3.72%. The firm had revenue of $4.23 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.39 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $1.82 earnings per share. Jacobs Solutionss quarterly revenue was up 1.1% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, research analysts anticipate that Jacobs Solutions Inc. will post 7.97 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Jacobs Solutions Announces Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, August 23rd. Investors of record on Friday, July 26th were given a dividend of $0.29 per share. This represents a $1.16 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.81%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, July 26th. Jacobs Solutionss dividend payout ratio is presently 22.39%.

Jacobs Solutions Company Profile

(Free Report)

Jacobs Solutions Inc provides consulting, technical, engineering, scientific, and project delivery services for the government and private sectors in the United States, Europe, Canada, India, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, the Middle East, and Africa. It operates through Critical Mission Solutions, People & Places Solutions, Divergent Solutions, and PA Consulting segments.

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Daiwa Securities Group Inc. grew its stake in shares of Duke Energy Co. (NYSE:DUK  Free Report) by 10.0% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 83,967 shares of the utilities providers stock after acquiring an additional 7,658 shares during the quarter. Daiwa Securities Group Inc.s holdings in Duke Energy were worth $8,416,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other large investors have also modified their holdings of DUK. Northwest Investment Counselors LLC purchased a new position in Duke Energy during the first quarter worth approximately $25,000. Private Wealth Management Group LLC purchased a new position in shares of Duke Energy in the 4th quarter worth $26,000. Fortitude Family Office LLC grew its position in Duke Energy by 69.6% during the second quarter. Fortitude Family Office LLC now owns 290 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $29,000 after acquiring an additional 119 shares during the period. Olistico Wealth LLC acquired a new stake in Duke Energy during the second quarter worth about $30,000. Finally, Riverview Trust Co purchased a new position in shares of Duke Energy in the 1st quarter worth about $30,000. 65.31% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Duke Energy Trading Down 0.2 %

DUK opened at $116.93 on Wednesday. Duke Energy Co. has a 12-month low of $83.06 and a 12-month high of $118.18. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.56, a current ratio of 0.81 and a quick ratio of 0.53. The stock has a market capitalization of $90.24 billion, a PE ratio of 29.38, a P/E/G ratio of 3.20 and a beta of 0.46. The firms fifty day moving average price is $110.21 and its 200 day moving average price is $102.58.

Duke Energy Increases Dividend

Duke Energy ( NYSE:DUK Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, August 6th. The utilities provider reported $1.18 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.02 by $0.16. Duke Energy had a net margin of 14.29% and a return on equity of 9.71%. The business had revenue of $7.17 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $6.84 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $0.91 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was up 9.0% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, research analysts expect that Duke Energy Co. will post 5.97 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, September 16th. Investors of record on Friday, August 16th will be paid a dividend of $1.045 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, August 16th. This is a boost from Duke Energys previous quarterly dividend of $1.03. This represents a $4.18 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.57%. Duke Energys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 105.03%.

Insider Buying and Selling at Duke Energy

In other news, EVP Louis E. Renjel sold 540 shares of Duke Energy stock in a transaction dated Thursday, August 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $113.64, for a total value of $61,365.60. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 19,884 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,259,617.76. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. 0.10% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

DUK has been the topic of several research reports. The Goldman Sachs Group raised their price target on shares of Duke Energy from $102.00 to $113.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Monday, August 12th. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their target price on shares of Duke Energy from $110.00 to $122.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, August 7th. KeyCorp raised their price objective on Duke Energy from $114.00 to $117.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, August 14th. Evercore ISI increased their target price on Duke Energy from $108.00 to $115.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, August 7th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their price target on Duke Energy from $111.00 to $120.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Monday, August 12th. Seven research 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 currently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $113.92.

Read Our Latest Stock Report on Duke Energy

Duke Energy Profile

(Free Report)

Duke Energy Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as an energy company in the United States. It operates through two segments: Electric Utilities and Infrastructure (EU&I), and Gas Utilities and Infrastructure (GU&I). The EU&I segment generates, transmits, distributes, and sells electricity in the Carolinas, Florida, and the Midwest.

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Elastic (NYSE:ESTC  Get Free Report) CRO Mark Eugene Dodds sold 3,661 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, September 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $70.25, for a total transaction of $257,185.25. Following the completion of the sale, the executive now directly owns 102,683 shares in the company, valued at approximately $7,213,480.75. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website.

Elastic Stock Performance

Elastic stock opened at $72.10 on Wednesday. The company has a current ratio of 1.91, a quick ratio of 1.91 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.75. Elastic has a 1 year low of $69.00 and a 1 year high of $136.06. The company has a market cap of $7.41 billion, a PE ratio of 136.04 and a beta of 0.95. The companys 50-day moving average is $104.14 and its two-hundred day moving average is $105.50.

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Elastic (NYSE:ESTC  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, August 29th. The company reported $0.35 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.25 by $0.10. Elastic had a net margin of 4.62% and a negative return on equity of 17.54%. The company had revenue of $347.42 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $344.67 million. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted ($0.35) EPS. The companys revenue was up 18.3% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities analysts anticipate that Elastic will post -0.94 earnings per share for the current year.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several brokerages have issued reports on ESTC. Piper Sandler lowered their price target on shares of Elastic from $131.00 to $100.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Friday, August 30th. Scotiabank reduced their target price on shares of Elastic from $135.00 to $92.00 and set a sector outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, August 30th. Canaccord Genuity Group reduced their target price on shares of Elastic from $125.00 to $110.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, September 3rd. Wells Fargo & Company reduced their target price on shares of Elastic from $145.00 to $100.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, August 30th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus reduced their target price on shares of Elastic from $120.00 to $98.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, August 30th. Nine research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and thirteen have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Elastic currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $104.45.

Get Our Latest Analysis on Elastic

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Nordea Investment Management AB bought a new stake in shares of Elastic in the 1st quarter valued at about $3,104,000. Toronto Dominion Bank bought a new stake in shares of Elastic in the 1st quarter valued at about $5,780,000. Quantbot Technologies LP increased its stake in shares of Elastic by 165.2% in the 1st quarter. Quantbot Technologies LP now owns 12,921 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,295,000 after acquiring an additional 8,048 shares during the last quarter. CenterBook Partners LP increased its stake in shares of Elastic by 13.1% in the 4th quarter. CenterBook Partners LP now owns 27,985 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,154,000 after acquiring an additional 3,245 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Holdings Inc. increased its stake in shares of Elastic by 737.7% in the 1st quarter. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Holdings Inc. now owns 17,617 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,766,000 after acquiring an additional 15,514 shares during the last quarter. 97.03% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

About Elastic

(Get Free Report)

Elastic N.V., a data analytics company, delivers solutions designed to run in public or private clouds in multi-cloud environments. It primarily offers Elastic Stack, a set of software products that ingest and store data from various sources and formats, as well as performs search, analysis, and visualization on that data.

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Epwin Group Plc (LON:EPWN  Get Free Report) announced a dividend on Wednesday, September 11th, Upcoming.Co.Uk reports. Shareholders of record on Thursday, September 19th will be paid a dividend of GBX 2.10 ($0.03) per share on Tuesday, October 8th. This represents a yield of 2.12%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, September 19th. The official announcement can be accessed at this link.

Epwin Group Trading Down 3.0 %

EPWN traded down GBX 3 ($0.04) during trading on Wednesday, reaching GBX 96 ($1.26). 446,544 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 194,373. The company has a quick ratio of 0.72, a current ratio of 1.22 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 115.28. The stock has a market capitalization of 134.63 million, a PE ratio of 1,566.67 and a beta of 1.14. The stocks 50-day moving average is GBX 90.36 and its 200 day moving average is GBX 86.99. Epwin Group has a 12 month low of GBX 63 ($0.82) and a 12 month high of GBX 99.68 ($1.30).

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

Separately, Shore Capital reaffirmed a house stock rating on shares of Epwin Group in a research report on Wednesday.

About Epwin Group

(Get Free Report)

Epwin Group Plc manufactures and sells building products in the United Kingdom, rest of Europe, and internationally. The company operates through Extrusion and Moulding, and Fabrication and Distribution segments. It also offers windows, doors, cavity closers, and curtain walling products; wood plastic composite and aluminium decking products, and panels; glass reinforced plastic building components.

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Fairway Group Holdings Corp. (OTCMKTS:FWMHQ  Get Free Report)s share price passed below its 50-day moving average during trading on Tuesday . The stock has a 50-day moving average of $0.01 and traded as low as $0.00. Fairway Group shares last traded at $0.01, with a volume of 2,273,400 shares changing hands.

Fairway Group Stock Performance

The firms 50-day moving average is $0.01.

About Fairway Group

(Get Free Report)

Fairway Group Holdings Corp. is a food retailer. The Company sells fresh, natural and organic products, prepared foods, and hard-to-find specialty and gourmet offerings along with an assortment of conventional groceries. As of December 27, 2015, the Company operated 15 stores in the New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, over four of which included Fairway Wines & Spirits locations.

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Hostmore plc (LON:MORE  Get Free Report) shares were down 13.8% on Wednesday . The stock traded as low as GBX 0.60 ($0.01) and last traded at GBX 0.75 ($0.01). Approximately 24,340,219 shares changed hands during trading, an increase of 8,081% from the average daily volume of 297,524 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 0.87 ($0.01).

Hostmore Price Performance

The firm has a market cap of 553,710.70, a PE ratio of -3.41 and a beta of 0.86. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1,145.20, a current ratio of 0.27 and a quick ratio of 0.41. The businesss fifty day moving average is GBX 12.47 and its 200-day moving average is GBX 15.97.

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Insider Activity

In related news, insider Julie McEwan purchased 29,499 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, June 28th. The shares were bought at an average price of GBX 17 ($0.22) per share, with a total value of 5,014.83 ($6,557.91). Insiders purchased 107,262 shares of company stock valued at $1,471,425 in the last three months. Company insiders own 40.76% of the companys stock.

About Hostmore

Hostmore plc operates in the hospitality business. It operates American-themed casual dining restaurants under the TGI Fridays brand; cocktail-led bar and restaurants under the 63rd+1st brand; and fast casual dining restaurants under the Fridays and Go brand. The company was incorporated in 2021 and is based in Edinburgh, the United Kingdom.

Further Reading

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The presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Tuesday night marked the first time the two have appeared on stage together since President Joe Biden dropped out of the race following a widely panned performance in a debate with Trump earlier this year and installed Harris as his successor.

Moderated by ABCs David Muir and Linsey Davis, the debate touched upon several topics, including the economy, abortion, illegal immigration and foreign policy.

Here are five highlights from the debate.

1. Trump calls Democrats radical on abortion; Harris suggests abortion isn't inconsistent with the Christian faith

When the topic of the debate turned to abortion, Trump insisted that they (some Democrat-led states) have abortion in the ninth month. Characterizing the Democrats position on abortion as radical, the former president claimed that Democratic vice presidential nominee and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz believes that abortion in the ninth month is absolutely fine.

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Trump also maintained that Walz supports execution after birth, adding, Thats not OK with me, as he explained why he was voting against Floridas Amendment 4 that would establish a right to abortion in the state constitution.

While ABC's co-debate moderator Linsey Davis asserted that there is no state in this country where it is legal to kill a baby after its born, the Family Research Council identifies Minnesota as one of three states that have removed protections for infants who survive botched abortions.

Harris lamented that in over 20 states, there are Trump abortion bans, referring to pro-life laws passed in those states following the U.S. Supreme Courts decision that determined the U.S. Constitution does not contain a right to abortion and returned the power to make laws governing abortion back to the states. She insisted that abortion bans in these states also make no exception even for rape and incest.

According to data compiled by the pro-life advocacy group Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, only 10 states have abortion bans in place that don't have exceptions for rape and incest: Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee and Texas. Mississippi allows abortions in cases where the woman is raped but not if a baby is conceived as a result of incest.

Harris also suggested that support for legal abortion is not inconsistent with the Christian faith. One does not have to abandon their faith or deeply held beliefs to agree the government and Donald Trump certainly should not be telling a woman what to do with her body, she said.

While Harris asserted that if Donald Trump were to be reelected, he will sign a national abortion ban, Trump pushed back, saying: Im not signing a ban and theres no reason to sign a ban.

Im not in favor of an abortion ban, but it doesnt matter because this issue has now been taken over by the states, he added.

2. Trump warns Harris will turn the US into Venezuela on steroids

During a conversation on immigration policy, Trump expressed concern that if Harris wins the election, well end up being Venezuela on steroids. The former president elaborated on why he thought Harris immigration policy would have a negative impact on the U.S. by pointing to the Biden-Harris administrations handling of the issue.

They allowed criminals, many, many millions of criminals, they allowed terrorists, they allowed common street criminals, they allowed people to come in, drug dealers to come into our country, he stated. Theyre now in the United States and told by their countries, like Venezuela, dont ever come back or were going to kill you.

Trump brought up Harris direct role in the administrations immigration policy after the debate pivoted to the topic of the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol: She was the border czar. Remember that. She was the border czar. She doesnt want to be called the border czar because shes embarrassed by the border.

3. Harris expresses support for a two-state solution; Trump says Harris hates Israel

When the debate turned to Israel and the Oct. 7 terrorist attacks perpetrated by Hamas, Harris asserted that Israel has a right to defend itself while stressing that how it does so matters. Lamenting that far too many innocent Palestinians have been killed, she proclaimed: This war must end.

It must end immediately and the way it will end is we need a cease-fire deal and we need the hostages out, she added, vowing that the Biden administration will continue to work around the clock on that." She further claimed that she would "chart a course for a two-state solution."

Harris identified security for the Israeli people and Israel and an equal measure for the Palestinians as an essential part of the two-state solution she envisions. Promising that she will always give Israel the ability to defend itself when it comes to Iran, she reiterated that we must have a two-state solution where we can rebuild Gaza, where the Palestinians have security, self-determination and the dignity they so rightly deserve.

Trump took issue with Harris insistence that she supports Israel, bringing up Harris absence during a speech Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave to Congress over the summer: She hates Israel. She wouldnt even meet with Netanyahu when he went to Congress to make a very important speech. She refused to be there because she was at a sorority party of hers.

If shes president, I believe that Israel will not exist within two years from now, Trump warned. At the same time, Trump suggested that Harris hates the Arab population because he believes that under her foreign policy, the whole place is going to get blown up: Arabs, Jewish people, Israel.

4. Trump addresses Bidens departure from the race: We have a president that doesnt know hes alive

During a discussion on foreign policy crises, Trump asked, Where is our president? He attempted to answer his own question by declaring, We dont even know if hes our president before addressing his departure from the race.

They threw him out of a campaign like a dog, he chided. We dont even know, is he our president?

We have a president that doesnt know hes alive, he added. Earlier, Trump brought up the first presidential debate and how it led to Bidens withdrawal from the race: If he [wasnt] in that debate, hed be running instead of her. She got no votes.

He got 14 million votes; they threw him out. She got zero votes.

5. Harris and Trump spar over rally size

Harris invited the American people to attend one of Donald Trumps rallies because its a really interesting thing to watch."

"People start leaving his rallies early out of exhaustion and boredom, she claimed.

Trump rejected Harris analysis and contended that her rallies are poorly attended: People dont go to her rallies. Theres no reason to go, and the people that do go, shes busing them in and paying them to be there and then showing them in a different light. So, she cant talk about that. People dont leave my rallies. We have the biggest rallies, the most incredible rallies in the history of politics.

Originally published by The Christian Post
Imperial Brands PLC (LON:IMB  Get Free Report) reached a new 52-week high during trading on Monday . The company traded as high as GBX 2,248 ($29.40) and last traded at GBX 2,239 ($29.28), with a volume of 2674516 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 2,229 ($29.15).

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Separately, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft raised their price target on Imperial Brands from GBX 2,325 ($30.40) to GBX 2,600 ($34.00) and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, May 21st. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of GBX 2,265 ($29.62).

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Imperial Brands Price Performance

About Imperial Brands

The firm has a 50-day moving average of GBX 2,131.02 and a 200-day moving average of GBX 1,942.66. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 217.64, a quick ratio of 0.41 and a current ratio of 0.64. The firm has a market capitalization of 19.17 billion, a P/E ratio of 981.30, a PEG ratio of 16.51 and a beta of 0.42.

(Get Free Report)

Imperial Brands PLC, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures, imports, markets, and sells tobacco and tobacco-related products in Europe, the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Australasia. It offers a range of cigarettes, tobacco accessories, vapour, heated tobacco, and oral nicotine. The company sells its products under various brands, including JPS, Davidoff, Gauloises, West, Winston, Kool, Lambert & Butler, Fortuna, Nobel, News, Backwoods, Champion, Golden Virginia, Rizla, Blu, Pulze, Skruf, and Zone X.

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John Hancock Premium Dividend Fund (NYSE:PDT  Get Free Report)s share price hit a new 52-week high during trading on Monday . The company traded as high as $13.49 and last traded at $13.49, with a volume of 500 shares. The stock had previously closed at $13.05.

John Hancock Premium Dividend Fund Stock Up 0.9 %

The companys 50 day moving average price is $12.32 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $11.79.

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John Hancock Premium Dividend Fund Dividend Announcement

The company also recently disclosed a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, September 30th. Investors of record on Friday, September 13th will be given a $0.0825 dividend. This represents a $0.99 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 7.59%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, September 13th.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

John Hancock Premium Dividend Fund Company Profile

Several large investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. Ausdal Financial Partners Inc. lifted its stake in shares of John Hancock Premium Dividend Fund by 5.8% during the 2nd quarter. Ausdal Financial Partners Inc. now owns 56,845 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $670,000 after acquiring an additional 3,101 shares during the last quarter. Shaker Financial Services LLC increased its stake in John Hancock Premium Dividend Fund by 81.8% in the second quarter. Shaker Financial Services LLC now owns 212,585 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $2,504,000 after purchasing an additional 95,639 shares during the period. Calamos Advisors LLC lifted its position in shares of John Hancock Premium Dividend Fund by 46.5% during the second quarter. Calamos Advisors LLC now owns 40,932 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $482,000 after purchasing an additional 12,985 shares during the last quarter. Mosaic Family Wealth Partners LLC boosted its stake in shares of John Hancock Premium Dividend Fund by 42.0% during the first quarter. Mosaic Family Wealth Partners LLC now owns 39,144 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $456,000 after purchasing an additional 11,586 shares during the period. Finally, Pathway Financial Advisers LLC bought a new position in shares of John Hancock Premium Dividend Fund in the first quarter worth about $2,561,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 12.98% of the companys stock.

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John Hancock Premium Dividend Fund is a closed ended equity mutual fund launched and managed by John Hancock Investment Management LLC. It is co-managed by John Hancock Asset Management. The fund invests in the public equity markets of the United States. It seeks to invest in stocks of companies operating across diversified sectors, with an emphasis on the utilities sector.

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Kinsale Capital Group Inc. increased its position in W.W. Grainger, Inc. (NYSE:GWW  Free Report) by 21.3% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 4,721 shares of the industrial products companys stock after buying an additional 830 shares during the quarter. W.W. Grainger accounts for approximately 1.5% of Kinsale Capital Group Inc.s investment portfolio, making the stock its 27th largest position. Kinsale Capital Group Inc.s holdings in W.W. Grainger were worth $4,259,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. 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 valued at $27,000 after buying an additional 17 shares during the period. Scarborough Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in W.W. Grainger during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $28,000. Newbridge Financial Services Group Inc. increased its position in 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 purchasing an additional 33 shares during the period. Washington Trust Advisors Inc. increased its position in W.W. Grainger by 225.0% during the 1st quarter. Washington Trust Advisors Inc. now owns 39 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $39,000 after purchasing an additional 27 shares during the period. Finally, Headlands Technologies LLC acquired a new stake in W.W. Grainger during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $41,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 80.70% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of research firms have issued reports on GWW. Robert W. Baird cut W.W. Grainger from an outperform rating to a neutral rating and cut their price target for the stock from $1,000.00 to $975.00 in a report on Wednesday, May 29th. Morgan Stanley began coverage on W.W. Grainger in a report on Friday, September 6th. They set an equal weight rating and a $990.00 price target on the stock. Baird R W cut W.W. Grainger from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, May 29th. Erste Group Bank restated a hold rating on shares of W.W. Grainger in a report on Friday, June 14th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada cut their price target on W.W. Grainger from $978.00 to $972.00 and set a sector perform rating on the stock in a report on Friday, August 2nd. Ten equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $1,014.11.

Insider Activity at W.W. Grainger

In related news, SVP Matt Fortin sold 511 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, June 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $915.20, for a total value of $467,667.20. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president now directly owns 1,848 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,691,289.60. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. 9.50% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

W.W. Grainger Price Performance

Shares of GWW opened at $977.68 on Wednesday. W.W. Grainger, Inc. has a 12-month low of $674.41 and a 12-month high of $1,034.18. The businesss fifty day moving average is $954.60 and its 200 day moving average is $954.21. 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 $47.74 billion, a P/E ratio of 26.99, a P/E/G ratio of 1.88 and a beta of 1.16.

W.W. Grainger (NYSE:GWW  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, August 1st. The industrial products company reported $9.76 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $9.58 by $0.18. W.W. Grainger had a return on equity of 53.25% and a net margin of 10.86%. The company had revenue of $4.31 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.35 billion. During the same period last year, the business earned $9.28 EPS. W.W. Graingers quarterly revenue was up 3.1% compared to the same quarter last year. Sell-side analysts anticipate that W.W. Grainger, Inc. will post 38.71 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

W.W. Grainger Dividend Announcement

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Sunday, September 1st. Investors of record on Monday, August 12th were given a $2.05 dividend. This represents a $8.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.84%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, August 12th. W.W. Graingers payout ratio is currently 22.64%.

About W.W. Grainger

(Free Report)

W.W. Grainger, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, distributes maintenance, repair, and operating products and services primarily in North America, Japan, the United Kingdom, and internationally. The company operates through two segments, High-Touch Solutions N.A. and Endless Assortment. The company provides safety, security, material handling and storage equipment, pumps and plumbing equipment, cleaning and maintenance, and metalworking and hand tools.

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Linscomb Wealth Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI Intl Quality Factor ETF (NYSEARCA:IQLT  Free Report) by 5.4% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 140,283 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 7,191 shares during the quarter. Linscomb Wealth Inc. owned approximately 0.07% of iShares MSCI Intl Quality Factor ETF worth $5,478,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Hazlett Burt & Watson Inc. boosted its position in iShares MSCI Intl Quality Factor ETF by 40.1% in the second quarter. Hazlett Burt & Watson Inc. now owns 9,879 shares of the companys stock valued at $383,000 after buying an additional 2,826 shares in the last quarter. LPL Financial LLC increased its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI Intl Quality Factor ETF by 2.6% during the second quarter. LPL Financial LLC now owns 3,238,510 shares of the companys stock valued at $126,464,000 after acquiring an additional 83,277 shares in the last quarter. AGF Management Ltd. grew its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI Intl Quality Factor ETF by 65.1% during the second quarter. AGF Management Ltd. now owns 937,043 shares of the companys stock valued at $36,592,000 after buying an additional 369,525 shares during the last quarter. Gryphon Financial Partners LLC raised its stake in shares of iShares MSCI Intl Quality Factor ETF by 7.4% in the second quarter. Gryphon Financial Partners LLC now owns 18,682 shares of the companys stock worth $730,000 after purchasing an additional 1,285 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Balentine LLC lifted its position in shares of iShares MSCI Intl Quality Factor ETF by 2.9% during the 2nd quarter. Balentine LLC now owns 1,364,047 shares of the companys stock worth $53,266,000 after buying an additional 38,393 shares in the last quarter.

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iShares MSCI Intl Quality Factor ETF Price Performance

Shares of IQLT opened at $39.60 on Wednesday. iShares MSCI Intl Quality Factor ETF has a 1 year low of $32.28 and a 1 year high of $41.39. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $39.62 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $39.38. The firm has a market cap of $8.19 billion, a PE ratio of 16.83 and a beta of 0.90.

iShares MSCI Intl Quality Factor ETF Company Profile

The iShares MSCI Intl Quality Factor ETF (IQLT) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the World ex USA Sector Neutral Quality index. The fund tracks an index of large- and mid-cap stocks in developed countries, outside of the US. The index is selected and weighted for exposure to fundamental quality metrics.

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Marco Investment Management LLC grew its stake in EOG Resources, Inc. (NYSE:EOG  Free Report) by 11.8% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 36,505 shares of the energy exploration companys stock after buying an additional 3,855 shares during the quarter. Marco Investment Management LLCs holdings in EOG Resources were worth $4,595,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Riverview Trust Co bought a new stake in EOG Resources during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $27,000. MFA Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of EOG Resources during the 2nd quarter valued at $28,000. Gladius Capital Management LP purchased a new position in shares of EOG Resources during the 2nd quarter valued at $30,000. Sachetta LLC bought a new position in EOG Resources in the 4th quarter worth $33,000. Finally, Triad Wealth Partners LLC purchased a new stake in EOG Resources in the 2nd quarter worth $35,000. Institutional investors own 89.91% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

EOG has been the topic of several research analyst reports. UBS Group boosted their price objective on EOG Resources from $166.00 to $167.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, August 20th. Royal Bank of Canada reissued a sector perform rating and issued a $147.00 price target on shares of EOG Resources in a report on Wednesday, July 10th. Susquehanna cut their price objective on shares of EOG Resources from $159.00 to $158.00 and set a positive rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, September 4th. Truist Financial reduced their price objective on shares of EOG Resources from $136.00 to $130.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, July 22nd. Finally, Wolfe Research started coverage on shares of EOG Resources in a research report on Thursday, July 18th. They set a peer perform rating for the company. Thirteen research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, eight have assigned a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $143.95.

EOG Resources Trading Down 1.3 %

Shares of EOG stock opened at $118.97 on Wednesday. The company has a market cap of $67.65 billion, a PE ratio of 9.40, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.01 and a beta of 1.28. EOG Resources, Inc. has a 1 year low of $108.94 and a 1 year high of $139.67. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $126.39 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $126.23. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.11, a current ratio of 2.12 and a quick ratio of 1.89.

EOG Resources (NYSE:EOG  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, August 1st. The energy exploration company reported $3.16 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.98 by $0.18. The company had revenue of $6.03 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $6.07 billion. EOG Resources had a return on equity of 25.42% and a net margin of 30.33%. EOG Resourcess quarterly revenue was up 8.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $2.49 EPS. Research analysts predict that EOG Resources, Inc. will post 12.2 earnings per share for the current year.

EOG Resources Announces Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, October 31st. Investors of record on Thursday, October 17th will be paid a dividend of $0.91 per share. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, October 17th. This represents a $3.64 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.06%. EOG Resourcess dividend payout ratio is presently 28.75%.

Insider Activity at EOG Resources

In other EOG Resources news, COO Jeffrey R. Leitzell sold 4,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, August 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $126.48, for a total value of $505,920.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief operating officer now owns 35,058 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,434,135.84. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In other EOG Resources news, COO Jeffrey R. Leitzell sold 4,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, August 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $126.48, for a total value of $505,920.00. Following the transaction, the chief operating officer now owns 35,058 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,434,135.84. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, Director Charles R. Crisp sold 6,500 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, August 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $125.60, for a total value of $816,400.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 60,892 shares in the company, valued at approximately $7,648,035.20. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last ninety days, insiders have sold 21,537 shares of company stock worth $2,751,612. Insiders own 0.30% of the companys stock.

EOG Resources Company Profile

(Free Report)

EOG Resources, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, explores for, develops, produces, and markets crude oil, natural gas liquids, and natural gas primarily in producing basins in the United States, the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and internationally. The company was formerly known as Enron Oil & Gas Company.

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MicroSectors FANG & Innovation 3x Leveraged ETN (NYSEARCA:BULZ  Get Free Report) shares gapped up prior to trading on Monday . The stock had previously closed at $105.67, but opened at $109.36. MicroSectors FANG & Innovation 3x Leveraged ETN shares last traded at $110.10, with a volume of 31,664 shares trading hands.

MicroSectors FANG & Innovation 3x Leveraged ETN Price Performance

The firm has a market capitalization of $83.33 billion, a P/E ratio of 83.95 and a beta of 4.73. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $140.43 and its 200 day simple moving average is $136.68.

About MicroSectors FANG & Innovation 3x Leveraged ETN

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The MicroSectors Solactive FANG & Innovation 3X Leveraged ETN (BULZ) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the Solactive FANG Innovation index. The fund tracks 3x the daily price movements of an equal-weighted index of US-listed technology companies. BULZ was launched on Aug 20, 2021 and is issued by REX Microsectors.

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AdvisorShares Investments LLC cut its stake in Moodys Co. (NYSE:MCO  Free Report) by 1.1% during the second quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 14,956 shares of the business services providers stock after selling 166 shares during the quarter. Moodys makes up 1.1% of AdvisorShares Investments LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 18th biggest holding. AdvisorShares Investments LLCs holdings in Moodys were worth $6,304,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

A number of other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of MCO. Benjamin Edwards Inc. bought a new stake in Moodys in the first quarter worth approximately $25,000. New Covenant Trust Company N.A. acquired a new position in Moodys during the first quarter worth $27,000. Versant Capital Management Inc boosted its stake in shares of Moodys by 114.3% during the 2nd quarter. Versant Capital Management Inc now owns 75 shares of the business services providers stock worth $32,000 after acquiring an additional 40 shares in the last quarter. Rise Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of Moodys during the 1st quarter valued at about $35,000. Finally, EntryPoint Capital LLC bought a new position in shares of Moodys in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $38,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 92.11% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several equities analysts have commented on the company. Bank of America increased their price target on Moodys from $430.00 to $510.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, July 16th. Wells Fargo & Company upgraded shares of Moodys to a strong-buy rating in a report on Tuesday, August 13th. Oppenheimer lifted their price objective on Moodys from $454.00 to $492.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 24th. Royal Bank of Canada increased their target price on Moodys from $450.00 to $475.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 24th. Finally, UBS Group upped their price target on Moodys from $455.00 to $470.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, July 24th. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, eight have given a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Moodys has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $465.00.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, SVP Richard G. Steele sold 1,862 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, August 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $455.43, for a total value of $848,010.66. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president now directly owns 1,040 shares in the company, valued at $473,647.20. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. In related news, insider Stephen T. Tulenko sold 500 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, August 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $464.06, for a total value of $232,030.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 6,647 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,084,606.82. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, SVP Richard G. Steele sold 1,862 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, August 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $455.43, for a total value of $848,010.66. Following the transaction, the senior vice president now directly owns 1,040 shares in the company, valued at approximately $473,647.20. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last quarter, insiders have sold 2,931 shares of company stock valued at $1,332,825. 0.07% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Moodys Trading Up 0.4 %

Shares of Moodys stock opened at $484.14 on Wednesday. The companys fifty day moving average price is $459.99 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $418.33. The firm has a market capitalization of $88.16 billion, a PE ratio of 52.85, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.96 and a beta of 1.29. Moodys Co. has a 52-week low of $298.86 and a 52-week high of $490.18. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.59, a current ratio of 1.52 and a quick ratio of 1.52.

Moodys (NYSE:MCO  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, July 23rd. The business services provider reported $3.28 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $3.06 by $0.22. The firm had revenue of $1.82 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.72 billion. Moodys had a net margin of 28.34% and a return on equity of 57.03%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 21.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted $2.30 earnings per share. On average, analysts expect that Moodys Co. will post 11.36 EPS for the current year.

Moodys Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, September 6th. Shareholders of record on Friday, August 16th were given a $0.85 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Friday, August 16th. This represents a $3.40 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.70%. Moodyss payout ratio is 37.12%.

About Moodys

(Free Report)

Moody's Corporation operates as an integrated risk assessment firm worldwide. It operates in two segments, Moody's Analytics and Moody's Investors Services. The Moody's Analytics segment develops a range of products and services that support the risk management activities of institutional participants in financial markets.

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Myers Industries, Inc. (NYSE:MYE  Get Free Report)s stock price was down 3.4% on Monday . The company traded as low as $13.49 and last traded at $13.54. Approximately 27,678 shares were traded during mid-day trading, a decline of 89% from the average daily volume of 261,140 shares. The stock had previously closed at $14.02.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of analysts have recently weighed in on MYE shares. StockNews.com lowered shares of Myers Industries from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, May 16th. KeyCorp cut their target price on shares of Myers Industries from $30.00 to $27.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Friday, August 2nd.

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Read Our Latest Report on Myers Industries

Myers Industries Trading Down 0.5 %

The firm has a market capitalization of $494.16 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.60 and a beta of 1.22. The firms 50 day moving average is $14.23 and its 200 day moving average is $17.22. The company has a quick ratio of 1.16, a current ratio of 1.81 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.32.

Myers Industries (NYSE:MYE  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, August 1st. The industrial products company reported $0.39 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.31 by $0.08. Myers Industries had a net margin of 4.79% and a return on equity of 16.27%. The business had revenue of $220.24 million during the quarter. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $0.35 earnings per share. Equities analysts forecast that Myers Industries, Inc. will post 1.13 earnings per share for the current year.

Myers Industries Dividend Announcement

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, October 3rd. Stockholders of record on Friday, September 13th will be issued a dividend of $0.135 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, September 13th. This represents a $0.54 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.06%. Myers Industriess dividend payout ratio is currently 50.94%.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in MYE. nVerses Capital LLC acquired a new position in shares of Myers Industries during the 2nd quarter worth $25,000. Quest Partners LLC bought a new stake in shares of Myers Industries during the 4th quarter worth $54,000. DekaBank Deutsche Girozentrale bought a new stake in shares of Myers Industries during the 1st quarter worth $91,000. Covestor Ltd boosted its holdings in Myers Industries by 712,200.0% in the 1st quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 7,123 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $165,000 after purchasing an additional 7,122 shares during the period. Finally, Gallacher Capital Management LLC bought a new stake in Myers Industries in the 2nd quarter valued at $186,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 90.82% of the companys stock.

Myers Industries Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Myers Industries, Inc engages in distribution of tire service supplies in Ohio. It operates through two segments, The Material Handling and Distribution. The Material Handling segment offers pallets, small parts bins, bulk shipping containers, and OEM parts, as well as storage and organization, and custom plastic products; and injection molded, rotationally molded or blow molded products, consumer fuel containers and tanks for water, fuel, and waste handling.

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Chemed Co. (NYSE:CHE  Get Free Report) EVP Nicholas Michael Westfall sold 1,713 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, September 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $569.35, for a total transaction of $975,296.55. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 6,109 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,478,159.15. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink.

Nicholas Michael Westfall also recently made the following trade(s):

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On Tuesday, July 30th, Nicholas Michael Westfall sold 2,000 shares of Chemed stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $561.58, for a total transaction of $1,123,160.00.

Chemed Stock Performance

NYSE:CHE opened at $573.20 on Wednesday. The company has a market capitalization of $8.63 billion, a PE ratio of 30.85, a P/E/G ratio of 2.33 and a beta of 0.44. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $562.68 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $579.73. Chemed Co. has a fifty-two week low of $492.84 and a fifty-two week high of $654.62.

Chemed Increases Dividend

Chemed ( NYSE:CHE Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, July 24th. The company reported $5.47 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $5.59 by ($0.12). The firm had revenue of $595.88 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $599.20 million. Chemed had a net margin of 12.88% and a return on equity of 29.21%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 7.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $4.71 EPS. Research analysts predict that Chemed Co. will post 21.77 EPS for the current year.

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, August 30th. Shareholders of record on Monday, August 12th were given a dividend of $0.50 per share. This represents a $2.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.35%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, August 12th. This is an increase from Chemeds previous quarterly dividend of $0.40. Chemeds dividend payout ratio is currently 10.76%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Separately, Royal Bank of Canada dropped their price objective on shares of Chemed from $712.00 to $697.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, May 21st.

Read Our Latest Report on Chemed

Institutional Trading of Chemed

Several large investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. EntryPoint Capital LLC grew its position in shares of Chemed by 14.0% during the 1st quarter. EntryPoint Capital LLC now owns 147 shares of the companys stock worth $94,000 after buying an additional 18 shares during the period. Covestor Ltd grew its position in shares of Chemed by 10.6% during the 1st quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 219 shares of the companys stock worth $141,000 after buying an additional 21 shares during the period. Ballentine Partners LLC grew its position in shares of Chemed by 3.4% during the 1st quarter. Ballentine Partners LLC now owns 660 shares of the companys stock worth $424,000 after buying an additional 22 shares during the period. GAMMA Investing LLC grew its position in shares of Chemed by 34.4% during the 2nd quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 86 shares of the companys stock worth $47,000 after buying an additional 22 shares during the period. Finally, Waterloo Capital L.P. grew its position in shares of Chemed by 1.1% during the 4th quarter. Waterloo Capital L.P. now owns 2,252 shares of the companys stock worth $1,317,000 after buying an additional 25 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 95.85% of the companys stock.

About Chemed

(Get 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.

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North American Income Trust (LON:NAIT  Get Free Report)s share price crossed below its fifty day moving average during trading on Tuesday . The stock has a fifty day moving average of GBX 301.64 ($3.94) and traded as low as GBX 299 ($3.91). North American Income Trust shares last traded at GBX 302 ($3.95), with a volume of 208,418 shares traded.

North American Income Trust Trading Down 0.7 %

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 8.72, a quick ratio of 7.40 and a current ratio of 1.99. The firms fifty day simple moving average is GBX 301.72 and its 200-day simple moving average is GBX 294.17. The stock has a market cap of 412.05 million, a P/E ratio of 15,100.00 and a beta of 0.70.

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North American Income Trust Cuts Dividend

The company also recently declared a dividend, which was paid on Thursday, July 25th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, July 4th were issued a dividend of GBX 2.70 ($0.04) per share. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, July 4th. This represents a yield of 0.91%. North American Income Trusts payout ratio is 55,000.00%.

Insiders Place Their Bets

North American Income Trust Company Profile

In related news, insider Patrick Edwardson acquired 100,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, July 22nd. The stock was bought at an average price of GBX 300 ($3.92) per share, for a total transaction of 300,000 ($392,310.71). In the last 90 days, insiders bought 200,000 shares of company stock worth $59,700,000. 8.10% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

(Get Free Report)

The North American Income Trust plc is an exchange traded fund launched and managed by Aberdeen Fund Managers Limited. The fund invests in the public equity markets of the United States. It seeks to invest in the stocks of companies operating across diversified sectors. The fund invests in the stocks of large-cap companies, within the market capitalization range of S&P 500 Index.

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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



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Oxford Industries (NYSE:OXM  Get Free Report) issued an update on its third quarter earnings guidance on Wednesday morning. The company provided earnings per share guidance of $0.00-0.20 for the period, compared to the consensus earnings per share estimate of $1.09. The company issued revenue guidance of $310-325 million, compared to the consensus revenue estimate of $352.47 million. Oxford Industries also updated its FY25 guidance to $7.00-7.30 EPS.

Oxford Industries Trading Up 0.3 %

Shares of OXM stock traded up $0.23 during mid-day trading on Wednesday, reaching $83.60. 604,332 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 245,609. The company has a market cap of $1.31 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 32.87 and a beta of 1.53. The company has a quick ratio of 0.68, a current ratio of 1.32 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.03. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $93.59 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $101.20. Oxford Industries has a 1-year low of $80.87 and a 1-year high of $113.88.

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Oxford Industries (NYSE:OXM  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, June 12th. The textile maker reported $2.66 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $2.70 by ($0.04). Oxford Industries had a return on equity of 23.78% and a net margin of 2.62%. The business had revenue of $398.18 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $404.81 million. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $3.78 EPS. The businesss revenue for the quarter was down 5.2% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, research analysts anticipate that Oxford Industries will post 8.8 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several brokerages recently commented on OXM. Citigroup cut their target price on Oxford Industries from $94.00 to $92.00 and set a sell rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, June 13th. Telsey Advisory Group restated a market perform rating and set a $110.00 price target on shares of Oxford Industries in a report on Thursday, September 5th. Finally, UBS Group reduced their price objective on shares of Oxford Industries from $101.00 to $91.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, September 5th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have given a hold rating and one has issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Oxford Industries has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $100.60.

Check Out Our Latest Research Report on OXM

Insider Transactions at Oxford Industries

In other news, EVP Thomas E. Campbell sold 17,540 shares of Oxford Industries stock in a transaction on Friday, June 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $99.91, for a total transaction of $1,752,421.40. Following the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 24,865 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,484,262.15. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Company insiders own 5.70% of the companys stock.

About Oxford Industries

(Get Free Report)

Oxford Industries, Inc, an apparel company, designs, sources, markets, and distributes products of lifestyle and other brands worldwide. The company offers men's and women's sportswear and related products under the Tommy Bahama brand; and women's and girl's dresses and sportswear, scarves, bags, jewelry, and belts, as well as children's apparel, swim, footwear, and licensed products under the Lilly Pulitzer brand.

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RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. (NYSE:RNR  Get Free Report) declared a quarterly dividend on Wednesday, July 31st, Zacks reports. Shareholders of record on Friday, September 13th will be given a dividend of 0.39 per share by the insurance provider on Monday, September 30th. This represents a $1.56 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.61%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, September 13th.

RenaissanceRe has raised its dividend payment by an average of 2.8% annually over the last three years and has raised its dividend annually for the last 29 consecutive years. RenaissanceRe has a payout ratio of 4.4% meaning its dividend is sufficiently covered by earnings. Equities research analysts expect RenaissanceRe to earn $35.46 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $1.56 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 4.4%.

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RenaissanceRe Stock Performance

NYSE RNR opened at $256.00 on Wednesday. The company has a market capitalization of $13.35 billion, a PE ratio of 5.66, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.41 and a beta of 0.38. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.21, a quick ratio of 1.38 and a current ratio of 1.38. RenaissanceRe has a 52-week low of $188.24 and a 52-week high of $261.62. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $235.75 and a 200 day simple moving average of $229.37.

Insider Buying and Selling

RenaissanceRe ( NYSE:RNR Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, July 24th. The insurance provider reported $12.41 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $10.88 by $1.53. The company had revenue of $2.95 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.93 billion. RenaissanceRe had a net margin of 25.38% and a return on equity of 27.74%. On average, research analysts predict that RenaissanceRe will post 39.01 EPS for the current year.

In related news, CFO Robert Qutub sold 2,500 shares of RenaissanceRe stock in a transaction on Friday, July 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of $224.56, for a total value of $561,400.00. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 73,915 shares of the companys stock, valued at $16,598,352.40. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. In related news, CFO Robert Qutub sold 2,500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred 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 completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer now owns 73,915 shares in the company, valued at $16,598,352.40. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, EVP David E. Marra sold 1,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, July 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $230.00, for a total value of $230,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 85,544 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $19,675,120. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 1.30% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of equities research analysts recently issued reports on the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price objective on RenaissanceRe from $265.00 to $267.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, July 25th. Citigroup lifted their price target on RenaissanceRe from $262.00 to $298.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday. Barclays began coverage on shares of RenaissanceRe in a research report on Wednesday, September 4th. They issued an equal weight rating and a $287.00 price objective on the stock. UBS Group lowered their target price 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. Finally, StockNews.com cut shares of RenaissanceRe from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, September 6th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have assigned a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $272.60.

Check Out Our Latest Analysis on RenaissanceRe

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.

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Revolution Bars Group plc (LON:RBG  Get Free Report) shares hit a new 52-week low during mid-day trading on Wednesday . The company traded as low as GBX 0.85 ($0.01) and last traded at GBX 0.95 ($0.01), with a volume of 5138478 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at GBX 0.93 ($0.01).

Revolution Bars Group Price Performance

The firm has a market cap of 14.22 million, a PE ratio of -11.56 and a beta of 2.66. The stocks fifty day moving average price is GBX 1.13 and its 200-day moving average price is GBX 1.52. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 81.70, a quick ratio of 0.62 and a current ratio of 0.40.

Revolution Bars Group Company Profile

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Revolution Bars Group plc operates premium bars located in towns or city center high streets in the United Kingdom. Its bars provides food and drink products. The company operates bars and pubs under the Revolution, Revolucion de Cuba, Peach, Playhouse, and Founders & Co brand names. Revolution Bars Group plc was founded in 1991 and is headquartered in Ashton-Under-Lyne, the United Kingdom.

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Serica Energy plc (LON:SQZ  Get Free Report) declared a dividend on Tuesday, September 10th, Upcoming.Co.Uk reports. Investors of record on Thursday, October 24th will be paid a dividend of GBX 9 ($0.12) per share on Thursday, November 21st. This represents a dividend yield of 7.69%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, October 24th. The official announcement can be accessed at this link.

Serica Energy Stock Up 8.2 %

LON:SQZ traded up GBX 9.40 ($0.12) during mid-day trading on Wednesday, hitting GBX 124.20 ($1.62). The company had a trading volume of 9,611,060 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,769,921. Serica Energy has a 1 year low of GBX 110.40 ($1.44) and a 1 year high of GBX 271.77 ($3.55). The firm has a market capitalization of 484.95 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 436.67, a PEG ratio of 2.15 and a beta of 0.44. The company has a current ratio of 2.19, a quick ratio of 1.22 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 32.79. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of GBX 129.67 and a 200-day simple moving average of GBX 161.58.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Separately, Jefferies Financial Group reiterated a buy rating and set a GBX 225 ($2.94) price objective on shares of Serica Energy in a research report on Tuesday, May 21st.

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, insider Chris Cox acquired 12,530 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, July 2nd. The stock was acquired at an average price of GBX 136 ($1.78) per share, with a total value of 17,040.80 ($22,284.29). In other Serica Energy news, insider Martin Copeland acquired 13,500 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, September 10th. The shares were bought at an average cost of GBX 112 ($1.46) per share, for a total transaction of 15,120 ($19,772.46). Also, insider Chris Cox bought 12,530 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, July 2nd. The shares were purchased at an average price of GBX 136 ($1.78) per share, for a total transaction of 17,040.80 ($22,284.29). Over the last three months, insiders acquired 100,052 shares of company stock worth $6,065,602. Corporate insiders own 37.83% of the companys stock.

About Serica Energy

(Get Free Report)

Serica Energy plc, an upstream oil and gas company, identifies, acquires, explores, exploits, and produces oil and gas reserves in the United Kingdom. The company holds 100% interest in the Keith oil field; 98% interest in the Bruce field; and 50% interest in the Rhum gas field located in the Northern North Sea, as well as 18% non-operating interest in the Erskine field located in Central North Sea.

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Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile S.A. (NYSE:SQM  Get Free Report)s share price gapped up prior to trading on Wednesday . The stock had previously closed at $34.88, but opened at $38.86. Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile shares last traded at $38.68, with a volume of 925,878 shares changing hands.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several equities research analysts have recently commented on the company. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft decreased their price target on Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile from $45.00 to $36.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, July 18th. The Goldman Sachs Group upgraded shares of Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile from a neutral rating to a buy rating in a report on Friday, August 9th. Berenberg Bank initiated coverage on shares of Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile in a research report on Wednesday, July 31st. They set a hold rating and a $35.00 target price for the company. BMO Capital Markets cut their price objective on Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile from $70.00 to $65.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Friday, May 24th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group lowered their target price on Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile from $62.80 to $55.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Monday, August 26th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, two have issued a hold rating and six have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $53.94.

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Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile Stock Performance

The firm has a market cap of $11.00 billion, a PE ratio of 27.70 and a beta of 1.02. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $38.09 and a 200 day moving average price of $43.60. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.59, a current ratio of 2.19 and a quick ratio of 1.47.

Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile (NYSE:SQM  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, August 21st. The basic materials company reported $0.75 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.99 by ($0.24). The company had revenue of $1.29 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.27 billion. Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile had a return on equity of 23.15% and a net margin of 0.48%. During the same period last year, the company posted $2.03 EPS. Research analysts forecast that Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile S.A. will post -0.88 earnings per share for the current year.

Institutional Trading of Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the business. CWM LLC increased its stake in Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile by 40.1% during the 1st quarter. CWM LLC now owns 790 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $39,000 after buying an additional 226 shares during the period. Zurcher Kantonalbank Zurich Cantonalbank boosted its holdings in Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile by 0.3% in the second quarter. Zurcher Kantonalbank Zurich Cantonalbank now owns 95,111 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $3,876,000 after purchasing an additional 275 shares during the last quarter. Greenleaf Trust grew its stake in Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile by 3.7% during the 1st quarter. Greenleaf Trust now owns 8,216 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $404,000 after purchasing an additional 295 shares in the last quarter. Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC increased its holdings in Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile by 3.2% during the 2nd quarter. Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC now owns 13,037 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $531,000 after purchasing an additional 401 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Bank of New York Mellon Corp grew its position in shares of Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile by 9.2% during the second quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 5,482 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $223,000 after buying an additional 464 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 12.41% of the companys stock.

Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile SA produces and distributes specialty plant nutrients, iodine derivatives, lithium derivatives, potassium chloride and sulfate, industrial chemicals, and other products and services. The company offers specialty plant nutrients, including potassium nitrate, sodium nitrate, sodium potassium nitrate, specialty blends, and other specialty fertilizers.

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South Street Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in Amphenol Co. (NYSE:APH  Free Report) by 86.2% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 388,134 shares of the electronics makers stock after acquiring an additional 179,650 shares during the period. Amphenol accounts for 4.0% of South Street Advisors LLCs holdings, making the stock its 6th biggest position. South Street Advisors LLCs holdings in Amphenol were worth $26,149,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in APH. Beacon Capital Management LLC raised its stake in Amphenol by 121.2% in the 2nd quarter. Beacon Capital Management LLC now owns 376 shares of the electronics makers stock valued at $25,000 after acquiring an additional 206 shares during the period. New England Capital Financial Advisors LLC grew its holdings in Amphenol by 100.0% in the 2nd quarter. New England Capital Financial Advisors LLC now owns 376 shares of the electronics makers stock valued at $25,000 after buying an additional 188 shares in the last quarter. Sachetta LLC grew its holdings in Amphenol by 131.1% in the 2nd quarter. Sachetta LLC now owns 439 shares of the electronics makers stock valued at $27,000 after buying an additional 249 shares in the last quarter. Frazier Financial Advisors LLC acquired a new position in Amphenol in the 4th quarter valued at $29,000. Finally, Opal Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new position in Amphenol in the 2nd quarter valued at $29,000. Institutional investors own 97.01% of the companys stock.

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Amphenol Price Performance

Shares of APH opened at $60.79 on Wednesday. Amphenol Co. has a 1 year low of $39.34 and a 1 year high of $70.84. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.56, a current ratio of 2.02 and a quick ratio of 1.32. The company has a market capitalization of $73.21 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 37.18, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.36 and a beta of 1.24. The business has a 50-day moving average of $64.90 and a 200-day moving average of $62.57.

Amphenol Cuts Dividend

Amphenol ( NYSE:APH Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, July 24th. The electronics maker reported $0.44 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.41 by $0.03. Amphenol had a return on equity of 24.08% and a net margin of 15.69%. The company had revenue of $3.61 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.39 billion. During the same period last year, the company earned $0.72 earnings per share. The firms revenue was up 18.2% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities research analysts anticipate that Amphenol Co. will post 1.76 earnings per share for the current year.

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, October 9th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, September 17th will be issued a $0.165 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, September 17th. This represents a $0.66 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.09%. Amphenols payout ratio is currently 26.91%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

APH has been the topic of a number of research reports. Truist Financial upped their price objective on Amphenol from $74.50 to $76.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday, July 25th. Evercore ISI reaffirmed an outperform rating on shares of Amphenol in a report on Thursday, June 13th. TD Cowen upped their price objective on Amphenol from $45.00 to $57.50 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Thursday, June 6th. Vertical Research started coverage on Amphenol in a report on Tuesday, July 23rd. They set a hold rating and a $65.00 target price on the stock. Finally, Robert W. Baird reduced their price objective on Amphenol from $72.00 to $70.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, July 25th. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, eight have issued a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Amphenol presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $65.04.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on APH

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other Amphenol news, CEO Richard Adam Norwitt sold 750,000 shares of Amphenol stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, July 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $64.54, for a total value of $48,405,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 1,934,848 shares in the company, valued at $124,875,089.92. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. In other Amphenol news, CEO Richard Adam Norwitt sold 750,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, July 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $64.54, for a total value of $48,405,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 1,934,848 shares of the companys stock, valued at $124,875,089.92. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, VP Lance E. Damico sold 90,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, July 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of $64.65, for a total value of $5,818,500.00. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president now directly owns 51,400 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,323,010. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last three months, insiders sold 1,516,000 shares of company stock worth $98,236,640. 1.80% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Amphenol Company Profile

(Free Report)

Amphenol Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, primarily designs, manufactures, and markets electrical, electronic, and fiber optic connectors in the United States, China, and internationally. It operates through three segments: Harsh Environment Solutions, Communications Solutions, and Interconnect and Sensor Systems.

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SP Asset Management LLC lowered its position in Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT  Free Report) by 2.5% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 122,687 shares of the healthcare product makers stock after selling 3,092 shares during the quarter. Abbott Laboratories comprises about 1.2% of SP Asset Management LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 26th largest position. SP Asset Management LLCs holdings in Abbott Laboratories were worth $12,748,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. AdvisorShares Investments LLC increased its position in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 7.4% during the second quarter. AdvisorShares Investments LLC now owns 53,461 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $5,517,000 after acquiring an additional 3,672 shares during the period. America First Investment Advisors LLC increased its holdings in Abbott Laboratories by 6.8% during the 2nd quarter. America First Investment Advisors LLC now owns 183,631 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $19,081,000 after purchasing an additional 11,672 shares during the period. Biltmore Family Office LLC raised its position in Abbott Laboratories by 1.2% during the 2nd quarter. Biltmore Family Office LLC now owns 29,666 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $3,083,000 after purchasing an additional 358 shares in the last quarter. GEM Asset Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 4.2% in the 2nd quarter. GEM Asset Management LLC now owns 3,762 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $391,000 after buying an additional 150 shares during the period. Finally, Studio Investment Management LLC increased its stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 21.1% during the second quarter. Studio Investment Management LLC now owns 6,843 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $711,000 after buying an additional 1,194 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 75.18% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of analysts recently weighed in on ABT shares. Barclays upped their price objective on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $140.00 to $143.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, July 29th. Evercore ISI dropped their price objective on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $125.00 to $120.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, July 2nd. Edward Jones downgraded shares of Abbott Laboratories from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, July 30th. Citigroup lifted their price target on Abbott Laboratories from $119.00 to $127.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday, August 22nd. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada restated an outperform rating and set a $125.00 price objective on shares of Abbott Laboratories in a research note on Tuesday, June 4th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $121.80.

Abbott Laboratories Trading Up 0.5 %

Shares of Abbott Laboratories stock opened at $117.05 on Wednesday. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $108.42 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $108.63. The firm has a market capitalization of $203.62 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 36.46, 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.

Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, July 18th. The healthcare product maker reported $1.14 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.10 by $0.04. The company 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 firms quarterly revenue was up 4.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $1.08 EPS. Analysts predict that Abbott Laboratories will post 4.66 EPS for the current year.

Abbott Laboratories Announces Dividend

The firm 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. This represents a $2.20 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.88%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, July 15th. Abbott Laboratoriess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 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.

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Sentry Investment Management LLC trimmed its stake in shares of The Cigna Group (NYSE:CI  Free Report) by 17.0% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 1,412 shares of the health services providers stock after selling 289 shares during the period. Sentry Investment Management LLCs holdings in The Cigna Group were worth $467,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in CI. Norges Bank purchased a new stake in shares of The Cigna Group in the 4th quarter worth about $1,006,348,000. Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of The Cigna Group by 8.1% during the first quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 26,793,138 shares of the health services providers stock valued at $9,731,000,000 after acquiring an additional 2,017,333 shares during the period. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD grew its position in The Cigna Group by 6.4% in the 1st quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 14,341,233 shares of the health services providers stock valued at $5,208,593,000 after buying an additional 867,180 shares in the last quarter. Focused Investors Fund L P bought a new stake in shares of The Cigna Group in the 1st quarter worth $205,529,000. Finally, Swedbank AB acquired a new stake in The Cigna Group during the first quarter valued at approximately $161,300,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 86.99% of the companys stock.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several research firms have weighed in on CI. Baird R W upgraded shares of The Cigna Group to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Thursday, May 30th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their target price on The Cigna Group from $435.00 to $438.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, August 21st. Robert W. Baird started coverage on The Cigna Group in a report on Thursday, May 30th. They issued an outperform rating and a $388.00 target price on the stock. Stephens restated an overweight rating and issued a $410.00 price objective on shares of The Cigna Group in a research note on Friday, August 2nd. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $384.00 price objective on shares of The Cigna Group in a research note on Monday. One analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating, thirteen have issued a buy rating and two have issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus target price of $387.00.

The Cigna Group Stock Up 0.1 %

NYSE:CI opened at $358.11 on Wednesday. The firm has a market capitalization of $100.11 billion, a PE ratio of 29.40, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.08 and a beta of 0.50. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $341.89 and a 200-day moving average of $343.82. The Cigna Group has a 52 week low of $253.95 and a 52 week high of $370.64. The company has a current ratio of 0.71, a quick ratio of 0.71 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.73.

The Cigna Group (NYSE:CI  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 1st. The health services provider reported $6.72 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $6.42 by $0.30. The Cigna Group had a net margin of 1.70% and a return on equity of 17.83%. The company had revenue of $60.52 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $58.30 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $6.13 EPS. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 24.6% on a year-over-year basis. Analysts predict that The Cigna Group will post 28.48 EPS for the current year.

The Cigna Group Announces Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, September 19th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, September 4th will be issued a dividend of $1.40 per share. This represents a $5.60 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.56%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, September 4th. The Cigna Groups payout ratio is 45.98%.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, insider Brian C. Evanko sold 4,795 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, June 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $345.01, for a total value of $1,654,322.95. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 39,923 shares in the company, valued at approximately $13,773,834.23. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In other news, Director William J. Delaney III sold 2,691 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, August 19th. The shares were sold at an average price of $342.68, for a total transaction of $922,151.88. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 17,539 shares in the company, valued at approximately $6,010,264.52. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this link. Also, insider Brian C. Evanko sold 4,795 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, June 24th. The shares were sold at an average price of $345.01, for a total value of $1,654,322.95. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 39,923 shares of the companys stock, valued at $13,773,834.23. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last quarter, insiders have sold 8,033 shares of company stock valued at $2,757,740. 0.60% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

The Cigna Group Company Profile

(Free Report)

The Cigna Group, together with its subsidiaries, provides insurance and related products and services in the United States. Its Evernorth Health Services segment provides a range of coordinated and point solution health services, including pharmacy benefits, home delivery pharmacy, specialty pharmacy, distribution, and care delivery and management solutions to health plans, employers, government organizations, and health care providers.

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STAR Financial Bank decreased its holdings in shares of The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG  Free Report) by 7.6% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 8,860 shares of the companys stock after selling 730 shares during the period. Procter & Gamble makes up 1.1% of STAR Financial Banks portfolio, making the stock its 21st biggest holding. STAR Financial Banks holdings in Procter & Gamble were worth $1,461,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in PG. Alera Investment Advisors LLC raised its position in shares of Procter & Gamble by 1.2% during the first quarter. Alera Investment Advisors LLC now owns 5,007 shares of the companys stock worth $812,000 after purchasing an additional 60 shares during the period. Hudson Value Partners LLC increased its stake in Procter & Gamble by 4.1% during the 2nd quarter. Hudson Value Partners LLC now owns 1,516 shares of the companys stock worth $250,000 after purchasing an additional 60 shares in the last quarter. Fiduciary Alliance LLC raised its holdings in Procter & Gamble by 2.8% during the 2nd quarter. Fiduciary Alliance LLC now owns 2,261 shares of the companys stock worth $371,000 after buying an additional 61 shares during the period. LCM Capital Management Inc lifted its stake in Procter & Gamble by 1.1% in the first quarter. LCM Capital Management Inc now owns 5,701 shares of the companys stock valued at $925,000 after buying an additional 63 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Home Federal Bank of Tennessee boosted its holdings in shares of Procter & Gamble by 0.3% in the second quarter. Home Federal Bank of Tennessee now owns 23,318 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,846,000 after buying an additional 63 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 65.77% of the companys stock.

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Procter & Gamble Trading Up 1.0 %

PG stock opened at $177.83 on Wednesday. The Procter & Gamble Company has a 52 week low of $141.45 and a 52 week high of $177.94. The company has a market capitalization of $419.70 billion, a PE ratio of 29.06, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.81 and a beta of 0.41. The companys 50-day simple moving average is $168.80 and its 200 day simple moving average is $164.95. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.51, a quick ratio of 0.53 and a current ratio of 0.73.

Procter & Gamble Dividend Announcement

Procter & Gamble ( NYSE:PG Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, July 30th. The company reported $1.40 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.37 by $0.03. The business had revenue of $20.53 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $20.69 billion. Procter & Gamble had a return on equity of 33.46% and a net margin of 17.71%. The firms quarterly revenue was down .1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted $1.37 earnings per share. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that The Procter & Gamble Company will post 6.97 earnings per share for the current year.

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, August 15th. Shareholders of record on Friday, July 19th were paid a dividend of $1.0065 per share. This represents a $4.03 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.26%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, July 19th. Procter & Gambles payout ratio is presently 65.85%.

Insider Buying and Selling at Procter & Gamble

In other Procter & Gamble news, insider Balaji Purushothaman sold 8,842 shares of Procter & Gamble stock in a transaction dated Thursday, August 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $164.90, for a total value of $1,458,045.80. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 11,537 shares in the company, valued at $1,902,451.30. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In other Procter & Gamble news, insider Balaji Purushothaman sold 8,842 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, August 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $164.90, for a total transaction of $1,458,045.80. Following the sale, the insider now owns 11,537 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,902,451.30. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, CEO Ma. Fatima Francisco sold 96,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, August 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $170.00, for a total value of $16,320,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 13,721 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,332,570. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last quarter, insiders have sold 375,553 shares of company stock valued at $63,829,141. 0.17% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several research analysts have recently weighed in on PG shares. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their price objective on Procter & Gamble from $181.00 to $179.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, July 31st. BNP Paribas assumed coverage on shares of Procter & Gamble in a research note on Monday, June 24th. They set an outperform rating and a $187.00 price target for the company. Citigroup boosted their price objective on shares of Procter & Gamble from $177.00 to $190.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 10th. StockNews.com downgraded shares of Procter & Gamble from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, August 1st. Finally, Barclays cut their price target on shares of Procter & Gamble from $174.00 to $163.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, August 1st. Seven research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, fourteen have assigned a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Procter & Gamble presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $175.79.

Check Out Our Latest Report on PG

Procter & Gamble Company Profile

(Free Report)

The Procter & Gamble Company provides branded consumer packaged goods worldwide. It operates through five segments: Beauty; Grooming; Health Care; Fabric & Home Care; and Baby, Feminine & Family Care. The Beauty segment offers conditioners, shampoos, styling aids, and treatments under the Head & Shoulders, Herbal Essences, Pantene, and Rejoice brands; and antiperspirants and deodorants, personal cleansing, and skin care products under the Olay, Old Spice, Safeguard, Secret, and SK-II brands.

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Wellington Shields & Co. LLC grew its stake in shares of Salesforce, Inc. (NYSE:CRM  Free Report) by 64.2% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 1,919 shares of the CRM providers stock after purchasing an additional 750 shares during the period. Wellington Shields & Co. LLCs holdings in Salesforce were worth $493,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Salesforce by 1.2% during the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 84,635,254 shares of the CRM providers stock worth $25,490,446,000 after acquiring an additional 1,008,841 shares in the last quarter. Capital World Investors raised its stake in shares of Salesforce by 2.4% during the 4th quarter. Capital World Investors now owns 19,561,325 shares of the CRM providers stock worth $5,147,402,000 after buying an additional 457,463 shares during the last quarter. Fisher Asset Management LLC boosted its position in shares of Salesforce by 5.2% in the 4th quarter. Fisher Asset Management LLC now owns 14,905,462 shares of the CRM providers stock worth $3,922,223,000 after buying an additional 736,986 shares in the last quarter. Capital Research Global Investors grew its stake in Salesforce by 26.9% in the 1st quarter. Capital Research Global Investors now owns 14,376,536 shares of the CRM providers stock valued at $4,329,925,000 after acquiring an additional 3,044,611 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Capital International Investors grew its stake in Salesforce by 3.0% in the 1st quarter. Capital International Investors now owns 14,116,449 shares of the CRM providers stock valued at $4,251,592,000 after acquiring an additional 407,834 shares during the last quarter. 80.43% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

Several analysts have issued reports on the stock. Sanford C. Bernstein upped their price target on shares of Salesforce from $234.00 to $236.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, August 29th. Piper Sandler lifted their price objective on Salesforce from $250.00 to $268.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, August 29th. DA Davidson increased their target price on Salesforce from $230.00 to $250.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Thursday, August 29th. Wedbush reissued an outperform rating and issued a $315.00 price target on shares of Salesforce in a report on Thursday, August 29th. Finally, Morgan Stanley increased their price objective on Salesforce from $320.00 to $330.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, August 29th. Eight equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, twenty-seven have issued a buy rating and three have assigned a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $304.41.

Salesforce Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE:CRM opened at $246.13 on Wednesday. The company has a market cap of $238.50 billion, a P/E ratio of 44.27, a PEG ratio of 2.21 and a beta of 1.29. Salesforce, Inc. has a one year low of $193.68 and a one year high of $318.71. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $254.11 and its 200 day simple moving average is $268.91. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.15, a quick ratio of 1.04 and a current ratio of 1.04.

Salesforce (NYSE:CRM  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, August 28th. The CRM provider reported $2.56 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.36 by $0.20. Salesforce had a net margin of 15.44% and a return on equity of 12.01%. The business had revenue of $9.33 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $9.22 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $1.63 earnings per share. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 8.5% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, sell-side analysts forecast that Salesforce, Inc. will post 7.54 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Salesforce Announces Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, October 8th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, September 18th will be issued a dividend of $0.40 per share. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, September 18th. This represents a $1.60 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.65%. Salesforces dividend payout ratio is presently 28.78%.

Insider Buying and Selling at Salesforce

In related news, insider Parker Harris sold 2,800 shares of Salesforce stock in a transaction on Tuesday, August 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $241.22, for a total value of $675,416.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 117,581 shares in the company, valued at $28,362,888.82. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. In other Salesforce news, CAO Sundeep G. Reddy sold 413 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, July 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $255.78, for a total transaction of $105,637.14. Following the transaction, the chief accounting officer now owns 6,431 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,644,921.18. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this link. Also, insider Parker Harris sold 2,800 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, August 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $241.22, for a total value of $675,416.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 117,581 shares of the companys stock, valued at $28,362,888.82. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 59,892 shares of company stock valued at $15,269,897 in the last three months. Corporate insiders own 3.20% of the companys stock.

Salesforce Profile

(Free Report)

Salesforce, Inc provides Customer Relationship Management (CRM) technology that brings companies and customers together worldwide. The company's service includes sales to store data, monitor leads and progress, forecast opportunities, gain insights through analytics and artificial intelligence, and deliver quotes, contracts, and invoices; and service that enables companies to deliver trusted and highly personalized customer support at scale.

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Wellington Shields & Co. LLC trimmed its holdings in Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY  Free Report) by 1.4% during the second quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 13,536 shares of the companys stock after selling 196 shares during the period. Eli Lilly and Company comprises about 4.0% of Wellington Shields & Co. LLCs holdings, making the stock its 3rd largest position. Wellington Shields & Co. LLCs holdings in Eli Lilly and Company were worth $12,255,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other hedge funds have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. HHM Wealth Advisors LLC raised its holdings in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 2.6% in the second quarter. HHM Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 3,005 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,721,000 after purchasing an additional 75 shares during the last quarter. VitalStone Financial LLC boosted its position in Eli Lilly and Company by 2.5% in the second quarter. VitalStone Financial LLC now owns 976 shares of the companys stock worth $884,000 after purchasing an additional 24 shares during the last quarter. Marco Investment Management LLC grew its stake in Eli Lilly and Company by 2.0% in the 2nd quarter. Marco Investment Management LLC now owns 2,113 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,913,000 after purchasing an additional 42 shares during the period. Evernest Financial Advisors LLC increased its position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 2.7% during the 2nd quarter. Evernest Financial Advisors LLC now owns 4,720 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,274,000 after purchasing an additional 124 shares during the last quarter. Finally, SP Asset Management LLC raised its stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 4.0% during the 2nd quarter. SP Asset Management LLC now owns 2,810 shares of the companys stock worth $2,544,000 after purchasing an additional 107 shares during the period. 82.53% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Eli Lilly and Company Trading Down 0.8 %

Shares of Eli Lilly and Company stock opened at $901.28 on Wednesday. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $895.74 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $830.47. The firm has a market cap of $856.60 billion, a PE ratio of 132.74, a PEG ratio of 2.73 and a beta of 0.42. Eli Lilly and Company has a 1 year low of $516.57 and a 1 year high of $972.53. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.74, a current ratio of 1.11 and a quick ratio of 0.87.

Eli Lilly and Company Announces Dividend

Eli Lilly and Company ( NYSE:LLY Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Thursday, August 8th. The company reported $3.92 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 business had revenue of $11.30 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $9.83 billion. Analysts expect that Eli Lilly and Company will post 16.51 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, September 10th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, August 15th were given a dividend of $1.30 per share. This represents a $5.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.58%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, August 15th. Eli Lilly and Companys payout ratio is currently 76.58%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

LLY has been the topic of a number of research analyst reports. Guggenheim boosted their target price on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $884.00 to $1,030.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Friday, August 16th. Barclays raised their target price on Eli Lilly and Company from $913.00 to $1,025.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 10th. Evercore ISI raised Eli Lilly and Company to a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, September 5th. Argus lifted their price objective on Eli Lilly and Company from $770.00 to $840.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, May 14th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their price objective on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $900.00 to $1,000.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, July 11th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seventeen have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $961.76.

View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Eli Lilly and Company

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, major shareholder Lilly Endowment Inc sold 210,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, July 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $939.82, for a total value of $197,362,200.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 96,943,810 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $91,109,731,514.20. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Over the last ninety days, insiders have sold 661,900 shares of company stock valued at $604,721,602. 0.13% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Eli Lilly and Company Company Profile

(Free Report)

Eli Lilly and Company discovers, develops, and markets human pharmaceuticals worldwide. The company offers Basaglar, Humalog, Humalog Mix 75/25, Humalog U-100, Humalog U-200, Humalog Mix 50/50, insulin lispro, insulin lispro protamine, insulin lispro mix 75/25, Humulin, Humulin 70/30, Humulin N, Humulin R, and Humulin U-500 for diabetes; Jardiance, Mounjaro, and Trulicity for type 2 diabetes; and Zepbound for obesity.

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The operators of the mysterious Quad7 botnet are actively evolving by compromising several brands of SOHO routers and VPN appliances by leveraging a combination of both known and unknown security flaws.

Targets include devices from TP-LINK, Zyxel, Asus, Axentra, D-Link, and NETGEAR, according to a new report by French cybersecurity company Sekoia.

"The Quad7 botnet operators appear to be evolving their toolset, introducing a new backdoor and exploring new protocols, with the aim of enhancing stealth and evading the tracking capabilities of their operational relay boxes (ORBs)," researchers Felix Aime, Pierre-Antoine D., and Charles M. said.

Quad7, also called 7777, was first publicly documented by independent researcher Gi7w0rm in October 2023, highlighting the activity cluster's pattern of ensnaring TP-Link routers and Dahua digital video recorders (DVRs) into a botnet.

The botnet, which gets its name from the fact it opens TCP port 7777 on compromised devices, has been observed brute-forcing Microsoft 3665 and Azure instances.

"The botnet also appears to infect other systems like MVPower, Zyxel NAS, and GitLab, although at a very low volume," VulnCheck's Jacob Baines noted earlier this January. "The botnet doesn't just start a service on port 7777. It also spins up a SOCKS5 server on port 11228."

Subsequent analyses by Sekoia and Team Cymru over the past few months have found that not only the botnet has compromised TP-Link routers in Bulgaria, Russia, the U.S., and Ukraine, but has since also expanded to target ASUS routers that have TCP ports 63256 and 63260 opened.

The latest findings show that the botnet is comprised of three additional clusters -

xlogin (aka 7777 botnet) - A botnet composed of compromised TP-Link routers which have both TCP ports 7777 and 11288 opened

alogin (aka 63256 botnet) - A botnet composed of compromised ASUS routers which have both TCP ports 63256 and 63260 opened

rlogin - A botnet composed of compromised Ruckus Wireless devices which have TCP port 63210 opened

axlogin - A botnet capable of targeting Axentra NAS devices (not detected in the wild as yet)

zylogin - A botnet composed of compromised Zyxel VPN appliances that have TCP port 3256 opened

Sekoia told The Hacker News that the countries with the most number of infections are Bulgaria (1,093), the U.S. (733), and Ukraine (697).

In a further sign of tactical evolution, the threat actors now utilize a new backdoor dubbed UPDTAE that establishes an HTTP-based reverse shell to establish remote control on the infected devices and execute commands sent from a command-and-control (C2) server.

It's currently not clear what the exact purpose of the botnet is or who is behind it, but the company said the activity is likely the work of a Chinese state-sponsored threat actor.

"Regarding the 7777 [botnet], we only saw brute-force attempts against Microsoft 365 accounts," Aime told the publication. "For the other botnets, we still don't know how they are used."

"However, after exchanges with other researchers and new findings, we are almost certain that the operators are more likely CN state-sponsored rather than simple cybercriminals doing [business email compromise]."

"We are seeing the threat actor attempting to be more stealthy by using new malwares on the compromised edge devices. The main aim behind that move is to prevent tracking of the affiliated botnets."
The Singapore Police Force (SPF) has announced the arrest of five Chinese nationals and one Singaporean man for their alleged involvement in illicit cyber activities in the country.

The development comes after a group of about 160 law enforcement officials conducted a series of raids on September 9, 2024, simultaneously at several locations.

The six men, aged between 32 and 42, are suspected of being linked to a "global syndicate" that conducts malicious cyber activities. Pursuant to the operation, electronic devices and cash were seized.

Among those apprehended includes a 42-year-old Chinese national from Bidadari Park Drive, who was found to be in possession of a laptop that contained credentials to access web servers used by known hacker groups. The identities of the threat actors were not disclosed.

In addition, five laptops, six mobile phones, cash totaling more than S$24,000 (USD$18,400), and cryptocurrency worth approximately USD$850,000 were confiscated from the individual.

Three other Chinese nationals, arrested from Mount Sinai Avenue, are said to have been possessing laptops containing personal information related to foreign internet service providers, hacking tools, and "specialized software to control malware" such as PlugX, a remote access trojan widely used by Chinese state-sponsored groups.

The authorities also seized seven laptops, 11 mobile phones, and cash worth more than S$54,600 (USD$41,900) from the three men.

Another 38-year-old Chinese national was arrested from Cairnhill Road over suspicions of "offering to purchase personally identifiable information that was believed to have been obtained through illegal means."

The sixth person, a 34-year-old Singaporean national residing in Hougang Avenue, is believed to have assisted the others in their malicious activities.

The defendants have been charged with offenses under the Computer Misuse Act 1993 for gaining unauthorized access to computer material, retaining personal information without authorization, and retaining software that could be used to commit other malicious attacks.

The Singaporean national has also been charged with abetting the securing of unauthorized access to websites, an offense that's punishable with a fine of up to S$5,000 (USD$3,830), or a jail term of up to two years, or both, for a first-time offender.

Channel News Asia has reported that a sixth Chinese national was also subsequently arrested and charged on Wednesday for instructing the Singapore man to subscribe to a Singtel broadband plan.

"This is a significant operation as the individuals are suspected to be carrying out global malicious cyber operations from Singapore," the SPF said. "We have zero tolerance of the use of Singapore to conduct criminal activities, including illegal cyber activities. We will deal severely with perpetrators."
COLUMBIA -- Columbia native and former chair of the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control, Seema Shrivastava-Patel, received the states highest honor, the Order of the Palmetto, in recognition of her years of leadership and service both to the state and the people of South Carolina.

A native of Columbia, Shrivastava-Patel is the first woman of color to serve as the DHEC board chair.

Seema Shrivastava-Patel, received the states highest honor, the Order of the Palmetto Columbia native and former chair of the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control Seema Shrivastava-Patel received the states highe

This is an incredible honor, Shrivastava-Patel said. But this honor isnt just for me. Its for my parents who moved here from India with nothing more than $100 in their pocket. Its for all the women who came before me and paved the way so I could stand here today. Its for my husband and children without whom I couldnt do any of this and its for everyone who sees how amazing this state truly is and how much we could accomplish together.

Appointed in 2017, Shrivastava-Patel served on the DHEC board as vice chair from 2021 to 2023 and as chair from 2023 to 2024. During that time she not only played a major role in developing policy and overseeing operations of the agency, but also helped lead DHEC and the state through the COVID-19 pandemic as well as DHECs transition to the SC Department of Environmental Services and Department of Public Health.

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"Seema Shrivastavas commitment to public service and her leadership in our business community has truly impacted our state," Gov. Henry McMaster said. "From serving as the chair of the DHEC Board, where she committed herself to improving health and environmental outcomes, to her dedicated charitable pursuits, she has consistently strived to improve South Carolina. These efforts and more have made her an ideal recipient of our state's highest civilian honor - the Order of the Palmetto."

In addition to serving DHEC, Shrivastava-Patel has built a more-than-20-year career in the convenience industry, which includes her current role as CEO for Carolina Convenience Corporation overseeing multiunit operations and all aspects of the business including sub companies that totals over 600 employees.

She has dedicated herself to countless charitable activities raising money for everything from research into breast cancer and muscular dystrophy to supporting organizations like Harvest Hope Food Bank, Palmetto Childrens Hospital and the Wounded Warrior Project.

Most notably, as an Aspen Institute Liberty Fellow, Shrivastava-Patel created the S.C. Mobile Maternity Care Unit project which will provide badly needed pre and postnatal care to women in rural areas across South Carolina where maternity care is too often unavailable. Recently the project made history when it received $1.2 million in state funding making it the first state funded project of its kind in America.

Shrivastava-Patel lives in Lexington with her husband and two children and is a proven trailblazer serving as the first woman of color to lead the South Carolina Association of Convenience Stores and the South Carolina Petroleum Marketers Association in addition to DHEC.
China to accelerate building of unified national market: top market regulator

Xinhua) 09:33, September 11, 2024

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.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Non-oil trade between the UAE and India rose 10% in the first half of the year, said Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade.

Emirati investments in India reached a remarkable $3.3 billion last year, while Indian investments in the UAE exceeded $2 billion, demonstrating the strong economic ties between the two countries, the minister said in statements to the Emirates News Agency (WAM) during the UAE-India Business Forum being held in Mumbai.

The Forum is being organised by the Ministry of Economy and the UAE Embassy in New Delhi in cooperation with the Indian Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

The minister added that one of the objectives of the forum is to explore joint cooperation opportunities and continue to benefit from the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.--TradeArabia News Service
The Emirates Insurance Federation (EIF) and Gulf Insurance Federation (GIF) have both recently signed an MoU with the Bahrain-based MenaMoney Forums to launch the Arab Actuarial Conference 2026 in Dubai.

The MoU was signed by Farid Lutfi, Secretary General of both EIF and GIF and Ebrahim K Ebrahim, CEO of MenaMoney.

MenaMoney Forums (first party) is a Bahrain-based firm specialised in financial conferences, EIF (second party) is a non-profit organisation that supports the development of insurance, reinsurance and insurance brokerage sectors in UAE, and GIF (third party) is a non-profit institution that coordinates collaboration among insurance companies and federations in GCC markets.

Professional platform

The Arab Actuarial Conference is a regional professional platform for actuaries, actuarial firms and businesses and industries that depend on actuarial work such as insurance, finance, banking, healthcare, pension funds, asset management and risk management.

Conducted in a different Arab capital every year, the highly attended event tackles emerging issues and future themes affecting actuarial work and financial industries.

We are so pleased to see this conference grow year after year, creating a large and well-connected actuarial community across Mena and neighbouring regions, said Ebrahim.

We are very proud for our partnership with both EIF and GIF to bring what promises to be the largest actuarial event ever in the region, with strong participation from the Eurasian region that has more than 90 countries, he said, adding that the UAE, as Menas largest business and financial hub, is the ideal host country for such a congress.

Insurance market growth

Speaking on behalf EIF and GIF, Lutfi said the insurance market in UAE and the wider GCC region has seen the fastest growth in the last 10 years, coping with global developments and trends in terms of improved regulations, high penetration, insurance inclusion and keeping pace with new risks and technologies in the field of insurance.

We are extremely happy to be organsing and hosting the largest actuarial conference in the UAE in 2026 in partnership with MenaMoney Forums, which, we are confident, is going to be a landmark event in UAEs insurance and financial industrys progress.--TradeArabia News Service
National Bank of Bahrains (NBB) new sustainable branch in Madinat Khalifa, Askar, has been inaugurated by Sheikh Khalifa bin Ali Al Khalifa, Governor of the Southern Governorate.

The Madinat Khalifa branch is the first sustainable building in Bahrain to achieve the prestigious USGBC LEED Platinum certification, highlighting its utilisation of eco-friendly materials and construction processes.

Furthermore, the branch operates entirely on solar energy, achieving zero carbon emissions and net-zero power consumption to set a new benchmark for sustainable banking practices in the kingdom.

Comprehensive suite

The branch provides a comprehensive suite of banking services, including ATMs and a team of experienced financial advisors for personalised guidance on deposit and lending products. Customers can also benefit from exclusive discounts on personal financing rates and fees when applying for loans at the Madinat Khalifa branch. NBBs digital banking platform is seamlessly integrated, allowing customers to conduct transactions, manage accounts, and access a host of other financial services with ease and security.

The inauguration was attended by Hala Ali Yateem, NBBs Chairperson, Usman Ahmed, NBB Group Chief Executive Officer, Abdulla Abdullatif, Head of the Municipal Council in the Southern Governorate, Isa Abdulrahman Al-Sisi Al-Buainain, the Director-General of Southern Area Municipality, Colonel Hamad Mohammed Al Khayyat, Deputy Governor and several notable figures from Madinat Khalifa, along with representatives and officials from NBB.

Usman Ahmed, NBB Group Chief Executive Officer, said: The inauguration of our Madinat Khalifa branch builds on our commitment to deliver exceptional customer experiences and contribute to Bahrains sustainability goals. This state-of-the-art facility is equipped with the latest technology designed to meet the evolving needs of our clientele. By combining cutting-edge banking solutions with our unwavering dedication to environmental conservation, we are ushering in a new era of banking in the kingdom.--TradeArabia News Service
The GCC agri-nutrients industry must balance the dual objectives of meeting the growing demand for food, while contributing to sustainability, lowering emissions and advancing its 2050 net-zero objectives.

This was the consensus of speakers at the 14th Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA) Agri-Nutrients Conference, which is taking place for the first time in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, at the JW Marriott Hotel, from September 10 to 12, 2024.

Held under the theme Agri-Innovation: Powering a Food-Secure & Climate-Smart Planet, the conference began with welcome remarks by Fahad Al-Battar, CEO, Sabic Agri-Nutrients, who shared that one of the ways the industry can significantly contribute to the mitigation of climate change is by not only reducing but also replacing energy.

Gas vs coal

While coal provides the energy in about one-quarter of the worlds production of ammonia, natural gas can do the same job with almost 60% fewer emissions, he told delegates.

Alternatively, we can develop economical ways to capture the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from fossil-fuel-based ammonia production. And if we want to get rid of the emissions entirely, then we must steer innovation so that it comes up with economical ways to produce ammonia with renewable electricity, Al-Battar told delegates.

In his opening address on Day 1, Abdulrahman Al-Suwaidi, CEO, Qafco and Chairman, Agri-Nutrients Committee, GPCA, highlighted the common goal that unites the industry: To advance the sustainability of our agri-nutrient practices and to foster innovation. Our mission is not only to enhance agricultural productivity but also to ensure that our practices are environmentally responsible and economically viable, Al-Suwaidi said, adding that sustainability in agriculture inevitably requires a dual focus on efficiency and environmental stewardship.

Valuable insights

The conference continued with a keynote address by Dr Tarifa A Alzaabi, Director General, International Centre for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA), who provided valuable insights into the opportunities to nourish our planet, while powering the future with sustainable agri-nutrients.

An Executive leadership dialogue featuring Fahad Al-Battar, CEO, SABIC Agri-Nutrients; Dr Ahmed Al-Marhoubi, CEO, OMIFCO; and Hassan Al-Ali, EVP, Phosphate BU, Maaden, offered delegates a regional perspective on the impact of energy transition on agri-nutrient businesses today. In a special Keynote address, Dr Edwini Kessie, Director of the Agriculture and Commodities Division, World Trade Organization (WTO), discussed the global trade in agri-food products and the role of WTO in ensuring removal of trade barriers.

The 14th GPCA Agri-Nutrients Conference will continue on September 12, featuring opening remarks by Eng Yasser Alabbasi, CEO, GPIC; and a keynote address by Nicolas Denis, Partner I Global leader, McKinsey Centre for Agriculture Transformation and Food Security, McKinsey & Company, on the current state of food security and nutrition around the world. An Executive leadership dialogue with Eng. Mohammed bin Battal, President, Dry Bulk, Bahri; Adriaan de Lange, Group CEO, Meridian (Ma'aden Africa distribution); and Ishan Bhanu, Lead Agricultural Commodities Analyst, Kpler, will delve into the impact of geopolitics on food security, and how the industry can address supply chain disruptions

Mission-critical agenda

Dr Abdulwahab Al-Sadoun, Secretary General, GPCA, commented: With a mission-critical agenda, this year the conference aims to address some of the most pertinent questions facing the agri-nutrient sector, including the mandate to address our climate goals amid growing demand and how agri-innovation can bridge the gap by enabling more sustainable and efficient agri-nutrient production processes.

He added: Our conference this year has delivered an invaluable opportunity for delegates to meet with some of the industrys most prominent innovators, industry leaders, technology providers and academia, to provide a breeding ground for innovative ideas on how to address the challenges of the future.

GPCA hosted a workshop on the Pre-conference Day, 10 September, on Operational excellence in the GCC agri-nutrient industry followed by the 3rd GPCA Innovation Competition, which uncovered innovative projects and ideas from university students in the crucial areas of Circular Economy in Agriculture; Soil Health; Sustainable Resource Management; and Innovation and Emission Reduction in Agri-Nutrients Production. A site visit to the National Research and Development Center for Sustainable Agriculture (Estidamah) was also organised on the day for delegates to learn about the latest research and developments in the sector.--TradeArabia News Service
Tasnee, a leading Saudi industrial and petrochemical company, has received the prestigious SAP Centre of Expertise (CoE) certification.

This milestone positions Tasnee as the first and only customer in the chemicals industry in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East to achieve this recognition, further reinforcing its leadership in digital transformation and operational excellence.

The SAP CoE certification is awarded to organisations that adhere to SAP's highest standards in innovation, technology adoption, and continuous improvement. This recognition reflects Tasnee's unwavering commitment to leveraging SAP solutions to drive business efficiency, optimise performance, and align with global best practices.

Digital transformation

This achievement is a testament to Tasnees dedication to driving digital transformation and leveraging the latest SAP innovations to support our business objectives, said Omar K Al-Belali, Tasnee CIO. Being the only company in the chemicals industry to receive this certification in the region underscores our commitment to continuous improvement, technology adoption, and alignment with SAPs best practices.

As part of its ongoing digital transformation journey, Tasnees technology and innovation strategy is closely aligned with the vision and mission set by senior management, ensuring that their IT infrastructure supports the organisation's short and long-term business goals.

The company has already successfully implemented several cutting-edge SAP solutions, including SAP S/4HANA Cloud, SAP SuccessFactors, SAP Ariba, SAP Signavio and SAP BTP, to streamline operations, enhance decision-making, and improve business agility. This certification validates Tasnee's capacity to sustain and evolve these technologies, driving measurable value across the organisation.

Commitment to innovation

Tasnee has consistently demonstrated a commitment to innovation, having been an early adopter of SAP solutions such as RISE with SAP, SAP SuccessFactors, and SAP Integrated Business Planning (IBP). This proactive approach to adopting and piloting new technologies has positioned the company at the forefront of digital transformation within the chemicals industry.

Fahd Nawwab, Vice President, SAP Saudi Arabia, said: Tasnee has demonstrated exemplary leadership in digital transformation through its strategic adoption of SAP technologies. Tasnee is the first to have achieved this rigorous certification in the chemicals industry in the kingdom and the Middle East region. This achievement sets a new benchmark for innovation and business excellence in the region.

--TradeArabia News Service
A Texas appeals court overturned the conviction of Thomas Bloxham. The former Comal County school official had been sentenced to 10 years in prison after a jury found him guilty on a charge of theft by a public servant. seng kui Lim / 500px/Getty Images/500px

An appeals court has overturned a former Comal Independent School District administrators conviction on a charge of theft by a public servant, ruling that prosecutors forced him to testify with a promise of immunity, then used that testimony against him.

Thomas Bloxham, a former Comal ISD assistant superintendent, was found guilty by a jury in 2022 and sentenced to 10 years in prison. He and former superintendent Marc Walker were accused of using school district funds to pay for work at their homes, following a multi-year investigation by the Texas Attorney Generals office.

A report from the office included allegations that a concrete slab at Bloxhams property was paid for with district funds, that several air conditioning units paid for by the district were installed at his home and that a metal building at a high school set to be demolished was instead moved to Bloxhams property, and sold to the administrator for less than the district would have received for selling the scrap metal, according to the appellate courts opinion.

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HILL COUNTRY HEADLINES: Top stories from the booming region

Bloxham appealed the conviction and in August, the states First Court of Appeals ruled that his Fifth Amendment rights to avoid self-incrimination had been violated.

When Bloxham was subpoenaed to testify before a Comal County grand jury in 2016, he refused to answer questions. The District Attorneys office then obtained a court order forcing Bloxham to testify, but guaranteeing that his compelled testimony would not be used against him.

After Bloxham was indicted, he alleged that the prosecutors had done just that.

In a hearing on his objection, the court said prosecutors could not use evidence obtained after Bloxhams immunized testimony, but didnt specify what evidence that was, and instructed Bloxham to object if he thought that evidence was presented at trial.

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The appeals court said that the burden was on the state to prove that its evidence was from legitimate, independent sources, and found that the prosecutors did not meet that burden.

The trial court also erroneously put the responsibility on Bloxham by instructing him to object to evidence, instead of requiring the state to prove its evidence was untainted, according to the ruling.

The appeals court said the lower court should have dismissed the indictment against Bloxham, calling it a fundamental, constitutional error.

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Taiba Investments has sponsored Saudi Arabias first-ever Chinese Visitor Summit (September 9-10, 2024) in Riyadh that represents a key milestone in the evolution of Saudi-China relations.

In its commitment to deepening ties with Chinas tourism operators and businesses, Taiba Investments hosted the summit that underscored the growing importance of the Chinese market to Saudi Arabia's economic diversification efforts.

The summit showcased the kingdoms rapidly expanding tourism sector and its strategic impact on the global stage, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030.

Hassan Al Ahdab, Chief Hospitality Operations Officer at Taiba Investments, said: This summit represented a crucial opportunity for us to deepen our connections with the Chinese market and set new benchmarks in the tourism and hospitality sectors, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030s ambitious tourism goals.

Taiba Investments introduced the 'China Ready' initiative, set for full implementation by the end of 2024. The programme focused on customising hotel services to cater to the preferences of Chinese travellers, ensuring a culturally immersive experience. Through this initiative, Taiba said it aimed at setting a new standard of excellence within the Middle Easts hospitality sector.

Aligned with the Welcome China programme and supported by the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA), the summit strategically positioned Saudi Arabia as a premier global tourism destination. The initiative also enhanced the kingdoms appeal as a hub for business and culture.

Alexander Glos, CEO of the China i2i Group, renowned for its expertise in organising high-profile events, said: Our collaboration with Taiba Investments for the Chinese Visitor Summit represented a significant leap forward in strengthening Sino-Saudi relations.

This summit not only enhanced business ties but also opened new avenues for cultural exchange and mutual growth. We are confident that this collaboration will yield long-term benefits for both nations, fostering greater understanding and cooperation.  TradeArabia News Service
Gulf Warehousing Company (GWC) has been selected as the National Winner for Qatar in the Industrial Project of the Year category of this years 2024 MEED Projects Awards. This prestigious recognition qualifies the company for the next phase, where the Mena regional winners will be announced on November 20.

GWC Managing Director, Shaikh Abdulla bin Fahad bin Jassim Bin Jaber Al Thani, said: We are honoured to receive the Industrial Project of the Year award, a recognition that reflects the significance of Al Wukair Logistics Park in contributing to the diversification of Qatars economy by supporting micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).

He added: Al Wukair Logistics Park serves as a successful public-private partnership model. As GWC is tasked with the construction, operation, and transfer (BOT) of the logistics park, under a public-private-partnership that entails a 30-year lease tenure and a significant investment value exceeding QR1.5 billion. This agreement aligns with Qatars Third National Development Strategy (2024-2030) and Qatar National Vision 2030, which both aim to strengthen public-private partnerships and expand the private sector's leadership in fostering economic growth.

Track record

Ranjeev Menon, Group CEO of GWC, said: "This milestone underscores the innovation and excellence of Al Wukair Logistics Park and adds to our track record of remarkable accomplishments. This recognition from MEED Projects Awards, a leading stamp of quality and achievement for projects across the Mena region, serves as a testament to GWCs industry leadership, while inspiring us to continue enhancing our services. We are committed to pushing the boundaries of logistics solutions and look forward to further success and growth in the future."

He added: Since the inauguration of the first phase of Al Wukair Logistics Park in early 2022, it has effectively drawn a significant number of MSMEs. In 2023, GWC launched the second phase of the park, further advancing Qatar National Vision 2030, which reflects the company's commitment to accelerating growth and contributing to the nation's strategic goals.

Spreading across 1.5 million sq m, GWC Al Wukair Logistics Park is dedicated to light industry infrastructure required for the operational success of MSMEs. With various light industrial workshops, warehousing units, and open yards, the park has been designed to meet all types of warehousing and distribution requirements for sector-wide enterprises.

It also offers a one-stop shop for leasing a warehouse or workshop, company formation formalities, including applications for necessary permits, and logistics operations. Start-ups who work with GWC benefit from years of local, regional and international experience, along with a global, integrated network. GWCs deep, hard-earned knowledge of the local market makes Al Wukair Logistics Park the ideal destination for businesses to avail of and enjoy the best logistics infrastructure.

Al Wukair Logistics Park Directory

Last June, GWC launched Al Wukair Logistics Park Directory, a comprehensive platform designed to boost the MSMEs growth and enhance partnerships and alliances within the local market, empowering them to succeed and achieve their goals.

The Logistics Park is part of GWCs mandate to offer a broad spectrum of services ranging from end-to-end logistics services, from point of entry to point of use and highly coordinated reverse logistics, thus giving MSMEs the chance to boost their bottom line and take advantage of new business opportunities.

The MEED Projects Awards in association with Mashreq are the pinnacle of recognition for the most outstanding projects completed in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region over the past year. This year, over 60 projects across 18 categories from over 250 entries have been distinguished as National Winners, showcasing the highest standards of excellence, innovation and impact.--TradeArabia News Service
The Arab Water Council and dmg events will host the 6th Arab Water Forum from November 16 to 18 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec), in collaboration with the League of Arab States, the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, and the Egyptian Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation.

The triennial event has established itself as a key platform for fostering partnerships and promoting collaborative action towards a water-resilient future, said a Wam news agency report.

This edition will feature an international exhibition and over 17 technical sessions, with keynotes, panels, and case studies focusing on policies, strategies, and solutions for achieving water security in the Arab region.

Notable speakers include Prof Mahmoud Abu-Zeid, President of the Arab Water Council; Hani Sewilam, Egypts Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation; Aun Dheyab Abdulla, Iraqs Minister of Water Resources; and Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the League of Arab States.

Prof Abu-Zeid said the forum is a vital platform for addressing the pressing issue of water scarcity in the region, with a focus on finding sustainable solutions for future generations.

The forum will also explore topics such as transboundary water management, climate change, water security, and the water-energy-food-ecosystems nexus.

More than 60 global exhibitors will showcase cutting-edge technologies and projects in desalination, storage, distribution, wastewater treatment, and water conservation, the report said.
The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has signed a pioneering partnership agreement with noon, the local digital champion, to launch an e-commerce programme to further bolster the growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Dubai.

The partnership falls under the wider Dubai Traders initiative, one of the 10 transformative initiatives announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, as part of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, to empower Dubai-based SMEs to adopt new digital tools and channels, so they can scale domestically and internationally.

Dubai Traders will pave the way for Dubai to consolidate its position as a global hub for entrepreneurship and SME growth, supporting SMEs to build a branded online presence, digitise supply chain processes, and access e-commerce channels.

The initiative is focused on forging close private sector partnerships with leading B2B, B2C, and specialised digital solution providers, to leverage their expertise and strengths to provide a suite of tools, incentives, and support mechanisms for SMEs to engage and transact with online customers.

In the presence of Helal Saeed Almarri, Director-General of Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, and Mohamed Alabbar, Founder of noon, the partnership agreement was signed by Hadi Badri, CEO of Dubai Economic Development Corporation (DEDC), and Faraz Khalid, CEO of noon.

At the outset, the programme will focus on the e-commerce vertical to allow SMEs to build a comprehensive e-commerce presence and thrive in the digital marketplace.

Through the partnership with noon, Dubai Traders will offer an onboarding incentive package to encourage both first-time and experienced sellers to get online and benefit from enhanced visibility on the noon e-commerce platform.

Emirati sellers can avail additional benefits, including personalised support through noons Mahali programme.

Exclusive incentives and support for Dubai Traders programme participants include, onboarding support, training, increased seller exposure and visibility.

Badri said: By directly supporting and investing in the success of local SMEs, the Dubai Traders program serves to unlock the digital potential of Dubai-based sellers and will directly contribute to growing the emirates digital economy and fostering innovation.

By harnessing e-commerce as a powerful tool to digitise traditional SMEs, we aim to equip businesses with the essential tools to engage with new customers and share their propositions with new markets.

Khalid said: One of noon.com's core objectives has always been to empower local entrepreneurs and foster a vibrant e-commerce environment, providing all sellers, regardless of their scale, an equal opportunity to succeed.

With the introduction of the Dubai Traders initiative, we are proud to work alongside our partners at the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism to offer Dubai-based entrepreneurs and SMEs a new avenue to extend their online presence and reach using noons tools and fleet.  TradeArabia News Service
DeepL, a leading global language AI company, has released its newest white paper on how retailers can make the most of artificial intelligence (AI) to drive sales during upcoming shopping seasons such as back to school and holiday shopping.

Dubai welcomed a record 10.6 million international visitors in H1 2024, and this uptick is likely to continue in the second half of the year with a growth forecast of 3.8%. For retailers to cater to an increasingly international customer base, creating and localizing multilingual content is key.

According to DeepLs newest white paper titled, The executive guide to AI-enabled communication and global retail, the top use case for Language AI is creating content in multiple languages (46%).

The top translated content is external communication (57%), followed by internal communication (39%), and marketing/advertising materials (32%).

These translation needs are further demonstrated in the following scenarios where retailers most often require Language AI:

 Creating marketing assets in multiple languages for new collections or for specific times of year, including Holiday shopping

 Translating customer service interactions such as emails, customer support tickets, and chatbot interactions to serve multilingual customers

 Translating internal systems for international operations, such as back-end workflow tools,

 Enabling international expansion through instant regionalisation of in-store and online content

AI is rapidly enabling retailers to communicate in multiple languages efficiently.

AI for retailers can:

 Improve operational processes by scaling communications between headquarters and international offices,

 Boost employee productivity by ensuring core systems and tools (such as customer service and human resources) support employees in their local language,

 Reduce the cost and workload required to translate and localise their communications and content

David Parry-Jones, Chief Revenue Officer at DeepL, said: The last couple of years have shown the volatility that many retailers face in their day-to-day operations and AI can go a long way to improving these, especially in the end of year crunch.

Research also shows that 75% shoppers want to communicate in their native language when making purchases online, further driving home the need for effective translation options at every stage of the retail experience.

Jakob Kalina, Head of Localisation at Alza, a European e-commerce store, credited the DeepL API for helping Alza manage massive amounts of user reviews.

She added: Translated reviews have enhanced customer trust in our online shopping experience. Translating hundreds of thousands of reviews from Czech to German and Hungarian has noticeably increased our conversion rates.

This strategy has not only improved our customer service, but also solidified our position in the competitive e-commerce market.

With the busiest time of the year for many retailers fast approaching, theres still time to implement AI tools to help them gain in productivity and positively impact their bottom line.

A 2024 Forrester study revealed that implementing DeepL delivered a 345% return on investment for global companies, reducing translation time by 90% while driving a 50% reduction in workload underscoring the platforms potential for businesses seeking to grow revenue and enter new markets faster and at scale.  TradeArabia News Service
The 10th World Green Economy Summit (WGES) will feature global experts, government representatives, international organisations, academics, and the media.

Scheduled for 2-3 October 2024 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, the summit aims to enhance international cooperation and foster dialogue on environmental and economic objectives, as well as building a sustainable and inclusive future, reported WAM.

WGES 2024 will focus on key themes aimed at advancing the transition towards a green and sustainable economy. These include decarbonisation and net zero goals, clean energy advancements, climate finance, circular economy, policy and regulatory frameworks, using technology to tackle climate change, youth in climate change, and food and water.

Through its various sessions, the summit will provide a platform for dialogue, highlighting the most crucial forward-looking sustainable solutions based on innovation and the latest technologies. These discussions aim to support collective global efforts in climate and environmental action and promote the advancement of the global green economy.

Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, MD and CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), and Chairman of the World Green Economy Organization (WGEO), said, Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, we aim to foster global cooperation by providing a platform that unites stakeholders from around the world. This platform allows them to share their insights, knowledge, and experiences, contributing to the enhancement of global climate action and the development of effective solutions for positive change. Our goals include achieving sustainable development, ensuring a fair energy transition, and accelerating the shift towards a sustainable green economy. These efforts reflect the UAE's leadership and pivotal role in global climate action. We are confident that this year's summit will have significant discussions and yield fruitful results across its various themes and issues."

Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, stated, WGES is a major step in our journey to build a sustainable green economy that aligns with our national vision for the future. We in the UAE believe that shifting to a green economy is not only an environmental obligation, but also a genuine opportunity to drive innovation, create new jobs, and ensure a prosperous future for generations to come. We put high emphasis on collaborative work between the government and the private sector. We support public-private partnerships that contribute to a more sustainable future and believe that sustainability challenges can only be overcome by a collective response. We are confident that WGES will greatly contribute to developing effective solutions and highlighting new initiatives that drive an integrated green economy."

Al Mazrouei further noted that the Summit is a valuable opportunity to enhance global dialogue and experience sharing, as experts and decision makers from across the world come together to find the best approach to shifting to a green economy.

Helmut Von Struve, CEO, Siemens Middle East, commented, The World Green Economy Summit is one of the regions top sustainability events, and Siemens is proud to participate. Our technology enables utilities to integrate renewable energy sources into the grid, providing reliable and sustainable power. As the economy shifts toward greater electrification and demand for batteries grow, Siemens Xcelerators wide range of digital solutions and services for building management, power supply, and electrification helps battery manufacturers operate more efficiently, reliably and safely. I am looking forward discussing and learning from our partners and peers about the latest green economy developments at this years WGES."

Gauri Singh, Deputy Director General, IRENA, added, The energy transition will require an economy-wide effort, interlinked with almost every sector. While policies and regulations to scale up and support renewable energy generation and integration are critical, they must be part of a broader framework that extends beyond the energy sector. This holistic approach is essential to drive the structural changes needed to ensure the transition not only succeeds but also promotes more equitable outcomes."
Aramco has announced agreements with key Chinese partners during a visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by a senior delegation led by Chinese Premier Li Qiang.

The agreements reinforce Aramcos ongoing contribution to Chinas long-term energy security and development, support Chinas participation in Saudi Arabias economic growth, and foster collaboration in new technology development.

They include preliminary documentation relating to a Development Framework Agreement with Rongsheng Petrochemical (Rongsheng) and a Strategic Cooperation Agreement with Hengli Group.

Mohammed Al Qahtani, Aramco Downstream President, said: The signing of these agreements reaffirms our belief in the long-term, mutual benefits that can arise from Aramcos close collaboration with our Chinese partners. China is an important country in our global downstream growth strategy, and we look forward to building on a relationship that spans more than three decades to unlock new opportunities in this crucial market. These agreements reflect our collective intention to elevate our relationships in vital sectors to advance our downstream objectives, contribute to both Chinas and Saudi Arabias vibrant energy and petrochemicals sectors, and help develop future technology solutions.

DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK AGREEMENT WITH RONGSHENG

The preliminary documentation relating to a Development Framework Agreement with Rongsheng is connected to the potential joint development of an expansion of Saudi Aramco Jubail Refinery Company (SASREF) facilities.

It follows an announcement in April that Aramco and Rongsheng had signed a Cooperation Framework Agreement relating to the planned formation of a joint venture in SASREF, as well as significant investments in the Saudi and Chinese petrochemical sectors.

This includes Rongshengs potential acquisition of a 50 per cent stake in SASREF, the development of a liquids-to-chemicals expansion project at SASREF, Aramcos potential acquisition of a 50 per cent stake in Rongsheng affiliate Ningbo Zhongjin Petrochemical (ZJPC), and participation in ZJPCs expansion project.

STRATEGIC COOPERATION AGREEMENT WITH HENGLI GROUP

The agreement with Hengli Group advances talks relating to Aramcos potential acquisition of a 10 per cent stake in Hengli Petrochemical, subject to due diligence and required regulatory clearances. It follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in April 2024 regarding the proposed transaction. -TradeArabia News Service
UAE travellers are being even more money-conscious this Fall season, compared to previous periods, reports Expedia  one of the worlds leading full-service travel brands.

Residents who searched between the latter half of October and mid-November reportedly saved close to 45% compared to more expensive dates this season. These savings are due to be spent on top destinations, held strongly by London2 with searches doubling in percentages compared to the same period last year, the report said.

On the domestic front, residents are flocking to the Northern Emirates, drawn by cooler temperatures and the desire to escape the hustle and bustle of the familiar Dubai and Abu Dhabi spots. Ras Al Khaimah recorded an impressive 85% increase2 in searches compared to last fall thanks in part to its high-profile Guinness World Record celebration during the New Year. The emirate continues to captivate visitors with its fresh offerings, such as the Maldives-inspired Anantara Mina Al Arab, set against the stunning backdrop of the Hajar Mountains and nestled within 1.5 km of serene mangrove lagoons, it said.

Residents continued to take advantage of simpler visa processes with places such as Baku leading to a surge of 105% in searches compared to last year2. This underscores the ongoing appeal of cities that offer visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry, making them top choices for local travellers seeking ease and convenience.

Beyond cityscapes

The report also recorded an increase in searches in international hotspots such as Paris (20%), New York (35%) and Singapore (60%), as residents continue to explore these fan-favourite destinations from season to season.

Beach destinations such as Ibiza, Pattaya and Mykonos are expected to have a higher influx of UAE residents, according to Expedias Fall Report. With the appeal that these places offer that cater to various age groups, through their serene beaches, exhilarating nightlife events and more, these destinations are a perfect fit for the Fall and have led searches with approximately over 160%.

Surprising contenders for UAE residents this fall season are venues with long-haul flights including Chicago and Boston. Known for their impeccable culinary scenes, both destinations show a growing trend of travellers embracing cooler climates, with an average temperature of 4 deg C during November, a stark contrast compared to domestic temperatures during the same month.

Dates still matter

For many destinations, its shoulder season, the sweet spot between tourist high season and seasonal low season when the weather is pleasant, the crowds have dispersed, and travel is more wallet-friendly

Summer sun escapes are a firm fixture on UAE calendars, but shoulder season should be about spontaneity if you want to save hundreds on your trip, says Melanie Fish, Expedia Group Brands spokesperson. Other Fall savings tips include booking two weeks out which can save on average $158. The best flight deals are showing from 13  22 October and to avoid the hotel crowds, plan a break on 29 and 31 December.

Best and busiest times

UAE residents are opting for cheaper dates this Fall season as they explore international hotspots such as London, Tokyo and others.

 For the best deals, travellers should look to book their flights at least a month before travel, saving them on average $674 compared to booking flights during the last week of September.

 Expedia reported that on 25 September recorded the busiest booking window during this season, where travellers who booked just a day after avoided 360% of the booking window and traffic, to find more flight options which ideally would result in a cheaper flight.

Cheapest time to travel

 Thursdays are the least expensive day for hotel stays this fall. While 29 to 31 October are the quietest dates for hotel stays, compared to 29 September and 15 November clocking the busiest days that travellers are looking to check in.

 The report also notes that those who booked their flights on 13, 18 or 22 October slashed the prices in half as opposed to different dates from the same month with over 30% higher rates.

 Residents targeted dates between 29 and 31 October when average daily rates are 75% cheaper per night, compared to stays booked during late September and early October. -TradeArabia News Service
Fort Martin Scott, the first frontier military post in Texas, has been named a Texas Historical Site. courtesy of the Texas Historical Commission Fort Martin Scott, the first frontier military post in Texas, has been named a Texas Historical Site. courtesy of the Texas Historical Commission

A fort dating to the early days of Texas and the Hill Country has joined an exclusive club of state historical sites.

Fort Martin Scott, which was the first frontier military post in Texas, will be the 39th entry in the Texas Historical Commissions list of historic sites, joining a group that includes state battlefields, Spanish missions, ranches, cemeteries and historic homes.

Fort Martin Scott was previously designated a state archeological landmark and listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The fort is on the southeastern edge of the city, just up the road from the future home of Fredericksburgs city hall.

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READ MORE: Why a Hill Country city is spending millions for a new city hall

This site holds immense federal, state, and local historical significance, and we look forward to working with the community to preserve and share its story with future generations, Joseph Bell, executive director of the Texas Historical Commission, said in a written statement.

The U.S. Army used the fort from 1848 until its closure in 1853, according to the Texas Historical Commission. The Confederate army occupied the fort during the Civil War, and the Texas Rangers used it intermittently. The city of Fredericksburg bought the site in 1959.

The fort was renamed in 1849 after Maj. Martin Scott of the Fifth U.S. Infantry, according to the Texas State Historical Association, after he was killed in the Battle of Molina del Rey in 1847.

The fort is open Thursday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The sites grounds are open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

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The Fort Martin Scott site features a restored garrison building, a late 19th-century farmhouse and three replica farmhouses, with an almost mile-long trail surrounding the property. A gift shop will soon be added to the property, according to the historical commission.
Legislators grilled federal representatives Tuesday over the Rock Springs Resource Management Plan, saying the proposal is destined for litigation and do-over.

The plan, currently in its last 30-day public comment period, will guide decisions on 2.6 million acres of federal land in southwest Wyoming, and will impact mineral exploration and development, renewable energy, wildlife habitat, outdoor recreation, wild horses, livestock grazing and historic trails.

However, after years of administrative work, and close to three decades since the field offices last updated management plan, the effort may come to little, members of the Joint Agriculture, State and Public Lands & Water Resources Committee said.

I believe this [plan] is going to end up in court. Were going to be in litigation and I believe were going to come out on top of it, said Wyoming Representative Dalton Banks, who represents Lovell and parts of Greybull. So what happens next? Do we start over and are the concerns of the state of Wyoming going to be taken seriously?

Dalton cited the landmark reversal of the Chevron Doctrine, a long-standing legal precedent requiring courts to defer to federal agencies interpretations of ambiguous statutes.

In the recent decision, the court determined it falls to judges to determine whether an agency is acting within its statutory authority.

The committee also accused the agency of hiding behind the governors Special Rock Springs Resource Management Plan Task Force, an 11-member council formed following blowback from the agencys initial draft proposal in August 2023. Though participants have said the task force moved the needle in favor of state interest, some believe its also allowed the BLM to pass the buck.

Sweetwater County Senator John Kolb, a committee member and legislative advisor to the task force, said the task force outcome failed to accurately account for the local perspective. The task force called for consensus in order to make recommendations.

The high bar meant a number of majority opinions were not included in its final report, often as the result of a single dissenting vote.

Whats wrong with that system is that we were shanghaied  by the environmental groups, as one person who represented those groups black-balled the process, Kolb said .

I think there was good work that came out of the task force. However, I think it was a flawed system because it worked on a hundred percent bias: You had to have 11 different groups of people all agree with whatever point of view that came up.

The one person Kolb is referring to is Alec Underwood, program director of the Wyoming Outdoor Council. In an email correspondence with the Star-Tribune, Underwood described the dynamic differently, while conceding his positions were often outliers.

It was obvious from the start that at times conservation would be on an island, but we worked collaboratively with many of the other stakeholder groups to form over 100-plus collaborative recommendations We were proactive in trying to meet the needs of other interest groups such as Trona, grazing and motorized recreation.

Unfortunately, rarely were similar efforts reciprocated to understand the interests of conservation, he said.

Underwood said the BLM plan incorporates about 80 percent of the task force recommendations.

Senator Kolb now feels the need to complain about a process in which we all agreed to participate in and worked very hard throughout. It seems as though he doesnt understand how a collaborative, consensus-based approach works, Underwood said.

Sen. Bob Ide, of Natrona County, accused the plan of violating the agencys multi-use mandate as part of a larger assault on the states coal, oil and gas industries.

Its a slow creep, just take a little bit at a time and hopefully nobody notices, Ide said.

Associate State Director for BLM-Wyoming Kris Kirby fired back with a list of plan specifics.

Under the proposal:

99.7% of the federal lands are available for livestock grazing, only 1/10th of a percent less than under the current standard

85% of the management area is open for trona production, down from 89%

Fluid minerals are allowed on 30% of the management area, disallowed on 32% and allowed conditionally on the remaining 38%

A 10 mile buffer is added to the National Historic Trails that run through the area, including the Pony Express and the Oregon and Mormon Trails.

When we do these plans we dont just take one person into consideration. We received over 35,000 public comments. The task force was taken very seriously. We dont let one opinion drive decision making.
OPPOSITION Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar has called on Finance Minister Colm Imbert to provide a comprehensive report on Colonial Life Insurance Company Ltd (CLICO), stressing that there should be no more secrecy surrounding the matter.

Persad-Bissessar made the statements in Parliament on Friday as she kicked off the debate on the 2025 national budget, which was presented by Imbert on Monday.
Hyatt farse and outta place. The audacity of them. Saying that in this country they are not 
Paranormal Fest returns to Victoria's Black Swan Inn for a seventh year of ghost stories, investigations and other paranormal activities for all ages. Courtesy Curious Twins Paranormal

A paranormal researcher walks into a haunted bar in San Antonio and grabs a beer with a guy who spent four weeks of his childhood in the most notorious haunted house in America.

It sounds like a bad joke, but its a true story. The year was 2014. The pub was the Menger Bar in downtown San Antonio, where the ghost of Teddy Roosevelt is said to knock back a cold one in a spectral flashback to his pre-White House days with the Rough Riders.

Paranormal Fest 2024 When: 2-11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21 Where: Victoria's Black Swan Inn, 1006 Holbrook Road Cost: $45 ages 17-plus, $10 ages 8-16, $120 VIP. VIP access includes True Crime Bus Tour and VIP investigation of the Black Swan Inn on Friday, Sept. 20, 4-11:30 p.m., plus a T-shirt and admission to Paranormal Fest on Saturday More info: curioustwins.com/paranormal-fest-2024

Veteran paranormal researcher and Ghost Hunters star Dustin Pari had snagged a seat with Chris Lutz, a survivor of the so-called Amityville Horror House. Back in 1975, Lutz and his family suffered 28 days of abject terror in the infamous Dutch Colonial in Long Island, N.Y., which inspired the bestselling novel The Amityville Horror and a string of horror films.

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Beer aside, Pari had a spirit-free stay at the Menger Hotel. But he still had a memorable experience absorbing the site's history and meeting new people.

And after 30 years of investigating apparitions, cold spots and other bumps in the night, he's found that the hunt for such paranormal activity often unearths compelling stories of the past that are just as striking as any ghostly evidence in the present.

Veteran paranormal investigator and "Ghost Hunters" alum Dustin Pari returns to San Antonio for his first appearance at Paranormal Fest on Sept. 21 at Victoria's Black Swan Inn. Michael Cogliantry/Syfy/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images

Theres definitely a shared philosophy, the fact that the paranormal helps keep history alive, Pari said. So in many ways the paranormal and the spiritual world work hand in hand with the ghosts of our history. And its a wonderful thing when the two come together.

History and mystery do just that at Paranormal Fest 2024, San Antonio's own comic con for paranormal experts and enthusiasts. Hosted by San Antonio-based Curious Twins Paranormal, the seventh annual event runs 2-11 p.m. Sept. 21 at Victorias Black Swan Inn, 1006 Holbrook Road.

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PURO SAN ANTONIO CUCUYS: San Antonio's Top 10 ghosts and urban legends from La Llorona to the Ghost Tracks

Pari joins a cast of notable names in preternatural research and investigation. Other fest guests include Paranormal State host and recent San Antonio transplant Ryan Buell, cryptozoologist and frequent paranormal TV series guest Ken Gerhard, and the chief investigative officer for the Warren Legacy Foundation, Joe Franke.

The event promises plenty of panels, presentations and, of course, munchies and merch of the spooky-ooky variety.

But Paranormal Fest is more than just an early kick-off to the Halloween season. It's a treasure trove of stories from Pari and his colleagues' continued quest to pierce the veil between our world and the other side.

Paranormal Fest promises plenty of daytime frights and delights. Courtesy Curious Twins Paranormal

The event really comes to life after dark. Courtesy Curious Twins Paranormal

Paranormal Fest features various vendors selling paranormal-themed objects and oddities. Courtesy Curious Twins Paranormal

Paranormal Fest promises plenty of otherworldly entertainment. Courtesy Curious Twins Paranormal

I believe there is an intellectual curiously within all of us to question what comes next," said Pari, who last reported for paranormal duty in San Antonio in May to wrap his touring one-man show, "Ghosts: Do You Believe?" at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts.

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"I think all you have to do is keep your mind open to possibility," he said. "Let your curiosity lead you and learn as you go."

Curious Twins founders Fred Garza-Guzman and his husband, Stephen Garza-Guzman, share a similar approach to the paranormal. The San Antonio natives do just about everything from ghost tours and investigations to psychic readings and "limpias," a Mexican ritual of spiritual cleansing. And they do it with a passion to share what they call equitable perspectives of history and the paranormal.

Curious Twins Paranormal co-founder Stephen Garza-Guzman is at Victoria's Black Swan Inn for Paranormal Fest, now in its seventh year. Courtesy Curious Twins Paranormal

We as a company have been really intentional about how we format our tours and our experiences, Stephen Garza-Guzman said. And history has always been a major anchor for us. We wanted to explore the darker parts of our history so that we can learn from those things.

EXAMPLE OF THAT EXPLORATION: Tour of historic East Side San Antonio cemetery digs up fascinating facts about the citys past

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The paranormal isnt just something gimmicky, Fred Garza-Guzman said. Its something that we question, something we ponder. We dont jump to conclusions. We constantly learn from those dark stories, those dark narratives.

Take the story of Victorias Black Swan Inn. Built in 1867, the historic wedding and events venue near Salado Creek is reputedly one of the most haunted sites in San Antonio, if not the nation. Its website boasts numerous accounts of ghost sightings of former residents and Indigenous people who once walked the grounds. It's also been featured on paranormal reality series such as "Ghost Adventures" and "Portals to Hell."

Yet Stephen Garza-Guzman noted the inn also sits on the grounds of the Battle of Salado, a historic skirmish on Sept. 18, 1842, where a small force of Texas volunteers turned back the final Mexican invasion of the Republic of Texas. The Garza-Guzmans choose the date for Paranormal Fest each year to coincide with the Battle of Salado, Stephen Garza-Guzman said.

The Garza-Guzmans credit the festival's growth to a growing acceptance of the paranormal. Two in 5 Americans believe in ghosts, according to an oft-cited 2021 survey of 1,000 adults by analytics company YouGov. And 1 in 5 believe theyve encountered a ghost.

We have people that constantly tell us their stories, constantly trying to get perspective, Fred Garza-Guzman said. Almost every ghost tour people will confide in us.

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Thats what we love, Stephen Garza-Guzman added, making the paranormal more normal.

Buell, who returns to Paranormal Fest for his second appearance, said the public is much more open to the paranormal than it was 20 years ago when he started exploring the field as a college student at Pennsylvania State University on Paranormal State. But with a growing acknowledgment of ghostly encounters also comes a growing need to help those who wish they never had them.

I had my own experiences growing up in the 90s, late 80s, and you had nowhere to go to reach out and talk to someone if youve had an experience, Buell said. So my goal was to normalize the conversation. And for some people, having an experience isnt always a fun experience.

Licensed therapist and former "Paranormal State" host Ryan Buell, a San Antonio transplant, returns to Paranormal Fest as a special guest. Wade Kirby/Courtesy Ryan Buell

Buell does most of his soul-searching these days as a licensed therapist and recovering addict who treats individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and other forms of trauma.

That includes helping people with trauma from paranormal experiences. Some seek him out because they feel unsafe in their own home, Buell said, while others blame themselves because they think theyre bad people or not right with God.

In that sense, Paranormal Fest fosters, as well as celebrates, the paranormal community.

"I think its important that there are 'weirdos like us that talk about these things," Fred Garza-Guzman said. "Its entertaining, yeah, but weve also found it to be super healing."

Buell stressed that Paranormal Fest is first and foremost a fun time, whether or not you believe in a life beyond this one.

On the lighter side of such dark materials, the event also will feature the Paranormal Putas, a raucous duo of paranormal podcast sisters from East Austin, and Casper the Friendly Ghost super-fan Vanessa Irino, the San Antonio woman who scared up the Guinness World Record for the most Casper collectibles with roomful of more than 1,200 pieces.

Vanessa Irino sits in her happy place, a room containing her Guinness World Record collection of Casper the Friendly Ghost memorabilia of over 1,200 items. Jessica Phelps/San Antonio Express News

Organizers hope attendees find the festival enlightening, entertaining and refreshing. And speaking of refreshment, Pari can't wait to grab that other drink he always looks forward to in San Antonio.
Donald Trump will be stumping in Tucson on Thursday, and this time, his campaign has paid the city in advance for the campaign stop.

Meanwhile, the $80,000 the city says it was never paid for a Trump campaign rally at the Tucson Convection Center in 2016 was never paid, and has since been wiped from the city books, a city councilman says. U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders presidential campaign also did not pay the city $44,000 for a campaign event held a day before Trumps 2016 stop in Tucson.

This time, Trumps campaign paid a $145,222.70 deposit upfront to use the Linda Ronstadt Music Hall for his rally Thursday, says Lane Mandle, chief of staff for the city managers office. That covers the use of the Linda Ronstadt Music Hall and the estimated cost of security provided mostly by city police.

More than $115,000 of the total cost is going toward added Tucson police presence for things like protection, crowd control and police K-9 security sweeps, according to a license agreement signed Monday by a representative of the Trump 47 Committee Inc. joint fundraising committee.

In accordance with City of Tucson policy implemented after the 2016 campaign visits of then candidates Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders, we now require users at the TCC to pay all costs associated with public safety response, so that taxpayers do not have to shoulder these expenses, Mandle said in a statement to the Star.

Tucson Mayor Regina Romero, who made a prime-time appearance on the first day the Democratic National Convention, declined to comment on Trumps visit Thursday or the unpaid 2016 bill.

Tucson City Councilman Kevin Dahl said Tuesday that its his understanding that the city wrote-off Trumps 2016 debt, so its not on our books.

And you know, we learned our lesson, Dahl said. Theyre requiring money up front, which were doing. So Im satisfied with that.

The city attorneys office at the time chose not to pursue legal action for the debt left by the Trump and Sanders campaigns. Instead, the city council changed city policy for the use of city facilities to require users to deposit the Citys estimated amount of public safety response and usage of the facility in advance of any event, Mandle said in her statement.

On Thursday, Trump plans to talk about what he calls the struggling economy and the rising cost of housing, according to a campaign news release.

Doors for the Thursdays rally open at 11 a.m. The former president is set to speak at 2 p.m.

Trumps rally will be his first visit to Tucson since October 2020, although the Republican presidential nominee visited the U.S.-Mexico border last month in Cochise County. That October 2020 rally held at the the Tucson Jet Center would have cost the city an additional $50,000, Romero said in a letter to the Trump campaign at that time.

Tucson Airport Authority spokesperson Austin Wright could not be reached at the Star on Tuesday. But, as reported by the Tucson Sentinel last month, Wright said he was not aware of the status of any costs from the October 2020 rally.

Tucson isnt the only city stiffed by the Trump campaign, according to an April 2020 report published by the Center for Public Integrity. At the time, the report showed a combined $1.82 million worth of public safety-related debt connected to Trumps Make America Great Again campaign rallies, the Star previously reported.

Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff, husband of Vice President Kamala Harris, will also visit Tucson Thursday. Emhoffs visit is part of the Harris-Walz campaigns New Way Forward battleground tour, a news release said.

The time and location for the Emhoff campaign event has not been announced.
University of Arizona ROTC units came together on Wednesday morning to honor those who lost their lives in the September 11, 2001 attacks in New York City, the Pentagon and Flight 93. They climbed the Arizona Stadium stairs 22 times, with a break in the middle to listen to 911 recordings of those who perished on that day.
The following is the opinion and analysis of the writers:

Almost every voter in Arizona is connected to a veteran or active-duty service memberwhether a father, aunt, grandfather, neighbor, or friend.

In a brief timespan, three events, all related to the ideals that our service members protect, have converged: a) This weeks presidential debate, b) The anniversary of 9/11, and c) The recent incident at Arlington National Cemetery.

Amid the bustle of American life, its easy to overlook signs begging for reflection. These events reach that level, and we urge you to find a moment for a quiet coffee to think (hard in todays world, we know, but try).

The Presidential Debate and Free Press: So crucial that most of us take it for granted, our free press is rooted in Americas founding and protected by our Constitution. This week, our nation will eagerly gather to watch journalists grill those seeking to lead us. Try that in 85% of the rest of the world.

9/11 and Our Collective Memories: The horrors of September 11, 2001, left nearly 3,000 people dead in New York, Washington, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Arizonans died that day. In the Iraq and Afghan wars that followed, 153 more active-duty soldiers, Marines, Airmen and women, and sailors from Arizona gave what Abe Lincoln once called their last full measure of devotion.

While America and the world continue to wrestle with the meaning of those conflicts, the fact is that the al Qaeda terrorist network has largely been neutralized. But the pain from those wars endures. Which brings us to

A Recent Incident at Arlington National Cemetery: Former President Donald Trumps behavior at our most sacred burial ground was obscene. His staff pushed a cemetery official, filmed an election campaign ad, and posed for grinning photos at the graves of soldiers who died in Iraq and Afghanistan.

If you havent followed Trumps history of disrespecting service members  insulting the late senator and POW John McCain, bullying Gold Star families, or calling fallen soldiers suckers and losers  his Arlington photo shoot is worth your time. Look it up: Trump, Arlington, thumb.

Arlington is row upon row of white marble headstones, marking the final resting place for over 400,000 Americans. That simplicity weaves each sacrifice into a larger whole  our nation bound together by all who have served. Arlington takes your breath away.

We are 9/11 vets who have formed a coalition of diverse veterans organizations to advocate for free and fair elections this November. We send our condolences to the families who recently gathered with Trump to remember their deceased kin. We understand their anger over the futility of lives lost in the evacuation of Kabul.

But Trump  the draft dodger  hanging over their white marble graves with a leering smile and thumbs up as if Arlington was a used car lot, is extraordinary.

How did we, as a people, get here?

Somehow, Trumps power as a politician comes from his ability to make Americas free press go crazy covering his hostility and outrages. And in a way that is hard to pin down  but we all feel  he leverages anger towards those 9/11 wars that drained a certain part of Americas soul.

It remains for history to untangle why, just before our nations 250th birthday, America is considering as its leader an angry old casino developer/reality TV star who sent a mob to attack the U.S. Capitol last time he lost an election.

The great thing is that everyone reading this has a chance. Turn the page. America is so much greater than Trump and his rage. Veterans and active-duty soldiers already have.

A new poll, conducted just before Arlington, shows his support among us slipping again, with a majority of those surveyed believing that Trump would falter in a combat situation. It also found he is one of the most unpopular Republican presidential candidates in decades.

Please join us. Read and participate in the free press. Say a prayer on 9/11. And most of all, go to Arlington someday and be awed by our countrys complexities and all those who sacrificed to make it possible.

Trump visited and missed the whole point.
Chief Appraiser Rogelio Sandoval, right, sought to maintain the annual appraisal process. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News

A Bexar County Appraisal District director watered down his controversial proposal to appraise home values every other year, calling instead to grant appraisal relief only to homeowners who successfully protest their property valuations.

The districts nine-member board voted unanimously on Tuesday to freeze property owners' valuations for one year if they successfully contest their appraisals.

Last month, Robert Bruce  who was elected to the board in June  originally pushed for the district to appraise home values every other year instead of annually, a proposal that riled up school districts who worried that it would result in funding cuts.

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Dave Gannon, chair of the Bexar Appraisal District Board of Directors, addresses the board as City Council member Adriana Rocha Garcia, secretary of the board, listens during a public meeting on Tuesday afternoon, Aug. 20, 2024. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News

The leaders of 18 San Antonio-area school districts signed a letter to the appraisal board this week protesting the potential move.

A majority of the appraisal board questioned Bruces two-year proposal at its Aug. 20 meeting, saying they needed more information.

However, instead of continuing to fight for his plan, Bruce downsized it.

We are trying to advance it somehow and do it in the confines of the state property tax code, where it is legal and where you dont have this giant uprising where all of the sudden somebody is going to get shortchanged, said Bruce, a Boerne resident and founder of the Boerne Stage Airfield.

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He, Erika Hizel, a real estate firm owner, and Naomi Miller, a one-time field director for then-House Speaker Joe Straus, were elected to the board this summer after the Texas legislature last year created several elected seats on appraisal boards in the states large urban counties. The aim was to give the public more say over appraisal processes.

The other board members are appointed by the city of San Antonio, Bexar County and other area taxing entities.

Under Bruces measure, the appraisal district can still increase the property valuations of homeowners who successfully challenge their appraisals if they make improvements to their homes, such as the installation of a swimming pool, the following year.

The board rejected another proposal of his, this one requiring the appraisal district to present evidence to the board for valuation increases larger than 5%  a move that board member Albert Uresti, Bexar Countys tax assessor-collector, said he was 99% sure was not legal.

Bexar County homeowners filed 156,717 protests this year, according to BCAD.

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Every year, about 90% of homeowners who contest their appraisals reach agreements with the appraisal district early in the process, often resulting in lower valuations, said district spokeswoman Jennifer Rodriguez.

It is unclear if Bruces appraisal changes will shake up the way the Bexar County district performs appraisals. But Chief Appraiser Rogelio Sandoval said Bruces measure mirrors the districts existing policy.

We are already required to do that, Sandoval said. Before we do anything in any property that was contested, that was lowered  before we do anything, increase or decrease  we want to make sure that we have clear and convincing evidence.

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Many board members, including Bruce, agreed the proposal to mimics the current policy. But Bruce said wanted a double guarantee.
Curtis Killman Tulsa World Staff Writer Follow Curtis Killman Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today

The 30-year-old Kansas City Chiefs fan known as ChiefsAholic, who was sentenced to a 17-year federal prison term for a string of bank robberies  including one in Oklahoma  still faces state charges in the local case.

Xavier Michael Babudar is scheduled to appear Nov. 4 in Tulsa County District Court for an arraignment on charges of robbery with a dangerous weapon, assault while masked or disguised, and removing an electronic monitoring device, according to a spokeswoman for District Attorney Steve Kunzweiler.

Prior to his arrest, Babudar was known for wearing a full wolf costume along with team attire to Chiefs games.

Babudar, whose first name is spelled Xaviar on state court documents, was charged Dec. 22, 2022, in state court in connection with the robbery of Tulsa Teachers Federal Credit Union in Bixby six days earlier.

Bixby police arrested Babudar within minutes of the bank robbery about a half mile away from the credit union.

Federal authorities later connected Babudar to a string of bank robberies across multiple states.

After he was charged in Tulsa federal court with bank robbery in connection with the Bixby credit union robbery, authorities in March 2023 found the electronic monitoring device that had been attached to Babudar in a south Tulsa field.

Babudar was on the run for about four months until he was rearrested in July 2023 in California.

A grand jury in the federal Western District of Missouri in August 2023 named Babudar in a multicount indictment that included the credit union robbery in Bixby.

In February, Babudar pleaded guilty to the credit union robbery in Bixby and a bank robbery in Iowa as part of a plea deal with federal prosecutors that called for him to spend 17 years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release.

If convicted in state court of the robbery charge, Babudar faces up to life in prison.

Our office intends to bring Xaviar Babudar to Tulsa County and prosecute him here for the charges he faces relating to the Bixby bank robbery, said Tulsa County District Attorney Office spokeswoman Katie Keleher in an emailed response to the Tulsa World regarding the status of Babudars state charges.

We have concurrent jurisdiction with the federal court, Keleher continued. The federal case consisted of charges spanning multiple states. The charges here relate only to the Bixby case.

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Melissa Jacques Tulsa World Capitol Bureau Staff Writer Follow Melissa Jacques 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

OKLAHOMA CITY  The scope of an investigation into the State Department of Education, announced in a committee meeting Wednesday, will include disbursement of federal funding, maternity leave, funds for inhalers and pay raises for certain teachers.

Rep. Kevin Wallace, R-Wellston, said he hopes the report from the Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency will be done before he leaves office in November.

I am trying to wrap up a request that I made that was approved by the (House) speaker and the Senate pro tem for the investigation into appropriation of funds and processes at SDE, said Wallace. He requested this study in August after some Republican representatives signed a letter calling for an impeachment investigation into state Superintendent Ryan Walters.

The announcement about LOFTs report on the OSDE investigation, expected around Oct. 29, was met with some questions from committee members.

Sen. Julia Kirt, D-Oklahoma City, asked about senators eligibility to participate in the presentation of this report, as Senate President Pro Tem Greg Treat previously said members would need to recuse from the investigation. Wallace said participation would be decided by members and that Treat would need to clarify his statement.

According to previous reporting by the Tulsa World, the $3 million that was appropriated by the Legislature for six weeks of paid maternity leave has not properly been disbursed by the Oklahoma State Department of Education. Ahead of the school year starting back up in August, districts were still awaiting access to an online form to apply for reimbursements that OSDE said would be up in March.

Concerns have also been raised about disbursement of title funds, as several districts reported in July that they had not received crucial information about Title I funding from OSDE.

An attorney general opinion in August directed Walters administration to release funds for school security that his department had been withholding.

The report from LOFT will look at the statutory requirements attached to these funds and determine if OSDE has been complying with statute. The report will also offer a timeline of agency actions related to funds and disbursements, including communications to schools and offer information about the current status of all the funds.

We think we will be able to deliver a report that addresses the scope of the objectives on our website by that time, LOFT Director Regina Birchum said, addressing the condensed timeline for LOFT to complete this report.

Birchum said that OSDE has cooperated with investigators and that they have not had difficulty getting the information for this report.

The Tulsa World is where your story lives
CS Wind, a South Korea-based manufacturer of wind towers and offshore wind substructures, is set to build a wind power equipment factory with an initial investment of US$200 million in Long An Province, southern Vietnam.

As per a memorandum of understanding signed between CS Wind and Vietnams Dong Tam Group on Tuesday, the Vietnamese company will lease the South Korean firm a 50-hectare plot of land in the provinces Southeast Asia Industrial Park to build the factory.

Located in Can Giuoc District, the Southeast Asia Industrial Park is part of the Long An International Port complex developed by Dong Tam Group.

The factory will manufacture and assemble offshore and onshore wind turbine towers, monopiles, transition pieces, and other wind power products to serve the global market.

It is expected to churn out tens of thousands of products annually, offering oversized and overweight equipment ranging from 500 to 4,000 metric tons per unit.

CS Wind revealed that 100 percent of the equipment and accessories in the initial phase will be exported and imported through the Long An International Port, with an estimated volume of 150,000-200,000 metric tons per year.

Founded in 1984, CS Wind is a global manufacturer of wind towers for the worlds largest wind generators.

CS Wind established its first wind tower manufacturing company in Vietnam in 2003.

CS Wind currently operates manufacturing facilities in eight countries, having supplied more than 13,000 wind towers to major turbine manufacturers such as Vestas, Siemens-Gamesa, GE, and Goldwind.

Regarding the 1,935-hectare Long An International Port complex, it accommodates a port, an urban area, an industrial service zone, and an industrial park.

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THACO AUTO, a subsidiary of Vietnamese automaker THACO, has shipped a batch of car bodies and parts of the Kia New Carnival to Kia India.

This was the first batch of a deal previously signed by the firm and its partner with total revenue of some US$50 million.

In June, THACO AUTO produced Kia New Carnival components and bodies, and then sent them to India for testing.

These products met all requirements on standards, technology, and quality, and were highly valued by Kia India.

Its car bodies and parts were manufactured at the THACO Chu Lai Industrial Park in Quang Nam Province, central Vietnam.

KIA Carnival auto parts and bodies are packaged for export to India.

Since 2012, THACO KIA, a passenger car manufacturing plant in Vietnam has been picked by South Koreas Kia Corporation as a unit in charge of training, supervising, supporting technique, and providing consulting services for completely-knocked-down Kia-branded businesses in Ecuador, Pakistan, Myanmar, India, and Uzbekistan.

The batch was exported to India from Chu Lai Port.

The cooperation between Chu Lai Port and Regional Container Lines (RCL), a Thai-based container shipping lines company, to operate some new maritime routes connecting with Chennai, Kolkata, and Kattupalli ports in India has facilitated THACO AUTOs export and import between Vietnam and India.

Over the past few years, the Vietnamese firm has expanded its reach to several nations such as the Philippines, Thailand, Myanmar, Kazakhstan, and India.

Apart from exporting cars and auto parts, the company is enhancing its investments, working to transfer technology, improving production lines, and promoting digital governance to beef up its production capacity.

MTT SAISUNEE, a container vessel owned by RCL, docks at Chu Lai Port in Quang Nam Province, central Vietnam to prepare for the transportation of THACO AUTOs batch to India.

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A viral video showing young women strolling through Hanois Old Quarter in bikinis has sparked a heated debate among readers of Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper, dividing opinions on social media.

The footage, captured last week, has ignited discussions about personal expression and tourism in Vietnam, reflecting broader cultural tensions.

Opinions range from those who view the attire as inappropriate to those advocating for more relaxed standards.

Nguyen Duc Huy, one reader, voiced strong disapproval. "While our country welcomes all visitors, we do not need this kind of guest," he said, underscoring a traditional view that prioritizes modesty and adherence to cultural norms.

Others, however, argue that cultural differences should be respected.

Some suggest that tourists fashion choices often reflect trends in their home countries, with Vietnams hot climate further justifying lighter clothing.

"As a woman, I find this normal," said Che Thuy Tien, another reader.

"Just because some people disapprove doesnt mean others should be forced to conform."

This perspective emphasizes personal freedom and the need to adapt to a globalized world.

Reader Ong Tu Co Co echoed this sentiment, saying that imposing personal standards on others is inappropriate in a diverse society.

Some, like reader Ton Anh, advocate for balancing respect for local customs with a more lenient dress code, especially in public spaces.

"Revealing outfits should only be restricted in sacred spaces like temples," he said.

Not all agree. Vo Trong Tri argues that while Vietnam should welcome tourists, it must not compromise its cultural values.

Anh Ngoc echoed this concern, saying that foreigners wearing bikinis in public disrespects Vietnamese traditions.

Tran Dung, another supporter of dress codes, called for penalties for those who flout traditional norms, stressing the importance of protecting cultural integrity from foreign influences.

Yet, some readers, like Anh Vu, suggest that regulations should only apply in sacred areas to maintain Vietnams welcoming reputation.

As the debate continues, some propose a middle ground. Reader Lao Mac suggests that tourists be educated about appropriate attire before arriving, advocating for visible signs in public spaces to guide visitors on dress codes.

What do foreigners think about the issue?

A few foreigners have shared their thoughts on this topic, starting with reader Stefan Badea commenting, Wearing this type of clothing is appropriate at the beach or in areas close to the beach. However, it is not advisable to wear it in places further inland. It is definitely not acceptable in Hanoi... The police should issue fines for this.

Echoing Badea's sentiments, Richard Shearman stated, Foreign tourists and expats living here need to understand that they are not above the law and should set a good example by respecting the culture and traditional values of Vietnam. Wearing such clothing in any public area is not acceptable. Someone should have approached them and addressed the situation. It is shameful to show such disrespect.

Similarly, a reader named Val Krash disagreed with the foreigners wearing bikinis in the Old Quarter, saying, That is inappropriate; bikinis are great, but there is a time and a place for them. Even in France or Spain, no one is allowed to enter stores wearing just a bikini top, even if they have pants or a skirt on, and that is in beachside cities. So why do it in Hanoi?!

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Pak Sang Gil, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of North Korea, met with Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son and held talks with Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Thanh Binh upon his arrival in Hanoi to begin his official visit to the Southeast Asian nation earlier this week.

During a reception for the senior North Korean diplomat on Monday, Son highlighted the significance of the three-day visit, which came as both countries prepare to celebrate the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations in 2025.

Son suggested that the two foreign ministries maintain close collaboration in promoting high-level exchanges as well as fostering mutual understanding, friendship, and trust.

The top Vietnamese diplomat also stressed the need to implement cooperation agreements effectively and continue working together at regional and international forums, contributing to peace, stability, and development.

Pak congratulated Son on his appointment as deputy prime minister as well as praised Vietnam for its impressive progress in various fields, which has elevated its global standing.

During their talks on Tuesday, Pak and his Vietnamese counterpart Binh agreed to jointly make preparations for the 75th anniversary of the Vietnam - North Korea diplomatic ties next year, with a focus on enhancing exchanges between the two countries.

Both sides will also explore opportunities to establish cooperation in mutually beneficial sectors that comply with international regulations.

The two diplomats exchanged views on regional and international issues of shared concern.

Pak Sang Gil, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea, holds talks with Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Thanh Binh in Hanoi, September 10, 2024. Photo: Vietnams Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Binh affirmed Vietnam's consistent stance on valuing its traditional friendship with North Korea and expressed his hope for closer collaboration to further bolster bilateral relations in various fields, contributing to peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the region and the world.

Pak emphasized that the Vietnam - North Korea relationship has entered a new stage of development since General Secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and Chairman of the State Affairs Commission Kim Jong-uns official visit to Vietnam in March 2019.

The North Korean diplomat also affirmed Pyongyangs consistent stance on maintaining and further enhancing bilateral ties with Vietnam in the years to come.

During his stay in Vietnam, Pak visited President Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and toured several local sites.

He is the second senior North Korean official to have visited Vietnam this year.

Previously, a delegation led by Kim Song Nam, head of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Workers Party of Korea paid a visit to Vietnam from March 25 to 28.

Recently, North Korea's new envoy to Vietnam Ri Sung Guk arrived in Hanoi and presented his credentials to General Secretary and State President To Lam on August 12.

Ris appointment was announced by the North Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs on July 30.

This post had been vacant since Ris predecessor Kim Myong Gil returned to North Korea in April 2019.

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Read what is in the news in Vietnam today:

Politics

-- Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Thanh Binh held talks with Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of North Korea Pak Sang Gil on Tuesday during the latters visit to Hanoi.

-- Vietnamese National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man had a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Tuesday as part of his official visit to Russia.

-- General Phan Van Giang, Vietnams Politburo member, Deputy Secretary of the Central Military Commission and Minister of National Defense, held talks with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin following an official welcome ceremony for him in Washington D.C. on Tuesday.

Society

-- The General Department of State Reserves on Tuesday directed the State Reserve Department in Hanoi to distribute 200 metric tons of national reserve rice free of charge to support those affected by typhoon Yagi, which swept through northern Vietnam on Saturday and Sunday, leaving a trail of devastation.

-- A flash flood in Lao Cai Province, northern Vietnam engulfed a village of 128 residents on Tuesday, resulting in 30 rescues and the recovery of 16 bodies.

-- Floodwaters on the Red River surged rapidly through Hoan Kiem District in Hanoi on Tuesday night, prompting residents to urgently relocate to shelters.

-- The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting on Wednesday monring issued a warning about continued rising floodwaters on the Red River in Hanoi, which are causing flooding and landslides in riverside areas and posing a risk to the security of dikes in the districts of Bac Tu Liem, Hai Ba Trung, Dan Phuong, Phuc Tho, Son Tay, Thanh Tri, Gia Lam, Long Bien, Tay Ho, Hoan Kiem, and Dong Anh.

-- Five people are reported missing following the collapse of the operations building at the Southeast Asia - Nam Luc Hydropower Plant in Ban Cai Commune, Bac Ha District, Lao Cai Province on Tuesday.

-- A section of the Lo River dike in Quyet Thang Commune, Son Duong District, Tuyen Quang Province, northern Vietnam has been breached due to rising river water on Tuesday night. Residents in the affected areas had been evacuated in advance, so there were no reported casualties.

-- The Institute of Geophysics reported that a magnitude-2.5 earthquake with a focal depth of approximately 10km occurred in Bao Lac District, Cao Bang Province, northern Vietnam on Tuesday.

-- Ho Chi Minh City, Binh Duong, Quang Nam, and Quang Binh Provinces donated VND120 billion (US$4.8 million), VND10 billion ($405,350), VND22 billion ($891,770), and VND5 billion ($202,675), respectively, to help alleviate the difficulties and losses faced by people affected by typhoon Yagi and floods in the northern region.

Sports

-- Vietnam lost 1-2 to Thailand in Hanoi on Tuesday night in the final game of a friendly football tournament, which had its awards canceled due to typhoon Yagi impacting the schedule.

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Bexar County Sheriffs deputies have arrested a 12-year-old who they said threatened to shoot a student. He also threatened to shoot up the school.

The child suspect was found with a pistol, ammunition, and body armor, according to a statement released by the Bexar County Sheriff's Office late Tuesday.

The juvenile suspect, a student at Luna Middle School, allegedly threatened to shoot a fellow student on Saturday. The 12-year-old is accused of displaying photos of firearms during a FaceTime call while off campus over the weekend, saying they would shoot up the school, BCSO said.

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Not long after, the alleged subject of the child suspect reported the incident to school officials. As a precaution, the 12-year-old was suspended, pending the arrest and investigation into the threat.

Sheriffs investigators filed and executed an arrest warrant for the child suspect on Tuesday at a home in West Bexar County. They seized a .380 caliber pistol with an extended magazine, ammunition, two fake guns, and two sets of plate carriers for body armor.

A 12-year-old child was arrested by the Bexar County Sheriff's Office after threatening to shoot up a school and shoot a student during a FaceTime call on Sept. 7. Bexar County Sheriff investigators seized a .380 caliber pistol with an extended magazine, ammunition, two fake pistols, and two sets of plate carriers for body armor. Bexar County Sheriff's Office

A 12-year-old child was arrested by the Bexar County Sheriff's Office after threatening to shoot up a school and shoot a student during a FaceTime call on Sept. 7. Bexar County Sheriff investigators seized a .380 caliber pistol with an extended magazine, ammunition, two fake pistols, and two sets of plate carriers for body armor. Bexar County Sheriff's Office

A 12-year-old child was arrested by the Bexar County Sheriff's Office after threatening to shoot up a school and shoot a student during a FaceTime call on Sept. 7. Bexar County Sheriff investigators seized a .380 caliber pistol with an extended magazine, ammunition, two fake pistols, and two sets of plate carriers for body armor. Bexar County Sheriff's Office

A 12-year-old child was arrested by the Bexar County Sheriff's Office after threatening to shoot up a school and shoot a student during a FaceTime call on Sept. 7. Bexar County Sheriff investigators seized a .380 caliber pistol with an extended magazine, ammunition, two fake pistols, and two sets of plate carriers for body armor. Bexar County Sheriff's Office

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The suspect was taken to the Bexar County Juvenile Detention Center and charged with terroristic threats causing public fear.

Sheriff Javier Salazar said his office will investigate these cases vigorously and will make arrests when appropriate. He also emphasized the importance of parents speaking to their children about making threats.

Its vital that parents speak to children about the serious consequences attached to making threats, Salazar said.

This incident comes several days after another 12-year-old made threats of mass violence toward seven San Antonio area schools. This child suspect was arrested and charged with seven counts of felony terroristic threats.

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San Antonio Independent School District officials said they were informed of a social media post circulating on Sunday after the suspect posted B ready ya school getting shot no Kap 100%.
The Southern Intercity Bus Terminal in Da Nang City, central Vietnam, also known as the Duc Long Da Nang Bus Terminal, has sat desolate for years, despite its prime location and a hefty investment.

Spanning 63,120 square meters, the terminal is strategically positioned along National Highway 1 and Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Road in Qua Giang 2 Village, Hoa Phuoc Commune, Hoa Vang District.

It was developed by Duc Long Da Nang Joint Stock Company, a subsidiary of Duc Long Gia Lai Group, as part of the citys initiative to encourage private investment in public infrastructure.

With a total investment of over VND130 billion (US$5.27 million), the station was designed to accommodate 800-1,000 buses daily and include modern amenities like waiting areas, ticket counters, a medical clinic, and ample parking.

The first phase, covering over 30,000 square meters and costing more than VND100 billion ($4.05 million), was completed in September 2012.

Yet two years after its opening, no transport companies had registered to operate from the station.

Poorly planned zoning and route designs that diverted buses away from the city center, along with other complications, led to the stations early demise.

Today, the entrance along National Highway 1 is overgrown with wild grass, and the grounds have become grazing land for cattle.

Inside, the waiting areas remain locked, while dust coats the ticket counters, floors, and seats, with only a few trucks occupying the parking lot.

Its been years, and the station feels completely abandoned, despite its prime location on two major roads, said a nearby resident.

When approached for comment on Monday, an official from Da Nang's Department of Transport advised Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspapers reporter to send inquiries through the department's office.

The entrance of the Southern Intercity Bus Terminal is overgrown with wild grass along National Highway 1 in Da Nang, central Vietnam. Photo: Doan Cuong / Tuoi Tre

The frontage of the Southern Intercity Bus Terminal along National Highway 1 in Da Nang, central Vietnam. Photo: Doan Cuong / Tuoi Tre

Only a few trucks are parked at the Southern Intercity Bus Terminal in Da Nang, central Vietnam. Photo: Doan Cuong / Tuoi Tre

Doors are closed and locked at the Southern Intercity Bus Terminal in Da Nang, central Vietnam. Photo: Doan Cuong / Tuoi Tre

The inside of the Southern Intercity Bus Terminal in Da Nang, central Vietnam has been deserted for a long time. Photo: Doan Cuong / Tuoi Tre

The deserted scene at the Southern Intercity Bus Terminal in Da Nang, central Vietnam. Photo: Doan Cuong / Tuoi Tre

Despite a great investment with various amenities, the bus terminal in Da Nang, central Vietnam remains abandoned. Photo: Doan Cuong / Tuoi Tre

Due to prolonged disuse, many items have become dusty and damaged inside the Southern Intercity Bus Terminal in Da Nang, central Vietnam. Photo: Doan Cuong / Tuoi Tre

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A flash flood swept through a mountainous village of 35 households with 128 people in Lao Cai Province, northern Vietnam on Tuesday, claiming 16 lives.

Trinh Xuan Truong, chairman of the provincial Peoples Committee, told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper on Tuesday night that the deadly flash flood ravaged Lang Nu Village in Phuc Khanh Commune under Bao Yen District on Tuesday morning.

The flash flood damaged the village, which is home to 35 households with 128 people, Truong said.

Residents assets and houses are wiped out by a flash flood in Lao Cai Province, northern Vietnam, September 10, 2024. Photo: Lao Cai Newspaper

After being notified of the disaster, the province quickly dispatched forces to the scene for search and rescue operations.

Over 30 people were found alive, while 16 others had been killed in the flash flood as of Tuesday night.

Some 70 people remain missing in the aftermath of the flash flood, Bao Yen District Party secretary Hoang Quoc Bao said on Tuesday night.

Bao stated that the Bao Yen administration was informed of the flash flood around 10:15 am the same day.

As the disaster-hit village is far from the center of the district, paired with unfavorable traffic links, rescuers found it hard to approach the scene soon.

They arrived in the area at 2:00 pm, rescuing 10 victims of the flash flood and discovered 15 bodies.

The rescuers found another corpse covered in mud on Tuesday evening.

This is the most catastrophic flash flood that has ever struck the district, Bao said. Rescuers are enhancing their efforts to search for those missing from the disaster.

A house is damaged by a flash flood in Lao Cai Province, northern Vietnam, September 10, 2024. Photo: Vietnam News Agency

Rescuers are pictured searching for those missing from a flash flood in Lao Cai Province, northern Vietnam, September 10, 2024. Photo: Vietnam News Agency

A section of a house is soaked in mud after a flash flood hit a village in Lao Cai Province, northern Vietnam, September 10, 2024. Photo: Lao Cai Newspaper

Rescuers enhance efforts to search for those missing from a flash flood in Lao Cai Province, northern Vietnam, September 10, 2024. Photo: Lao Cai Newspaper

A victim of a flash flood is transported to Bao Yen District General Hospital in Lao Cai Province, northern Vietnam, September 10, 2024. Photo: Bao Yen District General Hospital

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A professor has donated a savings book worth VND1 billion (US$40,716) through Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper to support people affected by typhoon Yagi in northern Vietnam.

In response to Tuoi Tres call for reader contributions, Prof. Dr. Le Ngoc Thach, a visiting lecturer at the University of Science under the Vietnam National University-Ho Chi Minh City, delivered his savings book worth VND1 billion to the newspaper headquarters in person on Tuesday morning.

The donation is intended to aid people in northern Vietnam affected by typhoon Yagi, also known as storm No. 3.

The strongest storm to hit the East Vietnam Sea in 30 years, Yagi made landfall on Saturday, causing widespread damage in the northern region.

The Vietnam News Agency reported that 200 people have been killed or are missing due to extensive flooding and landslides as of Wednesday noon.

I couldnt just sit at home watching the storm and rain news, Prof. Thach said.

I felt a deep sorrow for those suffering, and when I saw Tuoi Tres support program, I knew I had to contribute immediately.

Prof. Thach, who has witnessed many major storms but found typhoon Yagi particularly devastating, expressed his concern for the severe impact it has had.

The professor, who has saved money from his retirement, teaching, and book writing, shared that he lives modestly and decided to donate his entire savings book.

He only retained the interest to fund other charitable activities.

Prof. Dr. Le Ngoc Thach (L) hands over his savings book worth VND1 billion (US$40,716) to Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper's representative at its headquarters in Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City, September 10, 2024. Photo: An Vi / Tuoi Tre

The savings book [was] due in eight days, but I was concerned that waiting might delay the support needed for the people affected by storm No. 3, so I brought it here right away, he said.

While VND1 billion is a significant amount for an individual contribution, its just a drop in the ocean compared to the scale of the damage."

As a lecturer, he was particularly moved by the flooding of many schools and hoped his contribution, along with others, would help alleviate some of the suffering.

This is not the first time Prof. Thach has been actively involved with Tuoi Tres charitable programs.

Its not by chance that I bring VND1 billion here, he said, expressing his confidence in Tuoi Tres efforts.

I see that Tuoi Tre has always directed readers contributions to where they are most needed.

True to his dedication, the 76-year-old man made the trip to the Tuoi Tre headquarters on his motorbike on Tuesday morning to deliver his support.

Receiving the donation, a representative of Tuoi Tre assured that the funds would be used effectively to aid affected provinces and cities.

As of Wednesday noon, over 1,200 readers had donated nearly VND3 billion ($122,125) through Tuoi Tre to help people in the flood-hit areas of northern Vietnam.

Readers who wish to contribute can follow the instructions provided at this link.

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The rapidly rising water level of the Red River in northern Vietnam surpassed alert level two in Hanoi on Wednesday morning, intensifying the city's ongoing struggle with heavy rainfall, according to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting.

The river, which reached 10.5 meters at alert level two by 11:30 pm on Tuesday, continued to swell, climbing to 10.76 meters by 6:00 am on Wednesday.

Forecasters warn that the water level is expected to peak later in the day, exacerbating the flooding already affecting the city.

Hanoi authorities have asked the local administrations in Bac Tu Liem, Tay Ho, Ba Dinh, Hoan Kiem, Hai Ba Trung, Hoang Mai, Long Bien, Thanh Tri, Dong Anh, and Gia Lam Districts to strictly implement relevant requirements to effectively respond to the situation.

Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper reporters saw that Chuong Duong Do Street in Hoan Kiem District was submerged under nearly one meter of floodwater at 6:00 am on Wednesday.

As no vehicles could survive such heavy inundation, people had to use small boats for travel.

Since midnight on Monday, residential areas have been flooded in many districts including Hoan Kiem, Ba Dinh, and Tay Ho, forcing residents to flee along with their belongings and seek shelter in relatives houses.

Local authorities had to ban people from approaching dangerous areas as the water level spiked swiftly.

Given that Hoan Kiem is facing heavy flooding, Hoan Kiem Electricity Company, under Hanoi Electricity Corporation, has cut off power supply in a number of residential areas for safety reasons.

On Tuesday afternoon, chairman of the Hanoi administration Tran Sy Thanh inspected the flooding situation and efforts against it in Bac Tu Liem District.

This is an area where the river goes through four wards, including Thuong Cat, Lien Mac, Thuy Phuong, and Dong Ngac.

As the rivers water level has been recorded to rise by 10 centimeters per hour, authorities have evacuated thousands of households in the district to safe places over the past few days.

Thanh ordered the district administration to urgently make preparations in response to scenarios which include the water level rising to alert level three, or 11.5 meters, to ensure safety for people.

The Hanoi Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Search and Rescue has issued a warning that as the Red River continues to rise, the risk of landslides in riverside areas has significantly increased.

The committee also highlighted that river dykes in several districts, including Bac Tu Liem, Hai Ba Trung, Dan Phuong, Phuc Tho, Son Tay, Thanh Tri, Gia Lam, Long Bien, Tay Ho, Hoan Kiem, and Dong Anh, are now at heightened risk due to the escalating water levels.

As a move to respond to the rivers rising water level, Vietnams Ministry of Foreign Affairs has sent a diplomatic note to China requesting the neighboring country to strictly control the amount of water flowing from the upstream of the Red River to its downstream areas.

The ministry has also worked with the Charge daffaires ad interim at the Chinese Embassy in Hanoi, suggesting coordination to prevent floods and mitigate the effects of typhoon Yagi, which recently hit both countries.

In its initial response, China confirmed on Tuesday morning that two of its hydropower plants upstream of the Red River will not release water.

This image shows soldiers helping people in Hanoi, northern Vietnam to move a vehicle up from a heavily submerged area following the rise of the Red River. Photo: Pham Tuan / Tuoi Tre

Military officers and soldiers help reinforce a dyke in Dong Son Commune, Chuong My District, Hanoi, northern Vietnam, in response to the swift rise of the Red River. Photo: Military unit

Chairman of Hanoi Tran Sy Thanh speaks at a meeting held in Bac Tu Liem District on September 10, 2024 to deal with serious flooding caused by the rapid rise of the Red River in Hanoi, northern Vietnam. Photo: Hanoi Peoples Committee

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To support people affected by typhoon Yagi, also known as storm No. 3 in Vietnam, Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper facilitates contributions from readers near and far to aid those in need.

In Vietnam: Contributions can be made in person at the Tuoi Tre newspaper headquarters at 60A Hoang Van Thu Street, Ward 9, Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City, or at any Tuoi Tre representative office nationwide as listed below:

- 72A Thuy Khe Street, Tay Ho District, Hanoi

- 158 Dinh Cong Trang Street, Vinh City, Nghe An Province

- 9 Tran Phu Street, Da Nang City

- 61 To Huu Street, Xuan Phu Ward, Hue City, Thua Thien-Hue Province

- 31 Nguyen Cong Tru Street, Le Hong Phong Ward, Quy Nhon City, Binh Dinh Province

- 64 Le Dai Hanh Street, Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa Province

- 181 Hai Ba Trung Street, Buon Ma Thuot City, Dak Lak Province

- 8 Hoang Van Thu Street, Da Lat City Lam Dong Province

- 95 Ngo Quyen Street, Can Tho City

For domestic money transfers: Please send donations in Vietnamese dong to the Tuoi Tre newspaper account at the Vietnam Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Industry and Trade (VietinBank) branch 3, Ho Chi Minh City. Account number: 113000006100. Please specify: Ung ho dong bao bi anh huong boi con bao so 3 (Support for people affected by storm No. 3)

For international donations: Please transfer funds to Tuoi Tres USD account: 007.137.0195.845 at the Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Foreign Trade of Vietnam (Vietcombank) in Ho Chi Minh City, or EUR account: 007.114.0373.054 at the same bank. SWIFT code: BFTVVNVX007. Please specify: Ung ho dong bao bi anh huong boi con bao so 3 (Support for people affected by storm No. 3)

Tuoi Tre will work with local authorities in affected areas to ensure that all contributions reach those who have suffered significant damage from the storm and subsequent floods.

Typhoon Yagi, the strongest to have struck the East Vietnam Sea in 30 years, made landfall in Vietnam on Saturday, with heavy rains continuing to devastate the northern region.

As of noon on Tuesday, 157 people have been killed or reported missing due to the typhoon and ensuing flooding and landslides, with numerous injuries and nearly 150,000 hectares of rice and crops affected by the floods, according to the Vietnam News Agency.

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HANOI -- The death toll in Vietnam from Asia's worst storm this year reached 127 on Tuesday, with torrents of rain triggering floods and landslides, burying homes, sweeping away a bridge and now threatening the capital Hanoi.

In several northern provinces, including the suburbs of Hanoi, residents waded through knee-high floods. Brown water cascaded down pedestrian steps.

Landslides and floods triggered by the typhoon have killed at least 127 people in northern Vietnam and 54 others were missing, the disaster management agency said on Tuesday in its latest update on the situation.

Most of the victims were killed in landslides and flash floods, the agency said, adding that 764 people have been injured.

The typhoon made landfall on Saturday on Vietnam's northeastern coast, devastating a swathe of industrial and residential areas and bringing heavy rain that caused floods and landslides. It had previously hit the Philippines and the southern Chinese island of Hainan.

"I have to leave everything behind as the water is rising too fast," said Nguyen Thi Tham, a 60-year-old resident living in the flood-prone area near the Red River in Hanoi, by phone. She had only been able to take her dog with her.

She was among a number of people evacuated by boat to a safe shelter early on Tuesday. It was not immediately clear how many Hanoi residents needed to be evacuated.

A general view of a devastated area due to the impact of typhoon Yagi, in Do Son District, Hai Phong City, Vietnam, September 7, 2024. Photo: Reuters

Several rivers in northern Vietnam have risen to alarming levels, leaving villages and residential areas inundated, according to the disaster agency and state media.

A 30-year-old bridge over the Red River in the northern province of Phu Tho collapsed on Monday, leaving eight people missing.

Authorities across the north on Tuesday subsequently banned or limited traffic on other bridges across the river, including Chuong Duong Bridge, one of the largest in Hanoi, according to state media reports.

"Water levels on the Red River are rising rapidly," the government said on Tuesday in a post on its Facebook account.

Loudspeaker warnings

Using public loudspeakers that communicated important announcements to the public in the past, officials warned residents of the capital's riverside Long Bien district to be on alert for possible flooding, and to be ready to evacuate the area.

Other northern areas, including the industrial hubs of Bac Giang and Thai Nguyen, were also facing severe flooding, state media reported. It was not immediately clear if Samsung Electronics and Apple supplier Foxconn, based in Thai Nguyen and Bac Giang, respectively, were affected.

A general view of a factory belonging to LG Electronics that collapsed following the impact of typhoon Yagi in Trang Due Industrial Zone, Hai Phong City, Vietnam, September 9, 2024. Photo: Reuters

Evacuations were also taking place from flood-prone areas in Bac Giang Province, the government said, where the typhoon and floods have caused damage estimated for now to be worth VND300 billion (US$12.1 million).

More than 4,600 soldiers have been deployed in the province to support the evacuation and support flood victims.

Vietnam's foreign ministry asked China to notify it ahead of any release of dam water upstream.

Lao Cai Province has reported the highest casualties, with 19 people killed and 36 missing, mostly in landslides, according to the disaster management agency.

The government has yet not provided estimates of the cost of the damage caused by the typhoon, but residents in the coastal cities of Hai Phong and Quang Ninh, where the storm first hit Vietnam, said they "lost everything".

Floods have also inundated 162,828 hectares and 29,543 hectares of cash crops and damaged nearly 50,000 houses in northern Vietnam, according to the agency.

($1 = VND24,665)
Vietnam has sent a diplomatic note to China requesting strict regulation of water flow from the upper reaches of the Red River downstream as the Southeast Asian country continues to grapple with severe flooding and the aftermath of typhoon Yagi.

On Tuesday, the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that it had discussed with the Chinese Embassys Charge daffaires in Hanoi collaboration on recovery efforts for typhoon Yagi and measures to prevent flooding in its wake.

Following the powerful typhoon's arrival on Saturday, several northern Vietnamese localities have experienced flooding and landslides.

Officials from the Vietnamese Embassy in China and the Consulate General in Kunming, the capital city of Yunnan Province in China, held urgent meetings with representatives from Chinas Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Yunnan Provinces Foreign Affairs Department to request support in implementing measures to reduce the risk of flooding in Vietnams Red River basin.

Additionally, Vietnam requested timely updates on flood discharge schedules, including specific times and volumes.

The Red River, known as the Yuan River in China, is a 1,149-kilometer-long river that flows from the southwestern Chinese province of Yunnan through northern Vietnam to the Gulf of Tonkin.

Several hydroelectric dams have been constructed on the Red River in Yunnan.

As of Tuesday, China 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 emphasized that Vietnamese representatives in China will continue to work closely with local authorities to provide regular and timely updates on the flood situation in China that potentially impacts Vietnam.

Vietnams diplomatic missions in China have also issued formal notes, urging China to regulate water flow from the upper reaches of the Red River and to coordinate with relevant agencies to reduce or suspend discharge from upstream dams.

China will maintain ongoing communication to encourage actions that limit water discharge from their upstream regions, thereby mitigating flood damage in northern river basins in Vietnam.

Typhoon Yagi, the strongest storm in the East Vietnam Sea in 30 years, struck Vietnam on Saturday, with heavy rains continuing to devastate the northern region.

As of noon on Tuesday, 157 people have been killed or reported missing due to the typhoon, landslides, and flooding, with numerous injuries and nearly 150,000 hectares of rice and crops affected by the floods, according to the Vietnam News Agency.

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ABC News Sydney will relocate from Ultimo to Parramatta on September 30 .

The 7pm bulletin will broadcast from a new studio, yet to be completed, on the promenade of the new building.

The building was opened in May with the official ceremony led by ABC Chair Kim Williams, ABC Managing Director David Anderson, and Member for Parramatta Dr Andrew Charlton.

The relocation to western Sydney is a part of ABCs Five-Year Plan to see 75% of content makers working outside its Ultimo head office by 2025.

But not everybody is happy about the move.
Three months on from a switch from ABC ME to Family channel, ABC has doubled its child audience.

Programming on ABC Family begins at 7:30pm, whereas ABC ME was not attracting significant audiences in primetime.

Channel content includes Hard Quiz Kids, The Strange Chores (pictured), US sitcom Fresh Off the Boat, Expedition With Steve Backshall, The Secret Life Of Our Pets, US animation Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures alongside replays of Little Lunch, The Inbestigators, Merlin, Bluey and Shaun the Sheep.

Teenage Boss hosted by Emma Watkins will debut in October.

Speaking recently at the Australian Childrens Content Summit, Catherine Collins, ABC Senior Channel Manager Childrens said ABC was happy with the results so far.

In terms of the linear viewing in what we call the pre-bedtime zone.we have more than doubled co-viewing in the 0-12s, and in 0-12s and 0-12s watching by themselves on linear broadcast, which is great. Thats compared to ABC TV and ABC ME, she said.

On our iView channel, we are seeing the highest ever viewing minutes across our multi channel portfolio since these changes were made, and its still growing, which is great.

ABC has also made some recent changes to iView on connected TVs.

We are seeing more kids signing up for their own profiles on the service. Its not on all your TVs yet, but if you do have a connected TV, you may now be prompted to add a Kids sub profile, she suggested.

For us, thats really exciting because it helps us to know more about our audience, and helps us to talk directly to that audience in the most appropriate way.

Probably sounds very nerdy, but I am extremely excited about that!
Grand Designs Australia returns to screens in October, with a new host and a new home on ABC.

Anthony Burke (Restoration Australia, Grand Designs Transformations) succeeds Peter Maddison, who previously hosted the show for 10 seasons on Foxtel.

For his first season, Burke is joined on an architectural road trip by the inimitable Kevin McCloud. Together they pack up a Kombi and go in search of award winning contemporary Australian design, from ingenious small homes to opulent mansions.

Along the way, Kevin shares hosting insights with Anthony, gained from decades presenting Grand Designs in the UK.

On Victorias Mornington Peninsula, they visit a modern take on a traditional farmhouse that despite its enormous size, almost disappears into the lush landscape. From there, Kevin tours the Nightingale apartments, a sustainable, affordable housing complex in Brunswick. Meanwhile, Anthony visits a tiny, light-filled Victorian terrace in Melbournes inner-city Fitzroy; a cutting-edge glass pavilion in Tasmania, and a luxe, multi-million-dollar beach shack on the Gold Coast. Anthony and Kevin finish their tour visiting the grandest of tiny homes in Surry Hills, a shining example of how little space we really need.

But thats just the beginning of an exciting 10-episode rollercoaster ride that sees Anthony joining some of the nations boldest home building visionaries as they tackle the challenges of a lifetime  building their dream homes.

Production credits: Grand Designs Australia is commissioned by the ABC and produced by Fremantle Australia. Head of Unscripted: Josie Mason Campbell. Supervising Executive Producer: Brooke Bayvel. Executive Producer: Michael Collett. ABC Commissioning Editor, Factual: Jo Chichester. ABC Head of Factual: Susie Jones. International Distribution: Fremantle Distribution.

Thursday, 10 October at 8pm on ABC.
A Bexar County judge sentenced a father who beat his 2-year-old son because he thought he was gay to six years in prison.

Francisco Ricardo Sotelo-Baez, 23, pleaded no contest to injury to child with intent to cause bodily injury. On Wednesday, he remained at the Bexar County jail awaiting to be transferred to prison.

187th District Court Judge Stephanie R. Boyd sentenced Sotelo-Baez as part of a plea deal.

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Francisco Ricardo Sotelo-Baez, 23, pleaded no contest to injury to child with intent to cause bodily injury. During an Aug. 12 court hearing, Sotelo-Baez said he struck his 2-year-old child because he and his family thought he was gay. Bexar County Sheriff's Office

The assault resulted in the child having bruising and swelling in the face, Boyd said.

Sotelo-Baez, a father of five, cant have contact with his children or other minors. He must also participate in a mental health group. Also, Sotelo-Baez, who is an undocumented immigrant, cannot again make illegal reentry into the U.S.

During testimony, Sotelo-Baez said he had been tough with his 2-year-old son.

Citing details from the police report, Boyd said Sotelo-Baez slapped the boy four times in the face, and had done so on multiple occasions to toughen him up.

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State District Judge Stephanie Boyd, pictured in March, sentenced Ricardo Sotelo-Baez, 23, to six years in prison at a hearing on Aug. 12. Sotelo-Baez feared his toddler son was gay. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News

Sotelo-Baez said he hit the toddler because his family members told him the child was going to be gay.

I was a little tough with him because he was my only boy and he was surrounded by girls  he wants to play with Barbies, Sotelo-Baez said.

Sotelo-Baez said he did not like that his son chose to play with dolls and play kitchen instead of cars and robots that he purchased for him.

I didnt want him playing with dolls, he said.

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In Texas, injury to a child with intent to cause bodily injury is punishable by a maximum of 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

Sotelo-Baezs defense attorney Matthew Finch argued that Sotelo-Baez should receive probation to focus on learning how to be a better parent. He also asked for leniency due to Sotelo-Baezs immigration status.

After the assault, Sotelo-Baez texted the mother of the child and said, Youre not gonna like what I just did. I hit your son, according to a police report referenced by Boyd.

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Testimony on Aug. 12 established that Sotelo-Baez had previously assaulted the mother of his children. Court records show that Sotelo-Baez has several domestic violence charges dating back to 2018.
Sir David Attenboroughs next natural history series, is Asia, a seven-part series showcasing the wildlife of our planets largest continent. It has the highest mountain range, the deepest ocean, the tallest jungles, and the biggest cave.

Covering the length and breadth of Asia, the series will reveal its most remarkable landscapes and animals, and feature dramatic, previously unseen behaviour.

Filmed over the course of nearly four years, this is the first time that Asia has been the focus of a major BBC wildlife series.

From the vast Gobi Desert to the jungles of Borneo, and from the polar wilderness of Siberia to the coral seas of the Indian Ocean, this series will showcase the breath-taking variety of Asias wildest places.

In Nepal, it will follow rhinos playing kiss chase in a bizarre courtship ritual. In the foothills of the Himalaya, amidst forests of bamboo, meet Asias shyest and possibly cutest mammal: the red panda. Five thousand metres up on the Tibetan Plateau, witness a lone wolf relentlessly hunting a herd of antelope for hours on end. In Sri Lanka, join elephants that have learnt to become highway thieves  holding up buses to get food from the passengers. And in the rich waters of the Western Pacific, swim with sea snakes and fish that have learnt to team up in order to hunt together in huge shoals.

Filming locations include Lake Baikal, the oldest and deepest lake in the world; the vast taiga forest that stretches across northern Russia; the Lut Desert in Iran; the Arabian Peninsulas Empty Quarter; and several bustling Asian cities: Tokyo, Bangkok, Taipei, Bhopal, Hanoi and Singapore.

Sreya Biswas, BBC Head of Commissioning, Natural History, said: We are absolutely delighted to have Sir David Attenborough presenting our fantastic new landmark series Asia for BBC One. Asia is a continent steeped in beauty and intrigue with some of the most wonderfully diverse habitats on the planet. A feast for the eyes, bringing these incredible locations and wildlife to the screen, with some behaviours never seen before, has been really exciting.

An Australian broadcaster is yet to be confirmed.
This week on Great Australian Walks Julia Zemiro walks around the base of Uluru, the spiritual heart of the country, to understand its magnetic pull on Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

Julia starts not at Uluru but Kata Tjuta, which used to be known as the Olgas, named by explorer Ernest Giles back in 1872 after Queen Olga of Wurttemberg! Here she meets Glennon Babui, a tour guide who explains how these giant rock formations evolved some 500 million years ago.

Before Julia arrives at Uluru she wants to take in the majesty of the rock from afar so she stops at a lookout. It is awe-some, in the full sense of the word.

Then shes at the base of the rock to meet Reggie Uluru, a senior elder. Reggie tells Julia he was there in 1985 when the government handed back the title deeds to the land. Reggie was also instrumental in shutting the climb in 2019.

Next Julia is taken on the first leg of the walk by Leroy Lester, a ranger whose father was also integral to the 1985 handback. Unlike Reggie, who signed the deeds, Yammy Lester was 100% blind  a victim of the nearby nuclear explosions in Maralinga in the 1950s.

Then she meets writer and broadcaster Benjamin Law, who has flown in to chat about Ulurus presence in pop culture, the arts and society: from Midnight Oil to Paul Hogan to the Olympic torch.

I remember growing up in Australia, that this is just something you saw on commercials, hey, towels, beer, coasters, magnets, he reflects.

Finally Julia arrives back at the beginning and meets Rita Okai, artist and Anangu woman who is waiting for her with a bush tucker feast  honey ants  and a witchetty grub!

With her belly replenished they walk to Mutitjulu Waterhole, a sacred space where Anangu leaders often take visiting VIPs, including Oprah Winfrey, Prince Charles and Diana, Wills and Kate and the Dalai Lama.

Having completed the walk, Julia finds a lookout to soak in the sunset and reflect on how it has changed since she was last here 20 years ago. It leaves me optimistic, with hope, she concludes.

7:30pm Thursday on SBS.
International news including the Israel / Gaza war, Indian politics and Ukraine dominated complaints to the ABC Ombudsman between January and June this year.

Complaints around the Israel / Gaza war represented 24% of all complaints over this period. The majority concerned bias or lack of balance with 35% suggesting content was pro-Israel and 63% concluding pro-Palestine (2% other). Over the 6-months, no breaches of ABC editorial standards were found in the war coverage.

Coverage of India and Indian politics represented 10% of complaints while the Four Corners UK doco Ukraines War: The Other Side attracted a further 8% of complaints.

The most complaints (769) were for ABC News Online. 30% were about the Israel / Gaza war with almost one-third of these (67) concerned about the use of the phrase a show of resilience but no breach of editorial standards was found.

Across television, radio and online 275 complaints were about the opening of a Hindu temple by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi raising concerns about accuracy.

255 complaints related to the Four Corners UK documentary Ukraines War: The Other Side alleging pro-Russia propaganda.

53% of the 7.30 complaints (253) related to a testing interview with the Shadow Energy Minister (considered by the Ombudsman as suitably rigorous and informative), while 11% were claims of anti-Israel bias in an interview with an IDF spokesperson.

General complaints (such as taste, preference and scheduling) were down on 2023 when thre were nearly 2000 complaints about poor coverage of the Coronation of King Charles III.

65 of the News Online resolved issues related to complaints that an article about a murdered British transgender teen was harmful and offensive in that it identified her by an incorrect name, thereby deadnaming her. This was resolved after ABC removed a reference and apologised.

27 complaints were upheld.

11 related to a fact check of an assertion by Dick Smith that no country has ever been able to run entirely on renewables.

8 were upheld in relation to reports about the NSW State governments aerial cull of wild horses in the Kosciuszko National Park.
Aqib Nazir and Azib Ahmed, TwoCircles.net

On the morning of October 14, in Antarwali Sarathi, members of the Other Backward Classes (OBC) community gathered to support a Maratha rally. They provided tea and water for the Maratha participants, showing solidarity. However, Maratha leader Manoj Jaranges speech, in which he demanded reservations from the OBC quota, sent shockwaves through the OBC supporters present.

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As soon as we heard his demands, we were shocked because we never expected such words from someone we had supported from the beginning, says Balasaheb Dakhane, a social activist from the OBC community in Antarwali Sarathi.

Initially, when Jarange protested for Maratha reservations in August 2023, many OBC villagers supported him, believing their own community could also benefit from increased financial strength. However, the demand for reservations from the OBC quota led to a united backlash from the OBC community. This culminated in a rally against the Marathas in Ambad taluka of Jalna district, attended by prominent OBC leaders like Chagan Bhujbal, an MLA and minister in Maharashtras government.

We demanded that the government should not allocate reservations from our quota, states Dakhane.

Historically powerful Marathas, facing financial difficulties, are now fighting for OBC reservations. Meanwhile, the historically marginalized OBCs are protesting to defend their government employment and educational quotas.

In the peaceful villages of Antarwali Sarathi and Wadigodri in Jalna district, unrest has erupted into full-scale protests, marking a turbulent chapter in the states socio-political fabric. At the core of this unrest is the heated debate over reservation rights, which has set the Maratha community against the broader category of Other Backward Classes (OBCs).

Origins of Conflict

The conflicts origins trace back to the Mandal Commission of 1994, which included the agrarian Kunbi caste in the OBC category. Recent developments, particularly the Supreme Courts decision in 2020 to strike down the Maratha reservation law for breaching the 50% cap on reservations, have reignited tensions.

The Jarange Patil Factor

Central to the unrest is Manoj Jarange Patil, a polarising figure whose hunger strike for Maratha reservations has galvanized support and stirred controversy. Originally from Beed district, Jarange Patil initially found support in Antarwali Sarathi. However, his demand for Maratha reservations from the OBC quota caused distress among OBC villagers.

When he first came from Beed with nothing, we supported him wholeheartedly, recalls Balasaheb Batude, an OBC farmer from Nalewadi, a village two kilometers from Antarwali Sarathi. But when he began demanding Maratha reservations from our quota, it felt like a betrayal.

Jarange Patils actions sparked a chain reaction across Maharashtra, prompting robust OBC protests in Ambad taluka and Wadigodri village, reflecting a community united in their resolve to protect their rights. We will not let anyone snatch away our reservations, says Batude, who participated in a 10-day hunger strike led by OBC activist Laxman Hake in Wadigodri.

Community Rifts

Amidst the protests, political opportunism is evident. Protesters like Bapurao Tukaram Khetke lament the widening gap between Marathas and OBCs, exacerbated by politicians exploiting communal fault lines for electoral gains. These divisions are tearing at the fabric of our villages, Khetke observes. Our children are growing up amidst caste animosities that were once unthinkable.

Batude, a 53-year-old farmer who travels daily from Nalewadi to Antarwali Sarathi, notes, I have come to Antarwali Sarathi since I was a kid. I feel the difference in relationships among people of different communities. The friends I used to have tea with every evening no longer sit and chat. We avoid eye contact now.

Bhandas Kekan, 65, an OBC villager, believes the rift between the two communities has been exacerbated by the reservation protests in Antarwali Sarathi and Wadigodri. I think it will take a long time to bridge this gap, Kekan adds.

Beyond the political wrangling, the protests have profoundly impacted everyday life in rural Maharashtra. Kishor Vasantrao Rhodi, an OBC resident, reflects on the personal implications. My son is just starting his education. I hope he can benefit from the reservations I never fully utilized, he says. But these debates have poisoned relations between neighbors who once shared daily routines.

Ankush Ganpatrao Tarak, a Maratha activist supporting Jarange Patil, acknowledges the closeness between the two communities in Antarwali Sarathi, where communal relations were once strong. We gather daily at the temple, yet tensions simmer beneath the surface, he admits.

When asked about the rift between Marathas and OBCs, Jarange Patil blames OBC leader Chagan Bhujbal, claiming he is spreading falsehoods and agitating people. There is unity and tranquility among all communities in my village, Jarange Patil asserts.

Maratha resident Vijay Tarak, 41, counters the notion that the village is unfriendly, emphasizing Marathas helpful nature across Maharashtra. During a recent yatra (march) to Pandharpur, people from Maratha and OBC communities traveled together in the same truck, Tarak says. In our village, Hindu rituals like kirtan involve members of various communities, including OBCs.

Despite claims of discord, Tarak maintains that OBC villagers dissatisfaction is politically motivated. The OBC politicians are the only ones displaying wrath for political purposes. The people do not have issues with us, he asserts. OBC villagers might express anger, but it is not reflective of the reality.

Jarange Patil is also working to gather support from various communities, including Muslims and Dhangars, ahead of the upcoming assembly elections. Jarange Patil is touring villages across Maharashtra and receiving substantial support from various communities, Tarak adds.

The historical context adds layers to the debate. In the 1960s, Panjabrao Deshmukh attempted to include Marathas from Vidarbha in the Kunbi category, but this was rejected by Marathas from Marathwada. Today, these historical rifts resurface as Maratha leaders like Jarange Patil demand reservations perceived by OBC communities as encroaching on their quotas. This not only fuels legal disputes but also deepens societal divisions.

In Wadigodri, Bapurao Tukaram Khetke laments the destruction of once-close relationships due to reservation politics. Children who played together now form groups based on caste, he says. Its a tragic consequence of political agendas that prioritize votes over unity.

Kishor Vasantrao Rhodi, a father in Antarwali Sarathi, hopes his son can benefit from OBC reservations despite his own struggles. I left school after the 10th grade, but now I want my son to have the opportunities I missed.

Challenges and Calls for Resolution

The challenge for Maharashtras leadership is significant. Political analyst Sanjeev Unhale explains, The states progressive image is at stake. Weve never seen such animosity between Marathas and OBCs before.

Dialogue and a fair resolution are urgently needed yet remain elusive. Meanwhile, Jarange Patil remains committed to his cause, viewing his struggle as a fight for justice and equality across marginalized communities. We must stand united against political plots that divide us, he urges.

As Maharashtra prepares for the 2024 assembly elections, the Maratha vs. OBC reservation issue remains central. The stance of both communities will shape the political landscape. Unhale highlights the electoral implications: Marathas hold sway in numerous constituencies, and their stance will be pivotal. Jarange Patils influence could significantly affect election outcomes and political strategies.

The Maratha factor had previously influenced the NDAs Lok Sabha seats from Maharashtra. There are about thirty Marathas in the Lok Sabha, indicating significant Maratha influence, Unhale adds.

Khetke also emphasizes that voting decisions will be based on candidates rather than parties. We will vote for the candidate who best represents us, regardless of their party affiliation. If OBC candidates run, we will support them; if not, we will choose NOTA, he says.

Currently, despite visits from BJP-led NDA government ministers, a resolution remains elusive. The government must clarify its stance on Maratha reservations. Despite numerous discussions over the past eleven months, no decisions have been made, says Ankushrao Tarak.

The ongoing protests reflect a struggle for identity and justice, transcending legalities to become a deeper socio-political issue.
Zaid Bin Shabir, TwoCircles.net

Srinagar: On March 8, 2020, more than seven months after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Union government abrogated Jammu & Kashmirs special status under Article 370 and reclassified the state as a Union Territory (UT), most of Kashmirs leadership remained in detention. The exception was a few who launched a new political front, the Jammu & Kashmir Apni Party (JKAP).

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The party, purportedly founded allegedly with BJPs patronage, was led by former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Altaf Bukhari. Bulk of the JKAPs top leadership is PDP defectors, including Zaffar Iqbal Manhas.

Apni Party was founded to end the silence of Kashmir that followed after August 5 (2019), he told TwoCircles.net. A former member of the Legislative Council (MLC) and prominent Pahari leader, Manhas became JKAPs candidate for the recently held Lok Sabha elections for the Anantnag-Rajouri parliamentary seat but lost.

However, just three months after his defeat and only a week after the Election Commission of India (ECI) announced the first assembly polls for the J&K UT, Manhas resigned from the JKAP on August 21.

(Elections) are now only about survival, he said, adding, A temporary address might seem appealing for a short time, but it can never be called a home.

Political Exodus

As legislative assembly polls return to Jammu and Kashmir after a decade of turmoil, a new wave of chief ministerial hopefuls are grappling with their fading prospects.

Parties that emerged from mass defections in Kashmirs principal parties  Jammu & Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)  are now losing both elite memberships and key electoral strategists. For instance, Bukharis JKAP had largely been labeled as the BJPs B-team during its political existence.

Bukharis group initially supported the Centre on August 5, 2019 decision and avoided controversies, unlike the Peoples Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD), a coalition of Kashmiri political parties that opposed the decision.

Now, with the election season upon them, the JKAP is disintegrating. Besides Manhas, partys Vice President Usman Majeed and five other top leaders have quit. The sudden shift remains puzzling but is often attributed to the partys lacklustre performance in the parliamentary polls.

The JKAP is like a tree in a pot  it has no roots, commented a former leader, who wished to remain anonymous. It is like a Muslim version of the BJP. How can Kashmiris accept it? With it, I was losing my relevance in valley politics, so I had to leave because Kashmiris never forget and forgive.

The JKAP is not the only political group in Kashmir experiencing defections. One notable shift was by former trade leader Khursheed Alam, who joined Jammu & Kashmir Peoples Conference (JKPC) chief Sajjad Lone, who has referred to Prime Minister Modi as his elder brother. Alam, a former PDP leader, had significant influence in the valleys urban areas. In 2014, he nearly unseated NC veteran Ali Mohammad Sagar from the crucial Khanyar assembly seat. However, after 2019, Alam left the beleaguered PDP and joined Lone.

Alams inclusion was seen as a boost for the Peoples Conference leader, whose influence was largely confined to North Kashmir. Despite this, Alams performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls was underwhelming.

We could not sell the product of the Peoples Conference to the public, said former leader Khursheed Alam. When a politician, eyeing a mandate, has no acceptance among his own people, its better to call it a day.

Last month, Alam resigned from the JKPC and rejoined the PDP, believing that new political parties are faltering because a party should have a resolution to bring about change.

Anti-New Delhi is Pro-Kashmir

When former J&K Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad ended his five-decade-long association with the Congress and formed the Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) in 2022, he portrayed his political outfit as an alternative to established regional parties like the NC and the PDP, promising to fight for statehood and jobs. These were promises previously made by the Centre or senior BJP leaders. Ultimately, Azads party ended up being perceived as a pro-Center and anti-Kashmir force in the valley. Consequently, in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, all three DPAP candidates lost, including their security deposits.

Since then, the DPAP has faced numerous defections and appears to have lost the initial enthusiasm it had when it first entered J&Ks political landscape.

The stain (of working against Kashmiris) will never leave the DPAP, said former Minister Taj Mohiduddin, a founding member of the party who recently resigned. The DPAP was rejected by the people, and I no longer wanted to be a part of it. These newly mushroomed parties have no future in Kashmir.

Political pundits in the Valley argue that the rising defections and the waning morale of these parties stem primarily from their loss of New Delhis backing.

The theme of this election is clear: a political party that is anti-Center is pro-Kashmir, said a Kashmir-based political expert, who wished not to be named. These parties  the JKAP, the JKPC and the DPAP  were never intended to be long-term solutions for New Delhi. They were only promoted to establish opposition to the NC and the PDP to fulfill BJPs desire for a Hindu chief minister in J&K.

The expert believes that the Lok Sabha elections revealed the limitations of these parties, leading to their isolation. The patrons of these parties might lose their respective seats in the assembly election, he said. Why would any leader choose to remain in such camps?

Another common factor contributing to the disintegration of these political fronts is their poor poll performance, weak public connection and political irrelevance.

Cant Undermine NC

The return of Delhis carrot-and-stick policy, traditionally associated with the regions grand old party, the J&K National Conference, is also seen as a shift in investment for the new political parties in Kashmir. Analysts believe that despite the recently announced JKNC-Congress coalition for the upcoming assembly polls in J&K, the much-criticised dynastic party has reasserted its importance in the region. With BJP proxies underperforming, the JKNC emerged as a major party in the recent Lok Sabha polls. Its widespread presence across J&K is leaving little room for new political entities.

The political analyst noted that the BJP has realized it cannot undermine the NC in Kashmirs politics. In fact, a senior PDP leader regards the NC as the frontrunner in the upcoming polls. The NC aligns with New Delhis interests the most, the PDP leader, who wished to remain unidentified, told TwoCircles.net. Why would the Centre invest in parties that lack legitimacy in Kashmir rather than supporting the NC?

(Zaid Bin Shabir is a journalist based in Jammu & Kashmir)
Defense attorney Jorge Aristotelidis, right, talks with Christian Alexander Moreno, center, and his wife, Abilene Schnieder, in court on Wednesday. The couple face up to 20 years in prison each for the death of Ramon Najera Jr., 81. Their pit bulls attacked and killed the Air Force veteran last year. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Christian Alexander Moreno, right, and his wife, Abilene Schnieder, face up to 20 years in prison each for the death of Ramon Najera Jr., 81. Their pit bulls attacked and killed the Air Force veteran last year. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Juanita "Janie" Najera, widow of Ramon Najera Jr., listens to testimony about the pit bull attack that killed her 81-year-old husband last year. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Christian Alexander Moreno listens to testimony in the sentencing phase of his case. He and his wife, Abilene Schnieder, face up to 20 years in prison each for the death of Ramon Najera Jr., 81. Their pit bulls attacked and killed the Air Force veteran last year. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Sara Cardona, mother of Abilene Schnieder, testifies during a sentencing hearing for her daughter and her daughter's husband, Christian Alexander Moreno. The two face up to 20 years in prison each for the death of Ramon Najera Jr., 81. Their pit bulls attacked and killed the Air Force veteran last year. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Leila Garza, a friend of Christian Alexander Moreno and his wife, Abilene Schnieder, testifies during a sentencing hearing for the couple. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Homicide detective Tatiana Blanco watches footage from her interrogation of Abilene Schnieder, conducted after pit bulls owned by Schnieder and her husband killed an 81-year-old Air Force veteran last year. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Manuel Manny Rodriguez Jr., left, confers with co-defense counsel Meredith Chacon. Their clients, Christian Alexander Moreno and wife Abilene Schnieder, face up to 20 years in prison each for the death of Ramon Najera Jr., 81. Their pit bulls attacked and killed the Air Force veteran last year. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Dog feces were found smeared on floors throughout the house where Christian Alexander Moreno and Abilene Schnieder lived. After the couple's pit bulls killed an 81-year-old Air Force veteran, a San Antonio animal control officer inspected their residence and took photographs. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News

A San Antonio woman whose pit bulls killed an 81-year-old Air Force veteran told police after her arrest that the mauling was a freak accident, and that she and her husband had no inkling the dogs would ever do such a thing.

During a lengthy videotaped police interrogation, portions of which were played in court Wednesday, Abilene Schnieder denied responsibility for the death of Ramon Najera Jr. and insisted she and her husband, Christian Alexander Moreno, had not broken the law.

She grew agitated when a San Antonio Police Department homicide detective explained that dog owners are responsible for controlling their pets.

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In a police body cam video played in court, Christian Alexander Moreno demonstrates for a homicide detective how he secures his front gate to keep his dogs inside. Earlier that day, pit bulls owned by Moreno and his wife escaped their yard and killed an 81-year-old Air Force veteran. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News

This was a freak accident.  We never expected our dogs to do something like that, Schnieder said during the interrogation. Why would we have dogs that are crazy like that?

She acknowledged, however, that the animals had become aggressive with one another in the weeks before the mauling.

Detective Tatiana Blanco told Schnieder that the pit bulls had not been properly secured on the couples property.

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The evidence of that is they were outside the gate, attacking people, Blanco told her.

Schnieder showed no remorse for the attack on Najera and his then-74-year-old wife, Blanco testified in court Wednesday.

Not at all, the detective said.

Police homicide detective Tatiana Blanco testifies during a sentencing hearing for Abilene Schnieder and her husband, Christian Alexander Moreno. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News

The testimony came on the third day of a sentencing hearing for Schnieder and Moreno, both 32, who have each pleaded guilty to one count of dangerous dog attack causing death. Separate charges of recklessly causing bodily injury to an elderly person were dismissed as part of a plea agreement with the Bexar County District Attorneys Office.

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Attorneys on both sides were expected to make closing arguments Wednesday afternoon.

State District Judge Velia Meza is scheduled to sentence the couple Sept. 20.

Prosecutors are seeking the maximum 20-year prison sentence against both Schnieder and Moreno. As an alternative to incarceration, the judge could give them up to 10 years of probation. They also could be fined up to $10,000 each.

On the day of the attack  Feb. 24, 2023  Najera and his wife, Juanita Janie Najera, drove to the home of a friend who lived next door to Schnieder and Moreno and their pit bulls in the 2800 block of Depla Street on San Antonios West Side.

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Christian Alexander Moreno, right, and his wife, Abilene Schnieder, face up to 20 years in prison each for the death of Ramon Najera Jr., 81. Their pit bulls attacked and killed the Air Force veteran last year. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News

The Najeras planned to drop off some uniforms with their friend, a seamstress, so she could hem them for Ramon Najeras new part-time security job. Janie Najera got out of her car and knocked on the front door. The friend was not home but a relative said she could leave the uniforms.

Janie Najera was walking back to the car when she heard very vicious barking from the fenced yard next door, she testified this week. One of the pit bulls scaled the chain-link fence like a ladder, she testified. The dog jumped over the top, charged at her and began biting her, she said.

The dog turned on Ramon Najera when he stepped out of the car to help his wife.

A second pit bull escaped Schnieders and Morenos yard and participated in the attack.

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A 53-second video filmed by a witness who tried to stop the mauling showed one of the pit bulls biting Ramon Najera repeatedly and yanking a dialysis shunt out of his arm as he screamed for help before collapsing unconscious, face-down, in the grass.

Paramedics applied a tourniquet to his 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.

Dog feces were found smeared on floors throughout the house where Christian Alexander Moreno and Abilene Schnieder lived. After the couple's pit bulls killed an 81-year-old Air Force veteran, a San Antonio animal control officer inspected their residence and took photographs. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News

Janie Najera was hospitalized for several days recovering from her wounds.

Moreno and Schnieder surrendered to San Antonio Animal Care Services the two pit bulls that took part in the attack, along with a third dog that ran loose on the street during the mayhem. All three were euthanized.

ACS also removed four puppies from the home.

Dogs belonging to Schnieder and Moreno had attacked three other people on three separate occasions during the 18 months preceding the deadly mauling. But none of the previous victims' injuries were classified as severe, an ACS official testified.

In her interview with police, Schnieder dismissed neighbors' previous complaints against her dogs as nonsense.

On the day of the attack on the Najeras, Schnieder and Moreno said they returned home to find fire trucks on their street. They saw two of their dogs covered with blood and took them inside.

Moreno, talking to police detectives outside his home that day, said he had secured the dogs before leaving the house, police body camera video showed.

Schnieder told police the same day that two of the couples dogs had gotten into a fight with each other in the backyard a week earlier. She insisted that the couple took steps to restrain the animals more effectively.

We bought them body harnesses, Schnieder told police. We bought bigger chains. We did everything we needed to do.

Blanco, however, testified Wednesday that she did not see any such restraints in the couples front yard. Animal control officials later found a tether on the ground in the backyard.

Moreno was arrested the day of the attack. Schnieder was arrested five days later.

RELATED: Grisly new details emerge in deadly dog attack on Air Force veteran

After she was taken into custody and advised of her rights, Schnieder told a detective no one in her family ever mistreated or abused the dogs.

She also said she had instructed her children not to pull the dogs apart when they fought with each other.

I have four kids, Schnieder said, according to the interrogation video played in court. My biggest fear is a dog attack on any of them. Why would I train my dogs to be aggressive?  My dogs have never been aggressive like this.

She denied that anyone had fed the dogs meat, as police alleged in an arrest affidavit.

No, Schnieder said. They had a special diet.

She also told police she wanted to apologize to members of the Najeras family when they came to the scene of the attack, but that she didnt think it was an appropriate time.

Blanco told Schnieder the Najera family did not wish to speak to her.

Thats fine, Schnieder replied.

Inside Schnieders and Morenos home on the night of the fatal mauling, ACS officials discovered squalid conditions.

An agency official who went into the darkened home testified that she saw feces everywhere. There was no electricity in the house, and piles of clothing and debris covered the floors in the rooms and hallways, ACS Lt. Bethany Snowden said.

There was urine as well as feces scattered throughout the entire house, Snowden said, adding that it appeared to be animal waste.

Photographs she took of the conditions were displayed on a large screen in court. Defense attorney Meredith Chacon sought to prevent the images from being introduced into evidence. The judge overruled her.

In cross-examining Snowden, the defense returned to one of its principal themes: that Najera would not have died if ACS had intervened in response to earlier attacks by Morenos and Schnieders dogs and permanently removed the animals from the home.

Snowden said the agencys options were limited because none of the previous attacks reported to ACS were severe and no single dog was responsible for three or more attacks, both factors that trigger more rigorous enforcement under the law.

She testified that at the time of the attack on the Najeras, ACS had just three employees assigned to investigate dangerous dog attacks across the city. A fourth was in training, she said.

RELATED: Residents vent outrage over string of dog attacks

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.
Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond travel through Zimbabwe and Botswana in The Grand Tour: One for the Road, but it included an unexpected risk. (Prime Video)

Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond are bidding farewell to The Grand Tour and their two decades together in style, though filming their last ever special wasn't without danger because they made a "pretty stupid" mistake.

The trio spoke candidly about their last ever special One For The Road  which premieres on Friday, 13 September on Prime Video  at a press event, revealing that they accidentally smuggled silver into Botswana in the process. In the episode Clarkson, Hammond and May begin their adventure in Zimbabwe and travel through Botswana to the location of their very first Top Gear special, Kubu Island, in cars they've always wanted.

While the experience let them reflect on 22 years working together there was still some risk involved, and interviewer Mariella Frostrup even went so far as to call the trio perhaps the worlds dumbest criminals by smuggling "huge amounts" of silver into Botswana. Clarkson revealed: "It was pretty stupid. I have to be a little bit careful because I believe the ambassador for Zimbabwe is here.

The film you're about to see is 50 minutes shorter than the one that will go out on Friday and one of the bits of the story that's disappeared is that we discovered that in Zim you can buy silver for pennies, really surprisingly cheap so we decided to buy a lot of it and use it to fashion accessories for our cars.

At a press event for the special, Jeremy Clarkson revealed the trio took a risk by accidentally smuggling silver into Botswana when they made fashion accessories from the metal. (Prime Video)

"Then when we got to the border with Botswana, we thought 'ohh s***, we've got all this silver'."

Hammond said that the trio were "not supposed to have it", which is why they were quite nervous when they reached the border between Zimbabwe and Botswana.

Frostrup added: "They thought that they got away with it. They were all breathing a sigh of relief. But of course, now its going to be on television across the globe and very hard to miss the fact that youve committed that crime, just saying."

Read more: Richard Hammond: 'I couldn't earn a living' before Top Gear

Explaining in more detail what happened whilst filming, Clarkson went on: "So we had to get across into Botswana without anybody noticing that we've got quite a lot of silver about our person", to which Hammond joked that they "carried it off with style and panache."

Fears at the border aside, the trio reflected on their decision to end the show was because they have now "run out of things to do" after filming together for two decades. According to Clarkson they have been everywhere and seen everything they can, and because the world has "got much smaller" it felt impossible to continue.

Jeremy Clarkson said: 'We had to get across into Botswana without anybody noticing that we've got quite a lot of silver about our person.' (Prime Video)

"Years ago there was a contract renewal, and we just said 'OK, we'll do one more go, three years and then we'll end it'," Clarkson said. "Because we knew we had driven cars further and higher, and in more difficult places than anyone else and we were starting to think 'what else can you do with a car?' and so that had a big bearing on it.

"But the other thing, if I may just be serious for a moment, is the world has got much smaller in the last few years. I mean not that long ago we did a show where we began in Iraq and went up into eastern Turkey, where the PKK are now operating, and we dropped down into Syria and went through Homs and Al Wakrah and Palmyra, then into Jordan and then into Israel. We wouldn't do any of that now.

"And we also did [a show where] we started in the Crimea and went up to Chernobyl through Kyiv, well we couldn't do that. Russia, we couldn't do that, there's a million places.... so you're left going: 'It's f***ing France'. People might say 'You did France last year', 'but that was Marseille, now it's Nice'.

"So we have, we've run out of things to do and we've run out of places to go, and I was fat."

Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May also reflected on ending the show, saying they did it because they've 'run out of things to do'. (Getty Images)

While they're now finished with The Grand Tour officially, Clarkson said he didn't find it "desperately sad" because he, Hammond and May have continued to see each other since filming ended, and he's worked with many of the same crew members.

Read more: James May: We were 'stilted' and 'old-fashioned' in the early days of Top Gear

"It was a surprising thing," he said. "It wasn't desperately sad when we finished because obviously I see these two whenever I want, and then I've continued to work with most of the film crew anyway. So it wasn't like you were saying goodbye to anyone particularly.

"Tonight, though... you say 'oh, I wonder if it was a bigger show than we perhaps thought it was'."

May felt moved by the experience because of how significant his career with Hammond and Clarkson has been to his life: "It is emotional, yes, because it's taken up a third of my life. It's significant, I only ever held any other job down for about 12 or 14 months.

"So it is significant and all things have to come to an end and I think we ended on a bit of a high. But it's not sad."

The Grand Tour: One For the Road premieres on Prime Video on Friday, 13 September.
Filmmaker Michael Ritchie was far from your common studio hand. He often made films with a heaping dose of satire, choosing to laugh at the absurdity of American culture and its obsession with populism. You see it clearly in Smile, his 1975 film about a beauty pageant thats laced with cultural arsenic. He brought all of this and more to Prime Cut, an absolute gem of a crime genre thriller from 1972. Lee Marvin and Gene Hackman were both huge at the time, but how did they get tied to a movie that would rather eschew the violence of meat packing and production with sex slavery than your normal crime thriller? In Ritchies world, everything plays out almost like a fantasy. Its not exactly reality were situated in, as everyone is more caricature than an actual living, breathing characters, but its the slick, sleazy thrills cut against two powerhouse performances that keep people engaged.

Nick (Lee Marvin) is a surly Chicago mob enforcer tasked with bringing down Mary Ann (Gene Hackman), the crooked operator of a Kansas slaughterhouse who owes a ton of money to Nicks employers. And to make things even more messed up, Mary Ann is drugging and selling young women into sex slavery like he would do with cattle. Nick learns of this and absconds with Poppy (Sissy Spacek) as collateral until Mary Ann can come up with the money he owes. But when Nick and Poppy go to the town fair the next day to collect the money, theyre ambushed and have to flee.

Prime Cut is a perfect example of a crime thriller that refuses to give you things simply. All the normal genre movements are fussed with to make it more sleazy, despairing and comical. Images of a barn full of drugged-up women and the leering men bidding for their bodies hit harder than any of the genre thrills, although the final shootout between Mary Ann and Nick has a hilarious gag where Mary Anns brother, Weenie (Gregory Walcott), ties to stab Nick with a sausage as he slowly bleeds to death. Meat is murder, right?

The film is also broken up into several set pieces, including the sex slavery barn, a chase sequence involving a combine harvester, and a couple of love scenes to further explore Nicks deeper connection to his job. Its not the kind of sturdy genre movie that cuts easily from one incident to the next, it even revels in just how absurd and giant the impact of its caricatures and images can create. And shot in glorious Panavision with those gorgeous picaresque landscapes, Ritchie's weird ideas are given a huge gorgeous stage.

Vital Disc Stats: The Blu-rays

I dont know about you, old cowpoke, but Prime Cut is sure to get genre fans excited in 4K Ultra HD with a two-disc release that comes with a BD100 for the 4K disc and a BD50 for the standard Blu-ray. Both discs are housed in a standard black amaray case, plus an o-card slipcover with the same art goes over the case. Both discs boot up to standard menu screens with options to play the film, set up audio and video, as well as browse bonus features.
Bangladesh: Yunus' Address to The Nation

In a message to the nation, Prof Yunus remembered the sacrifice of hundreds of students and civilians from all walks of life to end what he called the "15-year dictatorship of fascist Hasina" who led a "brutal genocide right up until her downfall"

Wednesday September 11, 2024 3:04 PM , 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 August 08, 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 and 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 position 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 a heros welcome. By then, the countrys 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 of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the Bangladesh freedom movement hero, Hasina left Dhaka on August 05, 2024 to arrive in India. New Delhi has yet to make an official declaration about her status as an asylum seeker.

The only version, stated by Indias foreign minister, reveals that the five-time Bangladesh 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 she 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. Its assumed that Prof Yunus will soon ask for her extradition from New Delhi. 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 the 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 Hasinas 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 Hasinas presence in India, Prof Yunus is expected to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New York during the UN General Assembly (UNGA) session on September 22 and 23, 2024.

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, whereas Prof Yunus assured that his government is committed to ensure security to all minorities in his Muslim majority nation, including the Hindus.

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 equality 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 what he called the "15-year dictatorship of fascist Hasina" who led a "brutal genocide right up until her downfall".

Yunus 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 who lost their eyesight as Hasinas forcers 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.

Our first task is to ensure justice and accountability for the killings, we all witnessed in July and August. We have invited the UN human rights office to conduct an independent and impartial inquiry into the genocide. They have already started their work. I have also held talks with top international law experts in order to establish a tribunal of global standards, stated Prof Yunus.

We want to bring back the killers and all the wealth which has been laundered by corrupt individuals, politicians, and bureaucrats during the tenure of the autocratic ruler", he said.

I am committed to fulfilling the dream that our young revolutionaries have awakened in the minds of the country's people to build a new Bangladesh. Being inspired by the martyrs' sacrifice, we want to change the course of history and start a new era", he said.

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Bengaluru hosts workshop on Islamic Psychotherapy for health professionals

Muslim health professionals in Indias Bengaluru in the last week had a thrilling experience when they were introduced to Traditional Islamically Integrated Psychotherapy (TIIP) by renowned Islamic psychologist Yaqeen Sikander

Wednesday September 11, 2024 9:27 PM , ummid.com News Network

Bengaluru (India): Muslim health professionals in Indias Bengaluru in the last week had a thrilling experience when they were introduced to Traditional Islamically Integrated Psychotherapy (TIIP) by renowned Islamic psychologist Yaqeen Sikander.

Yaqeen Sikander was invited for a 5-day workshop jointly organised by Mind and Brain Hospital and Khalil Centre.

The workshop held from August 31 to September 04, 2024 in partnership with the Centre for Study and Research (CSR India) and International Students of Islamic Psychology (ISIP) aimed at introducing the innovative therapeutic framework of TIIP to Indian mental health professionals.

About Traditional Islamically Integrated Psychotherapy

Traditional Islamically Integrated Psychotherapy (TIIP) is developed by Khalil Centres interdisciplinary team of Islamic scholars and psychologists.

The programme integrates contemporary behavioural science within an Islamic epistemological framework.

Originally conceptualised by Dr. Hooman Keshavarzi and Dr. Amber Haque in 2013, the model has been further developed by Khalil Centres team, including Dr. Fahad Khan and Dr. Khalid Elzamzamy.

The programme approved by American Psychological Association (APA) is an evidence-based approach tailored to meet the needs of Muslim patients. It has been continuously refined through ongoing research.

About Yaqeen Sikander

Yaqeen Sikander is a clinical psychologist and certified TIIP practitioner based in Istanbul, Turkey.

Sikander, who led the sessions at the workshop, is currently pursuing a doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Ibn Haldun University in Istanbul, simultaneously receiving specialised TIIP training from Dr. Keshavarzi.

Yaqeen Sikanders sessions in Bengaluru offered valuable insights into merging spirituality with modern clinical practice, a core aspect of TIIP.

TIIP Workshop Bengaluru

The TIIP Workshop Bengaluru commenced with a Meet and Greet session at Shifaa Hospital, Bengaluru, where Yaqeen Sikander shared his journey through global education and his career in psychology.

This session also featured presentations from Dr. Asfiya Khaleel, Psychiatrist and Director of Ummeed Deaddiction and Rehab Centre, Bengaluru, and Dr. Fiaz Ahmed Sattar, one of the leading psychiatrists in Bengaluru.

Both the speakers provided their insights from years of experience, enriching the discussion on integrating holistic approaches in clinical practice.

Zulekha Shakoor Rajani, Co-Head of the Islamic Psychology Department at Mind and Brain Hospital, shared a presentation on the evolution of Islamic psychology globally and in India exploring its development and future prospects.

Zulekha Shakoor Rajani along with Shujauddin Fahad Inamdar had in June 2024 travelled to Istanbul, Turkey, to undergo TIIP training organised by Khalil Centre where she completed her TIIP Level 2 training while Shujauddin completed his TIIP Level 1 training. While addressing the workshop, Zulekha also shared with the audience her TIIP training experience.

"Attending the TIIP training in Istanbul was a transformative experience that deepened my understanding of the vital connection between Islamic principles and modern psychological practices," she said.

"It became clear to me that Muslim mental health professionals in India needed access to this invaluable approach. By bringing TIIP to Bengaluru, we aimed to introduce Islamic psychology to a broader community of psychologists, therapists, and counsellors, helping them integrate spirituality with their clinical practice, she added.

After the introductory Meet and Greet session at Shifaa Hospital, the attendees participated in the workshop at Mind and Brain Hospital, focusing on Mastering Therapeutic Excellence. This session covered holistic case conceptualisation, integrative therapeutic interventions, and fostering self-efficacy to enhance client outcomes.

The 4th day of the workshop was held at Ummeed Deaddiction and Rehab Centre, Bengaluru, where Yaqeen Sikander provided introduction to Islamic psychology, discussing its core principles and the role of the practitioner in integrating spirituality into therapy.

The event concluded with a Tafakkur session  a short spiritual retreat emphasising psycho-spiritual contemplation. This session, led by Yaqeen Sikander and Shujauddin Fahad Inamdar, offered the participants a unique experience of Islamic meditation and holistic healing.

'Just a beginning'

The workshop was a huge success, offering participants practical tools and insights that will enhance their ability to provide holistic, culturally relevant care.

I am confident this is just the beginning of a much-needed shift in the way mental health is approached in our community.

"The success of this TIIP workshop has exceeded our expectations, said Dr. Safiya MS, Psychiatrist and Director of Mind and Brain Hospital, the organiser of the event.

"The response from mental health professionals across the country has been overwhelmingly positive, reflecting a clear demand for approaches that integrate Islamic principles with psychiatric and psychological care.

We believe this workshop will serve as a catalyst for the wider acceptance and practice of Islamic psychology in India. It is our hope that this initiative will inspire more professionals to explore and implement holistic, faith-based mental health practices, ultimately benefiting both practitioners and patients alike, she said.

Mind and Brain Hospital, which hosted the workshop, is a leading neuropsychiatric treatment facility in Bengaluru. The hospital had established India's first Islamic Psychology Department, co-headed by Zulekha Shakoor Rajani and Shujauddin Fahad Inamdar in 2023.

The department is dedicated to advancing mental health treatments that integrate modern psychological practices with Islamic principles.

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Indian Air Force officer lodges rape case against senior

A woman flying officer in the Indian Air Force (IAF) has filed a police complaint against a senior Wing Commander accusing him of rape

Wednesday September 11, 2024 12:53 PM , ummid.com with inputs from Agencies

[Image for representation]

Srinagar (Kashmir): A woman flying officer in the Indian Air Force (IAF) has filed a police complaint against a senior Wing Commander accusing him of rape.

In her complaint, the female IAF officer also accused the officer of forcing her into oral sex.

Both the officers are based in Kashmir capital Srinagar.

The woman IAF officer in her complaint said the incident occurred on December 31, 2023 during New Year bash at the Officers Mess, and when the accused officer's family was out.

"I was sexually assaulted and forced into oral sex by the Wing Commander who took me to his room on the pretext that my New Year gift is there", she said.

"I repeatedly asked him to stop doing it and tried to resist it in all ways possible. Finally, I pushed him and ran away. He said that he would meet me on Friday again when his family leaves," she said in her complaint.

Based on the woman Indian Airforce officer a FIR has been filed at Budgam Police Station in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Indian Air Force has ordered an internal inquiry into the case.

"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," NDTV reported.

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Maha TET 2024 application starts on mahatet.in; Last date Sept 30

Online Registration for MAHA TET 2024 has started from September 09. Last date of application is September 30, 2024

Thursday September 12, 2024 0:27 AM , ummid.com News Network

Maharashtra TET 2024: Maharashtra Rajya Parkisha Parishad has started through the official website of Maharashtra Teacher Eligibility Test mahatet.in Online Registration of the candidates who wish to appear for MAHA TET 2024.

Online Registration for MAHA TET 2024 has started from Monday September 09, 2024. Last date of application has been fixed as September 30, 2024.

Maha TET 2024 Date

According to the MAHA TET 2024 notification, the Maharashtra Teacher Eligibility Test 2024 will be held on November 10, 2024.

Maharashtra TET is held in Marathi, English and Urdu three languages since 2013. It comprises of two papers. MAHA TET 2024 Paper I is for candidates aspiring for posts of primary teachers, whereas MAHA TET 2024 Paper II is for those wanting to be secondary school teachers.

MAHA TET 2024 Paper I will be held on Nov 10, 2024 in the morning session - 10:30 AM to 01:00 PM. MAHA TET 2024 Paper II will be held on Nov 10, 2024 in the afternoon session - 02:00 PM to 04:30 PM.

"MAHA TET 2024 Important Dates"

"MAHA TET 2024 Online Registration": From September 09 to 30, 2024

"MAHA TET 2024 Admit Card Download Date": October 28, 2024

MAHA TET 2024 Paper 1: November 10, 2024 from 10:30 am to 01:00 pm.

Maharashtra TET 2024 Paper 2: November 10, 2024 from 02:00 am to 04:30 pm.

Steps to apply for "MAHA TET 2024"

Click here to go to the official website: mahatet.in. Click on 'Navin Nondni' (New Registration) on left sidebar of the home page. Read the instructions carefully and click on the check box to proceed. Carefully fill up the Registration Form and click on Submit button. Complete theregistration process and pay the MAHA TET 2024 exam fee.

As per the Right to Education Act, 2009, all states have to mandatorily conduct TET for recruitment of teachers to all types of schools. Only candidates who have qualified the TET will be eligible for teaching jobs henceforth.

Candidates wishing to appear for Maharashtra TET can visit the official website - the link of which is mentioned above, for TET syllabus, eligibility criteria, exam fees, test centres and other useful information.

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She hates Israel, No, I don't: Trump, Harris fight over loyalty to Israel

Democratic nominee Kamala Harris and her Republican rival Donald Trump met face to face for the first time ever in Tuesdays presidential debate fighting over actually is more loyal to Israel

Wednesday September 11, 2024 12:39 PM , ummid.com with inputs from Agencies

Philadelphia (Pennsylvania): Democratic nominee Kamala Harris and her Republican rival Donald Trump met face to face for the first time ever in Tuesdays presidential debate fighting over actually is more loyal to Israel.

Kamala Harris and Donald Trump were debating on a number of national and international issues, including Israel and Palestine, in the presidential debate Tuesday broadcasted live on U.S. televisions.

At one point of the debate, Donal Trump said Kamala Harris hates Israel and if she comes to power, the Zionist state will be vanished. Kamala Harris said it was not true.

She hates Israel. She refused to be there when Netanyahu visited the United States and addressed the Congress. Instead, she was at a solidarity party.

She hates Israel. If she is president, I believe that Israel will not exist within two years from now.

Trump also accused Harris of hating Arabs.

She hates Israel. At the same time, she hates the Arab population because the whole place is going to get blown up Arabs, Jewish people and Israel, he said.

This will never happen if I am elected president, Trump said adding he will also end the Russian Ukraine war.

Kamala Harris refuted Trumps allegations, and said what her Republican rival is claiming is wrong.

Thats absolutely not true. I have my entire career and life supported Israel and the Israeli people. He knows that but he is trying to distract from the reality, Harris, whose husband is a Jew, said.

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Democratic nominee Kamala Harris and her Republican rival Donald Trump met face to face for the first time ever in Tuesdays #PresidentialDebate debate fighting over actually is more loyal to Israel.#PresidentialDebate2024 #Israel #Palestine pic.twitter.com/T4Irgbqv3d  ummid.com (@ummid) September 11, 2024

Tump and Harris were fighting over loyalty to Israel at the time the far right Zionist regime in the Arab land has massacred more than 41,000 Palestinians since Oct 7, 2023.

The indication of the U.S. Foreign Policy and its stand towards Israel also come at the time when the International Jourt of Justice (ICJ) has ruled Israeli occupation of Palestinian land illegal .

In a separate ruling, the ICJ also termed Israeli military operation, that is criticised by people across the world including the United States, as genocide .

Nonetheless, Harris reaffirmed that she and Biden are working tirelessly towards a ceasefire.

"Double Standard"

Harris assertion has been rejected by pro-Palestine advocacy groups.

Vice President Harris, you cant talk about achieving a ceasefire  much less Palestinian freedom  while the US is providing billions of dollars in weapons to support Israels genocide, , the Institute for Middle Eastern Understanding Policy Project, said.

It also suggested Harris applied a different standard to Ukraine than to Palestine.

VP Harris is right to condemn Russia for taking Ukrainian territory by force  a violation of international law. Where is her condemnation of Israel taking Palestinian territory by force?

Another political action group, representing the US Campaign for Palestinian Rights, also called out Harriss comments as hollow.

Harris cannot turn the page and be a new generation of leadership if she continues to hold onto the policies that deny Palestinian rights and arms Israels genocidal campaign against the Palestinian people, they wrote.

Abortion Rights, Migrants

During the debate the two presidential nominees also talked about the healthcare legislation, abortion rights and race, with Trump repeatedly seeking to turn the conversation to the economy and immigration, reiterating false stories about migrants stealing and eating peoples pets.

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, Harris said.

Trump has hailed the Supreme Courts decision, which was made by several conservative justices he appointed.

The former president says the Supreme Courts ruling overturning the right to abortion rightly brought the issue back to the states to regulate it.

I am not signing a ban, he said, adding that a national abortion ban is not needed.

Trump also decried what he described as an influx of migrants coming into the US. He called Harris a Marxist, invoking the Vice Presidents late father, whom he referred to as a Marxist professor in economics.

Trump argued that the fees he plans to impose on foreign imports will not raise prices in the US. Whos going to have higher prices is China and all of the countries that have been ripping us off for years, Trump said.

The debate was moderated by ABC's David Muir and Linsey Davis. Soon after the Philadelphia Tuesday, Harris' campaign batted for another debate.

Meanwhile, Trump said the TV debate with Kamala Harris Tuesday was the "best debate he's ever had", adding that he had a "good time doing it".

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Former Texas state Sen. Wendy Davis speaks at a rally in Austin on June 26, 2022. Evan L'Roy for The San Antonio Express

AUSTIN  The big question at the Trump Train trial on Tuesday was whether supporters of former President Donald Trump coordinated with each other when they used their vehicles to box in a Biden-Harris campaign bus on Interstate 35 in the run-up to the 2020 election.

Discussion of what the drivers did, and why they might have done it, dominated the second day of testimony in the civil case brought by three people who were on the bus during the confrontation on Oct. 30, 2020. The lawsuit was filed against six people identified as being among the drivers who surrounded the bus as it traveled between San Antonio and Austin.

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Attorneys for the three plaintiffs  former Texas state Sen. Wendy Davis, former campaign staffer David Gins and bus driver Timothy Holloway  called to the stand Theron Bowman, former chief of police with the Arlington Police Department, who testified that the drivers posed a serious threat to traffic safety and that their actions appeared very coordinated. Bowman now runs a consulting company, the Bowman Group, through which he serves as a paid expert witness.

In nearly five hours of testimony, Bowman described to the seven-member jury how he discerned a pattern of the vehicles working together to surround the bus, whereby they would get to certain places, would slow down and let other Trump Train members into the procession.

He pointed to a video that appeared to show a line of drivers in front of the bus braking at the same time to slow it down, and to cell phone videos filmed by Dolores Park, one of the six defendants, including one in which she said, They try to break us up but it doesnt work theres too many of us, before describing how she could scoot over in front of a semi-truck to let more drivers into the group of vehicles.

The lawsuit, filed in 2021, claims that the drivers engaged in an orchestrated attack to intimidate people on the bus as they attempted to drive from a get-out-the-vote rally in San Antonio to events at Texas State University in San Marcos and at an AFL-CIO office in downtown Austin. The lawsuit accuses the six defendants  Steve Ceh, Randi Ceh, Robert Mesaros, Joeylynn Mesaros, Eliazar Cisneros and Dolores Park  of violating the Ku Klux Klan Act, an 1871 federal law to stop political violence and intimidation tactics. The suit seeks punitive and compensatory damages.

Davis had testified on Monday that the presence of the Trump Train drivers led the Biden campaign to cancel the Texas State event.

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The drivers sometimes forced the Biden bus to go as slowly as 15 miles an hour on the interstate, Bowman said in court Tuesday. In analyzing 53 videos filmed by the plaintiffs, the defendants and others, he said he identified 35 vehicles in the Trump Train.

Bowman said he believes some of the drivers violated state laws against deadly conduct, obstructing a highway and other traffic offenses. The videos show Trump Train drivers swerving, occupying multiple lanes at once and braking abruptly, he said.

The plaintiffs attorneys showed a video of a collision between defendant Eliazar Cisneros and a vehicle driven by a Biden staffer following closely behind the bus. Bowman testified that Cisneros appeared to have caused the collision by steering his truck into the vehicle.

In this politically charged trial, Richard Thompson, an attorney representing Park, questioned Bowman about his voting history and political beliefs. Bowman said he voted for Democrats Hillary Clinton in 2016 and Joe Biden in 2020 but that he frequently votes for Republicans. Under questioning, he said that the plaintiffs legal team was paying his company $350 an hour for his work on the case.

Thompson challenged Bowmans claims that the drivers in the Trump Train were driving in an unsafe manner, accusing him of making rhetorical flourishes. He asked Bowman how long he would expect it to take to discover a traffic violation upon patrolling the surrounding area of downtown Austin.

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Probably not too long, Bowman admitted.

The defense is expected to continue its cross-examination of Bowman when the trial resumes on Wednesday.

More questions for Davis

On Monday, Davis had claimed in her testimony that the incident damaged her mental health, leaving her with a fear of appearing before crowds. On Tuesday, defense attorneys tried to cast doubt on her account, reading out a list of public events that Davis had spoken at after the day of the incident.

The attorneys also pointed to instances on Facebook and elsewhere where Davis used battle metaphors, calling herself a fighter or referring to an army of advocates."

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She said that she used the language in the context of fighting for justice using legal means.

I think of myself as a person whos engaged in fighting for things I believe in, she said, while adding that shes different now.
HA NOI  Housing credit has been on the rise as the property market finds its footing and path to recovery, according to the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV).

A report from the HCM Citys SBV Office said the citys total outstanding credit for the property market reached over VN1 trillion (US$40 million), 27.6 per cent of the systems total outstanding credit and an increase of 5.5 per cent compared to the end of last year. The city, Viet Nams largest economic driver, has also reported an increase in credit of 3.9 per cent during the first seven months of 2024.

Housing credit, including social housing, commercial housing and several other categories, accounted for a significant portion, at 57 per cent of the property markets outstanding credit. Social housing credit reached VN2.54 trillion, an increase of 78 per cent since the beginning of this year, according to the SBVs HCM City office.

Meanwhile, the number of loan applications, including for industrial parks and infrastructure, office buildings, restaurants, hotels, and tourist areas, has been growing strongly.

In the first seven months of 2024, loans for the development of industrial parks and infrastructure reached VN48.39 trillion, and loans for office buildings reached VN24.04 trillion, an increase of 18.4 per cent and 14 per cent, respectively, compared to the end of last year.

Nguyen uc Lenh, deputy director of the SBVs HCM City Office, a sharp rise in credit could be attributed to the financial systems efforts in speeding up the disbursement of social housing credit. Since the beginning of the year, a part of the governments VN120 trillion social housing credit package, estimated at VN170 billion, has gone to a worker housing project in Thu uc City, one of HCM Citys satellites.

Housing market credit remains primarily medium and long-term loans. An effective and sustainable growth model will have a tremendous impact on commercial banks credit management, he said.

Lenh said that strict adherence to credit regulations and the intended use of borrowed capital, as well as the effectiveness of business operations, will not only ensure safe and effective credit growth but also promote the development of the real estate market.

He said the central bank has instructed all local offices to strictly adhere to regulations and scrutinise loan applications to ensure credit is going to prioritised sectors of the economy. Meanwhile, policies must be implemented by the government to rear the market towards sustainable development.  VNS
NINH BINH  National Assembly Vice Chairman Nguyen uc Hai underscored Viet Nam's commitment to harnessing technology for better auditing practices while addressing the 8th meeting of the INTOSAI Working Group on Big Data (INTOSAI WGBD) in the northern province of Ninh Binh on September 10.

Hai said the Vietnamese State audit development strategy until 2030, issued by the NA Standing Committee, aims to bolster the quality, efficiency, and effectiveness of auditing activities. Central to this vision is the rapid adaptation to new technologies, particularly big data and artificial intelligence (AI), and ensuring transparency, openness and accuracy in auditing processes. Additionally, the strategy seeks to elevate the professional and technical capabilities of auditors.

Hosting this event is a bold decision by the State Audit Office of Vietnam (SAV), Hai declared. He expressed confidence that the active participation of Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) would yield valuable practices and lessons, enhancing the operational capabilities of SAIs, including the SAV. This, in turn, would contribute positively to the development of their respective countries and the broader international community.

SAV Auditor General Ngo Van Tuan highlighted the agency's groundbreaking initiatives, including the development of a database architecture for the sector, integrated IT infrastructure, and a state-of-the-art data centre. These advancements align with Viet Nam's broader digital transformation efforts and herald a new era in auditing, powered by AI and innovative methods, he said.

The meeting featured the largest number of speakers in the history of INTOSAI WGBD gatherings, reflecting the growing importance of big data in auditing. It also served as a bridge to foster cooperative relationships between the SAV and INTOSAI WGBD members, as well as between Viet Nam and numerous countries globally.  VNS
HA NOI  Businesses in Viet Nam are launching campaigns to raise donations and support the people and communities affected by floods and landslides in the aftermath of Typhoon Yagi.

Vietnam Oil and Gas Group (PetroVietnam) has spent VN10 billion (US$407,300) from its social security fund as preliminary assistance for localities devastated by storms and floods, along with launching a campaign to call on all employees to make donations.

Central Retail Group is providing 10,000 packages of essential goods (including parcels containing a box of noodles and a box of purified drinking water) worth around VN1.25 billion in total to support affected families.

Three domestic carriers, Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet and Bamboo Airways, have announced that they will be sending relief goods to affected northern provinces free of charge later this month.

Vietnam Airlines will provide free transportation on its flights to Noi Bai (Ha Noi), Cat Bi (Hai Phong), Vinh (Nghe An), Tho Xuan (Thanh Hoa), Van on (Quang Ninh) and ien Bien.

Bamboo Airways will transport relief goods free of charge from HCM City, a Nang, Cam Ranh, Quy Nhon and a Lat to Ha Noi.

Vietjet will also transport relief goods free of charge from both domestic and international donors to typhoon-affected regions until September 20.

Aid from Viet Nam Fatherland Front committees, provincial and municipal peoples committees, Viet Nam Red Cross associations and licensed charity funds will be eligible for free transportation to stricken areas.

Starting today, Vietnam Post is also providing free transportation of relief goods to 12 provinces hit by the typhoon, including Hai Phong, Quang Ninh, Yen Bai, Bac Giang, Lang Son, Thai Nguyen, Cao Bang, Bac Kan, Son La, Lao Cai, Phu Tho and Tuyen Quang.

Vietnam Railways Corporation has also announced it will provide free transportation for relief goods to people in areas affected by Typhoon No. 3, organised by individuals or organisations through the Provincial People's Committee, the provincial Fatherland Front, and the provincial Red Cross.

As one of the most powerful typhoons to hit the country in the past 30 years, Yagi has wreaked havoc across northern provinces and cities, causing alarming flooding and landslides. As of Wednesday morning, Yagi has claimed 141 lives and left 59 missing.  VNS
HA NOI  Viet Nam's semiconductor industry has received a strategic boost after a US-supported institute was launched in Ha Noi on Wednesday to help enhance its capabilities.

The Policy and Supply Chain Leadership Institute is a collaboration between Viet Nams Ministry of Planning and Investment and the US Department of State.

It is supported by the International Technology Security & Innovation Fund (ITSI Fund), a key initiative of the US CHIPS and Science Act designed to enhance semiconductor capabilities and supply chain resilience worldwide.

The two major roles of the institute are to develop a strong semiconductor workforce in Viet Nam and contribute to the formation of policies to attract investment and innovation to the sector.

It aims to train 120 university staff and 4,000 students in Viet Nam on different stages of the semiconductor supply chain to US standards by 2025.

The Arizona State University, Viet Nams National Innovation Center, and Vietnamese universities play an important part in actualising these goals.

Speaking at the launching ceremony, Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung said: This is a very practical and meaningful way to celebrate the first anniversary of the strategic comprehensive partnership between Viet Nam and the US.

It is a strong affirmation of Viet Nams determination to seize opportunities and become an important bridge in the global value chain of the semiconductor industry.

By promoting cooperation and investing in human resources, we are creating a promising future for Viet Nams semiconductor industry.

A plan to develop a workforce for Viet Nams semiconductor industry until 2050 is being prepared by the ministry and will soon be proposed to the Government, Dung added.

With the support of major tech companies and universities from the US, he believes Viet Nams goal to train 50,000 semiconductor engineers and graduates by 2030 will soon be realised, he said.

US Ambassador to Viet Nam Marc Knapper said: The United States is proud to invest in Viet Nams future through workforce development programs that create lasting partnerships.

"Together, we are building institutional ties that will shape the semiconductor industry for years to come.

Viet Nam is one of eight strategic countries selected for the ITSI Fund, along with Costa Rica, Mexico, Panama, Indonesia, the Philippines, Kenya, and India, which are all supported by the US Department of State Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs.

The department has given Arizona State University US$13.8 million to drive talent development and formulate public policy recommendations across these nations.

The university is partnering with educational institutions in Viet Nam so Vietnamese professors and students can receive mentoring and access coursework on semiconductor Assembly, Testing, and Packaging (ATP) capabilities.

A portal offering free courses to students interested in the semiconductor industry has been launched by the university at https://itsi-skillsaccelerator.org.

Teachers who wish to obtain knowledge and certifications in semiconductor technology can also benefit from the portal.

A series of workshops will be held in Ha Noi until Thursday to identify Viet Nams strengths and challenges in the semiconductor sector and formulate action plans to enhance its capabilities.  VNS
HA NOI - A competition entitled Viet Nam in My Heart aiming to promote the Vietnamese language was launched in Hungary on September 8.

Held by the Budapest Vietnamese Language Centre, the event was launched in celebration of the day honouring the Vietnamese language (September 8).

The contest aims to foster a love for the Vietnamese language and strengthen the connection to the homeland among young overseas Vietnamese in the European country.

Tran Anh Tuan, head of the centre, said that the contest is open to various forms, such as essays, poetry, articles, video clips, and drawings. The submission period runs from September 8, 2024, to March 7, 2025.

Speaking at the event, Charge d'affaires Le Trong Ha praised the efforts of teachers in preserving the Vietnamese language in Hungary.

He pledged that the embassy will continue support for the centre, particularly during the contest's period.

The embassy will also collaborate with the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese (SCOV) to provide the centre with 10 sets of Fun Vietnamese books. - VNA/VNS
HA NO  Viet Nam supports every effort in helping United Nations peacekeeping operations become more effective and adaptive, said Ambassador ang Hoang Giang, Permanent Representative of Viet Nam to the UN.

He made the remark while addressing a UN Security Council open debate themed Strengthening UN Peacekeeping: Reflections for the Future in New York on September 10 (US time).

Addressing the event, Giang affirmed that amid the current complicated geopolitical context, peacekeeping remains an important tool of the UN to maintain international peace and security.

Viet Nam supports every effort in helping United Nations peacekeeping operations become more effective and adaptive, with clear and feasible tasks assigned and sufficient resources provided, he said, noting this process requires close coordination among the UN Security Council, host countries, and nations that send peacekeepers, as well as between the UN and relating regional organisations.

He emphasised the necessity to take effective measures for preventing hostilities against peacekeeping forces and facilities, including enhancing interactions and building trust with local administrations and communities.

In addition, UN missions should also further improve their medical capacity to better protect peacekeepers physical and mental health, the ambassador said.

Underlining Viet Nam's advocacy of the Women, Peace and Security Agenda, he called for more favourable conditions for women to engage in and contribute to peacekeeping operations, along with for the prevention of all forms of violence as well as security and safety threats coming from gender bias and inequality.

Over the last 10 years, Viet Nam has sent more than 800 military and police officers, in units and individuals, to peacekeeping operations.

Giang once again underlined the countrys strong support for and commitment to UN peacekeeping operations, including the readiness to deploy the first police unit.

At the debate, UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix and participants expressed gratitude to UN peacekeeping forces for their contributions and sacrifice. They affirmed the importance of peacekeeping operations in preventing conflicts from recurring and ensuring sustainable peace and security.

They also discussed measures to promote the efficiency of UN mission models, improving training quality, and guaranteeing security for peacekeepers, especially females.  VNS
HA NOI  General Secretary of the Lao Peoples Revolutionary Party (LPRP) and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith, his spouse and the high-ranking Lao delegation laid a wreath at President Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Ha Noi on Wednesday morning to pay tribute to the national leader of Viet Nam.

The wreath bears the words: President Ho Chi Minh lives forever in our revolutionary cause.

The Lao leader and his entourage then laid flowers at the monument to fallen heroes and martyrs in Bac Son street.

Earlier on September 10, an official welcoming ceremony was held for General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith with the highest protocol reserved for heads of state.

He had talks with Vietnamese Party General Secretary and State President To Lam, and met with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. The Lao leader also had meetings with former Party General Secretary Nong uc Manh, and delegations from the Viet Nam Fatherland Front Central Committee and the Viet Nam-Laos Friendship Association.

The Lao top leader is paying a state visit to Viet Nam from September 10-13. The visit 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  Chairman of the National Assembly (NA) Tran Thanh Man arrived at Noi Bai International Airport in Ha Noi on Wednesday morning, concluding his successful official visit to Russia, where he also co-chaired the third meeting of the Viet Nam - Russia Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation Committee.

The trip from September 8-10 was made at the invitation of Chairman of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation Vyacheslav Victorovich Volodin, and Speaker of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly Valentina Ivanovna Matvienko.

During the visit, Man met with President Vladimir Putin, and held talks with Volodin and Matvienko.

The host leaders expressed their belief that following the visit, high-level parliamentary meetings will take place more regularly, creating a firm foundation for and significantly contributing to the development of the Viet Nam-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership.

On this occasion, Man and Matvienko signed a cooperation agreement between the NA and the Federation Council, and witnessed the signing of another deal between Viet Nam's southern province of Ba Ria - Vung Tau and Rostov region of Russia.

Meanwhile, Man and Volodin co-chaired the third meeting of the Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation Committee.

The joint statement issued at the end of the meeting affirmed both sides readiness for cooperation in law-making and ensuring the effective implementation of agreements reached by the two countries as well as their leaders in order to foster the comprehensive strategic partnership.

Man hosted receptions for Gennady Zyuganov, leader of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation (KPRF); Sergey Mironov, Chairman of A Just Russia - Patriots - For Truth (SR) party; and representatives of the Russia-Vietnam Friendship Association and the Association of Russian Veterans in Viet Nam.

He also met with representatives of big Russian groups like Gazprom and Novatek, the Governor of Rostov region, and representatives of the Vietnamese business association in Russia, and witnessed the exchange of a number of signed documents between Vietnamese and Russian businesses.  VNS
HA NOI  Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh emphasised Viet Nams open economy and consistent stance on multilateralism as he leads the Vietnamese delegation to attend the Belt and Road Summit 2024 in Hong Kong SAR (China).

Viet Nam supports compliance with international laws and actively participates in various cooperation and economic initiatives, including the Belt and Road Initiative, said the deputy PM.

Vietnamese and Chinese leaders have agreed to strengthen strategic development links between the two countries.

Addressing the event in the opening plenary, Deputy PM Binh praised the Belt and Road Initiative for promoting global economic connectivity, as well as south to south cooperation.

Collaboration efforts in the future should focus on ensuring stable, long-term economic growth that respects the environment and nature, maintaining an open global economy, as well as linking the Belt and Road Initiative with other national and regional development strategies, he said.

The Vietnamese leader also underlined equality, open mindedness, mutual benefits and international law compliance, in carrying out economic connectivity and cooperation initiatives in the region and the world to contribute to the common goals of peace, prosperity, sustainable and inclusive growth.

Noting the complementary economic advantages between Viet Nam and Hong Kong SAR, Deputy PM Binh proposes five priorities for economic cooperation, the first being promoting collaboration in financial services and securities.

Viet Nam and Hong Kong SAR can better facilitate trade and goods transport by looking into expanding regional economic corridors and supporting businesses in trade promotion and market development.

They should also enhance high-quality investments and branch out into emerging sectors such as biotechnology, semiconductors, renewable energy and smart cities for green and digital transformations.

He also proposed strengthening infrastructure connectivity, especially railways and borders, between Viet Nam and China. He called for investment and technology transfer from capable Hong Kong businesses for large-scale transport projects that hold a representative value of Viet Nam-China ties.

Other focuses include promoting relations between cities and people-to-people exchanges, as well as two-way tourism promotion.

The Belt and Road Summit 2024 attracted nearly 6,000 government officials and business representatives from approximately 70 countries and economies.

Taking on the theme of 'Building a Connected, Innovative and Green Belt and Road' this year, discussions within the event centres on initiatives and proposals to expand cross-national trade and investment, promoting green and inclusive growth, transportation and logistics infrastructure connectivity, financial and trade service cooperation, as well as science-technology and innovation.

In his opening remarks, Chief Executive of Hong Kong SAR John Lee (Lee Ka-chiu) stressed the role of the region as an important point of connection between China and the world, as well as its vision to become a: Superconnector and super value-adder.

Hong Kong SAR also looks forward to expanding cooperation with other countries for a global economy with multi-faceted connectivity and green development.

Delegates at the event also emphasised the need for better coordination between governments and businesses and building a new generation of entrepreneurs that are professionally capable and socially responsible.

The summit also includes multiple business networking sessions and exhibition programmes to promote the potential and achievements of various economies as well as investment projects.  VNS
HA NOI  National Assembly (NA) Chairman Tran Thanh Man emphasised that Viet Nam and Laos should continue to actively exchange information and facilitate cooperation between their ministries, especially Government agencies, to boost economic collaboration and further increase bilateral trade.

In a meeting with NA Chairman Man, General Secretary of the Lao Peoples Revolutionary Party Central Committee (LPRP) and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith expressed his sympathy to the Party, State and people of Viet Nam, especially to those regions and individuals worst affected by the disaster and hoped that life would soon return to normal.

Praising the cooperation between the two countries' NAs, he highlighted that the relationship between the two legislative bodies is a crucial factor contributing to the overall success of the strong ties between Viet Nam and Laos.

The Lao leader expressed his confidence and desire for both sides to continue close cooperation to supervise, promote and enhance the quality and effectiveness of the cooperation agreements between the two governments.

In the future, both sides should continue to exchange and share experiences in the field of legislation and support each other at regional and international forums.

NA Chairman Man highly appreciated the exceptional progress in the special relationship between Viet Nam and Laos.

In the first seven months of 2024, bilateral trade reached US$1.1 billion, a 13 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2023, while several major projects have resolved difficulties.

Cooperation in education, training, culture and science and technology continues to receive attention and be promoted.

Along with the positive momentum in the relationship between the two countries, NA Chairman Man stressed that the cooperation between the two NAs has been increasingly strengthened and effectively maintained.

Both sides have been successfully implementing the contents of the Cooperation Agreement between the two NAs, and the results of the first Cambodia-Laos-Viet Nam Parliamentary Summit held in Laos in December 2023 have been positive.

Notably, the two NAs are actively collaborating to research, compile and publish the book titled '50 Years of Relations between the National Assembly of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam and the National Assembly of the Lao People's Democratic Republic  Comprehensive Development Cooperation'. This will review the development process, achievements and lessons learned to enhance the effectiveness of cooperation between the two NAs in the new phase.

NA Chairman Man also affirmed that the Vietnamese NA will continue to enhance information sharing, cooperation and support for Laos at international, regional and sub-regional forums.

Viet Nam will continue to back and assist Laos in successfully chairing ASEAN and AIPA 45 and is ready to share experience and expertise in areas where Viet Nam has strengths, such as supervising the implementation of budget estimates, building legal frameworks and overseeing key joint projects between the two countries.

The two sides will hold thematic discussions and share experiences between the NAs, focusing on issues of mutual interest, such as legislative research, constitutional amendments and the formulation and implementation of socio-economic development policies.

To maintain the momentum in their relationship, NA Chairman Man suggested that the two countries continue to coordinate closely, increasing the exchange of high-level delegations and at other levels, while maximising the effectiveness of existing cooperation mechanisms.

Regarding cooperation between the two NAs, NA Chairman Man emphasised that both sides should increase bilateral trade and strengthen connections in the areas of economy, transport and infrastructure.

The two should also enhance the sharing of information and technical expertise, particularly in strategic national issues and support Laos in its constitutional reform.

They should work together to strengthen the supervision of investment cooperation projects between the two countries, focusing on key investment projects.

The two nations should continue to review and support necessary amendments and supplements to mechanisms, policies and laws to further promote trade and investment cooperation.  VNS
Octavia Johnson is a general assignment reporter for the Houston Chronicle. She can be reached at octavia.johnson@houstonchronicle.com.

Before joining the Chronicle, Octavia worked as a digital content producer at WATE-TV in Knoxville, Tenn., where she became a leader in producing fast paced, audience-focused content.

Octavia graduated from UNC Pembroke with a bachelor's degree in journalism before earning her master's degree in media and communications at Norfolk State University.
HA NOI  General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee and State President To Lam and General Secretary of the Lao Peoples Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith co-chaired a high-level meeting between the two Parties in Ha Noi on Wednesday.

The meeting was held on the occasion of the Lao top leaders ongoing state visit to Viet Nam.

The two leaders briefed each other on the situation of each Party and country, including Party building and socio-economic development, and discussed international and regional issues as well as matters of shared concern.

They evaluated the cooperation outcomes between the two Parties and countries over the years, and agreed on major orientations for the Viet Nam-Laos future cooperation.

Highlighting the historical tradition of solidarity, close bond and mutual support between the two countries, they emphasised that the Viet Nam-Laos relationship is a common invaluable asset, the objective necessity and the greatest source of strength of the two Parties, States and people of the two nations which needs to be preserved, promoted, and passed on to future generations.

Lam affirmed Viet Nams consistent policy of considering the Viet Nam-Laos ties the top priority in the countrys external policy.

Thongloun underscored that in any circumstances, Laos will work with Viet Nam to consolidate, preserve and nurture the special solidarity between the two countries, making it further thrive and become more fruitful for the practical interests of the people of each country, and for peace, stability and development of the region and the world.

The two leaders shared their delight at the substantial cooperation between the two countries across all fields, greatly contributing to promoting socio-economic development, security-defence, political stability and social order and safety in each country.

They pledged to continue to reinforce and strengthen the Viet Nam-Laos great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation, contributing to peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world.

They expressed their pleasure at the growing relations among Viet Nam, Laos and Cambodia, and showed their hope to further promote ties among the three Parties and countries, including the effective implementation of the outcomes of the meeting among the leaders of the three Parties as well as other tripartite cooperation mechanisms.

At the meeting, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his Lao counterpart Sonexay Siphandone gave their evaluation on the collaboration outcomes between Viet Nam and Laos in the fields of economy, trade, investment, culture, education, and science-technology, and proposed a number of cooperation orientations and specific measures to enhance the efficiency of bilateral cooperation.

They stressed the need to create breakthroughs in economic and trade partnership between the two countries to match the stature of bilateral political relations and the potential and strengths of each country, and focus on dealing with existing problems in cooperation, fostering connectivity between the Vietnamese and Lao economies as well as the economies of Viet Nam, Laos and Cambodia.

Leaders of the two Parties and countries share the same perspective on the need to actively carry out key orientations reached agreed upon by both sides.

They will also continue to deepen the bilateral political relations that play a key role in guiding the overall cooperation between the two countries, coordinating closely in strategic issues and working together to prepare for the all-level Party congresses towards the national congress of each Party, and strengthening and bolstering bilateral security-defence cooperation.

They concurred to increase information exchanges and consultations as well as close coordination and mutual support at international and regional forums, effectively implement joint statements between the two countries and agreements between the two Parties and States as well as cooperation programmes between ministries, sectors and localities of the two sides, strengthening connectivity and supplementation between the two economies, while rolling out measures to remove difficulties and obstacles to enhance the quality and efficiency of bilateral investment cooperation.

At the same time, the two countries will further improve the cooperation among agencies of the two Parties, States, Fronts, unions, peoples organisations, and localities, expand direct collaboration, and support each other in boosting socio-economic development and protecting security and stability in the shared border areas, they said.

The two sides affirmed the need to promote the efficiency of existing collaboration mechanisms and establish new ones to further boost the special solidarity between Viet Nam and Laos for the practical benefits of people in each country and for peace, cooperation and development in the region and the world.  VNA/VNS
HA NOI  As of Wednesday morning, 46 people have been rescued in the devastating flash flood that wiped out the entire Lang Nu Village in the northern Lao Cai Province, where 158 people are residing.

Bao Yen Districts authorities confirmed that 18 people have died in the disaster, while 17 are receiving medical treatment, and 77 others remain missing.

Trigged by the heavy downpours following Typhoon Yagi, the flash flood struck at around 6am on Tuesday, affecting the entire 37 households in the village.

Ongoing rescue efforts are being hindered as heavy downpours and disaster risks cut off traffic to the remote area, which is also experiencing power outages and telecommunication disruptions.

Lao Cais health department director and three emergency teams from the provincial general hospital arrived in Bao Yen to assist with rescue efforts.

Of the 17 people being treated for multiple injuries in Bao Yen District General Hospital, five were transferred to the Viet Nam-Germany Hospital in Ha Noi on Tuesday night due to their worsening conditions.

Lao Cai Peoples Committee Chairman Trinh Xuan Truong visited flash flood victims in the hospital on Tuesday night. An emergency meeting was also held afterwards for ongoing recovery efforts.

The disaster situation has been reported to the government, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Military Region 2 for additional support.  VNS
HA NOI  Saint Paul General Hospital in Ha Noi on September 10 held a farewell ceremony for the first two patients who received kidney transplants from a brain-dead donor.

The two were discharged from the hospital on Wednesday, two weeks after receiving a donated kidney from a 32-year-old young man who was killed in a traffic accident.

Six people were saved, including two who received kidneys at Saint Paul and four other patients who received heart, kidney and corneal transplants from the donor.

The kidney transplant surgeries were performed by medical staff at Saint Paul General Hospital with the support of the Viet uc Hospital and the National Coordination Centre for Human Organ Transplantation on August 24.

They were the 54th and 55th kidney transplant operations, but the first time the hospital had performed two kidney transplants from a brain-dead donor at the same time.

Dr Ha Anh uc, Director of the Medical Services Administration (MSA), at the Ministry of Health, praised the success achieved by the doctors at the hospital and congratulated the two patients.

Saint Paul is the first hospital of the Ha Noi's Department of Health, the fourth hospital in the capital city, and the seventh hospital in the country to perform organ transplants from brain-dead donors, said Dr uc.

Many hospitals in Ha Noi currently have mastered transplant techniques. The question is how to get more transplants in the future. This is the responsibility of state management agencies.

The MSA director added that the Ministry of Health is urgently completing the legal corridor to facilitate the transplantation of human tissues and organs.

The kidney transplants marked an important milestone for the development of Saint Paul General Hospital as well as the medical system in the fields of consultation, diagnosis of organ retrieval, transportation and transplantation of organs from brain-dead donors.

According to the hospital, the two patients were a female, N.L P, 44, from ong a District, Ha Noi, who has right kidney failure and has been undergoing dialysis since 2020 and a male patient D.V.T, 55, living in Hai Ba Trung District, of Ha Noi, who suffered from kidney failure since 2012.

Currently, the health of the two patients is progressing well with the kidneys functioning normally and urine output is good.

Saint Paul General Hospital director Nguyen uc Long said the special ceremony was a way to congratulate the organ transplant recipients and express gratitude to the organ donor.

We performed a kidney transplant ten years ago but stopped for three years because there were no donor kidneys. Therefore, after this transplant, we look forward to having more patients revived from the noble gesture of organ donation," said Long.  VNS
YEN BAI  Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Long on Wednesday conducted an inspection of the Thac Ba Hydropower Plant in northern Viet Nam, amid concerns over its safety of this major facility in the wake of high level of floodwater following Typhoon Yagi.

Thac Ba hydropower plant, completed in 1971, is the first hydropower plant in Viet Nam and its reservoir is one of the three biggest artificial lakes in Viet Nam, situated over two communes Luc Yen and Yen Binh, the northern mountainous province of Yen Bai.

Yen Bai Province has relocated 3,186 households, comprising 11,279 people, from 24 villages and hamlets in the communes of Vinh Kien, Yen Binh, Han a, ai Minh, and Thac Ba town (Yen Binh District) to ensure the safety of residents as the Thac Ba Hydropower Plant discharges floodwaters.

At the time of the inspection, the weather condition had eased, and the hydropower reservoir's operations remained stable, with water inflow at over 3,100 cu.m per second.

Speaking with the leadership of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) and Yen Bai Province, and the Thac Ba Hydropower Plant, Deputy PM Long stressed the need to strictly follow the directives of the Prime Minister, particularly noting that in all situations, the highest priority must always be the health and safety of the people.

Agriculture deputy minister Nguyen Hoang Hiep told the Viet Nam Government Portal (VGP) during the inspection that, as of now, the Thac Ba Hydropower Reservoir is secure.

"However, much work remains to be done, but with the current inflow and outflow, we can confirm that Thac Ba Hydropower Plant is safe," said Hiep.

He added that it would take about one or two more days for the water level to return to the permitted level, and local residents must remain in safe shelters in case of any unforeseen events.

Hiep also mentioned that with the current weather forecast, the situation at Thac Ba Hydropower will be resolved satisfactorily, and the water level will fall below the permitted threshold.

The forecast for rainfall in the area over the next 48 hours is approximately 40-50mm, with around 15-20mm expected within the next 24 hours. Currently, the authorities have prepared various response measures and are ready to minimise damage, with the protection of human life being the top priority.

According to the report from the Yen Bai Provincial People's Committee on the morning of September 11, in the aftermath of Yagi, Yen Bai Province experienced light rain from the evening of September 10 until the morning of September 11.

As of 6 a.m. on September 11, the water level on the Thao River in Yen Bai was 34.63m (2.63m above alarm level 3). On the Ngoi Thia River, the water level at 5am on September 11 was 42.01m (2.46m below alarm level 1). On the Chay River at Thac Ba, the water level at 5 a.m. on September 11 was 28.83m (6.83m above alarm level 3).  VNS
HA NOI  Torrential rain, combined with continuous rising levels of the Red River on Wednesday, caused severe flooding in some streets and urban areas in Ha Noi, significantly affecting the lives and livelihoods of many residents.

Areas such as My inh 2 in front of the Phu My village gate, Ke Ve near Ve market, Trieu Khuc, Cau Buou from K Hospital to Yen Xa Canal, Thang Long Avenue in the intersection with Le Trong Tan, and the Yen Nghia underpass from Yen Nghia Bus Station to Ba La intersection were all submerged.

The downpour also led to flooding on various downtown streets, making traffic challenging. By around 7am on Wednesday, the Phap Van  Cau Gie Expressway in Duyen Thai Commune in Thuong Tin District was flooded in both directions, hindering traffic and posing a threat to many vehicles, particularly cars with low ground clearance.

Additionally, the large volume of rainwater overwhelmed drainage systems, resulting in severe flooding in urban areas and apartment complexes like Geleximco Area A on Le Trong Tan in Hoai uc District and Ecohome 3 in Bac Tu Liem District.

ang Van Tuan, a resident of An Khanh Commune in Hoai uc District, said that many families were using sandbags and other materials to try and block water from entering their homes. Several cars, especially those with low clearance, were submerged and many properties had been damaged.

According to the Director of the National Centre for Hydrometeorological Forecasting, Mai Van Khiem, the water level of the Red River in Ha Noi reached 11.1 metres at 11am on Wednesday.

This marks the highest flood level in 20 years, since 2004 when the river rose to 11.04 metres.

By Wednesday afternoon, the flood level in Ha Noi is expected to rise further, reaching 11.3 metres, just 20cm below the third warning level.

While floodwaters may begin to recede tonight, the decrease will be very slow.

Additionally, local rivers such as the Bui, Tich, and Ca Lo have all exceeded the third warning level, prolonging the risk of widespread flooding in areas along the rivers and dikes in Ha Noi for at least the next three days.

Evacuation of Phuc Xa residents

On Wednesday morning, Ta Nam Chien, chairman of the Ba inh Districts People's Committee, reported deep flooding in some areas of Tan Ap Street, part of Nghia Dung Street, and Phuc Xa Street in Phuc Xa Ward.

To reduce risk, the People's Committee of Phuc Xa Ward has advised residents living near the river to move their belongings and prepare for evacuation if emergency orders are issued. The ward has also requested boats and ships to help people relocate and prevent accidents and ensure that any necessary rescue operations are not hindered.

The committee has also warned residents to stay away from riverbanks and dikes along the Red River, as the area is dangerous with strong flood currents. It emphasised that people should not swim or fish in the river during rising floodwaters and tourism activities in these areas have been temporarily suspended.

It has informed residents needing assistance with relocation to contact the ward's Natural Disaster Prevention and Search and Rescue Command. Households in the affected areas are urged to closely monitor flood updates, heed warnings and follow local government directives.

According to the Ba inh District People's Committee, 276 households with 1,059 residents living in the at-risk areas along the Red River in Phuc Xa Ward were evacuated to the Vocational and Continuing Education Centre at 67 Pho uc Chinh Street in Truc Bach Ward on Tuesday night.

The committee has instructed the Ba inh Power Company to closely monitor areas near the river, implement power cut plans in flooded areas and cut electricity to affected households and substations to ensure safety.

On Wednesday morning, chairman of the Hoan Kiem Districts People's Committee Pham Tuan Long announced that the committee inspected and directed relevant units, wards and residents to focus all resources on flood prevention efforts for the two wards of Chuong Duong and Phuc Tan, where the water level of the Red River has risen significantly.

The district has organised notifications and encouraged the evacuation of 379 households across these two wards.

Ensuring safety for residents living outside the Red River dike

On Wednesday morning, Pham Van Minh, chairman of the Soc Son District People's Committee reported that the flooding situation affecting residents along the banks of the Cau and Ca Lo rivers is quite complex.

According to preliminary statistics from the district People's Committee, approximately 3,311 households with 15,673 people have been affected by the flooding, which has also hit around 167 hectares of rice, crops and aquaculture.

Emergency response efforts are underway.

Elsewhere there has been a breach and erosion of the embankment at am Khoai in Cau Lai Hamlet, Lai Son Village, Bac Son Commune, along a width of approximately 5-6 metres. Water from the Cau Lai stream overflowed, flooding around 12 hectares of agricultural land.

The district has mobilised troops from Regiment 209, Division 312 to assist residents in harvesting crops to minimise losses.  VNS
HA NOI  Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Nguyen Hoang Hiep on Wednesday afternoon confirmed that China had notified Viet Nam of its plan to release water from a hydropower dam upstream of the Lo River.

The Lo River, originating from China's Yunnan, flows into Viet Nam at Ha Giang Province and through Tuyen Quang and Phu Tho provinces. It is also a tributary of the Red River.

"They have sent us a written notice early on to allow us time to prepare. The discharge rate is small, only 250cu.m per second, so while it has an impact, it will not significantly affect downstream flooding in Viet Nam," the official told the Viet Nam Government Portal, amid concerns that further discharges will exacerbate the flooding situation in the northern mountainous areas.

Hiep stated that the average discharge rate of one spillway at the Hoa Binh Hydropower Plant is 1,800cu.m per second, so China's release is relatively low.

Also related to the move, the Vietnamese foreign ministry said that while China supports flood prevention in Viet Nam, due to heavy rainfall over several days, the water level of Malutang hydropower dam in China has risen significantly, posing a risk of dam failure, which would result in catastrophic damages for both countries.

After careful consideration, China has informed the border province of Ha Giang in Viet Nam that it plans to release water from the the dam from 3:00pm on September 11 to 2pm on September 12, with a maximum discharge volume of 250cu.m per second.

Following discussions with Viet Nam's authorities, China has agreed to reduce the maximum discharge volume down to 200cu.m and delay the release time to 4:30pm on September 11.

China also stated that it has instructed relevant localities to ensure that the discharge is kept to the minimum necessary to ensure the dam's safety.

The People's Committee of Ha Giang Province has also issued an emergency response plan to prepare for the potential impacts of the water release from Chinas hydropower plant.

To proactively respond and minimise damage from the increased water levels that could cause flooding in the city, Chairman of the Ha Giang City People's Committee instructed the communes and wards (Ngoc uong, Phuong o, Phuong Thien, Quang Trung, Minh Khai, Nguyen Trai, Tran Phu) to closely monitor the updates on the water release and implement disaster response plans to minimise any potential damage.

"Provinces downstream of major rivers should remain on high alert for flooding and ensure the safety of dikes, as water levels continue to rise," Hiep noted.

As of 3pm on September 11, Hoa Binh Hydropower Plant has closed all its spillways, while Tuyen Quang Hydropower Plant still has four bottom outlets open.

On Tuesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it has communicated with the Chinese side to make sure China strictly regulate the flow of water from the upper reaches of the Red River to downstream regions, while Viet Nam deals with severe flooding and landslides in the wake of powerful Typhoon Yagi from last weekend.

Regarding the upper reaches of the Yuan/Red River, China confirmed that none of its hydropower plants or dams are releasing water, the foreign ministry added.  VNS
HA NOI  The Viet Nam Red Cross Society (VNRC) has launched a campaign to mobilise financial and material support to help northern people overcome the consequences of Typhoon Yagi.

The VNRC called for direct support or through online platforms from the local and international communities for aid.

Individuals, organisations and business are being offered ways they can get, or offer help:

1. Receiving via the Charity App, Military Bank (MB Bank) Account number: 2022

Account name: Vietnam Red Cross: Supported syntax: Baoso3

2. Via the global digital fundraising platform - Iraiser of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies at the link: https://donate.redcrossredcrescent.org/vn/Yagi/

3. Receive direct cash and goods donations (including necessities and other consumer products) at the Association's Central headquarters, 82 Nguyen Du, Hai Ba Trung District, Ha Noi, or representative agencies South, No. 201 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, District 1, HCM City.

Help is also on hand at the district post office network headquarters in 12 localities: Hai Phong, Quang Ninh, Yen Bai, Bac Giang, Lang Son, Thai Nguyen, Cao Bang, Bac Kan, Son La, Lao Cai, Phu Tho and Tuyen Quang.

The VNRC said that the campaign already has more than 2,000 pledges of support from domestic and foreign organisations and individuals, with contributions reaching nearly VN4 billion. All of the money will be used to support relief and reconstruction activities for people in the storm-hit areas and delivered transparently and effectively.

Immediately after the storm passed, the VNRC provided emergency support to nearly 900 households in Quang Ninh province and Hai Phong City, delivering more than VN720 million in cash and essential goods.

So far, the society has provided initial support, worth VN5.5 billion, to more than 5,700 households, equivalent to nearly 23,000 people affected by Typhoon Yagi and post-storm floods across ten provinces and cities.  VNS
HA NOI  International relief for people affected by flash floods and landslides following Typhoon Yagi is being delivered to Viet Nam.

The US diplomatic mission in Viet Nam is committed to providing US$1 million in emergency humanitarian aid via the US Agency for International Development (USAID).

The first shipment of disaster relief from the Australian government also arrived in Ha Noi on Wednesday afternoon. The delivery includes blankets, sleeping mats, tarpaulins, mosquito nets and necessities for personal hygiene, cooking and home repair.

Australia has announced an initial aid package worth A$3 million for Viet Nam in response to the aftermath of Typhoon Yagi, including humanitarian assistance, emergency relief supplies and other essential services.

Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio also sends his condolences for the devastating impacts of Typhoon Yagi on Viet Nam, in a letter addressed to his Vietnamese counterpart Pham Minh Chinh via Japans ambassador to Viet Nam on Wednesday.

PM Kishida underlines that the Japanese government stands by to help Viet Nam overcome and recover from the consequences of the typhoon.

Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) on Wednesday afternoon is delivering disaster relief supplies to Viet Nams Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, including portable water filters and multi-purpose plastic tarpaulins.

ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre) is also delivering a basic necessities for people affected by the flash floods and landslides following Typhoon Yagi.  VNS
According to chinhphu.vn, in a show of support for residents affected by heavy rains and flooding caused by Typhoon Yagi across numerous Northern provinces, Vietnam Airlines Group, consisting of Vietnam Airlines, Pacific Airlines, and Vasco, has announced free transportation of relief goods from government agencies, organisations, and businesses on their operated flights, starting September 10.

Relief items are also being given priority cargo space on flights from airports nationwide to Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, Cat Bi in Haiphong, Vinh in Nghe An, Tho Xuan in Thanh Hoa, Van Don in Quang Ninh, and Dien Bien in Dien Bien province.

This applies to various levels of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee, local people's committees, Vietnam Red Cross Society branches, and registered charitable funds established and recognised by state authorities.

Organisations and individuals wishing to transport relief goods to northern cities provinces during this period can contact the aforementioned agencies and organisations to qualify for free transportation.

Vietnam Airlines Group has also announced an initial support of $12,200 through the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee.

In a coordinated effort, Bamboo Airways has also announced it will provide free transportation of relief goods to northern Vietnam from September 11-26.

Essential items, including necessities and critical supplies for flood-affected residents, receive priority booking and are shipped at no cost on Bamboo Airways flights. This initiative covers all Bamboo Airways flights departing from Ho Chi Minh City, Danang, Cam Ranh, Quy Nhon, and Dalat to Hanoi during the specified period.

Luong Hoai Nam, CEO of Bamboo Airways, said, "In recognition of the urgency of post-disaster relief efforts, Bamboo Airways' entire leadership and staff are prioritising the transportation of relief goods on our flights. We are committed to joining the nationwide effort to provide swift and timely support to our fellow citizens in the north who are grappling with the aftermath of this historic flooding."

Vietjet has also waived shipping fees for relief goods from domestic and international organisations and individuals destined for storm-affected areas until September 20.

Vietjet has allocated $81,200 to procure food, clean water, medicine, and other essentials to assist residents in overcoming difficulties and recovering from the disaster. The airline will also contribute 20 US cents from each ticket sold until September 30 to support post-typhoon recovery efforts, with an estimated total contribution of about $203,000.

Prime Minister calls for support for those affected by typhoon Yagi Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has called on people, businesses, organisations and localities to provide aid and support for those affected by typhoon Yagi, the third storm to hit Vietnam this year.

PM demands urgent measures to overcome typhoon consequences Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on September 8 chaired a hybrid conference, urging swift and concerted action to overcome the aftermath of typhoon Yagi, which has devastated northern localities of Vietnam.
This is according to Gazprom's vice chairman Vitaly Markelov during a meeting with Vietnamese National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man in Moscow on September 10.

Markelov expressed his gratitude for Vietnam's support to bolster Gazprom's partnership with state-owned PetroVietnam in exploration, exploitation, and scientific and technical research.

He stressed, "Gazprom hopes to deepen collaboration with Vietnam. It is the right time for the two sides to move forward, including the supply of LNG to meet Vietnam's demand. Gazprom is willing to share experience with Vietnamese partners, including PetroVietnam, in oil and gas exploration."

NA Chairman Man said, "There is huge potential for the Vietnam-Russia partnership, but the two-way trade only reached $2.7 billion in the first six months of the year. The partnership in oil and gas projects will contribute to raising the two-way trade to $10 billion by 2030."

With Vietnams commitment to reducing carbon emissions and transitioning to cleaner energy sources, there is a growing demand for sustainable energy solutions. LNG provides a reliable and flexible power source that enables the build out of renewables to take place, and the government has planned for rapid growth in this energy source.

Vietnam has ambitious plans to expand its LNG-based power initiative from virtually zero to over 20 GW by 2045, requiring more than 20 million tonnes of the gas per annum.

Cai Mep LNG Terminal to start commercial operations in September 2024 AG&P LNG, a subsidiary of Nebula Energy, along with its partner, Hai Linh Co., Ltd., a prominent petroleum product import terminal and trader, have announced the start of the commissioning of Cai Mep LNG Terminal.

First LNG train shipment on south-north railway route launched PV GAS on September 6 started supplying the first liquefied natural gas train shipment on the north-south railway, expanding the supply map nationwide
Burgeoning China-Africa trade enables African coffee beans to arrive in China faster

People's Daily Online) 09:45, September 11, 2024

Five years ago, it would take at least three months for African coffee beans to be transported to China. Now, it can be achieved in one month or less, according to Jing Jianhua, a man who has been engaged in the coffee business in Changsha city, central China's Hunan Province, for 25 years.

This significant change is attributed to the implementation of a series of trade facilitation measures taken by China to enhance trade and economic cooperation with Africa.

Photo shows a street where African coffee is traded in the Gaoqiao Grand Market in Changsha, central China's Hunan Province. (Photo/Hunan Daily)

Africa is one of the world's most important coffee bean producing regions. Its unique natural environment and high altitudes make African coffee beans highly favored in the market, Jing said.

However, due to the long distance between China and Africa, the import of African coffee beans used to require intermediaries, resulting in long procurement cycles, unaffordable prices, and unstable quality of coffee beans, Jing explained.

The turning point began in 2018, when the 2018 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Beijing announced the implementation of eight major initiatives by China in close collaboration with African countries, with trade facilitation actions and expanding imports of African goods representing key arrangements of the initiatives.

Subsequently, the blueprint for the eight major initiatives quickly turned into reality. The China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo (CAETE) settled in Hunan, and the establishment of the China (Hunan) Pilot Free Trade Zone was approved, which included the goal of exploring new pathways and mechanisms for China-Africa economic and trade cooperation.

"Compared to five years ago, African coffee beans have easier access to the Chinese market, greatly saving transportation time and reducing communication costs," Jing said.

Nowadays, with the help of government platforms, he has met many reliable partners for business cooperation, ensuring the quality of his African coffee beans, Jing added.

Data shows that China has remained Africa's largest trading partner for 15 consecutive years.

This year, China-Africa trade has reached new heights, with China's total imports from and exports to Africa in the first seven months of this year amounting to 1.19 trillion yuan ($170 billion), setting a new high for the same period historically.

China has implemented a slew of measures and policies to boost its trade with Africa, including opening a green channel for African agricultural products and building platforms for bilateral trade between the two sides.

The CAETE and pilot free trade zone in Hunan have allowed more African products to enter China, with coffee beans being one of them.

In addition to coffee beans, citrus fruits, avocados, chili peppers, sesame seeds, and other African products have appeared on shelves in various markets across China.

Economic and trade cooperation between China and Africa is becoming increasingly close, pointed out Lyu Daliang, director of the Department of Statistics and Analysis of the General Administration of Customs.

China needs more African products, and Africa also needs more made-in-China products, indicating a promising outlook for bilateral trade development, Lyu noted.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
After Houston failed to provide nearly 900 families at four apartment complexes with sufficient relocation services after Hurricane Harvey, leaders on Wednesday voted to put more than $10.6 million in recovery dollars toward finding them and providing relief.

The allocation includes unused funds from the citys Homebuyer Assistance, Homeowner Assistance, Small Rental, Public Services, Planning and Housing Economic Development programs, housing spokesperson Javelle Johnson wrote in an email.

The deal, approved in a unanimous vote without discussion at Wednesdays council meeting, brings the total grant amount of Houstons significantly sliced recovery funds to $653.5 million.

Texas General Land Office will be tasked with seeking out the residents. Officials in April said the GLOs effort to find residents will be tag teamed with Harris County and community leaders.

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GLO spokesperson Brittany Eck said Houston officials were able to find around 222 displaced residents over the last nine months and have provided $5.72 million in relocation to 206 of them so far. The GLO has located another 300 people and have completed applications for 26 of them. Each of those families have had an average payment of $20,658 in assistance.

The GLO estimates another 370 families remain unindentified.

City of Houston crews work to remove debris along Terminal St. in the Denver Harbor neighborhood Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017, in Houston. Much of the area was flooded in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. Melissa Phillip/Houston Chronicle

State officials, alongside local leaders, are working to get back into the community to find the residents.

While the $10.6 million voted on Wednesday will not go back to the citys housing office, housing director Mike Nichols said Monday that Houston anticipates getting those dollars back through the sale of two different properties back to the GLO  one at Cityscape and another at Hardy Yards.

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The GLO has brought on AECOM, a Dallas-based engineering company, to help relocate residents, Johnson wrote in the email.

The citys allocation of money back to the GLO comes after Commissioner Dawn Buckingham told the council in April the city hadnt sufficiently provided relocation services to residents through its buyout program, through which the city was supposed to purchase flood-prone complexes and replace them with areas for water denention.

At the time, the city purchased four apartment complexes: Biscayne at Cityview, Monticello Square Apartments, Appian Way Apartments and Spring Village Apartments.

Buckingham told the council in April her office had spent months trying to find the residents.

Flood victims wade our of their neighborhood near the Addicks Reservoir as floodwaters rise from Tropical Storm Harvey on Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2017, in Houston. Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle

New era of cooperation

Nichols applauded the new and "transparent" relationship between the city and the GLO after a rocky few years with the last administration, and said the state taking over the hunt for residents was not an issue on the citys end.

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WHITMIRE AND THE GLO: Whitmire says its the dawn of a new era with Texas Land Commissioner as hurricane season nears

Things that were done prior with prior administrations are different than they are now, Nichols said. The relationship is so good and so transparent. We really go back and forth. Were fine.

While Mayor John Whitmire and Buckingham have largely pitched both of their fresh administrations as a forging of a new era between the city and the state agency, it wasnt always sunshine and rainbows between the two offices.

Former Mayor Sylvester Turner and former Land Commissioner George P. Bush did not get along through their tenures, a conflict that marred the city as it built itself back post-Harvey. As Houston moved through recovery, the GLO chastised the city for slow walking the relocation process, while city leaders scrutinized the state for making the relocation process harder than it needed to be.

The city then sued the state in 2020 as it made moves to take over the citys entire $1.3 billion portfolio, including $427 million to fix damaged homes and another $350 million to build affordable homes.

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Houston and the GLO eventually reached an agreement that led to the city relinquishing most of its program to rebuild and rehabilitate homes, and over the years the GLO continued to claw back more money, including $170 million due to missed benchmarks.

The citys pot of $664 million is roughly half of what it started with.
Growing AI applications now prevalent in healthcare, illustration photo/ Source: freepik.com

According to the Centre for Science and Technology Information of Ho Chi Minh City, there are many applications of AI in the healthcare sector. Specifically, in diagnosis and treatment of diseases, there have been more than 2,600 AI applications thus far. In models for monitoring, simulation, and forecast of diseases and epidemics, the number has reached more than 1,000.

For screening and testing, and research and development of drugs and vaccines, there have been over 250 and 68 AI applications.

However, the number of AI applications in diagnosing certain diseases and epidemics in Vietnam is not as high compared to other countrys across the globe. The highest figure is in diagnosis of cancer, hitting over 1,000 cases. The runners-up are heart diseases with 427 cases, lung diseases 138, and coronavirus with 93.

Researchers and clinicians now care about whether AI can help optimise the diagnosis and treatment process and increase patients survival time.

There are current limitations in Vietnam, mainly coming from late diagnosis, lack of human resources and modern equipment, and resistance to standard treatment. Meanwhile, the worlds newest treatment trend is the widespread application of AI.

AI applications diagnosing cancer has increased. This is because AI can accurately identify and analyse results such as gene sequencing results and histopathology. Moreover, it can quickly process and analyse large amounts of information with guaranteed high performance. It also can assist doctors in diagnosis and individualise treatment to help improve accuracy.

Cancer is increasing in Vietnam. In 2022, the country saw more than 180,000 new cases and over 120,000 deaths. And now about 354,000 people are living with cancer. Breast cancer tops the list, followed by lung cancer and liver cancer.

The process of developing an AI model to support cancer treatment is based on available clinical data, and it is possible to train AI models for purposes related to cancer treatment. AI can be applied in neoadjuvant therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and surgery.

Among these fields, there is huge potential for developing AI applications in the treatment of cancer diseases. They include analysing and making predictions about treatment prognosis and risk of treatment resistance, shortening treatment planning time, and optimising modern treatment methods.

For instance, applying AI in usage of drugs has many uses. Deep learning algorithms are used to analyse and provide potential suggestions in cancer treatment, related to the current drugs available

AI predicts the treatment response of targeted therapy. Machine learning models are used with accuracy of over 75 per cent.

AI software has also been successfully tested in prenatal screening and diagnosis in Vietnam. Successfully developing AI software to support targeted treatment of cancer, gene mutations and individualisation of treatment will bring good results to cancer patients in the county.

Going forward, the Hanoi Medical University will cooperate with the Oxford University research team to develop applied AI and software for comprehensive and individualised management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and co-morbidities in Vietnam.

The healthcare sector now needs methods and tools to evaluate the performance of AI applications in healthcare, and ensure their reliability and safety.

However, there are still many difficulties in applying AI in the medical industry. The large amount of data makes the screening at hospitals slow and not synchronous, and AI also has major impacts on medical ethics. Therefore, managers must set monitoring criteria when deploying AI in operations.

VIR is to host a conference on healthcare on September 25 in Hanoi, expecting to attract about 200 domestic and international participants. Themed Innovation for Sustainable Healthcare, the event aims to assess the importance of innovation for the development of the healthcare and pharmaceutical industry in the new development period, the importance of fostering an enabling environment for health innovation, identify the opportunities and challenges, and seek lessons learned from other countries. The conference is expected to set off a policy dialogue between government agencies and the business community, and serve as a platform for stakeholders to make themselves be heard, as well as help foster business cooperation opportunities. 2024 is a pivotal year for the healthcare sector as it reviews and amends important laws and regulations that will shape the performance of the healthcare and pharmaceutical industry in the next decade, contributing to developing a sustainable healthcare system and creating an enabling ecosystem to promote innovation. Vietnam aspires to become one of the leading countries in the region in testing, researching, and producing high-quality pharmaceuticals, striving to contribute over $20 billion to the countrys GDP by 2045. Thus, a new approach with an enabling environment to develop the healthcare and pharmaceutical industry focusing on innovation, technological advancement, and digital transformation is considered a key driving force for success, helping Vietnam develop and bring the pharmaceutical industry to a higher level.

How businesses are embracing AI The rising tide of AI redefines how businesses operate and make decisions. Nguyen Hoang Nhan, director of Technical & Digital Innovation and IT Advisory at KPMG in Vietnam, explores vital AI trends that businesses can apply to enhance performance, save costs, and elevate the customer experience.

Blockchain and AI bringing better value The combination of AI and blockchain technology is helping global venture capital flows gradually warm up after a long funding winter.

Accountants need not fear AI During a press conference on May 28 at JW Marriott hotel, as part of the Asia-Pacific Dialogue, Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) leaders predicted that the integration of AI into the accounting and auditing profession is inevitable.

(*)Dr. Nguyen Thi Trang, Hanoi Medical University
LG and its satellites established an ecosystem in An Duong Industrial Park with seven factories following an investment of more than $7.2 billion. These factories serve LG Electronics, LG Display, LG Innotek, LG CNS, LG Chemical, and LG International. In addition, about 50 LG satellite enterprises are also operating in An Duong.

The storm also damaged many other large modern factories in Haiphong's nine industrial parks (IPs).

Le Trung Kien, director of Haiphong Economic Zones Management Authority, said, "The city has so far only been able to assess the number of damaged factories in the IPs, but we have yet to calculate the specific costs."

LG is one of the biggest foreign-invested enterprises in Haiphong, with consolidated export turnover estimated at $50.6 billion. The export value of LG accounts for 43 per cent of the northern port city's export turnover.

LG contributed $530 million to Haiphong's state budget so far, equal to $66 million per year since its establishment.

Furthermore, LG generates jobs for 31,000 people, including 30,338 domestic employees and workers and 406 foreign employees with a monthly average income of VND13.1 million ($545.83) per person.

Super typhoon Yagi kills four, injures 78 Super typhoon Yagi killed four people and injured 78 others after slamming into northern localities on September 7 afternoon, according to the Vietnam Disaster and Dyke Management Authority (DDMA) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD).

Typhoon Yagi causes nine deaths, urgent recovery efforts underway Typhoon Yagi has left nine people dead and 187 others injured in several northern provinces, according to initial statistics reported as of September 8 morning.

Prime Minister calls for support for those affected by typhoon Yagi Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has called on people, businesses, organisations and localities to provide aid and support for those affected by typhoon Yagi, the third storm to hit Vietnam this year.
Public warned to be wary with online booking forms, illustration photo/ Source: freepik.com

Last week, in response to a complaint from a Hanoi resident regarding a breach of his credit card information during a hotel booking on Agoda.com, the platform confirmed it had instructed the hotel to revise its procedures. The hotel was directed not to store credit card information on paper and to ensure complete security of sensitive details, including CVC codes used by Mastercard.

Agoda clarified that providing credit card details to hotels is mandatory for bookings where payment is made at the hotel, in accordance with the platforms service usage and privacy policies. Agodas policy clearly states that our partners and accommodation providers are responsible for safeguarding credit card information, which should only be used for the specific booking, the company said, stressing that this information must not be shared with third parties or stored improperly.

This response followed a viral social media post in late August by Pham Ngoc Hieu, who revealed that his full credit card details, including the CVC code, were printed and accessible to hotel staff when he arrived at a resort in the south-central city of Phan Thiet after booking via Agoda. His card information had been passed through Agodas partner, Booking.com.

Having used Agoda numerous times, I was shocked when the hotel staff had full access to my credit card information, including the CVC code, Hieu said.

He found Agodas explanation unsatisfactory. If it was just for verification, Agoda should have printed only the last four digits and the cardholders name, he said.

Agodas privacy policy, updated in June, permits the platform to collect and share customer details such as names, addresses, and credit card information with travel providers and business partners. However, the breach raises serious concerns about Agodas ability to protect sensitive customer data effectively.

This incident mirrors a similar case in 2018, when another Agoda customer had their Visa credit card details fully disclosed during a booking in the southern offshore island of Phu Quoc.

A representative from the bank that issued Hieus credit card stated that the transaction failed to comply with Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard requirements, noting that Booking.com did not adhere to the regulations on card encryption.

The bank assured that it would work with the card network and payment provider to resolve the issue and issued a new card to the customer as a precautionary measure.

Experts warn that the exposure of full credit card details, including the three-digit CVV code used by Visa, significantly increases the risk of fraud. The potential for third parties to exploit this information is very real, making unauthorised charges a substantial risk, a cybersecurity expert said.

Huynh Trung Minh, a financial expert at HDBank, stressed the dangers of hotels printing customers credit card details for verification. This practice is unnecessary. If card details must be printed, only the last four digits should be shown, and the CVV/CVC code should never be included, he added.

Minh explained that while one-time password (OTP) authentication protects many online transactions, customers whose full credit card information is exposed remain at risk. There are foreign websites that simplify payment processes, allowing users to store their card information after entering the code without requiring OTP verification, he said.

Cybersecurity expert Nguyen Hong Phuc pointed out that this issue is widespread across the online travel industry, and not just limited to Agoda. In the hospitality sector, it is common for hotels and booking platforms to exchange full credit card details. Often, major hotel apps transmit unencrypted card data to hotels for processing, Phuc said. There are two primary risks: firstly, unencrypted credit card data stored in hotel systems are vulnerable to hacking. Secondly, booking platforms regularly send complete credit card details to hotels, making data breaches almost inevitable.

To mitigate these risks, Phuc recommends that consumers adopt more secure payment methods, such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, or AliPay, which are available on platforms like Booking.com.

These methods encrypt card details, providing an extra layer of security while ensuring the transaction is completed safely, he said.

Vo Do Thang, director of the Athena Cybersecurity Training Centre, added that major companies like Facebook, Apple, Amazon, and Google have adopted systems that eliminate the need for OTP verification after the first transaction.

Once the first payment is registered, subsequent payments can be completed without OTP, Thang said, noting that this increases the risk of fraudulent activities when credit card data is exposed.
PV Power has developed its first pilot EV charging station on Huynh Thuc Khang street, Hanoi, with an investment of VND1.8 billion ($73,000). With a total capacity of 100120kW, the station is expected to come into operation this month. PV Power will implement two other pilot EV charging stations on Tran Duy Hung street also in Hanoi.

After two years of the pilot scheme, PV Power will evaluate the efficiency of the project with a plan to develop 1,000 EV charging stations in 2035. The company has a vision to develop a comprehensive network of EV charging stations nationwide. The company continues to research and apply cutting-edge technologies to improve the efficiency and serving capacity of its stations.

Vietnam's EV market has ample opportunities to grow, signifying the tremendous potential for the development of EV charging station systems. The Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers Association (VAMA) forecasts Vietnam will hit the milestone of one million EVs around 2028 and about 3.5 million by 2040.

Despite the potential, there are some risks and challenges to investing in EV charging stations. It requires a huge investment in infrastructure and technology. Initial investment costs are high, while it takes a long time to get a return according to PV Power.

Besides financial risks, businesses also face challenges as different brands and makes of EV can require different technology, along with uncertainty over power supply deals with state utility Vietnam Electricity.

PV Power believes a legal framework is vital, alongside specific criteria and technical standards for EV charging stations. Incentives for electricity prices should be considered to encourage both investors and EV buyers.

PV Power invests over $70,000 to build electric vehicle charging station in Hanoi Petrovietnam Power Corporation (PV Power) is building a pilot electric vehicle (EV) charging station in Hanoi, marking its entry into Vietnam's fledging EV charging station market.

Singapore's Charge+ ties up with Porsche to develop charging network in Vietnam Singapore electric vehicle (EV) charging firm Charge+ has teamed up with Porsche to launch a 1,700km EV charging network in Vietnam that links Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
Businesses await further details that could see them greatly assisted in eliminating lengthy procedures, photo Le Toan

The Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) in August sent out proposals for consultation on a new draft amending the laws on planning, investment, public-private partnership investment, and bidding. If passed, the new rules will see a massive streamlining of associated paperwork in these areas.

According to the proposal, ventures in priority industries such as high technology, research and development, semiconductor circuits, design technology, component manufacturing, and others can be implemented under a green channel mechanism.

Priority projects will not have to carry out various procedures to be granted licences, permits, confirmations, and other requirements in construction, environmental protection, technology transfer, and fire prevention following the law provisions. This cutting of red tape could see an average of 250 days saved compared to regular full procedures.

According to current regulations, each procedure requires its own documents such as for investment licences and business registration, while some procedures like gaining construction licences require numerous steps.

Numerous investors want to implement the next phase of the project, but many procedural problems in the first phase make them hesitate, said Nguyen Duc Long, deputy head of Bac Ninh Industrial Zones Management Board at a meeting with the MPI at the end of August.

Removing these headaches, which can take unlimited time, will not only save significant time and costs, but minimise risks for investors. Moreover, they will clearly see the support of state management agencies for projects that are necessary for the economy, enhancing their trust.

Dang Xuan Quang, deputy director general of the MPIs Legal Department, clarified that the pre-registration and post-inspection mechanism would not be applied for all projects.

Special procedures will be applied for projects in special fields that need to mobilise investment, and they must be implemented in industrial parks, economic zones, high-tech zones, and functional areas in such zones, Quang emphasised.

These areas have been fully funded in favourable technical infrastructure, ensuring regulations on fire prevention and general planning for construction. So the risks with shortening related processes are controlled and minimised, he said.

Furthermore, investors will have to carry out their commitments on the scale, technology, implementation progress, compliance and regulations according to the laws on land, construction, environmental protection, technology, and fire prevention, the draft said.

However, industrial zone management boards said that other content should be discussed, especially the mechanism for monitoring and post-auditing projects that are applied in the green channel, and how to coordinate and conduct post-auditing that is the responsibility of various state management agencies.

Such boards believe that there should be a form of commitment so that investors do not under-commit and not make excessive commitments compared to the wishes of the state management agencies. For example, differences in criteria and standards, such as fire prevention standards in G7 countries, which are higher than those of Vietnam, are not currently accepted.

Some experts have proposed an early warning mechanism for investors, and another for them to correct non-serious violations, avoiding suspended operation.

The monitoring and post-audit mechanism is not only to fulfill the responsibility of state management agencies, but also to protect investors, which we are welcome to receive, said a Ministry of Justice representative.

Businesses say they are still awaiting further details. Nguyen My Ngoc, deputy general director of Kinh Bac Urban Development Corporation, is waiting for the procedures to become more transparent and specific.

Implementing quick procedures is suitable for high-tech projects that need to be carried out quickly. There could be a supporting team on every management board to ensure that any problems or difficulties are immediately resolved, Ngoc said.

Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Thi Bich Ngoc said that amending the four laws aims to overcome limitations to simplify administration, facilitate investment and production, and promote decentralisation to ensure the effectiveness of state management.

Hanoi focuses resources on key projects Hanoi has focused on pushing investors and contractors to increase resources and speed up the progress of major projects and works in the city in the first months of this year.

Lack of action holding back key projects Foreign investors are in critical need of support to help develop long-delayed projects worth billions of US dollars.

PM urges hastening implementation of key projects Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh urged speeding up the implementation of key transport projects to create regional connectivity in service of national development, while chairing a working session of the State steering committee for such projects held in Hanoi on August 10.
For the first time in the programme's history, two Vietnamese teams won the competition. They will represent Vietnam at the ESG Symposium in Thailand alongside other regional representatives. This impressive achievement demonstrates the tangible outcomes and practical significance of the SCG Sharing the Dream scholarship, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) strategy training activities, and SCG's "Skill Up for Life" initiatives in reducing inequality through education. By empowering youth to raise their voices and share their initiatives, SCG enables them to contribute meaningfully to local and regional sustainable development goals.

The two successful projects, "Obstacle Warning Device for Blind People" by Team B-Wings and "Garbage Enzyme from Organic Waste" by Team Garbage Enzyme, showcase the creativity and social consciousness of Vietnam's youth.

Team B-Wings developed an innovative and affordable wearable technology designed to assist blind people. They recognised the challenges faced by blind individuals, particularly in developing countries, where assistive technologies are often too expensive. The team developed a small, waist-worn device using eco-friendly materials that utilises sensors to detect obstacles from knee to chest height, complementing traditional guide canes. This device alerts users through vibration or audio signals, significantly enhancing their mobility and independence.

Team Garbage Enzymes project proposes an eco-friendly method to convert organic waste into multipurpose solutions. The project will utilise agricultural by-products and waste, such as vegetable peel, fruit scraps, and unsold produce from supermarkets and stores, that would otherwise be discarded. These organic materials will be turned into "garbage enzymes", a versatile product that can be used for cleaning household items, floors, and furniture, as well as for pest control, organic fertilisers, and bio-pesticides. The team also plans to design appropriate packaging and labels for the final product, promoting a circular economy approach while addressing waste management and sustainable product creation.

Both teams have been awarded funding to implement their projects and have been named ASEAN Ambassadors. They will have the chance to attend and present their innovative ideas at the ESG Symposium in Thailand at the end of 2024. This prestigious platform offers Vietnamese youth the opportunity to showcase their solutions on an international stage, contributing to the discussion on crucial ESG challenges across the ASEAN region.

"SCG is an organisation of possibilities where we believe in the Individuals and especially the transformative power of youth," stated Praween Wirotpan, deputy country director of SCG Vietnam. "Our ESG Ambassador programme goes beyond just supporting ideas; it empowers young people to develop and implement practical, feasible initiatives that address real-world challenges. By equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and resources required to turn innovative concepts into tangible solutions, we're nurturing a generation of socially responsible leaders. Our goal is to foster youth who are not only well-versed in ESG principles, but also capable of applying them to create sustainable, positive changes in their communities and across the region."

The journey to success began with the SCG Sharing the Dream 2023 scholarship programme, which initiated a comprehensive ESG engagement initiative. Scholars took part in extensive training sessions on sustainable development and ESG principles, designed to nurture their ideas and skills through real social projects.

The programme also included enlightening ESG factory tours of SCGs member companies in Vinh Phuc and Long An, allowing participants to observe SCG's green activities first hand. Building on this foundation, scholars then proposed real-world ESG projects through the "Community Projects in Vietnam" online competition. Throughout each round of the competition, SCG and dedicated mentors provided continuous support, offering valuable advice, expertise, and feedback to help participants refine and enhance their projects.

Nguyen Duy Khang, a representative from Team B-Wings, shared, "SCG's platform was instrumental in shaping our project and giving us the courage to present our community-focused ideas. The comprehensive training sessions provided us with a strong foundation in ESG concepts and social responsibility, while the factory tours showed us real-world applications of sustainable practices and inclusive design. The ESG camps were particularly valuable, offering an immersive environment for collaboration and idea refinement. SCG's support went far beyond education - it was truly inspirational, demonstrating how businesses can drive positive social change. Reaching the international level is both thrilling and humbling. We're excited to represent Vietnam and show how technology, inspired by ESG principles, can genuinely improve lives."

Both Vietnamese teams have achieved a significant milestone by winning the ESG Ambassador competition, marking the first time in the event's history. This outstanding achievement highlights the substantial impact and great potential of the projects presented by young Vietnamese participants. It serves as proof of SCG's success in nurturing local talent and demonstrates the ability of Vietnamese youth to create influential, sustainable solutions to meet urgent global challenges.

SCG's "Skill Up for Life" initiatives, including the ESG Ambassador programme, aim to reduce inequality through education. By promoting an ESG mindset among young people, these initiatives prepare them for the future and empower them to shape it. As these young ambassadors prepare to present their ideas in Thailand, they carry with them the hopes and innovative spirit of Vietnam, poised to make a significant impact on the global ESG landscape.

SCG named in top 1 per cent in S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment SCG has been honored as the Top 1 per cent S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment in the Sustainability Yearbook 2024 by S&P Global Inc.

SCG awards scholarships to deserving students SCG, one of the top conglomerates in the ASEAN region, has awarded 100 undergraduate scholarships worth VND1.5 billion ($60,265) to deserving students across Vietnam.
Figures from independent maritime research consultancy Drewry show that in mid-July, instant-delivery transportation cost for 40-foot containers from Shanghai to New York touched $9,387, almost double compared to February.

Dao My Linh, business director at southern-based Dony Garment Co., Ltd., revealed that with 30-40 per cent growth in the order intake, the company feels secure until the traditional Lunar New Year next January. However, transportation costs remain a thorny issue.

Most recently, Dony completed an export order to the Middle East, and their export partner had to spend six times the usual transportation cost of $1,500 for a 40-foot container.

"The Middle East is one of our key export markets, accounting for half of the companys revenue. In the rest of this year, transportation costs largely depend on the global geopolitical situation. As there are many uncertainties in the world, it is unlikely that costs will go down anytime soon," said Linh.

Dony Garment has since shifted to more stable markets in Southeast Asia, and several African nations.

"These markets offer stiff competition, but also more favourable logistics costs. In some markets, costs have yet to be affected by the geopolitical situation," Linh explained.

Nguyen Van Thu, chairman of G.C. Food JSC based in the southern province of Dong Nai, said that as of August, the companys exports have slowed.

"The retreat in order intake could be for a number of reasons, chief among them the spike in shipping costs," said Thu, adding, "Transportations cost from Vietnam to other markets in Southeast Asia and South Korea soared 200 per cent; to Japan and India up they were up 150 per cent."

A container of agricultural products often has a modest value from $10,000-15,000, whereas the transportation cost now ranges from $2,000-$3,000 per container.

Lam Thuy Ai, chairwoman of the Board of Members at Ho Chi Minh City-based production and trading firm Mebipha Co., Ltd., said, "As costs have tripled or quadrupled since the start of the year, we have crafted short-term plans, instead of long-term plans, to minimise the impact."

Shipping dock squeezes inflicting domino effect Shipping to Vietnams key export markets is facing congestion in regional ports, with exporters encountering ever more challenges.

Cooperation vital to tackle shipping rates Although shipping rates have cooled down slightly, a lasting decrease is unlikely, meaning government support and more business efforts will be required to mitigate the impact.
A ceremony to announce the news was held on September 9 by the Plant Protection Department (PPD) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), and in collaboration with the Australian Embassy in Vietnam.

Authorities from both nations have completed the final procedures for licensing the import of passion fruit from Vietnam and plums from Australia. Pomelos from Vietnam and blueberries from Australia are next on the list of upcoming products for market access.

Fruit harvested from Vietnam and exported to Australia is subject to biosecurity requirements. To minimise pest risks associated with passion fruit exports, risk management measures must be implemented to ensure growing areas, production zones, and facilities remain pest-free.

The PPD is committed to advising farmers and local authorities on production practices that meet requirements, further leveraging the advantages of passion fruit as a product.

Beyond promoting market access for passion fruit and plums, the two countries will continue to finalise the last stages to introduce Vietnamese pomelos and Australian blueberries to each other's markets.

According to vtv.vn, Andrew Goledzinowski, Australian Ambassador to Vietnam, speaking at the announcement ceremony, said, "Agricultural trade relations, including fruit, between the two countries have been continuously developing. High-quality fruits from each country have increasingly appeared in the other's market"

In addition to jointly announcing the import of passion fruit and plums, the Australian Ambassador to Vietnam mentioned that Australia is supporting Vietnam in implementing 200,000 hectares of quality, low-emission rice production as part of the government and MARD's one million ha rice project.

Agricultural trade cooperation between Vietnam and Australia has nearly doubled in the past two years, reaching about $43 billion. Currently, Vietnam is Australia's second-largest trading partner after China in agricultural exports. Vietnam is also a major partner with numerous frozen and processed agricultural products exported to Australia. The opening of agricultural markets is showing positive signs due to effective exchanges and collaborations between technical staff from both sides.

Huynh Tat Dat, director of the PPD, said, "Vietnamese fruits are exported to over 60 countries and territories. Vietnamese passion fruit is also being exported to markets with strict requirements on quality, quarantine, and food safety such as France, Germany, the Netherlands, South Korea, Taiwan, Switzerland, and Australia."

With export advantages and market potential, passion fruit is providing growers with a considerable income source. It is one of Vietnam's highest-value export fruits. Over the past five years, the production volume and export value of Vietnamese passion fruit have increased by over 300 per cent.

The area under passion fruit cultivation is trending upward, with over 12,000 hectares, mainly concentrated in the northern mountainous regions. Currently, many Central Highlands provinces are also focusing on expanding passion fruit cultivation areas.

Recently, Vietnam has focused on improving quality, implementing chain production, and ensuring traceability of passion fruit, concentrating on two varieties: yellow and purple passion fruit.

Australia supports Vietnam in developing its potential The logistics industry will receive an extra push in Vietnam thanks to a fruitful cooperative relationship with Australia.

Australia strengthens climate and energy cooperation with Vietnam Australia's Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy Jenny McAllister will travel to Vietnam to drive cooperation on climate and the energy transition under the recently signed Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and Australias Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040.

Vietnam, Australia join hands in enhancing internationalisation of higher education A series of training sessions, as part of a project on the internationalisation of higher education, concluded on April 11, reported the Ministry of Education and Training (MoET).
Anthony Franze is a native Texan and very passionate about covering any weather that is thrown at him. He can be reached at anthony.franze@express-news.net.

Anthony earned a degree in Meteorology from Valparaiso University in 2017. He has worked as a broadcast meteorologist for six years, one at NBC Montana and the next five at NewsWest 9 in Midland before joining the Express-News in July 2023.

In his free time, Anthony enjoys watching sports, checking out local restaurants and breweries, and getting outside whenever the heat allows for it. If you have any story ideas, questions about the weather or restaurant suggestions, drop him a line.
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP)  A mother, grandfather, adult brother and two caregivers in Florida have been charged with the starvation death of a 7-year-old disabled boy who weighed 7 pounds (3.1 kilograms) and had bones poking through his skin when he was found dead on Christmas, officials announced Wednesday.

Deonte Atwell had spina bifida, a birth defect of the spinal cord, and hydrocephalus, a build up of fluid on the brain. He had both breathing and feeding tubes and required around-the-clock medical care, which Broward County prosecutors say he wasn't receiving.

According to police and prosecutors, Fort Lauderdale officers and paramedics were called to the family home last year on Christmas night and found Deonte. They took him to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead an hour later, but doctors said he had likely been dead for some time.

Police say they found 264 unopened bottles of his feeding formula in the family home.

Its sad to say that Deonte had suffered all the way through his death, Detective Jacqueline Sanchez told reporters, adding that his pain was caused by the people who were supposed to be caring for him the most.

After an eight-month investigation, the five were arrested Tuesday.

Deonte's 37-year-old mother, Michelle Doe, his 21-year-old brother, Tyreck Irvin, and his 33-year-old caregiver, Cassandre Lassegue, are charged with first-degree murder, manslaughter and child neglect. Doe and Irvin are also charged with neglecting two other children, ages 9 and 16.

Grandfather James Graham, 70, is charged with aggravated manslaughter, child neglect and failure to report child abuse.

Mirlande Moltimer, the 47-year-old owner of the service that employed Lassegue, is charged with third-degree murder, aggravated manslaughter and child neglect. Both she and Lassegue also have been charged with Medicaid fraud.

A judge on Wednesday ordered Irvin, Lassegue, and Mortimer all held without bond. Graham is being held on $22,000 bond. Doe is jailed and her court appearance has been postponed until Thursday.

Court records did not indicate if the five have attorneys. The Broward County Public Defender's Office did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment.

The Florida Department of Children and Families said it is checking its records to see if its agents ever had contact with the family.
NEW YORK (AP)  With presidential candidates looking on, some 9/11 victims relatives appealed to them Wednesday for accountability as the U.S. marked an anniversary laced with election-season politics.

In a remarkable tableau, President Joe Biden, former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris stood together at ground zero just hours after Trump and Harris faced off in their first-ever debate. Trump and Biden  the successor whose inauguration Trump skipped  shook hands, and former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg appeared to facilitate a handshake between Harris and Trump.

Then the campaign rivals stood only a few feet (meters) apart, Biden and Bloomberg between them, as the hourslong reading of victims' names began. At Trumps side was his running mate, Sen. JD Vance.

The image was one of putting politics aside at this year's solemn commemoration of the hijacked-plane attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people on Sept. 11, 2001. But some victims' relatives, after reading out names, delivered political messages of their own.

We are pleading for your help, but you ignore us, Allison Walsh-DiMarzio said, directly challenging Trump and Harris to press Saudi Arabia about any official involvement in the attacks. Most of the 19 hijackers were Saudi, but the kingdom denies it was behind their plot.

Which one of you will have the courage to be our hero? We deserve better, Walsh-DiMarzio said. Shes a daughter of 9/11 victim Barbara P. Walsh, an administrative assistant.

Joanne Barbara was one of multiple readers who spoke out against a now-revoked plea deal that military prosecutors struck with alleged 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and two fellow defendants.

It has been 23 years, and the families deserve justice and accountability, said the widow of Assistant Fire Chief Gerard A. Barbara.

Biden, on his last Sept. 11 in office, and Harris paid respects Wednesday at all three 9/11 attack sites: ground zero, the Pentagon and a rural part of Pennsylvania.

The president, vice president  and, separately, Trump  laid wreaths Wednesday afternoon at the Flight 93 National Memorial near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Biden and Harris spoke with victims relatives and visited the local fire department; Trump and Vance went to a New York City firehouse earlier in the day.

The Flight 93 memorial stands where one of the hijacked planes crashed after crew members and passengers tried to storm the cockpit. Trump described the site as an incredible place in brief remarks from afar to reporters.

The attacks killed 2,977 people and left thousands of bereaved relatives and scarred survivors. The planes took down the World Trade Centers twin towers and carved a gash in the Pentagon, the U.S. military headquarters, where Biden and Harris laid a red, white and blue wreath Wednesday afternoon.

While many Americans may not observe 9/11 anniversaries anymore, the men and women of the Department of Defense remember, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said earlier in the day.

The attacks altered U.S. foreign policy, domestic security practices and the mindset of many Americans who had not previously felt vulnerable to foreign extremists.

Effects rippled around the world. Victims came from more than 90 different countries, and the U.S. responded to the attacks with a  Global War on Terrorism. U.S.-led invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq killed hundreds of thousands of Afghans and Iraqis and thousands of American troops.

Communities around the country hold events on the anniversary, which Congress has titled both Patriot Day and a National Day of Service and Remembrance.

Thousands of Americans commemorate it with volunteer work  among them Harris' running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz. He packed meals in St. Paul for people in need.

During early anniversaries at ground zero, presidents and other officeholders read poems, parts of the Declaration of Independence and other texts.

But the National Sept. 11 Memorial and Museum decided in 2012 to limit the ceremony to relatives reading victims names.

If politicians care about whats actually going on, great. Be here, said Korryn Bishop, who attended Wednesday to remember her cousin John F. McDowell Jr., who worked in finance. If theyre just here for political clout, that upsets me.

Brandon Jones was glad politicians werent on the podium.

This should be a site for coming together to find feasible solutions and peace. This should not be a place to score political points to get brownie points to round up your base, said Jones. Hes a cousin of victim Jon Richard Grabowski, an insurance firm technology executive.

In 2008, then-senators and presidential campaign rivals John McCain and Barack Obama jointly paid their respects at ground zero.

Eight years later, the Democratic nominee, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, abruptly left the trade center ceremony, stumbled while awaiting her motorcade and later disclosed that she had been diagnosed with pneumonia. The episode stirred fresh attention to her health, which her Republican opponent  Trump, who was also at that observance  had been questioning for months.

Over the years, some victims' relatives have used the forum to exhort leaders to prioritize national security, acknowledge the casualties of the war on terror, complain that officials are politicizing 9/11 and even criticize individual officeholders. Others bemoan Americans divisions or decry violence.

Its my prayer that this wicked act called terrorism will never occur again, Jacob Afuakwah said Wednesday. He lost his brother, Emmanuel Akwasi Afuakwah, a restaurant worker.

But many family members stick to tributes and personal reflections. Increasingly they come from children and young adults born after the attacks killed one of their relatives.

Thirteen-year-old twins Brady and Emily Henry read names to honor their uncle, firefighter Joseph Patrick Henry.

We promise to continue telling your stories, Emily Henry said, and well never let anyone forget all those lost on Sept. 11.

Associated Press journalists Julie Walker and Adriana Gomez Licon in New York; Josh Boak, Marc Levy and Darlene Superville in Shanksville, Pennsylvania; Tara Copp in Washington; and Steve Karnowski in St. Paul, Minnesota, contributed to this report.
WATERLOO  On Friday, MercyOne Waterloo Medical Center will host a Same Day Interview/Job Offer Hiring Event for Nursing and Nursing Support staff (CNAs, LPNs, MAs, RNs, vRN).

The event takes place from 1 to 5 p.m. at the MercyOne Waterloo Medical Center Human Resources Office, 3421 W. Ninth St. RSVPs are not required; walk-ins are welcome. Attendees are asked to park in the Rehabilitation parking lot (Lot D) and enter through the Rehabilitation entrance.

The walk-in, same-day, back-to-back interview process is designed to make it easier for the job seeker and employer to find the perfect fit. There is the potential for applicants to complete the interview process and receive an on-the-spot conditional offer during the event.

To learn more about the event, visit nursing jobs | nursing jobs at MercyOne (trinity-health.org).

6 ways AI is changing the future of healthcare 6 ways AI is changing the future of healthcare
The bipartisan Wisconsin Elections Commission again will ask the Legislature for additional state funds to create a new office within the agency focused on boosting transparency and confidence in state elections, at a time of ongoing scrutiny among some Republicans.

The agency voted 5-1 Wednesday, with Republican commissioner Bob Spindell opposed, to request just less than $2 million in additional state funds in the upcoming 2025-27 budget to create an Office of Election Transparency and Compliance Program. The request includes a $926,000 increase in Fiscal Year 2026, followed by a roughly $1.06 million increase in Fiscal Year 2027 to hire 10 full-time employees and operate the new office.

While the commission had originally intended on asking the Legislature for a pay increase for the agencys nonpartisan administrator, Meagan Wolfe, that item was not included in the final list of budget requests after Wolfe asked that such a pay bump be removed, citing more pressing needs.

Republicans have sought to oust Wolfe from the role shes held since 2018 and the state Senate voted last year to remove her from office, but a Dane County judge later ruled that vote had no legal effect. The Wisconsin Supreme Court on Wednesday agreed to take up the lawsuit.

If approved, the new office would focus on additional election integrity tasks the Legislature has sought from the agency in previous years, including election results, polling place and data integrity audits, voter accessibility programs and research of public or legislative inquiries, according to a memo detailing the agencys budget request document.

The idea was to have available to the staff the resources to do these things to increase confidence in the election administration and election process, Republican commissioner Don Millis said before the vote. That was really the genesis of this proposal.

Spindell, who voted in favor of a similar request two years ago, said he opposed the measure Wednesday because he would prefer that an office charged with auditing election administration be headed by two attorneys, one appointed by Republican leadership in the Legislature and another appointed by Democratic leaders.

Spindell said an office led by partisans would ensure both parties have the ability to have a view in terms of whats going on.

Democratic commission chair Ann Jacobs said agency staff are required by statute to be nonpartisan and such a change would require action from the Legislature.

Wolfe said the proposed office is similar to efforts taken in other states and, if approved, would help the agency provide a more timely response to public records requests and filed complaints.

The number of monthly public records requests received by the agency has increased from about two per month in 2016 to more than a dozen per month so far this year, according to the commission. The agency received an average of about 15 formal complaints annually before 2020, but that number has since climbed to more than 50 complaints a year.

We continue to have these demands, but we continue not to have the additional resources needed to meet these additional demands, Wolfe said.

Previous attempt

Two years ago, the agency requested $1.9 million in the states current two-year spending plan to create an Elections Inspector General office to expedite research and responses to inquiries and complaints from the public or members of the Legislature.

The proposed funding was included in Gov. Tony Evers 2023-25 biennial budget request, but the item was removed by the Republican-controlled budget committee as one of hundreds of items stripped from the Democratic governors request in the early days of budget deliberations.

GOP scrutiny over Wisconsin elections has persisted since the 2020 presidential election, due in large part to former President Donald Trumps repeated lies that the election was stolen. A recount, court decisions and multiple reviews have affirmed the elections results, in which President Joe Biden defeated Trump by almost 21,000 votes in the state, and they found no evidence of widespread fraud.

To me, it doesnt matter whether the concerns are really well-grounded in fact or maybe only partially well-grounded in fact, I think its incumbent on the commission to investigate to make sure that we can prove beyond a shadow of a doubt there are no problems, Millis said.

Trump has continued to waffle on the topic when asked about the 2020 election. In a recent podcast interview with Lex Fridman, Trump admitted he lost by a whisker four years ago, but during his Tuesday debate with Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump claimed the comment was merely a sarcastic remark.

Ill show you Georgia, and Ill show you Wisconsin, and Ill show you Pennsylvania, he said while listing states he claimed, falsely, to have won. We have so many facts and statistics.

An Associated Press review of every potential case of voter fraud in the six battleground states disputed by Trump found fewer than 475. Biden took Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin and their 79 electoral votes by a combined 311,257 votes out of 25.5 million ballots cast for president. The disputed ballots represent just 0.15% of his victory margin in those states.

Wolfe declines raise

One item not included in the commissions budget request was a requested salary increase for Wolfe, who has served as the agencys administrator since 2018.

The commission unanimously asked staff to include a pay increase for the administrator position in June, but materials for Wednesdays meeting state that, while Wolfe is humbled by the Commissions initiative, she respectfully requests that this item not be included in the agencys budget request list.

The memo states that other items in the list are of critical importance to agency duties and Wolfe is concerned that including a salary increase could jeopardize the likelihood that the state budget committee will approve the other requests.

Its terrible that, in 2024, a woman recognized around the country for her leadership role in elections isnt paid fairly, Democratic commissioner Mark Thomsen said.

When the head of an agency says, I dont want my fair pay up because it may be a political hitlist for the rest of the budget, ... this should not be how nonpartisan elections are run in this state, Thomsen continued.

Several state Republicans have targeted Wolfe since the commission made changes to certain procedures in the 2020 general election in response to the COVID-19 pandemic  changes that have spurred some conservatives to falsely accuse her of malfeasance.

The state Senate voted last year to remove Wolfe from her post, but a Dane County judge ruled in January the vote had no legal effect and she has continued to serve in that position  a ruling Republicans have appealed.

The Wisconsin Supreme Court, which shifted to a 4-3 liberal majority last year, on Wednesday agreed to take up the lawsuit.

Photos from the Trump-Harris debate
The voting window for the Nov. 5 presidential election is now open. Early in-person voting started Friday in three states, after absentee ballots began going to voters last week.

Here is a look at some key developments in the roughly six weeks remaining until Election Day.

Who's ready to vote?

The first batch of ballots typically sent out are ones to military and overseas voters. Under federal law, that must happen at least 45 days before an election  which this year is Saturday, Sept. 21.

Some states start earlier.

Election offices in North Carolina had been scheduled to begin sending mail ballots to all voters who requested them on Sept. 6, which would have made it the first state to begin distributing ballots. But that was delayed because presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. successfully sued to have his name removed from the state's ballot after he suspended his campaign and endorsed Trump. That allowed Alabama to become the first state to send out absentee ballots for the presidential election cycle.

North Carolina's 100 counties were finally able to send absentee ballots to military and overseas voters on Friday, Sept. 20.

Voter registration deadlines vary by state, with most falling between eight and 30 days before the election, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. The deadline is Oct. 7 in Georgia, one of this years most prominent presidential battlegrounds.

Nearly all states offer some version of in-person voting, though the rules and dates vary considerably. Minnesota, South Dakota and Virginia kicked off early in-person voting on Friday.

The gloves come off

The first presidential debate between Democratic nominee Kamala Harris and Republican nominee Donald Trump is over, and a second debate appears doubtful after Trump ruled out the possibility.

Harris' pick for vice president, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, and Trump's, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, have agreed to an Oct. 1 debate hosted by CBS News in New York City.

A possible criminal sentence for Trump

Trump had been scheduled to be sentenced Sept. 18 in his hush money criminal case, but that has now been delayed until after the election.

Trumps lawyers had argued that holding the sentencing as originally scheduled, about seven weeks before Election Day, would amount to election interference.

Trump was convicted in May on 34 counts of falsifying business records to conceal a $130,000 hush money payment to porn actor Stormy Daniels just before the 2016 presidential election. Falsifying business records is punishable by up to four years in prison. Other potential sentences include probation, a fine or a conditional discharge that would require Trump to stay out of trouble to avoid additional punishment.

Next steps in Trump's other New York cases

The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals heard arguments Sept. 6 in Trumps appeal of a jurys verdict last year ordering him to pay $5 million to writer E. Jean Carroll after it found him liable for sexually assaulting and defaming her. Trump also is appealing a verdict in a second trial in January in which a jury found him liable on additional defamation claims and ordered him to pay Carroll $83.3 million.

On Sept. 26, a New York appeals court will hear oral arguments in Trumps challenge of a nearly $500 million civil fraud judgment in state Attorney General Letitia James lawsuit against him. The court typically rules about a month after arguments, meaning a decision could come before the November election.

Trumps lawyers argue that a judges Feb. 16 finding that the former president lied for years about his wealth as he built his real estate empire was erroneous and egregious. State lawyers responded in court papers that theres overwhelming evidence to support the verdict.

What about Trump's election and document cases?

A state case in Georgia that charged Trump and 18 others in a wide-ranging scheme to overturn his 2020 loss in the state is stalled with no chance of going to trial before the election.

Federal prosecutors have brought two criminal cases against Trump, but one was dismissed by a judge last month and the other is likely to be reshaped by the recent U.S. Supreme Court opinion that conferred broad immunity on former presidents for official acts they take in office.

Special counsel Jack Smith has appealed the dismissal by U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon of an indictment charging Trump with hoarding classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida and obstructing the FBIs efforts to get them back. But even if a federal appeals court reinstates the case and reverses the judges ruling that Smiths appointment was unconstitutional, theres no chance of a trial taking place this year.

In light of the Supreme Court's immunity ruling, a federal judge in Washington is now tasked with deciding which allegations in a separate case charging Trump with plotting to overturn the 2020 election can remain part of the prosecution and which ones must be discarded. Deciding which acts are official and which are not is likely to be an arduous process.

Fights over voting and the election

Before the first ballots were even cast, both camps had been gearing up to fight over voting.

Battles over election rules have become a staple of American democracy, but they're expected to reach new heights this year.

Georgia, a state Trump narrowly lost in 2020, has become a particular concern for Democrats. A new majority aligned with Trump on the Georgia State Election Board has been making significant changes to the states election rules that could affect certification and lead to chaos within election offices that might delay final results.

Trump installed his own leadership team at the Republican National Committee, including a director of election integrity who helped him try to overturn Bidens win in 2020. The RNC has filed a blizzard of lawsuits challenging voting rules and promises that more are on the way

Democrats also are mobilizing and assembling a robust legal team. Among other things, they are objecting to GOP efforts to remove some inactive voters or noncitizens from voter rolls, arguing that legal voters will get swept up in the purges.

Republicans have particularly escalated their rhetoric over the specter of noncitizens voting, even though repeated investigations have shown it almost never happens. Some also are pushing to give local election boards the ability to refuse to certify election results.

All indications are these efforts are laying the groundwork for Trump to again claim the election was stolen from him if he loses and to try to overturn the will of the voters. But theres no way to know if that will happen until the ballots are cast.

Associated Press writers Kate Brumback and Christina A. Cassidy in Atlanta, Kim Chandler in Montgomery, Alabama, Meg Kinnard in Chicago, Nicholas Riccardi in Denver, Michael R. Sisak in New York and Eric Tucker in Washington contributed to this report, as did AP election researcher Ryan Dubicki in New York.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez called Monday for a "fair trade order" during a visit to China where he met leader Xi Jinping and aimed to boost ties despite a tariff standoff between Beijing and the European Union.

State news agency Xinhua said Sanchez met Xi on Monday, without sharing details.

Earlier, he met local counterpart Premier Li Qiang at Beijing's ornate Great Hall of the People, telling him Spain "wishes to continue strengthening its relations with China".

"We want to build bridges to defend together a fair trade order," he said in a post on X.

This, he said, "allows our economies to grow and benefits our industries and citizens".

Sanchez's trip will also take him to Shanghai on Tuesday and Wednesday, where he will meet local officials and businesses as well as inaugurate a new Cervantes Institute cultural centre.

Speaking at a forum in Beijing on Monday, Sanchez hailed "strong ties" between China and Spain.

"Even on those issues where our positions do not fully coincide, we maintain a constructive willingness to engage in dialogue and cooperation," he said in a video of his remarks shared on his social media.

"We are committed to developing a positive agenda and seeking consensual solutions that benefit all parties," he added.

Sanchez also met Monday with the Spain-China Business Advisory Council, part of efforts to "deepen trade and investment relations" between the two countries.

"Our objective is clear: to foster a balanced relationship, based on respect and reciprocity that benefits both nations," Sanchez said on X.

The Spanish premier also met with Xi during his last visit to China in March 2023, and took part in the Boao Forum for Asia -- similar to the World Economic Forum held in Davos -- in China's Hainan province.

The premier's arrival in Beijing came shortly after Venezuelan opposition figure Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia -- who insists he, not strongman Nicolas Maduro, is the country's legitimate president-elect -- fled for exile in Spain.

Speaking at a socialist party meeting on Saturday, Sanchez described Gonzalez Urrutia as "a hero who Spain will not abandon".

Beijing enjoys close ties with Maduro's government.

Sanchez's visit also comes against the backdrop of mounting trade tensions between the European Union and China.

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.

Also last month, Beijing launched a probe into EU subsidies for some dairy products imported into China.

In June Beijing 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 over 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.
The new film Reagan, starring Dennis Quaid as the former president, is doing well at the box office, but a two-hour, 15-minute movie can only capture so much about a complicated, influential character like Ronald Reagan, who died in 2004 at age 93. If youre looking for a nuanced, extremely in-depth portrait of the man, check out Reagan: His Life and Legend (Sept. 10) by Max Boot, a Russian-born military historian, national security expert, conservative journalist and Washington Post columnist.



Boot, who worked on this doorstop of a book (its 880-pages!) for 10 years, interviewed more than 100 people who knew Reagan (to the extent that anybody did), sifted through boxes in Reagan archives, and read thousands of pages of documents. I set out to tell his real story  the man, not the legend  for a country that has greatly changed since he made his moving goodbye in 1994 after getting an Alzheimers diagnosis, Boot wrote in an adapted excerpt in The Washington Post.

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Here are some things we learned about Reagan's personal life from the new biography:

1. His mother almost named him Donald Reagan

When baby Reagan was born during a snowstorm in Tampico, Illinois, on Feb. 6, 1911, his mother, Nelle Wilson, planned to call him Donald, but changed her mind because her sister had already used that name for her own son. So Donald was crossed out on the birth certificate and the baby became Ronald Wilson Reagan. Boot reports that family legend has it his father, Jack, thought the squalling newborn looked a little bit like a fat Dutchman, so Dutch was what he called himself, until he got to Hollywood in 1937.

2. Reagans mom was a devoted parent, and a major influence

Nelle was devout, strict, kind and loving, cheerful and generous  a frustrated actress, as her son described her, with a passion for dramatic recitals. Nelle once coaxed her young son into performing in public and he so liked the applause he remembered it vividly 50 years later, Reagan told the ghostwriter for his 1990 presidential memoir, New York Times reporter Robert Lindsey. 

3. He went to college because he was in love

He was deeply smitten with high school girlfriend Margaret Cleaver, the daughter of a minister, and followed her to Eureka College, a staid place in Eureka, Illinois, where no dancing was allowed  although a student revolt brought legal, supervised dancing in 1929, soon after Reagan arrived. He was on the football team, and it was here that he discovered acting. Academics werent a priority; according to Boot, his only A was in a senior-year class, the Fundamentals of Sports. A few years after graduating, Cleaver dumped him by letter, sending along with it his fraternity pin and engagement ring.

4. He was a lifesaver, literally

He worked as a lifeguard in high school, and swam competitively and for fun. In his 20s, while living in Iowa, he regularly went to a giant public pool, where he once saved two Girl Scouts who were drowning in the deep end of the pool. Those would be his seventy-eighth and seventy-ninth saves, even though he was no longer an actual lifeguard, according to Boot. He also scared a potential mugger away from a young nursing student; from his boardinghouse window in Des Moines (where he worked as a radio announcer), he saw the man demand her purse and point something at her back. Reagan shouted, Leave her alone or Ill shoot you right between the shoulders! waving an unloaded pistol. The guy ran away.

5. His dad was an alcoholic

Jack was a surly alcoholic whose drinking affected his ability to keep a job. Reagan described his father as a cynic who tended to suspect the worst of people, and he had traumatic memories from childhood of Jacks binge drinking. Reagans younger son, Ron, told Boot that his grandparents fights left the adult Reagan with an almost pathological squeamishness with regard to interpersonal conflict. 
Carliss Wileman wasnt really interested in solar panels for her New Caney, Texas, home. But when a solar energy salesman stopped by in May 2022 promising no more electric bills and a $30,000 tax rebate, she signed a form on his iPad that she thought was just paperwork. Now I have an $89,000 loan, 50 panels on my roof, and my porch leaks, says the 75-year-old retired bar and restaurant owner.

Wileman says she never applied for the loan, never received a tax incentive because she doesnt pay income tax, and her solar panels may work a little, but my electric bills are higher for some reason.

Her experience is not uncommon.

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A growing problem

Fueled by a drop in solar panel costs, an urge to fight climate change, the availability of real but sometimes confusing government incentives and a desire to save on rising energy bills, solar panel scams are hitting consumers across the United States.

I think its a perfect storm, says Minnesota Assistant Attorney General Noah Lewellen. There are a lot of start-up companies, and some make promises that never come true.

Scammers exploit the green halo around renewable energy to pull victims in, says Robert Mascio, director of Investor Education Outreach at the not-for-profit Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). They take advantage of peoples inclination to do good, Mascio says. In a 2023 Stanford University survey of 993 investors, 76 percent of people 58 and older said they were concerned about the environment and about 30 percent were willing to lose a little money to help clean it up.
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.

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.

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.


Phillips Find Mining Update

Perth, Sep 12, 2024 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Horizon Minerals Limited ( ASX:HRZ ) is pleased to provide an update on the development of the Phillips Find Gold Project ("Phillips Find").



HIGHLIGHTS



- Joint Venture (JV) Agreement executed with BML Ventures Pty Limited (BML) to develop and mine two open pits at Phillips Find



- All management, technical, operational and maintenance roles to be undertaken by BML with oversight by the Company



- Low financial risk JV structure with BML to fund all project costs, with net cashflow after the asset recovery and repayment of costs to be split 50/50 between Horizon and BML



- Mining Proposal submitted to the Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DEMIRS) to develop Phillips Find lodged in early June 2024 with approval expected shortly



- The Mining Proposal is the last key approval required to develop Phillips Find



- Existing 200kt Toll Milling Agreement executed with FMR Investments in May 2024 to be utilised for Phillips Find JV ore



- In light of awaiting final permitting, the milling schedule has been renegotiated with PhillipsFind ore treated at FMR Investments Greenfields mill from February 2025 to June 2025



- Timing of cashflows to Horizon are expected to be unaffected as initial cash from gold revenue will repay BML's working capital prior to splitting out surplus net cashflows on a 50/50 asis towards the end of the project



- Pre-production planning is well advanced, with clearing and site establishment crews and the200 tonne excavator ready to mobilise to site from mid-September 2024 subject to Mining Proposal approval.





About Horizon Minerals Limited





Horizon Minerals Limited (ASX:HRZ) is a gold exploration and mining company focussed on the Kalgoorlie and Menzies areas of Western Australia which are host to some of Australia's richest gold deposits. The Company is developing a mining pipeline of projects to generate cash and self-fund aggressive exploration, mine developments and further acquisitions. The Teal gold mine has been recently completed.

Horizon is aiming to significantly grow its JORC-Compliant Mineral Resources, complete definitive feasibility studies on core high grade open cut and underground projects and build a sustainable development pipeline.

Horizon has a number of joint ventures in place across multiple commodities and regions of Australia providing exposure to Vanadium, Copper, PGE's, Gold and Nickel/Cobalt. Our quality joint venture partners are earning in to our project areas by spending over $20 million over 5 years enabling focus on the gold business while maintaining upside leverage.

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Large Compelling Niobium Soil Anomaly Identified in WA

Perth, Sep 12, 2024 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Great Western Exploration Limited ( ASX:GTE ) is pleased to announce that it has defined a large niobium soil anomaly, named Sumo, in Western Australia.



Key Points



- Large, robust and coherent niobium lag soil anomaly defined; the anomaly has been named the Sumo Niobium Target



- Sumo, which measures 2km long by 1km wide, is located 70km south-east of Sandfire Resources' DeGrussa Copper-Gold Project and within Great Western's 100% owned Yerrida North Project



- It is also located 30km north-east of Great Western's Oval and Oval South copper-gold targets, where drilling is set to start at the Oval copper-gold target later this month



- Sumo's prospectivity is highlighted by coincident pathfinder geochemistry which supports the potential for a niobium-mineralised system



- Field reconnaissance has verified Sumo as insitu, meaning it is not related to transported sedimentary material



- Sumo is located on magnetic and gravity highs, which further supports its potential



- Heavy mineral concentrate samples have been collected, with assays pending to determine niobium mineralogy and potential type of mineralisation system and future possible drilling programmes



The Sumo Niobium Target is within the Company's 100% Yerrida North Project, located on the western portion of the Yerrida Basin, approximately 800km north-east of Perth and 90km north-west of the town of Wiluna (see Figure 1*), 70km south-east of Sandfire Resources' DeGrussa Copper-Gold Project.



The Sumo Niobium Target was defined by lag soil sampling, with a large, coherent >20ppm niobium anomaly measuring 2km x 1km wide delineated (Figure 2*).



An external geochemistry consultant was engaged by the Company to assist in the interpretation of the lag soil sampling database and the nature of the defined niobium anomalism. This work found that the Sumo anomaly is coincident with As, Ag, Bi, Cr, Mo, Sb, Sn, Ta, Ti, Th, U W and Zr, with these elements commonly associated with carbonatite niobium deposits (Figure 3*). No evidence was found that Fe or Mn scavenging had provided a false anomaly.



The Sumo niobium anomaly is located within a magnetic high (Figure 4*), which contains a small zone of gravity high within the modelled inverted gravity data, which combined with the magnetic peak at this location may potentially represent a blind carbonatite. Field reconnaissance of the anomaly found no outcrop to explain the feature. However, it was found the anomaly is insitu and not related to transported sediments.



On the geochemistry consultant's recommendation, a heavy mineral concentrate (HMC) programme was completed across the anomaly. This process involves taking soil samples across the area of anomalism followed by the completion a spectral analysis to define the niobium and associated mineralogy. This process aims to determine the niobium mineralisation style (carbonatite/pegmatite/regolith) and define the forward exploration programme at the target. It is anticipated that results from this programme will likely be returned in October 2024.



The Sumo Niobium Target is another highly promising target that has been developed by the Company through analysis of the large dataset provided to Great Western by Sandfire Resources, following withdrawal by the latter from the Yerrida North joint venture (see GTE ASX Announcement 17 August 2023).



Great Western anticipates that more prospective targets will be defined as the Company assesses the dataset, undertakes fieldwork and completes further geological interpretation.



In addition, the Company anticipates the commencement of drilling at its giant Oval copper-gold target later this month.



*To view tables and figures, please visit:

https://abnnewswire.net/lnk/M3R4DTHA





About Great Western Exploration Limited





Great Western Exploration (ASX:GTE) is an explorer with a world class, large land position in prolific regions of Western Australia. Great Western's tenements have been under or virtually unexplored. Numerous work programmes across multiple projects are underway and the Company is well-funded with a tight capital structure, providing leverage to exploration success.

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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.

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.

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.
A view of the downtown Houston skyline from the top floor of the new Tejas Beer at 2101 Summer in Sawyer Yards. This week, Houston's Gulf Coast Distillers is officially relaunching its Tejas Beer brand in the space, formerly home to Buffalo Bayou Brewing. Marie D. De Jesus, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer

Customers are returning this week to the sprawling Sawyer Yards brewery and taproom formerly occupied by Buffalo Bayou Brewing Co.

Gulf Coast Distillers, owner of Tejas Beer, will officially relaunch that brand at a grand opening this weekend, beginning with a ribbon-cutting at 5:30 p.m. Thursday and continuing for three days with giveaways, live music and beer.

The distillery, headquartered in Houston, announced in May that it had signed a lease for the space at 2101 Summer and would use it to showcase Tejas Beer, which bills itself as an everyday, everymans beer and that is sold at more than 500 locations, including Houston-area H-E-B and Specs stores.

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The grand opening marks a new chapter for the 28,000-square-foot brewery and taproom, which features a rooftop patio and views of the Houston skyline. It opened in 2018 as the home of Buffalo Bayou Brewing, a brewery founded in 2011 that leased the space after raising $1 million from about 600 investors on the crowdfunding platform NextSeed.

Despite enjoying a loyal following and a high profile in Houstons craft beer scene, Buff Brew eventually faced financial and legal difficulties. It abruptly closed in January after its lease was terminated due to nonpayment of rent, according to Sawyer Yards owner Jon Deal. Buff Brew did not respond to requests for comment at the time.

As I work day and night with our legal team and investors, please be assured that Buff Brew will return to serving the best craft beer in Houston in the very near future, wrote CEO William McLucas in a Jan. 30 Instagram post, the last post to date on the brewerys account.
Authored by Aman Nagpal, Founder & CEO of Get Marketed

As we approach 2025, the marketing and branding landscape is set to undergo significant transformations driven by rapid technological advancements, evolving consumer behaviours, and a heightened emphasis on sustainability and personalization. Simon Sineks insight that marketing is about understanding people and meeting their needs is more relevant than ever. In today's fast-paced world, capturing attention has become crucial. During the OpenAI vs. US State hearing, Sam Altman highlighted this by stating that attention, not money, will be the future currency. A products success now hinges not just on its quality, but on the ability to quickly and effectively capture consumer attention.

As we move toward 2025, here are the top trends that are expected to dominate the market in 2025, offering a glimpse into the strategies that will help businesses stay ahead of the curve and forge deeper connections with their customers.

Influencers and Community Led Marketing:

The shift from macro to micro and nano influencers will continue, with brands focusing on authentic, community-driven content. Telescoping to 2025, the focus will, in turn, be on influencers who authentically engage with their audience and promote natural interactions. Since these key opinions will focus on genuine engagement more than ever, they will be more strategic assets to the brands marketing schemes as connection and engagement are the new buzzwords in the sector. Additionally, building brand communities and engaging directly with loyal customers will become a priority.

Personalisation and Targeted Ads:

Consumers nowadays want everything to be custom-made for them. A Salesforce report finds that 80% of consumers are more likely to make a purchase when brands offer a personalized experience. Brands have mastered this science, from OTT platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime to our grocery and food delivery apps including Blinkit and Zomato. In 2025, personalization will be the key factor in maintaining the top position of to achieve consumer preferences.

The Reincarnation of Smart Ads :

The era of performance-based advertising ads is dead. Leading brands like Coca-Cola, Audi, and Netflix are focusing on how to sell and not what they have to sell. Brands are moving towards investing money in creating a great commercial experience engaging their audiences to ensure a higher recall value in their minds.

AI Marketing Tools:

AI is revolutionising the face of marketing, and the wave will only increase in 2025. From prediction of consumer behavior to content generation, the AI tools seem irreplaceable. Research shows that companies leveraging AI for data analysis have increased an approximately 12% amount of revenue. Furthermore, automation in customer service, content creation, and marketing operations will become more sophisticated, providing instant, 24/7 engagement with consumers through chatbots and AI assistants.



Instagram commerce:

Instagram is not just a social platform, but it's evolving into a powerful commerce tool. More than 30% of its users follow brands rather than socialize, and so its shoppable posts drive product discovery, making the platform an important marketing channel in 2025. Shorter format videos on such platforms further boost the chances of a successful marketing camping along-with the brand tagging options that ensures a page is linked to the post/videos to follow.

Visual Search:

Visual search is an emerging trend that's just about to skyrocket. Google Lens and Pinterest Search are two of those tools enabling consumers to find their most-preferred products in an increasingly visual way. E-commerce apps like Myntra has already started using visual search to help their consumers find the perfect outfits just from the reference images. This trend is enormous and quite creative, making it one of the most sort after tools in the coming years.

Data Privacy and Trust: With growing concerns over data privacy, brands that prioritize transparent data practices and respect for customer data will gain a competitive edge. Building trust through secure and ethical use of consumer data will be crucial and hence one of the key factors to build a brands reputation.

Immersive Experiences with AR/VR: Augmented and Virtual Reality will play a significant role in creating immersive brand experiences, from virtual try-ons in fashion to interactive product demos, enhancing customer engagement and purchase decisions. Brands like Myntra, Amazon Fashion, Lenskart and others have already joined this race to provide the best experience to their consumers.

3D Outdoor Billboards

One of the most creative and popular trends that has entered the market is ten use of 3D outdoor billboards. Brands have hopped on this wagon and wonderfully so. 3D technology produces a hyper-realistic larger-than-life three-dimensional visual of anything, from a movie trailer to an iPhone ad. Well-executed 3D footages highlight a perspective that lives on in the viewers minds long after they have come across the signage. Such large outdoor advertising displays help bring the brands person to life. With a visual so close to reality, the potential audience will be more willing to Google up and learn about your business.

DISCLAIMER: The views expressed are solely of the author and Adgully.com does not necessarily subscribe to it.
Archies, A legacy brand in a social expression industry for decades, is entering a new phase of its journey. Known for bringing emotion to life through its extensive range of greeting cards, gift wraps, and more, the brand is now embracing the rapid evolution of retail with its foray into the quick commerce sector. Last year, Archies saw a remarkable 6 crore in sales through platforms like Blinkit, Zepto, and Swiggy Instamart, and the brand has set an ambitious target of 15 - 18 crore for FY 2025, a phenomenal 150% - 180% growth. This marks a significant shift for a brand steeped in tradition, as it adapts to a fast-paced, technology-driven consumer landscape.

With ongoing talks to partner with BigBasket now and Flipkarts 10-minute delivery service, Archies is positioning itself as a frontrunner in the quick commerce space. The goal is to meet the demands of todays consumers, who expect products in the blink of an eye, without sacrificing the sentimental value attached to each purchase.

Speaking on the brands direction, Varun Moolchandani, Executive Director of Archies Limited, says, Were not just responding to trends, were shaping them. The way people shop is changing rapidly, and were ensuring that our products, which have always been a symbol of thoughtfulness, are readily available for their convenience. Our quick commerce partnerships are just the beginning as we look to combine speed with the emotional connection that Archies has always represented.

Moving Forward, the brand is also setting its sights on global expansion, aiming to enter countries where the Indian diaspora is heavily represented. Markets like the Middle East, UK, Canada, and Southeast Asia are on the radar. Archies plans to tap into these regions through channel partners, bringing its beloved brand of social expression to international shores. The strategy is simple, where there are Indians, there is an opportunity for Archies to thrive, creating a bridge between cultures and emotions.

Moolchandani elaborates, We are making a concerted push into international markets, targeting regions where the Indian community has a strong presence. Theres a deep, emotional resonance with our brand, and were excited to bring that connection to a new audience globally. Our expansion will reinforce Archies as not just an Indian legacy, but a global one.

Even as the brand ventures into international territories, it remains deeply committed to its domestic roots. Archies plans to open 15-20 new company-owned stores by the end of FY 2025, focusing on prime locations in malls and high-end streets across North India. This expansion, coupled with a growing presence in modern trade formats, ensures that Archies stays close to its loyal customer base while tapping into new avenues for growth.

Archies is also driving significant growth in its online and marketplace operations. With established partnerships with major e-commerce platforms like Flipkart, Myntra, and Amazon, Archies is aiming for around 150% growth in FY 2025. The brand is currently in talks with Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) and FirstCry to further expand its online presence. This strategic focus on digital channels aligns with the brands overall vision of making its products accessible to a wider audience, anytime, anywhere.

Beyond the realm of retail and quick commerce, Archies Print and Pack division, a lesser-known but vital part of the company, continues to flourish. The division saw revenues of 22 crore from both domestic and exports in FY 2024, reflecting a 36% growth from this fiscal year, with an expected increase to 30 crore by the end of FY 2025.

As Archies moves forward, its vision remains rooted in the idea of connection, whether its through a thoughtfully selected greeting card, a gift wrapped in vibrant paper, or the growing presence of the brand across both domestic and international markets
India's leading fitness membership, FITPASS, is embarking on an aggressive growth strategy to dominate the fitness industry. The company has announced a significant expansion of its leadership and operations teams, with plans to penetrate the aggregation and standardisation of gyms and fitness centres to reach 500 cities across India by mid-2026. This strategic hiring spree is driven by FITPASS' commitment to strengthening its core verticalsnetwork expansion, monetisation, sales, and category growth - in response to the rising demand for accessible, affordable, convenient and innovative fitness solutions. By capitalising on this trend, FITPASS aims to reshape the fitness landscape across India.

Spearheading this ambitious drive is Avnish Sharma, newly appointed Vice President of Network Growth & Monetisation. Sharma, a veteran with over 14 years of experience at tech giants Paytm and Practo, will be instrumental in FITPASS' rapid expansion into tier 2 and tier 3 cities. His role is pivotal not only for growth but also for driving profitability and optimising revenue streams across the network of gyms and fitness centres in both new and established markets.

Preeti Singh steps in as AVP of Growth and Alliance (Corporate Sales). With over a decade of experience in corporate sales and benefits consulting with renowned organisations like HCL Tech, Squickr, Via.com and more, Singh will report to Mr. Mohit Dang, Vice President of Revenue & Partnerships (Corporate Sales). Together with Mr. Dang, she will work on expanding FITPASS' corporate partnerships and driving significant market penetration.

Complementing the brands future vision, they have also onboarded four other experts to propel its aggressive expansion:

.Manish Prajapati, appointed as AVP of Network Growth and Monetisation, brings significant expertise from his tenure at healthcare leaders Apollo and Practo. He will work closely with Mr. Sharma to drive brands network growth and expansion. His extensive experience in scaling networks within the healthcare sector will be instrumental in driving FITPASS' expansion efforts, as he possesses a profound understanding of regional dynamics and growth strategies.

Rishabh Tiwari joins as Senior Manager of Network Growth and Monetisation under the leadership of Mr. Sharma, bringing nine years of industry experience to the table. Tiwari's expertise in market analysis and strategic planning will be instrumental in identifying high-potential markets and optimising FITPASS' expansion strategy across diverse geographical regions.



Savneet Kaur joins as Senior Sales Manager (Corporate Sales), bringing nine years of experience from industry heavyweights like Cure.fit and ITC Fortune. Kaur will assist Mr. Dang and Ms. Singh to accelerate sales growth, playing a key role in FITPASS' aggressive growth agenda.



Yusuf Ahmed takes on the role of Category Manager, leveraging his decade of experience across major fitness brands such as Cure.fit (Cult.fit), Fitline India, Fitness First India, and Gold's Gym. Ahmed will lead efforts to keep FITPASS at the forefront of industry trends, ensuring that its offerings continue to set new benchmarks.

This expanded team aims to grow FITPASS' premium gym and fitness centre network to over 10,000 locations by the end of 2025 while broadening the company's footprint across 1,500-1,600 PIN codes. The focus extends beyond mere expansion, with a clear mandate to drive profitability, optimise revenue streams, and keep FITPASS at the forefront of industry trends

"Our team's expansion reflects our unwavering commitment to revolutionising the fitness industry in India," said Akshay Verma, Co-founder of FITPASS. "The collective expertise of our new leaders will enable us to scale rapidly and effectively, especially as we expand our network into tier 2 and tier 3 cities. Currently, users across 573 cities are already engaging with our platforms digital offerings- A.I. fitness training module and nutrition consultations, this is a significant milestone, not just for FITPASS, but for a fitter Bharat. We are confident that with their combined strengths, we will continue to deliver exceptional value to our users and partners while leading the industry's evolution.

This strategic move comes at a crucial time for India's fitness industry, which is undergoing rapid transformation driven by a post-pandemic surge in health and wellness priorities. By strengthening its leadership and focusing on innovation, FITPASS is not just adapting to market trendsit's reshaping the future of fitness in India, particularly in tier 2 and tier 3 cities. The company is poised to meet the rising demand for new-age and flexible fitness solutions, solidifying its position as the go-to platform for health-conscious Indians across the nation.
The Indian Society of Advertisers (ISA) has rolled out the ISA Media Charter. This initiative is aimed at enhancing transparency, security, and collaboration within the countrys fast-growing digital advertising landscape. The event saw the launch of the four key playbooks addressing Brand Safety, Viewability, Ad Fraud and First-Party Data. The event was attended by advertisers, agency partners and publishers.

Sunil Kataria, Chairman of ISA and CEO-Lifestyle Business, Raymond Ltd., stated, With over 70 years of advocating for advertisers, the Indian Society of Advertisers (ISA) has continually pushed the boundaries within the advertising ecosystem, promoting effective & effective advertising practices. The launch of the ISA Media Charter is a landmark initiative that addresses the critical pillars of Brand Safety, Viewability, Ad Fraud, and First-Party Data. As we embrace this next phase of digital transformation, the charter will play a crucial role in enhancing collaboration between advertisers, agencies, and publishers, ensuring that Indias digital advertising landscape grows stronger, safer, and more transparent.

Tejas Apte, ISA Media Forum Head and General Manager - Media, South Asia, Unilever, added here, The media charter released last year called out key priorities for ISAs Media Forum. Over the last few months we have worked with members of the ISA, agency partners and publishers to co-create four playbooks. Through the implementation of these playbooks we want to make digital advertising safe, transparent and trustworthy for advertisers while improving the experience for end users.

Ankit Desai, ISA Media Forum Co-chair and Head - Media, Digital Marketing and Brand PR (India & Global Centre of Excellence), shared, The ISA Media Charter will not only enhance trust and transparency but also empower advertisers to make more informed decisions. As we navigate the complexities of the digital world, the ISA Media Charter will serve as a compass, guiding us towards more effective, ethical, and consumer-centric advertising practices. Its a testament to our commitment to fostering an ecosystem, where innovation thrives alongside responsibility.

The ISA Media Charter reflects the collective efforts of the advertising industry to address ongoing challenges and ensure a cohesive approach toward a transparent and consumer-friendly digital landscape.

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In conversation with Adgully, Saurabh Vidyadhar Gadgil, Managing Director, PN Gadgil Jewellers, speaks at length about the companys Initial Public Offering (IPO), which was launched yesterday. With a goal to raise Rs 1,100 crore, this IPO is a significant milestone for the company, comprising Rs 250 crore through an Offer for Sale (OFS) and Rs 850 crore as fresh capital. Gadgil elaborates on how the funds from the IPO will be strategically utilized for expanding the companys store network, repaying existing bank facilities, and supporting general corporate purposes.

He also provides deep insights into the companys journey, its impressive financial performance, and the strategic rationale behind going public at this pivotal time. Gadgil also shares his views on the current jewellery industry trends, the expected impact of the IPO on the companys brand positioning, and the strategies in place to ensure sustained growth and profitability, and more.

Could you take us through your journey at the helm of PNG Jewellers?

During the festive season, particularly around Diwali, business was thriving. It was a fun time, seeing customers looking at jewellery, counting cash, it was a lively atmosphere. That experience naturally deepened my knowledge and likening for the industry. After my school and college days, during my MBA, I did an internship with the RBI in Mumbai, where I studied the futures market of gold, which at that time was non-existent in India. This study led me to interact with many bankers, policymakers, and government officials, further broadening my understanding of the industry.

In 2000, I joined the family business. At that time, we had a single store on Lakshmi Road, with revenue of Rs 20 crore, which was entirely family-run. The journey began from there. One of the first things we did was conduct a SWOT analysis of the business. What stood out as a significant threat was that Pune city had changed  women were working, and they were decision-makers themselves. We realized that if we didnt expand, we would be left behind.

This marked the beginning of our transformation from an owner-driven organization to a professionally managed one. Over the past 20 years, weve made this shift, and today we are fully professionalized, with experts managing various functions in the best possible way. It has been a rewarding journey, growing from a single store to 39 stores, from Rs 20 crore in revenue to Rs 6,000 crore. Along the way, weve had the privilege of adorning millions of customers and building a team of people who share the same passion for PNG as I do.

Today, as a team, we are proud to see the realization of a dream we envisioned a decade ago of becoming a major player in Maharashtra and being listed. Its a proud and emotional moment for all of us.

How much are you expecting to raise from the market with PNGs IPO? What would the funds raised be primarily spent on?

We are planning to raise Rs 1,100 crore from the capital market, out of which Rs 250 crore will be through an Offer for Sale (OFS), and Rs 850 crore will be fresh capital. Out of the Rs 850 crore, we plan to utilize Rs 393 crore for the expansion of 12 stores, nine of which will open this year, and three by March of next year. Additionally, Rs 300 crore will be used for the repayment of existing bank facilities, with the remaining amount allocated for general corporate purposes (GCP).

Could you provide a brief overview of PN Gadgil Jewellers journey and what led to the decision to launch the IPO at this time?

Post-COVID, we realized the need to rethink the way we do business. We revamped our entire model by scaling down inventory and focusing heavily on customer-based orders. This shift led to greater efficiency and improved stock turnover. Over the next three years, we experienced a growth of almost 50% CAGR on our top line. This rapid growth, along with the strength of our dedicated team, many of whom have over 20 to 30 years of experience in their respective fields, made us recognize that we are poised for the next leap forward.

At the same time, the entire industry was undergoing significant changes. Hallmarking became mandatory, and the shift from unorganized to organized sectors was happening at a rapid pace. This made us realize that it was the right time to expand further. Jewellery is a capital-intensive business, with each store requiring significant investment, so we decided that the best way to fund our expansion journey was to access the capital market.

All of our stores are currently profitable, and we are known for operating with higher margins and higher footfall. Our revenue per square foot is Rs 6 lakh, so we have our parameters set right. With two decades of market understanding and a loyal consumer base that trusts us, we set the goal to become the largest player in Maharashtra. This is where were headed, and we believe that going public will help us achieve this goal and continue growing into neighboring states.

With the jewellery industry facing fluctuating consumer trends, how is PN Gadgil Jewellers planning to stay competitive and relevant in the market?

Retail is all about the details. Things change every day, and one must stay informed about whats happening in the market and with the competition. Thats exactly what we do. Challenges related to design and pricing are part and parcel of the retail trade. As a team, we constantly brainstorm, analyze trends, and strive to stay one step ahead.

These operational challenges are inevitable, but as a team, we are quick to adapt and keep moving forward. Our primary focus remains the same: ensuring that our customers receive the best products and the best service from us.

How do you see the IPO impacting your brands positioning in India and internationally?

I think an IPO is like moving from playing in the Ranji Trophy to representing the international team, it is definitely a larger platform. We expect it to have a significant impact on both the brand and our reach. However, the real reason behind this move is our desire to keep growing and to connect with more consumers, making them happy through our products and services.

Yes, its certainly a bigger playing field and a larger stage, and we are excited to be part of it. We look forward to reaching a wider audience and welcoming more people into the PNG family.

Could you share more details about the financial performance of PN Gadgil Jewellers over the past few years and the rationale behind the Rs 1,100 crore IPO size?

Over the last two to three years, we have experienced revenue growth at a CAGR of 53%. Additionally, we have delivered strong returns with RoC and RoE at 23% and 27%, respectively. Our PAT and EBITDA margins have also improved significantly post-COVID. During the pandemic, when everyone was facing challenges, we took the opportunity to strategically plan for the next two to three years, and weve executed that plan effectively.

As a result, today, we have achieved revenue of Rs 6,100 crore with an EBITDA margin of 7%, a gross margin of 13%, and a PAT margin of around 4%. Our current PAT stands at approximately Rs 150 crore.

Could you elaborate on the companys strategy for balancing growth with profitability post-IPO?

Post-IPO, the proceeds will definitely help boost our sales, and we are also planning to increase the number of stores. This will, in turn, improve both our bottom line and margins. However, theres another strategic angle that were considering: enhancing our product mix. Currently, our studded jewellery accounts for 11-12% of our offerings, but as a management team, we are aiming to surpass 15%. By doing so, our profitability and margins are expected to improve significantly compared to our peers. The IPO proceeds will certainly play a vital role in building a strong long-term capital base for the company.

How has H1 of 2024 been for the entire jewellery industry? What are the key and notable trends and changes that you have observed?

H1 has been good for the overall industry, largely due to the import duty cut, which has led to a surge in sales across the sector. Weve observed similar trends at PNG. August, the month of Shravan, was particularly strong and even set some records in various ways. The outlook remains positive, with peoples confidence in jewellery and gold as an investment staying strong and committed. The industry as a whole is in a bullish mode. With the upcoming festive season, including Dussehra, Diwali, and the wedding season, Q3 and Q4 are expected to be strong for the industry, and we are optimistic about our performance as well.

What are the notable shifts in consumer behaviour that you observe for the H2?

One major shift that we have observed is the rapid movement of consumers from the unorganized to the organized sector, and this trend continues to grow as we speak. Another significant development is the renewed faith in gold, whether its gold bars, coins, or jewellery. Despite prices rebounding after the import duty cuts, peoples interest and inclination toward gold remain strong. This is a positive trend for us, and it also reflects the strength of the Indian economy and the resilience of consumer spending. People today recognize that they are on a growth trajectory, both personally and nationally. Consumption is driving this boom, and I believe we are at the beginning of a broader consumption surge. The best is yet to come.

In terms of growth in ad spends, what are your expectations from H2?

I believe growth should be strong, driven both by existing stores and the new stores were adding. In terms of advertising spend, we plan to continue allocating about 1% of the top line. Since were focusing on growth within Maharashtra, we wont be investing heavily in brand building or marketing here, but rather maintaining our current efforts. This approach will positively impact our margins, as well see growth in the top line without a corresponding increase in expenditure. This strategy is expected to play out well for us, as we have a deep understanding of the market and a strong consumer base. Word of mouth will continue to be a major driving force as we move forward.

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Radio ad volumes during Jan-Jun24 witnessed growth of 3% compared to Jan-Jun23. Compared to Jan-Jun22, there was increase in ad volumes of 9% in Jan-Jun24; also, ad volumes in Jan-Jun23 increased by 6% over Jan-Jun22.

Services sector solely had 31% share of the radio ad volumes in Jan-Jun24 and also retained its 1st position in this period. Also, Auto sector ascended to the second position in H124 over H123 with 10% share of ad volumes. The Top 3 sectors together accounted nearly for 50% share of ad volumes. All the Top 10 sectors from H1'23 remained in the top 10 in H1'24 with minor rank shift.

Properties/ Real Estates and Hospital/ Clinics retained their 1st and 2nd positions with 16% and 7% shares of the ad volumes, respectively, in H124 over H123. Both the categories belonged to the Services sector. Cars ascended to the 3rd position in Jan-Jun24. Schools were the only new entrants in the top 10 categories in Jan-Jun24 over Jan-Jun23.

The Top 10 Advertisers contributed 12% share of the ad volumes on Radio. LIC of India retained 1st position in Jan-Jun24. Maruti Suziki India retained its 2nd position in Jan-Jun24 compared to Jan-Jun23. Six out of 10 were the new entrants in Top 10 advertisers list on Radio.

The Top 10 Brands contributed 7% share of Radio Ad Volumes. LIC Housing Finance was the leading brand on Radio medium, followed by Alishan in Jan-Jun24. LIC Jeevan Utsav, Acko General Auto Insurance and Vision 204 were the exclusive brands present in the Top 10 list of brands in Jan-Jun24 over Jan-Jun23. Three out of the Top 10 brands were from Banking/ Finance/ Investment sector, while the other two were from the Auto sector during H124.

Over 145+ Categories registered positive growth in H124. Cars among categories saw the highest increase in Ad secondages with growth of 57%, followed by Retail Outlets-Jewellers with 29% growth during Jan-Jun24 compared to Jan-Jun23. In terms of growth %, Computer Printers category witnessed highest growth % among the Top 10, that is, 8.3x in the Jan-Jun24 period.

Gujarat and Maharashtra retained their 1st and 2nd positions with 20% and 19% shares of ad volumes, respectively, during H124. The Top 5 States accounted for 66% of the total ad volumes. Jaipur was the leading city among the 18 cities on Radio, followed by Nagpur in Jan-Jun24. The Top 10 cities accounted for 69% of the total ad volumes on Radio.

When it comes to advertising share by time bands on radio, Evening was the most preferred time-band for advertising on Radio, followed by Morning and Afternoon time-bands. Evening and Morning time bands together added 69% share of the ad volumes.

Ad Commercials with 20-40 seconds was most preferred for advertising on Radio during both the periods. 20-40 seconds ad and <20 seconds ad collectively added 94% share of ad volumes on Radio in Jan-Jun24.
On September 10, a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed in the Supreme Court, seeking the establishment of an independent regulatory body to monitor and control content on OTT platforms in India. The petition, submitted by lawyers Shashank Shekhar Jha and Apurva Arhatia, highlights the need for regulation, citing the Netflix series IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack, which claims to depict real events. The petition notes that while the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) oversees film screenings, digital platforms like OTT services operate without similar oversight. The petitioners request the Supreme Court to direct the government to create the 'Central Board for Regulation and Monitoring of Online Video Content', led by a senior IAS officer and comprising members from various fields, to regulate digital content for Indian audiences.
The One Club for Creativity has announced that Tay Guan Hin, a long-time creative leader in Asia Pacific, has joined the global non-profit organization in the newly created position of APAC Regional Director for awards, programs, and partnerships.

The addition of Guan Hin to this new role represents a major commitment by The One Club to significantly grow its presence and level of industry support in APAC. He will be responsible for elevating all of the Clubs awards, programming, partnerships, and membership in the region, primarily focusing on growing the ONE Asia Creative Awards and supporting a thriving regional creative community.

He will also enhance the organizations visibility by establishing strategic partnerships with agencies, brands, production companies, creative associations, schools, and media in APAC, and developing regional events and educational programs.

Guan Hin joins The One Club from BBDO Singapore, where he was Creative Chairman and a BBDO Asia Creative Council member. In addition to founding TGH Collective, a successful independent creative boutique agency, his experience includes serving in regional and global agencies such as Wunderman Thompson, Grey, Leo Burnett, and Saatchi & Saatchi for blue chip clients like Visa, Unilever, Audi, HSBC, Nestle, Shell, Abbott Nutrition, and Johnson & Johnson.

He has also authored the best-selling Penguin book COLLIDE, presented at TEDx conferences, served as President of Asia Professional Speakers, and currently sits on The One Clubs International Board of Directors.

The appointment of Guan is pivotal in expanding our presence and support in APAC, said Kevin Swanepoel, CEO, The One Club. Weve had a strong relationship with him for many years: hes a board member, served on our awards juries, hosted Portfolio Night in Singapore, and was featured in our popular A Creative Perspective video series. Guan is a recognized creative leader in the region who is ideally suited for this opportunity, and were excited to have him on the team.

Having spent years in global network agencies, Ive seen firsthand the incredible talent we have across the Asia Pacific region, said Guan Hin. I look forward to bringing our creative community even closer, building on the strong foundation weve established, and exploring new ways to inspire, connect, and innovate together through meaningful partnerships and programs.

In addition to working on ONE Asia, he will also promote The One Clubs leading global awards: The One Show, ADC Annual Awards, Type Directors Club TDC competition and scholarships, TDC Ascenders, Young Ones Student Awards, Young Guns, Next Creative Leaders, and ONE Screen Short Film Festival.

Ongoing club programming with growth potential in APAC includes Portfolio Night, and initiatives from the clubs Creative Development department, such as ONE School, ONE Creator Lab, Executive Creative Summit, Creative Leaders Retreat, Brand-Side creative conference for in-house agency teams, and others.

Guan Hin will be based in Singapore, work directly with The One Club-APAC team in Shanghai, and report to Swanepoel in New York.

The One Club for Creativity  home of The One Show, ADC Annual Awards, Art Directors Club of Europe (ADCE) awards, ONE Asia Awards, Type Directors Club and competition, TDC Ascenders, Young Guns, Young Ones Student Awards, Next Creative Leaders, ONE Screen Short Film Festival, and more  is the worlds foremost non-profit organization whose mission is to support and celebrate the success of the global creative community. Revenue generated from entries to its global awards shows goes back into the industry to fund programming under the organizations four pillars: Education, Inclusion & Diversity, Gender Equality, and Creative Development.

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A utility line crew works to replace an older wooden power pole with a modern metal pole along Westpark Drive near the IH-610 interchange Tuesday, Sep 10, 2024 in Houston. Kirk Sides/Staff photographer

CenterPoint Energy representatives assured customers that improvements have been made since Hurricane Beryl as the Gulf Coast braces for Hurricane Francine to make landfall.

The storm, which meteorologists project will make landfall somewhere in eastern Louisiana, is expected to strike the southern U.S. Wednesday. While Francines current path places it well outside of the Houston area, officials from CenterPoint said at a Tuesday news conference that they remain prepared for any complications that may arise from the storm.

SURPRISE STORM: Hurricane Beryl was the latest wakeup call for Houston and CenterPoint

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Following Beryl, we promised our customers and stakeholders we would strengthen our resiliency and improve our preparedness, and we are committed to doing just that, said Darin Carroll, senior vice president of electric operations for CenterPoint. We have a plan to address the potential impacts of [Hurricane] Francine and the communities were privileged to serve.

For Houston, that plan includes more than 1,300 personnel who continue to trim vegetation in and around the city. Another 1,850 employees are also being held in reserve outside the expected path of Francine and will remain on standby to address any problems impacting local power distribution.

Carroll said the company has decided to release two-thirds of the 1,500 workers it had tapped for additional support ahead of the storm. The company determined these employees would be better used by other providers in the direct path of the storm, according to Carroll.

We made that decision in an informed way using damage models that weve developed, Carroll said. Weve been tracking those damage models throughout this entire event in terms of natural gas actions.

CenterPoints electric service territory is primarily located in Texas, but the company provides natural gas to more than 2.3 million customers in Louisiana and Mississippi. Carroll said CenterPoint has been monitoring flooding projections and forecasts and has strategically placed gas crews in areas expected to bear the brunt of the storm.

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Tony Gardner, chief customer officer for CenterPoint, said the company has taken steps to notify gas customers of potential safety concerns and what actions to take in the event of a leak. So far, CenterPoint has notified 820,000 gas customers and has reached out to more than 3,000 of its critical care customers  an umbrella term that includes hospitals, fire stations and other high-priority customers.

While Francine may not directly impact Houston, rainfall is expected in areas south of the city like Galveston and Lake Jackson. Officials are bracing for the worst of the storm to hit Louisiana and Mississippi.
It is once again that time of the year when all of Maharashtra gets bedecked to celebrate Ganeshotsav and welcome Lord Ganesha for his annual ten day visit to homes and pandals across the state. To celebrate the spirit of Ganeshotsav for Lord Ganeshas devotees across the country, leading telecom operator Vi has arranged for live streaming of Mumbais iconic Ganesh idol, Lalbaugcha Raja, directly on Vi App and Vi Movies & TV App. This initiative allows devotees to partake in the spiritual fervor of Ganesh Chaturthi from the comfort of their homes, ensuring that the blessings of Bappa reach everyone, everywhere.

During the ten-day Ganeshotsav between September 7th to 17th 2024, Vi users can witness the grandeur of Lalbaugcha Raja and virtually attend the rituals and festivities in real-time. Vi will be streaming Live Darshan of Lalbaugcha Raja, four Ashtavinayak shrines- as well as iconic temples like Shri Babulnath Temple, Shri Mumba Devi Mandir & more.. This initiative underscores Vodafone Ideas commitment to leveraging its mobile network to bring people closer to their traditions and cultural heritage.

Vi users can immerse themselves in the daily rituals and 'LIVE aartis' of Lalbaugcha Raja during the entire ten-day festival by simply downloading the Vi App or Vi Movies & TV App & stream it for FREE, in partnership with Shemaroo.

Live Darshan of Morgaon, Siddhatek, Ranjangaon and Theur deities will continue to be available for Vi users even after the ten day Ganeshotsav concludes.

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Wondrlab, India's largest platform-first martech network, has unveiled its latest campaign for Hettich, depicting how the brand's innovative furniture fittings solutions and built in appliances can bring a touch of magic into everyday homes.

The objective of the campaign is 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," Wondrlab, with the help of an 8-year-old magician, infuses a sense of wonder and enchantment into the campaign narrative.

Speaking about the campaign, Jiteen Aggarwal, CMO of Hettich India & SAARC, said, "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."

Commenting on the creative approach, Amit Akali, CCO of Wondrlab Network, said, "Furniture fittings are often unnoticed heroes in our daily lives. We wanted to highlight how Hettich's products subtly yet significantly enhance everyday experiences, filling life with a sense of magic. Using a magician allowed us to vividly demonstrate the functional elegance and transformative impact of Hettich's solutions. We pushed the idea forward with the youngest magician, leveraging the playfulness of an 8-year-old boy. The products aided him in his performance and clearly showed what Hettich brings to homes  magic."

The Youngest Magician" campaign is now live across various media platforms, inviting audiences to experience the everyday magic that Hettich brings into homes.
15 Killed in Hathras as Bus Collides With Van on NH-93, Injuries Reported 2

At least 15 people, including women and children, were killed in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, after a roadways bus collided with a van on National Highway 93. Thirteen others were injured and are receiving treatment at a government hospital.

The incident occurred on Friday near Kanwarpur village, about 10 km from Hathras district headquarters, as the bus attempted to overtake the van. The passengers were en route to Agra from Hathras when the tragic accident took place.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath responded promptly, directing district officials to manage relief efforts and ensure medical treatment for the injured. The Chief Minister also announced financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for those seriously injured.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu expressed condolences to the families of the victims. PM Modi also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the deceaseds families and Rs 50,000 for the injured. The local administration is overseeing aid to the victims under state supervision.
CM Shinde Advocates E-Governance for Transparent and Efficient Administration 2

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Tuesday strongly advocated for the widespread adoption of e-governance, emphasizing its vital role in improving public service delivery and fostering trust in the administration. Speaking at the inauguration of the 27th National Conference on e-Governance titled Developed India: Safe and Sustainable e-Service Delivery, CM Shinde highlighted the swift implementation of the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana as a testament to the benefits of e-governance.

He noted that through the use of e-governance, the state government was able to deposit two instalments of Rs 1,500 each directly into the bank accounts of eligible women beneficiaries in record time. E-governance is not merely a technological advancement but a medium to change the mindset of people, leading to greater transparency and trust in the administration, Shinde said.

The Chief Minister further pointed out that e-governance has simplified property registration processes across Maharashtra, allowing transactions related to buying and selling houses to be completed smoothly online. Shinde credited Prime Minister Narendra Modis principle of minimum government, maximum administration as a guiding force behind the states aggressive e-governance initiatives.

He also revealed that the Chief Ministers Secretariat has fully transitioned to an e-office system, with plans to extend this to all ministries. Shinde emphasized that all services under Seva Adhikar in Maharashtra are now available online, reducing administrative delays and making the system more responsive to citizens needs.

In addition, Shinde announced the establishment of a central registration centre at the Mantralaya entrance, which has streamlined letter acceptance and saved citizens time. He also disclosed plans to develop a data centre hub in Navi Mumbai to further support these digital initiatives.

Maharashtra is leading the way in implementing e-governance, with an information technology policy and plans to integrate artificial intelligence in various sectors like industry, agriculture, and health, the Chief Minister stated. He underscored the governments commitment to making administration more citizen-centric, inclusive, and efficient.

In a significant move towards enhancing governance, CM Shinde announced the renaming of the General Administration Department from Administrative Reforms, Structure and Procedures to Administrative Innovation, Excellence and Good Governance.
Delhi Liquor Scam: Ex-Goa MLAs Allegedly Received Cash from AAP for Poll Expenses, CBI Claims 2

In a significant development in the Delhi liquor scam, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has claimed that two former Goa MLAs, who contested the 2022 Assembly elections on Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) tickets, were paid in cash by the party for election-related expenses. The chargesheet alleges that AAP volunteer Chanpreet Singh Rayat facilitated these cash payments, sourced from ill-gotten money linked to the Delhi excise policy.

According to the CBIs chargesheet, the two ex-MLAs, Mahadev Narayan Naik and Satyavijay Naik, were approached by Durgesh Pathak, AAPs in-charge for the Goa polls and a Delhi MLA, to contest from the Shiroda and Valpoi constituencies. Both candidates reportedly expressed concerns over the lack of funds, but were assured by Pathak that AAP would cover all election-related expenses.

The CBI has further alleged that Durgesh Pathak took Mahadev Naik to meet Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who confirmed the ticket and promised full financial support for the election campaign. Statements from both former MLAs indicate that the expenses, such as fuel and vehicles, were covered by cash payments from the party.

Satyavijay Naik disclosed to the CBI that he received between 15-17 lakh in cash, delivered in instalments, for election expenses. The CBI also cites a meeting held by Kejriwal with AAP candidates in Goa, where he allegedly assured them that the party would handle all expenses, allowing candidates to focus solely on campaigning.

The chargesheet highlights a link between Kejriwal and Vinod Chauhan, another accused in the case, who allegedly transferred 18 crore in cash to Goa through the Hawala route. The funds were reportedly handed over to Rayat, who distributed them to various vendors to meet election-related costs.

This revelation comes as part of the ongoing investigation into the Delhi excise policy case, where 90-100 crore is believed to have been paid by the South Group to manipulate the excise policy. A total of 44.5 crore is alleged to have been sent to Goa for AAPs election campaign.

The CBIs chargesheet adds that Kejriwal and other key figures in the AAP were aware of the use of ill-gotten funds during the 2022 Goa Assembly elections, raising serious questions about the integrity of the partys campaign.
Harris and Trump Clash Over US Withdrawal from Afghanistan 2

Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump exchanged sharp words over the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, with Harris defending President Joe Bidens decision and attacking Trump for his handling of negotiations with the Taliban.

Harris supported the withdrawal, stating it was something that four previous presidents had wanted but failed to do. She emphasized that it saved $300 million per day that was being spent on maintaining a presence in Afghanistan. However, she criticized Trump for making a deal with the Taliban, which she described as weak and flawed. He bypassed the Afghan government and negotiated directly with a terrorist organization, Harris said, referring to Trumps agreement to release 5,000 Taliban fighters and his invitation to the Taliban to Camp David. She argued that Trump lacked the responsibility and respect required of the president.

In response, Trump defended his approach, claiming that his negotiations with the Taliban helped reduce US casualties. He recounted a conversation with Taliban leader Abdul, warning him of consequences if the group continued to attack American forces. According to Trump, the agreement negotiated by his administration was effective, and it was Bidens mishandling of the situation that led to chaos, including the loss of military equipment and the deaths of American soldiers.

Trump also asserted that the Taliban failed to uphold their part of the deal, which led to the agreement being terminated. He insisted that under his administration, the US would have withdrawn more quickly and without the same level of loss.
Sanjauli Mosque Row: Protests Intensify, Police Use Water Cannons and Lathicharge Protesters 2

Protests over the alleged illegal construction of a mosque in Sanjauli, Shimla, escalated on Wednesday, leading to police intervention. Hindu organizations, including the Civil Society Devbhoomi Sangathan, had called for a protest, resulting in clashes with the police, who used water cannons and lathicharge to disperse the crowd.

Protesters, carrying the national flag, accused the Himachal Pradesh government of targeting peaceful demonstrators. One protester criticized the states actions, claiming that women and members of the Hindu community were met with force despite a peaceful approach.

Himachal Pradesh Minister Vikramaditya Singh emphasized that while peaceful protests are allowed, law and order must be maintained. He clarified that the mosques construction is under judicial review, and any action, including potential demolition, will follow due legal process.

Media advisor Naresh Chauhan countered claims that the protest was about a religious divide, accusing the BJP of trying to politicize the issue for electoral gains. Chauhan stated that the government is focused on maintaining peace and ensuring the matter is resolved legally, noting that local support for the protests has been minimal.

Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur criticized the state government for delaying action on the alleged illegal construction, calling for swift resolution.
What could be better than a plate of Conecuh Sausage rolls for breakfast?

How about a cup of Conecuh Sausage coffee to go with it?

The iconic Alabama sausage company recently introduced its Conecuh Sausage branded coffee, which is available in the Conecuh Sausage gift shop in the companys hometown of Evergreen.

The 1947 Founders Blend  a medium roast Colombian coffee named for the year Conecuh Sausage began  is roasted and packaged by Bluebird Coffee Company in neighboring Andalusia, where Conecuh plans to open a second production facility.

RELATED: 5 Conecuh Sausage dishes to put on your Alabama bucket list

Members of the Sessions family, who own the Conecuh Sausage Co., eat at the Bluebird at least once a week, the coffee shops owner, Casey Teel, tells AL.com.

They love Bluebird, Teel says. My uncle is good friends with them, and he would bring them in.

So, with that connection and with Conecuh expanding into Andalusia, Teel pitched the Sessions family the idea of Bluebird Coffee roasting a special Conecuh Sausage blend.

I just approached them one day, Teel says. I bought the bags. I did the roast. I came up with the label for them. And I just pitched it to them by giving them a bag. And they loved it.

RELATED: The story behind this beloved Alabama brands Conecuh Sausage rolls

Teel delivered the first roast of Conecuh Sausage coffee to Evergreen in time for the long Labor Day weekend.

They sold a pretty good bit, he says. So (they have) already put in another order.

The coffee, which is currently available only in the Conecuh Sausage gift shop, comes in one-pound bags that sell for $15.

Teel adds that he also plans to start roasting a Guatemalan coffee blend for the Conecuh Sausage label.

Casey Teel and his business partner bought Andalusia's Bluebird Coffee Company in April 2023.(Photo courtesy of Casey Teel of Bluebird Coffee Company; used with permission)

From baked bread to roasted coffee

Bluebird Coffee Company opened in 2021 in the former longtime home of the Andalusia Baking Company, a once-thriving downtown business famous for its Blue Bird Bread.

The name of our coffeehouse comes from the heritage of the building, the Bluebird website says. Where there was once the delicious aroma of fresh baked bread, there is now the smell of fresh roasted coffee.

Teel and his business partner, Andalusia accountant Greg White, bought Bluebird Coffee from previous owners Lee and Debbie Williams in April 2023, Teel says.

It is Teels second venture into the coffee business, having previously been a partner in Andalusias Java Time coffee shop.

It was fun, Teel says, and I just had it in the back of my mind that if the opportunity ever came up, I want to do that again.

The coffee shop is open from 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and from 7 a.m. to noon on Saturdays.

In addition to coffee and lattes, Bluebird offers a breakfast menu that includes a cheese-and-bacon frittata, a Belgian waffle with fruit and a ham-and-Swiss croissant, as well as a lunch menu that features a grilled chicken pesto club sandwich, a brisket taco and a strawberry and roasted pecan salad.

Bluebird Coffee Companys house coffee blends are available in a medium and a dark roast at the coffee shop and on the website.

Bluebird Coffee Company is at 200 South 3 Notch St. in Andalusia, Ala. The phone is 334-923-1698.

The Conecuh Sausage gift shop is at 200 Industrial Park in Evergreen, Ala. The phone is 251-578-3380.
A 14-year-old student has been charged in a shooting threat at Huffman High School in Birmingham earlier this week.

He is the latest Alabama teen charged in a rash of threats statewide over the past week following the high-profile deadly school shooting in Georgia.

Also Wednesday, Montgomery police announced the fourth arrest of a fourth teen charged with threats of violence at schools in that city.

I think that we are dealing with a generation that seeks attention at any costs, said Birmingham police spokesman Officer Truman Fitzgerald.

What we are doing as a law enforcement community, we are showing them whether you are doing it or attention or as a serious threat, we take them all seriously and were going to use all available resources regardless of your intent.

Weve seen more incidents of online threats that weve ever seen, he said.

In Birmingham, school resource officers were alerted Tuesday to a social media threat to carry out a shooting Huffman High School and Huffman Middle School.

Schools spokeswoman Sherrel Wheeler Stewart said that day that regular activities continued, and the security team was following protocol for high alert.

Fitzgerald said school resource officers, felony assault and narcotics detectives, the departments Intelligence Unit, the Alabama Fusion Center and FBI agents worked together to identify a suspect.

Investigators carried out a search warrant at an east Birmingham home and that search aided the detectives in their investigation.

The 14-year-old boy, whose name is not being released, was taken into custody Wednesday morning at school. He was interviewed in the presence of his parents, and admitted to making the online threats, Fitzgerald said.

He is charged with first-degree making a terrorist threat and is being held in the Jefferson County Youth Detention Center.

The Birmingham Police Department will continuously demonstrate that terroristic threats made towards our students will be investigated using all available resources, Fitzgerald said.

In Montgomery, police announced a 14-year-old boy was taken into custody Tuesday on the same charge.

He is the fourth teen charged there. A 13-year-old boy, a 13-year-old girl and an 11-year-old are charged.

On Sunday, Montgomery Public School city school officials said they were aware of social media posts suggesting potential threats to schools including Bellingrath Middle School and McKee Middle School.

In Southside, in Etowah County, a 15-year-old boy was taken into custody Monday morning and charged with making a terroristic threat after he allegedly made a threat to Southside High School.

Last week saw a flurry of similar reports across the state, which is not uncommon following a high-profile school shooting, the most recent one taking place on Sept. 4 when a 14-year-old shot and killed two teachers and two students at a Georgia high school.

In Dothan, a student was arrested after an alleged threat made on social media of a school shooting at Dothan Preparatory Academy, authorities announced Friday morning.

On Thursday, Eufaula City Schools canceled all classes and after-school activities Thursday after receiving a threat of violence, officials said.
Linemen tend to fallen power lines in the East End neighborhood of Houston, days after Hurricane Beryl made landfall, on Thursday, July 11, 2024 in Houston. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer

The Texas Consumer Association filed a complaint Wednesday asking the state utility regulator to deny CenterPoint Energy the ability to continue to pass on the costs of its barely-used mobile generators to ratepayers.

The nonprofit consumer advocacy group also asked the Public Utility Commission of Texas to order CenterPoint to refund its Houston-area customers for any rates already collected for the generators. If and how the PUC chooses to respond is unclear, as were wading into uncharted waters here, said TCA President Sandie Haverlah.

TCAs complaint comes two months after the Chronicle reported that CenterPoint has not used its fleet of 15 large generators, including after Hurricane Beryl, which left more than a million of the utilitys customers without power for days. Regulators have allowed CenterPoint to recoup the cost of its generators and earn a 6.5% profit from them since 2023.

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CenterPoint paid most of its $800 million lease with vendor Life Cycle Power in advance. The lease covers ongoing use of the large generators and five medium-sized ones. The utility has said the contract cant be terminated. Approximately $350 million of those costs have been passed onto ratepayers thus far, which has added $2.39 per month to the average residential customers electricity bill.

Haverlah said she decided to file the complaint because shes concerned that lawmakers heated rhetoric on CenterPoints generators wont result in customer refunds.

Ive been trying to figure out a way to push the envelope on how to stop the payments for the generators and to maybe even attempt to claw back the money, Haverlah said. I dont want to wait until the legislature, because even if they claim theyre going to do something, I just doubt its going to be anything that gets money back on the customers bills.

CenterPoint has used its medium-sized generators, which have a capacity of about 5 megawatts, in Beryls aftermath and other severe weather events to restore power. The company contends that the 32-megawatt generators are meant for rare outages ordered by the Texas grid operator when power plants cant generate enough electricity to meet power demand, such as the statewide outages during the 2021 winter freeze which killed at least 200.

In an email statement, CenterPoint spokesperson John Sousa said the lease was approved following a thorough review and competitive bidding process, citing multiple PUC hearings in 2022 and 2023. The lease was driven by our goal to be in full compliance with changes in Texas laws after Winter Storm Uri, he said.

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He defended the lease, saying CenterPoint has a responsibility to address the ongoing risk of Uri-like outages and to help protect our customers from the failures of generation, but did not directly address the TCA complaint.

PUC spokesperson Ellie Breed said in an email that the agency is committed to ensuring consumers pay just and reasonable rates for electricity delivery services. We will consider the comments from TCA and other stakeholders as we continue to evaluate rules and policy surrounding mobile generation, she wrote.

In TCAs complaint, Haverlah wrote that CenterPoint misrepresented the mobility, flexibility, and usability capabilities of these generators, echoing lawmakers and regulators who say CenterPoint misled them to believe the large generators were mobile and could help restore power after storms damage the utilitys power lines and poles.

Haverlah also targeted CenterPoints process for securing the generators, which she called unreasonable and imprudent in the filing. Thats because CenterPoint didnt adequately study what types, sizes and quantities of generators would help restore power, she wrote. CenterPoint representatives have testified the company didnt provide an in-depth analysis to justify its decision to lease 500 total megawatts of generators, much more than other Texas utilities.

Any utility expense of that magnitude should be supported by bulletproof research and analysis supporting the validity of the need for the expenditure and its magnitude, Haverlah wrote.

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CenterPoint CEO Jason Wells apologized to Houston-area lawmakers for any misunderstandings about the generators in a letter sent two weeks ago. He proposed CenterPoint forgo $110 million of anticipated profit, including $40 million from the large generators, as a way to re-earn the trust of elected leaders and the public.

While large-scale temporary emergency generation continues to be necessary, given the need to address the ongoing risk of generation shortfall, we, as a company, should have communicated more clearly to our elected officials about the cost and the limitations of such large-scale units, Wells wrote.

In July, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has said the Texas Senate would pass legislation clawing back CenterPoint rate increases for the generators if the PUC didnt do so. State Sen. Paul Bettencourt has also said hed consider legislation to recoup some of the expense.

In an interview Tuesday, Bettencourt wouldnt say if he planned to file such legislation when the Texas legislature reconvenes next year. He said he didnt want to get ahead of a report from a special Senate committee tasked with studying why utilities were unprepared for Beryl, expected Dec. 1, that will suggest legislative solutions.

Bettencourt said he agreed with state Sen. Charles Schwertners previous comment that CenterPoint has yet to hit that mark of becoming a better partner to their ratepayers, adding that CenterPoints proposal to forgo profits is not good enough.

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There has to be some methodology to make the ratepayers whole for what was clearly just a bad decision on so many levels at times it defies description, Bettencourt said.
One day after Gov. Kay Ivey announced that Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Kent Davis was resigning at the end of the year, Davis released a statement about the decision.

I want to first thank the Veterans community for the outpouring of support and kind notes I have received over the last few days, Davis said. 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.

Last week, Ivey asked Davis to resign because of what she described as mishandling of applications for federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Davis refused to resign by the end of the work day Friday, as Ivey requested, and defended his agencys work on the grant process.

In response, Ivey released a letter from Alabama Department of Mental Health Commissioner Kim Boswell to Davis, written in April, severing a cooperative agreement between Mental Health and the ADVA to manage $7 million in ARPA grant funds. Boswell cited several concerns about the ADVAs handling of the grants that she said would put Mental Health, which was responsible for monitoring the funds, at risk of negative audit findings or other bad consequences.

Ivey called a special meeting of the ADVA board, which she chairs, to consider firing Davis. That meeting was scheduled for Tuesday but was preempted by the meeting Monday between Davis, Ivey, and members of the governors senior staff.

After the meeting, Ivey announced that Davis would resign at the end of the year and she would work with the ADVA board to find a replacement.

In his statement on Tuesday, Davis did not address the concerns raised by Ivey and Boswell. Davis, a retired U.S. Navy rear admiral, has led the ADVA since 2019.

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, Davis said. 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.

Davis said one of the most important accomplishments in his tenure as ADVA commissioner will be celebrated Friday with the ribbon-cutting for the Command Sgt. Maj. Bennie G. Adkins State Veterans Home in Enterprise. It will be the ADVAs fifth veterans home in Alabama. The other four have waiting lists of applicants for residency.

This has been a seven-year project that I am grateful to see through the ribbon-cutting of this incredible facility, Davis said.

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.

Before Tuesdays ADVA board meeting was cancelled, the South Alabama Veterans Council put out a call for veterans to travel to Montgomery for the meeting to defend Davis and John Kilpatrick, who was removed from the ADVA board by Ivey, according to Lagniappe.

Also, the American Legion Department of Alabama, which says it has more than 16,000 veteran members, issued a statement in support of Davis and the ADVA staff:

The care and accountability of our Veteran community within our great state, consisting of over 400,000 Veterans, has been exceptional under the leadership and devotion of Commissioner Davis.

The works and accomplishments attributed to the ADVA that we as Veterans and our families have statewide, are a constant reminder of the dedication and foresight of Commissioner Davis.

These include the unwavering advocacy for the care and well-being of our Veteran Heroes with a hard stand and focus on Veteran suicide. This epidemic has touched all of our lives in some way in which ADVA embraces and we will not forget this. Commissioner Davis and his team have overcome many obstacles and now have placed Veteran Service Officers across the state, ensuring the benefits our Heroes have earned, are available and they are there to assist in any way they can.

Gina Maiola, communications director for Ivey, issued a statement Tuesday in response to a question about the veterans supporting Davis.

As the governor said yesterday, Alabama veterans are a priority for the Ivey Administration, and that will continue to be the case going forward, Maiola said. The governor is exploring options to make improvements to the Board and Department through a legislative solution so that at the end of the day we are best serving our veterans. As she said, we have important work to continue doing, and she wants to see nothing getting in the way of the important mission at hand  improving veterans care.

A number of key leaders in the Legislature supported Iveys decision to ask for Davis to step down.

On Tuesday, House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter, R-Rainsville, issued a statement in response to Davis resignation and the support Davis received from the American Legion.

Supporting veterans and their families is a top priority of the Alabama Legislature, Ledbetter said. We will continue to look at ways to better serve our states veterans and ensure Alabama remains the most military-friendly state in the nation.

AL.com staff writer John Sharp contributed to this report.
More than 133,000 cases of apple juice have been pulled from shelves nationwide after the products were found to potentially contain harmful levels of arsenic, according to an announcement from the Food and Drug Administration.

The recall is an expansion of a previous recall. In August, Florida-based manufacturer Refresco Beverages US Inc. voluntarily recalled more than 9,000 cases of Great Value brand apple juice sold in Walmart. Now, the expanded recall now affects products sold by 9 different retailers, including Walmart as well as Aldi, Dollar Tree, Walgreens, and BJs Wholesale Club.

The products were sold in multiple states, including at Aldi locations in Alabama, according to a press release from the grocery chain.

This Walmart.com product photo shows Great Value brand apple juice that has been recalled due to elevated levels of inorganic arsenic.Walmart

The recall affects the following apple juice brands:

Great Value 8oz Apple Juice in 6pack

Great Value 96oz Apple Juice

Market Basket 100% apple juice; 64 oz

Nice! 100% apple juice; 64 oz

Weis 100% apple juice; 64 oz

Urban Meadow 100% apple juice; 64 oz

Natures Nectar 100% apple juice; 64 oz

Wellsley Farms 100% apple juice; 96 oz

Solevita 100% apple juice; 64 oz

Clover Valley 100% apple juice; 64 oz

You can go here to see UPC codes, best-by dates and more information on individual products.
An apparent love triangle in east Alabama ended with a man and a woman behind bars in an alleged plot to murder the womans live-in ex-husband.

Stevie Earl Harris, 23, and Christian Faith Griffin, 25, are charged with kidnapping and attempted murder of Griffins ex-husband  James Hunter Griffin.

Both remain held in the Clay County Jail.

The plan - which was set into motion five days ago - included the threat of an explosives-rigged truck and an attempt to make the victim drink transmission fluid. Instead, it ended with one of the suspects being shot.

The Griffins divorced in 2022, but in court records he described her as his girlfriend and the couple share two young children. She was apparently also in a relationship with Harris, unbeknownst to James Griffin.

According to court records, James Griffin was sitting in his truck Thursday, Sept. 5, about to leave for work when he heard a loud banging noise on his drivers window.

James Griffin told Clay County sheriffs investigators there was a gun pointed at him and Harris told him to get out of the vehicle and get on his knees.

James Griffin complied and heard a click noise, charging documents state.

Mr. Griffin stated that he thought Mr. Harris was going to shoot him right then and there, so much so that he clinched his teeth when he heard the click noise, an investigator wrote.

Harris then told James Griffin to stand up and walked him to the passengers side of his truck  still at gunpoint.

James Griffin got in the truck and Harris walked around to the drivers side and got inside.

Harris told the victim that his truck was rigged with explosives and today was the day he was going to die and if he tried anything stupid, they would both die.

When Harris tried to put the vehicle in reverse, he put his gun in his lap, records state.

This bought Mr. Griffin enough time to fight back and elbow Mr. Harris in the face, according to the criminal complaint.

The gun then discharged multiple times as James Griffin was forcing Harris out of the vehicle.

Harris was shot in the right calf.

Mr. Griffin stated he got Mr. Harris to the ground, grabbed his gun from under the drivers seat, shot twice into the ground and grabbed a 2x4 piece of wood from the back of his truck and started to hit him in the head multiple times, the compliant states.

James Griffin said he repeatedly struck Harris in the head because he kept reaching for something.

The arrest warrant also states that Harris tried to make James Griffin drink transmission fluid.

Christian Griffin, records state, is charged because she knew of the plan to abduct and kill and James Griffin and provided information that would assist in that plan.

Christian Griffin and Harris were arrested on Friday. She remains jailed on $100,000 bond.

Harris was denied bond following an Aniahs Law hearing that was held Monday before District Judge David Law.
Fox News chief political analyst Brit Hume ripped former President Trump for his debate performance on Tuesday night. Most analysts, along with the predictive markets, said Trump, the GOP presidential nominee, was trounced by Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee.

Make no mistake about it, Trump had a bad night. He rose to the bait repeatedly when she baited him, something Im sure his advisers had begged him not to do. You know, in the first debate when Biden attacked him, he just kept his cool and kept going, he said in his post-debate analysis on Fox News.

In this debate, he rose to the bait, and we heard so many of the old grievances that that wed long thought that Trump had learned were not winners politically, he added.

Even Fox News knows Kamala Harris won the debate. pic.twitter.com/KuTywJ85P1  Republican Voters Against Trump (@AccountableGOP) September 11, 2024

Trumps first debate with Harris stood in stark contrast to his previous debate with President Joe Biden. Trump appeared to be rattled by some of Harris comments, raising his voice at times and offering rambling answers to the ABC News moderators questions.

Hume went on to add that Harris came out of the debate in pretty good shape and that it was her night. Despite offering her praise, he conceded earlier that she dodged questions on her past stances, suggesting that they have changed over the years.

She never had to account for her changes, he added.

Other Fox News analysts also praised Harris for her performance. Host Bret Baier said that the vice president was clearly well-prepared, practiced, on the offensive much of the night, while Trump did take a lot of the bait she threw out.

Other conservatives also criticized Trumps performance. Conservative pundit Erick Erickson said that criticizing the debate moderators was not an excuse for Trumps performance.

Trump lost the debate and whining about the moderators doesnt change it. He didnt lose because of their behavior. He lost because of his own performance while his lips were moving, not theirs, Erickson wrote on X.

Alyssa Farah Griffin, who previously worked in Trumps White House, blasted the former president on X.

The moderators are not the problem. The wildly unprepared, undisciplined GOP candidate is the problem. Republicans had a chance to nominate someone who could discuss policy rather than crowd size. But Rs chose this, she wrote.

Trumps allies were quick to criticize how ABCs David Muir and Linsey Davis moderated the debate. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said on social media platform X that the debate was the worst moderated debate in history.

In a statement following the debate, the Trump campaign said the former president was the clear winner tonight, and he will win for America when he returns to the White House.

When asked by CNNs Kaitlan Collins about whether he took the bait from Harris, Trump argued Tuesday night that this was his best debate.

Meanwhile, the Harris campaign has touted the vice presidents performance and has suggested a second debate between her and Trump.

Under the bright lights, the American people got to see the choice they will face this fall at the ballot box: between moving forward with Kamala Harris, or going backwards with Trump. Thats what they saw tonight and what they should see at a second debate in October. Vice President Harris is ready for a second debate. Is Donald Trump? Harris-Walz campaign chair Jen OMalley Dillon said in a statement.
On the 23rd anniversary of 9/11, Gov. Kay Ivey told students at a Montgomery elementary school they can develop the qualities of the leaders and heroes who helped America bounce back from the terrorist attacks that claimed 3,000 lives and undermined the nations sense of security.

Nine-eleven is a solemn reminder of the profound debt of gratitude owed to all who sacrificed their lives for us, the governor told the third- and fourth-graders at Halcyon Elementary School. It also showcases the powerful rebounding spirit of our nation. And Americas strength in the face of its darkest hours lies in the hands of us, her people.

Ivey told the students that leadership means the ability to uplift others and set an example, like the police, firefighters and civilian heroes who saved lives on the tragic day.

Im looking at each one of you, Ivey said. I know you have the potential to lead. Were in a world where the challenges and opportunities faced are unlike any weve ever seen before. And the continuing need of good leadership cannot be stressed enough.

Montgomery Public Schools Superintendent Melvin J. Brown said it was important for schools to promote understanding of how 9/11 changed the nation.

Its important from a historical standpoint our kids have a sense of what that was like, said Brown, who is starting his third school year leading the Montgomery system. We lived through it. They were not born at that time. So, I think its important we share our experiences with them so they can learn what that was all about.

Having an homage to history and understanding how we can learn from it is important for them as well as us. And its important that we tell the truth about situations that take place. We want our kids to have a full understanding of history from that standpoint and to be able to talk about it in accurate terms.

Brown said he wants students to understand how, at least for a time, Americans became more unified in the aftermath of 9/11.

We were all one, Brown said. And I would hope that we can learn from that to be that again. Its been a struggle politically the last couple of years, the last few decades. But hearkening back to that time, we were together. And I think its important to reflect on that and try to get some semblance of that back.

The students, in red shirts and khakis, filled the lunchroom at Halcyon, which was decorated with ballons and signs marking the day. The students were quiet and attentive as the governor spoke. After her remarks, a school choir sang God Bless America.

Gov. Kay Ivey spoke to third- and fourth-grade students at Halcyon Elementary School in Montgomery on the 23rd anniversary of 9/11.(Mike Cason/mcason@al.com)

Halcyon Principal Shannon Schmidt said it was the first visit by a sitting governor in the 24-year history of school, which has about 700 students in pre-K through 5th grade.

I hope the children understand what a huge opportunity this was for them, that the governor of their state, a governor that they study about in Alabama history during the fourth-grade year, was here today with them, Schmidt said.

Schmidt liked hearing the governor encourage the students to become leaders.

We have smart kids here at Halcyon, smart students in the city of Montgomery, and hope that they will continue to do the things that theyre doing. Learn, work hard in school so we can continue to improve Alabama and theyll be great leaders in our communities one day, Schmidt said.

Ivey told the children that stronger students mean a stronger Alabama.

I want to leave yall with a challenge today, the governor said. And that is to take initiative, be a leader, put in the hard work, so you can return to school a stronger student each and every day. Youre the future of our state and our nation. And your journey starts right here at Halcyon Elementary.
Former president Donald Trump lost Tuesday nights presidential debate to Vice President Kamala Harris  just ask the betting markets.

On Tuesday afternoon, before the debate, Polymarket  which bills itself as the worlds largest prediction market  gave Trump a 53-46% chance of winning the November election.

But before the debate even ended, the numbers had changed drastically: Trump held just a one-point lead, 50-49%. When it ended, Harris was tied, 49-49%.

Polymarket also declared Harris the winner of the debate, 94%-6%.

Total victory for Harris.



Real time data from Polymarket: pic.twitter.com/tWvlbA4Uar  Gary Marcus (@GaryMarcus) September 11, 2024

Here are some of the debate highlights, courtesy of The Associated Press:

Trumps mystery healthcare plan

For years, Trump has been promising a better healthcare plan than the Affordable Care Act. Asked again during the debate, Trump was unable to explain what he would do on healthcare.

I have concepts of a plan, he said. Im not president right now.

He said he would reveal the plan in the not-so-distant future, something hes promised before.

When they go low ...

Harris did something a lot of advisers wanted her to do tonight: She has identified herself as someone who uplifts and Trump as someone who weighs down.

She criticized Trump for belittling and name-calling and said she will instead bring a sense of optimism as president.

At the same time, Harris didnt shy away from hitting Trump with direct, cutting attacks, both on his actions as president and on his false claims about her record.

Harris noted that Trump called for executing the now-exonerated Central Park Five

Harris said Trump has a long history of racial division, going back to when his familys company was investigated for refusing to rent to Black people decades ago.

She also mentioned that he called for the death penalty for the Central Park Five, who were falsely accused of rape, and spread false birther theories about President Barack Obama.

I think the American people want better than that, want better than this, Harris said

New York City Council Member Yusef Salaam, a member of the exonerated group of men known as the Central Park Five, will be speaking to journalists after the debate ends.
The remnants of what was once Hurricane Francine will bring rain to parts of Alabama through the weekend.

At the height of the storm, agencies in Mobile and Baldwin counties made recommendations to help citizens prepare for the inclement weather.

Those threats included heavy winds, rainfall and flooding, potential of several tornadoes and deadly rip currents.

Hurricane Francine 7 AM Update: No significant changes to the track have been made. Francine is forecast to make landfall in Louisiana this afternoon or evening & remain to the west of our area as it tracks inland. 1/6 pic.twitter.com/QRuGoxUt7Y  NWS Mobile (@NWSMobile) September 11, 2024

Because of the possibility that Francine could move further into Alabama, agencies issued alerts and recommendations for how citizens should prepare.

Sharee Broussard, Director of Public Affairs & Community Services for Mobile County, told AL.com that the general message was to be informed and be prepared.

Broussard said citizens were encouraged not to get information from unofficial sources and instead follow updates from the National Weather Service or local news stations.

Broussard also stressed that people should prepare as if Francine was going to be a direct hit on Mobile County.

The Baldwin County Emergency Management Agency had a list of preparedness tips for citizens.

Even with Francine weakened, it is good advice to heed when severe weather threatens Alabama.

Have multiple ways of receiving correct information from National Weather Service of Mobile, Baldwin County EMA, and your local news outlets.

Sign up for local, emergency alerts through www.alertbaldwin.com/

Know your risks and potential impacts. Know your location on a map, your evacuation zone and potential evacuation routes.

Have any necessary supplies gathered to be self-sufficient for 5 days. Dont forget medications and pet supplies.

Review important documents and insurance policies. Make sure you have flood insurance if needed.

Make an emergency plan and ensure all family members know how to contact each other and where to meet in case of an evacuation.

Steer clear of misinformation (especially on social media). Have multiple forms of receiving CORRECT information. (Baldwin County EMA, National Weather Service of Mobile, Local media outlets, etc.)

Monitor daily beach conditions and be aware of flag warnings. For a daily beach report, text ALBEACHES to 888777.

Mobile County and BCEMA have locations of safe places that are open on their websites for those in need.

As of Friday morning, the risk level Francine poses for Alabama has dropped to 1 out of 5 according to NOAAs Storm Prediction Center. This means that most of the state can potentially experience isolated severe storms, and the National Weather Service said a brief tornado was possible.

Mobile is outside of the Level 1 risk area but is still expected to receive thunderstorms on Friday.

This post was updated to reflect the decrease in Hurricane Francines threat level for Alabama.
Melania Trump questioned the official narrative of the assassination attempt on former president Donald Trump this summer in a video posted on social media.

In the video, Melania Trump suggests that the July 13 assassination attempt which left a bystander dead may be part of a conspiracy.

The attempt to end my husbands life was a horrible, distressing experience, she says. 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 video ends with an advertisement for the ex-First Ladys new book, Melania, and the website where it can be pre-ordered.

A day after the shooting, Melania Trump wrote a letter thanking the brave Secret Service agents and law enforcement officials who risked their own lives to protect my husband and asking the public to ascend above the hate, the vitriol, and the simple-minded ideas that ignite violence.

Melania Trump was not in attendance at the Butler, Pennsylvania, rally when 20-year-old gunman Thomas Matthew Crooks, a registered Republican, fired multiple shots at the stage from a nearby rooftop. One man was killed and several others were hurt including the former president, who sustained a graze wound to his ear.

No official motive has been released for the shooting, but reports have indicated Crooks  who was killed by counter-snipers at the scene  had researched Trump, President Biden, school shooter Ethan Crumbley and others. He was also identified as a suspicious individual by law enforcement an hour before the shooting.

An FBI investigation is ongoing.

The incident led to Kimberly Cheatle resigning from her position as director of the Secret Service.

There is currently a Congressional bipartisan task force investigating the shooting with plans to hold public hearings ahead of Election Day.

Melania Trump has largely been absent from the campaign trail, only making a brief appearance at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee days after the shooting.

In another video promoting her upcoming book released earlier this week, she spoke about how the 2020 election results changed our lives forever and led to significant challenges to free speech as demonstrated by the efforts to silence my husband.

-------

2024 New York Daily News. Visit at nydailynews.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Mobile County Public School System Superintendent Chresal Threadgill announced Wednesday that all Mobile County Public Schools will be closed on Thursday, Sept. 12 due to severe weather anticipated from Tropical Depression Francine.

We will return to our normal school schedule on Friday. Please stay safe and informed of the weather, Threadgill wrote.

Rain bands from the storm have the potential to cause several weather issues in Alabama today.

Nearly all of Alabama will have a risk for severe weather on Thursday.SPC

Mobile County and Baldwin County officials have already released tips and recommendations for how individuals should be preparing for Francine.

Baldwin County Public Schools announced that schools would remain open on Thursday.

Here is a complete list of school closings, delays and remote learning for Thursday:

Breakthrough Charter School - remote learning Thursday

Chickasaw City Schools - closed Thursday

Hale County Schools - 2-hour delay Thursday

Jackson County Schools - closing at noon Thursday

Jasper City Schools - closed Thursday

Marengo County Schools - remote learning on Thursday

Mobile County Schools - closed Thursday

Pickens County Schools - remote learning Thursday

Fayette County Schools - closed Thursday

Hale County Schools - 2-hour delay Thursday

Scottsboro City Schools - dismissing early Thursday. Elementary schools dismiss at 11:15 a.m. and secondary schools dismiss at noon.

Haleyville City Schools - remote learning Thursday

Marion County Schools - closed Thursday

Walker County Schools - remote learning Thursday

DeKalb County Schools - dismissing early Thursday at 2 p.m.

Fort Payne City Schools - dismissing early Thursday at 2 p.m.

Colbert County Schools - early dismissal at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday

Lauderdale County Schools - closing at noon Thursday

Northeast Alabama Community College - closing at 3:00 p.m. Thursday
A 3,650-acre wild quail plantation in St. Clair County is currently on the market for $17.8 million.

Triple Creek, which was the subject of a piece in The Wall Street Journal, is believed to be one of the top three wild quail plantations in the state.

Jon Kohler of Jon Kohler and Associates is listing the property.

According to the listing, the property is located 30 to 35 miles from Birmingham off Interstate 20 East.

The majority of the quail habitat is protected by a conservation easement. The habitat includes about 1,500 acres. There are eight wild quail courses and 21 miles of feed trails, as well as habitats for deer and turkey.

There are three stocked fishing ponds, 4.9 miles of main creeks and 7.9 miles of smaller creeks.

The propertys 3,000-square-feet main house has four bedrooms and 4.5 baths. Bobwhite Lodge is a four-bedroom suite with a large great room. Theres also a three-bedroom and two-bath guest cabin.

For sport, theres an eight-machine, five-stand clay system with stadium lights, a putting green with three tee boxes, and two equipment barns, as well as a picnic pavilion.

According to the Journal, Kevin Stump, 66, bought about 750 acres in 2013 and began importing bobwhite quail from southwest Georgia. Stump is the founder of the natural-gas marketing company Interconn Resources. He and his wife, Jane, 67, use the plantation as a getaway with their children and grandchildren, he said, but have decided to sell the property because they are getting older and the property is very large.

The plantation takes its name from three main creek bottoms - Wolf Creek, Hearthstone Creek, and Turkey Branch.
China shares inclusive development with the world: Former Director-General of UNESCO

09:49, September 11, 2024 By Kou Jie ( People's Daily Online

Former Director-General of UNESCO, Irina Bokova, receives an exclusive interview with People's Daily Online in Beijing, Sep. 10, 2024. (People's Daily Online/Zhang Wenjie).

China's modernization and inclusive development have helped 1.4 billion Chinese people, set examples, and shared experiences with other countries, benefiting the world as a whole, said Irina Bokova, former Director-General of UNESCO.

Bokova, who is also the Honorary Dean of the School of International Organizations at Beijing Foreign Studies University, visited China several times and voiced her appreciation for China's rapid progress over the last several decades, stating that China's tremendous economic, social, and technological advancements have contributed significantly to the experience of the globe. She also noted that through cooperation mechanisms such as BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, China is fulfilling its obligation to share its inclusive growth with other countries.

"UNESCO and China have together developed many joint activities, partnerships and initiatives, among my most memorable moments was President Xi Jinping's visit to UNESCO a decade ago," Bokova told People's Daily Online during an exclusive interview.

In 2014, Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a keynote speech at the headquarters of UNESCO in Paris, laying out his vision of civilization that features diversity, equality and inclusiveness.

"We need to encourage different civilizations to respect each other and live together in harmony while promoting their exchanges and mutual learning as a bridge of friendship among peoples, a driving force behind human society, and a strong bond for world peace," President Xi said.

"President Xi's speech about diversity is very important, it shows that though we belong to different cultures, we are all members of one shared community," said Bokova.

According to Bokova, China is fulfilling its responsibility to share its success with the rest of the world by promoting collaboration and inclusive development. For example, China was the first developing country to realize one of the UN Millennium Development Goals for poverty reduction, making a significant contribution to the global poverty alleviation cause.

"China's commitment, inclusive development, and strong leadership demonstrate to the world that equality and inclusion in society are attainable. This benefits not only the Chinese people, but also other countries around the world," added Bokova.

Bokova has also praised China's "new quality productive forces". With innovation playing the leading role, new quality productive forces are forces that feature advanced productivity and are free from traditional economic growth modes and productivity development paths. They are defined by high-tech, high efficiency and high quality, and are in line with the new development philosophy.

"It is a very interesting and innovative concept China is taking. I think it is justified because the world and global economy are entering a new phase, and it is critical to use innovation and technology to encourage young people to use all of the potential of science to achieve equality and social inclusion, as well as to address challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss," said Bokova, adding that "new quality productive forces" have the potential to reconcile humans with nature while maintaining all of the benefits of technological progress.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Du Mingming)
Fig Spoon Cake by Anita Jaisinghani Ajna Jai/Contributor Fig Spoon Cake by Anita Jaisinghani Ajna Jai/Contributor

Returning after an extended trip to India, there is no welcome home like fresh Houston figs in season. Figs are hands-down the epitome of late summer glory.

Eat them with just a sprinkle of salt or soak a few in whisky to enjoy slowly, over days. The whisky will preserve them. Or slice the figs, add them to a composed salad and top with a savory cheese like chevre or blue.

If you have a little bit of time, consider making this super simple spoon cake. It will keep for days in the refrigerator and is wonderful with morning coffee.

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Fig Spoon Cake

1 pound fresh figs

1/2 cup olive oil

1/2 cup coconut sugar or plain cane sugar

1 large or 2 small eggs

1 1/2 cup all-purpose or whole wheat flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Zest from 2 oranges

3/4 cup plain yogurt

1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Instructions: Grease a baking pan roughly the size of 7-by-11 inches. Cut the figs in half. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

In the bowl of a stand mixer using the paddle, combine the olive oil, coconut sugar and eggs. Mix for 2 to 3 minutes until smooth.

In a separate bowl, combine the flour with baking powder and soda, cardamom, cinnamon and orange zest and whisk until even. Add the dry mixture to the cake batter alternating with the yogurt and mix just until combined.

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Spread the cake batter on the bottom of the greased pan. Place the half figs on top in even rows and press down gently.

Bake the cake for 30 to 40 minutes or until a tester inserted comes out clean.

Notes & variations

 This cake is best served slightly warm or at room temperature. Serve it with a side of honey or plain heavy cream.

 If using dried figs, cut them in half, rehydrate them in water for a few hours then use as the recipe suggests.

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 Use plain whole milk yogurt  if using thick Greek yogurt, only use half and dilute with water.

Makes 6 to 8 servings
The Pentagon responded Tuesday to U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville saying he would block the nomination of a general based on Tubervilles concerns about the secrecy surrounding Defense Secretary Lloyd Austins hospitalization.

Tuberville said Monday he would block the nomination of Lt. Gen. Ronald Clark that would promote him to four-star commander of the U.S. Army Pacific force.

Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Major General Pat Ryder defended Clark during a Pentagon briefing on Tuesday.

Gen. Clark is a highly qualified senior officer, a leader, Ryder said.

He was nominated for this critical position because of his expertise and his strategic-level experience. When you look at the experience that someone like Gen. Clark has leading at senior commands, throughout the world at all echelons, hes exactly the kind of leader that we need in our priority theater, leading U.S. forces. And so, we would urge the senate to confirm all of our qualified nominees. As weve seen before, all of these kind of holds can undermine our military readiness.

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.

Ryder responded to the allegation that Austins illness affected military readiness.

When we did our review, it was clear that at no time was there a gap in the chain of command, Ryder said.

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 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.
The two candidates running in a competitive race for Alabamas 2nd congressional district weighed in on Tuesdays presidential debate by backing the candidate of their respective political party.

Republican Caroleene Dobson said she felt that Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris painted a rosier outlook on the country than what she is hearing as she travels the congressional district that stretches from Mobile north to Montgomery and includes a host of rural and mostly poor counties in the Alabama Black Belt.

One of the candidates on the debate stage would have you believe that all is well in our country and we just need to maintain the status quo, but thats simply not true, Dobson said in a statement Wednesday. Americans are being hurt by staggeringly high grocery prices, illegal immigration that is overwhelming our emergency rooms, classrooms, and job markets, and crime that attacks our communities, streets, and neighborhoods. If we keep electing the same Washington, D.C. crowd that created these problems, we will simply get more of the same, and I, like virtually all voters I meet in District Two, am desperate for change and will fight to deliver positive results for Alabama families.

Democratic candidate Shomari Figures said that former President Donald Trump stumbled throughout the debate and was ill-prepared to take on Harris, a former prosecutor. He suggested that Dobson should lead the calls for him to drop out of the race.

Figures said that Trump pushed lies, fear, and far-fetched conspiracy theories and came across as incoherent, and rambled about matters that had nothing to do with the questions asked.

He added, Last night was a textbook example of, be careful what you ask for. After ridiculing President Biden and demanding he drop out of the race, Donald Trump got exactly what he asked for. And America saw that he was not ready for Kamala Harris.

Figures said Harris presented a clear, positive, hopeful and achievable plan for the future.

We saw that Kamala Harris represents values of decency, humility, grace, class, dignity, truth, experience, and strength, he added. The people in District 2 want real leadership who will stand up for those same values and work to find real solutions for the challenges we face.

Alabama 2nd District candidates Dobson, Figures to debate live on AL.com in October

Figures, 39, of Mobile; and Dobson, 37, of Montgomery face off on Nov. 5 in a rare competitive general election race between a Democratic and Republican candidate for a congressional seat in Alabama.

The contest was made possible after a federal court redrew District 2 following a ruling that Alabamas previous congressional map most likely violated the Voting Rights Act of 1965 because it packed too many Black voters into one majority Black district, District 7.

The district, currently represented by Republican U.S. Rep. Barry Moore of Enterprise, was drawn to benefit a Democratic politician after the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the lower courts ruling that Alabamas congressional map violated the Voting Rights Act. As a result, the newly redrawn map includes the 2nd district that gives Black voters a better opportunity to electing a candidate of their choosing.

The new District 2 takes in all or part of 13 counties from Phenix City to Mobile. Its about 50% Black, giving Democrats a chance to flip the seat and add a second Democrat to the states seven-member U.S. House delegation.

Both national Democratic and Republican parties are involved, and the stakes are high in this close race. Republicans hold a narrow 218 to 213 majority in Congress, and polling shows the race for the House majority will be tight in November.
A 3-year-old boy has died following a weekend crash in Birmingham that also killed a 10-year-old girl.

The Jefferson County Coroners Office identified the young traffic fatality victim as ZaQuarrius Kelly. He lived in Bessemer.

His God sister, WJ Christian fifth grader Tia Williams, died Saturday.

The multi-vehicle crash happened at 1:10 p.m. Saturday on Interstate 59 southbound near Oporto Madrid Boulevard.

Additional details about the crash were not released but family said Tia, her mother, her 16-year-old broth and ZaQuarrius were driving on the interstate when a vehicle struck them from behind, and then another.

Tia was pronounced dead at the hospital at 2:06 p.m. Saturday.

Tia Williams, 10, was killed in a Sept. 7, 2024 crash on Interstate 59 in Birmingham.(Special to AL.com)

ZaQuarrius died at 3:02 p.m. Tuesday at Childrens of Alabama.

Tias mother and 16-year-old brother have been released from the hospital.

Veronica Jones, Tias grandmother and ZaQuarrius Godmother, said the families are heartbroken.

Earlier this week, Jones put out a request to find the Good Samaritans who stopped to help. She said Wednesday they did come forward.

They are my heroes, she said.
A Guatemalan woman in the U.S. illegally pleaded guilty Wednesday to using fake documentation to vote in at least four elections in Alabama since 2016, according to federal authorities.

Angelica Maria Francisco, 42, most recently of Russellville, pleaded guilty to two counts of false claims of citizenship in connection with voting, one count of false statements in application for a U.S. passport, five counts of use of a U.S. passport obtained by false statements, and one count of aggravated identity theft.

The plea was entered before U.S. District Judge Liles C. Burke, according to a joint announcement by Northern District of Alabama U.S. Attorney Prim Escalona and U.S. State Departments Diplomatic Security Service in Atlanta Resident Agent in Charge Joseph R. Wysowaty.

Francisco has been in the U.S. since 2008. She assumed the identity of a woman identified in court documents only as P.J. and used her date of birth, social security number, birth certificate other identifying documents to apply for a U.S. passport on July 12, 2011.

She subsequently used the passport to travel to and from her native country of Guatemala in 2012, 2015, and 2018.

Using the same false identity, authorities said, Francisco also registered to vote in Alabama in February 2016 and voted in the 2016 and 2020 primary and general elections.

In 2021, Francisco used the same false identity to apply for and receive a renewed passport, which she used to travel to and from Guatemala in 2022.

Franciscos sentencing hearing is scheduled for December 9.

She faces a maximum of 10 years in prison for eight of the convictions, and a maximum of two years in prison for the remaining conviction.

The case was investigated by the U.S. State Departments Diplomatic Security Service with assistance from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, the East Metro Area Crime Center and the Alabama Secretary of States Office.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brett A. Janich is prosecuting.
A federal jury in Birmingham awarded nearly $4 million to an Iranian cancer research scientist who said she was stalked, held at gunpoint and attacked while being called a sand n---- during her nine-year employment at UABs medical school.

Dr. Fariba Moeinpour, an Iranian national who worked at a UAB lab from February 2011 until she was fired in February 2020, claimed she was harassed on a daily basis at her job because of her race and national origin.

In a statement, UAB said it does not tolerate harassment, retaliation or discrimination of any kind. We are committed to our values, which include integrity, respect and collaboration, and work to cultivate an environment where all members of our community feel welcome, safe and supported. We respectfully disagree with the verdict in this case involving former employees, and we are considering next steps.

Among the discrimination and harassment Moeinpour said she was subject to included a co-worker telling her, Bitch, you have to leave this lab and go back to Iran!

That same co-worker, identified in Moeinpours lawsuit as Mary Jo Cagle, allegedly drove her car at Moeinpour and Moeinpours daughter and pointed a gun at Moeinpour in the UAB parking deck and saying this is what we do to a sand n-----.

Moeinpour said she complained to her boss and to human resources but was ignored.

She said her supervisor claimed he could not do anything about Cagle because he would lose his job or be killed or would kill himself.

The supervisor said when he threatened to fire Cagle if she did not stop harassing Moeinpour, four men showed up to his house and shoved him into his car.

When Moeinpour was in her supervisors office to complain that action wasnt taken against Cagle, she said her supervisor became agitated, called the police and threatened to ruin her reputation and have her jailed, saying the conversations about Moeinpours complaints are his word against hers.

When Moeinpour said she could prove what they discussed, the supervisor grabbed Ms. Moeinpour by the chin and knocked her down, cutting her face with his nails and causing her to bleed, according to the lawsuit.

When Ms. Moeinpour fell to the floor, he fell on top of her and held her down. In an effort to get him off of her, Ms. Moeninpour slapped him, the suit stated.

When an officer got to the office, he led Moeinpour out of the building and said he was taking her to jail. Moeinpour then fainted when she heard she was being jailed, the lawsuit claimed.

When Ms. Moeinpour woke up, her ankle and wrists were handcuffed, and she was belted on a gurney in the emergency room, the suit stated, adding that she was eventually taken to the jail and held overnight.

Moeinpour was fired on Feb. 13, 2020 by UAB without anyone speaking to her, according to her lawsuit.

On Monday, a jury in Birmingham federal court sided with Moeinpour, finding the scientist had reason to believe she was harassed based on her nationality and that Cagle acted with malice.

The jury ordered UAB to pay Moeinour $3 million, while Cagle was ordered to pay the scientist $500,000 in compensatory damages and $325,000 in punitive damages.
A substitute teacher was arrested on the campus of Priceville High School Wednesday morning for public intoxication.

According to Morgan County School Superintendent Tracie Turrentine, faculty reported a non-employee adult who appeared to be intoxicated.

Priceville police, and the schools student resource officer, removed the individual from campus, Turrentine said in a statement.

Student safety is a top priority for Morgan County Schools, Turrentines statement reads. We work closely with various agencies to ensure the security of our campuses. There were no immediate threats to faculty or students. Both the Priceville Police Department and Morgan County Schools remain committed to maintaining a secure environment for everyone.

WAAY, citing Priceville police, said Brandi Michelle Bomar, 44, was arrested.

According to jail records, Bomar was booked into the Morgan County Jail and charged with public intoxication and illegal possession of prohibited liquor.

Her bond was set at $1,000.

Last week, a physical education teacher at a Tuscaloosa County school was put on leave following his arrest at the school. James Steven Cox, 40, was arrested at Lloyd Wood Education Center  a PK-12 school in Northport  about 1:30 p.m. Friday and charged with public intoxication.
A Morgan County jury Wednesday recommended life in prison without parole for one of the men accused of the 2020 Seven Deadly Sins killings.

Prosecutors had sought the death penalty for Frederic Rogers, who was convicted on three counts of capital murder in August.

The jury returned the verdict Wednesday morning after about two-and-a-half hours of deliberations over two days, according to WAFF.

Rogers was convicted of capital murder involving the killing of two or more people, murder during a second degree burglary and capital murder during arson.

The jury found Rogers not guilty of a robbery charge.

Rogers, 26, of Woodville, was arrested in 2020, charged with capital murder in the June 4, 2020 killings in a house on Talucah Road in Valhermoso Springs in eastern Morgan County.

According to testimony, Rogers, 26, and John Michael Legg, 23, shot and killed four men and three women: Jeramy Roberts, 31, of Athens; James Wayne Benford, 22, of Decatur; William Zane Hodgin, 18, of Somerville; Roger Lee Jones Jr., 20, of Decatur; Tammy England Muzzey, 45; Emily Brooke Payne, 21; and Dakota Green, 17, of Valhermoso Springs.

Authorities said Rogers and Legg started the Seven Deadly Sins motorcycle club, and two of their victims were members.

About 60 spent bullet casings were collected in the house, and all of the victims died of multiple gunshot wounds. A small dog was also fatally shot.

Legg has not yet been tried.
U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., on Wednesday warned there will be hell to pay if Congress doesnt pass a controversial bill pushed by Republicans to ensure undocumented immigrants dont vote despite that practice already being illegal.

Tuberville made the remarks at a news conference he attended with four other Republican senators urging the Senate to pass the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act.

If we do not show the American people that the elections are going to be fair and theyre going to be satisfied with the outcome  no matter whether Republicans win or Democrats win  you are going to have hell to pay in this country, Alabamas senior senator said. Its coming, and Im not so sure thats not what the Democrats want. Its an embarrassing situation, for me as a taxpaying American citizen for the last 35, 40 years, its embarrassing to know we have less control over our election system than we have on anything else.

Not only is it illegal for undocumented immigrants to vote, virtually no undocumented immigrants are voting in American elections, according to the Brennan Center for Justice.

Every legitimate study ever done on the question shows that voting by noncitizens in state and federal elections is vanishingly rare, the organizations Sean Morales Doyle wrote in April. That includes the Brennan Centers own study of 42 jurisdictions in the 2016 general election. We found that election officials in those places, who oversaw the tabulation of 23.5 million votes, referred only an estimated 30 incidents of suspected noncitizen voting for further investigation or prosecution. In other words, even suspected  not proven  noncitizen votes accounted for just 0.0001 percent of the votes cast.

Critics of the bill say it makes it harder for American citizens to vote by requiring proof of citizenship.

Americans do not need MORE obstacles to vote, the League of Women Voters says on its website. Instead of moving this legislation forward, Congress should protect voters in this critical election year by strengthening protections against discrimination in voting and expanding access to the ballot.
In a critical juncture of the 2024 presidential race, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump faced off in their firstand potentially onlydebate before Election Day. The debate, hosted by ABC News, saw the contentious issue of abortion access take center stage, starkly illuminating the candidates contrasting positions on reproductive rights.

With 10 states set to vote on abortion rights on November 5, the issue has taken on unprecedented urgency. According to Google Trends, abortion was the top searched issue during the debate, ranking first among the top 10 issues searched in the US while the candidates were speaking. Vice President Harris has made reproductive rights a cornerstone of her campaign, aligning herself with the majority of Americans who, according to numerous polls, largely support access to abortion.

Against this backdrop, Harris wasted no time in attacking Trumps record on abortion, directly linking him to the overturning of Roe v. Wade.

Lets understand how we got here, Harris declared. 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.

The vice president painted a vivid picture of the consequences of Trumps actions, describing scenarios of women being denied care during miscarriages and young rape survivors forced to carry pregnancies to term. That is immoral, Harris said. One does not have to abandon their faith or deeply held beliefs to agree the government, and Donald Trump certainly, should not be telling a woman what to do with her body.

Trump, for his part, seemed to struggle with articulating a clear position on abortion. When pressed by moderator Linsey Davis on whether he would veto a national abortion ban if it came to his desk, the former president deflected, refusing to give a direct answer. Well, I wont have to, Trump began, before pivoting to criticize the Biden-Harris administrations handling of student loans.

The debate took a controversial turn when Trump repeated falsehoods about abortion practices, claiming that abortions take place in the ninth month of pregnancy and even after birth. Fact-checkers swiftly corrected these statements, noting that fewer than 1% of abortions are performed past 21 weeks, usually in cases of medical emergencies or severe fetal anomalies. They also emphasized that infanticide is illegal in all 50 states.

The debate also touched on the contentious issue of in vitro fertilization (IVF), which has recently become a focal point in the reproductive rights discussion. Harris claimed that abortion bans are delaying families seeking IVF treatment. Couples who pray and dream of having a family are being denied IVF treatment. What is happening in our country? Harris said.

In response, Trump asserted his leadership on the issue, stating, I have been a leader on IVF, which is fertilization. When they got a very negative decision on IVF from the Alabama courts, I saw the people of Alabama and the legislature two days later voted it in. Ive been a leader on it. They know that and everybody else knows it.

This exchange references a February ruling by the Alabama Supreme Court that frozen embryos should be considered children, which temporarily halted IVF treatments in the state. In response to public outcry, Alabama lawmakers swiftly passed legislation to protect IVF providers from liability, allowing clinics to resume treatments. Trumps comments attempt to position him as responsive to public concerns about IVF access, despite his partys broader stance on when life begins.

The exchange highlighted a key strategy difference between the two campaigns. While Harris made a forceful pledge to sign legislation restoring Roe v. Wade protections if elected, Trump repeatedly insisted that the issue should be left to individual states. Now you have a vote of the people on abortion, Trump stated, echoing a sentiment that has become a common refrain among Republican politicians.

However, reproductive rights advocates were quick to challenge this framing.

The idea that all state legislatures are carrying out the will of people in their states needs a reality check, said Jennifer Driver, senior director of Reproductive Rights at SiX Action. While the majority of Americans across the political spectrum support abortion access, we have seen anti-abortion politicians in state legislatures bypass their constituents and impose their beliefs instead.

The debate also saw Trump repeat several false claims about abortion practices, including the debunked assertion that some states allow abortions after birth. Fact-checkers swiftly pointed out that infanticide is criminalized in every state, and no such laws exist.

Nourbese Flint, president of All* In Action Fund, praised Harris performance, stating, Tonight, Vice President Kamala Harris displayed the fierce leadership and dedication to protecting our freedoms that make us proud to endorse her for President. She was clear and firm in her stance on access to abortion care and unflinching in her defense of our freedoms in the face of Donald Trumps lies and dangerous rhetoric.

As the debate concluded, it was clear that abortion rights will remain a central issue in the 2024 campaign. Recent polling from the Wall Street Journal shows support for abortion access at a new high, with 64% of voters saying abortion should be legal in all or most cases.

With less than two months until Election Day, both campaigns are expected to continue emphasizing their positions on reproductive rights. As voters consider their options, they face contrasting approaches to abortion policy. Harris has committed to protecting abortion access and codifying Roe v. Wade if elected. Trump, who appointed three Supreme Court justices instrumental in overturning Roe v. Wade, has advocated for state-level decision-making on abortion laws but has not specified his stance on potential national legislation.
Hurricane Francine made landfall in Louisiana at 5 p.m. CDT Wednesday as a Category 2 hurricane.

The National Hurricane Center said Francine had 100 mph winds as its eye crossed over land in the Parish of Terrebonne, about 30 miles south-southwest of Morgan City.

Hurricane Francine strengthened to a Category 2 hurricane as it neared landfall in Louisiana.National Hurricane Center

Alabama is on the eastern side of Francines core, which means the state could be in for some of the storms worst weather, including tornadoes.

There will be a Level 2 out of 5 risk for severe weather for southwest Alabama today, and isolated tornadoes will be possible in that area (see the risk area at the top of this post) as Francines rain bands move onshore.

The Storm Prediction Center was watching areas near the coast on Wednesday afternoon and said a tornado watch will eventually be needed there:

On Thursday more of Alabama will have another Level 2 risk for severe weather. Here is the outlook for Thursday:

Nearly all of Alabama will have a risk for severe weather on Thursday.SPC

A tropical storm warning was in effect for Alabamas coast, but a storm surge watch has been changed to a coastal flood warning. Two to 4 feet of surge will be possible in coastal Mobile and Baldwin counties as well as Mobile Bay.

The weather service has gotten reports of people in the Gulf on Wednesday:

 We are seeing reports on social media of people in the Gulf waters at local beaches this afternoon. There are red and double red flags flying at all local beaches.



STAY OUT OF THE GULF WATERS TODAY!! DO NOT GET IN THE WATER!  NWS Mobile (@NWSMobile) September 11, 2024

There is a high risk of rip currents along the coast, and that could remain for several days.

It will be windy statewide, especially on Thursday, and wind advisories have been issued for many areas.

South Alabama will get the worst weather today, with rain and storms spreading northward over more of the state later today.

As of 5 p.m. CDT Wednesday, the center of Hurricane Francine was located about 30 miles south-southwest of Morgan City, La., or 85 miles west-southwest of New Orleans, and was tracking to the northeast at 17 mph.

The National Weather Service offices across Alabama urged residents to keep a close eye on the weather today through Friday.

Heres a look at what forecasters are expecting:

SOUTH ALABAMA

 RED and DOUBLE RED FLAGS are flying at ALL LOCAL BEACHES ahead of Hurricane #Francine.



 For your safety, STAY OUT OF THE GULF WATERS TODAY!



 Dangerous #ripcurrents will persist through Friday.



 #HurricanePrep #BePreparedNotScared https://t.co/zTeuiaD3Kx  NWS Mobile (@NWSMobile) September 11, 2024

* A tropical storm warning is in effect for Mobile and Baldwin counties.

* A coastal flood warning in effect for Mobile and Baldwin counties, including Mobile Bay. Storm surge of 2 to 4 feet possible.

* High risk of rip currents through Friday night.

* Surf of 8 to 11 feet possible.

* Tornadoes possible, especially near the coast Wednesday night through Thursday.

* Flood watch for Washington, Mobile and Baldwin counties.

The National Weather Service in Mobile said Francines outer bands will approach south Alabama and heavy rain will be possible at time through the night and into Thursday.

Prepare for possible power outages and be on guard for the threat of tornadoes starting this afternoon.

The weather service was particularly concerned about the potential for tornadoes  with the threat ramping up later tonight and lasting into Thursday morning.

Four to 6 inches of rain will be possible, especially closer to the coast, which could cause localized flooding.

Gusty winds will also be possible today through Thursday, with higher winds beginning tonight. Gusts could be in the 30-40 mph range and could take down trees and power lines well inland.

Minor to moderate coastal flooding will be possible along Alabamas coast today through Thursday.

CENTRAL ALABAMA

Tropical Update: Rain and wind will slowly increase today, with the strongest wind and highest rain totals expected Thursday. There is a threat for tornadoes, flash flooding, and high wind speeds Thursday. We'll post more details, as well as updates, so check back frequently! pic.twitter.com/QiAKxFESGt  NWS Birmingham (@NWSBirmingham) September 11, 2024

Central Alabama could be facing the threat for tornadoes, tropical downpours, and gusty winds as Francine moves inland and tracks northward later tonight.

The National Weather Service expects rain chances to increase from south to north starting later today, with widespread rain expected on Thursday.

There will be a threat for isolated tornadoes across all of central Alabama, especially Thursday morning through Thursday night.

Wind gusts could be as high as 40 mph on Thursday, with west Alabama having the best chances of seeing any higher winds. Winds will be capable of taking down trees and power lines.

A wind advisory will be in effect for all but the eastern row of counties in central Alabama. It will be in effect from midnight tonight until midnight on Thursday.

BMX issues Wind Advisory valid at Sep 12, 12:00 AM CDT till Sep 13, 12:00 AM CDT https://t.co/TzK57WeBtW pic.twitter.com/9AFpjJB7La  IEMBot BMX (@iembot_bmx) September 11, 2024

NORTH ALABAMA

5am Today will be cloudy w/ highs in the upper 80s

Impacts from Hurricane Francine will arrive Thursday & Friday.

Hazards: gusty winds (30-40mph), tornadoes & heavy rainfall (highest amnts along/W of I-65) that could lead to flash flooding

 Check back for updates#HUNwx pic.twitter.com/v3qjPes1NH  NWS Huntsville (@NWSHuntsville) September 11, 2024

North Alabama is expected to feel the effects of Francine Thursday and Friday, which could include gusty winds, tornadoes and heavy rain.

Winds could be sustained around 20-25 mph with gusts from 30-40 mph, which could cause downed trees and power lines.

A wind advisory has been issued for the entire region that will be in effect from 7 a.m. Thursday until 7 a.m. Friday:

HUN issues Wind Advisory valid at Sep 12, 7:00 AM CDT for Colbert, Cullman, DeKalb, Franklin, Jackson, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Marshall, Morgan [AL] and Franklin, Lincoln, Moore [TN] till Sep 13, 7:00 AM CDT https://t.co/32ayRnBLo1 pic.twitter.com/eqcO4IN4jg  Jackson Co. Ala. EMA (@JacksonCoAL_EMA) September 11, 2024

The remnants of Francine could cause tornadoes in north Alabama from Thursday afternoon through early Friday afternoon.

One to 3 inches of rain will be possible, with localized areas possibly getting 3 to 4 inches. Areas west of Interstate 65 are more likely to see the most rain.

The threat for flooding is not extreme because all of the region is in drought conditions.
Fish Company Taco has reopened in Galveston under new ownership after closing a year ago. Becca Wright

Almost a year since closing, beloved Galveston spot Fish Company Taco is back with an upgraded menu and venue.

The restaurant at 1914 23rd Street reopened under new owner Raz Halili, the restaurateur behind San Leon's Pier 6 Seafood & Oyster House. He purchased Fish Company Taco  and its recipes  this spring from founder-chef Dayatra "Daya" Myers-Hurt, who had gained praise for her globally inspired seafood tacos since 2018. She had closed the restaurant in October 2023.

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Halili and the new team, which includes Pier 6 executive chef Joe Cervantez and chef de cuisine Lexy Garcia, are enhancing the Fish Company Taco experience by bringing back favorites and adding new menu items, including an all-new beverage program.

Fish Company Taco stands out thanks to its chef-driven approach and dedication to high-quality, creative ingredients. Its a unique concept in Galvestons vibrant food scene, and were excited to continue building on that foundation, Halili said in a statement.There was a lot of thought behind it, and were honoring that ethos and taking it a step further. Itll allow our chefs to have fun and showcase their talents.

Fan favorite tacos from Galveston's Fish Company Taco have returned with the reopening of the restaurant. Becca Wright Mango Tango at Fish Company Taco, which added a bar to the restaurant. Kimberly Park Pineapple Verde and Third Coast Margarita are drinks on the new bar menu. Kate Skaggs Raz Halili, Pier 6 owner, has purchased and reopened Fish Company Taco after it closed a year ago. Kate Skaggs

Returning tacos to the menu include : Baja, Korean, Vietnamese, Empire and Dirty South. Just like under original ownership, fish will be sourced locally from Katie's Seafood Market. Tacos come a la carte. Vegetables will be bought from Galveston's Own Farmers Market. Flour tortillas are made in-house and corn tortillas are made with Masiendas heirloom blue corn masa harina.

Returning side dishes include Corn Cup and Pickle Bits. New additions feature chili-marinated cucumbers, Brussels sprouts with apple gastrique, onion rings with curry ketchup and baby kale salad with cranberries, blue cheese, hazelnuts and dijonaise.

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The menu will have daily crudo specials as well that feature a limited supply of fresh catch; it's recommended to get there early for a taste.

As for the drinks, Halili has done away with the previous BYOB format and added a full service bar. He brought in Laurie Harvey and Kris Sowell, local consultants with Ladies of Libation, to work up the beverage program.

The menu includes the frozen Third Coast Margarita and Grapefuit Guave Frose. Signature drinks can be enjoyed as mocktails or cocktails as they're designed like agua frescas but can be paired with a recommended liquor. For instance, the Pineapple Verde is cucumber-pineapple juice with jalapeno and cilantro that can be spiked with 21 Seed Cucumber Jalapeno Tequila. Customers can also order classic cocktails, along with beer, wine and soft drinks.

The interior of Fish Company Taco now has mural of the new logo. Raz Halili

Finally, the design of the restaurant has been enhanced with new paintings on the outside featuring abstract shapes and tropical fish by muralist Shelbi Nicole. A new mural was also added to the inside of the new logo. The kitchen and bathroom were redone, more seats were added to the dining room, including 12 to the new marbled bar.

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A 500-square-foot back patio is also in the works to add to the outdoor seating already offered in the front of the restaurant.

Theres a special pride in bringing something back to life in the city where you were born, Halili said in a statement. The excitement from the community has energized us. A lot of growth is happening on the Island. Were thrilled to be a part of it and hope everyone is excited about what were contributing.










English News Chinese company contributes to rapid development of cocoa industry in Cote d'Ivoire

Alwihda Info | Par People's Daily - 9 Septembre 2024



It is learned that 40 percent of the products from the cocoa processing plant will be destined for the Chinese market in the future. Kone noted that China has a vast middle-income population, representing an enormous potential market for cocoa products.

By Che Bin, People's Daily Cote d'Ivoire is the world's largest cocoa producer and exporter, accounting for nearly 40 percent of global production and exports.



In the PK24 industrial park on the outskirts of Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire's economic capital, a cocoa processing plant and cocoa bean warehouse are nearing completion.

The project, contracted to China Light Industry Nanning Design Engineering Co., Ltd., is set to become Cote d'Ivoire's largest domestic cocoa processing facility, boosting the local cocoa industry's development.



The cocoa sector is a pillar of Cote d'Ivoire's economy. According to the Coffee-Cocoa Council of Cote d'Ivoire, cocoa exports make up 40 percent of the country's total export revenue, and 6 to 8 million people in the country work in relevant industries.



However, Cote d'Ivoire's cocoa industry faces an urgent need to increase product value and achieve industrial upgrading. Statistics showed that in 2019, only 35 percent of Cote d'Ivoire's cocoa was processed locally. According to the International Cocoa Organization, the global chocolate market is valued at about $100 billion, but only 6 percent of this value reaches cocoa-exporting countries, with a mere 2 percent trickling down to cocoa farmers.



"The Ivorian government's vision is to process 100 percent of our cocoa beans locally. We hope to increase Cote d'Ivoire's cocoa processing rate with China's help. This is crucial for our country," said Kone Brahima Yves, director general of the Coffee-Cocoa Council of Cote d'Ivoire, in an interview with People's Daily.



In 2018, President of Cote d'Ivoire Alassane Ouattara attended the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and paid a state visit to China. During this visit, the leaders of both countries witnessed the signing of bilateral cooperation documents.



In September 2020, a groundbreaking ceremony for the Abidjan cocoa processing plant was held in the PK24 industrial park. At the ceremony, Ouattara stated that the cocoa processing project would contribute to Cote d'Ivoire's industrialization.



At the PK24 industrial park, a striking picture of a giant cocoa pod adorns the facade of the administrative building built simultaneously with the cocoa processing plant.



In 2019, China Light Industry Nanning Design Engineering Co., Ltd. signed two turnkey contracts with the Coffee-Cocoa Council of Cote d'Ivoire. According to the contracts, the Chinese side would build two new cocoa processing plants, each with an annual capacity of 50,000 tons, in Abidjan and the southwestern coastal city of San-Pedro, along with cocoa bean warehouses capable of storing 140,000 and 160,000 tons respectively. This project is a key collaboration under China-Cote d'Ivoire Belt and Road cooperation.



Tang Chong, project manager of the Abidjan cocoa processing plant, said that the project covers 21 hectares, including a 67,000-square-meter cocoa bean warehouse and an 18,000-square-meter processing workshop. The project uses high-efficiency materials that exceed local environmental standards, ensuring clean disposal of solid waste, wastewater, and exhaust gases.



In the processing workshop, workers were busy installing final equipment. Corneille, an employee from Togo, said in fluent Chinese: "After studying Chinese for over two years at the Confucius Institute of the University of Lome in Togo, I joined the Abidjan cocoa processing plant project. I've learned so much here - equipment installation, procurement, translation - I can handle it all now."



"My mother loves China and Chinese culture. She's always encouraged me to learn Chinese and visit China," Corneille told People's Daily. "I'm very satisfied with my current job. It not only provides me with a stable income but also brings me closer to my dream of going to China."



It is reported that about 82 percent of Cote d'Ivoire's cocoa is processed by four global chocolate manufacturers. "Once completed, this project will become Cote d'Ivoire's largest domestically-owned cocoa processing plant, which is of great significance to the country," said Tang.



Kone stated that the soon-to-be-completed Abidjan cocoa processing plant is a modern facility at the cutting edge of global standards. "Through this project, our cooperation with Chinese enterprises has reached new heights. We look forward to even closer collaboration with Chinese companies on the San-Pedro project."



It is learned that 40 percent of the products from the cocoa processing plant will be destined for the Chinese market in the future. Kone noted that China has a vast middle-income population, representing an enormous potential market for cocoa products.



"We're incredibly excited about introducing our products to the Chinese market. We believe that a continuously developing China will undoubtedly bring more opportunities," Kone said.



Dans la meme rubrique : < > Immersive cultural, tourism activities on the rise across China Fruit trade between China, ASEAN thrives U.S. tariff hike on China a protectionist move that goes against trend of times Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena)
On Friday, August 30, I received an email from an entity known as Corrlnks. The email read, This is a system generated message informing you that the above-named person is a federal person in custody who seeks to add you to his/her contact list for exchanging electronic messages.

The above-named person is Sara Carpenter, a medically retired NYPD officer who in December had been sentenced to 22 months in prison and 24 months of supervised release for her innocuous role in the largely peaceful protest at the Capitol on January 6, 2021.

I was sad to see this. Of the eight surviving women I profile in my book, Ashli: The Untold Story of the Women of January 6, Sara was the last one to be incarcerated. She left behind an adolescent son and a life in ruins. The month she spent at Ground Zero in September 2001 counted for naught in the DoJs cruel calculus.

To Attorney General Merrick Garland, Sara Carpenter was literally just a number. On August 25, Garland dismissed as a quibble whether the DoJ has had 1500 or slightly less than 1500 prosecutions so far. I think thats shown to everybody, he added, how seriously we take an effort to interfere with the peaceful transfer of power.

No, what these prosecutions have shown is Garlands sociopathic indifference to the human wreckage he has wrought. Two days after Garlands boastful threat, I received an email from the daughter of Rebecca Lavrenz, a great-grandmother from Colorado Springs who walked into the Capitol through an open door and prayed for ten minutes and left of her own accord. Wrote Laura Lavrenz, 6 months of house arrest, beginning today.

The home arrest comes with an ankle bracelet, a six month ban on using the internet for any purpose, the mandatory installation of government spyware on her phone and computer, and a $103,000 fine. For the record, this is a stiffer sentence than the ubiquitous provocateur Ray Epps received for, in his words, having orchestrated the riot.

This is a perversely stiffer sentence than protestors received for obstructing an official proceeding in September 2018, namely the Senate confirmation hearings for Justice Brett Kavanaugh. Days ago, I just happened on a video of then Senator Kamala Harris grilling Kavanaugh on some inane point.

During this exchange, first one woman and then another started screaming in an effort to interrupt the peaceful selection of a Supreme Court justice. Both times, the hearings ground to a stop as a half-dozen police officers forcibly removed the women who resisted every step of the way. The consequences? As NPR reported in a sympathetic piece, Most of those charged this week with disorderly conduct, crowding or obstructing paid fines of $35 or $50.

Lisa Eisenhart was charged with obstructing an official proceeding on January 6. As the court later acknowledged, Lisa was not a member of any suspect group, did not do any advance planning, nor did she use force to enter the Capitol on January 6. Her son Eric Munchel recorded their brief journey through the Capitol.

For a few minutes, the pair followed a group of rowdy young men whom Eric repeatedly cautioned, Dont vandalize anything, we arent Antifa, and then, more forcefully, You break shit. I break you. The viewer sees what Lisa saw, and that was a total absence of violence and vandalism.

At one point, Lisa picked up a pile of zip-ties lying loose, and this act is what did her in. Said their prosecutor, They stole the flexi-cuffs and carried them into the Senate gallery because they intended to take senators hostage, if possible. Yes, without advance planning, an unarmed 57-year-old woman and her son were planning to take hostages. Seriously? A judge apparently thought so. He sentenced Lisa to 30 months in prison, followed by 36 months of supervised release.

None of the women I profiled resisted the police as aggressively as did the women at the Kavanaugh hearings. In fact, their inquisitors were at pains to document any resistance at all. Said the DoJ in its sentencing document for Sara Carpenter, During the confrontation, Carpenter slapped away the arm of an officer, who was trying to push her back, with her tambourine. That was it.

Of the ten women profiled only one committed anything resembling a crime. Rachel Powell, 40, helped some men smash a makeshift battering ram through a Capitol window. When asked how she got swept up in the mayhem, Rachel answered, I am completely in pain. I was hit with a baton, grabbed and thrown, sprayed. My whole body was on fire. In October 2023, Rachel was sentenced to 57 months in prison and 36 months of supervised release.

The presence of women in the crowd seemed to provoke the police. Victoria White, 39, endured what was arguably the most severe police beating of a female ever captured on video. Stuck in a tunnel entrance from which she could not escape, Victoria was sprayed in the face with mace and beaten over the head with a baton at least twenty times.

Metropolitan D.C. police officer Lila Morris improvised when she saw Rosanne Boyland lying unconscious after having been pulled out from under a human pile. Morris picked up a stick lying nearby and swung it at Boylands head full force three times until the stick broke. All of this was captured on video. Boyland died soon after. And finally, of course, there was Ashli Babbitt, the unarmed 14-year Air Force veteran shot and killed without warning by Capitol Police Lieutenant (now Captain) Michael Byrd.

What Garland has presided over is the greatest mass injustice against American citizens since Japanese internment. Four protestors died, three by police action, and 1500 more had their lives ruined. Not a one of the accused was allowed a change of venue, and not a one was acquitted by D.C. juries no more committed to justice than those of Moscow circa 1937-39.

As Garland knows, the damage extends well beyond the 1500 to friends and relatives, employers and employees, parents and children. Rachel Powell, for instance, has eight children, Victoria White four. Lisa Eisenhart is a grandmother. Rebecca Lorenz, a great grandmother. As to Rosanne Borland and Ashli Babbitt, both in their mid-thirties, there will be no children.

The damage wont end when that last J6er is sentenced. It will ripple down the ages for a generation, maybe more. The toll in human lives destroyed or distorted has already reached five figures. In time, it may reach six, but as, Merrick Garland cautions us, why quibble?

Jack Cashills new book, Ashli: The Untold Story of the Women of January 6, is available in all formats.

Image: Tyler Merbler
We're a different America than we were in 2001; seems we're no longer the same country or people.

Millions of us are emotionally broken, divided, and led by a post-patriotic administration featuring "joy" over substance and a relentless drive toward neo-Marxism. The millions who want a return to conservative sanity are stymied by a wall of disinformation erected by progressives and the media.

The terrorist acts of 9-11 were a seminal moment that brought us together in a way and manner we hadn't experienced in a generation, and after a few years of "U.S.A., U.S.A." screaming at the top of our lungs, that, too, faded.

Try to remember what it was like in the immediate aftermath of that day. Everyone knew where they were when they first heard about it; everything stopped as the enormity of what happened became apparent. Amid our shock and revulsion, we coalesced around President Bush and the uncertainty of what was coming next. It was a country's mood when we collectively comprehended that war had arrived on our shores, even if we didn't know precisely who.

While we didn't know the particulars, we assumed and found out correctly later that they were the usual suspects. We were immediately clued in as we watched images of Muslims dancing in the streets and praising Allah in several American cities and elsewhere. I saw it; try to find any mention of it today in the mainstream media and on social media after progressives quietly scrubbed this vital understanding of history deemed too prejudicial for us to be allowed to view it.

Some of you have seen these images. It is the clearest evidence I've experienced that we can no longer trust our government to tell us the truth. Who are these people who take it upon themselves to decide what is true and what's not, what we will be allowed to know, and what will be withheld from Americans?

The year 2001 was only 23 years ago, but for all intents, it was a hundred years ago; ancient history for most of us, with more than a third of us not even born yet. No wonder the deniers are so effective at creating alternate histories of events that fly in the face of truth. The horror of what happened should be taught in our schools constantly so we never forget or are allowed to let others spread lies about it.

Even with our less-than-perfect history, a significant majority of Americans trusted their leaders back then. President Clinton, the last old-school Democrat who was responsible for profound change, could not prepare us for Barack Obama, who came into power with the idea of blowing it all up and starting over. Children were still children and not yet the political pawns that they are today. We were locking up people who mutilated children instead of extolling their visionary ideas for the betterment of society. When push came to shove, most of us were still Americans who patriotically served in our military and sang "God Bless America" until, seemingly out of nowhere, they didn't.

Imagine for a moment that this Sept. 11 was the day Osama bin Laden attacked, and not in 2001.

What would our country do? Joe Biden and his vice president, Kamala Harris, would immediately ask their speechwriters to return with strong messaging, urging restraint and tolerance in light of our past sins, which they deeply believe in.

When all the various Muslim groups were praising Allah, our progressive leaders would be warning against Islamophobia and tell us that Islam is a religion of peace. Israel and Jews in America would be attacked as they are now as an extension of OBL's philosophy, which was to bring America to its knees through fear and a sense of impotence.

Only Bush's strong words and immediate actions in positioning our forces for retaliation, even before knowing exactly who the enemy was, salved our pain.

Terrorism against our nation will not stand. Thousands of lives were suddenly ended by evil, despicable acts of terror. The pictures of airplanes flying into buildings, fires burning, huge structures collapsing have filled us with disbelief, terrible sadness, and a quiet, unyielding anger.

Bush left no doubt that retribution was coming.

How confident are you that Kamala Harris would wield our righteous power against the forces of evil? Instead, she would repeat her history by parsing the truth, as our ivy league university presidents do now. When one can't answer simple questions like:

What is a woman?

Whether calls for the genocide of Jews would violate a university's code of conduct?

Are American capitalism and individualism superior to all other systems?

Is radical Islam an existential threat to America?

Without simple answers to questions like these, we already know how Harris would handle another 9/11; she'd call for a national dialogue on what our country could do differently to be less threatening to the world. She would allude to a colonial past that essentially never existed and how American businesses stole the resources of innumerable countries, leading to a different kind of income inequality: America as the strongest, most prosperous country on earth. Harris would say this is evidence of America's sins coming home to roost; she believes this!

The progressives' ideas on diversity and equity feed their worldview, which drives their policies and relationship with "We the People." If 9/11 were to happen for the first time this year, her reaction would be 180 degrees different from Bush's response and inspiring words that drew us together.

For America to continue to prosper, we must be able to live in our own skins without constant doubt and angst. Harris and Biden depend on you feeling guilty and sad, the opposite of Harris's campaign proclamations of 'joy.' This Sept. 11, take more than a moment of silence. Think for a moment about what will become of this country if we lose the American spirit and strength that made us who we are and the manifest good we've delivered to the world.

God Bless America.

Allan J. Feifer is a patriot, author, businessman, thinker, and strategist. Read more about Allan, his background, and his ideas to create a better tomorrow at www.1plus1equals2.com.

Image: Pixabay / Pixabay License
On February 26, 1993, there was a massive explosion in the parking garage beneath the World Trade Center in New York. It made a 100-foot hole several stories above and below the blast. Six people were killed. A thousand others were injured, many seriously.

The FBI and New Yorks Joint Terrorism Task Force were incredibly lucky. They quickly found out who did it and why. First, they found the Vehicle ID Number on the wreckage of the Ryder rental truck that held the bomb. Second, the perpetrators contacted police to report that the van they had rented was stolen. They did that to recover their $400 deposit. All the perpetrators were quickly identified. Their apartments were searched and bomb-making evidence was found.

That is why we know that the perpetrators were all followers of Abdel-Rahman, the Blind Sheikh.

The Blind Sheikh was born in Egypt in 1938. During the 1950s and 1960s, he embraced the Wahabi or Salafi interpretation of Islam. He preached that Islam was at its peak when it was led by Muhammad, his companions, and the first three generations of his followers 1,400 years ago. That was when Islam conquered the Middle East, Egypt, North Africa, and Spain in less than a hundred years.

The Blind Sheikh urged Muslims to return to that original way or deen of Muhammad. That included rejecting the values of Jews, Christians, Hindus, and the modern world. It also included waging constant holy war or jihad against them.

This is the doctrine of Muslim Brotherhoods in Egypt and throughout the Middle East. Hamas was founded as a wing of that movement.

During the 1950s and 1960s, the Blind Sheikh preached against the secular regime of Egypts Gamel Abdul Nasser. During the 1970s, he issued a fatwa calling for the murder of Egyptian president Anwar Sadat. The Blind Sheikh was accused of causing Sadats murder in 1981 and jailed for three years. Although acquitted, he was expelled from Egypt. He then went to Afghanistan where he worked closely with Osama Bin Ladin in creating Al Qaeda. In 1990, the Blind Sheikh traveled to New York City to get funding and support for radical Muslims who were fighting the Russians in Afghanistan.

Although the Blind Sheikh was on the terrorist watch list, he got a green card to legally stay in the United States. He set up a mosque in Brooklyn, New York and preached there and around the country.

During this time, the Blind Sheikh issued a fatwa that declared it lawful to rob banks and kill Jews in the U.S. His sermons condemned Americans as the "descendants of apes and pigs who have been feeding from the dining tables of the Zionists, Communists, and colonialists". He called on Muslims to assail the West, "cut the transportation of their countries, tear it apart, destroy their economy, burn their companies, eliminate their interests, sink their ships, shoot down their planes, kill them on the sea, air, or land."

In 1990, followers of the Blind Sheikh murdered Rabbi Meir Kahane in New York. Then in February 1993, the World Trade Center was attacked. They did it so that one tower would topple into the other and kill 20,000 Americans.

One of the Blind Sheikhs followers involved in this plot was Ramzi Ahmed Yousef. He fled to Pakistan, but was quickly arrested. An FBI agent named Chuck Stern from Atlantic City was sent there to bring him back.

During the 44-hour flight back to New York, Stern engaged Yousef in long conversations. From those conversations and further investigation, Stern learned that Yousefs group had been working with engineers to find out how to create an explosion powerful enough to bring down the World Trade towers.

Stern also learned that Yousefs group had been working on plans to hijack planes and crash them. In 1994, Islamic terrorists hijacked an Air France passenger plane with plans of using it to destroy the Eifel Tower in Paris.

For years, Chuck Stern and John ONeill, another FBI agent from Atlantic City, tried to warn the FBI of these threats of future attacks against the World Trade Center. Both were ignored. During August of 2001, ONeill was forced out of the FBI because of his criticism of the agency. ONeill then became head of security at the World Trade Center. He was killed there on September 11, 2001. He was leading people to safety in the South Tower when it collapsed.

Every September 11, we have many events to remember that horrible day. However, we must also remember who attacked us, why they attacked us, and what we must do to defeat them. That means also remembering the first attack of February 26, 1993 and the events surrounding it.

Image: Eric Ascalon
Ann Snyder, third from left, helps a woman before casting her ballot at the South Montgomery County Community Center, Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2022, in The Woodlands. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer

Montgomery County commissioners unanimously rejected a software upgrade to its voting machines, citing concerns that ballots could be tampered with and the machines hacked.

The action came at the urging of several residents who spoke during the public comment portion of Tuesday's commissioners court meeting. It will force county election officials to generate manual ballots for residents outside of Texas, including military members, and require staff to retrofit the more than 1,000 machines with an older version of software.

Montgomery County uses voting machines by Austin-based Hart InterCivic. Harris County also uses the machines.

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Hart InterCivic voting machines are seen in 2022 in Conroe. Montgomery County commissioners unanimously rejected a software upgrade to its voting machines, citing concerns that ballots could be tampered with and the machines hacked. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer

I dont have any personal knowledge and any vulnerabilities, Elections Administrator Suzie Harvey said during the meeting. The actual voting machines only plug into outlets, they dont connect to any network.

Harris County election officials said they have not had any concerns about the integrity of the machines.

In October 2021, commissioners approved the roughly $10 million purchase of 1,900 voting machines to replace older machines purchased in 2005.

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A paper ballot is seen after being printed out from a Hart InterCivic voting machine in 2022 in Conroe. Montgomery County commissioners unanimously rejected a software upgrade to its voting machines, citing concerns that ballots could be tampered with and the machines hacked. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer

Hart developed the Verity Duo, a voting machine with digital and print capabilities. It reportedly has three places to store the ballot, such as two separate hard drives inside the machines and on the paper ballot.

Harvey said the concerns about the voting system are not new and not specific to the updated program.

I would ask for evidence that these are additional issues with (the updated system), Harvey said. I dont believe that they are.

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County Judge Mark Keough said he was concerned about potential vulnerabilities in the system but said there was little time to research the claims and take any action before the Nov. 5 election.

We dont have time to (investigate the claims), Keough said. We should just shut this whole thing down right now.

Commissioners said they will revisit the issues about the voting system after the November election.
Springfield, Ohio, has been in the news because its emerged that some of the 20,000 Haitian immigrants dumped on that small town in the last three years have been dining on peoples pets. That scrutiny reminded people that a Haitian immigrant driving illegally killed an 11-year-old Springfield boy. Now, the boys father has lashed outat Republicans.

On August 22, 2023, Hermanio Joseph, a 35-year-old Haitian immigrant with an Ohio identification card and a Mexican drivers license that was invalid due to his immigration status, was driving a minivan that crossed into oncoming traffic, striking a school bus. The collision caused the bus to roll over, ejecting 11-year-old Aiden Clark, who died on the scene. Another child was seriously injured. Joseph was eventually convicted and sentenced to a maximum of 13.5 years in prison.

Many people understand that little Aidens death ought never to have happened. The but for cause of his death (that is, his death would not have happened but for...) was the fact that our current government has decided that America, despite having no historical connection to or responsibility for Haiti, has a moral obligation to take in Haitians fleeing the wreckage of their country.

Once upon a time, America was a fairly empty continent without a welfare state. Now, it has 330,000,000 people and an overwhelming welfare state. Even Milton Friedman, an open borders advocate when America had a much smaller population, conceded that open borders were impossible for a welfare state:

There is no doubt that free and open immigration is the right policy in a libertarian state, but in a welfare state it is a different story: the supply of immigrants will become infinite.

That being the case, the only way to determine whether to allow immigrants is to decide whether their arrival will benefit Americans. Donald Trump had the courage to ask that question, which earned Democrats scorn, but told normal Americans that he has their backs. While Im sure there are lovely, hard-working Haitian people, as an overarching principle, shipping in 5% of Haitis populationpeople from a country that has been a mismanaged hellhole for 220 yearsis not a net benefit for America. Kamala, however, is proud of having done so.

Even though Joseph was here legally, he engaged in illegal conduct. Moreover, he is one of many immigrants whose presence has been the but for cause of American misery: women and children raped and slaughtered, increased numbers of vehicular manslaughter cases, rising crime, ruined cities, more expensive rent and housing shortages in poor communities, decayed schools and medical care, and many more attacks on the American quality of life. Americans understand that Joseph and others like him do not benefit America; they drag it down into becoming a third-world country.

And then there were the missing pets. The Springfield town authoritiesalong with ABCs morally bereft debate moderatorsdeny that peoples pets have been. However, it turns out that these politicians, police, and media outlets are as honest as their counterparts in Aurora, Colorado, where they initially denied that violent Venezuelan gangs were taking over housing complexes. Its all lies.

First, residents have complained that police wont accept reports about missing pets:

BREAKING: Ohio resident says that residents of Springfield have been calling the police about pets getting eaten and the police just shrug and say they can't prove a crime so they don't pursue it or write reports  Jack Poso  (@JackPosobiec) September 11, 2024

Second, there are still some reports that got through:

Theres a recorded police call from a witness who saw immigrants capturing geese for food in Springfield. Citizens testified to City Council.



These people would be competent witnesses in court.



Why does the media find a carefully worded City Hall press release better evidence?  Attorney General Dave Yost (@DaveYostOH) September 11, 2024

Here are some police records of Springfield folks calling about their pets. pic.twitter.com/Nqqi3zxB6b  Ajalon J. (@goanddo) September 11, 2024

And third, its not just pets that have gone missing, but so have city services and community safety:

ABC News: There is no evidence of migrants eating pets



YouTuber: Heres 30 minutes of firsthand accounts of residents in Springfield Ohio where many who live there say the pets are disappearing



ABC News: Lets talk about climate change



pic.twitter.com/Aq9sdyr6dn  Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) September 11, 2024

Because missing pets is something new, these stories resonate in a way that the endless but now old-hat tragedies of dead and assaulted Americans no longer do. And because they resonate, theyve put the spotlight right back on poor Aiden Clark.

Theres one person who is very angry about that spotlight, and thats Aidens father. The problem isnt that he doesnt want to have his personal tragedy (and I cannot even imagine that pain) become public property. Aidens father is angry because the spotlight is helping Republicans and slowing the Democrat goal of flooding America with illegal aliens:

NEW: Parents of the boy who was k*lled by a Haitian illegal in Springfield, Ohio, say they wish a white person k*lled him because Republicans are criticizing illegals.



Holy sh*t.



In a video filmed by @Julio_Rosas11, the father unleashed on Republicans.



"I wish that my son, pic.twitter.com/3F63DLujWv  Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) September 10, 2024

NEW: Parents of the boy who was k*lled by a Haitian illegal in Springfield, Ohio, say they wish a white person k*lled him because Republicans are criticizing illegals. Holy sh*t. In a video filmed by @Julio_Rosas11, the father unleashed on Republicans. "I wish that my son, Aiden Clark, was k*lled by a 60-year-old white man. And I bet you never thought anyone would ever say something so blunt." "But if that guy k*lled my 11-year-old son, the incessant group of hate-spewing people would leave us alone." "Chip Roy, JD Vance, and Donald Trump, they have spoken my son's name and use his de*th for political gain." "They can vomit all the hate they want about illegal immigrants, the border crisis, and even untrue claims about fluffy pets being ravaged and eaten by community members." "However, they are not allowed, nor have they ever been allowed to mention Aiden Clark from Springfield, Ohio."

I wont comment further. You may draw your own conclusions about the psychology at work here.

Image: X screen grab (cropped).
In 2019, Kamala Harris, a hardcore California leftist running for president, received a questionnaire from the ACLU about her political views. CNNs KFILE dug up her responses to that questionnaire, and they are so extreme that even CNNs Erin Burnett, herself a hardcore leftist, was shocked. This is a story that needs to be widely shared so that people understand the real person behind the joy and vibes.

Some people think Kamala is an empty suit. If by that they mean that shes not very bright, knowledgeable, or competent, then theyre correct. However, if they mean shes a person without fixed values, they are wrong. Kamala is filled with values, all from the socialist end of the political spectrum.

Image: YouTube screen grab (edited).

Kamala is now tacking desperately to the center thanks to the voters dislike of how the Harris-Biden administration* has conducted itself over the last 3.5 years. However, in 2019, when Kamala had just discovered she was black, not Indian, the ACLU questionnaire landed on her desk. Its apparent reading it that she neither hesitated nor hedged. Instead, she was open about her hard-left policy preferences.

Andrew Kaczynski, a leftist who still practices journalism via CNNs KFILE, broke the story:

In an American Civil Liberties Union questionnaire then-Sen. Harris filled out as a candidate for president in 2020, she also expressed support for decriminalizing federal drug possession for personal use, and for sweeping reductions to Immigration and Custom Enforcement operations, including drastic cuts in ICE funding and an open-ended pledge to end immigration detention.

You can see the questionnaire here. Ive gone through the whole thing and summarized Kamalas responses, which Im presenting in order of their importance to this election:

Kamala on so-called transgender rights (which Ill quote in full) :

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. Thats why, as Attorney General, I pushed the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation 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. Transition treatment is a medical necessity, and I will direct all federal agencies responsible for providing essential medical care to deliver transition treatment. (Emphasis mine.)

In other words, if youre in prison or an illegal alien in a detention facility (which Kamala ultimately wants to close), Kamala wants you to get taxpayer-funded gender-affirming care, whether drugs or surgery. Unfortunately, Kamala did not clarify whether taxpayers are on the hook forever, which is important because lifetime drug supplies and post-surgical costs for this gender-affirming care run from $45,000 to $57,000 per year in todays dollars. (The original study is from 2015.)

On this subject, Kamala is so far to the left that CNNs Erin Burnett expressed shocked surprise when Kaczynski explained it to her:

This is incredible



CNNs Erin Burnett literally in shock about what Kamala Harris supported.



Taxpayer-funded gender transition surgeries for detained illegal migrants? She actually said she supported that?? pic.twitter.com/j9xINRqPJL  Geiger Capital (@Geiger_Capital) September 10, 2024

Kamala on illegal immigration :

Kamala wants to provide a pathway to citizenship for all law-abiding illegal aliens in America and prevent them from being deported. As a point of order, there are no law-abiding illegal aliens. By definition, because they entered the country illegally and remain here illegally, their actions are inherently illegal, so they cannot be law-abiding.

Additionally, Kamala explained that she would end[] the use of ICE detainers and plans to reduce ICE detention by at least 50%, prevent all future facilities from being built, and close all private immigrant detention centers.

Kamala on criminal justice reform (which affects her immigration policies) :

Kamala intends to end mass incarceration by legalizing marijuana, decriminalizing drugs for personal use, ending private prisons and immigrant detention facilities, stopping the federal death penalty, using clemency to release 250,000 non-violent offenders, spend money and resources policing the police on racial grounds (note that this was before George Floyd), and pushing states to provide treatment and rehab for some drug offenses.

(This last one, incidentally, has some merit. One answer to homelessness is to imprison those homeless who engage in criminal conductthat would be most of themand then give them in-prison access to substance abuse treatment. That cannot become a revolving door, but all non-violent offenders should have one or two tries to get clean.)

Kamala on voting rights :

Felons who have left prison should have the right to vote.

Kamala on D.C. statehood (something that requires a constitutional amendment) :

Kamala proudly says she sponsored a bill to make D.C. a state (which is, of course, unconstitutional).

Kamala on abortion :

As we all know, Kamala wants unlimited abortion. We know, too, that the Dobbs decision, which came down after the 2019 questionnaire, says that abortion is strictly a states rights matter. This has not changed Kamalas commitment to federal legislation for total abortion.

Kamala on the CIA using drone strikes using Executive Orders :

Of course, droning people was Obamas big thing. The ACLU wants drone strikes to be accountable to Congress. Kamala, however, promises only that shell try to be transparent in using drone strikes. So, she liked that Obama-era policyand the Biden administration has continued to engage in non-congressionally approved drone strikes.

Kamala on BDS (the anti-Israel boycott divest sanction movement) :

Kamala actually gets this one right, saying that these boycotts are an aspect of free speech but that she opposes the BDS movement, and that she strongly support[s] Israels right to exist as a Jewish state.

Ironically, while Kamala still claims to support Israel, shes copacetic with the administrations delaying weapons shipments, its disinterest in the hostages (including American hostages), and its endless sympathy for the Gazans who overwhelmingly support Hamas aggression. Shes also made it clear that she really, really hates free speech if its against Democrats and their values.

Kamala on ending mass institutionalization for people with disabilities :

Kamala supports more home healthcare, paired with a Domestic Workers Bill of Rights, that increases pay for home healthcare workers. She seems unclear that the two cannot work in tandem without breaking local, state, and federal budgets.

Kamala on limiting the polices ability to obtain third-party search warrants (e.g., from phone companies) :

Kamala claims to be against it. However, if I remember correctly (and this is off the top of my head), Merrick Garland, the Attorney General for the Harris-Biden administration, has not been against such warrants.

Ultimately, although Kamala has a few good points (i.e., paying lip service to Israel and free speech and substance abuse programs in prisons), what she really supports is every leftist policy initiative and value. However, she has a problem, which is that Americans deeply oppose these things because they understand that these values and the policies that flow from them destroy communities and the American economy and violate the Constitution.

During her single media interview, Kamala insisted that while her policy positions have changed, her values havent. On its face, this statement makes no sense, given that many of her current policy statements (border hawk, police supporter, etc.) are at odds with her past policy actions and statements. Bernie Sanders, however, stepped in to explain the apparent contradiction:

Bernie Sanders: "I don't think [Kamala's] abandoning her ideals. I think she's trying to be pragmatic and doing what she thinks is right in order to win the election."

pic.twitter.com/kvSMmWjEkS   Country Over Party (@gagirlpolitics) September 8, 2024

In other words, Kamalas lying. The truth is that Kamalas a radical, and, if she wins the election, you can expect her to govern according to those radical values.

If Kamala were given truth serum and asked the famous trial questionWere you lying then or are you lying now?the answer would be I am lying now. If you want to know who I am and what I stand for, that ACLU questionnaire goes a long way to establishing my real values.

__________________

*I understand that, technically, Biden is president and Kamala is vice president, making this the Biden-Harris administration. However, we know that Biden has been a vegetable since he entered office, making Kamala the more sentient one of the two. She is currently running as the incumbent, even if no Democrat wants to admit it.
Since all eyes have been on Aurora, Colorado and the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang terrorizing the apartment complexes, one of the property lenders hired international law firm Perkins Coie to conduct an investigation into what is really going on, and what these lawyers found is nothing short of heinous. From an article out at The Denver Gazette:

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 firms 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.

So what did that lower-level presence in Whispering Pines look like? Well, according to the same report, gang members issued death threats and menaced the property manager so badly, he later fled; at this point, they told the propertys employees that they were now working for TdA. Heres more, regarding the specifics:

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 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.

Of course, none of this is surprising for one of the most notorious gangs in the Americasits well known that human-trafficking is a huge money-maker, with global estimates of industry revenue totaling in the hundreds of billions of dollars.

Now, when the first video of the heavily armed Venezuelans went viral, the state governor Jared Polis attempted to gaslight concerned Americans, arguing that what we were seeing was all just a figment of an overactive imagination  I wonder what Polis would say now?

What about the media? Mainstream outlets told us to ignore what was merely a fantastical tale from President Trump:

These are Tren de Aragua gang members from Venezuela taking over an apartment building in Aurora, Colorado on video. The media can try to say its not happening, but we see the videos! pic.twitter.com/tVN88q3f7H  JKash MAGA Queen (@JKash000) September 10, 2024

Progressives and the media are one of the greatest enemies of the American public.

Image: YouTube video screen grab.
Yes, they're getting eaten.

ABC News debate moderator David Muir made a big deal of "fact-checking" President Trump when he cited reports at last night's debate that pets were being eaten by Haitian migrants in Springfield, Ohio, whose flooding 20,000-strong presence was creating many problems for the city of 58,000.

My transcript:

TRUMP: "What they have done to our country by allowing these millions and millions of people to come into our country. And look at what's happening to the towns all over the United States. In Springfield, they're eating the dogs, the people that came in, they're eating the cats. They're eating, they're eating, the pets of the people that live there. And this is what's happening in our country and it's a shame. MUIR: (interruption noises) TRUMP: 'my dog was taken and used for food.' Maybe he said that and maybe that's good thing to say for a city manager." MUIR: I'm not taking this from this from television, I'm taking this from the city manager. TRUMP: ..the dog was eaten by the people who live there. MUIR: Again, the Springfield city manager says there's no evidence of that. TRUMP: We'll find out. MUIR: Vice President Harris, we'll let you respond to the rest of what you've heard. KAMALA: (Giggle, giggle) "Talk about extreme." (titter, titter...)

Well, now it turns out that Muir the self-appointed fact-checker who cited a city manager's claim that he didn't get any reports about it didn't know what he was talking about.

President Trump, however, did.

Reports from a wide variety of sources are starting to emerge about pets and park wildlife such as ducks and geese being stolen, dismembered, chopped, cooked, eaten and used for bizarre voudou ceremonies to summon evil spirits by Haitian migrants, some of them flown in from Haiti by as "parolees" by Joe Biden and Kamala Harris.

Here's an assemblage:

Theres a police report, police call recording, and testimony from residents about Haitains stealing and eating animals in Ohio.



ABC fact checked Trump on this and let Kamala get away with the bloodbath hoax, fine people hoax, and lying about police dying on Jan 6, violent pic.twitter.com/6MXECPjAAc  Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) September 11, 2024

CNN just confronted @JDVance on the migrant pet-eating controversy.



They were not prepared for his response pic.twitter.com/waszq3wMJJ  Kyle Becker (@kylenabecker) September 11, 2024

Well, since I work in the Ohio city that is presently all over the news, I suppose a few words are in order. (When I type in the city name, Facebook seems to be blocking it.)



For those of you not following, two local Catholic charities have contracted with the federal  Michael Foster (@thisisfoster) September 10, 2024

ABC News: There is no evidence of migrants eating pets



YouTuber: Heres 30 minutes of firsthand accounts of residents in Springfield Ohio where many who live there say the pets are disappearing



ABC News: Lets talk about climate change



pic.twitter.com/Aq9sdyr6dn  Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) September 11, 2024

A Springfield resident told City Council: "Theyre in the parks grabbing ducks, cutting their heads off, and eating them"



Call me crazy but if I lived in a town where 20,000 migrants got dropped off and my neighbor said this, I wouldnt let my cat outsidepic.twitter.com/fTga8veq1Q  Alana Mastrangelo (@ARmastrangelo) September 10, 2024

Heres the police report for the thing Kamala and the moderators say didnt happen. https://t.co/X07z3OzRT9  Sebastian Gorka DrG (@SebGorka) September 11, 2024

LOL my number has been leaked ahead of my reporting in Springfield, Ohio.



Im now receiving texts from Leftists wishing harm upon my family for simply investigating a story.



Completely sane behavior. pic.twitter.com/zc17zdTIhh  Tayler Hansen (@TaylerUSA) September 10, 2024

 BREAKING:



Springfield, Ohio



              (where the goose abduction allegations are coming from)    pic.twitter.com/4B6H5rhBFX  Tayler Hansen (@TaylerUSA) September 11, 2024

20,000 Haitians have been imported to Springfield, Ohio since Biden and Kamala took office pic.twitter.com/OvZtqhICKO  Jack Poso  (@JackPosobiec) September 8, 2024

Just tried to post this video of a resident of Springfield, OH telling the city's managers the Haitian illegals they trucked in are eating people's pets on @facebook a minute ago.



Was IMMEDIATELY flagged as "false information."



Who's doing DHS or the FBI's bidding over there? pic.twitter.com/zBrWhfu4Nt  Isaiah L. Carter (@IsaiahLCarter) September 11, 2024

The mainstream media claims pets arent disappearing or being eaten in Springfield. So heres 30 minutes of Springfield residents complaining about how thats happeningand worsethanks to the Haitians. pic.twitter.com/xYOJu2L3qn  Ian Miles Cheong (@stillgray) September 11, 2024

Backfired: David Muir attempted to fact check the Haitian eating pets in Ohio story. He lied.

LISTEN to Police reports of roving bands of Haitian immigrants going around Ohio and grabbing up animals.#PresidentialDebate #Trump pic.twitter.com/WNbC5V2QKi  John Cremeans USA (@JohnCremeansUSA) September 11, 2024

There's eyewitnesses, police reports, recordings, letters to Congress, and other stuff, and from such a wide variety of sources that it makes it hard to pat-ly declare, as Muir did, that nothing is going on.

Trump pointed out in the debate that a city manager might just have a public relations reason for witholding that information from the gullible press. He might even have an "interest" as such terms are, in seeing as many migrants flown in from Haiti or wherever as possible, owing to the lucrative federal contracts available to "minister" to them.

But that didn't matter to the part-time "fact-checker" with a nominal job as an impartial debate moderator last night.

What's interesting here is how the people who have lost pets might feel about it. There wasn't a trace of empathy from either Kamala or Muir about the people who may be missing their pets as pets are members of the family for most, taken with extreme cruelty by foreign migrants for eating or torturing purposes in occult rituals.

For someone to deny that you ever had a pet, that your pet was butchered and eaten by people who don't belong here and you'll never get a drop of justice, let alone a truth commission to say that it actually happened, is pretty heartless and disgusting.

The whole coverup, of course is Muir, and the city officials are trying to deny any negative effects of the Harris-Biden open borders policy. That's bad stuff, too, because if they'll cover up this, they'll cover up other crimes, and they'll arrogantly expect to never be held accountable for them.

Maybe that's changing as the facts and witness testimonies roll out, and there are lot of pet owners out there who might just find this concerning.

Because as the facts roll out, it looks increasingly likely that Muir was playing lapdog to the Harris-Biden administration instead of acting as the journalist he claims to be.

Image: Screen shot from AP video, via YouTube.
The usual doom-and-gloom has settled like a pall on the conservative commentariat. If our side doesnt score with a Grand Slam, they invariably consider it a loss. Their attitude is all wrong. When looked at through real world lenses, Trump did remarkably well in a venue that was hostile and dishonestand that many Americans recognized as such. I know this because Ive been in venues just like thatonly without millions of people watching. At the end of the day, I won my case, even though the process was more than usually painful. I believe the same will be true for Donald Trump.

Bear with me while I tell my tale.

Thirty years ago, the opposing counsel on the case, whom Ill call Smith, had a reputation at the appellate level, where a very nice appellate judgeI know he was nice because I used to babysit for his daughter when I was a teenagersavaged Smith in an opinion. The reason for this savagery was that Smith was a liar. In his briefs before the court, he lied about everything, both facts and law.

Smith did exactly the same thing. During each pre-trial motion (all aimed at either dismissing the case or shaping it before trial), the wave of lies was overwhelming. Each paragraph had multiple lies. Indeed, sometimes each sentence had multiple lies.

Smith misrepresented the record, he misapplied legal authority, and on occasion, hed go so far as to misrepresent the law. It was a tsunami of lies. He was the legal embodiment of Mary McCarthys description of the communist Lillian Hellman: I think every word she writes is false, including and and but.'

One would think that opposing someone who lies so much would be easy: Simply write a brief rebutting the lies. However, thats not the case.

Back in the day, courts had page limits. (Now, they have word count limits.) Because rebutting a lie invariably takes longer than stating the lie (its not enough just to deny the lie; you must prove why youre denying it), it would have taken me 50 pages to oppose his 15-page screed, and I never had more than 15 pages and, sometimes, rules being rules, only 10. In the quiet of my office, I had to figure out which lies to tackle and which to ignore. Sometimes, the lies impugned me, sometimes they impugned my client, and always they perverted the issues themselves...and I had so little space.

One also would have thought that the judge handling all these pre-trial motions, having been made aware of Smiths reputation because of that appellate decision, would have ruled against him when his lies were exposed. However, the opposite was true. The judge decided instantly that my clients were in the wrong and simply overlooked the lies. He was quite explicit about it at times.

Most memorably, after I wrote a bulletproof brief showing that California law prevented Smiths client from bringing the case, the judge stated, I understand the law, but I think theres something here. The judges entire responsibility was to apply the law, but he wanted us to lose, and he was going to keep us in court until that happened.

It was only because I was working with an impressively moral and ferocious senior attorney that the case survived this and went to trial. Most attorneys would have left the client out to dry. But my guy didnt. He took the case all the way to trialand we won.

We won because we had a real judge, someone who looked at the facts and the law and recognized that Smiths client was wrong in every way. Not only did we win the case, but we also won $1.2 million in attorneys fees. (Thats $2.5 million in todays dollars.)

Last night, Donald Trump faced exactly what I saw in the San Francisco court system thirty years ago: Kamala Harris was Smith. Everything she said was a lie. She lied about the facts, she lied about Trump, and she lied about her policies. When she wasnt lying about her policies, she was slithering away from them so the public wouldnt see the truth.

And then, unlike me, where I at least had a few days to decide on a way to respond, Trump had to decide on the fly what to say. Do I protect my integrity? Do I challenge her lies? Do I just restate my position?

Thats easy to do from the comfort of a living room chair. Thats hard to do when you are on the world stage with a one-minute clock ticking. And yes, Trump is Trump, so hell defend his honor first. Thats how hes wired. And then he restated his position. When youre under the gun, you make your choices.

And then, instead of a dishonest judge, Trump faced two vicious, dishonest ABC hacks who attacked him with lies, asked him loaded questions that didnt matter to most voters, and smothered Kamala with kisses. It was, as so many people said, a three-on-one pile-on, not a moderated debate. Or as Juanita Broaddrick memorably tweeted,

David Muhr : This is a historic night.



Yes, David, we know. That threesome with Kamala was really something.  Juanita Broaddrick (@atensnut) September 11, 2024

What happened last night, though, was just pretrial skirmishing. The true judges are the voters. And I believe that they, like the true judge in my long-ago trial, will look at the facts and discern the truth. The truth is not a smug, condescending liar helped along by two other smug, condescending liars. The truth is the embattled man who, for several years, helped America soar and, given the chance, will do so again.

So, take heart. Trump fought valiantly in a corrupt venue, one so patently dishonest that even ordinary people, the normal people across America facing hordes of violent illegal aliens, unaffordable food, racial divisiveness, and world chaos, will see the truth and vote accordingly.

Image by AI.
It won't come up in the debate, but it's an issue that matters. In other words, the outgoing President Andres Lopez-Obrador of Mexico has stuck his successor with "judicial reforms" that may hurt the economy. Let's get an update via Pulse News Mexico:

According to new reports from U.S. newspaper the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) and Mexicos National Auto Parts Industry (INA), many global firms who were seeking to invest and expand into Mexico have now put their plans on pause due to the potential economic and regulatory impact of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obradors (AMLO) controversial judicial reform. The reform, which proposes the popular election of Mexicos federal judges and magistrates, passed through the Chamber of Deputies last week and is expected to be voted on in the Mexican Senate on Tuesday, Sep. 7. The WSJ report revealed that U.S. enterprises alone have suspended approximately $35 billion in economic investment in Mexico due to the proposed changes to the judiciary.

Sorry, incoming president-elect Claudia Sheinbaum, but you are stuck with AMLO's policies. Also, the new President will have to deal with the consequences of explaining to investors that their concerns are not valid.

So who wins? That's the "64,000 peso" question like my late mother used to say. The new President will have to decide whether $35 billion should come to Mexico or go somewhere else.

Last but not least, President Trump is probably going to invite those companies to bring those investments to the U.S. where we don't vote for judges in the Supreme Court.

It's a nightmare in waiting. We will see how long the incoming president will stand by her man AMLO.

P.S. Check out my blog for posts, podcasts and videos.

Image: Secretaria de Cultura CDMX
Meta is about as trustworthy with your data as a lion in a butchers shop. The company is notorious for lifting users data by any means necessary, and the people of Australia know this more than ever. According to a new report, Meta scrapes the data of basically every Australian it can and has been for years. Its been doing this back when the company was still called Facebook.

Weve known that companies scrape tons of user data for a while. Before, these companies mostly scraped our data to fuel their ad businesses, like Google, but the winds have shifted in the past couple of years. Now, these companies are scraping our data to feed their AI models. So, if you use any of their services, just know that pretty much anything you do could be sent off to the company.

Meta scrapes the data of basically all Australian citizens

This bit of news should come as no surprise. Meta is one of the most data-hungry companies out there. However, the information revealed is a bit of a shock, and it should cause the Australian government to look at the company with a closer eye.

Australian politicians questioned Metas global privacy director, Melinda Claybaugh about whether the company has been lifting its users data for years. She denied the allegations initially, but Green senator David Shoebridge asked this question:

The truth of the matter is that unless you have consciously set those posts to private since 2007, Meta has just decided that you will scrape all of the photos and all of the texts from every public post on Instagram or Facebook since 2007, unless there was a conscious decision to set them on private. Thats the reality, isnt it?

After that, Claybaugh responded with Correct. However, she was not allowed to finish her statement before being abruptly cut off by the rest of the politicians. Since she confirmed this information, its clear that Meta has been collecting Australian users data for the better part of two decades. Thats alarming.

The company has been smacked on the wrist by the EU for scraping its users data, so it has since stopped. The EU has strict laws against data scraping, and this has caused other companies to change how they operate their services in that area. However, Australia has no such laws, and Meta has been able to run rampant in that continent.

The data being scooped up applies to a wide range of content. It involves posts and even photos. We can only imagine the immense number of photos the company has scraped over the past 17 years.

Metas sneaky ways

As you can imagine, Meta tried its hardest to scrape as much data while maintaining some sort of legality. When Claybaugh denied the allegation, she was asked if Meta scraped peoples data as far back as 2007. However, the thing about David Shoebridges question was that it mentioned setting posts to private.

To recap, your posts would be scraped unless you have consciously set those posts to private. This could be seen as a way to get away with scraping data with no consequence. If Meta gave its users the ability to set their posts to private, then it technically gave users the ability to keep their data safe from being scraped. So, if their data is scraped, its not technically done without consent.

The issue with that is that the mass majority of users on Facebook and Instagram dont know about this function. Its not like these platforms come out and put it on the front page once you enter the app. So, many people dont know that their data is being scraped, and they dont know how to stop it.

Also, theres not much point in using social media to share your posts privately. Social media is kind of about sharing your content with the masses.

The subject of kids

Meta mentioned that there are exceptions to the people who it scrapes data from. The company stated that it doesnt scrape the data of people under the age of 18. That seems noble, but theres always fine print when dealing with situations like these.

From the looks of it, the company doesnt scrape data from accounts of people who are under 18, and this includes images. However, this only applies to the accounts, not the subjects of the images. This means that, if an account holder over the age of 18 has images of people under the age of 18 on it, Meta will still scrape the images.

So, it doesnt really matter if Meta avoids scraping images from accounts of minors, as its still scooping up images of minors. Good going Meta

Missing opt-out option

In the EU and in the U.S.A., Meta offers users the ability to opt out of having their data scraped. Once you flip that switch, your data is safe (well, supposedly it is. Remember, this is Meta, were talking about). However, the fact of the matter is that Meta didnt provide that option to Australian users.

Why is that? Well, Meta is only playing nice in the EU because of its strict laws. we are offering an opt-out to users in Europe. I will say that the ongoing conversation in Europe is the direct result of the existing regulatory landscape, Claybaugh said. This says a lot about Metas strategy. It will only mind users data if there are strict laws in place. If the company could get a multi-million dollar fine, then it wont scrape data.

So, since Australia doesnt have those laws, its data was basically served to meta on a silver platter.

Australia might have some laws in the future

This story is a real eye-opener. Meta basically stated that its been sucking up data from its users, in some capacity, as far back as 2007. Thats quite some time! Many of the users on its platforms werent even born back then.

The Australian government has expressed remorse over its lack of action in this area. The governments failure to act on privacy means companies like Meta are continuing to monetise and exploit pictures and videos of children on Facebook, Australian Senator David Shoebridge told ABC News. Meta made it clear today that if Australia had these same laws Australians data would also have been protected.

Because of this, the Australian government is likely to crack down on this with some heavy laws to mitigate this. Since Meta would be the inspiration for any laws that come out, we can bet that the companys practices will be greatly hindered. Since major legislature tends to take some time, theres no telling when (if) the laws will come out. Hopefully, Australia and other regions in the world adopt strict laws to protect their users data.
Satellite connectivity on mass-market mobile devices is relatively new. Currently, very few manufacturers support the feature, at least outside of China. In fact, on Android, only the Google Pixel 9 series is compatible. That said, as with the deep implementation of AI in mobile devices, Samsung would follow in Googles footsteps by implementing satellite connectivity support on the Galaxy S25 Ultra.

Apple popularized satellite connectivity on traditional flagship phones with its iPhone 14 series. Until then, only specific niche products supported it. Since then, some Chinese brands have launched satellite-enabled smartphones in their home country. Samsung could take advantage of the free spot in the global market to offer a competitive advantage on the most premium model of the Galaxy S25 series.

Chinas 3C certifies Galaxy S25 Ultra with satellite connectivity support

According to tipster Ice Universe, the Galaxy S25 Ultra appeared on 3C certification bodys listings. The entry mentions that the device will offer both satellite connectivity and 45W fast charging. The confirmation of the charging power might disappoint many who are expecting better numbers after years of waiting. However, Samsung is one of the companies that follows a conservative line when it comes to charging support. Brands like Google, Apple, and Sony use a similar strategy.

So, the most notable thing about the Galaxy S25 Ultras entry in 3C is the mention of satellite connectivity. The tipster also reveals that the device will bring improved video recording capabilities. According to a recent leak, Samsung will implement a new 50 MP ISOCELL JN3 sensor for ultra-wide shots. The other three rear camera sensors would remain unchanged. The company will probably implement most of the camera improvements on the software side.

According to reports, the Galaxy S25 Ultra will weigh significantly less than the latest iPhone 16 Pro Max. Despite having a slightly larger screen (6.9), the Galaxy S25 Ultra is reportedly significantly lighter than the S24 Ultra. Lastly, Samsung could reduce the devices thickness to 8.2 mm.
Currently, you dont need a Samsung account to use Galaxy phones. You can even get apps and updates from the Galaxy Store without having to log in. However, thats about to change, as the company will force you to create a Samsung account for Galaxy Store downloads.

For some time, the South Korean giant has wanted all Galaxy device users to create an account on its platform. For a while now, One UI users have reported some annoying measures like pop-ups over opened apps. Currently, the Galaxy Store prompts you to create an account the first time you log in. However, you can skip this step for 14 days if you wish.

App downloads from Galaxy Store will require a Samsung account from September 25

That said, the latest Galaxy Store app update is showing a notice to users of the companys devices. New service requirement: To use Galaxy Store services such as installing, downloading, and updating apps, you must be logged in to your Samsung account, the notification reads. The change will take effect on September 25, according to the company. The new policy can be annoying since the Galaxy Store has always allowed you to download apps and updates without a Samsung account.

Its noteworthy that Galaxy users get the vast majority of their apps from the Play Store. The change in the companys policies will not affect the use of Googles app store at all. However, Samsung uses the Galaxy Store to send updates to its own apps. So, losing access to the companys app store means not receiving new features and improvements in several of its services.

The notification is appearing to users after installing the latest Galaxy Store 6.6.13.10 update. It is unknown why Samsung now requires creating an account on its platform to use its app store. However, if you want to avoid losing access, it is best to do so as soon as possible.
Elon Musk, founder of SpaceX, speaks during a Starship update press conference Thursday, Feb. 10, 2022, at a SpaceX facility in Boca Chica. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer

Elon Musk has offered to give Taylor Swift a child and protect her cats  a remark that prompted quick disapproval from many online who described it as creepy.

The Texas billionaire wrote an indirect tweet to Swift early Wednesday, saying he would give her a child and guard her cats in reference to the pop stars endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris for president.

Fine Taylor  you win  I will give you a child and guard your cats with my life, Musk wrote on X.

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Musk made the unsolicited offer apropos to Swift referring to herself as a childless cat lady in her Instagram post announcing her endorsement of Harris for president following the debate Tuesday night.

Swift confirmed her support of Harris for president on Instagram with a glam shot of herself and a cat and a caption that mentioned the dangers of AI, LGBTQ+ rights and reproductive health as reasons behind her endorsement.

"Im voting for @kamalaharris because she fights for the rights and causes I believe need a warrior to champion them. I think she is a steady-handed, gifted leader and I believe we can accomplish so much more in this country if we are led by calm and not chaos," Swift wrote.

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Swifts sign-off on the post as a childless cat lady is a nod to vexed comments JP Vance, Trumps running mate, made about childless cat ladies being in charge of the nation in 2021. Vance recently dug his heels into his controversial dig, calling Harris one of the childless cat ladies.
Google remains embroiled in antitrust lawsuits related to its business models. Its ad-related technologies have been at the center of several legal battles. Now, Google is about to face a similar antitrust case, this time related to its purchase of DoubleClick.

Google faces antitrust lawsuit over DoubleClick acquisition

In 2008, Google successfully acquired DoubleClick, an ad sales-focused company. The Mountain View giant saw the acquisition as a priority before others could get ahead of it. A Microsoft-owned DoubleClick represents a major competitive threat, wrote Googles then-executive in charge of acquisitions, David Drummond, in an email to executives. Now, more than 16 years later, the deal could lead to sanctions against the company.

Once again, the US DOJ is taking Google to court for alleged monopolistic practices in its ad business. 17 states, including California and Colorado, support the DOJ this time. State authorities believe the Google-DoubleClick deal led to the companys current dominant position in the segment. The $3.1 billion deal gave Google access to DoubleClicks technologies and customer base.

The lawsuit alleges that Googles dominant position following the deal allowed it to set unfair pricing conditions for those interested in using the most popular ad platform. Plus, by controlling the majority of the ad supply chain, there were few options available to those seeking the most effectiveness. This may have led to more aggressive monetization strategies by publishers, authorities say. The deal may have resulted in more frequent and annoying ads as websites sought to make high investments profitable.

Authorities seek better adtech conditions for less annoying ads and online monetization

Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser says that Google is able to extract raised-up costs, and those are passed on to consumers. The plaintiffs also allege that Googles current pricing schemes push publishers to put more ads on their websites, to put more content behind costly paywalls, or to cease business altogether. Ultimately, the lawsuit aims for better pricing conditions for ad plans or more favorable conditions for publishers. This would reduce the aggressive monetization methods that certain publishers have resorted to, such as articles hidden behind paid subscriptions.

The judge overseeing the case in Alexandria, Virginia, will be Leonie Brinkema. As in previous lawsuits, the output could mark the future of the online ad business. In previous cases, the DOJ suggested breaking up Googles business into multiple companies. This way, each would act independently without boosting each other. However, not everyone agrees with this proposal.

Breaking up Googles business would be detrimental, AdGuards co-founder believes

Andrey Meshkov, AdGuards CTO and co-founder, suggests that tearing apart Googles advertising business would lead to a worse web experience. If that happens, he predicts increasingly invasive activity tracking systems. On the other hand, Dina Srinivasan, an antitrust scholar and former ad executive, thinks the Google-DoubleClick antitrust case could benefit everyone. She says it would result in lower ad pricing and a better web experience, even if Google wins.

For its part, Google maintains that its acquisitions have been positive for the market. Google has designed a set of products that work efficiently with each other and attract a valuable customer base, the company claims. The trials outcome will likely unfold over several months. In the meantime, Google has another ad-related technology antitrust case pending in Texas, set for March 2025.
Two former Samsung execs have been arrested in South Korea on allegations of stealing over $3.2 billion worth of intellectual property to establish a chip factory in China.

Samsung execs arrested in South Korea on allegations of stealing intellectual property

According to South Korean media, the Seoul Metropolitan Police apprehended the two individuals, identified only by their surnames. Chinese officials reportedly collaborated with the accused to launch a joint venture in China called Chengdu Gaozhen, with one of the arrested individuals leading the project.

According to a report from Bloomberg, 66-year-old Mr. Choi set up the joint venture in China. This was alongside some local officials and served as its CEO. A plant designer, Mr. Oh, reportedly assisted him in this venture.

The former Samsung executive reportedly recruited several Korean semiconductor experts. It includes the second suspect, a former senior researcher at Samsung Electronics. They allegedly stole Samsungs 20-nanometer chip technology and other proprietary information to replicate it in China.

The senior researcher, who became the head of process design at Chengdu Gaozhen, played a key role in the technology theft. Police estimate the economic value of the stolen technology to be around 4.3 trillion won ($3.2 billion). Investigators are looking into other employees who may have also been involved.

The police said Chois move weakened the nations competitiveness when the countries are in a global chip war. With the arrest of the companys head, the authorities claimed that this would stop the operation of the Chinese venture.

Its not the first time

Authorities have not clarified whether these arrests connect to a similar case from last year when prosecutors charged a former Samsung executive with using stolen information to build a chip factory in China. Both that individual and one of the recently arrested suspects share the same surname. It suggests either new developments in the same case or a separate incident entirely.

This is not an isolated incident, as industrial espionage, particularly in the chip industry, has been on the rise. Last year, a suspected Chinese spy stole ASMLs chipmaking secrets, and U.S. authorities accused a telecom worker of conducting espionage for China over a decade.

In South Korea, chip IP theft has also been a concern, with the involvement of both North Korean and Chinese actors. Back in May this year, police also arrested a former SK Hynix employee at a South Korean airport for printing 3,000 pages of semiconductor process data. The authority suspected that she was working with Huawei and carrying these printed documents for the company. However, she denied all the allegations.
Before AI was the primary buzzphrase in the tech world, it was job cuts. Many of the top tech brands have been axing jobs left and right, but that trend isnt slowing down. According to a new report, Samsung is getting ready for a massive job cut that could affect thousands of workers overseas.

2024 hasnt really been a great year for Samsung. Its been struggling to recover after its chip business suffered last year, its been accused of copying Apple with its new earbuds and smartwatch, and those devices have been suffering manufacturing issues. Thats not to mention that its Galaxy Z Fold 6 isnt selling well at all. So, the job cuts look like theyre the cherry on top.

Samsung is planning on some massive job cuts

This is still a developing story, so youll want to keep tuned as more information comes out. Three sources close to the matter told Reuters about the whole situation. They wish to remain anonymous, as this information is confidential. The sources revealed that Samsung is planning to cut a massive number of jobs across several sub-brands across different countries. These countries include Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Asia. Another source added India to that list.

Right now, the number of people affected by this potential job cut is still in the air. Rather than selecting a certain number of jobs to cut, the company reached out to several subsidiaries around the world and instructed them to reduce workers. It said that they need to reduce sales and marketing staff by up to 15% and administrative staff by up to 30%.

This means that the final number of people laid off could vary drastically. We also dont know how many companies were instructed to reduce staff. One source said that the Indian unit has been making preparations for the past three weeks. This includes getting severance packages set up.

The only solid number about layoffs we got was about India. It seems that the Indian division could lose 1,000 workers. Thats not a huge amount compared to the 25,000 total workers in the Indian division, but its still rather brutal.

Big numbers

According to Reuters, Samsungs staff sat at about 267,800 at the end of last year, and more than half of those workers (around 147,000) dont work within Korea. So, a massive job cut, especially one involving 15% and 30% of staff being cut, could have a heavy impact on the number of workers at the company. While we got news about job cuts overseas, we dont know if Samsung is going to be cutting jobs within Korea.

Samsung is suffering

The tech world is suffering at the moment, and Samsung is no exception. While the companys phones have been doing well, especially its Galaxy S24 series, the company is still struggling in some areas. The company has been losing chip manufacturing contracts to TSMC. Even Google, one of Samsungs closest partners, has reportedly moved over to TSMC to manufacture the Tensor 5G chip.

Not only that, but the market the company has been dominating is starting to turn on it. Just a few years ago, there was no way that any other company could touch it when it came to foldable phones. However, companies like Oppo, Vivo, OnePlus, Google, HONOR, Xiaomi, Huawei, and others have breathed imagination and innovation into the segment. All of this is while Samsung has remained stagnant.

These, and other factors, have been contributing to the companys woes, and the dreadful economic conditions arent helping. It was a matter of time before we saw this happening. Right now, its tough to know what the company is going to do going forward. We expect the layoffs to go into effect before the end of the year. Lets just hope that all, if not most, of the people affected will have proper severance packages.
Yesterday, Apple launched the iPhone 16 series, including a massive Pro Max model. The screen on Apples largest new smartphone has grown to 6.9, making it comparable to tablets from a few years ago. Samsung does not want to be left behind, and it is said that the screen on its next premium mobile flagship will be the same size. However, it seems that the Galaxy S25 Ultra will have a lighter weight than the iPhone 16 Pro Max.

In the smartphone industry, there was a time when the trend among high-end products was to make them as light and thin as possible. This had consequences for things like the battery, whose capacity suffered due to a lack of physical space. Fortunately, that trend changed, and manufacturers lost their fear of increasing the weight of their phones to integrate larger batteries.

The weight of the Galaxy S25 Ultra would be below 220 grams

The iPhone Pro Max and Galaxy S Ultra (formerly Galaxy Note) are among the leading models of large-screen smartphones. We already know the iPhone 16 Pro Max, but Samsungs next big release in this segment, the Galaxy S25 Ultra, is coming in early 2025. Rumor has it that the Galaxy S25 Ultras display will match the 6.9 of Apples latest device. However, weight may be a different story. According to Ice Universe, Samsungs next flagship will weigh just 219 grams. For reference, the iPhone 16 Pro Max weighs 227 grams, while the Galaxy S24 Ultra weighs 233 grams.

Previous reports revealed that Samsung will keep the same 5,000 mAh battery capacity as previous models. Perhaps some were expecting a bigger capacity after several years. However, it is important to remember that Samsung reserves a portion of the phones internal space for the S-Pen slot, so they have less room to maneuver.

The phone may also be thinner than its predecessor

In addition, the Galaxy S25 Ultra could reduce its thickness to 8.2 mm (8.6 mm on the S24 Ultra). It could also be more narrow, at 77.6 mm (79 mm for the S24 Ultra). So, considering the whole context, Samsungs next largest mobile flagship would be a technological milestone. Lastly, it is also possible that the S25 Ultra will have thinner bezels around the screen than the iPhone 16 Pro Max. The latter is similar in that aspect to the current S24 Ultra, so the South Korean giant could take the lead.
Franklin Pena, one of the two men accused of killing 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray, is led out of the courtroom after bail was set for $10 million, Monday, June 24, 2024, in Houston. Pena and another man, Johan Jose Rangel-Martinez, are charged with capital murder over the girl's death. Brett Coomer/Associated Press

A Harris County judge ruled against one gag order and issued another in the criminal cases related to the death of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray, effectively limiting what lawyers in the case can say after District Attorney Kim Oggs public remarks about the defendants and their immigration status.

The judge voiced intentions to craft his own order that could punish Ogg, her prosecutors or the defense attorneys representing the accused with contempt of court if they violate state-wide codes of conduct that dictate what lawyers can say about pending criminal cases. Defense attorneys have taken issue with Ogg making alleged extra-judicial comments about Franklin Pena and Johan Martinez-Rangel  both of whom are Venezuelan nationals charged with capital murder in Joceleyns June 17 death.

A passerby found Jocelyn's half-naked body in a north Houston creek in the 400 block of West Rankin Road. The arrests of both men became a flash point in political discourse surrounding immigration.

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By late Wednesday, it became clear Judge Josh Hill had finalized an order partially mirroring what Pena's attorneys requested last month, using wording that closely resembles a gag order in former Houston police officer Gerald Goines' case. The order prohibits lawyers from speaking about the credibility, character or criminal history of anyone involved in the cases, opinions about their guilt or innocence or airing details about the case that is unlikely to be allowed at trial.

District Court Judge Josh Hill presides over a hearing for Johan Jose Martinez-Rangel, one of the two men accused of killing 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray, is led into the courtroom on Tuesday, June 25, 2024 in Houston. Martinez-Rangel was ordered held on $10 million bail as he, and another man, Franklin Pena, are charged with capital murder over the girl's death. They're accused of leading her under a bridge in north Houston, and then strangling her. Her body was found June 17 in the bayou near the 400 West Rankin Road. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

In both orders, lawyers are not prohibited from discussing scheduling, the legal process or describing what happens in the public record but attorneys often interpret the orders as a reason to not publicly discuss the case with news media.

One difference in Hill's order is that the lawyers are compelled to follow the professional guidelines dictated by the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct. The order, which Hill referred to as a protective order in court, applies to Pena and Martinez-Rangel's cases.

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The request for a gag order follows Ogg referencing the case in connection to immigration policies during her endorsement of Sen. Ted Cruz, a Republican, and again Sept. 5 while addressing the Kingwood Tea Party. During the latest event, while acting in her capacity as district attorney, she said Jocelyn was murdered by two illegal Venezuelan aliens.

She lent her support to proposed legislation to keep migrants in detention if beds are available, telling Cruz supporters during her endorsement that Jocelyn would still be alive if Cruzs bill was in place.

Lisa Andrews, Penas defense attorney, referred to Oggs tea party comments as shocking in court Wednesday and argued for a restrictive gag order to prevent how the district attorney can discuss the case in public. She noted Oggs office did not oppose similar gag orders in the cases of Antonio Armstrong Jr. or Gerald Goines, who is on trial in another court.

But because DA Ogg wants to continue politicizing immigration, they wont agree in this case, Andrews said.

Jessica Caird, division chief for Ogg's appellate division, continued to oppose Andrews proposed gag order as overly broad, saying it could impact thousands of government employees, including rank-and-file police officers and prosecutors who have nothing to do with the case.

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Attorneys for Martinez-Rangel, despite voicing concern about Oggs statements, had requested a less stringent order that would prevent public comments about evidence, rather than the entire case.

Johan Jose Martinez-Rangel, one of the two men accused of killing 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray, is led from the courtroom on Tuesday, June 25, 2024 in Houston. Martinez-Rangel was ordered held on $10 million bail as he, and another man, Franklin Pena, are charged with capital murder over the girl's death. They're accused of leading her under a bridge in north Houston, and then strangling her. Her body was found June 17 in the bayou near the 400 West Rankin Road. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

A spokesperson for Ogg could not be reached for comment after the judge issued the order.

The judge, as he talked out his ruling in court, noted that Oggs comments were the only ones in question  not her prosecutors assigned to the capital murder cases. The prosecutors were asked last month, prior to the tea party meeting, to ensure Ogg was made aware of oral admonishments to not make extrajudicial comments.

He warned that future dissemination of information could lead to potential mistrials.

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The order would not apply to Jocelyns family, who has appeared alongside former President Donald Trump in connection with his White House bid, he said.

Im not going to tell someone that theyre not allowed to share their pain, the judge continued.

As bailiffs led Martinez-Rangel to a holdover room for inmates, one of Jocelyns relatives stood up in the courtroom and gripped her shirt emblazoned with Jocelyns face.

Look at her face, she loudly said.
Concerns about a spike in baby deaths were not discussed at hospital board level until after the year-long attack spree of elephant in the room Lucy Letby had ended, a public inquiry has heard.

The nurse was removed from non-clinical duties after the deaths of two triplet boys and the suspected collapse of another boy at the Countess of Chester Hospitals neonatal unit on three successive days in June 2016.

Consultant paediatricians had urged executives to move Letby, 34, out of the unit on the grounds of patient safety after a number of them had previously raised fears about her.

Liverpool Town Hall ahead of the Thirlwall Inquiry (Peter Byrne/PA)

Less than a fortnight later an extraordinary meeting of the board of directors was held in which chief executive Tony Chambers informed them there had been an unexplained increase in neonatal mortality at the hospital trust.

The official minutes recorded Dr Ravi Jayaram, clinical lead for paediatric services, asking for one matter not to be minuted.

In a set of handwritten notes, the consultant set out Letbys association with neonatal deaths and referred to her as the elephant in (the) room.

The Thirlwall Inquiry into events surrounding the crimes of Letby, convicted of murdering seven babies and attempting to murder seven others, heard various board committees failed to escalate concerns about neonatal mortality or Letby.

An entry in an urgent care risk register in July 2016 referred to potential damage to reputation of the neonatal service and wider trust due to apparent increased mortality within the neonatal unit, the inquiry heard.

Counsel to the inquiry Nicholas de la Poer KC said: The risk was characterised in terms of reputational harm, rather than in terms of a risk to the safety of babies.

He said it was also noteworthy the entry came after a thematic review in February 2016 had clearly identified a higher-than-expected mortality rate on the neonatal unit in 2015.

Mr de la Poer said there was no record of the consultants concerns of deliberate harm to babies in the urgent risk register or in the corporate directors group meeting minutes.

He said: The inquiry will be seeking to understand why this is, and also why it appears that it took until July 2016, one year and one month after the first indictment baby death, and five months after the thematic review, for the concerns to be formally recorded in these forums.

Mr de la Poer went on: The inquiry will be seeking to understand why the concerns which were being expressed at the neonatal unit level were not escalated more quickly and clearly through the designated channels, and if they had been what should have happened.

Chairwoman of the inquiry Lady Justice Thirlwall at Liverpool Town Hall (Peter Byrne/PA)

Why did it take until July 2016 for the increase in neonatal mortality to be discussed at a board meeting.

Mr de la Poer also highlighted that Sir Duncan Nichol, who was chairman of the hospital board from 2012 to 2020, was the NHS chief executive when nurse Beverley Allitt committed a string of murders and attacks at Grantham Hospital in 1991.

He said: Following the Clothier Inquiry into Allitts attacks, Sir Duncan was responsible for the distribution of the Clothier report across the NHS, writing to all health authorities and trusts to draw it to their attention.

The inquiry is interested to hear from Sir Duncan about the lessons he and the wider NHS learnt from the Allitt case and why the parallel between Letby and Allitt was not drawn earlier at the hospital.

In July 2016 the board accepted the plan of Mr Chambers and medical director Ian Harvey for an external review to be undertaken by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH).

The review teams first interview on September 1 was with Mr Harvey, the inquiry heard, and he was noted to have said: Correlation of one nurse  paediatricians see as elephant in the room. Lucy Letby.

Pattern of babies collapse doesnt seem to follow normal pattern and respond to resuscitation in normal way.

He added: Had to intervene with the neonatal lead as junior doctors had been referring to her as nurse death.

Ripples through the team and trying to function. Cant see how to conclude without calling the police. Unless there is something to satisfy the medical staff they can call the police.

Mr de la Poer told the inquiry that Sue Eardley, head of the review, recalled Mr Harvey stating that a non-executive director, a former senior ranking officer, had advised against contacting the police until all other avenues had been exhausted.

Hospital chiefs did not ask Cheshire Police to investigate the deaths until May 2017.

Mr de la Poer said it appeared some but not all members of the RCPCH team were aware of suspicions in relation to Letby prior to its review visit.

A consultant paediatrician on the team stated to the inquiry that if he had known of concerns about the nurse he would have questioned whether its invited review was appropriate and would have advised the police should be involved if any criminality was suspected.

Chairwoman of the inquiry Lady Justice Thirlwall arrives at Liverpool Town Hall (Peter Byrne/PA)

The barrister said Robert Okunnu, RCPCH chief executive, stated to the inquiry that the reviews interview of Letby was highly unusual and one that should not have taken place.

He said a note of the interview recorded that Letby described being scapegoated and very vulnerable, and she contended there was no reason or evidence to redeploy her from the neonatal unit.

Ms Eardley had since accepted with hindsight that there should have been contact with the police and the review was probably not the appropriate course of action for senior management to follow, said Mr de la Poer.

He told Lady Justice Thirlwall the inquiry will explore the circumstances in which suspicions about Letby were raised externally.

Mr de la Poer said: You may consider that a troubling feature revealed by the evidence is that all too often it appears that a high threshold was believed to exist for raising concerns of potential harm to babies.

Namely, that some proof of criminality was necessary before those with the responsibility to investigate concerns could be notified.

The neonatal unit was inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) from February 16 to February 19 2016 as part of a review of its children and young person services at the hospital, the inquiry heard.

Mr de la Poer said it was notable that Letby attempted to murder Child K in the early hours of February 17 2016, the second day of the inspection.

He said a member of the inspection team had stated she did not recall discussion of an increase in unexpected or unexplained neonatal deaths and was certain there was no mention of a suspicious correlation of those deaths with a member of staff.

Three other team members said they too did not remember any such concerns being flagged.

Mr de la Poer said neonatal lead Dr Stephen Brearey had told the inquiry that one of his colleagues had told an inspector we have some serious patient safety concerns and dont feel like we are being listened to.

But Dr Brearey said this was ignored and the inspectors left before there was time to expand upon concerns.

Letby, 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, between June 2015 and June 2016.

The first week of the Thirlwall 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.
Billy Harris stepped into the limelight in the absence of Jack Draper to guide Great Britain to victory in their Davis Cup opener against Finland in Manchester.

British number one Draper was rested five days after losing to Jannik Sinner in the US Open semi-finals and cheered from the sidelines at the AO Arena as Britain secured a 2-1 win.

That meant a debut at the age of 29 for Manxman Harris, who is the ultimate late developer having finally made his way to the upper echelons of the sport over the last 12 months after years spent touring round Europe in a converted transit van.

Debut Delight  Billy Harris secures the victory for Great Britain defeating Virtanen 6-4 7-6(4) #DavisCup pic.twitter.com/CnJEgJI6b2  Davis Cup (@DavisCup) September 11, 2024

And he held his nerve brilliantly in a tight second set against Otto Virtanen to secure a 6-4 7-6 (4) victory and give the hosts an unassailable lead following Dan Evans 7-6 (3) 6-2 success against lowly-ranked Eero Vasa.

But Britain were unable to claim the 3-0 win they wanted as Virtanen teamed up with Harri Heliovaara to beat Evans and Neal Skupski 7-6 (4) 7-5 in the doubles.

With tougher ties against Argentina and Canada to come on Friday and Sunday respectively, it undoubtedly took the shine off the day for captain Leon Smith.

It is a positive day, said the Scot. If you look at it and you dont have Jack, your highest ranked, you dont have Cam Norrie, your second highest ranked, and you end up winning a tie 2-1, you would take that.

Jack Draper watches from courtside (Martin Rickett/PA)

Im obviously absolutely thrilled for Billy. I think thats one of the best debuts youll have seen, it was that good. We were sort of joking beforehand, nothing really fazes him. You could tell before the match that he was ready.

The doubles, it feels disappointing. Last year it almost came back to bite us that we didnt get that 3-0 on the first day.

It would be a surprise if Draper does not come into the team against Argentina, with Smith adding: Hopefully hes available to be an option for Friday, Im pretty sure he will be. It was just a little bit too quick a turnaround in my eyes.

This was a tricky first match for Harris against 23-year-old Virtanen, ranked only nine places lower at 110 and who played a key role in Finlands surprise run to the semi-finals last year.

Dan Evans celebrates beating Eero Vasa (Martin Rickett/PA)

Harris was in complete control against an erratic opponent until 4-2 in the second set, when he missed multiple chances to secure a double break and was immediately pegged back.

But he withstood pressure to force a tie-break and showed the composure of a seasoned campaigner to clinch the victory.

I think debut for Great Britain, this probably tops it all so far, said Harris. Definitely a few nerves in there, youre not just playing for yourself, youre playing for team and country. But as soon as it got going I felt good out there. A very proud moment and Im happy I put in a good performance.

Evans clash with Vasa was a landmark occasion for the British veteran, who by playing in his 26th tie in the competition surpassed Andy Murray to claim joint second place in the British standings alongside Mike Sangster and behind only Bobby Wilson.

Billy Harris lunges for a forehand (Martin Rickett/PA)

He would not have been a bigger favourite in any of his previous 37 rubbers, but Vasa played well above his standing of world number 703 during a tight first set.

I knew his ranking, which probably made it a bit more difficult, theres a lot more pressure for me to win the match, said Evans, who has slipped to 178 in the world after a difficult 12 months.

As well as Billy being a debutant, I really wanted to be 1-0 up, just would help him out a bit more. I did well to weather the storm, and it was pretty comfortable in the end.

Smith stuck with Evans in the doubles alongside Skupski despite having called up Henry Patten, who won the Wimbledon title this summer with Heliovaara, to his squad.

But it was the Finns who were celebrating at the end after edging the tightest of contests.

The top two teams in each group progress to the final eight in Malaga in November, and in Group B in Valencia there was a return to winning ways for Carlos Alcaraz, albeit through an injury to Czech opponent Tomas Machac.
Dan Evans withstood a spirited challenge from lowly-ranked Eero Vasa to give Great Britain a winning start to their Davis Cup tie against Finland in Manchester.

It was a landmark match for Evans, who by playing in his 26th tie in the competition surpassed Andy Murray to claim joint second place in the British standings alongside Mike Sangster and behind only Bobby Wilson.

He would not have been a bigger favourite in any of his previous 37 rubbers, but Vasa played well above his standing of world number 703 before Evans ground out a 7-6 (3) 6-2 victory at the AO Arena.

Jack Draper watches from courtside (Martin Rickett/PA)

It was difficult match, he played great at the start, said Evans. I knew he was going to come out and play very aggressive. I found it a little tough for quite a long time to get the ball striking. I started to play a bit better in the second.

It was a crucial victory for the hosts, with captain Leon Smith opting to give US Open semi-finalist Jack Draper extra rest ahead of much tougher-looking ties against Argentina and Canada later this week.

The 22-year-old only arrived in Manchester on Tuesday afternoon, four days after losing to world number one Jannik Sinner in New York.

Smith instead handed a debut to Billy Harris, who is currently ranked significantly higher than Evans and therefore had to play as the number one and take on Finlands leading player this week, Otto Virtanen.

Finland were surprise semi-finalists last year but were dealt a major blow by the absence through injury of their number one, Emil Ruusuvuori.

Your Lexus GB Davis Cup Team to face Finland  Dan Evans vs Eero Vasa Billy Harris vs Otto VirtanenNeal Skupski & Dan Evans vs Harri Heliovaara & Patrik Niklas-Salminen#BackTheBrits  | #DavisCup  LTA (@the_LTA) September 11, 2024

Vasas Davis Cup resume includes defeats to players from Madagascar and Zimbabwe, but he impressed in the opening set, backing up a pacy serve with solid groundstrokes.

Evans looked increasingly frustrated as Vasa held firm all the way to a tie-break, but there the British veteran showed his class.

It has been a tough 12 months for Evans since he starred in Britains dramatic group victory here last year, with injury and poor form resulting in his ranking dropping to 178.

But he arrived Manchester with confidence high after an encouraging run to the third round of the US Open and eased away through the second set to claim victory after an hour and 38 minutes.
Megan Menchaca is a Houston Independent School District reporter for the Houston Chronicle and the co-author of The Report Card. She can be reached at megan.menchaca@houstonchronicle.com.

Megan joined the Chronicle in 2023 after working as the higher education reporter for the Austin American-Statesman. She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with degrees in journalism and government.
Dave Grohl, pictured here with his wife Jordyn Blum and daughters (L-R) Harper, Ophelia and Violet, revealed he has fathered a child outside his marriage in a shock statement. (Getty Images) (FilmMagic)

Foo Fighters fans have expressed their shock after frontman Dave Grohl released a statement on Tuesday 10 September announcing he has fathered a baby girl born "outside my marriage".

The 55-year-old, who has been married to wife Jordyn Blum since 2003, shared the revelation in an Instagram post and said he plans "to be a loving and supportive parent" to his new child.

He added: "I love my wife and my children, and am doing everything I can to regain their trust and earn their forgiveness."

Grohl and Blum share three daughters, Violet Maye, 19, Harper Willow, 16, and Ophelia Saint, 11. Throughout their marriage, Grohl has praised Blum, describing her as the "queen of my world" in his 2021 memoir, The Storyteller. He added: "She showed me a future. Together, we created my lifes greatest achievement, my family."

He did not disclose the identity of the mother of his new child and turned off comments on his Instagram account. Grohls two oldest daughters have deactivated their social media accounts following the news.

Dave Grohl and Jordyn Blum have been married since 2003. This is his second marriage; his first was to Jennifer Leigh Youngblood from 1994 to 1997. (Getty Images) (WireImage)

The former Nirvana drummer was previously married to photographer Jennifer Leigh Youngblood. They wed in 1994 and divorced in 1997, after he confessed he cheated on her.

What have fans said about Dave Grohl?

Following his statement, fans have flocked to social media platform X, formerly Twitter, and TikTok to voice their feelings about the news. Many spoke of how "betrayed" they felt by Grohl, who has frequently been branded "the nicest guy in rock".

One person wrote: "How dare you betray my trust, Dave Grohl. You were a God in my eyes."

Another said: "Have never felt deeper parasocial betrayal than Dave Grohl cheating on his wife."

Me finding out Dave Grohl cheated on his wife and knocked someone up pic.twitter.com/zoRBqzvIc2  xtina (@xtina1229) September 10, 2024

Reflecting on Grohls status as a rare "nice guy" in the rock music scene, a third added: "Out of every rock band frontman youd expect to cheat on their wives and have a baby outside their marriage Dave Grohl is at the bottom of everyones list. Not his teenage daughters deactivating their socials too."

On TikTok, one fan shared a video of herself looking disapprovingly at a life-sized cutout of Grohl she appears to own. Over the video, she shared a message that read: "Never idolising anyone again."

In a comment under the video, one TikTok user lamented: "Im so unbelievably disappointed, he was my hero and Im literally so upset he would do this."

Why do fans feel 'betrayed'?

Some fans have wondered why news of Grohls fourth child, born outside his marriage, has hit them so hard. "Why do I feel personally betrayed by Dave Grohl?" one X user wondered, with hundreds of reposts from people wondering the same thing.

Georgina Sturmer, counsellor, MBACP, explains that these feelings stem from the 'parasocial relationships' that fans often form with their favourite celebrities. These are one-sided relationships that occur among audiences who invest emotional energy and time in media personas.

"There are so many threads and relationships connecting us with the people in our lives," she tells Yahoo UK. "And this isnt just the people we see regularly. Its also the individuals who feature in the public consciousness; the celebrities, the musicians, the sporting stars, the familiar faces on our screens.

"These 'parasocial relationships' give us a sense of connection and investment in their lives and behaviour. This can mean that when we hear news about their lives, it can have a real impact on our emotions."

Fans have been left feeling 'disappointed' in Dave Grohl, pictured here with wife Jordyn Blum, following his statement. (Getty Images) (Getty Images)

In the past couple of decades, social media has become a much more entrenched part of our lives and with that, fans have been able to connect with celebrities more intimately than ever before.

This new level of access to celebrities means that we have a "steady flow of images, videos, words and opinions", says Sturmer, compared to the past when fans only connected to their favourite personalities through their work and the stories they chose to offer to the media.

However, this has also meant that celebrities are being put on a pedestal, which exacerbates feelings of joy, sadness, excitement and disappointment whenever they do something. Sturmer says it can "make our sense of disappointment or anger even deeper if we feel as if they have behaved in a way that we deem to be inappropriate or unacceptable".

She adds: "With celebrities, this is amplified by the fact that we sometimes expect them to be less flawed or somehow less human than the people in our lives."

Information spreads so quickly across social media now that we hear about every little detail of our favourite celebrities' lives almost as soon as they happen. This also means that the voices of "critics, naysayers and even trolls" have been amplified, as people react immediately.

"The disinhibition effect of social media can mean that we are more likely to criticise and openly pass judgement," Sturmer says. "And on social media, we often find support for our critical view, which helps us to feel vindicated."

Read more about relationships:
The Government has unveiled a new and improved deal to help the transition to a greener way of producing steel at the countrys biggest steel plant.

Ministers said workers at Tata Steels giant site in Port Talbot, south Wales, will get improved redundancy terms and the offer of a skills package.

Around 2,800 jobs are still set to be lost as a result of the shutdown of blast furnaces and switch to using an electric arc system of production.

The government confirmed it will contribute 500 million to the transition, but said investment can be clawed back if the company does not retain 5,000 jobs across its UK business after the change.

Ministers said Wednesdays new and improved deal goes much further than the previous governments agreement, including a minimum voluntary redundancy payout of 15,000 for full-time employees plus a 5,000 retention payment and offering paid-for training.

Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: Port Talbot has always been and will always be a steelmaking town. This deal does what previous deals failed to do  give hope for the future of steelmaking in South Wales.

Steel is fundamental to the UKs economy, sovereignty and communities, but previous government inaction has blighted the steelmaking industry.

Thats why this Government is taking strong action through a new deal and strategy which will reverse the industrys stagnation and set out a long-term vision for a bright and sustainable future.

We know that a cleaner, greener future for UK steelmaking is vital to the industrys long-term economic stability.

The road ahead is not without its challenges but our steel strategy will set forth a positive vision for the future of the industry, backed by our manifesto commitment to 3 billion of government investment.

Tata will close the remaining blast furnace at Port Talbot by the end of the month in readiness for switching production with a new electric arc furnace which needs fewer workers.

The company says it has offered its most generous voluntary redundancy package ever for a restructure of this size.

Employees who choose redundancy will be paid 2.8 weeks earnings for each year of service, up to a maximum of 25 years.

The deal with Tata was agreed on Tuesday in a meeting between the Prime Minister, the Business and Trade Secretary, Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Tatas chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran.

Ministers said it was the beginning of the governments ambitions for the industry, adding it was the start of a bright future that harnesses industrialisation and decarbonisation.

Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said: This improved deal secures the immediate future of Port Talbot steelworks, lays the foundations for future investment and enhances protections for the workforce across South Wales, all without further cost to the taxpayer.

As well as negotiating a better deal than the previous government, we have already released millions of pounds of funding from the Transition Board to support businesses and workers in Port Talbot and across south Wales.

While this is a very difficult time for Tata workers, their families and the community, this government is determined to support workers and businesses in our Welsh steel industry, whatever happens.

Charlotte Brumpton-Childs, GMB national officer, said: 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 joint statement from the Community union and the GMB said: This deal is not something to celebrate, but with the improvements the unions and the Government have negotiated it is better than the devastating plan announced by Tata and the Tories back in September 2023.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: The two-stage government commitment to provide serious funding for steel in South Wales is vital for local communities and the long-term future of the steel industry.

The last government was quite frankly asleep at the wheel.

The present crisis is a direct result of it failing to invest in the UK steel industry and allowing the companies involved to rundown their operations and let them fall into disrepair. Conservative inaction and disdain have resulted in wholly avoidable job losses.

Tata said the investment at Port Talbot was the largest in the UK steel industry for decades.

Tata will invest 750 million, and with the 500 million from the Government, the 1.25 billion project will secure steelmaking in Port Talbot and preserve 5,000 jobs, the company said.

The new assets will reduce the UKs industrial carbon emissions by 8%, and Port Talbots by 90%.

Equipment orders will now be placed for the electric arc furnace (EAF) at Port Talbot.

T V Narendran, Tata Steel chief executive, said: With the UK Governments critical support, this complex and ambitious transformation of Port Talbot has the potential to make the plant one of Europes premier centres for green steelmaking.

I would like to thank the UK Steel Committee and various departments of the UK and Welsh governments for their support in reaching this agreement.

We now look forward to the efficient and speedy execution of the EAF project.

We will also continue our work with the Transition Board and the UK and Welsh governments to enable this project to be a catalyst for economic regeneration and job creation in South Wales.

Tata added it was working with the authorities to apply for planning approvals by November 2024, with a view to starting large-scale site work around July 2025.

The EAF is expected to be operational within three years.

UK Steel director general Gareth Stace said: The steel sector wants to remain a pillar of the UKs economy and todays grant funding agreement between Tata Steel and the Government means our steel sector can have a brighter future.

1.25 billion is one of the biggest investments weve seen in the history of the nations steel sector.

We now have a Government that understands the issues facing our industry and crucially is committed to taking decisive action and today it has done just that.

To ensure that their significant investment yields returns for our nation, Government must now also deliver the right business environment.

Steel businesses need competitive electricity prices, access to good quality steel scrap, and fair competition from international trade.

Paul Morozzo, senior campaigner at Greenpeace UK, said: This is an improvement on the previous governments proposals but unfortunately it doesnt yet do enough to protect jobs and this countrys ability to produce green steel.

We urge the Government to heed the warnings of the past and invest fully in industries of the future.

Tackling the climate crisis presents a huge opportunity to create good sustainable jobs, unlocking new economic opportunities for communities all over the country.
Mortgages are being used as a weapon by domestic abusers against their current or former partners, plunging people into debt and homelessness, a charity is warning.

Survivors are left with mountains of mortgage arrears, destroyed credit ratings, homelessness and a lifetime of housing and economic insecurity, charity Surviving Economic Abuse said.

One woman described how she remains in a mortgage prison  despite having left her former husband more than a decade ago.

The charity said that, in general, perpetrators are refusing to pay their agreed share of the mortgage, agree to new terms or sell up.

This traps people with their abusers, while those who flee are forced into housing insecurity and debt because of ongoing economic abuse.

More than 1,000 women across the UK who have had a joint mortgage in the past two years, surveyed by Opinium on behalf of the charity, were asked about whether they had experienced mortgage-related abuse from a current or ex-partner.

One in eight (12%) cited at least one aspect of abusive behaviour related to the mortgage from a partner or ex-partner.

Over three-quarters (78%) of those who experienced abuse felt unable to leave their partner or an unsafe living arrangement due to abuse through the joint mortgage.

Nearly half (49%) had to cut back on utilities or go without essentials, such as food, clothing or toiletries, to cover monthly mortgage repayments.

And nearly nine in 10 (89%) experienced negative mental health impacts because of the abuse, such as anxiety, depression, panic attacks or suicidal thoughts.

The report, Locked into a mortgage, locked out of my home, funded by abrdn Financial Fairness Trust and the Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust, said financial services firms should boost their support for customers and take steps available under existing guidelines to make it harder for perpetrators to use joint mortgages to cause economic harm.

It said regulations and guidance for firms should also be strengthened, to avoid causing foreseeable harm to customers experiencing economic abuse through perpetrators misuse of joint mortgage products and services.

One woman told the charity her former husband remains on the joint mortgage, more than a decade since she left him.

She said: I cant sell the property without his permission and, at any point, he can use his position to stop me from making mortgage repayments by withholding child support payments. Me and my children remain trapped in a mortgage prison with no way out.

The report explained: Joint mortgages are a form of secured lending typically with joint and several liability.

This means that under current laws both people are jointly and separately responsible for paying the whole debt, whether they live in the property or not, and any contractual changes to the mortgage require both parties consent.

Sam Smethers, interim chief executive of Surviving Economic Abuse, said: Mortgage abuse is a hidden crime thats destroying the lives of hundreds of thousands of survivors.

Right now, domestic abusers are using joint mortgages to cause economic devastation by refusing to pay their agreed share, agree to new terms, or sell up.

Being forced to foot the full mortgage bill makes it near-impossible for survivors to flee to safety. For those who do escape, they remain tied to the abuser who can plunge them into mountains of debt.

Survivors are doing everything they can to make ends meet  cutting back on food, turning off the heating, and borrowing money to keep up with repayments. But right now, banks are limited in what they can do to stop abusers from causing a lifetime of debt and homelessness for survivors.

While banks can do more to support survivors within current rules, only an urgent law change can stop abusers from destroying lives.

We urge the Government to set up an economic abuse task force to prevent abusers from weaponising joint mortgages.

It must also make sure tackling economic abuse is at the heart of its mission to halve violence against women and girls in a decade. Its the only way to ensure survivors and their children can have a safe home.

Fiona Turner, head of vulnerability policy at UK Finance, said: Economic abuse is a horrendous act that has long-lasting effects on victim-survivors.

The financial services industry is committed to supporting impacted customers, and there is a wide range of help available which is tailored to the individuals circumstances.

Surviving Economic Abuses report highlights examples of how firms are supporting their customers and we will continue to work with members to share best practice.

However, we know that more needs to be done with support from regulators and government.

The separation of joint debt such as mortgages can be very complex, especially without the consent of both parties.

UK Finance has recommended that mortgage lenders review their policies to allow more flexibility when a victim-survivor is dealing with issues around an existing joint mortgage as lenders must currently show an equal responsibility to both borrowers.

We also believe that a Government taskforce is needed to address the difficult legal issues that lenders must navigate when helping customers achieve financial independence.

We will continue working with Surviving Economic Abuse, our members, and other stakeholders to improve outcomes for these customers.

A Government spokesperson said: We recognise the devastating impact financial and economic abuse can have on victims, which is why this year we are providing 200,000 to Surviving Economic Abuse to raise awareness and support victims.

The numbers in this report, which we are now considering, are stark and show how vital our mission to halve violence against women and girls in a decade is.
Taylor Swift has endorsed Kamala Harris in the 2024 US presidential, minutes after the Democratic candidate finished her debate with Donald Trump. Photograph: Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP

Taylor Swift has endorsed Kamala Harris for president, in a post on Instagram published minutes after the US presidential debate, saying the Democratic candidate would be the warrior to fight for the rights and causes she believes in.

As a voter, I make sure to watch and read everything I can, Swift wrote on Instagram to her 283 million followers late on Tuesday, adding: I will be casting my vote for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz in the 2024 presidential election.

I think she is a steady-handed, gifted leader and I believe we can accomplish so much more in this country if we are led by calm and not chaos.

In her statement, Swift encouraged her fans to register to vote.

Related: Fact-checking Trumps debate claims: from abortion to Project 2025

Swift also addressed AI-generated images shared by Donald Trump in late August that falsely depicted Swift and her fans endorsing his campaign for president.

She said: It really conjured up my fears around AI, and the dangers of spreading misinformation. It brought me to the conclusion that I need to be very transparent about my actual plans for this election as a voter.

Swift said she had watched the US presidential debate between Harris and Trump, and urged her fans to do their research on the stances these candidates take on the topics that matter to you the most.

She signed off Childless cat lady, a reference to comments made by Republican vice-presidential candidate JD Vance. The picture that appeared with the post was of Swift with her cat Benjamin Button, one of three she owns.

Speaking in 2021 to the then Fox News host Tucker Carlson, Vance called senior Democrats in Congress and the Biden administration a bunch of childless cat ladies who are miserable at their own lives and the choices that theyve made and so they want to make the rest of the country miserable too.

The Trump campaign dismissed Swifts endorsement, with spokesperson Karoline Leavitt saying: This is further evidence that the Democrat party has unfortunately become a party of the wealthy elites.



Theres many Swifties for Trump out there in America, Leavitt said.

Swift endorsed Democratic candidates in 2018 and Joe Biden in 2020, but until Tuesday was yet to back anyone in 2024.

Asked about Swifts endorsement of Harris on Tuesday, Republican congressman Matt Gaetz said: I love her songs, but I want to live in a world where liberals make my art and conservatives make my laws and policies.

Some of Swifts fanbase had already started mobilising for Harris. The Swifties for Kamala Coalition officially launched in late August, raising more than $138,000 for the Democratic candidate in a virtual rally featuring Carole King and the senators Elizabeth Warren and Kirsten Gillibrand.

Related: She could absolutely change my mind: readers on Taylor Swifts political influence

Harris running mate, Tim Walz, said on MSNBC he was incredibly grateful to Swift. I say that also as a cat owner, a fellow cat owner, he said, adding that her endorsement took courage, and thats the kind of courage we need in America.

In 2012, researchers at Northwestern University and the University of Maryland tried to establish the correlation, if any, between celebrity endorsements and votes. They used Oprah Winfreys endorsement of Barack Obama ahead of the 2008 Democrat primary to examine whether it had any effect on the polls.

The researchers concluded that Oprah Winfreys endorsement was worth about a million votes for Obama, who beat his main primary challenger, Hillary Clinton, by about 270,000 votes in the states used in the sample.

Swift is a popular figure nationwide; especially among Democrats. An October 2023 Fox News poll found that 55% of voters overall, including 68% of Democrats, said they had a favourable view of Swift. Republicans were divided, with 43% having a favourable opinion and 45% an unfavourable one.

Cayce Myers, a professor of public relations at Virginia Tech, said Swifts endorsement may have an impact on the election because it may encourage younger Gen Z fans to vote.

Myers added that while celebrity endorsements do not necessarily translate into meaningful turnout, Swifts endorsement was going out to a particularly large fanbase, and was focused on womens rights, an issue that favours Democrats.
A cancer patient in Birmingham has become the first person in Europe to sign up to a ground-breaking clinical trial for a new pancreatic cancer vaccine.

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most deadly forms of cancer and experts said that the launch of the European arm of the trial means that hope is on the horizon.

Pancreatic Cancer UK said that the potential of the vaccine cannot be understated and it could become a vital new weapon against the disease.

The patient from the Midlands, who has not been named, was enrolled in the trial at Birminghams Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEHB).

The vaccine is an individualised treatment, with each jab tailored to each patient.

It works by training the immune system to recognise and attack cancer cells.

Researchers hope that this could reduce the risk of cancer returning once the main tumour has been removed by surgery.

The jab, known as BNT122 and developed by BioNTech and Genentech, uses the same vaccine technology as the mRNA Covid vaccines, but in this case each jab is tailored to each patient.

The trial will recruit patients who have had surgery to remove pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma  an extremely aggressive disease that accounts for 90% of all pancreatic cancers.

After surgery, samples of the patients tumour tissue and blood are sent to laboratories, where scientists can design and manufacture the vaccine.

People enrolled in the trial will either receive the jab alongside chemotherapy or chemotherapy alone after surgery  allowing researchers to compare the vaccine against the current standard treatment.

Dr Shivan Sivakumar is the principal investigator of the trial (University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust/PA)

University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust (UHB) said that patients will receive several doses of the investigational cancer vaccine intravenously over a period of time.

Commenting on the news, Dr Chris Macdonald, head of research at Pancreatic Cancer UK, said: For too long we have had so few treatment options for people with pancreatic cancer.

Surgery is currently the only potential cure and yet, tragically, in 75% of cases the cancer reoccurs within a year. Finally, there is hope on the horizon.

We are absolutely delighted that Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham is the first site in Europe to enrol a patient to an individualised pancreatic cancer vaccine trial.

We will be following the results with great interest, as the potential here cannot be understated.

If this research proves successful, the vaccine could be a vital new weapon against the deadliest common cancer.

According to the charity, pancreatic cancer has the lowest survival of all common cancers, with five-year survival less than 7%.

Around 10,000 people are diagnosed with the condition each each year in the UK.

We're launching a new campaign, supported by @NHSEngland, to increase awareness of the inherited risk of #PancreaticCancer and the availability of regular monitoring for those most at risk. pic.twitter.com/gG3oON8ieQ  Pancreatic Cancer UK (@PancreaticCanUK) September 11, 2024

Principal investigator of the trial, consultant medical oncologist and associate professor in oncology at the University of Birmingham and QEHB, Dr Shivan Sivakumar, said he finds it humbling that a patient in the Midlands has been able to enrol on to the trial, adding: We are incredibly proud that Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham is the first site in Europe to enrol a patient to this investigational pancreatic cancer vaccine trial.

Jo Gray, head of research and development operations at UHB, said: Through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Facility (CRF), we are able to provide expert care to patients receiving experimental therapies.

Birmingham is the first site outside of North America to open and to enrol a patient onto this complex, early phase trial, that addresses an important need to identify better post-surgery treatments for pancreatic cancer.

The news comes as Cancer Research UK (CRUK) announced that a new study had been launched to pinpoint the very moment the immune system recognises a tumour.

It is hoped that identifying this point will help medics one day be able to stop the spread of disease earlier than previously possible.

The charity has awarded a 1.5 million grant to the University of Cambridge, to be given over the next six years, to investigate how the immune system evolves, targets and kills cancer cells as tumours are developing.

It is hoped that by finding the trigger point of when the body starts to recognise cancerous cells it could one day lead to cancer being found earlier  when it is easier to treat  and improvements to treatments which harness the bodys immune system to kill cancer cells.

Study lead Dr Heather Machado, from the University of Cambridges Department of Pathology, said: This research has the potential to give an entirely new perspective on the role of the immune system in cancer progression, findings that we hope to use to further improve lifesaving cancer immunotherapies.

Most cancers are diagnosed years or decades after early tumour development, which can often be too late.

Our methods will allow us to go back in the cancers timeline to understand the immune response in these early stages of cancer development.

Beyond improving immunotherapies, we hope that this understanding helps us detect cancer earlier, at stages where survival rates are much higher.

It is really exciting because we are using cutting-edge technology that is only available now and we are going to be able to discover how the immune system responds to tumours unlike we have ever seen before and that is potentially life-changing in terms of improving immunotherapies for better health and patient prognosis.
A bereaved mother has told the UK Covid-19 Inquiry that she had to wear full PPE as her baby son died in her arms hours after he was born during the pandemic.

Catherine Todd said she did not feel safe in hospital in Northern Ireland after contracting Covid while pregnant.

Module three of the inquiry, chaired by Baroness Heather Hallett, is investigating the impact of the pandemic on healthcare systems across the UK.

It heard evidence on Wednesday morning from Ms Todd, a member of the Northern Ireland Covid Bereaved Families for Justice group.

Her newborn son Ziggy died in the Ulster Hospital on July 21 2021.

The inquiry was told that Ms Todd was approaching 28 weeks pregnant when she contracted Covid during that month.

She said this led to the cancellation of a routine pregnancy scan.

Ms Todd said she later began to feel unwell and was concerned that her unborn baby was not moving.

She said she called the hospital maternity unit several times and was told to take paracetamol, lie on her side and take a fizzy drink.

She told the inquiry: They told me they wouldnt bring me in at the time because they wanted to reduce the risk of spread of Covid.

Ms Todd said she believed she would have been seen earlier if she did not have Covid.

After her condition worsened, she phoned her GP who told her to attend the hospitals accident and emergency department.

Catherine Todd told the inquiry that she had to wear full PPE gear as her newborn son died (UK Covid-19 Inquiry/PA)

She told the inquiry that after waiting in A&E for 10 hours, she was moved to the maternity section and an emergency section was carried out amid concerns about a lack of amniotic fluid around the baby.

She said her partner TJ was not allowed to visit her at this time.

When her son Ziggy was born he was taken to the neonatal intensive care unit and placed in an incubator overnight, the inquiry was told.

Counsel to the inquiry Nick Scott asked: Do you think the fact that you were Covid-positive had anything to do with the amount of information you were given about Ziggys condition overnight?

She said: Yes, I think they were trying not to come in and out of the room as much as they would have if I wasnt Covid-positive.

Ms Todd said she and her partner were brought to see Ziggy the following morning, believing that his condition was improving.

She said: They took everything off and handed Ziggy over to me and then they just left the room and then he passed away and they didnt come back for about two hours.

Mr Scott said: Was that the first time you had been with Ziggy since he was born?

She replied: Yes.

He added: Were you having to wear full PPE when you were with him?

She said: Yes. We had hairnets, masks, a visor, gloves and shoe coverings.

I thought that was unnecessary. At the time they knew how unwell he was. I am a bit confused why we were in full PPE.

Asked about the impact of having to wear the protective gear, Ms Todd said: All of our photos we have with him are in full PPE.

Baroness Heather Hallett is chairing the inquiry (UK Covid-19 Inquiry/PA)

Following Ziggys death, his body was taken to a hospital in Liverpool for a post-mortem examination.

Ms Todd told the inquiry that for two days before Ziggys body arrived at Alder Hey Hospital, she did not know where his remains were.

Mr Scott asked: When you look back on all of your experiences in July 2021, do you think there were enough staff to treat you at that time?

She said: No.

He said: Do you think the staff knew how to treat a pregnant woman with Covid back in 2021?

She replied: No.

He said: Did you feel safe as a pregnant lady in Northern Ireland?

She said: Not at all, no.

Referring to the fact that Ms Todd is pregnant again, the barrister asked her if she felt safe as a pregnant lady in Northern Ireland now.

She replied: No.
High Court in Glasgow - Alamy

A 15-year-old killed an elderly man just 30 minutes after he had been freed by police for attacking a shopkeeper with a knife.

The teenager punched Patrick Colquhoun, 70, who fell backwards and suffered a fatal injury when his head hit the road as a result of the attack in Victoria Road in Glasgows Govanhill on April 12 this year.

The boy had earlier the same day struck Nadeen Mohammed with a blade after an incident at the 65-year-olds off licence.

The teenager - who cannot be identified due to his age - appeared in the dock at the High Court in Glasgow on Tuesday.

He pleaded guilty, via John Scullion KC, to the culpable homicide, the Scottish equivalent to manslaughter, of Mr Colquhoun, and also admitted assaulting Mr Mohammed.

The 15 year-old is currently detained at a secure unit and will be sentenced next month.

The attack on Mr Mohammed occurred after the boy and a friend had gone to the store in Govanhill around 4pm on April 12. They demanded the shopkeeper and his son come outside.

Instead, the men told them to leave. Mr Mohammed then followed them before there was an altercation.

Angela Gray KC, prosecuting, said: The boy removed a knife from the waistband of his trousers and made a slashing motion towards Mr Mohammed striking him on the arm.

It led to the boy being arrested that night and later released having given an undertaking to attend at Glasgow Sheriff Court on April 30, 2024. Miss Gray said the boy was picked up by his mother, but jumped out of her car after becoming angry with her.

Around the same time, Mr Colquhoun had left his local bar the Queens Park Cafe to visit a nearby takeaway.

At 11.42pm, after collecting his food, Mr Colquhoun was seen standing behind a car rented by the boys dad.

CCTV then captured the teenager coming into the street and accusing the OAP of urinating at the motor.

Miss Gray said: A witness saw the boy go towards Mr Colquhoun and punch him on the head.

The boy then walked off as members of the public rushed to help the victim.

At one stage, the boys father is seen on CCTV moving the car away as a person does chest compressions on Mr Colquhoun, who suffered a brain bleed, a large skull fracture and bruising.

The fact Mr Colquhoun had been drinking that night may have triggered a brain condition which could have been a a potential contributing factor in the death.

Lord Harrower deferred sentencing for a background report until October 18 in Edinburgh.
Independent member for Sydney Alex Greenwich (left) and former NSW One Nation leader Mark Latham (right). Photograph: Flavio Brancaleone, Dan Himbrechts/AAP

Former New South Wales One Nation leader Mark Latham has been found to have defamed independent politician Alex Greenwich and has been ordered to pay $140,000 in damages.

Federal court justice David OCallaghan handed down his judgment on Wednesday morning in Melbourne after the case was heard in May and June in Sydney.

I have found that the first imputation relating to the primary tweet being that Mr Greenwich engages in disgusting sexual activities was conveyed, OCallaghan said.

However the judge did not agree the tweet also implied Greenwich was not a fit and proper person to be a member of the NSW parliament.

The judge also did not agree that quotes published in a Daily Telegraph article implied that the politician was a disgusting human being who goes into schools to groom children to become homosexual.

OCallaghan said Greenwich had established that the publication of the primary tweet has caused or is likely to cause serious harm to his reputation.

Mr Latham relied on two defences in relation to the publication of the primary tweet, namely honest opinion and common law qualified privilege, reply to attack. I have found that neither defence has been made out, OCallaghan said.

The court was adjourned until 25 September for further orders.

Greenwich, who travelled to Melbourne for the judgment, sighed with relief and put his hand on his chest after it was handed down. He also hugged his barrister.

Speaking outside the court afterwards, Greenwich said he felt relief and vindication, and thanked his mother, husband and staff for their support through a really tough 18 months.

The moment that tweet went out into the world, my life changed, he said.

I dealt with an onslaught of abuse that Ive never experienced in my life.

Greenwich said he hoped the judgment would have a chilling effect on the Trump-style attacks he said Latham had engaged in.

We should have a higher standard of political discourse in Australia, and this judgment says that, he said.

I did it for my community as well. LGBTQ people experience this kind of bullying and abuse every single day in this country.

He launched the defamation action against Latham after the former federal Labor leader posted an allegedly offensive, homophobic tweet on 30 March 2023 before giving several interviews repeating the comments and making claims about his parliamentary colleague.

Latham deleted the initial tweet, which was made in response to an article in which Greenwich called him a disgusting human being. The article was about LGBTQ+ protesters outside an event Latham was speaking at shortly before the NSW election.

In response, Latham said disgusting?, and made comments about a sexual act that the Guardian has chosen not to publish in full.

The initial tweet attracted widespread condemnation from across the political spectrum, including the NSW premier, Chris Minns, and One Nations federal leader, Pauline Hanson, who called for Latham to apologise.

During the hearings, the court heard that Greenwich had suffered panic attacks and contemplated leaving public life after Lathams initial tweet and subsequent media appearances.

The Sydney MPs barrister, Matthew Collins KC, told the court Greenwichs office staff had also been taught by police how to handle suspicious mail amid a torrent of hate from members of the public.

Collins told the court that despite the tweet being deleted by Latham after two hours and 20 minutes, the course of Mr Greenwichs life changed.

Lathams barrister, Kieran Smark SC, argued that people who made derogatory comments online after Lathams tweet already felt negatively about Greenwich.

Mr Lathams tweet may have wounded Mr Greenwich, but it didnt wound his reputation, Smark told the court in May.

Smark said his clients words were offensive and crass and vulgar but questioned if they met the threshold for serious harm.

He said that the overwhelming response to the post had been highly critical of Latham and supportive of Greenwich.
Hundred Burgers Singular burger was voted the best in the world

It may be the birthplace of McDonalds and Burger King, but America is no longer the home of the worlds best burger.

According to the Michelin Guide for burgers, the best burger in the world is now found in Spain  a country better known for small plates, jamon iberico and Ferran Adrias signature creations at the legendary El Bulli restaurant.

But Hundred Burgers, in Valencia, clinched the top spot in the Worlds Best Burgers 2024 rankings thanks to the quality of its 120-day aged beef that melts in your mouth and super crispy bacon.

For us, receiving this recognition is the fulfilment of a lifelong dream, Alex Gonzalez, the restaurants co-founder, told Infobae Spain.

Au Chevals burger was voted the third best in the world

We created the company with the aim of making a burger that would be a world reference and not even in our wildest dreams did we contemplate being chosen as the best burger in the world. So it is a huge honour.

The restaurants rise to the top of the burger rankings is not by chance.

In 2017, Hundred Burgers founders Mr Gonzalez-Urbon and Ezequiel Maldjian went on a four-day trip to New York to try the best 15 burgers in the city.

Initially, they did not think the trip would lead to their own restaurant. They were instead trying to improve the burgers served in Mr Gonzalezs mothers restaurant.

But fast-forward to 2020 and the pair had opened the first Hundred Burgers branch, winning the best burger in Spain award shortly after.

Pizza Loves Emilys burger was knocked off the top spot for 2024

Though their rise has been meteoric, it has not been without setbacks. One month after opening, the founders were forced to close their doors because of the Covid pandemic.

Hundred Burgers survived by temporarily becoming a delivery service, but eventually it expanded across Valencia, where it has four sites, as well as to the capital city of Madrid, where it has three.

What makes the best burger in the world? The chefs start off every morning by baking demi-brioche bread buns in-house. The dough is fermented, kneaded and baked in their workshop, as the restaurant is keen to avoid serving frozen bread. Dry-aged Galician blond beef is then chopped up and formed into burgers by hand.

The most popular item on the Hundred Burgers menu is the Singular, which is topped with cheddar cheese, Mums barbecue sauce, bacon, caramelised onion and Camembert sauce. One of these will set you back 11.50 at any of their restaurants.

Other restaurants that made the top five were Au Cheval in Chicago and New York, Holy Burger in Sao Paulo and Funky Chicken Food Truck in Stockholm. Burger & Beyond, based in Manchester and London, missed out on the top five by just one spot.
People hold a vigil for Aysenur Ezgi Eygi in Oakland, California, on 9 September 2024. Photograph: Anadolu/Getty Images

Joe Biden has described the Israel Defense Forces fatal shooting of the Turkish American protester Aysenur Ezgi Eygi as totally unacceptable in his first extensive comments on her death.

In a statement on Wednesday, Biden said that Israel had acknowledged responsibility for Eygis death, but he stopped short of backing the demands put out by Eygis family and other human rights advocates for an independent inquiry into the fatal shooting of the American activist at a protest in the West Bank town of Beita last week.

I am outraged and deeply saddened by the death of Aysenur Eygi, Biden said in the statement. Israel has acknowledged its responsibility for Aysenurs death, and a preliminary investigation has indicated that it was the result of a tragic error resulting from an unnecessary escalation.

Related: So many similarities: Rachel Corries parents call for inquiry into death of Aysenur Ezgi Eygi

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, he continued. There must be full accountability. And Israel must do more to ensure that incidents like this never happen again.

In response, Hamid Ali, Eygis partner, said that Biden had not directly contacted the family and renewed calls for an independent inquiry in the case. The White House has not spoken with us, he said in the statement. 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.

The Israel Defense Forces said that the results of an initial inquiry showed that 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 riot.

In response, the US secretary of state, Antony Blinken, had said that he would speak with senior Israeli officials and demand that the Israeli security forces make some fundamental changes to the way they operate in the West Bank, including changes to their rules of engagement.

Biden did not offer further specific information on what changes the US would demand from Israeli security forces. Previous deaths of American citizens in the region, including the shooting death of the Palestinian American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh in Gaza in 2022, have also gone unprosecuted.

Kamala Harris also called the shooting that led to Eygis death unacceptable and raises legitimate questions about the conduct of IDF personnel in the West Bank. Israel must do more to ensure that incidents like this never happen again.

Biden, in brief comments to the press, suggested that Eygi had been killed by a bullet that had ricocheted off the ground as Israeli forces fired at protesters who the IDF claimed had turned violent.

But family members of Eygi, citing media reports and other research, have said they do not believe the shooting was an accident.

President Biden is still calling her killing an accident based only on the Israeli militarys story, Eygis family said in a statement after Biden and Harris remarks. This is not only insensitive and false, it is complicity in the Israeli militarys agenda to take Palestinian land and whitewash the killing of an American.

Let us be clear: an American citizen was killed by a foreign military in a targeted attack. The appropriate action is for President Biden and Vice-President Harris to speak with the family directly, and order an independent, transparent investigation into the killing of Aysenur, a volunteer for peace.
Oil and gas operations along the Louisiana coastline braced for Hurricane Francines landfall Wednesday, hoping to stave off the industrial injuries, major oil spills and chemical releases often triggered by severe weather.

The industry is hurricane ready, said Tommy Faucheux, president of the Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association. But according to experts such as Louisiana State University environmental engineer John Pardue, the looming storm still increases the risk of accidental releases of pollutants, despite improvements in storm-tracking technology.

You just have to kind of wait for it to happen and see whats in the way, Pardue said of the storms path. Thats the unfortunate challenge.

Francine will be the third hurricane to plow into the industry-heavy coast this year, two months after Beryl ravaged Houston. It comes shortly after a million-dollar settlement reminded the Gulf Coast of another hurricane-triggered disaster: in 2017, floodwaters from Hurricane Harvey inundated the Crosby facility of petrochemical manufacturer Arkema, triggering a fire and toxic plume when flooding cut off power to trailers that cooled highly flammable organic peroxides.

The Arkema chemical plant is flooded from Tropical Storm Harvey Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017, in Crosby, Texas. Floodwaters from Harvey have knocked out power and generators that keep volatile organic peroxides stored at the facility cool. Employees and about 300 homes within a mile and half radius of the plant were evacuated Tuesday. ( Godofredo A. Vasquez / Houston Chronicle ) Godofredo A. Vasquez/Godofredo A. Vasquez

Workers evacuated



By Tuesday, oil and gas operators in the Gulf of Mexico had evacuated their workers from 35% of the areas manned offshore production platforms. They also closed off wells that typically produce about 24% of the Gulfs oil and 26% of its gas, according to the federal Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement.

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The U.S. Coast Guard also stopped inbound traffic to Louisiana ports in Cameron and Lake Charles, and Texas ports in Beaumont, Port Arthur and Orange.

Onshore refining, chemical production and storage facilities were slower to shutter operations, which can be difficult to halt safely and impossible to move out of the way. They each have a suite of hurricane preparation steps, though, which companies triggered days before landfall, according to Louisiana Chemical Association president Gregory Bowser.

The hurricanes supposed to hit sometime on Wednesday afternoon, so each facility has been on full alert no later than Sunday, Bowser said.

Faucheux of the Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association said in a written statement that the states energy industry has been refining its hurricane plans to minimize impacts and speed up recovery time.

Refineries remain operational as long as conditions permit and quickly resume normal operations after the storm passes, Faucheux said, explaining that the fuel is itself needed for storm recovery.

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Companies like Shell, which extracts oil from the Gulf and also runs petrochemical plants, announced offshore closures as well as efforts to keep their onshore plants running.

Shell shut in production at their Perdido, Auger and Enchilada/Salsa offshore assets, and paused drilling at Whale. While they said in a statement that their Louisiana chemical plants were operating normally, they added that only those personnel preparing for landfall and those operating the facilities will report to work Wednesday.

Other major companies with a heavy local footprint, like Exxon Mobil, are also bracing for uncertainty.

Exxon is closely monitoring and preparing for severe weather that may impact our Baton Rouge operations, though the facility is still running. This was according to spokesperson Lauren Kight, who said the companys focus would be the safety of our workforce and communities in the affected areas.

Though Hurricane Francine veered towards the Louisiana coast on Tuesday, appearing to dodge the Houston Ship Channels heavy concentration of facilities and communities along the waterway, it may trounce a similar zone in Southern Louisiana. The area, sometimes called Cancer Alley for its concentration of pollution-triggered illness, is a strip along the Mississippi River between New Orleans and Baton Rouge.

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Hurricanes and pollution



According to Pardue, the environmental engineer, the most common thing that happens (during a major Louisiana storm) is lots of oil spills. Theres lots of facilities that are in wetland areas that arent very well-protected, he said.

The incidents are so common that Louisiana set up an Oil Spill Coordinators Office in 1991 which investigates and helps clean up publicly reported spills.

Lafourche, one of the parishes under hurricane warning Wednesday, is still recovering from its last major spill. In July, about 820 barrels of crude oil spewed into Bayou Lafourche from a Crescent Midstream facility in Raceland.

The official Unified Command Group that has led the response said a preliminary investigation indicates operator error as a contributing factor. Parish president Archie Chaisson told local media it was the worst spill ever along the bayou.

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During a storm, potential oil spill damage is much more widespread. Hurricane Katrina in 2005 brought one of the most memorable spills when a 250,000-barrel above ground storage tank was dislodged, lifted and damaged in flooding, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

It released about 25,110 barrels of crude oil in St. Bernard Parish, and residents remember the sludge flowing into about 1,700 homes in an adjacent neighborhood.

Still, Pardue has another concern that looms larger for him than the spills.

I think the real danger comes with chemical plants, Pardue said, citing Harveys Arkema blaze and another during Hurricane Laura in 2020, when Bio-Labs Lake Charles facility caught fire and released huge volumes of chlorine gas into the air over an interstate highway.

Those kinds of facilities, even though they are rarer in terms of their impacts, they really risk neighborhoods from the release of their chemicals. So those are the ones that worry me, he said.

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High winds and storm surge

The American Chemistry Councils Scott Jensen explained that companies along the coast start preparing to avoid these disasters in the months and years before a hurricane hits. He said Gulf Coast facilities are designed to be prepared for high winds and storm surge, and companies have ongoing trainings all year to prepare staff.

Theres another level of activity that happens when you think your facility might be in the path of the storm, Jensen said.

He said companies in Francines path will have shifted some chemicals offsite  though others cannot be moved  and brought in the materials needed to restart each facilitys specific chemical processes in case they need to shut down as the hurricane tears through.

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Antony Blinken, Volodymyr Zelenskiy and David Lammy in Kyiv. Photograph: Leon Neal/Reuters

The US secretary of state, Antony Blinken, gave his strongest hint yet that the White House is about to lift its restrictions on Ukraine using long-range weapons supplied by the west on key military targets inside Russia, with a decision understood to have already been made in private.

Speaking in Kyiv alongside the UK foreign secretary, David Lammy, Blinken said the US had from day one been willing to adapt its policy as the situation on the battlefield in Ukraine changed. We will continue to do this, he emphasised.

Blinken said he and Lammy would report back to their bosses  Joe Biden and Keir Starmer  after their talks on Wednesday with the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskiy.

The foreign secretary suggested Irans dispatch of ballistic missiles to Moscow  revealed this week  had changed strategic thinking in London and Washington. It was a significant and dangerous escalation, he said.

He added: The escalator here is Putin. Putin has escalated with the shipment of missiles from Iran. We see a new axis of Russia, Iran and North Korea. Lammy urged China not to throw in its lot with what he called a group of renegades.

British government sources indicated that a decision had already been made to allow Ukraine to use Storm Shadow cruise missiles on targets inside Russia, although it is not expected to be publicly announced on Friday when Starmer meets Biden in Washington DC.

The two leaders are planning to discuss the war in Ukraine, and how it could be ended, as part of a wide-ranging foreign policy discussion, though they will avoid an intense focus on any individual weapons system, as the aim of the conversation is strategic.

No press conference is scheduled during what is expected to be a short visit, Starmers second to the US as prime minister, after which there may be further conversations over the weekend to update key European allies on the discussions.

Wednesdays joint visit to Kyiv by Blinken and Lammy to meet Zelenskiy would not be taking place had there been no positive decision regarding Storm Shadow, the sources added.

But it would be considered unnecessarily provocative to make a public announcement about long-range missiles in Kyiv. It is also likely there will still be restrictions around Ukraines use of the missiles, which have a range of at least 190 miles, to avoid reckless or unnecessary attacks.

Speaking in Kyiv, Lammy said he would not reveal details of private discussions that might hand Putin an advantage. He denounced the Russian leaders sinister invasion of Ukraine and accused him personally of arrogance and greed.

This is imperialism. This is fascism, he said.

Ukraine has been lobbying for months for permission to hit airfields, missile launchers and command and control centres deep inside Russian territory. Speaking to the Guardian in May, Zelenskiy said Bidens equivocation and incremental approach had cost lives. It allowed the Kremlin to hunt Ukrainians, he complained.

Zelenskiy urged the president to overcome his perennial worries about nuclear escalation. The US should believe in us more, he stressed, saying of Russia: We have to respond. They dont understand anything but force.

Blinken and Lammy arrived in Kyiv on an overnight train from Poland. They had come to reiterate ironclad support for Ukraine, Lammy posted on X. We must stand up to Vladimir Putins imperialism. Our collective security depends on it. Russias attacks on civilians were horrific, barbaric, unbelievable, he commented.

I am in Kyiv today with @SecBlinken to reiterate our united and ironclad support for Ukraine.



We must stand up to Vladimir Putins imperialism.



Our collective security depends on it. pic.twitter.com/EQTMWDC1rH  David Lammy (@DavidLammy) September 11, 2024



The trip came 24 hours after Blinken confirmed in London that Tehran had shipped new deadly ballistic missiles to Russia. In Kyiv, Blinken said he was delivering a strong message that Britain and the US were committed to Ukraines success and victory.

Speaking at a joint press conference, Lammy described the UKs backing for Ukraine as an enduring hundred-year partnership. He said the government was providing a new package of military assistance including Brimstone missiles and AS-90 self-propelled guns.

We recognise what is at stake: not just the liberty of Ukraine but the security of Europe and the west, Lammy declared.

There was growing anticipation in Kyiv that the US and UK would finally lift their objections to long-range strikes. Hoping to hear a long-awaited decision to allow us to hit Russia with Atacms, the MP Kira Rudik said. Fingers crossed, Andriy Zagorodnyuk, Ukraines former defence minister, remarked.

Asked if long-range weapons would make a difference, at a time when Russian troops were gaining towns and villages in the eastern Donbas region, he replied simply: It is a big deal.

Ukrainian officials had previously expressed frustration that the new Labour government in the UK had not been more robust on the issue, and had waited for the White House to amend its red lines. The US state department has reportedly been open to Kyivs request, with the Pentagon and some in the US intelligence community sceptical.

In May the US allowed weapons such as Himars artillery to be used within Russias border regions for the first time. This followed a Kremlin offensive into the Kharkiv region and the Ukrainian city of Vovchansk.

This week senior Democrats and Republicans in Washington urged the White House to go further. In a letter, a group of senators called on Biden to immediately end his administrations limitations on the use of long-range missiles provided by the US and its Nato allies.

I am joining my Caucus co-chairs in calling on President Biden to lift restrictions on Ukraine's use of long-range weapons. We need to remove the handcuffs and give Ukraine every advantage. pic.twitter.com/9EJ0GQ6TSt  Senator Roger Wicker (@SenatorWicker) September 10, 2024

Without this, Kyiv would struggle to achieve victory and suffer death, loss and hardship as Russia capitalised on the policy and continued to pound Ukraine, it said. We need to remove the handcuffs and give Ukraine every advantage, the Republican senator Roger Wicker said.

The senators argued sophisticated western weapons would make a difference and force Russia to defend its rear. They said delays by the White House in the provision of Abrams tanks, F-16s and other US weapons were regrettable.

Related: Wests missile go-ahead to Ukraine would hold no shortage of risks

Speaking in Germany last week, the US defence secretary, Lloyd Austin, said long-range strikes would not turn the tide of the war in Ukraines favour. He said that Russia had already moved its glide bombs back beyond the range of the US Atacms long-range systems.

Austin said Kyiv had developed capabilities to hit targets beyond the reach of Anglo-French Storm Shadow missiles. Ukraine has used domestically produced long-range drones to strike Moscow and beyond.

Its operations have been increasingly successful. On Monday a drone attack shut three of Moscows airports. Another strike earlier this month damaged an oil refinery on the outskirts of the capital. There were reports on Wednesday that drones had targeted an airbase in Murmansk, in Russias Arctic circle, 1,100 miles (1,800km) from Ukrainian lines.

Matthew Savill, the director of military sciences at the defence thinktank Rusi in London, said Ukraine had not briefed allies in advance about its surprise incursion in August into Russias Kursk region. It changed the debate about escalation and the use inside Russia of long-range weapons, he said.

He cautioned that it would be very, very hard to knock out Russian airbases, which were mostly lots of concrete and hundreds of kilometres beyond the frontline. Atacms missiles with cluster bomblets would be more effective than non-cluster-armed Storm Shadows, he suggested.

In Moscow, the deputy foreign minister Sergey Ryabkov said Russia would destroy any new Atacms deliveries, the state news agency Tass reported.
Bereaved families, local and national dignitaries and first responders gathered in New York City on Wednesday to mark the 23rd anniversary of the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks that killed almost 3,000 people.

Kamala Harris and Donald Trump attended the annual commemoration, just hours after their fiery presidential debate in Philadelphia on Tuesday evening.

Joe Biden, the US president, accompanied Harris, his vice-president and now the Democratic nominee since Biden ended his re-election campaign in July after his own disastrous debate against Trump.

Biden and Harris observed the anniversary of the al-Qaida attacks on the US with visits to each of the three sites where hijacked planes crashed in 2001: the World Trade Center in New York, the Pentagon near Washington and a field in southern Pennsylvania.

Related: Trumps dour negativity contrasted with Harriss optimism about America | Robert Reich

Trump attended the event in New York with his Republican running mate, JD Vance. Trump and Harris shook hands, with tight smiles, before lining up solemnly for the ceremony.

On Tuesday night, Harris had consciously crossed the stage before the debate began and thrust her hand towards Trump, introducing herself. They had never met in person before, obliging Trump to shake hands.

After the subsequent handshake at the memorial and a brief exchange between the two presidential candidates, Harris positioned herself to Bidens right, with the former New York mayor Michael Bloomberg between Biden and Trump, and Vance to Trumps left.

Missing from that central group was the sitting New York mayor, Eric Adams, whose administration is caught up in a series of federal investigations.

Harris traveled to New York just a few hours after most polling declared her the winner of the debate against the Republican nominee for president in Philadelphia, with just eight weeks left before the 5 November presidential election.

No remarks from the politicians were scheduled at the site of the World Trade Center in lower Manhattan, still sometimes popularly known as Ground Zero, where relatives read the names of those who died.

Biden and Harris then went to Shanksville, where passengers on United Flight 93 overcame the hijackers and the plane crashed in a field, preventing another target from being hit.

Later they headed back to Washington DC and laid a wreath at the Pentagon memorial.

Almost 3,000 people were killed in the attack, with more than 2,750 killed in New York, 184 at the Pentagon and 40 in Shanksville, Pennsylvania; that figure excludes the 13 hijackers, who also died.

We can only imagine the heartbreak and the pain that the 9/11 families and survivors have felt every day for the past 23 years and we will always remember and honor those who were stolen from us way too soon, the White House press secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, told reporters onboard Air Force One on Tuesday evening.

Biden issued a proclamation honoring those who died as a result of the attacks, as well as the hundreds of thousands of Americans who volunteered for military service afterwards.

We owe these patriots of the 9/11 generation a debt of gratitude that we can never fully repay, Biden said, citing deployments to Afghanistan, Iraq and other war zones, as well as the capture and killing of the September 11 mastermind, Osama bin Laden, and his deputy.

US congressional leaders on Tuesday posthumously awarded the congressional gold medal to 13 of those service members who were killed in the 26 August 2021 suicide bombing at Kabuls airport during the chaotic US withdrawal from Afghanistan.

In New York, political tensions were high even though the event is always officially a non-partisan commemoration.

Youre around the people that are feeling the grief, feeling proud or sad  what its all about that day, and what these loved ones meant to you. Its not political, said Melissa Tarasiewicz, who lost her father, a New York City firefighter, Allan Tarasiewicz.

Increasingly, tributes delivered in New York and the name-reading of those who died come from children and young adults who were born after the attacks killed a parent, grandparent, aunt or uncle.

Even though I never got to meet you, I feel like Ive known you forever, Annabella Sanchez said last year of her grandfather, Edward Joseph Papa. We will always remember and honor you, every day. We love you, Grandpa Eddie.

A poignant phrase echoes more and more from those who lost relatives: I never got to meet you.

It is the sound of generational change. Some names are read out by children or young adults who were born after the strikes. Last years observance featured 28 such young people among more than 140 readers. Young people were expected again at this years ceremony on Wednesday.

Some are the children of victims whose partners were pregnant. More of the young readers are victims nieces, nephews or grandchildren. They have inherited stories, photos and a sense of solemn responsibility.

Being a 9/11 family reverberates through generations, and commemorating and understanding the September 11 attacks one day will be up to a world with no first-hand memory of them.



Its like youre passing the torch on, says Allan Aldycki, 13. He read the names of his grandfather, Allan Tarasiewicz, and several other people.

Reuters and the Associated Press contributed reporting
Ukrainian soldiers take part in urban training at a military training camp in Yorkshire - Owen Humphreys/PA

Emb 00:01

Please sched for 7.02am



Britains warfighting ability has been damaged by training Ukrainian soldiers, a report by the National Audit Office (NAO) has found.

The MoD said the UKs military support for Ukraine had constrained its ability to train British troops, as it reduced the availability of training facilities on the Armys estate.

The report, published on Wednesday, said: The MoD has acknowledged that Interflex will constrain the British Armys capacity to train its own soldiers.

The report found that Army units had bids for time in training areas rejected eight times more often in 2023 than they were in 2019.

This was because a quarter of the Armys training estate was being used for Operation Interflex, the UKs basic infantry training programme.

More than 45,000 Ukrainian recruits have taken part in the scheme.

Last week, John Healey, the Defence Secretary, announced Operation Interflex would continue throughout 2025.

Operation Interforge, another training programme for Ukrainian marines, had to be moved to the Netherlands earlier this year because the use of training facilities in the UK was threatening to compromise the Royal Marines own training needs, the report said.

Since just before the outbreak of the war 171.5 million of equipment from the UKs own stockpiles has been donated to Ukraine, on top of spending 2.4 billion procuring new equipment for Kyiv.

The cost of replenishing British stockpiles is set to outweigh the value of the donated equipment, although the MoD said the discrepancy was because of the UK buying newer equipment, which in some cases is more advanced than the kit donated to Ukraine.

It comes after General Sir Patrick Sanders, the former head of the Army, warned the UKs donation to Ukraine of 14 Challenger 2 tanks made it temporarily weaker as the donation had left a gap in our armoury.

Other equipment supplied to Ukraine includes missiles, drones, artillery and small-arms ammunition, three Sea King helicopters, communications equipment and personal equipment such as body armour and helmets.

Sir Patrick also recently said war with Russia was inevitable unless the UK stockpiles lethal weapons. He said that if the UK fails to regrow its very, very empty stockpiles in light of all it has gifted to Ukraine it will be at war in five years.

He issued the calls as General Sir Roland Walker, the new head of the Army, warned that the UK needed to be able to fight a major war within three years because Russia will seek revenge on the West for aiding Ukraine.

Since the International Fund for Ukraine was established in 2022, the UK has been the largest donor and has committed 7.8 billion in support for Ukraine up to March 2025.

This includes both supplying military equipment and training Ukrainian soldiers, funded from the Treasurys reserves.

In 2022-23 the MoD spent 2.9 billion on operations, its highest level of operational spending since 2011-12, when UK deployment in Afghanistan was near its peak.

It is understood that the MoD is committed to replacing the equipment and munitions that it has donated to Ukraine and are working closely with industry to upscale capacity in order to replenish losses.

More than 42,000 Ukrainians have received training in the UK since Russias full-scale invasion began in February 2022, with 89 per cent of the most recent cohort telling the Ministry of Defence (MoD) it left them better prepared for the battlefield.

Gareth Davies, the head of the NAO, said: As the Ministry of Defence plans its future support for Ukraine, it must continue to balance the UKs strategic interests with maintaining the UKs own military capabilities.

This includes making sure there are appropriate stocks of equipment and sufficient training provision for UK forces.

A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: All UK forces have access to the relevant training required to be held at readiness to protect the UK and meet our Nato commitments.

But we welcome the NAOs report, which recognises that Ukrainian troops are better prepared to defend their country from Russias illegal invasion thanks to the UK providing training.
Mamadou Tangara, the foreign minister of the Gambia, said he fully supported reparative justice and that the Commonwealth could make it happen. Photograph: Anadolu Agency/Getty Images

The three candidates to be the next secretary general of the Commonwealth have called for reparations for countries that were affected by slavery and colonisation.

The candidates from the Gambia, Ghana and Lesotho expressed their support for either financial reparations or reparative justice, as they made their pitches to lead the 56-country organisation at a debate hosted by the Chatham House thinktank in London on Wednesday.

Calls for reparations for the harms caused by slavery and colonialism have grown since the murder of George Floyd by police in 2020 sparked Black Lives Matter protests globally and led many governments, institutions and individuals to examine how they had historically benefited from the slave trade.

African and Caribbean countries formed an alliance last year to pressure former slave-owning states to pay for historical mass crimes.

Financial reparations is good, said Shirley Botchwey, Ghanas foreign minister. Whether or not the Commonwealth has a role to play will depend on the heads of government, who will give the secretary general her marching orders.

Joshua Setipa, a former trade minister for Lesotho, said he would not wait to get involved in the reparations debate. I support the idea of reparative justice, he said. The Commonwealth has a long history of facilitating discussions around difficult issues.

Weve dealt with racism, which was even more divisive than this, he said, a nod to the organisations history in helping to negotiate an end to white-minority rule in Zimbabwe and later South Africa.

Mamadou Tangara, The Gambias foreign minister, said: I am fully in support of reparatory justice. The Commonwealth can use its convening power to facilitate the dialogue and make it happen.

The Commonwealth evolved from the ashes of the British empire. Its 56 members, all but four of them former British colonies, have a combined population of 2.7 billion. King Charles is the ceremonial head of the organisation, having taken over after the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth, who was its most enthusiastic proponent.

All three candidates to succeed Patricia Scotland as secretary general batted off suggestions that it was a colonial relic, arguing that countries had made an independent choice to be a part of a grouping they said could advocate for action on climate change and youth unemployment.

The leadership vote will take place at the Commonwealth heads of government meeting in Samoa from 21 to 26 October.
Specialist divers will venture to the wreck, which lies about half a mile off the fishing town of Porticello, northern Sicily - Alberto Pizzoli/AFP via Getty Images

Italian special forces divers have embarked on an operation to recover video surveillance equipment that could explain why Mike Lynchs superyacht sank.

The sinking of the Bayesian off the coast of Sicily last month resulted in seven deaths, including those of the British tech tycoon and his teenage daughter Hannah.

The challenging task has been assigned to specialist divers from a navy special forces unit called Comsubin, equivalent to Britains Special Boat Service, which normally specialises in underwater sabotage and coastal raids.

The divers are venturing to the wreck, 165ft beneath the sea and about half a mile off the fishing town of Porticello on the north coast of Sicily.

Investigators hope that, if they can be recovered intact, the surveillance cameras and other equipment will help them find out what happened on the night the Bayesian sank during a violent storm.

It is believed the lyacht was hit by a meteorological phenomenon known as a downburst, which can pack as much punch as a mini tornado.

The other victims of the Aug 19 tragedy were Recaldo Thomas, the ships chef, Jonathan Bloomer, the chairman of Morgan Stanley International, and his wife Judy, and Chris Morvillo, a lawyer at Clifford Chance, and his wife Neda Morvillo.

Fifteen people survived , including James Cutfield, the captain, from New Zealand. After being questioned by investigators in Sicily, he returned to the home he shares with his wife in Majorca.

He is under investigation for possible charges of multiple manslaughter and causing a deadly shipwreck, but has not been charged. Tim Parker Eaton and Matthew Griffiths, the two British crew members also under investigation, have also not been charged.

Under the Italian legal system, being placed under investigation does not imply guilt and does not necessarily mean that charges will be brought.

Prosecutors investigating the tragedy are determined to raise the Bayesian and bring it to shore.

The objective is to find out elements of the situation which led to the sinking, said Raffaele Macauda, an admiral in the Italian coast guard who is involved in the enquiry. The navy divers inspection of the wreck will help us draw up a plan to recover the yacht, he said.

The operation to lift the yacht from the seabed will require a team of divers, a leading salvage expert said.

Nick Sloane, the South African who raised the Costa Concordia cruise ship after it capsized off the coast of Tuscany in 2012, told The Telegraph the divers would have to remove the vessels mast and rigging and empty thousands of litres of fuel from its tanks.

They would then have to connect rigging from the wreck to a barge equipped with cranes on the surface of the sea. The divers would work with remotely operated vehicles, underwater robots known as ROVs. Once on a barge, the yacht would be brought to a port and investigated for clues as to what went wrong.

Tracking data from on board the yacht suggests there was a 16-minute window between it being hit by the storm and sinking.

Although the incident is under investigation, the head of the company that built the yacht reiterated allegations that the sinking must have been caused by human error.

From the analysis of the terrible 16 minutes of that night we maintain that the water must have entered from open hatches, said Giovanni Costantino, the chief executive of Italian Sea Group, which owns Perini Navi, the company that built the Bayesian.

We maintain the actions that you would expect from a crew were not taken. They should have prepared the vessel, closing all the hatches. It was unsinkable. If water had not entered, there would not have been any problems. The storm that was coming was clearly visible. It is significant that the local fishermen read the situation and decided not to go out to sea.

The water must have started to enter from the stern and the stability was compromised.
The moment Kamala Harris reacts to Donald Trump's claims about Haitians eating pets - ABACA/Gripas Yuri

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Donald Trump has claimed that Haitian immigrants are eating pet dogs and cats in Springfield, Ohio.

Asked about immigration during the television debate with Kamala Harris, he said: Theyre eating the dogs, the people that came in, theyre eating the cats.

Theyre eating the pets of the people that live there, and this is whats happening in our country, and its a shame.

With Kamala Harris shaking her head in disbelief and laughed, he continued: People are saying their dog was eaten by people.

David Muir, one of the debate moderators, said that according to the town manager of Springfield, there were no credible reports of animals being eaten.

An AI-generated meme of Donald Trump saving geese and cats

Memes have appeared on X, formerly Twitter, claiming that immigrants are eating pets

Shortly before the debate, the Trump campaign put a post on social media with a manufactured photograph of the former president shielding cats and geese in his arms.

Claims of pet-eating immigrants have appeared on X, formerly known as Twitter, in recent days. A woman claimed in a Facebook post that her neighbours daughters friend had seen her lost cat being eaten by Haitians.

The post was shared by the X account End Wokeness alongside an image of a black man carrying two geese.

Memes of Donald Trump with cats have been shared on social media

A manufactured picture of Trump features the slogan pets for Trump

Another video widely shared online shows police bodycam footage of a woman being arrested and accused of eating a cat.

The image of the man carrying geese was taken in Columbus, Ohio, and there is no evidence he is Haitian. The social media user who first posted the image told the Daily Dot website that he was outraged that Right-wingers including Ohios Republican senator will take a random picture from the internet and use it as a weapon to further their agenda.

The woman in the arrest video was born in the US, not Haiti, and was arrested in Canton, 172 miles from Springfield, the Daily Dot reported.

Police in the city also issued a statement denying the claims. There have been no credible reports or specific claims of pets being harmed, injured or abused by individuals within the immigrant community.

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The Trump rapid response team stood by the claim, citing a report in The Federalist, a conservative online magazine.

It quoted a report made to a police dispatcher in which a member of the public claimed to have seen four Haitian migrants each carrying a goose.

Trump depicted as a gladiator saving cats in an AI meme on social media

Some AI images depicted Donald Trumps feline fans

JD Vance, Trumps running mate and a Senator from Ohio, said the claims about geese being seized from the Springfield city pond needed to be investigated.

He told CNN it was important for journalists to get on the ground in the city.

Whether those rumours turn out to be mostly true, somewhat true, whatever the case may be, this town has been ravaged by 20,000 migrants coming in, he said.

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Wickeds diabolical concoctions. Photograph: Apollo Victoria Theatre

A drink at the bar is rarely the highlight of any trip to the theatre. Beers are swiftly decanted into bendy plastic tumblers; wines are often an underwhelming choice of red, white or fizzy; and prices can be extortionate. But with most theatre bars opening about 90 minutes before curtain-up, thats a lot of time to kill clutching a mediocre glass of merlot.

Not so at this summers Regents Park Open Air theatre revival of Fiddler on the Roof, where a Matchmaker Mojito (which includes a mint chocolate Matchmaker as a swizzle stick) and a Sunrise Sunset (a cross between a Bucks Fizz and a Tequila Sunrise) are among the available drinks. Both cocktails take their inspiration, and their names, from songs from the show.

At Londons Savoy theatre, the stage adaptation of Mean Girls brought with it a collection of We drink pink cocktails, including a Sugar Punch, a Lychee Sour and a Pink Candy, which combines amaretto, lychee syrup, prosecco, edible glitter and candy floss. (These are available every day, not just on Wednesdays, as the menu points out with a knowing wink to the film.) Even long-running shows such as Wicked have been offering themed drinks, with its goblets of Pink Cocktail and Emerald Elixir.

Sometimes the connection is obvious  see the Doubtfire Daiquiri at Mrs Doubtfire the musical (Shaftesbury theatre). Sometimes, knowledge of the show in question is required: audiences at Operation Mincemeat (Fortune theatre), for example, can now order a sangria  not a bespoke cocktail, but a kind of interval in-joke.

Tanith Lindon is head of bars, dining and commercial events at the Regents Park Open Air theatre, and creator of that Matchmaker Mojito. Lindon says: I try to find something within the themes of each show to link the cocktail, often with an entertaining pun to tie it together. By far the most successful show cocktails weve created were for Legally Blonde. We offered an OMG&T, which was a pink gin and tonic with a candy floss tuft on top; and a Bend and Schnapps, which was another deliciously pink concoction. We had an incredibly engaged, mostly female, audience, who typically buy more cocktails, and themed cocktails far outsold any other drinks.

It is perhaps easiest to create custom drinks in the West End, where shows take up residency for weeks if not months, rather than small or regional theatres, which often host a production for a short time. But at the Bristol Old Vic, custom drinks are something we always try to do with our shows, says the theatres head of hospitality and events, Ryan Garvey. Earlier this year, they created a Raspberry Fizz cocktail, named after one of the musical numbers in their production of Starter for Ten. For Gurt Haunted, a show playing near Halloween, he says they plan to offer themed drinks, including haunted and glowing cocktails.

Stage plays are getting the bespoke drinks treatment too. Earlier this year, the stage adaptation of sci-fi thriller Minority Report at the Lyric Hammersmith theatre in west London inspired cocktails including a Dame Julia and a Precognition. Before that, the May/June production of Alice Childresss 1960s drama Wedding Band was accompanied by cocktails including Planters Punch, Dragoons Punch and Cherry Bounce.

But with theatre tickets often prohibitively expensive, will patrons be put off by the added expense of a bespoke cocktail? Paul Gallagher, commercial director at the Lyric Hammersmith, says: When customers are paying sometimes relatively quite high [ticket] prices, they are often inclined to continue that treat of a night out at the theatre with additional purchases. Cocktails are a good example of an add-on that is more special than just a beer or wine. When the cocktail is themed and packaged as part of the experience, theyve found that theatregoers are more inclined to indulge.

Paddy Ratcliffe, head of bars at the National Theatre, says custom cocktails arent a good fit for every show. A storytelling element is key, he says. Last year, we had The Witches, which was kid friendly, and Formula 86 is something which features in the show, so we created a mocktail for them. Its a purple potion, so we used lemonade, cranberry juice and violet syrup. For the adults, they had the opportunity to spike it with vodka or gin. It was amazingly successful. Last year, he also created a cocktail named Sweet Caroline for James Grahams Dear England: It really was a lot of fun, with red grenadine drizzled on top for those England colours.

Naturally, social media also plays its role; interesting and aesthetically pleasing cocktails are ideal Instagram fodder  especially if they come with a pun-heavy name. We are living in a world where people like to document the interesting things theyre doing, agrees Ratcliffe. When we do more colourful, playful drinks, people are getting photos of themselves drinking it next to the poster for the show, or with their tickets.

Of course, some patrons are always going to pick a pint over, say, an Emerald Elixir  but there are plenty who are willing to be lured by something a little out of the ordinary. Bespoke cocktails always sell, says Lindon, but certain demographics buy them in greater quantities  a younger theatregoer is more likely to buy a champagne cocktail than a glass of champagne. I try to put something on the menu that might tempt them away from their usual pint or glass of house wine, and create something that you cant get in any other West End theatre.

As the autumn theatre season begins, what might be next on theatre bar menus? A Prosperos Storm (Im picturing a twist on the classic DarknStormy) for The Tempest at Theatre Royal Drury Lane? Or The Devil Wears Grappa for the transfer of the musical adaptation of the 00s classic to the West End? If theres another option than a plastic flute of lukewarm prosecco, Im in.


Ruth Auta has been sentenced to three years in prison - Greater Manchester Police

An eight-week old baby died after a nurse left him at home during a shift, a court heard.

Ruth Auta, 28, left her son Joshua Akerele by himself for eight hours and he suffered from an asystolic cardiac arrest, a condition in which the heart stops beating.

She arrived home from her shift on Dec 20, 2022 at about 3.15pm and emergency services were called after she found Joshua unresponsive.

Despite attempts to resuscitate him , Joshua could not be saved and he was pronounced dead on arrival at hospital, Bolton Crown Court heard.

No conclusive cause of death was given and a post-mortem examination said there were so many unknown variables it was not possible to ascertain what had caused it.

Auta did not disclose her pregnancy

Auta had undertaken three years of nursing training in her native Nigeria before emigrating to Britain to train with the NHS.

She then gave birth to Joshua on Oct 22 2022 after going into labour in the middle of a shift at Royal Bolton Hospital in Greater Manchester.

Prosecuting, Vanessa Thomson said: When she came to the UK to complete her training, she did not disclose that she was pregnant.

She would not have been permitted to work on hospital wards had she done so.

CCTV footage showed Auta leaving her flat in Bolton, Greater Manchester, at 6.37am before returning to the property at about 3.15pm, both on her own.

An ambulance was called just minutes after and Auta met paramedics at the entrance to the building, holding Joshua.

Ms Thomson said: CCTV footage checks showed that nobody had entered her flat throughout the day.

The previous days mainly showed her entering and leaving with a pram.

Claim Joshua was left with carer

Auta told police that she had returned home from work, fed him and laid him on her bed before he went to sleep.

She also claimed she had wrapped Joshua in multiple layers of clothing which caused him to sweat.

Analysis at the scene found an area of her bed saturated with sweat.

Ms Thomson said: The defendant claimed she had collected Joshua from a carer when she left work and taken him back home.

Text messages on Autas phone showed contact with a child carer whom she had employed to look after Joshua.

The messages, which were sent after his death, said: I lost Joshua, I dont want you to panic, police are coming to you for questions.

I told them he stayed with you this morning.

A further message said: I am not a bad person, but I am concerned of the UK Government. Just help me out. I was too scared to ring an ambulance.

The contact responded that she could not help her and when interviewed by police, she told them she had not taken care of Joshua that day.

Postpartum depression

The court heard that Auta was arrested at Gatwick Airport on June 6 this year, while trying to board a flight to Nigeria. She had purchased a one-way ticket.

Defending, Ellie Akhgar said: Ms Auta was sectioned for a period of 14 days in hospital, which allowed her to stay for an additional week.

A psychiatric report conducted following Joshuas death found that a period of low mood suffered by Auta suggested she had been suffering from postpartum depression.

The psychiatrist said she described the period after his birth as being awful, saying she could not be happy, was extremely sad and that she felt lonely and isolated.

Ms Akhgar added that Auta earned about 1,600 a month, with her rent costing 750 and hiring a childminder costing 50 a day.

She said: She is aware of her wrongdoing and aware that it crosses the custodial threshold. She will carry the weight of tremendous tragedy for the rest of her life.

No one was checking on his welfare

Concluding, Judge Nicholas Clarke KC said: The defendant left Joshua, who was just over eight weeks old, for a period of over eight hours.

He was a newborn baby with no means of support. This eight-week-old baby was entirely reliant on you for his needs, he could not possibly have fended for himself in the over eight hours in which you neglected him.

No one was checking on his welfare.

In my judgment, it is all the more serious because of your professional qualifications. You deceived the recruitment agency and the hospital and tried to cover up what you had done, and you tried to deceive the police.

Auta had no previous convictions and pleaded guilty to neglect but was sentenced to three years imprisonment.
The distinctive English Heritage blue plaque has been a feature on buildings around London for well over a century. Photograph: English Heritage

The very first commemorative blue plaque was awarded in 1867, in honour of the poet Lord Byron at his house and birthplace in Holles Street, near Cavendish Square in London.

But the plaque  the first in a long, prestigious tradition of recognising some of the most influential figures in history  was lost when the house was demolished in 1889.

Though a new plaque was made for Byron it did not last much longer than the first, and today, the site is occupied by the Oxford Street branch of John Lewis.

Now, English Heritage is calling on the public to help find those two plaques and dozens of others that the charity says have gone missing over the decades owing to war damage, demolition or building refurbishments.

Related: Bletchley Park codebreaker Joan Clarke honoured with blue plaque

As many as 50 blue plaques have been categorised as missing, including those commemorating the painter David Wilkie, the novelist Henry Handel Richardson, the artist William Hogarth, the poet John Milton, the naturalist Francis Trevelyan Buckland, the astronomer Francis Baily and the composer Arthur Sullivan.

According to English Heritage, many would have been collateral damage during the periods of rapid modernisation and architectural experimentation that characterised London during the 20th century.

The charity said it was keen to see any surviving plaques returned so that they can be conserved and even re-installed at a different address, if any can be found.

It said most of the lost plaques dated from the time when the London county council ran the scheme, and will bear that name on them, or the initials LCC. Most are ceramic roundels  like the plaques of today  but may be blue, brown or terracotta in colour.

To coincide with the call-out, the charity also announced a new plaque to honour the surgeon Joseph Lister, whose original plaque disappeared (for the second time) during building work in 2017.

These lost plaques are still part of the story that the London blue plaques scheme has been dedicated to telling for the past 158 years, said the English Heritage curatorial director, Matt Thompson. The story, not just of London, but of the breadth of human endeavour.

Whether they are on a building for all to see or safely in our stores along with others already returned to us, each plaque documents the history of what is arguably the oldest commemorative scheme in the world. That is why we would like to find out if any of the lost plaques survive and why Im so delighted that one of the pioneers of modern surgery, Joseph Lister, gets another chance to be commemorated.

Lister was originally commemorated by the LCC at 12 Park Crescent in Marylebone in 1915. The crescent was rebuilt in facsimile in 1960 after war damage and a new plaque commissioned  but the original rectangular bronze tablet turned up after an appeal in The Lancet. It was re-erected in 1966, where it remained for 51 years, disappearing again in 2017. It has yet to be found.

The new plaque will mark another of Listers homes at 52 Maple Street (formerly 28 London Street), Fitzrovia. The four-storey Grade II-listed terrace house, built in the late 1700s, lies within direct sight of University College hospital and Lister is recorded at this address in the UCL student register for 1844. On 2 April that year he wrote to his mother to say he was pretty much settled in here and anticipating a pleasant residence.

Members of the public with any information are asked to contact missingplaques@english-heritage.org.uk.
Michael Roth in Brussels, Belgium, on 11 May 2021. Photograph: Olivier Hoslet/Reuters

The TV debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump was as keenly watched by European diplomats and politicians as by US voters, eager to see who may be next in the White House and  crucially  the direction that a vital ally may next take.

One diplomat said they empathised when Harris adopted a series of poses that ranged from pity, bemusement and genuine curiosity about what craziness would emerge from Trumps mouth next as she listened to his conspiracy-laden theories. However, the diplomat said they still did not underestimate Trump and the hold he had over one part of a divided America, adding: Never write him off.

Another European observer judged Harris to have been the victor in the debate. Objectively on any count she won. She showed her teeth, broke with [Joe] Biden and showed she is a leader, and that is something Americans love, they said.

In Germany, Michael Roth, the Social Democratic party chair of the Bundestag foreign affairs committee, said Harris had succeeded in making Trump seem like an ageing incumbent, old, angry and confused, despite having been in government herself for much of the past four years. Harris has dismantled Trump on the open stage and positioned herself as a candidate of change. She deliberately provoked Trump, and he fell into the trap, Roth said.

The German foreign office, in a tweet, hit back at Trumps criticism of German energy reliance on Russia writing: Like it or not: Germanys energy system is fully operational, with more than 50% renewables. And we are shutting down  not building  coal & nuclear plants. Coal will be off the grid by 2038 at the latest. PS: We also dont eat cats and dogs.

However, above all, the 90-minute debate served to underline how a Trump victory would threaten the fundamental pillars of European security.

Diplomats were most struck, if not surprised, by Trumps refusal to say whether he wanted Ukraine to defeat Vladimir Putin. During the debate, Trump said he only wanted the war to stop and for lives to be saved, something he said he would achieve in days through direct talks with both sides.

Trumps praise for the tough, smart and respected Hungarian prime minister, Viktor Orban, also served to underline the Republican nominees close alignment with the surging populist right in Europe rather than its mainstream leaders, many of whom have been politically weakened by the anti-immigration rhetoric that the former US president deploys.

Ironically, I dont think this alliance will help Orban or Trump, one diplomat said. It just shows how disconnected Trump is. No one in the US knows who this Hungarian politician is.

Trumps claims about what he had done to invigorate European spending in Ukraine were familiar if statistically false.

His assertion that Israel would be destroyed within two years if Harris was elected only served to underline how he might bring a diplomatic blowtorch to a region already close to explosion. Without explaining, Trump said Harris hated Israelis and Arabs, and claimed: The whole place is going to get blown up.

Harris said too many Palestinians had died in Gaza and a two-state solution was needed, something Trump has recently pulled away from.

Trumps reference to how he had threatened the Taliban leader Abdul  possibly a reference to Abdul Ghani Baradar, the Afghan first deputy prime minister  by sending a picture of his house also revealed his diplomatic methods.

On Iran, Trump left diplomats puzzled by accusing Biden of allowing the Iranian oil industry off the hook in terms of sanctions, having said only days earlier that Tehran posed no threat to US democracy.

Trumps contradictory positions seem to be driven by a desire to appear a tough leader in a world on the brink of chaos, yet also knowing many Americans believe US foreign policy has involved too many expensive and unproductive wars. Polls conducted by the libertarian thinktank the Cato Institute, for example, suggest voters in swing states back his promises to end US overseas commitments.

Before the debate on Tuesday night, European diplomats conceded they had been tenterhooks, hoping Harris would be able to recover her summer momentum by performing well in the TV head-to-head.

One admitted that the first numbers to which they referred each morning were those in US opinion polls. The contradictory polling results did not help with the digestion of breakfast, the diplomat added.

They pointed out that if Europe was concerned by Bidens performance in his faltering June debate, and his subsequent slide in the polls, there was at least the exculpatory comfort that US voters were responding logically to the decline in the presidents faculties.

The fact that Trump had edged back into the lead in some polls two months on from Biden standing aside, and with just 55 days to go before the US presidential election, suggested America had reverted to an angry type, the diplomat added.

For many European diplomats it was telling that in the US today, faced with the choice of either a misogynistic, rambling and divisive Republican or a sane and credible Democrat candidate, voters still remained unsure which one should lead them.

The preference for Trump over an ageing Biden was explicable, but the recent stalling of the Harris campaign pointed to deeper forces at work, diplomats said. It suggested the US wanted change, and Harris, as vice-president, had not yet done or said enough to convince voters she offered that. One diplomat said: The significance of her breaking with Biden in the debate cannot be underestimated.

Europeans have never been easy about US protectionism, but Trumps increasing recourse to tariffs and other tools as the solution to nearly everything takes the friction to a different level.

He has floated a blanket tariff of between 10 and 20% on nearly all imports and of 60% or more on Chinese goods, as well as a plan to match the tariffs that other countries impose on US products. In his latest pronouncement, Trump said he would apply tariffs to any country that tried to avoid trading in dollars.

These set of policies showed how Europes quest for competitiveness, which was set out in a report this week by Mario Draghi, the former head of the European Central Bank, would pit Brussels and Washington against one another. No one quite knows whether Harris would be prepared to love-bomb Europe like Biden, one diplomat said.

Above all, the foreign policy part of Tuesdays head-to-head seemed a subset of the domestic debate. So even when Harris warned that Trump was the autocrats patsy, she added that a defeat in Ukraine would mean Putin setting his eyes on Poland. In one of many telling lines, she asked: Why dont you tell 800,000 Polish-Americans here in Pennsylvania how quickly you would give [Poland] up for a favour and for what you think is friendship with a dictator who would eat you for dinner?
Residents are evacuated from their homes by airboat across the San Jacinto River on FM 1485, Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2017, in New Caney. Members of the Cajun Navy, a volunteer civilian group that helps those affected by disasters, helped with rescue and recovery efforts in East Montgomery County. Jason Fochtman/Houston Chronicle

In the aftermath of a natural disaster, it's often neighbors helping neighbors. For volunteers of the United Cajun Navy, anyone suffering is considered a neighbor.

As Hurricane Francine inches closer to Louisiana's coast, United Cajun Navy volunteers are preparing for what is likely to be the state's most damaging hurricane since Hurricane Ida in 2021. The Category 1 storm is predicted to bring strong winds, heavy rainfall and towering storm surges.

Here's what you need to know about the United Cajun Navy and how it's answering the call for help.

What is the United Cajun Navy?

"Cajun Navy" is a general term that applies to several groups of volunteers who step in to help those in need.

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The Cajun Navy aided in disaster relief efforts after Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans in 2005. Douglas Brinkley, a Rice University history professor, was quoted in a 2006 Baton Rouge Advocate article using the term. It is unclear whether this was the origin of the term.

"Among the unsung heroes, Brinkley said, are those anonymous boat operators  dubbed the Cajun navy  who navigated their private fishing boats and other vessels through flooded New Orleans to lend a hand after the hurricane hit," the article reads.

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At the time, Brinkley was a Tulane University professor, and in an address to the annual meeting of the Council for a Better Louisiana said he "saw guys chain-smoking cigarettes ... with tattoos out there saving dozens of lives."

The United Cajun Navy is a nonprofit volunteer organization based out of Baton Rouge, Louisiana that aims to help communities affected by natural disasters. It gained nonprofit status in 2018, but before that, it provided disaster relief after Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma.

What does the United Cajun Navy do?

The United Cajun Navy provides disaster relief in several ways, including search and rescue missions, debris removal and water distribution.

In addition to disaster relief efforts, the United Cajun Navy hosts fundraisers, community-building events and in-depth training sessions for volunteers.

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"Local emergency responders, police, fire, EMS, they do a great job," Brian Trascher, vice president and spokesperson, told the Chronicle. "They're great at what they do, but when their community gets hit, that means their own homes, their own families are getting hit, and sometimes it's hard for them to take care of their own people and property as well as perform their normal job function."

United Cajun Navy volunteers brought boats and high-water vehicles to aid Houstonians in the aftermath of Harvey, which hit the Houston area as a Category 4 hurricane in 2017.

What is the United Cajun Navy doing during Hurricane Francine?

The United Cajun Navy's preparations started long before Hurricane Francine threatened Louisiana's coast.

The organization's meteorologist, Jeff George, has been tracking the storm since it first developed in the Gulf of Mexico and provided updates via Facebook, Trascher said. As the storm gained strength, the United Cajun Navy used cameras and storm chasers, he said.

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The organization also collaborated with the Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness.

"If they call, they know we have the ability to transport and volunteers to distribute should they need it," he said.

Once the worst of the storm is over, Trascher said the organization can deploy its volunteers and storm-ready equipment, like refrigerated trucks, boats, airplanes and drones.

"We're just kind of hunkering down and hoping for the best," he said.
Nurul Chawdury, a Bangladeshi man who is with his family in Port Moresby, waiting for resettlement in New Zealand. Photograph: Godfree Kaptigau/The Guardian

Asylum seekers stranded in Papua New Guinea have been threatened with eviction if an alleged $110,000 rental arrears debt is not paid, leading to urgent calls for the Australian government to intervene to prevent them becoming homeless.

The Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) wrote to the home affairs department revealing that refugee families with 10 children at Latitude apartments in Port Moresby face eviction on Friday unless the bill is paid by Thursday.

A further three refugees and one child at the East Boroko apartments have also been threatened with eviction.

The families are among about 70 people who sought asylum in Australia but remain in PNG, previously detained at Australias detention centre on Manus Island before it was ruled unlawful by PNGs supreme court in 2016.

In 2021 the Morrison government struck a secret deal for the refugees and asylum seekers to stay in Port Moresby after Manus Island was closed. Funding was fully spent in the first six months and the deal was terminated by mutual agreement in December 2021.

In July Guardian Australia revealed the Albanese government was preparing to strike a new funding deal with PNG to support asylum seekers after the country threatened to send them back to Australia unless a new agreement was signed.

A lockout notice from an accommodation services provider, seen by Guardian Australia, demands $292,659 kina, about A$110,000, in accumulated total rental arrears for six units in breach of a lease agreement.

The notice demands payment by 12 September or tenants will be evicted at 2pm on 13 September.

Tenants have received a notice of accommodation cessation informing them that due to recent developments, [the provider] will be ceasing your accommodation in the coming days.

We kindly request that you begin making preparations to vacate the premises, including packing your belongings and organising your next steps.

A separate text message advised tenants to contact the PNG immigration and citizenship authority to arrange alternative accommodation. We understand that this may be a challenging time, and we appreciate your cooperation as we work to facilitate a smooth transition, the message read.

Nurul Chawdury fled Bangladesh and arrived in Australia by boat in 2013. His claim for refugee protection was accepted, but he has spent more than a decade exiled in PNG and is waiting for potential resettlement to New Zealand.

He has children he cannot afford to educate. Refugees and asylum seekers are supported by charities, but some weeks, finding enough food is difficult. Healthcare support has been withdrawn, and he cannot afford medicine or pay doctors bills, so he, his wife and his children go without healthcare.

Related: The wait is too long: the refugees left in PNG after a decade in Australias offshore detention

Chawdury received an eviction notice this week telling him if he could not pay thousands of kina  money he simply does not have  he would be evicted.

Our situation is dire, we are miserable, he told the Guardian.

If we are evicted from this place, there is no place other than the street to live with my family. This is a very dangerous place and we have nowhere else to go. I am feeling really very hopeless.

The Australian-funded support services for refugees held in PNG have been steadily straitened over months. Healthcare was withdrawn, Chawdury said, then financial support. He was forced to take his eldest daughter out of school because he could not afford to send her.

The refugee program has been beset by internal allegations of rampant corruption and graft, denied by PNG authorities. Chawdury said refugees had watched the money  intended to support refugees forcibly held offshore  disappear.

I think that the money the Australian government has allocated to keep us safe, has been scammed, and no one has paid the rent, and now we are going to be evicted.

ASRCs detention casework policy lead, Heidi Abdel-Raouf, wrote to Home Affairs on Monday warning that the families had contacted us distressed and anxious about the lockout notice.

I ask you to take immediate action to ensure that the refugees and their families, including families with small children, do not become homeless and transient again.

The ASRC said that no further information has been provided around the funding deal since July, while the cohort remain destitute and unwell, with the health and humanitarian crisis continuing for more than 10 months now.

The situation is beyond critical. Every day without support increases the risk of harm to people.

Further homelessness increases the risk to life and safety. Refugees and their families continue to experience discrimination, violent attacks, thefts and home invasion.

The Greens immigration spokesperson, David Shoebridge, said the government had abandoned people seeking asylum in PNG.

Now people, almost all of whom have been found to be refugees, are being made homeless and still the Albanese government does nothing, he said.

The answer is not hard. The Albanese government must evacuate all those in PNG for urgent medical care and then provide a pathway to permanency for all refugees.

A Home Affairs spokesperson said: The Australian government does not have any role in the ongoing management of, or service delivery arrangements for, individuals remaining in [PNG].

This is a matter for the PNG government. More broadly, the Australian government is assisting the PNG government develop and sustain its humanitarian program and broader migration capability.
Full-time workers rights to request a four-day week could become a reality under government plans to increase flexible working.

Since April, employees have already had the right to ask for flexible working as soon as they start a job. But now, it may be harder for employers to reject requests to compress their hours into a shorter week.

Four-day weeks have long been hailed as a way to address the UKs burnout crisis among workers. Experts warn employee workloads  and their stress levels  are being pushed beyond what is manageable because of the economic climate.

According to the Teluss Mental Health Index, 44% of workers feel mentally and physically exhausted at the end of a day. As a result, one in five UK workers needed to take time off in the past year due to poor mental health caused by pressure or stress.

Shorter working week can address stress

A shorter working week could go some way to addressing the problem. A three-day weekend could mean a better work-life balance, more time to decompress from the working week, and less money spent on childcare. It also sends workers the message that their efforts and contributions are valued.

Dr Daniel Shore, co-founder and social behavioural scientist at MultiTeam Solutions, says a four-day week helps give workers more autonomy and choice over how they work, which is known to benefit mental health.

Choice is most clearly provided by employees choosing how to spend their extra time off each week, says Shore. Within an organisation's operations, employees could have the option of saying which day of the week they take off and how they restructure their tasks and goals to fit their adapted schedule. This would have positive benefits.

Last year, the worlds largest trial of a four-day week came to an end with positive results. More than 2,900 people across 61 companies took part in the six-month trial, which saw companies agree to give workers an extra day off with no cut to pay.

Team of millennial colleagues sharing ideas for new business start up, togetherness, innovation, diversity (10'000 Hours via Getty Images)

The research was carried out by a team of social scientists from the University of Cambridge, working with academics from Boston College in the US and the think tank Autonomy. Of the employees who took part, 71% reported lower levels of burnout, and 39% said they were less stressed, compared to the start of the trial.

There was also a 65% reduction in sick days and better retention of staff members. And crucially, company revenue barely changed during the trial period. In fact, for the 23 organisations able to provide data, it slightly increased.

Shore also suggests that shorter weeks could be a confidence boost, too. If an employee is getting the same amount of work done in less time, it could increase their sense of competence, he says. On the other hand, if they are struggling to get work done in a compressed work schedule then this would serve as a potential con of the four-day week format.

Difference in calls for four-day week

However, the governments proposals arent the same as those set out by the official Four Day Week Campaign, which calls for the same pay for fewer hours. Rather, workers would still do the same amount of hours across fewer days. For example, by working 10-hour shifts over four days.

Overall, where expectations are adjusted and an employee's expected productivity is proportional to a four-day week, it would very likely decrease one's stress, says Shore. However, there are a variety of factors to consider regarding stress levels.

For example, if management expects the same output from a four-day week as they would from a five-day week, then that would likely diminish one's sense of competence in being able to maintain that level of productivity, he explains.

Another example, for shift-work industries, is that when employees must cover for their colleagues who are on their day off there might be less choice around the work they do. This in turn could lead to less motivation and greater levels of stress.

And if employees have to work more hours on their four workdays or do overtime to get their work done, it may well increase their stress levels  and negate any mental health benefits.

How to make a four-day week work

If employers want to offer workers a four-day week  and reap the benefits  there are several ways to make it work. Firstly, its important to talk to people about what they want or need in terms of flexibility and to avoid making assumptions.

Involve employees in conversations around how expectations are going to shift and hear their preferences around adapting workflow, tasks, projects, and priorities to meet those expectations. This way they get to contribute to the choices being made, says Shore.

Its also essential to reset goals to align them with the new work schedule. Allow for an adjustment or grace period where these metrics can be calibrated appropriately to the realities of a four-day week as they play out in your organisation, he says. Competence is about feeling confident that you're doing something successfully, and this includes navigating the new work schedule as well as the work itself.

Finally, when assessing how a four-day week trial is going, employers should listen to workers. Include them in the process of evaluating how the new work schedule is working, adds Shore. Giving employees an opportunity to participate in leadership-level behaviours such as this process is another way to build a sense of choice.

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Sir Keir Starmer makes extracting blood from a stone look positively easy - HOUSE OF COMMONS/UK PARLIAMENT/AFOP VIA GETTY IMAGES

PMQs did not begin auspiciously. A gangly windbag arose from the Labour benches and began a tedious speech. Sir Lindsay Hoyle soon tired of waiting for the actual question and told the new MP, Torsten Bell of Swansea West  who is presumably part of Labours constellation of rising stars  to un-rise and sit down. The deflation was tangible; the windbag had become a decade-old crisp packet. Bell muttered mutinously at the Speaker, looking apoplectic with rage.

Things didnt get much better. Inevitably, Rishi Sunak brought up the frozen granny in the room, claiming that the winter fuel cut was a political decision rather than an economic one. Sir Keir Starmer fulminated and fumed. There are no prizes for guessing his line: it was the fault of the Tories! Even his own MPs  inboxes doubtless full of not particularly complimentary emails from the over-65s  looked a little glum. The windbag was no longer alone in his deflation.

Labour backbenchers had evidently been drilled to avoid any hint of gloating after their win on Tuesday. Some managed solemnity more than others; ministers Peter Kyle and Ellie Reeves sniggered their way through several questions from disgruntled opposition MPs. Meanwhile, Rachel Reeves, swaddled in an oversized scarf to fight the Commons chills, grimaced whenever she was invoked. Perhaps the ice was emanating from her: Jadis with a bob cut.

Would the PM publish his Governments assessment of the impact on pensioners, asked Sunak. Starmer pursued an evergreen line of argument  Not me, guv. He gestured across the dispatch box at Sunak; Hes the one thats taking money away from pensioners on 13,000! Once again, Sir Keir seems determined to claim he is running Schrodingers government, both in power (and with a big majority, in case they hadnt mentioned it) but also totally powerless.

An irate Louie French, of Bexley and Sidcup, asked about the possibility of cuts to pensioners bus passes  Yes or No. He was to be disappointed. Asking for a yes or no answer from Starmer makes extracting blood from a stone look positively easy: Sir Keirs answers are more like squeezing pus from concrete.

In lieu of information, he deployed Old Faithful lines: 14 years!, 22 billion black hole, along with a new favourite  I am not going to pre-empt the Budget. Yet every wriggle, however inelegant, drew cheers from the great nodding-dog chorus of Labour backbenchers. Ducking the question isnt hard under these circumstances.

The obvious second topic was the early release of prisoners and the popping of champagne corks outside HMP Wandsworth. However, perhaps fearing this question would rebound on his own party, Sunak abruptly veered on to the countryside and food security.

This being British farming week, a number of MPs were wearing wheatsheaves as badges, giving them the faint look of would-be sacrificial victims in The Wicker Man. Given Labours treatment of the countryside, that immolation inside a giant straw statue may be on the friendlier side of the potential reactions their MPs will soon receive in some rural areas.

Looking momentarily flummoxed, Starmer said the countryside was very important to him and that Labour was happy to work with farmers across the country, which is big of them.

It was left to Nigel Farage to ask about two-tier policing, the wisdom of convicting people for saying unpleasant things on Facebook while releasing career criminals and sex offenders early. The Labour faithful finally perked up; Shame! Shame! they cried, evidently back in their comfort zone. Their relief was palpable: branding everyone far-Right is much more fun than being labelled a granny-killer.

It might be easy for them to howl like gleeful macaques at such issues but the problem with not answering difficult questions is that they dont actually go away.
People watch the debate in Portland, Maine, on Tuesday. Photograph: Robert F Bukaty/AP

Throughout his 2024 campaign for president, Donald Trump has avoided giving straight, consistent or accurate answers to questions about abortion  and in his first debate appearance against Kamala Harris, Trump kept up that streak.

Moderators introduced abortion, one of the biggest issues in the election, by asking about the most recent example of Trumps incoherence on the topic: his position on a Florida ballot measure that would enshrine abortion rights into the states constitution. Over the last few weeks, Trump initially suggested that he would vote in favor of the measure  which would restore abortion rights in a state that has banned the procedure past six weeks of pregnancy  before quickly backtracking amid outrage from his anti-abortion base.

Asked to explain his flip-flop, Trump said: The reason Im doing that vote  because the plan is  you know the vote is  they have abortion in the ninth month.

Less than a fraction of a percentage point of abortions take place after the 21st week of pregnancy. Executing a baby after birth, which Trump repeatedly accused Democrats of supporting, would be infanticide and it is illegal in all 50 states  as noted by the ABC News moderator Linsey Davis in a fact-check after he spoke.

When pressed on abortion, Trump has long pivoted to making outlandish claims about killing babies. In his final debate against Hillary Clinton during the 2016 presidential campaign, he claimed that you can rip the baby out of the womb in the ninth month on the final day. That kind of gruesome rhetoric proved useful for Trump at the time, as leaders of the anti-abortion movement cheered him on and ultimately helped put him in the White House.

In a post-Roe nation where most people support abortion rights, however, that rhetoric hits differently.

The accusations of extremism are a lot less effective when your own party is aligned with the movement that most Americans are perceiving as extreme, said Mary Ziegler, a professor at the University of California, Davis who studies the legal history of reproduction.

Trump also claimed that every legal scholar, every Democrat, every Republican, every liberal, conservative  they all wanted this issue to be brought back to these states. In reality, more than 60% of Americans disapproved of the decision to overturn Roe. Support for abortion rights has surged since Roes demise, including in red states.

For Harris, meanwhile, the topic of abortion yielded some of her strongest moments in a debate already full of strong moments. She spoke passionately about women bleeding out from miscarriages unable to get care, victims of rape forced to carry unwanted pregnancies. Celinda Lake, a veteran Democratic pollster, saw Harriss comments on abortion as the moment the debate snapped into place for the vice-president.

The opening was a little more mixed, Lake said. I think Trump made a strong case on the economy but she just knocked it out of the park on the abortion stuff.

During her turn to speak, Harris appeared to reference the case of Jaci Statton, a woman who was told by Oklahoma hospital staffers that they could not end her nonviable pregnancy and to instead wait in a hospital parking lot until she was crashing.

Shes bleeding out in the car in the parking lot, Harris said. She didnt want that. Her husband didnt want that. A 12- or 13-year-old survivor of incest being forced to carry a pregnancy to term? They dont want that.

Tresa Undem, whos been polling people on abortion for decades, thought the way Harris talked about abortion was unprecedented.

For undecided women and undecided independent men, I think it was pretty powerful and it can have an effect, Undem said. She reminded folks, including undecided voters, that most Americans are with her. Most Americans believe that women should have control over their own body  And she landed on freedom, which is a value that everybody cares about.

Trump, meanwhile, repeatedly ducked efforts to commit to vetoing a national abortion ban and baldly rejected comments made by JD Vance, his running mate, who said that Trump would veto such a ban.

Well, I didnt discuss it with JD, in all fairness, Trump said.

Harris, too, was evasive in moments  when asked directly if she would support any restrictions on abortion, she reiterated her longstanding promise to support legislation to codify Roe into law, even though Roe didnt stop states from enacting the restrictions that hacked away at access to the procedure. (It is also unlikely that Congress would pass such a bill anytime soon.) In an interview after the debate, Harriss pick for vice-president, Tim Walz, also dodged questions about restrictions his boss may support.

In the weeks since Harris became the Democratic nominee for president, abortion has become an increasingly key issue for women. A recent New York Times poll found that, among all women, it now rivals the economy in terms of importance and is the top voting issue among women under 45. A Harris campaign representative told Rolling Stone that in the first hour of the debate, 71% of grassroots donors to the campaign were women.

I think she litigated it just spectacularly well, Lake said. Two-thirds of the impact of the debate are the press interpretations afterward and the press has been even more positive. When you have Fox News criticizing Trump and saying there should be another debate, you know youve won.

Read more about the 2024 US election:
A walker on one of the few cabled sections of the GR54 route in the Ecrins national park. All photographs by David Lintern Photograph: David Lintern/The Guardian

I first learned about the Ecrins national park in relation to a specific nature reserve within it. The reserve integrale du Lauvitel was established in 1995 to monitor the natural dynamics of ecosystems with all human influence removed. This so-called wilderness area was one of the first of its kind in Europe.

A video showed an ecologist rowing across a dazzling, teal-hued lake surrounded by pine-strewn peaks. I was immediately fascinated. Admittedly, a forbidden zone taps into plenty of childhood adventure fantasies, but its also a bold statutory move a world apart from our more modest environmental experiments in the UK. Yet fortress conservation begs difficult questions: are humans a part of nature, or apart from it?

There was no way to set foot in the forbidden zone, but there was a way to get close. The Grand Tour des Ecrins (GR54) is one of Europes finest long-distance trails, running through one of Frances largest national parks, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2023. Second only to Grand Randonnee 20 on Corsica in terms of difficulty, the GR54 is far less popular and busy.

Ibex have been successfully reintroduced, while otter, beaver and bearded vulture are returning

More than 112 miles (180km) long and taking around 12 days, it circumnavigates the Hautes-Alpes, weaving through meadows and ancient mixed woodland, across wind-strafed cols andd beneath sunstruck seracs. On the way, there are more than 12,000 metres of cliffs, moraines, screes and schists to be walked, scrambled and stumbled up.

Leaving Le Bourg-dOisans, in south-east France, we climb wooded switchbacks

The Tour des Ecrins is a real adventure  far from easy, yet still manageable for mere mortals. We begin east of Le Bourg-dOisans, south-east of Grenoble. On day one, we climb 1,000 metres up wooded switchbacks to a series of medieval hamlets hanging from the cliffs, each with its own water fountain, pausing to eat windblown plums and to smile at our new reality. Our first afternoon sees a hot march through ski infrastructure, but thats the first and last of it. While the Ecrins is not a backwater, neither has it succumbed to the commercialism of the central Alps.

Orchards and allotments are ripe and full. Cattle graze in open pasture on the margins of the villages. Wed expected a high alpine walk, so the ubiquity and variety of woodland between cols and settlements is a surprise. Huge stands of aspen shimmer on the hillsides, and alder, sycamore, beech, pine and birch line the rivers. Forest cover in France is at least double that of the UK, and unlike our own, the majority is broadleaf. The GR54 has adopted paths that have linked settlements for centuries, and to travel through these venerable glades adds real cadence to our journey  likewise, the sleepy village pitstops every day or three that offer good coffee or a genepi liqueur, fresh bread and fruit.

(Clockwise from top) dusky evening light above the Village of La Grave, Tour des Ecrins signage in the south of the park, and a cross at the Col Saint-George, with La Meije behind

The Tour des Ecrins is more than just a challenging walking holiday; its a chance to reflect on scale and proportion, on how to live better alongside nature. Early on, the vast grassland of the Emparis plateau gives us a closer look at the first of the high mountains, and seasonal grazing at altitude. Im reminded of both Mongolia and the Lake District. Do we value all transhumance cultures equally, or are some lost altogether to industrial capitalism? Could we do things differently?

Beyond the protected Lauvitel reserve, park access is tiered, with grazing, fires, pets and pushbikes prohibited in some areas. Its a compromise that seems to have allowed wildlife to find sanctuary. Ibex have been successfully reintroduced, while otters, beavers and bearded vultures are returning. Invertebrates and wildflowers thrive. Dragonflies as big as a hand, countless lizards and blinged-out beetles in red, green and blue jackets keep us company as we walk. Beyond the treeline, eagles coast the thermals, eyeballed by wary marmots, and powder-blue butterflies feed on the minerals supplied by glacier-fed, aquamarine headwaters. Abundance is the tonic you dont know youre missing until you witness it first-hand.

A viewpoint near Le Chazelet  although there is ski infrastructure, the Ecrins has not succumbed to the commercialism of the central Alps

We dont see or hear them, but wolves are also present, evidenced by temporary electric fences, the odd shepherd and their patou working dogs in the hanging valleys. The two I speak to are philosophical about the balance to be struck. Aline Robert clearly relishes the connection born from watching over several hundred sheep in the mountains. Justine Carpentier recalls losing 150 of her flock to wolf attacks, but says: The wolf is not good or bad  its just like the weather. Like rain, we dont always like it, but we need it, and we must learn to live with it. As she points out, the relationship is not frictionless, but the French government gives grants for training and equipment, as well as compensation for losses.

The wolf is not good or bad. Like rain, we dont always like it, but we need it, and we must learn to live with it Justine Carpentier, shepherd

Slowly, my friend and I circle the Ecrins massif clockwise. In the south, the character of the walk changes and the mountains close in and surround us, each valley more beautiful and primeval than the last. From Vallouise, we bushwhack a forgotten path to a mill buried in the forest, cross a glacial riverbed and hike through a berry-decked canyon before climbing into a layer cake of shattered, oxidised metamorphic rock. Early the following day, we reach the moon-like high point of our journey, the Col de lAup Martin.

West of here the land is wilder still. Villages and the chance for resupply fall away along with the path, which often disintegrates under our feet. By day nine, my stinking shirt and I are no longer on speaking terms, but theres ample compensation in the dreamlike state that comes with constantly moving on our own terms and under our own steam. We bivouac in quiet places to the sound of cicadas or an owl, the wind and the water  always water. Aches and pains recede; there is only beauty. In the final days, the heatwave breaks, and suddenly it is autumn, all swirling cloud on the cols, rain and falling leaves in the valleys.

Shepherd Aline Robert, on the wilder western side of the Ecrins, where wolves are present

We reach Lac du Lauvitel on our final day. The shore swarms with hundreds of visitors, while electrical pylons slice through the exclusion zone. The reserve does provide a control for important climate and biodiversity data, but its a dissonant experience. We clamber past the extensive ruins of a summer settlement and descend an ancient staircase to the valley floor, limping into Le Bourg-dOisans some hours later for beer, a shower and pizza.

The Tour des Ecrins is the hike of a lifetime. Its also a window into another approach to nature conservation. Its all too easy to assume pastoral harmony when one is only passing through, but at the very least, the Ecrins shows theres more than one way to look after our wild places.

Where to stay

David stayed at the homely Bo Lodge (from 103) and the grand Hotel de Milan (from 112) in Le Bourg-dOisans, and in Le Vallois (from 94) in Vallouise. He used campsites and bivouacked (temporary camping high in the mountains) for the remaining days. It is possible to use refuges and hotels for the entire route but they need to be booked in advance, making for a strict itinerary.

How to go

For backpackers, its possible to resupply en route every two to four days. There are shops at Le Bourg-dOisans, La Grave, Le Monetier-les-Bains, Vallouise and La Chapelle-en-Valgaudemar, but they may operate seasonal closing. Meals and drinks (generally of spectacular quality) can also be bought from refuges and villages en route: this is an essential part of the experience.

When to go

The high cols are generally passable between late June and early October. July and August are hot. June has the best flowers, and September has calmer weather.

David Lintern is a photographer and writer based in the Scottish Highlands
Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, the shadow minister for Indigenous Australians, says the resources industry needs certainty regarding objections on environmental and cultural grounds. Photograph: Mike Bowers/The Guardian

Jacinta Nampijinpa Price has claimed opportunists are making false claims to membership of Indigenous groups to scuttle resource projects seeking environmental approval.

The shadow minister for Indigenous Australians made the claim on Wednesday while defending a Coalition plan to designate which Indigenous groups would need to be consulted by project proponents, as revealed by the shadow resources minister, Susan McDonald, at a Minerals Week event.

Price said the Coalition would look to reform existing rules so that what we dont, in fact, get are those who are making false claims to try to bring an end to development projects in those areas.

Related: Tanya Plibersek accuses Peter Dutton of intent to ignore Indigenous heritage for mining projects

We want to make sure there is less opportunity for opportunists to come along and put an end to projects, particularly when as weve seen the Environmental Defenders Office exploit Indigenous Australians for the purpose of shutting down projects, Price told reporters in Canberra.

Price said the problem of people falsely claiming to be part of a group is an issue that is brought up quite regularly [and] is of concern to Aboriginal groups.

There is an unnatural, incredible increase on those who call themselves Indigenous and establish themselves within certain groups.

Were hearing the calls from Aboriginal people across the country who are sick of the exploitation and we need to have it sorted out one way or another.

Asked if the increasing proportion of people identifying as Indigenous needs to be tested, Price responded: It is an absolute problem. This is why weve got to clean up the whole process, clean up these organisations  and focus on supporting marginalised Australians not on the basis of race but on the basis of need.

Because of the opportunities that exist, there are those that would seek to advantage of those opportunities, she said.

The Albanese government is already developing a national standard for First Nations engagement as part of its proposed environmental laws, which will clarify for proponents which Indigenous groups need to be consulted.

The environment minister, Tanya Plibersek, said business needs to know who they need to consult  who are the right people to talk for Country?

Plibersek told the Minerals Council event engagement requirements need to be clear  so everyone knows when the process is complete and the process cant be open-ended.

Thats what the First Nations engagement standard under our new laws will need to do  provide certainty about requirements and certainty about who to talk to.

The minister for Indigenous Australians, Malarndirri McCarthy, told Guardian Australia it appeared the Coalition would do everything and anything to obstruct Pliberseks decision on the mine and that she was deeply disappointed in Coalition senators for opening [the debate] up.

What truly concerns me here is the way the language is going towards who is Indigenous and who is not, McCarthy said.

This kind of rhetoric has an impact on peoples lives. There are still people today who are suffering from government policies of the past which said who is Indigenous and who is not.

The use of this kind of language is unnecessary, it is harmful and I call on them to stop.

Earlier, McDonald said the recognition of Indigeneity is unreasonably impacting the prosperity of Australia and should be regulated to stop it being weaponised against the mining industry.

Addressing the Minerals Councils annual conference in Canberra on Wednesday, McDonald vowed a Coalition government would designate recognised Indigenous groups so the mining industry knew who to deal with when negotiating over proposed developments if the Albanese government failed to do so.

It must give industry the legal certainty about who comprises the recognised local Indigenous community, she said. The resources sector cannot be left to guess.

Earlier this week, a spokesperson for McDonald said the Coalitions changes would not be in relation to a standalone race definition but a definition of which groups had standing to speak to Indigenous heritage in a local area.

McDonalds comments about Indigeneity were prompted by Pliberseks rejection of the location of a proposed tailings dam as part of the McPhillamys goldmine project, near the town of Blayney in the New South Wales central west. McDonald called it a frankly horrifying decision.

Related: Plibersek denies sacred site decision blocks NSW goldmine, calls on Coalition to support Indigenous heritage

Plibersek based her decision on evidence and advice from the Wiradyuri Traditional Owners Central West Aboriginal Corporation. But the opposition argues she ignored the Orange Local Aboriginal Land Council, which had originally opposed the proposed development but later shifted its position to neutral.

McDonald said the land council members were the traditional owners of the area and their views should have been given greatest weight.

In question time on Monday Plibersek defended her decision on the McPhillamys goldmine, saying the former environment minister and deputy Liberal leader, Sussan Ley, had consulted the same group of traditional owners in relation to a project 50km away. The basis of both decisions was the same, to protect cultural heritage, she said.

Speaking to Guardian Australia after her address, McDonald appeared to question Leys reliance on advice from the Wiradyuri Traditional Owners Central West Aboriginal Corporation to protect a sacred site on Bathursts Mount Panorama/Wahluu from a go-kart track.

The Orange local land council, they are recognised. They have authority on that country. Im unclear as to why authority was given to another group.

Guardian Australia has sought comment from the Environmental Defenders Office.
The King found himself at the centre of a hug that turned into a scrum as he hosted the New Zealand womens rugby team at Buckingham Palace.

The monarch, 75, who has been undergoing treatment for cancer, told the Black Ferns that he found the warm hug to be very healing as he delivered an off-the-cuff speech to the team ahead of their match against Englands Red Roses at Twickenham on Saturday.

Addressing the players in the Bow Room at the Palace, the King said: I much appreciate this chance to meet you and to have such a warm hug from you. Very healing.

Speaking about a recent decision not to include New Zealand in his travel plans when he visits Australia next month, the King said: Im extremely sorry I cant come to New Zealand in later October  its on doctors orders.

But I hope there will be another excuse [to visit] before too long. In the meantime, give my love to New Zealand.

The King told the players, who are mostly in their twenties: I hope you make the most of your time in the team because you dont stay young for very long. In my experience it goes quicker than you think.

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The King had earlier arrived in the 1844 room, greeting Allan Bunting, the teams director of rugby, with a hongi  a traditional Maori greeting of pressing noses together.

He met Mark Robinson, the chief executive of New Zealand rugby, Shannon Austin, the deputy high commissioner, and Kennedy Tukuafu and Ruahei Demant, the two captains of the team.

As he went through to the Bow Room, Charles met the other players and managed to get drawn into a group hug that caused him to burst out laughing.

Ayesha Leti-Iiga, a 25-year-old winger, said: I asked him can we have a hug? and the King said yes but as I went in to hug him the others all jumped on top so it turned into more of a scrum.

Liana Mikaele-Tuu, a 22-year-old forward, said: I thought you said we, so we all got involved!

The King then had a separate hug with Tanya Kalounivale, 25, a prop.

Charles told the squad about his own rugby playing days - Aaron Chown/WPA/Getty

The hug quickly became a something more like a scrum - Aaron Chown/PA

She said: The King said his position when he played rugby was a back-rower  a lock. He said that was the worst position because when the scrum collapses youre in the middle of it.

After meeting the players, Charles received a Black Ferns jersey signed by the squad and a replica wooden waka, a traditional maori boat engraved with the New Zealand proverb: We are all in this together.

Accepting the gifts, the King said: Im not sure I deserve this. He told the team: You can always blame me if you dont win  you can say I interrupted your training.

The Black Ferns will play Englands Red Roses on Saturday - Aaron Chown/AFP

The King and the Black Ferns posed for a group photo - Aaron Chown/Reuters

The King offered the squad his condolences for the death of Kiingi Tuheitia, the Maori king, whom he had known for decades.

He said that he had spoken to him on the telephone so recently, adding: Suddenly to hear that he had died was a real shock.

The team performed a waiata, a traditional song, for the King, before they posed together for a group photograph on the Grand Staircase.

The King and Queen will travel to Australia and Samoa in October. The visit to Australia will be Charless first visit to a Commonwealth realm since ascending the throne two years ago.

A Palace spokesman said on Tuesday that difficult decisions had been taken about the Kings programme to ensure the monarchs comfort and wellbeing.
Crowds hold vigil in California for Aysenur Ezgi Eygi killed in a protest on the West Bank Photograph: Anadolu/Getty Images

When Cindy and Craig Corrie heard about the death of Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, the American-Turkish woman killed at a protest in the occupied West Bank last week, it reopened a 21-year-old wound. You feel the ripping apart again of your own family when you know thats happening to another family. Theres a hole there thats never going to be filled for each of these families, Craig Corrie said.

In 2003, their daughter Rachel was crushed to death by an Israeli army bulldozer during a protest in Rafah against the demolitions of homes in Gaza. This week, the couple have joined a chorus of human rights advocates calling for an independent investigation into Eygis death, saying that they feared her case would go unpunished like their daughters.

Its very personal, said Craig, whose daughter  like Eygi  was an idealistic, politically engaged young college graduate from Washington state and a member of the International Solidarity Movement, a pro-Palestinian organisation. This one, you know, is very close, and theres so many similarities.

The couple have lobbied for decades to demand justice in Rachels case, in which the Israeli military exonerated itself and the US failed to launch its own investigation. In 2015, the Israeli supreme court ruled against the Corries in a lawsuit that sought to hold Israel liable.

Ticking off the names of activists and journalists who have died in Gaza and the West Bank since the early 2000s, the couple argued that each unpunished killing made the next one more likely.

If you talk about things changing, I think theyre changing for the worse, said Craig Corrie. In our family, our motive for doing the work weve done  was to try to keep this from happening to another person and [we see] the failure of that to happen.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on Tuesday that an initial inquiry into Eygis death had concluded it was highly likely that she was hit indirectly and unintentionally by IDF fire, indicating that the Israeli government accepted that its soldiers killed her but would be unlikely to prosecute anyone for her death.

Eygis family have pressed Joe Biden, Kamala Harris and the secretary of state, Antony Blinken, for an independent investigation into the unlawful killing of a US citizen and to ensure full accountability for the guilty parties.

In response to the IDFs initial findings, Blinken on Tuesday issued some of his sharpest remarks to date, calling Eygis killing unprovoked and unjustified and saying that no one should be shot and killed for attending a protest.

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, he said. Its not acceptable, it has to change  And well be making that clear to the senior most members of the Israeli government.

Yet the state department has also indicated that it is not planning to lead an individual inquiry into the death. Biden has not called for an independent inquiry either despite the White House saying it was deeply disturbed by the killing. In a statement on Tuesday, the president said: There must be full accountability. And Israel must do more to ensure that incidents like this never happen again.

Cindy Corrie said Blinken had been promised changes to the IDFs rules of engagement as far back as 2011, in an exchange of letters with the former Israeli ambassador to the US Michael Oren.

If Blinken is saying today that the rules of IDF engagement need to change, yes obviously they do, but when it comes to protesters he was already directly promised changes by Oren/the Netanyahu government back in 2011, she wrote in an email. Seems relevant.

Related: Family of US activist shot dead by Israeli forces says Biden has not called

Human rights activists argue that the US government has systematically failed to push the Israeli government to accept culpability in the deaths of activists and journalists, and has impeded or ignored investigations launched by international organisations such as the international criminal court or the United Nations.

If youre the US, you know that theres going to be no accountability from the Israeli side, said Bill Van Esveld, the acting Israel/Palestine associate director for Human Rights Watch. So the reason [the US] is not pursuing it in cases where theres clear, credible evidence from credible sources of unlawful use of force, lethal force  the only explanation for that is political.

Sarah Leah Whitson, of Democracy for the Arab World Now, a non-profit advocacy group, said: The penalty for unlawfully and unjustly shooting protesters dead isnt future changes, right? The appropriate remedy is prosecution for those guilty, for those responsible for doing this.

Even over high-profile killings, little has been done. Shireen Abu Akleh, a prominent Palestinian-American journalist who worked for Al Jazeera, was covering a raid on the Jenin refugee camp in 2022 when she was shot in the head by Israeli forces. A year after the killing and after the Israeli army had admitted there was a high possibility she was killed by an Israeli soldier, the IDFs chief spokesperson, R Adm Daniel Hagari, went on television to say: We are very sorry of the death of Shireen Abu Akleh.

But no one was ever prosecuted for her death. A state department inquiry was inconclusive, saying the gunfire was likely to have come from IDF positions but it found no reason to believe that this was intentional. And in the case of two dozen journalists killed by Israeli military fire between 2000 and 2022, the Committee to Protect Journalists said that despite numerous IDF probes, no one has ever been charged or held responsible for these deaths.

As a rule in cases involving the deaths of foreigners or Palestinians, the Israeli military has investigated itself. Yesh Din, an Israeli human rights organisation that monitors violence in the region, said that between 2017 and 2021, 1,260 legal complaints were made against the IDF, leading to a total of 248 criminal investigations, and just 11 indictments. In total, just 0.87% of incidents led to a prosecution, according to the group.

Corries family praised the personal support they had received from top US officials and local representatives, including Blinken, who had encouraged the family to travel to Gaza and raise awareness of the case.

In 2015, they met the then undersecretary Blinken at the state department, who asked them: What do you want me to do? Once again, the family was left to find its own way forward to find justice in the case.

And I remember he was engaged and personally helpful, Craig added. But frankly, if he cant engage his institution, if they cant do things, hes not helping it.
The aftermath of an Israeli strike on Khan Younis, Gaza, on Tuesday - Abid Al-Rahim Al-Khatib/Shutterstock

Mick Lynch has come under fire for appearing to compare Israels treatment of Palestinians to the slave trade.

Mr Lynch, the general secretary of the RMT union, said the decision by David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, to end some arms sales to Israel was akin to the liberation of some slaves in the 19th century.

Last week the Government announced it was suspending 30 of around 350 arms licences to Israel. The decision was condemned as shameful by Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister.

Speaking at a pro-Palestine fringe event at the Trades Union Congress conference, Mr Lynch said: I saw David Lammy making this major intervention last week. Some licences will not be renewed or will be revoked. Some licences, what was it? 30 out of 150 or something of that number?

This is like somebody standing up in front of you in the 1840s and saying: Im going to abolish some slavery. Im going to liberate some people. Im going to do this measure, but its only going to apply in this very small way.

Weve got to make sure that if were going to run a campaign, Labour is feeling the heat  and doing the stuff that I think instinctively many of the people in the leadership of the Labour Party would want to do.

So weve got to make them comfortable that support for the Palestinian people is a mainstream idea, just as people all over this movement were happy to identify with the anti-Apartheid campaign in the 70s and 80s.

Mick Lynch: Support for the Palestinian people is a mainstream idea - Alamy

Mr Lynchs comments were branded deeply offensive by the shadow foreign secretary, and Labour has been urged to distance itself from them.

Andrew Mitchell said: When David Lammy announced the arms embargo, I warned that this attempt to satisfy certain wings of the Labour movement while not offending Israel would fail. Mick Lynchs remarks at the TUC conference, condemning the Government for not going further, are a case in point.

However, the comparison Lynch draws with slavery is also deeply offensive to an ally of the UK. Labour must distance themselves from Lynchs extraordinary comments immediately.

Lord Mann, the former Labour MP who was reappointed as the Governments independent adviser on anti-Semitism in July, said it was not a very clever analogy to make, either in substance or in language and suggested that Mr Lynch rows back and withdraws it.

Greg Smith, the Tory MP for Mid Buckinghamshire and member of the Conservative Friends of Israel group, said: The Left are obsessed with bashing Israel, trying to deny our ally from being able to defend themselves.

Its utterly bizarre in the first place that there are anti-Israel fringe meetings at a trade union conference. Then the comments made trying to compare a democracy trying to defend themselves with slavery are off-the-charts bonkers.

Mr Lammys decision proved extremely controversial, with some Labour MPs warning that it had made many Jewish voters upset and angry. Others on the Left urged the Government to go further, with some calling for a blanket ban.

According to export licensing criteria, arms exports should only be stopped if it can be demonstrated that the weapons are going to be used in violation of international humanitarian law.

On Wednesday, the Trades Union Congress backed a motion urging the Government to end all licences for arms traded with Israel and immediately recognise Palestine as a state, contributing to a two-state solution.

Addressing the conference, Husam Zomlot, the head of the Palestinian Mission to the UK, said: While we welcome the decision by the UK Government to suspend some arms licences to Israel, it is simply unconscionable that the UK should continue to deliver any arms to Israel, given what it is clear to everyone, including according to UK lawyers, to be a grave violation of international law.

This is a legal obligation, domestically and internationally.

Meanwhile, a union representing civil servants threatened to take legal action to protect those of its members who work in departments granting licences for arms export to Israel, if the Government failed to respect international law.

Despite the Governments decision to suspend some exports, the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS), reiterated a warning it made to the previous Tory government.

In April, Paul OConnor, the PCSs head of bargaining, said the union believed Israels alleged actions in Gaza could be considered genocide. He said the PCS was seriously considering taking legal action to prevent our members from being forced to carry out unlawful acts.

At the TUC fringe event on Tuesday evening, Fran Heathcote, the PCS general secretary, vowed to continue to explore the possibility of a legal challenge.

She said: Our PCS members work in government departments that grant weapons licences, and if the Government doesnt respect international law, we will continue to explore the possibility of taking legal action in defence of those members.

Ms Heathcote warned Sir Keir Starmer against turning a blind eye to the treatment of Palestinians, suggesting his administration had so far stood by. She said: If you believe in the international rule of law, then you apply it.

If you respect it, then you follow that up with action, and not just empty words. The horrific reports coming out of the West Bank in recent weeks demonstrate what happens when you turn a blind eye and you condone war crimes.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken (L), Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky and Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy attend a meeting in Kyiv, on September 11, 2024

Finally the West might be ready to lift a ban on Ukraine firing Storm Shadow missiles into Russia. These long-range weapons have been available for Kyiv to use for months but could not be deployed without US permission since part of the kit is American controlled.

The main obstruction to their use has been in Washington, where officials said the missiles did not have sufficient range to hit Russian glide bombers, one of the targets identified by Volodymyr Zelensky. The Pentagon is also concerned that using Western missiles inside Russia could escalate the conflict.

But the arrival in Russia of a shipment of ballistic missiles from Iran has tipped the balance away from Ukraine. President Joe Biden is to meet Sir Keir Starmer in Washington on Friday to discuss the strategic implications.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Foreign Secretary David Lammy in Kyiv on Wednesday did not indicate that a decision was imminent, but even if it happens, will it make any difference to the course of the war? President Zelensky had made it his top diplomatic priority to persuade Western capitals to allow Ukraine to hit air bases and other military sites deep within Russia.

But there are divisions within Nato that will persist whatever the US and Britain decide, especially with Germany. Kyiv wants the German-made Taurus missile, but Berlin has so far refused to supply them.

Ukraine also wants the right to use its newly arrived F-16 fighter jets  US-made but supplied by Denmark and the Netherlands and soon by Norway and Belgium  to bomb targets in Russia. President Zelensky says that these are defensive weapons since they can knock out Russian missiles and guided aerial bombs, as well as countering pressure on key front lines. That means hitting air bases, logistical nodes, command and control centres and troop formations.

After two years spent soaking up attacks on its towns and cities, Ukraine wants to take the fight fully into Russia, having already sent its troops across the border into the Kursk region. But no one should be under any doubt that this could escalate the conflict. Russias response so far to Ukraines incursions may have been muted but is unlikely to stay that way.

Nato needs to demonstrate a united willingness to confront whatever is about to happen next.
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.
Curtailing access to dangerous pesticides in developing countries dramatically reduces suicides without impacting agricultural output - Mailee Osten-Tan

Warning: This article discusses suicide and self-harm. If you have questions on self-harm or feel suicidal, use this link to find an international helpline  www.findahelpline.com

The 18-year-olds death still haunts Dr Rakesh Ghimire. In 2011, when he was a junior doctor at a rural hospital in Nepals sweeping Terai lowlands, the young woman walked into the emergency department with an irritated throat. Two days later, she was dead.

It was the first time Dr Ghimire had treated someone who had intentionally ingested a dangerous yet totally ubiquitous toxin and nerve agent: pesticide.

That young, 18-year-old girl  she was married, had a minor conflict with her husband, took a pesticide, and was no more in two days. I dont think she intended to die, says Dr Ghimire. So, from that day, a thought came to mind: what if the pesticide had not been on the market?

He will never know, but the case altered the trajectory of Dr Ghimires medical career. In the years since, he has been part of a small but vocal group of doctors and regulators who have pushed Nepal to ban the most hazardous pesticides for the sake of public health.

Dr Rakesh Ghimire, just one of the medics who pushed Nepal to ban the most hazardous pesticides for the sake of public health - Mailee Osten-Tan

According to police data the widely available plant medicines, as locals call them, were implicated in roughly a third of suicide fatalities in 2018. Then, in 2019, regulators banned the sale and import of eight chemicals, followed by two more in July this year.

Early data suggests the move is having an impact; by the 2022/23 financial year, reported deaths had fallen by as much as 30 per cent.

Dr Ghimire, now a doctor in the department of clinical pharmacology at Kathmandus Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, is rightly proud of his teams work in restricting access to pesticides.

This is the best thing I have done, he says.

The issue is not unique to Nepal. Across the globe, consuming a pesticide remains one of the most common means of suicide, according to the World Health Organization.

Roughly 140,000 people die annually of self-induced pesticide poisoning, with the bulk of fatalities in low and middle income countries like Nepal, where the toxins can still be bought in small bottles for just a few pence in local shops selling everything from beer to biscuits.

Pesticides nearly as dangerous as chemical nerve agents

For pesticide manufacturers  most of which reside in the West, including the UK  making their products so easy to buy makes good commercial sense. However, most suicides are impulsive, rather than planned, hence the reason such products are so tightly controlled in West, and normally only available from specialist stores under strict licencing conditions.

The worst of these pesticides are nearly as dangerous as chemical nerve agents, Prof Michael Eddleston, head of the Centre for Pesticide Suicide Prevention (CPSP) at the University of Edinburgh told The Telegraph in 2019. In many countries it remains the case that you can buy them in a local store and keep them on a shelf at home. Imagine being asked to keep a bottle of sarin stored safely under the stairs and thats what you are dealing with.

Today, a mounting body of research shows that curtailing access to the most dangerous pesticides in developing countries dramatically reduces suicide deaths without impacting agricultural output.

Bottles of pesticides for sale in Sri Lanka - Simon Townsley

In Sri Lanka, which had one of the worlds highest suicide rates in the 1990s, deaths fell by more than 70 per cent over 20 years after specific, hazardous pesticides were phased out in 1995. Meanwhile Bangladesh saw fatalities fall by 65 per cent between 1996 and 2014 after 21 dangerous products were banned, and South Korea halved pesticide-related suicides after new restrictions in 2011. Nowhere recorded a hit to farming yields.

For most people, attempting suicide is a spontaneous decision made in a transient moment of crisis, says Prof Eddleston. It why we only sell paracetamol and other potentially dangerous over the counter drugs in the UK in small packet sizes and why guns  ubiquitous in the US  are the leading cause of suicide there.

Most suicide attempts are made in a sudden, impulsive manner, with the decision made just hours or minutes ahead of the act. Many people are in their teens and early 20s, dealing with a stressful situation. They use whats available at that time, said Prof Eddleston.

And often, in developing countries where smallholdings proliferate, whats available is pesticides.

Pesticides are easily accessed in developing countries where smallholdings proliferate - Mailee Osten-Tan

The Green Revolution or Third Agricultural Revolution, which ran from the early part of the last century right through to the 1980s, drove what the Food and Agriculture Organization describes as a quantum leap forward in food production and saved many millions from starvation.

But the mass-adoption of chemicals in agriculture, including some pesticides, has come with a plethora of unintended health consequences.

It is estimated that, since the 1960s, there have been 14 million premature deaths due to pesticide self-poisoning alone, with over 95 per cent of these fatalities in low and middle income countries.

Developed nations, the WHO notes, have already banned or restricted use of potentially lethal pesticides.

We didnt think about pesticide as a major cause for suicide

Unlike other modes of suicide, pesticide poisoning deaths can be controlled by regulating the most highly hazardous pesticides, says Dr Ghimire. Research has shown that theres less chance of people who take pesticides as poison re-attempting again. So if its not easy to access on that first occasion, we can save lives.

In Nepal, where around 66 per cent of people work in farming and a third of the countrys GDP comes from agriculture, the impact of targeted pesticide bans are only just emerging.

The country announced an initial ban affecting eight pesticides in 2019, after a 2018 study led by the CPSP tracked which of the plant medicines (as locals call them) were most often used in poisoning deaths. That research proved to be a major turning point.

We had tried to manage the pesticide in the past, but we were focused on the harm to the environment and harm of the people and farmers directly using them in agriculture, says Dr Dilli Ram Sharma, a former director general of the Department of Agriculture and member of Nepals pesticide regulatory board. We didnt think about pesticide as a major cause for suicide. The CPSP study opened our eyes.

Around 66 per cent of Nepals population work in farming and a third of the countrys GDP comes from agriculture - Mailee Osten-Tan

Prof Eddleston says this is fairly common worldwide. Ministries of health and agriculture often work in silos, with information about suicide deaths not always making it to regulators.

But in Nepal, change happened quickly after the paper identified the most dangerous products, with little opposition from industry or farmers.

I felt a responsibility to society, says Dr Sharma, who instituted the new regulations as one of his final acts before retirement, though he has since remained a key figure in the pesticide crackdown.

[We werent] banning these pesticides without alternatives for farmers. If there were no alternatives, that would have been a problem as pesticide remains of importance in agriculture everywhere in the world, he adds.

Dr Dilli Ram Sharma is an expert in agriculture field and former Head of the National Plant Protection Organization in Nepal - Mailee Osten-Tan

As Nepal does not manufacture pesticides, the 2019 ban triggered an immediate restriction on imports, but the government allowed a two year grace period on sales. The same is true for the further bans agreed in July and due to be officially announced this month.

But early data suggests that, like Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and South Korea, the restrictions are proving effective. While suicide is not and has never been criminalised in Nepal  a misconception that has hampered some efforts to tackle the issue  data remains limited, with the police currently the only organisation to record deaths.

According to their data, which does not track suicide attempts, poisoning fatalities (which experts estimate are linked to pesticides in 95 per cent of cases) spiked in the 2020/21 financial year. But they have steadily decreased since then, with overall deaths dropping by 29 per cent, from 1,320 in 2018/19 to 932 in 2022/23.

Yet challenges remain: Dr Sharma says monitoring is not always enforced, especially in the most remote areas, while a porous border with India means some farmers can continue to bring hazardous pesticides into Nepal.

Dr Ghimire says that bans alone will not solve the problem. At the same time as pushing for pesticide restrictions, he and Prof Eddleston developed the countrys first treatment guidelines, frustrated that doctors were seeing pesticide self harm again and again and again with few recommendations on how to respond.

Now, that endeavour has evolved into Nepals first Poison Information Center, tucked away in a small office down a dark corridor in Tribhuvan Hospital. The initiative, funded by Brown University in the US, provides a 24/7 hotline for health workers across the country to call for advice dealing with a range of poisoning cases, from snakebites and carbon monoxide to pesticides.

But the country also needs to provide more mental health services to those struggling, says Dr Ghimire. While poisoning accounted for 13 per cent of suicide deaths last year, down from 23 per cent in 2018/19, the number of people dying after hanging has risen since the Covid pandemic.

There are many factors contributing to mental health, and a lot of stigma in talking about it, says Dr Ghimire. These are not always easy issues to tackle.

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The first 1,750 prisoners were let out of jails on Tuesday, 40 per cent of the way through their sentences - Eddie Mulholland for The Telegraph

Prisons will run out of space again in as little as nine months, despite thousands of criminals being freed under Sir Keir Starmers early release scheme, ministers have been warned.

Hopes that emptying up to 5,500 prison places could buy 18 months before jails filled up again have been dashed after hundreds of people were charged over the rioting that broke out this summer.

A senior justice source said: The early release scheme is only going to buy us nine months. There is a recognition that the period has been shortened by what has happened around the disorder.

The first 1,750 prisoners were let out of jails on Tuesday, 40 per cent of the way through their sentences rather than halfway. New prisons and cell blocks are also expected to add some 3,500 places to the current jail capacity of just under 89,000 by the end of next year.

Nearly 1,300 people have been arrested over the rioting in August, of whom 800 have been charged and more than 570 already jailed or brought before the courts.

Prison governors backed the assessment. Tom Wheatley, the president of the Prison Governors Association (PGA), said: We are back on the ramp up to where we were. We reckon it [the early release scheme] has bought us less than a year. We are on a steady upward trend getting us back to where we were.

The relentless rise in the prison population is also being driven by more arrests as a result of the uplift of 20,000 police officers, longer sentences for crimes introduced by successive governments and increased recalls to jail of freed prisoners because they have breached their probation or reoffended.

Officials said probation officers, who are responsible for deciding whether an ex-prisoner should be recalled, were taking a more risk-averse approach after scandals such as the murder of trainee solicitor Zara Aleena.

Around 12,000 prisoners  some 13 per cent of the total  are offenders who have been recalled to prison. Earlier this week, The Telegraph revealed that recalls jumped by nine per cent after the Tories introduced their early release scheme last October, with 7,000 returned to prison in the first four months of this year.

Ministers fear an increase in recalls as a result of Tuesdays releases could undermine the early release schemes effectiveness. Among the 1,750 were violent offenders serving less than four years, drug dealers, burglars and thieves, with probation chiefs predicting that a third are likely to reoffend within a year.

One prisoner was arrested on suspicion of a previous offence of rape moments after being freed from HMP Wandsworth, in south-west London, on Tuesday. The man was seen walking out of the gates of the prison before shaking his head in astonishment as he realised police were waiting for him.

Ministers are understood to be reviewing ways to reduce the number of prisoners held on remand in jail and to take advantage of the reduced prison population to ramp up rehabilitation, work and education initiatives to cut the numbers reoffending on release.

A record 17,070 prisoners were on remand at the end of June, meaning they had yet to be tried or sentenced, representing a fifth of the entire prison population. Some 11,027 have not even been brought to trial. Of these, around a third can expect to be found innocent or not handed a prison sentence.

Some are likely to have spent more time on remand than the sentence they are finally handed down, meaning they will walk free from jail. Some 770 have been on remand for more than two years, 1,300 for one to two years and 2,503 for between six and 12 months.

Options to slash the remand population include fast-tracking cases through the courts and increasing the number bailed to secure accommodation or under tags.

A Ministry of Justice spokesman said: The new Government inherited prisons on the point of collapse. If that had happened, courts would have ground to a halt and police would have been unable to make arrests.

This is a short-term measure to address the immediate crisis but is only the first step to rebuild our justice system, which must include building new prisons and reducing reoffending.
A wheel fell off Duncan Rayners car about 15 minutes from his home in Berkshire - Eddie Mulholland for The Telegraph

The RAC is telling motorists to report breakdowns online, instead of making a phone call.

Customers of the 127-year-old motor insurer are being told that they will receive faster service by reporting breakdowns through its website.

An 85-year-old driver who does not own a smartphone told The Telegraph that he walked home to report a breakdown using his home computer after initially phoning for help when a wheel fell off his car.

Duncan Rayner, who has been an RAC customer for 40 years, claimed he was left waiting more than 15 minutes after calling up, with an automatic message repeatedly telling him it would be easier to log his issue online.

The grandfather said that even after he reported his breakdown through the RAC website, there was no response for a quarter of an hour.

If youre sitting in a car with traffic going past at 90 miles an hour on a motorway  thats not the sort of response you want, he said, adding that he had ended up paying a friend with a tow truck to get his vehicle home.

The RAC said half the breakdowns it handles are reported by phone - Jack Sullivan/Alamy

Mr Rayners car was left immobile on a busy B road with buses trying to squeeze past for around two hours, roughly 15 minutes from his home in Sunningdale, Berkshire.

One of [the call handlers] actually just told me to go online and cut me off, he claimed, adding: If they dont answer their phone and Im stuck on a motorway, how on earth do I get in touch with them?

And I think that is the big problem facing not only me, but a hell of a lot of other drivers. You know, we dont all have smartphones.

He continued: I tried to ring them, and I think I was on the phone for 15 or 20 minutes [with] no response, and then the phone line kept coming back to say the easiest way to get in touch with us is online. So I waited, and then I eventually went online.

After logging the breakdown online, and receiving no response for a further quarter of an hour, Mr Rayner said, he gave up, called a friend with a tow truck and walked back to his car.

The rescue cost him 100, which the RAC declined to reimburse.

In its initial automated response to Mr Rayners complaint, the insurer said it could take up to eight weeks to resolve the issue.

An RAC spokesman said: Wed like to apologise to Mr Rayner for any confusion and will be offering him a gesture of goodwill.

Campaigners condemn policy

Charities and campaign groups condemned the motor insurers policy of nudging customers online instead of making its services accessible to people without smartphones or tablets at hand.

Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, said: Almost half of over-65s are either not online at all or lack the skills and confidence to be able to use digital technology safely and successfully.

It follows that its crucial that non-digital alternatives are always available in terms of accessing services, and thats as true of vehicle breakdown support as anything else.

We understand that companies are keen to control costs and that putting services online is one way of achieving this, but its a total false economy if it disenfranchises literally millions of older people.

She also called for the Government to create binding guidance to make sure that people who arent online can still access all the services to which they are entitled.

Dennis Reed, campaign director of Silver Voices, a senior citizens campaigning organisation, said: Its really saying to older customers: get lost. Its disgusting that [companies] are not providing an efficient alternative.

Im not saying that its wrong to have that online option at all, he continued, but there should be an alternative, particularly when people who may be vulnerable are breaking down in isolated positions.

RAC apologises

An RAC spokesman said the insurer wanted to apologise for its customers treatment and said: Were sorry Mr Rayner thought the only way to log his breakdown was online.

This isnt the case  we offer members the choice to call or go online. In fact, over half of all breakdowns are reported to us by phone.

While many of our members prefer to go online  as it allows us to locate them more easily and keep them regularly updated on when we will arrive  we appreciate this isnt the case for everyone.

This is why we have fully staffed call centres in three UK locations that take tens of thousands of member phone calls every week.

Call for new tax system

Earlier this month the RAC prompted dismay in motoring circles by calling on Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, to impose a pay-per-mile road tax system that would hit petrol and diesel car drivers hardest.

Simon Williams, head of policy at the RAC, said: A pay-per-mile system could be set up according to vehicles emissions, with EV drivers paying the least to further encourage take-up, and gas-guzzlers paying the most.

The insurer said it believed such a tax is inevitable as Treasury income from fuel duty declines with the ongoing national shift towards buying electric vehicles.
Amazon Web Services said it expected the investment would contribute 14bn to the UKs GDP between 2024 and 2028. Photograph: Pau Barrena/AFP/Getty Images

Amazons cloud computing arm will invest 8bn in the UK to build datacentres that support customers in London and the west of England, Rachel Reeves said on Wednesday.

The chancellor said the investment, which it was estimated would create as many as 14,000 jobs at Amazon and in local businesses, was part of the governments long-term mission to boost growth, unlock investment and make every part of Britain better off.

Reeves said the investment by Amazon Web Services (AWS) would generate employment in the companys datacentres and in the construction, facility maintenance, engineering and telecommunications industries.

The news may, however, be overshadowed by the expected imminent announcement of the loss of 2,500 jobs at the Port Talbot steelworks in south Wales despite a 500m taxpayer-backed rescue deal.

AWS said it expected the investment would contribute 14bn to the UKs national income, or gross domestic product (GDP), from 2024 to 2028.

Reeves said: I am under no illusion to the scale of the challenge facing our economy. Two quarters of positive economic growth does not make up for 14 years of stagnation under the previous government.

However, this 8bn investment marks the start of the economic revival and shows Britain is a place to do business.

The announcement was greeted with scepticism by the GMB union, which narrowly lost a battle with Amazon over union recognition at its Coventry warehouse in July. Keir Starmer had praised the campaign, calling it fantastic.

The GMB general secretary, Gary Smith, said: New jobs and investment are always welcome, but serious questions have to be asked over whether Amazon Web Services is a good company to celebrate.

It receives hundreds of millions in taxpayer cash, while often paying limited amounts in tax. Meanwhile, workers in Amazons warehouses are treated appallingly and denied a voice

AWS is under investigation by the UKs competition watchdog, the Competitions and Markets Authority (CMA), after an initial examination of the market for cloud computing services by the telecoms regulator, Ofcom, said it was concerned that the US firm could be using its market power to limit competition.

Ofcom said last year that it was particularly concerned about the position of the market leaders Amazon and Microsoft.

Cloud computing, or the delivery of IT services such as data storage and computing power over the internet with a pay-as-you-go pricing structure, is widely used by businesses and has emerged as a significant piece of infrastructure in the development of the next generation of artificial intelligence (AI) models.

AWS and Microsoft were accused by users of preventing them from switching or mixing and matching with rival cloud providers.

AWS said in response to the CMA investigation that the market for IT services is well-functioning, innovative, dynamic, highly competitive, and produces considerable benefits for customers.

Amazons better-known online retail business has faced criticism from trade unions over working conditions and alleged union-busting tactics, which the company denies.

The government has promised to make it easier for unions to organise in workplaces as part of its new deal for working people.

AWS said it would not release the location of the new datacentres for security reasons. The government said it was actively engaged in conversations with the company about investments in other parts of the UK.
Queen Elizabeth University Hospital opened in 2015 at a cost of 870 million - ALAN OLIVER / Alamy Stock Photo/www.alamy.com

Building defects at Scotlands flagship hospital still pose a grave risk to vulnerable patients, a senior doctor has warned.

Dr Christine Peters, a consultant microbiologist who works at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) campus in Glasgow, claimed a cover-up culture meant issues at the 870 million site had not been fixed.

In damning evidence to a public inquiry set up to investigate the construction of the hospitals following deaths of patients, including 10-year-old cancer patient Milly Main, she claimed there was recently a fatal case on ward 4B potentially linked to invasive fungal infections that had not been properly recorded.

She also accused health board bosses of failing to acknowledge and act on the dangers posed to high-risk patients, and said a culture of secrecy was the root cause of all the failings.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) rejected the claims, saying it could provide an absolute assurance that the QEUH, and the Royal Hospital for Children (RHC) at the same site, were safe.

However, Dr Peters, who is one of several whistleblowers to raise concerns, revealed a series of specific examples of recent problems and said she had ongoing serious concerns about safety.

These included repeated recent incidents of burst plumbing, leaks in a neurosurgical unit and parts of a ceiling falling onto a bed space in March last year.

There is a serious problem of faults with the building, but an even more serious problem of a culture which does not value honesty, does not adequately value patient safety, lacks transparency, and prioritises hierarchy at the expense of integrity and expertise, Dr Peters said in 123 pages of written evidence.

I believe this is the core issue and the root cause of all the failings.

She added: It is my view that, in taking the position in the public inquiry that there never has been a risk to patients of increased infections due to the building defects, the board continue to jeopardise patients to this day.

I remain concerned that the built environment at the hospital poses safety risks to our most vulnerable patients, and I very much hope that the inquiry will be a catalyst for positive improvements in that regard.

Dr Christine Peters said she hoped the inquiry would be a catalyst for change at the hospital - Scottish Hospitals Inquiry

The campus opened in 2015. At the time, the hospital, Scotlands largest, was hailed as one of the worlds most advanced healthcare facilities.

However, since then it has been hit by a series of scandals, with the 2017 death of Milly, who was recovering from leukaemia, linked to contaminated water.

Her death certificate listed a Stenotrophomonas infection of the Hickman line among the possible causes of death but Kimberly Darroch, her mother, said the family were kept in the dark about a potential link to contaminated water problems at the hospital.

A series of other deaths, including of children, have been linked to infections potentially acquired in the hospital.

A corporate homicide investigation into the deaths of four patients at the hospital campus, including Milly, two other children and 73-year-old Gail Armstrong, is ongoing.

The public inquiry, being chaired by Lord Brodie, will determine how ventilation and water contamination issues affected patient safety and care, and whether these issues could have been prevented.

Milly Main, who died in 2017, and her mother Kimberly Darroch

Dr Peters joined the health board as a consultant in August 2014. She told the inquiry on Wednesday that she began to develop concerns about the new hospital in June 2015, just months after it opened.

These included worries over its air ventilation system, problems with the design of sinks, and facilities intended for highly infectious patients lacking key infection control measures, such as appropriate air pressures.

She claimed that she had been very shocked to be told by a senior manager not to raise concerns in writing in case there was an inquiry.

However, Dr Peters said she had decided to speak out due to the terrible consequences inflicted on vulnerable patients and their loved ones.

Dr Sandesh Gulhane, a Glasgow GP and health spokesman for the Scottish Tories, claimed very serious concerns from senior NHS staff had been ignored by health bosses.

Both patients and staff are paying the price for the SNPs failure to prioritise patient safety and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clydes culture of secrecy and cover-up, he said.

It is frankly unacceptable that many of my colleagues feel unable to speak out about serious concerns such as an increased risk of infections to patients.

Dr Sandesh Gulhane claimed very serious concerns from NHS staff had been ignored - SST / Alamy Live News/www.alamy.com

In a statement, NHSGGC said that it would be inappropriate to comment on matters currently being examined by the inquiry.

It added: We would, however, like to provide absolute assurance to all of our patients, families and staff at the QEUH and RHC, that our hospitals are safe.

Across the campus, our highly specialist teams treat and support some of the most vulnerable adults, young people and children in the country.

Despite the sheer size of the campus and complexity of patients, figures consistently show mortality rates at the QEUH campus are in line with and at times lower than the Scottish average.

A review of available data shows in terms of mandatory surveillance of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), NHSGGC consistently performs better than many other boards across Scotland. We are committed to ongoing learning and continuous improvement.
Accommodation cells in a boys unit, taken from the Cairns and Murgon watch houses inspection report. Photograph: Queensland Ombudsman

Sick and suicidal children are being held in Queensland police watch houses for weeks without receiving any medical or psychological care, according to a new report from the states youth detention watchdog that warns of catastrophic consequences.

The report, tabled on Wednesday by the Queensland inspector of detention services, Anthony Reilly, followed inspections of watch houses at Cairns and Murgon.

The conclusion was blunt: these places were not suitable for detaining children.

The report documents many of the issues raised in reports by Guardian Australia since January, including a series of videos and stories which revealed the distressing treatment of children in Queensland police custody, many of them disabled, and some left screaming, freezing, and struggling to breathe in isolation cells.

Queenslands youth justice policies have resulted in record numbers of children in the detention system. Last year the state government suspended its own Human Rights Act to allow children to be kept for extended periods in police watch houses.

Reillys report found that facilities at Cairns and Murgon were not suitable for the extended detention of children.

He documented several case studies, including Sam*, a 13-year-old girl with foetal alcohol spectrum disorder who was depicted in CCTV footage published by Guardian Australia and SBS The Feed.

In another case, a child in Cairns disclosed to police after their arrest that they had attempted to cut their throat during the past two days. The child was held in the watch house for 17 days and during that time there was no evidence of any referrals or assessment by any external mental health service provider.

Another child, admitted to Cairns, told police they had consumed methamphetamine, had a chest infection, and had recently attempted to self-harm, including a suicide attempt while in custody.

The child did not see a nurse for the chest infection for eight days, by which time they had sore ribs, a blocked nose, fever and stomach cramps.

When their condition had not improved by day 13, the nurse administered medication, the report found.

There was no record of the child being administered medication for a neurological condition. Over 18 days, the child was involved in four incidents, including a serious alleged assault on another child and a watch house officer.

Prolonged detention of children in this type of environment can significantly affect [childrens] wellbeing, the report said.

We are concerned that self-harm/suicide risks or significant health and medical issues may not be identified through the admission process. This would leave a child, who may subsequently spend many days or even weeks detained in the watch-house, with unaddressed risks or medical needs. The consequences could be catastrophic.

Failing to identify significant cognitive issues may expose very vulnerable children to harm, for example, from those with whom they share a cell.

The failure to identify a serious self-harm risk may also have dire consequences. We are also concerned that Youth Justice prioritisation decisions for admission to a youth detention centre are being made with incomplete or incorrect information.

At Murgon, the inspection identified a child who was effectively in isolation for 12 days straight, as they were the only child in the watch house during this period.

The report said children who are placed in isolation, or in padded cells, are not protected by the same safeguards as those in youth detention centres or adult prisons. Officers can isolate children without any overarching approval process; there is no reporting or oversight of the use of isolation in watch houses and no requirement for a child to be assessed by a health practitioner before or after.

The inspection assessed the physical environment in both Cairns and Murgon.

Related: David Crisafulli concedes its wrong to jail children in police watch houses

In Cairns there was a lack of natural light, children locked in their cells for substantial periods of time, overcrowding and a lack of privacy. In Murgon, children had absolutely no access to fresh air during the period of detention.

In some cases, the separation of children from adults  required under police procedures and international human rights law obligations  was not occurring effectively. Boys and girls had been held in the mens and womens units at Cairns.

We are concerned that it provides an opportunity for an adult detainee to communicate with a child, the report said.

This could mean verbal abuse, threats or other inappropriate communication.

In the Cairns watch-house, we saw children using their mattresses to surround themselves in an attempt to get privacy when using the toilet. We were advised that this is a common practice, and that children do the same at Murgon.

The shower area has no door.

The report said the facilities were inadequate for children, but acknowledge that due to state policies it was likely that the practice of keeping young people in watch houses would continue.

Based on the information in this report, it is clear that the detention of children in watch-houses creates the risk of harm and that it should be avoided. If detained in a watch-house, children should be held for the minimum time possible, and transferred to a more suitable facility as soon as possible.
Fighters in Sudan appear to have filmed themselves glorifying the burning of homes and the whipping and beating of prisoners in the western region of Darfur. Composite: Twitter

Footage of rebel fighters in Sudan appearing to glorify the burning of homes and the torture of prisoners could be used by international courts to pursue war crime prosecutions, observers have told the Guardian.

Fighters from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group, have been accused of waging a campaign of ethnic cleansing in Sudan for the past year as they try to take control of the country.

As the RSF has overrun the western region of Darfur, fighters appear to have filmed and posted evidence of their actions on social media. Self-incriminating footage has been viewed by the Guardian and verified by the Centre for Information Resilience (CIR).

Fighting broke out in Khartoum, Sudans capital, on 15 April 2023 as an escalating power struggle between the two main factions of the military regime finally turned deadly.

On one side are the Sudanese armed forces, who remain broadly loyal to Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the countrys de facto ruler. Against him are the paramilitaries of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a collection of militias who follow the former warlord Gen Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti.

The RSF was initially founded by the former dictatorial ruler Omar al-Bashir as an Arab counterinsurgency militia called the Janjaweed, which quickly became synonymous with widespread atrocities. In 2013, Bashir transformed the group into the RSF, deploying them to crush a fresh rebellion in South Darfur.

The conflict has plunged Sudan into one of the worst humanitarian nightmares in recent history, according to UN officials. It has created the worlds worst displacement crisis, scattering more than 8 million people internally and across Sudans borders. Nearly 2 million people have fled into neighbouring countries, putting mounting pressure on Chad and South Sudan.

The footage could become evidence for war crimes investigators, say observers, after the international criminal court put out a call for submissions of visual and audio evidence from Darfur last year.

Its someone condemning themselves. Its not the same as a guilty plea but in some ways, it is a big piece of the puzzle that war crimes investigators have to put together, said Alexa Koenig, co-creator of the Berkeley Protocol, designed to create an international standard for using social media to investigate war crimes.

More than 10,000 people  mostly from the African Masalit ethnic community  died in the Darfur city of El Geneina during two periods of intense fighting in 2023. A UN investigation later discovered a mass grave of dozens of Masalit civilians allegedly killed by the RSF.

A video shared by a pro-RSF account on X in June 2023 during the takeover of the city shows a fighter standing in front of the house of the sultan of Masalit saying there are no more Masalit  Arabs only.

Another video shared from the city after it was seized by the RSF was filmed by someone walking through empty streets. He calls the population dogs and shows dead bodies lying in the middle of the street, saying they serve as roadblocks.

Other videos from the town of Ardamata, near El Geneina, in November 2023, show men in RSF uniforms rounding up groups of people and shouting slurs at them. In one video, a uniformed man holds the camera as if taking a selfie while fighters immediately next to him whip a detained man and strike him with a rifle.

The footage reveals some of what has been happening on the ground in parts of the region of Darfur in western Sudan, where journalists and activists have been unable to safely document violence.

Were in a situation where abusers are filming themselves, giving us evidence of whats happening when we dont have much information generally, said Alessandro Accorsi, a senior analyst at the NGO Crisis Group.

They can do that because they probably feel little fear of consequences and because the cost opportunity of inditement is far greater than the punishment.



Anouk Theunissen, from CIRs Sudan Witness project, said they had collected and verified thousands of open sourced footage so far to provide information and data for future efforts to hold perpetrators to account.

There is precedent for the use of perpetrator-filmed footage. In the 1990s, Serb paramilitaries known as the Scorpions filmed themselves executing Bosnian men and boys near Srebrenica, during massacres that have been recognised as genocide.

The footage was circulated on a limited number of videotapes, many of which were later destroyed, but some ended up in the hands of Serbian human rights lawyer Natasa Kandic after a tip-off that allowed her to obtain them and use them in war crimes tribunals.

More recently, footage from Tadamon, a neighbourhood in the Syrian capital Damascus, showing civilians being executed while standing in a pit, was leaked from files held on the laptop of a government military intelligence service. It has been used in attempts to prosecute under universal jurisdiction  a principle that allows war crimes to be prosecuted in countries other than where they occurred.

Related: They told us  you are slaves: survivors give harrowing testimony of Darfurs year of hell

While Amjad Yousef, the military intelligence official shown shooting detainees, has continued operating from a military base near Damascus, a trial against an associate named as Ahmad H, who was identified in the videos by a witness, has been under way in Germany since May.

Experts say footage of atrocities sometimes circulates among a small group before being leaked, but on some occasions it is intentionally shared widely in order to intimidate potential future victims.

They are doing it to show the people who they are, said Adam Mousa Obama, from Darfur Victim Support. They are proud of themselves and their abuses. They are sending a message that you cannot defeat us, we are very brave, we know how to fight.




Kamala Harris and Donald Trump went head-to-head in their first and possibly only debate on Tuesday night - Brian Snyder/REUTERS

Kamala Harris and Donald Trump went head-to-head in their first and possibly only debate on Tuesday night.

The two presidential candidates, who are nearly neck and neck according to the latest polls, met in Pennsylvania, a divided and electoral vote-rich battleground state that is crucial to both candidates.

Following the debate, Telegraph columnist Tim Stanley gave his take, in short: He was crazy and she was insufferable.

Meanwhile, our US editor, Tony Diver, argued: It is difficult to crown Harris the victor of a political debate in which she said so little about her own platform. But her attack strategy won her the night. Trump fell for it: hook line and sinker.

Telegraph readers also weighed in with their judgement. An exclusive poll conducted by The Telegraph showed readers were largely divided over which candidate came out on top, with Kamala Harris taking a narrow lead with 56 per cent of the vote.

For many, Ms Harriss performance came as a surprise. She did better than expected, although the bar was set very low, remarked Carl Sanderson.

Ian Gilman said: I thought Harris was considerably more successful than Trump. She was articulate, focused, kept her cool, whereas he fell into all her traps, getting angry and going off into irrelevant ramblings. He had no view of the future, whereas she had a very positive, inclusive vision.

Harris baited Trump and he took the bait

Peter McMahon thought that she baited him and he took the bait.

She talked about his rally crowds and he just had to defend himself, missing opportunities to attack her, he continued.

However, some readers highlighted a lack of clarity over Ms Harriss policies. John Helliwell remarked: I am struggling to understand any policy she has. Its word salad at best. Vacuous at best.

However, Andrew Martin weighed in, arguing that neither candidate had one detailed policy description.

Others criticised Kamala Harriss record as vice-president. One anonymous reader stated: Harris is saying shes going to do things when the Democrats have been in power for the last four years. Well, they shouldve done them when they were in power.

Sharing a similar sentiment, John Helliwell commented: Harris is attacking Trumps record in office when shes been the vice-president for the last four years.

While some readers were doubtful over some of Donald Trumps exaggerations and unconfirmed claims, many deemed him the better debater and praised his strength and control.

John Dee thought the former president was brilliant on climate change, strong in his criticism of Obamacare, clever in his linking of the fall of Kabul with Russias invasion of Ukraine, and excellent when contrasting his record with that of Kamala Harris and Joe Biden.

John Dee also praised Donald Trumps closing statement, covering everything important to American voters, whereas he deemed the vice-president weak in comparison.

A very low-brow debate

Others such as Al Murt and Duncan Macdonald also commended the former presidents final statement. However, Mr Macdonald, who supports Donald Trump, argued that he should have been hammering her on every topic asking why she and Biden hadnt done these things up to now and how they have failed for the last three years.

Many readers were unconvinced by either candidate on the debate stage. One anonymous reader said: This was a very low-brow debate. From both sides. Good luck America, you deserve so much better.

In a similar vein, reader Tessa Kelly gave her verdict: Harris cannot debate, she is weak and lies all the time. Trumps debating skills are non-existent.

For Hubert Fras, it was entertaining if pretty depressing.

Trump ranting and some fairly out-there statements. Kamala woodenly spouting a lot of unconvincing rote answers on the economy and foreign affairs. She didnt make a case convincingly to be the president.

Lets see how it plays out in the poll that counts.

The moderators were doing the debating for Harris

Other readers, including Stu Whisson, questioned the impartiality of ABC News. Mr Whisson shared his scepticism: It seems ABC is framing questions that frame an in for Harris.

Russell Hardiman deemed the perceived lack of impartiality as disgraceful. Meanwhile, Akshat Sinha argued: Trump debated three people and won.

While some readers queried whether ABC was fact-checking Trump, Sarah Hiser believed the moderators were doing the debating for Harris.
An oil tanker moored at Novorossiysk, Russia. Oil exports accounted for a quarter of Russias budget in 2023. Photograph: AP

The UK has taken new steps to clamp down on Russias shadow fleet exporting oil and funding Moscows war machine, with the Foreign Office announcing sanctions on 10 ships that it believes to be at heart of the operation.

Russia has a large fleet of often unseaworthy and ageing tankers that transport Russian gas and oil products around the globe. Oil exports are Vladimir Putins most critical revenue source for funding the war in Ukraine, accounting for about a quarter of the Russian budget in 2023.

Speaking on his way to Kyiv to meet Ukrainian leaders, the UK foreign secretary, David Lammy, said: Putins war machine is funded by a dark and illicit economic system that this government is committed to destabilising.

Todays sanctions further undermine Russias ability to trade in oil via its shadow fleet. Alongside our partners, we will continue to send a stark message to Russia that the international community stands with Ukraine and we will not tolerate this illicit fleet.

Russia has been forced to spend over $8bn amassing this shadow fleet. But with sanctioned tankers loitering and unable to load oil, we are determined to make Putins investment an expensive misstep for the Kremlin. Our action will help to counter Russian attempts to undermine and dodge economic sanctions.

The ships targeted are all described as high-volume offenders  vessels operating around the clock to transport as much Russian oil as possible. These ships will now be barred from entering UK ports and will be refused access to the UK ship register.

Just three of the vessels targeted, Nikolay Zuyev, NS Asia and Zaliv Aniva, have collectively carried more than $5bn worth of Russian oil since Russias full scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022.

The large and recently developed shadow fleet has become the biggest loophole in western efforts to prevent Russia continuing to fund its war through oil exports.

In an effort to stop the revenue, but also prevent the price of oil skyrocketing, the G7 agreed to block insurance to any ship that sold oil at above a cap of $60 a barrel. The shadow fleet has grown to circumvent the G7 policy, but analysts have said a relatively small number of ships are at the heart of the operation.

The UK claims that previous sanctions against individual shadow ships have left vessels materially disrupted, with the vast majority of them idling outside ports, and unable to carry on their trade in Russian oil.

The latest announcement brings the total number of shadow fleet ships targeted to 25 and follows the UKs call to action in July to bring a halt to the trade.

So far, sanctions have deprived Russia of more than $400bn worth of assets and revenues since February 2022. That is the equivalent of four more years of funding for the invasion. The UK has targeted more than 2,000 individuals and entities under its Russia sanctions regime.

The specified ships will be prohibited from entering a port in the UK, may be given a movement or a port entry direction, can be detained, and will be refused permission to register on the UK ship register.
Mike Johnson faces opposition from Democrats as well as at least six Republicans. Photograph: Will Oliver/EPA

The House Republican speaker, Mike Johnson, hastily scrapped a planned vote on his government funding package on Wednesday after at least eight members of his own conference signaled opposition to the plan, raising more questions about how Congress will avert a partial shutdown before the end of the month.

Johnson had combined a six-month stopgap funding bill with the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (Save) Act, a controversial proposal that would require people to show proof of citizenship when they register to vote.

Donald Trump had already further complicated Johnsons efforts by insisting on Tuesday that Republicans should not pass any government funding bill without addressing election security, as he leveled baseless accusations against Democrats of trying to stuff voter registrations with illegal aliens.

Johnson acknowledged he did not have enough support to pass the bill, given that he could only afford four defections within his conference if every House Democrat opposed the plan. Johnson told reporters on Capitol Hill that he and his team would work through the weekend to reach an agreement on funding the government.

No vote today because were in the consensus-building business here in Congress. With small majorities, thats what you do, Johnson said. Were having thoughtful conversations, family conversations within the Republican conference, and I believe well get there.

Johnsons bill would have extended government funding until 28 March, more than two months after the new president takes office in January. If Congress does not take action on federal funding this month, the government could partially shut down starting 1 October.

Despite the lack of appetite for a government shutdown so close to election day on 5 November, Democrats and some Republicans balked at Johnsons proposal. Democrats largely oppose the Save Act, which Republicans claim is necessary to prevent noncitizens from casting ballots. Critics of the Save Act note that it is already illegal for noncitizens to vote, and they warn that the policy could prevent valid voters from casting their ballots. The House passed the Save Act in July, but Senate Democrats have shown no interest in advancing the bill.

In a Dear Colleague letter sent on Monday, the House Democratic leader, Hakeem Jeffries, condemned Johnsons proposal as unserious and unacceptable. He called on Congress to pass a stopgap bill, known as a continuing resolution, that would keep the government funded past election day and allow lawmakers to pass a full-year spending package before the new year.

In order to avert a GOP-driven government shutdown that will hurt everyday Americans, Congress must pass a short-term continuing resolution that will permit us to complete the appropriations process during this calendar year and is free of partisan policy changes inspired by Trumps Project 2025, Jeffries said. There is no other viable path forward that protects the health, safety and economic wellbeing of hardworking American taxpayers.

Even among fellow Republicans, Johnson had encountered resistance. At least eight Republicans had indicated they would oppose the bill, complaining that it did not do enough to cut government spending. Thomas Massie, a Republican congressman `of Kentucky who has repeatedly clashed with Johnson, mocked the speakers proposal as an insult to Americans intelligence.

The [continuing resolution] doesnt cut spending, and the shiny object attached to it will be dropped like a hot potato before passage, Massie said on Monday.

Johnson had simultaneously fielded criticism from the congressman Mike Rogers, the Republican chair of the House armed services committee, who expressed concern about how the stopgap bill might affect military readiness. The defense secretary, Lloyd Austin, has described passing a full-year spending bill for the Pentagon as the single most important thing that Congress can do to ensure US national security.

Johnson will now confer with fellow House Republicans to try to cobble together a majority, but even if he does manage to drag his bill across the finish line, the proposal has virtually no chance of passage in the Democratic-controlled Senate.

In his own Dear Colleague letter sent on Sunday, the Senate majority leader, Chuck Schumer, suggested that Democrats would only pass a clean funding bill with no poison pills attached.

As I have said before, the only way to get things done is in a bipartisan way, Schumer said. Despite Republican bluster, that is how weve handled every funding bill in the past, and this time should be no exception. We will not let poison pills or Republican extremism put funding for critical programs at risk.

Trumps ultimatum, meanwhile, could put Johnson in a bind, and it increases the risk of a partial government shutdown taking effect just weeks before Americans go to the polls.

Trump said on Tuesday on his social media platform, Truth Social: 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.
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.
We have not seen improvement or concerted efforts to remediate our concerts, two election officials groups wrote in a letter to Louis DeJoy, the US postmaster general. Photograph: Robyn Beck/AFP/Getty Images

State and local election officials from across the country on Wednesday warned that problems with the nations mail delivery system threaten to disenfranchise voters in the upcoming presidential election, telling the head of the US Postal Service (USPS) that it hasnt fixed persistent deficiencies.

The officials said in a letter that over the past year, including the just-concluded primary season, mailed ballots that were postmarked on time were received by local election offices days after the deadline to be counted.

They also noted that properly addressed election mail was being returned to them as undeliverable.

Related: 2024 US presidential polls tracker: Trump v Harris latest national averages

Repeated outreach to USPS to resolve the issues had failed, the officials added.

We have not seen improvement or concerted efforts to remediate our concerns, stated the letter. In fact, many of the issues raised by election officials are echoed in the recent findings of the USPS Office of Inspector General Audit, Election Mail Readiness for the 2024 General Election.

The letter to Louis DeJoy, the US postmaster general, came from two groups that represent top election administrators in all 50 states.

A message seeking a response from USPS was not immediately returned.

The two groups, the National Association of Secretaries of State and the National Association of State Election Directors, said local election officials in nearly every state are receiving timely postmarked ballots after election day and outside the three to five business days USPS claims as the standard for first-class mail.

The letter comes less than two weeks after DeJoy said in an interview that the USPS was ready to handle a flood of mail ballots expected this election year and as Donald Trump continues to sow doubts about US elections by falsely claiming he won in 2020.

That year, amid the global pandemic, election officials reported sending just over 69m ballots in the mail, a substantial increase from four years earlier.

Both Democrats and Republicans have launched efforts to push supporters to vote early, either in person or by mail to bank their votes before election day on 5 November.

Vote by mail requests in Florida have dropped by 50% in 2024 compared to the 2022 midterms, as Ron DeSantis, the states Republican governor, signed a law in 2021 to cancel all standing vote-by-mail requests after the 2022 midterms.

USPS officials told reporters last month that almost 98% of ballots were returned to election officials within three days in 2020, and in 2022, the figure was nearly 99%. DeJoy said he would like to inch closer to 100% this election cycle and claimed the USPS is better positioned to handle ballots than in 2020.

But officials in rural states have been critical of the USPS for years as it has consolidated mail-processing centers. The USPS is planning on further slowing mail delivery in rural areas and across long distances after the 2024 election.

The Save the Post Office Coalition, a coalition of over 300 groups including the ACLU, Public Citizen, NAACP and the American Postal Workers Union, have called for Congress to pass the Election Mail Act, authored by Democratic senator Amy Klobuchar and congresswoman Nikema Williams of Georgia, to improve election mail delivery and tracking security. The bill has not reached a vote in the House or Senate.

Congress should create a national standard for voting by mail so that everyone can have confidence their vote will be counted  no matter their zip code, no matter how they chose to vote, said Williams in a press release of the reintroduction of the legislation in 2023.

In the letter, election officials warned that any election mail returned to an election office as undeliverable could trigger a process outlined in federal law for maintaining accurate registered voter lists. That means a voter could be moved to inactive status and be required to update their address to be able to participate in the election.

Scott Schwab, Kansas secretary of state, sent his own letter to DeJoy this week. He noted nearly 1,000 ballots from his states August primary election couldnt be counted because they arrived too late or without postmarks  and more continue to come in.

Schwab and other Kansas election officials also said some ballots arrive on time but without postmarks, which keeps them from being counted under Kansas law. Schwab told DeJoy that local postal clerks have reported to election officials that they cant add postmarks later even if its clear that the USPS handled the ballot ahead of the mail-in deadline.

Kansas will count ballots postmarked on or before election day if they arrive within three days. The Republican-controlled legislature created that grace period in 2017 over concerns mail delivery had slowed after the USPS shut down seven mail-processing centers in the state, outsourcing processing to centers out of state.

In their letter Wednesday, election officials also said colleagues across the US have reported that USPS staff, from managers to mail carriers, are uninformed about the services policies for handling election-related mail, are given inconsistent guidance and misdeliver ballots.

State and local election officials need a committed partner in USPS. We implore you to take immediate and tangible corrective action to address the ongoing performance issues with USPS election mail service, the officials concluded. Failure to do so will risk limiting voter participation and trust in the election process.

The Associated Press contributed reporting
Joe Biden before boarding the Marine One on the White House lawn

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Joe Biden said he was doing 9/11 in his latest gaffe just one day before the 23rd anniversary of the terror attacks.

The US president, who announced in July he would not run in the presidential election after a slew of age-related gaffes, made the comment to reporters ahead of the debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris.

Im going up to my granddaughters birthday in New York, Mr Biden said on the White House lawn before heading to his Marine One helicopter.

Then were gonna watch the debate, then tomorrow Im doing 9/11, the president added.

Mr Biden was likely referring to his scheduled attendance at solemn remembrance ceremonies that will take place to commemorate the victims of the terror attacks on Sept 11 2001.

He is scheduled to head to Ground Zero in New York, the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, before heading back to Washington to show respect for the victims of the attack on the Pentagon.

The comment sparked confusion and criticism online, especially from Republicans.

Yikes, the Republican National Committee Research account posted on X.

Another user added Bidens slip-ups are endless. Youd think someone would double-check his scripts by now.

But Biden was seemingly unaware of what he had just said and continued to speak to reporters about the debate between Ms Harris and Trump.

I spoke with the vice-president. Shes calm, cool, and collected, he said.

I think shes going to do great, and Im not going to tell you what advice I gave her.

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The otters were filmed running across a car park moments before the attack - ViralPress

A group of wild otters viciously attacked a woman jogging in an inner-city park in Malaysia.

Mariasella Harun, 40, was chased and mauled by eight of the mammals on Wednesday morning in Tanjung Aru, in the northern Sabah state of Borneo island.

A graphic video of the aftermath showed the victim huddled on a pavement with deep gashes visible on her arms, as blood streaked her temple, T-shirt and leggings.

Another clip captured the bevy of otters  each as big as a small dog, with slick dark hair  charging across a car park moments before the attack.

Mariasella Harun, 40, was badly hurt in the attack - ViralPress

It is the latest in a series of incidents involving humans and otters in the area. A man was recently taken to hospital after another unprovoked attack.

Otter attacks are increasing across the whole of South-East Asia, according to wildlife authorities.

Despite their somewhat cuddly appearance, otters have teeth and jaws that are strong enough to crack open shellfish.

They can weigh up to 14kg and grow up to 4ft, including their tail.

Ms Harun said she fought off the animals for what felt like five minutes until other joggers came to her aid.

She described finding herself suddenly surrounded by the pack after they jumped out from a drain in Perdana Park at about 6am local time.

At first, I thought it was a cat, but the creature jumped out and bit me while I was running, and there were many of them ... I could not even stand up when it happened, she told local media.

Ms Harun was then taken to a nearby hospital as a wildlife team was sent to monitor the otters.

Roland Niun, the director of the Sabah Wildlife Department, said the otters might have seen Ms Harun as a threat to their cubs and reacted defensively.

Otters generally avoid humans, and their perceived cuteness might lead some to mistakenly believe they are friendly and tame, he said. It is not advisable to approach them, as they can bite when provoked.

A medical team at the scene on Wednesday morning - ViralPress

Mr Niun said a family of otters, including six adults and two cubs, had frequently been seen hunting for fish in the parks lake.

He said the fence around the park would be reinforced and warned the public not to feed them or provoke them in any way.

The adoption of otters as household pets has become a growing trend across Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam.

However, a recent report found that 60 per cent of the animals seized by authorities in South-East Asia were headed for Japan, according to Traffic Japan, a group monitoring the illegal wildlife trade.

The trapping and export of otters is illegal in many countries, but the carnivores are often freely traded online.

In Indonesia, otter owners often join online communities and organise meet-ups to show off their pets, even parading them on leashes in the streets of Jakarta on Sundays.
Andy Davey cartoon

Like the gold-headed colossus of King Nebuchadnezzars dreams, Sir Keir Starmer is a giant with feet of clay. His gargantuan parliamentary majority was obtained on a third of the vote with a depressed turnout, and he is already engendering much buyers remorse. He has squandered his honeymoon, and is proving so inept at politics that, a mere two months after his historic triumph, there is now reason to doubt that he will last more than one term in office.

His lacklustre communication skills mean that he is failing to persuade his own side, let alone anybody else; he sounds too Left-wing to the Right, and too Right-wing to the Left. A grey, pseudo-managerialist figure, an accidental prime minister in the mould of Theresa May, there is no trap Starmer doesnt plunge into headfirst. Rather than providing inspirational, optimistic leadership, he has crushed spirits with his apocalyptic assessment of the state of Britain and cartoonish negativity.

His stoking of speculation about tax increases at the Budget, a clumsy attempt at managing expectations, has only raised fears that Labour has reverted to the most atavistic socialism. He claims to be taking difficult but necessary decisions, but many are questioning whether the nasties may in fact be optional. No wonder his approval ratings are plunging.

Rachel Reeves, his Chancellor, has allowed herself to be defined by the means-testing of pensioner winter fuel payments, an incendiary policy foisted on her by a Treasury she made the error of trusting. Reeves appeared unprepared for the resulting furore, reminiscent of the omnishambles, pasty tax budget of 2012, unable even to make the case that millionaire pensioners do not need handouts.

To be clear: I support ditching the universal winter fuel payment. But it should be done for the right reasons  to save money, not to buy off the unions  with the right safeguards for the needy, and Labour shouldnt have claimed there were no plans to scrap it.

There is a more sophisticated, fiscally powerful alternative: fold the winter fuel payment into the state pension, then peg this new, enhanced pension to the growth in median wages, ditching the triple lock and explaining that, as a matter of fairness, workers and pensioners would see their incomes grow in lockstep in perpetuity. This should be accompanied by measures to increase retirement savings.

Instead, we get a form of fake sado-austerity, whereby Labour pretends that hurting the groups it hates is necessary to protect the public finances. The Government has swallowed its own propaganda, convincing itself that parents who educate their children privately are all proto-oligarchs who can easily afford an extra 20 per cent in VAT and the removal of business rates relief. In reality, hundreds of thousands of families that scrimp and save will never forgive Starmer for singling them out for such a revolting treatment.

Even more remarkably, Labour has failed to pin the blame for the early release of prisoners onto the Tories: in a shocking set of images, voters have seen ex-inmates thanking Starmer for setting them free, pledging to vote Labour, cracking open champagne bottles and even being picked up by a Lamborghini. If Starmer really cared, why not push through emergency legislation designating a dozen sites for new prisons, overriding all planning and other objections? Clearly, his priorities are elsewhere.

Labour portrayed itself as a government of sensibles, a team of uber-competent, boring technocrats who would govern slightly to the Left of the Tories. They have turned out to be neither experts, nor truly in control, nor politically moderate, nor especially sensible. They have few solutions to Britains pathologies, and their agenda is riddled with contradictions.

Reeves claims to believe in growth, and rightly wants to boost housebuilding, but her plans to tax capital, to hammer investors, to bolster marginal tax rates, to eradicate non-doms, and to tie business up in red tape will cancel out any good from her planning reforms.

Equally confusingly, Reeves espouses faux-austerity, claiming she was elected first and foremost to sort out the public finances. That is nonsense: nobody voted Labour to balance the books, and the public finances she inherited were in a tolerable state. She is pretending to be a fiscal conservative, but wants to take spending and taxation to even higher record levels of GDP. Her new taxes, many of which have yet to be announced, are better described as sadism dressed up as austerity and class warfare camouflaged as prudence.

Instead of pretending that hitting private schools is the only way to raise funds for state schools, or scrapping winter fuel payments is necessary to prevent a run on the pound, the Government should be more honest about its motivations. These seemingly include taking revenge on older voters, many of whom supported Brexit, the Tories and Reform; ensuring that as many private schools as possible shut; and, rather than reforming the NHS or welfare, pouring billions into our supposedly under-invested state.

Labours agenda is unravelling in other ways. Germany has announced tighter border controls; Frances new prime minister, Michel Barnier, has previously called for an extended period of zero net immigration. More migrants might head to Britain instead; Labours lack of any kind of plan or desire to reduce immigration is unsustainable. Europes Right-wards shift, a product of its existential failure on growth, innovation, and migration, has dashed any real hope of Labour ever rejoining the EU. When the penny finally drops, this will deal the British Left a profound psychological blow.

A Trump victory, still possible despite his woeful performance at the debate, would be an even greater disaster for Starmer. Trump would torpedo net zero and global tax harmonisation. He would force greater defence spending, derailing Reeves sums, and punish  or even sanction  Britain for our despicably anti-Israel policies. He would unleash Wall Street, sucking talent and capital from the City of London.

If the Tories elect the right leader, there is now a plausible scenario under which Labour slumps  sooner rather than later  to second place in the polls. Starmers majority is gigantic, enough to withstand almost any rebellion. But the speed at which his Government is falling from grace means that politics could enter its next period of volatility more quickly than anybody expected.
The NHS must reform or die, Sir Keir Starmer will say, as a major report on the health service is published.

The Prime Minister will set out his plans for tackling long waiting lists, improving the nations health and shifting the focus towards community services after a damning report from Lord Darzi found the NHS is in serious trouble.

The rapid review, completed in nine weeks, diagnoses the problems in the NHS in England and sets out themes for the Government to incorporate into a 10-year plan for reforming the health service.

The study argues the NHS is facing rising demand for care as people live longer in ill health, coupled with low productivity in hospitals and poor staff morale.

Speaking at an event in London on Thursday, the Prime Minister will say: The NHS is at a fork in the road, and we have a choice about how it should meet these rising demands.

Raise taxes on working people to meet the ever-higher costs of an ageing population  or reform to secure its future.

We know working people cant afford to pay more, so its reform or die.

Lord Darzi carried out the rapid review (Chris Radburn/PA)

Sir Keir will pledge to work on three fundamental areas of reform to make the NHS fit for the future.

He will say this could amount to the biggest reimagining of our NHS since its birth, adding: This Government is working at pace to build a 10-year plan. Something so different from anything that has come before.

Instead of the top-down approach of the past, this plan is going to have the fingerprints of NHS staff and patients all over it.

And as we build it together, I want to frame this plan around three big shifts  first, moving from an analogue to a digital NHS. A tomorrow service, not just a today service.

Second, weve got to shift more care from hospitals to communities And third, weve got to be much bolder in moving from sickness to prevention.

Lord Darzi, a widely respected surgeon and former health minister, argues in his report that the NHS can be fixed.

He says: Nothing that I have found draws into question the principles of a health service that is taxpayer-funded, free at the point of use, and based on need not ability to pay.

Lord Darzi says the country cannot afford not to have the NHS, so it is imperative that we turn the situation around, adding that the health service is in critical condition, but its vital signs are strong.

He criticises political decision-making under the Conservatives and the coalition government, including the impact of austerity and the reorganisation of the NHS under Andrew Lansley in 2012.

In his report, Lord Darzi says the Health and Social Care Act of 2012 was a calamity without international precedent. It proved disastrous.

The Act  which has been widely condemned  was the biggest reorganisation the NHS has ever seen and was intended to change the way the NHS commissions services.

It abolished primary care trusts and created more than 200 separate clinical commissioning groups.

Lord Darzi continues: In the last 15 years, the NHS was hit by three shocks  austerity and starvation of investment, confusion caused by top-down reorganisation, and then the pandemic which came with resilience at an all-time low.

Two out of three of those shocks were choices made in Westminster.

His report also set out how:

 The health of the nation has deteriorated, with more years spent in ill-health. Factors affecting health, such as poor quality housing, low income and insecure employment, have moved in the wrong direction over the past 15 years, with the result that the NHS has faced rising demand for healthcare from a society in distress.

 There has been a surge in multiple long-term conditions, including a rise in poor mental health among children and young people. Fewer children get their vaccines and fewer adults now participate in things such as breast cancer screening.

 Waiting times targets are being missed across the board, including for surgery, cancer care, A&E and mental health services. The report says long waits have become normalised and A&E is in an awful state, with long waits likely to be causing an additional 14,000 more deaths a year, according to the Royal College of Emergency Medicine. By April 2024, about one million people were waiting for mental health services. The overall NHS waiting list stands at 7.6 million.

 People are struggling to see their GP. GPs are seeing more patients than ever before, but with the number of fully qualified GPs relative to the population falling, waiting times are rising and patient satisfaction is at its lowest ever level.

 Cancer care still lags behind other countries and cancer death rates are higher than in other countries. There was no progress whatsoever in diagnosing cancer at stage I and II between 2013 and 2021. However, more recent figures show some improvement.

 Progress in cutting death rates from heart disease has stalled while rapid access to treatment has deteriorated. For example, the time for the highest-risk heart attack patients to have a rapid intervention to unblock an artery has risen by 28% from an average of 114 minutes in 2013-14 to 146 minutes in 2022-23.

 The NHS budget is not being spent where it should be and too great a share is being spent in hospitals, too little in the community, and productivity is too low. Too many hospital beds are taken up with people needing social care.

 Between 2009 and 2023 the number of nurses working in the community fell by 5%, while the number of health visitors dropped by nearly 20%.

 At the start of 2024, 2.8 million people were economically inactive due to long-term sickness, with most of the rise since the pandemic down to mental health conditions. The report said being in work is good for wellbeing and having more people in work grows the economy. There is therefore a virtuous circle if the NHS can help more people back into work.

 Raids on capital budgets have left the NHS with crumbling buildings and too many outdated scanners, and parts of the NHS are yet to enter the digital era. The report says the NHS is in the foothills of digital transformation.

 The NHS delayed, cancelled or postponed far more routine care during the pandemic than any comparable health system.

 Too many NHS staff are disengaged and there are distressingly high-levels of sickness absence. The pandemic was exhausting for many and the result has been a marked reduction in discretionary effort across all staff groups.

 Regulatory-type organisations now employ some 7,000 staff, or 35 per NHS provider trust, having doubled in size over the past 20 years.

As part of his recipe for reform, Lord Darzi says the Government must re-engage staff and re-empower patients and must lock in the shift of care closer to home.

In his speech on Thursday, Sir Keir will also point the finger of blame for the current state of the NHS at the Tories, saying it is unforgivable.

He will say: People have every right to be angry. Its not just because the NHS is so personal to all of us  its because some of these failings are life and death.

Take the waiting times in A&E. Thats not just a source of fear and anxiety  its leading to avoidable deaths.

Peoples loved ones who could have been saved. Doctors and nurses whose whole vocation is to save them  hampered from doing so. Its devastating.

On Thursday morning, Health Secretary Wes Streeting told BBC Breakfast the NHS could go bust without reform.

If we dont grasp both the immediate challenge in front of us and deal with the crisis today, but also prepare the NHS for the challenges of the future in terms of an ageing society and disease and rising costs, rather than a country with an NHS, were going to have an NHS with a country attached to it if were not careful, and more likely an NHS that goes bust,  he said.

Thats not the future we want to see, which is why were going to deal with the immediate crisis today, but get the NHS back on its feet and make it fit for the future.

Professor Kamila Hawthorne, chairwoman of the Royal College of GPs, said: It makes absolute sense to shift resources into primary care, where patients want to be cared for and where delivering care is most cost effective.

Conservative shadow health secretary Victoria Atkins said Labour needed to move from rhetoric to action.
Oasis has ruled out returning to Knebworth Park in the future, along with any plans for more dates in the UK.

The band performed two concerts in the grounds of the stately home in Hertfordshire in 1996 in what were among their best and biggest gigs, and they later released a live album from the shows and the 2021 documentary Oasis Knebworth 1996.

There had been reports in the Sun newspaper that brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher, whose comeback for a 2025 tour of the UK and Ireland sold out in a day, are open to the idea of adding to the 19-date run at the venue, situated near Stevenage.

But Oasis released a statement on social media saying: Contrary to reports in some UK tabloid media today, Oasis will not be playing Knebworth Park in the future.

There are no plans for any further UK dates beyond the currently announced UK stadium tour.

The group has already finalised dates for the Live 25 tour to include two more London shows at Wembley Stadium on September 27 and 28 following the furore over fans unable to get tickets due to technical issues.

Contrary to reports in some UK tabloid media today, Oasis will not be playing Knebworth Park in the future.There are no plans for any further UK dates beyond the currently announced UK stadium tour.  Oasis (@oasis) September 11, 2024

Those who are successful in the private invite-only ballot are set to be told by this Friday at 9pm, fans reported on social media.

The original release of tickets has led to an investigation by the UKs competition watchdog after surging demand led to the price of standard tickets for the reunion tour more than doubling from 148 to 355 on Ticketmaster.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said its probe will include how so-called dynamic pricing may have been used and it will 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 has also distanced themselves from the pricing changes, saying the band was not involved with the decision.

Promoters are believed to have been responsible for the dynamic pricing decision, but they have not responded to the PA news agencys multiple attempts for a comment.

A Ticketmaster spokeswoman previously said: Fans can resell their Oasis tickets at the full price they paid through Ticketmaster or Twickets.

Oasis has yet to release tickets or dates for their tour outside of Europe.
Plaid Cymru has urged the UK Government to cough up, as it claimed Wales is owed billions as a result of HS2.

The partys Westminster leader Liz Saville Roberts argued that Labour is failing to address the chronic underfunding of railways in Wales.

Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens said the Government cant go back in time and change the way that project was commissioned.

In the Commons on Wednesday, Ms Saville Roberts said: The railways are broken and Labours plan fails to address the chronic underfunding that has caused it, particularly in Wales.

Now, in 2022, the then-shadow secretary of state said that it was utterly illogical to designate HS2 as an England and Wales project, and she called on the Conservatives to cough up the billions owed to Wales. Will she cough up now?

During Wales questions, Ms Stevens replied: We cant go back in time and change the way that project was commissioned, was managed, and classified by the previous Conservative government. They need to accept responsibility for the chaos, delay and waste under their watch.

But what we can do is work closely with our Senedd and local authority colleagues to develop and invest in transport projects that improve services for passengers right across Wales.

Plaid Cymru Westminster leader Liz Saville Roberts (Ian West/PA)

Because rail infrastructure is devolved to the Scottish Parliament and the Northern Ireland Assembly respectively, both Scotland and Northern Ireland received proportional funding for rail projects.

Plaid Cymru has previously argued that Wales should also receive additional funding for railways because no Welsh territory was included in the HS2 proposal.

National rail infrastructure in England and Wales is under the remit of the UK Parliament.

Following the cancellation of the line beyond the London to Birmingham leg, the then-Conservative government announced 36 billion of funding for a project called Network North, of which, 1 billion was set aside for a project to electrify the North Wales main line.
Toby Jones has said the win at the National Television Awards for his role in Mr Bates vs The Post Office is a great opportunity to renew pressure on the new Government to compensate subpostmasters before the end of the year.

He secured the best drama performance gong at Wednesday evenings annual awards ceremony at The O2 in London for his part in the ITV drama that helped revive attention on the subpostmasters who were wrongly prosecuted during the Horizon IT scandal.

Jones portrayed former subpostmaster Sir Alan Bates  one of more than 550 claimants who have brought legal action against the Post Office  who the actor said wont rest until people are compensated.

Speaking in the winners room after collecting his prize, Jones said it was extraordinary to win the public voted award.

Its a great opportunity to renew the pressure on the Government, the new Government, to recompense the postmasters before the end of the year, the actor said.

Were still waiting for the Government to make a commitment to pay the compensation before the end of the year, he added.

Im sure one of the reasons that the show had been so popular is because theres popular will that that should happen sooner rather than later.

Jones said that the show was without a doubt one of the most important dramas he has ever been a part of.

Your #NTA winner for Drama Performance is Toby Jones for Mr Bates vs The Post Office pic.twitter.com/Z7GFouDich  National TV Awards (@OfficialNTAs) September 11, 2024

He told reporters: Ive had so many messages in the last eight months from actors saying, Oh, thats what you dream of is to have an impact with a drama like this, and its the first time for a lot of people that its led directly to parliamentary action.

Hopefully itll lead to more dramas having a direct impact on policy.

Jones said Sir Alan was initially sceptical about what a drama would be able to do but grew to be excited over what the show was able to help achieve.

Anytime something like this happens, and weve had a lot of awards attention so far this year, the first person I email is Alan, Jones said.

Collecting his gong during the ceremony, Jones congratulated Sir Alan on his recent marriage to his partner Suzanne Sercombe.

Monica Dolan and Jo Hamilton (Ian West/PA)

The ITV show also won in the new drama category, beating Netflix hit Baby Reindeer, romantic drama One Day and thrillers Fool Me Once and Red Eye.

Actress Monica Dolan, who played Jo Hamilton in the show, collected the award alongside the rest of the cast and several former subpostmasters.

She said it was absolutely incredible to win the prize, adding: I want to finish by saying a very, very big thank you to all the subpostmasters.

Their trust in us to tell their story has been the privilege of our lives.

It was announced last week that the ITV drama had been awarded the NTA Impact Award for creating a huge cultural shift.

Former subpostmistress Jo Hamilton called out the Government for the lack of action on the scandal as she collected the award surrounded by fellow victims of the scandal, saying: I went to Westminster a couple of weeks back and saw the new minister and trust me, nothing has changed.

Almost all of these people behind me havent been paid yet. And out of the group of 555, more than 300 havent been paid yet.
The Ukrainian prime minister has asked the UK for help and support in using long-range missiles to strike Russian territory as he met the Foreign Secretary in Kyiv.

David Lammy and his US counterpart Antony Blinken are on a joint visit to the Ukrainian capital to show support for Kyiv.

Ukraines president Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly pushed for permission to use Western missiles to strike at targets within Vladimir Putins Russia, and US President Joe Biden and Sir Keir Starmer are set to discuss the issue in Washington on Friday.

Speaking at the start of a meeting with Mr Lammy at his office in Kyiv on Wednesday, Denys Shmyhal said: We hope that long-range equipment for strikes on the territory of our enemy will be reached and we will have it. And we hope for your help and support in this issue.

Mr Lammy and Mr Blinken took an overnight train from eastern Poland and reached the Ukrainian capital at 11.45am local time.

Mr Blinken travelled from London, where he accused Iran of providing Russia with Fath-360 short-range ballistic missiles, calling the move a dramatic escalation of the war.

Mr Lammy hailed the Kyiv trip as the first of its kind in a decade at a press conference alongside his US counterpart on Tuesday, while 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.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrive at Kyiv train station during a visit to Ukraine (Leon Neal/PA)

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 on Tuesday: 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.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy attends a bilateral meeting with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and other officials in Kyiv (Leon Neal/PA)

Meanwhile, the UK announced sanctions on 10 ships operating as part of a shadow fleet seeking to evade the embargo on Russian oil.

The vessels, described as high-volume offenders, will now be barred from entering UK ports and refused access to the UK Ship Register.

Mr Lammy said: Russia has been forced to spend over eight billion dollars (6 billion) amassing this shadow fleet. But with sanctioned tankers loitering and unable to load oil, we are determined to make Putins investment an expensive misstep for the Kremlin.

Downing Street said there was no change in our position on the use of Storm Shadow missiles in Russia but added that the Government always listened to Ukrainian concerns.

The spokeswoman added: Our position hasnt changed, but we will always continue to listen to Ukrainians.

Thats what were doing in Ukraine today, and the Prime Minister and the president will be discussing our support and how we can best support Ukraine at this critical juncture as we head into the winter.

But Im not going to get into specifics of operational discussions and the details of that, not least because that would benefit Putin.
Ukraine has again urged the UK and US to lift restrictions on using Western weaponry against Russian targets during a visit by the Foreign Secretary and US secretary of state.

Both David Lammy and Antony Blinken hailed the bravery of Ukraine in resisting Russias invasion, and condemned Russian actions during a press conference in Kyiv on Wednesday.

But neither man would be drawn on granting Ukraine permission to use the long-range missiles supplied by the West to attack targets in Russia, a key request of President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Earlier in the day, Mr Zelensky called for some strong decisions on this while Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal asked Mr Lammy for help and support in using long-range missiles for strikes on the territory of our enemy.

During the evening press conference, Ukrainian foreign minister Andrii Sybiha repeated the request, saying it would bring the just peace closer.

Although neither Mr Blinken nor Mr Lammy agreed to Ukraines request on Wednesday, they said they had listened to Mr Zelensky and would report back to US President Joe Biden and Sir Keir Starmer respectively.

The two leaders are due to meet in Washington on Friday to discuss support for Ukraine, with Mr Lammy suggesting such discussions could continue over the coming weeks ahead of the UN General Assembly meeting.

The Foreign Secretary said he and Mr Blinken had held detailed conversations with Mr Zelensky but would not go into detail during a press conference because I am not prepared to give Putin the advantage.

Concern about escalation has been one of the reasons why permission has not been given to Kyiv to use Western long-range weapons to strike targets inside Russia, but both men used the press conference to accuse Russia of having already escalated the conflict.

Mr Blinken said: Weve seen Russia now pursue and indeed escalate its attacks inside Ukraine, on civilians, on energy infrastructure, as well as on the Ukrainian military thats defending its country.

And weve now seen this action of Russia acquiring ballistic missiles from Iran, which will further empower their aggression in Ukraine. So if anyone is taking escalatory action, it would appear to be Mr Putin and Russia.

Both men announced further financial support for Ukraine, including a 600 million package from the UK and 717 million dollars (550 million) from the US to meet immediate humanitarian, energy and stabilisation needs.

The US package includes 325 million dollars (250 million) to support Ukraines energy needs, with Mr Blinken accusing Russia of targeting Ukraines energy and electricity systems to weaponise the cold against the Ukrainian people.

The UK package includes a reaffirmation of Rishi Sunaks pledge of 242 million, as well as 484 million dollars (371 million) worth of loan guarantees for World Bank lending before the end of the year.

The former will include aid to meet immediate humanitarian, energy and stabilisation needs, while the latter will help bolster Ukraines economic stability.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy at a press conference during a visit with US secretary of state Antony Blinken to Kyiv, Ukraine (Leon Neal/PA)

The loan guarantees are the second deployment of an overall pledge of three billion US dollars over three years.

Mr Lammy said: The UKs support to Ukraine is unwavering.

Our commitment of over 600 million worth of support is the latest instalment in our enduring support to Ukraine.

This will provide vital support to Ukrainians as they continue to endure relentless Russian attacks.

It is a privilege to be one of the first to meet my new counterparts. The bravery and resilience of the Ukrainian people is inspiring.

Alongside the United States, we are committed to giving Ukraine what it needs to resist Russias illegal invasion.

Their fight for freedom, liberty and democracy is also a fight for British security, European security, and global security.

With the US, we stand firmly with Ukraine for as long as it takes.
Explainer: How to understand China's draft decision on gradually raising statutory retirement age

Xinhua) 09:51, September 11, 2024

BEIJING, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- The 11th session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee on Tuesday reviewed a draft decision on gradually raising the statutory retirement age in China.

Experts have explained to Xinhua why the retirement age needs to be raised and whether it would affect employment.

"Delaying retirement is a major reform introduced in response to population aging, and is conducive to the full utilization of China's human resources," said Mo Rong, head of the Chinese Academy of Labor and Social Security.

Currently, the retirement age in China for men is 60, while it is 55 for women cadres and 50 for women blue-collar workers.

"The arrangement was made based on average life expectancy, working conditions and employment practices in the 1950s. Now more than 70 years have passed and profound changes have taken place in average life expectancy, years of schooling, population structure, and relationship between labor supply and demand," Mo said, adding that it is necessary to raise the retirement age accordingly.

Compared with the early years of the People's Republic of China, the average life expectancy has increased from around 40 years to the current 78.6 years. There has been a significant increase in the number of years of education and a prominent delay in the age at which people join the workforce.

On the other hand, China's population of working-age individuals, aged 16 to 59, has been constantly declining, while the legion of people aged 60 and above keeps growing.

"The deeper-seated significance of delaying retirement lies in optimizing the allocation of human resources and enhancing the flexibility and efficiency in the labor market," said Yuan Xin, vice president of the China Population Association and a professor at Nankai University.

Experts also shared their thoughts on whether delayed retirement would make it harder for young and middle-aged people to get employed.

"A fundamental principle of public policy adjustments is to minimize social impact and fluctuations. It also applies to delaying retirement," Yuan said.

"A gradual approach (to raising the retirement age) means that the scale of workforce released to society in the short term would not be too large, and thus the overall impact on the job market would be limited," he said.

"From the perspective of supply in the human resources market, allowing elderly individuals with willingness and ability to continue working can partially offset the decline in the working-age population," said Dong Keyong, a professor with Renmin University of China.

Speaking of employment for young people, Dong said that it should mainly rely on the increase in job opportunities generated by economic development.

"There is some overlap between industries favored by young people and older workers, but the degree of overlap is not high. Young people are more inclined to seek employment in sectors such as the internet, digital economy and emerging industries," he said.

"To address the issue of employment for middle-aged workers, it is necessary to remove employers' discrimination against those aged above 35, and create a more equitable employment environment," Dong said.

China's Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security has recently rolled out measures to tackle relevant problems, including harsher punishment on employment discrimination and prohibition on setting unreasonable restrictions during recruitment.

"I believe if the decision on raising the retirement age is adopted after deliberation, relevant departments will beef up efforts to promote employment, regulate recruitment practices, and safeguard the rights and interests of workers. They will take more targeted measures to ensure high-quality and full employment," Yuan said.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
This combination of photos shows Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump, left, and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris during an ABC News presidential debate at the National Constitution Center, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Philadelphia. Alex Brandon/AP Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris participate during an ABC News presidential debate at the National Constitution Center, Tuesday, Sept.10, 2024, in Philadelphia. Alex Brandon/AP Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during a presidential debate with Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at the National Constitution Center, Tuesday, Sept.10, 2024, in Philadelphia. Alex Brandon/AP Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks during a presidential debate with Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris at the National Constitution Center, Tuesday, Sept.10, 2024, in Philadelphia. Alex Brandon/AP Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump shakes hands with Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris during an ABC News presidential debate at the National Constitution Center, Tuesday, Sept.10, 2024, in Philadelphia. Alex Brandon/AP Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris participate during an ABC News presidential debate at the National Constitution Center, Tuesday, Sept.10, 2024, in Philadelphia. Alex Brandon/AP Members of the press appear in the spin room during a presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump, on screen at left, and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, right, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Philadelphia. Matt Slocum/AP Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during a debate with Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at the National Constitution Center, Tuesday, Sept.10, 2024, in Philadelphia. Alex Brandon/AP Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks during a ABC News presidential debate with Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris at the National Constitution Center, Tuesday, Sept.10, 2024, in Philadelphia. Alex Brandon/AP In this combination photo, Democratic vice presidential candidate Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., speaks during a debate, Oct. 7, 2020, in Salt Lake City, left, and Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump speaks during a debate, June 27, 2024, in Atlanta. AP Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump, during his arrival at Philadelphia International Airport, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Philadelphia. Chris Szagola/AP People gather across the street from the National Constitution Center, the site of tonight's presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Philadelphia. Matt Slocum/AP

PHILADELPHIA (AP)  Kamala Harris pressed a forceful case against Donald Trump on Tuesday in their first and perhaps only debate before the presidential election, repeatedly goading him in an event that showcased their starkly different visions for the country on abortion, immigration and American democracy.

The Democratic vice president provoked Trump with reminders about the 2020 election loss that he still denies, delivered derisive asides at his false claims and sought to underscore the Republican former president's role in the Supreme Court's overturning of a national right to abortion two years ago. Trump tore into Harris as too liberal and a continuation of Biden's unpopular administration, as he launched into the sort of freewheeling personal attacks and digressions from which his advisers and supporters have tried to steer him away.

Less than two months from Election Day and hours before the first early ballots will begin to be mailed Wednesday in Alabama, the debate offered the clearest look yet at a presidential race that has been repeatedly upended.

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Harris performance by nearly every measure seemed to be the opposite of President Joe Bidens in June, with sharp, focused answers designed to showcase the contrast between her and Trump, whereas Biden at times was muddled, halting and incoherent. Harris used her body language and facial expressions to confront Trump and express that she found his answers ridiculous, amusing or both  a pronounced change from Biden's slack-jawed expression when Trump attacked him.

Harris appeared intent on casting herself as a relief for voters seeking a break from Trumps acerbic politics  a contrast highlighted as Trump appeared to be set on his back foot by her needling.

In one moment, Harris turned to Trump and said that as vice president, she had spoken to foreign leaders who are laughing at Donald Trump, and said she had spoken to military leaders, and they say youre a disgrace.

As Trump, 78, again questioned her racial identity, the 59-year-old Harris, the first woman, Black person and person of South Asian descent to serve as vice president, pointedly gestured to Trump and responded, I think the American people want better than that, want better than this.

Trump in turn tried to link Harris to the still-unpopular Biden, questioning why she hadnt acted on her proposed ideas while serving as vice president. Trump also focused his attacks on Harris over her assignment by Biden to deal with the root causes of illegal migration.

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Why hasnt she done it? Shes been there for three and a half years, he said.

Harris promised tax cuts aimed at the middle class and said she would push to restore a federally guaranteed right to abortion overturned by the Supreme Court two years ago. Trump said his proposed tariffs would help the U.S. stop being cheated by allies on trade and said he would work to swiftly end the Russia-Ukraine war  though he twice refused to say he believed it was in America's interest for Ukraine, which bipartisan majorities in Congress have backed, to win the war.

Trump again denied that he lost to Biden four years ago, when a mob of his supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol to try to stop the certification of his loss based on false or unsubstantiated claims of voter fraud. He tried to reverse the question of threats to American democracy and suggested criticism of him could be linked to the assassination attempt he survived in July.

I probably took a bullet to the head because of the things that they say about me, he said. They talk about democracy, Im a threat to democracy. Theyre the threat to democracy.

Trump has in recent days ramped up his threats of retribution if he returns to the White House, saying he would prosecute lawyers, donors, and other officials whom he deems to cheat in the election.

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Donald Trump was fired by 81 million people," Harris said, "So lets be clear about that. And clearly he is having a very difficult time processing that.

Her campaign ended the debate by expressing openness to another meeting in October  and welcomed an endorsement from megastar Taylor Swift, who labeled herself a  childless cat lady  in a dig at Trump's running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, as she encouraged her fans to vote.

Harris defends shifts to the center, puts abortion front and center

Harris sought to defend her shifts away from liberal causes to more moderate stances on fracking, expanding Medicare for all and mandatory gun buyback programs  and even backing away from her position that plastic straws should be banned  as pragmatism.

Asked about her changing positions on a number of issues, she twice repeated a phrase she has used to try to explain it away, saying, My values have not changed.

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Trump, meanwhile, quickly went after Harris for abandoning some of her past liberal positions and said: Shes going to my philosophy now. In fact, I was going to send her a MAGA hat. Harris smiled broadly and laughed.

Harris, in zeroing in on one of Trumps biggest electoral vulnerabilities, laid the end of a federally guaranteed right to abortion at Trumps feet for his role in appointing three U.S. Supreme Court justices who overturned Roe v. Wade, leaving more than 20 states in the country with what she called Trump abortion bans.

Harris gave one of her most impassioned answers as she described the ways women have been denied abortion care and other emergency care since that ruling, and said Trump would sign a national abortion ban if he wins.

Trump declared it a lie, and said, Im not signing a ban and theres no reason to sign a ban.

The Republican has said he wants the issue left to the states.

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Trump, who 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, continued to call Harris a Marxist and said, Everyone knows shes a Marxist.

Harris eyebrows shot up and she made an amused face, bringing her hand to her chin and staring at him.

Trump leaned on familiar falsehoods and signaled a shift on Ukraine

Trump attacked Harris for the inflation seen under the Biden-Harris administration, a major liability for the vice president. He quickly turned his answer to warning about immigrants coming into the country  one of the subjects hes focused on most heavily in his campaign.

He called his proposed tariffs a straightforward way to make other countries pay up for what he has long argued is an imbalance that hurts the U.S. Harris called the tariffs an effective national sales tax. Trump reacted swiftly and called that an incorrect statement.

Throughout his campaign, Trump has leaned on illegal immigration, an issue that has bedeviled Biden and Harris with rising numbers of illegal border crossings and the arrivals of thousands of people needing shelter in Democratic-led cities. He accused Democrats of abetting large numbers of unauthorized crossings  though they have dropped in recent months in part due to new asylum restrictions by the Biden administration.

But as he often does in his rallies and on his social media account, Trump reeled off a series of falsehoods or unproven claims about migrants. One of those claims was a debunked rumor that Trump and his allies have spread online in recent days, alleging Haitian immigrants in an Ohio town are hunting and eating pets. Officials in Springfield, Ohio, say they have no evidence of that happening.

Talk about extreme, Harris said after Trump talked about dogs and cats being eaten.

Harris' expressions filled their split-screen

As the debate opened, Harris walked up to Trumps lectern to introduce herself, marking the first time the two had ever met, since Trump skipped her 2021 inauguration. Kamala Harris, she said, extending her hand to Trump, who received it in a handshake  the first presidential debate handshake since the 2016 campaign.

Trump has at times resorted to invoking racial and gender stereotypes and falsely claiming that Harris, who attended a historically Black university, hid her race during her career.

I read where she was not Black, Trump said when asked about comments questioning Harris' race, adding a minute later, and then I read that she was Black. He seemed to suggest her race was a choice, saying twice, Thats up to her.

I think its a tragedy that we have someone who wants to be president who has consistently over the course of his career attempted to use race to divide the American people, Harris responded.

While Tuesdays meeting might be the last time the candidates cross paths on the debate stage, they may cross paths again Wednesday when they both mark the 23rd anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. Harris, Trump and Biden plan to all be at ground zero in lower Manhattan and the Flight 93 National Memorial near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, on Wednesday. Harris and Biden will also visit the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, later in the day for a ceremony there.

Trump at one point launched into an attack on Biden, questioning his mental acuity by making the claim that Biden doesnt even know hes alive.

Harris quickly tried to turn it around to make Trump look less than sharp.

First of all, I think its important to remind the former president, youre not running against Joe Biden. Youre running against me, she said.

___
The widow of murdered Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane has said it is time for the truth to come out about his killing after 35 years of cover-ups.

Geraldine Finucane was speaking after the Government ordered a public inquiry into the collusion-linked loyalist paramilitary murder of the lawyer in 1989.

Mr Finucane, 39, was shot dead at his family home in north Belfast by the Ulster Defence Association in an attack found by a series of probes to have involved collusion with the state.

His widow and the couples three children have been campaigning for decades for a public inquiry to establish the extent of security force involvement.

Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn made the announcement to the House of Commons.

Speaking later in Belfast, Mrs Finucane said it had been a long journey to this point.

She said: I look forward to having the opportunity to participate in a statutory inquiry and expose publicly the whole truth behind the murder of my husband.

This has always been the objective of the campaign that my family and I have pursued for the last 35 years.

We have only ever been concerned with uncovering the truth.

Geraldine Finucane, the widow of murdered Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane, with her son John Finucane (Niall Carson/PA)

It is this that has kept us going. It is the thing that has been missing, all these years.

Mrs Finucane became emotional as she delivered her statement.

She said she did not believe the murder of her husband was simply the work of gunmen who killed him.

She added: An independent, statutory public inquiry is and was the only way to bring the whole truth behind the murder of Pat Finucane into the light of day.

Mrs Finucane said she believed the public inquiry could be a watershed moment in dealing with legacy cases in Northern Ireland.

She added: If a public inquiry in to the murder of Pat Finucane can finally publicly examine all of the collusion that plagued our society for so many years, then there is hope that the real process of healing can begin.

The murder of Pat Finucane is the last remaining Weston Park case.

It is high time it was properly investigated, publicly examined, and finally resolved.

I believe that my family deserve this after so many years. Pat Finucane deserves this after so many years.

Society as a whole deserves this, after so many years. After 35 years of cover-ups, it is time for truth.

Mrs Finucane received a round of applause from supports as she finished speaking.

Earlier, Mr Benn told the Commons it is a plain fact that a UK government commitment made more than 20 years ago to hold an inquiry into Mr Finucanes murder remains unfulfilled.

Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn met members of Pat Finucanes family before announcing the public inquiry (Jordan Pettitt/PA)

It is for this exceptional reason that I have decided to establish an independent inquiry into the death of Patrick Finucane under the 2005 Inquiries Act, he said.

The court acknowledged Mrs Finucane had been given an unequivocal undertaking by the government following the 2001 Weston Park Agreement that there would be a public inquiry into the murder.

However, the Supreme Court judges found that the government had been justified in later deciding against holding one.

The court said it was up to the government to decide what form of investigation was now required.

The following year, the government pushed back a decision on a public inquiry, insisting outstanding issues concerning the original police investigation needed to be first examined by the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland.

In the years since, Mrs Finucane has pursued further legal proceedings challenging the ongoing delays on a decision.

The family of Pat Finucane (left-right) Seamus Finucane, Geraldine Finucane, Katherine Finucane and John Finucane arrive at Erskine House in Belfast (Liam McBurney/PA)

During the summer, the Court of Appeal in Belfast gave the Government a September deadline to confirm what form of human rights-compliant investigation it intends to undertake into the murder.

The Secretary of State said he had considered the likely costs and impact on the public finances.

It is the Governments expectation that the inquiry will  while doing everything that is required to discharge the states human rights obligations  avoid unnecessary costs given all the previous reviews and investigations, and the large amount of information and material that is already in the public domain, he said.

Mr Benn said he also considered referring the case to a new mechanism established to examine Troubles killing in Northern Ireland  the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery.

However, given the unique circumstances of this case, and the solemn commitment made by the government in 2001 and again in 2004, the only appropriate way forward is to establish a public inquiry, he said.

Many of us in this House remember the savage brutality of the Troubles  a truly terrible time in our history  and we must never forget that most of the deaths and injuries were the responsibility of paramilitaries, including the Ulster Defence Association, the Provisional IRA, and others, and we should also always pay tribute to the work during that time of the Armed Forces, the police and the security services, the vast majority of whom served with distinction and honour, and so many of whom sacrificed their lives in protecting others.

It is very hard for any of us to understand fully the trauma of those who lost loved ones  sons and daughters, spouses and partners, fathers and mothers  and what they have been through, and there is of course nothing that any of us can do to bring them back or to erase the deep pain that was caused.

But what we can do is to seek transparency to help provide answers to families, and to work together for a better future for Northern Ireland which has made so much progress since these terrible events. I hope that this inquiry will, finally, provide the information that the Finucane family has sought for so long.

Mr Benn said the Government would seek to appoint an inquiry chair and establish its terms of reference as soon as possible.

A spokesperson for the US Department of State welcomed the commitment to set up a public inquiry.

The spokesperson said: We recognise the complexity in addressing the legacy of violence in Northern Ireland as well as the deep and enduring pain of those who lost loved ones.

It is our hope that the inquiry and its findings will provide the information the Finucane family have been looking for.
Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for strong decisions to be made as he ramped up the pressure on the West for permission to use long-distance missiles in Russia.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy and his US counterpart Antony Blinken are on a joint visit to the Ukrainian capital to show support for Kyiv.

Mr Lammy announced on Wednesday over 600 million worth of support for Ukraine, including aid to meet immediate humanitarian, energy and stabilisation needs.

Mr Zelensky has repeatedly pushed for permission to use Western missiles to strike at targets within Vladimir Putins Russia, and US President Joe Biden and Sir Keir Starmer are set to discuss the issue in Washington on Friday.

Speaking during an International Crimea Platform conference attended by Mr Lammy and Mr Blinken, the Ukrainian president said: I will have a little bit later a talk with him (Blinken) and minister of foreign affairs for the UK. I dont know all the details of our conversation. I will be ready to be open and honest after these consultations.

If I am optimistic about their decision to give us permission to use long distance, it is a pity it doesnt depend on my optimism. It depends on their optimism. Lets count on some strong decisions on this.

For us it is very important for today. Anyway, I will tell you after the meeting and anyway I am counting on my dialogue with President Biden this month.

His words follow a similar request from Ukraines Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, who asked the British Foreign Secretary on Wednesday for help and support in using long-range missiles.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy attends a bilateral meeting with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and other officials in Kyiv (Leon Neal/PA)

Speaking at the start of a meeting with Mr Lammy at his office in Kyiv on Wednesday, Mr Shmyhal said: We hope that long-range equipment for strikes on the territory of our enemy will be reached and we will have it. And we hope for your help and support in this issue.

Mr Lammy told reporters the West is listening carefully to Ukraines needs, adding that both he and his US counterpart were in Kyiv to listen to Ukraine, to speak to President Zelensky, to hear and understand the strategy.

When asked if the UK would allow Ukraine to use long-range missiles against targets in Russia, Mr Lammy said: Were here to listen, to understand the plan, to understand the strategy and understand the needs across a whole range of fronts.

Yes, of course, equipment but of course energy that has been sabotaged, the support thats needed on the humanitarian front over these next few months and how we continue to mobilise the international community on Ukraines behalf.

So we are listening carefully and, of course, we are having discussions on a range of issues including the military equipment that Ukraine needs to win.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrive at Kyiv train station during a visit to Ukraine (Leon Neal/PA)

Mr Lammy and Mr Blinken took an overnight train from eastern Poland and reached the Ukrainian capital at 11.45am local time.

Mr Blinken travelled from London, where he accused Iran of providing Russia with Fath-360 short-range ballistic missiles, calling the move a dramatic escalation of the war.

The Foreign Secretary announced over 600 million-worth of support for Ukraine on Wednesday.

The package includes a reaffirmation of Rishi Sunaks pledge of 242 million, as well as 484 million US dollars worth of loan guarantees for World Bank lending before the end of the year.

The former will include aid to meet immediate humanitarian, energy and stabilisation needs, while the latter will help bolster Ukraines economic stability.

The loan guarantees are the second deployment of an overall pledge of three billion US dollars over three years.

Mr Lammy said: The UKs support to Ukraine is unwavering.

Our commitment of over 600 million worth of support is the latest instalment in our enduring support to Ukraine.

This will provide vital support to Ukrainians as they continue to endure relentless Russian attacks.

It is a privilege to be one of the first to meet my new counterparts.

The bravery and resilience of the Ukrainian people is inspiring.

Alongside the United States, we are committed to giving Ukraine what it needs to resist Russias illegal invasion.

Their fight for freedom, liberty and democracy is also a fight for British security, European security, and global security.

With the US, we stand firmly with Ukraine for as long as it takes.
The long, luscious locks of long-haired dogs turn heads and strike up a chorus of "oohs" and "aahs" wherever they go. It's true that long-haired dogs can be fairly high maintenance with their continual need for routine grooming and brushing, but all that hard work and hair care is worth it when your stylish doggy diva steals the show. Plus, contrary to the common perception they have, not all long-haired dog breeds are heavy shedders, and some are even close to hypoallergenic (though bear in mind, no dog is truly 100% "hypoallergenic")!

Long-haired dogs come in all shapes, sizes, and even hair textures, from silky, swishy coats to perfectly-coifed curls and everywhere in between. There's a perfect long-haired pooch out there for every pet parent - at least those who aren't afraid to wield a brush! Let's go over 14 of the most iconic long-haired dog breeds and what pet parents can expect when it comes to grooming them.

Small Long-Haired Dogs

When a dog is small in size, the visually striking effect of a long, dramatic coat becomes all the more pronounced. Small dog breeds and gorgeously groomed fur are a winning combo, especially at dog shows! On the other hand, since that fur is more liable to being dragged on the ground, that often requires lots of extra grooming. Still, we think you'll agree that it's a fair tradeoff once you see these fabulous pups!

A Scottish Terrier running on the beach cynoclub via Shutterstock

1. Scottish Terrier

Gruff, bossy, and full of personality, these spunky little dogs are also remarkable for their thick, glossy coats. Actually, according to the Scottish Terrier Club of North America, Scotties have two coats: a wiry, weather-resistant outer coat, and a soft, dense undercoat. This shaggy dual coat drapes over the body in a way that creates their iconic, skirted outline.

Despite their thick double coat, Scotties don't shed very much and thus are less likely to trigger allergic reactions. As with all dogs, regular brushing of their fur throughout the week can further decrease the likelihood of shedding and unwanted allergies! They also don't get dirty easily, so they only need baths once every few months!

A Shih-Tzu sitting on a stylish chair TongTa25 via Shutterstock

2. Shih-Tzu

Prized by Chinese royalty for centuries, these adorable toy dogs stun with their flowy, luxurious double coats. A well-groomed Shih-Tzu coat is a silky marvel that's low-shed and low-allergen, making them a perfect lap dog (especially with their charming, affectionate personalities)!

Because their hair is so shaggy, it can irritate their eyes when it gets in their face. To prevent this, the American Kennel Club recommends trimming the hair on top of their head or just putting it up in a cute little topknot! Though every dog has their own unique grooming needs, Shih-Tzus are pretty low maintenance in general. Brush 'em a few times a week, bathe them about once a month, and you're good to go!

A Lhasa Apso hanging out on the lawn sree guruu studio via Shutterstock

3. Lhasa Apso

These quirky pint-sized Tibetan watchdogs have long, shaggy manes and small builds similar to those of the Shih-Tzu, unsurprisingly so, as the two breeds are related. There are definite differences between the two breeds, however. According to the American Kennel Club, Lhasa Apsos have longer muzzles and narrower bodies than Shih-Tzus, and their long coat is heavier and straighter than the Shih-Tzu's flowing fur.

Nevertheless, hair care for Lhasa Apsos is still pretty similar to that of Shih-Tzus. They need bathing and grooming once every few weeks as needed to keep their coats clean, untangled, and free of matting. Daily brushing is advisable for their thick, heavy coats.

A happy Pomeranian running Madzik Maria via Shutterstock

4. Pomeranian

Ah, Pomeranians: little walking pom-poms just bursting with personality! The Pomeranian's iconic "fluffball" appearance is thanks to their long, luxurious outer coats that protected these dogs from cold weather in their native habitat in Central Europe.

Pomeranian puppies start out with a soft, single-layer coat, which eventually falls out and is replaced by their adult two-layer coat over their first year of life. This drastic puppy shedding has frightened many a first-time Pom parent into believing that their dog is sick! Fear not, though: this is a perfectly natural process. Once your Pom's fluffy adult coat grows in, they should be brushed several times a week and groomed once every 3-6 weeks.

A happy Yorkie in a field of flowers Anna Averianova via Shutterstock

5. Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire Terriers are certified cuties, thanks in part to their uniquely soft, silky locks. According to Pedigree, Yorkie hair is almost identical to human hair, which has its ups and downs. On one hand, it's low in allergens. On the other, it's more likely to mat up and tangle faster than your average dog's fur!

For that reason, it's especially important to stay on top of your Yorkie's grooming regimen. Gentle daily brushing is advised, especially if you leave their hair long, and they should be trimmed and groomed ideally once a month.

Two Chow Chow buddies side by side Natalliaskn via Shutterstock

6. Chow Chow

These cute Chinese pups are frequently compared to teddy bears or miniature lions thanks to their intensely fluffy fur, complete with a lion-esque mane around the collar. Chow Chow fur is often striking in color as well, frequently appearing in bold shades of cinnamon or blue-black.

Their soft outer coats can mat easily, so Chow Chows should be brushed daily. Depending on your Chow Chow's activity level, you can bathe them anywhere from once a week to once every month or so to keep their fur soft and clean!

An adorable Toy Poodle EL_Images via Shutterstock

7. Toy Poodle

Like their full-sized relatives, Toy Poodles have coifed, curly hair that can grow very long if left untrimmed. While lots of pet parents keep their Poodle's hair trimmed, others prefer to let it grow to curate an adorably puffy appearance!

Poodles thankfully shed very little, but their hair grows very fast. Depending on how long you want their fur to get, you should get your Poodle groomed about once every 4-8 weeks. Don't forget to give them a good brush-down a few times a week, especially as their floofy fur grows out!

Related: Longhaired Dachshunds Dashing Through the Snow Are Super Speedy

Large Long-Haired Dogs

Lassie. Beethoven. Annie's superbly shaggy pup Sandy. It's undeniable: big, fluffy dogs are iconic, both on the silver screen and in real life. There's nothing more delightful than watching one of these big, long-haired furry friends come bounding into a room! There are more large long-haired breeds than we can name, but we've chosen these specific large dogs for their uniquely iconic appearances.

A Rough Collie playing catch lightman_pic via Shutterstock

8. Rough Collie

If you've ever seen Lassie, you'll know immediately why Rough Collies are on this list. These lovely Scottish herding dogs have long, beautiful coats that are somehow both fluffy and silky. Not only do these protective coats shield them from rain, snow, and cold weather, but they also make them all the more huggable!

Rough Collies can shed quite a lot, and their coats are prone to matting if not routinely cared for. Rover.com recommends brushing them a couple times a week to keep tangles at bay. Their top coats are naturally good at resisting dirt and keeping them clean, though, so they don't need a lot of baths. Unless they get super muddy, a bath once every 3-4 months will usually suffice.

A white Borzoi mid-run Anastasiia Cherniavskaia via Shutterstock

9. Borzoi

These elegant Russian Wolfhounds are undeniably the shaggy supermodels of the big dog world. Their long, silky coats waterfall down their thin lanky frames to dramatic effect, especially when they take off running. It's small wonder why Borzoi are so highly prized as racing and show dogs!

Because Borzoi fur is so long and soft, brushing them once every day or two is advisable, especially during their shedding seasons. Borzoi are very active animals, but like collies, their coats are naturally dirt-repellent, so baths can be kept down to once every 1-3 months unless they get themselves really dirty.

An Irish Setter sitting in autumn leaves Nikaletto via Shutterstock

10. Irish Setter

Irish Setters are unmistakable in their bold, wavy, copper-colored coats. Combine their beautiful coats with their playful, free-spirited, silly personalities, and you've got the perfect, fun family dog who's as stylish as they are lovable!

Luckily, Irish Setters aren't too high-maintenance when it comes to their grooming needs - a good thing, too, as it can be hard to get these energetic pups to stay still! Most dog grooming experts recommend brushing them a couple of times a week, slightly more so during shedding seasons. Like Rough Collies and Borzoi, they typically only need baths once every few months or so.

A Tibetan Mastiff playing in the snow Eudyptula via Shutterstock

11. Tibetan Mastiff

Everything about the Tibetan Mastiff is big: their builds, their paws, their barks, and of course, their long, shaggy coats, complete with a fluffy mane that wraps around them like a built-in parka. Bred to survive the cold, high-altitude conditions of the Himalayas, these dogs are born to thrive in the snow!

Tibetan Mastiffs notoriously need a lot of grooming to keep their coats looking lovely. Not only should they be brushed several times a week, but Espree recommends not letting them go longer than six weeks between baths.

A Komondor running across a lawn Colin Seddon via Shutterstock

12. Komondor

Look, off in the dog park! It's a mop! It's a rogue car wash scrubber! No, it's... a Komondor! These big, distinctive dogs are covered from head to tail in long, ropey white cords that resemble the stringy end of a mop. Active, loyal, and fiercely independent, these one-of-a-kind Hungarian Sheepdogs are quite the sight to see, especially while they're in action!

Because a Komondor's hair naturally mats together into its distinctive cords, you should never try to brush it out. However, Komondors still need appropriate grooming to keep from getting dirty and to keep their cords from getting too tangled. Groomer's University recommends bathing and grooming your Komondor once every 12 weeks or so, and gently styling/separating their tangled cords a couple of times per month.

A stylish Afghan Hound posing for the camera KDdesign_photo_video via Shutterstock

13. Afghan Hound

Every well-groomed Afghan Hound essentially looks like the canine version of an easy, breezy, beautiful Covergirl model. Between their iconically long, fine, silky fur and their adorably curly tails, they look like they've spent half their lives sitting in at the hair salon. Farrah Fawcett, eat your heart out.

Afghan Hound coats should never be brushed dry. Either use a hydrating mist, or brush them after baths. The good news is that, according to Espree, they don't need brushing in between baths if you keep them on their recommended once-weekly bathing schedule. If you don't bathe them weekly, however, expect to spend several hours a week brushing them instead. It takes a lot of work to look so glamorous!

A happy Bernese Mountain Dog standing in the grass otsphoto via Shutterstock

14. Bernese Mountain Dog

Let's wrap up with a jump from high-maintenance to low-maintenance with the lovable Bernese Mountain Dog. Bernese Mountain Dogs are already prized for their laid-back, loving, and loyal temperaments, but their moderately long, fluffy, multicolored coats are the cherry on top. You just want to snuggle these big babies!

As with many other double-coated dogs, Bernese Mountain Dogs can shed a fair bit, so try to brush yours a few times a week. As far as bathing and grooming sessions go, however, you can schedule them once every 1-2 months. Compared to grooming furry fashionistas like the Afghan Hounds, grooming a Bernese Mountain Dog is a walk in the dog park!

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Related: 25 Mixed-Breed Dogs That Will Have You Ready To Adopt Your Next Fur Baby
My heart is and always will be broken, but Joe made it capable of loving again," Dena Smagala tells PEOPLE

courtesy Dena Smagala From left: Dena Smagala and Joe Coreno

Dena Smagalas New York City firefighter husband, Stanley Smagala Jr., died as a first responder to the World Trade Center during 9/11  and for nearly two decades, she was convinced she'd never find love again.

Then, one day in 2019, a good friend called and offered to introduce Dena, 54, to someone. "'No thanks, I'm good,' " she recalls saying. I wasn't into it, even when she told me that the last couple she set up got married."

Now shes a believer. And on Wednesday, as Dena marks the 23rd anniversary of the terror attacks that changed her familys life  and the country  shell have a new partner by her side at the beach memorial near her Holbrook, Long Island, home.

"He's supportive, he's understanding, he lets me be me," she says of Joe Coreno, 60, whom she married in July 2022. Hes also someone who is willing to let Dena cry as she remembers the worst day of her life.

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.

"I have never been the same person since 9/11, there's always been a piece of my heart missing," she says, "but Joe will do anything he can to help me feel like a whole person again."

Denas 22-year-old daughter, Alexa, born four months after Sep. 11, feels the same way.

As one of the children who arrived into the world after their fathers died in the attacks in 2001  and whose journey has been documented by PEOPLE for more than 20 years  Alexa grew up with the hurt of not having her dad. But she says that her stepfather fills an important role in their family.

"I don't have a word to describe how much I appreciate him," she says. "It's a lot. When Joe came into the picture, I immediately felt so safe. He was so easy to talk to and very understanding of everything."



Fateful Phone Call

Four years after Corenos divorce, a friend told him about Dena in March 2019. Like Dena, he also wasn't interested right away  until that July, when he asked for her number and left her a long voicemail.

She received the call while on a trip to Walt Disney World in Florida and touring nearby colleges with her father and Alexa and her younger daughter Sophia, now 13.

At that moment, Dena, a stay-at-home mom, shrugged off the overture, texting back: "I'm busy."

But days later, she had a change of heart. At the Magic Kingdom wishing well, she threw a penny in and said to herself, with a glimmer of unusual hope, "Maybe this will work out."

On the plane ride home to New York, she texted Coreno again and the pair ended up exchanging messages the entire flight.

He would ask questions to get to know me, like, 'Do you have five favorite things to do? What do you value the most?'  Dena says.

Related: The Children of 9/11 Are Honoring the Dads They Never Knew: 'I'm the Last Thing He Left Behind'

Coreno, who works in the auto industry, shared that family was his No. 1 thing  he has a son, 30, and daughter, 22  which matched Dena's own priorities. "I really could fall for this guy," she thought.

Soon after, they spoke on the phone for the first time (for 187 minutes!) and talked about everything, including her relationship with her late husband and how heartbroken she remained.

She also shared other major twists and turns in her life, like how shed reconnected with a high school classmate on Facebook and had Sophia with him in February 2011 before, she says, he became verbally abusive and their relationship ended.

At another point in their talk, Dena revealed her diagnosis and yearlong treatment for stage III colon cancer soon after that breakup.

In all her candor, she was hoping he wouldn't be interested," she tells PEOPLE. But Coreno remained very interested and asked if he could meet her.

Still, she wasnt so sure.

"I was content being by myself, I thought the rest of my life would be me and the girls and I was fine with that," Dena says. She told Coreno she wasn't ready.

But a month after their first texts, she gave in to her friends' encouragement to at least get together with them: "They were like, 'What's the worst that can happen? Its a free dinner."

courtesy Dena Smagala Joe Coreno (right) proposing to Dena Smagala at Walt Disney World

'So Filled with Joy'

She first arrived at Coreno's house in ripped jeans, a dark blue sweatshirt and no makeup. She had a friend on the phone "in case he was crazy," she says now, laughing.

He came out and I was like, Oh my God he is really cute, if you dont hear back from me within an hour, call the police, this is where I am. 

As they sat on his sofa together, talking and listening to music, Dena and Coreno felt like they always knew each other and talked easily for hours, she says.

Weeks later, on Sept. 11, 2019, after a trip to the beach 9/11 memorial, she and Coreno stopped by her home. Alexa greeted the pair and remembers that she "almost wanted to cry in a happy way when I saw them together.

My mom was just so filled with joy, and she is not one to express her emotions, she says.

"Because my mom had the biggest smile ear to ear," she continues, "I think we were pretty much on the same page that he was going to be the one for her."

Related: See PEOPLE's Incredible 20-Year Journey Documenting the Children Whose Dads Died on 9/11

Almost three years to the day after exchanging their first messages, the couple married on the beach in Key Largo, Fla., on July 9, 2022, in a small wedding with just close family and friends.

Under a bright blue summer sky, Dena shared how her trust in love was restored and how Coreno got me to open up and have feelings again.

"My heart is and always will be broken, but Joe made it capable of loving again," she tells PEOPLE.

Her family also loves Coreno, though Stans memory is never far from their hearts: They say they spend hours together sharing stories of the firefighter with Engine 226 in Brooklyn who died when the twin towers collapsed.

Dena, who had long believed she wasnt one of those widows with a guardian angel looking after her, has also had a change of heart. She now believes Stan and her late father  who, similar to Coreno, had an easygoing nature  put love back in her life.

"It's comforting to feel they are looking out for me," Dena says. "I am so blessed."



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Read the original article on People.
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
Vice President Kamala Harris shakes former President Donald Trump's hand at their first presidential debate. Alex Brandon

Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are debating for the first  and maybe only  time in Philadelphia.

It's the highest-stakes moment of the presidential campaign yet.

Here are the biggest takeaways from the debate so far.

Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump met for their first debate on Tuesday night.

The high-stakes face-off, taking place at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, may be the two candidates' only debate of the election  they have not yet agreed to meet for a second time.

Here are the biggest takeaways from the debate so far.

Kamala Harris made a point to shake hands with Trump

For the first time since 2016, the two presidential candidates shook hands on the debate stage.

It was Harris who made the first move, crossing the stage toward Trump to greet him at the outside of the debate.

"Kamala Harris, good to debate with you," the vice president could be heard saying.

Harris often sneered at Trump as he spoke

Despite the Harris campaign's best efforts, each candidate's microphone remained muted while the other was speaking. But that doesn't mean that the Vice President didn't communicate with viewers as Trump spoke.

Harris could often be seen on the split-screen staring over toward Trump with a bewildered look, narrowing her eyes and shaking her head at times. When Trump dubbed her a Marxist, she even appeared to laugh, placing her hand on her chin.

That's a choice, given the performative aspects of a high-stakes presidential debate. Harris is betting that showing active disdain for Trump will play well with viewers.

Harris successfully baited Trump over his rallies

Roughly 25 minutes into the debate, Harris said something unusual: She urged viewers to attend one of Trump's rallies, noting that he often speaks of fictional characters while claiming that attendees often leave early. That visibly angered Trump.

"People don't go to her rallies, there's no reason to go," Trump said, claiming that Harris pays people to attend her rallies. "People don't leave my rallies."

From that moment on, Trump's tone took a noticeable turn, with more frequent yelling and hyperbole.

Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris during the ABC News presidential debate. Screenshot from ABC News

Trump refused to say whether he would veto a national abortion ban

One of the most intense exchanges of the debate was over abortion, when Harris delivered intense remarks on the consequences of state-level abortion bans.

Trump insisted that he would not sign a national abortion ban, saying that the overturning of Roe v. Wade was sufficient. But when Trump was pressed on whether he would veto such a ban, he repeatedly declined to say, despite Sen. JD Vance declaring he would do so in a recent interview.

Trump blamed Democrats for the assassination attempt

During a heated exchange over Trump's legal cases, the former president went where hasn't quite gone before, seemingly blaming Democrats for Thomas Matthew Crooks' attempt to assassinate him at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

"I probably took a bullet to the head because of the things they say about me," Trump said.

Trump previously suggested as much as much at a rally in Atlanta."Remember the words they use: 'They are a threat to democracy,'" Trump said at the rally, according to the Washington Post. "I think I got shot because of that, okay?"

Harris attacked Trump over his election denialism

Democrats have long pointed to Trump's criticism of the 2020 election process to argue that his reelection would be a threat to democracy  a theme long that had repeatedly been pressed by President Joe Biden.

Harris took it a step forward and poked at Trump over his 2020 election loss as she sought to make the case that his conduct on January 6, 2021, was unworthy of a commander in chief.

"Donald Trump was fired by 81 million people, so let's be clear about that, and clearly he has had a very difficult time processing that," the vice president said. "But we cannot afford to have a President of the United States who attempts, as he did in the past, to upend the will of the voters in the street and fair elections."

Harris made it clear to Trump that she's his opponent  and not Biden

Trump repeatedly invoked Biden during the debate, arguing that his onetime rival  who stepped aside as the presumptive nominee in July  was pushed out of the presidential race "like a dog."

The former president since Biden's withdrawal has said that the incumbent president was treated unfairly by Democrats and has frequently brought up the current commander-in-chief at his campaign rallies.

But on Tuesday night, Harris emphatically told Trump that she was his opponent  and not the retiring president.

"First of all it is important to remind the former president, you're not running against Joe Biden, you are running against me," she said.

Harris told Trump that Putin is "a dictator who would eat you for lunch"

During an exchange over the war in Ukraine, Trump insisted that he hoped to see the war ended via a "deal," declining to explicitly say that he wanted a Ukrainian victory.

"I want the war to stop," Trump said. "I want to save lives."

When it was Harris' turn, she went for the jugular as she argued that if Russian President Vladimir Putin were to succeed in his invasion of Ukraine, he would seek to invade Poland next. And she brought it back toward American politics.

"Why don't you tell the 800,000 Polish Americans right here in Pennsylvania how quickly you would give up, for the sake of favor, and what you think is a friendship with what is known to be a dictator who would eat you for lunch?" Harris said.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Firefighters watch as the Bridge Fire burns near homes in Wrightwood, Calif., on Sept. 10, 2024.

The Bridge Fire in Southern California exponentially exploded over 10 times in size in a matter of 24 hours, as firefighters grappled with two other major fires in the region and a man was arrested in connection with setting off one of the infernos.

The Bridge Fire, which sparked Sunday in Angeles National Forest, exhibited extreme fire behavior, jumping in size from 4,000 acres early Tuesday to 46,000 acres by evening, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFire). The blaze expanded from Los Angeles County into San Bernardino County.

As of Wednesday morning it is the largest wildfire in the state, spanning nearly 48,000 acres and is 0% contained.

The fire has destroyed approximately 20 homes in the Mount Baldy area, 13 homes in the Wrightwood area, and six cabins in the wilderness, officials said at a news conference Wednesday.

There have been no reports of any deaths or significant injuries. Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger and other officials urged people to heed evacuation warnings and to leave when told.

Squandering even a few minutes may be the difference between life and death, Barger said.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Video by the San Bernardino County Fire Department showed firefighters and deputies performing rescue evacuations in Wrightwood on Tuesday evening as flames consumed brush and trees.

Evacuation orders were issued for areas that include Running Springs, Arrowbear Lake, Forrest Falls, Mountain Home Village, Angelus Oaks and Seven Oaks, according to CalFire, which published a full list of evacuation orders and warning online.

The Bridge Fire is one of three major fires in southern California  along with the Line Fire and the Airport Fire  which sparked amid an intense heatwave that brought triple digit temperatures and dry conditions to the region.

The weather has been trending cooler but still posed an increased risk for fires in the region. A "red flag" warning was in place for areas around the Bridge Fire through 10 a.m. Thursday and gusty winds could drive the fire further east, the National Weather Service said.

Line Fire

Officials said Tuesday a man was arrested, accused of sparking the Line Fire that is burning in the foothills of the San Bernardino National Forest, east of Los Angeles, and now spans over 34,600 acres at 14% containment.

Justin Wayne Halstenberg, 34, from Norco, allegedly started the fire in the area of Baseline Road and Alpin Street in the city of Highland on Sept. 5, the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Office said.

He was booked Tuesday at the Central Detention Center on a charge of Arson, held on $80,000 bail.

Officials said in a press conference Wednesday that an automatic license plate reader flagged his vehicle near the area where the fire started and led investigators to look into him. Officials said Halstenberg works for Fedex as a third contract delivery driver.

A search warrant conducted Tuesday at the suspect's residence and in his car led to the discovery of evidence that supported his arrest, Jacob Hernandez with the San Marin County Sheriffs Department, said.

Its my belief that as time goes on and we allow (investigators) to do the critical work that theyre doing, that we will actually find out this suspect may have been responsible for other fires, San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus said.

He said investigators believe Halstenberg set the Bridge Fire intentionally, but did not disclose how, saying, that will be one of those pieces of evidence that does allow us to connect it to multiple fires.

The blaze, which started Sept. 5, has continued to grow in steep terrain described as difficult to access and has impacted "key radio towers on Keller Peak," hampering major communication channels used to response to the incident, CalFire's unit that covers San Bernardino County said.

Fire officials say public safety power shutoffs are anticipated for parts of Big Bear and Bear Valleys.

Some 65,600 structures are threatened by the fire. Evacuation orders are in place for the communities of Running Springs, Arrowbear Lake, Forrest Falls, Mountain Home Village, and parts of Big Bear, along with more evacuation warnings.

Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a state of emergency due to the Line Fire on Saturday, and the said the states National Guard will support the fire response.





The Line fire burns through in San Bernardino National Forest, Calif., on Sept. 10, 2024.

Airport Fire

Meanwhile, in Orange County, the Airport Fire now stands at over 22,000 acres, according to latest CalFire numbers. It had sparked Monday afternoon as a 7-acre brush fire in Orange Countys Trabuco Canyon, south of Los Angeles.

As of Tuesday night, the Orange County Fire Authority reported 0% containment and so far reported no damage to homes or structures.

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 remote-controlled aircraft were flying when the fire started.

The cause of the fire as we announced yesterday is accidental, unintentional, by heavy equipment working in the area of the RC Airport, OCFA Captain Paul Holaday said in a news conference Tuesday.

Evacuation orders and warnings are in place.

One of the challenges were having is competition with other fires in California, Brian Fennessey Fire Chief said Tuesday, citing the Bridge and Lines fires. All of these fires are drawing down on the limited resources available to us.

A vehicle is engulfed in flames in El Cariso Village as the Airport Fire continues to burn near Lake Elsinore, Calif., on Sept. 10, 2024.

On Tuesday, Newsom's office said it mobilized nearly 6,000 boots on the ground and hundreds of engines, 51 helicopters and 141 water tankers as the state fights 16 active wildfires.

Davis Fire

In neighboring Nevada, the Davis Fire has also wreaked havoc, including near Big Bear, already lashed by the Line Fire. It spanned over 5,800 acres as of Wednesday morning and was 31% contained.

The U.S. Forest Service of Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest warned extreme fire conditions are anticipated Wednesday due to high winds which could lead to rapid fire growth. The National Weather Service issued a "Particularly Dangerous Situation" red flag warning from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. PT for the Sierra Front, including the area of the fire.

The blaze had started around Davis Creek Regional Park, just south of Reno, on Saturday, and was burning heavy timber and brush.

On Wednesday, Clark County, Nevada, officials issued an air quality alert due to wildfire smoke from the multiple Southern California wildfires.

Tuesday marked the last day of high temperatures near the fires in Nevada and Southern California and Wednesday will bring a cooling flow from the Pacific Ocean.
Wall Street sure is acting like Donald Trump lost the debate Tuesday night.

Investors swiftly penalized Trumps social media business following the former presidents widely panned debate performance. Other so-called Trump trades, including bitcoin and Coinbase, went into reverse Wednesday, while bonds and Asian currencies rallied. And some funds that own solar and other clean energy stocks rose sharply.

Shares of Trump Media & Technology Group plunged 17% Wednesday to the lowest level since the Truth Social owner went public in late March, before ending the day at a record low, down 10%.

The sharp selloff represents an immediate reaction to the ABC presidential debate, where Vice President Kamala Harris successfully threw Trump off his game.

Its the exact opposite of the reaction in Trump Medias share price on June 28 after President Joe Bidens disastrous performance in the CNN debate. Trump Media initially spiked 10% that day, before fizzling and ending in the red.

Trump Media has at times become a way for traders to bet on the political fortunes of Trump and the chances he returns to the White House.

The perception in the market is she won the debate, Matthew Tuttle, CEO of Tuttle Capital Management, told CNN on Wednesday, pointing to shifts in Harris favor in the betting markets overnight.

Trump is not only the dominant shareholder in Trump Media, he is the most popular user on Truth Social, the companys only significant product. The companys stock ticker symbol is even DJT.

I think if he loses, he has to sell and DJT goes to $1. If he wins, he doesnt sell and DJT can make a run for it, Tuttle said.

The lock-up restrictions preventing Trump from selling his 114.75 million shares in Trump Media are set to expire later this month. The lifting of the lock-up agreement will free Trump to sell some shares, but experts say it would be almost impossible for the former president to quickly unload most or all of his stake without tanking the share price.

Michael Block, chief strategy officer and co-founder of AgentSmyth, told CNN that Trump Medias selloff Wednesday appears to be related to what investors saw during the debate.

Given its lack of earnings and other quantifiable metrics, DJT is not exactly a traditional growth or value play for investors, Block said in an email. DJT is a story stock and perhaps investors didnt like the story that President Trump was telling the world last night.

Trump Medias share price rallied heading into the debate, jumping 9% during the first two days of this week.

But in the bigger picture, the stock has struggled badly in recent months, losing about half its value since Biden dropped out of the race for the White House in July. The owner of Truth Social fell last week to the lowest level since it went public in late March.

The value of Trumps stake in the company has fallen sharply, going from $6.2 billion on May 9 to about $1.9 billion on Wednesday.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
The first presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump turned into a heated matchup that lasted more than 90 minutes.

The night started with a handshake initiated by Harris, but quickly escalated as the vice president bashed Trump over his policies and comments, contending that it was time to "offer is a new generation of leadership for our country."

Trump criticized Harris throughout the debate on topics such as Afghanistan and immigration issues, drawing comparisons between the vice president and President Joe Biden.

With Election Day just eight weeks away, the debate came at a critical point as polls show a neck-and-neck race between the candidates.





Latest Developments









Sep 11, 12:44 AM

'Wasnt even close': Biden reacts to debate

President Joe Biden reacted to the debate in a post on X early Wednesday morning.



"America got to see tonight the leader I've been proud to work alongside for three and a half years. Wasn't even close," he said.

America got to see tonight the leader I've been proud to work alongside for three and a half years. Wasn't even close. VP Harris proved she's the best choice to lead our nation forward. We're not going back.  Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) September 11, 2024





Biden was in New York City during the debate and will be attending the 9/11 memorial services at Ground Zero later in the day.





Sep 11, 12:41 AM

Over half of debate watchers think Harris won: Poll

A majority of debate watchers think Harris won the debate against Trump, according to a poll taken by CNN and SSRS after the debate.



On who won the debate, 63% of debate watchers said Harris and 37% said Trump.



The poll has a margin of error of +/- 5.3% points.



CNN said that before the debate, respondents were split 50%-50% on who would win.



In June, their instant poll found that among debate watchers, 33% thought Biden won and 67% thought Trump won.



-ABC News' Oren Oppenheim





Sep 11, 12:40 AM

Key takeaways from the Harris-Trump debate

Harris put Trump on the defensive early on, claiming viewers were "going to hear from the same old, tired playbook, a bunch of lies, grievances and name-calling." She later took digs at his rallies and was the first to bring up his multiple indictments.



Meanwhile, Trump tried to tie Harris to President Joe Biden as often as he could. "She is Biden," he said as he criticized their economic record.



Harris' gender was not broached during the debate, though her race was. Trump doubled down on false claims about her racial identity, though he said he "couldn't care less."



Read more about the debate highlights here.





Sep 11, 12:12 AM

A transcript of the Harris-Trump debate

Harris and Trump met for their first presidential debate on Tuesday night. The consequential matchup was hosted by ABC News at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia.



Read a transcript of what was said in the 90-minute debate here.





Sep 11, 12:12 AM

Best zingers from the Harris-Trump ABC News debate

During the Harris-Trump face-off, both candidates tried to score points by slinging barbs at each other.



Here are some of their sharp jabs:



Trump: Wait a minute, I'm talking now, if you don't mind, please. Does that sound familiar?



Harris: Donald Trump was fired by 81 million people.



Harris: He talks about fictional characters like Hannibal Lecter.



Read more zingers here.





Sep 11, 12:09 AM

Harris proposes 2nd debate, Trump doesn't immediately commit

Harris' campaign sent out an email less than an hour after the ABC News debate ended and threw down the gauntlet for another matchup.



"Under the bright lights, the American people got to see the choice they will face this fall at the ballot box: between moving forward with Kamala Harris, or going backwards with Trump. That's what they saw tonight and what they should see at a second debate in October. Vice President Harris is ready for a second debate. Is Donald Trump?" the email read.



When asked about the Harris campaign's call by ABC News' Katherine Faulders, Trump said his opponent called for a second debate "because she lost tonight, very badly."



"They immediately called for a second because they lost," Trump said, refusing to commit whether he'd participate. "So, we'll, you know, think about that. But she immediately called for a second," Trump said.





Sep 11, 12:07 AM

Harris tells watch party: 'We are still the underdogs in this race'

During brief remarks at a campaign watch party, Harris said today was "a good day" but told the crowd that "we've got some work to do."

PHOTO: Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at a watch party at Cherry Street Pier after the presidential debate in Philadelphia, Sept. 10, 2024. (Jacquelyn Martin/AP)

"We have 56 days to go and, guys, we are still the underdogs in this race -- it's tight," she said. "We have got to win Pennsylvania, and we are going to win Pennsylvania."



Harris was introduced by her husband, Doug Emhoff, who said the vice president "showed everyone, especially Donald Trump, what a real leader is."



-ABC News' Laura Romero





Sep 10, 11:53 PM

CLAIM: Harris: 'The former president said climate change is a hoax'

Fact-check: True



Trump certainly has a lengthy record of using the word "hoax" to describe climate change  mostly before and during his first run for president.



On Dec. 30, 2015, Trump told the crowd at a rally in Hilton Head, South Carolina, "Obama's talking about all of this with the global warming and  a lot of it's a hoax. It's a hoax. I mean, it's a money-making industry, okay? It's a hoax, a lot of it."



On Jan. 25, 2014, Trump tweeted, "NBC News just called it the great freeze  coldest weather in years. Is our country still spending money on the GLOBAL WARMING HOAX?" On Jan. 29, 2014, Trump tweeted: "Snowing in Texas and Louisiana, record setting freezing temperatures throughout the country and beyond. Global warming is an expensive hoax!" That same day, he tweeted, "Give me clean, beautiful and healthy air - not the same old climate change (global warming) b-------! I am tired of hearing this nonsense." Trump also called climate change a "hoax" on the Jan. 6, 2014, edition of Fox & Friends. In addition, he said on the Sept. 24, 2015, edition of CNNs New Day, "I dont believe in climate change." And on Jan. 18, 2016, Trump said that climate change "is done for the benefit of China, because China does not do anything to help climate change."



-PolitiFact's Aaron Sharockman





Sep 10, 11:42 PM

CLAIM: 'Iran was broke under Donald Trump. Now Iran has $300 billion because they took off all the sanctions that I had.'

Fact Check: Mostly false, needs context



Trump claimed that if he was in office, Hamas October 7th attack on Israel never would have happened because the terror groups chief sponsor, Iran, had no money for terror. However, Iran has been Hamas principal backer for decades, including through the Trump presidency. Records retrieved from inside Gaza by the Israeli Defense Forces and verified by independent news outlets indicate Tehran funneled tens of millions of dollars during the Trump administration. Two of Trumps top advisers for Middle Eastern affairs also claimed that Iran was supplying Hamas and other Palestinian terror groups with $100 million each year in an op-ed published in 2019.



Trump also said that Iran gained $300 billion because the Biden-Harris administration took off all the sanctions I had on Iran.



The current administration has maintained and even levied new sanctions against Iran, but during its attempt to renegotiate an Obama-era nuclear deal that Trump exited in 2018, the U.S. did ease the enforcement of some sanctions and restore a U.N waiver that allowed companies from other countries to conduct non-proliferation work at Iranian nuclear sites.



According to shipping data, Irans oil exportsits chief source of revenuehave climbed during the last four years. But experts estimate than Tehran has been able to accrue around $100 billion at most during President Bidens term, which is substantially less than Trumps figure of $300 billion.

Click here to read the rest of the blog.
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.
Marisela "MJ" Jimenez, the Democratic candidate for Texas House District 150. Anna Carreno Photography

Texas House District 150, which includes Spring and Klein, has been solidly Republican since it was created in the early 1980s. Just three representatives have filled the seat, including incumbent Valoree Swanson. The Spring area lawmaker won her most recent election with roughly 61% of the vote.

But Democrat Marisela MJ Jimenez still sees an opportunity.

The community is radically different, Jimenez said of the four-decade-old district, not just demographically, but economically.

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A naturalized citizen born in Mexico, Jimenez, 47, wants to represent people she feels are currently left behind in the increasingly diverse area. Having lived all over the country, the management and public administration professional has a varied background working for private, government and nonprofit entities, including reporting to high-ranking military officers on a base in Hawaii. She moved to the district only four years ago but says it was her experience elsewhere that allowed her to see what she and her neighbors in unincorporated communities were missing out on as they dealt with aging infrastructure, underfunded schools and public safety gaps.

Thats not what I was used to, Jimenez told the editorial board.

Even though a state representative has limited jurisdiction to directly provide the services Jimenez highlighted as lacking, she argued that as the face of the district, a lawmakers ability to collaborate with other officials to get things done can make a difference at the local level.

Shes never held elected office and, in conversation, seemed a little light on the ins and outs of the legislative process that could help advance her agenda: funding public schools, advancing womens reproductive rights and reforming immigration policies, among other priorities.

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We believe shes still a better candidate for the district than the incumbent, who has spent too much of her four terms in office advancing what we called a divisive, even dangerous agenda in the 2022 primary.

Swanson, 66, has stayed largely true to form since then, focused on low-priority, partisan issues. The former Sunday school teacher largely earned headlines last session for a bill that would extend existing K-12 restrictions for young trans athletes to private schools and college competitors, as well. She claimed victory when the Senate companion bill passed. She has also stirred the pot on so-called voter integrity issues. In a November 2022 press release promoting a bill that wouldve allowed the Texas Rangers to intervene in local elections, she wrote that she was fighting the rampant fraud of failing elections officials in Harris County.

Weve had our gripes with sloppy Harris County elections, but this type of irresponsible rhetoric feeds the sorts of damaging conspiracy theories that led Donald Trump supporters to storm the Capitol.

Beyond bills, Swanson, who did not meet with the editorial board, has also bragged about rejecting subsidized low-income housing in her district, apparently unconcerned with the more than 3,316 families living in poverty there.

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Swanson has Gov. Greg Abbotts endorsement. Jimenez has the endorsement of Mothers Against Greg Abbott. And of this board.

Correction: This article has been updated to reflect the accurate estimate of households living in poverty in the district. A previous version mistakenly cited the statewide figure.
(Reuters) -Staff reviewers at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said on Wednesday a confirmatory trial did not show the effectiveness of Intercept's liver disease drug, which received the health regulator's accelerated nod in 2016.

Under the accelerated pathway, companies are required to conduct additional trials to establish their drug's benefits. Failure to do so can sometimes lead to market withdrawal.

Intercept's oral drug, Ocaliva, had been approved under the accelerated approval pathway to treat patients with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), a rare disease that causes inflammation of small bile ducts in the liver and can eventually destroy them.

In 2021, FDA restricted use of Ocaliva to PBC patients who did not have advanced cirrhosis or severe scarring of the liver.

The FDA had said some patients with advanced cirrhosis who received Ocaliva developed liver failure.

The staff advisers said on Wednesday Ocaliva's confirmatory trial did not show the drug was effective in PBC patients with or without advanced scarring.

They also raised concerns about the drug's safety, as 11 patients who received it during the trial died or required a liver transplant, compared with two patients on placebo.

The concerns come ahead of a meeting of independent experts on Friday, where panelists will vote on whether the drug's benefits outweigh its risks.

Intercept said only one case of liver transplant was possibly related to the drug.

The company, which holds the drug's U.S. commercial rights, was acquired by Italy's Alfasigma for nearly $800 million last year. Intercept had reported sales of $152 million for the first half of 2023.

The FDA last month granted accelerated approval to Gilead's drug for treating PBC, Livdelzi.

Accelerated approvals allow FDA to move drugs for life-threatening conditions to the market more quickly, but they have been criticized because some drugs are later proven to be ineffective.

(Reporting by Bhanvi Satija in Bengaluru; Editing by Shailesh Kuber and Shreya Biswas)
FILE - Utah Gov. Spencer Cox speaks during a news briefing during the final day of the Utah Legislature, March 1, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

A federal judge in Utah has temporarily blocked a social media access law that leaders said was meant to protect the personal privacy of children and limit their use of such platforms, saying it is unconstitutional.

U.S. District Court Judge Robert Shelby on Tuesday issued the preliminary injunction against a law that would have required social media companies to verify the ages of their users, apply privacy settings and limit some features on those accounts.

The law was set to take effect on Oct. 1 but will be blocked pending the outcome of the case filed by NetChoice, a nonprofit trade association for internet companies such as Google, Meta  the parent company of Facebook and Instagram  Snap and X.

The Utah legislature passed the Utah Minor Protection in Social Media Act to replace laws that were passed in 2023 and were challenged as unconstitutional. State officials believed the 2024 act would hold up in court.

But Shelby disagreed.

The court recognizes the States earnest desire to protect young people from the novel challenges associated with social media use, Shelby wrote in his order. However, the state has not articulated a compelling state interest in violating the First Amendment rights of the social media companies, he wrote.

Republican Gov. Spencer Cox said he was disappointed in the court's decision and was aware it could be a long battle, but said it is a battle worth waging, due to the harm that social media is causing children.

Lets be clear: social media companies could voluntarily, at this very moment, do everything that the law put in place to protect our children. But they refuse to do so. Instead, they continue to prioritize their profits over our childrens wellbeing. This must stop, and Utah will continue to lead the fight.

NetChoice argues Utah residents would have to supply additional information to verify their age than social media companies usually collect, putting more information at risk of a data breach.

Several months after Utah became the first state to pass laws regulating childrens social media use in 2023, it sued TikTok and Meta for allegedly luring in children with addictive features.

Under the 2024 Utah law, default settings for minor accounts would have been required to restrict access to direct messages and sharing features and disable elements such as autoplay and push notifications that lawmakers argue could lead to excessive use. The settings also limit how much account information social media companies can collect.

A separate law, under which parents would have grounds to sue a social media company if their childs mental health worsens from excessive use of an algorithmically curated app, will go into effect on Oct. 1. Social media companies must comply with a long list of demands  including a three-hour daily limit and a blackout from 10:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.  to help avoid liability. Damages would start at $10,000.

NetChoice has obtained injunctions temporarily halting similar social media limitation laws in California, Arkansas, Ohio, Mississippi and Texas, the organization said.

With this now sixth injunction against these overreaching laws, we hope policymakers will focus on meaningful and constitutional solutions for the digital age, said Chris Marchese, director of litigation for NetChoice.

___

This story has been corrected to show one of two social media laws is blocked.
The verb Google refers to the action of looking something up on the eponymous search engineand it made its pop culture debut in 2002 during the final season of Buffy the Vampire Slayer when Xander, a goofball 21-year-old, mistakes tech geek Willows research suggestion (Have you Googled her yet?) to slayer Buffy as an innuendo.

Since then, Googling has come a long way from being a punch line in a supernatural teen drama. Google co-founder Larry Page first coined the verb two months before the companys founding, when he updated friends on the company in an email and signed off with Have fun and keep googling! The term was minted in the Oxford English Dictionary in June 2006, and since then, the neologism has become synonymous with using a search engine. But not anymore. Todays teens are seldom using Google as a verb, according to Bernstein Research, and its a sign theyve fundamentally changed how they interact with the internet.

Younger audiences are searching, not Googling, Bernstein analyst Mark Shmulik and colleagues said in a note published Friday. And they increasingly head to social media like TikTok for restaurant recommendations, directly to scaled aggregators like Amazon for retail, and Generative AI search like ChatGPT to get their homework done.

Bernstein, using an April 2024 survey by Forbes Advisor and Talker Research of 2,000 Americans, noted that 45% of Gen Z are more likely to use social searching on sites like TikTok and Instagram instead of Google. Thats compared to about 35% of millennials, 20% of Gen X, and less than 10% of Boomers. Even as Gen Z grows older, theyve increasingly relied on social media as their primary search engine.

Gen Zers have also grown up in a relatively mature Internet, Shmulik said in the note. Its second nature for these users to go direct to the sourceThis world isnt big and scary, its just home for Gen Z.

For the young generation, social media platforms have become a way to look up what to buy, where to eat, and how to spend their time. About 40% of Gen Z said they used social media as a primary search engine for brands, products and services in 2016, and almost 52% said the same in 2023, according to data from GWI Core.

Social media sites like Instagram and TikTok have responded to Gen Zs prolific searching for things to buy online with their own e-commerce platforms and tailored ads, making $11 billion in U.S. ad revenue from minors alone in 2023. Even more mouth watering is Gen Zs spending power, predicted to swell to $12 trillion by 2023, according to NielsonIQs Spend Z report. Gen Alpha, the iPad kid generation, is hot on their heels, already spending over two hours a week online shopping.

Google is sooo last decade

But while social media sites have begun to capitalize on Gen Zs proclivity for scrolling and searching, Google has another problem with which to contend.

Something like almost 40% of young people, when theyre looking for a place for lunch, they dont go to Google Maps or Search, Prabhakar Raghavan, a Google senior vice president, said during Fortunes 2022 Brainstorm Tech conference, referencing internal company data. They go to TikTok or Instagram.

Googles search engine woes are compounded by its recent antitrust lawsuit loss in which a federal judge ruled the tech giant monopolized the search market. Googles parent company Alphabet paid $26 billion to be the default search engine on smartphones and web browsers, effectively preventing competing search engines from succeeding in the market.

As far as Gen Z is concerned, Google has already made changes, given that young people are attracted to pictures and videos, which contrast heavily with older generations search habits of looking up key phrases and clicking a link that best corresponds with those terms.

The journey begins in different forms than before: visual image forms, Raghavan said.

Google has since invested in technology to address this, including augmented reality glasses with multi search features allowing users to use both images and text to search online, and includes a near me feature to find products, stores, and services local to users. The company is testing an Ask Photos feature that uses its Gemini AI models to answer questions about information in a users photo, like the restaurant at which they ate or last time they visited a particular location.

We have to conjure up completely new expectations and that takes altogether newtechnology underpinnings, Raghavan said.



Google did not immediately respond to Fortunes request for comment.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
SPRINGFIELD, Ohio  This Ohio city is in the middle of a heated political conversation about immigration after President Donald Trump and his running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, made claims without evidence about Haitian immigrants causing crime and eating pets.

"In Springfield they are eating the dogs, the people that came in, they're eating the cats. They're eating the pets of the people that live there," Trump said during Tuesday's presidential debate.

Earlier in the day, Vance wrote on social media that "It's possible, of course, that all of these rumors will turn out to be false," but repeated them on X, formerly Twitter.

"In the last several weeks, my office has received many inquiries from actual residents of Springfield who've said Haitian migrants abducted their neighbors' pets or local wildlife," Vance posted.

Republican vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance speaks to the media on the day of the debate between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on September 10, 2024.

Springfield City Manager Bryan Heck, through his office, released a statement saying there's no evidence of any cats or other pets being harmed or eaten by the Haitian immigrants.

Springfield, a central Ohio city of 58,000 about 50 miles west of Columbus, is experiencing a "significant housing crisis," according to a letter from Heck. Heck said the city's Haitian population has increased to 15,000-20,000 in recent years.

The population increase has sparked local tension, particularly after a school bus crash that killed an 11-year-old, misinformation about pets and geese, and at least $2.5 million in funding from the state. The chamber reached capacity before a Springfield City Commission meeting Tuesday night as dozens of residents lined up outside the doors hoping to share their thoughts.

The USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau spoke to Haitians living in Springfield and other residents about how the city has grown.

Alimemby Estimable, 19, said he came to Springfield four years ago to help his mother.

How do Haitians in Springfield feel?

Alimemby Estimable, 19, graduated from Springfield High School and worked at an Amazon warehouse. He moved to Springfield four years ago and said he's been called a "dirty Haitian" and an "illegal."

Estimable was bemused by rumors that Haitians were shipped to Springfield and the people from Haiti in Springfield are there legally because of the federal program for temporary protected status.

"The majority of us, we work in warehouses, factories. You can't work there illegally. Obviously, we're legally working," he said.

Morvens Pierre, who also immigrated from Haiti and lives in Springfield, agreed. He said Haitians just want to work.

Estimable said he's seen a lot of wild claims about Haitians in Springfield.

"I've been seeing a lot of people talking about a lot of stuff that's not accurate. You know, saying, like, all Haitians are cutting ducks' necks and eating them at the park and like, they're running into trash cans and homes and stuff. I ain't never seen a Haitian do that before. I'm just keep it real, because I'm a Haitian myself," he said.

What about other Springfield residents?

Some residents feel the city and county are overwhelmed and wish the Haitian population was "evenly dispersed" among Ohio counties. Others said Haitians are unfairly scapegoated.

Teena Rose said she feels "negatively" about the increased Haitian population in Springfield and that the city was not prepared. Rose said the city already struggled with housing and homelessness before more Haitians moved.

John Vick, a resident of 24 years, agreed. He said groceries and county services are harder to find now.

Deandrea Robinson said she believes the city should be focusing on racism and the hate group that walked around with swastika flags and rifles last month.

"They see me standing next to a Haitian, and that's too many Black faces for them," she said.

Co-owner of Champion City Cuts Joe Ruck said Springfield needed a bigger population and houses sat empty in the city for decades.

Joe Ruck, a co-owner of Champion City Cuts Barber Shop in Springfield, said the south side of the city has become known as "Little Haiti."

Ruck grew up in Springfield and said Haitian immigrants are working the jobs and living in the houses that no one else wanted.

He said the Haitian population is easy to pick on, and people in the community say they hate Haitians when really they're frustrated by what an increased population has meant for Springfield with increased rent and house prices and demand for products and food in grocery stores.

"Someone's cat comes up missing? They gonna say the Haitians did it," Ruck said.

The Southgate branch of the Clark County Public Library system has a French language section for Haitian patrons.

Clark County Public Library adapts to new patrons

The Southgate branch of the Clark County Public Library system has Haitian-English dictionaries, a French language book section and a full-time interpreter to assist Haitian patrons.

Branch manager Tangee Hepp, manager of the Southgate library branch, said it used to take library staff 20 to 30 minutes to help Haitian patrons because of the language barrier, and with an interpreter, questions can be answered in a few minutes.

She said the library mostly helps people print documents from their phones, use the copier, fax machines and computers if needed.

Hepp goes to the Haitian Coalition meetings for Clark County every month. She said the library is beginning to consider programming to better serve Haitian patrons.

"Everyone deserves respect and dignity, and not just from a library standpoint, just being here as a citizen of Clark County and a citizen of Ohio. Just treat everyone with respect and give them some time. They're just trying to make a life for themselves," she said.

Erin Glynn 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 Haitians, other residents respond to JD Vance comments
Room service is a great hotel amenity, but don't forget to get any uneaten food cleared. whitebalance.oatt via Getty Images

Its safe to say that no ones a bigger expert on hotels than the people who work there. From housekeepers and front desk clerks to the people who own hotel properties, theyre the first to say there are certain dos and donts when it comes to hotel room behavior.

To be clear, when youre staying at a hotel, youre on vacation  you should feel free to have a great time. Within reason, of course. Below, hotel workers share what they would personally never do in their hotel room.

They dont leave uneaten food in their room (or even in the hallway).

Ordering room service is one of the best parts of staying at a hotel. But when youre done, its best to let the hotel staff know.

If we eat food in the room, I always make sure that I call room service to come remove it, or I make sure that we take the trash out of the room because it drives me bananas when people put the food out in the hall and dont let anyone know, resulting in it sitting in the hallway for hours, said Trisha Perez Kennealy, owner of Inn at Hastings Park in Lexington, Massachusetts.

They dont overuse or misuse towels.

Youve probably seen signs pop up in hotel room bathrooms in recent years about reusing towels for sustainability purposes. And indeed, people who work at hotels are all about hanging them up for future use.

I am fully capable of reusing towels, said Mary DArgenis, founder and CEO of MDA Hospitality Solutions, a company that trains hotel staff. And when I leave, I neatly pile my towels in the bathroom and ensure all my trash is organized by the can.

Kennealy added that she never uses towels to take off her makeup. If the hotel is taking the time to provide you with makeup wipes, or a washcloth that is specifically for makeup removal, please use it and not the regular bath towels, she said. It is really difficult to get makeup stains out of white towels and they are expensive to replace.

They dont blast music.

Hotels are packing a lot of rooms into one building, and for that reason, walls can be thin  especially when there are adjoining rooms.

I love listening to music and I usually travel with a Bluetooth speaker, but I am always mindful that the walls in a hotel are much thinner and everyone is in much closer proximity, Kennealy said, noting that she keeps her Bluetooth speaker at a reasonable volume.

Skipping daily service helps you and housekeeping in the long run. thianchai sitthikongsak via Getty Images

They dont ask for their room to be cleaned daily.

While this is a personal choice, hotel workers typically use the do not disturb sign to let housekeeping know their room doesnt need to be serviced.

Hotel employees go the extra mile to make each room feel like a home away from home, DArgenis said. I appreciate the plush pillows, the comfortable bed, the neatly pressed towels, and the well-stocked bathroom amenities. Each property has its unique charm, and I look forward to discovering these touches. If my stay is a few days, I do a few things to lessen the work for someone else. Often, I place the do not disturb sign on my door to advise the housekeeping team that service is not required. I am fully capable of making my own bed.

They try not to leave a mess.

Housekeeping works hard, and, out of respect for them, hotel workers never leave a mess in their own hotel rooms.

I always try to keep the room in order out of respect for the house cleaners. No one expects guests to leave a room spotless, but some common courtesies when leaving are easy and can help make a housekeepers job easier, said Brooks Ferring, owner of The Berkeley Hotel Denver.

Kennealy also makes this a practice. When I stay in a hotel room, I am very conscious of keeping the hotel room as clean as possible because I have seen the way people leave hotel rooms, she said. I usually make the bed and really try to make sure that everything is put away in our suitcase and not leave things all around because that makes the housekeepers job more difficult.

DArgenis said that keeping your room neat-ish can go a long way. From a tidy room upon arrival to impeccable public spaces, cleanliness alone reflects hospitality professionals pride in their property, she said. For this reason, caring for fellow service professionals is paramount when hotel employees enjoy their free time at another property. Hotel employees would never leave a big mess in their room for someone else to clean.

If youre conscious of being respectful toward hotel staff while on vacation, know that little touches go a long way when it comes to how you behave in your hotel room. With that in mind, hotel workers really do want you to relax and enjoy yourself  so make sure to have fun while youre at it!

Related...
Editor's Note: This page is a summary of news on Hurricane Francine for Wednesday, Sept. 11. For the latest, view our story for Thursday, Sept. 12.

Francine made landfall along the Louisiana coast as a Category 2 hurricane on Wednesday, knocking out power to hundreds of thousands and threatening the region with widespread flooding as cities became inundated with rainfall.

Francine made landfall in the Parish of Terrebonne, about 30 miles south-southwest of Morgan City, the National Hurricane Center announced at 5 p.m. CDT. Maximum sustained winds were estimated to be near 100 mph.

Louisiana residents had braced for the storm's impact after Francine strengthened into a Category 2 hurricane, threatening the area with heavy rains and hurricane-force winds, according to the hurricane center. At around 1 a.m. CDT, the center of Francine was passing northwest of New Orleans.

Francine was later downgraded to a tropical storm Wednesday night as is currently moving with sustained winds of 50 mph, according to the hurricane center's 1 a.m. CDT forecast discussion. Up to 12 inches of rain was possible in parts of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and the Florida Panhandle through Thursday night.

The storm swiftly knocked out power along the Louisiana coast with nearly 339,000 outages reported by late Wednesday, according to USA TODAY's power outage tracker.

Footage from television stations and social media showed water flooding streets amid heavy rainfall; high winds bringing down trees and utility poles; and damaged roofs.

Louisana Gov. Jeff Landry said the National Guard had been mobilized and had almost 400 high-water vehicles, 87 boats, and 50 helicopters ready to aid rescue and recovery efforts. He urged residents to follow instructions of local officials, including evacuation if necessary.

Some good news: The hurricane center said Francine was expected to rapidly weaken after making landfall. Francine was forecast to move into Mississippi and then northward into the Mississippi Valley as a tropical depression, reaching Memphis by Thursday night.

Men board up a window in Morgan City, Louisiana, on Sept. 10, 2024.

Developments:

 High wind gusts were reported in several areas, including 96 mph gusts that were reported at 5:29 p.m. in Dulac in Terrebonne Parish and 70 mph gusts reported at 7 p.m. about 5 miles east-southeast of New Orleans.

 Metairie, Louisiana had received 8.04 inches of rain and the official site at the New Orleans International Airport recorded 7.32 inches, the weather service said.

 The Mississippi Department of Education reported numerous school district closures on Wednesday and Thursday due to severe weather. Several Louisiana universities, including Louisiana State University and Tulane University, announced campuses will be closed through Thursday and moved to remote instruction.

 President Joe Biden late Tuesday approved Louisiana's emergency declaration after state officials delivered a letter urging him to approve the request. The federal emergency declaration will help response and disaster relief efforts.

 In Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott cited a "high probability "of a life-threatening storm surge and urged residents along the Gulf Coast to follow the advice of local officials, including possible evacuations.

Stories about our planet, explained. Sign up for USA TODAY's Climate Point newsletter.

Louisiana braces for landfall: Francine strengthens into a hurricane:

Significant flooding in New Orleans area, coastal parishes

Significant flooding was unfolding in the New Orleans area, forecasters warned. The National Weather Service declared a flash flood emergency on Wednesday night for the I-10 corridor in the New Orleans area, including parts of four parishes.

The agency warned that between 5 to 7 inches of rain had fallen and another 2 to 3 inches was possible. The weather service called it a "catastrophic" damage threat and warned people to seek higher ground.

"Francine is slowly lifting northward so rain will taper off. However, roads are still flooded! Do NOT go out," the weather service in New Orleans said on X at 9:25 p.m. "Its not safe! Shelter in place in the lowest non flooded floor. Heavy rainfall will be reaching the Northshore in the next 1-2 hrs. Please continue to shelter!"

The weather service in New Orleans said during a 9 p.m. briefing that water was entering homes and businesses across St. Charles Parish, getting close to that in St. John the Baptist Parish, and entering buildings in Kenner.

Videos from local television stations and on social media showed major flooding in Metairie in Jefferson Parish as streets were overflowing with water. Some residents in Thibodaux  about 31 miles northeast of Morgan City and 58 miles southwest of New Orleans  reported water entering their homes and flooding living rooms.

A band of storms had set up and was dumping excessive rainfall over the same area, and the water in Lake Pontchartrain was rising, which meant the rain had nowhere to drain.

In Morgan City and Jefferson Parish, police asked residents to stay inside due to "severe" and "unusual amounts of flooding."

"Please allow city crews to manage the pumping station and push flood waters out the city," the Morgan City Police Department said on Facebook Wednesday night. "Please do not drive on flooded streets, this will increase the chances of homes taking on water damage."

Storm surge risk along Gulf Coast

Storm surge risks would continue across an area to the north and east of New Orleans for another couple of hours, weather service meteorologist Christopher Bannan said during a briefing around 9 p.m. Storm surge was expected across the northwestern portion of Lake Pontchartrain, with a rise of up to 6 feet possible, the hurricane center said.

In Bay St. Louis and Waveland, Mississippi, the storm surge was expected to rapidly rise for a few hours in the evening, Bannan said. That area is not new to storm surges. It was battered by a wall of water during Hurricane Camille in 1969 and again by Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

The water level at a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration tide gauge in Waveland had already been inching higher throughout the day on Wednesday.

Residents urged to 'hunker down'

The National Weather Service office in New Orleans said the storm's impact could last through Thursday morning with coastal flooding, high winds, drenching rain and even tornadoes. The office warned that areas along and west of the Pearl River should prepare for damaging winds while some bayou and lower river parishes should prepare for hurricane-force winds. Other likely issues will include power outages and damage to trees, mobile homes and roofs.

"Conditions will be deteriorating throughout the day! Make sure you have all preparations rushed to completion ASAP!" the office tweeted. "Then, prepare to hunker down & shelter in place through the overnight hours!"

Several parishes on or near the Louisiana coast earlier issued mandatory evacuation orders, and the state transportation department issued evacuation maps. In the Parish of Terrebonne, where Francine made landfall, a parish-wide curfew will remain in effect until the storm has subsided and the roads are clear.

The city of New Orleans was distributing sandbags at five sites. After distributing tarps, fuel cans, and canned food to about 300 families on Tuesday, New Orleans charity Below Sea Level Aid paused efforts on Wednesday as Francine approached Louisiana, according to the group's executive director Jack Waguespack.

"We expect to open up again tomorrow after the storm passes and we'll go where the need is," Waguespack told Reuters.

Parish in Greater New Orleans area faces sewage issues amid storm

Officials in Jefferson Parish, a parish in the Greater New Orleans area, urged residents to limit water usage during the storm due to the "aging sewer system," according to President Cynthia Lee Sheng.

The system is getting overwhelmed, Sheng said at a Wednesday news conference. The water has nowhere else to go and its getting backed up.

Lee Sheng said the parish received numerous reports on Wednesday about residents who were unable to flush their toilets and manhole covers that were bubbling up.

Parish officials advised residents to avoid activities such as washing dishes and doing laundry in an effort to minimize overloading the sewerage system. Officials added that the parish has over 500 lift stations with more than 1,800 pumps working to keep the system down.

Crews are working diligently and out investigating sewer backups now; however, they will be off the streets once the winds reach 35 mph, the parish said.

Morgan City business booms as storm nears

Police in the coastal community of Morgan City, in the projected landfall area of the storm, issued a curfew from 11 a.m. Wednesday to 6 a.m. Thursday. Residents were asked to shelter in place.

Trenton Ho, who lives and works in Morgan City, says he's not worried. Ho, a cashier at the Fifth Street Store, said business was brisk Wednesday morning because most stores in the city of 12,000 people were closed ahead of Francine. His own preparations included freezing a case of water so it stays cold if power goes out.

"I'm not the least bit concerned about this storm," Ho, 32, told USA TODAY on Wednesday. "I was born and raised here. When you have lived here your whole life, you are used to this stuff."

Francine may pose a similar threat as it moves across the southeastern United States. Tornadoes are likely on Wednesday in southeastern Louisiana, southern Mississippi, and southern Alabama. The tornado risk is expected to expand to a larger area on Thursday.

The center of Hurricane Francine draws closer to the Louisiana coast, as seen in a color adjusted satellite image, at 2:30 p.m. Sept. 11, 2024

Francine brings tornado threat to Southeast

Tornadoes are likely on Wednesday in southeastern Louisiana, southern Mississippi, and southern Alabama as Francine makes its way inland, AccuWeather warned. The tornado risk is expected to expand to a larger area Thursday and could linger into Friday.

Because some dry air has become entrained into Francines circulation, itmay increase the number and intensity of severe thunderstorms, which could boost the number of tornadoes, AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Alex Sosnowski said.

Mobile, Birmingham, Montgomery, and Huntsville in Alabama; Tallahassee, Florida, and Tupelo, Mississippi, are some of the biggest population centers that face a tornado threat, AccuWeather said, adding that tropical downpours may make the tornadoes difficult to see, raising the danger to lives and property.

Storm tracker: See path of Hurricane Francine

Francine third hurricane to make landfall on Gulf Coast this year

Francine is the third hurricane this year to make landfall on the Gulf Coast  Debby made landfall near Steinhatchee, Florida; and Beryl made landfall near Matagorda Bay, Texas.

It was also the 10th hurricane to make landfall in Louisiana since 2000. Francine is the eighth hurricane since then to make landfall at Category 2 strength or higher, according to Phil Klotzbach, senior research scientist at Colorado State University.

Those other landfalling hurricanes include:

2002, Lili, Cat. 1, Vermilion Bay, Iberia/Vermilion parishes

2005, Katrina, Cat. 3, mouth of the Mississippi River, Plaquemines Parish

2005, Rita, Cat. 3, Johnsons Bayou, Cameron Parish

2008, Gustav, Cat. 2, near Cocodrie, Terrebonne Parish

2012, Isaac, Cat 1, Shell Beach, St. Bernard Parish

2020, Laura, Cat. 4, Cameron, Cameron Parish

2020, Delta, Cat. 2, Creole, Cameron Parish

2020, Zeta, Cat. 3, Cocodrie, Terrebonne Parish

2021, Ida, Cat. 4, Port Fourchon, LaFourche Parish

Francine is the third hurricane to make landfall in Terrebonne Parish since 2000.

Hurricane season may be heating up

Francine isn't the only storm on the map: Forecasters are also tracking four other disturbances across the Atlantic, which now appears to have fully woken up from its recent slumber.

This isn't surprising, as this week is the typical peak of the Atlantic hurricane season.

While none of the systems are an immediate threat to land, all bear watching for potential tropical development, the National Hurricane Center said Wednesday.

The four systems range in location from a system just off the U.S. coast to a tropical depression far out to sea near Africa. Read more.

Contributing: Colin Campo, Houma Courier-Thibodaux Daily Comet; Reuters

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Francine updates: Significant flooding, powerful rains in New Orleans
Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump shook hands again Wednesday morning as they arrived at the 9/11 anniversary ceremony in downtown Manhattan.

Harris, who was standing between New York Sen. Chuck Schumer and President Joe Biden, reached over the president to shake hands with Trump, who was standing next to former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, after Harris appeared to be prompted by Bloomberg.

PHOTO: Remembrance ceremony on the 23rd anniversary of the September 11 terror attack on the World Trade Center at Ground Zero, in New York City on September 11, 2024. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

Trump described the exchange as "very polite" when he was asked about it later in the day during his visit to the Shanksville Volunteer Fire Department in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. He did not reveal what the two candidates said to one another.

Vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance, who was standing next to Trump at the time, told Fox News the handshake was "cordial and polite."

PHOTO: Remembrance ceremony on the 23rd anniversary of the September 11 terror attack on the World Trade Center at Ground Zero, in New York City on September 11, 2024. (Adam Gray/AFP via Getty Images)

MORE: Fact-checking Kamala Harris and Donald Trump's 1st presidential debate

The greeting came less than 12 hours after Harris and Trump met for the first time at a presidential debate in Philadelphia, hosted by ABC News.

Tuesday night's handshake between Harris and Trump ended an eight-year streak of no handshakes on the presidential debate stage. There are no rules or stipulations requiring a handshake before or after the debate.

PHOTO: Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris (R) shakes hands with former President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump during a presidential debate in Philadelphia, on Sept. 10, 2024. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images)

MORE: Harris' relentless debate strategy takes Trump off talking points: ANALYSIS

After the Ground Zero ceremony, Biden and Harris attended 9/11 commemorations at Shanksville and the Pentagon.

PHOTO: Remembrance ceremony on the 23rd anniversary of the September 11 terror attack on the World Trade Center at Ground Zero, in New York City on September 11, 2024. (Adam Gray/AFP via Getty Images)

PHOTO: Remembrance ceremony on the 23rd anniversary of the September 11 terror attack on the World Trade Center at Ground Zero, in New York City on September 11, 2024. (Adam Gray/AFP via Getty Images)

"On this day 23 years ago, terrorists believed they could break our will and bring us to our knees. They were wrong. They will always be wrong," Biden said in a statement. "In the darkest of hours, we found light. And in the face of fear, we came together -- to defend our country, and to help one another."

"Today, our longest war is finally over. But our commitment to preventing another attack on our people never will be," he said.

ABC News' Soorin Kim, Kelsey Walsh and Hannah Demissie contributed to this report.

Kamala Harris, Donald Trump shake hands again at 9/11 anniversary ceremony originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
New polling shows somewhat good news for the former president.

New polling of the Old Dominion State presents a good-news-bad-news scenario for Donald Trump.

The good news?

His 2024 Democratic opponent is underperforming Joe Biden in 2020.

Vice President Kamala Harris 8-point lead (50% to 42%) is putting her on track to finish worse in Virginia than her boss, who got 54% support four years ago, per The Washington Post-Schar School poll of 1,005 likely voters conducted between Sept. 4 and 8.

The bad news, of course, is this is the fifth straight Virginia poll to show Harris with a lead between 7% and 10%, a reversal from July surveys showing a toss-up race with Biden and August polls giving Harris a slim lead.

Most notable not only is the size of Harriss lead but that Trump does not have any issue advantage, unlike national polls in which he enjoys some advantage on the economy, immigration and fighting crime, Mark Rozell, dean of the Schar School, told WaPo.

Decided advantages for Trump in many swing states simply arent in play for him here.

The former president, for example, is below 50% with men, who back him strongly elsewhere on the map. His slender 48% to 43% lead is swamped by Harris strong 55% to 37% edge with women.

As in most states, Harris benefits from concentrations of population, and thats particularly true in Northern Virginias DC suburbs, where so much of the workforce is monied and dependent on a strong federal government. Shes up 60% to 31% in the areas abutting the nations capital and 56% to 37% in NoVas exurbs, along with having double-digit leads in Richmond and Tidewater.

Trump does best in rural areas, with a 60% to 30% lead in central and western Virginia. But the concentration of voters just isnt there for him.

Harris also seems to be inspiring more party loyalty than the former president. Shes at 96% with Democrats, while Trumps only pulling 88% of Republicans.

The veep is also appealing to voters outside what Trump and allies call her dangerously liberal ideology. Shes backed by 60% of self-styled moderates and 19% of those who say theyre conservative.

Harris is also ahead among every age group, with her strongest lead being a 56% to 39% advantage among 40-somethings.

Trump is at 50% with those who only went to high school and 49% among those who did not get college degrees, but he only has 33% support among college grads, which is a staggering 27 points behind Harris.
Laura Loomer, a right-wing activist who posted last year that 9/11 was an "inside job," joined Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump in New York and Pennsylvania on Wednesday as he commemorated the anniversary of the attacks.

The 31-year-old provocateur and influencer posted photos from ground zero and shared a video of Trump talking with firefighters in Lower Manhattan on Wednesday morning, writing, They were thrilled to see him. She also accompanied the former president to Shanksville, Pennsylvania, where one of the planes crashed 23 years ago after crew members and passengers fought back against the hijackers.

HAPPENING NOW: President Trump just visited the Shanksville Fire Department after visiting the memorial site of United Flight 93 and meeting with family members of 9/11 terrorist attack victims in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, she posted on X on Wednesday afternoon. NEVER FORGET!

Loomer said in a text message to The Associated Press that she doesn't work for the Trump campaign and that she was invited as a guest. She did not respond to questions about her past statements about 9/11.

The Trump campaign responded with a statement from an unnamed campaign official. Today, President Trump put politics aside and stood beside Kamala Harris and Joe Biden to honor those who lost their lives during the worst terrorist attack in our nations history. The day wasnt about anyone other than the souls who are no longer with us, their families, and the heroes who courageously stepped up to save their fellow Americans on that fateful day, it read.

Loomer was also spotted departing Trumps plane when he landed in Philadelphia for Tuesdays debate.

Trump has a long history of elevating and associating with people who trade in falsehoods and conspiracy theories, and he regularly amplifies posts on his social media site shared by those like Loomer, who promote QAnon, an apocalyptic and convoluted conspiracy theory centered on the belief that Trump is fighting the deep state. During the debate, Trump pushed baseless claims about migrants stealing and eating cats and dogs and later defended his comments by saying he was repeating things hed seen on TV.

She frequently makes anti-Islam and anti-immigrant posts on social media and has been targeting Trump's Democratic opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris, with vile racist and sexist attacks. Last year, she shared a video on X that said 9/11 was an Inside Job! and claimed it was somehow related to then-Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld's announcing $2.3 trillion in lost government funds on Sept. 10, 2001.

The post misrepresented Rumsfeld's remarks, which were about a challenge in tracking funds due to outdated technology. The day before 9/11 was not the first time the problem had been discussed.

The conspiracy theory that U.S. officials are hiding information about the Sept. 11 attacks or were somehow involved in the planning has taken hold among a segment of determined truthers," but many of their most prevalent claims have fallen apart upon further scrutiny.

Loomers stepped-up presence in Trumps entourage comes as he has made a number of staff changes in recent weeks, including bringing back veterans of his 2016 and 2020 campaigns, like former campaign manager Corey Lewandowski. Lewandowski was known for the mantra Let Trump be Trump.

She has long served as one of Trumps fiercest supporters in the Make America Great Again wing of the Republican Party. She led attacks against Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Trumps behalf during the primary phase of the 2024 campaign and has been deeply involved in pro-Trump politics  and the more extreme elements it has attracted  for years.

Some Trump allies would prefer the former president to distance himself from Loomer, but Trump has welcomed her as a semi-regular presence in recent months.

When she ran as a Republican for Congress in Florida in 2020, Loomer celebrated her primary win at a party attended by controversial figures including Gavin McInnes, the founder of the far-right extremist group the Proud Boys. She later lost the 2020 House race to Democrat Lois Frankel. She also ran unsuccessfully for Congress in 2022.
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 Expressthat 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."



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Abby, a long-haired calico, lives in the Houston Heights. Nathan Boley Abby, a long-haired calico, lives in the Houston Heights. Nathan Boley Abby, a long-haired calico, lives in the Houston Heights. Nathan Boley

Why do American presidential politics revolve around animals these days? Theres endless talk of cat ladies. Presidential candidates are revealed to eat roadkill. And the most stunning moment of the recent presidential debate involved a baseless allegation that immigrants are eating pets in Springfield, Ohio.



What do cats, the animals most discussed, make of all this? To find out, I interviewed Abby, a long-haired calico who lives in the Houston Heights.



This interview has been edited for length and clarity, and to take into account the fact that Abby doesnt speak a human language.



Thanks for doing this interview. Do you consider yourself a political animal?

No. People bore me unless they bear gifts. Tuna would work.

Sorry: Chronicle policy doesnt allow me to bribe interviewees.



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Yawn.

Still, as a feline, would you tell me what you think of recent events? After JD Vance was picked to be the Republican vice presidential nominee, cats and other animals frequently dominate political news.

Yes, I believe Vance likened Democrats to cat ladies. He cast that as an insult.

It was adorable: Such a big boy! So free and independent! Utterly unaware of who pulls the worlds strings.

In response to Vance, when Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo traveled to the Democratic National Convention, she took her cat, Meiloorun, with her.

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Shes a monster, that Judge Hidalgo. In her X post, I saw poor Meiloorun in a cat carrier on an airplane. Can you imagine? I get chills just thinking about it.

Third-party candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., we learned, makes a habit of eating roadkill.

Fresh kills, right? Theyre delicious.

In this weeks presidential debate, Donald Trump claimed that undocumented immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, are eating the citys cats and dogs.

I heard thats untrue. But hey, if anyone wants to eat dogs, go for it.

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Last one: Taylor Swift just endorsed Kamala Harris. She signed herself Childless Cat Lady, and accompanied the social media post with a photo of herself and her cat Benjamin Button.



A good-looking longhair. He resembles me. Ms. Swift is lucky to serve him.

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.
Francine made landfall Wednesday evening along the Louisiana coastline as a Category 2 hurricane, threatening some communities still recovering from a particularly destructive hurricane season four years ago. President Biden has authorized an emergency declaration for Louisiana to support the state's response to the storm, the Federal Emergency Management Agency announced.

The storm made landfall in Terrebonne Parish, about 30 miles south-southwest of Morgan City, a little before 6 p.m. Eastern Time Wednesday, the National Hurricane Center said. It then quickly weakened to a tropical storm by late Wednesday night.

Prior to making landfall, the storm's intensification in the Gulf of Mexico triggered new hazardous weather alerts as far as the Florida border, although forecasters warned that consequences would mainly impact Louisiana, where "life-threatening storm surge and hurricane conditions" were being felt along the coast Wednesday.

The projected path of Tropical Storm Francine. Sept. 11, 2024. / Credit: NOAA

The storm is expected to continue weakening as it travels inland. As of 11 p.m. ET Wednesday, Francine's center was about 35 miles northwest of New Orleans, the hurricane center said. It was moving northeast at 16 mph, with maximum sustained winds of 70 mph.

Although the storm meandered earlier in the week, Francine had steadily picked up speed since Tuesday and started to turn toward the U.S. Gulf shoreline.

A satellite image of Tropical Storm Francine on 11:18 p.m. Eastern Time on Sept. 11, 2024, as it moves over Louisiana. / Credit: NOAA/NESDIS/STAR GOES-East

Several hurricane watches and warnings were discontinued. A tropical storm warning remained in place from Intracoastal City, Louisiana, to the Alabama/Florida border, which included the New Orleans metro area and Lake Maurepas and Lake Pontchartrain.

Hurricane and tropical storm warnings are activated when conditions typically associated with those weather events are imminent. Watches are different from warnings, which the hurricane center will issue for areas where severe weather conditions could possibly arrive within a couple of days.

Francine was forecast to bring heavy rainfall and possible flash flooding to parts of eastern Louisiana, Mississippi, southern Alabama and the western Florida Panhandle through Thursday.

The hurricane center earlier reported that "damaging and life-threatening hurricane-force winds" were forecast for portions of southern Louisiana Wednesday, and there was also the "danger of life-threatening storm surge for the Louisiana and Mississippi coastlines."

Storm surge warnings were in effect for the Louisiana coast from Avery Island east to the Mississippi-Alabama border and included Vermilion Bay, Lake Maurepas and Lake Pontchartrain.

If peak storm surge and high tide happen together, water levels from Burns Point to Port Fourchon, Louisiana, could rise between 5 and 10 feet above ground levels, the hurricane center said. Levels could reach 4 to 7 feet from Port Fourchon to the mouth of the Mississippi River, and 3 to 5 feet from Cameron to Intracoastal City near Vermilion Bay. Places along the Gulf coast from the mouth of the Mississippi River to the border of Alabama and Florida could see storm surges between 2 and 4 feet, according to the forecasts.

A graphic shows the projected peak storm surge for Tropical Storm Francine. Sept. 11, 2024. / Credit: NOAA

A storm surge watch means there is a possibility of life-threatening inundation in the watch area within 48 hours, and a warning means it could happen sooner.

Francine was also expected to dump 4 to 8 inches of rain on southeastern Louisiana, Mississippi, far southern Alabama and the Florida Panhandle through Thursday night, forecasters said, adding that up to a foot of rainfall could accumulate in certain areas. There was a risk of "considerable" flash flooding and urban flooding because of that, especially if storm surge linked to Francine compounds the tide to inundate coastal places.

The rainfall forecast for Tropical Storm Francine. Sept. 11, 2024. / Credit: NOAA

Flooding risks were highest for large sections of southeastern Louisiana, including New Orleans and the rest of the delta, and a strip of southwestern Mississippi, including the vast majority of the coast.

Forecasters said a few tornadoes could also materialize Wednesday and Wednesday night, possibly in parts of southeastern Louisiana, southern Mississippi, southern Alabama and the Florida Panhandle.

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Four climbers from Italy and South Korea were found dead on the Alps' highest peak of Mont Blanc on Tuesday after they had been missing for three days in bad weather, the local French prefecture said.

The mountaineers had "died of exhaustion," the Haute-Savoie prefecture told AFP, adding that rescuers who finally reached the site found the two Koreans first, close by the two Italians.

A helicopter from the PGHM mountain police based in Annecy was able to land at around 1:30 pm and found the bodies between 100 and 200 meters (330-660 feet) from the summit.

"The bodies have been brought down" from the mountain and "the families informed," the PGHM's Chamonix branch said.

A group of Italian mountain rescuers had reached the summit on foot after setting off in the morning but did not spot the bodies, the police added.

Police were alerted late on Saturday about "three missing climbing parties near the summit of Mont Blanc in very poor weather conditions."

The parties had set off "without guides," the prefecture said.

An intensive rescue effort retrieved two Koreans, who were alive, at 4,100 meters (13,450 feet) on Sunday morning.

But the weather later worsened, leaving rescuers unable to keep up the search for those still out on the mountain in subsequent days.

As late as Tuesday morning, a search helicopter had turned back from Mont Blanc as it could not find a way through clouds.

One senior PHGM commander told regional daily Le Dauphine Libere that they had briefly reached the Italians by phone and gleaned their location 4,600 meters up on Mont Blanc's north face, but that the connection had cut out.

At 4,809 meters, Mont Blanc is western Europe's highest peak and very popular with climbers from all over the world. However, scaling the mountain is risky.

In 2022, a French mayor said conditions on Mont Blanc were so dangerous that climbers should pay a 15,000 deposit to cover rescue and possible funeral costs, the BBC reported. At the time, Jean-Marc Peillex, the mayor of Saint-Gervais, criticized "pseudo climbers" who insisted on attempting the climb "with death in their backpacks."

"I wanted to make people react, to understand that today it's very dangerous, almost suicidal to go up," he told the BBC.

Melting glaciers in the Mont Blanc range have previously revealed the bodies of hikers dating back decades.

In 2019, "CBS Mornings" got a closer look at the glaciers on Mont Blanc. There are about 30 glaciers on the Italian side of Mont Blanc, all of which are melting  and in the last 50 years, Italian glaciers have lost about 40% of their mass.

Francine weakens from Category 2 hurricane to tropical storm, despite record breaking rain

Alaska Airlines pilot describes mid-flight door blowout on a Boeing 737 Max 9

U.N. says 6 employees killed by Israeli strike on Gaza school
By Alexander Ratz and Sarah Marsh

BERLIN (Reuters) -Germany's government presented a plan on Tuesday to implement more rigorously European rules on asylum that would see more people turned away at its borders, a day after it announced it would start carrying out controls on all its land borders.

The proposals include detaining asylum seekers while authorities determine whether Germany is responsible for processing their case with the help of Europe's shared fingerprint database, Eurodac, amongst other tools, Interior Minister Nancy Faeser told a news conference.

"We want people whose asylum procedure is the responsibility of another EU country to be sent back there," Faeser said.

The measures reflect Germany's hardening stance on immigration in the wake of high arrivals of asylum seekers from both the Middle East and Ukraine which could strain relations with other European states.

"We will approach our European partners at a high political level to ensure that they give their approval for readmission to the respective countries more quickly so that the European rules are complied with," Faeser said.

Yet Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk earlier on Tuesday already criticised Germany's tighter border controls, calling for urgent consultations with other affected countries and more support for Warsaw's own immigration policies.

In a televised debate ahead of Austria's parliamentary election on Sept. 29, Chancellor Karl Nehammer told national broadcaster ORF that if Germany introduced measures to send more immigrants back across their shared border, Austria would do the same, sending more people eastwards towards the Balkans.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz's centre-left government elaborated the proposals for faster rejections at the borders as part of talks with the opposition conservatives which fell apart on Tuesday with the latter complaining they did not go far enough.

Scholz's three-way coalition does not necessarily need approval from the conservatives, however, to push through the proposals, which they also want to discuss with regional governments before implementing.

Berlin says it must tackle irregular migration due to overburdened public services and to protect the public from threats such as Islamist extremism.

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.

Mainstream parties are seeking to seize the initiative away from the far-right Alternative for Germany that has tapped into concerns about migration and seen support surge in recent years.

The AfD became the first far-right party in Germany to win a state election since World War Two in Thuringia on Sept. 1.

Marcus Engler at the German Centre for Integration and Migration Research said, however, the new proposals would likely have limited impact given asylum seekers would likely find ways around them, and other EU countries did not appear willing to accept asylum seekers back.

(Reporting by Alexander Ratz; additional writing by Tom SimsAdditional reporting by Francois Murphy in ViennaEditing by Gareth Jones and Sandra Maler)
A Boise man charged with aiding terrorists and soliciting murder appeared in court for the first time Tuesday afternoon, hours after new court documents shed more light on the grave danger officials said he poses to the public.

Matthew Allison, 37, made an initial appearance at the James A. McClure Federal Courthouse in Boise, where U.S. Magistrate Judge Candy Dale read him the 15 federal charges he faces. Allison did not enter a plea. He will be held in custody until a follow-up hearing later this month.

He was arrested Friday in connection with alleged terrorist activity on the social media site Telegram.

Dressed in an orange Ada County Jail jumpsuit and leg shackles, Allison watched Dale with a neutral expression as she read the charges, which include multiple counts of soliciting the murder of a federal official and soliciting a hate crime, as well as aiding terrorism. An indictment said Allison and Dallas Humber, of Elk Grove, California, were active on Terrorgram, a series of channels and chats on Telegram dedicated to advancing white supremacy through violence.

Humber was also arrested Friday and faces the same charges as Allison. Humber entered not-guilty pleas during an initial court appearance Monday in Sacramento.

The grand jury indictment in the case linked Allison and Humber to actual and planned acts of terrorism in Turkey, Slovakia, New Jersey and elsewhere. They are accused of radicalizing people online, crafting white supremacist propaganda, sharing bomb-making how-to guides, maintaining a hit list of murder targets and celebrating attacks carried out in the name of white supremacy.

Court document says Boise man pledged violence, poses a flight risk

Allison confessed to the crimes during questioning after his arrest, according to a motion to detain filed Tuesday by U.S. Attorney for the District of Idaho Josh Hurwits office. The same document was filed by officials in the Eastern District of California, where Allison and Humber were indicted.

The court document outlines the governments argument for keeping Allison and Humber in custody for the duration of the case. Federal officials said the pair pose a grave danger to law enforcement and the general public, and cited messages in which Allison and Humber pledged violence if arrested.

According to the motion, when Allison was arrested he was wearing a backpack containing zip ties, duct tape, a gun, ammunition, a lock-picking kit and a knife. Officials said they also found a go bag in Allisons apartment containing $1,500 in cash, a passport, a birth certificate, firearm ammunition and a face covering affiliated with Atomwaffen, a neo-Nazi white supremacist group.

Officials said they found similar items in Humbers possession, along with 3D-printed firearms and a notebook detailing white supremacist attackers with whom she corresponds.

The motion to detain argued that Allison and Humber should remain in custody because of the severity of the charges they face, as well as the serious risk that they would flee if released.

The court document said Allison and Humber dont have families or deep roots in the cities where they live. Humber planned to move to Idaho from California, the motion said.

Both pledged to promote white supremacy and terrorism until they die and fight any attempted arrest, the motion to detain said. Officials cited a message Allison posted urging other users to go down f---ing shooting rather than face arrest.

A hearing on the motion to detain is scheduled for Sept. 18 in Boise.
Delilah Van Ness, 15, was taking flying lessons from her high school teacher Paul Pelletier. Both were killed in Sunday's crash.

Four Connecticut residents, including a teenager taking flying lessons, were killed in a plane crash in Vermont over the weekend, authorities said.

The four-seat, single-engine Piper aircraft departed from Windham Airport in Connecticut at about 8:30 a.m. Sunday for a short flight to Ferrisburgh where those onboard stopped for a brunch reservation at Basin Hill, according to Vermont State Police.

The party of four left the restaurant shortly after noon to fly back to Connecticut, leaving the Basin Harbor Airport around 12:15 p.m.

While no reports were received about an aircraft in distress or plane crash, the plane failed to return back to Windham and relatives of the occupants reported the situation to the Connecticut State Police and the Middletown, Connecticut Police Department, police said.

Delilah Van Ness, 15, was taking flying lessons from her high school teacher Paul Pelletier. Both were killed in Sundays crash. Middletown Public Schools

Susan Van Ness, Delilahs mother, was also killed in the small plane crash. Linkedin / Susan Van Ness

Working with the Federal Aviation Administration, authorities used cellphone data to track down the planes location near the airstrip in Vermont.

Using a drone, Vermont state police and local agencies located the wreckage in a wooded area east of the Basin Airport around 12:20 a.m. on Monday.

First responders arrived at the scene and pronounced all four on board dead.

They were identified on Monday as Paul Pelletier, 55, of Columbia; Frank Rodriguez, 88, of Lebanon; Susan Van Ness, 51; and her daughter Delilah Van Ness, 15, both of Middletown.

Delilah Van Ness, a sophomore at Middletown High School, was taking flight lessons with Pelletier, the schools aviation technology teacher.

Its not clear who was piloting the aircraft when it crashed.

Paul Pelletier was a beloved teacher at Middletown High School. Facebook / Paul Pelletier

This unimaginable loss has left a void in our hearts and our community, Dr. Alberto Vazquez Matos, Superintendent of Middletown Public Schools, said in a statement.

Paul, Delilah, and Susan were special individuals whose absence is already being felt throughout our district and city, he added.

The high school was closed on Tuesday to let the school community grieve. School officials said counseling will be available to students and faculty when they return.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the FAA and National Transit Safety Board.

The bodies of the victims were brought to the medical examiners office in Burlington, where autopsies will be conducted to determine the cause of death.
Honduras national Madai Gamaliel Amaya, 36, is currently in federal custody.

An illegal immigrant convicted of a 2009 rape charge  who was already twice removed from the United States  was captured again by federal authorities in Maryland last month, according to Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Honduras national Madai Gamaliel Amaya, 36, is currently in federal custody after he was arrested on Aug. 29 by Enforcement and Removal Operations Baltimore field office in Montgomery Village  the third time hes set to be booted from the country following his criminal conviction.

The arrest marks a record 153rd arrest by the Baltimore sector this year involving noncitizen sex offenders, a top ICE official said.

After he snuck into the US at an unknown date, Amaya was arrested and charged with second-degree rape in 2009 and later convicted of the offense.

Honduras national Madai Gamaliel Amaya, 36, is currently in federal custody. ICE

He was sentenced to 10 years behind bars, but the court ended up suspending two years and six months of the prison term, ICE said.

He was then served a removal order and the transferred to ICE custody before he was tossed out in July 2013.

Three years later, he attempted to illegally get into the US again along the southern border near Hidalgo, Texas, but was caught by US Border Patrol, officials said. A federal court found Amaya guilty of unlawful entry and he was sentenced to 30 months in prison in January 2017.

After serving a little over a year in federal detention, he was again removed from the US in November 2018.

But once more, he reentered the country on an unknown date before his latest capture, ICE said.

Amayas apprehension underscores the amazing work ERO officers undertake daily, ERO Executive Associate Director Daniel Bible said.

This is a landmark arrest for ERO Baltimore, in that they secured a record 153 noncitizen sex offenders arrested in their area of operations during a single fiscal year, but more importantly, there are 153 victims who need not fear their predators because of ERO officers, Bible said in a statement.

This arrest also highlights the amazing enforcement actions performed by ERO officers across our great nation.
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)
During Tuesdays presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, Harris inaccurately made it sound as though there are no U.S. soldiers deployed in overseas conflict zones.

"And as of today, there is not one member of the United States military who is in active duty in a combat zone, in any war zone around the world, the first time this century," Harris said.

That's not quite true.

The U.S. maintains nearly 1,000 troops on bases in Syria and another 2,500 in Iraq, according to the U.S. Department of Defense. In Syria, U.S. troops are stationed to help prevent a resurgence of the Islamic State group. They play a similar role in Iraq, where they also help disrupt Iran's influence and supply lines to various militias.

Major civil war hostilities in both Syria and Iraq have gradually eased but both places are mired in low-level conflict.

One example of how U.S. troops are in harm's way overseas: On the last day of August, a U.S. military-led raid in western Iraq killed at least 15 Islamic State group "operatives" who fought back with numerous weapons including grenades and explosive "suicide" belts. Seven U.S. soldiers were injured during the operation.

And in January, three U.S. soldiers were killed and 40 more injured in nearby Jordan when the base they were on close to Syria's border came under attack by an Iranian-made drone.

U.S. soldiers in a Bradley Fighting Vehicle (BFV) patrol the countryside of al-Malikiya town in Syria's northeastern Hasakeh province July 17, 2023.

U.S. military personnel in Syria, Iraq and Jordan serve there as part of a global coalition that's known as Operation Inherent Resolve. The U.S. and Iraq are currently negotiating terms that could see several hundred, or more, U.S. troops leave Iraq as early as September next year. The U.S. withdrew its remaining troops from Afghanistan in 2021.

Staying could mean death. The escape nearly killed her. How one woman fled Afghanistan for freedom.

Meanwhile, since the outbreak of the war in Gaza, the Pentagon has sent what it's called "defensive military capabilities"  troops, equipment, war ships  to the Middle East in anticipation of a possible Iranian attack on Israel, and as Houthi rebels in Yemen have targeted international ships in the Red Sea, a commercial waterway.

More broadly, as of 2023 there were about 170,000 American troops stationed outside the U.S. on upwards of 800 U.S. military bases, according to data from the Pentagon and David Vine, an anthropologist and expert on the U.S. military at American University. And nearly a quarter-century after the U.S. launched its response to 9/11, the Pentagon continues to pursue military actions in the Middle East, Africa and in many more parts of the world than Americans may realize, according to exclusive data obtained by USA TODAY, and published last year.

'A reckoning is near': America has a vast overseas military empire. Does it still need it?

The data comes from research by the Costs of War project at Brown University's Watson Institute.

The findings covered the first three years of the Biden administration and showed the range of globe-spanning operations where U.S. troops have, often in secret, engaged in direct combat, launched drone attacks, patrolled borders, gathered intelligence and trained other nations' militaries and security forces.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Kamala Harris incorrectly said there's no U.S. troops in combat zones
Carol Flaz-Burgos, 37, was last seen crossing herself before entering the apartment of Cristian Montero  who has now been charged with murder over her death (Lawrence Police Department)

A Massachusetts man has been charged with murder over the death of his neighbor who was last seen making the sign of the cross before entering his apartment. Her body was found in a local park several days later.

Cristian Montero, 35, of Lawrence, Massachusetts, is due to be arraigned Wednesday and was charged with murder following the disappearance of Carol Flaz-Burgos.

The 37-year-old was found dead in the Kenoza Lake Conservation Area last week after being reported missing on August 31.

According to the Essex County District Attorneys office she was last seen on surveillance camera days earlier while entering Monteros apartment in the building where she lived with her children and mother.

Flaz-Burgos had made "the sign of the cross when she entered," an assistant DA said, but was never seen exiting the apartment. Montero was arrested on September 3 by Lawrence Police. Its unclear why she made the cross before enterin the apartment.

Carol Flaz-Burgos, 37, was last seen crossing herself before entering the apartment of Cristian Montero  who has now been charged with murder over her death (Lawrence Police Department)

Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker said Montero had initially been charged with witness intimidation and misleading an investigation, but that the office was waiting on the results of an autopsy.

On Tuesday it was announced that the charge against Montero had been upgraded to murder.

Though Flaz-Burgos was not seen exiting Monteros apartment, data from her cellphone showed it began moving away from the apartment building on Broadway at the same time Montero was seen leaving it.

According to NBC10, prosecutors said he had left "with a wagon, a beach cart, that appeared to be filled with clothes.

Authorities have not specified what relationship Flaz-Burgos and Montero may have had.

The 35-year-old allegedly misled investigators about where he was in the time frame of Flaz-Burgos disappearance.

He claimed he had driven to a barbershop but did not go in because he was feeling sick, though city cameras did not show his parked vehicle and cellphone data allegedly showed him in a different location.

Montero is due to appear at Lawrence District Court at 2 p.m. Wednesday for a detention hearing. He is being held without bail.

It is a tough day for the City of Lawrence, said Lawrence Mayor Brian A DePena, following the discovery of Flaz-Burgos body. It is not easy for the family or the community, but we thank everyone for working together.
[BBC]

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.

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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.
Kamala Harris speaks during a presidential debate with Donald Trump on Sept. 10. Alex Brandon/AP

At Tuesday nights debate, Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris vowed, as she had a few weeks before, that she would not ban fracking. Her opponent, Donald Trump, insisted that not only would she, but that if she were elected, fracking in Pennsylvania will end on Day 1."

Trumps attempt to scare voters in a key energy-producing swing state aside  no president can ban fracking without an act of Congress so it doesnt matter what Harris says she will or wont do  the real issue, which requires more nuance than political rhetoric allows, is whether Harris would suspend new leases or drilling permits on federal lands.



She supported this in 2019, as did her ultimate running mate, Joe Biden. He failed to keep the promise because federal law doesnt give the president the unilateral authority to suspend lease sales. In fact, the Mineral Leasing Act requires that the Interior Department hold lease sales every three months, and when Biden tried to pause them, he found himself facing legal challenges from various oil-producing states.

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And heres the kicker: That would have happened even if Biden had banned new leases on federal lands. Thats because federal lands account for just 24% of domestic oil production and 11% of natural gas. Most comes from private lands in the Permian Basin, which are unaffected by federal lease sales.

Whats more, leases are sold years, even decades in advance. We may all be driving electric cars by the time companies that acquired leases this year are ready to drill them.

In the short term, we need more oil because electric vehicles have not yet gone mainstream, and we will need natural gas to generate enough electricity to power them all once they become our vehicles of choice.

At the same time, the $20 billion in grants that the Environmental Protection Agency awarded this year for clean energy projects is also essential. Government funding has always been the underlying force behind energy innovation  whether its been fracking, solar power or even conventional oil drilling.

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Energy, in all its forms, is a vital natural resource, and the government has a role in ensuring we develop it in as many ways as possible.

Which is why calls by Harris opponent, Trump, to drill, baby, drill are as wrongheaded as Harris notion that she has some say over fracking. Sure, loosening drilling regulations may fatten the coffers of oil companies in the short term, but its not sustainable. We know all too well what happens when the oil industry is left to its own devices. We saw it in the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010. We see it now with the vast amounts of methane wasted daily in the Permian Basin.

Its worth noting that the last fracking boom ended in 2019  not because of government regulation but because Wall Street investors, tired of frackers wastrel ways, cut off the flow of capital for new drilling, bringing the industry to heel.

Years ago, the retired CEO of a major oil company told me that environmental regulations had made the industry stronger  it operated more efficiently, and it had more long-term viability. In short, for the oil and gas industry to be sustainable, it needs the very regulations many of its leaders decry in favor of short-term profit. Public companies, of course, are not known for their long-range vision.

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But the Republican talking points that unfettered drilling and nuclear power whimsy are all we need to meet energy demand in the future are as unrealistic as the Democrats who call for stopping all oil and gas production immediately and switching to renewables.

We cant expect political candidates to offer realistic assessments of our energy needs, or the nuanced approach required to meet them. In my decades covering the energy business, one of the most frequent complaints I hear from oil executives is the lack of a national energy policy. We zigzag from one administration to the next, without a cohesive plan for moving forward. While thats true, Ive noticed that those same executives often throw their money behind the candidate they believe will zig or zag in the direction that will make them the most money in the next four years.

A true national energy policy, of course, would focus on addressing our long-term energy needs  not favor one industry, tactic or source over another.

We face difficult energy challenges. We need fracking to produce the natural gas needed to meet surging electricity demand and fuel the transition to cleaner sources. Our liquefied natural gas exports are helping to break Europes dependence on Russian gas since that countrys invasion of Ukraine.

Until electric vehicles become affordable for average motorists, rather than elite status symbols, we will need oil. Less than 20 years ago, our domestic production had fallen to a trickle, and we were dependent on Saudi Arabia and other OPEC members for a good part of our energy. Today, we play a vital role in global energy markets, and we have much more control over our own fate.

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That dramatic shift from scarcity to abundance has a lot more to do with market forces than presidential politics. So Harris can pound the table for emphasis and declare  are you listening, Pennsylvania swing voters?  that she will not ban fracking.
ZURICH (Reuters) - A Swiss citizen working on a U.S.-funded aid project has been arrested in Burkina Faso, the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs in Switzerland and a foreign official said on Tuesday.

The motive for the arrest was not immediately clear.

"The FDFA is aware of the arrest of a Swiss citizen in Burkina Faso," the foreign affairs department said in a statement.

It was not immediately possible to reach Burkina Faso's ruling military junta for comment on the arrest.

Burkina Faso, located in the sub-Saharan region known as the Sahel, has experienced two coups in recent years. Relations between the authorities and Western powers have grown increasingly strained.

On Monday, Denmark said it was closing its embassies in Mali and Burkina Faso. This followed Mali's move to expel Sweden's ambassador earlier this month following a diplomatic dispute.

A foreign official focused on Sahel issues said the Swiss citizen was working on a U.S.-funded aid project in Niger and Burkina Faso as the chief of party for U.S.-based nonprofit Winrock International.

He was first detained in Niger, alongside a British citizen. Both were released. The Swiss citizen then traveled to Burkina Faso, where he was arrested and detained, the foreign official said.

Winrock International has domestic offices in Arkansas and Virginia. The organization works on water security and resilience in Burkina Faso and Niger, according to its website.

Winrock did not respond to requests for comment.

Burkina Faso's army is fighting a jihadist insurgency that has spread across the Sahel region south of the Sahara since it first took root 12 years ago. The worsening violence in the region has also led to two coups in Mali and in neighbouring Niger since 2020.

Burkina's junta, which seized power in a 2022 coup, is accused of suppressing dissent by kidnapping and conscripting critics, and urging citizens to report suspicious neighbours in the name of national security.

(Reporting by Dave Graham in Zurich; Editing by Matthew Lewis)
DUBAI (Reuters) -Iran's foreign minister said on Wednesday that Tehran had not delivered any ballistic missiles to Russia and sanctions imposed on Iran by the United States and three European powers would not solve any problems between them.

"Once again, US and E3 act on faulty intelligence and flawed logic. Iran has NOT delivered ballistic missiles to Russia. Period... Sanctions are not a solution, but part of problem," Minister Abbas Araqchi said in a post on X.

The E3 comprises of Britain, Germany and France.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Tuesday that Russia had received ballistic missiles from Iran and was likely to use them in Ukraine within weeks. Cooperation between Moscow and Tehran threatened wider European security, he said.

The United States, Germany, Britain and France on Tuesday imposed new sanctions on Iran, including measures against its national airline Iran Air.

The Kremlin on Wednesday dismissed reports that Iran had shipped missiles to Russia, saying claims about various arms transfers were baseless.

Meanwhile, the Netherlands summoned the Iranian ambassador, and Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp said on X that it was calling for "new, robust EU sanctions".

(Reporting by Dubai Newsroom, additional reporting by Charlotte Van Campenhout from Amsterdam; Editing by Andrew Heavens and Angus MacSwan)
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."

TIFF officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

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 and Bill Berkrot)
My plan was to swear off romantic love forever, which was why I found myself at the Museum of Broken Relationships in Zagreb, Croatia.

The 27-year-old scab, brown and withered in a petri dish, that a woman had saved as a keepsake of her ex-lover confirmed my suspicion: Romantic love is ridiculous. This was just one of many crowd-sourced items on display at the Museum of Broken Relationships in Zagreb, Croatia, where I had come to add a relic of my own and swear off dating forever.

Not all of the exhibits were about romance. There were a thousand origami cranes a mother had folded in memory of her miscarried baby, a handkerchief a woman had used to dry her eyes when her mother-in-law was diagnosed with Alzheimers, and a box of Chef Boyardee mix that a gluten-intolerant person had left along with an ardent goodbye letter to pizza.

But most intriguing of all was the Book of Confessions, or what regular museums call a guestbook. Line by line, I mocked the melodramatic entries recounting tales of love and loss.

Edward, if you ever read this, penned one visitor, please know that I still think of you.

Its been a year today, and Im still heartbroken, inscribed another. Maybe time doesnt heal all wounds.

I hate you and miss you at the same time, wrote Em to Sean.

The museum displays items people have donated to symbolize their broken relationships.

I felt smug. As someone who had not so much as held hands with a man in three years, I felt that I, at age 29, had risen above such trifles and could continue being happily single.

But then I met *Karlo.

Karlo was a Croatian man three years older and over a foot taller than me, with dark hair, expressive eyes and a sense of humor so sharp my sides ached from laughing around him. We met at a Spanish conversation meetup I organized my first week in Zagreb, and bonded over Cusco, Peru; hed always wanted to visit, and Id lived there for five months.

We became fast friends, hanging out at bars and parks, stealing away from the group for one-on-one walks and sharing our heartbreak stories. He told me about a Mexican tourist hed fallen in love with in Croatia. To woo her, he used the money hed saved for Cusco to travel to her home country  only to end up dumped, with no funds left to visit Peru.

I, too, had a failed love story connected to Cusco: That was the city I was visiting in 2014 when I got a breakup email from the only man Id ever considered marrying.

Were torturing ourselves, he wrote to me from California. Ive decided that its just too much.

Reading his words from a cold hostel room 4,800 miles away, I did not cry or respond. An iciness, searing and protective, seeped into my heart that day, and I welcomed it with sickening glee. I was never the same after that.

The unsent love letters to that ex were what brought me here to Zagreb in the summer of 2019 on my sabbatical from freelance writing. Donating the letters to the Museum of Broken Relationships would symbolize my farewell to romance after having been single for five years and fasting from dating for three.

Two things, however, now threatened my plans: One, I couldnt find the love letters (I had carried them around South America in my backpack, but they werent there anymore). And two: I was starting to hope Karlo would ask me on a date.

Me outside of the museum in 2019.

It began on an August night outside a dive bar. Standing beneath the street lamps, Karlo leaned his face precariously close to mine as he told some story, and I was struck by a clear-as-day desire I hadnt felt in years: I wanted to kiss him. Flustered, I couldnt meet his gaze for the rest of the evening.

Beyond his good looks, I was taken by Karlos small, caring gestures: the way he casually plucked an insect from my hair as we hiked one afternoon, or how hed say, You are safe here anytime we walked in an unfamiliar-to-me part of the city. I trusted him, and that was rare.

As fault lines spread across my hardened heart, I feared what might emerge. At first, I pushed down the romantic feelings with poetry and prose, and even went for a stroll in a thunderstorm one evening hoping that being drenched in the downpour would extinguish this attraction.

Ive always believed Id never marry, I told a friend one night, trying to convince myself it was still true.

It was no use. I was helplessly, horrifyingly in love with Karlo. So I decided that if he asked me out, I would, for the first time in three years, say yes.

Except he wouldnt ask me out. As the days dragged on and my departure date drew near, it felt like holding a ticking time bomb. Was Karlo still heartbroken over the Mexican girl? Did he think a long-distance relationship couldnt work? Was he just shy? That he simply did not reciprocate my feelings was a possibility I refused to entertain.

Tired of waiting, I took charge. Wanna go stargazing? I texted him one night with an upside-down smiley-face emoji. (Direct enough to gauge interest but vague enough that, if things didnt work out, I could play it off as a friendly hangout and not a date.)

Cant tonight, he replied. I was crushed.

The next day, however, he surprised me by asking if Id like to go to a festival and then stargazing later. I was already out with some girlfriends and couldnt ditch them, so we combined forces. (Was it a date if others joined?) At the observatory, Karlo and I stood to the side conversing in low whispers. Noticing me shivering, he gave me his sweater. I dangled my hand on the railing by his, hoping hed hold it; he didnt. We talked in a park until 1 a.m., and then, like always, he walked me home. And that was that.

This flirtation (was that what it was?) went on for about three weeks. By the time my mom came to visit in September, I was a wreck  hardly eating or sleeping, picking fights with her to let off steam over Karlo.

One afternoon, I took my mom to the Museum of Broken Relationships. As she perused the exhibits, I revisited the Book of Confessions, desperate to laugh at more entries and prove I was still coldhearted.

But to my surprise, I had newfound empathy for its authors. A backpacker named Claudia wrote of a Croatian man shed just met: We had an incredible connection, like no other I had seen before. I could relate.

Then came that fateful October night. Karlo was on a trip to Germany that he was perplexingly evasive about, and his friend invited me to coffee.

I cant go on a date with Karlos friend when Im in love with Karlo! I whined to my mom.

But, begrudgingly, I pulled up a chair at the cafes candlelit table, where this friend proceeded to tell me about his long-distance love interest  a man. I was so shocked that it wasnt until after our date that I blurted, Wait, you dont like girls?

Not in that way, he said bashfully.

My mind was reeling. If I had mistaken a gay mans friendliness for romantic advances, could I be wrong about Karlo, too?

Since he knew Karlo, I decided to confide in him about my crush. His face dropped. You dont know about Karlo?

I froze.

He has a girlfriend in Ukraine. I thought you knew.

I did not.

Two nights before my flight back to the U.S., Karlo was walking me home when I finally spit it out: Do you have a girlfriend?

Yes, he answered quickly. Yes, I have a girlfriend.

Im surprised, I said, unable to hide the hurt in my voice.

Why? he asked.

I consider you one of my closest friends here, I said, deciding to conceal the whole truth, given the circumstances. So I just thought you wouldve told me.

Its not like I had plans on the side or something, he replied. It just didnt come up.

We talked at the tram stop outside my apartment until 1 a.m.  me, letting my sandaled feet turn numb in the cold, and Karlo, letting every tram pass until they stopped running for the night and he would have to walk home.

He shared details about his girlfriend: the barriers to her moving to Croatia as a Ukrainian citizen, the house with the library and fireplace they dreamed of owning, her two cats. Karlos recent trip to Germany? A vacation with her. The visit to Lviv hed told me about? Hed gone to see her and her family. I felt angry that he had conveniently left his girlfriend out of every story he told me, embarrassed Id imagined he ever saw me as more than a friend.

As I lay in bed hours later, my chest ached. The feelings had not dissipated, despite knowing the truth. I still longed for Karlo, still wanted him to know how much I liked him, how much Id suffered these past two months. But I kept all of that from him. This was something I would hold in my heart, something that, like the exhibits in the Museum of Broken Relationships, I would carry and not burden him with.

If what defines a museum is that it is curated to shape the viewers perception, arent we all living museums? Karlo was not who he had appeared to be, but neither was I. The hardheartedness I had displayed did not convey the whole truth that I, like all of us, harbored a softness inside that I feared someone might trample. But to deny its existence was to deny myself a shot at what we all deeply desire: to love and be loved in return.

The museum displays love letters like these. My original plan was to donate my own.

The day before leaving Zagreb, I made one final visit. Walking past the lovers scab, the mothers paper cranes, and the daughter-in-laws handkerchief, I opened the Book of Confessions.

This time, I was not here to mock its inscriptions. This time, I was here to write one to myself: Maybe this will crack you open, so you can finally see: Inside, theres a heart that still beats.

Three years later, I found the love letters to my ex. On a visit to my hometown for Christmas, as I sifted through belongings Id stored at my parents house while I traveled, I stumbled upon the wrinkled pages covered in my hastily penned longings.

At this point, I was in my first serious relationship in eight years  my first time falling in love since Karlo. I read the letters with a mix of empathy and amusement that only hindsight can bring.

Then, I let them go. More specifically, I ran them through my dads paper shredder. I no longer wanted a museum to display that old love story. My heart was embracing a new one.

*Name has been changed to protect this persons privacy.

This article was originally published on TODAY.com
A Texas hotel may be shut down after 693 police calls were made in just two years at the property for suspected illegal and gang-related activity, according to legal documents.

The Gateway Hotel has received a temporary and permanent injunction from the El Paso County Attorney's Office to cease operations after "habitual criminal activity" was discovered.



"The large volume of calls for service to a single business and States analysis of police reports show that the Gateway has habitual criminal activity that violates the CPRC, and additional crimes that contributes to the overall blight this business brings to downtown El Paso," reads the El Paso County Attorney's complaint.



SUSPECTED TREN DE ARAGUA GANG MEMBERS IN AURORA, COLORADO, RELEASED ON $1,000 BOND



As recently as August 23, police documented the presence of transnational gang Tren de Aragua in the Gateway Hotel building, which the county attorney calls "most alarming."



An officer's note from the date reads, "Noticed Venezuelans walking out of a room and cooking fumes coming from the room. The fire marshals has already warned them that they were not allowed to cooking inside their room. They said they had permission. The man had a tattoo that was consistant [sic] with the Tren De Aragua Gang."



Officers also noted that the property may be a site for prostitution, consuming drugs, gang activity, and illegal dumping per the complaint.

Suspected members of the Venezuela-based transnational gang Tren de Aragua were seen on surveillance footage partying and drinking to the point of vomiting with children present, according to legal documents.

The Gateway Hotel had been allowed only conditional use of the property through 2018, which included only the lobby and first floor. The past six years of operations have occurred without a valid certificate of occupancy and in direct violation of El Paso city requirements.



A one-star review of the Gateway Hotel posted on Yelp reads, "an incredibly filthy, drug, and bug infested, fire-trap!"



The hotel, built in 1903, has failed at least three fire inspections since July. An aggravated assault which took place at the Gateway on June 16, 2024, shows "the deplorable state of the inside of the building," according to the El Paso County Attorney's Office.



TREN DE ARAGUA GANG MEMBERS ARRESTED IN AURORA, COLORADO IN CONNECTION TO APARTMENT BUILDING TAKEOVER: POLICE



"A video showing the deplorable state of the inside of the building and the type of activity allowed inside of the business comes from an aggravated assault case. The video shows dozens of people partying on the 3rd floor of the hotel, drinking, smoking and dancing provocatively while children are present," reads the complaint. "The video also shows at least one gun being shot, another used to threaten, men holding knives and another man with a hatchet assaulting people and causing damage to the hotel in front of a security guard."



The Tren de Aragua criminal activity at the Gateway Hotel in El Paso follows a dangerous trend of building takeovers across Colorado.



"I held a roundtable in Aurora, Colorado last week to expose the truth about the Tren de Aragua gang apartment takeover and crimes they are committing in our communities," said Colorado Rep. Lauren Boebert to Fox News Digital. "The Fake News media and liberal politicians want Americans to believe this crisis isnt real, but the gangs activity is not isolated to just Colorado and they are committing crimes in other states including Texas and New York."

The suspected Tren de Aragua gang members engaged in illegal activity including illegal dumping and drug use, according to the El Paso County Attorney's Office.

Tren de Aragua is a transnational gang based in Venezuela with around 5,000 members. The gang has been known to engage in illegal drug dealing, sex trafficking, and carrying unauthorized firearms. Some of the gang members in the United States are illegal aliens.



"I am thankful to our law enforcement for overseeing this successful operation. Every day, Tren de Aragua gains more ground in our country, and El Paso is clearly on the market for this dangerous gang," said Congressman Tony Gonzales to Fox News Digital. "Thats why I have pushed hard to designate TDA as a transnational criminal organization and provide more tools to security agencies so they can shut down their operations. El Paso has historically been one of our nations safest cities and I am committed to keeping it that way."

Suspected members of the Venezuela-based transnational gang Tren de Aragua were seen on surveillance footage possibly carrying weapons shared by the El Paso County Attorney's Office at the Gateway Hotel.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP





Original article source: Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua take over Texas hotel, county officials work to shut down business
Kidman departed the Venice Film Festival on Saturday after she learned her mother Janelle died

Marilla Sicilia/Archivio Marilla Sicilia/Mondadori Portfolio via Getty Nicole Kidman on Aug. 30, 2024

Nicole Kidman continues to privately mourn the death of her mother, Janelle Ann Kidman.

The Oscar winner did not appear at the Toronto International Film Festival premiere of Babygirl on Tuesday, Sept. 10, days after news of her mother's death.

During the Toronto premiere, the film's director, Halina Reijn, explained Kidman's absence.

"We just came back from Venice where we had the world premiere of our movie, and it was quite an emotional experience as you might have read because Nicole Kidman had just won the award for best actress," Reijn told attendees.

"Unfortunately, right before she was going to go on the stage and accept the award, she sadly heard of her mother's passing and had to rush off to her family, and that's why she's not here with us tonight. But she wanted all of us to know that she was so excited for this day," the director continued. "It's very special to us. This is our North American premiere."



Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Halina Reijn reads a letter on behalf of Nicole Kidman at the Venice Film Festival on Sept. 7, 2024

Related: Nicole Kidman Misses Best Actress Win in Venice Due to Her Mothers Death: Family Is Heartbroken

At the Venice Film Festival over the weekend, Kidman, 57, was awarded with the event's best actress prize for her performance but sent a statement in her absence.

Read aloud by Reijn, 48, at the time, Kidman wrote that she had arrived in Italy, only to find out "shortly after that my beautiful, brave mother, Janelle Ann Kidman, has just passed."



"I'm in shock and I have to go to my family, but this award is for her. She shaped me, she guided me and she made me. I am beyond grateful that I get to say her name to all of you through Halina," the director continued, reading Kidman's statement. "The collision of life and art is heartbreaking, and my heart is broken."

After reading Kidman's words to the packed house in Venice, Reijn said simply: "We love you all, Nicole."

A rep for Kidman confirmed Janelle's death to PEOPLE and said "the family is heartbroken and asks for privacy at this time."

Related: Nicole Kidman Misses Best Actress Win in Venice Due to Her Mothers Death: Family Is Heartbroken

Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic Nicole Kidman at "The Perfect Couple" premiere on Sept. 4, 2024. The event was her last major public appearance before learning about the death of her beloved mother.

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The Big Little Lies actress opened up to PEOPLE in November 2023 about how her mother influenced her career and her sense of style, sharing at the time that Janelle "is so involved in what I wear."

Kidman also previously spoke with the Sydney Morning Herald about their relationship. She said Janelle always encouraged her and helped her to achieve her goals.

Shes given me the fire to pursue the career I have because Ive always wanted to please her, Kidman told the outlet in 2020, per the Hollywood Reporter. But she also carved her own path and wanted her daughters to have the same opportunity to carve their own paths."



Mum didnt necessarily get the career that she wanted, but she was determined that her daughters would have opportunities that were equal," Kidman added. "Thats given me my life. And she gave me my life, she and my dad.

The actress stars with Harris Dickinson and Antonio Banderas in Babygirl, in which Kidman portrays a business executive who starts an affair with an intern (Dickinson). Banderas plays Kidman's character's husband.

Babygirl is in theaters Dec. 25.

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Read the original article on People.
NEW YORK -- Wednesday marked 23 years since the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks that forever changed New York City and the nation.

Nearly 3,000 people were killed when al Qaeda hijackers crashed four jetliners into the twin towers, the Pentagon and a field in southwest Pennsylvania.

On this day each year, families who lost loved ones in the worst terror attack on American soil make the solemn trek to observe the six moments of silence, hear the reading of the names, and fulfill a sacred promise to never forget.

As years pass, more and more names are being read by children and young adults born after the attacks -- as an older generation passes on the grave responsibility of remembering this day to a new generation.

"Twenty-three years is like 23 seconds. On Sept. 11, my brother disappeared, but this place has become my altar," one man said at the podium. "This ceremony is essential, because that day he disappeared, but if I come here and I speak his name out loud, and you hear his name, he will never, never disappear."

"I have sunflowers every year, not just because they remind me of my uncle Richie, but because in a time of such profound darkness, they always look for the light," one woman said.

You can watch the full ceremony here.

9/11 moments of silence

A New York Police Department honor guard holds an American flag during the 9/11 commemoration ceremony at Ground Zero in New York. / Credit: Jacquelyn Martin / AP

Wednesday's ceremony honored the 2,983 victims killed in the 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, aboard Flight 93, and in the 1993 WTC bombing.

The 9/11 Memorial & Museum opened to family members at 8 a.m. before the commemoration began at 8:46 a.m.

A citywide moment of silence was held at 8:46 a.m. to mark the moment hijacked Flight 11 struck the North Tower. A second moment of silence was held at 9:03 a.m. to mark when hijacked Flight 175 struck the South Tower.

Another moment of silence followed at 9:37 a.m., marking when hijacked Flight 77 struck the Pentagon.

A moment of silence was held at 9:59 a.m. to mark when the South Tower fell, then at 10:03 a.m. to mark when hijacked Flight 93 crashed in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, and then at 10:28 a.m. to mark when the North Tower fell.

The ceremony wrapped up at around 12:45 p.m.

U.S. leaders vow to "never forget"

Vice President Kamala Harris, President Joe Biden, former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, former President Donald Trump and Republican vice presidential candidate JD Vance attend a remembrance ceremony marking 23 years since the September 11 terror attack on the World Trade Center in New York City. / Credit: ADAM GRAY/AFP via Getty Images

President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were on hand for the ceremony in Lower Manhattan, along with former President Donald Trump and Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance.

New York leaders, including Sen. Chuck Schumer, Gov. Kathy Hochul and former mayors Bill de Blasio, Michael Bloomberg and Rudy Giuliani were also seen in the crowd, as well as New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy.

Mr. Biden and Harris both released statements beforehand, repeating the calls to "never forget."

"Never forget each of the 2,977 precious lives stolen from us when terrorists attacked our nation," Mr. Biden wrote. "Never forget their families who still bear the grief from that searing September morning. Never forget the heroic citizens and survivors who rushed to help their fellow Americans. And never forget that when faced with evil -- and an enemy that sought to tear us apart -- we endured."

"Today is a day of solemn remembrance as we mourn the souls we lost in a heinous terrorist attack on Sept. 11, 2001. We stand in solidarity with their families and loved ones. We also honor the extraordinary heroism on display that fateful day by ordinary Americans helping their fellow Americans. We will never forget," Harris said in her statement.

The White House said the president and vice president were also to visit the 9/11 sites in Shanksville, Pennsylvania and the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia.

While remembering the lost, some said it was also a chance to address elected leaders to call for justice following the now-revoked plea deal military prosecutors had reached with the alleged 9/11 mastermind and two other defendants.

"It is outrageous that our government would ever entertain the thought of granting the terrorist a plea deal," one person said.

Read more: 9/11 families, first responders call for death penalty against attack plottersRemembering 9/11 around Tri-State Area

A person walks though the Empty Sky 9/11 memorial as the sun rises behind the skyline of Lower Manhattan and One World Trade Center on 23 years since the 9/11 attacks, as seen from Jersey City. / Credit: Gary Hershorn / Getty Images

Other remembrances were held across New York and New Jersey to mark the somber morning.

At sunset, bagpipers and drums led a parade outside the FDNY Ten House with first responders and military marching in formation to honor the fallen.

On Long Island, a ceremony at Point Lookout honored the nearly 500 residents killed on Sept. 11 and the first responders who later died of cancer from the days of recovery and months of cleanup. Leaders noted the crowd for the event never dwindles.

"We've been having this ceremony on this beach, and it gets bigger and bigger every single year. People love to come down here to reflect, to be together and to remember," Hempstead Town Supervisor Donald Clavin said.

"I lost my husband, Ronny, on 9/11. It's tough," said resident Carol Gies. "He was a member of Squad 288 in Maspeth, Queens. His firehouse lost the most men in the entire department."

The Kirchner family of Oceanside supported husband and father Richard through decades of health battles. He spent 600 hours on the pile.

"My husband passed away in 2022 from dementia and lung ailments," widow Dawn Kirchner said.

"I am in awe of him for the rest of my life and proud to be his daughter," Ava Kirchner said.

In Jersey City, a ceremony at the 9/11 memorial along the Hudson River also paid tribute to the 39 residents killed in the attacks. The city's waterfront became a triage center for those fleeing Manhattan by ferries that day, including now-Mayor Steven Fulop, who later joined the Marine Corps and was deployed to Iraq.

"The crowd that comes out is smaller every single year and it gets farther and farther from people's mind... Younger people don't have that same close proximity to it, because a lot of the younger people, even some working for the city, weren't alive," Fulop said Wednesday, adding, "it's something that we're going to try to raise up."

In total, more than 700 people from New Jersey were killed on Sept. 11. Dozens of loved ones came to honor the dead Wednesday, many throwing flowers into the river, as the names were read aloud.

"Unreal, just an unreal experience then, and 23 years later, it still feels unreal," said Barbara Smith, whose best friend was killed in the North Tower. "I was working on Water Street and when the first plane hit, none of us really understood what was happening. One woman who had been around for the '93 attack knew right away that it was a terror attack, but most of us really didn't believe that until the second plane."

"It's a painful day, but it's so important to remember all the people who sacrificed their lives for the great country that we live in," said Douglas Mahler of Franklin Lakes.

"I was first hand who was there and I know a lot of people who survived and not survive," Jan Demczur said.

Demczur was a window washer trapped in a North Tower elevator when the first hijacked plane hit the World Trade Center. He said he and several others got out by chipping away at a wall.

"I put my foot inside the hole, start kicking that and there's another wall," Demczur said, "and I see the light."

He said he then took another elevator and ran down 44 flights of stairs.

"Very difficult because so many young people lost lives," Demczur said.

Street closures for 9/11 ceremony

A New Jersey police officer holds an American Flag before the start of the ceremony at the 9/11 Memorial on 23rd years since the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks in New York. / Credit: Pamela Smith / AP

The 9/11 Memorial & Museum is located at the World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan.

Drivers should plan for the following street closures around the area:

Areas bounded by Barclay Street on the North; Rector Street on the South; Broadway on the East; West Street on the West (All Inclusive)Liberty Street between West Street and South End AvenueAlbany Street between West Street and South End AvenueWest Thames Street between West Street and South End AvenueSouth End Avenue between Liberty Street and West Thames StreetBattery Place between West Thames Street and 3rd Place3rd Place between Battery Place and Little West StreetLittle West Street between 3rd Place and Battery Place

This comes the same time as the United Nations General Assembly, which is also causing street closures and delays on Manhattan's East Side.

Author hopes to shed light on working class misconceptions

New York City pizzerias honor 9/11 first responders

Haitian migrant community of Springfield, Ohio, contends with a political firestorm
SPRINGFIELD, Ohio (AP)  Many cities have been reshaped by immigrants in the last few years without attracting much notice. Not Springfield, Ohio.

Its story of economic renewal and related growing pains has been thrust into the national conversation in a presidential election year  and maliciously distorted by false rumors that Haitian immigrants are eating their neighbors pets. Donald Trump amplified those lies during Tuesdays nationally televised debate, exacerbating some residents' fears about growing divisiveness in the predominantly white, blue-collar city of about 60,000.

At the citys Haitian Community Help and Support Center on Wednesday, Rose-Thamar Joseph said many of the roughly 15,000 immigrants who arrived in the past few years were drawn by good jobs and the citys relative affordability. But a rising sense of unease has crept in as longtime residents increasingly bristle at newcomers taking jobs at factories, driving up housing costs, worsening traffic and straining city services.

Some of them are talking about living in fear. Some of them are scared for their life, Joseph said.

A Welcome To Our City sign hangs from a parking garage downtown, where a coffee shop, bakery and boutique line Springfield's main drag, North Fountain Street. A flag advertising CultureFest, the city's annual celebration of unity through diversity, waves from a pole nearby.

Melanie Flax Wilt, a Republican commissioner in the county where Springfield is located, said she has been pushing for community and political leaders to stop feeding the fear.

After the election and everybodys done using Springfield, Ohio, as a talking point for immigration reform, we are going to be the ones here still living through the challenges and coming up with the solutions, she said.

Ariel Dominique, executive director of the Haitian American Foundation for Democracy, said she laughed at first at the absurdity of the false claims. But seeing the comments repeated on national television by the former president was painful.

It is so unfair and unjust and completely contrary to what we have contributed to the world, what we have contributed to this nation for so long, Dominique said.

The falsehoods about Springfield's Haitian immigrants were spread online by Trump's running mate, JD Vance, on the eve of Tuesday's debate between Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. It's part of a timeworn American political tradition of casting immigrants as outsiders.

This is whats happening in our country. And its a shame, Trump said at the debate after repeating the falsehoods. When challenged by ABC News moderator David Muir over the false claims, Trump held firm, saying people on television said their dogs were eaten, but he offered no evidence.

Officials in Springfield have tried to tamp down the misinformation by saying there have been no credible or detailed reports of any pets being abducted or eaten. State leaders are trying to help address some of the real challenges facing the city.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, a Republican, said Tuesday he would add more law enforcement and health care resources to an aid package the state has already provided to Springfield.

Many Haitians have come to the U.S. to flee poverty and violence. They have embraced President Joe Biden's new and expanded legal pathways to enter, and have shunned illegal crossings, accounting for only 92 border arrests out of more than 56,000 in July, the latest data available.

The Biden administration recently announced an estimated 300,000 Haitians in the U.S. could remain in the country at least through February 2026, with eligibility for work authorization, under a law called Temporary Protected Status. The goal is to spare people from being deported to countries in turmoil.

Springfield, about 45 miles from the state capital of Columbus, suffered a steep decline in its manufacturing sector toward the end of the last century, and its population shrank as a result. But its downtown has been revitalized in recent years as more Haitians arrived and helped meet the rising demand for labor as the economy emerged from the pandemic. Officials say Haitians now account for about 15% of the population.

The city was shaken last year when a minivan slammed into a school bus, killing an 11-year-old boy. The driver was a Haitian man who recently settled in the area and was driving without a valid license. During a city commission meeting on Tuesday, the boy's parents condemned politicians' use of their son's death to stoke hatred.

Last week, a post on the social media platform X shared what looked like a screengrab of a social media post apparently out of Springfield. The post claimed without evidence that the persons neighbors daughters friend saw a cat hanging from a tree to be butchered and eaten, outside a house where it claimed Haitians lived. It was accompanied by a photo of a Black man carrying what appeared to be a goose by its feet.

On Monday, Vance posted on X: Reports now show that people have had their pets abducted and eaten by people who shouldnt be in this country. The next day, he posted again, saying his office had received inquiries from Springfield residents who said their neighbors pets or local wildlife were abducted by Haitian migrants.

Long-time Springfield resident Chris Hazel, who knows the park and neighborhood where the pet and goose abductions were purported to have happened, called the claims preposterous.

It reminds me of when people used to accuse others and outsiders as cannibals. Its dehumanizing a community," he said of the accusations against the city's Haitian residents.

Sophia Pierrilus, the daughter of a former Haitian diplomat who moved to the Ohio capital of Columbus 15 years ago and is now an immigrant advocate, agreed, calling it all political.

My view is thats their way to use Haitians as a scapegoat to bring some kind of chaos in America, she said.

With its rising population of immigrants, Springfield is hardly an outlier. So far this decade, immigration has accounted for almost three-quarters of U.S. population growth, with 2.5 million immigrants arriving in the United States between 2020 and 2023, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Population growth is an important driver of economic growth.

The Haitian immigrants who started moving to Springfield the last few years are the reason why the economy and the labor force has been revitalized there, said Guerline Jozef, executive director of the Haitian Bridge Alliance, which provides legal and social services to immigrants across the U.S.

Now, she said, Haitians in Springfield have told her that, out of fear, they are considering leaving the city.

___ Spagat reported from San Diego. Associated Press writers Michael Schneider in Orlando, Florida, and Noreen Nasir in New York, contributed.
Former Phoenix Suns employee Andrea Trischan is seeking $60 million in damages in a discrimination and wrongful termination complaint against the team filed with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Arizona attorney general's office's civil rights division, ESPN is reporting.

The matter is being investigated by the Arizona attorney general's office's civil rights division.

"Ms. Trischan filed a formal complaint  due to ongoing racial discrimination, harassment, and retaliation she experienced while employed with the Phoenix Suns," Trischan's attorney, Sheree Wright said in the ESPN report. "Specifically, Ms. Trischan endured overt racist comments and a hostile work environment that went unaddressed despite being reported to HR and executive leadership."

Trischan was hired in September 2022 days after the NBA suspended then-Suns team owner Robert Sarver and fined him $10 million for workplace misconduct and organizational deficiencies found in the 10-month NBA investigation of his 18-year tenure as team owner.

She was hired as the team's program manager of diversity, equity and inclusion to address issues the NBA pointed out in the Sarver investigation, but was let go less than 10 months into her position.

"A former employee who last worked for the organization in 2023 was terminated after less than 10 months due to repeated failure to perform her job duties," Suns and Mercury senior vice president of communications, Stacey Mitch, provided The Arizona Republic. "This individual filed a baseless charge with a state agency and is now trying to use ESPN reporting from 2022, specific to previous ownership, to make egregious claims in order to support her ridiculous demand for $60 million from the Suns organization."

Suns and Mercury owner Mat Ishbia speaks to the press during the grand opening of the Mercurys new practice facility on Thursday, July 18, 2024.

Suns team owner Mat Ishbia bought the Suns and Mercury from Sarver for a record $4 billion in February 2023.

"To be clear, this individual is making false claims in an attempt to gain tens of millions of dollars," Mitch continued in the statement. "We are confident the courts will find no merit to these claims and quickly resolve this matter. The Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury are creating a world-class organization for every employee. We will not let opportunists succeed in their attempts to manipulate the media and use years old reporting to seek financial gain."

Trischan's attorneys say they're prepared to file a formal lawsuit against the Suns and anticipate doing so. She has until Nov. 13 to do so, her attorneys said in the ESPN report.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Ex-Suns employee seeks $60M for discrimination, wrongful termination
Rep. Joe Wilson, R-S.C.

Longtime Rep. Joe Wilson, R-S.C., was taken at the hospital Tuesday night for treatment after he collapsed at an event in Washington, according to a congressional aide with knowledge of the situation.

Later Tuesday night, Wilson's office confirmed the news on X.

"Congressman Joe Wilson (R-SC) was taken ill and is being evaluated at a local hospital in Washington, DC," it said.

His son, South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson, later posted on behalf of his mother who is at the hospital, saying, "Doctors have confirmed to us that he experienced stroke-like symptoms."

The younger Wilson said he was able to speak with his father on the phone, adding that the congressman is "stable and being monitored by medical professionals."

Rep. Wilson, 77, a senior member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, was present for two vote series in the House on Tuesday afternoon and was joking with reporters just off the floor.

He said Tuesday he had had a busy summer recess; Congress just returned this week from a monthlong break.

Wilson told reporters he had just returned from whirlwind official travel to the Philippines, Australia and Europe, including a meeting with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, then campaigned back home in South Carolina.

NewsNation first reported Wilson's hospitalization.

Wilson, who has represented a conservative district in central and southwestern South Carolina since 2001, is perhaps best known for shouting "You lie!" at President Barack Obama during a joint session of Congress in 2009 after Obama said undocumented immigrants would not receive benefits from the legislation that eventually became the Affordable Care Act.

Wilson was reprimanded by the whole House and apologized to Obama.

More recently, he has become known as one of the staunchest supporters of Ukraine in its war against Russia, frequently wearing pins or flags in blue and yellow, the national colors of Ukraine.
San Antonio residents, many of whom are Democrats, watch the second presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and Former President Donald Trump at Lets Be Honest, a bar catering to the LGBTQ+ community, on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. Christopher Lee / Staff Photogra San Antonio residents, many of whom are Democrats, watch the second presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and Former President Donald Trump at Lets Be Honest, a bar catering to the LGBTQ+ community, on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. Christopher Lee / Staff Photogra

A historic night for Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump left Texas politicians with mixed reactions.

Gov. Greg Abbott took to X, formerly Twitter, to blame Harris for a surge of illegal immigrants, nicknaming her Border Czar.

One of President Trumps top priorities is to secure the border, he wrote. His strong border security actions led to the lowest illegal border crossings in four decades. President Trump will again implement effective policies to address the surge of illegal immigration at the border.

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Both candidates pleaded their cases on topics ranging from abortion to immigration to climate change during the 90-minute debate at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. Other talking points focused on employment rates and healthcare for American citizens.

When ABC News anchor and co-moderator Lindsay Davis questioned Trump about alternatives to the Affordable Healthcare Act, he opted to not give specifics. However, he mentioned that he had concepts of a plan.

Do you have a healthcare plan nine years later I have concepts of a plan, wrote U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Dallas. Bye, Don.

State Rep. Jared Patterson felt Trump did not get fair treatment, describing ABC News as liberal media.

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The American people see right through activist journalists and thank God, the Frisco Republican wrote. If Kamala Harris becomes president our country is finished. Our economy cant take it, our kids cant take it, and country cant take it any longer.

A LOOK BACK: Here are 4 takeaways for Texas voters from the Trump-Harris presidential debate

State Rep. Terry Wilson also voiced his displeasure with Harris responses on policy in what analysts described as a contentious debate.

Republicans in (Williamson County) know, tonight's debate only just began to unveil the radical left-wing agenda being promoted by Kamala Harris and every Democrat on her coattails, the Central Texas Republican wrote. We will continue to fight for conservative leadership from the top of the ticket all the way down.

Shortly after the debate, Grammy award-winning artist Taylor Swift endorsed the Harris-Tim Walz ticket. In her Instagram post, Swift shared her reasons for throwing her support behind Harris and Walz, noting that like other Americans, she watched the debate as well.

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Recently I was made aware that AI of me falsely endorsing Donald Trumps presidential run was posted to his site, Swift wrote. It really conjured up my fears around AI and the dangers of spreading misinformation. It brought me to the conclusion that I need to be very transparent about my actual plans for this election as a voter. The simplest way to combat misinformation is with the truth.

"I will be casting my vote for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz in the 2024 presidential election.

Swift also encouraged potential voters to take a moment to do research on the issues at hand and the stances on both candidates' take on the topics that matter the most to them.

State Rep. Mary Ann Perez, D-Pasadena, echoed Swifts sentiments about voters acting now through election day.

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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.

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A severed pig head was left on a Sacramento home's doorstep earlier this week, prompting authorities to investigate the unusual incident as a possible hate crime.

The pig head was reported to Sacramento police around 7:30 a.m. on Monday, a department told USA TODAY Wednesday in an email. The incident occurred in a North Natomas neighborhood, police said.

An investigation was conducted, including several photos taken by crime scene investigators, according to police. The incident is being investigated as a potential hate crime due to being "abnormal" and "out of the ordinary," the department said.

Ring camera shows hooded individual leaving head on doorstep

Police said detectives will determine if there is any bias motivation behind the pig head being left at the home.

The homeowner told Fox 40 a Ring video allegedly shows someone in what appears to be a hooded sweater approach the residence's entrance.

Screenshots shared with the TV station from someone who saw a post about the incident on the Nextdoor app show a door mat with the animals head on it and what appears to be several blood stains on the mat and surrounding ground.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Pig head incident at California home being investigated as a hate crime
The mother of the teenager accused in the shooting rampage that killed two students and two teachers in a Georgia high school last week apologized to the families of the victims in an open letter.

Marcee Gray's letter, obtained by CNN, also insists that 14-year-old Colt Gray is not a monster.

Colt Gray is charged with four counts of felony murder in the deaths of math teachers Cristina Irimie, 53, and Richard Aspinwall, 39, and 14-year-old students Mason Schermerhorn and Christian Angulo.

To the parents and families of those affected by the tragic events at Apalachee High School, I want to say that I am so sorry from the bottom of my heart, the letter says. If I could take the place of Mason and Christian, I would without a second thought.

She added her heart breaks for the 2 teachers who gave their lives while in the service of teaching and protecting our children.

Eight other students and a teacher were wounded in the Sept. 4 shooting that rocked the small town of Winder. Barrow County Sheriff Jud Smith has said Gray, armed with an "an AR-platform style weapon," opened fire around 10:20 a.m., was quickly confronted by deputies assigned to the school and immediately surrendered.

Colt Gray's father, Colin Gray, is accused of allowing his son access to the semiautomatic rifle used in the shooting. Colin Gray faces four counts of involuntary manslaughter, two counts of second-degree murder and eight counts of cruelty to children.

People attend a vigil at Jug Tavern Park following a shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, on Sept. 4, 2024.

Mother of Georgia shooting suspect: Mom said she called school before attack, report says

Marcee Gray has said she alerted the school counselor the morning of the shooting that there was an "extreme emergency" and her son needed to be found, the Washington Post has reported. The school sent an administrator to his classroom, but the teen was not in class.

We are all in a living nightmare right now, and I will personally never forgive myself for what has happened, Marcee Gray wrote. My son Colt is not a monster. He is my oldest baby. He is quiet, thoughtful, caring, funny, and extremely intelligent. Please pray for him and the rest of our family, as I am praying for all of you every moment of every day.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Georgia school shooting suspect's mother: 'My son is not a monster'
A group of Virginia high school students teamed up to surprise their school custodian with a new car this week, after raising over $20,000 in just three months.

Francis Apraku, a custodian at James Madison High School in Vienna, Virginia, received the surprise on Sept. 9 in the parking lot of the Vienna Inn, a local restaurant, which shared the reveal in an Instagram reel on Sept. 10.

"Many of you have been following the heartwarming story of JMHS students who set out to raise funds to buy their custodian his dream car, a Jeep Wrangler. Today, they made his dream a reality and presented him with the Jeep!" the restaurant wrote in the caption. "We were honored to be part of this special moment today and thrilled to have this amazing group of young men celebrate with us and to see their reactions as they watched the news stories about their incredible achievement. Incredible!"

Bennett, one of the students behind the fundraiser, told "Good Morning America" Apraku is "more than a custodian" to him and his friends, and when they learned Apraku's dream was to own a Jeep Wrangler, they got to work.

Restaurant employees' heartwarming surprise for coworker whose car was stolen

"As a challenge, we decided to make a [fundraiser] to see if we could make his dream come true because he does so much for us but he gets nothing in return," Bennett told "GMA" via email.

PHOTO: Francis Apraku, a custodian at James Madison High School in Vienna, Virginia, was surprised with a red Jeep Wrangler by Madison High School students who teamed up to fundraise the money for Aprakus new car. (Courtesy of Gina Hibshman)

Initially, Bennett explained that he and his fellow sophomore students at James Madison High School thought they would launch the fundraiser this past May at the end of their freshman year, and then by their senior year, they might possibly have enough to buy a new car -- but the donations quickly poured in.

"In the first two days, we raised $5,000 and we were in shock," Bennett said. "It was really amazing how the town could come together and raise that much so quickly for a man they never knew."

85-year-old moved to tears by antique car birthday parade

Apraku, who fell to the ground in shock and was all smiles after the touching surprise, said in a statement to "GMA" that he "will never forget" the kindness the students and their local community had shown him.

"The custodial staff and I deeply cherish the connection that we make with the Madison High School students. We all take pride in our work and love that we are made to feel such a welcome part of the school community," Apraku said. "I couldn't believe it when I received such an incredible gift. This means the world to me, and I will never forget their kindness."

Another one of the students, Nick, told "GMA" in a statement that surprising Apraku "was such a good feeling."

"I don't know how to describe it. Just knowing that all of our work to spread the word actually worked and we were able to get him the car, it felt incredible," he said. "He is always encouraging us and is such a great person, and if there's anyone who deserves this, it's him."

Liz Calvert, the principal of James Madison High School, expressed pride at the students' motivation to surprise Apraku.

"Our students, and these young men in particular, demonstrate exceptional kindness and generosity, making a positive impact on our school and our community," Calvert said in part. "This one act of kindness speaks volumes about our commitment at Madison to create inclusive environments routed in service, kindness, compassion, and empathy."

Bennett and his friends said they hope others will be inspired by their actions.

"Something my friends and I want others to know after reading or seeing the surprise is that you should think about the people who make your life easier who don't get enough appreciation," he wrote.

Students raise over $20,000 to surprise custodian with 'dream' Jeep originally appeared on goodmorningamerica.com
Danielle Daly

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is investigating the safety of tampons after a July study suggested that there could be toxic metals in them.

On September 10, the agency announced in a statement that they're "aware of concerns about tampon safety after a 2024 study found metals in tampons during laboratory testing" and have therefore "commissioned an independent literature review and initiated an internal bench laboratory study to evaluate metals in tampons."

While the study "found metals in some tampons, the study did not test whether metals are released from tampons when used," they added. "It also did not test for metals being released, absorbed into the vaginal lining, and getting into the bloodstream during tampon use."

Here's what to know about the links between toxic metals and tampons, including if the products are currently safe to use.

Meet the experts: Christine Greves, MD, an ob-gyn at the Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies in Orlando, Florida. Jamie Alan, PhD, an associate professor of pharmacology and toxicology at Michigan State University. Jenni Shearston, PhD, MPH, the study's lead author and a postdoctoral scholar at the University of California Berkeley School of Public Health.

Is there lead or arsenic in tampons?

According to a study published in the journal Environment International in June, researchers found several toxic metals, including lead and arsenic, across 14 brands of tampons.

Researchers analyzed materials from 18 products lines from 14 brands of tampons. They picked from products listed as "top sellers" from an online retailer and store-brand versions from New York City, Athens, Greece and London.

Scientists then measured the presence of 16 metals, all of which were found in measurable traces. "Several toxic metals," including lead, were detected.

But it wasnt just lead: The study also found measurable concentrations of arsenic, barium, calcium, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, iron, manganese, mercury, nickel, selenium, strontium, vanadium, and zinc, too.

We detected all 16 metals in at least one sampled tampon, including some toxic metals like lead, that has no safe exposure level, the study says.

Unfortunately, the study didnt name which brands of tampons they researched, only noting that the tampons are available in the United States, United Kingdom, and Greece. The researchers pointed out nonexistent regulations in those countries don't require companies to test their products for harmful chemicals or metals.

Are organic tampons safer than non-organic?

The researchers discovered that levels of lead were higher in non-organic tampons, while levels of arsenic were higher in organic tampons.

"No category had consistently lower concentrations of all or most metals," the study says.

This isn't great news, since researchers also noted that the vagina has more permeable skin than other parts of the body. That skin allows it to absorb chemicals that directly enter systemic circulation.

However, the study notes that further testing should be done to replicate their results and measure the presence of other chemicals in tampons. It is the first study of its kind to research metal levels in menstrual products.

So, are tampons safe?

You may be freaking out right about now, but you shouldn't throw out your tampons just yet. The study's press release notes that "its unclear if the metals detected by this study are contributing to any negative health effects."

"We know the metals are there, but we dont know how much gets into the body, Jamie Alan, PhD, an associate professor of pharmacology and toxicology at Michigan State University, tells Women's Health.

Christine Greves, MD, an ob-gyn at the Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies in Orlando, Florida, adds that you shouldnt panic based on the results of one study. Dr. Alan agrees.

We are exposed to these metals every day and we even need some of these metals, like zinc, for our body to function, she says.



Its important to point out that even the studys researchers tell tampon users "not to panic." Jenni Shearston, PhD, MPH, the study's lead author and a postdoctoral scholar at the University of California Berkeley School of Public Health, notes that "we do not yet know if metals can leach out of the tampon and whether they are absorbed by the body."

"We therefore cannot yet assess to what extent (if any) metals in tampons contribute to any health problems," she tells Women's Health. "We definitely need more research on this severely understudied area, especially because millions of people could be affected."

If you're freaked out by the findings, there are other ways of dealing with period blood. You can use pads or menstrual cups, if youre concerned, Dr. Greves says.

The study's author Dr. Shearston agrees, noting, "it's too soon for us to recommend people use a specific kind of menstrual product."

"What your readers can do is push for better labeling of ingredients in tampons and other products, and for more testing of products to make sure they don't contain toxic chemicals," she adds.

Is the FDA investigating heavy metals in tampons?

Yes. On September 10, the agency announced in a statement that they're "aware of concerns about tampon safety after a 2024 study found metals in tampons during laboratory testing" and have therefore "commissioned an independent literature review and initiated an internal bench laboratory study to evaluate metals in tampons."

"The comprehensive review of the published literature will provide a better understanding of the data currently available regarding the presence of chemicals in tampons and, importantly, any associated health effects of those chemicals, the agency said. "The FDAs laboratory study will measure the amount of metals that come out of tampons under conditions that more closely mimic normal use. These initiatives will enable the FDA to complete a risk assessment of metals contained in tampons, based on a worst-case scenario of metal exposure."

Findings will be announced when they are available and have been peer reviewed, the agency adds.

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By James Oliphant and Gram Slattery

PHILADELPHIA (Reuters) -Democrat Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump met on Tuesday for their first and perhaps only debate, a square-off that could have a significant impact on the Nov. 5 election as polls show a tight race.

Here are takeaways from the debate:

RILING HER RIVAL

Harris made a point to get under Trump's skin, as her campaign had forecast - and it worked.

She urged viewers to attend a Trump rally, where she said Trump would say bizarre things such as windmills cause cancer (something he has, in fact, said) and where, she taunted, attendees would leave out of exhaustion and boredom (something they have, in fact, done.)

Trump, who prides himself on the crowds he draws, was clearly riled.

"My rallies, we have the biggest rallies, the most incredible rallies in the history of politics," he said. He accused Harris of busing in attendees to her rallies.

Trump then falsely claimed that immigrants in the country illegally were killing and eating people's pets in the city of Springfield, Ohio, an unsubstantiated assertion that has circulated on social media and been amplified by Trump's vice presidential running mate JD Vance.

"In Springfield, they're eating the dogs! The people that came in, they're eating the cats!" Trump said. "They're eating the pets of the people that live there."

City officials in Springfield have said those reports are untrue, which the ABC moderators pointed out after Trumps comments.

"Talk about extreme," Harris responded, laughing.

PLAYING DEFENSE

Another of Harris goals, as a former California prosecutor, was to call Trump out for his past actions, particularly his efforts to overturn the 2020 election.

An hour into the debate, her strategy appeared to be paying off. Trump was continually on the defensive.

Asked about the Jan. 6, 2021, siege of the U.S. Capitol, he insisted he had nothing to do with that, other than they asked me to make a speech." He also maintained, falsely, that he had won the 2020 election.

Harris used Trump's actions as an argument for the country to turn the page, which she would do throughout the evening.

"Donald Trump was fired by 81 million people, so let's be clear about that, and clearly he is having a very difficult time processing that, but we cannot afford to have a president of the United States who attempts as he did in the past to upend the will of the voters in a free and fair election, Harris said.

The vice president dug at Trump a little more, saying world leaders were laughing at him and calling him a disgrace  language that Trump has employed himself at rallies in reference to how he says other countries view President Joe Biden.

A few minutes later, Trump erupted, claiming Harris had received no votes in claiming the Democratic nomination and suggesting she replaced Biden as part of some sort of coup.

He hates her, Trump said of Biden. He cant stand her.

The exchanges may have aided Harris' argument that Trump, as she put it, lacks the temperament to be president.

'WEAPONIZED' JUSTICE

Trump and Harris accused each other of conspiring to "weaponize" the Justice Department in a bid to go after their enemies.

Trump said the indictments he faces for conspiring to overturn his 2020 election loss and for his mishandling of classified documents - as well as his conviction for forging documents related to hush money payments to a porn star - are all the result of a conspiracy cooked up by Harris and Biden. There is no evidence for that assertion.

Harris shot back by pointing out that Trump has promised to prosecute his enemies if he wins a second term.

"Understand this is someone who has openly said he would terminate, I'm quoting, terminate the Constitution," Harris said.

The heated exchange underlined how Harris and Trump see the stakes of this election as existential. Both claimed their opponent to be a threat to democracy itself.

RACIAL DIVIDE

Deep into the debate, the long-simmering topic of race came up. Trump was asked why he had publicly questioned Harris dual heritage as a Black and South Asian woman.

I dont care what she is, he responded. I read that she was Black. Then I read that she was not Black.

Asked to respond, Harris accused Trump of using race to divide Americans throughout his career. She cited how he and his father turned away Black renters in the 1970s and how Trump led the public outcry against five young Black and Latino men who were wrongly convicted of assaulting a jogger in New York City's Central Park in 1989.

He also has openly questioned whether President Barack Obama, who was born in the United States, was an American citizen, Harris noted.

"I think it's a tragedy that we have someone who wants to be president who has, consistently, over the course of his career, attempted to use race to divide the American people," she said.

"I think the American people want better than that," Harris added. "We don't want a leader who is constantly trying to have Americans point their fingers at each other."

Instead of trying to defend his record, Trump pivoted back to the economy and sought to pin Bidens economic policies on Harris. Shes trying to get away from Biden, he said.

HANDSHAKE

Heading into the debate, there was a question as to how Harris and Trump, who have never met, would greet each other.

Harris settled the issue, definitively. She walked over to Trump at his podium, extended her hand and introduced herself as Kamala Harris.

It was an assertive way to approach a man who has spent weeks insulting her with racist and sexist attacks. Trump had no choice but to accept the gesture.

SPARRING ON THE ECONOMY

In the debates opening minutes, Trump and Harris went to battle on one of the issues that is top of mind for voters: the economy.

Harris detailed the economic policies she has rolled out in recent weeks, which include a substantial tax credit for small start-ups. Trump focused his comments on tariffs, saying he would protect the American economy from unfair foreign competition.

While both sides got their jabs in, Harris got to speak first on a topic where she trails Trump in terms of voter trust. She appeared to force the former president onto his back foot, and Trump essentially played defense on one of his strongest issues.

"She doesn't have a plan," Trump said, after Harris' opening comments. "It's like Run, Spot, Run."

A SCHISM ON ABORTION

The two candidates also engaged in a fractious debate about abortion, an issue where polls show Harris has the upper hand.

Trump defended the U.S. Supreme Courts 2022 ruling that ended constitutional protection for abortion and sent the issue back to individual states, arguing, incorrectly, that it was an outcome desired by both Republicans and Democrats. Democrats have long supported a constitutional right to abortion.

I did a great service in doing it. It took courage to do it, Trump said.

Trump contended that some states allow babies to be aborted after birth, a point corrected by ABC News moderator, Linsey Davis.

Harris flashed some outrage at Trumps assertion that abortion becoming a states-rights issue was a popular result, referring to states that have passed restrictive bans.

This is what people wanted? Harris asked. People being denied care in an emergency room because healthcare providers are being afraid of being hauled off to jail?"

Trump was asked whether he would veto a federal abortion ban if one were passed by Congress. He insisted a federal ban would never happen.

WORLDS APART

One of the most heated policy discussions came when Trump and Harris clashed over how they would handle Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

The candidates' responses revealed the degree to which their views on America's role in the world fundamentally differ.

Trump refused to say he wanted Ukraine to win the war, even as ABC moderator David Muir pushed him on the point, saying only that he wanted to wrap up the conflict as soon as possible.

Harris shot back, arguing that what Trump really wanted was Ukraine's quick and unconditional capitulation.

"If Donald Trump were president, (Russian President Vladimir) Putin would be sitting in Kyiv right now," Harris said.

She also pushed back at Trump's claim she had been sent by Biden to talk to Putin to resolve the conflict. Harris has never met with Putin, but has met several times with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.

"I said at the beginning of this debate, you're going to hear a bunch of lies coming from this fellow, and that is another one," Harris said.

(Reporting by James Oliphant in Washington and Gram Slattery in Philadelphia; Editing by Colleen Jenkins and Daniel Wallis)
Donald Trump in Philadelphia on Tuesday.

WASHINGTON  Donald Trump took aim at the Affordable Care Act on Tuesday in his presidential debate with Kamala Harris, reviving a 15-year-old partisan fight over a law that has swung from a liability to a political asset for Democrats.

Obamacare was lousy health care. Always was. Its not very good today, Trump said on the stage. And what I said, that if we come up with something, and we are working on things, were going to do it and were going to replace it.

Trump indicated that hed only eliminate the ACA, also called Obamacare, if he could devise a better and cheaper system. Pressed by debate moderators on whether he has a plan, he said, I have concepts of a plan, adding that he intends to release concepts and options ... in the not-too-distant future.

The former president didnt provide a more specific timeline.

We could do much better than Obamacare, Trump said.

Trumps remarks were another turning point in the 15-year fight over the ACA, which Republicans have sought to back away from. Trump, who revived the issue last fall, pivoted this year to downplaying prospects of repeal if he returned to the White House  until he was asked about it Tuesday in the debate.

The Harris campaign is exploring ways to weaponize Trumps comments, including by considering paid ads and health care-focused events, among other options, according to two sources with knowledge of the campaign's thinking. One called reviving the issue a f--- up from Trump that gives Harris' campaign a huge opening with key groups of voters.The day of the debate, the Biden administration announced that ACA enrollment hit an all-time high this year with 20.8 million Americans signing up. Overall, the White House said, about 50 million Americans have been covered through the ACAs private marketplaces since 2014, in addition to those who have gained insurance through the law's Medicaid expansion.

Harris senior adviser David Plouffe promised Wednesday that voters will hear more about Trumps health care comments.

He promised us a health care plan back in 2015. A long time ago. Never came. Last night, he said he had the concepts of the plan. But he still wants to basically throw tens of millions of people off health care, Plouffe said on MSNBC. People in swing states are going to hear about that very soon.

The 2010 law, signed by then-President Barack Obama, was unpopular early on and weaponized politically by Republicans, who vowed to repeal and replace it if given power. But in 2017, when Trump and a GOP-led Congress sought to undo the law, it sparked a public backlash and enhanced the ACAs popularity. A Trump-backed Republican repeal bill sought to roll back the subsidies for expanding coverage and unwind some of the ACAs protections for people with pre-existing conditions, one of its most popular features. It fell one vote short when Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., unexpectedly voted "no" during a late-night Senate session.

Harris, who was a senator then, recalled that vote on Tuesday.

You have no plan, she told Trump. And what the Affordable Care Act has done is eliminate the ability of insurance companies to deny people with pre-existing conditions. I dont have to tell the people watching tonight. You remember what that was like? Remember when an insurance company could deny if a child had asthma, if someone was a breast cancer survivor, if a grandparent had diabetes? And, thankfully, as Ive been vice president, we over the last four years have strengthened the Affordable Care Act.

Democrats turned the tables on the GOP in the 2018 election, accusing them of seeking to throw millions of Americans off health care and reinstate the option for insurers to refuse to cover people with prior illnesses. The ads wrote themselves. Still, Trump persisted in his push for undoing the law for the remainder of his presidency and endorsed a lawsuit to wipe out the law in 2020, the year he lost his re-election bid to President Joe Biden.

In Congress, Republicans have expressed little appetite to revisit the painful fight over undoing the law, now that its benefits are widespread and entrenched in the health care system. That includes some of the most conservative members, who favor changes to the health care system but not through the prism of undoing the ACA.

The Affordable Care Act hasnt worked from the standpoint that costs have skyrocketed. ... Deductibles are way up. Co-payments are way up, Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., who faces re-election this fall, said in an interview. You want to have a safety net so people can get health care. ... So the way I would look at it is, I wouldnt talk about what we should do with the ACA. I say: How are we going to fix the system?

Asked if he supports Trump's call to reopen the ACA fight, No. 3 Republican Sen. John Barrasso, of Wyoming, didn't answer directly.

We want to make sure that people get the care that they want and get insurance that is affordable and appropriate for them, he said. And thats been a real challenge for so many Americans under Obamacare, because the rates have gone up  more expensive for individuals, and so many of Obamas promises have been broken.
Former President Trump and his running mate, Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, have sat down for at least 61 interviews since the Harris-Walz ticket was formed, compared to 23 non-scripted interviews for the Democratic presidential ticket thus far.

After weeks of avoiding interviews, Vice President Kamala Harris has stepped up her appearances in recent weeks, largely by sitting down with allies. Harris spoke with MSNBC's Stephanie Ruhlefor her first one-on-one network interview since becoming the nominee. Harris added a pair of taped local interviews with Atlanta and Pittsburgh news stations on Tuesday.

Harris also taped an appearance on the "All the Smoke" podcast hosted by former NBA players Stephen Jackson and Matt Barnes. On a similar sports front, Trump was interviewed by OutKick's Clay Travis while attending the Georgia-Alabama football game on Saturday.

Harris Campaign Pledges More Media Interviews As Voters Still Have Questions About Her Policies

From left: former President Trump; Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio; Vice President Kamala Harris; and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.

In recent days, Wisconsin Public Radio interviewed Harris where she announced that she supports removing the filibuster in order to pass abortion rights legislation, and she has also spoken to Wired, a Spanish radio host and the National Association of Black Journalists.

Harris was also interviewed by Action News 6 ABC last month in Philadelphia, which came on the heels of a report that her campaign is looking for her to do more local interviews in swing states like Pennsylvania.

Read On The Fox News App

Meanwhile, Trump has been all over and sat down with "Full Measure" journalist Sharyl Attkisson last week for an interview in which he made news by suggesting he will not run again in four years if he loses to Harris in November.

Trump also recently sat down for an interview with Fox News contributor and Washington Post columnist Marc Thiessen, joined Fox News late-night show "Gutfeld!" for an extended appearance, and he spoke with Fox's Brian Kilmeade last week as well.

Vance has done dozens of interviews since the Harris-Walz ticket formed on Aug. 6, including multiple Sunday show appearances and interviews with CNN, Fox News and ABC in the aftermath of the ABC News Presidential Debate between Trump and Harris last month.

Vance sat down with Fox News host Sean Hannity live from the spin room on Tuesday night following the CBS News Vice Presidential Debate, where he addressed Harris' lack of availability.

"She doesnt answer for anything because she refuses to answer to sit down for interviews," Vance said.

Vance also recently spoke with Time magazine for a lengthy cover profile, and he spoke with an NBC affiliate in Philadelphia.

Republican presidential nominee, former U.S. President Donald Trump participates in a Fox News Town Hall with Sean Hannity at the New Holland Arena on September 04, 2024 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

Harris' running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, has begun doing more local interviews, speaking with Georgia, Wisconsin and North Carolina TV stations in recent weeks. He spoke with MSNBC and ABC after last month's debate, and he was interviewed by Michigan station Fox 17.

Harris also taped two radio interviews with Uforia, the audio network of TelevisaUnivision, and Rickey Smiley, host of the nationally syndicated "Rickey Smiley Show." She also called into "Afternoon Vibes with Ms. Jessica," another radio program.

Walz also spoke to WCMU radio in Michigan, in addition to speaking with "The Morning News with Nancy Kman and Jason Barsky" on WILK in Pennsylvania and "The Chad Holmes Show" on WXCO in Wisconsin.

Harris-trump Showdown: New Polls Indicate Who Has The Edge In The Blue Wall Battle

Vice President Kamala Harris speaks with Philadelphia's 6 ABC anchor Brian Taff on Friday.

Harris and Walz ended an extended interview drought in August when they were interviewed jointly by CNN's Dana Bash in Georgia.

Since Aug. 6, when the Harris-Walz ticket was formed, Trump has also spoken with, among others, Fox News, NBC News, The Daily Mail, Hugh Hewitt, the New York Post and local outlets like WBRE News Wilkes-Barre and WLOS News 13 Asheville, as well as podcaster Lex Fridman and X owner Elon Musk.

Harris still has not held a formal press conference since replacing President Biden as the Democratic nominee.

This report has been updated with additional interviews from both tickets.

Fox News Digital's Joseph A. Wulfsohn contributed to this report.





Original article source: Trump-Vance ticket has done combined 61 interviews since August compared to 23 for Harris-Walz
Former state Sen. Wendy Davis testified Tuesday in Austin federal court that the 90-minute confrontation between a Biden-Harris campaign bus in which she was traveling and a convoy of Trump supporters who surrounded it on Interstate 35 in 2020 left her with a "vulnerability I've never felt before," making her fearful at political events that were once like second nature to her.

Concluding more than five hours of testimony and cross-examination, Davis said she had never felt truly afraid to appear in public before that day  even after a man launched Molotov cocktails at her district office, starting a small fire in 2012.

Former state Sen. Wendy Davis said she didn't speak in public after the u0022Trump Trainu0022 incident until the fall of 2021. At that event, she hired private security for the first time in her career u0022because (she) was so anxious,u0022 she said.

"I never walked away from those incidents feeling afraid," Davis said. "Now I do feel afraid."

Davis was on the stand as a plaintiff and a witness in a lawsuit that accuses six "Trump Train" drivers of violating the Ku Klux Klan Act, an 1871 federal law that forbids two or more people from conspiring to use violence, intimidation or harassment to prevent a citizen from engaging in political support or advocacy. The jury trial began Monday.

Gary Owens, of Fairfield, Ohio, stands on the back of a truck at a Bass Pro Shop parking lot while preparing to ride in a Trump parade in Cincinnati in 2020.

The plaintiffs are seeking punitive and compensatory damages as well as attorneys' fees.

During the trial, the defendants sought to paint the plaintiffs as engaging in politically motivated "lawfare" and described the event as a typical, if "very loud," car-based rally.

Before the Oct. 30, 2020, incident, which took place days before the presidential election, Davis, the then-Democratic nominee for a U.S. House seat, and a Joe Biden campaign staffer were planning to make a stop at an early voting location and conclude a "Battle for the Soul of the Nation" tour in Austin.

They canceled both events after dozens of vehicles, adorned with pro-Donald Trump flags, surrounded and followed the bus, swerving, brake-checking and impeding it so that it was forced at times to travel as slowly as 15 mph on a highway with a speed limit of 70 mph, according to testimony and video Tuesday.

Eventually, one of the defendants in the case, Eliazar Cisneros, sideswiped the car of a Biden campaign staffer following the bus. Davis, campaign staffer David Gins and driver Tim Holloway, who were the sole occupants of the campaign bus, sued in June 2021.

Gins and Holloway, who have yet to testify, both said they experienced extreme distress as a result of the confrontation. Holloway "was so traumatized by the incident" that he ceased his tour bus business and stopped driving buses, while Gins developed acute anxiety and canceled his participation in Biden's inaugural parade in 2021, according to the complaint.

After the "Trump Train" incident, Davis said Tuesday, she didn't speak in public again until the fall of 2021. At that event, she hired private security for the first time in her career "because (she) was so anxious," she said.

Freelance photojournalist Bill Ward caught up with a Trump Train as a hundred or more cars and trucks drove together across Lincoln County in North Carolina on Sept. 26, 2020.

Davis, of Fort Worth, has been a fixture in Texas politics since 2009, when she was elected to the state Senate. She rose to national prominence with a 15-hour filibuster that killed an abortion restriction bill in the 2013 regular legislative session, though lawmakers later passed the bill in a second session. After losing a Senate reelection campaign in 2015 to Chip Roy, an Austin Republican who now serves in the U.S. House, Davis unsuccessfully ran against Gov. Greg Abbott as a gubernatorial candidate.

She now runs the political advocacy arm of Planned Parenthood.

During cross-examination, attorneys for the "Trump Train" drivers sought to associate Davis' documented anxiety and depression after the incident with her 2020 congressional loss to Roy for U.S. House District 21.

Erin Mersino, an attorney representing Dolores Park, a mother of five who drove one of the cars in the procession, questioned Davis about the roughly two dozen speaking engagements she said she participated in between the event and now. Defense attorney Jason Greaves compared his clients' combative social media posts to the Biden bus's slogan, "Battle for the Soul of the Nation," asking Davis if she understood that "in politics, there's a lot of rhetorical fighting language."

She said yes.

He then returned to a theme of class and political conflict from his opening statements, saying, "So you just got yourself some lawyers, and you sued a bunch of working-class Americans."

Davis' attorney said the question was argumentative, and Judge Robert Pitman sustained the objection.

Trump Train was a 'moving blockade'

About 400 vehicles carrying roughly 1,000 people roll through parts of Houma, La., in a Trump parade in October 2020.

After Davis left the stand, the plaintiffs called former Fort Worth Police Chief Theron Bowman in as an expert witness. He said he reviewed 53 videos, case evidence and social media posts to compile a report on the Oct. 30, 2020, incident, in which he identified 35 cars as participants.

Bowman spent 34 years as an officer  14 years as the Fort Worth police chief  and has a doctorate in urban and public administration, in addition to running a consultancy. (On Monday, the defense assailed Bowman as a "fancy expert" who has made millions annually through participation in trials such as this one.)

The videos showed cars breaking two criminal laws, Bowman testified: deadly conduct and obstructing a highway. He also cited traffic laws that were "repeatedly" broken, including laws against instant messaging.

The "Trump Train" drivers "endangered the bus and other members of the motoring public in close proximity of that bus," he said, adding that the group coordinated to create a "moving blockade."

One video presented as evidence showed defendant Park filming herself while holding a flag out of her sunroof  which, Bowman emphasized, meant no hands were on the wheel. Her speedometer read 25 mph at one point as she honked repeatedly at the Trump flag-adorned trucks in front of her. Park was far behind the bus in the video.

"Let's go!" Park yelled as she drove. "This is awesome!"

The trial is expected to continue at least until next Tuesday but might extend past Sept. 20.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Wendy Davis testifies about 'Trump Train' confrontation with Biden bus
Vice President Kamala Harris has a four-point lead over former President Donald Trump among registered voters in Wisconsin, according to a new Marquette University Law School poll released Wednesday.

Among registered voters, 52% supported Harris and 48% supported Trump. The numbers were the same among voters considered likely to vote, based on their voting record since 2016.

That represents a slight boost for Harris from the last poll released in early August. In that poll, 50% of registered voters supported Trump and 49% backed Harris. Among likely voters, it was 50% for Harris and 49% for Trump.

The new poll surveyed 822 registered voters, 738 of whom are considered likely voters. The margin of error for likely voters was plus or minus 4.7 points, and plus or minus 4.6 points for registered voters.

"These changes are all inside that margin of error," poll director Charles Franklin noted. But other findings in the poll show "Harris is in a little bit better shape this time than last time."

More: Harris and the Democrats are outdueling Trump and Republicans in the Wisconsin ad wars

The poll release comes a day after the first debate between Harris and Trump, though the poll was conducted between Aug. 28 and Sept. 5. The Marquette survey is considered one of the highest-quality polls in the country.

FILE PHOTO: U.S. Vice President and Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris and vice presidential nominee Minnesota Governor Tim Walz attend a campaign rally in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S. August 20, 2024.

RFK Jr.'s polling has declined, most voters know he dropped out

Factoring in third-party candidates like Jill Stein, Cornel West and Chase Oliver, Harris leads 47% compared to Trump's 43% among registered voters. Independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s support had dropped steadily over the past months, now down to 6% in the new poll from 8% in the August poll.

That multi-candidate race adds up to about a 9% total third-party vote in Wisconsin, Franklin said, which is "a good bit bigger than what we normally see. The biggest total third-party vote recently was in 2016, when it was 5 1/2% total for all the third-party candidates. In 2020, it was only 1 1/2%."

The poll released Wednesday is the first installment since Kennedy dropped out of the race and endorsed Trump on Aug. 23. The vast majority of Wisconsin voters were aware Kennedy decided to drop out: 86% of registered voters said they heard the news he was suspending his campaign, while 14% did not.

Kennedy's name remains on the November ballot in Wisconsin, after election officials cited a state law that prevents him from removing his name. Kennedy has since sued to pull his name from the ballot. Local clerks in Wisconsin must start sending absentee ballots to voters by Sept. 19.

Voters view Walz more favorably than Vance as VP pick

The Wednesday release is also the first Marquette poll conducted after the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, where Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz was nominated as Democrats' choice for vice president. Democrats consider Walz helpful to the campaign in Wisconsin, especially in the western part of the state, which shares media markets with Minnesota.

More: Gilbert: Why presidential campaigns heap attention on western Wisconsin

In the poll, 43% of Wisconsin voters viewed Walz favorably and 37% viewed him unfavorably, with 19% saying they haven't heard enough or didn't know. Republican vice presidential candidate and Ohio U.S. Sen. JD Vance is viewed favorably by 37% of voters and unfavorably by 47%, with 16% having no opinion.

About 90% of Democrats considered Walz an "excellent" or "good" pick for vice president. In the poll released in early August, about 77% of Republicans considered Vance an "excellent" or "good" running mate selection.

That still means a majority of Democrats and Republicans are pleased with their party's vice presidential nominee before the two debate Oct. 1, Franklin noted.

More voters also consider Vance to be "very conservative," while fewer consider Walz to be "very liberal." Voters don't consider Walz as liberal as Harris, while more voters consider Vance more conservative than Trump.

"Whatever Walz's record as governor was, which has been a point of attack for Republicans against him, the public at least so far, at least here in Wisconsin is not seeing him as extremist," Franklin said.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Kamala Harris nudges to a 4-point lead over Trump in Wisconsin poll
U.S. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (TX-18) addresses attendees with U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) about the announcement of signing of the Emancipation Heritage Trail Feasibility Study at Emancipation Park in Houston on Friday, March 6, 2020 Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer

Not even death will stop U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee from potentially passing another bill.

When the Houston Democrat died on July 19 from cancer, she was working on 60 different bills she had filed, and on more than 500 bills she had co-sponsored that had yet to be voted on.

While many of them  like those on gun safety, transgender rights or police reforms  were never going anywhere because of opposition in the GOP-controlled House, there are several others that do have a real shot of making it through thanks to help from some of her colleagues.

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U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, a Republican, highlighted one of those bills last week. During a stop in Austin, he said he was working closely with Jackson Lee on a bill called Countering Threats and Attacks on Our Judges Act. The legislation, which passed the Senate in June, would create a program to help courts around the nation improve security for judges and personnel who are facing threats from the public.

Jackson Lees House version had not passed yet when she died, despite having bipartisan support.

Thats where her colleagues colleagues  both Democrats and Republicans  are coming into play. U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Austin, is helping lead efforts to pass the bill, and Cornyn said hes been in contact with U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Austin, who, like Cornyn, is a former Texas Supreme Court justice. Both McCaul and Doggett were co-sponsors of the original legislation.

Hopefully we wont miss a beat, Cornyn said.

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If the House passes the Senate version, Jackson Lees name would not be attached, but undoubtedly there will be speeches to pay tribute to the late congresswoman. Jackson Lee was an attorney and a former municipal judge in Houston in the late 1980s, giving her first-hand insight into courtroom threats.

Just last year a Texas woman, Abigail Jo Shry, was charged with making a threatening call to U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkans chambers, in which she called the judge a racial slur and threatened to kill her and Jackson Lee, according to court documents. The case remains ongoing. Chutkan is the judge overseeing former President Donald Trumps trial over his efforts to remain in office after losing the 2020 election.

Jackson Lee at the time said the death threats on her and the judge were chilling. Even before them, security for the district judge had been increased in the federal courthouse in Washington, D.C.

Cornyn said he worries about judges being threatened outside the courtroom, where there is less security. The legislation he and Jackson Lee were working on would create a resource center to provide technical assistance, training and threat monitoring for state and local judges and court personnel.

Cornyn pointed to a 2015 case in Austin where a person with a case before Judge Julie Kocurek attempted to assassinate her at her home with her then 15-year-old son in her car.

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I remember it like it was yesterday, Kocurek said. I was severely wounded in an assassination attempt on my life.

Cornyn said hell miss working with Jackson Lee on this bill and so many others.

I worked very closely with Sheila Jackson Lee on a number of things and she was a force of nature, Cornyn said about working with the late congresswoman on the bill.

Jackson Lee passing bills after her death would only add to a legacy that already had distinguished her as one of the most prolific bill writers to ever serve in Congress. According to the U.S. Library of Congress records, Jackson Lee introduced 1,109 bills in the U.S. House from 1994 to 2024  more than anyone else during that stretch.

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SAPs global partner efforts are seeing it prioritise its Business AI product and partner autonomy, which in turn is being distilled into its strategy for Australia and New Zealand (A/NZ).

A/NZ SAP chief partner officer Ashley McGibbon said that the vendors priorities of Business AI and partner autonomy are really important for the enterprise resource planning (ERP) vendor in the region.

I think weve been really bold and a little bit further along in some areas, particularly around partner autonomy, she said.

New Zealand has been a particularly standout region for SAP, McGibbon added.

Weve essentially provided the whole mid-market business as our partner-driven territory this year, she said. I think it will expand absolutely even further next year, but that is definitely  particularly in the APJ [Asia Pacific and Japan] region  a little bit further along than some of the other areas globally at the moment.

The New Zealand drive comes from the claim that it was easier for the vendor to segment particular elements of the countrys market, McGibbon said.

Across the Tasman, the chief partner officer claimed SAP is doing very well with partners in Western Australia and sees it as a logical first point of call for next year.

However, the strategy between the two countries is, for the most part, similar. Additionally, McGibbon said the vendor has plans to align Australia and New Zealand with each other in 2025.

SAPs partner strategy is seemingly working, as the chief partner officer also said SAP has recruited the same number of partners from the start of the year up to August this year as it did during the entirety of 2023.

To meet that level of growth, the vendors local partner team is also growing, with two territory ecosystem managers recently hired in New Zealand and one in Brisbane.

The difference to other roles that weve had before is that they are focused on driving success for our partners completely, McGibbon said.

Looking ahead to the next three to five years months, SAP expects partner autonomy to really accelerate and for more partners to lean into the vendors Business AI solution, with McGibbon predicting the focus will be on how partners provide support across the customer value journey.

In the past, when were in the on-premises world, everything was really focused on that first go live, getting the customer to go live, and we worked with system integrators to get customers to go live. Now we look at implementations in waves.

My team monitors that from a from an entire an entire A/NZ business perspective and how partners are enabling customers to go live in their waves.

She continued, saying that she would like to see how partners transform their businesses to support customers across the whole customer value journey  starting with the discovery, understanding requirements and SAP products through to first implementations, first use and then further development to other solutions like Business AI.

What Im hoping to see, and were already starting to see it, is that our partners see that opportunity to do more with our customers so that they can maintain them across that whole cycle. Its not just about that first go live anymore, McGibbon added.
Today's news: the Indian state of Manipur reintroduces curfew to stem fresh wave of violence; Deaths from Typhoon Yagi increase in Vietnam and Thailand; Burmese refugees in India go on hunger strike; Between Armenia and Azerbaijan on tenth draft of difficult peace agreement arrived.

CHINA

After the first announcement in July, China decided to gradually increase the retirement age, according to a draft submitted to the Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress, which started yesterday. The topic immediately became trending on Chinese social media. It is a necessary measure to support the economy and cope with an ageing population, according to experts, but the population fears that this will make it more complicated for young people to find work.

JAPAN

Former Health Minister Katsunobu Kato also announced his candidature for the upcoming Liberal Democratic Party internal elections. Kato is the eighth candidate to have formalised his participation in the race to become party leader and premier. At a press conference, he pledged commitment to doubling people's incomes by raising wages.

VIETNAM - THAILAND

The death toll in Vietnam due to Typhoon Yagi has risen to 141, while in Thailand four people have died so far. Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said that help is on the way for about 9,000 families affected by the floods in the northern provinces of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. Vietnamese authorities warned that the rains are endangering the central districts of the capital Hanoi where some schools have already been closed.

INDIA - MYANMAR

More than one hundred Rohingya and Chin refugees from Myanmar began a hunger strike in the Matia transit camp in Assam State to protest against poor sanitary conditions. After their refugee status was recognised by the United Nations (despite the fact that India is not a signatory to the 1951 Geneva Convention), they are demanding to be transferred to a detention centre in Delhi and then resettled in a third country or in a refugee camp in India.

MANIPUR

Authorities in the north-eastern state of Manipur imposed an indefinite curfew and blocked access to the internet due to a new wave of student protests and violence that have been raging in the north-eastern Indian state for the past year. The local government said it wanted to curb disinformation and incitement to hatred that could trigger further clashes between the Kuki and Meitei communities and against law enforcement agencies.

AFGHANISTAN

The Taliban Ministry of Labour announced a public holiday today in Herat for the inauguration of the TAPI (Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India) gas pipeline, a project that had actually been launched by the previous Afghan government in 2018 after an agreement signed between the four countries in 2016. Once completed, the pipeline will have the capacity to transport 33 billion cubic metres of natural gas per year.

ARMENIA - AZERBAIJAN

Armenia's Foreign Minister, Ararat Mirzoyan, announced during a visit to Luxembourg that Yerevan has handed over to Azerbaijan the tenth variant of the draft for the peace agreement, with a text agreed with all internal instances and Azerbaijani demands, and is now expected to be signed by Baku without placing any further conditions.

RUSSIA

Russia's major metal companies, Severstal, Nlmk and Mmk, have approached the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEEC) complaining about China's excessive increases in steel and zinc trade throughout Eurasia, with dumping approaches seriously jeopardising the production and business of Russian companies.
by Sumon Corraya

Msgr Kevin S. Randall told the new chief advisor of the pontiff's concerns about Christians and Rohingya refugees. In just over a month, the interim government has initiated several reforms, but order has not been restored everywhere and it is still unclear when elections will be held.

Dhaka (AsiaNews) - On 9 September the Apostolic Nuncio to Bangladesh, Msgr Kevin S. Randall, met with Muhammad Yunus, Chief Advisor to the interim government created after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled to India.

At the Rashtriya Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka, the two discussed various issues, including the protection of religious minorities in the country. The nuncio proposed the creation of an institution for interreligious dialogue between the Vatican Delegation for Interreligious Dialogue and Bangladeshi scholars of Islam.

He went on to emphasise the need to increase humanitarian assistance for over one million Rohingya refugees living in camps in Cox's Bazar. To which the Chief Advisor responded by asking for the Vatican's support. After the meeting, Msgr Randall told AsiaNews he shared with Yunus that Pope Francis is always concerned about the plight of the displaced people. The Church in Bangladesh, through Caritas, has been helping the Rohingya since 2017.

The archbishop also mentioned the pontiff's call for an international treaty on artificial intelligence launched in June on World Peace Day. Present at the meeting were Lamiya Morshed, UN Secretary for Sustainable Development Goals Affairs, and Kazi Russel Pervez, Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

On the other hand, Yunus, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for fostering the development of microcredit in Bangladesh, emphasised that the interim government's main goal is to improve security after last month's protests ( strikes and demonstrations are still ongoing in some outlying areas) and to implement major reform programmes.

In just over a month, the situation in the capital, Dhaka, has almost returned to normal. Special attention has been paid to the financial sector: new management boards have been set up to free banks from the control of large debtors. Proposals were passed to reduce corruption and eliminate money laundering schemes through the creation of a committee to investigate irregularities in the capital market.

Laws restricting freedom of the press were repealed and an international convention on enforced disappearances, which during the previous administration were used by the police to suppress opposition and dissent, was signed.

The interim government also started negotiations with political parties. The expert Al Masud Hasanuzzaman pointed out some positive developments: There has been a reduction of stagnation within the administration. The government has been accepted internationally and is pursuing an independent foreign policy'.

The executive has brought some relief, but law and order has not yet been fully restored. The police force remains disorganised. Those who are unwilling to cooperate should be sacked and their positions filled by competent people,' political scientist Dilara Chowdhury commented instead.

'To restore democracy, we have to go back to the political party system. This process cannot be allowed to drag on indefinitely. The government should present a roadmap with a clear timeline of what will be achieved and when. Perhaps not everything will be realised in time, but a roadmap is essential.
by Steve Suwannarat

An opposition leader is calling on the Election Commission to dissolve the party of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, less than a month after she took office. In early August, the progressive Move Forward party was also dissolved. Meanwhile, the economy continues to slow with no end in sight.

Bangkok (AsiaNews)  The already uphill battle of the new Thai government led by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is getting steeper after an opposition leader, Warong Dechgitvigrom, asked the Election Commission of Thailand to dissolve the Pheu Thai party, claiming that the prime ministers father, Thaksin Shinawatra, who has no official role in government or party, controls her and her party.

In recent weeks, other petitions for dissolution were filed against Pheu Thai for the same reason, while last month the Constitutional Court ordered the dissolution of the progressive Move Forward party, which won the general election in May 2023 but was never allowed to govern due to its anti-monarchist views.

Dechgitvigrom, who heads the Thai Padkdee party, cites the Organic Act on Political Parties, which prohibits any interference by external elements.

He made his accusation after Thaksin Shinawatra on 14 August met with leading figures of the majority coalition, two days before his daughter was given a mandate to form a government.

The senior Shinawatra is disliked by pro-monarchist and nationalist groups, as well as the armed forces, which ousted him in September 2006.

The meeting centred on forming a new government after Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin was also removed from office by Election Commission.

In subsequent statements, Thaksin seem to confirm that he controlled the party and his daughter, who, at 38 is the youngest Thai prime minister ever. For critics she lacks political experience, while her father spent several years of voluntary exile until over a year ago.

In addition, Thailands establishment was also annoyed by the inclusion of the Democrat Party (DP) in the Pheu Thai-led government in lieu of the pro-military Palang Pracharath party that had been part of the ruling coalition. Hitherto, the DP was a staunch opponent of the Shinawatra family.

This is a thorny issue for the prime minister, as she grapples with a complex economic and social situation compounded by controversial initiatives, like the upcoming subsidy of 10,000 baht (about US$ 300) to 50 million Thais. This could turn out to be a waste of public money, while the national economy continues to tank.

So far, indications on possible remedies to the crisis have been vague and, above all, without proper financing.

If the Election Commission rules that the senior Thaksin's influence is tangible, this could politically undermine the prime minister, which is what happened to her predecessor, who was accused of including in his cabinet someone who had served time in prison.

Meanwhile, Thai lawmakers have their hands full discussing economic policies today and tomorrow, which could reveal new prospects for the government and clarify the role of the armed forces, who fear exclusion from running the country after carrying out several coups.
by Vladimir Rozanskij

Isljam Tokhlu, head of the Crimean Tatar cultural centre, on the prayers in favour of the fighters of the special military operation: They are a foreign element of the Muslim tradition in the service of occupation armies. And even the justification with the defence of traditional values against the West can hardly be applied to the Caucasian context.

Moscow (AsiaNews) - The question of the participation of Russia's Muslims in the war in Ukraine requires a proper definition, whether it is really a Jihad or risks appearing as a crime against Allah.

Del.Realii website interviewed Qur'anic scholar Isljam Tokhlu, head of the Crimean Tatar cultural centre, seeking clarification on this and other sensitive questions, such as the condescension of Islamic cult ministers towards interpretations of holy scripture for the Moscow regime.

In recent weeks, one of the most discussed issues in Russia and Central Asian countries has been the role of women in Islam, and in particular the clothing they wear, with the ban in several regions on wearing the Niqab.

The video in which Imam Timur Kamaev of Kazan explains the correct way to beat his wife caused a stir. Tokhlu starts from the principle that in the Islamic tradition, as in any other religion that is based on scripture, one must first of all distinguish what is written in the holy texts from the interpretations of theologians, often dependent on their geographical location.

The recalled precept ofAyat 34, a quotation written on walls in some recent Muslim protests in several Russian cities, expresses what is generally accepted throughout Sunni Islam, with a practical translation of moderate control in family life to be carried over into all spheres of social life.

Hence the fundamental dilemma as to how decisive are the interpretations of the Koran on the most burning issues, considering that times change, the expert recalls. If the text says in the original talk to her, and distance yourself, translating it as take the whip and beat her could lead to even more radical domestic violence than that proposed by the imam of Tatarstan.

This ambiguity is also reflected with regard to the tragic dimension of the war, when Muslim believers are invited to align themselves with the Orthodox ones, forming prayer meetings in favour of the fighters of the special military operation, as the president of Bashkortostan, Radij Khabirov, did. In this case, an element foreign to the Islamic tradition is introduced, the collective molebens typical of the Byzantine-Slavic liturgy, all the more for the salvation of the soldiers and victory in the war.

As Tokhlu explains, it is important not to introduce practices other than those of the prophet Muhammad himself, whereby one can pray individually for one's loved ones, but not gather for collective and contingent reasons. In this case, one actually prays for the armies of occupation, and for people who impose colonial regimes, which is unacceptable to Islam.

The definition of Jihad for the Russian war in Ukraine is also, in his opinion, completely improper, as external Jihad, that which is secondary to the inner and spiritual effort, indicates the defence of one's own life, family and people, or the entire Muslim community, if necessary even by war.

The Koran indicates the defensive purpose of war Jihad, but here it is a matter of aggression and occupation, and if the Russians intend to justify it as defence of traditional values against the West, one can hardly apply this interpretation to Russian-Caucasian Islam, well rooted in its own traditions.

According to the scholar, anyone who fights in such an army is to be considered an unbeliever, who offers his life for purposes unrelated to religion. If anything, recalling the Russian occupation of Tatar and Caucasian territories in past centuries, a war against the occupying Russians would make sense. It is therefore a matter of a control of politics over religion, forcing the right interpretations of Islamic scriptures and indeed Christian ones.

Photo: Flickr / Tatarski szlak
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11 September 2024 13:46 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

The energy markets have been in turmoil since the arrival of autumn, which has caught the attention of OPEC, surprising many observers. However, the situation is not as dramatic as portrayed in the media. The current oil prices strike a balance that satisfies both producers and consumers.

Global Recession of Oil Price in World Market:

Oil prices have recently fallen to their lowest in 15 months. On the London commodity exchange, "Brent" oil November futures dropped to $71 per barrel over the weekend, with the first auction of the week seeing a slight recovery to $77.63 per barrel.

Two main factors contributed to this 8% decline in oil prices over the past week. First is Libya's resumption of oil exports. The political conflict in Libya, which began at the end of August, had cut global oil supply by at least 700,000 barrels per day. The mid-week recovery of Libyan exports reassured market participants that there would be no shortage of oil, leading to daily price declines.

The second factor impacting the market was the news of weakened economic activity in major economies. This includes a reduction in oil imports by China, slowing economic growth in the European Union and the United States, and an increase in electricity generation from "green energy." These developments have also led to a drop in natural gas prices in Europe, with the selling price for 1,000 cubic metres at the Title Transfer Facility (TTF) hub falling from $432 to $425 over the week.

Gas and Energy Security: President Ilham Aliyev's strategic remarks at the Cernobbio Forum

Today's Energy supply issues demonstrate that national security is inseparable from energy security. President Ilham Aliyev emphasised this during his speech at the International Cernobbio Forum in a session titled "Azerbaijan's Role in the New Geopolitical Environment."

Highlighting the significance of the 3,500-kilometer Southern Gas Corridor that stretches from Azerbaijan to Italy and ensures the energy security of 10 countries, the President said, "We now have ten countries receiving gas from Azerbaijan, seven of which are members of the European Union. That is probably why the European Commission calls Azerbaijan a pan-European gas supplier and a reliable partner."

Azerbaijan's Commitment to "Greenization" and Sustainable Energy

As the host country of COP29, Azerbaijan is committed to addressing emerging global challenges by moving away from its historical reliance on oil and gas resources. The nation is pushing for a sustainable energy future and advancing a green economy.

Last week, Azerbaijan's Minister of Finance, Samir Sharifov, discussed plans to attract international investments for the "green transformation" of the economy in an interview with the local "Report" agency. He mentioned that preliminary projects funded by the World Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) to enhance Azerbaijan's energy system are nearly ready for signing. "Implementation of these projects, in turn, will prevent the country's energy network from being exposed to certain negative effects," Sharifov emphasised.

While Sharifov did not provide detailed information on the specific projects for which international loans will be utilised, it is clear that "green energy" is a primary focus. The Azerbaijani government is taking significant steps to attract private capital and secure financial resources for its green agenda. In such a scenario, obtaining long-term foreign loans appears to be a more efficient approach.

Among all the significant energy developments, the "Black Sea Green Energy Cable" project also stands out.

As part of the "Agreement on Strategic Partnership in the Field of Development and Transmission of Green Energy" signed in Bucharest on December 17, 2022, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Romania, and Hungary have established a cooperative framework. This project, known as the "Caspian-Black Sea-Europe Green Energy Corridor," aims to transport green energy generated from Azerbaijani wind power plants to Romania and, eventually, to Europe.

The agreement outlines the construction of an energy bridge from the Caucasus region to Europe, connecting Azerbaijan, Georgia, Romania, and Hungary. This project involves the development of the "Black Sea Cable," a 1,195-kilometre submarine electric cable with a capacity of 1,000 megawatts. Romanian Energy Minister Sebastian-Ioan Burdujan has highlighted the potential impact of this project on energy costs in Europe. Despite the estimated 3.5 billion cost for the submarine cable line between Georgia and Romania, Burdujan affirmed that the project would enhance energy security and market stability in the region.

The collaboration among Azerbaijan, Georgia, Romania, and Hungary underscores a collective commitment to enhancing energy security and sustainability across the region, providing a model for future transnational green energy initiatives.

What to expect for the foreseeable future:

The near future of the energy sector will be characterised by a balancing act between managing traditional energy sources and accelerating the green transition. As global dynamics continue to evolve, Azerbaijan is not only navigating the turbulent energy markets of autumn but also positioning itself as a leader in green energy, giving a glimpse of what comes by advancing initiatives that contribute to regional energy security and sustainability.

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11 September 2024 16:43 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

Few realize just how entwined wine and history are in Azerbaijan. Exploring its vineyardsfrom the lush foothills of the Caucasus to the shores of the Caspian Seareveals a side to this country that many travelers do not expect.

With a winemaking tradition that dates back millennia, Azerbaijan offers a blend of ancient viticulture and modern innovation that is increasingly gaining international recognition.

In recent years, the Azerbaijani wine scene has blossomed. Today, more than 15 wineries operate across the country, supported by a burgeoning wine route. Most vineyards now offer tastings and tours, allowing visitors to explore the rich history of winemaking in Azerbaijana history shaped by centuries of settlers, invaders, and changing regimes. This ancient tradition is more than just a cultural artifact; wine tourism is recognized globally as a powerful tool for promoting local winemaking. For Azerbaijan, it is also an engine for expanding vineyards, increasing production, and diversifying export markets.

A Drop of History: Azerbaijans Ancient Wine Culture

In recent years, the wine scene has flourished here. Today, Azerbaijan has more than 15 wineries, plus a new wine route. Most vineyards have tastings and tours and theres plenty to discover in between, not least a history entangled with centuries of settlers and invaders. Globally, wine tourism is recognized as one of the most effective ways to promote local winemaking. It also provides a strong incentive to expand vineyards, boost production, and diversify the export markets for grapevine products.

While no one knows for sure where winemaking originated, fingers have long pointed to the southern foothills of the Caucasus Mountains, between the Black and Caspian seas. Here, excavations have found wine residue in jars dating back to the Stone Age. Among some of the oldest finds are those discovered at sites along Azerbaijans Arpachay River, in the Sharur region of Nakhchivan. Fragments of presses and fermentation vats suggest wine was made here as far back as 6,000 years ago. Before Azerbaijan was the Land of Fire, it was clearly the country of vino.

Aficionados (Enthusiasts) of the local wine scene argue it still is, though it wasnt until German settlers arrived in the early 19th century that modern winemaking took shape here. They founded Helenendorf (now Goygol) in what was then Russian-occupied Azerbaijan, planted vineyards, and started the first wine company here in 1860. It still survives today, having outlasted the Soviet expulsion of Germans during World War II.

In the Soviet era, Azerbaijans production increased dramatically, though often favoring low-quality sweet wines. The republic was one of the USSRs top wine producers with brands such as the Aghdam port-style fortified wine becoming extremely popular throughout the Soviet Union. Even one of the famous wine regions was Garabagh, especially Aghdam and Fuzuli. Production reached a peak in 1984 when over 2 million tonnes of grapes were harvested in Azerbaijan from some 275,000 hectares of vineyards, thus making winemaking the republics most profitable industry. However, Gorbachevs anti-alcohol campaign, beginning in May 1985, led to the destruction of most of the vineyards so that after Azerbaijan regained its independence in 1991, it took another decade before it was able to start rebuilding its wine industry

Wines third wave arrived in the early 2000s. Wide-scale vineyard replanting was undertaken, experts were brought in to cultivate international grapes, and indigenous varieties, such as Madrasa (red) or Bayan Shira (white), are now being made into drier, more modern wines, not the old sweet stuff churned out for Soviet palates. Its a story and history that slowly unravels as you head inland from the Caspian coast.

The Rise of Wine Tourism in Azerbaijan

Wine tourism, also known as enotourism, oenotourism, or vinitourism is a relatively young sector in Azerbaijan, but its potential is immense. Globally, wine tourism generates billions of euros annually in countries like Italy, France, and Spain, and Azerbaijan is now positioning itself within this lucrative market. Since 2019, the government has been part of the international Iter Vitis network, which connects wine routes across 20 countries. The Azerbaijan Tourism Board (ATB) has been instrumental in developing the Iter Vitis Azerbaijan wine route, which was recognized internationally for its rapid development in 2021 and 2022.

Oenotourism has been further bolstered by the annual Wine and Grape Festival in Shamakhi, a joint effort by the State Tourism Agency and local authorities. Held at the Shirvan Sherablari winery complex in the village of Meysari, the festival is now in its third year, drawing thousands of visitors, including international tourists and representatives from over twenty wineries. The festival not only showcases wines from across the country but also highlights the revival of winemaking in liberated territories such as Tug in the Khojavend District.

Azerbaijans winemaking future looks promising, especially in regions like Garabagh, where the soil and climate are particularly favorable. As demining efforts continue and vineyards are re-established, the total vineyard area is expected to exceed 23,000 hectares, with grape production potentially reaching 300,000 tonnes annually. The contemporary "State Program for the development of winemaking in the Republic of Azerbaijan in 20182025," initiated by President Ilham Aliyev, outlines ambitious goals to boost grape production by a third and increase wine exports fivefold by 2025. However, challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic have slowed progress.

As Azerbaijan strengthens its position on the international wine tourism map, the combination of its rich history, cultural heritage, and modern winemaking practices promises to attract more wine enthusiasts from around the world. With continued investment and promotion, Azerbaijan is poised to become a significant player in the global wine industry, offering travelers a unique journey through centuries of viticulture.

Azerbaijans wine tourism is not just about tasting fine winesits an immersive journey into the countrys history and culture. As efforts to revitalize winemaking in regions like Garabagh continue, and as initiatives such as the Iter Vitis route gain international traction, Azerbaijan is poised to become a top destination for wine lovers. With an eye on the future and a deep respect for its past, the country is embracing its identity as both an ancient and modern winemaking hub!

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11 September 2024 12:04 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

Azerbaijan has maintained its palm oil imports from Southeast Asia in 2024, purchasing 23,818 tons in the first half of the yeara slight increase of 0.6% compared to last year. However, the cost of crude palm oil has decreased by 3.2% due to lower prices, Azernews reports.

Indonesia, once the dominant supplier, saw its share of Azerbaijan's imports fall from 75% last year to 54% this year. This shift is attributed to a significant rise in imports from Malaysia, which surged by 86% to 11,054 tons. Conversely, imports from Indonesia dropped by 28% to 12,912 tons.

Experts suggest that demand for palm oil may weaken in the near future due to the appreciating Malaysian ringgit and growing inventories. Steven Chong of Apex Securities points out that the stronger ringgit and shifting price dynamics between palm oil and soybean oil could impact demand.

Chong forecasts average crude palm oil prices of 4,000 ringgit/tonne for 2024 and 3,800 ringgit/tonne for 2025. The current futures contract for November is approximately 3,866 ringgit/ton.

Apex Securities maintains a neutral outlook on Malaysia's agriculture sector, citing a lack of short-term drivers. Meanwhile, Azerbaijan's cost per ton of crude palm oil has decreased from $1,231 to $1,184, offering some financial relief.

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11 September 2024 16:19 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

Azerkosmos, the Space Agency under Azerbaijan's Ministry of Digital Development and Transport, presented its intellectual achievements in the space field to representatives of the Communication Institute of Mozambique Administration, Azernews informs, citing Azerkosmos.

During the training program, Mozambican representatives received foundational technical knowledge on several key aspects of space operations. These included radio frequency management, determining specific orbital positions for countries, and preparing relevant applications for satellites and Earth stations. Additionally, the current rules on satellite issues approved by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) were discussed in detail.

It is noteworthy that, beyond its satellite services, Azerkosmos began exporting space knowledge last year. The agency offers a comprehensive training program with modules focused on the structured and proper coordination of radio frequency management at the international level. This program is specifically targeted at developing countries in Africa, Central Asia, and the Middle East, fostering growth in their space capabilities.

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11 September 2024 10:25 (UTC+04:00)

Fatima Latifova Read more

Under President Ilham Aliyevs instructions, Azerbaijan initiated another phase of relocating residents to the city of Lachin Wednesday, resettling 18 families (59 people), Azernews reports.

With this latest relocation, the total number of families resettled in the city reaches 570, comprising 2,090 individuals.

Following the victory achieved by the heroic Azerbaijani Army under the leadership of President and Supreme Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev, internally displaced persons have been given the opportunity to return to their ancestral homes voluntarily, safely, and with dignity after 30 years. The residents returning to Shusha have expressed their gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev and First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva for the comprehensive state care they have received. They also extended their thanks to the valiant Azerbaijani Army, as well as to the brave soldiers and officers who liberated our lands, and prayed for the souls of the martyrs who gave their lives for this cause, wishing patience to their families.

It should be noted that so far, 204 families, totaling 763 people, have been permanently settled in Shusha.

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11 September 2024 13:23 (UTC+04:00)

Fatima Latifova Read more

In coordination with the "YASHAT" Foundation and with support from "Azerkontrakt" JSC and "Roof Academic Training" LLC, a program is being planned to help the children of martyrs gain scholarship admission to prestigious universities around the world, Azernews reports.

The program aims to support the children of martyrs currently studying in grades 9, 10, and 11, as well as first-year university students (who wish to reapply for a bachelor's degree) to pursue undergraduate education. Additionally, children of martyrs in their 3rd and 4th years of university will have the opportunity to benefit from master's level education.

Eligible children of martyrs can apply exclusively online. Candidates who fill out the initial application form will be selected through an interview process conducted in subsequent stages by the relevant institution. The registration link has been made available on the "YASHAT" Foundation's website.

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12 September 2024 00:02 (UTC+04:00)

"The EU is yet to properly investigate and adequately comment on the facts surrounding the killing of yellow vest protesters in France, torture against indigenous population in overseas territories as a result of French neo-colonial policy, the growth in the cases of bribery and corruption within the EU institutions, Islamophobia, and attacks on Muslims."

Aykhan Hajizada, Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said this in his response to the media inquiry on the 11 September remarks by the European Union about the public statement of the Council of Europes Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT), Azernews reports, citing the Foreign Ministry's Press Services.

According to Hajizada, on July 4, 2024, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan made a detailed comment on the public statement of CPT.

"It is unacceptable for the European Union to make biased statements again with reference to this public statement, and we strongly reject this smear campaign. Instead of making such baseless statements against our country, we recommend the other party to pay attention to human rights violations in EU member states.

The EU is yet to properly investigate and adequately comment on the facts surrounding the killing of yellow vest protesters in France, torture against indigenous population in overseas territories as a result of French neo-colonial policy, the growth in the cases of bribery and corruption within the EU institutions, Islamophobia, and attacks on Muslims.

Moreover, we note with regret that the EUs indifference to violations of fundamental human rights and freedoms in Armenia that they patronage, including cases of the deaths in prison of persons arrested as a result of political persecution, as well as oppression of politicians and their family members, are clear cut examples of double standards.

In light of the abovementioned, such prejudiced and arbitrary remarks by the EU are considered as intervention in Azerbaijans domestic affairs. Especially, this slander campaign conducted against Azerbaijan on the eve of the COP29 event is a clear example of bigotry against our country.

In Azerbaijan, all human rights are protected, and Azerbaijan is making great progress not only in the protection of persons deprived of their liberty but also in bringing relevant practices up to commonly accepted international standards. Therefore, the mentioned claims by the European Union are completely baseless."

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11 September 2024 08:00 (UTC+04:00)

by Naira Afandieva

Floods killed at least 340 people in Chad, Jens Larke, spokesperson for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), told in a briefing, Azernews reports.

"At the end of last month, we reported that more than 964,000 people in Chad were affected by torrential rains and severe flooding. According to Chadian authorities, that number has now reached nearly 1.5 million, and at least 340 people have died, the UN official said.

OCHA predicts a worsening food situation in the country, where 3.4 million people are already facing acute hunger, the highest level of food insecurity ever recorded in Chad. The administration increased the financing of response measures from 5 million dollars to 8 million dollars by allocating additional funds from the UN fund.

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11 September 2024 09:00 (UTC+04:00)

The governments of France, Germany, and the United Kingdom strongly condemn Irans export and Russias procurement of Iranian ballistic missiles, Azernews reports, citing the UK's official news portal.

According to the statement, 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," the statement reads.

Further to the joint statement, the trio warns Tehran of tougher measures if the transfer is realised.

"The E3 has privately and publicly been clear that we would take new and significant measures against Iran if the transfers took place. We now have confirmation that Iran has made these transfers. 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."

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11 September 2024 20:00 (UTC+04:00)

Fatima Latifova Read more

USAID's "generous" activity in the South Caucasus is already well known. Since the organization's attachment to the region is extremely high, everyone appreciates it for its selfless services to the countries. However, what is said about the activities of USAID should not be treated so naively.

Azerbaijan, which eliminated the 30-year occupation in the South Caucasus by its own power or without any financial support from some organizations and institutions, today is rebuilding Garabagh, which was blown up and destroyed by Armenia. In return, USAID, which takes a "philanthropist" image, finances Armenia in various fields.

USAID, which is loyal to its interests, has taken another step regarding financial assistance to Armenia. Since its founding, this organization has gained a reputation for representing the interests of the country it serves, as well as various lobbying organizations. Now, it has decided to more than double its financial aid to Armeniarising from $120 million to $250 million.

In April, USAID announced the launch of new programs in Armenia worth $23.1 million. This time, the aim of the aid is again to direct funds towards sectors such as democratic processes, regional cooperation, disaster risk management, cybersecurity, food, and especially energy security.

This includes improving access to renewable energy in Armenia, eliminating cybersecurity vulnerabilities in the energy sector, and reducing dependence on imports. USAID, which has increased its aid tenfold in recent months to entice Armenia even further, has a clear objective: to expand its sphere of influence in the South Caucasus through Armenia.

Although Armenia is making small efforts to distance itself from Russian influence, Moscow's dominance over Yerevan is undeniable. The Pashinyan administration is persistently trying to distance itself from Russia in favour of the West, and seeing this, Washington is trying to take advantage of the tensions in the region to gain a foothold. However, the millions wasted in vain are being squandered by incompetent Armenian governance, and the Armenian people continue to suffer.

Armenia, which has made some progress thanks to Russia, now finds itself in an even more pitiful situation, becoming a puppet of opportunistic states. However, it seems that this reality is difficult for the Pashinyan administration to comprehend. Immediately after the news of the aid, a ceasefire was violated near the border with Azerbaijan.

This lawlessness reveals the deceitful character of Pashinyan, who was talking about peace just yesterday. If the army is firing on Azerbaijan on its own accord, this means that Pashinyan is a failed and powerless leader. If the army is acting on Yerevans orders, this also shows how deceitful and hypocritical Pashinyan is.

It is clear that the prime minister has taken on certain obligations in exchange for the aid given to Armenia. This includes delaying the peace agreement as much as possible, creating tension and provocations in the region, and indirectly facilitating the involvement of U.S. forces in the region.

However, the growing protests against Pashinyan inside the country and Armenias transformation into a puppet of foreign states will further complicate the situation in the South Caucasus. The settlement of the U.S. and other Western forces in the region is not in Azerbaijan's interests, nor is it beneficial for Armenia. This is because the special attention Yerevan is currently receiving is solely aimed at squeezing Russia out of the region and is not based on any love or sympathy for Pashinyan or other Armenians. At the first opportunity, those forces will abandon the Armenian nation halfway.

Believing in the sweetness of dollars and handing over the governance of the country to foreign forces is both foolish and cruel. Enough blood has been spilled in these lands, and for the first time in 30 years, Azerbaijan and Armenia are so close to peace. Destroying all this progress, worsening relations, and throwing the South Caucasus into danger by letting in some foreign forces that support terrorist organizations in many parts of the world is unacceptable.

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11 September 2024 18:11 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

The active phase of the "Joint Action-2024" military exercises of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) has begun in the Issyk-Kul region of Kyrgyzstan, Azernews reports.

The exercises involve troops from Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Tajikistan, all of which are CSTO member countries. Notably, Armenia, also a CSTO member, did not participate in these exercises.

Approximately 1,500 soldiers are participating in the drills, along with more than 300 pieces of military and special equipment. This includes aviation assets, various types of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), warships, and air defense equipment.

The "Joint Action-2024" exercises are designed to enhance the coordination and readiness of CSTO member states in the face of potential security threats.

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11 September 2024 18:36 (UTC+04:00)

The former special representative of the European Union (EU) for the South Caucasus, Toivo Klaar, has been appointed as the ambassador of the EU to Uzbekistan.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan, Bakhtiyor Saidov, shared about this on his account on the "X" social network.

"Copies of the credentials of Toivo Klaar, the newly appointed ambassador of the European Union to Uzbekistan, have been accepted. The government of Uzbekistan is trying to help strengthen relations between Central Asia and the EU and achieve tangible results," the post reads.

Welcomed the newly appointed #EU Ambassador to #Uzbekistan H.E. @ToivoKlaar and received copies of his credentials. @GovUz is committed to contributing closer ties between #CentralAsia and the #EuropeanUnion with tangible outcomes. Our todays meeting agenda included the pic.twitter.com/uM8D5UhwwF  Bakhtiyor Saidov  (@FM_Saidov) September 11, 2024

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11 September 2024 17:21 (UTC+04:00)

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya, and Head of the National Intelligence Service Ibrahim Kalin will pay an official visit to Uzbekistan on September 12, Azernews reports, citing the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Bilateral and regional issues will be discussed within the framework of the visit.

Also, security issues will be discussed.

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11 September 2024 22:27 (UTC+04:00)

From January 1 to August 1, the number of minors brought to criminal responsibility in Georgia was 354, with most accused of theft, Azernews reports.

Out of these 354 individuals aged 14 to 18, 18 were already serving conditional sentences.

The most common crimes committed by minors included theft, intentional harm to health, robbery, and violence.

According to Georgia's law on the protection of minors, the procedure for recognizing a minor as a victim of a crime has been simplified. Crimes against minors are under special control. Criminal liability for minors is regulated by specific legislation and generally involves lighter penalties compared to those for adults.

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The North Tower falls after burning for 102 minutes.

On the 11th anniversary of 9/11, with an Ambassador and 3 of his staff killed, and two U.S.A. embassies set ablaze, all in Muslim Countries: Was it wise for Candidate Obama's first official act to apologize to Muslims for Americans' exercising their 1st Amendment protected right of free speech? Yes, "unconditionally," he cares No, he just doesn't get it I don't pay attention 639 total vote(s) What's your Opinion?



poll#10

Today, on the 12th anniversary of 9/11, we ask: Has Candidate Obama done as much to keep America as safe from terrorists as did President Bush? Yes No Who cares? 633 total vote(s) What's your Opinion?



It was a clear beautiful, royal blue sky day on Wall Street. The S & P futures were up markedly, awaiting a positive open, as I turned to get my first cup of coffee, after completing my morning chores. I returned to CNBC to get the morning business news, when I noticed that the S & P futures were falling, and they were falling fast. Down 10 points, 15 points, 20 points:... I heard myself reflexively exclaim.My exclamation was unintended as prophetic, but little did I know thatwas soon to befall the victims of the South Tower, and then the North Tower of the World Trade Center.The World Trade Center's North Tower was struck at 8:46 am by American Airlines Flight 11, which was commandeered by 5 Al-Qaeda hijackers. At 9:03 am, the South Tower of the World Trade Center was struck by United Airlines Flight 175, also commandeered by a second set of 5 Al-Qaeda hijackers. American Airlines Flight 77 was flown into the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia at 9:37am by a third set of Al-Qaeda hijackers. A fourth airline, United Airlines Flight 93, impacted into a secluded field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania after passengers courageously foiled the fourth set of Al-Qaeda hijackers attempting to strike their intended target in Washington, D.C.The late Mark Haines, CNBC's venerable morning anchor of the popular morning business show, Squawk Box, was the first authoritative voice I heard concerning this cataclysmic event that would forever reshape Americans' view of the world, and conversely, how we are viewed by the rest of the world as well. Mark, David Faber, Joe Kernen and Maria Bartiromo, the hosts of this popular show, continued through the day, finding themselves in a most inauspicious position of guiding their viewers through the most terrible moment in America's relative recent collective memory. Most of us will never forget: where we were, what we felt, when we learned of the horrendous attack by Osama bin Laden's Al-Qaeda hijackers.It is a moment seared within the fabric of my soul. I pray it will be a moment seared within the collective consciousness of our American People. Lest we forget, our freedoms will be forever lost.After the attack, the deaths, the tears, the war, the retribution, and the consideration of what is real, and the knowledge of what is lasting, it might be time some real hope and change.
9/11 Memoria; image by Diane Rufino.

23 years ago, on September 10, 246 people went to sleep in preparation for their morning flights. 2,606 people went to sleep in preparation for work in the morning. 343 firefighters went to sleep in preparation for their morning shift. 60 police officers went to sleep in preparation for morning patrol. 8 paramedics went to sleep in preparation for the morning shift. None of them lived to see 10:00 am the next day - Sept 11, 2001. In one single moment, life can change; it may never be the same. As you live and enjoy the breaths you take today and tonight before you go to sleep in preparation for your life tomorrow, kiss the ones you love, tell those you love how you feel about them, snuggle a little tighter, and never take one second of your life for granted.Let's Look Back at that Fateful Morning, 21 Years Ago when a series of horrifying events unfolded before the unbelieving eyes of the American people, involving American Airlines flight 11, United Airlines Flight 175, American Airlines flight 77, and United Airlines flight 93.The attack on America known as 9/11 was comprised of four coordinated suicide terrorist attacks carried out by the militant Islamic extremist network known as al-Qaeda[ against the United States. On the morning of September 11, 2001, nineteen terrorists-directed by al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden-hijacked four commercial airliners mid-flight while traveling from the northeastern U.S. to California. The attackers were organized into three groups of five members and one group of four, with each group including one designated flight-trained hijacker who took control of the aircraft. Their goal was to crash the planes into prominent American buildings, inflicting mass casualties and major structural damage. The hijackers successfully crashed the first two planes into the North and South Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, and the third plane into the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia. The fourth plane was intended to hit a federal government building in Washington, D.C., but instead crashed down in a field outside Shanksville, Pennsylvania, following a passenger revolt that foiled the attack.This is how the morning of Tuesday, September 11, 2001 unfolded:It was almost 8:40 am on the morning of Tuesday, September 11, 2001. It was a beautiful, clear, sunny morning. Both towers of the World Trade Center, in lower Manhattan, were slightly less than half full. Flight 11, heading from Boston to LA, had already been hijacked and had broken contact with air controllers. At about that time, Betty Ong, an attendant on Flight 11, called American Airlines Operations Center, to report that the plane had likely been hijacked. She reported that the first class attendant, the purser, and a first class passenger had been stabbed but no one really knew what was going on. Flight attendant Amy Sweeney also called American Airlines. She was scared. She said the plane was flying erratically and had all of a sudden made a rapid descent. She said:The transcript shows that she then took a slow, deep breath and calmly said:The phone went dead for both Amy and Betty at 8:45. At 8:46 am, Flight 11 crashed into the North Tower. The plane struck the 93rd through 99th floors of the 110-story building. No one above the crash line survived; approximately 1,360 people died. Below the crash line, approximately 72 died and more than 4,000 survived. 87 people perished onboard Flight 11. In addition to Betty and Amy, Sara Low was also a flight attendant who lost her life. Her father described her as being prone to silliness and having an infectious personality, one that could calm even the most nervous traveler. He said:About the time of the crash, air controllers noticed that Flight 175 fell off the radar. And a few minutes later, they learned that Flight 77 had been hijacked. It was then that they then suspected that Flight 175 had also been hijacked. In fact, both pilots on board that plane had already been stabbed to death.At 8:55 am, Karl Rove took President Bush aside and told him of the crash at the North Tower. They were headed to an elementary school in Sarasota, Florida. At first, they believed it was likely an accident, perhaps a pilot who had suffered a heart attack.At 9:03 am, Flight 175 crashed into the South Tower. Millions watched the crash live on television. The plane struck the 77th through 85th floors of the 110-story building. Approximately 100 people were killed or injured in the initial impact; and 600 people in the tower would eventually die. A woman on the 83rd floor made a last call to 9/11. She said:The death toll from the South Tower was far lower than in the North Tower because when the occupants learned of the attack on its neighbor, about 2/3 immediately evacuated the building.The combined death toll from the two towers was estimated at 2,606. 60 people perished on board Flight 175. 343 first responders - firefighters and paramedics - would also perish. And 23 officers of the NYPD as well. Firefighter Terence Hatton - who earned 19 medals in 21 years - died before his wife even had the chance to tell him that she was pregnant.At least 200 people fell or jumped to their deaths from the burning towers. We remember the footage of people gathered in groups at the windows in a last minute attempt to get some oxygen. We remember many of them jumping in order to avoid a fiery death. The reporters called themWe can't imagine being faced with such a hopeless choice. Our hearts ached as we watched the footage.NYC Mayor Rudy Guiliani, who arrived at the scene immediately, has been forever touched by what he witnessed that morning. He said:At the time the second plane struck the South Tower, President Bush was in a second grade classroom promoting his education policy and listening to the children read a story about a pet goat. At 9:06 am, Chief of Staff, Andrew Card, seized a pause in the reading exercise to whisper to him that a second plane had crashed into the Towers. President Bush continued briefly to listen to the children read their story so as not to relay any sense of alarm to them and in front of the cameras.At 9:16 am, the FAA learned that Flight 93 might also have been hijacked but it could not get confirmation. At 9:20 CNN and Fox News commentator, Barbara Olson, a passenger on board Flight 77, called her husband, Ted Olson, Solicitor General at the Justice Department to tell him that the plane had been hijacked and that passengers were ordered to the back of the plane. The FAA then learned that Flight 77, originally en route from Dulles Airport to Los Angeles, had circled around and was heading towards Washington DC.At 9:28 am, the hijackers on board Flight 93, which was flying across rural Pennsylvania, took out knives and stabbed pilots, flight attendants, and passengers. Then they relocated the remaining passengers to the back of the plane and threatened to detonate a bomb. Air control was able to hear Arab voices on the radio.At 9:29, President Bush delivered his first address to the nation that day - from the elementary school, in front of about 200 children: He said:At 9:34 am, the FAA noticed that Flight 77 was missing. It had dropped from radar. At 9:36, it crashed into the first floor of the Pentagon, along the west wall. All 64 people on the plane perished and 124 people working in the building were killed. A further victim would die in a hospital several days later. Donald Rumsfeld ran from his office on the other side of the Pentagon and went immediately to the crash site. He helped carry victims on stretchers and helped medics set up IVs.At 9:42 am, Mark Bingham, on board Flight 93, called his mother and said,He didn't stay on the phone long, but he repeated several times:Fellow passenger, Todd Beamer, was able to make a call for 13 minutes, to a GTE customer service supervisor, who then immediately notified the FBI. He said that the plane was hijacked by 3 people and they killed the pilot and co-pilot. He said the hijackers had locked themselves in the cockpit and appeared not to know how to fly the plane. Whether they realized it or not at the time, Mark and Todd both attended the same high school - Los Gatos High. They were both athletes. Flight 93 was en route at that point for Washington DC. F-16 fighter jets were in the air, tracking it and poised to shoot it down.At 9:57 am, it is believed that Flight 93 passengers, led by Todd Beamer, Mark Bingham, Tom Burnett, and Jeremy Glick, took a food cart and used it as a battering ram and shield to storm the cockpit. As they rallied to take control of the plane, Todd recited the 23rd Psalm and ended with these words:At 9:59 am, eyewitnesses at Ground Zero heard a series of loud explosions and then the unimaginable happened... the South Tower collapsed.At 10:06 am, Flight 93 began to break up in mid-air before it finally crashed into an empty field in a place called Shanksville, about 80 miles southeast of Pittsburgh, and about 124 miles or 15 minutes from Washington, D.C. Debris was found very far away from the crash site and in fact, very little wreckage was found there. All 40 passengers were killed.
From reimbursement declines to provider shortages, anesthesia leaders are facing new and longstanding challenges.

Anesthesia reimbursements are facing a sharp decline.

CMS anesthesia reimbursements declined 8.2% from 2019 to 2024  from $22.27 per unit to $20.44, VMG Health said in a May blog post. Another report from Coronis Health found that if an anesthesia provider generates 10,000 billable units from Medicare, the total revenue potential is only $218,000, assuming that all revenue could be collected.

Private payers are also cutting pay for reimbursements. Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield's health plans in Ohio, Missouri, Connecticut, New York, Nevada, and Maine will reduce QZ services performed by certified registered nurse anesthetists to 85% of the physician fee schedule beginning Nov. 1. Additionally, Cigna announced in March 2023 it was lowering the reimbursements for non-medically directed procedures performed by CRNAs by 15%.

"Anesthesia reimbursements continue to be misunderstood by CMS, insurers and even our own colleagues," Thomas Durick, MD, anesthesiologist at Columbus-based Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, told Becker's. "We allow the government and insurance companies to dictate what our services are worth (such as the recent bundling of ultrasound services into the most commonly performed regional anesthesia procedures for a reduced total reimbursement). We do the same (or more) work each year for less reimbursement and more challenges to get paid. Until we fight to be seen as more than nameless, faceless plunger pushers with opposable thumbs, we will remain in the shadows."

The anesthesia provider pool is shrinking.

There is also an increasing shortage of anesthesia providers. Nearly 30% of anesthesiologists are projected to leave the practice by 2033, according to a white paper from Medicus Healthcare Solutions. Additionally, there are currently over 7,700 people per one anesthesiologist in the U.S, while over 17% of current providers are nearing retirement and over 56% are over 55.

And more anesthesiologists are leaving the field. More than 2,872 anesthesiologists left the workforce from 2021 to 2022, according to a report from Definitive Healthcare.

There's also fewer new anesthesia providers. There are 172 anesthesia residency programs in the U.S, with 1,609 positions offered. In 2023, of 1,353 medical students seeking an anesthesiology residency, 46% did not match.

Anesthesia demand is growing.

ASC and office-based procedure growth has made surgeries more accessible, but the explosion of outpatient care has spread the existing pool of anesthesiologists even thinner.

Now, you're not just running 12 operating rooms, you're running 12 operating rooms and six rooms over at that ASC," Mark Thoma, MD, and chair of anesthesia at San Francisco-based The Permanente Medical Group told Becker's. "Maybe you need at least 18 people in the morning instead of 12, and where are they coming in? Whether it's an anesthesia practice or whether an anesthesia care team with [certified registered nurse anesthetists], you just need those bodies. Within the hospital, we're seeing the horizontal explosion of non-OR anesthesia  so catheterization labs, gastroenterology, interventional radiology, etc."

Anesthesiologists are facing rising levels of burnout.

Over 50% of anesthesiologists said they felt burnt out or both burnt out and depressed, according to a 2024 Medscape survey. This is a slight increase from last year's survey, when 47% of anesthesiologists reported being burned out.

Fifty-four percent of anesthesiologists attributed their burnout to a lack of control or autonomy over their life and 44% attributed it to too many hours at work.

The No Surprises Act is creating obstacles to secure reimbursements.

The No Surprises Act and its independent dispute resolution process have created even more obstacles to secure reimbursements.

The act has "led to unintended consequences for anesthesia providers," and the IDR process has been used by payers to "reduce reimbursement by refusing to go in network with anesthesia providers," according to VMG Health's 2023 "Physician Alignment: Tips & Trends" report.

An influx of private equity interest is affecting the industry.

Anesthesiology practices are facing challenges as more groups look to private equity for financial profitability.

Around 20% of anesthesia practices make up private equity physician practice buyouts, according to a study published in JAMA Network in February 2020. The study also found that 33% of anesthesiologists have been acquired by a private equity physician practice buyout. However, as anesthesia provider salaries grow and reimbursements decline, investors are pressed for ways to enhance revenue.

"If you Google search right now on private equity and anesthesia, you won't find a single positive story going on in the market," Jack Dillon, CEO of Anesthesia Practice Consultants, said in a June Becker's panel. "It's all pretty devastating to communities."

Private equity has led to higher patient costs and lower care quality. Another JAMA study, published in 2022, found that prices increased 26% on average when anesthesia companies, backed by private-equity investors, took over a hospital outpatient or surgery center compared with independent practices.

Many ASCs can't afford the rising cost to provide anesthesia.

ASCs are struggling to afford to pay anesthesiologists as costs soar.

"Anesthesia used to be a seemingly unlimited commodity," Jeff Dottl, principal at Ventura, Calif.-based Physicians Surgery Centers, told Becker's. "They were lucky to be invited to work at your surgery center. The tables have turned, and now if centers have anyone to cover anesthesia, it usually comes at a hefty price."
Here are three updates payer policies and decisions that ASCs need to know:

1. Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield recently reduced QZ services performed by CRNAs to 85% of the physician fee schedule starting Nov. 1. This was met with backlash by the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology, who pointed out that the rule could be in violation of federal law regarding provider nondiscrimination in commercial health plans. Moreover, the association also indicated the move could increase costs, particularly for rural communities who rely more heavily on CRNAs for anesthesia support. CRNAs overall are a critical component in combatting the ongoing anesthesia provider shortage.

2. On Sept. 1, UnitedHealthcare released a list of procedures that will be eligible for its new physician gold-card program. The program aims to save patients and providers more time by allowing providers who qualify to skip the prior authorization process for certain procedures.

Some providers feel the program is a welcome change, while others are more skeptical. "Ultimately, our concern is for our patients. UHC's gold card program risks disrupting their access to timely care.  With colorectal cancer rates rapidly rising among younger Americans, it is especially important for UHC to refrain from imposing barriers to the vital care that can catch concerning polyps at an early, more treatable stage," Maria Abreu, MD, AGA's president told Becker's.

3. CMS' finalized payment rate for ASCs was 3.1% in its 2024 final rule, a decrease from 2023's 3.8%. Declining CMS payments continue to be a major struggle for ASCs.

"The biggest threat is payer reimbursement for ASCs," Raghu Reddy, chief administrative officer at SurgCenter of Western Maryland in Cumberland, told Becker's. "This topic has been beaten to the pulp lately, but we are not seeing any quantifiable results. Most ASCs struggle to get rate increases from the payers; with rising costs across most cost buckets, the profit margins are decreasing rapidly."
A Boston physician agreed to pay $25,000 in penalties to settle allegations that he violated the Controlled Substances Act.

Edgar Ross, MD, who practiced at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston settled allegations that he prescribed opioid controlled substances "outside the usual course of professional practice," according to a Sept. 10 news release from the Justice Department.

According to the news release, Dr. Ross admitted that for one patient he prescribed a mix of controlled substances, including opioids, without always documenting the risks and also provided early refills. Following multiple hospitalizations and an overdose, the patient's care was transferred to another physician.

In addition, Dr. Ross entered into an agreement with the DEA that requires him to work with an independent compliance monitor for three years, the release said.
Modesto, Calif.-based, physician-owned Stanislaus Surgical Hospital said it will suspend operations indefinitely and lay off employees after CMS terminated its provider agreement, a spokesperson for the hospital confirmed to Becker's.

The temporary closure, which goes into effect Sept. 14, comes after CMS terminated its provider agreement in an Aug. 30 letter for noncompliance with various conditions of participation within the agency's Medicare and Medi-Cal programs.

"It is extremely unfortunate the hospital is losing its Medicare certification despite months of concerted efforts to work with the federal government," the hospital said in a statement shared with Becker's. "It is our patients and 160 employees who will suffer the most from this decision. SSH has provided a unique patient experience to the community for over 20 years, earning us a five-star satisfaction rating from those patients. We are proud of the quality of care we have delivered."

The facility began laying off 160 employees Sept. 9, including registered nurses, admissions and office staff, nursing assistants, housekeepers, supervisors, physical therapy assistants, midlevel providers and imaging technicians, The Modesto Bee reported Sept. 9. The layoffs are anticipated before Sept. 15.

The hospital told The Bee that leadership disagrees with the action and will continue to weigh options for long-term direction, including a potential appeal." There was no information on how long an appeal would take.

The hospital also said it will work with other healthcare providers in the area to find new jobs for the employees and that patients are being rescheduled at other facilities.

According to CMS' letter, the agreement is being terminated because the surgical hospital is not meeting Medicare requirements for basis and scope, pharmaceutical services, and infection prevention measures.

The owners of the hospital announced in April that the hospital was likely to close following numerous health and safety issues, but political support resulted in deadline extensions, according to The Bee. The April CMS notice said the Modesto hospital was not complying with nine conditions of participation in Medicare.

CMS said it would conduct an unannounced onsite survey no later than July 31 "to determine whether SSH has substantially complied with the conditions of participation and to further assess whether SSH has made sufficient progress with meeting the statutory definition of being 'primarily engaged' in providing inpatient, hospital services."
Healthgrades released its rankings for the best hospitals in the U.S. for cardiac care in 2024, including five in New Jersey.

The rankings recognize hospitals that deliver superior patient outcomes in heart bypass surgery, coronary interventional procedures, heart attack treatment, heart failure treatment and heart valve surgery.

Read more on the publication's ranking methodology here.

Here are the leaders of the New Jersey hospitals and health systems that were included in the rankings:

AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center, Atlantic City Campus

Michael Charlton, president and CEO of AtlantiCare

Sanjay Shetty, MD, interim chief medical officer

Brittany Knapp, assistant vice president, Heart & Lung Institute and campus administrative officer

Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center (Livingston)

Richard Davis, president and CEO

Bruce Schonbraun, Board of Trustees chair

Hackensack University Medical Center

Mark Sparta, president, North region of Hackensack Meridian Health

Robert Garrett, CEO of Hackensack Meridian Health

Jersey Shore University Medical Center (Neptune)

Vito Buccellato, president and chief hospital executive of Jersey Shore University Medical Center

Robert Garrett, CEO of Hackensack Meridian Health

Morristown Medical Center

Brian Gragnolati, president and CEO of Atlantic Health System

Scott Leighty, executive vice president, chief health system officer of Atlantic Health System

Kevin Lenahan, executive vice president, chief business and strategy officer of Atlantic Health System

Suja Mathew, MD, executive vice president, chief clinical officer of Atlantic Health System

Trish O'Keefe, PhD, RN, president of Morristown Medical Center and senior vice president and chief nurse executive of Atlantic Health System








Interview: FOCAC best proof of China-Africa win-win cooperation, says Sudan leader

Xinhua) 09:53, September 11, 2024

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.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - Consultations between Libyan institutional actors aimed at resolving the crisis at the Central Bank (CBL) resume on Wednesday after a delay requested by the two Libyan Chambers for discussions within their councils, the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) announced on Tuesday
Gastroenterologist Mohammad Alomari, MD, has joined the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences division of gastroenterology and hepatology to oversee its inflammatory bowel disease program and clinic.

Dr. Alomari is the only expert on IBD in the state, and he will offer the only intestinal ultrasound evaluation for IBD patients in Arkansas, according to a Sept. 10 news release.

Intestinal ultrasound is a small, cost-effective diagnostic technology that can reduce the number of imaging tests required for patients.

Dr. Alomari joins UAMS from the Cleveland Clinic, where he recently completed an advanced fellowship in IBD.
A cardiologist from Greenville, N.C.-based East Carolina University Health has performed the first patient implant of the world's first FDA-cleared, drug-eluting "bio envelope."

John Catanzaro, MD, chief of the division of cardiology and director of cardiology services at ECU Health, performed the procedure with Elutia's EluPro device at the East Carolina University Health Medical Center, according to a Sept. 5 news release from the biotechnology company.



The device, cleared by the FDA in June, slowly releases antibiotics and stimulates tissue regeneration.



"EluPro is designed to prevent postoperative complications in patients with cardiac implantable devices such as pacemakers and internal defibrillators," the release said. "It is also approved for use with additional devices, including neuromodulators and neurostimulators for pain management, epilepsy, incontinence and sleep apnea."
Hackers infiltrated a Maine hospital's IT network in July and may have stolen patient data, the Bangor (Maine) Daily News reported.

Millinocket (Maine) Regional Hospital said it detected unusual activity on its systems around July 21 and found that an unauthorized party had accessed the network, according to the Sept. 10 story.

The hospital said the data that may have been exposed included names, addresses, Social Security numbers, medical treatments and health insurance information, the newspaper reported.

The cybercriminal group RansomHub, which has been increasingly involved in cyberattacks targeting healthcare, took responsibility for the hack in July, claiming to have stolen 10 gigabytes of data. Becker's reached out to the hospital for more information.
John Byrnes, MD, has been named chief quality officer and senior vice president of quality and safety at McLeod Health, a nonprofit system based in Florence, S.C., according to a Sept. 11 news release sent to local media outlets.

Dr. Byrnes recently served as chief of medical affairs at ChenMed, a Miami-based group of primary care practices. Dr. Byrnes is also the former senior vice president and chief medical officer for the health division at Roseville, Calif.-based Adventist Health.

McLeod Health operates seven hospitals, a freestanding emergency department and a network of physician practices.
It was no surprise when the Journal of the American Medical Association published research last month that found "trust in physicians and hospitals [had] decreased substantiallyfrom 71.5% in April 2020 to 40.1% in January 2024."

The findings mirrored other recent studies that reflected the same discouraging sentiment.

This marks a sea change in the long-standing public attitude toward care providers, leaving them more vulnerable to misinformation, disinformation, and political agendas that may not serve the interests of the industry or the patients it cares for.

But there is reason for hope  and action to take.

Despite the troubling trends, Americas hospitals still wield significant political power  if they commit to the dedicated work required to use it effectively in this critical time.

In todays political climate, the scrutiny of hospital operations  how healthcare dollars are spent, whether tax exemptions are justified, the consequences of private equity funding, and the value of consolidation  has grown in volume and intensity.

The fact is, people believe provider organizations are not focused on what they are supposed to do: take care of people. In one of our firms recent consumer surveys, 69% of adults said they believed hospitals, in general, are more concerned with making money than caring for patients, up a disturbing 16 points from just a year prior. Additionally, 64% said they support increased regulation of hospitals.

The deep-seated goodwill on which providers could once easily depend is measurably eroding. Thus, the cascade of hearings and investigations by lawmakers, regulators, academicians, and advocates continues. The hits keep on coming.

But the political vulnerability of hospitals may not be as bad as it seems.

When we surveyed the same people about the performance of their hospital  the one near them and where they would choose to go for care  the tables turned. A strong majority said their local hospital provides good care for their family, good value for their healthcare dollar, substantial community benefit, and is doing its part to improve access to care for those in need.

Indeed, our research shows that providers of care  hospital leaders, physicians, and nurses  remain the most trusted voices on matters not just of health, but also of health policy.

The stark difference between the publics perception of the healthcare industry at large and their view of local caregivers reflects a simple political truism: People trust who they know.

Providers uniquely hold the political power of being present at the local level  saving lives, improving health, and serving as a communitys economic and employment engine. This distinctive advantage is important at every level of political influence.

The old saying is true: All politics is local. Perhaps a better way to put it for today is: All politics starts locally. Strong grassroots support is the currency of effective political action with local, state, and federal officeholders. Its called grassroots for a reason.

This widening gap between how voters think about healthcare as a sector and the trust they have in their local providers deserves close attention.

For leaders, this work is for your executive suite, local board members, and clinical leaders. Fan out to engage community leaders, association networks, and churches. Share the story of your organizations care, culture, and the challenges you face. Build meaningful relationships with the people you serve before you seek their support.

Its a strategic investment of your most precious resource: time.

But is there a return on that investment? The research says yes, and its a large one.

For example, last month we asked 1,000 U.S. adults whether their local hospital was providing enough community benefit to earn their nonprofit tax exemptions. Initially, only 38% agreed that hospitals in their area were doing enough to justify their tax relief. In fact, 40% couldnt name a single community benefit their hospital provided  a significant political vulnerability.

However, when we presented a list of services often categorized as community benefits by nonprofit hospitals  such as patient financial assistance, clinical research, transportation, and covering government underpayments  the numbers shifted dramatically. With just a bit of added context, 57% of respondents said their local hospitals were providing enough community benefit to keep their tax exemption. Its hard to overstate the impact of a 19-point jump in support after a two-minute online interaction.

Want to influence policy in Washington, D.C.? Want to shape legislation at your state capitol? The trust-building, story-telling work starts in your primary service area  perhaps in that coffee shop a few blocks from your C-suite. Youll find a receptive audience.

Trust in healthcare may be waning, but local providers remain deeply trustworthy. Its an urgent, competitive edge that providers must leverage today.



Isaac Squyres is a partner at Jarrard Inc., a division of Chartis. He leads the consulting firm's issues and advocacy practice.
Modesto, Calif.-based Stanislaus Surgical Hospital will suspend operations indefinitely, effective Sept. 14, and lay off all 160 employees, a spokesperson for the hospital confirmed to Becker's.

The layoffs, which are expected before Sept. 15, include registered nurses, nursing assistants, supervisors, physical therapy assistants, midlevel providers, imaging technicians and admissions and office staff, according to The Modesto Bee.

The decision comes after CMS terminated the 23-bed hospital's provider agreement for noncompliance with various conditions of participation within the agency's Medicare and Medi-Cal programs.

CMS said the physician-owned hospital failed to meet its requirements under three categories: basis and scope, pharmaceutical services, and infection prevention and control and antibiotic stewardship.

SSH leaders disagree with CMS and are weighing options for long-term direction, including a potential appeal.

"It is extremely unfortunate the hospital is losing its Medicare certification despite months of concerted efforts to work with the federal government," the hospital said in a statement shared with Becker's. "It is our patients and 160 employees who will suffer the most from this decision. SSH has provided a unique patient experience to the community for over 20 years, earning us a five-star satisfaction rating from those patients. We are proud of the quality of care we have delivered."

Earlier this year, CMS rescinded an April 11 determination to terminate SSH's Medicare contract if "an acceptable plan of correction is promptly implemented and substantial compliance is maintained," the agency said in a May 3 letter shared with Becker's.

CMS said it would conduct an unannounced onsite survey no later than July 31 "to determine whether SSH has substantially complied with the conditions of participation and to further assess whether SSH has made sufficient progress with meeting the statutory definition of being 'primarily engaged' in providing inpatient, hospital services."
Duluth, Minn.-based Essentia Health will continue to operate a hospital in Fosston, Minn., after an arbitration panel ruled in the health system's favor in a dispute with the city.

Essentia Health-Fosston (Minn.) paused labor and delivery services in June 2022. Fosston Mayor Jim Offerdahl told Becker's in January that the city had reason to believe that it was never a pause, "it really was a shutdown, but they called it that and led everyone to believe it was that for nearly a year."

Mr. Offerdahl said an agreement was reached between First Care Medical Services, a city-owned 501(c)(3) organization that operated the Fosston hospital, and Essentia Health in 2009, which gave Essentia control of the hospital with First Care Medical Services retaining ownership of the property and holding the hospital's license.

The city sought to terminate the agreement and regain control of the hospital.

Essentia said in a Sept. 11 news release that the arbitrator's ruling affirmed the health system's position that it operated the hospital within the requirements of the 2009 affiliation agreement.

The ruling comes after a hearing in mid-July, according to the release. The ruling means that Essentia will continue to operate the hospital, clinic, assisted-living and long-term care facilities in Fosston, as well as clinics in Bagley (Minn.) and Oklee (Minn.).

"Now that the arbitration process is over, Essentia is focused on the opportunity to engage our patients, colleagues and the community in building a shared vision for the future of healthcare in Fosston," Stefanie Gefroh, MD, interim president of Essentia Healths West Market, said in the release. "We look forward to working with city leaders in support of that objective and for the patients we're honored to serve."

The city said in a Sept. 11 news release shared with Becker's that although the ruling found no breach of contract regarding OB services, officials believe "there have been other breaches of contract by Essentia Health that can, and will, be pursued as part of ongoing efforts to restore local governance."

"While we had hoped for a different result, we are committed to ensuring that healthcare services in Fosston remain robust and responsive to the needs of our residents," Mr. Offerdahl said in the release.
While there are still issues to iron out, U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge Christopher Lopez authorized an interim settlement agreement for Dallas-based Steward Health Care to transition many of its remaining hospitals to its landlord, Medical Properties Trust, or applicable designated operators, effective Sept. 11.

"We believe we have a path that hopefully should keep all of the remaining hospitals open and provide much needed liquidity for this company immediately, a basis that we would not be here without," Steward attorney Ray Schrock said during a Sept. 11 hearing. "Without this, we do not have cash collateral to continue operating the hospitals."

Under the agreement, Steward will continue to operate the hospitals with various management teams given the for-profit health system is still bound by contracts. The new managers will also fund operating expenses for the hospitals.

Healthcare Systems of America, an affiliate of Glendale, Calif.-based American Healthcare Systems, is taking on interim management for eight of the Steward hospitals under the settlement. "Healthcare Systems of America is devoted to providing these communities the quality healthcare they deserve while saving the jobs of the employees that give so much to these hospitals and their patients," Mike Sarian, CEO of Healthcare Systems of America, said in a Sept. 11 news release shared with Becker's. "Making sure that these communities have access to the critical care they need is our top priority."

Medical Properties Trust will set up a $5 million escrow account to cover near-term incidental expenses. MPT and/or the interim managers will also fund at least $9.1 million in payroll obligations, according to Sept. 11 court documents obtained by Becker's.

"MPT is going to waive all claims against the estate, so all the claims that they have, the billions of dollars of claims that they have against the estate, are being waived. The unsecured creditors, we believe, should have a significant recovery when it's all said and done," Mr. Schrock said.

Steward will also retain $395 million from its $439 million sale of three Florida hospitals to Orlando (Fla.) Health and "promptly transfer to MPT any and all proceeds in excess" after it pays any post-closing obligations following the sale completion.

A spokesperson for Medical Properties Trust said during the hearing that the case has created "a set of extraordinary challenges" and that Steward's landlord has been at the center of a perfect storm created by Steward, which sought Chapter 11 protection May 6.

"MPT wanted to keep as many hospitals open as possible," the spokesperson said. "Another objective was to help the debtors [Steward] transition to new operators who were financially viable, so that the situation and the crisis could be averted and we could have operators who could continue to meet obligations going forward."

Medical Properties Trust expects to receive around $160 million in aggregate annualized cash rental payments for the around $2 billion lease portfolio based on the new lease agreements in place, according to a Sept. 11 news release.

"To expedite the re-tenanting process and minimize any disruption to patient care as new operators are ramping up, cash rent payments will not be due for the remainder of 2024 for all 15 properties," the MPT release said. "Cash rent payments are generally expected to commence in the first quarter of 2025, reach approximately 50% of aggregate fully stabilized rent by the end of 2025 and achieve full stabilization in the fourth quarter of 2026."

Of note, Steward's Sharon (Pa.) Regional Medical Center is not listed because it received a letter of intent from Meadville Medical Center. Steward's Texarkana, Texas-based Wadley Regional Medical Center is not listed because the health system has entered into a binding asset purchase agreement with Christus Health Ark-La-Tex, part of Irving, Texas-based Christus Health.

"MPT is in active discussions regarding solutions related to its ongoing Norwood, Massachusetts and Texarkana, Texas construction projects, as well as, separately, four hospitals closed well before Stewards bankruptcy and two that recently closed or otherwise became subject to uncertainty during the restructuring process," the MPT release said. "These six facilities have an aggregate lease base of approximately $300 million."

During a Sept. 17 final hearing, Mr. Lopez gave final approval to make the interim management permanent.

Below are the interim managers listed for Steward's remaining hospitals:

Arizona

1. Scottsdale, Ariz.-based HonorHealth was named during the hearing as the interim manager for Steward's Florence Hospital, Mesa-based Mountain Vista Medical Center, and Tempe St. Luke's Hospital, and multiple outpatient physician practices.

"HonorHealth continues to invest in responsible healthcare development where there is a proven need, and we believe assuming operations of these existing facilities is an effective way to optimize our resources," Todd LaPorte, CEO of HonorHealth, said in a Sept. 11 news release shared with Becker's. "Were excited to work with the Steward Health Care professionals to ensure access to high quality, essential care for these communities."

Florida

1. Healthcare Systems of America-Florida on an interim basis will manage Coral Gables Hospital, Lauderdale Lakes-based Florida Medical Center, Hialeah Hospital, Miami-based North Shore Medical Center and Hialeah-based Palmetto General Hospital.

Louisiana

1. HSA Glenwood will interim manage West Monroe-based Glenwood Regional Medical Center.

Ohio

1. Flint, Mich.-based Insight Health System will interim manage Warren-based Hillside Rehabilitation Hospital. Steward initially shared Sept. 20 that the hospital was set to close on or around Sept. 20.

2. Insight Health System will also take over interim management of Warren-based Trumbull Regional Medical Center. Steward initially shared Sept. 20 that the hospital was set to close on or around Sept. 20.

"Todays judgement to keep Hillside Rehabilitation Hospital and Trumbull Regional Medical Center open is lifesaving for the patients and employees of those hospitals," Rick Lucas, BSN, RN, president and executive director of the Ohio Nurses Association, said in a Sept. 11 statement shared with Becker's. "ONA will work with the Insight Foundation of Hillside to ensure the transition keeps patient and staff safety a top priority, hospital operations fully functional, and continues to honor the collective bargaining agreement for our union nurses."

Insight Health System founder and neurosurgeon Jawad Shah, MD, said in a Sept. 11 news release shared with Becker's that it is the organizations goal is to keep the doors open at both hospitals, however, some medical service lines "may be temporarily suspended until patient safety can be fully validated."

Texas

1. HSA Port Arthur was named as the interim manager for Medical Center SE Texas-Port Arthur.

2. HSA St. Joseph will be the interim manager for Houston-based St. Joseph's Medical Center.

3. Brentwood, Tenn.-based Quorum Health will manage Odessa Regional Medical Center.

4. Quorum Health will manage Big Springs-based Scenic Mountain Medical Center.

"After careful consideration, we agreed that Quorum Health is a natural fit as an operator of these community hospitals," a spokesperson for Quorum Health said in a Sept. 12 statement shared with Becker's.

Editor's note: This story has been updated as of Sept. 12 at 2 p.m. CT.
A surgical team at NYU Langone Health in New York City recently performed the first fully robotic lung transplant in the U.S.

For the minimally-invasive procedure, surgeons used a robotic system to make a small incision between the patient's right ribs to remove the lung, enabling the removal of the lung. The robot was then used to prepare the surgical site for implantation and place the donor lung. The same technique was used to transplant the left lung.

Stephanie Chang, MD, associate professor of cardiothoracic surgery at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine and surgical director for NYU Langone's lung transplant program, led the historic procedure.

"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," she said in a Sept. 10 news release. "The goal is to reduce pain, improve recovery time, and provide a better hospital experience for our patients."

NYU Langone is only the third health system in the world to use a surgical robot in a lung transplant surgery. Vall dHebron Barcelona Hospital performed the first fully robotic transplant in 2023, and Los Angeles-based Cedars-Sinai Medical Center performed the nation's first robot-assisted transplant a year prior.
Oakland, Calif.-based Kaiser Permanente will close its last skilled nursing facility in the country, the Kaiser Permanente Post Acute Care Center in San Leandro, Calif., the health system said in a Sept. 10 statement shared with Becker's.

The closure, which began in June, will result in the loss of 249 jobs. The last patients were transitioned from the facility by the end of July, the San Francisco Chronicle reported Sept. 10.



The facility is expected to be fully closed by mid-November.



In its statement, the health system said it is working with employees and union officials to find other positions within Kaiser Permanente. The system said it will also assist employees who are not able to find another position within the system.



With the Kaiser Permanente Post Acute Care Center closing, Kaiser will no longer operate any skilled nursing facility.



Skilled nursing facilities listed on the system's website in the Mid-Atlantic region are "recommended independently operated facilities" and not owned by Kaiser, a health system spokesperson told Becker's.



Editor's Note: This article was updated Thurs. Sept. 12 at 12:20pm CST.
News and commentary on organized crime, street crime, white collar crime, cyber crime, sex crime, crime fiction, crime prevention, espionage and terrorism.
Healthcare organizations, along with companies like Amazon, have written letters to Congress and the White House, urging them to ensure continued access to remote prescribing of controlled substances.

The letters, dated Sept. 10 and signed by more than 330 stakeholder organizations, were co-led by the American Telemedicine Association and ATA Action. In these letters, the organizations are asking Congress and the White House to safeguard pandemic-era flexibilities that allow for remote prescribing of controlled substances.

Specifically, the organizations are calling on House and Senate leaders to include a two-year extension of these remote prescribing flexibilities in an end-of-year legislative package. Additionally, they are urging the Biden Administration to collaborate with the Drug Enforcement Administration and other relevant agencies to use existing authorities to extend these flexibilities.

The extension, according to the organizations, would give the DEA additional time to establish a special registration pathway that balances access to critical medical care with proper enforcement measures.

Those who signed the letters include Amazon, Cleveland Clinic, Salt Lake City-based Intermountain Health, Nashville, Tenn.-based Vanderbilt University Medical Center, and Palo Alto, Calif.-based Stanford Medicine.

This push comes after the DEA extended certain COVID-19-era rules in 2023, allowing healthcare providers to continue prescribing controlled substances via telehealth through the end of 2024. These substances include stimulant medications for ADHD, anxiety treatments and medications for opioid use disorder.

Before the pandemic, patients were required to attend at least one in-person visit to receive prescriptions for controlled substances.
An $800,000 grant will provide students at Columbia-based University of Missouri with paid nursing assistant experience at MU Health Care.

The goal of the three-year grant from the Missouri Department of Economic Development is to train 300 students as nurse assistants and address staffing shortages, according to a Sept. 5 news release from the university.

The first group of 33 students in the Unlicensed Assistive Personnel course worked 5,000 hours in University Hospital during fall 2023, the release said. After completing their clinical hours and coursework, students are able to take an exam to earn a certified nursing assistant certificate.

Forty students were selected in the 2024 spring semester of the program, which will run until 2026.
Terre Haute-based Indiana Joint Replacement Institute's Naples, Fla. satellite location joined Fort Myers-based Orthopedic Center of Florida, which is part of Healthcare Outcomes Performance Co.

IJRI was founded by Michael Meneghini, MD, and he will join the leadership board of HOPCo, according to a Sept. 10 news release. Dr. Meneghini is a recognized leader in outpatient total joint replacement and has authored more than 200 peer-reviewed journal articles.

Under the partnership, only IJRI's Naples location is part of OCF, while its two Indiana offices operate separately, a spokesperson for HOPCo. said.

"This partnership is a tremendous opportunity for our Naples-based team," Dr. Meneghini said in the release. "We assembled our hand-picked experts in Naples with a singular focus on providing excellent outcomes and an elevated experience for our patients. Being part of the OCF team and the deep infrastructure of HOPCos proven platform undoubtedly expands and accelerates our ability to extend these benefits to the local community and to those who are making Naples a destination for their expert orthopedic care."
Sir Kenneth Branagh, winner of the Writing (Original Screenplay) award for Belfast, poses backstage during the 94th Academy Awards in 2022 (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images)

Sir Kenneth Branaghs next thriller film is set to be filmed in a private school in Ascot after his company was granted permission to shoot the movie on the site.

Nuncle Films Ltd  of which the Northern Irish-born actor is one of the directors  requested temporary permission to use the former Hurst Lodge private school site in Berkshire to film scenes for his upcoming picture The Last Disturbance of Madeline Hyne.

According to reports, the plans submitted to the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Council did not specify the exact film is being shot in Ascot.

However, it is understood Branagh had begun work on the new psychological thriller and filming was already underway having begun last month.

According to the application notes, Hurst Lodge was previously used to film scenes for Belfast, the 2021 Oscar-winning film based on true events from Kenneth Branagh's childhood, and was produced by Nuncle Films' other director, Tamar Thomas.

The plans submitted to the council also said filming at the site would also involve the construction of a large temporary sound stage and dressing rooms

According to reports, planning officers granted permission for filming on Thursday 5 September.

Meanwhile the report said filming would end on Friday 20 September, before the site is ultimately cleared by the production by October 4.

While many details are still under wrap around the project, it has been revealed the film will star Killing Eve actress Jodie Comer, with the cast also including Line of Duty lead Vicky McClure.

Meanwhile also joining the cast are Patricia Arquette, Michael Sheen and Tom Bateman.

The film is described by the production as a contemporary psychological thriller.

Despite concerns over such a production close to the nearby greenbelt which would normally prohibit permission, it was said the temporary nature of the development, and the fact that the site is screened by trees, limited the harm.

Also cited was the very special circumstances justified by the economic benefits filming would bring to the area.

Branagh was most recently on the big screen for his latest portrayal of Agatha Christie's Belgian detective Hercule Poirot.

Branagh has directed and starred in three of his Poirot films.

He began playing Poirot in his film adaptation of Murder on the Orient Express in 2017, making him the latest in a long line of actors to play the role on screen.

He also played the detective in the 2022 adaptation of Death on the Nile.

The latest film  A Haunting in Venice which was released last year  saw Branagh team up with fellow NI actor Jamie Dornan in the supernatural mystery, based on the 1969 Agatha Christie novel called Hallowe'en Party.
Eamonn Holmes is set to move in with Katie Alexander with the pair reportedly planning to relocate from his rented flat in south west London months after his split from Ruth Langsford.

According to sources close to Ms Alexander, a 42-year-old relationship therapist, the pair want to move into a bigger place together.

The 64-year-old Northern Irish GB News presenter and Ms Alexander are currently enjoying a luxury holiday to the Mediterranean, being snapped earlier this week arriving in Barcelona.

Holmes was seen driving a mobility scooter through the terminal while Katie pushed their luggage and a walking frame and they were also seen laughing and joking with other cruise passengers at Barcelona Port.

Speaking to The Sun, the source said: 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 doesnt want to stay in his rented place as its too small, too expensive and, without air conditioning, gets very hot.

Its on the basement floor as well, with people looking in as they walk past all the time so isnt private enough for them.

With that in mind, theyre really keen to move into a bigger place in the country with lots of land.

Katie will obviously be there to care for Eamonn as he grows older and thinks its best to do that somewhere without prying eyes.

Holmes and Langsford, who were axed from This Morning in 2020, announced in May that they had broken up after 14 years of marriage, with a spokesperson revealing they are in the process of divorcing.

The TV pair, both 64, wed in 2010 after 13 years together and are said to be determined to stay friends and keep things amicable.

However, recent months have seen a raft of reports saying GB News presenter Holmes has become close with Ms Alexander.

According to the Daily Mail, Ms Alexander offers in-person, telephone and online therapy services, at a price of 45 for a 50-minute session.

According to the newspaper she is divorced and a mother to three children.

It was rumoured that the Northern Irishman had already popped the question after Ms Alexander was spotted wearing a sparkling diamond ring. But Holmes reportedly sent his estranged wife a message to reassure her that he was not engaged.

Two weeks ago Holmes spent his holiday from GB News showing Ms Alexander around Northern Ireland, with the pair spotted in Carrickfergus at American diner Papa Browns.

Last week Loose Women star Langsford directly addressed fans asking why she was still wearing her wedding ring despite her split with Holmes.

She shared a video on Instagram that saw her describing a recipe for a green smoothie she drinks each day. The TV host could be seen wearing her wedding ring in the clip, with one person asking in the comments section: Why has she still got her wedding rings on?

Langsford bluntly replied: Because Im still married.

News Catch Up - Thursday 12 September
Toby Jones won an award for his role in Mr Bates vs The Post Office (Ian West/PA)

Toby Jones has said the win at the National Television Awards for his role in Mr Bates vs The Post Office is a great opportunity to renew pressure on the new Government to compensate subpostmasters before the end of the year.

He secured the best drama performance gong at Wednesday evenings annual awards ceremony at The O2 in London for his part in the ITV drama that helped revive attention on the subpostmasters who were wrongly prosecuted during the Horizon IT scandal.

Jones portrayed former subpostmaster Sir Alan Bates  one of more than 550 claimants who have brought legal action against the Post Office  who the actor said wont rest until people are compensated.

Speaking in the winners room after collecting his prize, Jones said it was extraordinary to win the public voted award.

Its a great opportunity to renew the pressure on the Government, the new Government, to recompense the postmasters before the end of the year, the actor said.

Were still waiting for the Government to make a commitment to pay the compensation before the end of the year, he added.

Im sure one of the reasons that the show had been so popular is because theres popular will that that should happen sooner rather than later.

Jones said that the show was without a doubt one of the most important dramas he has ever been a part of.

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He told reporters: Ive had so many messages in the last eight months from actors saying, Oh, thats what you dream of is to have an impact with a drama like this, and its the first time for a lot of people that its led directly to parliamentary action.

Hopefully itll lead to more dramas having a direct impact on policy.

Jones said Sir Alan was initially sceptical about what a drama would be able to do but grew to be excited over what the show was able to help achieve.

Anytime something like this happens, and weve had a lot of awards attention so far this year, the first person I email is Alan, Jones said.

Collecting his gong during the ceremony, Jones congratulated Sir Alan on his recent marriage to his partner Suzanne Sercombe.

Monica Dolan and Jo Hamilton (Ian West/PA)

The ITV show also won in the new drama category, beating Netflix hit Baby Reindeer, romantic drama One Day and thrillers Fool Me Once and Red Eye.

Actress Monica Dolan, who played Jo Hamilton in the show, collected the award alongside the rest of the cast and several former subpostmasters.

She said it was absolutely incredible to win the prize, adding: I want to finish by saying a very, very big thank you to all the subpostmasters.

Their trust in us to tell their story has been the privilege of our lives.

It was announced last week that the ITV drama had been awarded the NTA Impact Award for creating a huge cultural shift.

Former subpostmistress Jo Hamilton called out the Government for the lack of action on the scandal as she collected the award surrounded by fellow victims of the scandal, saying: I went to Westminster a couple of weeks back and saw the new minister and trust me, nothing has changed.

Almost all of these people behind me havent been paid yet. And out of the group of 555, more than 300 havent been paid yet.
A number of families have enjoyed a once in a lifetime trip to Disneyland Paris thanks to the Northern Ireland Children to Lapland and Days to Remember Trust (NICLT).

A group of 44 people, including health professionals, parents and 20 children with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions, boarded a plane from Belfast International Airport for two days of excitement at the popular French resort.

Brenda McShane and son Eli

With the support of doctors and nurses from Causeway Hospital, along with NICLT General Manager Fiona Williamson and board member Anna Kayes, the trip was meticulously planned to provide a worry-free experience for the families involved.

Bernadette Boyle said she was shaking with excitement when she got the call that she and her seven-year-old son Aaron  who is living with hypogammaglobulinemia  a serious immune condition  would be going on the trip.

This trip means the world to us. Watching Aaron light up has brought so much happiness to our family. It's a memory well treasure forever, she said.

Ann Flowerdew and son Michael (9) from Derry

Michelle Hynes, mother of Oisin, also seven, from Daisy Hill, explained that her son has never been able to travel due to his complex needs.

So, this trip is beyond our dreams, she said.

Knowing we have doctors and nurses with us gives us the reassurance we need. This means the world to our family.

Ann Flowerdew and her nine-year-old son Michael  who has autism  was nominated by Altnagelvin Hospital nurse Cathy to take part in the trip after his bravery during medical procedures.

Michelle Hynes, son Oisin McLaughlin, and Kerry McLaughlin from Hilltown, Newry

Ann said: Michael was absolutely thrilled when we found out he was nominated for the Disneyland Paris trip. He was counting down the days.

This opportunity means the world to us, especially knowing how far hes come with his support from Cathy and the hospital team.

Chairman of NICLT Colin Barkley said: We are committed to giving these incredible children and their families the chance to create unforgettable memories.

Thanks to the generosity of our donors, fundraisers, and corporate partners, weve been able to expand our reach and offer this wonderful experience.
A customer accused of shouting speak English, this is Ireland at two Romanian nationals in a Turkish barbers was only trying to get in on a joke, the High Court heard today.
Dalradian wants to extract precious metals from the Sperrins

The PSNI has hit back at a report which criticised officers for disproportionately policing and deterring environmentalists campaigning against goldmining in the Sperrin Mountains.
Belfast City Council has revoked the licence of a seven-bedroom HMO operating near the citys university area after reports from tenants.

An HMO is defined as living accommodation which is the main residence for three or more people from more than two different households, where at least one person pays the rent.

Council staff earlier this year found a number of serious breaches of HMO licence conditions and engaged with the PSNI after they became concerned for the welfare of the propertys occupants, who had reported harassment and unfair rule imposition.

The breaches included heating not being available at all times or being within the control of the tenants, the landlord entering the property without giving proper notice and the alleged use of a recording device in a kitchen.

The property owner had already incurred 5,000 in fixed penalty notices and council officers acted in March 2024 after receiving the complaint.

After receiving a report from officers, which included information from the PSNI, Queens Universitys neighbourhood engagement team and the HMO owner, the committee unanimously agreed to revoke the HMO licence, on the basis that the owner was not a fit and proper person, they had committed a serious breach of a condition of the HMO licence and there had been more than one breach of the licence.

As councillors, we were very concerned to hear about this case and how these tenants had been treated, said Councillor Jim Rodgers, Chair of the Licensing Committee.

The behaviour of this owner was completely unacceptable and we hope the revocation of this licence will act as a warning to all owners and landlords of HMOs that they have responsibilities to their tenants, as well as other legal obligations that they must comply with at all times.

As a council, its important we proactively highlight this case to show that any concerns are taken seriously and will be investigated robustly by our HMO team.

Any HMO tenant who is concerned about their accommodation can get in touch by emailing NIHMO@belfastcity.gov.uk or calling 028 9027 0414.

The council has urged students to report any concerns around shared accommodation ahead of Freshers Week and reminded tenants of the importance of making sure their next shared rental is licensed as a house of multiple occupancy (HMO).

The council is also encouraging those already occupying an HMO to get in touch if they have any concerns about their accommodation.

Under current regulations, all HMOs in the Belfast area must be licensed by the council to help make sure they are safe, good quality and well managed.

Since 2019, all landlords who operate an HMO must have a licence from their local council to continue renting it to multiple tenants (unless a temporary exemption notice is in effect).

Landlords must also have a valid licence for each individual HMO they own.

Councillor Rodgers also highlighted the importance of ensuring shared properties are licensed  something that can be easily checked online for free, via the HMO licence register, at belfastcity.gov.uk/NIMHO

Having a valid HMO licence means that the property youre renting has been assessed by the council, with suitable facilities for the number of people living within it, he explained.

The licensing process ensures that properties in this category are safe, secure and comfortable, meet certain criteria and that landlords fulfil their obligations to their tenants.

It also means that issues can be reported, if they dont.

For more information about HMO licences and to check the NIHMO register, visit belfastcity.gov.uk/NIMHO
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Expanding Ulster Universitys Magee campus in Derry to 10,000 students is possible within the next eight years, it has been claimed.

The Magee Taskforces interim report on expansion, published today, insisted that it will require sustained direct interventions from Stormont, Ulster University, Derry and Strabane council, and the UK and Irish Governments, as well as the private sector, to invest the 700m required.

Nearly 30 asks have been requested of the key stakeholders.

That funding total includes City Deal cash of around 84m and 38m from the Irish Government for a teaching block, as well as contributions from Ulster University (UU) itself.

A significant part of the 700m is already secured or committed, the Taskforce said.

It is estimated that up to 40% could come from private sector investment in student accommodation as has happened in Belfast and other cities.

However, at the moment private developers are saying their hands are tied due to a water infrastructure deficit which requires significant investment before they can build.

Taskforce chair Stephen Kelly explained that everyone he has spoken to has made it clear they want to remove those obstacles.

Mr Kelly also noted that Sinn Fein has asked the government in the south to invest heavily in student accommodation.

He has told Economy Minister Conor Murphy that would also be a useful thing to do north of the border as accommodation can be a deciding factor for students and it could be priced in such a way that it incentivises students to study in Derry.

In the report, it notes that the university informed the Taskforce that intake in Derry will find a natural market-share limit at around 7,200 students, which takes account of demographic growth and the Universitys actions to maximise recruitment to that campus.

It states: This has been calculated by multiplying current market share by the projected uplift of potential students, as the population of school leavers increases up until 2029.

Importantly, the universitys 7,200 figure assumes, and requires, a change in public policy that sees an uplift of the MaSN (maximum student number) cap which provides for the campus in Derry-Londonderry in order to fully utilise an increased pipeline of potential students.

The Taskforce does not accept the inevitability of a ceiling. Indeed, in its discussions it recognises that growth beyond 10,000 students is a legitimate longer-term aspiration, even if it postdates the work to which it is committed.

When directly asked about this ceiling and whether it is UU reneging on the intergovernmental New Decade, New Approach agreement, taskforce chair Stephen Kelly denied that, saying it would require a change to the current operational environment.

The Taskforce has also stated in the report that the development will be across all four faculties of the university but that no expansion of Magee should come from the displacement of students from Coleraine to support the Executives regional balance ambitions.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Bartholomew said UU has worked with the wider Taskforce to identify a pathway to a university for 10,000 students.

We also acknowledge the Ministers recent commitment of funds that have already made a difference to the operating environment allowing us to revise our plans to expand to 7,000 students. Further changes in the operating environment will allow us to go further still, he added.

The Derry University Group said: This is a cynical exercise in government using a taskforce to row back on its promises and lower a citys expectations and ambitions. Exactly as we expected.

UU need to be removed from the Taskforce and an external independent commission appointed to carry out the task fairly and meet the agreed ambition of New Decade, New Approach.
I keep thinking she will come back one day  Palestinian-Irish man on the death of his wife in Gaza one year ago
First Minister of Northern Ireland Michelle ONeill said she hoped a public inquiry would deliver answers over the murder of Pat Finucane (Liam McBurney/PA)

A public inquiry into the murder of Pat Finucane must uncover the full truth about the shameful killing, Northern Irelands First Minister Michelle ONeill has said.

Ms ONeill welcomed the announcement from Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn on Wednesday that an independent public inquiry would be carried out into the murder.

Solicitor Mr Finucane, 39, was shot dead at his family home in north Belfast in February 1989 by the Ulster Defence Association in an attack found by a series of probes to have involved collusion with the state.

His family have been campaigning for decades for a public inquiry to establish the extent of security force involvement.

Hilary Benn announcing that the Government is to establish an independent public inquiry into the 1989 loyalist murder of Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane (UK Parliament/PA)

Mr Benn made the announcement in the House of Commons that the inquiry would be established.

Ms ONeill said: This has been long overdue and one which British governments had previously committed to, but never delivered on.

This is a momentous day for Geraldine Finucane and her children Katherine, Michael and John, and one which they have campaigned on for over 35 years.

Pat was a loving husband and a caring father.

He stood for equality and justice through the medium of law as a proud human rights lawyer.

Ms ONeill said the Finucane family had been let down time and time again but praised their resolve in continuing to fight for a public inquiry.

She said: The Finucanes fight has been an inspiration to all families struggling for truth and justice.

This day belongs to them.

The British government must now work closely with Pat Finucanes family to ensure the public inquiry meets their needs and uncovers the full truth of this shameful killing.

Alliance MLA Nuala McAllister said she hoped the public inquiry would bring accountability (Liam McBurney/PA)

The Alliance Partys Justice spokesperson Nuala McAllister said she hoped the inquiry would bring accountability for all involved.

She said: A public inquiry was always necessary in this case, given the serious public interest issues involved and the UK Governments acceptance that collusion played a part.

I hope it takes place in line with the requirement for an independent investigation under Article 2 of the European Convention of Human Rights.

The Supreme Court has stated previous investigations had not been effective, so it now comes down to this inquiry for the truth to be unveiled.

As such, I hope we receive clarity soon in terms of its ability to compel witnesses and evidence.

She added: This once again shines a light on the pressing need for a sensitive, all-encompassing government strategy on dealing with our troubled past.

The Secretary of State must outline urgently how the detested Legacy Act will be repealed and replaced.

Former Ulster Unionist leader Doug Beattie said every victim, and their families, deserve truth, justice and accountability.

In a post on X, he said: I hope the Finucane family gets the information they have campaigned many years for.
DUP and TUV leaders claims inquiry perpetuates a hierarchy of victims

The family of Pat Finucane  his wife Geraldine and children Seamus, Katherine and John  have campaigned for decades for a public inquiry (Liam McBurney/PA)

Geraldine Finucane at a press conference today along with her son John Finucane, daughter Katherine Finucane, and solicitor Peter Madden in St Comgalls, Divis Street, Belfast. Photo: Jonathan Porter / Press Eye

Geraldine Finucane at a press conference today along with her son John Finucane, daughter Katherine Finucane, and solicitor Peter Madden in St Comgalls, Divis Street, Belfast. Photo: Jonathan Porter / Press Eye

The widow of Pat Finucane has said a public inquiry into her husbands murder will be a watershed moment for legacy cases after saying her family had no confidence in the police investigation.

Secretary of State Hilary Benn announced he will establish an independent inquiry into the killing of Mr Finucane, who was shot dead by the UDA in front of his wife in his north Belfast home in 1989.

However, unionists claimed the decision risked creating a hierarchy of victims.

Speaking in the House of Commons, Mr Benn said he was establishing the inquiry under the 2005 Inquiries Act.

The plain fact is that two decades on, the commitment made by the Government  first in the agreement with the Irish Government, and then to this House - to establish an inquiry into the death of Mr Finucane remains unfulfilled, he said.

It is for this exceptional reason that I have decided to establish an independent inquiry into the death of Patrick Finucane under the 2005 Inquiries Act.

The decision was welcomed by the family of Mr Finucane including his son, John, a Sinn Fein MP.

Speaking at a press conference this afternoon, Geraldine Finucane said the inquiry may bring hope to families involved in legacy cases.

"If a public inquiry into the murder of Pat Finucane can finally publicly examine all of the collusion that plagued our society for so many years, then there is hope that the real process of healing can begin, she said.

"The murder of Pat Finucane is the last remaining Weston Park case.

"It is high time it was properly investigated, publicly examined, and finally resolved. I believe that my family deserve this after so many years. Pat Finucane deserves this after so many years.

"Society as a whole deserves this, after so many years. After 35 years of cover-ups, it is time for truth."

She also said her family was not satisfied with the subsequent police investigation into Mr Finucanes murder.

We had no confidence that police investigations would ever bring those truly responsible to justice, she added.

"We were not satisfied with private, limited reviews from which we were excluded. We could not and did not accept the assurances of previous British governments that they were anxious to set the record straight, because they were never prepared to do so in public.

"An independent, statutory public inquiry is and was the only way to bring the whole truth behind the murder of Pat Finucane into the light of day."

Mrs Finucane also noted the long journey into a public inquiry and said it was always her objective.

"After 35 years of campaigning for such an inquiry, I believe this announcement represents a significant step forward for my family in our fight to uncover all of the circumstances behind Pat's murder, she said.

"It has been a long journey to get to the point where the establishment of an independent public inquiry has finally become a reality.

"I look forward to having the opportunity to participate in a statutory inquiry and expose publicly the whole truth behind the murder of my husband.

"This has always been the objective of the campaign that my family and I have pursued for the last 35 years. We have only ever been concerned with uncovering the truth. It is this that has kept us going. It is the thing that has been missing all these years."

The decision to open an inquiry into the murder has been broadly welcomed.

However, DUP leader Gavin Robinson claimed the decision perpetuates a hierarchy of victims here.

Mr Robinson said: The murder of Pat Finucane, like all murders in the Troubles, was wrong.

In 2004, a man was convicted and sentenced for his role in the murder and more than 20m has been spent on investigations into this one murder.

The Secretary of State needs to understand that there are more than 1,000 other families in the United Kingdom who have not had a fraction of the resource poured into the murder of their loved one.

Indeed, the Finucane family were offered a public inquiry, but they rejected that offer as they disagreed with the 2005 Public Inquiries Act.

He added: We stand for truth and justice for every victim in the Troubles.

Todays announcement perpetuates a hierarchy and sends the message that this murder was more deserving of investigation than others.

The Ulster Unionist Partys Lord Elliott echoed a similar statement and questioned the justice for the victims of incidents such as the Enniskillen bomb and Bloody Friday asking if they were less important.

The Ulster Unionist Party is committed to ensuring that every victim of every atrocity of the troubles receives the truth of what happened to them or their loved ones. Unfortunately, todays decision by the Secretary of State will leave many victims and families feeling that their loss is considered less important by the state, he said.

With this decision, the Secretary of State has created a two-tier approach to victims, whereas now others must seek justice through the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR), the Finucane family have been given an inquiry. The question must be asked why anyone would seek justice via the ICRIR when the Secretary of State seems to still offer the route of an inquiry.

All victims should be treated equally. With this decision, it is obvious that some are being treated more favourably than others.

What about the victims of the Enniskillen bomb, the Kingsmill massacre, La Mon, Teebane, Bloody Friday, Narrow water, Newry police station mortar attack and the thousands of others murdered going about their daily work? Will they now receive an inquiry?

It is unfortunate that the Secretary of State, in the early days of his role, appears to be providing a hierarchy of victims from the Troubles, which, if is shown to be the case, does not bode well for his future relationships".

First Minister Michelle ONeill called the announcement of the inquiry a landmark day.

Today is a testament to the unwavering spirit and resolve of Pats wife, Geraldine, and their children, Katherine, Michael, and John, she wrote.

Their campaign has been an inspiration to all families struggling for truth and justice."

SDLP leader Colum Eastwood welcomed the decision stating it is long overdue.

Meanwhile the Taoiseach Simon Harris added: Today is a vindication of Geraldine Finucane and her family who have campaigned over decades for truth and justice.

This is the beginning of a process and it will be important that, as details are confirmed, there is confidence that it can meet the standards and independence thresholds essential to an inquiry of this nature. "

In 2019, the Supreme Court said all previous examinations of the death had not been compliant with human rights standards.

The court acknowledged Mrs Finucane had been given an unequivocal undertaking by the Government following the 2001 Weston Park agreement that there would be a public inquiry into the murder.

However, the Supreme Court judges found that the Government had been justified in later deciding against holding one.

The court said it was up to the Government to decide what form of investigation was now required.

The following year, the Government pushed back a decision on a public inquiry, insisting outstanding issues concerning the original police investigation needed to be first examined by the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland.

In the years since, Mrs Finucane has pursued further legal proceedings challenging the ongoing delays on a decision.

During the summer, the Court of Appeal in Belfast gave the Government a September deadline to confirm what form of human rights-compliant investigation it intended to undertake into the murder.
A search is underway in Co Donegal for the remains of Tyrone girl Arlene Arkinson who was last seen 30 years ago.

Arlene was 15 when she went missing after attending a disco in Bundoran, Co Donegal on August 13 1994.

From Castlederg, she was last seen in a car driven by convicted murderer and rapist Robert Howard. Her body has never been found, despite extensive search efforts.

In July 2021, a 14-year inquest found that on the balance of probabilities Howard was responsible for the death of Arlene. He had previously been charged with her murder in 2002 but acquitted in 2005.

Howard, who was originally from Co Laois, died in prison in England in 2015 while serving a life sentence for the rape and murder of 14-year-old Hannah Williams from London.

The coroner also ruled that the death happened in Northern Ireland but the precise location remains unknown.

RTE reported a Garda search had been carried out on Tuesday in Glenfin for the remains of the teenager.

A garda spokesperson confirmed to RTE News that "searches took place" and said "no further information was available".

Last month a crowd of more than 100 people gathered at a vigil in Castlederg to mark the disappearance of Arlene.

Arlene's sisters Kathleen and Paula Arkinson reiterated their calls for a public inquiry into the handling of their sister's case.

Kathleen Arkinson, who also alleged that that Howard had been working as a state agent, called for a public inquiry into his activities in Northern Ireland.

Fr Paul Fraser, who led the memorial vigil, said that Arlenes memory "lives on in all of those who knew and loved her" and that "the search for truth and justice" must continue.
The road remained closed for a forensic examination on Wednesday afternoon (Niall Carson/PA)

A woman aged in her 80s has died after a crash in Dublin.

Gardai are appealing to witnesses after the incident in which a car collided with a number of parked vehicles on Hillside Drive in Rathfarnham at 10.30am on Wednesday morning.

The woman, who was the driver and sole occupant of the car, was fatally injured in the incident.

The local coroner was notified and arrangements for a post-mortem examination were put in place.

A man in one of the parked vehicles was taken to St Vincents Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

The road remained closed for a forensic examination on Wednesday afternoon.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy (centre left) and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken (right) arrive at Kyiv station (Leon Neal/PA)

Foreign Secretary David Lammy and his US counterpart Antony Blinken have arrived in Kyiv ahead of their joint visit to show support for Ukraine.

The pair took an overnight train from eastern Poland and reached the Ukrainian capital at 11.45am local time.

US Secretary of State Mr Blinken travelled from London, where he accused Iran of providing Russia with Fath-360 short-range ballistic missiles, calling the move a dramatic escalation of the war.

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 Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer set to discuss the issue in Washington on Friday.

Members of US security wait for Antony Blinken and David Lammy to board a train in Poland (Leon Neal/PA)

Mr Lammy hailed the Kyiv trip as the first of its kind in a decade at a press conference alongside his US counterpart on Tuesday.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly pushed for permission to use Western missiles to strike at targets within Vladimir Putins Russia.

At the 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.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Foreign Secretary David Lammy are making a joint visit to Kyiv to show support for Ukraine (Leon Neal/PA)

Asked whether Ukraine will 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.

Meanwhile, the UK announced sanctions on 10 ships operating as part of a shadow fleet seeking to evade the embargo on Russian oil.

The vessels, described as high-volume offenders, will now be barred from entering UK ports and refused access to the UK Ship Register.

Mr Lammy said: Russia has been forced to spend over 8 billion dollars (6 billion) amassing this shadow fleet. But with sanctioned tankers loitering and unable to load oil, we are determined to make Putins investment an expensive misstep for the Kremlin.
The Renters Rights Bill is being introduced on Wednesday (PA)

The Government will seek to drive out disreputable landlords from the sector with legislation being introduced on Wednesday, housing and planning minister Matthew Pennycook has said.

The Renters Rights Bill aims to decisively level the playing field between landlords and tenants but good landlords have nothing to fear, Mr Pennycook said.

The Government has confirmed the legislation includes a blanket ban on no-fault evictions under section 21, which allows landlords to evict tenants with two months notice without providing a reason.

This means that landlords will not be able to arbitrarily evict any tenant with a section 21 notice, including tenants that make complaints about things like damp and mould, rather than fix those problems, Mr Pennycook told LBC.

He said: We want to drive out disreputable landlords from the sector, but good landlords through this Bill will have robust grounds for possession when they need to take their properties back.

The minister said the Renters Rights Bill aims to level the playing field between landlords and renters (PA)

The previous government pledged to end section 21 evictions but concern about its impact on landlords and the courts was set to lead to a delay in implementation.

The Conservatives Renters (Reform) Bill then ran out of time to progress through Parliament before the election.

The new Government said it will go further than previously proposed by banning section 21 evictions for both new and existing tenancies, with research by charity Shelter finding 26,000 households have been evicted by bailiffs as a result of section 21 proceedings since 2019.

Official figures from the Ministry of Justice, published in August, showed bailiff repossessions as a result of a Section 21 no-fault eviction reached the highest level for six years.

Landlords can apply for an accelerated possession order if the tenants have not left by the date specified in a Section 21 notice.

There were 2,916 such repossessions between April and June this year, an increase of 31% on the same period last year and the highest quarterly figure since the beginning of 2018.

If the changes prompt some landlords to sell their buy-to-let properties, this could open up space for professional private rental providers to come into the sector and drive some improvement for tenants rather than reduce overall rental stock, Mr Pennycook said.

He said the Government wants to see more build-to-rent housing offered by professional providers.

There will likely be an increase in the number of tenants who take their landlords to tribunals, for example to challenge mid-tenancy rent hikes, and Mr Pennycook said he is working with the Ministry of Justice to ensure courts are prepared.

He said: We want a proportion of tenants to go to the tribunal because it will have a sort of public interest role in benchmarking what is the reasonable rent increase in any area but we dont want a system where the tribunals are swamped.

The Bill will also extend Awaabs Law  named after the toddler who died after exposure to mould in his familys social rented home  to the private sector to ensure all landlords speedily address hazards and make homes safe.

Blanket bans imposed by some landlords on those receiving benefits or with children would end under the proposed legislation.

A Decent Homes Standard will be applied to the private rented sector for the first time, with the Government highlighting that 21% of privately rented homes are currently classified as non-decent and more than 500,000 contain the most serious hazards.

The reforms also crack down on bidding wars between potential tenants with a legal requirement for landlords and letting agents to publish the required rent for a property.

Landlords and agents will be banned from asking for, encouraging, or accepting any bids above the publicly stated price.

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said renters have been let down for too long (Chris Furlong/PA)

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said: Renters have been let down for too long and too many are stuck in disgraceful conditions, powerless to act because of the threat of a retaliatory eviction hanging over them.

The Bill would also ban rent increases being written into contracts to prevent mid-tenancy hikes, leaving landlords only able to raise rent once a year at the market rate.

It will create a new private rented sector database to clarify landlords obligations, enable tenants to make informed choices and improve councils enforcement.

Big Issue founder and peer Lord Bird, welcomed the Bill but said it is not a golden bullet for renters rights, arguing it does not deal with spiralling cost of tenancies.

He called on the Government to stand firm behind their promises and not bow to pressure from the landlord lobby.

Polly Neate, Shelter chief executive, said section 21 has haunted Englands renters for years and 11 million of them will breathe a sigh of relief when these unjust evictions are finally consigned to the history books.

She added: The Renters Rights Bill must be a fresh start to fix private renting. With notice periods so short and more than 60,000 renters forced out of their homes by rent hikes in the past year alone, renters will expect bold action to deliver the security theyve long been promised  no ifs, no buts.

Ben Beadle, chief executive of the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA), said landlords and renters need certainty and reforms must be fair to both.

He added the end of section 21 evictions represents the biggest change to the sector for over 30 years and sufficient time will be needed for the sector to prepare.

Mr Beadle said: Over 4.5 million households will need tenancy agreements updating, letting agent staff and landlords will need to undertake training and insurance and mortgage providers will need to adjust policies and rates.

None of this will happen overnight and the Government needs to publish guidance.

In addition, ending section 21 will leave the courts needing to hear possession claims where landlords have a legitimate reason.

The cross-party Housing Select Committee has warned that without reforms to ensure the courts process cases much more swiftly, they risk becoming overwhelmed. This will not serve the interests of tenants or landlords seeking justice.

He added that the NRLA supports measures to ensure every rental home is of a decent standard, but warned the changes need to be backed by robust enforcement by councils.

A Conservative spokesperson said: Conservatives believe in ensuring choice and freedom, whatever home they live in.

But new regulation must be necessary and proportionate.

Otherwise, as it has in Scotland, badly drafted laws will cut supply, forcing up rents and reducing choice for renters.

We await to see the details of Labours proposals and hope they are more coherent and thought-through than their interventions in other policy areas so far.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer confirmed he will lead a new Council of the Nations and Regions, with the first ministers of the three devolved governments (Benjamin Cremel/PA)

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has confirmed he will lead a new Council of the Nations and Regions, which will involve the first ministers of the three devolved administrations.

The new body will take the place of joint ministerial councils, which previously operated and brought ministers from Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast together with UK Government ministers.

However, Sir Keir claimed that under the Tory government the prime minister didnt bother turning up to such meetings  with the then-Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Michael Gove often involved in the talks.

Sir Keir pledged his new body would be a a proper council, revealing he had spoken about his plans to Scottish First Minister John Swinney when they met in Edinburgh shortly after Labours general election victory.

Sir Keir Starmer travelled to Edinburgh to meet Scottish First Minister John Swinney just days after becoming Prime Minister (Scott Heppell/PA)

Speaking to Scottish lobby journalists at a briefing in Downing Street, Sir Keir confirmed: The council of nations and regions, which we promised to set up, we will set up.

He added: A proper council, where Scotland is properly represented by the First Minister in a formal setting with me and the other First Ministers, meeting on a regular basis, where we can look at challenges and opportunities together.

The Labour leader stressed again his partys desire to reset the relationship between the Scottish and UK governments.

Sir Keir insisted: Yes there are political differences between the two governments but I want to work to deliver for Scotland with anybody who will work with me in that endeavour.

His comments came as Pat McFadden, the new Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, said the Prime Minister had set out to bring responsibility for intergovernmental relations back into the centre of government.

Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Pat McFadden wants to have a respectful relatsionship with John Swinney  who he knows from when they both worked as dishwashers in an Edinburgh restaurant (Lucy North/PA)

Mr McFadden added that while there were political differences between the SNP government at Holyrood and the Labour one at Westminster, he hoped they could have a respectful relationship.

He said he had had an introductory call with Mr Swinney, but said the two men had known each other for almost four decades.

Mr McFadden told journalists: Its a small world, I have known the First Minister for many many years, in fact almost 40 years ago we shared the same dishwashing job in a Mexican restaurant in Edinburgh, Viva Mexico.

Looking forward he said he wants to have a respectful relationship with Mr Swinney and his government.

Mr McFadden said: If you set out trying to have a respectful relationship that is a good place to start and we will see if thats possible  thats what I would like to do.

A spokesperson for Mr Swinney said: The First Minister fondly remembers his time washing dishes.

It is a huge complement to the magnificent Viva Mexico that it proved to be such a great training ground for a successful career in national politics.

Scotlands Constitution Secretary Angus Robertson said: We look forward to more details on the formation of the council and welcome the opportunity for a reset in relations between the UK and Scottish governments.

The Scottish Government is ready to work with the new UK Government to agree a collaborative, co-operative approach to intergovernmental relations, which respects devolution and all of the powers of the Scottish Parliament.
Kamala Harris and Donald Trump will meet for the first time face-to-face for perhaps their only debate in the US presidential election, a high-pressure opportunity to showcase their starkly different visions for the country after a tumultuous campaign summer.

The event, at 9pm local time on Tuesday in Philadelphia, will offer Americans their most detailed look at a campaign that has dramatically changed since the last debate in June.

In rapid fashion, President Joe Biden bowed out of the race after his disastrous performance, Mr Trump survived an assassination attempt and both sides chose their running mates.

Signage at the media filing centre ahead of the presidential debate between Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Kamala Harris in Philadelphia (Pablo Martinez Monsivais/AP)

Ms Harris is intent on demonstrating that she can press the Democratic case against Mr Trump better than Mr Biden did.

Mr Trump, in turn, is trying to paint the vice president as an out-of-touch liberal while trying to win over voters sceptical he should return to the White House.

The 78-year-old has struggled to adapt to Ms Harris, 59, who is the first woman, black person and person of South Asian descent to serve as vice president.

The Republican former president has at times resorted to invoking racial and gender stereotypes, frustrating allies who want Mr Trump to focus instead on policy differences with Ms Harris.

The vice president, for her part, will try to claim a share of credit for the Biden administrations accomplishments while also addressing its low moments and explaining her shifts away from more liberal positions she took in the past.

The debate will subject Ms Harris, who has sat for only a single formal interview in the past six weeks, to a rare moment of sustained questioning.

If she performs great, its going to be a nice surprise for the Democrats and theyll rejoice, said Ari Fleischer, a Republican communications strategist and former press secretary to President George W Bush.

If she flops, like Joe Biden did, it could break this race wide open. So theres more riding on it.

Signage is installed at the media filing centre ahead of the presidential debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris (Pablo Martinez Monsivais/AP)

Tim Hogan, who led Senator Amy Klobuchars debate preparations in the 2020 Democratic presidential primaries, said Ms Harris, a former California attorney general, would bring a prosecutors instincts to the debate stage.

That is a very strong quality in that setting: having someone who knows how to land a punch and how to translate it, Mr Hogan said.

The first early ballots of the presidential race will go out just hours after the debate, hosted by ABC News.

Absentee ballots are set to be sent out beginning on Wednesday in Alabama.
The relatives of 12 Polish inmates of Nazi Germanys concentration camps have received precious belongings seized from their kin during captivity.

The items were returned by a German archive in an emotional ceremony in Warsaw late on Tuesday.

The Arolsen Archives and its volunteers have spared no effort to reach the families of inmates who were captured by Nazi troops during the ill-fated 1944 Warsaw Uprising.

Like hundreds of thousands of others, the prisoners were sent to concentration camps where their valuables  wedding rings, watches, gold chains, earrings and other items  were confiscated and put in envelopes marked with their owners names.

The Arolsen Archives, the international centre on Nazi persecution, which holds information on about 17.5 million people (AP)

That allowed for the items return to the families, 80 years later.

Stanislawa Wasilewska was 42 when she was captured by Nazi German troops on August 31 1944 in Warsaw and sent to the womens concentration camp at Ravensbruck, Germany.

From there, she was sent to the Neuengamme forced labour camp, where she was given prisoner number 7257 and had her valuables seized.

Eighty years later, Germanys Arolsen Archives returned Ms Wasilewskas jewellery to her grandson and great-granddaughter at the ceremony in Warsaw.

Some relatives had tears in their eyes as they received the mementoes of their long-gone, often unknown family members. More such ceremonies are planned.

Ms Wasilewskas family was given back her two amber crucifixes, part of a golden bracelet and a gold wristwatch engraved with the initials KW and the date 7-3-1938, probably marking her wedding to Konstanty Wasilewski.

This is an important moment in our lives, because this is a story that we did not fully know about and it came to light, Ms Wasilewskas great-granddaughter, Malgorzata Korys, 35, told reporters.

Stanislawa Wasilewska, was captured by Nazi troops during the Warsaw Uprising in 1944 (AP)

When Nazi Germany was defeated in 1945, Ms Wasilewska was taken by the Red Cross from Neuengamme to Sweden, but later returned to Poland. She is buried in her native Grodzisk Mazowiecki, near Warsaw.

From another family, Adam Wierzbicki, 29, was given two rings which belonged to Zofia Strusinska and a golden chain and tooth filling of Jozefa Skorka, two married sisters of his great-grandfather, Stanislaw Wierzbicki.

Captured together on August 4, like Ms Wasilewska, the sisters also went through Ravensbruck and Neuengamme before the Red Cross took them to Sweden.

A family story has it that a Swedish man fell in love with one of the sisters and wanted them both to stay, promising to take care of them, but they decided to go back to Poland, Mr Wierzbicki said.

The return of their jewellery is important for sentimental reasons but also for historical reasons, Mr Wierzbicki told the AP.Relatives were reunited with items belonging to relatives placed in a Nazi concentration camp (AP)

The items were returned by the Arolsen Archives, the international centre on Nazi persecution, which holds information on about 17.5 million people.

It stores some 2,000 items which were seized by the Nazis from concentration camp inmates from more than 30 countries, and are intended to be returned to their relatives.

It was an uplifting moment when the archives volunteers contacted him, Mr Wierzbicki said, but there was also the thought that history will catch up with you. It was like my aunts were looking at me from the past.

The archives launched its restitution campaign, Warsaw Uprising: 100 Untold Stories, to mark 80 years since the city rose up against the Nazi invaders on August 1 1944, with the goal of reaching the families of 100 victims and reviving the memory of them through their belongings.

Archive director Floriane Azoulay said they are only custodians of the belongings, which should be returned to the families.

Twelve families were reunited with the precious objects (AP)

Every object that we return is personal, Ms Azoulay said. And its the last personal thing a person had on them before they became a prisoner, before they became a number. So it is a very important object for a family.

Volunteer Manuela Golc has found more than 100 Polish families and each time it is an emotional moment.

It is often the case that we pass on information that the family was not aware of at all, Ms Golc said. So this conversation on the phone  is also very difficult. But in the end we are very happy that the memento is returning to the family.

If she was unable to trace a family online or through official records, she travelled to cemeteries, leaving notes waterproofed against the rain for the families on the graves of people whose data matched those in the archives, asking them to get in touch.

The Warsaw Uprising was launched by the underground resistance Home Army with the goal of taking control of the capital city ahead of the advancing Soviet troops.

It fell after 63 days of heroic struggle that cost the lives of some 200,000 fighters and civilians. In revenge, the Germans expelled the surviving residents and reduced Warsaw to ruins.

During German occupation in 1939-45, Poland lost some six million residents, half of them Jewish, and suffered huge material losses.
Kamala Harris and Joe Biden were among the dignitaries at the attack site (AP)

The US is remembering the lives taken and those reshaped by 9/11, marking an anniversary laced with presidential campaign politics as President Joe Biden, former president Donald Trump and vice president Kamala Harris stood together in the plaza where the twin towers once stood.

September 11  the date when hijacked plane attacks killed nearly 3,000 people in 2001  falls in the thick of the presidential election season every four years, and it comes at an especially pointed moment this time.

Fresh off their first-ever debate on Tuesday night, Ms Harris and Mr Trump met again at the 9/11 observances at the World Trade Centre in New York and the Flight 93 National Memorial in Pennsylvania.

Mr Trump and running mate JD Vance arrived at the trade centre site at around 8am and posed for photographs with some in the audience. Ms Harris arrived with Biden about a half-hour later, to cheers of Kamala! from some audience members.

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Mr Biden and Mr Trump shook hands, and former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg appeared to facilitate a handshake between Ms Harris and Mr Trump. Then the Democratic and Republican nominees stood only a few feet apart, with Mr Biden and Mr Bloomberg between them.

The ceremony then began with the tolling of a bell and a moment of silence.

Donald Trump and his running mate JD Vance were also at the ceremony (AP)

The political background was not the chief concern of victims relatives such as Cathy Naughton, who came to honour her cousin Michael Roberts, one of hundreds of firefighters killed in the attack.

Twenty-three years later, its just so raw, she said. We want to make sure people remember always, and say the names always and never forget.

Every year, it just doesnt get easier.

Regardless of the campaign calendar, organisers of anniversary ceremonies have long taken pains to try to keep the focus on victims.

The ceremony took place at ground zero in New York City (AP)

For years, politicians have been only observers at ground zero observances, with the microphone going instead to relatives who read victims names aloud.

If politicians care about whats actually going on, great. Be here, said Korryn Bishop, who lost her cousin John F McDowell Jr. If theyre just here for political clout, that upsets me.

Mr Biden, on the last September 11 of his term and likely his half-century political career, was headed with Ms Harris later to ceremonies in Pennsylvania and at the Pentagon, the three sites where commercial jets crashed after al-Qaida operatives took them over on September 11 2001.

Mr Trump also was due at the Flight 93 National Memorial near rural Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

Officials later concluded that the aircraft that crashed there was headed toward Washington. It went down after crew members and passengers tried to wrest control from the hijackers.

The atrocity took the lives of many emergency workers (AP)

The attacks killed 2,977 people and left thousands of bereaved relatives and scarred survivors. The planes carved a gash in the Pentagon, the US military headquarters, and brought down the trade centres twin towers, which were among the worlds tallest buildings.

The catastrophe also altered US foreign policy, domestic security practices and the mindset of many Americans who had not previously felt vulnerable to attacks by foreign extremists.

Effects rippled around the world and through generations as the US responded by leading a Global War on Terrorism, which included invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq.

Those operations killed hundreds of thousands of Afghans and Iraqis and thousands of American troops, and Afghanistan became the site of the United States longest war.

As the complex legacy of 9/11 continues to evolve, communities around the country have developed remembrance traditions that range from laying wreaths to displaying flags, from marches to police radio messages.

Volunteer projects also mark the anniversary, which US congress has titled both Patriot Day and a National Day of Service and Remembrance.
Casement decision is a blow to all of Northern Ireland, not just people in west Belfast
This podcast contains graphic details of a sexual nature which some listeners may find uncomfortable

Some 51 men have gone on trial in France, all accused of sexually assaulting the same woman over a 10-year period.

72-year-old Gisele Pelicot has been subjected to a decade of abuse by the men who are aged between 26 and 74 years old. Amongst them are a fireman, an IT expert and a journalist.

One of these men is her husband, Dominique Pelicot.

He has plead guilty to repeatedly drugging his wife before inviting men to their home to sexually abuse her.

It has been revealed in court that 3,800 photos and videos of Gisele Pelicot being raped were found in Dominiques possession between 2011 and 2020. Gisele has remarked that the police discovery saved her life.

The trial is expected to last for another four months.

Ciaran Dunbar is joined by Paris based journalist Catherine Field to examine the first few days of this shocking case.
New searches have started in the hopes of finding the Castlederg teens body

A search for the remains of Co Tyrone teenager Arlene Arkinson, who was last seen 30 years ago, will continue on Wednesday (PA)

This podcast contains graphic themes which may be uncomfortable for some listeners.

Arlene Arkinson was 15 years old the last time she was seen alive.

She disappeared in August 1994 after leaving Castle Derg in County Tyrone to attend a disco across the border in Bundoran, Co. Donegal.

She was last seen with convicted sex offender Robert Howard. At the time he was serving bail for assaulting and raping another young woman.

Despite an extensive criminal record that included rape, assault, and eventually murder, Robert Howard was not arrested or questioned for 6 weeks after Arlene's disappearance.

Robert Howard was released without charge and moved to England. In 2001 he raped and murdered 14-year-old Hannah Williams.

After receiving a life sentence for Hannahs murder, he was finally tried in 2005 for the murder of Arlene, where a jury, who was not informed of his record, found him not guilty.

Robert Howard died aged 71 in prison in 2015 - he never disclosed where he left Arlene.

A second inquest found him responsible for Arlene's murder.

30 years and 92 searches later, Arlenes body has never been found. This week, a new search was launched by the Gardai in Donegal.

Olivia Peden is joined by Belfast Telegraphs Andrew Madden to discuss this unsolved case.

The disappearance of Arlene Arkinson and the search for her body
BENNINGTON  The Dance and Drama programs at Bennington College are pleased to welcome director and artist Robert Wilson for a lecture and performance 7 to 9 p.m. Sept. 20, at the Martha Hill Dance Theater in the campuss Visual and Performing Arts Center.

The New York Times has described Wilson as "(America)'s  or even the world's  foremost vanguard 'theater artist.' The event is free and open to the public thanks to funding from the Peter Drucker Fund for Excellence and Innovation.

When I first saw Robert Wilsons work, I sat there and thought about the audacity of his putting his vision on stage, challenging the audience to come and go over many hours and deal with an extraordinary mix of images, sounds, and silence, said Jenny Rohn, Bennington faculty member in Drama. And then, when I worked with him, I learned to trust my own instincts and revel in his world.

Numerous images from moments throughout Wilsons prolific career create an intimate selfportrait of his creative process. Wilson will reference his landmark original works. At the conclusion of the performance, the audience will be invited to explore Wilsons ideas further during an informal questionandanswer period.

For students, additional events include a screening of selections from his work, which is scheduled in advance of the visit, and an eight-hour workshop spanning two afternoons, Sept. 21 and 22.

When working with him on 'Einstein on the Beach,' I was given the chance to inhabit his land of magic and find the power of active listening, seeing and deciding, moment by moment, said Dana Reitz, faculty member in Dance. We believe it is important for our students to be introduced to and challenged by Wilsons ongoing theatrical invention.

Wilson will invite students to explore his aesthetic universe, his manner of working, and the creative process. Focusing on the foundational ingredients of text, motion, space, time (and maybe chairs), students will have a chance to do something they have not yet experienced. They will collaboratively make and alter short scenarios and ponder how changing any of the elements can shift expectations and conclusions.

Bobs work is rarely seen in the United States these days, said Reitz. Rohn added, This is a remarkable opportunity for our community to be exposed to not only his body of work but also the way he addresses the interconnectedness of todays global artistic community.

Wilson was born in Waco, Texas. His works for the stage unconventionally integrate a wide variety of artistic media, including dance, movement, lighting, sculpture, music and text. His images have been called aesthetically striking and emotionally charged, and his productions have earned the acclaim of audiences and critics worldwide.

After being educated at the University of Texas and Brooklyns Pratt Institute, Wilson founded the New York-based performance collective The Byrd Hoffman School of Byrds in the mid-1960s, and developed his first signature works, including "Deafman Glance" (1970) and "A Letter for Queen Victoria" (1974-1975). With Philip Glass, he wrote the seminal opera "Einstein on the Beach" (1976).

Wilsons artistic collaborators include many writers and musicians such as Heiner Muller, Tom Waits, Susan Sontag, Laurie Anderson, William Burroughs, Lou Reed, Jessye Norman and Anna Calvi. He has also left his imprint on masterworks such as Becketts "Krapps Last Tape," Brecht/Weills "Threepenny Opera," Debussys "Pelleas et Melisande," Goethes "Faust," Homers "Odyssey," Jean de la Fontaines "Fables," Puccinis "Madama Butterfly," Verdis "La Traviata" and several of Shakespeares works.

Wilson's drawings, paintings and sculptures have been presented around the world in hundreds of solo and group shows, and his works are held in private collections and museums throughout the world.

Wilson has been honored with numerous awards for excellence, including a Pulitzer Prize nomination, two Premio Ubu awards, the Golden Lion of the Venice Biennale and an Olivier Award. He was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Letters, as well as the German Academy of the Arts, and holds eight Honorary Doctorate degrees. He is a Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters and Officer of the Legion of Honor in France, bearer of the German Officers Cross of the Order of Merit, and laureate of the 2023 Praemium Imperiale. He is the founder and artistic director of The Watermill Center, a laboratory for the Arts in Water Mill, New York.
BENNINGTON  A Bennington man, already charged with aggravated domestic assault and unlawful restraint in February, was arraigned Monday on an added count of attempted murder after further investigation revealed he allegedly intended to kill the victim, who jumped from a second floor window to escape her abuser.

Jesse Hodsdon, 27, was arraigned Monday on the added count of attempted murder at the Bennington courthouse. He faces a possible life sentence if found guilty. He was already facing a potential 20 years on the two prior counts against him.

Hodsdon pleaded not guilty to the additional charge and was released under the same conditions he was initially released under last February. At the time, the state had requested that Hodsdon be held without bail on those charges. In citing his lack of criminal history, Bennington Judge Kerry McDonald-Cady denied that request. Instead, Hodsdon was released without any bail and told to stay away from the victim. He was also ordered to reside at his family residence in Hoosick Falls without any curfew.

According to an affidavit in the case, on January 24th, 2023, police responded to 235 Elm Street in Bennington to a report of a female falling out of a window. Upon arrival, police observed the victim lying on her back with her right arm underneath her, appearing to be twisted in the wrong direction.

Hodsdon told police at the scene that the victim had stuck her head out of the window to get fresh air due to the apartment being too hot. He stated that when he saw the victim slipping, he attempted to grab her to pull her back in but was unable to do so. Hodsdon later told police that the victim had been smoking weed and was blowing the smoke out of the window. He also told police he thought the fall might have been a suicide attempt.

A few hours later, police received a call from Albany Medical Center, where the victim had been taken. They stated they were concerned for the victims safety after receiving non-stop calls from Hodsdon. The victim was placed into hiding, meaning that she would not receive any calls or visits while a patient at the hospital. Later that night, police received a call from the Albany Police Department advising that the victim had jumped out of the window to get away from Hodsdon after he allegedly strangled her.

Later interviews with the victim revealed alleged abuse by Hodsdon, including physical assault and threats to kill her. Part of the interview alleged that Hodsdon smothered the victims face with a pillow until she couldnt breathe. Further statements allege ongoing verbal and physical abuse.

Hodsdon does not have a criminal history in Vermont. He is scheduled for a December jury pick with a trial to follow. No additional information is available about the victims condition at this time.

The Banner will update this story as more information becomes available.
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GREAT BARRINGTON  One said he wanted to be shown where the cat food was. But that turned out to be a ruse.

It was a way to distract the cashier at Tractor Supply Co. That way, others could load the power tools from Aisle 1 into a carriage. Another could cut the alarm wire in the back door and move all the loot to the rear. That's when the unlicensed driver of the getaway car (uninsured and with a fake plate and registration traced to nowhere and no one) would be ready for it.

Among the goods to be picked up: Dewalt hedge trimmers and a chainsaw, and various Makita power drivers. It all totaled $1,761.57. But it never made it into the car.

Out of the four Venezuelan men who allegedly participated in the Aug. 28 incident at the store in Barrington Plaza, two are now facing multiple charges in Southern Berkshire District Court. The arraignments for Keiver D. Gomez Garcia and Nixon Alberto Cardozo Mendez, who told police they live in New York City, are set for Thursday.

Police say this was a second alleged power tool theft attempt by the men at the Great Barrington store. Law enforcement believe it's just two instances of a larger coordinated heist  including unlicensed drivers, getaway cars and suspects who seem to have no legal addresses  that has been repeated across the region. Tractor Supply's loss prevention specialist told police this was a classic pattern of Organized Retail Crime, with similar looking suspects stealing power tools from Tractor Supplies in the Northeast.

Some of the same alleged suspects were also seen on surveillance camera on July 25 using a bolt cutter to snip the locks to a power tool case. That time, they were thwarted by a veterinary clinic held that day at the rear of the store, according to surveillance video and police interviews with store employees. They had to cut and run.

The retailers Great Barrington store isnt the first to be hit.

There are pending police cases in every town [in Massachusetts] where Tractor Supplies are located, the companys district manager told police. They know it's the same people because they have video and pictures of the license plate of the car. They have the same [modus operandi] at all the locations.

The other two suspects listed as having allegedly participated, but not charged, are Eliser Enrique Rojano Vlera and Andres David Serrano Quintero. They told police they are from the Bronx.

None of the four suspects provided an address. None had drivers licenses or IDs. The youngest said he was born in 2004. The oldest, in 2000. Gomez has prior felony weapons charges out of New Jersey, according to court documents. Mendez has prior charges from alleged previous Tractor Supply thefts in New Jersey, Connecticut and Massachusetts  where he has an active warrant out of Hanover.

Bail for the two men taken into custody in Great Barrington was set at $2,000 apiece. Both were bailed out quickly with cash by two people, Police Chief Paul Storti told The Eagle.

Some in the group were also arrested in Naugatuck, Conn., for the same thing at a Tractor Supply roughly 45 days earlier, the store manager said.

Stores in Hanover, West Borough and Leominster have allegedly been hit by the same suspects. They also were stopped by Westchester, N.Y., Police with $14,993 worth of power tools in the car  some with alarms still attached. All four were arrested.

THERE IS NO CRUZE AVENUE

In both the Great Barrington and Westchester cases, the men were driving without licenses in uninsured cars, according to court documents, with fraudulent paper license plate tags and registration.

The older white Nissan Sentra used in Great Barrington is still at the police station after being towed there as potential evidence, Storti said.

No one has come to claim or even inquired about it, he added.

Police are still trying to figure out whether the car was stolen  or any true thing about it at all.

A trace of the cars VIN number led them to a title attached to an R. Mariscaldominguez from Jamaica, N.Y. That was attached to a Florida Dealer Issued In Transit Certificate traced to a Christian Alfonzo Sivira Sanchez of 3363 Cruze Ave. in the Bronx. Only, there is no Cruze Avenue in the Bronx or anywhere in the surrounding areas of New York City.

And, the certificate had no issued date, no dealer address and was not signed. There was no real auto dealer attached to the permit number. The Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles department, moreover, had no such dealer or permit number on file.

In the Westchester case, the same alleged crew was driving a gray BMW under the same circumstances: a fake Georgia temporary license plate, etcetera.

THERE TO BUY CAT FOOD

It was that white Nissan that was seen on surveillance video whipping around the front and back of the store. It also crawled around Barrington Plaza, apparently waiting for the pick up, police say. The suspects were using their phones to communicate  Storti says those are being processed for "extra evidence" by state police detectives.

When it was time for them to flee in earnest, the store manager was outside when the first officer arrived, waving and yelling, "That is the car.

The car left the plaza at a high rate of speed. It exited north with police lights coming up on it, and the driver pulled into the Theory Wellness parking lot.

Police could not see inside the car because of tinted windows. One officer drew his gun and had it at a low ready in case anyone was armed. Once the men were out of the car, they used a translation app to communicate in Spanish.

They stated they just came from Tractor Supply and were there to buy cat food, the police report says. Then why did they not pull over for the cops, they were asked. Because they did not have a license, police said they answered.

Based on the surveillance video and interviews with employees, as well as details from the other Tractor Supply heists, police say the scheme generally goes like this: the store is cased before the attempt. Then someone will disable the rear door alarm and cut locks to cases. Meanwhile, someone else is helping in various ways, maybe acting as a lookout. Another drives the getaway car.

And, someone tries to distract staff if need be. In the August attempt, it didnt work. In this case, one of the suspects wanted to know where the cat food was. The employee pointed towards the rear of the store.

The subject then asked [the employee] to come show him where it was but he said he couldnt leave because he was on the register.

It was then that the alarm went off in Aisle 1 where the battery powered tools are located. By the time the employee got to the aisle he saw one guy go around the rear corner on the north side of the building and didnt see him after that.

Another staffer, court documents say, saw the same person go out the back door.
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Editor's Note This commentary was first published in The Commonwealth Beacon.

The Massachusetts Legislature is one of the least effective, least efficient and least transparent legislatures in the nation. In 2023, only 21 bills (of 10,500 filed) were passed. In late July, with the end-of-session deadline looming, we witnessed a mad dash to reach the finish line on a host of bills that have languished for the past year and a half. Many critically important bills did not get there.

The budget is routinely late, often the last in the nation, holding up planning and procurement of essential goods and services throughout the commonwealth. Rank-and-file legislators are virtually powerless and uninformed, dependent on lobbyists and leadership to tell them what to do and how to do it. They fundraise; they cut ribbons; they hobnob with their peers and betters. They do not legislate much.

At the beginning of this legislative session, in January 2023, I set myself a challenge: file a bill so obviously necessary, so clearly in the universal public interest that no one would object  an amendment long overdue and with zero burden on the budget  and see what happens.

A little background will make plain why this was the perfect case to test whether our Legislature will do anything just because it is the right thing to do and do it efficiently and competently.

The Massachusetts General Laws have long outlawed Peeping Tom activity, which, in lay terms, is spying on and photographing a nude or partially nude person in a place where that person expects privacy. The crime is a misdemeanor punishable by a maximum sentence of two and a half years in a house of correction and a fine of $5,000.

In 2014, the Supreme Judicial Court vacated the Peeping Tom conviction of a man who had focused his phone camera up the skirt of a woman sitting across from him on an MBTA trolley. The conviction was tossed out because the victim was clothed and was surveilled in a public place. The ensuing public uproar roused the slumbering Legislature to pass an upskirting law two days later intended to expand the reach of the statute to surveillance of clothed genitalia in public places. It also made the crime of upskirting a child a five-year felony.

Not surprisingly, the Legislature made a mess of it. While the intention was clear, the upskirting language was not. The statute added language prohibiting surveillance under or around the victims clothing. Inexplicably, electronic surveillance of nude children in private spaces remained a misdemeanor.

The first problem made the crime unnecessarily difficult to prove. What does surveillance under or around clothing mean? Defendants argued that the camera had to be handheld and manipulated, moving under or around the victims clothing. But upskirting is usually committed by pointing a stationary phone camera at the victim from some distance away (like across the aisle in a subway car) or propped up waiting for an unsuspecting victim to appear (like in a public bathroom).

The second problem was the Legislatures unfathomable failure to make Peeping Tom cases involving child victims a felony. This created an incentive for prosecutors to charge upskirting when a Peeping Tom charge better fits the facts.

It didnt take long for the problems to surface. In 2015, a man propped a phone, hidden by paper towels, on the floor of a bathroom in a playground in Dalton and set it to video-record whatever transpired. The phone captured 22 victims, 17 adults and five children in various states of undress using the toilet.

Archives Man on trial for allegedly recording stealth video in Dalton restroom

The counts related to the child victims were charged as upskirting, even though in two instances the defendant recorded images of partially nude kids. At trial, the experienced judge expressed exasperation at the statutory language, complained that he could not fashion jury instructions that made sense and decided to omit the troublesome under or around language from his instructions to the jury. After the jury returned guilty verdicts across the board, the trial judge granted a motion to vacate the convictions involving child victims.

There was simply no upskirting conduct in this case; there [were] no clothes pushed aside nor was the camera skillfully place[d] to view under the clothes. ... With respect to each victim, the clothes were removed, by either the child or their parents and the genitals were fully visible.

In short, it was a Peeping Tom situation, not upskirting. The Supreme Judicial Court, after reviewing the video recording, ruled that the upskirting law does not apply to cases in which the victim is nude or partially nude and affirmed the trial courts dismissal of two counts because the view of the childs intimate part was obvious and not dependent on the focus or the angle of the recording device. The remaining three child counts were remanded for a new trial because the trial judge had failed to instruct the jury that they needed to find that the surveillance was under or around clothing in order to convict.

As for the sentencing scheme in which filming a nude child using the bathroom is a mere misdemeanor while filming a fully dressed child across the aisle on a trolley is a felony, the SJC left it to the Legislature to fix its mistake: One might think that the secret recording of a naked child ... should be punished more severely than the secret recording of a child under or around their clothing. ... [W]hether by design or inadvertence, the Legislature did not amend [the Peeping Tom provision] to provide for a greater sentence enhancement for the recording of children in the nude. The question of how defendants are to be sentenced ... is for the Legislature to decide, not the court.

Surely, one might be excused for thinking the Legislature would act expeditiously to fix a statute it was in such a hurry to enact. Surely, it would not stand by idly while convictions for video-recording naked children sitting on a toilet in a playground bathroom are tossed out because of a badly written statute. Surely, it would fix an irrational sentencing scheme.

But the Legislature did nothing. Two years after the SJC ruled in the Dalton case, a Hampden County case in which a defendant surreptitiously recorded a juvenile victim in a bathroom was thrown out entirely. The Appeals Court was constrained to vacate the conviction because the victim was nude when she was surveilled.

Having argued the Dalton case in the SJC on behalf of the commonwealth, I decided to take on the task of getting this simple mistake fixed. Lets be clear: this is not a task that should have fallen to me. The state rep for Dalton, the state senator for Berkshire County, House and Senate Counsel and the Judiciary Committee were all better candidates to fix this technical error than I was. If they did not take it up, and they should have, this task should have fallen squarely on recodification counsel, who under state law is tasked with cleaning up mistakes exactly like this. But that post is vacant, and no one Ive asked seems to recall when or whether it was ever occupied.

I am not a registered lobbyist. I was and am on no ones payroll. I did this work strictly on my own time, as a volunteer.

Early in the 2021-2022 legislative session, I reached out to Paul Mark, then the state representative for Dalton. He agreed to file the bill I prepared. But in preparing my draft for filing, Marks staffer simply added my language to the existing statute without removing the offending language. The resulting hash made no sense. I wonder whether Mark ever read the bill; had he, one would hope he would have seen the obvious error.

I never heard from Mark or his staff the rest of the session. Knowing that the bill as filed would not work as intended and realizing that Mark would do nothing to promote the bill, I let it slide, determined to fix it in the next session.

In 2022, Mark was elected to the state Senate. He did not contact me about refiling the bill in the new session, so I turned to Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier, D-Pittsfield, the vice chair of the Progressive Caucus. She agreed to file the bill. So in January 2023, I sent her my draft; at the same time, I sent copies to Mark and Rep. William Smitty Pignatelli, D-Lenox, whose district had been reconfigured to include Dalton. Mark said he would co-sponsor the bill and lead in the Senate. He indeed signed on to co-sponsor, but, as far as Im aware, he didnt lead and did nothing to advance the bill in the Senate. Pignatellis staff said that he would co-sponsor the bill and support Farley-Bouvier. I never heard from him or his office again. Apart from co-sponsoring, Pignatelli, to my knowledge, did nothing to advance the bill.

At no point did any of the legislators in the Berkshire delegation have a conversation with me about the need for the bill.

I reached out to district attorneys across the state to solicit support. Four  from Essex, Middlesex, Berkshire and Northwest districts  agreed to support the bill. Not one opposed it. Nor did the defense bar.

I also solicited members of the Legislature whom I knew; a few signed on as co-sponsors. In February 2023, concerned I might be stepping on her toes, I asked Farley-Bouviers staff if she was seeking co-sponsors. I was told she wasnt. Ultimately, only nine legislators co-sponsored the bill.

I also contacted members of the Judiciary Committee to alert them to the importance of this correction. I sent them copies of the SJC and Appeals Court decisions criticizing the statute. I buttonholed the Senate chair of the committee, Jamie Eldridge, at a meeting and alerted him to the bill. He asked me to send him supporting materials. I had already done so, but I sent them again.

Never did I hear a word of disagreement with the policy or the proposed revisions. Never did anyone ask me a substantive question about the bill or the SJCs ruling.

In early September 2023, I received word from Farley-Bouviers office that the hearing on the bill would take place at the Statehouse the following week. I traveled to Boston, a three-hour trip from Pittsfield each way, and sat in the hearing room for hours while a host of bills concerning sexual abuse and domestic violence were heard before a largely silent, impassive subset of the joint Judiciary Committee. The room was filled with supporters of other bills.

Afforded deference and preference as a legislator, Farley-Bouvier got up to speak early in the hearing. She devoted the majority of her allotted time to a bill to assist survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. She spoke for less than 12 seconds on the upskirting bill. She pointed me out in the audience but did not ask me to join her to make the presentation. In every way possible, she signaled that she was not behind the bill, that she had filed it as a courtesy to a constituent, and could not and would not say anything substantive in support of it.

I waited almost two and a half hours to address the panel. During my allotted three-minute presentation, not one legislator asked a single question. Indeed, the panel members, Clarence Thomas-like, asked almost no questions of anyone on any of the bills before them.

While the panel sat mute, the audience applauded when I finished speaking. MassLive interviewed me. And that was that: the hearing an empty performance. I drove back to Pittsfield, a day wasted.

Back at home, I filed written testimony via MAPLE, the privately developed online platform, hoping that the committee members who had not attended the hearing might take a look. And then I waited.

Months later, on Jan. 22 of this year, Farley-Bouviers office informed me that Mike Day, the House chair of the Judiciary Committee, had concluded based on the brief synopsis of the SJCs decision published in the official reporter that there is no need for the amendment. Obviously, he hadnt bothered to read the opinion. I immediately wrote to Day to explain again why the statute needs to be amended. No response.

On Feb. 12, and only because I asked, I learned that the bill was sent to study, meaning it was killed in committee without ever coming to a vote. On March 1, I emailed Reps. Pignatelli and Sens. Eldridge and Mark asking why this indisputably necessary bill did not get reported out favorably. I have still not heard from any of them.

Farley-Bouviers single, key legislative initiative this two-year session (she admits to having only one) was a misguided and poorly drafted bill that would decriminalize only one side of a consensual agreement for sexual services and would make it much more difficult to prosecute genuine trafficking cases. Thankfully, it too was sent to study.
I am legion, for we are many. This line by the demon-possessed man in the Gospel account of Mark 5:9 is one of the most well-known among those whom Christ healed. It catches the readers attention especially due to the fact that this man has not just one, but a legion of demons. This short story brings out many questions, ranging from who the man was to why the demon was terrified of Christ.

Where Does the Bible Mention the Demon Legion?

This particular story shows up in the fifth chapter of Marks Gospel account, as well as the 8th chapter in Lukes Gospel. Right before this encounter, Christ sailed with the Apostles to the country of the Gerasenes. Almost immediately after landing, the demon-possessed man came running after him.

This man was so possessed by demonic forces that nothing could bind him or control him, whether object or person. The passage from Mark 5 says:

"This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain. For he had often been chained hand and foot, but he tore the chains apart and broke the irons on his feet. No one was strong enough to subdue him. Night and day among the tombs and in the hills he would cry out and cut himself with stones.(verses 3-5).

We must consider the phrase, no one could bind him, even with chains. If he could not be constrained by chains, we can conclude that he would break with which someone tried to bind him. He wasnt superhuman; he was merely a man who had a demon which means that when he tore off these chains, they likely bruised or tore into his skin. As if that was not enough, the demon forced him to cut himself with stones. This is how strong and formidable the legion demon was.

So what does the demon mean when it says We are many? Was this literal?

Why Is It Important That the Demon Says He Is Legion?

As seen in Scripture, the demon says, I am legion, for we are many. The word legion comes from the Latin word, Legio. To provide some historical context, according to Bible Study Tools, Legion is a regiment of the Roman army, the number of men composing which differed at different times. It originally consisted of three thousand men, but in the time of Christ consisted of six thousand, exclusive of horsemen, who were in number a tenth of the foot-men. The word is used (Matthew 26:53 ; Mark 5:9) to express simply a great multitude.

The same story recorded in Luke 8 notes that he was called Legion, for many had entered him" (vs. 30). In the Roman military, a Legion was made up of 5,000 soldiers. While we arent sure if by legion the text literally implies exactly 5,000, we can safely conclude this man was possessed by a myriad of demons.

Another thing to note is that, according to various demonic experts within Christianity, demonic possession can cause a person to have greater strength than a human is capable of because they are controlled by demons. There are even accounts of a single demon possessing a person to undertake incredible feats of strength and destruction. If a single demon can wreak such havoc, it is no surprise a legion of demons in one person had the power to cause him to rip off chains, rope, and more.

Why Does the Demon Legion Beg Jesus Not to Send Him Away?

Despite the legion of demons having such power and control over the man, they were powerless in the presence of Christ. The legion of demons begs Jesus not to send them away. Why, exactly, did they do this? Is there a place that they dont want to go? If so, where?

We catch a glimpse of this in Matthew 12:43-45. For context, Jesus is speaking about the problems with the generation of people at the time, as seen in verses 38-42. In this section, however, Jesus is speaking about unclean spirits, or, specifically, demons.

When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, but finds none. Then it says, I will return to my house from which I came. And when it comes, it finds the house empty, swept, and put in order. Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and dwell there, and the last state of that person is worse than the first. So also will it be with this evil generation.

"Waterless places is typically understood to be the desert. According to the Orthodox Study Bible, Ancient Faith Edition, this can be traced back to ancient Israel after they were freed from Egyptian captivity. When the Israelites were delivered out of Egypt, they did not repent of their impure ways, and an unclean spirit took up residence in their hearts (Dt. 31:20; Ps. 105:34-39). Thus we guard our hearts. Unless there is full repentance and the Holy Spirit dwells in a person, an expelled demon will return with others and reoccupy its abode.

This is particularly interesting given some of the accounts of the Desert Fathers of the 4th Century, such as St. Anthony the Great, who is credited as the founder of organized Christian monasticism. According to historical accounts, he and other monks, then and after, faced various demonic attacks in the desert, constantly relying on Christ for deliverance.

Relating this back to the legion demon, we see that if Christ sends the demons out, they would be scattered, trying to find a new host, and if they found none, they would have to retreat to the desert again. So, n panic, they ask Jesus to send them into a herd of pigs.

Why the pigs?

The Orthodox Study Bible in Luke 8 says, Some teach that the presence of swine indicates a Gentile population. However, since our Lord forbade His disciples to go to the Gentiles (Mt 10:5) and was Himself reluctant to seek out the Gentiles (Mt 15:24), likely these were Jews engaged in a sinful occupation (see also the note at Mt 4:15).

The destruction of the entire herd reveals: (1) while animals are a venerable part of creation, man is of far greater value; (2) Christ removes a source of sin, for swine herding was an abomination to the Jews (Dt. 14:8); (3) demons have no power over creation, but are subject to the will of Godthey could only enter the swine at Christ's command; (4) people are protected under God's providence otherwise, the demon-possessed man would have come to the same end as the swine; (5) the magnitude of the economic loss would remain as a sign for the hardhearted people who fled that region (v. 34).

What Happened after Jesus Freed the Man from the Legion of Demons?

After the legion demons were cast out of the man, two things happened:

1. The man proclaimed Christ to those in Decapolis.

The now demon-freed man wanted to travel with Christ, but Christ said that he was to go home to his friends and family to show what God had done for him.

2. The people of the Gadarenes were afraid and wanted Christ to leave.

One would think that after seeing the demon-possessed man healed, the people would be relieved and rejoice. However, the opposite happened. They were so struck with fear that they begged Christ to leave. Why were the people who witnessed the healing of the demon-possessed man fearful? Verse by Verse Ministry gives us an insight into a possible reason.

We must keep in mind that this is the first time these people have probably ever seen Jesus. While you have the herdsmen telling the people in the town about the miracle  they were most likely mentioning that they had witnessed hundreds of livestock plummet to their death off the side of a cliff. As one can imagine this would have been a traumatic event to watch, as all demonic activity is. That is why Luke mentions the terror that gripped the townspeople. Additionally, there was also a great loss of their livestock which caused both fear and potentially anger for the townsmen as this was their livelihood and means for survival. Jesus being the cause of this ruckus, was demanded to leave, and He respected their wishes and crossed back to the other side of the lake to Capernaum.

What is interesting about these two responses is that one man finally found peace and healing in Christ after initially being afraid. Contrast that with the people of the Gadarenes who had peace until Christ came, and only after his display of power became afraid.

What Does Christian Tradition Say Happened to the Man Possessed by Legion?

As previously mentioned, the former demon-possessed man was instructed to go back home and proclaim what God did to heal and deliver him through Christ. Little is said about what happened to the man possessed by legion after this.

What we do know is that later on in Mark 7:31-37, Jesus returns to the region of Decapolis. Instead of being met with hostility or being asked to leave, however, people are brought to him for healing, particularly a man who was deaf. As we saw in Jesus' command to the man now healed of demons, he said to go proclaim him to his friends and family. Given that Christ was greeted by people anxious to be healed and trusting that he had the power to help them, the man who was originally possessed did as Jesus asked.

Related Articles

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What the Bible Tells Us about Demons and How to Protect Ourselves

7 Incredible Lessons from the Story of Jesus Casting Demons into Pigs

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Kenadi Taylor ORANGEBURG, S.C.  For 12 weeks this summer, South Carolina State University senior Kenadi Taylor was embedded in the world of finance.



Taylor, a senior business management major from Columbia, South Carolina, was the first branch intern at 1st Franklin Financial Corp. (1st Franklin). The opportunity resulted from a collaboration between the financial services company and SC States Institute for Business, Environment, Communications and Transportation(BECT Institute).



This 12-weeks internship has definitely been life-changing, Taylor said. Ive learned so much about the financial industry and financial literacy, and I appreciate all the knowledge (1st Franklin) has to offer.



I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to apply. I was not aware of the opportunity until I stumbled into a presentation by the BECT Institute and representatives from 1st Franklin to discuss the internship and ask students to apply, Taylor said. Once I learned the details of the internship, I knew this was something I wanted to do but had no idea of the breadth of the experience until I started.



This was the first internship program offered by 1st Franklin, so leaders took a holistic approach to ensure that interns like Taylor would gain invaluable insights into facets of the financial world from operations to customer service. Taylors first two weeks were in training.



Over the remaining 10 weeks, she was mentored by 20 subject matter experts in different disciplines of the business. Each week, she spent two days with the expert and the remaining three days at branch operations. Unlike in other internships, Taylor was automatically enrolled in 1st Franklins 401K plan.



We wanted Kenadi to get a full breadth of what 1st Franklin does and not just be cornered into a little pocket, 1st Franklins Rachel Rhodes said. We want the internship to be a catalyst for a career in the financial industry.



Taylor left a lasting impact on 1st Franklin, paving the way for future interns.



Kenadis enthusiasm and dedication quickly set her apart, Rhodes said. Her impressive performance during the interview process solidified her place in the program. She did amazing. The bar was set so high, nobody could reach her. Kenadis positive attitude and eagerness to learn made her a standout participant in the program, earning her praise from both colleagues and leadership.



Taylors achievements extend beyond the internship. Having served as fundraising manager and Miss NAACP for the SC State student NAACP chapter, she is now the chapters president. She is heavily involved on campus, acquiring over 100 hours of community service. Taylors involvement in campus organizations and her proactive approach to personal growth are testaments to her drive and determination.

The BECT Institute supports, builds and sustains programs to provide educational and experiential opportunities for students, faculty staff and the community. For more information about the BECT Institute, contact Dr. Barbara Adams at badams@scsu.edu or 803-516-4864.



NOTE: This release was adapted from an article published by 1st Franklin.
Firefighters monitor the advancing Line Fire in Angelus Oaks on Monday. The fire has continued to grow and is threatening the Big Bear resort in San Bernardino County. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer) Eric Thayer/AP

Part of the popular Big Bear resort area in San Bernardino County was under an evacuation order Tuesday as the Line Fire raced toward it from the southwest.

The San Bernardino County sheriff ordered the evacuation in the late afternoon, noting that the only exit route is Highway 18.

The evacuation order encompasses a populous area with wealthy homes as well as rugged terrain, and includes the Boulder Bay neighborhood. The Village at Big Bear Lake, the popular shopping district about a half mile from the area under orders to leave, has been issued an evacuation warning to stand by in case people need to flee.

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Operations at Snow Valley, Snow Summit, and Bear Mountain Golf Course were suspended indefinitely due to the blaze, the resort announced.

The fire had eclipsed Keller Peak and was headed down the hill toward the lake Tuesday evening, according to Cal Fire. Buildings were burning in Running Springs, a mountain community west of Big Bear, and the blaze disrupted radio towers on Keller Peak and Alert California cameras.

The Line Fire started last Thursday in San Bernardino County and exploded over the weekend, scorching over 34,000 acres by late Tuesday evening. The fire was just 14% contained, and more than 65,000 structures were threatened. No buildings had been burned, and the only injuries reported were to three firefighters, Cal Fire said.

A number of other areas are also under evacuation orders or warnings and San Bernardino National Forest has closed due to the fire.

Strong winds which could hasten the fires spread were expected overnight into Wednesday, and public safety power shutoffs were anticipated for sections of Big Bear and Bear Valley, according to Cal Fire.

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The cause of the blaze is under investigation.

Erin Allday, Maliya Ellis and Greg Porter contributed to this report.
A lawsuit filed by two former prisoners claims California is failing to pay out the $200 that formerly incarcerated people are entitled to after they leave prison. Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle

On the cusp of freedom after spending more than three decades behind bars, John Vaesau was primed to begin his new life, just after collecting his $200.

The gate money, as its known, is a small way that the California legislature helps the thousands of people released from state prisons each year. The longstanding law is meant to foot the bill for some of the basic things a person needs immediately after leaving prison, like lodging, food, or transportation

So it came as a surprise to Vaesau last year when he walked out of custody and into San Francisco, empty handed.

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It dawned on me the first day I got out, said Vaesau, who was convicted of attempted murder for a crime he committed at 16, but was later resentenced under new laws. Prior to his release from prison, Vaesau was transferred to San Francisco County jail for resentencing proceedings.

I was like, so do I get my $200 gate money? Vaesau recalled asking San Francisco jail officials. And they were like, They havent sent us nothing. 

Vaesau is now one of two men leading an attempted class-action lawsuit against the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, for what plaintiffs attorneys say was the prisons unlawful failure to provide some or all of the $200 to possibly more than a million people.

The suit, filed Wednesday through Alameda County Superior Court, relies on state legislation passed nearly 50 years ago that was signed into law by then-Gov. Ronald Reagan. California law gives the money to almost every former prisoner within 60 days of release from prison, with exceptions for those who absconded from parole or who were incarcerated for less than six months.

The measure was a recognition of how the first few days of freedom can set the stage for a persons success in the outside world, according to the suit, which was filed by attorneys at Edelson PC and UC Berkeley School of Law.

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Gate money allows people to find a full meal and a safe bed on their first day and night out of prison, the suit states. It enhances public safety by keeping people out of desperate or vulnerable circumstances in that crucial period after release.

State prison officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Among the lead plaintiffs attorneys is Chesa Boudin, the former San Francisco top prosecutor who is now the executive director of Berkeley Laws Criminal Law & Justice Center.

In an interview, Boudin said that the prison systems practice of withholding some or all of the funds was brought to the centers attention by community leaders and advocates focused on reentry work.

Many (transitional homes) that house, in some cases, as many as four or five people  who have recently been released were seeing people denied this money at a critical and vulnerable moment as a transition back into freedom, he said.

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For many, including the suits other named plaintiff, Colin Scholl, prison officials said they deducted funds to reimburse itself for things like transportation or clothing they provided to the individual upon release, the suit states. Instead of $200, Scholl said he was given $70.

The suit states that California prison officials created a policy in 1994 that allowed for these types of deductions, which plaintiffs attorneys believe is unlawful.

The deducted expenses often arent approved by the person being released, according to Rio Scharf, another plaintiffs attorney. In Scholls case, Scharf said, CDCR bought him an expensive train ticket he couldnt use.

It wasnt leaving for 23 hours, and the bus was way cheaper, Scharf said. He ended up having to pay somebody out of the little money he had left to drive him to the place he was going.

Vaesau said prison officials never gave him a reason why his $200 was withheld. He thinks it could be due to the fact that he was technically released from a county jail after transferring from Folsom State Prison, though CDCRs own policy states that such individuals are still entitled to their gate money.

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It would have helped me a lot, said Vaesau, who noted that he was released on a Friday. The program I was at, it provided me with some soap and just like a little toothbrush. But I got here and I had no shampoo, extra clothing, or extra socks to at least change into.

As the case progresses, Boudin said plaintiffs hope to learn through discovery exactly how many people were shortchanged, and the specific dollar amounts they are owed.

Based on our conversations with formerly incarcerated people and with the service organizations that are helping them  we believe its the majority of the 2.5 million people who have been released that are not getting the full amount theyre entitled to, he said.
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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.
The British government has ordered a public inquiry into the collusion-linked loyalist paramilitary murder of Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane in 1989.

Mr Finucane (39) was shot dead at his family home in north Belfast in February 1989 by the Ulster Defence Association in an attack found by a series of probes to have involved collusion with the state.

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His widow Geraldine and the couples three children have been campaigning for decades for a public inquiry to establish the extent of security force involvement.

Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn made the announcement to the UK House of Commons.

Mr Benn said it is a plain fact that a UK government commitment made more than 20 years ago to hold an inquiry into Mr Finucanes murder remains unfulfilled.

It is for this exceptional reason that I have decided to establish an independent inquiry into the death of Patrick Finucane under the 2005 Inquiries Act, he said.

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Today is for my father, Pat Finucane.



The announcement that there will now be a public inquiry into his murder is very much welcomed by our family.



Led by my mother Geraldine, we have campaigned for decades to uncover the truth behind my fathers murder.



I want to thank pic.twitter.com/NWl3ikaSF6  John Finucane MP (@johnfinucane) September 11, 2024

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Mr Finucanes son John, a Sinn Fein MP for North Belfast, welcomed the announcement.

Today is for my father, Pat Finucane, he posted on X, formerly Twitter.

The announcement that there will now be a public inquiry into his murder is very much welcomed by our family.

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Led by my mother Geraldine, we have campaigned for decades to uncover the truth behind my fathers murder. I want to thank every person who has supported our campaign throughout those years. Today belongs to us all.

After 35 years of cover-ups, it is now time for truth.

In 2019, the UK Supreme Court said all previous examinations of the death had not been compliant with human rights standards.

The court acknowledged Mrs Finucane had been given an unequivocal undertaking by the British government following the 2001 Weston Park Agreement that there would be a public inquiry into the murder.

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Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn met members of Pat Finucanes family before announcing the public inquiry (Jordan Pettitt/PA)

However, the Supreme Court judges found that the UK government had been justified in later deciding against holding one.

The court said it was up to the British government to decide what form of investigation was now required.

The following year, the British government pushed back a decision on a public inquiry, insisting outstanding issues concerning the original police investigation needed to be first examined by the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland.

In the years since, Mrs Finucane has pursued further legal proceedings challenging the ongoing delays on a decision.

During the summer, the Court of Appeal in Belfast gave the British government a September deadline to confirm what form of human rights-compliant investigation it intends to undertake into the murder.

Mr Benn met members of the Finucane family in Belfast on Tuesday evening ahead of his announcement on Wednesday.

Taoiseach Simon Harris said the announcement of a public inquiry was part of a new approach by the UK government into legacy issues in the North.

Mr Harris said: Today is a vindication of Geraldine Finucane and her family who have campaigned over decades for truth and justice. I spoke to John Finucane by phone yesterday evening to underline the enduring importance that I, as Taoiseach, and the Government attach to progress in his fathers case.

This is the beginning of a process and it will be important that, as details are confirmed, there is confidence that it can meet the standards and independence thresholds essential to an inquiry of this nature. I want to acknowledge the leadership of Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Secretary of State Hilary Benn in coming to this decision.

Mr Harris added: Prime Minister Starmer and I have discussed the Pat Finucane case, including as recently as last Saturday when we met in Dublin, and in follow up to a previous discussion in Chequers in July.

I know that the Prime Minister is committed to finding a new approach to legacy issues in Northern Ireland, and todays decision by the British Government is in keeping with the spirit of that commitment.

I have indicated to the Prime Minister that we stand ready to work with him and his Government on legacy issues.

Former taoiseach Bertie Ahern also welcomed news of an inquiry into the murder of Mr Finucane.

The murder had been a very sad case and the truth needed to be found, he told RTE radios News at One.

Access to MI5 records would be crucial to any inquiry to get to the truth of what happened and allegations of collusion, he added.

He said it was not a secret that an RUC patrol at the estate where the Finucane family lived had been withdrawn, which allowed two paramilitaries to enter their home and shoot Mr Finucane 14 times in front of his wife and family.

Every time I think we made progress, we got to the stage that the files and the records in MI5 would not be given.

Mr Ahern said he believed there had been involvement by MI5.

I can't prove that MI5 were part of this. But what we can prove is that when Judge Cory was doing his investigation, MI5 went into his office in London and took some of his hard drives.

MI5 were all over this. So if it's an inquiry, it will have to, in the terms of reference, get cooperation from MI5, which is something we didn't get in the end in the Dublin Monaghan bombings. And so we'll see whether it comes out.

There would be no point in having an inquiry unless MI5 participated because their hands are all over this.

It leads to very murky questions, not just allegations about the police, who was on whose payroll, where was the collusion and who were the people involved?

Mr Ahern said that former British prime minister Tony Blair had wanted to help in the establishment of an inquiry, but he couldn't get MI5 to play ball on this.

If there is access to MI5 records it would be ground-breaking, he said.
The Taoiseach has hinted where the Government could spend the billions of euro in back taxes from Apple, saying areas worthy of consideration include housing and infrastructure.

Simon Harris said the three-party coalition Government will reflect for a brief period of time before coming to a decision on how to use the funds.

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On Tuesday, the European Court of Justice issued a judgment to restore a 2016 European Commission ruling that Ireland gave undue tax benefits to Apple, which would be illegal under EU state aid rules.

Europes top court issued the final judgment that will see the Government recover more than 13 billion in back taxes from Apple.

Minister for Public Expenditure Paschal Donohoe (Julien Behal/PA)

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Mr Harris said the ruling gives finality on the matter, adding that it was a historical legacy issue.

Speaking at the Fine Gael Think In, which is taking place in Tullamore across two days, Mr Harris said the Government will calmly consider how it will use the huge funding boost.

We will obviously have to have a considered discussion as a government as to what to do with that level of funding that clearly is one off, Mr Harris said.

We will have that discussion. We should have that discussion as three parties.

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I think there are clear areas where it would merit consideration around infrastructure, housing and other areas where there are constraints.

I dont think its useful for everybody to make lots of different suggestions here.

I think what is most useful is that Government, in due course, calmly considers the matter as to what is the most appropriate use of these resources, in the interest of the Irish people, our country and our economy.

Im sure therell be many projects, many areas that will fit that bill.

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Mr Harris said that money will be absorbed back into the exchequer, which will take a period of time, and that the 13 billion, which has been held in an escrow fund pending the outcome of the case, has not been transferred to the Government.

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We also know this, it cant be spent on recurrent spending, so it cant be spent on kind of day to day stuff, because it is once off in nature, Mr Harris added.

But there is scope to say how best you put that to use in the interests of the Irish people now and into the future.

Therell be a number of different options, and maybe even a menu of options, and maybe even a variety of choices.

But it would be, in my view, irresponsible to definitively say this must happen today. I think the more appropriate thing is for Government to reflect, for a brief period, and then the three parties to see if we can find common ground in relation to this.

Minister for Public Expenditure Paschal Donohoe reiterated Mr Harriss comments on how the Government will use the funding, saying that he and the three party leaders alongside the Minister for Finance Jack Chambers will be involved in the discussions.

Europes top court issued the final judgment that will see the Government recover more than 13 billion in back taxes from Apple (Yui Mok/PA)

Mr Donohoe added: Firstly, we will be again pointing to all of the changes that we have made to our corporate tax policy in recent years.

Ireland made a historic decision to enter and to embrace the OECD process, which was about how we change global corporate tax policy, with all of the change that we had to make here in Ireland.

What we will do with the three leaders, with myself, Minister Chambers, is make careful consideration of a decision that only happened yesterday, about what is the right long-term decision for our countrys future.

Mr Harris said the Government will set out its revised housing targets, stating that it can deliver 50,000 homes a year.

He said housing remains the biggest social and economic challenge in the country.

People talk about when Fine Gael came to Government 13 years ago, when we came to Government in that year, there were fewer than 7,000 homes built, he added.

This year, well see 40,000 [houses]. Very significant progress has been made when it comes to housing supply, but now is the time to increase the scale of our ambition.

This Government and Fine Gael in Government, in the coming weeks will work with partners to set new housing targets, to agree a new national planning framework, and to get us to a point where we can credibly show the Irish people how, on average, over 50,000 homes a year can be delivered, and over a quarter of a million new homes for our people over the course of 2025 and 2030.
The ruling ordering Ireland to collect 13 billion in back taxes from Apple dominates Wednesday's front pages.

The Government is concerned about the fallout from the Apple ruling, The Irish Times reports. A story on policing costs for Leinster House protests reaching 1 million also makes the front page.

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The Apple windfall will not have an impact on Budget 2025, the Irish Examiner reports.

The 13 billion sum will become an 'election battleground,' the Irish Independent reports.

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The Echo, Irish Sun and Irish Daily Mail all lead with the Apple ruling.

Today's front page of The Irish Sun pic.twitter.com/JpWtbz5F7H Advertisement  The Irish Sun (@IrishSunOnline) September 11, 2024

Don't miss your action-packed @CommunityGames1 supplement in Wednesday's Irish Daily Mail. pic.twitter.com/2LZfT54dG9  The Irish Daily Mail (@irishdailymail) September 11, 2024 Advertisement

The Herald leads with a story on fake funeral notices for criminal James 'Jaws' Byrne.

The Irish Daily Star leads with a story on Limerick hurler Kyle Hayes being convicted of dangerous driving.

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Wednesdays front page pic.twitter.com/xjFCKk6Bul  Irish Daily Star (@isfearranstar) September 11, 2024

In the North, the Belfast Telegraph leads with a story on former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson pleading not guilty to 18 historical sex offences.

The Irish News leads with a story on loyalist and republican paramilitary leaders holding discussions in prison about which killings were 'legitimate'.

Mounting pressure over planned changes to winter fuel payments continues to dominate Wednesdays UK headlines.

The Guardian, Daily Mail and Daily Express focus on the spending cuts, revealing the UK government is facing increased pressure to stop the changes.

The Guardian: PM faces calls to aid poorest as winter fuel cut approved #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/xJQg6qDl4C  George Mann (@sgfmann) September 10, 2024

Daily Express: UNITED WE STAND IN WINTER FUEL FIGHT #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/6p4zAkNUwg  George Mann (@sgfmann) September 10, 2024

The i reports the UK prime minister and chancellor Rachel Reeves will push ahead with other cuts, even after a revolt from within Labour ranks.

Wednesday's front page: Starmer and Reeves to push ahead with cuts after facing down rebel MPs #TomorrowsPapersToday @HugoGye and @ChaplainChloe report: https://t.co/3RBSZtvvra pic.twitter.com/wGmgIsLeG9  The i paper (@theipaper) September 10, 2024

The Times and The Daily Telegraph both lead on news that Ukraine could be given the green light to use long-range missiles to strike inside Russia.

 The front page of tomorrow's Daily Telegraph:



'President poised to lift Ukraine missile ban'#TomorrowsPapersToday



Sign up for the Front Page newsletter https://t.co/JIMevXrNiU pic.twitter.com/Z7wCZHp2wX  The Telegraph (@Telegraph) September 10, 2024

The Times: Kyiv to get go-ahead to strike deep into Russia #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/ws62ZrjzdG  George Mann (@sgfmann) September 10, 2024

The European Unions top court has ordered Apple to pay back 13 billion in back taxes to Ireland, the Financial Times reports.

Just published: front page of the Financial Times, UK edition, Wednesday 11 September https://t.co/p3XmrzyVsJ pic.twitter.com/JKl2eWOMdV  Financial Times (@FT) September 10, 2024

TV presenter Jeremy Kyle told an inquest into the death of Steve Dymond after appearing on his show that it had taken a huge toll on his life, according to Metro.

Tomorrow's Papers Today 



HUGE TOLL ON ME, BY CLEARED TV KYLE



 Coroner: Suicide not caused by show#tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/u6deotQJz3  Metro (@MetroUK) September 10, 2024

The Daily Mirror claims BBC staff were told to hand over their phones as part of the networks probe into Strictly Come Dancing bullying allegations.

And the Daily Star hints a long-awaited wedding could take place on the final episode of Gavin and Stacey.

The New York Times leads with a story on Donald Trump pledging to increase tariffs if he is elected president.
The widow of murdered Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane has said it is time for the truth to come out about his killing after 35 years of cover-ups.

Geraldine Finucane was speaking after the British government ordered a public inquiry into the collusion-linked loyalist paramilitary murder of the lawyer in 1989.

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Mr Finucane (39) was shot dead at his family home in north Belfast by the Ulster Defence Association in an attack found by a series of probes to have involved collusion with the state.

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His widow and the couples three children have been campaigning for decades for a public inquiry to establish the extent of security force involvement.

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Northern Secretary Hilary Benn made the announcement to the UK parliament.

Speaking later in Belfast, Mrs Finucane said it had been a long journey to this point.

She said: I look forward to having the opportunity to participate in a statutory inquiry and expose publicly the whole truth behind the murder of my husband.

This has always been the objective of the campaign that my family and I have pursued for the last 35 years.

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We have only ever been concerned with uncovering the truth.

Geraldine Finucane, the widow of murdered Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane, with her son John Finucane (Niall Carson/PA)

It is this that has kept us going. It is the thing that has been missing, all these years.

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Mrs Finucane became emotional as she delivered her statement.

She said she did not believe the murder of her husband was simply the work of gunmen who killed him.

She added: An independent, statutory public inquiry is and was the only way to bring the whole truth behind the murder of Pat Finucane into the light of day.

Mrs Finucane said she believed the public inquiry could be a watershed moment in dealing with legacy cases in Northern Ireland.

She added: If a public inquiry in to the murder of Pat Finucane can finally publicly examine all of the collusion that plagued our society for so many years, then there is hope that the real process of healing can begin.

The murder of Pat Finucane is the last remaining Weston Park case. It is high time it was properly investigated, publicly examined, and finally resolved.

I believe that my family deserve this after so many years. Pat Finucane deserves this after so many years.

Society as a whole deserves this, after so many years. After 35 years of cover-ups, it is time for truth.

Mrs Finucane received a round of applause from supporters as she finished speaking.

Earlier, Mr Benn told the British parliament in London it is a plain fact that a UK government commitment made more than 20 years ago to hold an inquiry into Mr Finucanes murder remains unfulfilled.

Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn met members of Pat Finucanes family before announcing the public inquiry (Jordan Pettitt/PA)

It is for this exceptional reason that I have decided to establish an independent inquiry into the death of Patrick Finucane under the 2005 Inquiries Act, he said.

The court acknowledged Mrs Finucane had been given an unequivocal undertaking by the UK government following the 2001 Weston Park Agreement that there would be a public inquiry into the murder.

However, the UK Supreme Court judges found that the British government had been justified in later deciding against holding one.

The court said it was up to the UK government to decide what form of investigation was now required.

The following year, the British government pushed back a decision on a public inquiry, insisting outstanding issues concerning the original police investigation needed to be first examined by the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland.

In the years since, Mrs Finucane has pursued further legal proceedings challenging the ongoing delays on a decision.

The family of Pat Finucane (left-right) Seamus Finucane, Geraldine Finucane, Katherine Finucane and John Finucane arrive at Erskine House in Belfast (Liam McBurney/PA)

During the summer, the Court of Appeal in Belfast gave the British government a September deadline to confirm what form of human rights-compliant investigation it intends to undertake into the murder.

The Secretary of State said he had considered the likely costs and impact on the public finances.

It is the Governments expectation that the inquiry will  while doing everything that is required to discharge the states human rights obligations  avoid unnecessary costs given all the previous reviews and investigations, and the large amount of information and material that is already in the public domain, he said.

Mr Benn said he also considered referring the case to a new mechanism established to examine Troubles killings in the North  the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery.

However, given the unique circumstances of this case, and the solemn commitment made by the government in 2001 and again in 2004, the only appropriate way forward is to establish a public inquiry, he said.

Many of us in this House remember the savage brutality of the Troubles  a truly terrible time in our history  and we must never forget that most of the deaths and injuries were the responsibility of paramilitaries, including the Ulster Defence Association, the Provisional IRA, and others, and we should also always pay tribute to the work during that time of the Armed Forces, the police and the security services, the vast majority of whom served with distinction and honour, and so many of whom sacrificed their lives in protecting others.

It is very hard for any of us to understand fully the trauma of those who lost loved ones  sons and daughters, spouses and partners, fathers and mothers  and what they have been through, and there is of course nothing that any of us can do to bring them back or to erase the deep pain that was caused.

But what we can do is to seek transparency to help provide answers to families, and to work together for a better future for Northern Ireland which has made so much progress since these terrible events. I hope that this inquiry will, finally, provide the information that the Finucane family has sought for so long.

Mr Benn said the British government would seek to appoint an inquiry chair and establish its terms of reference as soon as possible.

A spokesperson for the US Department of State welcomed the commitment to set up a public inquiry.

The spokesperson said: We recognise the complexity in addressing the legacy of violence in Northern Ireland as well as the deep and enduring pain of those who lost loved ones.

It is our hope that the inquiry and its findings will provide the information the Finucane family have been looking for.
Israeli air strikes across Gaza hit a UN school sheltering displaced Palestinian families as well as two homes, killing at least 34 people, including 19 women and children, hospital officials said.

The deadliest strike came on Wednesday afternoon, targeting the UNs Al-Jaouni Preparatory Boys School in central Gazas Nuseirat refugee camp.

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The Israeli military claimed it was targeting Hamas militants planning attacks from inside the school.

At least 14 dead from the strike, including two children and a woman, were brought to Awda and al-Aqsa Martyrs hospitals nearby, officials from the facilities said. At least 18 people were wounded in the strike, they said.



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One of the children killed was the daughter of Momin Selmi, a member of Gazas civil defence agency, which works rescuing wounded people after strikes

Mr Selmi had not seen his daughter for 10 months since he remained in north Gaza to keep working while his family fled south, the agency said.

Tens of thousands of Palestinians driven from their homes by Israeli offensives and evacuation orders are living in Gazas schools. The al-Jaouni school, one of many in Gaza run by the UN agency for Palestinians (UNWRA) has been hit by multiple strikes over the course of the war.

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Israel frequently bombs schools, saying they are being used by Hamas militants. It blames Hamas for civilian casualties from its strikes, saying its fighters base themselves and operate within dense residential neighbourhoods.

More than 90% of Gazas school buildings have been severely or partially damaged in strikes, and more than half the schools housing displaced people have been hit, according to a survey in July by the Education Cluster, a collection of aid groups led by Unicef and Save the Children.

Israels 11-month-old campaign in Gaza has killed at least 41,084 Palestinians and wounded another 95,029, the territorys Health Ministry said on Wednesday.

Israel launched its campaign vowing to destroy Hamas after the October 7 attack on southern Israel, in which militants killed some 1,200 people and abducted 250 others.

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In the Israeli-occupied West Bank, an Israeli strike killed five people in the northern town of Tubas, the Palestinian Health Ministry said. The military said it was targeting a group of militants. The ministry did not specify whether the dead were militants or civilians.

Israel has stepped up its military raids across the West Bank, saying it is working to dismantle militant groups and prevent attacks. Palestinians say such operations are aimed at cementing Israels seemingly open-ended military rule over the territory.



A strike on a tent camp in the Gaza Strip killed at least 20 people (AP)

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A driver crashed a fuel truck into a bus stop in the central West Bank, injuring one person in what the Israeli military said was an attack targeting troops operating there.

Officials said that soldiers and an armed civilian had neutralised the attacker but it was not immediately clear whether that meant he had been killed.

Earlier on Wednesday, a strike hit a home near the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis, killing 11 people, including six brothers and sisters from the same family ranging in age from 21 months to 21 years old, according to the European Hospital, which received the casualties.

A strike late on Tuesday on a home in the urban Jabaliya refugee camp in northern Gaza killed nine people, including six women and children, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. The civil defence said the home belonged to Akram al-Najjar, a professor at the al-Quds Open University, who survived the strike.

The Israeli military said two soldiers died and seven were injured when their helicopter crashed in the southern Gaza Strip as they evacuated wounded troops.

It said the overnight crash was not the result of enemy fire and is under investigation. There have been 340 Israeli soldiers killed since the ground operation began in Gaza in late October, at least 50 of whom died in accidents, according to the military.
Hurricane Francine has struck Louisiana as a Category 2 storm that forecasters warned could bring a deadly storm surge, widespread flooding and destructive winds on the northern US Gulf Coast.

Francine made landfall in Terrebonne Parish, about 30 miles south-west of Morgan City, the National Hurricane Centre announced.

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Packing maximum sustained winds near 100mph, the hurricane crashed into a fragile coastal region that has not fully recovered from a series of devastating hurricanes in 2020 and 2021.

In Morgan City, fuel stations had put plywood on the windows and moved rubbish bins inside, with a few pumps still serving the trickle of cars passing through shortly after dawn.





5pm CDT Sep 11th -- #Francine has made landfall in southern Louisiana in the Parish of Terrebonne, about 30 miles south-southwest of Morgan City, as a Category 2 hurricane.



Maximum sustained winds are estimated to be near 100 mph (155 km/h).



TCU: https://t.co/31xmuEYovB pic.twitter.com/fvWoaJfZs8 Advertisement  National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) September 11, 2024

Retired boat captain Pat Simon, 75, and his wife, Ruth, loaded all their possessions into bags and tied them down in the back of a rented truck as they evacuated their home near the banks of the Atchafalaya River near Morgan City.

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I dont think its going to be that bad, like some of the other ones like Ida and Katrina, Pat Simon said. I mean, weve had some bad ones.

Francine drew fuel from exceedingly warm Gulf of Mexico waters, strengthening from a Category 1 to a Category 2 storm.

Louisiana governor Jeff Landry urged residents to stay off the roads, stay home and stay put.

He said the National Guard was being sent to parishes that could be impacted by Francine.

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Residents sit on their front porch as they watch water rise as the effects of Hurricane Francine are felt along the Louisiana coast (Chris Granger/The Times-Picayune/The New Orleans Advocate via AP)

As winds started to significantly increase on the Louisiana coast, some 17,000 power outages were reported by late Wednesday afternoon, according to online tracking map poweroutage.us.

Since the mid-19th century 57 hurricanes have tracked over or made landfall in Louisiana, according to The Weather Channel. Among them are some of the strongest, costliest and deadliest storms in US history.

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President Joe Biden granted an emergency declaration that will help Louisiana secure federal money and logistical assistance from partners such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Both Mr Landry and Mississippi governor Tate Reeves also declared states of emergency, authorising them to quickly free up resources for disaster assistance.

A hurricane warning was in effect along the Louisiana coast from Cameron east to Grand Isle, about 50 miles south of New Orleans. A storm surge warning stretched from the Mississippi-Alabama border to the Alabama-Florida border. Such a warning means life-threatening flooding could occur.

The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency said it distributed more than 100,000 sandbags to the southern part of the state and the Department of Education reported a number of school district closures for Wednesday and Thursday.



Louisiana governor Jeff Landry urged people to take care (Hilary Scheinuk/The Advocate via AP)

Francine is the sixth named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season. Much of Louisiana and Mississippi could get 4-8 inches of rain, with the possibility of 12 inches in some spots, said Brad Reinhart, a senior hurricane specialist at the hurricane centre.

The hurricane centre said parts of Mississippi, Alabama and the Florida Panhandle were at risk of considerable flash and urban flooding. The lower Mississippi Valley and lower Tennessee Valley could experience flooding later in the week as the soggy remnants of Francine sweep inland.

Francines storm surge on the Louisiana coast was forecast to reach as much as 10 feet from Cameron to Port Fourchon and into Vermilion Bay, forecasters said.
The UK government is set to make a statement later in relation to whether a public inquiry will be ordered into the murder of Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane.

Mr Finucane, 39, was shot dead in his family home in north Belfast in February 1989 by the Ulster Defence Association in an attack found by a series of probes to have involved collusion with the state.

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His widow Geraldine and the couples three children have been campaigning for decades for a public inquiry to establish the extent of security force involvement.

The family of Pat Finucane  his wife Geraldine and children Seamus, Katherine and John  have campaigned for decades for a public inquiry (Liam McBurney/PA)

In 2019, the Supreme Court said all previous examinations of the death had not been compliant with human rights standards.

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The court acknowledged Mrs Finucane had been given an unequivocal undertaking by the UK government following the 2001 Weston Park agreement that there would be a public inquiry into the murder.

However, the Supreme Court judges found that the UK government had been justified in later deciding against holding one.

The court said it was up to the government to decide what form of investigation was now required.

The following year, the government pushed back a decision on a public inquiry, insisting outstanding issues concerning the original police investigation needed to be first examined by the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland.

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In the years since, Mrs Finucane has pursued further legal proceedings challenging the ongoing delays on a decision.

During the summer, the Court of Appeal in Belfast gave the UK government a September deadline to confirm what form of human rights-compliant investigation it intended to undertake into the murder.

Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn, who will make an oral statement in the Commons, met with members of the Finucane family in Belfast on Tuesday evening.
Pope Francis has flown to Singapore for the final leg of his trip through Asia, arriving in one of the worlds richest countries from one of its poorest after a record-setting final Mass in East Timor.

After a brief farewell ceremony, Francis, the Vatican delegation and journalists traveling with him flew to Singapore aboard local carrier Aero Dilis only aircraft, an Airbus A320.

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It landed about three hours later in Singapore, where Francis had no public events scheduled for the rest of the day.

Francis wrapped up his visit to East Timor with a rally on Wednesday morning of its young people, who make up the majority of the 1.3 million population.

He urged them to work together to build their young country, using the foundations of older generations who formally secured their independence from Indonesia in 2002, to grow in peace, prosperity and reconciliation.



Francis enjoyed a warm reception in East Timor (AP)

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Go forward with the happiness of youth, but dont forget one thing, Francis told them. You are the heirs of those who persevered in founding this nation. For this, dont lose your memory, the memory of those who persevered with so much sacrifice to consolidate this nation.

The 87-year-old pope, who is on the longest and furthest trip of his pontificate, ditched his prepared remarks to speak off the cuff in his native Spanish, as he often does when he is around young people.

The joyous encounter came just hours after around 600,000 people  or nearly half the population  packed a seaside park for Francis Mass. It was held on the same field where St John Paul II prayed 35 years ago, when East Timor was under brutally oppressive Indonesian rule.

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Francis came to East Timor, also known as Timor-Leste, to encourage it more than two decades after it secured independence as it struggles with poverty and high unemployment.

In his final remarks at the end of the liturgy, Francis warned the Timorese today to beware of the crocodiles who come ashore and want to change your culture, your history.



Singapore is the final stop on the Popes 11-day trip to Asia and Oceania (AP)

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It was an apparent reference both to East Timors past, as a colonial possession of first Portugal and then Indonesia, but also its current attractiveness to international commercial interests eager to develop its natural gas reserves.

The oil and gas industry is the bedrock of the Timorese economy and the main source of government revenue.

Development of the promising offshore Greater Sunrise gas field, shared between Australia and East Timor, has been stalled for more than two decades  mainly over the question of which country the fuel should be piped to.

Timorese officials believe that piping gas into their country would deliver more benefits for their people despite the added logistical challenges. In an interview last week, President Jose Ramos-Horta said any alternative would have to be a very persuasive proposal.

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Francis, who is from Argentina and is historys first Latin American pope, has long railed against multinational companies that exploit poor countries for their natural resources for their own benefit without taking care to adequately compensate the local population or care for the environment.

And dont go near those crocodiles because they bite, and bite a lot, a lot, Francis said on Tuesday night, using a term in Spanish that means both to bite and to accept bribes.



Some 600,000 people attended Pope Francis Mass in East Timor (AP)

The huge turnout in East Timor was a testament to the devout Catholic faith of its people and their reverence of the church, which strongly backed the Timorese fight for independence. Francis praised the Timorese for having not only built up their country from scratch, but reconciled with Indonesia after securing independence in 2002.

Franciss tour will end in Singapore, one of Asias economic powerhouses. The city-states transformation from a colonial port lacking natural resources into an economic power since its independence from Malaysia in 1965 has long been touted as a success story.

It enjoys one of the highest living standards in the world, and is known for its safety and low crime rate.

But it is also one of the most expensive cities to live in and its competitive work environment makes for a stressful, overworked people.

Francis has no official program in Singapore on Wednesday other than a private meeting with his Jesuit confreres.
UC San Diegos ALERTCalifornia cameras captured flames from the Bridge Fire encroaching on Mountain High Ski Resort in Southern California. ALERTCalifornia | UC San Diego

Mountain High Resort in Los Angeles County escaped the brunt of the Bridge Fire ripping through Southern California, representatives from the resort said on social media.

Ski resort officials wrote late Tuesday that the fire danger was threatening the top of the East Resort, one section of Mountain High. San Bernardino County Fire was on scene, they wrote.

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Across social media, ski devotees preemptively grieved the destruction after live camera footage of the resort appeared to show bright flames encroaching on ski lifts.

But in a post on X on Wednesday morning, officials for the resort said though the fire raced through the resort Tuesday, it spared the main lifts and buildings, leaving little to no damage.

According to a CBS News report, staff who turned on the snow-makers that dampened surrounding vegetation may have saved the resort from total destruction.

Mountain High is located in the Angeles National Forest, 80 miles from Los Angeles.

The Bridge Fire broke out Sunday just north of the San Gabriel River in the Angeles National Forest. By Wednesday morning, it had burned nearly 48,000 acres and forced evacuations across swaths of Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties.

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The fire saw extensive growth overnight, with rapid movement through the west side of Wrightwood, a mountain community in San Bernardino County that houses the ski resort.

At least two other wildfires are raging in Southern California under hot and windy conditions sparked by a historic heat wave that saw temperatures reach daily averages of 108.8 degrees in places like Burbank.
The US is remembering the lives taken and those reshaped by 9/11, marking an anniversary laced with presidential campaign politics as President Joe Biden, former president Donald Trump and vice president Kamala Harris stood together in the plaza where the twin towers once stood.

September 11  the date when hijacked plane attacks killed nearly 3,000 people in 2001  falls in the thick of the presidential election season every four years, and it comes at an especially pointed moment this time.

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Fresh off their first-ever debate on Tuesday night, Ms Harris and Mr Trump met again at the 9/11 observances at the World Trade Centre in New York and the Flight 93 National Memorial in Pennsylvania.





Today is a day of solemn remembrance as we mourn the souls we lost in a heinous terrorist attack on September 11, 2001.



We stand in solidarity with their families and loved ones. We also honor the extraordinary heroism on display that fateful day by ordinary Americans helping pic.twitter.com/2hrHTjsSox  Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) September 11, 2024 Advertisement

Mr Trump and running mate JD Vance arrived at the trade centre site at around 8am and posed for photographs with some in the audience. Ms Harris arrived with Biden about a half-hour later, to cheers of Kamala! from some audience members.

Mr Biden and Mr Trump shook hands, and former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg appeared to facilitate a handshake between Ms Harris and Mr Trump. Then the Democratic and Republican nominees stood only a few feet apart, with Mr Biden and Mr Bloomberg between them.

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The ceremony then began with the tolling of a bell and a moment of silence.



Donald Trump and his running mate JD Vance were also at the ceremony (AP)

The political background was not the chief concern of victims relatives such as Cathy Naughton, who came to honour her cousin Michael Roberts, one of hundreds of firefighters killed in the attack.

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Twenty-three years later, its just so raw, she said. We want to make sure people remember always, and say the names always and never forget.

Every year, it just doesnt get easier.

Regardless of the campaign calendar, organisers of anniversary ceremonies have long taken pains to try to keep the focus on victims.



The ceremony took place at ground zero in New York City (AP)

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For years, politicians have been only observers at ground zero observances, with the microphone going instead to relatives who read victims names aloud.

If politicians care about whats actually going on, great. Be here, said Korryn Bishop, who lost her cousin John F McDowell Jr. If theyre just here for political clout, that upsets me.

Mr Biden, on the last September 11 of his term and likely his half-century political career, was headed with Ms Harris later to ceremonies in Pennsylvania and at the Pentagon, the three sites where commercial jets crashed after al-Qaida operatives took them over on September 11 2001.

Mr Trump also was due at the Flight 93 National Memorial near rural Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

Officials later concluded that the aircraft that crashed there was headed toward Washington. It went down after crew members and passengers tried to wrest control from the hijackers.



The atrocity took the lives of many emergency workers (AP)

The attacks killed 2,977 people and left thousands of bereaved relatives and scarred survivors. The planes carved a gash in the Pentagon, the US military headquarters, and brought down the trade centres twin towers, which were among the worlds tallest buildings.

The catastrophe also altered US foreign policy, domestic security practices and the mindset of many Americans who had not previously felt vulnerable to attacks by foreign extremists.

Effects rippled around the world and through generations as the US responded by leading a Global War on Terrorism, which included invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq.

Those operations killed hundreds of thousands of Afghans and Iraqis and thousands of American troops, and Afghanistan became the site of the United States longest war.

As the complex legacy of 9/11 continues to evolve, communities around the country have developed remembrance traditions that range from laying wreaths to displaying flags, from marches to police radio messages.

Volunteer projects also mark the anniversary, which US congress has titled both Patriot Day and a National Day of Service and Remembrance.
I was desperate for people to know my pain  desperate to find other women who understood this pain. Very quickly, I discovered that almost every woman I told about my miscarriage would respond with the same remark  as if guided by a teleprompter: I am sorry, followed by I too have had a miscarriage  many of them, multiple. I knew that I was telling them about my loss so that I could feel seen, less alone, so that I could convince myself that I was normal, that what I had experienced was not an indication of my bodys ability to nurture a human child. This compulsive desperation to be seen is perhaps why I have spent the bigger part of my adult life trying to be very good at English. Which is to say I actively sought ways to make myself a devotee of the spoken English language. At university, I became an insatiable reader, lugging around a bag that was consistently stuffed with books randomly selected from the library. I joined a college poetry society because I knew poets understood the power of a single word to distil an emotional truth. I read Coleridge, Yeats, Shakespeare and the white male Classics, thinking that their words would secure me a place of respectability among cerebral elites. I took philosophy classes in the hopes of gaining self-knowledge  committed to Francis Bacons knowledge is power adage.

Jessie Tus latest novel is The Honeyeater. I must have intuited Englishs global dominance  for there is a linguistic power hierarchy and my adopted language is assuredly at the top. English provided a promise of upward mobility, access to places and people whose admiration and attention I sought. I have always worn English like a jacket. It is an armour upon which I hide all my insecurities, my shame, my contradictions, and my resolve (or lack thereof). In English lay the hope of transcending the conditions of my youth, which I had found to be mercilessly oppressive. Wearing this jacket freed me from the trauma of being invisible, allowing me access to the professional workplace a basic liberty that was denied to my mother and all the women who came before her. In English, I found an ostensible freedom  but as Deborah Levy said, Freedom is never free. Anyone who has struggled to be free knows how much it costs.

And the cost was my connection to my own mother. As a child, I did not want to ventriloquise her conservatism and so I turned my back on her language  a language which felt so much to me like a prison. Pakistani English translator Ayesha Manazir Siddiqi once wrote, Languages come with ideologies attached. As a child, I couldnt separate my mothers values from her dialect. By pursuing English so doggedly, I had estranged myself from my first language my mothers language, pursuing this fantasy of freedom in another language. I believed that by wearing English, Id finally have control of my life. As a child born of a culture that reveres suffering in silence (so as not to burden those you love) trying to feel seen (and understood) can be excruciating. So too, the feeling that my Asian ethnicity would never be seen as emblematic of a universal truth. As a non-white person, to live and love within an anglophone culture is to be in a relationship of unrequited love. It is demanded of you to empathise with white lives, white stories, white humanities  but you can never expect that same curiosity to be reciprocated.

It is the same sort of unrequited curiosity girls are expected to perform as they move through the world, reading literature that asks them to embody the psyche of a boy  while boys are not expected to perform this with the same level of care or attention or respect or sustenance to their opposite sex. Language is political, which means it is also deeply personal. I made an active decision not to look up the term for miscarriage in Mandarin that day because I didnt want to wrap my experience in a phonics that wouldnt give weight to what I was at that moment feeling. I didnt want to utter a term that contained no emotional verisimilitude for me. I understand now that this decision was fuelled by an insistence on a right to rebuff any unnecessary or further discomfort  an entitlement I must have learned during a lifetime spent in a culture that centres the individual. When I first heard the term for miscarriage in Mandarin, I thought it sounded so clinical and alienating  not dissimilar to the moment my doctor told me I no longer had a viable pregnancy. Miscarriage in Chinese (directly translated) contains two characters, the first meaning flow and the second, asset/property/product.
Pop stardom is a fickle thing, as the Kid Laroi knows. Barely three years ago, the Sydney musician was a teen living a dream, his F--- Love mixtape a chart-topper in the US, hip-hops own home, amid the globe-conquering success of Stay, his hit with Justin Bieber.

Now, at 21, hes tasted the alternative. With expectation high for his studio debut The First Time, released last November, the Waterloo rapper zigged, embracing a more esoteric side, when fans and critics assumed he would zag and lean into his pop smash bona fides.

Through hits and misses, the Kid Laroi is proud of sticking with his new and decidedly anti-pop approach. Credit: Adam Kargenian

That album taught me a lot, Laroi, real name Charlton Howard, says over Zoom from Oklahoma City, before a gig. People may have expected me to do a full swing and just come out with a commercial pop record at that point in my career  But doing something forced and not genuine, thats not the artist I want to be.

Beyond Too Much, a crossover track with BTS Jungkook and UK star Central Cee, The First Time went decidedly anti-pop. The Kamilaroi rapper enlisted unlikely collaborators including 2010s cloud-rap producer Clams Casino and jazz pianist Robert Glasper, and tried his hand at Post Malone-ish arena rock and finger-picked acoustic ballads, beyond the emotive hip-hop that made him a star.
Titania Henderson, 79, was a stay-at-home mum in her 50s when she started at uni. Her daughter Amy, 43, was happy to help with her essays  for a fee. Now the sculptor and the creative agent share their Melbourne studio.

Titania and Amy Henderson. Its wonderful to have something in common, especially art  because art is full of love, says Titania. Credit: Josh Robenstone

TITANIA: Amy was born on Christmas Day. My husband, Ian, was a very efficient man, an orthopaedic surgeon, and he always had a green piece of paper in his pocket with a list of jobs for that day. Christmas Day wasnt my due date but I saw written on that paper: Titania having baby.

It freaked me out: Goodness, am I doing that today? So I put my mind to it and the contractions started. With all four babies  Amy came third  I was left to fend for myself; Ian was a hard-working man. I thought, OK, let me do my job. She was born that night.

My going to uni caused both bonding and conflict with Amy. I was well into my 50s when I got into RMIT to do Fine Arts-Ceramics, studying with some of her friends, like [jewellery designer] Lucy Folk. I didnt know how to write an essay; I wasnt good at the computer; I had to learn how to use a library. There were all these deadlines and I was living with a man whod come home at 9pm and Id have to cook a meal. I had to push myself. Amy would check my essays, but I ended up having to pay her to do them on time.
Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Got it Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size This story is part of the September 14 edition of Good Weekend. See all 18 stories . There is a photograph of Bill Gates  easily searchable on the internet, unmissable as a billboard  in which the Microsoft co-founder and billionaire philanthropist is standing facing the camera, his lips pressed into the service of a smile. There are four other men in the picture, taken in May 2011. Gates is second from right, dressed in a blue collared shirt and one of his usual sweaters. To his left stands a man with a buzz cut. To his right, at the centre of the photograph, is a man with a tousled mop of salt-and-pepper hair, his arms folded. He is dressed in blue jeans and a half-zip sweater, the left arm of which is emblazoned with the American flag. On his feet are velvet slippers. This man is Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted sex offender, social parasite, poseur and pariah who died by his own hand in a Manhattan jail cell in August 2019. A month earlier, federal authorities had charged Epstein with sex trafficking of girls as young as 14, and the world was learning of his lurid activities and the astonishing array of high-profile men in his network. Of all the stars that studded Epsteins dark universe, from academics and entertainers to bankers and billionaires, Gates was the brightest. He was also the most mystifying. Here was one of the most recognised names and faces in the world, a visionary technologist who helped kickstart the computing revolution, and a path-blazing philanthropist with the lofty ambition of saving lives. Why was a deity of capitalism consorting with one of its Mephistophelian bottom-feeders? There was no convenient label to affix to the relationship between Gates and Epstein, and no label would have hidden the smudges that began to blur the clear, unsullied outlines of the technology billionaires do-gooder image. The photograph, which surfaced in 2019, accompanied a story by The New York Times detailing multiple meetings between the two men. Two years later, in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic, Melinda Gates, his wife of 27 years, would divorce him. Theirs had sometimes been a difficult marriage; for years, talk of Gates womanising had whirred in the background among those who worked with the former couple. But the public airing of his relationship with Epstein contributed to their break-up. As if to symbolically distance herself from the man who had betrayed her, even though she was tied to him forever by their shared philanthropy, Melinda inserted her maiden name in between her first and last names. She would now go by Melinda French Gates. Not long after their divorce, the world learnt about the affairs he had conducted during his marriage. Once a model of rectitude, Gates had fallen into a slurry of ignominy. The large tear in Gates public image has forced us to reassess the man we knew, or thought we knew, a man so brilliant, so rich and so munificent that he had for decades been feted and festooned like a king wherever he went. Bill Gates (second from right) next to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein (centre) in Epsteins apartment in 2011. When Warren Buffett, Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates announced the Giving Pledge in June 2010, publicly committing to give at least half their wealth back to society during their lifetimes or in their wills, and urging other billionaires to do the same, Jeffrey Epstein saw a way to make money. Two years earlier, the registered sex offender had pleaded guilty to soliciting prostitution, including from an underage girl, following his 2006 arrest. After serving a light, work-release sentence in a Florida jail, he resumed what he had done for more than a decade: cultivating a network of scientists, musicians, bankers, Nobel laureates, politicians, billionaire businessmen, academics, filmmakers  just about anyone with influence who could give him a sheen of legitimacy by association, a valuable introduction, a piece of information he could keep in his back pocket to be wielded in exchange for a favour. Tucked in between haircut appointments at the upscale Frederic Fekkai salon and massage appointments were endless meetings, video calls, private jet trips, dinners and cocktails.

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An egregious name-dropper, Epstein was fully aware that the more names he dangled and the more connected he was to people, the more accepted he would be in those rarefied circles, where the best vetting mechanism was a friend-of-a-friend introduction. Out of his multiple residences, including in New York and Palm Beach and on Little St James, his private island in the US Virgin Islands, Epstein conducted his business and was welcomed by those he courted, his sordid background reduced to a footnote. Epstein heard about the unanticipated outcome of the pledge for the [Gates Foundation] and began to tunnel a way into the philanthropists orbit. The Giving Pledge had created an enormous splash. The star power of two of the richest and weightiest billionaires made the effort hard to ignore. Buffetts commitment to give the bulk of his fortune during his lifetime to the Gates Foundation, through which Gates and French Gates were tackling some of humanitys most intractable problems, gave them the moral authority to ask other billionaires to step up. By August 2010, 40 billionaires and billionaire couples had signed the pledge. By years end, 17 more had joined the group. At the same time, some who had taken the pledge began to wonder: how to disburse that money? Many billionaires had private foundations, but they were often modest, family affairs. Building a foundation to hand out big sums of money is a significant undertaking akin to launching a new business. Some billionaires thus turned to Gates, the one person who already had a massive operation going, wondering if they could partner up with his foundation in some way, or have it direct their money. Connected as he was to scientists, billionaires and Gates trusted lieutenants, Epstein heard about the unanticipated outcome of the pledge for the foundation and began to tunnel a way into the philanthropists orbit. Gates and Warren Buffett (left) pledged in 2010 to give at least half their fortunes away, opening the door to an Epstein plot. Credit: WireImage One evening in January 2011, not long after a blizzard had menaced the city of New York, Epstein hosted a dinner at his Upper East Side townhouse for Gates, pitching the evening to some invitees as a relaxed gathering with a group of influential people. It was the kind of gathering Epstein excelled at  entertaining and stimulating, a setting where social chatter mixed seamlessly with business talk. Gates appeared to find it an enjoyable evening. That May, Epstein hosted another meeting for the philanthropist. Among the guests were Larry Summers, the former US secretary of the treasury and president emeritus of Harvard University; and James E. Staley, a former senior executive of J.P. Morgan Chase. Epstein used the opportunity to present an idea to Gates, and even included slides: could some of the billionaire philanthropic dollars being pledged be pooled into a charitable fund created for the Gates Foundation? Such donor-advised funds are vehicles created by banks and other big asset managers into which wealthy individuals can deposit money that they eventually plan to give to charity. Donors get to decide the causes they want to direct their philanthropic funds to, but until they do, the money managers oversee the funds for a fee.

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For years, some employees in the Gates orbit had made it an informal goal to push their bosss name for the Nobel Peace Prize. Gates was receptive to the idea, emboldening Epstein to begin pushing his proposal more steadily. He roped in J.P. Morgan, the nations largest bank where he was a client, to set up a donor-advised fund for the Gates Foundation, which would enhance the current giving by the outfit. Bank executives were already in touch with foundation staffers about a separate project, which led to the creation of a healthcare fund in 2013. Epstein had long been friends with Staley, who goes by Jes, at the time a top lieutenant of J.P. Morgans chief executive Jamie Dimon. Loading Over hundreds of emails studded with typographical errors sent to J.P. Morgan executives including Mary Callahan Erdoes, who led the banks private wealth and asset management business, Epstein laid out his ambitions for the donor-advised fund. It would be a very high profile club with an entry donation of $US100 million. Like other donor-advised funds, this one too would provide donors the tax benefits up front. The proposed structure would involve silos  areas that the Gates Foundation focused on, such as polio, maternal health, vaccines and agriculture  that donors wanted to direct their money into. Membership to this donor club would be known, but donors could choose to remain anonymous about how they directed their money. Even a cursory search of Epstein in any database of archived news  or a simple Google search  would reveal enough stories about his questionable behaviour and habits to raise red flags. In a 2003 profile in Vanity Fair, the journalist Vicky Ward wrote: His advantage is that no one really seems to know him or his history completely or what his arsenal actually consists of. He has carefully engineered it so that he remains one of the few truly baffling mysteries among New Yorks moneyed world. People know snippets, but few know the whole. The profile mentions that he left Bear Stearns, the investment bank where he got his start, under a cloud. But Ward also reported that billionaires like Tom Pritzker, the chairman of Hyatt Hotels; the real estate mogul Mort Zuckerman; businessman Ron Perelman; and billionaire private equity investor Leon Black, who it would later emerge had paid $US158 million in fees to Epstein for tax advice, would often stop by his house for dinner. Melinda French Gates with ex-husband Bill. Shes said his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein contributed to their divorce. Credit: Getty Images Epstein appeared occasionally in gossip pages and was routinely referred to as a billionaire (even though he was not), a connoisseur of women, a financier with a small roster of billionaire clients, a property developer, or an employee of Wexner. There were always gossipy tales of multiple young women, particularly from Eastern Europe, in his life. By the mid-2000s, Epstein was making news for his lifestyle and his failed bids to buy media properties. In a 2005 article about executive assistants on Wall Street, The New York Times described him as someone who maintained an office in New York but lived and worked on a private island in the US Virgin Islands, with a three-women executive team, which manages his hectic life for globetrotting and hobnobbing with the likes of former president [Bill] Clinton.

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At the same time, there were lawsuits against him, including one with Citibank, which said he had defaulted on $US20 million of loans from their private bank. When he was arrested in Florida in 2006, after multiple underage girls accused him of sexual assault, major media organisations like the Associated Press, The New York Times, The Guardian and various Florida newspapers ran stories. And there was yet another flood of coverage when he pleaded guilty to charges of soliciting prostitution and soliciting prostitution from a minor in 2008. Some called it the gold prize. For years, some employees in the Gates orbit had made it an informal goal to push their bosss name for the Nobel Peace Prize. Gates and French Gates had won multiple public service laurels, including the highest honours from countries like India, so it wasnt a stretch to eye the top prize. It was a front and centre goal among some employees at Gates Ventures and the Gates Foundation, according to several people who were aware of those conversations, although another person said he wasnt aware of any specific strategy conversations during his time at Gates Ventures. The foundation is here to save the world, every life has equal value, and Bill is the frontman. A former senior employee of the Gates Foundation There would be an open and ongoing conversation about how to massage Gates so-called brand to appeal to the Nobel Prize committee, and about how the team could opportunistically use global health milestone moments  the potential eradication of polio or breakthroughs in malaria research  where the foundation played a big role to create a media campaign about his candidacy. At the Gates Foundation, it was more chatter and aspiration than a 10-step plan, according to one former senior employee of the foundation. Many saw such a prize as validation of the work they had signed up to do. It was especially buzzy as the foundation suddenly began playing an outsize role in global health and development, supercharged by Buffetts decision in 2006 to turn over billions of dollars to its endowment. The Giving Pledge put him on an even higher pedestal, coming as it did right after the financial crisis, which spotlighted the countrys widening economic inequality. Everything was done with an eye to that goal, said the former senior employee, referring to the Nobel Prize. Thats why we were positioning in the media and PR as we did. It boiled down to  the foundation is here to save the world, every life has equal value, and Bill is the frontman.

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The unofficial campaign may have been one reason Gates met with Epstein at least once in 2013, according to media reports. Between 2011 and 2014, the Gates Foundation ran a highly visible campaign about its polio-related grant-making. Eradicating polio had been one of Gates biggest priorities and the foundation had partnered with Rotary International, the non-profit that was leading those efforts. Foundation staffers were hoping their work would win them the honour. Epstein, who had cultivated a wide network of powerful people, told a former foundation employee that he could help the philanthropist win the award for his work to eradicate polio. With Melinda, en route to give evidence in the Microsoft antitrust case. Credit: Getty Images In late March 2013, Thorbjrn Jagland, then the secretary general of the Council of Europe, a human rights organisation, and chairman of the Norwegian Nobel Prize Committee, hosted a dinner for Gates at his official residence in Strasbourg, France. Gates had sought the meeting, Jagland said, to learn more about the European Pharmacopoeia, a body affiliated with the council that oversees quality control for medicines distributed across European markets. To Jagland, it seemed natural that the philanthropist would be interested in learning about the councils work, and to the extent he knew, there was no other reason why Gates wanted to meet. Jagland, a former prime minister of Norway, said no one had put forth a Nobel Peace Prize nomination for Gates or the Gates Foundation that year, but he was given to believe that the billionaire brought Epstein to the dinner. I dont know why he brought Epstein with him, I was not informed in advance, Jagland said. Asked about the meeting, Alex Reid, a spokeswoman for Gates Ventures, said that Gates had not brought Epstein to a meeting with Jagland. If he was there, he was not invited by Bill, nor did he arrive with Bill. Loading Also present at the dinner were officials from the International Peace Institute in New York, an independent organisation that sometimes works with the United Nations, and whose president, Terje Rd-Larsen, had had several interactions with Epstein. An influential Norwegian diplomat who played a central role in negotiating the Oslo Accords, Rd-Larsen was not at the 2013 dinner, but seven years later he quit the peace institute after revelations he had taken money from Epstein to support his work.

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Instead, she went to the Julian Ashton Art School, located at The Rocks, where she met John Olsen, among others, and then to East Sydney Technical College. In the early 1950s, Wendy moved to London, where she studied at the Central School of Art and Design alongside figures such as David Hockney. She shared her passion for theatre with her eldest sister, Dorothy Alison, who helped her settle into London life.

Wendy left school in the late 1940s after deciding not to follow her mothers advice that she should go to university to study architecture.

Born in Broken Hill just days before the opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Wendy was the third of four girls. In 1938, aged six, Wendy and her family moved from the outback mining town to Sydney, where her father, William Dickson, became a leading figure in the ALP, a member of the legislative council, and a government minister. In the 1940s, she attended Sydney Girls High.

Wendy Dickson was a costume designer who worked on numerous theatre and screen productions, including work at the Sydney Opera House and costume design on the set of Antony and Cleopatra and production design on The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith

Wendy Dickson with sketches of some of the costumes she has designed for Shipwreck, 1962. Credit: Fairfax

During the 1950s in London, Wendy had various jobs, notably as personal assistant to Carl Foreman, one of the Hollywood producers blacklisted because of their suspected communist sympathy, who is best known for the film High Noon and Bridge over the River Kwai. She also worked as an assistant designer for the 1955 Richard Burton production of Henry V at the Old Vic. In the late 1950s, she returned to Australia, bringing with her a wealth of theatrical design knowledge.

From 1959 to 1967, she was resident designer with the Australian Elizabethan Theatre Trust, starting with the groundbreaking 1959 production of Long Days Journey into Night by the American playwright Eugene ONeill. In this period, Wendy designed sets and costumes for 18 assorted productions, ranging from ballet and theatre to grand opera. She also taught stage design at East Sydney Tech at this time. In 1967, she was one of three Australians who participated in the inaugural International Exhibition of Stage Design and Theatre Architecture, since known as the Prague Quadrennial. She exhibited designs from The Flying Dutchman and The Royal Hunt of the Sun.

In 1968, she married the film and TV director Ken Hannam, who is probably best remembered for directing Sunday Too Far Away. They had become close after working together on the ABC TV production of The Recruiting Officer in 1965, where Hannam was director and Wendy was designer. They were divorced in 1986, but remained on good terms. At one time in the 1980s, when Ken complained of the cold in their Castlecrag home, Wendy created a huge papier-mache dragon around the room walls, breathing fire onto his favourite armchair. Such was her sense of humour.

Her 1960s designs were often striking and modern, for example her costume designs for The Royal Hunt of the Sun, staged at the 1966 Fourth Adelaide Festival. She was also designing costumes for the opera, including the 1965 production of Cinderella, which was filmed for TV, and The Bourgeois Gentleman. In particular, she designed sets and costumes for the historically significant 1962 Tasker production of The Ham Funeral and the 1964 Night on Bald Mountain, both by Patrick White. Wendys correspondence with Patrick White has been on exhibition at the State Library of NSW.
The former judge who presided over an inquiry into former Liberal staffer Bruce Lehrmanns prosecution gave a draft of his report to a journalist at The Australian before it was delivered to the ACT government, and she texted back that she loved the section  on presumption of innocence.

A cache of documents released by the ACT Supreme Court this week reveal the extent of the communications between Walter Sofronoff, KC, and Janet Albrechtsen, a columnist at the News Corp masthead.

Journalist Janet Albrechtsen and Walter Sofronoff, KC. Credit: Edwina Pickles, Robert Shakespeare

In December 2022, the ACT government launched an inquiry into the conduct of criminal justice agencies involved in Lehrmanns ultimately aborted prosecution for the alleged rape of his former colleague Brittany Higgins in Parliament House. The inquiry was headed by Sofronoff.

Lehrmann has always maintained his innocence. His criminal trial in 2022 ran for 12 days and the jury deliberated for five days. But the trial was aborted due to juror misconduct after it emerged one juror had brought a research paper on sexual assault into the jury room.
The NSW government has decided against opening a ferry wharf at Birkenhead Point in Sydneys inner west but is looking at building one in the fast-growing suburb of Rhodes amid strong demand for Parramatta River ferries.

With packed ferries leaving people behind on wharves at busy times, the government is facing renewed calls to put on more services, stops and larger ferries to cater for growing populations in suburbs along the river.

Transport for NSW coordinator general Howard Collins said there were no plans for a ferry wharf at Birkenhead Point given other priorities after an investigation into opening stops at both it and Rhodes.

Fast-growing areas along the Parramatta River are boosting demand for ferry services. Credit: Nick Moir

However, he said the agency was still looking at a new wharf at the Rhodes precinct, a major slice of which was rezoned in 2021 for apartment towers up to 45 storeys. Planning for the area several years ago envisaged a 15 metre-wide waterfront promenade and a ferry wharf.
A man who murdered his estranged wife, Gold Coast mother Kelly Wilkinson, has defended the man accused of being his accomplice in the horrific crime.

Brian Earl Johnston, a 37-year-old former US marine, is behind bars for murdering his wife at her Gold Coast home. He set Wilkinson on fire after stabbing her multiple times in April 2021.

Kelly Wilkinson, 27, was killed by her estranged husband Brian Earl Johnston on the Gold Coast in 2021. Credit: Nine News

Johnston was called as a witness today during the Brisbane Supreme Court trial of his colleague and co-accused Bradley Bell, who has pleaded not guilty to murder.

Bell, 29, is accused of driving Johnston to his estranged wifes home after the pair bought a 20-litre can of petrol together.

But he maintains he did not know Johnston was going to kill his wife.

Defence barrister Edwin Whitton asked Johnston if he told Bell about his intent to kill Wilkinson before he did so.

No, sir, Johnston said.

The trial continues before Justice Michael Copley.
Mid-afternoon is a strange place in the Senate, one where Pauline Hansons rants about vaccines abut Greens pleas for the release of an anti-whaling activist from a Danish jail. Sandwiched in between on Wednesday were perhaps the most new words ever added to Hansard in a two-minute speech, care of independent senator Fatima Paymans appeal to generations Z and Alpha.

To the sigmas of Australia, began the 29-year-old, I say that this goofy ahh government have been capping. Lying, in other words.

Just put the fries in the bag lil bro, she chided Labor, telling the party to do its job. If the governments youth social media ban were enacted, Payman continued, You can forgor [sic] all about watching Duke Dennis or catching a dub with the bros on fort.

That meme-laden language refers to watching a streamer who gets far more views than Australian TV programs or playing Fortnite, one of the worlds most popular games.
Interview: Political dialogue between Norway, China on green transition, int'l peace is vital -- Norwegian PM

Xinhua) 10:06, September 11, 2024

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.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Anthony Edwards is a newsroom meteorologist at The San Francisco Chronicle.

He joins the Chronicle from the University of Washington where he was previously the president of the campus weather forecasting team and an editor at the student newspaper, The Daily UW.

Edwards enjoys exploring San Francisco's parks, playing tennis, hiking, swimming and attending a ballgame when the Mariners visit the Giants and the Athletics.
Even as anti-war protesters battled with police outside the Melbourne Convention Centre on Wednesday, a sense of cool, corporate calm prevailed on the other side of Victoria Polices ring of steel.

Inside the vast building, after negotiating layers of security checks, military officials, lobbyists and weapons makers had gathered for one of the worlds biggest defence exhibitions.

Government aides in suits mingled with soldiers in uniform, while university professors, industry journalists and even the odd diplomat picked over sandwich buffets.

Bernie Maus commands a US-made Abrams tank. He says the new models unveiled at Land Forces offer better intelligence, maintenance and communication. Its not just about the sexy guns. Credit: Eddie Jim

On the convention floor, the BAE stand briefly took centre stage when the British weapons company unveiled a new uncrewed combat truck, the Atlas, to cheers, dazzling lights and pounding music.
Facebook parent company Meta has admitted its millions of Australian users cant opt out of having their data being used to train the companys artificial intelligence models, even as users in the European Union are able to do so.

Since changing its privacy policy for Australian users in June, Facebook has been hoovering up nearly two decades worth of public Facebook posts, including text, photos and status updates, to train its language model, dubbed Llama.

Appearing on Wednesday before a Senate inquiry into the adoption of artificial intelligence technologies, Metas global privacy director Melinda Claybaugh confirmed that Australian users do not currently have the option to opt out of the mass data collection.

Metas privacy policy director Melinda Claybaugh in 2023. Credit: Oscar Coleman

Users in the European Union, on the other hand, can refuse, thanks to that regions stricter privacy laws.
Of course Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was right when he declared parents are worried sick about social media. As a mother of an almost 15-year-old son, a 12-year-old daughter and a little boy who will all-too-soon catch up, I can confidently say I am out of my depth. I barely keep up with the word-of the-moment (can someone please explain sigma or skibidi?) let alone any other mind-boggling craze on social media. Just when I manage to get my head around one, another emerges. What was wrong with yo-yos, I ask you?

Skibidi toilet meme (L); Anthony Albanese takes a selfie (R). Credit: YouTube/SMH

Confusing teen vernacular is one thing, but I live with the very fears Albanese was referring to when he spoke of parents angst around social media. I am concerned about the rise of misogyny among young boys due to the disturbing reach of Andrew Tate-like figures. I am equally concerned about body image, for both boys and girls, and I worry about cyberbullying and the impact on mental health. All real and well-publicised risks with social media. And yes, as the PM said, there is no map to direct us through the minefield.

That said, implementing an arbitrary age ban for social media, based on an assumption that all kids reach the same level of maturity once a particular birthday ticks over, is not the answer. Ive no doubt a ban would help parents set rules, but the focus should be on educating us and our kids on how to use social media safely.

Albanese jumped on an age ban after his South Australian counterpart, Labor Premier Peter Malinauskas, last weekend said his government would force social media giants to block children under the age of 14 from their platforms or face hefty penalties. The prime minister had no choice but to take the lead. The states, including NSW, were yapping at his heels, and the Coalition had already announced a similar policy earlier in the year.
If youd asked me 10 years ago if Id be guiding tours in the desert, Id have said no way, says Conan Allen, as he leads us along a scrub-lined trail in Joshua Tree National Park.

Back then, the now 44-year-old worked in sales for a big accounting firm in New York. But he wasnt happy. So after an extended period of travel and delving into self, he returned to where he grew up  Californias high desert  to guide people looking for a spiritual experience in a place thats long been claimed to contain energy sources known as vortices.

Open your mind to new experiences in the Joshua Tree.

If youd asked me 10 years ago if Id sign up for a sound bath meditation in the desert, Id also have said no way. But as mindfulness has grown increasingly mainstream over the past few years, Ive become more open to its motives and merits. After all, we devote a lot of time and energy to looking after our bodies; shouldnt we do the same for our minds?

We start the four-hour experience with a 1.6-kilometre hike through a less-visited corner of the park, a cactus-strewn sandy hollow flanked by rust-flecked rocky outcrops. At first glance, the area looks arid and devoid of life, but Allen knows otherwise.
Nerida Conisbee (pictured), chief economist at Ray White, weighed in on the issue. Beaches face rising seas, rivers may flood more often, and bush areas are at risk of wildfires, she said. Yet, she highlighted that home prices in these high-risk areas continue to climb, leaving experts wondering if homebuyers are properly accounting for the dangersor if the allure of a desirable lifestyle is clouding judgment.
A San Francisco man was sentenced to a year in prison for Section 8 fraud, federal prosecutors said. seng kui Lim/500px / Getty Images / 500px

A San Francisco man was sentenced to a year in prison for fraudulently claiming $341,455 in Section 8 benefits, which he spent on credit card bills and a timeshare in Hawaii, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office.

Gregory Finkelson, 64, signed a plea agreement admitted to crafting a web of lies that enabled him to steal hundreds of thousands of dollars from the U.S. government between August 2006 and February 2020. Throughout that period he received low-income rent subsidies through the San Francisco Housing Authority by pretending he did not own his San Francisco home, now worth $2.4 million, spokespeople for the U.S. Attorney said.

An investigation by federal law enforcement revealed that Finkelson had bought his home using the name of a Russian national who he said was his landlord. He also identified himself as an employee of a company he owned and operated from his home. To carry out the deceit, he spread the Section 8 money among multiple bank accounts  including one he opened in the Russians name  intending to mask his transactions.

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Finkelson deprived low-income families actually in need of housing over the entire period of his scheme, spokespeople for the U.S. Attorney said, citing prosecutors statements in a sentencing memorandum.
Lam Research announced expanding its Semiverse Solutions virtual infrastructure to 20 Indian universities, aiming to upskill thousands of semiconductor engineers.

The initiative targets training 60,000 engineers over the next decade, and while this years programme will impact 2,600 students, Lam plans to scale it up further. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp

We received applications from 75 universities, but this is just the start. As we expand the infrastructure, we aim to increase participation and continue contributing to Indias semiconductor ecosystem, said Rangesh Raghavan, corporate vice-president and general manager, Lam Research India, while talking to Business Standard at the Semicon India event on Wednesday.

On the selection criteria for colleges under the programme, he said that the universities were a mix of both private and public institutions and were selected based on factors such as NIRF rankings, the presence of existing semiconductor courses, and student reach. A regional distribution is also considered to ensure nationwide coverage.

"We want to target programmes with maximum reach to ensure broad participation. By selecting universities strategically, we're ensuring that students across India have access to advanced semiconductor training," Raghavan explained.

Explaining the need for such a training solution, Raghavan said that the traditional way of training engineers through physical labs wasnt scalable in India. There are only a handful of labs capable of training semiconductor engineers, which cannot meet the industrys demands. The virtual platform provides a solution by enabling students to access advanced semiconductor processes through simulations, significantly reducing costs associated with physical labs, he said.

Following a successful pilot at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Lam Research has signed a tripartite agreement with the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) and IISc to scale the programme.

The company is contributing $29 million in software licences for the virtual training suite, while ISM covers infrastructure costs at some of the universities, and IISc will implement a "train-the-trainer" model to educate faculty across the 20 universities.

Raghavan, talking about the broader impact of virtualisation, said that their complex equipment, used by global semiconductor giants like Intel and Samsung, is crucial to the fabrication process but couldnt be accessed by many. Were virtualising these processes, making them accessible to students in a fast, scalable way. This will democratise semiconductor education across India, he added.

David Fried, corporate vice-president, Semiverse Solutions, Lam Research, further explained the technology and said, Weve taken the same platforms used internally for some of the toughest challenges in the semiconductor industry and deployed them in education. This allows students to experiment virtually with advanced semiconductor tools, giving them hands-on experience without needing physical labs.
Berkeley is taking an aggressive approach to homeless encampments by allowing city workers to remove them even if no shelter beds are available. The controversial rules are a response to concerns at two encampments. Scott Strazzante/The Chronicle

Berkeley is embracing an aggressive approach to homeless encampments by allowing city workers to sweep tents even if no shelter beds are open and arrest or cite people in limited circumstances. Despite its reputation as one of the most liberal cities in the Bay Area, officials said theyre frustrated with two particularly entrenched encampments and need a tougher hand.

The Berkeley City Council voted 8-1 Tuesday evening to adopt the legislation following two hours of public comment during which most speakers opposed the proposal. The move came less than two months after the Supreme Court ruled in its Grants Pass decision that cities have the power to evict people from street encampments and confiscate their property.

City officials said the new policy is meant to address health and safety issues, fire hazards and public safety concerns while still maintaining a care first, jails last approach. Critics argue it will criminalize homelessness and do nothing to ease the crisis.

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The vote came on the same day that nine businesses and property owners filed a lawsuit against the city arguing that one of the large encampments that inspired the legislation is a public and private nuisance, blocking access to both sidewalks and streets. The businesses allege that city officials permitted those living in the encampment on Harrison Street to stay and failed to deal with the problem.

Cities throughout the Bay Area are now contemplating how to approach dealing with encampments given the ruling. Earlier this summer, San Francisco Mayor London Breed signaled the city will become more aggressive in its approach to clearing encampments. Breed said the city would still offer shelter but that workers would sweep encampments with the help of law enforcement.

Similar to other Bay Area cities, Berkeley has grappled with how to address the continuing crisis of homelessness. But Berkeley has seen some success in addressing the problem with the last point-in-time count released earlier this year, showing the unsheltered population had fallen 45% over the past two years.

Berkeleys attitudes toward housing have changed over time and the city has become more supportive of major housing developments, including plans to build huge projects at the citys two BART stations. Tuesdays legislation isnt the first time the city has considered taking an aggressive approach to homelessness. In 2019, Berkeley considered an overnight RV parking ban that drew condemnation from neighboring cities. The city instead pursued safe parking sites.

Council Member Rashi Kesarwani, one of the authors of the legislation, said before the vote that the aggressive action is necessary because years of efforts to eliminate two major encampments and move those residents indoors have come up short. Kesarwani said the city needed a new policy so it could pursue a nuanced approach that takes into account serious fire risk, imminent health hazards.

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Were going to make shelter offers whenever we can. But what we are also saying is we have to balance that with the needs of the surrounding community, she said after the vote. Its not safe and not reasonable to not address those immediate health and safety risks.

Council Member Cecilia Lunaparra, who cast the sole vote against the resolution, called it abhorrent.

This legislation would provide the city with sweeping powers to clear encampments without first offering shelter, and I think this policy, without the promise of adequate shelter and safe encampment sites, will result in cruel, inhumane and dangerous conditions for our unhoused neighbors, Lunaparra told the Chronicle.

Members of the East Bay Community Law Center, American Civil Liberties Union, several homeless outreach organizations and other groups signed a letter Monday urging the City Council to vote against the legislation, arguing that it would effectively criminalize individuals for being unhoused; place unhoused residents at increased risk and subject them to loss of community.

Kesarwani said two encampments in the city within her district pose serious concerns for residents  at Harrison and Eighth streets and Cedar and Second streets in West Berkeley. The city has said there are significant health and safety issues in the Harrison encampment that include dead animals, uncapped syringes and gas containers stored in makeshift wooden structures. City officials estimate that as of January, 31 people were at the encampment on Second and Cedar streets and 39 people at Harrison Street.

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A city report from February showed that the encampments have also destroyed public infrastructure, damaging sidewalks and killing trees. Kesarwanis legislation directs staff to continue offering shelter to residents before shutting down an encampment, and it also notes several instances when the city can cite or arrest residents regardless of whether shelter is available.

Those measures would be applied if an encampment is a fire hazard; poses a health and safety concern; is considered a public nuisance; interferes with city or utility companies construction or other maintenance activities; and is located on a city median, roadway or public right-of-way.

Lisa Teague, who was homeless from 2009 to 2011 but received housing in Berkeley through a lottery, marched Tuesday before the meeting with other residents against the legislation.

Sweeping people does not change anything, Teague, 65, said. It just moves people to a different location.

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The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday stirred discontent within its ranks by releasing its second list of 21 candidates for the Haryana assembly elections. The new list saw the exclusion of seven sitting legislators, including two ministers and the state party president, Mohan Lal Badoli.

The immediate consequence of the decision was the resignation of Shiv Kumar Mehta, a member of the state units executive committee. Displeased with the partys choice of Om Prakash Yadav for the Narnaul seat, which he had sought, Mehta submitted his resignation to Badoli. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp

Additionally, Satyavrat Shastri, a spokesperson for the Haryana BJP, has resigned from the partys primary membership. Shastri contends that the party has deviated from its core values and is being swayed by individuals with contrary beliefs.

Mehta said that he has been working for the party for 45 years but was repeatedly overlooked and told to get ready for the next opportunity. He said he has now left the party and will turn his focus to social service.

The ministers who have been denied tickets include Seema Trikha, the School Education Minister and MLA for Badkhal, who is being replaced by Dhanesh Adlakha, and Banwari Lal, the Health Minister and MLA for Bawal, who is being succeeded by Krishna Kumar.

Trikha, the only female minister in Chief Minister Nayab Singh Sainis BJP cabinet, secured the Badkhal seat by defeating Congress candidates Vijay Pratap Singh and Mahendra Pratap Singh in the 2019 and 2014 elections, respectively.

State President Mohan Lal Badoli, who had earlier said that he would not run in the October 5 Assembly elections to concentrate on securing the party's success, is being replaced by Krishna Gehlawat for the Rai seat in Sonipat district.

The BJPs announcement of its initial list of 67 candidates last week has also led to significant dissatisfaction within the party. Out of the 87 candidates named so far, the BJP has selected 17 SCs, 16 Jats, 19 OBCs, five Rajputs, 11 Punjabis, 11 Brahmins, five Vaishyas, two Muslims, and one Sikh, aiming to ensure a diverse representation of various castes and communities.

Haryana will go to polls on October 5, with the vote counting set for October 8. Candidates must file their nominations by September 12, after which scrutiny will take place on September 13. The deadline for withdrawing nominations is September 16.

[With agency inputs]
Ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has instructed the local administration and security agencies to refrain from placing political leaders and workers under unnecessary preventive detention. Additionally, the commission emphasised that polling booths should not be shifted or merged at the last minute due to security concerns, according to a report by The Indian Express.

In a bid to boost voter participation in the Jammu and Kashmir elections, the Election Commission has reportedly advised officials to avoid detaining political figures without sufficient cause, prevent last-minute changes to polling locations for security reasons, and ensure political rallies are not abruptly cancelledissues that have been noted in previous elections. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp

The national daily cited sources as saying that Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, alongside Election Commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, reminded officials during a recent visit to Jammu and Kashmir that preventive actions must not appear biased and should be reserved for individuals with criminal records.

In prior elections, party leaders and workers were often placed in preventive detention right before voting day. During the May Lok Sabha elections, former Chief Minister and PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti had raised concerns about her party workers and polling agents being detained.

Here are the top updates on the 2024 J&K Assembly polls:

Congress releases third list of candidates

The Congress party has released its third list of 19 candidates for the forthcoming assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. Contesting in alliance with the National Conference, the Congress has fielded Raman Bhalla, Chaudhary Lal Singh, and Neeraj Kundan for key seats. In total, the party has announced 34 candidates for the elections, which begin on September 18. The National Conference and Congress have agreed to contest 51 and 32 seats, respectively, with some seats seeing friendly contests.

Sajad Lone on 'Azadi' sentiment gone underground

Sajad Gani Lone, leader of the Jammu and Kashmir People's Conference (JKPC), remarked that the 'Azadi' sentiment in the region has not disappeared but has instead gone underground. Speaking to ANI, he said, "While it may not be visible, as Kashmiris, we can still feel it. Muscular policies have only prolonged its presence."

BJP's Anurag Thakur criticises Congress and NC

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Parliament (MP) Anurag Thakur accused Congress and National Conference leaders of invoking the memory of Afzal Guru, the convicted terrorist behind the Parliament attack, to distract from their impending electoral defeat. He further criticised Rahul Gandhi for allegedly defaming the country abroad, accusing him of trying to divide the nation.

Omar Abdullah responds to BJP

Omar Abdullah, Vice President of the National Conference, hit back at the BJP, accusing them of exploiting fear and doing little to combat rising militancy in the Jammu region. He highlighted that under his party's leadership, militancy was kept in check in areas like Chenab Valley and Pir Panjal, and pledged to restore peace if elected.

Jammu and Kashmir is set to hold its first assembly elections in a decade, spanning three phases over 90 constituencies: September 18, 25, and October 1. These elections hold significance as they follow the revocation of the region's special status and statehood in 2019.
Amy Adams in Nightbitch, directed by Marielle Heller. Adams is set to receive the MVFF Award on the festivals closing night, Oct. 13. Searchlight Pictures

Nothing is keeping the stars from attending the Mill Valley Film Festival this time. Amy Adams, Ralph Fiennes, Jude Law and Danielle Deadwyler are all headed to Marin County.

The California Film Institute unveiled its full program on Sept. 11, giving festivalgoers a peek into the star-studded event scheduled for Oct. 3-13. Among the new additions, Adams is set to receive the MVFF Award at a closing night screening of Alameda-raised filmmaker Marielle Hellers Nightbitch, in which she stars as a woman whose maternal instincts begin to manifest in canine form.

As previously announced, Fiennes is expected to attend opening night for a screening of Edward Bergers Vatican drama Conclave; Law is to be the subject of a tribute program, where he is expected to discuss his latest film, Firebrand; and a spotlight program is slated to feature Deadwyler and her new film, The Piano Lesson, an adaptation of August Wilsons 1997 play.

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Jude Law, left, and Eddie Marsan in Firebrand, one of the performances Law will discuss during his Mill Valley Film Festival tribute on Oct. 13. MBK Productions/TNS

The centerpiece film is Better Man, in which British pop star Robbie Williams is played by rising star Jonno Davies, who is scheduled to appear in person.

In all, the lineup boasts 129 films from 40 countries, including 77 premieres of various kinds.

Unlike last year, which was affected by the Hollywood strikes of the writers and actors guilds, and previous pandemic-affected years, there is nothing to hold back talent from attending this time.

Nothing compares to the magic of watching films on the big screen, sparking conversations and connections that will resonate long after the festival concludes, said Mark Fishkin, MVFFs founder and director, in a statement. Over these many years, Ive heard from audience members how a single MVFF film has moved them. It doesnt matter if it was joy or tears  for them the experience was palpable. Our hope is that you leave this years festival in a similar way.

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The Mind the Gap Award goes to Mumbai-based filmmaker Payal Kapadia, whose All We Imagine as Light won the Grand Prix at this years Cannes Film Festival. Mikey Madison (FXs Better Things) is also the subject of a spotlight for her much-talked-about turn in Sean Bakers Anora; and Zoe Saldana, Karla Sofia Gascon, Adriana Paz and Edgar Ramirez are all expected to receive the ensemble cast award for the much-anticipated transgender Mexican crime drama Emilia Perez.

Mikey Madison in Sean Bakers Anora. Madison is part of a spotlight tribute at the 47th Mill Valley Film Festival. Neon

But MVFF Director of Programming Zoe Elton also urged festivalgoers not to sleep on the stars and filmmakers of tomorrow.

A noticeable trend at MVFF47 is the number of first-time feature filmmakers launching their works here, bringing fresh voices to our supportive audience, Elton said in a statement. Films like My Dead Friend Zoe by Kyle Hausmann-Stokes and Eastern Western by Biliana and Marina Grozdanova offer personal insight through beautifully made narratives. As the industry evolves, festivals like ours play a vital role in supporting the next generation.

As always, theres plenty of Bay Area talent in the lineup as well, including veteran Berkeley documentarian Connie Fields look at autocratic Hungary in Democracy Noir; the World Premiere of D. Damian Panettas Lost in Time: Druid Heights, about the former bohemian community near Mill Valley; Fairfax director Natalie Zimmermans environmental Oceania: Journey to the Center; Berkeley director Jalena Keane-Lees Standing Above the Clouds, about Native Hawaiian traditions clashing with plans for a huge telescope on sacred Mauna Kea land; and the world premiere of Orinda filmmaker Julie Rubios The True Story of Tamara de Lempicka & the Art of Survival, about the bisexual 20th century painter.

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Early bird tickets and passes were on sale through Sept. 12. General admission tickets went on sale Wednesday, Sept. 18.

Ralph Fiennes and Stanley Tucci star in Conclave, a drama about the selection of a new pope, directed by Edward Berger. The film will open the Mill Valley Film Festival on Oct. 3, with Fiennes and Berger in attendance. Philippe Antonello/Focus Features

47th Mill Valley Film Festival

When: Oct. 3-13

Where: Smith Rafael Film Center, 1118 Fourth St., San Rafael; Sequoia Cinema, 25 Throckmorton Ave., Mill Valley; Lark Theater, 549 Magnolia Ave., Larkspur; Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive, 2155 Center St., Berkeley.

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Films: 129 from 40 countries, including 77 premieres (either world, North American, West Coast or Bay Area).

Opening night: Conclave (6:30 p.m. Oct. 3, on five screens at Smith Rafael and Sequoia) a Vatican drama starring Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci and Isabella Rossellini. Fiennes and director Edward Berger expected to attend. At Smith Rafael and Sequoia. Followed by party at Marin Country Mart, Larkspur.

Centerpiece: Better Man (6 p.m. Oct. 10, Sequoia Cinema) based on the true story of British pop superstar Robbie Williams, with director Michael Gracey and actor Jonno Davies scheduled to attend.

Tribute: Jude Law (2 p.m. Oct. 13, Smith Rafael Film Center). In-person tribute to revisit key moments from his films and examine his unique portrayal of Henry VIII in Firebrand.

Spotlight programs: Mikey Madison for her breakthrough role in Sean Bakers Palme dOr-winning Anora (6 p.m. Oct. 4, Sequoia Cinema); the ensemble cast of Emelia Perez, featuring Zoe Saldana, Karla Sofia Gascon, Adriana Paz, and Edgar Ramirez (7 p.m. Oct. 5, Smith Rafael Film Center); Danielle Deadwyler for The Piano Lesson (6:30 p.m. Oct. 6, Sequoia Cinema); Oscar-winning director Adam Elliot for his animated feature Memoir of a Snail (7 p.m. Oct. 12, Sequoia Cinema).

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Mind the Gap Award: Mumbai-based filmmaker Payal Kapadia (7 p.m. Oct. 11, Smith Rafael Film Center), winner of the Grand Prix at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival for All We Imagine as Light.

Closing night: Nightbitch (5 p.m. Oct. 13, five screens at Smith Rafael and Sequoia), a horror comedy about motherhood directed by Alameda-raised filmmaker Marielle Heller, starring Amy Adams, who is scheduled to appear and receive the MVFF Award. Followed by closing night party at San Rafael Elks Lodge.

Tickets: Early bird tickets and passes ($75-$5,500) were available through Sept. 12. General admission tickets ($9-$18.50 per program) went on sale Wednesday, Sept. 18.
Understanding taxation is essential for effective personal finance management, and one area that frequently causes confusion is Tax Deducted at Source (TDS). This concept becomes particularly important when withdrawing money from your Employee Provident Fund (EPF) account. Let us understand TDS on EPF withdrawal: Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp Section 192A of the Income Tax Act regulates the deduction of TDS on withdrawals from the Employee Provident Fund (EPF). It requires that TDS be deducted at the time of EPF withdrawal. This means that when you withdraw funds from your EPF account, a specific percentage of the total amount will be withheld as TDS before the remaining balance is paid to you.

TDS will be deducted in the following scenarios:

- If an employee withdraws an amount equal to or exceeding Rs 30,000 with less than 5 years of service:

a) TDS will be deducted at 10 per cent if Form 15G/15H is not submitted, provided the employee has submitted their PAN.

b) TDS will be deducted at the maximum marginal rate (34.608 per cent) if the employee fails to submit their PAN.

Members must quote PAN in Form No.- 15G / 15H and in Form No. 19

No TDS is applicable in the following cases:

- Transfer of Provident Fund (PF) from one account to another.

- Termination of service due to the member's ill health, discontinuation of business by the employer, completion of a project, or any other reason beyond the member's control.

- Withdrawal of PF after completing five years of service.

- If the PF withdrawal amount is less than Rs 30,000, and the member has served for less than five years.

- If the employee withdraws Rs 30,000 or more, with less than five years of service, but submits Form 15G/15H along with their PAN.



Starting FY 21-22, interest on an employee's contribution to an EPF account above Rs 2.5 lakh during the financial year is taxable in the hands of the employee. This interest is also subject to TDS under section 194A, said Manikandan S, tax expert at Cleartax.

Documents required to withdraw PF online

Universal Account Number (UAN)

Bank account information of the EPF subscriber

Identity and address proof

Cancelled check with IFSC code and account number
Jordan Kurland, founder of Brilliant Corners Artist Management, has purchased the Abner Phelps House in San Francisco. Andrew Paynter/Brilliant Corners Artist Management

The oldest house in San Francisco is set to become the central hub of the citys revitalized music scene.

Jordan Kurland, the new owner of the historic Abner Phelps House at 1111 Oak St. near the Golden Gate Park Panhandle, confirmed to the Chronicle on Tuesday that he will convert the property into the headquarters for Noise Pop Industries and his management company.

Our lease was up at our space in the Mission and we had spent some months looking for a new space, said Kurland, who purchased the property for $2 million last week. The possibility of buying was in the back of my mind given the state of the current real estate market but wasnt what I initially set out to do. When I saw the listing for the Abner Phelps House I was, of course, curious, and once I toured it I was sold.

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Built in 1850, the home is believed to be the oldest residence in San Francisco. Local historians suggest that lawyer Abner Phelps may have bought the structure in New Orleans and shipped it in pieces to San Francisco to relieve his Southern wifes homesickness.

The Abner Phelps house in San Francisco, believed to be the oldest house in the city, was recently sold. Nora Mishanec/The Chronicle

The house has changed locations multiple times. The original Phelps estate spanned 160 acres, now part of Golden Gate Park. Historians believe Phelps commuted by horseback to his law office near the current Transamerica Pyramid site.

The three-story property had housed a computer consulting firm owned by its former owner, Pamela Munn, for the past three decades.

Not only does the building have an amazing history, it feels great once inside of it, Kurland said. Theres a real warmth and positive energy.

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Noise Pop Industries produces one of the nations longest-running independent music festivals and several citywide events, including a free concert series this summer to stimulate the citys arts scene and economy.

The band Eagles of Death Metal perform at a free outdoor concert at Potrero Del Sol Park as part of San Franciscos newest live music series SF Live on Sept. 7. The event was produced by Noise Pop Industries. Jana Asenbrennerova/Special to The Chronicle

The Gothic Revival-style house boasts 3,483 square feet over its three levels. The main floor features a porch, foyer and four work areas. The upper level has a balcony, restroom and four work areas, while the ground level includes a new kitchen, two restrooms and an open work area. Set back from the lot, it boasts a veranda and five rear parking spots.

We also have one small room available that we are going to look to rent soon, ideally to someone who is also in music or the arts, Kurland said. But anyone who works here has to dress like its 1850. Mumford & Sons is a good reference point, I guess.

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Kurland, who serves on the board of the Stern Grove Festival, takes pride in being the steward of a significant piece of San Francisco history.

Ive spent nearly 30 years living here, and Ive never felt more a part of the fabric of the city and its rich history, he said.

Musicians perform as part of the the Civic Joy Fund and Noise Pop-sponsored San Francisco Summer of Music Series in 2023. S.F. Summer of Music

Indeed, taking ownership of the Abner Phelps House establishes firmer roots for Kurland.

Like a lot of long-term residents of San Francisco, Ive found the last handful of years to be quite challenging, he said. And as someone who has lived and worked in the arts, it has been challenging for a lot longer. So, to be honest, I wasnt sure how long I planned to stay after my son, Theo, leaves for college. The city has started to feel much better, though, which seems to be the direct benefit of a competitive mayors race. Rather than leaving, which is what many people in my line of business have done, I felt compelled to double down and invest more in the community.

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A Delhi court on Wednesday granted bail to AAP leader Durgesh Pathak in a corruption case related to the alleged excise scam, being probed by the CBI. Special Judge Kaveri Baweja also extended the judicial custody of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal till September 25 in the case. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp The judge passed the order after the accused appeared before the court in pursuance to its earlier order. The judge had on September 3 taken cognisance of the charge sheet against Kejriwal, Pathak and others, saying there was sufficient evidence to proceed against them. The judge had issued a production warrant for Kejriwal, who is lodged in judicial custody, and summoned Pathak on September 11.

The CBI had filed a supplementary charge sheet against Kejriwal, Pathak, Vinod Chauhan, Ashish Mathur and Sarath Reddy a few weeks ago.

The central probe agency informed the court last month that it had obtained the requisite sanctions to prosecute Kejriwal and Pathak in the case.

The CBI has claimed that the money generated from the alleged excise scam was spent according to the wishes of Kejriwal, who promised Rs 90 lakh to each candidate of his party in the 2022 Goa assembly elections.

The agency had made the submission while urging the court to take cognisance of the charge sheet.

It claimed that Vijay Nair, a co-accused and former AAP communication in-charge, was appointed by Kejriwal to negotiate a deal with the 'South Group' comprising BRS leader K Kavitha, Raghav Magunta, Arun Pillai, Butchibabu Gorantla, P Sarath Reddy, Abhishek Boinpally and Benoy Babu. All of them are co-accused in the case.

According to the CBI, the 'South Group' is a cartel of businessmen and politicians who gave kickbacks of Rs 100 crore to Delhi's ruling AAP in return for liquor licences and modifying the now-scrapped excise policy to benefit them.

The CBI claimed that Pathak was appointed as the party in-charge for the Goa elections and the money received through kickbacks was spent on his instructions. All transactions involving election expenses were made in cash, it alleged.
U.S. Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris, right, shakes hands with former U.S. President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump during a presidential debate at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Pa., on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images

To use the Tim Walz vernacular, the first presidential debate between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris had some really weird moments. Of course, social media was there to capture most of them.

Throughout the 90-minute faceoff on Tuesday, Sept. 10, Trump rambled, made outrageous claims about everything from infanticide to immigrants eating pets, and dropped such memorable bon mots as, I have a concept of a plan, when describing how he would replace the Affordable Care Act.

He made accusations of Marxism (an oldie, but goodie on the political right) as he was fact-checked live by ABC News moderators David Muir and Linsey Davis. Even with toned-down makeup and a more subtle dishwater blond hair color, the stage picture of Trump became more Nixonesque as the debate went on: He fumed, he slumped, he blanched and made wincing facial expressions followed by unnerving joker grins.

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Meanwhile, Harris seemed to delight in goading Trump, referencing his criminal convictions and civil lawsuits, questioning the size of his  crowds, and repeatedly letting him checkmate himself with his own words. Her most memorable poses of the night were hand-under-chin, squinting her eyes in focus, presenting herself in profile to the camera as though sitting for a portrait to be emblazoned on currency. Then, she would smile, her signature laugh released as a controlled, staccato chuckle.

The debate was like going to a performance where one actor had studied the play, and the other one had dropped acid. It was certainly good television, but ultimately concerning when you remembered that youre not watching a celebrity meltdown on a reality show; you were watching two people make their case for the presidency of our country.

In real time, social media responded to the debate with memes, videos and even musical parodies. Let us hope the internet engagement is also indicative of peoples engagement in the democratic process itself.

The handshake

From the moment Trump and Harris stepped out on the debate stage, the vice president showed her command of the space by extending her hand to Trump, who was already heading to his podium.

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Kamala Harris, she introduced herself on their first-ever meeting, both correcting his often improper pronunciation of her name and subtly implying his need to be reminded who she was. Lets have a good debate.

By taking ownership of that moment, she started the night by making Trump look unsportsmanlike, a boxer too afraid to touch gloves.

Video clips of the moment began to recirculate quickly on social media.

Fact check: killing babies and eating pets

Two of the truly bizarre moments of the night were when Trump said that Democrats support abortions after birth and executing the baby. Davis fact-checked that there is no state where it is legal to kill a baby after birth and Harris responded that Nowhere in America is a woman carrying a pregnancy to term and asking for an abortion. That isnt happening; its insulting to the women of America.

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Trumps later claim that immigrant communities were abducting and eating pets in Springfield, Ohio, inspired a rash of memes and even musical takes almost immediately, including the animated dog Santas Little Helper from The Simpsons questioning the claim.

Former President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks during a presidential debate with Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Pa., on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. Win McNamee/TNS

Trumps criminal face

One of the nights most screenshot-worthy moments was Trumps pursing of his lips, wincing shock when Harris mentioned his criminal convictions and lawsuits like E. Jean Carrolls sexual assault claim, in which Trump was found liable. It was a reaction so big, so obvious, one can only hope to play poker with the former president before the legal system gets his cash.

Transgender operations on illegal aliens who are in prison

During one of Trumps most wide-ranging responses  about crime, Minneapolis, oil drilling, his inheritance from his father and guns  the former president declared: Now she wants to do transgender operations on illegal aliens that are in prison!

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X (formerly Twitter) users posted some immediately memorable responses to the turn of phrase, including a meme of E.T. the beloved alien creature in Steven Spielbergs 1982 film E.T. The Extraterrestrial, in full glam.

Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris on stage during a presidential debate with former President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. Saul Loeb/AFP/TNS

This  former president.

One of the most video-clipped moments of the night was when Harris seemed on the verge of calling Trump something outside the rules of debate decorum. When discussing the decision to withdraw U.S. troops from Afghanistan, and Trumps hosting members of the Taliban at Camp David, Harris began describing Trump as This  and then paused as if catching herself before saying something indelicate.  former president, she finished.

World leaders are laughing at you

Did anyone else think of the 1976 horror film Carrie when Harris said that world leaders were laughing at Trump? I conjured Mrs. White, Carries religious mother, taunting her daughter before the prom. Trump seemed to fume at the burn Harris delivered as though disarming a lunchroom bully.

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U.S. Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris gives a thumbs down during a presidential debate with former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on Tuesday, Sept.10, 2024. Saul Loeb/TNS

Rallies size

When in doubt, go Freudian with Trump  questioning the size of anything of his tend to provoke him. Harris accusations that his crowds are not as big as he claims  that people get bored and go home early  clearly got under his skin.

Taylor Swift cat lady endorsement

Following the debate, pop star Taylor Swift posted an endorsement of Harris and Walz on Instagram to her more than 283 million followers.

She signed the post Childless Cat Lady, a reference to J.D. Vances taunt of Democratic leaders, and included a picture of her holding her cat, Benjamin Button.
Customers at Fieldwork Brewing Co. in Berkeley in 2018. The business says it has suffered financial losses due to a nearby homeless encampment. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle

A group of Berkeley businesses, including some prominent names in the food and drink industry, have filed a suit against the city of Berkeley over homeless encampments near them, becoming the latest flashpoint in a contentious national debate.

Boichik Bagels owner Emily Winston, Fieldwork Brewing Co. and Covenant Winery are among the businesses trying to force the city to remove homeless encampments on Harrison Street, Dwight Way and along Codornices Creek, according to a complaint filed in Alameda County Superior Court Tuesday, which was first reported by the Berkeley Scanner. They allege that their businesses are suffering financially as a result of the encampments, due to unsanitary conditions, safety concerns and increased criminal activity, including physical threats and violence. Their employees and customers dont feel safe, the lawsuit alleges.

This neighborhood has so much potential. It could be so great if we could just clean this up, said Winston, who last year opened an 18,000-square-foot factory on Sixth Street to power her nationally acclaimed bagel business. People are afraid to come here, and I dont blame them.

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Boichik Bagels is part of a group of Berkeley businesses suing the City of Berkeley over nearby homeless encampments. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle

The city of Berkeley declined to comment on the pending litigation. The City Council passed on Tuesday night a new policy that will allow city workers to remove tents from streets and sidewalks even if no shelter beds are open, and to arrest or cite people in limited circumstances. The decision comes less than two months after a major Supreme Court ruling that cities have the power to evict people from street encampments and confiscate their property, prompting cities throughout the Bay Area to consider how to approach encampments. Critics, meanwhile, say the approach that Berkeley is now embracing would criminalize homelessness and do nothing to ease the crisis.

The other businesses suing the city include Acme Scenery Co., a set production company on Fifth Street; car repair shop Bavarian Professionals on Seventh Street; and Aarvaks Heating and Air Conditioning Inc., which has operated on Dwight Way since 1995. They say they have attempted to work with the city for years but are frustrated by an insufficient response, the lawsuit states. One of the two law firms representing the Berkeley businesses, Tully Bailey in Arizona, won a similar case last year requiring the city of Phoenix to clear a homeless encampment.

Covenant Winery in Berkeley, pictured in 2016, says in a lawsuit that its employees feel at risk due to nearby homeless encampments. Gabrielle Lurie/Special to The Chronicle

The business owners often find hypodermic needles, urine and feces on their properties, and observe fires and rodents in the neighborhood, the lawsuit states. RVs and tents block the public right-of-way on sidewalks and impede parking, even after the city cleans the encampments, the lawsuit alleges. The city has said there are significant health and safety issues in the Harrison encampment, ranging from dead animals and uncapped syringes to gas containers stored in makeshift wooden structures. Unsheltered individuals have stolen water and power from Boichik Bagels, according to the lawsuit.

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Fieldwork owner Barry Braden no longer allows employees to close the business alone at night, requiring them to walk to their cars in pairs. Recently, a woman came into the brewery asking for free food, and then swung a 10-foot metal pole at customers and employees, according to the lawsuit. Fieldwork moved its warehouse and sales operations out of the Berkeley location in August due to the encampment, Braden said.

As a result of the encampments, there is reduced foot traffic, increased security concerns, and a decline in the overall aesthetic of the area, all of which have led to significant financial losses, the lawsuit states.

The businesses allege in their complaint that the city is imposing the cost and burden of the homeless crisis on private individuals and businesses.

Ilan Wurman, a Tully Bailey attorney who is representing the businesses, said the legal action is not about criminalizing anybody. The complaint cites the citys unsuccessful efforts to offer shelter to unhoused individuals in the encampments over the last several years.

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Daymond Gascon/The Chronicle

Sixteen years ago, California voters approved Proposition 8, which added a line to the state Constitution that read, Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.

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Yet the language banning same-sex marriage continues to lie dormant in Californias Constitution.

Marriage equality is entirely uncontroversial in California now  75% of voters support gay marriage, according to a February 2023 poll from the Public Policy Institute of California.

But despite that widespread support, same-sex marriage could be outlawed in California practically overnight if that zombie clause in our constitution is reanimated by the U.S. Supreme Courts ultra-conservative supermajority.

In a concurring opinion to the Supreme Courts 2022 ruling striking down the constitutional right to abortion and the 50 years of precedent established by Roe v. Wade, Justice Clarence Thomas wrote that the court should also reconsider its decision approving same-sex marriage.

This prompted Congress to pass and President Joe Biden to sign the landmark Respect for Marriage Act, which requires states to recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states and also ensures federal recognition. But it would still leave the legality of same-sex marriages up to individual states if Obergefell v. Hodges were to be overturned.

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Such a ruling would reactivate Prop 8s language and effectively outlaw same-sex marriage here.

The measure would delete the sentence in the state Constitution stating that marriage can only be between a man and a woman and replace it with a line establishing a fundamental right to marriage, regardless of sex or race.

Prop 3 is critical to reaffirming and protecting Californians right to marry who they love  and, as proponents note, to ensure all married couples have access to the legal benefits of marriage, whether they relate to parenting, taxes, insurance or hospital visitation rights.

The California Family Council, a Christian nonprofit opposing the measure, argues that its language is so broad that it could legalize polygamy, incest and child marriage. But these are baseless arguments. Both bigamy  marrying more than one person  and incest are illegal in California. Furthermore, California already allows child marriage  as long as a parent or guardian gives consent and a court signs off  despite efforts to ban the practice.

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About Opinion The editorial positions of The Chronicle, including election recommendations, represent the consensus of the editorial board, consisting of the publisher, the editorial page editor and staff members of the opinion pages. Its judgments are made independent of the news operation, which covers the news without consideration of our editorial positions.

Prop 3 doesnt change Californias marriage laws. It merely confirms and upholds existing law and shields the state from the whims of an increasingly unpredictable Supreme Court. Its an essential follow-up to 2022s Prop 1, which Californians overwhelmingly passed to enshrine the right to abortion and contraception in the state Constitution after the high court overturned Roe v. Wade.
Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee, and Kamala Harris greet before they debate for the first time at the National Constitution Center on Tuesday night in Philadelphia. Win McNamee/Getty Images Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris engage in the presidential debate Tuesday at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. Alex Brandon/Associated Press

Vice President Kamala Harris won Tuesdays presidential debate if you can call it that. This was, more than anything, the nervous breakdown of a presidential candidate on national television.

If there is any question about the emotional stability of former President Donald Trump among undecided voters, he answered it in demeanor and deportment, let alone his pathetic lies spit out on the stage of the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia.

How ironic that Trump was forced to debate in a building devoted to the U.S. Constitution, given that he wants to effectively terminate it.

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Harris put Trump on defense immediately when she strode up to him, stuck out her hand, and said, Kamala Harris, pronouncing her name as a courtesy to the man who calls her Kamabla.

He never recovered.

For her part, Harris was composed and got to show off her comic expressiveness. Her bright smile was a devastating counterpoint as she listened to this disturbed mendicant, escaped from his padded cell in Mar-a-Lago.

Im a different kind of person, he said in an all-time dramatic understatement in American political history.

Sometimes she rested her chin on her hand as he rambled on about off-point accusations, flat-out lies and his endorsements from dictators like Hungarys Viktor Orban.

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Most of the time, Harris looked like someone who knew that her opponent was pouring gasoline on himself in real-time, and her job was to make sure he got the lighter in his hand.

Trumps bizarre facial expressions betrayed his internal turmoil as Harris calmly but effectively made her points.

Had she faced a more effective opponent, perhaps she wouldnt have had such an easy night.

But she didnt.

Trump has been imploding before our very eyes for years, but the rapid acceleration was on full display tonight as he made mad assertions, such as (Biden) hates her. He cant stand her.

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Unhinged is a charitable description of Trumps performance, and it was evident as he became increasingly angrier and his face turned magenta, bursting through his ridiculous orange makeup.

At one point, Trump raved about immigrants eating dogs and cats in Springfield, Ohio, which its city manager said was completely unfounded.

Theyre eating the pets! he burbled.

Theres a campaign slogan upon which all sensible Americans can rally around.

Harris was occasionally tempted to interrupt, and she did, which opened the door for Trumps (I am certain completely planned) line about her 2020 debate comeback to Vice President Mike Pence. Mostly she quietly said, Thats not true, and she was right. It never was.

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Harris and her team wanted him to go on and on about crowd size, so she tossed the fat worm into the pond: Im gonna invite you to a (Trump) rally, she suggested, noting his frequent references to Hannibal Lecter and more kooky rants, and she concluded that his audiences leave out of exhaustion and boredom.

On abortion, an issue tailor-made for Harris to highlight her starkest difference with Trump aside from her obvious sanity, she described the anguish that Trumps Three SCOTUS Stooges have inflicted on young women, who are bleeding out in a car in a parking lot.

Thats a devastatingly effective closing argument in any courtroom.

On immigration, which was usually Trumps answer to any given question, the former president said immigrants cant even speak English.

At times, it wasnt utterly clear that Trump spoke English, either. Trumps new word techticality isnt any English language word Im familiar with. Oh, and he has concepts for a plan on health care.

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At one point, in a stream of surreal moments solely of Trumps creation, he suggested that Harris leave mid-debate, fly to Washington and sign a bill closing the border.

Huh. Not sure thats in the vice presidents powers as described in Article Two of the Constitution.

Trump was more than happy to drag House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi into the conversation if you can call it that, blaming her for Jan. 6, which he affectionately called J6, the preferred term of the insurrectionists.

In what was probably the peak moment of Trumps display of wacky delusion, he screamed, I probably took a bullet to the head because of the things they said about me!

Of course. That was it. All those mean things those vindictive Democrats say about him! My golly! How could they say mean things, as he routinely calls Harris stupid, weak and possessing a low IQ.

While Harriss only job tonight was to stand back, covered in plastic, while Trump sprayed juice through his nostrils, she got off some very effective lines, which clearly annoyed him.

Not everyone got handed $400 million and then declared bankruptcy six times, she zinged, further inflaming his facial capillaries.

As for Trumps ranting about undocumented immigrants, Harris calmly walked him through his own indictments and convictions, summarizing his transgressions as easily as an Alameda County deputy DA would walk a burglar through his priors on the stand.

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

Harris had a low bar to hurdle. All she had to do was look sane and competent. She vastly exceeded that.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz talks with students at Bruce Vento Elementary School in St. Paul, Minn. Walz was a teacher before going into politics. Associated Press 2019

I first met Tim Walz in 2005 at a gathering of aspiring Democratic candidates held in the union hall of my rural Minnesota hometown, separated from the Iowa border by 10 miles of corn and beanfields. Having returned from Washington to attend the funeral of my father, I was uplifted by this particularly spirited affair that included the likes of the now senator, Amy Klobuchar, along with a host of other local, state and national candidates.

It was Walz, however, who most brightened this otherwise dark day of mine, not only with his jovial, effusive personality but with his background as a fellow geographer as well  himself a teacher, me by academic training. Walz at the time was attempting to defeat an incumbent Republican and become only the fourth Democrat ever to represent the 1st Congressional District of Minnesota.

The district  which is shaped like a cozy slipper and extends the length of southern Minnesota from Wisconsin to South Dakota  is home to Hormel Foods and its accompanying Spam Museum, expansive Mississippi River vistas and the world-renowned Mayo Clinic. Like any demarcated land, its geographic notes are what make it unique.

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Geography is a broad, perhaps nerdy discipline whose practitioners are conversant in many fields, making them formidable Jeopardy! contestants or an agile, fact-knowledgeable vice presidential candidate. They are problem solvers and are known to ask a lot of questions. But more importantly, perhaps, they listen.

During that initial encounter, Walz was eager to hear my summary of the political landscape in this 722-square-mile county of 32,000 people consisting largely of Scandinavians, Germans, Czechs as well as Mexican families who migrated here in the 1930s to work its rich, glacial soils.

After he won his race in one of the states largest upsets of 2006, our conversations would continue but on an international level.

Throughout his time on Capitol Hill, I would often brief Walz and other congressional members and staff upon my return to Washington from my work abroad as a government contractor. Walz, in particular, was always eager to learn. His buoyant manner upon hearing my interactions with everyday people would spontaneously shift to one of deep deliberation when I provided my assessments on overarching matters of U.S. bilateral relations and global security. His geographers mind was ever engaged in those meetings, as he connected the dots between diverse data  anything from gross agricultural output to infant mortality rate  to see the bigger picture.

Contrast this with breathtakingly obtuse figures such as House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer who, after failing miserably in seeking to establish damaging Biden ties with China, is now conjuring up imaginary dots in an attempt to tarnish Walz by somehow linking him with the Chinese leadership.

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True to his geographers roots, Walz not only ventured to China to teach English but later brought Minnesota and Nebraska high school kids there to study. Being ever critical of the Communist Party apparatus in Beijing, Walz, as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, served upon the Congressional Executive Commission on China, tasked with monitoring and reporting on human rights issues and rule of law developments in the country. It was during this time that Walz met with none other than the Dali Lama, considered a dangerous separatist by Beijing.

Meanwhile, Comer, as the expression goes, would likely struggle to find China on a map.

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

Unfortunately, hes not the only American with that problem. With news outlets having slashed foreign coverage, Americas geographic illiteracy problem isnt bound to get any better. Too few of us know much about where we live, the world around us and how it all connects.

As major conflicts, pandemics and planetary-wide environmental changes continue, it is more important than ever for citizens and our government officials to understand the basics of place. Only then, can we have more leaders like Walz who understand that, ultimately, the most profound geography is destiny.
The Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) has released a consultation paper seeking feedback on the proposed amendment | File image

The government has proposed an amendment to the Securities Contracts Regulation Act (SCRA) to give brokers more flexibility in using their surplus cash.

Currently, Rule 8 of the SCRA prohibits brokers from engaging in any business other than securities or commodity derivatives. However, the term "other business" is not clearly defined, leading to confusion and restrictions on brokers' ability to make investments. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp

The Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) has released a consultation paper seeking feedback on the proposed amendment.

The paper suggests allowing brokers to carry out reasonable investment and business activities while ensuring client funds are protected. The government believes that prohibiting brokers from making investments, including in group companies, may place unreasonable restrictions on their ability to use their retained earnings.

The proposed amendment clarifies that broker investments will not be considered "business" unless they involve client funds, client securities, or create financial liabilities. This change seeks to balance market integrity with commercial flexibility for brokers.

The consultation paper also seeks feedback on specific issues, such as whether investment of proprietary funds in excess of net worth in other companies, including group companies, should be treated as "business", and whether broking officials should be allowed to be on the board of other group companies.

"The proposed amendment aims to strike a balance between maintaining market integrity and granting brokers commercial flexibility. By explicitly permitting investments that do not impact client funds or create liabilities, the amendment addresses concerns that the current rule imposes overly restrictive limitations on brokers' ability to make legitimate investments. Simultaneously, it reinforces the protection of client assets by ensuring that any high-risk or financially burdensome activities are subject to stringent regulation," said Anjali Malhotra, partner-regulatory at Nangia Andersen India.

The government has sought feedback until October 10 on the consultation paper. If implemented, the amendment could provide brokers with more flexibility to manage their investments and use their surplus cash more efficiently, while maintaining protections for client funds.

> Vague definition of other business leading to restrictions on brokers ability to make investments







> Broker investments will not be considered business unless they involve client funds, client securities, or create financial liabilities > Proposed changes in SCRA allow brokers to carry out reasonable investment and business activities

> SCRA currently prohibits brokers from engaging in any business other than securities or commodity derivatives
Shares of Gokul Agro Resources surged 19 per cent on the BSE in Wednesdays intra-day trade to hit a new record high of Rs 317, amid heavy volumes in an otherwise a weak market.

In one month, the stock has zoomed 50 per cent and it has skyrocketed 196 per cent in the past six months. In comparison, the BSE Sensex was down 0.39 per cent at 81,611 at 02:24 PM.



The average trading volumes on the counter jumped over two-fold, while a combined nearly 6 million shares have changed hands on the NSE and BSE today. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp

Since August 2, 2024, the stock price of Gokul Agro has soared 71 per cent after the company reported a strong 120 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y) jump in its consolidated profit after tax (PAT) at Rs 52.88 crore in the June quarter (Q1FY25).



It had posted a PAT of Rs 24.04 crore in the year-ago quarter. Revenue from operations rose 74 per cent YoY to Rs 4,290 crore, from Rs 2,464 crore in Q1FY24.

Gokul Agro is engaged in various aspects of seed processing, solvent extraction, oil refining, vanaspati ghee, soybean oil, bakery shortening, castor oil, and castor derivatives. The company is one of the leading and fastest growing company engaged in the production, distribution and exports of various edible and non-edible oils, along with its derivatives and feed meals.



Gokul Agro owns subsidiaries in Singapore and is exploring opportunities in Indonesia for facilitating direct sourcing of raw materials from South East Asia.

During the financial year 2023-24, the company commenced commercial operations of edible oils at its Krishnapatnam refinery plant located in Andhra Pradesh.



Apart from that, the company has also commenced commercial operations at its Haldia plant located in Mednipur, West Bengal, during the year.

Gokul Agro, in its FY24 annual report, said that it has global operations that are managed through international trade and a subsidiary located in Singapore, apart from its extensive marketing and distribution network spanning over 20 Indian states that reachs a wide array of customers.



Moreover, the companys industrial product line centers on the production and export of various grades of castor oil and its derivatives, boasting one of the largest production facilities in this segment.

Gokul Agro provides two prominent consumer brands, Vitalife and Mahek, offering a diverse array of refined cooking oils, such as soybean oil, groundnut oil, sunflower oil, mustard oil, cotton seed oil, palm oil and vanaspati ghee.
Panchen Rinpoche performs duties, conducts Buddhist, social activities in Lhasa

Xinhua) 10:08, September 11, 2024

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.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
People gather outside of the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive to watch the presidential debate watch party on Tuesday. Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle People gather outside of BAMPFA to watch the presidential debate watch party in Berkeley on Tuesday, almost all cheering on Vice President Kamala Harris. Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle People attend the presidential debate watch party at the Home of Chicken and Waffles restaurant in Oakland. The watch party was hosted by Derreck Johnson, owner of the restaurant and a childhood friend of Kamala Harris. Yalonda M. James/The Chronicle Andres DeRosales, 45, of San Rafael attends a presidential debate watch party at the Home of Chicken and Waffles restaurant in Oakland on Tuesday, cheering on candidate Kamala Harris. Yalonda M. James/The Chronicle Cooper Walts (center, bottom) lies on the grass as he watches the presidential debate at the BAMPFA watch party in Berkeley on Tuesday. Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle Regina Wilson-Henry of Oakland attends a presidential debate watch party at the Home of Chicken and Waffles restaurant in Oakland on Tuesday. Yalonda M. James/The Chronicle Lisa Joseph and Phil Rapier watch the presidential debate at the BAMPFA watch party in Berkeley. Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle Oakland Deputy Mayor Dr. Kimberly Mayfield attends the presidential debate watch party at the Home of Chicken and Waffles restaurant. Yalonda M. James/The Chronicle Home of Chicken and Waffles owner Derreck Johnson pumps his fist after recording a video of attendees following Vice President Kamala Harris presidential debate with former president Donald Trump in Oakland on Tuesday. Johnson, who is Harris childhood friend, said he will share the video with her. Yalonda M. James/The Chronicle

Lisa Joseph and her partner were the first to arrive for an outdoor screening of Tuesdays presidential debate, showing up nearly two hours early.

Joseph, who grew up blocks away from one of Vice President Kamala Harris childhood homes in Berkeley, stumbled upon the watch party at the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive while searching for somewhere to watch the debate. Im looking for integrity, Joseph said. I have children and grandchildren, and Im looking for their future. Im concerned about their future.

The pair were soon joined by what became more than 500 other people, and by the time Tuesday nights debate began, the lawn area and part of Addison Street spreading around the museum was brimming with lawn chairs and blankets. With a smattering of exceptions, they all came for one reason: To cheer on their hometown candidate. And cheer they did.

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The debate watchers spent the next couple of hours applauding Harris and exploding in laughter and boos at former President Donald Trumps remarks. They roared approvingly at the vice presidents zingers, as one attendee put it, and her rebuttals to Trump.

A chorus of Tell him! broke out when Harris called for reproductive freedom and looked Trump up and down. Thank you! others shouted when Harris talked about Trumps pandemic response. One attendee made a point of flipping off Trump with both hands as he walked by the giant television screen.

A handful of miles away, in Oakland  another hometown of Harris childhood  a similar crowd gathered at Home of Chicken and Waffles with the same aim. Around 80 people packed the restaurant, owned by one of the vice presidents close childhood friends, Derreck Johnson, to yell at the television, taunting Trump and clapping for Harris. The biggest guffaws erupted when Harris clearly wrestled with how to politely describe her opponent, saying, this  this  former president.

Im ecstatic. She knocked it out of the park, gushed Johnson, who said he would send a video of the party to Harris chief of staff. We are 10,000% behind her. She is going to bring it home.

At one point, when Trump was talking about Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, Andres DeRosales yelled at the screen that the ex-president liked Putin because he wanted to be his puppet.

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Putin will eat him for lunch, and she ate Trump for dinner, DeRosales said. She turned him into a Philly cheesesteak in Philadelphia. Trump came off as unhinged, crazy, old.

Back in Berkeley, the location was apt for the many supporters: Harris grew up just a few minutes drive away from the museum, getting her start in public service in the nearby Alameda County District Attorneys Office. There was little doubt about where this bunch stood.

Peals of laughter and jeers broke out as Trump pushed back on Harris attack over his crowd size. More chuckles erupted after ABC moderator David Muir fact-checked Trumps false claims that immigrants were eating dogs.

It seems like Harris is in control a little bit, Stephen Stack said. Trump is coming across as very rambling and defensive.

Stack, who met a friend for the watch party, is a recent graduate of nearby UC Berkeley. As an Irish national, he said the outcome of the election might affect whether he stays in the United States. He was cheering Harris.

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Its been kind of fun to hear everybody hooting and hollering, Stack said.

The adulation wasnt entirely universal: A half-dozen activists hung around the edges of the crowd, saying they didnt like either candidate as they passed out flyers pushing for a revolution. But they did not seem to make a lot of inroads with the excited Harris fans. And when Harris addressed the war between Israel and Palestine, the crowd was notably more quiet  a reflection of the diversity of stances on the conflict, opined Julie Saxe-Taller.

Saxe-Taller made an impromptu speech to the crowd just before the debate started, urging people to volunteer to caucus in battleground states. She managed to get contact information for seven people who now plan to head to Nevada or Arizona before the election.

Chris Carlisle said he has been excited to have a major candidate from the city he is from, even visiting some of her childhood homes and pointing them out to passengers when he drives for Uber. But he also noted that Harris has often failed to refer directly to Berkeley, instead talking about Oakland and the broader East Bay.

Its a little bit annoying that she doesnt mention Berkeley at all, Carlisle said. She religiously avoids any mention of it.

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Julie Rodrigues Widholm, executive director of BAMPFA, said the museum would have broadcast the debate even if locally raised Harris was not one of the candidates, as it has in the past.

Knowing that we have become a space for these important civic moments  and we have this very unique outdoor screen, which in some ways acts as sort of like a community TV  is really an exciting opportunity to bring the community together for this important moment, Widholm said.

Stack thought watching among hundreds of others allowed him to follow how well the candidates were doing  but he admitted that those hundreds constituted a pretty partisan crowd. Trump never stood much of a chance with them.

Is this just Berkeley or is this the thing in general? Stack said. Clearly, people in Berkeley think hes being ridiculous, but someone whos still deciding in Pennsylvania  how does that align with them? I dont know.
Biden and Harris will start their day with a visit to the New York City site where planes brought down the World Trade Center's twin towers. | File Photo

US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on Wednesday will observe the 23th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks on the US with visits to each of the three sites where hijacked planes crashed in 2001, killing nearly 3,000 people.

Biden and Harris will start their day with a visit to the New York City site where planes brought down the World Trade Center's twin towers.

Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp Harris, now the Democratic nominee for president, was due to traveled to New York after debating her Republican rival, former President Donald Trump, in Philadelphia on Tuesday evening, with just eight weeks left before the Nov. 5 presidential election.

No remarks are scheduled at the site, where relatives will read the names of those who died.



Trump will also attend the New York City ceremony, along with former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, a source familiar with the plans said.



Biden and Harris will then fly to Shanksville, Pennsylvania, where passengers on United Flight 93 overcame the hijackers and the plane crashed in a field, preventing another target from being hit. Then they will head back to the Washington area to visit the Pentagon memorial.



"We can only imagine the heartbreak and the pain that the 9/11 families and survivors have felt every day for the past 23 years and we will always remember and honor those who were stolen from us way too soon," White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters aboard Air Force One on Tuesday.



"We will continue to do everything in our power to ensure that an attack like this never happens again," she said.



Biden issued a proclamation honoring those who died as a result of the attacks, as well as the hundreds of thousands of Americans who volunteered for military service afterwards.



"We owe these patriots of the 9/11 Generation a debt of gratitude that we can never fully repay," Biden said, citing deployments to Afghanistan, Iraq and other war zones, as well as the capture and killing of Sept. 11 mastermind Osama bin Laden and his deputy.

US congressional leaders on Tuesday posthumously awarded the congressional gold medal to 13 of those service members who were killed in the Aug. 26, 2021, suicide bombing at Kabul's airport during the chaotic US withdrawal from Afghanistan.
In a major legal setback for two tech giants, Apple Inc and Google, the European Union has secured victories in its relentless pursuit of Big Tech accountability. These rulings represent a major milestone in the EUs efforts to rein in corporate dominance and ensure a fair marketplace. With Apple losing its appeal against a 13 billion euro ($14.4 billion) tax bill and Google being hit with a 2.4 billion euro fine for market abuse, the EU has sent a powerful message to Silicon Valley.

Apples tax bill: 13 billion euro penalty upheld The European Court of Justice in Luxembourg upheld a crucial 2016 decision, concluding that Ireland had breached state-aid laws by granting Apple an unfair advantage. In another win for the EUs antitrust chief, Margrethe Vestager, the court ruled that Google had unlawfully exploited its search engine dominance to prioritise its own product listings. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp

Vestager, who is nearing the end of her term at the European Commission, has made Apple and Google key targets since assuming her position in 2014. The Apple case, representing the largest in her decade-long campaign for tax fairness, is part of a broader effort that has also included actions against companies like Amazon and Stellantis Fiat. Vestager has consistently maintained that selective tax breaks given to large corporations amount to illegal state aid, which is prohibited by EU regulations.

Apples Chief Executive Tim Cook previously dismissed the EUs 2016 ruling as total political crap, referring to the order that required Apple to pay 13 billion euro in back taxes. Meanwhile, the EUs 2017 fine against Google was imposed for the companys misuse of its search dominance to boost its own product listings. Vestager directed Ireland to reclaim the tax money, which has been held in escrow while awaiting a final decision. The amount is equivalent to roughly six months of Mac sales worldwide.

In response to the courts latest ruling, an Apple spokesperson expressed disappointment, pointing out that the general court had previously reviewed the facts and nullified the case.

A Google representative also voiced dissatisfaction with the judgment on its appeal, adding that the companys 2017 proposal to address the EUs concerns had led to increased clicks for other shopping services.

Global investigations and new regulations

The EUs scrutiny of Google has set the stage for global investigations, including from the US and UK authorities. The EUs focus has not been limited to Googles search monopoly. The shopping case marked the beginning of a series of fines that eventually reached over 8 billion euro. The EU competition authorities hope that the behavior of Silicon Valley will be curbed by sweeping new regulations introduced last year under the Digital Markets Act.

This legislation, among other requirements, prevents Big Tech firms from favouring their services over competitors, an approach shaped by the EUs long-standing battle against Googles dominance in search results.

[With agency inputs]
People attend a presidential debate watch party outside the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive on Tuesday. Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during her presidential debate with former president Donald Trump at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia on Tuesday. Alex Brandon/Associated Press Former President Donald Trump speaks during a presidential debate with Vice President Kamala Harris at the National Constitution Center. Alex Brandon/Associated Press California Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks to reporters in the spin room in Philadelphia before the presidential debate between Republican nominee Donald Trump and Democratic nominee Kamala Harris. Matt Rourke/Associated Press

PHILADELPHIA  Theyre eating the dogs! The people that came in. Theyre eating the cats! Theyre eating  theyre eating the pets.

She wants to do transgender operations on illegal aliens who are in prison.

Shes a Marxist. Everybody knows shes a Marxist. Her fathers a Marxist professor of economics, and he taught her well.

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The first presidential debate between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris on Tuesday night had no shortage of explosive moments, interruptions and insults  most of them coming from Trump.

Throughout the 90-minutes ABC News debate in Philadelphia Tuesday, Trump sought to blame Harris for what he argued were the failures of President Joe Bidens administration, and Harris tried to draw a clear contrast between what she said was a contest between an opponent prone to personal attacks and insults and one focused on issues.

Though both candidates frequently refuted their opponents points, Harris often responded without speaking. She laughed, she shook her head, she gave him side-eye, she said off mic, thats not true and she told him: Dont lie. In other instances, she addressed Trump directly, including by telling him that military leaders believe You are a disgrace.

California Sen. Laphonza Butler, a longtime Harris friend and ally, said after the debate that Harris nonverbal reactions were to be expected.

When there is that level of ridiculousness that is being spoken about issues that impact people every single day, especially when those are the people youve been fighting for as a public servant  some stuff is just hard to hold in, she said.

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Harris successfully baited Trump on some of the issues on which hes most sensitive  including the size of his rallies and the criminal cases against him  and elicited angry, rambling responses.

You will see during the course of his rallies, he talks about fictional characters like Hannibal Lecter. He will talk about windmills cause cancer. And what you will also notice is that people start leaving his rallies early and exhausted and bored, Harris said.

Trump interrupted host David Muir, whod asked about border security, to respond to the crowd sizes dig.

People dont go to her rallies. Theres no reason to go. And the people that do go, shes busing them in and paying them to be there, he said. And then showing them in a different light. So, she cant talk about that. People dont leave my rallies. We have the biggest rallies, the most incredible rallies in the history of politics.

He had a similar reaction when Harris brought up his criminal indictments and felony convictions and immediately responded by blaming her for weaponizing the Justice Department against him and falsely saying that Biden was found essentially guilty on the documents case.

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On one of the most contentious issues of the election, Trump attempted to walk a line between praising the Supreme Court for overturning Roe v. Wade, and suggesting he supports abortion rights to some degree but believes the issue should remain with the states.

Im not signing a ban. And theres no reason to sign a ban, Trump said. Because weve gotten what everybody wanted. Democrats, Republicans and everybody else and every legal scholar wanted it to be brought back into the states.  And I did something that nobody thought was possible. The states are now voting.

Trump also said of Tim Walz, Harris running mate, He also says execution after birth, its execution, no longer abortion, because the baby is born, is OK.

That prompted a response from moderator Linsey Davis: There is no state in this country where it is legal to kill a baby after its born.

Donald Trump came out of tonight with, I think, a clear victory of really appearing to be the moderate that most voters hadnt seen that he was in regard to abortion, failed presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy told reporters following the debate. Donald Trump actually nullified a lot of the Democrats attack on this, and that is perhaps the greatest unspoken success of tonights debate.

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Harris, for her part, described in stark terms what women have experienced in the wake of the Supreme Court decision.

Pregnant women who want to carry a pregnancy to term suffering from a miscarriage, being denied care in an emergency room because the health care providers are afraid they might go to jail and shes bleeding out in a car in the parking lot, Harris said. She didnt want that; her husband didnt want that. A 12- or 13-year-old survivor of incest being forced to carry a pregnancy to term? They dont want that.

She said of women forced to travel out of state to obtain abortions, What you are putting her through is unconscionable, addressing Trump directly.

Harris did not, however, clearly spell out whether she believes there should be any restrictions on the procedure and if so, what they would be.

When asked whether he regrets anything he did leading up to the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection, Trump gave a roaming, confusing answer.

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Nobody on the other side was killed. Ashli Babbitt was shot by an out-of-control police officer that shouldve never, ever shot her. Its a disgrace. But we didnt do  this group of people that have been treated so badly. I ask, what about all the people that are pouring into our country and killing people that she allowed to pour in? She was the border czar  remember that.  What about those people? When are they going to be prosecuted? When are these people from countries all over the world, not just South America.  When are the people that burden down Minneapolis going to be prosecuted? Or in Seattle?

When asked again whether he regrets anything, Trump said, I had nothing to do with that, other than they asked me to make a speech. I said, I think its gonna be bad. I went to Nancy Pelosi and the mayor of Washington, D.C., and the mayor put it back in writing.  It wasnt done by me, it was done by others.

One of the most jarring contrasts between the candidates came when Trump was asked about comments he made about Harris race  he said in July that Harris only recently turned Black.

I dont care what she is. I couldnt care less. Whatever she wants to be is OK with me, Trump when asked about his earlier comments.

Harris, who has largely shied away from focusing on her own race and gender, gave a sprawling response in which she invoked Trumps calls for the Central Park Five to be executed and his false claims about former President Barack Obamas citizenship.

Honestly, I think its a tragedy that we have someone who wants to be president who has consistently, over the course of his career, attempted to use race to divide the American people, Harris said.

Trump made an unusual appearance in the spin room following the debate, where he followed up on the exchange.

I love Black voters and they love me, Trump told reporters.

Both campaigns claimed, as they often do, that their candidate won the evening.

I thought it was my best performance, Trump said. Our country is in decline; were a nation in decline and I thought that we got that out. She was unable to defend it.

Second gentleman Doug Emhoff spoke directly to Harris at a Philadelphia watch party following the debate: I told you she was ready.  You won that debate. But we havent won anything yet.

Minutes after the debate ended, Harris campaign manager Jen OMalley Dillon made an announcement: Vice President Harris is ready for a second debate. Is Donald Trump?
A video that purports to show Apple store employees in China going to a Huawei store to watch the Huawei product launch also became the No. 2 trending item on Weibo for 13 hours, garnering 91 million views and more than 6,600 comments

Huawei's new tri-foldable smartphone has ignited nationalistic pride in China with social media abuzz with what supporters see as its ability to out-innovate Apple despite US sanctions - even if many are balking at the phone's $2,800 price tag.

The Chinese technology giant unveiled its Mate XT, the industry's first tri-foldable phone, on Tuesday just hours after Apple introduced its artificial intelligence-enhanced iPhone 16 lineup.

Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp Both the Mate XT and iPhone 16 will go on sale on Sept. 20, though the Mate XT is expected to be available only in China.

"Apple hasn't fallen, but Huawei has truly risen again," commented one user on Weibo, China's equivalent to X.



Another wrote: "Times are changing. US sanctions have been in vain."



A video that purports to show Apple store employees in China going to a Huawei store to watch the Huawei product launch also became the No. 2 trending item on Weibo for 13 hours, garnering 91 million views and more than 6,600 comments.



The launch of the Mate XT follows Huawei's re-emergence in the 5G premium smartphone market last year with its Mate 60 series and this year with its high-end Pura series phones that have domestically produced semiconductors.

All have been celebrated in China as a triumph over US



sanctions that have, since 2019, prevented the company from accessing advanced US chips and other technology.

Washington sees Huawei as a national security risk - a charge that the company denies. US sanctions have since broadened out to encompass export bans on highly advanced US



chips to all Chinese firms with Washington seeking to impede advances in technology for China's military.

Huawei fans also noted that Apple has yet to announce an AI partner in China to power its iPhone 16 product range and Apple Intelligence, the company's AI software, will only be available in Chinese next year.



Nationalistic pride notwithstanding, the Mate XT's starting price of 19,999 yuan was widely criticised as beyond the reach of ordinary consumers and insensitive at a time of sluggish economic growth when ordinary citizens are struggling with financial insecurity.



Versions with more sophisticated features such as larger memory will cost as much as 23,999 yuan ($3,300).

A Weibo poll on the Mate XT showed that only 966 of some 9,200 respondents said they planned to buy it. More than 4,700 said they were put off by the price while another 3,500 said they were not considering purchasing it at the moment.



"No matter how much I like the product, the price tag just sounds crazy to me," said a person surnamed Xu at a Beijing Huawei store, describing himself as a Huawei loyalist.

"Maybe Huawei isn't really targeting people like me," he added.
Law enforcement officers load an alleged gambling machine onto a truck Tuesday after a raid on what they said was gambling operation at businesses on the 200 block of Leavenworth Street in San Francisco. Courtesy of Minh Connors

San Francisco police seized 16 gambling machines in a raid of an alleged illegal gambling operation in the Tenderloin on Tuesday evening, according to officials.

Just after 4:30 p.m., officers raided two liquor stores and a laundromat located on the 200 block of Leavenworth Street. The storefronts, T.L. Market & Deli, SF Discount Market, and Ryans Laundry, harbored an illegal gambling operation, police said.

Law enforcement officers confiscate what they said were gambling machines Tuesday during a raid on a business in the 200 block of Leavenworth Street in San Francisco. More than a dozen machines were seized by a task force of city police officers and National Guard members. Minh Connors/The Chronicle Law enforcement officers load alleged gambling machines onto a truck Tuesday during a raid on a business located in the 200 block of Leavenworth Street in San Francisco. More than a dozen machines were confiscated by a task force of city police officers and National Guard members. Minh Connors/The Chronicle A police officer attempts to pry open a confiscated, alleged gambling machine during a raid on a business located near 200 Leavenworth St. in San Francisco on Tuesday. Minh Connors/The Chronicle Law enforcement officers confiscate alleged gambling machines Tuesday during a raid on a business located in the 200 block of Leavenworth Street in San Francisco. More than a dozen machines were taken in by a task force consisting of police officers and National Guard members. Minh Connors/The Chronicle

About half an hour later, officers led four people in handcuffs out of T.L. Market & Deli, according to video footage shared with the Chronicle and filmed by Abe A., who works in the area but did not want to be fully identified for fear of retaliation.

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Officers arrested eight men in connection with illegal gambling, narcotics, and outstanding arrest warrants, according to a San Francisco police press release issued Wednesday. Police detained several subjects during Tuesdays raid, according to the release.

Starting around 6 p.m., officers carted 16 casino-style machines out from the market and loaded them onto a truck at the intersection of Leavenworth and Turk streets. Using a metal bar, officers pried open one machine and took out a metal box that appeared to contain dollar bills.

Police also found suspected narcotics and drug paraphernalia, cash, stolen products, a firearm, and a replica firearm during the raid, according to the Wednesday press release.

Police obtained warrants to search the businesses after citizen complaints, according to investigation sources who were not authorized to speak publicly. The raid was conducted Tuesday evening by officers with SFPDs Tenderloin unit, the police narcotics unit and the Army National Guard.

Some nearby business owners said they had no knowledge of a gambling operation in the area, but others said they had heard rumors about gambling nearby. They werent specific about what kind of wagering they thought might be going on.

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Bora Peang, who co-owns Empire Market a few doors down from Ryans Laundry, said her customers have sometimes mentioned winning or losing money while gambling nearby.

Abe A. said he believed a mini-casino had been operating in that location for about a year.

Police tape cordoned off most of the intersection at Leavenworth and Turk streets on Tuesday evening while dozens of people watched the bust proceed.

Anyone with information is asked to contact SFPD at 415-575-4444 or text a tip to TIP411.
India should play a more active role in ending Russias war in Ukraine if it wants to win a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, Ukraines ambassador in New Delhi said.

Ukraine wants India to moderate talks between the two warring nations and use its ties with Russia to convince Moscow to join peace talks, Oleksandr Polishchuk said Tuesday. Ukraine has proposed India hold a peace summit before November 2024 aimed at ending the conflict, but its not clear yet if New Delhi will agree, he said. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp

If India is aiming for permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council to serve its own interest, it is setting the bar too low, Polishchuck said.

India is reliant on Russia for military weapons and cheap oil, and has refrained from condemning Vladimir Putin for his invasion of Ukraine two years ago. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who visited Kyiv in August for the first time since the conflict broke out, has consistently advocated diplomacy and dialog to end the war.

New Delhi has agreed to relay messages between Putin and Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, but is reluctant to play a more active. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Indias foreign minister, echoed those sentiments on Tuesday in Germany, without saying whether India would hold a peace summit.

For us, this is not about a process or about being seen to do something, he said. What is important for us is the reality of the conflict that is taking place today.

Indias active participation to end the war has gained urgency as Russia targets power distribution facilities including those close to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant and hydro-electric plants as winter sets in. Ukrainian forces continue to hold and strengthen positions in the Kursk region of Russia.

Indias National Security Adviser Ajit Doval is in Moscow this week and is expected meet senior Russian officials including Putin on the sidelines of the BRICS meeting of national security advisers. Modi had spoken to Putin soon after his August Kyiv visit and his phone conversation with US President Joe Biden.

India should not be content playing postman passing messages between Ukraine and Russia but play a more robust role, said Polishchuk.
Another of Harris' goals, as a former California prosecutor, was to call Trump out for his past actions, particularly his efforts to overturn the 2020 election

Democrat Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump met on Tuesday for their first and perhaps only debate, a square-off that could have a significant impact on the Nov. 5 election as polls show a tight race.

Here are takeaways from the debate:

Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp Riling her rival

Harris made a point to get under Trump's skin, as her campaign had forecast.

She urged viewers to attend a Trump rally, where she said Trump would say bizarre things such as windmills cause cancer (something he has, in fact, said) and where, she taunted, attendees would leave out of exhaustion and boredom.

Trump, who prides himself on the crowds he draws, was clearly riled.



"My rallies, we have the biggest rallies, the most incredible rallies in the history of politics," he said. He accused Harris of busing in attendees to her rallies.



Trump then falsely claimed that immigrants in the country illegally were killing and eating people's pets in the city of Springfield, Ohio, an unsubstantiated claim that has circulated on social media and been amplified by Trump's vice presidential running mate JD Vance.



"In Springfield, they're eating the dogs! The people that came in, they're eating the cats!" Trump said. "They're eating the pets of the people that live there." City officials in Springfield have said those reports are untrue, which the ABC moderators pointed out after Trump's comments.



"Talk about extreme," Harris responded, laughing.



Playing defense



Another of Harris's goals, as a former California prosecutor, was to call Trump out for his past actions, particularly his efforts to overturn the 2020 election.



An hour into the debate, her strategy appeared to be paying off. Trump was continually on the defensive.



Asked about the Jan. 6, 2021, siege of the U.S. Capitol, he insisted he has had nothing to do with that, other than they asked me to make a speech." He also maintained, falsely, that he had won the 2020 election.



Harris used Trump's actions as an argument for the country to turn the page.



"Donald Trump was fired by 81 million people, so let's be clear about that, and clearly he is having a very difficult time processing that, but we cannot afford to have a president of the United States who attempts as he did in the past to upend the will of the voters in a free and fair election, Harris said.



The vice president dug at Trump a little more, saying world leaders were laughing at him and calling him a disgrace language that Trump has employed himself at rallies in reference to how he says other countries view President Joe Biden. A few minutes later, Trump erupted, claiming Harris had received no votes in claiming the Democratic nomination and suggesting she replaced Biden as part of some sort of coup.

He hates her, Trump said of Biden. He can't stand her. The exchanges may have aided Harris' argument that Trump, as she put it, lacks the temperament to be president.



Racial divide



Deep into the debate, the long-simmering topic of race came up. Trump was asked why he had publicly questioned Harrisa dual heritage as a Black and South Asian woman.



I don't care what she is, he responded. Then I read that she was not Black.a Asked to respond, Harris accused Trump of using race to divide Americans throughout his career. She cited how he and his father turned away Black renters in the 1970s and how Trump led the public outcry against five young Black and Latino men who were wrongly convicted of assaulting a jogger in New York City's Central Park in 1989.



More recently, he openly questioned whether President Barack Obama was a U.S. citizen, Harris noted. "I think it's a tragedy that we have someone who wants to be president who has, consistently, over the course of his career, attempted to use race to divide the American people," she said.



"I think the American people want better than that," Harris added. "We don't want a leader who is constantly trying to have Americans point their fingers at each other." Instead of trying to defend his record, Trump pivoted back to the economy and tried to pin Biden's economic policies on Harris. She's trying to get away from Biden, he said. Harris used the attack to pitch herself again as a change agent.

"Clearly, I am not Joe Biden, and certainly not Donald Trump, Harris said, and what I do offer is a new generation of leadership for our country."

Handshake



Heading into the debate, there was a question as to how Harris and Trump, who have never met, would greet each other.

Harris settled the issue, definitively. She walked over to Trump at his podium, extended her hand and introduced herself as Kamala Harris.



It was a disarming way for Harris to approach a man who has spent weeks insulting her race and gender.



Sparring on economy



In the debate's opening minutes, Trump and Harris went to battle on one of the issues that is top of mind for voters: the economy. Harris detailed the economic policies she has rolled out in recent weeks, which include a substantial tax credit for small start-ups. Trump focused his comments on tariffs, saying he would protect the American economy from unfair foreign competition.



While both sides got their jabs in, Harris got to speak first on a topic where she trails Trump in terms of voter trust. She appeared to force the former president onto his back foot, and Trump essentially played defense on one of his strongest issues.



"She doesn't have a plan" Trump said, after Harris' opening comments. "It's like Run, Spot, Run."



A schism on abortion



The two candidates also engaged in a fractious debate about abortion, an issue where polls show Harris has the upper hand.

Trump defended the U.S. Supreme Court's 2022 ruling that ended constitutional protection for abortion and sent the issue back to individual states, arguing, incorrectly, that it was an outcome desired by both Republicans and Democrats. Democrats have long supported a constitutional right to abortion.



I did a great service in doing it. It took courage to do it, Trump said. Trump contended that some states allow babies to be aborted after birth, a point corrected by ABC News moderator, Linsey Davis.



Harris flashed some outrage at Trump's assertion that abortion becoming a states-rights issue was a popular result, referring to states that have passed restrictive bans.



This is what people wanted? Harris asked. People being denied care in an emergency room because healthcare providers are being afraid of being hauled off to jail?" Trump was asked whether he would veto a federal abortion ban if one were passed by Congress. He insisted it would never happen, but refused to answer the question definitively.



Worlds apart



One of the most heated policy discussions came when Trump and Harris clashed over how they would handle Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine.



The candidates' responses revealed the degree to which their views on America's role in the world fundamentally differ.

Trump refused to say he wanted Ukraine to win the war, even as ABC moderator David Muir pushed him on the point, saying only that he wanted to wrap up the conflict as soon as possible.



Harris shot back, arguing that what Trump really wanted was Ukraine's quick and unconditional capitulation. "If Donald Trump were president, (Russian President Vladimir) Putin would be sitting in Kyiv right now," Harris said.

'Weaponised justice'



In one heated exchange, Trump and Harris accused each other of conspiring to "weaponize" the Justice Department in a bid to go after their enemies.



Trump said the indictments he faces for conspiring to overturn his 2020 election loss and for his mishandling of classified documents - as well as his conviction for forging documents related to hush money payments to a porn star - are all the result of a conspiracy cooked up by Harris and Biden.



There is no evidence for that assertion. Harris shot back by pointing out that Trump has promised to prosecute his enemies if he wins a second term.



"Understand this is someone who has openly said he would terminate, I'm quoting, terminate the Constitution," Harris said.

The exchange underlined how Harris and Trump see the stakes of this election as existential. Both see their opponent as a threat to democracy itself.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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 press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240910835180/en/

Honourable Minister for Civil Aviation meets Zettfly Aviation (Air Kerala.com) officials in Delhi - from left Zettfly CEO Harish Kutti, Chairman Afi Ahmed, Shri Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, and Vice Chairman Ayub Kallada (Photo: AETOSWire)

This key meeting saw discussions surrounding the airlines 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 airlines 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.coms Chairman, Mr. Afi Ahmed, for his extensive experience in the travel and tourism sector. Mr. Afi Ahmeds expertise will be instrumental in enhancing Keralas tourism and aviation landscape, he added.

In addition, Mr. Ayub Kallada, Vice Chairman of Air Kerala.com, highlighted the airlines 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 airlines 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.coms place as a premium airline.

The DGCA and other officials at the meeting commended Air Kerala.coms dedication and assured full support for the airlines 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

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240910835180/en/
The Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) announced today at the Global AI Summit in Riyadh the launch of its Generative AI (GenAI) Center of Excellence (CoE) initiative. This groundbreaking initiative is designed to transform the role of DCO Member States to become key innovators in the global GenAI arena by fostering collaboration, and promoting sustainable and inclusive growth.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240910414434/en/

Championed by Saudi Arabia, the DCO launches the first global GenAi Center of Excellence (Photo: AETOSWire)

In a statement about the initiative, the DCO Secretary-General Ms. Deemah AlYahya said: It is my distinct honor to announce the launch of the Generative AI Center of Excellence, a groundbreaking initiative spearheaded by the Digital Cooperation Organization and championed by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The DCO is taking bold steps to maximizing the value of multilateral cooperation and seize the opportunities of GenAi era. The GenAI Center of Excellence provides the platform that will enable DCO Member States to produce GenAI solutions.

AlYahya added: At the heart of this initiative is a multilateral framework that ensures access and fosters collaboration among DCO Member States, supporting their transition from consumers of GenAI technology to active producers. This approach paves the way for DCO Member States to become global leaders in GenAI innovation and hubs of intellectual property.

Key benefits of the GenAI CoE initiative include promoting inclusive collaboration among governments, private sectors, and academia, ensuring all member states can participate in the GenAI revolution, in addition to catalyzing innovation in Member States by transforming them into creators of GenAI solutions, building local capacity, increasing intellectual property and driving innovation.

The DCO is committed to advancing AI capabilities and fostering innovation across its Member States, ensuring that all nations can fully harness the power of Generative AI. Through the GenAI Center of Excellence, the DCO is empowering nations and enabling innovation by creating a platform that bridges technological divides and enhances collaboration. Together, the DCO and its Member States are shaping an inclusive future for AI, where no country is left behind, and every nation is positioned to lead in the global AI landscape.

More information about the DCO can be found at

*Source: AETOSWire

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240910414434/en/
SFPUC President Tim Paulson, seen in a 2016 photo, said Mayor London Breed called him Monday night to inform him she wouldnt renominate him for another four-year term. Leah Millis/The Chronicle

The president of the powerful San Francisco Public Utilities Commission said publicly that Mayor London Breed had decided not to reappoint him, calling her decision a slap in the face to the labor movement.



At the start of its meeting last week, SFPUC President Tim Paulson said Breed called to inform him that she wouldnt renominate him for another four-year term. He did not say whether she gave a reason. He also said another commissioner, Newsha Ajami, wouldnt be reappointed.

Paulson helms the commission that oversees the department responsible for the citys water supply, sewer management, power generation and infrastructure maintenance. The department also doles out billions of dollars in city contracts.

Paulson has deep ties to the citys labor unions. Breed, who is locked in a tight reelection fight, has had a tumultuous relationship with local labor unions recently as she seeks their endorsements for the November election. Paulson was secretary-treasurer for the San Francisco Building and Construction Trades Council, which recently endorsed two of Breeds rivals, a rebuke after supporting her in 2018.

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The firefighters union recently backed former Supervisor Mark Farrell for mayor, another snub to Breed, whom the labor group backed six years ago.

Paulson is also the former executive director of the San Francisco Labor Council, which covers more than 150 unions representing more than 100,000 union members. While the Labor Council is not expected to weigh in on the mayors race, it is supporting two of Breeds rivals on the Board of Supervisors: Connie Chan and Dean Preston.

Jeff Cretan, Breeds spokesperson, said the mayors decision wasnt motivated by politics.

There is a vacancy due to a resignation and two seats up for reappointment, said Cretan. This is part of her duty as Mayor to make appointments when seats open up.

Breed has won the support of the police officers union, an alliance of construction labor groups led by the Northern California Carpenters Union, and other key groups.

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I continue to want to serve as commissioner and it has been an honor, Paulson said. Its breathtaking that I got that call yesterday.

Asked after the meeting whether he felt it was a political move, Paulson said Breed sees enemies everywhere.

I havent even endorsed for mayor, Paulson said in a text message. Until today I was just a retired union organizer dedicated to public service.



Breeds office told the Chronicle the mayor named three new nominees for the commission to replace Paulson, Ajami and a third seat left vacant by Sophie Maxwell. The nominees are Joshua Arce, head of special projects for the Northern California Laborers; Avni Jamdar, a director at Emerald Cities, an environmental nonprofit; and Steve Leveroni, a longtime insurance industry expert.

Ajami could not be reached for comment.

Breeds move comes as she faces not only Farrell but also Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin, Supervisor Ahsha Safai and nonprofit executive and Levi Strauss heir Daniel Lurie as formidable challengers.

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Peskin told the Chronicle that Breeds move was vindictive, though he said he wasnt sure what was behind it, but he added that it displayed insecurity. He said he has fielded numerous disturbing phone calls about the mayors decision.

The mayor is spinning out of control, Peskin said. The PUC is a multibillion dollar department, and she is replacing respected commissioners  in the wake of her former general manager going to prison  with a bunch of hand-picked cronies.

Peskin was referring to former General Manager Harlan Kelly, who is serving four years after federal investigations into corruption, fraud and his involvement in bribery and kickback schemes related to SFPUC contracts. Breed replaced Kelly with former City Attorney Dennis Herrera.

Safai also criticized Breed, saying she was practicing petty politics.

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today announced the launch of TRAC ONE-F, the companys AI-integrated unified finance hyperapp powered by JIFFY.ai. TRAC ONE-F helps drive autonomous accounting processes for CFOs by creating a touchless environment powered by advanced analytics and Generative AI.

TRAC ONE-F

transforms the entire

Finance and Accounting (F&A)

function, leveraging

. The platform is also capable of delivering tangible business outcomes across the F&A lifecycle including: a 20% reduction in the cash conversion cycle; a 50% reduction in deployment cycle time; up to 70% faster period-end close; and up to 80% touchless processing.

Through this strategic collaboration, WNS and

JIFFY.ai

will co-market and jointly deliver the TRAC ONE-F solution to clients, combining the unique expertise of each firm to help drive transformative results.

In an increasingly volatile business environment, the CFOs office maintains significant responsibility for ensuring operating performance, business continuity, and long-term sustainability. Building on more than 25 years of finance & accounting services experience and advanced analytics capabilities, WNS is proud to introduce TRAC ONE-F. Designed for scalability and rapid deployment, this AI-integrated unified finance hyperapp solution is poised to become a strategic cornerstone for CFOs globally. We are excited to introduce this industry-first solution in collaboration with JIFFY.ai, said Keshav R. Murugesh, Group CEO, WNS.

We are proud to partner with WNS to create TRAC ONE-F, the first-ever AI-Integrated Autonomous Finance solution for forward-thinking CFO offices. With TRAC ONE-F, organizations can now drive successful transformations to optimize finance function costs, embrace AI-powered automation, and gain real-time data insights. We believe this unique offering will be an industry game-changer, offering immediate benefits and substantial long-term advantages for clients that can reshape the landscape of digital strategy," said Babu Sivadasan, Chairman & CEO, JIFFY.ai.
The Transamerica Pyramid is seen through the redwood trees in the park at its base in San Francisco. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle A door attendant stands at the entrance of the newly renovated Transamerica Pyramid in San Francisco. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle Markings can be seen at the base of a pillar after renovations raised the roof 4 feet inside the Transamerica Pyramid. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle A sculpture by French artists Claude and Francois-Xavier Lalanne of Les Lalanne sits in the fountain inside the redwood park at the newly renovated Transamerica Pyramid. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle The 36th-floor Sky Lounge inside the newly renovated Transamerica Pyramid in San Francisco. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle The roof of the 48th-floor bar inside the newly renovated Transamerica Pyramid in San Francisco. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle An ode to the history of the building sits on one of the top floors inside the newly remodeled Transamerica Pyramid in San Francisco. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle A sculpture by French artists Claude and Francois-Xavier Lalanne of Les Lalanne sits in the fountain inside the redwood park at the newly renovated Transamerica Pyramid in San Francisco. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle

The much-ballyhooed remastering of the Transamerica Pyramid does two things at once. It roots the skyline icon into San Francisco more thoroughly than ever before, while aiming to turn our second-tallest building into a bespoke clubhouse for the 21st century elite.

We wont know the second missions fate for years  for better or worse. But the reinvention of the ground level spaces around one of Americas best-known towers, including the blocks idyllic redwood grove, is on track to be an exquisite success.

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The formal reopening of the 853-foot spike of pebbled precast concrete, designed by architect William Pereira and completed in 1972, takes place on Thursday, with an invite-only event in the morning and a public light show against the towers east facade at 8:30 p.m. Three days later, on Sunday, the 5,500-square-foot park below reopens to all.

This comes two years after fences first went up around the block bounded by Washington, Montgomery, Clay and Sansome streets, though tenants remained in the 48-story building itself throughout that time.

A sculpture by French artists Claude and Francois-Xavier Lalanne of Les Lalanne sits in the fountain inside the redwood park at the newly renovated Transamerica Pyramid. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle

The return of the gated redwood grove is especially welcome, with its 49 mature evergreens rising from berms planted with ferns and rhododendrons that form a soft backdrop to flat wooden benches and dark concrete pavers. Its also dotted with playful sculptures by French artists Les Lalanne; a former glassed-in restaurant is being used temporarily to display huge architectural models by Foster + Partners, the renovation projects designer, that no design buff should miss.

The scene will seem familiar to anyone who remembers it from when the green-cloaked retreat was frequented by nearby workers lunching or on a break. But look closer. The redwoods understory is newly planted. Five flowering redbud trees now rise amid the pavers, hearkening back to elements of the original landscape that were never implemented. The pavers are carefully matched replacements of the originals, as are the bulky redwood benches.

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The park also is larger  expanded to include 1,000 square feet of decomposed granite with a kiosk at one edge, to be scattered with casual tables and chairs.

This miniature plaza, which replaces the foundation of a long-gone building, wont be there forever: New York developer Michael Shvo has city approval to enlarge the adjacent nine-story structure from 1930 on the east and add six additional stories. In the meantime, the discreetly stylized nook adds a 21st century tone.

The outdoor seating pavilion at the newly renovated Transamerica Pyramid in San Francisco. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle

All this is in keeping with the rarified ethos of Foster + Partners, the international firm with projects on every continent but Antarctica, including Union Squares Apple Store and the circular Apple HQ in Cupertino. The firm handled all aspects of Transamerica 2.0, from the architecture and landscape to industrial design and the interiors.

Purely in design tones, the aspirations pay off in abundance for those of us who wont be office tenants with access to such niceties as the 48th-story cocktail lounge that could be where James Bond and M debrief after yet another perilous saga of international intrigue. The park that will be open daily from dawn to dusk isnt the only attraction; the public realm along the blocks perimeter has been enhanced as well.

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A particularly creative recalibration is tucked along Washington Street, where the burly structural columns and beams fan out at the buildings base. The space within  what architect Ben Dobbins, who heads Fosters San Francisco office, likens to a cathedral-type space, something quite Gothic  now doubles as an outside sitting room with plush couches and chairs accompanied by stone tables, all amid eight newly planted, shade-tolerant plum pine trees.

The idea was to brighten up this space, make it an outdoor room, said Orla Punch, an associate partner at Fosters San Francisco office. Previously it was a (pedestrian) thoroughfare. We want people to use it.

A tenant enters the lobby inside the newly renovated Transamerica Pyramid. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle

The insertion, accompanied by new raised planters along Washington with polished masonry ledges for seating, is a generous addition to the block where the sky-high Financial District meets low-slung Jackson Square, one of the citys first historic districts. It also signals the larger intent of what is billed as a remastering in the news release announcing Thursdays official relaunch, although the redwood park isnt publicly accessible until Sunday.

Simply put, the curated cosmopolitan air at street level helps convey the message that, even where the public is allowed, Transamerica Pyramid Center is a special place for special people.

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I call it the Pyramid District, said Shvo, whose portfolio includes ultra-luxe properties in Miami and Beverly Hills. Were sitting in a very unique location, and this should be the culmination of these neighborhoods around it.

A step inside the lobby reveals the most inventive  and satisfying  alteration to the tower designed by Pereiras firm.

People spend time in the lobby inside the newly renovated Transamerica Pyramid in San Francisco. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle

Originally there were two lobbies, one for Transamerica (then a locally owned insurance holding company that, like Shvo, had a flair for self-promotion) and one for the other tenants. Ceilings were low, dimensions were tight.

Now, Great Britains Lord Norman Foster and the firm he founded have fashioned this as a single public lobby with 15-foot high ceilings, offering a hammered-marble coffee bar on one side and a book-lined seating area on the other. The security desk and elevators are reached via an open passage amid concrete-clad columns like those outside.

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The suave scene is easily viewed through new walls of ultra-clear glass. Also new? The interiors concrete ambience. Up until the renovation those central columns were unadorned steel hidden from sight, part of a space cluttered with mechanical equipment. The quartz-studded concrete was added to match the exterior as closely as possible.

Foster outdid Pereira on the ground floor, Shvo said last week. You feel like youve walked into something that should have been there all the time.

The views from the 26th-floor spa and gym inside the newly renovated Transamerica Pyramid. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle

The publicly accessible lobby hints at the lavish extras provided to office tenants upstairs. The 26th and 27th floors are dedicated to amenity spaces such as a lounge that features complimentary drinks for tenants  and tables crafted from honeyed marble because the hue is in keeping with the dusky orange of the Golden Gate Bridge on view outside. The wood-swathed gym aligns its workout machines with the slanted windows; I cant imagine anyone doing more than one or two reps before pausing to swoon.

If this sounds over the top, thats the point.

Shvo apparently has set out to rebrand the Pyramid as a vertical, supersized addition to Jackson Square, where the picturesque 19th century buildings increasingly attract the likes of venture capitalists and upscale design firms. He claims to be procuring leases of close to $300 per square foot from top-tier tenants looking for top-tier offices.

He also positions the Pyramid as a magnet attracting firms drawn to artificial intelligence  not the creators, but the private equity and hedge funds that surround that industry. Its no accident, for instance, that the refurbished district next month will host the high-profile TEDAI Conference.

The views through an open window at the 48th-floor bar inside the newly renovated Transamerica Pyramid in San Francisco. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle

Theres a lot of local skepticism as to whether Shvos grand claims will pan out, skepticism stoked by such lawsuits as one from the swank health club that was supposed to open in the Pyramid next year but now claims Shvo hasnt lived up to the promises in the original lease (Shvo has responded with a countersuit that calls the original claim a public hit job).

It could be that Shvos polished self-confidence will prove to be prescient, and that the latest form of tech disruption will sweep across the traditional Financial District (a disquieting prospect in itself).
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Amazon has announced plans to shutter two facilities in California, potentially resulting in hundreds of job losses. Damian Dovarganes/Associated Press

Amazon has announced plans to shutter two facilities in California, potentially resulting in the loss of hundreds of jobs.

According to WARN notices filed with state and local authorities, the e-commerce giant will close its fulfillment center in Sacramento, affecting about 159 employees, on Oct. 30. Another facility in Irvine will close on Nov. 7, impacting an additional 162 employees.

The company said it would offer the displaced employees opportunities to transfer to other workplaces before resorting to permanent layoffs.

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Tech layoffs: Here are the job cuts impacting Bay Area workers

Were always evaluating our network to make sure it fits our business needs and to improve the experience for our employees, customers, and partners. As part of that effort, weve decided not to renew the lease at our facilities in Irvine and Sacramento, Amazon spokesperson Sam Stephenson said. We appreciate our teams hard work and commitment, and were supporting impacted employees to find new opportunities within Amazon, including at nearby fulfillment sites.

Amazon will be shutting down grocery fulfillment operations at 3640 Ramos Drive in West Sacramento, effective Oct. 30. Street View/Google

This consolidation move follows Amazons June shutdown of a fulfillment center in San Franciscos Dogpatch neighborhood and last years closure of a 75,000-square-foot facility in the same area, just two years after it began leasing the space.

In 2020, Amazon acquired a 6-acre site at 900 Seventh St. for $200 million, with plans to redevelop it into a 650,000-square-foot logistics center. The company is currently seeking city approval for this project.

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TWO residents living above a shop in Tullow had a terrifying experience when an intruder broke into the premises. The aggravated burglary took place on Thursday 29 August at Market Square.

The break-in occurred between 3.15am and 3.22am, when the front window of the shop was broken by the offender and entry was gained.

The offender was disturbed by people who live above the premises, with one of the residents being knocked to the ground by the suspect.

The suspect fled the scene, but nothing was taken due to the intruder being disturbed.

If you can help, contact Carlow gardai on 059 9136620.
BISHOP of Kildare and Leighlin Denis Nulty has said he is appalled at the depravity of abuse outlined in a report into the historical sexual abuse of school children by religious orders.

Five Carlow schools were among the hundreds named by the report published last week, which included 2,395 allegations involving 884 alleged abusers across primary and secondary schools, including special schools, between the 1960s and 1990s. The Carlow schools named in the report were Carlow CBS (primary), Presentation College, Askea (secondary), Mount St Joseph, Tullow (secondary), Monastery Boys NS, Tullow and St Brigids National School, Bagenalstown.

In a statement issued to The Nationalist, Bishop Nulty said: Behind every sentence, paragraph and page is someone who, as a child, suffered hugely in the very place where they should have felt safe. He commended survivors for their extraordinary courage in sharing their stories. In relation to the local schools named, Bishop Nulty said: 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. He went on to express his heartfelt sorrow and his commitment to do his utmost to ensure that the work of safeguarding continues to be a priority in the diocese, adding that the diocese supported the work of the inquiry.

All Sunday Masses across the county last weekend were offered to the survivors of abuse and their families, as well as staff, students and boards of management of the local schools.

Focused primarily between the 1960s and 90s, the report set out in stark alphabetical order the names of the religious orders which ran the 300-plus schools beside the number of allegations of abuse, as well as the total number of alleged abusers.

There were three allegations against two alleged abusers at Carlow CBS (primary) under the Christian Brothers. The Congregation of the Presentation Sisters at Presentation College, Askea (secondary) had one allegation against one alleged abuser. The Patrician Brothers cited allegations at Mount St Joseph, Tullow (secondary) and Monastery Boys NS, Tullow. An individual breakdown for each school was not provided by the Patrician Brothers; rather, a total of 21 allegations against 18 alleged abusers across its schools were listed. The figures were provided to the inquiry by the religious orders themselves.

St Brigids National School, Station Road, Bagenalstown was named as a school where one or more participants in the survivor engagement process said they had experienced abuse. Some of the local schools have gone on to change their names or to amalgamate with others.

The scoping inquiry was established after the RTE radio documentary Blackrock Boysaired in 2022. It described harrowing accounts of sexual abuse at Blackrock College, Dublin. Following its broadcast, many survivors, primarily men, came forward from various schools outlining similar experiences.

Central to the inquiry was the voice of survivors. Participants described being molested, stripped naked, raped and drugged amid an atmosphere of terror and silence. Many felt what was happening was so pervasive that it could not possibly have gone unnoticed by other staff or members of the religious orders.

As adults, participants said the impact of the sexual abuse led to serious and ongoing difficulties in relationships, mental and physical health problems, addiction issues, lost career opportunities and damage to their sense of place and community. Many felt there was something inherently wrong with them, describing failed intimate relationships, marriage breakdowns, suicide attempts and time spent in rehabilitation programmes. Tragically, many victims voices will never be heard as they have carried their stories to their grave, shrouded in secrecy and shame.

The scoping inquiry outlined its belief that further allegations of sexual abuse in schools will emerge following the publication of its report. To that end, An Garda Siochana advised victims of historical sexual abuse to avail of its free, confidential 24/7 child sexual abuse reporting line 1800 555222. The gardai said they have received over 160 contacts since the publication of last weeks report.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta, shown in 2023, wrote on Wednesday to X, Meta, OpenAI and other big online media sites reminding them of the states laws around election integrity and intentional falsehoods. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle

California Attorney General Rob Bonta wrote to executives at top artificial intelligence and social media companies Wednesday, reminding them of prohibitions against voter intimidation, deception, and dissuasion related to the upcoming election that might be created or amplified by their technology tools.

Bonta sent the letter to the chief executives of Alphabet, Meta, Microsoft, OpenAI, Reddit, TikTok, X and YouTube on the day after the first televised debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump.

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In his letter, Bonta urged each company to train experts to catch voter deception on their sites, and reminded the executives that the states election code prohibits pushing out intentionally false information about voter eligibility or polling locations, as well as posting intentionally misleading media about a candidate within 60 days of an election.

Bonta also pointed out that state election laws prohibit voter intimidation and bribing people to vote or not vote a certain way.

Your companies are core to the information ecosystem where many Californians get their news and guidance about elections, including the fundamental information about when, where, and how to vote, Bonta wrote. Because your companies play such an important role in disseminating news and information, they are well-equipped to ensure that California voters that use your platforms, products, and services have access to accurate information about their right to vote.

In the letter, Bonta pointed to high-profile instances of AI interfering with elections, including in January when an AI-generated version of President Joe Bidens voice urged people not to vote in the New Hampshire Democratic primary.

Troublingly, Bonta wrote, many social media platforms have eased or eliminated their internal content-moderation policies, or reduced the resources dedicated to implementing those policies.

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Bonta did not call out any particular site or service, although X fired thousands of employees including many on its content moderation teams, after Elon Musk bought the company in 2022. The site has seen a rise in right wing content since Musks purchase of the company.

We appreciate the Attorney Generals concerns and look forward to continuing to communicate with his office as we address these challenges going forward, an X spokesperson said in an emailed statement the day after the letter came out.

Musk, who was not among the list of recipients, has openly endorsed Trump. Musk is the chief executive of AI startup, xAI, whose Grok bot is available through the X social media site.

The startup has drawn criticism for its Grok-2 image generator due to its readiness to depict political figures ranging from Trump to Democratic candidate Kamala Harris wielding weapons, doing drugs, or in other compromising positions.

Other AI image generators, such as those made by OpenAI, have stricter guardrails in place and are less willing to depict and discuss political figures and issues.

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Alphabet, TikTok and OpenAI did not respond to emails requesting comment on the letter. Microsoft did not immediately provideda statement.

A Meta spokesperson referred to a post on how it labels AI-generated content on Facebook, Instagram and Threads. That policy from May says the company adds AI info labels to a wider range of video, audio and image content when we detect industry standard AI image indicators or when people disclose that theyre uploading AI-generated content.

OpenAI disclosed earlier this year how its chatbots were being used by state actors including Iran, Russia, Israel, and Chinese government-linked groups to spread falsehoods about worldwide conflicts and global politics. The company said at the time it had detected the efforts and taken steps to cut them off.

Reddit declined to comment, but referenced its content policy, which prohibits AI-generated content presented to mislead, as well as many other forms of manipulated content, such as coordinated inauthentic behavior, falsified documents, and impersonation, and the posting of false information intended to stop people from voting.

Reddit also said in its election resources that it is using AI technology to flag harmful content. So far this year, the company said, it has not seen adverse effects on elections around the world from content posted on its site, but noted that it is adding more training for its safety teams.

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Alphabet and Meta have been criticized for massive layoffs that also affected content moderation teams. And YouTube has reversed an earlier decision to remove content disputing the outcome of the 2020 election, allowing false claims that Trump won to remain online.

Meta has reportedly not fully enforced its policy around labeling political ads, and CEO Mark Zuckerberg recently wrote to Republican members of Congress saying the Biden White House pressured Facebook to remove some COVID-19 related content during the pandemic.

The California legislature has also acted on the issue of AI-driven political falsehoods. One bill, AB 2655, is awaiting a signature or veto from Gov. Gavin Newsom and would require big social media platforms to take down political deepfake photos and videos intended to mislead or confuse votes within a specified period leading up to elections.

Aside from Zuckerberg, the CEOs who received the letter from Bonta were Alphabet and Google CEO Sundar Pichai, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Reddit CEO Steve Huffman, TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew, X CEO Linda Yaccarino, and YouTube CEO Neal Mohan.
Vivienne Clarke

Minister for Housing Darragh OBrien has said it was his own view that the 13 billion Apple funds should be invested in infrastructure such as housing.

The Government, in a very considered way, will discuss and decide how that money would be spent, obviously, because it's a one off tax receipt. I think my own view is it should be invested and it would be invested in infrastructure, housing, he told Newstalk Breakfast.

The Government would reflect on the issue, he said. Investment in the Climate Fund would also be examined, but discussions would be held with government colleagues before a pathway forward was decided.

On RTE radios Morning Ireland, the Minister said that the focus for the Government at present was budget preparation, but the Apple judgement had been accepted.

I think to be fair, most people understand the government would prefer to assess the decision, and we will as a collective decide how best that money can be invested and should be invested. We're investing significantly in housing already.

"Certainly, I think from my own perspective, it would make absolute sense that with the additional windfall that in the future we would look at how we would invest that in infrastructure, including in housing as well.

We're investing this year the highest amount that we've ever done as a state in housing. And thankfully we're seeing a significant increase in the outcomes in housing across all of those points. Significant challenges still remain. And I'm acutely aware of that.

Mr OBrien was asked on Newstalk Breakfast whether the Government was open to looking at suggestions that small, stand-alone units, seomra, could be rented out to ease the rental market. It is something that we have looked at, but there are issues.

Urban areas can be tricky with regard to access and also with regard to renters rates. So there's things that we're looking at and we're open to looking at them.

When asked on Morning Ireland about a proposal by Fine Gaels Neale Richmond about stamp duty on bulk buying of homes, Mr OBrien said he had not had any discussion with Mr Richmond, but it was an issue that would be kept under review.
By David Young, PA

The British government has ordered a public inquiry into the collusion-linked loyalist paramilitary murder of Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane in 1989.

Mr Finucane (39) was shot dead at his family home in north Belfast in February 1989 by the Ulster Defence Association in an attack found by a series of probes to have involved collusion with the state.

His widow Geraldine and the couples three children have been campaigning for decades for a public inquiry to establish the extent of security force involvement.

Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn made the announcement to the UK House of Commons.

Mr Benn said it is a plain fact that a UK government commitment made more than 20 years ago to hold an inquiry into Mr Finucanes murder remains unfulfilled.

It is for this exceptional reason that I have decided to establish an independent inquiry into the death of Patrick Finucane under the 2005 Inquiries Act, he said.

Today is for my father, Pat Finucane.



The announcement that there will now be a public inquiry into his murder is very much welcomed by our family.



Led by my mother Geraldine, we have campaigned for decades to uncover the truth behind my fathers murder.



I want to thank pic.twitter.com/NWl3ikaSF6  John Finucane MP (@johnfinucane) September 11, 2024

Mr Finucanes son John, a Sinn Fein MP for North Belfast, welcomed the announcement.

Today is for my father, Pat Finucane, he posted on X, formerly Twitter.

The announcement that there will now be a public inquiry into his murder is very much welcomed by our family.

Led by my mother Geraldine, we have campaigned for decades to uncover the truth behind my fathers murder. I want to thank every person who has supported our campaign throughout those years. Today belongs to us all.

After 35 years of cover-ups, it is now time for truth.

In 2019, the UK Supreme Court said all previous examinations of the death had not been compliant with human rights standards.

The court acknowledged Mrs Finucane had been given an unequivocal undertaking by the British government following the 2001 Weston Park Agreement that there would be a public inquiry into the murder.

Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn met members of Pat Finucanes family before announcing the public inquiry (Jordan Pettitt/PA)

However, the Supreme Court judges found that the UK government had been justified in later deciding against holding one.

The court said it was up to the British government to decide what form of investigation was now required.

The following year, the British government pushed back a decision on a public inquiry, insisting outstanding issues concerning the original police investigation needed to be first examined by the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland.

In the years since, Mrs Finucane has pursued further legal proceedings challenging the ongoing delays on a decision.

During the summer, the Court of Appeal in Belfast gave the British government a September deadline to confirm what form of human rights-compliant investigation it intends to undertake into the murder.

Mr Benn met members of the Finucane family in Belfast on Tuesday evening ahead of his announcement on Wednesday.

Taoiseach Simon Harris said the announcement of a public inquiry was part of a new approach by the UK government into legacy issues in the North.

Mr Harris said: Today is a vindication of Geraldine Finucane and her family who have campaigned over decades for truth and justice. I spoke to John Finucane by phone yesterday evening to underline the enduring importance that I, as Taoiseach, and the Government attach to progress in his fathers case.

This is the beginning of a process and it will be important that, as details are confirmed, there is confidence that it can meet the standards and independence thresholds essential to an inquiry of this nature. I want to acknowledge the leadership of Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Secretary of State Hilary Benn in coming to this decision.

Mr Harris added: Prime Minister Starmer and I have discussed the Pat Finucane case, including as recently as last Saturday when we met in Dublin, and in follow up to a previous discussion in Chequers in July.

I know that the Prime Minister is committed to finding a new approach to legacy issues in Northern Ireland, and todays decision by the British Government is in keeping with the spirit of that commitment.

I have indicated to the Prime Minister that we stand ready to work with him and his Government on legacy issues.

Former taoiseach Bertie Ahern also welcomed news of an inquiry into the murder of Mr Finucane.

The murder had been a very sad case and the truth needed to be found, he told RTE radios News at One.

Access to MI5 records would be crucial to any inquiry to get to the truth of what happened and allegations of collusion, he added.

He said it was not a secret that an RUC patrol at the estate where the Finucane family lived had been withdrawn, which allowed two paramilitaries to enter their home and shoot Mr Finucane 14 times in front of his wife and family.

Every time I think we made progress, we got to the stage that the files and the records in MI5 would not be given.

Mr Ahern said he believed there had been involvement by MI5.

I can't prove that MI5 were part of this. But what we can prove is that when Judge Cory was doing his investigation, MI5 went into his office in London and took some of his hard drives.

MI5 were all over this. So if it's an inquiry, it will have to, in the terms of reference, get cooperation from MI5, which is something we didn't get in the end in the Dublin Monaghan bombings. And so we'll see whether it comes out.

There would be no point in having an inquiry unless MI5 participated because their hands are all over this.

It leads to very murky questions, not just allegations about the police, who was on whose payroll, where was the collusion and who were the people involved?

Mr Ahern said that former British prime minister Tony Blair had wanted to help in the establishment of an inquiry, but he couldn't get MI5 to play ball on this.

If there is access to MI5 records it would be ground-breaking, he said.
By Cillian Sherlock, PA

Tourists visiting Dublin should consider flying to Shannon or Cork airports, the international transport minister has said.

James Lawless made the remarks amid a long-running dispute over a passenger cap at Dublin Airport.

Irelands busiest airport is only allowed to fly through a maximum of 32 million passengers a year based on planning conditions from 15 years ago.

Airlines have called for the cap to be lifted to meet demand and senior ministers have said the limit is a risk to economic growth, while others have questioned the impact of removing the restriction as Ireland aims to reduce its carbon emissions.

James Lawless met Ryanair boss Michael OLeary (Cillian Sherlock/PA)

The limit was originally brought in during planning permission for the airports second terminal in 2007, over concerns about traffic around the airport.

Ryanair has raised concerns that requests for additional flight slots will be rejected by the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA).

The operator of Dublin Airport, DAA, has itself warned that it is on course to breach the cap this year  with passenger numbers expected to be closer to 33 million. It has asked planning authorities to lift the cap.

Mr Lawless, who is minister of state for international transport, met Ryanair boss Michael OLeary on Wednesday as part of a series of engagements with key stakeholders on the passenger cap.

Afterwards, the junior minister at the Department of Transport told reporters that it was his preferred outcome that planning authorities imminently lift the cap to 40 million, but added that efforts to mitigate the effects of the limit had to be taken in the interim.

He said an obvious solution was to increase the use of Shannon Airport and Cork Airport, which are not subjected to caps.

The minister of state said airlines should explore increasing connections to the regional airports, adding that there may be an infrastructure risk in Irelands reliance on Dublin Airport.

He said: Theres nobody in a better place than Ryanair and with a better proven record at marketing outlying airports as a destination.

Ive gone to Paris (Beauvais) with Ryanair, Venice (Treviso) with Ryanair  why cant I fly to Dublin (Shannon) with Ryanair?

Shannon Airport is around 230 kilometres away from Dublin City centre or at least two and a half hours depending on method of travel while Cork Airport is 260 kilometres away or at least three hours.

Pressed on whether he would advise tourists who want to visit Dublin to consider using another airport, he said: Yes, very much so.

Ryanair boss Michael OLeary (Cillian Sherlock/PA)

Mr Lawless said the Dublin Airport passenger cap was a difficult legacy issue dating back to 2007.

Unfortunately, the application from DAA was only made in November 2023, wed all be in a better place if that had been made sooner.

Related to that is An Bord Pleanala decision around the noise quota, which is a system Fingal County Council have engineered to manage residents concerns.

I think it is a good system but it has been appealed to An Bord Pleanala and sat with them for two years now.

Mr Lawless also suggested there could potentially be leeway on how passengers are counted under the cap, including people connecting through the airport, and multiple people travelling in the same vehicle.

Asked if he was concerned about the environmental implications of raising the cap, Mr Lawless said there were other ways to mitigate that as he pointed to a departmental taskforce on more environmentally friendly fuels.

For his part, Mr OLeary characterised the meeting as unproductive. The airline boss has publicly clashed with senior Transport Minister Eamon Ryan several times over the matter, who he described as woeful and useless.

Ryanair communications staff handed members of the gathered press copies of a letter which the company had drafted for Mr Ryan, issuing policy directions to the IAA to disregard the passenger cap during the planning process and facilitate additional airline slot requests.

Mr OLeary said: All he has to do is stick his signature on it.

Ryanairs boss rejected the notion that additional flights could operate from other Irish airports (Niall Carson/PA)

On the proposal, Mr Lawless said he was not convinced it is a runner due to planning and legal issues.

Mr OLeary further questioned how ministers could use the Government jet out of Dublin Airport this winter, adding: Theyre all extra slots. Maybe theyll all have to stay at home.

The Ryanair chief executive said the company was unable to get slots to transport the Leinster rugby flight to its winter matches abroad, for Christmas-time charters to Lapland, and other winter extra flights.

He said using the notion of breaching planning restrictions was an excuse and distraction from pursuing Government policy on aviation.

Mr OLeary also rejected the notion that the additional flights could operate from other Irish airports, saying 60 per cent of the traffic is inbound and it doesnt want to go to Shannon or Cork, it wants to go to Dublin.

Ryanair chief executive Michael OLeary holding up masks of Green Party politicians Eamon Ryan and Catherine Martin (Brian Lawless/PA)

Earlier this year, Mr OLeary hosted a publicity stunt where he held a cardboard cut-out of Mr Ryan wearing a superimposed dunce cap.

Mr Ryan has announced he will not seek re-election.

Asked if he was concerned that the Ryanair boss may now put a dunce cap on his head, Mr Lawless said: Maybe Ill do the same with him.

He added: Were professionals, weve got to work together. No, if youre in politics  you have to have a thick skin.

The minister of state said successfully fulfilling the national aviation policy was not about Mr OLeary or any other industry or political figure.
By David Young and Jonathan McCambridge, PA

The widow of murdered Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane has said it is time for the truth to come out about his killing after 35 years of cover-ups.

Geraldine Finucane was speaking after the British government ordered a public inquiry into the collusion-linked loyalist paramilitary murder of the lawyer in 1989.

Mr Finucane (39) was shot dead at his family home in north Belfast by the Ulster Defence Association in an attack found by a series of probes to have involved collusion with the state.

His widow and the couples three children have been campaigning for decades for a public inquiry to establish the extent of security force involvement.

Northern Secretary Hilary Benn made the announcement to the UK parliament.

Speaking later in Belfast, Mrs Finucane said it had been a long journey to this point.

She said: I look forward to having the opportunity to participate in a statutory inquiry and expose publicly the whole truth behind the murder of my husband.

This has always been the objective of the campaign that my family and I have pursued for the last 35 years.

We have only ever been concerned with uncovering the truth.

Geraldine Finucane, the widow of murdered Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane, with her son John Finucane (Niall Carson/PA)

It is this that has kept us going. It is the thing that has been missing, all these years.

Mrs Finucane became emotional as she delivered her statement.

She said she did not believe the murder of her husband was simply the work of gunmen who killed him.

She added: An independent, statutory public inquiry is and was the only way to bring the whole truth behind the murder of Pat Finucane into the light of day.

Mrs Finucane said she believed the public inquiry could be a watershed moment in dealing with legacy cases in Northern Ireland.

She added: If a public inquiry in to the murder of Pat Finucane can finally publicly examine all of the collusion that plagued our society for so many years, then there is hope that the real process of healing can begin.

The murder of Pat Finucane is the last remaining Weston Park case. It is high time it was properly investigated, publicly examined, and finally resolved.

I believe that my family deserve this after so many years. Pat Finucane deserves this after so many years.

Society as a whole deserves this, after so many years. After 35 years of cover-ups, it is time for truth.

Mrs Finucane received a round of applause from supporters as she finished speaking.

Earlier, Mr Benn told the British parliament in London it is a plain fact that a UK government commitment made more than 20 years ago to hold an inquiry into Mr Finucanes murder remains unfulfilled.

Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn met members of Pat Finucanes family before announcing the public inquiry (Jordan Pettitt/PA)

It is for this exceptional reason that I have decided to establish an independent inquiry into the death of Patrick Finucane under the 2005 Inquiries Act, he said.

The court acknowledged Mrs Finucane had been given an unequivocal undertaking by the UK government following the 2001 Weston Park Agreement that there would be a public inquiry into the murder.

However, the UK Supreme Court judges found that the British government had been justified in later deciding against holding one.

The court said it was up to the UK government to decide what form of investigation was now required.

The following year, the British government pushed back a decision on a public inquiry, insisting outstanding issues concerning the original police investigation needed to be first examined by the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland.

In the years since, Mrs Finucane has pursued further legal proceedings challenging the ongoing delays on a decision.

The family of Pat Finucane (left-right) Seamus Finucane, Geraldine Finucane, Katherine Finucane and John Finucane arrive at Erskine House in Belfast (Liam McBurney/PA)

During the summer, the Court of Appeal in Belfast gave the British government a September deadline to confirm what form of human rights-compliant investigation it intends to undertake into the murder.

The Secretary of State said he had considered the likely costs and impact on the public finances.

It is the Governments expectation that the inquiry will  while doing everything that is required to discharge the states human rights obligations  avoid unnecessary costs given all the previous reviews and investigations, and the large amount of information and material that is already in the public domain, he said.

Mr Benn said he also considered referring the case to a new mechanism established to examine Troubles killings in the North  the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery.

However, given the unique circumstances of this case, and the solemn commitment made by the government in 2001 and again in 2004, the only appropriate way forward is to establish a public inquiry, he said.

Many of us in this House remember the savage brutality of the Troubles  a truly terrible time in our history  and we must never forget that most of the deaths and injuries were the responsibility of paramilitaries, including the Ulster Defence Association, the Provisional IRA, and others, and we should also always pay tribute to the work during that time of the Armed Forces, the police and the security services, the vast majority of whom served with distinction and honour, and so many of whom sacrificed their lives in protecting others.

It is very hard for any of us to understand fully the trauma of those who lost loved ones  sons and daughters, spouses and partners, fathers and mothers  and what they have been through, and there is of course nothing that any of us can do to bring them back or to erase the deep pain that was caused.

But what we can do is to seek transparency to help provide answers to families, and to work together for a better future for Northern Ireland which has made so much progress since these terrible events. I hope that this inquiry will, finally, provide the information that the Finucane family has sought for so long.

Mr Benn said the British government would seek to appoint an inquiry chair and establish its terms of reference as soon as possible.

A spokesperson for the US Department of State welcomed the commitment to set up a public inquiry.

The spokesperson said: We recognise the complexity in addressing the legacy of violence in Northern Ireland as well as the deep and enduring pain of those who lost loved ones.

It is our hope that the inquiry and its findings will provide the information the Finucane family have been looking for.
By Grainne Ni Aodha, PA

Simon Harris is expected to announce a proposal to set up a public childcare system during an address to his Fine Gael party on Wednesday.

Childcare and housing will be among the topics under discussion at the Fine Gael think-in being held in Co Offaly over the next two days.

The Taoiseach, who has hinted previously he was considering such plans, is expected to confirm he is working with his party colleagues on proposals to build a publicly-funded early learning and childcare offering, which will form part of the education system.

Mr Harris is expected to set out an aim to create an affordable, accessible model that will reduce the reliance on the private sector.

Childcare is expected to be an area of focus for political parties ahead of the general election, as parents struggle to find childcare places and early-education providers grapple with increasing costs.

On Monday, Green Party leader and Childrens Minister Roderic OGorman said he believes the State needs to be taking an even greater role in childcare.

He said his party would make two years of free early childhood care and education (ECCE) a legal right.

Asked if a public childcare model would be part of the Green Party election manifesto, Mr OGorman told RTE Radio that the next few years should be about delivering extra capacity in areas that need it.

Taoiseach Simon Harris and Minister for Children Roderic OGorman during a media briefing at Government Building, Dublin. (Niall Carson/PA)

More than 70 Fine Gael politicians and general election candidates are to meet in Tullamore on Wednesday and Thursday.

Fine Gael will confirm it has chosen 47 candidates across 30 constituencies, 16 of whom are women or 34 per cent of their candidates  short of the required 40 per cent gender quota.

The party has a high number of experienced TDs who have announced they are stepping down: of the 26 TDs across the Dail who have announced they will not contest the next general election, 15 are from Fine Gael.

There are 23 Fine Gael candidates running for the first time, six of whom have never ran for public office before.

The party has reportedly set September as a deadline for selecting all its candidates, fuelling rumours that leader Mr Harris is gearing up for an election before the end of the year.

Mr Harris is expected to tell delegates that the party will offer a team of experience and new energy at the next election.

He is set to say: As I travel around the country, people do not ask me the election date. They ask me what are we doing to help their family, what are we doing to help them find a home, what are we doing to keep their businesses viable, what are we doing to help them day to day. That is what I want us to focus on.

It is expected Taoiseach will focus on housing, migration and cost of living in his opening address to party members.

He is also expected to outline Fine Gaels priorities in Budget 2025, which include boosting homeownership, cutting the cost of raising a family through reduced taxes and supports for education costs, supports for businesses, and investing in disability services to help children get access to assessment of needs and school places.
Now that the 1928 version of Mickey Mouse has entered the public domain, the character can be used for any purpose, even to criticize The Walt Disney Company.

Thats exactly what Directv has started doing in a series of new digital ads that attack Disney. The ongoing carriage dispute between the two companies has led to Disney channels such as ABC, Disney Channel, and ESPN being made inaccessible to Directvs 11 million satellite tv customers.

While the fight between the two companies is important  read more about it HERE  and could have widespread ramifications for the pay-tv industry, were frankly most intrigued by Directvs use of Mickey Mouse to antagonize Disney. It is a feisty bit of corporate waggishness that would not have been legal before January 1st of this year.

The company has also launched a website that makes prominent use of the Disney corporate icon. Directv is using Mickey to argue that Disney is stuck in the past and driving up fees for consumers. One of the images shows Mickey Mouse standing on a pile of money.

We are entering a new era where a bonanza of classic cartoon and comic strip characters are set to enter the public domain. Over the next two years alone, versions of characters like Popeye, Betty Boop, Flip the Frog, Pluto, Bosko, Count Screwloose, Blondie, Toby the Pup, Bimbo, and Horace Horsecollar will become freely usable by the public  as well as corporations that have a score to settle with the owners of these characters. Its going to be fascinating to watch how these characters will be used by parties other than their traditional corporate owners.
Shvo senior managing director John W. Gullixson shows off a time capsule that was buried in the Transamerica Pyramid in 1974. It was discovered this past June. Peter Hartlaub/The Chronicle The contents of a 1974 Transamerica Pyramid time capsule include anti-Pyramid flyers, San Francisco Chronicle front pages and columns, and a promotional video of the construction. Peter Hartlaub/The Chronicle The time capsules contents, including anti-Pyramid flyers, San Francisco Chronicle front pages and columns, and a promotional video, will eventually be on public display. Peter Hartlaub/The Chronicle Shvo senior managing director John W. Gullixson holds a map for a time capsule that was buried in the Transamerica Pyramid in 1974. It was rediscovered in June 2024. Peter Hartlaub/The Chronicle June 3, 1971: The Transamerica Pyramid under construction in downtown San Francisco. With Coit Tower in the distance. Joe Rosenthal/The Chronicle 1971 March 29, 1972: Workers finish the top of the Transamerica Pyramid in downtown San Francisco. Art Frisch/The Chronicle 1972 A first look at the Transamerica Pyramid appeared in the Jan. 28, 1969, edition of the San Francisco Chronicle. Chronicle archive 1969

It was just another busy June 2024 day at the under-renovation Transamerica Pyramid when John W. Gullixson received an email tip that there might be something momentous buried underneath the skyscraper.

Gullixson, who oversees Shvo real estates West Coast properties, dutifully told some of the operations crew and moved on to other deadlines.

The next morning when I came in, on my desk, was this old plan from 1974, Gullixson remembered. It was drawn by (Pyramid architect) William Pereira and Associates, and it was labeled Time Capsule.

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The next few weeks unspooled like a Dan Brown novel, with mapped coordinates, sleuthing, seemingly impossible roadblocks and a cinematic solution  with the discovery of a lost history of one of San Franciscos greatest (and once controversial) landmarks.

That discovery comes as the Pyramid prepared for its formal reopening on Thursday, with an invite-only morning ceremony and a public light show at night. The 853-foot tower formally opens to the public on Sunday.

There were reasons to believe it was an important moment in San Francisco history when the Pyramid was finished in 1972. It was the tallest building in San Francisco in a Barbary Coast-era neighborhood that was a center of commerce and innovation, one of the most historic blocks in the city, if not the nation.

July 28, 1971: The Transamerica Pyramid under construction in downtown San Francisco, as seen from Columbus Avenue. Clem Albers/The Chronicle 1971

And the Pyramid project generated massive controversy, with national architecture critics and the citys own planning director calling it an inhumane creation.

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A team led by Pyramid spokesman John Krizek decided to mark the occasion by packing a propane tank-shaped steel pod with every memento it could find, from Chronicle front pages to protest flyers to a recipe for Pisco Punch  an iconic 1800s San Francisco cocktail that was invented at the old Bank Exchange Saloon.

They buried it in 1974 underneath the new Bank Exchange, a Transamerica Pyramid bar on the western side annex, with a plaque marking the location and instructing the public to leave it there for 50 years. But Gullixson said the plaque was removed decades ago when the bar was replaced and awareness of the capsule largely faded.

By the time Pyramid officials got the tip this summer  from a citizen who had read about San Francisco time capsules in Byron Preiss 1982 treasure hunt book The Secret  Gullixson said the time capsule was buried under 6 feet of concrete.

John W. Gullixson, Shvo senior managing director, holds a map that led to the rediscovery of a 50-year-old time capsule buried in the Transamerica Pyramid. Peter Hartlaub/The Chronicle

Then an aged and yellowed scroll appeared on his desk, found by a longtime operations worker at the building. It had grid lines, with a time capsule marker at 15-H on the map.

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Weeks after the maps discovery, there was a breakthrough: As Gullixson explored an underground pump room that rested directly beneath 15-H, he found a concrete rectangle hanging from the ceiling that had no structural or architectural function.

Workers chipped at the concrete and discovered the capsule inside.

We were just flabbergasted that it was still there and not destroyed, Gullixson said. This building has been through renovation after renovation and iteration after iteration. And to find this old architectural plan and come through this crazy circuitous path and be able to open the vessel for the first time in 50 years  it feels like a movie.

The Transamerica Pyramid time capsule sits in the concrete box where it was hidden in 1974. It was dug out in July as the building prepared to reopen after renovations. Peter Hartlaub/The Chronicle

The contents, now laid out in a 27th floor conference room, exceeded the current Transamerica Pyramid teams most optimistic expectations. The capsule was carefully cataloged with a four-page table of contents. It includes Herb Caen columns poking fun at the skyscraper plans, photos of early Pyramid designs and a retro-futuristic Transamerica campaign for moon tourism.

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Theres a doctorate thesis-level of documentation of the controversy around the building, including plenty of representation from the anti-Pyramid forces like copies of their signs (ARTISTS AGAINST THE ICICLE; SAN FRANCISCO GETS THE SHAFT) and photos of protesters wearing Pyramid-shaped dunce caps.

But the biggest prize is a 12-minute film, produced with quick-cut Streets of San Francisco-style cinematography, a funky 1970s score and Anchorman-sounding voice-over, that reads as both a love letter to and historic documentary of 1970s San Francisco.

The contents of the time capsule include anti-Pyramid flyers from the towers construction. Peter Hartlaub/The Chronicle

Soon there was more news: John Krizek, the man who buried the capsule, is still alive.

Reached at his Florida home by the Chronicle, the 91-year-old retired public relations executive was positively thrilled. Shvo planned to fly Krizek out with his wife to attend Thursdays ceremony.

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Krizek said the days before the time capsules Feb. 6, 1974, burial were chaotic; Mayor Joseph Aliotos wife had gone missing. She reappeared on burial day, just as the news broke about Patty Hearsts abduction by three armed commandos. A San Francisco Chronicle with both stories was stashed in the capsule.

It was an exciting time, Krizek said. The mayor loved us, the city planning director hated us, but we were proud of our work. I so look forward to seeing all this stuff on display.

Shvo senior managing director John W. Gullixson stands in front of the contents of a time capsule that was buried in the Transamerica Pyramid in 1974. It was discovered this past June. Peter Hartlaub/The Chronicle

Even before the pods rediscovery, Shvo real estate founder Michael Shvo expressed his love for local history, and had dedicated half a floor to a mini-museum featuring the city and the Pyramids past and cultural connections.

Gullixson said the time capsule contents will be displayed for the public. And once the rush surrounding the reopening dies down, Shvo plans to compile another capsule to mark 2024, a moment in San Francisco history that may be even more pivotal for downtown San Francisco than was 1974.
Vietnam's cement industry leaders call for action following 42 line stoppages

ICR Newsroom By 11 September 2024

Production in the Vietnamese building materials sector has seen a sharp decline, with the Ministry of Construction reporting significant drops in both production and sales throughout 2023 and the first eight months of 2024. The cement industry, in particular, has been hit hard, with total production for 2023 reaching only 92.9Mt when compared with a capacity of 122.34Mta. This shortfall led to 42 out of 92 production lines being halted for up to six months, with some ceasing operations entirely. The trend has continued into 2024, with cement plants operating at just 70-75 per cent of their designed capacity and inventories exceeding 5Mt.

The downturn in production is attributed to a slump in the real estate market, reduced construction investment, and delays in infrastructure projects. "The building materials industry has faced numerous difficulties, leading to stagnation in production and business activities, which negatively impacts the countrys socio-economic development," said Deputy Minister of Construction, Nguyen Van Sinh.

The Ministry of Construction highlighted that domestic demand for building materials remains strong due to the countrys ongoing urbanisation efforts and infrastructure needs. With national urbanisation set to reach 70-75 per cent by 2050, the construction of additional housing, transportation and energy infrastructure will require significant quantities of cement and other materials.

To address these challenges, the ministry recommended increasing public investment and infrastructure development, resolving issues in the real estate market, and expediting the construction of social housing units. Additionally, the ministry suggested greater use of reinforced concrete viaducts in highway projects to help absorb the current cement inventory.

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha has signed 'Directive 28/CT-TTg', which sets out measures to tackle the challenges facing Vietnam's cement, steel and building materials industries. The directive aims to boost production and consumption, focusing on efficient and sustainable development to meet domestic demand while increasing exports of high-value products.

Industry leaders have echoed these calls for action. Tong Van Nga, chairman of the Vietnam Building Materials Association, emphasised the importance of including worker housing in industrial zone plans, which could positively impact the building materials market. Meanwhile, Le Quang Hung, chairman of the Vietnam Concrete Association, believes that increasing the construction of viaducts on national highways could absorb 70-80 per cent of current cement inventory.

For sustainable development, Pham Van Bac, vice chairman of the Vietnam Building Materials Association, recommends that the government create policies to foster investment in new, advanced building materials that are economically valuable, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly. As Vietnam pushes forward with its ambitious urbanisation and infrastructure goals, these efforts will be crucial in reviving the cement industry and ensuring it meets both domestic and export demands.

Published under
Greg Porter is a senior newsroom meteorologist at the San Francisco Chronicle. Porter comes to Chronicle after seven years working as a meteorologist for the Capital Weather Gang at the Washington Post. Porter has also worked as a meteorological technical subject matter expert in for both government and commercial organizations around the world.

Porter received his Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Atmospheric Science from UMass Lowell and the University of Maryland. A native of Boston, Porter has also spent time living in Washington, D.C. and Edinburgh, Scotland.

Outside of work, Porter loves to spend time with his wife and very energetic 2 year old son. He also enjoys spending as much time outside as possible and he fancies himself a very average golfer.
At a special called meeting Tuesday morning, the Dalton mayor and council passed a resolution calling on a court to issue a temporary tax collection order that would allow collections based on the 2023 Whitfield County tax digest value plus ten percent. The resolution, which was passed by a unanimous vote of the council, comes after months of concern and confusion regarding anomalies in the 2024 property tax assessments in the county.

Earlier this year, many property owners in Dalton and Whitfield County were concerned when they received their tax assessment notices from the Whitfield County Office of Assessors. Many property owners saw the assessed value of their property increase, and in some cases decrease, substantially in comparison with 2023 values. While the City of Dalton has no role to play in the assessment of property, city leaders shared taxpayers concerns regarding the discrepancies and have worked with their Whitfield County counterparts and the Board of Assessors to encourage them to correct any known errors or issues. Tuesday's resolution from the City Council comes after the Whitfield County Board of Commissioners passed a similar resolution Monday night. The resolutions will create a petition for a judge to issue a temporary tax collection order.

"It is unprecedented to see... 800 parcels had declines in values of greater than $50,000 and some of those in the millions. That doesnt happen, particularly in a thriving community like Dalton, Georgia, we dont have values going down multimillion dollars," Mayor Annalee Sams said after Tuesday morning's meeting was adjourned. "Some of these are very well-known commercial parcels that have large retailers on them and how can it be explained that they went down in value several million? So, we have a responsibility to all of our citizens, to property owners, that we get this right and if theres going to be a delay in the acceptance of the 2024 digest  and it cannot and should not be accepted until its correct  we need to take this action to ask for this temporary collection order."

If a temporary tax collection order is issued, taxing authorities like the City of Dalton would be allowed to prepare property tax bills based on the 2023 assessed values of properties with a ten percent increase. This would allow the process for the final acceptance of the 2024 tax digest to play out without impacting tax collections.

"Were doing that to ensure that we can have timely tax collections this year," Mayor Sams said. "And were doing that in an effort to make sure that we have an accurate digest to tax on and we have a lot of concerns about the accuracy of the 2024 proposed digest as it stands uncorrected today."

The State of Georgia requires counties to assess the fair market value of properties each year. To test whether property assessments are accurate, the state reviews the assessed value of properties that have been sold in the prior year against the sale price of those properties. State law requires that properties be assessed within 40% of actual sales prices. In recent years, the assessed value of Whitfield County properties have been too low, according to the test, which requires increasing the assessed values. City leaders issued a statement last month detailing the city's concerns about the way in which the new digest reassessment has been carried out.




The Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) announced that Mark Poirier has been appointed as the new director of Paratransit Services. Mr. Poirier brings over 25 years of experience in transportation services and has demonstrated excellence in managing ADA-compliant paratransit services, enhancing customer experience, and overseeing compliance with federal regulations.

Mr. Poirier joins CARTA from the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA), where he served as manager of Connexion Paratransit services. During his tenure at JTA, he successfully managed multiple paratransit programs, implemented new services, including building JTA's premium same-day Paratransit service called Connexion Plus, which expanded mobility options for disabled persons.

Prior to JTA, Mr. Poirier held leadership roles at Lakewood Rides in Colorado and the City of Margate in Florida, where he significantly increased ridership and optimized service delivery.

CARTA Chief Executive Officer Charles D. Frazier, who previously worked with Mr. Poirier at JTA, expressed his enthusiasm about his appointment. He said, "Marks vast experience in paratransit services and his track record of success in building customer-focused transportation solutions make him the perfect fit for CARTA. His leadership will be instrumental in enhancing our Care-A-Van services and ensuring we meet the needs of our community."

As the director of Paratransit Services, Mr. Poirier will oversee the daily operations of CARTAs Care-A-Van services, ensuring compliance with ADA regulations, optimizing service delivery, and improving rider satisfaction.
What were you doing September 11, 2001, when terrorists attacked the World Trade Center in New York, Washington D.C Pentagon and crashed a plane full of passenger in Pennsylvania, killing nearly 3,000 people?

Former Third District Congressman Zach Wamp remembers the day very well saying, It was the most traumatic day of my life. Congressman Wamp appeared on WDEF TV, Channel 12, Wednesday recounting the events of that day with news anchor Chip Chapman.

The former lawmaker said he was at his desk in the Cannon Office building; it was his sixth year as a member of the House of Representatives.

He said, Someone in our office said someone hit a building in New York City and that didnt really cause alarm until word came the second plane hit." Chief of Staff Helen Hardin told him they needed to evacuate.

"I could remember the sounds, the emotion, and the smell of fuel after the Pentagon was hit." Mr. Wamp told the television audience, I walked down to the mall to make sure the Capitol hadnt been hit and ran back to my office.

It was traumatic like nothing Id ever been through in my life; it was a surprise and one of the beautiful things that happened was everyone came together. We got back up but we went to our knees that day. We were hit really hard, but they didnt destroy us, they just knocked us down.

Mr. Wamp said he liked to run so he went to the gym and changed clothes and ran past the White House. He said, I ran eight or 10 miles as the sun was setting, and there was nobody out. Washington, D.C. was a ghost town. On that run I had all these deep reflections in my life about my mortality. That was the first day in my life Id ever come to grips with death.

The former Congressman praised President George W. Bush for his handling of the crisis. He said, Bush went to Yankee Stadium wearing a bullet proof vest and showed the country we could still fight and come together; that was powerful."

Congressman Wamp was among members of Congress who gathered that evening on the steps of the Capitol to sing God Bless America.

Mr. Wamp told Mr. Chapman, We should remember that freedom is not free, its very fragile. We have enemies; they are not our neighbors and political opponents. The enemies are in other places and they dont like the way we do business.

The Republican served the Third Congressional district in East Tennessee from 1995 to 2011.
Dust travels through the Carrizo Plain National Monument at sunset after a research team took air and soil samples looking for coccidioidomycosis in Santa Margarita last September. Valley Fever, or coccidioidomycosis, is a fungus that develops below the undisturbed surface of soils in hot, dry areas in the western United States. The fungus, when inhaled in dust, can cause long-term and sometimes severe health issues. The Washington Post via Getty Images

A potentially deadly fungal infection known as valley fever is spreading in California, with the number of reported cases nearly quadrupling in the past decade, from around 2,300 cases in 2014 to over 9,000 in 2023.

A new scientific study describes where and when valley fever took off across the state over the past two decades. Swings between wet and dry conditions, expected to intensify with global warming, were associated with the highest case counts.

The state is facing such a scenario this year, said study author Alexandra Heaney, a climate and health epidemiologist at UC San Diego. California faced extreme drought from 2020 to 2023, followed by wet winters in 2023 and 2024.



That is sort of the perfect storm  for these huge valley fever years, Heaney said.

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The state logged nearly 9,300 cases in 2023, more than any year on record, according to the California Department of Public Health.



There could be even more this year: California is in a period of profound increased risk for valley fever, said Justin Remais, an environmental health scientist at UC Berkeley, by email.

The California Department of Public Health reported more than 5,000 preliminary cases of valley fever in the first half of 2024. Remais and Heaney contributed to a recent preprint that predicts upward of 12,000 cases of valley fever from April through the end of March 2025. The work is not yet peer-reviewed.

Valley fever is caused by a fungus known as coccidioides, found in soil and dust throughout the southwestern United States. Wet weather allows the fungus to thrive; dry weather spurs the production of microscopic spores, akin to seeds produced by plants.

Many people who inhale these spores fight off infection, but others experience coughing, fatigue and other flu-like symptoms. In rare cases, the disease infects parts of the body beyond the lungs; severe valley fever can be fatal.

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If the soil is disturbed, billions of spores can be released from even a small patch of dirt, said Andrew Comrie, a professor of geography at the University of Arizona, who wasnt part of the new study. It just takes one to infect someone, Comrie added.

The number of valley fever cases has dramatically increased across California since 2001, with notable jumps after the 2007-2009 and 2012-2015 droughts.

The geographic distribution of valley fever has also expanded. The disease is named for the San Joaquin Valley, where it historically has been most concentrated. But more and more, were seeing cases in the Central Coast, the northern San Joaquin Valley region and then down into Southern California as well, Heaney said.

By analyzing case counts from 2000 through 2021, the researchers identified counties that have been hot spots for the disease. Kern County had the most cases by far, with an average of 199 cases per 100,000 people.

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This agrees with previous work: Kern County and Bakersfield are ground zero for coccidioides in California, Comrie said. There were at least 19 confirmed cases of valley fever following the Lightning in a Bottle music festival near Bakersfield in May.

In the counties analyzed in the study, the valley fever case rate increased 12-fold from 2000 to 2018. The biggest rise was in Monterey County, which experienced a stunning 82-fold jump, though there was only 1 case per 100,000 people in 2000. This year, there were 152 cases reported through July 31; in 2023 there were just 48 through the end of July.

The researchers found counties generally faced the brunt of cases between September and November. The earliest valley fever seasons, on average, occurred in the southern San Joaquin Valley while the latest occurred in the Central Coast. Such information is invaluable for disease prevention.

If we can predict when theres going to be an outbreak in a certain year, then we can warn people who would be particularly vulnerable, said Kathleen Treseder, a professor in the department of ecology and evolutionary biology at UC Irvine, who wasnt involved with the new study. We can also let doctors know to be on the lookout for valley fever symptoms.

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These predictions were influenced by drought. During drought years, the number of valley fever cases were relatively low  thats because wet winters, missing during those years, provide moisture and nutrients for the fungus to grow, Heaney explained.

But when drought precedes a wet winter by a year or two, the researchers tallied big spikes of valley fever.

If the fungus that causes valley fever spreads beyond the lungs, it can cause cocci meningitis, resulting in paralysis and neurological issues. As the climate warms and becomes drier, the fungus, which can also infect animals, could spread to new parts of California and beyond. The Washington Post via Getty Images

One hypothesis is that fungal spores outcompete other microorganisms during droughts. Another is that the droughts cause rodents to die, and the fungus is able to take advantage of nutrients that other microbes dont. In both cases, coccidioides thrives when wet conditions return.

There are major gaps in our understanding of the environmental biology of many fungal pathogens, Remais said. We need to better understand how these pathogens are adapting to new environments in order to better prevent infection and protect those at risk in the decades to come.
The City of Red Bank, along with GreenSteps (a local non-profit that assists with organizing cleanups) and BeCaffeinated, are seeking volunteers to help in cleaning sections of Stringers Branch. The cleanup is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 21 from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.Interested volunteers will need to register and find important information here On the day of the cleanup, volunteers will meet at BeCaffeinated, 3601 Dayton Blvd., to get supplies, along with free coffee and refreshments.This will be the third cleanup for Stringers Branch, an urban stream that flows through the City of Red Bank.Tennessee American Water sponsored the cleanup events with funds from the American Water Environmental Grant awarded to the city."Red Bank is excited and ready for National Cleanup Day,; and will be celebrating by cleaning up litter and trash in and around Stringers Branch, said Parks & Recreation Manager Jeffrey Grabe. "We are extremely grateful to our partners - GreenSteps for helping secure a grant from American Water to help fund this cleanup, and to BeCaffeinated for providing coffee and tea to power us through the day."For additional questions, contact Mr. Grabe at 423-681-3077, or email jgrabe@redbanktn.gov.
The Tivoli Theatre Foundation has closed a $9 million New Markets Tax Credit transaction which supports the restoration of the Historic Tivoli Theatre and the creation of the new Tivoli Performing Arts Center.

The now fully-funded project includes an expanded lobby, ground floor retail, commercial offices, a new 250 seat cinema and performance hall and a wide variety of other multi-use spaces for community arts organizations.

Work is set to start in December or January.

The investment was made by U.S. Bancorp Impact Finance and facilitated by National Trust Community Investment Corporation, a Washington, D.C.-based Community Development Entity.

Nick Wilkinson, CEO of the Tivoli Theatre Foundation, said, This remarkable investment by U.S. Bancorp Impact Finance and the National Trust Community Investment Corporation (NTCIC) ensures that we may now begin our journey of enriching the Chattanooga community through this special project  one that highlights our vibrant education program and diverse concert calendar, as well as marks the return our fantastic Broadway series to the fully renovated Tivoli Theatre,.

We thank both U.S. Bancorp Impact Finance and NTCIC for their commitment to this project and their belief in our mission to breathe life into one of Chattanoogas most beloved landmarks.

U.S. Bancorp Impact Finance, a subsidiary of U.S. Bank, provides solutions that create financial, social and environmental returns for communities across the country. New Markets Tax Credits finance projects that support business growth, job creation and economic development in underserved communities.

Its our pleasure to invest in the restoration of these historic buildings, which will expand access to the visual and performing arts in Chattanooga while supporting economic growth in downtown Chattanooga, said U.S. Bancorp Impact Finance Senior Vice President of NMTCs and Historic Tax Credits Bill Carson. The New Markets Tax Credits program is an ideal financial solution for enhancing economic vitality and supporting arts education.

The Tivoli Theatre Foundation also expects to seek additional proceeds from a Historic Tax Credit investment in the coming weeks. The Foundation also extends its gratitude to numerous other financing partners, as this complex project is 90% funded via private entities.
Cleveland City Schools recognizes two outstanding educators, Jordan Wagers and Lindsey Scott, for their "exceptional contributions to education and their positive impact on the students of Cleveland High School and Cleveland Middle School."Ms. Wagers, who teaches Algebra 2 at Cleveland High School, has recently been named among the top ten finalists for the Novice Teacher of the Year Award from the Tennessee Department of Education. "This prestigious recognition is a testament to Ms. Wagers commitment to fostering a dynamic and engaging learning environment, where students are encouraged to reach their full potential.Her innovative teaching methods and ability to connect with students have made her a beloved member of the Cleveland High School community," officials said.CHS Principal Bob Pritchard expressed his pride in Ms. Wagers, saying, Jordans passion for education and her desire to see every student succeed is what sets her apart. Her contagious smile and magnetic personality draw her students to want to learn in her class. She is so valuable to Cleveland High School, and we are thrilled that her hard work is being recognized at the state level.Similarly, Ms. Scott, a sixth-grade math teacher at Cleveland Middle School, was recently honored with an Honorable Mention for the Novice Teacher of the Year award. "Ms. Scott has demonstrated an extraordinary ability to help students overcome their fear of math by shifting their mindset, telling her students, 'Your goal isnt to love math, your goal is to recognize that you're capable of doing math.' Ms. Scott, who joined Cleveland Middle School after teaching for three years in Athens City, chose to remain in Cleveland due to the citys diversity and access to outdoor activities. Her creativity and adaptability in the classroom have allowed her to reach students of all learning and language levels, making her an integral part of the Cleveland Middle School team," officials said.CMS Principal Nat Akiona said, Lindsey Scott brings an enthusiasm for teaching that is infectious. Her classroom is a welcoming environment for students and she has quickly become an integral part of our sixth grade team. We are fortunate to have her as a part of our staff and we are incredibly proud of her achievement.Officials said, "Both Ms. Wagers and Ms. Scott exemplify the dedication, passion, and innovation that Cleveland City Schools values in its educators. Their recognitions underscore the district's commitment to providing a high-quality education for all students."
Brad Pitt is leveling up his personal life with Ines de Ramon and his fashion game as he steps out in NYC looking mighty fine.

Well, he certainly has a type. Brad Pitt has been socializing all over New York City with his girlfriend, Ines de Ramon. The 60-year-old movie star, who usually donned simple button-ups and basic pants throughout his acting career, has been gradually stepping up his fashion game. Has de Ramon been a positive influence on the star?

Brad Pitt is looking fine in NYC

Brad Pitt and Ines de Ramon on September 10, 2024 in NYC | Gotham/GC Images

The gorgeous couple made their red carpet debut at the Wolfs premiere during the 2024 Venice Film Festival. Although Pitt and de Ramon have dated since 2022, theyd kept things quite private until then. Fans have scrambled to learn more about the 31-year-old jewelry designer and how she connected with Pitt (they met through a mutual friend in late 2022). One thing we do know, the Fury star has elevated his style game.

Brad Pitt and Ines de Ramon in Manhattan on September 9, 2024 | 1st image: Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images; 2nd and 3rd images: METROPOLIS/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images

De Ramon has a background with Hollywood stars, though none as famous as Pitt. The divorcee was previously married to Vampire Diaries star Paul Wesley for about three years. Their split was finalized in 2023. Pitt, for his part, tends to appreciate tall, slender brunettes. He was famously married to Jennifer Aniston (200005) and Angelina Jolie (201419).

The pair are familiar with heartbreak and likely appreciate one another because of what theyve experienced. On September 10, Pitt held de Ramons hand as they entered a building in Chelsea. The Troy star wore a bucket hat, white hoody, and black and white houndstooth pants. De Ramon matched in an all-cream ensemble. The day prior, Putt wore a matching gray-white linen shirt and pants while his girlfriend also wore linen  a blue and white striped vest and pant set.

Brad Pitts foray into fashion

Ines de Ramon and Brad Pitt on September 9, 2024 | METROPOLIS/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images

The outfit that caught fans most by surprise during the couples NYC weekend: Pitts butter yellow shirt-jacket and matching pants. On September 9, the Ad Astra star wore the 70s-inspired look with flared pants, cream loafers, and gold-rimmed aviators. De Ramon donned a camel sweater tucked into a matching skirt with pointed-toe heels and a white handbag.

Ines de Ramon and Brad Pitt in New York City | METROPOLIS/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images

Although not completely coordinating, the pair are choosing complementary fabrics and colors in nearly all of their outings. Its unsurprising that de Ramons style has influenced Pitt. As the Vice President of LA-based luxury jewelry brand Anita Ko, shes developed a career in fashion. De Remon previously worked for the jewelry department at the Christies Switzerland salesroom, according to Harpers Bazaar. Born in New Jersey, the jewelry executive grew up in Cologny, Switzerland, learning five languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, and Italian.

Ines de Ramon and Brad Pitt on September 8, 2024 in NYC | METROPOLIS/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images

The day before Brad Pitt wore his flared yellow pants, he donned another pair of flares: Burberry Houndstooth-Print Track Pants in red and white accompanied by a white button-down and white sneakers. The Bullet Train star accessorized with gold chains around his neck  one sporting a pendant with the initial I, likely for Ines.

De Ramon, a fan of vests, wore a plunging back one with matching wide-leg pants. She wore heeled boots and carried the same white handbag.
Shipwrecks are like underwater time capsules, preserving pieces of the past. These sunken vessels have been lost beneath the waves for long periods of time but often still hold historical treasures that give us the opportunity to learn more about the people and events that made our world what it is today.

From famous warships to ancient trade vessels, these submerged relics contain thrilling secrets just waiting to be brought out of the depths.

Back in 2018, a shipwreck believed to be around 400 years old was found sitting on the bottom of the sea floor off the coast of Portugal.

According to experts, the ship may have sunk near Lisbon after returning from India with spices and other goods between 1575 and 1625, when Portugals spice trade with India was at its height.

The ship was discovered off the coast of Cascais, a resort town located about 15 miles west of Lisbon.

It was found at the beginning of September 2018 as part of a 10-year-long archaeological project that the municipal council of Cascais, the Portuguese government, the navy, and Nova University of Lisbon collaborated on.

The project director, Jorge Freire, said that the wreck and its objects were very well-preserved. The Portuguese governments directorate-general for cultural heritage analyzed the artifacts.

Freire and his team spent four days examining the wreck. It was 40 feet below the surface. Divers uncovered various spices, Chinese ceramics from the Wanli period (1573 to 1619), nine bronze cannons etched with the Portuguese coat of arms, and cowry shells.

During the colonial era, the shells were a type of currency used to trade slaves. The discovery has helped provide insight into Portuguese trade history.

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At Jamestown, Virginia, ancient DNA revealed the complex dog lineages between Indigenous dogs and the dogs brought by European settlers.

Researchers from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the University of Iowa wanted to better understand the time period when North American dog lineages were replaced with European ones, so they sequenced mitochondrial DNA from ancient dog remains.

Europeans and Native Americans both valued their dogs as companion animals. They used them for work and as symbols of identity. The dogs also reflected the strained relationship between Europeans and Native Americans.

For example, the settlers described Indigenous dogs as mongrels, adding to their narrative that Indigenous people did not breed, train or own their dogs.

Meanwhile, the Indigenous peoples saw European dogs as a threat to their existence. So, they did what they could to limit the spread and use of European dogs.

Previous studies had suggested that there were a lot of Indigenous dogs in the continental United States and that they were eradicated, Ariane Thomas, a Ph.D. graduate of anthropology from the University of Iowa, said. We wanted to understand what that entailed: when it happened, were they culled, was it the competition with European dogs or was it disease?

Due to the number of canid remains at the Jamestown colony of Virginia, the researchers focused their studies on that particular site, especially since there was also evidence of Indigenous influence. They analyzed 181 canid bones that represented at least 16 dogs.

They then selected 22 remains that were from 1607 to 1619. Finally, they extracted the DNA at an ancient DNA lab and sequenced the data to get a clearer picture of the dogs ancestral background.

The team estimated that the majority of dogs at Jamestown weighed between 22 and 39 pounds, comparable to the beagles and schnauzers of today. Furthermore, many of the dog bones showed signs of damage from humans, including cut marks and burns.

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On January 4, 1656, the Spanish galleon known as the Nuestra Senora de las Maravillas (Our Lady of Wonders) sank in what are now the waters of the northern Bahamas.

The vessel was built in northern Spain. It weighed 891 tons, had two decks, and was armed with 36 brass cannons.

The Maravillas was on its way to Cadiz in southwestern Spain with around 650 people on board when a storm hit in the Florida Strait. During the storm, the galleon collided with a reef and went down late in the night.

All the treasure it had been carrying was lost to the sea, including the objects and contraband salvaged from the Jesus Maria de la Limpia Concepion, which was lost off the coast of Ecuador. At the time, the Maravillas was one of the richest treasure ships ever lost.

Between 1656 and 1679, Spanish salvors from Havana salvaged the wreck. They were followed by English and colonial wreckers in the later 17th century.

In 1972, Bob Marx rediscovered the remains, and exploration of the wreck continued into the early 1990s. Finally, the Bahamian government put a stop to wreck hunting in 1992.

In 2019, a new license was issued to Allen Exploration (AllenX) so they could conduct scientific studies of the wreck.

This past summer, the company tracked a trail of wreckage south of where the Maravillas sank. They uncovered a link to the rise of the pirates of the Caribbean, who were once based in the port of Nassau in what is known as the Bahamas today.

During AllenXs investigations, the team made several fresh finds, such as Chinese and Spanish pottery, grinding stones from the galleons kitchen, iron spikes that nailed the hull together, silver bars, and silver coins from Mexico.

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Chinese business event in Bulgaria to boost bilateral cooperation

Xinhua) 10:11, September 11, 2024

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.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Home News Bethany Christian Services files lawsuit after Michigan denies its refugee resettlement contract

A Christian ministry is suing Michigan over its decision to deny grant funding to the nonprofit because of its policy requiring employees to adhere to the tenets of the Christian faith.

Bethany Christian Services, a faith-based nonprofit, is suing the state after it refused to provide the organization with refugee resettlement services contracts because the ministry requires its employees to abide by a statement of faith.

Federal law is clear, and the courts have repeatedly affirmed that 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations like ours, can hire staff and select leaders who share the organizations faith mission, Bethany Christian Services General Counsel Nhung Hurst said in a statement shared with The Christian Post.

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Hurst added: Federal law affirms that Muslim nonprofits can hire Muslims; Jewish nonprofits can hire people of Jewish faith; and Christian nonprofits can hire Christians. For 50 years, this has been a long-standing American civil right that has never been controversial. We are disappointed that the state of Michigan would engage in religious discrimination, but we are confident that the courts will intervene and correct this injustice so we can continue serving men, women, and children across the state.

Bethany remains deeply committed to serving vulnerable children and families, ensuring they have the support they need to thrive, even as we work to protect our legal rights, she added.

The lawsuit, filed by Bethany Christian Services in federal district court, contends that the states actions amount to discrimination on the basis of religion and a violation of the ministrys rights to the free exercise of religion under the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and the Civil Rights Act of 1871.

In late 2023, the Office of Global Michigan (OGM) officials took issue with Bethanys practice of requiring its employees to affirm the organizations statement of faith. The OGM then denied grant funding to Bethany the following calendar year, the ministry explained.

The statement of faith Bethany requires its employees to affirm is The Apostles Creed, one of the most well-known Christian prayers. The complaint names the OGM and the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity as defendants. It seeks a ruling enjoining the OGM from ending the existing contracts pending a final resolution of its religious discrimination claims.

The latest litigation is not the first time Bethany has found itself at odds with the government of Michigan in recent years. In 2019, the ministry capitulated to the state and announced that it would begin placing foster children with same-sex couples after the state reached a settlement with two gay couples who filed a lawsuit challenging its relationship with faith-based adoption agencies because they were rejected as prospective foster parents due to the organizations religious objections to same-sex marriage and parenting.

Earlier this year, following local media reports of outcry among the ministry staff over stricter enforcement of the nonprofits policy prohibiting the hiring of non-Christians as well as a ban on political workplace displays, Bethany sent a statement to CP noting that, like most religious organizations, expects its employees to align with core beliefs that reflect Bethanys foundation of faith and to adhere to certain expectations, including following a viewpoint-neutral policy against workplace activism and advocacy.

This policy is designed to promote a culture of mutual respect and unity for our diverse staff and clients as we work to serve vulnerable men, women, and children of all backgrounds and beliefs, the organization added.
Home News Church leaders urge prayers ahead of UK Parliaments debate on assisted suicide

As the U.K. Parliament gears up to debate the legalization of assisted suicide, church leaders nationwide are urging prayers and compassionate actions to prevent the proposed law from undermining the sanctity and dignity of human life.

The forthcoming discussion in Parliament will include the second reading of Lord Falconers Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults Bill in the House of Lords and a new Private Members Bill by backbench Labour MP Jake Richards aimed at legalizing the practice, Christian Today reported.

Bishop John Sherrington, the Catholic Churchs lead bishop for life issues, says theres a need for proper care and support for the terminally ill, and warned that the legalization of assisted suicide undermines the sanctity and dignity of human life. Evidence, he laments, indicates that legalizing assisted suicide poses risks to societys most vulnerable members.

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The Catholic Church accompanies those suffering and nearing the end of their lives with hope and affection, but also reminds them that their life is precious until the very last breath, Sherrington stated.

This is the work that hospices and other healthcare institutions and hundreds of thousands of individual carers undertake every day, helping the terminally ill and dying to leave this world whilst preserving their dignity. They truly provide assistance to those who are dying, he added.

Ross Hendry, CEO of the Christian advocacy group CARE, described assisted suicide as medically dangerous and unethical. Hendry bases his assessment on the Christian moral framework that views each individual as inherently dignified and worthy of protection, irrespective of illness or other factors.

Recent polling by the research group Living and Dying Well revealed mixed public opinion on the issue. Findings show that fewer than half of 18- to 24-year-olds in the U.K. support legalizing assisted suicide, while a majority of adults fear its potential to normalize the practice. Concerns also extend to pressures some patients might feel to end their lives prematurely.

Lord George Carey, former Archbishop of Canterbury, has advocated for the legalization of assisted dying, arguing that it aligns with Christian values of preventing undue suffering. Carey, who has supported assisted dying initiatives since 2014, has urged the government to consider laws that offer choice in dying with adequate safeguards.

Carey believes that assisted dying should only be an option for those expressing a clear, persistent wish for it and suggested it was an act of great generosity, kindness and human love to aid those wanting to end their suffering.

In its submission, the Church of England has warned of a slippery slope, suggesting that legalization could lead to more lenient practices over time.

The CofE has raised concerns over improper psychiatric testing in places like Oregon and the prevalence of doctor shopping, with patients searching for medical professionals willing to administer lethal drugs. It has also warned about challenges to the original law, expanding the definition of assisted dying to include those with non-terminal but grievous and irremediable medical conditions.

Christian Concerns Paul Huxley has said that legalizing assisted suicide sends a troubling message about the value of life, particularly for vulnerable individuals.

It would be a very dangerous thing to do.  Assisted suicide changes the way doctors think about how they care for people. They think, oh well, we can offer you euthanasia rather than thinking about how can we look after this person , Huxley wrote in an op-ed. I think its a very concerning message that we are sending to people.

Last August, Christian charity CARE expressed concerns over the implications of legalizing assisted suicide in the U.K., following the release of David Hunter by a Cypriot court.

Hunter, 76, was sentenced to two years in prison for the manslaughter of his terminally ill wife, Janice, 74, who he helped to die at their home in Paphos in 2021. He served 19 months before his release. Hunter claimed he acted on his wifes desperate pleas to end her suffering from blood cancer, describing her as hysterical and insistent on ending her life.

CARE criticized the narrative surrounding the case, describing it as a troubling example of how assisted suicide discussions can overshadow the need for compassionate care.

Ross Hendry, CEO of CARE, said the proper response to Janice Hunters distress over her cancer diagnosis would have been specialist support, not assisted suicide. He added that the case involved the violent death of a vulnerable individual, revealing the dangers and ethical complexities associated with legalizing assisted dying.
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.

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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 NYC church destroyed on 9/11 reopens, resumes 'full liturgical and parochial life'

A New York City church that was destroyed during the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, has reopened for worship 21 years later.

St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine, which was destroyed when one of the World Trade Center towers collapsed, held its first service last Tuesday, appropriately on the Feast of St. Nicholas. The ceremony marks the return of the church's "full liturgical and parochial life."

"This is a very emotional day for us all and an extraordinary, consequential day for New York and America," Michael Psaros, chairman of The Friends of St. Nicholas, said in a statement.

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"We have relit the sacred flame of faith and spirit in this place of remembrance and resilience. As a national institution, we look forward to welcoming millions of people of all faiths and all nationalities from around the world who will seek to find solace and comfort at Saint Nicholas, for he is truly the protector of all those who journey through life."

The funding for the project came through efforts led by the Friends of St. Nicholas.

All are welcome to visit the shrine built in memory of the 3,000 people who were killed in the 9/11 attacks, Psaros said, according to The Associated Press.

"To see it back up like this, to see it so close to the Statue of Liberty, which represents all the immigrants who helped make this church, is very moving to all of us," said Maria Yatrakis, whose family attended the old St. Nicholas, told AP.

After its destruction, Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava was selected to redesign a new church for the congregation, reports Architectural Digest, adding that it is heavily influenced by Byzantine architecture.

"To see the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine finally open is emblematic of Lower Manhattan's storied future and defining past," Calatrava was quoted as saying. "I hope to see this structure serve its purpose as a sanctuary for worship but also as a place for reflection on what the city endured and how it is moving forward."

The church's structure  four stone-clad towers supporting a great dome  is made from Pentelic marble, the same type of stone that makes up the Parthenon in Athens, Greece, the magazine said.

The long effort to rebuild the church faced many complications over the past several years, including a legal dispute over where the new building would be located.

The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which owns the World Trade Center, agreed to build the new church at Liberty Park just south of the main trade center site after the lawsuit.

The construction began with a ceremonial groundbreaking in 2014 but was stalled in 2017 due to the archdiocese's inability to make payments.

Work resumed in August 2020 after the Friends of St. Nicholas raised the $45 million needed to finish construction.

Although the goal was to reopen on the 20th anniversary of 9/11 last year, the final phase of construction took longer than expected, though the church building was ceremonially lighted for the date.
Home News Trump blames assassination attempt on leftist rhetoric: 'They're the threat'

Former President Donald Trump blamed his recent assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania, on the rhetoric that the Biden administration and other Democrats hurled against him.

"I probably took a bullet to the head because of the things that they say about me," Trump said Tuesday during ABC News' presidential debate against Vice President Kamala Harris in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, during which any other mention of Trump's close brush with death was left unmentioned.

"They talk about democracy. I'm a 'threat to democracy.' They're the threat to democracy with the fake Russia, Russia, Russia investigation that went nowhere," he added before ABC moderator David Muir cut him off because they "ha[d] a lot to get to."

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It took President Trump to mention the attempted assassination ABCs moderators were busy running a Kamala protection racket:



I probably took a bullet to the head because of the things that they say about meTheyre the threat to democracy.pic.twitter.com/1W09HEMbZzhttps://t.co/sVOUuZrXKr  Steve Guest (@SteveGuest) September 11, 2024

Trump's comments came during a back-and-forth about what he alleged was the weaponization of the justice system, which he claims has been aimed against him for political reasons.

Muir and fellow ABC News moderator Linsey Davis took flak following Tuesday's presidential debate for not mentioning the assassination attempt, as well as for repeatedly fact-checking Trump while ignoring Harris' false statements.

"President Trump was shot in the head 2 months ago," commentator Steve Cortes wrote. "The corrupt ABC moderators didnt even mention it. Thats by design."

"It took President Trump to mention the attempted assassination  ABCs moderators were busy running a Kamala protection racket," tweeted Steve Guest, a former spokesperson for Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas.

"Nobody was surprised Tuesday night when the first  and likely only  2024 presidential debate featured Donald Trump vs. Kamala Harris, David Muir, and Linsey Davis," wrote Federalist editorial director Kylee Griswold. "Yet the level of corruption never ceases to amaze, this time in the form of Kamalas ABC cronies neglecting to bring up the recent attempted murder of their political foe that occurred not two months ago."

Muir and Davis fact-checked Trump five times throughout the debate while leaving Harris unchallenged, despite her spurious claim that Trump called neo-Nazis and white supremacists "very fine people" after the Charlottesville "Unite the Right" rally in 2017, which Snopes determined to be false earlier this year.

Harris made 21 false claims during the debate, according to Breitbart.

The debate between Trump and Harris marked the first time the two have appeared on stage together since President Joe Biden dropped out of the race following a widely panned performance in a debate in June.

Other topics in the debate included the economy, abortion, illegal immigration and foreign policy.
Home Opinion Armenia must demand Azerbaijan stop attacking its churches in Nagorno-Karabakh

In recent weeks, there have been reports claiming that Armenia and Azerbaijan are on the cusp of inking a peace deal that would finally bring an end to their decades-old conflict over the disputed territory of Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh).



While peace in the South Caucasus should be welcomed, Armenia must demand Azerbaijan end its ongoing campaign of cultural erasure of Armenian churches, monasteries, khachkars (cross-stone monuments), and other religious sites that have stood in the region for thousands of years as a condition for any peace agreement. In the wake of Azerbaijan's ethnic cleansing of more than 120,000 Armenians from their ancestral homeland of Artsakh, the threat of wiping out their entire existence from this area remains today. According to a recent report from Reuters and The Museum of the Bible, an estimated 400 Armenian churches and other religious sites have been under attack and are in danger of being defaced or outright destroyed.

As the first nation to adopt Christianity in 301 AD, Armenia's identity and culture have been closely defined by its Christian faith, which makes these historical symbols so important to its survival as a people. Christianity has sustained Armenians throughout their painful history, which has been marked by widespread persecution and mass suffering over hundreds of years. That history includes the first genocide of the 20th century when more than 1.5 million Armenians were systematically exterminated by the Ottoman Turks, an event that both Turkey and Azerbaijan deny to this day.

That is why preserving these religious sites should be a precondition for any lasting peace between the two countries. By respecting and honoring that history, Azerbaijan would send a message that they truly want peace with Armenia. However, all signs show Azerbaijan heading in the opposite direction.

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Taking a page out of the authoritarian playbook, Azerbaijan's petro-dictator Ilham Aliyev used the pretext of historical revisionism to launch his unprovoked war against Armenians living in Artsakh in 2020. Claiming that large parts of Armenia's territory were Azerbaijan's "historical lands," he embarked on a controversial campaign to restore Armenian churches and religious sites to their "original" form. What that form means was not initially clear, but we now know that the complete destruction and evisceration of these sites was Azerbaijan's original intent.

Under the guise of restoration, Azerbaijan dismantled the iconic Ghazanchetsots Cathedral in Shushi soon after taking over the city. The cathedral was a symbol of Armenian existence in the region. Later, more images from the city surfaced  occupying Azeri forces razed an Armenian genocide memorial. And recent satellite imagery shows Azerbaijan's destruction of Armenian religious and cultural sites continues unabated, including the destruction of the 177-year-old St. John the Baptist church in Sushi, and the demolition of the St. Ascencion Church in Berdzor and the entire village of Karintak, where a mosque is currently under construction where the town once stood.

Despite the overwhelming evidence of a cultural genocide taking place, Azerbaijan continues to deny any culpability in the desecration of these religious sites. They have even ignored the International Court of Justice's (ICJ) November order calling Azerbaijan to "take all necessary measures to prevent and punish acts of vandalism and desecration affecting Armenian cultural heritage, including but not limited to churches and other places of worship, monuments, landmarks, cemeteries and artefacts."

In the summer of 2019, Armenians had the foresight to think ahead a year before the war in Artsakh broke out. Students from the TUMO Center for Creative Technologies produced a 3D scanning project of the Dadivank Armenian monastery, which was built between the 9th and 13th centuries. The students wanted to leverage the power of technology to bring one of the most important sites in Armenian history to life for people around the world to see while educating them about Armenia's rich culture and presence in the region. Little did they realize that their efforts would soon turn into a preservation campaign. With the region and monastery now in the hands of Azerbaijan, the students' scan of Dadivank might be the only sign keeping Armenia's legacy alive as Azerbaijan continues to rewrite history.

Still, there is a significant difference between a digital record and a physical place of worship. That is why it is so important that these Armenian religious and cultural institutions that have weathered earthquakes and wars stay intact. In many ways, Azerbaijan's belligerence and aggression go beyond a piece of land or sovereignty. It is a form of religious persecution that spreads across borders and needs to stop immediately.

It is hard to take Azerbaijan at face value when it says it wants peace with Armenia, while simultaneously trying to erase Armenia's religious and cultural identity. For a country that claims to tolerate various religious backgrounds and coexistence, Azerbaijan has a long way to go. They can start by making the preservation of Armenian religious and cultural sites in Artsakh a priority. Anything short of that should be a dealbreaker for any lasting peace.

Originally published in Newsweek.
Home Opinion Churchill wasnt the bad guy

Last weeks online controversy was the interview with Darryl Cooper, whom host Tucker Carlson called (maybe) the best and most honest popular historian in the United States. In the interview, Cooper not only claimed that Winston Churchill was a psychopath but also that he was the real villain of World War II. Though Cooper admitted Hitler was evil, he also argued that historys most notorious villain was, in fact, backed into a corner by Churchill, who was bent on war from the beginning. Thus, it is Churchill and not Hitler, Cooper claimed, who should bear most of the blame for the war and the Holocaust. Cooper, during the interview and afterward, chalked up opposition to his telling of the story to core elements of American identity since the war that are too deeply engrained to be questioned.

Typically, claims like these would be unworthy of a response, other than perhaps an eyeroll and quick dismissal. However, this interview has been viewed by millions and was conducted by the most popular news personality in the United States. Also, Cooper has since doubled down on his claims on X.

In his misrepresentation of the two most important figures of World War II, Cooper obscured several basic facts. First, in a claim that reveals his extensive research failed to consider basic history texts, he posited that historians never talk about why Hitler rose to power in Weimar Germany. In fact, many have and still do.

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Cooper also argued that Hitlers anger was the fault of England and France because they declared war on Germany after his invasion of Poland. Had they not, he claimed, the war would have been over before it really began. However, this claim ignores Hitlers repeated goal of building living space for Germany in Eastern Europe, how he broke his word before the war by taking all of Czechoslovakia rather than just the German-speaking areas, and the treaty obligations England and France had to Poland.

Its also important to note that Hitler invaded France through neutral Belgium the day Churchill became Prime Minister, so he can hardly be blamed for the escalation of the war. Cooper also argued that the war could have ended when France was conquered, and Hitler offered peace to England and promised it could keep its Empire. Churchill, he said, should have accepted Hitlers terms.

However, to do so would have meant abandoning Englands allies, not to mention the rest of Europe, to Nazi domination. Bizarrely, Cooper assumes that Hitler could have been trusted to keep his word that he only really wanted peace. Because Churchill insisted on fighting, Cooper suggested, he is the real villain of the war. Churchill, he said, wanted war to make up for his part in the disaster at Gallipoli in World War I. Though nothing in Churchills writings suggests this, Hitler clearly articulated his intentions and, despite what Cooper claimed, it was not to pursue peace.

In fact, Churchill opposed Hitler before the war began. Thus, the simpler explanation is that Churchill understood the danger to the world posed by the Nazis and acted accordingly.

Cooper also claimed Hitler thought the U.S., rather than the Soviets, were his main threat, but decided to invade Russia anyway. And he justified the incredible death toll in Russia, which was far greater than anywhere else in the war, by claiming that Hitler didnt plan for the massive number of prisoners of war and civilians that would be captured. Cooper also justified German death camps in this way, appealing to a letter written by a German officer suggesting that to kill the prisoners quickly would be more humane than allowing them to slowly starve to death. He failed to mention that the vast majority of those killed in the camps were civilians, not prisoners of war.

In general, both the quality of Coopers historical research and his moral compass is exposed by a statement he made in another context:

No god in any religious tradition is as consistently brutal and bloodthirsty as Yahweh in the Old Testament. That includes the various war gods, and deities of peoples like the Aztecs.

In other words, as always, flawed historical revisionism of this sort is always motivated by flawed beliefs about God, the human condition, and the world.

Of course, Churchill was a flawed individual and should not be considered above criticism. Still, it is safe to say that in the context of World War II, he was the good guy, and Hitler was the bad guy.

Coopers approach to history is essentially the same as Critical Theory, except from the right rather than from the left. Assuming accepted history to be not only wrong but corrupted by an agenda, historical narratives must be deconstructed and turned upside down. Its no accident that they end up in the same place: the Jews and Churchill are evil, Hamas is good, and Hitler needs to be rehabilitated.

Christians shouldnt fall for this, no matter where it comes from.

Originally published at BreakPoint.
Home Opinion How to get out of the stranglehold of materialism

Materialism develops within man's soul when he constantly fixates upon the splendor of his material possessions. But materialism can only exist in your heart if it has "room to breathe." Otherwise, it suffocates from lack of attention.

Jesus said, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on Earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in Heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:16-18).

You see, the more stuff you have, the more time and attention it takes to maintain it. You get to choose who or what is going to fill your soul. If you consider Jesus to be your treasure, your heart will be centered around Him. If, on the other hand, you choose to make material things your treasure, your heart will be primarily focused upon those things.

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American business magnate Ross Perot once said: "If you make a lot of money, if you get out and buy a lot of stuff, it's gonna break ... go to a yacht basin any place in the world. Nobody is smiling, and I'll tell you why. Something broke that morning. The generator's out, the microwave oven doesn't work. Things just don't mean happiness."

People who find themselves in the stranglehold of materialism talk a lot about their possessions. For example, Jesse Duplantis is a minister in Louisiana who boasted, "One of my chandeliers cost more than most homes. I've got 22 chandeliers in the house," which is a 30,000 sq. ft. mansion valued at $55 million. Duplantis asked his followers in 2018 to donate toward his 4th private jet costing $54 million.

Jesus said, "Out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks" (Luke 6:45). If you want to know what is in a person's heart, just listen to him speak. People boast about those things that consume their soul. The Apostle Paul wrote, "May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Galatians 6:18).

Earlier this summer prosperity preacher Kenneth Copeland "thanked Jesus for a dying man's seed offering of a Bentley with a Breitling clock, which he had given in the hope that it would bring healing." Copeland shared "stories about his passion for Breitling watches, of which he owns around 36 coveted timepieces." Scripture informs us: "A man is a slave to whatever has mastered him" (2 Peter 2:19). By the way, Copeland's net worth has been estimated at somewhere between $300 million and $750 million.

Author Randy Alcorn posed this important question: "When you leave this world, will you be known as one who accumulated treasures on Earth that you couldn't keep? Or will you be recognized as one who invested treasures in Heaven that you couldn't lose?"



Alcorn also wrote, "It's increasingly common for Christians to ask one another the tough questions: How is your marriage? Have you been spending time in the Word? How are you doing in terms of sexual purity? Have you been sharing your faith? But how often do we ask ... Are you winning the battle against materialism?"

Do you find yourself constantly thinking about material things, or have you been suffocating materialism in your soul by guarding your heart as you fill your mind with Scripture and thoughts about your Savior?

Solomon wrote, "Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income" (Ecclesiastes 5:10). Likewise, whoever loves material possessions is never satisfied because he is always craving more possessions.

After Jesus rose from the dead, "He breathed on His disciples and said, 'Receive the Holy Spirit.'" (John 20:22). The Holy Spirit is not only the Third Person of the Trinity, but He is also the breath of God. If you are a believer in Jesus, then your body is temple of the Holy Spirit. And rather than being obsessed with money and material possessions, God wants you to live a Spirit-filled life.

If an obsession with material things has a strong grip on your life today, there are some practical things you can do to suffocate the materialism within your soul. Your thought life is a critical aspect of coming under the control of the Holy Spirit. By the grace of God, make the necessary changes in order to take every thought captive (see 2 Cor. 10:4-5).

Your purchases are another huge factor. Change any unwise purchasing habits. And you may very well need to begin downsizing as you sell or give away a significant portion of your possessions. It really depends upon how much of your soul is consumed with material things, rather than spiritual things.

Paul instructed "the holy and faithful brothers in Christ at Colosse" (Colossians 1:2): "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things" (Colossians 3:1-2).

It is a simple formula, but certainly not easy to put into practice. Christian discipleship requires spiritual discipline, mental discipline and financial discipline. Evangelist D.L. Moody (1837-1899) said that believers must be emptied before we can be filled with the Holy Spirit.

Christians must suffocate materialism in order to preserve the precious spiritual oxygen God has placed within us. You will either suffocate materialism in your soul, or it could end up suffocating you to the point of spiritual death. "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs" (1 Timothy 6:10).

Do you find your joy in Jesus, or in your material possessions? If your spiritual life is out of order, you can choose to take the steps necessary to suffocate the materialism that is robbing you of true joy and a close relationship with your Creator.
Home News Robert Morris son, James Morris, names new house of worship Passage Church

James Morris, the son of disgraced Gateway Church founder Robert Morris in Southlake, Texas, has announced that the new church he intends to plant will be called Passage Church.

The announcement, which was shared on X by abuse survivor advocate Amy Smith, comes more than a week after James Morris revealed that he was ready to plant his own church with his wife Bridgette.

We are thrilled to announce the Lord has given us a name for the church he put in our hearts to plant! Thank you for praying with and for us! We have spent the past few weeks praying and seeking the Lord, and we feel like God has confirmed the name through multiple scriptures and people. The name is Passage Church! the couple said.

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The naming of the new church comes more than a month after James Morris stepped down as leader of Gateway Church in late July after serving in that role for just a few weeks. His father resigned on June 18 amid allegations of child sex abuse.

In explaining the choice of name for their church, Morris and his wife said it has a twofold meaning.

First, Passage is another word for scripture. We believe in the authority and power of the Holy Scriptures, the Bible. Passage Church is on the Word of God and will be a place where people are taught the Word of God, they said.

Second, Passage is another word for making a journey from one place to another. Passage Church is on the move and filled with people pursuing God in every season. Every persons life is filled with transitions and journeys; we will be a place that helps people no matter what stage of their journey, pointing them towards Jesus and a relationship with God. Jesus said in John 10:9, I am the door. Another word for door is passage, the couples announcement continued.

They explained that they plan on hosting an interest meeting in early October, but they had not settled on a venue yet. They further asked volunteers to help them pray so that they would find not just a place to host their interest meeting but also a place to worship.

If you are interested in volunteering or being a part of our launch team, we will have a sign-up for that at our interest meeting or you can email us. Another way you can start supporting us right now is by praying. We would love to have as many people praying for Passage Church as possible! their announcement added.

Our greatest need right now is a place to gather. We are not stressed about this because we know God will provide but its a very practical need so please join us in that prayer.

In June, Cindy Clemishire, 54, reported that Robert Morris began sexually abusing her on Christmas Day in 1982 when she was just 12 years old. She says the abuse continued for four-and-a-half years before others found out. Morris was reportedly disciplined but later allowed to return to ministry.

When questioned about the allegations by The Christian Post, Morris only confessed to being involved in "inappropriate sexual behavior with a young lady" more than 35 years ago. He said he repented and was restored to ministry.

Clemishire insisted to CP, however, that she was no young lady when Morris abused her.

"I was 12 years old. I was a little girl. A very innocent little girl. And he was brought into our home. He and his wife, Debbie, and their little boy, Josh, trusted and preached at the church that my dad helped start and then began grooming all of us to do this, which took me decades to wrap my brain around as an adult," she said.

Gateway Church has commissioned an independent investigation into the allegations against Morris and those findings remain pending.
Home News Top moments in Trump-Harris debate: Christianity and abortion, 'Venezuela on steroids and rally size

The presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Tuesday night marked the first time the two have appeared on stage together since President Joe Biden dropped out of the race following a widely panned performance in a debate with Trump earlier this year and installed Harris as his successor.

Moderated by ABCs David Muir and Linsey Davis, the debate touched upon several topics, including the economy, abortion, illegal immigration and foreign policy.

Here are five highlights from the debate.

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Hearing loss advocate urges churches to 'learn from Jesus' to reach deaf communities for Christ

An advocate for the d/Deaf community challenges churches to re-evaluate 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.

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?"

 Christian Daily International
Cathy O'Sullivan 00:02

Welcome to CIO Leadership Live New Zealand. I'm Cathy O'Sullivan, Editorial Director for Foundry's Enterprise and Channel brands in Australia and New Zealand. On today's episode, I'm delighted to be joined by Eion Hall, who is the Chief Information Officer at the University of Waikato. Kia ora, Eion. Welcome to the podcast. Thanks for being with us today.



Eion Hall 00:25

Thank you very much. It's I'm really excited to be here. This should be great.



Cathy O'Sullivan 00:29

Great stuff. And great to see you again after that beautiful visit to the university a few weeks ago. And look we had a great chat at the time and you told me a bit about your career to date. So can you share with the audience how you got your start in IT? And I guess what have been some of your career milestones to date?



Eion Hall 00:49

Sure. Thank you. Hey, first of all, thank you very, very much for having me here. I'm really excited about this. And thanks for coming to visit our beautiful campus. It's a little known gem. It's an absolutely amazing space here in the Waikato. Look, I've been, I fell into IT really, by mistake. I don't know 15 years ago, 10, maybe a bit longer, I was working for Hamilton City Council. And we had, I was there as like a general sort of business advisor, business manager for a group of council services and facilities like stadiums and libraries and event centres and parks and all these amazing community assets. And I was very fortunate to be working in there. Anyway, they decided at Hamilton City Council that they would do a digital transformation program and and they created a steering group for the digital transformation program. I ended up on the steering group and the program got off to a bit of an auspicious start - staggered, didn't really work - the person who was running it was decided that the role wasn't for them. And I remember at the time a chief executive who was Michael Redmond, who I've got a lot of time for, he said, 'Hey, would you mind if these people report to you for a bit until we figure out what to do with them?' And yeah, and so from there, we ended up you know, managing that program of work, it was quite a big program, we took a bit of time to turn it around - 10 projects. And my family laughed, I remember I got home not long after the day, I said 'I got a new job, I'm managing this IT program'. And my son at the time was probably six or seven, maybe a bit older. And he said to me, Dad, 'how can you do that you can't even use the Sky machine!' And that's literally how I fell into IT. And from there, the CIO role became vacant. And I just delivered the program of work. And my motivation for becoming a CIO was more selfish at the time than anything other than that I was three quarters of the way through a program of work, that I had a pretty good plan around, and I was pretty sure we were going to get delivered. And the last thing I wanted was someone else coming in and telling me how to do it. So I said I'll solve that problem by putting my hand up. That was my pitch, they gave me the job. And then from there, I ended up here at the lovely University of Waikato. One of the - I'm sure we'll talk about this a bit later - but one of the amazing things that I've been very fortunate with as a lot of the crew that I that I run with now, or some of the, my key people and whether they are in partners that I've worked with, or my own staff or peers, actually have been working with me since that beginning at Hamilton City Council. So yeah, it's been a real privilege and a journey to work with that group of people over a number of years. And I think we've had some real fun along the way and achieved some pretty cool things that I'm pretty excited to share.



Cathy O'Sullivan 03:47

Wonderful and looking forward to hearing more about that. So look, as you said, you've been CIO at the University of Waikato for a number of years now. So can you tell us a little bit more about the uni, its purpose and what you and the team look after there?



Eion Hall 04:05

Yeah, sure. So, like you said, this is the University of Waikato. We're New Zealand's, we're about the sixth largest university in terms of size. However, we're now ranked third amongst the most of the ranking, international ranking systems that they use around our achievements around research is even higher than that. And then just general rankings we went way higher. We punch we think pretty much above our weight. We're about 13,000 students roughly; we have three campuses. We have one here in Hamilton. We have our Tauranga campus which was opened recently. That was an experience, I was running facilities at the time when we opened our Tauranga campus. And yeah, so commissioning a building that had to start teaching on the first day of a semester was a was a lot of fun because every day that the building was late was one less day for commissioning. It's not like you push out the start of the year, the students are arriving on the first day when we were ready or not. So we established all that, that was fun. We got a lovely campus over there. It's a brand new building, beautiful views across the sea and the Mount. And it's a beautiful place. And we've also got a campus in China that we run in a partnership over there in Hangzhou. And yeah, and we also teach over there. So what are we here for? Look, we are, we're a pretty proud university of our of our roots, particularly in computer science, we've got a really strong history in computer science. Not many people know this. But it was the home of the internet in New Zealand; our scientists were the first people in the country to connect the Internet to NASA, it was the first at the time. So we're pretty proud of our heritage. Some of our graduates have gone on to do things like form, lead, Google's DeepMind, those other things. So we got a pretty had a proud heritage in computer science. And of course, we're making a play now for what we think is a really great opportunity for the country around being the third medical school. And we're really, really excited by that. And the prospect of having the opportunity to provide more doctors into our rural and communities and particularly those that represent those populations, Maori and Pasifika and those sorts of things. So it's a really exciting initiative that I have to get in there, because I'm really, really excited about the opportunity that provides for the country. So achievements, well we've got... university's a funny place, I think of myself more as an ISP than an IT provider. If the university is like a town, there's any time there's about 15,000 people connected to our network. And for most of those people, they really want as a high speed internet connection that works really, really well. So we've invested a lot of money, we've got really good partnership with Arista Networks and we've invested a lot of money on that. And we've got probably, I think, probably the best campus network in the country, if not one of our best large scale networks. It's high speed, it's got very little latency, very, very little friction for users in terms of what they need to do to engage with it and work with it, we think. We're pretty proud of that and we've got that pretty right. Can't say enough good things about the team at Arista - Simon and the guys - they do an amazing job. And that's probably I know, we're gonna touch on this a bit later when we talk about advice and stuff. But when I was thinking about this on the way in here, and I really do think if I was giving advice to anybody who was in my situation, or who were thinking about coming down this role is to build really good relationships with people that sustain over time. And if your careers grow together, and you make other people successful, and you make them successful, you grow together. And there are, there really good people in this industry. And we're really, really lucky to have them. And I think if you search them out, and you can get past the spiel, and some of the big brands that are in front of them, it doesn't really matter too much, you can get some pretty amazing things achieved and, and I put Arista in that group. They're a great bunch of guys. So anyway, universities are interesting. When I arrived here, we had six IT departments. Every faculty had its own little IT team. And central IT, really just we were procurement really, and we would just manage things like teaching spaces. So it's been a pretty transformational journey. We've had to bring those six teams, we created one team. And ironically, we've ended up with some more fragmentation around the adoption of cloud and things like that. There's some real challenges, and how do you govern cloud when you've got business ownership of applications? So we had six, everything was pretty fragmented, we had a lot of technology debt, we used to be a Google shop. And so look over the last seven or eight years, we've invested a lot of time and effort in just cleaning up our legacy. Cleaning up a lot of our technical debt, investing in infrastructure like networks; having a really sensible data centre strategy with Spark. I mean that was one of the few real 'win win' things that we've really got in this university, I mean not in this university... I mean, very rarely in your career things truly 'win win' from the vendor and the partner and there's usually you know, there's always something to be gained by somebody and sometimes the real win win ones are, you know, they aren't as is as fair as they make out to be. But I think the relationship we entered into with Spark around our data centre - where they bought our data centre - was just an enormous opportunity. It was great for them, they needed a data centre in the Waikato, we had a really good one. We're not very good at managing them; our footprint in there was reducing. It solved the problem for them and environmentally, I mean, we're not throwing away a perfectly good data centre, right it's perfectly well, well managed. It's it's got good infrastructure, it's it's in the right places, and it's all the equipment's there and it's been significant investment that would otherwise gone to waste. So a real 'win win' and getting out of that business, and the network and then the foundations on top of that. We've consolidated our applications into the Oracle suite, we've now got a Microsoft platform, we've really done a pretty good job of dealing with technical debt. And we're in a really good place. The irony for us, the biggest challenge at the moment, is the skills and the things that we've become really good at, are not necessarily the things that we now need for us to grow as to our next evolution of IT. So that's a really interesting journey for us. Like we are really good at large transformational waterfall projects, like really, really good. We just did two last year, we moved 20,000 accounts from Microsoft... from Google to Microsoft, including Teams and from Cisco, and SharePoint, and all of that. And we did that in about nine months, and of which was about six weeks of actual migration, that was incredible. We moved our entire web program from, onto the new SilverStripe platform. It was an enormous project we delivered. And in both cases, we handed back large chunks of contingency, and we did it fast. And we said we were going to do it. And we're really good at those projects now. And our big challenge is we're not... we don't have any more of those projects. We got a really good platform over here. We're thinking about Agile, scrums, and different ways of working. And that's going to be a real challenge for us. And the biggest thing coming at us, but we're in a pretty good place.



Cathy O'Sullivan 11:28

Great to hear. And thank you for that; quite a lot of achievements in the last few years there at the University of Waikato. So Eion keen to understand, I guess, what's been your approach, then when it comes to tech strategy? You know, you mentioned, you know, the the goals that the university has, particularly around the the medical school there and what it will provide to the regions, but overall, how do you ensure with your IT initiatives that they're aligning with those overall strategic goals and that mission of the university?



Eion Hall 12:02

Well, it's a really, really good question and one that we're actually just starting to rethink about now. So previously, I mean, your strategy is a response to the situation that you find yourself in, right. And, you know, when I took over this role I, IT was a minority cost centre, order takers, were just necessary. And so our strategy there was around - and we had a lot of technology debt - so our strategy there was about... was quite internally focused, like it was very much around, let's just be really good at the basics, right. And that was a direct response to where we were. Whereas now, like, we're in a situation where we've got to build strategy. And with some of these emerging trends, I mean, we're going to talk about at I know at some point, I'm sure that your AI, your, the consumerization of IT, and the expectations that it has; the younger generation that are coming through which we see as our customers every single day. There are big challenges for us technologically, and there's big ethics conversations to be have around what we use data for, and how we use it. And so I think it's going to be response... more in response to those environmental, those bigger, broader environmental drivers that are going on. And I wouldn't put it more like at the moment where we're toying with the idea is how does digital both inform and respond to the business strategy? And you've got to have that... both lenses. So how, where does the, how do you get yourself in the conversations, with the relationships with your peers, and in the senior members of staff and the board and the Council, whoever they might be, around not just what's possible, but what are the big trends that are coming at us? And how do we how do we manage? And how does the organization position itself to take advantage or not be nailed by those? So that's informing business strategy, but then once the business strategy, how do we then enable, and let's be very clear that there are two quite two different roles, but we need to serve both. When I did my MBA many, many years ago - feels like a very long time ago now - I remember every single paper that you go to do, you do an Operations Management paper, and at the end of the paper, the lecturer at some point, wouldn't be able to help himself or tell you why it was important the operations manager was at Exec. And then you'd have the HR person doing your organisational development/HR paper and that'd be the same about why HR and OD should be at the table. And then you'd have marketing and then so on, and so on, and so on, and finance and everyone again. But then if you've got a business, like a council or a university, right, you've got this Head of School of Engineering, and you got the Head of School of Medicine, you've got the Head of School of Arts and the Law and so you end up with 14/15 people at your table and is that really an effective exec, I'm not 100% sure. And so I think to earn the right.... you have to earn the right to be in the inner circle of the strategy making. And it doesn't really matter whether your discipline is HR, or finance or marketing or IT, if you're really good at what you do, and you respond, and you're and you're building those relationships for the long term, then you get invited to be both part of the setting of the strategy as well as the responding to it. And that, to me is the biggest difference between a CIO and an IT manager, right? There's the ability to influence at that level, and that just comes with experience. So I think that's kind of our approach is to really try and figure out how we have that joined up conversation around business strategy, and then how does then digital enable it rather than just being a passenger? And so and then from that, I think genuinely having an open mind about what, what are the right things to invest in? And what are the right approaches to things and be genuinely curious and open minded to different ways and new ways of doing things, because there's a lot of talent, both in the partner community in our in our own university and our faculties, as well as our own staff that I think we need to think more carefully about how those people feel empowered to, to make decisions, and as they relate to them, is probably equally important than it has been to worried about the strategic direction of the organization as well, because they can see that stuff for you. If you get the right, you know, how do you get alignment without control? I guess is the question there. Some great points raised there and definitely, that role of the CIO as strategic adviser came through really strongly in our State of the CIO study, in terms of asking the line of business, how they viewed the CIO role there. And yeah, you underline that point quite eloquently there. And so, you know, can't go without mentioning AI, and you touched on it there. Are there any kind of new or emerging technologies that you're excited about? Um, you know, are you implementing any AI strategies at present? Or is there anything else that you're playing around with that you think, you know, that that's good for the university going forward? Look, there, there are a few things. I think AI is fascinating. I'm not too sure how it's gonna play out. I'm not sure any of us are. I think as a sector, we've been guilty of overhyping a lot of things. Before AI, we were gonna be revolutionized by 5G. And before 5G, it was IoT. And before IoT, it was something else, who knows... Big Data, virtual reality, augmented reality, you name it, we've we've hyped that and said, 'This is going to be a game changer'. So I think we got a credibility issue around this and, and as a sector around, what are the next big things. But there's no doubt that AI is hugely influential, we're using it extensively around inside ITS around, you know, your code development, managing those sorts of things. Absolutely, we'll be rolling out Copilot, just trying to get the governance around that right to manage that effectively. But I think more interesting than the technologies are the changes in behaviors that we're seeing in society, and how do we as institutions, or as organizations responds to those changing behaviors? And so I think, if you think about the whole, working from home, studying from home, like how do we earn the commute? What sort of society and workplaces do we want? And what is the role of technology in integrating the physical with the virtual? And how do we, how do we bring... what's our role to bring a much more humanistic, whole-of-person approach to these interactions with people, when we're increasingly replacing people with AI and technology and distance and remote? And anybody from anywhere? What how do we manage that from the sorts of teams and organizations and products etc, we want to build? Do we still get the same? You know, collective sense of community? I don't know. And what's the role of technology in resolving that. We've got some big challenges as an institution, we got young people who come here, and they will expect to be able to write all their assignments using large generative models, right. And we are now having huge debates around what what does assessment look like? Do you have to submit with your assessment, the list of prompts you use to get there? Let's be honest about how it was that you got there? And was that effective prompt using and how might you have done that differently in order to get different outcomes? And is it biased or unbiased and stuff? Is that the discussion rather than the actual product itself? Like it's a really interesting thing from an assessment point of view? And like, how do you create really good video content? Like look at this? I mean, you probably at home working, we're here we're engaging, right? So we still create all our content in a lecture theatre. Not all of it, but the most of it right? And what we're finding is we've got these lecture theaters with 100 people in them - that seat a hundred people - that 10 to 15 people are watching while we create the content, and then the other 85% of them are consuming it at what time speed time and a half, probably with Copilot giving them a lecture summary. Right? And here's the key points, right? There's some large language modeling. And so what does that mean for us? There's some really big conversations to have. And what does it mean for data that we put In there? I'm really welcoming. And I'm really hoping that we're going to have a really grown-up conversation, I hope as an institution shortly, because I'm going to go out to consultation, our new computer rules and regulations policy, which seems really blase and boring. But we were hoping through that to generate some really good debate on when is data yours, when is data the institution's, what responsibility do you have for data? What responsibility does the organisation have for data? Are you happy for us using data in this way, this is how we intend to use it. If I collect a whole lot of demographic and student information data, and it tells me if you're more or less likely to be successful, and I use that data for good, is it okay to still collect that data? I don't know. There are some big conversations to be had around that. And, and we can track people right on campus, where they go, who they where they've been, what time... how much time they spend in certain places, those sorts of things. We have those abilities to do that, how do we have a debate, I think, as a sector, as a society about how we should be using these technologies, and I'm really hoping to drive some of that debate at the university because we can't have it out of university, we can we have it? Um, so I'm really, really hoping that when I put my CCTV and AI policy out there and those sorts of things for debate, I'm really, I'm even hoping we might get a bit of media coverage, because that would be healthy, for us to have grown up conversations about what data we're capturing how we're using it, how we're using AI, are we comfortable with that? And it's going to be heated. And I think it's going to be difficult, but it shouldn't stop us shying away from it. And I think for me, that's probably what I think is going to be the most fascinating piece of not so much innovation, sort of skirts your question there, but the big challenge for us as a sector and that innovation is going to be part of the answer to.



Cathy O'Sullivan 22:13

Yeah, some big questions to be asked there of the campus and the community. And yeah, it will be interesting to hear what comes from that conversation. And so look, Eion, you mentioned earlier that, you know, you you've done a lot of upgrades of old technology at the university, and that you are experimenting with, with innovation, you're using AI extensively. So how do you balance that need for you know, looking at cutting edge technology or emerging technology, and then importance of, you know, maintaining your existing stack and making sure your IT infrastructure and systems are being kept up to date.



Eion Hall 22:51

That's a huge challenge. Particularly for people like me, who love shiny new things, and bigger questions. A big part of it is hiring really good people and trusting them to make good decisions. Is that any different in any industry? I think, I think that that's a big part of it. So I'm not going to tell somebody, a senior engineer who's really competent, who knows this environment, like the back of his hand, how much time we should spend on BAU versus how much time he should spend on, you know, projects and stuff. I'm going to ask a lot of him in terms of projects and stuff, and it's up to him to he'll push back, hopefully if we've got the environment right, when it's too much. And he'll balance that I expect they - shouldn't say him - they will balance that against the BAU. And as long as we empower them, I think we're okay. A big part of it though is just, is just the common sense stuff that I'm sure everybody in most positions doing, which is just getting the commodity stuff into a state where it's just run state. We have a PB Tech on campus, that's a nice addition for us, another good partner of ours, they do a great job. So if you've got a problem with your IT here, and you need a new laptop, you go see PB Tech. What do you do at home, you go see PB Tech. I need a new phone. What do I do? Go and see PB Tech? And it works really well. Right? So because people get it, right, I need a new HDMI cable. Okay, we'll go and see them and they'll sort you out. Right. And we're helping them move further up the value chain and that and that takes a headache off. Selling our data centre, that takes away the headache of managing and running a data centre, like we can just consume it. It's why we've gone down the SaaS model with Oracle Cloud and HCM and Oracle isn't a particularly nice or user friendly product, but are any ERPs? I hope there are no ERP listeners out there? They're all a bit nasty. And you have to jam them in and then spend a few years massaging them to make them work. They're all a bit uncomfortable and horrible. But hopefully by going through the SaaS model, then that'll be stay current, and we won't have to be the big ones again. And I think that's a big part of it is being very clear in the value chain of where your partners can help and where, where your edge is and how do you get that balance right. And I think you do that by having an amazing campus, that's a beautiful environment that people want to hang out in, and hopefully creating enough excitement around some of the projects and stuff like that, that you attract really good people and they manage those things for you. That's my secret, if there is one.



Cathy O'Sullivan 25:17

And look another challenge that I know keeps a lot of CIOs and CISOs up at night is, of course, the ever evolving threat landscape. So what's your approach to cybersecurity, then, you know, how do you ensure that security and the privacy of the data, and I'm sure you've got a lot of student and staff data in your IT systems? So how do you ensure that security and privacy?



Eion Hall 25:43

Investment, investment, a lot of investment time, we have to do it as design. So our network has absolutely no horizontal or lateral movement on it, we've stopped it. So we've taken the ISP view where we're saying every user should only be a risk to themselves. And if we can manage that. So if I'm infected, I can't infect someone else on my network at an individual level, then somewhat I've managed that risk, where I can. I'm being very clear on what's important, and what you need to protect and what's not, and not making the stuff that's not difficult. So like we say, you like I said, we're an ISP, for 80% of our users, we provide an internet connection, right? So there's no big drama. But if you want to access my student management system, or my core financial records, or my core student records, you probably have to give over rights to your firstborn, right? But people accept that if it's only confined to that small part of the role, which is the sensitive data where people get frustrated, and they fight and push against that is when you put those same controls and stuff that when the risk isn't as high. And I think that's a real that's a critical part of our strategy has been very clear on what's important. And what are the what we have to protect and make no apologies, and be very transparent about that. And make no apologies for that. But not to have the same... Well, we have 100%, unfiltered ungoverned, unmanaged internet access for everybody. If you want that, that's that. I've got researchers that research the dark web, I've got researchers that create malicious software, right? For research purposes. We can't trust our own, never mind those out there with their bad code, you know, so for us, it's about zero trust. And then just being very, very clear. The thing I'm a bit excited about - again our policy stuff - is we're making the responsibility for data sitting with the data owner, not with the central IT function. So if you're running the School of Health, and you're the Dean of Health, you are responsible for the privacy of the data that your school holds and of course we will help you. But it's just like kind of a health and safety culture. So we try to build it in that way. It's changed the conversations a lot more at the management and the senior leadership level by saying... they're coming to me saying 'I've got a whole lot of risk here, how can I manage it' versus me going to them going, 'You've got a whole lot of risk there, let me manage it'. And so that's also part of it, we've been very clear about not only what is important, but who's accountable and responsible for IT security. And it's often not ITS. And as I've said to my boss, I need very little right data to run IT.



Cathy O'Sullivan 28:35

It's such an interesting approach. I love that. Really, really great that you are approaching it in that manner and making it other people's responsibility as well. And not just on the on your team. And look Eion, you spoke earlier about some of the partners that support you at the University of Waikato. So when you are going out to market, and you're looking for providers and partners, what do you look for and what to you makes a good partnership?



Eion Hall 29:08

You have to have a genuine interest in the business, I think. Look, what am I looking for? Honesty seems an integrity, right. And this is interesting. One of the things I do when I'm going to market or I'm hiring somebody, I'll I'll talk to them and I'll say so you're you're selling... you're going to be my, say, my implementation partner for my ERP system, right? I'm less interested in your show boat references that you're going to give me that are pre canned. I'm more interested in the ones where we can have an honest conversation that says when I tried to do the ERP at Company Y, we actually got kicked out of there on our... on our backsides because we didn't get it right. And what we didn't get right was this and this. And if we would do it again, if actually we're honest about where we've got wrong. And we're actually honest about if we were to do it again, what we do differently next time. Right. And that's far more interesting to me, than a gleaming CV that tells you how you seamlessly implemented an ERP system and blah, blah,.. Well, you either had too much money, or it's a lie, because no one's seamlessly done it, right? They're horrible, let's be honest about these things which are difficult. But be honest about the learnings and why we've got the battle scars and the things we have that makes us more effective. So that's a big part of it. So that's what I mean about honesty and integrity, right, as I'm looking for demonstratable experience at learning, rather than rather than necessarily the results on their own, is what I'm looking for in partners. And then just for where there are genuinely Win Win opportunities, where somebody is wanting to use our name, or our brand or access to our researchers and in return we'd like product and, and there's a natural synergy there between the two organizations, and they make a bit of profit and, and we get access to resourcing, and they get access to ours, and they take on our grads, and that's good for our reputation or whatever. But we're looking for those genuine partnerships that don't really cost a lot of money to add too much to around the edges. And, and that also helps. So a real challenge is were becoming increasingly managed, I mean, central government - we're independent of central government, universities - but they like to get more and more of their hands on us around demands around our procurement policies are starting to look more and more like central government procurement policies, although previously they haven't. So that's a challenge for us to manage. And I have hats off to my friends in central government, who manage that sort of thing. That's a challenge that we're having to grapple with. But like genuinely, you know, we just want people want genuine partnerships and have a track record for learning. And I think if we get that, right, doesn't know what you'd look for if you're an employing somebody, or most relationships, and I don't think it's terribly different.



Cathy O'Sullivan 31:59

Indeed Now, look, switching gears a bit, tell us a bit about you as a leader, Eion. How would you describe your leadership style?



Eion Hall 32:07

I think my team would say I'm frantic. Um, Look, I get... I'm excited. I get excited. I'm excitable, probably. There's probably a term. I'm optimistic. I think that goes a long way when you're leading people, I hope. There's people that you're excited about the opportunity that's in front of you and the the optimistic about, about our ability to execute on whatever that opportunity is. I hire good people, and then figure out what roles they might play. Hopefully, ah, my HR department don't listen to this, because that's technically not how we're supposed to do it. Within within realms, but yeah, I like to hire good people. And then like genuinely inquisitive learning, good communicators. And then we worry about the skills and how they play in the team. And I think that's really, really important. I don't I'm not good at the detail, which I think is probably useful. So yeah, that's probably been where my leadership is . The thing I'm hopefully proudest of, is I think is the development that I've seen, and people who have worked for me have now gone on to do amazing things. If you say to anybody in these sorts of roles, I think we all say the same thing. When I say what's the legacy? You go, oh, some amazing people. We were in relationships that we grew and built. So I think that's probably the biggest part of my leadership. And like, in some ways, I'm terribly proud of some of the people who've worked for me for 15 years. But in other ways, it's a huge honour. But should they have? Or should, should I be reporting to them? Like, how does this work? Like this... And I think if you're having those genuine conversations with your leadership team about those sorts of things, and leadership itself. And even right now, lik a team of us we are working with an organiSational psychologist about talking about how we, as a team are going to agree to come together and support each other. And we're an established team but we think there's room for improvement so I'm probably the most organistional development focused IT Director, like I see that's really my passion. I think there's there's more organisational development in an IT context than it is probably IT.



Cathy O'Sullivan 34:42

And any other and tricks or tips that you've found for getting the best out of your team and you know, helping them, creating an environment that helps them thrive?



Eion Hall 34:57

I mean not coaching or telling, is probably a big one. And even not coaching and actually just getting out of the way is, because sometimes we get in the way. I think it's really important to be cognizant of where you've come from. And so I came from a non-technical environment into a program management, project program director management role. So I skipped the whole technical part that I'm sure many of my colleagues and others have been through. And in a way, that was a strength for me when it came to managing some of the technical and those teams, because I genuinely had to get out of their way, because I was absolutely no use to them. And I just had to trust and manage them. What became interesting is, when I became CIO, and I hired a program manager, being charged with a program of work, was I equally able to get out of the way when they were doing the job that I used to do? And am I going to allow them to pull apart my baby, right? Right. And it is, it is what it is, it is a baby, right, you start there, you build up a program office, you, you do it in your own way, it's sort of a, you know, it's your image of what it should be and, and you took a lot of time and effort and energy and resources to, to make it work the way you wanted to. And it made you so successful, you became the CIO. And now when someone else takes on that role that you used to do, do you have the humility to go, actually, I'm gonna allow you to tear that apart, and do it completely different in their own image or not. And I think if you can do that, then that goes a huge way for actually allowing people to be really effective at their jobs, because then you're not telling them how to do it.



Cathy O'Sullivan 36:46

So what would be your hopes for the next generation of CIOs coming through? Any advice that you can give them?



Eion Hall 36:53

Like I said, build relationships, meaningful relationships, well before you need them, will want to use them. Because it's just, you know... just building those relationships with with your peers who are going to go on this journey through your career with you. With your partners, you never know when a partner becomes a peer and a peer becomes a partner. Support, support those people who genuinely want to make a difference. And they'll support you. If you genuinely want to do it and make a difference as well. And that's probably my biggest advice. And just commit, like, one of the things I've learned pretty quickly is there's a million ways of doing anything in IT and it actually doesn't really matter terribly much which way you do it. Just pick one and commit, and just... and just take a stance and have a crack at something. And if it doesn't work, get off that one and try the next one. But commit to it. Don't spend too much time wondering if something is the right thing to do or not.



Cathy O'Sullivan 38:01

Great advice. And listen, tell us what is important to you and the team in the months ahead? Are there any other exciting initiatives in the pipeline for you and the team at University of Waikato?



Eion Hall 38:11

We're really excited about the medical school. So that business case has been submitted. So that will go to Cabinet we're hoping September. We're pretty excited that it was in Luxon's, 90 Day Plan, his next 90 day plan, to get that signed off. We're hoping that he wouldn't do that if there's good political support. We think we can make a big difference in this; we're looking at a completely different model. It's not a medical school as Auckland or or Otago currently have, it's postgraduate taught. It focuses purely on primary health. The whole theory is was we recruit from the areas that we need the doctors in and then we send the people back. We know that New Zealand's completely underserved in our medical schools when we benchmark internationally. I heard it spoken about just yesterday that the weird Hunger Games thing we have going on at Otago and Auckland with all these first year medical kids trying to get into second year medical school. That's not normal. That's not the normal model in the world. Most places, if you bright enough you can find the medical school to train you. Here, we don't have enough doctors, we certainly don't have enough Maori and Pasifika doctors and importing our doctors isn't going to solve that; we need to create them and we need to grow them. And we think we've got a really unique opportunity or proposition to make a real difference to that problem. And isn't that why we're here is to make bigger changes and impact on society as a whole rather than necessarily just about the tech. So that's got us pretty excited. And we're really excited about I mean, there's a lot of partners out there who are really keen to engage with us on the technology of this because it's not often that you get a chance to build a medical school from new and we're really excited. We want it to be completely dry medical school, a lot of virtual reality, a lot of robotics, those sorts of things, your fitness trackers, your health, your wearable devices, how that impacts your primary health care, you use that to gather information, your teleconferencing... So how do you effectively deliver health, primary health care, into remote parts of the world using technology is a really interesting, really interesting problem to solve. So we're really excited about that. If that, if that comes off in September and we crack into that we've only got 18 months or two years or so to get the whole thing up and running. So that'll be that'll be pretty big if we if we can pull that off. Otherwise, we're coming into a bit of an enterprise digital strategy and that that's going to be fun and exciting to do as well. And just to just a bit of sanity check is what's the role of digital in this organisation? And how does digital influence the organisation's strategy are two questions that we are going to put a lot of money, and time and effort into.



Cathy O'Sullivan 40:59

Lots ahead for you and the team at the University of Waikato! Eion Hall, Chief Information Officer at the University of Waikato, thank you so much for your time today.
00:00 00:00:09:47 - 00:00:22:42

Welcome to CIO Leadership Live. I'm Lee Rennick, Executive Director of CIO communities for CIO.com. And I'm thrilled to be here at the CIO 100 and Symposium with Ed McLaughlin, President and CTO of Mastercard.

00:00:22:42 - 00:00:43:16

Ed, it is so great to meet you in person. We had a chance to have an interview last year. It was fantastic. It's great to see in 3D. Yeah, it's so great. Thank you so much for being here today. I appreciate it so much. So, we had a chat earlier in the year. and it was really great to talk about all the innovation you working on, but there's a couple of congratulations here.

00:00:43:16 - 00:01:08:48

First, Mastercard has won the CIO 100 award for some projects you've worked on, and you have been inducted into the CIOI was going to say Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, because CIOs are like rock stars these days, and you are one of them. So congratulations on that. That was just amazing. So we just have to learn a little bit more about the award winning project and maybe, maybe just any reflections on being inducted into the Hall of Fame.

00:01:08:48 - 00:01:09:28

Yeah,

00:01:09:28 - 00:01:33:52

yeah. Let me actually let me start let me start with the Hall of Fame, because it really is in some ways an introspective moment. And thinking about it, we really do live in an age of miracles. When I think about the technology I started with the beginning of my career, what we've been able to do since I truly is amazing and it really is a global transformation led by and driven through technology.

00:01:33:57 - 00:01:51:10

just looking back at 20 years of Mastercard, we were a physical world square, a plastic organization doing amazing things. But as the world was changing around us, we got to help invent that future. So from the beginnings of e-commerce, where you could provide things like a payment, zero

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liability to consumers, the right apps and services, and global acceptance, the Amazons, the Ubers, the Netflix were able to flourish because the services we could help provide,

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with mobility coming in, the ability for Google and Apple and others to, to build their mobile payments apps using genuine Mastercard technology and standards that we help to put out there working with square to turn it in.

00:02:15:47 - 00:02:37:04

We had a theme of every device can be a commerce device, and really making that happen and going through the fintech revolution, thinking about what we're doing is AI, which I'll talk to in a bit about an award. It's just been an amazing, amazing time. But what I thought about the most is, you know, you're for Mastercard 20 years ago, there's about 3000 of us.

00:02:37:04 - 00:03:05:31

We have $4 billion market. We now $400 billion. Wow, 30,000 employees. But it wasn't the tech that did it. It was the people. And just this whole idea of who we are and how we use technology, that's what makes all the difference in the world. And it's it's always just so humbling to get an award like this and realize what you get to represent is all the amazing work of all the amazing people that you get to work with.

00:03:05:36 - 00:03:23:21

And that's why we love the CIO 100 award that we're here with today. It's great to win another one. Yes, that's why I love this example. I think this is something that applies to just about everybody here. So we get a tremendous amount of cases in that we have to work from our customers. Yes. As the business has grown, it's very, very complex.

00:03:23:21 - 00:03:43:58

We have merchants, we have bank issuers and consumers. We have all kinds of cases coming in as we work. We're in 210 countries and regulatory domiciles. Right? We've massively diversified our product set and the number of customers that we have. So we get a lot of unstructured inbound that we need to get to the right person as fast as possible.

00:03:43:58 - 00:04:02:58

Yeah. And from a customer standpoint. That's the moment of truth when they need your help. Now when things are going great, I need your help. How fast get the right person to the right place. So I think there's a lot we can do to take humans out of the loop of the simple stuff. Right. Getting the right expert to help the customer relies on the really complex stuff.

00:04:03:09 - 00:04:30:02

There's huge value there too. Yeah. So next year we'll do about a million cases that we have to hear. So it's pretty high volume. Also gave us about a $4 million training or 4 million case training set that we can work on. Right. So what we're able to do is take all the unstructured information, a lot of which had start with email, because that's where our customers are and be able to translate that into the actual product or service or country or region they were coming from, and use that for intelligent routing.

00:04:30:07 - 00:04:45:58

And you get all the folklore of, you know, a customer in India waiting for some of us to wake up so they could have the right. Exactly. Yeah. Or the worst thing for us is when something got mis routed, you be at the end of your SLA and you have to start over again, right? It wasn't the team that was supposed to handle it.

00:04:46:13 - 00:05:06:07

So we had 16 people just working on trying to route things to the right place. It would take an hour and sometimes half a day, to figure out what the customer was asking for. And one other complexity. Yeah, if I could. Yeah. I don't know if this happens in other organizations, but it seems like the products that we're generating the most cases, there's like the Witness Protection program.

00:05:06:07 - 00:05:24:42

Right. And changing it's to figure out what they are actually asking about versus what it was called today. Oh, and I think in a recent AI research, which we're we're really driving here, there's something about converting the unstructured into the canonical to drive real controls and processes around. Yeah. So fast forward to what we were able to do, right?

00:05:24:47 - 00:05:46:32

Biggest impact is we were able to eliminate a lot of that long tail and this routing really expensive stuff. Yeah. Biggest customer issue for that. We dramatically cut the time from 1 to 12 hours to near instant to get the cases to the expert who needs it the most. We're bringing it across other channels for that. Yeah. All the people that used to be working on just trying to get the to the right place.

00:05:46:32 - 00:06:07:08

Yeah, we now have working on customer Success to say how can we improve. Right. How we handle those cases to begin with, right after we work with product teams to eliminate those cases. Right. So the ROI on this one has been. Yeah. And it gives us a great foundational model of all this unstructured information that we can now tie back into real process.

00:06:07:13 - 00:06:30:54

So really, really excited and proud to have the recognition teams. Yeah that's amazing. And when we had our last interview we talked about your transit, all the work you did during Covid, right, as an essential service and how you had to really shift the way you work. So it sounds like to me, having talked to you once before, it's like that was kind of the beginning of looking at ways of building out your teams and building up best practices and then just adding on to this.

00:06:30:54 - 00:06:56:19

It's it sounds like it's been an amazing evolution and working back from hard problems to solve. Yeah. Saying can new technology allow us. Yes. We never could. Yeah. Yeah. So we talked about the project. Congratulations on that. But what about your own induction into the Hall of Fame? Like I said, it's a little humbling and it's really an honor to to represent, I think, all the amazing things that the folks at Mastercard early in their career.

00:06:56:24 - 00:07:15:06

Well, congratulations on that. You know, it's just phenomenal. And the work you're doing is amazing. And I, I really enjoy our discussions. And we're we'll be having a panel tomorrow talking about looking forward. So that'll be great too. All right. So I want to focus a bit on a little bit of technical technology stuff. So I speak with a lot of CEOs about the data in the cloud.

00:07:15:19 - 00:07:33:02

So some have moved like especially during Covid as we talked about off prem into the cloud. There's there's still sorting out what they should do. Some are saying they want to bring repatriate back on, you know, others are saying well now with Chennai we're going to clean our data up and work from the edge as best as we can.

00:07:33:07 - 00:07:48:24

So I would love to learn if you could share a little about your approach to cloud and data and any tips you could provide to anybody listening in. So, you know, so do we have it? I mean, we were joking. This is one of these things where I think there's a whole lot of is yet to be yet to be granted.

00:07:48:24 - 00:08:13:08

Yeah. This one. Right. Yeah. so maybe three things that I'd say are lessons that we're applying for us that, because the answer is yes. And it really is one of those situations. Yes. People blindly adhere to one or the other. I think we're missing all the nuance and counterfactuals. And so you start with what you already know the data set, the data needs to be in proximity to the systems that the consumer.

00:08:13:13 - 00:08:30:36

So we always start from an efficiency standpoint. I would also caveat we work at a scale that may be different for a lot of our data warehouse has pretty much a quarter of all internet transactions since there was an internet, you know, outside of China, and things like that. So we we deal with a lot of data.

00:08:30:41 - 00:08:52:34

So if you have relatively predictive load that you're using to run your business, are you running it on prem and continue to optimize, that is really important. I will also say I'll get back to this at the end. We need to work as a cost control part of the organization, right? And when someone presses a button, right, every light in the city, you're operating it and you can say, don't do that.

00:08:52:39 - 00:09:18:30

Yeah, right. If it's a runaway query on the cloud, you pay for. Yes. So I think the idea that there's certain things which is running our operations, it's maximizing the efficiency, it's bringing the data as close to where you need it to be. That will always have strong. Again, if you're operating like a Mastercard. Yeah I think the second thing that's important though is as you look at alternate environments for your data, it comes down to policy.

00:09:18:35 - 00:09:42:46

You know we've published a consumer data bill of rights. You have the right to know what data we have, right to know how we're using it. Right. It is regulators around the world, whether it's through things like GDPR or other requirements of knowing where your data yes. So the idea that data to be siphoned off into a dark corner of the cloud environment for people to do things that the organization might not have full oversight on.

00:09:42:46 - 00:10:08:26

Yeah, that's a fundamental flaw. So making sure that your data policies are consistent across all operations. We have we have things like our encryption. We need to control the keys for that is the standard. Right. But if you look at the recent snowflake it's yeah. So you always have to have multi-factor authentication regardless of. Yes. So making sure you have consistent policy across environment I actually think is the most important element.

00:10:08:30 - 00:10:28:28

Which leads me to the third thing I'll say. And this is with great enthusiasm, there's amazing capabilities and amazing things you can do by intelligently leveraging public or third party cloud resources for the ability to meet our customers. Where they are. Yeah, the ability to use common battery data sets in the ways that the the race that's going on.

00:10:28:28 - 00:10:53:31

So people looking to serve us by investing in incredible capabilities, tools and workbenches. So with that second bucket will control. Yeah. To move appropriate data into the environment to do things you would never want to do. It right becomes very important. Yeah. But the one caveat to having the feedback, if you have to have if the first bucket is how you run your business, the stuff you're doing are traditional cost containment, ROI type.

00:10:53:33 - 00:11:12:17

Yeah, it's even more important in the cloud. We can say, what are you doing it for? So you're moving everything into a really, really expensive analytical environment will make your data science is really happy. But if you used to, if you're still going to the grocery store and you used to ride a bike and now you have an SUV, you're still just going to the grocery store, right?

00:11:12:17 - 00:11:29:18

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. So making sure that that feedback loop is there. So a lot of things and we'll talk about this a little bit tomorrow within ops and the ability to do attribute. Why are we in this environment. What's the expense in this environment directed back to the benefit to the business. It's kind of hard to do if it's to run your business stuff.

00:11:29:33 - 00:11:59:42

I think that's the critical success factor for effectively all the third party. I think that would be very helpful for anyone listening. And that second piece, that second piece around security and how you're encrypting and, you know, interacting with the with the customers, I would assume that's ever evolving. Like, how are you? I just out of curiosity, we didn't have this one scripted, but I know for my in my instance, my bank in Canada, well, I just transferred some money and now I had to do two different types of verifications in order for that to happen.

00:11:59:47 - 00:12:19:48

Right. And I was like, oh, this is new. So actually, as a customer, I felt extremely happy about that and protected. So yeah, I'm just wondering how you balance that. Like how do you create those policy and ensure that as you know, everything changes and there's more people hacking and all of this stuff in the security aspect, sounds like you've really got a process or strategy in place to make sure you're constantly looking at that.

00:12:20:01 - 00:12:39:03

That is something which constantly evolves. Yeah. I'll be the first to say, I think it was Andy Tannenbaum saying, the great thing about standards is there's so many to choose from, right? It's really important for companies to set the appropriate standards for what they're doing. Yeah. And then apply the technology against that and not compromise. Yeah. Yeah.

00:12:39:03 - 00:13:09:55

So for us we constantly look at one all the regulatory requirements that are around in the payments industry with the payment Council. PCI yeah, just data security standards. So these are tier two for years now. Personally identifiable information is even more fraught in how you can do it using. So again we really try to distill all the regulatory obligations, all of the standards that we want to adhere to, that we get from the bodies and then end up and saying what are Mastercard good practices?

00:13:09:55 - 00:13:28:39

Yeah, that we want to have and make sure that we always enforce inspired. Yeah, I love that. And like you're the first in the business doing this to ensure that your customers are secure. I really like that. And I do think I love your example of the bank you work with, because trust is so fun. I think some of the elements of the tech were deserved.

00:13:28:50 - 00:13:54:02

Yeah, people are comfortable. Yeah. They're being data is being used and who they're doing. Yeah I think that's led to regulatory overreach even at times. So our ability to be clear and comfortable with how we're handling. I think the critical success factors. Yeah. Yeah I appreciate that feedback okay. So tomorrow we're going to be doing a panel at the CIO Symposium 100 on Sustainable City.

00:13:54:09 - 00:14:12:44

Yes. you mentioned something to me that I'd actually never heard of. So you were talking about a discussion around the double materiality, and you chatted about how Mastercard reviews, environmental usage and looks at it in a global sense. Or you said the triple A materiality, and how you innovate in the sustainability area. So I did look it up.

00:14:12:44 - 00:14:29:33

I got myself educated. But I love this idea of the triple materiality. So I would love you to talk a little bit about this. So let me start with and I think it's a really important analysis for any company. You start with double materiality. What are the things which do truly have societal benefit. Yeah. And are great for your business.

00:14:29:33 - 00:14:58:26

Yeah. So one example is for us transit is a fantastic growth market. For us it's an anchor activity. The work we did going back to I think was 2006, when we did a pilot in Lexington and the line in New York. So you can tap, right? Yeah, get onto the subway, which is just normal now, right? Yeah. But so that is something which leads to more sustainable, platforms, transit and commuting.

00:14:58:37 - 00:15:20:19

Yeah. And it's great for Mastercard as a business. Yeah. So again, we emphasize that for things like financial inclusion, we had a pledge to bring half a billion people into the formal financial system. Because even if we can connect to you technically, if you can't participate economically, right. So cut off right. So again, sustainable economic development is wonderful for our business.

00:15:20:19 - 00:15:41:21

Many of our groceries are going to come from unaddressed markets. So you get that double materiality. Yeah it's good for society. Great for your business. Yeah. The triple materiality I think is kind of unique to tech, which is resilience is often intentional in efficiency. Okay. So let's say that one more time resilience is often intentional in efficiency okay.

00:15:41:21 - 00:16:06:08

Need to have backup systems okay. Interesting. Yeah. So part of our materiality is we run critical national infrastructure right. Which again is our social responsibility. It's great for our business to do that. Yeah. But it also means we need to make investments. We might look in economics to make sure we're delivering what we need to do. So the role we're playing in society.

00:16:06:10 - 00:16:33:53

Right. So within that you can then say, okay, green technologies like running compiled applications versus interpreting applications. Right. And network fabric where you can move loads around so you can take advantage of things like green power or environmental computing. Yeah. You can both meet your obligations for resilience, for the critical national infrastructure, while also optimizing on other things which are beneficial to your business.

00:16:33:53 - 00:16:59:51

Right. And our CFO, Sachin here is pretty hard nosed, loves the idea that it's to win is anything which one is more efficient? Right? Right. It's usually less expensive. That's incredible, I love that, I love hearing about that. And I love the way you're thinking about it. One of the other things that we did, and this may be for, our submission for next year's CIO Awards, we've done a lot of work to try to tie our carbon usage.

00:16:59:56 - 00:17:21:18

Yeah. Back to our compute. Right. Of course. Allows you to do is if you can know exactly where you compute and cost it. Yeah. You can associate also carbon cost. Yep. And we're now seeing our customers have reporting requirements and obligations where they're looking to us. Is there scope three suppliers to be able to say here's what we consume and carbon in order to do that.

00:17:21:24 - 00:17:38:00

Yeah. But it's a double win. Yeah. Because in order to calculate something like the carbon cost, you have to know exactly what you are, exactly where you are. And again those optimization engines can kick in. Yeah. And I think you're setting an example for other vendors and companies out there, like maybe some of your own tech vendors. I know a lot of them have to report on that.

00:17:38:00 - 00:18:00:47

Right. So you're kind of setting up this opportunity where your company can report that back to some of your customers. You have your suppliers reporting that back to you. It just probably creates a better environmental efficiency, for sometimes that virtuous cycle is more so using much more efficient compute. Yeah. By definition you're getting that benefit. The end the other consumption have.

00:18:00:52 - 00:18:28:41

And maybe one of the stars starkest examples I love to give of technology choices. So just using electricity consumption as a proxy. Yeah. Mastercard transactional is somewhere around 700,000 times more efficient than a Bitcoin transaction. Wow. So if you think about, you know. Yeah, yeah. Burden that comes from that, how you design your systems as a profound impact in the footprint on their systems.

00:18:28:46 - 00:18:50:15

Amazing. Thank you for sharing that. All right. This segue as well into the next question. So you know, you just talked about your project and the AI automation that you're working on, really to increase productivity for the teams and customer service and ML. So, I would love to know what trends like you're seeing in AI right now.

00:18:50:15 - 00:19:06:09

I, you know, here's what I'm hearing. Okay. Maybe it's maybe it's right or maybe it's but what I'm hearing from a lot of the CEOs I speak to is a lot of organizations are using it right now for internal productivity. We we have been talking about that ways in which you can increase your productivity with your teams, with your company and some.

00:19:06:10 - 00:19:23:24

I was just talking to a colleague, you know, we have we have it on our computer so we can use it just regularly at work, right, to increase productivity. But then there are more sophisticated ways of doing it. many companies are sort of still harboring, okay. If we take it to our customers, how are we going to do that?

00:19:23:24 - 00:19:43:20

What what how do we what support do we need? Right, right. What how do we need the help to get that there? What expertise do we need. Because we don't have that yet. So that's what I'm hearing. There's just we're just I feel like at that precipice with some companies of like, we're just about there and ready to launch something with our clients, but we're maybe not a customer service based organization.

00:19:43:20 - 00:20:07:40

So we're holding back a bit, especially around security and all sorts of stuff like that. So tell me, what are you thinking? So, so much around that. Okay. And one of the things I have to do, it's a little editorial. It is amazing for me how right now it seems like every question now is, but is it a, you know, maybe a decade ago everyone seemed to have to answer, you know, and everything was on the blockchain.

00:20:07:49 - 00:20:25:32

Right. Exactly. The database. Yeah. So yeah, you start with what we talked about earlier. You really have to focus on what's the problem you're trying to solve. Right. And does this new technology allow to solve it in a way you never could before. Yeah I'm really going to give you that. All right. Now too many times and too many times I see people saying, can we use it here?

00:20:25:35 - 00:20:50:49

Yeah. Rather than what are the hardest problems that we could never solve, right. That this will let us do that. And, you know, I just have this vision of people like pounding screws in the very expensive socket wrenches. Right. You have to see what's appropriate for this tool. Yeah. So for Mastercard, last dozen years, we've had massive, massive benefits in using AI and a lot of experience running out of production, which isn't easy to do.

00:20:50:49 - 00:21:11:34

And can you punish the expense. Yeah. Yeah. If you think about things like model drift in the applications, but most of the models we use to date we have about 14 different major techniques we use or based on the structured information we've always gotten through our transaction stream and big benefits there. Right. What I see with is generally the generative AI capabilities.

00:21:11:34 - 00:21:31:28

We have some great ways of working with unstructured, having much more of a human and natural language interface. So what are the hard problems to solve that? So I usually use three categories okay. Which is just toil. You do it. You got to do it again. You got to do it again. How can you eliminate toil. Because you can offload that to a system that can be reliable.

00:21:31:33 - 00:21:52:56

Okay. Lots of techniques can apply that. Some of this is coming in the award we won. So routing inbound right. Agent better has taking toil. Yeah. Much of what you were talking about and where I think most of the advantages are day is the human computer interaction. How does it aid people in doing what they do and not replacing it, but augmenting.

00:21:53:01 - 00:22:17:09

And what we've done is broken everything into what we're calling workbenches. So we have a data science workbench. In the Software Engineering Workbench you have a knowledge worker workbench. And quite often the software you buy for the information systems you want to have surrounds that are benefiting greatly from generally. Right. But I would say rather than trying to save 10% of coding time, if you gave you developers an hour or more a day, they could actually code.

00:22:17:14 - 00:22:34:08

There's even more benefit there. Okay, I can fully agree for that. And one of the thing I do worry about to the knowledge worker side. Yeah, you know, I'm afraid people are going to use these generative tools to generate massive amount of new text, right? No one will be able to handle. Right? So then use the tools to summarize it.

00:22:34:15 - 00:22:56:17

Yeah. So we don't have any creation of new information. Is is big inflation deflation pretty much the same stuff. Yeah. There's always unintended consequences. Yeah you have to look for it. But for the human computer it's pretty easy to to start quantifying what's the ROI of doing it. What's the benefit of doing that. We see that the third area though is production, not just the productivity for the production side.

00:22:56:22 - 00:23:15:56

And for that one, what are the things you can never do before? That's where I really think the biggest payback for a business is going to be, but that's where you really have to learn how to use things in production, how to make sure they're reliable. And you can have, like the other systems. And one mistake I see people doing is thinking of an AI system with code, right?

00:23:16:02 - 00:23:35:08

You build it, you deploy it. Yeah, it's always the same. Visualize in dynamic environments, the inputs will change outputs. Yeah. To monitor in ways you didn't have before. You need to understand what they're doing in ways you've never had before. So getting those policies right are really important. But I'll give you one example, which I thought was amazing.

00:23:35:13 - 00:23:59:24

Talk a lot about how we use sorry. We also the new tool we put out there called our Authorization Optimizer, a AI based system using some general techniques, but a lot of machine learning work. It looks at why transactions decline and recommends when to retrain. Right? In the last year, 8 billion transactions, $27 billion in sales for our merchants went through the network.

00:23:59:24 - 00:24:24:49

That wouldn't have before because of how we planned. You know, so that's an example of optimizing humans can never so, yeah, at an appropriate scale with pay that's historically harmful. Yes. So I always say you got to separate the productivity stuff from the production environments. And what do you see out of production. And I like this model of just the 12 nation human computer workbenches and the new values.

00:24:24:49 - 00:24:35:55

You can create that you never had before. Fantastic! Ed, it's always a pleasure speaking with you. I look forward to our panel tomorrow, and I thank you so much for joining me today. Thanks for seeing you. Thanks.




by M. K. Bhadrakumar





The sharp escalation by the Kuki militants in Manipur has shaken up the Indian establishment but the ensuing jingoistic outcry in sections of the media demands a muscular approach to addressing the problem of militancy. This is fraught with serious consequences.





The editorial comment by a prominent Indian newspaper puts the governments dilemma in perspective: Some positive gestures need to be made to settle the ethnic conflict, but [Chief Minister] Singh is totally opposed to the Kuki demand of autonomous administration. He ought to realise that Prime Minister Narendra Modis advice to Russia and Ukraine that peace does not come from the battlefield, but through dialogue, applies to Manipur as well.





File photo of Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA), a designated terrorist group





Coincidence or not, in next-door Myanmar, Delhi is getting a preview of what happens when dialogue is not the preferred course to conflict resolution.





Last Thursday, the ethnic Arakan Army [AA] announced that it has seized the Navy Seal Training Center in southern Rakhine State after a month of intense fighting, overcoming resistance by government forces backed by Navy ships and aircraft.





The AA cadres now control territories on the borders with Bangladesh, including towns such as Buthidaung and is threatening other important port cities/towns on the Bay of Bengal coastline such as Kyauk Phyu, Sittwe.





Arkan is a highly strategic region. Oil and gas pipelines run from Kyauk Phyu to Chinas Yunnan province; Kyauk Phyu is also a vital node in Chinas Belt and Road Initiative, with proposals to expand the deep sea port and other related investments. Peace and stability in Sittwe is critical for the success of Indias Kaladan project, which seeks to connect Kolkata with Mizoram via Myanmar.





The Arakan army may emerge as one of the key players in defining the regional security dynamic of the Bay of Bengal with its ability to impact the implementation of various infrastructure projects and the trajectory of the Rohingya crisis.





So far, the Ethnic Armed Organisations and resistance groups such as the Peoples Defence Forces supported by western intelligence agencies have refrained from declaring independence of territories under their control but this is to be understood as a tactical decision for the present.





Like in Indias northeast region, the ethnic geographies in Myanmar are complex. Given considerable movement of people internally through decades, there are no pure ethnic homelands. Many geographies are multi-ethnic, and members of various ethnic groups often share urban spaces in towns and cities.





Inevitably, the boundaries of homelands will be hotly contested, which will generate considerable inter-ethnic friction. Overall, with multiple armed groups contesting for and asserting power in different regions, Myanmar has become a space with fragmented sovereignty.





AA is a Buddhist ethnic group and Rakhine communities exist in India also. Historically, Arakan which was an independent kingdom, was conquered by Burma in 1784 but ceded to British India as war reparation just 42 years later after the First Anglo-Burmese War. However, in 1937, Arakan was made a Crown Colony of British Burma, split off from British India. The communal strife between majority Arakanese and Muslim communities dates back to the colonial era following the mass migration from present-day Bangladesh.





Sinophobic Indian commentators are intentionally or unwittingly projecting a conflict of security interests between India and China. (Some analysts have eve conjured up from thin air a Chinese hand in the recent regime change in Bangladesh.) There is no empirical evidence pointing toward China fuelling the insurgent groups in Indias northeast region.





Chinas response to Myanmar has been to engage with multiple actors, given the huge stakes in its investments and economic interests as well as security concerns over criminal syndicates operating in Myanmars lawless borderlands. Chinas primary worry is that Myanmar may descend into complete chaos with the militarys disintegration.





Thus, China keeps substantive relations with many armed groups, especially the United Wa State Army (UWSA) and the Three Brotherhood Alliance (of which AA is a constituent.) Interestingly, China visualises UWSA as a factor of border security and stability and has even allowed it to procure commercial drones from the Chinese market and use them in their operations against the military, while, conceivably, UWSA also becomes a conduit through which Chinese arms would reach other rebel ethnic groups.





However, all this does not preclude China from also ensuring a steady supply of defence equipment to Myanmars military. According to a UN report released this month, China has supplied fighter aircraft, missile technology, naval equipment and other dual-use military equipment to Myanmar in the past two years.





Arguably, there is a congruence of interests between China, India and ASEAN in engaging with the central authorities in Naypyidaw for the stabilisation of Myanmar. But it is only China that is proactive. India has episodic interaction with ASEAN, none at all with China and focuses almost entirely on engagement with the Myanmar military leadership.





Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yis visit to Naypyitaw on August 14 aimed at giving a new push to resolve Myanmars crisis. Two days later, at a meeting on the sidelines of the Mekong-Lancang Cooperation Foreign Ministers Meeting in Chiang Mai, Wang presented a 3-point approach before with his counterparts from Laos, Myanmar and Thailand that China: Myanmar should not be subject to civil strife; should not be detached from the ASEAN family; and, should not be allowed to be infiltrated and interfered with by external forces.





Four days later, Wang met with UN special envoy for Myanmar Julie Bishop in Beijing, where he affirmed Chinas commitment to a Myanmar-owned, Myanmar-led peace process. On the same day, the Southern Command of the Peoples Liberation Army announced the successful conclusion of live-fire drills on Chinas border with Myanmar.





In the evolving situation, the regime change in Bangladesh is potentially a game changer. It is a matter of time before the new compradore regime in Dhaka jumps into the fray, abandoning Hasinas policy of non-interference in Myanmars internal affairs. Carving out a proto-state in Rakhine along the highly strategic Bay of Bengal coastline as a cockpit of western interests is a distinct possibility.





Bangladesh already has a proposal on the table with the support of the International Committee of the Red Cross to secure three areas in Rakhine, home to the Rohingya Muslim community who constitute 35% of the population, suggesting that people displaced by the violence be relocated (close to a million people) there under the supervision of an international organisation, such as the United Nations.





The AA, one of Myanmars most powerful armed groups, is opposed to the idea. In Rakhines north, AA is already embroiled in a complex three-way battle that also involves Rohingya Muslims. AAs modest goal is to create an autonomous enclave for the Buddhist population who comprise 65% of Rakhines population.





The AA presently holds nine entire townships in the centre and north, as well as much of the Bangladesh border. It could soon take Sittwe, the state capital, as well as the militarys regional command headquarters farther south. AA is extremely popular among Rakhine people. There is a looming danger of a brutal war pitting the Buddhist Rakhine against the Muslim Rohingya in which external powers are sure to get involved.





In a statement, the Brussels-based think tank International Crisis Group estimated in May that from the refugee camps in Bangladesh, in recent months thousands of would-be fighters have crossed the border into Myanmar (and) the recruitment campaign has escalated dramatically in recent days Bangladeshi law enforcement agencies have done little to stop this. This was while Hasina was in power.





M. K. Bhadrakumar was a career diplomat by profession. Roughly half of the 3 decades of his diplomatic career was devoted to assignments on the territories of the former Soviet Union and to Pakistan, Iran and Afghanistan. Other overseas postings included South Korea, Sri Lanka, Germany, and Turkey. He writes mainly on Indian foreign policy and the affairs of the Middle East, Eurasia, Central Asia, South Asia and the Asia-Pacific.
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FCA

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has published a report with new findings on the difficulties charities have been facing in their banking experience.

It reveals that charities had difficulties meeting banks requirements on financial crime-related obligations as part of their due diligence requirements.

The financial regulatory bodys report also states that banks had difficulties processing charities that have complex governance structures, for instance, a charity that has more than 100 trustees.

The charity representatives we spoke to, in particular, highlighted the difficulties that charities have had with fulfilling firms requests for information, either at the point of account opening or on an ongoing basis, it reads.

For example, we heard multiple times from charities that firms were requiring that all signatories to an account be present in branch when changing signatories.

The updated FCA report is part of a cross-sector effort to ease charities banking experience after a Charity Commission survey in March found that 42% of charities had reported experiencing poor service with their banks.

CFG: Id like to see more happening and more quickly

The FCA recently held a roundtable with banks and charity representatives to discuss the issues.

Clare Mills, deputy CEO of Charity Finance Group, who attended the roundtable, said: It was a positive meeting.

I felt the FCA representatives really understood the issues and were frustrated that so many customers were reporting bad experiences with their banks.

However, Mills said: Id like to see more happening and more quickly.

UK Finance, a trade association for banking and the financial sector, recently launched a website to guide charities in navigating the banking sector.

Mills said the guide could also be used by bank staff as a reference point to improve their understanding of how charities work.

When asked when the issue would be resolved, Mills said: The progress will probably be uneven, and we will see different banks or different financial institutions addressing different bits of their system.

There are issues within individual banks as to how they process information and how they manage customer relationships, and because each of the banks is an individual business, they do things in their own way.

So, it's not as if there's one solution thats going to fit everything.

Commission: Lets keep the momentum around this issue

Sam Jackson, assistant director of policy at the Commission, told Civil Society that the regulator has scheduled meetings with individual banks in the autumn to hear about the work they are doing with charities.

In a statement to the UKs high street banks last November, the Commission, along with its sister regulators in Scotland and Northern Ireland urged the banking sector to address the inadequate services it was providing to the charity sector.

Jackson said there had been some progress and engagement since then but we still think there's more to do, and it's an issue we're going to keep talking about, certainly to make sure that the action carries on.

The Commission encourages charities to go to the Financial Ombudsman Service if their bank ignores their complaints or the response isnt satisfactory, Jackson said.

Dont suffer in silence and let's keep the momentum around this issue, he said.

The Commissions survey in March 2024 showed that many charities experienced poor service from their banks such as account freezes, banks losing their records and challenges in complying with identity requirements set by their banks.

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,
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.
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 JNJ.N, and distributors McKesson MCK.N and Cencora COR.N.

We will challenge the citys 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 AbbVies ABBV.N Allergan unit, pharmacy operator CVS CVS.N and drug distributor Cardinal Health CAH.N.

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 Pierson in New York, Editing by Alexia Garamfalvi, Jonathan Oatis and Rosalba OBrien)
MACEDONIA, Ohio -- B&B Theatres is ready to show the region what the brand is all about. The Missouri-based cinema chain opens its first location in Ohio on Thursday at Macedonia Commons.

We are anxious to get the doors open to the public and introduce the B&B way to new friends, said Paul Farnsworth, executive director of communications and content for B&B Theatres. Family ownership, family fun, innovation, joy and integrity. Those are the values that we try to bring to our decision-making.
R&S Group Holding AG / Key word(s): Half Year Results

R&S Group published semi-annual report 2024



11-Sep-2024 / 06:30 CET/CEST

Release of an ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.





Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR

R&S Group published semi-annual report 2024

11 September 2024  R&S Group Holding AG (SIX: RSGN) today published its semi-annual report 2024, including the consolidated financial statements for the period from 1 January until 30 June 2024.

The report is available on the companys website under this link.

The key figures for the first half year 2024 have already been announced on 19 August 2024 and are summarized in the table below.

Consolidated key figures in MCHF H1 2023

reported H1 2023

adjusted 1 H1 2024

reported 1 H1 2024

adjusted Change in adjusted figures Order intake 133.3 119.3 141.0 141.0 18% Order backlog 188.1 174.6 218.2 218.2 25% Net sales 103.0 95.4 109.9 109.9 15% Operating result (EBIT) 18.6 18.1 24.0 25.53 41% as percent of net sales 18.1% 19.0% 21.8% 23.2% +4.2pps Net profit 14.5 14.2 12.1 17.32,3 22% Free cash flow -2.4 -1.9 5.5 7.52 n/a Net financial position 2.5 2.5 5.1 5.1 104%

1 without figures of plant in Czech Republic (SERW), which was divested on 5 Dec. 2023

2 excluding subsequent tax payment in Italy of 3.7 MCHF (cash impact of 2 MCHF for H1 2024)

3 excluding M&A costs of 1.5 MCHF



The company will host a conference call for Analysts, investors and the media today, 11 September 2024, at 10.00 CEST via Teams. The conference call can be joined online via this link.

The presentation on the semi-annual report 2024 is available here.

The RSG also informs that, following the recently announced acquisition of Kyte Powertech Ltd., more than 40% (2'696'773) of all outstanding warrants (RSGW) have been converted into shares. These conversions strengthen the equity by around CHF 31 million and increase the free float of the share.



Calendar

31 October 2024 Capital Markets Day 6 March 2025 Trading update full-year 2024 sales 15 April 2025 Release of full-year results 14 May 2025 Annual General Meeting 2025





Contact Investor and Media Relations



Doris Rudischhauser

Phone: +41 79 410 81 88

Email: investors@the-rsgroup.com

About R&S Group



R&S Group Holding AGs (R&S Group, the company) operating headquarters are located in Sissach/BL, Switzerland. With six manufacturing facilities in Switzerland, Italy, Poland and the Middle East, R&S Group serves its domestic and various European export markets with small and medium power and distribution transformers and other components in the utility, infrastructure and industrial sectors. The company has been successfully positioned to benefit from the accelerating demand for energy production and distribution, driven by the global trend towards decarbonization. R&S Group has been listed on SIX Swiss Exchange on 13 December 2023 under the ticker symbol RSGN following its successful business combination with VT5 Acquisition AG, a previously Swiss-listed Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC).

Further information about the R&S Group can be found at www.the-rsgroup.com.



Disclaimer



This communication expressly or implicitly contains certain forward-looking statements concerning R&S Group Holding AG and its business. Such statements involve certain known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of R&S Group Holding AG to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. R&S Group Holding AG is providing this communication as of this date and does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
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Amazon's computing unit AWS is in talks with Italy to invest billions of euros in the expansion of its data center business in the country as part of the tech giant's effort to boost its cloud offer in Europe, four people familiar with the matter said. Cesc Maymo | Getty Images News | Getty Images

LONDON  Amazon Web Services (AWS), the U.S. e-commerce giant's cloud division, announced plans to invest 8 billion ($10.45 billion) over the next five years to build and operate data centers in the U.K. as it ramps up its cloud computing efforts in the country. The investment, announced early Wednesday London time, comes as cloud players talk up the benefits of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and as companies look to integrate the tech into their businesses. "We've seen a real uptake of cloud computing and AI technology by British businesses, and we know the U.K. has a very ambitious digital plan," Tanuja Randery, managing director for European, Middle East and Africa at AWS, told CNBC in an interview. "So this will go toward helping our customers to really be able to harness cloud computing, because you need the data centers to be able to actually provide cloud computing for our customers."

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Randery said generative AI is "probably the most transformative technology we have seen, possibly since the cloud and the internet" and that businesses are currently trialing the nascent tech. "We've also seen that businesses are looking at this in terms of both revenue growth, employee productivity, which is really, really critical, as you know, but also being able to compete globally." AWS, along with other cloud players, has been investing heavily in infrastructure, such as data centers and Nvidia chips, in order to train and run AI models. These cloud players then sell AI services to businesses. AWS competes with Microsoft and Google in the U.K. and its investment continues the company's focus on expansion in Europe. AWS said this year it plans to invest 8.8 billion euros in existing cloud infrastructure in Germany.

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Former U.S. President and current Republican Presidential nominee Donald Trump speaks about the economy, inflation, and manufacturing during a campaign event at Alro Steel on August 29, 2024 in Potterville, Michigan.

Former President Donald Trump says that he wants to make in vitro fertilization treatments free of cost, either by requiring insurance companies to cover the procedure or federally funding it.

"Because we want more babies, to put it very nicely," Trump said at a campaign rally in Michigan on Aug. 29.

Since then, neither Trump nor his campaign has offered details on how such a plan might be paid for. Still, his verbal support brought the fertility treatments to the center of a presidential race where both Trump and Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris are vying for the votes of politically moderate women.

But health care experts are skeptical that Trump could implement such a policy on his own. And winning support for free IVF among his fellow Republicans in Congress could prove exceptionally difficult.

"The ability of the executive to do this unilaterally is quite limited," said Alina Salganicoff, a senior vice president and the director of the Women's Health Policy Program at KFF.

Mandating that insurers pay for IVF would require legislation in Congress, Salganicoff said. Another potential option would be to convince a panel of experts to add IVF to the list of fully covered women's preventative services under the Affordable Care Act. This would pose several challenges, not least of which is that Trump has tried to repeal the ACA.

It would also be difficult for members of Congress to rationalize making a single treatment like IVF free, said Sabrina Corlette, co-director of the Center on Health Insurance Reforms at Georgetown University's McCourt School of Public Policy.

"What about chemotherapy? What about insulin? What about any other number of life-saving services that people need?" she said.

Having the government pay for IVF would similarly require an act of Congress. Lawmakers need to allocate the funds, and the cost of such a program would likely be eye-popping, experts said.

A single cycle of IVF costs over $23,000, according to FertilityIQ. Many women need four or more cycles to have a successful birth.
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Workers stock shelves at an Amazon Fresh grocery store in Seattle, Washington, US, on Thursday, May 2, 2024. David Ryder | Bloomberg | Getty Images

On a humid afternoon in August, a few hundred shoppers lined up outside an Amazon Fresh supermarket in a Philadelphia suburb, eagerly awaiting the store's grand opening. A person in a banana costume hyped up the crowd, while Amazon staffers handed out free samples of cold brew coffee. The event was a long time coming. Since 2022, the Fresh store in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, looked ready to open. But month after month, it sat vacant, with Amazon's familiar smile logo plastered on a sign overlooking an empty parking lot. "I kept thinking it would open, but it didn't," Joe Knowles, Bensalem Township's council president, told CNBC. "All of a sudden, bang, it was ready to go." The Bensalem store is one of a handful of new Fresh locations that Amazon has launched in recent months, the first new store openings since the company halted expansion of the franchise more than a year ago. Since June, Amazon has opened seven other stores in California, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey and Virginia, with more locations expected this year and into next. The company said it's also launching five redesigned stores in Illinois and California this week. It's the latest development in Amazon's on-again, off-again effort to become a powerhouse in a market the company has been pursuing for 17 years, culminating with its $13.7 billion acquisition of Whole Foods in 2017, the company's biggest deal ever. Amazon's scattershot approach has at times been about expanding its "everything store" mission and at others has been focused on making high-end produce more affordable. In some cases, the markets have provided a testing ground for in-store technologies. Through it all, Amazon in 2023 claimed just 1.4% of the U.S. grocery market, compared compared with Walmart at 23.6% and Kroger's 10% share, according to Numerator data. Amazon's share has been flat since 2021. An Amazon spokesperson said the Numerator data, which measures only food and beverage sales in grocery, underrepresents the company's share of the market because it doesn't include nonfood items, like paper towels and cleaning supplies, typically ordered online.

Fresh supermarkets are a piece of the portfolio, which also includes Go convenience stores and same-day delivery for Prime members. The company also launched an unlimited grocery delivery subscription in the U.S. earlier this year. On Tuesday, Amazon introduced a new grocery private label called Amazon Saver, which includes items like pancake syrup, deli meat and canned goods mostly priced under $5. The Fresh chain made its debut during the early months of the Covid pandemic. Amazon opened the first such store in September 2020, in the Woodland Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles, with an eye toward offering cheaper prices than Whole Foods. The company added package drop-off counters, along with cashierless checkout lanes and voice-activated displays, allowing shoppers to ask Alexa for recipe ideas or help finding items. Amazon would reach 46 Fresh locations worldwide by early 2022. But the expansion plans ran head first into CEO Andy Jassy's efforts to rein in costs as rapidly changing macro conditions forced dramatic downsizing. Amazon instituted mass layoffs starting in 2022, and shuttered some of its newer, more unproven bets. In February 2023, Jassy announced on a quarterly earnings call that Amazon planned to close some Fresh supermarkets and Go convenience stores. He also hit pause on further growth of its Fresh footprint until the company could identify a store format that resonated with shoppers and "where we like the economics," Jassy said. Krispy Kreme donuts With headcount cuts largely in the rearview mirror, Amazon is back into investing mode and pouring resources into Fresh, opening new stores after refining the experience and testing out a redesigned format late last year in select California and Illinois locations. Jassy and Amazon Fresh leaders have acknowledged that in order to grow its already "very large" grocery business, the company needs a bigger brick-and-mortar footprint. In 2022, just 11% of sales in the $1.6 trillion U.S. grocery market took place online. That's far below the level of e-commerce penetration in other categories, such as consumer electronics, where 41% of purchases were made online, according to Jefferies data. Companies "need to have a physical presence to be big in grocery," analysts from the bank wrote in a note in October. As part of the Fresh store redesign, Amazon created a more colorful layout and added Krispy Kreme donut and coffee stalls. In April, the company said it would remove the cashierless checkout technology, called Just Walk Out, from its U.S. Fresh stores and Whole Foods markets in favor of computerized Dash Carts, which track and tally up items as customers shop. Amazon told CNBC it's seen increased purchasing and higher customer satisfaction scores at the redesigned locations. The company said it expects to selectively open new Fresh locations over time based on feedback from shoppers. "We like the early results a lot," Jassy said on the company's first-quarter earnings call in April, referring to the revamped Fresh stores. "They're really meaningfully better in almost every dimension. It's still early, and there's some things to work through, but we like what we're seeing there."

A woman uses a dash cart during her grocery-shopping at a Whole Foods store as Amazon launches smart shopping carts at Whole Foods stores in San Mateo, California, United States on February 25, 2024. The smart shopping cart makes grocery shopping quicker by allowing customers to scan products right into their cart as they shop and then skip the checkout line. Tayfun Coskun | Anadolu | Getty Images

Still, at least 22 Fresh supermarkets across the country remain vacant or unopened even though construction is complete, according to interviews with city officials and local news reports. Delayed openings or cancellations have triggered at least five lawsuits. Landlords in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Florida and Washington alleged the company breached its contract by terminating its lease, with some parties seeking tens of millions of dollars worth of damages. Amazon last year reached a settlement with property owners in Florida and Washington, according to court documents. Attorneys representing the property owners didn't respond to requests for comment. Amazon declined to comment on the status of the Fresh stores that remain unopened. One store in limbo is in Rancho Mirage, California, a desert town about 30 minutes southeast of Palm Springs. Previously the location of a Stein Mart department store, the market is in a shopping center that also includes a Hobby Lobby, an Italian restaurant and a blood bank. Shoppers in the area can find a Whole Foods, Walmart, Trader Joe's and Aldi all within a short drive. Amazon began remodeling the store in 2021 and signage went up the following year. But "opening soon" signs are still plastered on the doors. The company has told Rancho Mirage officials and AlbaneseCormier, the owner of the shopping complex, that it expects the store to open in 2025, said Ted Weill, a city council member. AlbaneseCormier didn't respond to a request for comment. Weill said there aren't many companies that can afford to just let a building sit idle for years. "Amazon has so much money that whether they've invested $10 million, $20 million, $30 million in the project and decide not to go forward, so be it," Weill said. "That won't be the criteria that holds them back from pulling out." More than 500 miles north of Rancho Mirage, in the Sacramento suburb of Roseville, Amazon recently opened the doors of a Fresh supermarket. The store was fully constructed by last summer. Brent Thill, an analyst at Jefferies, took the two-hour drive to Roseville from the Bay Area with his 16-year-old son a week after the Fresh store opened last month. Thill said the supermarket had an "amazing" selection, though he described the overall vibe as "sterile." "You walk into the Amazon Fresh store in Roseville and it feels like you're in a stainless steel wine cellar," Thill said. "And the store doesn't have any decorations, it's just a giant building." Thill has a buy rating on Amazon stock, but he says in grocery the company is spending a lot of money to compete in "one of the lowest-margin businesses on the planet." But he called it "one of the highest budget items in the pocketbook," which is where it clearly fits into Amazon's broader retail strategy. "And if there's synergies around Amazon returns, if they can make it more unique, then who knows which way it goes," Thill said.
Coping with your children heading off to college or moving out of the family home for good can be challenging, but a team at one college here in the United States is working to make the transition to becoming an empty nester a bit easier.

Arizona State University is launching a program for the parents and guardians of enrolled students called "Thriving in Your Empty Nest Chapter." It's one of the first courses of its kind, and will be four weeks long, starting on Sept. 27.

"When parents are dropping off their kids, that is a classic, iconic time that can be really hard," Kari Cardinale, partner and chief content officer at Modern Elder Academy, a midlife wisdom school, tells CNBC Make It. Cardinale is the instructor of the course.

"Many parents talk [about] the tears they shed, or that pit in their stomach, a sense of pride, but also grief of this profound transition. And we never really created any rituals for these moments rather than suffer through them."

ASU is looking to change that by providing an "opportunity for parents to come together, meet each other [and] learn about this transitional time of life," Cardinale says.

The course costs $500 and financial aid options will be available for some. Parents will learn from Cardinale about how the empty nest stage is a "really important time to focus on the interests that you might have, whether it's an interest in traveling and meeting other people, or interests in arts or fitness."

Cardinale's goal is to have parents leave the course wanting to "engage in those activities with other people, to start building a new network of adult friendships that you can nurture for many decades to come."

"The more fulfilled you are personally, the easier the transition is," Rachel Glik, a licensed professional counselor, told Make It about coping with empty nest syndrome.

The online module will consist of live events every Friday via Zoom and allow parents to meet other parents around the world. The hope is for them to learn how to embrace the positive side of empty nesting and develop strong support systems, maybe even amongst each other.

"We go through the program in four weeks time, and they have a little bit of material that they can be reading and listening to on their own," Cardinale says.

Cardinale interviewed top experts like Barbara Waxman, a gerontologist with expertise in empty nesting, and Gretchen Rubin, a best-selling author who writes about happiness. She also spoke to ASU professors, and fathers who provided firsthand experiences on what empty nesting feels like.

"And because it's for parents, there's no quizzes, there's no homework, there's no expectation to have to finish it all. It's really on our own time," Cardinale says.

"Hopefully we'll be offering it again, early in 2025. We're getting those dates together right now, and it's currently open to any ASU parents as well as ASU alumni," with children heading to college.

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U.S. President Joe Biden speaks as he announces a new plan for federal student loan relief during a visit to Madison Area Technical College Truax Campus, in Madison, Wisconsin, U.S, April 8, 2024.

A senior Biden administration official says the U.S. Department of Education did not plan to begin forgiving up to $147 billion in student debt for as many as 25 million Americans before publishing a final rule on the program  despite claims to the contrary by seven Republican state attorneys general.

Those AGs last week convinced a judge in Georgia to temporarily block President Joe Biden's new forgiveness plan for federal student loans by claiming the Department of Education was trying to secretly implement the plan before the final rule was issued in October.

The AGs in a lawsuit challenging the legality of the program alleged that Education Secretary Miguel Cardona "quietly sent orders to loan servicing companies to start mass canceling loans as soon as this week," which would violate regulations requiring the final rule to be issued first.

But the Biden administration official told CNBC that the Department of Education had only instructed loan servicers to get ready for the debt cancellation.

"We would not implement a rule before it's final," the official said.

A person close to the loan industry confirmed that account to CNBC, saying the DOE only told the servicers to prepare for the debt relief program.

Those preparations included briefing customer service agents on how to explain the aid to borrowers when it became available and drafting new website information.

"It's the preparatory work that is required and necessary," the source said. "It's similar to any kind of product launch."

"Servicers have not been given files to forgive," the source said.

But a spokesperson for the Missouri Attorney General's Office, one of the plaintiffs in the suit, in an email to CNBC when asked about the Biden official's and source's comments, said, "We have evidence to the contrary, which we filed under seal."

"It remains under seal until the Department agrees to unseal it," the spokesperson said. "It's telling that the Department has so far refused to consent to this proof being made public."

The program is the third Biden administration effort to forgive student debt to end up blocked by Republican-led legal challenges.

In June 2023, the Supreme Court ruled that the administration's first attempt to cancel up to $400 billion in student debt without prior authorization from Congress was unconstitutional.

Two months ago, a federal appeals court temporarily halted Biden's new affordable repayment plan for student loan borrowers, known as SAVE. Some Republican-led states argued that the Department of Education with SAVE was essentially trying to find a roundabout way to forgive student debt after the Supreme Court's decision.

In their new lawsuit challenging the third relief program, which was filed in U.S. District Court in Augusta, Georgia, the seven states argue that the Biden administration's loan forgiveness plan violates the U.S. Constitution's separation of powers by seeking to cancel billions of dollars in debt without congressional approval.

In addition to Missouri, the states that filed the suit are Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, North Dakota and Ohio.

On Thursday, when he issued a temporary restraining order blocking the new program from taking effect, U.S. District Judge Randal Hall wrote that the AGs "have obtained documents revealing the Secretary is implementing this forgiveness plan ... without publication and has been set on doing so since May."

Hall wrote that the states "show a substantial likelihood of success" in their lawsuit given "the Secretary's attempt to implement a rule contrary to normal procedures."

Hall scheduled a hearing next week on the lawsuit.

Mark Kantrowitz, a higher education expert, told CNBC that it is normal for executive branch agencies to take steps to prepare for a new regulation.

"Preparatory work does not violate the law," Kantrowitz said. He also said, "Forgiveness cannot occur before the rule is final."

Hall could still strike down the debt relief plan as unconstitutional or on other grounds, even if he finds that the Biden administration did not violate the regulatory process timeline.

But consumer and legal advocates were concerned at how quickly Hall accepted the states' claim that the Biden administration was improperly rushing the plan.

"There's an increased permission structure for conservative judges to just make stuff up without even having to ground it in sound principles or precedent," said Luke Herrine, an assistant professor of law at the University of Alabama.
TOKYO  U.S. opponents of a Japanese steelmaker's $14.9 billion bid for U.S. Steel cite concerns about national security and a reluctance to relinquish a storied American company. In Japan, the business community sees election-year politics at play.

President Joe Biden is preparing to formally block the proposed takeover of U.S. Steel by Nippon Steel, two people familiar with the matter confirmed to NBC News last week, over what he says are national security concerns.

That could complicate efforts to strengthen ties with Japan, a key U.S. ally, in an effort to counter China's growing influence in the Asia-Pacific and around the world. Washington has also been pushing Tokyo to align itself with U.S. export controls that limit China's ability to produce advanced semiconductors.

The deal's failure would be an "epic own goal" that could inadvertently help China  which accounts for more than half of the world's steel production  maintain its dominance of the global market, said Jeff Kingston, a professor of history and Asian studies at Temple University Japan.

The opposition to the deal "also places Japan in the unenviable company of China in terms of Washington's politicization of economic issues," Kingston said in an email. "But Japan is used to the twists and turns of presidential campaigns and understands that the Democrats are keen to appeal to Rust Belt voters."

Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris have joined Biden in opposing Nippon's acquisition of U.S. Steel, which is based in the pivotal swing state of Pennsylvania.

The United Steelworkers union, whose members are part of an important voting bloc in the state, vehemently opposes the deal, even as Nippon Steel vows it will keep U.S. Steel American-run and prioritize U.S. domestic production to meet demand in the U.S. market.

Other U.S. Steel employees have rallied in support of the deal, which was announced last December. The company itself says the bid's collapse would make the American steel industry less competitive globally and could cost thousands of union jobs at blast furnace facilities that might otherwise have to shut down.

Executives say the deal's failure would also raise "serious questions" about whether the company remains at its longtime headquarters in Pittsburgh.

In Japan, where the winner of the governing Liberal Democratic Party's leadership race this month will become the next prime minister, Biden's plans to block the acquisition have been portrayed in the media as "insupportable and an insult to a close ally," Kingston said.

Shigeru Ishiba, a former defense minister who is a front-runner in the LDP leadership race, told Reuters last week that what the U.S. was saying about Nippon Steel was "very unsettling" and "could undermine the trust of its allies."

Another candidate, digital minister Taro Kono, said that he "never imagined" the takeover would raise national security concerns, and that he would raise the issue with the White House should he become prime minister.
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.
A number of global stocks that trade in the U.S. have the potential to more than double over the next 12 months, according to average analyst price targets. CNBC Pro screened for U.S.-traded stocks of overseas-headquartered firms covered by 10 or more analysts. The table below lists 11 stocks that analysts give over 100% upside potential in their local currency over the next 12 months. Investors should note that these stocks are exposed to foreign exchange fluctuations. Patriot Battery Metals Canada's Patriot Battery Metals has the biggest consensus upside potential  259% over the next 12 months  of the stocks screened using FactSet data, although analysts view the hard-rock lithium exploration company as a risky bet. Lithium, currently produced from hard rock or brine deposits, has become a sought-after metal in the electric vehicle industry. Although the company has a primary listing on the Toronto stock exchange, the stock is also traded on U.S. stock exchanges . PMETF 1Y line The company recently unveiled its plans for its Shaakichiuwaanaan lithium project in James Bay, Quebec. "In our view, the [preliminary economic assessment] shows attractive project economics and reinforces the potential for PMET to become an important global hard rock lithium player," said Desjardins analysts led by Frederic Tremblay in a note to clients on Aug. 22. The investment bank has a "speculative buy" rating and a price target of 16.50 Canadian dollars ($12.16) on the stock. Similarly, Canaccord Genuity analysts Katie Lachapelle and Meaghan Charlebois have a "speculative buy" rating and a price target of 13 Canadian dollars on the stock. Valneva France-based Valneva has the second-biggest consensus upside potential on the list, at 213%. It is one of a handful of remaining independent vaccine companies and has already successfully developed two in-house vaccines. It is also leading the development of a Lyme disease vaccine with pharmaceutical giant Pfizer . Analysts say that the company stands to deliver strong sales from its approved vaccines, with long-term growth from royalties possible if the launch of the Lyme disease vaccine is successful. "Valneva's latest read-out from its [phase-2 trial] of its Lyme disease vaccine candidate (VLA15) continues to highlight the vaccine's potential, demonstrating a potent immune response against Lyme as part of a booster regimen," said Stifel analyst Christian Glennie in a note to clients on Sept. 3. "As a reminder, Pfizer and Valneva's [phase-3] clinical trial (VALOR) is ongoing. The primary vaccination series was completed in July 2024 and the trial is expected to be completed by the end of 2025." Stifel's price target of 9 euros ($9.94) a share indicates a 201% upside potential. While Valneva is listed on the Paris stock exchange, it also trades on U.S. exchanges . VALN 1Y line Similarly, analysts at Guggenheim Securities are bullish on the stock over the next 12 months. "We forecast VALN operating margins expanding to a mid-40% range over time (given growing contribution of Lyme royalties) and assume a 21% tax rate after expiration of [Net Operating Loss]," said Guggenheim analyst led by Evan Wang in a note to clients on Aug. 14. Investors also cautioned that the stock carries some specific risks, however. "While we view VALN's late-stage clinical programs as substantially de-risked, there remains some clinical, manufacturing, and commercialization risk before and after licensure," the analysts added.
Commerzbank shares jumped on market open on Wednesday, after Italian bank UniCredit acquired a 4.5% stake in the Frankfurt-based lender from the German government.

Frankfurt-listed Commerzbank stock was up 20.31% at 12:54 p.m. London time.

The stake acquisition marks the first step in Berlin's exit from its position in the German lender. The German government said it had sold around 53.1 million shares  or a roughly 4.49% tranche out of its 16.49% total shareholding  in Commerzbank for roughly 702 million euros ($775 million) to UniCredit.

Even at a reduced 12% position, the German government said it remains Commerzbank's largest shareholder. Berlin has held its stake in the lender ever since injecting 18.2 billion euros to rescue Commerzbank during the 2008 financial crisis. Around 13.15 billion euros of that sum has been repaid to date, the government said last week.

"Commerzbank has shown that it is once again standing on its own two feet. With this the first partial sale of the investment will mark the completion of the successful stabilization of the investment Bank and thus the federal government's exit," said Eva Grunwald, managing director of the federal finance agency.

In a separate statement, UniCredit said it had taken a 9% stake in Commerzbank, confirming that half of this shareholding was acquired from the government.

"To maintain flexibility, UniCredit will submit regulatory filings for authorization to potentially exceed 9.9% of Commerzbank if and when necessary," UniCredit said. The bank's own Milan-listed stock was up nearly 0.5% at 12:55 p.m. in London.

"We have taken note of UniCredit's announcement this morning and its acquisition of an equity stake in Commerzbank," Commerzbank said later on Wednesday. "This is also testament to the progress made and the position of Commerzbank. Commerzbank's management and supervisory board will continue to act in the best interest of all our shareholders and our key stakeholders such as employees and clients."

Commerzbank's supervisory board has scheduled an extraordinary board meeting at 5 p.m. local time to discuss UniCredit, board member Stefan Wittmann told Reuters.

CNBC has approached Commerzbank for comment over the meeting.

Also on Wednesday, the German lender said Commerzbank chief Manfred Knof will fulfil but not seek to renew his term after the end of his contract in December 2025. The bank will begin the process of finding a successor.
Investors and Wall Street analysts may want to take a closer look at stocks that could be winners under a President Kamala Harris after Tuesday night's debate . The current vice president's debate with former President Donald Trump was widely seen as a win for the Democrat, and the ods of Harris winning in November have climbed in betting markets . National polls showed a tight race heading into the debate, but some now believe Harris could get a bump from her performance. "We expect a near-term bounce towards Vice President Harris following the first debate with former President Trump, but the longer-term impact remains unclear," Raymond James Washington analyst Ed Mills said in a note to clients late Tuesday night. The stock market likely won't wait react until the votes are counted in November. "From a market perspective, we believe that the presidential race should still be viewed as a toss up, but there is likely to be a Harris lean in sentiment after her clear debate victory," BTIG analyst Isaac Boltansky said in a note to clients. Daniel Clifton of Strategas put together a Democratic "sweep" portfolio. It includes stocks that are typically associated with the political left, including green energy plays, but also stocks that could benefit from recent Harris proposals. That includes homebuilder PulteGroup , which could get a boost from Harris's proposed supply and demand side boosts for housing, and Walmart , which could see higher sales if child tax credits are expanded. Another name on the list is Raytheon Technologies , a defense contractor that Strategas links to the war in Ukraine. Harris has signaled that she would continue to support Ukraine's war effort against Russia, while Trump has been more skeptical. Wolfe Research has a similar list of stocks in an anti-Trump trade basket, including health care stocks like Centene and HCA . Those companies could benefit from a status quo in government health policy. Of course, it could be difficult for new Democratic policies to become law even with a Harris win in November, depending on how Congressional races shake out. UBS had a list of stocks that could perform well in a world where Harris is president but Congress is split between Republicans and Democrats. They include Tesla , manufacturer Eaton Corp. and Waste Management , which has a burgeoning renewable energy business.  CNBC's Michael Bloom contributed reporting.
Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw testifies at a hearing before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee on protecting public health and the environment in the wake of the Norfolk Southern train derailment and chemical release in East Palestine, Ohio in Washington, D.C., the United States, March 9, 2023.

Norfolk Southern's board is investigating whether CEO Alan Shaw had an inappropriate relationship with the company's top-ranking lawyer, according to several people with direct knowledge of the board's thinking, which could create a leadership vacuum at one of the country's largest railroads.

The probe comes less than two years after a toxic derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, and the same year activist investor Ancora mounted a proxy fight at the $58 billion railroad.

CNBC previously revealed that Shaw was under investigation for a relationship, but the board's focus on that other executive, chief legal officer Nabanita Nag, had not been detailed. Nag joined the company in 2020 as general counsel before being promoted to senior vice president in 2022 and elevated again just a few months later. She oversees a sizable portion of Norfolk's operations  including government relations, communications and compliance.

Shaw and Nag did not return text messages and calls requesting comment. Shares slipped about 2% on the news.

Meanwhile, labor leaders and top executives are in the dark about the company's leadership plans. The railroad employs some 20,000 people, many of whom belong to a union.

"We're not sure who is running this train," said Scott Bunten, general chairman of Norfolk Southern's 4,600-member Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers & Trainmen, or BLET. "We've heard the rumors about shenanigans in NS' c-suite. We've seen a news release about an investigation by an outside law firm. We haven't received a memo or any update."

As corporate secretary, Nag is one of the board's primary conduits of information, alongside Shaw. The board became aware of an alleged inappropriate relationship between the two in recent days, and moved rapidly to respond, people familiar with the matter previously told CNBC. Directors are discussing who could replace Shaw, who is expected to resign as CEO, according to another person familiar with the board's thinking.

Bunten said he had been in meetings with senior management on Tuesday and that those executives were not clear on what was transpiring at Norfolk's highest levels.

Norfolk Southern said it won't comment until the conclusion of the probe. The Wall Street Journal earlier reported that Shaw was expected to resign, citing people familiar with the matter.

The railroad's board is presented with a significant challenge: the alleged relationship involves the chief executive and Nag, who is also the company's corporate secretary  the two executives which have the most contact with the board.
Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris are shown on screen during a debate watch party at the Cameo Art House Theatre in Fayetteville, North Carolina, Sept. 10, 2024. Allison Joyce | Bloomberg | Getty Images

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump and his Democratic rival, Vice President Kamala Harris, clashed repeatedly over Russia, Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin and the war in Ukraine in Tuesday night's closely watched presidential debate. Harris told Trump, who previously served as U.S. president, that Putin "would eat you for lunch" and said that, if the Republican were to become president, "Putin would be sitting in Kyiv right now." She also accused Trump of being ready to abandon Ukraine after 2 years of war and an immense military funding effort by the U.S. "Understand why the European allies and our NATO allies are so thankful that you are no longer president and that we understand the importance of the greatest military alliance the world has ever known, which is NATO," Harris said during the ABC News presidential debate, according to a transcript of the debate. "What we have done to preserve the ability of Zelenskyy and the Ukrainians to fight for their independence. Otherwise, Putin would be sitting in Kyiv with his eyes on the rest of Europe. Starting with Poland," she said, before describing Putin as "a dictator who would eat you for lunch."

Republican presidential nominee, former U.S. President Donald Trump, debates Democratic presidential nominee, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, for the first time during the presidential election campaign at The National Constitution Center on September 10, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Win Mcnamee | Getty Images News | Getty Images

Trump rejected Harris' comments, claiming that the war would not have started if he had been in power in 2022 and telling the audience that Putin "would be sitting in Moscow, and he wouldn't have lost 300,000 men and women" in the war. Exact war casualty figures are unknown. Neither Russia nor Ukraine release such sensitive information, but U.S. intelligence estimated last year that around 315,000 Russian soldiers  the vast majority of whom are men  had been killed or wounded in the war up to that time. Trump has repeatedly insinuated that he could cut military funding for Ukraine and would seek an immediate end to the conflict, with officials in Kyiv concerned that the policy would mean it has to cede occupied territory to Russia as part of a deal.

Then President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin at a joint press conference after their summit on July 16, 2018, in Helsinki, Finland. Chris McGrath | Getty Images News | Getty Images

Trump was asked several times Tuesday night if he wanted Ukraine to win the war, or whether it was in the U.S.' best interests for Kyiv to achieve victory. He responded by insisting that he wants the war to stop in order to save lives, and that he would look to negotiate a deal with Russia. He has previously said he would end the war within 24 hours if he was president, without stating how he would do so. On Tuesday, he again did not state how a deal would be reached, or whether it would involve Ukraine ceding occupied territory to Russia  a concession that Kyiv has previously refused to make. "I think it's in the U.S.' best interest to get this war finished and just get it done. All right. Negotiate a deal. Because we have to stop all of these human lives from being destroyed," he said during the ABC News presidential debate, according to a transcript. "I want the war to stop. I want to save lives that are being uselessly ... people being killed by the millions. It's the millions. It's so much worse than the numbers that you're getting, which are fake numbers," Trump said, without providing evidence or further detail. Harris said she believed "the reason that Donald Trump says that this war would be over within 24 hours is because he would just give it up. And that's not who we are as Americans." The presidential nominees clashed over military funding for Ukraine, a high-profile issue between Democrats and Republicans that resulted in months of gridlock over a $60 billion aid package for Ukraine that was finally agreed in the spring. To date, the U.S. has provided more than $55.7 billion in military assistance to Ukraine, the U.S. State Department said in a statement last week, since Russia launched what Washington described as a "premeditated, unprovoked, and brutal full-scale invasion of Ukraine" on February 2022. Harris said Tuesday that military funding from the U.S. and Ukraine's international allies had enabled it to resist Russia's invasion, stating that "because of our support, because of the air defense, the ammunition, the artillery, the javelins, the Abrams tanks that we have provided, Ukraine stands as an independent and free country."

People look at U.S. M12A1 Abrams tank captured by Russian forces in Ukraine, displayed at the WWII memorial complex at Poklonnaya Hill western in Moscow, on May 1, 2024. Alexander Nemenov | Afp | Getty Images

Trump on Tuesday again repeated his much-stated position that the U.S. should not be paying more than its European partners to support Ukraine, nor paying more into the NATO alliance, as Europe was "a much bigger beneficiary to getting this thing done than we are." "They [Europe] should be forced to equalize. With that being said, I want to get the war settled. I know [Ukrainian President Volodymyr] Zelenskyy very well, and I know Putin very well. I have a good relationship [with them]," Trump said. Early Wednesday, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova described Trump and Harris' debate as a spectacle. "To be honest, I don't know why you think that's big news," the official told Sputnik Radio when asked to comment on the debate, according to Russian state news agency Tass. "Is that big news that we could see yet another show performed by people who clearly take no responsibility whatsoever for their words?" she asked rhetorically. Ukraine has not publicly commented on the Harris-Trump debate and has been careful to avoid taking sides ahead of the election, wary of alienating either political camp and the future president.
Speakers including Dr. Radha Plumb, Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Officer, U.S. Department of Defense, discuss responsible AI use in a plenary session at the Responsible AI in the Military domain (REAIM) summit in Seoul, South Korea, on Sept. 9, 2024. Reuters

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 which 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 AI-enabled drones being rolled out by Ukraine, which also endorsed the document. "We are making further concrete steps," Netherlands Defense 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 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," Defense 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.

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Investors returned to Nvidia stock Wednesday after CEO Jensen Huang made a compelling case at a major tech gathering for the innovation he strives for and the competitive moat he's built. "AI is not about a chip. AI is about an infrastructure," the founder of the artificial intelligence chip powerhouse said at the Goldman Sachs Communacopia + Technology Conference in San Francisco. That's perhaps the single most important thing for investors to understand. Nvidia is not a traditional semiconductor company  at least not in the way we've thought about it in the past or currently think about other chip companies. There have been a lot of doubters on Wall Street since Nvidia reported quarterly results on Aug. 28 . It was a case of good not being good enough in an age of lofty expectations. Since then, as of Tuesday's close, the stock lost 14%. NVDA YTD mountain Nvidia YTD On stage with Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon, Huang was asked how he views the competition. He said: "Today's computing is not build a chip and people can buy your chips, put it into a computer. That's really kind of 1990s. The way that computers are built today, if you look at our new Blackwell system, we design seven different types of chips to create the system. Blackwell is one of them." Blackwell is Nvidia's next-generation chip platform. Unveiled in March, it's not rolling out as quickly as expected due to some engineering challenges. Blackwell is the current focus on Wall Street and the demand dynamics are what's driving the stock. Huang said at Communacopia that Blackwell is coming and everybody wants it. "We are ramping Blackwell. And it's in full production. We'll ship in Q4 and scale it, start scaling in Q4 and into next year," he said. The demand on it is so great, and everybody wants to be first." Huang used an autonomous vehicle to explain how so many various parts must work together to create a single unified system that operates as intended. Like a vehicle, upgrading a single component can enhance the overall performance of the entire vehicle. In other words, a cloud provider, for example, isn't going to care as much about one component so much as they are the efficiency of the system overall. Sticking with the car analogy, think of it like a tune up. You don't need to replace your car every year to get more performance out of it, you can swap out parts slowly and tune the car up over time to enhance its overall performance. The key to making this all work is consistency in the architecture. First, it serves to strengthen Nvidia's lead because it makes upgrading extremely easy and efficient while making the cost to switch that much higher. So long as you remain in the Nvidia "ecosystem" you're looking at what is essentially a "plug and play" system. Everything is designed to work together and that's been the case since the company was founded. It's not just about the hardware. There is a software component to making everything run smoothly  and as Huang noted, the company best equipped to optimize the software is the one that built the hardware. Second, it allows Nvidia to transfer its own pace of innovation to its customers. Companies don't need to replace the part they got last year, as would be the case were the performance gains all about a single chip. Rather, they, like Nvidia, can focus one part of the system at a time and do incremental upgrades over time as new products are released. This also means customers don't have to worry as much about instant obsolescence of each component, they can upgrade one part this year and another part next year. Rather than replace the entire system every year or two, customers can upgrade consistently, over time, as Nvidia launches new products with the confidence that what they buy now will work with whatever is released next. In an interview on CNBC television Wednesday, Solomon reflected on his morning discussion with Huang. Like us, the Goldman CEO said he was struck by Huang's optimism and his pace of innovation. While ducking a question about Nvidia stock, Solomon did tell CNBC that Nvidia is a "super company" that's well-positioned to keep succeeding. That brings us to the return on investment for Nvidia's customers. According to Huang, every dollar spent by a company with Nvidia translates into $5 worth of rental revenue from the company's customers. While there may be a delay between that dollar invested and that $5 of revenue realized, Huang said the improved cost dynamics are instant. It's not as clear given the rapidly increasing demand for more compute power, but these newer systems are a better value when comparing the cost versus the performance gains. Bottom line The Nvidia discussion at Communacopia left us feeling good about the path ahead. While Wall Street is hyper-focused on Blackwell demand, and we certainly aren't dismissing its importance, Huang's interview reminded us that the longer-term investment thesis isn't about Nvidia's ability to ramp up Blackwell and then replace it a year from now with something so much better that it demands upgrades. Rather, it's about Nvidia's ability to consistently improve the performance of the system overall, both in terms of the hardware it offers and the software it makes available to optimize that system. (Jim Cramer's Charitable Trust is long NVDA. See here for a full list of the stocks.) As a subscriber to the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer, you will receive a trade alert before Jim makes a trade. Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust's portfolio. If Jim has talked about a stock on CNBC TV, he waits 72 hours after issuing the trade alert before executing the trade. THE ABOVE INVESTING CLUB INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY , TOGETHER WITH OUR DISCLAIMER . NO FIDUCIARY OBLIGATION OR DUTY EXISTS, OR IS CREATED, BY VIRTUE OF YOUR RECEIPT OF ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED IN CONNECTION WITH THE INVESTING CLUB. NO SPECIFIC OUTCOME OR PROFIT IS GUARANTEED.

Nvidia's CEO Jensen Huang delivers his keystone speech ahead of Computex 2024 in Taipei on June 2, 2024. Sam Yeh | AFP | Getty Images
A French flag is seen on the Place de la Republique as people celebrate after the Nouveau Front Populaire, an alliance of left wing parties including the far-left wing party, La France Insoumise came in first on July 07, 2024 in Paris, France. Remon Haazen | Getty Images News | Getty Images

French President Emmanuel Macron's long-awaited appointment last week of Michel Barnier as prime minister marked the end of a period of political uncertainty in France following its inconclusive snap election in July. France's challenges are far from over, however, with the country facing acute fiscal challenges and an ongoing threat posed by the far-right National Rally opposition, led by Jordan Bardella and Marine Le Pen. Veteran conservative and former Brexit negotiator Barnier's first task is to oversee the formation of a draft budget for 2025 in record time, as it must be put to the vote in France's National Assembly in October. The euro zone's second-largest economy must also present a deficit reduction plan to the European Commission within weeks if it is to avoid disciplinary proceedings, as its budget deficit, deemed "excessive" by the EU's executive arm, continues to break EU rules. France this week asked the Commission to extend its deadline of Sept. 20 to submit debt reduction proposals. Countries within the EU are obliged to keep their budget deficits within 3% of gross domestic product (GDP) and their public debt within 60% of GDP. France's budget deficit stood at 5.5% of GDP in 2023, and public debt topped 110%, meaning France must make steep spending cuts and introduce tax rises if it is to have any chance of bringing down its deficit. It's a particularly tough challenge for Barnier, a conservative from the right-leaning Les Republicains party with slim support in France's fractious parliament.

Outgoing France's Prime Minister Gabriel Attal and newly appointed Prime Minister Michel Barnier arrive for the handover ceremony at the Hotel Matignon in Paris, France, September 5, 2024. Sarah Meyssonnier | Reuters

Barnier's appointment has already provoked mass protests in France with the New Popular Front, a left-wing coalition made up of four parties, furious that its own candidate for the premiership was rejected by Macron  despite the alliance winning the largest vote share in July's election. At best, Barnier can likely count on the support of 47 deputies from his own center-right Les Republicains party, as well as 166 from Macron's centrist alliance and up to 21 independents (and making a total of 228 deputies, at the most). But he is highly likely to face strong opposition from the NPF (with 193 seats) and could be at the mercy of the National Rally, with its 142 assembly seats, for support. Analysts say Barnier's political survival therefore "depends on the whims and personal-political calculations of Le Pen." "At any time, she can add her 142 assembly votes to the 193 held by the left. That would produce many more votes than the 289 needed to bring down the Barnier government," Mujtaba Rahman, managing director of Europe at Eurasia Group, said in a note Monday. France's far-right, meanwhile, appears to be relishing the opportunity to become a kingmaker  able to influence government with the promise of support, or the threat of dissent. Twenty-eight-year-old Bardella, president of National Rally, described Barnier as a prime minister "under surveillance" and the party, which still operates under the aegis of figurehead Marine Le Pen, is widely expected to pressure Barnier's government to pursue policies in line with its own anti-immigration agenda and pledge to improve living standards for French citizens. Sandwiched between a vengeful left feeling "robbed" of an election victory, and the far-right knowing it plays a key role in whether the Barnier government survives or falls, analysts say France is likely to face continuing instability in the near term.

Budget the first challenge

Passing a budget that puts France's public finances back on track is the immediate challenge facing Barnier's government  and that will be no easy task, analysts and economists warn. "Barnier will face a brutal first few weeks in office as he confronts a deep fiscal crisis with the most fragile government in recent French history," Eurasia Group's Rahman continued. "The great unknown ... is how far Le Pen will be willing to address the most immediate crisis facing Barnier and the country: the painful choices needed to prevent France from plunging into a destructive fiscal crisis by the end of this year," he said. Warning that Barnier's term "could be cut short at any moment" if Le Pen's far right joins with the left to support a censure motion, he said it was more likely, for now, that Le Pen will "passively support Barnier's government if he advances her priorities on migration, the cost of living, and proportional representation, but Le Pen's strategy will remain fluid and opportunistic and could change weekly." It means the ways in which Barnier's government courts the support of its opponents  and how National Rally will respond to the government's draft budget and emergency spending cuts (envisaged by the finance ministry at around 16 billion euros, or $17.6 billion)  will be closely watched.

Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella at the final rally before the June 9 European Parliament election, held at Le Dome de Paris - Palais des Sports, on June 2, 2024. Nurphoto | Nurphoto | Getty Images
September 11, 2024: Arab nations are not known for efficient government. For thousands of years the region was known for its corrupt and ineffective rulers. Obtaining a job with actual power meant the incumbent was more beholden to his tribe or extended family. Take care of those effective friends and family members and they will continue to support you. This only works if you dont deprive too many others of essential items like food and access to housing, food and protection from jealous and unruly followers. This is a delicate balancing act that often collapses into ungovernable chaos.

The Arab PA (Palestinian Authority) was founded in 1994 in response to the need for a responsible government in the West Bank and Gaza. At that point Hamas was an even more corrupt and irresponsible governing faction in Gaza. The IDF (Israeli Defense Forces) were always standing by to keep the peace in the West Bank and Gaza when things got out of hand. The PA and Hamas often got greedy and sloppy, which triggered popular violence against their self-serving or misguided rule.

Technically the Palestinian territories were democracies but the corrupt governments were unwilling or unable to run honest elections. Palestinians knew this to be true because those who migrated to Europe or America reported that real elections and responsible politicians did exist and people, including Palestinians, prospered under such conditions. Despite these examples of successful government, the Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza have never been able to overcome the entrenched corruption and apathy to create real elections and all the benefits that follow.

Hamas is particularly opposed to any government that could curb their power. Hamas, unlike the PA, will grab their guns and shoot back at any reformers. This degree of violence often brings in the IDF, which eliminates the gunfire but cannot do anything about dysfunctional PA and Hamas governments. While life is better for those who migrate, most Palestinians prefer to stay where they are and take their chances. For them there is no place like home in the ancient, occupied areas of the West Bank and Gaza.

The Hamas violence that began in late 2023 left an unprecedented 1,139 Israelis dead. This more than doubled the number of Israeli civilians killed by Palestinian terrorist violence since the 1980s. As a democracy, this situation caused the majority of Israeli voters to call for harsh measures to stop the violence against Israeli civilians. While the PA managed to maintain a modicum of control in the West Bank, the situation in Gaza was out of control. Hamas believed in using Palestinian civilians as human shields and did so increasingly as they sought to prevent the IDF from restoring order in Gaza. Palestinian civilians in Gaza were more frightened of Hamas than the IDF, but not scared enough to report Hamas members hiding in plain sight among Palestinian civilians.

Gaza continues to be chaotic with the IDF ordering Palestinian civilians to leave Gaza so Hamas members can be hunted down and destroyed. This has had some success, especially because the IDF has made progress in detecting and destroying the vast tunnel system Hamas has built over the last few decades. Hamas diverted nearly a hundred million dollars in aid money to the tunnels project. Hamas uses the tunnels to shelter their fighters as well as the foreign aid stolen to form stockpiles of non-perishable food and other supplies to keep the fight against the IDF going. Most of these tunnels were built after the IDF left Gaza in 2007. Now the IDF has to return to destroy the tunnels and the supplies stored there, as well as the Hamas gunmen living down there. The IDF has cut off supplies of fuel for the generators in the tunnels as well as access to most tunnel entrances. It could take up to a year to complete the destruction of the Gaza tunnel system. The IDF wants assurances from the Israeli government that groups like Hamas will never again be left alone to build such infrastructure. So far, the IDF has lost hundreds of troops dealing with the tunnels and does not want to do it again in the future.

Hamas has been attacking Israelis constantly since October 7, 2023. Starting on August 3rd, Israel launched the first of a series of major raids on Hamas positions in the West Bank and Gaza. Israeli troops found substantial evidence of Iran providing weapons for Palestinian militants in both areas. This operation will continue until the IDF has destroyed as much of the Hamas presence they can find in Gaza and the West Bank. This wont completely destroy Hamas as it has a significant presence in Qatar, but will weaken it to the point where a long-term rebuilding effort will be necessary. Israel has plans for disrupting that rebuilding process. Hamas wanted to get Israels attention and now they have.

The PA makes matters worse with their pay-for-slay program. Since the 1970s the PA has diverted nearly half a billion dollars in foreign aid to pay Palestinian terrorists for killing Israeli civilians and soldiers. There is an elaborate system for paying the families of dead Palestinian terrorists as well as lesser payments for those imprisoned for attacks on Israelis. Foreign donors eventually learned of this program, which used money donated for the welfare of Palestinian civilians. Donors tried to enforce rules prohibiting use of cash for pay-for-slay programs. The PA keeps finding ways to circumvent these restrictions and continue making terrorism profitable for Palestinians. PA leaders take a portion of the aid for themselves as a reward for continuing to deceive foreign donors.
September 11, 2024: Ukrainian leaders are trying to make their NATO supporters understand that the only way to end the current and future Russian aggression against Ukraine is to support Ukrainian efforts to regain Ukrainian territory the Russians have seized since 2014. These areas account for 27 percent of the Ukraine that emerged after the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991.

Russian leaders admit that they want all of Ukraine back in the Russian Federation. President Vladimir Putin wants to restore the Soviet Union, but Ukraine, as well as Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Estonia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan do not want to be forced to join a new Soviet Union called the Russian Federation. Russia first turned its attention to Ukraine, which was adjacent to Russia. Ukrainians speak a similar language and were one of the most technically advanced and productive parts of the former Soviet Union. For Russia, Ukraine was a prize worth fighting for and it invaded Ukraine in February 2022 expecting a quick victory. Captured Russian documents revealed that fantasy. Instead of the planned outcome, Russia has been mired in a seemingly endless war with the formidable Ukrainian military. In August 2024 it reached the point where Ukrainian forces were invading a Russia weakened by over two years of unsuccessful fighting. Russia had many reasons for wanting Ukraine back in the Russian Federation, but a major factor was the Ukrainian plans to join NATO. If this happened, Ukraine would be invulnerable to any Russian attack.

The United States is the most important NATO member in terms of economic and military power. Russian leader Vladimir Putin speaks of aggressive actions against Ukraine but any conflict with the U.S. is out of the question. Putin accepts that Russia would do poorly in any armed confrontation with the Americans. Russia is already suffering from economic sanctions imposed by NATO nations, which have crippled the Russian economy. The Russian military is unable to restore its lost forces because of cash shortages and a lack of new recruits, especially men willing to fight. The Ukraine Special Operation was so called because Russian leader Vladimir Putin knew calling it an invasion would be unpopular in Russia. Putin insisted he was simply reuniting Ukraine with Russia because the Ukraine government had been taken over by a NATO conspiracy to weaken Russia. The initial Russian defeats were attributed to NATO supplying weapons (true) and mercenaries (untrue). The continued inability of Russia to make progress in Ukraine eventually led most Russians to conclude that Putins plan was flawed and never going to work. Morale and support for the war collapsed in Russia. Then in August 2024 Ukrainian forces invaded Russia and, for several weeks, depleted Russian forces were unable to stop the Ukrainians.

Since NATO is providing all the military and economic support for Ukraine, NATO nations expect to be consulted before major operations. NATO nations feared that too much Ukrainian success would cause Russia to attack the United States and their European allies. That was never going to happen and Russians in general were willing to say so publicly. Ukraine invaded Russia without consulting their NATO supporters as a way to demonstrate Russian weakness. This was a surprise to NATO leaders and the western media. Now they finally believed Ukrainian claims that the Russians were exhausted and demoralized by over tw0 years of futile fighting. Ukraine wants NATO to let Ukraine join despite the rule that nations currently at war cannot join. Ukraine knows that the Putin plan includes efforts to keep the war going, even with little or no fighting, to keep Ukraine out of NATO. Ukrainian troops rampaging through Russia is a Ukrainian effort to get NATO leaders to realize that the only way to eliminate Russias threat is to let Ukraine join the NATO mutual defense organization.

The NATO alliance includes the United States in addition to well-armed European states like Poland, Germany and France. Russia does not want to fight the NATO alliance. So far NATO has sent over $200 billion worth of weapons and non-military aid. The Americans were the largest contributor but as the war continued, European contributions increased while U.S. shipments declined.

NATO continues to support Ukraine because that was what NATO was established in 1949 to do. The threat then was the aggressive Soviet Union, which never attacked. When the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991, the largest and most aggressive successor state was the Russian Federation, led by men who wanted to rebuild the Soviet empire and decided in 2021 that a good place to start was by attacking and absorbing Ukraine.

The Russian invasion reminded other NATO states that the Russian threat still existed and that it was very real. At the same time, Russia is aware that NATO countries can muster more military forces than Russia and possess far larger economic resources than Russia. NATO nations are planning to increase the number of soldiers in their peacetime forces and that means a return of conscription. Without the Ukraine War, European voters would not have approved the return of conscription as a necessary step to increase the size of their armed forces. NATO nations have large enough populations of military age men to do this, in addition to enormous economic resources.

NATO members accounted for 45 percent of $2.24 billion in global defense spending in 2022. NATO spending continued increasing faster than global spending because of the war in Ukraine. For example Denmark announced that it would gradually increase defense spending over the next ten years until it reached about $21 billion. At that point defense spending would be three times what it was in 2022 and would meet the NATO suggested two percent of GDP. Denmark had long spent much less, safe in the knowledge that the United States and larger NATO members met or exceeded the spending goal applicable to all NATO members. This annoyed the United States, but America had the largest economy in the world and military commitments worldwide.

The U.S. has had the largest defense budget in the world since the 1940s. During the 1948-91 Cold War, European NATO members believed their job was to keep the Americans in, the Germans down and the Russians out. After 1945 Germany was divided, with West German eventually joining NATO and prospering economically while Russian occupied East Germany stagnated economically. In the 1990s Germans believed they could dispense with militarism and prepare for war. West Germany joined NATO in order to keep the Russians out and spent what was necessary to meet NATO standards. West Germans knew that if Russia attacked, they would be the main target. West Germany was where other NATO members stationed most of their troops assigned to defend Europe.

After the Soviet Union collapsed and a much smaller Russia became a democracy, defense spending by NATO members plummeted. The newly reunified Germany had huge costs associated with the merger of West and East Germany and even more reason to reduce defense spending. This was the peace bonus and it turned out to be temporary. By 2000 Russia was rearming and becoming more aggressive. One thing led to another and by 2022 Russia invaded Ukraine and started a war that lasted longer than expected and cost more than Russia could afford.

The Ukraine War is the largest conflict NATO has ever had to deal with. Russia accused Ukraine of planning to join NATO. That wasnt true, at least until 2014 when Russia seized Crimea and portions of two eastern Ukraine provinces. Not content with that, Russia invaded again in 2022, seeking to absorb Ukraine back into a Greater Russia. Despite all the previous Russian defense spending and military reorganization, the 2022 invasion failed. This was due to Russian incompetence and corruption, huge reforms in the Ukrainian military, a spike in Ukrainian patriotism, ferocious Ukrainian resistance, and over $100 billion in military and economic aid sent to Ukraine by NATO members. This meant that by late 2023, Russian forces were significantly outnumbered, on the defensive and the Ukrainians were attacking.

All that aid to Ukraine caused most NATO members to reconsider their own annual defense spending. This was nothing new. After Russias first invasion of Ukraine in 2014, NATO members realized that the Cold War threat was back and Cold War level defense spending would be required to deal with it. In September 2014 NATO members met and set specific commitments regarding defense spending. These commitments were to force NATO members to halt any decline in defense expenditure and keep spending in line with GDP growth. Members who currently spend less than two percent of their GDP on defense, were supposed to reach two percent within the next decade, preferably in ways that improved their ability to meet NATO obligations.

The three most powerful, in military and economic terms, European NATO members of France, Germany and Britain, despite all their talk about necessity to deal with recent events in Ukraine and Middle East, instead reduced their defense spending even though they were already spending less than two percent GDP on defense.

The Germans spent $41.72 billion in 2015, six percent less than in 2014 while 2015 spending was 1.09 percent of GDP versus 1.3 percent in 2013. Such a state of affairs resulted in severe readiness issues for the German military, including cuts in training, equipment shortages, maintenance issues and generally low readiness level.

France was better off, at $41.2 billion, or 1.5 percent GDP in 2015. This was the same as in 2014. France did make big cuts earlier but its role in dealing with ISIL and sentiment after a recent major Islamic terrorist attack in France didn't seem to have much effect on its NATO-related spending.

Britain also faced defense spending cuts, from $55 billion in 2014 to $54 billion in 2015. This was even worse in GDP percentage terms, in part due to changes in GDP calculations by adding narcotics, prostitution and charitable spending to the definition of GDP. This produced a decrease in defense spending as a percentage of Britains GDP, from 2.07 percent to 1.88 percent of GDP. That was the lowest British defense spending as a GDP percentage in the previous 25 years.

Canada and Italy, two other NATO members with rather large economies, also decreased their defense spending. Canada spent $14.2 billion in 2014 which was just one percent of its GDP and planned to reduce it by $2.1 billion in coming years, to an extremely low 0.85 percent of GDP. Italy's already low 2014 defense spending of 1.2 percent GDP amounted to $13.68 billion but fell to $12.91 billion in the 2015 defense budget.

Some smaller countries did take their military situation and NATO commitments seriously. The Baltic States (Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania) were the most rattled by the Ukraine crisis among NATO countries because of their borders with Russia, small size, and often issues with a large Russian minority. Estonia, one of the very few NATO countries that reached the 2 percent GDP defense spending target, decided to exceed it by 0.05 percent GDP in 2015. Lithuania, which spent just 0.9 percent of its GDP on defense in 2014, reached 1 percent in 2015, and has committed to increase it by 0.2 percent of GDP every year, until it reaches the recommended 2 percent GDP mark. Latvia, much like Lithuania, has decided on a quick expansion of its military, its defense spending rising from 0.78 percent GDP in 2014 to 1.11 percent GDP in 2015. Unfortunately, the significant increases in military spending of Baltic countries are not big in real terms. Their economies are small, and as such, the biggest military budget of those three, Lithuania's, is just barely above $0.5 billion.

Poland, one of few NATO countries taking the Ukraine crisis as seriously as the Baltics, spent $10.4 billion, or 1.95 percent of GDP in 2014 and got it up to the required 2 percent of GDP in 2016, with a specific focus on procurement of modern equipment. It has since soared. Romania followed Poland's example, with its military spending rising from 1.4 percent in 2014 to 1.7 percent in 2015 and reached 2 percent in 2017.

This is different elsewhere in Central Europe. Bulgaria and Hungary, despite promises to increase their relatively small military budgets in 2015, actually reduced them as a portion of GDP share, by 0.15 percent and 0.04. Norway and Netherlands slightly increased their defense budgets, both of them reversing long running downwards trends.

The 2022 Russian invasion was not a surprise to many east European NATO members. Less than a year before the invasion, Poland announced it was doubling the size of its military to 300,000 troops, giving it the largest active-duty force among the European NATO nations. The Polish military then consisted of 185,000 troops. Poland already spends more on defense, at 2.2 percent of GDP, than most NATO members. The goal for NATO nations is two percent of GDP but even in 2021 only a few had reached or exceeded that, including the United States (3.7 percent), Britain (2.2 percent) and France (2.1 percent). Russia was spending 4.3 percent. Elsewhere in the world Saudi Arabia spent 8.4 percent, Israel 5.6 percent, India 2.9 percent, South Korea 2.8 percent, Australia 2.1 percent and China somewhere between two and three percent. North Korea spends about a quarter of its GDP on the military but has a GDP that is only about five percent the size of South Koreas. Global defense spending is about two trillion dollars and 2.4 percent of global GDP. U.S. spending accounts for 39 percent of that, which is equal to the next fourteen nations combined.

Polish defense spending has increased enormously since it joined NATO in 1999, when it was spending $3.2 billion a year. To be a NATO member they had to bring all their military equipment up to NATO standards. While some of the Cold War era Russian equipment qualified, or could do so with some modifications, Poland wanted to replace most of the Cold War gear with modern Western weapons and equipment. Fortunately for Poland and other East European nations that joined NATO after 1991, the Cold War era NATO nations were reducing their armed forces and offered a lot of modern NATO weapons to the new members at very low cost or for free. Poland was able to upgrade its forces with German and American tanks and also purchased F-35 fighters, guided rockets, more effective electronics and modern military logistical equipment. Poland was a major manufacturer of ships, aircraft, and military vehicles while part of the Russian Warsaw Pact that dissolved in 1991. At the same time the Soviet Union was disintegrating. Poland is now producing NATO standard ships, aircraft, vehicles, and all manner of modern weapons. For that reason, most of the cost for expanding the military will be spent in Poland and make it possible to complete the expansion by the end of the decade or sooner.

After 2014 many East European nations feared Russia had gone from former occupier to current threat and all decided to speed upgrades to their armed forces, as quickly as limited budgets allowed. For example, in 2015 Lithuania increased its 2016 defense budget by 35 percent. This made defense spending 1.48 percent of GDP. All this is eerily like what happened after World War I when France and Britain tried to help equip newly created, from the wreckage of the Russian and Austrian empires, countries like Poland and the Baltic States with cheap World War I surplus weapons and promises of aid if Russia should seek to rebuild its fractured empire. The Russians did attack in 1939, and now that bit of history repeated itself in Ukraine. In 1989 the newly liberated nations of East Europe sought some solutions to avoid repeating old history. What is happening in Ukraine demonstrates that NATO itself is one solution because Ukraine was considering NATO membership before the invasion, and now will definitely join once the fighting with Russia is over. The NATO rules do not allow a nation at war to join. That has not stopped NATO members from sending Ukraine over $100 billion in assistance since the invasion and continuing to send more. NATO nations also suffered economically by enforcing the economic sanctions imposed on Russia. This has cost some NATO members billions of dollars because they could no longer trade with Russia.

The war has made it clear to Russia, NATO and Ukraine that Russia could not handle a war with NATO involving NATO troops as well as large quantities of NATO weapons. The fighting so far has provided NATO nations with a growing list of improvements needed for their weapons and equipment. NATO weapons have generally outperformed their Russian equivalents and modifications are being made to address any problems encountered. Russia has a more extensive list of needed fixes and upgrades but lacks sufficient money to deal with more than a few of them.

Ukraine wants its NATO supporters to quickly supply enough weapons and munitions to defeat Russia thoroughly. This includes reclaiming the 27 percent of Ukraine that is still occupied by Russia. Those occupation forces are extremely weak because many of the troops and supplies sustaining them were diverted to deal with the increasingly effective Ukrainians. Now Russia is trying to deal with Ukrainian troops inside Russia. This further weakens Russian political support for fighting in Ukraine and paying to occupy 27 percent of enemy territory. Ukraine offers a simple solution; Ukrainian troops will leave Russia if Russian troops leave Ukraine. Vladimir Putin, the Russian ruler since 1999, staked his reputation and job security on the success of his Ukrainian invasion. Putin is vulnerable to losing power as the failures in Ukraine continue to increase.

If Russia does get out of Ukraine, they will still have problems with demands for reparations and return of millions of Ukrainian civilians it hs kidnapped. So far only NATO nations have tried to assist the Ukrainian economy. The Ukrainian GDP was $200 billion in 2021 and $122 billion in foreign military and economic assistance in 2022. Repairing the Ukrainian economy cannot begin on a large scale until the war ends. It was hoped this might happen by the end of 2023, but the Russian strategy is to keep the war going for as long as it takes to weaken NATO resolve and enable Russia to declare some kind of victory. This is a victory of the, create a desert and call it peace variety. Until 2024, the destruction was mainly in Ukraine, with Russia threatening to use its nuclear weapons if any large-scale destruction takes place in Russia. That threat was never real, as Russian diplomats quickly informed their NATO counterparts. Even Putin now admits nuclear weapons are not a factor.

In late 2022 Ukraine estimated that the Russian attacks on the economy would require a reconstruction budget of over $350 billion. As the destruction continues in 2023, reconstruction costs increase as well. That led to serious proposals to seize those billions in Russian assets in the West that have been frozen, as in kept from Russian control, for the duration of the war. If the war ends, those assets could be seized and given to Ukraine for reconstruction. Russia is also accused of more conventional war crimes committed in Ukraine against civilians.

Until 2024 appeared Russia unmoved by Western threats and accusations, and determined to make Ukraine and the West suffer for its role in defeating Russian efforts to conquer Ukraine. The Russian government describes their attack on Ukraine as an effort to defend Russia from NATO aggression. According to Russia their tactics are justified as part of the necessary defensive measures against NATO. The recent Ukrainian invasion of Russia exposed Russia to embarrassment and ridicule. Russian civilians are already suffering from a weak economy and the realization that Putin has spent most of the Russian financial reserves on the Ukraine War. Over half a million Russian soldiers were killed, wounded, captured or missing since the war began. Putin made a lot of mistakes in Ukraine and that weakened Russian security to the extent that Ukrainian forces could invade Russia, occupy over a thousand square kilometers of territory and cause several hundred thousand civilians to flee their homes. Putin failed to become the conqueror of Ukraine but he now became the Russian leader who weakened the country to the point there Ukraine could invade, while dissipated Russian forces were unable to deal with it. This time Putin has no answers but the Russian people, including close Putin associates, have lots of unanswered questions.
In the beginning, porn was surprisingly wholesome! Or at least for about a decade porn was surprisingly wholesome. Then they started producing media that caters to some of humankinds more fraught fantasies, discovering a perfectly depraved formula in the process, and things havent changed much since.

5 1896: The First Proper Pornos Filmmakers wasted no time harnessing the awe-inspiring power of this new medium for jacking off purposes. Its likely that people were recording their naughty bits from the very beginning, but 1896s Le Coucher de la Mariee is widely regarded as the oldest surviving porn. It was a film recording of a popular stage show: Actress Louise Willy plays a newlywed slowly disrobing in her honeymoon suite as her husband alternately peeks hornily over a room divider, and boringly reads a newspaper. It was seven minutes long, but the film rotted away in the French Film Archives, and only two minutes of the striptease remain. Don't Miss That same year, Thomas Edison dropped a one-minute banger called Fatimas Coochee-Coochee Dance, featuring a belly dancer named Fatima. It was sold to nickelodeon and kinetoscope operators, who insisted it be censored halfway through, as it was said to portray the most scandalous hip movements of the 19th century. That also makes it the first known case of cinema censorship.

4 1896-1900: The World Goes Kiss Crazy The May Irwin Kiss was a scandalous 47-second snogfest that was mostly nuzzling, followed by a short peck on the lips  the first known recording of a kiss. At the time, kissing in public was a lascivious act, and the Roman Catholic Church went characteristically nuts, calling for censorship and morality guidelines in the budding new medium. Filmmakers, as is their wont, recognized where the heat was and started adding fuel to the fire. Several more films titled The Kiss were produced over the next few years, including a notable comedy short in 1899, The Kiss in the Tunnel. Filmmaker George Albert Smith was commissioned to create a phantom ride film, which usually involved POV footage from the front of a moving train. He took existing footage, and spliced in a few seconds of him making out with his wife. This film is a major part of the foundation of modern narrative editing, so you can thank that horny dork for reality TV. Advertisement

3 1901: The First Softcore Porn Filmmaker Frederick S. Armitage was possibly, for a time, the most sexually repressed man in America. His filmography includes accidentally porn-esque titles like Ladies Saddle Horses, The Dewey Arch, A Nymph of the Waves and How Tommy Got a Pull on His Grandpa, none of which, somehow, were actual erotica. Until, that is, 1901s Birth of the Pearl. He essentially recreated The Birth of Venus on film, hiring a model with long hair to put on a flesh-colored morph suit and strike a series of suggestive poses in front of a big shell. It doesnt sound like much, but neither does the Sears summer catalog, and that got generations of teens where they needed to go before the internet. Advertisement Advertisement

2 1907: The First Hardcore Porn The Argentinian and German porn industries reached simultaneous climax in 1907. El Satario was most likely a 1907 Argentinian film (or possibly a 1930 Cuban film, but whatever) that showed the first-ever close-up shots of wieners and buns. Just over a decade in, and pornographers had already landed on a style thats still recognizable to smut connoisseurs to this day. Three naked women futz around in a river all sexily for a while, when a horned gremlin who looks like a 20th century QAnon Shaman captures one, which, yikes. The rest is chock-full of blow jobs, 69ing and a smorgasbord of penetrative doinking. Germanys Am Abend, or In the Evening, is an 11-minute epic that also has many of the same features that modern hub and tube aficionados can appreciate. Although its less imaginative in its storytelling  in this one, a Peeping Tom watches a woman masturbate with an array of items worthy of Batmans utility belt, before being pulled into the action himself. Both of these films were considered so raunchy, everyone involved went uncredited. Advertisement
The Simpsons has proven to be surprisingly relevant in modern politics these days  from the shows accidental prediction of Kamala Harris candidacy, to the way Ted Cruz keeps referencing episodes in a failed effort to seem not horrible. So perhaps its not that surprising that one classic episode showcased a conspiracy theory that seems to crop up in every single election cycle.

Season Sixs Sideshow Bob Roberts finds Barts archenemy running as the Republican candidate for Mayor of Springfield, and winning in a landslide thanks to the help of a Rush Limbaugh-esque blowhard. But with a Deep Throat-like informant (Smithers) on their side, Bart and Lisa are able to discover Bobs nefarious scheme: Most of the votes came from dead people, including Buddy Holly, Richie Valens and The Big Bopper.

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Pretty much this exact plotline keeps cropping up in the non-cartoon news, but the accusations are usually coming from the other side of the political aisle. If Rudy Giuliani is to be believed, dead people generally vote for Democrats.

When Trump lost in 2020, a group of Republicans, including Newt Gingrich, claimed that Democrats were using dead people to steal Michigan's Electoral College votes from Trump. Of course this was bullshit. A number of the alleged dead people who voted for the Democrats were actually alive. And some of them didnt even vote.

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What about Lisas discovery that her beloved cat Snowball 1 had voted for Bob? Well, again in 2020, Lara Trump, Donalds daughter-in-law made the bold claim that cats that have been dead are getting votes in the mail. Although she stopped short of blaming the Dems for stealing The Big Boppers vote.

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And before Lara Trump, Republican Missouri Senator Christopher Bond suggested that a live dog named Ritzy Meckler registered to vote, which was true, but it wasnt part of a massive voter fraud scheme, just a dumbass prank.

Trump himself alleged that close to 5,000 dead people voted against him in Georgia while refusing to acknowledge his electoral loss. Incidentally, this claim was completely invalidated by a study that was commissioned by his own campaign. Another study found that, while dead peoples names do occasionally show up on ballots, its extremely rare amounting to 0.0003 percent of all voters over an 8-year period.

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Incidentally, this particular conspiracy theory didnt actually originate with The Simpsons, its been suggested in the past that everyone from Lyndon Johnson to John F. Kennedy relied on cemetery voters.

But this is still very much an ongoing issue. This year, right-wing organizations are suing to purge voter rolls, alleging that registered dead people can lead to voter fraud. In Michigan earlier this year, a judge dismissed such a suit, arguing that the groups process for identifying the dead was poorly-defined and would have risked removing eligible voters in violation of federal voting law, which seeks to ensure voters arent wrongly removed.

Some have suggested that Sideshow Bob Roberts as a whole parallels Trumps populist ascent. Which could be why his campaign never lets him anywhere near errant rakes.

You (yes, you) should follow JM on Twitter (if it still exists by the time youre reading this).
by Austin Bay September 10, 2024

How will the next president deal with communist China's slow war of attrition against the world?

The question is serious but too complicated for TV talking heads to ask presidential candidates, assuming the talking heads understand the threat is much more than a headline.

In the Sept. 10 debate, China's threat was treated as an economic challenge -- tariff war, microchips, etc.

A very narrow window. Dangerously narrow.

I've written four columns in the last 10 months addressing China's "war of disintegration" directed at the U.S. China seeks to disintegrate all of its adversaries, from immediate neighbors to potential economic competitors. The U.S., however, is target No. 1.

Here's the working definition of disintegrative warfare. In a disintegrative war, a "unitary belligerent becomes increasingly fragmented by secessions."

Less fancy definition: The U.S. becomes disunited. Instead of the greatest nation on Earth, the U.S. becomes a flummoxed state unable to wield diplomatic, information, military and economic power with any effectiveness.

In a July 2024 column, I discussed how China, in league with Mexican crime cartels, has exploited the Biden administration's open U.S. borders to seed the fentanyl drug crisis. But drugs are just one gambit. Add the economic and moral burden millions of illegal aliens placed on the social safety net, include political attacks on law enforcement (who funds these political attacks?), then add the presence of unvetted criminal illegal aliens, and presto, you've created conditions for increasing violent crime. Violent crime saps economic productivity -- and destroys neighborhoods. Destroy a neighborhood here, a neighborhood there, and pretty soon a city disintegrates.

The TV types understand terror. Terrorists are already a homeland threat (think 9/11). But in the last four months the FBI has warned the threat of foreign terror attacks has risen -- including terror connected to the Islamic State and assassination connected to Iran.

This is not fantasy. It's security-planning fact: America now faces the prospect of fighting small proxy armies on its own soil.

Bits and pieces, falling apart. Economic and moral disintegration degrades the political will to act in a crisis. Without the will to use them as the superior weapons they are, the U.S. Navy's nuclear carriers are just big boats rusting in a harbor.

A powerful navy backed by determined Americans could deter China ... maybe.

The following isn't theoretical. It's happening now.

Since April 2024 the Philippines and communist China have been waging a coast guard war over an obscure sea feature named Sabina Shoal.

In common parlance, a coast guard organization serves as a sea police and emergency rescue service.

However, for over two decades China has weaponized its coast guard, fishing fleets and offshore construction barges to conduct a slow, steady and unfortunately successful war of territorial aggression in the South China Sea.

The Chinese fishing fleet shows up, the Chinese Coast Guard shows up to "protect" the fishermen, then the barges show up and begin pouring concrete. Pour enough concrete on a coral reef, and China claims the concrete is as Chinese as Shanghai -- even though it's in the Philippines' maritime exclusive economic zone.

Pour concrete -- then China claims the land and takes a bite. Takes a little piece.

It's 2024. In July 2016, the Hague's international arbitral tribunal, relying on the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea treaty, supported the Philippines' claims that China had violated Filipino territory in the South China Sea by seizing islets and "sea features."

Beijing signed the treaty, ignored the verdict in a treaty-mandated court, then disdained the court's authority. Beijing broke a major treaty it had ratified and demonstrated it could not be trusted to abide by a meticulously negotiated treaty.

Reneging on treaties, spurning verdicts and seizing territory without suffering severe consequences tells China's leaders their opponents are weak. Undermining, coopting, dominating and ultimately disintegrating global diplomatic and economic institutions is another Chinese Community Party goal.

The Philippines can't stop China's "bite-by-bite" attack without U.S. support.

Pray Chinese disintegrative war will be discussed in the next presidential debate. But don't hold your breath.
After Donald Trumps debate performance last night, which found the former Home Alone 2: Lost in New York star ranting and raving about imaginary problems (some of which involving immigrants in a city literally named Springfield), naturally peoples minds drifted to The Simpsons.

Specifically, viewers likened Trumps geriatric outrage to the famous meme depicting a news clipping of Grampa Simpson yelling at a cloud. This excerpt from a Season 13 episode has become social medias defining image of impotent elder rage targeting nonexistent threats.

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Longtime Simpsons writer Al Jean even felt compelled to deploy the meme for the very first time, following years of self-restraint, claiming, I think now is the time.

Even wilder, Vice Presidential candidate Tim Walz implicitly compared Trump to the Grampa Simpson meme by telling ABC News that the angry and unhinged former president reminded him of an old man yelling at the clouds.

On the live episode of The Daily Show that immediately followed the debate, host Jon Stewart also made reference to poor old Abe Simpson, speculating that Trump himself may be becoming one of Springfields most famous residents before cutting to a clip of Grampa complaining that its rotten being old, no one listens to you.

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But all of these comparisons are extremely unfair  to Grampa, that is.

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For starters, everyone in the world of The Simpsons owes Grampa Simpson a debt of gratitude because he served his country in World War II, battling Nazis and earning the Iron Cross in the process. Trump, on the other hand, has repeatedly defended and enabled white nationalists.

Also, Trumps administration reportedly enacted more anti-LGBTQIA+ policies than any previous administration in history. Conversely, Grampa is far more open-minded. He has a history of exploring his own gender fluidity and was once the President of the Gay and Lesbian Alliance, for some reason.

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Most importantly, Grampas penchant for spouting conspiracy theories and half-truths seems to be pretty harmless and not at all racist. He may ramble about wearing onions as a fashion accessory, and tell interminably long anecdotes, but hes never dehumanized large swaths of the population in order to advance his own insatiable thirst for power.

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Even his unspecified beef with that one cloud seemed fairly tame.

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While he may have been a bad husband to Homers mother, and a stern, emotionally withdrawn father, he definitely mellowed in his old age. Hes just a mild-mannered old man, a valued member of the Springfield Retirement Castle community, who likes to pop pills and watch Matlock.

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The only thing Grampa Simpson is really guilty of is stealing Andy Griffiths medication that one time.

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You (yes, you) should follow JM on Twitter (if it still exists by the time youre reading this).
Photo: Frankie Alduino

There are late bloomers, and theres Larry Silverstein. If this son of Bed-Stuy had retired at 70, he would have been able to look back on a long and satisfying career in real estate. Hed built up his fathers small commercial brokerage business into a Manhattan-wide portfolio of office holdings. Hed erected the original 7 World Trade Center, a clunky 47-story building in the shadow of the Twin Towers. Hed been married to the same woman for 45 years, survived crises and recessions, and held his own against New Yorks great real-estate dynasties and corporate conglomerates. He had a four-deck, 180-foot yacht. And he had not yet begun his lifes work.

Now 93, Silverstein has just published his first book, The Rising: The Twenty-Year Battle to Rebuild the World Trade Center, which chronicles his unlikely starring role in the ultimate real-estate epic. In June 2001, he signed a 99-year lease on the World Trade Center, which was owned by the Port Authority. Three months later, he found himself paying $10 million a month for a gruesome pile of rubble. After 9/11, I found myself in a very difficult position, he says, speaking from his yacht, the Silver Shalis, off the coast of Maine. Powering through an iffy connection, he launched into a detailed analysis of his bouts with insurers, banks, courts, government agencies, politicians, editorial writers, and potential tenants. It was a position he might have extricated himself from with relative ease by accepting a hefty payout and taking his wife, Klara, on an extended cruise. Instead, more than two decades later, he still takes pride in having been an immovable pain in the ass to five governors, four mayors, seven executive directors of the Port Authority, and 22 insurance companies. In the memoir, he comes across as a bifurcated figure: the Brooklyn-born little guy, startled to find himself taking calls from the powerful; and also a big-thinking capitalist warrior fighting the forces of pettiness and political expediency. He spent years fighting with the Port Authority over who should reconstruct the site with what money and on what timetable. At its core, it was a battle between private enterprise and government, with the developer lambasting the agency for foot-dragging (it wasnt incompetence. It was gross incompetence, he writes) and the Port Authority accusing him of trying to spin a tragedy into a personal fortune. However you judge Silversteins crusade, the fact is that hes the last man standing, long after all the other players moved on. That was always going to be true, he insists, which everybody would have understood if they had just listened to him from the beginning. It wasnt the billions he cared about; it was the buildings. People said I was going to take the money and run. It was the most ridiculous thing Id ever heard.

Students of the World Trade Center reconstruction have a lot of literature to keep them busy, including books by journalists, critics, architects, politicians, more journalists, and even more journalists, not to mention the exhaustive day-to-day coverage of high-stakes squabbles, ego conflicts, lawsuits, planning setbacks, political skullduggery, and a wound in lower Manhattan that it seemed would never be healed. Silverstein has had plenty of opportunity to explain and to vent over the years, and he hasnt been shy about taking it. Many of the anecdotes in The Rising have been told before. Whats new, though, is his whole narrative, a multipart boardroom saga from the perspective of a developer who was repeatedly cast as a rapacious opportunist. It is time for Mr. Silverstein to think beyond the already well-fed bottom line here and consider the public good, the New York Times editorial board wrote in 2006, urging him to accede to the Port Authoritys terms. You could read his entire book as a 350-page retort to that wounding comment.

Unfurling his arguments in scroll-like paragraphs, his voice getting raspy only after an hour or so, Silverstein still talks with the insistent, single-minded energy he did a couple of decades ago. Hes long had a reputation as a tireless negotiator with an eye for the fine print, and he can still summon all the convoluted arguments and staggering numbers and who called whom when and with what threat or request. He stumbles only once, forgetting the name of the architect who master-planned the 16-acre site and hoped to design the 1,776-foot Freedom Tower, the dreamy auteur Silverstein desperately wanted to ditch: Daniel Libeskind.

In Silversteins version of events, hes the lone figure who had faith in New Yorks resilience, believed that the vanished office towers should be replaced with new ones, and had the moral and legal right to do so, plus the expertise to get the job done quickly, efficiently, and, yes, profitably. I found myself facing an enormous amount of negativism, he says. I remember insurance companies telling me with absolute certainty that nobody would ever occupy that site again. They offered him millions to walk away, rather than the billions it would take to rebuild. I said, Im a New Yorker. We have an obligation to rebuild. If we dont, it will cause huge damage going forward and give the terrorists exactly what they want. You want me to take some money? I have no interest in that. They said, Everyones got their price. I said, I have no price. I have an obligation.

Its hard to react unskeptically to that script of noble selflessness, especially when Silverstein was also fighting for a $4.5 billion prize. But you have to admire his tenacity in the face of widespread, very public, and irrational animosity. At times, you can even sympathize. Weve all wrestled with recalcitrant bureaucracies; he did that for years and on a vast scale, trying to spur along a process that the rest of us could plainly see was stuck in a boggy pit.

In private enterprise you allocate a budget and once you determine the cost of a building, you establish a time frame for the construction and you work your tail off to accomplish it by that date, he says. If you dont, youre going to go over budget. But I found that, in government, that wasnt critical at all. It wasnt their money, so they took time that shouldnt have been taken. He still chuckles incredulously at the way PA staff got up from weekly design meetings at the end of each day and walked out. Id say, Where are you going? We have a ton of work to do. And they said, Its five o clock. It was such a staggering experience to watch this. We kept working every night until we finished that set of details. But not them.

Silverstein in his office at 7 World Trade. Photo: Frankie Alduino

Deadlines were not abstract to Silverstein. He claims that the Port Authority repeatedly reneged on its own commitments to clear and prepare a site by certain contractual dates so that Silverstein could start erecting a tower there. He was left trying to figure out what to do about the hundreds of construction workers he had hired and tons of steel he had ordered. When he confronted the Authoritys leaders about the delays, They said the time frame was aspirational. Silverstein chuckles. How do you deal with that? However long Silverstein lives, dealing with the PA may have shaved off a couple of years.

With its interlinked subway and PATH tunnels, secure underground truck ramp, the ever-present threat of fresh terrorist attacks, the sunken memorial and museum, the NYPDs security mandates, a crucial Con Ed substation, a slurry wall keeping out the Hudson River, the need to replace 10 million square feet of office space in at least four towers, the political clout of victims families, politicians shifting and competing agendas, and the symbolic significance of every step, this was almost certainly the worlds most intricate construction site. But Silverstein saw it as his baby. And because he valued efficiency, speed, and quality, he has warm words for those who saw things his way. One is Eliot Spitzer, who during his abortive tenure as governor, knocked heads to get slow-mo insurers to pay the giant settlement that a court had awarded to Silverstein.

He summoned the CEOs of 22 insurance companies and said, If you want to do business in this state again, you have to pay. They had this venomous expression. They hated my guts, Silverstein recounts, relishing the memory of his vindication. Eventually, they paid.

Another of his heroes is the architect David Childs, then head of the large corporate firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and the only person Silverstein trusted to design One World Trade. Unfortunately for them both, Governor George Pataki demanded that Childs collaborate with the popular favorite, Daniel Libeskind (a.k.a. Whatshisname). It would be hard to think of two more unlike-minded architects: Libeskind, the short, Jewish metaphor-besotted artist and academic invariably dressed in architect black, and Childs, the lanky, patrician pragmatist. The results that came out of that deal were horrendous, Silverstein says, and hes right; the design was a weirdly off-kilter mash-up of two incompatible sensibilities that managed to be dull and impractical at the same time. Still, Pataki needed a ceremony to show that something was happening. And so, on July 4, 2004, with dignitaries in attendance and Silverstein fuming, a 20-ton block of polished Adirondack granite was craned into place  before later being trucked away for storage. We were laying the cornerstone of a building that I felt in my gut could never be built, Silverstein says. Ten months later, the NYPD issued a report concluding that the building as designed would be unsafe. Childs designed the whole thing again from scratch, this time without Libeskind.

Theres a lot of see-I-was-right-ness in Silversteins narrative, and often he was. Its how he got through a long and bruising process with undimmed self-confidence and faith in his own vision. I said, Where do these people get all this certainty that were going to fail? I said to myself, Stop listening to them. Its white noise. Its meaningless. To him, the evidence that stubbornness paid off lies in the fact that, even though he eventually had to give up control of One World Trade, the entire site is now nearly complete  sort of. Tower Two remains unbuilt; Silverstein has commissioned three designs, from Foster + Partners, then from Bjarke Ingels Group, and finally another one from Foster, but tenants have been reluctant to sign on. A fifth tower, co-development with Brookfield Properties that wasnt part of the original deal, will go up on the site of the long-demolished Deutsche Bank building, and that one will be a residential building with 30 percent rent-regulated apartments. The prospect of completing these last two chunks of the World Trade Center, he writes, is damn exciting. It makes me feel like a kid again. Or at least 70.
China a major source of foreign investment for Zimbabwe: official

Xinhua) 10:49, September 11, 2024

HARARE, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwe is witnessing an increase in investments, with China contributing significantly to foreign investment inflows into the country, a government official said Tuesday.

Responding to a question from Xinhua on the sidelines of the 2024 Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA) Stakeholder Input Forum held in Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe, Deputy Chief Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet William Manungo said China remains a key investment partner of Zimbabwe, notably in the mining and manufacturing sectors.

"The Chinese investments have centered around mining, but over and above investment into mining, the cooperation between Zimbabwe and the People's Republic of China has also seen significant investments in partnership with the government in the transport sector, energy sector among others," he said.

ZIDA's 2023 annual report showed that 369 licenses were issued to Chinese investors with a projected investment value of 3.93 billion U.S. dollars, accounting for about 40 percent of the projected value of the year.

Trade between China and Zimbabwe has also recorded an upward trajectory. In 2023, bilateral trade between the two countries reached 3.122 billion dollars, a 29.9 percent increase year on year, according to China Customs statistics.

Commenting on the total investments recorded, Manungo said Zimbabwe in 2023 witnessed a strong recovery of investor interest, with businesses from 46 countries coming into Zimbabwe to invest.

"This represents a rebound of 35 percent over the previous year, 2022," he said.

Investment data also confirmed new investors coming in from South Africa, Botswana, and the United Arab Emirates, Manungo said. "In total, I am told that 615 new investors were licensed during 2023, representing a significant growth of 130 percent when related to 2022."

To enhance the ease of doing business in the country, Manungo said ZIDA completed the activation of its self-service digital licensing system called Do It Yourself (DIY).

"The Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency is reporting an 8 percent growth in the issuance of licenses during the second quarter of 2024, reflecting growing investor confidence, most notably through the online DIY licensing portal," said Manungo.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
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CAIRO  Over two decades after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in New York City, Pennsylvania and the Pentagon, a service was held Wednesday at
Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump clashed in their first--and likely, only--debate before the November elections on Tuesday, September 10. Around the Capital Region and beyond, many elected officials and former candidates took to social media to offer their own thoughts on the event, its outcome, and what the American people should take away from the debate.
Last week I caught up with an old friend whom I hadn't seen in a while. We talked about the usual things  kids, work, relationships  and then the topic turned to politics. My friend is Jewish, and like so many Jewish people in Britain over the past few months she has begun to feel increasingly uncomfortable.

The previous day the Home Secretary, David Lammy, had announced he was suspending some arms sales to Israel. Like many Jews, my friend is no fan of Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, or his tactics in Gaza. But she also felt Lammy's decision sent a worrying signal of latent support for the actions of Hamas terrorists on October 7.

In particular, the timing of the announcement  just two days after six more hostages had been found dead, murdered by their captors  seemed to demonstrate a total disregard for the victims of that atrocity and their families.

Barely a day goes by without Labour ministers announcing radical changes  ALL designed to rewire Britain according to a Socialist agenda, so is Keir Starmer turning into Jeremy Corbyn?

She couldn't help but sense a nasty whiff of the ill-concealed anti-semitism that dogged the Labour Party under Jeremy Corbyn  and that was supposed to have been banished under Keir Starmer.

The fact that Lammy's announcement was so clearly calculated to appease the party's large Islamic voter base in the face of recent challenges to Labour MPs from sectarian opponents fighting on an anti-Israel platform only made that sense of alienation worse.

But what was troubling her most of all was the fact that she had voted for Starmer.

Prior to the election, she had been one of the people who had told me, in all sincerity, that they thought Starmer was a 'good man': a decent, honourable fellow who would ensure that Britain under a Labour government would be a fairer place for all, without any of that Corbyn-era tribalism and class warfare.

Like many, she felt that the Conservatives had run out of road and the country needed a reset. She was convinced that Starmer, the strait-laced lawyer with a social conscience, the chic wife and an innate sense of justice, was the man.

I remember thinking to myself at the time that if she truly believed that, she was deluded. I never believed Starmer's neo-Blairite act for a second, any more than I believed he had rid the Labour Party of anti-semites. But I've lost too many friends to politics to lose another, so I held my tongue.

I wish now I hadn't.

Keir Starmer and Jeremy Corbyn in 2019. But today, everywhere you look, the fabric of Britain is being Corbynised, says Sarah Vine

How many others, I wonder, feel like my friend? How many who voted for Starmer believing his 'man of integrity' spiel have now woken up, just two months into this shiny new Labour government, and realised it was all an act? That they've been duped, tricked, sold a pup?

That the mild-mannered, bespectacled face of a modern, moderate Labour Party was, in fact, just a mask? A mask that has now slipped  to reveal the unmistakable smirk of Corbyn and his hard Left cronies as they celebrate finally coming to power.

They admitted as much this week. Or rather, John McDonnell, Corbyn's former Shadow Chancellor and a hard-Left icon, did so when he boasted to the TUC conference in Brighton that many of the policies now being implemented by Starmer's administration were his and Corbyn's, put forward in the 2019 manifesto (a document, you may remember, that the British electorate rejected outright).

A demonstrator wears a mask of Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a pro-Palestinian protest in London

'Incoming Labour government, I congratulate them on the programme they've put forward,' he told delegates.

'If you look at the last eight weeks, announcement after announcement has been superb.' And he went on, to cheers from the audience: 'It's interesting, most of those policies are derived from the 2017 and 2019 manifestos. But you're not allowed to say that.'

McDonnell's Labour is in power after all: they no longer need to keep their 'swivel-eyed loons' locked in the metaphorical broom cupboard. They can be out and proud.

McDonnell listed rail renationalisation, trade union rights, social housing, measures against climate change, renters' reforms and bus policy as ideas he supported. His only criticism was the removal of winter fuel payments for pensioners.

Having failed to sell these policies to the electorate openly and honestly in 2019, the far-Left have got them through by stealth.

And there's nothing anyone can do about it because, thanks to the equally misguided decision of people to vote Reform (where is that champion of the common man Nigel Farage now?), Labour have an all-powerful 'supermajority'  even though, in real terms, just 20 per cent of the country voted for them.

I suspect that few people, when they voted for Starmer in July, would have sanctioned half the things his government has already done.

But that was the genius of his campaign. With a Conservative government weakened and besieged by scandal after scandal and with an electorate desperate for an appealing alternative, he took a Trojan horse approach, delivering reassuringly wooden performances that lulled voters into a false sense of security.

Once safely behind the front door of No 10, he was free to disgorge his true intentions.

Barely a day goes by without Labour ministers announcing radical changes  some big, some small  designed to rewire Britain according to a hard-Left agenda. And the pace at which they are implementing these changes, starting barely weeks into power, is astonishing. Blink and you could miss some quite important stuff.

On Saturday, for example, it emerged that plans to help schools teach a 'nuanced' history of the British Empire have been shelved.

A panel of experts including Robert Tombs, professor of French history at Cambridge University, and Blondel Cluff, a member of the Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities, who were conducting a review of how history is taught, were told their services were no longer required by new Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson.

The latter has instead appointed a dyed-in-the-wool Corbynista  a woman who is said never to have taught children in a classroom but whose entire career in education has consisted of pushing the wokest of woke agendas  to review the national curriculum.

Under the aegis of Professor Becky Francis, education in the old-fashioned sense  reading, writing, arithmetic  will become a dirty word, replaced by the mantra of equality. No doubt in anticipation of her influence, unions are already pushing to scale back testing primary school children on times tables and grammar.

Elsewhere, powers introduced by the outgoing Tory government to protect free speech in universities have been halted, no doubt as a precursor to scrapping them altogether.

And a proposed amendment to the Equality Act of 2010 aimed at protecting single-sex spaces for women has also been dropped. No more objecting to male-bodied prisoners sharing cells with women, no more pushback against trans-identified males in women's sports.

Meanwhile, hereditary peers, who in many cases are among the most impartial in the House of Lords (not to mention some of the most hard-working), are to be booted out, replaced inevitably with new political appointees more in tune with Corbyn's  sorry, Starmer's  agenda.

Everywhere you look, the fabric of Britain is being Corbynised. The 14.25 per cent bump to train drivers' salaries and allowing them to keep 'Spanish practices'; the spinning of a mythical 22 billion 'Tory' black hole, even though around half of that spending gap wouldn't exist were it not for Labour's largesse towards the unions. Then there's Angela Rayner's workers' rights package, including flexible hours and the right to 'switch off'  and even rumours of a four-day working week  along with the proposed scrapping of curbs on the right to strike for union members (no longer would a 50 per cent voting turnout by union members be required). Might that possibly have something to do with the fact that more than half of Labour MPs took union donations for their campaigns?

And what about Ed Miliband's 8.3 billion energy fund, which is going to carpet the countryside with solar and wind farms and has already been caught out with false claims that it will save consumers money? That, coupled with accelerating the mothballing of North Sea oil, will jeopardise the only real source of genuine energy security Britain has.

It doesn't stop. Just yesterday, Left-wing think tank the Resolution Foundation paved the way for a 9 billion tax raid on pensions by urging Chancellor Rachel Reeves to make employers pay National Insurance on staff pension scheme contributions, as well as increasing inheritance tax and capital gains. So much for not hurting 'working people'.

Is any of this what people voted for? For pensioners to freeze to death (we know that older people tend to vote Conservative, which under the new regime clearly makes them expendable) while overpaid train drivers get another bumper raise?

The dumbing down of the curriculum, the hollowing-out of our constitution, the erosion of women's rights (in a world that already respects women less and less), the use of public office to secure votes?

And that's before we've even started on the betrayal of promises on immigration and the cosying up to Brussels.

And the bribes, the shameless bribes. Not just the obvious stuff  the huge public sector pensions, the genuflecting to the anti-Israel mob (not only Lammy, but also restarting funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, some of whose employees were allegedly involved in the October 7 attacks), Lord Alli and the 'passes for glasses' scandal  but releasing prisoners early.

The latter is a move that, as one jubilant young drug dealer said yesterday as he strolled out of custody, will earn Starmer a few thousand 'lifelong Labour voters'. And it comes against a backdrop of draconian sentences for first-time offenders involved in the recent riots, some only tangentially.

The same no doubt will be true of the tens of thousands of illegal migrants now granted an effective amnesty, who will have full access to the British welfare system at an estimated cost (by the Tories, admittedly) of almost 18 billion. And the many more heading for our shores now the Rwanda scheme has been scrapped, with no serious deterrent put in its place. They will all become loyal Labour voters, locked in by the endless supply of treats at the taxpayer's expense.

Not that there will be an awful lot of those taxpayers left at the current rate. The hard-Left despises the middle classes, the hard-grafting, the ambitious and the wealthy on principle  and yet they love collecting their taxes.

That's always been the flaw in the great socialist plan: how can you smash the rich when you need them to pay all your bills?

All this, and we are only two months in. Imagine what this country will look like in five years' time, at the next General Election. The damage this administration will potentially be able to do to our culture, our heritage, our identity, our institutions and our economy is inestimable.

So much for the 'honourable' Sir Keir. This is a government that's risen to power on false pretences  and which, I fear, intends to stay there by any means necessary.
Youve probably never heard of Buell Frazier. Or Ruth Paine. Or Roy Truly.

But you really should have done. Because theyre purportedly the masterminds of the greatest criminal conspiracy in history.

Paine was the neighbour of Lee Harvey Oswald, who informed her in that fateful autumn of 1963 that he was looking for work. Frazier, her friend, said hed recently taken a job at the Texas Book Depository, and some other positions were going. Roy Truly, the Depositorys manager, agreed to interview Oswald, and hired him.

Or thats what the trio claimed to investigators. But if youre a Kennedy Assassination conspiracy theorist, you know thats all a lie. Or rather, you have to convince yourself its a lie. Because if you dont, then your beloved theory that Oswald was actually placed there by his CIA/Cuban/Mob handlers  with a couple of pals lurking behind the Grassy Knoll up the road  completely falls apart.

The campaign to free Lucy Letby is a crazy conspiracy theory too far, writes Dan Hodges

So it is with the small, but increasingly fanatical, army of Lucy Letby truthers. Yesterday, the Public Inquiry into how Britains worst child murderer was able to commit her crimes got under way.

But in the background the clamour to prove her innocence had grown so loud the inquiry chairman Lady Justice Thirwall was forced to assert: I make it absolutely clear, it is not for me as chair of this inquiry to set about reviewing the convictions. The Court of Appeal has done that with a very clear result. The convictions stand.

Yet the online sleuthers and self-appointed criminologists are having none of it. They claim their heroine has been wrongly convicted. And demand a halting of the inquiry pending a re-examination of her case.

Fine. Lets re-examine it.

And lets start by understanding this simple fact. Which is that to believe Letby is indeed innocent of the heinous murder of seven babies, and attempted murder of seven more, you have to embrace your own grand conspiracy theory.

The first part of which is the conspiracy Letby herself placed at the very heart of her defence. On the witness stand she claimed four senior consultants at the Countess of Chester hospital had conspired to get her.

According to her testimony, they had collectively been making comments that I was responsible for the deaths of babies, and they were very insistent that I was removed from the unit. When asked by the Prosecution barrister why she had fallen victim to the malign machinations of this Gang of Four she replied: They apportion blame on to me... I believe to cover up failings at the hospital.'

Which leads directly to the second main plank of the conspiracy. That suggests almost the entire senior management team at the Countess of Chester coldly and callously agreed to join this sinister cabal, and opted to frame a dedicated nurse and colleague in a desperate attempt to cover up their own clinical and institutional failings.

In reality, as doubts began to surface about the unprecedented spike in neonatal mortality within the trust, managers actually tried to suppress discussion about deliberate criminal intervention. But to sustain the idea of a conspiracy against Letby its necessary to shunt minor facts likes this aside.

So instead, lets believe what her defenders need us to believe. Which is that senior management suspected some mysterious infection, created by their own negligence, was killing their young patients. And collectively decided to salvage their reputations, and that of their failing hospital, by falsely pretending theyd left a crazed serial killer to run amok through their wards.

Then let us take a further leap. Which is that having thrown their lot in with The Gang of Four, these same managers succeeded in co-opting the entire British medical, criminal and judicial establishment to their perfidy. The police and independent medical professionals who painstakingly compiled, analysed and peer reviewed the overwhelming evidence the childrens deaths could not be attributed to natural causes.

The officials at the Crown Prosecution Service who conducted their own detailed evidential assessment, and sent it to trial. The multiple independent expert witnesses who gave evidence at two trials. Two separate juries. Two judges. Three appellate judges. And now, apparently, Justice Thirwall. Every one of them is either complicit in, or has been duped by, this sulphurous scheme.

And then we must reach the final  perhaps most significant  suspension of disbelief. Which is this. To believe Lucy Letby, you cannot just believe her persecutors were exceptionally malicious. You also have to believe they were staggeringly lucky.

Because when the Gang of Four and their allies selected Letby as their patsy, there were so many things they could not have known. That it would turn out she had taken an unusual and morbid interest in the victims and their families. That she had improperly taken home case notes relating to the dead children.

Letby's supporters, who believe she is innocent of the murder of seven babies and attempted murder of seven more, outside the Court of Appeal

That it was Letby who had made an unsigned manuscript entry on Baby Ds blood chart just before the child collapsed, even though she was not the designated shift nurse. And never in their wildest dreams could they have imagined once she came under investigation, and was advised to write down her thoughts to relieve her stress, she would pen the words I did thisI killed them on purpose because I am not good enough to care for them. I am a horrible and evil person.

Yes, there have been rare instances where incredible murder conspiracy theories have proven correct. The most famous probably being the Dingo Baby case, where Australian mother Lindy Chamberlain claimed a wild dog had run off with her child, and insisted she had been wrongly blamed by the authorities. Chamberlain was eventually vindicated.

Indeed, Lucy Letby and her defenders have their own Dingo Baby  the plumbing at the Countess of Chester hospital. At trial Letby made great play of the fact that we used to have raw sewage coming out of the sinks [and] coming out on the floor in Nursery One. Though she conspicuously failed to explain how faulty plumbing could account for over a dozen documented cases of murder and attempted murder by air embolus, air via nasogastric tube, insulin poisoning, overfeeding with milk or throat trauma.

Some conspiracy theories, like the Kennedy assassination, hold a historic fascination. Others, such as the fake moon landings, are relatively harmless fun.

But this is not an Oliver Stone movie. Replace the names Buell Frazier, Ruth Paine and Roy Truly with Dr Ravi Jayaram, Dr Stephen Brearey and Dr John Gibbs.

Three of the four consultants who finally convinced their managers Letby was behind the unexplained deaths, saving countless other childrens lives. And whose reputations Letbys allies are now dragging through the mud.

Think as well of those whose names we dont know. Letbys victims. Baby A. Baby C. Baby D. Baby E. Baby I. Baby O. Baby P. And their parents and other loved ones, who are being forced to relive their nightmare to satiate the cravings of the internet inquisitors.

Lucy Letby killed those children. And she did it alone. The campaign to free her is a crazy conspiracy theory too far.
Can there be any grief greater than that of a parent who has lost a child? They live in a world quite outside the experience of the happy multitude. Who can express it? Who can say anything to soften it?

William Shakespeare, writing his play King John at about the time his beloved son Hamnet died at the age of 11, wrote these words: Grief fills the room up of my absent child, lies in his bed, walks up and down with me, puts on his pretty looks, repeats his words, remembers me of all his gracious parts. I suspect he was writing of himself, and these may be the most powerful lines he ever penned.

So let nobody take it lightly. I certainly do not. And if I could find a way of campaigning for the courts to re-examine the case of Lucy Letby without in any way affecting or distressing the parents of the babies in the case, I would do so.

As far as I am concerned, those parents have an absolute right to say what they wish about it, and we must listen to them. Even so, is it really the case that our society cannot and will not undertake any actions which may cause sorrow to the innocent and the bereaved?

Lucy Letby was found guilty of the murder of seven babies and the attempted murder of seven more

I do not doubt that, when the Cheshire Police started to investigate the case, they too wished they could do their jobs without hurting those parents. It must have been terrible to approach the mothers and fathers of children already lost or severely damaged, and to say to them: It is possible these things were done deliberately by an evil person. But where there is serious suspicion of murder, the police must investigate, and  rightly  nobody has criticised them for doing so. In my view, it is exactly the same when there is a serious suspicion of injustice.

Unlike most people in the British establishment classes, I believe in the severe punishment of crime. And so I must believe equally strongly that we should be as sure as we can be that we have the right person. I am not alone in this, though when I first voiced my doubts, soon after the end of the first Letby trial in 2023, there were not many of us. Since then several others  experts on statistics, experts on medicine, experts on the state of the NHS  have joined in saying that all may not be well. There is now so much of this material that a small book could be written on the subject. The fact that Ms Letby has been convicted, and that the Appeal Court has  so far  refused her permission to appeal does not in fact mean the case is closed. There are recent instances of innocent people being convicted, and of the Appeal Court refusing to let them appeal  to begin with.

Most in the Letby campaign have argued politely and reasonably, and within the rules. I myself am wholly against turning this into an angry or bitter protest. I think those who prosecuted Ms Letby and gave evidence against her did so in good faith. I respect the work of the journalists, such as my Daily Mail colleague Liz Hull, who have concluded that Ms Letby is guilty and defend their position. I always keep my mind open to the possibility that they may be right, and I may be wrong. How can I debate about this, if my mind is closed to the arguments of my opponents?

Those who prosecuted Ms Letby and gave evidence against her did so in good faith, writes Peter Hitchens

I rather expect the same in return. But in the past few days, the debate has taken a worrying direction. First, the Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, said on LBC radio on Sunday that the campaign to re-examine the Letby case was crass and insensitive, adding that the grief of the parents was unimaginable.

He argued: There is no purpose to a media campaign. It is for the courts to decide on the basis of evidence, and I would just remind people that we always presume innocence until people have been found guilty. Lucy Letby has been found guilty, on multiple counts, of serious crimes with multiple whole life sentences. And until the courts find a reason to suggest otherwise, we should continue to regard her as a convicted killer.

You might get the impression from Mr Streetings words that those who doubt the verdict wish to free her instantly from prison in some way. But we all understand quite well that only the courts can do this. And we have noticed, as everyone must have, that in matters such as the Post Office scandal, it is only public campaigning that eventually brings the courts round. The defiant sub-postmaster Alan Bates would not now be a knight, and the wrongs of the Horizon IT disaster would not be being put right, if everyone had stayed quiet.

The CPS has admitted that crucial door swipe evidence in the first trial - supposedly showing who was and was not present at a key event - was not just wrong but actually showed the opposite of what happened. Pictured: Former nurse Letby holds a baby

Yet Lady Justice Thirlwall, as she opened the inquiry into events at the Countess of Chester hospital on Tuesday, actually condemned the noise made by the sceptics. She also deployed the parents grief to strengthen her case, saying rather fiercely: 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.

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. 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. The convictions stand.

What an odd statement. Once again, it uses the distraught parents as a kind of shield for the verdict. The single most potent critic of Letbys conviction, Rachel Aviv of the New Yorker, was not at the trial but obtained and read a transcript of it.

A number of things are not in doubt, one being that the defence fielded no expert witnesses on medical matters. Another is that the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has admitted that crucial door swipe evidence in the first trial - supposedly showing who was and was not present at a key event - was not just wrong but actually showed the opposite of what happened. People had entered, rather than left.

As far as I can discover, the Court of Appeal, when it rejected Ms Letbys plea, was not aware of the CPS bungle.

There is something dispiriting, after all the lessons we have received on the fallibility of juries and courts, in a Cabinet minister and a senior judge shutting their minds in this way. The Thirlwall inquiry itself is closed to any explanation apart from the official one. It is worse still to see figures of authority in a free country inveighing against legitimate protest and free debate.

As Shakespeare also wrote: Mercy is enthroned in the hearts of kings. It is an attribute to God himself; And earthly power doth then show likest Gods when mercy seasons justice. And in this case, mercy might consist mainly of keeping an open mind.
Kmart fans have been racing into stores to grab a bargain buy that promises to tackle one of the most annoying problems Aussies experience during summer.

The Fly Repellent Fan, $5.50, is a powerful battery operated defence against dreaded flies that create a nuisance when BBQing or dining outdoors during warmer months.

Amber Hope, from WA, raved about the 'incredible' fans in an online members group and said they keep camping BBQ platters and alfresco dining completely 'fly free'.

The 'game changing' lightweight, cord-free design features child safe. soft-touch rotor blades and quiet operation so that it banishes flies without any added noise.

And shoppers have said they are the 'perfect' addition to any outdoor table, with many praising the device for how effectively it does the job.

People said that the bargain outdoor fan had the added benefit of doing away with the need for intense smelling insect repellent sprays, which can be quite toxic.

The mini fans come with an added handle on the bottom that makes them a 'no brainer' addition to camping trips or when travelling around in vans and caravans.

And the 'fantastic' gadgets are already flying off Kmart shelves across the country, with many raving about how much cheaper this version was than other models.

Amber Hope from WA shared the popular Fly Repellent Fan, $5.50 from Kmart, which is perfect for banishing flies from outdoor entertaining ahead of the warmer months

The Fly Repellent fan, $5.50 from Kmart, is a powerful battery operated fan that will banish flies from outdoor BBQs with minimal noise

'These work really well, I was surprised by how effective they are,' one said.

'Excellent value for money. Great little item for use when eating outdoors,' another added.

'I got mine for $15, that's cheap!' a third chimed in.

Given that each fan was under $6, several Aussies said they planned to 'stock up' on multiple fans for outdoor summer gatherings, especially Christmas.

This comes after Michael Provis, a British expat living in NSW, shared the Kmart Electronic Facial Mister ($11) online.

Michael, who is already dreading the infamous Australian summer heat and uses the mister to cool off in the car, called the bargain Kmart buy his best find of 2024.

The facial mister, which can be used to cool skin down and as part of a moisturising skincare regime, comes with an easy/off button that releases refreshing hydration.

And fans couldn't stop raving about the popular compact mister, with those who already own one saying they '100 per cent recommend' them.
The heady days of Kings Cross nightclubbing are a distant memory thanks to the city's strict laws, but one Sydney restaurateur thinks that's all about to change.

Andrew Becher, of Potts Point's Parla and Amorica in Surry Hills, is bringing the party back to the Cross with his upcoming venue Pelicano in the old Hugo's Lounge.

'Sydney is ripe for a revival, it's back,' he told FEMAIL. 'It's very exciting, Sydney feels like it is on the verge of a big nightlife resurgence. I'm very glad to be part of this.

And NSW Premier Chris Minns is spearheading the way, with changes to legislation that banish 'useless' bans on booze that are 'destroying' Sydney venues.

'For too long Sydney's nightlife has been strangled by red tape,' the Premier said.

'Having an economy that fires up at 5pm during the week is critical for global cities like Sydney.'

Mr Becher thinks that the Premier is doing a 'great job' with law reforms that are getting the sleepy city to wake up again and start staying out past midnight.

One new amendment to the state's Liquor Act means patrons will no longer need to be sitting down to consume alcohol on a street, paving the way for new club culture.

Top Sydney restaurateur Andrew Becher is said to revive his Pelicano restaurant in the old Hugo's space, and he is already excited for the revival of Kings Cross and the city's night life

Premier Chris Minns has eased the legislation which has imposes restrictions on venues that make it harder to operate in the night, saying that a global city like Sydney needs to be 'firing up' after 5PM

The lockout laws which killed the once buzzing Kings Cross nightclub scene were introduced as a measure against alcohol related crime, but many believe that they turned the once vibrant city into a boring place where everything closed too early.

And after the devastating years of Covid, hospitality closures and the current financial crisis, Mr Becher thinks a dose of fun is long overdue for the 'nanny state'.

'People always want to go out and dine, connect, meet new people and enjoy time with friends. Social media, AI or economic downturns will never change that,' he said.

'Sydneysiders have not got back into...late night hospitality. Many people are dining earlier as there are not a lot of late night options. I hope to change this.'

He said the modern late-night scene is moving away from 'larger booze style venues' and that operators need to have a significant food offering well into the early hours.

The infamous Sydney lockdown laws all but killed off the city's once thriving nightclub scene

And the new Pelicano will provide just that, with coastal themed interiors and Italian inspired dishes such as house made pasta, flatbreads and grilled seafood and meats.

'The design is going to have a strong nautical feel with a classic European blue and white palette and a lot of my personal art collection,' he said.

'The vibe is going to be upmarket upbeat and energetic - with an amazing music program, incredible coastal menu and world-class cocktail offering.'

Mr Becher, whose not so misspent youth saw Hugo's as the setting for many memorable late nights, is excited to open in the nostalgic Bayswater Road space so close to his heart.

'This iconic venue has always been synonymous with creativity and vibrancy, and I am excited to see it once again become a hub of positive energy and connection.'

Pelicano is a revival of the renowned upscale Double Bay restaurant brand that was frequented by celebrities such as Ed Sheerin and Mel Gibson.

But with some Aussies shying away from booze, spending less than ever on eating out and struggling to afford groceries, the question remains if the city is up to it.

When asked if he has any concerns about whether Sydney is ready to stay out past midnight again, he quotes the famous line from The Field of Dreams.

'If you build it, they will come.'
A woman was stunned after her period app notified her partner that she has a 'high sex drive' and encouraged them to 'help her make the most of it' - joking that you can tell it was set up by two men.

Flo, a menstrual cycle tracker co-founded by Belarusian entrepreneurs Dmitry and Yuri Gurski, has divided opinions as users have been both entertained and horrified by what some feel are 'constant' questions about their libido, which can in turn be shared with their significant other via a paid-for feature.

Cora Kyler, based in San Francisco, took to X to share a screenshot of the update received by her lover, which said: 'Today she might feel high sex drive,' followed by, 'everything is fine.'

A notice at the bottom added: 'If this is how she feels, help her make the most of it.'

'"I can't believe Flo was built by men". I can,' Cora wrote. 'This is the notif they give your partner btw.'

A woman was stunned after her period app notified her partner that she has a 'high sex drive' and encouraged them to 'help her make the most of it' - joking that you can tell it was designed by two men

The post racked up more than 924,600 views, with reactions ranging from 'disgusted' to entertained.

'It's both hilarious and insane that like 1/2 of the daily content is about sex or talking her into sex,' one wrote.

'That's just NOT the message I feel like a woman led app built for women's reproductive issues mainly would tell men,' another added. 'Exactly what I'd think a man's would.'

'I can only imagine what the other days say,' a third penned.

Taking to TikTok, one influencer, baffled by the screenshot shared by Cora, said: 'This app is actually embarrassing.'

@theendospectrum, who makes content about Endometriosis, continued: 'How is that helpful... I hate Flo for doing this, I think this is an absolute pile of cr*p.'

However, many, including the original poster, found it 'funny' and admitted they 'see no issues with it'.

One even wrote: 'A lot of angry people in the comments who seem to think computers are magic and sex between committed partners is bad.'

'Should've known Flo was owned by men,' TikToker @keightlynne_ hit out in a video in May, alleging that the company is 'selling data based on them constantly asking "feeling frisky?"

Elsewhere, influencer Lahaina Solomon-Numanga said it was 'disturbing and icky' that a menstruation app was created - with its features 'informed' - by men.

The post racked up more than 924,600 views, with reactions ranging from 'disgusted' to entertained

However, it's not the first time the app has faced backlash for having male founders.

'Should've known Flo was owned by men,' TikToker @keightlynne_ hit out in a video in May. She alleged: 'Selling data based on them constantly asking "feeling frisky?" and encouraging logging your *activity* alone.

'And the feature they just added where you can invite your partner to view your logging.'

The partner feature is not uncommon across other period tracking apps, but many users felt Flo's focused too much on sexual endeavours.

On its website, the Flo for Partners tab says the feature 'offers them medical insights and proactive tips to better support and understand you, both physically and emotionally  whatever your goal'.

'Yep, we even know how to explain period pain and PMS to your partner so they get what it feels like,' it added.

The feature is only available if you pay for Flo Premium. The app doesn't appear to have publicly issued its pricing plans, encouraging customers to customise their experiences and different features.

Elsewhere, influencer Lahaina Solomon-Numanga said it was 'disturbing and icky' that a menstruation app was created - with its features 'informed' - by men.

'It just makes me raise my head and tilt my eyebrows a little bit,' she said in a TikTok video.

FEMAIL has reached out to Flo for comment.

Lahaina also discussed Flo's facing of allegations that it shared users' private data on Facebook - a claim the health app has staunchly denied.

Earlier this year, a class-action lawsuit against the company was green lit in Canada, CBC reports.

It accuses the app of sending intimate details - such as information about periods, sex lives and fertility - to third parties.

Richard Parsons, co-counsel on the case, told the outlet: 'There's been a significant disclosure of the private information of Canadian women, and we're excited to be proceeding to the next step with the case.'

Flo however said that it 'has never sold user information or shared user information with third parties for the purposes of advertising' and 'will vigorously defend against allegations stipulated in the case'.

Flo's website says on the matter: 'We will not sell or rent your personal data for monetary gain. We will not disclose your personal data except as otherwise described in this Privacy Policy.

'We will share your personal data with our service providers who support our Services as described in this Privacy Policy.

However, it's not the first time the femtech app has faced backlash for having male founders. Stock image used

'We will also not use information received through your use of the Apple HealthKit or Google Health Connect framework for advertising or similar services, or sell it to advertising platforms, data brokers, or information resellers.'

In 2021, when asked by EU Startups about the challenges of being a male founder in femtech, Dmitry said: The real challenge is to be a founder in general, and even more so a CEO  no matter what the industry or product is.

'I feel that's a challenge each and every executive can relate to. In the beginning of your journey, you may feel sad that you are leading a product you won't be able to personally use and benefit from.

'But at our stage of growth, I talk to Flo users daily, who are sharing how Flo helped them to better understand their bodies and improve their health, and that's truly rewarding!

'And, of course, at Flo we are committed to ensuring a strong gender balance across the organization, and thus have over 50% women across the whole organization, and among key executives.'

Last year, he also told Unicorns.lt: 'Being a male founder is less relevant in this instance.

'We rely on our users' feedback and metrics to inform our decisions, as opposed to mine or even the team's. In a way, it's also what contributed to our success.

'We didn't have any personal experience and had to rely on testing and in-depth studies from the very beginning. We've always used objective information, data, user research, and tests to make decisions.

'At this stage, it's not my product, but rather a collective effort of the whole company. I have very little say in what goes into the product, my job is to build the company that in turn builds the product.'

While Dmitry and Yuri co-founded Flo, it is not clear to what extent they were part of the app's design.
Meghan Markle revealed she 'felt uncomfortable being out in the world' when she was a working royal and 'craved safety' in a speech at Oprah's book event.

The Duchess of Sussex, 43, attended her friend Oprah's book club session at the Godmothers bookstore in Summerland, located just a few miles from where she lives in Montecito, California, on Saturday.

The mother-of-two, who wore a 315 jumpsuit by Club Monaco, was pictured sitting in the front row before taking to the stage to briefly address the group, where she spoke about the solace she has found in bookstores.

According to Town & Country, the Duchess detailed going to a bookstore during her trip to New York in 2019 - when Meghan's A-List pals threw her a baby shower at one of the most expensive suites at The Mark Hotel in Manhattan.

The Duchess said: 'For me, sneaking to New York five years ago was a really big deal.

Pictured: Meghan Markle seen on stage at Oprah's book club event at Godmothers book store in Summerland last Friday

'I was still so uncomfortable being out in the world. The safety of what I was craving, I knew I could find in a bookstore.'

The Duchess then went on to thank the founders of the Godmothers bookstore Rudolph Walsh and Victoria Jackson for 'for holding the space for so many people to feel seen through the pages, either in laughter, in grief, in feeling less alone'.

After the event finished, the publication reports Meghan said: 'Wasn't that incredible?'

The Duchess is then said to have 'made a dash for the door' and told guests: 'I've got to make dinner for the kids.'

Other high-profile guests at Saturday's event included Glee actress Jane Lynch and author Elizabeth Holmes, who wrote the 2020 book HRH: So Many Thoughts on Royal Style, which featured analysis of Meghan's wardrobe.

The bookstore is promoting several popular celebrity books including Meghan's children's book The Bench and Prince Harry's memoir Spare, which can be found front-and-centre in the shop, on its 'hometown heroes' shelf.

Meghan's comments on personal safety come after the Mail on Sunday reported how Prince Harry is pressing ahead with his legal battle against the Home Office over his taxpayer-funded security.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex received full publicly funded protection before stepping back as working royals and moving to Montecito, California in 2020.

During her speech at the book event, Meghan Markle (pictured with Prince Harry in October 2019) said she 'craved safety' and 'felt uncomfortable being out in the world' when she was a working royal

Meghan Markle pictured with son Archie and daughter Lilibet at their home in Montecito, California

The couple still receive protection when they return to Britain in specific circumstances but must give 28 days' notice of their plans.

For the past three years, Prince Harry has been battling to restore his round-the-clock security while in the UK, which is understood to be part of his desire to return to Britain more regularly.

Following the event at Godmothers bookstore on Saturday, psychic medium Laura Lynne Jackson praised Meghan as one of the evening's 'light-filled speakers'.

Oprah Winfrey - who was the evening's main speaker - has been close friends with the Duchess for several years and attended the Royal Wedding in May 2018.

At a launch party for the bookstore last week, Prince Harry dubbed Oprah Winfrey one of his 'fairy godmothers', which is said to have inspired the name of the business.

According to Town & Country, the royal couple arrived in a 'darkened Range Rover' and warmly greeted other guests - including Ellen DeGeneres, Jane Lynch and Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos - at the venue.

Pictured: Meghan Markle seen reading her children's book The Bench, which is sold at the new Godmothers bookstore

The Sussexes enjoyed an evening with 'friends and family' of literary agent Jennifer Rudolph Walsh (left) and cosmetics star Victoria Jackson (right) last week

Town & Country also revealed that Prince Harry, 39, played a part in curating the bookshop's name, as he had, at his own book party in Beverley Hills, thanked Oprah, Victoria and Jennifer for being his 'fairy godmothers'. Pictured, decor at the bookshop

After Jennifer and Victoria shared some brief words with their intimate audience, Meghan, 43 - who donned a chic Ralph Lauren top and matching white trousers - was heard hollering out a 'Woo!'.

Photos from the event show a grinning and glamorous Duchess hugging the talkshow host that interviewed them for their bombshell 2021 broadcast.

Their relationship appears to have grown even stronger over the years after the Sussexes moved into a $14million Montecito mansion, which is located just a stone's throw from Oprah's own sprawling home.

Oprah even publicly weighed in on whether she thought they should attend King Charles' Coronation in May 2023.

'I think they should do what they feel is best for them and their family. That's what I think,' she said on the CBS Mornings show ahead of the event, adding: 'They haven't asked me my opinion.'

Harry ultimately attended the Coronation without Meghan and left immediately after the ceremony to return to California.

Pictured: Meghan Markle leaving The Mark Hotel in Manhattan, where her baby shower was held in 2019

Meghan Markle has opened up about how her friends 'surprised' her with a 'beautiful' baby shower at The Mark Hotel in Manhattan when she was expecting her son Archie (Pictured: The Duchess with friends including Abigail Spencer, Daniel Martin, Misha Nonoo, Serena Williams and Lindsay Roth)

In one photograph Meghan, dressed in a navy blue polka-dot dress, can be seen laughing with her friends

In the couple's 2022 Netflix docu-series, Meghan opened up about her 'beautiful' baby shower in New York.

The Duchess celebrated the impending birth of her son by flying to the Big Apple by private jet in 2019. Around 20 friends attended the five-day celebration, including Serena Williams.

Speaking in the show, Meghan recalled: 'My friends surprised me with a really beautiful baby shower in New York.

'They were like, "We're going to shower her with love, and shower her baby, and she's going to survive this and we're going to get through it with her."'

Meanwhile, Meghan's friend Silver Tree said: 'It's like this really magical time of us just celebrating her.'

Serena added: 'It was just so cool and so fun to try to have an intimate moment.'

Guests attending the event included Meghan's makeup artist Daniel Martin, her former Suits co-star Abigail Spencer and her former BFF Jessica Mulroney.

Meanwhile Misha Nonoo, Serena Williams and close friend Lindsay Roth can also be seen posing in snaps from the 2019 event.
Saffron Crisp from Ipswich took to TikTok to explain her experience

A mother has revealed that her twin daughters were swapped at birth, when the hospital accidentally gave them the wrong names.

Taking to TikTok, Saffron Crisp from Ipswich explained that when was pregnant with non-identical twins, who are now four-months-old, hospital staff named them twin A and twin B.

Twin A was the smaller of the two and closest to the cervix, which meant staff told Saffron she would be the first child out of the womb. Saffron and her partner had settled on calling baby A Delilah and baby B Azayla.

However, when she had to abandon plans of a natural birth and have an emergency C-section, the midwife pulled twin B out first, leading Saffron to call her Delilah. It wasn't until later that the consultant revealed twin B was born first.

Despite being blindsided by the revelation at first, the mother-of-two decided not to switch the babies' names back to how she had originally wanted them - and now even sees the blunder as a 'funny story'.

Saffron Crisp (pictured) from Ipswich took to TikTok to reveal that her twin daughters were switched at birth

'I'm happy that their names switched to be honest, it's a funny story that they were actually each other's names', she explained in a clip on TikTok.

Saffron continued: 'My twins got switched at birth and this is the story time behind it. They are still my children.

'So, when you're pregnant with twins, they name your twins twin A and twin B, and in my belly [pointing to her children] this was twin A and this was twin B.'

'Twin A was the smaller twin, she was closest to the exit, and we were told twin A was going to be coming out first regardless.

'So, when they were in our belly, we decided to name them, so twin A was Delilah and twin B was Azayla.'

Saffron continued: 'I went for a natural birth but it didn't go to plan, so I had to have an emergency C-section.

'When they pulled the babies out, they just flashed me a quick little look at them over the screen, and then Delilah was swept off to NICU [neonatal intensive care unit].'

'So, I was given Azayla and through the whole pregnancy Azayla was the biggest baby, so I thought "oh my god, she's tiny, how small is Delilah going to be, Delilah's going to be half the size of her", I was panicking because I thought she was going to be in NICU for ages.'

'Well, when they wheeled Delilah in my room six hours later, she was humongous, I was like, "is that my baby? Are you sure that's my baby?" I was expecting Delilah to be a dinky little baby, because like I said, in my belly, Delilah was my smaller baby.'

Hospital staff had wrongly informed Saffron that twin A had been born first, but it was actually twin B

Pictured: Saffron and Lewey's non-identical twin daughters, who are now four-months-old

The mother-of-two took to TikTok to explain the ordeal, explaining that she now finds it funny

Later on in the day, the consultant, a twin specialist, came in and revealed 'they pulled out the wrong baby first'.

She said: 'So the wrong baby came out first, and because I just said the first baby out is Delilah and the second baby out is Azayla, they just pulled whichever one they wanted out and called her Delilah.'

However, Saffron and her partner Lewey decided not to swap them back because baby A is an 'Azayla through and through' and Twin B 'is a Delilah', she added: 'they just look like their name.'

Saffron concluded: 'And I think even if they had come out the right way round, I probably would have switched them.

'I'm happy that their names switched to be honest, it's a funny story that they were actually each others names'.

It comes after a mother was left in a state of shock after realising that the baby she was caring for was not her newborn daughter.

Maisie Beth, 22, from Poole, was left stunned when she went to change her daughter's nappy only to find that the newborn was a boy.

Now, the mother-of-two laughs about the ordeal and believes she would have swapped the names around anyway

Pictured: Saffron and Azayla with their father Lewey in the hospital shortly after being born

The mother-of-two was told that twin A had come out of the womb first, but it was actually twin B

The mother stormed into the maternity office at Poole Hospital demanding to know where her child, Isabella, nicknamed Belle, had been taken.

She said: 'God knows what would've happened, I could've breastfed this baby or the mother could've woken up to an empty crib.'

Maisie gave birth to her daughter in September, and due to needing phototherapy - a treatment for jaundice using LED lights - and having a tube fitted, Belle had to be monitored every two hours and was placed in a nursery on her own.

Maisie explained that one evening she went to visit her baby and, on her way, back to her room, she found the midwife in the office with Belle.

She was confused because Belle was meant to be kept in her crib due to needing phototherapy but without argument she just accepted it and made her way back to her room with the child.

Before long, it was time for Maisie to return her newborn to the phototherapy crib, which is when she made her shocking discovery.

The midwife was in fact not looking after Belle in the office and had handed her the wrong baby.

While getting Belle undressed for the crib, Maisie changed her nappy and realised the baby was a boy, and she had someone else's newborn boy.

In a complete panic, Maisie ran to the office to find her daughter. The midwife explained that Maisie looked identical to the little boy's mother, and therefore, she had handed over the wrong baby.

Saffron (pictured with Azayla) believes the names given to her daughters suit them better, even if they were originally meant to be the other way round

Maisie said: 'I went to the toilet [and] on my way back the midwife came out of the office and told me to come in because they had Isabella in there. I just assumed they had taken her out with her phototherapy crib while I was in the toilet.

'They told me they had her there for a while because shed been crying a lot. I did think this was strange because she wasn't allowed out of her phototherapy crib, and I'd also just been cuddling a baby in the nursery.

Maisie continued: 'I thought: 'Oh gosh, I hope nobody noticed that I was cuddling a baby that wasn't mine.

'Nurses then told me that she [the other mother] looked exactly like me. At this point, it was so early and I was two days postpartum, so we just didn't question anything and I took the baby back to my bed.

'The mother was asleep on a completely different ward from me and I don't know if she ever knew that the baby was passed to me.

'My instant reaction was that somebody had stolen my baby. I was absolutely terrified after four years of infertility. I thought I'd lost my baby after giving birth to her.

Pictured: The mother-of-two with her daughter Delilah, who was originally meant to be called Azayla

Saffron said that even if her daughters had come out the right way round, she most likely would have still switched their names

'As far as I'm aware, Isabella was still in her phototherapy crib this whole time across the hall from me, but I have no idea what went on while I was in bed with the other baby.

'When I saw her again, the relief I felt is unexplainable. She was still asleep in her little car and it didn't seem like anything had happened to her.

'But I instantly felt an overwhelming feeling of guilt for the other mother. After the incident it was never really spoken about again.'

Lorraine Tonge, director of midwifery at University Hospitals Dorset, said: 'We are investigating an incident in our maternity unit in September 2023 in which a baby was handed to the wrong mother.

'We deeply regret any distress that was caused and have reached out to the mother to offer her support.

'We would urge her to get back in touch with us to assist us in our investigation. The safety of our parents and babies is the highest priority and we are committed to providing full support to the affected families.'
Queen Letizia cut an effortlessly elegant figure as she paid a visit to a school in Spain today.

The European Queen, 51, opted for smart business attire as she visited the CEIP Maestra Placida Herranz in the city of Guadalajara.

The royal wore a black-and-white striped blouse with trendy balloon sleeves for today's engagement.

The mother-of-two paired this with some black cigarette pants and heeled sandals.

Letizia opted for her signature bouncy blow-dry and completed her elegant ensemble with some statement gold hoops.

Pictured: Queen Letizia seen arriving at the Maestra Placida Herranz school in the city of Guadalajara

The royal also kept her makeup minimal and wore a brown smokey eye and rosy-toned lip gloss.

After being greeted by staff, Letizia - whose eldest daughter is in her final year of school - then met with children, who have returned for their first day of the new academic year.

Today marked Letizia's first solo engagement since she returned to work after the royal family's holiday to Mallorca.

King Felipe, Queen Letizia and their two daughters were joined by Queen Sofia for the sun-soaked getaway.

The trip came after a challenging few months for Letizia, who has been plagued by rumours of alleged infidelity.

In December, Letizia's ex-brother-in-law shared a selfie of the Queen on Spain, which he claimed she had sent to him while they were having an 'affair'.

Just weeks before this, Jamie Del Burgo had contributed to a tell-all book about the Spanish royal, where he makes the far-fetched claim they were still romantically involved after Letizia's 2004 wedding to King Felipe.

The entrepreneur - who claims he was dating Letizia when she met King Felipe - shared an undated selfie the Queen took in a bathroom mirror during one of her pregnancies as 'evidence' of their relationship on X.

The royal wore a black-and-white striped blouse with trendy balloon sleeves for today's engagement

The royal, 52, also kept her makeup minimal and wore a brown smokey eye and rosy-toned lip gloss

The children's Queen! Letizia pictured with schoolchildren at the CEIP Maestra Placida Herranz on their first day of the new academic year

The royal, 52, pictured engaging in games with the youngsters at the school in Guadalajara, Spain

The Queen of Spain met with several groups of schoolchildren during today's engagement in Guadalajara

Today marked Letizia's first solo engagement since she returned to work after the royal family's holiday to Mallorca

Queen Letizia of Spain cut an effortlessly elegant figure as she paid a visit to a school in Spain today

After being greeted by staff, Letizia - whose eldest daughter is in her final year of school - then met with children, who have returned for their first day of the new academic year

The royal wore a black-and-white striped blouse with trendy balloon sleeves for today's engagement

In the selfie, the royal can be seen wearing a black pashmina - which Jaime claims belonged to him - and he also typed out a message, supposedly sent to him by the Spanish Queen.

It read: 'Love. I wear your pashmina. It's like feeling you by my side. It takes care of me.

'It protects me. I count the hours until we see each other again. Love you. Get out of here. Yours,'

After sharing the image, other X users questioned the validity of Jaime's claims - given there is no evidence that Letizia sent him the photo or accompanying message. The businessman has since deleted his X account.

A spokesperson for the Spanish Royal Family told FEMAIL: 'We have no comment to make about this.'

It comes just weeks after Jaime - who was married to Letizia's sister Telma from 2012-2014 - made a series of shocking allegations about his relationship with the Queen in the new book 'Letizia & I' by journalist Jaime Penafiel.

Speaking to El Cierre Digitial, the author, 91, said Letizia was Jaime del Burgo's 'great love' and the pair's relationship turned into a 'great friendship' after she became romantically involved with King Felipe.

The businessman told the author that he met Letizia before 2000 and their relationship began on a romantic trip to Venice, years before she met King Felipe.

Jaime - who is the son of the former politician Jaime Ignacio del Burgo - claims he was planning to propose to Letizia when she announced that she was dating a mysterious 'diplomat' over dinner at the Ritz hotel in Madrid in 2002.

Describing how 'serious and significant' their relationship was, the author made the unlikely claim that Jaime was 'carrying an engagement ring his his pocket' that evening.
Im lying awake on the operating table, a screen across me at shoulder level so I cant see my body. After a muscle relaxant and local anaesthetic, Im pleasantly calm and chatting away to my surgeon.

Still, Im aware of some prodding as a 2.5cm opening is cut in each of my armpits, and a small device is tunnelled under my breast tissue.

Im the first British patient to try a new procedure hailed as an injectable boob job, one that takes just 15 minutes with almost no downtime  or so the fancy marketing claims.

With traditional breast surgery, muscle fibres are cut and large incisions under the breast leave permanent scars. There is none of that here. Instead, a balloon is inserted just behind my mammary gland, but over the pectoral muscle. Once inside, it is inflated to stretch the skin and create a pocket in my chest, then removed.

BEFORE: Erin was the first British patient to try a new procedure hailed as an injectable boob job, one that takes just 15 minutes with almost no downtime  or so the fancy marketing claims

AFTER: Erin's breast have gone from a small B cup to a gently rounded 32C

Next, a compressed implant is injected using a purpose-designed, pressurised device that places it precisely. Once pushed through the opening, the implant expands to fill the pocket  and thats it.

My surgeon removes the screen and lets me have a look at my new breasts, which have gone from a small B cup to a gently rounded 32C. Straight away, Im pleased with how I look.

With this new procedure, called Mia (which stands for Minimally Invasive Augmentation) Femtech, you can only go up one or two sizes, and its meant primarily for those with a natural A to C cup.

Next Im put in a pressure band to help reduce swelling, told Ill have to wear it for a week (no showering) and sent on my way. Ill also have to wear a support bra for three weeks. From start to finish  including being welcomed with a box of chocolates and a gift of a Swarovski necklace  my uplift has taken around an hour.

Yet please dont think I have made this decision lightly, or been swayed by the sparkly necklace. Ive toyed with the idea of breast surgery all my adult life.

As a teen I waited eagerly for my breasts to develop, but it never happened. To fake curves, I wore heavily padded, 32C bras that gaped at the front. I became expert at re-arranging myself to create the illusion of cleavage. Strapless tops and strappy dresses never really worked for me, because Id never go braless. And wearing swimwear always felt like a challenge.

It became second nature to turn away when undressing  even in front of my husband, Rory, although he assured me I was perfect the way I was.

Erin writes: As for our kids, we explained to them that Mummy would get new boobies, which they didnt think much of  but they were happy enough to announce it to everyone else!

I discussed surgery with a clinic in my mid-twenties, but was advised to wait if I wanted children, as there could be complications with feeding and my breasts could change.

And they certainly did  after having my two children, now aged three and four, my breasts lost any volume theyd once had. My side profile was almost completely flat, my chest muscle more prominent than my breast tissue.

So this year I decided to take the plunge. Why couldnt I spend the next 40 years feeling fully confident in my body? Why couldnt I do something just for me?

But when I started the consultation process, the reality of what its like to have traditional implants put me off. You cant really lift anything for eight weeks of downtime, and have to take time off work  with two small children, that simply wasnt feasible. Rory was worried about any surgery that would involve general anaesthetic, too.

A spokesperson for Mia said clinical studies carried out by their team show over 6 in 10 patients can resume their daily activities the same day, and 9 in 10 can do so within the first two weeks.

Its not like anything Ive done before. I have Botox off and on, but, where I live in Guildford, Surrey, Im not in a set where we dabble heavily with fillers or surgery. At 32, I see shows like Love Island as a cautionary tale  those girls look so much older than they are. My greatest fear was my breasts looking in any way unnatural. It was then that my clinic suggested Mia, flagging that it has limited downtime, only local anaesthetic, little to no scarring, and gives a very natural result.

This assuaged both our fears and, knowing how keen I was, Rory supported me all the way.

I work full-time for a housing association and had savings to pay for the 10,000 to 15,000 Mia operation (traditional breast augmentation costs around 8,000).

As for our kids, we explained to them that Mummy would get new boobies, which they didnt think much of  but they were happy enough to announce the news to everyone else! Their acceptance instantly eased some of the stigma I felt.

My friends were fascinated by the idea of an injectable implant, but also warned Id essentially be a guinea pig. It was the first time my surgeon, Mr Adrian Richards, performed the operation.

Still, many women in other countries have had Mia, which was designed by a Swedish team and first used in Japan in 2018. The company behind it says the only reported issues are from women who werent happy with the size of their implants and had them replaced with bigger ones.

On the day, everything went smoothly and Im delighted with my enhanced chest.

But I would say that the downtime is not quite as minimal as Mias get on with your busy life the same day marketing would have you believe.

I wouldnt call it pain, but there are discomforts for a week or two. You get swelling, and have to sleep half-sitting up to promote drainage. And when the anaesthetic started to wear off on day two, I felt puffy, achy and sensitive, which wasnt helped by not being able to lift my arms above my shoulders for a few days.

I couldnt pick my children up off the floor either  any strain over ten kilos is forbidden for two weeks.

I was, however, driving again on day two, and working out carefully after two weeks. The most annoying part was a stitch under one arm that kept tugging and stinging for a week or two.

Now, a month after the operation, Im back to normal bar the small scars under my arms.

I feel like these are the breasts I was always meant to have, and cant wait to wear my bikinis on our annual holiday to Dubai in November. My husband agrees my new boobs look like they belong to me. He loves seeing me so confident.

They feel like real breasts, too  squishy and jiggly, and they move naturally. The company behind Mia says the implants have a bio-compatible surface, so the body doesnt create scar tissue around them. They also have a diamond shape so my breasts look full, even though the implants are small.

The company also claims that, unlike many traditional implants, its unlikely Ill have to replace mine in ten years time. Still, they recommend an ultrasound at that point to check for complications. If I do have to have them replaced, the same Mia technique can, they say, be used to suck the old implants out and replace them with new ones.

I suspect that nobody would even know Ive had a boob job if I didnt tell them, because Ive spent my life faking what I have now with padded bras.

The only difference is that now, Im quite happy to face the mirror when I get changed, knowing Ill like what I see.

For more information about Mia Femtech, visit adoreal.com

As told to Ingeborg van Lotringen
Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Taylor Frankie Paul has said that her drunken 2023 arrest was the 'worst night' of her life.

The scandalous TikTok influencer, 30, broke down in tears on the hit Hulu series while reflecting on the fateful night that saw her charged with assault after going 'ballistic' at boyfriend Dakota Mortensen.

'Getting arrested, it was the worst night of my life. I ended up being charged with aggravated assault with three years of probation,' she said.

At the time of the arrest, Taylor was dealing with the fallout from her viral swinging sex scandal, as well as the trauma of an unexpected ectopic pregnancy.

'It's been a challenge going from the scandal to relationship to miscarriage to arrest to being pregnant again,' she explained on the Hulu show.

Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Taylor Frankie Paul broke down on the Hulu series as she recalled her drunken 2023 arrest

Taylor was arrested in a domestic violence dispute after throwing a chair at Dakota that ended up striking her five-year-old daughter Indy

'After the arrest, I was under so much stress. I was filmed leaving the jail and then that was immediately on the internet,' she continued.

'It was a blessing in disguise. It helped me wake up.'

During an interview on The Viall Files earlier this month, Taylor revealed that she's been in therapy ever since the arrest.

'It was a really big learning lesson,' she told host Nick Viall.

'I feel like that night also came good because I really got help that I needed,' she continued.

'I instantly got in classes, therapy, EMDR. It was a wake up call that I needed.'

After divorcing now ex-husband Tate following a swinging scandal, the mother-of-three found love with real estate agent Dakota Mortensen - a former reality star and fellow TikTok star who went viral for sharing his struggles with drugs and alcohol on social media.

'Getting arrested, it was the worst night of my life. I ended up being charged with aggravated assault with three years of probation,' she sobbed

The Mormon influencer can be seen crying and slurring her words as police attempt to talk to her about the altercation

At the time of the arrest, Taylor was dealing with the fallout from her viral swinging sex scandal, as well as the trauma of an unexpected ectopic pregnancy

However, things took a turn for the worse in February 2023, when Taylor was arrested in a domestic violence dispute after throwing a chair at Dakota that ended up striking her five-year-old daughter Indy.

She also threw her phone at him, and made him 'fear for his life,' according to court records.

The records say Dakota told Taylor to stop throwing things at him because he was standing next to her five-year-old daughter, but that she carried on.

Eventually, one of the chairs hit the child in the head and left her with a 'goose-egg' injury, the records claim.

Bodycam footage obtained by DailyMail.com later revealed that the fight was sparked when Dakota refused to take a heavily intoxicated Taylor to a concert - causing her to fly into a rage.

The Mormon mom 'went ballistic' and eventually threw the chair that would accidentally hit her daughter.

The influencer is doing much better these days and has started therapy to treat her issues

Taylor and boyfriend Dakota Mortensen recently welcomed son Ever True. Taylor already has daughter Indy, six, and Ocean, three, with ex-husband Tate

When police arrived at the scene in a Salt Lake City suburb, the influencer told them she was so scared she had 'peed' herself.

She was charged with two counts of third degree felony domestic violence in the presence of a child with injury, a Class A misdemeanor of child abuse with injury, and Class B misdemeanor criminal mischief.

However, she was able to reach a plea deal after pleading guilty to aggravated assault, and the rest of the charges were dropped.

Dakota spoke with DailyMail.com after the incident, insisting that Taylor is a 'good mom.'

'She's so broken right now. I tried to help her,' he said.

'She's a good mom, she's going through a lot in her life right now. Taylor's been struggling, it's been a hard year for her. She is racked with guilt on her cheating scandal that cost her her marriage.'

The couple have since repaired their issues and in April, they welcomed their first child together - a son named Ever True.

Taylor already has daughter Indy, six, and Ocean, three, with her ex-husband Tate.

The influencer is currently starring in Hulu's The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.
King Frederik and Queen Mary of Denmark put on a sophisticated naval display as they marked the end of the royal sailing season.

The couple officially disembarked from the Dannebrog royal ship in Copenhagen earlier this morning, signalling a finish of their traditional summer tour at sea, which kicked off in May.

The monarch, 56, looked dapper in his military uniform, appearing high spirits as he waved at wellwishers.

His wife, 52, was effortlessly elegant in a chic navy suit which she accessorised with a sage green clutch.

To add a pop of colour, the mother-of-four tied her chestnut tresses back with a patterned bandana.

King Frederik and Queen Mary of Denmark put on a sophisticated naval display as they marked the end of the royal sailing season

Mary highlighted her natural glow with a dewy make-up base, lashings of blush, and a touch of mascara.

The couple grinned and basked in the sunny weather as they left the royal ship.

Earlier this year, the couple boarded the Royal Yacht Dannebrog as they set off for their tour - their first since the King ascended the throne in January.

Over the summer, they have visited the Faroe Islands and Greenland in June and July. In August, they also sailed around Danish municipalities.

It comes as last week, Mary looked sombre as she joined her husband for Flag Day in Copenhagen today.

The royal looked solemn during the emotional day, which honours people who have been sent on a mission by Denmark.

Mary went to the Military Headquarters Kastellet, where she and her husband participated in the traditional wreath-laying ceremony for Danish soldiers abroad.

She sported a simple, yet chic, black dress with a square neckline and quarter-length puffy sleeves and donned pink strappy heels.

The royal couple officially disembarked from the Dannebrog royal ship in Copenhagen earlier this morning, signalling a finish of their traditional summer tour at sea, which kicked off in May

The monarch, 56, looked dapper in his military uniform, appearing high spirits as he waved at wellwishers

His wife, 52, was effortlessly elegant in a chic navy suit which she accesorised with a sage green clutch

Mary paired this with a sophisticated large pearl necklace and matching stud, earrings, along with a bracelet. She also opted to wear her classic gold Cartier love bracelets.

The mother-of-four accessorised her look further with a navy coloured wide-brimmed hat which shielded her face from the sun.

The Queen wore her glistening brunette tresses down in a sleek straight blow-dry and opted for smoky eyeshadow and pink lipstick.

King Frederik who was dressed in military regalia, also looked moved as he lay down a wreath. The service was also attended by veterans.

However, the Monarch managed to crack a smile with his wife as he sat by her side during the ceremonies.

September 5 is an official day in Denmark to pay respect to deployed soldiers and is marked by a number of different events and ceremonies throughout the day.

The couple recently said goodbye to their eldest son and heir to the throne, Prince Christian, as he moved away to Africa.

The 18-year-old is moving out of the family home and heading to East Africa where he will live until December to experience farm work and ' deeper learning'.

Mary highlighted her natural glow with a dewy make-up base, lashings of blush, and a touch of mascara. The couple grinned and basked in the sunny weather as they left the royal ship

To add a pop of colour, the mother-of-four tied her chestnut tresses back with a patterned bandana

The doting mother-of-four admitted it'll be very difficult not having their son around for the next few months.

'We are going to miss him unimaginably... very, very much,' she said while attending a ceremony in Copenhagen earlier this month.

She added that both she and King Frederik are excited for him, however, and 'look forward' to hearing about his travels upon his return.

The Danish Palace revealed the youngster will be working in farms on his visit while trying out various roles and getting to get to know the community.

He will also learn about the natural landscape in Africa and how locals maintain the balance between work, life and conservation.

Prince Christian follows in his father's footsteps, and those of his Grandmother Queen Margrethe.

It is tradition for Danish royals in line for the throne to spend a significant time abroad in their youth so they can grow to appreciate the world, a palace spokesperson explained.
Carrying a spare tyre or beer belly could increase womens' risk of suffering from chronic pain by up to 60 per cent, new research suggests.

Having more fat in the abdominal area  which houses organs like the liver and pancreas  was linked to pain in numerous parts of the body, particularly in women.

This adds to the well-evidenced list of dangers of carrying fat around the middle, including raised risk of type 2 diabetes.

In the study, University of Western Australia experts examined health data from over 32,000 Brits of an average age of 55.

Each participant underwent MRI scans of their abdomen to measure the amount of fat around their abdominal organs like the liver and pancreas, known medically as visceral fat.

Researchers found having more fat in the abdominal area  which houses organs like the liver and pancreas  was linked to pain in numerous parts of the body, particularly in women

The amount of fat just under the skin, known as subcutaneous fat, which could be pinched was also measured.

Participants were also asked if they had experienced any pain in their neck or shoulder, back, hip, knee or all over their body that had lasted more than three months.

Two years later, the assessments were carried out again in 638 people in the group.

Results showed that the more fat people carried around their abdomens, the higher their chance of reporting pain.

Being overweight with a higher body mass index (BMI) was also linked to greater chance of pain.

Women suffered more, with the study finding those with higher fat levels both around their organs and just under skin were 60 per cent more likely than those with lower levels to suffer body-wide chronic pain.

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In comparison men carrying a beer belly only had a 13 per cent higher risk of chronic pain.

Writing in the journal Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine the authors said: 'Higher levels of adipose tissue [fat] were associated with greater odds of reporting chronic pain in both sexes.

'The effect estimates were relatively larger in women than in men.'

HOW TO CALCULATE YOUR BODY MASS INDEX - AND WHAT IT MEANS Body mass index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on your weight in relation to your height. Standard Formula: BMI = (weight in pounds / (height in inches x height in inches)) x 703 Metric Formula: BMI = (weight in kilograms / (height in meters x height in meters)) Measurements: Under 18.5: Underweight

Underweight 18.5 - 24.9: Healthy

Healthy 25 - 29.9: Overweight

Overweight 30 - 39.9: Obese

Obese 40+ : Morbidly obese Advertisement

They added that the difference between the sexes may lie with variance in 'fat distribution and hormones'.

The team said trimming body fat around the waist 'may be considered a target for chronic pain management, particularly in those with pain in multiple sites and widespread pain'.

The experts suggested excess fat may trigger inflammation; a process whereby the body releases chemicals in response to damage that prompts an immune response.

Obesity has long been linked to inflammation in bodily tissues.

Inflammation may also impact the nervous system and people's experience of pain, the authors said.

The study had a number of limitations, including that it only recorded the presence of pain not severity.

It comes as the rate of obesity in Britain continues to balloon with two thirds of all adults now overweight. This compares to just half in the mid-90s.

Of the two-thirds overweight, about a quarter are obese.

In terms of obesity, this is equivalent to 16.8million people, an estimated 8million women, 7.4million men, 760,000 boys and 590,000 girls.

Experts have blamed the nation's ever-expanding waistline on the simultaneous rise of ultra-processed food and modern sedentary, desk-bound lifestyles.

Ministers have previously hoped a wave of new drugs to tackle obesity, like the Wegovy weight-loss jab, would help turn the tide on the crisis.
A worrying development in the H5N1 bird flu outbreak occurred last week in Missouri.

For the first time, a patient was diagnosed with the virus who had not come into contact with sick birds, cows or other animals.

The worst-case scenario is that the patient caught it from another person and that the virus has begun silently spreading between Americans.

While this is unlikely, Dr Kruitka Kuppali, a spokesperson for the Infectious Disease Society of American and former World Health Organization officer, warned this week: 'This is how pandemics start.'

Experts told DailyMail.com the situation is 'somewhat similar' to how previous pandemics have started, though insisted 'there's no need to panic' yet.

Experts told DailyMail.com that while it's highly unlikely, bird flu appears 'somewhat similar' to the early days of the Covid pandemic (stock)

The above shows how bird flu is edging closer to human spillover in the US

For example, the 2009 swine flu pandemic was first detected in a similar way - when two children in California were diagnosed with no contact with pigs or each other.

The early Covid outbreak in China also began with cases of a mystery flu-like illness and seemingly no connection began cropping up in Wuhan.

Health officials in Missouri have refused to say how the state's 'patient zero' became infected, only that the risk to the public remains 'low.'

Still, experts are concerned by the case and the lack of transparency.

Dr Raj Dasgupta, Chief Medical Advisor for Fortune Recommends Health, told DailyMail.com: 'When health authorities aren't transparent, it can cause problems.

'If people don't get clear information, they might not know what symptoms to look for, what actions to avoid, or how to protect themselves.

'This can cause confusion, spread false information, and create unnecessary fear, making it harder to deal with a potential health threat.

'Health officials need to share clear and accurate information quickly to prevent outbreaks and keep peoples trust.'

The Missouri case was detected through the states seasonal flu surveillance system, which keeps track of influenza activity based on testing from symptomatic patients.

Because bird flu does not always cause symptoms, there could be more sick people who never got tested.

The following CDC map shows the counties in which bird flu has been detected in animals

A check mark indicates foods that have tested positive for bird flu, while a cross indicates those that have been tested for bird flu but were not found to contain the virus

Another theory is the patient drank raw milk that was contaminated with the virus.

Raw milk is becoming increasingly popular and studies have shown H5N1 particles can linger in it for up to five weeks if it refrigerated, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

About four percent of Americans - nearly 11 million - consume raw milk and raw cheese, which do not go through pasteurization, a process that uses heat to kill about 99.9 percent of pathogens.

In April, WHO warned that bird flu was detected in 'very high concentrations' in samples of raw milk, but pasteurized milk, which is standard in major retailers, was safe to consume.

In recent years, fitness buffs and wellness influencers have dubbed raw milk a superfood over claims that it contains more vitamins and minerals than pasteurized milk and that it is better tolerated for people with asthma and lactose intolerance.

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However, the CDC classifies raw milk as 'one of the riskiest foods' and states that the germs it is could carry 'can pose serious health risks to you and your family.'

Dr Thomas Peacock, an influenza virologist at the Pirbright Institute in the UK, told Stat News: 'The obvious question I would ask is: Have you ruled out that theyre not someone whos got a big tub of raw milk in their fridge? Because that just seems like such an obvious route for a cryptic infection.'

Lisa Cox, a spokesperson for the Missouri Health Department, said that the patient had not reported consuming raw milk.

However, it's unclear if officials actually investigated this or just asked the patient directly.

Dr Peacock also warned that the patient could have had an outdoor cat, as several barnyard cats have been killed by the virus this year. He noted that if the patient had a cat, it could have drank raw milk from a

Raw milk is not banned in Missouri, though it can only legally be purchased directly from a farm or from farmers market vendors with a permit.

Raw milk isn't the only food carrying a risk.

Dr Darin Detwiler, a food safety expert at Northeastern University in Boston and a former FDA and USDA advisor, previously told DailyMail.com that foods with undercooked meat or eggs could also harbor small fragments of bird flu and other deadly illnesses.

He noted that while the risk if 'very low,' fully cooking these foods is essential for killing all pathogens. For example, searing a steak on the outside 'should be good enough to kill a pathogen, even if the inside is not properly cooked,' bird flu could travel to the inner part of the beef.

Dr Detwiler also recommends customers be cautious about eggs that have runny yolks, which includes sunny side up, poached, soft boiled, and over easy.

'In the case of avian flu concerns, eggs should be cooked until both the white and yolk are firm, which ensures that the egg reaches a temperature that is likely to kill any viruses present,' he said.

According to the USDA, eggs should be cooked to at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius).

Dr Eve Elizabeth Pennie, general practitioner and medical contributor at Drugwatch, told DailyMail.com that 'while bird flu transmission through food isn't standard, following safe food practices is always the best way to protect yourself and your family.'

Dr Dasgupta also noted that while person-to-person transmission is highly unlikely, bird flu spreading this way could pose serious risks of an outbreak.

'If the virus is spreading between people, it might mean it has changed or adapted to spread more easily, which could lead to bigger outbreaks or even a pandemic,' he said.
A 65-year-old woman has cheated death after being impaled by a near-two-foot-long metal rod.

The rusty rod was sticking out of the ground in a pasture in India where the woman was tending to her cows when she was thrown off her feet and fell directly on top of it, backside-first.

It entered through her rectum, perforating it, and extended into the space behind the peritoneum, the lining that covers the abdominal organs.

The rod miraculously avoided damage to her blood vessels and organs, according to a medical report about her case.

But she needed antibiotics and a tetanus shot to prevent infection because the rod was rusted and covered with mud and cow manure.

The CT scan shows that the rusty metal rod bypassed crucial blood vessels and organs, miraculously leaving no severe damage

She underwent a two-hour surgery to remove the rod by sliding it out of her through the rectum, and the perforation there was repaired.

Doctors in Manipal, India said the woman was a rare case of impalement through the bottom, made even rarer by the fact that it left no severe, lasting damage.

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According to the patient: We have a wide field near our house, and we plant these iron rods on the ground to support the creepers.

'That day when I went out, it was still dark and raining. I took my cow out for grazing, and I had wrapped the rope around my wrist.

I don't know why that cow got agitated and it started pulling me with force. Me being an old lady, I lost my balance and sat on my buttocks right on top of one of those rods. It happened all of sudden, and It didn't give me time to realise.

Screaming in pain and unable to walk, her family and a neighbor rushed into the field to try to help her, but they couldnt do much.

The rod measured more than 19 inches and entered the woman's body when she fell on top of it while tending to her cows in a pasture

A neighbor drove her to a local health center where an attending physician immediately called for an ambulance to take her to a better-equipped hospital.

She added: I was very scared when they said I need an immediate major surgery to remove that rod and they told me that I may have a stoma [an opening in the abdomen that allows waste to leave the body].

I was very shocked and disturbed when they said that my faecal matter will come out through my tummy. Once they explained to me that it will be a temporary thing to save my life and made me realise that the operation was necessary.

After the procedure, she had some nausea and abdominal pain, and couldnt walk. But after a few days she regained her mobility and her pain went away.

Overall, her recovery took about 10 days and she was able to go home in relatively good health.

The patient said: After the reversal surgery now, I feel much better. I am grateful to all the doctors and nurses who took such good care of me.

The case study was published in the International Journal of Surgery Case Reports.

The most notable instance of impalement in history was the vicious Vlad III, Prince of Wallachia (modern-day Romania), who sought to consolidate his power by gathering hunderds of noblemen at banquet.

But it became an intensely bloody affair, as the attendants were stabbed and their still-alive bodies impaled.

He earned the nickname Vlad the impaler, whose true last name was Dracul (son of the dragon). He famously inspired author Bram Stoker to write his novel Dracula in 1897.

In modern times, most reported cases involve accidental injuries from falling on objects, sexual activities, or psychiatric behaviors, all of which can lead to rectal perforation.
A yoga enthusiast diagnosed with ovarian cancer has told of her horror after mistakenly believing her agonising back pain was caused by tight hips.

Alex Macgillivray, from Wrexham in Wales, took up the flexible hobby in January in a bid to relieve the pressure on her back.

But by June it had intensified and she began experiencing constant bloating and constipation that made her 'look pregnant'.

It was only after visiting the GP, who referred her to hospital thinking it was appendicitis, that tests showed she had two ovarian tumours measuring 12cm and 8cm  roughly the size of grapefruits.

By June the pain had intensified and Alex Macgillivray began experiencing constant bloating and constipation that made her 'look pregnant'

Now the 26-year-old bride-to-be is undergoing gruelling chemotherapy to blast the tumours, in the hope she can keep her ovaries and fertility.

Recalling her terrifying ordeal, Ms Macgillivray said: 'I've always known my hips are tight so I get lower back pain.

'It was an ache in my lower back, then I'd randomly get a stabbing pain in my lower groin on the right side.

'When I got to June I started to experience severe bloating, which is really odd for me. My stomach was distended, I looked and felt pregnant.

'Everyone was saying to me "oh I get bloating, it could be IBS" but I said "no it's really weird".

'I was also constipated, which I never am.

It was only after visiting the GP, who referred her to hospital thinking it was appendicitis, that tests showed she had two ovarian tumours measuring 12cm and 8cm  roughly the size of grapefruits. Pictured, Alex with fiance James Ingleby-Jones

Germ cell tumours are a rare form of the disease that develops in the ovaries, the female organs that produce eggs. It is often called a 'silent killer', as symptoms don't present until late stages of the disease.

'I hadn't changed anything I usually eat, including Sunday dinners at the pub, so by day two of being constipated I went to the doctor.'

Tests, including CT scans and ultrasounds, at Wrexham Maelor Hospital later uncovered the two giant ovarian germ cell tumours  measuring 12cm x 13cm and 7cm x 8cm.

Germ cell tumours, a rare type of ovarian cancer, are more common among women under 30.

They develop from germ cells, which create human eggs. Ovarian cancer is the sixth most common cancer in the UK.

The disease kills around 11 women every day in Britain, on average, or 4,000 a year.

It also kills three times as many women in the US every year, figures show.

The disease is often diagnosed late because symptoms are vague and can include indigestion, pelvic or abdominal pain, loss of appetite, constipation, and needing to urinate more often.

Alex Macgillivray, from Wrexham in Wales, took up yoga in January in a bid to relieve the pressure on her back

Around 93 per cent of women diagnosed live five years or more if it's spotted at the earliest stage, compared with just 13 per cent diagnosed at stage four.

About a fifth of women with the cancer are also diagnosed in A&E, often when it is too late for any treatment.

Before beginning chemotherapy treatment, Ms Macgillivray who is engaged to 27-year-old recruiter James Ingleby-Jones, last month shaved her head for The Robin Cancer Trust.

She donated 14 inches of her blonde locks to Little Princess Trust.

She said: 'It's been a bit of a roller-coaster, from the joy of getting engaged to the heartbreak of being diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

'Fair play to them, [the hospital staff] they did all the scans and found it, they didn't just send me home with laxatives.

'James proposed after my exploratory surgery, he had it all planned out before I got ill, I had no idea it was coming.

'It's been something to really look forward to and a light at the end of a tunnel.

Now, Ms Macgillivray is urging anyone experiencing unusual symptoms to get them checked out straight away

'The hope is the chemo will blast it out without the need for an operation.

'The type of cancer I have is extremely rare in females, it's more typical in males with testicular cancer. If you're going to have it you usually have it before you're 30.'

Now, Ms Macgillivray is urging anyone experiencing unusual symptoms to get them checked out straight away.

She added: 'Bloating and a change in toilet habits could just be linked to monthly cycles, but I'd said to anyone to get anything unusual to them checked out.

'I've been lucky, I've got the "best" ovarian cancer you can have as it's usually silent and people don't get diagnosed until later on.

'But I would push as soon as you experience any uncommon symptoms to get them checked out.'
The FDA has officially launched an investigation into heavy metals found in tampons.

The agency announced a two pronged approach that will include running a new study to see if the heavy metals in tampons actually get released when used and outsourcing a review of older research to an independent group of researchers.

It follows a bombshell Berkeley study which found heavy metals like lead and arsenic - chemicals linked to brain damage, kidney disease, miscarriage and cancer - in 30 different tampons from 14 major brands.

The agency officially launched the review Tuesday, following last week's announcement from Washington Senator Patty Murray, who has spearheaded the push.

Reviews have found heavy metals in tampons and in other period products, like period underwear

Sen Murray announced the FDA's decision to investigate tampon safety last week, ahead of the agencies official press release. Sen Murray previously sent a public letter to the agency urging for this sort of study

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'The FDA is aware of concerns about tampon safety after a 2024 study found metals in tampons during laboratory testing. We want the public to know that before tampons can be legally sold in the U.S., they must meet FDA requirements for safety and effectiveness,' the FDA's announcement said.

Tampons are currently regulated as a a medical device - which means before they're sold, authorities review them for absorbency, strength, integrity and whether or not they enhance the growth of harmful bacteria.

It is not clear if they test specifically for heavy metals.

The products that are approved are used by millions of Americans - somewhere between 47 and 80 percent of women opt to use the products during their time of the month, research has estimated.

The FDA said their investigation will aim to address the questions that the Berkley study, published earlier this year, did not.

'While the study found metals in some tampons, the study did not test whether metals are released from tampons when used,' the agency said.

'It also did not test for metals being released, absorbed into the vaginal lining, and getting into the bloodstream during tampon use.'

The Berkeley study, published in July, found 16 kinds of heavy metals - including lead, arsenic, chromium and copper - in all 30 tampons they tested from 14 different brands.

The researchers declined to comment on which brands were tested, but they shared that they are all available from major retailers in the US, UK and parts of Europe.

It's unclear how exactly heavy metals get into these products.

The Berkeley researchers pointed out that, cotton plants, used in making the tampons, have been shown to absorb heavy metals from soil, pesticides, fertilizers and wastewater.

It's also possible that these chemicals could've been introduced into the products during the manufacturing process. In the factory, tampons are doused with chemicals to whiten, de-odorize and disinfect the products.

Though research has yet to study how exposure to heavy metals through tampons could affect one's health, there's a long history of studying other exposures to heavy metals.

This is because manufacturers used to use heavy metals for a wide range of products - from lead pipes to arsenic-dyed fabric.

Patterns emerged as those who frequently ate, inhaled or contacted these chemicals developed health conditions like delayed development, liver and kidney disease, dementia, miscarriage and cancer at a higher rate than those not exposed to heavy metals.

The Berkeley researchers wrote that the vagina, which is made of 'highly absorptive tissue', theoretically has the potential to soak up these heavy metals from the tampons, if they're being released while in use.

If this is the case, it could lead to 'systemic exposure' - the health effects of that exposure are unknown.
It's long been said that laughter is the best medicine... possibly even for your eyes.

For a study has found that laughing can be just as effective as drops when it comes to dry eyes.

Researchers suggest it could be prescribed as an alternative treatment for the condition which causes red, itchy eyes and affects around one in seven Brits.

Laughter has been linked to a host of health benefits from easing stress and chronic pain to strengthening the immune system.

Scientists from the UK and China set out to assess the effectiveness and safety of laughter exercise in patients with symptoms of dry eye disease.

A study has found that laughing can be just as effective as drops when it comes to dry eyes

Researchers suggest it could be prescribed as an alternative treatment for the condition which causes red, itchy eyes and affects around one in seven Brits

The trial involved 283 people, aged 18 to 45, diagnosed with the condition using the ocular surface disease index (OSDI) score, favoured by the NHS.

They either took sodium hyaluronic acid eye drops four times a day for eight weeks or were assigned a laughter exercise group over the same period.

After watching an instructional video, the laughter group were asked to vocalise and repeat the phrases including Hee, hee, hee, hah,hah,hah and cheese, cheese, cheese.

They would complete this 30 times per five-minute session, using a face recognition mobile app to standardise the exercise and enhance facial movements.

Both treatments were stopped at eight weeks and any change in eye surface discomfort scores were measured at weeks ten and 12.

The average OSDI score at eight weeks was 10.5 points lower, indicating less discomfort, in the laughter exercise group and 8.83 lower for those using eye drops, suggesting it was more effective.

Laughter exercise also showed significant improvements in other measures of eye health, such as moisture after blinking, oil gland function that help prevent tears from evaporating too quickly and overall mental health.

Writing in the BMJ, the authors from the University of Belfast and Sun Yatsen University in China said it could prove a cheap and effective alternative to drops.

They added: As a safe, environmentally friendly, and low cost intervention, laughter exercise could serve as a first-line, home based treatment for people with symptomatic dry eye disease and limited corneal staining.
Glasgow's new pavement parking ban is set to come into force this month, in a move that could trigger backlash from the city's motorists.

Glasgow is the latest Scottish city to implement a ban on pavement parking, with Aberdeen and Edinburgh already having bans in place.

The Scottish Government brought in nationwide legislation last year which outlawed pavement parking in a bid to make pavements more accessible and safer.

With Wales currently under a period of consultation, and England's 2022 consultation on the subject inconclusive, it can't be ruled out that both countries will follow suit and also adopt a nationwide pavement parking ban.

The Government is said to be considering a nationwide ban on pavement parking in the latest move set to infuriate motorists, but would protect disabled pedestrians and those who have visual impairments

In February, the Local Goverment Association (LGA) called on the Government to ban pavement parking across the whole of England

There have been growing calls since early 2024 for driving laws to be changed to bring in a ban on parking on the pavement.

The Conservative government considered implementing a nationwide pavement ban during a three-month long consultation in 2020, but no final decision was made.

But with a new Labour government in place, there are suggestions that the introduction of parking law changes across the UK could be on the horizon.

A Department for Transport spokesperson told This is Money: 'Accessibility is a priority, and we recognise the problems pavement parking can cause for people, especially those with mobility or sight impairments.

'We will be reviewing the options available to us'.

The new Secretary of State for Transport, Louise Haigh, previously voiced her support for such measures, in order to protect vulnerable road users.

In 2018 she posted on her website: 'Current laws on pavement parking are often costly for councils who are having to repair damaged pavements but are extremely dangerous for vulnerable road users.

'There are ways that local councils, along with the police, can act to tackle on-street and pavement parking, such as under legislation governing obstruction and dangerous parking, and designating limited areas of 'no pavement parking'.

The current London parking ban  which has been in place since 1974 - slaps drivers with a fine of up to 130 for contravening, reduced by half if paid within 14 days.

Secretary of State for Transport, Louise Haigh (right), previously voiced her support for pavement parking bans , writing in 2018: 'Current laws on pavement parking are often costly for councils who are having to repair damaged pavements but are extremely dangerous for vulnerable road users'

A new study from YourParkingSpace found that only two in five drivers support a UK-wide pavement parking ban

Scotland has recently introduced a national paving parking ban, in a move that could nudge England to do the same.

The rules, which aim to stop vehicles from obstructing pavements for pedestrians, came into force on 11 December 2023.

Edinburgh was the first to introduce the measures, from January 2024, with Aberdeen following suit from 1 July. Glasgow's rollout suffered technical issues and was delayed but will not come into force this month.

If motorists are caught contravening the new rules they will face a 100 fine, which would be reduced to 50 if paid within two weeks. Alternatively, the vehicle could be impounded.

'The message here is clear: pavement parking is unsafe, unfair and illegal, and you could be fined up to 100 for it', Minister for Transport Fiona Hyslop said.

'Scotland is the first of the four nations to make pavement parking illegal nationwide. This change in legislation is a step towards developing communities that are better able to support active travel.'

'The message here is clear: pavement parking is unsafe, unfair and illegal, and you could be fined up to 100 for it', Scotland's Minister for Transport Fiona Hyslop said

Wales is also currently undergoing a period of consultation on the issue, with a result expected this year. New guidance to local authorities on how to enforce a ban on pavement parking is expected soon.

But with impending pavement parking bans looming, motorists are reluctant to adopt new parking regulations, with a new study finding that only four-in-10 drivers support a UK-wide pavement parking ban.

Out of 2,000 motorists surveyed by online parking platform YourParkingSpace, just 39 per cent are in favour of the controversial move, as many drivers park on the pavement to avoid obstructing traffic flow on narrow roads, or to protect their vehicles from passing traffic.

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Councils call for the Government to ban pavement parking

Councils want pavement parking banned across England to prevent drivers blocking footpath access for the most vulnerable people, including those in wheelchairs

In February, the Local Goverment Association (LGA) called on the Government to ban pavement parking across the whole of England.

It wanted more power to be given to local authorities to enforce parking in order to make streets safer and 'tackle the scourge' of drivers who prevent access for those in mobility scooters, wheelchairs and children in buggies.

The LGA says older and disabled people, as well as parents with pushchairs and younger children, are regularly forced to navigate around vehicles which are mounted on the kerb or across the footway.

By doing so, it puts these pedestrians at greater risk when stepping into the road and oncoming traffic - a hazard to blind and partially sighted people.

It's now around four years since the Conservative government's consultation into the issue failed to provide either a response or a conclusion.

Which areas have pavement parking bans?

London has had a ban on pavement parking since 1974.

This is in place throughout all 32 London boroughs, and the City of London, with all councils enforcing the ban by issuing parking tickets to any vehicles parked on pavements.

Very occasionally there are signs to permit pavement parking at specific locations.

All of Scotland now has a ban on pavement parking, with multiple major cities already rolling out the changes, including Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Glasgow.

As the rollout is currently underway, Road Safety Scotland is currently raising awareness about the changes to make sure motorists don't get caught out. If unsure you're advised to check your local council website or Transport Scotland.

Wales is awaiting a decision on a nationwide pavement parking ban, with a result expected this year

Glasgow's ban on pavement parking extends across the whole city, with just a few streets exempt and some still under review as the rollout continues

The Welsh Government has also proposed changes that will allow local authorities to enforce against pavement parking - allowing councils to act without having to implement traffic regulation orders.

An additional public consultation conclusion is expected this year, which would see a rollout of new rule changes.

Criteria for exemption

If England does follow Scotland's example it is likely that some streets will be exempt for similar reasons.

According to the Scottish Government, pavements that may be exempted from this prohibition must have the following two features; a layout that allows for a width of 1.5 metres of the footway to remain unobstructed when any part of a vehicle is parked on it and a layout that the passage of an emergency vehicle would be impeded by the presence of a vehicle parked on the carriageway.

Currently just 12 streets in Glasgow are exempt.
EXCLUSIVE

A drug-addled convicted criminal who was busted breaking into properties on a meth bender has been awarded $120,000 in damages after a judge found that a cop slipped a finger into her vagina during an illegal search.

Tahnee Lee Kellie, 38, had not slept after a night of booze and amphetamines when she and a male friend decided to break into an apartment in Darwin on August 22, 2020.

She stole several items - including a Mac laptop and GoPro camera - before fleeing the scene by scaling a balcony into an adjacent apartment, where she was arrested while hiding underneath a BBQ cover.

Kellie was taken to the police watch house at Palmerston, where a female officer allegedly inserted 'one or two' fingers into her vagina after suspecting she was hiding drugs or jewellery internally.

The female officer claimed Kellie - who has 16 pages of prior convictions, including more than 30 property or dishonesty offences - made up the accusations and maintained she only patted down the inside of the thief's legs.

However, a Local Court judge rejected the cop's versions of events based on CCTV recordings of the incident and ruled last December that the state pay Kellie damages.

In his decision, the judge said that while Kellie generally lacked credibility, they found circumstances surrounding the incident suggested that, in this instance, she was telling the truth and the officer had lied.

But now the Northern Territory government has launched an appeal - claiming the judge did not fully take into consideration Kellie's lack of credibility.

Tahnee Lee Kellie, 38, was awarded $120,000 after a court found a cop illegally internally searched her at Palmerston watch house (pictured)

According to documents tendered in court last month, the saga unfolded when Kellie and a friend - after a night binging on drugs - decided to break into a fourth story unit in Stuart Park.

The pair pried open a window, allowing them to reach inside the home and unlock the front door, before they slipped inside.

The man was spotted by the residents and fled the scene, before the occupants - who were home at the time - locked the door, unaware Kellie was still in the house.

She quickly rummaged through a bedroom, stuffing several items into a bag, before the residents realised she was inside and locked her in the bedroom then called police.

Kellie tried to escape by climbing down a drain pipe - shoulder charging two of the occupants as they tried to stop her - before climbing onto the balcony of a neighbouring apartment.

There, she changed her clothes - leaving behind a pair of shorts and a pink earring.

When the police finally arrived and barged into the second apartment, officers found Kellie hiding under a vinyl BBQ cover.

While being taken back to the police station, Kellie was abusive towards the officers, resisted arrest, and was caught out on body worn camera telling cops lies, including that she had been attacked by the residents and that one of them was having sex with her partner.

Back at the station, the officers were heard on body worn camera discussing concerns Kellie was concealing drugs - as she had done before - but that they were unable to perform a cavity search as there was only one female cop present.

They decided they would do a normal pat down search then, if they felt necessary afterwards, they would call for a second female police officer to do a cavity search.

CCTV footage shows the female police officer putting her hand up Kellie's skirt, before she screamed 'Ow don't do that!', then moved away from the cop.

Pictured: Duke Street in Stuart Park, where Kellie was arrested

Kellie then placed her head down on the counter and started to cry, saying: 'No need to stick your finger up my private parts'.

Footage then captured the officer changing her gloves and later telling another officer ' I don't think she's got underwear on' and 'I don't think she is concealing'.

She was also recorded talking to a fellow officer later in the watch house, where she referred to 'that sneaky finger slip' and both cops laughed.

In an affidavit, the cop said she 'absolutely did not' touch Kellie's vagina, and claimed it was impossible because her skirt had bunched up during the search, partitioning her gloved hand from the thief's private parts.

The cop also claimed she was laughing with her fellow officer because she was 'upset' by Kellie's accusations.

However, the judge rejected the cop's claims - finding she changed her gloves and made the 'disturbing offensive remark' to her colleague because she did perform the illegal internal search.

He also reasoned that the cop thought Kellie was not wearing underwear because her finger had slipped past her G-string into her vagina.

'The police had a reasonable belief to suspect that the Plaintiff may have been concealing jewellery and drugs in her vagina. PA Shepherd knew that her colleagues had this suspicion,' the judge said in their findings.

'Although I have serious doubts generally as to the Plaintiffs credibility, the surrounding evidence is more than sufficient to overcome that doubt, and cause me to find in favour of the Plaintiff.'

The judge also noted that for the internal search to be completed legally, a court order was required and it had to be performed by a doctor - not just with another female cop present, as the officer had thought.

The Local Court judge found the cop had lied - but the Northern Territory has launched an appeal to have the matter reheard (stock image)

Kellie was charged and later pleaded guilty to a range of offences in relation to the incident, including using damage, unlawful entry of a dwelling house, robbery in company, and possessing methamphetamine.

She was sentenced to three years in prison, with a minimum term of two years.

In their appeal, the Northern Territory government argued that the Local Court judge gave inadequate reasons for relying on Kellie's evidence and her demeanour recorded during the incident.

The state says the fact Kellie was found to have made lies during her arrest - including claims officers were using excessive force, despite there being no evidence of that - was not given enough consideration.

Instead, they argued the judge placed too much emphasis on the demeanour and body language of Kellie and the officer, as seen in the body worn and CCTV footage.

'The lies [Kellie made] were not mere untruths but elaborate, sophisticated lies accompanied by supportive changes in demeanour,' the state wrote in its appeal.

'She told persecutory lies, she falsely reported abuses of her and she did so on multiple occasions. She did so to distract and manipulate others... the allegation against [the cop] was a lie introduced to manipulate [her] into searching the respondents groin less thoroughly.

'Her demeanour changed to support the truth of her lies and consequently any shift in demeanour or emotional outburst in relation to the core issue was equally consistent with lying or telling an untruth.'

The appeal application was heard in the Supreme Court last month, where Acting Justice Trevor Riley found the reason for the Local Court judge's decision were inadequate.

AJ Riley granted the Northern Territory government the right to appeal the case, with the matter now set to be reheard in the Local Court at a later date.
A tradesman accused of stabbing a good Samaritan who intervened in a domestic violence assault claims he was acting in self defence - as it is revealed his partner is due to give birth in coming days.

Ali Telakh, 41, allegedly assaulted his ex-partner, 39, in a parked car on Liverpool's Macquarie Street in Sydney's west about 2.20am on Sunday, before turning the knife on Rafi Zaki, 44, who had rushed to her aid.

Mr Zaki was taken to Liverpool Hospital in a stable condition with serious injuries while Telakh allegedly fled the scene. He handed himself into police in Rockdale on Monday.

After a night in custody, Telakh, dressed in a grey hoodie and requiring the assistance of an Arabic translator, appeared via videolink in Sutherland Local Court on Tuesday, where he made an application for bail.

According to police facts tendered in court, the prosecution will allege Mr Zaki overheard the woman - who Daily Mail Australia has chosen not to name - and Telakh arguing and approached them to ask if she was okay.

Telakh allegedly told Mr Zaki to 'f*** off, it's none of your business', with the woman then trying to de-escalate the situation between the men.

According to the documents, Telakh then ran to his car and his ex-partner followed, before another confrontation unfolded between the pair.

Mr Zaki, still concerned for her welfare, followed the pair down the street, before Telakh allegedly stabbed him on the forearm and upper chest - causing a 2cm wound that punctured his lung, the court heard.

Ali Telakh, 41, allegedly stabbed a man in Liverpool, in Sydney's west, during the early hours of Sunday morning

The Good Samaritan (in the white shirt) is pictured being helped by bystanders after he was allegedly stabbed

However, Telakh's lawyer Gazi Abbas told the court his client, a father-of-two who is expecting his third child, will argue that he was acting in self defence and the knife belonged to Mr Zaki.

'According to my instructions, the CCTV would corroborate his version of events,' Mr Abbas said

Mr Abbas said Telahk moved to Australia in 2013, has since gained citizenship, and has no prior convictions.

He said Telahk was a form worker earning $2500 a week but recently had to stop working due to hernia surgery, from which he is still experiencing medical complications.

Mr Abbas argued that Telakh should be granted bail because of his medical needs, his lack of previous criminal history, and to support his current partner, financially and with the upcoming birth of their child.

'He has two children with an ex-partner and his current partner is pregnant and could be giving birth at any time this week,' Mr Abbas said.

Mr Abbas proposed that Telakh could be released on strict 'home arrest'-style bail conditions and that a $3000 surety could be put up for his release.

The court heard that Telakh moved to Australia in 2013 and worked in construction as a form worker

CCTV footage shows Telakh with his ex partner in Macquarie Street around the time of the alleged assault

Police tape was still strung up across the pavement on Macquarie Street on Monday

However, the prosecution strongly opposed bail, arguing Telahk was accused of a serious offence and the case against him was 'strong' as it is supported by CCTV evidence and two independent witnesses.

The prosecutor told the court there were concerns Telakh may fail to attend court, interfere with witnesses, or pose a 'significant risk to the community' due to the nature of the allegations.

'The [alleged] attack was on a member of the community trying to assist, a good Samaritan,' the prosecutor told the court.

The prosecutor also highlighted that Telakh - who has been charged with common assault (domestic violence), affray and wounding a person with intent to cause grievous bodily harm - could face a penalty of up to 25 years in prison if convicted.

Magistrate Jillian Kiely refused bail, arguing that releasing Telakh posed too great a risk to the safety of the community, given the seriousness of the allegations against him.

As the ruling was announced, Telakh gasped and dropped his face into the palms of his hands.

He is next due to face Campbelltown Local Court on November 6.
A child has been rushed to hospital after allegedly eating cannabis 'gummies', sparking an urgent warning to parents.

The child collapsed and fell in and out of consciousness before vomiting after allegedly consuming the illicit gummies in the ACT last month.

Police allege the gummies were purchased on social media and last week arrested a man, 24, they alleged sold the drug-laced product.

He has since been charged with drug and vape trafficking.

'Following analysis of evidence collected, we are aware that the man we allege is responsible for the supply of these gummies had conducted 150 deals between Tuesday and Thursday last week, most of which were to school aged children,' ACT Inspector Nigel Booth said in a statement.

'Given the reckless way these gummies are being produced, the potency and ingredients of the gummies could be anything.'

Officers arrested the man, identified as Vietnamese national Phuc Tran by The Canberra Times, in a blue Hyundai Elantra after he was allegedly observed 'exchanging goods' in multiple locations across the ACT.

Many of the deals were allegedly made with children wearing school uniforms.

Police have warned drug-laced gummies (above) caused a child to collapse in the ACT

A man believed to have sold the lollies was arrested on Friday after he had allegedly been seen with teenagers at locations across the ACT

ACT police accuse Tran of the alleged manufacture of drugs in his home and the alleged supply of vapes and drugs to teenagers in ACT.

Police searched his vehicle and his home in the Canberra suburb of Franklin.

They allege they found more than 600 vapes, hundreds of dollars in cash, cannabis plants, and litres of a green liquid believed to contain cannabis in the home.

Police believe the 24-year-old is responsible for a significant volume of illegal vape and cannabis distribution.

His bank statements across a recent three-day period allegedly showed deposits totalling almost $6,500.

Tran is due to reappear in court next week, and has not yet entered a plea.

Police issued a warning for parents, asking them to speak with their kids about drug impacts

Police expressed fears about young members of the community as a result of the discovery of the gummies.

They fear drugs still circulating in the community could be highly toxic.

'Police are very concerned as we believe that people, including children, are still in possession of these gummies,' Inspector Booth added.

'We would encourage parents to speak to their children and discuss the potentially harmful impacts that these drugs can pose. If you have them  hand them into your closest police station.'

Police allege the scheme operated as a 'dial-a-dealer' mobile-based delivery service with the alleged payments made via a 'tap' credit card system.
The father of suspected school shooter Colt Gray enlisted his retired police lieutenant sister to talk to the teenager after they were probed by the FBI, DailyMail.com can reveal.

Gray, 14, is accused of killing two teachers and two students at Apalachee High School in Winder, outside Atlanta, on Wednesday.

His father, Colin Gray, 54, has been charged in relation to the killings after admitting to authorities that he bought the weapon used in the attack for his son.

Interview transcripts reveal that his sister is a former Henderson, Nevada police lieutenant, who Colin asked to speak to the troubled teen after authorities probed an FBI tip.

Colt and his father were interviewed after the sheriff received a tip from the FBI that Gray, then 13, 'had possibly threatened to shoot up a middle school tomorrow.'

Interview transcripts reveal that Colt Gray enlisted his retired lieutenant sister, Marian Gray, to talk to the teenager after they were probed by the FBI (Pictured: Marian and her mother, who the suspected shooter's grandmother)

Colt Gray, 14, (pictured) is accused of fatally shooting two teachers and two students at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia on Wednesday.

The threat was made on Discord, a social media platform popular with video gamers, according to the sheriff's office incident report.

Transcripts of his interview with officers show that he had tried to tell Colt that a ride along will change your life.

Weve had a long conversation, Colin told officers from Jefferson County in 2023, My sister is a retired lieutenant out in Las Vegas.

And they had a really long conversation. I went on a ride along and told Colt, Im telling you right now just one ride along will change your life.

His sister Marian Gray rose through the ranks at Henderson Police Department, leaving the force in 2020 as a lieutenant.

Records show that she moved from Nevada to Canton, Georgia, in 2020, and began working as a 911 dispatcher.

The aunt of the suspected school shooter did not respond to a request for comment from DailyMail.com.

It comes after family members revealed that Colts mother Marcee received a text message from her son saying, Im Sorry, the day of the shooting and tried to warn authorities.

She started driving the three hour journey back to Apalachee High School before being told about the tragedy. Colts grandmother also claimed she warned the counselor a week before the teenager returned to school.

Colt Gray, 14, is accused of fatally shooting two teachers and two students at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia on Wednesday. His father, Colin Gray, 54, has been charged with a crime related to the shootings after admitting to providing his son with the weapon used in the attack

Transcripts of Colin's interview with officers show that he had tried to tell his son Colt that a ride along with his retired lieutenant sister Marian will change your life (Pictured: Colin left, Marian right)

Interview transcripts also revealed that Colin told cops 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.

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.

The teenager reportedly believed that he would make a great detective, because of his cyber skills.

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.

Documents states: I introduced him to bow hunting, then it was a pellet gun, then it was a 22.

Gun safety was in all of this because I worry about him and school, and you never know what would ever happen.

Conflicting evidence on the posts origin left investigators unable to arrest anyone, the report said.

Jackson County Sheriff Janis Mangum said she reviewed the report from May 2023 and found nothing that would have justified bringing charges at the time.

Pictured: Colin and Marian Gray posing for their family portrait with their siblings and parents

'We did not drop the ball at all on this,' Mangum told The Associated Press in an interview. 'We did all we could do with what we had at the time.'

The teen was interviewed after the sheriff received a tip from the FBI that Gray 'had possibly threatened to shoot up a middle school tomorrow.'

He reportedly made the threat on Discord, a social media platform popular with video gamers, according to the sheriff's office incident report.

The FBI's tip pointed to a Discord account associated with an email address linked to Colt Gray, the report said.

The account had a username written in Russian, and the translation of the letters spelled out the name Lanza, referencing Adam Lanza, the perpetrator of the Sandy Hook Elementary school tragedy.

Gray denied he was the author of the threats, telling police he'd shut down his Discord after being repeatedly hacked. He expressed concerns that someone would make those accusations about him.

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, 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

'He knows the seriousness of weapons and what they can do, and how to use them and not use them,' Colin told authorities.

The boy reportedly was obsessed with other infamous school shooters such as Parkland, Florida killer Nikolas Cruz.

Investigators wrote that no arrests were made because of 'inconsistent information' on the Discord account, which had profile information in Russian and a digital evidence trail indicating it had been accessed in different Georgia cities as well as Buffalo, New York.

Authorities closed the case being unable to substantiate that either Gray was connected to the Discord account, and did not find grounds to seek the needed court order to confiscate the family's guns.

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.

Georgia school shooter Colt Gray made his first court appearance on Friday

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.

A 2005 Supreme Court decision forbids the execution of offenders who were under the age of 18 when their crimes were committed.

His father 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.

Judge Mingledorff advised the elder Gray that he could face up to 30 years in prison for each felony murder count, 10 years for each involuntary manslaughter charges and cruelty to children  the maximum totaling 180 years.
The first pictures of the double suicide pod set to be used to euthanise a British couple have been revealed by the assisted dying company behind the controversial new device.

Peter and Christine Scott, who have been married for 46 years, told the Mail this week that they have made the decision to end their lives at the same time in the pod after former nurse Christine was diagnosed with early-stage vascular dementia.

The 80-year-old and her husband, 86, who have six grandchildren, are now set to be the first couple to die with The Last Resort, a Swiss-based organisation that offers assisted dying in the Sarco, unveiled in July.

The two-person pod will be constructed using a 3D printer, will either have one or two buttons the occupants can press to trigger their deaths, and could be ready for use as early as January.

The solo capsule, which has already been built by the firm, has not yet been used after a planned assisted death did not go ahead in July, with a new first occupant now expected to die in the machine soon.

Peter and Christine Scott told the Mail this week that they have made the decision to end their lives at the same time

The couple will die in the Sarco, a euthanasia pod unveiled in July by The Last Resort, a Swiss-based organisation

The pod works by replacing air with 100 per cent nitrogen, rendering the occupant unconscious and stopping them from breathing within minutes. The interior of the double pod will be very similar to the inside of this regular one-person Sarco

The pod works by replacing air with 100 per cent nitrogen, rendering the occupant unconscious and stopping them from breathing within minutes, according to Philip Nitschke, its inventor who has been dubbed Dr Death.

The Scotts are among some 120 applicants hoping to use the machine to end their lives, according to The Last Resort, with around a quarter of those on the waiting list said to be British people.

Assisted dying is illegal in the UK, and the couple said this week that they wanted to share their story to add weight to the argument to legalise it.

Peter, a former RAF engineer, is currently working on their application, and says he is anxious about Christine being allowed to use the machine since securing assisted suicide for people suffering from dementia is more difficult than other conditions.

Christinas diagnosis several weeks ago means the couples path to assisted dying may have to be sped up, as she could lose capacity to give consent for an assisted death, according to Fiona Stewart of The Last Resort.

She said the couple would have to go through rigourous and strict psychiatric assessments before being allowed to use the pod.

The husband and wife have said they want to die in each others arms after a long and happy marriage - a wish shared by many devoted couples.

A number of other couples are also in the process of applying to use Sarco, Stewart said, despite the double pod only being at the design stage.

Earlier this year, Dutch prime minister Dries van Agt and his wife Eugenie, both 93, died hand in hand by euthanasia.

The number of couples opting for joint euthanasia has risen in recent years in the Netherlands, the first country along with Belgium to legalist voluntary death assisted by a doctor - in 2002.

Strict conditions need to be met for both parties, making it extremely rare, but the most recent official figures showed a rise from nine couples dying in this way in 2018, to 29 in 2022.

I think there's a trend towards more couples, because people are living longer, sicker lives, said Stewart.

The double pod is noticeably squatter and wider than the original

The husband and wife have said they want to die in each others arms after a long and happy marriage of 46 years

Australian euthanasia advocate Philip Nitschke (pictured), also known as 'Dr Death', is a former physician and the inventor of the pod

They are more likely to be married now for a long period of time than you were in past generations, when you're dying off of the 60s.

She said it is more difficult there are more hurdles for couples than individuals to get assisted deaths in Switzerland because what needs to be established is that each of them individually wants to die but that they want to die with the other person and that the other person is not pressuring them into it.

We need to be sure that each of them, both have capacity. We need to make sure that both are acting voluntarily. Its not impossible, but we need to make sure its absolutely crystal clear to work in the confines of Swiss law.

Stewart said that with full psychiatric assessment, she is not particularly worried about people changing their mind once their inside the Sarco.

I think once you climb in the Sarco - even though there's a release handle and you can open the door at any time - I think if they've been signed off by psychiatrists who are fully registered and know what they're doing.

We can't second guess that they wouldn't have regrets. But clearly, it would be better if one of them is going to have regrets, they do it before they get into the Sarco. But that's why the role of the psychiatry profession is so important.

The Australian euthanasia advocate, who is a lawyer by training, said that she believes the crisis in the NHS and social care play a part in the number of British people considering euthanaisa.

I mean, I think everyone's worried about the NHS. You know, theres barely a night that goes by when it's not on the British news in some capacity, she said.

But, she said, it goes beyond the health service towards the fear of not being able to take care of yourself.

An early version of the Sarco Pod, which can be operated internally and works by reducing oxygen levels

I think we have to create the space public debate for people to say, I don't want to go into a care home. I'd rather die than go into a care home. And we need to treat that opinion as though it's a rational, legitimate opinion to hold.

You know, some people think they wont like living in a care home, and then they find it's great put on them. But it's not a one size fits all.

Christina and Peter shared their fears of suffering years of infirmity within the health system, as well as their worries about losing their home and life savings to pay care costs, during an emotional family summit with their son and daughter.

Their shocked children eventually said they would respect their wishes, the couple told the Mail on Sunday.

Stewart praised the couples approach to telling their loved ones, and said: I think that they're showing a great example of how families can act for the future.

Because this is a beginning of a trend of being very old but not sick, or getting sick and not being able to get help, to die, even if the UK brings in a law. And I think they're the tip of the iceberg, actually.

This is what anti-euthanasia campaigners fear - that offering people a way to end their lives will result in a huge increase in people opting for it when they could be better cared for with palliative or other care at the end of their lives.

Dr Gordon Macdonald, CEO of anti-euthanasia group Care Not Killing said it was shocking that a couple feel that they have no option but to end their life in a gas chamber because they do not believe they will receive care they need from an NHS in crisis.

Campaigners have argued that elderly people opt for euthanasia out of fear of being a burden to their families.

Dr Macdonald added: This is why the safest law is the one we currently have and why the Government should focus on fixing our broken palliative care system that sees up to one in four Brits who would benefit from this type of care being unable to access it and leads to these sort of terribly sad cases.
Campaigners have called on the Government to make Afro hair a protected characteristic to prevent race discrimination in schools and the workplace.

The campaign group World Afro Day (WAD) came to Parliament to convince MPs 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 Professor Patrick Vernon, have signed an open letter to the Government supporting the change.

WAD highlighted that while race is already a protected characteristic, schools and workplaces can still unfairly target people of colour due to their natural hair.

Labour MP for Birmingham Erdington Paulette Hamilton sponsored the drop-in clinic in Parliament on Tuesday and said she has previously felt she would 'never succeed in a career' with her natural hair.

Labour MP Paulette Hamilton said she has previously felt she would 'never succeed in a career' with her natural hair

Campaigners have called on the Government to make Afro hair a protected characteristic to prevent race discrimination in schools and the workplace

She said: 'I'd wear wigs, I'd have perms, I'd wear extensions, because that's what people said I had to do

'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.

She said: 'You had employers that, one in three possibly, wouldn't 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 isn't just a small group, it's a large group.

'This is why I absolutely believe that we need to change the Equalities Act.. We're amending it at the moment, and I believe it's an easy win for the Government to change the Equalities 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, it's not because she was black, it's because of her hair', and they can get away with it, and that has to stop.'

More than 100 public figures, including former Spice Girl Mel B (pictured) have signed an open letter to the Government supporting the change.

Beverley Knight is among the several public figures who have signed an open letter to the government

WAD founder Michelle De Leon said she had felt under pressure to use chemicals to straighten her natural hair since she was a child.

She said: 'When you're 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 isn't as nice as everybody else's 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.

'It's 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 don't even realise that it's discrimination to say that hairstyle is not acceptable in our workplace.'

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 'there's so much ignorance and prejudice about Afro hair'.

WAD member Dhosjan Greenaway-Dalini, who grew up in the British Virgin Islands, said she wanted to raise awareness of Afro hair discrimination and empower the next generation of young black girls to be proud of their natural hair.

She said: 'It took me until the age of 40 to be comfortable with the hair the way it grows out of my head, which sounds ridiculous when you think about it, and it's like, this is what it looks like.

'It's just freedom to express yourself, I think for me that's why it's something I'm really passionate about.'Now I have a daughter as well, and you know what? Let's empower each other to be their authentic selves, I think that's when they're their best versions.'
The California mom who left her three-year-old daughter to die in a hot car was 'drunk' and 'passed out' in the driver's seat, it was revealed on Tuesday as the child's grieving father came to the mom's defense.

Sandra Hernandez was arrested for involuntary manslaughter and child neglect after falling asleep while locked inside a Ford Expedition amid sweltering heat on Friday afternoon. Her young daughter, Ily Ruiz, was in the backseat.

Ily's heartbroken father Juan Ruiz broke his silence to defend the mom amid what has become the latest tragedy for the family.

'Sandys a good mom. She would never do this on purpose. She would never hurt her baby,' Ruiz told The Daily Mail. 'We already lost two babies.'

In 2012, the couple's two young sons ages 5 and 9 - were killed while on camping trip in North Dakota when a drunk driver plowed into their tent.

The family pictured together at Ily's birthday party - dad Juan Ruiz, mom Sandra Hernandez, son Lazarus, 5 and daughter Ily, 3

Ruiz said Ily was his only daughter and she was daddy's little girl. 'She was my only girl,' he said. 'I never expected to have a girl'

Years after the loss of their sons, Ruiz and Sandra would have two more children, a son named Lazarus, now 5 and a daughter named Ily Elizabeth.

'She was my only girl. I never expected to have a girl,' he said. 'I named her ILY -which stands for "I love you" and my mom's middle name was Elizabeth.'

He shared his delight of being a girl's daddy: 'She loved everything. Princesses'. Frozen She loved helping me cook.'

The father grew emotional while recalling how his daughter just started calling him 'Dah.. Dah.'

The mother has been booked into the Anaheim Police Department Detention Facility and was expected to be arraigned later this week.

A family member at the scene of the crime, had managed to pull the unconscious child out of the SUV. Ily was rushed to the hospital by paramedics, but later succumbed to her injuries.

Several bottles of alcohol were found in the vehicle.

He said, 'I named her ILY -which stands for 'I love you' and my mom's middle name was Elizabeth'

Ilya and her older brother Lazarus, 5, dressed up in costume during Halloween

Ruiz admitted that Sandra may have turned to alcohol after suffering through bouts of depression.

'I told her family that she needed help but nobody listened to me,' he said.

Regarding his daughter's tragic death, the father said: 'In my heart it was not done intentionally, but it doesnt change the fact that she did it.'

Ruiz was living in Texas for his job on an oil rig. He separated with Sandra about a year ago, and she went back to California with their children.

Despite the break up, the pair cared for one another and tried to raise their children together. He would send money home and visit them in California monthly.

'Im not going to speak badly about Sandra because shes not a bad person, he said. 'She needs help.'

The dad, however, was outraged that those close to the troubled mother simply stood by as she struggled.

I am angry. It doesnt change the fact that she did what she did. Right? Im angry at her family for not listening to me,' he said.

'I am angry but I am trying to be clear-minded here and tell you guys that she would never do this on purpose.

Ruiz pictured with his two young sons - ages 5 and 9 - who were killed by a drunk driver in 2012

Ruiz's children Lazarus and Ilya

Ruiz made a gut-wrenching TikTok video the day he learned the tragic news.

He shared with DailyMail.com his conflicted state of mind during an interview on Tuesday, only days after the tragedy.

'I hate her so much right now. I hate her and I feel bad for her. I hate her, and I feel sorry for her. And, I hate the fact that it happened, the way that my baby died.

The mother now faces potential prison time but Ruiz said he hopes they put her in protective custody.

'I am concerned for her well being in there,' he said, 'because I know how the prison works here in California.'
At least someone still has confidence in Sir Keir Starmer. His poll ratings may be dropping like a stone everywhere else, but to the criminal fraternity he is a hero.

Outside Wandsworth, Pentonville and dozens of other jails yesterday we had the bizarre spectacle of celebrations and champagne corks popping as around 1,700 prisoners were given early release.

One jubilant lag, drug dealer Djaber Benallaoua, freed six months before the end of his sentence, was full of praise for the PM. 'I'm a life-long Labour voter now,' he said.

Law-abiding voters may be less enthusiastic about the prospect of these villains being back on the streets, especially as a significant proportion are certain to reoffend. Victims will be horrified.

Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood claims the Government had to sanction these releases because prisons are full, and they need the cells to lock up newly convicted criminals.

Pictured: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer attends a meeting with US Secretary of State Blinken on Tuesday

General view of HMP Pentonville, north London. Sir Keir Starmer said more prisons will be built to manage overcrowding once the Government gets its 'hands on the planning laws'

This is perverse and self-defeating. In many cases, they are freeing offenders who are far more dangerous than those they are making space for.

Examples include a thug imprisoned for manslaughter after supplying a machete used to a kill a 14-year-old boy, and a monster who shook a tiny baby so forcefully it was left blind and paralysed.

Who voted for such violent criminals to be let loose prematurely? It wasn't in Labour's manifesto, so the answer is, of course, no one.

This is hardly Sir Keir's only misstep since arriving at Number 10. His brief time in power has been marked by a litany of errors, capitulations and manifesto betrayals.

One section of society rueing the day he was elected will be the elderly. Yesterday, he used his landslide majority to strip millions of pensioners of their winter fuel allowance just as energy bills are set to soar again.

In opposition, Labour claimed abolishing this benefit would cost up to 4,000 lives as OAPs would be unable to afford to heat their homes. Now, it seems, Sir Keir is prepared to sacrifice those lives to save a relatively paltry 1.4billion.

He insists the nation's finances are so dire that he has 'no choice'. This is simply untrue. He could easily have taken that amount and more from the bloated foreign aid budget  or reined in public sector pay.

Prisoners react as they are released from HMP Pentonville in London on September 10

Prisoners were released from prison across the UK early in a move by the government as the system is unable to cope with the overcrowding

So who voted for pensioners to be robbed in this way? As it wasn't in Labour's manifesto the answer, once more, is no one.

Meanwhile at the TUC conference, Sir Keir might have hoped the unions would show some gratitude for having been gifted lashings of taxpayers' cash.

Instead, the Labour leader was attacked by the comrades for suggesting that tough decisions may have to be taken regarding future pay deals.

With junior doctors and train drivers being handed excessive wage settlements, every other union now expects the same  and will be prepared to strike to get it.

Ultimately, the PM may be forced to cave in at vast public cost or usher in a new age of militancy. Again, no one voted for either of those outcomes.

Throughout the election campaign, the Mail warned voting Labour was a hugely risky leap in the dark. Sir Keir's manifesto was filled with blandishments and hollow pledges to convince sceptical voters to hand him the keys to Downing Street.

After just 68 days we are witnessing an increasingly unpopular Government losing the confidence of the country by making bad and unjust decisions on all fronts.

We feared Starmergeddon. But even we didn't imagine it would come so soon.
No fault evictions will finally be banned for England's 11 million renters under new proposals first floated by the previous Tory government.

Labour will today bring forward the Renters' Rights Bill to drive up standards in the private rented sector and hold landlords to account for poor practice.

Michael Gove, the previous Conservative Housing Secretary, had championed similar flagship reforms as key to fulfilling the party's 2019 manifesto promise to outlaw Section 21 'no fault' evictions.

But his Bill failed to pass through Parliament and receive Royal Assent before July's General Election, with Labour promising to pick up the pieces if they entered government.

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said: 'Renters have been let down for too long and too many are stuck in disgraceful conditions, powerless to act because of the threat of a retaliatory eviction hanging over them.

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner arrives in Downing Street, London, for a Cabinet meeting

(Stock image of a couple being served an eviction notice): No fault evictions will finally be banned for England's 11 million renters under new proposals first floated by the previous Tory government

'Most landlords act in a responsible way but a small number of unscrupulous ones are tarnishing the reputation of the whole sector by making the most of the housing crisis and forcing tenants into bidding wars.

'There can be no more dither and delay. We must overhaul renting and rebalance the relationship between tenant and landlord. This Bill will do just that and tenants can be reassured this Government will protect them.'

Officials say banning no-fault evictions for new and existing tenancies will allow tenants to challenge landlords without the fear of retaliatory eviction. Last year nearly 26,000 households were handed Section 21 notices, while over a fifth of privately rented homes are considered non-decent. Landlords who fail to address serious hazards could be fined up to 7,000 by their local authority under the government's proposals.

But Labour were warned by the National Residential Landlords Association to give the sector enough time to prepare for the no-fault eviction ban.

Chief Executive Ben Beadle said: 'The end of Section 21, 'no explanation' repossessions represents the biggest change to the sector for over 30 years. Once the Bill is passed, it is vital that sufficient time is provided to enable the sector to properly prepare.

'Over 4.5 million households will need tenancy agreements updating, letting agent staff and landlords will need to undertake training and insurance and mortgage providers will need to adjust policies and rates. None of this will happen overnight and the Government needs to publish guidance.

Michael Gove , the previous Conservative Housing Secretary, had championed similar flagship reforms as key to fulfilling the party's 2019 manifesto promise to outlaw Section 21 'no fault' evictions

'In addition, ending Section 21 will leave the courts needing to hear possession claims where landlords have a legitimate reason. The cross-party Housing Select Committee has warned that without reforms to ensure the courts process cases much more swiftly, they risk becoming overwhelmed. This will not serve the interests of tenants or landlords seeking justice.'

Many of the measures in the legislation had been proposed under the previous Tory government. But Mr Gove faced unrest from Conservative backbenchers who felt the programme was unfair on landlords, while the Housing Secretary was concerned about the effects of the new system on the courts.

Other measures in the Bill include abolishing blanket bans on tenants who claim benefits or have children, limiting rent rises to once a year and banning rental bidding wars by forcing landlords and letting agents to publish an asking rent for their property.

Tom Darling, Director of the Renters' Reform Coalition, said: 'We commend officials and Ministers for working hard to ensure this is one of the first pieces of legislation introduced in this Parliament - the scale of the renting crisis certainly demands it.

'This is a stronger piece of legislation than the previous attempt, it includes longer eviction notice periods and a longer eviction-free 'protected period' from the start of a tenancy. The detail will be crucial here - and any potential loopholes must be shut tight.'
Detectives are continuing to gather evidence at the grisly scene where two young boys were allegedly killed by their own mother.

The boys, aged nine and 11, were allegedly found stabbed to death in their family's home in the sleepy Blue Mountains village of Faulconbridge on Tuesday.

The boys' father who does not live with them, called emergency services after discovering the gruesome scene.

His ex-wife was airlifted to Westmead Hospital under police guard and treated for self-inflicted cuts to her wrists before the 42-year-old was later placed under arrest.

Charges were yet to be laid on Wednesday morning.

The crime scene has remained in lockdown overnight as forensic officers complete their investigation.

Detectives were still removing bags of evidence on Wednesday morning as devastated local residents ferried their children past the home on the way to the local Springwood High and Springwood Public schools at the end of the street.

Mr Smith's Mercedes-Benz station wagon also remained outside the family's property - a modest weatherboard bungalow at odds with many of the street's new homes.

Residents began to lay tributes at the house on Wednesday even as detectives continued to investigate the scene

Residents began to lay tributes at the house on Wednesday even as detectives continued to investigate the scene.

The young brothers were popular students at a nearby Catholic school.

They had attended school on Monday, with detectives now investigating what triggered the tragic events that would later unfold at their home.

Blue Mountains Commander John Nelson said local officers were being assisted by detectives from State Crime Command's homicide squad.

Asked whether the mother had a historic of mental health issues, he confirmed the mother was 'known to us but only for minor matters so it wouldn't be appropriate (to comment) at this stage'.

Many of the family's neighbours told Daily Mail Australia they were too shocked by the violent nature of the alleged murders to fully process it yet.

They were shocked on Tuesday afternoon by the sound of police sirens in their usually quiet street, just 450m from the area's famed Norman Lindsay Gallery.

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.

The boy's father (pictured with his family) found the bodies of his sons

A major police response was triggered in Faulconbridge after the bodies of two young boys were found in a home on Chapman Parade

Just eight months ago, Google Streetview images captured the children's Christmas decorations strung up across the front yard of the family's home.

The mother also previously referenced mental health online, while working during the state's coronavirus lockdown, posting: 'Mental health is not just for those diagnosed.'

Retired homicide detective Steve Ticehurst, who lives around the corner from the young 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 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 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.'

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.

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 South American migrant has been verbally attacked by a neighbour in a shocking ten-minute tirade.

Brandon, who arrived from Colombia 18 months ago, filmed the man's rant on his phone after he jumped a fence and confronted him outside the Mile End apartment block in Adelaide's inner west.

'Do not stand there and tell me what to do in my own f***ing country, c***. It is my country' the neighbour said.

The man then unleashed with string of insults before he threatened to physically attack Brandon.

'I'll go in and get my gun and I'll f***ing shoot you,' the man said.

Brandon said he is now concerned the man could have another outburst and cannot relax where he is living.

'I feel fear because he's bigger than me, maybe he's drunk, he has beer bottles,' he told Nine News.

He moved into the Mile End apartment building next to the man's Federation style single story house three months ago.

Colombian immigrant Brandon (pictured) said he feared for his safety after the neighbour accosted him outside his Adelaide unit block

The neighbour (pictured) told Brandon Australia was his country and threatened violence

Despite the incident, Brandon said he is very fond of Australia.

'I love Australia, really ... I have a special place in my heart. Really, I'd love to stay here.'

The man in the video denied he was being racist to Nine News but declined to comment further.
The depraved husband who allegedly drugged his wife and allowed at least 50 men to rape her failed to appear in court yesterday after being taken to hospital.

Dominique Pelicot, 71, had been due to give testimony in the shocking trial that has scandalised France.

But, in another dramatic twist to the case, the grandfather dubbed the Monster of Avignon failed to appear in court as he was too ill.

His former wife Gisele Pelicot, 71, was clearly distressed as Judge Roger Arata revealed the defendant had been taken from prison to hospital and would not be cross-examined that day.

On the familys bench, heads shook in apparent disbelief as his lawyer Beatrice Zavarro insisted his absence was not a ploy.

Gisele Pelicot faces journalists as she exits the courtroom flanked by her sons Florian (rear) and David (R) after attending a session of the trial of her former partner Dominique Pelicot accused of drugging her for nearly ten years and inviting strangers to rape her at their home in Mazan, a small town in the south of France, at the courthouse in Avignon, on Monday

Gisele Pelicot arrives at court in Avignon, France on Tuesday supported by her children Fliran (left) and David (right)

She said Pelicot appeared to be suffering from renal colic, a painful condition which can be treated with keyhole surgery to remove blocked kidney stones. She added: Lets be clear about this. Monsieur Pelicot has not shirked [the proceedings] and will not be shirking.

He will be here. He will reply to all the questions, but he cant control what happens to his body. He didnt plan to be ill. He is not a robot.

As Mme Pelicot and her children objected to evidence being heard in his absence, the judge said the trial might have to be suspended  meaning it might not have concluded before Christmas as planned.

However, last night the court heard that Pelicot should be fit enough to appear today, though whether he will take the stand remains unclear.

As a crestfallen Mme Pelicot left Avignon Court, the Daily Mail asked her lawyer Antoine Camus whether he suspected her former husband might be feigning illness.

Caroline, the daughter of Gisele Pelicot who has allegedly been drugged and raped by men solicited by her husband Dominique Pelicot, walks at the courthouse in Avignon, France on Tuesday

Dominique Pelicot is accused of recruiting men online to assault his wife repeatedly over a 10 year period

The [judge] has ordered a medical examination. I think that should remove any ambiguity, he replied. It is very important for [Pelicots] children, who have not yet testified, that their father is present in the dock to hear what they have to say.

During the morning session, Pelicots daughter Caroline Peyronnet, 45, again fled the court in tears as a detective gave harrowing details of the alleged rapes.

It is claimed that between 2011 and 2020, the retired electrician systematically drugged his wife unconscious and invited dozens of strangers to their home to rape her on camera.

He faces up to 20 years in prison along with 50 other defendants, all of whom are accused of the aggravated rape of Ms Pelicot.

Earlier in the week, the trial heard that he had told a psychologist he carried out the sick crimes because his wife wouldnt try swinging. The case continues.
British troops are missing out on essential exercises because training sites across the country are being set aside for Ukrainian forces.

More than a quarter of the Army's facilities have been rendered out of bounds for UK soldiers after defence chiefs prioritised the training of Volodymyr Zelensky's personnel.

Last night, the National Audit Office (NAO) warned of the consequences of large numbers of British personnel missing out.

The NAO found occasions when UK soldiers had seen their courses cancelled had risen eightfold in 2023 compared to previous years.

The watchdog concluded the Ukraine training mission is 'constraining the Army's capability to train its own soldiers'.

British troops are missing out on essential exercises because training sites across the country are being set aside for Ukrainian forces (pictured: Ukrainian soldiers take part in urban training at a military training camp in Yorkshire in February 2023)

More than a quarter of the Army's facilities have been rendered out of bounds for UK soldiers after defence chiefs prioritised the training of Volodymyr Zelensky's (pictured) personnel

Last night, a senior Army source told the Mail this policy could lead to British troops suffering 'skill-fade' should it continue indefinitely.

The NAO's alarming report comes after the Mail revealed how other UK military training courses are being cancelled to save money.

The scaling back of training has been ordered so defence chiefs can afford a pay-rise for troops - costing 400 million - from existing budgets.

The Mail has exposed these cutbacks as part of its Don't Leave Britain Defenceless campaign.

In another concerning move, Defence Secretary John Healey has pledged his ministry will 'do its bit' to meet Treasury savings targets.ukr

The UK's training of Ukrainian recruits is called Op Interflex. It will remain a strategic priority for this country for as long as the Russian occupation lasts.

Last night, a senior Army source told the Mail: 'We know the priority lies in eastern Ukraine where the Ukrainians are outnumbered and outgunned.

'Op Interflex has been a huge success, training 42,050 of their soldiers since the invasion, but the need to train British soldiers must not be forgotten.

'Training budgets are being slashed this year, which is not sustainable. We cannot let 'skill-fade' take hold, we have to put the time in, and invest in training, to maintain standards.'

UK trainers began instructing Ukrainian soldiers in 2015, as part of an agreement between the countries following Russia's invasion of Crimea the previous year.

Back then, such initiatives were intended to act as a deterrent against further Kremlin forays into Ukrainian territory.

Op Orbital, as it was known then, resulted in 22,000 Ukrainians being trained.

Following the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, the training mission has expanded beyond recognition.

Ukrainian soldiers take part in a casualty simulation training exercise in southern England, on August 22, 2024

Ukrainian soldiers participate in a casualty simulation training exercise operated by Britain's armed forces, as part of the Interflex programme, in southern England, on August 22, 2024

In the last two years tens of thousands of Ukrainians have been trained at locations such as Salisbury Plain - which would otherwise be used by British troops for their exercises.

The Ukrainians undertake a five-week basic soldiering course and specialist medical and engineering courses.

Intensive instruction is also provided so Ukrainian personnel can use the weaponry donated by the UK and to maintain vehicles such as the 14 Challenger II tanks provided by Britain.

The UK tops the table of NATO allies in providing training for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's forces.

But the NAO warned: 'As the Ministry of Defence considers its future support for Ukraine, it will need to continue to balance Ukraine's needs and the UK's strategic interests with the need to maintain the UK's own military capabilities, through maintaining equipment stocks and sufficient training provision for UK forces.'

The UK government has committed 7.8 billion to military support for Ukraine to date. The UK is also one of the leading donors to Ukraine, alongside the US and Germany.

The UK is providing both lethal and non-lethal weaponry, including tanks, air defence systems and long-range precision strike missiles.

Training of Ukrainian forces in the UK is scheduled to continue through 2024 and throughout 2025.

Last night, the MOD said: 'All UK forces have access to the relevant training required to be held at readiness to protect the UK and meet our NATO commitments.

'But we welcome the NAO's report, which recognises Ukrainian troops are better prepared to defend their country that the UK providing training.'
Sir Keir Starmer was hit by the biggest Commons rebellion of his premiership yesterday as he forced through 'cruel' cuts to the winter fuel payment.

Dozens of Labour MPs defied a three-line whip, with some warning the raid would leave elderly constituents unable to turn their heating on this winter.

Only one Labour MP voted against the plan, with many rebels scared off by warnings from the whips that they could be suspended from the party. But around 50 signalled their unhappiness by abstaining.

The Prime Minister used his huge Commons majority to force through the controversial cut by 348 votes to 228.

Opponents will make a last-ditch attempt to block the plan in the Lords today. But 10million pensioners were last night warned they look almost certain to lose payments worth up to 300 this winter.

Sir Keir Starmer was hit by the biggest Commons rebellion of his premiership yesterday as he forced through 'cruel' cuts to the winter fuel payment

Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall said the move, which will save 1.5billion a year, was necessary because of 'reckless decisions' by the last government, which she said had left a 22billion black hole in the public finances

Former work and pensions secretary Esther McVey said Labour had 'declared war' on pensioners and accused ministers of making a 'cynical political calculation' that the Government could afford to hit pensioners because they were less likely to vote Labour.

'This Government have been telling pensioners they didn't want to do this, but tough financial decisions must be made  but we all know that's poppycock, that wasn't the Government's message to the already highly paid train drivers, when they met them, money was no object, have as much as you want,' she said.

'The public are not as stupid as this Government thinks they are.'

Veteran Tory MP Sir Edward Leigh called the raid on pensioners a 'punishment beating'.

Tory work and pensions spokesman Mel Stride made an impassioned plea to Labour MPs to vote down the plan, telling them: 'Look to your conscience. You know in your heart that these measures are wrong.

Former work and pensions secretary Esther McVey said Labour had 'declared war' on pensioners and accused ministers of making a 'cynical political calculation' that the Government could afford to hit pensioners because they were less likely to vote Labour

Veteran Tory MP Sir Edward Leigh called the raid on pensioners a 'punishment beating'

Tory work and pensions spokesman Mel Stride made an impassioned plea to Labour MPs to vote down the plan, telling them: 'Look to your conscience. You know in your heart that these measures are wrong'

Many elderly Britons are worried about how they will make ends meet this winter (file image)

'You know in your heart that (Labour) has broken their promises and that these measures are going to lead to untold hardship for millions of elderly and vulnerable people.'

But minutes later Labour MPs trooped through the voting lobbies to pass the measure into law.

Some 53 MPs were absent from the vote, with many deliberately staying away to avoid having to back the unpopular cut. Labour sources claimed that only a dozen MPs were absent without permission. But some spoke out publicly against the policy.

Former frontbencher Debbie Abrahams warned about the potential health impact and said she had been contacted by dozens of constituents who are 'just clinging on' financially.

Fellow Labour MP Rachael Maskell said she could not back cuts that will cause harm to pensioners in poverty.

'They are telling us they are frightened, because they won't switch the switch. Because they know if they do, they will have bills that they cannot pay. And we need to protect those very vulnerable people,' she said.

Former frontbencher Debbie Abrahams warned about the potential health impact and said she had been contacted by dozens of constituents who are 'just clinging on' financially

Fellow Labour MP Rachael Maskell said she could not back cuts that will cause harm to pensioners in poverty

Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, said: 'The reality is that driving through this policy will make millions of poor pensioners poorer still and we are baffled as to why some ministers are asserting that this is the right thing to do'

Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall said the move, which will save 1.5billion a year, was necessary because of 'reckless decisions' by the last government, which she said had left a 22billion black hole in the public finances.

'Faced with that reality and the need to get the public finances on track this year, we took the difficult decision to focus winter fuel payments on those in greatest need,' she told MPs.

She said ministers would concentrate on increasing the take-up of Pension Credit by the poorest pensioners, who will then be able to keep their winter fuel payments.

But campaigners condemned the decision. Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, said: 'The reality is that driving through this policy will make millions of poor pensioners poorer still and we are baffled as to why some ministers are asserting that this is the right thing to do.'

Joanna Elson, chief executive of Independent Age, said: 'It's clear that making this decision now means many people in later life struggling in poverty will be forced to make dangerous cutbacks.'
Mel Stride was eliminated from the Conservative leadership race last night as Robert Jenrick topped the second round of voting by MPs.

The party's work and pensions spokesman came last in the second ballot of the contest with 16 votes, while Mr Jenrick picked up 33.

Housing spokesman Kemi Badenoch won the support of 28 MPs. Shadow Home Secretary James Cleverly and security spokesman Tom Tugendhat were tied with 21 votes each.

Mr Cleverly had come third in the first ballot. The final four candidates will address the Tories' annual conference in Birmingham next month in a 'beauty pageant'.

While the exact shape of this is still being thrashed out, the conference will centre on the four candidates with at least three on-stage events.

Conservative Party pensions spokesman Mel Stride came last in the second ballot of the contest with 16 votes was eliminated from the leadership race last night

Robert Jenrick topped the second round of voting by MPs after picking up 33 votes

There is likely to be a 'behind closed doors' meeting for the contestants to make their case to members, an 'in conversation' event with each, and a Q&A session with the audience.

The four will then get to make their pitch on the conference stage with a speech lasting anything between 20 and 30 minutes, possibly longer.

After coming top, former immigration minister Mr Jenrick told Sky News: 'I'm incredibly grateful to all of the colleagues from all wings of the Conservative Party who have supported me.

'And the message that I have put across so far in this campaign is change. Changing the Conservative Party to restore the public's trust and confidence in us and begin the process of getting back into contention.

'I'm incredibly grateful that people have listened to that, responded to that and are supporting it.'

Your browser does not support iframes.

Housing spokesman Kemi Badenoch won the support of 28 MPs

Shadow Home Secretary James Cleverly got 21 votes

Security spokesman Tom Tugendhat tied with Mr Cleverly and also got 21 votes

Asked if he was now guaranteed to be in the final two, he said: 'I think we have a clear path to the final two, but there's still a mountain to climb.'

In response to claims by supporters of Mrs Badenoch about a 'dirty tricks' campaign, Mr Jenrick said: 'We're just concentrating on persuading our colleagues here in Parliament, members in the country and the general public of the argument that I'm making about the future of our party and our country.'

A spokesman for Mrs Badenoch said: 'Kemi has the momentum. She's putting on votes from across the party, has more Shadow Cabinet backers than the other candidates combined, and the independent polling shows she is overwhelmingly the choice of the party membership.'

Mr Cleverly has been boasting of new supporters, picking up endorsements from Greg Smith and Alec Shelbrooke, who backed former home secretary Dame Priti Patel until she was eliminated in the first round of voting.

Last night, former prime minister Liz Truss said her party's decision not to invite Nigel Farage into the fold allowed Labour to secure a landslide majority at the election.

Mr Stride received 16 votes from MPs and was kicked out of the contest today

Mr Cleverly heaped praise on Mr Stride as candidates wrestled for his backers

Ms Badenoch said she was 'grateful to be in the top two' as the Tory leadership race continues

Some Tories on the right of party favoured the Reform UK leader joining their ranks to quell its electoral rise before the election.

Mr Farage never ruled out the idea but said it was 'not on his agenda' at the time.

'I'm a Conservative, I believe in the Conservative Party,' Ms Truss told an UnHerd event.

'I said I wanted Nigel Farage to join the Conservative Party. I think that would have been a better move prior to the last election. Because what we've had is a split on the Right, which has allowed the Labour Party to get a much bigger mandate than they should have had.'
President Joe Biden is 'not ruling out' allowing Ukraine to fire foreign-made missiles deep into Russia, the US said last night.

And British sources said the US could permit the use of long-range cruise missiles 'within weeks', according to The Times.

The American move came as David Lammy and the US secretary of state Antony Blinken met in London amid pressure to let Kyiv use Western weapons.

Asked about the West's stance on missiles, Mr Blinken said: '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.'

Mr Lammy will make a rare joint trip to Ukraine with his US counterpart this week. The Foreign Secretary will travel to the war-torn country on a 'hugely important' visit to hear what is needed on the ground.

President Joe Biden (pictured) is 'not ruling out' allowing Ukraine to fire foreign-made missiles deep into Russia, the US said last night

This photo shows a damaged residential building following a Ukrainian drone attack in Ramenskoye in the Moscow region on September 10, 2024

Asked about the West's stance on missiles, Antony Blinken (pictured right) said: '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.'

At least one civilian was killed after a Ukrainian drone attack hits Moscow

Talks between the two men at the Foreign Office followed one of the largest Ukrainian drone attacks on mainland Russia in the conflict so far.

Kremlin officials claimed they intercepted 144 Ukrainian drones directed towards Moscow and other major cities.

One woman was apparently killed and three people injured as residential buildings caught fire. A further 43 people were evacuated.

On the joint trip to Ukraine, Mr Lammy and Mr Blinken will listen to President Volodymyr Zelensky's call for permission to use Western long-range weapons  such as Storm Shadow missiles  to strike at targets within Russia.

Mr Lammy yesterday refused to be drawn on the subject, saying it would be 'quite wrong to comment on the detail of operational issues'.

At a press conference alongside Mr Blinken he said that commenting could benefit Vladimir Putin.

Mr Blinken said one of the 'purposes' of the trip to Kyiv would be to hear from Mr Zelensky 'about . . . what we can do to support [the country's] needs'.

Following the drone attack in Russia yesterday, flights to and from Moscow airports were suspended.

While no strategically valuable targets were hit, the Ukrainian air assault offered further proof of the country's ability to strike far inside Russia.

Ukraine has been explicit about its motivation to bring the war to the Russian people.

Iran sanctioned by YUK and US over supplying ballistic missiles to Russia

by Harriet Line and Natalie Lisbona in Tel Aviv

Iran was sanctioned by the UK and US yesterday after the two countries formally accused Tehran of supplying ballistic missiles to Russia.

The UK Government announced it would cancel its air services arrangement with Iran, which will restrict Iran Air's ability to fly to the UK and Europe.

And it is sanctioning a number of people and organisations for their role in facilitating Iran's military support to Russia.

At a joint press conference in London, Foreign Secretary David Lammy and his US counterpart, secretary of state Antony Blinken, said Iran had ignored warnings that the transfer of such weapons would be a profound escalation of the conflict.

Mr Lammy warned last night that Iran supplying Russia with ballistic missiles was 'a significant and dangerous escalation'.

At a joint press conference in London, Foreign Secretary David Lammy and his US counterpart, secretary of state Antony Blinken, said Iran had ignored warnings that the transfer of such weapons would be a profound escalation of the conflict

Yoav Gallant (pictured) spoke as his country braces for a retaliatory strike following the assassination of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran

'We have been clear in that any transfer of ballistic missiles by Iran would face a significant response,' he said.

Iran, as it has with previous US intelligence findings, has denied providing Russia with weapons for its war in Ukraine.

It came as the Israeli defence secretary warned Iran is 'close' to acquiring nuclear weapons after the hardline regime's programme has gone unchecked for years.

Yoav Gallant spoke 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 'positive'.

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 Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu have yet to reach a compromise.

Mr Gallant issued a firm rebuke on Monday, warning Tehran: 'We have the ability to hit any strategic goal in Iran.'

But he warned 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,' 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.'
The one Labour MP who defied Sir Keir Starmer by voting against the winter fuel payment axe has received plenty of praise for the move.

Veteran left-winger Jon Trickett appears to have kept the whip despite defying the Prime Minister and publicly defending his decision on social media.

Sir Keir was hit by the biggest Commons rebellion of his premiership over the planned cuts, with dozens appearing to signal their unhappiness by abstaining.

However, Mr Trickett was the only Labour MP to vote against the plan as many rebels were scared off by warnings from the whips that they could be suspended from the party.

At the start of his reign, the Prime Minister suspended seven of his own MPs who defied the party whip to vote for an SNP amendment which would have scrapped the two-child benefit cap.

Publicly defending his choice to rebel on Tuesday, Mr Trickett wrote on social media platform X: 'I have voted against the government's proposal to remove the winter fuel payment.

'The winter fuel payment was a great Labour achievement. When it was introduced by Gordon Brown in 1997, I was proud to vote for it.

Veteran left-winger Jon Trickett appears to have kept the whip despite defying the Prime Minister by voting against the winter fuel payment axe

Many have taken to social media to praise Jon Trickett MP for his rebellion against the planned cuts

My comment on the winter fuel payment vote  pic.twitter.com/lq5yD5hDUu  Jon Trickett MP (@jon_trickett) September 10, 2024

'That Labour government had a transformative impact on pensioner poverty, which fell from 28% to 13% during our time in office.

'It shames our country that pensioner poverty has now risen to 18% after fourteen years of Conservative Party rule.

'This winter will be extremely difficult for my constituents of all ages. After years of obscene profiteering by energy companies, they are hiking bills yet again.'

He added: '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 have worked behind the scenes to try and change the government's position, but to no avail.

'Our country is richer than it's ever been, but the wealth is not shared fairly. In my view the government should be looking to raise revenues from the wealthiest in society, not working class pensioners.

'I could not in good conscience vote to make my constituents poorer. I will sleep well tonight knowing that I voted to defend my constituents.'

Many have taken to social media to praise Mr Trickett for his rebellion against the planned cuts.

One person wrote on X: 'Not a Labour supporter but certainly a supporter of an individual who backs not only his moral stance but also his convictions. Well done sir.'

Another said: 'You voted with your conscience, thank you Jon.'

A third added: 'I may not agree with your politics over all but I can thank you for having principles on this matter. Well done for taking a stand.'

A fourth penned: 'Only one Labour MP had the guts to vote against the whip. Well done Jon Trickett MP.'

Opponents will make a last-ditch attempt to block the plan in the Lords today. But 10 million pensioners were last night warned they look almost certain to lose payments worth up to 300 this winter.

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

Former work and pensions secretary Esther McVey said Labour had 'declared war' on pensioners and accused ministers of making a 'cynical political calculation' that the Government could afford to hit pensioners because they were less likely to vote Labour.

'This Government have been telling pensioners they didn't want to do this, but tough financial decisions must be made  but we all know that's poppycock, that wasn't the Government's message to the already highly paid train drivers, when they met them, money was no object, have as much as you want,' she said.

'The public are not as stupid as this Government thinks they are.'

Veteran Tory MP Sir Edward Leigh called the raid on pensioners a 'punishment beating'.

Tory work and pensions spokesman Mel Stride made an impassioned plea to Labour MPs to vote down the plan, telling them: 'Look to your conscience. You know in your heart that these measures are wrong.

'You know in your heart that (Labour) has broken their promises and that these measures are going to lead to untold hardship for millions of elderly and vulnerable people.'

But minutes later Labour MPs trooped through the voting lobbies to pass the measure into law.

Some 53 MPs were absent from the vote, with many deliberately staying away to avoid having to back the unpopular cut. Labour sources claimed that only a dozen MPs were absent without permission. But some spoke out publicly against the policy.

Former frontbencher Debbie Abrahams warned about the potential health impact and said she had been contacted by dozens of constituents who are 'just clinging on' financially.

Your browser does not support iframes.

Fellow Labour MP Rachael Maskell said she could not back cuts that will cause harm to pensioners in poverty.

'They are telling us they are frightened, because they won't switch the switch. Because they know if they do, they will have bills that they cannot pay. And we need to protect those very vulnerable people,' she said.

Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall said the move, which will save 1.5billion a year, was necessary because of 'reckless decisions' by the last government, which she said had left a 22billion black hole in the public finances.

'Faced with that reality and the need to get the public finances on track this year, we took the difficult decision to focus winter fuel payments on those in greatest need,' she told MPs.

She said ministers would concentrate on increasing the take-up of Pension Credit by the poorest pensioners, who will then be able to keep their winter fuel payments.

But campaigners condemned the decision. Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, said: 'The reality is that driving through this policy will make millions of poor pensioners poorer still and we are baffled as to why some ministers are asserting that this is the right thing to do.'

Joanna Elson, chief executive of Independent Age, said: 'It's clear that making this decision now means many people in later life struggling in poverty will be forced to make dangerous cutbacks.'
READ MORE: Why London is BETTER than Australia

Aussies will need to seek permission to enter the UK

Australians will soon need to pre-arrange documentation to enter the United Kingdom.

All travellers who do not require a UK visa, including Australians, will need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before they arrive overseas as of April 2025.

On Wednesday, the UK government announced the scheme would be expanded to include travellers from non-European countries, including Australia.

Applications for an ETA will open on November 27, 2024 but will not be required for travel until January 8, 2025.

By April 2025, all visitors - including children - will require an ETA to travel to the UK.

The ETA will cost 10 (A$20) each and makes the holder eligible for multiple trips to the UK for up to six months at a time over two years.

Visitors can apply for an ETA on the UK ETA app and once approved - usually within three working days - the document is linked to the traveller's passport.

Australian travellers who do not require a UK visa will need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before they arrive overseas as of April 2025 (stock image)

Applications for an ETA will open on November 27, 2024 but will not be required to travel until January 8, 2025. All travellers will need an ETA by April 2025 (stock image)

Migration and Citizenship Minister Seema Malhotra said the move would enhance security and modernise immigration in line with the US and Australia.

She said the new process would 'enable a smooth experience for the millions of people who pass through the border every year'.

The scheme is already being used by visitors from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Australia requires British passport holders to get an electronic travel authorisation; the authorisation itself is free but there is a $20 fee to use the app to get it.

The authorisation ticket is attached digitally to the passport and obtained via an app.

A UK authorisation costs 10 ($19.66 as of Wednesday) and permits journeys to the UK for stays of up to six months at a time over two years or until the holder's passport expires - whichever is sooner.

'Digitisation enables a smooth experience for the millions of people who pass through the border every year,' Ms Malhotra said.

'(This includes) the visitors we warmly welcome to the UK who are predicted to contribute over 32bn to our tourism economy this year,'

Aussie travellers to the UK - including children will have to pay $20 each to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (stock image of tourists outside Buckingham Palace)

The change means security checks are carried out before people begin their journey to the UK, helping to prevent abuse of the immigration system, the minister says.

Europeans do not yet need an authorisation to get into the UK.

From November 27, all non-Europeans (whose citizenship means they do not need a visa) can apply for an electronic authorisation pass.

That cohort will need the pass to enter the UK from January 8.

The passes then become mandatory for Europeans from April 2.

The minister says the government is working with airlines, maritime carriers and rail companies to make sure the change is smooth.
The assistant who decapitated his tech entrepreneur boss in his multi-million dollar Manhattan apartment wore a suit he stole from his victim as he was sentenced to 40 years to life in prison Tuesday.

Tyrese Haspil, 25, was found guilty in June of murder, grand larceny and other charges in the 2020 death of his former boss, 33-year-old Fahim Saleh.

Sentencing for the former assistant took nearly two hours, as Saleh's father and sister read tearful impact statements.

When Haspil finally addressed the court, he shocked many, saying: 'Unlike my counsel, I dont think anything less than life without parole would be appropriate'.

He then claimed that the suit he wore in court to his sentencing was bought with some of the $400,000 from Saleh.

Tyrese Haspil (pictured right), the assistant who decapitated his tech entrepreneur boss in his multi-million dollar Manhattan apartment, wore a suit he stole from his victim as he was sentenced to 25-to-40 years to life in prison Tuesday

Tyrese Haspil, 25, was found guilty in June of murder, grand larceny and other charges in the 2020 death of his former boss, 33-year-old Fahim Saleh (pictured)

It was revealed in court that the victim was not going to destroy Haspil after finding out about the thievery and was going to set up a repayment plan.

Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg attended the sentencing and released a statement afterward.

'Today, Tyrese Haspil is facing accountability for brutally murdering and decapitating Fahim Saleh, a kind, generous, and empathetic person who positively impacted the world', he said.

'Even after the defendant stole from him to fund a lavish lifestyle, Mr. Saleh still gave him a second chance. While todays sentence wont bring Mr. Saleh back, I hope it provides his family a sense of closure as they continue to mourn his painful loss.'

Haspil was convicted on one count of first-degree murder, two counts of second-degree grand larceny, one count of burglary, one count of evidence tampering and one count of concealing a corpse.

Haspil was so desperate to keep the theft a secret from his then French girlfriend, Marine Chaveuz, fearing she would break up with him if she found out, prosecutors allege he felt he had no choice but to kill his boss.

Saleh's limbless body was found in his luxury $2.4 million apartment on the Lower East Side in July of 2020.

The tech CEO founded the Nigerian motorcycle ride-sharing company Gokada.

When Haspil finally addressed the court, he shocked many, saying: 'Unlike my counsel, I dont think anything less than life without parole would be appropriate'

Police leaving Saleh's building on July 14, 2020. They found Saleh's limbs in trash bags

Haspil forced his way inside Saleh's apartment where he first Tasered him then stabbed him to death.

His defense attorney Sam Roberts, told the jury that Haspil suffered from 'extreme emotional disturbance,' which led him to kill.

Fearing his girlfriend would leave him, Haspil worked out his only suitable options were 'suicide or homicide'.

Haspil was initially caught by Saleh having learned of him stealing $90,000 initially but he decided not to press charges after seeing the man as his protege.

Instead, he allowed him to pay him back through a payment plan yet Haspil continued to steal from Saleh's company using a PayPal account. Once again, he was found out.

Haspil then decided to play Saleh's murder and to get away with it.

'Over this period of time, he was planning not only to commit the homicide but to get away with it To cover it up and how to erase his debt and prevent Fahim Saleh from testifying in criminal proceedings,' Manhattan Assistant District Attorney Linda Ford told the court.

Prosecutors described finding a Makita saw, demolition bags containing body parts, limbs and a Home Depot receipt inside Saleh's home.

Haspil looks on as he is sentenced to 40 years to life in prison for the brutal 2020 murder

Police found Saleh's limbless body inside his apartment in the luxury Lower East Side building. An apartment in the building is shown above

They say that over the course of three years, Haspil stole from Saleh in PayPal and Intuit transfers, and that he kept transferring money to himself even four days after Saleh had died.

Detectives started investigating Haspil after finding text messages in which Saleh accused Haspil of stealing the money, according to police sources.

Saleh was tasered and then stabbed multiple times before being dismembered, police said.

Surveillance footage from inside the 265 East Houston apartment building showed Saleh was followed into the elevator by a man - believed to be Haspil - who was wearing a black suit and mask.

Investigators say Saleh, who was dressed in shorts and a t-shirt, appeared suspicious when the masked-man fumbled with the elevator, which requires the use of a key fob to operate.

The footage shows the victim collapsing to the ground as the elevator doors opened directly into Saleh's full-floor apartment. The elevator doors then closed and obscured the camera's view of what happened next.

Haspil's credit card was allegedly used after the murder to purchase a power saw and cleaning products at Home Depot.

The card was allegedly also used to pay for travel to and from Saleh's apartment.

Tyrese Haspil is escorted out of the 7th precinct by NYPD detectives, July 17, 2020, in New York

Following the killing Haspil vacuumed up, but his cleanup wasn't good enough and he missed a single 'anti-felon disk' identification tag, which was recovered at the scene.

The disk held a unique number matched to the Taser that Haspil ordered to his Brooklyn address one month before the murder, prosecutors explained.

When police arrived at the scene, Saleh's torso was found in the corner of his living room and his head, arms, and legs had been separated into plastic bags.

An electric saw that was still plugged in, a vacuum cleaner and cleaning products were found nearby.

When the alleged killer returned the following day to clean up, police believe he may have been interrupted by Saleh's cousin who stopped by to check in on him having not heard from him in several days.

His cousin likely pressed the buzzer of Saleh's apartment before entering the building, alerting the killer and forcing him to abandon his efforts to dispose of the remains.

The killer is believed to have fled the building through a fire escape while his victim's cousin rode the elevator up, police said.

Police sources said initially they believed the murder was financially motivated and likely the fatal result of a soured business deal.

Prior to the personal assistant's arrest, investigators had been looking into Saleh's business affairs for any possible motives or suspects.

Haspil, who is from Elmont, New York, had worked for Saleh at his investment firm Adventure Capital.
The Justice Secretary has announced in the Commons that prisoners freed under the early release scheme could be housed in taxpayer-funded hotels, once space runs out in community accommodation.

Shabana Mahmood revealed that inmates who would be at risk of homelessness on release would be offered the temporary housing for 12 weeks.

Domestic abusers and sex offenders were among the 1,700 people freed by Labour's early prisoner release scheme today, sparking fears of a 'ticking time bomb' before more crimes occur.

And Ms Mahmood told the Commons, amid anger from opposition MPs: '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. 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.'

People have taken to social media to express their fury at the actions the Labour government have taken

A significant number of inmates at jails such as HMP Wandsworth are subject to 'non-association' orders

Some victims were not warned of the early prison release dates of their offenders, it is understood.

More than 5,000 inmates are to be set loose over the next six weeks, with people made eligible for release apart from violent criminals jailed for more than four years.

And critics have taken to social media to express their fury at the scheme - as well as the hotel accommodation - with one writing: 'What a day for our country today.

'Pensioners have had their fuel allowance taken away from them... meanwhile, early release prisoners leave prison to a welcome party, popping the champagne corks, with some going into tax payer funded hotel rooms. What a country to live in!'

Another added: 'Now the Secretary of State for Justice tells the House of Commons that some early release prisoners could be given hotel rooms at taxpayers expense. We are living beyond peak farce.'

A third said: '1700 prisoners released early. Hotel accommodation is available to them at taxpayers expense . Meanwhile Pensioner fleeced [out].'

Among those being freed was Jackie Creighton, who said as he left HMP Wandsworth in south-west London he would rather remain in prison instead of being released as he will 'end up on a bench tonight'.

'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.'

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

He added: 'I've just left a nice warm cell, a nice padmate, television, kettle and three square meals a day.'

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 their sentences.

Amid the scenes of jubilation outside jails as the first inmates were released, it was also confirmed that criminals convicted of manslaughter would be eligible for discounted sentences.

Last year saw 16 killers jailed for less than four years for manslaughter, official government figures show, meaning they would be covered.

There were nine similar sentences handed out the previous year.

In the Commons yesterday Lib Dem MP Lee Dillon asked the Justice Secretary to confirm that 'no dangerous criminals would be released early'.

Ms Mahmood replied: 'We have taken every measure available to exclude offences from this measure. That includes serious violence, sexual violence, offences connected to domestic abuse . . . as are terror offences.'

Challenged by Tory MP Neil OBrien over the early release of those convicted of manslaughter, Ms Mahmood added: 'The offences and the sentences are both taken into account.'

The Prime Minister is under pressure as convicted criminals including drug dealers celebrated outside penitentiaries after serving just 40 per cent of sentences.

Some newly-freed prisoners 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.'

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.'

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.'

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.

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.

They urged the then-Prime Minister to put the plan in motion immediately because it would take 'many weeks to safely implement'.

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.

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 backlash comes after 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 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.

The Government said those convicted of sex offences, terrorism, domestic abuse and violent crimes would not be freed early under the scheme.

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.

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.

Yet those convicted of serious violence and serving sentences of four years or more will not be eligible, according to officials.
Mark Latham has been ordered to pay $140,000 to an independent NSW MP over a sexually explicit tweet that was found to be defamatory.

The tweet stemmed from a heated online argument with independent state MP Alex Greenwich and conveyed the meaning that he 'engages in disgusting sexual activities', the court was told.

Mr Greenwich, who is gay and is a vocal advocate for LGBTQI issues, sued Mr Latham over the tweet sent in March 2023, days after the state election.

On Wednesday, the court ordered Mr Latham pay Mr Greenwich $100,000 in damages and a further $40,000 in aggravated damages.

The former One Nation state leader's tweet described a sex act in explicit terms and was in response to a post quoting Mr Greenwich describing him as a 'disgusting human being'.

The independent Sydney MP also claimed he was defamed by comments made by Mr Latham to the Daily Telegraph in April 2023.

However Justice David O'Callaghan ruled those comments were not defamatory.

An explicit tweet sent by then-NSW One Nation head Mark Latham has been ruled defamatory, with the Federal Court ordering he pay $140,000 in damages

During a two-day trial in June, the judge heard the post unleashed a torrent of abuse on Mr Greenwich while also lowering his standing with those sympathetic to him.

In his defence, Mr Latham claimed the post was his honest opinion and a response to provocation started by Mr Greenwich.

He has admitted the tweet was crass, offensive and vulgar but denied it defamed the independent MP or ruined his reputation.

The graphic post was criticised across the political spectrum, including by One Nation federal leader Pauline Hanson.

The court ordered Mr Latham pay Mr Greenwich $100,000 in damages for non-economic loss and a further $40,000 in aggravated damages

The online sparring between the two politicians followed violent protests outside a church in Sydney's southwest, where Mr Latham was giving a pre-election speech in March 2023.

About 250 counter-protesters attacked police and 15 LGBTQI protesters who had set themselves up outside the Belfield church.

The matter will return to court on September 25 for final orders.
A rural police officer has ditched an anticipated argument that he was acting in self defence when he allegedly fatally tasered 95-year-old Clare Nowland in a nursing home.

Senior Constable Kristian James Samuel White has pleaded not guilty to manslaughter over the great-grandmother's death and will face trial later this year over the allegation.

The 33-year-old was called to Yallambee Lodge nursing home in Cooma on May 17 last year after the elderly dementia patient was found holding a knife.

Prosecutors allege he asked the 95-year-old to drop the knife before declaring 'bugger it' and discharging his Taser at her chest.

Mrs Nowland, who weighed only 43kg and was using a walking frame at the time, sustained a brain injury when she fell backwards. She died in hospital days later.

On Wednesday, Constable White's barrister Troy Edwards SC told the NSW Supreme Court he did not expect to maintain the foreshadowed argument that his client had acted in self defence.

He revealed the change as he made an application for the case to be heard by a judge rather than a jury, which was opposed by the Crown prosecutor.

Chief Judge at Common Law, Justice Ian Harrison, noted a hearing for the argument should be set down as soon as possible before the start of Constable White's trial in November.

Kristian White, the NSW Police officer accused of tasering Clare Nowland in an aged care facility, pictured outside Cooma Courthouse. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Adelaide Lang

'The difficulty is ... it's expected there will be on behalf of the accused a use of force expert qualified and a report served,' Mr Edwards explained.

'It's anticipated the service date for the report is October 7.'

He said the contents of the report could be significant for the argument over whether the trial should proceed before a judge alone.

Justice Harrison set the hearing down for October 14.

Mr Edwards warned the court that the evidence of a senior sergeant put forth by the prosecution as an expert in policing would be 'ultimately objected to'.

'It goes to the issue of whether exceptional circumstances exist as required by policing standards,' he said.

Crown prosecutor Brett Hatfield SC said that was the prosecution case at the moment but he was 'considering our position as to that' as the trial nears.

The court was told the parties were also working to settle a compilation video of CCTV footage and body worn camera footage related to the alleged fatal assault.

Constable White is expected to fight the allegation during a four-week trial in the state's highest court in November.

However, Mr Hatfield said it was a 'conservative estimate' and the trial should wrap up sooner than anticipated.

Clare Nowland died in May after she was allegedly tasered in her nursing home

Police allege the senior constable's use of his Taser on Mrs Nowland was 'a grossly disproportionate response' and contravened standard operating procedures.

According to court documents, the 95-year-old was cornered in an office when she slowly ambled towards the officers standing in the doorway.

She was leaning on her walking frame but lifted her hand slightly to point her knife at a female police officer when she approached.

In response, police allege Constable White activated the Taser's warning device and pointed it at the chest of the great-grandmother.

'Clare, stop now, see this, this is a Taser,' he allegedly cautioned her.

'Drop it now, drop it, this is your first warning.'

He allegedly lit up the device and initiated the audio before telling her: 'See, you are going to get tased'.

The dementia patient allegedly had the knife raised when Constable White said 'stop just ... nah bugger it' and deployed the taser into her chest.

Police allege the senior constable's use of his Taser on Mrs Nowland was 'a grossly disproportionate response' and contravened standard operating procedures

Mrs Nowland is survived by eight children, 24 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren.

They previously described the allegations against Constable White as 'extremely confronting and shocking'.

The rural police officer remains suspended from the NSW Police Force with pay.
A community has been left 'devastated' and in mourning after two young brothers are suspected to have been stabbed to death by their mother in an alleged horrific attempted murder suicide.

The boys, aged nine and 11, were found stabbed to death in their family's home in the sleepy Blue Mountains village of Faulconbridge about 12.40pm on Tuesday.

The boys' father, who does not live with them, called emergency services after discovering the gruesome scene.

His ex-wife was airlifted to Westmead Hospital under police guard and treated for self-inflicted cuts to her wrists before the 42-year-old was later placed under arrest.

No charges have so far been laid over the tragedy.

The young brothers were popular students at a nearby Catholic school and featured in dozens of its Facebook posts, where they are seen smiling and receiving awards.

They had attended school on Monday, with detectives now investigating what triggered their absence on Tuesday ahead of the tragic events that would later unfold at their home.

The Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese released a statement on behalf of the school, saying everyone who knew the young boys was grief-stricken by their loss.

One local who knew the family brought their son who left a toy truck at the scene

Residents began to lay tributes at the house on Wednesday even as detectives continued to investigate the scene

'Our Catholic schools community is devastated by the tragic deaths of two students,' the statement said.

'Counselling and wellbeing support is available to students and staff today, and will continue to be provided in coming weeks.

'The care and kindness of the broader Blues Mountains community at this difficult time is much appreciated.

'With police investigations continuing, we are unable to comment any further at this time.'

The crime scene has remained in lockdown as forensic officers complete their investigation.

The father's Mercedes-Benz station wagon also remained outside the family's property - a modest weatherboard bungalow at odds with many of the streets new homes.

Detectives were still removing bags of evidence on Wednesday morning as devastated local residents ferried their children past the home on the way to the local Springwood High and Springwood Public schools at the end of the street.

Residents began to lay tributes at the house on Wednesday even as investigators continued to investigate the scene.

Blue Mountains Commander John Nelson said local officers were being assisted by detectives from State Crime Command's homicide squad.

It is understood they are investigating whether Ms Smith may have suffered a psychotic episode in the lead up to the tragedy.

A blue tarpaulin hangs in front of the home where the boys were found

Forensics experts remove bags of evidence from the home

Police continued to pore over the crime scene on Wednesday morning

Asked whether the mother had a historic of mental health issues, he confirmed the mother was 'known to us but only for minor matters so it wouldn't be appropriate (to comment) at this stage'.

Many of the family's neighbours told Daily Mail Australia they were too shocked by the violent nature of the alleged murders to fully process it yet.

They were shocked on Tuesday afternoon by the sound of police sirens in their usually quiet street, just 450m from the area's famed Norman Lindsay Gallery.

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.

Just eight months ago, Google Streetview images captured the children's Christmas decorations strung up across the front yard of the family's home.

The mother also previously referenced mental health online, while working during the state's coronavirus lockdown, posting: 'Mental health is not just for those diagnosed.'

Retired homicide detective Steve Ticehurst, who lives around the corner from the young 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.

'Youd never think something like that could happen here - its a quiet community.'

Residents said they had not seen the mother around 'in a while' but that he had once joined the children and their mother at local events.

Blue Mountains Commander John Nelson said local officers were 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
Republicans were furious at ABC News moderators David Muir and Linsey Davis for refusing to fact check Kamala Harris on her lies about Donald Trump's views on IVF.

Muir and Davis have repeatedly attempted to fact check Trump during the debate on issues such as the Capitol riot and a claim about migrant crime.

However, Harris incorrectly stated that Trump was against in vitro fertilization during the debate.

The former president stated that he has spoken out in favor of IVF when it has faced bans at the state level.

Former White House Press Secretary Ari Fleischer wrote on social media: 'ABC is making a huge mistake trying to fact check this live. Theyre only proving how biased they are. Harris fabricated an attack on Trump over IVF. ABC sat there and said nothing'.

Republicans were furious at ABC News moderators David Muir and Linsey Davis for refusing to fact check Kamala Harris on her lies about Donald Trump 's views on IVF

Muir and Davis have repeatedly attempted to fact check Trump during the debate on issues such as the Capitol riot and a claim about migrant crime

Abigail Shrier added: 'The moderators didn't fact check Kamala Harris on Project 2025. The moderators didn't fact check Kamala Harris on IVF. They just fact-checked Trump for the fourth time'.

A Trump campaign account pointed out what the debate moderators wouldn't: that Harris wasn't telling the truth.

'Kamala is LYING again. President Trump has said he wants to make it easier for mothers and fathers to have babies, including supporting IVF in every state', they wrote.

Linsey Davis claimed that Trump was lying when he said that states are allowing for post-birth executions.

Muir said Trump claimed falsely that immigrants were eating pets in the town of Springfield, Ohio.

Harris was not fact checked by either during the debate.

Trump frustrated social conservatives by adopting a more progressive line on IVF, or in vitro fertilization.

He declared that he would make the expensive procedure free for Americans.

The former president has further distanced himself from the issue by reportedly ordering the party to tone down abortion language at the Republican National Convention.

Earlier this spring, Trump told his advisors that he was leaning toward endorsing a 16-week national abortion ban with exceptions for rape, incest, and the life of the mother.

However, he reportedly reversed course after looking over some polling and started saying that abortion was something that should be decided at the state level.

Harris incorrectly stated that Trump was against in vitro fertilization during the debate

The former president has further distanced himself from the issue by reportedly ordering the party to tone down abortion language at the Republican National Convention

Also, the former president has repeatedly voiced his objection when state's have ruled too harshly on the abortion question.

He has denounced Florida's 6-week ban, calling it a 'terrible mistake,' and during an interview with NBC on Thursday. He added that women in Florida needed more time in order to determine whether or not they wanted an abortion.

Trump signaled that he could vote to end Florida's six-week abortion ban when it comes up in a referendum later this year, as he continues his delicate dance around a key election issue.

In an exclusive interview with DailyMail.com he previewed an upcoming announcement on his voting stance by saying that he did not think six weeks was enough time.

But he avoided committing to using the presidential veto if a nationwide federal ban arrived on his desk as president even though his running mate said he would.

In office, Trump reveled in being the most pro-life president in history, taking credit for ending federal protections for abortion by installing the conservative justices on the Supreme Court who overturned Roe v Wade.

This time he is trying to keep both sides happy on one of the most divisive issues in the election by saying it is up to states to decide their own laws.

This prompted outcry from some conservatives, including those at the National Review, where they published an article entitled 'Trump Stabs Florida Pro-lifers in the Front.'

In an effort to clean up the situation, Leavitt said that the former president 'simply reiterated that he believes six weeks is too short.'

Trump revealed that he would vote no on the measure that would preserve the six-week ban in Florida.

As the final weeks of the presidential campaign grind on and Trump tries to regain some of the losses he has incurred since Harris took over for President Joe Biden, he will face the immense challenge of winning over new, more liberal, voters while placating his base.
An art installation of an inverted red triangle in a Melbourne gallery has sparked uproar over the meaning behind the symbol.

Hayden's art gallery, in Brunswick East, is currently showing an exhibition by visual artist and RMIT University lecturer Dr Leslie Eastman, titled The Cave, The Flood.

Part of the exhibition includes a 3metre wide inverted pyramid that's lit up with a red LED floodlight.

The symbol of an inverted red pyramid has been used by the military wing of Palestinian group Hamas, the Al-Qassam Brigades, to mark Israeli targets.

It has caused controversy around the globe, with even Berlin banning the use of the red triangle.

Dr Eastman's exhibition is described as a 'response to the charged events that have erupted over the last nine months in historic Palestine'.

'More than ever the latest phase in the occupation of Palestine has exposed vested interests and the limits of Western institutions, creating a flood of enraged civil and artistic protests worldwide,' the description on Hayden's website reads.

'The Cave, The Flood is a response to the complex history and meanings of this charged geological and spiritual pivot point, considering it from both religious and political perspectives.

The symbol of an inverted red pyramid has been used by the military wing of Palestinian group Hamas, the Al-Qassam Brigades, to mark Israeli targets. An art installation involving the triangle is currently being shown in an art gallery in Melbourne

'So much is clouded in Western reportage. So little of the context is appreciated by Western eyes.'

The triangle has been on show in the gallery since August 16, with the exhibition set to finish on September 14.

Shadow Home Affairs Minister James Patterson blasted the art installation.

'No supporter of the Palestinian cause in Australia should be associating themselves with the symbols of Hamas, a listed terrorist organisation,' he told The Australian.

'It is well and truly pushing the bounds of art, good taste and potentially even the law to appropriate an image used by the Al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas's militant wing, to designate Israeli targets on the 7th of October and in their propaganda videos since.'

Dr Eastman is a senior lecturer in Design and Social Context at RMIT.

A spokesperson for the university said: 'RMIT was aware that an academic was exhibiting his work, however we were not aware of the specific content of the exhibition.'

'The academic's creative practice research is light-based installations.'

Dr Eastman and Hayden's gallery were contacted for comment.
Passengers aboard a Royal Caribbean ship watched in horror as a 12-year-old boy plunged to his death from a 13th-floor balcony on the last night of their cruise.

Thousands were aboard the Harmony of the Seas as it headed towards Galveston, Texas, at the end of its seven-day cruise around the Western Caribbean on Saturday.

Witnesses said the boy had been playing with a group of friends he had made on board shortly before falling over the cabin railing into the internal Central Park area of the ship, a plaza filled with bars, pubs and restaurants.

Royal Caribbean staff attempted to resuscitate the youngster, but he died before the ship docked in Texas.

'My daughter was friends with him and said he was upset today,' posted Sara Tullas on a Facebook page for passengers. 'She is so upset. I wish I would have known he was struggling today.'

The boy is reported to have fallen five-stories from a cabin balcony to the Central Park atrium

The French-built ship was the world's largest cruise liner when it was launched in 2016 , with rooms for more than 7,000 passengers across its 18 decks

Friends said the boy was on board with his family, including two sisters, for a birthday celebration.

Passengers lining up to board at Galveston for the boat's next cruise were told they would have to wait as investigations continued on board.

Royal Caribbean confirmed in a statement that a death had occurred on board and that staff were in contact with the family.

The company refused to release any more information but horrified witnesses said the boy had fallen from his family's cabin on Deck 14 to the Central Park atrium on Deck 8 at around 5pm.

'We were a few rooms down and saw undercover cops investigating the room this morning,' wrote Melissa Anderson. 'Birthday decorations on the door and inside the room, with a chair pushed against the balcony.'

'It had rained that afternoon and the balconies were damp,' added Becky Potter. 'It would be difficult to fall if you stand on the ground, but if on the chairs or wet table top anything is possible.'

The French-built ship was the world's largest cruise liner when it was launched in 2016, with rooms for more than 7,000 passengers across its 18 decks.

Geared towards family-bookings it boasts 'endless opportunities' for children to 'make friends and engage in fun, educational, supervised activities with other cruisers in their age group'.

Passengers reacted with horror to the news on one of the ship's private Facebook groups

In 2019 a 16-year-old passenger slipped and fell to his death on the boat while trying to climb into the balcony of his eighth-deck cabin after locking himself out

The boy had taken part in the cruise's teen-club, and many passengers said their children had got to know the boy before his death.

'The conversations I have had to have with my son really tripped me up,' wrote Shannon Elizabeth from Belfair in Washington.

'My son and him actually got really close on the cruise, and he saw too much of what happened.'

'My family and I saw the incident unfold right before us as we were looking down into Central Park from the pool deck,' wrote Christa Schoolfield. 'We did not see whether he jumped or was playing around.'

In 2019 a 16-year-old passenger slipped and fell to his death on the boat while trying to climb into the balcony of his eighth-deck cabin after locking himself out.

Laurent Mercer from Wallis and Futuna was declared dead after falling onto a quay while the ship was docked in Labadee, Haiti, in the middle of a seven-day cruise.

And in November last year another 16-year-old boy did after falling from his rain-sodden cabin balcony into the Central Park area of the Harmony's sister ship Allure of the Seas.

The ship was heading from Port Canaveral in Florida to Nassau in the Bahamas when passengers on the Allure heard a ship-wide announcement in the early hours of the morning calling for blood donors to come forward.

The boy's mother Aymee Comas-Diaz later thanked people who tried to help her dying son on the Allure.

'I can't begin to express how much it meant to me and my family to see so many strangers come down to help us,' she wrote in a Facebook posting. 'And to the lady who gave me a hug, thank so much. I needed it.'

Some passengers wondered if they could help the boy's grieving family

Passengers on the Harmony had already been unnerved by a series of 'alpha alpha' emergency alerts during the cruise by the time the final one signaled the 12-year-old's fatal fall on Saturday.

'I looked over the railing after the emergency alert and wish I didnt,' wrote one. 'Condolences to the families.'

'I witnessed the incident with the 12yo boy that passed away, I stayed with him the entire time hoping to see any sign of life and to let him know he wasn't alone when he passed,' an anonymous passenger posted to Facebook.

'I have my opinions on how the staff and medical personnel reacted and responded to the emergency that I will address at a later time when appropriate.

'But for now all I ask is to please hug your children tight and tell you family members you love them.

'Life can change in an instant. Today I was hiding ducks in Central Park and one second later a child's life was gone in front of me.'

Dailymail.com has reached out to Royal Caribbean for more details.
Donald Trump demanded during Tuesday's debate that Kamala Harris answer to 'radical Democratic' policies that would allow late-term pregnancies and 'executions' of newborns.

The former president told the ABC News moderators that they should press Harris on whether she supports abortion in the final months of pregnancy  only doing so through the anchors because the rules dictate that candidates cannot pose questions to one another on stage.

Trump claimed there are cases where Democrats want to legalize abortion in the sixth, seventh or eighth month of pregnancy.

He even said that there are liberals who want to allow newborns to die if they are delivered and the mother decides she wants to abort.

The claim stems from a 2019 abortion proposal in Virginia that would loosen regulations on late-term abortion.

Donald Trump says that Democrats want to allow 'execution of babies' by referencing 2019 Virginia bill that then-Gov. Ralph Northam classified by saying: 'The infant would be delivered; the infant would be kept comfortable... And then a discussion would ensue between the physicians and the mother'

'They have abortion in the ninth month The [Virginia] governor before  he said 'the baby will be born and we will decide what to do with the baby.' In other words, 'we'll execute the baby,' Trump said on stage at the debate in Philadelphia.

'The Democrats are radical in that,' he continued. 'But her vice presidential pick says abortion in the ninth month is absolutely fine. He also says execution after birth  it's execution, no longer abortion because the baby is born  is OK. And that's not OK with me.'

ABC News moderator Linsey Davis live-time fact checked Trump at the conclusion of his answer on abortion.

'There is no state in this country where it is legal to kill a baby after it's born,' she said said before giving Vice President Harris a chance to respond.

'Well, as I said you're going to hear a bunch of lies, and that's not actually a surprising fact,' she replied.

Virginia's proposed abortion law garnered widespread attention in January 2019.

Then-Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam said at the time: 'If a mother is in labor, I can tell you exactly what would happen: the infant would be delivered; the infant would be kept comfortable, the infant would be resuscitated if that's what the mother and the family desired.'

'And then a discussion would ensue between the physicians and the mother,' he said.

This is the comment that has been jumped on by Republicans to claim that pro-abortion advocates want to see babies die if they were born to a mother who wants to terminate her pregnancy.

Debate moderators pressed Harris on whether she supports implementing any restrictions on abortion, which she dodged.

'I absolutely support reinstating the protections of Roe v. Wade,' the vice president replied. 'And as you rightly mentioned, nowhere in America is a woman carrying a pregnancy to term and asking for an abortion. That is not happening, that is insulting to the women of America.'

Trump shot back: 'I have to respond.'

Trump demanded that Vice President Kamala Harris answer whether she would support late-term abortions in the sixth, seventh or eighth month of pregnancy

The Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June 2022, opening the floodgates for states to regulate abortion rather than it being a federally protected medical procedure

'You should ask, will she allow abortion in the eighth month, ninth month, seventh month?' he said to the moderators but was clearly speaking to Harris.

'Come on?' the VP could be heard saying, though her microphone was muted since it was not her turn to speak.

'OK, would you do that? Why don't you ask her that question?' Trump pressed.

'Under Roe v. Wade you could do abortions in the seventh month, the eighth month, the ninth month and probably after birth,' he continued, as Harris could be seen on split screen shaking her head.

'Just look at the former governor of Virginia. He said you put the baby aside and then we determine what we want to do with the baby.'

During an interview with ABC News right after the showdown concluded, Harris' running mate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz was asked to clarify if they would support late-term abortions or implement any restrictions.

Walz did not provide much clarity, and instead repeated that they would support reimplementation of Roe v. Wade, which provided federal-level protection and privacy from government when it came to medical decisions, including whether to get an abortion.
ABC reporter Heather Ewart has announced her retirement after almost 50 years with the national broadcaster.

Ms Ewart will leave the ABC in March next year, having been with the network since 1977.

She was one of the broadcaster's first female foreign correspondents, working in London, Washington DC and Brussels.

The journalist's roles within the ABC included Chief Political Correspondent, Political Editor, National Affairs Correspondent, fill-in host for 7.30 and presenter of World at Noon.

Ms Ewart was also one of few women reporting on federal politics during the 1980s, and covered many elections during her career.

'I've had a varied and very interesting career at the ABC and am grateful for the opportunities given to me,' she said.

'I fought hard for many of them, and hope this encouraged other women to have a go as well.'

Ms Ewart is still working on episodes of Back Roads which will go to air throughout next year.

ABC reporter Heather Ewart (left) has announced her retirement after almost 50 years with the national broadcaster

Ms Ewart will leave the ABC in March next year, having been with the network since 1977

ABC News Director Justin Stevens said he first worked alongside Ms Ewart in the early 2000s on The 7.30 Report.

'She was held in great regard in the federal political sphere and was also a superb reporter on many other issues of national interest and history,' he said.

'The public have loved Heather and her work, they appreciate her authentic and passionate connection to our audience.'

Ms Ewart's accolades include her being awarded the Gold Quill in 2007 from the Melbourne Press Club. Her work on melanoma victim Claire Oliver led to a nationwide ban on solariums.

In 2019, she opened up about her career and her early start in a male-dominated industry.

'When I arrived in Canberra in 1980, there were hardly any women in the Press Gallery,' she said in a piece for the ABC.

'Some of the blokes used to call us radio reporters ''microphone stands with t**s''.

'There weren't even female toilets in the press gallery, you had to go to another part of Old Parliament House just to go to the toilet.

'And there were a lot of men working there who saw young women as fair game  you knew not to go to some politicians' offices on your own, particularly after they'd had a few whiskeys.'

Ms Ewart grew up on a sheep, cattle and wheat farm in central Victoria and is married to former ABC journalist and Insiders host Barrie Cassidy.
An angry clash over January 6 proved to be one of the key moments of the debate after a question and interjections by moderator David Muir.

Vice President Kamala Harris said early in the debate that Trump left us the worst attack on our democracy since the Civil War, and the topic returned when Muir brought it up later.

I had nothing to do with that other than they asked me to make a speech, Trump said. He brought up the shooting of Ashli Babbitt outside the House chamber on January 6 and said nobody on the other side was killed.

Harris, whose campaign has tried to reframe the President Biden's emphasis on calling Trump a threat to democracy as part of her own revamped campaign, said Trump incited a violent mob to attack our nations Capitol.

Harris said Trump was indicted and impeached for exactly that reason, then shifted to her campaign message. We dont have to go back. Lets not go back. Were not going back. Its time to turn the page.

She did a bit of going back herself, pointing to Trump's statement in a 2020 debate when asked a question about the Proud Boys, and reciting a statement about Charlottesville was a cornerstone of Biden's 2020 campaign run.

Former President Donald Trump repeated his claims about having won the 2020 election

She used the question to make an appeal to Trump critics, after early pointing to military members who have broken with Trump. There is a place in our campaign for you. To stand for country to stand for our democracy to stand for rule of law.

Trump stood by his claims he prevailed in the election after ABC News anchor Muir told him he falsely claimed that you won, in an angry exchange that came before each candidate was set to head to New York and Pennsylvania to mark the anniversary of the Sept. 11th attacks.

They said we didnt have standing. A technicality, Trump said of court cases that went against him during his election overturn effort.

He also pushed back when Muir brought up his recent statement that he 'lost by a whisker'  an apparent acknowledgement that he did lose.

'That was said sarcastically,' Trump said, days after telling podcaster Lex Fridman 'I got millions more votes than that and lost by a whisker.'

On stage in the prime time debate Tuesday, Trump said he got 'almost 75 million votes,' rounding up from 74 million, 'the most votes any sitting president has ever gotten.'

VP Kamala Harris said Donald Trump was fired by 81 million people' and said he was having a difficult time processing it

Your browser does not support iframes.

Donald Trump was fired by 81 million people. So lets be clear about that, and clearly he is having a very difficult time processing that,' she said.

Trump repeatedly tried to pivot to immigration, and pin the influx of migrants of undocumented immigrants on Harris.

'What about all the people that are pouring into our country and killing people that she allowed to pour in? She was the border czar. Remember that? She was the border czar. She doesn't want to be called the border czar because she's embarrassed by the border,' he said.

'When are those people going to be prosecuted? When are the people that burned down Minneapolis going to be prosecuted, or in Seattle? They went into Seattle, they took over a big percentage of the city of Seattle. When are those people going to be prosecuted?' he said.
A new Netflix drama which appears to have been inspired by the bouncy castle tragedy that killed six Australian children in Tasmania has come under fire.

The Accident, set in Santa Cruz in Mexico, follows a close-knit community after a bouncy castle is blown away by strong winds at a children's birthday party.

The 10-part series was released on the global streaming giant last month and has since received a score of 5.7 out of 10 on IMDb.

Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff said the similarities to the 2021 tragedy in his state were 'distasteful' and that a 'massive insensitivity was on display'.

On December 16, 2021, at Tasmania's Hillcrest Primary School during end-of-year celebrations, primary schoolers Chace Harrison, Jalailah Jayne-Maree Jones, Zane Mellor, Addison Stewart, Jye Sheehan and Peter Dodt were killed.

A jumping castle and zorb balls were blown 10metres into the air by a wind gust while the children were inside. Another three children were also injured.

'Netflix should apologise to the (Hillcrest) community,' Mr Rockliff told the Tasmanian House of Assembly on Tuesday.

Netflix said via its website Tadum that The Accident is fictional and not based on a real life event and pointed to data from the American Meteorological Society showing similar incidents that have happened in the US.

Tasmania's Liberal Premier Jeremy Rockliff (pictured right) has demanded Netflix apologise to the families of the Hillcrest victims over its new bouncy castle drama The Accident

Set in Santa Cruz, Mexico, The Accident (pictured) is a 10 part series which follows a close knit community after a children's party takes a tragic turn

Viewer reaction to the series has been mixed with some claiming it was 'sad but good' and others saying poor production quality let it down and questioned whether it was 'exploitative' of the Tasmanian victims.

In November 2023, Taz-Zorb, the firm running the jumping castle at Hillcrest, was charged with an offence under the Work Health and Safety Act 2012 in that it allegedly failed to comply with its health and safety duty, putting children in danger.

The company's operator has pleaded not guilty and the matter is set for a two-week trial in November this year.

The students had been celebrating their primary school graduation when the jumping castle was suddenly swept upwards, with children still bouncing on it. All were aged between 11 and 12.

Australians raised $1.4million for the families of the victims, although the money wasn't released until March, 2022.

As a result of the tragedy, several organisations have banned the use of all inflatables on their properties, including the Tasmanian Department of Education.

The Accident (pictured) was released on the global streaming giant last month and has since received a score of 5.7 out of 10 on IMDb

From left: Zane Mellor, Peter Dodt, Addison Stewart, Jye Sheehan and Jalailah Jayne-Marie Jones died on December 15, 2021 when a jumping castle was lifted 10 metres into the air and three days later Chace Harrison (right) succumbed to his injuries

Flowers and messages of support in Tasmania on the first anniversary of the tragedy

The Netflix series The Accident is directed by Klych Lopez and Gracia Querejeta and written by Leonardo Padron.

The Spanish telenovela sees Daniela Daniela (Ana Claudia Talancon) and Emiliano (Sebastian Martinez) throw a birthday party for their son, Rodrigo.

However things take a tragic turn when the wind picks up and a horror accident lifts up the bouncy castle and causes the deaths of three children.

The IDMB description reads: 'A tragic accident radically changes the lives of three families, triggering a terrible spiral of guilt, resentment, and violence, that will lead them to explore the outermost edges of pain, endurance, and mercy.'
A Philadelphia man accused of killing and beheading his own father claims the murder took place a botched attempt at conducting a citizen's arrest.

Justin Mohn, of Levittown, is facing charges of murder, terrorism and theft relating to the killing of his father Michael, 68, in January of this year.

He was arrested after sharing a disturbing 14-minute video titled 'Mohn's Militia - Call to Arms for American Patriots' in which he displayed his father's severed head.

After a court appearance on Tuesday, Mohn told reporters his father was a 'federal employee' and admitted to killing him after the dad 'betrayed him' and resisted an citizen's arrest.

While dressed in a yellow jumpsuit, Mohn said: 'He was a federal employee and betrayed me. I was trying to perform a citizen's arrest. He resisted that citizen's arrest. It's lawful to use deadly force in that event.'

After a court appearance on Tuesday, Mohn told awaiting reporters that he had killed his father who had 'betrayed him' after he resisted an citizen's arrest

In court, prosecutors argued that Mohn had planned to kill his own father basing it on his YouTube video where they say he read from a prepared speech.

Prosecutors also claim that this video was a call to action from Mohn, calling on others to rise up and overthrow the government.

According to NBC Philadelphia, prosecutors also said that Mohn had written to the head of a National Guard Base in Lebanon County, where he was caught.

On the evening of his father's death, Mohn is alleged to have taken his father's car to the base and jumped over the fence before he was apprehended.

In a letter to the commander of the base, which was read out in court, Mohn apologized and said he wanted the National Guard to join his movement.

Prosecutor Edward Louka also added that Mohn had a 'to do list' and prosecutors showed photos of Mohn buying the gun they say he used in the killing.

Louka told the court: Essentially what this case is, Mr. Mohn, based on his beliefs, is making a call to arms to achieve the aims he believes in.

'He did that through violence. The violence was the murder of his father, who, it's obviously not a coincidence, was a federal employee. He, essentially, needed that murder to get his message across.'

On the evening of his father's death, who is seen here, Mohn is alleged to have taken his father's car to the base and jumped over the fence before he was apprehended

His defense lawyers have not argued against the murder charges, and have made attempts to dismiss terrorism charges.

They claim that while Mohn did post online that he was the head of a militia, he had nobody backing him and no followers.

His attorney Steven Jones said: 'It's a tragic case. The loss of life is always tragic. I don't think there are any winners here.'

In discussing details of the day, prosecutors told the court that Mohn's father was shot while he was using the bathroom.

Mohn's father worked for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Philadelphia District and was branded a 'traitor to the country' in his son's rambling manifesto.

In the video, Mohn offered a $1 million bounty to anyone who could kill top officials including FBI Director Christopher Wray, Attorney General Merrick Garland and former Attorney General Bill Barr.

The 14-minute clip was viewed more than 5,000 times before being taken down.

Among Mohn's grievances with the Biden administration was the belief that 'woke mobs' were 'destroying the country.'

His talking points echoed beliefs associated with QAnon, a far-right conspiracy theory that hinges on fabricated claims made by anonymous individuals called 'Q.'

Mohn's mother, Denice, discovered her husband's headless body when she returned home and called police.

The Pennsylvania man is accused of beheading his father in the family's Levittown home before going on a bizarre rant against the federal government in a YouTube video

Police found the severed head inside a plastic bag that had been placed in a cooking pot in a bedroom.

In the bathroom next door, investigators recovered a large kitchen knife and a machete from the tub. Bloody rubber gloves were also found in a first-floor bedroom.

The University of Colorado graduate referred to himself as 'the commander of America's national network of militias, which you may know as Mohn's Militia.'

He made frequent references to God and Satan and called for people to follow him.

'Prior to the 2020 presidential election, some electors and campaign contributors in both the Republican and Democratic parties saw me as the best candidate for president of America, despite my age,' Mohn said.

He claimed he 'could've been the first unanimously elected president since George Washington.'

The Pennsylvania man previously filed a lawsuit against the United States after he failed to secure a job.

According to court documents from 2023, Mohn argued that he deserved more than $10 million from the United States because his degree 'did not lead to better jobs or higher pay, but rather disadvantaged him because he was perceived as an "overeducated, white male" and "affirmative action" policies hurt his career chances.'
Vice President Kamala Harris got under former President Donald Trump's skin during Tuesday night's debate by saying that his supporters leave his rallies early.

That comment led to one of the strangest claims to be made by Trump during the debate - that Haitian immigrants the Biden-Harris campaign allowed into the U.S. were 'eating pets' in Springfield, Ohio.

'They're eating the cats. They're eating - they're eating the pets,' Trump yelled.

Harris had segued from talking about the border crisis to Trump rallies by noting how immigration is often a hot topic at the mass gatherings.

From there she noted the odd variety of subjects that come up during Trump's speeches - which normally run around 90 minutes.

'I'm going to actually do something really unusual,' she said. 'I'm going to invite you to attend one of Donald Trump's rallies because it's a really interesting thing to watch. You see during the course of his rallies he talks about fictional characters like Hannibal Lecter. He will talk about how windmills cause cancer.

'And what you will also notice is that people start leaving his rallies early out of exhaustion and boredom,' the Democratic nominee said.

Vice President Kamala Harris got under former President Donald Trump's skin during Tuesday night's debate by saying that his supporters leave his rallies early

Former President Donald Trump (left) pushed back when Vice President Kamala Harris (right) said his supporters left his rallies early - and claimed that Harris paid people to attend her rallies

'And I will tell you the one thing you will not hear him talk about is you,' she added.

That assertion got Trump sputtering.

He was asked by moderators why he encouraged Congressional Republicans to tank a border bill deal, but Trump instead said he wanted to address Harris' rallies comment.

'She said people start leaving,' Trump said. 'People don't go to her rallies. There's no reason to go. And the people that do go, she's busing them in and paying them to be there.'

Trump continued: 'People don't leave my rallies. We have the biggest rallies, the most incredible rallies in the history of politics.'

Since Harris took the place of President Joe Biden on the Democratic ticket in late July, she's been attracting large crowds - something that wasn't seen during the 2020 cycle when Biden held small COVID-conscious events.

Before the debate the Harris campaign launched an ad that trolled Trump on rally size with comments made by former President Barack Obama. In his recent speech at the Democratic National Convention, Obama hinted that Trump's 'obsession with crowd size' has a deeper meaning.

A Harris campaign ad that was released earlier Tuesday showed footage of sparsely populated stands at a Trump rally to get under the ex-president's skin

It primary featured former President Barack Obama gesturing at the Democratic National Convention suggesting that former President Donald Trump's obsession with crowd size had deeper meaning

After the debate crowd size row Trump spun up the most bizarre attack of the 90-minute event as he returned to the topic of immigration.

He followed the lead of his vice presidential pick, Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance, in claiming - falsely - that people's pets were being eaten by Haitian immigrants in the town of Springfield, Ohio.

ABC News' moderator David Muir then inserted a fact check.

'I just want to clarify here, you bring up Springfield, Ohio. And ABC News did reach out to the city manager there. He told us there have been no credible reports of specific claims of pets being harmed, injured or abused by individuals.'

The former president's MAGA allies accused the ABC moderators of bias for fact-checking some of Trump's statements throughout the night.

After Muir asserted the pet-eating claims were false, Trump pushed back.

'I've seen people on television say my dog was taken,' the ex-president argued.

'A dog was eaten by the people,' Trump said.

Those few moments of the debate put the ex-president on defense for the rest of the showdown, with a CNN snap poll showing that Harris was the clear winner.

Trump ally, South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham, told The Bulwark's Tim Miller that the aides who prepped the Republican for the debate should be fired - as his lack of true preparation showed.
A cafe chain owner has slammed the snarky remarks Today Show host Karl Stefanovic made during an interview.

Dan Dick, owner of Born and Raised Coffee and Nigel cafes in Melbourne, appeared on the breakfast show on Monday after he went viral for explaining the surcharge behind milk alternatives.

In the original video, Mr Dick explained most cafes charge a small fee for swapping to alternative, non-dairy milks as they cost 'almost double what dairy milk costs' and there's an added 'complication to the workflow'.

After viewing a snippet of the video, Stefanovic jokingly said to Mr Dick: 'Bit of a whinger, isn't he, Dan?'

While the business owner brushed off the comment and continued with the interview, he made a follow-up video on Tuesday criticising Stefanovic's blase attitude.

'I guess I'll cop my fair whack. May as well start calling me the ginger whinger from now on,' Mr Dick said.

He also took issue with Stefanovic telling him to not 'whack any more' fees onto his coffees.

'Afraid of a surcharge are you, Karl?' Mr Dick said.

'I would've thought with all that money you're saving from wearing one suit all year round you'd have plenty of dough to shell out for a couple of lattes, mate.'

Dan Dick (ictured) appeared on the Today Show on Monday after he went viral for explaining the surcharge behind milk alternatives

Stefanovic (left) called Mr Dick a 'whinger', to which the cafe owner shot back: 'I would've thought with all that money you're saving from wearing one suit all year round you'd have plenty of dough to shell out for a couple of lattes, mate'

Mr Dick told Daily Mail Australia the video was made for some 'good banter'.

'I feel like if Karl Stefanovic calls you a whinger on live TV you should make the most of it,' he said.

'Wish Id "champ"-ed him on the spot but it kind of shocked me so I just responded by being diplomatic and professional.

'Just a bit hypocritical he calls me a whinger and then says not to "put on anymore surcharges"... whos the whinger now?'

In his original video, Mr Dick explained the extra steps needed to use alternative milks are often overlooked by customers.

'It's the complication to the workflow of having six different milks, especially with takeaway coffees which are at the core of my business, it slows down service,' he said.

He explained instead of being able to steam a large jug of dairy milk and pour a run of orders, the milk for each drink has to be steamed separately.

'I was on shift this morning and made about 12 drinks consecutively that couldn't be grouped because they were all different milks. Slows things painfully,' he said.

The experienced barista who has worked in other hospitality venues before going out on his own, said he was considering offering one milk alternative free of a surcharge in the hope non-dairy drinkers would predominantly choose that option.

'If you were an almond milk drinker, would you drink soy or oat if there was no surcharge or, taking that a step further, if my prices went up but black coffee was kept cheaper, would you as a milk drinker be inclined to switch to black coffee?'

'This could help control my bottom line and affect my workflow in a way that's conducive to getting coffees out faster.'

Mr Dick, who owns Nigel cafes, told Daily Mail Australia the video was made for some 'good banter'

Many coffee drinkers weighed in with their take on the dairy dilemma.

'I do like the idea of having one milk alternative the same as normal milk price,' one said.

'I think if you're going to have a surcharge on some alt milks it may as well be on them all, often people have a certain one because of allergies to others and won't switch for cheaper,' added another.

'The consumer needs to be aware of the cost if they want to buy a premium product,' said a third.

'I drink oat milk usually. I would switch to soy if it had no surcharge, but I wouldn't switch to almond, because almond is pretty watery.' a fourth said.
People around the world watching the debacle that was the second Presidential debate might not realise how profoundly irrelevant pretty much everything both candidates say really is when it comes to implementing change.

America's political system is broken, divided and almost incapable of forcing national change on a country spiraling out of control.

The federal government doesn't have the power to improve the American society in the way presidential candidates claim they will do if elected.

The real power resides with the states. And American states aren't equal the way they are in many other federations around the world.

For example, in Australia we have something called 'horizontal fiscal equalisation' that ensures poorer states are subsidised so that they don't fall behind naturally wealthier states.

That doesn't happen in America. So there is huge wealth disparity between states in the USA, just as there is between people.

Think about all the barriers to a President getting anything done.

The big lie is that it's extremely difficult for a US president to get much done domestically - even if they have both houses of Congress

There is little major party discipline to begin with. So a President will struggle to convince their own party to support any initiatives they pledge to implement, much less the other side of politics.

That means they might not get their ideas through the House of Representatives, one of two houses of Congress, even if their side of politics controls it, which they often don't.

Being elected President doesn't in any way guarantee your party having the numbers in the House. Even if they do, the lack of party discipline means you can't rely on those numbers.

Plus House elections are every two years, so the numbers change so often that long term difficult reforms can't keep up. So they rarely happen.

That's before you get to the Senate, which is needed to pass legislation if it is to become law. The partisan complexion of the Senate is often different to the House.

Even if a President somehow carries the day through both chambers in the Congress, the original idea has probably been compromised into a shell of what it originally looked like.

Then it gets interpreted away by a partisan divided Supreme Court anyway, a collection of judges who are much more politically motivated than high courts in other nations are.

And at the end of this lengthy, difficult to navigate system, federal government decisions more often than not are subservient to state laws anyway, because America's federation preserves strong power amongst the 50 states.

That was the only way to bring the Union together and keep it together.

So what power does the President really have?

They might seem powerful internationally, but that outward facing power isn't matched domestically where policy decisions really matter - where they affect the American people.

Calls to end all the negativity in Presidential campaigns is understandable, but the only real domestic power a US President has is a negative power: the veto power they have over anything the Congress tries to legislate without them.

It adds to the inertia and the perception that politics in the US is always negative and always appears broken.

Such negative power as the dominant power of the Presidency butts heads with the mantra of hope so often falsely paraded around by next generation candidates and progressives hoping to inspire their way into the White House.

So when you hear both Trump and Harris claiming that if elected they will change this, that and the other, know this: it's all rhetoric not substance.

Because in truth they can't really do much. US Presidents aren't as powerful as they seem, not domestically anyway.

Peter van Onselen is Daily Mail Australia's political editor.
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Liberal CNN pundit Van Jones was elated by Kamala Harris' debate against Donald Trump Tuesday in Philadelphia while anti-Trump Republican Chris Christie also praised the vice president.

Trump and Harris traded fiery jabs at the ABC News hosted contest, which drew viewer criticism for moderators David Muir and Linsey Davis' refusal to fact check Harris.

Afterward, it was a complete 180-degree turn from the liberal media's reaction to Joe Biden's debate disaster against Trump in Georgia in June, which led to the president exiting the race.

Jones, who called Biden's June performance 'painful' and a failure, couldn't hide his excitement over Harris' jabs at Trump.

'She whooped him, she just whooped him', Jones said after his fellow liberals like David Axelrod lavished praise on Harris.

Liberal CNN pundit Van Jones was elated by Kamala Harris ' debate against Donald Trump Tuesday in Philadelphia while anti-Trump Republican Chris Christie also praised the vice president

Trump and Harris traded fiery jabs at the ABC News hosted contest , which drew viewer criticism for moderators David Muir and Linsey Davis' refusal to fact check Harris

He then explained that Harris was fulfilling the role in fiction of 'wish fulfillment' in how she handled Trump.

'People have wanted to see somebody put this bully in his place', Jones said of the former president.

'She got up there and she put him in his place. She baited him and then she spanked him', he said, before laughing and repeating the statement again.

'Not only did she pass the Commander-in-chief test, he failed it. Do you want this guy dealing with a dictator? You could see the punches coming, he just couldn't get out of the way'.

Jones finished by claiming that Harris was speaking 'for the people' when talking about her 'middle class background' while Trump spoke 'for himself'.

Chris Christie, the former two-term governor of New Jersey who unsuccessfully ran against Trump twice for the GOP nomination before eventually turning on the former president, also praised Harris and slammed Trump.

'She was exquisitely well prepared, she laid traps and he chased every rabbit down every hole instead of talking about the things that he should've been talking about,' Christie said on ABC News.

'This is the difference between someone who is well prepared and someone who is unprepared', he added, saying Trump was 'gonna lose the election'.

Chris Christie, the former two-term governor of New Jersey who unsuccessfully ran against Trump twice for the GOP nomination before eventually turning on the former president, also praised Harris and slammed Trump

Gov. Chris Christie reacts to the ABC News Presidential Debate. pic.twitter.com/ZOBlSiJ3w8  ABC News Live (@ABCNewsLive) September 11, 2024

Christie then slammed the Trump campaign for preparing him for the debate poorly.

'Whoever did debate prep for Donald Trump should be fired, he was not good tonight at all'.

He said that Harris 'looked like she belonged' while Trump talked about 'people eating pets' and his rallies without mentioning enough about the economy.

'I think what we're going to see is people seeing Kamala Harris as a potential president. Donald Trump is going to have to get to work'.

I think that there's been a desire - in fiction, there's wish fulfillment.

While pro-Trump conservatives like CNN's Scott Jennings have complained of the ABC News' moderators bias, he admitted that there might have been no helping Trump.

'Its hard to complain about the refs when you cant hit a jump shot', Jennings remarked.
Outspoken feminist writer Clementine Ford has doubled-down on a deleted post where she claimed that she does not believe Hamas soldiers executed Israeli hostages following the Palestinian terrorist group's October 7 attack.

Ford, a self-described pro-Palestine activist, initially made the statement in the comments section on another Instagram profile last week - accusing Israel's government of inventing the murder of hostages by Hamas soldiers.

About 250 Israeli hostages were taken by Hamas late-last year. According to the Israeli government, some 97 are still being held and a further 33 are presumed dead.

Last week, it was revealed the bodies of six hostages were found in tunnels in Gaza. Days later, Ford denied they died at the hands of Hamas in a comment posted on a meme that glorified the potential downfall of Israel.

The meme featured two photos of Hollywood star Tobey McGuire. In the first photo, he could be seen walking down the street with an uncomfortable expression, below the caption, 'My sister's wedding'.

The second photo showed McGuire dressed in a suit and smiling on the red carpet. It was captioned: 'Israel's downfall'.

In the comments, Ford wrote: 'I don't for a second believe that Hamas executed those hostages. Israel's desperation stinks.'

While her initial comment appears to have been removed, Ford reiterated her views in a statement to Daily Mail Australia on Wednesday.

Pictured: Activist Clementine Ford speaking at a pro-Palestine event in January

Clementine Ford is a feminist writer and activist. Last week, she denied Israeli hostages were murdered by Hamas

Ford originally made the comment on an Instagram post about Israel (pictured)

She referenced an investigation by left-leaning Israeli newspaper Haaretz, which previously revealed the Israeli Defence Force was responsible for the deaths of some of its own citizens - including three hostages - during attacks on Gaza.

Ford's statement read: 'An investigation by the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, published in July and widely reported on since then, revealed that Israeli forces were responsible for enacting the Hannibal directive on Oct 7, resulting in the killing of many of their own civilians.

'Israel has repeatedly lied and misrepresented scenarios in order to manufacture consent for the genocide it is enacting against Palestinians in Gaza...including the debunked and disgraceful lie about 40 beheaded babies.'

However, Ford did not acknowledge that Hamas admitted killing other Israeli hostages last year, nor did she mention that Haaretz reported on Tuesday six Israeli hostages were murdered by Hamas terrorists in late-August.

According to Haaretz, initial autopsies indicated that all six hostages - Carmel Gat, Eden Yerushalmi, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Alexander Lobanov, Almog Sarusi and Master Sgt Ori Danino - had died from shots to the head, but were otherwise in frail but stable conditions.

Those were the murders she denied her now-deleted Instagram comment last week, and then again on her own Instagram page on Wednesday.

Pictured: Demonstrators holding banners and photos of hostages gather in front of the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem on Tuesday

Pictured: A man in Jerusalem holding a photo of one of the Israeli hostages outside the U.S Embassy

Ford said on Wednesday that she believes Zionists are sending her comments to mainstream media

In her new post, Ford said her views on the executions meant she had been 'subjected to the irritating shriek of Z-lists about that comment (which I stand by).'

Z-lists appears to be a term Ford uses for Zionists. She then suggested the 'Z-lists' had sent her comment to a range of publications, including this one, stating: 'They are nothing if not tenacious in their desperation to prevent the unavoidable downfall of Israel's reputation'.

Her views outraged the Jewish community last week.

The Australian Jewish Association posted a screenshot of her comment, with the caption: 'How would you describe the ... content of this tweet demonstrated here, by Clementine Ford?

'Israel announced the 6 hostages were shot in the head at close range.'

One user said: 'Those actively promoting tolerance, diversity & inclusion, mean that they will only tolerate & include those who share their views.

'As for the rest - they will simply tell you, that in order to be inclusive, they have to exclude all those who have different views.'

The brutal Israel-Hamas war broke out on October 7, 2023, when the Palestinian Islamist group attacked an Israeli music festival, killing 1200 people and taking about 250 prisoners.

Israel retaliated that same day, killing thousands - including some of its own citizens. The war continues to this day, leaving more than 40,000 Palestinians dead and more than 95,000 injured - largely comprising civilians trying to survive in the war zone.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been repeatedly accused of stalling on a ceasefire deal for his own political survival.
Kamala Harris was the clear winner of Tuesday night's presidential debate, according to our snap poll of independent voters, who declared her the most presidential candidate and Donald Trump the most aggressive.

Some 49 percent said Harris gave the better performance, while 43 percent said Trump came out on top.

However, the online poll of 800 independent voters suggested that the 90-minute debate may not have changed many minds.

Harris added only two points to her overall support. While 36 percent said they planned to vote for Harris before the debate, the figure was 38 percent after the televised clash.

And Trump's share of the vote moved up from 44 percent to 45 percent, despite Harris and her supporters claiming victory.

The poll was conducted by J.L. Partners online during the evening of Tuesday September 10th and carries a margin of error of plus or minus 3.5 percent

Your browser does not support iframes.

The two candidates met for the first time in the ABC News debate in Philadelphia. They spent more than an hour and a half tussling over abortion, the economy and foreign policy.

Harris came with a plan to knock Trump off his stride and appeared to succeed. She generated the most viral moment of the night when she ridiculed Trump's rallies, saying that people left early out of 'exhaustion and boredom.'

He defended what he called the 'most incredible rallies in the history of politics' before pivoting to repeat an extraordinary online rumor about migrants eating pets.

'Talk about extreme,' Harris said, laughing.

Trump again refused to acknowledge his 2020 election defeat and at times raised his voice as he launched personal attacks at Harris.

The result was that in our poll independent viewers said she came across as the more presidential, beating Trump by 49 percent to 43.

And he was seen as by far the most aggressive, at 64 points to 25.

Yet, he performed just as well on some of his key issues as he did in June, when he flummoxed President Joe Biden.

Viewers thought he did better on the economy, the border, foreign affairs, and Israel, and tied with Harris on tax. She won on abortion, healthcare and democracy.

Our panel of independent voters declared Vice President Kamala Harris to have performed best on the night, and saw her as more presidential than Donald Trump

The debate made only a slight difference to voting intention

It was his temperament and style that let him down. Viewers said Harris appeared more competent, mentally astute, on top of detail, most genuine, most joyful, and the candidate that most represented change.

Trump was judged weakest and most annoying but also funniest.

James Johnson, co-founder of J.L. Partners who conducted the poll, said independents hold the keys to the White House and had given Harris the win on the night.

But it might still take time to filter into headline poll numbers as both sides try to spin the night their way and control the media narrative.

'This wasn't a knockout blow. The poll suggests her performance still left Americans in the dark about the content of her plans,' said Johnson.

'And on the issues, Trump led on the same areas he did with Biden in June, such as the economy, foreign affairs, and the border.

'But she hit all her lines, she twisted Trump in knots, and she led the subject away from her weakest areas.'

Viewers thought Trump won on the key issues of the economy and the border

Harris saw a small bump in favorability while Trump's numbers were largely unchanged

In particular she was able to portray Trump as aggressive and rude, he added.

'For all their support for Trump on the issues, independents balk at his temperament,' said Johnson.

'We will have to wait for the next polls to see the effect this had had electorallyand to work out whether this is priced into voters' views of Trump already or not.'

Both sides deployed surrogates to claim victory in the spin room filled with journalists afterwards.

'It was the best debate personally I've ever had,' said Trump.

The evening began with a handshake when Harris marched over to Trump's lectern, but the debate quickly descended into personal attacks and accusations of lying

Biden delivered his verdict after the debate and declared Harris the winner

The Harris campaign quickly asked for a second debate in a sign of their confidence.

'Under the bright lights, the American people got to see the choice they will face this fall at the ballot box: Between moving forward with Kamala Harris, or going backwards with Trump,' said Jen OMalley Dillon, campaign chair.

The clash came with high stakes for both sides.

Trump has struggled to find momentum since Harris entered the race, but the Democratic nominee has also seen her honeymoonwith huge fundraising numbersfade during the past week.

The result is an election on a knife-edge.

The DailyMail.com/J.L. Partners election model gives Trump a slight edge, with a 55 percent chance of victory.
EXCLUSIVE

The mother of the baby boy doused in scalding coffee has revealed the heartwarming moment her son laughed for the first time after his harrowing ordeal.

And she credits the beautiful sound for giving her  and her young family  the hope to carry on after already suffering several setbacks on his long road to recovery.

'That little gurgle of his, it's what gives me strength just to know that he's going to get through all this and that he is going to be ok, she told Daily Mail Australia from her Brisbane home.

'Hearing him laugh again for the first time absolutely melted my heart - it's what gives me courage and positivity for the future.

'I have never met anyone stronger than him. You wouldn't even know that he's going through all of this if you didn't see the bandages or know that we were in hospital.

'I love my baby boy - he is so amazing.'

Little Luka has undergone four surgeries following the sickening, unprovoked attack

Police say the man responsible for the attack has since fled overseas on his own passport

Little Luka had been on a picnic with his mother in Hanlon Park, in Brisbane's inner south east, on August 27 when he was attacked by a stranger about midday.

The nine-month-old suffered life-threatening burns to his face, upper body and arms after being soaked with hot coffee in the unprovoked attack and has since undergone five operations in Queensland Children's Hospital.

Although his neck and chest will likely be scarred, doctors believe they can minimise long-term damage through laser and needling therapies.

Lukas mother said he had been released from hospital for the second time on Tuesday and had been recovering at home and even playing with his young sister.

'We got back home yesterday,' she told Daily Mail Australia.

'We went home for a couple of days, initially, after the attack but then Luka ended up getting spiking fevers, and then it was gastro.

'So we were back in hospital over the weekend, but we now we're home again for the second time.

'Luka's face is healing really nicely and the little [coffee] splatters on his arms and and legs are healing too.

'It's mainly the neck, shoulder and chest, which is going to take a while, because they're the full thickness burns.

Nine-month-old Luka suffered life-threatening burns after being attacked in a Brisbane park

'He's doing really well - he didn't even want an nap yesterday because he was so happy to be home and playing with his sister.

'He didn't or smile really laughed in hospital, but he has been laughing, and walking and, smiling - and even fighting with his sister - since we have been home.

'You know, all the normal stuff that he should be doing - he is just so happy being back at home with us - it's really heartwarming.

'The only thing that he struggles with is that he hates being poked and prodded now after being in hospital, and he's a bit wary of certain people, but other than that, he doing so well.'

Luka's mother said she didn't regularly visit Hanlon Park and only went on August 27 so that her infant son could meet for a playdate with other friends.

She said their group had just begun to enjoy a picnic together when they were unexpectedly attacked.

'I was only at the park for five minutes, if that, and I was taking photos of my son playing, and he came over from behind and threw this liquid onto him and ran away,' she said.

'I didn't realise what it was at the time, but then Luka started screaming, and I could see his skin peeling off. I knew it was hot liquid.'

The incident occurred at the family-friendly Hanlon Park in Brisbane's inner south-east

Within moments, she said the assailant had begun to flee.

'My friend actually left her baby and me and started running after this guy, but she tripped, fell, and he was very, very fast,' the baby's mother said.

'He knew exactly what he was doing, and he chose the right time.

'I haven't had any further from the police about where the man is - all we know is that he's fled the country, that they know where he is - and that we trust the police to get this guy.'

She said she was still suffering repeated flashbacks of the attack on her son but was 'trying not to think about it, because otherwise it will keep sending me into a negative spiral.'

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.

Queensland Police Detective Inspector Paul Dalton said the accused was 'aware of police methodologies' and had been 'conducting counter-surveillance activities' in the days after the attack.

He eventually managed to slip out of Sydney Airport on his own passport undetected.

'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.

Detective Inspector Dalton said the man was clearly 'aware of what we (the police) do to find people' and that their efforts to catch him had been initally delayed after he was wrongly identified as a different man.

'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.'

Det Insp 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,' Det Insp 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.

Luka mother says she has been suffering flashbacks of the horrendous ordeal

Det Insp 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.

'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.'

He 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.'

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.
The rules of the ABC News presidential debate Tuesday stated that each candidate's microphone would be muted when the other candidate was speaking, in an attempt to prevent them from interrupting each other.

Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, however, frequently spoke when their microphones were off.

Harris, in particular, vocally protested statements made by Trump, making a point of describing his statements as false.

A pool of reporters for the vice president were allowed into the audience-less debate room to observe the moments when the candidates spoke out, even though it was muted on their microphone.

Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris listens to former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speak during a presidential debate at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks during a presidential debate with Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris

Here is what they reported:

10:11 pm  When the moderator, David Muir, asked Trump a second time whether he wanted Ukraine to win its war with Russia, and he did not say so, Harris, off-camera, bit her lip and shook her head.

10:12 pm  After Harris said Trump would abandon Ukraine and that Putin would eat Trump for lunch, Trump said off-mic: 'Excuse me, I have to respond to that.'

10:21 pm  Harris smirked when Muir asked Trump to explain his comments about her race.

10:27 pm  In an off-mic exchange, Trump said: 'She has a plan to destroy our country.' Harris replied, 'that's not true.'

10:29 pm  Harris audibly laughed when Trump said he has a 'concept of a plan' on healthcare.

10:34 pm  Harris whispered 'not true' when Trump said the United States has bled manufacturing jobs in recent months.

9:25 pm  When Trump said he has been a leader on championing IVF treatments, Harris whispered in disdain, 'You have not. Come on.'

9:28 pm  When Trump said people don't go to Harris' rallies, off-camera, Harris threw her head back in laughter.

Republican presidential nominee, former U.S. President Donald Trump gestures as he speaks during a presidential debate with Democratic presidential nominee, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris

US Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris listens to former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speak d

9:29 pm  When Trump said immigrants are eating cats in Springfield Ohio, off-mic, Harris started laughing and said, 'What? This is unbelievable.'

9:34 pm  When Trump said that crime rates are coming down around the world except in the United States, and that crime here is spiking, Harris said off-mic, 'not true.'

9:35 pm  Trump gasped when Harris raised his criminal indictments and felony convictions.

9:39 pm  Trump said off-mic and off-camera, following up on the exchange over his allegations of political prosecutions against him: 'She is the one that weaponized.'

9:42 pm  When Trump accused Harris of being against fracking for twelve years, she said off-mic, 'that's not true.' When he said she was in favor of defunding the police, she again said off-mic, 'that's not true.' He then told her he was speaking. 'Don't lie,' she replied.

9:10 pm  When Harris said the former president doesn't have a plan for you, Trump said off-mic: 'That's just a soundbite. They gave her that to say.'

9:14 pm  When Trump said the United States barely makes (computer) chips anymore, Harris said off-mic: 'Not too. That's not true.'

9:16 pm  9:17 pm  When Trump said Democrats want abortion access in the ninth month of pregnancy, Harris said off-mic, separately: 'C'mon,' 'no' and 'that's not true.'
CNN's Chris Wallace called tonight's debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris 'just as devastating for Trump' as the June disaster was for Joe Biden.

Wallace, who exited Fox News for CNN in 2021, gave an immediate critique of Trump's performance in contrast to Biden's in June.

'I didn't think I was ever going to witness a debate as devastating as [the June debate] where Joe Biden basically tanked his re-election campaign. I think tonight was just as devastating'.

Wallace then claimed that Harris 'pitched a shutout' on substance and style, rebuking Trump on every issue presented.

'She made the point that she is the candidate of change, that we need to turn the page from a decade of division and polarization', he added.

CNN's Chris Wallace called tonight's debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris 'just as devastating for Trump' as the June disaster was for Joe Biden

'The image of the debate to me is she's there happy, smiling, expressive, shaking her head in dismay at things Trump was saying and Trump looked angry, scowling at the moderators'.

He finished by saying that 'Donald Trump looked old tonight' and claimed Harris won 'just by showing up'.

It follows a chorus of praise for Harris and derision for Trump from Wallace's colleagues in the media.

Liberal CNN pundit Van Jones was elated by Kamala Harris' debate against Donald Trump Tuesday in Philadelphia while anti-Trump Republican Chris Christie also praised the vice president.

Trump and Harris traded fiery jabs at the ABC News hosted contest, which drew viewer criticism for moderators David Muir and Linsey Davis' refusal to fact check Harris.

Afterward, it was a complete 180-degree turn from the liberal media's reaction to Joe Biden's debate disaster against Trump in Georgia in June, which led to the president exiting the race.

Jones, who called Biden's June performance 'painful' and a failure, couldn't hide his excitement over Harris' jabs at Trump.

'She whooped him, she just whooped him', Jones said after his fellow liberals like David Axelrod lavished praise on Harris.

Trump and Harris traded fiery jabs at the ABC News hosted contest , which drew viewer criticism for moderators David Muir and Linsey Davis' refusal to fact check Harris

He then explained that Harris was fulfilling the role in fiction of 'wish fulfillment' in how she handled Trump.

'People have wanted to see somebody put this bully in his place', Jones said of the former president.

'She got up there and she put him in his place. She baited him and then she spanked him', he said, before laughing and repeating the statement again.

'Not only did she pass the Commander-in-chief test, he failed it. Do you want this guy dealing with a dictator? You could see the punches coming, he just couldn't get out of the way'.

Jones finished by claiming that Harris was speaking 'for the people' when talking about her 'middle class background' while Trump spoke 'for himself'.

Chris Christie, the former two-term governor of New Jersey who unsuccessfully ran against Trump twice for the GOP nomination before eventually turning on the former president, also praised Harris and slammed Trump.

'She was exquisitely well prepared, she laid traps and he chased every rabbit down every hole instead of talking about the things that he should've been talking about,' Christie said on ABC News.

'This is the difference between someone who is well prepared and someone who is unprepared', he added, saying Trump was 'gonna lose the election'.

Wallace, who exited Fox News for CNN in 2021, gave an immediate critique of Trump's performance in contrast to Biden's in June

Chris Christie, the former two-term governor of New Jersey who unsuccessfully ran against Trump twice for the GOP nomination before eventually turning on the former president, also praised Harris and slammed Trump

Gov. Chris Christie reacts to the ABC News Presidential Debate. pic.twitter.com/ZOBlSiJ3w8  ABC News Live (@ABCNewsLive) September 11, 2024

Christie then slammed the Trump campaign for preparing him for the debate poorly.

'Whoever did debate prep for Donald Trump should be fired, he was not good tonight at all'.

He said that Harris 'looked like she belonged' while Trump talked about 'people eating pets' and his rallies without mentioning enough about the economy.

'I think what we're going to see is people seeing Kamala Harris as a potential president. Donald Trump is going to have to get to work'.

I think that there's been a desire - in fiction, there's wish fulfillment.

While pro-Trump conservatives like CNN's Scott Jennings have complained of the ABC News' moderators bias, he admitted that there might have been no helping Trump.

'Its hard to complain about the refs when you cant hit a jump shot', Jennings remarked.
An angry customer has shared the moment an Australia Post worker accelerated past his house without stopping to deliver his express parcel.

The postie's white delivery van was seen driving straight past the man's home in Auchenflower, in Brisbane's inner west, just before 11.30am on Monday.

The driver was seen slowing down as he held his phone out the window to take a photo of the man's letterbox before accelerating down the street.

'Express post [not delivered] today. Must have been late for a date,' the customer captioned the video on Reddit.

The customer, who did not want to be named, told Daily Mail Australia he was at home when the driver drove past.

He said the parcel contained parts for an air conditioner and that he had paid extra to have it express delivered so the installer could set up the new system.

'I was at home all day because I look after the kids and it's a pain in the a** to get the kids in the car and drive down and pick up the parcel at the post office,' he said.

He said he got a notification on his phone saying he wasn't at home when the driver arrived, prompting him to contact Australia Post and lodge a complaint.

The CCTV footage, which was uploaded to reddit, showed the driver slowing down as he held out a phone to take a picture of the letter box (pictured)

'I wanted them to at least give him a call and tell him to go back and deliver the parcel, but they can't do that apparently and that's a frustrating thing,' he said.

The man explained that delivery drivers no longer have to leave a note to inform customers they missed the delivery slot.

Instead, drivers simply take a photo of the letterbox at the address before customers get notified to collect their parcels at their nearest post office.

The furious customer was forced to collect the parcel himself on Wednesday at the Toowong Business Centre.

He said staff at Australia post, including the case manager assigned to address his complaint, were helpful in assisting him with his inquiry.

He also uploaded an email from the case manager, which showed an investigation had been conducted over the issue.

'We have investigated the issue of no attempted deliveries with the Pinkenba Parcel Delivery Centre,' the email stated.

'They have confirmed that this has been addressed with the staff concerned and the appropriate action has been taken to ensure this does not happen again'.

The customer also uploaded an email he received from the case manager assigned to investigate his complaint, which indicated the issue had been investigated (pictured)

Dozens of commenters expressed sympathy for the man with many sharing their own horror delivery experiences in the Reddit thread.

'I was home all day and the driver didn't even come to my house and went straight to the post office. It was also meant to be an express delivery,' one person wrote.

Others claimed that a new delivery driver was assigned to their route when they filed a complaint indicating their parcels weren't delivered.

'I second this. I have submitted footage before of [Australia Post] contractors doing the same s*** and then suddenly I have a new delivery person,' one person said.

Australia Post charges customers between $14.45 and $31.35 to deliver parcels through express postage depending on the size of the package.

Daily Mail Australia understands the driver, who is a contractor, no longer works for Australia Post.

A Australia Post spokeswoman told Daily Mail the delivery should have been made in the first instance and the issue has since been addressed.

'This matter is clearly not in line with the high standards we expect from our driver contractors, and Australia Post has sincerely apologised to the customer,' the spokeswoman said.

'Following contact from the customer we took swift action to address this issue, and our local team has taken appropriate action'.
The former leader of the South Australian Liberal Party has broken his silence following the release of shocking footage and imagery that appeared to show him snorting a white powder substance at his home in June.

The footage, revealed by The Advertiser on Monday night, appears to show David Speirs in his kitchen in the early morning snorting a substance off a plate and standing next to some white powder arranged in lines.

Mr Speirs has previously denied the veracity of the video and there is no allegation he has engaged in any wrongdoing.

In a statement on Wednesday, Mr Speirs said he was feeling 'exceptionally vulnerable and at risk.'

'The last few days have been exceptionally distressing for me and my loved ones,' he said.

'This comes on top of a long period in the public eye, including four years as a minister and two as Leader of the Opposition.

'I left the leadership of the party as I had run out of energy and the feeling of burnout has been compounded in recent days.

'As a consequence, my emotional health and wellbeing has been significantly impacted, leaving me feeling exceptionally vulnerable and at risk.

An image of David Speirs and the alleged white powder at his home that he claims is a 'deepfake'

'I have always put South Australians first but now I must take some time to focus on my own health and wellbeing as any other person should.

'I have consulted with medical professionals in the last 24-hours and have been advised that I should take time away from work to concentrate on my health.

'I intend to follow that advice and am now on medical leave, but will be regularly consulting medical professionals.

'I am deeply grateful for the overwhelming support that I have received from parliamentary colleagues, from Liberal Party members and from my community.

'I do not plan to make any further statements regarding this matter and I have engaged legal counsel to assist me to navigate this difficult matter.'

Mr Speirs earlier told The Advertiser the video was a 'deepfake', or artificially altered footage, and he was the victim of an 'elaborate hoax'.

But a report delivered to The Advertiser from digital forensics analyst Dr Matthew Sorell concluded the video was authentic.

'Based on my detailed technical review, the photographs and video appear to be authentic, internally consistent, and without indications of tampering of content, metadata or file structure,' he said.

The footage shows Mr Speirs snorting the unidentified substance on June 30 at 4.12am.

Mr Speirs, who represents the southern Adelaide electorate of Black, was leader of the Liberal Party at the time and appeared at a public event the same day at 11am.

He stepped down in early August and has been replaced by Vincent Tarzia.

When Advertiser reporters approached Mr Speirs for comment on the video, he said: 'I would never have done that'.

'I would never have done that,' he said.

'Never, never, never.

'I'm quite horrified by that.

'I'm really troubled by that. I'm very, very sorry about that.'

Mr Tarzia said he had spoken with Mr Speirs and Mr Speirs had told him the footage was a deepfake.

Mr Tarzia said he had urged Mr Speirs to report the video the police.

NewsWire understands the SA Police have not received a report about the video.

South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas, responding to the video on Tuesday, said it was 'all a bit breathtaking'.

'The images that we see on the front page of The Advertiser this morning are clearly quite concerning but they are a matter that are exclusively for Vincent Tarzia and the SA division of the Liberal Party,' he said.

'The dysfunction, the division, the chaos, that is a matter for Vincent Tarzia and the Liberal Party.'
The shattered father of two young boys suspected of being murdered by their mother who then attempted suicide has recounted to police the devastating moment he discovered their lifeless bodies.

The retail executive raced to his ex's home in the quiet village of Faulconbridge, in the Blue Mountains west of Sydney, at lunchtime on Tuesday after he had been unable to raise his former partner.

Their two young sons - an 11-year-old and nine-year-old - had not arrived at their primary school, in the nearby village of Lawson, as expected that morning.

But nothing could prepare their father for the gruesome scene he discovered after arriving at their modest weatherboard bungalow on quiet Chapman Parade shortly before 12.40pm.

Both of their children were dead - having suffered apparent stab wounds - while their 42-year-old mother lay bleeding out from cuts to her wrists.

After phoning triple-0, the father waited at the location by his boys' side until police and emergency services arrived.

The mother was airlifted to Westmead Hospital under police guard and treated for her self-inflicted wounds before being placed under arrest.

As police established a crime scene at the home, the father - who had not been living with the family at the time of the tragedy - travelled to the nearby Springwood Police Station to assist homicide detectives with their investigation.

No charges have so far been laid over the incident.

One local who knew the family brought their son who left a toy truck at the scene

The former couple, who first bought the home 14 years ago, were well-known and liked members of the close-knit community and regular attendees at the local Christmas street party.

The mother worked for the state government's Greater Sydney Local Land Service, while her former husband is a Big W's executive.

The crime scene has been in lockdown for more than 24 hours as detectives work to piece together the events leading up to the tragedy.

The father's Mercedes-Benz station wagon has remained outside the family's property, which is cordoned off by police tape.

Detectives were still removing bags of evidence on Wednesday morning as devastated local residents ferried their children past the home on the way to the local Springwood High and Springwood Public schools at the end of the street.

Residents laid tributes outside the house on Wednesday even as investigators continued to investigate the scene.

Flowers were also left outside the Catholic primary school they attended, about 13km away.

The young brothers had been popular students and featured in dozens of its Facebook posts, where they are seen smiling and receiving awards.

They had attended school on Monday, with detectives now investigating what triggered their absence on Tuesday ahead of the tragic events that would later unfold at their home.

The Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese released a statement on behalf of the school, saying everyone who knew the young boys was grief-stricken by their loss.

The boy's father (pictured with his family) found the bodies of his sons

Residents began to lay tributes at the house on Wednesday even as detectives continued to investigate the scene

'Our Catholic schools community is devastated by the tragic deaths of two students in Lawson,' the statement said.

'Counselling and wellbeing support is available to students and staff (the school) today, and will continue to be provided in coming weeks.

'The care and kindness of the broader Blues Mountains community at this difficult time is much appreciated.

'With police investigations continuing, we are unable to comment any further at this time.'

Blue Mountains Commander John Nelson said local officers were being assisted by detectives from State Crime Command's homicide squad.

It is understood they are investigating whether the mother may have suffered a psychotic episode in the lead up to the tragedy.

A blue tarpaulin hangs in front of the home where the boys were found

Forensics experts remove bags of evidence from the home

Police continued to pore over the crime scene on Wednesday morning

Asked whether Ms Smith had a historic of mental health issues, he confirmed the mother was 'known to us but only for minor matters so it wouldn't be appropriate (to comment) at this stage'.

Many of the family's neighbours told Daily Mail Australia they were too shocked by the violent nature of the alleged murders to fully process it yet.

They were stunned on Tuesday afternoon by the sound of police sirens in their usually quiet street, just 450m from the area's famed Norman Lindsay Gallery.

Photos posted to 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.

Just eight months ago, Google Streetview images captured the children's Christmas decorations strung up across the front yard of the family's home.

The mother also previously referenced mental health online, while working during the state's coronavirus lockdown, posting: 'Mental health is not just for those diagnosed.'

Retired homicide detective Steve Ticehurst, who lives around the corner from the young 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.'

Residents said they had not seen Mr Smith around 'in a while' but that he had once joined the children and their mother at local events.

Blue Mountains Commander John Nelson said local officers were 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 confidential crisis support contact Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14
An arsonist who set fire to his neighbour's car has criticised Sir Keir Starmer for releasing him and other prisoners early, claiming they are being 'set up to fail'.

Terry Matthews was jailed for a year in March after destroying the vehicle in 'revenge' after a row with the victim's partner over allegedly faulty repairs to his father's van which cost 7,000.

The father-of-one walked out of HMP Nottingham yesterday, a week before he was originally due to be given his freedom, but admits he and other inmates probably 'shouldn't be released'.

The 44-year-old said he had already run into problems after not being given accommodation on his release and said the way it was being organised was making it 'impossible' to make a success of it.

He is one of 1,700 inmates being released this week under the government's plans to combat prison overcrowding, despite concerns that up to half of those set free could end up reoffending.

Terry Matthews told BBC Breakfast that prisoners released early are being 'set up to fail' by the government

The father-of-one had been imprisoned after setting fire to his neighbour's car in a 'revenge' attack

The convicted arsonist was left scrambling to find a hotel room when he was released yesterday after no accommodation was arranged for him

Many of those who walked out from behind bars yesterday celebrated their early release, with friends and family holding impromptu celebrations outside prison gates, spraying former inmates with champagne.

Some of those joked that the policy had turned them into 'Labour voters for life', but Matthews was less enthusiastic about it despite benefiting from it personally.

He told BBC Breakfast that he understood why people might be angry that prisoners are being released before serving their full sentences.

'In a way, we shouldn't be released yet because the system isn't ready,' he said.

'You're just chucking everybody out, it doesn't matter what we are or who we are, they know we're going to come back in.'

Matthews said former prisoners were 'being 'set up to fail' after he was given an appointment at a job centre despite having to be in a meeting with his probation officer 11 miles away at the exact same time.

He added that he had not had any accommodation arranged for his release, with the strict licence conditions which prevent him from returning home leaving him facing homelessness.

After the bureaucratic blunder Matthews was able to get a different meeting with the job centre and local council, before being loaned money to book a hotel room for a few nights.

His victim, who still lives next door to Matthews' property, was told about his early release last week, with the convicted arsonist saying he was sorry for what he put them through.

He said: 'I'll never ever do something like that again. All I want to do is go to work and go back home.'

Multiple inmates released yesterday revealed how they would have to spend their first night out sleeping in parks and on benches after struggles finding accommodation.

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

Former Hollywood actor Jason Hoganson puts his thumbs up after being released from HMP Durham where he was serving a sentence for attacking a woman in the street

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'.

'If I was in charge, I would never have left homeless people out,' he told LBC yesterday. '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.'

Justice Secretary 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.

Another former inmate, 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.'

A man released from HMP Nottingham is sprayed with sparkling wine by well wishers outside

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

The 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.

At HMP Nottingham, where Matthews was released yesterday, a fellow freed inmate 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.

Stuart Bennett dances in the street outside HMP Leeds as he is released early yesterday

Liam Fitzpatrick shouts and holds two bags in the air as he leaves Wandsworth Prison in London yesterday

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.

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.'

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.
This is the moment a neighbour from hell was finally caught after he stuffed his tiny house with so much cannabis that it stank out the entire road.

Nam Hong Tran, 34, crammed almost every upstairs room of his home with 238 weed plants, which had a street value of almost 200,000.

Police officers visited his home on the afternoon of May 8 following a tip off from fed-up neighbours in Alconbury Weston, Cambridgeshire.

The smell coming out of the tiny semi-detached home was so strong that even officers sent to bust their way in were overwhelmed, with one saying: 'It absolutely stinks.'

Footage shows a shocked Tran opening his door after police tried smashing through it, and his treasure trove of drugs were then revealed.

Footage begins by showing police officers remarking on the smell of cannabis before they attempt to smash through the front door

A shocked looking Nam Hong Tran, 34, can then be seen opening the door for the police before they smash through

Officers then walk up the stairs of his home where they stumble across the enormous stash of weed

Almost every upstairs room of his home was stashed with 238 weed plants, which had a street value of almost 200,000

Solar lights buzzed in almost every room, with natural daylight prevented from entering by makeshift curtains hung over the stairs and windows.

Other rooms were littered with fertiliser and bin bags as well as a complicated electrical system to offer the plants light.

At Cambridge Crown Court on Friday August 23 Tran was sentenced to a year in prison after previously pleading guilty to production of cannabis.

His Honour Judge Bishop, said: 'I understand the broad outline and how you came to be involved in criminal conduct.

'Nevertheless growing cannabis in the way you did is an offence, it is a controlled drug in this country because of the harm it causes.'

PC Edward McAuley, who investigated for Cambridgeshire Constabulary, said: 'Thanks to information from the community, this illegal drug will no longer reach the streets.

'Drug trafficking is a source of revenue for organised crime groups, many of whom are involved in other forms of serious crime and modern slavery.

'We encourage people to look out for signs of illegal cannabis factories including blacked out windows, unusual smells and people coming and going at various times of the day.'

Police officers visited his home following a tip off from fed-up neighbours in Alconbury Weston, Cambridgeshire

Tran (pictured) was sentenced to a year in prison after previously pleading guilty to production of cannabis

Last week, a California cop was placed on leave after an illegal marijuana farm was found in his five-bedroom home.

Samson Liu, 38, of Antioch in the Bay Area, was placed on administrative leave on April 30 after the farm was found on his property.

The Oakland Police Department said it was aware of the allegations against Liu, it told DailyMail.com on Tuesday.

'The matter is under investigation,' it said in an email. 'This is an ongoing personnel matter. OPD is unable to provide further details at this time.'

They removed 80 pounds of marijuana from the sprawling home, filling a dump truck with around $1million worth of the drug.
Criminal activity and 'grassroots intelligence' are being missed by probation officers in Britain because so many are working from home, an insider claimed today.

Probation officers are allowed to log in from the living room on two days each week under a hybrid model brought in by the Ministry of Justice during the pandemic.

But concerns are mounting over 'mistakes being missed' because of a lack of in-person meetings and discussions between staff in an office environment.

The probation service currently has 20,399 full-time staff in the workforce, but this is a shortfall of about 1,700 from what is needed - with the MoJ currently recruiting 1,000 new probation officers to combat staff shortages and reduce workloads.

It comes as a watchdog warned it was 'inevitable' some of the 1,700 prisoners being released yesterday from UK jails would reoffend and end up back behind bars.

Groups of inmates have been celebrating as they walked out of prisons across England and Wales, with around 400 prisoners freed from jails in London alone.

The latest releases were in addition to about 1,000 inmates normally freed each week and form part of the Labour government's plan to ease jail overcrowding.

People released from HMP Pentonville in North London yesterday as prisoners are let out early

But there are concerns that the overstretched probation service could be missing problem criminals, especially given many workers are on a hybrid working model.

What support do prisoners get 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. The payment of 89.52 was previously known as the discharge grant and now called the subsistence payment. 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 taxpayers' expense. Advertisement

One probation officer told the Daily Telegraph that working from home can result in staff missing informal leads and 'grassroots intelligence'.

She said criminals 'grass on each other all the time to different officers', adding: 'A lot of intelligence is actually gathered not from the offender, but about the offender from other offenders and other probation officers.'

The woman cited how she found out that one of her charges, a prisoner out on licence who had raped a nine-year-old boy, had been given a job in a high street chain which sold merchandise for children  but only when she overheard a discussion in the office.

She added: 'No one would have told me. When you work from home, you don't get all the 'office gossip' You don't get the minutiae.'

But the MoJ continues to offer working from a home as a perk to recruit new workers  with the probation service currently short of 1,700 staff.

Its website says that new trainees will 'be working in an environment that supports a range of flexible working options, including the ability to use technology to work remotely, to enhance your work-life balance and support the needs of the business'.

This is despite findings blaming hybrid working for 'mistakes being missed'.

A spokeswoman for Napo, the probation officers' union, told MailOnline that most probation staff 'don't work from home at all, simply as their roles don't mean that's at all possible'.

She added: 'You can't deliver Unpaid Work or Programme sessions at home; our Victim Liaison Officer members can't meet with the victims of serious sexual or violent offences at the worker's home; Court and Prison-based staff have to be based in their places of work, as do many Administrators, including office Receptionists.

'Even in the limited numbers of cases where staff - usually those of responsible for supervising people on Probation - do have some capacity to work at home on occasion they will always prioritise attending an office as and when required to see people on their caseload - if they aren't completing a home visit to the person's address - or attend any in-person multi-agency meetings.

'In a number of cases we're aware that many these staff who choose to attend offices or other locations as this works best for them in their doing their jobs to the very best of their abilities.'

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 yesterday

Napo cited 'savage cuts to our budgets' imposed by successive governments which has seen many probation offices shut since 2010.

The spokeswoman added: 'In the vast majority of English and Welsh towns and cities there is only one probation office that covers significant geographical areas.

'The Ministry of Justice's own documentation for the design of probation offices limits capacity to 60 per cent of those workers assigned to that location - if all staff attended an office on the same day, 40 per cent of them would just not have a place to work at.

'Even before the pandemic, probation staff gathered and shared information and intelligence on the people they worked with - with colleagues and other agencies such as the police and children's services electronically rather than face-to-face.

'This is good practice as it provides a 'paper trail' to demonstrate that all staff involved have had these discussions and have been referenced in numerous inquests or reviews into serious incidents.

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

'It seems to us to be a hugely outdated idea that in-person communication is the most effective way to share intelligence and other information with colleagues, one that ignores the many advances in remote communication that we've seen in recent years, especially since 2020.'

Martin Jones, HM Chief Inspector of Probation, said probation performance is 'at its best when, the majority of the time, people are in the office because probation practice is about human relationships and your judgment of how somebody's doing'.

He added: 'Ultimately, the work of probation does require face-to-face contact in a pretty significant number of cases.'

But Mr Jones also pointed out that while in-person contact is important for judging risk, the 'more pressing issue' is high vacancy levels and low staff retention rates.

Also this week, a probation officer in the Midlands told the Spectator: 'Staff don't feel protected. They don't feel like the service cares about them.'

Referring to the 'SDS40' policy of early release, another probation officer from the North of England said: 'I just don't think SDS40 has been thought out properly. It's unsafe.'

Stuart Bennett dances in the street after being released from HMP Leeds yesterday

The probation service requires that a minimum of 60 per cent of probation staff time should be spent working from their office base to allow them to meet with offenders in-person.

However, this does not automatically mean that the other 40 per cent is spent solely working at home, because staff may also have to work at a partner agency or local police station.

Some probation staff are also based full-time in prisons and in courts.

Asked about probation officers working from home, an MoJ spokesman told MailOnline today: 'Our hard-working probation staff play a vital role keeping the public safe, through face-to-face supervision meetings with offenders and desk-based risk assessments, safeguarding checks and conversations with partners like councils and charities.'

Probation officers are given to a post-graduate-level training programme over at least 15 months.

But in September last year, then-Chief Inspector of Probation Justin Russell warned shortly before he stepped down from the role that probation officers are potentially putting the public at risk by continuing to work from home.

Tareen Shakil hugs his mother as he leaves prison in Birmingham yesterday six weeks early after serving half of a four-year sentence for drug related offences

He pin-pointed remote working as a key factor in poor performance and warned it had led to face-to-face rushed assessments of criminals.

Mr Russell said the Probation Service's policy at the time which required staff to come into work only three days a week was contributing to 'very disappointing' performance.

The study found management oversight of probation officers' work was 'insufficient' in 72 per cent of cases, meaning 'mistakes are being missed'.

The risk posed to the public by offenders was only assessed accurately in a third of cases, with the service showing 'consistently poor' performance, it said.

And the issue of working from home has been highlighted again this week after hundreds of prisoners were freed early yesterday to cut overcrowding in jails.

Justice Secretary 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.

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 MoJ 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

Are you a concerned probation officer? Please email: tips@dailymail.com
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Dozens of killers are set to be free early from prison after it was confirmed that killers convicted of manslaughter will be eligible for discounted jail terms.

Labour ministers have sought to counter public anger over the deeply controversial scheme by insisting that precautions are being taken to protect the public against the most violent offenders.

But the fact killers will be among those set free after serving just a fraction of their sentences will be seen as more evidence that Britons are being put at risk.

In sickening scenes yesterday 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'.

Last year 16 killers were jailed for less than four years for manslaughter, government figures show, meaning they will be eligible for discounted sentences. There were nine similar sentences handed out the previous year.

In other developments:

One of the most serious offenders to be released early is Lawson Natty who supplied a machete used to kill 14-year-old Gordon Gault in Newcastle in November 2022

Gordon died in hospital six days after he was attacked with a blade in an ongoing feud

Gordon's mother, Dionne Barrett, has described herself as 'sickened' by the news

One of the most serious offenders to be released early is Lawson Natty who supplied a machete used to kill 14-year-old Gordon Gault in Newcastle in November 2022.

The 18-year-old was convicted of manslaughter and jailed for two years and eight months in March but is now due to be released.

The victim's mother Dionne Barrett said: 'I feel totally sick to my stomach that he's allowed out now after only serving months. It's absolutely sickening.'

'He'll be getting out within the next couple of days. He will be going to an immigration processing centre to start with but then he could get bailed from there. He's going to be back out on the streets.'

She also told ITV's Good Morning Britain: 'Fair enough, let petty criminals out  not somebody who's killed a 14-year-old child; someone who purchases machetes. What if he does it again to somebody else?'

Natty had served time on remand which counts against his sentence, meaning he is now due to be let out of jail, it is understood.

The first 1,700 inmates were let out yesterday with a further 4,000 to come by the end of next month as part of a scheme drawn up by Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood. Thousands more will be freed early over the next 18 months.

Lags sauntered out of prisons across the country, whooping and punching the air with delight.

Some were sprayed with bubbly by friends and embraced as the Government's early release scheme kicked in.

One vowed to 'get lit'  intoxicated  to celebrate his unexpected freedom, while others said they were looking forward to tucking into fast food from McDonald's.

Convicted drug dealer Djaber Benallaoua, 20, said the early release policy had made him a 'lifelong Labour voter'.

Asked how it felt to be freed from HMP Isis, in south-east London, where he was greeted by five friends, he said: 'I thank Labour. Because I've come out five or six months early than I was supposed to, so I'm just happy.'

Benallaoua, who was given a two-and-a-half-year sentence but was let out six months earlier than planned, added: 'It's a very good policy because it's given a lot of prisoners a lot of hope. When prisoners found out they'd be released early they were very positive.'

Asked about his future plans, he said: 'I'm just elated right now. I'm gonna get lit.'

Daniel Rutuls, also walking free from HMP Isis, said he had been released a month early after serving almost 18 months of a three-year sentence for aggravated burglary. Asked if he had a message for the Prime Minister, the 19-year-old from Harlesden, north London, said: 'Thank you, and it's a smart decision, because now you've got more space.'

He said he would '100 per cent' vote Labour now, adding: 'I'm really happy to be out. The reaction was very positive when we found out we would be released.'

One freed inmate was greeted at HMP Pentonville in north London by a brand new black Lamborghini Huracan Tecnica, which has a basic list price of 212,000.

Ben Savage, who was released from HMP Thameside yesterday, said he was delighted to be out early

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

Former Hollywood actor Jason Hoganson puts his thumbs up after being released from HMP Durham where he was serving a sentence for attacking a woman in the street

At HMP Elmley on the Isle of Sheppey, Kent, lags were welcomed with hugs and kisses from waiting family and friends, who came with champagne and a sound system blasting out music.

One criminal who had served four years for fraud and declined to give his name said: 'It's like a great escape. Thank you Sir Keir Starmer, you're the best. It's a right touch. My family are well pleased.' Another said: 'I thought I had got another six months left. This is a brilliant policy.'

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 friend's 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.

A total of 16 inmates had left Wandsworth by midday. Many were delighted to be released, with Liam Fitzpatrick, 34, saying: 'Everyone's happy today, there are a lot of happy faces.'

He said he was '100 per cent grateful' to Labour for letting him out early. Mr Fitzpatrick said he had originally been jailed for three years for what he said were 'driving offences and fighting' but was released after 18 months.

Ross Heathorn, 46, said he was heading straight to McDonald's to celebrate his freedom. 'It feels good to be free,' he said. Despite the Government's claims that inmates would not be released homeless, Jack Creighton, 54, said he was going to 'spend the night on a park bench' due to having no accommodation lined up.

Inmates whooped with joy as they were released from Holme House prison in Stockton-on-Tees, County Durham.

Stuart Bennett dances in the street outside HMP Leeds as he is released early yesterday

Liam Fitzpatrick shouts and holds two bags in the air as he leaves Wandsworth Prison in London yesterday

A man and woman hug each other outside HMP Bristol as inmates are released from jail early

A prisoner released early from his two-year assault sentence told how he was going home to Redcar, North Yorkshire. He said: 'I was meant to be out in November but they told me a month ago that I'd be out a couple of months earlier. I've been buzzing to get out. I can't wait to see my mum and dad. We'll have a drink to celebrate.'

At HMP Leeds offender Stuart Bennett danced in the street and gave a thumbs-up sign after being let out.

Among others released from the Category B jail in West Yorkshire was 29-year-old Joe Lindley, who has already told his family he may start stealing again to feed his heroin habit. He was jailed for nine months for drug-related shoplifting offences and was being released after six weeks.

His father Andrew Lindley, 70, a retired careers adviser, said: 'It came as quite a surprise I have to say. He has already said he will have to start stealing again if he does not get his benefits. I just hope the Jobcentre is open when we get back to Huddersfield.'

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 don't know if I agree with everybody being released early, especially for more serious 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.

Labour's scheme allows offenders to be freed after serving 40 per cent of their sentence rather than the previous 50 per cent. But violent offenders handed sentences of less than four years are included in the scheme's scope.

Among those eligible will be offenders jailed for child cruelty or neglect, which saw 143 people sentenced to less than four years in 2022 and 2023, as well as 2,200 robbers jailed in the same period.

Adam Andrews, 37, who was jailed for three years in February after his brutal treatment of a 21-day-old baby in June 2018, is being set free.

His victim, left blind and paralysed, now suffers up to 40 seizures a day and needs round-the-clock care.

His mother described how she burst into tears after learning Andrews is to be freed early.

Adam Andrews, 37, who was jailed for three years in February after shaking a 21-day-old boy so violently he was left blind and paralysed, is due to be released

Shane Riley, who said he 'enjoyed' attacking his partner after she broke off their relationship will also be free after serving barely nine months of his sentence

'Not only has this process taken almost six years to get a sentence  and he was given such a lenient sentence in the first place  and now this is being used in his benefit,' she said of Labour's early-release scheme.

'If he is not classed as a serious offender for almost taking my child's life away, then who is?

'I don't think members of the public actually understand that people like him  people who hurt children, who do the most horrific crimes against a child  will be released.'

Andrews, of Great Whelnetham, Suffolk, was convicted of GBH without intent. The housing association worker has never explained why he lost control with the infant, who has a significantly reduced life expectancy.

Shane Riley, 44, of Swansea, may also 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 after headbutting, punching and kicking his former partner after she broke up with him.

In the Commons yesterday Lib Dem MP Lee Dillon asked the Justice Secretary to confirm that 'no dangerous criminals would be released early'. Ms Mahmood replied: 'We have taken every measure available to exclude offences from this measure. That includes serious violence, sexual violence, offences connected to domestic abuse... as are terror offences.'

Challenged by Tory MP Neil O'Brien over the early release of those convicted of manslaughter Ms Mahmood added: 'The offences and the sentences are both taken into account.'

Ms Mahmood also said some freed criminals could end up being housed in hotels at the taxpayers' expense, to avoid them being homeless. Asked by shadow justice secretary Edward Argar if hotels will be used, she told MPs she had authorised probation chiefs to 'make appropriate provision'.
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Archaeologists and military veterans have uncovered a 'unique' clearance trench on the site of a field hospital on the Waterloo battlefield.

Veteran support charity Waterloo Uncovered is carrying out a targeted excavation at Mont-Saint-Jean farm in Belgium, which served as the Duke of Wellington's field hospital during the battle in 1815 that finally brought end to the Napoleonic Wars.

This month, veterans will join in with the excavations at the site to attempt to find answers to one of history's enduring mysteries: what happened to the remains of some 20,000 men who died at the Battle?

A previous excavation at the same site in 2022 found the remains of horses, amputated limbs and a lone soldier laid to rest together in what is now the farm's orchard.

A week of excavation this month has now uncovered a purposefully dug pit which experts said was likely designed to quickly clear the hospital of gore after the battle.

It contains deposits of human and animal remains separated by a barrier of ammunition boxes stripped from soldiers' leather satchels.

Human skeletons were uncovered by the team during a dig of the site where British and Prussian forces assaulted the French

Volunteers uncovering the skeleton of an ox

A number of items were found at the site, including cannon balls

Veteran support charity Waterloo Uncovered is carrying out a targeted excavation at Mont-Saint-Jean farm in Belgium

What appear to be animal remains are uncovered during the dig in Belgium

Experts, pictured in 2024, conducted a similar dig in 2022, revealing the 'harsh reality' of the battle in new depth

Archaeological director Professor Tony Pollard, of the University of Glasgow, said: 'I can't think of any other site that has this combination of elements  it's truly unique, within Napoleonic archaeology and beyond.

'The layout of the trench, with all animal remains on one side of the ammunition box barrier and all the human remains on the other, strongly suggests that the men who buried this individual attempted to offer him a level of dignity and respect despite the horrific scene they would have found themselves facing while clearing the field hospital of the dead.'

In the north of the trench the team uncovered the remains of an ox and at least seven horses, several of which show possible signs of being butchered, and three of which have been euthanised via a musket ball to the head.

To the south, archaeologists discovered a pile of amputated human limbs, many of which still contain evidence of removal by the surgeon's saw, laid alongside the complete human skeleton excavated in 2022.

The soldier's remains were unearthed in a ditch close to a farmhouse in Mont-Saint-Jean, south of Brussels, which is thought to have housed one of Wellington's field hospitals.

His body is thought to have been dumped there after he died during treatment, alongside severed arms and legs removed during amputations.

Waterloo Uncovered's Excavation programme offers veterans the opportunity to take part in cutting-edge archaeology while receiving dedicated wellbeing support.

One of those taking part was Clive Jones, 66, of the Welsh Guards, who was stationed with the Household Cavalry in Knightsbridge during the Hyde Park Bombing of 1982 which killed 11 military personnel and seven cavalry horses.

The veteran said that uncovering the skeletons of seven horses had a big impact on him.

He said: 'I thought the soldier would affect me the most, but it was actually the horses. It just brought me back to the horrors of that day.

'But everyone here is so supportive. Every beneficiary has a story that has brought them to Waterloo. Away from home and among a group of fellow veterans and wellbeing professionals, they can start to face those memories.

'Our veterans are exploring the aftermath of a battle while dealing with the ongoing aftermath of battles they have fought in  an aftermath which is often going on in their minds.'

John Dawson, 35, was shot in the head in July 2012 while serving with the Grenadier Guards in Helmand Province in Afghanistan, losing his right eye and the use of his left arm.

Military veterans, serving personnel, archaeologists and volunteers joined charity Waterloo Uncovered for an excavation at Mont-Saint-Jean farm

This September for two weeks, army veterans will participate in archaeological excavations at the site of the Battle of Waterloo to attempt to find answers to one of history's enduring mysteries: what happened to the remains of some 20,000 men who died at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815?

Waterloo Uncovered's Excavation programme offers veterans the opportunity to take part in cutting-edge archaeology while receiving dedicated wellbeing support

Remains are discovered during a dig to find out what happened to the lives lost at the Battle of Waterloo

Volunteers from 'Waterloo Uncovered' search a plot near the battlefield on September 10

Volunteers are joining the searches for two weeks this month, to recover a part of their history

After undergoing significant surgery to reconstruct the right side of his head and fighting to regain the ability to walk, he has been slowly rebuilding his independence and confidence.

He said: 'This is the first trip I've done without a support worker. Normally, I'd refuse to do things like this, but when my regiment contacted me about it, I decided to give it a try, and it's exceeded all of my expectations.

'The amputated limbs we're finding don't bother me  I've seen much worse during my service.'

An international team of veterans, serving personnel and archaeologists is involved in the dig at the site of the battle, which saw the defeat of Napoleon.

Abigail Boyle, chief executive of Waterloo Uncovered, said: 'It may seem counterintuitive to put injured veterans back on a battlefield, but it's actually extremely beneficial.'

In 2022, dig teams made astonishing discoveries with their digs around the sites of former field hospitals.

Archaeologists uncovered the bones of horses killed during the battle - which were used to pull cannons and ammunition, as well as being used by mounted soldiers.

Three are believed to have been euthanised. While the French forces lacked the strength of the cavalry forces taken to Russia by 1815, they remained crucial to all three forces.

'I've been a battlefield archaeologist for 20 years and have never seen anything like it. We won't get any closer to the harsh reality of Waterloo than this,' said Professor Tony Pollard, an archeologist from Glasgow University.

The Battle of Waterloo saw British and Prussian forces meet Napoleon's army in Belgium after his dramatic return from Elba.

Despite the efforts of the coalition forces to restore the monarchy and cripple Napoleon's legacy, he arrived in France on a stolen ship and gathered the support of men sent to stop him.

As Napoleon's allies sold him out or found new positions for themselves within the new administration, the allies Empires of Europe declared war on the former French Emperor himself, cornering him into a defiant string of skirmishes in northern France and Belgium.

One of three euthanised horse skeletons found at the site of the Battle of Waterloo

Experts said in 2022 (pictured) their discoveries were 'incredibly rare' on a Napoleonic battlefield and vowed further excavation was under way to learn more about the remains

During digs in 2022 archaeologists made progress uncovering evidence of what happened at the Battle some 200 years ago

Uncovered of bones discovered at Mont-Saint-Jean farm in 2022 during the initial work at the site

Archaeological director Professor Tony Pollard, was part of a team leading the initial digs

Closest to Paris were the British and Prussians stationed in Belgium. Napoleon judged that if he could knock them out quickly - an almost impossible task with only a fraction of his forces - he might be able to leverage power at the negotiating table.

Having amassed some 125,000 men, Napoleon tried to split the 220,000 opposing him to take them on separately. The worn down army still managed to defeat the Prussians at Ligny - but could not take on the forces together as they retreated north.

The British stand at Waterloo on Sunday, June 18 would become legendary, finally bringing an end to Napoleon's 15 year hold on the continent.

British tactics allowed the forces to bravely hold out until the Prussians arrived, pressing the French until panic broke out and Napoleon's army routed.

It was also the second bloodiest day of the Napoleonic Wars, after Borodino - a dramatic and tragic end to an era irreversibly changing the state of Europe.
A woman has warned fellow Aussies looking to dodge long queues upon arrival in Bali to not make the same costly mistake on her visa that she did.

Visa on arrival forms allow travellers entering the Indonesian island to skip immigration queues and save time completing travel documents on their way in.

Aussie tourist Laura Davy filled out one such form, but made a mistake while filling out her passport details.

It cost her an awkward wait in Balinese customs and a $50 fee.

Ms Davy told Daily Mail Australia the ordeal was 'very disappointing' but vowed to never do it again.

She said an airport official told her she couldn't exit the arrivals terminal after she landed because of her visa.

Ms Davy thought she'd be able to breeze through the immigrations process at Denpasar Airport - but was mistaken.

'The automated gates that scan your passports weren't working for me  probably because it picked up on my visa error  so I had to manually enter and go through customs,' she recalled.

Australian tourist Laura Davy revealed her entry to Bali was delayed by a small mistake in her visa

She was stopped by a customs official, who had issues with missing letters listed before the series of numbers in the top right of her passport.

'When (the man at customs) was checking my details to make sure they were 110 per cent correct, he was like, "You've got to go pay another $50 because you've put in your passport number wrong",' Ms Davy explained in a TikTok video.

'I was like, "No, I haven't. I put all the numbers in correctly". He was like, "You've missed the two front letters".'

Her passport features the letters 'PA' followed by the numerals, she said.

'All my life, I thought that 'PA' meant passport number,' she explained.

'I was like, "Why would I have to include them?",' she questioned in the video.

'They made me pay another $50. I paid $100 for 30 days. That's a big life lesson for me.

'If you're prepaying for your visa, put in all your details 100 per cent correctly.'

Ms Davy told the Daily Mail Australia other Aussies had experienced similar dramas in the airport but got a different result.

'Other people have messaged me saying that some people had their incorrect details changed for them on the spot and didn't have to pay the extra $50,' she said.

'We landed at 10.20pm so I assume the guards were just cranky and couldn't be bothered helping me,' she joked.

'Very disappointing but I won't do it again!'

Nearly 860,000 Australians visited the Indonesian island between January and July, 2024

Indonesia looks set to waive the $50 visa fee for Australians and a limited group of other nations from October.

The island nation is expected to scrap the fee in an effort to boost their struggling tourism industry

Australians will still need to apply for a visa allowing a 30-day visit, extendable to 60 days.

The visa fee was largely unpopular with Australian travellers after it was reinstated following the Covid pandemic.

A financial expert told Yahoo the fees could deter larger families from travelling to the idyllic tourist island.

'In the context of spending thousands of dollars on an overseas holiday, a $50 visa in itself for a single traveller is probably not enough to deter someone from going to Bali,' Finder's Sarah Megginson said.

'But if you're travelling as a family this fee becomes pretty significant.'

Laura Davy urges Aussies check their details on visas while travelling

Despite the waiver, Australians traveling to Bali will still need to pay a $15 tourism tax introduced earlier this year to address over-tourism in the province.

Indonesia is targeting $18 billion in tourism revenue in 2024.

The Henley Passport Index ranks the Australian passport relatively high for global travel freedom, though Singapore has the top position.
A thug who threatened to slit the throat of his ex and petrol-bomb her house is the latest criminal Keir Starmer thinks is safe to be released in his bid to ease overcrowding.

'Unhinged' Jack Poore, from Tonbridge, Kent, was jailed last year for almost 35 months, but will walk free next week - three and a half months early - as part of Labour's early release scheme.

He threatened to slit his ex-girlfriend Natasha Brine's throat in a four month campaign of harassment in a 'toxic and controlling' relationship.

The 30-year-old mother of three was left disturbing voicemails in which he branded her a 'dirty, cheating little ****' and threatened to 'slice' her.

Poore, 32, sent her a Snapchat message saying: 'You will be in a petrol bomb by 10pm' and telling her: 'You are just a snake **** and I want you to die. You won't make 30 and you certainly won't make 50 because I will kill you.'

More than 5,000 prisoners are to be set loose over the next six weeks, with everyone eligible for release apart from violent criminals jailed for more than four years.

Those set free include hardened drug dealers and violent domestic abusers - despite officials saying those convicted of 'domestic abuse connected crimes' would be excluded from the plans.

It comes after reports that victims were not warned of the early prison release dates of their offenders yesterday.

'Unhinged' Jack Poore, from Tonbridge, Kent, was jailed last year for almost 35 months, but will walk free next week - three and a half months early - as part of Labour's early release scheme

He threatened to slit his ex-girlfriend Natasha Brine's throat in a four month campaign of harassment in a 'toxic and controlling' relationship

Tthug who threatened to slit the throat of his ex and petrol-bomb her house is the latest criminal Keir Starmer (above) thinks is safe to be released in his bid to ease overcrowding

People spray sparkling wine over a man who walked out of Nottingham Prison yesterday

A jubilant prisoner being released from Wandsworth Prison, south London yesterday

Ms Brine told KentOnline she has suffered from 'horrific nightmares' and feels 'physically sick' since learning that her ex would be released early.

She said: 'I thought I would have at least four months to prepare. But all of a sudden he will be out and it has knocked me for six.

'They said bail conditions have been put in place, but twice before he has broken restraining orders so I don't feel very safe.

'I don't feel like I have had the time mentally to prepare for this.'

Ms Brine has a son with Poore and says she is worried for the child's safety - with his school taking extra security measures to protect him.

The government said anyone jailed for a domestic abuse offence will not be released early as part of the scheme, including those imprisoned for breaching a non-molestation order or restraining order. Poore pleaded guilty to both crimes and harassment.

But The Ministry of Justice said he 'meets the criteria for this scheme', informing Ms Brine in a letter that he would be set free.

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

Fallen Hollywood Brit flick star Jason Hoganson seen outside HM Prison Durham yesterday

The mother thinks the government hasn't given enough consideration about how releasing prisoners early will impact the victims of their crimes.

She said: 'It's all well and good saying prisons are full and they need them out, but they are not thinking about how it is affecting our lives.

'I think they should serve the sentence they are given.'

Secretary of State for Justice Shabana Mahmood said the Labour government inherited a 'dire situation'.

'This government will tackle the crisis head on and today (Tuesday), 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.

'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.'

Not all victims of crime were made aware of their offenders' early release date, the Victims Commissioner for England and Wales has said, warning that some victims may not have had the chance to seek 'protective measures'.

Baroness Newlove, the victims' commissioner for England and Wales, said that from the start of the scheme, she sought assurances that all 'impacted victims' would be told of any early release dates before it happened.

'I understand this has not been possible in every case, leaving some victims unaware of their offender's early release,' she said in a statement.

Stuart Bennett does a dance in the street as he leaves HM Prison Leeds yesterday

'While I recognise the challenges in reaching certain groups of victims, this is regrettable and must be addressed.'

Domestic abusers and sex offenders were among those released, according to the Napo probation union.

The Ministry of Justice highlighted the eligibility for the scheme was based on the offence, not the offender.

Yesterday, inmates were welcomed like heroes on their departure from prison.

Former prisoners were sprayed with champagne by jubilant loved ones, with those released boasting about going to the pub and McDonald's to celebrate, while others crowed it was a 'great escape'.

While some vowed to do their best not to end up behind bars again, others have brazenly said that time in prison 'doesn't make me a changed man' amid warnings that a third of those released will reoffend.

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.

A group of men carrying personal belongings leave Holme House Prison in Stockton-on-Tees yesterday

A pair of men carrying bags, with one attempting to cover his face with a blue coat, leave the gates at HMP Liverpool yesterday

The Justice Secretary also announced in the Commons that prisoners freed under the early release scheme could be housed in taxpayer-funded hotels, once space runs out in community accommodation.

Ms Mahmood revealed that inmates who would be at risk of homelessness on release would be offered the temporary housing for 12 weeks.

Domestic abusers and sex offenders were among the 1,700 people freed by Labour's early prisoner release scheme today, sparking fears of a 'ticking time bomb' before more crimes occur.

And Ms Mahmood told the Commons, amid anger from opposition MPs: '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. 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.'
A teenage girl has been arrested on suspicion of arson after a devastating house fire left one person dead.

Police were called at 4am yesterday by crews from Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS) following a blaze in Bedale Drive, Leicester.

Inside the property, one person was tragically found dead while others received hospital treatment as a precaution.

A 14-year-old girl was arrested on suspicion of arson and she has since been released on bail pending further inquiries.

Leicestershire Police said it was keeping an open mind about the incident, despite the arrest, and was liaising with LFRS.

Police were called at 4am yesterday by crews from Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS). Pictured, a general view of Bedale Drive, Leicester

Detective Inspector Michael Chandler said: 'This is an extremely tragic incident in which a person has sadly lost their life. Our investigation is at a very early stage and we are keeping an open mind as to what caused the fire.

'A dedicated team is carrying out enquiries and we are working closely with the fire service to fully establish what has happened and how it has happened. Specially trained officers are also continuing to provide full support to the family of the deceased.'

Detective Inspector Chandler said that officers will remain in the area to provide 'support and reassurance' to residents.

Anyone with information about the fire should contact Leicestershire Police on 101, quoting incident 69 of September 10. Alternatively, report information on the force's website.
A nursery worker broke down in tears and cried 'adrenaline got the better of me' after pleading guilty to hurling racial abuse and attacking a police officer during a violent riot in Southport.

Ellie Clarke, 21, of Southport, had made her way to the front of a baying mob that gathered in the Merseyside town on July 30, a day after the fatal stabbings of three young girls.

Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven and Alice Da Silva Aguiar, nine, died in the attack, which was falsely blamed on an Islamist migrant in the immediate aftermath.

Liverpool Crown Court heard crowds gathered in the area around St Luke's Road in the town, close to the Southport Islamic Society Mosque.

Rioters were caught on video and CCTV hurling missiles at police officers trying to protect the building, as well as chanting 'this is our f***ing country', 's***houses', 'scumbag b*****ds' and 'who the f*** is Allah?'.

Ellie Clarke, 21, of Southport, broke down in tears and cried 'adrenaline got the better of me' after pleading guilty to hurling racial abuse and attacking a police officer during a violent riot

Clarke is said to have shouted at the officers, 'if it was your f***ing daughter who was stabbed dead by a f***ing p**i' and began forcefully pushing against an officer holding a riot shield

More than 50 PCs were said to have been injured during the affray, while nearby residential properties also endured damage.

Christopher Taylor, prosecuting, said Clarke had been seen near the front of the protesters, at around 8.45pm.

She is said to have shouted at the officers, 'if it was your f***ing daughter who was stabbed dead by a f***ing p**i' and began forcefully pushing against an officer holding a riot shield.

Bodycam footage of the incident was played in the court, which heard that she was attested on September 2 in an 'agreed meeting' after her image was circulated as one of the hundreds of riot suspects wanted by police.

In a prepared statement, Clarke apologised for her behaviour and said: 'I heard about the stabbings in Southport and was very distressed, particularly given the fact that I used to work in a nursery.'

She added: 'The adrenaline got the better of me and I used language I am ashamed of.'

Clarke, who has no previous convictions, last week pleaded guilty to violent disorder, racially aggravated harassment and assaulting an emergency services worker at Liverpool Magistrates' Court.

She had been due to receive her sentence at Liverpool Crown Court on Tuesday, but the case was adjourned for a psychiatric report.

More than 50 PCs were said to have been injured during the affray, while nearby residential properties also endured damage

Her counsel, Daniel Travers, revealed Clarke had suffered from mental health issues.

Honorary Recorder of Liverpool Judge Andrew Menary KC warned: 'If I was dealing with the defendant today, there would be a custodial sentence' and said that could still be an option depending on the outcome of the report.

Clarke is now due to be sentenced on October 22.

Hundreds of people have now been through the court system for riot-related offences, after clashing with police and attacking hotels housing asylum seekers, among other actions, following riots sparked by the Southport stabbings.

Axel Rudakubana, 18, born in Cardiff to Christian parents, has been charged with three counts of murder, as well multiple charges of attempted murder.

In the aftermath of the tragedy, riots spread across the country in unrest not seen in Britain since 2011, when the fatal shooting of a black man by police triggered several days of street violence.

Police and prosecutors have responded rapidly, with roughly 1,300 people having been arrested and around 200 jailed  one for as long as six years for violent disorder.

Others have been charged for inciting racial or religious hatred online.
Labour MPs are being hammered for 'voting to freeze your grandparents' as Rachel Reeves dismissed calls to ease the pain for pensioners.

The Government is facing mounting fury after the Commons approved axing winter fuel payments for ten million older people.

MPs who backed Keir Starmer's plan amid tears and recriminations at Parliament last night are being targeted online, with Tories making clear they will be held accountable.

After a day of drama just one Labour MP  veteran left-winger Jon Trickett  voted against the measure, although more than 50 abstained.

Many cited reasons such as dentist appointments for staying away, with the party claiming that only a dozen absences were not authorised. It is still unclear what punishments Sir Keir will impose, with Mr Trickett jibing that he would 'sleep well' after taking his stand.

The PM will face a grilling in the chamber at lunchtime with the weekly PMQs session.

Ms Reeves again insisted this morning that she had been forced into the controversial policy by a 'black hole' in the public finances.

Rachel Reeves again insisted this morning that she had been forced into the controversial winter fuel policy by a 'black hole' in the public finances

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The Chancellor told broadcasters today: 'We faced a situation when I became chancellor that there was a 22billion black hole in the public finances this year.

'That meant we had to make difficult decisions, tough decisions, to get a grip of those public finances so that we could bring stability back to the economy.

'These weren't decisions that I wanted to make. They weren't decisions that I expected to make, but in the circumstances that we faced, it was absolutely right to make sure that our public finances were on a firmer footing.

'Because only through doing that do we have the chance to bring stability back to our economy and start to grow the economy after 14 years of stagnation.'

Housing minister Matthew Pennycook told Sky News: 'We're not going to water down that policy. We think it's the right decision to make.'

Asked about the Government's decision to award pay increases to public-sector workers while reducing winter fuel support, he said: 'What this Government has done is implement the recommendations of the independent public sector pay review bodies.

'Now, unless the opposition in parliament are saying they would have rejected those recommendations out of hand, allowed industrial action to continue, which was extremely costly to the UK economy, they would have faced that same decision.'

There were angry clashes in the Commons over the decision to means-test the winter fuel payment.

Only those on pensioner credit  with incomes below around 11,400  will get the benefit in future.

Dozens of Labour MPs abstained on the vote  which the party itself warned could kill 4,000 pensioners a year in previous research from 2017.

Tory supporters have been attacking Labour MPs online for 'voting to freeze your grandparents'

It is still unclear what punishments Sir Keir will impose, with Jon Trickett jibing that he would 'sleep well' after taking his stand

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.
Britain will endure 'unseasonably cold' conditions over the next few days as temperatures fall below zero and the first frosts of autumn develop.

Chilly Arctic air is sweeping in and bringing highs of up to 7C below average for the time of year - with fresh snow seen on the highest peaks in Scotland this morning.

The Met Office said tomorrow night into Friday is likely to be the coldest part of this week, as temperatures in rural parts of the country could drop below freezing.

Many areas will have daytime highs of 13C (55F) to 14C (57F), well below the normal range of 16C (61F) to 18C (64F) for mid-September or up to 20C (68F) in London.

However, the cold spell is not expected to last long and temperatures will begin to climb back up towards average by the weekend with 20C (68F) highs and sunshine.

People hide under umbrellas during rain while punting on the River Cam in Cambridge today

Fresh snow this morning on Ben Wyvis in the Scottish Highlands, north-west of Dingwall

Surfers on the waves off Tynemouth Longsands on the North Tyneside coast this morning

People wear coats or jackets as they cross Westminster Bridge in London this morning

Dog walkers on a chilly but sunny morning in the Oxfordshire countryside at Dunsden today

 Slide me  Temperatures will fall close to freezing tonight (left) and below freezing tomorrow night (right)

Met Office spokesman Johnathan Vautrey said temperatures for most of the week will be 4C to 6C below average, while BBC Weather suggested it would be up to 7C below average.

Mr Vautrey said: 'Many of us will see temperatures in the mid-teens - around 13C to 14C - whereas normally at this time of year it would be at least 16C to 18C, if not closer towards 19C to 20C in the far South East, places like London.'

But temperatures will feel even colder and 'more like single figures' for a lot of places due to strong winds.

The forecaster said overnight temperatures will tumble and Friday is likely to be the coldest morning as temperatures in rural areas could drop below freezing.

This is because high pressure is also building and winds will fall to a lighter level by this point, allowing more heat to be lost overnight.

People wear coats or jackets as they cross Millennium Bridge in London this morning

People hide under umbrellas during rain while punting on the River Cam in Cambridge today

Surfers in the sea at Tynemouth Longsands beach on the North East coast this morning

Early morning at Dunsden in Oxfordshire today as temperatures begin to fall in the UK

People hide under umbrellas during rain while punting on the River Cam in Cambridge today

Surfers on the waves off Tynemouth Longsands on the North Tyneside coast this morning

The sun rises on a chilly morning at Dunsden in the Oxfordshire countryside today

Mr Vautrey continued: 'We could see some patchy frost developing in rural areas across all nations of the UK, particularly Scotland.

'For people waking up on Friday morning it could be quite a shock to the system as they're walking out of the door.

'There is a small chance of some snow falling over the highest mountains of Scotland, but you'll have to hike quite a way before you see any snow.'

Looking further ahead, the Met Office said milder air from the Atlantic is expected to push back across the country later on Friday and more especially into the weekend.

This will cut off the cold air from the north and allow less chilly conditions into next week when temperatures will return to average for the time of year.

In the Met Office's forecast for September 16 to 25, it says: 'Temperatures during this period are likely to be on the warmer side of average overall, but with settled conditions warm days could be offset by some chilly nights.'
A Frenchman who has admitted drugging and then letting multiple strangers rape his wife was too ill to give evidence in court today after being found vomiting and fainting in his prison cell.

Dominique Pelicot, 71, was on Wednesday expected to be cross-examined at the Vaucluse Criminal Court in Avignon, where he is one of 51 defendants accused of violating his wife Gisele Pelicot by drugging her and allowing strangers to rape her over a decade.

But, before proceedings were due to get underway, he appeared too ill to carry on, and was rushed out of the building.

His defence lawyer, Beatrice Zavarro, called for a full medical examination, saying: I met Mr Pelicot lying down in prison.

He had vomited, had fainting spells, and had pain in his kidneys. Physically, he is here, but probably not in a fit state to take part in the proceedings in a calm manner.

Pelicot is facing a jail sentence of up to 20 years, along with 50 other defendants, accused of the aggravated rape of Gisele Pelicot, also 71, over almost a decade.

Dominique Pelicot, seen in this court sketch, briefly turned up on Wednesday, with his left hand supporting his head as he slumped against the side of a gallery

Gisele Pelicot (pictured) was unknowingly given a mix of sleeping pills and tranquillisers by her husband

Daughter Caroline Darian (pictured) said he secretly photographed her in the nude, along with her two sister-in-laws

Dominique Pelicot is now on trial for a near-decade long campaign of drugging and sexually abusing his wife for the camera - along with 50 other men he invited to the family home to take part in the heinous activity

But he has not appeared at his trial for the past two days because of ill health.

He briefly turned up on Wednesday, with his left hand supporting his head as he slumped against the side of a gallery, looking around the court with a vacant expression.

Within minutes, Judge Roger Arata called for Pelicot to leave, confirming that he had been suffering with pain in his intestines first reported on Monday.

To the horror of his victim Gisele Pelicot and her three ground-up children Judge Roger Arata announced that he may have to adjourn the trial if the main defendant Pelicot was not well enough to appear in court.

Heads shook in disbelief around the court, as Ms Zavarro insisted his absence was not a ploy.

She said: Lets be clear about this. Mr Pelicot will not be avoiding his own trial.

He will be here. He will reply to all the questions, but he cant control what happens to his body. He didnt plan to be ill. He is not a robot.

It is technically possible to avoid a trial in France because of extreme ill health.

Caroline and her two brothers David and Florian had enjoyed an idyllic childhood and for most of their lives were blessed with a stable and happy family life

The mother-of-three had moved to the Provence village with her husband, former electricity worker Dominique, from Villiers-sur-Marne, near Paris, in 2013

Village of Mazan where Dominique Pelicot and his wife Gisele Pelicot lived. When she tested positive for a STD, Mr Pelicot said she must have been cheating on him when he was out playing boules

Dominique Pelicot broke down in court when his wife described their once happy family

Abdominal pain is frequently the result of problems in the small and large intestine, and counsel for Pelicot said it has been affecting him for a number of days.

The Judge said other witnesses would be heard until Pelicot was fit enough to be cross-examined, possibly on Thursday.

On Monday, psychologists described Pelicot as a Jekyll and Hyde character who drugged his wife so strangers could rape her at night.

He told detectives that he considered himself a good husband to Ms Pelicot, whom he married in 1971 and had three children with.

The couples divorce was finalised last month, and Ms Pelicot is now one of the main prosecution witnesses against him.

She has sat in court throughout the last seven days of the trial, along with her children.

On Friday, Mr Pelicots own daughter described him as one of the greatest sexual predators of recent years.

Caroline Darian, 46 said he secretly photographed her in the nude, along with her two sister-in-laws.

Gisele Pelicot arrives at court in Avignon, France on Tuesday supported by her children Fliran (left) and David (right)

Gisele Pelicot faces journalists as she exits the courtroom flanked by her sons Florian (rear) and David (R) after attending a session of the trial of her former partner Dominique Pelicot accused of drugging her for nearly ten years and inviting strangers to rape her at their home in Mazan, a small town in the south of France, at the courthouse in Avignon, on Monday

This was at the same family home in Mazan, some 20 miles from Avignon, which Pelicot had invited the men to after contacting them online.

Pelicot was first arrested in September 2020 for secretely filming up womens skirts at a supermarket in Carpentras.

His devices were searched, and there were hundreds of photos and pornographic videos of women, including family members.

It was while in custody that Mr Pelicot reported a hard drive, hidden under a printer, which contained a file called Abuses.

It classified the nickname and telephone numbers of attackers, together with some 3,800 photos and videos of Gisele Pelicot being raped, between 2011 and 2020.

Detectives have listed a total of 92 rapes committed by 72 men, 51 of whom have been identified.

Pelicot moved his family from greater Paris in 1991, and later allegedly set up the sex ring.

It involved advertising on a site for partners on an online forum called Without Her Knowing on the coco.fr site.

Caroline, the daughter of Gisele Pelicot who has allegedly been drugged and raped by men solicited by her husband Dominique Pelicot, walks at the courthouse in Avignon, France on Tuesday

Of the 83 men involved, 51 aged between 26 and 73 were identified and arrested by the police.

Pelicot is said to have sedated his wife by putting Temesta  a powerful anti-anxiety medication  into her evening dinner.

Following his arrest in September 2020 he told psychologists that his wife was to blame for his actions because she refused to go swinging with him.

During prison interviews Pelicot maintained that the sickening abuse of his wife of 50 years Gisele would have continued if he had not been arrested.

Alleged rapists involved in the case include civil servants, ambulance workers, soldiers, prison guards, nurses, a journalist, a municipal councillor, and truck drivers.

In a separate case, Pelicot has been charged with raping and murdering a 23-year-old estate agent in Paris in 1991.

He has admitted one attempted rape in 1999, after DNA testing proved a case against him.

The Avignon aggravated rape case continues, and is due to last until December 21.

Fourteen of the other defendants have admitted rape, while the rest deny any wrongdoing.
A five-months pregnant woman and her unborn baby were crushed to death by a herd of elephants in Indonesia.

Mother-of-three Karsini, 33, was tapping rubber trees with her husband Rasum on Sunday when the herd of some 15 jumbos entered their plantation in South Sumatra.

The wife banged empty jerrycans together like cymbals in a desperate attempt to scare off the animals, each weighing up to 4,000kg.

But the wild animals, scared on enraged by the banging, charged the couple and brutally trampled Karsini and her unborn baby to death.

After the herd moved away, villagers in the Musi Rawas Regency collected Karsini's corpse from the forest.

Karsini (L) was tapping rubber trees with her husband Rasum (R) when she was attacked

She had tried to deter the elephants by banging cans together, but appeared to enrage them

File photo. A Sumatran elephant in the forests of Indonesia

Muara Lakitan Police Chief, AKP M Abdul Karim, said: 'It is known that the victim was five months pregnant.

'She suffered severe wounds on her stomach and waist, and her womb had shifted to the left.

'Her husband managed to save himself.'

He added that wild elephants were known to frequent the region in herds of up to 100.

Officers from the Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) were at the scene to investigate, he said.

The police chief urged residents to stay clear of wandering elephants instead of trying to scare them away.

He said: 'Don't disturb them, don't try to chase them away.

'They are only looking for food. If you see an elephant, immediately move away.'

The Sumatran elephant is a critically endangered subspecies of the Asian elephant, native to the Indonesian island of Sumatra, just south of Malaysia.

According to the World Wildlife Fund, Sumatran elephants are on the brink of extinction with only about 2,400-2,800 left in the world.

Habitat loss due to deforestation and human activities, along with poaching, are the primary threats to its survival.

It was previously classified as endangered under the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List.

The archipelago nation faces an ongoing battle against wildlife crime and several elephant poisoning cases have been reported in recent years, including one in 2019 when a Sumatran elephant was found decapitated with its tusks ripped off.

The elephant population is also threatened by rampant poachings because of their tusks, which are prized in the illegal wildlife trade.

Rampant deforestation has reduced the critically endangered elephants' natural habitat and brought them into increasing conflict with humans.

Villagers in the Musi Rawas Regency collected Karsini's corpse from the forest

An area is taped off after the tragic death of mother-of-three Karsini on Sunday

The elephant's conservation status was changed to critically endangered as its population reportedly decline by at least 80 per cent in the last 75 years.

There are an estimated 1,500 Sumatran elephants left in the wild.

Elephants are rarely aggressive but can act out if they feel threatened, or to protect their young.

In India alone, around 400 people die each year from clashes with elephants, according to the International Fund for Animal Welfare.

Human development has also pushed wild elephants close to extinction; today, there are between 30,000 and 50,000 elephants left in the world.

The majority live in India, where thousands of captive elephants are forced to work their entire lives in grim conditions, overheating, poorly treated and in some cases beaten for acting out.
MBABANE  Public Sector pensioners will next Wednesday march to the offices of the Minister of Public Service, Mabulala Maseko, over bafokatana statement.

The resolution to deliver a petition to the minister came after the minister made a statement during the Public Service quarterly performance report debate by the Senate Portfolio Committee on the categorisation of the Public Service Pensions Fund (PSPF). The pensioners have been vocal about PSPF categorisation as a Category A enterprise. A Category A enterprise is a parastatal which government has full control of. Motions and Parliament resolutions were made regarding the categorisation of the PSPF.



In an Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Public Service Pensioners Association (PSPA), that was held at St Theresas School Hall in Manzini, the pensioners stated that they were very disappointed about the ministers statement. The pensioners added that they felt the minister insulted them and stressed that they needed answers regarding the statement.

What irked the pensioners the most was that there was a Parliament resolution that was issued by the 10th Parliament, where the government was ordered to categorise the fund under a Category B enterprise. The Secretary General (SG) of the association, Dominic Nxumalo, said they decided to deliver a petition to the ministers of Public Service and Finance.

Pensioners will deliver a petition to the minister of Public Service and minister of Finance next Wednesday. We feel that Minister Maseko is not handling the issue of the PSPF categorisation correctly. Angabese sowetfuka emapensioners (he should not be insulting pensioners). The pensioners were angered by the statement and said they want to march and register their anger to him directly, he said.Nxumalo said they had not expected a hurtful statement from their line minister. They said the minister should be working in harmony with the owners of the pension fund. How can he refer to us as bafokatana, especially when we voice out issues about our fund, he said.



Petition



The SG added that they would also deliver a petition to the minister of Finance for his failure to implement the 10th Parliament resolution to reverse the funds. The minister of Finance defies Parliament as he was ordered to reverse the categorisation, he said.The bafokatana statement was triggered by a question that was asked by the Deputy Senate President, Ndumiso Mdluli, during the quarterly performance report debate by the Public Service Senate Portfolio Committee. The senator asked the minister what informed the categorisation of the fund from a Category B to a Category A enterprise. The senator highlighted that there had been a huge outcry about the categorisation, especially from pensioners.



In response, the minister said during the debate that a E35 billion worth fund could not be given to bafokatana. The fund has an asset base of E35 billion and government is the biggest contributor to the fund, therefore, it cannot give the fund to bafokatana. I normally say we do not want to see what happened with Ecsponent with PSPF because government will carry the liability, he said.The minister said the fund was never a Category B enterprise. Maseko told the senators that the government had a direct interest in PSPF for several reasons. The minister said government is the biggest contributor to the fund. This includes the E100 million government put in when the fund was established in 1996. He added that in terms of contribution, the government contributes 15 per cent of the 20 per cent contribution, while workers contribute five per cent. Maseko said that should be enough to explain the governments interest in the fund and the fact that government carries their liability of the fund.
A greedy daughter who stole 216,000 from her Alzheimer's suffering mother in order to pamper her two pet dogs in luxury has been jailed for four years.

Care worker Luana Dougherty stole the life savings of her elderly and confused mother Margaret Trimmer as if she were 'taking candy from a baby'.

'Uncaring and callous' Dougherty was caught after she bragged to her son she was going to put a 60,000 deposit on a house and other relatives made enquiries with her mother's bank.

It emerged she had spent 'thousands' on her Staffordshire Bull Terrier-type hounds, furniture, and setting up a dog breeding business. Facebook pictures also showed her enjoying a holiday in India with a male companion.

'Uncaring and callous' Luana Dougherty was caught after she bragged to her son she was going to put a 60,000 deposit on a house and other relatives made enquiries with Margaret Trimmer's bank

It emerged she had spent 'thousands' on her Staffordshire Bull Terrier-type hounds

Pictured are Luana Dougherty's Staffordshire Bull Terrier-type dogs

Luana Dougherty, a greedy heiress who stole the life savings of her elderly mother

The 50-year-old had already been given a 125,000 share of Mrs Trimmer's fortune from the sale of their 370,000 family home after she offered to look after her when she developed symptoms of Alzheimer's.

But the manipulative mother-of-three exploited both her job and her mother's mental condition.

She downloaded a banking app onto her mobile phone to access her account, making illicit withdrawals of thousands at a time.

Over one four-day period, she was transferring 20,000 a day into her own account and in all stole 216,000.

Just 10,000 was left in her mother's account by the time the thefts were discovered.

In a statement to police Dougherty's sister Sandra Clayton said Mrs Trimmer, who is in her 80s was said to be 'anxious and distressed' when told of her daughter's betrayal.

She said: 'When mum sold up because she was unable to look after herself we agreed that Luana would look after her as she had worked in the care sector for people with dementia.

Care worker Luana Dougherty stole the life savings of her elderly and confused mother as if she were 'taking candy from a baby'. She is pictured outside of court

The 50-year-old had already been given a 125,000 share of Mrs Trimmer's fortune from the sale their 370,000 family home after she offered to look after her when she developed symptoms of Alzheimer's

'She had already received her share of 125,000 whilst the remaining money would be held in mum's bank account. But Luanna was amassing that money selfishly for herself. We now feel so foolish that we trusted her.

'In fact she started accessing the money almost immediately. She had told us repeatedly that our mother was attending medical appointments. But in the 18 months she lived with her she received no doctors' appointments or diagnosis.

'My mother's money would have provided the best possible care' for her. But the financial impact has meant we had no choice in a type of care home she would move into.

'We are reliant on the local authority council to choose that place for her and top up 100 a week for mum's care.

Mrs Clayton added: 'Luanna has not asked how she is, where she lives, or offered to pay any money. We have not received any money from her.

Facebook pictures also showed her enjoying a holiday in India with a male companion

Pictured is Dougherty posing with an elephant while on holiday in India

'She had showed no care or concern and had used her for what she could get out of her. She had no regard for the consequences, leaving us to pick up the pieces.'

At Chester Crown Court, Dougherty, from Great Sutton, Ellesmere Port admitted fraud by abuse of position. The hearing was told she would be kept on by her employers at a care agency despite her thieving.

Sentencing, the judge Mr Richard Conley told Dougherty: 'What causes me immediate concern is that you seem to have an uncaring and callous attitude towards what you did.

'You were a trusted member of your family and your siblings considered you were the person best placed to look after your mum in her old age as her symptoms of Alzheimer and dementia became progressively more serious. But it is clear their trust was entirely misplaced.

'You decided to exploit the position you were in and through greed and selfishness you continued to siphon off Mrs Trimmer's money. It was like taking candy from a baby.

At Chester Crown Court, Dougherty, from Great Sutton, admitted fraud by abuse of position. The hearing was told she would be kept on by her employers at a care agency despite her thieving

'It was a cynical exploitation of her and of the trust that she and your sister and wider members of your family placed in you. Day after day, time after time, there were financial transfers running up to 1000s, if not 10,000s, all to be frittered away by you on dogs, drugs, hare brained business ideas, or just profligacy on your behalf.

'It is clear to me that this was selfishness on an epic scale committed by you, against a person who relied on you and trusted you more than anyone else in the world. I am bound to say, it is staggering for me to learn that someone who defrauded a vulnerable person of their own life savings is still working in the care sector.'

Earlier prosecutor Tom McLoughlin said Mrs Trimmer moved in with her daughter in June 2021 after selling the family home in Farnham, Surrey for 370,000.

In mitigation her counsel Oliver King claimed Dougherty's ex-boyfriend had 'pressured' her into taking the cash.

He added: 'There is no suggestion that this was planned from the outset. She invited her mum to live with her because she genuinely wanted to care for her. It was not possible for other family members to do that.

'She was also experienced in caring for vulnerable adults, working for 10 years in the care sector. Her family clearly trusted her. What she went on to do was very out of character for her. She tells me she does feel genuine remorse. She always enjoyed a close relationship with her mum. That is now shattered.'
Kamala Harris is now predicted to win the US election after the odds took a dramatic turn during the televised debate last night, according to online betting exchange Betfair.

Harris is currently the odds-on favorite at 20/21, having started the debate at 11/10, odds on Betfair Exchange show.

It was a night to forget for Donald Trump, as his odds drifted out to 11/10, their biggest in the last four weeks.

Punters were quick to react to the key moments in the debate, with more than 1m wagered overnight.

Harris was widely declared the winner of the contest on ABC as she delivered a performance that earned her the endorsement of pop superstar Taylor Swift.

She succeeded in rattling her Republican opponent as he was grilled on hot-button issues from abortion to democracy - and accused of being a friend to dictators.

Democrat nominee Kamala Harris during the debate on ABC last night

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Trump gestures as he speaks to members of the press in the spin room following a presidential debate

The two candidates during the presidential debate hosted by ABC News at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia

Trump, who many thought would have the upper hand ahead of last night's debate, repeatedly bit on Harris' attempts to goad him into a war of words and spent much of his allotted speaking time defending himself instead of pressing his opponent on her weaknesses.

The former president's supporters were left particularly disgruntled by ABC News moderator David Muir, who was accused of 'handling' the debate for Kamala.

The moderators ruthlessly fact-checked almost every single one of Trump's statements and sometimes interjected to challenge him while Harris was allowed to speak at will, leading Trump's team to say he was fighting a 'three-on-one' battle.

Betfair Spokesperson, Sam Rosbottom said: 'We were expecting an explosive debate, and Kamala Harris and Donald Trump certainly delivered.

'The Vice-President is now on course to win November's election as things stand, becoming the 20/21 favorite overnight during her performance in the Presidential debate.

'Trump's odds have drifted to 11/10, translating to a 48% chance of victory. Earlier yesterday he was as short as 10/11 - a 52% chance of winning.

'A whopping 1m was wagered on the Betfair Exchange election winner market around the debate, with more than 63m bet in total on that one market alone.

'Once again we've seen the market swing, and we're expecting plenty more movement in the next 55 days, but for now, it's Kamala Harris who leads the race to the White House according to Betfair Exchange punters.'

Vice President Kamala Harris stops by the Harris-Walz campaign's Presidential Debate Watch Party after a strong showing in a debate against Trump

Trump, who many thought would have the upper hand ahead of last night's debate, repeatedly bit on Harris' attempts to goad him into a war of words

Kamala Harris gives a thumbs down during a presidential debate with former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump

Debate moderators David Muir and Linsey Davis of ABC News

With less than two months until the election, Harris, 59, was under pressure to deliver in front of an audience expected to run into the tens of millions after her sudden replacement as the Democratic candidate in place of Biden.

She started on the front foot by surprising Trump by approaching him to shake his hand before they took to their lecterns.

Then the niceties ended.

Trump, who only a few weeks ago had believed himself to be cruising to victory, reacted to pressure from Harris by resorting to the kinds of finger-jabbing insults and meandering invective that he uses at his rallies.

Harris responded by looking on in amusement and occasionally exclaiming 'c'mon', before declaring that she represents a fresh start after the 'mess' of the Trump presidency - and saying: 'We're not going back.'

The former president at one point talked at length about Haitian migrants of 'eating pets' in Springfield, Ohio, an unsubstantiated claim that first appeared on social media and has since been debunked.

'In Springfield, they're eating the dogs. The people that came in, they're eating the cats,' the former president said. 'They're eating the pets of the people that live there.'

Harris could be heard muttering 'What? This is unbelievable' before openly laughing at Trump's statement.

ABC News debate moderator David Muir then stepped in and told Trump: 'There have been no credible reports of specific claims of pets being harmed, injured or abused by individuals.'

One of the most intense exchanges between the two candidates was on abortion.

Democratic presidential nominee and U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris visits a watch party after participating in the presidential debate

After the proceedings were concluded, it was clear that Trump - who headed straight for the press room - was unhappy with his performance

US Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris and US Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff attend a watch party

Republican presidential nominee, former U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to reporters in the spin room after the debate

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.'

Within minutes, Trump hammered at the Democrat's weak spot on immigration by falsely claiming that she and Biden had allowed 'millions of people pouring into our country from prisons and jails, from mental institutions and insane asylums.'

Harris 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 foreign dictators were 'laughing' at him.

Trump shot back by accusing Harris of being weak on the war in Gaza, saying she 'hated Israel' and that Israel would be 'gone' within two weeks if she was president.

Another jarring moment came when 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.

'Donald Trump was fired by 81 million people. So let's be clear about that. And clearly he is having a very difficult time processing that,' she said.

'And I'm going to tell you that I have traveled the world as vice president of the United States. And world leaders are laughing at Donald Trump.'
Two houses in Richmond, south London collapsed suddenly causing emergency services to be scrambled amid a probe over a possible gas leak.

Police officers, firefighters and paramedics arrived on Lower Mortlake Road after the homes, which are thought to have been under renovation, turned into rubble on Tuesday afternoon.

Locals reported the properties affected - worth 2.2 million - were undergoing a basement refurbishment before they suddenly crashed into rubble just before 3pm.

Reports suggest there was a loud 'bang' and 'lots of smoke' before residents looked outside to see bricks, wood and other building materials strewn all over the street.

It is understood the cause of the collapse is thought to be structural damage, but a probe into possible gas leaks is now underway.

The houses on Lower Mortlake Road in Richmond have all but completely disappeared into piles of rubble

The Health and Safety Executive is investigating the incident, which took place while the houses were under renovation

Workers attended the scene on Wednesday to ensure all electrical sources were safe after the collapse

Locals reported the properties affected were undergoing a basement refurbishment before they suddenly crashed into rubble just before 3pm

The properties have been the subject of planning battles for some years, with developers seeking to build a two and three-story building on the site for either co-living units or office units

Richmond is one of the capital's most exclusive areas and is home to celebrities including Sir David Attenborough.

No injuries were reported and responders are looking into the possibility the collapse was caused by a gas leak, Richmond Nub News reports.

Photos show the two houses, identified as 47 and 49 Lower Mortlake Road, almost completely destroyed with just the side walls intact.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) are investigating the incident.

The properties have been the subject of planning battles for some years, with developers seeking to build a two and three-story building on the site for either co-living units or office units.

In 2022, permission was granted by Richmond Council for the construction of 'a part 1/2/3 storey building including basement level to provide 14 co-living units (sui generis) and associated hard and soft landscaping, cycle and refuse stores'.

A spokesperson for the London Fire Brigade said: 'Firefighters were called to reports of a building collapse on Lower Mortlake Road in Richmond.

The basements of the properties had been being excavated as part of a development on the site

Firefighters rushed to the scene of the collapse in south London on Tuesday

HSE and Fire brigade officials investigate the remains of 47-49 Lower Mortlake Road

Police officers, firefighters and paramedics arrived on Lower Mortlake Road after the homes, which are thought to have been under renovation, turned into rubble on Tuesday

'Most of two terraced houses under renovation collapsed. There are currently no reports of any injuries.

'The Brigade was called at 1456 and the incident was over for firefighters at 1711. Two fire engines and a Fire Rescue Unit from Richmond, Acton and Heston fire stations attended the scene.'

A HSE spokesperson said: 'We are aware of this incident and making enquiries.'

A London Ambulance Service spokesperson said: 'We were called at 3.01pm yesterday (10 September) to reports of a building collapse in Lower Mortlake Road, Richmond.

'We sent an ambulance crew, an incident response officer and members of our Hazardous Area Response Team to the scene.

'Fortunately no one was injured.'
A masseur sexually assaulted a former reality TV star by touching her between the legs after showing her naked photos of his other celebrity clients during a session after her BBL surgery, a court has heard.

Marcelo Oliveira is accused of using his successful business 'as cover' to carry out sex attacks on ten female clients while giving them massages.

The 45-year-old, of St Albans, Hertfordshire, denies 22 counts of sexual assault and six other serious sexual offences and has gone on trial at Birmingham Crown Court.

Yesterday a TV star, who cannot be named for legal reasons, told how she was left 'petrified' when Oliveira groped her after she invited him to her home.

The woman, aged in her 40s, also said he was 'grinding' his penis against her head and had been 'breathing in a sexual way' during the alleged attack.

Marcelo Oliveira, 45, is accused of sexually assaulted a former reality TV star by touching her between the legs

Giving evidence, she described how Oliveria was recommended to her for lymphatic drainage massages as a way to help her recover from cosmetic surgery.

When asked about the cost of the sessions she said it was agreed he would give the massage for free and she would then promote him on Instagram.

She said Oliveria, who describes himself as an aesthetic technician and has offices in Leeds, Liverpool, Birmingham and London, first came to her home prior to her having the surgery while her husband was there.

Asked about her first impressions of him, she said: 'I was taken aback as to how big he was. He brought a massage table and I provided the towels. He had an iPad and he played relaxing music and also some cream gel. It was set up in the front room.

'He was really chatty. He told me he was married and had two children and that he was a really good cook.'

The alleged victim told the court she could not remember if she had completely undressed and Oliveira had massaged her on her stomach.

The woman said the defendant had also used his iPad to take pictures of her and told her it was so he could have 'before and after' photos.

She added: 'He also showed me lots of pictures of other women. There were other reality TV contestants, at least three were celebs. There were naked pictures.'

She said that some had undergone 'Brazilian bum lift' surgery and she could see bruising.

She added: 'I was looking to see what could be achieved but it was really unprofessional.'

She arranged for Oliveira to come to her home again in June 2019 but had no knowledge of what the massage technique consisted of.

She said this time her husband was not at home, which Oliveira was aware of, and she had the same procedure with her lying naked on the massage table.

She told the jury: 'I was laying face down and the massage started.'

Mr Antonie Muller, prosecuting, asked her: 'Did he massage a part of your body he had never massaged before?'

The masseur denies 22 counts of sexual assault and six other serious sexual offences and has gone on trial at Birmingham Crown Court

The woman said: 'Yes he started massaging my inner thigh, right at the top. I asked him why he was touching my thighs and he told me there were lymph nodes there.'

Mr Muller said: 'Were you satisfied with that explanation?'

She said she was not and went on to explain how he sexually assaulted her by touching her vagina before coming up to the top part of the bed and massing her back 'which he had never done before'.

Asked how long this had lasted, she said: 'I could not give a time but it felt like an eternity.'

Mr Muller asked her whether she said anything to Oliveira and she replied: 'I was petrified. I did not know whether it could get any worse. There was nothing I could do about it.'

She said she also became aware of his 'sexual' breathing and that the massage on her back was 'not normal.'

She added that he was pressing his penis against her head and 'grinding'. 'Everything just stood still. It felt like a really long time,' she explained.

The woman said Oliveira's penis had been inside his clothing and that the session ended when an alarm went off on the defendant's iPad.

She said Oliveira had asked her if she was okay because she had seemed 'a bit unsure'.

The woman said she had then called her sister and her husband and told them she had been sexually assaulted and she blocked the defendant on Instagram.

The woman told the court she had not initially gone to the police because 'I did not think I would be believed because it would have been my word against his.'

Oliveira is alleged to have carried out the assaults between March 2019 and July 2021.

Earlier in the trial, Mr Muller said the case is all about Oliveira 'using the cover of massage to sexually assault and penetrate these 10 women' by touching them with his penis as well as touching them between the legs and their breasts.

When quizzed, Oliveira said he gave lymphatic draining massages which moved fluids around the body for a cosmetic effect and denied touching the women in a sexual way.

The trial continues.
If you really want to know how dangerous and corrupting an ideology nationalism is, then I urge you to listen to the words of Nicola Sturgeon.

Reflecting on the breakdown of her relationship with her mentor, Alex Salmond, in a new BBC documentary, the former first minister considers his legacy.

The reason, Ms Sturgeon says, that I paid tribute to him is because he deserved every ounce of the credit he got for what he achieved as SNP leader.

If ever one needed proof that, to the Nationalist, the project is all, then here it is.

Ms Sturgeon  and many others  may talk about Mr Salmonds unreasonable behaviour, they may sorrowfully recall colleagues reduced to tears by a bully, and they might even have the courage to condemn him, but all of these things are as nothing when it comes to their analysis of Mr Salmonds achievements.

The two-part documentary tells how the Salmond-Sturgeon relationship fell apart

Ms Sturgeon and others may believe that the former leader deserves every ounce of the credit he received for his political victories but in order for them to do so, they must  and I dont know how this is possible  be able to entirely separate the man from the politician.

The truth is that Mr Salmond achieved so much by being a thoroughly unpleasant bully, a man with a short temper whod reduced to tears men and women whod given him only their loyalty.

If one must credit Mr Salmond for what he achieved as leader of the SNP, then one must be able to justify his appalling behaviour.

The SNPs successes were built by a man who put his ego and his crackpot project before the feelings of those who worked with him and the consequences for those who voted for him.

The new documentary  a gripping piece of television  tells how the Salmond-Sturgeon relationship fell apart.

It takes us back to the moment we learned women employed by both the Scottish Government and the SNP had complained about the former first ministers behaviour while he was in office.

We hear the trembling voices of colleagues he betrayed and the viewer will be left in no doubt that Ms Sturgeon and others now see Mr Salmond as a despicable character.

But its not as if they didnt know he was trouble, long ago.

In the summer of 2004, I was sitting by the pool outside a little villa in Aubignan, a Provencal commune.

It was a glorious sunny day in the south of France and I was paying little attention to the contest, taking place back home, to succeed John Swinney as SNP leader.

Then my mobile phone started buzzing. All right, Euan, said one of Mr Salmonds key allies. Ive got a bit of news for you.

When Id flown from Glasgow, Roseanna Cunningham was leading Nicola Sturgeon in the race to be the next Nationalist leader. It looked very much like a done deal.

The revised  and entirely inaccurate  version of events is that Mr Salmond, having stepped down as SNP leader in 2000, was suddenly gripped by the desire to return.

Were invited to believe that Mr Salmond approached Ms Sturgeon, asking if she might consider stepping aside and joining him on a joint ticket.

The story goes that Ms Sturgeon, selfless to a fault, was approached by Mr Salmond and, after some persuasion, agreed to put her personal ambitions aside.

The truth is that Ms Cunningham was heading for victory and Mr Salmond and others thought that would be a disaster for the SNP.

Ms Cunningham  Republican Rose to those in the Scottish political bubble  had no interest in the gradualist approach to independence designed by Mr Salmond. Rather she was a fundamentalist who preferred a more aggressively nationalistic style.

The person who called me in Provence on that afternoon in 2004 was keen to let me know that the Alex Salmond who might be returning as SNP leader was not the same Alex Salmond who had quit four years previously.

There was umming and aah-ing and more than a few hes a changed mans before we said goodbye but the gist was that those close to Salmond recognised his temper and ego had already caused some political editors (which I then was) to write him off as a dinosaur who was unpleasant to deal with and that we would be surprised to find he was now a man of empathy and self-reflection.

When Nicola Sturgeon talks about her shock at the way in which Alex Salmond conducts himself, she does so thanks to a profile that would not have existed had he not saved her career.

Within months of the SNPs 2007 election victory, rumours about Mr Salmonds behaviour towards staff were swirling around Holyrood.

Any attempts to investigate further were shut down not only by Mr Salmond but by those who now consider him an enemy.

In 2008, I asked two senior SNP cabinet figures directly whether they were aware of any concerns about the then First Ministers conduct.

Not only did they deny any knowledge, they did so angrily. So angrily, in fact, that although I was unable to report that the First Minister was a bully, I felt certain his colleagues werent being fully honest with me.

I  and a number of colleagues in the Holyrood lobby  would go on to hear troubling stories about Mr Salmond in the years that followed but each and every time we dared mention one of these to a senior SNP figure, wed be slapped down.

Now, it might well be that Mr Salmonds cabinet was full of politicians who had neither heard of nor taken an interest in concerns about his behaviour.

It might well be that any who had heard mutterings thought nothing of the fact that several senior journalists and civil servants were fairly openly discussing the mood in the First Ministers official residence, Bute House.

It might well be that any who had heard mutterings thought nothing of the fact that several senior journalists and civil servants were fairly openly discussing the mood in the First Ministers official residence, Bute House.

I suppose we will never know.

But I must say that the new documentary tells a story of senior politicians and advisers who knew, long before the Salmond-Sturgeon split, that the then FM was not an easy or even vaguely pleasant man to be around.

The SNP is now a busted flush. The partys undeliverable promises and its senior politicians pathological inability to take responsibility for their failures has exhausted Scottish voters.

Now, only the flag-wavers and English-outers believe that independence is within their grasp.

But still they deny reality, promising their supporters that the case for breaking up the United Kingdom is stronger than ever. Shoppers have long since decided not to buy their apples from that particular cart.

Mr Salmond blustered and bluffed his way to power, then set about dividing a nation he professes to love.

And all of his colleagues lined up behind him to spout his hateful rhetoric about those who didnt share their monomaniacal obsession with breaking up the Union.

Ms Sturgeon looks at Alex Salmonds achievements and says he deserves credit. I prefer the word blame. And Nicola Sturgeon must take her share.
Thousands of pounds worth of taxpayers' money is being spent on prosecuting and jailing criminals only for some of them to be released after just a few weeks under Labour's early release scheme.

Among the 1,700 prisoners released early across England and Wales yesterday to ease overcrowding were many who had served very short spells behind bars before being released early - minimising any hope they could be rehabilitated.

Ben Savage, a shoplifter released from HMP Thameside, was handed a 16-week sentence earlier this year but was set free after just 20 days. Yesterday, he frankly admitted that 'a couple of weeks inside doesn't make me a changed man'.

Prison places cost around 130 a night, according to Ministry of Justice figures, suggesting it would have cost taxpayers 2,600 to lock up Savage before even considering the cost of arresting and prosecuting him.

Ben Savage admitted he was 'not a changed man' after being released from HMP Thameside yesterday following a few weeks in jail

Connor Charlesworth was in jail originally for shoplifting , then on a 14-day recall after missing a probation meeting. He was seen pumping his fist after being released six days early

And this bill may be even higher if he was held in police custody, which can cost as much as 3,500 a night, according to a freedom of information request last year to West Yorkshire Police by Channel 4 News.

A Law Society analysis of official figures found a day of hearings in a crown court costs around 2,692.

Specific figures are not available for magistrates' courts - which are used for less serious offences - but with external prosecutors paid 345 a day by the CPS to prosecute cases this suggests running costs are at least in the hundreds.

Savage, a labourer, admitted it was second time being let out on early release and said his recent stint in prison was unlikely to change him significantly.

'I've been in and out of jail, 14 sentences in 12 jails - a couple of weeks inside doesn't make me a changed man,' he said. 'I was doing pretty well until I was arrested again, I was keeping out of trouble.'

Joe Lindley, 29, was released from HMP Leeds yesterday after serving just six weeks of a nine-month sentence for drug-related shoplifting offences.

His father Andrew, a 70-year-old retired careers adviser, said Joe had already told his family he may start stealing again to feed his heroin habit after being set free.

He said: 'It came as quite a surprise I have to say. He was on remand in Lincoln for four weeks then jailed at Leeds Crown court three weeks ago.

'Then the next thing we know he is getting out. He has already said he will have to start stealing again if he does not get his benefits.

'Being banged up in a cell 23 hours a day is not going to get him off drugs. The people who should be inside are the drug pushers and organisers.

'I got the impression from my son that the release has been very chaotically handled.

'You wonder if the job centres and other support services are geared up to cope with the influx.'

People released from HMP Pentonville in North London yesterday

Charlie Taylor, the Chief Inspector of Prisons, said it was 'certainly going to be a risky time' amid shortcomings in the probation service

Connor Charlesworth was in jail originally for shoplifting, then on a 14-day recall after missing a probation meeting.

He was seen pumping his fist after being released six days early from HMP Nottingham yesterday.

Another petty criminal, Jackie Creighton, told reporters outside HMP Wandsworth yesterday that he was planning on sleeping on a bench and feared soon ending up back in jail.

Mr Creighton said the early release scheme felt rushed and he was worried probation workers would not have had time to make any arrangements for him.

'I'd rather have just sat there,' he told MailOnline. 'It would maybe give probation, whoever, more time to sort stuff out. So I'm not really holding it against probation'.

Martin Jones, the chief of probation, admitted yesterday that it is a 'certainty' some of those released early will reoffend, estimating that 'around a third' will commit further crimes.

He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that the scheme was putting a 'huge amount of pressure' on the probation service and that due to a lack of probation officers the system is 'significantly overstretched'.

Meanwhile, 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,' he said.

Another petty criminal, Jackie Creighton, told reporters outside HMP Wandsworth yesterday that he was planning on sleeping on a bench and feared soon ending up back in jail

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.'

One woman waiting for her husband outside Holme House Prison in Durham said: 'He won't be going back but some of the others will be back inside in weeks.

'I heard one person ask for a crack pipe moments after getting out. You could have knocked me down with a feather.

'They're getting money to help them get home, as well as McDonald's and supermarket food vouchers, but you know they're just going to get drugs with them.'
A couple once banned from looking into their neighbours' home during an 11-year row have had charges of harassment against them finally dropped.

Nigel and Sheila Jacklin were legally barred from looking into the home of Dr Stephane Duckett and his partner in East Sussex.

Earlier this year the couple were again accused of 'chanting, staring and sticking their fingers up' at their neighbour and his partner from a nearby beach.

Both were charged with harassment but claimed the chanting and finger-pointing were part of Mrs Jacklin's Hindu prayer routine.

Mr Jacklin, 62, was also charged with assaulting a female friend of their neighbours during a separate row outside his 600,000 home.

Nigel and Sheila Jacklin pictured outside their property in East Sussex

Both were charged with harassment but claimed the chanting and finger-pointing were part of Mrs Jacklin's Hindu prayer routine. (Sheila Jacklin pictured with her hands in prayer)

The row began in 2013 when Dr Duckett and partner Norinne Betjemann bought a 120-year-old, disused glass glazing workshop opposite their house. Pictured, a general view of their neighbour's home

The couple had complained about renovation work being done to the property by Dr Stephane Duckett (left) and his partner Norinne Betjemann (right)

However yesterday all charges against the couple were dropped when they appeared before magistrates in Brighton, East Sussex.

The decision ended the long dispute which started when the couple first complained about building work at the home of clinical psychologist Dr Duckett.

The Jacklins appeared at Brighton Magistrates' Court on Tuesday having pleaded not guilty to harassment of their neighbour.

Mr Jacklin also pleaded not guilty to an assault and both he and his wife claim it was they who had been assaulted.

Mrs Jacklin, 61, said the chanting, staring and movement of her fingers were a part of her Sanskrit mantras.

The Crown Prosecution Service requested an adjournment which was refused by the court, meaning no evidence was offered by the prosecution.

The Jacklins were told they were 'free to go'.

Mr Jacklin, a statistician and market researcher, said: 'We are feeling relieved, elated and p***ed off.

Pictured, the exclusion zone around the neighbours house in East Sussex. The Jacklins were banned from looking into their neighbours' property

Mr Jacklin is calling for Sussex Police to take action. Pictured, the couple posing outside their home

Shelia and Nigel Jacklin outside Brighton Magistrates Court on September 10, 2024. They are elated that the charges have been dropped

'This should never have gone to the court.

'This is the fourth time my wife has been investigated for praying on the beach.

'We've been investigated 12 times with no action taken against us in any case.

'That's not a series of police mistakes - that is abuse of police power.'

Mr Jacklin, a councillor, said the couple had spent 'tens of thousands of pounds' in legal fees over the repeated police investigations and court battles.

The row began in 2013 when Dr Duckett and partner Norinne Betjemann bought a 120-year-old, disused glass glazing workshop opposite their house.

The couple, from London, then set about converting it into a 400,000 weekend holiday home.

Mr and Mrs Jacklin made a series of complaints about their neighbours to the authorities, including noisy builders, verbal abuse and light pollution.

Nigel and Sheila Jacklin who had been issued with a Community Protection warning, that does not allow them to even look at their neighbours home

However, the Jacklins were then 'investigated' by the local council and given a 'community protection warning letter'.

They were also banned from entering an 'exclusion zone' around the property owned by Dr Duckett and Ms Betjemann.

The Jacklins reported their neighbours in July 2023 for harassment when they claim Mrs Jacklin was surrounded by her neighbours filming her as she tried to pray.

In September that year, Mr Jacklin claims he was assaulted after a friend of the Ducketts approached them on the beach outside their home.

As the couple made their way back to the house, Mr Jacklin said the woman shouted to Mrs Jacklin: 'The whole village wishes you were dead'.

Mr Jacklin said he approached the woman and she 'strangled' him.

He said: 'The woman then claimed I bashed her against the fence, kicked her dog and repeatedly headbutted her.

'When she throttled me, she came at me again and I put my hand out to stop her, that was the only contact we had.'

Mr Jacklin claims he was assaulted after a friend of the Ducketts approached them on the beach outside their home

Mr Jacklin pointed out that the incident was covered by one of his neighbour's many CCTV cameras.

He said the footage of the three minutes in which the assault took place was never found despite a request by the Jacklins' solicitors for it to be produced.

Mr Jacklin is calling for Sussex Police to take action.

The father-of-two said: 'It is a spectacular misuse of police time. We think it's probably an abuse of police power.

'I stood in the general election and one of the reasons I decided to do so is because police investigated us and not our neighbours. We should stand against abuse of power.

'My wife's Hindu faith has helped her get through this. We've been there for 30 years and plan to leave here forever.'

Dr Duckett has been contacted for comment.

A Crown Prosecution Service spokesperson said: 'We requested an adjournment in this case in order to discharge our disclosure obligations following late submissions by the defence.

'Unfortunately, this request was refused by the court and we were regrettably left with no option but to offer no evidence.'

A Sussex Police spokesperson said: 'Sussex Police conducted a thorough, impartial investigation into multiple reports of harassment, and one reported assault, against three people between July and September, 2023.

'Enquiries were conducted without prejudice, including multiple statements from the informants and witnesses, as well as interviews with both suspects.

'Evidence was submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service, which approved charges of harassment and assault by battery, before no evidence was offered after Magistrates declined a request for adjournment from the Crown Prosecution Service.

'Sussex Police will continue to do all it can to protect our communities and secure justice for victims of crime.'
Ukraine could be cleared to launch British Storm Shadow cruise missiles at targets inside Russia within days as it seeks to fight off Putin's forces.

The US is reported to be ready to relax its ban on the weapons, which use American technology, being used outside Ukraine over retaliation fears.

Joe Biden and Sir Keir Starmer are expected to discuss the missiles at a hastily-arranged meeting in Washington on Friday, after it was revealed that Iran has supplied Russia with more long-range weapons.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy and his US counterpart Antony Blinken arrived in Kyiv this morning to meet President Zelensky and his administreation in their first joint trip.

He has repeatedly pushed for permission to use Western missiles to strike at targets within Russia.

The US is reported to be ready to relax its ban on the weapons, which use American technology, being used outside Ukraine over retaliation fears.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy and his US counterpart Antony Blinken arrived in Kyiv this morning via train from Poland (pictured) to meet President Zelensky in their first joint trip.

In a meeting Ukrainian prime minister Denys Shmyhal asked Mr Lammy for long-range missiles to 'strike on (the) territory of our enemy'.

In a meeting Ukrainian prime minister Denys Shmyhal asked Mr Lammy for long-range missiles to 'strike on (the) territory of our enemy'.

Speaking in a meeting with Mr Lammy at his office in Kyiv, Mr Shmyhal said: 'We hope that long-range equipment for strikes on the territory of our enemy will be reached and we will have it.

'We hope for your help and support in this issue.'

Downing Street said there had been 'no change in our position' on the use of Storm Shadow missiles in Russia, but the Government always listened to Ukrainian concerns.

'We are at a critical juncture in Ukraine's defence against Russian aggression as we head into the winter,' a No 10 spokeswoman said.

'We have always kept in close, constant contact with the Ukrainians on what they need and provided support in line with their needs.

'We will always listen to their position and that's exactly what the Foreign Secretary and the secretary of state are doing in their meetings with president Zelensky today.'

The spokeswoman added: 'Our position hasn't changed, but we will always continue to listen to Ukrainians.

'That's what we're doing in Ukraine today and the Prime Minister and (US president Joe Biden) will be discussing our support and how we can best-support Ukraine at this critical juncture as we head into the winter.

'I'm not going to get into specifics of operational discussions and the details of that, not least because that would benefit (Vladimir) Putin.'

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 Air's 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.

The UK has also sanctioned five Russian cargo ships thought to have been involved in ferrying arms.

Joe Biden and Sir Keir Starmer are expected to discuss the missiles at a hastily-arranged meeting in Washington on Friday, after it was revealed that Iran has supplied Russia with more long-range weapons.

Russian airstrikes, mostly aimed at crippling Ukraine's energy infrastructure, have intensified in recent weeks with nightly missile and drone attacks.

As Blinken and Lammy arrived in Kyiv, the U.K. announced it was banning 10 commercial ships it accuses of illicitly transporting Russian oil in violation of international sanctions. The U.K. government said the vessels would be barred from British ports and could be detained if they enter.
A man has denied being drunk when he fell into a 15-foot pit during his school prom at a stately home.

Thomas Atkins is suing the owners of Pendley Manor Hotel for more than 1 million after suffering brain damage in the fall down a basement lightwell.

He had just turned 18 and was celebrating the end of sixth form with around 100 other pupils when he toppled in while talking to his girlfriend on the phone.

Mr Atkins, of Tring, Hertfordshire, said he fell because the wall guarding the pit was too low, and denied that he had been binge-drinking all day.

He told the High Court: 'We were told that if you were too drunk you would be sent home. We were all on good behaviour.'

Thomas Atkins denies being drunk when he fell down a 15ft pit during his school prom at a stately house hotel

Mr Atkins says he was freely chatting with his teachers, who mingled with students to make sure no one was drunk during the party

Mr Atkins, now 23, suffered a serious head injury in the fall, leaving him with lasting brain damage.

Despite admitting the wall surrounding the lightwell was lower than the usual British standards, the hotel's owners deny liability for the fall and suggest Mr Atkins' drinking was the real cause.

Charles Bagot KC, for the hotel, said Mr Atkins had been drinking since lunch time, first 'a couple of ciders and a couple of beers' at a friend's house, then at a prosecco reception before the prom, then more drinks at the party itself.

Mr Bagot said: 'When he was found in the lightwell in the early hours of the following morning and attended to, they assessed him as being intoxicated, having consumed a large amount of alcohol.'

The barrister asked Mr Atkins: 'Can you recall any of your teachers speaking to you about your level of drinking or behaviour?'

'No,' he replied, adding 'absolutely not' when asked if there was any reason someone might have pushed him into the lightwell.

He said he was freely chatting with his teachers, who the court heard mingled with students to make sure no one was drunk.

He said he had experience with alcohol, drinking at weekends, but said he had never fallen asleep or lost consciousness.

Judge Master Amanda Stevens heard that Mr Atkins and around 100 other students had attended the prom at the Grade-II listed Victorian hotel, which is set in 35 acres of parkland, in June 2019.

The Grade-II listed Pendley Manor Hotel admits the wall surrounding the lightwell was lower than usual British standards, but denies responsibility for Mr Atkins' fall

The hotel's owners Craydawn Pendley Manor Ltd say Mr Atkins was drunk at the time of his accident as he had been drinking since lunch time

The event was held in a first-floor ballroom, but giving evidence, Mr Atkins said he had on several occasions gone outside to sit on a wall where he could make phone calls in peace.

He was reported missing late in the evening and his mother went to the hotel to help look for him, with one searcher finding him at the bottom of the lightwell.

According to papers lodged as part of his case, Mr Atkins' lawyers describe the lightwell as 15 to 20 feet in depth, with a wall of only three feet around it.

They say it is 'likely, on the balance of probabilities, that he sat on the low wall surrounding the uncovered basement lightwell, overbalanced and fell into the basement, suffering serious injury, loss and damage. Alternatively, he stood near and fell over the low wall into the basement'.

His lawyers say the accident resulted in him suffering a brain injury, which required a craniotomy, a type of operation in which part of the skull is removed to access the brain.

He was left with ongoing neurological problems, including mood and memory disturbance, headaches, hearing loss and balance issues, they say.

For Mr Atkins in court, barrister Chris Barnes KC said the hotel had allowed there to be a 'significant unguarded drop' at a venue where 'visitors were invited to drink and party'.

'It is admitted that the wall fell some 10 to 20cm lower than the standard recommended or mandated by the British standards,' he told the judge.

'And it is admitted it was works which the hotel carried out that caused that to be the case.

'Notwithstanding the high number of visitors of all ages, it is admitted by the defendant that there were no risk assessments at all concerning the outside area of the hotel and the lightwell.'

Since the accident occurred, a metal grille has been installed to protect the drop into the lightwell, he said.

For the hotel's owner, Craydawn Pendley Manor Ltd, Mr Bagot said the drop had been 'pretty obvious' and suggested that Mr Atkins was at fault for his fall.

The judge is being asked to decide whether the hotel is liable to pay compensation for Mr Atkins' injuries, with the issue of the amount due in damages to be decided at a later date if necessary.

Lawyers previously estimated that the value of the claim would be more than 1million if he is successful.

The trial continues.
A woman has been hospitalised after a gang of vicious otters tore at her skin while she was on a run.

The bevy of eight hungry beasts charged through the Tanjung Aru Recreation Park looking for food in Sabah, Malaysia, on September 11.

They spotted the middle-aged woman and surrounded her while plunging their shark teeth into her legs - piercing her pink Lycra fitness leggings.

She was pictured sitting on a kerb in tears with several deep wounds across her shins. Her arms and legs were covered in blood.

Chilling footage shows the same ferocious otters running across the parking space where they were seen moments after attacking the woman.

The shaken jogger was taken to a nearby hospital while a wildlife team was sent to the park to monitor the otters.

Sabah Wildlife Department director Roland Oliver Niun said: Preliminary investigations found that a group of otters entered the recreation centre to look for food in the park pond.'

The otters spotted the middle-aged woman (pictured) and surrounded her while plunging their shark teeth into her legs - piercing her pink lycra fitness leggings

Chilling footage shows the same ferocious otters running across the parking space where they were seen moments after attacking the woman

She was hospitalised following the attack

The director added that wild otters have entered the pond area before, but the recent attack indicated a change in behaviour.

He said: There is indeed a population of wild otters near the park, and we also see a change in the behaviour of the animals when the community feeds them.'

The fence around the park would be reinforced due to the incident.

Director Roland added: We also ask the park manager to report if there is an otter sighting after the repairs are done.'

Park-goers were urged to avoid going near the fences and interacting with the animals to prevent conflicts with wildlife.

Previously, a male park-goer was also attacked by otters while walking around the area with his two friends. He was also hospitalised due to his injuries.

Otters are generally not aggressive toward humans but can become defensive or aggressive if they feel threatened or cornered, particularly when protecting their young or territory.

Conservationists, who are working to protect the otter population, said the creatures, may also show aggression toward each other or other animals, especially during mating season or when competing for food.
China, Russia agree to strengthen strategic consultation, cooperation

Xinhua) 10:54, September 11, 2024

Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, meets with secretary of the Russian Federation Security Council Sergei Shoigu in St. Petersburg, Russia, Sept. 10, 2024. (Xinhua/Cao Yang)

ST. PETERSBURG, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- China is willing to strengthen strategic communication with Russia and continuously enrich the strategic connotations of bilateral ties, Wang Yi, director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, said in a meeting with secretary of the Russian Federation Security Council Sergei Shoigu on Tuesday in St. Petersburg.

During the meeting, Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, noted that in face of unprecedented changes in a century, the stable and healthy development of China-Russia relations is fundamentally due to the guidance of the two countries' heads of state.

This year, based on the new starting point of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Russia, the two sides have maintained exchanges at all levels, implemented important consensus reached by the heads of state, and further consolidated the political and social foundation of China-Russia eternal good-neighborliness and friendly relations, comprehensive strategic cooperation, and mutually beneficial cooperation for win-win outcomes, Wang said.

He stressed that China is willing to strengthen strategic communication with Russia, give full play to the role of the China-Russia strategic security consultation mechanism and the BRICS Meeting of High Representatives on National Security mechanism, and continuously enrich the strategic connotations of China-Russia relations.

Meanwhile, Wang said that China supports Russia's work as the rotating chair of BRICS and is willing to join hands to deepen mutual trust and cooperation among BRICS countries, to shape the BRICS mechanism into a major channel for emerging powers to make their voices heard and an important platform for solidarity and cooperation of the "Global South" and to continuously open up new situations in "BRICS+" cooperation.

For his part, Shoigu stated that high-level exchanges between Russia and China and fruitful cooperation in various fields have highlighted the high level of Russia-China strategic cooperation.

He thanked China for the support of Russia as the rotating chair of BRICS and expressed Russia's willingness to continue strengthening strategic communication with China, closely coordinating cooperation, and ensuring the success of the BRICS leaders' summit in Kazan next month.

During the meeting, both sides expressed their commitment to advocating and practicing true multilateralism.

The Russian side emphasized its support for China's role as the rotating chair of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), striving to make the SCO more efficient and pragmatic, and more cohesive, and inject more stability into a world entangled in chaos.

The two sides also exchanged views on the Ukraine crisis.

Shoigu explained Russia's position, welcomed the "six-point consensus" jointly proposed by China and Brazil, and was pleased to see this consensus widely recognized by the international community.

Wang stated that China has always maintained an objective and fair attitude on the Ukraine issue and will continue to commit to increasing the voice of balance, objectivity, and rationality in the international community, to gather more international consensus and accumulate necessary conditions for an early ceasefire and a political resolution to the crisis.

Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, meets with secretary of the Russian Federation Security Council Sergei Shoigu in St. Petersburg, Russia, Sept. 10, 2024. (Xinhua/Cao Yang)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Winter Fuel Payment payments will be stripped from millions of pensioners in the UK despite warnings about the impact Labour's policy will have on the elderly.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves insisted it is 'absolutely right' to means-test the benefit, worth up to 300, in order to address the 'black hole' in the public finances.

The plan cleared the Commons yesterday with just one Labour rebel voting against it but dozens of MPs on the Government benches were missing in action.

Only those on Pension Credit or some other benefits in England and Wales will now receive the payment, saving the Exchequer around 1.5billion a year.

Here, MailOnline looks at what the policy means and who will be affected:

Winter Fuel Payment payments will be stripped from millions of UK pensioners (stock picture)

What is the Winter Fuel Payment?

The Winter Fuel Payment is an annual, tax-free lump sum payment given to older people to help them heat their homes during the winter.

It was first introduced by Tony Blair's government in 1997 before being expanded to all pensioners from 2000, with amounts having varied over the years.

How much is the Winter Fuel Payment?

In most years the amount has been 200 for households where the oldest person is under 80, and 300 for households with someone aged 80 or over.

In winter 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 only, households received an additional Pensioner Cost of Living Payment worth 300 along with their Winter Fuel Payment.

What exact age do you need to be to claim?

Eligible people can get 200 if they were born between September 23, 1944 and September 22, 1958; or 300 if they were born before September 23, 1944.

What is changing?

From this winter, households in England and Wales will only be entitled to the payment if they receive Pension Credit or certain other means-tested benefits.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves says it is 'absolutely right' to means-test the Winter Fuel Payment

How many people is this affecting?

Some 10.8million pensioners across 7.6million households in England and Wales received the Winter Fuel Payment for last winter.

The Department for Work and Pensions estimates that only 1.5million individuals across 1.3million households will receive the payment for this winter.

This represents a decrease of 9.3million individuals and 6.3million households.

Why is the change being made?

The measure is part of a package of measures announced by the Labour government aimed at making immediate savings in public spending.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has insisted it is 'absolutely right' to means-test the benefit in order to address the 'black hole' in the public finances.

The change is expected to save the Exchequer around 1.3billion in 2024/25 and 1.5billion in subsequent years.

Winter Fuel Payments will now be targeted towards pensioners who receive certain income-related benefits such as Pension Credit.



Around 1.3 million households across England and Wales will continue to get the payment this winter.



Find out more  pic.twitter.com/rjzFTd4SN6  HM Treasury (@hmtreasury) September 3, 2024

Who will be eligible this year?

People living in England and Wales can get a Winter Fuel Payment for this winter if they were born before September 23, 1958 and get one of the following:

Pension Credit

Universal Credit

income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)

Income Support

Child Tax Credit

Working Tax Credit

Who is not eligible for the payment?

Anyone who does not get Pension Credit or the other listed means-tested benefits is not eligible for a Winter Fuel Payment, or anyone who:

lives in Scotland

has been in hospital getting free treatment for more than a year

was in prison for the whole of the week of September 16 to 22, 2024

was living in a care home for the whole time from June 24 to September 22, 2024

There are no plans from Labour and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to scale back the policy

How can you claim?

Most people get the Winter Fuel Payment automatically if they are eligible, and do not need to claim if they get Pension Credit or certain other means-tested benefits.

They will get a letter in October or November telling them how much they will get, if they are eligible.

However, if they do not get a letter but think they are eligible, they can check on Gov.UK if they need to make a claim.

What about people living in a care home?

People in a care home can get a Winter Fuel Payment if they get certain benefits and are eligible, and lived in a care home for less than 13 weeks including the week of September 16 to 22, 2024.

Is there any other help with heating bills?

People can also get a Cold Weather Payment, if they get certain benefits and the temperature drops to 0C or below for seven days in a row.

Another benefit is the Warm Home Discount - which is a 150 discount on their bills if they get Pension Credit or live in a low-income household.

In addition, help can be provided from the Household Support Fund, if someone is eligible under their local council's rules.

Are you 66 or over? #PensionCredit could give you extra financial support such as the #WinterFuelPayment and access to other benefits such as free NHS prescriptions



Dont wait - check your eligibility https://t.co/5kYnaupgGW#PensionCreditWeekOfAction pic.twitter.com/u34RJcZQap  Department for Work and Pensions (@DWPgovuk) September 3, 2024

How are the changes being implemented?

Regulations to restrict eligibility for the Winter Fuel Payment in England and Wales were laid before Parliament on August 22.

MPs voted to reject a Conservative motion opposing the plans yesterday by a majority of 120, with around a dozen Labour MPs thought to have deliberately abstained and one, Jon Trickett, voting against.

Despite the opposition to the measure, housing minister Matthew Pennycook said there are no plans to scale back the policy.

The rules are set to come into force on September 16, 2024.

What concerns have charities raised?

Caroline Abrahams, Age UK's charity director, said this winter will be 'a deeply challenging one' for millions of pensioners and the charity is 'deeply disappointed'.

Ms Abrahams also said that it was 'crystal clear' that there was not enough time to improve take-up of pension credit before colder weather arrived.

The End Fuel Poverty Coalition - made up of more than 70 charities, campaign groups and other organisations - also criticised the decision.

The coalition's co-ordinator, Simon Francis, said MPs had voted to 'condemn some of the most vulnerable pensioners to live in cold damp home this winter'.

What about Scotland and Northern Ireland?

Winter Fuel Payments are devolved in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The Scottish Government was going to introduce a new 'Pension Age Winter Heating Payment' benefit to replace the Winter Fuel Payment on a 'like for like' basis.

But after the Chancellor's announcement, it said had 'no choice' but to follow the UK Government's decision to restrict payments, given the resulting cut to funding.

The Northern Ireland Executive also said it will also make equivalent changes to the Winter Fuel Payment in Northern Ireland, despite 'deep concerns' about the plan.
One of the stranger moments of last night's fiery presidential debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris came when the former president ranted about Haitian migrants 'eating pets' in Springfield, Ohio.

'In Springfield, they're eating the dogs. The people that came in, they're eating the cats,' the Republican candidate said.

'They're eating the pets of the people that live there.'

The claims, dismissed during the debate by the Vice President as 'unbelievable and extreme', have electrified the American political debate.

While city officials and law enforcement officers in Springfield say there have been no credible reports to suggest they are true, some fed-up residents maintain that it's a problem.

Ohio's Republican Attorney General has now launched an investigation into the influx of Haitians in the town, calling it 'absurd' and 'a disaster'.

One of the stranger moments of last night's fiery presidential debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris came when the former president ranted about Haitian migrants 'eating pets'

A Springfield resident last month claimed that Haitian migrants were decapitating ducks in public parks and eating them last month

The viral claims began with a photograph of a man appearing to hold a large bird walking down the street. They spread online, with many linking them to the Springfield scandal

The flustered 78-year-old frequently raised his voice as he hit back at the vice president on immigration and the economy, branding her a 'Marxist', blaming her for what he said were the failings of President Joe Biden's administration

The town of Springfield has been a flashpoint in the debate over immigration ever since droves of Haitian migrants arrived in the city in 2020 to fill jobs vacancies.

Willing to do the blue-collar jobs locals were unenthusiastic about, the Haitians, who were already in the country legally, moved to the town.

Within a few years, 20,000 immigrants arrived, swelling Springfield's population, which was only 58,000 in 2020.

The Haitians had social security numbers and job permits, paid taxes, and lived in houses that were empty and boarded up as the town shrank.

The immigrants are there legally and eligible to apply for Temporary Protected Status, according to an Immigration FAQ page on the city's website, which says the total immigration population in Clark County is an estimated 12,000 to 15,000.

But their arrival has put a strain on medical services and the education system.

In August, a city commission meeting held to address the influx of Haitian immigrants seemed to offer one of the first suggestions that the migrants were setting upon the local wildlife.

One aggrieved man made the claim during a city commission meeting last month to address the influx of legal Haitian immigrants - which has revitalized the local economy, but also sparked controversy among locals.

'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.

'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.'

Allexis T. Ferrell was charged with cruelty to companion animals amid reports she killed a cat by stomping on its head before eating it. Ferrell is a US citizen and resident of Canton, Ohio - located some 170 miles away from Springfield

Another incident last month saw a woman in Ohio arrested after she was accused of trying to eat her neighbor's cat.

It was later revealed that the woman in question, 27-year-old Allexis T. Ferrell, was charged with cruelty to companion animals amid reports she killed the cat by stomping on its head before eating it.

Ferrell is a US citizen and resident of Canton, Ohio - located some 170 miles away from Springfield.

Canton police spokesperson Dennis Garren said in an email: 'The suspect in this case is not a Haitian immigrant. She is a life long Canton resident.'

But disturbing video footage of the moment Ferrell was confronted by cops on her driveway was shared to YouTube and entitled 'Haitian Woman Eats Neighbour's Cat in Springfield'.

During last night's debate, ABC's David Muir told Trump there had been no credible reports of pets being stolen and eaten.

Trump shot back to say he did not necessarily believe what city officials were saying.

'That's a good thing for a City Manager to say,' he retorted.

An Ohio woman pleaded with local officials to make some changes, after revealing that she is being driven out of her home of 45 years because of migrant activity

Among the many conservative accounts that have seized on the bizarre claims is End Wokeness.

The post combined a screenshot of an earlier Facebook post from a Springfield community group, in which one user made an alarming claim that cats and dogs were being strung up to eat by Haitian migrants, with an image of an unidentified man carrying what appeared to be the corpses of two geese.

The Facebook post read: 'My neighbor informed me that her daughter's friend had lost her cat... One day she came home from work, as soon as she stepped out of her car, looked towards a neighbors house, where Haitians live & saw her cat hanging from a branch, like you'd do a deer for butchering, & they were carving it up to eat.

'I've been told they are doing this to dogs, they have been doing it at Snyder Park with the ducks & geese.'

The unsubstantiated story, when paired with the image of an unidentified man, spread like wildfire across X, garnering millions upon millions of views.

Its influence was confirmed when Republican vice-presidential candidate JD Vance amplified the narrative about 'Haitian illegal immigrants' in a September 9 post on X that said: 'Reports now show that people have had their pets abducted and eaten by people who shouldn't be in this country.'

The VP hopeful later walked back his claims in a following post, writing: 'It's possible, of course, that all of these rumors will turn out to be false.'

But that did not stop Trump from talking about it onstage during his debate with Democratic nominee Harris.

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

The Vice President dismissed Trump's claims that migrants were eating pets during the debate as 'unbelievable and extreme'

Republican vice-presidential candidate JD Vance amplified the narrative about 'Haitian illegal immigrants' in a September 9 post on X

Vance was by no means the only prominent Republican shared posts parroting the narrative on migrants eating pets and Springfield wildlife.

Among them was Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, who posted a photo of kittens with a caption that said to vote for Trump 'So Haitian immigrants don't eat us.'

Hours before Trump's debate with Harris, the former president's team also posted two related photos on his social media site.

One Truth Social post was a photo of Trump surrounded by cats and geese. Another featured armed cats wearing MAGA hats.

Reports of people eating pets and other animals including ducks and geese remain unconfirmed, with no evidence that Haitian immigrants or anyone else have carried out such attacks in Springfield, Ohio.

'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.

A Springfield police spokesperson on Tuesday added: '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.'
This is the moment an inmate freed under Labour's early release scheme was immediately rearrested seconds after leaving Wandsworth prison.

The extraordinary scene played out yesterday morning as a large crowd of young men waited outside the Victorian jail to celebrate their associates being let out after serving only a fraction of their sentences.

The group, who were smoking and playing music in what resembled a party atmosphere, were heard reacting with astonishment as police cuffed the man, who they did not appear to know.

The suspect looked similarly surprised as he walked out of the jail only to be immediately confronted by police, but allowed himself to be led away into a waiting police van.

The suspect was seen walking out of HMP Wandsworth following his release yesterday

The man looks around in astonishment as he notices police officers are waiting for him

He allowed himself to be handcuffed and led into a waiting police van

The moment came against a backdrop of joyous scenes outside Britain's prisons yesterday, as 1,700 criminals were set free after serving a fraction if their sentence.

At Wandsworth, sparkling wine was sprayed in the air as a group of men celebrated the early release of one of their friends, known only as Daniel.

Cheers went up as the young man left the 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.

A total of 16 inmates had left Wandsworth by midday. Many were delighted to be released, with Liam Fitzpatrick, 34, saying: 'Everyone's happy today, there are a lot of happy faces.'

He said he was '100 per cent grateful' to Labour for letting him out early. Mr Fitzpatrick said he had originally been jailed for three years for what he said were 'driving offences and fighting' but was released after 18 months.

Ross Heathorn, 46, said he was heading straight to McDonald's to celebrate his freedom. 'It feels good to be free,' he said.

Despite the Government's claims that inmates would not be released homeless, Jack Creighton, 54, said he was going to 'spend the night on a park bench' due to having no accommodation lined up.

The moment contrasted with otherwise joyous scenes at the jail as inmates were freed. Pictured: Liam Fitzpatrick celebrates as he is let out

Convicted drug dealer Djaber Benallaoua, 20, said the early release policy had made him a 'lifelong Labour voter'.

Asked how it felt to be freed from HMP Isis, in south-east London, where he was greeted by five friends, he said: 'I thank Labour. Because I've come out five or six months early than I was supposed to, so I'm just happy.'

Benallaoua, who was given a two-and-a-half-year sentence but was let out six months earlier than planned, added: 'It's a very good policy because it's given a lot of prisoners a lot of hope. When prisoners found out they'd be released early they were very positive.'

Asked about his future plans, he said: 'I'm just elated right now. I'm gonna get lit.'

Daniel Rutuls, also walking free from HMP Isis, said he had been released a month early after serving almost 18 months of a three-year sentence for aggravated burglary. Asked if he had a message for the Prime Minister, the 19-year-old from Harlesden, north London, said: 'Thank you, and it's a smart decision, because now you've got more space.'

He said he would '100 per cent' vote Labour now, adding: 'I'm really happy to be out. The reaction was very positive when we found out we would be released.'

One freed inmate was greeted at HMP Pentonville in north London by a brand new black Lamborghini Huracan Tecnica, which has a basic list price of 212,000.

A prisoner gives a thumbs up after being released from HMP Wandsworth

Sparkling wine is sprayed in the air after an inmate was let out of the Victorian jail

At HMP Elmley on the Isle of Sheppey, Kent, lags were welcomed with hugs and kisses from waiting family and friends, who came with champagne and a sound system blasting out music.

One criminal who had served four years for fraud and declined to give his name said: 'It's like a great escape. Thank you Sir Keir Starmer, you're the best. It's a right touch. My family are well pleased.' Another said: 'I thought I had got another six months left. This is a brilliant policy.'

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.
Civil war has broken out in Europe over Germany's new plans to introduce strict border controls - with populist leaders giving their support for similar measures.

Yesterday Germany's government presented rigorous rules on asylum that would see more people turned away at its frontiers, a day after it announced it would start carrying out controls on all its land borders.

While Germany risks alienating the Left with its hardened stance on migration, Dutch politician Geert Wilders vowed to copy the plan for the Netherlands.

And Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban shared his support for the measures, welcoming Germany to the so-called #StopMigration club.

The centre-Left German government has also begun exploring strict measures on immigration, including a plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda for processing, in the wake of high arrivals of migrants from the Middle East and Ukraine.

The so-called 'traffic light coalition' looks to shore up support from voters after the far-right AfD made gains earlier this month as concerns grow over a spate of isolated Islamist attacks in recent months.

Olaf Scholz's government in Germany presented new plans for rules on asylum yesterday

German federal police watch over cars arriving at the German-Polish border on September 10

Hard-right political party Alternative for Germany (AfD) has become the first of its ilk to win in the nation since the Second World War (File image, August 31)

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The proposals include detaining asylum seekers while authorities determine whether Germany is responsible for processing their case with the help of Europe's shared fingerprint database, Eurodac, amongst other tools, Interior Minister Nancy Faeser told a news conference.

'We want people whose asylum procedure is the responsibility of another EU country to be sent back there,' Faeser said.

The measures reflect Germany's hardening stance on immigration in the wake of high arrivals of asylum seekers from both the Middle East and Ukraine, which could strain relations with other European states.

'We will approach our European partners at a high political level to ensure that they give their approval for readmission to the respective countries more quickly so that the European rules are complied with,' Ms Faeser said.

At a time of heightened tension over the issue of migration within Europe, Right-wing leaders on the continent have espoused support for the plan.

Mr Wilders, who triumphed in the 2023 Dutch general election to see his far-right PVV party become the largest in the House of Representatives, backed the policy proposal.

He has struggled to gain support within the Netherlands and stepped back from his bid for prime minister in March, citing a lack of support from potential coalition partners, but has found a receptive audience through his staunch position on immigration.

He expressed support for a similar policy To Germany's within the Netherlands, writing: 'If Germany can do it, why can't we? As far as I'm concerned: the sooner, the better.'

Both the far-Right PVV and the Right-wing Liberal VDD parties have shown interest in greater border checks in line with those recently announced by Germany.

Migration minister Majolein Faber has already asked military police to begin preparations.

'In the meantime, we are talking to Germany about working together,' she said on social media.

Wilders backed the checks, telling reporters yesterday he would like to see controls brought in 'as soon as possible'.

'I saw the minister say on television she just told the European Commission, and I thought, we can do that too,' Wilders said.

VVD leader Dilan Yesilgoz said the German policy was 'super interesting, and we can do it too'.

Viktor Orban, Prime Minister of Hungary, wrote on Twitter/X yesterday: 'Germany has decided to impose strict border controls to stop illegal migration.

'Chancellor Scholz, welcome to the club! #StopMigration'

The post had been shared four thousand times at the time of writing.

Hungary has a population of 9.7million, declining 0.31 per cent, in line with much of Europe.

The central European nation, surrounded by mountains, has brought in strict policies to limit migration under Orban - a move the EU has pushed back on, fining Hungary 200 million euros (170mn) in June after it failed to make changes.

Under current legislation, people can only submit requests for asylum outside Hungary's borders, at its embassies in neighbouring Serbia or Ukraine.

Those who try to cross the border are routinely pushed back.

Swedish MEP Charlie Weimers, of the Sweden Democrats, told MailOnline that Europe faced challenges securing borders due to the 'madness' of former German Chancellor Angela Merkel's policies.

'If we don't secure the external border then internal border controls will become the norm. I've said this for years.

'That a left-liberal German government re-institutes border checks highlights the madness of Merkel's policy and that the debate in Europe has shifted.

'Citizens want safety and security, not mass migration and chaos.'

Germany welcomed a more open policy towards migration under the leadership of Chancellor Angela Merkel, allowing more than one million asylum seekers to cross over into Germany in 2015.

Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban espoused support for Germany's plans

Despite suggestion the plans may contravene EU law, Germany's precedent inspired Geert Wilders of the Dutch PVV party to say: 'If Germany can do it, why can't we?'

A 26-year-old Syrian man, suspect of the Solingen attack, is escorted by police on Aug 25

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)

Interior Minister Nancy Faeser, Justice Minister Marco Buschmann, and Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock attend a press conference after meeting with opposition on border plans

Post-election polls suggest asylum and migration are the two key issues for Germans nationwide, and that support for the party is genuine - rather than a protest vote - piling pressure on the coalition government to act.

Concerns about immigration have been pushed to the forefront of German politics with a series of attacks by Islamists rocking the country in recent months, most recently at a gathering of Christians in Solingen late last month.

But Germany's neighbours have already criticised plans to introduce temporary controls into the passport-free Schengen zone.

Donald Tusk, the Polish Prime Minister, said that Germany was acting unilaterally and unfairly in its 'unacceptable' plans that risked breaking European law.

He said Germany had introduced a 'de facto suspension of the Schengen agreement on a large scale' in its bid to confront what German interior minister Nancy Faeser called 'irregular migration'.

Ms Faesar's ministry said the move complied with national and European law and reflect 'coordinated action within Germany as well as within the EU'.

The EU cautioned that border checks could only be introduced as an 'exceptional' measure.

Geert van Eijk, of the trade association Evofenedex, said that delays could cost 'tens, perhaps even hundreds of millions of euros'.

But Austria has shown support for the checks.

In a televised debate ahead of the parliamentary election on September 29, Chancellor Karl Nehammer told national broadcaster ORF that if Germany introduced measures to send more immigrants back across their shared border, Austria would do the same, sending more people eastwards towards the Balkans.

The German government faces increasing pressure to be seen to respond to migration as support for the AfD gathers pace in the East.

The hard right party secured its first-ever state-election win in Thuringia on September 1 and came a close second in neighbouring Saxony.

Germany's Brandmauer - literally 'firewall', a coalition agreement not to ally with the AfD - remains in place to stop the party getting into power, but support for stricter policies on migration continues to galvanise the far-right at the expense of the SPD, the FDP and the Greens.

German migration commissioner Joachim Stamp suggested the country could utilise British developments in Rwanda for a similar scheme last week.

He claimed Russia and Belarus were intentionally pushing migrants into western Europe to destabilise Germany and its neighbours.

'My suggestion would be that we concentrate on this group. It's about 10,000 people a year,' he said on a podcast, adding that the deterrent of a Rwanda scheme could 'take away the motivation to come to the EU'.

Such a scheme would require changes to EU law on how asylum is processed.

The Hope Hotel in Rwanda, which was prepared to accept asylum seekers from the UK

Demonstrators display a banner reading 'AFD ban now' during a demonstration in Erfurt, 1/9

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

Far-right protesters hold a banner reading 'remigration now' as they march through the streets of Solingen, following a stabbing rampage, on August 26

A far right supporter with a shirt of the right-wing extremist minor party, The Third Path (Der Dritte Weg) attends a protest, in Solingen on August 26

Rwandan President Paul Kagame speaks during the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing on September 5

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz pledged to 'examine' the case for an overseas asylum processing centre in November last year.

He insisted any scheme would be 'in compliance with the Geneva Convention on Refugees and the European Convention on Human Rights.'

But Scholz also recognised plans would be fraught with 'a whole series of legal questions'.

A spokesperson for the Rwandan government welcomed the suggestion, saying they were 'happy to work with anyone on this who shared their desire to find a long-term solution to the migration issue'.

But the move risks fracturing Germany's 'traffic light coalition'. Within Germany, the Greens, centre-left SPD and liberal FDP fiercely oppose the Rwanda proposals as being both illegal and costly.

'Even if we went ahead with it, it would mean the whole asylum system in Germany  and other European Union countries  would be dependent on one dictator in Rwanda,' Erik Marquardt, an MEP with the Green Party, told i.

'Basically, the EU would be in the hands of [President Paul] Kagame.'

'The problem is not migration. It's Islamism,' Mr Marquardt told i.

'Our approach is to try to find solutions. And the idea that there is one easy solution through just one measure, like sending people to Rwanda, is simply wrong.

'It is basically populism, and it was the same in the UK; the British government decided to put this populism into laws, and it was a big waste of money.'

Poland, while critical of the border checks, shares the claim that Russia has weaponised migration, encouraging asylum seekers to cross over into central Europe with attempted illegal border crossings from Belarus on the rise.

In line with other Western nations, the allure of populist parties appears to be partly motivated by the loss of highly-paid jobs.

Volkswagen announced last week it was considering shutting factories in Germany for the first time in its 87-year history, warning that the European automotive industry was in a 'very... serious situation'.

'The economic environment became even tougher, and new competitors are entering the European market. In this environment, we as a company must now act decisively,' chief executive Oliver Blume said.

The announcement marked a U-turn from a promise not to cut jobs in Germany until at least 2029.

The AfD has also won support for its critical stance on Germany's support to Ukraine.

Germany has been one of the biggest contributors of aid to Ukraine since the war broke out.

But concern over spending has offered support to fringe parties not toeing the line, despite the imminent threat posed by Russia to Europe.
Social media has been flooded with 'Pets for Trump' memes after he accused migrants of 'eating dogs and cats' during a debate with Kamala Harris last night.

The former president appeared visibly irritated as Harris goaded him live on ABC over his rally crowd sizes, his record on abortion and his criminal trials.

Trump went on to accuse Haitian migrants of 'eating pets' in Springfield, Ohio, an unsubstantiated claim that first appeared on social media.

'In Springfield, they're eating the dogs. The people that came in, they're eating the cats,' the former president said. 'They're eating the pets of the people that live there.'

Harris could be heard muttering 'What? This is unbelievable' before adding 'talk about extreme' and laughing.

Social media users seized on the bizarre exchange and started sharing dozens of memes under the hashtag #PetsForTrump.

All pets for Trump pic.twitter.com/OE4CxcUQ8H  Rare  (@RareImagery) September 10, 2024

However, while some openly mocked the Republican nominee, others appeared to have been embraced by Trump supporters.

One video made up of AI generated images shows a dog holding a banner that reads 'Haitians ate my mom'.

This is then followed by a roll of pictures of pets with signs saying 'Vote Trump' and 'Trump 2024'.

Another clip with the caption 'Cats in Ohio right now' shows kittens carrying out a number of daredevil escapes along high wires.

The post is captioned: 'They're eating the cats! They're eating, they're eating the pets.'

A third AI image depicts Trump wearing a suit of armor and holding a sword with several cats hiding behind him. The post has the caption: 'If you don't want your pets to get eaten vote for Trump.'

And a fourth shows Trump riding a large ginger cat with a rifle in hand and dozens of kittens around him.

Theyre eating the cats! Theyre eating, theyre eating the pets. . President Donald Trump pic.twitter.com/qtBojeM5N5  luc Levy (@LucfrancoisLevy) September 11, 2024

Springfield has been a flashpoint in the debate over immigration ever since thousands of Haitian migrants arrived in the city in 2020 to fill jobs vacancies.

Willing to do the blue-collar jobs locals were unenthusiastic about, the Haitians, who were already in the country legally, moved to the town.

Within a few years, 20,000 immigrants arrived, swelling Springfield's population, which was only 58,000 in 2020.

The immigrants are there legally and eligible to apply for Temporary Protected Status, according to an Immigration FAQ page on the city's website, which says the total immigration population in Clark County is an estimated 12,000 to 15,000.

But their arrival has put a strain on medical services and the education system, sparking debate and rumors on social media.

When Trump initially made his comments about migrants eating pets, ABC News debate moderator David Muir stepped in to say: 'I just want to clarify here, you bring up Springfield, Ohio.

'And ABC News did reach out to the city manager there. He told us there have been no credible reports of specific claims of pets being harmed, injured or abused by individuals.'

It was one of the most dramatic moments of a monumental night in the 2024 race where Harris scored a sought-after endorsement from Taylor Swift and was widely declared the winner of the showdown.

She went into the debate last night under pressure to deliver in front of an audience expected to run into the tens of millions.

Harris started on the front foot by surprising Trump by approaching him to shake his hand before they took to their lecterns.

Then the niceties ended.

Trump, who only a few weeks ago had believed himself to be cruising to victory, reacted to pressure from Harris by resorting to the kinds of finger-jabbing insults and meandering invective that he uses at his rallies.

Trump gestures as he is rattled by Harris' personal attacks

Republican presidential nominee, former U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to reporters in the spin room after the debate

Harris responded by looking on in amusement and occasionally exclaiming 'c'mon', before declaring that she represents a fresh start after the 'mess' of the Trump presidency - and saying: 'We're not going back.'

One of the most intense exchanges between the two candidates 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.'

Within minutes, Trump hammered at the Democrat's weak spot on immigration by falsely claiming that she and Biden had allowed 'millions of people pouring into our country from prisons and jails, from mental institutions and insane asylums.'

Harris 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 foreign dictators were 'laughing' at him.

Trump shot back by accusing Harris of being weak on the war in Gaza, saying she 'hated Israel' and that Israel would be 'gone' within two weeks if she was president.

Democratic presidential nominee and U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris visits a watch party after participating in the presidential debate

US Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris and US Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff attend a watch party

Vice President Kamala Harris stops by the Harris-Walz campaign's Presidential Debate Watch Party after a strong showing in a debate against Trump

Democrat nominee Kamala Harris during the debate on ABC last night

Trump had long seemed invulnerable prior to the debate

Another jarring moment came when 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.

'Donald Trump was fired by 81 million people. So let's be clear about that. And clearly he is having a very difficult time processing that,' she said.

'And I'm going to tell you that I have traveled the world as vice president of the United States. And world leaders are laughing at Donald Trump.'
A wave of mixed emotions rippled through a crowd of survivors and grieving families in and outside of court in the culmination of a distressing three day hearing for a bus driver crashed driving guests home from a wedding.

Brett Button, 59, was sentenced before Judge Roy Ellis at Newcastle District Court on Wednesday to 32 years behind bars with a non-parole period of 24 years beginning May 8, after the horror bus crash in NSW's Hunter Valley killed 10 people and injured 25 more in 2023.

Button was driving guests from a wedding reception at the Wandin Valley Estate, two hours north of Sydney, back to Singleton on June 11, 2023 when the bus flipped at a roundabout at Greta.

Button will be eligible for release on parole on May 7, 2048.

Victims' families and survivors were among those in the packed courtroom after 33 victim's impact statements were read in front of Button and the judge.

Button's sentence was reportedly met with cries of 'yes' and 'thank you' to the judge.

Relatives of two women lost in the crash, Nadene and daughter Kyah McBride appeared outside the court and delivered powerful statements.

Nadene's niece, Amelia Bowey told onlookers she had faith the sentencing meant nobody would have to go through the trauma her family lives to this day.

A composed Amelia Bowey (above) said she hoped no one will lose loved ones the way she did

Leonie Bowey fought back sobs as she remembered her sister and 'sassy' niece outside the court

'We all went into that courtroom knowing that nothing that judge did would bring our loved ones back,' she said.

'But, at the very least I can hope that no one ever has to sit in that witness chair ever again for the same circumstance.'

Her mother Leonie Bowey said the result was what the victims' had hoped for.

'The result that they got was tremendous for us,' she said.

'But, it will never bring back my beautiful sister Nadene.

'It will never bring back my sassy niece Kyah,' she managed before being overcome by sobs.

Other families expressed surprise at the sentence but said that nothing would ever give them closure, or ever make them forgive or forget what Button did.

Families of the victims, and the survivors had previously said they'd lost faith in the justice system after manslaughter charges were dropped against Button as part of a plea deal in for exchange for 10 counts of dangerous driving causing death.

'For so long, we have felt that the justice system had let us down but today, it has renewed our faith,' Bec Mullen's father Matt Mullen told The Daily Telegraph.

'We feel our loved ones have been recognised, everyone who has suffered has been recognised. It is not going to bring them back but it has shown that they matter.'

Kane Symons' father Steve had told the court the death of his son left a void that couldn't be filled.

But, outside court on Wednesday he felt he'd been heard.

'It showed that they mattered,' Mr Symons said.

'It showed they mattered', Steve Symons (left) outside court after he lost his son in the crash

Victims' loved ones and survivors appeared in droves to the sentencing after three days and 33 impact statements

Adam Bray chose not to attend the hearing in person, still struggling with the loss of his son Zach 15 months ago.

Zach's mum Jacqui Varasdi and sister Montana Bray chose to attend this week's hearing.

His dad welcomed the sentence after watching the sentence proceedings via audiolink in Bali after the crushing and harrowing ordeal.

'I'm happy with the outcome, I'm surprised and I'm satisfied,' he said.

'It is obviously a landmark decision and it was the reason why we agitated.

'You have got to approach these things with zero expectations because the reality is, if you do not, then the trauma and anger will never dissipate.'

In sentencing, Judge Ellis said Button was under the influence of the opioid-based painkiller tramadol and had 'abandoned his responsibility' to his 35 passengers at the time of the crash.

'Words cannot adequately express the pain, anger, and sadness that permeated the first two days of these proceedings as victim impact statement after victim impact statement was read by and for absolutely distraught, depressed, and devastated family members' of the deceased and survivors, Judge Ellis said.

Judge Ellis said that in his 50 years in the justice system he had never 'dealt with, seen, or even read about a case that involved anywhere near the same extent of extraordinary devastation'.

'Surviving passengers described the trauma of their injuries and scenes of the crash, with unwanted memory of the carnage still present and easily triggered,' Judge Ellis told the court.

Brett Button, 59, was sentenced before Judge Roy Ellis at Newcastle District Court on Wednesday afternoon to 32 years behind bars with a non-parole period of 24 years beginning May 8

Andrew Scott, 35, his wife Lynan Scott, 33, Nadene McBride, 52, daughter Kyah McBride, 22, and her partner, Kane Symons, 21, Darcy Bulman, 30, Rebecca Mullen, 26, Zachary Bray, 29, Tori Cowburn, 29, and Angus Craig, 28, were killed in the crash

The court was told Button had been driving under the influence of the opioid tramadol, was engaging in risk-taking behaviour, and was driving too fast to be able to negotiate the roundabout.

The Hunter Valley local took to the stand earlier, telling the survivors and families of his victims that he was 'ashamed' of what he had done and had 'committed the ultimate sin'.

'I can't forgive myself. I can't believe I caused this,' he said.

'I never meant to hurt anyone in my entire life, and now I have committed the ultimate sin.

'I have caused parents to have to bury their children ... I have done it to so many families.

'I hate myself and I want to disappear.'

Breaking down during his hours-long examination, Button admitted to driving too fast to safely navigate the roundabout but denied prescription opioids 'impaired' his driving.

The court was told Button had taken 'significantly more' than his prescribed dosage of tramadol, a short-relief and opioid-abused painkiller, on the day of the horrific crash.

Pressed on whether he believed he 'knew better' than doctors who'd tried to limit his use while working as a bus driver, Button admitted after repeated questioning that he thought he did.

In his closing address, barrister Paul Rosser KC told Judge Ellis that he would be sentencing Button on his actions when entering the roundabout, not over the course of the entire journey.

Button was driving guests from a wedding reception at the Wandin Valley Estate, two hours north of Sydney , back to Singleton on June 11, 2023 when the bus flipped at a roundabout at Greta

Button at one point faced a whopping 89 charges, including 10 counts of manslaughter. Those charges were ultimately dropped following a plea deal with police to the anger of families

Crown prosecutor Katharine Jeffreys argued that the risk posed by Button was only 'realised' at that moment, with the court told a passenger had described the drive as a 'like a rollercoaster'.

The court was told Button had been taking tramadol since the 1990s and had been stood down in 2022 by a previous employer after a pain specialist ruled he was addicted to the painkiller.

Button earlier this year pleaded guilty to 19 charges, including 10 counts of dangerous driving occasioning death and nine counts of dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm.

At least 40 survivors and the families of victims gave evidence in court about the impact of the crash on their lives and the loss of loved ones during two emotional days.

Among them was Graham McBride whose wife Nadene and daughter Kyah were killed in the crash. He told Button that his 'family tree has been cut down' and he didn't 'have a life anymore'.

Survivors of the crash described the devastating impact of the crash and the chronic injuries they'd been left with, with one woman saying she now suffered from a permanent 'head tilt'.

Breaking down during his hours-long examination, Button admitted to driving too fast to safely navigate the roundabout but denied prescription opioids 'impaired' his driving

The sentencing comes more than 15 months after the horror crash, one of NSW's - and Australia's - worst that left the communities of Singleton and the wider Hunter Valley devastated.

Andrew Scott, 35, his wife Lynan Scott, 33, Nadene McBride, 52, daughter Kyah McBride, 22, and her partner, Kane Symons, 21, Darcy Bulman, 30, Rebecca Mullen, 26, Zachary Bray, 29, Tori Cowburn, 29, and Angus Craig, 28, were killed in the crash.

Button at one point faced a whopping 89 charges, including 10 counts of manslaughter. Those charges were ultimately dropped following a plea deal with police to the anger of families.
Two of the three young children rescued from a horror house fire have sadly died in hospital.

Two girls, aged five and one, and a three-year-old boy were pulled unconscious from the rear of a property in Sydenham in Melbourne's north-west after neighbours raised the alarm on Sunday night.

Firefighters arrived on scene within minutes and pulled the children one-by-one from the burning home before all three were rushed to the Royal Children's Hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Police confirmed on Wednesday night that Izabel, 5, and her 21-month-old sister died in hospital earlier in the day, surrounded by heartbroken loved ones.

Their brother Kalais, 3, remains in a critical condition after he suffered smoke inhalation.

'I just hope hell be okay,' Kalais father Jayde Petalas told The Age on Wednesday night.

He expressed shock about the girls' deaths but said he wasn't at the hospital in their final moments.

Detectives from the Arson and Explosives Squad are investigating the fire, including what may have caused it and who was in the property at the time prior to the blaze.

Jayde Petalas with stepdaughter Izabel, 5, who died in hospital on Wednesday

Neighbours said they heard explosions before and during the fire that raged for half an hour while the children were inside

This investigation remains ongoing.

Police are investigating whether the children had been left home alone at the time of the blaze.

Mr Petalas dashed to the hospital after getting a call from police on Sunday night.

He admitted at the time that his five-year-old stepdaughter Izabel, whom he treated as his own may not survive.

'It was hard to see, they were cold, alone,' Mr Petalas told reporters on Monday.

'They would have been petrified. I hope they didn't feel anything to be honest.

'Obviously they would have, I just tell myself they didn't. It shouldn't have happened.

'They're the best little kids - so innocent.'

Mr Petalas has since set up a GoFundMe for support with his son's road to recovery.

'I'm struggling with the right way to even write this and ask for help but I don't think the road to recovery is do able on my own as a single father aged 27 to the expectations he deserves after everything we have been through,' he wrote.

'Any and every little bit of help would mean the world to us and get that little bit closer to getting are lives back to some what normal thank you so much

It's understood the children and their mother Shania Lee moved into the property a week ago. Mr Petalas does not live at the home.

Mr Petalas is pictured with stepdaughter Izabel and his son Kalais, who remains in a critical condition

Investigations into the horror blaze at the Sydenham home in north-west Melbourne continue

The children were trapped inside for about half an hour, according to neighbours.

A loud bang was heard before the flames engulfed the home, followed by a series of further explosions,

'When I first came out a few of us heard screaming,' an unnamed resident told Nine News.

Adolf Kolaritsch added: 'Just explosions, that's all it was and then fire shooting out into the air.

Anyone with information or may have witnessed the fire is urged to call Crime Stoppers.
The Kremlin has warned it will carry out an 'appropriate response' if Ukraine uses Western missiles to strike Russian soil.

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has increasingly urged the West to allow his forces to use long-range weapons, including American ATACMS missiles, against Russian territory to combat the invasion of his nation, now in its 30th month.

US president Joe Biden said last night that his government was 'working that out now' when asked if he would lift restrictions on Kyiv's use of missiles such as ATACMS.

In response, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov warned that Vladimir Putin's forces would exact an 'appropriate response' if Ukraine was allowed to use Western missiles, but added that 'there is no need to expect some kind of response everywhere.'

'To all these actions, the SMO (special military operation) is the response,' said Peskov, using the Kremlin's preferred term for the Ukraine conflict.

'Each of these decisions, taken by the collective West and then attributed to Ukraine, is an additional confirmation of the justification, necessity and inevitability of the SMO.'

It comes as both British foreign secretary David Lammy and US secretary of state Anthony Blinken visited Kyiv in a rare joint visit that was, unusually, announced in advance - a public signal of British-American support for Ukraine ahead of what's likely to be a brutal winter of Russian attacks.

Vladimir Putin's (pictured) government has warned it will carry out an 'appropriate response' if Ukraine uses Western missiles to strike Russian soil

US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken (L) and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy arrive at Kyiv train station in Kyiv, on September 11, 2024

An ATACMS missile being fired in White Sands, New Mexico, United States

Britain has increasingly supported Ukraine militarily, giving its army Storm Shadow missiles, which have a range of 155 miles, but prohibiting Kyiv from firing them into Russian territory.

Washington, meanwhile, has been reluctant to supply Ukraine with long-range weapons to strike targets inside Russia over fears such a move could escalate the bloodiest conflict on European soil in decades.

But sources revealed last week that Biden's administration was close to an agreement to give Ukraine such weapons, but that Kyiv would need to wait several months as the US works through technical issues ahead of any shipment.

Ukrainian prime minister Denys Shmyhal told Lammy today: 'We hope that long-range equipment for strikes on the territory of our enemy will be reached and we will have it. We hope for your help and support in this issue.'

Shmyhal said yesterday that 'if we are allowed to destroy military targets or weapons prepared by the enemy for attacks on Ukraine, it would certainly bring more safety for our civilians, our people, and our children.

'We are working towards this and will continue to push for it every day.'

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy attends a bilateral meeting with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and other officials on September 11, 2024 in Kyiv, Ukraine

A Storm Shadow missile is displayed at the MBDA exhibition hall during the Farnborough International Airshow 2024 at Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre on July 22, 2024

Referring to the missiles from Iran, he added: 'Russia's use of weapons from its terrorist allies to strike at Ukraine continues their genocidal war and terrorism on our territory. We must be able to respond to such terrorism in kind by destroying military targets on their territory to ensure greater safety for our citizens.'

Lammy hailed the Kyiv trip as 'the first of its kind in a decade' at a press conference alongside his US counterpart on Tuesday, while 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 on Tuesday: '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.'

Meanwhile, the UK announced sanctions on 10 ships operating as part of a 'shadow fleet' seeking to evade the embargo on Russian oil.

The vessels, described as 'high-volume offenders', will now be barred from entering UK ports and refused access to the UK Ship Register.

Mr Lammy said: 'Russia has been forced to spend over eight billion dollars (6 billion) amassing this shadow fleet. But with sanctioned tankers loitering and unable to load oil, we are determined to make Putin's investment an expensive misstep for the Kremlin.'
A teacher at a prestigious private school attended by Prince Harry and William has won almost 170,000 in compensation after he was sacked for falling asleep at his desk.

Jason Smith insisted he dozed off because he had eaten a 'big lunch' and told bosses he was not asleep and was instead a 'deep thinker' who 'closed his eyes in order to think'.

The Notting Hill school teacher struggled with anxiety and depression which impacted his ability to attend work and said he was made to feel like a 'disease' by the management team at Wetherby Prep School for Boys.

The teacher said staff at the school 'exacerbated' his mental health struggles and he was eventually sacked after bosses said a bout of absences were having a 'detrimental impact' on the establishment.

Mr Smith successfully sued bosses for unfair dismissal after an employment judge ruled he was 'dismissed without being heard'.

Jason Smith, a senior teacher at the prestigious Wetherby Prep School for Boys attended by Prince Harry and William has won almost 170,000 in compensation after he was sacked for falling asleep at his desk. Pictured: The young royals in 1989

He has now been awarded 168,441.30 in compensation.

The hearing in central London was told Mr Smith began working at Wetherby Prep school for boys in September, 2006.

The Notting Hill establishment describes itself as one of the most 'sought-after prep schools' in London and has been attended by Princes William and Harry, as well as Romeo and Cruz Beckham.

The teacher had a 'glowing' record at the school and the tribunal said the results students achieved in his sets were 'excellent'.

Mr Smith was described as being 'passionate about the well-being of the boys' and a classroom observation of his students said their 'enthusiasm was infectious' and the 'learning atmosphere was excellent'.

In January 2020, the teacher suffered a 'breakdown in his personal relationship' and as a result of this, he was off sick intermittently for a total of 18 days in the first three months of the year.

He was referred to occupational health and the teacher was found to have an underlying condition of anxiety and depression - and suffered from poor sleep due to his mental health.

He was signed off work but asked to return in June 2021.

Anna Dingle, deputy head and designated safeguarding lead at the school, told Mr Smith that he required a formal 'fit for work' note before he could return and she said the matter was now in the hands of the school's head office.

The teacher spoke to the head of HR at Alpha Group Limited, who runs the school, on the telephone and was told that other staff at the school 'had done an amazing job so far in dealing with him'.

EJ Lewis said: 'This comment upset him because he did not feel they had done an amazing job and the wording made him feel like he was a disease which they had finally been able to rid themselves of.'

He said the school's head, Mark Snell, had not called him once to see how he was doing and during the summer holidays in 2021 none of his colleagues contacted him.

Mr Smith successfully sued bosses for unfair dismissal after an employment judge ruled he was 'dismissed without being heard'. Pictured: The school in Notting HIll

In September, as the new school year began, he returned to work without notifying the school.

The tribunal said: 'As far as he was concerned, he had made it clear at the end of the summer term that he wanted to return.

'His doctor had told him it was unnecessary to provide a note stating he was fit to return, because he had no longer been signed off as unfit for work..'

But, all staff except Mr Smith were given a weekly timetable and no return to work meeting was held.

The following morning, the teacher did not go into work as he was upset that there had been no timetable and no allocated desk space waiting for him.

Miss Dingle messaged him asking if he was OK and in response he said 'Yep, just slept badly and have no idea what I'm doing at the moment as regards to my job as I have no table, and feel like I have no purpose'.

He went back into school later that day where he was given a timetable which included a number of adjustments to reduce his workload.

Throughout that month, Mr Smith's mood was 'up and down' and the tribunal said he was 'tearful at school and complaining about his treatment by management in the staffroom'.

Another occupational health report was carried out and Miss Dingle highlighted several incidents that had occurred in the last 16 days.

She said his mood was both 'volatile and emotional' and parents had complained about his treatment of the students.

They said on two occasions he was found 'asleep at school', and he also failed to inform the school of his absence.

The teacher disagreed with the allegations in the referral letter and said he had missed calling into work because he felt unwell, and the volatile and emotional mood had been 'exacerbated' by how he had been treated by the school.

It was advised Mr Smith was 'not fit for full hours or duties at present' and a phased return to work was recommended.

The teacher returned to work in January 2022 but the following month it was reported by two members of staff that Mr Smith had fallen asleep in class.

When this was put to him, he said this was not true and he was 'only resting his eyes'.

In March 2022, the teacher was invited to an investigation meeting where he was told that 'falling asleep in class was unacceptable and this was not the only occasion'.

The tribunal said Mr Smith gave 'various excuses'.

The teacher had a 'glowing' record at the school and the tribunal said the results students achieved in his sets were 'excellent' prior to his dismissal

'He said he was a deep thinker and closed his eyes in order to think, and he was not leading the lesson. And he said he had a big lunch,' the tribunal said.

In the following few days, staff members reported 'concerns' over Mr Smith and said he was 'being too harsh on the boys'.

An investigation report found Mr Smith had been asleep for approximately 10 minutes during a lesson in February 2022 and he had previously fallen asleep on three occasions in that academic year in front of boys or staff.

It discussed his failure to follow absence protocol and said 'parents pay high fees and expect proper teacher cover'.

In July 2022, Mr Smith was sacked on 'grounds of ill-health'.

He was told that 'despite the best efforts of all concerned, your continued absence is having a detrimental impact on the school and the children, and your behaviour when in school falls below the standard expect of an employee of Alpha Plus'.

But, EJ Lewis said Mr Smith was 'dismissed without being heard'.

She said: 'He had had no opportunity to comment on the investigation report.

'He had not even known that the investigation meeting was an investigation meeting which could feed into a dismissal process.'

She continued: 'We agree that these matters arose in consequence of [Mr Smith's] disability.

'His absence record was almost entirely due to his disability.

'Sleeping at work was also clearly due to the medication and sleep disruption caused by his anxiety.

'We understand that [Mr Smith] had no self-awareness that he was sleeping at work.'

Mr Smith's claims of unfair dismissal and discrimination arising from a disability were upheld. Other claims were dismissed.

The judge said Mr Smith is currently planning to 'recover in Australia' but ultimately hopes to return to the UK to resume his life and career over here.

On the compensation, EJ Lewis said: '[Mr Smith's] dismissal hit him hard and caused a great deal of injury to his feelings specifically for that reason.

'Teaching is [Mr Smiths] vocation.

'He was good at it. He loved his job at the school, which he had held for 15 years.

'He proudly showed his brother the school on one of the latter's visits to London.

'Dismissal has deprived the claimant of that job satisfaction and sense of purpose and worth.'
A former PCSO appeared in court today accused of deliberately stabbing herself to fake a compensation claim for her injuries.

Olivia Morphew, 24, reported being knifed during an attack in Esher, Surrey, in June 2022, and three teenage boys were subsequently arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

But the former Surrey Police PCSO, who spoke only to confirm her name, appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court this morning facing charges of fraud, perverting the course of justice and possession of a knife in a public place.

She was seen leaving court after she was granted unconditional bail.

Olivia Morphew, 24, reported being knifed during an attack in Esher, Surrey in June 2022

The case has now been sent to Southwark Crown Court for October 9 for a 'Plea and Trial Preparation Hearing'.

When she was found with a 'serious' knife wound in her arm, three teenagers were arrested on the same day in nearby Claygate on suspicion of attempted murder.

A kitchen knife with a 9cm stainless steel blade was recovered at the scene. At the time, Surrey Police said it was 'appalled' by the alleged attack.

However, the three boys who were arrested when Morphew, of Hertford, reported the attack have faced no further action since.

Morphew was charged after an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct

Senior District Judge Paul Goldspring told the court the next hearing will be at Southwark Crown Court due to the perverting the course of justice charge.

The charges follow an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

A spokesman said: 'Our investigation began following a conduct referral from the force in July 2022.

'After concluding our investigation in April 2023, we referred a file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service, who authorised the charges.'

Morphew is understood to have resigned in September 2022 during the course of the IOPC investigation.
An NHS nurse who left her ten-week-old baby to die while she went to work has been jailed for three years.

Single mother Ruth Auta, 28, abandoned Joshua Akerele in her nurse's accommodation for eight hours so she could work her shift on December 20, 2022.

When she returned to her room, she found Joshua lifeless in his cot and dialled 999, telling operators her son was not breathing.

The infant was pronounced dead an hour later with tests showing he may have 'overheated' due to the layers of clothing and bedding he was wrapped in.

Auta initially told the police that she had collected Joshua from a childminder after she had finished work, took him back home, fed him, placed him on her bed and then fell asleep next to him.

Single mother Ruth Auta, 28, (pictured) abandoned Joshua Akerele in her nurse's accommodation for eight hours

Ruth Auta worked at Royal Bolton Hospital (pictured). She was charged after police found CCTV of her leaving and entering her accommodation without Joshua on the day of the tragedy

She claimed that when she woke up, she found him unresponsive.

Later in her police interview, Auta gave no comment to questions asked and was freed on bail pending further investigation.

Auta was charged after police found CCTV of her leaving and entering her accommodation without Joshua on the day of the tragedy.

Officers also discovered incriminating texts in which she urged her childminder to say she was looking after Joshua that day.

The childminder told officers she had not seen the infant for a number of days.

Auta was charged with cruelty to a child and pleaded guilty at Manchester Magistrates' court on May 24, 2024 with her case adjourned by a month for sentence.

On June 6, the nurse who worked at Royal Bolton Hospital tried to flee the country.

But she was detained at Gatwick while attempting to board the flight to her native Nigeria, having purchased a one-way ticket.

Auta was sentenced to three years in jail when she appeared at Bolton Crown Court yesterday.

Sara Davie, District Crown Prosecutor for CPS North West, said: 'Whilst she went to work to provide care for other people, Ruth Auta left the very person who needed her care the most home alone.

'As a nurse she should have known the dangers of leaving her baby unattended. As she begins her sentence, she must now live with the consequences of the terrible decision she made that day.

'Auta has failed to show remorse throughout the case. She misled police about her childcare arrangements and then tried to evade justice by attempting to flee the country.

'Our thoughts and sympathies are with all those who been affected by Joshua's death.'

Prosecutors said she left her nurse's accommodation shortly after 6.30am to carry out her shift, leaving Joshua behind.

At 3.24pm Auta called for an ambulance reporting that her son was not breathing.

Despite attempts to resuscitate him, Joshua could not be saved and was pronounced dead at 4.40pm.

Experts could not confirm the exact cause of Joshua's death as he was said to be a 'healthy baby in all respects'.

An inquest into Joshua's death was opened and adjourned in Bolton in January.
Keir Starmer squirmed on the winter fuel allowance cut today as he was grilled by Rishi Sunak at PMQs.

In tense clashes, the Tory leader warned that thousands of pensioners could die this year due to the controversial policy.

And he swiped that 50 of Sir Keir's own MPs had mysteriously discovered 'urgent business elsewhere' rather than voting to support the plan in the Commons last night.

However, the premier shot back that the previous government had left a 22billion 'black hole' in the finances and 'action' had to be taken.

Ministers are facing mounting fury after the Commons approved axing winter fuel payments worth up to 300 for 10million older people.

MPs who backed Sir Keir's move amid tears and recriminations at Parliament last night are being targeted online, with Tories making clear they will be held accountable.

After a day of drama just one Labour MP - veteran left-winger Jon Trickett - voted against the measure, although more than 50 abstained.

Keir Starmer squirmed on the winter fuel allowance cut today as he was grilled by Rishi Sunak at PMQs

In tense clashes, the Tory leader warned that thousands of pensioners could die this year due to the controversial policy

Rachel Reeves again insisted this morning that she had been forced into the controversial winter fuel policy by a 'black hole' in the public finances

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Many cited reasons such as dentist appointments for staying away, with the party claiming that only a dozen absences were not authorised. It is still unclear what punishments Sir Keir will impose, with Mr Trickett jibing that he would 'sleep well' after taking his stand.

Mr Sunak opened hostilities in the Commons today by demanding the government publishes the impact assessment of the winter fuel change.

Sir Keir replied: 'The fact of the matter is this: they left a 22billion black hole and they hid it from the OBR.'

He added: 'When it comes to mitigations and impacts, we've put those in place, ramping up pension credit, dealing with housing benefit and linking it, something which the party opposite didn't do for years.

'Because of the tough decisions that we're making to stabilise the economy, we can make sure that the triple lock shows that increases in pensions will outstrip any loss of payment.

'But before he complains about us clearing up his mess, perhaps he'd like to apologise for the 22billion black hole.'

Ms Reeves again insisted this morning that she had been forced into the controversial policy by a 'black hole' in the public finances.

The Chancellor told broadcasters: 'We faced a situation when I became chancellor that there was a 22 billion black hole in the public finances this year.

'That meant we had to make difficult decisions, tough decisions, to get a grip of those public finances so that we could bring stability back to the economy.

'These weren't decisions that I wanted to make. They weren't decisions that I expected to make, but in the circumstances that we faced, it was absolutely right to make sure that our public finances were on a firmer footing.

'Because only through doing that do we have the chance to bring stability back to our economy and start to grow the economy after 14 years of stagnation.'

Housing minister Matthew Pennycook told Sky News: 'We're not going to water down that policy. We think it's the right decision to make.'

Asked about the Government's decision to award pay increases to public-sector workers while reducing winter fuel support, he said: 'What this Government has done is implement the recommendations of the independent public sector pay review bodies.

'Now, unless the opposition in parliament are saying they would have rejected those recommendations out of hand, allowed industrial action to continue, which was extremely costly to the UK economy, they would have faced that same decision.'

There were angry clashes in the Commons over the decision to means-test the winter fuel payment.

Only those on pensioner credit - with incomes below around 11,400 - will get the benefit in future.

Dozens of Labour MPs abstained on the vote  which the party itself warned could kill 4,000 pensioners a year in previous research from 2017.

Tory supporters have been attacking Labour MPs online for 'voting to freeze your grandparents'

It is still unclear what punishments Sir Keir will impose, with Jon Trickett jibing that he would 'sleep well' after taking his stand

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.
The moderators of Tuesday's presidential debate have been accused of being biased and only fact-checking Donald Trump - while letting Kamala Harris' claims go unchecked.

Right-wing pundits and social media users say ABC's moderators David Muir and Linsey Davis repeatedly fact checked the former president while letting Harris off the hook on several issues, including her positions on fracking, the economy and Afghanistan.

Meanwhile Trump was fact-checked on several issues, including abortion, Obamacare, the January 6 riots and the unfounded claim that migrants have been eating pets in Springfield, Ohio.

Trump, shortly after he left the stage in Philadelphia, sent out a message on his social media platform: 'I thought that was my best debate, EVER, especially since it was THREE ON ONE!'

The former president also called into Fox & Friends on Wednesday and slammed ABC for fact-checking his claims in real time while not doing the same for VP Harris.

The moderators of Tuesday's presidential debate have been accused of being biased and only fact-checking Donald Trump - while letting Kamala Harris ' claims go unchecked

Right-wing pundits and social media users say ABC's moderators David Muir and Linsey Davis repeatedly fact checked the former president while letting Harris off the hook

'It was 3-to-1, it was a rigged deal as I assumed it would be because when you looked at the fact they were correcting everything and not correcting with her,' Trump said.

Journalist Abigail Shrier said: 'The moderators didn't fact check Kamala Harris on Project 2025. The moderators didn't fact check Kamala Harris on IVF. They just fact-checked Trump for the fourth time.'

A Trump campaign account pointed out that Harris wasn't telling the truth, as Trump has adopted a more progressive line on IVF, or in vitro fertilization. He declared that he would make the expensive procedure free for Americans.

'Kamala is LYING again. President Trump has said he wants to make it easier for mothers and fathers to have babies, including supporting IVF in every state', they wrote.

Linsey Davis claimed that Trump was lying when he said that states are allowing for post-birth executions.

Muir said Trump claimed falsely that immigrants were eating pets in the town of Springfield, Ohio.

Harris was not fact checked by either during the debate.

Donald Trump Jr also accused ABC of selective fact-checking, writing on X: 'The moderators didn't fact check Kamala when she invoked the Charlottesville lie.'

Harris repeated the debunked rumor that Trump said there were 'fine people on both sides' of a Nazi rally in Charlottesville.

Trump Jr added: 'The moderators didn't fact check Kamala when she lied about changing her position on fracking.

'The moderators didn't fact check Kamala when she repeatedly lied about President Trump positions.'

Former Democrat Tulsi Gabbard, who has endorsed Trump, said on ABC after the debate that the moderators failed to fact-check Harris on several claims, including when she said Trump wants a federal abortion ban as well as a birth control ban.

Megyn Kelly shared several posts accusing the moderators of being obviously against Trump, saying ABC should be ashamed.

A CNN snap poll conducted shortly after the debate had Harris beating Trump 63-37 when viewers who watched it got asked who won

The podcaster wrote: 'These moderators are a disgraceful failure and this is one of the most biased, unfair debates I have ever seen. Shame on you, ABC.'

Kelly added: 'The pile-on against Trump is so bad and so obvious this will backfire.'

She continued: 'Omg MORE FACT CHECKING FROM ABC - THIS IS THE WORST ANCHOR PILE-ON I HAVE EVER SEEN. 3 against 1.'

Opinions on how ABC handled the latest debate Tuesday were, in a large sense, a Rorschach test on how supporters of both sides felt about how it went.

MSNBC commentator Chris Hayes sent a message on X that the ABC moderators were doing an excellent job  only to be answered by conservative commentator Ben Shapiro, who said, this is how you know theyre complete s**t.'

Following the debate, Harris said she would like to debate the former president again before the November election.

Journalist Abigail Shrier said: 'The moderators didn't fact check Kamala Harris on Project 2025. The moderators didn't fact check Kamala Harris on IVF . They just fact-checked Trump for the fourth time'

Trump was non-committal after taking to the 'spin room' minutes after the contest, saying he'd have to think about it.

A CNN snap poll conducted shortly after the debate had Harris beating Trump 63-37 when viewers who watched it got asked who won.

Trump did allow 'maybe if it was on a fair network' he would do it. He complained that it was 'three against one,' a reference to the times ABC moderator interjected with fact checks on Trump's comments.

Trump gave himself a good review, calling it his 'best debate ever' even while grousing about the moderators.

Hannity pressed him again at the end of his interview on whether he would do another debate, and Trump still sounded disinclined. 'The reason you do a second debate is if you lose, and they lost  But I'll think about it,' he said.
The chairman of the hospital where Lucy Letby murdered babies was involved in distributing the findings of an inquiry into killer nurse Beverley Allitt more than 20 years earlier, the public inquiry heard today.

Sir Duncan Nichol was chief executive of the NHS when Allitt killed four children and harmed another nine at Grantham and Kesteven Hospital, in Lincolnshire, in 1991.

A career civil servant, Sir Duncan joined the NHS in 1968, before running the NHS and becoming chairman of the Countess of Chester Hospital in 2012. He held the position for eight years before he retired.

After Allitt's crimes, Sir Duncan was responsible for distributing the findings of a 1994 inquiry into her attacks, which was led by Sir Clive Clothier, to all health trusts in the UK.

Nicholas de la Poer, KC, counsel to the inquiry, said Sir Duncan would be giving evidence to the inquiry.

Listen to the latest updates from the Inquiry here:

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

Beverley Allitt killed four children and harmed another nine at Grantham and Kesteven Hospital, in Lincolnshire, in 1991

'Sir Duncan's time as NHS Chief Executive coincided with the murders and attacks committed by Beverley Allitt at Grantham Hospital,' he said.

'Following the Clothier Inquiry into Allitt's attacks, Sir Duncan was responsible for the distribution of the Clothier report across the NHS, writing to all health authorities and trusts to draw it to their attention.

'The Inquiry is interested to hear from Sir Duncan about the lessons he and the wider NHS learnt from the Allitt case and why the parallel between Letby and Allitt was not drawn earlier at the hospital.'

Mr de la Poer said the inquiry would be looking into the effectiveness of several 'board committees' at the hospital.

He said they should have acted as a 'funnel' to escalate important matters to the full board of governors, which was made up of seven executive directors at the hospital, including chief executive Tony Chambers, and six non-executive directors.

But Mr de la Poer said it was 'striking' that the spike in neonatal baby deaths, which fell under the remit of Quality, Safety and Patient Experience Committee, was only discussed once by that committee between June 2015 and June 2016, when Letby was killing babies in her care.

The concerns were never discussed in the Audit Committee, the Finance and Integrated Governance Committee nor the People and Organisational Development Committee, Mr de la Poer said.

'In the period June 2015 to March 2017, no board committee ever escalated to the Board issues relating to neonatal mortality or Letby,' he said.

Sir Duncan Nichol was chief executive of the NHS when Allitt killed four children and was responsible for distributing the findings of a 1994 inquiry into her attacks

The chairman of the hospital where Lucy Letby murdered babies was involved in distributing the findings of an inquiry into killer nurse Beverley Allitt more than 20 years earlier

Lady Justice Thirlwall arrives at Liverpool Town Hall yesterday ahead of the hearings beginning

A court artist's sketch of Lucy Letby giving evidence at Manchester Crown Court on July 24

Body worn camera footage from Cheshire Constabulary of the arrest of Lucy Letby in 2018

'The Quality, Safety and Patient Experience Committee was in fact the only board committee where neonatal mortality was even discussed. Andduring the period of Letby's attacks, the Quality, Safety and Patient Experience Committee discussed the increase in the mortality rate on the Neonatal Unit just once.

'The Inquiry will be asking why that was so.'

Earlier, Mr de la Poer also said that, in July 2016, following the deaths of the final two victims and Letby's removal from the ward, the concerns about the spike in deaths were added to the hospital's 'urgent care risk register.'

However, it was characterised as 'Potential Damage to Reputation of the Neonatal Service and Wider trust due to apparent increased Mortality within the Neonatal Unit.'

Mr de la Poer said: 'The risk was characterised in terms of reputational harm, rather than in terms of a risk to the safety of babies.' Letby, 34, of Hereford, was convicted of murdering seven babies and attempting to murder seven others following two trials at Manchester Crown Court.

She is currently serving 15 whole life sentences  she attacked one of the children who survived twice  and will never be freed.
Animal sacrifices are on the rise in New York City with pigs, rats and birds discovered tortured to death as part of religious rituals.

The carcasses of several animals have been found in the areas around Jamaica Bay and Howard Beach, which has now been nicknamed 'sacrifice shores'.

At least nine injured or dead creatures have been discovered in the last month, including five live pigs with partially severed ears, The New York Post reports.

Local shelter Zion's Animal Rescue Mission attributed recent sacrifices to a 'rogue Hindu sect and black magic Santeria'.

The group shared distressing images showing a dog with a broken neck, a rooster with a severed head and a rat sealed inside a bag with chicken bones as among their grisly discoveries.

Animal sacrifices are on the rise in Queens, New York City with pigs, rats and birds discovered tortured to death as part of religious rituals

The waterway has long been used by religious groups for prayer and offerings due to the large Hindu Guyanese and Indo-Carribbean population in the area.

Typically the offerings have taken the form of flowers and fruit, but activists say animal sacrifices have been common for 'decades'.

The right to animal sacrifice for religion reasons was upheld by the Supreme Court in 1993.

However, animal cruelty is still a felony in New York, punishable by up to two years in prison.

Rescuers Sloane Quealy and Kim Fraser told how they recently came to the aid of three pigs who were discovered in crates at Howard Beach near to some bundled up prayer flags.

'We found a burned out barrel with a rooster carcass pieces and feathers all around,' Quealy explained.

'We had also seen a man leaving that night with just a shovel. They dig deep holes to contain the birds.

'Animals both dead and alive have been recovered by rescuers for years.'

The carcasses of several animals have been found in the areas around Jamaica Bay and Howard Beach, which has now been nicknamed 'sacrifice shores'

The waterway has long been used by religious groups for prayer and offerings due to the large Hindu Guyanese and Indo-Carribbean population in the area

Now Quealy, Fraser and other animal rights activists are now campaigning for more oversight in the area to clamp down on the 'cruel' practices.

'We are tired and angry by the lack of empathy and care by humans who don't care,' a statement from Zion's Animal Rescue Mission said.

'As a community, we must work together to stop sacrifices on federal land.'

Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato has joined them in calling for an end to the 'inhumane' sacrifices.

'As a mother to a fur-baby, I am appalled by the reports of animal sacrifices.

'Let's be clear, this is not about religion, but to call out bad actors who are cloaking themselves in religion to commit these inhumane acts.'

She added that she has requested more patrols in the areas as well as better fencing and signage in multiple languages forbidding the practice.

Among the recent discoveries was this newborn rat that was sealed inside a plastic bag with a coconut and some chicken bones

Boxes containing rooster and other bird bones have also been discovered

The right to religious animal sacrifice has been upheld by the Supreme Court but animal cruelty remains felony in New York

Several rescuers have linked the sacrifices to a Hindu sect who worship the goddess Kali and have long been engaging in the practice in Jamaica Bay, however religious leaders say there are many religions which carry out animal sacrifice

Several rescuers have linked the sacrifices to a Hindu sect who worship the goddess Kali and have long been engaging in the practice in Jamaica Bay.

'It's a misconstruing of what the scriptures say about conquering the animalistic values,' Acharya Arun Gossai, who runs the Bhuvaneshwar Mandir temple in Ozone Park, told the New York Post.

'They've twisted it and they've sacrificed an actual animal rather than sacrificing the animalistic qualities of man.'

'It's not a cut and dry situation. There are many other faith denominations that do practice animal sacrifice,' added Aminta Kilawan-Narine, co-founder of Hindu group Sadhana which organizes cleanups of the carcasses.
The former vice-president of a 1bn steel firm punched his partner and dragged her across the floor in an 'erratic, scary' assault, a court heard.

Ian Holdsworth, 54, also pulled his female victim by the hair and made her nose bleed, before denying it and telling her to 'stop lying.'

He was formerly the managing director and vice president of stainless steel giant Outokumpu, who have offices all over the world including Singapore and Dubai.

But now h's been told he faces jail after being found guilty of assault occasioning actual bodily harm at Sheffield Magistrates. He will be sentenced in October.

The victim told District Judge Marcus Waite how they first argued at a meal at Japanese BBQ restaurant Guyshi in Sheffield, South Yorkshire.

She was then 'enticed' to his home after he texted he would 'leave her car running in the garage and throw her stuff on the lawn', the court heard.

The victim claimed when she arrived in the early hours of May 20 last year, she found Holdsworth had been 'smoking crack' and was 'erratic and scary.'

She said: 'He was rambling incoherently and shouting. He threw my phone off the balcony and locked all the doors.

Holdsworth was formerly the managing director and vice president of stainless steel giant Outokumpu. Pictured: Holdsworth at Sheffield Magistrates Court

The victim told District Judge Marcus Waite how they first argued at a meal at Japanese BBQ restaurant Guyshi in Sheffield, South Yorkshire

Holdsworth was told by the Judge that the offence can 'only result in an immediate custodial sentence '

'He grabbed and pulled me by my hair. He dragged me off the sofa and from the living room to the kitchen by my ankles.

'He punched me in the face, which made my nose bleed.

'I remember holding a tea towel covered in blood, and he was shouting 'I haven't done that, I haven't done that, stop lying'.

'I told him he had, and he stamped on my foot and told me to 'stop lying'.'

Holdsworth's victim told the court she found a key to the back door and escaped to her mother's house.

She claims she doesn't remember how she got there, but may 'have driven there.' and failed a police report three months later in August last year.

In his defence, Holdsworth claimed he never wanted to see his partner that night, that she was 'drunk,' that she 'banged her head against the floor.'

He also said he 'cared for her and cleaned her up, because she was like a zombie' but the victim denied all of this.

Further, Holdsworth's defence counsel, Miss Hale, suggested during cross examination that 'it was actually you [the victim] that was abusing crack cocaine.'

The victim rejected this suggestion.

Photos reportedly taken by the victim's mother showed how Holdsworth's partner suffered severe bruises to her back, eye and foot.

Miss Hale then asked the woman: 'Do you have experience putting make up on for TV and film effects?

'Is it being suggested. That what's in those pictures is, in fact, make up?'

'Mr Holdsworth's case is simply that he didn't cause those injuries.'

However, Miss Hale was invited by Judge Waite to speak with her client about this line of questioning.

When she returned, the defence counsel said: 'Thank you, judge - I'm going to move on.'

Holdsworth, of Sheffield, South Yorks., was arrested on August 12 last year and later pleaded not guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

However, Judge Waite said: 'I am certain that the defendant is guilty as charged.

'[The victim] gave evidence in a manner that was, in my judgement, measured and credible.

'Whether Mr Holdsworth cannot remember or is simply incorrect in his recounting of events, I cannot say.

'But I am sure that [the victim] is telling the truth of the night in question.

'It was suggested that, at one point, the defence's case included that the pictures provided did not show injuries but, in fact, showed make up.

'Thankfully, that suggestion was dropped.'

Holdsworth was released on bail and will be sentenced on October 1 at the same court.

He was told by the Judge that the offence can 'only result in an immediate custodial sentence.'
A woman who was in a sexual relationship with an aeroplane for nine years has revealed that she has broken up with it, but they still remain friends.

Warehouse worker Michele Kobke, 36, first entered the torrid affair with the Boeing 737-800, which she affectionately called 'Darling', in 2014.

She previously said of 'Darling': 'The 737-800 is very attractive and sexy to me. He's the most beautifully built, and he's a very attractive and elegant aircraft.'

But she revealed that she has since broken up with her partner, telling Bild the breakup was amicable: 'We're still friends.'

Michele was diagnosed as an objectophile years ago: 'I'm normal. Admittedly, at first I thought I was crazy. But then I found out that I'm an objectophile. People are just very diverse in the way they structure their relationships.'

'It's like a normal relationship, we have relaxing evenings together and when we go to bed, we cuddle and fall asleep together', she added.

Warehouse worker Michele Kobke, 36, (pictured, left) first entered the torrid affair with the Boeing 737-800, which she affectionately called 'Darling', (pictured, right) in 2014

She previously said of her relationship with the plane: 'My cheeks hurt from smiling, I'm the happiest woman in the world - when I'm with him I have everything I need'

What Michele found particularly irresistible about the 737-800 were its winglets

She previously said of her relationship with the plane: 'My cheeks hurt from smiling, I'm the happiest woman in the world - when I'm with him I have everything I need.'

What Michele found particularly irresistible about the 737-800 were its winglets.

'When I touch his wings, I get immediately sweaty palms and get excited,' she revealed, adding that she wanted 'to marry my sweetheart and live with him in a hangar  it's just a special kind of love that doesn't hurt anybody.'

Forensic psychiatrist and private lecturer Dr. Werner Platz told the newspaper that there are around 40 people across the world known to have the disorder.

'It is a so-called paraphilia, a disorder of sexual preference. But as long as it does not cause suffering or conflict, it cannot be classified as pathological or in need of treatment', he said.

Michele previously spoke of the difficulties of being in a relationship with the plane: 'A relationship with a plane is not easy and at times difficult.

'I can only get close to him when I fly with him or when I can get to him in the hangar, which has only happened once in my life.'

Michele isn't the only one who has fallen for a Boeing 737.

Sarah Rodo, from Dortmund, Germany, found love on her first flight with a Boeing 737 - after an unfulfilling attempt to date humans.

Since then, the 23-year-old has also 'met' 60 figurines and three larger models who she considers part of a 'collective being' that she is dating, and so she often refers to her lovers as one.
A charity worker has won more than 20,000 for unfair dismissal after she was disciplined for 'serious misuse' of the office printer.

Abimbola Idowu was handed a written warning for spending 120 of YMCA's money to print 750 pages worth of past exam questions for her teenage son.

Charity bosses said Ms Idowu's exploitation of the printer was an 'abuse' of their resources - particularly as 447 sheets were printed in colour, which is more expensive.

The night support worker raised a grievance and said she was being 'targeted' by her bosses who treated her 'like a criminal'.

After quitting her role, Ms Idowu's claims of constructive unfair dismissal have now been upheld by an employment judge who found the investigation into her complaints was inadequate.

Charity worker Abimbola Idowu has won more than 20,000 for unfair dismissal after she was disciplined for 'serious misuse' of the office printer by West London YMCA

She has now been awarded a total of 22,748.34 in compensation.

The tribunal, held in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, heard Ms Idowu was employed as a night support manager by the West London YMCA in January 2015.

Ms Idowu was based at a hostel in Greenford, Ealing and worked alone through the night.

It was heard that in March 2021 a housing support officer contacted Prixades Chisakuta, Ms Idowu's line manager, to say the office was 'going through a lot of stationery'.

The support officer said that all the paper she had left in the printer the previous Friday had 'been used up' and that one-and-a-half reams of paper had also disappeared from the loft.

The YMCA's printing log was investigated.

Following Ms Idowu's 'next spell of work', in April the housing support officer contacted Ms Chisakuta again to say that the paper left in the printer on the previous Friday had been used up.

A record showed that she had printed 505 sheets on the date in March 29, and 254 on the April 12, making a total of 759 pages.

The tribunal heard that 312 sheets were printed in black and white and 447 in full colour, making a total cost of 120.69.

But Ms Idowu was 'adamant throughout' that she did not print in colour.

She said that on both days she had printed past papers for her 16-year-old son to use and these are in black and white.

Ms Idowu was invited to a disciplinary investigation meeting where she faced allegations that she was involved in a 'serious misuse, abuse of office resources belonging to YMCA St Paul's group'.

During the meeting, in April, Ms Idowu said that she was printing past question papers for her son 'because of the pandemic' and said this was due to local internet cafes and libraries being closed.

She said her actions were 'in no way malicious' and she had no choice but to do so as her 'home printer was broken'

Employment Judge Lorna Findlay said: 'She said that she did not do it to save money, but because of the pandemic and because she wanted to help her son.

'She said that she used a lot of her own papers.'

Ms Idowu was based at a hostel in Greenford, Ealing and worked alone through the night when the incidents leading to her dismissal were raised

The charity worker said she didn't realise that using YMCA resources to print past papers for her son would be such a 'big deal'.

The meeting ended with her boss telling Ms Idowu that a further investigation would ensue.

Throughout the entire investigation, Ms Idowu disputed that she had printed in colour and said she herself was 'unclear' about the nature of the disciplinary allegations.

It was alleged she had overridden an IT function to print the sheets in colour - and she repeatedly disputes this.

In June, Ms Idowu was signed off sick and her GP later attributed this to 'stress at work'.

She attended a disciplinary meeting in which the investigator 'concluded that a first written warning was appropriate'.

This would remain on her file for 12 months and the judge noted that this sanction was 'at a relatively low level'.

In October of that year, while Ms Idowu was still off sick, she raised a grievance against her bosses.

She felt as if she 'did not feel safe' at work and that 'everyone was manipulating the system' and described feeling 'treated like a criminal'.

Ms Idowu described feeling 'set up' and felt that the 'evidence provided was fabricated by the IT department'.

She said that she had requested for issues in her disciplinary hearing to be investigated but had not received any explanation from anyone and that she 'needed closure'.

None of her complaints were upheld and all the investigator found was a 'strained relationship' between the charity worker and her boss.

EJ Findlay said: '[Ms Idowu] felt that the allegations were 'a plot' because she supported a colleague in the employment tribunal and that she questioned why she had not been dismissed if she had done what they said.'

Ms Idowu described feeling 'targeted' and said the 'false claims' against her felt 'like a vendetta'.

She appealed this decision, but this was also not upheld.

After a sickness meeting in February 2022, which Ms Idowu describes as being 'the last straw,' she resigned.

The charity worker later sued for constructive unfair dismissal, which has now been upheld by an employment judge.

Her claims were upheld as the judge found issues in the investigation relating to issues raised by Ms Idowu as being 'inadequate'.

EJ Findlay said: 'They did not adequately investigate how much paper had been used or gone missing, despite [Ms Idowu] pointing out discrepancies as to how much paper was missing and that on any view this seemed to be more than the amount of printing carried out by the [Ms Idowu].

'They cannot be said, therefore, to have knowingly and/or deliberately wrongly accused [Ms Idowu] in respect of those matters, but their investigation of the issues raised by [Ms Idowu] was manifestly inadequate.'

They said the investigators looked at the 'fairness of the disciplinary sanction rather than the substance of [Ms Idowu's] grievance'.

Other claims she made were dismissed.
Labour's 'cruel' decision to scrap winter fuel payments for pensioners will affect at least a quarter of residents living in parts of England and Wales.

Government statistics analysed by MailOnline suggest 31 per cent of residents rely on the 300 hand-outs in North Norfolk alone.

In total, 20 authorities saw at least a quarter of their population receive the energy bill subsidy in 2022/23.

Our analysis  which you can view as an interactive map  comes as ministers face mounting fury over the contentious means-test plan which MPs voted through last night.

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Most winter fuel recipients North Norfolk: 31.2 per cent Rother: 30.3 per cent East Lindsey: 28.2 per cent Dorset: 27.8 per cent New Forest: 27.7 per cent East Devon: 27.6 per cent Tendring: 27.4 per cent Isle of Wight: 27.2 per cent Torridge: 26.7 per cent Arun: 26.4 per cent Derbyshire Dales: 26.4 per cent Advertisement

Up to 10million pensioners will be denied the financial lifeline this year.

Only those on pensioner credit  with incomes below around 11,400  will get the benefit in future.

Sir Keir Starmer claimed the decision was needed to repair what he claimed was a 22billion 'black hole' in the public finances. This is despite Labour itself warning a move to cancel winter fuel payments could kill 4,000 pensioners a year in previous research from 2017.

Following outrage from trade unions about the measures, rumours swirled around Whitehall that a Labour MP cabal might vote down the measure.

Just one  veteran left-winger Jon Trickett  ended up voting against the measure, although dozens abstained.

The vote passed by 348 votes to 228.

In a tense clash in the House of Commons today, Rishi Sunak warned thousands of pensioners could die this year due to the controversial policy.

He demanded the Government publishes the impact assessment of the winter fuel change.

MPs who backed Sir Keir's move have been targeted online.

MailOnline's analysis was calculated using the Office for National Statistics' (ONS) population estimates for June 2022.

This was combined with Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) figures for winter fuel payouts in the 2022-23 winter period. Statistics for 2023/24 will be released later this month.

North Norfolk appeared to be the worst-affected area. More than 31 per cent of its 103,000 population took the handout.

It was followed closely by Rother in East Sussex (30 per cent).

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The Welsh authority with the highest percentage of winter fuel payment claimants was Powys, with a 25.5 per cent payout rate relative to its population of 133,891.

Tower Hamlets is the only local authority in the UK where under five per cent (4.9) of the population were paid winter fuel payments in the 2022-23 scheme.

More than 11.4million pensioners claimed the subsidy in 2022/23. This includes more than 36,000 who live in Europe.

Further MailOnline analysis conducted this week shows that British pensioners who live in Europe have claimed more than 235million in winter fuel payments since the scheme began in 2002. According to the Taxpayers Alliance, that figure could pay for the creation of over 7,000 new police officers or nurses.

Under the new proposals, households in England and Wales will only be entitled to the payment if they receive Pension Credit or certain other means-tested benefits.

The DWP estimates that only 1.5million individuals will receive the payment for this winter.

Elsewhere, it was reported that Chancellor Rachel Reeves, who introduced the scheme, claimed 4,400 in energy support before axing winter fuel payments.

According to The Telegraph, Reeves, Sir Keir and other Labour MPs spent a total of over 400,000 in taxpayer money heating their homes over the last five years.
Police have launched an urgent manhunt to find a 'gunman' after a man was shot dead in an affluent London neighbourhood.

Tikquaan Stephenson-Walters was gunned down close to his home in Queen's Park, west London, by a man riding a moped shortly before midnight on Wednesday, September 4.

The 28-year-old, described by heartbroken family as an 'intellectual and charismatic young man' was fatally wounded and died at the scene at 11.48pm the same night.

No one has been arrested in connection to Tikquaan's killing, with his family revealing he had no connections to gangs and police branding it 'senseless'.

Now the Metropolitan Police have released CCTV images of the moped they believe the suspect was riding at the time of the incident.

Tikquaan Stephenson-Walters was shot dead in Queen's Park, west London, on Wednesday, September 4

Police have released images of a white moped which they believe the suspect in the shooting was riding

The Met say Tikquaan was attacked on the quiet residential street of Bravington Road at around 11.06pm on September 4 in a display of 'wicked violence'.

The force says that he was approached by a person on a white moped, with the pair exchanging words before Tikquaan was shot at close range.

The assailant then fled north and turned right into Marban Road as Tikquaan lay dying in the street, passing away less than an hour later despite the best efforts of paramedics.

A post-mortem examination is expected to be held on Thursday, September 12.

In a statement released through the Met, the victim's family said: 'Tikquaan Stephenson-Walters, 28, was a loving son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin and grandson. Not only to his family but also his community.

'Tikquaan touched the hearts of many, his smile brightened every room he entered.

'He was an intellectual and charismatic young man who had no affiliation with any gang other than growing up and attending school within the local area. He grew friendships with people regardless of the paths they choose, he remained steadfast.

'The aftermath of this senseless killing has resulted in a family and community that has been destroyed. No one can comprehend this catastrophic loss. The resentment felt by everyone has crippled his loved ones.

'The family would like to ask for privacy and respect. If anyone has any information we urge you to come forward regardless to how insignificant it may seem.

'The family would also like to take this opportunity to thank the whole community and the outpouring of love, support and tributes made for this senseless act of violence to this innocent young man Tikquaan.'

Police cordon off Bravington Road near Queen's Park on September 5, the day after Tikquaan was shot

A yellow and white police forensics tent set up in Bravington Road on September 5 as police investigate his killing

Detective Chief Inspector Wayne Jolley, who is leading the investigation, has urged anyone with information to come forward.

He said: 'It's now been a week since Tikquaan was fatally attacked on a quiet residential street. I have met and assured his family that I and my team will do everything we possibly can to bring to justice whoever was responsible for this wicked violence.

'Today we've released images of the suspect we're urgently working to trace. These were taken in the vicinity before the attack took place.

'We're deep into our enquiries and have established that Tikquaan was in Bravington Road, close to where he lived in a neighbouring street, when he was approached by a lone suspect on a white moped. They exchanged words before Tikquaan was shot at close range and the suspect then fled north and turned right into Marban Road.

'I must reiterate my appeal for anyone who has not yet spoken to us to come forward. I still need anyone who might have caught doorbell or dashcam footage to share it with us. You could have captured something before or after the attack that could be hugely valuable for us in bringing Tikquaan's killer to justice.

'Tikquaan did not have any affiliation to gangs and so our work to understand the motive behind this terrible incident continues. If you have information that can help us, you can share it directly with us or remain anonymous and send it via Crimestoppers.'

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or message @MetCC quoting CAD 8732/4SEP. Alternatively to remain 100 per cent anonymous you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-org.uk.
MBABANE  In an unprecedented judgment, a man who attempted to kill his girlfriend has been sentenced to spend a year learning how to respect women.

Judge Bonginkhosi Magagula sentenced Wandile Milton Bennett to five years for the offence of attempted murder. He will, however, serve four years of the sentence in prison. He was ordered to do community service in the remaining year in an area that is dominated by women. Judge Magagula said in the process, Bennett will learn how to respect women in general.

According to the judgment, it is during this process that Bennett will appreciate womens value in society, what they stand for and what they do.



Guilty



Bennett was found guilty of attempting to kill Mercy Mwindwa by stabbing her with a knife.In total, Bennett was sentenced to five years imprisonment without an option of a fine, but a year was suspended in order for him to engage in community service at a place dominated by women. The judge ordered Bennett to do community service at Nkwalini Market or any of the markets in that area which His Majestys Correctional Services (HMCS) will identify.The judge said the reason it opted for a vegetable market is because it is where most women usually ply their trade.



The accused must serve them (women) there, he will not only be able to provide the much needed manual labour for all of them as a collective, but will also have the opportunity to mingle with them and value the work they do, said Judge Magagula.The court emphasised that Bennett may, in the process, learn to respect women in general. In the process, he will be rehabilitated and corrected in his line of thinking, reads part of the judgment. It was the courts observation that the prevalence of gender-based violence reflects that the interest of society must trump the personal circumstances of an accused, because the court has a duty to pass a deterrent sentence that does not only provide adequate consequences for committing crime, but which also serves as a deterrent to potential offenders out there who may think it is fashionable to bash women.



Bennett pleaded not guilty to the charge and the Crown led witnesses to prove the commission of the offence. He was subsequently convicted of attempted murder on July 8, 2024.

During the trial, the court was urged by the defence counsel to take into consideration the injuries that were inflicted by Bennett on his girlfriend. Bennetts attorney argued that inasmuch as he used a knife, there were no stab wounds, but laceration on the body of his girlfriend. The court agreed with this submission as this was what appeared to have transpired when considering the medical report. Inasmuch as the complainant and another witness, when giving evidence, used the word stab, it may have been used loosely. According to the Oxford dictionary, the word stabbing means thrusting a knife or other pointed weapon into someone so as to wound or kill. On the other hand, a laceration or cut refers to a skin wound, said the court.



The court said what could be deduced from the definitions of the two words was that a stab is deep, yet a laceration is a cut on the skin.Exhibit 1, which is the medical report, under the part where the medical practitioner must detail wounds, if any, reflects that there were multiple lacerations. The doctor details them to have occurred on the back jugular area, occiput, eye, cheek, hand, index finger and tendon.



Inflictions



Inasmuch as the court accepts that there were cuts, the multiplicity of the inflictions aggravates the conduct of the accused, said the court. The court also noted that the areas on the body of the complainant, where the injuries were inflicted, are indeed delicate and sensitive. The mother of the complainant told the court that she had to spend a considerable amount of time at Mbabane Government Hospital assisting and nursing her, while she was admitted there. According to the mother, the complainant could not bath or use the toilet without being assisted. The court was told that the complainant, Mwindwa, also bled internally during the attack, to the extent that she lost 2.5 litres of blood.The court, therefore, comes to the conclusion that the severity of the injuries cannot be underestimated by the mere fact that they were inflicted through lacerations as compared to stabbing, said Judge Magagula.



In passing sentence, the court said it took into consideration, and in Bennetts favour, that he is a first offender, he is fairly young and deserves another chance to be integrated into society, albeit after rehabilitation.Judge Magagula mentioned that throughout the trial, the court observed a measure of remorse in Bennetts demeanour. According to the court, Bennett appeared to realise the seriousness of the offences and he showed remorse. It was further the courts observation that Mwindwa had forgiven Bennett and said that would also count in his favour.

It is also in the same vein that the court considers that imposing a lengthy custodial sentence will affect his two minor children who need him, not only for financial support, but his presence in their lives for guidance and upbringing, said the judge.
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After meeting for the very first time face-to-face on the debate stage in Philadelphia, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump crossed paths again as they attended the 9/11 Memorial in New York City on Wednesday morning.

The memorial comes just hours after the two candidates walked off stage and honors those who lost their lives in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

Harris is walking away from Tuesday evening's debate with a new edge over Trump as many conclude she 'won' the first showdown with the former president.

Three planes landed in New York in the early hours of Wednesday morning coming from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Air Force Two was seen sandwiched between Trump Force One and his running mate Sen. J.D. Vance's plane Trump Force Two.
A California family was disturbed to find a severed pig head left on their doorstep leading police to investigate the incident as a potential hate crime.

The Natomas homeowner found a bloodied and rotting pig head in front of his house on Naponee Court on Monday morning.

Surveillance footage shared with ABC 10 shows a man in a hoodie walking up to their door around 10 pm on Sunday.

The next morning the family - who has lived in the same hours for 20 years - found the bizarre object.

'The head was positioned pointing to the door, and it had a nail on its nose, with what looked like blood all over it,' the homeowner, who asked not to be identified, told KCRA.

Homeowners found a bloodied and rotting pig head (pictured) in front of their house on Naponee Court in Natomas Monday morning

Security footage captured a man in a hoodie walking up to the family's door the night before

'It's kind of intimidating, disturbing, and a bit frightening.'

The man said the pig head appeared to covered in a red paste and that crushed flowers and a cup were also left behind.

At first the family thought it could have been fake but realized it was real because of the smell.

'It started to smell really bad and flies were there,' the homeowner said.

Sacramento police told the local news stations they are investigating the incident as a potential hate crime because the incident is so abnormal.

The unidentified homeowner said he is a Pacific Islander from Fiji but believes he could have been targeted because people confuse his race.

'I could be mistaken for Middle Eastern because of my looks, although a lot of people consider me Hispanic as well,' he said.

The homeowner (right) said he has lived in the house for 20 years but is a Pacific Islander from Fiji and believes he could have been target because people confuse his race

'A lot of people speak to me in Spanish when I'm out there, so that could be it, and that's when the pig thing comes in.

'You know, Middle Eastern, that's not Kosher for them.'

The family is asking anyone with information about the incident to contact the police as they continue to investigate.

'Why would somebody take so much time in the middle of the night to go ahead and do this? To what end? And what was the purpose of it? You know, sometimes you can rationalize with these people, but I'd like to understand why,' the homeowner said.

'I would like all the like people in our neighborhood to be vigilant because today it's me. Tomorrow, it could be anybody. And if you see something, please report it.'
A New York City special-education teacher was arrested and charged for allegedly putting a five-year-old student in a chokehold, police said.

Anthony Wicks, 46, a teacher at P.S. 153 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Elementary School in Hamilton Heights, allegedly grabbed the boy by the neck with both hands around 1:30pm Monday, according to prosecutors.

He was charged with second-degree assault and acting in a manner injurious to a child. The judge ordered Wicks not to have contact with the child and he has been placed on supervised release following his arraignment on Tuesday.

When asked if he understood the judge's orders, Wicks replied: 'Yes, of course,' CBS News reported.

Wicks, who's worked for the NYC Department of Education for five years, was seen walking out of Manhattan Criminal Court on Tuesday with his husband.

Anthony Wicks, 46 (right), a teacher at P.S. 153 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Elementary School in Hamilton Heights, was arrested after allegedly putting a five-year-old student in a chokehold

The alleged incident occurred inside a classroom after the five-year-old refused to go in the 'time-out corner' after being told to do so by the head teacher, according to the student's older brother (Pictured: P.S. 153 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Elementary School)

The alleged incident occurred inside a classroom when the five-year-old refused to go in the 'time-out corner' after being told to do so by the head teacher, the child's older brother told CBS News.

According to parents, Wicks is an assistant teacher at the school.

'He was making a fuss about going in the time-out...and then the teacher choked him,' the brother said.

'That teacher wasn't the one who was even talking to him...What other people have told me is that when he was getting choked, he was crying and then wouldn't calm down.'

The child's father was told to come to the school after the principal informed him of the incident, telling the father that the boy was OK.

'It was a scary moment for him. He said that...his teacher's hands were tight around his neck and that he said that he would be good and that he asked his teacher to let go,' the father, who wished to remain anonymous, told the outlet.

Wicks (right) is seen walking out of court on Tuesday with his husband after his arraignment at Manhattan Criminal Court

Meanwhile, a parent of a child in the five-year-old's class said she was left in the dark about what happened.

'I had to find out through social media,' the unnamed mother said.

'That teacher is the teacher of my child, my five-year-old child, and it's so upsetting because the school did not disclose anything...I went to go speak in there, and they couldn't give me any information. I want to withdraw him today.'

DailyMail.com contacted Wicks for comment..

A spokesperson with the Department of Education said: '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. There is nothing more important than the safety and well-being of our students.'

Wicks (middle) is featured on the school's website, smiling next to a group of teachers and administrators

The judge ordered that he not have contact with the child and he has been placed on supervised release following his arraignment

According to Wicks' Facebook profile, he is from Toledo, Ohio and currently lives in Manhattan.

He double majored in English and creative writing/theater at Siena Heights University and went on to get his Master's degree in early childhood special education at CUNY Hunter College.

Prior to working for the city's education department, Wicks was a preschool teacher for three years, CBS News reported.

He is featured on the school's website, smiling next to a group of teachers and administrators.
A California man has been arrested after he allegedly started the devastating San Bernardino Line Fire that has torched tens of thousands of acres and caused mass evacuations.

Justin Halstenberg, 34, was accused by police this week of igniting the fires on September 5, however detectives have not revealed how he allegedly started the blaze.

The Line Fire has so far spread across 34,000 acres east of Los Angeles, bringing in over 2,100 firefighters and first responders as thousands of residents evacuated.

Halstenberg has been charged with arson of an inhabited structure, arson of forest land and possession of flammable material, and was slapped with an $80,000 bail.

Justin Halstenberg was arrested after he allegedly started the devastating San Bernardino Line Fire that has torched tens of thousands of acres and caused mass evacuations near LA

The Line Fire has so far spread across 34,000 acres east of Los Angeles , bringing in over 2,100 firefighters and first responders. As of Thursday evening, just 14 percent was contained

As of Thursday evening, just 14 percent of the Line Fire had been contained by firefighters, according to California Fire.

Police said they zeroed in on Halstenberg as the alleged culprit as Highland Station detectives linked him to the ignition site at Baseline Road and Alpin Street.

According to his LinkedIn profile, Halstenberg works as a delivery driver for FedEx and lives in the Norco, California area.

Authorities are continuing their investigation and urge anyone with further information to contact the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department.

With only a fraction of the Line Fire contained, forecasters warned that it could continue to spread as incoming winds could drop humidity levels and cause it to expand.

The fast-paced fires have already been a challenge for crews to halt, and the Line Fire reportedly grew to 1180 acres (about 4.8 square km) within a 24 hour period.

Just a fraction of the Line Fire is contained as fire crews have struggled against conditions

The Line Fire continues burning in the San Bernardino National Forest's mountains over Highland, California

A member of a bulldozer fire crew watches the advancing Line Fire in Mentone

Firefighters have also struggled to douse the blaze due to challenging, steep terrain in the area, and at least three responders have reportedly been injured during their efforts.

Although the fires threaten at least 65,000 structures, much of the inferno has burned on fields and mountainous areas, and just one home is said to have been destroyed so far.

Images from the area show huge plumes of acrid smoke filling the area east of Los Angeles, which is known to be a popular hiking and outdoors spot.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency over the Line Fire to allow more state resources to be funneled towards fire crews.

On Monday, the California National Guard was also called into San Bernardino County to help evacuation areas.

Flames from the Line Fire ignite over a residence Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, in Highland, California

Fire crews monitor the Line Fire, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, in Running Springs

The Line Fire jumps Highway 330 as an emergency vehicle is driven past Saturday, Sept. 7

Capt. John Clingingsmith Jr. of Riverside County Fire said the fires have been challenging due to 'the steep terrain up here and the vegetation and the way its burning'

He explained that to contain the fires, 'we put a little bit of fire on the ground up here on our road that were trying to hold and burn slowly downhill toward on our main fire, close that down a little bit and what that creates is called a black line.'

'Its basically everything thats burnt up and slows the fire down and helps us get a containment line,' Clingingsmith said.
Elon Musk's mother, Maye Musk, has taken a shot at New York City for its homelessness and trash-strewn streets.

The 76-year-old model posted photos on her X account of litter and what appears to be a person wrapped in a blanket laying on the sidewalk.

'Early morning walk in downtown New York. Keeping my dog on a tight leash,' she wrote in the post. 'It didn't used to be this way. It started the last two years. Why?'

The number of homeless on the streets of the Big Apple rose by the highest number in more than a decade, according to the annual Homeless Outreach Population Estimate survey conducted in January.

Maye Musk took a shot at New York City for its homelessness and trash-strewn streets.

The rise comes as the administration of Mayor Eric Adams pursues aggressive measures to tackle the problem, including enforcement, sweeps, and outreach initiatives.

Maye's criticism was met with backlash, as many pointed out that New York has always been like this.

'New York has always had homeless people sleeping on the sidewalks, what planet have you been on?' one X user wrote in response to the post.

Another sarcastically added: 'That's a human being in need on the ground, sorry for the inconvenience.'

The number of homeless on the streets of the Big Apple rose by the highest number in more than a decade

'How dare the homeless intrude on the rich ladies walk,' another commenter wrote.

In 2022, Maye criticized the New York Times for an article that said her son had 'white privilege' growing up in apartheid-era South Africa and was 'detached from apartheid's atrocities.'

In promoting the article on Twitter (now X), the Times wrote: 'Elon Musk grew up in elite white communities in South Africa, detached from apartheid's atrocities and surrounded by anti-Black propaganda.

The 76-year-old model posted photos on her X account of litter and what appears to be a person wrapped in a blanket laying on the sidewalk

In 2022, Maye criticized the New York Times for an article that said her son had 'white privilege' growing up in apartheid-era South Africa and was 'detached from apartheid's atrocities'

'He sees his takeover of Twitter as a free speech win but in his youth did not suffer the effects of misinformation,' The Times added, referencing Musk's $44 billion takeover of the social-media platform.

Maye snapped back at the paper, stating: 'In South Africa, if you publicly opposed apartheid, you went to jail. In Russia, if you publicly oppose the war, you go to jail. @nytimes, are you going to blame children for decisions made by governments?'

In the article, the Times interviewed relatives and classmates of the Tesla founder, revealing that the communities he grew up in - Johannesburg, Pretoria and Durban - were shrouded in misinformation that influenced its residents.
Donald Trump inveighed against real-time fact-checking of his answers in the ABC News debate and said he was 'less inclined' to participate in another one after giving his own performance a sterling review.

'Well, I'd be less inclined to because we had a great night,' Trump said in a call-in interview with Fox & Friends.

And in an online post, Trump said Kamala Harris is demanding a debate rematch because she was beaten badly, and compared her to a prize fighter begging for a rematch.

The former president, an Ultimate Fighting Championship fan, cited a poll he did not identify that had him walloping Harris. That came despite other snap polls by CNN and DailyMail had her prevailing in the bout, as some conservative pundits marvelled at how Harris baited Trump into a response by hitting him on crowd sizes.

In the World of Boxing or UFC, when a Fighter gets beaten or knocked out, they get up and scream, I DEMAND A REMATCH, I DEMAND A REMATCH!, Trump posted on his Truth Social site. Well, its no different with a Debate. She was beaten badly last night. Every Poll has us WINNING, in one case, 92-8, so why would I do a Rematch?

Harris's campaign had called for a second debate in October in the minutes after Tuesday's prime time clash  setting up the chance of high-stakes reprise putting the onus on Trump to state his intentions.

Trump complained about the network that hosted as well as the moderators, and even suggested without evidence that his rival got to see the questions ahead of time.

'We won the debate. We had a terrible, terrible network,' he told Fox, once again tearing into ABC for it's real-time fact checks of some of his statements.

'I think they were terrible. They should be embarrassed. I mean, they kept correcting me and I said what I said was largely right or I hope it was right. But what they said was absolutely wrong.'

He said they 'refused to correct' misstatements by Harris. Moderators interjected after his own statements on January 6, Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and abortion.

'The other you know what what she said. And they refused to correct. I even complained a couple of times. Why aren't you correcting them? Look, they should have corrected si or seven times. She told an outright lie. Another one is Project 2025. They know it has nothing to do with me,' Trump said.

Donald Trump blasted ABC's handling of the debate and tore into its moderators. He said he was 'less inclined' to do another debate because he believes he won

He was referencing Harris' continued attacks trying to yoke him to the Heritage Foundation's Project 2025. Numerous ex-Trump advisors worked on it, but his campaign has repeatedly said it has nothing to do with its policy platform.

Trump called the debate rigged and suggested Team Harris knew what she would be asked  in a comment that pointed back to the 2016 debate where hacked emails revealed a tip-off to the Hillary Clinton camp.

'They had a rigged show with somebody that maybe even had the answers. I mean, Ill be honest, I watched her talk and I said, you know, she seems awfully familiar with the questions,' Trump said.

He also suggested the network should have its broadcast license yanked. 'To be honest, theyre a news organizationthey have to be licensed to do it. They ought to take away their license for the way they did that,' Trump vented.

Trump took a dig at Fox News anchos Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum, hours after Baier said Trump 'took the bait' from Kamala Harris during one of her most memorable attacks. Baier called Harris 'clearly well-prepared' and 'practiced' as well as 'on the offensive.'

'Well, I wouldn't want to have Martha and Bret,' Trump said. 'I'd love to have somebody else other than Martha and Bret. I'd love to have, frankly, Sean or Jesse or Laura. You know, somebody else. Let's give let's give other people a shot.'

(Fellow host Brian Kilmeade came to their defense, saying they would do a 'phenomenal job.')

He was referencing Fox host Jesse Watters, who himself called the debate 'rough' and 'pretty intense' and Laura Ingraham, who herself said Trump 'missed a few opportunities,' as well as host Sean Hannity.

Harris wants another debate with Trump, her campaign said shortly after a televised smackdown where she infuriated Trump with an attack on his campaign rally crowds and Trump tried to brand her a 'Marxist.'

Trump was non-committal after taking to the 'spin room' minutes after the contest, saying he'd have to think about it.

'Under the bright lights, the American people got to see the choice they will face this fall at the ballot box: between moving forward with Kamala Harris, or going backwards with Trump,' wrote Harris campaign chair Jen O'Malley Dillon followign the debate. 'That's what they saw tonight and what they should see at a second debate in October. Vice President Harris is ready for a second debate. Is Donald Trump?'

Trump had earlier called for three debates last month after President Biden stepped back from his campaing, having earlier negotiated two debates with Biden. His stunning withdrawal from the race prompted a fresh set of talks over the ABC debate.

But when the candidate sat down with friendly interviewer Sean Hannity of Fox News in the spin room after the debate, and wouldn't commit to an additional debate with Harris.

Heading to the spin room was itself the kind of move that candidates sometimes undertake to try to move on from an on-stage performance.

'I don't know I have to think about it,' he responded when Hannity told him Harris's campaign wanted another one.

'But if you won the debate, I sort of think maybe I shouldn't do it. Why should I do another debate?' he said. He compared it to a boxer: 'That's, you know, what happens when you're a prize fighter and you lose, you immediately want a new fight,' he said.

Trump did allow 'maybe if it was on a fair network' he would do it. He complained that it was 'three against one,' a reference to the times ABC moderator interjected with fact checks on Trump's comments.

Trump gave himself a good review, calling it his 'best debate ever' even while grousing about the moderators.

Hannity pressed him again at the end of his interview on whether he would do another debate, and Trump still sounded disinclined. 'The reason you do a second debate is if you lose, and they lost  But I'll think about it,' he said.

Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff said his wife VP Kamala Harris won the debate

Harris put her hand on her chin when Trump called her a 'Marxist' during the debate

Trump went for the sit-down interview immediately after the debate, with plans to be back on Fox Wednesday morning

Your browser does not support iframes.

Trump entered the contest as the more seasoned debater, having taken part in seven presidential debates and a raft of primary ones. Harris, by contrast, ended her her campaign early in the 2020 primary process.

A CNN snap poll conducted shortly after the debate had Harris beating Trump 63-37 when viewers who watched it got asked who won.

One of the most memorable moments came when Harris needled Trump about his campaign rallies.

'People start leaving his rallies early out of exhaustion and boredom,' Harris said. 'The one thing you will not hear him talk about is you.'

Trump demanded to respond even as moderator David Muir tried to direct a question to him.

'People don't go to her rallies. There's no reason to go,' Trump countered. 'She's bussing them in and paying them to be there and then showing them in a different light,' he said, referring to a debunked theory that Harris was relying on AI to generate an image of a packed rally.

Trump kept rolling, claiming migrants were eating people's pets. 'In Springfield [Ohio], they're eating the dogs, the people that came in, they're eating the cats. They're eating  they're eating the pets of the people that live there,' earning a fact check from the moderator.

'Talk about extreme ...' Harris said, laughing, when asked for her response.
The Albanese government is set to give early childhood workers a 15 per cent wage increase, with wages to rise by a combined $258 by December 2025.

The laws to allow the legislated pay bump will be introduced to parliament on Thursday, and if passed, will be delivered across two years with a 10 per cent boost from December 2024, followed by a 5 per cent increase from December 2025.

This means early childhood educators would record a bump of at least $103 a week in taxpayers' money from December 2024, followed by a minimum $155 weekly rise from December 2025.

However, in order to access the funding, childcare providers will have to be able to show they have not increased their fees by more than 4.4 per cent in the 12 months since August 8.

Labor has dubbed the bill as a win for one of the lowest-paid sectors, who are predominantly women.

'Giving our kids the best start in life means giving them the best education and care,' said Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in announcing his latest pre-election spending plan.

'We know that these early educators do an amazing job, and they deserve our thanks, but they also deserve a decent wage.'

Early Childhood Education Minister Anne Aly said the 'highly feminised workforce' had been neglected and taken for granted for 'far too long'.

The Albanese government is gearing up to give early childhood workers a 15 per cent wage increase, with promises of wages rising by a combined $258 by December 2025 (stock image)

Education Minister Jason Clare said the wage increase would benefit workers, while the 4.4 per cent cap on fees would keep prices down for families (stock image)

'Properly valuing the early childhood education and care workforce is crucial to attracting and retaining workers and vital to achieving the quality universal early learning sector Australia families deserve,' she said.

Education Minister Jason Clare said the wage increase would benefit workers, while the 4.4 per cent cap on fees would keep prices down for families.

'A pay rise for every early childhood educator is good for our workforce, good for families and good for our economy,' he said.

The opposition's spokesperson for early childhood education Angie Bell has lashed the policy for being a short-term 'pre-election sweetener' and ultimately will lead child-care centres to hike their prices to cover the additional cost.

'What happens in two years when the 15 per cent has been paid and the cap on restraints is lifted? It's Australian families who will ultimately foot the bill,' she said in August.

The Opposition have also expressed concern over childcare costs rising once the fee cap ends in August 2025.
A six-year-old boy who was allegedly murdered by his mother died after receiving a 'significant neck injury', his inquest has been told.

Alexander Zurawski was found dead at a bungalow in Swansea on August 29 after worried neighbours called the emergency services.

His inquest at Swansea Coroner's Court was told today that inside medics found him lying in a pool of blood and that despite their best efforts he died at the scene.

The hearing was told that after a post-mortem Alexander's cause of death has been given as 'complex sharp force injury to the neck area'.

His mother, Karolina Zurawska, 41, has since been charged with his murder, as well as the attempted murder of her own 67-year-old father Krzysztof Siwi, on the same day.

Alexander Zurawski, aged six, was found dead at a bungalow in Swansea on August 29

Karolina Zurawska, pictured here outside Swansea Magistrates' Court on September 2, has been charged with his murder

Speaking at the hearing today, Detective Inspector David Butt of South Wales Police, said: 'On August 29 paramedics and South Wales Police officers were called to Cwm Du Close following concerns raised by local residents.

'Officers discovered a young boy of six years of age with a significant injury to the neck and having suffered blood loss.'

DI Butt said a post-mortem examination gave the provisional cause of death as a 'complex sharp force injury to the neck area.'

Assistant coroner Mr Gruffydd said: 'I open the inquest into the death of Alexander Zurawski and adjourn the matter until a time where the criminal investigation has run its course.

Zurawska was previously remanded in custody at Swansea Crown Court after being charged with Alexander's death and the alleged attack on her father.

Speaking following Alexander's death, Chief Superintendent Chris Truscott, divisional commander for Swansea and Neath Port Talbot, said: 'This is a distressing incident which has been a tremendous shock to the local community.

'The local community has been outstanding in their support of our investigation, and we would like to thank all of them for their patience during what has been a traumatic few days.

'A police presence will be retained in the local area over the coming days in order to provide advice and reassurance.

'Our thoughts are with Alexander's family and friends at this difficult time.'

In a tribute Alexander's family said he was 'very clever and very mature' and spoke both English and Polish and teachers at his school described him as 'very loved'.

The inquest heard that medics found Alexander in a pool of blood at the bungalow in Cwm Du Close in Gendros, Swansea

Heartbroken family paid tribute to the boy, recalling how he was 'very clever and very mature'

His family added that he was 'a very kind child.'

They said: 'He loved playing with his little sister and playing with his dog 'Daisy'.

'Alexander was always well behaved and never naughty.

'He was very clever and very mature for his age. He had great understanding of facts.

'Alexander was always helpful. Always eager to assist with cooking and cleaning.

'Alexander spoke both English and Polish and would often correct his parents with their English if they got words wrong.

'He was amazing.'

Bethan Peterson, Head Teacher of Whitestone Primary School said: 'We're devastated to learn of the tragic death of Alexander. Alexander was a delightful, determined little boy whose tenacity and positive demeanour ensured his success in all he undertook.

'He was an extremely loved and popular boy amongst his peers, staff and with all who knew him. He will be sadly missed.

'Appropriate support will be made available to children, staff and all those within our school community who are affected. We would ask that our school community's privacy be respected at this difficult time.'

Local MP, Labour's Torsten Bell, said: 'This is a heartbreaking news that has left everyone across Swansea shocked.

'All our thoughts are with those affected and the community wrestling with the tragic loss of a child.'
A former Google executive claimed working for the technology giant gave him PTSD as he was questioned about its digital advertising practices.

It came as a top publishing executive also accused Google of holding media companies 'hostage' because there was no viable alternative to their system for selling ads.

The latest dramatic allegations emerged on the second day of an antitrust trial brought against Google by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and a coalition of 17 states.

According to the DOJ, Google 'controls' the technology used by both advertisers and publishers to place adverts on websites, including those of news organizations.

Google also runs the largest automated exchange where billions of those adverts are instantaneously bought and sold every day.

According to the DOJ, Google 'controls' the technology used by both advertisers and publishers to place adverts on websites, including those of news organizations

It has also used monopolistic practices to quash would-be competitors in the so-called 'ad tech' industry, the U.S. government claims.

Google denies the allegations.

The trial is being held in a federal court in Alexandria, Virginia in front of Judge Leonie Brinkema, without a jury.

On the second day a video deposition by Eisar Lipkovitz, recorded last year, was played to the court.

Lipkovitz was Google's Vice President for engineering for display advertising from 2014 to 2018, the court was told.

He said: 'I have still PTSD from there (Google). There are people there unwilling to have a Socratic discussion...it just irritates me.'

Later, he added that that there were people at Google who 'want to lie, I'm sorry but it's PTSD for me this whole situation.'

He went on to accuse former colleagues of 'intellectual dishonesty in my opinion,' and said there were 'some individuals that I wish not to work with anymore.'

Lipkovitz was asked about DFP, which is the Google tool used by most publishers when selling adverts on their websites.

He said: 'The DFP team was lazy and slow, I don't know how else to say it.'

Eisar Lipkovitz said he has 'PTSD' from working for Google

He described how DFP had a three-quarter share of the market, and said the commission taken by Google's advertising exchange - called AdX - was 20 percent.

At a meeting about AdX he had been in favor of lowering that to 10 to 15 percent, and was trying to 'do the right thing'.

But he said: 'I didn't have authority to take decisions, nobody at Google does, very strange company honestly. Somehow, you can't get stuff done and I don't know why.'

Lipkovitz added that he was 'frustrated and bitter' about his experience at Google.

He was shown an internal document in which a Google employee had asked whether there was a 'deeper issue' with the company being involved in all sides of digital advertising.

The employee had said: 'The analogy would be if Goldman or Citibank owned the NYSE (New York Stock Exchange).'

Lipkovitz said that sentiment 'crossed my mind for sure.'

Earlier, the court heard from Stephanie Layser, a senior advertising technology executive who worked at News Corp, publisher of the Wall Street Journal, from 2017 to 2022.

Layser worked for The Daily Mail from 2013 to 2014, and is now at Amazon, the court heard.

She said of Google's advertising technology tools: 'I felt like they were holding us hostage.'

DFP was 'dominant' in the industry but it was an 'old piece of technology' which was 'slow and clunky,' she said.

'There are legions of people in advertising who have never used a different system, including me.'

She said requests to Google for innovation and changes fell on 'deaf ears' and 'nothing ever changed'.

Layser said she had 'begged Google' for access to data but to no avail.

She said media publishers could not switch from Google's DFP to a different provider because they would lose access to advertisers.

Consequently, they would 'lose money' and 'lose journalists'.

She said at News Corp an analysis of switching had shown the process would take a year and it could have an 'eight figure impact' on revenue.

When she started at News Corp 53 percent off its automated advertising revenue came through Google's AdX exchange, and that had risen to '70 or 80 percent' when she left.

She said 'every product they (Google) shoved down our throats' during the time I was using DFP' was 'unfair'.
An urgent warning has been issued for dog owners after poisonous treats were being left on the sidewalk in Pasadena, California.

Los Angeles County officials are urging the community for help in identifying the animal cruelty suspect who's been dumping toxic dog food right outside of Dogtopia, a doggy daycare.

Dog owners frequently walk their pets in the area - that has been covered in chocolate and grapes, which are poisonous to the animals.

A security video shared by the office of Supervisor Kathryn Barger showed a man crossing the street near Foothill Boulevard in East Pasadena before crouching down and leaving the toxic treats deliberately near the dirt.

Ingesting the snacks can lead to illness or even death in dogs.

An unidentified suspect has been leaving grapes and chocolate outside a doggy daycare along Foothill Boulevard in Pasadena, California - food that is toxic and in some cases deadly to dogs

Employees of the daycare, Dogtopia, have been finding clusters of harmful foods outside of the establishment for more than a year (pictured)

The employees of the daycare have found clusters of grapes, M&Ms and other chocolate candies at various spots along a 1.5 mile-stretch of the Boulevard, according to a press release.

Noodles and rice have also been left as a way to entice the dogs.

And worst of all - it's been going on for more than a year.

'It's deliberate. It's planned,' dog trainer Junior Hernandez told NBC. 'It looks like whenever he does do that, he'll go up and down Foothill and do that to a bunch of locations where he knows there's high traffic for people who walk dogs.'

'I am outraged that someone is going out of their way to hurt dogs and their unsuspecting owners who are just enjoying a trot,' Barger said in a news release.

'This person needs to be immediately identified and stopped, animal cruelty should never be tolerated. This is just plain wrong.'

The Pasadena Police Department said it will investigate to the fullest extent - as any case linked to animal cruelty is taken seriously.

They have encouraged the community to report any related suspicious activity directly to the police department.

But Jacks Vasquez, the general manager of Dogtopia, said that the act captured by her business' surveillance camera is just one of many instances.

'I'm sick to my stomach knowing that someone is doing this in broad daylight,' Vasquez told LA Times.

'Consuming even the smallest amount of grapes can be lethal' and chocolate - along with making pups sick, could 'result in thousands of dollars of veterinary bills,' she added.

Grapes and chocolate are two of the most harmful toxicities for dogs. Depending on the size of the pup, ingestion of both can lead to serious harm.

The daycare has a multitude of dog-related services, such as boarding, daycare, a spa and training classes

The Pasadena Police Department said it will investigate to the fullest extent - as any case linked to animal cruelty is taken seriously (stock image)

Dogs can't metabolize chocolate in the same way that people can.

The two toxic components to dogs found in chocolate are caffeine and theobromine - both of which cause stimulation of the central nervous system and the heart.

This can lead to heart attacks, strokes and seizures.

Grapes have been linked to kidney failure and can be fatal if not treated promptly.

The biggest concern is now finding out the identity of the suspect - and keeping the innocent pets safe.

'Any actual and reported cruelty to animals will be taken very seriously and with assertive enforcement,' Gene Harris, Pasadena police chief added.
A man is facing multiple charges for an alleged bow-wielding killing spree after the carcasses of nine deer were found scattered across Cody, Wyoming.

Joshua Tamirat Wielhouwer, 20, turned himself in after fleeing following a foot chase with Wyoming game wardens on patrol in the Park County area.

Weilhouwer is facing 18 counts of trophy animal hunting charges - nine counts of unlicensed taking of a big game animal and nine counts of wanton destruction of big game.

He was chased on foot by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department game warden, Spencer Carstens, who spotted the suspect carrying a compound bow.

Court documents said that two bucks, six does and a fawn were killed and found with hunting arrow wounds between August 27 and September 4 across Cody, including one found floating in a pond, Cowboy State Daily reported.

Joshua Tamirat Wielhouwer, 20, was arrested following allegations of 18 counts of big game hunting charges after nine mule deer were killed with bow like wounds in Cody, Wyoming

Security footage was gathered by Carstens and the Wyoming Game and Fish department as part of their investigation, showing a silver car that matched the one found at the sight of the foot chase, according to the Powell Tribune.

Each class A misdemeanor charge carries a fine of up to $10,000 and one year in jail.

Wielhouwer is currently in custody with bail set at $36,000. His defense attorney entered a not guilty plea on his behalf.

Cody's deer population suffered a recent decline due to harsh winters. It is legal to hunt deer within town limits in Wyoming with licenses and permission given from property owners.
Police are continuing to search for the remains of Co Tyrone teenager Arlene Arkinson, who went missing after a night out 30 years ago.

The schoolgirl was last seen in August 1994 on an evening out in Co Donegal.

Her body has never been found, despite extensive searches.

It is understood a fresh search is taking place at Ballybobaneen Forest in the Glenfin area.

Gardai have cordoned off parts of the remote area in the last few days, to allow for a specialist garda search team and diggers into the area.

Police are continuing to search for the remains of Co Tyrone teenager Arlene Arkinson, who went missing after a night out 30 years ago. Convicted child killer Robert Howard (right) was found responsible, on the balance of probabilities, for her death following an inquest in 2021

This is the second garda search for the remains of the schoolgirl in Donegal this year.

Gardai said an earlier search took place in the Castlefin area earlier this year.

Convicted child killer Robert Howard was found responsible, on the balance of probabilities, for the death of the 15-year-old following an inquest in 2021.

He had been out on bail at the time of Arlene's disappearance and was the last person seen with the teenager.

Howard, originally from Co Laois, had been charged with her murder in 2002, but acquitted in 2005.

He died in prison in England in 2015 while serving a life sentence for the rape and murder of 14-year-old Hannah Williams from London.

Last month, the Stormont Justice Minister Naomi Long was urged to reconsider a decision not to call a public inquiry into the case of the missing Castlederg girl.

Gardai have cordoned off parts of the Ballybobaneen Forest in the Glenfin area in the last few days to allow for a specialist garda search team and diggers into the area

Kathleen Arkinson, Arlene's sister, with solicitor Des Doherty, had urged Stormont Justice Minister Naomi Long to reconsider a public inquiry into the schoolgirl's disappearance

Miss Arkinson's sister Kathleen said the 'whole system let Arlene down'.

The family's solicitor, Des Doherty, urged Ms Long to reconsider the decision not to call a public inquiry.

He said any public inquiry should focus on the activities of Howard 'more closely', but also look at the 'legal system in this jurisdiction and how the law and the police behaved in relation to this case and how it was dealt with'.

'If a public inquiry is the only way to keep their case in the public eye, then so be it,' he told the BBC.

'I do not see any other legal option (other than a public inquiry) that is available to the family at this point.

'I think new information will come to light.'

However, Ms Long said she took the decision not to call a public inquiry into the case after concluding there were not sufficient grounds.
A Swedish politician has slammed former German Chancellor Angela Merkel for introducing 'mad' immigration policies just days after Germany's government it would introduce strict controls along its land borders.

Interior minister Nancy Faeser, of Chancellor Olaf Scholz's struggling Social Democrat party (SPD), announced Monday that harsher restrictions would be implemented across Germany's 2,300-mile land border from September 16.

The drastic move represents the first time controls have been placed on all the country's borders since the creation of the Schengen Area in the 1990s.

It also sparked an outcry from a slew of European leaders and officials, many of whom said it goes against the EU's principle of free movement on the continent and implored Germany to work on securing the bloc's external borders - not simply push migrants back into neighbouring countries.

Swedish MEP Charlie Weimers of the Sweden Democrats party told MailOnline: 'If we don't secure the external border, then internal border controls will become the norm.

'I've said this for years. That a left-liberal German government re-institutes border checks highlights the madness of Merkel's policy and that the debate in Europe has shifted.

'Citizens want safety and security, not mass migration and chaos.'

German Chancellor Angela Merkel poses for a selfie with Anas Modamani, a refugee from Syria, after she visited the AWO Refugium Askanierring shelter for migrants and refugees on September 10, 2015 in Berlin

Officers of the German Federal Police (Bundespolizei) check a migrant near Forst, eastern Germany

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)

Swedish MEP Charlie Weimers of the Sweden Democrats party told MailOnline: 'If we don't secure the external border then internal border controls will become the norm'

The governor of struggling German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is bringing in border restrictions from Monday

The new 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 from Monday.

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 also this week announced proposals to toughen up the implementation of EU rules on asylum, including detaining seekers while authorities determine whether Germany is responsible for processing their cases.

It did, however, reject measures requested by the opposition conservatives to automatically reject asylum seekers at the borders, which it and others deemed to be contrary to EU law.

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 some migrants back to neighbouring nations.

Austrian authorities 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.

Not all of Germany's European partners 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.

And Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban wrote on X yesterday: 'Germany has decided to impose strict border controls to stop illegal migration.

'Chancellor Scholz, welcome to the club! #StopMigration'.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel is pictured recording her new year's address at the Chancellery on December 30, 2015 in Berlin, Germany, after announcing the country would take in more than a million refugees

In this Sept. 4, 2015 file photo a migrant holds up a poster of German Chancellor Angela Merkel before starting a march out of Budapest, Hungary, towards Austria

Chancellor Olaf Scholz's struggling Social Democrat party (SPD) announced Monday that from September 16, harsher restrictions would be implemented across Germany's 2,300-mile land border

A group of migrants waits on the side of the road as they are controlled by officers of the German Federal Police (Bundespolizei) near Forst, eastern Germany

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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 harsher 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 the 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 will likely spark widespread outcry on the continent if German authorities start making formal requests for neighbouring countries to take back substantial numbers of asylum seekers and migrants.

Those 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.

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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

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.'
Edna Cintron, known as the 'waving woman who never lost hope,' is one of the thousands of people being remembered on the 23rd anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks.

Cintron, 46, an administrative assistant with Marsh & McLennan was trying to get help and was seen in the haunting image, standing at the edge, 93 stories high, in the North Tower of the World Trade Center.

She was waving near a gaping hole after one of the planes - Flight 11 - crashed into the building - on that hellish day surrounded by scorching flames and black smoke clouds.

Eerie images revealed that many people who were trying to escape jumped from the towers before the devastating collapse.

By 10.28am, the waving stopped as the North Towers completely crumbled to the ground and Cintron became one of the 2,996 who perished that day.

Cintron's iconic image is still shared, circulated and remembered.

Edna Cintron, 46, worked as an administrative assistant for Marsh & McLennan at World Trade Center, Tower 1

The haunting image of Cintron waving hoping that someone will come to her rescue before the North Tower collapsed

In the video posted by 9/11 Revisited Cintron's husband William explained the agonizing moments before his wife perished.

According to the footage, he 'tentatively identified' his wife 'as the woman who stood at the edge of the impact hole for twenty minutes waiting in hope of being rescued.'

However, a man whose fiance was also in the building claimed that the waving woman - dressed in white trousers and a black shirt - was not Edna Cintron but his fiancee Karen Juday.

The man's claim was based on the clothes that his late fiancee had worn to work that day, as per 911 Revisited.

Other details from the chilling video shows Cintron along with two other people trying to survive.

An unidentified woman who took the video is heard during the emotional call. 'David might be trying to call me,' she said crying. 'I will call you back.'

The blaring sounds of sirens, news reporters on the ground, and complete chaos is heard in the background.

An obituary published in Legacy.com spoke of Cintron's 'courage and strength.'

Her husband, William Cintron shared how the couple had once been homeless and how Cintron supported him during their twelve-year marriage as he struggled with alcoholism.

He said he remained sober due to her love and support.

Al-Qaida hijackers crashed two planes into the Twin Towers

The gaping hole pictured after a plane crashed into the North towers of the World Trade Center

'She made sure that she kept me in check,' he said. 'She made sure that I did the things I was supposed to do. She was a very, very strong woman because she would put her foot down.'

He also admitted that Cintron 'was more like a mother' to him.'

'She would make sure that I would eat right and she would make sure that no one would manipulate me. So she was also my backbone. She made me strong. She made me who I am today.'

And he also remembered how she made their East Elmhurt house a home.

'She would come out of work, come home, cook, make sure that when I would come out of work there was food on the table and everything,' he said.

'And every night we would have ice cream and we would watch TV.'

On September 11, 2001 a hijacked United Airlines Flight 175 from Boston crashed into the south tower of the World Trade Center and exploded at 9:03am during the unprecedented assault.

The two airliners were hijacked by terrorists by al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, and nearly 3,000 people perished during the collapse of the twin towers.
Newly released body camera footage shows the Instagram model accused of causing a Miami car wreck that killed two people while high on drugs writhing in pain after the crash.

Maecee Marie Lathers, 24, is facing 15 felony charges including vehicular homicide, reckless driving and DUI manslaughter for the August 10 crash.

The wreck killed Abraham Molina and Jesus Rubio and injured Molinas fiancee, Juanita Hernandez.

Lathers blamed the carnage on a trendy party drug commonly referred to as 'pink cocaine' and a toxicology report found a variety of drugs in her system, reported NBC Miami.

Video obtained by Local 10 shows the influencer topless and screaming as she rolled around on the ground moments after the collision.

Police body camera footage shows Instagram model Maecee Marie Lathers screaming as she rolling around on the ground after she allegedly caused a deadly car crash while high

Lathers is facing 15 felony charges including vehicular homicide, reckless driving and DUI manslaughter for the August 10 crash

Police said Lathers was driving with a suspended license when she sped through a stoplight at nearly 80mph in her white Mercedes-Benz and rammed into a black Range Rover and silver Suzuki.

According to the arrest report, the first victim had to be extricated from his mangled vehicle but later died at the hospital.

The other victim was killed on the spot as Lathers and Hernandez were the only survivors.

Lathers was allegedly found vomiting minutes after the crash and told police the potent ketamine mix made her believe she was from the future.

The arrest report stated bystanders had to grab her and bring her back to prevent her from running away from the scene.

Police said Lathers was driving with a suspended license when she sped through a stoplight at nearly 80 mph

The wreck killed Abraham Molina (left) and Jesus Rubio (right) and injured Molinas fiancee Juanita Hernandez (center)

Records obtained by NBC6 show the model was traveling approximately 57 mph five seconds before the crash, then accelerated to 78 mph at the moment she hit the other vehicles.

At the time of the crash, Lathers allegedly told Miami police that she had taken a party drug known as 'Tusi,' or 'Tuci' - also known as 'pink cocaine' - before getting behind the wheel.

Tuci [2C], is a pink powder that is a mix of ketamine, MDMA, methamphetamine, cocaine, opioids, and/or new psychoactive substance.

After her August arrest, Lathers was released on house arrest. However, in a court appearance on Tuesday prosecutors asked for her to be detained until trial as they added two new DUI manslaughter charges.

She has pleaded not guilty on all charges and will be held in county jail until a bond hearing scheduled for September 16.
An adorable 4-year-old girl was mauled to death by her family's pit bull while swimming at her California home in Visalia.

Zoey Hawkins, 4, was getting out of her kiddie pool when her dad, Eric Hawkins, went to grab her towel inside on September 4.

By the time Eric looked back, mere seconds later, the dog bit Zoey in her armpit. She later would die from her wounds after being transported to the hospital.

Eric wrote on Facebook on Sunday: 'I thank you for ever moment I had with you Zozo.

'Zozo I love you so it was the best time of my life waking up to see you the mornings.'

Zoey Hawkins, 4, was getting out of her kiddie pool when her dad Eric Hawkins went to grab her towel inside. Second later she was mauled by her family's pit bull

Zoey's cousin Pearl Vargas told Fox 28 the family was in disbelief because the 4-year-old had been around the dog for more than two years. Pictured: Zoey posing with family members

Zoey's cousin, Pearl Vargas, told Fox 28 the 4-year-old had been around the dog for more than two years and the family was in disbelief that it would attack her.

'Her and the dog would always play with each other,' Vargas said. 'They would always be around each other. So we have no clue what the reason was or why the dog even did this in the first place.'

Zoey's mother Alexis Rodela Hawkins' Facebook bio describes herself as an 'animal person.'

Eric has posted several photos of pit bulls on his social media - including ones that advocate for the breed.

The couple even have a Facebook page dedicated to their pit bull Tara Lynn Hawkins where they posted photos of the dog.

'Hi my name is Tara Lynn Hawkins. My mommy and daddy post on my Facebook,' was written in the page's bio.

Zoey's mother Alexis Rodela Hawkins' Facebook bio describes herself as an 'animal person'

The couple have a Facebook page dedicated to their pit bull Tara Lynn Hawkins where they posted photos of their dog

Pearl said the family is traumatized and don't plan on getting another dog because they have two other infant children

In a GoFundMe campaign set up by Vargas to support the family with funeral costs, she described Zoey as a 'vibrant and loving' girl.

As of Wednesday morning, it has raised nearly $14,000 toward its $20,000 goal.

'She was always dancing like they were just playing music for her, and she would just start dancing around, twirling in circles,' Vargas told Fox 28.

Vargas said the family is traumatized and don't plan on getting another dog because they have two other infant children.

The dog has since been euthanized after the attack.

Pearl said Zoey was a 'vibrant and loving' girl. 'She was always dancing like they were just playing music for her, and she would just start dancing around, twirling in circles'

It's only been a few weeks since a Ohio mom allowed her boyfriend and uncle to handcuff her six-year-old son who was then mauled by a pit bull.

The incident happened on August 17 at a home in Northeast Ohio, where deputies received a call about the boy after he had been bitten by the pit bull.

In court, Angelina Williams, the boy's mother, argued that she did not know it was illegal to handcuff a child, after she and the other defendants allegedly did so as punishment after he failed to clean up after the dog.
The Venezuelan migrant gangsters who've run rampant in Colorado's apartment blocks were helped by a migrant housing scheme funded by the Biden administration and the City of Denver, a damning new report shows.

Researchers at the Manhattan Institute, a conservative think tank, have linked a crime wave of drugs, guns, and child sex abuse to taxpayer-funded migrant housing schemes and non-profits in Aurora, a Denver suburb.

Americans were shocked when security footage of Venezuelan migrant gangsters carrying firearms around an Aurora residential complex and forcibly entering an apartment went viral on social media last month.

The gangsters are reportedly members of the notorious Tren de Aragua street gang, and they've been implicated in everything from attempted homicide to human trafficking, and drug and gun crimes.

For many, the footage showcased how record-breaking people flows across the southern border under the Biden administration have driven up crime rates in the Democratic-run cities that opened their doors to them.

Americans were shocked when security footage of migrant gangsters carrying firearms in a residential complex and forcibly entering an apartment went viral on social media

Former president Donald Trump has repeatedly called attention to Venezuelan gangsters in Aurora  including raising the once-sleepy suburb in his debate with Vice President Kamala on Tuesday night.

Local authorities have played down these concerns and said migrants do not control the properties.

Now, the Manhattan Institute report links the presence of Aurora's lawbreaking migrants to federal and local resettlement programs.

'The Biden administration, in partnership with Denver authorities and publicly subsidized NGOs, provided the funding and logistics to place a large number of Venezuelan migrants in Aurora, creating a magnet for crime and gangs,' says the report.

'And worse, some of the nonprofits involved appear to be profiting handsomely from the situation.'

Researchers say the resettlement scheme was funded from 2021 onward by $3.8 billion of federal funds to Colorado, under the Biden administration's American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

Denver used this cash for its Emergency Migrant Response resettlement program and providing shelter to the fast-growing number of migrants arriving in buses from the chaotic southern border.

The city of 715,000 people then signed multimillion-dollar contracts with two local nonprofits, ViVe Wellness and Papagayo, to house and assist to some 8,000 mostly-Venezuelan migrants.

The NGOs are run, respectively, by Yoli Casas and Marielena Suarez, says the report, which was published in the City Journal.

Between 2023 and 2024, ViVe Wellness received $4.8 million and Papagayo received $774,000 from Denver, through a Migrant Support Grant, which was funded by ARPA, says the report.

This year, ViVe secured an extra $10.4 million across three contracts, while Papagayo received $2.9 million from a single contract to serve migrants.

Some of this money was awarded as part of the Denver Asylum Seekers Program, which promised six months of rental assistance to nearly 1,000 migrants.

The NGOs used the money to pay landlords and subsidize migrants' rents.

Yoli Casas, a Venezuelan migrant, runs ViVe Wellness, which has been involved in housing asylum seekers in Aurora's troubled complexes

Marielena Suarez heads Papagayo, which used taxpayers' money to pack the complexes with Venezuelan migrants, says the Manhattan Institute's report

Papagayo worked with Brooklyn-based CBZ Management, a property firm that runs the three apartment buildings hit by the crime wave: Edge of Lowry, Whispering Pines, and Fitzsimons Place, which is also known as Aspen Grove.

Papagayo directed Denver's Venezuelan migrant newcomers to CBZ Management and offered to cover their rents while they settled in to their new homes in the Aurora apartment complexes.

It was a 'booming business,' researchers said. Within six months, about four fifths of the apartments were filled with Venezuelan migrants  a shift that came with gang activity and violent crime, says the report.

The researchers refer to a confidential legal report detailing a rise in crime in the buildings, including trespassing, assault, extortion, drug use, illegal firearm possession, human trafficking, and sexual abuse of minors.

The Mail reached out to Denver and the White House for comment and awaits a response.

The researchers' findings echo a report from Colorado's right-leaning Common Sense Institute, which said the crime rate doubled in the buildings between 2022 and 2023, even as lawbreaking across the rest of Denver fell.

The migrant surge could end up costing the city an extra $340 million, factoring in new burdens on schools and the health-care system, says the Common Sense Institute.

One of the buildings, Aspen Grove, was shuttered in August, with about 300 people evicted, after the city identified health and safety issues including rodent infestations, sewage backups, lack of electricity and trash pileups.

Authorities had accused the landlord, Zev Baumgarten of failing to maintain the 99-unit property, located at 1568 Nome St. Baumgarten has agreed to sell the building, as part of a deal with Aurora officials.

Aurora police are seen at the complex. They say that claims that the building has being taken by a gang are false

In a visit to the apartments where the armed men were filmed, interim Aurora police chief Heather Morris said gang members had not taken over and werent collecting rent

Four alleged Tren de Aragua members have been arrested in Aurora in connection to an attempted murder in July

CBZ Management blamed the property's shocking condition on gangs, claiming Tren de Aragua members have scared management away and are forcing residents to pay rent to them.

Colorado police and local officials and activists have denied their claims.

Landlord Baumgarten has also been accused of similar violations at the Edge of Lowry Apartments at 1258 Dallas St, where viral footage showed armed men breaking into units.

A third complex, the Whispering Pines at 1357 Galena St, has also been affected by gangs, with a law firm hired by management claiming that Venezuelan gangsters have been running the building since late 2023.

The Tren de Aragua, a criminal group from Venezuela, has had a 'stranglehold' on the Whispering Pines Apartments in Aurora since late 2023, the law firm Perkins Coie claimed in a recent letter to Aurora officials.

Some 320,000 Venezuelans have tried to cross America's southern border with Mexico since October 2022  more than in the previous nine years combined. Many were fleeing economic collapse in their homeland.

Denver was one of several US cities that was overwhelmed by the rush of migrants, many arriving on buses chartered by Texas to draw attention to the impact of immigration.

All told, Denver officials say they have helped some 42,700 migrants since last year, either by giving them shelter or a bus fare to another city.

Initially, the city offered migrants with families six weeks in a hotel.

In May, on pace to spend $180 million this year helping newcomers, officials scaled back their offer to future migrants while deepening their investment in people already receiving support.

Denver paid for longer shelter stays for 800 migrants already in hotels and offered them English classes and help applying for asylum and work permits.

But any migrants arriving since May have received only three days in a hotel. After that, some moved on to other cities, scrounged for a place to sleep or wandered into nearby towns like Aurora.
The late Queen's closest adviser Angela Kelly has paid a moving tribute to Elizabeth II, revealing she told her 'I love you' and 'kissed her goodbye' before her death.

Ms Kelly, who worked for the Queen for more than 25 years and had an unparalleled bond with the monarch, was staying at Balmoral the week she died in 2022.

And two years on from Elizabeth's death aged 96 on September 8 that year, Ms Kelly shared a heartfelt tribute that each anniversary will forever 'break my heart'.

Ms Kelly, 66, who was the monarch's senior dresser and confidante, also revealed she was still unsure why she told Her Majesty she loved her in her final moments.

In a poignant statement on Instagram Stories, she said: 'It has been a long two years since I kissed you goodbye. I told you that I loved you and I still don't know why.

The late Queen's closest adviser Angela Kelly leaves London's Goring Hotel after attending a Christmas lunch hosted by Her Majesty for her close members of staff on December 11, 2018

The Queen with Anna Wintour (centre) and Angela Kelly (right) at London Fashion Week 2018

'That although the first year I tried to move on, but I wouldn't. The second year I tried to heal but I couldn't. Maybe tomorrow will be a new start for me, although every anniversary will still break my heart.'

Angela Kelly's tribute Queen Elizabeth II

'It has been a long two years since I kissed you goodbye. I told you that I loved you and I still don't know why. 'That although the first year I tried to move on, but I wouldn't. The second year I tried to heal but I couldn't. Maybe tomorrow will be a new start for me, although every anniversary will still break my heart.' 'I have waited all day to write this and fought back the tears. I will always look back over our years remembering the fun we had working, laughing together. I thought our friendship would last forever. 'I will always look back over our years remembering the fun we had working, laughing together. I thought our friendship would last forever. 'Every night I say goodnight to you in my prayers. I served you with love and loyalty of which you deserved. Please keep looking down on me with a nod and a smile, we can still laugh although we haven't done in a while.' 'Patience is a virtue you passed down to me. I have waited and now I can see. You sent a guardian angel to help me through. You sent your strength down to me. My time has come and now I am free.' Advertisement

Continuing her post, Ms Kelly added that she had 'waited all day to write this and fought back the tears'.

She wrote: 'I will always look back over our years remembering the fun we had working, laughing together. I thought our friendship would last forever.

'Every night I say goodnight to you in my prayers. I served you with love and loyalty of which you deserved. Please keep looking down on me with a nod and a smile, we can still laugh although we haven't done in a while.'

Finishing the message, Ms Kelly wrote: 'Patience is a virtue you passed down to me. I have waited and now I can see. You sent a guardian angel to help me through. You sent your strength down to me. My time has come and now I am free.'

It comes after Ms Kelly also posted a moving message addressed to Elizabeth II last year to mark the first anniversary of her death, saying: 'I will never forget you. I will always love you. I miss you my friend.'

And when Her Majesty died in September 2022, Ms Kelly posted on Instagram, 'A very sad day for me today. I said goodbye to my best friend.'

On the day of her death, King Charles III and Queen Camilla are said to have spent an hour with Her Majesty privately in her final hours.

Ms Kelly and Princess Anne alternated at her bedside, along with Reverend Kenneth MacKenzie, a minister at the nearby Crathie Kirk.

A note about her death was written by her private secretary Sir Edward Young in a memo which said: 'Very peaceful. In her sleep. Slipped away. Old age. She wouldn't have been aware of anything. No pain.'

Ms Kelly, a docker's daughter from Liverpool, began working for Elizabeth in 1994 before becoming her personal assistant and senior dresser in 2002.

Angela Kelly attends Queen Elizabeth II's funeral at Westminster Abbey on September 19, 2022

She was known as a bubbly and hard-working royal aide who kept the late Queen's style relevant and even added a touch of bling during the decades she worked for the head of state.

Elizabeth valued the opinion of her personal assistant and gradually over the years gave her free rein when helping her create a look for an event.

Despite the late monarch's advancing years, she had been prepared to embellish her style  under Ms Kelly's direction  as a nod to modern times.

A pair of 3D glasses worn by the Queen during a film demonstration in Canada in 2010 were given a touch of glamour by Ms Kelly  Swarovski crystals forming the letter Q on their sides.

During lockdown, when the Queen isolated with a small group from her household dubbed 'HMS Bubble', Ms Kelly was thought to have been part of the team.

She once disclosed in an interview: 'We are two typical women. We discuss clothes, make-up, jewellery.'

Angela Kelly was made a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order in March 2023

Ms Kelly also previously said: 'The Queen loves clothes and is a real expert on fabrics. It's not been a question of me teaching the Queen  it's been the other way round.'

In March 2023, she was made a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (RVO) in recognition of her service to the Queen, as part of a special set of 'Demise' awards.

Awards under the RVO are in the King's gift and are bestowed independently of Downing Street to people who have served the monarch or the royal family in a personal way.

The following month, it was revealed that the King had secretly gifted Ms Kelly a new home to honour a promise made by his mother.

Ms Kelly was promised lifelong accommodation by the Queen - but within months of Her Majesty's death, the dressmaker was asked to vacate her cottage on the Windsor estate.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla arrive at Crathie Kirk near Balmoral for a poignant service, two years on from Elizabeth II's death

But she was later granted accommodation by the King for the rest of her life, as he gifted her a new home, believed to be near Guiseley in Yorkshire. It is thought that the King has bought the property, which will revert to the Crown on her death.

Charles and Camilla also marked the two-year anniversary of Her Majesty's death as they gathered in memory of her at a poignant service at Crathie Kirk near Balmoral.

Guest preacher at the divine service the Right Reverend Dr Shaw Paterson described the anniversary as 'particularly significant and poignant for the royal family' and said he remembered them in his prayers during his sermon.

Onlookers said the King waved and was 'very gracious' to the small crowd of well-wishers who waited to see him enter the church on the second anniversary of his historic accession to the throne.
Voters said Kamala Harris made them feel 'hopeful' when they were asked for their one-word summary of her Tuesday night debate performance.

It is the latest indicator that the vice president performed stronger than many expected against former President Donald Trump, and in this case won the vibe war.

When the responses for Trump were organized into a word cloud, the most prominent term was 'annoyed.'

The details come from a online poll of 800 independent voters conducted by J.L. Partners on Tuesday evening.

The headline numbers revealed that 49 percent felt that Harris performed most strongly on a night when Trump appeared to let his opponent get under his skin.

J.L. Partners polled 800 independent voters who watched Tuesday's debate. Voters said Kamala Harris made them feel hopeful and confident as well as annoyed

In contrast, 43 percent said they thought Trump won the night.

But respondents were also asked a series of more detailed questions to get a sense of each candidates' strongest moments, the one word that summed up their overall performance, and a brief description of how they made viewers' feel.

For Harris, the most prominent terms for how viewers felt were 'hopeful', 'confident,' and 'strong,' spoiled only by the word 'annoyed' also appearing prominently.

It suggests her promise to bring back joy to campaigning may be resonating with voters.

For Trump, 'confident' appeared prominently, but 'angry,' 'scared,' 'worried,' and 'confused' were all listed in his vibe cloud.

'Kamala Harris won the battle of the vibes last night: Voters felt hopeful when they listened to her, compared to annoyed for Trump,' said James Johnson, cofounder of J.L. Partners.

'That was pretty much the Harris campaign's strategic aim: Project a positive image of their candidate who reflects change, and bait Trump into coming off as abrasive as possible.

'Nonetheless, a good chunk of independents still felt Trump was confident and strongjust not as much as they did Harris.

'In a razor's edge race, that difference matters.'

The 800 independent voters also described what they thought each candidates' best moment

The two candidates met for the first time in the ABC News debate in Philadelphia. They spent more than an hour and a half tussling over abortion, the economy and foreign policy.

Harris came with a plan to knock Trump off his stride and appeared to succeed. She generated the most viral moment of the night when she ridiculed Trump's rallies, saying that people left early out of 'exhaustion and boredom.'

He defended what he called the 'most incredible rallies in the history of politics' before pivoting to repeat an extraordinary online rumor about migrants eating pets.

'Talk about extreme,' Harris said, laughing.

The result was that Trump's plan to define his opponent in viewers' minds was sidelined for chunks of time as he defended himself or launched personal attacks.

Trump again refused to acknowledge his 2020 election defeat and at times raised his voice as he launched personal attacks at Harris.

Both candidates can take some comfort from other parts of the night, however.

Our panel of independent voters declared Vice President Kamala Harris to have performed best on the night, and saw her as more presidential than Donald Trump

Viewers thought Trump won on the key issues of the economy and the border

Trump did well on some of the biggest issues that will decide the 2024 election.

When viewers were asked to sum up his best moment in a word, the results were: Border, economy, policy, and immigration.

Harris's word cloud was domination by the single word 'abortion,' after she offered a clear and comprehensive policy position on an issue where Trump is clearly struggling to reconcile his personal views with pressure from religious conservatives who are crucial to his coalition.

The two candidates are locked in a tight race.

Harris had seen her stock, and her fundraising, rise after her surprise entry to the race in July. However, there are signs that her honeymoon is ending and the polls are tightening again.

Our DailyMail.com/J.L. Partners election model gives Trump a 55 percent of victory.
A Wyoming man is suing local police with claims he was forced to perform sobriety tests after allegedly being ripped from his vehicle because he is black during a traffic stop.

The September 9 lawsuit comes after Gene Clemetson, 59, was barred from his job as a substitute teacher in June for refusing to use preferred transgender names of students.

Clemetson filed a federal lawsuit against the city of Cheyenne, its police department and two of its officers - Jason Chapin and Brockton Hayden.

The now-US Postal Service employees suit claims that he made a right turn after briefly slowing at a yellow light before CPD pulled him over.

Officers then allegedly dragged him from his vehicle and attacked him on a false assumption he was driving under the influence of alcohol, the filing alleges.

Gene Clemetson, 59, claims he was forced to perform sobriety tests after allegedly being ripped from his vehicle because he is black during a traffic stop on Monday

Clemetson filed a federal lawsuit against the city of Cheyenne, its police department and two of its officers

Officer Jason Chapin called for backup during the incident saying the driver ran the red light, was just super bloodshot, uncooperative and smelled of alcohol

Officer Brockton Hayden (left) is one of two Cheyenne Police Department officers named in the September 9 lawsuit

Clemetson explained he had not a drop to drink following his 11-hour shift, which ended at 10:30 pm on September 9.

At which time, one of the officers claimed he could smell alcohol on Clemetson.

Your claim is bogus, he said, according to the complaints account of the body camera footage.

Other officers reportedly said they couldnt smell well due to allergies or COVID.

Officer Chapin called for backup during the incident saying the driver ran the red light, was 'just super bloodshot, uncooperative' and smelled of alcohol.

A back-and-forth conversation with the now five responding officers followed, escalating the seemingly routine traffic stop.

The document also claims one of the larger male officers forcefully removed Clemetson from his vehicle while other officers checked the driver for weaponry and that officers force cuffed (Clemetson) under no legal cause whatsoever.

The anti-woke teacher told the police during the incident they knelt in 2020 to BLM -presumably the Black Lives Matter movement - a comment to which he alleges officer Hayden laughed at

The arrest marks the second high-profile row the former substitute teacher has had with a government agency in the past few months

The lawsuit also claimed that officers force cuffed (Clemetson) under no legal cause whatsoever. Pictured: Officer Jason Chapin

The anti-woke teacher told the police during the incident they knelt in 2020 to BLM - presumably the Black Lives Matter movement - a comment to which he alleges officer Hayden laughed at.

The arrest marks the second high-profile row the former substitute teacher has had with a government agency in the past few months.

While teaching a classroom at East High School in March, Clemetson was approached by a student he described as a boy identifying as a girl. This student asked him to be called by a different name than was on the attendance sheet.

'I said to him, very politely, I have to go by the name on the roster,' Clemetson recounted to Cowboy State Daily.

Pictured: East Lake High School in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Clemetson was a substitute teacher here and was let go in March after refusing to call a student by their preferred name

After they were not able to resolve the issue, the student left and returned with another teacher who told Clemetson that the student's parents approved of their child being called by this alternate name.

'Well that's great, but again, if I'm calling the attendance, if I'm calling the roll, I'm going by the names officially registered with the district,' he recalled saying.

A similar incident occurred during the spring semester at another school in the same district, Triumph High School.

A student who Clemetson described as a 'young lady' again asked him to call her by a different name. The student became upset when he refused to do so.

His personal politics on things outside of gender identity was also a topic of conversation during a district meeting called to discuss yet another incident over the teachers behavior.

In his home state of Wyoming, a federal judge ruled last year that teachers don't have a free speech right to call students by their given name if the school's policy requires them to use preferred names.

As of now, it is unclear if the school district Clemetson was teaching in has such a policy.
A 9/11 victim's son claims he was banned from reading the names of the fallen at the annual memorial ceremony after he called out Rep Ilhan Omar's previous comments about the disaster.

Nicholas Haros Jr., whose mom Frances died in the south tower of the World Trade Center, went viral in 2019 after he slammed Omar for minimizing the attack by describing it as 'some people did something'.

But Haros took aim at Omar and other members of the left-wing 'Squad' during the 2019 ceremony, even wearing a T-shirt with her remarks emblazoned on the front.

'Madam, objectively speaking, we know who and what was done. There is no uncertainty about that. Why your confusion?' he said during the live broadcast.

Now he claims he has not been allowed back to read the names of 9/11 victims since the incident despite being involved for several years prior.

9/11 victim's son Nicholas Haros Jr. claims he was banned from reading the names of the fallen at the annual memorial ceremony after he called out Rep Ilhan Omar 's previous comments about the disaster

'It seems like since my last reading, I never get picked,' Haros, 71, told the New York Post. 'Maybe I was just a little too controversial.'

Haros decided to take the stand in the wake of incorrect comments made by Omar about the creation of the Council on American-Islamic Relations.

The Minnesota rep said CAIR was formed in the aftermath of 9/11 in response to the targeting of Muslim Americans and the loss of their civil liberties following the attack.

'CAIR was founded after 9/11 because they recognized that some people did something and that all of us were starting to lose access to our civil liberties,' she said.

This is inaccurate as CAIR was founded in 1994, several years before 9/11. Her comments were also rejected by Haros.

'On that day, 19 Islamic terrorist members of al Qaeda killed over 3,000 people and caused billions of dollars of economic damage. Is that clear?' he said during his speech.

'I was attacked, your relatives and friends were attacked, our constitutional freedoms were attacked and our nation's founding on Judeo-Christian principles were attacked. That's what some people did. Got that now?'

Ilhan Omar was criticized for referring to 9/11 as 'some people did something' during a wider point she was making about the loss of Muslim Americans' civil liberties in the wake of the attack

The 9/11 museum refuted Haros' claims he was being barred from the reading and said participants are selected on a lottery basis.

'Each year, we receive many hundreds of requests from 9/11 family members to read their loved ones' names aloud, more than can be accommodated, which is why a lottery process is utilized for selection,' it said.

Haros hit back at the museum's explanation as 'suspicious'.

'I find it highly unusual, considering my previous odds,' he said. 'The fact that I haven't been called makes me a little suspicious.

'I would think the number of interested people [who want to read] decreases every year as time goes by.'

Haros revealed he still attends the ceremony, but not as a reader and 'mourns terribly for those lost and their families'.

The 9/11 museum said it operates a lottery system to pick who reads the names of victims at the annual memorial

He plans to conduct a private mass for his mother and spend the day being reflective.

'Many Americans found themselves now having their civil rights stripped from them,' she told CBS.

'And so what I was speaking to was the fact that as a Muslim, not only was I suffering as an American who was attacked on that day, but the next day I woke up as my fellow Americans were now treating me a suspect.'
The father of an 11-year-old boy killed in a crash by a Haitian migrant said he wished the driver had been a white man so the tragedy wouldn't be used to score political points.

Nathan Clark, alongside his wife Danielle, spoke during a City Commission meeting on Tuesday Springfield - the Ohio city now at the forefront of the immigration debate, after Donald Trump repeated unconfirmed claims migrants have been eating the local's pets.

Their son Aiden Clark was killed and more than 20 students were injured when a minivan driven by unlicensed migrant Hermanio Joseph struck his school bus in August 2023.

His death was a tipping point in the community's attitude towards the surge in migrants.

'I wish that my son was killed by a 60-year-old white man. I bet you never thought anyone would say something so blunt,' an emotional Clark told the audience, as first reported by WHIO.

'But if that guy killed my 11-year-old son, the incessant group of hate-spewing people would leave us alone.'

The father of a Springfield boy killed in a crash by a Haitian migrant said he wished the driver had been a white man so the tragedy wouldn't be used to score political points

Aiden Clark, 11, was killed last year, and more than 20 students were injured, when a minivan driven by unlicensed migrant Hermanio Joseph struck his school bus

Clark added: ' My son Aiden Clark was not murdered. He was accidentally killed by an immigrant from Haiti.... The last thing that we need is to have the worst day of our lives violently and constantly shoved in our faces.

'They make it seem as though our wonderful Aiden appreciates your hate, that we should follow their hate. and look what you've done to us. We have to get up here and beg them to stop.

Clark asked Donald Trump and his VP pick, Ohio senator JD Vance, to apologize for using his son as a 'political tool, calling them 'morally bankrupt politicians.'

The father also mentioned Ohio's Republican nominee for the Senate Bernie Moreno, and GOP Rep. Chip Roy from Texas.

He said: 'They have spoken my sons name and used his death for political gain. This needs to stop, now. They can vomit all the hate they want about illegal immigrants, the border crisis, and even untrue claims about fluffy pets being ravaged and eaten by community members. However they are not allowed, nor have they ever been allowed to mention Aiden Clark from Springfield, Ohio...

Unlicensed migrant Hermanio Joseph, 36, was sentenced to 9 to 13 years for the boy's death

Clark asked Donald Trump and his VP pick, Ohio senator JD Vance, to apologize for using his son as a [political tool, calling them 'morally bankrupt politicians'

'This needs to stop now, I will listen to them one more time to hear their apologies...

'What many people in this community and state and nation are doing is the opposite of what you should be doing. Sure we have our problems here in Springfield and in the U.S., but does Aiden Clark have anything to do with that?'

Vance has mentioned Aiden's death as a reason to oppose immigration.

A spokesperson for Vance told DailyMail.com on Wednesday that VP Kamala Harris should be the one apologizing.

'Kamala Harris should apologize to the angel mothers who testified before Congress yesterday,' said spokesman Luke Schroeder.

'Will she apologize to Tammy Nobles, Alexis Nungaray, or Anne Fundner? They hold her and her open borders policies accountable for the deaths of their children. The Clark family is in Senator Vance's prayers.'

During last night's fiery presidential debate between Trump and Harris, the former president ranted about Haitian migrants 'eating pets' in Springfield.

'In Springfield, they're eating the dogs. The people that came in, they're eating the cats,' the Republican candidate said.

The claims, dismissed during the debate by the Vice President as 'unbelievable and extreme', have electrified the American political debate.

While city officials and law enforcement officers in Springfield say there have been no credible reports to suggest they are true, some fed-up residents maintain that it's a problem.

Some 15,000 Haitians have arrived in the city of about 59,000 people since 2020 under a Temporary Protected Status program, with some residents saying they have strained public services.

Gov. Mike DeWine said Tuesday he doesnt oppose the Temporary Protected Status program and will send law enforcement and millions of dollars in healthcare resources to the city

Springfield has been at the forefront of the immigration debate, including at the presidential debate, where Donald Trump repeated the unconfirmed claim that migrants have been eating people's pets there

Ohio has already provided additional resources to Springfield to help with education and training for drivers, to pay for more vaccines and health screenings in schools, and to enhance translation services, explained DeWine. But hes taking additional action.

'These dramatic surges impact every citizen of the community, every citizen,' he said, noting additional influxes are occurring in Findlay and Lima, Ohio. 'Moms who have to wait hours in a waiting room with a sick child, everyone who drives on the streets, and it affects children who go to school in more crowded classrooms.'

On Wednesday, the Ohio State Highway Patrol will be dispatched to help local law enforcement with traffic issues that officials say have cropped up due to an increase in Haitians unfamiliar with U.S. traffic laws using the roads.

DeWine said he is also earmarking $2.5 million over two years to provide more primary healthcare through the county health department and private healthcare institutions.
Longtime South Carolina Republican Congressman Joe Wilson collapsed at a Washington, D.C., event Tuesday before being rushed to the hospital.

Wilson, 77, started experiencing 'stroke-like symptoms,' at the Ukraine House in D.C. his son later confirmed.

South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson, the congressman's son, confirmed the incident to reporters before a presidential debate watch party.

'I just spoke to my mom who is currently at the hospital with my father. Doctors have confirmed to us that he has experienced stroke-like symptoms,' Alan Wilson said.

Incumbent candidate Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC) talks to a reporter at Sen. Lindsey Graham's election night watch party on November 3, 2020 in Columbia, South Carolina

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'I was able to speak with him moments ago and I am incredibly thankful that he is stable and being monitored by medical professionals.'

The Republican lawmaker's office later confirmed the account on his official X account.

'Congressman Joe Wilson, R-S.C. was taken ill and is being evaluated at a local hospital in Washington, DC,' the lawmaker's X account posted late Tuesday night.

Wilson's fellow South Carolina lawmakers were quick to react and send their prayers.

'Prayers up for Congressman Wilson and his family tonight,' Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., posted on X.

'Have spoken to the family and I ask we all send a positive vibe and a prayer his way tonight and may he recover as fast as humanly possible.'

The South Carolina GOP posted on X: 'Our thoughts and prayers are with the Dean of the SC Delegation, Congressman Joe Wilson for a quick and complete recovery.'

'Praying for a full and speedy recovery for my friend,' Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., posted.

Wilson poses with a model of the U.S. Capitol last week

Rep. Joe Wilson, R-S.C., shouts 'You Lie' as U.S. President Barack Obama addresses a joint session of the U.S. Congress at the U.S. Capitol September 9, 2009 in Washington, DC. Obama addressed the joint session to urge passage of his national health care plan, the centerpiece of his domestic agenda.

Currently, of the 435 seats in Congress , 220 Republicans to 211 Democrats. There are four vacancies. It is unclear how Wilson's health will impact his attendance on Capitol Hill

Wilson had voted on legislation on the House floor just hours before his hospitalization.

On Monday, Wilson attended a press event touting the findings of a congressional report on the Biden-Harris Afghanistan withdrawal plan in 2021.

Currently, of the 435 seats in Congress, 220 Republicans to 211 Democrats. There are four vacancies.

It is unclear whether Wilson will be able to vote today given his condition.
Thousands of offenders face being freed in plan to tackle jail overcrowding

A prisoner was arrested on suspicion of rape moments after being set free under Sir Keir Starmer's early release scheme, MailOnline can reveal.

The extraordinary scene played out yesterday morning during a mass freeing of inmates at Wandsworth Prison in south-west London.

The man was seen walking out of the gates of the jail before turning his head from side to side in astonishment as he realised police were waiting for him.

He allowed himself to be cuffed and led away into a waiting van that took him to a nearby police station.

Following an enquiry to the Met, it has emerged the man, 28, was arrested on suspicion of rape, sex assault and a racially aggravated public order offence - raising the question of why he was ever lined up for early release in the first place.

The man was seen walking out of HMP Wandsworth following his release yesterday morning

He looks around in astonishment as he notices police officers are waiting for him

The Met told MailOnline: 'A 28-year-old man was arrested on Tuesday on suspicion of rape, sexual assault and a racially/religiously aggravated public order offence.

'He was taken to a south London police station before being bailed pending further enquiries in relation to the allegation of rape.

'No further action will be taken in connection with the other allegations.'

It is unclear when the alleged rape took place.

The incident came amid joyous scenes outside Britain's prisons, as 1,700 criminals were set free after serving a fraction if their sentences.

At Wandsworth, sparkling wine was sprayed in the air as a group of men celebrated the early release of one of their friends, known only as Daniel.

Cheers went up as the young man left the 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.

The man allowed himself to be handcuffed and led into a waiting police vehicle

He is then led away into a waiting police van, which took him into custody

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.

A total of 16 inmates had left Wandsworth by midday.
A top aide to Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson ranted about 'f***ing pigs' and called to defund the police in an unearthed podcast episode.

Kennedy Bartley, the city's Managing Deputy for External Relations, made the comments in a 2021 appearance on the 'This Is Your Afterlife' podcast.

Speaking at a time when Black Lives Matter protests were sweeping the nation, Bartley told host Dave Maher: 'If I die at the hands of the f***ing pigs, dont name s**t after me. I dont want legislation named after me.'

Bartley went on to defend rioting and looting as she slammed other people of color for not doing the same, saying 'theres still black folks and brown folks who are not abolitionists, who are pro-police.'

Kennedy Bartley, Chicago's Managing Deputy for External Relations, ranted about 'f***ing pigs' and called to defund the police in unearthed podcast remarks

The inflammatory podcast remarks were first revealed by Fox32 Chicago, as they showed the deeply liberal views held by an official now at the top of Chicago's government.

Bartley made the remarks while she was Legislative Director of United Working Families, an advocacy group linked to the Chicago Teachers Union.

In her conversation with Maher, Bartley grew emotional as the discussion turned to the police killing of Denver man Elijah McClain in 2019, as she said she would be 'honored' if her own hypothetical death 'got more folks into abolition.'

'The police lynch Black folks every day, shoot Black folks and brown folks every day in the street, and theres still Black folks and brown folks who are not abolitionists, who are pro-police,' she said.

'These are the folks who are making us prematurely meet our makers.

'It shows us what work we have to do. We have to show folks that abolition, because not another  like, your baby  this is about safety, making it so that folks are taking care of each other so you're not grieving alone.'

Bartley, seen attending a Bernie Sanders rally, justified property damage as a form of protest and scathed Black people who are 'pro-police' in the resurfaced podcasts

Chicago police officers struggle with a suspected looter in August 2020 as Black Lives Matter riots swept the nation

Bartley also took the opportunity to justify property damage as a response to the BLM riots.

'We get into the streets and burn down f***ing police departments when people pass because like, people have passed, right?' she said.

'On paper, that sounds like folks are this enraged righteously because a life is gone, like because we honor life we blow s**t up because of it.'

Bartley went on to clarify that while, in her opinion, burning down police stations has 'always good' intentions, she advocated for rioters to calm down and 'take a collective breath.'

'We have to be human, even when they're not,' she said.

Three months before joining Johnson's administration, Bartley also raised eyebrows in another podcast appearance in February this year.

Speaking with the 'Through the Portal' podcast, Bartley talked about her efforts to lobby the Chicago City Council to defund the police budget.

'We need to be talking about Defund,'' she said in the podcast.

Bartley has frequently shared her support for defunding the Chicago police department

Bartley joined Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson's (pictured) administration in May, but the escalation of her responsibilities reportedly sparked an internal revolt

Bartley was made the head of external relations in May when the position was created for her, however her role reportedly caused a stir this week as her responsibilities were escalated.

She is now also the head of Mayor Johnson's intergovernmental affairs and works to whip cotes on Chicago's city council, which reportedly led to the resignation of four staffers in protest.

The resurfacing of Bartley's remarks comes at a sensitive time for Mayor Johnson's office, as he works to pass his $1 billion budget through the City Council.

Johnson notably distanced himself from the 'Defund the Police' movement when he ran for mayor, and his office declined to directly address Bartley's past remarks when asked for comment from Fox32 Chicago.

In a statement, Johnson's spokesperson said: 'Kennedy Bartley serves the mayor and will be supporting the mayors vision for comprehensive public safety.

'Under Mayor Johnson the CPD budget has grown, and just last October the Mayor negotiated a two-year extension of the CPD's collective bargaining that doubled scheduled Chicago police raises for this year and next.'

After the remarks emerged, Brian Hopkins, chair of City Councils Public Safety Committee, called on Mayor Johnson to fire Bartley

After the remarks emerged, Brian Hopkins, chair of City Councils Public Safety Committee, called on Johnson to fire Bartley.

'I would call on him to honor (his past dismissal of Defund the Police) and terminate Ms. Bartley immediately,' he said.

'I will do everything in my power to stop this agenda from being advanced during the next three years,' he continued.

'The idea that law-abiding people are best served if we eliminate the police and empower criminals is the definition of social suicide, it is the destruction of our way of life.

'It is a threat to every citizen who tries to live their life without fear of being attacked, robbed, raped or otherwise harmed. And the people who believe in abolition of the police are delusional and dangerous.'
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This video is no longer available

A reporter who was swarmed in heated scenes during a horror anti-war protest outside a weapons expo has spoken of her experience, describing it as 'vile and violent'.

Thousands gathered in the Melbourne CBD on Wednesday morning, a major street was blocked off, riot police were called in and journalists were harassed live on camera.

Protesters clashed with police outside the exhibition, throwing horse manure and rocks, while officers made arrests and swung batons in efforts to subdue tensions.

Channel Seven Sunrise reporter Teegan Dolling was doing a live cross when three masked and unmasked protesters swarmed her, sticking up middle fingers to the camera and bumping Dolling.

One female protester put her hand over the camera lens, Dolling pushed her arm away and what appeared to be private security guarding the reporter stepped in, but the protester managed to put hands on the camera at least one more time.

'That's not on if people are actually mishandling our reporter,' host Natalia Barr said from the studio.

In the hours after the protest, she penned a piece for 7News where she described the protest as 'vile and violent'.

'First there was the stench of OC spray in the air, then came the overwhelming smell of vomit, as protesters threw water balloons filled with sick at police, delegates and media,' Ms Dolling wrote.

Sunrise reporter Teegan Dolling was swarmed at the Melbourne arms exposition rally

Protestors ambushed Ms Dolling as she reported live for Sunrise outside the Land Forces expo

'Ducking for cover as padlocks, apples, chairs and horse manure were hurled towards anyone the activists assume held different views.'

She said Melbourne had once been the most liveable city in the world and has seen many protests, but 'none this vile and violent'.

'The aggression came in waves, as police surged towards the 2000-strong group to remove them from the road, escort members of the public to safety, or to extinguish flames,' she wrote.

Ms Dolling said protesters didn't listen to directions to move and reacted with attacks on police and cruelty towards horses.

Then aggression turned to the media.

Ms Dolling said protestors turned on police and media with excrement and random object

Police tried to move along protestors at the Disrupt Land Forces rally to little avail amid chaos

'A group surrounded our crew live on air, throwing a bottle at the cameraman,' she said.

'Footage from the scene captured the moment I tried to protect my colleague from the relentless abuse, only for the protesters to give rude gestures towards the camera.

'The hostility forced our Sunrise colleagues to cut the feed so we could retreat to a safe place.

'Peaceful activists gave out masks when OC was sprayed, asked if media were okay after copping abuse from ugly demonstrators and offered water, but they were in the minority.'

Chief Commissioner Shane Patton told reporters police were appalled by the behaviour on Wednesday.

'We have always said we are comfortable for people to come and protest peacefully...that wasn't the case today,' he said.

'The type of images that we saw on Spencer Street Bridge today, where protesters lit fires to bins, they were standing there in in full face balaclavas with ski masks on. There was no snow there.

'They only wore those for one reason, to avoid being subject to spray when they came with intent to provoke, to attack, to try and raise the awareness for their cause.'

Chief Commissioner Patton said police were attacked by the protesters.

He said 24 officers had been treated for a range of injuries including sprains, strains, irritants and substances thrown at them requiring decontamination.

Police horses were also targeted.

Ms Dolling recalled smelling balloons filled with vomit as they were thrown toward police

Disrupt Land Forces

'I do say targeted because I'm told a number were punched,' he said.

'The protesters did try and distract the horses, and there was some officers have said they actually had feces thrown at them.

'This is the type of disgusting behavior that we saw today from a group who are intent on confronting us at this stage.'

He said the behaviour was 'appalling' and 39 people have now been arrested and charged.

They have been charged with a variety of offences including assault police, hinder, police, obstruct police, generalized assault, arson and blocking roadways.

'The disappointing thing for us is that they came there clearly, and we knew this from intelligence that's why we planned so well, that they came there with an intent to confront and they did, from my point of view,' he said.

'We will take action, as we have done today.'

Ms Dolling said peaceful protestors enquired to reporters' safety but were among minority

The crowd of thousands of protesters had mostly dispersed by 1pm, and shortly after police released a statement saying demonstrators had been armed with dangerous weapons.

'Some police have been spat at by protesters, whilst other officers have been sprayed with a liquid irritant, some of which has been identified as acid,' Victoria Police said.

'Victoria Police is appalled at the behaviour of some of the protesters in attendance.

'Police are there to ensure the highest level of safety and security throughout the event.

'This morning, those police have been pelted with missiles, including bottles filled with liquid rocks, and horse manure whilst trying to protect the attendees of the Land Forces expo, some of whom were also assaulted by protesters,' a police spokesperson said.

More than 20 people were arrested outside the weapons expo as the demonstration became chaotic.

Protestors blamed 'violent' policing tactics for the violence outside the Land Forces expo

A statement from co-organisers of the rally, Wage Peace, said after a morning of confrontations with authorities, 22 people had been taken into custody.

In the statement, protester Hugh claimed he had been violently detained during the rally.

'I was holding a placard to protest the weapons trade when police threw me to the ground and kneed me several times in the back, causing large bruises,' Hugh said in comments reportedly made from a police cell.

'The degree of police violence we saw today clearly demonstrates how invested our government is in supporting arms dealers at the expense of all life,' he said.

The protesters say they delayed the Land Forces expo VIP breakfast and the opening of the expo through their actions.

Protest co-organisers Wage Peace said 22 people had been detained after the chaotic morning

'None of us are free until all of us are free. The genocide in Gaza, atrocities in West Papua, slavery in Congo, forced starvation in Sudan are all a result of militarism,' protest spokeswoman Caroline Da Silva said.

'Directly acting to prevent harm is in the DNA of all people of conscience. Direct action is a bedrock of democracy' she said.

The organisers say more than 50 groups had come together to protest this week.

Land Forces 'is a one stop genocide shop, where weapons change hands in deals worth billions,' organisers said.

'Immense human suffering and planetary damage result from the deals done at Land Forces.'

Ms Dolling said protestors were violent toward police and cruel towards police horses

More than 25,000 people had been expected to surround the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on Wednesday, rallying against the Land Forces Defence Expo being held inside.

As of late morning, there were still several thousand protesters at various points surrounding the convention centre.

Police struggled to contain the 2000-strong crowd of protestors on Monday morning

Protesters chanted 'Free Palestine' and 'money for houses and education, not for weapons corporations'.

Elsewhere, at least one photographer got hit with pepper spray, and a Daily Mail reporter was struck with police rubber bullets.

Premier Jacinta Allan said there were between 2000 and 3000 protesters outside the convention centre about 10am.

'I say to anyone going down to threaten police, to threaten community safety, (they) will absolutely be dealt with by Victoria Police,' she said.

'Victoria Police members are there doing their job ... they deserve to be treated with respect and dignity.'

The Premier took a shot at state Greens MP Gabrielle de Vietri, who left parliament to attend the protest.

The Victorian premier stood by the force, saying police deserved to be treated with dignity

Anti-war protesters were pepper sprayed and beaten by police as they overran the road

'She has turned her back on her role as representing the community of Richmond. They deserve better than that ... if (she) can't turn up and do her job as an elected member of parliament, she should hand back the keys to her office,' Ms Allan said.

Police had turned out in force to manage the protesters with a 'ring of steel' around the exhibition centre, but when the group began to move from their place outside the building and towards a major intersection, a heated clash broke out between the two.

Anti-war protesters were pepper sprayed and beaten

Shocking footage showed horse manure being picked up by protesters and flung towards mounted police, with other reports suggesting rocks had also been thrown at officers.

Earlier vision showed protesters surrounding a police horse, with one person grabbing its bridle as an officer sat on top of the animal.

Footage shows officers subduing and arresting two protesters and an officer striking a person with his baton.

Today reporter Christine Ahearn, reporting from the scene, was caught up in earlier chaos, with protesters surrounding her and trying to grab her microphone as she crossed live to the Nine studio.

She told host Karl Stefanovic there had been a 'heated clash' between the group, made up of pro-Palestine and Extinction Rebellion activist groups and police.

'We've seen police are actually being pelted with projectiles,' she said.'Some have actually grabbed the reins of the horses, trying to stop them and pull them back. 'And obviously police got out their batons and were actually clashing with protesters trying to stop that.'

Protesters were seen throwing manure at police as footage was broadcast across Australia

Police fired pepper spray towards the huge group in a bid to regain control of the situation, with live footage from the scene showing the crowd back under control about 8.30am.

The reporters and cameras of other media outlets have been pushed, blocked and screamed at during live crosses. The Herald Sun reports seeing a police officer with blood streaming down his face.

Traffic on roads surrounding the expo is backed up, with vehicles stuck at a standstill for 45 minutes in some spots. Police are walking in large groups on highways letting cars drip through the jam.

Melbourne exhibition centre under heavy guard

According to activist group Wage Peace - Disrupt War, the protest group were marching to the back entrance 'to disrupt Land Forces while attendees are going through security checks'.

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.

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.

Hundreds of regional police have been deployed to Melbourne for the event, alongside metro general duties police and specialist officers.

Scheduled to run from September 11-13, the Land Forces expo 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.

Traffic built up around the protest, with drivers becoming stuck around the police 'ring of steel'. Picture: RACV

'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'.

When asked for her thoughts on Sky News on Wednesday morning, deputy Liberal Party leader Sussan Ley said the group should 'get a job'.

'These people need to get a job,' she said.

'They need to actually, it's like rent a crowd every single time we have one of these protests.

'I back our defence industries every single day of the week, and I know that Australians massively, absolutely do so as well.'
Former President Donald Trump is facing backlash online for the two words he used in response to a question during the presidential debate on Tuesday about his questioning rival Kamala Harris' racial identity.

During the high-stakes event, the 78-year-old Republican presidential nominee was asked by moderator David Muir why he believed it was appropriate to weigh in on the racial identity of his opponent.

First, Trump responded 'I don't, and I don't care. I don't care what she is. I don't care.'

He said 'whatever she wants to be is okay with me.' But when Muir clarified that it was Trump's own words that she 'turned black.'

That's when Trump said this: 'I mean all I can say is I read where she was not black - that she put out. And I'll say that. And then I read that she was black, and that's ok.'

His word choice that she 'put out' is raising questions and sparked outrage online.

Former President Donald Trump speaking during the presidential debate in Philadelphia on September 10. During the debate, he was asked about weighing in on the vice president's racial identity. Trump said 'I mean all I can say is I read where she was not black - that she put out'

The two word choice is often used in a vulgar way to suggest a woman is sexually promiscuous.

'He just was a full-on racist and misogynist. He actually said she put out. Are his supporters ok with locker room talk in a Presidential debate. This says so much about him,' wrote Democratic Tennessee state Rep. Gloria Johnson.

'I'm glad moderators are bringing up Trump's quote of Kamala Harris "turning Black" and he, on his own, added "she put out." Wow,' wrote podcast host Wajahat Ali.

'holy s**t -- i missed the moment during the debate where Trump said Harris,' wrote Aaron Rupar on X.

'The fact that he just said I read that she put out My mouth just hit the floor,' posted another user in X.

'Did he say Harris "put out"?! Did I hear that correctly? Just when I think I couldn't be more stunned and disgusted by this man, he digs deeper,' wrote another.

DailyMail.com reached out to the Trump campaign for a response.

The line of questioning by Muir was in response to an answer Trump gave in July in a panel interview before a gathering of black journalists in Chicago.

'She was always of Indian heritage, and she was only promoting Indian heritage. I didnt know she was Black until a number of years ago, when she happened to turn Black, and now she wants to be known as black,' Trump said.

Donald Trump was interviewed by a panel at the National Association of Black Journalists convention in Chicago on July 31 where he attacked the vice president's racial identity, claiming she 'turned black'

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It was in response to a question on whether he agreed with other Republicans that the vice president was a 'DEI hire.'

Trump's 'put out' comment at the debate appeared to be missed in the moment on the debate stage, but it quickly started raising the questions online.

After the ex-president's response, Muir asked Harris for her thoughts on Trump's comments on her racial identity.

'I mean honestly, I think it's a tragedy that we have someone who wants to be president who has consistently over the course of his career attempted to use race to divide the American people,' the vice president responded.
Prince Harry today revealed that his children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet are the 'best gift' he has ever received, as he prepares to celebrate his 40th birthday.

Ahead of the milestone this Sunday, the Duke of Sussex emailed People magazine to reveal the joy he receives from his son and daughter with wife Meghan Markle.

Harry wrote in the email: 'The best gift I've ever been given is, without a doubt, my kids. I enjoy watching them grow every single day, and I love being their dad.'

People - which is known to be close to the Sussexes - also reported that Harry was now 'focused on enjoying life' with his family 'after years of self-reflection'.

In addition, the publication cited his ongoing work through Archewell Foundation projects and the upcoming Netflix documentary Polo, due out in December.

Harry, Meghan, Archie and Lilibet are seen in a Christmas card released on December 23, 2021

Princess Lilibet at Frogmore Cottage in Windsor celebrating her first birthday in June 6, 2022

Harry is set to mark his 40th birthday with Meghan, Archie and Lilibet in a low-key celebration at their 11million mansion in Montecito, California.

People said this would be 'followed by a gathering with close friends internationally', while Hello! reported he would head on a 'weekend getaway' in the mountains with his closest friends.

Harry is also to set to embark on a packed solo trip to New York City later this month to 'advance a number of his patronages and philanthropic initiatives', his team said.

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.

The Duke and Duchess are also planning a third 'quasi-royal tour' before the end of this year with a return to Africa under consideration, according to Hello!.

Harry, Meghan and Archie in Cape Town during their South Africa tour in September 2019

Harry and Meghan with Archie for his first public photograph at Windsor Castle in May 2019

Harry and Meghan received a mostly positive reception on their first two trips this year to Nigeria in May and then Colombia last month.

The couple are said to have been buoyed by the success of the two tours and are now planning a further overseas trip for some point later this year.

Likely destinations are believed to include Lesotho and Botswana, where Harry's charity Sentebale operates. The Duke last visited the countries in 2019.

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.
A mother left her dying 13-year-old daughter watching TV quiz show Tipping Point to go to the pub, an inquiry has heard.

Sharon Goldie, 49, of Kilsyth, Scotland, refused to let her teenage girl Robyn go to hospital and believed she was suffering from a 'stomach bug'.

A fatal accident inquiry at Hamilton Sheriff Court was told Goldie left her watching TV before she went drinking.

When she returned to her home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, Robyn was unresponsive on the couch.

Goldie and her friend, Jim Duffy, sat outside drinking but when he checked on Robyn she was not breathing and rigor mortis had set in.

Robyn Goldie, 13, (left) became unwell at her home in Scotland but rather than get her help, her mother Sharon Goldie (right) went out to the pub

In evidence, Goldie claimed she believed Robyn was 'exaggerating' her symptoms in July 2018 and had left her in the house to go out.

She said: 'I thought she was getting better and didn't need to go to hospital. I told her only people with heart attacks need ambulances and I didn't think it was a hospital job.

'I thought it was a stomach bug and paracetamol and ibuprofen would be what the doctor would give her.'

Medics later discovered Robyn had developed peritonitis and then suffered a perforated duodenal ulcer.

She added: 'I knew she was unwell but didn't think she needed an ambulance.

'I left her watching Tipping Point doubled up on the couch, she liked Tipping Point, and I locked the door behind me and left.'

Goldie was jailed for three years and six months in 2020 after admitting wilful ill treatment and neglect between July 2017 and July 2018.

She admitted failing to provide Robyn with adequate food, clothing or heating, hitting her and permitting her to smoke cannabis and drink alcohol.

Goldie later admitted wilful ill treatment and neglect of her daughter between July 2017 and July 2018 and was jailed for three years and six months in October 2020

She also pled guilty to exposing her to unhygienic living conditions including cat urine and cat faeces which led to her getting fleas.

The inquiry had earlier heard claims Goldie told Robyn not to report an alleged rape as it would lead to her being examined by doctors and having to go to court.

Goldie said Robyn was 'boasting' that she was 'no longer a virgin' in the aftermath of the alleged assault by a 14-year-old boy in a caravan near Bellshill, Lanarkshire.

She said: 'She was boasting about it, it wasn't a complaint but I was having to try and calm myself down because my blood was boiling.

'I told her she would be examined by doctors, have a lot to do with the court and the press would then get involved and it would follow her about all of her life.'

The Lord Advocate, Dorothy Bain KC, ordered the inquiry after ruling the circumstances gave rise to 'serious public concern'.

The probe before Sheriff Linda Nicolson continues.
The grieving mother of a young motorcyclist killed in a crash minutes from home has recalled her final conversation with him and vowed to ensure his death won't be in vain.

Ethan Griffiths, 21, died after colliding with a freight train at a railway crossing in Yenda in southern NSW's Riverina region on September 2.

The apprentice mechanic was a few kilometres from home after a 570km ride from Sydney where he'd been visited his father when tragedy struck.

One week on, Jamie Griffiths is now lobbying for safety upgrades to the crossing that claimed her son's life and appealed for sweeping improvements to rail lines across country NSW.

She received her last text from Ethan three hours before the crash when he stopped for a break in Yass.

He told her he was safe, as he regularly did while making rest stops, he said he'd next update her once he'd made it back to the home, according to 7news.com.au.

'It's a bit windy so ride carefully,' Ms Griffith replied.

She had no idea it would be no idea the last time she would hear from her eldest son.

Ethan Griffiths was killed in a collision between his motorbike and a freight train near his home

He was on the final leg of a long ride home from visiting his father in Sydney when he was killed

The family had faced 'unbearable tragedy and hardship' since Mr Griffiths' death.

'Just last week, my eldest son, Ethan, who was only 21, lost his life in a devastating and 'avoidable' accident when he was hit by a freight train at a hazardous rail crossing just minutes from home,' she wrote in an online appeal for support.

'The crossing had no lights, bells, or gates to warn of oncoming trainssomething that no family should ever have to face.

'Losing Ethan has been the hardest thing I have ever endured, and our lives will never be the same without him.'

Jaime Griffiths last heard from the eldest son Ethan three hours before tragedy struck

She said she would campaign for rail crossing improvements 'in Ethan's honour'.

'No one should have to endure the pain we've gone through, and I am committed to raising awareness and pushing for safety measures like lights, bells, and gates at all hazardous crossings.'

Ms Griffiths said Ethan was a talented apprentice mechanic who 'soaked up knowledge' and had a 'thirst for learning'.

He played a fatherly role to his three younger siblings.

'He was a mentor to them and looked out for them at school and in social situations,' she told 7news.com.au.

'He was a genuine big brother who always put his brothers and sisters first.'

Ethan's mother has vowed to fight for road safety to help prevent future accidents

There are more than 23,000 railway level crossings across Australia, where roads or footpaths intersect train tracks.

Around 80 per cent are classified as passive, meaning they rely solely on stop or give way signs without boom gates or flashing lights to alert road users of approaching trains.

From July 2014 to the end of 2022, Australia recorded 322 collisions at railway crossings, according to a train safety petition submitted to federal parliament in July.

The incidents led to 39 fatalities involving road users and pedestrians, while 49 others sustained serious injuries.

Thousands of additional near-misses were also reported.
Chilling footage captured the moment gunmen from a Sinaloa Cartel faction warned a bus driver and his passengers of the violence that awaited them in Culiacan, the capital of the northwest Mexico state of Sinaloa.

In the video, masked men holding assault rifles are seen boarding the bus and telling those on board to reconsider their travels.

'It's better that you get off because there's a lot of chaos, you know,' one of the gunmen is heard saying.

'You're the boss, man,' the other gunmen is heard saying. 'We're just getting on to tell you.'

The men are then seen stepped off the bus.

A member of a Sinaloa Cartel faction was seen boarding a bus and advising the driver and passengers to reconsider travel to Culiacan, the capital of the northwestern Mexican state of Sinaloa, where cartel infighting left at least two cartel members and a soldier dead

Members of the Mexican National Guard respond at the scene of a confrontation between factions of the Sinaloa Cartel on Monday

The video, recorded on Monday, was a forewarning of the violence spreading across the state capital and other cities amid warring between Sinaloa cartel factions operated by 'Los Chapitos,' led by the sons of the jailed Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman, and Ismael Zambada Sicairos, the son of cartel cofounder Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada, who is now in U.S. custody after he was allegedly turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration in July by El Chapo's son, Joaquin Guzman Lopez, who arranged his voluntary surrender.

Other videos showed gunmen from one of the two factions lined up on the side of road with their weapons out or riding in trucks as gunfire rattled in the background.

A car passenger filmed an alleged cartel fighter being placed under arrest after littering a road with tire spikes.

The cartel factions had remained at relative peace until the early hours of Monday, when a heated argument broke out in conversations held via two-way radios, a source told the news outlet Milenio.

Zambada Sicairos, who is also known as 'El Mayito Flaco,' is said to have called off a truce with El Chapo's sons, Ivan Guzman Salazar and Jesus Guzman Salazar, while his security chief, known as 'El Comanche,' greenlit their henchmen to overtake Culiacan and 'finish Los Chapitos.'

Since then, at least two cartel fighters and a soldier have been killed, multiple businesses have shut down operations, and the Autonomous University of Sinaloa moved all of its classes to a remote setting.

'It's better that you get off because there's a lot of chaos, you know,' one of the gunmen is heard saying

The Mexican military was seen placing an alleged member of two Sinaloa Cartel factions under arrest on Monday after placing tire spikes on a road

'El Comanche' reportedly instructed cartel fighters to hunt down everyone linked to Los Chapitos.

'We were asked not to fight against the government, but to kill anything that smelled like Chapo,' one of Zambada Sicairos' henchmen was heard saying.

The Mexican government deployed 90 special forces soldiers to Sinaloa on Tuesday to back the nearly 500 who were already stationed following El Mayo's arrest.

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said during his daily press briefing Tuesday that the government is 'watching and taking action' to ensure calm.

'It's a confrontation, and I hope it's temporary,' Lopez Obrador said.

Security analysts have predicted that the Sinaloa Cartel would explode in an internal war following El Mayo's arrest on July 25.

El Mayo, who had never been apprehended in the past, has claimed that Los Chapitos kidnapped him and then flew him on a private jet to Texas.

Joaquin Guzman Lopez, one of Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman's sons, self-surrendered to United States authorities on July 25 and in the process allegedly set up Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada, by flying him into El Paso, Texas after El Mayo thought he was going to fly to the Mexico City area to look for property

Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada has claimed that he was set up by Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman's sons and kidnapped from Mexico before he was turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration

One Sinaloa-based security official told Reuters that fighters from the Los Chapitos faction entered areas controlled by Zambada to intimidate them. Some media reports, however, suggested that it was fighters loyal to Zambada who attacked the Los Chapitos faction.

'It is believed that there may be more fighting and that these clashes are between the same two groups,' said America Armenta, an independent Sinaloan journalist in Culiacan.

In the days following the arrest of El Mayo and Joaquin Guzman Lopez, retired DEA agent and Chief of Operation, Ray Donovan, who helped take down El Chapo, told DailyMail.com that Ivan Guzman Salazar would join forces with 'El Mayito Flaco.'

'He's not the type that's gonna be bold and willing to battle and fight for control,' Donovan said of Ivan Guzman Salazar. 'So my belief is that Ivan Guzman is going to consolidate power over the cartel.'
It has been serving customers for over 600 years but the future of the Post Office based within Britain's oldest shop could be in doubt after savage subsidy cuts.

Richard Haining, 57, sub-postmaster at Boxford Stores in Suffolk - which is said to date back as far as 1420 - says he may not be able to afford to continue after he was told by The Post Office that they want to cut his hours to save some 16,200 a year.

And Mr Haining warns that other rural sub-postmasters around the UK could also be affected - as he is understood to be one of nine to learn that so-called 'exceptional payments' made to support their branches are due to be cut or axed completely.

The store's claim to be the country's oldest is based on a finding by historians that the premises were originally used as a warehouse for buying and selling wool as long ago as 1420 - during the reign of Henry V - when East Anglia was becoming rich on this trade.

Richard Haining, 57, sub-postmaster at Boxford Stores in Suffolk says he may not be able to afford to continue after he was told by The Post Office that they want to cut his hours to save some 16,200 a year

The store's claim to be the country's oldest and dates back as far as 1420 when the premises were originally used as a warehouse for buying and selling wool during the reign of Henry V

An archive picture from 1908 shows a horse drawn carriage outside the popular village shop

Over the following centuries the building has continued to be used as commercial premises, variously used as a butchers, grocers, ironmongers and drapers.

Since around the beginning of the 20th Century, it has been a general store and post office - making the current incarnation well over a century old. And the Post Office is a key part of its business.

The subsidies that Mr Haining is concerned over are paid to around 130 postmasters nationally who are judged to run branches of 'high social value' which might otherwise struggle to be viable.

Mr Haining currently receives a payment of 2,700-a-month in return for him being open 50 hours a week in Boxford, Suffolk.

The money is on top of the micro payments which he receives for transactions in his branch.

But Post Office Ltd now wants to cut his allowance in half to 1,350 a month from next January, meaning he will lose 16,200 every year.

In return he will only be expected to open for 30 hours a week in an apparent cost cutting move.

But he has pledged to carry on opening his full hours, so as not to let down customers who depend on him as the nearest post office offering full services like him is five miles away in Hadleigh.

Mr Haining said: 'I will struggle on, and I know my customers will support me. It is difficult for many people to get to Hadleigh if they do not drive as there are so few buses.

'Post offices are closing down all over the place. It is very short-sighted to cut these payments. My customers think it is so unfair.

'It will make my branch less viable for anyone who wants to eventually take it over, meaning it might eventually close. I would never have taken this place on in 2014 without the payments.

'I can't believe this is happening at a time when everyone is being supportive of postmasters.'

Over the following centuries the building has continued to be used as commercial premises, variously used as a butchers, grocers, ironmongers and drapers

Since around the beginning of the 20th Century, it has been a general store and post office - making the current incarnation well over a century old.

Mr Haining said he was told of the move at a time when the reputation of the Post Office was 'on the floor' after 900 sub-postmasters were wrongfully prosecuted due to their faulty Horizon software incorrectly recording shortfalls in their accounts.

He said: 'The Post Office has been trying to improve its image since the Horizon scandal, but this is the wrong way to go about it.

'The buzzword that they are using is that they want to reset their relationship with postmasters. They saying we are the forefront of the business, but then they do this.

'It's not about the money. It's about the moral principle. They are pleading poverty because of their own mistakes.

'The money they are going to save is just a fraction of the sums they will have to pay out in compensation to the sub-postmasters who were wrongly accused of fraud.' Villagers in picture postcard Boxford have pledged to support him.

MailOnline watched yesterday as a constant stream of customers came in to Boxford post office to do their banking, buy stamps or drop off letters and parcels with most of them seeming to know Mr Haining personally.

One customer Theresa Munson said: 'Richard needs to be properly supported by the Post Office. We need our post office here.

'Older people need him here to get their money and pensions. It is outrageous. There is hardly any transport for them to go anywhere else.'

Another woman sending a parcel who asked not to be named, said: 'The post office here is absolutely invaluable to the village.

'Richard is probably the best postmaster we have had. Anything that puts him out of work will be bad for Boxford. Doing the same job for less money seems a really bad idea.'

Violet Shinn, 20, who managed the Box River Cafe and Wine Bar opposite the post office, added: 'Richard is very friendly and seems to know everyone in the village.

The subsidies that Mr Haining is concerned over are paid to around 130 postmasters nationally who are judged to run branches of 'high social value' which might otherwise struggle to be viable

Mr Haining currently receives a payment of 2,700-a-month in return for him being open 50 hours a week in Boxford, Suffolk

'He knows his stuff and is extremely helpful. I have read on Facebook that people are upset about his money being cut. It would be a massive loss if we lost Richard.'

Coincidentally, the village is also home to what is said to be Britain's oldest garage, Riddelsdells, Howard Watts, 68, who owns the garage as well as the 15th century White Hart pub, said: 'Richard is a pillar of the community in Boxford.

'He is a brilliant guy who is always friendly and never in a bad mood. He is always happy to help and can deal with everyone, from youngsters to pensioners.

'If anyone has any problems with bills, he can sort them out. I think that what the Post Office is doing to him is small-minded.

'I would like to see him continuing to get a proper deal. He is always motivated and enthusiastic.' South Suffolk MP James Cartlidge described Mr Haining's treatment as 'absolutely extraordinary', following on from the Horizon scandal.

He added: 'I was absolutely appalled to learn of potential changes to the Post Office rural contract at Boxford which could threaten the viability of the service.

'I know just how passionate sub-postmaster Richard Haining is about serving the village and I will be writing to the Government Post Office Minister, and the Post Office Ltd, to ask for clarity on any contract changes which might see reduced hours of service.'

Mr Haining who used to run a shop in Warrington was originally given the exceptional payment as an 'inducement' to take over his branch ten-years-ago.

The divorced father-of-three operates inside Boxford Stores which is in a building that has operated as a shop since it sold wool and fabric as far back as 1420, making it one of the oldest shops in the UK.

Mr Haining rents a corner of the shop for his post office while the remainder is operated by a shopkeeper who sells groceries.

He said his payment was regularly increased until last year when he was told that it was going to be frozen.

The divorced father-of-three operates inside Boxford Stores which is in a building that has operated as a shop since it sold wool and fabric as far back as 1420, making it one of the oldest shops in the UK

Mr Haining who used to run a shop in Warrington was originally given the exceptional payment as an 'inducement' to take over his branch ten-years-ago

MailOnline watched yesterday as a constant stream of customers came in to Boxford post office to do their banking, buy stamps or drop off letters and parcels

Last month he was shocked to receive a phone call, saying that his monthly payments were going to be halved from January.

A Post Office Ltd executive followed up the call with an email telling him that Post Office Ltd had to use its 'limited funding to maximise customers' access to Post Office products and services'.

The email, seen by MailOnline, added: 'Consequently, our reviews examine the network at a very detailed, local level and inform our plans for the network so that it remains sustainable for customers and Postmasters.

'As a result of this process, we have identified that changes are required to how we allocate some of our funding if we are to maintain a strong, agile network in this challenging economic climate.

'Therefore, we have decided that from January 2025 we will no longer be able to provide you with the exceptional payment you currently receive.

'We will be reducing your exceptional payment by half and to reflect this reduction we have modelled the branch as requiring 30 opening hours per week.

'We appreciate that this will be a significant change for you. That is why we are providing you with as much notice as possible, so that you can accommodate any changes you may want to make to your business plans, as a result.'

Mr Haining rents a corner of the shop for his post office while the remainder is operated by a shopkeeper who sells groceries

Mr Haining has since been told that nothing will happen until after an internal review of the Post Office Ltd's financial position.

He dismissed the explanation for his proposed cut as 'corporate spiel' and now hopes to have the issue of cuts to exceptional payments brought up in the latest stage of the inquiry into the Horizon scandal which is due to start later this month.

A Post Office Ltd spokesperson said: 'Postmasters can apply to receive exceptional payments to help support the viability of their branch and around 130 of our 11,500 Post Office branches currently receive these payments.

'Post Office regularly reviews provision across the network to ensure it is using its limited resources to continue to provide a stable network of Post Offices for communities throughout the UK.

'But we are not planning any changes until a strategic review into the Post Office is completed later this Autumn.'
A bereaved mother has told the Covid Inquiry that she had to wear full PPE as her baby son died in her arms hours after he was born during the pandemic.

Catherine Todd said she did not feel safe in hospital in Northern Ireland after contracting Covid while pregnant.

Her beloved baby Ziggy was born around 12 weeks prematurely in July 2021 via an emergency C-section at the Ulster Hospital in Belfast.

The bereaved mother told the Covid inquiry how she was dressed in full PPE as Ziggy died in her arms on July 21, 2021.

Ms Todd, a member of the Northern Ireland Covid Bereaved Families for Justice group, gave evidence during module three of the inquiry, chaired by Baroness Heather Hallett, which is investigating the impact of the pandemic on healthcare systems across the UK.

Catherine Todd (pictured) is a member of the Northern Ireland Covid Bereaved Families for Justice group. She gave evidence as part of the Covid 19 inquiry today

Baroness Heather Hallett (pictured) chairs during three of the inquiry which is investigating the impact of the pandemic on healthcare systems across the UK

The inquiry was told that Ms Todd was approaching 28 weeks pregnant when she contracted Covid during that month.

She was told to isolate at home which led to the cancellation of a routine pregnancy scan.

Ms Todd said she later began to feel unwell and was concerned that her unborn baby was not moving.

She said she called the hospital maternity unit several times and was told to take paracetamol, lie on her side and take a fizzy drink.

She told the inquiry: 'They told me they wouldn't bring me in at the time because they wanted to reduce the risk of spread of Covid.'

Ms Todd said she believed she would have been seen earlier if she did not have Covid.

After her condition worsened, she phoned her GP who told her to attend the hospital's accident and emergency department.

She told the inquiry that after waiting in A&E for 10 hours, she was moved to the maternity section and an emergency section was carried out amid concerns about a lack of amniotic fluid around the baby.

She said her partner TJ was not allowed to visit her at this time.

When her son Ziggy was born he was taken to the neonatal intensive care unit and placed in an incubator overnight, the inquiry was told.

Counsel to the inquiry Nick Scott asked: 'Do you think the fact that you were Covid-positive had anything to do with the amount of information you were given about Ziggy's condition overnight?'

She said: 'Yes, I think they were trying not to come in and out of the room as much as they would have if I wasn't Covid-positive.'

After her condition worsened, Catherine phoned her GP who told her to attend the hospital's accident and emergency department (Stock Image)

Ms Todd said she and her partner were brought to see Ziggy the following morning, believing that his condition was improving.

She said: 'They took everything off and handed Ziggy over to me and then they just left the room and then he passed away and they didn't come back for about two hours.'

Mr Scott said: 'Was that the first time you had been with Ziggy since he was born?'

She replied: 'Yes.'

He added: 'Were you having to wear full PPE when you were with him?'

She said: 'Yes. We had hairnets, masks, a visor, gloves and shoe coverings.

'I thought that was unnecessary. At the time they knew how unwell he was. I am a bit confused why we were in full PPE.'

Asked about the impact of having to wear the protective gear, Ms Todd said: 'All of our photos we have with him are in full PPE.'

Following Ziggy's death, his body was taken to a hospital in Liverpool for a post-mortem examination.

Ms Todd told the inquiry that for two days before Ziggy's body arrived at Alder Hey Hospital in Liverpool, she did not know where his remains were.

Mr Scott asked: 'When you look back on all of your experiences in July 2021, do you think there were enough staff to treat you at that time?'

She said: 'No.'

He said: 'Do you think the staff knew how to treat a pregnant woman with Covid back in 2021?

She replied: 'No.'

A nurse stands in full PPE at a Covid-19 testing site in March 2020 during the pandemic

He said: 'Did you feel safe as a pregnant lady in Northern Ireland?'

She said: 'Not at all, no.'

Referring to the fact that Ms Todd is pregnant again, the barrister asked her if she felt safe as a pregnant lady in Northern Ireland now.

She replied: 'No.'
Father, 58, died at the scene west of Grafton

The police officer who died while taking part in a memorial motorcycle ride in honour of his fallen colleagues has been identified as a respected senior sergeant.

Gold Coast officer Brendan Wiblen, 58, died during a crash during the Wall to Wall Ride for Remembrance near Glen Innes in northern NSW on Wednesday.

Hundreds of riders taking part in the annual event honouring police officers who have been killed in the line of duty left Brisbane earlier in the day.

Members of the public performed CPR on Sergeant Giblen before paramedics arrived on the scene but the 58-year-old could not be saved.

Liberal candidate for the Gold Coast state seat of Gaven, Bianca Stone, led the tributes for much-loved senior officer.

'He was a great bloke, always up for a chat and a laugh. My heart goes out to his loved ones and the entire police family,' she posted on Wednesday night.

Sergeant Wiblen's police family also shared their shock at the news.

'I cannot believe it. Complete and utter shock. I am so saddened with the news. I am so saddened with the news,' one officer wrote online.

Gold Coast officer Brendan Wiblen (pictured) died during a crash during the Wall 2 Wall Ride for Remembrance near Glen Innes in northern NSW on Wednesday

The 58-year-old would regularly appear on Australian television screens to give updates on incidents across the Gold Coast area (pictured)

Earlier on Wednesday, a group of Queensland Police motorcyclists and supporters gathered at the Police Memorial in Brisbane to begin their journey to to Canberra.

Riders accepted the symbolic Commissioner's baton from Commissioner Steve Gollschewski, which they will carry for the length of their journey.

Riders accepted the symbolic Commissioner's baton from Commissioner Steve Gollschewski, which they will carry for the length of their journey.

The baton containing a scroll with the names of any Queensland officers who lost their lives in the previous calendar year.

No officers have been killed while on duty in the past year.

Commissioner Gollschewski said Sergeant Giblen's death was a heartbreaking loss.

'The service stands in solidarity with Brendan's family, friends and colleagues to provide support during this time of grief,' he said.

'It is absolutely devastating that Brendan lost his life during an event honouring our fallen members.

'This is a heartbreaking loss for our entire service, particularly for Brendan's colleagues on the Gold Coast, who worked closely with him day in and day out. His passing will have a significant impact on officers who not only valued his leadership but also considered him as a dear friend.'

Members of the public performed CPR on Sergeant Giblen (pictured far left) before paramedics arrived but the 58-year-old could not be saved and died at the scene

The Wall to Wall Ride for Remembrance began in Brisbane on Wednesday and will end in Canberra on Saturday where a memorial service will be held

Queensland Premier Steven Miles also paid tribute to Sergeant Giblen.

'Devastated to hear an off-duty Queensland police officer has died during the Wall to Wall memorial ride near Glen Innes,' Mr Miles posted on X.

'My deepest condolences to family, friends and all members of the Qld Police Service. Our thoughts are with you at this tough time.'

More than 3,000 riders from across Australia will converge in Canberra ahead of a memorial service to be held in the nation's capital on Saturday.

The annual ride is in lead up to National Police Remembrance Day on September 29.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Queensland and NSW Police for further comment.
As Congress hurdles towards yet another government funding deadline, Speaker Mike Johnson thought a funding bill with a conservative voting law attached could fix it.

Just 19 days remain before government funding runs out and the organs of the federal body begin to shut down - and Republican leaders are now trying to piece together a plan to keep the lights on and doors open.

Johnson's proposal to do just that was released last Friday and drew the attention of party leader Donald Trump, who yesterday suggested that if the GOP legislation is not affixed, then the speaker should entertain shutting down the government.

So Johnson decided not to put the government funding bill up for a vote today, indicating that his conference needs to hash out the details as the clock ticks down and Trump watches keenly their every move.

Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America: Speaker of the US House of Representatives Mike Johnson (Republican of Louisiana) is seen during press conference with House Republican Leadership in the Capitol Building, in Washington DC on Tuesday, September 10, 2024. Johnson scrapped his plan to hold a critical vote on Wednesday

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Many Republicans are worried that a shutdown could negatively impact their reelection odds come November, but the party boss Donald seems adamant that Congress heads in that direction.

Trump is demanding the SAVE Act, which restricts illegal immigrants from registering to vote, gets passed ahead of his contest against Vice President Kamala Harris.

Mostly all Republicans are on board with the strategy, though some have taken issue with the levels of spending contained in the legislation.

With the margin between Democrats and Republicans so narrow in the House, Johnson can only afford to lose four GOP votes to the Democrats, the speaker seemingly decided the vote was too risky of a move.

'No vote today, because we're in the consensus building business here in Congress with small majorities,' Johnson said Wednesday.

Johnson is in a difficult position managing the wishes of Donald Trump and those of his party

Congress needs to pass a government funding bill before October 1 or the federal system will begin shutting down

On Tuesday he indicated the only path forward to fund the government was to use his proposal with the attached SAVE Act.

His mind had been changed over the ensuing day as he spoke to his members and advisors.

'That's what you do. That's what I've been doing since I became speaker. We're having thoughtful conversations and family conversations within the Republican conference, and I believe we'll get there.'

'So people have concerns about all sorts of things. That's how the process works, and sometimes it takes a little more time,' Johnson continued.

Trump directly called on Republicans in Congress to not go forward with funding the government should the SAVE Act not be attached on Tuesday.

'If Republicans in the House, and Senate, Don't get absolute assurances on election security, they should, in no way, shape, or form, go forward with a continuing resolution on the budget.'

'The Democrats are trying to 'stuff' voter registrations with illegal aliens. Don't let it happen - close it down!' his post continued.

Trump has suggested Johnson let federal funding expire if the SAVE Act is not passed

Currently, 220 of the 435 members in the House of Representatives are Republicans while there are 211 Democrats. There are four vacancies.

Johnson can only afford to lose four votes from his Republican party to pass the bill.

And one of those members told DailyMail.com 'Hell no' he is not backing the speaker's funding plan.

'I'm voting Hell No on the 'Continuing Appropriations and Other Matter Act' this week,' Kentucky Republican Rep. Thomas Massie said in a statement to DailyMail.com on Monday.

'I don't care which bright shiny object is attached to it, or which fake fight we start and won't finish.'

'Congress is spending our country into oblivion, and this bill doesn't cut spending,' he concluded - cementing his position against the bill over it not addressing the explosive growth of the $35 trillion U.S. national debt.

Rep. Joe Wilson, R-S.C., was hospitalized on Tuesday and his timetable to returning to Capitol Hill remains up in the air - adding a layer of complexity to Johnson's funding plans

And shockingly one GOP member, Rep. Joe Wilson, R-S.C., was suddenly hospitalized Tuesday evening after experiencing 'stroke-like symptoms.'

It is unclear when Wilson will be able to return to vote.

Additionally, a handful of other Republican members publicly made clear they would not back the funding plan in its current form.

The clock is ticking, and Johnson and his Republican leadership team have lots of work to do and people to please.
A respected anti-knife campaigner working with Sir Keir Starmer and actor Idris Elba to tackle violent crime has won damages from the Met Police after claiming he was strip searched by officers 'on a power trip.'

Faron Paul, 38, from London, received 9,000 after enduring a cavity search by six white male officers at Charing Cross police station in October 2021.

He and his partner, who was also strip searched, had earlier been arrested during a traffic stop.

Details of the payout emerged just days after the campaigner visited Downing Street to attend the first meeting of a coalition to tackle knife crime.

The Prime Minister organised the meeting, which was also attended by bereaved families of stabbing victims, tech companies, sporting organisations, the health service and the police.

Respected anti-knife campaigner Faron Paul has won damages from the Met Police after claiming he was strip searched by officers 'on a power trip' in October 2021. Pictured: Mr Faron with weapons handed to his knife amnesty

Details of the payout emerged just days after Faron Paul (right) was seen walking with actor Idris Elba (second from left) and anti-knife crime campaigners for a special knife summit held at Downing Street on Monday

Mr Paul (left) had been invited to the summit as a leading campaigner, having set up a knife amnesty scheme in London called Faz Amnesty. Pictured: Mr Paul with actor Idris Elba

Sir Keir said he was keen to prevent young people turning to violence and will hold annual meetings to work towards reducing knife crime in England and Wales.

Mr Paul had been invited to the summit as a leading campaigner, having set up a knife amnesty scheme in London called Faz Amnesty.

He became more involved in finding solutions to the problem after being stabbed 18 times on two separate occasions.

Mr Paul previously revealed he was stabbed nine times in 2000 and again in 2006.

Speaking about his strip search experience, Mr Paul - who said he received a payout but not an apology - claims he fell victim to racial profiling.

He told The Independent: 'It upsets me because the officers knew exactly who I was and the work that I do in the community.

'Yet they chose to take advantage of and racially profile me, then made malicious allegations against me, that I had to fight against to prove that they were the aggressors in the situation that they tried to make me liable for.'

Mr Paul added that he believes police racial profiling and strip searches have become 'normalised'.

He said: 'Now I know that what they did was wrong and it'll never happen to me again, or any of my family or friends  and if it does, I'll hold the police accountable again.'

In a statement provided to MailOnline, the Met Police said new policy guidance around strip searches had been introduced since the incident.

The statement said: 'A civil claim was settled in May 2024 without admission of liability.

The actor arrived at Downing Street on Monday to discuss solutions, as official figures show that knife crime rose by 7 per cent in the year to December 2023

'The claim relates to a matter in October 2021 where a 36-year-old man was charged with criminal damage, assault on police and using threatening or abusive words or behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress (public order offence).

'The man was later convicted of the public order offence and criminal damage.

'The charge re assault on police was dismissed at court.

'Part of the claim related to a strip search in custody.

'Improving how we carry out strip searches is a key focus for the Met with new policy and guidance introduced in May 2022.'

Official figures show that knife crime rose by 7 per cent in the year to December 2023.

Meanwhile, black adults in London are nearly four times more likely than white adults to be strip-searched by police.

For young people, the latest research indicates black children across the two nations were four times more likely to be searched compared with national population figures.

Between 2018 and 2022 they were six times more likely to be searched.

Speaking this week to Channel 4 about his campaigning work, Mr Paul said: 'Far too many times, the sense of a lot of the things that I feel when I get a message from a young person or a parent is fear and confusion.

'I only recently, I was messaged by a 14-year-old boy that showed me grievous injuries of where he'd been stabbed with a Rambo knife, and it's left him with his arm being paralysed, and in the same instant  his mother was stabbed too.

'And it's just like they go through that  and they are now living with fear.'

Mr Paul has openly spoken about his stabbing experiences and in 2018 appeared on Good Morning Britain.

Describing himself as a 'daddy by day and vigilante by night', he said: 'I've been stabbed nine times twice.

'The first one weren't so bad, but the second one I had 40 per cent blood loss, I was in a coma, there was muscle wastage.

Stabbed 18 times: Mr Paul previously revealed he was stabbed nine times each in 2000 and again in 2006

'I had to learn how to tie my shoelaces again. I nearly got killed.'

In a separate interview with Sky News he said: 'Everybody wants to know why I do this. I do it because I have kids and I want them to live long and happy lives.

'It's dangerous work so I try to protect myself with a stab-proof vest and I normally have a friend and my dog with me, too. But you never know.

'But every time I take a knife off the street I am probably saving a life and stopping someone from going to jail.

'To me that is worth the risk. I'm trying to help build a better future for the next generation and a situation where local communities don't need to live in fear.'

Mr Paul's next goal is to develop a smart knife bin to encourage young people to turn in their weapons and has so far raised more than 26,000 of a 50,000 target on GoFundMe.
Resurfaced footage has revealed how North Korean girls get publicly humiliated and punished for watching South Korean media.

The tape shows a public shaming session in a large auditorium, where scores of young North Koreans are lined up in front of military men and berated for their 'crimes.'

One young girl, identified only as Choi, was seen weeping as she was dragged in front of the crowd.

According to a translation by KBS Media, which obtained the footage, she said: 'I made the mistake of listening to and distributing impure published propaganda.'

She is then led away in handcuffs.

The tape shows a public shaming session in a large auditorium, where scores of young North Koreans are lined up in front of military men and berated for their 'crimes'

Kim Jong Un's (pictured) government has had an iron grip on information coming in and out of North Korea for decades

One young girl, identified only as Choi, was seen weeping as she was dragged in front of the crowd

She said: 'I made the mistake of listening to and distributing impure published propaganda'

Kim Jong Un's government has had an iron grip on information coming in and out of North Korea for decades, expressly forbidding its citizens from consuming foreign news, music, films, and TV.

Anyone caught violating the severe restrictions can face serious consequences, including imprisonment and even death.

In 2023, South Korea's Unification ministry reported that defectors witnessed public executions of young adults who watched K-dramas and listened to K-pop.

Despite this, ongoing efforts to combat North Korea's control over its population have been ongoing.

Flash Drives For Freedom, a charity that sends over USB sticks filled with Western and South Korean media, as well as interviews with defectors and Korean-language Wikipedia pages, claims to have sent over 136,686 USB sticks filled with anti-propaganda material.

According to its website: 'The drives are smuggled into the country using many different methods.

'A healthy black market distributes the drives throughout North Korea. The majority of North Koreans have access to devices that can read USB drives, SD cards, and microSD cards, using an adapter.'
A little girl whose life was saved by her mum who died pushing her pram out of the path of a lorry has started school for the first time today.

Autumn Tuczemskyi, now four, was saved by Rebecca Ableman, 30, as a lorry carrying a crane hit the young mother while they were on their way to the local shop.

Rebecca was seriously injured when she was struck on September 22, 2022 in Willingham, Cambridgeshire and died three weeks later.

Autumn, who was two at the time of the incident in which her mum saved her life, has now had her first day at Willingham Primary School.

Dad Chris Tuczemskyi, 36, said that life without Rebecca, also known as Becky, is still hard with school an important milestone.

Autumn Tuczemskyi, now four, was saved by Rebecca Ableman (right), 30, as a lorry carrying a crane hit the young mother while they were on their way to the local shop

Dad Chris Tuczemskyi, 36, said that life without Rebecca, also known as Becky, is still hard with school an important milestone

He said: 'Two years on, it is still hard. School is another big moment we have to contend with, as well as birthdays whether its Autumn's or Becky's.

'But in all these hard moments, the tough parts will pass.

'Autumn does miss her mum quite a bit - especially when she gets sad she'll ask for 'mummy hugs' but we try and incorporate Becky into our lives.

'Becky loved Taylor Swift so I play it every now and then so Autumn can have that connection. She can learn more about who mummy was.

'Autumn is obsessed with unicorns and horses - my parents take her horse riding every few weeks and she's already asked for her own horse.

'We're a few years off that yet.'

A man, 67, was arrested and released on bail for causing serious injury by dangerous driving and failing to stop at the scene of an accident.

A trial is due to start in April 2025.

Chris, from Willingham, Cambs, said that he didn't know how to continue after Becky's death and became 'lost'.

He said: 'When it first happened, I was a bit of a mess when I found out and when I got back into the country, I was like a zombie.

'When Becky did pass away, I was numb to everything and then I became lost. I didn't know how it wasn't me rather than her.

'I didn't know how to continue and I didn't want to. But I had Autumn to think about.'

Chris, from Willingham, Cambs, said that he didn't know how to continue after Becky's death and became 'lost'

Chris, who works in marketing, said he had six sessions of counselling but felt it didn't help talking to someone who didn't understand what he'd been through.

Chris, who works in marketing, said he had six sessions of counselling but felt it didn't help talking to someone who didn't understand what he'd been through.

He said: 'I wasn't sure what I was supposed to do with it and it didn't help. The last session finished within half an hour as I didn't have a lot to say.

'I just felt like I was repeating myself.'

After some urging from a friend, Chris reached out to StrongMen, a bereavement charity for men.

He said: 'I figured I owed Autumn something to try and get me back into a better headspace.

'I was put in touch with a man named Ben and I got chatting with him. He explained a couple of years before he lost his wife and he was left with a three year old.

'He had been in the same position as me. We got talking and he explained how he felt at the time and it all married up to how I was feeling then.

'It was validation that I wasn't feeling crazy and I knew not to be guilty for having those kinds of thoughts.

Chris decided to sign up for a charity hike up Kilimanjaro with the StrongMen who are raising funds to support even more bereaved men

Chris said stigma around men's mental health means it can feel 'alien' when something traumatic happens which means you need to confront how you're feeling

'We chatted every week for a good few months and we still talk now.

'In my mind I was thinking all my focus needs to be on Autumn to make sure she isn't affected.

'But I realised that if I wasn't happy then she might pick up on that. You start to realise you're not alone on this journey.'

Chris said stigma around men's mental health means it can feel 'alien' when something traumatic happens which means you need to confront how you're feeling.

He explained: 'I was brought up with this 'men don't really cry' mentality and I always tried to be like that with Becky, the strong and supportive one.

'I always buried my feelings down which worked at the time but when this happened, that pressure breaks you.

'Needing to be able to process and feel all of these emotions - it felt alien.'

Chris decided to sign up for a charity hike up Kilimanjaro with the StrongMen who are raising funds to support even more bereaved men.

20 volunteers will be hiking up the highest single free-standing mountain above sea level in the world in October, hoping to raise 40k.

Chris said: 'I went on a hike up Snowdon with the StrongMen and it highlighted the need for me to get out about more.

'What happened will affect me for the rest of my life but that is one of the main reasons I'm doing the hike.

'I want to challenge and push myself but I also want to raise awareness for other people out there and for them to know there are others going through this too.'
An American base jumper has plunged 3,000 feet to his death from a 'cursed' Italian mountain where others have perished before.

It is thought that David Kimball, 33, fell after his parachute failed to open properly.

He jumped off the treacherous Piani dei Resinelli mountains above Abbadia Lariana, Lombardy on Tuesday.

He was found dead in the wooded area below the launch area shortly after the jump at 1.30pm, local outlet Il Giorno reports.

Police, fire crews and mountain rescue teams raced to the remote scene.

An American base jumper has plunged 3,000 feet to his death from the Piani dei Resinelli mountains above Abbadia Lariana, Lombardy. Pictured: A stock image of a base jumper

They have been investigating exactly what happened since.

It comes after Alessandro Fiorito, from Gallarate, died in the same spot after his wing suit experienced a technical problem and he plummeted 300 feet to his death.

The 62-year-old attempted was sent spiraling to the ground and attempted to release his parachute but was too late to do so.

Meanwhile, Italian father Ludovico Vanoli, 41, also lost his life in a wingsuit accident.

The experienced base jumper Montichiari, Brescia, died during a jump in the Dolomites.

Just days before that, Raian Kamel, 36, was killed after jumping from Piz da Lech in Val Badia.

A British base also became the fourth person to die this summer while leaping from a cliff edge in the Italian Dolomites.

It is thought that David Kimball, 33, fell after his parachute failed to open properly

The victim, 33, was fatally injured after he leapt from the mountain side wearing a wing suit.

Two others who had jumped ahead of him - a Frenchman and a German - raised the alarm after he failed to join them at the scheduled landing site.

DailyMail.com has contacted the US Embassy in Italy and the US State Department for comment.
Neighbours have told how the sudden collapse of two homes under renovation in a leafy London suburb left behind a scene 'like a disaster movie'.

In the latest twist in a long-running planning battle, residents were forced to evacuate their homes amid fears of a gas explosion after the Victorian semi-detached houses were reduced to rubble within seconds.

Disaster struck while builders were constructing a new 'super basement' at the 2.2 million homes in Richmond, south-west London.

Residents insisted it was 'a miracle' nobody was killed as bricks and flying debris came hurtling through hoardings before crashing down onto the pavement leaving behind from a huge pile of masonry.

The scenes of devastation came after years of complaints about the works which are part of a larger development of the site.

Workers attended the scene today to ensure all electrical sources were safe after the collapse

The incident took place while the houses were believed to be under renovation in Richmond

Police officers, firefighters and paramedics arrived on Lower Mortlake Road after the homes turned into rubble on Tuesday

Police, fire and ambulance crews raced to the scene after the building on Lower Mortlake Road collapsed at around 3pm yesterday.

Describing the drama which unfolded, accountant Martin Perry, 53, said: 'I heard this horrendous noise. The next moment there was this massive cloud of dust which started travelling towards me. I went downstairs to close all the windows.

'The scene was absolutely horrendous. When I came out I just couldn't believe it.

'They were renovating the houses and the whole thing came crashing down.

'There were hoardings blocking off the site and a wall behind it. The whole lot came down across the pavement with all the brickwork on top.

'If anyone had been walking along there they could have been killed. It's a miracle nobody was seriously hurt.

'I was going to go out but I got delayed - otherwise I could have been underneath that lot.

'If it had happened half an hour later all the schoolchildren who come to wait at the bus stop a few yards away would have been walking past. It doesn't bear thinking about what could have happened.

'We live on a busy road and the dust was like a heavy fog. It was drifting across the road so the people driving along suddenly couldn't see anything. It's amazing there wasn't a serious accident.

'The traffic was jammed up then the police arrived and the fire crews. The police were saying that there was a smell of gas - anything could have happened.

Mr Perry, who has lived in the road for 15 years, told how he was one of a number of neighbours who had objected to the development of the site.

Neighbour Lauren Ambrose, 39, said of the drama: 'One minute there was a house there and the next it was just rubble. It looked like a disaster zone'

Residents were evacuated from nearby homes as emergency services probed a possible gas leak after the collapse

The houses on Lower Mortlake Road in Richmond have all but completely disappeared into piles of rubble

As well as the basement work plans have been approved for a huge building and basement to be constructed alongside the wrecked properties to house 14 new residential flats and studios.

Mr Perry said he believed the plan was to turn the building into a hostel or accommodation for asylum seekers.

He said: 'This was a disaster waiting to happen.

'They have been digging out the basements for the two houses that were there. They had cleared out the houses so that they were basically just shells.

'They removed all the floorboards and the plaster as well. It didn't look safe what they were doing. You could see the roof was beginning to sag.

'What they have done here is absolutely disgraceful.

'I'm so annoyed about this. This has been a long running battle. These old buildings were built in 1880 and were not built to withstand major alterations.

'There were two planning applications put in which were rejected before a third one was approved.

'I spoke to a local councillor who said if they had turned down the application a third time the owner would have gone to an appeal and it would have cost the council a lot of money because the general planning policy now is to allow basements.

'The last application was for a basement and for 14 studio flats to be built. They were going to add another L-shaped building.

'These properties had been used as houses of multiple occupation for some time.

The properties have been the subject of planning battles for some years

Locals reported the properties affected were undergoing a basement refurbishment before they suddenly crashed into rubble just before 3pm

'They wanted the basement for the kitchens and other facilities. I suspect they wanted to build a hotel for asylum seekers.'

Another neighbour Lauren Ambrose, 39, said of the drama: 'One minute there was a house there and the next it was just rubble. It looked like a disaster zone.

'I heard a big bang - it sounded like there had been an explosion or a car accident. I knew something bad had happened.

'I came out to investigate. There was this huge cloud of dust. Then I saw the whole place had come crashing down.

'The police sealed off the area. I was told to leave my house. They were evacuating people from their homes because they were worried about the gas leak.

'Everyone was worried. Nobody knew what was going on for a while. People were told not to go back into their houses. It was 7pm before they said that it was safe for people to return home.

'There was a four hour period when they were concerned that there could be an explosion.'

Lauren, who works in business development, said of the construction work: 'Everyone was pretty disappointed that they were putting so many apartments in here when there is not much space.'

Locals told how the two wrecked homes had previously been used as multiple occupancy houses while former owners had used the rest of the site as a builders yard before a car wash operated from there.

Richmond is one of the capital's most exclusive areas and is home to celebrities including Sir David Attenborough.

The basements of the properties had been being excavated as part of a development

Firefighters rushed to the scene of the collapse in south-west London yesterday

The site was bought for 2.2 million in September 2018 by a company whose directors included a millionaire property investor who had previously been handed one of the UK's biggest ever fines for unlawful renovations while building a basement extension.

Maurice Lawee, 69, was fined 45,000 by magistrates in 2015 and ordered to pay 14,000 legal fees after illegally building two conservatories at his historic 4 million home in Hampstead Garden Suburb, north London.

He was accused of doing 'irreversible damage' to the Grade II-listed six-bedroomed mansion.

In January 2015, Mr Lawee was ordered to pull down the extensions after being handed the whopping fine which at the time was the third largest issued by magistrates in England.

Willesden magistrates heard Mr Lawee began the building works under the premise of creating an 'iceberg-home'-style basement extension.

Barnet Council granted him permission to build the basement extension with the installation of a lift, and a garage conversion.

But he ignored repeated pleas from the local council to stop the unauthorised work at his mock Tudor home which he bought for 3.7 million in 2008.

As well as the conservatories, Mr Lawee, who admitted four offences of carrying out unauthorised works, knocked out chimney breasts, the original staircase, alcoves, and doors and damaged historic brickwork at the property which lies within a Conservation Area.

Mr Lawee was one of three directors of Westlake Property Limited when it was incorporated in July 2018 - two months before the collapsed properties were bought.

He resigned the following month on the same day Sandra Lawee, 24, was appointed as a new director.

A third director, hedge fund manager Mayad Rassam, 43, was appointed director in March 2019.

Ms Lawee and Mr Rassam are currently listed at Companies House as being the business' two active directors.

The remains of the homes which collapsed just before 3pm yesterday

HSE and Fire brigade officials investigate the remains of 47-49 Lower Mortlake Road

One neighbour who lives near the collapsed property told MailOnline how they had raised concerns with the council after renovations led to cracks appearing in the plasterwork at their home.

The neighbour, who asked not to be named, said: 'I notified Richmond Council last week as we noticed some movement in the area. I realised there was a problem when a number of cracks appeared in my plasterwork.

'The council said there was nothing they could do. Normally it's building control who manage sites but because it's a large site classed as a major development they were allowed to take on independent building control people.

'It all came crashing down yesterday afternoon.

'There were two large houses which had been used for years as multiple occupancy.

'On the same site there was a builders yard which then became a car wash which was rented out.

'The previous owners had tried numerous times to get planning permission for two extra houses but they did not succeed.

'The owners then sold the site. The new owners managed to get planning permission and about a year ago they started working on it.

'They have gone way, way down underneath. The work going on underneath the building has been huge.

'The whole footprint of the properties is a basement conversion. It's basically a basement conversion gone wrong.

The scene of devastation on Lower Mortlake Road

'They haven't started work on the new property they have permission for. They had apparently almost completed the digging out after work that has been ongoing for a year.

'It's caused us huge problems. We don't know who the owners are - they're not very receptive at all.

'They were putting in yoga rooms, kitchens and plant rooms in the basement. They are supposed to be building flats for young people.

'We'll have to get the cracks investigated further. We are awaiting for the outcome of the Health and Safety investigation.

'Potentially we will have to get them to fix our cracks.'

A spokesman for the London Fire Brigade said: 'Firefighters were called to reports of a building collapse on Lower Mortlake Road in Richmond.

'Most of two terraced houses under renovation collapsed. There are currently no reports of any injuries.

'The Brigade was called at 1456 and the incident was over for firefighters at 1711. Two fire engines and a Fire Rescue Unit from Richmond, Acton and Heston fire stations attended the scene.'

A HSE spokesman said: 'We are aware of this incident and making inquiries.'

A London Ambulance Service spokesman said: 'We were called at 3.01pm yesterday (10 September) to reports of a building collapse in Lower Mortlake Road, Richmond.

'We sent an ambulance crew, an incident response officer and members of our Hazardous Area Response Team to the scene.

'Fortunately no one was injured.'

MailOnline has attempted to contact the company for comment.
US to sanctions Russian, Iranian individuals & entities later on Tuesday

Washington, Sep 10 (UNI) The United States will impose sanctions on Russian and Iranian individuals and entities allegedly involved in the delivery of weapons and components for drones and ballistic missiles, White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby said on Tuesday.

We and our allies are  going to be designating individuals and entities in Iran and Russia that are involved in the actual delivery of weapons components and weapons systems, including UAVs, and again, these close-range ballistic missiles, Kirby said during a virtual press conference.

Earlier on Tuesday US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the US would impose new sanctions on Iran after Washington confirmed reports that Russia had received shipments of ballistic missiles from the Islamic Republic.
Two schoolboys from Noyabrsk have been accused of blowing up a 1 million helicopter, causing severe damage and leading to their arrest.

Russian law enforcement alleges that Timur, 13, and Sasha, 14, were behind the act of sabotage, which left the Mi-8T helicopter 'almost completely wrecked' in a fiery explosion.

The boys reportedly used lit cigarettes and liquid fuel to ignite the helicopter, which is regularly used to service vital oil and gas infrastructure in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Region of Siberia.

According to reports by media outlet BAZA, which has close ties to Russian law enforcement, the boys claimed they were offered around 42,000 through the Telegram messaging app as a reward for carrying out the attack.

It remains unclear who made the offer, but one theory suggests the teenagers may have believed the act could somehow bring home the father of one of the boys, who had been conscripted to fight in the war in Ukraine.

Two schoolboys from Noyabrsk have been accused of blowing up a 1 million helicopter, causing severe damage and leading to their arrest

Russian law enforcement alleges that Timur, 13, and Sasha, 14, were behind the act of sabotage, which left the Mi-8T helicopter (pictured) 'almost completely wrecked'

Both teenagers suffered significant facial and hand burns during the incident and sought medical help, which ultimately led to their capture.

They are now under armed guard while receiving treatment in a local hospital.

Earlier, the boys claimed to have been paid 250 to destroy a mobile phone mast earlier, a task they completed before targeting the helicopter.

Investigators revealed that they'd entered the heliport through a hole in the fence to carry out their plan.

A criminal case has now been opened into the explosion.

It comes as the Kremlin has warned it will carry out an 'appropriate response' if Ukraine uses Western missiles to strike Russian soil.

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has increasingly urged the West to allow his forces to use long-range weapons, including American ATACMS missiles, against Russian territory to combat the invasion of his nation, now in its 30th month.

US president Joe Biden said last night that his government was 'working that out now' when asked if he would lift restrictions on Kyiv's use of missiles such as ATACMS.

Both teenagers suffered significant facial and hand burns during the incident and sought medical help, which ultimately led to their capture

In response, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov warned that Vladimir Putin's forces would exact an 'appropriate response' if Ukraine was allowed to use Western missiles.

Peskov added that 'there is no need to expect some kind of response everywhere.'

'To all these actions, the SMO (special military operation) is the response,' said Peskov, using the Kremlin's preferred term for the Ukraine conflict.

'Each of these decisions, taken by the collective West and then attributed to Ukraine, is an additional confirmation of the justification, necessity and inevitability of the SMO.'
The Government has ordered a public inquiry into the murder of Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane in 1989 followings claims that his killers were helped by British security forces.

Mr Finucane, 39, was shot dead at his family home in north Belfast in February 1989 by the Ulster Defence Association in an attack found by a series of probes to have involved collusion with the state.

His widow Geraldine and the couple's three children have been campaigning for decades for a public inquiry to establish the extent of security force involvement.

Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn made the announcement to the House of Commons.

The minister said it is a 'plain fact' that a UK government commitment made more than 20 years ago to hold an inquiry into Mr Finucane's murder 'remains unfulfilled'.

Pat Finucane, 39, was shot dead at his family home in north Belfast in February 1989 by the Ulster Defence Association in an attack found by a series of probes to have involved collusion with the state

His widow Geraldine (pictured) and the couple's three children have been campaigning for decades for a public inquiry to establish the extent of security force involvement

Asked whether Sue Gray was involved in setting up the public inquiry, Labour said it would not get into staffing matters

'It is for this exceptional reason that I have decided to establish an independent inquiry into the death of Patrick Finucane under the 2005 Inquiries Act,' he said.

Mr Finucane's son John, a Sinn Fein MP for North Belfast, welcomed the announcement.

'Today is for my father, Pat Finucane,' he posted on X, formerly Twitter.

'The announcement that there will now be a public inquiry into his murder is very much welcomed by our family.

'Led by my mother Geraldine, we have campaigned for decades to uncover the truth behind my father's murder. I want to thank every person who has supported our campaign throughout those years. Today belongs to us all.

'After 35 years of cover-ups, it is now time for truth.'

In 2019, the Supreme Court said all previous examinations of the death had not been compliant with human rights standards.

The court acknowledged Mrs Finucane had been given an 'unequivocal undertaking' by the government following the 2001 Weston Park Agreement that there would be a public inquiry into the murder.

However, the Supreme Court judges found that the government had been justified in later deciding against holding one.

The court said it was up to the government to decide what form of investigation was now required.

The following year, the government pushed back a decision on a public inquiry, insisting outstanding issues concerning the original police investigation needed to be first examined by the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland.

In the years since, Mrs Finucane has pursued further legal proceedings challenging the ongoing delays on a decision.

During the summer, the Court of Appeal in Belfast gave the Government a September deadline to confirm what form of human rights-compliant investigation it intends to undertake into the murder.

Mr Benn met members of the Finucane family in Belfast on Tuesday evening ahead of his announcement on Wednesday.

Last night, the Government refused to say whether Sir Keir Starmer's chief of staff Sue Gray, who has taken a close interest in Northern Ireland issues, was involved in the decision to launch the inquiry.

The court acknowledged Mrs Finucane had been given an 'unequivocal undertaking' by the government following the 2001 Weston Park Agreement that there would be a public inquiry into the murder

The family of Pat Finucane (left-right) Seamus Finucane, Geraldine Finucane, Katherine Finucane and John Finucane arrive at Erskine House in Belfast to meet Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn to discuss the murder of solicitor Pat Finucane in 1989 on September 10, 2024

Mr Benn said the 'exceptional reason' of previous promises to establish a public inquiry meant it should happen.

Announcing the decision to MPs yesterday, Mr Benn said: This Government takes its human rights obligations and its responsibilities to victims and survivors of the Troubles extremely seriously.

The plain fact is two decades on the commitment made by the Government  first in the agreement with the Irish government, then in this House  to establish an inquiry into the death of Mr Finucane remains unfulfilled. It is for this exceptional reason Ive decided to establish an independent inquiry under the 2005 Inquiries Act.

Mr Benn said he hoped the inquiry would provide the answers the family had sought for so long.

He told MPs the Government would appoint a chairman and the inquirys terms of reference as soon as possible. He said he hoped it could avoid unnecessary costs given previous reviews and investigations.

But there was disquiet among Tories with past dealings with the case, who suggested that the decision was a political one.

One senior Conservative figure who previously worked in the Northern Ireland Office, said: 'I am very, very surprised by this decision.

'Everyone was of the same view - civil servants, partner agencies, lawyers - that there were no legal grounds for a public inquiry.

'There will be some surprised and angry people because of this. A public inquiry is also hugely expensive.

'And with this coming from the same Government that plans to overturn the Legacy Bill. Someone in this Government has a different view of the Troubles.

'Keir Starmer and Sue Gray will no doubt be in favour of this, given their backgrounds working in Northern Ireland.'

Former Conservative leader Iain Duncan Smith said the issue with reinvestigating events from the Troubles was that they were 'one way'.

He added:' The terrorists kept no records so their barbarity is lost in the mists of time. We kept records.

'The problem has always been that this has appeared to Unionists like it is one-sided.'

DUP MP Sammy Wilson questioned whether there had been influence within the hierarchy of the Labour Party on the decision. He added: This will be another endless inquiry costing a fortune  we learned today that 20million has already spent on three inquiries and reviews to date.

The Secretary of State has accepted a two-tier justice system. There are people who have had their relatives killed  Protestant families  and no ones been brought to justice for these. There have been no inquiries. People will be angry that there is one arrangement for one group and one for another.

Ms Gray was previously permanent secretary of the Department of Finance in Northern Ireland, as well as running a pub outside Newry in the 1980s. She has been accused of expressing support for funding for a derelict west Belfast stadium and subverting Cabinet ministers in the process, claims Sir Keir has denied.

Sir Keir previously served as a human rights adviser to the Northern Ireland Policing Board and spent time in Belfast.

Asked whether Ms Gray was involved in setting up the public inquiry, Labour said it would not get into staffing matters.
Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelensky today called for 'strong decisions' to be made as he reiterated his call for permission to use long-distance missiles in Russia.

Speaking as Foreign Secretary David Lammy and US counterpart Antony Blinken visited Kyiv, he put pressure on Western powers to approve wider use of Storm Shadow cruise missiles outside Ukraine.

The US is reported to be ready to relax its ban on the British weapons, which use American technology, being used on Russian territory over retaliation fears.

Joe Biden and Sir Keir Starmer are expected to discuss the missiles at a hastily-arranged meeting in Washington on Friday, after it was revealed that Iran has supplied Russia with more long-range weapons.

Speaking during an International Crimea Platform conference, President Zelensky said: 'I will have a little bit later a talk with him (Blinken) and minister of foreign affairs for the UK. I don't know all the details of our conversation. I will be ready to be open and honest after these consultations.

'If I am optimistic about their decision to give us permission to use long distance, it is a pity it doesn't depend on my optimism. It depends on their optimism. Let's count on some strong decisions on this.'

He has repeatedly pushed for permission to use Western missiles to strike at targets within Russia.

Speaking as Foreign Secretary David Lammy and US counterpart Antony Blinken visited Kyiv , he put pressure on Western powers to approve wider use of Storm Shadow cruise missiles out

The US is reported to be ready to relax its ban on the weapons, which use American technology, being used outside Ukraine over retaliation fears.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy and his US counterpart Antony Blinken arrived in Kyiv this morning via train from Poland (pictured) to meet President Zelensky in their first joint trip.

In a meeting Ukrainian prime minister Denys Shmyhal asked Mr Lammy for long-range missiles to 'strike on (the) territory of our enemy'.

In a meeting Ukrainian prime minister Denys Shmyhal asked Mr Lammy for long-range missiles to 'strike on (the) territory of our enemy'.

Speaking in a meeting with Mr Lammy at his office in Kyiv, Mr Shmyhal said: 'We hope that long-range equipment for strikes on the territory of our enemy will be reached and we will have it.

'We hope for your help and support in this issue.'

Downing Street said there had been 'no change in our position' on the use of Storm Shadow missiles in Russia, but the Government always listened to Ukrainian concerns.

'We are at a critical juncture in Ukraine's defence against Russian aggression as we head into the winter,' a No 10 spokeswoman said.

'We have always kept in close, constant contact with the Ukrainians on what they need and provided support in line with their needs.

'We will always listen to their position and that's exactly what the Foreign Secretary and the secretary of state are doing in their meetings with president Zelensky today.'

The spokeswoman added: 'Our position hasn't changed, but we will always continue to listen to Ukrainians.

'That's what we're doing in Ukraine today and the Prime Minister and (US president Joe Biden) will be discussing our support and how we can best-support Ukraine at this critical juncture as we head into the winter.

'I'm not going to get into specifics of operational discussions and the details of that, not least because that would benefit (Vladimir) Putin.'

Joe Biden and Sir Keir Starmer are expected to discuss the missiles at a hastily-arranged meeting in Washington on Friday, after it was revealed that Iran has supplied Russia with more long-range weapons.

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 Air's 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.

The UK has also sanctioned five Russian cargo ships thought to have been involved in ferrying arms.

Russian airstrikes, mostly aimed at crippling Ukraine's energy infrastructure, have intensified in recent weeks with nightly missile and drone attacks.

As Blinken and Lammy arrived in Kyiv, the U.K. announced it was banning 10 commercial ships it accuses of illicitly transporting Russian oil in violation of international sanctions. The U.K. government said the vessels would be barred from British ports and could be detained if they enter.
EasyJet's parent company has lost a High Court trademark battle against a charity shopping website with 'easy' in its name.

EasyGroup took legal action against easyfundraising Ltd - its founder Ian Woodroffe OBE and investors The Support Group (UK) Ltd - after claiming it had infringed various trademarks.

The defendants denied the allegations made against them, claiming there was no evidence to suggest a customer would confuse the two brands.

In a ruling on Wednesday, Mr Justice Fancourt dismissed easyGroup's claims, saying 'it is unlikely that any but a few would make the association and be confused' between the two brands.

He added: 'Users of easyfundraising's advertising services would be least likely to be confused, as they were relatively sophisticated and careful business persons, or professionals, and as such are most unlikely to consider that easyfundraising or easysearch is an easy+ brand or connected in some way with easyGroup.'

EasyGroup was set up in 1998 by Greek Cypriot entrepreneur Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou and as of May 2024 listed more than 200 'easy+' branded business ventures and websites within its portfolio, including easyJet, easyBus and easyHotel.

Ian Woodroffe (pictured) is the founder of easyfundraising Ltd, which has won a trademark battle against easyJet founder Sir Stelios

EasyGroup was set up in 1998 by Greek Cypriot entrepreneur Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou (pictured)

Mr Justice Fancourt said that from a 'very early stage Sir Stelios intended the easy+ businesses to be a collection of different brands' and easyGroup claimed that in 2005 these trademarks were infringed when easyfundraising was launched.

He added that easyGroup said its trademark was again infringed in 2007 by easyfundraising's creation of the easysearch brand.

Among the other claims made against easyfundraising, easyGroup also alleged the charity shopping website's 'poor reputation' would have a negative impact on the easy+ brand, the judge said.

But in an 81-page ruling, he said that as 'there is no identity or similarity of services provided by easyfundraising and the services specified, the claimant's claim of infringement as at 2005 and 2007 must fail'.

The judge added: 'It is unnecessary, and in any event impossible, to consider in detail the issue of risk of confusion on the facts that I have found, given that there is no similarity of goods or services.'

Mr Justice Fancourt noted that the 'large number of retailers that advertise with easyfundraising and have done so for years, including well-known and reputable high street brands such as Marks & Spencer and John Lewis, demonstrate that retailers do not share the claimant's view that easyfundraising has a poor reputation'.

EasyJet's parent company has lost a High Court trademark battle against a charity shopping website with 'easy' in its name

He added: 'Indeed, many of the easyGroup licensees, including easyJet itself, advertised on easyfundraising between 2010 and 2022, generating around 1.25 million of sales.

'Whether the advertising was placed by affiliate networks or agents and whether it was to the knowledge of senior personnel at the licensees is really immaterial: what the facts demonstrate is that easyfundraising was not a platform that reputable brands (such as easy+ brands) did not use to advertise those brands.'

After the verdict, Sir Stelios said easyGroup was 'disappointed with this decision which has a number of contradictions and will be appealing this judgment immediately'.

He added: 'We will continue our challenge which we believe to be in the interest of the UK consumer and the UK's real registered charities.'

The Charity Commission are looking into the websites activities after a separate complaint from Stelios Haji-Ioannou, according to a report in the Observer.

A spokesperson for the Charity Commission said:

We can confirm we have received correspondence raising concerns about a fundraising platform called EasyFundraising.

'We are currently reviewing the information available to us to determine if there is a role for the commission. As part of this, we have written to Easyfundraising.
Ohio governor Mike DeWine has announced that he will send troopers and millions of dollars to Springfield amid a surge of Haitian migrants.

The Republican said Tuesday he doesnt oppose the Temporary Protected Status program under which some 15,000 Haitians have arrived in the city of about 59,000 people since 2020, but said the federal government must do more to help impacted communities.

On Wednesday, the Ohio State Highway Patrol will be dispatched to help local law enforcement with traffic issues that officials say have cropped up due to an increase in Haitians unfamiliar with U.S. traffic laws using the roads.

DeWine said he is also earmarking $2.5 million over two years to provide more primary healthcare through the county health department and private healthcare institutions.

On Monday, Republican Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost also drew attention to the crisis when he directed his office to research legal avenues  including filing a lawsuit  to stop the federal government from sending 'an unlimited number of migrants to Ohio communities.'

Ohio governor Mike DeWine has announced that he will send troopers and millions of dollars to Springfield amid a surge of Haitian migrants

The Republican said Tuesday he doesnt oppose the Temporary Protected Status program under which some 15,000 Haitians have arrived in the city of about 59,000 people since 2020

DeWine's comments came just hours before the presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former Republican President Donald Trump, where the Trump brought up unfounded claims that migrants have been eating pets in Springfield.

Ohio has already provided additional resources to Springfield to help with education and training for drivers, to pay for more vaccines and health screenings in schools, and to enhance translation services, explained DeWine. But hes taking additional action.

'These dramatic surges impact every citizen of the community, every citizen,' he said, noting additional influxes are occurring in Findlay and Lima, Ohio.

'Moms who have to wait hours in a waiting room with a sick child, everyone who drives on the streets, and it affects children who go to school in more crowded classrooms.'

DeWines family operates a charity in Haiti in honor of their late daughter, Becky, who died in a car accident. He said the Haitians who have moved to Ohio are generally hard-working people who love their families and who are seeking to escape the violence in their home country for good jobs in Ohio.

The town of Springfield has been a flashpoint in the debate over immigration ever since droves of Haitian migrants arrived in the city in 2020 to fill jobs vacancies.

Willing to do the blue-collar jobs locals were unenthusiastic about, the Haitians, who were already in the country legally, moved to the town.

The immigrants are there legally and eligible to apply for Temporary Protected Status, according to an Immigration FAQ page on the city's website, which says the total immigration population in Clark County is an estimated 12,000 to 15,000.

But their arrival has put a strain on medical services and the education system and sparked wild claims that they are eating people's pets.

A Springfield resident claimed he has heard reports of Haitians taking ducks from public parks

Another resident said she is being driven out of her community by the migrant wave

During Tuesday's fiery presidential debate between Trump and Harris, the former president ranted about Haitian migrants 'eating pets' in Springfield.

'In Springfield, they're eating the dogs. The people that came in, they're eating the cats,' the Republican candidate said.

The claims, dismissed during the debate by the Vice President as 'unbelievable and extreme', have electrified the American political debate.

While city officials and law enforcement officers in Springfield say there have been no credible reports to suggest they are true, some fed-up residents maintain that it's a problem.
San Francisco officials were slammed as out of touch after allegedly handing a beloved neighborhood market with citations for blocking its windows with fridges.

After Deena's Market in San Francisco's troubled Tenderloin District was slapped with 'hundreds of thousands' in costs to remove the fridges, Scotty Jacobs, a candidate for the city's District 5 Supervisor, shared his outrage.

'I just want to talk to you a bit about how the City of San Francisco picks its battles and ultimately hurts small businesses,' Jacobs began in a TikTok video.

'Deena's Market has been here for over 30 years... it just got cited because those windows are blocked by refrigeration that has been there since the 90s.'

Jacobs went on to show lines of tents and homeless vagrants outside the store, as he argued that the city was focusing on trivial issues while 'there are people who actually need help.'

Scotty Jacobs, a candidate for the San Francisco's District 5 Supervisor, slammed city officials after they allegedly cited a beloved neighborhood market for fridges over its windows

Jacobs showed lines of tents and homeless vagrants outside the store, as he argued that the city was focusing on trivial issues while 'there are people who actually need help'

Jacobs shared the video as part of his campaign for city supervisor, as he highlighted what he saw as wastefulness under San Francisco's current leadership.

'Lets invest in housing, not harass small business owners. Lets end the fentanyl crisis, not risk bankrupting businesses serving communities that need them,' he captioned the video.

'Lets just do better.'

Pointing to the outside of Deena's Market, Jacobs showed the windows covered by fridges inside directly next to the entrance.

He claimed city officials cited the business despite plans that showed the layout of the store was approved in June 2013.

'(The plans) clearly show that the Department of Building Inspection knew that there were going to be refrigerators blocking that window,' he said.

Jacobs claimed city officials cited the business despite revealing plans (pictured) that showed the layout of the store was approved in June 2013

Jacobs shared the video of Deena's Market as part of his campaign for city supervisor, as he highlighted what he saw as wastefulness under San Francisco's current leadership

Jacobs claimed that the citations mean the owner is 'now facing an over six figure bill' to remove the fridges, while he is 'literally just trying to put his kids through college.'

'Is this really how we're prioritizing using city resources?' he questioned. 'Particularly in a neighborhood like the Tenderloin?'

San Francisco's Tenderloin District has become synonymous with the city's decline in recent years, as critics say it has become rife with homelessness and open-air drug taking.

As he panned across the district's streets, Jacobs concluded: 'There are people who actually need help, why are we punishing small businesses?

'What we should be doing is focusing on helping the people outside of these small businesses.'

San Francisco's Tenderloin District has become synonymous with the city's decline in recent years

A homeless encampment is seen in Tenderloin District in June 2023

The focus on San Francisco's homeless problem comes as California Governor Gavin Newsom launched a statewide push to combat the issue.

Last month, the governor warned local California governments they would lose out on state funding next year if they didn't clean up homelessness plaguing the Golden State.

Newsom's warning over state funding follows a June 25 executive order he signed that mandated state agencies and communities to remove homeless encampments.

In the executive order, Newsom cited the staggering levels of homelessness in California, with official estimates placing the number of rough sleepers in the state in 2023 at 180,000 people.

Newsom said in a statement at the time that it is 'imperative to act with urgency' to tackle the 'dangerous' homeless encampments.

'(The encampments) subject unsheltered individuals living in them to extreme weather, fires, predatory and criminal activity, and widespread substance use,' he said.
A stream of The Simpsons memes erupted on social media in response to the presidential debate on Tuesday - specifically after Trump's unfounded claim that gave a shout-out to Springfield.

Citing the television and baseless social media rumors, Trump alleged that Haitian immigrants residing in Springfield, Ohio, were kidnapping dogs and cats - and then eating them.

The outlandish comment happened within just 30 minutes of the debate, sparking not only concern for the widespread issue of misinformation, but jokes relating to the longest-running animation series in history - The Simpsons.

While also being a city in Ohio, the show's fictional location also has the same name.

During the presidential debate, former president, Donald Trump, made an unhinged claim - that Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, were abducting cats and dogs - and then eating them

After Trump's outlandish accusation, Simpson fans took to social media saying that the show may have predicted Trump's 'dog-eating' comment through one of their episodes

In his first presidential debate with Kamala Harris, Trump said: 'In Springfield, they're eating the dogs. The people that come in. They're eating the cats.

'They're eating the pets of the people that live there. And this is what's happening in our country, and it's a shame'.

The unfounded statement was immediately debunked by ABC News moderator, David Muir, who fact-checked the former president before correcting him, saying: 'ABC News did reach out to the city manager there. He told us there had been no credible reports of specific claims of pets being harmed, injured or abused by individual within the immigrant community'.

But the ordeal sparked hilarious comparisons to The Simpsons online.

Political scientist, Ian Bremmer, took to X during the debate to quote Trump's claim, saying: 'Could be a Simpsons episode'.

Trump doubled down on his statement, interrupting Muir. He said: 'People on television say, "My dog was taken and used for food" so maybe he said that and maybe that's a good thing to say for a city manager'.

Springfield Mayor, Rob Rue, reiterated the inaccuracy of the rumor, saying that the city had no documented cases of immigrants eating pets.

The Simpsons has a reputation of being able to predict major news events.

Fans of the show took to social media to re-circulate an old episode that 'predicted' Trump's false claim.

Political scientist, Ian Bremmer, took to X during the debate after Trump's comment about 'dog-eating', saying 'could be a Simpsons episode'

One user on X said: 'Donald Trump thinks he's living in The Simpsons...'

In the episode, Homer Simpson was handed a beer by his buddy to try. He seemed to enjoy it - stating that it was 'cold, refreshing, and something I can't quite put my finger on'.

In the next scene, the viewers see the beer being created in a factory - with none other than dogs swimming in the liquid. After taste-testing, the character said: 'Needs more dog'.

The jokes didn't end there. Given that Trump referenced a city named Springfield, it didn't take long for the Simpson fanatics to reference the fictional hometown - and the family's fictional dog, Santa's little helper.

In one X post, a user wrote: 'IN SPRINGFIELD THEY'RE EATING THE DOGS', which was accompanied by a picture of the cartoon pup, side-eyeing the screen.

In another post, a user wrote: I'm sorry, Santa's little helper, but Springfield's different these days. You need to stay in the house', along with a photo of an upset Bart Simpson talking to his dog.

Santa's little helper, the family dog on the fictional show, was one of the main surrounding themes of the jokes on social media

Trump's unhinged claim was in reference to a rumor spread by his running mate, JD Vance - that Haitian immigrants in Ohio have been abducting pets and consuming them, 'causing chaos' in the town.

The claim largely stems from social media, including a Facebook group called 'Springfield Ohio Crime and Information,' where a member said they knew someone who had seen a cat hanging from a branch in a way that looked like it was going to be 'butchered and carved' near a house where Haitians lived, according to Newsweek.

At a meeting of the city commission, the Springfield mayor said: 'Rumors like these are taking away from the real issues such as housing concerns, resources needed for our schools and our overwhelmed health care system.'

John Kirby, the national security spokesperson for the White House, also denounced Trump's claims - labeling it as a dangerous conspiracy theory that could inspire violence against immigrants.

Immigration is a dominant subject in the presidential race. It was found that 22 percent of voters put immigration and the border as the most important issue facing the country, according to a poll conducted by NBC in April.

Ever since Elon Musk dropped 'Grok-2', an AI generated platform available through X, users have been making memes of Trump saving animals from 'being eaten by Haitian immigrants'

In some of the AI posts created, Trump is shirtless and appears to be running away from people depicted as 'dog-eaters'

Springfield, Ohio, is home to roughly 60,000 people but has seen thousands of immigrants arriving to the state in recent years - many of which are from Haiti.

City officials say that up to 20,000 immigrants have made Springfield their new home, reversing a long decline of the city's population dropping over the last 60 years, according to the BBC.

Although there were many memes circulating around Trump's comments throughout the entire debate, his Springfield comment seemed to take the cake for the favorite - and most insane - on social media.
Democrat Texas House of Representatives candidate Sally Duval released a new ad that shows her smoking weed to boast her marijuana reform platform.

Duval - who is running for state house district 73 - shared the ad on X on Monday with the caption: 'it's HIGH time for a change.'

The video started with candidate sitting on a patio as she lit up a joint and slammed current policies that put police in charge of marijuana regulation.

'You might already know what's in this, but do you know who has no idea and no way to test it? Law enforcement,' Duval said.

'They arrest people every day for marijuana possession, but they don't have the funding to test if it's illegal marijuana or a federally legal hemp product.'

Democrat Texas House of Representatives candidate Sally Duval released a new ad that shows her smoking weed

The ad starts with Duval smoking a joint on a patio and ends with her taking a hit from a bong in a kitchen

The ad shows the wife and mother of two shopping at legal hemp product stores while discussing the 'flaws' in Texas' current laws.

'Our laws are confusing and unclear. While marijuana remains illegal for most Texans, hemp products that can get you high  like delta-8, delta-9 and THCa  are being sold at more than 7,000 retailers statewide,' she said.

The state house candidate slammed Republican Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick's proposal to ban delta-8 and delta-9 while also regulating sales of the products.

'It doesn't take a genius to figure out you can't do both of these things,' she said.

'Fortunately, we don't have to choose between safety and legalization. We can and should have both, but it's going to take leaders who know enough and care enough to do what's right.'

Duval is running for state house district 73 and said legalizing marijuana can help small farmers and the tax revenue could be used to fund education and public health services

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Duval said legalizing marijuana can help small farmers and the tax revenue could be used fund education, public health and mental health services.

'Texans should have the freedom to consume these products if they want to,' she said.

The clip ends on a shot of Duval inside a kitchen hitting a bong and coughing from the smoke while directing viewers to her website.

Recreational marijuana is completely legal in 24 states, and many others have decriminalized it and allow weed for medicinal use. In Texas, medicinal CBD oil products are legal.
California is set to become the second state to ban octopus farming and the first to ban the sale of farmed octopus meat.

Lawmakers in the Golden State have approved a bill that would make it illegal to farm octopuses in state waters or on land as well as to import them.

The bill, AB 3162, awaits signature or veto from Governor Gavin Newsom.

The legislation follows Washington states similar ban on octopus farming passed earlier this year.

Upon signature the law will prohibit any farming activity involving the propagation, cultivation, maintenance, or harvest of any species of octopus for the purpose of human consumption.

There is growing momentum to ban octopus farming across the US. Pictured: Visitors pet captive octopuses at the now-closed Kanaloa Octopus Farm in Hawaii

California lawmakers have approved a bill that would make it illegal to farm octopuses in state waters or on land as well as to import them

It would also prevent business owners from knowingly engaging in the sale of any octopus raised or reared in such ways.

A bill awaiting signature or veto from California Governor Gavin Newsom is set to become the second state to ban octopus farming and the first to ban the sale of farmed octopus meat

Proponents of the bill note legislation is needed to help position California as a leader in human aquaculture as turning the eight-limbed creatures into food production is cruel and detrimental to the environment and underwater ecosystem.

The bill received unanimous approval on the Senate floor and overwhelming bipartisan support in the Assembly - with 59 voting for and 10 voting against the ban.

'This is a key moment, not only in California but around the country, in the effort to protect octopuses from the scale of suffering that other animals already endure on factory farms,' Jennifer Hauge, senior legislative affairs manager for the Animal Legal Defense Fund, said in a statement to the Los Angeles Times.

In 2023 an octopus farm operating out of Hawaii, masking itself as a conservation facility, lost its permit after an investigation revealed the farm to allegedly have had plans to sell farmed octopus for food.

The Kanaloa Octopus Farm says it is now in the process of moving with hopes of reopening.

Global interest in breeding and mass-producing octopus remains in high interest, yet as the luxury seafood realm grows no large-scale octopus farms exist

Global interest in breeding and mass-producing octopus remains in high interest, yet as the luxury seafood realm grows no large-scale octopus farms exist.

Seafood company Nueva Pescanova has been attempting to establish the worlds first large-scale octopus farm in the Canary Islands but the project has been plagued by controversy.

Significant concerns about water pollution, overfishing, greenhouse gas emissions, disease and animal suffering highlight the risks associated with octopus farming.

Octopus are highly intelligent and self-aware creatures, research suggests. Currently there are no existing humane methods for slaughtering octopuses making their deaths inevitably slow and painful.

There is growing momentum to ban octopus farming across the US.

Rhode Island Senator Sheldon Whitehouse introduced the OCTOPUS Act into Congress in July. The act aims to prohibit octopus farming nationwide and ban the import of farmed octopus meat from potential future farms abroad.
The widow of a chief New York firefighter killed on 9/11 slammed President Joe Biden for his 'flippant' remarks on the 23rd anniversary as she paid tribute to her husband at Ground Zero.

Joanne Barbara was referencing the president saying he would 'do 9/11' when reporters asked about his plans for the tribute to the 2,977 Americans killed in the worst terrorist attacks in the nation's history.

Her husband FDNY Assistant Chief Gerard 'Jerry' Barbara, a 31-year veteran firefighter, died when the South Tower of the World Trade Center collapsed while he was trying to rescue those trapped inside.

'The elected officials here today show their respect and reverence to the families on Sept. 11, or  in our president's words  'do 9/11,' quite a flippant remark,' Barbara said during remarks at a ceremony honoring her late husband.

'Please remember that the 9/11 families live it every day,' she continued in detailing the grief experienced by those who lost loved ones in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack.

She was also highly critical of the 'outrageous' plea deal that was almost approved for the allegedly 9/11 masterminds detained on Guantanamo Bay.

Joanne Barbara is the widow of a FDNY chief who died in the 9/11 terrorist attacks. She slammed Joe Biden for saying he would 'do 9/11' when asked about his plans for the week

The controversial agreement sparked massive outcry, specifically from family members who closely follow anything involving the fallout from that day more than two decades ago.

On August 2, Biden's Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin revoked the deal.

'If not for the 9/11 families, who knows what would have transpired?' Barbara said.

'It has been 23 years and the families deserve justice and accountability,' she added.

Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, former President Donald Trump and his running mate Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance were among those who attended the remembrance ceremony at Ground Zero in New York City on Wednesday morning.

New York leaders like former Mayors Michael Bloomberg and Rudy Giuliani as well as Sen. Chuck Schumer also attended.

Biden bluntly said on Tuesday that he's 'doing 9/11 ' tomorrow in a head-scratching comment made to reporters who asked his schedule ahead of the debate between Harris and 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.

FDNY Assistant Chief Gerard 'Jerry' Barbara, a 31-year veteran firefighter, died when the South Tower of the World Trade Center collapsed while he was trying to rescue those trapped inside

President Biden speaks to the press before he departs from the White House for New York in Washington DC on September 10, 2024

On social media platform X, one person commented: 'Biden's slip-ups are endless. You'd 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 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 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.
A 20-year-old man Massachusetts man allegedly murdered his 17-year-old girlfriend - he called his 'twin flame' - with a sword before curling up to her bloodied body.

Shane Curry was charged with first degree murder in the savage killing of Nevaeh Goddard in April. On Friday, Marian Ryan Middlesex District Attorney and Stowe Police Chief Michael Sallese announced the suspect's upgraded charges.

On April 5, Curry's mother went to the Stow Police Department requesting a welfare check at a home that her son was sharing with Goddard, as per an indictment People reported.

When officers arrived they made the grim discovery and found the young woman riddled with stab wounds. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to the DA's office, Curry fatally stabbed Goddard when the couple were having a physical altercation before he used the deadly weapon to stab her to death.

Nevaeh Goddard was allegedly stabbed by her boyfriend April 4, 2024

Shane Curry, 20, was charged with first-degree murder on Friday in the savage death of his girlfriend

In April at his arraignment, Curry was initially charged with assault and battery on a household or family member and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury.

Those charges were later updated to murder. He is currently being held without bail, according to the DA's office.

On the day police arrived at his home, Curry had locked himself in the bedroom and would not open the door.

Stowe Police Chief Sallese who had known Curry as he assisted him during a mental health episode previously tried to speak with him, the indictment alleges.

Sallese made several attempts to get into the room by banging onto the door.

Curry reportedly opened the door just enough to tell Sallese to 'Get the f**k out, you creeps,' as per the document alleged.

When Sallese gained entry the couple were lying on a mattress on the floor. When the blanket was removed they saw Goddard lifeless body. She had cuts and bruises all over.

Curry was immediately handcuffed. He reportedly told police that he and Goddard had gotten into a 'brawl-level argument,' and revealed that is the reason why (Goddard) is so bruised up,' the indictment alleges.

A photo of the young victim

Goddard pictured with her loved ones

Additional twisted details reveal Curry calling Goddard his 'twin flame.'

In the indictment, details reveal Curry saying he claimed that a fight started between the pair, and when he began 'hitting' Goddard it escalated.

'That's not working, so ok, I have to knife' the teen, the indictment claimed.

He also told police, as per the indictment, that he had to stab her again and that 'it was horrifying.' He reportedly 'stabbed' the victim with a sword in the abdomen, the indictment claims.

According to the autopsy, Goddard was stabbed in the neck, torso, liver and arms.

Curry had reportedly told police he tried to take his own life by cutting his arms when he 'realized [the victim] was dead, dead,' the indictment claims.

Goddard's grandfather Michael Simmons said his granddaughter had a 'difficult upbringing.

He shared that the young woman was born in prison and then spent time in the care of the Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families, as per WJAR.

'There couldn't have been a nicer, more soulful and more spiritual person,' he recalled.

According to the non-profit GLADD, the teen was reportedly missing for years before her tragic ending.

In April, the organization wrote in a statement that Goddard, 'went by both River and Nevaeh, used they and she pronouns.'

GLADD President and CEO, Sarah Kate Ellis 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 trial in France of a retired electrician who drugged his wife and invited dozens of strangers to rape his wife was at risk of collapse tonight after the judge announced the defendant was so ill he would not be able to attend court until Monday at the earliest.

Dominique Pelicot has admitted giving his wife Gisele powerful sedatives to render her unconscious and then sneaking men into their home in a village in Provence to attack her.

The testimony of the 71-year-old has twice been postponed this week after he was taken to hospital suffering a suspected bladder infection.

But this afternoon Judge Roger Arata dramatically told the court that Pelicot's health had deteriorated and he would not be fit enough to attend court until Monday at the earliest.

Judge Arata said: 'Mr Pelicot's health has deteriorated. He requires medical treatment and will be unable to attend court for the rest of this week.

Dominique Pelicot is on trial for a near-decade long campaign of drugging and sexually abusing his wife along with 50 other men he invited to the family home to take part

Dominique Pelicot, seen in this court sketch, briefly turned up on Wednesday, with his left hand supporting his head as he slumped against the side of a gallery

Gisele Pelicot was unknowingly given a mix of sleeping pills and tranquillisers by her husband

Daughter Caroline Darian said her father Pelicot secretly photographed her in the nude, along with her two sisters-in-law

'He will not return to court before Monday at the earliest.'

Zavarro called for a full medical examination, saying: 'I met Mr Pelicot lying down in prison.

'He had vomited, had fainting spells, and had pain in his kidneys. Physically, he is here, but probably not in a fit state to take part in the proceedings in a calm manner.'

Pecliot briefly turned up on Wednesday, with his left hand supporting his head as he slumped against the side of a gallery, looking around the court with a vacant expression.

Within minutes, Judge Arata called for Pelicot to leave, confirming that he had been 'suffering with pain' in his intestines first reported on Monday.

Judge Arata told the court that the trial would continue with evidence heard against other defendants for the rest of the day and tomorrow morning.

Pelicot's lawyer Beatrice Zavarro told the court that her client's deteriorating health had been compounded by prison staff who failed to act when he first became unwell on Friday.

Judge Arata warned all the interested parties  including lawyers acting for Madame Pelicot  that the case is likely to be adjourned until Pelicot, the main defendant, is well enough to attend court.

Pelicot is facing a jail sentence of up to 20 years, along with 50 other defendants, accused of the 'aggravated rape' of Gisele Pelicot, also 71, over almost a decade.

Heads shook in disbelief around the court, as Ms Zavarro insisted his absence was not a 'ploy'.

She said: 'Let's be clear about this. Mr Pelicot will not be avoiding his own trial.

'He will be here. He will reply to all the questions, but he can't control what happens to his body. He didn't plan to be ill. He is not a robot.'

It is technically possible to avoid a trial in France because of extreme ill health.

Abdominal pain is frequently the result of problems in the small and large intestine, and counsel for Pelicot said it has been affecting him for a number of days.

On Monday, psychologists described Pelicot as a 'Jekyll and Hyde' character who drugged his wife so strangers could rape her at night.

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

Gisele Pelicot arrives at court in Avignon, France on Tuesday supported by her children Florian (left) and David (right)

Gisele Pelicot faces journalists as she exits the courtroom flanked by her sons Florian (rear) and David (right) after attending a session of the trial of her former partner Dominique Pelicot at the courthouse in Avignon, on Monday

He told detectives that he considered himself a 'good husband' to Ms Pelicot, whom he married in 1971 and had three children with.

The couple's divorce was finalised last month, and Ms Pelicot is now one of the main prosecution witnesses against him.

She has sat in court throughout the last seven days of the trial, along with her children.

On Friday, Mr Pelicot's own daughter described him as 'one of the greatest sexual predators' of recent years.

Caroline Darian, 46, said he secretly photographed her in the nude, along with her two sisters-in-law.

This was at the same family home in Mazan, some 20 miles from Avignon, which Pelicot had invited the men to after contacting them online.

Pelicot was first arrested in September 2020 for secretely filming up women's skirts at a supermarket in Carpentras.

His devices were searched, and there were hundreds of photos and pornographic videos of women, including family members.

It was while in custody that Mr Pelicot reported a hard drive, hidden under a printer, which contained a file called 'Abuses'.

It classified the nickname and telephone numbers of attackers, together with some 3,800 photos and videos of Gisele Pelicot being raped, between 2011 and 2020.

Detectives have listed a total of 92 rapes committed by 72 men, 51 of whom have been identified.

Pelicot moved his family from greater Paris in 1991, and later allegedly set up the sex ring.

It involved advertising on a site for 'partners' on an online forum called 'Without Her Knowing' on the coco.fr site.

Caroline, the daughter of Gisele Pelicot who has allegedly been drugged and raped by men solicited by her husband Dominique Pelicot, at the courthouse in Avignon, France on Tuesday

Of the 83 men involved, 51 aged between 26 and 73 were identified and arrested by the police.

Pelicot is said to have sedated his wife by putting Temesta  a powerful anti-anxiety medication  into her evening dinner.

Following his arrest in September 2020 he told psychologists that his wife was to blame for his actions because she refused to go swinging with him.

During prison interviews Pelicot maintained that the sickening abuse of his wife of 50 years Gisele would have continued if he had not been arrested.

Alleged rapists involved in the case include civil servants, ambulance workers, soldiers, prison guards, nurses, a journalist, a municipal councillor, and truck drivers.

In a separate case, Pelicot has been charged with raping and murdering a 23-year-old estate agent in Paris in 1991.

He has admitted one attempted rape in 1999, after DNA testing proved a case against him.

The Avignon aggravated rape case continues, and is due to last until December 21.

Fourteen of the other defendants have admitted rape, while the rest deny any wrongdoing.
All schools in Colorado's Lake County have been closed through Sunday following online threats from an at-large suspect.

Dominic Gallegos, 18, is also wanted in connection with a felony menacing case.

Lake County School District said it had chosen to shutter schools on the advice of the local sheriff.

'We have decided not to hold school today, Wednesday, in order to keep students and staff safe in the wake of the school safety concerns that have emerged since midday today and ongoing into the night and early morning,' Lake County School District said in a statement.

All schools in Colorado 's Lake County have been closed following online threats allegedly made by Dominic Gallegos, 18

'We will be working closely with law enforcement on appropriate next steps as they work through their investigations.

'We will work with Amy Peters (Athletic/Activities Director) on how we will handle away athletic games over the next few days, and those coaches and athletes will be contacted directly.'

The order applies to the county's four schools: Lake County Elementary, Lake County Intermediate School, Lake County High, Cloud City High.

On Monday, several other schools in Colorado canceled classes or increased police patrols due to threats made on social media against schools in the state and further afield in Texas.

Lake County School District said it had chosen to shutter schools on the advice of the local sheriff

Anyone with information is asked to call the Lake County Emergency Communications Center at 719-486-1249.

The public are being urged to stay away from Gallegos if they spot him and to dial 911.

Lake County Sheriff's Office said it was not at liberty to disclose the nature of the threats at this time.

In Colorado, felony menacing refers to the use or display of a deadly weapon.
Bosses at Campbell's Soup Company are planning to drop the word soup from the brand's name for the first time in 155 years.

The company - whose soup cans were made famous by Andy Warhols iconic 60s pop art piece - says the change aims to better reflect their growing product line.

While canned soup remains a key part of the Campbell's business, it now also produces sauces, snacks and beverages as it adapts to a changing market.

It has also acquired other businesses such as Raos sauces maker Sovos Brands and has added other offerings such as Goldfish crackers, Cape Cod crisps, V8 beverages and Prego sauces to its portfolio.

Chief executive Mark Clouse said: 'We will always love soup, and well never take our eye off of this critical business. But today, were so much more than soup.'

The soup product served as an inspiration for Andy Warhol's Campbell's Soup Cans artwork  which was produced between November 1961 and June 1962

The piece became incredibly popular and led Warhol (pictured) to become the most-renowned American pop-art artist

Mr Clouse said Campbell will only need its soup sales to remain stable in the next few years for the company to meet its financial targets.

But other executives believe soup sales are set to benefit from an aging population in the US, as older people are more likely to eat soup.

Net sales are estimated by the company to rise between 9% and 11% in 2025 and investors are set to vote on the name change at an annual meeting in November.

The soup product served as an inspiration for Andy Warhol's Campbell's Soup Cans artwork  which was produced between November 1961 and June 1962

By the beginning of the 1960s, the American artist was seeking to break into the high culture art world as opposed to the commercial one he had been making a living in, but was having trouble finding the proper inspiration.

His breakthrough would come from a conversation with Muriel Latow, a minor New York art dealer who went to a dinner party at Warhol's house in the fall of 1961, when he was lamenting being surpassed by other pop art pioneers Claes Oldenburg and Roy Lichtenstein.

I've got to do something that really will have a lot of impact, that will be different enough from Lichtenstein,' he is supposed to have told her, and asked his guests for ideas.

As the legend goes, Latow asked Warhol to hand over a check for $50 before telling him hers.

The paintings would be Warhol's breakthrough as a pop artist after he spend years designing window dressings

The legend goes that New York art dealer Roberta Latow was the person who gave Warhol the idea for his Campbell's soup

'You've got to find something that's recognizable to almost everybody,' she told him. 'Something you see every day that everybody would recognize. Something like a can of Campbell's Soup.'

The next day Warhol, or his mother, as other versions of the story tell it, ran to a supermarket across the street and purchased every variety of the soup it had in stock.

The work was first shown on July 9, 1962, in Warhol's first one-man gallery exhibition at the Ferus Gallery of Los Angeles, California.

The piece became incredibly popular and led Warhol to become the most-renowned American pop-art artist.

Just one of Warhol's soup cans from 1962 was sold in 2010 for more than $9 million, according to Christie's auction house - and almost certainly is worth significantly more now.
Junior doctors nicknamed Lucy Letby 'nurse death,' the public inquiry into her crimes heard today.

The neo-natal nurse was also described as 'the elephant in the room' by worried consultants, who spent months pushing for hospital managers to call in police following a spike in neo-natal deaths at the Countess of Chester Hospital.

Ian Harvey, then medical director, told a specialist review, which took place two months after Letby murdered her final two victims, that he'd 'had to intervene with the neonatal lead as junior doctors had been referring to her (Letby) as 'nurse death'.

She was also later referred to as an 'angel of death' during a meeting at the hospital, the inquiry heard.

In July 2016, Letby, 34, was moved off the unit and into an admin role at the hospital. She was convicted of murdering seven children and attempting to murder seven more, over the previous 12 months and is serving a whole life tariff, meaning she will never be freed.

Junior doctors nicknamed Lucy Letby 'nurse death,' the public inquiry into her crimes heard today

The neo-natal nurse was also described as 'the elephant in the room' by worried consultants, who spent months pushing for hospital managers to call in police following a spike in neo-natal deaths at the Countess of Chester Hospital (above)

The Thirlwall Inquiry, which is investigating how Letby was free to kill in an NHS hospital for so long, heard that it wasn't until Letby was removed from working with patients that concerns about the spike in baby deaths were eventually discussed at hospital board level.

Even then, managers logged the risks under 'reputational harm, rather than in terms of a risk to the safety of babies,' Nicholas de la Poer, counsel to the inquiry, said.

The barrister said the inquiry would be looking into the effectiveness of the hospital's governance structure.

He said it was 'striking' that the spike in neonatal baby deaths, which fell under the remit of Quality, Safety and Patient Experience Committee, was only discussed by that committee on one occasion.

'In the period June 2015 to March 2017, no board committee ever escalated to the Board issues relating to neonatal mortality or Letby,' he said. 'The Inquiry will be asking why that was so.'

Mr de la Poer also said the inquiry would examine why it took until May 2017, almost a year after Letby was removed from the unit for police to be called in.

The inquiry heard that, over the course of 2016 and early 2017, several outside agencies had been told about the consultants' suspicions about Letby, but none reported it to police or advised the hospital to do so themselves.

The Thirlwall Inquiry, which is investigating how Letby was free to kill in an NHS hospital for so long, heard that it wasn't until Letby was removed from working with patients that concerns about the spike in baby deaths were eventually discussed at hospital board level

Mr de la Poer also said the inquiry would examine why it took until May 2017, almost a year after Letby was removed from the unit for police to be called in

One of those organisations was the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, who carried out a specialist review of the neo-natal unit at the request of Mr Harvey, in September 2016.

The hearing was told that, as soon as the review team realised a nurse was under suspicion of criminal offences, the review should have been stopped.

But instead it went ahead and, in a highly unusual move, Letby herself was interviewed, telling the review team she was being scapegoated.

The RCPCH report was eventually used by managers to persuade the hospital board that there was no evidence Letby had done anything wrong and ought to be allowed to return to nursing.

Other organisations whose conduct will be examined include the Care Quality Commission, whose inspectors had been at the hospital on February 17 2016  the day Letby tried to murder a premature baby girl. The infant died three days later and Letby was initially charged with her murder, although the charge was later downgraded.

One doctor told an inspector: 'We have some serious patient safety concerns and don't feel like we are being listened to.' But, Mr de la Poer said, Dr Stephen Brearey, the head of the neo-natal unit, will tell the inquiry 'this was ignored and the inspectors left before there was time to expand upon concerns.'

A court artist's sketch of Lucy Letby giving evidence at Manchester Crown Court on July 24

Both the Nursing and Midwifery Council and the British Medical Association, the professional bodies of nurses and doctors, were also notified of the suspicions but did nothing.

The NMC was first told about concerns about Letby in July 2016, but she was not suspended from practising as a nurse until she was charged by police more than three years later, in November 2020.

Earlier Mr de la Poer said Sir Duncan Nichol, who was chairman of the board of governors at the Countess, had a key role in helping the NHS learn lessons following the inquiry into killer nurse Beverley Allitt more than 20 years earlier.

Sir Duncan was chief executive of the NHS when Allitt killed four children and harmed another nine at Grantham and Kesteven Hospital, in Lincolnshire, in 1991.

After Allitt's crimes, he was responsible for distributing the findings of a 1994 inquiry into her attacks, which was led by Sir Clive Clothier, to all health trusts in the UK.

Mr de la Poer said: 'The Inquiry is interested to hear from Sir Duncan about the lessons he and the wider NHS learnt from the Allitt case and why the parallel between Letby and Allitt was not drawn earlier at the hospital.'
The UK and US have dropped a major hint that they are at last ready to allow Ukraine to use British cruise missiles inside Russia.

American secretary of state Antony Blinken said the allies would continue to 'adapt' to the situation in the warzone, as he made a joint trip to Kyiv with Foreign Secretary David Lammy.

The US is reported to be ready to relax its ban on the Storm Shadow missile, which use American technology, being used on Russian territory.

Ukraine has been begging to be able to widen its use, but has come up against fears Putin would retaliate against the West.

Joe Biden and Sir Keir Starmer are expected to discuss the missiles at a hastily-arranged meeting in Washington on Friday, after it was revealed that Iran has supplied Russia with more long-range weapons.

At a press conference in the Ukrainian capital, Mr Blinken said Russia was itself guilty of escalation, targeting civilians and infrastructure in the run-up to winter.

'Just speaking for the United States, from day one .... we have adjusted and adapted As needs have changed as the battlefield has changed, and I have no doubt that we'll continue to do that as this, as this evolves,' he added..

'Just speaking for the United States, from day one .... we have adjusted and adapted As needs have changed as the battlefield has changed, and I have no doubt that we'll continue to do that as this, as this evolves.'

It came after Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelensky called for 'strong decisions' to be made.

American secretary of state Antony Blinken said the allies would continue to 'adapt' to the situation in the warzone, as he made a joint trip to Kyiv with Foreign Secretary David Lammy.

Speaking as Foreign Secretary David Lammy and US counterpart Antony Blinken visited Kyiv , President Zelensky put pressure on Western powers to approve wider use of Storm Shadow cruise missiles

The US is reported to be ready to relax its ban on the weapons, which use American technology, being used outside Ukraine over retaliation fears.

Speaking during an International Crimea Platform conference, President Zelensky said: 'I will have a little bit later a talk with him (Blinken) and minister of foreign affairs for the UK. I don't know all the details of our conversation. I will be ready to be open and honest after these consultations.

'If I am optimistic about their decision to give us permission to use long distance, it is a pity it doesn't depend on my optimism. It depends on their optimism. Let's count on some strong decisions on this.'

He has repeatedly pushed for permission to use Western missiles to strike at targets within Russia.

In a meeting Ukrainian prime minister Denys Shmyhal asked Mr Lammy for long-range missiles to 'strike on (the) territory of our enemy'.

Speaking in a meeting with Mr Lammy at his office in Kyiv, Mr Shmyhal said: 'We hope that long-range equipment for strikes on the territory of our enemy will be reached and we will have it.

'We hope for your help and support in this issue.'

Downing Street said there had been 'no change in our position' on the use of Storm Shadow missiles in Russia, but the Government always listened to Ukrainian concerns.

'We are at a critical juncture in Ukraine's defence against Russian aggression as we head into the winter,' a No 10 spokeswoman said.

'We have always kept in close, constant contact with the Ukrainians on what they need and provided support in line with their needs.

'We will always listen to their position and that's exactly what the Foreign Secretary and the secretary of state are doing in their meetings with president Zelensky today.'

The spokeswoman added: 'Our position hasn't changed, but we will always continue to listen to Ukrainians.

'That's what we're doing in Ukraine today and the Prime Minister and (US president Joe Biden) will be discussing our support and how we can best-support Ukraine at this critical juncture as we head into the winter.

'I'm not going to get into specifics of operational discussions and the details of that, not least because that would benefit (Vladimir) Putin.'

Joe Biden and Sir Keir Starmer are expected to discuss the missiles at a hastily-arranged meeting in Washington on Friday, after it was revealed that Iran has supplied Russia with more long-range weapons.

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 Air's 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.

The UK has also sanctioned five Russian cargo ships thought to have been involved in ferrying arms.

Russian airstrikes, mostly aimed at crippling Ukraine's energy infrastructure, have intensified in recent weeks with nightly missile and drone attacks.

As Blinken and Lammy arrived in Kyiv, the U.K. announced it was banning 10 commercial ships it accuses of illicitly transporting Russian oil in violation of international sanctions. The U.K. government said the vessels would be barred from British ports and could be detained if they enter.
The mother of the accused Apalachee High School shooter Colt Gray wrote a groveling letter apologizing to the victim's families saying her son 'is not a monster.'

Colt Gray, a 14-year-old student at the school, was charged as an adult for murdering two students and two teacher people following the horrific shooting that also left nine injured on September 4.

In the letter, the teen's mother, Marcee Gray, 43, who said she warned the school of an 'extreme emergency' before her son opened fire, told families that 'love is the only thing that will get us through this tragedy' and asked them to 'pray' for Colt and their family.

'To the parents and families of those affected by the tragic events at Apalachee High School, I want to say that I am so sorry from the bottom of my heart,' Gray wrote.

Marcee Gray, 43, the mother of suspected Georgia school shooter Colt Gray, 14, penned a letter the parents and families of the victims her son killed on September 4

Colt Gray (right) faces four counts of murder, while his father, Colin Gray, 54, (left) was arrested and faces four counts of involuntary manslaughter, two counts of second-degree murder amid claims he gave his son the AR-15-style rifle used in the massacre

'If I could take the place of Mason and Christian, I would without a second thought. As a parent, I've always said that the loss of one of my children would be the only thing that I wouldnt be able to come back from. I feel all of your pain and devastation.

'I grieve and cry with you. My heart breaks for the two teachers who gave their lives while in the service of teaching and protecting our children.'

Mason Schermerhorn, 14, an autistic student, was the first victim to be identified. Student Christian Angulo, 14, also lost his life.

Teachers Richard Aspinwall and Christina Irimie were also killed in the tragedy.

Students Mason Schermerhorn, 14 (top left), Christian Angulo, 14 (top right), and teachers Richard Aspinwall (bottom right) and Christina Irimie (bottom left) were killed in the shooting

Colt faces four counts of murder while his father, Colin Gray, 54, was arrested and faces four counts of involuntary manslaughter, two counts of second-degree murder amid claims he gave his son the AR-15-style rifle used in the massacre.

Colin, who was labeled 'evil' by his former father-in-law, also faces eight counts of cruelty to children.

Both father and son are facing life in prison.

Colin's ex-father-in-law, Charles Polhamus, recently told DailyMail.com that Colin is the reason why his grandson was driven to commit the horrific act.

He confirmed that Colin and his daughter, Marcee, had a tumultuous relationship, branding her estranged husband as a 'narcissist' and 'evil.'

Colt's grandfather said that the suspected shooter's father 'ruined' the teenager, who needed 'a more supportive environment.'

'He's a full-fledged narcissist and he finally getting what he deserves', Polhamus told DailyMail.com.

Polhamus blamed Colt's father for his actions, but said that his grandson would have to be punished for the shooting.

He also believes that his troubled ex-son-in-law deserves the death penalty for his involvement.

Speaking to DailyMail.com from his Fitzgerald, Georgia home, Charlie Polhumus, 81, the maternal grandfather of Colt Gray, said the teen's father is to blame for his actions

'Spending 11 years with that son of a b***h screaming and hollering every day, it can affect anybody,' Polhamus said of Colt, according to the New York Post.

'He needs the death penalty.'

Polhamus previously told the Post that Colt had delivered an apology to his mother via text message prior to the shooting, prompting her to call the school.

'Im sorry, mom,' the text read.

Marcee then hopped in her car and started driving toward the school, more than three hours away. But about half way there she learned that the tragedy she was racing to prevent had already taken place.

A counselor at the school told Marcee that her son had been talking about school shootings that morning, according to Gray's sister, Annie Brown, who spoke to the Post.

Mourners are seen gathered at a vigil the night of the shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia

Poster images of the victims are displayed at a memorial outside the high school on Tuesday

Soon after the shooting began, reports surfaced that the high school received a warning that the tragedy could unfold.

In reported texts sent by Marcee, she told her family: 'I was the one that notified the school counselor at the high school.'

The texts offer a clearer picture of how Colt's family understood his mental turmoil and how close school officials came to finding him before he allegedly opened fire.

In one exchange after the shooting, Marcee texted her sister, Annie Brown, that she was questioning why officials had not found her son in time, as she felt there was a 'long time for them to intervene so Im curious to know what happened in that time.'

Further text exchanges reported from Marcee's sister showed that Colt's school and family were also in contact regarding his deteriorating mental health at least a week before the shooting.

In one text, Brown reportedly told a relative that Colt was having 'homicidal and suicidal thoughts.'

Colt's grandfather said that the suspected shooter's father 'ruined' the teenager who needed 'a more supportive environment.' (pictured: Colin enters the Barrow County courthouse on Friday for his first appearance)

'He shouldnt have a gun, and he shouldve been in THERAPY months ago,' she added in the text.

Brown said that her nephew had spent months 'begging' for mental health help, but the 'adults around him failed him.'

Marcee was previously ordered by a court to have only limited contact with Colt's father after she pleaded guilty in December to a charge of family violence.

The alleged gunman's parents split in 2022 after they were evicted, and the family had been involved in Georgia's child welfare agency during their turmoil.

Months later, in May 2023, the family were visited by local law enforcement after receiving an FBI tip about threats to carry out a school shooting.

Colt denied making the threats, and Colin told cops that he kept hunting rifles in the home but his son was not allowed to use them unsupervised.
A 15-year-old Virginia boy has died after he was shot at a bus stop while waiting for his school bus.

The teen, who has not been named, was shot in Newport shortly before 6:20am on Tuesday morning.

Cops raced to the scene after ShotSpotter technology alerted them to gunshots in the area, where they found the teen suffering a life-threatening bullet wound.

The victim was hospitalized but tragically died from his injuries hours later, as cops launched an investigation that has so far turned up no suspects.

A 15-year-old Virginia boy has died after he was shot at a bus stop while waiting for his school bus in the town of Newport on Tuesday morning

The shooting unfolded at around 6:20am, with a witness saying a lone gunman fired at another student before fleeing the scene

Authorities have not offered any motive for the early morning shooting, however Newport Police Chief Steve Drew said early indications are that the shooting was likely targeted.

'This isn't a random act, I don't believe,' he said. '(It was) some type of situation between an individual and maybe one other, we just got to sift through that.'

The teenager was gunned down in front of several other students at their school, Menchville High, with one witness saying the shooting unfolded before the sun had risen.

The witness, 15, who did not give her name, told The Virginian Pilot that moments before the shooting she 'saw this guy walk past me' wearing a grey hoodie and a blue medical mask covering their face.

She said she initially 'didn't think anything of it' but thought 'it was kind of weird.'

Then, she watched the man walk around a small apartment building and return to the middle of the street - and that was when she saw him pull out a gun.

Police have made no arrests or identified a motive in the attack, but admitted that said early indications show that the shooting was likely targeted

The teenager was gunned down in front of several other students at their school

At the same time, the victim had just arrived at the bus stop, and the man proceeded to fire a handgun at him several times.

'I saw him pull the gun out, I saw the flash, and I ran,' the witness said.

The gunman fled the scene and cops had made no arrests as of Wednesday afternoon. It is not clear where the victim was hit.

The father of the girl who witnessed the shooting told the Virginian Pilot that the shooting has rocked the town of Newport, adding: 'Thank God my kid didnt get hit, because he was shooting in her direction.'

The girl's father said the school bus arrived 'almost immediately' after the victim was gunned down, and remained at the scene as first responders raced to help the boy.

Menchville High School principal Jason Hollar informed parents and staff of the boy's death in a tragic statement.

'Tragic events like this can be difficult to process,' he said.

'We recognize that some students and staff will need additional support and encouragement. Members of the school divisions support and response team are available at school today to meet and talk with students and staff.'

Drew added that there would be an officer stationed at the bus stop for the remainder of the week, but did not cancel classes.

The father of a witness admitted his relief following the shooting, saying: 'Thank God my kid didnt get hit, because he was shooting in her direction'

The shooting has stunned the town of Newport, Virginia

Newport Mayor Phillip Jones said in a statement that the shooting was a 'senseless tragedy' as he praised the quick response from authorities.

'A young boys life has been cut short, and my heart aches for his family and loved ones during this unimaginable time.

'Words cannot fully convey the grief we feel,' his statement read.
The devastated family of a veteran firefighter, 44, who was fatally shot by a resentful coworker at the Agua Dulce fire station, was paid out $7.2 million on Tuesday.

After a two-year-long battle, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors agreed to settle with the Carlon family after county counsel advised them of the risk of litigation costs if the case dragged on.

Tory Carlon was fatally shot by Jonathan Patrick Tatone while on duty at L.A. County Fire Station 81 on June 1, 2021.

In the lawsuit filed by his widow Heidi Carlon and their three daughters on January 20, 2022, it alleged that Tatone had 'clearly' shown leadership that he was mentally unstable during his employment.

It also alleged that Los Angeles County Fire Department Leadership chose to 'ignore, normalize and ratify Tatone's dangerous conduct'.

Tory Carlon was fatally shot by Jonathan Patrick Tatone while on duty at L.A. County Fire Station 81 in Aqua Dulce on June 1, 2021

The lawsuit was against the filed by his widow Heidi Carlon and their three daughters against the County of Los Angeles on January 20, 2022 for their negligence in supervising Tatone whose behavior had been reported to the fire house leadership by Tory

Two years before the shooting, Tory documented his tense interactions with Tatone in a notebook and department calendar. As it escalated, Tatone told him the next step would be 'fists flying,' the Los Angeles Times reported

Two years before the shooting, Tory documented his tense interactions with Tatone in a notebook and department calendar. As it escalated, Tatone told him the next step would be 'fists flying,' the Los Angeles Times reported.

Tory voiced his concerns to L.A. County Fire Department captains and chiefs, but the lawsuit alleged that nothing was done.

Tory and Tatone were both fire engineers. Despite working different shifts on that fateful day, Tatone returned to the fire station where he murdered Tory.

Tatone also shot and injured Fire Captain Arnoldo Sandoval before driving to his home in Acton, setting it on fire and killing himself.

Sandoval settled with the board last year and received nearly $2.6 million.

Tory Carlon's daughter Joslyn (pictured middle) spoke at her father's memorial service on July 17, 2021. She described how her dad 'could make her smile even when she didn't want to' and 'gave the best advice'

The Carlon family's attorney, Thomas Johnston, released a statement thanking the board for their efforts in bringing this case to a close and providing the family closure

The Carlon family's attorney, Thomas Johnston, released a statement thanking the board for their efforts in bringing this case to a close and providing the family with some closure.

In a GoFundMe campaign that was created a day after the fire house shooting, it described Tory as 'an extremely dedicated father and husband' who had a calming effect on people.

The post has raised $293,116 for the Carlon family toward its $200,000 goal.
President Joe Biden briefly sported one of former President Donald Trump's red MAGA hats in a move the White House said was to show 'bipartisan unity.'

Biden, Trump and Democratic nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris, attended multiple 9/11 commemoration ceremonies Wednesday - a day after Trump and Harris first met on the debate stage.

During a chat with firefighters in Shanksville, Pennsylvania - where United Flight 93 crashed - Biden was briefly captured wearing a bright red Trump hat.

Biden's move came 24 hours after he raised eyebrows by saying he would 'do 9/11' as he left the White House for New York on Tuesday night.

'At the Shanksville Fire Station, President Joe Biden spoke about the country's bipartisan unity after 9/11 and said we needed to get back to that,' White House spokesperson Andrew Bates posted to X. 'As a gesture, he gave a hat to a Trump supporter who then said that in the same spirit, POTUS should put on his Trump cap.'

'He briefly wore it,' Bates added.

President Joe Biden briefly sported one of former President Donald Trump 's red MAGA hats in a move the White House said was to show 'bipartisan unity'

By the time Bates put out his message, Trump's supporters were pushing that the 81-year-old Biden was so 'senile' that he didn't realize what the hat said.

'Attendees tell me Joe Biden appeared totally senile at the event, and he even put a Red TRUMP 2024 hat on while [Harris] was in the room,' wrote Laura Loomer, a conspiracy theorist and top Trump ally. 'One of the attendees asked Biden, "do you even know what your name is?"' she added, parroting an attack on the president Trump made Tuesday night on the debate stage.

The Trump War Room X Account shared video of Biden putting on the hat captioning it: 'Kamala did so bad in last night's debate, Joe Biden just put on a Trump hat.'

The pool of reporters who follow the president around weren't invited into the room, as Biden and Harris were meeting with family members impacted by the September 11, 2001 terror attack.

Pennsylvania is the must-win state of the 2024 election and with the trip to Shanksville, Biden and Harris were entering into Trump country.

The broader Somerset County went for Trump over Biden 78 percent to 21 percent four years ago.

Signs of support for the Republican nominee were visible from Harris' motorcade route.

Another angle of the video shows the 81-year-old commander-in-chief donning the trademark red hat in a gesture of 'bipartisan unity'

Biden told family members in the fire station that the U.S. needed to get back to the unity shown in the aftermath of the attacks that killed 2,977 people

Biden attends the memorial marking the 23rd anniversary of 9/11 with Vice President Kamala Harris, former New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg, former president Donald Trump and Ohio Senator and vice presidential candidate J.D. Vance

One man attending the ceremony at the Flight 93 Memorial was sporting a vulgar anti-Harris t-shirt.

Harris is expected to return to western Pennsylvania Friday with a campaign stop in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, situated in nearby Cambria County.

Cambria County represents one of the most dramatic Democrat-to-Republican swings in the country.

It was represented for years by the late Democratic Rep. John Murtha.

In 2008, President Barack Obama won the county by a hair - 50 percent to Sen. John McCain's 48 percent.

During the 2020 election, the county broke 68 percent for Trump to 31 percent for Biden.

Trump landed at the Johnstown airport shortly after Biden and Harris visited Shanksville.

The former president was also on hand alongside Biden and Harris in New York City at a ceremony at Ground Zero.

During the service, the widow of a chief New York firefighter killed on 9/11 slammed Biden for his 'flippant' remarks.

Kamala Harris looks on during the memorial ceremony at Ground Zero, with Biden in the background, the day after her debate with Trump

Joanne Barbara was referencing the president saying he would 'do 9/11' when reporters asked about his plans for the tribute to Americans killed in the worst terrorist attacks in the nation's history.

Her husband FDNY Assistant Chief Gerard 'Jerry' Barbara, a 31-year veteran firefighter, died when the South Tower of the World Trade Center collapsed while he was trying to rescue those trapped inside.

'The elected officials here today show their respect and reverence to the families on Sept. 11, or  in our president's words  "do 9/11," quite a flippant remark,' Barbara said during remarks at a ceremony honoring her late husband.

'Please remember that the 9/11 families live it every day,' she continued in detailing the grief experienced by those who lost loved ones in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack.

She was also highly critical of the 'outrageous' plea deal that was almost approved for the allegedly 9/11 masterminds detained on Guantanamo Bay.
Surveillance footage caught the moment a would-be robber was shot and killed by an off-duty cop during a botched stickup on the streets of Brazil.

The Military Police officer, whose name has not been released, appeared next to a car in the southern Sao Paulo neighborhood of Maria Helena Parque on Friday when the suspect pulled up on a motorcycle.

Footage showed the bandit aiming his .38 caliber gun at the cop, who fired at least 11 shots as the suspect returned fire.

A 20-year-old robbery suspect aims his gun before being shot by an off-duty cop in Sao Paulo

The off-duty police officer aims his weapon after shooting the suspect, who would later die following the robbery attempt

The stickup man is then seen falling off his motorcycle and dropping to the ground before removing his helmet and putting his hands in the air.

The officer approached the suspect and kicked his gun away.

The suspect was rushed by paramedics to Campo Limpo Hospital, where he died from the gunshot wounds, the Sao Paulo State Public Safety Department said.

The shooting was the latest in a string of robbery attempts in which suspects have been killed in Sao Paulo and neighboring cities.

The officer approached the suspect and kicked his gun away

On August 10, a 20-year-old man rode his motorcycle up to a 28-year-old off-duty Military Police officer and his wife to stick them up and was fatally shot.

On August 4, a 16-year-old boy was shot dead after a civilian disarmed him during an attempted cell phone robbery.

According to Sao Paulo State Public Safety Department figures, a total of 58,602 robberies were reported in the first six months of the year.
An employee from the struggling Home Depot rival LL Flooring has revealed how the store 'tricks' customers into re-doing their homes.

Tony Garcia, who is based in California, took to TikTok to share his internal knowledge of how the flooring giant operates.

The worker explained that the corporation updates the clicking mechanism in its flooring every two to three year - forcing anyone with the older versions to replace the entire floor in case of any damage, rather than just the impacted planks.

The plan, he says, drives the price up of a single box of flooring to more than $1,000.

Garcia is among the workers whose jobs have been wiped out by the companies recent problems. His store is one of the dozens that are closing as part of a last-minute plan to save the company from going bankrupt.

An LL Flooring employee has revealed how his company allegedly tricks its shoppers

The worker, who's video got more than 78,700 views, explained that the corporation updates the clicking mechanism in its flooring every two to three years (stock image)

'My company is going out of business, I am losing my job in a couple of months so I'm going to give you some fun facts.

'Vinyl and laminate gets updated every two or three years - maybe even faster if they can make it happen - to force people to buy an entirely new floor, if they don't have a single box lying around.

'So you have a busted pipe in your kitchen or something - you got a leak, and you have three planks that are busted?

'Sorry, you have to buy $1,000 of new floor, [or] $2,000, [or] $3,000 of new floor, if you gotta get someone to install it," and that's on purpose.'

He went on to share: 'We change the clips every two to three years, and when I say the clips, I mean like the clicked mechanism that these little things go in.

'Even if its the exact same floor - exact same size and everything, they will intentionally design it to not be compatible whatsoever with the last model, or make of it. '

The employee warns customers and states: 'I tell every single person that comes in here to buy an extra box or two, and they always give me this face like, "Do I really need it?"

"Yes, yes you need it. Cause you're gonna spend 10 years from now - you're gonna spend weeks, months - forever, trying to find that discontinued floor, that they did on purpose, to try to make you buy more money's worth of floor."

Tony captioned the video: 'They do not care about you, and they certainly do not care about their employees.'
Former President Donald Trump had debate viewers scratching their heads with a bizarre statement about negotiating with a top Taliban official he identified as 'Abdul' and a threat to take out his home.

Trump didn't give his full name, but called him the 'head' of the Taliban, which only caused more questions because the Taliban leader does not have that name.

It began after ABC's David Muir quizzed Vice President Kamala Harris on the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. That prompted her to argue that the U.S. pullout came under the terms of an agreement negotiated by the Trump Administration.

'He bypassed the Afghan government. He negotiated directly with a terrorist organization called the Taliban,' said Harris, in reference to the talks Trump Secretary of State Mike Pompeo held in Doha.

He was most likely referring to Taliban policy leader Abdul Ghani Baradar, who negotiated with Pompeo. But he is not actually the head of the organization, although he is in the top tier. He serves currently as first deputy prime minister.

'I got involved. And Abdul is the head of the Taliban. He is still the head of the Taliban,' Trump said during the debate, which drew nearly 60 million viewers.

Former President Donald Trump had viewers scratching their heads with a story about showing 'Abdul' who he called the leader of the Taliban a picture of his house

Then Trump referenced delivering a threat, that he suggests ensured the peace. 'And I told Abdul, "Don't do it anymore. You do it anymore, you're going to have problems." And he said, "Why do you send me a picture of my house?" I said, "You're going to have to figure that out, Abdul." And for 18 months we had nobody killed.'

Trump has told the story in the past, including to Sean Hannity on Fox News in 2022, when he said he told the Afghan, Dont do it.'

'It was strong. And he understood it,' Trump added.

The Taliban is headed by Hibatullah Akhundzada, who has held the post since 2016.

Trump then said he would have gotten out of Afghanistan 'faster' than President Joe Biden's administration, although there were still 2,500 U.S. troops in place when Biden took over.

Trump may have been referring to Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, the Taliban-appointed Deputy Prime Minister

Trump's comment came after VP Kamala Harris rapped him for negotiating with the Taliban

'It was a very good agreement. The reason it was good, it was  we were getting out. We would have been out faster than them, but we wouldn't have lost the soldiers. We wouldn't have left many Americans behind.'

The Biden administration, even while acknowledging things didn't go as planned, have blamed the agreement for locking in a withdrawal date and leaving the U.S. without enough troops to prop up the Afghan government when the Taliban made sudden territorial gains.

Harris noted that the deal with the Taliban also 'involved the Taliban getting 5,000 terrorists, Taliban terrorists released,' a factor the White House this week cited as contributing to the collapse of the Afghan government.

Harris smiled and turned her head away from Trump as he told the 'Abdul' story.

Online observers including a former Wall Street Journal reported pointed out the Tablian relied on IEDs rather than snipers, and the lack of an 18 month stretch during Trump's tenure when no U.S. forces got killed.
A generation of Scots have switched to home working - leading to concerns about the future of the countrys town centres.

The latest national census reveals that the number of people working from home has soared by more than 500,000 in the last decade.

The coronavirus pandemic led to many workers learning how to work outside of the office for the first time - and have never gone back full-time.

But business leaders say an exodus of office workers is to blame for a surge in the number of empty shops in recent years.

David Lonsdale, director of the Scottish Retail Consortium, said: Many larger towns and city centres have had a tumultuous few years due to Covid restrictions, which saw the exodus of office workers and rise of hybrid working, and subsequent costs crunch which put a squeeze on household disposable incomes.

Working from remains the norm for many after the Covid pandemic

The dearth of shopper footfall has affected stores of all sizes and has left many gap-toothed high streets. The shift to hybrid working makes it trickier for store vacancy rates to fully recover.

Fresh action is needed to deliver vibrant and attractive town and city centres with compelling reasons for people to visit and spend money.

'Coherent policymaking, lower business rates, and an honest acceptance of the role of private transport in helping access our retail destinations would help.

New figures from Scotlands Census 2022 showed that 800,500 Scots said they worked from home, which is 31.6 per cent of all workers.

This has soared from 259,600 at the time of the last census in 2011.

As Scotland came out of lockdown restrictions, the Scottish Government told businesses that embedding home working habits which have been developed during lockdowns and cutting car use could have a real impact on reducing emissions.

Scottish Conservative business spokesman Murdo Fraser said: Its clear that some of the changes to working practices adopted during the pandemic are here to stay.

But its concerning that the SNP government seems to have given very little thought to the impact on our city centres, or the wider economy.

The SNP must urgently start thinking about how we achieve the growth Scotland desperately needs against this new background.

The census data also revealed an increase in the number of commuters who drive to work despite moves to encourage people to use public transport.

The overall total number of people who travel to work by car or van has reduced by 180,600 since 2011.

But when those who work from home are excluded, 67.1 per cent of people who travelled to work used a car or van - up from 62.8 per cent in 2011.

Dr Liz Cameron, chief executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said: Businesses have adopted different business models in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, whether that be hybrid working, the expansion of flexible working or shorter working weeks.

With so many Scots now working from home, businesses in town have seen a huge drop in customer numbers

Protecting staff morale and supporting employees health and wellbeing is reliant on giving them options on where they want to work.

'Generally, workers seem to prefer a hybrid model that combines home and office working, but this varies from sector to sector with some more or less suited to one model vs another.

The significant increase seen in remote working in recent years has had an impact on town and city centres. Remote workers spend less on transport, coffees and lunches, affecting businesses that rely on the footfall of office employees.

'General retail and hospitality often depends on them too. In some cases, this leads to empty and lost high streets across Scotland.

Offices are a vital part of urban economies and without the return of office worker footfall, businesses, will continue to be impacted, leading to potential job losses and permanent closures.

'The revitalisation of town and city centres must be a top priority for the government.

Colin Borland, director of the Federation of Small Businesses Scotland, said: The benefits of flexible working are recognised by many small businesses and their staff.

'The shift to greater homeworking does however have an impact on local high streets. People coming into town for work are a big element of weekday footfall for businesses.

When we are working from home, we dont tend to buy that takeaway sandwich, or nip out for a bit of lunchtime shopping, or have a quick drink with colleagues before catching the train home.

National Records of Scotlands director of census statistics Jon Wroth-Smith said: The increase in home working was largely driven by changes in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Some changes in response to the pandemic were temporary. Others are likely to be longer lasting. There were limited Covid related restrictions in place in March 2022, outside of health and social care settings.
A British man has been airlifted to hospital in a 'critical condition' after getting into difficulties in the sea off the paradise Spanish island of Formentera.

The 70-year-old was pulled out of the water the picture-postcard Ses Illetes beach by lifeguards who performed life-saving CPR on him.

Emergency responders stabilised him on the sand before an ambulance took him initially to the island hospital.

Doctors then decided he should be flown by helicopter to Can Misses Hospital in Ibiza given the seriousness of his condition.

The news broke shortly after 3.30pm this afternoon and the Brit, who has not been named, was said to be in intensive care last night as he fought for his life.

The 70-year-old was pulled out of the water at picture-postcard Ses Illetes beach (pictured) by lifeguards who performed life-saving CPR on him

It was not immediately clear if he was alone at the time of the near-drowning or with family or friends.

See Illetes, which has in the past been declared as the one of the world's most beautiful beaches, is regarded as the most representative feature of Formentera's spectacular coastline.

It is located within Ses Salines de Eivissa and Formentera Natural Park, occupying a large area of the Es Trucadors peninsula, the extreme north of the island of Formentera, and facing west.

There are more than 450 metres of beach divided into two parts by a small rocky area in the middle.

Last week two British holidaymakers lost their lives after being swept away by a torrent of water in a flooded Majorca canyon.

The pair were named as Alexander Johnson, 32, and his girlfriend Sarah Jane Thompson, 26. They had been hiking through the canyon, called the Torrent de Pareis, when the tragedy occurred during a surprise storm.
Islanders on Orkney have not witnessed a native fox for almost 3,000 years.

So it created something of a stir this week when the body of a young vixen appeared out of the blue in the islands capital Kirkwall.

The discovery sparked concern from shocked locals, who fear the tick-covered mammal could spread infection among other animals on the island.

It even prompted NatureScot to warn it was against the law to release any animal, or allow it to escape, on an island where it is not native.

It comes after a similar discovery of a young male fox in 2007 which left farmers and environmentalists equally perplexed.

Orkney has not witnessed a native fox for thousands of years

Rhona Ley, one of the directors at NorthVet where the latest fox was taken, said: It was a young female fox and the most likely cause of death would be a road traffic accident.

It wasnt freshly dead, so it had probably been dead for several days because there were signs of decomposition there.

It did have several fractures in its legs, as well. They happened after it died, but it is very difficult to say what caused that.

The mystery of how the creature found its way to Kirkwall has sparked wild speculation about its journey to Orkney.

The foxs body was found near the Balfour Hospital, in Kirkwall, by staff members on their way to work.

The hospital is just a mile from the nearest ferry terminal and three miles from the local airport.

Islanders are mystified over how the fox landed in Kirkwall

Some are concerned it may have been a stowaway from the mainland, but there is also suspicion that it may have been allowed to escape.

Gary Foubister, Orkney and Islands Councils trading standards manager, said the discovery had been reported to police to investigate.

He said: It is a serious offence to release non-native species, dead or alive.

Anyone with information should get in touch with Police Scotland on 101.

And a Nature Scot spokesman said the organisation was aware of the discovery of a dead fox in Kirkwall and anyone who sees a fox on an island should report it to them.

The spokesman said: Preventing predatory mammals like foxes from becoming established on our islands saves the need for costly control in the future.

It is against the law to release any animal, or allow it to escape, on an island where it is not native.

Foxes have not been found on the island since the Iron Age.

There was an attempt to introduce them in the early 20th century, but this failed.

Foxes are well known for taking small livestock and ground-nesting birds, with the creatures controlled in the countryside because of the impact they can have.

The only Scottish islands where there are wild foxes are Skye and Bute.
A couple who filmed ex-Marine Daniel Penny putting Jordan Neely in a chokehold which ultimately led to his death in May 2023, are refusing to come to New York to testify at Penny's trial.

The pair 'apparently took a video of the incident, and since that time have declined to testify in the Grand Jury, having gone back to their home in Europe someplace,' a judge said during a pre-trial conference for the lawyers involved.

'They have so far refused to share the video that they took,' the judge explained, reports the New York Post.

'They refused to share it with the DA, or with anyone else, and they are so far refusing to come back to testify.'

It's not clear who the couple are or why they have so far refused to cooperate with authorities, but Penny's lawyers believe the footage could be 'incredibly favorable' to the former Marine should it be admissible as evidence.

Daniel Penny, 25, is facing 15 years in prison for putting Jordan Neely, 30, in a fatal chokehold

Penny held Neely in a chokehold on the subway car floor while others assisted on May 1, 2023

So far the couple, who are believed to reside somewhere in Europe, have rebuffed attempts by prosecutors who have attempted to get them to turn over the footage, Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Maxwell Wiley said.

The Manhattan District Attorney's office are still in contact with the tourists and have held a number of video meetings with them, but they are yet to give the go ahead without explaining why they won't hand over the footage or make a return trip to the city to testify.

Penny, 25, is facing charges of second-degree manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide following a confrontation on the a subway train in May 2023 that left Neely dead.

Neely was restrained by Penny after he allegedly threatened people in the train car.

Penny placed him in a chokehold on the F train at the Broadway-Lafayette Street and Bleecker Street station.

He was 24 at the time of the incident and was filmed restraining Neely, holding him on the floor until he was unconscious.

Penny put Neely in a fatal chokehold on a NYC subway. Neely had been threatening passengers

Neely was pronounced dead at the scene and the medical examiner later ruled the death a homicide, saying his neck injuries proved the chokehold was what caused it.

Penny, a former infantry squad leader said he did not mean to kill Neely but that he felt like he needed to step in to protect fellow passengers from Neely who was throwing garbage and threatening to 'kill a motherf*****' and be jailed.

Penny broke his silence to say that Neely's death had nothing to do with race, claiming he did what he believed was right and would behave the same way if he were put in the same situation again.

He has pleaded not guilty. His defense attorneys previously tried to get the case dismissed, claiming he 'stepped in to save lives' but this was rejected in January.

Neely, who was homeless, was a former Michael Jackson impersonator and had been battling mental illness in the years leading up to his death.

Jury selection in Penny's trial is set to start in late October.

A couple who filmed ex-Marine Daniel Penny putting Jordan Neely in a chokehold which ultimately led to his death in May 2023, are refusing to come to New York to testify

His attorney, Thomas Kenniff, said if the couple refuse to testify it could pose a 'very serious issue.'

Kenniff explained how testimony from the couple in their account of what happened and what they witnessed would be 'probative' and also 'incredibly favorable to the defense, or at least certain parts of it.'

The tourists' account of the episode could 'maybe more probative than any testimony of the issues that are going to be at issue in this trial,' the lawyer added.

Attorneys at the pre-trial conference were also asked by the judge if they would be open to having the couple testify from Europe remotely.

'I certainly don't have  we certainly don't have the means of making that happen. Whether the People do or not, I guess, is a question of international law, and the Hague, and so forth,' Kenniff said.

Court records details how prosecutors do have other video in their possession that shows Neely's death.

Jury selection will start around October 21 with the trial proper expected to last several weeks.

If convicted, Penny could face up to 19 years in prison.

Penny, a former infantry squad leader said he did not mean to kill Neely but that he felt like he needed to step in to protect fellow passengers

Neely had an extensive rap sheet for crimes on the subway, including vicious assaults of other passengers.

In 2021, he attacked an elderly woman as she left the Bowery station in the East Village. She suffered a broken nose, a fractured orbital bone, and 'bruising, swelling and substantial pain to the back of her head' in the November 12 attack, according to a criminal complaint.

He admitted felony assault on February 9 in exchange for a 15-month alternative-to-incarceration program, according to the Manhattan District Attorney's Office.

He was supposed to stay in a treatment facility and stay sober.

Between January 2020 and August 2021, he was arrested for public lewdness after pulling down his pants and exposing himself to a woman, misdemeanor assault for hitting a woman in the face, and criminal contempt for violating a restraining order.

All three cases were dismissed as part of a deal.

In June 2019, Neely assaulted 68-year-old Filemon Castillo Baltazar on the platform of the W. 4th St. Station in Greenwich Village, court records show.

'Out of nowhere, he punched me in the face,' the victim told the New York Daily News. He said he saw Neely before the attack rummaging in trash cans for food.

Neely had an extensive rap sheet for crimes on the subway, including vicious assaults of other passengers.

One month earlier, Neely punched a man in the face, breaking his nose on the platform of Broadway-Lafayette  the same subway station where he died.

For both 2019 cases, he pleaded guilty to misdemeanor assault and was sentenced to six months in jail.

Neely's family said he 'experienced a mental health episode' and that no rider asked what was wrong before Penny and two others restrained him.

A woman on the subway that day has described how she was reading a book when she heard Neely begin to yell.

'He said, 'I don't care if I have to kill an f, I will. I'll go to jail, I'll take a bullet.' I'm looking at where we are in the tube, in the sardine can, and I'm like, 'OK, we're in between stations. There's nowhere we can go.'

She told Fox News that Penny was just acting in 'self-defense, and I believe in my heart that he saved a lot of people that day that could have gotten hurt.

'Nobody wants to kill anybody,' she claimed. Mr. Penny didn't want to kill that man. It took three men to hold Mr. Neely down. He was struggling.'

The woman, who described herself as a 'woman of color', also said race has nothing to do with what happened on the train.

'This isn't about race. This is about people of all colors who were very, very afraid and a man who stepped in to help them.

'Race is being used to divide us.'

She said New York - a city where she has lived for 50 years - was starting to look like a 'Third World Country'.

'I miss the city under the law and order of Giuliani. When it comes to exposing people or subjecting them to violent behavior, the people who are in power and supposed to protect us are not.'
Cape dresses have long been a hallmark of royal elegance, merging regal tradition with modern sophistication.

From opulent state occasions to glamorous red carpets, these garments have been worn by royal women across the globe, symbolising both authority and grace.

A classic cape silhouette offers a versatile way to cover arms for formal events, without succumbing to long sleeves.

So why might they be the garment of choice for royal women ranging from Princess Margaret to Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and others?

Dr Carolyn Mair, the author of The Psychology of Fashion, says clothing choices are 'deeply intertwined with psychological processes related to self-expression, social identity, self-perception and emotional well-being.'

The Princess of Wales opted for a striking Safiyaa cape dress for the 2023 Royal Variety Performance

She added to MailOnline: 'Famous people understand the significant impact of their public image and so they use clothing to shape perceptions, create narratives, and reinforce their personal brand or the image associated with their profession or projects.

'This is known as impression management. Done correctly, it can ensure that they leave a lasting and impactful impression on their audience.'

Colour also plays a key part.

Dr Mair explained: 'Different colours can evoke various emotions and moods.

'For example, vibrant and warm colours like red and yellow are often associated with energy, positivity and stimulation, while cooler tones like blue and green are linked, mainly through sociocultural associations, to calmness, tranquility and relaxation.'

With this in mind, we look back at memorable cape dresses worn by royals throughout the years.

Princess Margaret

For the Queen Mother's 90th birthday in 1990, Princess Margaret visited the London Palladium wearing a show-stopping caped turquoise gown

Princess Margaret's larger than life personality certainly came across in her attire.

For the Queen Mother's 90th birthday in 1990, Margaret visited the London Palladium wearing a show-stopping turquoise gown.

The caped satin creation incorporated a flattering square neckline that highlighted the royal's extravagant jewels and bouffant hairdo.

Catherine, Princess of Wales

The Princess of Wales dazzled at the 2021 premiere of No Time To Die in an opulent gown by one of her favourite designers, Jenny Packham

The Princess of Wales dazzled at the 2021 world premiere of No Time To Die in an opulent gown by one of her favourite designers, Jenny Packham.

Dripping with gold sequins, the glamorous gown featured structured shoulders and caped sleeves that swept the red carpet.

Kate added Aquazzura stilettos and bespoke earrings by O'nitaa, while her locks were styled in a polished updo.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex

Meghan Markle made an entrance in a striking emerald green Emilia Wickstead dress, featuring a dramatic asymmetric cape

The 2020 Commonwealth Day service marked the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's last public appearance as working members of the Royal Family.

And Meghan made her entrance in a striking emerald green Emilia Wickstead dress, featuring a dramatic asymmetric cape.

She elevated the look with a matching hat by William Chambers, Aquazzura court shoes and a Gabriela Hearst mini bag.

Princess Victoria of Sweden

Princess Victoria of Sweden looked the epitome of opulence in Safiyaa's 'Gingko' gown at the wedding of Crown Prince Hussein and Rajwa Al Saifn in Jordan in 2023

Distinguishable from afar, immaculately tailored Safiyaa dresses are especially popular with royalty.

Princess Victoria of Sweden looked the epitome of opulence in a bright fuchsia 'Gingko' gown at the wedding of Crown Prince Hussein and Rajwa Al Saifn in Jordan last year.

Defined by signature cape detailing, the contemporary silhouette made a lasting impression with its sculpting body and short caped sleeves.

Queen Maxima of the Netherlands

Showcasing her style flair, Queen Maxima of the Netherlands commanded attention in a dramatic Valentino gown while attending a concert in Luxembourg in 2018

Renowned for her daring sense of style and unwavering love for vibrant hues, Queen Maxima of the Netherlands has become a symbol of sartorial audacity.

Showcasing her style flair, Maxima commanded attention in a dramatic Valentino gown while attending a concert in Luxembourg in 2018.

The scarlet dress featured a voluminous silhouette and trailing cape sleeves.

Queen Mathilde of Belgium

Queen Mathilde of Belgium's vibrant Natan dress, worn to the National Day Eve Concert in 2023, exemplified joy and confidence

Queen Mathilde of Belgium's vibrant yellow ensemble at the National Day Eve Concert in 2023 exemplified joy and confidence.

Designed by Natan, her custom-made dress featured a breezy silhouette, classic cape and dip hem.

She paired the dress with towering Christian Dior sandals, a Diane von Furstenberg clutch, and Percossi Papi topaz and pearl earrings.

Princess Charlene of Monaco

Princess Charlene of Monaco dazzled in a green crepe gown by Marchesa Notte at the 2019 Monaco Red Cross Ball Gala

Princess Charlene of Monaco dazzled in a green crepe gown by Marchesa Notte at the 2019 Monaco Red Cross Ball Gala.

The dress, with its twisted neckline and column skirt, complemented the flowing cape, creating a striking and balanced look.

Charlene completed her ensemble with glittering gold accessories and striking diamond and pearl earrings by Repossi.

Queen Mary of Denmark

Queen Mary of Denmark wore a breathtaking cape dress by Birgit Hallstein during her 2019 visit to Japan

Queen Mary of Denmark showcased a breathtaking cape dress by Birgit Hallstein during her 2019 visit to Japan.

This marked the third occasion she had worn the gown, which had been modified for the event by removing the embellished bodice and belt to make way for a new cape.

Known for her commitment to sustainable fashion, Mary often revises existing pieces rather than buying new ones.

She topped off her look with a diamond, ruby and spinel tiara, purchased at auction in 2012.

Queen Letizia of Spain

Queen Letizia of Spain demonstrated the power of a red dress in a statement frock from Stella McCartney, incorporating a figure-skimming cut and one-shoulder cape

Queen Letizia of Spain demonstrated the power of a red dress at the birthday party of King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands in 2017.

For the occasion, the monarch selected a statement frock from Stella McCartney, incorporating a figure-skimming cut and one-shoulder cape.

Letizia reached new heights in coordinating heels, adding a Felipe Varela metallic clutch, and diamond and ruby chandelier earrings.
As the second wife of King Henry VIII, she was the queen who was long pursued - and then brutally discarded.

But was Anne Boleyn - the mother of Queen Elizabeth I - really guilty of adultery with several men, including her own brother?

That is the key question explored in the seventh episode of new Daily Mail podcast Queens, Kings and Dastardly Things.

Mail columnist and royal biographer Robert Hardman and his co-presenter Professor Kate Williams examine the charges that led to Anne's execution in 1536.

And they also explore how exactly Anne rose to be Henry's second wife, and why she changed her mind about marriage after years of resisting the monarch's advances.

Professor Williams says: 'I think most people will have an idea of what Anne Boleyn's fate was, but how did she reach her final destination, the executioner's block?

'What always fascinates me is how swift it was. Married, queen, 1533; 1536, executed. We'll be asking the question, how guilty, if at all, was Anne Boleyn?'

Listen to the full episode now:

Was Anne Boleyn - the mother of Queen Elizabeth I - really guilty of adultery with several men, including her own brother? Above: Natalie Portman as Anne in the 2008 film The Other Boleyn Girl

Anne Boleyn, the second wife of King Henry VIII, was beheaded on May 19, 1536 at the Tower of London

Mr Hardman adds that Anne is, 'one of history's biggest names, the inspiration for not only a royal divorce, but really for an entire country's divorce from an entire religion.'

PODCAST: Queens, Kings and Dastardly Things New episodes every Wednesday DON'T MISS your favourite new history podcast. Each week we'll bring you the biggest and most shocking royal scandals, from who really killed the husband of Mary, Queen of Scots, to the most sex-mad British monarch of all time. Listen wherever you get your podcasts now. Advertisement

'The mother of a great queen of England and arguably the most important and perhaps influential Queen Consort England has ever had.'

Despite the enormous interest in Anne over the centuries, there is still uncertainty about exactly when she was born.

She was either born in 1501 or 1507. Professor Williams says: 'If we choose 1501, she'd be around 25 when Henry spots her. Or if we choose 1507, she'd be 19.'

Anne was from a particularly well connected family. Her father, Thomas, was a politician and diplomat, while her uncle, the Duke of Norfolk, was a brilliant soldier.

Young Anne had been a courtier from an early age, having been sent away to serve Queen Claude of France.

She returned to England to marry her cousin, but the union fell through and so instead she became lady in waiting to Henry's then-wife, Catherine of Aragon.

Meanwhile, Anne's sister Mary had weaved her way into the King's affections and had become a mistress of the monarch.

In the spring of 1526, Henry turned his attention on Anne, who Professor Williams says was initially 'ambivalent' to his advances.

That was in part because the King had played a role in denying her the chance to tie the knot with love match Henry Percy, the Earl of Northumberland.

Professor Williams says of the King: 'I think that Henry was particularly attracted to her wit, to her intelligence, to her knowledge and love of France.'

But she adds: 'Most men wouldn't want to go out with their lover's sister. We might think that's a bit icky, really, but for Henry, it's a recommendation.

Richard Burton as King Henry VIII alongside Genevieve Bujold as Anne Boleyn in 1969 film Anne of the Thousand Days

Anne was accused of incest with her brother George Boleyn. Above: Natalie Portman as Anne and Jim Sturgess as George in 2008 film The Other Boleyn Girl

Max Fowler as musician Mark Smeaton in Wolf Hall, the BBC's TV production of Hilary Mantel's novel of the same name

Luke Roberts as Henry Norris in BBC show Wolf Hall

'Mary was a good mistress, so he thinks to his little self, Well, Anne must be a good mistress, too.'

However, Anne refused to allow Henry to make her his mistress.

Professor Williams says she 'doesn't really like the idea' because she has seen her sister be 'used and then cast aside', and so is 'not that interested' in the King.

After she retired to her family's pile, Heaver Castle, Henry sent her dozens of letters in an attempt to seduce her.

Eventually, Anne succumbed to the King's advances. Professor Williams says: 'What these letters prove is that Henry's serious about her.

'He doesn't just want to use her as a mistress, set her aside and then she's discarded.'

But Catherine, who had fallen out of favour with Henry by failing to give birth to a son, would not allow the King to set her aside.

The Pope refused to grant Henry an annulment, and so the King triggered a seismic split with the Catholic Church to get what he wanted.

He was made the head of the Church of England and appointed a new Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Cranmer, who allowed the annulment to proceed.

Anne and Henry finally married - more or less in secret - in November 1532 and then announced the union to the public.

The King's marriage to Catherine was annulled in the May of 1533, and just five days later Anne was crowned Queen.

Anne, now visibly pregnant, was crowned with St Edward's Crown, which was ordinarily for the monarch, not the consort.

The crown was used to make her 'legitimate', Professor Williams says. But Anne was not popular with a general population that still preferred Catherine.

Anne too was unhappy at the way in which, soon after she married Henry and had become pregnant, the King was cavorting with mistresses.

But the monarch told his wife that she had to endure his unfaithfulness.

Although astrologers and royal physicians had predicted that Anne would give birth to a son - much desired by Henry - she instead had a daughter in September 1533.

Henry was hugely disappointed but convinced that he and Anne could have more children together and that she would give him his male heir.

Meanwhile, there were tensions between Anne and Thomas Cromwell, largely over the pair's differing visions for the future of the Church in England.

Both were competing for the King's hear in their attempts to ensure their views were the ones favoured.

But in January 1536, Anne suffered the latest of two miscarriages, leaving both her and Henry devastated.

Anne lost her unborn child on the same day that Catherine of Aragon - who had died just days earlier - was buried.

Professor Williams explains that Catherine had been a 'protection' to Anne because he could not 'set her aside' while his first wife still lived.

She adds: 'When Catherine of Aragon dies, he starts to think, "should I get rid of Anne as well?"

Henry then turned his attention to Anne's lady in waiting, Jane Seymour, who would become his third wife.

Henry and Anne had enjoyed a secret romance when Henry was still married to his first wife, Catherine of Aragon

But the King knew he could not divorce Anne, because of the impact it would have on his reputation after his split from Catherine.

Instead, Cromwell looked into how Henry's marriage could be brought to an end.

He set about trying to find out if Anne, whose flirtatiousness had initially made her popular with the King, was having liaisons with men in her household.

Cromwell built a case against the Queen, claiming that she had had sex with men including musician Mark Smeaton, courtier Henry Norris, and George Boleyn, her own brother.

Both Smeaton and Norris were sent to the Tower of London.

Anne too was arrested - along with her brother - and accused of adultery, incest and treason.

She was subjected to a sham trial before she was held prisoner in the same royal apartment in the Tower of London where she had awaited her coronation.

On May 19, 1536, two days after her brother, Norris and Smeaton had been beheaded, Anne was put to death.

In her final statement, she heaped praise on her husband.

She said: 'Good Christian people, I am come hither to die, for according to the law, and by the law I am judged to die, and therefore I will speak nothing against it.

Anne was beheaded at the Tower of London. In her final statement before her death, she heaped praise on her husband. Above: A depiction of her execution

'I am come hither to accuse no man, nor to speak anything of that, whereof I am accused and condemned to die, but I pray God save the king and send him long to reign over you, for a gentler nor a more merciful prince was there never: and to me he was ever a good, a gentle and sovereign lord.

'And if any person will meddle of my cause, I require them to judge the best.

'And thus I take my leave of the world and of you all, and I heartily desire you all to pray for me. O Lord have mercy on me, to God I commend my soul.'

But did Anne really commit adultery and incest, and how much did she love the King?

Find out the verdict of Professor Williams and Mr Hardman in episode seven - released today - of Queens, Kings and Dastardly Things.

Robert Hardman is the author of books including Queen of Our Times: The Life of Elizabeth II and Charles III: New King. New Court. The Inside Story.

Professor Kate Williams is the author of the recent book The Royal Palaces: Secrets and Scandals, along with many other works.
Jeff Bezos' plans to launch a pair of Blue Origin space probes to Mars next month have been scrapped by NASA.

The Escape and Plasma Acceleration and Dynamics Explorers (EscaPADE) small spacecraft were set to launch on board New Glenn sometime between October 13 and 21. This also would have been the rocket's inaugural flight.

But it appears that NASA isn't convinced that New Glenn - Blue Origin's partially reusable, heavy-lift rocket that's slated to launch the probes - will be ready for liftoff by then.

Just over a month before the launch, NASA officials halted preparations for the $80 million mission 'to avoid significant cost, schedule, and technical challenges' associated with having to remove fuel from the EscaPADE spacecraft in the event of a launch delay.

Now, the mission won't launch until Spring 2025 at the earliest, NASA said.

NASA has scrapped the October launch of their EscaPADE Mars mission over fears that Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket won't be ready to launch by then

'We're supportive of NASA's decision to target the EscaPADE mission for no earlier than spring 2025 and look forward to the flight,' Blue Origin wrote in a statement posted on X, formerly Twitter.

Blue Origin has been developing its New Glenn rocket since 2013, and its first flight was originally scheduled for 2020. But the launch was delayed for several years largely due to the need for extensive engine testing and redesign.

In total, Blue Origin has spent at least $2.5 billion developing this rocket.

This year, it looked like New Glenn would finally get off the ground with the launch of the EscaPADE mission. But now, that mission has been scrapped until next at least spring.

But New Glenn could still fly before the year is out - just not with the EscaPADE space probes on board.

Blue Origin has rescheduled what would have been New Glenn's second flight for November. Originally slated to launch in December, this mission will carry technology for the company's Blue Ring orbital platform to space.

Blue Ring is the company's new spacecraft platform designed to provide 'in-space logistics and delivery,' Blue Origin wrote in a statement.

Even if all goes well with that launch, New Glenn still won't be ready to support the EscaPADE mission to Mars.

Jeff Bezos has spent at least $2.5 billion and over a decade developing his New Glenn rocket

The October launch of NASA's EscaPADE mission would have been New Glenn's first test flight. Now, Blue Origin hopes to launch the rocket on a different mission in November

EscaPADE will use two identical space probes, named Blue and Gold, to study interactions between solar wind and Mars' magnetic environment and how these interactions drive the planet's 'atmospheric escape,' or the loss of atmospheric gases to outer space.

'This mission can help us study the atmosphere at Mars - key information as we explore farther and farther into our solar system and need to protect astronauts and spacecraft from space weather,' said Nicky Fox, NASA Headquarters' associate administrator for science, in a statement.

NASA has opted not to fuel the two EscaPADE spacecraft mainly because having to remove the fuel in the event of a launch delay would be expensive.

What's more, this mission can only launch during a tight window of time where Earth and Mars are aligned.

'This means that small schedule changes can result in months-long delays in launch,' NASA said.

The mission team is currently analyzing larger launch windows, including an opportunity to launch EscaPADE in spring 2025.

'This is an important mission for NASA, and it's critical we have sufficient margin in our prelaunch work to ensure we are ready to fly a tight planetary window,' said Bradley Smith, NASA Headquarters' Launch Services Office director.

But even that revised launch date window seems too soon, as Earth and Mars only align about once every 26 months, according to NASA.

While the mission could be significantly delayed, it appears that this will be just a bump in the road for EscaPADE as NASA and Blue Origin work to get these space probes - and New Glenn - off the ground as soon as possible.

'We're committed to seeing EscaPADE safely into space, and I look forward to seeing it off the ground and on its trip to Mars,' Fox said.
Amazing video shows a group of cheeky seals lured by research equipment at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean.

Eight northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris) have been filmed exploring, feeding and even sleeping at the remote spot in the underwater Barkley Canyon, more than 2,000 feet down.

The naturally curious marine mammals are likely being attracted by experts' sonar device  technology that emits sound waves to measure distances.

Scientists became so familiar with the repeat visitors they named them after members of the Beach Boys, including Brian Wilson and his brothers Carl and Dennis.

It's thought the seals keep coming back to the spot because the lights from an additional camera are bringing disturbed fish out of their hiding spots  making it a great spot for tasty morsels.

Pet Sounds: Here, 'Brian' the northern elephant seal peers at the camera as it's lured by the range of underwater equipment in the Barkley Canyon

Scientists think the seals are being attracted by the sonar waves as well as the light emitted from the underwater cameras

What is sonar? Sonar, short for Sound Navigation and Ranging, is a technology that emits sound waves to 'see' underwater. It sends out a pulse of energy that travels through water, reflects off of an object, and returns to a receiver - letting experts determine distance from the object. Another type called passive sonar uses hydrophones (or underwater microphones) to listen to sounds. Experts use sonar to develop nautical charts, locate underwater hazards, search for shipwrecks and map the seafloor itself. Source: NOAA Advertisement

Just like the famous Pavlov's dog experiments, scientists think the seals are associating the vibrating waves of sound with food.

'We suspect the seals have learned to associate sonar noise from the research instrument with the presence of food  a phenomenon known as the 'dinner bell' effect,' said Dr Heloise Frouin-Mouy, a visiting scientist at the University of Victoria in British Columbia, Canada.

'[They] may take advantage of fish disturbed by the camera lights, particularly targeting sablefish, their preferred meal, as seen in the video footage.'

Northern elephant seals  found in the eastern and central North Pacific Ocean  forage at great depth where it is very dark, even during the day.

The sensitivity of their eyes to light is 10 times that of a human, but they also use their sensitive whiskers to detect motion in the water and track down prey.

Working with Ocean Networks Canada, the underwater set-up was intended to study the effects of light on fish and invertebrate behaviour along the Barkley Canyon, which is the location of stunning deep sea coral cliffs.

So they were pleasantly surprised to see the inquisitive visitors when reviewing the camera footage, acoustic images and sound data.

Overall, at least eight male elephant seals, ages 4 to 7, were observed on camera and detected by hydrophones  microphones for underwater use.

They were named Brian, Dennis, Carl, Mike, Al, Bruce, Blondie and David  referring to eight members of the Beach Boys from the band's various line-ups.

Researchers became so familiar with the repeat visitors they named them after members of the Beach Boys

The Beach Boys in London, 1964. Clockwise from left - Al Jardine, Carl Wilson, Dennis Wilson, Brian Wilson and Mike Love

The animals made multiple visits to the 2,116-foot (645-metre) deep research site at Barkley Canyon off the British Columbia west coast between 2022 and 2023

The animals made multiple visits to the 2,116-foot (645-metre) deep research site at Barkley Canyon off the British Columbia west coast between 2022 and 2023.

In one instance, repeated visits over 10 days by four of the seals to the research site also demonstrate that they quickly learned to use the infrastructure to forage for food more efficiently, adds Frouin-Mouy.

'We became familiar with the mammals and ended up naming them in the paper after members of the Beach Boys to differentiate between the frequency of visits and observed habits,' she said.

The seals were also lured by additional bait traps  consisting of bottles loaded with sardines.

But video observations showed they primarily focused on actively swimming sablefish (Anoplopoma fimbria), while ignoring stationary or drifting prey.

The team also found that they produce low frequency sounds while foraging, either voluntarily or involuntarily, and even take 'power naps' on the seafloor.

The ability of seals to perform repeated visits to the same site over long periods (more than 10 days) was due to the noise generated by the sonar equipment

The site features a high-definition camera, acoustic imaging sonar, hydrophone, pair of LED lights and automatic bait release

As opportunistic feeders, elephant seals are believed to feed on bottom-dwelling marine animals such as ratfish, swell sharks, spiny dogfish, eels, rockfish and squid.

They spend the vast majority of their time in the open ocean  up to 5,000 miles offshore  and only come to shore twice each year to breed and molt.

From the 18th century, northern elephant seals were hunted extensively and the species was declared extinct in 1884.

Further populations were found, however, and they have been protected by law in Mexico and in the US since the early 20th century.

A study detailing the behaviour has been published in PLOS One.
READ MORE: Is YOUR dog gifted? Scientists reveal key signs a pooch is 'special'

Whether it's a parent or our spouse, we often like a loved one to be near when we recover from a painful procedure.

But new research suggests dogs should be our number one recovery companion instead.

Scientists in Germany have found that having a canine around reduces feelings of pain during recovery from a physical ordeal.

Cuddling a dog  or even just having a dog nearby  is a more effective form of relief than having a human present, they report.

However the researchers stop short of advising people not to take painkillers when required, as their experiments only tested a minor form of pain.

Having a dog nearby can reduce pain symptoms more effectively than the presence of another human, the study found (file photo)

The new study has been led by Dr Heidi Mauersberger at Humboldt University's department of psychology in Berlin, Germany.

'Social support from family and friends, albeit associated with beneficial health effects, does not always help to cope with pain,' Dr Mauersberger and colleagues say in their paper.

'[We] aimed to test whether pet dogs are a more beneficial source of support in a painful situation than human companions.'

The study involved two slightly different experiments focusing solely on physical pain, not emotional pain.

In the first experiment, 74 women completed a cold-pressor task in the presence of their own pet dog, or a friend, or while alone.

The cold-pressor task  used to induce pain in many lab experiments  involves immersing the hand into icy water for as long as possible before it becomes unbearable.

In the second experiment, another 50 women completed the cold-pressor task in the presence of an unfamiliar dog or a human stranger, or while alone.

The researchers only used women in their experiments for consistency, as 'gender differences can influence pain perception and coping', said Dr Mauersberger.

The cold-pressor task involves immersing the hand into icy water for as long as possible before it becomes unbearable (stock image)

In experiment one, the dogs sat in a corner nearby and there was no physical contact, but in experiment two, participants were allowed to pet the dogs.

In both experiments, participants reported less pain and showed less 'pain behaviour'  such as jaw clenching, grimacing and complaining  in the presence of the dogs compared to the humans.

As expected, having their own pet dog present  rather than an unfamiliar pooch  resulted in a stronger reduction in pain.

Having a human nearby reduced pain more than being alone  but not as much as having a dog there.

'Participants accompanied by their dog reported less pain and showed lower physiological pain reactions, greater pain tolerance, and less intense facial displays of pain,' the team say.

'Pet dogs may help individuals to cope with painful situations, especially if the individual in pain generally feels affectionate towards dogs.'

Dogs offer 'unconditional' and 'non-evaluative' support for someone experiencing pain, compared to humans, who tend to 'socially judge'.

Having a dog nearby can reduce pain symptoms more effectively than the presence of another human, the study found (file photo)

For example, the person experiencing pain may feel like they're being judged by their human companion for being dramatic.

Also, the 'social demand' of the presence of a friend may counteract the otherwise soothing effect of their support.

The team cite prior study where stressed women preferred being alone with their dog when suffering pain, because in the dog's company 'no social pretenses were necessary and no social expectations needed to be satisfied'.

Dr Mauersberger admits that her study  published in the journal Acta Psychologica  focused on the perception of pain as perceived by the participants, which is of course different from the physical phenomenon of pain itself.

'Participants reported lower pain intensity, felt more capable of coping, and displayed fewer pain behaviors in the presence of dogs,' she told MailOnline.

'While this may not be a direct reduction of pain at a physiological level, it significantly impacts how individuals experience and tolerate pain.'

Nevertheless, the team think dogs can improve the quality of life in pain patients by 'reducing pain-related disability and depressiveness'.
Researchers have discovered that a tiny tropical fish sizes itself up in a mirror before attacking another fish, suggesting they have sophisticated self-awareness.

The bluestreak cleaner wrasse - a finger-sized, territorial coral reef fish - was the first fish to pass the 'mirror test.'

Scientists use this assessment to determine whether an animal recognizes its reflection as its own body and not as another animal.

Now, a new study has found that this fish not only knows when it's looking at itself, but actually uses its reflection to compare its own body size to the size of a threat.

A new study has found that bluestreak cleaner wrasse fish size themselves up in a mirror before attacking another fish

'Our study established cleaner fish as the first non-human animal to be demonstrated to possess private self-awareness,' the researchers said in their report.

The research team, led by Taiga Kobayashi at Osaka Metropolitan University in Japan, performed two types of tests on 15 wrasse fish.

Each fish was tested individually, and the team published their findings in Scientific Reports.

The first test assessed the fish's willingness to go on the attack. The researchers showed a wrasse inside a fish tank an image of another wrasse that was either 10 percent larger or smaller than the live fish.

No matter the size of the fish in the photo, the real ones attacked.

Next, the researchers tested whether the presence of a mirror would influence the fish's decision to fight.

They repeated the first test while also showing the live fish a mirror.

The tank was partitioned to prevent the fish from seeing their own reflection and the photo at the same time.

After looking at themselves in the mirror, the fish picked a fight with the photo of a smaller fish, but not the photo of a larger one

These findings should help scientists better understand self-awareness not just in other animals, but in humans too

Animals that have passed the mirror test

Asian elephants

The great apes

Bottlenose dolphins

Orca whales

Eurasian magpies

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This time, the researchers found that the live fish checked their reflection before deciding whether or not to fight, and this seemed to influence their choice.

After looking at themselves in the mirror, the live fish only attacked the image of the smaller fish - not the larger one.

This suggests that the fish sized themselves up against the threat, weighing the risk of attacking before making a decision.

'This was unexpected because we had an image that this fish always shows aggression against rivals, regardless of size,' Kobayashi told New Scientist.

This is the first time that a non-human animal has demonstrated some mental states - such as mental body image, standards, intentions and goals - that are elements of 'private awareness,' or awareness of one's own internal state.

'These findings suggest that cleaner fish would likely possess two mental states: a mental image of their body and internal standards for comparing body size,' the researchers stated in their report.

But there are no mirrors in the ocean - which raises an important question: how did the bluestreak cleaner wrasse evolve to have this unique skill?

In both nature and in the lab, it benefits fish to be able to compare their own size to that of a threat before attacking, Kobayashi told New Scientist. The results of this study suggest that the fish are smart enough to use the mirror as a decision-making tool, he said.

These findings have important implications for our understanding of self-awareness not just in other animals, but in humans too.

'The results that fish can use the mirror as a tool can help clarify the similarities between human and non-human animal self-awareness and provide important clues to elucidate how self-awareness has evolved,' Kobayashi said in a press release.
Researchers have finally decoded a Babylonian tablet thought to be the oldest map of the world.

Created between 2,600 and 2,900 years ago, the Imago Mundi provided researchers with a unique glimpse into the beliefs and practices of the ancient civilization.

The Babylonian tablet has a circular map with pieces of text written in cuneiform - an ancient writing system that used wedge-shaped symbols - which describes the early creation of the world.

The map depicted Mesopotamia - or the land 'between the rivers' - a historical area of the Middle East that was thought to be the entire 'known world' at the time.

The tablet's map also confirmed their belief in the mighty God of Creation, Marduk, and mythical creatures and monsters like scorpion-man and Anzu - the lion-headed bird.

The Imago Mundi, also called the Babylonian Map of the World, (pictured) was discovered in 1882 by renowned archaeologist Hormuzd Rassam in Sippar, an ancient Babylonian city in what is now present-day Iraq

Dr Irving Finkel (pictured) revealed the cuneiform writing on the back of the Babylonian map that revealed the ancient people's belief in a higher power

The Imago Mundi was made during a time when the Babylonian Empire was a global leader in architecture, culture, math and early scientific achievements.

They were known for creating an advanced number system for mathematics and was the first to create a functional theory of the planets, including using geometry to track Jupiter.

The map was originally discovered in 1882 by renowned archaeologist Hormuzd Rassam in Sippar, an ancient Babylonian city in present-day Iraq.

Although Rassam discovered the tablet nearly 150 years ago, the Imago Mundi remained in a box of his excavation findings until it was rediscovered in Iraq 29 years ago.

It is currently being held at the British Museum in London.

Since the tablet was acquired, researchers at the British Museum said they have been able to glean insight into the Neo-Babylonian Empire's belief in mystical creatures and its dominance over the region.

At the bottom center of the map sits Mesopotamia, but what's particularly unique is the two circles that enclose the city.

'The double ring is very important because it has cuneiform writing in it which says 'bitter river' and this water was deemed to surround the known world,' British Museum expert Dr Irving Finkel said in a YouTube video.

Researchers confirmed the circle on the tablet that surrounded Mesopotamia supported the Babylonians belief that the region was the center of the world, although they did understand that Mesopotamia was part of a larger region of land.

Two circles surrounded Mesopotamia on the map and were labeled as the Bitter River to indicate that Babylonians believed they were the only nation in the world

Several regions and areas were labeled in cuneiform writing on the map, which Finkel laid out in a YouTube video

There was an additional river - the Euphrates - that cut through ancient Mesopotamia from North to South, connecting the Bitter River on the tablet.

'This is a very important ring of water,' Finkel said, 'because it meant for the Babylonians, they had an idea of the limits of the world where they lived in about the sixth century.'

Within the map are cuneiform inscriptions that state the name of the city or the tribe who lived there, including Assyria, Der and Urartu.

'So you have, encapsulated in this circular diagram, the whole of the known world in which people lived, flourished and died,' Finkel said.

But there's more to the map than just the location of Mesopotamian regions - triangles off the right edge corner of the tablet that was a point of magic and mystery for Babylonians.

Some people have speculated that the triangles are islands, but Finkel said in the video that they're 'almost certainly mountains.'

The cuneiform text labels the area as a spot 'where the Sun is not seen,' which made sense considering the mountains would have blocked it from view.

'Their location combined with the cuneiform writing above it further backed up the theory, because the idea is that if you go across the water you see these jutted, pointed things, above the horizon which are remote lands far beyond the limits of the known world.'

The triangles on the edge of the circle represented mountains and the Babylonian's belief that the sun disappeared there

Part of the cuneiform text also alludes to the Babylonians' belief that mythical creatures including a winged horse, a sea serpent, a scorpion-man and a bull-man lived in various regions throughout the land.

The British Museum reported that the text on the tablet 'appears to be a description of the inhabitants, divine, human, animal or monstrous, of the areas beyond the earth, whether the eight 'regions' or the 'Bitter River' or maybe the underworld or underworld waters.'

Because the tablet is fragmented in places, the full text couldn't be deciphered, but The British Museum reported that it talks of 'ruined cities ... whom Marduk watches.'

According to Mesopotamian mythology, Marduk was the God of Creation and the patron God of Babylon who was also revered as the god of justice, compassion, healing and magic.

Finkel said the ancient Babylonian map has 'given us a tremendous insight into many aspects of Mesopotamian thinking.'

He added that 'it's also a triumphant demonstration of what happens when you have a very small, totally uninformative and useless fragment of dead boring writing that no one can understand and you join it onto something in the collection which is much bigger and a whole new adventure begins all over again!'
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An Australian mum-of-two behind a celebrity-loved jewellery brand has seen a huge spike in sales after a Netflix star was spotted wearing her earrings.

GIMME Store founder Lydia Kirkland, who grew up in a small country town, says her small business has been struggling to keep up with the surge of orders after Owning Manhattan star Jessica Markowski was seen sporting a pair of Eliza triangle hoop earrings on the streets of New York.

The American real estate broker looked incredibly chic as she accessorised her look with the gold statement earrings.

Despite its chunky size, the gold-plated stainless steel design is lightweight and comfortable to wear - with the brand claiming the earrings are hypoallergenic and tarnish-resistant.

Making them all the more attractive is the affordable price point at just $59.95.

The triangular shaped hoops are said to be a purse-friendly alternative to Selena Gomez's favourite earrings, which costs upwards of $250.

And it isn't just the US reality star turning heads in the brand's now-famous earrings.

Owning Manhattan star Jessica Markowski was spotted wearing a pair of GIMME Store's Eliza triangle hoop earrings on the streets of New York

GIMME Store founder and mum-of-two Lydia Kirkland (pictured) says her small business has been struggling to keep up with the surge of orders

GIMME became the star of the show at New York Fashion Week after a number of models were seen flaunting the brand's earrings.

Aussie born US-based model Monica Clarke sported the Amy Rectangle earrings ($49.95) while Charlotte Coquelin sauntered down the runway wearing a pair of Fleur Statement Flower earrings ($49.95).

The Aussie business owner says her brand has experienced a massive increase in sales after the recent celeb sightings in New York.

'Waking up to see all these big name style icons wearing GIMME is a real pinch-me moment for me,' Lydia says.

'I grew up on a farm in the country and am now the mum of two young kids, so the idea of my brand being chosen to be worn by these incredible women is so surreal.

Model Victoria Vesce was seen wearing GIMME's Fleur Statement Flower Earrings

'Over the weekend we've seen an unprecedented spike in website traffic and sales with so many of our pieces now almost sold out.

'We're working around the clock to stock-up and make we have enough pieces for everyone who's fallen in love with them.'

The celebrity-loved brand has amassed a legion of fans Down Under - including the lines of Amy Shark, Abbie Chatfield, Simone Holtznagel, Sally Obermeder, Zoe Marshall, Clementine McVeigh, Ash Pollard and Holly Kingston.

Former Miss Universe Australia Laura Dundovic recently attended an event in Bondi wearing the brand's Peppa Valentine love heart earrings ($59.95).

GIMME's 'most-shopped earrings styles' include Eliza triangle hoop, Allegra bow, Ally, Penelope drop, Lisa Puffy Heart and more.

To shop the GIMME range, click here.
Waterloo Road

Rating:

Confucius says, 'Whoever believes there is nothing to fear but fear itself has never worked with Mancunian teenagers.'

Actually, it wasn't the Chinese philosopher of 2,500 years ago, although he was the first person to advocate mass education.

That quote comes from another sage of great wisdom, the comedian Jason Manford, who is not only presenting his afternoon quiz The Answer Run on BBC1 but has joined the cast of school soap Waterloo Road.

Manford plays Steve Savage, a mentor sent to keep an eye on the school's new acting head, Joe Casey (James Baxter).

That quote comes from another sage of great wisdom, the comedian Jason Manford , who is not only presenting his afternoon quiz The Answer Run on BBC1 but has joined the cast of school soap Waterloo Road

Pictured above are Adam Thomas as Donte Charles, Kym Marsh as Nicky Walters and Jason Manford as Steve Savage in Waterloo Road

With Savage giving him pats on the back and blithe reassurance, Joe's first day of term goes about as badly as possible, short of the building burning down.

It isn't just that Joe is desperately self-conscious, with a tendency to babble - instead of saying, 'This way please,' he witters, 'If you'd just like to follow moi.'

Worse than that, he's a trouble magnet. The teachers stage a series of rebellions, over pay, the new staff room and the suspension of their union rep.

A food fight erupts in the playground after two students bring in a trolleyload of shoplifted goods. And when Joe gets trapped in a lift, the staff send all the pupils home and retire to the pub.

By teatime, Joe is no longer 'acting head' and the job has gone to Mr Savage. 'You realise I didn't know any of this was gonna happen, don't you?' he tells Joe.

I'm not much of a philosopher but I know this: when a corporate smoothie issues a denial before you've accused him of anything, he's lying through his teeth.

With one hiatus, Waterloo Road has been running for the best part of 20 years.

Previous principals have included Amanda Burton, Angela Griffin and Neil Pearson, while Georgie Glen, Neil Morrissey, Sarah Hadland and Mark Benton are among the many familiar faces who have featured as teachers.

Jason Manford (left) plays Steve Savage, a mentor sent to keep an eye on the school's new acting head, Joe Casey (James Baxter)

With one hiatus, Waterloo Road has been running for the best part of 20 years

Add to that roster Martin Kemp, Jenna Coleman, Jill Halfpenny and Denise Welch, and the show begins to look like a directory of popular television stars.

They wouldn't all fit in one staff room, certainly not now that the teachers have been relegated to a broom cupboard with a coffee maker.

Like another perennial of the TV schedules, Casualty, this show's great strength is its ability to conjure complete storylines within a single episode.

This time, it was the return of bad boy Dean (Francesco Piacentini- Smith), with a spivvy moustache that made him look like a 1930s car mechanic.

The one constant in the cast is Adam Thomas as handyman Donte, who arrived on the show in the first series as a pupil. He's so much a part of the school that he's in a relationship with dinner lady Nicky (Kym Marsh).

But - you will not believe this - Nicky had the hots for Steve Savage, back in her wild youth. And now he's running the place. Will she be tempted to upgrade from janitor to head teacher? Have a guess!
Good Morning Britain fans were seething as they took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to slam ex-politician Ed Balls.

During Tuesday's instalment of the ITV daytime programme, Ed, 57, looked rather sheepish as he appeared on the panel alongside Susanna Reid, 53, to discuss winter fuel cuts.

His wife Yvette Cooper, who has served as Home Secretary since July, recently voted to cut winter fuel payments for around 10 million pensioners who do not receive pension credit.

And while Ed discussed the topic, viewers of the show took to X to rage that he shouldn't be involved in political debates due to his marriage and called for him to be removed from the show.

One viewer wrote: 'Why the f*** is Ed Balls still on #GoodMorningBritain @ITV? He's bloody useless. There are tons of actual journalists out there who could do the job better. They wouldn't be sitting there like a lemon whilst the co-anchor interviews their wife, mates, former colleagues etc.'

Good Morning Britain fans were seething as they took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to slam ex-politician Ed Balls

During Tuesday's instalment of the ITV daytime programme, Ed, 57, looked rather sheepish as he appeared on the panel alongside Susanna Reid, 53, to discuss winter fuel cuts

His wife Yvette Cooper, who has served as Home Secretary since July, recently voted to cut winter fuel payments for around 10 million pensioners who do not receive pension credit

Another raged: 'I am just sick of Balls. Hasn't he twigged that his wife is a very senior member of the government he is constantly undermining.'

And another wrote: 'Ed balls very quiet on winter fuel cuts. His wife actually voted for the cuts and put pensioners at risk this winter.'

Susanna also paused the programme to deliver some breaking news and informed viewers that the UK economy showed no growth at all in July for the second month in a row.

She said: 'According to official figures published in the last hour, the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, said tough measures are needed in next month's budget to help plug, what she said, is a 22 billion black hole in the public finances.'

The fresh backlash comes after ITV defended allowing Ed to interview his wife on the show.

The broadcaster came under fire after the former Labour cabinet minister - who is now a regular presenter on the ITV breakfast show - grilled Ms Cooper in her role as the Home Secretary.

A spokesperson for GMB said: 'Following a weekend of rioting and national unrest, GMB featured a range of interviews and discussion around this national emergency on today's programme which included James Cleverly, Shadow Home Secretary, and Yvette Cooper, Home Secretary.

'We are satisfied that these interviews were balanced, fair and duly impartial.'

GMB was branded 'embarrassing to the extreme' after the interview by viewers who accused the bradcaster of a 'huge conflict of interests'.

Ed interviewed Ms Cooper alongside Kate Garraway, 57, about the riots across the UK and asked what the police, government and social media sites should be doing.

And while Ed discussed the topic, viewers of the show took to X to rage that he shouldn't be involved in political debates due to his marriage and called for him to be removed from the show

They questioned Cooper on the government's refusal to label the riots 'Islamophobic', as posed earlier in the programme by Zarah Sultana.

Cooper began: 'What we've seen on the streets of some cities and towns over the weekend frankly is criminal violence and thuggery.

'That is what it is first and foremost, and that's why it needs the full force of the law behind it.'

She added: 'We have certainly seen some targeted attacks on mosques, and that clearly reflects Islamophobia.'

Balls said: 'Can I ask, because we've talked about this a few times in the last few days  like many of our viewers will have done at home since those terrible killings in Southport  there have been identifiable individuals on social media who have been inciting not just riots but violence.

'They've been using racist language and falsehoods. This is happening on the social media platforms.'

Susanna Reid also paused the programme to deliver some breaking news and informed viewers that the UK economy showed no growth at all in July for the second month in a row

'What should be done by the social media companies and the police and the government to stop this happening? It's been happening for a week.'

She replied: 'Well you're right, Ed. We have seen things appearing online that are clearly criminal.'

'Social media has put rocket boosters under far-Right extremist organisations and also some of the violence we have seen. Things that are criminal offline are also criminal online.'

Ofcom has recently examined the issue of politicians hosting current affair programme after a debate over Nigel Farage's appearances on GB News during the general election campaign.

The regulator has ruled that while the British public is 'instinctively uncomfortable' with the practice, there wasn't a 'clear consensus for an outright ban'.

Largely ignoring the content of the interview, GMB viewers took exception to the decision to put Ed in such a compromising position on X, formerly Twitter.

It comes after ITV defended allowing Ed Balls to interview his wife Yvette on Good Morning Britain

The broadcaster come under fire after the former Labour cabinet minister grilled his own wife in her role as the Home Secretary

They wrote: 'Does @GMB realise just how utterly ridiculous it looks by continuing to invite @edballs on as a presenter whilst he defends the actions of the Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, his wife!?'

'Home Secretary Yvette Cooper is asked why the govt hasn't used the term '"slamophobic". In her answer Cooper (finally) uses the word. As for husband interviewing wife, how does #GMB think this is tenable?'

'Ed who's just treated @zarahsultana with contempt for suggesting MSM plays its part in whipping up hate is about to interview his wife in an obvious conflict of interests even for a 5-year-old viewer. Stick to Kerry Katona and Strictly #Gmb'

'Interesting that Ed Balls doesn't interrupt his wife when interviewing but with other guests he does every 5 mins #gmb #goodmorningbritain'

A spokesperson for GMB said: 'We are satisfied that these interviews were balanced, fair and duly impartial'

Largely ignoring the content of the interview, GMB viewers took exception to the decision to put Ed in that position on X, formerly Twitter

Balls and Cooper have been married since 1998 and share three children: Joe Balls, Mady Balls, and Ellie Cooper

'Ed Balls is going to interview his wife? How is this @GMB being impartial and NOT a huge conflict of interest, embarrassing in the extreme... and he hasn't talked to the home secretery about her job and the situation... really? (sic)'

'Is it really appropriate that Ed Balls is hosting news coverage directly concerning the response to the protests of his wife and the government she is a part of?'

'Sorry this is insane! You can't have Ed Balls on a program 'interviewing' his own wife, what a stupid stupid editorial decision! I can't believe Yvette Cooper went along with this!'

'Why is Yvette Cooper's husband (Ed Balls) allowed to defend her abysmal handling of the race riots? I'm not sure this is allowed?';

'I don't think Ed Balls should be interviewing Yvette Cooper on GMB. They're a married couple. It's ridiculous.'

'Surely good practice would mean that Ed Balls should not be on a programme that is featuring his wife, the Home Secretary Yvette Cooper . Get it sorted @gmb.'

Ed and Yvette have been married since 1998 and share three children: Joe Balls, Mady Balls, and Ellie Cooper.
Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May are gearing up to say goodbye with one epic final episode of The Grand Tour: One For The Road.

Speaking at an event to promote the final episode of The Grand Tour, the trio took part in an extended Q&A as they looked back on their last 22 years together.

However, during the event Richard, 54, admitted that he feared for his life in the latest driving series and thought he was 'going to die' after a botched stunt.

The star, who had a horrifying crash in 2006 while filming BBC's Top Gear, discussed one particular scene in the finale where he had to cross dangerous terrain in his car.

Richard confessed: 'I thought I was going to die,' when reflecting on traversing crocodile-filled waters on a raft in Zimbabwe.

Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond are gearing up to say goodbye with one epic final episode of The Grand Tour: One For The Road

Speaking at an event to promote the final episode of The Grand Tour, the trio took part in an extended Q&A as they looked back on their last 22 years together

However, during the event Richard, 54, admitted that he feared for his life in the latest driving series and thought he was 'going to die' after a botched stunt

The star, who has been involved in two serious accidents, both of which left him hospitalised, also joked that due to the accidents he has 'forgotten' how to dress himself.

He said: 'I've been cut out of my trousers [by paramedics] so many times I've forgotten how to dress myself. I don't know how I'm going to cope [now it's over]!'

Richard's terrifying car crash in 2006 landed the star in a coma and caused him to suffer from a frontal lobe brain injury.

He was shooting a daredevil stunt for the former BBC programme in York and one of the tyres on his car burst which caused the car to spin out of control resulting in the terrifying crash.

Jeremy, 64, also reminisced about his long career with Richard and James, 61, and spoke about his most terrifying moment in the Bolivia episode where he tackled a track known as 'Death Road'.

The star said: 'I remember my children were watching and they said "were nervous and youre sitting right next to us on the sofa so we know you definitely made it".'

Discussing Richard's accidents on the show, Jeremy echoed: 'Richard almost never took his own trousers off, it was always a paramedic.'

Elsewhere during the event, the trio also confessed that they won't miss camping as Richard recounted sleeping 'in a ditch full of cockroaches' when they filmed in Bolivia.

The star, who has been involved in two serious accidents, both of which left him hospitalised, also joked that due to the accidents he has 'forgotten' how to dress himself

He said: 'I've been cut out of my trousers (by paramedics) so many times I've forgotten how to dress myself. I don't know how I'm going to cope!'

During filming of The Grand Tour in Switzerland in 2017, Richard had a horrifying crash. However, he luckily didn't suffer any serious injuries

Richard also experienced a terrifying car crash in 2006 while filming for Top Gear and ended up in a coma

However, it seems the provisions in the most recent series were more luxurious as they had a pastry chef and barista on site to whip them up a delicious breakfast.

They also gave some big spoilers as to what to expect from their final episode that airs on September 13 on Prime Video.

Jeremy confessed: 'We pick some unsuitable cars' Meanwhile, Richard revealed that they were strangely nice to each other for their final run.

He added: 'I was nice to James over the radio and it was met with silence.'

It comes after former Top Gear host Chris Harris opened up this month about the 2022 accident which ended the UK-produced show.

Speaking on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast, Chris revealed he had warned the BBC about the dangers he had identified on the show, and was concerned someone was going to get hurt  or worse.

Chris was one of several hosts brought in to replace Jeremy, Richard, and James after the trio left to work on The Grand Tour.

He was eventually joined by comedian Paddy McGuinness and former cricketer Andrew 'Freddie' Flintoff.

In December 2022, Andrew flipped a Morgan three-wheeler, suffering significant facial injuries.

According to Chris, it was his fitness and strength that narrowly saved his life that day.

Elsewhere during the event, the trio also confessed that they won't miss camping

They also gave some big spoilers as to what to expect from their final episode that airs on September 13 on Prime Video

Chris revealed to Joe: 'I had seen this coming.'

'There was a big enquiry, a lot of soul searching, the BBC is good at that.'

'But what was never spoken about was that, three months before the accident, Id gone to the BBC and said: unless you change something, someones going to die on this show.'

It's the first time he has spoken publicly about the accident.

He added: 'I saw this coming. I thought I did the right thing. I went to the BBC. And I found out that no one had taken me very seriously.'

It comes after Prime Video unveiled a first look at the final episode of The Grand Tour: One For The Road.

It comes after former Top Gear host Chris Harris (left) opened up this month about the 2022 accident which ended the UK-produced show

Speaking on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast, Chris revealed he had warned the BBC about the dangers he had identified on the show, and was concerned someone was going to get hurt

The first look snaps revealed emotional Grand Tour stars Jeremy, Richard, and James uniting for one last time and sharing their last moments together after gracing television screens as a trio for the last 22 years.

In their last adventure, viewers can expect to see Jeremy, Richard, and James ignore Mr Wilman's instructions and head to Zimbabwe in three cars theyve always wanted to own.

The trio will embark on a stunning road trip through beautiful, challenging landscapes before finishing the episode with an emotional ending on a strangely familiar island.

In one first look snap, the trio are spotted giggling around a campfire as they sip on a couple of beers and enjoy a relaxing break next to a stunning lake.

In another snap, the trio cut smart casual figures as they pose up a storm with their vintage cars.

A third snap shows Jeremy having a bit of a giggle with Richard as they all take a break from driving.

It comes after Prime Video unveiled a first look at the final episode of The Grand Tour: One For The Road

The first look snaps revealed emotional Grand Tour stars James, Richard and Jeremy uniting for one last time and sharing their last moments together after gracing television screens as a trio for the last 22 years

After 22 years, the TV partnership between Richard, Jeremy and James is definitively over (pictured in January 2019)

The Grand Tour premiered on 18 November 2016, and the programme was conceived in the wake of the departure of Richard, Jeremy and James from the BBC series Top Gear (The group in a promotional photo for BBC's Top Gear, which they presented from 2003 to 2015)

Long-time producer Andy Wilman told the Edinburgh TV Festival that filming the episode was 'quite weepy' and 'quite heart-stringy'.

Asked why the trio had decided to bring to a close the global phenomenon, Wilman said: 'We are getting to the point where enough is enough. On top of that, there is the sense that we want to end things on our own terms. It had to come to an end and we wanted to be the ones who called it.'

They shot the last episode in September last year. It will see the hosts return to Kubu Island, Botswana, which was the location of their first-ever special. Wilman described the episode as "deliberately gentle" as the three stars wanted to go back to basics.

He said: 'They wanted to go "unplugged". We wanted to go back to 2005, leave the dynamite at home, we will go with s*** old cars. They give you more TV than modern new cars, they give you more stories, more laughs. So they wanted evocative cars that they adore and they wanted to be in Africa. It is the favourite continent we ever filmed in.'

The producer added: 'Their comradery is next level. I think that you can see that they know this is the last time they will do this.'

The trio drive three cars theyve always wanted to own, a Lancia Montecarlo, a Ford Capri 3-litre, and a Triumph Stag,

Driving behind the wheel of his car in a first-look clip, Clarkson looks down to the camera, and emotionally says: 'So for the last time, here we go.'

Slides on the screen read: 'After 22 years, the end has finally come.'

The Grand Tour: One For The Road will launch exclusively on Prime Video in more than 240 countries on 13 September.
Ana de Armas stunned in grey on Tuesday as she wrapped up warm while Natalie Portman looked stylish in jeans as the actresses attended the LVMH party in Paris.

Cuban-Spanish actress Ana, 36, looked beautiful in a large dark grey overcoat with unique cuff sleeves.

The coat covered the majority of her outfit, with only a shiny pair of loose-fitting black trousers and matching boots visible.

Natalie, 43, wore her blue jeans, which featured exaggerated cuffs, with a low-cut black long-sleeved cardigan.

She wore a thin navy overcoat, finishing off her chic look with a pointy pair of shiny black shoes.

Ana de Armas, 36, stunned in grey on Tuesday as she wrapped up warm while Natalie Portman, 43, looked stylish in jeans as the actresses attended the LVMH party in Paris

Natalie wore her blue jeans, which featured exaggerated cuffs, with a low-cut black long-sleeved cardigan

Cuban-Spanish actress Ana looked beautiful in a large dark grey overcoat with unique cuff sleeves

The Israeli-American actress accessorised with a large silver pendant on a black cloth chain and held a blue phone.

The women attended the LVMH after-party at the luxurious La Reserve Hotel.

On Saturday, Ana was at the Golden Globes party in Toronto.

She joined Sydney Sweeney at the event who flashed her cleavage in a daringly low-cut dress.

Ana put on a very leggy display in the strappy mini dress, adorned with a matching flowing train.

The Road to the Golden Globes Party was held at the Four Seasons Hotel during Toronto International Film Festival 2024.

Ana and Sydney, 26, had been busy in Canada promoting their new film Eden in the days leading up to the event.

Earlier that same day, she joined Robert Pattinson and again Ana in leading the stars at the Louis Vuitton Foundation Awards.

The coat covered the majority of her outfit, with only a shiny pair of loose-fitting black trousers and matching boots visible

Ana waved to fans as she exited the venue alongside a security guard

Just on Saturday, she had been at the Golden Globes party in Toronto attended by the likes of Sydney Sweeney

Ana and Sydney, 26, had been busy in Canada promoting their new film Eden in the days leading up to the event

Elsewhere, Natalie wore a thin navy overcoat, finishing off her chic look with a pointy pair of shiny black shoes

She accessorised with a large silver pendant on a black cloth chain and held a blue phone

Natalie confidently marched towards a waiting car, her baggy jeans almost trailing the floor

She had been at the LVMH after-party which took place at La Reserve Hotel

It was her turn to wrap up warm and she wore a chic navy coat before unveiling her stunning red mini dress.

The LVMH Prize is open to designers from all over the world, aged 18 to 40, who have created at least two womenswear, menswear or genderless collections.

A selection committee chooses the semi-finalists among the candidates, and these present their collections in Paris during Fashion Week.
Jess Brolin, 52, is now living at the modest three-star Topa Vista Hotel in Ojai

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Barbra Streisand and husband James Brolin live, predictably, in a swanky Malibu mansion surrounded by 3,000 rosebushes, dubbed an 'idyllic oasis' by an interior design magazine last year.

But for Brolin's troubled younger son Jess, home is a tiny motel on the outskirts of the artsy celebrity-favorite California town Ojai.

The 52-year-old  the brother of Men in Black and Avengers star Josh, 56  was recently spotted outside the three-star Topa Vista Hotel, which sits on a busy highway opposite a coffee shop and a hair salon, exclusive DailyMail.com photos show.

The younger Brolin  who weighs upwards of 350lbs  was also snapped again last week while out and about in downtown Ojai waiting for a bus.

Jess Brolin was snapped waiting for a bus in downtown Ojai, where he has been living in a modest housing

The 52-year-old, who is the stepson of Barbra Streisand through her husband James Brolin, was casually dressed in a black t-shirt with a Batman logo, a pair of baggy denim shorts and a pair of brown sneakers

Jess, who is visibly overweight, was dressed in a black t-shirt with a Batman logo, a pair of baggy denim shorts and battered brown sneakers with a bandage around his left ankle.

His temporary new home, which boasts of having 'eight air-conditioned rooms' each with a flat-screen TV, on its website, is owned by LA nightclub mogul Steve Edelson, 64.

Photos of the property show modest but comfortable-looking rooms, all decorated with wooden paneling and squashy leather armchairs.

Calls to the Topa Vista currently go straight to voicemail where a message said: 'If you are calling for Topa Vista, we are fully booked at the moment.'

A source told DailyMail.com that the current guests, including Jess, have 'been there for a few months and will be there for a few months more'.

As modest as Jess's new home is, it represents a marked upswing in his fortunes.

Jess was with his famous family in 1998 when his father received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Jess, pictured last week, had previously made headlines a decade ago when he was photographed rummaging through trash in his neighborhood

Despite attempts by his family to help, Jess is still in temporary housing ten years later  now at the Topa Vista Inn  and has never tried to restart his showbiz career

The property, owned by LA nightclub mogul Steve Edelson, boasts of having 'eight air-conditioned rooms' each equipped with a flat-screen TV

In 2011, he was living out of a battered 1981 Toyota truck in the town after the trust fund he inherited from his mother ran out.

Jane Agee, the first of his father's three wives, was tragically killed in a car accident in 1995  10 years after her divorce from the veteran actor.

Three years later, after the truck fell apart, Jess began bedding down in the street and was also photographed raiding a dumpster for food.

At the time, a representative for stepmom Barbra said the family had attempted to help but had their offers rejected, adding in a statement: 'We have offered help and support, and continue to do so.

'We love him very much and want only the best for him.'

Online photos of the property show modest but comfortable rooms. A source told DailyMail.com that the current guests, including Jess, have 'been there for a few months and will be there for a few months more'

His current living situation, however, marks an upswing in his fortunes having previously lived out of a truck and on the streets

Jess was reportedly left homeless and penniless after the trust fund he inherited from his mother ran out in 2011. He is pictured walking home amid the SoCal heatwave last week with a gallon of water and Gatorade in hand

Reps for both James Brolin and Barbra Streisand did not immediately return DailyMail.com's requests for comment.

Despite the offers of help, Jess is still in temporary housing a decade on and has never attempted to restart his showbiz career which was limited to two films and a single period of prolonged employment which came in 2001 when he worked as a production runner on TV series Black Scorpion  a budget superhero series set in LA.

Jess's modest motel accommodation is in stark contrast to the luxury homes enjoyed by his famous family and the lavish residences he enjoyed as a child.

While dad James and stepmom Barbra have a palatial Malibu estate, brother Josh currently lives in a $7.1million six-bedroom farmhouse in Montecito  famously also the home of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, as well as Oprah and Katy Perry.

Barbra Streisand has said in the past that the family has offered help and support to Jess

The younger Brolin, seen left with his dad in his youth, is rarely seen with his famous relatives now but was featured on his brother Josh's Instagram years ago

Along with the Montecito house, which has its own equestrian arena, Josh also owns a $3.2million five-bedroom home in Atlanta, Georgia, which he is currently renting out for $35,000-a-month.

As children, Josh and Jess were raised in the lap of luxury on a ranch in Paso Robles and then a mansion in Santa Barbara.

But despite their lavish surroundings, Josh has previously described himself as a 'neglected rich kid' whose wild teen years were spent stealing cars to fund a drug habit, in a 2014 interview.

Jess is living at the eight-room Topa Vista Inn in Ojai and is likely to be there for months

Jess's stepmother Barbra Streisand and dad James Brolin live comfortably and lavishly at the actress's $20million 19-bedroom clifftop mansion in Malibu

Older brother Josh recently purchased a $7.1million six-bedroom farmhouse in Montecito where he lives with his wife and children

He went on: 'It was Santa Barbara. It was the 80s. It was punk rock. You either had the children of rich, neglectful parents or children of poor, so it was a mix.

'But we basically grew up the same way. I've never seen a group like that before or since.'

He added: 'I mean, I never got into it [drug use] and I never died from it, which is a good thing.

'I've had 19 friends who died. Most of those guys I grew up with, they're all dead now. The group of guys that I grew up with, 37 of them are dead.'

In an interview with GQ this year, he doubled down, telling the magazine: 'Twelve are in jail. Four are in jail and also dead. I keep careful count, all 37 dead guys. I'm from a tough environment, ya know?'
California's homeless crisis persists despite efforts

Xinhua) 10:55, September 11, 2024

SACRAMENTO, the United States, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- Despite ongoing state and local efforts, California's homeless population grew to nearly 186,000 people, according to the latest point-in-time count data analyzed by CalMatters, highlighting the persistent challenges faced by the Golden State of the United States.

In a report published by CalMatters on Tuesday, the 2024 count revealed a slight uptick from last year's tally of about 181,000 and an 8 percent increase from 2022. However, the growth rate appeared to be slowing compared to previous years, which saw increases of 13 percent between 2019 and 2022, and 16 percent between 2015 and 2017.

While the overall trend increases, some counties reported significant decreases in homeless populations. San Luis Obispo County, for instance, saw a 19 percent drop compared to 2022.

Kari Howell, a program manager for the county's Homeless Services Division, attributed this progress to expanded support for service providers and increased community engagement.

However, experts cautioned against drawing firm conclusions from these numbers. The point-in-time count methodology varied between counties and was widely considered flawed.

"Ever since the (point-in-time count) became a mandate, we've been railing against it," said Christy Saxton, director of health, housing, and homeless services for Contra Costa County. "Because it's incredibly flawed. Everyone has a different methodology."

The Central Valley region reported some of the most significant increases in homelessness. San Joaquin County saw its homeless population double compared to 2022, with a 160 percent increase in unsheltered individuals. Kern County reported a 67 percent overall increase and a 128 percent rise in unsheltered homelessness.

Local activists blamed rising rents and displacement of long-time residents.

"They're always on the brink," said Rev. Nelson Rabell, a board member of the affordable housing organization Faith in the Valley, describing families at risk of homelessness.

Despite the challenges, some areas have progressed through increased funding and expanded services. Napa County, for example, reported a nearly 45 percent decrease in unsheltered homelessness since 2022, attributed to leveraging state and federal funding to develop housing and shelter options.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Dressed in a fabulous ballgown, Kristina Rihanoff looked stunning as she hosted a glitzy party at a Mayfair hotel with her Strictly Come Dancing partner Ben Cohen beside her.

She was revelling in the moment as she handed out pricey cocktails to friends and members of her PR team. They had helped with a gala event earlier that evening for her children's charity The Dot Com Foundation at the prestigious Mansion House in the City of London.

The 'after-gala' party was a no-expense-spared affair. The drink flowed until the early hours as did the lively conversation among her celebrity friends, including Emmerdale actress Lisa Riley.

Ben Cohen and Kristin Rihanoff are now facing crippling debts

The couple met when they were partnered on the eleventh series of Strictly in 2013

The venue was the same rooftop room at the Sanctum Hotel where, incidentally, I had met Meghan Markle just a year earlier. The intimate venue was not cheap and the bill would have been significant.

The year was 2014 and Kristina, who was still appearing on Strictly back then, had booked herself a suite at the hotel for which she wouldn't have got much change out of 1,000 a night.

Intriguingly, Ben  who was married at the time to his now ex-wife Abby  was at her side despite both of them insisting publicly they were not in a relationship. They looked extremely pleased with themselves, perhaps because they secretly knew that the following day Ben would release a statement to say he had split from Abby, the mother of his two daughters.

It was ten years ago that Kristina's big night took place  and it turned out to be a memorable night for me, too, courtesy of an encounter with Ben, as I shall explain.

And what a difference a decade makes. Because today things look very different for the couple who began their romance after they were paired together on Strictly back in 2013. Few have become more synonymous with the infamous Curse of Strictly, the cause of so many tears, tantrums, broken marriages and unfulfilled dreams.

Kristina and Ben took part in a gala event for Kristina's children's charity The Dot Com Foundation at the prestigious Mansion House in London in 2014

The pair publicly insisted they were not in a relationship at the time, though the following day Ben would release a statement to say his marriage to Abby was over

On Friday, Northampton Crown Court heard how Kristina and her ex-rugby player fiance are 'fighting not to lose everything' to crippling debts. She described in court how they are attempting to 'save' their relationship amid financial trouble.

Kristina was trying (unsuccessfully) to appeal against a driving ban after being caught behind the wheel of her 30,000 Audi Q3 in April without insurance, for which she had been given six points on her licence in June and ordered to pay almost 900 in fines and costs.

The extraordinary story of her romantic and financial struggles came tumbling out as the couple desperately argued that Kristina should be allowed to keep her licence, which she stood to lose because she had already totted up six penalty points.

Ben appeared as a witness for the Russian-born dancer, 46, who is now a yoga instructor. He told the court the couple had set up several businesses  including a yoga studio  which had suffered loss of custom during the pandemic.

In an emotional statement, the ex-England winger, 45, said: 'I get up every day and I fight not to lose everything  my cars and my house and my relationship.'

Questioned about the strains on their relationship, Ben added: 'We're still living together. We're in it financially. We're in business together so the problem is that we opened the business before Covid and we got the worst severities of it.

'In all honesty, this is just another problem for me to deal with. I've got credit cards that are overdrawn. I'm overdrawn in both bank accounts. We have got a business debt because of Covid. It's just another problem.'

Kristina, always known as a no-nonsense member of the Strictly line-up, sobbed throughout the hearing and had to leave the courtroom at one point with her hands over her mouth because she 'felt sick'.

She spent the rest of the hearing wrapped in a white blanket holding a tissue to her eyes.

Yet few, I imagine, will be queuing up to offer the pair much in the way of sympathy.

The truth is it seemed they became very arrogant indeed as a result of the touch of celebrity status and money they had back in the day. This was all-too evident in my chance encounter with Ben and Kristina at the Sanctum Hotel that night.

Ben with Abby, the mother of his two daughters, in 2003 - the year they married

I was staying there for a couple of nights before I moved to Los Angeles for work.

It just so happened that days earlier I had written a story about Kristina and Ben after they had been pictured on a London Tube train in June 2014  six months after their run on Strictly Come Dancing ended.

For weeks the rumours of their affair had been growing but they had insisted they were not dating, instructing their publicists to tell newspapers any suggestions to that effect were wrong.

However, photographs of the pair told a different story. They showed them cosying up together on the Tube at 9pm after Kristina had attended a function at the House of Commons. Fellow passengers saw Ben slip his arm around the Russian dancer as they chatted away.

There was little they could do about the pictures. But when I found myself in that hotel bar with the couple that night, Ben clearly felt there was something he could do about me.

I was already in the room having a drink with friends when

Kristina's party arrived  I had chosen to stay at the hotel because its owner Mark Fuller is a friend.

A member of Kristina's party pointed me out to Ben who came over, asked to have a word and led me away, protesting about the article.

In a dark corner, out of eyeshot of anyone else at the party, he shouted at me and told me that I had 'upset his children and ruined their lives'. He then told me he was going to get me kicked out of the hotel. I explained to him that I was a guest, but he didn't care.

Russian-born Kristina is now a yoga instructor and the couple set up a yoga business, although it suffered due to the Covid pandemic

He and Kristina  presumably taking advantage of their 15 minutes of fame  asked the owner Mark Fuller to make me leave.

Mark, a mainstay of the Mayfair nightclub scene, was beside himself and told me he feared they wouldn't pay the bill for their lavish party if I didn't.

So he suggested that my friends and I should go off to my room with a bottle of champagne, something I readily agreed to. I didn't want him to lose thousands of pounds.

Later my then boss complained to the BBC, which hauled Kristina in to read her the riot act over her behaviour.

She left the show as a professional dancer three years later. Some of her bosses were said to be relieved. She had, after all, already been embroiled in another Strictly controversy when she began dating her 2009 partner, boxer Joe Calzaghe, despite him being in a five-year relationship with glamour model Jo-Emma Larvin at the time.

As for Kristina's romance with Ben, the day after my encounter with him, Ben released a statement admitting that his 11-year marriage to loyal Abby was over.

The announcement, which I saw when I touched down in LA, read: 'Ben and Abby Cohen have agreed to take time apart to deal with some marital issues but remain fully committed to the welfare of their children.

'There is no third party involved, and Ben and Abby now ask that their privacy and that of their family be respected at this difficult time.'

He and Kristina went on to have a baby, a little girl named Milena, who is now eight. They also had a lucrative deal with Hello! Magazine which charted milestone events in their lives, such as their engagement in 2022.

Since then though, the pair have disappeared into showbiz oblivion.

I wonder if they recall that night at the Sanctum Hotel as vividly as I do. Or perhaps they were just too drunk on fame?
Laura Byrne has displayed a hilarious fashion faux pas while showing off her trendy work outfit.

Taking to Instagram on Tuesday, the 38-year-old former Bachelor star shared a mirror selfie inside an elevator while pointing out her new $80 trousers.

The tailored beige pants featured a turn over waist design and were relax fit.

But the Life Uncut podcast co-host couldn't help but notice the trendy design made it look like the pants weren't fastened properly.

'New pants... Not sure if it just looks like my pants are undone,' she wrote alongside the snap.

Laura paired her look with a black singlet top and a dark blue denim jacket, while her hair was tied back with a middle part to show off her gold hoop earrings and necklace.

She accessorised with two multi-coloured tote bags and was seen getting her caffeine fix with a cup of takeaway coffee.

The brunette beauty, who is married to 37-year-old Matty J Johnson, is currently keeping busy after recently purchasing a rundown house in Ulladulla, south of Sydney, as part of a big renovation project.

Laura Byrne has displayed a hilarious fashion faux pas while showing off her trendy work outfit

Laura is currently based in North Bondi but she and Matty are eyeing up a move to the NSW south coast after splashing out $2million on a rundown house in the area.

The pair, who met on The Bachelor in 2017, have added to their multi-million property portfolio by with the home in Ulladulla, about 230 kilometres south of Sydney.

The dilapidated home holds special meaning for the couple as it is down the road from Cupitts Estate winery, where Laura and Matt tied the knot in November 2022.

The clifftop house has sprawling ocean views and is appropriately called Chante-Mer, which is French for 'sing the sea'.

The three-bedroom, two-bathroom property is spread across two levels and was last sold in 1984 for $62,500.

The Life Uncut podcast co-host couldn't help but notice her trousers looked like they weren't done up properly

The historic residence previously belonged to a United Nations translator, who died in 2021, and Laura and Matt paid $2.19million for the pad, according to the Daily Telegraph.

The rundown house is set on 746 square metres, and is encircled by large glass windows, giving sweeping views of Racecourse Beach below.

The couple plan to completely overhaul the 'old beauty' to its previous standard and confirmed the exciting news in a post shared to Instagram this week.

'A couple of months ago we bought a dilapidated old house down the south coast. A little glass house on the seaside filled with stories, and history that had been left locked up and empty for the past two years,' they wrote in the caption.

'The south coast is a magical place to us, it's where we got married, and now it's where we will make memories as a family.'

They have set up an Instagram page where they plan to keep their fans up to date on the massive renovation project every step of the way.

Laura is currently based in North Bondi but she and Matty J are eyeing up a move to the south coast after splashing out $2million on a rundown house in the area (pictured)

They have already shared photos of their daughters Marlie-Mae, five, and Lola, three, visiting their future 'dream home'.

The reality television stars currently live in a four-bedroom semi in North Bondi, which they purchased for $5.2million in 2023.

They also boast a stunning $1.8million holiday home in Bangalow, near Byron Bay.

After getting engaged in Fiji in April 2018, Laura and Matty finally tied the knot on the south coast in November 2022, five years after meeting on The Bachelor.

They are one of the most successful couples to come out of the show and welcomed their daughter Marlie-Mae in 2019, followed by Lola in February 2021.
AJ Odudu turned heads in a plunging suit co-ord as she joined leggy Vogue Williams in leading stars at the M&S Dress The Nation VIP premiere on Tuesday.

The Big Brother host, 36, went braless in the elegant teal two-piece for the star-studded occasion at Charlotte Street Hotel.

The presenter rocked smart trousers and a matching blazer, and drew attention to her slender neck with a dainty gold necklace.

Her jewellery - which included dazzling bracelets and chunky rings - matched a pair of towering gold strappy heels.

AJ was snapped posing with co-host Vernon Kay, who leads the ITV fashion show alongside her.

AJ Odudu turned heads in a plunging suit co-ord as she joined leggy Vogue Williams in leading stars at the M&S Dress The Nation VIP premiere on Tuesday

The Big Brother host, 36, went braless in the elegant teal two-piece for the star-studded occasion at Charlotte Street Hotel

The show sees ten of Britain's best amateur clothes designers compete to win a dream job as a fashion designer at high street giant M&S.

Throughout the process, the designers face both individual and group challenges to create avant-garde looks to impress an epic line-up of guest judges, as well as M&S lead designers.

For the occasion, Vernon sported a conventional all-black ensemble with a sweatshirt and bomber jacket.

Elsewhere Irish model Vogue, 38, showed off her toned legs in a glamorous leopard-print mini dress.

The Bear Grylls: Mission Survive winner donned a typically classy look adding black pointy heels, as she grinned from ear to ear on the red carpet.

She finished off her fashionable look with a bold red lipstick, and accessorised with gold hoop earrings, a chain necklace and chunky rings.

Meanwhile supermodel Georgia Horsley was the epitome of chic in a baby blue strapless top and smart black trousers, finishing off with classy black stiletto heels.

The wife of The Voice's Danny Jones, 37, looked in very high spirits flashing a huge smile as she posed with blogger Chessie King.

AJ was snapped posing with co-host Vernon Kay, who leads the ITV fashion show alongside her

The Channel 4 star rocked smart trousers and a matching blazer while posing alongside presenter Shanie Ryan

For the occasion, Vernon sported a conventional all-black ensemble with a sweatshirt and bomber jacket

Vogue finished off her fashionable look with a bold red lipstick, and accessorised with gold hoop earrings, a chain necklace and chunky rings

Meanwhile supermodel Georgia Horsley was the epitome of chic in a baby blue strapless top and smart black trousers, finishing off with classy black stiletto heels

The wife of The Voice's Danny Jones, 37, looked in very high spirits flashing a huge smile as she posed with blogger Chessie King

London-based fashion designer Bella Freud opted for a navy pinstripe suit co-ord, adding a quirky tie

Elsewhere Made In Chelsea favourite Ollie Locke (R) and his husband Gareth (L) were also in attendance, joined by pal and fashion designer Oliver Proudlock (C), who is also Emma Louise Connolly's husband

The content creator stunned in a silky white shirt and leopard print skirt, as the duo embraced one another for the lense.

London-based fashion designer Bella Freud opted for a navy pinstripe suit co-ord, adding a quirky tie.

Elsewhere Made In Chelsea favourite Ollie Locke and his husband Gareth were also in attendance, joined by pal and fashion designer Oliver Proudlock, who is also Emma Louise Connolly's husband.
Brad Pitt, 60, held hands with his girlfriend Ines De Ramon, 34, when they surfaced in New York City on Tuesday.

The pair have been linked since November 2022 but only went red carpet official on August 31 at the 81st annual Venice Film Festival.

Ines and Brad were the image of showbiz glamour as they posed up a storm at the premiere of Wolfs, his new movie with George Clooney.

They were more casually dressed when they surfaced in New York this week, but still exhibited a dapper sense of late summer style.

For his latest sighting, Brad modeled an eye-catching set of monochrome houndstooth trousers, teamed with a white hoodie.

Brad Pitt, 60, held hands with his girlfriend Ines De Ramon , 34, when they surfaced in New York City on Tuesday

Lending the look an extra splash of elan with a slope-brimmed hat, he warded off the September rays with a large set of sunglasses.

Meanwhile Ines, who was previously married to The Vampire Diaries star Paul Wesley for three years until 2022, cut a similarly casual figure.

She concealed her enviably toned figure under a flowy cream top, which she wore with a set of off-white trousers that featured flared hems straight out of the 1970s.

Letting her curtains of silken dark hair tumble freely over her shoulders, she went for a naturalistic look where makeup was concerned and slung on a cross-body bag.

One day earlier, Ines bared her enviably sculpted midriff in a nautical chic blue-and-white vest-top, which she paired with matching trousers.

Brad could be seen trailing just behind her in a grey jumpsuit, sporting a distinguished touch of white stubble over his matinee idol features.

Their return to America comes after the couple, who are thought to be living together, enjoyed 'a great summer together' in Europe.

'Brad's been working in Europe, so they've spent a lot of time there. He's serious about Ines. He's very happy and enjoys spending time with her. She's easygoing and everyone likes her,' a source informed People.

The pair have been linked since November 2022 but only went red carpet official on August 31 at the 81st annual Venice Film Festival

They were more casually dressed when they surfaced in New York this week, but still exhibited a dapper sense of late summer style

For his latest sighting, Brad modeled an eye-catching set of monochrome houndstooth trousers, teamed with a white hoodie

Lending the look an extra splash of elan with a slope-brimmed hat, he warded off teh September rays with a large set of sunglasses

She concealed her enviably toned figure under a flowy cream top, which she wore with a set of off-white trousers that featured flared hems straight out of the 1970s

Ines showed off her sculpted figure in a skintight white gown as she and Brad hit the red carpet for Wolfs at the Venice Film Festival at the end of last month.

While there, they posed with George Clooney and his wife Amal, whom he tied the knot with in the same Italian city a decade ago.

DailyMail.com has exclusively reported that Ines has been a boon to Brad and George's longstanding friendship.

Brad and George were thought to have drifted apart somewhat during the former's marriage to Angelina Jolie, which went up in flames in 2016.

In 2014, Brad and Angelina had failed to attend George and Amal's wedding in Venice - supposedly because they were busy filming their marital drama By The Sea in Malta, less than two hours away by direct flight.

Rumors flared of a 'rivalry' brewing between Amal, a noted human rights lawyer, and Angelina, herself a globetrotting celebrity humanitarian.

Meanwhile Ines, who like Amal is multilingual and highly educated, has smoothly integrated into Brad's social circle.

'The contrast with Angelina is obvious,' a source close to Brad told DailyMail.com after the couple's red carpet debut in Venice. 'Ines gets along great with everyone, all of Brad's friends. She is a really easygoing person.'

One day earlier, Ines bared her enviably sculpted midriff in a nautical chic blue-and-white vest-top, which she paired with matching trousers

Brad could be seen trailing just behind her in a grey jumpsuit, sporting a distinguished touch of white stubble over his matinee idol features

Brad and Ines reportedly spent part of the summer at his winery in the South Of France, the Chateau Miraval - the subject of his current legal battle with Angelina.

Angelina and Brad first acquired the winery, the Chateau Miraval, in 2008 when they had been romantically involved for years but were not yet married.

The feud over the property stems from the fact Angelina sold her half to Russian billionaire Yuri Shefler for $62 million in 2021, amid her divorce proceedings.

Brad sued her over the sale, insisting that she was contractually obligated to obtain his consent before offloading her portion of the Chateau Miraval.

Amid the collapse of their marriage, Brad and Angelina also plunged into a rancorous custody battle over their six children, four of whom are now adults.

They conceived three biological children - Shiloh, 18, and twins Knox and Vivienne, 16 - and also adopted Maddox, 22, Pax, 20, and Zahara, 19.

Brad is said to be estranged from his children, a number of whom have legally dropped his surname, most recently Shiloh after she turned 18 this May.

Meanwhile Pax recently suffered a terrifying accident when he crashed his dirt bike into a car in Los Angeles while not wearing a helmet.

Ines showed off her sculpted figure in a skintight white gown as she and Brad hit the red carpet for Wolfs at the Venice Film Festival at the end of last month

While there, they posed with George Clooney and his wife Amal, whom he tied the knot with in the same Italian city a decade ago

Sources informed DailyMail.com that Angelina was 'by his side in hospital,' while 'Brad is distraught and worried over Pax's accident, but he is unable to reach him.'

The accident came four years after Pax unleashed an explosive social media rant calling his father a 'world class a**hole' and a 'terrible and despicable person' who had caused his four younger children to 'tremble in fear.'

Angelina filed for divorce from Brad in September 2016, after a mysterious dispute on a private plane in the presence of their son Maddox.

Early in the proceedings, the FBI looked into allegations that Brad became 'physical' with Maddox on the jet, but the investigation was closed with no charges filed.

However, in court documents she filed this April in the winery dispute, Angelina accused Brad of having been abusive to her 'well before' the plane ride.

Angelina has brought up her abuse allegations and the custody battle over the course of her years-long legal feud with Brad over the Chateau Miraval.

She has asked Brad to 'end the fighting' and drop the winery lawsuit against her so that their family can have a chance to 'heal.'

However sources told DailyMail.com that Brad has 'no intention' of dropping the , claiming that Angelina only asked him to do so after she discovered that her case is weaker than she initially anticipated.

'Brad is not going to drop this lawsuit  why would he? This was a very standard business dispute but unfortunately, Angelina has consistently introduced personal elements that are meant for a divorce court,' an insider said.
Ada Nicodemou stepped out with a rather swollen face as she returned home from a weekend away with boyfriend James Stewart and his daughter Scout.

On Sunday, the trio emerged from a taxi that had picked them up from the airport and were seen gathering their luggage before heading inside.

Ada, 47, dressed casually in a brown and white floral-patterned maxi dress and kept warm in a denim jacket.

The Home and Away actress paired her look with brown sandals and accessorised with a cream linen Chloe tote bag, which retails for $1,710.

Meanwhile, her on and off screen partner James, 48, looked relaxed in a white T-shirt and black shorts.

His daughter, who he shares with ex-partner and actress Jessica Marais, rocked a Rolling Stones graphic T-shirt, black shorts and black converse high top sneakers.

Ada sported a puffy face after claims she had a 'full body upgrade' years ago.

In a 2018 interview, surgeon Dr Meaghan Heckenberg claimed she believes Ada has had 'rhinoplasty, muscle-relaxing injections and dermal fillers'.

Ada Nicodemou (pictured) stepped out with a rather swollen face as she returned home from a weekend away with boyfriend James Stewart and his daughter Scout

Her appearance comes after claims she had a 'full body upgrade' years ago. Pictured in 2018

'Ada looks like she's had rhinoplasty and probably some muscle-relaxing injections and dermal fillers to give her that fresh look,' Dr Heckenberg told Woman's Day.

'An eyebrow lift can also be achieved by careful placement of muscle-relaxing injections, such as Botox or Dysport. Of course, she benefits from her Mediterranean heritage so she's got great skin anyway.'

Dr Heckenberg has not treated the actress herself, and Daily Mail Australia contacted Ada for comment at the time of the report.

However, Ada finally admitted to undergoing cosmetic work over the years.

In 2019, she confirmed she had a breast augmentation after years of speculation.

On Sunday, the trio emerged from a taxi that had picked them up from the airport and were seen gathering their luggage before heading inside

The pair dressed casually following their return from their relaxing getaway

The mother-of-one made the admission while responding to an Instagram troll who implied she was 'fake'.

'I don't use fillers and I rarely use Botox and the only surgery that I've done [that] is "fake" is breast augmentation, which I have every right to do,' she wrote.

The Sydney-born actress told New Idea magazine in 2017 that she wouldn't rule out using Botox or laser treatments in the future.

She claimed it was important to do 'whatever makes you feel good', adding that it was up to the individual.

'I think these days most people are doing bits and pieces. Botox and lasers are like facials were 20 years ago,' Ada said.

In 2018, surgeon Dr Meaghan Heckenberg claimed that she believes Ada has had 'rhinoplasty, muscle-relaxing injections and dermal fillers'

She added that women should be honest about work they have had done.

'I hate when people lie about it. People need to be truthful. There's nothing wrong with it within reason,' she said.

Ada shares one son, Johnas, 12, with her ex-husband Chrys Xipolitas.

In late 2015, Ada and Chrys called time on their nine-year marriage and publicly confirmed news of their split just months later.

Ada went on to date millionaire businessman Adam Rigby but the couple went their separate ways just before Christmas last year after eight years together.

She has since found love again with her Home and Away co-star James Stewart, with news of their romance emerging when they were seen kissing on Anzac Day.

In 2019, Ada confirmed she had a breast augmentation after years of speculation

The pair have known each other since 1998 when they co-starred on the short-lived Channel Ten soap opera Breakers and have both been staples on Home and Away since 2016.

Ada described her blossoming romance with James as 'unexpected' as she broke her silence on their relationship last week.

'Jimmy and I are together, yes. It's only early days. It's very recent and very unexpected. I'm super happy. It's really lovely,' she told Stellar Magazine.

She insisted their Home And Away characters Leah Patterson and Justin Morgan getting married on-screen was not an early sign of their real-life romance.

The wedding episode aired on April 9 but was filmed around six months earlier, with Ada insisting their 'genuine feelings' only emerged later.

'There weren't genuine feelings then,' she explained. 'It was shot last year. But I think whenever you're watching any TV couple, you're always wondering if they really do have feelings.'

The couple began dating after Ada split from Adam Rigby and James finalised his divorce from Sarah Roberts in March.
Strictly's The Professionals tour has reportedly been axed amid the Giovanni Pernice misconduct investigation.

The results of the the 250,000 investigation are set to be released just days before the 20th anniversary series is due to start.

And now a source who worked on the live stage productions has revealed to The Sun that the tour was cancelled after the allegations, which include workplace bullying.

They told the publication: 'Strictly is trying to rebuild as a brand and The Professionals tour was known as a hotbed of drinking and fun.

'The pro dancers work hard and play hard but with everything that's happened recently, it seems axing it eliminates the chance of any further issues.

Strictly 's The Professionals tour has reportedly been axed amid the Giovanni Pernice misconduct investigation

The results of the the 250,000 investigation are set to be released just days before the 20th anniversary series is due to start

'The people who usually work on The Professionals tour have been told it's cancelled.'

A spokesman for the tour told MailOnline: 'Due to artist availability, the UK tour of Strictly The Professionals is taking a break next year, and plans are currently being finalised for 2026.

'Tickets for the 2025 Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour will be on sale soon and booking information will be announced in the coming weeks.'

The Professionals show took part over spring and summer after the Strictly Live! tour earlier in the year which features both the pros and their celebrity partners.

Put on by BBC Studios, the tour is choreographed by Strictly's creative director Jason Gilkison and features pros from the show including Nadiya Bychkova, Vitto Coppola, Katya Jones, Neil Jones and Luba Mushtuck.

Giovanni has also previously taken part in the tour before he was suspended while a BBC probe is conducted over claims of off-camera misconduct made by his partner Amanda Abbington, 50, and two other former celebrity dance partners.

Giovanni has vehemently denied the allegations.

The investigation is due to be published in the coming days, and BBC staff have reportedly had their emails, texts and WhatsApps examined as part of the bullying probe.

Amanda previously said she would 'cry and vomit' after returning home from rehearsals with Giovanni

Members of the crew have had their phones searched for references to Giovanni or Amanda in a bid to gather evidence

Members of the crew have had their phones searched for references to Giovanni or Amanda in a bid to gather evidence.

The Mirror has revealed the subject access request is understood to have been made to the BBC by Amanda's team, to provide any personal data or information that might shed light on her and Giovanni's relationship.

A source told the publication: 'People complied with it in the hope that it shoots down any claims of a cover-up.'

Amanda previously said she would 'cry and vomit' after returning home from rehearsals with Giovanni.

Speaking to The Times, Abbington claims she has since received death threats from fans of the Italian dancer, whose long-term future on Strictly remains uncertain.

She said: 'I've had the worst experience. The show was tough and horrible, but the aftermath of it I was not expecting. It's been really brutal and it just hasn't stopped.

'It's been awful, just relentless. Death threats and rape threats for just standing up for something that I thought was wrong.'

The actress also admitted she would become nauseous after completing rehearsals with Pernice, 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.''

The investigation that began with accusations against Giovanni has since widened after more complaints surrounding the hit show.

It has heaped further turmoil on Strictly, which is deemed to be the jewel in the Corporation's crown and is still watched by more than ten million people.

Fellow dancer Graziano Di Prima has since been sacked by the show following similar claims of inappropriate behaviour towards TV personality Zara McDermott, with whom he was paired in 2023

Sources have told the Mail that the accusations have prompted bosses to extend the inquiry to look at other matters, and individuals, involved with the dance series as they prepare for its 20th anniversary.

It means that Giovanni, who has already let his frustrations at the investigation be known, has faced an even longer wait for an outcome after three former dance partners, including Amanda, instructed lawyers to make 'serious complaints' about his conduct.

It also threatens to damage Strictly, the BBC's biggest Saturday night success story since The Generation Game.

A television source has previously told the Mail: 'This investigation is no longer just solely about Giovanni but other, more wider issues. The show has been going for 20 years and the whole veneer of Strictly is so sparkly and lovely, of course there will always be people who feel hard done by.

'Amanda's complaints have started something massive, it has opened the door for others to come forward about things they haven't been happy with.

'It is all a big headache for the BBC, it is about to celebrate a massive milestone with its 20th anniversary.

'Having the Giovanni complaint has been a big enough issue, but now it looks like there is more to be scrutinised and looked into.'

Sources close to Giovanni say that he fully expects to be exonerated.

Insiders say also that the widened inquiry will now present the Sicilian star as possibly being a 'small fish' in Strictly's potential downfall.

He quit the show following claims by Amanda, star of Sherlock and Mr Selfridge, that he bullied her in training, claims which he denies.

In May it was revealed that she had instructed London law firm Carter Ruck to represent her against the BBC.

A source told the publication: 'The BBC is under huge pressure to get this probe done and dusted before September 14 when the new series kicks off'

Fellow dancer Graziano Di Prima has since been sacked by the show following similar claims of inappropriate behaviour towards TV personality Zara McDermott, with whom he was paired in 2023.

Confirming his departure on Instagram, Graziano wrote: 'I deeply regret the events that led to my departure from Strictly. My intense passion and determination to win might have affected my training regime.

'While respecting the BBC HR process, I acknowledge it's only right for the sake of the show that I step away. I am saddened that I wasn't allowed to offer a quote to the online news stories, and I take on board the sensitivity of the situation.

'There's more to this story that I am unable to discuss at this time, but I am committed to being strong for my family and friends. I wish the Strictly family nothing but success in the future.'
Roxy Jacenko has confirmed her return to publicity and Sydney, just two years after stepping down as director of Sweaty Betty and a shock move to Singapore with her family.

'I am returning to Sweaty Betty PR and reopening the doors for selected clients,' Roxy told Daily Mail Australia.

'Learning to be able to step back and enjoy life beyond just work has been rewarding BUT also awfully boring!' Roxy told Daily Mail Australia.

'I wasnt cut out for the housewife life!'

On Tuesday afternoon, the 44-year-old 'PR Queen' shared the news to her Instagram followers with a not-so-cryptic hint as to what she's doing next.

The photo 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. ' she captioned the post.

Roxy Jacenko has confirmed her return to publicity and Sydney, just two years after stepping down as director of Sweaty Betty

'I have worked since I was 14-years-old,' Roxy continued.

'It's all I know and to be frank, I'm good at it, so it's time to get going again.'

She'll continue to be based in Singapore, but said that she'll begin commuting to Sydney for one week out of every month to operate Sweaty Betty from its eastern suburbs offices.

'I'll be based in Singapore with my family but do a week a month in Sydney at my Double Bay HQ. With a mere 2-hour time difference working out of Singapore when I am not in Sydney is very feasible.'

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.'

On Tuesday afternoon, the 44-year-old 'PR Queen' shared the news to her Instagram followers with a not-so-cryptic hint as to what she's doing next

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.

'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.
He's known for his hard exterior and abrasive attitude.

However when he is around his dog Liam Gallagher is a real softie as the rockstar does whatever it takes to make sure the pooch is included in the family.

Rescued from the charity Happy Doggo in Thailand last year, Buttons flew with the family on a private jet to make sure he was able to join the Gallagher's on their summer holiday to France.

A source told The Sun: 'He took his family away to France but it wouldn't be the same without Buttons, so he used a private jet so she could come too.

'Buttons is the most spoiled pooch but Liam and partner Debbie would not have it any other way. When Liam isn't on stage they are inseparable.'

Liam Gallagher reportedly flew his rescue dog Buttons on private jet so the pooch could join the family for summer getaway in France this summer

Away from his usual abrasive attitude in the public eye on stage, when with his dog Buttons it seems there isn't anything Liam wouldn't do for his dog

Liam was recently seen for the first time since the highly anticipated reforming of Oasis last month.

The musician, 51, wrapped up in a navy raincoat as he took Buttons on a walk across a common in the Southwest of England on Monday.

And the star has also done his best to help other mistreated and abandoned dogs.

Last month he gifted the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester his stage set, and in return they donated 25,000 to Happy Doggo.

MailOnline have contacted Liam's representatives for comment.

Buttons was rescued from the jungle in Thailand and Liam found him while browsing for a rescue dog online.

Thailand dog rescuer Niall Harbison revealed: 'After three months in foster she was ready to travel 10,000 kms across the world. She was a very brave girl and her life has changed forever'.

In the caption, he added: 'From being dumped in the Thai jungle to this. You couldn't make it up Buttons.

A source told The Sun: 'He took his family away to France but it wouldn't be the same without Buttons, so he used a private jet so she could come too'

They added: 'Buttons is the most spoiled pooch but Liam and partner Debbie would not have it any other way. When Liam isn't on stage they are inseparable'

Oasis is scheduled for a whopping 17-date tour around the UK with performances in Dublin, Liverpool, Manchester and London

'You did it, brave little girl. She's in safe hands @liamgallagher'

One curious fan asked Niall how Liam went about adopting one of their rescue dogs in which the rescue revealed he 'applied just like everyone else'.

He penned: 'He applied just like everyone else and then we found out it was *that* Liam Gallagher?!!!'

It comes after it was revealed Liam's youngest son Gene, is to support Oasis for their sell-out reunion tour.

Gene, 23, has confided in friends that the indie rock group he fronts, Villanelle, will be one of ten warm-up acts when his dad, 51, and uncle Noel, 57, take to the stage next September.

An insider told the MailOnline: 'Gene is supporting Oasis. He's been telling a few people and he's really excited. He loves playing with his dad and knows it will be huge for his music career.'

Villanelle are yet to be signed, although they will release their first single with an independent label in November.

Oasis is scheduled for a whopping 17-date tour around the UK with performances in Dublin, Liverpool, Manchester and London, with more international dates expected to be announced soon.

It comes after it was revealed Liam's youngest son Gene, 23, is to support Oasis for their sell-out reunion tour (the father and son pictured in February 2018)

Gene's band Villanelle will be one of ten warm-up acts when his dad, 51, and uncle Noel, 57, take to the stage next September despite not being signed

Fans slammed Oasis last week as they complained about the high cost of tickets for his upcoming shows.

Hoards of fans lost out with sites booting them to the back of the queue after being mistaken for bots, people nabbing up tickets to resell them for thousands, as well as some sites doubling ticket prices form around 148 to 355.

And Liam, who has never been one to shy away from controversy, broke his social media silence amid the row, but faced further flak for his outbursts, with some accusing him of 'scream[ing] from his ivory tower at the paupers.'

He posted on X, formerly Twitter, this morning: 'OASIS are back your welcome and I hear there ATTITUDE STINKS good to know somethings never change.'

When fans responded by criticising the ticketing approach, he replied: 'SHUTUP [sic]'

And when asked how he was feeling, the 51-year-old responded: 'SMUG only kidding SMUG AS F*** I told you all we were gonna get back together 1 fine day [sic]'
Simon Baker made a very suave entrance to a local court in Byron Bay on Wednesday to face sentencing after pleading guilty to a drink-driving charge.

The Australian actor, 55, arrived at Mullumbimby Local Court looking very dapper in a smart sage suit which he styled with a crisp white shirt and a darker green tie.

The Mentalist star completed his formalwear look with a pair of brown boots as he was approached by the media upon his arrival at the court.

Baker, globally recognised for his role in The Devil Wears Prada, shielded his eyes with a pair of tinted glasses as he entered the courthouse.

Baker - who is fresh of his awards season success with Boy Swallows Universe - recently pleaded guilty to driving a vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

He was excused from facing Mullumbimby Local Court in person earlier this month, with his lawyer instead appearing on his behalf to enter his plea.

Court documents showed a guilty plea was entered for the first offence of driving a vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Meanwhile, prosecutors withdrew a lesser count of attempting to drive under the influence of alcohol.

Simon Baker made a very suave arrival to a local court in Byron Bay on Wednesday to face sentencing after pleading guilty to a drink-driving charge

The Australian actor, 55, arrived at Mullumbimby Local Court looking dapper in a sage suit which he styled with a white shirt and a darker tie (pictured with his lawyer Peggy Dwyer)

He was busted on Booyung Rd in Nashua, about 30km from Byron Bay, early in the morning on July 20, and was charged by NSW Police last month.

Baker has frequently been photographed driving around Byron Bay in a 2020 Tesla Model 3.

It is understood Baker splits his time between Tamarama in Sydney's affluent eastern suburbs and a country property in Nashua, between Lismore and Byron Bay.

His sentencing comes off the back of his success at the 2024 Logie Awards, where he nabbed a top nomination for his role in Netflix hit Boy Swallows Universe.

He was absent from the prestigious ceremony and it was his co-star Felix Cameron, 15, who ultimately won the sought-after Silver Logie for best lead actor in a drama.

Baker nabbed a further 11 nominations at other awards ceremonies for his leading role as Robert Bell in the adaptation of Trent Dalton's best-selling book.

Simon brandished his trademark Hollywood smile as he walked into the courthouse

The Mentalist star arrived to court with his glamorous lawyer

Baker, globally recognised for his role in The Devil Wears Prada, shielded his eyes with a pair of tinted glasses as he entered the courthouse

He was busted on Booyung Rd in Nashua, about 30km from Byron Bay , early in the morning on July 20, and was charged by NSW Police last month

Baker has also earned himself a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his seven-season-long portrayal of Patrick Jane in The Mentalist between 2008 and 2015.

The role earned him a number of award nominations, including a Primetime Emmy nod for outstanding lead actor in a drama series.

He also featured in some classic Australian TV programs including Home and Away and Heartbreak High, which earned him the best new talent gong at the 1993 Logies.

He made the move to the United States, landing roles in films such as L.A. Confidential and The Devil Wears Prada, before returning to live in Australia.

In his personal life, Baker was previously married to Rebecca Rigg but they confirmed their separation in 2021 after 29 years of marriage.

Baker has frequently been photographed driving around Byron Bay in a 2020 Tesla Model 3

His sentencing comes off the back of his success at the 2024 Logies Award, where he nabbed a nomination for his role in Netflix hit Boy Swallows Universe

Baker is well-recognised for his portrayal of Patrick Jane in The Mentalist between 2008 and 2015, which earned him a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2013

It is believed the couple quietly separated in 2020, months before officially confirming the news publicly.

They have three children and own a property together in Nashua, near Byron Bay.

Baker has a long history in the NSW northern rivers region, having spent much of his youth in Lennox Head.

Following his marriage breakdown, he briefly dated Byron Bay activewear designer Laura May Gibbs.
Trinny Woodall was the epitome of old-school glamour as she celebrated the opening of her flagship store on Tuesday.

The TV presenter, 60, looked elegant as she donned a floor-length silver sequin dress with fringe detailing for the launch of her latest store named after herself.

The businesswoman showed of her figure in the dazzling dress which she paired with silver platform sandals and simple silver bangles.

The star kept her brown locks loose and added a touch of glowy make-up to her ensemble.

Joining her at the celebrations was Made in Chelsea's Georgia Toffolo who looked nothing short of gorgeous in a silky leopard print dress with puffed sleeves and a black rose detail.

Trinny Woodall, 60, was the epitome of old-school glamour as she celebrated the opening of her flagship store on Tuesday

Joining her at the celebrations was Made in Chelsea's Georgia Toffolo, 29, who looked nothing short of gorgeous in a silky leopard print dress with puffed sleeves and a black rose detail

The TV presenter looked elegant as she donned a floor-length silver sequin dress with fringe detailing for the launch of her latest store named after herself

The blonde reality star, 29, added a pair of pointed black kitten heels and a patent black leather handbag to her look as she beamed for the cameras.

Damian Hurley was also spotted enjoying the launch party and looked casual in a bow-ho, cowboy inspired look for the launch.

The son of British actress Elizabeth Hurley bared his chest in a sheer black t-shirt and showed off his taught midriff in a pair of low-waisted jeans.

The actor and model added a pair of brown cowboy boots to his look and a pair of large brown sunglasses as he walked in to the new store with a female friend.

The launch of her new shop comes after Trinny revealed that she encountered extreme ageism while trying to set up her own business.

The media personality runs her own makeup and skincare brand called Trinny London which is worth a reported 50million.

But it wasn't easy for the style expert to find funding for the business when she first approached venture capitalists at 51.

Speaking to The Telegraph in April, she said: 'They'd say, "'We're just worried, will you really be able to run the business in ten years' time?" I was getting that when I was, like, 51.

The blonde reality star added a pair of pointed black kitten heels and a patent black leather handbag to her look as she beamed for the cameras

Damian Hurley was also spotted enjoying the launch party and looked casual in a bow-ho, cowboy inspired look for the launch

The son of British actress Elizabeth Hurley bared his chest in a sheer black t-shirt and showed off his taught midriff in a pair of low-waisted jeans

The launch of her new shop comes after Trinny revealed that she encountered extreme ageism while trying to set up her own business

'That's probably the most extreme ageism I've encountered. Even when we stopped doing TV in England, it wasn't ageist, it was just 'We're bored with them. We want something new.'

She also revealed that the thinks her success intimidates men.

She said: 'A friend said to me, 'Trinny you're such a businesswoman, I think it can intimidate some men. I think for any woman who has been in a relationship for a long time, when you go on dates, there's that thing of "Who am I on a date now?' I'm sharing this because it's what so many women go through.'

Trinny added she has 'never been a good flirt' and needs to work on her body language for future dates.

The star recently told how she was 'dipping a toe' back in the dating pool, following her split from Charles Saatchi.

The presenter was previously married to Johnny Elichoff from 1999 to 2009 and her former partner tragically took his own life in 2014.

In a video shared to her Instagram, Trinny and pal Chloe DallOlio were showing fans how to dress for a first date.

The media personality runs her own makeup and skincare brand called Trinny London which is worth a reported 50million

She also revealed that the thinks her success intimidates men and last year split from from her partner of a decade and Nigella Lawson's former husband, Charles Saatchi, 80 (pictured together)

Trinny wrote in the caption: 'If, like me, youre tiptoeing into the dating pool this year and feeling a little out of your depth, dont panic  @chloedallolio and I have cracked the code on date dressing for the woman you are today.'

The star went on the reveal she 'hasn't been on any dates yet' as she finds it 'really f***ing difficult'.

Last year, Trinny split from her partner of a decade art collector and Nigella Lawson's former husband, Charles, 80.

It was first reported in March the relationship had ended, with friends suggesting the 21-year age gap between them was to blame for them going their separate ways.
Dave Grohl referred to his spouse Jordyn Blum as his 'future ex-wife' when they first met.

The 55-year-old rocker, who admitted to cheating on Jordyn, 48, and fathering a secret baby girl, in an interview with Q magazine recalled meeting her for the first time in 2001, according to an article on Tuesday by Us Weekly.

The Foo Fighters frontman shared that he was with late bandmate Taylor Hawkins at the Sunset Marquis whiskey bar in West Hollywood, California.

'Taylor was the looker. I mean, girls would send him drinks,' Grohl told the magazine in 2007.

'Some bombshell comes up and starts talking to Taylor. I was just out of a Tenacious D session. I've got Vans trainers on, no socks, dirty shorts and a dirty T-shirt, surrounded by beautiful Hollywood,' he added.

Dave Grohl, shown in July 2023 in Canada, referred to his spouse Jordyn Blum as his 'future ex-wife' when they first met

Grohl explained that Blum was a friend of the girl, who invited her to join them.

'I was like, ''Oh my, God. Not a chance!'' So I'm just having some drinks and acting like a jackass. And by the end of the night I was pissed and I'm staring at her going, 'You're my future ex-wife,' he said. 'So she gave me her number: 'Jordyn, your future ex-wife.'

Grohl added that they 'saw each other a few times', but he 'backed out' after realizing it was 'the flag, the finish line'.

Blum and Grohl rekindled their romance and got married in 2003.

Hawkins died at age 50 in March 2022 of a 'cardiovascular collapse' from a drug binge while the band was on tour in Colombia.

Grohl revealed on Tuesday on Instagram that he had a secret love child.

'I've recently become the father of a new baby daughter, born outside of my marriage. I plan to be a loving and supportive parent to her. I love my wife and my children, and I am doing everything I can to regain their trust and earn their forgiveness,' he wrote.

'We're grateful for your consideration toward all the children involved, as we move forward together,' he concluded.

Jordyn Blum and Grohl, shown in November 2013 in Los Angeles, have three daughters together

Grohl revealed on Tuesday on Instagram that he had a secret love child

The Foo Fighters frontman, shown in February 2022, shared that he was with late bandmate Taylor Hawkins at the Sunset Marquis whiskey bar in West Hollywood, California, when he met Blum

Grohl and Blum have daughters Violet, 18, Harper, 15, and Ophelia, 10, together.

The Seattle band Foo Fighters was founded in 1994 by Grohl as a one-man project after the breakup of Nirvana.

Hawkins joined the band in 1997 as drummer and shared vocals with Grohl.

Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain died of suicide at age 27 in April 1994.
Jamie Durie's six-storey waterfront mansion renovation has come grinding to a halt due to some very pesky neighbours.

The celebrity landscaper, 54, is working on his lavish Avalon Beach property in Sydney's northern beaches and construction is expected to be completed in the coming weeks.

But he now says a crane on the site won't be removed until after Christmas, revealing a pair of rare birds have built a giant nest on top of it.

During an appearance on Channel Seven's The Morning Show on Wednesday, Jamie said the birds have laid two eggs which are set to hatch any day now.

'The whole neighbourhood's talking about this,' he told hosts Kylie Gillies and Matt Doran.

'It's a very difficult site that we're building a house on, and of course, we had to build a crane to lift all the products and so forth.'

The camera then cut to a live stream of an osprey bird nesting on the crane.

'This is a live stream of Ozzie and Odette, our little Osprey pair  that's what my kids have named them,' Jamie said.

Jamie Durie's six-storey waterfront mansion renovation has come grinding to a halt due to some very pesky neighbours

'There's two eggs sitting under her right now, and they are about to give birth this week... That's on the top of my crane on my house.'

The hosts were shocked, with Kylie suggesting Jamie 'should have packed up the crane by now'.

'Well, house will be finished in four weeks. But the crane's got to stay up until after Christmas,' Jamie exclaimed.

'Who's footing the bill for that?' Kylie asked, to which the TV personality responded, 'Well, me, of course.'

'As if we're going to push their habitat out to create our habitat ... We're learning how to live in harmony,' he added.

The celebrity landscaper is working on his six-storey Avalon Beach property located in Sydney 's northern beaches and construction is expected to be completed in the coming weeks

But he now says a crane on the site won't be removed until after Christmas, revealing a pair of rare birds have built a giant nest on top of it

Construction is only four weeks away from completion at the stunning location, one year after Durie managed to get his proposed build for a $2.7million home approved.

The multi-level cliffside property is covered in scaffolding and some walls of the home have been erected.

The landscaping guru was granted approval in April last year by the Northern Beaches Council over his development application (DA) for the waterfront property, despite receiving more than 50 objections from angry locals.

His plans to knock down a 1960s cottage and replace it with a sprawling six-storey mansion for his family was first met with opposition from neighbours who objected to the removal of 17 native trees.

Neighbours then had an issue with whether the home's construction would impact the ecosystem of a local microbat colony.

The horticulturalist said in his 25 years of working in the industry, trying to get his renovation plans over the line was the biggest challenge he'd faced.

'I can tell you right now, if you want to lodge a DA in Avalon it will be the most harrowing thing you have done in your life,' Durie told The Daily Telegraph at the time.

'I have spoken to close to 20 to 30 people in the last six months who have decided to not lodge their DA because of the circus this has created.'

Community members were also unhappy with Durie's plans on the grounds the dwelling would be out of character for the area.

'It is a gross overdevelopment in this location given the character of the area and the adjoining properties,' one person told the council.

Durie previously clarified 1518 native and endemic species will be planted on and around the property.

'We've rectified the issue and I have sent a letter to all the neighbours and the council explaining what's happening and so hopefully they will see with our new plans,' he said on Today Extra in 2021.

Construction is only four weeks away from completion at the stunning location, one year after Durie managed to get his proposed build approved. Pictured with fiancee Ameka Jane

'I hear them loud and clear and rest assured, we'll be putting plenty of plants into the ground.'

Neighbour John Sheehan, a former acting judge of the Land and Environment Court, described the proposal as 'fatally flawed' and was concerned it would have 'serious and irreversible impacts on biodiversity values'.

Another neighbour said the proposed dwelling was out of character with the adjoining dwellings which respect the topography and the vegetation of their sites.

'It is a gross over-development in this location given the character of the area and the adjoining properties,' their submission stated.

'It must be redesigned by an architect to reduce its site coverage, to retain all the significant trees, to pull back from the waterfront in order to stay well within the foreshore building line, and to reduce its excessive size.'

Another expressed grave concerns the development will set an alarming precedent for future development in the area if approved.

Once completed, the property is set to be Durie's new family home with fiance Ameka Jane, their three-year-old daughter Beau and their one-year-old son Nash

Local heritage and preservation bodies also objected to the development with concerns that it's out of character for the area, will threaten wildlife and 'would overwhelm its environmentally sensitive block'.

Pittwater Natural Heritage Association said the initial proposal would have a detrimental effect on the movement of wildlife in the vicinity and doesn't reflect the ecological and aesthetic values of the area.

'Council should take into consideration the cumulative effect that developments such as this would have on the canopy trees which are critical to the character of the Avalon area,' their submission stated.

'If this and other such developments are allowed to continue then, over time, the tree canopy which gives Avalon its character will disappear.'

The Avalon Preservation Association added: 'The current trend of proposing very large dwellings on environmentally sensitive blocks and consequently destroying much of the native vegetation on the block while a small effect taken individually, constitutes 'death by a thousand cuts' when taken as the new norm.'

Once completed, the property is set to be Durie's new family home with fiance Ameka Jane, their three-year-old daughter Beau and their one-year-old son Nash.
The Real Housewives Of Miami cast will be a bit smaller when season seven premieres, as Dr. Nicole Martin will not be rejoining her castmates.

The 40-year-old anesthesiologist has departed the reality series ahead of filming the upcoming season, Page Six revealed on Tuesday.

The series began filming earlier in the day  without Martin's participation.

Insiders told the publication that she was the only person departing the upcoming season.

DailyMail.com has reached out to Martin for comment.

Dr. Nicole Martin has left The Real Housewives Of Miami prior to filming on season seven, sources told Page Six on Tuesday; pictured in October 2023 in Coral Gables, Florida

It's unclear why Martin, who appeared on seasons four through six, is leaving. Bravo is also reportedly filming new women as possible Housewives; pictured on RHOM

The rest of the main cast  which includes Guerdy Abraira, Lisa Hochstein, Julia Lemigova, Alexia Nepola and Larsa Pippen  and friends  Kiki Barth, Adriana de Moura and Marysol Patton  were sticking around.

The sources also claimed that new women were filming for the series, though Bravo hasn't yet decided if they will be part of the main cast or just friends.

It's unclear why Martin is leaving the series, and Bravo didn't respond about her reported departure.

However, the physician has had some major life changes in the months leading up to the start of filming for season seven.

In March of this year, Martin gave birth to her second child, a daughter named Genevieve.

'Mom and baby girl are recovering from a C-section that was earlier than expected,' she announced on social media after the birth.

She shares the little girl and her son Greyson, five, with her fiance Anthony Lopez.

The lovebirds have dated since 2015, and the attorney popped the question on New Year's Eve at the end of 2021.

Martin also dealt with tragedy on RHOM when her father Miguel died in November 2023.

Although the reasons for her departure aren't clear, Martin had a major life change when she welcomed her second child, a daughter named Genevieve, in March

She shares the little girl and her son Greyson, five, with her fiance Anthony Lopez

Martin also dealt with tragedy on RHOM when her father Miguel (R) died in November 2023

'I havent been able to find the words and still cant,' she wrote in an Instagram post at the time.

'Everything happened so fast and it still doesnt seem real. Part of me is still waiting for one of your crazy phone calls.

'So many things left unsaid and moments we didnt share. Trying not to dwell on the missed moments and focusing on the improvements we made. You had a zest for life and I know youre having a party up in heaven,' she added.

Martin began appearing on RHOM in season four, which debuted in late 2021, and her final appearances were in season six, which aired its last episodes in March of this year.
Amanda Bynes was spotted enjoying a stroll in Los Angeles on Tuesday.

The former actress, 38, wore an all-black ensemble and had a vape in her hand as she walked down the street during a casual solo outing.

For her walk, she looked effortlessly stylish as she layered a T-shirt over a slip dress with a knee-length, lace trim.

The Nickelodeon alum  who was spotted with a mystery man after calling off her engagement to her ex, Paul Michael, two years ago  sported all-black sneakers with ankle socks.

During her walk, her hair appeared to be damp because she slicked back her newly dyed, raven black tresses with gel.

Amanda Bynes was spotted enjoying a stroll in Los Angeles on Tuesday

The Easy A star rocked a dramatic, very long manicure with a pointy stiletto style and a light baby blue glossy finish.

She was also seen toting around a nylon shoulder bag with silver hardware.

For her walk, she appeared to be sporting a minimal to no makeup look besides her bold, tinted eyebrows and her dark, permanent eyeliner.

She accessorized with shiny nose ring in her septum piercing, large stud earrings and a massive jewel on her right hand.

Her solo outing comes just days after she was spotted taking a stroll with a mystery man among the tourists on Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles.

Two years earlier, she had called off her engagement to now-ex, Paul Michael.

She and her ex-fiance met back in November 2019 and were in an on-and-off relationship for two years.

In April 2023, he claimed they had broken up just days before her mental breakdown, which led to her being placed on a psychiatric hold.

For her walk, she looked effortlessly stylish as she layered a T-shirt over a slip dress with a knee-length, lace trim. The Nickelodeon alum sported all-black sneakers with ankle socks

Her solo outing comes just days after she was spotted taking a stroll with a mystery man among the tourists on Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles

Two years earlier, she had called off her engagement to now-ex, Paul Michael; pictured in April 2022

They took their relationship public in February 2020 when Bynes shocked fans by announcing their engagement. Three weeks after the news, the pair had reportedly split and Bynes was checked into a mental health treatment center in March 2020. They reunited shortly thereafter before they called it quits for good in 2022

That same year, the conservatorship that Bynes had previously been under had finally concluded. The original arrangement began in 2013 after she was involuntarily committed after multiple run-ins with the law starting a year earlier; pictured in October 2009

They took their relationship public in February 2020 when Bynes shocked fans by announcing their engagement.

Three weeks after the news, the pair had reportedly split and Bynes was checked into a mental health treatment center in March 2020.

They reunited shortly thereafter before they called it quits for good in 2022.

That same year, the conservatorship that Bynes had previously been under had finally concluded.

The original arrangement began in 2013 after she was involuntarily committed after multiple run-ins with the law starting a year earlier.
Skye Wheatley has shocked followers who have begged her to stop getting plastic surgery after she asked for another nose job during a consultation for her fox eye lift procedure.

The influencer, 30, is currently in Turkey undergoing the partial face lift, but that is not enough for Skye who has undergone several cosmetic procedures.

During her consultation with her surgeon Dr Vasfi Celik, shared in an Instagram video on Saturday, Skye asked for extra work to be done, prompting concerns from fans.

In a video shared to the plastic surgeon's socials, the former Big Brother star could be seen having a consultation and gesturing to her nose.

When fans asked if she was asking him for another nose job, which she recently had done in 2021, she confirmed she was thinking about it but said the doctor denied her request.

'I was but I won't touch it that's too far. Dr said my nose is fine hahahaha I trust him,' she said.

Further down in the comments, one fan begged Skye to 'stop chasing perfection' through cosmetic procedures and plastic surgery.

'You are so incredibly beautiful as you are. Please stop chasing perfection. You will never be happy,' they said.

Skye Wheatley, 30, (pictured) has shocked followers who have begged her to stop getting plastic surgery as she asks for another nose job during her fox eye lift procedure

They continued: 'You are looking for yourself in all the wrong places and sending the wrong message to other women. Your heart is beautiful therefore you are beautiful.'

The Outspoken Podcast weighed in on the video on Tuesday, with sister hosts Amy, Sophie and Kate Taeuber sharing concerns that Skye could be addicted to plastic surgery.

'I don't want to go too much into it because I know that it is ultimately Skye's decision what she does to her body, but I find it so disturbing because she's only 30,' one said.

'She looks so young. She's a stunning woman.'

The influencer is currently in Turkey undergoing the partial face lift, but that is not enough for the influencer who has undergone many cosmetic procedures. Pictured at the 2024 Logies

Another pointed out Skye's willingness to be so transparent to prevent young women from idolising her beauty and wondering why they can't obtain it.

'It really is a catch 22 because it is good that Skye's being transparent but some of her videos could be seen as if they're promoting the surgeries and encouraging young girls to also seek out this kind of surgery,' they said.

Skye's TikTok page has also been inundated with concerned followers who flocked to the comments of her most recent vlog in Turkey to tell the influencer she doesn't need the fox eye lift or another nose job.

'I wish you knew how beautiful you are without needing to do this,' one person wrote, while another said: 'Are you kidding me?'

A third added: 'This is ridiculous. Shame on whoever made you feel that you need this work done.'

During a consultation with her surgeon Dr Vasfi Celik, shared in an Instagram video (pictured) on Saturday, Skye asked for extra work to be done, prompting concerns from fans

Skye responded to that comment with: 'Myself or I have daddy issues.'

'You should of held off with this surgery until you reached your 40's. You're way too young, don't even need it!' someone else commented.

'Oh I really don't mean to be rude but you don't need that at all,' one user said.

Yet another wrote: 'Omg Skye I wish you saw how beautiful you already are. You don't need to do a thing to your face or body. A million girls would love to look like you. Be happy in your skin.'

Skye is receiving a fox eye lift in Turkey and has also recently admitted she wants liposuction done on her inner thighs and arms.

When fans asked if she was asking him for another nose job, which she recently had done in 2021, she confirmed she was thinking about it, but the doctor denied her request

Fans continued to flock to Skye's Turkey vlog videos across her socials, begging her not to get anymore plastic surgery done

She has undergone a litany of cosmetic procedures over the years, including lip and cheek filler, rhinoplasty and an infamously botched boob job.

The online personality revealed last June she had invested in getting 'trapezius slimming' injections in her shoulders.

She 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.

The concerns come as Skye has been wheeled into the operating theatre after touching down in Turkey for her controversial cosmetic procedure.

Skye has undergone a litany of cosmetic procedures over the years, including lip and cheek filler, rhinoplasty and an infamously botched boob job

The influencer 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, who has previously joked she is 'obsessed' with plastic surgery, 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.

Skye has left her boyfriend Lachlan Waugh behind in Australia to care for their two children - Forest, five, and Bear, three - during her procedure and recovery.
Halle Berry said that she's upset that no other Black entertainer has been honored with the Best Actress Academy Award, more than two decades after she was the first person to do so.

'I'm still eternally miffed that no Black woman has come behind me for that best actress Oscar,' the Academy Award-wining actress, 58, told Marie Claire in an article published Tuesday. 'I'm continually saddened by that year after year.'

The Bruised actress and filmmaker added that 'it's certainly not because there has been nobody deserving.'

The Cleveland native won the Best Actress Oscar in 2002 for her work in the 2001 motion picture Monster's Ball; in the 22 years since, only one other person of color, actress Michelle Yeoh, has won the honor (for Everything Everywhere All at Once, last year).

Berry 'proudly acknowledges the role she's played in making the industry more hospitable for all women of color,' according to the Marie Claire article, which noted that Black women 'have enjoyed unprecedented levels of Hollywood visibility and opportunity, both on and off camera, in recent years.'

Halle Berry, 58, said that she's upset that no other Black entertainer has been honored with the Best Actress Academy Award, more than two decades after she was the first person to do so. Pictured last month in LA

The Cleveland native won the Best Actress Oscar in March of 2002 for her work in the 2001 motion picture Monster's Ball

Berry said, 'Would I rather have awards or a kickass, robust, soaring career as a Black woman? I'd take the kickass, soaring career over an award any day.'

The Moonfall actress cited a series of nominations she felt should have earned Oscars: Andra Day in 2021's The United States vs. Billie Holiday, and Viola Davis in 2020's Ma Rainey's Black Bottom.

Berry, in an October 2020 chat with Variety, also cited Cynthia Erivo in 2019's Harriet and Ruth Negga in 2016's Loving as performers who deserved Oscars for their respective efforts.

She told the outlet at the time, 'I thought there were women that rightfully, arguably, could have, should have. I hoped they would have, but why it hasn't gone that way, I don't have the answer.'

Berry told the outlet at the time that it had been one of her 'biggest heartbreaks' that it has been decades since a Black Actress has won the top acting honors.

'The morning after, I thought, "Wow, I was chosen to open a door,"' Berry said. 'And then, to have no one  I question, "Was that an important moment, or was it just an important moment for me?"

'I wanted to believe it was so much bigger than me. It felt so much bigger than me, mainly because I knew others should have been there before me and they weren't  just because I won an award doesn't mean that, magically, the next day, there was a place for me. I was just continuing to forge a way out of no way.'

In her acceptance speech 22 years ago, Berry said, 'This moment is so much bigger than me - this moment is for Dorothy Dandridge, Lena Horne, Diahann Carroll  and it's for every nameless and faceless woman of color that now has a chance because this door tonight has been opened.'

Berry won Hollywood's top honors for her performance as Leticia Musgrove in 2002

Berry said Tuesday, 'I'm still eternally miffed that no Black woman has come behind me for that best actress Oscar'

The Moonfall actress cited a series of nominations she felt should have earned Oscars: Andra Day in 2021's The United States vs. Billie Holiday, and Viola Davis in 2020's Ma Rainey's Black Bottom

Berry in 2017 spoke about the #OscarsSoWhite scandal that circulated in 2016, saying at Cannes Lion: 'I sat there and I really thought, "Wow, that moment really meant nothing. It meant nothing. I thought it meant something, but I think it meant nothing."'

She added at the time, 'It inspired me to try to get involved in other ways, which is why I want to start directing. I want to start producing more. I want to start making more opportunities for people of color.'

Berry stars opposite Anthony B. Jenkins and Stephanie Lavigne in the upcoming film Never Let Go, which debuts September 20.
Award-winning Australian actor Simon Baker has avoided a conviction for drink-driving, with a court being told officers were unable to get a blood alcohol reading due to the worldwide Microsoft outage.

Mr Baker, who starred in The Mentalist and was nominated for multiple awards for his role in the Netflix drama Boy Swallows Universe, was silent as he left court in the company of his lawyer, Peggy Dwyer.

The award-winning actor pleaded guilty to a single charge of driving a vehicle under the influence of alcohol during an earlier court appearance.

Another charge of attempting to drive under the influence of alcohol was withdrawn on the same date.

Baker, 55, faced a maximum penalty of 30 penalty units or 18 months jail, or both, magistrate Kathy Crittenden said.

But the Hollywood star instead walked from court on a conditional release order to be of good behaviour for nine months.

No conviction was recorded.

An unknown man followed Baker and Ms Dwyer out of court carrying a sign reading 'Uber for Baker'.

Award-winning Australian actor Simon Baker has avoided a conviction for drink-driving, with a court being told officers were unable to get a blood alcohol reading due to the worldwide Microsoft outage

Mr Baker, who starred in The Mentalist and was nominated for multiple awards for his role in the Netflix drama Boy Swallows Universe, was silent as he left court in the company of his lawyer, Peggy Dwyer

The award-winning actor pleaded guilty to a single charge of driving a vehicle under the influence of alcohol during an earlier court appearance

Mullumbimby Local Court was told Baker was spotted driving by police on July 20, 2024 in Bangalow.

Police saw him crossing over the road's centre line and appearing to accelerate and decelerate before pulling him over.

Reading from the agreed statement of facts, Ms Crittenden said Baker had 'bloodshot eyes, slurred speech' and was 'unsteady on his feet'.

The court was told a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) test returned a positive result.

But police were unable to obtain a further breath analysis due to the worldwide outage of Microsoft systems caused by a faulty CrowdStrike update.

Officers instead had to proceed with an 'old-fashioned sobriety test'.

Ms Crittenden said Baker was 'forthcoming' with police about drinking four glasses of red wine while out at dinner.

'He was apologetic throughout and stated he should not have driven,' she said.

'He was polite, co-operative and extremely remorseful for his actions.'

A bundle of material was tendered in support of Baker, including his completion of a traffic offenders rehabilitation program in the following months.

Baker, 55, faced a maximum penalty of 30 penalty units or 18 months jail, or both, but he walked from court on a conditional release order to be of good behaviour for nine months

Ms Crittenden said Baker was "forthcoming" with police about drinking four glasses of red wine while out at dinner

Mullumbimby Local Court was told Baker was spotted driving by police on July 20, 2024 in Bangalow

Police were unable to obtain a further breath analysis due to the worldwide outage of Microsoft systems caused by a faulty CrowdStrike update

A bundle of material was tendered in support of Baker, including his completion of a traffic offenders rehabilitation program in the following months

Baker is well-recognised for his portrayal of Patrick Jane in The Mentalist between 2008 and 2015, which earned him a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2013

Character references spoke of Baker's 'significant' contributions to the community, including in the aftermath of the 'catastrophic' 2022 floods in NSW's northern rivers region.

'On the basis of the material, the court has little difficulty in finding Mr Baker is remorseful and is unlikely to reoffend,' Ms Crittenden said.

She said offences of driving under the influence were taken seriously due to the risk they posed to the community's safety.

Baker was ordered to be of good behaviour for nine months under the conditional release order.

Baker earnt a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his portrayal of Patrick Jane in The Mentalist between 2008 and 2015.

Recently, he was nominated for a TV Week Logie Award and 11 other awards for his role in Boy Swallows Universe, an adaptation of Trent Dalton's acclaimed novel.

After rising to fame in Australia, Baker made the move to the United States, landing roles in films such as L.A. Confidential and The Devil Wears Prada, before returning to live Down Under.
Paris Hilton put on a glamorous display as she stepped out in New York City on Tuesday.

The 43-year-old entrepreneur showcased her fit physique in a figure-hugging, sequined minidress with a low-cut neckline and long sleeves.

She teamed the sparkly, blue number with a pair of silver, glittering pumps and a matching clutch purse.

Her platinum blonde hair was styled in bouncy waves, and she sported a pair of reflective, oversize sunglasses as she made the streets her runway.

The Simple Life star  who was spotted sitting in the front row of a NYFW show alongside her sister Nicky Hilton and their mother Kathy Hilton  has been promoting her new album, Infinite Icon, which she released last Friday.

Paris Hilton put on a glamorous display in as she stepped out in New York City on Tuesday. The 43-year-old entrepreneur showcased her fit physique in a figure-hugging, sequined minidress with a low-cut neckline and long sleeves

In the days following the release of her record, she stepped in another glamorous, glittering outfit.

She looked radiant with a bright smile on her face and a glowing, rosy pink makeup look.

On September 6, the reality TV personality released her sophomore studio album, Infinite Icon.

She celebrated the occasion by partying with her sister and mother at the NYLON Nights: NYFW x Paris Hilton 'Infinite Icon' Album Release Party in New York City.

She also graced NYLON's cover for the September issue and opened up about the launch of her album in an interview with her longtime friend Bebe Rexha.

'Please don't see me as that [dumb blonde] character anymore,' she said.

'They see me as a human being with feelings, that I'm real and I'm vulnerable and honest,' she added.

'Now people can see me in a different way when it comes to music as well.'

She teamed the sparkly, blue number with a pair of silver, glittering pumps and a matching clutch purse

Her platinum blonde hair was styled in bouncy waves

She sported a pair of reflective, oversize sunglasses as she made the streets her runway

She looked radiant with a bright smile on her face and a glowing, rosy pink makeup look

She drew a crowd as she strutted down the street

The Simple Life star has been promoting her new album, Infinite Icon, which she released last Friday

Hilton released Infinite Icon through her production company 11:11 Media in partnership with ADA.

She made the album with Sia as the album's executive producer.

It was released 18 years after her debut, self-titled album, Paris.

She also recently spoke about reuniting with Nicole Richie for their reboot of The Simple Life.

The pair started filming for their new show 17 years after they starred opposite one another in the reality series.

She said it has been 'so much fun' working with Richie again for their upcoming Peacock show titled Paris & Nicole: The Encore.

'When I'm with Nicole, we just become teenagers again,' she said on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon last Thursday.

She shared that they worked at a Sonic fast food drive-in again after they had done so in the original series.

'We went back to Arkansas, visited the family and everyone,' she added.

She also praised her friend's commitment for wearing a full-body hot dog mascot costume in the scorching heat.

'It was so hot out that day, too. I was like, "That was hardcore",' Paris said.

Paris later slipped into a stunning pink outfit as she headed to Joe & the Juice in Soho

She looked incredible in the pink minidress which boasted two cut outs at the waist displaying her toned midriff

Styling her long tresses in neat waves, the DJ toted her belongings in a coordinated handbag and opted for a pair of pink framed sunglasses

The star was seen picking up a pink beverage from the shop

Paris flashed her gorgeous smile as she posed for photos with fans

The beauty elevated her frame in a pair of pink stilettos
Example has announced he is expecting his first child with his girlfriend Daisy Cox, just four months after his ex-wife Erin McNaught shared her own baby news.

The rapper, 42, whose real name is Elliot John Gleave, and his British girlfriend Daisy exclusively confirmed the news of their pregnancy with Daily Mail Australia.

Example already shares two sons Evander, seven, and Ennio, five, with his model ex Erin, who announced in May that she is expecting a child with her new boyfriend.

Now, Daisy has confirmed she is five months pregnant and is due in January.

'We are so excited about our news and can't wait to meet the little bubba,' Daisy -who has relocated to Australia to be with Example - told Daily Mail Australia.

'We are enjoying some relaxing time now after Elliot's busy summer of festivals - before all the madness and fun starts!'

In a photo shoot with Daily Mail Australia, Daisy debuts her blossoming baby bump as she poses on the beach in a white bikini alongside her doting partner.

She cradled her growing stomach as Example lovingly stood behind her with his arms wrapped around her.

Example has announced he is expecting his first child with his girlfriend Daisy Cox, just four months after his ex-wife Erin McNaught shared her own baby news

The rapper, 42, whose real name is Elliot John Gleave, and his British girlfriend Daisy exclusively confirmed the news of their pregnancy with Daily Mail Australia

Other mirror selfies also showed Daisy lifting up her black vest top to reveal her bump as she beamed from ear-to-ear.

The British-born pair now live in Brisbane, Queensland, to be near Example's two children Evander and Ennio, who he shares with Aussie model Erin, 42.

Example and Daisy have been dating for around 16 months, with the pair first announcing their romance five months after he split from Miss Universe star Erin.

Their pregnancy news comes four months after Erin announced she is expecting her first child with her Aussie music producer boyfriend Stasi 'Stace Cadet' Kotaras.

Insiders confirmed Erin - who is currently in Sydney while Adelaide-based Stace Cadet plays at top venue The Ivy - is happy about Example and Daisy's baby news.

'Elliot and Erin have been able to navigate their own rules within their new families and it is a testament to everyone involved,' a source close to the couples shared.

It comes after Example's ex-wife Erin confirmed her own baby news on Mother's Day, taking to her Instagram Stories to announce her pregnancy with Stasi 'Stace Cadet' Kotaras (pictured)

Daisy has confirmed she is five months pregnant and is due in January

In a photo shoot with Daily Mail Australia, Daisy debuts her blossoming baby bump as she poses on the beach in a white bikini alongside her doting partner

'We are so excited about our news and can't wait to meet the little bubba,' Daisy - who has relocated to Australia to be with Example - told Daily Mail Australia

'The couples have been able to keep each other informed and have very similar ideas on how the kids are to be raised and that has been important to keeping everyone happy - including grandparents.'

'Things may have not worked out in the first marriage but everyone involved has found happiness in new adventures,' they added.

Erin confirmed her own exciting baby news on Australian Mother's Day in May, taking to her Instagram Stories at the time.

Sharing a black and white mirror selfie, Erin showed off her baby bump in a black dress as her partner Stace Cadet gave her a kiss on the cheek.

'This year's Mother's Day was an extra special one for Stasi and me,' the actress wrote in a caption.

'Feeling like the luckiest ducks in the world to have a little miracle on the way.'

In one snap, Daisy flashed a huge smile as she gazed lovingly at Example, who stood beside her on the beach sporting a black vest top and red board shorts

Other mirror selfies also showed Daisy lifting up her black vest top to reveal her bump as she beamed from ear-to-ear

Their pregnancy news comes four months after Erin announced she is expecting her first child with her Aussie music producer boyfriend Stasi 'Stace Cadet' Kotaras (both pictured)

Example and Erin both live in Australia, where they co-parent their two sons Evander, seven, and Ennio, five (all pictured in 2021)

Erin split from her ex-husband Example in October 2022, and has been dating Stace Cadet for several months after going Instagram official in October 2023.

At the time of their split, Erin and Example said their romance came to a 'natural end' after 11 years together and they would be happily co-parenting their two sons.

'At the start of the UK summer we decided to separate. We have had an amazing 11 years together, but just a few too many adventures,' they said in a statement.

'Obviously we spent a lot of time behind the scenes trying to figure things out, but we came to the realisation that perhaps our time as a couple had just come to a natural end.

'So we have decided to go our separate ways whilst there is still an abundance of love and respect for one another.'

'We have been co-parenting happily and effectively now for almost half a year and our boys are surrounded with love,' they added.
Anna Paul has broken down in tears over losing a person she loves 'who hurt her badly'.

The TikTok and OnlyFans megastar, 25, shared the heartbreaking personal news with her millions of social media followers on Wednesday.

'Basically someone I loved a lot hurt me more than you can imagine,' Anna began in a raw one-minute TikTok video of herself.

'And turns out they're not the person I thought they were, but I still love them, and I can't stop loving them.'

The 25-year-old's face was streaked with tears as she made the vulnerable revelations from the comfort of her bed.

'This happened months ago and I don't know how to stop loving them,' she added.

Just days ago, Anna sparked engagement rumours with her new boyfriend Aymeric Urbain by shopping for rings.

She was updating her fans on her travels and shared an image of her in a jewellery store.

She sat in front of a case full of diamond rings, with a sign on the wall reading, 'Yes'.

Anna Paul has broken down in tears over losing a person she loves 'who hurt her badly'

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.

The top comment on her new video, which has already racked up more than 347,000 likes in a little more than 12 hours, said the video is 'Definitely [about] Glen.'

Just days ago, Anna sparked engagement rumours with her new boyfriend Aymeric Urbain by shopping for rings

But Anna dispelled this theory as she continued her tearful confession.

'You don't know this person. I promise you. You have never seen them. I've never posted them. You don't know them,' Anna told her fans in the video.

'I miss them so much and they don't even exist.'

'Like they're, not even real,' she added.

'The person they showed me they were wasn't the person they are actually are.'

The TikTok and OnlyFans megastar, 25, shared the heartbreaking personal news with her millions of social media followers on Wednesday

Anna said the person who broke her heart 'months and months ago' isn't a person who her fans know or have ever seen

The social media star tried to end her video on a lighter note and explained her reasoning behind sharing the clip.

'And if you're going through something similar, it's okay. It's a part of life. Um, and that's why I'm making this to show you also, like, it's okay,' she said.

'We can cry about it still - for months and months and months - and we can think we're over it and then we're not.

'And you can think you're over it and then you miss them. And you think you're over it and then you cry. But it's a part of life.'

'It's fine I'm living great,' she added sarcastically. 'Basically. You're not alone, number one. And number two, does anyone have any advice? That's all.'

Anna's voice broke as she said the mysterious heartbreaker isn't 'real' and she had to wipe tears away from her eyes multiple times as she was talking.

'I think it was her pen pal that she mentioned in a few videos,' one follower suggested in the comments.

Most of Anna's fans flocked to the comments to offer kind words, empathise with her overwhelming emotions and to share their own heartbreak experiences about significant others, family members, and friends.

While some others argued with one another about whether they believed the influencer had only said her fans didn't know the person 'to protect him'.

'Anna, you're such a pretty crier,' one person commented.

'The botox bby [sic] my forehead will move for nothing,' Anna replied cheekily while not engaging with the other comments.

Anna has been posting snippets of her life on the internet since she was 12-years-old.

She now has a cumulative 9.6million followers across her social media platforms and her vlogs have documented her transformation from a 'broke' schoolgirl to a wealthy skincare entrepreneur.

Anna has earned praise and adoration from young girls for her 'girl-next-door' content and body-positive messaging on social media.

However, the Gold Coast-based influencer has also encountered her fair share of backlash because she's been open about how funds her extravagant lifestyle by selling sexually explicit OnlyFans content.

Just last year, Anna dropped her skincare line, Paullie, which drew a whopping six-figure waitlist when it was announced.

Just like her cult online following, Paullie gained its own and has found a lot of love among fans and fellow creators, with the notable exception of fellow Aussie TikToker Kat Clark.
Brad Pitt signaled his love for girlfriend Ines de Ramon with a special accessory on a recent outing.

The Fight Club star, 60, and the jewelry designer, 34, were spotted grabbing dinner in New York City on Sunday, with the actor wearing an 'I' necklace to signify his devotion.

Brad's unbuttoned white shirt revealed a glimpse of his chest and a collection of necklaces, with a sparkling 'I' for Ines among them. He also sported other Anita Ko necklaces.

The loved-up pair were pictured holding hands as they headed out for a romantic evening together. They were later seen enjoying drinks at celebrity hotspot The Mulberry.

Their outing came amid his acrimonious, years-long divorce battle with his ex Angelina Jolie, 49.

Brad Pitt, 60, signaled his love for girlfriend Ines de Ramon, 34, with a special accessory on a recent outing in New York City

During Pitt's date night with de Ramon, he completed his look with a pair of red checkered pants.

And even though the sun had already set, he sported a pair of tinted, ombre aviator sunglasses for a relaxed, edgy touch to his look.

At his side, de Ramon modeled a chic, all-black ensemble with a white, leather shoulder bag in contrast.

She wore a tiny vest with a plunging neckline and a cropped silhouette, which showed off her toned midriff.

She paired the racy top with a pair of low-rise, wide-leg dress pants and chunky leather boots.

Their date night in the Big Apple came a week after he made his red carpet debut with de Ramon at the premiere of his new movie Wolfs at the Venice Film Festival last Sunday.

As of late, including at the premiere, Pitt has been stepping out in a number of increasingly bold and trendy outfits as he seemingly undergoes a wardrobe makeover.

With his new look, fans noticed he looked incredibly youthful and reignited viral facelift rumors once again.

The Fight Club star and the jewelry designer were spotted grabbing dinner on Sunday, with the actor wearing an 'I' necklace to signify his devotion

Brad's unbuttoned white shirt revealed a glimpse of his chest and a collection of necklaces, with a sparkling 'I' for Ines among them

Their date night in the Big Apple came a week after he made his red carpet debut with de Ramon at the premiere of his new movie Wolfs at the Venice Film Festival last Sunday

Brad and Ines were first linked in November 2022 and have since reportedly moved in together; (L) Ines seen in 2023, (R) Pitt seen in 2022

Pitt has been dating de Ramon since late 2022.

It is Pitt's first public, confirmed romance since his separation from Jolie in 2016.

He was previously romantically linked to Emily Ratajkoski and Nicole Poturalski, but his romance with de Ramon appears to be getting serious as she reportedly moved in with him and the pair have been living together since February of this year.

His newfound love was previously married to The Vampire Diaries star Paul Wesley.

On the day of Brad's date with Ines, his ex Angelina made a red carpet appearance with their 20-year-old son Pax Thien Jolie-Pitt at the premiere of her movie Without Blood during the Toronto International Film Festival.

Pax showed off his gruesome forehead scars on their first red carpet since his horror e-bike crash.

Pax - who suffered 'complex trauma' in the collision with a car on July 29 in LA - sported an arm cast under his black suit jacket.

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.

Pax, who was born in Vietnam, was adopted by Jolie at age three, joining siblings Maddox, 22, and Zahara, 19.

Brad's ex Angelina Jolie, 49, made a red carpet appearance with their son Pax, 20, at the premiere of her movie Without Blood during the Toronto International Film Festival on Sunday, following his recent hospitalization

Brad and Angelina married in August 2014 after 10 years together but Angelina filed for divorce in September 2016; the former pair seen in 2009

Meanwhile Ines was previously married to The Vampire Diaries star Paul Wesley from 2019 until 2022; Ines and Paul are seen in 2019

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.

Brad and Angelina married in August 2014 after 10 years together but Angelina filed for divorce in September 2016.
Will Ferrell says he looks back on his impersonation of the late Janet Reno on Saturday Night Live with regret.

The 57-year-old actor spoke Saturday with The New York Times podcast about his past impersonation on the NBC comedy show, saying, 'That's something I wouldn't choose to do now.'

The Irvine, California-born star, appearing alongside the show's ex-head writer Harper Steele (who came out as transgender in 2021), said that the impression of the late U.S. attorney general 'hits a false note now.'

Reno, who served under former President Bill Clinton, died at the age of 78 in November of 2016 from Parkinsons disease complications.

In his impersonation of Reno, Ferrell would dress in drag in a regular bit titled Janet Renos Dance Party, performing in skits opposite former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani; and actor Kevin Spacey, who himself was in drag to portray one-time U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Donna Shalala.

Will Ferrell, 57, says he looks back on his impersonation of the late Janet Reno on Saturday Night Live with regret

Reno, the first woman to serve in the position, appeared herself on the segment in the wake of her January 2001 exit from the Justice Department.

Steele said that in hindsight, the bit was 'absolutely not funny' and that the comedic value of the bit was cheap.

'This kind of bums me out - I understand the laugh is a drag laugh,' Steele said. 'It's, "Hey, look at this guy in a dress, and that's funny" - it's absolutely not funny.

'It's absolutely a way that we should be able to live in the world. However, with performers and actors, I do like a sense of play.'

On the podcast, the Anchorman actor said that there had been 'a fair amount' of segments 'where you'd lament the choice' to perform in them.

The Elf star added, 'I mean, in a way, the cast - you're kind of given this assignment - so I'm going to blame the writers,' to which Steele noted in jest, 'Yeah, he's not culpable at all.'

Ferrell said in a 1998 interview with The Washington Post magazine that he had aimed at bringing a 'broad and physical' presence to his portrayal of Reno, and was amused at the notion of a 'large woman manhandling people.'

Ferrell added, 'I originally wanted to do this thing where she was almost like a bodyguard for President Clinton and they'd be in Cabinet meetings and she wouldn't say anything, and then if Clinton didn't like the person she'd be like, "Bill, do you want me to get rid of him?"'

The Irvine, California-born star said that the impression of the late U.S. attorney general 'hits a false note now'

In his impersonation of Reno, Ferrell would dress in drag in a regular bit titled Janet Renos Dance Party

Ferrell performed opposite actor Kevin Spacey, who himself was in drag to portray one-time U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Secretary Donna Shalala

Ferrell appeared opposite former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani in a sketch

Reno and former President Bill Clinton pictured at a news conference in July of 1993

Ferrell, who developed the bit with former SNL writer Scott Wainio, told the publication, 'We just kind of created this, like, tough woman who lives in this make-believe world.'

According to the newspaper, Reno said of the sketches in 1998, 'I thought it was just kind of a spoof of this 6-foot-1 big old girl. I can't figure out why anybody's that interested in me.'

Ferrell told the newspaper that year of the impression: 'I just sound the way she looks ... I hate to break it down into something as simple as the fact that she's tall, but it's almost as simple as that.'

Ferrell and Steele appeared to promote their documentary Will & Harper, which will begin streaming on Netflix September 27.
Deni Todorovic has returned to social media after a 14-month hiatus.

The former non-binary Seafolly ambassador took to Instagram to answer questions about their absence while revealing a new neck tattoo.

A series of clips showed Deni sitting in a car's passenger seat conducting the Q and A where the new ink was clearly visible.

Emblazoned across his neck in an Old English font was the phrase 'Festina Lente.'

The Latin phrase is a classical adage that means 'make haste slowly' and is sometimes translated into English as 'more haste, less speed.'

The phrase had been adopted as a motto by Roman emperors Augustus and Titus.

Deni admitted that the phrase resonated particularly following a recent bipolar diagnosis.

'What I love about Festina Lente is it's an oxymoron - which means it's two words that contradict each other,' Deni explained.

Non-binary influencer Deni Todorovic has returned to social media after a 14-month hiatus

The former non-binary Seafolly ambassador took to Instagram to answer questions about their absence while revealing a new neck tattoo

'It feels like such a reminder to me particularly now that I have a bipolar diagnosis , it makes so much sense to me that I need to be Festina Lente.

'My quickness is a superpower, I think. ADHD is a superpower or being neurodivergent to me is a superpower - something that should be embraced rather than stigmatised or ashamed of.'

Continuing the answer, Deni admitted that the new ink was a constant reminder to practice mindfulness.

'Festina Lente though does just remind me to embrace the "lente" because I can do "festina" in my sleep,' they said.

'But "lente" actually requires me to stop, to breathe, to self regulate, to be still, to not get road rage, to not expect a reply within five minutes

'That's what Festina Lente means.'

Deni also shared an expansive post about their mental health struggles over the past 12 months

Deni began the post explaining that a breakup in 2022 followed by losing a loved one in early 2023 were major catalysts for their mental health decline

Deni - who courted controversy in 2023 after a baggage dispute with Jetstar staff at Melbourne Airport and was hit with a restraining order by his ex Mitchell Latham - also shared an expansive post about his mental health struggles over the past 12 months.

Deni began the post explaining that a breakup in 2022 followed by losing a loved one in early 2023, were major catalysts for their mental health decline.

'What happened following this was a nervous breakdown, unraveling , and trauma induced psychosis that played out in real time, on Instagram, spearheaded by me and consumed by so many of you,' Deni wrote.

'On the final night of World Pride, I attempted to take my own life and this would become the first of many attempts that continued between March and May.'

Deni then added that he was involuntarily sectioned for a month following Australian Fashion Week.

'Upon my release I would ignore my after care treatment plan and continue to go in and out of both mania and psychosis, ultimately leaving myself and my family with the decision to switch off from social media altogether.'

Deni continued the expansive post, admitting that the mania and psychosis had 'subsided' by early 2024, replaced with a 'deep depression'.

'In time, I voluntarily admitted myself into two rehab facilities and one final psych ward,' Deni admitted.

'As I stand today, I am 16 months clean, in full recovery with multiple diagnosis and medication. A treatment plan that is as robust and multi-disciplinary as one could be, to combat Addiction, Bipolar Type 1, Histrionic Personality, ADHD, and Anorexia.'

Deni also took time to apologise to sponsors and brand partners for 'damaging working relationships' as well to followers for 'all of the triggering and at times harmful/dangerous content you consumed.'

'I can only hope I regain your trust to occupy space on the internet again, as I have missed you so much likely more than you have missed me,' Deni wrote.

'I mean that with every breath I have. I look forward to us getting to know each other again.'

If you or anyone you know is struggling, you can reach out to Lifeline for 24/7 crisis support on 13 11 14
Lisa Rinna's daughter Delilah Hamlin sparked plastic surgery speculation while attending the Michael Kors fashion show during New York Fashion Week on Tuesday.

The model, 26, showed off a major face transformation while rocking a platinum blonde bob that showed off her defined jawline.

Delilah's look has certainly evolved since her appearance on the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills with her mom.

Her cheeks, in particular, looked noticeably slimmer and more defined compared to their previous fuller appearance.

The fashionista  whose famous mom, 61, has been candid about her decision to enhance her features  went braless underneath a beige tank top, tucked into a matching maxi skirt with a front slit.

Lisa Rinna's daughter Delilah Hamlin, 26, sparked plastic surgery speculation while attending the Michael Kors fashion show during New York Fashion Week on Tuesday; (L) seen on Tuesday, (R) seen in a throwback still from the Beverly Hills Housewives

The model showed off a major face transformation while rocking a platinum blonde bob that showed off her defined jawline

The TV personality completed the look with a snakeskin clutch and pointed toe heels.

Delilah's eyebrows were bleached blonde, further accentuating her look.

She opted for toned-down makeup and a matte red lip.

The beauty was also joined by mom Lisa and model sister Amelia, 23.

Lisa looked chic in a grey sweater, and a matching skirt and knee-high boots.

She completed the outfit with a pair of black-rimmed eyeglasses.

Meanwhile Amelia showed off her toned abs in a white and pink cropped t-shirt, rolled-up black pants, and sneakers.

Her eyes were shielded by a pair of black sunglasses, and she wore a black purse slung over her shoulder. Amelia's raven tresses were slicked back.

Old photos of Amelia's face also show her with a much fuller face and cheeks.

Their famous mom is of course no stranger to cosmetic enhancements.

Her cheeks, in particular, looked noticeably slimmer and more defined compared to their previous fuller appearance; (R) seen in a throwback still

Delilah's eyebrows were bleached blonde, further accentuating her look

The beauty went braless underneath a beige tank top, tucked into a matching maxi skirt with a front slit

The fashionista was also joined by mom Lisa, 61, and sister Amelia, 23

Lisa looked chic in a grey sweater, and a matching skirt and knee-high boots. Meanwhile Amelia showed off her toned abs in a white and pink cropped t-shirt

The mother and daughter duo struck a number of poses inside

Lisa looked cozy wrapped up in gray while Delilah wasn't afraid of the New York chill

They appeared to have a blast together

When Lisa was first skyrocketed into the spotlight in the late 1980s, she quickly captured the nation thanks to her stunning and all-natural beauty.

But like many young starlets, the actress and model succumbed to the pressures of Hollywood and underwent cosmetic enhancements.

Soon after she shot to stardom, the TV personality's appearance began to drastically change - most notably, her lips, which ballooned in size - and her shocking transformation completely captured the nation, leaving many speculating about what she had done.

But the fierce scrutiny about her modifications was not something that Lisa shied away from, in fact, her tagline on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills was once, 'My lips are legendary, and they will never gloss over the truth.'

Over the course of her decades-long career, Lisa has been fiercely honest about her decision to go under the knife and enhance her looks with fillers.

She has also spoken in detail about some of the negative aspects that came with it, including results that didn't meet her expectations, unwanted long-term side affects, and immense criticism over her decision to alter her appearance.

In addition, she's been extremely open about some of her regrets, once branding herself as 'the perfect poster child for what not to do on a whim.'

While chatting with DailyMail.com in 2020, Lisa reflected on the backlash she had received for her cosmetic enhancements.

Old photos of her sister Amelia's face also show her with a much fuller face and cheeks; (L) seen in 2015, (R) pictured in May

Lisa's appearance has drastically changed over the years as well; She's seen left in 1990 and right in 2024

Lisa shares her model daughters with husband Harry Hamlin, 72. The girls gained popularity after Lisa joined the cast of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills in 2014; the family seen in 2017

'I always say, jokingly, that my lips have a career of their own,' the reality star said. 'But the feedback on them was not always positive.

'There was a time when people were negative. But I think they became accepted.'

Earlier this year she revealed that she was 'dissolving' some hyaluronic acid gel injections that she had gotten in her face months prior because they added 'volume' that she 'didn't want.'

Lisa shares her daughters with actor husband Harry Hamlin, 72.

The girls gained popularity after Lisa joined the cast of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills in 2014, which she starred in until 2022.
Coronation Street star Sair Khan delighted fans by confirming her shock return to the ITV soap on Tuesday - just a few months after giving birth to her first child.

The Leeds-born actress, 36, who has played the role of Ayla Nazir since 2014, welcomed her baby boy in April with her partner Nathan Chilton.

She worked for most of her pregnancy, after announcing the happy news in December last year, and eventually left filming just days before she welcomed the tot.

Now, in an exciting update, Sair has confirmed she's preparing to return to the cobbles.

The soap star posted a snap of a Coronation Street script and branded mug to her Instagram stories, with the caption 'I am Backstreet' alongside the date 'September 2024'.

Coronation Street star Sair Khan delighted fans by confirming her shock return to the ITV soap on Tuesday - just a few months after giving birth to her first child

Sair is well-known for playing Alya Nazir on the legendary soap since 2014

Viewers saw Sair's character get close with her boss Adam Barlow (Sam Robertson) before deciding to leave Weatherfield for a job opportunity in Dublin.

Fans will have to wait a little longer to find out what's in store for Ayla upon her return.

In May, Sair shared the news that her baby boy had been born, sharing a series of heart-warming snaps of the couple cradling their tiny newborn.

In the lengthy caption, she opened up about motherhood and her pregnancy, giving fans a detailed insight into her 'rollercoaster' labour.

In the carousel, she shared a sweet snap of Nathan gently holding the teeny tiny one on his chest.

'He's here!,' she penned thrilled.

'Okay, when I said 'Spring awakening' in my last post I didn't mean 'keep' me awake. The new parent zombie look is definitely a thing isn't it.

'More importantly our little boy is just marvellous. Very serious and curious about the world. He's super strong and so resilient for joining me on the absolute rollercoaster that was our 22 hours of labour. We didn't quite get the birth i'd hoped for but that's okay (two birth pools, no water birth).

The soap star posted a snap of a Coronation Street script and branded mug to her Instagram stories, with the caption 'I am Backstreet' alongside the date 'September 2024'

In May, Sair shared the news that her baby boy had been born, sharing a series of heart-warming snaps of the couple cradling their tiny newborn

In the lengthy caption, she opened about motherhood and her pregnancy journey, giving fans a detailed insight into her 'rollercoaster' labour

She went on to explain what her labouring experience was like: 'How can I describe the labour experience it was raw and primal and I'm glad I kept an open heart and no expectations because my gosh I had NO IDEA what a ride I was in for.

'And since then we've been non stop trying to figure out latches and vomit and tears all while dealing with sleep deprivation and the small issue of trying to heal my own body too.

'Massive respect to all the new Mama's and Dad's trying to get through those first few days and weeks.

'Somehow we're off the starting blocks and I'm so unbelievably grateful for our healthy baby, for Nathan and the for the incredible support network around us for their patience, generosity and late night voice notes that have kept me going.

'Anyone else ever felt like there's a DJ beat coming from your breast pump at 3am or is that what delirium is?!,' she joked.

She finished off giving new mums a word of advice: 'I'll get round to sharing all the bits and bobs that I've found most useful in the early days. Sound machine is definitely up there, can't believe we did without it those first few days!

'And also eevvvvery-thing for soothing yourself during breast feeding! Lanolin balm, Silver Shields, Silicone shields. For now it's back to the cuteness, cuddles and intoxicating new baby smell that are making it all worthwhile. Sair x.'

Sair revealed her pregnancy with a happy announcement on her Instagram page back in December.

Fans will have to wait a little longer to find out what's in store for Ayla upon her return to the cobbles

Sair revealed her pregnancy with a happy announcement on her Instagram page back in December

She made the happy announcement sharing snaps of her growing bump

The soap star looked radiant in the photos as she cradled her belly while posing alongside her boyfriend Nathan.

Alongside the snaps, she wrote: 'Hello It's been a little while since posting on here which has been a real mix of emotions.

'With all that is happening in the world it didn't feel like the right time to share but we also know it's okay to keep hope and pray for peace whilst acknowledging that we feel blessed and grateful.'

Sair addressed Nathan's health issues in the post, noting he had chondroblastoma surgery - a procedure to remove a tumor - on his pelvis in 2022.

She said: 'Last year was a challenging time for us both with Nathan's chondroblastoma surgery on his pelvis. It's been a long road to recovery and still has many obstacles ahead as we deal with the spread of the tumour to his lungs.

'Life can be difficult and there'll always be challenges to face but there are also important lessons to be learnt and gifts to be cherished. We're so excited for the arrival of Baby Chilton in Spring 2024.'

Sair and Nathan went public with their romance in 2021 but they have been together since late 2020 after being introduced by a mutual friend.

The soap star looked radiant in the photos as she cradled her belly while posing alongside her boyfriend Nathan.

Sair and Nathan went public with their romance in 2021 but they have been together since late 2020 after being introduced by a mutual friend

Speaking of Nathan's surgery, Sair said she was 'so proud' of her partner at the time, writing: 'Nathan has been on a long journey to have his pelvic chondroblastoma removed.

'He's been documenting the story on YouTube with the aim of helping others going through similar life changes.

'It can be a really isolating experience. I'm so proud of him for being so open and vulnerable in the hope that others won't feel so alone.'

Prior to her relationship with Nathan, Sair was in a two-year romance with Emmerdale actor Simon Lennon who she split from in 2019.
Hollywood star Paul Hogan's grandson has been charged with breaking into a secure room at the Sydney International Airport to steal a $5000 bike, only months after he avoided jail.

Police allege Jake Paul Hogan had housebreaking tools in his possession on August 10 when he broke into a secure employee bike rack room in the carpark of the Sydney International Airport.

While inside, the 34-year-old allegedly stole a champagne-coloured custom built Surly Ogre bicycle valued at more than $5000.

Just three days later, police allege he returned just after 5am with housebreaking tools and two black mountain bikes which are suspected to have been stolen.

Jake Hogan has been charged with has been charged with breaking into a secure room at the Sydney International Airport to steal a $5000 bike

Jake is the grandson of Aussie actor Paul Hogan (pictured)

Mr Hogan was charged with six offences related to the break-ins on August 28, when he was already in custody on remand over separate allegations of breaking and entering.

He was represented by his lawyer at Sydney's Downing Centre Local Court on Wednesday, where his matter was adjourned until later this month.

At the time of his arrest he in custody on remand.

Mr Hogan is the grandson of Australian acting legend and Crocodile Dundee star Paul Hogan.
It's not every day that two Hollywood stars walk into an unassuming Cornish cafe, but that's exactly what happened when Zendaya and boyfriend Tom Holland visited England's south-west coast on Tuesday.

The pair stunned locals in picturesque Par, where Michelin star cuisine was overlooked in favour of a fry-up at the rock n' roll themed Ramshackle Rosie cafeteria.

American actress Zendaya, 28 - best known for her roles in HBO series Euphoria and the blockbuster Dune film franchise - stayed true to her roots by ordering pancakes with maple syrup.

But British star Tom, also 28 and a Hollywood star thanks to his role as Spider-Man, went for the 'Zeppelin' fry-up - named after veteran rock band Led Zeppelin.

'They were just like a regular couple and apparently went to Asda after,' cafe owner Helen Woodward told Cornwall Live.

It's not every day that two Hollywood stars walk into an unassuming Cornish cafe, but that's exactly what happened when Zendaya and boyfriend Tom Holland visited England's south-west coast on Tuesday (pictured)

The pair stunned locals in picturesque Par, where Michelin star cuisine was overlooked in favour of a fry-up at the rock n' roll themed Ramshackle Rosie cafeteria (pictured)

'They were just like a regular couple and apparently went to Asda after,' cafe owner Helen Woodward said after serving the Hollywood A-listers

SO WHAT'S ON THE MENU? The Zeppelin - 9:00 (2 sausages, 1 egg, 2 hash browns, mushrooms, grilled tomatoes and beans) Go Large Zeppelin - 10:50 (3 sausages, 2 eggs, 3 hash browns, mushrooms, grilled tomatoes and beans) Marshall Stack - 8:50 (3 American pancakes, 2 bacon and 2 eggs, drizzled with maple syrup Veggie Marshall Stack - 8:50 (3 American pancakes, 2 vegetarian sausages and 2 eggs, drizzled with maple syrup) Advertisement

'They came in and I was serving a couple of other customers so I told them to take a seat and they went to sit down.

'I've only got a small cafe and I've got one big table that I can get about five people at and they went and sat there so I asked if they minded moving to a smaller table, in case I got a group come in.

'Then this other couple said to me "they are famous you know", and I asked who they were and they told me he was Spider-Man.'

She added: 'They were absolutely lovely. They were just a really nice couple. It was just them two.'

Woodward, who admitted to having 'no idea' who the A-list couple were, said they likely chose Par's Ramshackle Rosie as a lunch spot because it's 'a bit out of the way.'

'They were just like a regular couple,' she said. 'I was really busy so I didn't even get a chance to talk to them but I wouldn't have anyway. They just came in for breakfast and they probably don't want to be bothered.

'I just gave them their breakfast and left them alone. They left a fiver tip though.'

Par local Rob Sheldon revealed he chatted with 'down to earth' star Tom, who told him they were calling into a nearby supermarket after finishing their breakfast.

British star Tom, a Hollywood star thanks to his role as Spider Man, went for the 'Zeppelin' fry-up - named after veteran rock band Led Zeppelin

American actress Zendaya - best known for her roles in HBO series Euphoria and the Dune film franchise - stayed true to her roots by ordering pancakes with maple syrup

Woodward, who admitted to having 'no idea' who the A-list couple were, said they likely chose Par's Ramshackle Rosie as a lunch spot because it's 'a bit out of the way'

'He spoke to us about my dog and stroked him,' he told ITV West Country. 'We gave them no acknowledgement that we knew who they were.

'Then after they left I said to the owner, "you know that was Spider-Man, right?"'

He added: 'It was a bit surreal, they seemed very down to earth though and he said after breakfast they would go to Asda, which he compared to the American Target.

'To be fair though, it's an awesome cafe.'

Zendaya was previously spotted enjoying an al fresco lunch in Notting Hill without long-term boyfriend Holland.

Zendaya was very much at ease strolling in the London sunshine in July

She was later spotted enjoying a spot of lunch in Notting Hill, nearby her and Holland's home Richmond

The actress posed with fans (pictured) as she enjoyed a day out in sunny London - an occurrence she isn't used to in Richmond

The pair met on the set of Spider-Man in 2016 and have been an item since 2021. They share a 2.6 million home in Richmond near to where Holland, 28, was brought up.

Zendaya, a Hollywood veteran from the age of 14, apparently prefers a stroll in Richmond Park or along the Thames to walking the red carpet in LA in a designer gown.

The couple have also been spotted quietly enjoying date nights at nearby pub The Norbiton, where they can be seen sharing stone-fired pizza, and shopping without fanfare in their local supermarket.

One Richmond resident told The Mail on Sunday: We see them around the whole time. Toms such a family man so hes stayed around the area and she loves it apparently.

The couple met on the set of Spider-Man in 2016 and have been an item since 2021 (pictured on set in 2018)

Holland, who is currently starring as Romeo in Romeo and Juliet in the West End (pictured), bought the relatively modest four-bedroom house in Richmond in 2018

Anyone whos served them is the first to tell you about it and Ive always heard theyre really polite and considerate. She apparently loves it here because no one asks her for pictures.

But we all have this unsaid rule to sort of leave them alone. You might see them in Waitrose occasionally and give them a nod but nothing more.

Holland, who is currently starring as Romeo in Romeo and Juliet in the West End, bought a relatively modest four-bedroom house in Richmond in 2018, close to his family.

One person said: Its sort of become a game among us locals: who can spot the silver Porsche because that is usually how we look out for Tom and Zendaya.
Dascha Polanco showcased her incredible weight loss in a white crop top and skirt as she attended the Luar Spring 2025 show during New York Fashion Week on Tuesday.

The Dominican actress, 41, shot to fame on Orange Is The New Black in 2013 and looked worlds away from her character Dayanara "Daya" Diaz.

Dascha showed off her amazing figure in the sleeveless top which she teamed with a quirky matching button front maxi skirt by designer LARUICCI.

The Poker Face star added inches to her frame in a pair of white towering knee high boots and toted her belongings in a mini silver metallic handbag.

She seemed in good spirits as she posed for photos ahead of the show which was held at the Rockefeller Plaza.

Dascha Polanco showcased her incredible weight loss in a white crop top and skirt as she attended the Luar Spring 2025 show during New York Fashion Week on Tuesday

The Dominican actress, 41, shot to fame on Orange Is The New Black in 2013 and looked worlds away from her character Dayanara "Daya" Diaz; pictured 2016

Completing her ensemble for the evening, Dascha styled her short dark tresses in a neat gelled do and accessorised with silver drop earrings.

As she arrived at the event, she posed up a storm for cameras as she made her way inside for the show.

It comes days after the Netflix star put on a sizzling display as she almost spilled out of a tiny black star-shaped bra at Marc Jacobs New York Fashion Week event.

The actress left little to the imagination in the daring bra which she paired with neon green high waisted cargo trousers.

She accessorised with a black choker and large solid silver hoops and posed next to her friend.

Dascha's latest project was American crime comedy drama Poker Face.

There, she was reunited with her Orange Is The New Black co-star Natasha Lyonne, who plays the lead role.

In 2023, Dascha appeared in highly rated drama film A Little Prayer which had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival before Sony bought distributing rights.

The film's plot reads: 'When a man begins to suspect that his son is having an affair, he falls into a relationship minefield trying to protect his daughter-in-law and understand his son.'

Dascha showed off her amazing figure in the sleeveless top which she teamed with a quirky matching button front maxi skirt

The Poker Face star added inches to her frame in a pair of white towering knee high boots and toted her belongings in a mini silver metallic handbag

Completing her ensemble for the evening, Dascha styled her short dark tresses in a neat gelled do and accessorised with silver drop earrings

She seemed in good spirits as she posed for photos ahead of the show which was held at the Rockefeller Plaza

It comes days after the Netflix star put on a sizzling display as she almost spilled out of a tiny black star-shaped bra at Marc Jacobs New York Fashion Week event
A legendary TV expert has predicted Molly-Mae Hague and Tommy Fury will get back together following their shock split.

Married At First Sight UK star Paul Brunson told MailOnline he believes the reality stars should make amends and give their relationship a second chance.

Former Love Island couple Molly and Tommy, both 25, ended their five-year romance last month amid speculation the boxer had been unfaithful, claims he denies.

But Paul, who leads the matchmaking panel on the E4 show, says 75 per cent of couples who experience a 'betrayal' are able to build back the trust between them and move on a stronger unit.

Paul said: 'I would set Molly-Mae up with Tommy Fury. I think they should try.

A legendary TV expert has predicted Molly-Mae Hague and Tommy Fury will get back together following their shock split after five years

Former Love Island couple Molly and Tommy ended their romance last month amid speculation the boxer had been unfaithful, claims he denies

Married At First Sight UK star Paul Brunson told MailOnline he believes the reality stars should make amends and give their relationship a second chance

'Do you know, couples where there has been some significant issue or a significant form of betrayal and has gone through therapy, there is a 75 per cent likelihood that not only do they come out of the other end together but they're stronger.

'And that is government institute research.'

Paul joined co-star Charlene Douglas at the star studded Married At First Sight UK premiere on Tuesday evening in Leicester Square.

The relationship experts explained how they pair up the couples, who marry after meeting each other for the first time at the altar, and insist it is ultimately down to the contestants to work at their new connections.

Paul said: 'The process is definitely long. But the key is to try and figure out who they are and what their desires are, what they value, what their interests are, we try to look at attachment style as well. And you take these and that becomes the basis for the marriage.'

Charlene added: 'I sprinkle the sex and intimacy side of things.

'We look at compatibility, how they talk about sex, their sexual history etc. It is never a case of putting them together and we just want someone who can just have sex all day.

'We want someone who can talk about sex and feel comfortable talking about sex as well. We want everyone to be a success story as well. Yes, we do the work, and it is a team effort but really, they do the work in terms of when they meet each other there needs to be a spark at least.'

The relationship experts explained how they pair up the couples, who marry after meeting each other for the first time at the altar, and insist it is ultimately down to the contestants

Former stars of the show attended Tuesday's launch including Tasha Jay and Paul Liba, who met on the series last year and remain in a committed relationship

Same sex couple Zoe Clifton and Jenna Robinson, who are engaged, took selfies at the launch party after meeting on the show in 2022

Peggy, who married Georges Berthonneau on the show, says she is dating someone new and hopes to settle down in the near future

Jay spoke of her self love journey after appearing on the show and said she has a lot more confidence now when dating

Last year's E4 series saw betrayals, feuds, and even a physical altercation, which led to former contestant Luke Worley's axing.

And Charlene has teased viewers can expect the same level of drama when the show returns next week.

The sex expert admits she was even shocked during filming as certain scandals unraveled.

She said: 'It wouldn't be Married At First Sight without the drama. We represent real relationships so do you know any relationship out there that there isn't any drama? No.

'For us it is always quite surprising because we go along thinking this is really smooth, this is really nice and then you're looking at them during a dinner party and they're not even talking for most of the dinner and you're like what's going on? Then the honesty box comes out and we get the real deal.'

Paul and Charlene are often at the forefront of the drama, witnessing behind the scenes action as well as guiding the couples through their difficulties.

The intensity of filming impacts the experts, with Charlene saying she feels 'jet lagged' following emotional scenes while Paul needs a spa day to recuperate.

Paul said: 'I believe on average it takes us a full day to recover.

'It's the excursion mentally and what we're putting out because we're not just helping the couple but we're also thinking about you at home.

'So, how can we deliver information that's going to help that couple but also help you at home and that takes a lot of energy. I enjoy a spa day to relax. I like a deep tissue massage.'

Former stars of the show attended Tuesday's launch including Peggy Lawrence, Jay Howard and couple Tasha Jay and Paul Liba.

Peggy, who married Georges Berthonneau on the show, says she is dating someone new and hopes to settle down in the near future.
BBC bosses 'pulled the plug' on the Strictly Come Dancing professionals tour in an attempt to rebuild the beleaguered brand after allegations of behind-the-scenes bullying led to an ongoing misconduct probe, sources claim.

The popular tour is understood to be on hold until 2026, with producers apparently concerned by the work hard, play hard ethos employed by the professionals between shows.

The move, which is yet to be officially announced, comes as the BBC prepares to release the findings of a 250,000 investigation into workplace misconduct.

Former celebrity contestant Amanda Abbington had previously accused Sicilian ballroom dancer Giovanni Pernice - a favourite among fans of the show - of bullying her during rehearsals.

Long-serving star Giovanni has since been dismissed and will play no part in the show's forthcoming 20th anniversary series - its 22nd in total - when it launches on September 14.

BBC bosses 'pulled the plug' on the Strictly Come Dancing professionals tour in an attempt to rebuild the beleaguered brand after allegations of behind-the-scenes bullying

The popular tour is understood to be on hold until 2026, with producers apparently concerned by the work hard, play hard ethos employed by the professionals between shows

A source who worked on the live stage productions told The Sun: 'Strictly is trying to rebuild as a brand and The Professionals tour was known as a hotbed of drinking and fun.

'The pro dancers work hard and play hard but with everything that's happened recently, it seems axing it eliminates the chance of any further issues.

'The people who usually work on The Professionals tour have been told it's cancelled.'

A spokesman for the tour said: 'Due to artist availability, the UK tour of Strictly The Professionals is taking a break next year, and plans are currently being finalised for 2026.

'Tickets for the 2025 Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour will be on sale soon and booking information will be announced in the coming weeks.'

The Professionals show took part over spring and summer after the Strictly Live! tour earlier in the year which features both the pros and their celebrity partners.

Put on by BBC Studios, the tour is choreographed by Strictly's creative director Jason Gilkison and features pros from the show including Nadiya Bychkova, Vitto Coppola, Katya Jones, Neil Jones and Luba Mushtuck.

Giovanni has also previously taken part in the tour before he was suspended while a BBC probe is conducted over claims of off-camera misconduct made by his partner Amanda and two other former celebrity dance partners.

The move, which is yet to be officially announced, comes as the BBC prepares to release the findings of a 250,000 investigation into workplace misconduct

The results of the investigation are set to be released just days before the 20th anniversary series is due to start

Giovanni has vehemently denied the allegations.

The investigation is due to be published in the coming days, and BBC staff have reportedly had their emails, texts and WhatsApps examined as part of the bullying probe.

Members of the crew have had their phones searched for references to Giovanni or Amanda in a bid to gather evidence.

The Mirror has revealed the subject access request is understood to have been made to the BBC by Amanda's team, to provide any personal data or information that might shed light on her and Giovanni's relationship.

A source told the publication: 'People complied with it in the hope that it shoots down any claims of a cover-up.'

Amanda previously said she would 'cry and vomit' after returning home from rehearsals with Giovanni.

Amanda previously said she would 'cry and vomit' after returning home from rehearsals with Giovanni

Members of the crew have had their phones searched for references to Giovanni or Amanda in a bid to gather evidence

Speaking to The Times, Abbington claims she has since received death threats from fans of the Italian dancer, whose long-term future on Strictly remains uncertain.

She said: 'I've had the worst experience. The show was tough and horrible, but the aftermath of it I was not expecting. It's been really brutal and it just hasn't stopped.

'It's been awful, just relentless. Death threats and rape threats for just standing up for something that I thought was wrong.'

The actress also admitted she would become nauseous after completing rehearsals with Pernice, 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.''

The investigation that began with accusations against Giovanni has since widened after more complaints surrounding the hit show.

It has heaped further turmoil on Strictly, which is deemed to be the jewel in the Corporation's crown and is still watched by more than ten million people.

Fellow dancer Graziano Di Prima has since been sacked by the show following similar claims of inappropriate behaviour towards TV personality Zara McDermott, with whom he was paired in 2023

Sources have told the Mail that the accusations have prompted bosses to extend the inquiry to look at other matters, and individuals, involved with the dance series as they prepare for its 20th anniversary.

It means that Giovanni, who has already let his frustrations at the investigation be known, has faced an even longer wait for an outcome after three former dance partners, including Amanda, instructed lawyers to make 'serious complaints' about his conduct.

It also threatens to damage Strictly, the BBC's biggest Saturday night success story since The Generation Game.

A television source has previously told the Mail: 'This investigation is no longer just solely about Giovanni but other, more wider issues. The show has been going for 20 years and the whole veneer of Strictly is so sparkly and lovely, of course there will always be people who feel hard done by.

'Amanda's complaints have started something massive, it has opened the door for others to come forward about things they haven't been happy with.

'It is all a big headache for the BBC, it is about to celebrate a massive milestone with its 20th anniversary.

'Having the Giovanni complaint has been a big enough issue, but now it looks like there is more to be scrutinised and looked into.'

Sources close to Giovanni say that he fully expects to be exonerated.

Insiders say also that the widened inquiry will now present the Sicilian star as possibly being a 'small fish' in Strictly's potential downfall.

He quit the show following claims by Amanda, star of Sherlock and Mr Selfridge, that he bullied her in training, claims which he denies.

In May it was revealed that she had instructed London law firm Carter Ruck to represent her against the BBC.

A source told the publication: 'The BBC is under huge pressure to get this probe done and dusted before September 14 when the new series kicks off'

Fellow dancer Graziano Di Prima has since been sacked by the show following similar claims of inappropriate behaviour towards TV personality Zara McDermott, with whom he was paired in 2023.

Confirming his departure on Instagram, Graziano wrote: 'I deeply regret the events that led to my departure from Strictly. My intense passion and determination to win might have affected my training regime.

'While respecting the BBC HR process, I acknowledge it's only right for the sake of the show that I step away. I am saddened that I wasn't allowed to offer a quote to the online news stories, and I take on board the sensitivity of the situation.

'There's more to this story that I am unable to discuss at this time, but I am committed to being strong for my family and friends. I wish the Strictly family nothing but success in the future.'
Aubrey Plaza surprised fans by recreating Taylor Swift's latest Instagram post, in which she endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris' presidential candidacy.

On Wednesday, the Parks and Recreation star, 40 took to social media to share that she plans on voting for Harris, 59, as well as upload a cheeky snap of her posing with the late Grumpy Cat sitting in her lap.

'HARRIS WALZ,' the actress captioned a photo of herself from 2014 with the beloved celebrity cat, who passed away in 2019.

Posing with her furry friend comes as a jab at Republican Vice Presidential Nominee J.D. Vance, who previously called unmarried women 'childless cat ladies.'

Her endorsement of the Democratic ticket comes as no surprise as she publicly supported Joe Biden's campaign in 2020 and the President follows her on social media.

Aubrey Plaza surprised fans and recreated Taylor Swift's post by sharing a photo of herself with her cat on Wednesday

At the time, The Delaware native shared a photo of herself and President Biden and shared a message of support for he and Kamala Harris when they won the election.

'CONGRATS JOE AND KAMALA!!!! We did it! Thank you to everyone's hard work and everyone who got out there and voted! Go Delaware! God bless America! Cant wait to be Secretary of State!' she penned.

Aubrey's cat post made waves with her 4.5million followers, racking up over 202k likes and hundreds of mixed responses in the comments.

Fitness influencer Noel Mulkey wrote, 'All the trump supporters in the comments acting like they are shocked by this. A strong, smart, educated women choosing Kamala is a surprise for yall!? HOW!?? The celebrities that back trump are kid rock and hulk hogan. Go follow them!'

One fan cheered on the cat posts, saying, 'Bring the Cats OUT.'

Last year, the actress admitted to the New Yorker she had a 'stare-down' with the Biden while attending a youth leadership conference at 16.

'The whole point of the conference was to allow students to speak out on different issues,' she told the outlet.

'They shuttled us from room to room, and there was a different speaker in each room, and it was all leading up to this climax where we were going to sit in the auditorium, and Joe himself was going to get up onstage and give his speech,' she recalled.

And the Dirty Grandpa star explained that she was 'really angry' in the moment because she felt student were not given enough time to voice their concerns.

'I had a stare-down with Joe Biden from the audience, because he asked how it went, and I raised my hand immediately,' she said.

'I was, like, "Its bulls**t. This conference sucks. You didnt let us talk. This was supposed to be about the students,"' which the actress added the President was unhappy about.

Her endorsement of the Democratic ticket comes as no surprise as she publicly supported Joe Biden's campaign in 2020 and the President follows her on social media; Aubrey and President Biden seen in 2020

Last year the actress admitted to the New Yorker she had a 'stare-down' with the Biden while attending a youth leadership conference at 16; seen in June 2024

'I had a stare-down with Joe Biden from the audience, because he asked how it went, and I raised my hand immediately,' she said; seen in May 2024

Aubrey and Biden reunited during his Vice Presidential years while filming an episode of Parks and Recreation in which he made a cameo for a special episode.

And she told the outlet that he remembered her and the moment from the leadership camp.

'I saw him, and he knew my name,' she gushed. He always tells me the same story. His first wife went to the same high school that I went to.'
Alice Evans looked strained as she was seen for the first time since being kicked out of court during her child support hearing.

The actress, 56, was temporarily removed on Monday after allegedly taking photographs of her ex Ioan Gruffudd in the court room.

And the following day Evans was seen out as she ran errands in Los Angeles.

The mother-of-two cut a casual figure in a black vest and leggings, layering up with a blouse and scarf and carrying a large brown handbag.

She completed her look with wayfarer shades and black sandals.

Alice Evans looked strained in Los Angeles on Tuesday as she was seen for the first time since being kicked out of court during her child support hearing

The mother-of-two cut a casual figure in a black vest and leggings, layering up with a blouse and scarf and carrying a large brown handbag

Evans, 56, caused a sensation after apparently taking pictures of Ioan Gruffudd, 50, (pictured) in court on Monday during their child support hearing

Evans took to Instagram that day to reveal why she had taken a picture of her ex husband, claiming she had seen him talking to a legal blogger - who she calls a 'mega troll' - before the incident.

The 102 Dalmatians actress caused a sensation after apparently taking pictures of Gruffudd in court Monday, 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.

Burkhart has posted a number of critical tweets and made several YouTube videos about the divorce case between Evans and Gruffudd although.

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 stalker right here inside the room. This is beyond.'

Evans (pictured at court on Monday) 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 says her actions were prompted after she saw Gruffudd chatting to legal blogger Andrea Burkhart, who announced she was attending proceedings on X, formerly Twitter

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

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.'

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?'

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.

The couple are still in the process of resolving their child support issues over their two daughters Ella, 15 and Elsie, 11, (pictured in 2018) in court

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.

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.
Lottie Moss has revealed she's back on the market after splitting from boyfriend Evan Campbell.

The model, 26, went public with musician Evan Campbell in June but revealed in a tweet on Wednesday that she had been dumped.

Lottie - who recently called an end to her three-year feud with elder sister Kate Moss - shared on X, formerly Twitter: 'Just got dumped so I guess its feral fall'.

She added on her Instagram Story: 'If you're a straight man pls don't speak to me for the foreseeable future thanks.'

Lottie also shared that she'd been sent a gift box from Tinder, revealing: 'it's a first date kit which is great because I'm newly single.'

Lottie Moss has revealed she's been dumped by her musician boyfriend Evan Campbell after two months of dating (pictured in August)

Lottie revealed she's back on the market after her brief romance as she opened up to her social media followers with a series of posts

Lottie - who recently called an end to her three-year feud with elder sister Kate Moss - shared on X, formerly Twitter: 'Just got dumped so I guess its feral fall'

Prior to her romance with Evan, Lottie enjoyed a fling with Love Island star Adam Collard after they met while filming Celebs Go Dating.

The pair had been seeing where their relationship goes since it started blossoming on the show.

But after spending three nights in bed together, Lottie seemed to have developed a lot more feelings than he did.

During an awkward brunch which saw Adam's previous date arrive, she revealed that he said to her 'things are nothing more than physical with Lottie'.

In disgust, Lottie was left fuming after hearing what Adam had said seeing as they spent night's together as well as calling each other 'every single day'.

Adam was then asked to pick who he wanted to take on another date between Jasmine, Autumn and Lottie during the tense brunch.

Before her romance with Adam, Lottie dated The Vamps drummer Tristan Evans in 2021. The pair were first spotted out together in July 2021 but by November they had decided to part ways.

In August 2020, it was reported that Lottie had enjoyed a date with TV and radio presenter Roman Kemp at a private members' club and shared a kiss at the end of the night.

Lottie added on her Instagram Story: 'If you're a straight man pls don't speak to me for the foreseeable future thanks'

Lottie also shared that she'd been sent a gift box from Tinder, revealing: 'it's a first date kit which is great because I'm newly single'

Prior to her romance with Evan, Lottie enjoyed a fling with Love Island star Adam Collard after they met while filming Celebs Go Dating

Before Adam, Lottie dated The Vamps drummer Tristan Evans in 2021 (pictured August 2021)

In August 2020, it was reported that Lottie had enjoyed a date with TV and radio presenter Roman Kemp at a private members' club (pictured in May 2024)

Lottie was said to have enjoyed a 'secret fling' with Brooklyn Beckham before his relationship with Hana Cross, who he split from in 2019 (pictured in May 2024)

A source told The Sun On Sunday: 'They have known each other through the party circuit for a few years, but nothing has ever happened before.

'Roman's always thought she was beautiful and decided to pluck up the courage to ask her out. They had a really fun, very tipsy date and have been in touch every day since.'

Lottie was said to have enjoyed a 'secret fling' with Brooklyn Beckham before his relationship with Hana Cross, who he split from in 2019.

News of their alleged fling came to light that November, with a source telling The Sun on Sunday that Brooklyn's parents David and Victoria Beckham were 'less than impressed' after finding out.

Some of Lottie's earliest relationships were with former Made In Chelsea stars Alex Mytton and Sam Prince.

While Evan may have cut things off with Lottie, she has rekindled another relationship - her bond with half sister Kate.

Last week, Lottie and Kate revealed their three-year feud was over this week when they posed for sweet snaps together at their father's birthday bash alongside Kate's daughter Lila.

It was a pivotal moment for the pair who have not been pictured together in years, with Lottie previously claiming Kate 'doesn't even reply to my texts', despite once being so close that Lottie was a bridesmaid at Kate's wedding and even moved into her sister's Cotswolds mansion during the Covid pandemic.

Lottie and Kate Moss revealed their three-year feud was over last week when they posed for sweet snaps together at their father's birthday bash alongside Kate's daughter Lila (centre)

Kate and Lottie pictured at the Topshop Unique show at London Fashion Week in 2014

However, tensions soon grew over Lottie's wild ways that saw her regularly taking drugs five times a week, which was a huge red flag to Kate.

Kate's love of boozing, which reportedly extended to flutes of prosecco at 8am and glasses of wine and vodka at lunch, saw friends coin her the nickname 'The Tank', but in recent years she's embraced yoga, wellness and quiet nights in.

Their lifestyle clash came to a head between the pair during lockdown, when Kate invited Lottie to stay at her Cotswolds mansion.

An insider told Page Six: 'Kate was frustrated because Lottie kept on wanting to drink and posting sexually provocative stuff on Instagram all the time.

'It isn't easy for Kate to be around people who are drinking, and she definitely won't be around anyone who is using cocaine.'

Kate was famously dubbed 'Cocaine Kate' when she was photographed snorting the substance in 2005, while dating Pete Doherty, who has made no secret of his own past drug use and addiction to heroin.

When Lottie finally departed the Vogue cover star's home 'in a foul mood', she reportedly left behind two bottles of her sister's favourite bottle of wine which was interpreted as a 'f*** you' gesture.

Despite public perception that her famous older sister must have boosted her career, Lottie later insisted the opposite was true.

Yet according to a family member, the pair did once share a bond, which cooled along with Lottie's public proclamations about their relationship.

There was a time when they were a lot closer,' they told MailOnline.

But they insisted they dont want to talk about the sisters feelings for each other in public - but should address any issues privately within the family.

Then, there was the controversial launch of her X-rated OnlyFans career, where she stripped naked for the subscription service, leaving behind her career in high fashion.

Lottie was swiftly removed from the Storm modelling agency website, with her admitting her family 'was in turmoil over it'.

A family source claimed at the time, even Kate's daughter Lila, 21, 'wouldn't have anything to do with Lottie' due to her antics with the wrong crowd.

In early 2022, Lottie ended up in rehab after moving to America and she later revealed she had a 'very bad' cocaine addiction and used alcohol to mask her depression.

The OnlyFans star's mother Inger and her best friend staged an intervention and encouraged Lottie to seek help for substance abuse issues at the rehab centre in Arizona.
David Gilmour shocked fans when he appeared on stage in a pub in East Sussex for a surprise performance alongside his daughter Romany.

The guitarist, 78, surprised his daughter who was also unaware he would be joining her during her gig at The Neptune Inn in Hove.

David shared a clip on social media of the moment he arrived at the pub and joined Romany for her performance.

'Hello,' she said to which he replied off camera: 'Hello my darling.'

Romany then said: 'You've decided to come and upstage me?' to which David jokingly replied: 'Yes'.

David Gilmour shocked fans when he appeared on stage in a pub in East Sussex for a surprise performance alongside his daughter Romany

The guitarist, 78, surprised his daughter who was also unaware he would be joining her during her gig at The Neptune Inn in Hove

David shared a clip on social media of the moment he arrived at the pub and joined Romany for her performance

The father and daughter then performed a rendition of Pink Floyd's 1975 song Wish You Were Here, taken from the album of the same name.

Alongside the clip, David wrote: 'Very much enjoyed crashing @GilmourRomany's gig at the Neptune in Hove this evening after finishing tour rehearsals

Several fans commented on the heartwarming clip, writing: 'What a lovely thing for a dad to do. Well done, ol' chap.'

'Fantastic. Wish I was there!'... 'This put a smile on my face, absolutely wonderful '...'Beautiful moment.'

'50 yards from my house and I decided to stay in and watch crap on telly. FFS.'

It comes after David announced his first solo UK show in eight years and will take to London's Royal Albert Hall for six nights in October.

The musician posted to social media with the news and shared a glimpse of the iconic venue ahead of the release of his new album Luck and Strange.

Several fans commented on the heartwarming clip, writing: 'What a lovely thing for a dad to do. Well done, ol' chap'

Earlier this week, David shared a live stream of him performing 1970s Pink Floyd songs from Dark Side Of The Moon and has revealed he will be performing songs from that era.

He previously told Uncut: '[Other decades] might be better represented. I mean, at least one from the Sixties. The one weve done in the past is 1967s Astronomy.

David left Pink Floyd in 1985 after falling out with Roger Waters and their long-running feud continues to this day.
Nikki Garcia has taken legal action following her husband Artem Chigvintsev's arrest following a domestic violence incident.

The 40-year-old former wrestler hired a divorce lawyer less than two weeks after her Dancing with the Stars pro, 42, was taken into custody for allegedly attacking her at their Napa, California, home on August 29, a source told People on Wednesday.

Just days before the dancer was placed into handcuffs, the couple had marked their second wedding anniversary, with Chigvintsev sharing a heartfelt message in an Instagram post, 'Happy anniversary my love, can't see my life without you. You are my everything.'

On Saturday, he updated his Instagram bio by re-adding his wife's name, less than 24-hours after removing it.

The move follows sources telling DailyMail.com that Chigvintsev is desperately trying to salvage the marriage.

Nikki Garcia has taken legal action following her husband Artem Chigvintsev's arrest following a domestic violence incident; seen in 2019

The 40-year-old former wrestler hired a divorce lawyer less than two weeks after her Dancing with the Stars pro, 42, was taken into custody for allegedly attacking her at their Napa, California , home on August 29

Cops were called to the couples $1.5 million marital home in Yountville, California, following reports of a bust-up.

Sources said the couple dialed 911 twice  first to request assistance for an injury before calling back and asking paramedics not to come.

But due to the sounds of a domestic disturbance in the background, cops from the Napa Sheriffs Department descended on the couples leafy neighborhood anyway, taking Russian-born Chigvintsev with them.

He was booked into the Napa County Jail on felony domestic violence charges at 10:59 am before being released on a $25,000 bond at approximately 2.18am.

A mugshot released by the Napa County Sheriffs office showed the ballroom star looking glum-faced in a check shirt while sporting a grizzled beard.

The arrest, which reportedly came after Garcia threw shoes at her husband, took place less than four days after the pair celebrated the anniversary of their August 2022 wedding  with both marking the moment on social media.

Sources said Chigvintsev is currently scheduled to face court in Napa on Tuesday over the incident and cannot leave Napa County until the case is resolved.

And now Artem is said to be hellbent on proving to wife Nikki that he 'can be a changed man.'

While she has allegedly banned Artem from seeing their four-year-old son Matteo without supervision and is searching for a divorce lawyer, sources have revealed to DailyMail.com that he is in the 'fight of his life' to win her back  especially now that he has been dropped from the upcoming season of DWTS.

Artem and Nikki are still both following each other on the social media platform; seen in 2019

Insiders told DailyMail.com that Artem has to be supervised 'if and when' he wants to see his young son Matteo, four

'Artem is very frustrated and mad that he wasn't asked to be on this season of Dancing with the Stars, and now it looks like he will never be back,' they said.

'His life professionally and personally is and has been flipped upside down.'

'He doesn't know what his next steps are with Nikki, he has been upset for a long time and now he is in the fight of his life to clear his name and win back Nikki, but as of right now he hasn't decided what he might do to show her that he can be a changed man.'

'They currently have limited dialogue with each other.'

'If and when he sees Matteo, Nikki wants it supervised. Her trust has been thrown out the door and she is very angry with Artem, he has an uphill battle ahead of him. The whole thing is a mess.'

'She has tried and tried to make it work, but she feels divorce is the only option. It hurts but Nikki is such a strong woman, and she is doing what is right for her, and for Matteo.'

Although Artem is desperately trying to repair his marriage, Nikki's twin Brie Garcia is said to want her sister to leave him for good.

His arrest  which reportedly happened after Nikki threw shoes at him  came days after he and Nikki celebrated their second wedding anniversary; they are seen in 2017

Sources said Chigvintsev is currently scheduled to face court in Napa on Tuesday over the incident and cannot leave Napa County until the case is resolved

Earlier this week, an insider close to former WWE star Brie, 40, said she is 'disgusted' by the news of Artem's arrest, and wants her twin to have nothing to do with him.

'Nikki's sister Brie is disgusted, shocked, disappointed and just sad that this happened,' they told DailyMail.com.

'She loves Artem, and for this to be going down is so out of the realm of possibility of the person who she knows. Brie is very concerned about it all and is there for her sister at all costs.'

The added: 'Brie, who is obviously the closest to Nikki, as anyone would, is telling her to leave Artem, if this is as bad as it seems, and if it happened before, once she finds out everything that happened, she will be the first to tell Nikki to leave him.'

Nikki and Artem's two-year marriage was reportedly plagued by arguments, but his violent outburst has shocked the WWE star and her family.

'One thing Nikki never showed was the verbal troubles that she had with Artem,' the source continued. 'They wouldn't treat each other very nice and they never built on a friendship.'

'Their sole focus has been on their son and not on each other. That caused arguments, but as far as everyone knows it never got physical.'

'Family and friends are very surprised things got physical, but they're not exactly surprised that they were having trouble, it just seemed like normal relationship issues to outsiders.'

Over the weekend, Nikki was seen boarding a JSX flight to Sin City at Oakland airport without her wedding ring. She was accompanied by her son and an assistant.

Nikki's twin Brie Garcia (pictured) is said to want her sister to leave Artem for good

On Tuesday, TMZ claimed that Nikki began the hunt for an attorney the day after Artem had allegedly attacked her.

The publication alleged that she has been making calls since Friday and has the intention of ending her marriage.

Artem and Nikki initially crossed paths in 2017 when they were paired up on the 25th season of Dancing with the Stars.

Artem had previously been in high-profile relationships with other celebrities, including dancer Giselle Peacock, 43, between 2004 and 2005. He also dated DWTS judge Carrie Ann Inaba, 56, between 2006 and 2008.
Million Dollar Wheels star RD Whittington has been arrested for fraud, TMZ reports.

The publication alleged the car dealer to the stars was arrested on Tuesday afternoon by Beverly Hills cops.

He was allegedly caught on an out-of-state warrant from Nevada.

The publication states Whittington was wanted on two felony charges; the first being theft between $5,000 and $25,000 and the second being draw or pass check with intent to defraud.

Million Dollar Wheels star RD Whittington has been arrested for fraud, TMZ reports

Whittington is considered the car dealer to the stars. Some of his clients include Kim Kardashian , Kanye West, Jamie Foxx , Travis Barker and Bad Bunny

The second charge relates to a check with a value of $1,200 or greater.

It is understood Whittington has since been released from custody, and that Nevada declined to extradite him to face the charges.

Whittington is considered the car dealer to the stars. Some of his clients include Kim Kardashian, Kanye West, Jamie Foxx, Travis Barker and Bad Bunny.

His Discovery Plus reality show, Million Dollar Wheels, often had celebrity guest appearances where they flashed the cash to purchase a new set of wheels.

The company, called Wires Only, has also serviced the likes of music artists Kodak Black, J Balvin, and Future.
Ana de Armas revealed she is happier than ever following her move to a rural area in Vermont, where she quietly purchased a $7 million home last year.

While reflecting on leaving Hollywood for a quieter life, the actress, 36, gushed about loving the feeling of living 'off the grid' to E! News, three years after the end of her nearly year-long relationship with Ben Affleck, which ended in 2021.

'I feel like nowadays, we all want to go away from the craziness of the world,' she explained at the premiere of her upcoming new film, Eden, during the Toronto International Film Festival.

She continued: 'We all want to have the chance to build your own safe space. Ive made that decision myself.'

The Oscar nominee went on to confirm that she 'found a home where' she feels removed from the hustle and bustle of Hollywood life.

Ana de Armas revealed she is happier than ever following her move to a rural area in Vermont, where she quietly purchased a $7 million home last year

'I can collect myself and only bring there who I want to be with. I have my little cocoon there,' she said of her sprawling six-bedroom home, complete with eight bathrooms, a swimming pool, mountain views and open meadows.

As for what inspired her to leave Los Angeles, the Blonde star said: 'You just feel it when its time to change. Look out for yourself. Theres a time when you learn whats good for you and whats not. What serves you the most? Pay attention to that and take action.'

The Cuba native previously lived in Venice, California, but listed her home in 2020 while still dating Affleck after they were relentlessly hounded by paparazzi.

Amid their whirlwind romance, she also spent time living in his $20 million Pacific Palisades home.

In 2022, the Golden Globe nominee, who is now dating Tinder VP Paul Boukadakis, told Elle that privacy issues were 'one of the reasons' she left Los Angeles for New York City.

'Going through it [myself] confirmed my thoughts about, "This is not the place for me to be,"' she said.

The performer continued: 'It became a little bit too much. There's no escape. There's no way out. It's always the feeling of something that you don't have, something missing. It's a city that keeps you anxious.'

Affleck and de Armas' romance began when they met while working on the 'erotic thriller' Deep Water in 2019, but they weren't linked until early 2020.

While reflecting on leaving Hollywood for a quieter life, the actress, 36, gushed about loving the feeling of living 'off the grid' to E! News, three years after the end of her nearly year-long relationship with Ben Affleck, which ended in 2021

At the time of their breakup, several sources confirmed to People that a major factor in their decision to split was her desire to Los Angeles, where Ben has to be based for his kids.

'Ben is no longer dating Ana,' the source told the publication. 'She broke it off. Their relationship was complicated. Ana doesn't want to be Los Angeles based and Ben obviously has to since his kids live in Los Angeles.'

Another insider told the publication: 'They are in different points in their lives; there is deep love and respect there. Ben continues to want to work on himself. He has three jobs lined up and hes a solid father at home. They are both happy with where they are in their lives.'

Additionally, Us Weekly quotes a source who revealed: 'Ben and Ana were moving in different directions in their lives and stopped seeing eye to eye. The two couldnt work through their differences and have decided to end their relationship.'

'I feel like nowadays, we all want to go away from the craziness of the world,' she explained at the premiere of her upcoming new film, Eden, during the Toronto International Film Festival

The Oscar nominee went on to confirm that she 'found a home where' she feels removed from the hustle and bustle of Hollywood life

During their relationship, the former couple were seen traveling around the world from Cuba to Costa Rica.

They spent much of 2020 inseparable, enjoying walks in LA with their dogs and casual outings for coffee.

Ana made their relationship Instagram official in April when she shared snaps of the couple hanging out on her 32nd birthday.

During their relationship the actor introduced Ana to his three children with ex-wife Jennifer Garner; Violet, 18, Fin, 15, and Samuel, 12.

Sources at the time told People: 'Ana seems to love being around his kids. Everyone has been getting along great. Ana is making an effort to get to know his kid.'

Affleck is currently in the middle of a divorce with superstar, Jennifer Lopez, who filed to end their marriage on their second wedding anniversary.

Ben was previously married to Jennifer from 2005 to 2018 and they have a built a solid co-parenting relationship in recent years, with the actress also supporting Ben with his sobriety.

In 2022, the Golden Globe nominee, who is now dating Tinder VP Paul Boukadakis, told Elle that privacy issues were 'one of the reasons' she left Los Angeles for New York City

Before meeting de Armas, Ben was in a relationship with SNL producer Lindsay Shookus from July 2017 to August 2018. They reunited in February the following year before ending things for good in April 2019.

The actor also dated model Shauna Sexton briefly in 2018.

Meanwhile, prior to Boukadakis and Affleck, she was previously romantically linked to Alejandro Pineiro Bello, Franklin Latt and Marc Clotet.
Kathy Bates revealed she has lost 100lbs over the span of six years amid speculation from fans that she has taken Ozempic.

The Misery star, 76 - who recently announced that she will retire from acting after her stint on CBS' Matlock reboot - discussed her weight loss journey during an interview with Variety published on Wednesday.

While talking to the outlet, she gushed about her role in Matlock and explained that prioritizing her health as well as losing weight helped her keep up with the filming schedule.

'It's helped me tremendously that, over the last six or seven years, I've lost 100 pounds,' Bates expressed. 'I don't think I've been this slim since I was in college.'

Kathy stated that she was at her heaviest weight back in 2011 when she was starring in the NBC series, Harry's Law, and admitted, 'I had to sit down every moment that I could.'

Kathy Bates, 76, revealed she has lost 100lbs over the span of six years amid speculation from fans that she has taken Ozempic

'It was hard for me to walk. I'm ashamed I let myself get so out of shape, but now I have a tremendous amount of energy.'

Some fans have speculated that Bates achieved her weight loss through Ozempic, with one recently taking to X and penning, 'They got Kathy Bates on ozempic???? D**n.'

Another social media user typed out, 'kathy bates on ozempic now too... we're losing our fat empresses...'

Bates has previously opened up about her weight loss and in 2019, talked to Extra about the inspiration behind putting her health first.

'This is the best health I've been in in years and I'm so grateful - it's a miracle,' she told the outlet at the time after losing 60lbs.

The Titanic actress explained, 'I was facing diabetes - it runs in my family - and I really didn't want to live with that.'

Kathy said she learned, 'After you eat for 20-30 minutes, you experience an involuntary sigh.'

'It's communication between stomach and brain telling you you had enoughand what I discovered is if you listen to that sigh and push that plate away for just five minutes, you realize you're satisfied and you don't have to eat more.'

'It's helped me tremendously that, over the last six or seven years, I've lost 100 pounds,' Bates expressed. 'I don't think I've been this slim since I was in college'; seen in April in Toronto

She added, 'It was hard for me to walk. I'm ashamed I let myself get so out of shape, but now I have a tremendous amount of energy'; seen in 2020 in NYC

In 2003, the star was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and later battled breast cancer after her diagnosis in 2012.

She underwent a double mastectomy, but 'developed a disease called lymphedema after that.'

Lymphedema occurs due to 'tissue swelling caused by an accumulation of protein-rich fluid that's usually drained through the body's lymphatic system,' per the Mayo Clinic.

During a recent interview with The New York Times earlier this month, Bates revealed she's ready to retire, after her new CBS series Matlock runs its course.

Kathy plays Madeline Matlock in a gender-flipped reboot of the original Matlock series that ran from 1986 to 1995 starring Andy Griffith.

The actress has earned an Oscar, two Primetime Emmys and two Golden Globes throughout her storied career.

Bates revealed to the outlet she's ready to call it a career... which she was actually planning before Matlock came around.

She revealed that a recent movie shoot last year (she won't identify which movie) had caused her to seriously consider retiring... before the Matlock script came her way.

'It becomes my life. Sometimes I get jealous of having this talent. Because I cant hold it back, and I just want my life,' she said.

Weeks after telling her agents she wants to retire, they sent her the Matlock pilot script, and she found herself surprisingly connecting with the character, Madeline Matlock.

Some fans have speculated that Bates achieved her weight loss through Ozempic, with one recently taking to X and penning, 'They got Kathy Bates on ozempic???? D**n'

Another social media user typed out, 'kathy bates on ozempic now too... we're losing our fat empresses...'

During a recent interview with The New York Times earlier this month, Bates revealed she's ready to retire, after her new CBS series Matlock runs its course

She said that the injustices she faced early on in her career mirror the plight of her title character.

'Everything I've prayed for, worked for, clawed my way up for, I am suddenly able to be asked to use all of it. And it's exhausting,' she said.

'This is my last dance,' Bates insists about her retirement after Matlock, which got an 18-episode order from CBS ahead of its September 22 premiere.

Bates added that she connected to the character because they both use their work as a conduit for their grief.

'Maybe on some deep level thats why I was attracted to this,' Bates admitted in the interview.

Her co-star Skye P. Marshall, who plays another lawyer in the show, had nothing but praise for her work ethic.

'When she gets a script and she reads through it, you will see her challenge the directors, challenge the writers in a very healthy way,' Marshall said.

'She is an all-around beautiful warrior who is so intuitive, so intelligent and unwilling to tolerate any injustice for anyone,' she added.

'This is my last dance,' Bates insists about her retirement after Matlock, which got an 18-episode order from CBS ahead of its September 22 premiere

Though the actress didn't exactly see herself that way, with the interviewer mentioning she began to cry towards the end of the interview.

'I have no right. I see the state of the world, and here I am sitting in a posh restaurant in a posh town with a posh career, going home to a posh house, and what right do I have to cry?' Bates said.

And while recently talking to Variety, she also briefly discussed whether she has plans for retirement.

'My friends say I'll probably be like Moliere and die in my chair on the stage because it really is a life force for me,' Kathy said.
British Airways has launched its end of summer sale for Americans wanting to flights or vacations in Europe.

Prices are cut for trips throughout fall and winter - but there is just a week left to grab deals.

The sale features discounted flights and vacations to UK, Europe - including France and Iceland - and Dubai from across the airline's 26 US airports. It runs from September 4 to 17.

In economy, round-trip flights from San Francisco or Los Angeles to London are from $585.

For premium economy - which has wider seats, more legroom and better food - New York to London return is from $1,519.

Fancy business class flights in the airline's Club World cabin - which come with a bed - cost $2,701 from New York to London and back. A round-trip from Boston is $2,652.

British Airways is offering flight and vacation savings for trips to London, Europe, Dubai and select cities in India this winter

Customers can also save up to $600 on vacation packages - including those to Paris

Colm Lacy, chief commercial officer said: 'As summer comes to a close, it's the perfect moment to start dreaming about your next adventure.

'British Airways' sale offers great deals on flights to destinations in the UK, Europe, Dubai, along with significant discounts on vacation packages.'

Flights to New Delhi and Bombay are also on sale from Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Washington DC and New York.

The sale includes flights to Britain and Europe on British Airways' codeshare partners, American Airlines, Iberia and Finnair.

Customers can book vacation packages from all British Airways' 26 US gateways during the sale, with savings of up to $600 when booking a flight and hotel together.

Those jetting off from New York to London can enjoy round-trip flights and five nights hotel from $889 per person.

Alternatively, those who fancy a taste of Scotland can enjoy round-trip flights to Edinburgh and five nights hotel from $899 per person.

London's Hyde Park has Christmas markets from November

British Airways offers holidays to Iceland

And European vacations are also on sale with round-trip flights from New York and five nights hotel in Rome are available from $789 per person, Madrid from $769, Barcelona from $889 and Paris from $829.

There are sale prices on fly and drive options - with return flights from New York, Boston or Los Angeles to London and seven days car rental from $699 per person.

Further information on the flight and holiday sale can be found on the BA website.

All sale vacation pricing includes 23kg baggage allowance.

BA says that blackout dates apply. Prices quoted for travel in February. Other departure airports, destinations and travel dates available at varying prices
Taxes on social security are set to change this month, reducing the amount some will receive from their checks.

Some states will collect more taxes than others from social security benefits, based on a person or couple's overall income.

Nine states are hiking their tax on social security in September therefore reducing the overall benefit of the monthly check.

Beneficiaries that live in Colorado, Connecticut, Minnesota, Montana, New Mexico, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont or West Virginia may have to pay more.

The exact impact will depend on which state you live in and overall income, meaning a larger social security check will likely result in higher taxes owed.

Nine states are hiking their tax on social security payments in September

About 40 percent Social Security recipients must pay income taxes on their benefits, usually as a result of substantial income separate to their benefits.

The tax will be taken when you file a federal tax return as an individual, or a joint return with your spouse.

Around 68 million Americans receive social security in some form every month, costing about $1.5 trillion a year.

The highest retirement payments are as much as $4,873, though the figure is likely to be lower for the majority of recipients.

Indeed, the average retirement check is worth $1,918 a month, according to the Social Security Administration.

'The maximum benefit depends on the age you retire. For example, if you retire at full retirement age in 2024, your maximum benefit would be $3,822,' the SSA states on its website.

'However, if you retire at age 62 in 2024, your maximum benefit would be $2,710.

'If you retire at age 70 in 2024, your maximum benefit would be $4,873,' the site explains.

Nearly nine out of ten people age 65 and older receive a Social Security benefit and those benefits tend to represent about 30 percent of their income.

Around 68 million Americans receive social security, costing about $1.5 trillion a year

The payments tend to be staggered throughout the month due to the large number of people receiving checks.

For those that have been claiming Social Security since 1997, or claim both retirement benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), these were paid last week, on September 3.

Those who only receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, not retirement, should have received their checks on August 30, as the usual 1st of the month payment day fell on a weekend.

The highest SSI payment that can be claimed for an individual is currently $943 and $1,415 for a couple.

Other beneficiaries will should have begun receiving their payments this week, depending on their date of birth.

If you're born within the 1st and 10th of any month you will receive your monthly check tomorrow, September 11.

Claimants with a birthday between the 11th and 20th of any given month, will receive their payments the following week on September 18.

The last group, whose birthdays fall between 21st and 31st of the month will have their benefits paid on September 25.

The SSA recommends waiting three working days following a due date before contacting them about a late payment.

It comes after the release of a new report which found that Social Security is expected to run short on funds by 2035.

An ageing population is pushing up the cost of the program as a smaller share of people are paying into it, and spending is outpacing income.

The latest annual report from the Social Security Board of Trustees found that the program will only be able to pay out full benefits for the next 11 years - which is one year later than previous estimates.
After securing a last-minute buyer, one of America's biggest flooring suppliers is reversing course on shutting down all of its stores.

LL Flooring - previously known as Lumber Liquidators - said last week it was going out of business after three decades.

It has emerged that bosses have now signed a deal private equity firm F9 Investments for a sale of its business.

F9 is owned by Tom Sullivan, who founded Lumber Liquidators over 30 years ago before leaving in 2017. He says the company is going 'back to basics' - and will also change the name back.

Just over half the 430 remaining stores will still close for good, with stock sold off in huge clearance sales over the next 12 weeks.

Even the stores being saved are expected to have clearances since Sullivan wants to revamp the products on offer.

LL Flooring, which ahad 442 stores across 47 states earlier this year, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on August 11. It had planned to shutter all of them - but now half have been saved at the 11th hour by its former founder

Under terms of the deal, expected to close by the end of September, F9 will acquire 219 stores and a Virginia distribution center - as well the LL Flooring brand.

The remaining 211 stores are still set to close, however.

That includes 117 locations where closings were recently initiated and 94 others that were already in the process when the Virginia company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on August 11.

The retailer, which specializes in hardwood flooring, has faced falling sales over the past year as families cut back on remodelling their homes.

Last week, LL Flooring said that it would be 'winding down operations' and closing all of its stores after failing to find a buyer in negotiations.

But that changed after a deal was reached with F9 on Friday.

In a statement, LL Flooring president and CEO Charles Tyson said that company was 'pleased to have reached this agreement' with F9 'following significant efforts by our team and advisors to preserve the business.'

Tyson added that LL Flooring remains 'committed to continuing to serve' customers and vendors as the transaction moves through bankruptcy court for approval.

F9, based in Miami, is owned by Tom Sullivan, who founded Lumber Liquidators over 30 years ago.

Sullivan told The Associated Press that the 219 stores set to be purchased by F9 will open under the Lumber Liquidators name again.

'Well be getting back to basics,' Sullivan said.

'Basically, yellow and black is coming back ... We know what worked before. It's not fancy offices in Richmond with 200 people that didn't know the flooring business.

'It's great people in our stores that know flooring (and) customers that want a great deal and know Lumber Liquidators is the place to go.'

Sullivan explained that the company plans to narrow down to a more 'manageable' selection of flooring options, and getting rid of material that feels duplicative or doesn't sell well

As a result, customers will likely see big discounts on much of the inventory left behind from LL Flooring's bankruptcy process.

He added that the company will be closely aligned with Cabinets To Go, another F-9 owned brand that he founded, to help with shipping efficiency.

After news last month that LL Flooring was in financial trouble, customers took to Reddit.

'People are mortgaged to the hilt with properties that need work. They cannot afford the upgrades right now,' one wrote.

Tom Sullivan founded Lumber Liquidators in 1994 by buying excess wood from companies and reselling it at a discount.

The company at first did business out the back of a pick up truck in Stoughton, Massachusetts.

Shortly after, Sullivan began negotiating directly with mills as he sought to cut out the wholesalers who acted as middleman - and have lower prices to undercut rivals.

The company previously faced turmoil after a 2015 segment of "60 Minutes" reported that laminate flooring it was selling had illegal and dangerous levels of formaldehyde.

Lumber Liquidators later said it would stop selling the product and agreed to pay $36 million to settle two class-action lawsuits in 2017.

Sullivan left the company in 2017 and then has fallen out with the board. He had tried to take over the company but has so far been rebuffed until now.

Lumber Liquidators was renamed LL Flooring in 2022. It has had difficulty turning a profit in recent years.

Problems for LL Flooring come amidst a widespread 'retail apocalypse' which is seeing stores struggle with increasingly tight margins at a time Americans are cutting back on spending.

There were almost 2,600 store closures in the first four months of 2024. If that trend continues, almost 8,000 will have been lost by the end of the year.

Last week, it emerged that Big Lots - which has already shut a quarter of its 1,400 stores - is on brink of bankruptcy. The news sunk shares by 50 percent.

In recent months, Walmart has closed three more of its underperforming locations. Best Buy closed ten in March.

Badcock is another home improvement retailer that had money problems. It had over 380 stores in Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Virginia - all of which are closing at an unspecified date

LL Flooring is the US's largest specialist flooring company

Dollar stores have been hit hard too, with 99 Cents Only announcing in April it would shutter all 371 of its locations across California, Texas, Arizona and Nevada.

The 1,000 closures of Family Dollar and its sister company Dollar Tree will happen over the next three years.

Express - a mall staple - filed for bankruptcy in April and said it would shut 95 Express outlets alongside all of its UpWest stores.

At the start of May, Rue21 - the teen fashion chain that is a fixture in malls across America - also said it will shut all its 543 US stores after going bust.
Many parents barely notice the processing fees when they use the pre-paid system to cover their children's school lunches.

But these costs of about $2.50 add up, the federal government's Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) warns in a new report.

The study spotlights a junk fee that bilks America's parents of some $100 million each year.

CFPB chief Rohit Chopra says the charges take a devastating 'economic toll on American families just trying to pay for basic school expenses.'

School districts should 'avoid contracts with financial firms that harvest excessive fees from families who purchase school lunch,' he adds.

More schools are turning to cashless systems that parents use to pre-pay for their kid's lunches

Rohit Chopra, director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, says the systems often push 'excessive fees' on hard-up families

As more schools turn to cashless payment systems, district chiefs have contracted with processing firms that charge as much as $3.25 or 4-5 percent per transaction, CFBP says.

The schools are supposed to offer a fee-free option to pay by cash or check, but these alternatives can be hard or time-consuming to access.

Across a study of the nation's 300 largest school districts, the average processing fee was $2.37  or 4.4 percent of the total transaction.

That's not a big deal for well-heeled parents who load up their kids' accounts each semester.

But for cash-strapped households who can only afford a few dollars at a time, it adds up fast, says the CFPB.

Some poor parents spend as much as 60 cents to payment processors for each $1 they spend, or roughly $42 annually, on school lunches.

Single mom Rebecca Wood, 45, is among those hit by the stealth charges.

She was already dealing with high medical bills in 2020 when she noticed she was being charged a $2.49 'program fee' each time she loaded money onto her daughter's school lunch account.

'It wouldn't have been a big deal if I had hundreds of dollars to dump into her account at the beginning of the year,' Wood told AP.

'I didn't. I was paying as I went, which meant I was paying a fee every time. The $2.50 transaction fee was the price of a lunch. So I'd pay for six lunches, but only get five.'

The US Department of Agriculture, which oversees the federal policy on fee-free school lunches, has ruled since 2017 that districts inform families of their options.

But even when parents are aware, having to pay by cash or check to avoid fees can be burdensome.

'It's just massively inconvenient,' said Joanna Roa, 43, who works at Clemson University in South Carolina as a library specialist and has two school-aged children.

Roa said that when her son was in first grade, and she saw the $3.25 processing fee for each lunch account transaction, she switched him to packed lunches.

'A dollar here and there, I expected,' she said.

'But $3.25 per transaction, especially here in rural South Carolina where the cost of living is a lot lower  as are the salaries  is a lot.'

Still, Roa says, preparing lunch for two kids every day and holding down a job is a handful.

The school district has provided free lunches these past two years, thanks to surplus funds, but this could end at any point, she adds.

In its review, the CFPB found that 87 percent of sampled districts contract with payment processors.

Parents can pay as much as $3.25 to add funds to their child's school lunch payment account

Some 20 companies provide such systems to schools, but just three firms  MySchoolBucks, SchoolCafe, and LINQ Connect  dominate the market, researchers found.

School districts have a chance to negotiate fees and rates when they sign up to the providers.

But the CFPB found that the contracts are complex and 'may insulate companies from competition and make school districts less likely to negotiate.'

Families have no choice but to accept their school's chosen provider and struggle to 'avoid harmful practices' from firms that 'may violate federal consumer protection law,' the report says.

The companies named in the report did not respond to AP's requests for comment.

Wood, however, took a stand against the onerous system.

She researched the fees and learned about the USDA requirement to offer fee-free payment by cash or by check.

When she pointed this out to the superintendent of her daughter's Massachusetts school district, the administrator said the lack of transparency was an oversight.

As a protest, Wood had planned to pay for her daughter's lunches in coins at the school office, together with other irate parents.

But then the pandemic hit, changing, among other things, school lunch policy.

Wood later became part of a campaign that successfully pushed for universal free school lunches in the Bay State.

Still, she continues to protest school processing fees for families.

'Even if lunch itself is free, if you want to buy something a la carte, or an extra lunch, or some other transaction, you still have to pay that fee,' Wood said.

'They take money from people who need it the most.'
An upmarket US burger chain is the latest restaurant business to file for bankruptcy - as casualties in the industry mount up.

BurgerFi - which also owns Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza - sought Chapter 11 protection at a Delaware court on Wednesday. It has as much as $500 million of debts.

Across the two brands, the company has 162 locations - including a flagship BurgerFi in New York that only opened a few months ago. All are under threat.

It is the latest restaurant chain to file for bankruptcy in 2024, and follows Red Lobster, Rubio's, Buca di Beppo, World of Beer, Roti, plus Melt Bar & Grill.

As Red Lobster did this summer, BurgerFi is hoping it can get out of leases for its worst performing restaurants in a bid to cut costs and clear debts.

BurgerFi, which touts itself as a rival to Shake Shack and Five Guys, sells its cheeseburger for about $11 at its 102 restaurants.

BurgerFi, which launched in 2011, has filed for bankruptcy. It means its 162 stores across the BurgerFi and Anthony's Coal Pizza brands are under threat

Florida-based BurgerFi warned bankruptcy was a possibility last month. Bosses said they had just $4.4 million in the bank as of August 14.

Losses for the second quarter were expected to be a staggering $18.4 million.

Today's grim news for BurgerFi's staff and fans comes after the chain closed eight restaurants in the first three months of the year.

This was on top of a further 14 closures last year, which means there are just 102 locations remaining in the US. There are 60 Anthony's pizza restaurants.

The majority of restaurants are in Florida, Maryland, North Carolina, New York and Indiana.

BurgerFi has yet to explain to the bankruptcy court in Delaware how it will sort out its finances, Sarah Foss, global head of legal at Debtwire, said.

'BurgerFi's Chapter 11 case comes on the heels of a busy year for restaurant bankruptcies, with chains like Rubio's, Red Lobster and Buca di Beppo commencing bankruptcy cases this year,' she added.

On its website, BurgerFi says: 'We don't just serve great burgers. Since 2011, we've been serving next-level burgers made with fresh ingredients from the top suppliers across the country with an uncompromising standard for flavor and quality in everything we do.'

The company said that closures were the main cause of its decline in sales, alongside the rising cost of food and labor.

The company first rang the alarm in May, when it first announced it was considering 'strategic alternatives' due to its lack of cash.

BurgerFi has shut eight restaurants so far in 2024, following multiple closures last year

BurgerFi also runs 60 restaurants under the Anthony's pizza brand

Since it went public in 2020, BurgerFi's stock has dropped almost 60 percent. It was trading for just 14 cents on Wednesday.

It comes amid a slew of restaurant closures across the US, as companies struggle with increased costs for food and labor.

Popular Italian restaurant Buca di Beppo filed for bankruptcy in August - just days after it abruptly shut 13 underperforming locations.

World of Beer Bar & Kitchen was named among the fastest growing restaurant chains in the US in 2013.

It also filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in August, saying it owed suppliers as much as $50 million.

National coffee and upmarket grocery chain Foxtrot said at the start of April it will shut all its stores with immediate effect - leaving staff and customers stunned.

Companies are battling falling sales as Americans increasingly eat out less after two years of punishing price rises.
Despite warnings from experts about the perils of unchecked quarrying and deforestation in the Western Ghats, successive governments failed to act, leading to Wayanad disaster

S K Pottekkat, who could be rated as Indias best travelogue writer has elaborated on his 1955 visit to Finland. The countrys area is 1,30,119 sq miles out of which 71 per cent is forests. Finlands main source of income is the pine trees grown in its forests. But to get permission from the government to cut down a single pine tree, one has to furnish proof that he has planted six pine saplings, writes Pottekkat in his memoirs.

He was a delegate to the World Peace Council meeting held in Helsinki, the capital city. In 2024, despite a massive industrialisation drive, the country has the tenth highest percentage of forest cover in the world. Pottekkat hailed from Kozhikode, the neighbouring district of Wayanad.

Once the region was full of evergreen forests filled with exotic trees, plants and flowers. Folklore is that the tribal youth who led a team of Englishmen to Wayanad was shot dead by the visitors to ensure that no more outsiders entered the fertile landscape.

But Wayanad has become a teardrop since 30 July 2024 as landslides and flash floods struck the district in quick succession swallowing hundreds of people and their houses. Pinarayi Vijayan, the chief minister, has asked the Centre to release Rs 2,000 crore as the first instalment towards the rescue, rehabilitation and reconstruction mission to be undertaken by the Government of Kerala.

He also blamed the Centre for its failure to provide the exact date, time and place of the natural disaster and has vowed to establish the States early warning system for floods, landslides and heavy rainfalls.Vijayan will outclass the best of the entrepreneurs in the skill of mobilization of resources for the Chief Ministers Disaster Relief Fund.

All media briefings by Vijayan end with him announcing the details of persons who have contributed to the CMDRF in the aftermath of landslides and deluge that devastated Wayanad. But what stands out is the generous offer made by High Range Rural Development Society, a non-governmental organisation, which came forward to build houses for all those who lost their dwelling places in the flash floods. According to the Kerala Governments estimate, 500 homes were washed away by the gushing waters. The HRDS told the Government that it would rebuild/construct 500 safe and secured houses each of 700 sq ft and costing Rs 10 lakh free of cost.

The NGO also told the government that it would help the landslide victims to set up group farming so that they could earn a reasonably fair monthly income. All the 500 houses to be constructed by the HRDS will feature self-contained guest rooms which could be rented out as part of the homestay programme. But Vijayan and his comrades are cold to the offer.The Centre has asked Vijayan to submit details of the losses suffered in nature's fury and how the State would go ahead with the rehabilitation and reconstruction. Though the disaster struck nearly a month ago, the Government has yet to come out with the details of the losses.

In the aftermath of the 2018 floods, Vijayan had demanded Rs 40,000 crore as flood relief which included Rs 20,000 crore to rebuild the roads washed away in the deluge.

But senior officials who took stock of the situation once the flood water receded had told that roads could be rebuilt with Rs5,800 crore. As part of mitigating future floods, Vijayan accompanied by an entourage of relatives (including his five-year-old grandson) and senior bureaucrats undertook a junket to the Netherlands.

But there is no end in sight for the floods in Kerala.

There is no need to search for the reason behind the landslides and floods in Wayanad and other places in the State. Prof Madhav Gadgil, a noted environmentalist who headed the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (WGEEP) had told the State Governments not to disturb the ecology and environment beyond the current level.

The team of experts had found to their horror that quarrying and sand mining of unprecedented level were taking place with official connivance across the length and breadth of Western Ghats and this included Wayanad.In 1986, this writer shot a television documentary on the Wayanad district for Doordarshan.

There were no resorts or star hotels those days anywhere in the district. The District Collector Raveendran Thampi had been sanctioned one room as his camp office in the low power transmitter station of the Doordarshan at Kalpetta. Immediately after nature's fury in July 2024, Prof Gadgil said that the disaster was a man-made one and was waiting to happen at any time. Wayanad has no more space for resorts, quarries and sand mining, said Prof Gadgil immediately after the landslide and flash floods.

But what the chief minister said in his briefing was shocking. The Gadgil committee report is a big joke and one need not take it seriously, said Vijayan.The committee of experts led by Prof Gadgil toured the entire Western Ghats region and they were shocked by the kind of quarrying, mining and deforestation that was happening in the region. Prof Gadgil had described the Western Ghats region as the Water Tower of peninsular India.

Vested interests including religious groups are exploiting Wayanad to the hilt and this made the committee ask the authorities to stop herewith the constitution of special economic zones and reschedule reservoir operations to downstream flows. More than what the Gadgil Committee had said in its report, what Prof T P Kunhikannan, a CPI(M) activist, had said about the report is significant.

A thorough study by Kunhikannan has proved that Prof Gadgils suggestions should be accepted in toto by the authorities concerned. The Church is campaigning against Gadgil Committee findings to save its commedcial interests. There is nothing anti-people or anti-minorities in the report, said Prof Kunhikannan in his studies Gadgil Report and Keralas Development.

The top echelons of the Church read pastoral letters asking the laity to stage demonstrations across the country against the report as it was anti-minority, said Kunhikkannan.No purpose will be served by subjecting the Wayanad disaster to another academic analysis. The Church sabotaged the Gadgil committee report by terming it as anti-development, anti-farmers and anti-people.

Through a series of pastoral letters (which were read out during Sunday Mass), the clergy unleashed a blitzkrieg against the WGEEP report. The then union government appointed another committee headed by G Kasturirangan, former ISRO chairman, to examine the feasibility of Gadgils findings. Kasturirangan did his masters proud by diluting the WGEEP report and that was the death warrant of Wayanad.

(The writer is special correspondent with The Pioneer; views are personal)
Superstar Shah Rukh Khan has teased his friend and filmmaker Karan Johar for hosting more chat shows and directing fewer 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 on Tuesday evening, 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."

Rana recalled being hosted by Shah Rukh at his house in Dubai for an after-party some time ago.

"He is so hospitable. He has actually entertained the entire four (South) industries, not only as an actor but also as a human being," he said.

The actor also thanked Karan, who presented the Hindi version of his two-part epic fantasy film "Baahubali", for supporting South cinema.

"And really Karan, it started with you. The fact that we got 'Baahubali' here (in the north)... (It was) the first time all the languages started speaking cinema in some form. Thank you for that," Rana added.

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.
Two days after the suspected bid to derail the Kalindi Express train in Kanpur, the Delhi Police has asked the railway staff to be on high alert along with increasing deployment of security at Delhi Metro stations.

A major train accident was averted on Monday by an alert loco pilot as the Bhiwani-Prayagraj Kalindi Express was brought to a screeching half after hitting an LPG cylinder placed on tracks. A bottle of petrol and matchboxes were also found at the site hinting at sabotage. The Kanpur Police has lodged an FIR in the matter.

According to officials on Wednesday, the Delhi Police have also asked the staff of Delhi Metro to be vigilant and alert. It has also asked to increase checking of passengers and subsequently more police personnel will be deployed at the metro stations in the city to deter any similar sabotage attempt in the city's lifeline Delhi Metro.

The entire staff of the Railways unit has been put on high alert following the Kanpur incident, a senior police officer of the Delhi Police said, adding that both foot and motorcycle patrolling have been enhanced.

He added that anti-sabotage checks are being conducted regularly along the railway tracks with the help of dog squads and bomb disposal teams. We have also asked the railway staff of many adjoining areas to keep strict vigil in and around the railway stations and railway tracks, another senior police officer said.

A joint patrolling team along with the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and other stakeholders has been put in place.

According to sources, 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. Additionally, investigations have also been launched 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 at the top level.

Pakistan-based terror mastermind Farhatullah Ghori who was behind the 2002 Akshardham temple attack and Bengaluru's 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.

After the suspected bid to derail the Kalindi Express, different security agencies have detained over two dozen people, including three members of a family for questioning. A multi-agency probe, that included the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Anti-Terrorist Squad of the Uttar Pradesh Police, was launched into the matter which officials suspected could have terror links.

Additionally, 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.

However, this is not the first time that such sabotages have been attempted. A similar pattern was noticed when there was an exceptional jump in sabotage cases with around 18 incidents reported in December 2017.
In the run-up to the first phase of polling across 24 Assembly segments on September 18, Pakistan has stepped up efforts to spread the reign of terror to discourage enthusiastic voters from participating in the maiden assembly polls taking place after the Abrogation of Article 370 in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

On Wednesday, two major provocative incidents were reported in the Jammu region which indicated terrorist handlers and their sympathisers in Pakistan are desperately trying to disturb the peaceful conduct of the upcoming Assembly polls.

In one incident, two heavily armed Pakistani terrorists, hiding in the upper reaches of Basantgarh bordering Kathua and Udhampur districts, were neutralised by the joint team of security forces late Wednesday evening.

In a separate incident, a BSF jawan was injured during unprovoked firing by the Pakistani rangers on the border outpost of BSF in the Akhnoor sector. In response, BSF troops 'effectively' retaliated to give a befitting reply to the Pakistani rangers. However, there was no official confirmation whether the Pakistani rangers suffered any fatal injuries or not.

Confirming the elimination of two foreign terrorists in the ongoing operation, Rising Star Corps of the Indian Army posted on X, "Two Terrorists neutralised in the ongoing Operation at Khandara Kathua by troops of Rising Star Corps-operations in progress".

The initial contact was established during ongoing search operations launched by the security forces to pin down the group of terrorists roaming in the area.

After the brief exchange of fire between terrorists and security forces additional troops were rushed to the encounter site to plug the possible exit routes along the Khandara top. A group of more than three terrorists was spotted in the area after which search operations were launched to neutralise them inside the deep forests.

On September 9, two heavily armed terrorists believed to be Pakistani were neutralised by the troops of the Indian army while they were attempting to infiltrate inside the Indian territory in the Laam sector of Nowshera in the frontier district of Rajouri on Monday.

For the past several days, different parts of Jammu and Kashmir have been witnessing an 'unprecedented' response to the high-voltage campaigning by the candidates representing various political parties.

The atmosphere in Kashmir valley is electrifying as many candidates are canvassing as late as midnight in their native villages and 'mohallas' in the urban centers amid tight security arrangements.

In Jammu, unconfirmed reports indicated the BSF soldier was targeted by a sniper from across the International border. Senior BSF officials of the Jammu frontier rushed to the forward area to take stock of the ground situation.

A Jammu-based BSF spokesman in a statement said, "At about 2.35 am, an incident of unprovoked firing in the Akhnoor area from across the border happened and which was befittingly responded by the BSF. One BSF personnel sustained injuries in Pakistani firing."

He said the troops are on high alert and keeping a strict vigil all along the International Border and Line of Control.

Last year, a BSF jawan was killed in Pakistan Rangers' firing in the Ramgarh sector, the first loss of life on the Indian side in more than three years.

On August 29, three terrorists were gunned down by the alert troops in two separate anti-infiltration operations along the line of control in the Machhal and Tangdhar sectors of Kupwara.

On August 19, a heavily armed group of Pakistani terrorists targeted an area domination patrol party comprising jawans of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Special Operations Group of Jammu Kashmir Police (JKP) in the remote Duddu Basantgarh area of Udhampur in which one Inspector rank CRPF officer sacrificed his life in the line of duty.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday called for making India a global semiconductor hub and pointed out that this is the right time to invest in Indias semiconductor industry. Modi said India is well-positioned for success in this field and that the world can count on Indias growing semiconductor ecosystem. Modi said that India is now the eighth country globally to host an event focused on the semiconductor industry.

Speaking at the SEMICON 2024 conference at Greater Noida, Modi said the Covid pandemic showed the importance of the supply chain and underscored the need to act to ward off any disruption. Whether it was Covid or war, there hasnt been a single industry to remain unaffected by supply chain disruptions, he said. Stating that India is a huge consumer of such chips, he emphasised that the worlds finest digital public infrastructure was built upon it. This small chip is doing big things to ensure last-mile delivery in India, Modi said.

During his speech, he mentioned various initiatives and achievements that position India as a key player in the global semiconductor industry.

Interestingly, Semiconductor stocks rallied after PM Modi asserted Indias commitment to building and growing its semiconductor infrastructure at the Semicon India 2024 event. The Prime Minister also highlighted the importance of partnerships between industries and the Government.

The Prime Minister said resilience of supply chains is critical for the economy as he made a pitch to boost investments in domestic manufacturing of semiconductors  the foundation of everything from smartphones to EV and AI.

Stressing the importance of a resilient supply chain, the Prime Minister expressed pride in Indias central role in building resilience across sectors, positioning the country as a key player in the global mission to safeguard supply chains.

Prime Minister showcased Indias reformist regime,

stable policies and a market that has tasted technology to make a strong pitch for investments in semiconductor manufacturing.

In 21st-century India, the chips are never down. Whether it is mobile manufacturing, electronics, or semiconductors, our focus is clear - we want to build a world that doesnt stop or pause in times of crisis but keeps moving forward, he said.

The Prime Minister also spoke about the comprehensive approach under the Semicon India Program, which provides financial assistance for front-end fabs, display fabs, and semiconductor packaging, ensuring that all critical components of the supply chain are covered.

A recent report shows that Bharat is now the second-largest market for 5G handsets. Just two years ago, we started the 5G rollout. Look at where we have reached today. Today, Bharats electronics sector has grown to over 150 billion dollars. And our goal is even bigger. We want to grow our electronics sector to 500 billion dollars by the end of this decade. This will create about 6 million jobs for the youth of Bharat. Bharats semiconductor sector will also benefit greatly from this. Our goal is for 100 percent of electronic manufacturing to be done in Bharat. This means Bharat will not only make semiconductor chips but also their finished goods, he said.

He announced that the Government is offering 50 per cent financial support for setting up semiconductor manufacturing facilities, with State Governments also actively participating in the process.

This has attracted investments worth over Rs 1.5 trillion, and more projects are expected to follow. That programme has drawn nearly Rs 1.5 lakh crore of investment in producing about 70 million chips per day. Tata is partnering Taiwans Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corp to set up Indias first chipmaking plant worth Rs 91,526 crore in Gujarats Dholera. Its unit Tata Semiconductor Assembly and Test Pvt Ltd is also investing Rs 27,120 crore to set up a unit in Assam.

US memory maker Micron Technology Inc is also setting up Rs 22,516 crore assembly facility in Gujarat, while Adani Group plans to build a chip plant in Maharashtra with Israels Tower Semiconductor at a cost of Rs 83,947 crore. Also, CG Power is partnering with Japans Renesas Electronics Corp and Thailands Stars Microelectronics for Rs 7,584 crore chip packaging plant in Gujarat.

Explaining that India holds a three-dimensional power - a reformist government, growing manufacturing base and aspirational market which is aware of the technological trends, the Prime Minister said that this base of 3D power is difficult to find elsewhere.
Yet another foreign trip by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has stoked another round of controversy in the political circles of India and the Centre and BJP Leaders on Wednesday also commented that Rahul Gandhis quota remark in a foreign land has exposed the Congress anti-reservation face and making anti-national statements has become a habit for the former Congress chief.

Sending a stern message to Rahul Gandhi, Home Minister Amit Shah said that as long as the BJP is there, no one can abolish reservation or mess with the nations security. The senior BJP Leaders comments came after Rahul Gandhi told students of Georgetown University in the United States that the Congress would think of scrapping reservations when India is a fair place, which he said is not the case right now.

Standing with forces that conspire to divide the country and making anti-national statements have become a habit for Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party, Shah said who was also joined by his other Cabinet colleagues including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

Hitting back at the BJP for accusing Rahul Gandhi of making anti-national statements, the Congress said the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha has only talked about upholding the Constitution and asked why the ruling party has a problem whenever there is such talk.

The Home Minister said whether it was supporting the National Conferences anti-national and anti-reservation agenda in Jammu and Kashmir or making anti-India statements on foreign platforms, Rahul Gandhi has always threatened the nations security and hurt sentiments.

Rahul Gandhis statement lays bare the Congresss politics of causing rifts on the lines of regionalism, religion, and linguistic differences. By speaking about abolishing reservations in the country, Rahul Gandhi has once again brought the Congresss anti-reservation face to the forefront, Shah expressed on social media.

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) president Mayawati too alleged that the Congress leader was making misleading statements about reservation, and said his own party did not let the Bill on SC/ST reservation in promotions pass during its 10-year rule at the Centre.

The former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister also claimed that when not in power, the Congress talks about the neglected classes of SC, ST and OBC but when in power, it works against their interests. BSP is officially neither a part of the BJP-led NDA nor the Opposition INDIA bloc, whose key participants include the Congress and the SP.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh flayed Rahul Gandhi for his remarks in the US and said it is extremely shameful that the Leader of Opposition is hurting the dignity of India by saying misleading, baseless and factless things during his foreign tour.

Singh also dismissed Rahul Gandhis claims on the India-China border dispute as misleading and beyond facts and asked the Congress leader to refrain from making such false statements.

At a press conference on Tuesday at the prestigious National Press Club in Washington, Rahul supported Prime Minister Narendra Modis policies on Pakistan but the Leader of Opposition was critical of the latters handling of China.

Responding to a question if he thinks India under Prime Minister Modi has managed the US-China competition well, Rahul said, Well, if you call having Chinese troops in 4,000 square kilometres of our territory handling something well, then maybe. Weve got Chinese troops occupying land the size of Delhi in Ladakh. I think thats a disaster. Media doesnt like to write about it, he said.

Singh said the entire country recognises and respects the great role played by the Sikh community in protecting the culture of India. It is not befitting for an Opposition leader to make such false statements about them, he added.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju also hit out at Rahul Gandhi over his remarks on minorities and said they are the safest in India. Responding to a question on Rahul Gandhis remarks in the US that RSS considers some religions, languages and communities inferior to others, Rijiju said, No matter the amount of effort made, India cannot be defamed because Indias Constitution and culture do not differentiate between people.

The Minister for Minority Affairs who also holds the Parliamentary Affairs portfolio pointed out that minorities in Indias neighbourhood come here if something wrong happens to them there. Minorities are the safest in India, he asserted.
Baramulla MP Engineer Rashid walked out of Tihar Jail on Wednesday on interim bail till October 2 for campaigning in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly polls and vowed to fight Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "Naya Kashmir narrative".

Talking to reporters outside the jail, he also attacked National Conference (NC) leader Omar Abdullah and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti for "destroying" Kashmir and said he would continue to fight for the people of the region.

Targeting Omar Abdullah, whom Rashid defeated in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, the Baramulla MP said he was "literally dying in Tihar for five-and-a-half years" while the NC leader was "hiding in London".

As Sheikh Abdul Rashid, popularly known as Engineer Rashid, stepped out of the prison, he was welcomed by his sons and supporters. "He was released from jail at 4.15 pm," a senior prison official said.

He has been in jail since 2019 following his arrest by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in the 2017 terror funding case.

Rashid's outfit Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) is contesting the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections to be held in three phases -- September 18, September 25 and October 1. The results will be declared on October 8. "I feel stronger coming out of jail after five-and-a-half years. I am proud of my people. I pledge that I will not let down my people... I am committed to fighting for them. I will unite the people and not divide them," he told reporters outside Tihar Jail.

Rashid said he wants to bring everlasting peace to Kashmir and prove that Kashmiris are not stone pelters. But they will not compromise with their political rights, he said.Slamming Prime Minister Modi, Rashid said, "I pledge to fight against Modi's narrative of Naya Kashmir which has miserably failed in Jammu and Kashmir. People have rejected his narrative."

On Tuesday, after a court here granted interim bail to Rashid, NC leader Omar Abdullah said the Baramulla has been given bail to fetch votes from the people of Kashmir and not to serve them.

Hitting back, the AIP leader said, "My fight is much bigger than what Omar Abdullah says. I was literally dying in Tihar Jail for five-and-a-half years and he was hiding in London. His fight is for the chair, mine is for the people of Kashmir."

About his party contesting the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly polls, Rashid said they have nothing to do with the opposition INDIA bloc or the ruling NDA. "I am fighting alone".

Rashid also attacked People's Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti, saying "The damage caused by madam and her father to Kashmir... I would like to say that the biggest traitors of Kashmir are Farooq Abdulah and Omar Abdullah... And Mehbooba Mufti is carrying forward their legacy. They have destroyed Kashmir."

On Wednesday, Additional Sessions Judge Chander Jit Singh ordered Rashid's release on interim bail on a personal bond of Rs 2 lakh and a surety of the like amount. He also imposed certain conditions on him, including that he would not speak to the media about the case.
BJP's State Coordinator of Legal Cell, Sudhir Shrivastava has termed the state government announcement for advocates as eyewash and said that the way the Advocate General is praising the government, it seems he is less like an Advocate General and more like a worker of JMM's Legal Cell.

Advocate General is a constitutional post and that post has dignity. The way the Advocate General was praising the government today, keeping aside the constitutional post, it has become clear that the Hemant government is not capable of fighting political battles, now the Hemant government is fighting political battles by putting its officers and Advocate General forward instead of leaders.

Sudhir Shrivastava told that recently the Principal Secretary of the Jharkhand Cabinet Secretariat Vigilance Department of the government, Vandana Dadel, had written a letter to the Election Commission and filed a complaint against the BJP leaders and today the Advocate General said that Jharkhand is the first state in the country where the government is making lawyers financially strong by connecting them with its schemes.

The Advocate General should also tell that this is the first time that the Advocate General is praising the work of the government by holding a press conference inside the High Court premises. Sudhir Srivastava said that the Advocate General should also tell that the Hemant government had increased the court fees tenfold in 2021 and then the advocates had decided to boycott the work and at that time the Advocate General had described the work boycott of the advocates as against the order of the Supreme Court and a case of contempt.

On 6 and 7 January 2023, on the instructions of the Bar Council, more than 35000 advocates had decided to boycott the court proceedings. On the other hand, the Advocate General had instructed all the advocates of the state government on 6 January 2023 to go to the court and work and on 7 January, in the dialogue organized by the Chief Minister, the government advocates of all the districts were instructed to participate in the program.

The Advocate General should also tell how many advocates were killed in the Hemant government and how many cases were registered against the advocates. Now the Hemant government has only a few days left, so the Advocate General should also start counting his posts on his fingers.
Delhi BJP MLAs, who have demanded dismissal of the AAP government in Delhi, on Wednesday asked state Minister Atishi asking it to explain how Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is running the government from jail and furnish a list of decisions taken by him in the last five months.

This comes a day after the senior AAP leader accused the BJP of "conspiring" to topple the Kejriwal government forcing the President's rule in Delhi. The memorandum was subsequently forwarded by the President's secretariat to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) for "proper attention".

In a joint press conference, Leader of Opposition Vijender Gupta posed 10 questions to the AAP and demanded it to furnish a list of decisions taken by Kejriwal from the jail. How many government decisions were made by Kejriwal while in jail, and how many cabinet meetings were held during this period? Why has the National Capital Civil Service Authority (NCCSA), chaired by Kejriwal, has not held a single meeting in the past eight months, leaving crucial decisions regarding senior administrative officers pending, he asked.

He alleged deliberate delay in not forming the sixth Delhi Finance Commission and asked why the AAP government is postponing the election for the MCDs standing committee. Why 11 reports from the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) have not been presented in the assembly? he questioned.

The LoP claimed that on March 15, the Chief Secretary submitted a detailed report on financial irregularities in the Delhi Jal Board to Water Minister Atishi. Why Atishi keep this report to herself instead of presenting it in the assembly and questioning her intentions in suppressing the report? he stated.

He accused the AAP of not implementing the central governments 'Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Yojana' in Delhi. Under the PM-ABHIM scheme, the central government provided Rs 2,406 crore to the Delhi government for the creation of modern labs and ICU centers, he said, questioning the Delhi government for not utilising this fund and demanded an explanation.

Gupta said that if the AAP fails to reply to the 10 questions, it will be clear that the ruling party has no answers to the "constitutional crisis" and "violations of Constitution" and its government is "guilty".

Kejriwal is in judicial custody at the Tihar Jail since his arrest on March 21 in the excise policy case. The AAP had earlier asserted that Kejriwal would not resign from the chief minister's post and run the government from jail.
In a two-pronged strategy for convenience of commuters, the Delhi government has announced the compounding of traffic offences at 50 percent of the challan amount under specific sections of the Motor Vehicles Act.

The provision will ensure convenience to commuters by encouraging them to settle traffic fines and reduce the workload on courts and the Transport Department.

Offences must be settled within 90 days of the notification for any existing challan, or within 30 days for subsequent challans issued after the notification.

The sections include 177, 178(1)or(2), 178(3)(a), 178(3)(b), 179(1) or (2), 180, 181, 182(1), 182(2), 182A(1), 182A(3), 182A(4), 182B, 183(i), 183(ii), 184, 186, 189, 190(2), 192(1), 192A, 194(1), 194(2), 194A, 194B (1)&(2), 194C, 194D, 194E, 194F (a) & (b), 196 and 198 of the Motor Vehicle Act 1988 and rules framed their under.

The sections cover offences such as the owner of the vehicle allowing unauthorised person to drive it; driving without a valid license; dangerous driving; driving when mentally or physically unfit to drive; anyone who takes part in or permits a race or speed trial between motor vehicles in a public place without permission; driving an uninsured vehicle; driving a motor vehicle without registration, etc.

This provision aims to encourage citizens to clear their traffic fines promptly, thereby avoiding prolonged legal disputes.

Additionally, the Delhi government has authorized officers of the rank of Head Constable and above from the Delhi Traffic Police and the Transport Department, as well as Assistant Traffic Inspectors (ATIs) of the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC), to compound traffic offences under some of the sections of the Motor Vehicle Act 1988.

Commenting on the initiative, Delhi's Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot said, By rationalizing the compounding fees and delegating compounding powers, we are making it easier for citizens to comply with traffic regulations while enhancing enforcement efforts. This will ensure smoother public transportation and help keep our roads safer and more organized.

The decision aligns with the Kejriwal governments ongoing efforts to streamline public safety measures and improve the enforcement of traffic rules.

Empowering ATIs, who are present on bus lanes during operational hours, will ensure real-time enforcement and support the smooth functioning of public transport systems, particularly buses.

This delegation of compounding of fines to various officers addresses the increasing workload of the Transport Department officers while making on-the-ground enforcement more efficient.
The well calibrated aggressive foreign policy of the present government, which is equally well executed by the mercurial foreign minister S Jaishankar is haunting China. It is definitely on the backfoot and its frustration was vented in an article by an anonymous writer in the Global Times , the official mouthpiece of the Chinese Communist Party, accusing Jaishankar of being afraid as and when relations start to improve between the two nations so as to please America. The article immediately caught the attention of the world, but it was removed suddenly not only from the Global Times but also from the social media platforms in China.

Let's examine the possible agenda behind such an article in the first place because it must not be a goof up. The removal of the article thereafter might be the result of a hit and run case or the result of an afterthought. S. Jaishankar is neither pro America nor anti America. As a matter of fact he is not inclined to any nation. He is truly neutral and national interest is paramount to him. He did not buckle down under the western pressure led by America which wanted him to support the cause of Ukraine and crticise Russia. He did not do that. This policy was well grounded in our policy of non alignment since independence and in the modern diplomatic jargon ' strategic autonomy ' which is pro active than before. Supporting Ukraine would have been supporting NATO. The crux of the problem is the Ukranian desire to become a member of NATO . This desire was planted and groomed by America so as to further encircle Russia which was emasculated after the disintegration of the USSR . There was no need to do so. Putin's aggression and strong leadership can not match the power of America led NATO. It is true that Russia has ambitions in the area, but it is equally true that it was a superpower and it must be given space for elbow maneuvering. The American policy of aggression has led to this mess. Moreover, Russia is a time tested friend.

S. Jaishankar showed the pro active element of strategic autonomy when the country decided to buy the crude oil from Russia at discounted prices in spite of American sanctions against Russia. He boldly defended the Indian decision to do so in a language whose tone and tenor was shocking to the West. The icing on the cake was that India exported the refined Russian crude to the West and minted money. Therefore, the accusation of the article is baseless and unfounded.

The Chinese criticism is aimed at blunting the sharp diplomatic acumen of S.jaishankar in the forthcoming BRICS Meet in Russia so that the domination of India could be marginalised and put him on the backfoot vis-a-vis China. These are very old and outdated tactics and China needs to think of something new and path breaking tactics to tame Jaishankar.

Another objective might be to discredit India which is fast emerging as a possible and acceptable mediator between Russia and Ukraine. China vies for this role, but it has lost credibility by clandestinely helping Russia. America, too, would not like China to further cement its place as a global player. Just imagine the stature India would gain if Putin and Jelensky meet in Delhi under the mediation of India and arrive at an amicable breakthrough. It would be a huge blow to China with whom we have been on a standoff for the last more than four years.

India is the balancing factor in any future conflict involving the big powers of the world. India realizes it and S. Jaishankar is full of self belief. No nation can deny India its rightful place in the international strategic game.

The writer is a noted academician and political commentator. Views expressed in the article are personal.
A three year old girl child was allegedly raped by a 25 year old boy near her house late night on Monday in Delhis Begumpur in Rohini area.

According to the police on Wednesday, on Monday, a PCR call regarding rape of a girl child aged about three years was received at Begumpur police station late night. The accused has been nabbed and sent to judicial custody.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Rohini GS Sandhu informed that upon receiving the complaint, the local police immediately reached the spot in Jain Nagar. The mother of the victim child reported that her three year -old daughter was sleeping on the cot in the street in front of her house, he said.

Sandhu added that while the mother went inside, the accused raped her daughter. After some time she noticed that her daughter was missing from the cot. She made a search for her daughter and found her in the bushes in the vicinity, he said.

The mother also claimed that a boy was also present there who ran away after seeing her. On the statement of the victims mother, a case under section 65 (2) of BNS (Punishment for rape in certain cases ) and section 6 of POCSO Act was registered at Begumpur police station, he stated.

The girl child was also medically examined at Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar hospital . He also remarked that further investigation is underway in the case. Further, the boy was a distant relative of the girl child..
National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of a disturbing media report about a pregnant woman who was left unattended for 27 hours at the MGM Hospital, Jamshedpur, resulting in the death of her unborn child. The woman, referred to the hospital by a Community Health Centre for better care, was reportedly forced to lie on the hospital floor due to the unavailability of beds. Despite her severe labour pain, no medical assistance was provided, leading to the tragic loss of her baby the following day.

The NHRC has expressed grave concern over the incident, observing that the media report raises serious questions about the violation of human rights. Additionally, it was reported that another woman, who had given birth, was also being treated on the floor due to a lack of beds, highlighting further lapses in hospital management.

In response to these allegations, the Commission has issued a notice to the Chief Secretary of the Government of Jharkhand, demanding a detailed report within two weeks. The report is expected to address the current health status of the victim woman, the availability of beds, and other medical facilities in government hospitals across the state. Furthermore, the NHRC has requested clarification on whether any compensation has been provided to the aggrieved family.

The NHRC's swift intervention in this case underscores the urgency of addressing systemic failures in public healthcare institutions and ensuring that the basic rights of citizens, particularly vulnerable women in need of medical care, are protected. The Commissions notice has put pressure on the state government to conduct a thorough investigation and take corrective action.
Manatu police have solved a murder case in less than a week where if it had got delayed it would have meant jail and other atrocities for the 7 named accused!

OC Manatu Nirmal Oraon is a very dedicated investigator, said the locals in Manatu.

A 68 year old man identified as Raja Yadav was killed with wooden poles in his sleep on September 5 night at village Ghungree under the Manatu police station limits.

The deceased's wife Radha Devi lodged the FIR on September 6. She named 7 accused of this murder of her husband along with 10 or 12 unknown people.

Manatu police station officer in charge Nirmal Oraon investigated the case with professionalism.

It resulted in the arrest of 2 not listed among the 7 named accused.

The two arrested were Mukesh Kumar, 23 and Yogender Singh, 28.

Mukesh Kumar had returned home to Gunghree village from Maharashtra Jalna company only on September 3.

Police officer Nirmal Oraon said Mukesh had a deep seated revenge for Raja Yadav. He used to blame Raja Yadav for the death of his niece three years ago.

Mukesh had this strong belief that Raja Yadav practices witchcraft and had cast evil eyes on his niece who ultimately died.

Police officer Oraon said on September 5 Mukesh and his partner Yogender pulled mugs of wine twice and in an inebriated condition murdered Raja Yadav in his sleep at night with two wooden poles.

It was Raja Yadav whose luck had failed. He on that fateful night slept not in the room of his house but outside and that tempted Mukesh and Yogender to finish him. And they finished him.

Police officer Nirmal Oraon admitted that the two arrested and jailed didn't mention name of any of the 7 named accused.

Nevertheless the 7 named accused will have to move court for bail in apprehension of their arrest under section 482 of the Bhartiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita 2023 court sources said.
BARK (NYSE:BARK  Get Free Report) and National Waste Management (OTCMKTS:NWMH  Get Free Report) are both small-cap retail/wholesale companies, but which is the superior business? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their profitability, institutional ownership, earnings, valuation, dividends, analyst recommendations and risk.

Institutional and Insider Ownership

28.8% of BARK shares are owned by institutional investors. 14.4% of BARK shares are owned by company insiders. Comparatively, 95.6% of National Waste Management shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, endowments and hedge funds believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term.

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Analyst Recommendations

This is a breakdown of recent recommendations and price targets for BARK and National Waste Management, as provided by MarketBeat.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score BARK 0 2 1 0 2.33 National Waste Management 0 0 0 0 N/A

Profitability

BARK currently has a consensus price target of $1.63, suggesting a potential downside of 1.61%.

This table compares BARK and National Waste Managements net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets BARK -7.28% -19.27% -8.50% National Waste Management N/A N/A N/A

Earnings & Valuation

This table compares BARK and National Waste Managements gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio BARK $490.18 million 0.59 -$37.01 million ($0.22) -7.55 National Waste Management N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

National Waste Management has lower revenue, but higher earnings than BARK.

Risk and Volatility

BARK has a beta of 1.71, meaning that its stock price is 71% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, National Waste Management has a beta of -1, meaning that its stock price is 200% less volatile than the S&P 500.

About BARK

(Get Free Report)

BARK Inc., a dog-centric company, provides products, services, and content for dogs. It operates in two segments, Direct to Consumer and Commerce. The company serves dogs through monthly subscription services. It is also involved in the design of playstyle-specific toys, satisfying treats, personal meal plans with supplements, and dog-first experiences designed to foster health and happiness of dogs everywhere. In addition, the company offers monthly themed box of toys and treats under the BarkBox and Super Chewer names; personalized meal plans under the BARK Food name; health and wellness products under the BARK Bright name; and dog beds, bowls, collars, harnesses, and leashes under the BARK Home brand. Further, the company sells BARK Home products through BarkShop.com. Additionally, it offers custom collections through online marketplaces, and brick and mortar retailers. The company was formerly known as The Original BARK Company and changed its name to BARK, Inc. in November 2021. BARK Inc. was incorporated in 2011 and is headquartered in New York, New York.

About National Waste Management

(Get Free Report)

National Waste Management Holdings, Inc. operates as a waste management company in Upstate New York and Central Florida. The company offers construction and demolition landfill services; and commercial and residential dumpster services and roll-off boxes for construction and clean-up projects specializing in the removal of debris, garbage, waste, hauling construction, and demolition debris. It also provides trash collection services, roll-off services, and a full service transfer station; and wood grinding, demolition, mulch, and gravel services for the industrial and residential markets. The company was founded in 1986 and is headquartered in Hernando, Florida.

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LSB Industries, Inc. (NYSE:LXU  Get Free Report) has been assigned an average recommendation of Hold from the four ratings firms that are covering the firm, MarketBeat.com reports. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, one has issued a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the company. The average twelve-month price target among brokers that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $9.69.

Several research firms have recently commented on LXU. Royal Bank of Canada reiterated an outperform rating and set a $10.00 price objective on shares of LSB Industries in a research note on Monday, August 12th. UBS Group dropped their price target on LSB Industries from $9.25 to $8.75 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, July 9th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft raised their price objective on LSB Industries from $9.00 to $11.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, May 29th. Finally, Piper Sandler lifted their target price on LSB Industries from $8.80 to $9.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a report on Thursday, August 8th.

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Institutional Inflows and Outflows

LSB Industries Trading Down 0.8 %

Several institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. nVerses Capital LLC purchased a new position in LSB Industries in the second quarter valued at $34,000. Bayesian Capital Management LP purchased a new position in shares of LSB Industries in the 1st quarter valued at about $97,000. Zurcher Kantonalbank Zurich Cantonalbank raised its holdings in LSB Industries by 154.4% in the 4th quarter. Zurcher Kantonalbank Zurich Cantonalbank now owns 11,657 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $109,000 after purchasing an additional 7,074 shares during the period. Squarepoint Ops LLC purchased a new position in LSB Industries during the second quarter worth approximately $116,000. Finally, Susquehanna Fundamental Investments LLC purchased a new position in LSB Industries during the second quarter worth approximately $118,000. 73.67% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Shares of NYSE:LXU opened at $7.13 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.92, a current ratio of 3.41 and a quick ratio of 3.19. The firm has a market capitalization of $510.65 million, a P/E ratio of 29.71, a P/E/G ratio of 1.33 and a beta of 0.83. The businesss 50-day moving average is $8.04 and its 200 day moving average is $8.29. LSB Industries has a 1 year low of $6.74 and a 1 year high of $10.83.

LSB Industries (NYSE:LXU  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, July 31st. The conglomerate reported $0.13 EPS for the quarter, meeting the consensus estimate of $0.13. The firm had revenue of $140.07 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $147.09 million. LSB Industries had a net margin of 0.40% and a return on equity of 1.29%. On average, research analysts predict that LSB Industries will post 0.22 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

LSB Industries Company Profile

(Get Free Report

LSB Industries, Inc engages in the manufacture, marketing, and sale of chemical products. The company provides nitrogen-based fertilizers, such as ammonia, fertilizer grade high density ammonium nitrate (HDAN), and urea ammonia nitrate for fertilizer for corn, pastures, and other crops, as well as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) fertilizer blends application.

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Athena Investment Management raised its stake in shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (NYSE:ADM  Free Report) by 1.6% during the second quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 14,280 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 229 shares during the quarter. Athena Investment Managements holdings in Archer-Daniels-Midland were worth $863,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of ADM. Sachetta LLC raised its holdings in Archer-Daniels-Midland by 39.8% during the 2nd quarter. Sachetta LLC now owns 737 shares of the companys stock valued at $46,000 after buying an additional 210 shares during the period. Dorsey & Whitney Trust CO LLC raised its stake in shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland by 9.3% in the second quarter. Dorsey & Whitney Trust CO LLC now owns 3,710 shares of the companys stock valued at $224,000 after acquiring an additional 316 shares during the period. Invesco LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland by 5.2% in the 2nd quarter. Invesco LLC now owns 14,746 shares of the companys stock worth $891,000 after acquiring an additional 734 shares during the last quarter. Choreo LLC boosted its stake in shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland by 180.8% during the 2nd quarter. Choreo LLC now owns 13,359 shares of the companys stock worth $810,000 after purchasing an additional 8,601 shares during the period. Finally, Quest Partners LLC grew its holdings in Archer-Daniels-Midland by 187.7% during the 2nd quarter. Quest Partners LLC now owns 3,234 shares of the companys stock valued at $195,000 after purchasing an additional 2,110 shares during the last quarter. 78.28% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Archer-Daniels-Midland Stock Down 0.7 %

Shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland stock opened at $59.06 on Wednesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.37, a current ratio of 1.44 and a quick ratio of 0.88. The stock has a market cap of $29.20 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.36 and a beta of 0.72. The firms 50-day moving average is $61.18 and its two-hundred day moving average is $60.62. Archer-Daniels-Midland Company has a 1 year low of $50.72 and a 1 year high of $80.96.

Archer-Daniels-Midland Dividend Announcement

Archer-Daniels-Midland ( NYSE:ADM Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, July 30th. The company reported $1.03 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.22 by ($0.19). The business had revenue of $22.25 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $23.12 billion. Archer-Daniels-Midland had a net margin of 2.93% and a return on equity of 12.06%. Archer-Daniels-Midlands revenue for the quarter was down 11.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted $1.89 earnings per share. As a group, research analysts expect that Archer-Daniels-Midland Company will post 5.33 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, September 11th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, August 21st will be given a $0.50 dividend. This represents a $2.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.39%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, August 21st. Archer-Daniels-Midlands payout ratio is 35.09%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several analysts have issued reports on ADM shares. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price objective on shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland from $65.00 to $66.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 31st. UBS Group boosted their price objective on Archer-Daniels-Midland from $60.00 to $64.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Monday. Finally, Citigroup cut their price objective on Archer-Daniels-Midland from $64.00 to $63.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, July 15th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating and fifteen have issued a hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $65.62.

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Insider Buying and Selling

In other Archer-Daniels-Midland news, CEO Juan R. Luciano sold 3,683 shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, August 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $61.00, for a total value of $224,663.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 265,210 shares in the company, valued at $16,177,810. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. In other news, CEO Juan R. Luciano sold 3,683 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, August 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $61.00, for a total value of $224,663.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 265,210 shares in the company, valued at approximately $16,177,810. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Also, CEO Juan R. Luciano sold 170,194 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, September 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $60.51, for a total transaction of $10,298,438.94. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 265,210 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $16,047,857.10. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 219,348 shares of company stock worth $13,296,833 in the last three months. 1.20% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Archer-Daniels-Midland Profile

(Free Report)

Archer-Daniels-Midland Company engages in the procurement, transportation, storage, processing, and merchandising of agricultural commodities, ingredients, flavors, and solutions in the United States, Switzerland, the Cayman Islands, Brazil, Mexico, Canada, the United Kingdom, and internationally. It operates in three segments: Ag Services and Oilseeds, Carbohydrate Solutions, and Nutrition.

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Blue Square Asset Management LLC increased its stake in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE:CMG  Free Report) by 4,900.0% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 5,250 shares of the restaurant operators stock after purchasing an additional 5,145 shares during the quarter. Blue Square Asset Management LLCs holdings in Chipotle Mexican Grill were worth $329,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in CMG. Thurston Springer Miller Herd & Titak Inc. purchased a new stake in Chipotle Mexican Grill during the 2nd quarter worth about $25,000. Riverview Trust Co increased its position in Chipotle Mexican Grill by 4,900.0% during the 2nd quarter. Riverview Trust Co now owns 400 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $25,000 after purchasing an additional 392 shares in the last quarter. RiverPark Advisors LLC increased its position in Chipotle Mexican Grill by 4,900.0% during the 2nd quarter. RiverPark Advisors LLC now owns 400 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $25,000 after purchasing an additional 392 shares in the last quarter. Archer Investment Corp purchased a new stake in Chipotle Mexican Grill during the 2nd quarter worth about $25,000. Finally, Chilton Capital Management LLC purchased a new stake in Chipotle Mexican Grill during the 2nd quarter worth about $27,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 91.31% of the companys stock.

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Insider Buying and Selling at Chipotle Mexican Grill

In other Chipotle Mexican Grill news, insider Curtis E. Garner sold 17,394 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, August 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $54.68, for a total value of $951,103.92. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 358,300 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $19,591,844. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. 1.02% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several analysts have commented on CMG shares. Stephens restated an equal weight rating and issued a $61.00 price target on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill in a report on Tuesday, August 13th. Stifel Nicolaus restated a buy rating and issued a $70.00 price target on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill in a report on Wednesday, August 14th. Barclays lowered their price target on Chipotle Mexican Grill from $58.00 to $55.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a report on Thursday, July 25th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft restated a buy rating and issued a $67.00 price target on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill in a report on Wednesday, August 14th. Finally, Evercore ISI lowered their price target on Chipotle Mexican Grill from $65.00 to $59.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, August 14th. Ten analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eighteen have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $62.36.

Check Out Our Latest Research Report on Chipotle Mexican Grill

Chipotle Mexican Grill Stock Performance

Chipotle Mexican Grill stock opened at $54.21 on Wednesday. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $54.66 and its 200 day moving average price is $81.03. The firm has a market capitalization of $74.44 billion, a PE ratio of 57.66, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.24 and a beta of 1.25. Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. has a one year low of $35.37 and a one year high of $69.26.

Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE:CMG  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, July 24th. The restaurant operator reported $0.34 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.32 by $0.02. Chipotle Mexican Grill had a return on equity of 44.01% and a net margin of 13.23%. The company had revenue of $2.97 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.94 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $12.65 EPS. Chipotle Mexican Grills quarterly revenue was up 18.2% on a year-over-year basis. On average, analysts forecast that Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. will post 1.08 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Chipotle Mexican Grill Profile

(Free Report)

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, owns and operates Chipotle Mexican Grill restaurants. It sells food and beverages through offering burritos, burrito bowls, quesadillas, tacos, and salads. The company also provides delivery and related services its app and website. It has operations in the United States, Canada, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom.

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Brasada Capital Management LP trimmed its holdings in Rexford Industrial Realty, Inc. (NYSE:REXR  Free Report) by 51.7% in the second quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 55,823 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after selling 59,860 shares during the quarter. Brasada Capital Management LPs holdings in Rexford Industrial Realty were worth $2,743,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of the business. Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADV raised its holdings in Rexford Industrial Realty by 169.4% in the 2nd quarter. Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADV now owns 555 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $25,000 after acquiring an additional 349 shares during the last quarter. V Square Quantitative Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Rexford Industrial Realty in the second quarter valued at approximately $26,000. Headlands Technologies LLC purchased a new position in Rexford Industrial Realty during the second quarter worth approximately $41,000. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its stake in Rexford Industrial Realty by 1,252.2% during the first quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 933 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $47,000 after buying an additional 864 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Advisors Asset Management Inc. grew its holdings in Rexford Industrial Realty by 136.6% in the 1st quarter. Advisors Asset Management Inc. now owns 1,086 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $55,000 after buying an additional 627 shares in the last quarter. 99.52% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

REXR has been the topic of several analyst reports. Mizuho reduced their price target on Rexford Industrial Realty from $50.00 to $49.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, September 5th. Scotiabank boosted 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 report on Monday, August 26th. Evercore ISI increased their price target on shares of Rexford Industrial Realty from $55.00 to $57.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, August 28th. Truist Financial lifted their price target on shares of Rexford Industrial Realty from $50.00 to $54.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, July 30th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their price objective on Rexford Industrial Realty from $47.00 to $52.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Thursday, July 25th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have assigned a hold rating and six have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Rexford Industrial Realty currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $54.00.

Insider Transactions at Rexford Industrial Realty

In related news, CEO Howard Schwimmer sold 30,358 shares of Rexford Industrial Realty stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, July 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of $48.86, for a total value of $1,483,291.88. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 50,673 shares in the company, valued at $2,475,882.78. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Corporate insiders own 1.20% of the companys stock.

Rexford Industrial Realty Stock Up 1.5 %

Rexford Industrial Realty stock opened at $50.59 on Wednesday. The company has a market capitalization of $11.11 billion, a PE ratio of 46.41, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.02 and a beta of 0.93. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.41, a quick ratio of 1.73 and a current ratio of 1.73. Rexford Industrial Realty, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $41.56 and a fifty-two week high of $58.02. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $49.32 and a 200 day moving average price of $47.69.

Rexford Industrial Realty (NYSE:REXR  Get Free Report) last issued 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). Rexford Industrial Realty had a net margin of 30.71% and a return on equity of 3.31%. The firm had revenue of $237.60 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $227.70 million. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $0.54 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was up 21.3% compared to the same quarter last year. 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 firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, October 15th. Shareholders of record on Monday, September 30th will be paid a dividend of $0.4175 per share. The ex-dividend date is Monday, September 30th. This is a positive change from Rexford Industrial Realtys previous quarterly dividend of $0.42. This represents a $1.67 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.30%. Rexford Industrial Realtys dividend payout ratio is 153.21%.

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.

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Brasada Capital Management LP reduced its holdings in shares of Chart Industries, Inc. (NYSE:GTLS  Free Report) by 40.5% during the second quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 10,000 shares of the industrial products companys stock after selling 6,812 shares during the quarter. Brasada Capital Management LPs holdings in Chart Industries were worth $1,514,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of GTLS. SIR Capital Management L.P. raised its stake in shares of Chart Industries by 74.7% during the 2nd quarter. SIR Capital Management L.P. now owns 97,342 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $14,050,000 after purchasing an additional 41,626 shares during the period. Texas Permanent School Fund Corp increased its holdings in Chart Industries by 2.9% during the second quarter. Texas Permanent School Fund Corp now owns 37,789 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $5,454,000 after buying an additional 1,070 shares during the last quarter. Choreo LLC bought a new stake in Chart Industries in the second quarter worth about $538,000. Caprock Group LLC raised its position in Chart Industries by 8.8% in the second quarter. Caprock Group LLC now owns 1,600 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $231,000 after acquiring an additional 130 shares during the period. Finally, Los Angeles Capital Management LLC boosted its stake in Chart Industries by 17.2% in the second quarter. Los Angeles Capital Management LLC now owns 4,156 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $600,000 after acquiring an additional 610 shares during the last quarter.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several brokerages have recently issued reports on GTLS. Bank of America raised their price target on shares of Chart Industries from $180.00 to $185.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Monday, July 15th. The Goldman Sachs Group decreased their target price on Chart Industries from $168.00 to $144.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, August 29th. Barclays dropped their price target on Chart Industries from $193.00 to $147.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, August 6th. Craig Hallum decreased their price objective on Chart Industries from $229.00 to $199.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Monday, August 5th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus restated a buy rating and issued a $199.00 price objective on shares of Chart Industries in a research note on Monday, August 26th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have issued a hold rating, eight have given a buy rating and two have assigned a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $187.46.

Chart Industries Stock Down 3.1 %

GTLS stock opened at $106.67 on Wednesday. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $134.01 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $144.37. Chart Industries, Inc. has a twelve month low of $104.33 and a twelve month high of $179.43. The firm has a market capitalization of $4.57 billion, a PE ratio of 106.67, a PEG ratio of 0.35 and a beta of 1.70. The company has a quick ratio of 0.98, a current ratio of 1.27 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.28.

Chart Industries (NYSE:GTLS  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Friday, August 2nd. The industrial products company reported $2.18 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $2.57 by ($0.39). Chart Industries had a net margin of 2.80% and a return on equity of 12.27%. The firm had revenue of $1.04 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.11 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $1.19 EPS. Chart Industriess revenue was up 14.5% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities analysts predict that Chart Industries, Inc. will post 10.57 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Insider Transactions at Chart Industries

In other Chart Industries news, CEO Jillian C. Evanko acquired 440 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, September 5th. The stock was bought at an average price of $114.31 per share, with a total value of $50,296.40. Following the completion of the purchase, the chief executive officer now owns 125,448 shares of the companys stock, valued at $14,339,960.88. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Insiders own 0.95% of the companys stock.

Chart Industries Company Profile

(Free Report)

Chart Industries, Inc engages in the designing, engineering, and manufacturing of process technologies and equipment for the gas and liquid molecules in the United States and internationally. The company operates in four segments: Cryo Tank Solutions, Heat Transfer Systems, Specialty Products, and Repair, Service & Leasing.

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Shares of Canadian Utilities Limited (TSE:CU  Get Free Report) hit a new 52-week high during trading on Wednesday . The company traded as high as C$35.14 and last traded at C$35.08, with a volume of 72000 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at C$34.95.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of research firms recently issued reports on CU. BMO Capital Markets boosted their price objective on Canadian Utilities from C$35.50 to C$37.00 in a research note on Thursday, September 5th. National Bankshares raised their price objective on shares of Canadian Utilities from C$34.00 to C$37.00 in a research report on Friday, August 23rd. Scotiabank upped their target price on shares of Canadian Utilities from C$34.00 to C$36.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a report on Tuesday, August 20th. Finally, CIBC increased their target price on shares of Canadian Utilities from C$34.00 to C$35.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Tuesday, August 6th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and one has issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Canadian Utilities has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of C$36.17.

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Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on Canadian Utilities

Canadian Utilities Price Performance

The firms 50 day simple moving average is C$32.08 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is C$31.20. The firm has a market capitalization of C$7.19 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.68, a P/E/G ratio of 2.38 and a beta of 0.65. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 149.94, a current ratio of 1.29 and a quick ratio of 1.30.

Canadian Utilities (TSE:CU  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Friday, August 2nd. The company reported C$0.43 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of C$0.42 by C$0.01. Canadian Utilities had a net margin of 16.43% and a return on equity of 8.72%. The firm had revenue of C$860.00 million for the quarter. As a group, analysts predict that Canadian Utilities Limited will post 2.4100069 earnings per share for the current year.

Canadian Utilities Announces Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Sunday, September 1st. Investors of record on Thursday, August 8th were paid a $0.453 dividend. This represents a $1.81 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 5.16%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, August 8th. Canadian Utilitiess payout ratio is 91.41%.

Canadian Utilities Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Canadian Utilities Limited, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the electricity, natural gas, renewables, pipelines, liquids, and retail energy businesses in Canada, Australia, and internationally. It operates through ATCO Energy Systems, ATCO EnPower, and Corporate & Other segments. The ATCO Energy Systems segment provides regulated electricity transmission and distribution services in northern and central east Alberta, the Yukon, the Northwest Territories, and the Lloydminster area of Saskatchewan; and integrated natural gas transmission and distribution services in Alberta, the Lloydminster area of Saskatchewan, and Western Australia.

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Lundin Gold (TSE:LUG  Get Free Report) had its target price lifted by equities researchers at CIBC from C$28.00 to C$34.00 in a research report issued to clients and investors on Wednesday, BayStreet.CA reports. The firm presently has an outperform rating on the stock. CIBCs target price would suggest a potential upside of 22.39% from the companys previous close.

A number of other analysts have also recently commented on LUG. Scotiabank increased their price target on shares of Lundin Gold from C$23.50 to C$25.50 in a research note on Monday, August 19th. TD Securities increased their price objective on shares of Lundin Gold from C$24.00 to C$27.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, July 30th. Raymond James increased their price objective on shares of Lundin Gold from C$21.00 to C$25.00 in a research report on Wednesday, July 31st. National Bank Financial raised shares of Lundin Gold from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Sunday, July 7th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group lifted their price target on shares of Lundin Gold from C$26.00 to C$29.00 in a report on Monday. One research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating, six have issued a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Buy and an average price target of C$27.08.

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Lundin Gold Price Performance

Shares of TSE LUG traded up C$0.39 during trading on Wednesday, reaching C$27.78. The company had a trading volume of 124,730 shares, compared to its average volume of 252,952. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 14.28, a quick ratio of 1.41 and a current ratio of 1.98. The stock has a market cap of C$6.66 billion, a PE ratio of 21.73 and a beta of 1.23. The businesss 50 day moving average price is C$24.28 and its 200-day moving average price is C$20.79. Lundin Gold has a 52 week low of C$14.23 and a 52 week high of C$28.26.

Lundin Gold (TSE:LUG  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, August 8th. The company reported C$0.55 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of C$0.62 by C($0.07). Lundin Gold had a return on equity of 22.88% and a net margin of 24.30%. The business had revenue of C$412.43 million for the quarter. Analysts expect that Lundin Gold will post 2.5546059 earnings per share for the current year.

Insider Activity at Lundin Gold

In other news, Senior Officer Chester See sold 30,100 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, June 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of C$20.27, for a total value of C$610,253.42. 58.79% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

About Lundin Gold

(Get Free Report)

Lundin Gold Inc operates as a mining company in Canada. The company holds interests in 28 metallic mineral concessions and three construction material concessions covering an area of approximately 64,454 hectares located in Southeast Ecuador. It primary holds 100% interests in the Fruta del Norte gold project that comprising seven concessions covering an area of approximately 5,566 hectares located near the city of Loja in Ecuador.

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ClariVest Asset Management LLC decreased its holdings in Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY  Free Report) by 3.1% in the second quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 14,487 shares of the companys stock after selling 470 shares during the quarter. Eli Lilly and Company comprises approximately 1.3% of ClariVest Asset Management LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 8th biggest position. ClariVest Asset Management LLCs holdings in Eli Lilly and Company were worth $13,116,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. Lynx Investment Advisory bought a new stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company during the 2nd quarter valued at $32,000. LGT Financial Advisors LLC bought a new stake in Eli Lilly and Company in the second quarter worth about $36,000. Morton Brown Family Wealth LLC lifted its position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 45.5% during the second quarter. Morton Brown Family Wealth LLC now owns 48 shares of the companys stock worth $41,000 after purchasing an additional 15 shares during the last quarter. Core Wealth Advisors Inc. grew its stake in Eli Lilly and Company by 188.2% in the 4th quarter. Core Wealth Advisors Inc. now owns 49 shares of the companys stock worth $29,000 after acquiring an additional 32 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Activest Wealth Management purchased a new stake in Eli Lilly and Company in the first quarter worth about $39,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 82.53% of the companys stock.

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Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, major shareholder Lilly Endowment Inc sold 194,978 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, June 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $885.91, for a total value of $172,732,959.98. Following the sale, the insider now owns 97,583,810 shares of the companys stock, valued at $86,450,473,117.10. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Insiders sold 661,900 shares of company stock worth $604,721,602 over the last ninety days. 0.13% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Eli Lilly and Company Price Performance

Shares of Eli Lilly and Company stock opened at $901.28 on Wednesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.74, a current ratio of 1.11 and a quick ratio of 0.87. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $895.74 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $830.47. Eli Lilly and Company has a fifty-two week low of $516.57 and a fifty-two week high of $972.53. The company has a market cap of $856.60 billion, a PE ratio of 132.74, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.73 and a beta of 0.42.

Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY  Get Free Report) last issued 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. The company had revenue of $11.30 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $9.83 billion. Eli Lilly and Company had a return on equity of 67.52% and a net margin of 18.86%. Analysts expect that Eli Lilly and Company will post 16.51 EPS for the current year.

Eli Lilly and Company Dividend Announcement

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, September 10th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, August 15th were given a dividend of $1.30 per share. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, August 15th. This represents a $5.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.58%. Eli Lilly and Companys dividend payout ratio is 76.58%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of research firms have commented on LLY. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft upgraded Eli Lilly and Company from a hold rating to a buy rating and increased their price target for the company from $725.00 to $1,025.00 in a research note on Monday, August 12th. Argus lifted their price objective on Eli Lilly and Company from $770.00 to $840.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, May 14th. Guggenheim raised their target price on Eli Lilly and Company from $884.00 to $1,030.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Friday, August 16th. Bank of America increased their target price on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $1,000.00 to $1,125.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Friday, August 9th. Finally, BMO Capital Markets lifted their target price on Eli Lilly and Company from $1,001.00 to $1,101.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Friday, August 9th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seventeen have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Eli Lilly and Company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $961.76.

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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.

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Coldstream Capital Management Inc. lessened its holdings in Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO  Free Report) by 1.4% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 20,533 shares of the companys stock after selling 287 shares during the period. Coldstream Capital Management Inc.s holdings in Novo Nordisk A/S were worth $2,931,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the company. First PREMIER Bank purchased a new position in Novo Nordisk A/S during the 1st quarter valued at about $25,000. 1620 Investment Advisors Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S during the second quarter worth approximately $25,000. Dixon Mitchell Investment Counsel Inc. purchased a new position in Novo Nordisk A/S during the first quarter valued at approximately $26,000. Orion Capital Management LLC acquired a new position in Novo Nordisk A/S in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $26,000. Finally, Gilliland Jeter Wealth Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S by 200.0% during the 2nd quarter. Gilliland Jeter Wealth Management LLC now owns 180 shares of the companys stock valued at $26,000 after buying an additional 120 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 11.54% of the companys stock.

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Novo Nordisk A/S Trading Down 1.6 %

Shares of NVO stock opened at $129.76 on Wednesday. Novo Nordisk A/S has a 12 month low of $86.96 and a 12 month high of $148.15. The company has a market cap of $582.30 billion, a PE ratio of 44.74, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.43 and a beta of 0.42. The company has a quick ratio of 0.75, a current ratio of 0.94 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.46. The businesss 50 day moving average is $134.26 and its two-hundred day moving average is $132.73.

Novo Nordisk A/S Cuts Dividend

Novo Nordisk A/S ( NYSE:NVO Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, August 7th. The company reported $0.65 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.71 by ($0.06). The firm had revenue of $9.82 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $9.91 billion. Novo Nordisk A/S had a net margin of 34.86% and a return on equity of 87.43%. Equities analysts predict that Novo Nordisk A/S will post 3.11 EPS for the current year.

The firm also recently disclosed a semi-annual dividend, which was paid on Monday, August 26th. Investors of record on Friday, August 16th were given a dividend of $0.5126 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, August 16th. This represents a dividend yield of 0.7%. Novo Nordisk A/Ss dividend payout ratio is presently 24.83%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of equities analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. StockNews.com downgraded shares of Novo Nordisk A/S from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research note on Monday, August 19th. 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. The Goldman Sachs Group assumed coverage on Novo Nordisk A/S in a report on Thursday, May 30th. They set a buy rating and a $156.00 price target for the company. BMO Capital Markets dropped their price objective on Novo Nordisk A/S from $170.00 to $160.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, August 8th. 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 research note on Monday, June 10th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $145.17.

View Our Latest Analysis on Novo Nordisk A/S

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.

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Digital Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:DLR  Get Free Report) declared a quarterly dividend on Wednesday, August 7th, RTT News reports. Investors of record on Friday, September 13th will be paid a dividend of 1.22 per share by the real estate investment trust on Monday, September 30th. This represents a $4.88 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.11%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, September 13th.

Digital Realty Trust has a dividend payout ratio of 372.5% indicating that the company cannot currently cover its dividend with earnings alone and is relying on its balance sheet to cover its dividend payments. Analysts expect Digital Realty Trust to earn $7.08 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $4.88 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 68.9%.

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Digital Realty Trust Stock Up 5.0 %

Shares of DLR stock opened at $156.76 on Wednesday. Digital Realty Trust has a fifty-two week low of $113.94 and a fifty-two week high of $162.58. The firm has a market capitalization of $48.98 billion, a PE ratio of 43.54, a P/E/G ratio of 4.73 and a beta of 0.60. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.81, a quick ratio of 1.78 and a current ratio of 1.78. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $151.38 and its 200-day simple moving average is $146.59.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Digital Realty Trust ( NYSE:DLR Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, July 25th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.20 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.63 by ($1.43). Digital Realty Trust had a return on equity of 5.93% and a net margin of 20.58%. The business had revenue of $1.36 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.38 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $1.68 EPS. Digital Realty Trusts quarterly revenue was down .7% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities analysts expect that Digital Realty Trust will post 6.65 earnings per share for the current year.

Several equities research analysts have commented on the stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised shares of Digital Realty Trust from a neutral rating to an overweight rating and upped their price target for the company from $150.00 to $175.00 in a report on Friday, June 28th. BMO Capital Markets raised shares of Digital Realty Trust from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and lifted their price objective for the company from $144.00 to $170.00 in a report on Wednesday, June 26th. Argus downgraded Digital Realty Trust from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, August 1st. The Goldman Sachs Group initiated coverage on Digital Realty Trust in a report on Monday, July 1st. They issued a buy rating and a $175.00 price objective on the stock. Finally, Truist Financial lifted their price target on Digital Realty Trust from $160.00 to $168.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, August 13th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have assigned a hold rating, ten have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Digital Realty Trust currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $154.00.

Read Our Latest Research Report on DLR

Insider Buying and Selling

In other Digital Realty Trust news, Director Jean F. H. P. Mandeville sold 600 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, August 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $150.26, for a total value of $90,156.00. Following the transaction, the director now owns 9,055 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,360,604.30. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Corporate insiders own 0.17% of the companys stock.

About Digital Realty Trust

(Get Free Report)

Digital Realty brings companies and data together by delivering the full spectrum of data center, colocation, and interconnection solutions. PlatformDIGITAL, the company's global data center platform, provides customers with a secure data meeting place and a proven Pervasive Datacenter Architecture (PDx) solution methodology for powering innovation and efficiently managing Data Gravity challenges.

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Factorial Partners LLC boosted its stake in shares of First Horizon Co. (NYSE:FHN  Free Report) by 43.1% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 166,000 shares of the financial services providers stock after purchasing an additional 50,000 shares during the quarter. First Horizon accounts for approximately 1.6% of Factorial Partners LLCs holdings, making the stock its 28th biggest position. Factorial Partners LLCs holdings in First Horizon were worth $2,618,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Texas Permanent School Fund Corp lifted its position in shares of First Horizon by 20.6% in the 2nd quarter. Texas Permanent School Fund Corp now owns 589,621 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $9,298,000 after acquiring an additional 100,592 shares during the period. United Services Automobile Association raised its stake in shares of First Horizon by 7.6% in the second quarter. United Services Automobile Association now owns 44,062 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $695,000 after purchasing an additional 3,126 shares in the last quarter. Choreo LLC bought a new position in First Horizon in the second quarter worth $791,000. Prudential PLC acquired a new stake in First Horizon during the second quarter worth $7,627,000. Finally, Quest Partners LLC increased its holdings in First Horizon by 472.0% in the 2nd quarter. Quest Partners LLC now owns 68,940 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,087,000 after buying an additional 56,888 shares during the period. 80.28% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of equities analysts have recently commented on FHN shares. Royal Bank of Canada raised their price objective on shares of First Horizon from $18.00 to $19.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, July 18th. Robert W. Baird reaffirmed a neutral rating and set a $16.00 price objective on shares of First Horizon in a report on Tuesday, August 6th. StockNews.com upgraded First Horizon from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Saturday, July 20th. Jefferies Financial Group raised their target price on First Horizon from $17.00 to $18.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 3rd. Finally, Raymond James cut First Horizon from a strong-buy rating to an outperform rating and set a $18.00 price target on the stock. in a research report on Thursday, July 18th. Five analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and nine have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $17.31.

First Horizon Trading Down 1.4 %

FHN opened at $15.49 on Wednesday. First Horizon Co. has a 1-year low of $10.08 and a 1-year high of $17.46. The stock has a market capitalization of $8.47 billion, a PE ratio of 10.83, a PEG ratio of 3.11 and a beta of 0.88. The company has a current ratio of 0.95, a quick ratio of 0.95 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.14. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $15.96 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $15.37.

First Horizon (NYSE:FHN  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, July 17th. The financial services provider reported $0.36 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.37 by ($0.01). The company had revenue of $1.28 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $819.82 million. First Horizon had a return on equity of 8.84% and a net margin of 14.03%. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $0.39 EPS. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that First Horizon Co. will post 1.46 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

First Horizon Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, October 1st. Stockholders of record on Friday, September 13th will be given a dividend of $0.15 per share. This represents a $0.60 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.87%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, September 13th. First Horizons dividend payout ratio is 41.96%.

First Horizon Profile

(Free Report)

First Horizon Corporation operates as the bank holding company for First Horizon Bank that provides various financial services. The company operates through Regional Banking and Specialty Banking segments. It offers general banking services for consumers, businesses, financial institutions, and governments.

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Wetzel Investment Advisors Inc. lowered its position in Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. (NYSE:ICE  Free Report) by 16.8% during the second quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 1,639 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 331 shares during the quarter. Wetzel Investment Advisors Inc.s holdings in Intercontinental Exchange were worth $225,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Annapolis Financial Services LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Intercontinental Exchange by 1,018.8% during the 1st quarter. Annapolis Financial Services LLC now owns 179 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $25,000 after buying an additional 163 shares during the last quarter. New Millennium Group LLC acquired a new stake in Intercontinental Exchange in the second quarter valued at approximately $25,000. International Assets Investment Management LLC bought a new stake in Intercontinental Exchange in the second quarter worth approximately $25,000. Redmont Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of Intercontinental Exchange during the 1st quarter worth $26,000. Finally, Scarborough Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of Intercontinental Exchange during the 4th quarter worth $25,000. 89.30% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Intercontinental Exchange Trading Up 0.2 %

Shares of ICE stock opened at $161.96 on Wednesday. The firm has a market capitalization of $92.90 billion, a P/E ratio of 37.15, a price-to-earnings-growth 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 firms fifty day simple moving average is $153.01 and its 200 day simple moving average is $141.55. The company has a current ratio of 0.99, a quick ratio of 0.99 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.69.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Intercontinental Exchange ( NYSE:ICE Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 1st. The financial services provider reported $1.52 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.49 by $0.03. The company had revenue of $2.32 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.31 billion. Intercontinental Exchange had a net margin of 21.43% and a return on equity of 12.70%. The businesss revenue was up 22.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $1.43 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. will post 6.04 EPS for the current year.

Several equities research analysts recently issued reports on the stock. StockNews.com lowered shares of Intercontinental Exchange from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note on Friday, September 6th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods reaffirmed an outperform rating and issued a $168.00 price target on shares of Intercontinental Exchange in a research report on Tuesday, August 6th. Citigroup increased their price objective on Intercontinental Exchange from $160.00 to $162.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, July 9th. The Goldman Sachs Group upgraded Intercontinental Exchange from a neutral rating to a buy rating and boosted their target price for the stock from $143.00 to $167.00 in a report on Monday, July 1st. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft increased their price target on Intercontinental Exchange from $152.00 to $154.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Thursday, August 15th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have given a hold rating, eleven have issued a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $154.93.

Check Out Our Latest Report on Intercontinental Exchange

Insider Buying and Selling

In other Intercontinental Exchange news, Director Judith A. Sprieser sold 1,941 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred 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 completion of the transaction, the director now owns 26,908 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,323,846.52. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. In related news, insider Christopher Scott Edmonds sold 1,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, July 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $148.60, for a total value of $148,600.00. Following the sale, the insider now owns 14,636 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,174,909.60. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, 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 transaction of $311,899.29. Following the transaction, the director now owns 26,908 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,323,846.52. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 66,346 shares of company stock valued at $9,472,911 over the last three months. 1.10% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Intercontinental Exchange 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.

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Shares of Kohls Co. (NYSE:KSS  Get Free Report) dropped 5% during mid-day trading on Wednesday . The stock traded as low as $18.39 and last traded at $18.41. Approximately 2,147,186 shares were traded during mid-day trading, a decline of 63% from the average daily volume of 5,840,915 shares. The stock had previously closed at $19.38.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of equities analysts have commented on the company. Evercore ISI lowered their price objective on Kohls from $22.00 to $20.00 and set an in-line rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, August 29th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut Kohls from a neutral rating to an underweight rating and set a $19.00 price target on the stock. in a research report on Thursday, August 29th. Morgan Stanley cut shares of Kohls to an underweight rating and cut their price objective for the stock from $18.00 to $17.00 in a research report on Tuesday, August 27th. Telsey Advisory Group reiterated a market perform rating and set a $23.00 price objective on shares of Kohls in a research note on Wednesday, August 28th. Finally, Robert W. Baird dropped their target price on shares of Kohls from $27.00 to $25.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, August 29th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, five have given a hold rating and one has given a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Kohls has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $20.67.

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Check Out Our Latest Report on Kohls

Kohls Stock Performance

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.98, a quick ratio of 0.16 and a current ratio of 1.08. The firm has a market cap of $2.10 billion, a P/E ratio of 7.54, a P/E/G ratio of 1.38 and a beta of 1.93. The companys 50 day moving average is $20.58 and its 200 day moving average is $23.35.

Kohls (NYSE:KSS  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, August 28th. The company reported $0.59 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.46 by $0.13. The company had revenue of $3.53 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.69 billion. Kohls had a return on equity of 7.43% and a net margin of 1.66%. Kohlss revenue was down 4.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $0.52 EPS. As a group, equities analysts predict that Kohls Co. will post 1.81 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Kohls Announces Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, September 25th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, September 11th will be paid a $0.50 dividend. This represents a $2.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 10.62%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, September 11th. Kohlss dividend payout ratio is currently 80.65%.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Kohls

A number of hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. Treasurer of the State of North Carolina lifted its position in shares of Kohls by 1.0% in the 4th quarter. Treasurer of the State of North Carolina now owns 49,007 shares of the companys stock worth $1,406,000 after purchasing an additional 470 shares during the period. GAMMA Investing LLC boosted its position in Kohls by 32.5% during the first quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 2,130 shares of the companys stock valued at $62,000 after acquiring an additional 523 shares during the last quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC grew its holdings in Kohls by 14.3% during the 4th quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC now owns 4,581 shares of the companys stock worth $131,000 after acquiring an additional 572 shares during the period. Arizona State Retirement System raised its position in shares of Kohls by 2.0% in the 2nd quarter. Arizona State Retirement System now owns 31,049 shares of the companys stock worth $714,000 after acquiring an additional 623 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Summit Securities Group LLC lifted its stake in shares of Kohls by 50.0% in the 2nd quarter. Summit Securities Group LLC now owns 2,400 shares of the companys stock valued at $55,000 after purchasing an additional 800 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 98.04% of the companys stock.

Kohls Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Kohl's Corporation operates as an omnichannel retailer in the United States. It offers branded apparel, footwear, accessories, beauty, and home products through its stores and website. The company provides its products primarily under the brand names of Croft & Barrow, Jumping Beans, SO, Sonoma Goods for Life, and Tek Gear, as well as Food Network, LC Lauren Conrad, Nine West, and Simply Vera Vera Wang.

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Paramount Group, Inc. (NYSE:PGRE  Get Free Report) has earned a consensus recommendation of Reduce from the five research firms that are presently covering the stock, MarketBeat reports. Two analysts have 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 brokerages that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $4.70.

Separately, Wells Fargo & Company upped their price objective on Paramount Group from $3.50 to $4.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a research report on Wednesday.

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Read Our Latest Research Report on PGRE

Paramount Group Trading Down 1.0 %

Paramount Group Announces Dividend

Shares of PGRE stock traded down $0.05 on Wednesday, hitting $4.77. The stock had a trading volume of 86,490 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,143,357. The firm has a market capitalization of $1.04 billion, a P/E ratio of -4.08, a P/E/G ratio of 0.24 and a beta of 1.25. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.91, a current ratio of 4.39 and a quick ratio of 4.39. The companys 50 day moving average price is $4.94 and its 200-day moving average price is $4.73. Paramount Group has a 1 year low of $4.06 and a 1 year high of $5.92.

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, July 15th. Shareholders of record on Friday, June 28th were issued a $0.035 dividend. This represents a $0.14 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.94%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, June 28th. Paramount Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently -12.07%.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Van ECK Associates Corp boosted its stake in shares of Paramount Group by 7.0% during the 2nd quarter. Van ECK Associates Corp now owns 33,719 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $156,000 after purchasing an additional 2,202 shares during the last quarter. ProShare Advisors LLC boosted its position in Paramount Group by 8.5% during the first quarter. ProShare Advisors LLC now owns 33,259 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $156,000 after acquiring an additional 2,617 shares during the last quarter. Bank of Montreal Can grew its stake in Paramount Group by 2.5% in the 2nd quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 116,636 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $540,000 after acquiring an additional 2,811 shares during the period. Ballentine Partners LLC lifted its stake in shares of Paramount Group by 17.7% during the 1st quarter. Ballentine Partners LLC now owns 25,217 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $118,000 after purchasing an additional 3,789 shares during the period. Finally, Arizona State Retirement System boosted its holdings in shares of Paramount Group by 8.6% during the second quarter. Arizona State Retirement System now owns 48,673 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $225,000 after purchasing an additional 3,873 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 65.64% of the companys stock.

About Paramount Group

(Get Free Report

Paramount Group, Inc ("Paramount" or the "Company") is a fully-integrated real estate investment trust that owns, operates, manages, acquires and redevelops high-quality, Class A office properties located in select central business district submarkets of New York and San Francisco.

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Parker-Hannifin (NYSE:PH  Get Free Report) had its price objective boosted by equities researchers at TD Cowen from $500.00 to $520.00 in a report issued on Wednesday, Benzinga reports. The brokerage currently has a hold rating on the industrial products companys stock. TD Cowens price target suggests a potential downside of 9.61% from the stocks previous close.

A number of other equities research analysts have also recently weighed in on the company. Barclays dropped their price target on Parker-Hannifin from $618.00 to $610.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, June 4th. Stifel Nicolaus dropped their price objective on shares of Parker-Hannifin from $629.00 to $613.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, July 18th. Raymond James upped their price target on shares of Parker-Hannifin from $610.00 to $650.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, September 4th. Wells Fargo & Company increased their price target on shares of Parker-Hannifin from $600.00 to $640.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Friday, August 9th. Finally, Truist Financial restated a buy rating and set a $673.00 price objective (up previously from $621.00) on shares of Parker-Hannifin in a report on Friday, August 9th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and fourteen have assigned a 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 $624.43.

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Parker-Hannifin Stock Down 1.0 %

Shares of PH traded down $5.83 during midday trading on Wednesday, hitting $575.27. The stock had a trading volume of 10,294 shares, compared to its average volume of 652,997. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.59, a current ratio of 0.93 and a quick ratio of 0.55. The firm has a market cap of $73.98 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 27.12, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.32 and a beta of 1.43. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $557.48 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $543.92. Parker-Hannifin has a twelve month low of $362.49 and a twelve month high of $601.30.

Parker-Hannifin (NYSE:PH  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, August 8th. The industrial products company reported $6.77 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $6.22 by $0.55. The firm had revenue of $5.19 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.08 billion. Parker-Hannifin had a return on equity of 29.08% and a net margin of 14.27%. The businesss revenue was up 1.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the company earned $6.08 earnings per share. On average, analysts anticipate that Parker-Hannifin will post 26.65 EPS for the current year.

Insider Transactions at Parker-Hannifin

In related news, VP Berend Bracht sold 850 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, August 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $592.92, for a total value of $503,982.00. Following the sale, the vice president now directly owns 3,350 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,986,282. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. In related news, VP Berend Bracht sold 850 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, August 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of $592.92, for a total value of $503,982.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president now owns 3,350 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,986,282. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, Director Joseph Scaminace sold 1,751 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, August 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $589.73, for a total transaction of $1,032,617.23. Following the sale, the director now directly owns 3,900 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,299,947. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 1.03% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Institutional Trading of Parker-Hannifin

A number of hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in PH. Fidelis Capital Partners LLC grew its holdings in Parker-Hannifin by 2.3% during the 1st quarter. Fidelis Capital Partners LLC now owns 851 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $473,000 after acquiring an additional 19 shares during the last quarter. Harbor Investment Advisory LLC grew its stake in shares of Parker-Hannifin by 60.6% in the first quarter. Harbor Investment Advisory LLC now owns 53 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $29,000 after purchasing an additional 20 shares during the last quarter. GoalVest Advisory LLC increased its holdings in Parker-Hannifin by 40.0% in the first quarter. GoalVest Advisory LLC now owns 70 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $39,000 after purchasing an additional 20 shares during the period. American Trust raised its position in Parker-Hannifin by 3.2% during the 1st quarter. American Trust now owns 649 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $361,000 after purchasing an additional 20 shares during the last quarter. Finally, TFG Advisers LLC lifted its holdings in Parker-Hannifin by 0.9% during the 2nd quarter. TFG Advisers LLC now owns 2,171 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $1,098,000 after buying an additional 20 shares during the period. 82.44% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Parker-Hannifin Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Parker-Hannifin Corporation manufactures and sells motion and control technologies and systems for various mobile, industrial, and aerospace markets worldwide. The company operates through two segments: Diversified Industrial and Aerospace Systems. The Diversified Industrial segment offers sealing, shielding, thermal products and systems, adhesives, coatings, and noise vibration and harshness solutions; filters, systems, and diagnostics solutions to ensure purity and remove contaminants from fuel, air, oil, water, and other liquids and gases; connectors used in fluid and gas handling; and hydraulic, pneumatic, and electromechanical components and systems for builders and users of mobile and industrial machinery and equipment.

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SP Asset Management LLC lifted its position in Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO  Free Report) by 2.5% during the second quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 8,211 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 204 shares during the period. SP Asset Management LLCs holdings in Altria Group were worth $374,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of MO. Maryland Capital Advisors Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Altria Group by 154.4% in the first quarter. Maryland Capital Advisors Inc. now owns 575 shares of the companys stock worth $25,000 after acquiring an additional 349 shares in the last quarter. MFA Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of Altria Group in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $27,000. BNP Paribas bought a new stake in Altria Group during the 1st quarter worth approximately $27,000. Hobbs Group Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in Altria Group during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $30,000. Finally, Westend Capital Management LLC bought a new position in Altria Group in the first quarter valued at approximately $29,000. Institutional investors own 57.41% of the companys stock.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several equities research analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. Stifel Nicolaus increased their price objective on shares of Altria Group from $50.00 to $54.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, August 1st. Barclays lifted their price target on Altria Group from $43.00 to $45.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a research note on Monday. StockNews.com raised Altria Group from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Friday, June 28th. Argus upgraded Altria Group to a hold rating in a report on Friday, May 31st. 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 equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, three have given a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $49.67.

Altria Group Stock Performance

NYSE:MO opened at $54.08 on Wednesday. Altria Group, Inc. has a 52-week low of $39.06 and a 52-week high of $54.95. The company has a market cap of $92.89 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.31, a P/E/G ratio of 3.10 and a beta of 0.65. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $50.47 and its 200 day simple moving average is $46.24.

Altria Group (NYSE:MO  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, July 31st. The company reported $1.31 earnings per share 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 the consensus estimate of $5.39 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $1.31 earnings per share. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 14.2% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities analysts predict that Altria Group, Inc. will post 5.1 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Altria Group Increases Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, October 10th. Shareholders of record on Monday, September 16th will be given a dividend of $1.02 per share. This is a positive change from Altria Groups previous quarterly dividend of $0.98. This represents a $4.08 annualized dividend and a yield of 7.54%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, September 16th. Altria Groups dividend payout ratio is 85.36%.

Altria Group Company Profile

(Free Report)

Altria Group, Inc, through its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells smokeable and oral tobacco products in the United States. The company offers cigarettes primarily under the Marlboro brand; large cigars and pipe tobacco under the Black & Mild brand; moist smokeless tobacco and snus products under the Copenhagen, Skoal, Red Seal, and Husky brands; oral nicotine pouches under the on! brand; and e-vapor products under the NJOY ACE brand.

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Frontier Asset Management LLC increased its position in shares of Timothy Plan US Large/Mid Cap Core ETF (NYSEARCA:TPLC  Free Report) by 6.3% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 18,330 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 1,092 shares during the period. Frontier Asset Management LLCs holdings in Timothy Plan US Large/Mid Cap Core ETF were worth $744,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of TPLC. CreativeOne Wealth LLC grew its stake in shares of Timothy Plan US Large/Mid Cap Core ETF by 17.9% in the 1st quarter. CreativeOne Wealth LLC now owns 434,599 shares of the companys stock valued at $18,301,000 after buying an additional 66,114 shares during the period. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. lifted its holdings in Timothy Plan US Large/Mid Cap Core ETF by 6.2% in the second quarter. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. now owns 167,712 shares of the companys stock valued at $6,806,000 after acquiring an additional 9,736 shares during the last quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC grew its position in Timothy Plan US Large/Mid Cap Core ETF by 23.4% in the first quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 118,288 shares of the companys stock worth $4,703,000 after acquiring an additional 22,465 shares during the period. J.W. Cole Advisors Inc. increased its stake in Timothy Plan US Large/Mid Cap Core ETF by 0.7% during the first quarter. J.W. Cole Advisors Inc. now owns 89,124 shares of the companys stock worth $3,753,000 after acquiring an additional 624 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Stewardship Advisors LLC raised its position in Timothy Plan US Large/Mid Cap Core ETF by 256.5% in the second quarter. Stewardship Advisors LLC now owns 79,672 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,233,000 after purchasing an additional 57,322 shares during the period.

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Timothy Plan US Large/Mid Cap Core ETF Stock Up 0.2 %

Shares of Timothy Plan US Large/Mid Cap Core ETF stock opened at $42.02 on Wednesday. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $41.67 and its 200-day simple moving average is $41.11. The firm has a market cap of $235.29 million, a PE ratio of 21.29 and a beta of 0.87. Timothy Plan US Large/Mid Cap Core ETF has a 52 week low of $32.57 and a 52 week high of $43.19.

Timothy Plan US Large/Mid Cap Core ETF Cuts Dividend

Timothy Plan US Large/Mid Cap Core ETF Profile

The business also recently announced a dividend, which was paid on Friday, August 9th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, August 8th were paid a dividend of $0.0124 per share. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, August 8th.

(Free Report)

The Timothy Plan US Large\u002FMid Cap Core ETF (TPLC) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in large cap equity. The fund tracks a volatility-weighted index of US large-cap stocks screened for Christian values. TPLC was launched on Apr 29, 2019 and is managed by Timothy.

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Van Hulzen Asset Management LLC lowered its stake in shares of The Bank of New York Mellon Co. (NYSE:BK  Free Report) by 10.0% in the second quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 18,017 shares of the banks stock after selling 2,000 shares during the period. Van Hulzen Asset Management LLCs holdings in Bank of New York Mellon were worth $1,079,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Gilbert & Cook Inc. grew its stake in shares of Bank of New York Mellon by 4.7% in the 4th quarter. Gilbert & Cook Inc. now owns 9,361 shares of the banks stock worth $487,000 after acquiring an additional 419 shares in the last quarter. Envestnet Portfolio Solutions Inc. increased its stake in Bank of New York Mellon by 9.1% in the 4th quarter. Envestnet Portfolio Solutions Inc. now owns 45,181 shares of the banks stock valued at $2,352,000 after buying an additional 3,777 shares during the last quarter. Ieq Capital LLC increased its stake in Bank of New York Mellon by 56.3% in the 4th quarter. Ieq Capital LLC now owns 23,666 shares of the banks stock valued at $1,232,000 after buying an additional 8,520 shares during the last quarter. Checchi Capital Advisers LLC lifted its position in shares of Bank of New York Mellon by 13.6% during the 4th quarter. Checchi Capital Advisers LLC now owns 7,846 shares of the banks stock worth $408,000 after buying an additional 941 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA boosted its stake in shares of Bank of New York Mellon by 29.3% in the 4th quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 2,096,246 shares of the banks stock worth $109,110,000 after buying an additional 475,497 shares during the last quarter. 85.31% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of analysts recently commented on the company. Citigroup lowered Bank of New York Mellon from a buy rating to a neutral rating and set a $65.00 price target on the stock. in a report on Monday, July 15th. Morgan Stanley lifted their target price on Bank of New York Mellon from $65.00 to $72.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Tuesday, July 30th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft increased their price target on shares of Bank of New York Mellon from $63.00 to $66.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, August 15th. Barclays lifted their price objective on shares of Bank of New York Mellon from $68.00 to $75.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Monday, July 15th. Finally, Evercore ISI increased their target price on shares of Bank of New York Mellon from $61.00 to $66.00 and gave the company an in-line rating in a research report on Monday, July 15th. Six 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 stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $66.14.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, VP Hanneke Smits sold 15,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, July 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $64.11, for a total transaction of $961,650.00. Following the sale, the vice president now directly owns 173,930 shares in the company, valued at $11,150,652.30. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this link. 0.14% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Bank of New York Mellon Price Performance

BK opened at $67.51 on Wednesday. The company has a market capitalization of $49.82 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.63, a PEG ratio of 1.14 and a beta of 1.08. The company has a quick ratio of 0.70, a current ratio of 0.70 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.85. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $64.49 and a 200-day moving average price of $59.89. The Bank of New York Mellon Co. has a twelve month low of $39.66 and a twelve month high of $68.60.

Bank of New York Mellon (NYSE:BK  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Friday, July 12th. The bank reported $1.51 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.43 by $0.08. The business had revenue of $4.60 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.53 billion. Bank of New York Mellon had a net margin of 9.40% and a return on equity of 11.87%. Bank of New York Mellons revenue was up 2.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $1.38 EPS. Equities analysts expect that The Bank of New York Mellon Co. will post 5.63 EPS for the current year.

Bank of New York Mellon Increases Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, August 2nd. Investors of record on Monday, July 22nd were issued a dividend of $0.47 per share. This is a boost from Bank of New York Mellons previous quarterly dividend of $0.42. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, July 22nd. This represents a $1.88 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.78%. Bank of New York Mellons dividend payout ratio is 43.52%.

About Bank of New York Mellon

(Free Report)

The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation provides a range of financial products and services in the United States and internationally. The company operates through Securities Services, Market and Wealth Services, Investment and Wealth Management, and other segments. The Securities Services segment offers custody, trust and depositary, accounting, exchange-traded funds, middle-office solutions, transfer agency, services for private equity and real estate funds, foreign exchange, securities lending, liquidity/lending services, and data analytics.

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Damian and Ziggy Marley

Jamaica is renowned for its Reggae music, but several artists from the island have also made achievements in other genres, earning Grammy Awards beyond the Best Reggae Album category.

Heres a look at those artists who have made their mark at the Recording Academy in non-Reggae categories.

Bounty Killer  Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal (2003)

Bounty Killer and No Doubt

Dancehall heavyweight Bounty Killers gritty, deep vocals contrasted with American rock band No Doubts upbeat and energetic sound in their hit collab Hey Baby, which earned them their first Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal in 2003. Although Sly & Robbie, the legendary Jamaican production duo, co-produced the track, this particular Grammy is awarded only to the songs performing artists.

Featured on No Doubts Rock Steady album (2001), Hey Baby became a commercial hit, reaching No. 5 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart and later becoming certified Gold in the US (500,000 units). However, in an interview last year, Bounty revealed that he had to threaten legal action when he didnt initially receive his proper share of the royalties.

In 2003, Bounty was also nominated for Best Reggae Album with Ghetto Dictionary: The Mystery, but he lost to veteran producer Lee Scratch Perrys Jamaican E.T.

Lady Saw  Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal (2004)

No Doubt, Minister Marion Hall (formerly Lady Saw)

Former Queen of Dancehall Lady Saw achieved Grammy success in 2004 with her feature on No Doubts Underneath It All, which won the award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal. It was the second track produced by Sly & Robbie on No Doubts Rock Steady album.

The song reached No. 3 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and No. 18 on the UK Singles chart, and is currently certified Platinum in the US (1,000,000 units).

Saw, now known as Minister Marion Hall, revealed in a 2021 interview that she misplaced the award at a friends house. When she later contacted the person to retrieve it, she was told it was no longer there. Hall explained that she wasnt overly concerned about the loss. If I was Lady Saw, I would be at war with them, she said, acknowledging how her past self might have reacted. However, since transitioning to her Christian faith, she took a more peaceful approach, saying, OK, keep it.

Damian Marley  Best Urban/Alternative Performance (2006)

Damian Marley

Damian Jr. Gong Marley, the youngest son of Bob Marley, has built a dynamic career by blending Reggae with Hip-hop and other genres. In 2006, he made history by winning multiple Grammys for his 2005 album Welcome to Jamrock, including Best Reggae Album and Best Urban/Alternative Performance for the title track. This achievement makes Damian the only artist to win both Reggae and non-Reggae Grammy categories in a single year.

Produced by his brother Stephen Marley, Welcome to Jamrock delivers hard-hitting lyrics addressing social inequality and street life in Jamaica. The song reached No. 55 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and No. 13 on the UK Singles Chart, and it has since been certified Gold in the UK for selling over 400,000 units.

Damian also holds Grammy Awards for Best Reggae Album for his albums Halfway Tree (2002) and Stony Hill (2018) and for executive producing Kabaka Pyramids The Kalling (2023).

Ziggy Marley  Best Musical Album for Children (2010)

Ziggy Marley

While Marleys eldest son has won multiple awards in the Reggae category, including for albums like Love Is My Religion and Fly Rasta, Ziggy Marley expanded his repertoire by winning the Grammy for Best Musical Album for Children in 2010 with Family Time (2009).

The albumwhich featured collaborations with Ziggys daughter Judah, Rita Marley, Cedella Marley, Jack Johnson, Toots Hibbert, Willie Nelson, and Paul Simonwas full of light-hearted, family-friendly tunes, showcasing Ziggys versatility as a musician and his ability to connect with a younger audience.

In 2020, he released a follow-up album titled More Family Time.

BEAM  Best Dance/Electronic Recording (2024)

BEAM

Earlier this year, BEAM, the son of Dancehall artist Papa San, won the Grammy Award for Best Dance/Electronic Recording Grammy for his contributions to Skrillexs Rumble , a song featuring Fred again.. and Flowdan. BEAMs uncredited vocals on the song were sampled from his feature on Skrillexs earlier track Selecta. The Jamaican-American, whose real name is Tyshane Thompson, is also credited as a co-writer and co-producer on Rumble.

In the Best Dance/Electronic Recording category, unlike some others, all contributing artists, producers, and mixers are recognized, allowing BEAM to share the Grammy for the song.

BEAM was previously nominated for his contributions to Beyonces Renaissance (2023), Kanye Wests Donda (2022), and Justin Biebers Justice (2022), all of which were nominated for Album of the Year.
Gala evening held in Rabat, Morocco to celebrate upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival

Xinhua) 14:59, September 11, 2024

Chinese dancers perform during a Mid-Autumn Festival gala evening in Rabat, capital of Morocco, Sept. 10, 2024. A gala evening to celebrate the upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival was held here on Tuesday, drawing more than 400 spectators entranced by performances from Chinese artists. (Xinhua/Huo Jing)

A Chinese artist performs at a Mid-Autumn Festival gala evening in Rabat, capital of Morocco, Sept. 10, 2024. A gala evening to celebrate the upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival was held here on Tuesday, drawing more than 400 spectators entranced by performances from Chinese artists. (Xinhua/Huo Jing)

A Moroccan girl poses for photos with a moon-shaped installation before the opening of a Mid-Autumn Festival gala evening in Rabat, capital of Morocco, Sept. 10, 2024. A gala evening to celebrate the upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival was held here on Tuesday, drawing more than 400 spectators entranced by performances from Chinese artists. (Xinhua/Huo Jing)

Chinese artists and Moroccan youths perform during a Mid-Autumn Festival gala evening in Rabat, capital of Morocco, Sept. 10, 2024. A gala evening to celebrate the upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival was held here on Tuesday, drawing more than 400 spectators entranced by performances from Chinese artists. (Xinhua/Huo Jing)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
The United States has confirmed that Iran has supplied Russia with a number of short-range ballistic missiles, raising concerns about the potential impact on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. While the Pentagon remains committed to bolstering Ukraines air defense capabilities, transferring these weapons has prompted a new focus on countering the evolving threat.

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Irans Missile Transfer

Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder confirmed that Iran had transferred a batch of Fath 360 close-range ballistic missiles to Russia. These missiles, estimated to have a range of around 75 miles, could be deployed against Ukraine within weeks. This transfer could lead to the deaths of even more Ukrainian civilians, Ryder stated, emphasizing the significant humanitarian implications.

According to Ryder, the decision to transfer these missiles likely stems from Russias desire to preserve its longer-range missiles for strategic purposes, utilizing the Fath 360 for tactical engagements. This move deepens Russias arsenal and grants them a wider range of options for targeting, including civilian infrastructure.

U.S. and Allied Response

Since the beginning of the Russian invasion in February 2022, the United States and its allies have been actively supporting Ukraine through various security arrangements, including the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG). A significant emphasis has been placed on strengthening Ukraines air defense capabilities, which will remain central to the ongoing support efforts.

Air defense has been something that weve been very focused on for a long time now when it comes to Ukraine, Ryder stated. That has been a priority for the Ukrainians, and therefore its been a priority for us.

The United States and its partners have been working diligently to provide Ukraine with a variety of air defense systems capable of countering both short and long-range missile threats. These include the Patriot air defense batteries, NASAMS, HAWK air defense systems, Stinger anti-aircraft missiles, and Avenger air defense systems. The goal is to create a comprehensive and integrated air defense network for Ukraine, capable of effectively mitigating the threat posed by the newly acquired Iranian missiles and other weapons systems deployed by Russia.

Training and Potential Future Transfers

To further bolster Russias capabilities, Iran has trained a significant number of Russian military personnel on the use of the Fath 360 missiles. The Pentagon estimates that dozens of Russian personnel received training in Iran to operate this missile system.

While the specific exchange for the missiles remains unclear, speculation points towards potential intelligence sharing between the two countries. Ryder highlighted the possibility of Russia providing information regarding nuclear programs, space technology, and other advanced capabilities sought by Iran.

The concerning aspect of this developing relationship, Ryder pointed out, lies in the potential for future transfers of Iranian weapons to Russia. Given Russias growing relationships with other bad-faith actors on the global stage, including North Korea, there is a reasonable expectation that there will be continued delivery of missiles from Iran, he warned.

The Implications of a Growing Alliance

The transfer of Iranian missiles to Russia marks a significant escalation of the conflict in Ukraine. It highlights the increasingly close ties between these two countries and the potential for Iran to become a major supplier of military capabilities to Russia, particularly in the realm of missile technology.

As the conflict continues, the United States and its allies are actively working to counter the growing threat posed by this alliance. The ongoing efforts to bolster Ukraines air defense capabilities are crucial to effectively address the evolving threat posed by Russia and its allies.
A Derry-born multi-prize winning author has drawn inspiration from her late mother to write her newest publication - a cookery book with a difference.

'How to be a bad Cook' is the latest offering from Ruth Finnegan FBA OBE and is a fun, witty read full of tips and advice about how to cheat in the kitchen, and be a good enough cook, as well as having fun along the way.

The 90 year-old admits that the book, which has already been receiving fantastic reviews, was inspired by her mother who cooked for the family at her Irish open fire, with no running water, a minimal budget and three hungry children to feed.

Born in College Avenue at Magee, where her father was a professor and later the president of the university, Ruth is an academic - an anthropologist - and has written numerous novels, screen plays as well academic works, many of which have won awards.

With three daughters of her own and a full time career, Ruth had to discover quick, easy ways to feed a family of five - albeit with lots of trial and error along the way.

Not only is the book full of simple, nutritious, easy peasy recipes but it also weaves in the history of food and cooking with fascinating and interesting facts such as the history of some of our basic, staple ingredients including eggs, oats, salt, pepper and coffee.

It is not my traditional kind of book, said Ruth, who now resides in the Shenley Wood area of Milton Keynes.

It was very inspired by my mother. I wanted to write something light that would also make people laugh and be useful to them. I wanted to help bad cooks who are too stiff and worried about cooking and making sure that they cover everything in the recipe book, like a quarter of a pinch of this or that, or that strange ingredient that they have never heard of before.

I want people to relax and just think to themselves 'what is cooking?' It's about making the food you have in your larder and then sharing it with your friends and the people you love. People have been cooking for millenia and we should be proud to be part of that tradition.

My mother was a great woman who managed to cook in just one pot. Milk and potatoes were mostly what she made. Back then there was no road to the cottage, no nearby shops, no electricity and no indoor sanitation, but she managed.

ABOVE: The Finnegans pictured outside the cottage at Clonmass in 1963  L-R: Diarmid (brother) Agnes (mother), Ruth, Tom (father) Owen (brother). Missing from picture is Ruth's brother David who was abroad at the time.

In the book, which is illustrated with quirky cartoons, Ruth explores lots of imaginative potato and other root vegetable recipes as well as careen jelly, an unusual pudding made with dried seaweed, melted chocolate and milk.

While Ruth, who has a first class honours in Classics and a doctorate in Anthropology from Oxford, spent much of her working life in Africa, America and England, she has fond memories of her hometown of Derry and also nearby Donegal.

Ruth's father Tom Finnegan, a native of Belfast, was responsible for opening up Magee to Catholics and is something that she is 'very proud' of.

ABOVE: Ruth, pictured here as a 4 year-old with her father Tom, has great memories of her childhood in Derry.

Her mother, Agnes (nee Campbell) came from a well-known Protestant nationalist family in the city.

Ruth said she and her family became 'very integrated' with Derry before they were forced to move to a cottage in Clonmass, Donegal after the American Navy decided to set up a base in their home in the city.

I was seven at the time and I had two younger brothers. My mother had to stay in Donegal but my father had to go back to Derry to work. My father cycled for five hours to get to us at the weekends, often in darkness she recalled.

My parents weren't at all well off, even though he was a professor, but they managed.

Ruth later attended a Quaker school where she became good friends with a young girl who would later become one Britain's greatest actors, Dame Judi Dench.

Ruth said her time at the school had 'a big influence' on her.

She later went on to become a founding member of the academic staff of the pioneering Open University where she spent the rest of her career.

In addition to her many books, both fiction and non-fiction, Ruth has written 13 screenplays, three of which have been produced as movies.

'How to be a bad Cook' can be purchased via Amazon here is available as paperback or Kindle.




A man has appeared before court charged in connection with an aggravated burglary which happened in Draperstown at the weekend.

Sean Trainor appeared before Magherafelt Magistrates Court, sitting in Bishop Street courthouse in Derry this afternoon (Wednesday), charged with aggravated burglary with intent to commit grievous bodily harm at Glenelly Villas, Draperstown on September 8.

The 34 year-old was further charged with aggravated burglary and theft at the same address on September 1.

The court heard that the injured party, a 25 year-old man was playing computer games in the property, which he shares with his father, when two men, one armed with wooden bats, entered the house just after 11pm on Sunday night.

An investigating officer told the court that the injured party was attacked during the incident and sustained injuries to his face, including damage to his teeth, swelling and redness.

The officer told the court that Trainor, who also lives in the Glenelly Villas estate, was arrested after the victim identified him as being the person who was holding the wooden bats.

The officer said that the victim claimed that Trainor's face was concealed by a scarf however this came away during the struggle revealing his face.

The injured party said that he had known Trainor for over 20 years as he lived in the same estate as him however the court heard that the victim claimed that he was not friends with the accused and they had not had a fall out.

The victim also alleged that a similar incident had occurred the previous week on September 1 when just after midnight, two men, one armed with wooden bats, had entered his home and stole his wallet and 200 cash.

He claimed that he believed Trainor was also involved in this incident, the court was told.

During interview, Trainor made one 'no comment' answer and refused to speak during the rest of it.

The investigating officer said that police were opposed to releasing Trainor on bail as these alleged offences were committed while he was on probation and licence.

He stated that the alleged incidents were committed one week apart and there were fears of further offending and the possibility of interfering with witnesses in the case.

A representative from the Probation Board echoed these concerns stating that if Trainor was released on bail he would be living within the same estate as the victim making it very hard to monitor him.

Trainor's defence barrister said a bail address could be provided for the accused in Sixtowns.

District Judge Oonagh Mullan said she was prepared to release Trainor on bail in the sum of 500 subject to an address being approved by police.

As part of the bail conditions imposed by the court, Trainor is not to enter Draperstown as defined by the 30mph zone, he is not to have any contact with the complainant and is to observe a curfew between the hours of 9pm and 9am.

The case was adjourned until October 9.
The family of Pat Finucane has met Hilary Benn as the UK Government mulls a court request in relation to the solicitors murder.

Mr Finucane, 39, was shot dead in his family home in north Belfast in February 1989 by the Ulster Defence Association (UDA) in an attack found to have involved collusion with the State.

In February 2019, a Supreme Court ruling said investigations into the fatal shooting of the solicitor had not been effective and fell short of international human rights standards.

In November 2020, the UK Government again refused a public inquiry into the circumstances of Mr Finucanes killing.

A Belfast Court of Appeal ruling in July gave the new UK Government three weeks to state how it would carry out an investigation into the lawyers death in compliance with Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

This timeline was extended as the new Labour Government considers its response.

Mr Finucanes widow Geraldine; his son John Finucane, a Sinn Fein MP for North Belfast; his son Michael; and his daughter Katherine attended the meeting with the Northern Ireland Secretary at Erskine House on Tuesday.

Also in attendance were Mr Finucanes two brothers Seamus and Martin.

Mrs Finucane had met Mr Benn in July when she restated her call for a full independent judicial inquiry into her husbands murder.

A spokesman for the Northern Ireland Office said in a statement to the PA news agency: The Secretary of State has been clear about wanting to find a way forward on this case as soon as possible, taking account of the views of Mrs Finucane.

We will provide further information on our response to the court in due course.
A solicitor representing a Derry man who is alleged to have headbutted a Garda and spat blood on his face at a Buncrana hotel has expressed frustration at the lack of progress in the case.

Rodney Bonnes has been in custody since his arrest on June 12, 2024.

Bonnes, a 39-year-old with an address at Kinsale Park in Derry, faces a series of charges over alleged incidents.

Bonnes appeared before a sitting of Letterkenny District Court after being brought from Castlrea Prison by prison officers.

Sergeant Gerard Dalton told the court that a book of evidence was not ready in the matter.

Mr Rory O'Brien, solicitor for Bonnes, said it was 'unfortunate' that the book was not ready. Asked by Judge Eiteain Cunningham when the book is likely to be ready Sergeant Dalton asked for a two-week adjournement 'to get an update on where we are'.

We are far past where we are meant to be, Mr O'Brien said. Mr Bonnes has been in custody for months with no progress. It is a Garda Siochana matter with gardai the majority of the witnesses. He needs some finalisation.

Bonnes is charged with assaulting Garda Kenneth Merritt and causing him harm by spitting blood in his face at the Inishowen Gateway Hotel.

Bonnes is also charged with assaulting Garda Merritt by headbutting him and causing him harm.

Bonnes faces a further charge of assault causing harm to a woman by punching her in the face at the Inishowen Gateway Hotel.

He is also charged that, at Buncrana Garda Station, he did obstruct a member of An Garda Siochana, Detective Garda Kieran Kelly, during the course of his duties.

The charge is contrary to section 160(2) of the Criminal Justice (Forensic Evidence and DNA Database System) Act 2014.

Bonnes is also charged that he, without lawful excuse, damaged property at the Inishowen Gateway Hotel, namely that he smashed a bedside lamp and soiled a second bedside lamp with blood splatters.

Bonnes also faces a charge of being intoxicated in a public place.

Judge Cunningham adjourned the matter to September 16 when Bonnes is to appear by video link.

I would like the book to be served, Mr O'Brien added.
Two people have appeared at Derry Magistrate's Court today charged in connection with an incident in Sackville Street in the city that has left a man critically ill in the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.

Martin Sheridan (30) of Spencer Road in Derry was charged with inflicting grievous bodily harm on a man on September 6.

Courtney Temple (20) of Jefferson Court in Derry was charged with assaulting the same man occasioning him actual bodily harm on the same date.

A police officer connected the accused to the charge.

Defence solicitor Seamus Quigley for Sheridan said there would be no application for bail at this stage.

He asked the detective constable about the condition of the injured party and was told he was heavily sedated and remained in 'a critical condition'.

The officer also accepted a suggestion by Mr Quigley that his client had made admissions to a one punch assault where the injured party fell to the ground.

The officer confirmed that following the incident Sheridan had gone to the assistance of the injured party.

Sheridan was remanded in custody to appear again on September 19 for a possible bail application.

Defence solicitor for Temple Paddy MacDermott said that his client was facing a less serious charge and that bail could be agreed subject to certain conditions.

The police officer told the court that the incident occurred after a group of people had been drinking and during the day 'there had been a few scuffles'.

She said an argument broke out between the injured party and Temple and she was alleged to have struck him on the side if the head.

About 30 seconds later Temple's partner, Sheridan, was said to have struck the injured party who fell to the ground.

Deputy District Judge Chris Holmes told Temple, who cried during the hearing, she was 'too young' to have a short but relevant record.

He released her on bail on condition she has no contact with the injured party, observes a curfew and wears a tag, stays away from Sackville Street and the Strand Road and abstains from alcohol.

Temple will appear again on October 9.
The Magee Taskforce interim report published today has outlined that progress has been made on securing further commitment and defined timelines from key stakeholders ahead of the formulation of its action plan later this year.

The Taskforce has said that there is a stronger unity of purpose than ever before, and a genuine willingness to address historic underinvestment in the North West, but, sustained direct interventions will be required.

The Taskforce has said that whilst it is still receiving input, all parties are committed to delivery for the first time since the New Decade New Approach agreement, five years ago.

The Taskforce has acknowledged serious commitment from Ulster University, the Department for the Economy and Derry City and Strabane District Council in setting up specific teams to focus on the expansion project.

The Taskforce understands a significant part of the 700m is already secured or committed. It is estimated that up to 40% could come from private sector investment in student accommodation.

The Magee Taskforce was announced in March to bring forward an action plan to expand Ulster Universitys Magee campus in Derry to 10,000 students as soon as practicable.

Referenced in the three year economic vision and his 2024/25 Business Plan by the Economy Minister published this week, it has also been included in the draft Programme for Government, in addition to its forthcoming inclusion in the Investment Strategy for NI - further evidence that the project is embedded in public sector planning.

Nearly 30 asks have been requested of key stakeholders in the Department for the Economy, Ulster University, Derry City and Strabane District Council and the UK and Irish Government among others.

In its report, the Taskforce seeks support with mechanisms the NI Executive and Ulster University can reasonably employ to increase numbers of enrolments at Magee.

Some of the wider asks focus on issues such as funding, development of an oversight group and project infrastructure.

The Taskforce has also stated in the report that the development will be across all four faculties of the university but that no expansion of Magee should come from displacement of students from Coleraine to support the Executives regional balance ambitions.

Stephen Kelly, Chair of the Magee Taskforce said: Through this work, the Taskforce can see the pathway for delivery on this significant project.

Co-design has been central to the development of this report, and it shows that we have gained further commitments from all of the key parties, indicating a real statement of intent.

A substantial leap forward has been made. There is now a sense of urgency and a unity of purpose after five years of inertia and delay since the commitment was made in the New Decade New Approach agreement.

We must maintain the course we are on, however hard, or challenging, it may seem.

We have also been able to shape the value of this investment and the significance it will have for Derry and the North West cross border city region.

Although there is still some finessing to be undertaken, the approximate investment from the public and private sector will be almost 700m.

There is no doubt that this will have massive, direct, indirect and induced benefit for the region, but it will also deliver on key policy priorities on regional balance, good jobs and increasing productivity.

We now have the commitment, the timeline and the indicative price. Delivery has started and, learning from past failures, we now have the teams, processes and policies in place to make that stick.

The report published today (Wednesday) is an important milestone in the delivery of an expanded Ulster University campus at Magee. The work means we will deliver the promised action plan towards the end of 2024.

Economy Minister Conor Murphy emphasised the strategic importance of the campus expansion in driving economic development in the North West region.

He said: Increasing Derrys student population is a key driver for economic development in the North West. There has long been an aspiration to expand Magee.

We now have the basis of a plan, developed by and with local people, to actually deliver expansion.

The Taskforce has set out exactly what is needed from various partners, including my Department. We will now work together to finalise a delivery plan and drive progress towards the 10,000 target.

Vice-Chancellor of Ulster University, Professor Paul Bartholomew welcomed the interim report by the Taskforce.

He said: We have worked with the wider taskforce to pool our collective efforts into identifying a pathway to a University for 10,000 students. Prior to the formation of the Taskforce, the University expressed its intention to expand to 6,500 students, arriving at that ceiling due to constraints within the operating environment, so we thank the Taskforce for the time spent exploring the changes that would be necessary to expand to 10,000.

We also acknowledge the Ministers recent commitment of funds that have already made a difference to the operating environment allowing us to revise our plans to expand to 7,000 students. Further changes in the operating environment will allow us to go further still. We will continue to work together  at pace - with the Taskforce, the Minister, the Department, and all of the stakeholders outlined within the Interim Report to successfully enact expansion of the campus, the curricula and the number of students.

There is much still to be done  the report brings to the fore a clear picture of the challenges to overcome and crucially, the way forward to unlock those challenges, but it is greatly encouraging to see support galvanised to maximise the potential of this campus and the economic, social, cultural, civic and research benefits that it will in turn deliver for the region.

We remain completely committed to growth at our campus in Derry~Londonderry, in line with our strategic commitment for better regional balance.

Anna Doherty, Chief Executive, Derry Chamber said: "Derry Chamber welcomes the publication of the Magee Taskforce's interim report on the expansion of the Ulster University campus in Derry. With the taskforce having convened in March of this year, it is pleasing to see this progress occurring quickly.

"It has also been encouraging this week to see the expansion of the campus mentioned in both the Programme for Government and the Minister for the Economy's action plan.

"While the North West has been waiting for the delivery of the pledged provision of 10,000 students for our university since New Decade, New Approach, the convening of the taskforce and the publication of this report has made it feel as if momentum is finally gathering behind this much-needed growth goal.

"Derry Chamber looks forward to the publication of the final action plan and to assisting the taskforce with its implementation in any way possible."

SDLP Opposition Economy Spokesperson Sinead McLaughlin said that the first report of the Magee taskforce presents a clear challenge that the Minister must now answer.

The Foyle MLA said:The findings of the Magee Taskforce Report presents a very clear set of asks to the Economy Minister and the wider Executive. As the taskforce continues its work, it is now incumbent on the Minister to go to his Executive colleagues, answer those requests and finally get serious about expanding university provision in Derry.

"Its more important than ever that we see a focus on getting Magee to 10,000 students at a minimum, particularly after the disappointing language in the Programme for Government.

We have been waiting 60 years for a properly resourced university to be delivered. It should have been delivered long before now. The people of our city and region are not prepared to wait any longer, nor should they be expected to.

"Minister Murphy similarly does not need to wait for the next phase of the taskforces work before getting on with the job at hand and responding to the gauntlet that the taskforce has laid down on this issue.

The department must now evidence in its financial planning how it will fund the expansion of our Magee campus and work with other departments to provide the student accommodation necessary to meet demand.

"I look forward to seeing clear evidence from each of the other departments referenced in this report, including health and finance, who each now have clear responsibilities to undertake. Every step of the way I will be pressing the Executive parties and Minister Murphy in particular to live up to their responsibilities.

Expanding higher education in the North West is a key lever to raise economic productivity and reduce inactivity across the North by investing in a city with huge potential.

"It is fundamental to the future of our economy and addressing regional inequalities. The first steps have been made clear on the task ahead and the Minister and his Executive colleagues must now demonstrate the political will that has been lacking for far too long and get on with the job.

Sinn Fein Foyle MLA Padraig Delargy welcomed the publication of the report and said work to implement it must begin immediately.

The Foyle MLA said: I welcome the first report from the Magee taskforce set up by Economy Minister Conor Murphy being published today. This marks yet more progress towards the expansion of Magee, and we must see work beginning immediately to push forward the proposals in this document and a clear action plan to deliver on them. Delivering 10,000 students at Magee remains a key priority for the Executive, and for the Economy Minister who has a clear focus on achieving a first-class university in Derry. It is important that we work together across the city  the university, political leaders, the council, local businesses and others to deliver it quickly. We have a huge opportunity to develop our campus and further establish Derry and the wider north west as a vibrant place to live and study. Lets seize it.

A spokesperson for the Derry University Group slammed the interim report, describing it as a 'list of excuses'.

The spokesperson said there are two possible interpretations that could be made to of the report.

One, the Department for the Economy has cynically established and used this Ulster University-led taskforce to row back on commitments made in 2020, and to crush a city's expectations and ambitions.

The second is that UU has manipulated the Department and the Taskforce into allowing it to continue to run four unsustainable campuses with competing priorities, and fund cosmetic changes at Derry, while leaving Belfast and Coleraine untouched.

The spokesperson said Ulster University has no place being on the Taskforce.

UU needs to be removed entirely from the Magee decision-making process and an external independent commission appointed to carry out the planning work fairly and meet the agreed target of at least 10000 students by 2030, as sanctioned in New Decade New Approach.

Ultimately, the Taskforce's decision to ignore the advice of the Royal Irish Academy in its 2021 and 2024 reports - and consider cross-border alternatives to UU's one-state, four-campus model, has set this process up for failure."
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Unionist MPs have alleged a hierarchy for victims in response to the Governments announcement of a public inquiry into the death of human rights lawyer Pat Finucane.

Mr Finucane, 39, was shot dead at his family home in north Belfast in February 1989 by the Ulster Defence Association in an attack found by a series of probes to have involved collusion with the state.

In a statement to the Commons on Tuesday the Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn said that all the previous investigations into the murder of Mr Finucane had not been compliant with Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

Unionist MPs said this was unfair to the families of other victims who will have their cases assessed under a new mechanism established to examine Troubles killings in Northern Ireland  the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR).

Mr Benn highlighted that the Finucane case is unique due to the allegations of state collusion and the fact that the British Government previously pledged to open a public inquiry on two occasions but have to-date failed to do so.

DUP leader Gavin Robinson said the Supreme Court decided that investigation could satisfy Article Two compliance, rather than a full public inquiry.

He said: (Mr Benn) has said today that the ICRIR not only has his trust and confidence, but has the ability to perform such tasks for other families.

So when he rightly says families across Northern Ireland will ask the question what about us?. So too, do I.

He added: I would ask him in repudiating the ICRIR, in suggesting today that it is not an appropriate mechanism for the Finucane family, and I do not besmirch their grief or their quest for truth and justice, but it is appropriate for every other  how can we honestly look victims in the eye and say that there isnt a hierarchy?

Mr Benn said that there should not be a hierarchy, adding: in this particular case, and that doesnt apply to any of the others, the Government of our country made a commitment twice, once at Weston Park, and secondly, from the then secretary of state, made a commitment to establish a public inquiry, and I think its right and proper that a government in the past having made that commitment that we honour it.

DUP MP for East Antrim Sammy Wilson, accused Mr Benn of choosing to acquiesce to the demands of the family in having another inquiry, while TUV MP Jim Allister questioned has there ever been a family given more preferential handling by government, than the Finucane family?

Mr Benn repeatedly defended both the ICRIR and the Governments decision to grant a public inquiry in the case of Pat Finucane.

He said: It is a fact that when then prime minister David Cameron apologised from this dispatch box, it was unprecedented. It was.

Because he referred to shocking collusion in this case, and we should take that extremely seriously as members of this house, all of us who are committed to upholding our obligations.

SDLP leader Colum Eastwood commended the Finucane family, including Pats widow Geraldine for their tireless campaigning, as did his predicted successor Claire Hanna.

Ms Hanna told the House of Commons: The brutal murder of Pat Finucane in front of his wife and children, was mired in collusion before that killing and in the many long years since.

Ms Hanna referred to victims of IRA member and British Intelligence mole Freddie Scappaticci and the family of Sean Brown, a GAA official murdered by loyalists and whose family have similar concerns to the Finucanes in regards to state collusion.

The MP for South Belfast said that many other families have faced obstruction from state and non-state actors in their quest for truth and a reconciled future.

She continued: Will the Secretary of State now commit to the same swiftness and determination to removing the barriers that are placed in front of those families in their quest for truth?

Mr Benn said we have a huge task, all of us collectively, to play our part in enabling families to find out answers that they havent yet had, as he welcomed that the ICRIR have begun a number of investigations.

He said: I think that is significant because there are those who say no one should go anywhere near ICRIR because of its origins and parentages, if I may use that phrase, but having taken the decision that it will remain in place, it does have powers.

It does have the ability to get information, it does have the ability to question people, it has said that it wants to develop a system of they call enhanced inquisitorial procedure, which is public hearings.

And of course, hearings in public are really important to many families, because they want the truth to come out, to be able to question, but crucially for justice to be seen, to be done.
More than 4,000 pages of material relating to the murder of a man who was shot outside a school in Belfast is to be provided by the Police Ombudsman to the inquest into his death.

Jim Donegan was shot dead by a lone gunman while waiting to collect his son on the Glen Road in west Belfast on December 4 2018.

A pre-inquest review hearing at Laganside Courthouse on Wednesday heard that the proceedings are still at the early stage of obtaining material.

Coroner Joe McCrisken said since the last hearing the office of the Police Ombudsman had disclosed to the coroners service a number of schedules of material.

He said: The underlying materials themselves seem to run to just over 4,000 pages, so a substantial amount of material to be looked over.

He told the brief hearing that the next stage of the coronial process was to have the material disclosed to the coroner.

He asked that the material be disclosed ahead of the next hearing on November 13.

A report from Northern Irelands Police Ombudsman Marie Anderson earlier this year found that the PSNI missed opportunities to identify a dissident republican threat six months before Mr Donegan was murdered.

Ms Anderson said police had received intelligence that dissident republicans were planning to shoot an unnamed man they believed to be involved in the sale of illegal drugs.

Mrs Anderson said a failure by police to link Mr Donegan to the threat and warn him about it had deprived him of the opportunity of taking preventative measures.
BROADSIMS builds a healthcare ecosystem and optimizes healthcare efficiency with a 5G smart patient monitoring solution

Precise and complete physiological parameter monitoring plays a vital role in affecting the outcome of medical care and diagnosis.

Medical institutions today use a variety of physiological monitoring devices. Without a way to integrate these devices, it is difficult to centrally manage patients' physiological data and this puts a burden on healthcare professionals.

To address this, combining traditional physiological parameter monitoring and advanced ICT technologies, BROADSIMS introduces a 5G patient monitoring system featuring multiple physiological parameter sensors and connectivity with all kinds of medical applications and third-party devices. BROADSIMS' solution can significantly improve medical care efficiency and diagnostic accuracy.

A synergy between traditional patient monitoring and ICT technologies improves medical care efficiency and diagnostic accuracy

According to BROADSIMS founder and CEO Dr. Bruce Yu, a recent key trend for the healthcare industry is to develop smarter and higher-performance devices through the integration of ICT technologies with traditional medical devices as a way to improve medical care efficiency and optimize patient experience. In line with the trend, BROADSIMS applied its core strength and expanded physiological monitors commonly seen at hospitals into a smart platform that integrates a wide range of solutions from the healthcare ecosystem.

BROADSIMS' 5G multi-parameter patient monitoring system checks basic physiological signals such as ECG, blood pressure, blood oxygen, and respiratory rate like traditional monitoring devices, and more importantly, it also supports all types of medical apps and third-party hardware through an open platform, allowing one device to monitor multiple physiological signals. Yu added that the system is like a smartphone for medical care. Not only does it have robust fundamental monitoring capabilities but it also features software and hardware expandability to accommodate the wide-ranging needs of different healthcare use scenarios.

Healthcare professionals will greatly benefit from BROADSIMS' innovation, said Yu. They will be able to monitor multiple physiological parameters on a central platform and no longer need to operate several individual devices just to measure and track a patient's physical condition. Physicians have simultaneous access to a patient's complete physiological data, enabling them to make the right diagnosis.

On top of healthcare efficiency improvement, BROADSIMS' 5G multi-parameter patient monitoring system also benefits physiological monitoring device manufacturers. Yu explained that single-feature medical device manufacturers face fierce competition. Even if their devices have been certified, they still struggle to overcome market entry barriers. By integrating with BROADSIMS' solution, the data collected by their devices can realize greater value, giving them another chance to penetrate medical institutions.

Taiwan's positive startup environment supports BROADSIMS' global expansion while its open platform strategy expands application scenarios

Yu revealed that BROADSIMS' ecosystem strategy has generated positive results. The company has actively engaged with ultrasound and video equipment makers for hardware integration on its open platform.

It has also introduced a platform development kit (PDK) for use by medical research and academic institutions around the world to develop new applications. With close collaborations with global manufacturers as well as medical research and academic institutions, BROADSIMS continues to expand the scale and diversity of its ecosystem, hoping to start a positive cycle attracting more partners to get on board.

BROADSIMS' 5G multi-parameter patient monitoring system was put to clinical use at NTU Hospital and Taichung Veterans General Hospital in 2021 and 2022. It officially passed medical device certification in May 2024 and entered the market.

Close to half of the medical centers in Taiwan now use BROADSIMS' 5G multi-parameter patient monitoring system to optimize their healthcare efficiency. For example, Taichung Veterans General Hospital combines the system with mobile communication to continuously monitor the conditions of patients during transit and send the data back to the hospital.

This significantly raises emergency care efficiency and patient safety. The solution also meets the needs of the home critical care program the Taiwan government is actively promoting. It enables the same quality of healthcare outside the hospital setting. Aside from Taiwan, BROADSIMS is applying for medical device certification in Southeast Asia and Europe while exerting efforts toward the US and other overseas markets.

Looking back at the process of developing and bringing the system to market, Yu attributed the success to the BROADSIMS team's effort. He also considered Taiwan's startup environment and TTA's support critical in helping BROADSIMS secure a foothold in the market.

Yu pointed out that with a multitude of accelerators and support programs, Taiwan's startup ecosystem is growing mature. As an important resource provider, TTA incubates startups by offering them opportunities to participate in international exhibitions and bridging them with mentors, media, prospective customers, and investors.

Going forward, BROADSIMS will continue to expand its ecosystem and engage with more partners with its open platform strategy and PDK. Furthermore, it will actively strengthen its collaborations with medical institutions, hoping its robust technological capability coupled with the innovative application model will create a win-win situation for hospitals and patients.
Former Samsung and SK Hynix executive detained again for suspect of leaking DRAM technology to China

Semiconductor expert Jin-seok Choi, who was previously accused of leaking Samsung Electronics' 20nm DRAM manufacturing technology data to China and attempting to establish a "cloning factory" in Chengdu, has been detained again by court orders.

According to a report by Chosun Biz, the Seoul Central District Court recently issued arrest warrants for Choi and former Samsung chief researcher Mr. Oh after reviewing their alleged violation of laws related to the prevention of unfair competition and protection of trade secrets. The court cited concerns about the suspects fleeing as the reason for issuing the warrants.

It is reported that Choi and others leaked over 600 critical pieces of information about the manufacturing process, such as the temperature and pressure required for Samsung's 20nm DRAM production, to Chengdu's CHJS Tech.

Jin-seok Choi joined Samsung in 1984 and worked there for 18 years, ranking as high as a director in the memory division. In 2001, he moved to SK Hynix's predecessor, Hynix Semiconductor, where he successfully helped revitalize the nearly bankrupt company by renovating its DRAM process technology. In 2010, he transitioned to the solar energy industry, joining the likes of Hanwha Q CELLS and STX Solar.

In 2015, Choi founded a semiconductor company in Singapore, actively recruiting semiconductor talent from Samsung and SK Hynix. Aiming to build a semiconductor plant in China, he established CHJS (Beijing) in 2019.

In April 2020, Choi secured KRW460 billion (approx. US$340 million) in investment from the Chengdu government to establish an R&D center in Chengdu. However, in June 2023, he was detained on suspicion of stealing Samsung's semiconductor plant blueprints to create a 20nm DRAM cloning factory. He was released in November 2023.

Due to new evidence, Choi has been detained once again, bringing South Korea's issue of semiconductor technology leaks back into the spotlight. There are growing concerns about the technological progress that CHJS currently holds and the potential risks of more advanced technology being leaked in the future.
Spatial display's path to market

Imagine sitting in a meeting room with a screen mounted on the wall in front of you, a video call comes in. The person calling you suddenly appears to be sitting right in front of you, within arms reach.

The wall and screen have faded away. You chat with each other, looking each other in the eyes and it feels like you are chatting with the person in the room instead of merely looking at a screen.

You extend your arm a little bit and move towards where the screen was and you can give each other a high five  almost. You realize it's still a virtual call when your hand touches the glass; it's the AI-powered volumetric display that creates the sense of co-presence.

Google's spatial product

This is Google's Project Starline, a concept that was first developed about five years ago. 2024 marks the year of the first public demo and the announcement with their partner HP. Having a video call with volumetrics is not a new concept, but it is a milestone when it's scheduled for commercialization in 2025 by Google and HP.

Google is no stranger to spatial displays. It was one of the first Fortune 500 companies that dedicated resources to build spatial displays like Google Glass. Project Starline seems to have a smoother path to market compared to Google Glass.

The maturity of Starline means more for the industry than just a new product coming out of Google Labs, it shows where we are in spatial computing today. From a graphics perspective, we have 2D text and pictures on one end of the spectrum; moving toward the other end with a higher level of technical complexity we have video.

Project Starline is 3D but with simpler interactions. It doesn't have the interactions users would have with Meta Quest headsets, where they can teleport themselves/walk in the virtual world with their pointer fingers pulling the trigger; nor does it have the interactions users would have with Apple Vision Pro, where they can look at a button and pinch to click it.

Yet the beauty of Starline is that there are no headsets involved. The cameras sit on top of the screen, and users simply show up as themselves in real-time 3D (in contrast, having a spatial call with Apple Vision Pro, users would show up as the scanned avatar of themselves). Project Starline's use cases may be more limited compared to AR/VR headsets. It's a more than reasonable trade-off: There is far less associated market education and change in user behaviors, especially Google plans to make it work with standard video conferencing tools like Google Meet and Zoom.

VR adoption

It has been a decade since Meta (formerly Facebook) announced plans to acquire Oculus. "Headset adoption is the bottleneck for VR growth." said Doug Griffin, the General Partner of Spatial Capital, a venture capital firm based in the San Francisco Bay Area, "Many people would think the reason is the ease of content creation, but I don't believe that's the case. The issue is creating a compelling use case to onboard users. Project Starline's holographic video could be the killer app, starting with enterprise and moving to consumers. It brings people closer." Before becoming an investor, Doug led startups culminating in exits to Apple and Roblox. He explicitly shies away from any startup investment opportunities where headset adoption is the precursor of the startup's success.

SIGGRAPH 2024 project submissions have increased in almost all categories (average growth at 36%, steamed by AI). VR is the only exception. It sees a small drop from 46 submissions to 44 submissions, making it a 4% decrease.

Year Rendering Modeling Animation Imaging Interaction/VR Others TOTAL 2024 162 (+40%) 212 (+60%) 161 (+27%) 154 (+41%) 44 (-4%) 107 (+23%) 840 (+36%) 2023 116 132 127 109 46 87 617 2022 113 139 101 132 45 78 608 2021 82 109 101 56 27 69 444 2020 71 111 101 67 36 56 442 2019 48 107 91 76 28 35 385 2018 73 126 103 77 35 50 464 2017 65 147 86 106 35 439 2016 67 150 96 110 40 463 2015 65 175 115 101 41 497

SIGGRAPH 2024 VR Theater Director Yangos Hadjiyannis shared excitement about more VR developers nowadays exploring the physical space. It helps create an even more immersive experience. He also noted that creatives are also mindful of the interaction design, given that they are aware that most audiences are first-time VR users.

HTC, a VR headset manufacturer with a strong presence in Asia, has been making tools to promote 3D use cases, even if that means some users may not always use VR headsets to access the software solutions they provide. HTC made socializing in the 3D world possible also on the web and mobile, even without logging in with any user account.

In July, HTC made the VIVERSE Polygon Streaming Overview video public, highlighting how users can now stream high-fidelity 3D models with ease. The integration with Unreal Engine, Unity, and Web XR further showcased the intent of trying to relate to as many developers as possible. At SIGGRAPH's expo hall, Looking Glass and Sony demonstrated each of their holographic displays, providing other alternatives for 3D.

VR content

As with all new technologies, adoption takes time. For an experience that requires art, technology, and operation to get right, it's even more so. At SIGGRAPH, several VR experiences were played back to back to complete a one-hour session.

Quest Pro is already one of the best headsets when it comes to fitting and weight balance. It holds true that different audiences may have different tolerances before they feel motion sick. Several experiences were produced with this in mind. More sitting still for audiences, unfortunately, means not just less chance of getting motion sickness but also a closer experience to watching a standard 2D video (in a VR scene, users literally were placed in a 3D living room watching a 2D video on TV).

If one ever ponders "Why use VR?", it may help to remember that storytelling with one additional dimension is still a wide open field; it takes more talent and more consistent investment dollars. We've seen techniques of volumetric capture, 360 videos, and having users use the controllers to control objects in the scene over the past ten years. Perhaps next year we will see fewer aliasing graphics and more storytelling methods deviating from film. We are on the path from good to great.

Author's bio

Kari Wu is a Senior Technical Product Manager at Unity Technologies, the leading platform for creating real-time interactive 3D content. Previously, she was an entrepreneur focused on augmented and virtual reality. Kari founded FilmIt, a startup enabling users without formal training to film professional-looking videos using augmented reality and automated editing solutions.

Born in Taiwan and raised across cultures, Kari brings a global vision to her work. Her experience consulting businesses in South Korea and Taiwan, and living in Boston, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, gives her a unique ability to see from multiple perspectives. From immigrant to entrepreneur to tech leader, Kari's lifelong curiosity has driven her journey of evolving identities and careers. Kari earned her MBA and MS in Media Ventures from Boston University.

Author, Kari Wu
Texas woos Taiwan's chip giants with US$700M fund and tax perks

In July 2024, Texas Governor Greg Abbott visited Taiwan to strengthen bilateral ties between the two regions, aiming to attract Taiwanese semiconductor companies to set up operations in Texas. As part of this effort, Abbott signed an economic cooperation agreement with Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) and established the State of Texas Taiwan Office (STTO).

The STTO's mission is to boost economic collaboration and increase Taiwanese investment in Texas, particularly in the semiconductor sector.

Texas, home to major players like Samsung, GlobalWafers, Texas Instruments, and AMD, leads the US in semiconductor production, exporting US$19.3 billion in 2021. STTO Director Joe Nieh spoke with DIGITIMES Asia at the annual SEMICON Taiwan event, where Texas was part of the US Pavilion. He discussed the office's goals and plans, specifically focusing on attracting Taiwanese semiconductor and EMS companies to Texas.

The Lone Star State's financial incentives

"We see great potential for Taiwan's semiconductor supply chain companies to integrate with Texas' semiconductor ecosystem," Nieh said.

"Taiwan has trained its semiconductor industry to world-class levels, so we hope to foster more collaborations and bring Taiwan's advanced technology to the Texas market."

Nieh highlighted Texas' competitive advantages, particularly its business-friendly tax system. "Texas doesn't have a state-level corporate income tax or personal income tax. We also waive sales and use taxes for manufacturing equipment and energy used for manufacturing. Additionally, there are property tax exemptions and R&D tax incentives that make Texas attractive to high-tech industries," he explained.

To further support semiconductor companies, Nieh pointed out the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund (TSIF), a US$700 million fund offering cash grants to the semiconductor ecosystem, including fabs and related businesses. "This fund can be particularly helpful for companies already considering a presence in Texas," he added.

Nieh also emphasized Texas' focus on advanced packaging technologies, which is crucial for the next phase of semiconductor innovation.

"Advanced packaging is a key area of development, and Taiwan's industry is well-positioned to contribute," Nieh said, highlighting a US$1.5 billion grant for research in advanced packaging that could foster joint projects between Taiwan and Texas.

Beyond semiconductors, Nieh outlined Texas' growing interest in industries such as aerospace, defense, energy, electric vehicles, agriculture, and biomedicine. "These sectors are the focal points of our office's efforts, and we're actively looking for more collaborations with Taiwan," he said.

Navigating through Texas's decentralized economic development system

The STTO, despite being operational for only two months, has already assisted several Taiwanese companies in navigating Texas' decentralized economic development system.

"Before, companies might have spent months trying to understand local incentives and regulations, but now, with our office, they can make more informed decisions faster," Nieh said.

The STTO Director outlined how his office assists companies by first gathering background information and understanding their operational needs before introducing them to Texas' central economic development team.

This team then consolidates the company's requirements into a well-structured form, which is subsequently shared with over 400 cities across Texas. Each city, equipped with detailed data, evaluates whether it can accommodate the project based on its scale and local economic conditions.

Nieh stressed that this decentralized system provides businesses with multiple options, offering them a "bird's-eye view" of the entire state's offerings. This approach prevents companies from being confined to heavily saturated metropolitan areas like Houston or Austin, where incentives are harder to secure.

Instead, companies can explore less-crowded cities with competitive advantages, enabling them to make better-informed decisions on where to establish operations.

The whole ecosystem

In conclusion, Nieh emphasized Texas' strong position in the semiconductor industry, highlighting that the state has no shortage of talent and a well-established market to attract more players. While Arizona's partnership with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) began years ago, Texas remains open to similar collaborations, with a focus on creating win-win scenarios for long-term cooperation.

Texas' strategic location adjacent to Mexico further enhances its appeal to Taiwanese companies, particularly those in the EMS sector. This proximity allows companies to establish manufacturing capabilities in Mexico while maintaining design, sales, and R&D operations in Texas, benefiting from a fully integrated ecosystem.

This cross-border collaboration model mirrors Taiwan's success in nurturing a complete semiconductor supply chain, further solidifying Texas' position as a key player in the global market.

As the STTO continues to engage with Taiwanese semiconductor firms, it aims to foster business development opportunities that extend beyond semiconductors to other sectors such as aerospace and energy, ensuring sustained growth and a strong presence in Texas.
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People Before Profit have selected Dundalks James Renaghan to be their Louth candidate in the general election.

A former Dundalk FC youth player, James worked in finance but returned to college and now is graduating with a Masters in Politics completing his dissertation in young people and the labour movement.

James was a student housing activist with the National Student Action Group and involved in Action For Palestine Ireland.

He is a co-founder of the Rank & File collective which creates protest art against homelessness.

More recently he has been a leading member of Dundalk Communities United, an anti-racist grassroots initiative seeking to build community solidarity whilst agitating against government neglect.

Speaking on his motivation for running as a socialist candidate James said: My dad is a security guard and my mam is a cleaner, having grown up in one of many diverse working class housing estates in Dundalk and experienced how we have been continuously neglected by successive governments has encouraged me to run on behalf of our areas.

I worked in finance for years and saw how inhumane it all is saving up to return to college whilst friends emigrated.

The genocide in Palestine was a radicalising moment, the same imperialist system that brutalises the Palestinians is the same system that keeps working class people here in poverty.

The long standing social issues in Ireland are caused by the profound levels of inequality within society, people are trying to divide working class areas in Dundalk on this issue scapegoating migrants and not the rich.

I was dismayed at loyalist collaborators welcomed down to Dundalk to protest refugees after the devastation caused by loyalism in the north of Ireland and here in the town in the 70s.

Working class people need to unite and fight like we did on the water charges, join a trade union and build back community that has been lost over the austerity years.

James said he intends to use the election as a platform for socialist politics, calling for the banning of vulture funds, the establishment of a state construction company to build public housing and seriously tackling property dereliction.

He said he will be calling for Irish ties with US imperialism to be cut by ending the US military use of Shannon Airport and abolishing the anti-worker 1990 Industrial Relations Act to give power back to workers.
Five local charities and community groups have become the latest beneficiaries of ALDIs Community Grants programme, with each organisation receiving gift cards from the ALDI store teams in County Louth.

Receiving 500 ALDI gift cards are Womans Aid Dundalk, Ardee & District Cancer Support, Gary Kelly Cancer Support Centre and Cystic Fibrosis Ireland.

For 2024, to coincide with ALDI Irelands 25th anniversary, the retailer has also selected 26 charities and community groups, one per county, to receive an additional support of 2,000 worth of ALDI gift cards, bringing the total donation to those chosen organisations to 2,500 worth of ALDI gift cards. In County Louth, Dogs Trust Ireland has been chosen to receive this award.

ALDIs Community Grants programme helps fund local charities and community organisations that contribute vital work and services in their local communities. Each local organisation supported is chosen by ALDI employees, enabling them to help the local good causes they are passionate about.

Commenting, Rachel Nugent, National Sustainability Manager, ALDI Ireland said: We are delighted to continue to support local charities and community groups across the country through the ALDI Community Grants programme and to see the impact of our donation in the local communities of County Louth.

The Community Grants programme is one example of how ALDI is committed to investing and partnering with local communities and charities across Ireland and we look forward to continuing this engagement for years to come.

Additionally, 2024 is a special year for ALDI as we mark 25 years of operating in Ireland. To mark that milestone moment, we expanded our Community Grants programme this year. On top of our 500 donations to all chosen charities and community organisations, 26 selected organisations received an additional 2,000 worth of ALDI gift cards, meaning in total we are supporting worthy causes to the amount of 137,500 worth of donations this year.
Florence Gillan, a name that has swiftly become synonymous with psychological thrillers, has just released her third book, establishing herself as a leading voice in the genre. This latest release, like her previous works, delves into the dark, tangled web of human emotions, trauma, and manipulation, all while keeping readers on the edge of their seats.

Having taught in a number of Louth schools over the years, Florence is now retired and lives outside Newry. She spends much of her time in her native Sligo in the foothills of Benbulbin.

In 2019, when Florence stepped away from teaching, she attended a writers retreat at the River Mill in Downpatrick, which gave her the courage to send her story out to Poolbeg Press.

The transformative heart of her debut novel Let Them Lie was somewhat inspired by the death of her beloved dog, Cassie.

The authors children were so upset at the burial, she came up with her idea for the unearthing of a box that contained devastating secrets.

Her first book, Let Them Lie, was set in her native Sligo; The Forfeit is set in Sligo and Dundalk; while her new book is set in Dublin.

When asked about her writing journey and the character of Emer Martin, the central figure in her latest book, Florence admits that creating Emer was both a challenge and a revelation. [It] was really hard to actually come up with the idea, she says. I had a lot of different things on the back burner, but Emer just came to meand then the rest of the bits sort of began to explain themselves.

While the original concept for the novel evolved significantly, the dark secrets in Emers background and her move to Dublin remained central to the plot.

Emer, grappling with the trauma of losing her mother and a controlling, manipulative relationship, embarks on a journey of self-discovery that is both compelling and unnerving. Florence reflects on how the characters arc shifted from her initial plans, as certain characters came into the story more prominently than expected, turning the writing process into something that at times seemed to write itself.

One of the books key themes is coercive controla subject that resonates deeply with Florence. She explains how manipulation, a recurring theme in her work, fascinated her from the start.

There was always coercive control, but it was, I suppose, hidden, and people didnt have the language to really articulate whats happening, she says. Emers story highlights the subtle ways in which manipulation can seep into ones lifehow her fiance slowly isolated her from her friends, and how the death of her mother triggered a desperate need to escape.

However, Emer quickly learns that moving cities isnt enough to escape the past. There isnt that sort of geographical cure where just because you move, things are going to be better, Florence notes.

As Emer settles into her new life in Dublin, mysterious eventsdisturbing letters and unsettling experiencesbegin to unearth the trauma she thought she had left behind. Her life, both personal and professional, starts to unravel as she tries to identify the source of the growing threats.

For Florence, capturing this unraveling was critical to maintaining the psychological tension that characterises her work.

I dont think psychological thrillers are comfortable reading. Theyre not like cozy crime, which I happen to love too but theyre not comfortable. You cant sort of sit down and relax. Sometimes, with a good psychological thriller, you actually have to stop, you have to have to get away from it for a while, because its disturbing you a little bit.

Or, you know, you worry about the character a little bit, or youre angry with the character. Because sometimes you can kind of go, how can she be stupid? So stupid? Or why? Why is she letting that happen? How does she not see?

I think for the reader, it can be an uncomfortable experience at times, so you just want to get away from it. And then a lot of times you just, you want to keep turning the pages, because you have to know what happens.

Despite the dark themes, Florence strives to balance tension with moments of reflection, especially in the relationships between her characters. She describes how Emers memories of her late motherlike the smell of her perfume or the sight of her cosmeticsact as poignant reminders of love and loss.

Its that thing where someones gone, but there are still so many pieces of them left behind, she says, drawing on personal memories of her own mother, brother, and sister, whose deaths inspired some of the emotional depth in her writing.

When asked about the evolution of her writing style, Florence acknowledges that her approach has changed over the course of her three novels. Her first book, Let Them Lie, was written with a sense of freedom and spontaneity"completely by the seat of my pants," as she describes it.

However, the demands of publishing her second and third novels on a tighter schedule forced her to become more structured in her process. This one was kind of torture, she confesses, admitting that while the process was harder, it also led to unexpected breakthroughs in the story.

One of the most significant themes in Florences novels is the agency of her protagonists. In Let Them Lie, Bree OHagan gains her power back only when her child is endangered. Emers journey, on the other hand, is one of confusion as she tries to navigate a world where the enemy is unclear.

For Emer, its terrifying because she doesnt know who or what is causing her pain, whereas with Bree, she knows her enemy.

Through her characters, Florence explores how women find strength and agency in the face of manipulation. Emers confusion and eventual determination to discover the truth about her tormentor reflect a powerful message about taking control of ones lifeeven in the darkest of times.

Read Next: Dundalk Chamber elect new vice president

I think she realises she cant just be a victim. She has to, she has to get on top of things. She has to find out whos torturing her, and she has to basically act herself.

Writing psychological thrillers is not only an exploration of the human psyche for Florenceits also a journey of personal growth. After years of doubting herself and her ability to write, she now embraces her new life as an author. Im doing the thing Ive always wanted to do, and Ive never felt more alive, she says.

However, the self-doubt hasnt entirely disappeared.

I think [I] still feel a little self conscious about it, she admits with a laugh. Surrounded by a supportive community of writers and readers, shes beginning to shed that doubt and embrace the title.

As for the future, Florence already has her eyes on the next project, with one first draft nearly complete and another concept involving twins percolating in the background.
Irish president Michael D Higgins and Irish premier Simon Harris have welcomed the UK Governments announcement of a public inquiry into the murder of Pat Finucane.

An inquiry into the Belfast solicitors murder 35 years ago is keeping with the spirit of the UK Governments new commitment to legacy issues, Mr Harris said.

Mr Higgins paid tribute to the tenacity of the Finucane family in their long-running campaign.

Todays confirmation by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland that the British Government will establish a public inquiry into the murder of Pat Finucane is very welcome, he said.

Todays decision is an important recognition of the heartbreak that has been carried by Geraldine Finucane and her family for so many years, and of their continuous campaigning for the truth.

Deputy premier Micheal Martin also welcomed the announcement from Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn, stating it showed that the rule of law is being respected.

Mr Benn announced on Wednesday that a public inquiry would be held into the murder of solicitor Mr Finucane, 39, at his family home in north Belfast by the Ulster Defence Association in February 1989.

A series of probes have found the attack involved collusion with the state.

Mr Harris said he had recently discussed the case with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.

He added: I spoke to John Finucane by phone yesterday evening to underline the enduring importance that I, as Taoiseach, and the Government attach to progress in his fathers case.

This is the beginning of a process and it will be important that, as details are confirmed, there is confidence that it can meet the standards and independence thresholds essential to an inquiry of this nature.

I want to acknowledge the leadership of Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Secretary of State Hilary Benn in coming to this decision.

Prime Minister Starmer and I have discussed the Pat Finucane case, including as recently as last Saturday when we met in Dublin, and in follow up to a previous discussion in Chequers in July.

The Taoiseach added: I know that the Prime Minister is committed to finding a new approach to legacy issues in Northern Ireland, and todays decision by the British Government is in keeping with the spirit of that commitment.

I have indicated to the Prime Minister that we stand ready to work with him and his Government on legacy issues.

Mr Martin said the next stage in the process would be the appointment of a judge to chair the inquiry and set the terms of reference.

The Tanaiste said: This case matters, first and foremost, to the Finucane family.

They have followed a long and challenging road since Pat Finucanes murder in 1989 and since a public inquiry was recommended by Judge Peter Cory in 2004.

It also matters to all of those, on all sides, working for justice in Northern Ireland.

This significant decision shows that the voices of those most affected, Pat Finucanes family, have been heard and that the rule of law is being respected.

Those are two fundamental principles that must guide our approach to the legacy of the Troubles in Northern Ireland. I want to again thank the Secretary of State, Hilary Benn, for moving on this important case so soon after taking office.
I havent really been able to sleep much since that report came out, to be honest with you, said the principal of one of the more than 30 Cork schools named in a national report on allegations of historical sexual abuse at schools run by religious orders in Ireland.

The Report of the Scoping Inquiry into Historical Sexual Abuse in Day and Boarding Schools Run by Religious Orders, which was published last Tuesday, contains almost 2,400 allegations of abuse.

The investigation, led by senior counsel Mary OToole, found claims were made about 884 alleged abusers in 308 day and boarding schools run by 42 Catholic religious orders across the country.

The scoping inquiry said it had contacted 73 religious orders that ran or are still running schools in Ireland, with 42 having records of historical sexual abuse allegations.

In Cork alone, there were more than 300 allegations of abuse against more than 130 alleged abusers in well over two dozen Cork schools.

In the wake of the reports publication, The Echo attempted to contact all of the Cork schools named in the report and still in operation, both by telephone and by email. Where we were unable to contact a school by telephone, we sent an email. Several of the schools we were able to contact declined to comment, and a number of them referred us to the head office of the religious order relevant to that school. The majority of the schools did not respond at all.

The principal of one Cork school named in the report, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said they had been deeply upset since reading the testimonies of some survivors, and had had difficulty sleeping.

I have young children myself, and I keep thinking that if anyone hurt my kids, I keep thinking, I just couldnt bear it. How could anyone do that to small children?

Its just horrific to think of the damage done, all of the suffering spreading out and out and the lives destroyed, they said.

All I can say is that were a very different school now. I know that doesnt help the poor people whose lives were destroyed, but for us in the school now the single most important school policy that we have is child protection, and its been that way for years.

The [named religious order] have had nothing to do with us for years, thank God.

The report contains 166 allegations against 50 alleged abusers at the Brothers of Charity in Lota in Glanmire, and nine allegations against two alleged abusers at the Brothers of Charity St Marys Rochestown.

A statement from the Brothers of Charity said since they were first made aware in the mid-90s of allegations of sexual abuse in their schools, they have put in place rigorous child protection structures in order to maximise the safety of every pupil.

They said:

We apologised publicly and unreservedly to pupils and families when [earlier reports relating to abuse] were published and we renew our sincere apologies.

They urged any former pupil who needs support to contact the independent counselling and therapeutic service, Towards Healing, at 1800 303416.

The report contains 42 allegations against four alleged abusers at Colaiste an Chroi Naofa, Carrignavar, run by the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart. The schools current board of management expressed its horror at allegations of abuse at our school at a time when it was a boarding school.

The Irish Province of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart extended its unreserved apologies to any child or young person who was sexually abused by any of our members  We acknowledge and accept the lasting impact of such abuse on the lives of victim survivors.

The order said it encouraged anyone who was abused in their school to report the abuse to An Garda Siochana and the orders safeguarding manager at safeguarding@mscmissions.ie.

The report contains 16 allegations against five alleged abusers at Blarney St Christian Brothers primary school. The school, which is now known as Blarney Street School, said it extended its heartfelt sympathy to all those who have been deeply hurt by sexual abuse.

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, its statement said.

The report contains two allegations against three alleged abusers at Ursuline College in Blackrock, and the Ursuline Sisters said they acknowledge the courage and bravery of the survivors and are deeply sorry that they have experienced abuse in religious-run schools. The order said it encouraged anyone needing support to contact them to get the help they need.

We continue to create and maintain an environment that is safe, respectful, supportive, nurturing and caring for all people, especially children in our schools.

The report has one allegation of abuse against one alleged abuser at Presentation Brothers College. The order said: While we acknowledge that it can never undo the damage caused, a broad range of support is available to support victims including access to funded counselling and therapeutic services as well as pastoral and restorative justice processes. We encourage anyone in need of support to contact us to avail of these services.

CBS Charleville, which has one allegation against one alleged abuser in the report, said its patron, Edmund Rice Schools Trust, had 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, the school said.

Two Cork schools named in the report  Sullivans Quay Christian Brothers primary school, Deerpark Christian Brothers secondary school  have between them seven historical allegations against four alleged abusers and have been amalgamated under Colaiste Eamann Ris (Edmund Rice College, named after the founder of the Christian Brothers).

Aaron Wolfe, principal of Colaiste Eamann Ris, said the schools staff was deeply saddened by the revelations, but welcomed the fact that survivors have been given the opportunity to tell their stories and be heard and supported.

The Edmund Rice Schools Trust, which is patron to almost 100 former Christian Brothers schools, said it wished 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.

The principal of one of the schools named in the report said it had been very unfair that schools had not been given advance notice of the reports publication. That principal, who declined to be named, said that with more notice schools might have been better prepared.

However, when asked what measures they had taken since the reports publication to contact past pupils or offer support to survivors of alleged abuse, they said they were restricted under GDPR from retaining any contact details of past pupils and thus had made no contact with any past pupils or survivors.

Asked to comment, a spokesperson for the Department of Education said the investigation and the subsequent report had a survivor engagement process at its centre, adding that survivors who took part in the process were given the first copies of the report as a priority.

That claim is confirmed anecdotally by survivors who had contributed to the investigation who said they had received a copy of the report delivered to their homes by courier. The department said it had made support information and resources available to schools management bodies, including specific information for schools that may have been named in the report of the scoping inquiry, and schools can contact their management bodies for that information, the department spokesperson said.

The information includes guidance for assisting past pupils who may approach schools directly, and it also includes an extensive list of support services, including specialist sexual abuse support organisations, where survivors can be referred for assistance and support.

NEPS, the National Educational Psychological Service, is also available to support schools where needed, they added.

HELPLINES

In response to the publication of the report, the telephone-based counselling service Connect is extending its service opening hours for the coming month.

The HSE-funded service, which provides professional telephone-based counselling to survivors of abuse at freephone 1800 477 477, will open from 5pm-9pm every evening until Tuesday, October 8.

The organisation One in Four provides services to adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse. One in Four can be contacted by calling 01 662 4070 or by completing the form at www.oneinfour.ie/contact.

The HSEs National Counselling Service provides a professional, confidential counselling and psychotherapy service to people aged 18 or older who experienced childhood abuse. Access to the service can be made by self-referral or referral by a GP. The service is available in all HSE health regions.

Rape Crisis Centre offers a free and confidential listening and support service for anyone who has been raped, sexually assaulted, sexually harassed, or sexually abused at any time in their lives. 24-hour National Helpline: 1800 77 88 88 Email: counselling@rcc.ie (office hours) An Garda Siochana Child Sexual Abuse Freephone is a 24-hour line for reporting a complaint of child sexual abuse: 1800 555 222.

Samaritans are available for confidential, non-judgmental, listening support. You can call or email Samaritans anytime, day and night. Freephone: 116 123; email: jo@samaritans.ie; website: samaritans.ie.

Pieta provides counselling at their centres nationwide and telephone support. Their services are for people who are at risk of suicide or self-harm, along with people who have been bereaved by suicide. Freephone 1800 247 247 anytime, day or night, text HELP to 51444 (standard message rates apply), or visit www.pieta.ie for more.

Text About It is a free text service providing emotional support to anyone experiencing a crisis, through engagement in a text conversation with a trained and supervised volunteer. Text HELLO to 50808 to start a conversation or visit www.textaboutit.ie for more information Anyone who wishes to report an allegation of sexual abuse can contact their local Garda station, the Garda Sexual Crime Management Unit (01-6663430), or the Garda Child Sexual Abuse Reporting Line (1800 555 222)  which is a confidential and free service. Or they can email GNPSB_SCMU@garda.ie.
As the sun began to set on World Suicide Prevention Day, candles lit up the plaza on Corks Albert Quay as motorcycles growled and roared around the small crowd gathered against the darkness.

Just after 8pm yesterday, the Cork High Hopes Choir and their friends from Cork Penny Dinners held their annual vigil to remember loved ones lost to suicide, and those left behind.

Caitriona Twomeys grandson Cruze delights in the candles, lit as symbols of hope during Bridges of Hope, a candlelit event organised by Caitriona to mark World Suicide Prevention Day. Picture Chani Anderson

With the pavement and the railings along the river lit up with golden night-light candles, a lone piper played Fainne Geal an Lae (The Dawning of the Day) on the Parnell Bridge.

On the water below, a speedboat piloted by volunteers from Cork City Missing Persons circled, with the mascot Bear Hope at the helm.

Just after 8pm, a group of Cork bikers set off from Albert Quay, carrying teddy bears throughout the city.

Mark and Allieah Keating pictured with Sophie Walsh and Danielle Ford from Ballyphenane at Bridges of Hope, a candlelit event to mark World Suicide Prevention Day held on Albert Quay. Picture Chani Anderson

We do this every year to mark World Suicide Prevention Day, which is a day dedicated not just to raising awareness, but to creating a space for compassion, conversation, and hope for all, Caitriona Twomey, volunteer co-ordinator with Cork Penny Dinners, told The Echo.

This year, our theme is Start the Conversation, which is a call to each of us, a reminder that opening our hearts and our mouths can ignite change, foster understanding, and build bridges of connection. We know all too well that these conversations can be tough, but in their unfolding, we discover the power of love and community.

Candles and Teddy bears lined Albert Quays symbols of hope during Bridges of Hope, a candlelit event to mark World Suicide Prevention Day organised by Caitriona Twomey. Picture Chani Anderson

Ms Twomey said the vigil had prayed and sang for all who had lost loved ones.

It was a very emotional evening, and it sent a powerful message about the terrible loss that people leave behind, she said.

Lord Leon 11, Zoey 9 and Ciara Rawley from Bishopstown pictured at Bridges of Hope, a candlelit event to mark World Suicide Prevention Day held on Albert Quay. Picture Chani Anderson

As the vigil came to a close, a lone bugler sounded The Last Post while the candles flickered against the night.

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this story, listening support is available at any time from Samaritans on Freephone 116 123, or visit www.samaritans.ie.

Text support is available at any time from Spunout: Text HELLO to 50808.
Gardai and the emergency services were called to the scene of a house fire in the Mahon area of Cork city on Tuesday evening.

The fire was at an unoccupied house and there are no reports of injuries.

In a statement An Garda Siochana said: "Gardai and emergency services are currently at the scene of a fire at a house in Mahon, Cork city this evening, Tuesday 10th September 2024.

"The property was unoccupied and there are no reports of injuries.

"There is no further information available at this time," the statement added.
Tanaiste Micheal Martin has said successive governments fought the Apple tax case to defend the integrity and independence of our economic strategy and also to protect jobs.

His remarks came after the decision yesterday by the European Court of Justice that Ireland must recover over 13bn in back taxes from Apple.

The ruling was welcomed by some TDs in Cork, and there was criticism of the Government for the millions spent on the case.

However, Mr Martin said: Every international company that chooses to locate in Ireland looks for certainty, and that is the foundation stone of our industrial policy.

Ireland has been fortunate to see many employers provide significant numbers of high-quality jobs across our country. Apple is one clear example of this success story, employing 6,000 people in its Cork campus.

Mr Martin said that the Apple tax money is a once-off, which he said cannot be used for day-to-day spending.

The Government will now give careful consideration on how to use these funds in the best interests of the Irish people, he said.

The European Court of Justice (CJEU) yesterday set aside a 2020 ruling by the second-highest court, the General Court, which had previously quashed the European Commissions 2016 decision that Apple owed Ireland 13bn in tax.

The CJEU decision restores the 2016 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 EUs General Court annulled the decision.

However, the European Commission subsequently appealed against that decision to the CJEU, saying the lower courts ruling was legally incorrect.

Yesterday, the CJEU agreed the General Court had erred in its decision and ordered the judgment should be set aside, restoring the commissions original ruling.

Statement

A statement from the Government said: The Irish position has always been that Ireland does not give preferential tax treatment to any companies or taxpayers.

The statement noted: The Apple case involved an issue that is now of historical relevance only; the Revenue opinions date back to 1991 and 2007 and are no longer in force; and Ireland has already introduced changes to the law regarding corporate residence rules and the attribution of profits to branches of non-resident companies operating in the State.

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.

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.

Thomas Gould, Sinn Fein TD for Cork North-Central, said Fianna Fail and Fine Gael regularly accuse Sinn Fein of fiscal irresponsibility, but had spent 10m in taxes trying to prevent an additional 13bn being added to Irish funds.

This is the same Government who cant provide 150,000 for children in St Killians special school, he said.

Capital projects

Mick Barry, Solidarity-People Before Profit TD for Cork North-Central, said he welcomed the CJEU decision.

Fianna Fail and Fine Gael have made a mess of this whole situation, but the money is going to be paid over now, and two things are now needed, Mr Barry said.

We need clarity as to how much of this money stays with the Irish State, and we need a debate on what its spent on.

Ill argue for public services, housing, schools, and hospitals.

Padraig OSullivan, Fianna Fail TD for Cork North-Central, said there was a need to invest the money wisely.

We have a myriad of capital projects which have been stalled, so I would hope that a good chunk of that money might be diverted to capital projects, Mr OSullivan said.

Colm Burke, Fine Gael TD for Cork North-Central and the minister of State at the Department of Health, said it was important that careful thought went into how the Apple tax revenue might best benefit the Irish people.

We need to have additional hospitals, and I think thats one area of infrastructure that we need to prioritise, he said.
A 63-year-old man turned up twice at Mercy University Hospital causing a drunken disturbance, threatening staff, and making further threats to gardai who arrived at the scene each time, a court heard recently.

The two incidents involving Patrick Fennelly occurred within one month of each other.

At Cork District Court, he pleaded guilty to public order charges arising out of both cases and public order offences on other occasions elsewhere.

Sergeant John Kelleher said gardai were called to deal with the disturbance at Mercy University Hospital (MUH) on May 30. Fennelly was drunk and aggressive to patients and hospital staff.

He did not require medical attention but he was refusing to leave, becoming more and more aggressive with hospital personnel, said Sgt Kelleher.

Gardai arrived and asked him to leave, and again he refused to do so. Gardai feared he would attack someone during the incident at 1.30am.

After his arrest, he was searched and found to have a small amount of cannabis in his pocket. He told gardai: Thats my hash.

'Highly abusive'

Less than a month later, he was back at MUH, where he was highly abusive, threatening staff, and refusing to leave. He was highly intoxicated.

Gardai arrived to deal with the disturbance and he called them a bunch of p***ks, adding: Ill hammer you.

He said to one of the officers: Ill put a bullet in your head, young fella.

Around this time he was involved in a drunken disturbance at Classis Lake, Ballincollig. And again at Oliver Plunkett St, Cork, he was found to be highly intoxicated and falling around the street, causing annoyance to members of the public.

Again in the Oliver Plunkett St disturbance he was threatening to gardai, shouting: I will blow the head off the two of ye f**k off ye p***ks Ill kill ye if ye dont f**k off.

Sgt Kelleher said the 63-year-old had 105 previous convictions including being drunk and a source of danger to himself or others 33 times, and engaging in threatening and abusive words or behaviour likely to lead to a breach of the peace on 24 occasions.

Frank Buttimer, solicitor, said the record of previous convictions was older and that the accused had not been coming to the attention of the gardai for about 10 years.

But then he had a slip just over a year ago and got into further difficulties.

He is in independent living accommodation provided by Cork Simon Community and he is on disability allowance, Mr Buttimer said. He is a longstanding alcoholic. He did get treatment, and there was a long gap in his offending. He came back on the radar in the last 18 months after a gap of almost 10 years.

Sentencing adjourned

Judge Mary Dorgan said that these disturbances were particularly disturbing when they occurred in hospitals.

Mr Buttimer said: He is highly apologetic for his behaviour to the public, An Garda Siochana, and staff at the Mercy hospital. He does accept that his behaviour is unacceptable.

Judge Dorgan adjourned sentencing until November 25 for a probation report in advance of sentencing.

In the meantime, the accused is required to stay away from the Mercy, be respectful to gardai, and attend whatever services are recommended by the Probation Service.
Cork Chamber has echoed calls for the introduction of structured, multi-annual funding for the higher education sector.

It comes as the chairman of UCCs governing authority, Sean ODriscoll, raised the matter when writing in a personal capacity in the Irish Examiner this week.

Cork Chamber CEO Conor Healy, said Cork Chamber has raised issues regarding the funding difficulties faced by universities and third-level institutions in its pre-budget submission.

Cork Chamber has raised the issues regarding the funding difficulties faced by universities and third-level institutions through our pre-budget submission 2025 and as recently as last week with Finance Minister Jack Chambers TD, but the situation outlined by Mr ODriscoll gives rise to even further concern, he said.

Education has been a game-changer for Ireland in recent decades, enhancing the skills of the workforce, attracting investment into Ireland, and growing Irelands prosperity.

Talent is one of Irelands key pillars in attracting and retaining FDI, and is crucial to the success of indigenous firms.

Irelands critical infrastructure, education included, must be properly supported by multi-annual funding structures that facilitate long-term planning and strategic thinking.

Higher education is suffering from a well-publicised funding gap of 307m at present, which hampers the ability of third-level institutions to expand and plan for the future.

Mr Healy said the National Training Fund (NTF) surplus could and should be deployed to support multi-annual funding plans and strategies for further education.

Irelands competitiveness hinges on its ability to ensure the provision of a highly-skilled and talented workforce, he said. Unlocking the surplus in the NTF and providing greater certainty for higher education through multi-annual funding plans will play a critical role in driving Irelands future competitiveness.
The suspected petrol bomb attack at Murphys Rock pub in Ballyvolane late on Sunday night, September 1, saw a 32-year-old man being remanded in custody for a fortnight today.

Stephen McCarthy of Bay 10, Spring Lane halting site, Cork, appeared by video link from prison at Cork District Court where Judge Mary Dorgan remanded in custody until September 25.

Sergeant Dave Delea said directions were awaited from the Director of Public Prosecutions.

The first count against Mr McCarthy states that on Sunday, September 1, at Murphys Rock, Ballincollie Road, Dublin Hill, Cork, he committed arson in that he damaged by fire property, namely doors, windows, blinds and exterior and interior paint, intending damage or being reckless as to whether it would be damaged.

Detective Garda Kevin Motherway also charged him with two counts of having a knife at the same time and place, driving without insurance or a driving licence. He is further charged with possession of cocaine at Mayfield garda station and having the drug for sale or supply.

So far there has been no application for bail by the accused.

Det Garda Motherway said during the brief hearing that when the accused was arrested charged and cautioned on Tuesday afternoon, September 3, he made no reply to any of the charges.
Questions. My husband once sang a song called that. It was about how, when he was a child inquiring about what Santy might be bringing for Christmas, his mother used to say Ask me no questions and Ill tell you no lies.

But down here on the frontline, its not Christmas all year round and Santa isnt going to be solving all our problems anytime soon. We need to be asking more questions.

Enough of this dont ask/dont tell rubbish that I personally believe lies at the root of virtually every government cock-up that has ever happened in this country.

Its only now and again that the workhorses hear about these cock-ups: by workhorses, I mean those people in this State who actually earn their living, support the Exchequer, and meet the costs of their mortgages, childcare, clothing and food; the ones who actually pay for everything they buy with money theyve earned themselves.

Its rare enough that they get a glimpse of what lifes really is like for the other half; for example, the ones who work in Kildare Street.

Only a glimpse, of course, and its usually only because something was (possibly inadvertently, maybe not) let slip.

Then the workhorses get agitated. They neigh and stamp their hooves and all the politicians come racing out of their traps to agree about how dreadful it all is.

Like the shed/shelter/structure/canopy for the 18 bikes at Leinster House  whatever youd call it, this thing cost what it would to build a whole house.

A whopping 336,000, or about 18,000 per bike, and, as architect and Green Party TD Neasa Hourigan pointed out, it doesnt even qualify as a shed. Its actually, she commented, little more than an L-shaped canopy which may not even be capable of keeping the bikes dry.

And, sure enough, Larkin Engineering, a Galway firm that makes street furniture, declared it could have built that shelter/canopy/structure for around 20,000. Or a cheaper one, for 7,000.

Even the Minister for Finance Jack Chambers dropped his official voice in, and admitted the Leinster House Bike Catastrophe was a complete waste of money.

But hang on. Did anybody ever ask questions about it before the story crashed onto the front pages of our newspapers?

Did anybody in government, the civil service or, indeed, the Office of Public Works itself ever ask about why a bike canopy should cost the same price to build as a four-bedroom family home?

Did any of the officials and politicians who negotiated/nodded through/signed off on that particular deal ever bother to price around (Get a few quotes, lads)?

Did anyone even question the cost of the thing, or consider the level of bang that some humble but canny community-based organisations manage to get for their far smaller amount of bucks?

Two years ago, 50,000 in funding provided to a Kerry GAA club by the Department of Rural and Community Development stretched to providing a bike shed  and a walkway, car parking, and a picnic area!

A Cork sporting club, also given 50,000 funding, managed to use it to develop, yes, a bike shed as well as a car park, seating, a fountain in a lake, and the upgrading of a walking track.

Over the weekend, it also emerged that the Office Of Public Works, the self-same body that forked out for the Leinster House bike shed/canopy/structure, approved more than 35,000 for one of its executives to attend a prestigious business school in Paris less than a year before retirement.

It was felt, one newspaper was told, that this would have been value for money if, er, the official  who, it was reported, is now described as self-employed  had, er, continued to work in the state sector.

But, prior to signing the cheques and handing out the dosh, did anybody question how this official might justifiably be expected to use all that expensive investment in self-development and further education in a State sector role of some kind, post-retirement?

Sorry. Maybe its just me. I dont get it.

I also dont get why the official had to attend a business course in Paris  didnt anybody ask why the many excellent business leadership courses in the Irish third-level sector were not considered adequate?

Does anybody, ever, ask questions at all when it comes to spending taxpayers money, until something leaks and the story breaks?

Then, those of us who trudge through long days sans a seat on the gravy train are afforded a glimpse of the awful reality that our hard-earned cash, forensically hoovered up by Revenue and earmarked for the use of the elite in Kildare Street, is essentially considered worthless by those who get to spend it.
Sonya Lennon, Standard Lifes Second Life mentor, is as fabulous in person as you might imagine.

Arriving at the lobby of Vienna Woods Hotel last Friday, she was dressed beautifully in her own design, with two perfectly matching accessories: energy and warmth. Lennon was there to discuss women and pensions, a topic about which shes passionate.

Her devotion to womens financial wellbeing is well established. Through one of her four organisations, Work Equal, she has supported thousands of women in the workplace since 2016.

She understands that seeking financial advice is an ongoing issue for women. According to Standard Life, 62% of women report feeling anxious about their finances, compared to 42% of men.

From left: Charlotte Riordan, Standard Life, Dee White, Standard Life; Ann Kelleher, non-executive director, Standard Life; Sonya Lennon, host, Second Life mentoro; Loretta Dignam, The Menopause Hub and Olive Kingston, Standard Life pictured at the Women and Pensions Lunch held at Cork's Vienna Woods Hotel. Picture: Brian Lougheed

Pensions are a problematic piece of the gender jigsaw. Indeed, according to research, two in five women are concerned they wont be able to retire, versus 33% of men.

Historically, men took control, and women were very vulnerable in the face of sudden separation or death, left high and dry, and in the worst circumstance with no access to accounts, says Sonya.

Conversely, however, even if men control the finances, it is often the women who stress about the administration of money, whether there is enough money for schoolbooks. They live in the trenches of the finances. Its important that we take a shared responsibility.

Ann Kelleher, non-executive director, Standard Life (left) with host Sonya Lennon, Second Life mentor. Picture: Brian Lougheed

A Cultural Problem

Beyond gender, exuberant entrepreneur Sonya believes our reluctance to talk about money is a distinctly Irish characteristic.

We need to look at how we position pensions and retirement in this country. We are not comfortable talking about money. We view it as icky. Historically, we would have been conscious of people thinking wed notions. We find it difficult to be plain-speaking about achieve-ments and tend to be self-effacing.

Sonya also points out how generous we are, but contends that we must start with looking after ourselves, especially now that we are living longer.

Our expectations of our elder years have changed; there is much more awareness of the need to be fit and healthy, flexible, and strong. We invest in our futures across every aspect, like lifting weights to stay mobile. We also need to look at what we are doing to prepare financially.

Louise Mahon, Holkate Financial Advisers; Hazel Monaher and Lorette Dignam, The Menopause Hub, pictured at the Women and Pensions Lunch. Picture: Brian Lougheed

Throughout our conversation, and later at the Pensions for Women event, held by Standard Life, the word retirement is replaced by second life. This viewpoint, also espoused by Lennon, is optimistic and exciting, far from the usual approach associated with personal finance.

What I love about Standard Life is the lens, she says. It is not about the money or the pot. It is about asking what you want that time of life to be. What does your second life look like? It is about preparing a mindset. There is no prescription here  its flexible.

The approach Sonya Lennon takes is a simple one.

Karen Goodliffe, SurePlan Financial, left with Hannah Dooley, Standard Life. Picture: Brian Lougheed

The best time to plant a tree is a hundred years ago or today. It is never too late to plan from where you are.

Later at the event, she talks about shifting the A.

We start with anxiety and apprehension. We live with low-level anxiety about our finances. We move to awareness. Then we arrive at accountability. We realise that we are in charge of our own futures. Then we get to action, which is when the good stuff happens.

The impediment to action, says Lennon, is fear.

Rachel Morrissey, left, Meritus with Susan McGrath, Heritage Wealth. Picture: Brian Lougheed

We often have a kind of dawning around our forties. Thinking, Oh I really should have done more When that thought presents itself, it might not be as bad as we think it is. It wakes us up at three in the morning. One of the things that stops people is not knowing where to turn.

Relationships and advice

Relationships are key, the fashion designer says.

In fact, she recently sat down with her dad. They both mapped out his plan for 100 years of life.

The conversation was about what he has and what he wants to do. Its important to plan for 100 years so you dont run out. I saw the relief in my dads face. We all carry around a low-level anxiety about this stuff. It makes us paralysed to do anything.

Iris Anderson, McCarthy Insurance Group, left and Olive Kingston, Standard Life. Picture: Brian Lougheed

It was her dad who first nudged her towards financial peace of mind.

He taught me that its never too early and never too late. He worked in the bank. When I decided I wanted to go freelance at 21, he said fine, so long as you give money into a tiny pension. Knowing it was there, percolating, helped.

Her mother also taught her about the need to have financial independence.

She was a career woman who always worked. She taught me not to rely on anyone else, something that has seeped in deep into my core. That control is important.

Relationships are fundamental to women, and so they will be the source of finding financial help. Sonya suggests that we all have a friend who makes the smart choices, whether its about the latest deal or the savviest holiday plans. That friend can help.

Charlotte Riordan and Darren McGarry, Standard Life with Mary O'Halloran, Complete Financial Advice. Picture: Brian Lougheed

Again, if you can tap into word of mouth, like you would with anything, you can get help. People are worried that financial advisors are only into selling stuff, but a good advisor is more interested in you, and what youre looking for. The product comes second. If you dont feel comfortable with the advisor, they are not the right advisor for you.

Afternoon Session

After my chat with Sonya, I attend the Standard Life Women in Pensions event. It is consistent in tone, centring on the role of conversations and relationships in securing pensions that work for women.

Fittingly, the session is a chat between Sonya and Non-Executive Director of Standard Life International, Ann Kelleher, who Sonya praises for her honesty and openness. It is an engagingly informal chat about Anns career journey, her approach to planning for her retirement, and life lessons shes learned along the way. It feels a bit like a support group for women, just on the topic of pensions, with founder of The Menopause Hub, Loretta Dignam, in attendance, ready to share insights and top tips.

All speakers share their belief that we all have a friend who can guide us through our personal finances and towards the right advisors. Through recommendations, we can find our way towards a pension that works best for us.

Siobhan Donegan, Roberts Nathan Financial Services, left with Lillian Oldham, Coughlan Coleman Hughes. Picture: Brian Lougheed

Dee White, hosting the event, joining the conversation, asks: How many of you has a woman in your life who could ask for advice?

Scanning the room, she takes in the raised hands at every table.

Thats nearly all of you. Thats how I found the person who was right for me, when someone I trusted gave me a referral.

Throughout the event, references are made to their new Standard Life podcast series, with Sonya as host, appropriately developed to be shared with family and friends.

The ultimate guide for Women and Pensions podcast - brought to you by Standard Life | Standard Life Ireland (podbean.com)
Founded in 2005 as an Ohio-based environmental newspaper, EcoWatch is a digital platform dedicated to publishing quality, science-based content on environmental issues, causes, and solutions.

Democratic governments have been using increasingly harsh, overly broad, and vague laws against climate activists and protesters, according to a new report and video by nonprofit human rights group Climate Rights International (CRI).

Countries are imposing long prison sentences, bringing criminal charges against climate activists for trivial offenses and engaging in preventative detention, a press release from CRI said.

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, said Brad Adams, CRIs executive director, in the press release. Instead of jailing climate protesters and undermining civil liberties, governments should heed their call to take urgent action to address the climate crisis.

The report, On Thin Ice: Disproportionate Responses to Climate Change Protesters in Democratic Countries, documents the increasingly authoritarian treatment of climate protesters in Germany, France, the Netherlands, Sweden, Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom.

By bearing down on climate activists, countries are violating their duties to protect the basic rights of freedom of assembly, expression and association, the report said.

The report pointed out that the protests are fueled by frustration with the inaction of governments in the face of increasing climate crisis impacts. Concerned citizens are exercising their basic rights to peaceful protest and civil disobedience, just as they did in the civil rights, anti-apartheid, anti-colonial and centerpiece of the suffragette movements.

The fact is that climate activism is not something youre born into, but its something you stand up to do no matter where you are in your life. And I would say from all the years of activism and for all the thousands of people Ive spoken with, the one really most powerful answer to desperation is action, Luisa Neubauer, a climate activist, told CRI.

Climate activist Luisa Neubauer speaks to activists protesting against an LNG terminal being built in Germany, on April 30, 2023. Fridays4Future.

Governments are required by international law to protect and respect the basic rights of freedom of expression, assembly and association, but, rather than safeguarding them, many countries are looking to outdated legislation or enacting new laws restricting peaceful protest and imposing disproportionate punishments.

A recent example is the unprecedented prison sentences given to five protesters in the United Kingdom for conspiring to cause a public nuisance on a major roadway in London.

Weve been protesting in the streets for 50 years now. Weve been signing petitions for 50 years now. And our emissions are still rising. So, the time of nicely asking is just over, Sieger Sloot, a Dutch climate protester, said in the report.

Another case in Australia involved charges being brought against Deanna Violet Coco under a law in New South Wales that permitted a prison sentence of as much as two years for anyone entering or remaining on a tunnel or bridge if it causes any portion of the structure to be closed or pedestrians or vehicles to be redirected.

In the U.S., felony charges carrying a sentence of as long as five years in prison with a fine of up to $250,000 were brought against Joanna Smith and Timothy Martin for smearing a protective case housing a statue in Washington, DCs National Gallery with water-soluble paint.

Timothy Martin and Joanna Smith at the National Gallery in Washington, DC on April 27, 2023. Cece Russell-Jayne

I interrupted what I love, which is art and culture and all the things we go to museums to celebrate, I interrupted that ever so briefly and delicately to try to help protect it. And to try to help save what we are all about to lose, which is everything that we love if we dont address the climate crisis, Smith told CRI about the motivation behind her National Gallery action.

CRI called on countries governments to adopt protective measures in support of safe and responsible demonstrations, to protect the fundamental right to peaceful protest, to repeal or amend laws targeting peaceful protesters, to allow evidence in court of climate change motivations behind actions and to adopt legislation that creates a public interest defense in legal proceedings that involve climate protesters.

July 2024 was the 14th month in a row to become the hottest month on record. Governments should reflect on the absurdity that each new month also seems to include record breaking sentences for climate protesters, Adams said in the press release. 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.
Founded in 2005 as an Ohio-based environmental newspaper, EcoWatch is a digital platform dedicated to publishing quality, science-based content on environmental issues, causes, and solutions.

Environmentalists demonstrate against the use of fracking during Earth Day in Bogota, Colombia on April 22, 2022. Juancho Torres / Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

Colombia  host of the 2024 United Nations COP16 biodiversity conference  was the deadliest country in the world for environmentalists and defenders of land rights last year, with Global Witness, an advocacy group based in the United Kingdom, reporting a record 79 killed.

It was the highest death toll that Global Witness ever recorded for one country in a single year.

The figure is really chilling, said lead author of the report Laura Furones, Global Witness land and environmental defenders senior adviser, adding that the findings of the report were conservative and that the figures were likely incomplete, as Reuters reported.

Last year, 196 land and environmental activists were killed, with 85 percent of the deaths reported in Latin America, the report said.

This report shows that in every region of the world, people who speak out and call attention to the harm caused by extractive industries  like deforestation, pollution and land grabbing  face violence, discrimination and threats, wrote Nonhle Mbuthuma, founder of Amadiba Crisis Committee and winner of the 2024 Goldman Prize, in the foreword to the report. We are land and environmental defenders. And when we speak up many of us are attacked for doing so.

Colombias President Gustavo Petro, elected in 2022, has promised to help communities seek environmental justice, reported Reuters.

Petro called Colombias position at the top of the list by Global Witness dishonorable.

The report also found Colombia to be the deadliest country for environmental defenders the year before, with at least 60 killed in 2022.

We cannot win the fight against the climate and nature crisis without greater protection for defenders, Furones said, as The New York Times reported.

Global Witness said establishing the cause of the killings was difficult, but that mining was the biggest driver in 2023, with 25 reported slayings related to the industry, reported The Guardian.

As the climate crisis accelerates, those who use their voice to courageously defend our planet are met with violence, intimidation and murder. Our data shows that the number of killings remains alarmingly high, a situation that is simply unacceptable, Furones said, as The Guardian reported.

Almost 90 percent of those killed in 2023 were men, with 43 percent from Indigenous communities. The total number of killings recorded since 2012  when Global Witness began reporting the data  is 2,106.

The breach of these fundamental rights by governments and companies in pursuit of profit is not just minor collateral damage. Their actions have life-changing consequences for us all, Mbuthuma wrote. Knowing my life is in danger every day is deeply taxing. And I know I am not alone.
The US government has noticed the potentially negative effects of generative AI on areas like journalism and content creation. Senator Amy Klobuchar, along with seven Democrat colleagues, urged the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Justice Department to probe generative AI products like ChatGPT for potential antitrust violations, they wrote in a press release.

"Recently, multiple dominant online platforms have introduced new generative AI features that answer user queries by summarizing, or, in some cases, merely regurgitating online content from other sources or platforms," the letter states. "The introduction of these new generative AI features further threatens the ability of journalists and other content creators to earn compensation for their vital work."

The lawmakers went on to note that traditional search results lead users to publishers' websites while AI-generated summaries keep the users on the search platform "where that platform alone can profit from the user's attention through advertising and data collection."

These products also have significant competitive consequences that distort markets for content. When a generative AI feature answers a query directly, it often forces the content creatorwhose content has been relegated to a lower position on the user interfaceto compete with content generated from their own work.

The fact that AI may be scraping news sites and then not even directing users to the original source could be a form of "exclusionary conduct or an unfair method of competition in violation of antitrust laws," the lawmakers concluded. (That's on top being a potential violation of copyright laws, but that's another legal battle altogether.)

Lawmakers have already proposed a couple of bills designed to protect artists, journalists and other from unauthorized generative AI use. In July, three senators introduced the COPIED Act to combat and monitor the rise of AI content and deepfakes. Later in the month, a group of senators introduced the NO FAKES Act, a law that would make it illegal to make digital recreations of a person's voice or likeness without their consent.

AI poses a particularly large risk to journalism, both local and global, by removing the sources of revenue that allow for original and investigative reporting. The New York Times, for one, cited instances of ChatGPT providing users with "near-verbatim excerpts" from paywalled articles. OpenAI recently admitted that it's impossible to train generative AI without copyrighted materials.
In a government inquiry about AI adoption in Australia, Meta's global privacy director Melinda Claybaugh was asked whether her company has been collecting Australians' data to train its generative AI technology. According to ABC News, Claybaugh initially denied the claim, but upon being pressed, she ultimately admitted that Meta scrapes all the photos and texts in all Facebook and Instagram posts from as far back as 2007, unless the user had set their posts to private. Further, she admitted that the company isn't offering Australians an opt-out option like it does to users in the European Union.

Claybaugh said that Meta doesn't scrape the accounts of users under 18 years old, but she admitted that the company still collects their photos and other information if they're posted on their parents' or guardians' accounts. She couldn't answer, however, if the company collects data from previous years once a user turns 18. Upon being asked why Meta doesn't offer Australians the option not to consent to data collection, Claybaugh said that it exists in the EU "in response to a very specific legal frame," which most likely pertains to the bloc's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Meta had notified users in the EU that it will collect their data for AI training unless they opt out. "I will say that the ongoing conversation in Europe is the direct result of the existing regulatory landscape," Claybaugh explained during the inquiry. But even in the region, Claybaugh said that there's an "ongoing legal question around what is the interpretation of existing privacy law with respect to AI training." Meta decided not to offer its multimodal AI model and future versions in the block due to what it says is a lack of clarity from European regulators. Most of its concerns centered around the difficulties of training AI models with data from European users while complying with GDPR rules.

Despite those legal questions around AI adoption in Europe, bottom line is that Meta is giving users in the bloc the power to block data collection. "Meta made it clear today that if Australia had these same laws Australians' data would also have been protected," Australian Senator David Shoebridge told ABC News. "The government's failure to act on privacy means companies like Meta are continuing to monetise and exploit pictures and videos of children on Facebook."
Jermaine Dupri recalled how he took Bow Wow to a strip club at the age of 12, and fans are calling him out.

This news came from an Instagram Live video where the music producer recalled spending time with the young Bow Wow, according to 'Atlanta Black Star.'

"He was too young to come with us... I told him, 'Stay here, play video games, don't mess up the studio.' This [boy] made a fuss... he just wanted to sit in the truck."

When they arrived at the strip club, Dupri, 51, instructed Bow Wow to wait in the truck while the rest of the group went in. Yet, this did not stop the young rapper. When Dupri came back from the bathroom, he saw that strippers had come outside and were dancing for Bow Wow.

"[He] was sitting in the truck... And [he] has been scarred ever since," Dupri remembered.

Both Jermaine Dupri and Bow Wow, whose real name is Shad Gregory Moss, laughed at the recollection of this night, but the internet didn't seem amused.

One commenter criticized, "So I see young boys & men being exposed to sexal things at a young age is funny. We have got to do better smh." Another wrote, "Would you look at that. Jermaine is just as trashy as all the others."

Dupri and Bow Wow, 37, had been feuding for several years.

During a 2023 episode of 'The Breakfast Club,' the record executive shared his thoughts on his young protege's behavior.

"Bow Wow is in that space where he has to deal with you guys [the fans]... this pressure might compel Bow to distance himself from the person who launched his career," he said. The two put their differences to rest last year in May. The reconciliation took place at Lovers & Friends Festival in Las Vegas.

Bow Wow was signed to Dupri's record label, So So Def Recordings, at age 11 after being discovered by Snoop Dogg in 1993 at 6 years old. The Columbus, Ohio, native quickly rose to fame with hits like "Bounce With Me" and "Bow Wow (That's My Name)."

His debut album, 'Beware of Dog,' achieved double platinum status.
Tory Lanez is facing an additional hardship while behind bars, but has managed to channel his energy in a productive way.

The rapper responded in an open letter to fans after 'TMZ' reported his cell was raided, resulting in the confiscation of his recording equipment  the same equipment he used to produce 'The Prison Tapes.'

The Canadian rapper released a statement on social media Tuesday, where he claimed the highly-anticipated tapes will be "discontinued until further notice." The "Traphouse" rapper believes the motive behind the confiscation is more concerning.

Read more: Bruce Willis Pictured Riding In A Car During Rare Outing Amid Dementia Diagnosis

Lanez  real name Daystar Peterson  says it's important that fans know the "crooked" activity that's been happening regarding the disappointing matter.

"My cell was not raided and trashed because I learned how to record myself in prison or because I created 'The Prison Tapes'. I was shut down because the 'HIGHER UPS' figured out what I was really dealing with," the 'Say It' musician wrote.

The 32-year-old explained that throughout his time behind bars, he's witnessed Black inmates and other minorities receive cruel, illegal, and unfair punishment and treatment. Lanez says he asked God to reveal His purpose in him before deciding to donate the proceeds from his music to help give his fellow inmates "a once in a lifetime" chance to reunite with their families.

"Since the month of July, I've afforded legal representation for 472 inmates and actively reopened 476 cases. With the help of legal firm 'UNITE THE PEOPLE', so many inmates will be returned to their families and loved ones," he wrote. "I'm naming this 'The Hands of God Project'."

He continued: "Lastly, they know I'm a threat and they don't want me saying or doing this so if ANYTHING happens to me, just know I went out in the blaze of glory trying to revolutionize the end of a mass incarceration era on our people."

The post, which the rapper captioned, "Message to the Umbrellas," received over 150K likes in less than an hour. "Reading this hurt but inspired me man. Don't let up Tory," a supportive fan penned. "Free the GOAT!!!" a second replied. "ROC Nation working their hardest to bring you down," a third poked.

Lanez was arrested and sentenced to 10 years in prison in August 2023 after he was found guilty of shooting Megan Thee Stallion, real name Megan Pete.

The rapper started 'The Prison Tapes' from behind cell bars, noting that nobody could lock down his "spirit, ambition, soul, passion, or his destiny."
Dave Grohl jokingly called his spouse Jordyn Blum his "future ex-wife" on the night they met -- years before he announced he became a father to a child born "outside" of their marriage.

The Foo Fighters frontman recalled the night he met his wife -- whom he married in 2003 -- in a 2007 interview with Q magazine.

According to Grohl, he was at Sunset Marquis whiskey bar in Los Angeles in 2001 with his late bandmate Taylor Hawkins when he was introduced to Blum.

RELATED: Foo Fighters Fans Slam Dave Grohl For Suggesting Taylor Swift Lip-syncs During 'Eras Tour': 'So Unnecessary'

Grohl said his first thought after meeting the former model, whom he described as a "looker," was that he had no chance with her.

"I've got Vans trainers on, no socks, dirty shorts and a dirty T-shirt, surrounded by beautiful Hollywood," the former Nirvana drummer recalled.

By the end of the night, Grohl had hit it off with Blum and even referred to her as his "future ex-wife."

"So I'm just having some drinks and acting like a jacka*s," Grohl shared.

RELATED: Dave Grohl Talks Music Today Being Too 'Perfect'

"And by the end of the night I was p*ssed and I'm staring at her going, 'You're my future ex-wife,'" he added. "So she gave me her number: 'Jordyn, your future ex-wife.'"

Grohl and Blum tied the knot two years later and welcomed three daughters -- Violet Maye, 18, Harper, 15, and Ophelia, 10 -- over the course of their 21-year marriage.

However, on Tuesday, Grohl shocked fans when he confessed on Instagram that he cheated on Blum and fathered a daughter with another woman.

"I've recently become the father of a new baby daughter, born outside of my marriage," Grohl wrote. "I plan to be a loving and supportive parent to her."

The musician went on to say that he is trying to repair his marriage to Blum and his relationship with their three children.

"I love my wife and my children, and I am doing everything I can to regain their trust and earn their forgiveness," he wrote. "We're grateful for your consideration toward all the children involved, as we move forward together."

Grohl's two oldest daughters have since deactivated their social media pages.
Rapper Eve got candid about her experience in the music industry as a female rap artist, calling the journey an "uphill fight."

Eve, real name Eve Jihan Jeffers, got in depth with 'Page Six' regarding the pushback she faced when embarking on new endeavors, pitching new ideas, and standing on her creative opinions.

The Grammy Award winner admits those moments were "frustrating," so much so that at one point she questioned herself, admitting that she was beginning to "feel crazy."

"It was very much an uphill fight," Eve, 45, told the media outlet in an interview. "Back then, you had to physically go out and build your audience and just going into these rooms, which were very male-dominated, completely male-dominated."

"I think because there weren't as many female voices, and for us it was the old-school way of going out and having to build your audience one by one, show by show," she added.

Although the Philadelphia native was well known for her solidified position in the rap collective and record label, Ruff Ryders, the 45-year-old revealed that most of her frustrations happened during meetings in the boardrooms where she often received a "lot of pushback."

"It was very frustrating," the musician admitted. "I faced an obstacle because I wanted Gwen on that record, and I had a few people say, 'That's never gonna work. People are not going to believe this.' And I was just like, 'Believe what? We are two artists,' " she said of No Doubt's Gwen Stefani who joined her on the 2001 single "Let Me Blow Ya Mind."

She continued: "I was a fan of No Doubt, and we were also label-mates. So I was like, 'Why can't this work?' So I got pushback on that, and thankfully I won that battle."

Eve's frustrations didn't stop there. The lyricist  who is currently promoting her upcoming memoir "Who's That Girl"  admitted that she often received what she deemed "condescending" feedback from A&R and music reps.

Eve Opens Up About 2006 Miscarriage in New Memoir Whos That Girl? https://t.co/pVIB9sOug2  Baller Alert  (@balleralert) September 6, 2024

"Sometimes you start feeling crazy when you're pitching in these rooms and people are pushing back at you, and you're like, 'Do I suck? I didn't think I sucked this much,' " she told the media outlet.

That said, it wasn't till years later that she received an apology and positive feedback on her endeavors as an artist, which she admits was a relief, adding that it let her know that she "wasn't crazy."

"One of my old A&Rs, who is not with us anymore, called me years later and just apologized to me and said, 'I wish I would've listened to you a bit more. I just want to apologize to you that I didn't.' And it actually helped me," she expressed.

Today, the proud mother of one  who was barely out of her teen years when she landed her first hit back in 1999  is also an actress. She played in Ice Cube's 'Barbershop' film franchise and her own television series, 'Eve,' which ran for three seasons on UPN from 2003 through 2006.

Eve, who has been married to Maximillion Cooper since 2014, is looking forward to celebrating the 25th anniversary of her debut album, "Let There Be Eve...Ruff Ryders' First Lady."
The latest cultural barrier exposed by social media focuses on the way TikTok users from different countries wash their dishes.

Recently, a series of videos have gone viral on TikTok in which American users call upon their British counterparts to demonstrate their dishwashing techniques. British users that oblige and film their process are subject to a barrage of criticism on the app from users who claim they are doing the chore incorrectly.

This discourse was sparked by user @spiritual_af, who, upon seeing videos of British users washing dishes, created her own video encouraging more users from the UK to show her how they washed their dishes. The user aimed to get "confirmation or denial" of what she had observed British methods of washing up to be.

Her video received nearly 4.8 million views in just one week. Additionally, viewers flooded her comments, claiming that the British concept of a "washing bowl" entailed dunking your dishes into dirty water, or that British users were not rinsing the soap off of their dishes sufficiently.

One British user, Dawn Farmer, explained the dichotomy between the British and American methods of washing their dishes in a 2 minute video.

@dawnnfarmer #stitch @Spiritual_AF sad to confirm that most of us Brits do wash our dishes in the WORST way  original sound - Dawn Farmer

"Here in the UK we do have a bit of a grim way of washing dishes. We basically just fill up a bowl of soapy water and just wash them in there and don't rinse them off," said Farmer. "But to answer everyone's question as to if that's true, yes it is. We do have washing up bowls, we fill it with washing up liquid and just wash them in there, and then put them on the rack without [rinsing] them."

"American living in the UK here. This is about leaving the soap on, isn't it. Yes. They do," said one commenter. "If I'm staying with Brits and they've done the dishes, I sneak in later and rinse everything."

"I'm from the UK. I think the people who don't wash the suds off are the ones who dry the items with a tea towel before putting them away." said another user.

User @spirtual_af posted a follow up video to her first post, expressing her surprise at the attention  and subsequent heated discourse  garnered by her initial video. "Brits are so cute when they go feral," she captioned, before adding more context. "I did not expect that asking British people to wash their dishes would cause so much chaos. It's absolute chaos in this comments section and I'm in stitches right now."
Wednesday, September 11, 2024

For nations that have them, nuclear weapons are thought to provide almost blanket protection against aggression by external forces. As the theory goes, deployment of atomic bombs brings such total destruction that no one in their right mind would dare attack a country that has a vast nuclear arsenal. This thinking drives the cautiousness of the West in its support for Ukraine in the war against Russia.

Given how established this porcupine theory is, many people have been surprised by the Kremlins muted reaction to Ukraines recent incursion into Russias Kursk region. Ukrainian forces are said to occupy about 500 square miles of Russian territory currently. Putin has, thus far, only referred to the border penetration and land occupation as a provocation, and Russian forces have been unable to push the Ukrainians out.

In the period since the collapse of the Soviet Union, there have been several iterations of Russias nuclear doctrine. A 1997 version allows the deployment of nuclear weapons in case of a threat to the existence of the Russian Federation as an independent sovereign state. Some observers have noted that because the land mass occupied by Ukrainian forces in Kursk is relatively small and strategically unimportant, the incursion does not pose an existential threat to Russia. That, in their view, perhaps explains why the Kremlin is acting as if Ukraine didnt cross a red line by its invasion.

That assessment is quite plausible. However, the lack of Russian reaction could also be because even these current occupants of the Kremlin know a ridiculous argument when they see one. Perhaps they are having trouble invoking their nuclear doctrine because it is the threat they posed to another sovereign nations existence that triggered the incursion to begin with.

Putin launched his full-scale invasion of Ukraine in early 2022 after claiming that Ukraines attempt to join NATO posed an existential threat to Russia. There are two problems with his argument. First, Russia has the largest stockpile of nuclear weapons in the world. That is a gigantic waste of space if Putin fears that all that arsenal is not much of a deterrent against external attack.

Second, as stated in his countrys nuclear doctrine, Russia will do whatever is necessary, including use of nuclear weapons, to protect its sovereignty. Ukraines desire to join NATO has always been about protecting its own independence. It is the very choice that many of the former Soviet-bloc countries made to preserve their hard-won sovereignty when the Soviet Union collapsed. Why does Putin think another sovereign nation, Ukraine, should subordinate its interests to those of Russia so the emperor in the Kremlin can sleep peacefully at night? What if Ukraine were to complain that being a next-door neighbor, all those deadly weapons amassed on Russian soil posed a threat to it and hence call for their destruction or removal and placement elsewhere? Would Putin acquiesce?

Quite absurdly, across the world, there seems to be widespread acceptance of the notion that the interests of large, powerful nations supersede those of smaller, weaker ones. Should sovereignty mean one thing for the big boys and something else altogether for the little guys? Ukraines incursion into Kursk and occupation of territory there should be seen as nothing more than self-defense. There couldnt have been any red lines along the route that Ukrainian soldiers took to get there.
The existing temporary control zone (TCZ) in East Yorkshire has been extended to cover parts of Lincolnshire after bluetongue virus was confirmed in the county.

Bluetongue virus 'BTV-3' was detected on a farm in North East Lincolnshire on Tuesday evening (10 September), Defra has confirmed.

In accordance with the government's disease control framework, the TCZ, put in place last week after confirmation of the disease in East Yorkshire, has been widened.

According to the latest figures available, a total of 38 premises have now been affected by bluetongue following confirmation of the first case in late August.

So far, the highest concentration of cases is in the East of England, particularly Norfolk and Suffolk, which are both under a restricted zone established at the beginning of September.

However, earlier this week, government vets confirmed Essex's first case of bluetongue virus, with the restricted zone now extended to cover that county.

It means a total of five counties across England - East Yorkshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex and now Lincolnshire - have recorded BTV-3 cases.

The worsening situation follows the government's decision to permit the use of three bluetongue vaccines to curb infections.

The vaccines are suppressive, meaning they will reduce some of the clinical signs experienced by animals with the disease, but they do not prevent infection.

But the UK's Chief Veterinary Officer, Christine Middlemiss, said this development was still an important step forward in curbing the virus.

"They will aid in reducing clinical signs in animals and the impact of disease on farms, but it is not a protective vaccine," she said.

"We are still urging farmers to follow all of our guidance in order to prevent the disease spreading to their herds and any further.

I urge farmers to contact their veterinarians if they wish to use the vaccines and to continue monitoring their animals frequently for clinical signs and report suspicion of disease immediately to the Animal Plant Health Agency.

The restricted zone in Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex means livestock keepers must follow tougher restrictions on animal and germinal product movements.

All infected premises in the three counties are under restriction and susceptible animals can only be moved under licence from infected premises.

Essential moves of susceptible animals can take place without a licence within the restricted zone but cannot be moved out of the zone without a specific licence.

A general licence to move animals to designated abattoirs is also available.

It follows confirmation of the disease in a single sheep on a farm in Norfolk in late August, which made it the first UK bluetongue case this summer.

Before this, in November 2023, government vets identified the first case of the disease in Britain since 2007.

BTV is a notifiable disease. Suspicion of it in animals in England must be reported to the Animal and Plant Health Agency on 03000 200 301.
Ultimate guide to panda tours in China

(People's Daily App) 16:46, September 11, 2024

As China travel heats up, a visit to see the country's iconic giant pandas has become one of the most sought-after experiences. From the lush bamboo forests of Sichuan Province to the serene landscapes of the Qinling Mountains, China is home to about 2,600 giant pandas, both in captivity and in the wild. Whether you're a nature enthusiast or simply seeking a unique travel experience, join People's Daily reporter Fan Liuyi on a journey to discover the best places to see these adorable creatures in China.

(Produced by Fan Liuyi, Wang Yinping, Qin Jiaze, Ni Tao, Jin Yuwei, Wei Chengjun, Zou Zhen, Wang Zihui)

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing)
Farmers and growers are being asked to vote to ratify nine appointments across AHDB's four sector councils following a competitive selection process.

Voting is open between 21 October and 1 November, with farmers and growers able to vote in each of the sectors that they pay a levy for.

The nine members to be ratified are: Beef and Lamb  four; Cereals and Oilseeds  one; Dairy  four; and Pork  one.

Sector council members are primarily levy payers from each sector, with their selection based around the skills they have.

They are also selected on their ability to provide balance across the different levy-paying supply chain elements in each sector.

Those that are selected are then confirmed through this levy payer ratification vote.

Some councils also have an 'independent' member - a non-levy payer - who can contribute with additional skills such as finance or sector relevant supply chain experience.

Each sector council member will serve for a term of three years, with a maximum of two terms.

They will receive 256.25 per day for up to two days a month.

The vote's results will be communicated to farmers and growers in early November, AHDB confirmed.
Twenty-seven teams from a range of roles in Scottish agriculture have raised 50,000 for farming charity RSABI following an annual multi-sporting event.

The initiative was part of the Great Glen Challenge, an event between Fort Augustus and Fort William, which took place on 30 August.

The route consists of a 49km mountain bike, 6km kayak, 18km walk, and 17km run and is designed to challenge teams, promoting commitment and teamwork from the onset of training up to the day of the event.

Money raised is for RSABI, a charity which provides emotional, practical and financial support to people in Scottish farming.

This year's 50,000 takes the amount raised since the event was launched 12 years ago to over 500,000.

Pauline Macmillan, head of fundraising at RSABI, expressed her gratitude: The dedication of our participants in both their fundraising and training efforts is truly inspiring.

Our goal for the 2024 challenge was to surpass 50,000 which would take the total amount raised since the event was launched to over 500,000.

"This level of fundraising is incredibly important to support RSABIs work to provide emotional, practical and financial support to people in Scottish agriculture.

The overall team winner for the second year was Scottish Woodlands, with Johnston Carmichael taking second team place, followed by the NFU, Ninja Focused Union Sportspeople, in third.

Individual awards were made to David Hamilton (mountain biking) of SPEN  the Land Guys, Mark Donald (kayaking) of NFU  Ninja Focused Union Sportspeople, Lawrence OHara (running) of Begbies Traynor and walking winner David King, Scottish Woodlands.

Supporters can continue to donate to the teams fundraising efforts by visiting the official event page.
Scottish young farmers are being invited to pitch innovative ideas to help the dairy sector as part of a new Dragons Den-style competition.

The Digital Dairy Chain, led by Scotlands Rural College (SRUC), wants to find the newest ideas that can combat some of the sector's biggest challenges.

The panel will be looking for projects that look at topics such as animal welfare, energy consumption, the use of digital technology and even animal nutrition.

Ideas can be big or small, as researchers from across the spectrum will be teamed up with the ideas that suit their area of expertise in order to bring it to life.

Pauline Murray, Digital Dairy Chain and University of Strathclyde project lead, said: It is crucial that through the Digital Dairy Chain project we engage with young farmers across the country.

"They will be the future workforce for the industry, we want them to be empowered to come forward and pitch their ideas and shape the future of farming.

The Digital Dairy Chain project has so far awarded 35 projects from across the region with 320,000 in total to tackle farming's challenges.

These include educating young people on where their milk comes from, to reducing carbon emissions using novel technologies and finding innovative solutions to transporting milk to a vending machine at the perfect temperature.

In the new round, any pitches could be taken forward by the Digital Dairy Chain team and developed into a real research project with a grant of up to 10,000.

The launch event will take place in the Social Hub, Glasgow, on 25 September.

The ideas will then be pitched at the Scottish Association of Young Farmers Club Agriculture conference in November in front of a panel of industry experts and business leaders.

Only farmers aged between 16-30 years old can apply.
Saturn's rings will disappear early next year.

Saturn's rings are going to disappear

The rings are one of the most recognisable features of the gas giant but space enthusiasts will be able to see them until March 2025 to see them because of the way the planet is tilting.

Saturn will soon be edge-on with Earth which means that the rings will cast a near-invisible line in a phenomenon called "ring place crossing".

The process will begin in March 2025 before the rings gradually start to come into view again before vanishing once more in November next year due to Saturn's unique movement around the Sun.

However, scientists say that the disappearing rings are merely an optical illusion.

Vahe Peroomian, a physicist and astronomer at the University of Southern California, told CBS News: "(From that specific angle) they reflect very little light and are very difficult to see, making them essentially invisible."
Simon Baker has pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of alcohol, but avoided a conviction.

Simon Baker was arrested

The 'Mentalist' actor was arrested in the early hours of the morning of 20 July after police spotted his car driving erratically in the Byron Bay area of Australia where he lives, and he appeared at Mullumbimby Local Court for sentencing on Wednesday (11.09.24), a week after pleading guilty to charge of driving with a blood-alcohol concentration exceeding the legal limit.

According to local news reports, Magistrate Kathy Crittenden noted the 55-year-old star was "extremely remorseful" for his actions and unlikely to drive after drinking again as she released him on a nine-month good behaviour bond. Magistrates in the country have discretion not to record a conviction against first-time offenders.

She told the court she had received four character references about Simon's contributions to the community, his remorse, and his actions being out of character.

She said: "The court has little difficulty in finding that Mr Baker is remorseful for his offending and it is unlikely he will offend again,

The 'Devil Wears Prada' actor was arrested during the worldwide Microsoft outage, which meant police systems were offline and a breath test couldn't be completed.

The magistrate said: "Ordinarily police would've proceeded with a breath analysis but they had to use the old-fashioned sobriety test."

Cops observed the actor was unsteady on his feet and smelt of alcohol, and he admitted he had consumed four glasses of wine at a dinner from 6am.

The magistrate said: "(Mr. Baker) was very polite and co-operative ... extremely remorseful for his actions."

Simon had since completed a traffic offenders' rehabilitation programme.
King Charles is set to visit Australia and Samoa in October.

King Charles is set to visit Australia in October

The 75-year-old monarch and Queen Camilla will begin their autumn tour of the countries on October 18, with Charles' engagements set to "celebrate the best of Australia and Samoa".

Charles and the Queen will meet with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Canberra.

The royals will lay a wreath at the Australian War Memorial during their tour, while they will also visit the iconic Sydney Opera House.

A statement added: "The King, who has this year been receiving treatment for cancer, will meet Professor Georgina Long and Professor Richard Scolyer, both Australians of the Year, and will hear about the work they do to help those affected by melanoma, one of Australias most common cancers."

Charles and the Queen will subsequently travel to Samoa for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.

The meeting will be Charles' first since he became the head of the Commonwealth, following the death of Queen Elizabeth in September 2022.

Buckingham Palace announced in February that Charles had been diagnosed with "a form of cancer".

The monarch underwent a "corrective procedure" for an enlarged prostate and doctors noticed a "separate issue of concern" that led to his cancer diagnosis.

The Palace said at the time: "During The King's recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted.

"Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer.

"His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties.

"Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual.

"The King is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure.

"He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible."
Retail trade in the euro area and the European Union (EU) experienced varying trends in July 2024, according to new data from Eurostat. The retail trade volume in the euro area saw a modest increase of 0.1 per cent compared to the previous month, while the EU overall registered a 0.2 per cent rise. This follows a notable decline of 0.4 per cent in both regions during June 2024.

Looking at the year-on-year figures, retail trade in the euro area decreased by 0.1 per cent compared to July 2023, whereas the EU saw a slight increase of 0.4 per cent over the same period.

Retail trade in July 2024 showed mixed trends in the euro area and the EU. The euro area saw a modest monthly increase of 0.1 per cent, while the EU rose by 0.2 per cent. Year-on-year, the euro area declined by 0.1 per cent, but the EU grew by 0.4 per cent. Food, drinks, and tobacco sales performed well, while automotive fuel sales dropped.

The retail sector in July 2024 showed mixed performances across different categories. In the euro area, there was a 0.4 per cent rise in the sale of food, drinks, and tobacco, while non-food products (excluding automotive fuel) saw a smaller increase of 0.1 per cent. However, sales of automotive fuel in specialised stores fell by 1.0 per cent. In the broader EU, food, drinks, and tobacco sales grew by 0.5 per cent, non-food products by 0.2 per cent, and automotive fuel sales dropped by 1.4 per cent, Eurostat said in a press release.

Among individual member states, Croatia stood out with the highest monthly increase in retail trade, reporting a surge of 2.9 per cent. Austria and Slovakia also posted strong gains of 1.8 per cent, while Slovenia followed with a 1.6 per cent rise. On the other hand, Luxembourg, Romania, and Cyprus saw significant declines, with Luxembourg reporting a drop of 2.1 per cent.

When comparing annual performance, Luxembourg recorded the largest increase in retail trade, with a 10.3 per cent jump compared to July 2023. Croatia and Bulgaria also saw notable growth, with increases of 7.9 per cent and 6.8 per cent, respectively. Meanwhile, Belgium, Estonia, and Finland posted the sharpest declines, reflecting ongoing challenges in these markets.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KD)
Egypt would see the flow of a large number of Chinese investors in the textile and apparel sector in the near future, according to the chairman of China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Textile and Apparel (CCCT).

That is because Chinese investors find the Egyptian market attractive, with easy procedures, competitive labour and modernisation of infrastructure over the past decade, he said.

The chamber chairman pointed out that China had been switching plans from nearshoring plants to countries like Vietnam and Myanmar to relocating to other countries like Egypt that are close to main markets.

Egypt would see the flow of a large number of Chinese investors in the textile and apparel sector in the near future, the chairman of China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Textile and Apparel said. That is because Chinese investors find the Egyptian market attractive, with easy procedures, competitive labour and modern infrastructure, he said.

Chief executive officer of Egypts General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI) Hossam Heiba recently received a CCCT delegation.

The delegations visit followed the Egyptian prime minister's attendance of the Forum on ChinaAfrica Cooperation in Beijing last week.

Heiba said 2,000 Chinese firms now operate in Egypt, contributing to technology transfer, creation of thousands of jobs and bolstering of foreign currency inflow.

Heiba highlighted the approval of requests submitted by Chinese investors to procure lands in New Alamain and New Menya earlier this year, according to domestic media reports.

Egypt aims at attracting Chinese investments in tourism, textiles, home appliance, renewable energy, and automotives, particularly electric vehicles, he added.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)
Malaika Aroras father Anil Mehta tragically passed away due to suicide on Wednesday, September 11. According to statement recorded by Malaikas mother Joyce Polycarp, the late Anil Arora would sit on the balcony and read newspapers in the morning. While they were divorced, they had been living together for the past few years.



She also told the police that she saw his slippers in the living room, but couldnt find him in the balcony. She leaned over and saw the building watchman calling for help. Joyce also told the police that Anil Arora was not suffering from any diseases.





Now, Malaika has shared an official statement on her social media, asking media and fans to give her family some space to process the devastating news. She wrote, We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our dear father, Anil Mehta. He was a gentle soul, a devoted grandfather, a loving husband, and our best friend. Our family is in deep shock by this loss and we kindly request privacy from the media and well-wishers during this difficult time. We appreciate your understanding, support, and respect.



Check it out below:





View this post on Instagram A post shared by Malaika Arora (@malaikaaroraofficial)

Malaika, who was in Pune, rushed to her fathers Bandra residence after the news broke.



Bollywood stars, including Malaikas ex-husband Arbaaz Khan, friends Kareena Kapoor Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Ananya Panday, and more rushed to pay their last respects to Anil Mehta. Arjun Kapoor was also photographed entering the building.
Malaika Arora and Amrita Aroras father Anil Arora tragically passed away today. Initial reports mentioned that he committed suicide. Now, reports of Malaikas mother Joyce Polycarp recording a statement to the police have emerged.As per reports on a leading news portal, Malaika Aroras mother Joyce told the police that the late Anil Arora would sit on the balcony and read newspapers in the morning. While they were divorced, they had been living together for the past few years.She also told the police on Wednesday when she saw his slippers in the living room, she went looking for him on the balcony. That's when she leaned over and saw the building watchman calling for help. Joyce also told the police that Anil Arora was not suffering from any diseases.Earlier today, a grieving Malaika Arora arrived at home from Pune after news of her fathers passing broke. Her loved ones including Arbaaz Khan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Salim Khan, Maheep Kapoor, Bhavana Pandey and more were seen arriving at Anil Aroras home to support the family during this difficult time.The family has yet to share an official statement.
Phoenix, Arizona--(Newsfile Corp. - September 10, 2024) - FMS Online Marketing, a leading digital marketing agency based in Chicago, is excited to announce the launch of a new Artificial Intelligence (AI) division aimed at revolutionizing local SEO results for its clients. This strategic expansion is spearheaded by the agency's owner, Matt Deloff, and is designed to leverage cutting-edge AI technology to deliver more precise, efficient, and impactful SEO strategies for businesses looking to dominate their local markets.

Pioneering the Future of Local SEO

FMS Online Marketing has long been recognized for its innovative approach to digital marketing, offering comprehensive services that range from website design to search engine optimization (SEO) and consulting. With the introduction of the AI division, Matt Deloff and his team are taking their commitment to excellence a step further, ensuring that the clients stay ahead in the ever-evolving digital landscape.

"AI is transforming the way we approach digital marketing, particularly in the realm of local SEO," said Matt Deloff, owner and CEO of FMS Online Marketing. "By integrating AI into our strategies, we're able to analyze data more quickly and accurately, optimize content in real-time, and predict trends that allow our clients to gain a competitive edge in their local markets. This is the future of SEO, and we're thrilled to be leading the charge."

Enhancing Local SEO with AI

Local SEO has become increasingly important for businesses of all sizes as more consumers turn to search engines to find products and services in their immediate vicinity. The new AI division at FMS Online Marketing is focused on enhancing the effectiveness of local SEO by utilizing advanced algorithms and machine learning techniques. These technologies enable the agency to analyze vast amounts of data, identify patterns, and adjust strategies more dynamically than ever before.

"Traditional SEO techniques still have their place, but the integration of AI allows us to take a more sophisticated approach," explained Deloff. "For example, AI can help us better understand search intent, optimize for voice search, and even localize content with greater precision. This means our clients can expect higher search rankings, increased web traffic, and, ultimately, more conversions from their local audiences."

Driving Business Success with Data-Driven Insights

One of the key benefits of incorporating AI into local SEO is the ability to make data-driven decisions. The AI tools employed by FMS Online Marketing can process and interpret vast datasets that would be impossible for human analysts to tackle alone. This data-driven approach allows the agency to develop more targeted campaigns, optimize ad spending, and deliver measurable results faster.

"Data is at the heart of everything we do," said Deloff. "With AI, we're able to process data at a scale and speed that was previously unimaginable. This not only enhances our SEO capabilities but also allows us to provide our clients with deeper insights into their audience behaviors, market trends, and overall campaign performance. It's a game-changer for businesses looking to maximize their online presence."

A Visionary Leader in Digital Marketing

Matt Deloff, a veteran in the digital marketing space, has always been at the forefront of industry trends. His decision to launch an AI division at FMS Online Marketing is a testament to his forward-thinking approach and dedication to providing clients with the most effective marketing solutions available. Under his leadership, FMS has grown from a small startup into a powerhouse agency known for delivering tangible results.

"Our mission has always been to help businesses grow by harnessing the power of digital marketing," Deloff stated. "The addition of our AI division is a natural evolution of that mission. We're not just adapting to the changes in our industry; we're actively shaping the future of digital marketing. Our clients can trust that we're using the latest technology to help them achieve their goals."

A Commitment to Client Success

FMS Online Marketing's expansion into AI underscores the agency's commitment to client success. By adopting AI technology, FMS is able to offer more personalized and effective SEO strategies that are tailored to the unique needs of each client. This ensures that businesses, whether small or large, can effectively reach their local target audience and achieve sustainable growth.

"We understand that every business is different, and our AI tools allow us to create customized solutions that reflect each client's specific goals and challenges," Deloff noted. "Whether it's a local restaurant looking to attract more customers or a regional service provider aiming to expand its market share, our AI-driven SEO strategies are designed to deliver results that matter."

About FMS Online Marketing

FMS Online Marketing is a premier digital marketing agency based outside Phoenix, Arizona, specializing in local SEO, web development, SEO consulting, and more. Founded and led by Matt Deloff, the agency is dedicated to helping businesses of all sizes enhance their online presence and achieve measurable growth. With the recent launch of their AI division, FMS Online Marketing continues to lead the way in providing cutting-edge marketing solutions that deliver real-world results.

For more information about FMS Online Marketing and its services, please visit www.fmsonlinemarketing.com or contact FMS Online Marketing at (623)687-1673.

Media Contact:





To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10740/222875_49b7495b1458c80f_001full.jpg

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/222875

SOURCE: GetFeatured
Miami, Florida--(Newsfile Corp. - September 10, 2024) - As online privacy concerns continue to grow, PQ.Hosting, a global leader in hosting and VPN services, is proud to announce the expansion of its VPN solutions to provide users with unmatched security and privacy protection. According to the CEO of PQ.Hosting, Ivan Neculiti, the company's ongoing commitment to innovation ensures that users are always ahead in the battle against cyber threats.

"Our mission at PQ.Hosting is to deliver the best possible solutions to protect our customers' online activities," says Ivan Neculiti. "With our expanded VPN services, users can now enjoy faster, more reliable, and more secure connections, no matter where they are in the world."

PQ.Hosting's VPN services are designed with the latest encryption technologies, ensuring that user data is protected from any unauthorized access. The company's no-logs policy aims to guarantee that no user data is stored or shared, making it one of the secure VPN options available. Whether streaming content, browsing the web, or managing a business, PQ.Hosting's VPN ensures that activities remain private and secure.

In addition to enhanced privacy, PQ.Hosting's VPN offers seamless integration with their hosting services, providing a complete package for both individual and business needs.

For more information on PQ.Hosting's VPN services, visit pq.hosting/en/buy-tunnel. Details about PQ.Hosting's achievements can be found on the blog at pq.hosting/en/news/. Explore available offerings here pq.hosting/en/.

About PQ.Hosting

PQ.Hosting is a leading provider of hosting and VPN services, dedicated to ensuring the highest levels of online security and privacy for its users. With a focus on innovation and reliability, PQ.Hosting continues to set new industry standards.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/222754

SOURCE: Pinion Partners
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.



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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.



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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.



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BEAUNE, France, Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- XCMG, a global leader in construction machinery, is poised to showcase its cutting-edge hybrid all-terrain crane, the XCA60_EV, at the upcoming 2024 JDL Expo in France. The exhibition, which runs from September 25th to September 27th, will highlight XCMG's commitment to "Reliable, Powerful, and Durable" solutions for the lifitng industry.

The XCA60_EV represents a significant step forward in the electrification of hoisting equipment. This cutting-edge model offers a range of innovative features that cater to the needs of today's environmentally conscious market. The XCA60_EV is designed to be highly efficient, with zero emissions and low noise levels, making it ideal for urban environments.

Key highlights of the XCA60_EV include:

Advanced Multi-energy Supply System: Its hybrid powertrain, combining a diesel engine with electric motors, achieves zero-emission operation in electric mode, reducing operating costs by up to 40%. The 400V AC plug-and-play capability and 170kW motor ensure seamless operation across various work conditions.

Intelligent Control System: The crane utilizes advanced system for precise control and enhanced safety, ensuring smooth operation even under demanding conditions.

Compact Design: The XCA60_EV is engineered with a compact footprint, allowing it to navigate through tight spaces and narrow city streets.

High Lifting Capacity: With a maximum lifting capacity of 60 tonnes and a versatile 48-meter boom, the XCA60_EV is suitable for a wide range of applications.

Revolutionary G2 Cab Design: This state-of-the-art cab offers unparalleled comfort and operational efficiency, setting a new benchmark for driver experience. The cab's enhanced visibility, achieved through larger windows and an unobstructed view, further contributes to safer working conditions.

XCMG's presence at the JDL Expo underscores its commitment to the European market. The company has been steadily expanding its operations across Europe, establishing local service centers and strengthening partnerships with key distributors to better serve customers.

The unveiling of the XCA60_EV at the expo is expected to further solidify XCMG's position as a leading provider of sustainable and reliable construction solutions in the region. With this new addition to its product lineup, XCMG aims to meet the growing demand for eco-friendly and high-performance equipment in Europe. Visitors to the JDL Expo can look forward to experiencing firsthand how XCMG's latest hybrid crane is setting new standards in the industry.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2502491/XCA60_EV.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/xcmg-to-unveil-latest-hybrid-crane-at-2024-jdl-expo-302244616.html
R&S Group Holding AG / Key word(s): Half Year Results

R&S Group published semi-annual report 2024



11-Sep-2024 / 06:30 CET/CEST

Release of an ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.





Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR

R&S Group published semi-annual report 2024

11 September 2024 - R&S Group Holding AG (SIX: RSGN) today published its semi-annual report 2024, including the consolidated financial statements for the period from 1 January until 30 June 2024.

The report is available on the company's website under this link .

The key figures for the first half year 2024 have already been announced on 19 August 2024 and are summarized in the table below.

Consolidated key figures in MCHF H1 2023

reported H1 2023

adjusted 1 H1 2024

reported 1 H1 2024

adjusted Change in adjusted figures Order intake 133.3 119.3 141.0 141.0 18% Order backlog 188.1 174.6 218.2 218.2 25% Net sales 103.0 95.4 109.9 109.9 15% Operating result (EBIT) 18.6 18.1 24.0 25.53 41% as percent of net sales 18.1% 19.0% 21.8% 23.2% +4.2pps Net profit 14.5 14.2 12.1 17.32,3 22% Free cash flow -2.4 -1.9 5.5 7.52 n/a Net financial position 2.5 2.5 5.1 5.1 104%

1 without figures of plant in Czech Republic (SERW), which was divested on 5 Dec. 2023

2 excluding subsequent tax payment in Italy of 3.7 MCHF (cash impact of 2 MCHF for H1 2024)

3 excluding M&A costs of 1.5 MCHF



The company will host a conference call for analysts, investors and the media today, 11 September 2024, at 10.00 CEST via Teams. The conference call can be joined online via this link .

The presentation on the semi-annual report 2024 is available here .

The RSG also informs that, following the recently announced acquisition of Kyte Powertech Ltd., more than 40% (2'696'773) of all outstanding warrants (RSGW) have been converted into shares. These conversions strengthen the equity by around CHF 31 million and increase the free float of the share.



Calendar

31 October 2024 Capital Markets Day 6 March 2025 Trading update full-year 2024 sales 15 April 2025 Release of full-year results 14 May 2025 Annual General Meeting 2025





Contact Investor and Media Relations



Doris Rudischhauser

Phone: +41 79 410 81 88

Email: investors@the-rsgroup.com

About R&S Group



R&S Group Holding AG's ("R&S Group", the "company") operating headquarters are located in Sissach/BL, Switzerland. With six manufacturing facilities in Switzerland, Italy, Poland and the Middle East, R&S Group serves its domestic and various European export markets with small and medium power and distribution transformers and other components in the utility, infrastructure and industrial sectors. The company has been successfully positioned to benefit from the accelerating demand for energy production and distribution, driven by the global trend towards decarbonization. R&S Group has been listed on SIX Swiss Exchange on 13 December 2023 under the ticker symbol RSGN following its successful business combination with VT5 Acquisition AG, a previously Swiss-listed Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC).

Further information about the R&S Group can be found at www.the-rsgroup.com .



Disclaimer



This communication expressly or implicitly contains certain forward-looking statements concerning R&S Group Holding AG and its business. Such statements involve certain known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of R&S Group Holding AG to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. R&S Group Holding AG is providing this communication as of this date and does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
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

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NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, INTO OR IN THE UNITED STATES, CANADA, AUSTRALIA, SOUTH AFRICA OR JAPAN OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION IN WHICH OFFERS OR SALES WOULD BE PROHIBITED BY APPLICABLE LAW. THIS ANNOUNCEMENT DOES NOT CONSTITUTE OR FORM AN OFFER FOR SALE OF, OR THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY, THE SECURITIES REFERRED TO HEREIN IN ANY JURISDICTION, INCLUDING THE UNITED STATES, CANADA, AUSTRALIA, SOUTH AFRICA, JAPAN OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION IN WHICH OFFERS OR SALES WOULD BE PROHIBITED BY APPLICABLE LAW.

PLEASE SEE THE IMPORTANT NOTICE AT THE END OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT.

11th September 2024

AI Prime & Cy S.C.A. announces pricing of an accelerated placement of shares of InPost S.A.

On 11 September 2024, AI Prime & Cy S.C.A. ("AI Prime"), an Advent International company, announced the pricing of an accelerated placement (the "Placement") to institutional investors of 20 million ordinary shares of InPost S.A. (the "Company") constituting c.4% of the Company's existing share capital, at a price of EUR 17.00 per ordinary share.

Upon settlement of the Placement, the aggregate ownership interest of AI Prime in the Company's issued ordinary share capital will be c.11%. Settlement is expected to occur on 13 September 2024.

As part of the transaction, remaining shares held by AI Prime will be subject to a 60 day lock up period, subject to customary exemptions.

Barclays Bank PLC, Goldman Sachs International and Jefferies GmbH acted as Joint Global Co-Ordinators and Joint Bookrunners for the Placement. BNP Paribas, Banco Santander, S.A. and Santander Bank Polska S.A. acted as Joint Bookrunners. STJ Advisors acted as advisors to AI Prime on the Placement.

The Company will not receive any proceeds from the Placement.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

THIS ANNOUNCEMENT AND THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY ANY OF THESE SECURITIES IN THE UNITED STATES, CANADA, AUSTRALIA, SOUTH AFRICA, JAPAN OR ANY OTHER 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 SECURITIES MAY NOT BE OFFERED OR SOLD IN THE UNITED STATES ABSENT REGISTRATION OR AN APPLICABLE EXEMPTION FROM UNITED STATES REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS. NO PUBLIC OFFER OF SECURITIES IS TO BE MADE IN THE UNITED STATES AND NEITHER THIS ANNOUNCEMENT NOR ANY COPY OF IT MAY BE TAKEN, TRANSMITTED OR DISTRIBUTED, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN OR INTO OR FROM THE UNITED STATES (INCLUDING ITS TERRITORIES AND POSSESSIONS, ANY STATE OF THE UNITED STATES AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA), CANADA, SOUTH AFRICA OR JAPAN. ANY FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THIS RESTRICTION MAY CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF UNITED STATES, CANADIAN, SOUTH AFRICAN OR JAPANESE SECURITIES LAWS.

THIS ANNOUNCEMENT AND ANY OFFER OF PLACING SHARES IF MADE SUBSEQUENTLY ARE ONLY ADDRESSED TO AND DIRECTED AT PERSONS (1) IN THE EEA WHO ARE QUALIFIED INVESTORS WITHIN THE MEANING OF REGULATION (EU) 2017/1129 (THE "PROSPECTUS REGULATION") AND (2) IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, WHO ARE QUALIFIED INVESTORS WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE PROSPECTUS REGULATION AS IT FORMS PART OF DOMESTIC LAW BY VIRTUE OF THE EUROPEAN UNION (WITHDRAWAL) ACT 2018 AND WHO HAVE PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE IN MATTERS RELATING TO INVESTMENTS WHO FALL WITHIN ARTICLE 19(5) OF THE FINANCIAL SERVICES AND MARKETS ACT 2000 (FINANCIAL PROMOTION) ORDER 2005 (AS AMENDED, THE "ORDER") OR ARE HIGH NET WORTH ENTITIES FALLING WITHIN ARTICLE 49(2)(A) TO (D) OF THE ORDER OR ARE PERSONS TO WHOM AN OFFER OF THE PLACING SHARES MAY OTHERWISE BE LAWFULLY COMMUNICATED (ALL SUCH PERSONS BEING REFERRED TO AS "RELEVANT PERSONS"). PERSONS WHO ARE NOT RELEVANT PERSONS SHOULD NOT TAKE ANY ACTION ON THE BASIS OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT AND SHOULD NOT ACT OR RELY ON IT.

THE SECURITIES REFERRED TO HEREIN WILL BE OFFERED (I) WITHIN THE UNITED STATES ONLY TO A LIMITED NUMBER OF QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYERS AS DEFINED IN RULE 144A UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE "SECURITIES ACT") PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM, OR IN TRANSACTIONS NOT SUBJECT TO, THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT, AND (II) OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES IN RELIANCE ON REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, IN EACH CASE SUBJECT TO PREVAILING MARKET AND OTHER CONDITIONS. THERE IS NO ASSURANCE THAT THE PLACING WILL BE COMPLETED, OR IF COMPLETED, AS TO THE TERMS ON WHICH IT IS COMPLETED. THE SECURITIES REFERRED TO HEREIN HAVE NOT BEEN AND WILL NOT BE REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED OR SOLD IN THE UNITED STATES WITHOUT REGISTRATION THEREUNDER OR UNLESS PURSUANT TO AN AVAILABLE EXEMPTION THEREFROM. NEITHER THIS DOCUMENT NOR THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN CONSTITUTES OR FORMS PART OF AN OFFER TO SELL, OR THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY, SECURITIES IN THE UNITED STATES. THERE WILL BE NO PUBLIC OFFER OF ANY SECURITIES IN THE UNITED STATES OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION.

THIS ANNOUNCEMENT DOES NOT, AND SHALL NOT, IN ANY CIRCUMSTANCES CONSTITUTE A PUBLIC OFFERING, NOR AN OFFER TO SELL OR TO SUBSCRIBE, NOR A SOLICITATION TO OFFER TO PURCHASE OR TO SUBSCRIBE SECURITIES IN ANY JURISDICTION. THE DISTRIBUTION OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT AND THE OFFERING OR SALE OF THE SECURITIES IN CERTAIN JURISDICTIONS MAY BE RESTRICTED BY LAW. NO ACTION HAS BEEN TAKEN BY AI PRIME, THE JOINT BOOKRUNNERS OR ANY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE AFFILIATES THAT WOULD, OR WHICH IS INTENDED TO, PERMIT A PUBLIC OFFER OF THE SECURITIES IN ANY JURISDICTION OR POSSESSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT OR ANY OTHER OFFERING OR PUBLICITY MATERIAL RELATING TO THE SECURITIES IN ANY JURISDICTION WHERE ACTION FOR THAT PURPOSE IS REQUIRED. PERSONS INTO WHOSE POSSESSION THIS ANNOUNCEMENT COMES ARE REQUIRED BY AI PRIME AND THE JOINT BOOKRUNNERS TO INFORM THEMSELVES ABOUT AND TO OBSERVE ANY APPLICABLE RESTRICTIONS.

NO PROSPECTUS OR OFFERING DOCUMENT HAS BEEN OR WILL BE PREPARED IN CONNECTION WITH THE PLACING. ANY INVESTMENT DECISION IN CONNECTION WITH THE PLACING MUST BE MADE SOLELY ON THE BASIS OF PUBLICLY AVAILABLE INFORMATION RELATING TO INPOST S.A. AND ITS SHARES. SUCH INFORMATION HAS NOT BEEN INDEPENDENTLY VERIFIED AND THE AI PRIME AND THE JOINT BOOKRUNNERS ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ANY LIABILITY, FOR SUCH INFORMATION. THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS FOR BACKGROUND PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT PURPORT TO BE FULL OR COMPLETE. NO RELIANCE MAY BE PLACED FOR ANY PURPOSE ON THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS ANNOUNCEMENT OR ON ITS ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS.

In connection with the Placing, the JOINT Global Co-Ordinators and the Joint Bookrunners or any of their respective affiliates may take up a portion of the Placing Shares as a principal position and in that capacity may retain, purchase, sell or offer to sell for its own account such Placing Shares and other securities of the Company or related investments in connection with the Placing or otherwise. Accordingly, references to the Placing Shares being issued, offered, subscribed, acquired, placed or otherwise dealt in should be read as including any issue or offer to, or subscription, acquisition, placing or dealing by the JOINT Global Co-Ordinators and the Joint Bookrunners and any of their respective affiliates acting as investors for their own accounts. The JOINT Global Coordinators and the Joint Bookrunners do not intend to disclose the extent of any such investment or transactions otherwise than in accordance with any legal or regulatory obligations to do so.

This announcement does not purport to identify or suggest the risks (direct or indirect) which may be associated with an investment in THE COMPANY or its shares.

THIS ANNOUNCEMENT DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A RECOMMENDATION CONCERNING THE PLACING. THE PRICE AND VALUE OF SECURITIES AND ANY INCOME FROM THEM CAN GO DOWN AS WELL AS UP. PAST PERFORMANCE IS NOT A GUIDE TO FUTURE PERFORMANCE. ACQUIRING PLACING SHARES TO WHICH THIS ANNOUNCEMENT RELATES MAY EXPOSE AN INVESTOR TO A SIGNIFICANT RISK OF LOSING ALL OF THE AMOUNT INVESTED. POTENTIAL INVESTORS SHOULD CONSULT A PROFESSIONAL ADVISOR AS TO THE SUITABILITY OF THE PLACING FOR THE ENTITY OR PERSON CONCERNED. THIS ANNOUNCEMENT DOES NOT REPRESENT THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF A DEFINITIVE AGREEMENT TO PROCEED WITH THE PLACING AND, ACCORDINGLY, THERE CAN BE NO CERTAINTY THAT THE PLACING WILL PROCEED. AI PRIME RESERVES THE RIGHT NOT TO PROCEED WITH THE PLACING OR TO VARY THE TERMS OF THE PLACING IN ANY WAY.

BARCLAYS BANK PLC ("BARCLAYS") AND GOLDMAN SACHS INTERNATIONAL ("GSI") ARE BOTH AUTHORISED IN THE UNITED KINGDOM BY THE PRUDENTIAL REGULATION AUTHORITY AND REGULATED BY THE FINANCIAL CONDUCT AUTHORITY AND THE PRUDENTIAL REGULATION AUTHORITY. JEFFERIES GMBH ("JEFFERIES" AND TOGETHER WITH BARCLAYS AND GSI, THE "BANKS") IS registered in Germany and authorised and regulated by the Bundesanstalt fur Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht. THE BANKS ARE EACH ACTING AS A JOINT BOOKRUNNER FOR AI PRIME AND NO-ONE ELSE IN CONNECTION WITH THE PLACEMENT. NEITHER THE BANKS NOR ANY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE AFFILIATES, NOR THEIR RESPECTIVE PARTNERS, DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES OR AGENTS WILL REGARD ANY OTHER PERSON AS A CLIENT IN CONNECTION WITH THE PLACEMENT DESCRIBED IN THIS ANNOUNCEMENT AND THEY WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE TO ANYONE OTHER THAN AI PRIME FOR PROVIDING THE PROTECTIONS AFFORDED TO THEIR RESPECTIVE CLIENTS OR FOR PROVIDING ADVICE IN CONNECTION WITH THE PLACEMENT DESCRIBED IN THIS ANNOUNCEMENT OR FOR ANY OTHER MATTERS REFERRED TO HEREIN.

CERTAIN FIGURES CONTAINED IN THIS ANNOUNCEMENT HAVE BEEN SUBJECT TO ROUNDING ADJUSTMENTS. ACCORDINGLY, IN CERTAIN INSTANCES, THE SUM OR PERCENTAGE CHANGE OF THE NUMBERS CONTAINED IN THIS ANNOUNCEMENT MAY NOT CONFORM EXACTLY WITH THE TOTAL FIGURE GIVEN.

THIS ANNOUNCEMENT INCLUDES STATEMENTS THAT ARE, OR MAY BE DEEMED TO BE, FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS. THESE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS MAY BE IDENTIFIED BY THE USE OF FORWARD-LOOKING TERMINOLOGY, INCLUDING THE TERMS "INTENDS", "EXPECTS", "WILL", OR "MAY", OR, IN EACH CASE, THEIR NEGATIVE OR OTHER VARIATIONS OR COMPARABLE TERMINOLOGY, OR BY DISCUSSIONS OF STRATEGY, PLANS, OBJECTIVES, GOALS, FUTURE EVENTS OR INTENTIONS. THESE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS INCLUDE ALL MATTERS THAT ARE NOT HISTORICAL FACTS AND INCLUDE STATEMENTS REGARDING INTENTIONS, BELIEFS OR CURRENT EXPECTATIONS. NO ASSURANCES CAN BE GIVEN THAT THE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS IN THIS ANNOUNCEMENT WILL BE REALISED. AS A RESULT, NO UNDUE RELIANCE SHOULD BE PLACED ON THESE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AS A PREDICTION OF ACTUAL EVENTS OR OTHERWISE.

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.

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New World Solutions Inc. (CSE:NEWS)(OTC PINK:REGRF)(FRA:RT5) ("New World" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the successful completion of its acquisition (the "Acquisition") of a 51% interest in dialMKT Corp ("dialMKT") as previously announced on September 3, 2024. The Acquisition was completed on September 10, 2024, pursuant to a share purchase agreement (the "Agreement") dated August 30, 2024, amongst the Company, 1491150 B.C. Ltd. ("dialMKT Holdco"), a private company which wholly-owns dialMKT, and the shareholders of dialMKT Holdco (the "dialMKT Holdco Shareholders").

In this strategic transaction, New World has acquired a majority interest in dialMKT, a company that is developing a comprehensive digital ecosystem for the $31 billion global wristwatch market. The platform will utilize blockchain technology to address key challenges in the pre-owned watch market, such as authenticity verification and ownership history.

Transaction Summary

Pursuant to the Agreement, the Company issued to the dialMKT Holdco Shareholders 45,000,000 units (a "Unit"), as consideration for 45,000,000 common shares of dialMKT Holdco, with each Unit consisting of one common share (each a "Common Share") and 0.35 of one common share purchase warrant (each whole warrant being a "Warrant") of New World. Each Warrant entitles the holder to acquire an additional Common Share at a price of $0.05 per share for two years from the date of issuance, subject to the ability of New World to accelerate the expiry date as per the Warrant certificate terms. The Warrants include a blocking provision restricting the holder from acquiring more than a 9.99% in the capital of New World. Upon completion of the Acquisition, New World currently indirectly owns 51% of dialMKT by way of its ownership of 51% of dialMKT Holdco. All securities that are issued pursuant to the Agreement will be subject to a hold period of four months and one day.

Paul Haber, CEO of New World, commented, "The acquisition of dialMKT represents a significant addition to our portfolio. With New World's extensive experience in blockchain, and having worked with major clients such as IBM and Coca-Cola, we are well-positioned to leverage this technology in the watch market. We are excited to integrate dialMKT's operations and look forward to the growth opportunities this acquisition brings."

Corporate Update

In addition, Charles Park and Young Cho Lee have resigned as directors of New World, and Jacob Marks has been appointed to the board of directors of New World and as chairman of the board of New World.

Early Warning Disclosure

This press release is being issued in accordance with the requirements of National Instrument 62-103 - The Early Warning System and Related Take-Over Bid and Insider Reporting Issues, in connection with the filing of the Early Warning Reports by Jacob Marks (the "Acquiror") in respect of Common Shares issued by the Company pursuant to the Acquisition.

On September 10, 2024 and in connection with the Acquisition, the Company issued 37,500,000 Common Shares to the Acquiror in exchange for the Acquiror's existing common shares of 1491150 B.C. Ltd.

Following the Acquisition, the Acquiror owns 37,500,000 Common Shares representing 22.29% of the outstanding Common Shares. Prior to the Acquisition, the Acquiror did not own or control or direct any securities of the Company.

The Acquiror acquired the above-noted Common Shares for investment purposes. In the future, the Acquiror will evaluate his investment in the Company from time to time and may, based on such evaluation, market conditions and other circumstances, increase or decrease his shareholdings as circumstances require through market transactions, private agreements, or otherwise.

A copy of the early warning report being filed by the Acquiror may be obtained on the Company's SEDAR+ profile or by contacting the Acquiror at 2857 Paradise Road, #703, Las Vegas, Nevada 89109, USA.

About New World

New World Solutions is a technology company, driving innovative solutions to new world problems. Through our blockchain and technology experience, we are leveraging solutions in the decentralized finance space as well as the electric vehicle area. We look to acquire and launch a balanced spectrum of solutions to become a leader in this dynamic tech landscape.

For additional information on New World and other corporate information, please visit the company website at https://www.newworldinc.io/.

For further information, please contact:

Paul Haber, C.P.A., C.A., C.Dir

Chief Executive Officer

New World Solutions Inc.

Phone: (416) 318- 6501

Email: phaber@newwolrdinc.io

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements contained herein that are not clearly historical in nature may constitute forward-looking statements.

Generally, such forward-looking information or 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", "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 in this news 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, including but not limited to: the potential inability of the Company to continue as a going concern; the risks associated with the blockchain in general, the risk that the Transaction will not be completed as contemplated or at all. 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 news 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.

The Canadian Stock Exchange (the "CSE") does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Neither the CSE nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE: New World Solutions Inc.

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Abilene, Texas--(Newsfile Corp. - September 11, 2024) - Low Law Firm is proud to announce West Texas attorney Tara Gilmore-Low is marking 20 years of being an honest lawyer. Throughout that time, she efficiently advocated for the injured and the families of crime victims. For her unfailing concern and help for those around her, Gilmore-Low has her name as a guarantee of assistance and justice for the people and families she supports.

Low Law Firm

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Based out of Abilene, Low Law Injury Firm specializes in personal injury and wrongful death cases, thus persevering through the labyrinth of legal procedures with patients. They impact the lives of many individuals in West Texas, mainly those who are healing after an accident or have lost a close relative because of someone's negligence.

During her 20-year professional career, Gilmore-Low has provided legal services that target her clients' immediate and long-term needs. She assists them in finding the fairness they deserve and confidently navigates the legal process. Her commitment to her occupation and society made her a defendant with the complete confidence of the community's residents. She has also become a well-regarded figure among Texas Bike & Auto Accident Lawyers, offering dedicated support to regional accident victims.

Upon reflection of this momentous milestone, Gilmore-Low is unwavering in her resolution to carry out her tasks with the same burning passion and commitment that has made her career so significant. Her two decades of practice have made her a recognized and empathetic lawyer, genuinely involved in her client's well-being and the community. This 20-year milestone is the beacon of her professional achievements and is why her commitment to the beneficiaries remains the same.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/221357

SOURCE: Plentisoft
SHANGHAI, Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- On September 6, Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries (ZPMC) celebrated the delivery of its multi-purpose diving support vessel, the Wadad Aletheia, with a ceremony marking its readiness for service.

The Wadad Aletheia, certified by Det Norske Veritas (DNV), ranks among the world's most sophisticated diving support vessels. Its dimensions-145.9 meters long, 27 meters across the beam, and 11.33 meters deep, allow it to comfortably accommodate a crew of 200. The vessel is equipped with a 400-ton wave-compensated telescopic crane and a DP3+ positioning system, enabling it to cruise at a top speed of 15.8 knots.

The vessel is outfitted with a state-of-the-art, 24-person fully automated duel-bell diving system, which includes living, transition and escape compartments, diving bells, and a life-support system, enabling operations up to 300 meters underwater. With two diving bells, each capable of accommodating 3 divers, the vessel significantly enhances operational efficiency while maintaining the highest global standards for safety and comfort. Additionally, the vessel is equipped with two offshore articulated cranes incorporating wave compensation technology. The main crane has a lifting capacity of 400 tons, suitable for depths up to 3,000 meters, while the auxiliary crane can lift 25 tons to a depth of 600 meters.

The Wadad Aletheia boasts a 1,850-square-meter operating deck, which is larger than those found on comparable vessels. Apart from its primary diving system moon pool, the vessel includes a 7.2m x 7.2m operational moon pool designed for the vertical deployment of flexible pipe-laying and light drilling systems. With a minimum load capacity of 15 tons per square meter on the main deck and up to 50 tons per square meter on reinforced areas, the vessel efficiently supports the transportation and deployment of heavy equipment and specialized machinery essential for most construction projects.

The successful completion and delivery of the vessel signifies yet another milestone for ZPMC in marine engineering support vessels, reinforcing the global marine equipment industry's commitment to sustainable, high-quality development. Looking to the future, ZPMC is focused on further enhancing its capabilities in high-end equipment manufacturing, deepening its collaborative efforts with partners worldwide, intensifying its research and development of core technologies, and delivering an ever-growing array of exceptional equipment.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/zpmc-delivers-multifunctional-saturation-diving-support-vessel-302244904.html
The collaboration will provide Atradius clients across the EU and UK with access to Mondu's innovative BNPL solutions for B2B online checkouts

Merchants benefit from Atradius' longstanding expertise in trade credit insurance combined with Mondu's state-of-the-art BNPL technology

Collaboration underlines Atradius' and Mondu's dedication to propelling businesses forward while staying at the forefront of innovation

AMSTERDAM, Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Atradius, a top global credit insurer, and Mondu, a pioneering fintech offering Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) solutions, have launched a collaboration aiming at empowering businesses across Europe with the seamless integration of the most popular B2B payment options into their e-commerce channels without the need for external payment gateways. This will enable merchants to provide their business buyers with a much better online purchasing experience, similar to what they are used to from their private life as a digital consumer.

The collaboration caters to the growing need for innovative B2B payment options, as the digitalization in B2B purchasing processes is progressing at a fast pace, and a large majority of business buyers today start their buying journey online. Merchants that want to benefit from this shift to online must establish a compelling e-commerce proposition, including convenient and secure payment during checkout.

However, offering invoice payment in a webshop checkout can expose merchants to various risks, such as credit defaults. As a result, online merchants tend to be very cautious when it comes to approving business buyers for invoice payment - while approval rates in B2C usually reach 90% and above, in the B2B context acceptance typically averages 40-50%, and in some cases merchants only accept advance payments.

Combining Atradius' international expertise in trade credit insurance with Mondu's innovative BNPL technology, the collaboration enables B2B merchants to manage this challenge with easy-to-access deferred payment options ranging from 30-90 days net terms and 3-12 months installments. The merchants can enjoy the benefits of instant credit decisioning by Mondu supported by Atradius trade credit insurance expertise with payout for approved orders by Mondu within a few days, default protection, and outsourced payment collection from the business buyers.

"By collaborating with Mondu and facilitating their Buy Now Pay Later solutions, we take a significant step to expand our commitment to clients by supporting enhanced financial flexibility and security for BNPL," said Andreas Tesch, CMO of Atradius. "This collaboration will enable businesses to increase their sales and offer various favorable payment options to their customers."

"Teaming up with Atradius as their preferred partner enabling Mondu to offer BNPL solutions and additional Mondu services to Atradius clients across Europe is an honor for us and testament to the strong value proposition Mondu has developed over the past years," said Malte Huffmann, Co-Founder and Co-CEO at Mondu. "We see significant synergies for Atradius merchants to use and benefit from Mondu BNPL options for their business across all distribution channels, especially online."

Both Atradius and Mondu share a dedication to propelling businesses forward in the global B2B marketplace. This collaboration leverages their combined expertise and unwavering commitment to innovation, creating a win-win scenario for all stakeholders involved.

About Atradius

Atradius is a global provider of credit insurance, bond and surety, collections and information services, with a strategic presence in over 50 countries. The products offered by Atradius protect companies around the world against the default risks associated with selling goods and services on credit. Atradius is a member of GCO, one of the leading companies in the Spanish insurance sector and one of the largest credit insurers in the world. You can find more information online at https://group.atradius.com.

About Mondu

Mondu is a leading B2B Fintech offering innovative payment solutions to simplify European business transactions. Focusing on flexibility, convenience, and security. Mondu is dedicated to enhancing the B2B payment experience both online and offline, supporting businesses in their growth and operational efficiency. Mondu was recently granted an Electronic Money Institution (EMI) license by De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB), which will enable Mondu to further expand its geographic coverage across Europe while launching additional innovative payment solutions. You can find more information online at https://www.mondu.ai.

Connect with Atradius on Social Media

Website: https://group.atradius.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atradius

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/atradiusgroup

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2320608/4499300/Atradius_Logo.jpg

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/atradius-and-mondu-team-up-to-enable-better-payment-solutions-for-b2b-e-commerce-302241875.html
ARHAUS, Denmark, Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Zensai , the only AI-powered learning, employee engagement, and performance management platform built into Microsoft 365 and Teams, announced it has been recognized amongst the top Danish tech companies achieving unicorn status, according to a new study conducted by The Danish Chamber of Commerce. The report, Denmark: A Unicorn Factory, zeros-in on key trends to help foster growth and retention across established and emerging Danish unicorns. Zensai's inclusion solidifies that Denmark stands with the company's mission of making humans more successful.

With the Age of AI and emerging tools bringing a technological revolution to every business today, Zensai is honored to be included amongst the companies surveyed in today's report who are elevating Danish innovation and solving for some of the most pressing societal and environmental challenges around the world today.

Based on data from Dealroom, The Danish Chamber of Commerce conducted a comprehensive analysis of Europe's tech landscape, unpacking key findings across Europe's unicorns and most promising startups. The study, which was completed on August 28, 2024, includes companies founded from 2000 and onwards that have reached a valuation of 1 billion USD or more based on a funding round, acquisition or an IPO.

Key Findings:

Denmark has the highest number of rising unicorns at 7.7 per million capita, outpacing UK and Finland.

12 unicorns in total have been founded in Denmark, with 8 (70%) of them have moved their headquarters abroad to other countries with better regulatory frameworks to scale.

Denmark has 46 rising unicorns in total, with rising unicorns defined as companies who have raised at least 50M US$ in capital since the year 2000.

Denmark offers free education, resulting in a well-educated population that has been culturally encouraged to think creatively and critically, contributing to its high number of unicorns.

Better access to foreign talent and better conditions for IPO's ranked as most crucial to keep unicorns in Denmark.

The study further interviewed 10 founders of unicorns and promising startups on the most crucial barriers in Denmark when it comes to fostering and keeping unicorns in Denmark. Access to talent, funding, innovation, and the cultivation of a strong entrepreneurial culture were amongst the collective framework conditions for current and emerging unicorns.

Zensai's CEO, Rasmus Holst stated, "To foster a thriving startup environment, Denmark must create better synergies between international talent and funding and the startups in Denmark. We need a setup where both international talents and co-founders easily can come and work for Danish Startups. We also need to ensure that they are incentivized by a tax infrastructure that rewards outcome for both founders and investors. Finally, building partnerships with international investment ecosystems, like in Silicon Valley, is vital to develop vehicles for them to make Danish startups more attractive - we have the talent we lack the scaled funding infrastructure."

For more information, visit https://zensai.com

About Zensai

Zensai, the leading Human Success Platform, seamlessly integrates into Microsoft 365 and Teams and is powered by AI. Our mission? To unlock human potential worldwide. With a global presence spanning 60+ countries and millions of users, Zensai revolutionizes employee development, engagement, and performance management. As a Microsoft Preferred Solution, we redefine success metrics, offering a best-practice framework and solution for learning, engagement, and performance that is delivered in the Microsoft 365 environment. Driven by AI, designed for productivity, and aligned with your unique workflow, Zensai is ranked no. 94 on TIME's 2024 World's Top EdTech Companies list. Learn more at www.zensai.com

Media Contact:

Lynsey Rose, Head of Communications

lrose@zensai.com

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/new-study-denmark-a-unicorn-factory-by-the-denmark-chamber-of-commerce-names-zensai-a-rising-danish-unicorn-amongst-europes-leading-tech-ecosystem-302244477.html
The partnership gives Aprecomm a strategic foothold in the high-growth alternative network provider (alt-net) market and empowers Kloud9 to build better-connected experiences for its subscribers, increase customer satisfaction and reduce support costs.

LONDON, Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Aprecomm (www.aprecomm.ai), the intuitive network and customer experience platform provider, announced today that Kloud9 (www.kloud9.co.uk), one of the fastest-growing alternative telecom service providers, will deploy its suite of AI-powered customer experience applications to enhance connectivity offerings for broadband customers throughout the UK. Kloud9 will begin deploying Aprecomm's platform in September 2024.

Serving both residential and business subscribers, Aprecomm's solution will help Kloud9 build on its mission to transform everyday connectivity into a seamless and enjoyable journey, enhancing how consumers live and work.

"We needed to select a partner who shares the same passion for customer experience which is the cornerstone of our offering and a key market differentiator", commented Tom Henaghen, Operations Director, of Kloud9. "We now have the cloud-based tools needed to rapidly deploy, upgrade and optimize our services, while access to real-time network and application performance data will enable us to streamline our support approach, creating better experiences for subscribers and generating cost-efficiencies within our business."

By using sophisticated artificial intelligence, including a unique quality of experience algorithm, Aprecomm is helping service providers pave the way to the intuitive zero-touch networks of the future by taking a self-optimizing and self-healing approach to WiFi customer experience. Its unique product portfolio is field-proven to increase subscriber satisfaction and reduce operational costs where service providers have seen several operational improvements[1] across 100% of their subscriber bases such as a 62% reduction in truck rolls, a 35% improvement in first-call resolutions and a 30% reduction in call resolution times.

"We're excited to partner with Kloud9 and bring our advanced AI products to help the dynamic and high-growth alt-net community challenge the status quo in the UK and Ireland," said Pramod Gummaraj, Founder & CEO of Aprecomm. "Our mission is to help service providers build intuitive networks by providing software that understands and dynamically adapts to the unique needs of every broadband subscriber. We're confident that Kloud9 will see an immediate benefit of increased WiFi performance and improvements in customer satisfaction, saving support costs, and reducing churn."

To mark its commitment to the market, Aprecomm has established an instance of its Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) cloud in the UK. The partnership with Kloud9 will also expand Aprecomm's consumer premises (CPE) device ecosystem, of over 50 manufacturers and 180 individual models when its software is integrated into Kloud9's Linksys gateway.

Aprecomm is showcasing its platform on stand #167 at Connected Britain in London on the 11th and 12th of September 2024. To learn more about the company's offerings and its partnership with Kloud9, request a meeting here.

About Aprecomm

Aprecomm harnesses the power of AI to provide a unique applications suite that enables service providers to create self-optimizing and self-healing broadband networks.

Our quality of experience engine monitors and optimizes WiFi performance to ensure that consumers enjoy the best possible internet experiences, while our cloud-based support applications leverage real-time data to predict and resolve customer service issues before they happen, saving providers time and money.

Aprecomm manages over 7 million home and business locations partnering with more than 45 service providers worldwide.

Together, we are making intuitive networks a reality.

Follow Aprecomm on LinkedIn here.

Visit www.aprecomm.ai to discover more.

Press contacts:

Srivatsa Singh: srivatsa@broadnection.com

Prashant Singh: prashant@broadnection.com

About Kloud9

With over two decades of experience in the telecommunications sector, Kloud9 is a seasoned leader in delivering large-scale fibre infrastructure projects. As a premier provider of ultra-fast internet solutions, Kloud9 connects multiple dwelling units, commercial buildings, and rural areas across the UK. Focused on reliability, speed, and unparalleled customer service, Kloud9 is dedicated to bridging the digital divide and empowering communities and businesses with cutting-edge connectivity.

Kloud9 is not just building infrastructure-it's building the future of connected living.

Contact Information:

Kloud9 Web - https://kloud9.co.uk

Kloud9 Sales Support - 0333 996 1000

Kloud9 Email - info@kloud9.co.uk

Press contacts:

Sian Loehrer: sian@kloud9.co.uk

Vikki Jackson: vikki@kloud9.co.uk

[1] Data sampled from a broadband service provider who monitored 400,000 subscribers over 12 months ending August 2022.

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/alternative-telecom-network-provider-kloud9-partners-with-aprecomm-to-transform-the-online-experiences-for-its-customers-in-the-uk-302244419.html
Commerzbank AG (London Branch) - Pre-Stabilisation Notice

PR Newswire

LONDON, United Kingdom, September 11

EUR Benchmark Fixed Rate Notes due 18 September 2031

Pre-Stabilisation Notice

11th September, 2024

Not for distribution, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States or any jurisdiction in which such distribution would be unlawful.

MTU Aero Engines AG

EUR Benchmark Fixed Rate Notes due 18 September 2031

Standalone documentation

Commerzbank AG (contact: Ian Turner; telephone: +44-207-7475-1817) hereby announces, as Stabilisation Coordinator, that the Stabilising Managers named below may stabilise the offer of the following securities in accordance with Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052 under the Market Abuse Regulation (EU Regulation 596/2014).

The security to be stabilised: Issuer: MTU Aero Engines AG Guarantor (if any): none Aggregate nominal amount: EUR Benchmark Description: EUR Benchmark Fixed Rate Notes due 18 September 2031 Offer price: tbc Other offer terms: Standalone documentation, denoms 1k/1k, listing Luxembourg Stock Exchange Stabilisation: Stabilisation Coordinator: Stabilising Managers: Commerzbank AG BNP Paribas SA UniCredit Bank AG Stabilisation period expected to start on: September 11, 2024 Stabilisation period expected to end on: no later than 30 days after the proposed issue date of the securities Existence, maximum size and conditions of use of over-allotment facility. The Stabilising Managers may over-allot the securities to the extent permitted in accordance with applicable law. Stabilisation trading venue: Luxembourg Stock Exchange, Regulated Exchange

In connection with the offer of the above securities, the Stabilising Manager(s) may over-allot the securities or effect transactions with a view to supporting the market price of the securities during the stabilisation period at a level higher than that which might otherwise prevail. However, stabilisation may not necessarily occur and any stabilisation action, if begun, may cease at any time Any stabilisation action or over-allotment shall be conducted in accordance with all applicable laws and rules.

This announcement is for information purposes only and does not constitute an invitation or offer to underwrite, subscribe for or otherwise acquire or dispose of any securities of the Issuer in any jurisdiction.

This announcement is not for distribution, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States or any other jurisdiction in which such distribution would be unlawful.

END
Closed an oversubscribed $14M Series A round, attracting major investors including Forbion, FMC Ventures and Corteva Catalyst

SOLASTA Bio's nature-inspired technology set to transform crop protection and disrupt the global insecticidesmarket

Positioned for rapid growth with plans to bring products to market by 2027



GLASGOW, United Kingdom, Sept. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SOLASTA Bio, a leading agri-biotech company specialising in the next generation of green insecticides, has completed an oversubscribed $14 million Series A funding round to accelerate the development of its unique peptide-based, nature-inspired bioinsecticides - the first of their kind to be developed worldwide.

The investment round was led by Forbion via its BioEconomy fund strategy, with co-lead investment from agricultural strategics FMC Ventures (FMC Corporation) and Corteva Catalyst (Corteva, Inc.). Participation from existing investors included Cavallo Ventures (Wilbur-Ellis), Rubio Impact Ventures, Scottish Enterprise, UKi2S, SIS Ventures and University of Glasgow, bringing the total raised to date to $19 million. In the context of this round Joy Faucher from Forbion will join the company's board of directors.

Series A funding follows a successful 2023 trials season in which SOLASTA Bio's unique insect control agents demonstrated efficacy on par or better than commercial standards across 20+ field trials on multiple crops in Europe, the UK and US.

Established in 2021, Glasgow-based SOLASTA Bio has developed the world's first technology platform for creating insect control agents that are nature-inspired rather than selected from a synthetic chemistry library. As well as meeting the efficacy standards of current chemicals on the market, these environmentally friendly agents address a growing global need for effective crop protection by selectively targeting insect pests while protecting beneficial pollinators such as bees. SOLASTA Bio's platform can be mobilised for any pest of interest, across both crop and non-crop applications such as stored grain.

With the investment round secured, SOLASTA Bio will continue to advance its technology platform and pipeline of insect control agents, targeting a $27bn annual market opportunity. In parallel, the business will continue to build out its US operations, having already established a base in North Carolina, expand its real-world field trials across key geographies, scale-up its biomanufacturing capabilities and further develop strategic opportunities including applications beyond crop use.

The company is targeting market entry as early as 2027 - at least half the time traditionally taken by synthetic pest control products - demonstrating a significant advantage of the platform technology.

SOLASTA Bio is co-founded by CEO Shireen Davies and CSO Prof. Julian Dow and brings together a leadership team of technical and agrochemical industry specialists including Daphne Preuss, Paula Pinto, David Armour and Rob Wylie.

With the urgent need to protect pollinators and wildlife, while boosting agricultural productivity, SOLASTA Bio aims to play a leading role in the transition toward sustainable crop protection. The global insecticides market is currently dominated by synthetic chemicals accounting for 94% of insect control solutions. While 75% of food crops are dependent on pollinator insects, other insects cause enormous social, health and economic damage accounting for at least $70 billion in US crop losses alone. However, the insecticides market is under increasing pressure from widespread insect resistance, lack of species specificity, increasing regulatory controls and consumer preferences for non-chemical residues.

Shireen Davies PhD, FRSE, CEO and co-founder, SOLASTA Bio, commented:

"SOLASTA Bio has come a long way since we set out on this journey 3 years ago. Having established operations in the UK and US, we've now got an international team with outstanding competencies in technology and agribusiness and, importantly, we have developed our unique technology platform to address grower pain points. The results of our field trials have been hugely encouraging, demonstrating high efficacy of biopeptides against target insect pests, as effective or better than standard insecticides. With Series A now secured, it's time for SOLASTA Bio to kick on to the next level and successfully hit our targets for commercialisation."

Joy Faucher, Partner at Forbion BioEconomy, commented:

"As traditional insect control agents struggle with resistance and impact to biodiversity, SOLASTA is poised to revolutionise the crop protection market at a critical time, with a cost-effective, sustainable and high-efficacy alternative that can be adopted seamlessly by farmers. The team's deep expertise in insect neuropeptide modalities, their differentiated tech platform and proven real-world data provide a unique position to launch a series of first-in-class products that can redefine the agriculture industry."

Mark Brooks, Managing Director, FMC Ventures, commented:

"SOLASTA's nature-inspired approach to insect control is a game changer in crop protection. Their approach addresses the critical issue of insect resistance while also supporting the goal of preserving pollinators and biodiversity. We have been in contact with SOLASTA for a long time, assessing their potential to benefit crop protection. FMC Ventures is proud to co-lead this funding round and accelerate progress towards more sustainable inputs in crop protection."

Tom Greene, Senior Director and Global Leader, Corteva Catalyst, commented:

"SOLASTA is a critical player in the rapidly expanding market for nature-inspired crop health products - particularly in the peptide technology space. They are driving the type of sustainable innovation necessary to advance the next generation of biological and naturally inspired crop protection technologies, and Corteva Catalyst is pleased to stand alongside SOLASTA as a co-lead investor in this funding round."

For further information please contact:

Harry Hussain at Frame on +447525 903588 or harry.hussain@framecreates.co.uk

Notes to editors:

Verified Market Research: Global Insecticides Market Size By Type (Organophosphate, Carbamates), By End-User (Agriculture, Medicine), By Geographic Scope And Forecast Report ID: 22453



About Forbion

Forbion is a leading global venture capital firm with deep expertise in Europe and offices in Naarden, The Netherlands, Munich, Germany and Boston, USA. Forbion invests in innovative biotech companies, managing 3.2 billion across multiple fund strategies that cover all stages of (bio-) pharmaceutical drug development. In addition, Forbion leverages its biotech expertise beyond human health to address 'planetary health' challenges through its BioEconomy fund strategy, which invests in companies developing sustainable solutions in food, agriculture, materials, and environmental technologies. Forbion's team consists of over 30 investment professionals that have built an impressive performance track record since the late nineties with investments in over 110 companies across 9 funds. Forbion's record of sourcing, building and guiding life sciences companies has resulted in many approved breakthrough therapies and valuable exits. Forbion typically selects impactful investments that will positively affect the health and well-being of people and the planet, as well as meet its financial return objectives. The firm is a signatory to the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment. Forbion operates a joint venture with BGV, the manager of seed and early-stage funds, especially focused on Benelux and Germany.

FMC Ventures is the corporate venture capital arm of FMC Corporation, a global agricultural sciences company dedicated to helping growers produce food, feed, fiber and fuel for an expanding world population. FMC is committed to discovering new herbicide, insecticide, and fungicide active ingredients, product formulations and pioneering technologies that are consistently better for the planet. Established in 2020, FMC Ventures invests globally in early-stage startup companies developing cutting-edge technologies that could reshape the future of agriculture. With a focus on innovations such as artificial intelligence, genomics, robotics, biologicals and agri-fintech, FMC Ventures identifies and supports startups that can deliver profitability for growers and a more sustainable future.

For more information about FMC Ventures, visit: www.fmc.com/en/fmc-ventures

About Corteva Catalyst

Corteva Catalyst is an investment and partnership platform dedicated to accelerating the development of technologies that enable farmers around the world to sustainably produce more food, feed and fuel. As part of Corteva, Inc., a leading global agriculture company, Corteva Catalyst draws on world-class capabilities to access and bring to market the next generation of agricultural innovations that advance the company's R&D priorities and drive value creation with a clear focus on translating innovation into impact for our growers. The Corteva Catalyst investment in SOLASTA Bio was advised by Ducera Growth Ventures.

About Scottish Enterprise

Scottish Enterprise (SE) is Scotland's national economic development agency and a non-departmental public body of the Scottish Government. It supports businesses to innovate and scale to transform the Scottish economy by focusing on new market opportunities through targeted investment, innovation and internationalisation.

About UKI2S

UK Innovation and Science Seed Fund (UKI2S, "The Fund") is an early-stage investment fund backed by UK Research and Innovation ("UKRI"), Defence Science and Technology Laboratory ("Dstl"), the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy ("BEIS") (through the Government Office for Technology Transfer ("GOTT")), the UK Atomic Energy Authority ("UKAEA") and other public bodies ("The Fund Partners").

The Fund supports the most ambitious UK innovators at seed and beyond to facilitate sustainable growth, enhance the health and security of society, improve productivity, and deliver economic gains from the UK's publicly funded intellectual assets. UKI2S is managed by Future Planet Capital (Ventures) Ltd, which is part of the Future Planet Capital Group ("FPC").

About SIS Ventures

SIS Ventures, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Social Investment Scotland

About Rubio Impact Ventures

Rubio Impact Ventures is a leading impact venture fund based in the Netherlands with 150 million AUM. Rubio invests in world-changing entrepreneurs who unite powerful positive impact with a scalable commercial business; the future-proof approach to successful business. Rubio offers its investments a winning blend of capital, expertise and network access to help them accelerate to the next level. Want to find out more? Check out: https://www.rubio.vc .

About the Wilbur-Ellis Companies

Founded in 1921, the Wilbur-Ellis companies are leading international marketers, distributors and manufacturers of agricultural products, animal nutrients and specialty chemicals and ingredients. By developing strong relationships, making strategic market investments and capitalizing on new opportunities, the Wilbur-Ellis companies have continued to grow the business with sales of over $3 billion. Cavallo Ventures, the venture capital arm of Wilbur Ellis, supports early-stage companies that solve real problems in the industries we serve. Beyond capital, we provide deep expertise and market knowledge. For more information, please visit www.cavallovc.com .

About The University of Glasgow

The University of Glasgow is a world top 100 university and a member of the UK's Russell Group with over 200m in annual research income that supports leading edge studies in the fields of medicine, life sciences, physical sciences, social sciences and the arts. It is currently investing to convert its research-led innovations into economic and social impact through licensing, consultancy, collaboration and new venture creation.

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DUBAI, UAE, Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- VTP Realty, Pune's leading real estate developer, has launched its first international sales office in Dubai, UAE. This move marks the brand's entry into the global market, specifically targeting NRIs in the GCC region.

VTP Realty, known for its award-winning projects in Pune, has a growing base of over 19,000 customers, including a substantial number of NRIs. The decision to open a Dubai office highlights the company's commitment to serving its NRI clientele better. "We're excited to bring VTP Realty's legacy of innovation and quality to the GCC," said Sachin Bhandari, Executive Director & CEO of VTP Realty. "We have a vast portfolio of projects & townships in Pune, and our Dubai office will cater directly to GCC customers, making the home-buying process more convenient for them."

This Dubai expansion aims to offer unique investment opportunities, in Pune, for NRIs across the Gulf. VTP Realty projects are known for their well-planned living spaces, emphasizing high standards and thoughtful designs. The brand aims to meet the expectations of NRIs looking for premium homes in India that match global living standards. VTP Realty's curated offerings include luxurious homes and villas in prime locations across Pune, providing excellent ROI.

Home buying from abroad is always challenging, hence VTP has made it easier for its all global customers. VTP Realty is the only developer which offers easy payment plans for all NRIs, a construction-linked payment plan and a special interest-free payment plan, which they can choose based on their convenience.

Additionally, VTP customers can E-Register their dream home without having to travel to India. VTP's Special Online E-Registration allows them to complete the registration process from anywhere in the world.

VTP Realty's presence in Dubai is a reflection of its global vision-bringing Pune's finest real estate to NRIs across the globe.

About VTP Realty:

VTP Realty has been Pune's No.1 real estate brand for six consecutive years and is ranked among India's top 10 real estate brands. With over 38 years of industry experience, the company has delivered over 10 million sq. ft. across 23 projects. VTP continues to innovate and set new standards in the real estate market.

UAE Office Address: #1 844 Burjuman Business Tower, Al Mankhool, Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Road, Dubai - 296360

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PORTLAND, Ore., Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "Coaxial Cable Market by Application (Internet Data Transfer, Video Distribution, Radio Frequency Transfer) and End User (Aerospace and Defense, Internet Service Provider, Television, Telecommunication Service Provider, Others): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2024-2032". According to the report, the "coaxial cable market" was valued at $8.1 billion in 2023, and is estimated to reach $17.4 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 8.9% from 2024 to 2032.

Prime determinants of growth

The key factors positively affecting the coaxial cable market include rollout of 5G and IoT and extensive adoption of High-definition video and streaming. However, vulnerability to physical damage, bandwidth limitations, and susceptibility to signal loss over long distances hinder market growth. However, collaboration of coaxial cable with fiber optics offers lucrative growth opportunities for market players.

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Report coverage & details:

Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 2024-2032 Base Year 2023 Market Size in 2023 $8.1 billion Market Size in 2032 $17.4 billion CAGR 8.90 % Segments covered Application, End User, and Region. Drivers Reliable performance in military and aerospace systems

Cost-effectiveness for short-distance data transmission Opportunities Collaboration of coaxial cable with fiber optics Restraints Vulnerability to physical damage

Bandwidth limitations, and susceptibility to signal loss over long distances

Buy this Complete Report (396 Pages PDF with Insights, Charts, Tables, and Figures) at:

https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/coaxial-cable-market/purchase-options

The internet data transfer software segment held the highest market share in 2023

By application, the internet data transfer segment held the highest market share in 2023, accounting for more than two-thirds of the coaxial cable market revenue and is estimated to maintain its leadership status during the forecast period, as coaxial infrastructure is already in place in many areas, making it a readily available option for internet access. However, the radio frequency transfer segment is expected to attain the largest CAGR of 9.6% from 2024 to 2032 and is projected to maintain its lead position during the forecast period as solid metal outer conductor acts as a barrier, protecting the inner conductor carrying the RF signal from external electromagnetic interference (EMI). This is crucial for maintaining signal integrity, especially in environments with lots of electrical noise, such as near power lines or other electronic devices.

The internet service providers segment held the highest market share in 2023

By end user, the internet service providers segment accounted for the largest share in 2023, contributing for more than two-fifths of the coaxial cable market revenue, owing to growing investment in coaxial cable infrastructure to provide reliable and high-speed internet connectivity to residential and business customers. However, the aerospace and defense segment is expected to attain the largest CAGR of 12.6% from 2024 to 2032 and is projected to maintain its lead position during the forecast period as coaxial cables are useful in satellite communication systems to transmit signals between ground stations and satellites. Thereby, driving the growth of the coaxial cable market.

Asia-Pacific held the highest market share in 2023

By region, the Asia-Pacific segment held the highest market share in terms of revenue in 2023, accounting for more than two-fifths of the coaxial cable market revenue owing to connect remote population and remote area with broadband connectivity. However, the MEA segment is projected to attain a significant CAGR from 2024 to 2032. Countries such as Saudi Arabia, South Africa and UAE are at the forefront, embracing digital technologies to enhance their effectiveness and competitiveness, further expected to contribute to the growth of the market in this region.

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Leading Market Players: -

General Cable Corporation

Belden Inc.

Amphenol Corporation

LS Cable & System

TE Connectivity Ltd.

Coleman Cable Inc.

Nexans S.A.

L-Com Global Connectivity

Prysmian Group

Alpha Wire

The report provides a detailed analysis of these key players in the coaxial cable market. These players have adopted different strategies such as new product launches, collaborations, expansion, joint ventures, agreements, and others to increase their market share and maintain dominant shares in different countries. The report is valuable in highlighting business performance, operating segments, product portfolio, and strategic moves of market players to showcase the competitive scenario.

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Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Wilmington, Delaware. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports Insights" and "Business Intelligence Solutions." AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain.

We are in professional corporate relations with various companies, and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Allied Market Research CEO Pawan Kumar is instrumental in inspiring and encouraging everyone associated with the company to maintain high quality of data and help clients in every way possible to achieve success. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry.

Contact:

David Correa

1209 Orange Street,

Corporation Trust Center,

Wilmington, New Castle,

Delaware 19801 USA.

Int'l: +1-503-894-6022

Toll Free: +1-800-792-5285

UK: +44-845-528-1300

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help@alliedmarketresearch.com

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Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 11, 2024) - Mundoro Capital Inc. (TSXV: MUN) (OTCQB: MUNMF) (www.mundoro.com) ("Mundoro" or the "Company") is pleased to report results from its operations in the first six months ending June 30, 2024 ("H1-2024").

Financial Highlights

Strong Cash Position: As of June 30, 2024, the Company held $4,372,473 in cash and cash equivalents ("Cash Position") and no long-term debt. The Company has sufficient working capital to fund its operations for the next 12 months.

Fees Earned: In H1-2024, the Company generated $918,080 in Fees and Payments.

Corporate Expenses : General and administrative expenses of $579,141 were incurred in the H1-2024.

Exploration and project evaluation : In H1-2024, the Company had $655,267 in net exploration and generative expenditures.

Net Loss from Operations: Net loss was $286,337 for H1-2024.

Cash flow from Operating Activities: Cash flow used in operating activities was $316,328 in H1-2024.

For complete details of the Company's financial results, please refer to the condensed interim consolidated financial statements and MD&A for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2024, and 2023. The Company's filings are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on Mundoro's website at www.mundoro.com (All amounts are expressed in Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated).

Corporate Update

Mundoro is Focused on Optioning our Projects in Serbia and Arizona: Mundoro continues discussions with mining companies that are interested in optioning exploration projects for copper porphyry exploration in the Timok region of Serbia and the Laramide belt in Arizona. This year we have negotiated 8 confidentiality agreements and opened data rooms for the various parties.

NCIB Program: Mundoro believes purchasing its Common Shares at current price levels represents an opportunity to enhance value for shareholders. Through its Normal Course Issuer Bid ("NCIB") program, during the six months ended June 30, 2024, the Company purchased a total of 174,000 shares with a total cost of $31,122.50 at an average price per share of CAD$0.179.

Exploration Plans for H2-2024

Serbia: Upcoming Drill Program at Trstenik: In Q4-2024, the company anticipates commencing a drill program in the Q4-2024 designed to test one to two target areas in the license.

Serbia: Advancing Exploration at South Timok group of licenses (Vitanovac, Ponor, Orlovac and Lipovica): In H2-2024, exploration plans include a ground magnetic survey over all of the licenses in the Project which is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2024. Reconnaissance mapping, rock sampling, and grid-based soil sampling, are expected to be completed in Q3-2024.

Bulgaria: Focusing on Environmental Assessment at EE1: In H2-2024, the focus continues to be on obtaining all relevant approvals from the government for the proposed drill program, while following best practice environmental guidelines.

USA: Advancing Exploration at Copperopolis and Dos Cabezas. The company is focused on completing reconnaissance scale mapping and sampling at Copperopolis for the remainder of the year in order to develop targets. While at Dos Cabezas the company is focused on completing vectoring for a phase two drill program to test for a porphyry system driving the extensive alteration, veining and mineralization observed on surface and in the initial two test drill holes in Mescal Canyon and Mineral Park.

Partner Funded Program Highlights for Q2-2024

BHP-Mundoro Projects

Advancing Exploration at Trstenik: In Q1-2024 a ground AMT survey commenced. The survey was completed in Q2-2024 with AMT data collected covering the entire project area. Processed results for the survey are expected in Q3-2024.

Advancing Exploration at the South Timok group of licenses: At Ponor, Lipovica and Vitanovac licenses, in Q2-2024, a ground AMT survey was started and completed with data measurements collected throughout the license area. Processed results from the survey are expected in Q3-2024. At Orlovac, in Q2-2024, grid-based soil sampling commenced in the license. Additionally, a ground AMT survey commenced in Orlovac which is expected to be completed in Q3-2024.

JOGMEC-Mundoro EE1 Project

Focused on Environmental Responsibility: In Q2-2024 as part of the drill permitting process, the Company completed an Appropriate Assessment which was submitted to the Ministry of Environment and Water . A decision is expected in Q3-2024.

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical information described in this MD&A have been prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101. The scientific and technical information for Serbia, Bulgaria and the USA exploration programs was reviewed and approved by R. Jemielita, PhD, MIMMM, a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101 and Chief Geologist to the Company.

About Mundoro Capital Inc.

Mundoro is a publicly listed company on the TSX-V in Canada and OTCQB in the USA with a portfolio of mineral properties focused primarily on base and precious metals. To drive value for shareholders, Mundoro's asset portfolio generates near-term cash payments to Mundoro and creates royalties attached to each mineral property optioned to partners. The portfolio of mineral properties is currently focused on predominantly copper in two mineral districts: Western Tethyan Belt in Eastern Europe and the Laramide Belt in the southwest USA.

Follow our weekly updates on: LinkedIn and X @Mundoro

Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This News Release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as "will", "expect", "intend", "plan", "estimate", "anticipate", "believe" or "continue" or similar words or the negative thereof, and include the following: completion of earn-in expenditures, options and completion of a definitive agreement by the parties. The material assumptions that were applied in making the forward looking statements in this News Release include expectations as to the mineral potential of the Company's projects, the Company's future strategy and business plan and execution of the Company's existing plans. We caution readers of this News Release not to place undue reliance on forward looking statements contained in this News Release, as there can be no assurance that they will occur and they are subject to a number of uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors include general economic and market conditions, exploration results, commodity prices, changes in law, regulatory processes, the status of Mundoro's assets and financial condition, actions of competitors and the ability to implement business strategies and pursue business opportunities. The forward-looking statements contained in this News Release are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements included in this News Release are made as of the date of this News Release and the Board undertakes no obligation to publicly update such forward-looking statements, except as required by law. Shareholders are cautioned that all forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and for a more detailed discussion of such risks and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, refer to the Company's filings with the Canadian securities regulators available on www.sedar.com.

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.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/222899

SOURCE: Mundoro Capital Inc.
Seoul, South Korea--(Newsfile Corp. - September 11, 2024) - The Family Offices Investors Summit, Seoul Edition, in partnership with art curator Afrodet Zuri and the Digital Assets Center at Deloitte Korea, convened leading family funds and investors from Seoul, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore, and New York. This exclusive event, part of a global series, focused on "The DNA of Success in Art, New Business Models, Community Capital, and Alternative Investments," laying the groundwork for discussions at the upcoming World Economic Forum 2025. Attendees, managing over $100 million in AUM, are shaping investment strategies across emerging technologies, gaming, community capital, and art. Recent launches, including Frieze Seoul, Kiaf Seoul, Korean Blockchain Week, and AI initiatives, have driven greater interest in deep tech, green tech, and art, with new galleries opening and overseas acquisitions fueling optimism. The influx of global talent and influencers has increased competition while fostering local growth among investors, founders, and artists. Despite a slight economic slowdown, government initiatives are expected to revive momentum, particularly in alternative investments and deep tech startups.

Caption: Family Offices & Investors Summit

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Manana Samuseva, representing FOIS, discussed future trends: "I strongly believe in the potential of the Korean investment market as our priority #1. With emerging asset classes accumulating over $30 trillion in AUM, I emphasized the importance of 'kid investors' - Gen Z investors - directing capital toward societal advancement. Notably, Korea ranks among the top three countries with active Gen Z and Millennial investors in alternative assets, AI and Responsible Data, energy, longevity, creative and consumer startups, and gaming. The country's dominance in digital culture, from influencers to K-pop, is unmatched. With approximately 6.45 million digital users, or 12.5% of the population, Korea's engagement with digital assets is among the highest globally, reflecting strong enthusiasm for alternative investments. While short-term, profit-driven investments in art and technology, popular in 2022, have waned - along with high-priced auction transactions and AI hype - the art and tech markets remain sensitive to external factors. Fall 2024/Winter 2025 will be a crucial indicator of market shifts. We've observed a slowdown in the pop-up presence of international startups without a permanent base in Korea, signaling the market's transition from rapid growth to maturity. Despite economic challenges, the increased accessibility and cultural impact of contemporary art and deep tech startups continue to drive positive developments. Our strategy focuses on achieving 10x+ IRR returns for new billion-dollar companies and impact investments, particularly in AI and responsible green technology. The global AI-driven market is projected to reach $140 trillion, and our goal is to leverage AI to develop digital solutions, starting with Babylon Voice AI Voice Perfume from KIKI, a future beauty unicorn."

Afrodet Zuri, with over a decade of expertise as an art curator, strategic art adviser with a master's degree in Contemporary Art from the Institute for Art at Sotheby's and has made a mark on the global contemporary art scene through a unique approach to art collection and curation, focused on art investment in emerging markets and innovations: "At the Family Offices Investors Summit in Korea during Frieze Seoul, we explored the transformative power of art as an alternative investment, emphasizing its pivotal role in shaping future investment landscapes. By embracing the innovative potential and cultural significance of art, investors can tap into new dimensions of value and influence that resonate across global markets."

Kyoung Ho Kim, Head of the Digital Assets Center at Deloitte Korea, emphasized: "Globally, sustainable investing is gaining traction among family offices, with 46% currently engaged and allocations expected to rise from 17% to 29% within five years. Europe leads with 57% participation, while North America is catching to 26%. Art investment also plays a role, comprising 7% of the average family office portfolio, reflecting its importance in diversification. Meanwhile, 43% of family offices are rolling out technology strategies to modernize operations. These trends are mirrored in Korea, where interest in sustainable investments, art investment, and emerging technologies like blockchain and AI is growing. This alignment with global trends is expected to drive significant growth in Korea's industries, family offices diversify and innovate their portfolios. The rise of sustainable investing, art investment, and the adoption of advanced technologies highlights the strategic shifts family offices are making to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving global market. As Korea continues to advance in these areas, it is poised to become an increasingly attractive destination for family office investments."

****

Family Offices & Investors Summit: An elite conference for Family Offices and Investors managing assets over $100M, featuring sessions in major cities leading up to the World Economic Forum. https://www.familyofficesinvestorssummit.com

Deloitte Korea consists of Deloitte Anjin, an accounting firm responsible for accounting and tax advisory services, and Deloitte Consulting, responsible for consulting services in financial advisory. https://www2.deloitte.com/kr/ko.html

Afrodet Zuri is a global art curator, art adviser and strategic adviser with a master's degree in Contemporary Art from the Institute for Art at Sotheby's. https://afrodet.com/

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/222986

SOURCE: PRNews OU
Successfully enhanced the D7 platform to accelerate time-to-market for exchange group's customers and improve their profitability

FRANKFURT, Germany and BENGALURU, India, Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Infosys (NSE: INFY), (BSE: INFY), (NYSE: INFY), a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting, today announced that it has collaborated with Clearstream, the post-trade services part of Deutsche Borse, an international exchange organisation and leading provider of market infrastructure. The collaboration supported the successful Generation 2 launch of Clearstream's D7 platform, an innovative digital post-trade platform that allows market participants to issue securities digitally.

Within the project, Infosys assisted Clearstream in driving end-to-end implementation, customization, and deployment alongside go-live and aftercare support. The platform has set a foundation of institutional-grade, digital asset infrastructure to unlock the tremendous value of asset tokenization and digital assets.

Daniel Besse, Clearstream CTO, said, "The successful release of D7 Generation 2 is a major achievement and sets the standard for our clients and the industry as a whole, making the digital issuance process faster, easier, and more efficient. Throughout this project, the collaboration of Clearstream and Infosys has been very productive. The enhanced platform lays the foundation for future digitization of financial markets as adapting to market changes can be done expeditiously. Being an innovation pacesetter in the securities industry, Clearstream has enabled over 150,000 digital issuances via D7 already today, which is more than any digital issuance platform globally."

Dennis Gada, Executive Vice President and Global Head of Banking & Financial Services, Infosys, said, "We are delighted to have collaborated with Clearstream, part of Deutsche Borse, on their digital transformation journey towards the D7 platform for issuance of securities. This integration has empowered Clearstream to enhance time-to-market, streamline operations, simplify their technology landscape, and effectively manage regulatory changes, all while fostering sustainable growth. This transformation sets an example for future modernization and digitization of the securities and stock exchange industry."

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.

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Athena Gold Corporation (CSE:ATHA)(OTCQB:AHNR) ("Athena" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Company has entered into a non-binding letter of intent dated September 9, 2024 (the "LOI") with Libra Lithium Corp. ("Libra"), a privately-held, grassroots explorer, whereby Athena will acquire up to a 100% right, title and interest in the Laird Lake and Oneman Lake gold projects in Ontario (collectively called the "Properties") (the "Acquisition"). Laird Lake is favourably located in the Red Lake Gold Camp and is hosted in a similar structural setting to Kinross Gold's Great Bear project and West Red Lake Gold's nearby Madsen Mine. In connection with the Acquisition, members of Libra's board and management teams are expected to join Athena, with David Goodman, LLB, CFA, joining the Board of Directors as Chairman, and Koby Kushner, P.Eng., CFA, taking on the role of President, CEO and Director. John Power, current President and CEO of Athena, is expected to remain as Secretary and Director. As well, the Company plans to redomicile to Canada. The acquisition is expected to close on or before October 10th, 2024.

Highlights:

Athena is to acquire Libra's Laird Lake and Oneman Lake projects in Ontario, Canada through the issuance of common shares to Libra, such that Libra is expected to own approximately 19.9% of the pro-forma company.

Laird Lake (4,158 ha) is located in Ontario's Red Lake Gold Camp, which has produced over 30 million ounces of gold from some of the highest-grade gold mines globally and is easily accessible via road. Laird Lake is hosted in a similar structural setting as Kinross Gold's multimillion-ounce Great Bear project, and West Red Lake Gold's nearby Madsen mine, only 11 kilometres away. Kinross recently announced results of a preliminary economic assessment for the Great Bear project, that outlined a large-scale, high-margin, gold producer, capable of producing over 500,000 oz at an all-in sustaining cost of approximately US$800/oz over the first 8 years, with a US$1.9 billion NPV5% and 24.3% IRR after-tax, based on gold prices of US$1,900/oz [i] . Meanwhile, West Red Lake Gold recently reaffirmed its target of restarting production at Madsen in 2025 [ii] . The project covers approximately a 10-kilometre strike extent of the Balmer-Confederation Assemblage contact, the same contact that hosts most of the gold deposits in the Red Lake Gold Camp. Despite being directly along trend of the nearby Madsen Mine and having visible gold showings on surface (Figure 1), Laird Lake remains largely untested, with only limited historical exploration work completed to date.

Oneman Lake (578 ha) is located in the Kenora Mining District, within the Separation Rapids Greenstone Belt, and contains a breccia zone up to 100m wide with key indicator sulfide minerals.

David Goodman, Libra's co-founder and largest individual shareholder, is expected to join Athena's Board of Directors as Chairman.

Koby Kushner, Libra's co-founder and CEO, is expected to join Athena's Board of Directors and take on the role of President and CEO of the Company.

Members from Libra's technical team, Benjamin Kuzmich and Andrew Jedemann, are expected to join Athena as Vice President, Exploration, and Exploration Manager, respectively.

John Power, current President and CEO of Athena, is expected to remain as Secretary and Director.

"This transaction comes with more than just two highly prospective gold assets. It comes with a dedicated team capable of moving exploration forward at our flagship Excelsior Springs project. We are also pleased to welcome the support of Libra's young, entrepreneurial team and shareholder base. The timing could not have worked out better, with both the Walker Lane and Red Lake districts continuing to heat up amidst the backdrop of record-high gold prices" says Athena's CEO, John Power.

"While exploring for lithium over the last year, we uncovered some underexplored, yet highly compelling, gold projects. We decided that these gold assets should be separated from our lithium assets, and after extensive due diligence, we believe they paired perfectly with Excelsior Springs. Both Excelsior Springs and Laird Lake are along-trend and hosted in the same geological setting as multimillion-ounce gold mines being developed by majors. With Excelsior, we were beyond impressed with its potential, and we were surprised at how little the market is paying attention to the recent discovery hole of 5.2 g/t Au over 33m, that was drilled in the best mining jurisdiction globally. Importantly, we believe that this near-surface, oxide intercept, is repeatable. I look forward to working with John Power and his team as we build up a geological model and provide a fresh set of eyes on this project" says Libra's CEO, Koby Kushner P.Eng.

Figure 1: Visible gold mineralization from recent sampling at Laird Lake, assays pending.

Strategic Rationale for Transaction

Strong Dedicated Management Team: Libra's team includes highly technical personnel, including a CEO with a mining engineering background that has overseen projects advance from exploration to production, a VP Exploration with major discoveries under his belt that have led to major takeouts, and an Exploration Manager whose Masters of Science research focused on exploring for porphyry and epithermal mineral systems - the same deposit types being explored at Athena's Excelsior Springs and Crow Springs projects in Nevada.

Diversified Portfolio Across Nevada and Ontario: The acquisition of Laird Lake and Oneman Lake nearly triples Athena's global exploration footprint across two premier mining jurisdictions. Importantly, Laird Lake and Oneman Lake put Athena is a position to raise flow-through investment dollars.

Proposed Terms of Acquisition

Upon execution of an Asset Purchase Agreement to be entered into between Athena and Libra, and subject to approval of the Canadian Securities Exchange, Athena will issue such number of common shares in the capital of a newly formed Canadian subsidiary of Athena ("Athena BC") to Libra, in exchange for acquiring a 100% right, title and interest in the Properties which will result in Athena owning approximately 80.1% of Athena BC and Libra owning approximately 19.9%. Such ratio will be adjusted in order that the total number of common shares of Athena BC to be issued to Libra will not result in Libra owning 20% or more of Athena BC's share capital.

Athena will enter into a definitive agreement with Athena BC pursuant to which Athena agrees to merge with Athena BC and redomicile to British Columbia, Canada (the "Amalgamation").

Stockholders will have the opportunity to vote on the proposed Amalgamation at a stockholder meeting to be called as soon as possible. In addition to the proposed Amalgamation, stockholders will be asked to approve an increase in Athena's authorized capital to an unlimited number of common shares, a change of name (if required) and the delisting of Athena's common stock from the Securities and Exchange Commission. Full details of the proposed merger and redomicile, including the associated benefits and risks, will be provided in the registration statement on Form S-4 to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission by Athena.

Subject to stockholder approval and other regulatory approvals, including the Canadian Securities Exchange, Athena anticipates that the Amalgamation would become effective early in the first quarter of 2025 following the merger of Athena with Athena BC, with Athena BC as the surviving company. All former shareholders of Athena will receive common shares of Athena BC on a one-for-one basis. Concurrent with the Amalgamation, Athena agrees that all common shares previously owned by Athena in Athena BC prior to the Amalgamation will be gifted back to Athena BC and cancelled, resulting in Libra continuing to own approximately 19.9% common shares in the capital of Athena BC. Athena BC (or such name as may be approved by the stockholders of Athena) will remain a reporting issuer in Canada and its common shares will continue to be listed for trading on the Canadian Securities Exchange.

Athena's Board of Directors believes that the proposed plan to redomicile from Delaware to British Columbia provides the Company with many benefits, including the ability to raise capital more readily in the Canadian capital markets to accord with its current financing plans to fund its planned drilling and development operations, to reduce the administrative" legal, and regulatory burden and costs associated with ongoing public financial reporting in both US and Canadian market places, and to reduce certain U.S. resale restrictions on common shares issued in the future.

It is contemplated that completion of the above transactions will be subject to a number of customary conditions, including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary governmental, regulatory, and stock exchange approvals; meeting all conditions required by the Canadian Securities Exchange to receive approval, the satisfactory completion of due diligence; the absence of any material adverse change in respect of the Properties; and the negotiation and execution of the applicable agreements. These transactions cannot be completed until these conditions have been satisfied or waived. There can be no guarantees that they be completed as contemplated or at all.

Proposed Change in Management and Directors:

Immediately upon completion of the Acquisition, but before completion of the Amalgamation, the Board of Athena will be restructured to be comprised of five directors, consisting of Koby Kushner, David Goodman, John C. Power, Brian E. Power and John Hiner. Koby Kushner will become President and Chief Executive Officer of Athena and David Goodman will become Chairman of Athena. Benjamin Kuzmich and Andrew Jedemann are expected to take the on the roles of VP Exploration and Exploration Manager, respectively. John C. Power will resign as President and Chief Executive Officer of Athena but remain as Secretary with oversight over finance and legal reporting obligations and consultation of the Nevada projects. Ty Minnick will continue as Chief Financial Officer of Athena.

Koby Kushner, P.Eng., CFA, is the Chief Executive Officer and a director of Libra. He has spent most his career as a mining engineer and more recently, an equity research analyst. Prior to entering finance, Mr. Kushner worked at several mines in Ontario and Manitoba, including Hemlo (Barrick Gold), Detour, Rice Lake, and others. During this time, Mr. Kushner has seen projects advance through all stages of development, including exploration, production, and closure. He then moved into equity research at Red Cloud Securities, a mining-only investment bank, where he wrote on over 100 companies across various stages of development and a wide range of commodities, with a particular focus on precious and energy metals. He holds a BSc in Mining Engineering from Queen's University, is a licensed Professional Engineer in the province of Ontario and is a CFA charterholder.

David Goodman, LLB, CFA, is the Chairman of Libra. Mr. Goodman left an early career as a litigator in 1994 to become a Partner, Vice President and Portfolio Manager at the investment management firm behind Dynamic Funds. He became President and Chief Executive Officer of Dynamic Funds in 2001 and of DundeeWealth, Dynamic's public company parent, in 2007. Under Mr. Goodman's leadership, the firm became one of Canada's best performing and fastest growing investment managers, was recognized as Fund Company of the Year seven times at the Canadian Investment Awards while growing assets under management from $5 billion to approximately $50 billion, until its ultimate sale in 2011 to a Canadian bank. In the past Mr. Goodman was a member of the boards of DundeeWealth, Repadre Capital Corporation, Dundee Corporation, SickKids Foundation and a trustee of the Dundee REIT. Mr. Goodman was previously the head of Global Asset Management for a major Canadian bank and CEO of Dundee Corporation. In addition to his business interests, Mr. Goodman is the founder and CEO of Humour Me, an annual event whereby high-profile executives compete in stand-up comedy and has raised over $20 million to date for worthy causes.

Benjamin Kuzmich, MSc., P.Geo, is the Vice President, Exploration of Libra. He is a professional geologist with a proven track record of exploration success in Canada throughout Ontario, Manitoba, and the Yukon. His accomplishments include the delineation of the E-Zone at Barrick's Hemlo gold mine, where he managed a $20M drill program, and where his reinterpretation of geologic models resulted in a 23% improvement in underground head grade for 2019. Outside of Hemlo, he led the discovery of the Little Wing gold occurrence at Alamos's Lynn Lake project as well as numerous REE/LCT pegmatite, precious, and base metal occurrences throughout the Superior Province. He completed his MSc thesis at Lakehead University on the highly endowed, critical mineral-rich Ring of Fire in northern Ontario, and his undergraduate thesis on S-type granitic intrusions.

Andrew Jedemann, MSc., P.Geo, is the Exploration Manager of Libra. He is an experienced professional geologist with a strong technical background who has been exploring for various commodities in northwestern Ontario over the past 8 years. Andrew has spent most of his career working on several early- to advanced-stage Au, Li, and Ni-Cu-PGE projects around Northwestern Ontario, most notably of which included designing, implementing, and managing >20,000m of drilling at the Barrick - Hemlo gold mine. Additionally, Andrew has worked in the prolific Ring of Fire where he assisted in generating new base and precious metal targets as well as directly overseeing field exploration work. Andrew completed his MSc Geology degree from Lakehead University in partnership with the University of Tasmania (CODES) on characterizing an early-stage porphyry and epithermal prospect on Vancouver Island.

The Properties

Laird Lake:

The Laird Lake gold project is located ~20 km southwest of the renowned mining town of Red Lake, Ontario, and is accessible using a network of roads and trails that connect to the ON-618 Highway. Spanning over 4,000 hectares, Laird Lake and has been heavily underexplored relative to much of the surrounding Red Lake Greenstone Belt, despite covering over a ~10km strike length of known gold-bearing contact between Balmer and Confederation Assemblage rocks that is host to most of the gold in the region. Work completed to date at Laird Lake comprises prospecting and trenching, with very limited drilling and geophysical work. The presence of both Balmer and Confederation Assemblage rocks on the property provides an excellent opportunity to explore for traditional Red Lake gold mineralization within the Balmer Assemblage, as well as gold mineralization within the mapped Confederation Assemblage, which has recently proven to be a significant exploration target based on the discovery of Kinross' nearby Great Bear deposit (2.7 Moz indicated & 3.9 Moz inferred)[i]. The closest multimillion-ounce gold deposit is West Red Lake Gold's flagship Madsen mine (~2.5 Moz historical production, 1.7 Moz indicated & 0.4 Moz inferred), which is hosted in a similar structural setting and situated ~11km along strike of Laird Lake[iii]. Further, Evolution Mining's Red Lake Gold Complex (7.6 Moz indicated & 4.7 Moz inferred) is located 28 km to the northeast and is also hosted along the Balmer-Confederation contact. The Red Lake Greenstone Belt hosts some of the highest-grade gold deposits globally, which have collectively produced over 30 Moz to date[iv].

Oneman Lake:

The Oneman Lake gold project is located ~60 km north of the town of Kenora, Ontario, and is accessible by boat from Oneman Lake, which is connected to Kenora by the ON-525 and ON-596 Highways. The property lies within the Separation Rapids Greenstone Belt, and mineralization is hosted within a folded amphibolite unit bounded by granitic and gneissic rocks. Mineralization consists of an east-west striking sulfide-bearing breccia zone up to ~100m wide. Sulfide minerals include pyrite, arsenopyrite, pyrrhotite, sphalerite, chalcopyrite, and galena. Work was last completed on the property betwen 1989-1991, which included trenching, sampling, geophysical surveys, and limited diamond drilling.

Advisor

Castlewood Capital Corporation is acting as an advisor to Athena Gold Corporation on this transaction.

Qualified Person

John Hiner, SME Registered Member and Washington State Licensed Geologist is a qualified person as defined by NI 43-101 and has reviewed the scientific and technical information that forms the basis of this press release and has approved the disclosure herein. Mr. Hiner is not independent of the Company.

About Athena Gold Corporation

Athena is engaged in the business of mineral exploration and the acquisition of mineral property assets. Its objective is to locate and develop economic precious and base metal properties of merit and to conduct additional exploration drilling and studies on the Project.

About Our Flagship Excelsior Springs Project

The Excelsior Springs Project (the "Project") lies within the prolific Walker Lane tectonic trend, a large region of northwest-trending, strike-slip fault zones that host a significant number of precious metal deposits having very strong structural control for mineralization. The Project contains numerous prospect pits, trenches, roads, surface sampling sites and 113 drill holes to date within a 300m X 3,000m wide (1,000 foot-wide and 10,000-foot-long east-west trending zone of shearing and alteration. Underground workings on the two patented claims within the Project had unverified, historical production of 19,200 troy ounces from 18,000 tons averaging 37.3 grams/ton Au (1.2 oz/ton Au).

The Walker Lane trend is experiencing a major resurgence of intense and successful exploration and development. The Walker Lane has had total production of 20+ million ounces ("Moz") of gold, including the following deposits at Goldfields (5 Moz), Bullfrog (2 Moz), Tonopah (2 Moz), Mineral Ridge (1.5 Moz) and Comstock (8 Moz Au, 200 Moz Ag). Readers are cautioned that the Company has no interest in or right to acquire any interest in any of the above-mentioned properties, other than Excelsior Springs (the "Project"), and that the mineral deposits, and the results of any exploration or mining thereof, on adjacent or similar properties are not indicative of potential mineral deposits on the Project or any potential exploitation thereof.

Gold mineralization discovered at the Project to date occurs in quartz veins, stock-works, and silicified zones in hornfels and calc-silicate altered country rock and is generally close to porphyry dykes. The best grades and thicknesses discovered recently were found in oxidized and altered sedimentary rock immediately above porphyry dykes intruded along preexisting east- and east-northeast trending faults. The mineralized stock-work vein zones are shallow and have a relatively flat plunge, making them potentially amenable to open pit mining methods.

Based on the results of previous drilling programs, the Project has the potential to host one or more shallow gold deposits amenable to open pit mining, along with deeper, higher grade feeder zones that may be found and could be mined by underground methods. In the opinion of management and its consultants, the Project is very promising and further exploration has the potential to expand the known mineralization and establish additional mineralized zones.

For further information about Athena Gold Corporation and our Excelsior Springs Gold project, please visit www.athenagoldcorp.com.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

John C. Power

Chief Executive Officer and President

For further information, please contact:

Phone: John C. Power,

Email: johnpower@athenagoldcorp.com

Jason Libenson

President and CCO

Castlewood Capital Corporation

(647)-534-9884

Email: jason@castlewoodcapital.ca

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian and U.S. securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein including, without limitation, statements regarding future exploration plans and the completion of a phase 2 drill program at the Project, future results from exploration, and the anticipated business plans and timing of future activities of the Company, are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: "believes", "will", "expects", "anticipates", "intends", "estimates", "plans", "may", "should", "potential", "scheduled", or variations of such words and phrases and similar expressions, which, by their nature, refer to future events or results that may, could, would, might or will occur or be taken or achieved. In making the forward-looking statements in this press release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation, that there will be investor interest in future financings, market fundamentals will result in sustained precious metals demand and prices, the receipt of any necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals in connection with the future exploration and development of the Company's projects in a timely manner, QAQC procedures at the Project were followed, the availability of financing on suitable terms for the exploration and development of the Company's projects and the Company's ability to comply with environmental, health and safety laws.

The Company cautions investors that any forward-looking statements by the Company are not guarantees of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including, operating and technical difficulties in connection with mineral exploration and development activities, actual results of exploration activities, the estimation or realization of mineral reserves and mineral resources, the inability of the Company to obtain the necessary financing required to conduct its business and affairs, as currently contemplated, the timing and amount of estimated future production, the costs of production, capital expenditures, the costs and timing of the development of new deposits, requirements for additional capital, future prices of precious metals, changes in general economic conditions, changes in the financial markets and in the demand and market price for commodities, lack of investor interest in future financings, accidents, labor disputes and other risks of the mining industry, delays in obtaining governmental approvals, permits or financing or in the completion of development or construction activities, risks relating to epidemics or pandemics such as COVID-19, including the impact of COVID-19 on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations, changes in laws, regulations and policies affecting mining operations, title disputes, the inability of the Company to obtain any necessary permits, consents, approvals or authorizations, including of the Canadian Securities Exchange, the timing and possible outcome of any pending litigation, environmental issues and liabilities, and other factors and risks that are discussed in the Company's periodic filings with the SEC and disclosed in the final long form prospectus of the Company dated August 31, 2021.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements in this press release or incorporated by reference herein, except as otherwise.

___________________________________

[i] Kinross resource estimate and PEA highlights: Kinross completes Great Bear Preliminary Economic Assessment - Kinross Gold Corporation

[ii] West Red Lake recent announcement about restart activities in 2025: West Red Lake Gold Provides Madsen Mine Restart Activities

[iii]https://westredlakegold.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/West-Red-LAke-Gold-08-22.pdf

See page 5 for Red Lake's past production of 30Moz

See page 7 for Madsen's current resource.

See page 21 for Madsen's past production of 2.5Moz

[iv]2512712_Annual-Mineral-Resources-and-Ore-Reserves-Statement.pdf (evolutionmining.com.au)

See page 11 for Red Lake's gold project resource breakdown.

SOURCE: Athena Gold Corp

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 11, 2024) - Silver Elephant Mining Corp. (TSX: ELEF) (OTCQB: SILEF) (FSE: 1P2) ("Silver Elephant" or the "Company") is pleased to announce diamond drill results from the Paca deposit ("Paca") within its 100%-controlled Pulacayo-Paca silver project in the Potosi department in Bolivia.

Further to the Company's news release dated June 12, 2024, a total of 28 holes were drilled in the Paca north area totaling 1,458 meters. The results for the previous 20 holes were announced in the Company's news releases dated July 22, 2024 and August 7, 2024. The assays for the remaining 8 holes (4 exploration, 4 infill) have been received and are reported below.

Notable results include PC24-27 which intercepted 17.45 meters of 120 g/t silver from surface, and PC24-25 which intercepted 13.72 meters of 118 g/t silver from surface. Hole PC24-28, which is a 250 meter northwest step-out from the Paca resource envelope, intercepted 2.95 meters grading 38.9 g/t Silver The Company will review the drill results and incorporate them into the Paca resource model.

In addition, and further to the news release dated July 8, 2024, regarding phase one sulphide mining, the Company is on track to start the 367-meter tunnel development at the Paca dome in September 2024 and deliver the first Paca sulphide concentrate sale before the end of 2024.

This drill program was paid for by Andean Precious Metals Corp. ("Andean"). Pursuant to the sales and purchase agreement and master services agreement detailed in the Company's news release dated September 12, 2023, Silver Elephant plans to sell and deliver up to 800,000 tonnes of Paca oxide materials to Andean for a total of between US$5 million and US$7 million depending on the silver price. At the current silver price and production run rate, the Company expects to receive US$2.5 million before January 31, 2025. Andean has also agreed to reimburse Silver Elephant for operating expenses under the sales and purchase agreement.

EXPANSION DRILLING









HOLE ID From (m) To (m) Length (m) True Width (m) Ag (g/t) Pb (%) Zn (%) PC24-02 0 40.2 40.2 28.43 20 0.32 0.52 Incl. 7.2 14.5 7.3 5.16 31 0.31 0.13 Incl. 25.6 26.9 1.3 0.92 41 0.43 0.24 PC24-06 0 81.4 81.4 57.55 7 0.02 0.06 Incl. 3 12 9 6.36 9 0.03 0.07 And 37.5 39 1.5 1.06 9 0.003 0.02 PC24-13 0 33.6 33.6 33.60 12.98 0.48 0.32 Incl. 5.1 6.6 1.5 1.50 33.3 0.43 0.14 PC24-28 38.5 41.5 3 2.95 38.9 0.001 0.004 Incl. 40 41.5 1.5 1.48 60.9 0,001 0.004















INFILL DRILLING











HOLE ID From (m) To (m) Length (m) True Width (m) Ag (g/t) Pb (%) Zn (%) PC24-05 0 17.8 17.8 12.59 26 0.17 0.34 Incl. 3 4.5 1.5 1.06 47 0.08 0.26 And 23.8 29.3 5.5 3.89 108 0.2 0.57 Incl. 25.3 26.3 1 0.71 131 0.14 0.55 Incl. 27.8 29.3 1.5 1.06 190 0.24 0.65 PC24-25 0 35.6 35.6 25.17 56 0.35 0.08 Incl. 21.88 35.6 13.72 9.70 118 0.53 0.05 Incl. 21.88 30.48 8.6 6.08 131 0.38 0.05 Incl. 24.08 25.36 1.28 0.91 192 0.28 0.03 And 45.84 56.1 10.26 7.25 27 0.22 0.06 Incl. 50.96 53.52 2.56 1.81 63 0.27 0.06 Incl. 50.96 52.24 1.28 0.91 87 0.32 0.07 PC24-26 0 28.1 28.1 28.1 45 0.4 0.27 Incl. 10.5 25.1 14.6 14.6 61 0.5 0.24 Incl. 14.6 18.1 3.5 3.5 77 0.67 0.24 PC24-27 0 26.9 26.9 26.9 90 0.56 0.21 Incl. 8.9 26.35 17.45 17.45 120 0.65 0.25 Incl. 17.6 22.6 5 5 228 0.94 0.24 Incl. 18.6 19.6 1 1 322 0.57 0.25 Incl. 21.6 22.6 1 1 273 1.79 0.29 Incl. 24.2 25.25 1.05 1.05 149 0.8 0.23

The drill program continues to confirm a highly deformed, disseminated mineralization located within a north-south structural trend and potential for resource expansion.

Drill-hole locations and Paca resource boundary shown below:





To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9008/222934_c1ca0055f4c86af8_001full.jpg

Close-up view of drill-hole locations shown below:





To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9008/222934_c1ca0055f4c86af8_002full.jpg

The full result from this drill program is presented below:

INFILL DRILLING











HOLE ID From To Length True Width (m) Ag (g/t) Pb (%) Zn (%) PC24-01 1.5 39.65 38.15 33.04 83 0.58 0.14 Incl. 14.15 21.65 7.5 6.50 91 0.46 1.12 Incl. 18.65 20.15 1.5 1.30 190 0.75 0.08 Incl. 26.15 39.65 13.5 11.69 140 0.55 0.15 Incl. 29.15 32.15 3 2.60 183 0.41 0.09 Incl. 33.65 38.15 4.5 3.90 198 0.84 0.14 PC24-03 0 35.3 35.3 22.69 83 0.42 0.08 Incl. 1.5 15.5 14 9.00 88 0.47 0.1 Incl. 6 7.5 1.5 0.96 155 0.18 0.08 Incl. 19.3 32.8 13.5 8.68 109 0.32 0.06 Incl. 23.8 26.8 3 1.93 156 0.32 0.04 Incl. 28.3 31.3 3 1.93 163 0.29 0.04 PC24-05 0 17.8 17.8 12.59 26 0.17 0.34 Incl. 3 4.5 1.5 1.06 47 0.08 0.26 and 23.8 29.3 5.5 3.89 108 0.2 0.57 Incl. 25.3 26.3 1 0.71 131 0.14 0.55 Incl. 27.8 29.3 1.5 1.06 190 0.24 0.65 PC24-06 0 81.4 81.4 57.55 7 0.02 0.06 Incl. 3 12 9 6.36 9 0.03 0.07 and 37.5 39 1.5 1.06 9 0.003 0.02 PC24-07 10.76 30.83 20.07 14.19 52 0.56 0.4 Incl. 17.8 27.35 9.55 6.75 82 0.91 0.23 Incl. 17.8 23.64 5.84 4.13 102 1.17 0.07 PC24-08 0 15 15 15.00 19 0.16 0.15 Incl. 0 3 3 3.00 31 0.21 0.16 PC24-10 0 14.25 14.25 14.25 70 0.1 0.07 Incl. 0 5 5 5.00 162 0.13 0.05 Incl. 0 2 2 2.00 289 0.15 0.05 PC24-11 2.69 43.75 41.06 29.03 237 1.1 0.1 Incl. 15 41.25 26.25 18.56 344 0.89 0.09 Incl. 15 18.75 3.75 2.65 438 0.95 0.14 Incl. 37.5 40 2.5 1.77 419 0.19 0.08 PC24-15 0 6 6 3.86 35 0.21 0.11 and 23 33.75 10.75 6.91 47 0.47 0.12 Incl. 28.35 33.75 5.4 3.47 74 0.41 0.1 Incl. 31.05 32.4 1.35 0.87 133 0.52 0.09 PC24-16 0 22.33 22.33 22.33 44 0.27 0.13 Incl. 0 10.31 10.31 10.31 64 0.16 0.15 Incl. 1.22 2.45 1.23 1.23 93 0.14 0.24 PC24-17 0 28.6 28.6 28.60 42 0.47 0.19 Incl. 1.4 2.9 1.5 1.50 70 0.05 0.2 Incl. 10.4 11.8 1.4 1.40 60 0.69 0.12 PC24-19 6 23.96 17.96 17.96 34 0.36 0.16 Incl. 20.67 23.96 3.29 3.29 46 0.81 0.14 Incl. 23.62 23.96 0.34 0.34 63 0.27 0.13 PC24-24 1.5 18.15 16.65 16.65 21 0.52 1.04 Incl. 5.4 11.31 5.91 5.91 30 0.38 0.27 PC24-25 0 35.6 35.6 25.17 56 0.35 0.08 Incl. 21.88 35.6 13.72 9.70 118 0.53 0.05 Incl. 21.88 30.48 8.6 6.08 131 0.38 0.05 Incl. 24.08 25.36 1.28 0.91 192 0.28 0.03 and 45.84 56.1 10.26 7.25 27 0.22 0.06 Incl. 50.96 53.52 2.56 1.81 63 0.27 0.06 Incl. 50.96 52.24 1.28 0.91 87 0.32 0.07 PC24-26 0 28.1 28.1 28.1 45 0.4 0.27 Incl. 10.5 25.1 14.6 14.6 61 0.5 0.24 Incl. 14.6 18.1 3.5 3.5 77 0.67 0.24 PC24-27 0 26.9 26.9 26.9 90 0.56 0.21 Incl. 8.9 26.35 17.45 17.45 120 0.65 0.25 Incl. 17.6 22.6 5 5 228 0.94 0.24 Incl. 18.6 19.6 1 1 322 0.57 0.25 Incl. 21.6 22.6 1 1 273 1.79 0.29 Incl. 24.2 25.25 1.05 1.05 149 0.8 0.23















EXPANSION DRILLING











HOLE ID From To Length True Width (m) Ag (g/t) Pb (%) Zn (%) PC24-02 0 40.2 40.2 28.43 20 0.32 0.52 Incl. 7.2 14.5 7.3 5.16 31 0.31 0.13 Incl. 25.6 26.9 1.3 0.92 41 0.43 0.24 PC24-04 0 31.05 31.05 31.05 46 0.2 0.06 Incl. 0 9 9 9.00 115 0.37 0.05 Incl. 1.5 4.5 3 3.00 143 0.47 0.05 Incl. 6 7.5 1.5 1.50 151 0.32 0.07 PC24-09 0 5 5 3.54 59 0.16 0.15 Incl. 0 2 2 1.41 97 0.31 0.13 Incl. 0 1 1 0.71 101 0.24 0.14 PC24-12 0 18.8 18.8 18.80 22 0.31 0.21 Incl. 13.8 16.6 2.8 2.80 36 0.75 0.4 PC24-13 0 33.6 33.6 33.60 12.98 0.48 0.32 Incl. 5.1 6.6 1.5 1.50 33.3 0.43 0.14 PC24-14 0 17.8 17.8 12.59 60 0.7 0.18 Incl. 8.8 17.8 9 6.36 90 0.74 0.25 Incl. 16.3 17.8 1.5 1.06 185 0.58 0.33 PC24-18 0 39.9 39.9 28.21 157 0.5 0.2 Incl. 13 32.4 19.4 13.72 304 0.7 0.19 Incl. 15 27.9 12.9 9.12 391 0.7 0.16 Incl. 16.5 19.5 3 2.12 583.5 0.61 0.1 PC24-18 59.4 61.9 2.5 1.77 43 0.44 0.42 PC24-20 0 18.4 18.4 18.40 51 0.2 0.13 Incl. 3.6 17.24 13.64 13.64 58 0.2 0.13 Incl. 8.6 13.82 5.22 5.22 65 0.13 0.14 PC24-21 12.84 18.83 5.99 5.99 30 0.13 0.13 PC24-22 10.5 25.22 14.72 14.72 45 0.51 0.39 Incl. 18.34 25.22 6.88 6.88 77 0.64 0.28 Incl. 22.45 25.22 2.77 2.77 116 0.63 0.29 Incl. 22.45 23.82 1.37 1.37 134 0.66 0.3 PC24-23 0 23.1 23.1 23.10 138 0.26 0.1 Incl. 7.84 20.1 12.26 12.26 223 0.28 0.08 Incl. 9.19 15.94 6.75 6.75 334 0.28 0.07 Incl. 13.24 15.94 2.7 2.70 360 0.32 0.06 PC24-28 38.5 41.5 3 2.95 38.9 0.001 0.004 Incl. 40 41.5 1.5 1.48 60.9 0,001 0.004

All 28 holes from the drill program shown on the map below:





To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9008/222934_c1ca0055f4c86af8_003full.jpg

The Paca project hosts a high-grade silver resource according to a technical report by Mercator Geological Services, dated effective October 13, 2020 titled "Mineral Resource Estimate Technical Report for the Pulacayo Project, Potosi Department Antonio Quijarro Province Bolivia" (the "Technical Report"). The mineral resource estimate from the Technical Report is as follows:

Paca Zone Category Tonnes Ag g/t Ag Moz Zn% Pb % Phase 1 Oxide In Pit Indicated 800,000 231 5.9 - - Inferred 235,000 159 1.2 - - Phase 2 Sulfide In Pit Indicated 1,810,000 256 14.9 1.22 1.22 Inferred 190,000 338 2.1 0.61 0.98



*Oxide resources are based on a Pit-constrained estimate using a 90 g/t Ag cutoff. Sulfide resources are based on a pit-constrained estimate using a 200 g/t Ag Eq cutoff. Ag Eq = Silver Equivalent (Recovered) = (Ag g/t*89.2%)+((Pb%*(US$0.95/lb. Pb/14.583 Troy oz./lb./US$17 per Troy oz. Ag)*(10,000*91.9%))+((Zn%*(US$1.16/lb. Zn/14.583 Troy oz./lb./US$17 per Troy oz. Ag)*(10,000*82.9%)). Sulphide zone metal recoveries of 89.2% for Ag, 91.9% for Pb, and 82.9% for Zn were used in the Silver Equivalent (Recovered) equation and reflect metallurgical testing results disclosed previously for the Pulacayo Deposit. Matthew Harrington P. Geo. is the independent Qualified Person for the resource estimate.





The Technical Report was effective October 13, 2020 and is available under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. This news release includes an estimate of mineral resources as disclosed in the Technical Report. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.

Quality Assurance and Quality Control

Silver Elephant adopts industry-recognized best practices in its implementation of QA/QC methods. A geochemical standard control sample, one duplicate and one blank sample are inserted into the sample stream at every 25th sample. Samples are shipped to ALS Global Laboratories in Ururo, Bolivia for preparation. They are then shipped for analysis to ALS Global laboratories in Lima, Peru. Samples are analyzed using Intermediate Level Four Acid Digestion. Silver over limits ("ore grade") are analyzed using fire assay with a gravimetric finish. ALS Laboratories sample management system meets all the requirements of the International Standards ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and ISO 9001:2015. All ALS geochemical hub laboratories are accredited to ISO/IEC 17025:2017 for specific analytical procedures.

All samples are taken from PQ or HQ diameter core were split in half by a diamond-blade masonry saw. One half of the core is submitted for laboratory analysis and the other half is preserved for reference at the Company's secured core facility. All the core is geotechnically analyzed, photographed and then logged by geologists prior to sampling.

About Pulacayo-Paca

The Paca project is part of the Company's Pulacayo-Paca project with a total indicated resource of 106.7 million oz silver, 1.4 billion pounds of zinc and 690 million pounds of lead published in the Technical Report and tabulated below. Silver Elephant and its subsidiaries have spent over $35 million on Pulacayo and Paca, which is considered to be an advanced project with over 96,000 meters of drilling, and a historic feasibility study.

Combined Pulacayo and Paca Indicated Mineral Resources

Tonnes Ag g/t Pb % Zn % Oxide 2,185,000 155 - - Sulfide 45,855,000 65 0.69 1.37



*Combined Indicated Mineral Resources includes Pulacayo pit-constrained and out-of-pit plus only Paca pit-constrained resources. Oxide resources use a 50 g/t Ag cutoff. Sulfide resources use a 100 g/t Ag Eq cutoff. Ag Eq = Silver Equivalent (Recovered) = (Ag g/t*89.2%)+((Pb%*(US$0.95/lb. Pb/14.583 Troyoz./lb./ US$17 per Troy oz. Ag)*(10,000*91.9%))+((Zn%*(US$1.16/lb. Zn/14.583 Troy oz./lb./US$17 per Troy oz. Ag)*(10,000*82.9%)). Sulphide zone metal recoveries of 89.2% for Ag, 91.9% for Pb, and 82.9% for Zn were used in the Silver Equivalent (Recovered) equation and reflect metallurgical testing results disclosed previously for the Pulacayo Deposit. Matthew Harrington P. Geo. is the independent Qualified Person for the resource estimate.





A subsidiary of Silver Elephant entered into a Mining Production Contract ("MPC") with Corporacion Minera de Bolivia ("COMIBOL"), a branch of the Bolivian Ministry of Mining and Metallurgy on October 3, 2019. The MPC grants the Company's subsidiary an exclusive right to develop and mine at the Pulacayo and Paca concessions for up to 30 years.

The Pulacayo-Paca Project is at the center of a major silver mining district in Bolivia and is within 250 km driving distance to the San Cristobal mine, the Cerro Rico mine, Pan American Silver San Vicente mine, Eloro Resource's Iska project, and New Pacific Metal's Silver Sands project.

Qualified Person

The technical contents of this news release have been prepared under the supervision of Carlos Zamora, who is not independent of the Company in that he is employed by it. Mr. Zamora is a qualified person as defined by the guidelines of NI 43-101.

About Silver Elephant Mining Corp.

Silver Elephant is a silver mining company, with its flagship Pulacayo-Paca silver project in production since October 2023 in Bolivia.

Further information on Silver Elephant can be found at www.silverelef.com.

SILVER ELEPHANT MINING CORP.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

"John Lee"

Executive Chairman

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

This news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking information") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information is generally identifiable by use of the words "believes," "may," "plans," "will," "anticipates," "intends," "could", "estimates", "expects", "forecasts", "projects" and similar expressions, and the negative of such expressions. Such forward-looking information, which reflects management's expectations regarding Silver Elephant's future growth, results of operations, performance, business prospects and opportunities, is based on certain factors and assumptions and involves known and unknown risks and uncertainties which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Forward-looking information in this news release includes the expected amount and timing for delivery of Product to Andean, and expected timing and benefits of phase 2 sulphide production for the Paca project.

Forward-looking information involves significant risks and uncertainties, should not be read as a guarantee of future performance, events or results, and may not be indicative of whether such events or results will actually be achieved. A number of risks and other factors could cause actual results to differ materially from expected results discussed in the forward-looking information, including but not limited to: changes in operating plans; ability to secure sufficient financing to advance the Company's project; conditions impacting the Company's ability to mine at the project, such as unfavourable weather conditions, development of a mine plan, maintaining existing permits and receiving any new permits required for the project, and other conditions impacting mining generally; maintaining cordial business relations with strategic partners and contractual counter-parties; meeting regulatory requirements and changes thereto; risks inherent to mineral resource estimation, including uncertainty as to whether mineral resources will be further developed into mineral reserves; political risk in the jurisdictions where the Company's projects are located; commodity price variation; and general market, industry and economic conditions. Additional risk factors are set out in the Company's latest annual and interim management's discussion and analysis and annual information form (AIF), available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

Forward-looking information is based on reasonable assumptions by management as of the date of this news release, and there can be no assurance that actual results will be consistent with any forward-looking information included herein. Readers are cautioned that all forward- looking statements in this news release are made as of the date of this news release. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information in this news release to reflect circumstances or events that occur after the date of this news release, except as required by applicable securities laws.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/222934

SOURCE: Silver Elephant Mining Corp.
Ottawa, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - September 11, 2024) - Gold79 Mines Ltd. (TSXV: AUU) (OTCQB: AUSVF) ("Gold79" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the initiation of a non-brokered private placement to raise gross proceeds of $4,000,000 (the "Offering").

Gold79 is pursuing the Offering in connection with its previously announced proposed amalgamation agreement with its wholly-owned subsidiary and Bullet Exploration Inc. ("Bullet") to acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of Bullet (the "Transaction"). The Transaction and the Offering are expected to create a well-funded gold exploration company focused on the southwest United States. Pursuant to an amendment to the amalgamation agreement executed in connection with the Transaction, the Offering may be closed in tranches, at any time from now until immediately following the closing of the Transaction. The closing of one or more tranches of the Offering are not contingent upon the closing of the Transaction. There can be no assurances that the Transaction will be completed and the proceeds from the Offering may be used entirely by Gold79 whether or not the Transaction is completed.

Gold79 will undertake a non-brokered private placement to raise gross proceeds of $4,000,000, comprising 16,000,000 units (each a "Unit") at a price of $0.25 per Unit. Each Unit will consist of one Gold79 common share and one-half of one common share purchase warrant. Each whole warrant (a "Warrant") will entitle the holder to purchase one Gold79 common share at a price of $0.40 per share for a period of 24 months following the date of issuance; provided, however, that if, following the date of issuance, the 20 day volume-weighted average trading price of the Gold79 common shares on the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSX-V") or an Alternative Trading System is equal to or greater than $0.60 for any 10 consecutive trading day period, the Company may, upon providing written notice to the holders of the Warrants, accelerate the expiry date of the Warrants to the date that is 30 days following the date of such notice.

The Offering is subject to approval of the TSX-V and any securities issued under the Offering will be subject to a statutory hold period of four months and one day from the date of issuance. The closing date of the first tranche of the Offering is expected to be on or about September 30, 2024.

Derek Macpherson, President and CEO of Gold79 stated, "This financing is expected to provide the capital necessary to deliver a maiden resource at Gold Chain. Assuming the successful closing of the Transaction, the proceeds of the Offering will also be used to advance the Company's other projects post-merger." Mr. Macpherson continued, "We plan to engage the drillers and mobilize the drill rig to the Gold Chain project as soon as possible once the financing closes."

The Offering will be conducted by the Company utilizing the Existing Security Holder Prospectus Exemption under OSC Rule 45-501 Ontario Prospectus and Registration Exemptions and other equivalent provisions of applicable securities laws in other jurisdictions in Canada (collectively, the "Existing Security Holder Exemptions") as well as the "accredited investor" exemption under National Instrument 45-106 Prospectus and Registration Exemptions and also other exemptions available to the Company.

The Company will make the Offering available to all existing shareholders of the Company as of September 10, 2024 (the "Record Date") who are eligible to participate under the Existing Security Holder Exemptions and who have notified the Company by no later than September 27, 2024 at 5:00 pm (Eastern) of their intention to participate in the Offering. The Existing Security Holder Exemptions limit a shareholder to a maximum investment of $15,000 unless the shareholder certifies in the subscription agreement that he or she has obtained advice regarding the suitability of the investment from a registered investment dealer or otherwise qualifies to rely on another private placement exemption.

In the subscription agreement, shareholders will be required to certify the number of Gold79 common shares held as of the record date and the total number of Units they wish to subscribe for. Each existing shareholder on the record date will be entitled to purchase that number of Units equal to at least their pro rata share based on the Gold79 common shares owned on the record date, subject to a $10,000 minimum subscription. Any additional available Units will be allocated by the Company based on subscriptions received and Units available. Orders will be processed by the Company on a first come, first served basis such that it is possible that a subscription received from a shareholder may not be accepted by the Company if the Offering is over subscribed. Any person who becomes a shareholder of the Company after the Record Date shall not be entitled to participate in the Offering under the Existing Security Holders Exemptions.

Proceeds raised under the Offering will be used for exploration expenditures related to the Gold Chain, Arizona project; property claim costs and contractual property payments and for working capital and general corporate purposes. Assuming the closing of the Transaction, proceeds would be also be used for exploration expenditures related to Bullet's Jefferson North project.

It is anticipated that certain officers and directors of Gold79 and Bullet may participate in the Offering. Gold79 may pay commissions to qualified finders in Canada in connection with the Offering. Any finder fees paid would be in accordance with TSX-V policies.

None of the securities to be issued in the Offering or the Transaction have been or will be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to or for the account or benefit of U.S. persons, except in certain transactions exempt from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, securities of the Company in the United States.

Transaction Summary

Pursuant to the Transaction, Bullet shareholders will receive one (1) Gold79 common share for every three (3) Bullet common shares held. Existing shareholders of Gold79 and Bullet will hold approximately 54% and 46%, respectively, of the outstanding Gold79 shares on closing of the Transaction on a fully diluted, in-the-money basis (but prior to the completion of the Offering).

Additional details relating to the Transaction can be found in Gold79's September 4, 2024 press release. Full details of the Transaction will be provided in the management information circular of Bullet to be prepared and filed in respect of the annual and special meeting of the Bullet shareholders to be held in Q4 2024.

The closing of one or more tranches of the Offering are not contingent upon the closing of the Transaction. There can be no assurances that the Transaction will be completed and the proceeds from the Offering may be used entirely by Gold79 whether or not the Transaction is completed.

About Gold79 Mines Ltd.

Gold79 Mines Ltd. is a TSX Venture listed company focused on building ounces in the Southwest USA. Gold79 holds 100% earn-in option to purchase agreements on three gold projects: the Jefferson Canyon Gold Project and the Tip Top Gold Project both located in Nevada, USA, and, the Gold Chain Project located in Arizona, USA. In addition, Gold79 holds a 32.3% interest in the Greyhound Project, Nunavut, Canada under JV by Agnico Eagle Mines Limited.

For further information regarding this press release contact:

Book a 30-minute meeting with Derek Macpherson here.

Stay Connected with Us:

Twitter: @Gold79Mines

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gold79-mines-ltd/

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 the proposed Transaction and proposed private placement or any future private placements, 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 a number of 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.sedar.com. Gold79 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.

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.

NOT FOR RELEASE OR DISTRIBUTION IN THE UNITED STATES OR

FOR DISSEMINATION TO U.S NEWS WIRE SERVICES

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/222943

SOURCE: Gold79 Mines Ltd.
DDRCCC-24-068 (Hole 68) was drilled to 708.7 metres to test the depth continuity of Blackjack Zone mineralization and encountered over 40 instances of visible gold from surface to 680 metres with mineralization remaining open to depth.

with mineralization remaining open to depth. Hole 68 is approximately 200 metres deeper than any previous drill holes , adding substantial gold mineralization beyond previous drilling limits.

, adding substantial gold mineralization beyond previous drilling limits. Multiple occurrences of visible gold within sheeted quartz veins observed in other recently completed drill holes.

Diamond drilling is currently ongoing at RC Gold.

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 11, 2024) - Sitka Gold Corp. (TSXV: SIG) (FSE: 1RF) (OTCQB: SITKF) ("Sitka" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that visible gold has been observed multiple times in recently completed diamond drilling currently underway at the southern extent of the Blackjack Deposit at the Company's flagship RC Gold Project ("RC Gold" or the "Project") in Yukon, Canada. Drill holes DDRCCC-24-063, 064, 065, 066, 067 and 068 were designed to continue to expand the Blackjack Deposit to the south and to depth with all holes encountering observations of strong mineralization (see Figure 3). Hole 68 was drilled 200 metres deeper than any previous drill holes and encountered numerous instances of visible gold from surface to 680 metres with mineralization remaining open to depth. Mineralization at Blackjack remains open in all directions and appears to strengthen to the south and to depth where drilling is ongoing.

Figure 1: Examples of instances of visible gold observed throughout DDRCCC-24-068. Hole 68 has the most abundant visible gold observed in any drill hole to date at RC Gold with native gold observed numerous times from near surface at 4.4 metres to 679.8 metres. Assays for this drill hole are currently pending. Additional images of visible gold observed in Hole 68 can be viewed on the Company's website at www.sitkagoldcorp.com.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6144/222978_figure_1.jpg

"Drilling continues to encounter robust mineralization at our Blackjack Zone as we track this gold system to the south of the Blackjack gold deposit, along the Blackjack Mineralized Corridor, and to depth," said Cor Coe, CEO and Director of Sitka. "Hole 68, which is the first hole drilled to test the continuity of gold mineralization to depth at Blackjack, has returned some very impressive visuals. This is the deepest hole we have ever drilled into this system, adding 200 vertical metres of gold mineralization to the limits of previous drilling, and it has encountered the most abundant visible gold observed in any drill holes to date, with numerous instances of gold seen from near surface to 680 metres. Our geological modelling indicates that intersecting structural corridors are forming a conduit for gold mineralization at Blackjack that is part of a larger mineralized system within the Clear Creek Intrusive Complex. While we eagerly await the assay results to give us the full picture, the strength of the system as indicated by the abundant visible gold at depth in Hole 68 suggests we are getting closer to the source of this impressive mineralized system that remains open in all directions."

Figure 2: Cross Section of hole DDRCCC-24-068 showing the multiple occurrences of visible gold that extend from surface to 680 metres. Hole 68 was drilled to a depth of 708.7 metres, approximately 200 metres deeper than any previous drilling, where it ended in mineralized, silicified metasediments with altered mineralized MCQM. The abundance of visible gold at depth in Hole 68 suggests drilling is getting closer to the source of a very large gold system that appears to connect across the expansive Clear Creek Intrusive Complex (Figure 4). While the presence of visible gold is a good indicator of robust gold mineralization it is not a requirement for strong gold mineralization to be present, as was the case in DDRCCC-23-047, one of the best drill holes completed to date at Blackjack. Visible gold was only observed once in Hole 47, however it returned 219.0 m of 1.34 g/t gold including 124.8 m of 2.01 g/t gold and 55.0 m of 3.11 g/t gold (see news release dated September 26, 2023).

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6144/222978_figure_2.jpg



Figure 3: Plan map of Blackjack Deposit drilling showing the location of holes DDRCCC-24-059 to 071 including hole DDRCCC-24-068.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6144/222978_figure_3.jpg



Figure 4: Plan map showing multiple priority target areas across the recently consolidated Clear Creek Intrusive Complex. Drilling is currently underway to test the projection of higher-grade gold mineralization along the newly identified Blackjack Mineralized Corridor that follows the Blackjack Fault and extends for over 10 kilometres through the Saddle, Pukelman West and Rhosgobel Intrusive Stocks. Higher-grade gold mineralization is modelled along intersections of structural corridors that form conduits for gold mineralization. A large mineral system highlighted by the numerous gold-bearing intrusions and intersecting structural corridors similar to that being defined at the Blackjack Deposit exist at many other target areas within the Clear Creek Intrusive Complex.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6144/222978_figure_4.jpg

DDRCCC-24-068

Drill hole DDRCCC-24-068 was drilled to a length of 708.7 m at an azimuth of 100 degrees and a dip of -75 degrees to fill in a gap between holes 047 and 041 and to test the down-dip continuity of mineralization encountered in holes 042, 057, and 062. The hole drilled down-plunge of the known mineralized system to test the depth continuity of Blackjack mineralization. The hole intersected multiple zones of mineralized quartz monzonite and mineralized metasediments with over 40 instances of visible gold noted from near surface to 680 m. The visible gold was consistently associated with bismuthinite and scheelite in sheeted quartz veins cutting both the intrusives and the metasediments.

DDRCCC-24-067

Drill hole DDRCCC-24-067 was drilled from the same pad as hole DDRCCC-24-062 at an azimuth of 065o and dip of -65 degrees to test the southern extent of the mineralization intersected in holes 062 and 058. This hole intersected 4 broad zones of mineralization associated with quartz monzonite intrusions and adjacent metasediments (147.3 - 199.5 m, 259.0 - 289.0 m, 355.3 - 397.4 m, and 480.0 - 520.0 m). Sheeted quartz-arsenopyrite veins were most abundant from 425.0 - 523.0 m, and several instances of visible gold associated with bismuthinite were observed in sheeted quartz veins between 237.2 m and 520.3 m.

DDRCCC-24-066

Hole DDRCCC-24-066 was drilled at an azimuth of 225 degrees and a dip of -55 degrees to test the further southern continuity of the South Blackjack stock. The hole intersected approximately 275 m of hornfels biotite schist with several oxidized fault zones before intersecting several moderately to strongly oxidized, altered, and mineralized feldspar megacrystic quartz monzonite and feldspar porphyry dykes (274.73 - 279.0 m, 280.82 - 285.37 m, 303.5 - 342.5, and 351.5 - 355.95 m). This hole ended in strongly altered and silicified metasediments at 394.7 m.

DDRCCC-24-065

Hole DDRCCC-24-065 was drilled from the same pad as hole DDRCCC-24-064 but at a steeper angle (-70o) to test the down dip extension of the intrusions (and structures) intersected in hole 064. It intersected approximately 511 m of locally moderately altered, faulted, and oxidized biotite schist cut by several strongly altered and oxidized feldspar megacrystic quartz monzonite intrusions (288.1 - 292.2 m, 371.21 - 383.6 m, and 458.1 - 461.0 m). This hole ended in strongly silicified metasediments at 511.15 m.

DDRCCC-24-064

Hole DDRCCC-24-064 was drilled at an azimuth of 225 degrees and a dip of -55 degrees to test the southern continuity of the South Blackjack stock. It was drilled from the northeast back to the southwest. This hole intersected approximately 300 m of hornfels biotite schist with several oxidized fault zones before intersecting strongly oxidized feldspar megacrystic quartz monzonite (290.0 - 297.6 m) within strongly oxidized and faulted metasediments. Several smaller discrete intrusions were intersected including (329.0 - 332.5 m, 345.0 - 347.0 m, and 458.3 - 442.7 m) and the hole ended in locally weakly altered, un-mineralized biotite schist at 492.3 m.

DDRCCC-24-063

Hole DDRCCC-24-063 was drilled at an azimuth of 225 degrees and a dip of -60 to test the southern continuity of the South Blackjack stock. The hole intersected approximately 200 m of hornfels biotite schist with several oxidized fault zones before intersecting three feldspar megacrystic quartz monzonite intrusions at 204.6 - 253.7 m, 301.6 - 308.9 m, and 406.5 - 409.7 m The hole ended in weakly altered, weakly veined biotite schist at 494.7 m.

Figure 5: Images of core from DDRCCC-24-068 showing several occurrences of visible gold in well mineralized and altered quartz monzonite.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6144/222978_figure_5.jpg

About the flagship RC Gold Project

The RC Gold Project consists of a 431 square kilometre contiguous district-scale land package located in the heart of Yukon's Tombstone Gold Belt. The project is located approximately 100 kilometres east of Dawson City, which has a 5,000 foot paved runway, and is accessed via a secondary gravel road from the Klondike Highway which is usable year-round and is an approximate 2 hour drive from Dawson City. It is the largest consolidated land package strategically positioned mid-way between the Eagle Gold Mine and the past producing Brewery Creek Gold Mine.

On January 19, 2023 Sitka Gold announced an Initial Mineral Resource Estimate prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101") guidelines for the RC Gold Property of 1,340,000 ounces of gold(1). The road accessible, pit constrained Mineral Resource is classified as inferred and is contained in two zones: The Blackjack and Eiger deposits with 900,000 ounces of gold grading 0.83 g/t and 440,000 ounces of gold grading 0.68 g/t respectively. Both of these deposits are at/near surface, are potentially open pit minable and amenable to heap leaching, with initial bottle roll tests indicating that the gold is not refractory and has high gold recoveries of up to 94% with minimal NaCN consumption (see News Release July 13, 2022). The Mineral Resource estimate is presented in the following table at a base case cut-off grade of 0.25 g/t Au:

RC Gold Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate

COG g/t Au Blackjack Zone

Eiger Zone

Combined Tonnes

000's Au g/t 0z Au

000's

Tonnes

000's Au g/t 0z Au

000's

Tonnes

000's Au g/t 0z Au

000's 0.20 35,798 0.80 921

32,523 0.45 471

68,321 0.63 1,391 0.25 33,743 0.83 900

27,362 0.50 440

61,105 0.68 1,340 0.30 31,282 0.88 885

22,253 0.55 393

53,535 0.74 1,279 0.35 29,065 0.92 860

17,817 0.60 344

46,882 0.80 1,203 0.40 26,975 0.96 833

14,506 0.66 308

41,481 0.86 1,140

Notes

1. Mineral resource estimate prepared by Ronald G. Simpson of GeoSim Services Inc. with an effective date of January 19, 2023. Mineral Resources are classified using the 2014 CIM Definition Standards.

2. The cut-off grade of 0.25 g/t Au is believed to provide a reasonable margin over operating and sustaining costs for open-pit mining and processing

3. Mineral resources are constrained by an optimised pit shell using the following assumptions: US$1800/oz Au price; a 45 pit slope; assumed metallurgical recovery of 85%; mining costs of US$2.00 per tonne; processing costs of US$8.00 per tonne; G&A of US$1.50/t.

4. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability.

5. Totals may not sum due to rounding.

To date, 72 diamond drill holes have been drilled into this system by the Company for a total of approximately 25,136 metres including 16 drill holes totalling 6,515 metres completed in 2023 focused on expanding the initial resource. The drilling in 2023 produced results of up to 219.0 m of 1.34 g/t gold including 124.8 m of 2.01 g/t gold and 55.0 m of 3.11 g/t gold in drill hole DDRCCC-23-047 at Blackjack (see news release dated September 26, 2023).

(1) Simpson, R. January 19, 2023. Clear Creek Property, RC Gold Project, NI 43-101 Technical Report, Dawson Mining District, Yukon Territory

RC Gold Deposit Model

Exploration on the Property has mainly focused on identifying an intrusion-related gold system ("IRGS"). The property is within the Tombstone Gold Belt which is the prominent host to IRGS deposits within the Tintina Gold Province in Yukon and Alaska. Notable deposits from the belt include: Fort Knox Mine in Alaska with current Proven and Probable Reserves of 230 million tonnes at 0.3 g/t Au (2.471 million ounces; Sims 2018)(1); Eagle Gold Mine with current Measured and Indicated Resources of 233 million tonnes at a grade of 0.57 g/t Au at the Eagle Main Zone (4.303 million ounces; Harvey et al, 2022)(2); the Brewery Creek deposit with current Indicated Mineral Resource of 22.2 million tonnes at a gold grade of 1.11 g/t (0.789 million ounces; Hulse et al. 2020)(3); the Florin Gold deposit, located adjacent to Sitka's RC Gold project, with a current Inferred Mineral Resource of 170.99 million tonnes grading 0.45 g/t (2.47 million ounces; Simpson 2021)(4) and the AurMac Project with an Inferred Mineral Resource of 347.49 million tonnes grading 0.63 gram per tonne gold (7.00 million ounces)(5).

(1) Sims J. Fort Knox Mine Fairbanks North Star Borough, Alaska, USA National Instrument 43-101 Technical Report. June 11, 2018. https://s2.q4cdn.com/496390694/files/doc_downloads/2018/Fort-Knox-June-2018-Technical-Report.pdf

(2) Harvey N., Gray P., Winterton J., Jutras M., Levy M.,Technical Report for the Eagle Gold Mine, Yukon Territory, Canada. Victoria Gold Corp. December 31, 2022. https://vgcx.com/site/assets/files/6534/vgcx_-_2023_eagle_mine_technical_report_final.pdf

(3) Hulse D, Emanuel C, Cook C. NI 43-101 Technical Report on Mineral Resources. Gustavson Associates. May 31, 2020. https://minedocs.com/22/Brewery-Creek-PEA-01182022.pdf

(4) Simpson R. Florin Gold Project NI 43-101 Technical Report. Geosim Services Inc. April 21, 2021. https://sedar.com/GetFile.do?lang=EN&docClass=24&issuerNo=00005795&issuerType=03&projectNo=03236138&docI d=4984158

(5) Thornton T., Jutras M., Malhotra D. Technical Report Aurmac Property Mayo Mining District, Yukon Territory, Canada. JDS Energy and Mining Inc. February 6, 2024. https://banyangold.com/site/assets/files/5251/banyan_gold_ni_43-101_technical_report_2024_03_18.pdf

Upcoming Events

Sitka Gold will be attending and/or presenting at the following events*:

Precious Metals Summit, Beaver Creek, Colorado: September 10 - 13, 2024

Red Cloud Fall Mining Showcase, Toronto, Ontario: October 16 - 17, 2024

Yukon Geoscience, Whitehorse, Yukon: November 17 - 20, 2024

*All events are subject to change.

About Sitka Gold Corp.

Sitka Gold Corp. is a well-funded mineral exploration company headquartered in Canada. The Company is managed by a team of experienced industry professionals and is focused on exploring for economically viable mineral deposits with its primary emphasis on gold, silver and copper mineral properties of merit. Sitka is currently exploring its 100% owned, 431 square kilometre flagship RC Gold Project within the Tombstone Gold Belt in the Yukon TerritoryThe Company is also advancing the Alpha Gold Project in Nevada and currently has drill permits for its Burro Creek Gold and Silver Project in Arizona and the Coppermine River Project in Nunavut.

The Company recently announced an NI 43-101 compliant initial inferred Mineral Resource Estimate of 1,340,000 ounces of gold(1) beginning at surface and grading 0.68 g/t at its RC Gold Project in Yukon (see news release dated January 19, 2023).

(1) Simpson, R. January 19, 2023. Clear Creek Property, RC Gold Project, NI 43-101 Technical Report, Dawson Mining District, Yukon Territory

*For more detailed information on the Company's properties please visit our website at www.sitkagoldcorp.com

The scientific and technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Cor Coe, P.Geo., Director and CEO of the Company, and a Qualified Person (QP) as defined by National Instrument 43-101.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF

SITKA GOLD CORP.

"Donald Penner"

President and Director

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary and Forward-Looking Statements

This release includes certain statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-Looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company regarding future events. Generally, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "intends" or "anticipates", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "should", "would" or "occur". This information and these statements, referred to herein as "forward-looking statements", are not historical facts, are made as of the date of this news release and include without limitation, statements regarding discussions of future plans, estimates and forecasts and statements as to management's expectations and intentions and the Company's anticipated work programs.

These forward-looking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties and actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, market uncertainty and the results of the Company's anticipated work programs.

Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, forward-looking information or financial out-look that are incorporated by reference herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. We seek safe harbor.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/222978

SOURCE: Sitka Gold Corp.
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Highlights:

Completion of pilot plant test works for trial tungsten concentrate production across two locations: South Korea and Portugal

Clears path for processing plant equipment installation at Sangdong by Metso.

Almonty Industries Inc. ("Almonty" or the "Company") (TSX: AII ASX: AII OTCQX: ALMTF Frankfurt: ALI.F), is pleased to announce the successful completion of its pilot plant trial production, which marks the final stage of flotation processing technology development ahead of processing plant equipment installation at the Company's Sangdong Mine in South Korea.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240911046423/en/

Pilot Processing Plant Testwork at Almonty's Pilot Plant (Photo: Business Wire)

The Company has developed a specialized flotation technique tailored to the unique properties of Sangdong's tungsten ore through a tireless number of lab-scale and continuous process tests at the Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources ("KIGAM"). Scaling up this process required further verification on a larger scale. The pilot plant trial production was crucial not only for identifying potential challenges in the main plant but also for acquiring operational expertise prior to full-scale production.

Therefore, prior to the processing plant's construction, tungsten ore from the Sangdong Mine was processed at two pilot plants, each representing 1/500th the size of the actual plant. The pilot plant trial production was conducted at two locations-Portugal during September, 2023 and the Sangdong mine during July and August, 2024 -validating the stability of the Company's proprietary flotation processing technology.

These tests were carried out at the National Laboratory for Energy and Geology ("LNEG") in Portugal, and at Sangdong, using equipment commissioned by the Korea Energy Technology Evaluation and Planning ("KETEP") under the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy. As a result, the Company successfully produced tungsten concentrate ("WO3") with a content of over 60%.

In Portugal, the pilot plant mirrored most of the future industrial plant in Sangdong. The feed grade was around 0.45% WO3, and the concentrates consistently exceeded 60% of contained WO3, achieving recoveries around 82%.

In Sangdong, although equipment limitations and lower-grade ore (below the 0.15% WO3 cutoff) presented challenges, a recovery of 86.3% was achieved thanks to an improved flotation process and optimized reagent adjustment. In particular, during the sulfide flotation stage, which removes impurities, the tungsten grade improved. This indicates that the concentration of sulfide impurities, which are typical contaminants in tungsten concentrate, can be reduced, ensuring the future stability of 60% to 65% WO3 grades in concentrate production.

Based on these results, the Company and its equipment supplier Metso Outotec are now comfortable to sign off on the processing having met all the design performance parameters. Additionally, the tests at Sangdong Mine confirmed the potential to reduce reagent usage while maximizing efficiency.

Mr Lewis Black, Chairman, President and CEO commented: "With the successful completion of the pilot plant phase, all preliminary preparations related to process technology development and equipment performance validation have been finalized. With minor adjustments to the equipment and reagents at the processing plant currently under construction, we anticipate stable production of tungsten concentrate from our Sangdong Mine during 2025. The time we have spent building and operating two pilot plants in Korea and Portugal has been essential to ensure the main plant works out the gate. We have been operating the two pilot plants for almost three years, so we have been able to refine and perfect the processing which will ensure a quick and smooth processing commissioning. We are a go."

About Almonty

The principal business of Toronto, Canada-based Almonty Industries Inc. is the mining, processing and shipping of tungsten concentrate from its Los Santos Mine in western Spain and its Panasqueira mine in Portugal as well as the development of its Sangdong tungsten mine in Gangwon Province, South Korea and the development of the Valtreixal tin/tungsten project in northwestern Spain. The Los Santos Mine was acquired by Almonty in September 2011 and is located approximately 50 kilometres from Salamanca in western Spain and produces tungsten concentrate. The Panasqueira mine, which has been in production since 1896, is located approximately 260 kilometres northeast of Lisbon, Portugal, was acquired in January 2016 and produces tungsten concentrate. The Sangdong mine, which was historically one of the largest tungsten mines in the world and one of the few long-life, high-grade tungsten deposits outside of China, was acquired in September 2015 through the acquisition of a 100% interest in Woulfe Mining Corp. Almonty owns 100% of the Valtreixal tin-tungsten project in north-western Spain. Further information about Almonty's activities may be found at www.almonty.com and under Almonty's profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

Legal Notice

The release, publication, or distribution of this announcement in certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law and therefore persons in such jurisdictions into which this announcement is released, published, or distributed should inform themselves about and observe such restrictions.

Neither the TSX nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information

When used in this press release, the words "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. These statements and information are based on management's beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date that statements are made and reflect Almonty's current expectations.

Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Almonty to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to: any specific risks relating to fluctuations in the price of ammonium para tungstate ("APT") from which the sale price of Almonty's tungsten concentrate is derived, actual results of mining and exploration activities, environmental, economic and political risks of the jurisdictions in which Almonty's operations are located and changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, forecasts and assessments relating to Almonty's business, credit and liquidity risks, hedging risk, competition in the mining industry, risks related to the market price of Almonty's shares, the ability of Almonty to retain key management employees or procure the services of skilled and experienced personnel, risks related to claims and legal proceedings against Almonty and any of its operating mines, risks relating to unknown defects and impairments, risks related to the adequacy of internal control over financial reporting, risks related to governmental regulations, including environmental regulations, risks related to international operations of Almonty, risks relating to exploration, development and operations at Almonty's tungsten mines, the ability of Almonty to obtain and maintain necessary permits, the ability of Almonty to comply with applicable laws, regulations and permitting requirements, lack of suitable infrastructure and employees to support Almonty's mining operations, uncertainty in the accuracy of mineral reserves and mineral resources estimates, production estimates from Almonty's mining operations, inability to replace and expand mineral reserves, uncertainties related to title and indigenous rights with respect to mineral properties owned directly or indirectly by Almonty, the ability of Almonty to obtain adequate financing, the ability of Almonty to complete permitting, construction, development and expansion, challenges related to global financial conditions, risks related to future sales or issuance of equity securities, differences in the interpretation or application of tax laws and regulations or accounting policies and rules and acceptance of the TSX of the listing of Almonty shares on the TSX.

Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions management believes to be reasonable, including but not limited to, no material adverse change in the market price of ammonium para tungstate (APT), the continuing ability to fund or obtain funding for outstanding commitments, expectations regarding the resolution of legal and tax matters, no negative change to applicable laws, the ability to secure local contractors, employees and assistance as and when required and on reasonable terms, and such other assumptions and factors as are set out herein. Although Almonty has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results, level of activity, performance or achievements not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate and even if events or results described in the forward-looking statements are realized or substantially realized, there can be no assurance that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, Almonty. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and are cautioned that actual outcomes may vary.

Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements. Almonty cautions that the foregoing list of material factors is not exhaustive. When relying on Almonty's forward-looking statements and information to make decisions, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events.

Almonty has also assumed that material factors will not cause any forward-looking statements and information to differ materially from actual results or events. However, the list of these factors is not exhaustive and is subject to change and there can be no assurance that such assumptions will reflect the actual outcome of such items or factors.

THE FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PRESS RELEASE REPRESENTS THE EXPECTATIONS OF ALMONTY AS OF THE DATE OF THIS PRESS RELEASE AND, ACCORDINGLY, IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AFTER SUCH DATE. READERS SHOULD NOT PLACE UNDUE IMPORTANCE ON FORWARD- LOOKING INFORMATION AND SHOULD NOT RELY UPON THIS INFORMATION AS OF ANY OTHER DATE. WHILE ALMONTY MAY ELECT TO, IT DOES NOT UNDERTAKE TO UPDATE THIS INFORMATION AT ANY PARTICULAR TIME EXCEPT AS REQUIRED IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAWS.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240911046423/en/

Contacts:

For further information, please contact:

Lewis Black

Chairman, President and CEO

Telephone: +1 647 438-9766

Email: info@almonty.com
First High-School Education Group Co., Ltd. ("First High-School Education Group" or the "Company") (OTCQB:FHSEY), an education service provider primarily focusing on high schools in Western China, today announced that it will release its unaudited financial results for the first half of 2024 ended June 30, 2024, prior to U.S. markets open on September 18, 2024.

First High-School Education Group's management will hold an earnings conference call on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at 8:00 AM U.S. Eastern Time (8:00 PM September 18, 2024, Beijing/Hong Kong Time). Please dial in 15 minutes before the conference is scheduled to begin using below numbers.

International +1-973-528-0011 United States +1-888-506-0062 Hong Kong +852 3018 4049 Mainland China +86 400 120 3199 Passcode 792778

About First High-School Education Group

First High-School Education Group is an education service provider primarily focusing on high schools in Western China. The Company aspires to become a leader and innovator of private high school education in China, with the focuses on a comprehensive education management integrating education information consulting, education research project development, education talent management, education technology management, education service management, and general vocational integration development services. For more information, please visit https://ir.diyi.top/.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this press release about future expectations, plans and prospects, as well as any other statements regarding matters that are not historical facts, may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to the expected trading commencement and closing dates. The words "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "plan," "potential," "predict," "project," "should," "target," "will," "would" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including: the uncertainties related to market conditions and the completion of the public offering on the anticipated terms or at all, and other factors discussed in the "Risk Factors" section of the preliminary prospectus filed with the SEC. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof, and the Company specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

First High-School Education Group

Tommy Zhou

Chief Financial Officer

E-mail: tommyzhou@dygz.com

Customer Service

E-mail: FHS_info@dygz.com

Phone: 010-62555966 (9:30-12:00, 13:30-16:00 CST)

SOURCE: First High-School Education Group Co., Ltd.

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Company Continues Due Diligence and Expects Signed Agreement Soon.

PEMBROKE PINES, FL / ACCESSWIRE / September 11, 2024 / Green Leaf Innovations, Inc. (OTC PINK:GRLF), a Florida corporation and an emerging growth company specializing in the marketing and distribution of handmade premium cigars, is pleased to provide an update on the progress of its planned acquisition of SOFLO Wholesaler Group, Inc.

Since announcing the signing of a letter of intent (LOI) to acquire SOFLO Wholesaler Group, Inc. on September 11, 2024, Green Leaf Innovations has made significant progress in conducting its due diligence. Both parties have been working diligently to finalize the necessary details, and a signed agreement is expected soon. The company remains optimistic that the acquisition will be finalized in the near future.

Roberto Mederos, CEO of Green Leaf Innovations, Inc., commented, "We are pleased with the progress being made as we move toward closing this important transaction. Both Green Leaf and SOFLO are committed to ensuring a seamless integration, and we look forward to welcoming the SOFLO team to our growing family. This acquisition will position us for continued growth in the premium cigar market."

SOFLO Wholesaler Group, Inc. has established itself as a leader in the cigar industry, known for distributing the #1 rated cigars among the Top 30 in the industry and serving over 400 customers across multiple sectors. The acquisition aligns with Green Leaf Innovations' strategic vision of expanding its product offerings and market presence, both domestically and internationally.

Green Leaf Innovations remains focused on creating value for its shareholders and customers and will provide additional updates as the acquisition process progresses.

About Green Leaf Innovations, Inc.

Green Leaf Innovations, Inc., a Florida corporation, is an emerging growth company engaged in the Marketing and Distribution of handmade premium cigars. The company strategically imports and exclusively distributes some of the best known premium cigar brands in the Market created by the Mederos family a Third generation Cigar maker with Robert Mederos at the helm who has owned and operated handmade cigar operation in Nicaragua and the US for over 20 years with a rich family history in the craft dating back to the 1800s Cuba, brands such as CUBANACAN, MEDEROS and TABACALERA SERRANO. In addition to it the company also distributes packaged whole leaf Tobacco to cigar lounges, smoke shops, C-stores and vape shops across the United States and soon International Markets.

Additional information can be found on our websites http://www.greenleafinnovation.com or follow us on Twitter @otcgrlf.

For more information, press only:

Phone number: (800) 303-6268

Email: info@greenleafinnovation.com

Safe Harbor Statement:

The information posted in this release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can identify these statements by use of the words "may," "will," "should," "plans," "expects," "anticipates," "continue," "estimate," "project," "intend," and similar expressions. The Company may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in press releases and other written materials, and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate. The Company cautions that these forward-looking statements are further qualified by other factors including, but not limited to, those set forth in the Company's Annual Reports on Form 10-K and its other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or anticipated. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, general economic and business conditions, effects of continued geopolitical unrest and regional conflicts, competition, changes in technology and methods of marketing, delays in completing various engineering and manufacturing programs, changes in customer order patterns, changes in product mix, continued success in technological advances and delivering technological innovations, shortages in components, production delays due to performance quality issues with outsourced components, and various other factors beyond the Company's control. The Companydoes not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any statements in this release, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Contact Information

RYAN MEDICO

MARKETING MANAGER

info@greenleafinnovation.com

8003036268

SOURCE: GREEN LEAF INNOVATIONS, INC.

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 11, 2024) - MineHub Technologies Inc. (TSXV: MHUB) (OTCQB: MHUBF) ("MineHub" or the "Company"), a leading provider of digital supply chain solutions for the commodity markets, is pleased to announce the appointment of Esther Babb as Chief Operating Officer ("COO"). In this role, Ms. Babb will be responsible for leading the execution of MineHub's strategic and operational activities.

Ms. Babb brings over 20 years of multifaceted finance roles, including 15 years at Goldman Sachs and Citadel where she worked closely with senior management scaling teams and driving data strategies. Ms. Babb spent more than ten years at Goldman Sachs, where she held various leadership positions, including vice president and executive director in the securities division in both New York and London. Her final role at Goldman Sachs was as product manager for the firm's newly formed data intelligence strategy team. At Citadel, LLC, Ms. Babb served as a senior business analyst for four years, directing a team of ten and collaborating closely with hedge fund business leaders. She played a key role in spinning out Encompass Capital Advisors, an energy-focused fund, from Citadel. Ms. Babb also held a corporate development role at Gemini, the first regulated crypto bank and exchange founded by the Winklevoss twins. With a strong background in both traditional finance and emerging technologies, Ms. Babb is well-positioned to drive growth and operational excellence in the rapidly evolving digital commodities sector. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Chicago.

Andrea Aranguren, MineHub's CEO, commented, "We are delighted to have Esther join MineHub's executive team. Her experience in commercializing and growing start ups with innovative technology is very relevant to MineHub. We have built a strong product and foundation for growth and look forward to Esther's contributions in translating that to commercial success."

Ms. Babb commented, "I am excited to join MineHub as Chief Operating Officer at this pivotal time for the company. MineHub's platform is transforming operations in the mining and metals sector, bringing unprecedented transparency and efficiency to supply chains in need of digital transformation. As the industry increasingly embraces data-driven solutions, I look forward to leveraging my experience to further enhance MineHub's operational capabilities and drive growth."

In addition, the Company announces the resignation of Mariana Southern, who had served as MineHub's VP of Product and Engineering.

"On behalf of the board and the entire team, I want to thank Mariana for her leadership of MineHub's product and engineering teams," commented Ms. Aranguren. "Mariana leaves behind a solid team that will continue advancing our platform for future growth and scalability, and with the addition of Esther, I believe we have the right team in place to capitalize on the opportunities in front of us."

In connection with her employment, MineHub has granted 400,000 stock options to Ms. Babb, with each option exercisable at a price of $0.35 cents per share for a period of five years. The stock options will be subject to vesting requirements, as determined by the board of directors. The options have been granted in accordance with the terms of the Company's current stock option plan and have a hold period of 4 months and a day from the date of issuance in accordance with the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange.

About MineHub

MineHub is the digital supply chain platform for the commodity markets, making raw material supply chains more efficient, resilient and sustainable. MineHub provides enterprise-grade digital solutions that connect buyers, sellers, laboratories and financiers within physical commodities supply chains in a digitally integrated workflow powered by data that is useable, shareable, verifiable and unforgeable. Users of MineHub solutions are in full control of their supply chains, enabling them to optimize their use of resources, respond better and faster to disruptions, and provide a better customer service. Global enterprises already use MineHub solutions as part of their logistics, compliance, trade management and financing operations.

Andrea Aranguren

CEO, MineHub Technologies Inc.

Cautionary Note Regarding 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.

This news release contains statements that are considered "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation ("forward-looking statements") with respect to MineHub including, but not limited to, statements with respect to MineHub's future operational plans, the timing of such plans and anticipated customers. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts are generally, but not always, identied by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. Although MineHub 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, the Company's ability to raise sufficient capital to fund its operations, applications and for general working capital purposes, changes in economic conditions or nancial markets, changes in laws or regulations that could have an impact on the Company's operations, dependence on its key management personnel and market competition. Other risk factors are identified in the Company's management discussion and analysis, available on the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. There may be other risk factors not presently known that management believes are not material that could also cause actual results or future events to differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking statements. Although the Company has attempted to identify risk factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those disclosed in the forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Also, many of the factors are beyond the control of the Company. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. The forward-looking information is made as of the date included herein, and the Company assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise such forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements are based on the reasonable beliefs, estimates and opinions of MineHub's management on the date the statements are made. However, except as required by law, 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/222928

SOURCE: MineHub Technologies Inc.
WNS (Holdings) Limited (NYSE: WNS), a leading provider of global digital-led Business Process Management (BPM) solutions, today announced the launch of TRAC ONE-F, the company's AI-integrated unified finance hyperapp powered by JIFFY.ai. TRAC ONE-F helps drive autonomous accounting processes for CFOs by creating a touchless environment powered by advanced analytics and Generative AI.

TRAC ONE-F transforms the entire Finance and Accounting (F&A) function, leveraging predictive insights and forecasts to enable more timely business decisions and proactive risk management. The platform is also capable of delivering tangible business outcomes across the F&A lifecycle including: a 20% reduction in the cash conversion cycle; a 50% reduction in deployment cycle time; up to 70% faster period-end close; and up to 80% touchless processing.

Through this strategic collaboration, WNS and JIFFY.ai will co-market and jointly deliver the TRAC ONE-F solution to clients, combining the unique expertise of each firm to help drive transformative results.

"In an increasingly volatile business environment, the CFO's office maintains significant responsibility for ensuring operating performance, business continuity, and long-term sustainability. Building on more than 25 years of finance accounting services experience and advanced analytics capabilities, WNS is proud to introduce TRAC ONE-F. Designed for scalability and rapid deployment, this AI-integrated unified finance hyperapp solution is poised to become a strategic cornerstone for CFOs globally. We are excited to introduce this industry-first solution in collaboration with JIFFY.ai," said Keshav R. Murugesh, Group CEO, WNS.

"We are proud to partner with WNS to create TRAC ONE-F, the first-ever AI-Integrated Autonomous Finance solution for forward-thinking CFO offices. With TRAC ONE-F, organizations can now drive successful transformations to optimize finance function costs, embrace AI-powered automation, and gain real-time data insights. We believe this unique offering will be an industry game-changer, offering immediate benefits and substantial long-term advantages for clients that can reshape the landscape of digital strategy," said Babu Sivadasan, Chairman CEO, JIFFY.ai.

About WNS

WNS (Holdings) Limited (NYSE: WNS) is a leading Business Process Management (BPM) company. WNS combines deep industry knowledge with technology, analytics, and process expertise to co-create innovative, digitally led transformational solutions with over 600 clients across various industries. WNS delivers an entire spectrum of BPM solutions including industry-specific offerings, customer experience services, finance and accounting, human resources, procurement, and research and analytics to re-imagine the digital future of businesses. As of June 30, 2024, WNS had 60,513 professionals across 64 delivery centers worldwide including facilities in Canada, China, Costa Rica, India, Malaysia, the Philippines, Poland, Romania, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

For more information, visit www.wns.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

Safe Harbor Provision

This document includes information which may constitute forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, the accuracy of which are necessarily subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions as to future events. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied are discussed in our most recent Form 20-F and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. WNS undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240910295844/en/

Contacts:

Investors

David Mackey

EVP Finance Head of Investor Relations

WNS (Holdings) Limited

+1 (646) 908-2615

david.mackey@wns.com

Media

Archana Raghuram

EVP Global Head Marketing Communications

WNS (Holdings) Limited

+91 (22) 4095 2397

archana.raghuram@wns.com; pr@wns.com
The Japanese technology company Asahi Kasei has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with De Nora, an Italian multinational company, leader in sustainable technologies, and a manufacturer of electrolyzer cells, small scale electrolyzers, and other components for the production of green hydrogen through water electrolysis. The MOU concerns the joint development, study, evaluation, and sale of small-scale pressurised alkaline water electrolyzers.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240911886915/en/

Paolo Dellacha of De Nora (left) and Kenji Takeda of Asahi Kasei (right) at the MOU Signing Ceremony at Asahi Kasei's Headquarters (Photo: Business Wire)

De Nora possesses technical expertise and knowledge in high-performance electrode catalysts for the electrochemical field, and is a leading company in the development, manufacture, and sale of electrodes and electrolyzers for several industrial electrochemical processes. This MOU was signed with the aim of leveraging the long-standing experience and know-how of both companies in the chlor-alkali electrolysis field to establish a close cooperation framework for development, production, and sales/support in the water electrolysis field.

Demand for green hydrogen produced by water electrolysis as a clean energy alternative to fossil fuels is growing. According to the Hydrogen Council, the global installed capacity of water electrolyzers is forecasted to expand rapidly to a cumulative total of approximately 300 GW by 2030.

Under such circumstances, an increasing number of companies are newly entering the water electrolysis field. In particular, there is growing demand for compact production systems with reduced costs, installation space, and delivery time serving several industrial sectors, including mobility.

To meet this growing demand for smaller hydrogen production systems, Asahi Kasei has now entered into a collaboration with De Nora, covering technical support, sales, operation, and after-sales service for small-scale containerized electrolyzers in the range of 1 to 7.5 MW. By doing so, Asahi Kasei expands its portfolio into the range of small-scale containerized pressurized electrolyzers, covering the emerging diversified needs of customers across the entire hydrogen market.

Leveraging existing sales channels

Asahi Kasei's alkaline-water electrolysis business is based on nearly five decades of experience of construction, supply, and long-term operation of chlor-alkali electrolyzers worldwide. This enables the company to provide support to customers who lack adequate experience in electrolysis technology.

Asahi Kasei entered the partnership with De Nora in anticipation of synergies with De Nora's knowledge of electrodes for electrolysis and small sized pressurised electrolyzers for hydrogen production.

This collaboration is another important cornerstone of Asahi Kasei's holistic business model to become a one-stop solution provider in the field of electrolysis. This model comprises technological development capabilities for membranes, electrodes, electrolytic cells, and other components involved in the electrolysis process. Going beyond mere technical expertise, it also includes supply chain construction, as well as operation technology and know-how to achieve large-scale production, monitoring technology to ensure long-term plant operability and reliability, as well as maintenance and support systems.

Kenji Takeda, Executive Officer of Asahi Kasei responsible for Business Development of its Green Solution Project, comments: "The efforts of both companies to deploy the new water electrolysis systems will lower the hurdle for customers to adopt water electrolysis and contribute broadly to the development of the hydrogen market. We believe that the combination of De Nora's technological expertise and experience as a world leader in the field of electrolysis for many years, together with Asahi Kasei's customer experience-oriented business model cultivated through chlor-alkali electrolysis, will play an important role in the development and deployment of this system in the addressable markets."

De Nora's CEO Paolo Dellacha commented: "We are proud to announce the commencement of a collaboration with Asahi Kasei to develop small-scale electrolyzers for green hydrogen generation, marking a significant step towards sustainable energy solutions. This partnership leverages the strengths of two leading companies in a strategic field, addressing the global market's growing demand for small-scale hydrogen production systems through our combined expertise. The strategic partnership with Asahi Kasei will enable De Nora to further develop its small scale containerized electrolyser technology for hydrogen production, designed to supply hydrogen to various applications, including mobility, metallurgy, and other hard-to-abate sectors. It effectively supports decentralized hydrogen production in areas identified as 'Hydrogen Valleys,' progressively eliminating the dependency on fossil fuels. In addition this collaboration will accelerate the ramp-up of production at our Italian Gigafactory, our newest electrolyzer manufacturing hub currently under construction."

About De Nora

Industrie De Nora is an Italian multinational company listed on the Euronext Milan stock exchange specializing in electrochemistry, a leader in sustainable technologies, and plays a vital role in the industrial green hydrogen production chain. The company has a portfolio of products and systems to optimize the energy efficiency of critical industrial electrochemical processes and a range of products and solutions for water treatment. Globally, Industrie De Nora is the world's largest supplier of electrodes for the major industrial electro-chemical processes (serving a broad portfolio of customers operating in the fields of chlorine and caustic soda production, components for electronics, and surface finishing). Industrie De Nora is among the world's leading suppliers of water filtration and disinfection technologies (for the industrial, municipal, swimming pool and marine sectors). Leveraging its well-established electrochemical knowledge and proven manufacturing capability, the Company has developed and qualified a portfolio of electrodes and components to produce hydrogen through the electrolysis of water, which is critical for the energy transition. In this sector, the company holds 25.85% of thyssenkrupp nucera AG Co. KGaA, a joint venture formed with thyssenkrupp group. Founded in 1923, Industrie De Nora generated total revenues of around EUR 856 million and an Adjusted EBITDA of approximately EUR 171 million in 2023. The Company's growth process has developed organically through its continuous innovation as regards external lines through acquisitions in the U.S., Asia, and Europe. De Nora's intellectual property portfolio currently includes more than 281 patent families with more than 2,800 territorial extensions. The De Nora family owns 53.3% of the company's share capital. Snam S.p.A. is a minority shareholder with about 21.6% of the capital. For more information, visit https://www.denora.com//

About Asahi Kasei

The Asahi Kasei Group contributes to life and living for people around the world. Since its founding in 1922 with ammonia and cellulose fiber businesses, Asahi Kasei has consistently grown through the proactive transformation of its business portfolio to meet the evolving needs of every age. With more than 49,000 employees worldwide, the company contributes to a sustainable society by providing solutions to the world's challenges through its three business sectors of Material, Homes, and Health Care. Its Material sector, comprised of Environmental Solutions, Mobility Industrial, and Life Innovation, includes a wide array of products from battery separators and biodegradable textiles to engineering plastics and sound solutions. For more information, visit https://www.asahi-kasei.com/.

Asahi Kasei is also dedicated to sustainability initiatives and is contributing to reaching a carbon-neutral society by 2050. To learn more, visit https://www.asahi-kasei.com/sustainability/.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240911886915/en/

Contacts:

North America:

Asahi Kasei America Inc.

Christian OKeefe

christian.okeefe@ak-america.com

Europe:

Asahi Kasei Europe GmbH

Sebastian Schmidt

sebastian.schmidt@asahi-kasei.eu
NOT FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES OR THROUGH U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES

Alta Copper Corp. (TSX:ATCU)(OTCQX:ATCUF)(BVL:ATCU) ("Alta Copper" or the "Company") is pleased to announce, subject to the approval of the Toronto Stock Exchange, that it has arranged a non-brokered private placement (the "Private Placement") with Nascent Exploration Pty. Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Fortescue Ltd. ("Fortescue") to raise gross proceeds of Cdn.$2,500,000. The Company intends to use the proceeds of the Private Placement for working capital while continuing to advance its 100% owned Canariaco copper project.

The Private Placement will consist of the sale of 4,629,630 common shares (the "Common Shares") at a price of Cdn$0.54 to raise gross proceeds of approximately Cdn.$2,500,000. The Common Shares will be subject to a mandatory hold period ending four months and one day after issuance, in accordance with applicable securities law. There will be no warrants included in this Private Placement.

Giulio T. Bonifacio, Executive Chair and CEO, commented: "We are pleased with the continued support of our largest shareholder which further validates the investment merits of our Canariaco copper project. Although the context of capital markets for financing continue to remain challenging this financing was considered superior to alternative financing options available that would have been priced at a discount to the market inclusive of warrants and fees. The current financing will result in limited dilution and based on pricing, which is above the recent market close, Fortescue's share ownership will increase to 34%. The current funding will now provide the required working capital to advance our drill permit application which is progressing on target and to continue to advance our community engagement and social license."

About Alta Copper

Alta Copper is focused on the development of its 100% owned Canariaco advanced staged copper project. Canariaco comprises 97 square km of highly prospective land located 150 km northeast of the City of Chiclayo, Peru, which include the Canariaco Norte deposit, Canariaco Sur deposit and Quebrada Verde prospect, all within a 4 km NE-SW trend in northern Peru's prolific mining district. Canariaco is one of the largest copper deposits in the Americas not held by a major.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws ("forward-looking statements"). Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: believe, expect, anticipate, intend, estimate, plans, postulate and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. All statements that are not statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, statements with respect to the of the Private Placement, the use of proceeds for the Private Placement, the insider participation in the Private Placement and the business plans of the Company, including the drill program. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release. Although the Company believes the forward-looking statements in this press release are reasonable, it can give no assurance that the expectations and assumptions in such statements will prove to be correct. The Company cautions investors that any forward-looking statements by the Company are not guarantees of future results or performance, and are subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors which could cause events or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others: the state of the equity financing markets in Canada and other jurisdictions; the receipt of regulatory approvals; fluctuations in metals prices, the actual results of current development activities; conclusions of economic evaluations; changes in project parameters as plans to continue to be refined; accidents, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry; and delays in obtaining approvals or financing. There can be no assurance that forward-looking 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. We are under no obligation to update or alter any forward-looking statements except as required under applicable securities laws.

On behalf of the Board of Alta Copper Corp.

"Giulio T. Bonifacio" Executive Chair, CEO and Director

For further information please contact:

Giulio T. Bonifacio

gtbonifacio@altacopper.com

+1 604 318 6760

Email: info@altacopper.com

Website: www.altacopper.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Alta_Copper

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/altacopper/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AltaCopperCorp

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/altacopper/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AltaCopper

SOURCE: Alta Copper Corp.

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 11, 2024) - Copper Standard Resources Inc. (CSE: CSR) ("Copper Standard") and Pucara Gold Ltd. (TSXV: TORO) (BVL: TORO) ("Pucara") are pleased to announce that they have entered into an arrangement agreement on September 10, 2024 (the "Arrangement Agreement"), pursuant to which Copper Standard will acquire all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Pucara (the "Pucara Shares"), in exchange for common shares of Copper Standard (the "Copper Standard Shares"), by way of a plan of arrangement (the "Transaction"). The Transaction will create a combined company that consolidates a prospective copper exploration portfolio totaling over 17,000 hectares in Peru. Further details of the Transaction are outlined below.

Transaction Highlights:

Deliver increased scale and enhanced diversification with the addition of three prospective copper exploration assets located in Peru, two of which were selected to be optioned by the late David Lowell, to Copper Standard's portfolio.

Provide synergy and cost savings with Copper Standard's board and management team with a proven history and in-country track record of discovery, exploration success, mine building, operations, community engagement and monetization leading the combined company.

Pucara Copper Projects:

Pacaska is an epithermal high-sulfidation gold/porphyry copper target that sits on 7,650 hectares of land with a widespread mineralized footprint. The geology of Pacaska is analogous to various world-class deposits, such as the Pierina Mine in Peru. Rock sampling at Pacaska has returned 17 g/t gold and 11% copper. In 2019, an extensive shallow surface 300 line-km magnetometry and IP geophysical program was completed.

Paco Orco is a carbonate replacement type target with distal mineralization. The 4,400-hectare claim block is largely under-explored containing mineralized gossan and jasperoid silica outcrops that extend for at least two kilometres. Surface rock samples from the project have included up to 0.58% lead, 0.26% zinc, and 58 g/t silver. A third party has an earn-in option agreement on Paco Orco for up to 75% interest. The third party has agreed to obtain all necessary drill permits and spend US$4 million during the first three years for 51% interest. An additional 24% interest, for a total of 75%, can be earned after third party spends US$11.5 million over four years, fully funding a Pre-Feasibility Study ("PFS") for the project, and pay US$0.5 million.

Capricho is a 3,768-hectare concession package with a porphyry copper target. Recent prospecting work on the claims has uncovered porphyry mineralization in stockworks and altered intrusive rocks. The concessions contain enrichment zones of up to 3% copper. A third party has an option to earn a 75% interest over three stages. The third party must obtain all necessary agreements and permits for drilling and spend US$5 million during the first three years for a 51% interest. The remaining 24% interest will be granted when the third party spends US$11.5 million over the next four years, solely funding a PFS on the project, and pay US$0.5 million.

Matt Fargey, CEO of Copper Standard, commented: "This Transaction is an exciting opportunity to unite complementary assets, teams, and investors to create value for all Copper Standard and Pucara shareholders. The late David Lowell endorsed each of Copper Standard and Pucara's copper exploration projects and now combining them all together will allow Copper Standard to leverage its Peruvian team to advance the exploration efforts in-country."

Greg Davis, CEO, President, and Director of Pucara commented: "We are very pleased to be entering this combination with Copper Standard. By combining with Copper Standard, Pucara's shareholders will benefit from the synergies and cost savings of leveraging the combined company's in-country management team while also providing a refreshed approach to community relations at the Pacaska project for obtaining required permits to commence a drilling program."

Transaction Terms

Pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Arrangement Agreement, the holders of the issued and outstanding Pucara Shares will receive 0.1 Copper Standard Shares for each one (1) Pucara Share held (the "Exchange Ratio"). Pucara stock options and warrants that are outstanding at the time of completion of the Transaction will become exercisable for Copper Standard Shares on substantially the same terms and conditions, with the number of Copper Standard Shares issuable on exercise and the exercise price adjusted in accordance with the Exchange Ratio. The Transaction will be carried out by way of a court-approved plan of arrangement under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia).

The Exchange Ratio implies a price of $0.05 per Pucara Share and a premium of approximately 67% based on the closing prices of Copper Standard and Pucara on September 10, 2024, and a premium of approximately 50% based on the 20-day volume weighted average prices of Copper Standard Shares and Pucara Shares as of September 10, 2024. Upon completion of the Transaction, existing Copper Standard and Pucara shareholders would own approximately 85% and 15% of the combined company, respectfully, on an undiluted basis.

Upon completion of the Transaction, Copper Standard will continue to be listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the same Copper Standard name and ticker symbol. The Arrangement Agreement contains customary deal-protection provisions including a non-solicitation covenant on the part of Pucara and a right for Copper Standard to match any Superior Proposal (as defined in the Arrangement Agreement). Under certain circumstances, Copper Standard would be entitled to a termination fee or expense reimbursement fees of $0.25 million.

Complete details of the Transaction will be included in a management information circular to be delivered to Pucara security holders in the coming weeks.

Conditions to Completion

The completion of the Transaction is subject to a number of terms and conditions, including without limitation the following: (a) approval of the Pucara shareholders, as described below; (b) acceptance of the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV"); (c) approval of the British Columbia Supreme Court; (d) there being no material adverse changes in respect of either Copper Standard or Pucara; and other standard conditions of closing for a transaction of this nature. There can be no assurance that all of the necessary approvals will be obtained or that all conditions of closing will be satisfied.

The Transaction is subject to the approval at a special meeting of Pucara shareholders by (i) 66 2/3% of the votes cast by Pucara shareholders, and (ii) if required, a simple majority of the votes cast by the Pucara shareholders, excluding the votes cast by certain persons as required by Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Securityholders in Special Transactions. Copper Standard and Pucara are arm's length parties and, accordingly, the Transaction is not expected to a related party transaction. No finder's fees are being paid in connection with the Transaction.

Officers and directors along with certain shareholders of Pucara who collectively control 40.05% of the Pucara Shares (excluding those issued in connection with the Pucara financing discussed below) on an undiluted basis have entered into voting and support agreements pursuant to which they have agreed to vote their shares in favor of the Transaction.

Board of Directors and Management

Upon closing of the Transaction, the board of directors of Copper Standard will remain unchanged to lead the combined management and project teams. The head office will continue to be in Vancouver, Canada. In addition, on September 10, 2024 and prior to execution of the Arrangement Agreement, Mr. Andy Swarthout resigned as a director of Pucara to avoid conflicts under corporate law as a result of being a director of both Copper Standard and Pucara.

Pucara Financing

Concurrent with signing the Arrangement Agreement, Copper Standard has signed a subscription agreement to subscribe for 8,415,765 units of Pucara (the "Units") at a price of $0.03 per Unit (the "Pucara Financing"). Each Unit will include one Pucara Share and one half of one common share purchase warrant, with each whole warrant entitling the purchase of one Pucara Share at a price of $0.05 per Pucara Share for a period of five years from the date of issuance. The Pucara Financing is expected to close within five days of this announcement.

The Pucara Financing will be relying upon exceptions permitted by the TSXV in order to issue the Pucara Shares at less than $0.05 per Pucara Share. Pucara also intends to rely on the "part and parcel exception" under the policies of the TSXV in respect of the Pucara Financing as the Pucara Financing is integral to the Transaction by capitalizing the combined company.

It is anticipated that proceeds from the Pucara Financing will be utilized for the payment of legal and other advisor fees in connection with the Transaction (approximately 50% of the gross proceeds) and for other general working capital purposes (approximately 50% of the gross proceeds), provided that permitted working capital purposes shall not include payment of bonuses, amounts in respect of a change of control, nor any other amounts to employees, consultants or related parties. None of the proceeds raised will be used to pay "Non-Arm's Length Parties" or to fund "Investor Relations Activities" (as each is defined in the policies of the TSXV).

Transaction Timeline

Pursuant to the Arrangement Agreement and subject to satisfying all necessary conditions and receipt of all required approvals, the parties anticipate completion of the Transaction by the end of 2024. Following completion of the Transaction, Pucara Shares will be de-listed from the TSXV and Lima Stock Exchange and Pucara will cease to be a reporting issuer under Canadian securities laws.

Recommendations by the Boards of Directors

After consultation with its legal advisors, the board of directors of Copper Standard unanimously approved entering into the Arrangement Agreement. After consultation with its legal advisors, the board of directors of Pucara unanimously approved entering into the Arrangement Agreement and unanimously recommends that Pucara Gold shareholders vote in favour of the Transaction.

Counsel

DLA Piper (Canada) LLP are acting as legal counsel to Copper Standard. Gordon J. Fretwell Law Corporation and McMillan LLP are acting as legal counsel to Pucara.

Qualified Person

The technical information of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Andy Swarthout, Chairman of Copper Standard, and a Qualified Person, as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

About Copper Standard Resources Inc.

Copper Standard is engaged in the acquisition, exploration, discovery, and development of mineral interests focusing on copper and gold projects. Copper Standard has an option to acquire 100% of the Colpayoc Copper-Gold Property in Peru ("Colpayoc"). Colpayoc has significant, untested potential for supergene and porphyry copper-gold mineralization at depth, beneath drill holes bottoming in oxide gold-copper mineralization. Colpayoc is largely untested with limited drilling and is similar to many of the world class porphyry copper-gold deposits within the prolific Yanacocha District. Recognizing the importance of sustainable practices, Copper Standard remains dedicated to thorough evaluation and responsible development within the mineral sector. Copper Standard continues to evaluate opportunities in the mineral sector on an ongoing basis.

About Pucara Gold

Pucara is a junior exploration company focused on the discovery and advancement of economic precious metals deposits in resource-rich Peru. Pucara has a portfolio approach to project acquisition and controls seven precious and base metal projects located in Peru. Pucara is advancing one project while the remaining two are under option agreements with strategic partners.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news 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 news release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, respectively (collectively referred to herein as "forward-looking information"). Forward-looking information may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "targets", "expects", "is expected", "scheduled", "estimates", "outlook", "forecasts", "projection", "prospects", "strategy", "intends", "anticipates", "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or terminology which states that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might", "will", "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". Forward-looking information in this news release includes: expected timing and completion of the Transaction; the strengths, characteristics and expected benefits and synergies of the Transaction; receipt of court approval; approval of the Transaction by Pucara shareholders at the special meeting of Pucara securityholders; obtaining CSE and TSXV acceptance to complete the Transaction; the completion of the Pucara Financing; obtaining TSXV acceptance to complete the Pucara Financing; the anticipated timing of the special meeting of Pucara shareholders to vote on the Transaction and the related management information circular; the expected delisting of the Pucara Shares; and the composition of Copper Standard's board and management team following completion of the Transaction. In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, intentions, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including information in this news release regarding the Transaction and the Pucara Financing, contain forward-looking information. Statements containing forward-looking information are not historical facts but instead represent the companies' expectations, estimates and projections regarding possible future events or circumstances. The forward-looking information included in this news release is based on the companies' opinions, estimates and assumptions in light of their experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, their assumptions regarding the Transaction and the Pucara Financing (including, but not limited to, their ability to close the Transaction and the Pucara Financing on the terms contemplated, and to derive the anticipated benefits therefrom), as well as other factors that they currently believe are appropriate and reasonable in the circumstances. The forward-looking information contained in this news release is also based upon a number of assumptions, including the companies' ability to obtain the required securityholder, court and regulatory approvals in a timely matter, if at all; their ability to satisfy the terms and conditions precedent of the Arrangement Agreement in order to consummate the Transaction; assumptions in respect of current and future market conditions and the execution of the companies' business strategies, that operations in Copper Standard's and Pucara's properties will continue without interruption, and the absence of any other factors that could cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated, intended or implied. Despite a careful process to prepare and review the forward-looking information, there can be no assurance that the underlying opinions, estimates and assumptions will prove to be correct. Forward-looking information is also subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such risks, uncertainties and other factors include, but are not limited to, failure to receive the required shareholder, court, regulatory and other approvals necessary to effect the Transaction; the potential for a third party to make a superior proposal to the Transaction; that Copper Standard and its shareholders will not realize the anticipated benefits following the completion of the Transaction; that the Pucara Financing will not be completed; that the proceeds of the Pucara Financing will not be used as announced; that the special meeting of Pucara shareholders to vote on the Transaction will not occur at the anticipated timeframe; and those set forth under the Risk Factors in the companies' most recent respective management's discussion and analysis, and other documents filed with or submitted to the Canadian securities regulatory authorities on the SEDAR+ website at www.sedarplus.ca.

Although the companies have attempted to identify important risk factors that could cause actual results or future events to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other risk factors not presently known to them or that they presently believe are not material that could also cause actual results or future events to differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking information. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information, which speaks only as of the date made. The forward-looking information contained in this news release represents the companies' expectations as of the date of this news release and is subject to change after such date. Copper Standard and Pucara each disclaim any intention or obligation or undertaking to update or revise any forward-looking information whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. All of the forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by the foregoing cautionary statements.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/222960

SOURCE: Pucara Gold Ltd.
Lachute, Quebec--(Newsfile Corp. - September 11, 2024) - Quebec Innovative Materials Corp. (CSE: QIMC) (FSE: 7FJ) ("QI Materials", "QIMC" or the "Company")- QIMC is pleased to announce the successful exercise of 9.915 million warrants, marking another significant advancement in our hydrogen initiatives. "This achievement underscores our shareholders' strong confidence in our mission and strategy," said John Karagiannidis, president of QIMC. "We extend our gratitude to our shareholders for their continued support and commitment which has allowed us to become a North American, centrally located, leader in natural hydrogen exploration. We also proud to have been included in the NHV Nat H2 Index, the first Natural Hydrogen Index."

The proceeds from the warrant exercises will add to the next phase of our Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS) fully funded Ville Marie natural hydrogen exploration program, for which we are excited to also announce that, our strategic partner, INRS will, next week, commence a series of advanced gravimetry and audiomagnetotellurism (AMT) geophysical surveys.

The gravimetry surveys will focus on assessing variations in the thickness of local sedimentary rock deposits, known as gravity troughs, over the Archean basement. This critical data will help us identify areas most likely to contain valuable reservoir rocks. Concurrently, the AMT surveys will be instrumental in locating graben-related faults in the St-Bruno-de-Guigues area.

We are also excited to announce the launch of our INRS hydrogen exploration program in Lac St. Jean, set to begin in November. This initiative is a significant step forward in our strategy to expand our hydrogen exploration and production capabilities supporting our goal of becoming a leader in the hydrogen economy.

Lac St. Jean

"In addition to taking into account the geological characteristics that are critical for the identification of exploration zones, QIMC prioritizes sectors that are economically favorable for the establishment of hydrogen plants," said John Karagiannid is, president of QIMC. "For example, the strategic interest of the Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean region is based on the presence of a deep-water port infrastructure at La Baie (Alma) (Figure 1). This would make it possible to export hydrogen (solid or gaseous) to European, Asian or American markets bordering the Atlantic Ocean."

Figure 1: Simplified geographic map centered on the Saguenay Graben. Source: https://toponymie.gouv.qc.ca/ct/ToposWeb/fiche.aspx?no_seq=454187

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"The Lac St-Jean hydrogen exploration project is a logical continuation of QIMC's activities in Quebec," said Prof Richer-Lafleche, head of INRS' Applied Geoscience Laboratory. "Based on the compilation of geoscientific data and the comparison of the geological context with the Temiscamingue area," states Prof. Richer-LaFleche, "the Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean area could be a second graben environment on Precambrian basement, highly favorable for the presence of white (natural) hydrogen."

"Geologically, the project fits into the model of continental grabens and rifts developed on Precambrian basement with the essential characteristic of being covered by Paleozoic sedimentary rocks," continues Prof Richer-Lafleche. "The NW-SE trending Saguenay Graben cuts the Precambrian rocks of the Grenville tectonic province over an area of more than 300 km by 50 km between the NW part of Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean (Albanel sector) and Tadoussac. The graben is associated with a large regional topographic low, clearly visible on lidar or satellite imagery, and locally associated with the Saguenay Fjord (Fig. 2)."

Figure 2: Topographic satellite images of the Saquenay-Lac-St-Jean region and the Saquenay Fjord showing the Saquenay Graben. Source: https://publications.gc.ca/collections/collection_2022/rncan-nrcan/m183-2/M183-2-8826-eng.pdf

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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"The tectonic zone of the graben appears to have been active since more than 546 Ma, as evidenced by the emplacement of alkaline magmatism represented regionally by numerous carbonatites (e.g. St-Honore carbonatite, Niobec Mine), but also by lamprophyres and kimberlites (Gittins et al., 1975)" notes Prof Richer-Lafleche. "The graben's normal faults were subsequently reactivated between 200 and 250 Ma during the Triassic and Early Jurassic (Tremblay et al., 2013). The graben still exhibits neotectonic activity, as evidenced by the magnitude of the earthquake that struck the Saguenay-Lac St-Jean region in 1988." "In addition," states Professor Richer-Lafleche, "in the western and southwestern parts of Lac St-Jean, normal graben faults cut large volumes of potassic granitic and syenitic rocks, as well as mafic intrusive rocks associated with the Lac St-Jean anorthositic complex. Potassic rocks, which are also rich in actinides, are potential sources for the production of hydrogen by radiolytic processes."

"The extensive geological environment of the region is ideal for hydrogen and helium exploration," said John Karagiannidis, president of QIMC. "Our upcoming natural hydrogen exploration program in Lac St. Jean aligns perfectly with our mission at QIMC to support Quebec's ambitious clean energy and emissions reduction goals. By advancing this program, we are not only furthering our commitment to innovative and sustainable energy solutions but also contributing to the province's efforts to achieve a greener and more sustainable future. We look forward, as we did in Ville Marie, to the positive impact our clean hydrogen initiatives will have on the local Lac St. Jean economy."

The schematic section in Figure 3 provides an overview of the geology and topography of the Saguenay Graben.

Figure 3: Simplified geological section of the Saguenay Graben between the Parc des Laurentides and the Monts Valins. Source: https://eco-baleine.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/FORMATION-DU-FJORD-DU-SAGUENAY.pdf

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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References:

Gittins,J., Hewins, R.H., and Laurin, A.F., 1975. Kimberlitic-carbonatitic dikes of the Saguenay River valley, Quebec, Canada.Physics and Chemistry of the Earth.Volume 9, pages 137-148.

Tremblay, A., Roden-Tice, M., Brandt, J.A., Megan, T.W., 2013. Mesozoic fault reactivation along the St. Lawrence Rift system, eastern Canada: Thermochronologic evidence from apatite fission-track dating. Bulletin of the Geological Society of America 125(5-6):794-810.

About the INRS and Pr. Marc Richer-LaFleche, P.Geo.

The Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique ("INRS") is a high-level research and training institute. Pr. Richer-LaFleche's team has exceptional geological, geochemical and geophysical experience specifically in the regions of QIMC's newly acquired claims. They have carried out over six years of geophysical and geochemical work and collected thousands of C1-C4 Soil-Gas analyses.

M. Richer-LaFleche also holds an FRQNT grant, in partnership with Quebec MRN and the mining industry, to develop and optimize a Soil-Gas method for the direct detection of mineralized bodies and faults under Quaternary cover. In addition to sulphide gases, hydrogen was systematically analyzed in the numerous surveys carried out in 2023 in Abitibi, Temiscamingue and also in the Quebec Appachian. M. Richer-LaFleche is the Qualified Person responsible for the technical information contained in this news release and has read the information contained herein.

In addition, the INRS team has several portable gas spectrometers and the sampling equipment and logistics necessary for taking gas samples and geophysical measurements on the ground or in the aquatic environment. He is a professional geologist registered with the Ordre des geologues du Quebec and is the Qualified Person responsible for the technical information contained in this news release and has read the information contained herein and approves the press release.

Engagement of IR Firm

QIMC announces that it has engaged German Mining Networks GmbH ("GMN"), an investor relations firm, located at Hauptstr. 82 98593 Floh-Seligenthal, Germany ,Tel.: +49 176 990 960 54, Email: krahp@german-mining.com to provide investor relations services (the "Services") to the Company, subject to review by the Canadian Securities Exchange ("CSE"). Peter Krah is the managing director of GMN and will be responsible for all of the Services to be performed for the Company.

GMN will provide the creation of high-quality videos on QIMC via YouTube and the distribution of news via 400 press agencies.

GMN will provide the Services to the Company for a three month period beginning September 11, 2024 ending November 11, 2024. GMN will receive CDN$28,500.00 in connection with the Services.

Neither GMN, nor Peter Krah currently have a direct or indirect interest in the securities of the Company, or any right or intent to acquire such an interest. GMN and Peter Krah are arm's length to the Company.

For more information about Quebec Innovative Materials Corp. and its products, please visit www.qimaterials.com.

About Quebec Innovative Materials Corp.

Quebec Innovative Materials Corp. is a mineral exploration, and development company dedicated to exploring and harnessing the potential of Canada's abundant resources. With properties in Ontario and Quebec, QIMC is focused on specializing in the exploration of white (natural) hydrogen and high-grade silica deposits, QIMC is committed to sustainable practices and innovation. With a focus on environmental stewardship and cutting-edge extraction technology, we aim to unlock the full potential of these materials to drive forward clean energy solutions to power the AI and carbon-neutral economy and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the CSE policies) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release.

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 Quebec Innovative Materials' actual results, performance or achievements, or developments in the industry to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking 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.

Although Quebec Innovative Materials believes the forward-looking information contained in this news release is reasonable based on information available on the date hereof, by their nature, forward-looking statements involve assumptions, 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.

Examples of such assumptions, risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, assumptions, risks and uncertainties associated with general economic conditions; adverse industry events; future legislative and regulatory developments in the mining sector; the Company's ability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources, and/or inability to access sufficient capital on favorable terms; mining industry and markets in Canada and generally; the ability of Quebec Innovative Materials Corp. to implement its business strategies; competition; and other assumptions, risks and uncertainties.

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. While the Company may elect to, it does not undertake to update this information at any particular time except as required in accordance with applicable laws.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/222967

SOURCE: Quebec Innovative Materials Corp.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 11, 2024) - Pure Energy Minerals Ltd. (TSXV: PE) (OTCQB: PEMIF) ("Pure Energy" or "the Company") is pleased to report that its partner, SLB (NYSE: SLB), has completed a comprehensive technology demonstration and testing program as required to earn-in to the Company's 100%- owned Clayton Valley lithium brine project ("CV Project") in Esmeralda County, Nevada. Pure Energy and SLB formed a partnership in May of 2019, which provides for SLB to design, permit, develop and build a state-of-the-art pilot plant for Direct Lithium Extraction ("DLE") of lithium brines from the Clayton Valley property. The sustainable lithium Demonstration Plant, operated by SLB, currently is producing lithium carbonate (Li2CO3) product, a direct component of lithium batteries in mobile phones, electric vehicles and energy storage.

SLB has demonstrated completion of specific technical milestones to qualify the earn-in to 100% ownership of the CV Project, which include continuous production of lithium carbonate for an extended period and achieving a material quantity of lithium product in excess of a required purity threshold, which was verified by a third party. For further details regarding SLB's participation, please refer to Pure Energy's Annual General and Special Meeting Management Information Circular dated April 4, 2019, available on www.sedarplus.ca.

Upon completion of all earn-in terms, SLB may take ownership of the CV Project claims and Pure Energy will receive a 3% net smelter return ("NSR") royalty payable on all commodities extracted from the Project, net of advance royalty payments made to the Company.

Pure Energy acquired its Clayton Valley mineral properties over an eleven-year period from 2012 - 2023 by staking open ground and through option agreements with neighboring claimholders. The property comprises 950 placer mineral claims over 9.450 hectares (23,360 acres) in good standing, granted by the US Bureau of Land Management ("BLM"). These constitute one of the largest mineral landholdings within Clayton Valley. During the period 2014-2019, nine bore holes were completed by Pure Energy, of which the production-scale hole CV-9 provides brine flow to the pilot plant. A Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") study, as amended, was published in April of 2018, incorporating results from the initial eight bore holes, and an additional seven holes subsequently were acquired together with properties. Pure Energy initiated the permitting process for development of a pilot plant in 2017.

During the past five years, SLB worked closely with the BLM and the State of Nevada to obtain necessary permits for construction and operation of the pilot plant, in addition to meeting all environmental requirements for site and resource use. Construction was initiated in Q1 2023 and the first product of Li2CO3 occurred in March of 2024.

"The CV Project Pilot Plant represents one of the largest and most advanced DLE plant of its kind in United States", remarked Joseph Mullin, CEO of Pure Energy Minerals. "We are very excited for Pure Energy to be part of SLB's development of clean energy technologies through its New Energy business. Our partnership has been productive, professional and beneficial to both entities."

The information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Mary L. Little, MMSA QP#01503, who is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Ms. Little is a director of the Company and therefore is not considered to be independent.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

"Joseph Mullin"

CEO, Pure Energy Minerals Ltd.

Cautionary Statements and Forward-Looking Information

The information in this news release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in our forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause such differences include changes in world commodity markets, equity markets, costs and supply of materials relevant to the mining industry, change in government and changes to regulations affecting the mining industry. Forward-looking statements in this release may include future exploration and development of the Clayton Valley Project. Although we believe the expectations reflected in our forward-looking statements are reasonable, results may vary, and we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements.

The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except as required by applicable laws.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of 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/222961

SOURCE: Pure Energy Minerals Ltd.
The program will be a robust scholarship and student development intervention to enhance the student experience and promote long term student success outcomes

NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / September 11, 2024 / KeyBank and the KeyBank Foundation proudly announced an investment of $480,000 in Ohio's only public Historically Black College or University (HBCU) and 1890 Land-Grant Institution, Central State University (CSU). Grant dollars given to the university will establish the KeyBank Scholars (KBS) Program to implement summer bridge programs, providing tuition support for 40 students over a five-year period.

The KBS Program will become a part of CSU's Student and Institutional Success Model (SISM) geared to improve student academic outcomes. The program will be a robust scholarship and student development intervention to enhance the student experience and promote long term student success outcomes.

"All of us at KeyBank are so proud to partner with Central State University to establish the KeyBank Scholars Program," said Jeff Bardonaro, Dayton KeyBank Market President. "We are committed to helping local students and families thrive by providing tuition support to help them reach their goals. This investment will help ensure a bright future for many CSU students and build even stronger communities in our region for years to come."

"Central State University is deeply honored to partner with KeyBank in establishing the KeyBank Scholars Program," said President Dr. Morakinyo A.O. Kuti ,Central State University. "This significant investment underscores the importance of providing our students with not only financial support but also the developmental resources they need to thrive. The program aligns perfectly with our commitment to fostering academic excellence and long-term success for our students. Through this partnership, we are building a brighter future for our scholars, empowering them to become leaders who will make a lasting impact in their communities and beyond."

Over the grant period, 40 students will take part in a summer bridge program for five weeks prior to their first year of college with the objective to adjust participants to academic and social undergraduate experience. Participants will receive $2,000 per year for four years in scholarships upon meeting program criteria. Those enrolled in the program must maintain a 3.0 GPA to receive scholarship awards.

Previous CSU summer bridge program results show that 83% of participants are on track to graduate within regular program schedule with an average GPA of 3.15. In comparison, the national four-year graduation rate for all students is 45%, African American students is 26%.

ABOUT KEYCORP

KeyCorp's roots trace back nearly 200 years to Albany, New York. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Key is one of the nation's largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $187 billion at June 30, 2024.

Key provides deposit, lending, cash management, and investment services to individuals and businesses in 15 states under the name KeyBank National Association through a network of approximately 1,000 branches and approximately 1,200 ATMs. Key also provides a broad range of sophisticated corporate and investment banking products, such as merger and acquisition advice, public and private debt and equity, syndications and derivatives to middle market companies in selected industries throughout the United States under the KeyBanc Capital Markets trade name. For more information, visit?https://www.key.com/. KeyBank Member FDIC.

ABOUT CENTRAL STATE UNIVERSITY

Central State University is a public HBCU and 1890 Land-Grant Institution with an over 135-year tradition of preparing students from diverse backgrounds and experiences for leadership, research, and service. The University fosters academic excellence within a nurturing environment and provides a solid liberal arts foundation and STEM-Ag curriculum leading to professional careers and advanced studies globally.

EEO Statement: Central State University, an 1890 Land-Grant Institution, offers its programs and activities to people of diverse backgrounds and does not discriminate on the basis of age, ancestry, race, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDS status, marital or family status, military status, national origin, political beliefs, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status. The University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institution. For inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies or accessibility, please contact the Department of Human Resources at 937-376-6540.???





View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from KeyBank on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: KeyBank

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/keybank

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: KeyBank

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 11, 2024) - Phenom Resources Corp. (TSXV: PHNM) (OTCQX: PHNMF) (FSE: 1PY0) ("Phenom" or the "Company") is pleased to share historic drill hole results from its recently optioned King Solomon Gold Project in central Nevada, 120 kilometres (75 miles) southwest of Eureka, NV and 38 km (24 miles) southwest for the Company's Dobbin Gold Project. Over that last year, Dave Mathewson, Company Director and Geological Advisor, has deliberately and purposefully guided Phenom to build up a gold portfolio rivaled by few in Nevada with the acquisitions of the Crescent Valley, Dobbin and King Solomon Gold Projects.

Like Dobbin, with its recent news of its significant open-ended 900m x 220m gold-in-soil anomaly, the King Solomon Project covers a regional-scale Carlin-type gold system. To demonstrate the calibre of the King Solomon Gold Project, the Company wishes to provide the following table, highlighting eleven historic drill holes on King Solomon within an area 425m by 250m (1,400ft x 820ft). Of note are the shallow attractive and consistent thicknesses and grades to the intercepts. Nine of the eleven holes have intercepts starting less than 46 metres (150ft) from surface and nine of the eleven holes ended in mineralization within the better host rock unit, the Paleozoic carbonates, demonstrating the open opportunity at depth.





Table 1: Highlighted Historic King Solomon Drill Intercepts - 9 of 11 holes ended in mineralization

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Dave Mathewson, accomplished gold finder states, "There is excellent potential for discovery of significant Carlin-type gold deposits at King Solomon. Previous explorers, appear to not have understood the full extent of, and significance of, the stratigraphy or gold model. Typical of earlier 1990's explorers, drilling was largely limited to shallow tests of 90m to 122m deep (300-400 feet) and was primarily focused on the potential within the overlying Tertiary volcanic rocks. Significant near surface gold intercepts within Tertiary volcanics which, noteworthy as they are, suggest a bigger potential within the underlying more permissive, Paleozoic carbonate package. Earlier explorers barely penetrated into the more prospective rock units, and only scratched the surface of this prospect. The carbonate sequence below the volcanics at King Solomon which I have identified include favourable gold host rock formations such as the Denay, Rabbit Hill, Roberts Mountain and Pogonip limestone Formations, with a collective thickness well in excess of 1000 feet. These rock units represent a very significant potential host package to gold deposits that have not been significantly drill tested here."

Dave Mathewson continues, "Drilling to date has confirmed the Carlin-replacement-style of mineralization and intercepts have approached desirable gold grades. The presence of permissive host rocks, Carlin-style epithermal-style alteration, and geochemistry of up to very high levels of arsenic, antimony, mercury, and locally gold, all indicate gold deposit prospectivity. I lean strongly toward believing the existence of one or more gold deposits are present in the area."

The Company has initiated permitting steps for drilling.

About Phenom Resources Corp.

Phenom has 100% interest in the Carlin Gold-Vanadium Project, located in Elko County, 6 miles south from the town of Carlin, Nevada and Highway I-80 which hosts the Carlin Vanadium deposit, North America's largest highest grade primary vanadium resource. The Project lies within the prolific Carlin Gold Trend. Approximately 9 million ounces comprised of multiple gold deposits, including past producing mines, are present near the Phenom property (5-15km). The Company has options on three gold projects in Nevada, the King Solomon and Dobbin Properties which are Carlin Gold-type targets and the Crescent Vally Property, a Bonanza high grade gold vein-type target.

Technical disclosure in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Dave Mathewson, a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, director and Geological Consultant of the Company.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-looking information

Certain statements in this news release constitute "forward-looking" statements. These statements relate to future events or the Company's future performance. All such statements involve substantial known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results to vary from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties, they should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results, and they will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether or not such results will be achieved. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated due to a number of factors and risks. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management of the Company believes are reasonable assumptions on the date of this news release, the Company cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this press 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 required under applicable securities regulations.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/223002

SOURCE: Phenom Resources Corp.
IQVIA's AI solutions streamline workflows, drive automation to connect process improvements, and provide insights into individual activities, improving patient safety and commercial performance.

SAN ANTONIO, Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Frost & Sullivan recently assessed the artificial intelligence (AI) quality and regulatory solutions space for the healthcare industry and, based on its findings, recognizes IQVIA with the 2024 Global Customer Value Leadership Award. The company is the first to offer intelligently connected integration for all quality, regulatory, and safety processes across healthcare, accelerating digital transformation through software-as-a-service (SaaS) and intelligence-driven simplification, automation, and the integration of functions, processes, and systems, as opposed to other solutions that lack such wide-ranging functionality. Compared to competitors, IQVIA highlights its value through industry-leading capabilities, comprehensive cloud solution portfolio, management and implementation consulting, business and IT managed services, and tech-enabled services.

IQVIA's quality and regulatory solutions digitalize and streamline the end-to-end activities of Quality Assurance and Regulatory Affairs (QARA) across organizations, enabling businesses to bring products to market and maintain their presence. The company's end-to-end solution for QARA eliminates work duplication, delivering value across the entire organization rather than focusing solely on individual pillars. Within the quality and regulatory sphere, the company provides an ecosystem with about 18 modules, including the following:

Design control

Change management

Document management

Complaint management

Supplier management

Sankara Narayanan, Industry Director, Frost & Sullivan, observed "One key aspect of IQVIA is its commitment to deploying quality management with a commercial focus, emphasizing both patient safety and commercial performance. Its AI can drive optimizations, insights, and efficiencies, allowing QARA professionals to improve patient safety and product quality within the bounds of financial prudence. Ultimately, IQVIA enables commercial performance through improved operational efficiencies and effective resource utilization."

In addition, IQVIA provides data mining capabilities with solutions such as Vigilance Detect for literature and social media monitoring. Moreover, the solution helps organizations mitigate the risk of human fatigue, improve performance over time, and achieve global quality compliance. IQVIA integrates SmartSolve with other such solutions to enable healthcare organizations to adopt a modular and scalable approach to end-to-end solutions. As a healthcare company, IQVIA prioritizes providing compliant, safe, effective, financially savvy, relevant, and customer-centric healthcare solutions rather than simply chasing technological advancements.

"IQVIA's value proposition enables top-line growth, operational effectiveness, efficiency, and compliance, significantly boosting companies' commercial performance and professional activities. It tackles the increasing complexities of global regulations, optimizes resource allocation to achieve the set financial performance, and provides strategies for complex healthcare challenges through right-first-time activities and a single source of truth," added Sankara Narayanan. With its strong overall performance, IQVIA earns Frost & Sullivan's 2024 Global Customer Value Leadership Award in the AI regulatory and quality solutions space for the healthcare industry.

Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents this award to the company that has demonstrated excellence in implementing strategies that proactively create value for its customers, with a focus on improving the return on investment that customers make in its services or products. The award recognizes the company's unique focus on augmenting the value that its customers receive, beyond simply good customer service, leading to improved customer retention and customer base expansion.

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 Frost & Sullivan

For six decades, Frost & Sullivan has been world-renowned for its role in helping investors, corporate leaders, and governments navigate economic changes and identify disruptive technologies, Mega Trends, new business models, and companies to action, resulting in a continuous flow of growth opportunities to drive future success. Contact us: Start the discussion. Contact us: Start the discussion.

Contact:

Lindsey Whitaker

E: Lindsey.Whitaker@frost.com

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Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - September 11, 2024) - Cypherpunk Holdings Inc. (CSE: HODL) (OTC Pink: CYFRF) (the "Company"), a Canadian-based company dedicated to investing in companies, technologies, and protocols within the blockchain ecosystem, today announced the appointment of Ungad Chadda as an additional independent director, joining the Company's Board of Directors effective immediately.

Mr. Chadda is a seasoned capital markets regulator and financial services executive, having held various senior positions at TMX Group Limited, the parent company of the Toronto Stock Exchange. During Mr. Chadda's tenure of over 21 years at TMX Group, he held progressively senior roles, including Director of Listings, TSX Venture Exchange; Chief Operating Officer, TSX Venture Exchange; Vice President, Business Development, Toronto Stock Exchange and TSX Venture Exchange; President, Toronto Stock Exchange; CFO of TSX Trust (formerly Equity Transfer and Trust) an OSFI regulated entity; and SVP, Head of Enterprise Corporate Strategy and External Affairs, TMX Group. Currently, Mr. Chadda serves as the CEO and Director of Urban Infrastructure Group Inc., a TSX Venture Exchange-listed company in the construction industry.

Mr. Chadda holds an Honours Bachelor of Commerce from McMaster University, obtained his Chartered Accountancy designation with Ernst & Young LLP in 1996, and completed the Director Education Course at the Rotman School of Management in 2019 as valedictorian.

Leah Wald, CEO of the Company, commented: "We are pleased to welcome Ungad Chadda to our Board of Directors. His addition complements the existing skills of our Board, and we are confident that his regulatory and leadership experience working in the capital markets will help lead the Company forward in executing new and creative strategies in the blockchain and digital asset sectors. Ungad's appointment reinforces our commitment to enhancing our governance and ensuring that the Company remains at the forefront of the digital asset ecosystem."

About Cypherpunk Holdings Inc.

The Company is dedicated to investing in companies, cryptocurrencies, technologies, and protocols within the blockchain ecosystem. With a strategic focus on cryptocurrency and blockchain innovation, the Company leverages its extensive industry expertise to identify and support high-potential opportunities in the digital asset space.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information:

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.

This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Generally, any statements that are not historical facts may contain forward-looking information, and forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or indicates that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be" taken, "occur" or "be achieved".

Forward-looking statements made in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the appointment of a new director to the Company's Board of Directors and associated benefits, and the Company's plans to execute its strategies and goals. There is no assurance that the Company's plans or objectives will be implemented as set out herein, or at all. Forward-looking information is based on certain factors and assumptions the Company believes to be reasonable at the time such statements are made and is 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 information.

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 information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. 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 law. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements.

SOURCE: Cypherpunk Holdings Inc.

Media contact: cypherpunk@mgroupsc.com

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/223010

SOURCE: Cypherpunk Holdings Inc.
- The soft drink brand's latest campaign 'Level Up With 7UP' sets out to inspire Gen Zs and Millennials around the world to make 7UP their zesty and refreshing go-to mixer, elevating any social moment -

LONDON, Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- LEVELUPWITH7UP - 7UP is excited to reveal its latest campaign 'Level Up With 7UP' a new global platform dedicated to those who are looking to elevate their social occasions. Drawing on popular insights and online trends, the soft drink brand recognises that both Gen Z and Millennials are more open when it comes to experimenting with food and drink options like never before. 7UP is celebrating this creative expression, reiterating its role within social occasions by cementing itself as the go-to drink for crafting refreshing mixes to round out any gathering - becoming the perfect partner for the next wave of social enjoyment!

Whether it's getting together for a fun beach day, birthday celebrations or heading to a house-party with friends, 7UP provides the perfect base to every serve, bringing delicious flavour, fizz, and an extra splash of zest to your drinking experience. The new campaign forms part of the wider LEVELUPWITH7UP platform that has been rolled out across various regions worldwide - solidifying 7UP as a versatile plus-one to any gathering. To celebrate, 7UP has released a short film that features friends turning up the fun by mixing 7UP in their own creative ways, showcasing their excitement and curiosity about their new concoctions. It captures how the playful experimentation with 7UP effortlessly elevates the good vibes.

Throughout this month, 7UP will also launch an exciting new influencer content series aimed at making it easier than ever to create and enjoy delicious mixed drinks. This vibrant campaign is specifically designed to guide Gen Zs and Millennials through the steps of how to level up with 7UP. Creators will incorporate 7UP into much-loved beverages, demonstrating how simple it can be to enhance the taste whilst putting a unique spin on your drink of choice Watch this space!

Eric Melis, VP Global Brand Marketing for 7UP said: "We're excited to launch our new 7UP mixology campaign, designed to show how adding 7UP to your social occasions can elevate unforgettable moments. With countless ways to enjoy 7UP, this campaign highlights all the different mixes consumers can create. Whether you're sipping on a mocktail spritz, using it as your chosen mixer or enjoying it straight from the can, 7UP provides the perfect blend of flavour and fizz, creating a refreshing experience that's ideal for any moment spent with friends."

With global influencer content set to go live in the coming weeks, sharing bespoke recipe mixes whilst tapping into fun new trends, social media users can use the hashtag LEVELUPWITH7UP on TikTok and Instagram for inspiration on adding a sparkling twist to classic drinks

With 7UP's Zero Sugar variant also offering the same mouthwatering taste without the sugar, there are plenty of options to upgrade your drinks with flavours everyone can get excited about.

7UP's new platform will be rolled out in select markets worldwide including; Egypt, Vietnam, Portugal, India and Thailand*. Locally produced influencer content, sampling opportunities, giveaways, consumer events and VIP beach parties will take place across listed markets, celebrating 7UP as the only plus one you need for all social occasions. For further information on the campaign and activity, please refer to local websites and social channels.

* 7UP is a trademark of PepsiCo for all international markets excluding the US

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

pepsicomediarelations@pepsico.com

About PepsiCo

PepsiCo products are enjoyed by consumers more than one billion times a day in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. PepsiCo generated more than $91 billion in net revenue in 2023, driven by a complimentary beverage and convenient foods portfolio that includes Lay's, Doritos, Cheetos, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, Quaker, and SodaStream. PepsiCo's product portfolio includes a wide range of enjoyable foods and beverages, including many iconic brands that generate more than $1 billion each in estimated annual retail sales.

Guiding PepsiCo is our vision to Be the Global Leader in Beverages and Convenient Foods by Winning with pep+ (PepsiCo Positive). pep+ is our strategic end-to-end transformation that puts sustainability and human capital at the center of how we will create value and growth by operating within planetary boundaries and inspiring positive change for planet and people. For more information, and visit www.pepsico.com, and follow on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @PepsiCo.

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The move comes as Corti doubles down on its mission to transform overburdened healthcare systems with accessible and trustworthy AI

NEW YORK, Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Corti , the global AI engine designed for healthcare, is bolstering its leadership team with the addition of three more senior executives. The strategic move furthers the company's mission of helping billions of people benefit from low risk, high quality care through its safe and effective Generative AI, woven into the fabric of every patient interaction around the world.

Following a period of rapid growth for the business - which had processed more than 100 million patient interactions - Corti is now welcoming new talent from some of the world's biggest organisations to help continue its expansion.

Chad Compton joins Corti as Chief Revenue Officer from Microsoft's leadership team. Prior to Microsoft, Chad was a key executive at Nuance, which was acquired by Microsoft in 2022 for $19.7 billion. At Nuance, he oversaw one of the world's most successful healthcare partnership sales teams, generating hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue. In his new role at Corti, Chad will leverage his extensive experience to drive growth across the global market.

Frederik Brabant , MD will step into the role of Chief Medical Strategy Officer. Previously, Frederik served as the chief medical information officer and VP of international healthcare partnerships at Microsoft Nuance. With nearly a decade of leadership experience at Nuance, Frederik played a pivotal role in driving the success of flagship products such as Dragon Dictation and leading global partnership initiatives worth over millions. His role at Corti will be instrumental in shaping the company's medical strategy and expanding its global footprint.

Yvonne Kirsch is Corti's new VP Partnerships, North America, coming from Philips Speech, where she was running the North American Unit. Yvonne's experience in building strategic partnerships and driving business growth will power Corti's next chapter in the region, where Corti is on track to process more than 100 million patient interactions annually by 2025.

These three new additions to the Corti team builds on a series of other recent hires from Microsoft Nuance and Philips Speech, including Milko Jovanoski , now VP of partnerships for Europe, and Robert Lamprell , UK commercial director, who previously held positions as international marketing director and senior account director at Microsoft Nuance, respectively. Last week, Mikael Grynszpan also joined the Corti team from Philips Speech as Director of Sales in France, following in the footsteps of Yvonne Kirsch and Corti's CPO, Florian Schwieker, who also made the move from Philips Speech to Corti.

Speaking about the new hires, Andreas Cleve, co-founder and CEO of Corti, said: "These critical hires mark a significant milestone for Corti as we continue to scale our impact across healthcare. When top commercial talent moves from such major companies to the promising new incumbent, it marks the start of a new era. Welcoming such unparalleled expertise to the team will be invaluable as we continue to innovate and expand our global reach, clearing the path for billions of patients around the world to enjoy low risk, high quality care."

Corti is transforming healthcare by integrating advanced, purpose-built AI into every patient interaction. Its AI seamlessly integrates into virtually any platform, and unlike other co-pilots, it actively supports healthcare professionals by providing real-time prompts, enhancing decision-making throughout their time with patients. It also automates and enhances workflows by removing the need for time-consuming, manual note taking and medical coding - significantly reducing administrative burdens and minimising errors by up to 40 percent.

Setting it apart from other AI models built on open-source data, Corti's platform is backed by eight years of research and uses rigorously verified healthcare data, making it the most trustworthy AI support tool available. Processing over 100 million patient interactions every year, Corti is proving to be an indispensable, global asset in delivering high-quality, personalised care.

Chad Compton, Chief Revenue Officer at Corti, added: "I'm thrilled to join Corti at such a pivotal moment in the future of healthcare. We're already powering millions of patient interactions every year, and this is just the beginning. Corti is redefining how AI can enhance every corner of healthcare by delivering trusted, real-time support in every patient encounter. Our mission to expand Corti's high-quality AI technology to more healthcare providers worldwide addresses an urgent need, and I am excited to be a part of driving this change."

Frederik Brabant, Chief Medical Strategy Officer at Corti, said: "After years of treating individual patients, I realised I could improve the lives of millions if I scaled my efforts beyond the bedside. By reducing administrative burden through safe and effective AI, Corti is relieving healthcare professionals of the immense pressure I once experienced as a physician. I'm looking forward to being part of a team allowing healthcare professionals like me to focus on what truly matters - caring for patients."

Yvonne Kirsch, Corti's VP Partnerships North America, said: "Joining Corti in North America amid our exponential growth in the US has been momentous. More providers are seeing the immense potential of Corti's AI - not just for their bottom line, but for easing burnout among overburdened healthcare professionals. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, and I'm excited to bring on more strategic partners to extend this technology to thousands more who need it."

For more information, please visit: www.corti.ai

About Corti

Founded in 2016 by Lars Maale and Andreas Cleve, Corti is a healthcare AI research company dedicated to developing a safe and effective Generative AI platform tailored to healthcare's unique needs. Having learned from more than 100 million patient interactions, Corti's AI minimizes paperwork and errors across the patient journey, offering expert guidance and support.

Corti's AI not only takes notes but also quality assures, journals, codes, nudges, prompts, and documents every patient interaction. This reduces the margin for error by up to 40 percent and administrative time by up to 80 percent. With significant research findings in speech processing, dialectic challenges, medical coding, and language understanding, Corti's artificial intelligence enhances real-time consultations across the entire patient journey across the United States and Europe.

Press Contact

Inkhouse for Corti

corti@inkhouse.com

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Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - September 11, 2024) - Weekapaug Lithium Ltd. (CSE: GRUV) ("Weekapaug" or the "Company"), a Canadian mineral exploration company focused on exploration and development, is pleased to announce the staking of 51 single-cell mining claims totaling approximately 1,000 hectares in Firstbrook Township, Ontario (the "Claims"). The Claims are 100% held by Weekapaug.

The Claims were staked due to their proximity and similar geological setting to that of Quebec Innovative Materials Corp.'s ("QIMC") recent hydrogen-in-soils discovery in the Saint-Bruno-de-Guigues area. Firstbrook Township hosts documented occurrences of copper, lead, cobalt, silver and kimberlite. The area boasts excellent infrastructure, including power, and easy road access.

Figure 1 - The Company's newly staked claims located in Firstbrook Township



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8142/223007_047f42ff64cb9ae1_002full.jpg

"We are excited to establish a land position in this prospective area near QIMC's recent discovery," said Marc Branson, CEO of Weekapaug. "The similar geology, coupled with known mineral occurrences in Firstbrook Township, highlights the potential for new discoveries of hydrogen, as well as base and precious metals. With its ideal location and infrastructure, this new Property represents an exciting opportunity to expand our portfolio as we continue to advance our Nakina Lithium Property."

The Company is currently reviewing available data and formulating an exploration plan for the new Claims. Further details will be provided in due course.

This news release may contain information about adjacent properties on which the Company has no right to explore or mine. Investors are cautioned that mineral deposits on adjacent properties are not indicative of mineral deposits on the Company's properties.

In addition, the Company intends to initiate a non-brokered private placement in the coming days, additional details will be disclosed once they have been finalized.

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical disclosure for Weekapaug included in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Mark Smyk, P.Geo. Mr. Smyk is a Technical Advisor to the Company and a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure of Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101").

About Weekapaug Lithium

At Weekapaug Lithium Limited, our focus is dedicated to exploring and developing our 100% owned Nakina Lithium and Firstbrook Hydrogen properties located in Northern Ontario, Canada.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors,

"Marc Branson"

CEO and Director

Email: investors@weekapaug.ca

Website: weekapaug.ca

Phone: 604-816-2555

Forward-Looking Information and Cautionary 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 statements in this news release include statements relating to: continued exploration program at the Company's properties and assumptions regarding the Claims.

Forward-looking information in this press release are based on certain assumptions and expected future events, namely: the Company's ability to continue exploration program for its properties and assumptions regarding the Claims.

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, including but not limited to the Company's inability to continue exploration program for its properties and incorrect assumptions regarding the Claims.

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.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/223007

SOURCE: Weekapaug Lithium Limited
Power One Drills its Flagship Asset, The Pecors, which Holds a Massive 5.7km by 4.2 Anomaly

Power One Resources Corp. (TSX-V:PWRO); ("Power One" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that drilling has been completed at its Pecors Project (the "Property") located in Eliott Lake, Ontario. Three diamond drill holes have been completed to date totaling 1,300m. Assays are pending on all drill holes.

"We are very excited to report we have completed our inaugural drill campaign at Elliot Lake, and look forward to analyzing the data stated, Mr. Karim Rayani, Chief Executive Officer. "The Pecors Property holds a massive 5.7 km long by 4.2 km wide magnetic system, which hosts significant potential for Ni-Cu-PGM mineralization with a very large historical uranium resource with rare-earth oxides - having two completely different geological settings makes this a very rare treasure box waiting to be exploited. Uranium Exploration was heavily concentrated in the camp in the 50's so much so Elliott Lake was a Global leader in Uranium production, however 1959 the United States announced by 1962 they would cut all Canadian Uranium imports. Fast forward to today this presents an opportunity for Ni-Cu-PGM's as these commodities were never exhausted or tested much due to the low commodity prices back then. I feel Elliot Lake may just be one of the greatest sleepers in today's commodity cycle for economic grade Nickel-Copper-PGM discovery with the objective of a tier 1 discovery."

Drill holes PO-24-01 and PO-24-02 objectives were two-fold targeting a VTEM electromagnetic conductor axis interpreted to host uranium mineralization associated with pyrite at the base of the Huronian sediments in contact with the Archean basement rocks (Figure 1). Both of these holes continued into the Archean basement to investigate magnetic highs interpreted as magmatic conduits for the Pecors Magnetic Anomaly proven to host magmatic hosted Ni-Cu-PGM mineralization.

Drill hole PO-24-03 targeted the Pecors magnetic anomaly itself for continuation of the results of P-15-23 which reported 0.33 g/t Pt+Pd+Au (PGM) and 0.11% Cu and 0.04% Ni over 12m (Figure 2).

Locations and drill hole statistics are provided in Table 1.

Table 1. 2024 drill hole campaign statistics.

Figure 1. Location of drill holes PO-24-01 and PO-24-02 within the Pecors Channel.

Figure 2. Location of drill holes PO-24-03 within the Pecors Magnetic Anomaly.

The Pecors Property(Figure 3), located east of Elliot Lake, contains significant uranium mineralization where drilling in 2007 returned values of 4.3 pounds (lbs.) (0.194% U3O8) per tonne (t) over 4m starting at 104.49m downhole and 5.9 lbs./t (0.246% U3O8) over 0.94m starting at 122.64m. Uranium is hosted within the quartz-pebble conglomerate of the Matinenda Formation at shallow depths within the Pecors Channel. 'Channels' within the Elliot Lake uranium camp were mined extensively in the 1950's where production grades averaged 0.100% U3O8.

Figure 3.Regional location of the Pecors Property and neighboring companies.

The Pecors Channel is reported to host 20,000,000 tons grading 0.037% U3O8 (0.074 lbs per ton) U3O8 or 14,800,000 lbs. of U3O8. This resource was based on limited drilling and was estimated by Rio Tinto in 1977 with the potential to expand this resource. It is concluded that the estimate is not compliant with the requirements of NI 43-101 and it is believed that a qualified person has not done sufficient work to classify the historical estimate as current mineral resources or reserves. This estimate is viewed as a historical resource only and the figures cannot be relied upon as an accurate estimate of the volume or grade of the mineralized material. Power-One or the QP is not treating this estimate as current mineral resources or reserves.

The Pecors Property also hosts significant PGM-Ni-Cu mineralization related to the Pecors Magnetic anomaly, a large regional magnetic high extending 18km long and 4km wide and largely hidden beneath Huronian sediments (Figure 4). The source of the magnetic anomaly has been confirmed to be at least partially comprised of lithologies of gabbroic affinity by International Montoro drilling in 2015. Hole P15-23 drilled by International Montoro intersected 0.33 g/t Pt+Pd+Au and 0.11% Cu and 0.04% Ni over 12m within contact style mafic intrusive mineralization. This style of mineralization appears similar to the East Bull PGM deposit to the east where Quest Critical Metals Inc., (formerly Canadian Palladium) reports a total indicated resources of 16.5 million tonnes at a grade of 0.93 g/t PdEq (see Quest Critical Metals news release dated February 22, 2023).

Figure 4. Pecors magnetic anomaly and inverted depth to surface. Location of 2015 drilling included.

The Property also lies immediately east of Radio Fuels Corp. (CAKE) Eco Ridge Project where indicated resources total 22.306 Mt grading 0.045% U3O8 and 1,613 ppm REO (rare-earth oxides) and inferred resources of 36.955 Mt grading 0.046 % U3O8 and 1,560 ppm REO (https://radiofuels.ca/).

Qualified Person

Mike Kilbourne, P. Geo, an independent qualified person as defined in National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical contents of this news release on behalf of the Company.

The QP and the Company has not completed sufficient work to verify the historic information on the Property comprising the Pecors Project, particularly regarding historical exploration, neighboring companies, and government geological work.

About Power One

Power One Resources Corp. is a resource issuer listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol (PWRO). The Company's flagship asset, the Pecors hosts significant potential for PGM-Ni-Cu mineralization related to the Pecors Magnetic anomaly, a large regional magnetic high extending 18 km long and 4 km wide and largely hidden beneath Huronian sediments. The Property also lies immediately east of Radio Fuels Corp., Eco Ridge Project where indicated resources total 22.306 Mt grading 0.045% U3O8 and 1,613 ppm REO (rare-earth oxides) and inferred resources of 36.955 Mt grading 0.046 % U3O8 and 1,560 ppm REO are recorded. The Company also holds the Wicheeda Properties, a Rare Earth Prospect in the Cariboo Mining Division, in British Columbia holding one of the largest land positions next door to Defense Metals Corp.'s deposit in the Rocky Mountain Rare-Earth Metal Belt.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Power One Resources Corp.

"Karim Rayani"

Karim Rayani

President, CEO and Director

Tel: 604 716 0551

Email: k@r7.capital

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release may contain forward looking statements including but not limited to comments regarding the timing and content of upcoming work programs, geological interpretations, receipt of property titles, etc. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. 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: Power One Resources Corp.

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Towson, Maryland--(Newsfile Corp. - September 11, 2024) - Chesapeake Group features Hillcrest Energy Technologies (CSE: HEAT) (OTCQB: HLRTF) (FSE: 7HI) ("the Company") CEO, Don Currie, as an exclusive guest on the MarketGems Podcast to discuss the Company's recent and upcoming catalysts, including commercialization of their ZVS technology and joint development agreement with Ocean Batteries SA.

To view the full video interview with MarketGems Podcast and Don Currie, click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqSv261Rnp4

To listen to the full audio interview with MarketGems Podcast and Don Currie, click here:https://audioboom.com/posts/8567942-hillcrest-energy-technologies-ceo-don-currie-joins-the-marketgems-podcast

About Hillcrest Energy Technologies

Hillcrest Energy Technologies is a clean technology company focused on providing advanced power conversion technologies and digital control systems for next-generation powertrains and grid-connected renewable energy systems. From concept to commercialization, Hillcrest is investing in the development of energy solutions that will power a more sustainable and electrified future. Hillcrest is publicly traded on the CSE under the symbol "HEAT," on the OTCQB Venture Market as "HLRTF" and on the Frankfurt Exchange as "7HI". For more information, please visit: https://hillcrestenergy.tech/.

CONTACT INFORMATION

NEITHER THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER HAS REVIEWED OR ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS NEWS RELEASE.

Cautionary Statement Regarding "Forward-Looking" Information

Some of the statements contained in this news release are forward-looking statements and information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of words such as "expects," "intends," "is expected," "potential," "suggests" or variations of such words or phrases, or statements that certain actions, events or results "may," "could," "should," "would," "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking information in this news release includes the anticipated use of proceeds from the Equity Facility. This forward-looking information is provided as of the date of this news release. The forward-looking information reflects the current expectations and assumptions of management and is subject to a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any anticipated future results, performance or expectations expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. No assurance can be given that these assumptions will prove correct. Forward-looking statements and information are not historical facts and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties beyond the Company's control. Investors are advised to consider the risk factors under the heading "Risks and Uncertainties" in the Company's MD&A for the year ended Dec. 31, 2023, available at https://www.sedarplus.ca/ for a discussion of the factors that could cause the Company's actual results, performance and achievements to be materially different from any anticipated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements, except as may be required by law.

MarketGems Podcast by Chesapeake Group

The MarketGems Podcast, hosted by the Chesapeake Group, allows companies to build investor awareness, while also updating current shareholders through exclusive CEO interviews. To learn more about the MarketGems Podcast and view our latest interviews, click here.

Source:

Chesapeake Group

200 East Joppa Road

Towson, MD 21286

410-825-3930

alex@chesapeakegp.com

www.chesapeakegp.com

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/222998

SOURCE: Chesapeake Group, Inc.
Peer-reviewed scientific poster for eyonis LCS

Median iCRO eyonis teams will be at booth #525, Exhibit Hall 3.

Regulatory News:

Median Technologies FR0011049824, ALMDT, PEA/SME eligible, "Median" or "The Company") announces today that the Company will attend the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress 2024 in Barcelona, Spain, from Sep. 13-17. Median iCRO and eyonis teams will be present to welcome interested parties at Booth #525, Hall 3, from September 13-16 (exhibition dates). The Company will share the most recent advances for iCRO AI-powered clinical trial imaging services as well as latest developments for eyonis Lung Cancer Screening (LCS) Software as Medical Device (SaMD).

Median eyonis team will present a peer-reviewed poster presentation of the full positive results of the independent verification study for Median proprietary SaMD eyonis Lung Cancer Screening (LCS). Preliminary results of the study were communicated on January 17, 2024 This independent verification study is part of a process in medical device development required by regulators; it ensures devices meet stringent regulatory standards and defined product requirements. The independent verification study was completed prior to the pivotal independent standalone validation study, REALITY, for which highly positive results were communicated on August 29, 2024.

Poster presentation: #1192P: Optimizing Lung Cancer Screening: Independent Verification of an AI/ML Computer-Aided Detection and Characterization Software as Medical Device

Authors: S. BODARD1, C. M VOYTON2, P. BAUDOT2, E. GEREMIA2, P. SIOT2, G. DE BIE2, V. LE2, D. FRANCIS2, B. RENOUST2, B. HUET2 - [1] Universite de Paris Cite, AP-HP, Paris, France, [2] Median Technologies, Valbonne, France.

Onsite display date: Sep 15, 2024

Poster Session: New Diagnostic Tools

About eyonis LCS: eyonis Lung Cancer Screening (LCS) is an artificial intelligence (AI) powered computer aided diagnostic device that uses machine learning (ML) to help analyze imaging data generated with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) to diagnose cancer at the earliest stages, when it can still be cured in the majority of patients. eyonis LCS has been classified by regulators as "Software as Medical Device", or SaMD, and is the subject of two pivotal studies required for marketing approvals in the U.S. and Europe: REALITY (successfully completed Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT0657623) and RELIVE (ongoing). Filing applications including these pivotal data are scheduled to be submitted for FDA 510(k) premarket clearance and CE marking in H1 2025. Separately, Median's AI technology is being sold and deployed via Median's iCRO business unit, to biopharmaceutical companies performing clinical trials of experimental therapeutics, including the world's leading pharmaceutical companies in cancer.

About ESMO: The annual European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress is one of the most widely attended and highly regarded global oncology conferences. It attracts clinicians, researchers, patient advocates, journalists and healthcare industry representatives from all over the world for presentations and discussions on the latest cutting-edge research from academia and industry. For more information about the ESMO Congress 2024, visit https://www.esmo.org/meeting-calendar/esmo-congress-2024

About Median Technologies: Pioneering innovative imaging solutions and services, Median Technologies harnesses cutting-edge AI to enhance the accuracy of early cancer diagnoses and treatments. Median's offerings include iCRO, which provides medical image analysis and management in oncology trials, and eyonis, an AI/ML tech-based suite of software as medical devices (SaMD). Median empowers biopharmaceutical entities and clinicians to advance patient care and expedite the development of novel therapies. The French-based company, with a presence in the U.S. and China, trades on the Euronext Growth market (ISIN: FR0011049824, ticker: ALMDT). Median is also eligible for the French SME equity savings plan scheme (PEA-PME). For more information, visit www.mediantechnologies.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240911117369/en/

Contacts:

MEDIAN TECHNOLOGIES

Emmanuelle Leygues

Head of Corporate Marketing Financial Communications

+33 6 10 93 58 88

emmanuelle.leygues@mediantechnologies.com

Investors

Ghislaine Gasparetto

SEITOSEI ACTIFIN

+33 6 21 10 49 24

ghislaine.gasparetto@seitosei-actifin.com

U.S. media investors

Chris Maggos

COHESION BUREAU

+41 79 367 6254

chris.maggos@cohesionbureau.com

Press

Caroline Carmagnol

ALIZE RP

+33 6 64 18 99 59

median@alizerp.com
Regulatory News:

Ikonisys (Euronext Growth Paris: ALIKO), a company specializing in the early and accurate detection of cancers through a unique, fully automated solution for medical analysis laboratories, today announces that its wholly-owned company Hospitex International signed a Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) with BIO BRASIL BIOTECNOLOGIA LTDA, a premier provider of anatomical pathology services in Brazil, marking a significant expansion of their collaboration in Brazil. This partnership aims to enhance the availability of diagnostic tools and improve healthcare outcomes in Sao Paulo state through the acquisition of additional state-of-the-art cytology equipment.

More specifically, the MOU outlines the acquisition ofan additional 10 Cytofast Plus systems and 50,000 reagent kits by BIO BRASIL. The Company will thus expand its diagnostic infrastructure, complementing the 7 systems already deployed in collaboration with Hospitex, to face the growing demand for Pap tests and urinary cytology diagnostics in Sao Paulo. In addition, a pilot project of innovative fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) technology will be conducted within BIO BRASIL's centralized laboratory to test Ikonisys' advanced diagnostic solution for urinary cytology. This project aims at introducing innovative applications for LSiL (Low-grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions) and ASCUS (Atypical Squamous Cells of Undetermined Significance) in Pap tests. The system has already been successfully evaluated in collaboration with Sao Paulo City Hall.

As part of the agreement, BIO BRASIL will oversee the integration and operational deployment of the new equipment, ensure staff training, and promote the accessibility of cytology services while Ikonisys will supply the equipment and reagent kits, provide technical support and training, and collaborate on R&D initiatives. The partnership will be effective for two years and aims to drive forward innovations in diagnostic pathology. Both companies are committed to completing an initial order of equipment and supplies by the end of 2024, ensuring swift deployment to support market needs.

The state of Sao Paulo presents a substantial market for cytology services. With nearly 8 million women of screening age for cervical cancer, preventive Pap tests have become a public health priority, with current urban coverage surpassing 70%. In addition, the state of Sao Paulo reports approximately 20,000 new cases of bladder cancer annually, emphasizing the growing demand for urinary cytology diagnostics.

Francesco Trisolini, COO of Ikonisys, stated: "We are thrilled to extend our partnership with BIO BRASIL which ties in with our strategy of expanding worldwide. This partnership marks a significant step forward in our commitment to advancing cytology technologies and enhancing healthcare services in geographies where there is a tremendous need to save human lives."

Thanks to this collaboration, BIO BRASIL will consolidate its position as the leading anatomical pathology laboratory in Brazil and Ikonisys is set to establish as the reference technology for liquid-based cytology (LBC) in Brazil.

About Ikonisys

Ikonisys SA is a cell-based diagnostics company based in Paris (France), New Haven (Connecticut, USA) and Milan (Italy) specialized in the early and accurate detection of cancer. The company develops, produces and markets the proprietary Ikoniscope20 and Ikoniscope20max platforms, fully-automated solutions designed to deliver accurate and reliable detection and analysis of rare and very rare cells. Ikonisys has received FDA clearance for several automated diagnostic applications, which are also marketed in Europe under CE certification. Through its breakthrough fluorescence microscopy platform, the company continues to develop a stream of new tests, including liquid biopsy tests based on Circulating Tumor Cells (CTC).

For further information, please go to www.ikonisys-finance.com

About BIO BRASIL BIOTECNOLOGIA

BIO BRASIL BIOTECNOLOGIA LTDA is a premier distribution company in Sao Paulo, Brazil, also partner of a reference lab named APOIOLAB, provider of pathological anatomy services and molecular biology based in Sao Paulo, Brazil, BIO BRASIL also has a factory in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais that produce hematology, chemical chemistry and uranalysis reagents. With a reputation for excellence and innovation, BIO BRASIL has become a leader in diagnostic pathology provider, serving a vast network of other healthcare providers and patients. Their commitment to quality and accuracy has positioned them as a trusted partner in healthcare across the country. BIO BRASIL also has another factory making boxes for disposing of hospital waste, and is the owner of a patent in partnership with the University of Campinas UNICAMP for intestinal parasite testing, with the development of automated analysis equipment.

For further information, please go to www.bio-brasil.com

Disclaimer

This press release contains forward-looking statements about the Company's prospects and development. These statements are sometimes identified by the use of the future tense, the conditional tense and forward-looking words such as "believe", "aim to", "expect", "intend", "estimate", "believe", "should", "could", "would" or "will" or, where appropriate, the negative of these terms or any other similar variants or expressions. This information is not historical data and should not be construed as a guarantee that the facts and data set forth will occur. This information is based on data, assumptions and estimates considered reasonable by the Company. It is subject to change or modification due to uncertainties relating to the economic, financial, competitive and regulatory environment. This information contains data relating to the Company's intentions, estimates and objectives concerning, in particular, the market, strategy, growth, results, financial situation and cash flow of the Company. The forward-looking information contained in this press release is made only as of the date of this press release. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information contained in this press release, except as required by applicable law or regulation. The Company operates in a competitive and rapidly changing environment and therefore cannot anticipate all of the risks, uncertainties or other factors that may affect its business, their potential impact on its business or the extent to which the materialization of any one risk or combination of risks could cause results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking information, it being recalled that none of this forward-looking information constitutes a guarantee of actual results.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240911988379/en/

Contacts:

Ikonisys

Alessandro Mauri

CFO

investors@ikonisys.com

NewCap

Louis-Victor Delouvrier/Aurelie Manavarere

Investor Relations

ikonisys@newcap.eu

Tel.: +33 (0)1 44 71 94 94

NewCap

Nicolas Merigeau

Media Relations

ikonisys@newcap.eu

Tel.:+33 (0)1 44 71 94 98
BANGALORE, India, Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The global Electronic Paste market is projected to reach USD 9967.9 million by 2030 from an estimated USD 5836.7 million in 2024, at a CAGR of 9.3% during 2024 and 2030.

Electronic Paste Market is Segmented by Type (Conductive Paste, Resistive Paste, Insulation Paste, Others), by Application (Solar Cells, Printed Circuit Board, Touchscreen, LED, Others): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2024-2030.

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Major Factors Driving the Growth of Electronic Paste Market:

Due to the growing need for high-performance computing in artificial intelligence applications across all sectors, the market for AI Server GPUs is expanding quickly. GPUs (Graphics Processing Units) are critical for speeding deep learning, neural networks, and large data processing operations as AI workloads become more complicated and data-intensive. The need for AI server GPUs is being further fueled by the growth of edge computing, cloud computing, and AI-driven applications in industries like finance, healthcare, and the automotive industry. In order to satisfy the increasing computing demands of AI servers worldwide, major firms are concentrating on creating GPUs that are both more potent and energy-efficient.

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TRENDS INFLUENCING THE GROWTH OF THE ELECTRONIC PASTE MARKET

In the electronics sector, conductive paste is essential because it ensures electrical contact in a variety of electronic equipment. It is widely used in the production of semiconductors, printed circuit boards (PCBs), sensors, and other components. Better conductivity, thermal stability, and stickiness are required in high-quality conductive paste, which is becoming more and more in demand as electronics become smaller and perform better. The growing use of cutting-edge electronics in sectors including consumer electronics, automotive, and telecommunications is driving up demand for them. The market for electronic paste is anticipated to increase significantly as long as dependable conductive paste is needed, given how the electronics sector develops.

Printed circuit boards, or PCBs, are the structural core that link different parts of almost every electronic device. To provide the required circuits and paths, electronic pastes such as conductive, insulating, and resistive pastes must be applied during PCB fabrication. The need for sophisticated electronic pastes rises in line with the need for higher-density, more complicated PCBs, especially in the automotive, consumer electronics, and telecommunications industries. The market for electronic paste is being driven by the move towards more advanced PCBs, which enable faster speeds and more functionality. Manufacturers are looking for pastes that provide accuracy, dependability, and longevity.

The market for electronic paste is significantly influenced by the solar energy sector, primarily by the use of conductive pastes in the production of solar cells. In order to convert sunlight into electricity, these pastes are employed to form the electrical connections on the surface of solar cells. The rising use of solar power and the global drive towards renewable energy have led to a spike in demand for high-performance conductive pastes. Thin-film technologies and higher-efficiency cell development, among other advancements in solar cell technology, have increased demand for specialty electronic pastes that can improve solar panel durability and efficiency, spurring market expansion.

The market for electronic paste is growing as a result of the growing consumer electronics industry. The need for parts like PCBs, sensors, and displays-all of which depend on electronic pastes-has increased due to the growing popularity of smartphones, tablets, wearable technology, and other electronic devices. In order to fulfill the growing demands of consumers for gadgets with more sophisticated features and improved performance, manufacturers are resorting more and more to premium electronic pastes. More advanced electronic pastes are being developed and adopted as a result of the trend toward miniaturization and the demand for more functionality, which is driving market expansion.

The market for electronic paste is also significantly influenced by the automotive sector, especially in light of the increasing popularity of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and electric vehicles (EVs). Complex electronic systems, such as high-density PCBs and sensors, are necessary for these technologies, and their production depends on dependable electronic pastes. It is anticipated that the need for electronic pastes with high conductivity, durability, and thermal stability will increase as the automobile sector continues to develop with features like autonomous driving, connectivity, and increased safety. The necessity for sophisticated electronic pastes in automotive applications is further increased by the movement towards greener transportation choices, such as electric vehicles (EVs), which is fueling market expansion.

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ELECTRONIC PASTE MARKET SHARE ANALYSIS

A well-established electronics manufacturing industry and the strong presence of top technological businesses are the main drivers of the electronic paste market in North America. The region's emphasis on innovation, especially in the automotive, telecommunications, and consumer electronics sectors, creates a sizable need for sophisticated electronic pastes. The industry is further stimulated by the increasing use of renewable energy technology, such solar panels, and electric vehicles (EVs). The government programs supporting green energy and technology developments also play a significant role in the strong expansion of the electronic paste industry in this area.

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Key Players:

ShoeiChemicalInc

Sumitomo Metal Mining

Heraeus

Changzhou Fusion New Material

Shandong Sinocera

Henkel

DKEM

Good-Ark

Giga Solar Materials

Mitsuboshi Belting

Noritake

Shanghai Transcom Scientific

Fujikura Kasei

Nippon Chemical Industrial

Ruxing Technology

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- The global Lead-Free Solder Paste market was valued at USD 10 million in 2023 and is anticipated to reach USD 16 million by 2030, witnessing a CAGR of 6.5% during the forecast period 2024-2030.

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- The global Conductive Silver Paste market was valued at USD 5396 million in 2023 and is anticipated to reach USD 7120.5 million by 2030, witnessing a CAGR of 4.1% during the forecast period 2024-2030.

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- Anti-paste Paint Market

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Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 11, 2024) - Los Andes Copper Ltd. (TSXV: LA) (OTCQX: LSANF) ("Los Andes" or the "Company") announces today information which came to the attention of the Company yesterday concerning its second-largest shareholder, Resource Capital Fund VI L.P. ("RCF") and which has been the subject of inquiries from a number of shareholders.

Based on insider reports filed by RCF on September 10, 2024, the Company has learned that RCF sold common shares of the Company ("Los Andes Shares") from its holdings over 19 trading days between July 23, 2024 and September 9, 2024. The Company understands that, prior to these share sales, RCF held a direct interest in the Company of approximately 13.6%, and also an indirect beneficial ownership in Los Andes Shares through its equity interest in the Company's largest shareholder, Turnbrook Mining Limited, of approximately 9%.

About Los Andes Copper Ltd.

Los Andes Copper Ltd. is an exploration and development company with an 100% interest in the Vizcachitas Project in Chile. The Company is focused on progressing the Project, which is located along Chile's most prolific copper belt, into production. Vizcachitas is one of the largest copper deposits in the Americas not controlled by the majors and the Company believes it will be Chile's next major copper mine.

The Project is a copper-molybdenum porphyry deposit, located 150 kilometers north of Santiago, in an area of very good infrastructure. An independent technical report for the PFS, prepared in accordance with NI 43-101, is available on the Company's SEDAR profile.

Los Andes Copper Ltd. is listed on the TSX-V under the ticker: LA.

E-Mail: info@losandescopper.com or visit our website at: www.losandescopper.com

Follow us on twitter @LosAndesCopper

Follow us on LinkedIn Los Andes Copper Ltd

Certain of the information and statements contained herein that are not historical facts, constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of the Securities Act (British Columbia), Securities Act (Ontario) and the Securities Act (Alberta) ("Forward-Looking Information"). Forward-Looking Information is often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "seek", "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "expect" and "intend"; statements that an event or result is "due" on or "may", "will", "should", "could", or might" occur or be achieved; and, other similar expressions. More specifically, Forward-Looking Information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such Forward-Looking Information. Such Forward Looking Information includes, without limitation, the timing of and ability to obtain TSX-V and other regulatory approvals and the prospects, details related to and timing of the Vizcachitas Project. Such Forward-Looking Information is based upon the Company's assumptions regarding global and Chilean economic, political and market conditions and the price of metals and energy and the Company's production. Among the factors that have a direct bearing on the Company's future results of operations and financial conditions are changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, a change in government policies, competition, currency fluctuations and restrictions and technological changes, among other things. Should one or more of any of the aforementioned risks and uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from any conclusions, forecasts or projections described in the Forward-Looking Information. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on Forward-Looking Information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise Forward-Looking Information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

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.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/223016

SOURCE: Los Andes Copper Ltd.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - September 11, 2024) - BrandPilot AI Inc. (CSE: BPAI) ("BrandPilot AI" or the "Company"), a provider of influencer marketing solutions for investor relations (IR), today announced that its services are being made available to publicly listed companies on the Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE).

"We are thrilled to offer our services to publicly listed companies on the CSE," said John Beresford, CRO of BrandPilot AI. "This offering is a credit to our team's hard work and dedication to providing our clients with the best possible influencer marketing solutions in this heavily regulated space."

BrandPilot AI has a track record helping publicly listed companies reach their target audiences and achieve their IR goals. The Company's influencer marketing platform enables clients to identify and engage with top-tier influencers who can create and distribute high-quality content that resonates with investors.

"While B2C brands have long recognized the value of influencer marketing, BrandPilot AI is pioneering its application in the IR space," said John R. Beresford, CRO of BrandPilot AI Inc. "We've tailored our service to meet the specific goals and regulatory requirements of IR professionals, ensuring impactful campaigns that resonate with retail investors."

BrandPilot AI's platform boasts a curated network of over 300 million social media creators, with a dedicated subset ideally suited for IR campaigns. "We've meticulously designed contracts, workflows, and creative strategies that align with the unique needs of the IR industry," explained Vanessa Garro-Peeters, VP of Customer and Partner Success at BrandPilot AI. "Our creators are well-versed in the necessary regulations, and every campaign includes Errors and Omissions Insurance for added peace of mind."

"As a publicly traded company ourselves, we understand the IR landscape intimately," added Brandon Mina, CEO of BrandPilot AI. "This firsthand experience has enabled us to develop a solution that truly empowers IR teams to leverage the vast potential of influencer marketing."

About BrandPilot AI

BrandPilot AI (CSE: BPAI) is a leading provider of AI-powered influencer marketing solutions. The company's flagship product, Spectrum IQ, is a powerful influencer search and campaign management tool that helps brands find the right influencers for their campaigns and track their results. BrandPilot AI is headquartered in Toronto, Ontario.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws relating to the business of the Company. Any such forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "projects", "plans" and similar expressions. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Statements about, among other things, the Company's strategic plans are all forward-looking information. 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. The Company assumes no responsibility to update or revise forward-looking information to reflect new events or circumstances unless required by applicable law.

Forward-looking statements involve significant risk, uncertainties and assumptions. Many factors could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from the results discussed or implied in the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to the financial markets generally and the ability of the Company to achieve its proposed business objectives. These factors should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure readers that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required by law.

Neither the Canadian Securities 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. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/223015

SOURCE: BrandPilot AI Inc.
HRS LAUNCHES EXPANSION IN ITALY

WITH A FIRST ORDER FOR A HYDROGEN REFUELING STATION

Grenoble, September 11, 2024 - HRS, French designer and manufacturer, European leader in hydrogen refueling stations, has announced its first order for the supply and installation of an HRS14[1] hydrogen station in Italy for an industrial client.

The dual-pressure station, which is scheduled to be installed at the customer's site by the end of 2025, will be capable of refueling a broad range of hydrogen-powered vehicles - from passenger cars to trucks, buses, and even industrial vehicles - supporting the refueling of a wide spectrum of zero-emission mobility solutions.

This project is part of European and Italian energy transition support programs aimed at the rapid deployment of hydrogen infrastructures. It is linked to the receipt of subsidies, which will be confirmed by the end of November 2024, enabling the program to begin.

To meet the European Union's objectives on transport decarbonization, Italy has committed

230 million to the deployment of hydrogen refueling stations for road transport[2]. By 2026, at least 40 hydrogen refueling stations will be deployed along major roads and near ports and logistics terminals.

This order represents a first success for HRS in Italy and confirms the company's ability to deploy its technological expertise across Europe and worldwide. Italy is actually one of the promising European markets that HRS is targeting commercially, in particular through fieldwork with its partner Simplifhy.

Hassen Rachedi, founder and CEO of HRS, expressed his enthusiasm: "We are thrilled to see this first success in Italy, and we expect it will be the first of many. The commercial groundwork we've been laying over recent months with the support of local partners is beginning to pay off. Italy's strong commitment to green hydrogen development aligns perfectly with our vision, and we are confident that our technological leadership, combined with our growing local presence, positions us to play a crucial role in the country's green hydrogen infrastructure rollout."

ABOUT HRS (Hydrogen Refueling Solutions)

HRS is one of the world's leading manufacturers of high-capacity hydrogen refueling stations. HRS offers a complete and unique range of modular and scalable stations, from 200 kg/day to 4 tons/day.

Pure player from station design to commissioning, HRS has state-of-the-art industrial production facilities capable of assembling up to 180 stations a year, with lead times of 6 to 12 weeks. This industrial site includes a test area, the only one of its kind in Europe, to test and trial the range of stations and develop future products and solutions for the hydrogen mobility market.

HRS also offers a complete range of services, including 24/7/365 on-call maintenance. The performance of stations installed in Europe and around the world is monitored in real time from our state-of-the-art control room.

HRS now has one of the largest installed bases of high-capacity stations on the market, with 22 stations from 200 kg/day to 1 tonne/day, representing a cumulative capacity of more than 5 tonnes/day. All the stations' terminals are bi-pressure and equipped with 350-bar, 350-HF and 700-bar nozzles, meeting all the needs of hydrogen mobility.

HRS stands out for its rigorous economic discipline, offering long-term financial solidity while continuing to allocate substantial resources to R&D, thus ensuring its position at the forefront of innovation.

ISIN code: FR0014001PM5 - mnemonic: ALHRS.

For more information, visit our website www.hydrogen-refueling-solutions.fr

CONTACTS

Investor Relations

ACTUS finance & communication

Gregoire SAINT-MARC

hrs@actus.fr

Tel. 01 53 67 36 94 Financial press relations

ACTUS finance & communication

Deborah SCHWARTZ

hrs-presse@actus.fr

Tel. 01 53 67 36 35 Corporate press relations

ACTUS finance & communication

Anne-Charlotte DUDICOURT

hrs-presse@actus.fr

Tel.: 01 53 67 36 32

[1] Plant trade name from 200 kg/day or up to 14 kg/hour

[2] Source: Gouvernement Italien

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Pender Harbour, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 11, 2024) - A petition has been filed in BC Supreme Court, challenging the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA). That is the law the BC government uses to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) in BC.

The petition was filed by the Pender Harbour and Area Residents Association (PHARA), asking the court to rule that the DRIPA violates a number of constitutional principles and is of no force and effect.

"We strongly support reconciliation, but people have become divided by the DRIPA, so we look forward to the court ruling and giving some certainty to everyone" said PHARA President Peter Robson. "While court is the last place we want to be, we feel this step is necessary and we are committed to it."

The case stems from PHARA's longstanding concerns about the role the province has given the shishalh Nation in decision-making under the BC Land Act related to dock permits. This includes a 2022 Cabinet Order directing ministers to negotiate a formal agreement to give the shishalh Nation legal powers over Land Act decisions. Those negotiations have been underway for more than two years and PHARA has repeatedly been denied any meaningful engagement.

The petition argues, among other things, that:

the DRIPA and the Cabinet Order are beyond the province's constitutional authority,

DRIPA and the Cabinet Order breach the democratic rights of citizens by leaving them governed by an entity they had no say in electing, and

DRIPA illegally tries to tie the hands of future governments by dictating what types of laws they must pass (so as to be "consistent" with the UNDRIP)

"We know there are many British Columbians worried about where BC is heading with an agenda that seems one-sided and secretive" said PHARA director Sean McAllister. "We also know many of the people who feel this way are afraid to speak up, so we see the court as a safe, appropriate and respectful way to determine if these concerns are valid".

PHARA's petition will be updated to the PHARA home page at www.phara.ca, along with a button for those wishing to donate in support of the litigation.

COMMENTS FROM OTHERS

Ellis Ross, MLA and former Chief Councilor of the Haisla Nation -

I have spent my career studying section 35 constitutionally protected Aboriginal rights and used them to help my region develop and prosper. DRIPA in its current form is complicating things and causing division. I look forward to what the court has to say on this important legal challenge.

Jock Finlayson, Chief Economist, Independent Contractors and Businesses Association (ICBA) -

British Columbia's unusual 'go it alone' approach to pursuing reconciliation with Indigenous peoples carries risk for many business operators as well as for the overall investment climate. Among other things, the government's actions and policy proposals presented over the last year or so are likely to foster greater uncertainty for the private sector. British Columbians need to work together to build a fair, prosperous economy that welcomes investment and encourages productive entrepreneurship.

Tom Isaac - lawyer and author of "Aboriginal Law" (6th edition) -

This case tackles the fundamental question of whether a single Canadian province can develop its own Indigenous rights laws, and whether that can be squared with the Indigenous rights framework already found in Canada's Constitution and related case law. These are serious questions that until now have not received the attention they deserve. And because this affects how Indigenous rights are balanced with other people's rights, it is an important case for every British Columbian and will be followed very closely by the legal community.

Scott Ellis, CEO, Guide Outfitters Association of BC -

We 100% support reconciliation - but BC's efforts to shoehorn a United Nations document (UNDRIP) into Canada's constitutional framework has complicated things and caused some to feel left behind. We need clear guidance from the court on whether the DRIPA can be squared with our legal system.

Werner Stump, President, BC Cattlemen's Association -

The British Columbia Cattlemen's Association believes that reconciliation with First Nations is one of the most important tasks facing British Columbia. Both the process and outcomes must be fair and balanced. Guidance from the courts on the Province's approach is essential, and we will be watching this case very closely.

Dave Butler, Strategic Advocacy Coordinator, HeliCat Canada -

HeliCat Canada looks forward to obtaining clarity from the courts around the Province of BC's responsibility to consider the interests of businesses and communities before it makes decisions under the umbrella of reconciliation.

ABOUT PHARA

PHARA is a volunteer organization which exists to support the vitality of the communities of Pender Harbour and Egmont areas as excellent places to live, work and play for residents and visitors. The Association provides a structure that allows residents to identify issues of broad community concern and have them effectively addressed.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/222959

SOURCE: Pender Harbour and Area Residents Association
NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / September 11, 2024 / FedEx Corporation



The sun beat down on the large tent in the bustling parking lot as the crowd gathered in its shade. Parked next to the tent, a brand new canteen truck shimmered in the sunlight. A bright red ribbon held the vehicle captive. It was no ordinary truck. It was a lifeline, a symbol of hope and resilience. On August 14th, in St. Marys, Georgia FedEx made its 25th donation of a mobile canteen to The Salvation Army.

At the event, the atmosphere was charged with anticipation. The Salvation Army uses mobile canteens to bring relief to people in crisis. Responding to hurricanes and floods, fires and blizzards, the mobile kitchens are a constant presence, offering hot meals, clean water, and a sense of comfort.

Cheers erupted when the red ribbon was cut, celebrating the relief that the vehicle will bring to so many. Something most attendees didn't know was that even before the ribbon cutting event, the canteen had already been put to work. Just a week earlier, Hurricane Debby had swept through the region, leaving a trail of destruction. The Salvation Army had immediately deployed the mobile canteen to provide aid to those impacted by the storm.

As the event wrapped up, a sense of gratitude washed over the crowd. They had witnessed the power of generosity and compassion. The 25th mobile canteen is more than just a vehicle; it is a symbol of hope, a lifeline for those in need.

The Salvation Army Service Center in St. Marys, Georgia is now the home of the new canteen. The region, known for its coastal beauty, is no stranger to hurricanes. The canteen will be stationed there, ready to respond to any disaster that might strike.

Its mission won't be limited to emergencies. It will be used year-round to serve people in need. It will be a mobile beacon of hope, offering comfort and support to those facing hardship.

FedEx began donating mobile canteens to The Salvation Army in 2006. The canteens have helped people affected by flooding in Brazil, fires in Australia, hurricanes in Florida, homelessness in California, and earthquakes in Puerto Rico. They've served people in 18 cities across the U.S. and in 7 other countries.

These rolling kitchens of compassion are making a difference as they serve those in need around the world.

Click here to learn about FedEx Cares, our global community engagement program.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from FedEx Corporation on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: FedEx Corporation

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/fedex-corporation

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: FedEx Corporation

View the original press release on accesswire.com
More than 40% of the national companies participating are from regions outside the Greater Metropolitan Area (GAM), and 68% are SMEs.

Costa Rica Trade & Investment Summit 2025, the country's new business event, was launched during BTM.

SAN JOSE, Costa Rica, Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- This morning, the 26th edition of the Buyers Trade Mission (BTM), the most important business matchmaking event in Central America, organized by the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Agency (PROCOMER), kicked off. Over 500 national exporters and 300 international buyers are expected to complete more than 3,000 business meetings on September 11 and 12 at the Costa Rica Convention Center.

BTM 2024, organized by the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Agency (PROCOMER), aims to generate business and forge strategic alliances by facilitating connections between local companies from sectors such as agriculture, food, industry, and services with buyers from over 40 countries, including the United States, Germany, Turkey, Greece, China, Chile, the United Kingdom, Japan, and Canada, among others.

Manuel Tovar, Chairman of PROCOMER's Board and Minister of Foreign Trade, stated, "Costa Rica is a country open to trade, driving opportunities through trade agreements that currently give us access to two-thirds of the world's GDP. These instruments, along with events like BTM, create more business, jobs, and development for the country."

Laura Lopez, CEO of PROCOMER, added, "BTM 2024 is a clear example of how sustainability shapes business and strengthens our exports. PROCOMER's goal with these events is to connect our exporters with international buyers, generate business, and expand the positive impact of our exports across the country, fostering well-being that also boosts the growth of SMEs and communities outside the Greater Metropolitan Area."

Of the national companies participating in the event, more than 40% come from regions outside the Greater Metropolitan Area (GAM), and 68% are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), highlighting the country's focus on SME growth as an economic driver.

Additionally, as part of BTM, specialized talks and field tours, known as "reverse missions," will be held in sectors such as agriculture, advanced manufacturing, and creative industries, where international buyers will have the opportunity to see firsthand the country's capabilities and export offerings.

"We are reinventing ourselves": Costa Rica Trade & Investment Summit 2025

During her presentation at BTM 2024, Laura Lopez launched the new platform that will replace the Buyers Trade Mission and revolutionize the way business is conducted: Costa Rica Trade & Investment Summit 2025, which integrates the promotion of exports and foreign direct investment (FDI) into a single event.

"PROCOMER is reinventing, innovating, and adapting to global needs and the needs of our export and investment sectors. For this reason, and always aiming to position Costa Rica as a prime business partner, we decided to merge the promotion of exports and FDI into one event, turning the country into a global business hub," Lopez added.

According to the CEO of PROCOMER, Costa Rica Trade & Investment Summit 2025 will take place in September 2025 and will bring together over 400 investors and buyers from 45 countries, 1,000 exporters, multinationals, and suppliers, in more than 3,200 business meetings.

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Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - September 11, 2024) - Cypherpunk Holdings Inc. (CSE: HODL) (OTC Pink: CYFRF) ("Cypherpunk" or the "Company"), a Canadian-based company dedicated to investing in companies, technologies, and protocols within the blockchain ecosystem, announces it has that it has entered into an investor relations agreement (the "Agreement") dated September 11, 2024 with Proconsul Capital Ltd. ("Proconsul"), an arm's length party to the Company. Pursuant to the Agreement, Proconsul has agreed to provide strategic communication services to the Company, in consideration for a fee of $7,000, plus HST per month during the Term of the Agreement and the issuance of stock options in the Company (the "Consultant Options"). The Agreement is in effect until October 30, 2024, and renewable automatically on a month-to-month basis unless terminated by either party in accordance with the termination provisions contained in the Agreement (the "Term"). Proconsul's business address is 100 Richmond St. W. Suite 200, Toronto, ON M5H 3K6 email: acurkovic@proconsulcapital.com, telephone: 416-577-9927. Proconsul currently owns nil securities of the Company.

The Consultant Options are exercisable to purchase 100,000 common shares (each, a "Common Share") in the capital of the Company at a price of $0.145 per Common Share, until the earlier of September 11, 2026, and thirty (30) days after the termination of the Agreement. The Consultant Options vest after three months and prior to the expiry of the stock option agreement. The Options were granted pursuant to the Company's stock option plan last approved by shareholders at the annual and special meeting of shareholders on July 30, 2024.

The Company has also granted stock options (the "Options") to purchase 49,971 Common Shares in the capital of the Company to Ungad Chadda in connection with his previously announced appointment as a director of the Company at a price of $0.145 per Common Share, expiring on September 10, 2029. The Options vest immediately. The Options were granted pursuant to the Company's stock option plan last approved by shareholders at the annual and special meeting of shareholders on July 30, 2024.

About Cypherpunk

Cypherpunk is dedicated to investing in companies, cryptocurrencies, technologies, and protocols within the blockchain ecosystem. With a strategic focus on cryptocurrency and blockchain innovation, the Company leverages its extensive industry expertise to identify and support high-potential opportunities in the digital asset space.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information:

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.

This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Generally, any statements that are not historical facts may contain forward-looking information, and forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or indicates that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be" taken, "occur" or "be achieved".

Forward-looking statements made in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the appointment of a new director to the Company's Board of Directors and associated benefits, and the Company's plans to execute its strategies and goals. There is no assurance that the Company's plans or objectives will be implemented as set out herein, or at all. Forward-looking information is based on certain factors and assumptions the Company believes to be reasonable at the time such statements are made and is 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 information.

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 information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. 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 law. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements.

SOURCE: Cypherpunk

Media contact: cypherpunk@mgroupsc.com

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/223047

SOURCE: Cypherpunk Holdings Inc.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 11, 2024) - Equinox Gold Corp. (TSX: EQX) (NYSE American: EQX) ("Equinox Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce an updated Mineral Resource Estimate ("MRE") for its 100% owned, exploration-stage Hasaga Property ("Hasaga" or the "Property") in Red Lake, Ontario.

Highlights

Indicated Mineral Resource estimated at 1.470 million tonnes ("Mt") with an average grade of 8.64 grams per tonne ("g/t") gold for 408,000 ounces ("oz") of contained gold

Inferred Mineral Resource estimated at 2.059 Mt with an average grade of 7.31 g/t gold for 484,000 oz of contained gold

"Hasaga is located in the Red Lake Gold District of northwestern Ontario, which is renowned for its high gold grades and prolific historical gold production. This updated Mineral Resource Estimate focuses on the high-grade nature of the gold mineralization and is a departure from the previous bulk-tonnage approach," stated Scott Heffernan, EVP Exploration of Equinox Gold. "As expected, the updated Mineral Resource Estimate contains fewer gold ounces but at significantly higher average gold grades.

"Further, the main zones of gold mineralization included in the updated Mineral Resource Estimate remain open, with numerous historical gold intersections defining drill-ready targets highlighting the potential for resource growth and new discoveries."

Hasaga is located on the western edge of the town of Red Lake, Ontario (Figure 1) within the Red Lake Greenstone Belt, which has produced over 30 million ounces of gold from active and past producing gold mines. Hasaga sits on the main northeast-southwest trend, approximately 5 km southwest of the Red Lake Mine Complex. Acquired by Equinox Gold in 2021 through the acquisition of Premier Gold Mines Limited, the Property is host to three past-producing gold mines (Hasaga, Buffalo and Red Lake Gold Shore) that combined produced 240,969 oz of gold. Most of the production came from underground mining in the Hasaga Mine, which produced 218,213 oz of gold at an average grade of 4.94 g/t gold between 1938 and 1952.

Hasaga Mineral Resource Update

The updated MRE is summarized in Table 1 and incorporates a new geological model that resulted from a core relogging campaign focused on drilling completed by the previous operator. No new drilling has been conducted by Equinox Gold to date. The revised MRE was optimized for underground mining with a 4 g/t gold cut-off grade and a minimum thickness of 1.0 m, which is appropriate for this style of deposit and typical of all significant gold mines in the Red Lake Gold District.

The main Hasaga, Epp C, and Epp D zones, which are hosted within the Hasaga Porphyry, account for most of the current mineral resource and are the most attractive targets for future exploration. All three zones occur along a common mineralized trend and represent the strike and down-dip extensions of the past producing Hasaga and Howie mines. The Buffalo Zone, located 1.5 km southwest of the Hasaga Deposit, and the Central Zone, located approximately 1 km north of the Hasaga Deposit, are both hosted within the Dome Stock. The zones are shown in Figures 2 and 3 and described in Hasaga Geology and Mineralization below.

Hasaga Exploration Potential

Historical drilling results along the main Hasaga trend underscore the exploration potential of the Property. Of the 46 drillholes outside of the resource areas, every hole returned at least one sample with > 1 g/t gold and 14 intersected potentially economic gold mineralization, providing drill-ready, high-potential targets for resource growth (Figure 3). Additionally, over 50% of the Property is underlain by the Dome Stock, which hosts the Buffalo and Central zones and has not been systematically explored, providing additional potential for new discoveries.

Exploration efforts contemplated for 2025 include:

Geological mapping and surface geochemistry programs to cover the entire property

Further relogging of historical drill core for continued geological model improvement

Sampling of historical core intervals recognized as potentially gold bearing

A limited infill and step-out diamond drilling program within the resource areas and within known mineralization away from the resource areas

Figure 1: Hasaga Property Location Map

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Table 1: Hasaga Mineral Resource Estimate as of June 30, 2024

Classification Area Tonnage

(kt) Gold Grade

(g/t) Contained Gold

(koz) Indicated Epp C 893 9.58 275 Hasaga 346 7.06 79 Buffalo 158 8.17 41 Central 73 5.66 13 Total 1,470 8.64 408 Inferred Epp C 728 8.59 201 Hasaga 507 6.35 103 Epp D 322 6.46 67 Buffalo 259 7.09 59 Central 243 6.81 53 Total 2,059 7.31 484

Mineral Resources are reported using a cut-off grade of 4.0 g/t gold based on the following costs and assumptions: US$1,700 per oz gold price, C$0.77 to US$1 exchange rate, US$4.62 per gold oz refining and transportation costs, 3% royalty, US$83.93/t mining costs, US$30.80/t process costs, US$23.10/t G&A costs, US$26.18/t sustaining capital, 90% process recovery and 1m minimum width. Mineral Resources are constrained using wireframes representing continuous blocks with estimated gold grades >=4 g/t gold, continuous volumes representing >120 kt, and minimum thickness of 1.0 m. The Hasaga Property Mineral Resource statement has been prepared by Trevor Rabb, P.Geo. who is a qualified person ("QP") as defined by National Instrument 43-101- Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"). The Hasaga Property Mineral Resource statement has been prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (May 2016) and the CIM Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves (May 2014). Mineral Resources are not Mineral Reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. Metric tonnes and gold ounces are rounded to the nearest thousand. Any discrepancies in the totals are due to rounding effects. Mineral Resources from the Hasaga Property presented herein have an effective date of June 30, 2024. See the Technical Report on the Hasaga Property, Red Lake, Ontario, Canada dated September 11, 2024, with an effective date of June 30, 2024 ("Hasaga Technical Report") available on the Company's profile on SEDAR+ www.sedarplus.ca and on the Company's profile on EDGAR at www.sec.gov/edgar for details of the information required under sections 3.2, 3.3 and 3.4 of NI 43-101.

Hasaga Geology and Mineralization

Hasaga is located within the Red Lake Greenstone Belt in Ontario, Canada, with the northern half underlain by granodiorite of the Dome Stock and the southern portion by felsic, intermediate and mafic volcanics of the Confederation and Balmer Assemblages (Figure 2). The volcanic units are intruded by the intermediate Howie Diorite and the felsic Hasaga Porphyry. Gold mineralization is classified as an orogenic gold deposit and is primarily hosted in quartz-tourmaline-sulphide veins within the Dome Stock and Hasaga Porphyry. The Dome Stock is host to the Central and Buffalo zones, while the remainder of the zones (Hasaga, Epp C, and Epp D) are hosted in the Hasaga Porphyry. Despite having similar mineralogy, vein morphology differs between host rock types. Veins hosted in the Dome Stock are generally thinner, occurring as millimetre-scale to centimetre-scale veins, with little to no ductile deformation. Veins hosted in the Hasaga Porphyry are generally thicker, occurring as centimetre-scale to decimetre-scale with more abundant ductile deformation textures and well-developed alteration halos. Vein geometry and orientation also differs between zones, with the Hasaga Porphyry zones displaying an orientation slightly oblique to stratigraphy, striking northeast-southwest, with minor cross-cutting splays and folds. Dome Stock zones, in contrast, typically strike northwest-southeast. Both settings of mineralization are interpreted to be associated with a belt-scale mineralization event, postdating emplacement of all major geological units, and pre-dating the peak regional metamorphic and deformation event that modified mineralization.

Figure 2: Hasaga Property Geology Map

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Figure 3: Schematic Long Section of the Hasaga Property

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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Rahill-Bonanza Property

Connecting Hasaga and the Red Lake Mine Complex (Figure 1), the Rahill-Bonanza Property is a joint venture between Equinox Gold and Evolution Mining Limited ("Evolution"). Rahill-Bonanza is situated on the main Red Lake mine trend and is the only remaining property on the mine trend that is not 100% owned by Evolution. Rahill-Bonanza boasts historical gold production from the past-producing Wilmar Mine, multiple deposits with historical resources and numerous exploration targets on key structures that remain open and warrant significant future exploration.

Qualified Persons

Scott Heffernan, M.Sc., P.Geo., Equinox Gold's EVP Exploration, a qualified person ("QP") under National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information related to exploration and Mineral Resource matters contained in this news release.

About Equinox Gold

Equinox Gold is a growth-focused Canadian mining company operating entirely in the Americas, with eight producing gold mines and a clear path to achieve more than one million ounces of annual gold production from a pipeline of expansion projects. Equinox Gold's common shares are listed on the TSX and the NYSE American under the trading symbol EQX. Further information about Equinox Gold's portfolio of assets and long-term growth strategy is available at www.equinoxgold.com or by email at ir@equinoxgold.com.

Equinox Gold Contacts

Greg Smith, Chief Executive Officer

Rhylin Bailie, Vice President, Investor Relations

Tel: +1 604-558-0560

Email: ir@equinoxgold.com

Forward Looking Statements

This news release contains certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities legislation and may include future-oriented financial information (collectively, "Forward-looking Information"). Forward-looking Information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, statements regarding: the strategic vision for the Company and expectations regarding exploration potential, production capabilities, growth potential, and future financial or operating performance; Equinox Gold's plans and expectations for further exploration at Hasaga; and estimates of Mineral Resources. Forward-looking Information can be identified by the use of words such as "strategy", "potential", "targets", "future", "will", "advance" and similar expressions and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", or "should" occur, or the negative connotation of such terms. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such Forward-looking Information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on Forward-looking Information since the Company can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. The Company has based Forward-looking Information in this news release on the Company's current expectations and projections about future events and these assumptions include: the material factors and assumptions contained in the Hasaga Technical Report, including the Mineral Resource estimates and the assumptions on which they are based; Equinox Gold's ability to achieve the exploration, production, cost and development expectations for its respective operations and projects; all necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals are received in a timely manner; and the Company's ability to comply with environmental, health and safety laws. While the Company considers these assumptions to be reasonable based on information currently available, they may prove to be incorrect. Accordingly, readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on Forward-looking Information contained in this news release.

Forward-looking Information is subject to 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 Information. Such factors include, without limitation: fluctuations in gold prices; fluctuations in prices for energy inputs, labour, materials, supplies and services; fluctuations in currency markets; operational risks and hazards inherent with the business of mining (including environmental accidents and hazards, geotechnical failures, industrial accidents, equipment breakdown, unusual or unexpected geological or structural formations, cave-ins, flooding, fire and severe weather); inadequate insurance, or inability to obtain insurance to cover these risks and hazards; employee relations; relationships with, and claims by, local communities and indigenous populations; changes in laws, regulations and government practices; legal restrictions relating to mining; and those factors identified in the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2023 and its most recently filed Annual Information Form, copies of which are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov/edgar. Except as required by applicable law, the Company assumes no obligation to publicly announce the results of any change to any Forward-looking Information contained or incorporated by reference into this news release to reflect actual results, future events or developments, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting the Forward-looking Information. If the Company updates any Forward-looking Information, no inference should be made that the Company will make additional updates with respect to that or other Forward-looking Information. All Forward-looking Information contained in this news release is expressly qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement.

Cautionary Note to U.S. Readers Concerning Estimates of Mineral Resources

Information regarding mineral resource estimates included in this news release was prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"). NI 43-101 is a rule developed by the Canadian Securities Administrators that establishes standards for all public disclosure an issuer makes of scientific and technical information concerning mineral projects. NI 43-101 differs significantly from the disclosure requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") generally applicable to U.S. companies. Accordingly, information contained in this news release is not comparable to similar information made public by U.S. companies reporting pursuant to SEC disclosure requirements.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/223060

SOURCE: Equinox Gold Corp.
Connectly, a San Francisco, CA-based company which specializes in conversational commerce, raised $20M in Series B funding.

The round was led by Alibaba, with participation from Unusual Ventures, Volpe Capital, RX Ventures, Falabella Ventures and Philippos Kourkoulos Latsis.

The company intends to use the funds to invest in its proprietary AI models and scale its business.

Founded by Silicon Valley tech experts Stefanos Loukakos and Yandong Liu, Connectly uses proprietary artificial intelligence (AI) models to help retailers grow their business using personalized two-way customer messages in a digital-first world. The platform automates the way businesses communicate with their customers and sell their products across any messaging platform. Connectly enables the entire customer journey  from sales and marketing to customer experience and support  to be conducted within the customers preferred messaging platform.

FinSMEs

11/09/2024
A Lab Microscope Close-Up original 760168

PanTera, a Mol, Belgium-based radioisotope producer, raised 93M in Series A funding.

The round was led by EQT Life Sciences, with participation from Kurma Partners, Eurazeo, Korys, Paladin and PMV. With additional equity and debt funding, the total amount raised is 134M. Alongside this, IBA, the world leader in particle accelerator technology, and SFPIM, a Belgian sovereign fund, will convert into equity 7.2M convertible loans.

The company intends to use the funds to support the construction of a production facility in Belgium.

Led by CEO Sven Van den Berghe, PanTera leverages a patented photo-nuclear gamma production process that transforms Radium-226 (226Ra) into Radium-225 (225Ra), which in turn decays into 225Ac. This process provides a reliable, safe and supply of 225Ac, not only for clinical trials but also for future commercial radiopharmaceutical therapies, the first of which are due to be on the market in 2028-2029. This is designed to enable the annual production of more than 100 Curies (Ci) of clinical grade 225Ac by 2029, allowing treatment of more than 100,000 patients per year.

In parallel to its effort to develop commercial-scale production of 225Ac, PanTera is already providing early 225Ac supply through an alternative production method. Working in collaboration with TerraPower Isotopes, the company is on track to provide 1.5-2 Ci of 225Ac annually from early 2025. PanTera has signed supply agreements with several pharmaceutical companies, including Bayer, and expects to have secured agreements for more than 80% of its capacity before starting production.

FinSMEs

11/09/2024
Radiant Biotherapeutics, a Toronto, Canada-based preclinical biotechnology company developing an antibody platform, raised $35M in Series A funding.

The round was led by Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Amplitude Ventures of Canada. Additional participants included new investors BDC Capital, the investment arm of the Business Development Bank of Canada, through its Thrive Venture Fund, and abrdn, an investment fund managed by abrdn Inc.; and existing investors FACIT, Alexandria Venture Investments and Toronto Innovation Acceleration Partners (TIAP).

The company intends to use the funds to further develop its lead clinical candidate, 4-1BB, and move it towards clinical trials.

Led by CEO Arthur J. Fratamico, Radiant Biotherapeutics is an antibody platform company that specializes in multi-valent, multi-specific therapeutics to deliver new therapies for patients. Its proprietary Multabody platform leverages avidity and multi-specificity simultaneously, to generate efficacious Multabodies, a new class of biologics positioned to tackle complex, heterogenous diseases such as cancer, that often have challenging targets and mechanisms. Multabody production and manufacturing is flexible, modular and scalable, and leverages standard antibody CMC processes.

Radiant Biotherapeutics was founded in 2020 and is built around foundational science developed at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in Toronto and the University of Toronto, based on and including work performed at the laboratories of Jean-Philippe Julien, Ph.D., senior scientist at SickKids and associate professor at University of Torontos Temerty Faculty of Medicine, and Bebhinn Treanor, Ph.D., a professor at the University of Toronto. The company emerged from stealth mode in 2023 following a seed investment led by Amplitude Ventures, FACIT, TIAP and Alexandria Venture Investments. Radiant maintains offices in Toronto and Philadelphia.

FinSMEs

11/09/2024
A source clarified, Apart from the fact that the protagonist is jailed in Gumrah and JigraSridevi in the former and Vedang Raina in the latterand both are prison-break stories there is no similarity between the two films. read more

Alia Bhatt is all set to star in Jigra that releases on October 11.

Jigra marks Bhatts second production venture via Eternal Sunshine Productions after 2022s  Darlings , which was released on Netflix. She was last seen in the streamers Heart of Stone, her Hollywood debut. The film is directed by Vasan Bala. But reports are doing the round this is inspired by Sridevi and Sanjay Dutts 1993 Gumraah, also a venture by Dharma Productions.

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A source clarified, Apart from the fact that the protagonist is jailed in Gumrah and JigraSridevi in the former and Vedang Raina in the latterand both are prison-break stories there is no similarity between the two films. Vasan Bala is known to be a fiercely original craftsman. Have you seen his Mard Ko Dard Nahin Hota and Monica O My darling? It is possible for the director of these film to copy a flop Mahesh Bhatt film, and that one which was a copy itself.

Mahesh Bhatt once said, Gumrah came in that phase of my career when I had become careless and lazy. Yes, it was lifted from Bangkok Hilton. And I am not proud of it, although I got the opportunity to direct the great Sridevi in it. As for Jigra, it is a completely different beast.

Every day is a different day exciting, challenging (and a little scary) not just as an actor but also as a producer as we bring this film to life, and I CANNOT wait to share more as we move forward. JIGRA - in cinemas on 27th September 2024, Alia wrote on social media last year when she announced the film.

Bala, known for  Monica, O My Darling  and Mard Ko Dard Nahin Hota, penned a description of the film on his official Instagram account.
Donald Trump has made false claims that Haitian migrants in the city of Springfield, Ohio are stealing pets such as cats and ducks and eating them. This was after JD Vance and X owner Elon Musk said the same. They are pushing this narrative to try to make immigration  which many voters are genuinely concerned about  a bigger issue in the upcoming US election and target Vice President Kamala Harris read more

People watch the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee and former US President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee and US Vice President Kamala Harris at a watch party hosted by the New York Young Republican Club, in New York City, US. Reuters

Are migrants to the US eating pet cats?

Thats what Donald Trump has said during his debate against Vice President Kamala Harris.

While attacking Harris, the former president unleashed a barrage of attacks and made some factually incorrect claims. One of the most bizarre moments of the debate was when Trump repeated an unsubstantiated claim that immigrants are eating pets in an Ohio town.

This is after some in the right-wing, including JD Vance and Elon Musk want people to believe ahead of the US election.

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The false claims that Haitian migrants in the city of Springfield, Ohio are stealing pets such as cats and ducks and cooking and eating them went viral on social media.

But what do we know? How did this rumour get started? Who is pushing this fake news? And why is this happening?

Lets take a closer look:

What happened?

The rumour reportedly began on a Springfield Facebook group.

According to the Huffington Post, the social media post claimed that a neighbours daughters friends cat went missing.

The cat was later discovered hanging off a tree from their neighbours home.

The neighbour, a Haitian, was supposedly preparing the cat to be eaten.

The Springfield News-Sun on Monday reported that the police have received no reports related to pets being stolen and eaten.

The Times of India quoted the police as saying they were aware of the post but that this is not something thats on our radar right now.

Another post, by self-proclaimed social media influencer Anthony Harris, claimed that Haitian immigrants are in the park, grabbing up ducks by the neck, and cutting the heads off and walking off with them, and eating them.

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Harris offered no evidence to back up his claims.

Who is amplifying these false claims?

Many in the right-wing including vice presidential candidate JD Vance, X owner Elon Musk, and Republican Senator Ted Cruz are amplifying these false stories.

Vance, himself from Ohio, posted 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 shouldn't be in this country. Where is our border czar? pic.twitter.com/rf0EDIeI5i  JD Vance (@JDVance) September 9, 2024

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The Republican House judiciary account put up an AI-generated image of Trump:

Protect our ducks and kittens in Ohio! pic.twitter.com/YnTZStPnsg  House Judiciary GOP  (@JudiciaryGOP) September 9, 2024

Musk, the self-proclaimed free speech absolutist, also put up an AI-generated image of a cat and a duck:

Cruz also shared an image of two cats hugging which read, Please vote for Trump so Haitian immigrants dont eat us.

It wasnt just politicians sharing this fake news with the public.

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A number of right-wing commentators also added their own voices to the chorus of false information.

One wrote, Clover is voting for Trump because she doesnt want to be eaten by Haitians. Save the cats! Vote Trump!

Another added, Wow!!! The Cat Ladies for Trump is GOING VIRAL! It turns out the childless cat ladies like their cats more than they dislike Trump. Incredible!

Cats for Trump. Dogs for Trump. Geese for Trump. Vote Trump or get extinct, another MAGA faithful wrote on X.

Why is this happening?

The right-wing is pushing this fake news in an attempt to place immigration at the center of the upcoming US election.

They think Harris, the vice president in the Biden administration, is vulnerable when it comes to the topic of illegal immigration  which many voters see as a concern.

Ironically, all the data show that immigrants are far more law abiding than native Americans.

US Vice President Kamala Harris. AP

The stories also have clear racial undertones  which is a clear dog-whistle from Trump to his MAGA base.

Trump, remember, has already attacked Harris racial identity by accusing her of turning black.

As The Bulwark editor-at-large and Conservative columnist Bill Cristol pointed out what was really at play here:

Seeing some people saying, Hey, JD Vance and MAGA and GOP types fell for the fake story from Springfield, Ohio, about Haitians stealing and eating Real Americans cats. They didnt fall for anything. They eagerly embraced a fake story. Why?



To promote nativism and racism.  Bill Kristol (@BillKristol) September 9, 2024

Expect more of such false claims as the election draws nearer and nearer.

With inputs from agencies
Congress leader Rahul Gandhis US visit has been full of controversies. From targeting him for his remarks on Sikhs to objecting to his meeting with Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, the BJP has upped the ante against him. But who is the American politician, accused of being anti-India? read more

Congress MP Rahul Gandhis visit to the United States has sparked controversy back home. From his remarks on Sikhs to reservations, the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha has faced flak from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over his utterances on foreign soil.

Now, the saffron party has come down heavily on Gandhi over the presence of US Congresswoman Ilhan Omar in his meeting with American lawmakers in Washington. The BJP has lambasted the Congress MP for meeting the anti-India politician.

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Who is Omar and why is she accused of being against India? Lets take a closer look.

Who is Ilhan Omar?

Ilhan Omar represents Minnesotas 5th Congressional District in the US House of Representatives.

Born in Somalia, she and her family fled the civil war when she was eight. After spending four years in a refugee camp in Kenya, they came to the US in the 1990s, as per her official website.

Omar has worked as a community educator at the University of Minnesota and as a Senior Policy Aide for the Minneapolis City Council.

She created history in January 2019, becoming the first African immigrant and woman of colour to be elected to Congress from Minnesota. She is also one of the first Muslim-American women in the US Congress.

Her many controversies

Last September, Omar hit a nerve in India after she condemned the killing of Khalistan terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar and urged the US government to support Canadas probe into his death.

The allegations that Canadian citizen Hardeep Singh Niijar was assassinated by the Indian government are deeply concerning. The US must fully support the Canadian investigation, she wrote on X.

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We are also requesting a briefing on whether there are similar operations in the United States, Omar added.

The allegations that Canadian citizen Hardeep Singh Niijar was assassinated by the Indian government are deeply concerning. The US must fully support the Canadian investigation.



We are also requesting a briefing on whether there are similar operations in the United States.  Rep. Ilhan Omar (@Ilhan) September 26, 2023

Her remarks came after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged the involvement of Indian government agents in Nijjars killing.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi had sharply responded to Omars statement. She wrote on X, Sit down Madam Representative. Such be the case, as an Indian Parliamentarian I urge @MEAIndia to start an enquiry into how an elected representative in USA is interfering in the peace of Jammu & Kashmir via Pakistan funded PoK visit.

Chaturvedi was referring to Omars visit to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in April 2022, which stirred a massive row in India. She had reportedly said Kashmir should get more attention from the US during her Pakistan visit.

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Besides visiting PoK, she met Pakistan PM Shehnaz Sharif and former PM Imran Khan. The Democrat had discussed Islamophobia and related issues with Khan at his home in Islamabad, as per reports.

India took strong objection to her PoK visit, which was viewed as an implicit endorsement of Pakistan and its support for terrorism in the region.

We have noted that US Representative Ilhan Omar has visited a part of the Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir that is currently illegally occupied by Pakistan. If such a politician wishes to practice her narrow-minded politics at home, that may be her business. But violating our territorial integrity and sovereignty in its pursuit makes it ours. This visit is condemnable, the then Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said at the time.

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Washington had distanced itself from Omars trip, terming it an unofficial personal visit that did not represent any policy change on behalf of the United States government.

In June last year, Omar boycotted Prime Minister Narendra Modis address to the Joint Session of the US Congress.

Ilhan Omar has been critical of the Narendra Modi government. File Photo/AFP

Omar has previously criticised the Modi-led government, calling on the US to review its security alliance with India in the Indo-Pacific region. Questioning Indias human rights record, she asked why the Joe Biden administration was reluctant to criticise New Delhi.

How are we promoting a free and open region by supporting Modi? So, I ask you, why has the Biden administration been so reluctant to criticise Modis government on human rights?" Omar said, as per The New Arab.

In June 2022, she introduced a resolution to condemn alleged human rights violations in India, especially those targeting Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Dalits, Adivasis, and other religious and cultural minorities.

The Democrat urged the US Secretary of State to designate India as a Country of Particular Concern under the International Religious Freedom Act, which could result in economic sanctions in extreme cases.

Omar has spoken against the Modi governments decision to abrogate Article 370, which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

The US lawmaker opposed the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam in October 2019. She asked whether the US government was strongly raising the issue. Are we waiting for Muslims in Assam to be put in detention?

She reportedly said the US relationship with India based on values had been threatened due to the Modi governments Hindu nationalism project.

ALSO READ: Rahul Gandhis remarks in US on Sikhs draw ire: How Congress leaders foreign trips have courted rows

BJP hits out at Rahul Gandhi

The BJP leaders have castigated Rahul Gandhi for meeting the controversial US Congresswoman during his foreign visit.

The Congress MP met a group of 10 American lawmakers, including Omar, at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington DC on Tuesday (September 10).

Shri @RahulGandhi met with U.S. lawmakers at the Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, D.C.



Attendees:



Hosted by Congressman Bradley James Sherman

Congressman Jonathan Jackson

Congressman Ro Khanna

Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi

Congresswoman Barbara Lee pic.twitter.com/zVUJz5VmrW  Congress (@INCIndia) September 10, 2024

Union Home Minister Amit Shah attacked Gandhi for standing with forces that conspire to divide the country.

BJP leader Sudhanshu Trivedi said, Rahul Gandhi is in Opposition, and in his own signature ways, is being indulged in a tour which is against India. But this time, it is serious. He has become the first LoP from India who met with a declared anti-India MP. Ilhan Omar is notorious for speaking against India

Rahul Gandhi has added another feather in his cap with respect to being anti-India, he added.

With inputs from agencies
Travellers visiting the UK, including those from the European Union, without a visa will need to apply for an online travel permit and pay a 10 fee (Rs 1098). The British government says the electronic travel authorisation (ETA) scheme will prevent abuse of its immigration system read more

Those visiting the United Kingdom, including Europeans, without a visa will need to apply online for a travel permit before their journey. These new rules will come into effect next year for most countries.

The UKs electronic travel authorisation (ETA) system, first announced for Qatar citizens, has been expanded to nationals of other countries, including those from the European Union (EU).

What is ETA, why do Europeans need it and why is it introduced? Lets take a look.

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What is ETA?

The ETA is a system introduced by the British government mandating travel permission for those who were eligible to travel to the country without a visa previously and are not a legal resident of the UK.

Everyone wishing to travel to the UK  except British and Irish citizens  will need permission to travel in advance of coming here. This can be either through an Electronic Travel Authorisation or an eVisa, the UK government says, as per Independent.

Travellers who want to enter the UK will have to pay a 10 fee (Rs 1098). According to UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, all visitors, including babies and children, to the country without a visa will require ETA, reported CNN. Irish citizens will be exempted from the new rules.

Currently, nationals of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates need to apply for an ETA before reaching the UK. The ETA is no longer valid for Jordan nationals, who will have to apply for a visa to travel to the UK.

This 10 fee will be valid for multiple entries to the UK over a period of two years or until the date that the travellers passport expires, whichever is sooner. The ETA will be digitally linked to the travellers passport, as per The Telegraph.

The online travel permit will also be mandatory for those transiting through the UK. File Photo/Reuters

The online travel permit will also be mandatory for those transiting through the UK.

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Nationals from several countries including the United States, Canada and Japan can apply for the ETA from November this year. They will be allowed entry to the UK through the permit from January 8, 2025.

The programme will be extended to Europeans next March.

The ETA scheme will be implemented for the majority of overseas travellers by April 2 next year.

Why do Europeans need it?

Europeans will require the ETA to travel to the UK from next year. This measure comes in the wake of the UK leaving the EU in January 2020.

The free movement rights of those from the EU and European Economic Area  Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway  coming to the UK ended on 31 December 2020 as the Brexit transition period concluded.

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The European Union will enforce a similar permit next year for non-EU travellers, including Britons. Under the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), travellers from non-EU countries will have to apply online before visiting the Schengen Area, which includes most EU countries.

They will have to pay a 7 (Rs 650) fee. The ETIAS, which will be linked to the travellers passport, will be valid for three years or until the visitors passport expires, reported Euronews.

ALSO READ: Across UK, local governments are at risk of collapse. Heres why

Whats the need for ETA?

Immigration has become one of the key issues in the UK. The British government wants to cut migration and enhance border security.

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The UK Home Secretary told the House of Commons in a statement, 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.

Cooper said the ETA will ensure more robust security checks are carried out before people begin their journey to the UK, which will help to prevent abuse of our immigration system.

The ETA requirement for transit passengers has been criticised. London Heathrow airport will become a challenging transit hub as even connecting passengers will need the travel permit.

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Paul Charles, director of The PC Agency and former Virgin Atlantic communications director, told Independent: Taxing transit is tantamount to failure. If other airports offer free transit then they will pick up market share.

Airports should be zones of ease, enabling seamless travel. This proposed tax needs removing.

According to the UK government, Requiring those transiting to obtain an ETA will stop transit being a future loophole for people to use to avoid needing an ETA. This is in line with the US Esta scheme.

The US first brought Esta or electronic travel authorisation in 2009. It costs $21 (Rs 1764) now and lasts two years.

With inputs from agencies
China helps Fiji with rice production

Xinhua) 17:01, September 11, 2024

SUVA, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- With support from China, Fiji's Ministry of Agriculture is tackling the decline in rice production that has resulted from rural-to-urban migration and shifting weather patterns in the island nation to address food security.

Senior Agriculture Officer Inosi Vulawalu said interest in rice farming diminished over the years, but the ministry is committed to reversing this trend through various initiatives, reported Fiji Broadcasting Corporation on Wednesday.

The Ministry has begun consultations with interested farmers, forming clusters, and introducing advanced mechanical techniques to boost rice production in Navua, just outside the capital Suva.

A Chinese expert team has established an off-season rice demonstration plot, which offers comprehensive training for farmers.

The initiative aims to enhance food security by encouraging more farmers to take up rice cultivation and reducing reliance on imported rice.

Chen Huazao, team leader of the China-Aid Agricultural Development Project on rice planting in Fiji, said research shows a significant number of elderly rice farmers in Fiji with most being between 50 and 70 years old.

This presents an opportunity for younger landowners to engage in rice farming with the support and guidance of Chinese experts.

Challenges in Fiji's rice production include inadequate land preparation, improper fertilizer use, pest and weed control issues, and inefficient planting methods, Chen said.

The Chinese experts have set up 10 additional rice demonstration bases across Fiji to further support the country's rice revitalization efforts.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fiji produces less than 20 percent of its rice consumption needs, with over 80 percent imported.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Rahul Gandhi, who is making his first visit to the United States as Leader of the Opposition, at the National Press Club in Washington claimed that China has occupied 4,000 square kilometres of Indian territory in Ladakh  land equivalent to the size of Delhi. Is there any truth to it? read more

Rahul Gandhi, who is making his first visit to the United States as Leader of the Opposition, has already drawn the ire of the ruling BJP with his remarks over Sikhs and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). PTI

Rahul Gandhis US trip has raked up controversy yet again.

The Congress leader at the National Press Club in Washington has claimed that China has occupied 4,000 square kilometres of Indian territory in Ladakh  land equivalent to the size of Delhi.

Rahul, who is making his first visit to the United States as Leader of the Opposition, has already drawn the ire of the ruling BJP with his remarks over Sikhs and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

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India and China have amassed thousands of troops at the Ladakh border since 2020 when troops of the two armies clashed in the Galwan Valley.

Though India and Chinas local commanders have held several rounds of talks, the troops remain embedded in key points such as Depsang and Demchok.

But what did Rahul say about Chinese troops? What does the Centre say? And are Chinese troops really occupying land the size of Delhi in Ladakh?

Lets take a closer look:

What did Rahul say?

Rahul slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his China policy.

Hindustan Times quoted Rahul as saying, If you call having Chinese troops in 4,000 square kilometres of our territory handling something well, then maybe we have got Chinese troops occupying land the size of Delhi in Ladakh. I think thats a disaster."

How would America react if a neighbour occupied 4000 square kilometres of your territory? Would any president be able to get away with saying that hes handled that well? So I dont think PM Modi handled China well at all. I think theres no reason Chinese troops should be sitting in our territory, he added.

Rahul also addressed Indias relationship with China and the United States.

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China is our neighbour. We have a relationship with the United States. So, we are right in the middle of all this geopolitical change. We need a long-term strategic vision; it shouldnt be just one tactical move after another. It should be, OK, this is how we are thinking about it for the long term. This is the basic foundation, and were going to follow this path, Rahul said.

From our perspective, the central elements of that vision must be democratic ideaspeace, nonviolence, cooperation, and harmonyvalues our freedom fighters like Mahatma Gandhi fought for. However, to do this properly, you need a very good sense of who you are and what your own nature is. Thats where I dont agree with the current dispensation. When you imagine yourself to be something you are not, thats when problems arise. India is a very plural country, an open country. India is not just one idea; India is multiple ideas. When you imagine yourself to be something youre not, thats when all your strategic problems begin, Rahul added.

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This isnt the first time the Congress leader has made such an allegation.

Rahul on a nine-day visit to Ladakh last August had accused the prime minister of lying to the Opposition over the situation at the border.

The Pangong lake high up in Ladakh region of India. AP

China has taken Indian landthousands of square kmand ironically Indian Prime Minister said at a meeting with the Opposition that not an inch of Indian land was taken, Rahul had said. Here, every person knows that Ladakhs land has been taken over by China but the Prime Minister is not telling the truth.

Modi, addressing an all-party meet in June 2020, said neither has anyone intruded into our territory nor taken over any post.

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What does Centre say?

The Centre has repeatedly dismissed Rahuls claim.

Ladakhs Lieutenant Governor BD Mishra on Monday said not even an inch of land in Ladakh has been taken by China.

I wont comment on anybodys statement. But I will say what is fact because I have seen myself on the ground that not even one square inch of land which the Chinese have occupied, Mishra, attending an Indian Army organized conference in Jammu, said.

Whatsoever happened in 1962 that is immaterial. But today we are in occupation of our land to the last inch, he added.

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Our armed forces are prepared for any eventuality, and God forbid if the balloon goes up, people will get a bloody nose from us.

In April, a number of senior government officials including Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh and S Jaishankar all rebuffed Rahuls claim.

Shah, the Union home minister, speaking at a rally in northeastern Assams Lakhimpur, slammed ex-prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru.

When China attacked, Nehru said bye-bye to Assam. Entire Arunachal and Assam can never forget 1962. What is the change now? Under the Narendra Modi government, China could not grab even an inch of our land. Modiji has ensured such governance, Shah said as per The Hindu.

Defence minister Rajnath Singh also denied this, though slightly less effusively.

I dont think so, Rajnath was quoted as saying by Business Today when asked if the Peoples Liberation Army had claimed Indian land along the Line of Actual Control.

However, Rajnath did add that India and China had issues ranging back to 2013 that needed to be sorted out.

Commander-level talks are going on between India and China. There are some issues, some date back to 2013, which need to be resolved. India and China are holding talks with the belief that we will reach a resolution, Singh told ANI.

Rajnath also responded to P Chidambarams remark that China had taken 2,000 square kilometres of Indias territory.

I can only wonder that the Congress government can do this. I wouldnt like to comment on what happened under their rule, how many 1000 square kilometres of the land went into Chinese possession, he said.

But, I want to assure the countrymen that under PM Modi-led government, no one can capture even an inch of our land and we wont cede even an inch of our land, the defence minister added.

Jaishankar, the external affairs minister, was quoted as saying by Indian Express that though China has not taken any of Indias land, the situation at the border remains competitive, sensitive and challenging.

Jaishankar said China pushed forward troops along the LAC in 2020.

In response, we also advanced our units and a standoff ensued, Jaishankar added. After that, the two armies continue to battle for supremacy But there is no encroachment.

China has tried to bring its troops to the upper part of the mountainous areas along the LAC [Line of Actual Control] but the Indian Army also responded to it in the same manner.

Are Chinese troops really occupying land in Ladakh?

That remains the question.

Scroll quoted a January 2023 quoted a senior officer in Leh as writing in a research paper showed India no longer patrol 26 of 65 locations in eastern Ladakh.

Leh Senior Superintendent of Police PD Nitya claimed that Indian security forces could no longer access 26 patrolling points between the Karakoram Pass and the Chumur region.

As per Frontline, Nitya submitted the paper at a DGP conference in New Delhi.

Modi, Shah and National Security Adviser were all present at the meet.

As per the outlet, Manoj Joshi in his book Understanding the India-China Border: The Enduring Threat of War in High Himalaya assessed that India had lost control of around 2,000 square kilometres in the border areas.

Nitya further wrote that the army had placed checkpoints at Daulat Beg Oldi and even stopped civilian officials from coming to the pass because the PLA had placed powerful cameras on the pass.

They would immediately raise objections on the movement from the Indian side if not informed beforehand, Nitya wrote.

Nitya claimed this approach has affected our assertiveness and areas which were much accessible from our side became an informal buffer zone.

Meanwhile, a US department of defence report in October 2023 claimed that China has kept constructing large-scale military infrastructure along the LAC in 2022.

Former Ladakh councillor Namgyal Durbuk told The Guardian in 2020 that he has spent the last few decades seeing Indian land snatched up by China.

The Indian government is lying that there is no land capture by China, Durbuk said. Our vast green pastures, where local herders used take their cattle, have been taken over. A number of locals have been forced by this situation to sell their cattle and move towards urban settlements for their livelihood.

The villagers are scared by the presence of the Chinese forces. They are so close they can even see their lights in the night for the first time, Durbuk added.

With inputs from agencies
Harland & Wolff, the firm whose shipyards have produced some of the UKs most famous ships including the RMS Titanic, on Wednesday said its finance chief Arun Raman has quit. The company founded in 1861 has faced a tough time of late and is likely to be sold off in the future read more

The company that built the Titanic is sinking

Harland & Wolff on Wednesday said its finance chief Arun Raman has quit.

This latest blow came just months after the company had its shares suspended on Londons Alternative Investment Market in July.

But what do we know about Harland & Wolff? And what happened to it?

Lets take a closer look:

According to the company website, Harland & Wolff was founded in 1861 by Sir Edward James Harland and Gustav Wilhelm Wolff.

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It has worked on some of the UKs most famous ships including the RMS Titanic, RMS Olympic and HMHS Britannic, the SS Canberra and the Myrina tanker  the first supertanker built in the UK.

It has one of Europes biggest dry docks in North Irelands Belfast as well as sites in Appledore in England and Arnish in Scotland.

As per BBC, it has around 1,500 employees in the UK.

The company has had a rough time of late.

Raman, an accountant who trained with PricewaterhouseCoopers and Citibank NA in India, has held the post since 2019, as per Insider Media.

This came shortly after the departure from the company of non-executives Malcolm Groat, Sir Jonathon Band and Katya Zotova.

The company last month expressed its inability to finalise its 2023 accounts on a going-concern basis.

As per BBC, it also agreed to borrow $25 million from its US lender.

The Titanic building and Harland and Wolff cranes are seen in Belfast, Northern Ireland, April 29, 2022. Reuters

It said the loan would go towards the ongoing stabilisation of the firm.

In July, the company sent its CEO John Wood on leave.

It then named restructuring expert Russell Downs as interim executive chairman to oversee a recapitalisation effort to secure a sustainable financial footing.

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As pe_r Insider Media,_ the company has also recently been denied a loan from the UK government.

As per The Guardian, the company has asked the government for a $260 million lifeline.

The firm had struck a deal with the previous Conservative regime of underwriting a loan to allow the company to refinance its debts.

As per The Guardian, the company on Tuesday said it would settle for 80 per cent of the loan being underwritten instead of the full 100 per cent.

It also said it had given the government legal opinion showing that such a decision would not go against aid rules.

Deeply irresponsible

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But the Financial Times has reported that the Labour government is all set to turn down the company.

The newspaper quoted an unnamed Whitehall source as calling the the loan guarantee deeply irresponsible.

The firm is also waiting to see whether or not it would be awarded a lucrative contract by the British government.

Harland & Wolff was earlier granted a $2 billion contract to build three support ships for Britains Royal Navy.

According to BBC, Downs and experts from the Rothschild Bank are undertaking a strategic review of the firm.

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The company is likely to be sold off in the future.

With inputs from agencies
Recent reports reveal that Iran has supplied Russia with Fath-360 ballistic missiles. Known for its precision and rapid deployment, the weapon is considered a significant threat to Ukraine. US officials have condemned the transfer as a dramatic escalation in the war, while sanctions target those involved read more

An anti-Israel billboard with a picture of Iranian missiles is seen in a street in Tehran, Iran, April 15, 2024. WANA via Reuters

United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed that Russia had received shipments of ballistic missiles from Iran, sparking further international condemnation. Russia has now received shipments with these ballistic missiles, and will likely use them within weeks in Ukraine, against Ukraine, Blinken said during a news conference in London on Tuesday, referencing shared intelligence.

The missile transfer represents a significant escalation in Irans support for Russias war efforts, according to Blinken.

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In response, the US Treasury and State Departments imposed sanctions on nine Russian-flagged vessels involved in transporting Iranian weapons to Russia, along with additional measures against Iranian airlines and companies. The sanctions freeze any US-based assets and bar Americans from engaging in transactions with the targeted entities.

Irans provision of ballistic missiles in direct support of Russias war against Ukraine is a threat to European and global security. Today, @StateDept and @USTreasury are imposing sanctions on individuals and entities supporting such activities.  Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) September 11, 2024

Ukrainian officials, including presidential chief of staff Andriy Yermak, have echoed this sentiment, urging international pressure on Tehran and Moscow to prevent further escalation. We call upon the international community to increase pressure on Iran and Russia to avoid these transfers which threaten global peace, Ukraines foreign ministry said in a statement.

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Concerns are further compounded by reports that dozens of Russian military personnel have undergone training in Iran to operate the Fath-360 missile system, raising fears about their imminent use on the Ukrainian battlefield.

What is the Fath-360?

The Fath-360, sometimes referred to as Fateh-360, is a short-range ballistic missile developed by Iran. Known for its precision and rapid deployment capabilities, it is designed for tactical strikes against military and infrastructure targets. Some of the missiles key specifications include:

Launch weight : 787 kilogrammes

Warhead weight : 150 kilogrammes

Range : Approximately 120 to 300 kilometres

Flight speed : Mach 3 to Mach 4

Guidance system : A combination of inertial guidance and satellite navigation

Accuracy : 30 metres CEP (Circular Error Probable)

Deployment: Launched from a truck-mounted Transporter Erector Launcher (TEL)

The missiles compact design allows for multiple missiles to be mounted on a single launcher, making it difficult for air defence systems to intercept. Moreover, its solid-fuel engine enables rapid launches, contributing to its effectiveness on the battlefield.

The Fath-360, often compared to the US HIMARS system, shares several similarities in mobility and effectiveness. Both missile systems are capable of rapid deployment with truck-mounted launchers, but the Fath-360 carries a 150-kilogramme warhead and can strike targets up to 300 kilometres away at Mach 4.

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In contrast, HIMARS M31 GMLRS rocket carries a 90-kilogramme warhead, reaching targets up to 70 kilometres at Mach 2.5. While HIMARS is known for its versatility, the Fath-360s smaller, maneuverable design and longer range make it a formidable counterpart.

Is the Fath-360 missile a threat to Ukraine?

Military analysts believe that the Fath-360 poses a significant threat to Ukrainian forces, especially given its range and precision. With a maximum range of 121 kilometres, the missile allows Russian forces to target Ukraines frontline positions and cities, such as Pokrovsk, Sumy, and Kharkiv.

The missiles smaller size and maneuverability enhance its survivability, as it can be launched quickly and evade countermeasures.

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A photo shows a Fath-360 short-range ballistic missile. File Image/Iranian Army

Russias reliance on Iranian military technology signifies deepening cooperation between the two nations, particularly in military and nuclear technology exchanges. According to Blinken, this cooperation is a two-way street, with Russia providing Iran access to its GLONASS satellite navigation system, reportedly used in Iranian strikes on US bases.

How has Iran justified this move?

Despite mounting evidence, Iran continues to deny allegations of supplying ballistic missiles to Russia. Nasser Kanaani, spokesperson for Irans Foreign Ministry, dismissed these reports as ugly propaganda aimed at diverting attention from Western arms transfers to Israel.

Iran considers the provision of military assistance to the parties engaged in the conflictwhich leads to increased human casualties, destruction of infrastructure, and distancing from cease-fire negotiations  to be inhumane, Irans mission to the United Nations said.

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Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov also refrained from confirming the reports but acknowledged that Russia maintains military cooperation with Iran in several sensitive areas.

However, Ukrainian officials remain sceptical, with some experts suggesting that larger, more potent missiles like the Fateh-110 could be part of the deliveries.

The introduction of Iranian ballistic missiles into the Ukrainian conflict not only intensifies the war but also presents new challenges for Ukraines defense strategies. For example, Ukraine is now exploring the possibility of using US-supplied weapons to strike Russian-held areas within Ukraine and potentially deeper into Russian territory.

With inputs from agencies
Pope Francis will end his 11-day tour in Singapore. He is only the second pope in history to visit the wealthy nation, where Christians account for almost 19 per cent of the population read more

Pope Francis is expected to arrive in Singapore on Wednesday (11 September) for the last part of his four-nation tour, making him the second Pope to visit the nation after the late John Paul II in 1986. During his visit, the Pope is expected to convey the message of unity and hope to one of the worlds richest nations.

This is the longest trip undertaken by the pontiff since taking charge of the Catholic Church in 2013. Francis has covered Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and East Timor, which is one of the worlds most Catholic countries.

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Here is all you need to know about his stay in Singapore, where he will be spending three days.

The reason for the Popes Singapore visit

Pope Francis was supposed to visit Singapore in 2020 but the plan was derailed due to the COVID pandemic. Now on his longest tour ever, the island city-state will be his final stop.

At the tip of the Malay peninsula, Singapore has a small population of just under six million people and lacks natural resources. But it is a heavyweight in regional and international affairs. Singapore is a strategic United States partner and 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 comprise about 31 per cent. About a fifth of the population claimed no religious belief, while Christians account for almost 19 per cent and Muslims about 15 per cent.

Also Read: Pope Francis brings medicine, toys and humanitarian aid to the remote jungles of Papua New Guinea

Astute leadership, its strategic location, and its reputation as one of the most open and least corrupt economies had transformed Singapore into a bustling financial giant and maritime and aviation hubs just 59 years after independence. Singapore has four official languages: English, Malay, Mandarin and Tamil, reflecting its multicultural identity and heritage.

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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.

Pope Francis arrives at the Irmas ALMA (Sisters of the Association of Lay Missionaries) School for Children with Disabilities in Dili, East Timor. AP

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.

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Popes itinerary

After flying in from East Timors Dili, Pope Francis will hold a private meeting with members of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits). On Thursday (September 12), 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 neighbouring 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.

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The Churchs influence in Singapore

The Church marked 200 years in Singapore in 2021. The Archdiocese of Singapore was formed in 1972, seven years after Singapores 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 organisations 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 Singapores social fabric.

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People shop for official souvenirs of the papal visit at Church of St Mary of the Angels in Singapore. Reuters

Goh, Singapores 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 Associated Press. This reflects the spirit of unity and diversity that Pope Francis has emphasised throughout his pontification.

With inputs from AP
China is set to train 3,000 foreign police officers in the coming year, a move aimed at extending its global security influence under the Global Security Initiative (GSI) launched by Xi Jinping. Following the training of 2,700 officers last year, this programme targets law enforcement from 122 countries, aimed to showcase Beijings advanced policing technologies read more

Police officers wear gas masks as they ask residents to evacuate from a residential building near a warehouse that is ablaze in the bustling Kowloon district of Hong Kong, China, March 24, 2023. File Image/Reuters

China has announced its plan to train 3,000 foreign law enforcement officers over the next year, aiming to solidify its role as a leading security provider worldwide. Chinas Public Security Minister, Wang Xiaohong, announced the move at the 2024 Global Public Security Cooperation Forum in Lianyungang, Jiangsu province.

This ambitious programme forms part of the broader Global Security Initiative (GSI) introduced by President Xi Jinping in 2022, which seeks to reshape global security governance in cooperation with other nations.

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This announcement follows Chinas recent efforts, which saw 2,700 officers from various countries trained in the past year. The training programme targets a wide range of countries and regions, with the participation of law enforcement agencies from 122 countries and international organisations, including Malaysia, Myanmar, Pakistan, and Interpol.

A police officer keeps watch in front of a portrait of the late Chinese chairman Mao Zedong on the Tiananmen Gate, near the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, March 7, 2024. File Image/Reuters

Wang said that China will also send police consultants and working units abroad to help improve local law enforcement capabilities, conduct joint patrols, and tackle cross-border crimes.

We will send police consultants to countries in need to conduct training to help them quickly and effectively improve their law enforcement capabilities, Wang said during the conference.

The programme is part of Chinas larger ambition to extend its security influence beyond its borders and protect its growing overseas interests, particularly in regions linked to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

What is behind Chinas move?

The Lianyungang conference is widely viewed as a platform to promote Chinas GSI, which Xi Jinping launched to foster international cooperation and address security challenges. The initiative offers an alternative to the Western-led security governance, especially the US-dominated global order.

Benjamin Ho, assistant professor at the S Rajaratnam School of International Studies China Programme told AFP, Its almost like saying if you dont like the Western way of doing things, weve got the Chinese alternative. China is trying to highlight some of these initiatives in a big way, and thats part and parcel of its jostling for influence vis-a-vis the West.

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The Global Security Initiative (GSI) is an initiative proposed by Chinese Communist Party general secretary Xi Jinping during the annual Boao Forum for Asia on April 21, 2022. File Image/Reuters

The GSI is not just limited to training programmes but extends to brokering high-level security agreements.

For example, Chinas mediation in the Iran-Saudi Arabia peace talks and its peace proposal for the Ukraine war have been linked to the initiative. China rejects any form of hegemonism and bullying, Wang said in his speech, underscoring Chinas stance against politicised security cooperation.

What are the concerns?

Chinas foreign police training programmes have not been without criticism, especially from human rights organisations. Concerns have been raised about the authoritarian tactics allegedly taught to foreign police, particularly in Africa, where China has increasingly invested through the Belt and Road Initiative.

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Some reports suggest that the training sessions focus on protecting Chinese commercial interests rather than promoting broader security.

Despite these criticisms, China continues to position itself as a leader in global security. A recent example includes Beijings pledge to train 1,000 police officers from Africa after a China-Africa forum.

While its unclear if these 1,000 officers are part of the 3,000 foreign officers mentioned by Wang, it demonstrates Chinas growing security engagement with the continent.

How far out is China when it comes to global security?

At the Lianyungang forum, China showcased a range of cutting-edge security technology to international law enforcement officials. Exhibits featured advanced face-recognition software designed to track and identify fugitives, rose-gold handcuffs, bulletproof vests, and batons.

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Armoured vehicles and surveillance tools were also on display, capturing the attention of potential buyers from overseas.

Ho explained that Chinas intent is to highlight how safe and secure the country is with its advanced surveillance and policing methods. I suppose that kind of logic would have to be quite attractive to countries who may be struggling with their own domestic security, he added.

Chinas growing portfolio of security equipment demonstrates its aim to export not just law enforcement expertise but also the technology needed to bolster global security.

What next?

Chinas initiative has the potential to significantly alter global security dynamics. The GSI has already facilitated several bilateral security agreements, especially with developing nations in Africa and the Indo-Pacific region.

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For instance, Chinas 2022 security agreement with the Solomon Islands raised concerns among Western allies, as it could lead to increased Chinese influence in the Pacific.

The training of foreign police officers is seen as part of a larger strategy to promote a more fair, reasonable, and efficient global order, according to Wang.

Furthermore, Beijing has pledged to provide 5,000 training opportunities for law enforcement professionals over the next five years, aiming to address pressing global security challenges.

Also Watch:

With inputs from agencies
Despite overwhelming evidence and official reports, 9/11 conspiracy theories continue to thrive 23 years after the attacks. Fuelled by distrust in government and online communities, many still believe in claims of insider involvement and controlled demolitions. Polls show a surprising number of Americans, across political lines, express belief in these theories read more

The second tower of the World Trade Center explodes into flames after being hit by a airplane, New York September 11, 2001 with the Brooklyn bridge in the foreground. Both towers of the complex collapsed after being hit by hijacked planes. File Image/Reuters

Twenty-three years after the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, conspiracy theories surrounding the events of that day continue to thrive. Despite the extensive investigations and reports that have debunked many claims, a significant portion of the public remains sceptical of the official accounts.

From allegations that the US government knew about the attacks in advance, to claims that explosives were planted inside the World Trade Center towers, the persistence of 9/11 conspiracy theories raises important questions about why these beliefs continue to endure.

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How did 9/11 conspiracy theories begin?

The facts surrounding 9/11 are widely accepted: 19 terrorists hijacked four commercial airliners, crashing two into the World Trade Center towers in New York City, one into the Pentagon, and another into a field in Pennsylvania after passengers attempted to regain control of the aircraft.

However, just months after the attack, conspiracy theories began to surface.

By late 2001, protestors could be seen carrying signs reading Bush Knew, suggesting that the US government was either complicit in the attacks or failed to prevent them intentionally.

These beliefs formed the foundation of what would become known as Trutherism. The conspiracy theory gained traction quickly, driven by a combination of anti-Bush sentiment and deep distrust of government institutions.

People run from a collapsing World Trade Center tower in New York, September 11, 2001. File Image/AP

By 2002, Democratic Representative Cynthia McKinney from Georgia famously asked, What did this administration know, and when did they know it? fuelling suspicions among a growing number of Americans.

In the years immediately following 9/11, polls revealed a surprising number of Americans subscribed to Trutherism. A 2006 survey conducted by Ohio University found that 36 per cent of Americans believed the government either helped orchestrate the attacks or knew about them but failed to act.

Among Democrats, 51 per cent expressed some belief in Trutherism, compared to 18 per cent of Republicans. This belief spanned political lines and persisted even after the bipartisan 9/11 Commission released a comprehensive 585-page report in 2004, detailing the intelligence failures that allowed the attacks to occur.

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How the internet fuelled the 9/11 conspiracy theories

The internet played a significant role in the spread of 9/11 conspiracy theories. In the early 2000s, online forums and communities dedicated to Trutherism began to emerge, providing a space for believers to share ideas, organise events, and challenge the official narrative.

A new class of self-proclaimed experts also joined the conversation, lending a veneer of legitimacy to conspiracy theories. These figures included Steven Jones, a physicist who claimed that explosives were used to bring down the towers, and David Ray Griffin, a theologian who wrote extensively on the topic.

At the same time, mainstream media outlets like Popular Mechanics began to debunk many of these claims. In 2005, Popular Mechanics published a comprehensive report addressing several of the most persistent conspiracy theories, explaining how the planes impact and subsequent fires caused the towers to collapse. Despite this, Truthers dismissed the report, accusing the magazine of being a tool of the government.

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The lower Manhattan skyline is shown in the August 30, 2001 file photo, with the World Trade Center towers at center. Both towers were destroyed September 11 when two hijacked commercial airliners crashed into each tower. Both towers later collapsed, killing thousands. File Image/Reuters

One of the most persistent claims by Truthers revolves around the collapse of the World Trade Center towers. The official investigation by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), funded by the federal government, concluded that the collapse was caused by intense fires, not explosives.

The impact of the planes dislodged fireproofing materials on the towers steel columns, and as the fires burned at temperatures reaching over 1800 degrees Fahrenheit, the structural integrity of the buildings weakened.

According to experts, steel loses about 50 per cent of its strength at 1100 degrees Fahrenheit and more than 90 per cent at 1800 degrees Fahrenheit. This, combined with the dislodged fireproofing and the massive weight of the upper floors, caused the towers to collapse in a pancake effect, where one floor collapsed onto the one below in quick succession.

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What are some other controversies doing the rounds?

Another focal point of 9/11 conspiracy theories is the collapse of World Trade Center Building 7, which was not hit by a plane but collapsed approximately seven hours after the North Tower. Conspiracy theorists point to video footage showing Building 7s collapse as evidence of a controlled demolition.

However, investigators concluded that fires, ignited by debris from the collapse of the North Tower, were the primary cause of Building 7s failure. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) report on Building 7 found that the collapse was initiated by the failure of a critical interior column, which led to a progressive collapse of the structure.

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Despite these findings, conspiracy theorists continue to claim that explosives were used in the towers destruction.

As early as September 11, 2001, Van Romero, an explosives expert, was quoted by the Albuquerque Journal as saying, There were some explosive devices inside the buildings that caused the towers to collapse. Although he later retracted his statement, the damage was done, and his early comments are still cited by conspiracy theorists to this day.

Pedestrians in lower Manhattan watch smoke billow from New Yorks World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. File Image/AP

Investigations into the collapse found that the intense fires, fuelled by the remaining jet fuel, ignited materials such as office furniture, carpets, and curtains. These fires burned at such high temperatures that they caused the steel columns to weaken, leading to the towers collapse.

While some conspiracy theorists claim the fire could not have burned hot enough to melt steel, experts argue that the steel only needed to lose its structural strength, not melt, to cause the collapse.

Fire safety remains a significant challenge, as seen in the 2017 Grenfell Tower fire in London, where flammable cladding contributed to the rapid spread of the blaze.

Why do 9/11 conspiracies still persist after 23 years?

Twenty-three years later, the resilience of 9/11 conspiracy theories remains puzzling. According to a poll conducted in recent years, one in six Americans still believes that some element of the US government was involved in the attacks.

Among Democrats, 19 per cent continue to express some belief in Trutherism, while 14 per cent of Republicans do the same. These figures are concerning, as they highlight a broader trend of scepticism and distrust in governmental institutions, a trend that has only been exacerbated in the wake of other conspiracy theories such as those surrounding the 2020 US election and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Experts suggest that Trutherism continues to thrive because it taps into a deep well of disillusionment and distrust in authority. Conspiracy theories, in general, offer simple explanations for complex events, providing a sense of order in a chaotic world.

What next?

As we reflect on the events of 9/11, it becomes clear that conspiracy theories are unlikely to disappear anytime soon. With the rise of social media and the increasing polarisation of political discourse, Trutherism and other conspiracy theories have found new platforms and audiences.

Former US President Donald Trump, while not a vocal proponent of 9/11 conspiracy theories, has helped normalise conspiratorial thinking by endorsing other baseless claims, such as those surrounding election fraud and Obamas citizenship.

People look at the National September 11 Memorial and Museum as the Tribute in Light is illuminated on the skyline of lower Manhattan on the day of the 22nd anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center, in the Manhattan borough of New York City. File Image/Reuters

In this environment, it is critical to continue debunking false claims and promoting evidence-based explanations. As Popular Mechanics wrote in 2005, The world is awash in false information, and sometimes the best defence is simply pointing to the facts.

For now, it seems that Trutherism will remain a part of the broader landscape of American conspiracy culture.

With inputs from agencies
Australias Queensland Health Department has taken a refreshingly hilarious approach to address the taboo around pooing at work. Despite the campaigns playful tone, which has garnered praise from people and health experts alike, it carries an important message that ignoring your need to poop can lead to serious health risks read more

Australias Queensland Health Department is receiving widespread acclaim for its refreshingly "hilarious" approach to a subject often shrouded in taboo: taking a poo at work. Image for Representation. Pixabay

Who says humour cant break down social barriers?

Australias Queensland Health Department is receiving widespread acclaim for its refreshingly hilarious approach to a subject often shrouded in taboo: taking a poo at work.

Their latest campaign, which proudly proclaims Its okay to poo at work, has sparked a wave of positive reactions across social media. Users have responded enthusiastically to the campaigns playful yet poignant take on a serious health issue, The Independent reported.

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Heres a closer look at the campaign and its impact on addressing this crucial health concern.

Its okay to go number two at work

Queensland Health Department is turning heads with the lighthearted social media campaign.

One of the campaigns videos posted on Instagram is filled with vibrant imagery of dolphins, rainbows, and unicorns, all set to Neick Sanderss catchy tune Symphony.

This post quickly gained traction, earning over 25,000 likes and thousands of comments, highlighting the widespread popularity of the poo campaign.



On Facebook, the department took a more straightforward approach, encouraging followers to openly discuss the act of pooing at work."

This sparked a lively conversation, with the post receiving more than 5,000 likes and 3,600 comments.

Despite its playful tone, the campaign carries an important health message.

The department warns that ignoring your need to poop can lead to serious health risks.

Research backs this upaccording to a 2015 study featured in Medical News Today, holding in bowel movements can increase bacterial counts in the colon and lead to chronic inflammation. Over time, this may raise the risk of developing colon cancer.

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Additionally, the study links holding in poop to conditions like appendicitis, hemorrhoids, and in severe cases, fecal impaction, where stool becomes stuck in the colon.

This behaviour can even result in gastrointestinal perforation, a dangerous condition where a hole forms in the digestive tract, says Medical News Today.

The department warns that ignoring your need to poop can lead to serious health risks.

A Queensland Health spokesperson told The New York Post that the campaign addressed a common but often unspoken health concern, aiming to normalise discussions around bodily functions.

Tackling what can often be considered as taboo health topics reduces shame, embarrassment and fear, while also helping to entertain, educate and promote healthier behaviors, they said.

Another of Queensland Healths posts sums up the message perfectly: Lots of people find it difficult to poo in public toilets, but were here to tell you its definitely okay to go number two at work!"

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Also read:

How often do you poop in a day? Heres what it means for your health

Getting over the poo paranoia

Queensland Healths campaign also tackles parcopresis, commonly known as poo paranoiaa condition where individuals feel anxious about using public toilets due to fear of being judged by others.

This anxiety can manifest in various ways, from an elevated heart rate to nausea. To help those dealing with this, the department has offered some lighthearted but practical tips for a stress-free public toilet poo.

These include visualising celebrities like Taylor Swift using the toilet, carrying a small fragrance spray, and practising deep breathing or meditation to reduce anxiety.

To help those dealing with poo paranoia, the department has offered some lighthearted but practical tips for a stress-free public toilet poo.

The playful messaging has clearly resonated with the public, sparking a flurry of humorous responses across social media.

On Facebook, one user suggested, All workplaces should have a radio at a good volume in bathrooms. Meanwhile, an Instagram user chimed in with, Do it on company time and get paid to poop, while another quipped, In the words of the great Whitney Houston, its not right but its okay.

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A particularly amused user said, Did the government just put an image of Taylor Swift pooping in my brain?, as reported by The Independent.

Dee Madigan, founder and creative director of Campaign Edge, praised Queensland Healths innovative approach, calling their social media presence world-leading.

Speaking to The Guardian, Madigan remarked, What it shows is that the staff arent afraid to try new things. Often, government social media plays it so safe that it ends up bland and boring.

She added, Its a serious message, but theyre using humour in a way that connects with people. Just because its a serious topic doesnt mean humour cant be part of the solution.

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With input from agencies
In the wake of a string of terrorist attacks this year, the security forces are on a high alert in Jammu and Kashmir ahead of assembly elections read more

(File) Indian Army soldiers arrive for a mock drill in an armoured vehicle in Nowshera sector on August 12, 2024. AP

Days before the first round of assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian Army on Wednesday said it killed two terrorists.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the 9 Corps of Army said two terrorists were killed in Khandara in Kathua in the Jammu region.

The Army did not provide any further information related to the operation.

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The development comes at a time when the security forces are on a high alert in J&K ahead of the assembly elections. In the wake of a string of a string of terrorist attacks in J&K this year, the security forces have lately ramped up operations.

Separately, the 15 Corps said on Wednesday that Army and J&K Police recovered weapons and ammunition in Kupwaras Keran areas. The arms were likely to be used by terrorists.

Following specific intelligence inputs, the Army and police launched a search operation that led to the recovery of a very large cache of arms ammunition and explosives including AK 47 rounds, hand grenades, RPG rounds, material for improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and other war-like stores, said the statement.

OP RAUTA, KERAN #Kupwara



Based on specific intelligence inputs, a joint operation by #IndianArmy & @JmuKmrPolice was launched in Keran Sector, Kupwara today. Searches in the indicated area have lead to the recovery of a very large cache of arms ammunition and explosives pic.twitter.com/DSt9ePXBj5  Chinar Corps - Indian Army (@ChinarcorpsIA) September 11, 2024

Ahead of the elections, the Army has reportedly launched a three-pronged strategy.

As per The Indian Express, the strategy comprises: Beefing up the counter-infiltration grid by redeploying more troops along the Lone of Control (LoC), deploying more soldiers in temporary operating bases (TOBs) in hilly areas as well as forests, and intensifying search and destroy operations.

Assembly elections are being held after nearly a decade in J&K. The voting will take place in three phases on September 18, Sept. 25, and October 1. The counting of votes will take place on Oct. 8. Elections were last held in J&K in 2014 and a PDP-BJP coalition government was formed in early 2015, which collapsed in 2018 after the BJP withdrew support. Later that year, the then-J&K Governor Satya Pal Malik dissolved the assembly. The J&K has been without an elected government since then and elections have been due for over four years.
West Bengal already has 62 Protection of Children from Sexual Offences courts and with five more such courts, the total number of POCSO courts in the state will increase to 67 read more

The decision to set up 5 more POCSO courts in West Bengal was taken during a Cabinet meeting which was chaired by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

Protests by junior doctors in Kolkata demanding justice for the 31-year-old junior doctor, who was found raped and murdered on August 9 in a seminar hall of state-run RG Kar Hospital, continue to intensify. Amid this, the West Bengal Cabinet has given approval to a proposal to set up five more special POCSO courts in the state.

West Bengal already has 62 Protection of Children from Sexual Offences courts and with five more such courts, the total number of POCSO courts in the state will increase to 67, Minister of State for Finance Chandrima Bhattacharya said.

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Why Bengal is increasing number of POCSO courts in the state?

As per Bhattacharya, the decision to set up five more POCSO courts in the state has been taken to quickly dispose of cases linked to child sexual abuse.

There was a proposal from our judicial department to set up five more special POCSO courts. The Cabinet gave its approval. We have 62 such courts including six e-POCSO courts. This will help us to quickly address child abuse cases, Bhattacharya said.

The Cabinet meeting, in which the decision was taken, was held on Tuesday and was chaired by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

With inputs from PTI.
Gandhi, who is on a three-day visit to the US, drew the ire of Bharatiya Janata Party leaders who criticised the Congress MP for spreading misinformation and maligning the countrys image on foreign soil read more

During the protests in the national capital, BJP leader RP Singh and other Sikh leaders were detained by Delhi Police. PTI

A BJP-backed Sikh group on Wednesday held protests outside Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhis official residence in New Delhi over his comments on the religious freedom of the community in India.

#WATCH | Delhi: Sikh Prakoshth of BJP Delhi holds protest against Lok Sabha LoP & Congress MP Rahul Gandhi outside his residence over his statement on the Sikh community. pic.twitter.com/cw5JEn9gpX  ANI (@ANI) September 11, 2024

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Gandhi, who is on a three-day visit to the US, drew the ire of Bharatiya Janata Party leaders who criticised the Congress MP for spreading misinformation and maligning the countrys image on foreign soil.

During a discussion at an event in Washington DC, Gandhi said, 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.

Meanwhile, during the protests in the national capital, BJP leader RP Singh and other Sikh leaders were detained by Delhi Police.

Rahul Gandhi should apologise. He used the foreign land to defame India and gave a statement about Sikhs that Sikhs are not allowed to wear turban and go to Gurudwara, Singh said.

#WATCH | BJP leader RP Singh and other Sikh leaders detained by Delhi Police.



BJP leader RP Singh says "Rahul Gandhi should apologise. He used the foreign land to defame India and gave a statement about Sikhs that Sikhs are not allowed to wear turban and go to Gurudwara..." pic.twitter.com/jyegjjr8zT  ANI (@ANI) September 11, 2024

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With inputs from agencies
Rashid has been in jail since 2019 following his arrest by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in the 2017 terror funding case read more

Sheikh Abdul Rashid, popularly known as Engineer Rashid, defeated former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls in Baramulla. PTI file

New Delhi: Baramulla MP Engineer Rashid walked out of Tihar Jail on Wednesday, a day after a court here granted him interim bail till October 2 in a terror funding case so that he can campaign in the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly polls.

Rashid has been in jail since 2019 following his arrest by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in the 2017 terror funding case.

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VIDEO | Lok Sabha MP from Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla Engineer Rashid walks out of Tihar Jail, a day after he was granted interim bail in a terror funding case.



"After remaining in jail for 5.5 years, I feel myself stronger and proud of my people. I take a pledge that I will pic.twitter.com/SdsIc9vsu0  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 11, 2024

Rashid was released from the jail at 4.15 pm, said a senior prison official.

Sheikh Abdul Rashid, popularly known as Engineer Rashid, defeated former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls in Baramulla.

Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Elections are scheduled to be held in three phases  September 18, September 25 and October 1. The results will be declared on October 8.

Rashids outfit Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) is contesting the assembly elections.

Earlier in the day, Additional Sessions Judge Chander Jit Singh ordered Rashids release on interim bail on a personal bond of Rs 2 lakh and one surety of the like amount. He also imposed certain conditions on him, including that he would not speak to the media about the case.
The Congress MP on Tuesday stirred controversy after he said that religious freedom for Sikhs in India is under threat during an event in Washington DC. Gandhi is on a three-day visit to the US read more

While Rahul Gandhis comment on the religious freedom of Sikhs in India invited criticism from BJP leaders, the Leader of Opposition has found a supporter in the form of Khalistani separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.

Pannun found Gandhis comment bold and pioneering. He said, 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.

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Pannun is the leader of the US-based Khalistani separatist group Sikhs for Justice and has time and again threatened India to further his campaign.

The Congress MP on Tuesday stirred controversy after he said that religious freedom for Sikhs in India is under threat during an event in Washington DC. Gandhi is on a three-day visit to the US.

Fight in India is whether a Sikh will be allowed to wear turban and kada, go to gurdwara. Thats what the fight is about, and its not just for Sikhs, but for all religions, he said.

Slamming Gandhi for maligning Indias image on foreign soil, Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said, " If there has been one time in our history when as a community we (Sikhs) have felt anxiety, a sense of insecurity and existential threat, it has been the times when Rahul Gandhis family were in the seats of power.
According to a report by the South China Morning Post, Ghoshs name matches with a 2017 sexual assault case where a male nurse in Hong Kongs Queen Elizabeth Hospital alleged that he (Ghosh) molested him read more

Ghosh is currently in the custody of the Central Bureau of Investigation in a corruption case during his tenure at RG Kar. PTI

As CBI unravels the many crimes of Sandip Ghosh, the ex-principal of RG Kar Medical College has also been in trouble with the law in Hong Kong.

At the centre of the Kolkata rape and murder case, Ghoshs misdemeanor find traces in China as he faced a molestation case during his brief stay in Hong Kong.

Ghosh is currently in the custody of the Central Bureau of Investigation in a corruption case during his tenure at RG Kar.

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What happened in Hong Kong?

According to a report by the South China Morning Post, Ghoshs name matches with a 2017 sexual assault case where a male nurse in Hong Kongs Queen Elizabeth Hospital alleged that he (Ghosh) molested him.

The former principal of RG Kar subsequently underwent a trial owing to which his two-month clinical exchange programme was cancelled. So, Ghosh eventually ended up living in Hong Kong for only a few days.

The SCMP report further says that Ghosh was acquitted on one count of indecent assault in the Hong Kong molestation case.

During the trial, the male nurse alleged that the doctor patted his buttocks two to three times and tried to touch his genitals in the changing room. Meanwhile, Ghoshs defence was that he was trying to pull on the students arm to help fix his dislocated shoulder.

Ghoshs lawyer also suggested that the nurse mistook him for someone else due to his strong accent, a claim rejected by the male nurse.

ED attaches illegal property case with Ghosh

The Enforcement Directorate Tuesday claimed that the wife of Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of Kolkatas RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, purchased two immovable assets without proper approval from West Bengal government authorities.

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The federal agency alleged in a statement that it has found documents related to about half-a-dozen houses, flats and a farmhouse owned by the doctor couple during searches conducted against them and their close relatives on September 6 at seven locations in Kolkata.

Sandip Ghosh has been booked by the ED in an alleged financial irregularities linked money laundering case after taking cognisance of a CBI FIR. The ex-principal came under the scanner following the rape and murder of a 31-year-old postgraduate trainee doctor at the hospital on August 9.

With inputs from agencies
The development comes a day after Health Secretary Narayan Swaroop Nigam invited the protestors to Nabanna (State Secretariat) for discussions with government representatives on Tuesday (September 10) read more

Junior doctors shot slogans as they march towards Swasthya Bhawan during a protest over RG Kar Hospital rape and murder incident, in Kolkata, Tuesday, September 10, 2024. PTI

Junior doctors, who have been protesting for over a month seeking justice for the 31-year-old woman who was raped and murdered at Kolkatas RG Kar Medical College, have agreed to hold talks with the West Bengal government.

The State Secretary on Wednesday wrote a fresh email to the protestors inviting a delegation of 12-15 doctors for talks. Once again, as another opportunity, we invite your delegation preferably consisting of 12-15 colleagues to join us for a discussion at 6 pm today, ie 11.09.2024, at Nabanna. A list of the members of your delegation may please be intimated by email, the correspondence read.

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While doctors have accepted the invitation, they have set a couple of conditions including the live telecast of the meeting and demanded that representatives of all government-run medical colleges should be allowed to attend the meeting.

The development comes a day after Health Secretary Narayan Swaroop Nigam invited the protestors to Nabanna (State Secretariat) for discussions with government representatives on Tuesday (September 10). The invitation was sent to the West Bengal Junior Doctors Front, the group at the forefront of the protests, via email.

The invitation, however, was not well-received by the protestors who said the email was insulting. In the correspondence, the health secretary said only 10 representatives of the protesting students would be allowed to come to Nabanna, a condition that was termed humiliating by the doctors.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, the junior doctors said that while they are ready for talks, the call for the same should come from the administration and not from the health secretary.

Another overnight protest

Earlier this week, the Supreme Court ordered the junior doctors to resume work by September 10. This was, however, ignored by the protesting doctors who refused to cease their campaign.

Passing the deadline, the protestors marched towards the Health Secretariat and spent the night in front of the building.

The email was sent to the doctors on Tuesday evening, following which West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who also holds the portfolio of the health department, waited for the protestors to hold talks but left after they did not show up.

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What are doctors demanding?
Mamata Banerjees Trinamool Congress led government in West Bengal has been facing backlash since last month after the rape and murder of a 31-year-old junior doctor at state-run RG Kar Hospital. Now, some of her party leaders have made controversial remarks that has further angered protesters and people at large read more

All in the West Bengal Cabinet other than Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee have been asked not to give reactions on the RG Kar rape and murder case. Source: PTI.

Facing backlash for controversial statements made by her party members on the RG Kar rape and murder case, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has jumped in to save the already tarnished image of Trinamool Congress.

Banerjee, who has been crticised for comments made by her party members Udayan Guha and Lovely Maitra, has strictly instructed her ministers and MLAs to remain shut and avoid making any comments in the rape and murder case of a 31-year-old junior doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in West Bengals Kolkata.

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Damage control

Slammed, criticised and lambasted for over a month now, Trinamool Congress got into murky waters after West Bengal minister and Dinhata MLA Udayan Guha, and MLA Lovely Maitra made remarks that irked the protesters and people at large.

Banerjees latest diktat came as a damage control as her party struggles to keep its reputation that has been tarnished since August 9 following the rape and murder of an on-duty doctor at state-run RG Kar Hospital.

TMC MLAs controversial remarks

Guha recently made a sexist remark saying that those participating in the Night Freedom Rally to demand justice for the trainee doctor should not call him if your husband beats you up."

Another local leader of Bengals Ashokenagar, Atish Sarkar, in a viral video was seen threatening protesters demanding justice for junior doctor whos body, raped and murdered, was found in the seminar hall of RG Kar hospital on August 9.

In the viral clip, Sarkar was heard saying a gathering: Didi has instructed us to hiss Those of you who are abusing Didi, engaging in her character assassination, if we make obscene posters of your mothers and sisters and put them on your walls, you wont be able to remove them. That day is going to come soon.

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MLA Lovely Maitra also sparked controversy after labelling the protesting doctors butchers.

Doctors are turning into butchers in the name of protests. The poor and underprivileged people who come from interior parts, rural areas of Bengal seeking medical treatment at government hospitals, those who cannot afford treatment at private hospitals, they are suffering. They are not being treated. Are they (doctors) human? Is this humane? she said.

Sources in TMC told CNN-News18 that the top leaders of the party are upset with the stray comments being made by MLAs and councillors despite the CM and the seniors choosing to remain quiet on the allegations.

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It is hurting the damage-control system of the party, they further said.
Police detained some protesters as well, including Hindu Jagran Manch secretary Kamal Gautam, and erected the barricade near the mosque again but the protesters refused to leave and continued raising slogans against the administration read more

The local police resorted to lathi-charge and water cannons to disperse the protestors. PTI

The peaceful city of Shimla on Wednesday witnessed chaos after protests erupted over the alleged illegal construction inside a mosque in the Sanjauli area. Protestors clashed with police as they demanded the demolition of an illegal portion of a mosque in the area.

Chants of Himachal Ne Thaana Hai, Devbhoomi Ko Bachana Hai reverberated in the streets of Himachal Pradeshs Shimla as protestors jumped over police barricades trying to make their way to the mosque.

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The local police resorted to lathi-charge and water cannons to disperse the protestors.

#WATCH | Shimla Protests | Himachal Pradesh: Police lathi-charge the protestors at the Sanjauli Market in order to disperse them while they are on their way to the alleged illegal construction of a mosque in the Sanjauli area pic.twitter.com/lE5uL1rbXp  ANI (@ANI) September 11, 2024

VIDEO | Sanjauli mosque row: Police use water cannon to disperse protesting people.



Some Hindu organisations had given a bandh call for today demanding demolition of the unauthorised construction in the mosque and registration of outsiders coming to the state.#Sanjaulimosque pic.twitter.com/9nZCoJYwe4  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 11, 2024

Police detained some protesters as well, including Hindu Jagran Manch secretary Kamal Gautam, and erected the barricade near the mosque again but the protesters refused to leave and continued raising slogans against the administration.

The outbreak of the clash left students in Sanjauli, Dhalli and adjoining areas stranded in schools. Residents vented their anger at the administration for not ordering the schools to remain closed for the day despite being aware of the demonstration.

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Why are they protesting?

The protest march was called by Hindu groups to object to the construction of extra floors in a mosque in Sanjauli.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has said that the case of alleged illegal construction is being heard by the local municipal court and urged protestors to wait till law takes its course.

Amid escalating tensions over the unauthorised construction in the Sanjauli area mosque and a bandh call sounded by Hindu outfits to press for the demolition of the disputed structure, Sanjauli and adjoining areas have been converted into a fortress with heavy police deployment.

The Shimla district administration has issued prohibitory orders under section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, barring the assembly of five or more people and the carrying of lethal weapons and arms.

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With inputs from PTI
Indias aviation sector has undergone a remarkable transformation from its early beginnings to becoming one of the largest and fastest-growing markets in the world, driven by innovation, low-cost carriers and strategic government initiatives read more

As India hosts the 2nd Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation, the nations transformative journey in aviation takes centre stage. From pioneering air mail in 1911 to its current role as a global leader, Indias aviation sector has undergone remarkable growth, fuelled by low-cost carriers, infrastructural expansion, and a focus on sustainability.

Foundation of Indian aviation: From 1911 to today

The journey of Indian aviation began over a century ago, in 1911, when Monseigneur Piguet piloted the worlds first airmail service from Allahabad to Naini. This historic flight laid the groundwork for what would become one of the largest aviation markets globally. The sector took a pivotal turn in 1932, with the establishment of Tata Airlines by JRD Tata. The airline, now known as Air India, set the stage for scheduled air services, connecting major cities like Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai.

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Post-independence, the Indian government played a significant role in shaping the aviation landscape with the nationalisation of airlines leading to the creation of Air India and Indian Airlines. This period saw Indias airlines flourish under State control, until the early 1990s when the government initiated liberalisation reforms, allowing private players to enter the market.

A major turning point came in the early 2000s with the rise of low-cost carriers (LCCs) such as Air Deccan, SpiceJet and IndiGo. These airlines democratised air travel making it accessible to millions of people who had previously been unable to afford it. The emergence of LCCs fuelled Indias ascent as the third-largest domestic aviation market globally, a feat highlighted by the rapid growth in passenger numbers and aircraft orders in recent years.

Leadership on the global stage: The Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference

Indias hosting of the 2nd Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation is not just a symbolic gestureit marks a significant milestone in the nations rise as a global aviation leader. With discussions focussed on airport infrastructure, sustainability and technological innovation, the conference highlights the countrys strategic importance in the aviation sector.

Indias aviation market has witnessed unprecedented growth, with the number of airports expanding from 74 to 157 in just a decade and the fleet size doubling to over 800 aircraft. Recent developments, such as the UDAN scheme, have been pivotal in enhancing regional connectivity and integrating remote areas into the national air travel network.

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During the conference, global aviation leaders are discussing the future of the sector, with India showcasing its achievements and emphasising its ability to handle the increasing demand for air travel. These discussions also delve into the sustainability challenges faced by the aviation industry with India committing to greener skies through advancements in technology and eco-friendly infrastructure.

Low-cost revolution: Indias game-changer

One of the most significant factors driving Indias rapid growth in aviation has been the rise of low-cost carriers. In the early 2000s, LCCs fundamentally changed the way Indians travelled, making air travel affordable for the masses. SpiceJet, IndiGo, and Air Deccan pioneered the concept, drastically reducing fares and enabling millions to experience flying for the first time.

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This revolution had a profound impact on the market, turning India into one of the worlds fastest-growing aviation sectors. IndiGo, in particular, has risen to dominate the domestic market, with its massive fleet expansion and relentless focus on operational efficiency. With recent aircraft orders surpassing 1,200, Indias LCCs are preparing to meet the demands of a growing middle class and increasing tourism.

The conference underscores the significance of LCCs as they continue to be the driving force behind Indias aviation expansion. With competitive pricing and a customer-focused approach, these airlines are at the forefront of making flying accessible to all sections of society, while also expanding Indias international presence.

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Charting the future

Looking ahead, Indias aviation sector is poised for even greater growth, with sustainability and technological advancements at the heart of its evolution. The Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference serves as a platform for discussing how India can balance rapid growth with environmental responsibility. With carbon emissions being a major concern for the industry, India is investing in greener technologies from fuel-efficient aircraft to eco-friendly airport infrastructure.

Government initiatives such as UDAN, aimed at increasing regional connectivity, have been successful in integrating remote areas into the aviation network. At the same time, India is exploring innovations in Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), which promises to alleviate urban congestion and enhance short to medium distance air travel within cities.

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As global leaders continue to deliberate on the future of aviation, Indias role as a key player in shaping policies, technology and sustainability is evident. With its aviation sector growing at an unparalleled pace, India is not only rewriting the history of aviation but also charting a bold course for the future.
Given the proven Chinese disregard for international law and rules-based orders, any government on the other side of the negotiating table should keep an eye out for any possible Chinese intrigue in attempting to grab sovereign territory read more

Chinas island-grab strategy has been a key component in forcibly trying to establish its illegitimate jurisdiction over the entire sea area of the South China Sea up to its self-created Nine-Dash Line, which incidentally is beyond 200 nautical miles from its coast. Unilateralism and bullying have been Chinese hallmarks in this deliberate effort at spreading its hegemony over sea areas and silencing smaller neighbours with every kind of intimidation  diplomatic, economic and military. A quick recap of Chinas island-grab story in the South China Sea (SCS) will be of interest.

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In the 1950s, when France withdrew from French Indochina, China occupied half the Paracel Islands. South Vietnam also moved towards the Paracels. In 1973, when the US withdrew from South Vietnam, China forced the South Vietnamese out and occupied the entire Paracel Islands by 1974. The collapse of South Vietnam in 1975 and the decrease of Soviet military presence in Vietnam in the 1980s emboldened China to occupy six features of the Spratly Islands by 1988. After the United States withdrew from the Philippines in 1992, Chinas designs to occupy Mischief Reef were realised in 1995. In the 2000s, China spread its tentacles further into the South China Sea and gained de-facto control over the Scarborough Shoal by 2012.

From 2014 onwards, China began rapid development and large-scale reclamation around all its grabbed islands including military infrastructure on many of them. It now has developed seven features in the Spratly Islands. There are high-quality satellite pictures that confirm the presence of sophisticated military infrastructure on them, like helipads, SAM shelters, radar and communication stations, gun batteries and underground storage. Woody Island, Subi Reef and Fiery Cross have 3,000-metre runways as well, capable of operating heavy aircraft.

Lies and double-speak characterise the Chinese narrative about these sinister moves. It denies that it intends to militarise the South China Sea. If this isnt militarisation, what is? Other statements couch these developments as measures for self-protection and self-defence and rational expansion of its islands and reefs. By the end of the last decade, Y8 and Y9 aircraft had started operating from the runways in the Spratly and Paracel Islands, and sophisticated surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) and anti-ship cruise missiles were positioned on some features during military exercises. Drones have also been deployed from Woody Island. The military implications of such developments cannot be lost on any observer of geopolitics.

In 2016, the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) award stated that Chinas Nine-Dash Line is invalid, that none of the features in the Spratly Islands is fully an entitled island, which is capable of generating maritime zones, that China had violated sovereign rights of the Philippines, that China had caused severe harm to the marine environment and that there was no legal basis for China to claim historic rights to resources falling in sea areas within the Nine-Dash Line. The ITLOS upheld almost all of the Philippines maritime claims. However, China has shown scant regard for the ITLOS award and continued with its hegemonistic and coercive policies in the South China Sea. The downward spiral of relations between China and other stakeholders in that region is a direct result of Chinas aggressive behaviour.

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Are there any lessons for India in this? It is no secret that China has economically bought over several countries in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Its all-weather friendship with Pakistan is directed unambiguously at India. China wields tremendous political and military influence in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Several countries in East Africa and South Asia are similarly affected by Chinas heft. Many of these nations have entrusted major infrastructure projects to Chinese entities and are major beneficiaries of Chinese defence hardware. Therefore, it will not be surprising if China coerces some of these nations to lease or part with their offshore islands in the name of benign development that could later assume a military colour.

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As recently as 2020, it was reported in the media that the federal government of Pakistan had assumed direct control of two islands in the Sindh Province that lie offshore of Karachi. These were the Bundal and Bhuddo islands, and that the Pakistan Island Development Authority, under a presidential ordinance, was to offer these islands for development to China to support the latters Belt and Road Initiative. This could have been an undercover sell-off to China had it not run into a domestic political storm in Pakistan. Chinese deep sea fishing fleets are engaged in large-scale Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing and such island deals with China could make them havens for Chinese fishing fleets, deprive local fishermen of livelihood and jeopardise maritime claims of the coastal or island state.

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It is no secret that such moves would enhance Chinas strategic presence in Indias backyard and, therefore, not in the latters interest. How smaller nations in the Indian Ocean Region succumb to temptations and coercive pressures by China with regard to its extra-regional island-grab strategy remains to be seen. If the happenings in the SCS right from the 1950s to the present are any indication, they would do so at their own peril. Given the proven Chinese disregard for international law and rules-based orders, any government on the other side of the negotiating table should keep an eye out for any possible Chinese intrigue in attempting to grab sovereign territory.

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India, on its part, will have to maintain a sharp lookout for such intentions and shape the neighbourhood in a manner that does not adversely affect its own national security interests.

Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta (Retd) is a former Commander-in-Chief of the Eastern Naval Command, Indian Navy. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the writer. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
It has been over a month since Sheikh Hasina was ousted through a mass uprising. The former Bangladesh prime minister had become quite unpopular. She was routinely called a dictator by an increasingly growing number of people, critics, and the Opposition, and the United States threw its considerable weight to bolster these voices.

Hasina, who had won a straight fourth term in January in prime ministerial elections boycotted by the chief Opposition party BNP, ruled with a strong hand. She even used lethal force to tamp down on insurgency. In the end she ran out of options and time once the army refused to back her.

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There is little doubt that Hasina was an autocratic ruler. There have been credible allegations against her of illegal detention of political rivals, and the dreaded RAB (rapid action battalion) paramilitary force was accused of several human rights abuses, enforced disappearances and even extrajudicial killings.

The United States, that fervently believes in the virtues of liberal democracy and envisages itself as a key crusader for democracy and the keeper of the liberal international order, focused a lot of attention on the Hasina government. It gave rise to an interesting paradox.

Even Hasinas staunchest critic would agree that the former prime minister turned around Bangladeshs broken economy and ushered in unprecedented economic growth. She had a vision document of making Bangladesh a developed nation by 2041. Hasina brought political stability, policy predictability, acted as a conduit of trade between India and Southeast Asia and successfully balanced the countrys relationship between India and China to make Bangladesh into a middle-income economy. She turned Bangladesh into a global garment hub, and textile imports powered the economy while being led by millions of female workers until Covid played havoc.

In 2019, World Economic Forum called Hasina the secret of Bangladeshs economic success and pointed out that it is the fastest-growing economy in the Asia-Pacific region, eclipsing China, Vietnam and India and way head in many socio-economic indicators.

Interestingly, the US, that believes peace and prosperity depend on the maintenance of liberal international order and actively evangelises democracy around the globe, felt that Opposition space is getting squeezed in Bangladesh and proceeded to take a series of steps.

Washington asked Hasina last year to resign and hand over the power to a caretaker government led by the Speaker that will hold free and fair elections.

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When Hasina refused to budge, the US slapped sanctions on key Awami League figures, its envoy to Dhaka, Peter Haas, effectively adopted the role of a de facto leader of the Opposition, installing the US as an actor in Bangladeshs domestic politics, and the State Department, during a briefing in October last year, threatened to take actions if necessary to support democracy in Bangladesh.

In fact, the Joe Biden administration refused to congratulate Hasina on her fourth straight term as prime minister in January, observing that that these elections were not free or fair and we regret that not all parties participated.

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Now that Hasina has gone after the August revolution, the US was quick to announce that it was ready to work with the interim government, as it charts a democratic future for the people of Bangladesh, and is now dispatching Donald Lu, the assistant secretary for South Asia, to Dhaka on September 14 and 15. Lu will launch economic talks with the interim government to help the beleaguered country boost its economy.

Bangladesh, once a standout economic performer under Hasina, now seeks $8 billion worth of funding from global lending institutions. Having thrown its weight behind the Yunus regime, Washington is naturally keen to bail out Dhaka.

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Since Hasinas departure, Bangladesh has evidently become more democratic. The regime change has earned Washingtons approval. Western media and west-based Bangladeshi academics are all praises for August revolution that has ushered in a democratic revival.

And what has been the result of this revival? A steep turn to Islamist radicalism. Jamaat, the Islamist outfit, wants Bangladesh to change its national anthem. Written by Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore, Bengals greatest poet, literary genius and humanist whose legacy spans both sides of Bengal, the anthem has suddenly fallen foul of Islamists.

The interim governments religious affairs adviser Khalid Hossain, an Islamic scholar, is of the opinion that Bangladeshs national anthem,  Amar Sonar Bangla, penned by Tagore, has been imposed by India.

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Any immediate changes have reportedly been ruled out but the country that had gained its independence through Bhasha Andolan, rejecting West Pakistans diktat of Urdu imposition and latching on to Tagore as the supreme expression of an identity based on Bangla language and Bengali culture, and whose Mukti Juddho (liberation war) leant heavily on the metaphor and grammar of Bengali literary and cultural tradition as expressed through Tagore, now suddenly finds its tallest literary figure and cultural icon too Hindu and too Indian.

Tagore remains germane and intrinsic to Bangladeshs national identity as a Bangla-desh (a land for Bengalis). To even attempt to erase his legacy and claim that he was too Indian and his language was too Sanskritised shows how far down the Islamist radicalism route Bangladesh has travelled since Hasinas ouster, and conversely proves the point that Hasina was the only secular figure that stood between Bangladesh and its descent into Islamist radicalism.

The signs are everywhere.

Utshob Mondal, a young Hindu college student, was thrashed almost to the point of death by a thousand-strong irate mob of Islamists, including madarsa students, inside a police station in Khulna, and according to German outlet DW Bangla, in presence of cops, armed and naval forces. The mob relented only when Mondals body turned limp, thinking him to be dead, and later, a critically injured Mondal was wrapped in polythene and taken out of the police station in an army vehicle under tight security while an agitated crowd still tried to block the vehicle.

Since the overthrowing of Hasina, Hindu minorities have come under vicious attack from rabid Islamists while the Yunus regime looks the other way or remains in denial. Hindus, fearful for their lives, are thronging the Indian border in desperate attempts to escape violence and persecution.

Many atrocities in the early days of chaos have gone unreported amid lawlessness and complete lack of law enforcement, but conservative estimates put such attacks against Hindu minorities, their temples, business establishments and houses at over 200 incidents leading even Amnesty International to call for protection of minorities while the Yunus government claims that most reports are fake.

Islamist radicals are demanding banning of music at shrines as  Bidat (against Islam), Hindu teachers are being forced to resign en masse from schools and colleges (latest figures put the number at 49 while theres even a call to change the Bangladesh flag since it was designed by Narain Das, a Hindu.

One of the first acts of the Yunus government was to lift the ban on Jamaat, the party that resisted independence from Pakistan and in cahoots with Pakistan army, took active part in mass rapes, killings and atrocities mostly against Hindus in 1971. The Razakars and Pakistan army in 1971 carried out ethnic cleansing of Bengali-speaking people, mostly Hindus, killing over 4 million and raping over 2 million women.

Hasina had banned Jamaat as a militant and terrorist organization, and her ouster led to an orgy of violence against members and workers of Awami League, that also included a number of Hindus. The Yunus government has also released from prison Jashimuddin Rahmani, the chief of the Ansarullah Bangla Team, an Al-Qaeda-affiliated terrorist outfit, that was the mastermind behind killing of a number of atheist and secular bloggers. The organization was banned by Hasina in 2016.

Hasina may have been an authoritarian figure, but her obligation towards preserving the secular fabric of Bangladesh, and her actions against rabid Islamists, while also being mindful of Indias security concerns (given the fact that many of these outfits such as ABT were active in Indias northeastern states), made her Indias natural ally.

It raises the question whether secularism in Bangladesh is elite enterprise, unsupported by the masses. If the riffraff are Islamists, or if moderate Muslims are overshadowed by the more rabid elements in society, a political system that is freer will inevitably reflect the will of the people. And that is exactly what we are witnessing in Bangladesh. With Hasinas departure, the secular ethos that kept the fundamentalists and jihadists is gone and the result is a rapid descent towards a more Islamist polity. The Bhasha Andolan has come full circle.
Ford has filed a patent which details a technology designed to record and analyse conversations that take place inside a Ford vehicle. This system would then use the recorded data to deliver targeted advertisements to the cars occupant read more

Despite Fords reassurances, the concept has raised questions about the balance between technological innovation and privacy. Image Credit: Reuters

Ford Motor Company has recently stirred controversy with its latest patent application, which outlines a system that could record conversations within its vehicles to tailor advertisements for occupants.

This proposal, described as an In-Vehicle Advertisement Presentation System, has raised significant concerns about privacy and data security.

The patent, reported by Motor1, details a technology designed to record and analyse conversations that take place inside a Ford vehicle. This system would then use the recorded data to deliver targeted advertisements to the cars occupants.

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The technology would also track the vehicles location, speed, and traffic conditions to provide more relevant ads. For instance, if the system detects that the car is near a grocery store, it could present ads related to shopping or groceries.

The idea has sparked alarm due to its invasive nature. Critics argue that this kind of monitoring could be seen as a form of surveillance, potentially infringing on personal privacy. The concern is that the technology may act like a wiretap, listening in on private conversations and using that information to generate revenue through targeted advertising.

A patent showing how Ford plans to show ads inside the cabin, using the infotainment system. Image Credit: Reddit

Ford has responded to these concerns by clarifying that filing a patent does not necessarily mean the company plans to implement the technology. The company stated that submitting patent applications is a routine part of protecting new ideas and developing a strong intellectual property portfolio. Ford emphasised that the patent application should not be viewed as an indication of the companys future product plans.

Despite Fords reassurances, the concept has raised questions about the balance between technological innovation and privacy. Similar concerns have been voiced about other technologies, such as smart home devices that may listen in on conversations to serve targeted ads.

The legal and ethical implications of such surveillance technologies are still debated, with some questioning whether current regulations adequately address these issues.

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The idea of turning a car into a tool for corporate surveillance has been met with considerable criticism. Many view the concept as a potential breach of personal privacy, arguing that the intrusive nature of recording conversations for advertising purposes undermines consumer trust. The debate also touches on broader issues of data privacy and the ethical use of technology.

Fords patent application highlights the growing trend of companies seeking to monetise personal data. While the technology is still in the patent phase, the discussion raises important questions about how far companies should go in their quest for revenue. The concept of using in-car conversations to drive targeted advertising reflects a broader trend towards increasingly personalised and data-driven marketing strategies.

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As the debate continues, the focus will likely remain on how companies balance innovation with respect for consumer privacy. The automotive industry, along with other sectors exploring similar technologies, will need to navigate these complex issues carefully. Ensuring transparency and consumer consent will be crucial in addressing the concerns raised by such advancements.

In the meantime, Fords proposal serves as a reminder of the evolving landscape of technology and advertising, and the ongoing need for robust discussions around privacy and ethical practices in the digital age.
L&Ts investment will be spread over three years, aimed at setting up a fabless chip company. Unlike traditional semiconductor firms that manage their own production facilities, fabless companies focus on designing and selling chips while outsourcing manufacturing to specialised facilities read more

IBM's collaboration will leverage L&Ts expertise in semiconductor design alongside IBMs advanced processor technologies. This partnership is expected to play a crucial role in supporting Indias ambitions of becoming a key player in the semiconductor industry. Image Credit: Reuters

Larsen & Toubro Ltd (L&T), a major Indian conglomerate with interests ranging from technology to construction, has announced plans to invest over $300 million in establishing a new fabless semiconductor company.

This move marks a significant step in Indias push to build its semiconductor industry and reduce reliance on costly imports.

L&Ts investment will be spread over three years, aimed at setting up a fabless chip company. Unlike traditional semiconductor firms that manage their own production facilities, fabless companies focus on designing and selling chips while outsourcing manufacturing to specialised facilities.

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15 products by the end of the year

The new venture will concentrate on developing 15 different products by the end of this year, with sales anticipated to commence in 2027. The companys initial focus will be on sectors undergoing substantial transformation, such as automotive, industrial, and energy.

Sandeep Kumar, head of L&T Semiconductor Technologies, highlighted the potential in these sectors, noting the companys intention to target areas like power chips, radio-frequency semiconductors, and mixed-signal integrated circuits. This contrasts with major global fabless chipmakers like NVIDIA and AMD, which often focus on high-performance products such as AI-enabling graphics processors.

L&T Semiconductor Technologies currently employs around 250 people, mainly chip designers, with plans to double its workforce by the end of 2024. While the company is seeking government support through subsidies or incentives for chip design, it has indicated that it will not be looking for external funding beyond the L&T group itself.

Indias semiconductor sector is poised for growth, supported by both government initiatives and private investments. The countrys increasing focus on building a robust semiconductor ecosystem reflects its strategic importance in the global technology landscape.

With its substantial investment and strategic partnerships, L&T is set to play a significant role in shaping Indias semiconductor future, contributing to the broader goal of establishing the country as a leading player in the global semiconductor industry.

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Strategic collaboration with IBM

In a strategic move, L&T has also announced a partnership with IBM to advance processor technology. This collaboration aims to develop high-performance, secure, and scalable processors for edge devices and hybrid cloud environments. The partnership is expected to enhance Indias position in the global semiconductor industry by creating competitive technology solutions across several critical sectors, including automotive, energy, and industrial applications.

The collaboration will leverage L&Ts expertise in semiconductor design alongside IBMs advanced processor technologies. This partnership is expected to play a crucial role in supporting Indias ambitions of becoming a key player in the semiconductor industry.

Semicon going beyond Taiwan

The semiconductor industry has become increasingly vital, particularly as geopolitical tensions, such as the US-China trade war, threaten to drive up the cost of chip imports. Countries around the world, including the US, Germany, Japan, and Singapore, are investing heavily in domestic chip production to secure their technological supply chains.

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In response to these global trends, India is enhancing its semiconductor capabilities. Prime Minister Narendra Modis administration has launched a $10 billion programme aimed at attracting semiconductor manufacturers and their suppliers.

This initiative has already led to significant investments, including Tata Groups plans for the countrys first major chip factory and Micron Technology Inc.s $2.75 billion assembly facility in Gujarat. The Adani Group is also set to establish a chip plant in collaboration with an Israeli partner.
Attorneys general from 42 states and Washington D.C., have united in a bipartisan effort to urge Congress to impose health warning labels on social media platforms. Social media platforms may come with a message akin to anti-smoking slogans that are required on cigarette packs read more

In a major move that may change how people, especially teenagers deal with social media platforms like Instagram, X, and TikTok in the US, attorneys general from 42 states and Washington D.C., have united in a bipartisan effort to urge Congress to impose health warning labels on social media platforms.

This collective action, detailed in a letter released on Tuesday, aims to highlight the risks these platforms pose to the well-being of young users.

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The surge in support reflects a growing endorsement of US Surgeon General Vivek Murthys request for social media warning labels. Murthy has highlighted research suggesting that excessive social media use, particularly over three hours a day, correlates with heightened risks of anxiety and depression among youth.

The letter, addressed to key Congressional leaders including House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate leaders Chuck Schumer and Mitch McConnell, underscores a shared concern for the safety of children. The attorneys general expressed a common commitment to safeguarding youth from the adverse effects of algorithm-driven platforms.

Online safety for kids a major issue

The push for warning labels requires Congressional action to implement. While there is bipartisan support for enhancing digital well-being for children, legislative progress has been slow.

The Senate passed the Kids Online Safety Act in June, but the bill has stalled in the House due to debates over potential censorship and its impact on marginalised youth.

The proposed warning labels, modelled after tobacco warnings, are seen as a crucial step in addressing the risks but do not fully resolve the broader issues associated with social media use.

Clear message to Meta & TikTok

The call for warning labels comes amidst ongoing legal actions against major tech companies. Last year, attorneys general from 45 states and D.C. filed lawsuits against Meta, accusing the company of harmful and manipulative practices affecting young users.

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Similar legal actions have been taken against TikTok, with some states continuing to investigate the companys practices. Despite these efforts, the debate over the most effective ways to protect young users from the adverse effects of social media continues.
Israeli airstrikes on Wednesday killed at least 25 Palestinians, including 16 women and children, in Gaza and the West Bank. The strikes have intensified the ongoing conflict, with significant casualties and widespread destruction reported read more

People inspect the remains of a vehicle, which was destroyed in an Israeli airstrike, in Jenin, in the Israeli occupied West Bank, March 20, 2024. REUTERS

Israeli airstrikes across Gaza and West Bank have resulted in the deaths of at least 25 people, including 16 women and children, according to local officials.

In the Gaza Strip, airstrikes early Wednesday killed at least 20 individuals. The Gaza Health Ministry reported that an airstrike on a tent camp, located in a zone designated for humanitarian purposes by Israel, resulted in 19 deaths.

Additionally, an airstrike near Khan Younis killed 11 people, including six siblings ranging from 21 months to 21 years old. The European Hospital, which received the casualties, identified the dead as including three women, a child, and a man. Another strike late Tuesday on a residence in the Jabaliya refugee camp in northern Gaza claimed nine lives, including six women and children. The home targeted belonged to Akram al-Najjar, a professor at al-Quds Open University, who survived the attack, according to reports.

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The Gaza Health Ministry has reported that more than 40,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since the conflict began, though this figure includes both combatants and civilians. The war has led to widespread destruction and displaced around 90% of Gazas 2.3 million residents, often multiple times.

In the West Bank, an Israeli airstrike on the northern city of Tubas early Wednesday resulted in the deaths of five Palestinians. The Israeli military stated that the strike aimed at a group of militants, but the Palestinian Health Ministry did not specify if the victims were militants or civilians.

Israel has recently intensified its military operations in the West Bank, claiming to target militant groups to prevent attacks. Palestinians, however, argue that these operations are part of a broader effort to solidify Israels military control over the territory.

The West Bank has experienced a surge in violence since the onset of the current Gaza conflict. Israel captured the West Bank, along with East Jerusalem and Gaza, during the 1967 Middle East war. Palestinians seek these territories for a future state, but Israeli military operations continue to fuel tensions.

In recent developments, Yahya Sinwar, the Hamas leader appointed in August, issued his first public statement since the conflict began. In his statement, Sinwar congratulated Algerias President Abdelmadjid Tebboune on his reelection and thanked Algeria for its support of the Palestinian cause.

Algeria had previously circulated a draft resolution at the United Nations calling for an immediate cease-fire and a halt to Israeli military actions in Gaza. Sinwar, a key figure in orchestrating the October 7 attack that triggered the war, remains elusive and is believed to be hiding within Gaza. Israel has vowed to target him.

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The October 7 attack by Hamas led to the deaths of around 1,200 people and the abduction of approximately 250 individuals, with around 100 still held captive. Efforts by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt to broker a cease-fire and negotiate a hostage release have yet to succeed.

With inputs from Agencies
The United States waged the global war on terrorism in the aftermath of 9/11 terrorist attacks read more

Smoke billowing from the grounds of World Trade Center in New York after being struck by hijacked aeroplanes on September 11, 2001, during 9/11 attacks (Photo: AP)

September 11, 2001, started as just one another day, but ended as an epoch-defining date etched in history.

That day, 19 terrorists hijacked four planes in the United States. They crashed a plane into each of the World Trade Centers towers in New York City  killing 2,750 people. They rammed the third plane into the Pentagon in Washington DC, the headquarters of the Department of Defense. They brought down the fourth plane in the fields of Pennsylvania after passengers and crew tried to take control of the plane. A total of 2,977 people were killed in the attacks.

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It was the deadliest attack ever on the US soil and brought the nation to the halt. Fear and panic gripped the United States as the world watched with bated breath as the post-Cold War superpower wrapped its head around what had happened.

In a speech hours after the attack, the-then President George W Bush sought unity against fear and defiance in the face of the deadliest act of terror in history. He said the terrorists attacked the United States because were the brightest beacon for freedom and opportunity in the world and no one will keep that light from shining.

A great people has been moved to defend a great nation. Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America. These acts shattered steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve, said Bush.

Even as the search for the survivors was on, Bush vowed to respond to the attack with the full might of the United States.

Bush said, The search is underway for those who are behind these evil acts. Ive directed the full resources of our intelligence and law enforcement communities to find those responsible and to bring them to justice. We will make no distinction between the terrorists who committed these acts and those who harbor them.

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Within weeks, the United States launched the Global War on Terror and went after al-Qaeda, the Islamist terrorist organisation behind the 9/11 attacks. Here are the five ways in which the 9/11 attacks and the related developments changed the world in years to come.

1. The Global War on Terror

Following the 9/11 attacks, Bush demanded the Afghanistans rulers Taliban to either hand over al-Qaeda leaders or face the wrath. The war against al-Qaeda and other Islamist terrorist organisations across the world came to be known as the Global War on Terror (GWOT).

On Sept. 20, 2001, Bush declared, Our war on terror begins with al Qaeda, but it does not end there. It will not end until every terrorist group of global reach has been found, stopped and defeated.

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Instead of being a formal war, the GWOT became the collective term for military, intelligence, covert, and financial efforts of the United States and allies to hunt down al-Qaeda and other terrorist groups leaders and dismantle these grups across the world. The most recognisable of these efforts were the US-led wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. In Afghanistan, the US-led invasion overthrew the Taliban regime and rooted out al-Qaeda from the country.

It was not until 2011 that al-Qaeda chief who ordered 9/11 attacks, Osama bin Laden, was killed in a special forces operation in Pakistan. The principal architect of the attacks, Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, was arrested in Pakistan in 2003 and later handed over to the United States.

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The successes of the GWOT are mixed. While the efforts succeeded in preventing another 9/11-like attack, eliminating Bin Laden, capturing Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, and largely dismantling al-Qaeda and allied Islamist groups, the anti-terrorism campaigns antagonised the United States in the Middle East and South Asia as a large number of civilians became collateral damages amid a litany of human rights violations allegations.

Moreover, the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021 and the country became a safe haven for terrorists again. Another unintended consequence of the GWOT was the rise of Islamic State in the Middle East following the invasion of Iraq.

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One stark failure of the GWOT is the inability to convict Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and others arrested for planning and executing the 9/11 attacks. Even as they remain imprisoned in Guantanamo Bay prison for years, their trial is yet to start even after 23 years of the attacks.

2. The invasion of Iraq and rise of ISIS

In 2003, even as the US-led forces were engaged in Afghanistan and elsewhere in the Middle East, a US-led international coalition invaded Iraq.

The main rationale was the belief that Iraq possessed weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) and that Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein was supporting terrorist groups. The possibility that the terrorists purportedly supported by Iraq could use WMDs led to Bush declaring the disarming of Iraq a priority. This was the ground for the invasion of Iraq. Later, it was discovered that there were no WMDs in Iraq.

Following the US-led coalitions invasion of Iraq, Saddams regime was overthrown, army was disbanded, and fresh elections were held. Saddams Baathist party-affiliated officers and soldiers were purged and many of them turned to terrorist groups in later years.

A jihadist leader, Abu Musal al-Zarkawi, formed the Islamic State in 2005, who previously headed the al-Qaeda in Iraq (AQI). The Baathists purged by the US-led new Iraqi dispensation formed the core of the Islamic State.

In his book Inside ISIS: The Brutal Rise of a Terrorist Army, Benjamin Hall noted that it was the failure of the US government to include these elements in post-Saddam Iraq that created the conditions for ISIS to thrive.

Tapping into strong tribal ties in the region and the vast military experience among them, these ex-Baathists were able to command countless followers, while also exerting influence over ISIS. The top three ISIS generals in the takeover of Mosul were Baathists, as were eight of the top ten in ISIS at the time, noted Hall in the book.

The invasion of Iraq led to the spectacular empowerment of armed non-state actors in the region and beyond, according to Alia Brahimi, a Non-Resident Senior Fellow of the Atlantic Councils Middle East programmes.

The Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham, of course, emerged amid the brutal contestation of power in post-invasion Iraq and pursued its caliphate as an alternative (Sunni) political institution to rival the nation-stateIn addition, because Iran effectively won the war in Iraq, it was able to sponsor a deep bench of Shia nonstate groups which have eroded state sovereignty in Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and Iraq itself. The US invasion of Iraq left us a world with less respect for state sovereignty, more guns for hire, and a dizzying array of well-armed and determined nonstate groups, said Brahimi, as per the Atlantic Council.

During 2014-19, the Islamic State ran a Caliphate across Iraq and Syria and controlled large swathes of land. It was only in 2019 that the Caliphate ended as a result of yearslong war by West-backed groups against the Islamic State.

3. Increased screening at airports, change in attitude on migrants

As the 9/11 attacks involved foreign hijackers taking control of aeroplanes, a direct effect was the increased security screenings at airports and change in attitude regarding migrants.

In an article for the Migration Policy Institute (MPI), Muzaffar Chishti and Jessica Bolter noted that as the hijackers were all foreigners, immigration controls were inevitably seen as obvious tools in the war on terror.

The result is a highly securitized immigration apparatus with vastly increased budgets and large-scale arrests, detention, and removal of noncitizens based on significantly enhanced data-sharing between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, noted Chishti and Bolter.

4. US pivot to Middle East and South Asia

After nearly a decade of relative detente following the end of the Cold War, the 9/11 attacks meant the US security and foreign policy pivoted to the Middle East and South Asia for the next two decades.

The United States and allies invaded Afghanistan and Iraq and went on a counter-terrorism campaign across the Middle East where they partnered with Arab nations, conducted covert operations, drone strikes, among other activities against Islamist terrorist organisations.

It was not until 2021 that the US formally shifted away from Islamism to white supremacy when it came to the biggest security threat.

5. The return of US wars abroad

After a break of nearly a decade after the end of the Cold War, the 9/11 attacks increased the US military footprint again in the world.

As the United States waged wars against the terrorist groups in the Middle East and South Asia, new bases were set up across the Middle East  many of which remain to this day.

The US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) also set up black sites across the world and held detainees secretly. The CIA-led operations to hunt planners of the attacks and crack down on terrorist groups came under scrutiny as agencys techniques came under question. The alleged torture of detainees which the CIA dubbed enhanced interrogation techniques means that evidence gathered from detainees is unlikely to be admissible in courts.
Sixty countries, including the US and Ukraine, approved a new blueprint for action on responsible AI use in the military, but China did not support the document. The blueprint includes risk management, human oversight, and preventing AI-driven proliferation of weapons of mass destruction read more

Speakers including Dr. Radha Plumb, Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Officer, U.S. Department of Defense (third from left), discuss responsible AI use in a plenary session at the Responsible AI in the Military domain (REAIM) summit in Seoul, South Korea, September 9, 2024. Yonhap via REUTERS

A significant milestone was reached this week as around 60 nations, including the United States, endorsed a new blueprint for action aimed at governing the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) in military applications.

This blueprint, adopted at the Responsible AI in the Military Domain (REAIM) summit in Seoul, builds on the foundation laid by last years summit in The Hague.

While the document represents a step toward more actionable guidelines, China notably refrained from supporting it, reflecting ongoing global debates about the role and regulation of AI in defense.

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Here are the five key details you need to know around this major global development:

1. Widespread support Around 60 countries, including major players like the United States and Ukraine, endorsed the new blueprint for action on regulating artificial intelligence (AI) in military contexts. However, China chose not to support the document, highlighting significant international divisions on this issue.

2. Previous agreements This years blueprint marks a progression from the initial call to action endorsed by about 60 nations, including China, at the previous REAIM summit in The Hague. The new document, co-hosted by the Netherlands, Singapore, Kenya, and the United Kingdom, is designed to address more specific and actionable guidelines for AI in military use.

3. Focus on Risk Management The blueprint emphasises the need for rigorous risk assessments and the importance of maintaining human oversight in AI operations. Netherlands Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans stated, We are making further concrete steps. Last year was more about creating shared understanding; now we are getting more towards action.

4. Prevention of WMD proliferation A significant addition to this years document is a directive to prevent AI from facilitating the spread of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs), including the role of AI in nuclear weapons management. This aims to counteract potential misuse by terrorist groups and other non-state actors.

5. International cooperation and multi-stakeholder approach The summit aimed to ensure that discussions on military AI are not dominated by any single nation. The goal is to foster broad, multi-stakeholder dialogue and cooperation, though achieving universal consensus remains a challenge.

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6. Implications of Chinas absence Despite sending a representative to the summit, China along with 30 nations did not endorse the blueprint. This absence point towards the complexities and differing perspectives on military AI regulation among global powers. Defence Minister Brekelmans acknowledged, We need to be realistic that we will never have the whole world on board.

7. Future discussions & next steps Officials are still discussing the venue and timing for the next summit, with South Korean representatives planning to bring up AI in military discussions at the UN General Assembly in October. Giacomo Persi Paoli from the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) stressed the need for ongoing international engagement, noting, The blueprint is an incremental step forward. By going too fast, too soon, there is a very high risk that many countries do not want to engage.
When the US launched its post-9/11 war on terror, Yemen was one of the original battlegrounds. Its been 22 years since the US launched its first strike in Yemen but the Houthis continue to hold their sway and keep the US from securing a victory read more

This day 23 years ago, the world changed forever in many ways  more profoundly in its fight against terror. The United States of America, after being hit by al-Qaeda at multiple locations including the World Trade Center in New York, launched its war on terror, forming military coalitions with its allies.

While Afghanistan is the best known case, the USs war against terror in Yemen has largely remained under a slightly dimmer public spotlight. But the US has been fighting against militia forces in Yemen since 2002. Yet, the Houthis of Yemen control a vast tract of the country and also influence the Red Sea navigation. In Afghanistan, where the US replaced Taliban only to hand over the reins of power to Taliban after 20 years. In Yemen, it appears to have been more confusing than in any other country.

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This Sunday, Yemens Houthi rebels claimed that they shot down an American-made MQ-9 drone that they said was flying over the country. This wasnt the first striking down of a high-tech American aircraft. But this downing of the multimillion-dollar surveillance aircraft was a statement by the Iran-backed Shia militia group that even after 22 years of American presence and military assault, the Houthis hold sway over southern Yemen and more importantly, the Red Sea.

Before the downing of the American aircraft, the Houthis struck the Saudi-flagged Amjad and the Panama-flagged Blue Lagoon 1 5his month. In all, they have struck more than 80 ships in the Red Sea since the war in Gaza began in October 2023. Despite warnings and assaults, the rebels have said the attacks will continue until Israel ends its war on Gaza.

Aspiring to be the solitary political power in Yemen, the Houthi campaign since the Israel-Hamas (another Iran-backed militia) war has curtailed the shipping activity through the Red Sea  one of the busiest sea routes earlier  by about 90 per cent. This is when the US has deployed two aircraft carriers in the region.

The US have launched airstrikes over Houthi-controlled territory after each strike but this has been going on for years. It has conducted nearly 400 attacks in Yemen since 2002. These attacks have included commando raids, targeted drone assaults, cruise missile attacks and conventional airstrikes.

Some of the attacks have been quite controversial, such as the one commander raid of 2017. Several Yemenis including women and children were reportedly killed by US Navy SEALS. The US strikes have continued through the last week.

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Why MQ-9 downing matters

This wasnt the first time that the Houthis have downed a General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper drone. They have done it repeatedly since 2014, when they seized Yemens capital, Sanaa.

Reapers are said to cost around $30 million apiece. They have been regularly used by the US military and its Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) for their ability to fly at altitudes over 15,000 metres for up to 24 hours without requiring a landing. Its downing by the Houthis shows that its not afraid of directly needling the US even as it provokes Israel.

This is also a statement that Irans backing has been unwavering amid heightened tension with Israel and signs of warming up in its relationship with Iran, with efforts to bring nuclear talks back on track.

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Attacks by the Houthi forces have sharply increased since October 2023, with a particular focus on the Red Sea corridor. The Americans have increased the intensity of their strikes against Houthi targets since January. But the deterrence does not seem to have dampened the motivation of the rebels in Yemen.

The Yemen story

Yemen has had a bloodied modern history with civil wars before the reunification of North and South Yemens in the early 1990s, with Ali Abdullah Saleh of North Yemen becoming the president of the Republic of Yemen. But by the mid-1990s, a sectarian conflict began, turning into another civil war  Shia groups revolting against majority Sunni rule.

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In 2000, Saleh reached a deal with Saudi Arabia, hoping to bring peace in Yemen. But it too proved short-lived as rebel leader Hussein Badreddin al-Houthi galvanised militia groups in response to Salehs border deal with Saudi Arabia. Al-Houthi launched a war against the Yemeni government in 2004. His forces came to be known as the Houthis  earlier known as Ansar Allah.

Another major switch came in the wake of the Arab Spring of 2011. Saleh was forced to quit and flee. His deputy Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi took over power in Yemen but the Houthis continued their war against the Yemen government, and in 2014, captured its capital Sanaa.

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A change in strategy

For years, the US kept a low-profile as its ally Saudi Arabia launched a coalition war against the Houthis. Back then, Saudi Arabia said the war against the Houthis would be over in a few weeks. It has been 10 years and the Houthis have grown only stronger, of course with Saudi Arabias arch-rival Iran.

The US provided weapons, combat training, and logistical and intelligence support to the Saudi Arabia-led military coalition. That support was to keep Yemeni President Hadi in power. But the Houthis overthrew his government in 2021.

The US, later, changed its strategy. During Donald Trumps presidency, the US had frozen a $73 million humanitarian assistance to Yemen, fearing that the Houthis would capture the aid and consolidate their position further. This adversarial approach underwent a change after Joe Biden became the US president.

Biden revoked the Houthis terrorist organisation status in February 2021. Later, the US also removed advanced missile defence systems from Saudi Arabia. His administration also ended support for the Saudi-led coalitions offensive operations in the conflict, appointed Timothy Lenderking as a special envoy for Yemen and supported the UN-led peace process, with an assurance to Saudi Arabia about the defence of its territory. The aim was to ensure regional stability and keep the Yemeni civil war from spreading to other countries.

The efforts saw results with the Houthis agreeing to a truce deal in April 2022  brokered by the United Nations. The deal lapsed in October 2022 but hostility did not escalate, and for most part of 2023, China emerged as a mediator. Several rounds of peace talks happened with the Houthis and Saudi Arabia talking to one another. For the first time, a Houthi delegation travelled to Saudi Arabia. But all changed with the Hamas raid on Israel on October 7, 2023.

Situation worsens, and the US fights again

After Israel launched a counteroffensive in Gaza, the Houthis withdrew from peace moves and started targeting vessels passing the Red Sea from November 2023. By January 2024, the US department of state issued a statement putting the Houthis back to the list of Foreign Terrorist Organisations (FTO).

The US action came as the Houthis launched unprecedented attacks against international maritime vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, as well as military forces positioned in the area to defend the safety and security of commercial shipping.

The Houthis must be held accountable for their actions, but it should not be at the expense of Yemeni civilians, said the US, adding, If the Houthis cease their attacks in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, the United States will reevaluate this designation.

The Houthis, however, say that they would continue to perform their jihadist duties in victory for the oppressed Palestinian people and in defence of dear Yemen. They say that the attacks will stop only after Israel announces a ceasefire in Gaza. And every effort of the US has failed in getting a truce deal done between Israel and Hamas. The Houthis continue to attack and the US continue to retaliate, with no side securing a win or yielding to the other force.
Hours after Ukraine President urged US and UK to take strong decisions, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Wednesday gave his strongest hint yet that the White House is about to lift its restrictions on Ukraine using long-range weapons supplied by the West on key military targets deep inside Russia read more

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy meet with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Mariinsky Palace in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Wednesday. AP

Hours after Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged US and UK to take strong decisions, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Wednesday gave his strongest hint yet that the White House is about to lift its restrictions on Ukraine using long-range weapons supplied by the West on key military targets deep inside Russia.

According to a Guardian report, the decision is understood to have already been made in private.

Speaking in Kyiv alongside the UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, Blinken said the US had from day one been willing to adapt its policy as the situation on the battlefield in Ukraine changed.

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We will continue to do this, The Guardian quoted him as saying.

Blinken said that he and Lammy would update their bosses, Joe Biden and Keir Starmer, after their discussions with the Ukrainian President.

The foreign secretary said that the recent revelation of Iran sending ballistic missiles to Moscow had shifted strategic considerations in both London and Washington.

It was a significant and dangerous escalation, Lammy was quoted as saying.

The escalator here is Putin. Putin has escalated with the shipment of missiles from Iran. We see a new axis of Russia, Iran and North Korea, Lammy added.

Lammy urged China not to throw in its lot with what he called a group of renegades, reported The Guardian.

According to the report, British government sources revealed that a decision to allow Ukraine to use Storm Shadow cruise missiles against targets in Russia has been made, but its unlikely to be publicly announced during Keir Starmers Friday meeting with Joe Biden in Washington, DC.

The meeting will focus on the broader strategic aspects of the Ukraine war rather than specific weapons systems. No press conference is planned for what is expected to be a brief visit, Starmers second to the US as prime minister. Further discussions with European allies may follow over the weekend.

Wednesdays joint visit to Kyiv by Blinken and Lammy to meet Zelenskyy would not be taking place had there been no positive decision regarding Storm Shadow. However, announcing this publicly in Kyiv could be seen as provocative, and restrictions are expected to remain on the missiles use to prevent reckless attacks, added the report, citing sources.

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Ukraine has been lobbying for months for permission to hit airfields, missile launchers and command and control centres deep inside Russian territory.

Blinken and Lammy arrived in Kyiv on an overnight train from Poland. They had come to reiterate ironclad support for Ukraine, Lammy posted on X.

I am in Kyiv today with @SecBlinken to reiterate our united and ironclad support for Ukraine.



We must stand up to Vladimir Putins imperialism.



Our collective security depends on it. pic.twitter.com/EQTMWDC1rH  David Lammy (@DavidLammy) September 11, 2024

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The trip came 24 hours after Blinken confirmed in London that Tehran had shipped new deadly ballistic missiles to Russia.

Earlier in the day, Zelenskyy urged both the US and UK to take strong decisions as he renewed his call for permission to use long-range missiles deep inside Russia.

According to The Guardian report, citing the PA news agency, Zelenskyy, ahead of his talks with Blinken and Lammy, said that while he was optimistic about their decision to give Ukraine permission to use long-distance missiles, it eventually depends on their optimism and strong decisions on the issue.

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I will have a little bit later a talk with him (Blinken) and minister of foreign affairs for the UK. I dont know all the details of our conversation. I will be ready to be open and honest after these consultations, Zelenskyy was quoted as saying.

If I am optimistic about their decision to give us permission to use long distance, it is a pity it doesnt depend on my optimism. It depends on their optimism. Lets count on some strong decisions on this, he added.

For us it is very important for today. Anyway, I will tell you after the meeting and anyway I am counting on my dialogue with President (Joe) Biden this month, he further added.

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Zelenskyy also said that a victory plan he wants to present to US President Joe Biden this month would strengthen Kyiv and have a psychological impact that could push Russia to end its war diplomatically.

Speaking at Kyivs annual Crimean Platform event, Zelenskyy said it was important that Ukraine presented the plan to its allies before a second international summit on peace that he wants to hold later this year.

If partners support it (the plan), it will make it easier for Ukraine to force Russia to end the war, Reuters quoted him as saying.

What is this plan for? It is a serious strengthening of Ukraine and, in my opinion, it will have both psychological and political influence on Russias decision to end this war, added the Ukrainian President.

With inputs from agencies
The US governments funding is set to expire at the end of September and the Congress will need a stopgap bill to keep the government running read more

A man passes by the US Capitol on his scooter in Washington, DC, US, September 10, 2024. Image courtesy: Reuters

US lawmakers were set to vote Wednesday on temporary funding to thwart a damaging government shutdown, as a rebellion within the ruling Republicans piled pressure on party leaders racing to keep the lights on just weeks ahead of the presidential election.

Government funding is set to expire at the end of September and Congress will need a stopgap bill known as a continuing resolution (CR) to keep operations open past the election because the parties are nowhere near agreement on a full-year budget.

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Former president Donald Trump has urged Republicans to force a shutdown unless certain demands are met.

That would cause the closure of federal agencies and national parks, limiting public services and furloughing millions of workers without pay just weeks before the election.

Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson plans to call a vote later Wednesday on a six-month extension, punting the shutdown deadline into March, when the next president would be in office.

But he has announced that he intends to pair it with legislation requiring proof of citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections, known as the SAVE Act.

Trump, who dominates the House Republican group and continues to claim falsely that he was cheated by voter fraud in the 2020 election, has lobbied for Johnson to add the measure to the package.

I would shut down the government in a heartbeat if they dont get it in the bill, Trump told Monica Crowley, a senior Treasury official in his administration, on her podcast.

President Joe Bidens administration  worried about eligible voters being blocked from voter rolls or otherwise deterred  opposes the SAVE Act, noting that noncitizen voting is already illegal and that there is no evidence that undocumented migrants take part in elections.

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Election integrity

Nearly 200 House Democrats already voted against the SAVE Act when it was approved by the House two months ago, in a 221-198 vote.

Johnson does not even appear to have the support of a critical mass of his own side and has said he has no fallback option if the package fails  risking a shutdown at the start of October, less than five weeks before Election Day.

In the Senate, the governing Democrats plan to strip the voting provisions and give Republicans in the House an ultimatum: pass a clean CR moving the funding deadline to the end of the year or trigger a government shutdown.

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With the election less than two months away, vulnerable Republicans see a government shutdown as disastrous for their reelection prospects.

At least 10 lawmakers from all sides of the party have come out against the Johnson proposal, with defense hawks worried about military readiness and fiscal conservatives always against stopgap funding measures that do not cut spending.

Republicans can only afford to lose four members on any party-line vote.

I disagree with President Trump on the shutdown, Georgia Republican Austin Scott said on Fox Business.

We have a very slim margin in the House of Representatives and I will tell you I do think a shutdown of the government has the potential to shift enough seats that we have the potential to lose the House.

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The spending fight is Johnsons last big test before he asks his lawmakers for another two years at the helm. If he cannot sway most of the rebels, he could look for an off-ramp rather than risking a failed floor vote.

He has argued that a March funding deadline would allow an incoming president Trump to weigh in on spending if he wins the White House, rather than approving the funding under a lame-duck Biden.
Canadas Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Marc Miller on Tuesday confirmed that 20-year-old Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, who was arrested from Ormstown, Quebec last week on terror charges, had entered Canada on a study visa in May 2023 read more

International students from India at the site for an indefinite protest in Brampton Image Courtesy: Naujawan Support Network

A week after a Pakistani national, who entered Canada on student visa, was arrested over terrorism-related charges, Canadas study permit system has comes under intense scrutiny even as many students feel they are being made scapegoats for the failures of the immigration system.

According to a Hindustan Times report, 20-year-old Muhammad Shahzeb Khan was arrested from Ormstown, Quebec last week and faces terrorism charges in both Canada and the US as he was allegedly planning major attacks in New York City targeting the Jewish community.

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Canadas Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Marc Miller on Tuesday confirmed that Khan had entered Canada on a study visa in May 2023.

Miller said Khan was granted a student visa in May 2023 and arrived in Toronto in June of that year. He said he wouldnt provide any more details since the case is before the courts.

Authorities in the US allege Khan planned to use guns and knives to carry out a mass shooting in support of the Islamic State group on the one-year anniversary of the October 7 attack by Hamas that sparked the latest conflict in the Middle East.

The Conservative opposition party in Canada have been demanding the government answer questions about how Khan was allowed into the country.

We take any security breach and any entry into Canada very seriously," The Associated Press quoted Miller as saying.

Lets not be naive. A determined individual can gain access to this country and that is for the security services inside our country to apprehend this person if they commit a crime or if theyre about to commit a crime, he said.

Miller added that Canadas police forces did their jobs by arresting the individual and that well let the court case take its course.

The arrest and subsequent scrutiny of study permits is likely to exacerbate existing anti-immigration sentiments in Canada, where a crisis in shelter affordability has been linked to a large influx of temporary residents, particularly students. Many of these students, now in Canada on post-graduate work permits, are facing an increasingly uncertain future, reported Hindustan Times.

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In response, the activist group Naujawan Support Network has organised an indefinite protest in Brampton, a city in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

Bikramjit Singh, a key organiser from Hoshiarpur district in Punjab, told Hindustan Times that nearly 130,000 former international students are projected to see their work permits expire by the end of this year and in 2025, and could face potential deportation as pathways to permanent residence have become increasingly restricted.

He said they have received no assistance from Canadian politicians due to the anti-immigration sentiment currently prevalent.

Because of the political scenario, theyre not doing anything. Also, were not voters, Bikramjit Singh, who came to Canada as a student in 2019, was quoted as saying.

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The indefinite protest, which started last Friday, will continue until their demands are met. These include extending work permits, issuing post-graduate work permits to all international students, and establishing a fair pathway to permanent residency.

Currently, some students are resorting to filing refugee claims, attempting to enter the US illegally, or entering into marriages to maintain their status in Canada.

This protest contrasts with last years situation, where former international students from India faced deportation due to forged documents used by immigration consultants. That protest, which began in May and ended in the summer, led to a government amnesty for those who had genuinely come to study, thanks to pressure from MPs and political leaders who joined the demonstrators.

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With inputs from agencies
A Russian cargo ship suspected of transporting Iranian ballistic missiles for Moscows war in Ukraine was spotted at a Caspian Sea port last week, according to a report, citing satellite imagery read more

A satellite image shows the Port Olya 3 vessel at Port Olya in southern Russia on 4 September. Image Courtesy: Maxar Technologies

A Russian cargo ship suspected of transporting Iranian ballistic missiles for Moscows war in Ukraine was spotted at the southern Russia port on the Caspian Sea last week, according to a CNN report, citing satellite imagery shared with the news outlet.

The vessel, identified as Port Olya 3, by Maxar Technologies was seen at Port Olya in Astrakhan on September 4. Before that on August 29, the vessel was spotted in the Iranian port of Amirabad before turning off its transponder, added the report.

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On Tuesday, the US Treasury department assessed that the Russian Ministry of Defense had used the vessel Port Olya 3 to transport CRBMs from Iran to Russia."

As of early September 2024, Russia received the first shipment of CBRMs (close-range ballistic missiles) from Iran, CNN quoted the Treasury as saying, as it announced sanctions on the Port Olya 3 along with other vessels and several Iranian individuals.

According to a Sky News report_,_ citing a Ukrainian source, the Port Olya 3 vessel had shipped around 220 short-range ballistic missiles via the Caspian Sea to Russia.

After arriving in Russia, the Ukrainian source said it is believed the Fateh-360 ballistic missiles were loaded on to a large cargo train.

CNN had reported last weekend that Iran recently sent short-range ballistic missiles to Russia for its war against Ukraine, marking a major escalation in Iranian support for Russia.

Since the February 2022 invasion, Iran and Russia have strengthened their military ties, with Iran supplying thousands of Shahed drones and reportedly building a drone factory in Russia.

The satellite imagery emerged a day after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced that the US believes Russia has received Iranian Fatah-360 missiles, which are expected to be used against Ukraine in the coming weeks.

The Fateh-360, with a range of up to 75 miles and a 330-pound payload, is designed to target Ukrainian positions from a distance and is difficult to intercept.

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The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) has assessed that Russian forces will likely use the Iranian-supplied missiles to target Ukrainian energy, military, and civilian infrastructure in the coming months, reported CNN.

Meanwhile, earlier in the day, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi denied that the Islamic Republic had supplied ballistic missiles to Russia.

Once again, US and E3 act on faulty intelligence and flawed logic

- Iran has NOT delivered ballistic missiles to Russia. Period

- Sanction addicts should ask themselves: how is Iran able to make & supposedly sell sophisticated arms?

Sanctions r NOT a solution, but part of problem  Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) September 11, 2024

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Once again, US and E3 (UK, France and Germany) act on faulty intelligence and flawed logic, Iran has NOT delivered ballistic missiles to Russia. Period, he posted on X.

Sanction addicts should ask themselves: how is Iran able to make & supposedly sell sophisticated arms? Sanctions r NOT a solution, but part of problem, Araghchi added.

The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry summoned Iranian charge daffaires Shahriar Amouzegar this week in response to reports of ballistic missiles being sent to Russia.

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Amouzegar was warned of devastating and irreparable consequences for Ukrainian-Iranian relations if the reports proved accurate.

Britains foreign ministry also summoned the Iranian charge daffaires on Wednesday over the transfer of ballistic missiles to Russia.

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, the foreign ministry said in a statement.

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, added the statement.

According to CNN, the ISW, a Washington think tank, noted that Iran has previously shipped weapons from Amirabad and Anzali ports to Astrakhan, with the Port Olya 3 making a dozen visits to these Iranian ports this year. By September 6, the ship had departed from the Russian port.

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Meanwhile, Blinken on Tuesday said that Washington had warned Iran privately that taking this step would constitute a dramatic escalation.

He also noted that Russian troops had been trained in Iran to use the Fateh-360 missiles, which allow Russia to target from greater distances and reserve other missiles for closer-range strikes.

With inputs from agencies
The US legislators are debating more than two dozen bills this week, many calling it the China Week, to push a host of legislation targeting China and its ruling communist party. read more

A man passes by the US Capitol on his scooter in Washington, DC, US, September 10, 2024. Image courtesy: Reuters

The US House of Representatives select committee on the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) released a statement on Tuesday, detailing how the Congress, the American parliament, plans to take on the ruling dispensation of China this week  the release described as China Week. Basically, China Week refers to a bunch of 28 bills that are coming up in the Congress to target China on a variety of issues, ranging from trade, electric vehicles to farm ownership.

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The ultimate aim of this legislation spree appears to be arming the winner of the November 5 presidential election to put the US in advantageous position over China as the two global powers rival for strategic superiority.

China is not happy with the China Week in the US Congress. Chinese embassys spokesperson Liu Pengyu has been quoted as saying in the US media that the bills, if passed, would cause serious interference to China-US relations and inevitably damage Americas own interests.

The story began in July

House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican member from Louisiana, told a Hudson Institute event in Washington in July that he was working on a significant package of China-related legislation signed into law by the end of this year.

Johnson said, Well build our sanctions package, punish the Chinese military firms that provide material support to Russia and Iran and well consider options to restrict outbound investments.

This China Week in the Congress is not the end of the story. It is also not yet clear how many bills will actually be brought to the floor of the House for debate, and how many of them the Senate will examine.

What these bills aim for

The select committee release said Chairman John Moolenaar (R-MI) helped usher in China Week with the BIOSECURE bill, aimed at protecting Americans genetic data and US firms from predatory CCP-backed biotechnology companies.

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The bill, in particular, targets Chinese military company BGI Genomics and CCP-aligned biotechnology firms Wuxi AppTec and Wuxi Biologics, the release said, and codifies the companies as foreign adversary biotechnology companies, deeming them ineligible for certain federal contracts. The bill was sponsored by Chairman Moolenaar, Ranking Member Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), and Brad Wenstrup (R-OH).

Following the BIOSECURE bills passage, Chairman Moolenaar said, The House just sent a powerful, bipartisan message to the Chinese Communist Party: the United States will not sit idly by while the CCP steals our genetic data and seeks to control our biotech supply chains. I encourage my colleagues in the Senate to expeditiously pass the BIOSECURE Act and protect Americans from this growing threat.

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Among other bills are:

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) Certification Act that will empower the US president to close Hong Kongs de facto consulates in the United States if the administration finds that the former British colony doesnt have autonomy in decision-making and is doing Chinas bidding.

The Protect Americas Innovation and Economic Security from CCP Act will create a new unit in the Department of Justices national security division focusing on China.

The End Chinese Dominance of Electric Vehicles in America Act looks to debar electric cars that have China-made components, especially batteries from claiming tax credits the Biden administration announced earlier this year.

Besides, there are also the Taiwan Conflict Deterrence Act, the DHS Restrictions on Confucius Institutes and Chinese Entities of Concern Act, the Countering CCP Drones Act, the Chinese Currency Accountability Act, the No WHO Pandemic Preparedness Treaty Without Senate Approval Act, the Maintaining American Superiority by Improving Export Control Transparency Act, the Economic Espionage Prevention Act, and the No Foreign Election Interference Act up for consideration during the week in the House of Representatives.

The Congress is concerned over the military, economic, ideological, and technological threats posed by the Chinese Communist Party to America. There is a growing sense among American politicians that Chinese firms  such as fashion retail chains like Shein and Temu  use the loopholes in the US laws to ship clothing made in forced-labour factories employing vulnerable groups including Uyghur Muslims.

Why have a dedicated China Week

The context is set by the growing geostrategic hostilities between the US and China, with both testing each other in the Ukraine war, the West Asia crisis, the South China Sea disputes and a host of trade and tariff wars. Despite their military leaders warming up and high-profile delegations working for a possible Biden-Xi Jinping meeting later this year, there seems to be a unanimity among legislators on both sides of the divide.

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Republican leader Steve Scalise told a US news channel, Theyre all bills that should be very bipartisan, because there are things that China is doing right now that are direct threats to our countrys national security and if we get strong bipartisan votes, you have a higher chance of getting through the Senate.

We wanted to combine them all into one week so that you had a real sharp focus on the fact that we need to be aggressive in confronting the threat that China poses, Scalise said.

But challenges remain, in Senate

With Republicans pushing these bills, there is a strong likelihood that they would get the nod of the lower house of the Congress this week. But then the Senate will have only two more weeks to consider and approve them. The Congress will go into a recess on September 30 and wont sit before the November 5 polls. Traditionally, the Senate is viewed as a slow-moving house.

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Once the bills are approved by both the House of Representatives and the Senate, President Joe Biden will have to sign them or veto them. In the latter case, both houses will need a separate two-thirds majority each to override the decision.
Violent clashes erupted in Melbourne as anti-war protesters confronted police outside the Land Forces International Land Defense Exposition. Protesters threw projectiles and horse manure, while police used pepper spray and foam baton rounds, resulting in 24 officers injured and 33 arrests read more

Australian police clash with anti-war protesters outside a military arms convention in Melbourne. September 11, 2024. AP

Anti-war protesters clashed with police Wednesday outside a military arms convention in the Australian city of Melbourne.

Protesters hurled bottles, rocks and horse manure, a police statement said. Protesters had also sprayed officers with liquid irritants, some of which had been identified as acid, police said.

Police retaliated with pepper spray, flash distraction devices and by foam baton rounds. These rounds are designed to inflict pain without penetrating skin.

At least 24 officers required medical treatment. Police had arrested 33 protesters for offenses including assault, arson and blocking roadways.

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Victoria Police is appalled at the behavior of some of the protesters, the statement said, referring to the Victoria state force.

Around 1,800 police officers have been deployed to a Melbourne convention center where the Land Forces International Land Defense Exposition is taking place through Friday.

Some of the convention attendees also were assaulted, police said.

Witnesses reported protesters throwing rocks, horse manure and tomatoes at police horses and officers with shields and wearing riot gear. A police officer on horseback was seen striking a protester with a riding crop.

A line of police was also seen forcing protesters away from the convention center.

Police said some protesters had targeted horses, but no animal sustained serious injury.

Roads have been closed and traffic was disrupted by the protesters organized by Students for Palestine and Disrupt Wars groups. Organizers hoped up to 25,000 protesters would turn out.

Police estimated 1,200 protesters had surrounded the convention center by noon.

Were protesting to stand up for all those who have been killed by the type of weapons on display at the convention, Students for Palestine national co-convenor Jasmine Duff said in a statement.

We are going to disrupt the convention using civil disobedience tactics passed down to us by activists in the civil rights movements and the anti-Vietnam war movement, she added.

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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called on protesters to show respect for police.

People have a right to protest peacefully, but you dont say youre opposed to defense equipment by throwing things at police, Albanese told Seven Network television.

Theyve got a job to do and our police officers should be respected at all times, Albanese added.

The convention organizer AMDA Foundation said it would not comment on protester activity.

The biennial convention brings together arms industry figures from Australia, the United States, Asia and Europe. The convention was held in 2022 in Brisbane where protests were more subdued.
The agreements show the growing relationship between Iran and Iraq, both Shiite-majority nations, which have drawn closer since the 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq that ousted Saddam Hussein read more

Iraq's Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani (R) and Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian attend a ceremony signing memoranda of understanding between Iraq and Iran at the government palace in Baghdad on September 11, 2024. AFP

Irans new president, Masoud Pezeshkian, announced the signing of over a dozen agreements with Iraq on Wednesday (September 11), marking a significant step in strengthening ties between the neighbouring nations.

The agreements were reached during Pezeshkians visit to Iraq, his first official trip abroad since taking office in July.

Fourteen cooperation memorandums were signed between Iran and Iraq, which is the starting point of the expansion of cooperation, Pezeshkian said during a joint press conference with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani. If we are together, we will avoid falling into the fire, he added.

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Pezeshkian also said he had discussed with his Iraqi host strategic and long-term plans that will lead to greater cooperation between the two countries.

Tightening bilateral relations

The agreements show the growing relationship between Iran and Iraq, both Shiite-majority nations, which have drawn closer since the 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq that ousted Saddam Hussein.

In recent years, Iran has emerged as one of Iraqs top trade partners, with non-oil trade between the two countries reaching nearly $5 billion from March 2024, according to Iranian media.

Iran also exports millions of cubic metres of gas a day to Iraq to fuel its power plants. The gas exports continue under a waiver from US sanctions, which has been regularly renewed.

Regional diplomacy and sanctions relief

Pezeshkian, who took office after the death of his predecessor Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash, has made strengthening regional relations a cornerstone of his foreign policy.

Relations with neighbouring countriescan neutralise a significant amount of pressure of the sanctions, Pezeshkian said last month, referring to the Western sanctions that have hampered Irans economy, particularly since the US withdrew from the 2015 nuclear agreement under then-President Donald Trump.

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Pezeshkians visit to Iraq is expected to further cement Irans influence in Baghdad, where its allies play a dominant role in the government and parliament.

With inputs from AFP
Irans new president, Masoud Pezeshkian, is visiting Iraq to strengthen ties amid ongoing sanctions and regional instability. His trip signifies Irans strategic focus on enhancing relations with its neighbors to mitigate international pressures read more

Irans new president, Masoud Pezeshkian, was due in neighbouring Iraq on Wednesday as he moves to deepen already close ties on his first foreign visit since taking office.

Pezeshkian has vowed to make relations with neighbouring countries a priority as he seeks to ease Irans international isolation and mitigate the impact of US-led sanctions on its economy.

His visit comes after Western powers on Tuesday announced fresh sanctions on Iran for supplying Russia with short-range missiles for use against Ukraine.

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It also comes amid turmoil in the Middle East sparked by the war in Gaza, which has drawn in Iran-backed armed groups around the region and complicated Baghdads ties with Washington.

On Tuesday night, an explosion was heard at a US-led anti-jihadist coalitions base at the Baghdad international airport, according to Iraqi security officials.

A spokesperson for the Iranian-backed Ketaeb Hezbollah (Hezbollah Brigades) in Iraq said the Tuesday night attack aimed to disrupt the Iranian presidents visit to Baghdad.

Ties between Iran and Iraq, both Shiite-majority countries, have grown closer since the US-led invasion of 2003 toppled the Sunni-dominated regime of Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein.

This trip will be an opportunity to promote and deepen the friendly and brotherly relations between the two countries in various fields, Irans foreign ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani said this week.

Pezeshkian has directly linked shoring up ties to sanctions pressure.

Relations with neighbouring countries can neutralise a significant amount of pressure of the sanctions, he said last month.

Iran has suffered years of crippling Western sanctions, especially after its arch-foe the United States, under then-president Donald Trump, unilaterally abandoned a landmark nuclear deal between the Islamic republic and major powers in 2018.

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Pezeshkian, who assumed the presidency in late July, has made the top diplomat who negotiated the 2015 deal, Mohammad Javad Zarif, his vice president for strategic affairs as part of his bid for a more open Iran.

- Key trade partners -

Iran has become one of Iraqs leading trade partners, and wields considerable political influence in Baghdad, where its Iraqi allies dominate parliament and the current government.

Every year, millions of Iranian pilgrims visit Iraqs Shiite holy cities of Najaf and Karbala, and Pezeshkian will also visit the holy shrines there during his trip.

Non-oil trade between Iran and Iraq stood at nearly $5 billion over the five months from March 2024, Iranian media reported.

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Iran also exports millions of cubic metres of gas a day to Iraq to fuel its power plants, under a regularly renewed waiver from US sanctions.

Iraq is billions of dollars in arrears on its payments for the imports, which cover 30 percent of its electricity needs.

In September last year, the two countries started construction of their first rail link  a 32-kilometre (20-mile) line between Iraqs southern port city of Basra and the Shalamcheh border crossing, where it will join up with the Iranian rail network.

- US troop drawdown -

Washington still has around 2,500 troops in Iraq and 900 in neighbouring Syria as part of an international coalition against the Islamic State jihadist group.

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Last winter, US-led coalition forces in both Iraq and Syria were targeted dozens of times with drones and rocket fire as violence related to the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza has drawn in Iran-backed armed groups across the Middle East.

The barrage of attacks triggered retaliatory US air strikes in both countries.

On Sunday, Iraqi Defence Minister Thabet al-Abbassi told pan-Arab television channel Al-Hadath that the US-led coalition would pull out of most of Iraq by September 2025 and the Kurdish autonomous region by September 2026.

Despite months of talks, the target dates have yet to be agreed between Baghdad and Washington.

Pezeshkian will also travel to the Kurdish regional capital Arbil for talks with Kurdish officials, Irans official IRNA news agency said.

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In March last year, Tehran signed a security agreement with the federal government in Baghdad after launching air strikes against bases of Iranian Kurdish rebel groups in the autonomous region.

They have since agreed to disarm the rebels and remove them from border areas.

Tehran accuses the rebels of smuggling in weapons from Iraq and of fomenting nationwide protests that erupted in 2022 following the death in custody of Iranian Kurd Mahsa Amini, detained for an alleged breach of Irans strict dress code for women.
Jordans moderate Islamist opposition made significant gains in Tuesdays parliamentary election, initial official results showed on Wednesday, boosted by anger over Israels war in Gaza read more

Cars pass near banners and pictures of candidates running in the country's parliamentary election in Amman, Jordan on September 7, 2024. Reuters File

Jordans moderate Islamist opposition made significant gains in Tuesdays parliamentary election, initial official results showed on Wednesday, boosted by anger over Israels war in Gaza.

The Islamist Action Front (IAF) also benefited from a new electoral law that encourages a bigger role for political parties in the 138-seat parliament, though tribal and pro-government factions will continue to dominate the assembly.

The IAF, the political arm of the Muslim Brotherhood, won up to a fifth of the seats under the revamped electoral law, which for the first time allocated 41 seats for parties, according to preliminary figures seen by Reuters and confirmed by independent and official sources.

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The Jordanian people have given us their trust by voting for us. This new phase will increase the burden of responsibility for the party towards the nation and our citizens, Wael al Saqqa, head of the IAF, told Reuters.

The Islamist win has allowed them to capture a total of 31 seats for the first time since parliamentary life was revived in 1989 after decades of martial law, allowing them to emerge as the largest political grouping in parliament.

The elections reflect the desire for change and those who voted were not necessarily all Islamists but wanting change and had become fed up with the old ways, Murad Adailah, the head of the Muslim Brotherhood, said.

The Islamists, the only effective grassroots opposition, praised the authorities for not meddling in polls.

Adailah told Reuters their win was a popular referendum that backs their platform of support for the militant Palestinian group Hamas, their ideological allies, and their demand to scrap the countrys peace treaty with Israel.

In a country where anti-Israel sentiment runs high, they have led some of the largest protests in the region in support of Hamas in what their opponents say allowed them to increase their popularity.

The election represents a modest step in a democratisation process launched by King Abdullah as he seeks to insulate Jordan from the conflicts at its borders and speed up the slow pace of political reforms.

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Under Jordans constitution, most powers still rest with the king who appoints governments and can dissolve parliament. The assembly can force a cabinet to resign by a vote of no confidence.

The monarch hopes nascent political parties under the new law will help pave the way for governments that emerge from parliamentary majorities.

The voting system still favours sparsely-populated tribal and provincial regions over the densely-populated cities mostly inhabited by Jordanians of Palestinian descent, which are Islamist strongholds and highly politicised.

Turnout among Jordans 5.1 million eligible voters in Tuesdays poll was low at 32.25%, initial official figures showed, up slightly from 29% at the last election in 2020.

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The Muslim Brotherhood has been allowed to operate in Jordan since 1946. But it fell under suspicion after the Arab Spring, which saw Islamists pitted against established powers in many Arab countries.
We have stated more than once our rejection of any extension of the conflict, he added, underlining the two governments common positions on the war read more

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, left, is welcomed by Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani in Baghdad, Iraq, on Wednesday. AP

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, speaking alongside visiting Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, said Wednesday that both governments opposed any widening of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.

In light of the escalation that the region has been going through, we have spoken a lot about the importance of stability; this stability threatened by the Zionist aggression in Gaza, Sudani said.

We have stated more than once our rejection of any extension of the conflict, he added, underlining the two governments common positions on the war.

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Irans new president Pezeshkian began his visit to Iraq on Wednesday, aiming to deepen already close ties with the neighbouring country on his first trip abroad since taking office.

The three-day trip comes amid turmoil in the Middle East sparked by the war in Gaza, which has drawn in Iran-backed armed groups and complicated Iraqs relations with the US.

Pezeshkian has vowed to make relations with neighbouring countries a priority as he seeks to ease Irans international isolation and mitigate the impact of US-led sanctions on its economy.

It was a very good opportunity to visit the friend and brother country of Iraq in my first foreign trip as the president of Iran, he said on Wednesday.

We need to implement security cooperation agreements between the two countries in order to deal with terrorists and enemies, he added.

Pezeshkians visit comes after Western powers on Tuesday announced fresh sanctions on Iran for supplying Russia with short-range missiles for use against Ukraine.

Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani warned Britain, France and Germany that they will face the appropriate and proportionate action for the hostile move.

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Hours before Pezeshkians arrival, an explosion rocked a base at the airport used by a US-led anti-jihadist coalition.

Ties between Iran and Iraq, both Shiite-majority countries, have grown closer since the US-led invasion of 2003 toppled the Sunni-dominated regime of Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein.

Neutralise pressure of sanctions

Pezeshkian, who took office in July after an early election following the death of his predecessor Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash, has previously linked shoring up ties to sanctions pressure.

Relations with neighbouring countries can neutralise a significant amount of pressure of the sanctions, he said last month.

Iran has suffered years of crippling Western sanctions, especially after its arch-foe the United States, under then-president Donald Trump, unilaterally abandoned a landmark nuclear deal between the Islamic republic and major powers in 2018.

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Pezeshkian has made the top diplomat who negotiated the 2015 deal, Mohammad Javad Zarif, his vice president for strategic affairs as part of his bid for a more open Iran.

Key trade partners

Iran has become one of Iraqs leading trade partners, and wields considerable political influence in Baghdad, where its Iraqi allies dominate parliament and the current government.

Every year, millions of Iranian pilgrims travel to Iraqs Shiite holy cities of Najaf and Karbala, and Pezeshkian will also visit the shrines there during his visit.

Non-oil trade between Iran and Iraq stood at nearly $5 billion over the five months from March 2024, Iranian media reported.

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Iran also exports millions of cubic metres of gas a day to Iraq to fuel its power plants, under a regularly renewed waiver from US sanctions.

Iraq is billions of dollars in arrears on its payments for the imports, which cover 30 percent of its electricity needs.

Political scientist Ali al-Baidar said expanding trade ties was a major goal of Pezeshkians visit.

Iran needs the Iraqi market for its exports, just as it needs Iraqs energy imports, the Iraqi analyst said.

US troop drawdown

Washington still has around 2,500 troops in Iraq and 900 in neighbouring Syria as part of an international coalition against the Islamic State jihadist group.

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Last winter, US-led coalition forces in both Iraq and Syria were targeted dozens of times with drones and rocket fire as violence related to the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza has drawn in Iran-backed armed groups across the Middle East.

The barrage of attacks triggered retaliatory US air strikes in both countries.

On Sunday, Iraqi Defence Minister Thabet al-Abbassi told pan-Arab television channel Al-Hadath that the US-led coalition would pull out of most of Iraq by September 2025 and the Kurdish autonomous region by September 2026.

Despite months of talks, the target dates have yet to be agreed between Baghdad and Washington.

Pezeshkian will also travel to the Kurdish regional capital Arbil for talks with Kurdish officials, Irans official IRNA news agency said.

In March last year, Tehran signed a security agreement with the federal government in Baghdad after launching air strikes against bases of Iranian Kurdish rebel groups in the autonomous region.

They have since agreed to disarm the rebels and remove them from border areas.
The extension of sanctions on Sudan means that the arms embargo, assets freezes, and travel bans will continue till September 12, 2025 read more

All 15 members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Wednesday (September 11) agreed to renew the sanctions levied on Sudan for a year.

This means that the arms embargo, assets freezes, and travel bans will continue till September 12, 2025.

The International Fact-Finding Mission for Sudan, in its report submitted on September 5, had recommended expanding the existing arms embargo in the western Sudanese region of Darfur throughout the country. The aim with this would be to stem the supply of weapons, ammunition, and other logistical or financial support to the warring parties and prevent further escalation.

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The idea was raised during the negotiations by France, but was dropped after strong opposition from China and Russia. Moscow had said that any new restrictions imposed by the Council, including the possible expansion of the sanctions regime beyond Darfur, will not help to bring peace any closer to the region.

At the highest echelons of power in the most well-known international organisation in the world, countries continue to rely on sanctions that have been in place for nearly two decades to slow down the civil war. Meanwhile, the suffering of people on the ground continues to rise.

The conflict, which has now spread to 14 of Sudans 18 states, has displaced millions and caused immense suffering for civilians.

Forced displacements

According to an update by the UN High Commission for Refugees (HCR) released on Monday (September 9), 10.4 million people have been forcibly displaced because of the conflict in Sudan since April 2023. This includes 8 million individuals displaced internally and 2.2 million forced to seek refuge in neighbouring countries.

South Sudan, the nation closest to areas hardest-hit by the civil war, has seen the largest number of forcefully displaced peoples arrivals. Currently, there are nearly 800,000 displaced Sudanese people in South Sudan. Over 640,000 people have arrived in Chad, which lies to the west of Sudan and shares its border with the Darfur region. Egypt, lying north of the war-torn country, has seen 500,000 new arrivals so far.

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Image source: UNHCR report

Even Uganda, which does not share a border with Sudan, has seen over 55,000 Sudanese refugees pouring in via South Sudan.

Sudan and neighbouring countries were already hosting large refugee populations before this new emergency and require additional support to provide protection and critical life-saving assistance, including for those who have been secondarily displaced within Sudan, the UNHCR report said.

Urgent needs in the region include water, food, shelter, health, and core relief items. The current priority activities include registering new arrivals, relocating people away from border areas, identifying especially vulnerable families and individuals with specific needs, and establishing mechanisms to prevent and address gender-based violence.

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Additionally, ensuring alternative care services for unaccompanied refugee children is a priority.

Child soldiers, sexual slaves, and ethnic cleansing

The Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary force that evolved from the Janjaweed militias and is the major combatant in the conflict opposite the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), has been accused of recruiting child soldiers.

Both SAF and RSFs involvement in sexual violence, including rape and sexual slavery, have been reported.

Additionally, the RSF has been accused of targeted violence against certain ethnic groups, particularly the Masalit community in West Darfur. The report by the International Fact-Finding Mission for Sudan has documented incidents of rape, torture, and destruction of property carried out by the RSF and allied militias.

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The UNs findings indicate that the actions of both the SAF and RSF may amount to war crimes, particularly concerning attacks that have caused extensive harm to civilians.

Attention from the international community is limited, as are donations towards the humanitarian cause in Sudan. The general populace remains caught in the crossfire, with the scale of human suffering growing by the day.
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," the foreign ministry said in a statement read more

Britains foreign ministry on Wednesday summoned the Iranian charge daffaires over the transfer of ballistic missiles to Russia.

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, the foreign ministry said in a statement.

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."

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Earlier in the day, Irans foreign minister said that Tehran had not delivered any ballistic missiles to Russia and sanctions imposed on Iran by the US and three European powers would not solve any problems between them.

Once again, US and E3 act on faulty intelligence and flawed logic. Iran has NOT delivered ballistic missiles to Russia. Period Sanctions are not a solution, but part of problem, Minister Abbas Araqchi said in a post on X.

The E3 comprises of Britain, Germany and France.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Tuesday that Russia had received ballistic missiles from Iran and was likely to use them in Ukraine within weeks. Cooperation between Moscow and Tehran threatened wider European security, he said.

The United States, Germany, Britain and France on Tuesday imposed new sanctions on Iran, including measures against its national airline Iran Air.

Meanwhile, the Kremlin on Wednesday also dismissed reports that Iran had shipped missiles to Russia, saying claims about various arms transfers were baseless.
Donald Trump has accused ABC News, the host of the September 10 presidential debate, of favouring Kamala Harris read more

As Kamala Harris fared better in the presidential debate, Donald Trump has resorted to his oldest playbook.

Trump has claimed that ABC News had rigged the debate against him and had favoured Harris.

Democratic nominee Harris and Republican nominee Trump sparred on Tuesday evening in a presidential debate hosted by ABC News. As Harris pressed on issues like abortion, Trumps closeness with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, and his support of mobs that attacked the US Capitol, Trump largely appeared defensive and lashed out angrily at Harris with a litany of personal attacks and a host of falsehoods regarding migrants, economy, and the Capitol attack.

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In a post-debate interview with Fox News, Trump said the debate was rigged and ABCs licence should be revoked for it.

Trump said, It was a rigged deal, as I assumed it would be, because when you looked at the fact that they were correcting everything and not correcting with her.

Trump to Fox & Friends: "ABC took a big hit last night. I mean, to be honest, they are a news organization, they have to be licensed to do it. They ought to take away their license for the way they did that." pic.twitter.com/yN6HCo4ilh  Media Matters (@mmfa) September 11, 2024

Trump also went on to complain about the live fact-checking of moderators David Muir and Linsey Davis. He said that he was unfairly targeted. He said while his correct statements were flagged as factually incorrect, the moderators gave a pass to Harris.

Referring to abortion, reproductive rights, and the Charlottsville incident, Trump said while the moderators flagged him at least six times, he was right on all occasions.

This is the latest in Trump and his far-right Make America Great Again (MAGA) movements yearslong tirade against the media. Last week, Trump had himself dubbed ABC as the most dishonest network.

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They are the most dishonest network. Theyre very nasty. I think a lot of people are going to be watching to see how nasty they are, said Trump at the time.

Last month, Trumps running mate JD Vance had said polls were fake. The comment came at a time when polls showed Harris flipping the lead that Trump had had for months over the previous Democratic frontrunner Joe Biden.

The media uses fake polls to drive down Republican turnout and to create dissension and conflict with Republican voters. Im telling you, every single person whos watching this, the Trump campaign is in a very, very good spot. Were gonna win this race, said Vance at the time.
Kamala Harris and Donald Trump faced off against each other at a 90-minute presidential debate hosted by ABC News. The contentious debate saw Harris go on the attack and repeatedly bait the former president on a variety of subjects. Lets take a closer look at some quotable quotes read more

Former US President Donald Trump (left) and Vice President Kamala Harris (right) at the presidential debate. AP

America is set up to elect its next president when the country goes to polls in November.

Vice President Kamala Harris and former president Donald Trump faced off in a televised debate hosted by ABC News on September 10_._

This debate came months after Trump and President Joe Bidens encounter in July.

However, this time the roles were reversed with Harris taking on her Republican rival with confidence and repeatedly getting under Trumps skin.

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The former president, meanwhile, offered conspiracy theories.

The issue of race also came up in the debate.

When asked why Trump had publicly questioned Harris dual heritage as a Black and South Asian woman, he said, I dont care what she is. He further said, I read that she was Black. Then I read that she was not Black.

The two candidates also engaged in a fractious row over abortion, an issue where polls show Harris has the upper hand.

Trump defended the US Supreme Courts 2022 ruling that ended constitutional protection for abortion and sent the issue back to individual states, arguing, incorrectly, that it was an outcome desired by both Republicans and Democrats.

Lets take a closer look at some of the most memorable quotes from the presidential debate.
The business-mogul-turned politician slammed current US President Joe Biden for not holding any conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin since the start of the war read more

A screen shows the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee and former US President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee and US Vice President Kamala Harris outside the Nasdaq MarketSite in New York City, US. Reuters

While discussing the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war at the first US Presidential debate against US Vice President Kamala Harris, former US President Donald Trump reiterated his claim that the war would have never happened if he had been in office.

If I were president, it would have never started. If I were president, Russia would have never, ever, I know Putin very well. He would have never. There was no threat of it either, Trump said at the ABC News debate. The business-mogul-turned politician slammed current US President Joe Biden for not holding any conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin since the start of the war.

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He also accused the Biden administration of not asking the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) to invest more in the war. Interestingly, Trump seemed hesitant to say if he wants Ukraine to win against Russia. It is important to note that throughout the start of the war, the US has remained a strong ally of Ukraine. Washington has also spent billions in providing humanitarian and military aid to the war-stricken nation.

Trump sidesteps question on Ukraine

The former US President sidestepped the question of whether he wanted to see Ukraine win against Russia, instead of simply ending the war. I want the war to stop. I want to save lives, Trump said. He even vowed to solve the war before taking office by negotiating with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

When asked again whether it was in the best interests of the US for Ukraine to win the war, Trump said that it was in the countrys interest to get this war finished. What Ill do is Ill speak to one, Ill speak to the other. Ill get them together, Trump said, adding that the conflict would have never happened if he had been president.

Putin would eat you for lunch: Harris hits back

After hearing Trumps dodgy response, the vice president slammed him, claiming that Putin would have captured Kyiv if Trump was in office. He would eat you for lunch, she said, attacking Trumps timid response. Harris insisted that if Trump was the president, he would take Ukraine and threaten Poland next.

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Why dont you tell the 800,000 Polish Americans right here in Pennsylvania how quickly you would give up for the sake of favour and what you think is a friendship with what is known to be a dictator, who would eat you for lunch, she said.

She also pointed to Turmps friendly relations with dictators and autocrats all over the world. The alliances we have around the world are dependent on our ability to look out for our friends and not favour our enemies because you adore strongmen instead of caring about democracy, she said. And that is very much what is at stake here."

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The president of the United States is commander in chief and the American people have a right to rely on an American president who understands the significance of Americas role and responsibility in terms of ensuring there is stability and ensuring we stand up for our principles and not sell them for the benefit of personal flattery, she added.

In the debate hosted by ABC News, Trump and Harris sparred over several issues such as the economy, immigration, abortion and the Israel-Hamas war.

This is a developing story.
Pop star Taylor Swift said she would vote for Kamala Harris because she fights for the rights and causes I believe need a warrior to champion them read more

Republican presidential nominee and former President Donald Trump speaks to reporters in the spin room after a presidential debate between him and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris in Philadelphia. Harris attacked her rival over the controversial Project 2025, which Trump has been disassociating himself from. Reuters

After lashing out at Kamala Harris and journalists for fact-checking him, Donald Trump has turned to his next foe: Taylor Swift.

After the pop star endorsed Harris following the Tuesdays presidential debate, Trump said Swift will pay a price for her endorsement.

In a post on Instagram, Swift said that she would vote for Harris because she fights for the rights and causes I believe need a warrior to champion them.

I think she is a steady-handed, gifted leader and I believe we can accomplish so much more in this country if we are led by calm and not chaos. I was so heartened and impressed by her selection of running mate Tim Walz, who has been standing up for LGBTQ+ rights, IVF, and a womans right to her own body for decades, said Swift in the post.

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In a post-debate interview with Fox News, Trump said that Swift will pay a price for her endorsement.

I was not a Taylor Swift fan. It was just a question of time. She couldnt possibly endorse Biden But shes a very liberal person. She seems to always endorse a Democrat, and shell probably pay a price for it in the marketplace, said Trump.

In a swipe at Trumps running mate JD Vance, who has been on tirade against women without children for years, Swift signed off her post on Instagram as With love and hope, Taylor Swift, Childless Cat Lady.

Vance has dubbed women who choose to not have children as childless cat ladies and has specifically named Harris as one. The comment has been seen as a sexist attack on women candidates and has been woven by the Harris campaign as an attack on womens agency.

In a 2021 interview with conservative broadcaster Tucker Carlson, Vance said the United States was being run by Democrats, corporate oligarchs, and a bunch of childless cat ladies who are miserable at their own lives and the choices that theyve made and so they want to make the rest of the country miserable too.

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Its just a basic fact you look at Kamala Harris, Pete Buttigieg, AOC the entire future of the Democrats is controlled by people without children and how does it make any sense that weve turned our country over to people who dont really have a direct stake in it? said Vance.
While attacking Harris, the former President unleashed a barrage of attacks and made some factually incorrect claims. One of the most bizarre moments of the debate was when Trump repeated an unsubstantiated claim that immigrants are eating pets in an Ohio town read more

This combination photo shows Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump speaking during a presidential debate, June 27, 2024, in Atlanta, left, and Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., speaking during a Democratic presidential primary debates, July 31, 2019, in Detroit. AP

One of the key issues discussed during the first presidential debate between former US President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris was the issue of immigration. Trump raised the issue of the border crisis frequently during the clash with Harris.

While attacking Harris, the former President unleashed a barrage of attacks and made some factually incorrect claims. One of the most bizarre moments of the debate was when Trump repeated an unsubstantiated claim that immigrants are eating pets in an Ohio town.

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In Springfield, theyre eating the dogs, the people that came in, theyre eating the cats  theyre eating the pets of the people that live there. And this is whats happening in our country, and its a shame, the former president said.

The story was initially circulated by right-wing media and was repeated by Trumps running mate and Ohio Senator JD Vance. Trump also claimed that migrants are arriving in the US from prisons and mental institutions. We have millions of people pouring into our country from prisons and jails, from mental institutions and insane asylums, Trump claimed. Trump called Harris the border czar  a frequent name he calls the vice president to attack her stance on immigration.

Fact-check

Shortly after Trump narrated the Ohio story, Moderator David Muir offered a fact check over his proclamation. We checked with the city manager, Muir said, saying officials in Springfield, Ohio found no evidence supporting the allegations of immigrants eating pets. Harris appeared to laugh as Trump screamed Theyre eating the dogs!

I saw people on television talking about it, Trump insisted after Muir pushed back on all his claims regarding the incident. The former president was also factually incorrect when he claimed that immigrants are taking over the towns Theyre going in violently.

However, the claim is factually incorrect. While some US cities have seen an influx of immigrants, most of them arrived in the United States legally, with work permits or with authorization to stay while their cases are worked out in the courts. According to a study by the Cato Institute, trump is less likely to commit crimes than the US-born.
Trumps grievances about 2020 remain central to his campaign against his Democratic opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris, as he continues to profess allegiance to the rioters read more

Former President Donald Trump persisted Tuesday in saying during a nationally televised presidential debate that he had won the 2020 election and continued to take no responsibility for any of the mayhem that unfolded at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, when his supporters stormed the building to block the peaceful transfer of power.

The comments underscored the Republicans refusal, even four years later, to accept the reality of his defeat and his unwillingness to admit the extent to which his falsehoods about his election loss emboldened the mob that rushed the Capitol, resulting in violent clashes with law enforcement. It also made clear that Trumps grievances about 2020 remain central to his campaign against his Democratic opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris, as he continues to profess allegiance to the rioters.

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Asked twice if he regretted anything he did on Jan. 6, when he told his supporters to march to the Capitol and exhorted them to fight like hell, Trump at first responded by complaining that the questioner had failed to note that he had encouraged the crowd to behave peacefully and patriotically and by noting that one of his backers, Ashli Babbitt, was fatally shot inside the building by a Capitol Police officer.

He also suggested that protesters who committed crimes during the 2020 racial injustice protests were not prosecuted. But a 2021 Associated Press review of documents in more than 300 federal cases stemming from the protests sparked by George Floyds death found that more than 120 defendants across U.S. pleaded guilty or were convicted at trial of federal crimes including rioting, arson and conspiracy.

When the question about his actions on Jan. 6 arose again, he replied: I had nothing to do with that other than they asked me to make a speech. I showed up for a speech.

But he ignored other incendiary language he used throughout the speech, during which he urged the crowd to march to the Capitol, where Congress was meeting to certify President Joe Bidens victory. Trump told the crowd: If you dont fight like hell, youre not going to have a country anymore. Thats after his lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, declared: Lets have trial by combat.

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Trump didnt appeal for the rioters to leave the Capitol until more than three hours after the assault began. He then released a video telling the rioters it was time to go home, but added: We love you. Youre very special people.

He also repeated an oft-stated false claim that then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi rejected his offer to send 10,000 National Guard or soldiers to the Capitol. Pelosi does not direct the National Guard. As the Capitol came under attack, she and then-Senate Majority leader Mitch McConnell called for military assistance, including from the National Guard.

Harris, for her part, pledged to turn the page from Jan. 6, when she was in the Capitol as democracy came under attack.

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So for everyone watching, who remembers what January 6th was, I say, We dont have to go back. Lets not go back. Were not going back. Its time to turn the page.

Trumps false claims extended to his 2020 election loss. Dozens of courts, Republican state officials and his own attorney general have said there was no evidence that fraud tipped the race or that the election was stolen.

Though Trump had seemed to acknowledge in a recent podcast interview that he had indeed lost by a whisker, he insisted Tuesday night that that was a sarcastic remark and resumed his boasts about the election.

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Ill show you Georgia, and Ill show you Wisconsin, and Ill show you Pennsylvania, he said in rattling off states where he claimed, falsely, that he had won. We have so many facts and statistics.
In her closing statement, Harris describes her campaign as one focused on the future, and Trumps as fixated on the past read more

Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris participate during an ABC News presidential debate at the National Constitution Center, Tuesday, Sept.10, 2024, in Philadelphia. AP

The stakes could hardly be higher for the Democratic vice president and Republican former president, with tens of millions of American voters expected to watch them at 9:00 pm Eastern Time (0100 GMT Wednesday).

Donald Trump arrived in Philadelphia for a potentially game-changing televised debate with Kamala Harris Tuesday, the rivals first and possibly only clash before Novembers knife-edge US presidential election.

Trump lands in Philadelphia as stage is set for his debate against Harris

The nationally televised debate beginning at 9 pm ET (0100 GMT, Wednesday) takes place just eight weeks before the November 5 election, and days before early voting will start in some states.

Republican Donald Trump and Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris prepared to meet for the first time on Tuesday night in their only scheduled debate of the US presidential campaign, a key moment in a close-fought contest.

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?

The debate between US Vice President Kamala Harris and former president Donald Trump is hours away.

Kamala Harris-Donald Trump debate: History of US presidential debates and the most iconic ones

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 much-awaited US presidential debate between Republican candidate Donald Trump and the newly elected Democratic nominee Kamala Harris is just a few hours away.

Despite the ongoing conflict in Gaza, pro-Palestine organisations have not stopped criticising both candidates for their backing of Israel. Activists promised to attend the debate tonight and points along Harriss campaign tour after no Palestinian speaker slot was granted at the DNC last month. With the start of the new school year, campus protests have also resurfaced in other places.

Authorities in Philadelphia are getting ready for protests as Harris and Trump get ready to square off. The National Constitution Centre, the historic location where the US Constitution was signed and the location of tonights discussion, has been blocked by police barricades.

The last debate Kamala Harris participated in was in 2020, when she got into an intense debate with Vice President Mike Pence. The evening was dominated by policy talks, interspersed with Harriss criticism of Pences disruptions.

The Republican arrived at the airport of Pennsylvaniaor s largest metropolis barely two hours before the prime-time showdown, AFP TV showed, with the candidates locked in an extremely close race eight weeks before election day on November 5.

Donald Trump landed Tuesday in Philadelphia ahead of the highly anticipated US presidential debate between him and Democratic rival Kamala Harris, who arrived in the city the previous day.

And tonight, she steps onto the presidential general election debate stage for the first time at the National Constitution Center.

In November 2020, Kamala Harris headlined an Election Day event rally in Philadelphia on the same evening Joe Biden was in Pittsburgh. The Biden-Harris ticket flipped Pennsylvania from the GOP column four years after the state helped Trump defeat Hillary Clinton.

Depending on the tenor of how people are interacting with each other, he said, either one of them could be viewed as being too aggressive.

Asked if there was a risk of Trump coming across too aggressively, Burgum argued the risk cuts both ways. Harris, he noted, is a former prosecutor and well-practiced in memorizing attack lines.

Otherwise, he said, I think Americas going to be outraged.

North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum says ABC has a responsibility to ask Harris tough questions tonight because shes done so few interviews.

And Harris, though not an incumbent, is a face of the Biden administration, which has notable legislative accomplishments but also has presided over an inflationary economy.

But then theres her opponent, a deeply divisive figure who has been convicted of felonies, regularly criticizes U.S. institutions and promises an unapologetic conservative agenda if he returns to the White House.

Shes not an unknown, but she hasnt been president already like Donald Trump. Now she gets the biggest audience shes ever had to talk to voters still trying to decide whether they can see her behind the Resolute Desk.

His crowds believe it. But the audience Tuesday is the broader electorate. And Harris will be standing right there able to rebut him, either directly or simply by performing as a steady, mainstream figure that belies the caricature.

A crash like 1929  World War III  the suburbs will be overrun with violent crime and savage, foreign gangs  it will be crime, chaos and death all across our country.

At his rallies and other venues, Donald Trump paints an over-the-top image of an America under Kamala Harris.

How dark and dystopian will Trump go with Harris on stage?

Harris brings up Trumps position on abortion in every campaign speech, reminding voters that Trump has bragged that his three Supreme Court nominees were instrumental in the 2022 Dobbs decision that overturned Roe after nearly a half-century of women having a constitutional right to terminate a pregnancy. Republican-run states across the country have since implemented near or total bans on surgical abortions.

Trump owns every single abortion ban in the country, the Democratic National Committee said in a statement Tuesday.

Democrats want Trumps role in overturning Roe v. Wade to be front-and-center in the debate, especially after President Joe Biden missed a chance to hammer Trump in their lone debate in June.

She seemed calm, cool and collected, Biden said in an exchange with reporters.

President Joe Biden said he had a chance to chat with Vice President Kamala Harris ahead of Tuesday nights debate. He seems to think shes ready for her one-on-one with Donald Trump.

The 2024 US Presidential Election has already given us several shocking moments. From an assassination attempt against a former US President to a sitting President ending his re-election bid, the United States has witnessed some of the most jaw-dropping moments. The world will now be eying the first showdown between Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris.

Harris made a point of introducing herself by name. Its a reminder to viewers that this is the first time they are meeting.

The candidates are on the stage. Harris walked over and introduced herself to Trump at his lectern, offering her hand. He shook it.

In her first debate, Kamala Harris says that she has a plan for an opportunity economy.

In response to a question on whether she thought Americans were doing better now than they were four years ago, Harris discussed her goals to support small companies and families. She specifically mentioned Trump, claiming that he would lower taxes for billionaires and big corporations.

The first question focusses on the economy and cost of living, two topics that are very important to voters.

In response to Harris claim that his proposed tariffs would resemble a sales tax, Donald Trump declared he would impose tariffs on foreign goods in order to boost the American economy.

In response to a question regarding the economy, Trump utilised his very first speech opportunity to dive into his well-known attacks on immigration, claiming that criminal immigrants from insane asylums were robbing African Americans and other people of their employment.

I havent read it. I dont want to read it, purposefully. Im not going to read it, he says.

Trump is again distancing himself from Project 2025, the Heritage Foundation project crafted by dozens of his former administration officials.

He also swiftly shifted focus to immigration, saying people were pouring into the country.

Trump rejected the description, and he said he would focus on tariffs on imports from foreign countries.

She also sharply criticized Trump for policies that she said would increase costs for Americans.

With the White House under pressure on the economy, Harris said she was raised as a middle class kid and would be focused on creating an opportunity economy.

The things that these citizens of our nation have done are literally killing them. Theyve ruined the economy, he remarked of Harris and Biden.

Trump claimed that the advancement had been reversed by the Biden administration.

During his presidency, he said there was no inflation, virtually no inflation.

In his own words, Trumps proposed tariffs would take in billions of dollars, hundreds of billions of dollars.

With his first personal jab of the evening, Trump referred to Harris as a Marxist. Shes a Marxist, everybody knows shes a Marxist. The Democratic nominee has faced several racist and sexist comments from the former president in the past.

The government and Donald Trump should not be telling women what to do with their bodies, says Kamala Harris in the debate.

Government, Donald Trump should not be telling women what to do with their bodies, says Kamala Harris

In response to a question about why voters should believe him on reproductive rights given his vacillating views on the matter, Trump went on to fabricate an allegation that Democrats, including Walz, are pro-abortion after birth.

Trump, if elected, would sign a national abortion ban, says Kamala Harris in the 2024 US Presidential Debate.

Abortion rights advocates say terms like this and late-term abortions attempt to stigmatize abortions later in pregnancy. Abortions later in pregnancy are exceedingly rare. In 2020, less than 1% of abortions in the United States were performed at or after 21 weeks, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The former president has repeatedly made false claims about states allowing abortions after birth. This is false. Infanticide is criminalized in every state, and no state has passed a law that allows killing a baby after birth.

In states allowing the citizen initiative and where abortion access has been on the ballot, voters have resoundingly affirmed the right to abortion. But voters dont have a direct say in about half the states. In states that will have abortion on the ballot this year, anti-abortion groups and their Republican allies are using a wide array of strategies to counter proposed ballot initiatives.

Trump leaned on his catchall response to questions on abortion rights, saying the issue should be left up to the states.

He devoted most of his response to criticising Democrats for being too liberal when it comes to abortion availability and for pretending that they are in favour of abortions performed after childbirth.

Questions were raised over Trumps shifting positions on abortion, particularly his decision to reverse his support for Floridas abortion rights ballot initiative.

Trump took a while to react to the moderators question regarding the immigration measure he advised Republicans not to support, suggesting that the remark bothered him.

She also said that people start leaving his rallies early out of exhaustion.

She said that at Trumps rallies, you will see  he talks about fictional characters like Hannibal Lector.

Im going to do something really unusual, and Im going to invite you to attend one of Donald Trumps rallies, because its a really interesting thing to watch, Harris remarked to viewers.

Some borrowers have gotten relief but parts of the plan have been hampered by Republican opposition and lawsuits. Earlier this month, the Supreme Court declined to lift an injunction that would have allowed one of the student loan forgiveness plans to be implemented.

Trump slammed President Biden and Harris for failing to deliver on student loan forgiveness, one of Bidens campaign promises.

In response, Trump said he was the victim of political persecution and referred to the accusations as fake cases.

I think this is so rich coming from someone who has been prosecuted for national security crimes, economic crimes, election interference, has been found liable for sexual assault, and his next big court appearance is in November At his own criminal sentencing, she said.

Trump said that the reason behind the July attempt on his life, in which he was shot in the ear, was the Democratic Partys rhetoric against him.

That day, while I was there, the US president incited a violent mob to attack and desecrate our nations capital, the woman stated.

Harris notes that on January 6, 2021, she was there at the US Capitol as supporters of Trump stormed the chamber in an attempt to overturn the election results.

More than 200 Republicans, including former Trump administration members and Vice President Dick Cheney, have endorsed Harris, according to Harris.

As he has frequently during the campaign, Trump said the war would have never happened were he president, saying several times that Harris hates Israel.

Harris says Israel has the right to defend itself, adding we would if the United States were attacked.

The answer will likely reverberate in the days to come, especially for a candidate that is viewed as solicitous of Vladimir Putin.

Trump responded by saying I want the war to stop, declining to take sides between Russia and Ukraine.

After a commercial break ended, Trump was asked whether he wanted Ukraine to win the war against Russia.

The Biden administrations management of the US pullout from Afghanistan drew criticism from Trump, who claimed they blew it.

The Democratic vice president shot back that Trumps accusation of her hating Israel was absolutely not true, and that she has supported that country throughout her life and career.

She hates Israel. If shes president, I believe that Israel will not exist within two years from now, Trump said during the presidential debate. Israel will be gone.

Republican Donald Trump accused his White House rival Kamala Harris of doing little to keep US ally Israel intact, saying Tuesday that under a Harris presidency, Israel would be gone.

Its important to remind the former president, youre not running against Joe Biden, youre running against me, she said after the Democratic president came up during the prime-time ABC debate.

Kamala Harris reminded her election rival Donald Trump during their debate Tuesday that he was no longer running against Joe Biden, a longstanding nemesis that the Republican frequently still criticizes despite his withdrawal.

She added that it was well-known that these dictators and autocrats are rooting for you to be president again because theyre so clear  they can manipulate you with flattery and favors, and that is why so many military leaders who you have worked with have told me you are a disgrace.

I have traveled the world as vice president of the United States and world leaders are laughing at Donald Trump. I have talked with military leaders, some of whom worked with you, and they say youre a disgrace, she said, addressing him directly.

US Vice President Kamala Harris accused Trump of being an international laughing stock easily manipulated by some of the worlds worst leaders, as the pair traded barbs on foreign policy during their televised debate.

Trump has to be careful with his personal attacks on HarrisTrump has a fine line to walk on personal attacks on Harris tonight. A Pew Research Center poll found that about two-thirds of voters say Trump has been too personally critical of Harris.

Trump has to be careful with his personal attacks on Harris

Both candidates have gone over their allotted time several times during their answers and responses, with Trump ignoring the time clock far more than Harris.

Trump defended his administrations role in negotiating with the Taliban in the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan and instead slammed the Biden administration for their handling of the final days of the war.

A KFF Health Tracking Poll found earlier this year that 62% of U.S. adults have a favorable opinion of the Affordable Care Act, up from 46% in 2010.

One challenge for Trumps attacks on the ACA: Its gotten a lot more popular since it was passed in 2010.

Harris called it a tragedy that Trump, she argued, has consistently, over the course of his career, attempted to use race to divide the American people.

I read where she was not Black,  and then I read that she was Black, Trump said. I couldnt care less. Whatever she wants to be is okay with me.

Trump again questioned Harris racial identity but then repeatedly said that he does not care how she identifies.

Trump again questions Harris race but says he doesnt care about it

She criticized Trump for belittling and name-calling and said she will instead bring a sense of optimism as president.

Harris has done something a lot of advisers wanted her to do tonight: She has identified herself as someone who uplifts and Trump as someone who weighs down.

She also mentioned that he called for the death penalty for the Central Park Five, who were falsely accused of rape, and spread false birther theories about President Barack Obama.

Harris said Trump has a long history of racial division, going back to when his familys company was investigated for refusing to rent to Black people decades ago.

In her closing statement, Harris describes her campaign as one focused on the future, and Trumps as fixated on the past. Reprising her campaign line, she says, Were not going back.

Trumps line  why hasnt she done it?  has been what his team was telegraphing for days that he would say.

Putin would be sitting in Kyiv with his eyes on the rest of Europe, starting with Poland, Harris said in her presidential debate with Trump, noting how quickly you would give up for the sake of favor and what you think is a friendship with what is known to be a dictator who would eat you for lunch.

Kamala Harris on Tuesday accused Donald Trump of coddling strongmen like Russias president, saying the former US leader would give up in the face of pressure from Vladimir Putin, who would eat you for lunch.

Trump denied he would impose a sales tax but conceded that other countries would face trade tariffs at a minimum of 10 percent. Experts say tariffs amount to a tax on consumers who end up paying extra as the costs are passed on to them.

Trump countered by saying President Joe Bidens administration ushered in the highest inflation in US history, quoting figures of 21 percent and as high as 60 percent on some goods. This is false. Inflation currently stands at 2.9 percent. Inflation did hit a high of 9.1 percent under Biden in 2022. This was well below a historic high of 23.7 percent in 1920.

Harris said she would offer families a tax credit of up to $6,000 for each eligible child, as well as a $50,000 tax deduction for small businesses, if elected president. She claimed Trump would favor billionaires and corporations over anyone else, and said the former president planned a sales tax that would hurt ordinary Americans.

Asked if Americans were better off than they were four years ago, Harris did not give a direct answer. She accused Trump of leaving Democrats the worst unemployment since the Great Depression. This is misleading. Joblessness spiked at 14.8 percent in April 2020 as the coronavirus pandemic shut down the US. By the time Trump left office unemployment was 6.4 percent.

Whose economy is better off? Harris and Trump trade barbs on jobs and inflation

Illegal immigration during Trumps administration was higher than under President Barack Obamas two terms. Earlier this year, during the Biden administration, illegal immigration reached a historic high. It has fallen since an executive order signed in July. Harris said Trump put politics above policy by ordering Republican lawmakers this summer to kill a bipartisan bill that would have toughened policies at the southern US border.

FBI statistics from the first three months of 2024 also show a 15 percent decrease in violent and property crime year-over-year.

A June 2023 study found a decline in incarceration rates among immigrants from all regions since 1960. Other research has found migrants commit fewer violent crimes than US citizens.

Violent and property crimes in the US are near their lowest levels in decades, according to FBI data from 2022, the most recent year for which figures are available.

Police and local authorities say there are no credible reports of such animal killings.

In Springfield, theyre eating the dogs, the people that came in, theyre eating the cats. Theyre eating the pets of the people that live there. And this is whats happening in our country.

Trump falsely claimed that millions and millions of people from countries such as Venezuela from mental institutions and insane asylums are entering the US and committing crimes. He also re-aired a baseless viral claim that migrants are eating pets in places including Springfield, Ohio.

Harris claimed: If Donald Trump were to be reelected, he will sign a national abortion ban. But the former president immediately replied: Im not signing a ban, saying that the issue is with the states.

Debate moderator Linsey Davis corrected Trump, saying: There is no state in this country where it is legal to kill a baby after its born. Harris added: Nowhere in America is a woman carrying a pregnancy to term and asking for an abortion. That is not happening.

This is false. No state allows a baby to be killed after it is born. This is infanticide, which is illegal across the US.

Trump, who appointed three conservative judges to a Supreme Court that overturned Roe v Wade, the precedent that guaranteed abortion access, called Democrats radical on the issue, claiming vice presidential candidate Tim Walz supports execution after birth  its execution, no longer abortion  because the baby is born is okay, and thats not okay with me.

During the face-off, Republican presidential nominee Trump and Democratic candidate Harris were asked about abortion and reproductive rights, which has been a key issue in the 2024 campaign.

In the 90-minute US Presidential debate, abortion, one of the main issues in America, became a central topic of discussion between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris.

While attacking Harris, the former President unleashed a barrage of attacks and made some factually incorrect claims. One of the most bizarre moments of the debate was when Trump repeated an unsubstantiated claim that immigrants are eating pets in an Ohio town.

One of the key issues discussed during the first presidential debate between former US President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris was the issue of immigration. Trump raised the issue of the border crisis frequently during the clash with Harris.

Trump falsely claims immigrants in Ohio are 'eating pets' as he clashes with Harris over immigration

Interestingly, the debate was the first time Trump and Harris came face to face and they did shake hands. However, Harris had to approach Trumps podium to initiate the handshake. The first question of the debate was posed to Harris, which was: Do you believe Americans are better off than they were four years ago?

Moments after Former US President Donald Trump and Kamala Harris took the stage at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, for their first presidential debate against each other, the two candidates started the face-off by sharing their economic policy agendas.

On the other side, you saw a nearly 80-year-old Donald Trump angry and unhinged, he remarked.

You saw a president for all Americans, Walz remarked of Harris to ABC News, outlining her policies for the nation and economy, including supporting small companies and easing the process of becoming a homeowner.

Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota called Trump unhinged, but he claimed he is feeling great about his running mates debate performance.

Im voting for @kamalaharris because she fights for the rights and causes I believe need a warrior to champion them. I think she is a steady-handed, gifted leader and I believe we can accomplish so much more in this country if we are led by calm and not chaos.

I will be casting my vote for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz in the 2024 Presidential Election, she posted on her Instagram account.

Pop superstar Taylor Swift on Tuesday endorsed Democrat Kamala Harris in the US presidential contest against Donald Trump, saying she was a warrior.

Thats what they saw tonight and what they should see at a second debate in October. Vice President Harris is ready for a second debate. Is Donald Trump?

Under the bright lights, the American people got to see the choice they will face this fall at the ballot box: between moving forward with Kamala Harris, or going backwards with Trump, the campaign said in a statement.

Kamala Harriss campaign on Tuesday challenged Donald Trump to a second US presidential debate, minutes after the Democrat put her Republican opponent on the defensive in a fiery encounter in Philadelphia.

I thought that was my best Debate, EVER, especially since it was THREE ON ONE! Trump posted on social media.

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump said his Tuesday showdown with Democrat Kamala Harris was his best debate ever, and accused the ABC network moderators of working against him.

Trump says it was his 'best debate ever,' accuses moderators of bias

As Harris spoke, The Man by Taylor Swift was audible in the venue. Just after the debate concluded, Swift, one of the music industrys biggest stars, said she was endorsing Harris.

Harris also predicted she would win Pennsylvania because of strong support shown in the battleground state.

Speaking at Cherry Street Pier in Philadelphia, Harris told a crowd that hard work is good work, and we will win.

In her first appearance after Tuesday nights debate with Trump, Harris said she and Walz are still the underdogs but projected positivity for the remainder of the general election campaign.

Immediately after the debate, the Latinos con Harris-Walz WhatsApp channel shared a message to the community: Quien habla mucho, hace poco  sabemos lo tuyo, Donald. In English, thats: He who talks a lot, talks a little  we know about you, Donald. The message received several laughing emoji reactions from members in the channel.

He argued to Fox News Sean Hannity she repeats slogans instead of answering questions honestly, whereas Trump actually answers the questions because he respects people enough to treat them like citizens.

In the spin room post-debate, Republican vice-presidential nominee JD Vance claimed Harris is running on vibes and joked it makes him feel like he has taken some psychedelics.

After tonights debate there should be no doubt  no room for discussion  @KamalaHarris is the only candidate in this race who is ready to be President. I am once again urging everyone to roll up their sleeves and DO SOMETHING  phone bank, knock on doors, talk to any and pic.twitter.com/wEm07dVYkR

U.S. stock futures slipped and the dollar edged lower in early Asian trading on Wednesday as Republican Donald Trump and Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris faced each other for the first time, with some analysts saying Harris put in a stronger performance.

He also added that Harris passed the test of looking presidential and Trump didnt expose her historically radical positions.

According to Marc Short, former chief of staff to VP Pence, Trump missed an opportunity to stay focused prosecuting the case against Biden-Harris on the economy and border and instead took her bait and chased down rabbit holes on election denialism and immigrants eating our pets.

Harris passed the test of looking presidential, says former chief of staff to VP Pence

If Trump is doing interviews because hes worried about his performance tonight, he isnt showing it. He told Hannity he thought it was a great debate and came to the spin room because I just felt I wanted to.

The reason you do a second debate is if you lose, and they lost, he told Fox News host Sean Hannity. But Ill think about it.

In the spin room shortly after the debate, Trump wouldnt commit to the rematch the Harris campaign has already offered, saying, I have to think about it and that he might do it if it was on a fair network.

Harris conveyed the dire medical situations women have found themselves in since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the national right to abortion in 2022. Harris quickly placed blamed directly on Trump, who recalibrated the Supreme Court to the conservative majority that issued the landmark ruling during his term.

The difference was stark, then, on Tuesday night, when Vice President Kamala Harris gave a forceful defense of abortion rights during her presidential debate with Republican Donald Trump.

When President Joe Biden gave bumbling remarks about abortion on the debate stage this summer, it was widely viewed as a missed opportunity  a failure, even  on a powerful and motivating issue for Democrats at the ballot box.

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Donald Trump arrived in Philadelphia for a potentially game-changing televised debate with Kamala Harris Tuesday, the rivals first and possibly only clash before Novembers knife-edge US presidential election.

The stakes could hardly be higher for the Democratic vice president and Republican former president, with tens of millions of American voters expected to watch them at 9:00 pm Eastern Time (0100 GMT Wednesday).A single zinger or gaffe during the 90-minute debate could tip the balance of one of the most dramatic White House races in US history, with the candidates neck-and-neck in the polls just 56 days before the November 5 vote.Trump, 78, touched down in his plane  dubbed Trump Force One  just over two hours ahead of the ABC News-hosted broadcast, while Harris had arrived in the eastern city on Monday.The pressure is arguably greater for Harris, Americas first female, Black and South Asian vice president, as she takes part in her first presidential debate.It will be a critical chance to win over voters who still know little about her, as polls showing her honeymoon starting to fade after jumping into the race to replace 81-year-old President Joe Biden in July.Former reality TV star Trump will attack Harris on issues like the economy and immigration, but may also unleash more of the racist and sexist insults that hes directed her way during the campaign.Harris, who enjoys a significant advantage among women according to the polls, is expected to press Trump on reproductive rights after his contradictory comments recently on abortion access.The debate will be held without an audience, while the rivals microphones will only be on when its their turn to speak and remain muted otherwise.

Calm, cool and collected

The last presidential debate in June ended Bidens election campaign, after he delivered a catastrophic performance against Trump. Harris took over as nominee amid Democratic fears that Biden was too old and too infirm to defeat the scandal-plagued Republican.

Biden told reporters he would watch the debate from New York  where he traveled on Tuesday ahead of ceremonies marking the anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks.

I spoke to the vice president. She seems calm, cool and collected. I think shes going to do great, Biden said.

As the tension mounted, Harris did a walk-through of the venue, the National Constitution Center, Tuesday afternoon that lasted about half an hour.

Tim Smith, 39, a Harris supporter, stood outside holding a sign similar to those used by the Trump campaign but bearing the word Loser.

Smith said he was hoping well get to hear a little bit of the policies they want to institute and not so much the name calling or the attacks.

Inside the venue, both candidates teams were working the spin room hours ahead of the debate.

The Democrats brought along two former Trump administration officials who are now harsh critics, including the short-lived White House communications director Anthony Scaramucci.

Harris will win this debate because shes going to be focused on issues, said Scaramucci, who famously survived less than two weeks before being fired in the chaotic Trump White House.

Lot of untruths

The debate promises to be a bitter battle between two candidates who could hardly have less in common.

In one corner is a former prosecutor who has in the past delivered ice-cold put-downs to debate rivals including Biden himself and Trumps former vice president Mike Pence.

Theres no floor for him in terms of how low he will go, Harris said in a radio interview. He is probably going to speak a lot of untruths.

In the other corner is Trump, the most brutal knife-fighter in US politics, who has been convicted of falsifying business records to cover up an affair with an adult film star, found liable for sexual abuse, and is accused of trying to overturn the 2020 election that he lost to Biden.

While many expect him to unleash his usual torrent of outrage and half-truths, he may also opt for a more restrained performance like the one that let Biden self-destruct in June.

You cant prepare for President Trump, his spokesman Jason Miller said. Imagine like a boxer trying to prepare for Floyd Mayweather, or Muhammad Ali.
Donald Trump on Tuesday attacked Kamala Harris over immigration by claiming that Haitians are eating pets in an Ohio town. The remarks came after a month after 27-year-old Allexis Telia Ferrell from the state allegedly killed and ate a cat in Canton. Since then, some right-wing social media accounts have baselessly claimed that Ferrell has links to Haiti read more

The first meeting between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump on Tuesday featured some sharp comments.

Trump attacked Harris by alleging that immigrants are eating pets in an Ohio town.

The remarks came after a disturbing case about a 27-year-old woman allegedly killing and consuming a cat in Ohios Canton was reported last month.

Heres all we know about her.

The woman who killed and ate the feline

Allexis Telia Ferrell is a 27-year-old resident of Ohios Canton, United States.

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At a housing development in Stark County, Ohio, she stomped on a cats head and ate it in a residential area in front of multiple people, according to the Canton Police Department.

After the confrontation on 13th Street SE in Canton on August 16, Ferrell was taken into custody at approximately 11 pm.

According to state court documents that Gray News obtained, she has been charged with animal cruelty, including harming animals, violating laws pertaining to companion animals, and disorderly behaviour.

Ferrell was arraigned on Monday, with a $100,000 initial bond amount. Her mugshot, which the Stark County Jail provided, showed her with an expressionless face.

Ferrell is still being held while the court system handles her case.

The Haitians eating pets row

The case has drawn much media attention and led some right-wing accounts to associate Allexis Telia Ferrell with Haiti.

The Republican Party has made a fictitious migrant crime wave a major electoral issue while embracing the racist great replacement conspiracy idea. Because of that link, memes featuring Donald Trump clutching ducks and cats were produced by AI.

Issuing a statement, Trumps campaign even said, President Trump will deport migrants who eat pets. Kamala Harris will send them to your town next. Make your choice, America.

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The statement emphasises how controversial storylines are used by the campaign to garner support.

Prominent right lawmakers and commentators took to social media, flooding the micro-blogging platform with tweets alleging that local cats and ducks in Springfield, Ohio, were being brutalised and eaten by Haitian refugees.

Senator from Ohio and Trumps running partner JD Vance responded to the situation, saying, Months ago, I raised the issue of Haitian illegal immigrants draining social services and generally causing chaos all over Springfield, Ohio." He even shared a video of him previously speaking about the crisis.

Reports now show that people have had their pets abducted and eaten by people who shouldnt be in this country.

Musk, the self-proclaimed free-speech absolutist, also put up an AI-generated image of a cat and a duck.

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Another post, by self-proclaimed social media influencer Anthony Harris, claimed that Haitian immigrants are in the park, grabbing up ducks by the neck, and cutting the heads off and walking off with them, and eating them. He offered no evidence to back up his claims.

Baseless allegations

First thing up, there is no evidence that Ferrell is Haitian.

Canton, Ohio police spokesperson Dennis Garren said in an email, according to Reuters: The suspect in this case is not a Haitian immigrant, She is a life long Canton resident.

Before this, there were rumours of a neighbours daughters friends cat going missing. The cat was later discovered hanging off a tree from their neighbours home. The neighbour, a Haitian, was supposedly preparing the cat to be eaten, according to a post on Springfield Facebook group.

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However, Springfield police and officials have said in response to the narrative that there are no widespread instances of Haitian immigrants stealing pets to eat them.

In a statement on Tuesday, a Springfield police spokesperson said, 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 Times of India quoted the police as saying they were aware of the post but that this is not something thats on our radar right now.

Springfield is a relatively small town northeast of Dayton. After the Great Recession, the city had a prolonged period of economic difficulty that resulted in a decrease in population and the departure of significant businesses and stores from the area, according to Rolling Stone.

Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, are there legally and are eligible to apply for Temporary Protected Status, according to an Immigration FAQ on the citys website, which says the total immigration population in Clark County is an estimated 12,000 to 15,000.

Conservatives widely circulated assertions about them being undocumented are untrue; most of them have Social Security numbers, work permits, and legal immigration status.

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In interviews last month, following claims at a city commission meeting that Haitians were cooking wildlife taken from local parks, a city official said they had not been able to verify any of those reports and described them as false and misleading information amplified by social media, according to Reuters.

Haitians in the US

Some social media posts also contain a clip of Kamala Harris appearing on The View in 2021, in which she said Haitians in the US need support, they need protection.

In May 2021, America expanded Haitian eligibility for a humanitarian programme granting deportation relief and work permits to an estimated 150,000 Haitians already living in the US who cannot safely return to their home, Reuters reported.

Inhumane act

In the US, eating cats and dogs has long been regarded as cruel.

Robert F Kennedy Jr, a former US presidential candidate who withdrew his candidacy as an independent, came under fire in July after a picture surfaced that purported to show him eating barbecued dogs, according to Metro.co.uk.

Kennedy retreated, claiming that the animal carcass he was holding was a goat.

With inputs from agencies
Donald Trump claimed that the Israel-Hamas conflict would not have occurred under his presidency and vowed that he voted to power, he will get that settled fast read more

US Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris gives thumbs down as former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump gestures during a presidential debate at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on September 10, 2024. Source: AFP.

The US presidential debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump saw the discussion turning to the complex issue of the Gaza conflict and how to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

When asked how she would navigate this difficult situation, Harris response was notable for its focus on Israels right to self-defense and her commitment to a two-state solution.

Harris asserts Israels right to defend itself

Harris started by asserting Israels right to defend itself. She said that Hamas has slaughtered thousands of Israelis, Now, Israel has a right to defend itself  and how it does so matters.

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She also acknowledged the heavy toll on civilians caused by Israels military actions in Gaza, noting the loss of innocent lives, including children, mothers.

Despite this, she underscored the importance of ending the conflict, asserting, What we know is that this war must end  And the way it will end is we need a ceasefire deal, and we need the hostages out.

Need for solution

During the debate, Harris also highlighted the need for a comprehensive solution that ensures security for both Israelis and Palestinians.

She explained, We will continue to work around the clock on that. Work around the clock, also understanding that we must chart a course for a two-state solution, and in that solution, there must be security for the Israeli people and Israel, and an equal measure for the Palestinians.

Furthermore, she reaffirmed her commitment to supporting Israel against external threats, specifically referencing Iran.

I will always give Israel the ability to defend itself, in particular, as it relates to Iran, and any threat that Iran and its proxies pose to Israel, Harris stated.

Security for Israeli people

During the debate, when Harris was asked how she would broker a deal between the two sides. She spoke on the need for security for both Israelis and Palestinians, stating, There must be security for the Israeli people, and Israel, and an equal measure for the Palestinians. But the one thing I will assure you always, I will always give Israel the ability to defend itself.

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She also highlighted the importance of a two-state solution and rebuilding Gaza, asserting, We must have a two-state solution and rebuild Gaza, where the Palestinians have security, self-determination, and the dignity they so rightly deserve.

Conflict would not have happened

Trump on his part claimed that the conflict would not have occurred under his presidency.

This would never have happened. I will get that settled and fast, and Ill get the war with Ukraine and Russia ended, the Republican presidential candidate stated.

Harris also stressed the urgency of reaching a resolution, stating, It must end immediately, and the way it will end is we need a ceasefire deal, and we need the hostages out.

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She also spoke about her longstanding support for Israel, asserting, I have my entire career and life supported Israel and the Israeli people.

In response, Trump criticised Harriss approach, suggesting, She hates Israel. If shes president, I believe that Israel will not exist within two years from now.

Divide & distract from reality

Harris also accused Trump of attempting to divide and distract from the reality, labelling him as weak and wrong in his approach to international relations.

Following Trumps mention of praise from strongman Viktor Orban, Harris, during the debate, responded by pointing out, It is absolutely well known that these dictators and autocrats are rooting for you to be president again because its so clear they can manipulate you with flattery and favours.
Democratic Presidential nominee Kamala Harris warned that if Donald Trump is re-elected, he will implement a national abortion ban. His Project 2025 includes such a ban, she said read more

During the US Presidential debate, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump and Democratic candidate Kamala Harris were asked about abortion and reproductive rights, which has been a key issue in the 2024 campaign. Source: AP.

In the 90-minute US Presidential debate, abortion, one of the main issues in America, became a central topic of discussion between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris.

During the face-off, Republican presidential nominee Trump and Democratic candidate Harris were asked about abortion and reproductive rights, which has been a key issue in the 2024 campaign.

Trump will implement national abortion ban

Harris warned that if Trump is re-elected, he will implement a national abortion ban. His Project 2025 includes such a ban, she said.

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She further vowed to sign legislation restoring the overturned precedent, if Congress approves it."

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, Harris said.

Harris further emphasised that reproductive rights are crucial, stating, The American people believe that certain freedoms, like deciding what happens to ones own body, should not be decided by the government.

Trump says not signing abortion ban

Trump, meanwhile, said: I am not signing a ban, as he emphasised that he does not believe a nationwide prohibition on abortion is necessary.

The former US president expressed his views on the Supreme Courts decision to overturn Roe v Wade, the constitutional right to abortion. He said that it has rightly brought the issue back to the states to regulate it.

According to Trump, the ruling correctly returned the authority to regulate abortion to individual states.

Trump also mentioned as to how various states have handled the issue, and claimed that in some states, babies are killed after they are born."

Each individual state is voting. Its the vote of the people. Now, its not tied up in the federal government. I did a great service in doing it. It took courage to do it, and the supreme court had great courage in doing it, and I give tremendous credit to those six justices."

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The former US president, however, misstated the number, not six, but five voted to do away with the precedent.

Trump went on to falsely argue that most legal scholars wanted abortions to be regulated at the state level.

Trump should not be telling woman

Harris soon responded saying that Trump should not be telling a woman what to do with her body.

She further explained her support for reinstating Roe v Wade and said, Now, in over 20 states, there are Trump abortion bans, which make it criminal for a doctor or nurse to provide health care. 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 of violation to their body does not have the right to make a decision about what happens to their body."

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Next, that is immoral, and one does not have to abandon their faith or deeply held beliefs to agree the government and Donald Trump certainly should not be telling a woman what to do with her body."

Harris

Kamala accuses Trump of lies

Harris criticized Trump for his position on reproductive rights and claimed that he misled the public about his efforts to remove federal abortion protections.

Harris again stressed upon Trumps policies being detrimental to women across the nation.

Youll hear a lot of lies, Harris warned, as she went on to accuse Trump of strategically appointing three Supreme Court justices to overturn Roe v. Wade protections, asserting that these justices fulfilled his agenda as intended.

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With inputs from agencies.
China and Vietnam are collaborating on flood control amid concerns that water discharged from Chinese dams could worsen flooding in northern Vietnam, exacerbated by Typhoon Yagi. Despite the concerns, Vietnamese officials confirmed the discharge volume was small and had been pre-notified by China read more

A woman holds a boy as she wades through a flooded street following the impact of Typhoon Yagi, in Thai Nguyen City, Vietnam, September 11, 2024. REUTERS

China said on Wednesday it was cooperating with Vietnam on flood control and prevention, as Vietnamese authorities raised concerns about a major rivers levels rising from a discharge of water from Chinese hydropower plants.

Vietnam has for days been battling landslides and floods caused by Typhoon Yagi, Asias most powerful storm this year, which swept the country over the weekend and has left more than 150 people dead according to preliminary estimates.

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The foreign ministries of the two countries said they have been cooperating to reduce risks on the main stream of the Red River, the largest in northern Vietnam, which is currently flooding the capital Hanoi.

But authorities in Ha Giang City close to the Chinese border warned on Wednesday that water discharged from a Chinese dam could increase levels in the Lo River, a Red River tributary, according to a document and Vietnamese state media.

Asked during a regular briefing about dams releasing water and whether Beijing was cooperating with Vietnam on the Lo River, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said the two countries are maintaining close and effective communication to cooperate on flood control and prevention.

She added: In order to support Vietnams flood control, Chinas hydropower stations on the main stream of the Red River are blocking and storing water, without elaborating about the Lo River.

The Lo River joins the Red River about 80 km (49 miles) northwest of Hanoi after crossing northern Vietnamese provinces that faced floods on Wednesday.

The information was briefly reported on the websites of Ha Giang province and Vietnams state broadcaster VTV before it was taken down.

Vietnam has a tricky balancing act in managing its relations with giant neighbour China, wary of the need to preserve trade links vital to its economy and the close ties forged by their ruling Communist Parties.

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Nguyen Hoang Hiep, Vietnams deputy agriculture minister, later confirmed water had been discharged from Chinese dams on Wednesday afternoon, but said the impact on Vietnam would be minimal.

China sent Vietnam a written notice beforehand so we can make preparation, Hiep told a government news portal.

The discharge volume is also small. It will have an impact but not much on the downstream of Vietnam.
Four remaining candidates  Robert Jenrick, Kemi Badenoch, James Cleverly and Tom Tugendhat  will now make pitches to delegates at the Conservative Party conference in early October, after which lawmakers will whittle their number down to two read more

On July 5, Rishi Sunak resigned as leader of the Conservative Party after curtains were drawn on Torys 14 years rule following the landslide victory of Labour Party in the 2024 UK elections.

Sunak was dethroned from Britains prime ministerial post by Labour Partys Keir Starmer.

The process to pick Sunaks successor and the next Conservative party leader began soon after. It has lately started gaining momentum.

After much jostling, six former ministers were finalised to race for taking the baton of Tory Party. However, after two votes by party lawmakers, Priti Patel and Mel Stride have been knocked out of the contest.

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Final 4 candidates for Conservative leadership

The final four candidates, who will now make their pitch to the members to become the Conservative leader at the partys conference in Birmingham, are:

1 - Robert Jenrick, a former immigration minister - the frontrunner

2 - James Cleverly, a former home and foreign secretary

3 - Kemi Badenoch, a former business secretary

4 - Tom Tugendhat, a former security minister

When will the new Conservative leader be elected?

There will be a series of ballots during which the Conservative MPs will pick the final two by mid-October. The ultimate winner will be announced on November 2.

A look into top 4 candidates for Tory leadership

Robert Jenrick

Robert Jenrick. Source: REUTERS.

With 33 votes in the ballot on Tuesday (September 10), Robert Jenrick, former immigration minister, topped the second round and is the frontrunner for the Tory leadership post.

Jenrick also came topped in the first round.

Considered to be a close ally of Sunak, Jenrick is known for his role as immigration minister that lasted for about an year before he resigned saying Sunaks emergency Rwanda legislation did not go far enough.

Jenrick began his political journey as a centrist figure but soon reinvented himself as a right winger. He made his debut into politics in 2014 as the Newark MP.

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Since quitting from immigration minister post in the Sunak-led government, Jenrick has been outspoken about what he sees as failure of the Conservative party to deliver on its promises to cut immigration when it was in power.

Jenrick has also been at the forefront of demanding for the UK to withdraw from the European Convention on Human Rights. The former minister said he had been pushing for the strongest possible bill that would put national interests above highly contested interpretations of international law.

This worked in Jenricks favour as he garnered support from MPs previously loyal to Sunak.

The 42-year-old father of three has previously served as a corporate lawyer and a director of auction house Christies before making his debut in politics.

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He has been embroiled in a number of controversies. Back in 2020, Jenrick, as housing secretary, got into controversy over his decision to grant planning permission for a housing development in east London linked to a Tory donor.

Last year, Jenrick grabbed headlines once again for ordering that murals of cartoon characters at a reception centre for child asylum seekers in Dover be painted over.

In August this year, Jenrick stirred uproar over his remarks that people shouting Allahu Akbar on London streets should be arrested immediately.

Jenrick believes that the Conservative party needs to confront hard truths and only he can make the changes that can help it win the next election.

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James Cleverly. Source: REUTERS.

Former home secretary, James Cleverly, garnered 21 votes in the second round held on Tuesday. His performance was unchanged from the first round, giving rise to speculations that his momentum has restricted or stalled.

Cleverly, who has been an MP since 2015, is seen as being on the moderate wing of the Conservative Party. He has also served as foreign secretary.

Before getting into politics, Cleverly worked in a magazine and digital publishing and later had set up his own company.

Born and raised in south London, 55-year-old father-of-two, Cleverly got embroiled into controversy last year for allegedly making a derogatory remark about Stockton-on-Tees in the Commons.

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He later apologised for joking about spiking his wifes drink at a Downing Street reception.

Previously in interaction with Huffington Post, Cleverly admitted that his biggest fault was: I talk too much and sometimes I speak a bit too frankly, which I think people like until they dont like it.

Making his pitch for the leadership, Cleverly has spoken of his desire to unite the Conservatives and has also urged the party to think and act like Conservatives again.

Kemi Badenoch

Kemi Badenoch. Source: REUTERS.

In the ballot on Tuesday, Kemi Badenoch, a former business secretary, bagged 28 votes to seal second spot in the Conservative party leadership race.

Born in London Olukemi Olufunto Adegoke was raised in Nigeria. She returned to the UK to study when she was 16.

In 2017, she entered the UK parliament as Tory MP for Saffron Walden in 2017 under her married name Badenoch.

Before diving into politics, the 44-year-old mother of three worked in banking and IT.

Badenoch has held a number of ministerial portfolios under Boris Johnson, Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak led governments in the UK.

This is, however, not the first time Badenoch is eyeing for the Tory leadership post. Back in 2022, she ran for Conservative leader following the resignation of Boris Johnson and came fourth.

In her latest bid to become the Conservative leader, Badenoch said that the party needed to stop acting like Labour to win back power.

Tom Tugendhat

Tom Tugendhat. Source: REUTERS.

Former security minister Tom Tugendhat bagged 21 votes in the second ballot on September 10.

Tugendhat, who is widely considered as centrist, was elected in the UK parliament in 2015. Before entering into politics, he has served as an officer in the Territorial Army in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Several MPs from the One Nation group of liberal Tories have been backing Tugendhat and Cleverly.

A couple of years ago, Tugendhat had contested for the Tory leadership but Liz Truss emerged as the winner.

The 51-year-old leader is known for seeking to boost his credentials with right wing MPs by taking a hard line on immigration.

In his leadership campaign launch, Tugendhat pledged to cap the UKs net migration at 100,000 a year and hinted at exiting the European Convention on Human Rights if he is voted to power.

He has also pledged to make the Conservative Party a serious force again.

In 2016, Tugendhat, a father of two, had voted Remain in the Brexit referendum.
China has always maintained an objective and impartial attitude towards the Ukrainian issue and will continue to work to promote balanced, objective and rational voices in the international community, so as to build more international consensus and accumulate the necessary conditions for an early ceasefire and a political settlement of the crisis, Wang Yi said read more

China Foreign Minister Wang Yi met Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu in St Petersburg on Tuesday and told him that China will promote balanced, objective and rational voices to create conditions for an early ceasefire and a political settlement of the Ukraine war, according to a report on Wednesday.

China has always maintained an objective and impartial attitude towards the Ukrainian issue and will continue to work to promote balanced, objective and rational voices in the international community, so as to build more international consensus and accumulate the necessary conditions for an early ceasefire and a political settlement of the crisis, South China Morning Post quoted Wang as saying, citing a statement from Chinese foreign ministry.

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Meanwhile, Shoigu welcomed the joint call by China and Brazil for de-escalation in Ukraine, expressing satisfaction with the international recognition of the proposal, reported South China Morning Post.

While Beijing has positioned itself as a peacemaker, its strong ties with Moscow and reluctance to condemn Russian President Vladimir Putins war have drawn Western scrutiny.

China is intensifying efforts to promote its six-point plan, particularly within the Global South.

Beijing claims that the Sino-Brazilian peace plan has received backing from 26 countries, with over 100 expressing favorable responses. Last week, Putin suggested that China, Brazil, and India could mediate potential talks on Ukraine.

In Tuesdays meeting, Wang also advocated for closer coordination between emerging powers and Russia.

Wang said China and Russia should work together to deepen mutual trust and cooperation among Brics nations so as to build the Brics mechanism as a major channel for the voices of emerging forces and an important platform for solidarity and collaboration in the Global South.

China is willing to strengthen strategic communication with Russia, to give full play to the China-Russia Strategic Security Consultation Mechanism and the Brics Security Council Mechanism, and continue to enrich the strategic connotation of China-Russia relations, Wang was quoted as saying.

Wang, a Politburo member and head of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, is in Russia for a two-day Brics security meeting starting today. His visit is seen as a precursor to President Xi Jinpings trip to the Brics summit in Kazan next month.

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Putin expects Xi to attend the summit from October 22-24 and hold a third in-person meeting with him this year.

On Tuesday, Shoigu, a longtime ally of Putin, pledged to strengthen strategic communication and cooperation with China to ensure the Brics summits success.

As tensions with the West rise, Beijing and Moscow are increasingly focusing on the Global South, which represents 40 per cent of global GDP and 80 per cent of its population. Russia is chairing this years Brics summit, an alliance of China, India, Russia, Brazil, and South Africa aimed at countering the Western-led order.

China will also assume the rotating presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) for the coming year. Founded by China and Russia in 2001, the SCO includes India, Pakistan, Iran, Belarus, and four Central Asian nations.

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On Tuesday, Shoigu, who was Russias former defence minister from 2012 until May, said Moscow supported Chinas presidency of the SCO.

With inputs from agencies
If I am optimistic about their decision to give us permission to use long distance, it is a pity it doesnt depend on my optimism. It depends on their optimism. Lets count on some strong decisions on this, said Zelenskyy ahead of talks with Blinken and Lammy read more

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy speaks during the European House - Ambrosetti Forum, an annual conference that gathers business and political leaders at the end of the summer, in Cernobbio, Italy, on September 6, 2024. Reuters File

Hours after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and British Foreign Minister David Lammy arrived in Kyiv on Wednesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged both the US and UK to take strong decisions as he renewed his call for permission to use long-range missiles deep inside Russia.

According to The Guardian report, citing the PA news agency, Zelenskyy, ahead of his talks with Blinken and Lammy, said that while he was optimistic about their decision to give Ukraine permission to use long-distance missiles, it eventually depends on their optimism and strong decisions on the issue.

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I will have a little bit later a talk with him (Blinken) and minister of foreign affairs for the UK. I dont know all the details of our conversation. I will be ready to be open and honest after these consultations, Zelenskyy was quoted as saying.

If I am optimistic about their decision to give us permission to use long distance, it is a pity it doesnt depend on my optimism. It depends on their optimism. Lets count on some strong decisions on this, he added.

For us it is very important for today. Anyway, I will tell you after the meeting and anyway I am counting on my dialogue with President (Joe) Biden this month, he further added.

Zelenskyy also said that a victory plan he wants to present to US President Joe Biden this month would strengthen Kyiv and have a psychological impact that could push Russia to end its war diplomatically.

Speaking at Kyivs annual Crimean Platform event, Zelenskyy said it was important that Ukraine presented the plan to its allies before a second international summit on peace that he wants to hold later this year.

If partners support it (the plan), it will make it easier for Ukraine to force Russia to end the war, Reuters quoted him as saying.

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What is this plan for? It is a serious strengthening of Ukraine and, in my opinion, it will have both psychological and political influence on Russias decision to end this war, added the Ukrainian President.

Meanwhile, Blinken has said he wants to hear directly from Zelenskyy and others what Kyivs goals in the war are and what Washington can do to help it achieve them.

Blinken and Lammy are expected to push Ukraine for more information on its strategic aims as they consider whether to give the go-ahead for long-range US ATACMS and British Storm Shadows to hit deep inside Russia, according to Western sources.

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There is nervousness in Washington and some European capitals that doing so would provoke Russia towards a direct conflict with the West, while officials also recognise that Ukraine needs more help if it is to swing the war in its favour.

With inputs from agencies
Reuters: The European Chamber of Commerce in China today said its members were now scrutinizing their investments in China more closely as the challenges of doing business are beginning to outweigh the rewards, and profit margins in China had sunk for around two thirds of its members to equal or below the global average. Please could you provide any further comment on this matter?

Mao Ning: Id refer you to competent authorities for anything specific. What I can tell you is that the third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China put forward over 300 important reform measures. China will remain firmly committed to high-standard opening up, foster a market-oriented, world-class business environment within a sound legal framework, and provide more opportunities to foreign companies in China, including those from the EU. China remains a vital engine driving global economic growth and a popular destination for foreign investment.

CCTV: We noted that the Action Plan adopted at the just concluded Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Beijing Summit said that China and Africa will step up cooperation in the area of cybersecurity. Can you share more details with us?

Mao Ning: Cybersecurity is a common challenge for all countries, and it is the common responsibility of the international community to defend the international order and uphold peace and security in cyberspace. China is actively committed to deepening cybersecurity cooperation with countries around the world, including African countries. According to the Action Plan adopted at the FOCAC Beijing Summit, China and Africa will promote exchanges in such areas as cross-border data flow, legitimate application of new technologies, and internet laws and regulations, so as to jointly advance rules-making for global digital governance. The two sides will also encourage the contact and communication between their national computer emergency response teams, and carry out cross-border handling of cybersecurity cases, information sharing, and experience exchange.

We are now in the 2024 China Cybersecurity Week. While strengthening our own cybersecurity governance, we will continue working with various parties to jointly uphold cybersecurity so as to deliver more benefit of the Internet to people of all countries in the world.

Reuters: On September 9, Viet Nams Foreign Ministry made request to China via the Chinese Embassy in Hanoi, asking China to closely coordinate in flood prevention and control, following Typhoon Yagi. But then Vietnamese officials are saying that China has not coordinated with Viet Nam regarding Panlong Jiang, a tributary of the Red River. And the Vietnamese officials added that China later discharged water from Chinese hydro dams into Panlong Jiang, worsening floods along the Red River. Would the Foreign Ministry be able to provide any further comment?

Mao Ning: Relevant statements that you mentioned dont square with facts.

These days, owing to Typhoon Yagi, the border areas between China and Viet Nam were hit by severe flooding. China and Viet Nam maintain close and sound communication on flood response cooperation. To support Viet Nams relief efforts, China is mitigating the flood by storing water in the hydropower stations on the mainstream of the Yuanjiang-Honghe River. We will continue to make full use of relevant hydropower stations to regulate water flow and store water for future supply and jointly address the natural disaster.

Beijing Daily: On September 10 local time, the US House of Representatives deliberated on and passed the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office Certification Act, which trumpets the removal of the extension of certain privileges, exemptions, and immunities to the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Offices or even termination of the offices operations. What is Chinas comment?

Mao Ning: We strongly deplore and firmly oppose the USs egregious move of manipulating Hong Kong-related issues in an attempt to contain Hong Kongs development. We have lodged strong protests to the US side.

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Offices (HKETOs) are economic and trade organizations set up by the Hong Kong SAR government overseas. Their smooth operation is beneficial for Hong Kong and the host countries and regions as they serve to expand practical economic and trade cooperation. The act you mentioned politicizes normal economic and trade cooperation and uses the cooperation as a tool to deliberately vilify overseas institutions of Hong Kong, which is truly egregious. Hong Kong is the second largest source of trade surplus for the US and over 1,200 US companies make investment and do business in Hong Kong. Thus, the move by the US will eventually hurt its own interest.

China urges the US to stop advancing that act to prevent further damage to the stability and growth of China-US relations. Otherwise, China will take strong and resolute countermeasures.

NHK: China announced it will hold joint naval and air drills with Russia. Has the exercise started yet? Whats the aim of the exercise?

Mao Ning: The Ministry of National Defense released a readout on the specifics of China-Russia joint exercise, which you may refer to.

What I can tell you is that China and Russia hold this joint exercise in order to deepen their mil-to-mil strategic coordination and strengthen the capacity to jointly address security threats.

Dragon TV: The second Summit on Responsible AI in the Military Domain was held in Seoul, the ROK on September 9 and 10. China attended the summit. Could you share more details with us?

Mao Ning: China attaches great importance to the development, security and governance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Last October, President Xi Jinping put forward the Global Initiative for AI Governance, which gives a systemic view on Chinas governance propositions. The application of AI in the military domain bears on world peace and security, and humanitys wellbeing and future. China has been calling on the international community to uphold the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, reach consensus on how to standardize the application of AI in the military domain through dialogue and cooperation, and build an open, just and effective mechanism on security governance.

In this spirit, China, upon invitation, sent a delegation to the second Summit on Responsible AI in the Military Domain in Seoul. The delegation elaborated on Chinas principles of AI governance: adopt a prudent and responsible attitude, adhere to the principle of developing AI for good, take a people-centered approach, implement agile governance, and uphold multilateralism, which were well recognized by other parties. China will remain open and constructive in working with other parties and deliver more tangibly for humanity through AI development.

AFP: During todays presidential debate in the US, both Kamala Harris and Donald Trump mentioned US tariffs against China. Trump plans to raise the tariffs, and Harris didnt mention lifting the tariffs. What is Chinas comment?

Mao Ning: The presidential elections are the United States own affairs. We have no comment on that. That said, we are opposed to making China an issue in US elections.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra has surfaced in the first set of renders, after several rumours, thanks to @OnLeaks. This shows a flat design throughout, unlike the S24 Ultra, which featured rounded sides.

The S25 Ultra is said to measure 162.8 x 77.6 x 8.2mm, making it narrower than the predecessor, thanks to ultra-narrow bezels. This is also said to be 0.4mm thinner, and most importantly the phone is said to weigh 219 grams, making it 13 grams lighter compared to the S24 Ultra.

Based on rumours, the phone is said to feature a 200MP Samsung sensor, a new 50MP ultra-wide camera, 10MP 3x telephoto sensor and a 50MP 5x telephoto sensor. On the front, the phone is said to retain the 12MP camera.

We can expect Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 for Galaxy to power the phone, and it is said to retain the 5000mAh battery with 45W fast charging as well as Qi wireless charging. It should run Android 15 out of the box, with One UI 7 bringing several new features.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 series is expected to be introduced sometime in January 2025.

Source
Join us on an unscripted adventure as we explore the history of the Galveston jetties, crucial for the region's economic growth from the 1800s to today.
George FM is your home for the best dance and electronic music and events in New Zealand.

George FM Frequencies

In your car and can't find George FM? No worries, we got you.

Download the rova app today from the App Store or Google Play to stream George FM from anywhere in the world. But if you're still rocking an old school radio then hit up one of the George frequencies below.

Auckland 96.6 FM

Hamilton 107.3 FM*

Tauranga 107.4 FM*

Palmerston North 107.1 FM*

Wellington 106.7 FM*

Nelson 95.2 FM

Christchurch 95.3 FM

Dunedin 96.6 FM

Queenstown 96.8 FM

Streaming 24/7 on our rova app!

Freeview Channel 70 - Only available on Freeview Satellite *Low Power Frequency, your radio may not pick them up everywhere in this city
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer (L) will have his second meeting at the White House since his Labour party won July elections
The Australian government has promised to legislate this year to enforce a minimum age for children to access social media but has yet to announce how ages will be verified
Tue Tuesday

85 /53

More sun than clouds. Highs in the mid 80s and lows in the low 50s.
China makes remarkable progress in conserving cave temples

People's Daily Online) 14:28, September 11, 2024

China's protection and utilization of cave temples has significantly improved, with growing cultural influence, said Guan Qiang, deputy head of the National Cultural Heritage Administration (NCHA) at the 2024 International Forum on Cave Temple Conservation recently held in Dunhuang city, northwest China's Gansu Province.

Students take classes in the training room for cave temple conservation and restoration techniques at the Conservation and Archaeology of Cultural Relic Department of Luoyang Polytechnic in Luoyang city, central China's Henan Province. (Photo/Zhang Yixi)

Improving protection levels

After over 70 years of efforts, China has eliminated major risks to its key cave temples, which means that the exploration and practice of protecting and restoring cave temples, reinforcing their structure, and improving environmental management, as well as digital preservation and monitoring, have been very effective in the country, Guan added.

Guan noted that China has developed a comprehensive protection strategy for cave temples that includes value interpretation, monitoring and early warning, environmental control, disaster management and restoration.

According to a survey organized by the NCHA, China is home to 2,155 cave temples, and 3,831 cliff sculptures.

From 1950 to 2024, the conservation of China's cave temples has evolved from a preliminary stage of investigation to a stage featuring the in-depth application of scientific and technological innovations, resulting in a concept of cave temple conservation with Chinese characteristics, said Ling Ming, director of the China Academy of Cultural Heritage.

A technician with the Yungang Grottoes Research Institute removes dusts from a piece of relic in Datong city, north China's Shanxi Province. (Xinhua/Zhan Yan)

China has made historical achievements in the conservation of its cave temples, including protecting and reinforcing the structure of the four most famous grottoes, namely, the Mogao Grottoes and the Maiji Mountain Grottoes in Gansu Province, the Yungang Grottoes in north China's Shanxi Province and the Longmen Grottoes in central China's Henan Province. The country has improved environmental management, eliminated major risks, and conducted research on cultural heritage preservation, Ling added.

Shahbaz Khan, director of the UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia, commended China's notable achievements in cave temple and cultural heritage preservation at the forum.

He applauded that the country's digitalization efforts by integrating traditional methods and cutting-edge technologies at sites such as the Mogao Grottoes and the Yungang Grottoes have set a valuable benchmark for global heritage conservation.

Leveraging science and technology

In recent years, there has been rapid development in the research on the mechanisms of damage to cave temples, survey techniques, conservation and reinforcement techniques, and techniques for presentation and utilization, experts said.

China has gradually established a multi-disciplinary joint research model. In the conservation of cave temples, the supporting and guiding role of science and technology has become increasingly prominent.

Su Bomin, dean of Dunhuang Academy, said the academy has established a complete set of key technical systems for the protection of ancient murals and sculptures, reinforcement of cave cliffs and earthen sites, grotto monitoring and early warning, and digitalization of cultural relics by relying on research platforms such as the National Engineering Technology Research Center for the Protection of Ancient Murals and Earthen Sites.

These research results have been implemented at six cave temples under the jurisdiction of the academy and found applications in over 200 cultural heritage conservation projects across 16 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities, Su said.

Visitors use equipment to visit the Mogao Grottoes at a digital exhibition hall of the grottoes in Dunhuang city, northwest China's Gansu Province. (Xinhua/Lang Bingbing)

Dunhuang Academy has also been making waves in the digitalization of cultural relics, hosting over 30 digital exhibitions both at home and abroad. By leveraging technologies to enhance visitor experiences, the academy has managed to strike a delicate balance between tourism and the conservation of cultural relics, providing reference to the protection and reasonable utilization of cultural heritage.

Liu Hanlong, an academician at the Chinese Academy of Engineering and a professor at Chongqing University in southwest China's Chongqing, and his team have applied microbial mineralization technology for cultural relics. This new technology offers enhanced strength, color consistency and weather resistance compared to traditional restoration materials. It has been successfully applied to several major historical and cultural sites protected at the national level, including the Dazu Rock Carvings in Chongqing.

International cooperation

As an international issue, cave temple protection faces increasing challenges such as climate change, making global cooperation crucial, according to Shahbaz Khan.

Dunhuang Academy, for instance, has been working with the Getty Conservation Institute since the end of the 1980s. In addition, China's cultural heritage protection institutions have had beneficial cooperation on conservation research of cave temples with famous foreign institutions, including Tokyo University of the Arts and the University of Oxford.

Tourists visit the scenic spot of Dazu Rock Carvings in Dazu district, southwest China's Chongqing Municipality. (Xinhua/Wang Quanchao)

The Academy of Dazu Rock Carvings has actively pursued international cooperation on cultural heritage conservation. It has not only engaged in extensive exchanges with Italian cultural heritage conservation institutions, but also launched projects to protect the Shuchengyan Cliff Statues of the Dazu Rock Carvings, laying a solid foundation for the long-term preservation and study of the Dazu Rock Carvings.

Jo Sangsun, a cultural heritage expert in South Korea, paid particular attention to Dunhuang Academy's work on digitalization and weathering issues. He said that China's experience is important not just for South Korea but for the whole world.

China is committed to strengthening international cooperation and contributing to global efforts in cultural heritage conservation and development, said an official from the NCHA.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
Commander of the Rocket Launching Platoon in Hamas' Eastern Khan Yunis Battalion Eliminated

IDF Press Release

September 8, 2024

08.09.24

Operational activity continues in the Rafah area, where IDF troops eliminated terrorists, conducted targeted operations on terrorist infrastructure, and located large quantities of weapons in the area.

The IAF eliminated the terrorist Raef Omar Salman Abu Shab, the commander of the Rocket launching platoon in the Hamas eastern Khan Yunis battalion. Raef was responsible for launching rocket barrages from the area of Khan Yunis toward southern and central Israel since the start of the war.

Furthermore, IDF troops continued operational activity in central Gaza, where the troops eliminated several terrorists that posed a threat to the troops.

The IAF also struck approximately 25 Hamas terrorist targets throughout Gaza, including terrorist cells, military structures, and terrorist infrastructure.





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V Corps Soldiers, NATO partners protect eastern flank

By Shannon Collins September 9, 2024

FORT KNOX, Ky. -- Since 1918, one Army unit has had a persistent presence in Europe, reinforcing NATO commitments along its eastern flank.

"Our commitment to defending NATO territory is ironclad," said V Corps commander Lt. Gen. Charles Costanza. "V Corps will continue to work with our NATO allies and partners to enhance force posture on the eastern flank and increase the resilience of NATO."

The V Corps has permanently stationed their forward command post, an Army garrison headquarters and a field support battalion at Camp Kosciuszko in Poznan, Poland. Costanza said the V Corps Soldiers stationed in Poland are the first permanent U.S. forces on NATO's eastern flank.

V Corps History

Activated during World War I in France, the unit fought in the Lorraine, St. Mihiel and Meuse-Argonne campaigns. It was dubbed the "Victory Corps." Soldiers assigned to the V Corps took part in the World War II D-Day invasion and liberation of Europe; defended Western Europe during the Cold War; and saw service in the Balkans, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Polish Army Maj. Gen. Maciej Jablonski, deputy commanding general, interoperability, said having V Corps Soldiers serving in Poland is important to the people of Poland.

"You can't find a family in Poland that didn't lose someone during the second World War," he said. "We had a very bad experience with Russia. The job the V Corps is doing in Europe is extremely important for the nation. We are prepared for the worst-case scenario. We can deter the enemy."

Jablonski, who's served in the Polish armed forces for 31 years, said when he was an Army inspector and division commander, he participated in exercises along the eastern border.

"I talked a lot with the local people, and they were very, very happy not only to see Polish troops, which is very good, but to see Allied troops there as well," he said.

Mission

About 30,000 assigned, rotational and supporting forces in nine countries with the majority along NATO's eastern flank make up V Corps. This includes Soldiers assigned to NATO Forward Land Forces Battle Groups in Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary and Slovakia.

V Corps oversees between 30 and 40 exercises each year that build readiness and interoperability throughout the region to provide ready, combat-credible land forces to deter potential threats, assure allies and quickly respond and win should deterrence fail, said the V Corps official website.

Building warfighting capability

V Corps is bolstering corps and division warfighting capabilities through key initiatives such as the Abrams Tank; European High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, or HIMARS; and the AH-64 Apache.

The U.S. and Polish government purchased 250 Abrams M1A2 SEPv3 tanks and 26 M88A2 Hercules recovery vehicles. The purchase includes support, equipment, transportation, overhaul, accessories, training and contractor logistics support. The Polish Abrams Tank Initiative resulted in the first Polish Abrams-equipped tank crew qualifying on Table VI at the Nowa Deba Training in January.

Table VI is the final table in certifying a tank crew during gunnery, but the path to table VI involves a tremendous amount of planning, training, and collective tasks in a live fire environment, in order to deploy, fight and win whenever called upon.

"Table I-IV are a foundation for crew qualification and include learning fire commands, conducting dry-fire rehearsals, weapons familiarizations, bore sighting and live-fire zeroing the main gun." said 1st Lt. Nathaniel Tucek, fire direction officer, 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment. "When we get to our table VI, we have external valuators so there's no conflict of interest from having anybody in the company evaluating us."

Soldiers from 1st Infantry Division implemented the Abrams Partnership Program as a collaboration between V Corps and Polish Land Forces and used small engagements with subject matter experts working with Polish master gunners, operations and training officers in the planning process for Abrams battalion operations.

Romania was the first European country to receive the HIMARS system in 2021 and in 2022, the State Department approved the sale of HIMARS to Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Poland purchased 20 HIMARS launchers in 2019. To support these allies, V Corps leads a series of initiatives, known as the European HIMARS Initiative, or EHI, to increase allies' capability and capacity, further interoperability, and complement the security assistance and fielding programs, said Jablonski.

"This initiative is critical to enhance the overall readiness of NATO's eastern flank through security assistance activities," Jablonski said.

The EHI has been held in Poland, Germany and Romania. EHI5 is planned for Tallin, Estonia, in December.

Poland is scheduled to become the world's second largest operator of the Apache helicopter, said a V Corps official fact sheet.

"Interoperability will increase at a time when stability in the region is being threatened," Costanza said.

The AH-64E Apache Guardian helicopter is the most modern configuration of the Apache and is ready for multi-domain operation on the battlefield. The first two arrived at the 12th Combat Aviation Brigade in September. The upgrade included sensors, software and weapons systems.

"The Apache has served as the backbone of the Army's attack helicopter fleet for four decades," Costanza said. "The upgrades will increase lethality, survivability and interoperability."

About 45 Soldiers from the Netherlands, Poland and the United Kingdom participated in the first Apache Initiative Summit in October in Bismark Kaserne, Army Garrison Ansbach, Germany. They learned tactics, sustainment and maintenance considerations.

"The importance of modernization, the reason why we need to keep upgrading the tanks and the Apaches, is because if you keep working on outdated equipment, it's going to break down on you," said Jablonski. "Right now, we're mainly a deterrence but if we have to go in, and we're working on equipment that gets too outdated, it's going to break down."

Partnership

The V Corps is headquartered at Fort Knox, but Soldiers serve nine-month rotations from cavalry and armor division in the states in battle groups.

The Forward Land Forces Battle Group in Poland is the only committed force structure to a NATO organization, said Lt. Col. Patrick Merriss, NATO Forward Land Forces Battle Group-Poland commander. He and his team, 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, are deployed from the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Cavazos, Texas.

He said the battle groups have existed for about seven years, starting with the Baltics, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland. It's now grown to eight along the entire eastern coast of NATO.

Within his battle group, he has a U.S. tank battalion, Croatian field artillery battery, a Romanian air defense battery and a reconnaissance squadron from the United Kingdom. His organization consists of about 1,150 U.S. and NATO Soldiers.

Merriss said the biggest benefit of being forward deployed in Poland with NATO forces is interoperability across the military fighting force.

What interoperability means is increased communication across different cultures; understanding the different equipment on a Polish tank versus an American tank; the European terrain and weather; and other opportunities U.S. and NATO Soldiers can get when serving in a deployed location together, he said.

"We live together. Our Soldiers sleep in the same barracks, eat together, play the same sports. We do everything here on the base together," he said. "We work through any language, cultural or training challenges now so we don't have to when we fight alongside each other in a conflict."

Spc. Hayden Eaves, geospatial engineer stationed at Fort Knox, served on a seven-month rotation to Poland with V Corps.

"My work was similar there, but I'm interested in seeing how the foreign equipment is operated," he said. "If we train together, we have a better understanding of how foreign Soldiers operate and how we work together more efficiently to get the task done. Working with Soldiers from other countries has broadened my way of thinking on how to operate together in various fields."

He said everything the Soldiers do is multinational, so they become more efficient.

"The more efficient we become as a multinational force, the better we will fight when we go into a conflict," Merriss said. "Here, we learn what each NATO country brings to the fight."

Jablonski said the V Corps mission is deterrence but if they were ever to go into a conflict, the goal is that the NATO allies and the U.S. Soldiers would be able to be interdependent.

"We can send the database in each direction. We can support both sides, the Polish using the U.S. maintenance troops in case the Polish needs work on the Polish tank and vice versa. The Polish facilities and infrastructure can support the U.S.," he said.

It's important not to underestimate spare parts, he said.

"Spare parts are very important," the general said. "The spare parts, the same type of ammunition, the U.S. and NATO forces all need to be using the same equipment and assets, so they have spare parts and ammunition available here in theater."

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US, Ghana Armed Forces strengthen civil-military operations

By Maj. Joe Legros September 9, 2024

VICENZA, Italy -- A five-day civil-military operations workshop was held from September 2-6, 2024, in Accra, Ghana, bringing together the Ghana Armed Forces, or GAF, U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa and other key stakeholders. The event focused on building CMO capacity and strengthening the institutional framework for future civil-military engagement in Ghana, particularly in light of increasing conflict in northern Ghana.

The workshop supports the GAF's efforts to create a civil-military operations, or CMO, directive, which will institutionalize civil-military operations within their military activities. This directive provides the necessary structure and guidance to enhance CMO training and operations, supporting civil authorities and improving security and stability across the country.

"This was a great event to work on our own skills to plan and execute effective activities with the GAF," said U.S. Army Capt. Kandace Burton, a plans and future operations officer with SETAF-AF's Civil Affairs Battalion. "It allowed us to not only improve our capabilities, but also to work closely with our GAF counterparts to ensure mutual understanding and effectiveness in future engagements."

For SETAF-AF, the event supported two of the command's lines of effort: maintaining Army readiness, as well as strengthening and enabling African partners. Ghana has been a strong military partner for the U.S., serving as a longtime host nation for exercises such as African Lion as well as the upcoming 2025 iteration of the African Land Forces Summit.

This latest civil-military event brought together senior leaders from the GAF, SETAF-AF's Civil Affairs Battalion and the Information Operations directorate, the Institute for Security Governance, or ISG, as well as representatives from U.S. Africa Command and Civil Harm Mitigation. The workshop included scenarios to build tactical-level CMO capacity, ensuring that the GAF can effectively support civil authorities in preventing the spread of violent extremism.

"Our objective is to strengthen the capabilities of West African security institutions through training, education and advisory services, focusing on strategic planning, leadership and operational effectiveness," said Dean Bland, the ISG regional program coordinator for Coastal West Africa.

The collaborative nature of the workshop helped refine mutual understanding of civil-military operations and enhance practical skills. The scenario-based training provided opportunities to respond to real-world situations, particularly in conflict-prone areas.

Ghanaian participants emphasized the importance of collaboration between military and civilian sectors to promote stability and development.

"This symposium represents a vital opportunity to share knowledge and strategies that can address the pressing challenges we face together," said Brig. Gen. Kweku Dankwa Hagan, deputy chief of staff in charge of operations and training, Ghana Army Headquarters.

U.S. Army Maj. Erin Kan, civil affairs team leader with SETAF-AF, emphasized the significance of the workshop in fostering a long-term partnership with the GAF.

"This collaborative event not only strengthens the knowledge and skills of the civil affairs team, but also fosters a robust partnership with our Ghanaian partners," Kan said. "The workshop provides a way forward, empowering the GAF to effectively address complex civil-military issues and promote security and stability in the region."

As the workshop concluded, SETAF-AF's civil affairs team worked with GAF headquarters to finalize the CMO directive and expand its capacity. Future capacity-building programs will focus on preventing violent extremism and fostering stronger relationships with civil partners. Additionally, ISG launched an institutional capacity-building program to solidify CMO as a key capability within the GAF.

This workshop marks a milestone for U.S./Ghana relations, but also highlights a larger U.S. effort to work together with African partners, providing the tools and knowledge necessary to support civil authorities and enhance regional security.

About SETAF-AF

SETAF-AF provides U.S. Africa Command and U.S. Army Europe and Africa a dedicated headquarters to synchronize Army activities in Africa and scalable crisis-response options in Africa and Europe.

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September 9, 2024

Release

Joint Statement of the 15th Republic of Korea-United States-Japan Defense Trilateral Talks

Republic of Korea (ROK) Deputy Minister for National Defense Policy Cho Chang-rae, U.S. Acting Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Cara Abercrombie, and Japan Director General for Defense Policy YAMATO Taro convened the 15th Defense Trilateral Talks in Seoul on September 10, 2024. They discussed shared regional security concerns and renewed their commitment to strengthening trilateral security cooperation following the Japan-ROK-U.S. Summits at Phnom Penh and Camp David and Trilateral Ministerial Meetings in Singapore and Tokyo this year.

The three defense officials acknowledged the progress made by the national defense authorities of the three countries over the past year since the historic Camp David Summit, and pledged to continue working closely together to strengthen trilateral security cooperation.

The three sides shared their views that the Memorandum of Cooperation on the Trilateral Security Cooperation Framework (TSCF), signed by the Ministers and the Secretary of the three countries in July, institutionalizes progress made in the relationship thus far and will serve as a foundation to pursue trilateral security cooperation in a systematic and stable manner.

The three defense officials highlighted the successful efforts of their three countries in systematically conducting trilateral exercises in accordance with the multi-year trilateral exercise plan approved last year. They pledged to continue seeking various opportunities for future trilateral exercises and committed to updating the multi-year trilateral exercise plan by the end of this year.

The officials acknowledged that the first execution of the multi-domain trilateral exercise FREEDOM EDGE in June contributed to enhancing interoperability among the three countries and safeguarding freedom, peace, and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, including the Korean Peninsula. They also concurred to conduct the second FREEDOM EDGE exercise in the near term.

The three sides reaffirmed their enduring commitment to strengthening trilateral cooperation to contribute to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, in the Indo-Pacific region, and beyond, including by deterring the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's (DPRK) advancing nuclear and missile threats.

They expressed grave concern over the increasing military cooperation commitment between the Russian Federation and the DPRK, as highlighted by the signing of the "Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership," which is contrary to multiple UN Security Council resolutions and is a concerning development for many countries in the region. The three defense officials pledged to strengthen cooperation with the international community to fulfill the implementation of the related UN Security Council resolutions.

In addition, they condemned the DPRK's recent diversification of nuclear delivery systems, tests and launches of multiple ballistic missiles, and other related activities, and urged the DPRK to immediately cease all actions that destabilize security of the Korean Peninsula and the region.

The United States reaffirmed its ironclad commitment to the defense of the ROK and Japan, emphasizing that this commitment is backed by the full range of U.S. capabilities, including nuclear capabilities.

All three sides reaffirmed strong opposition to any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion in the region.

The three defense officials shared assessments on recent maritime and air military activities in the Indo-Pacific region, including the South China Sea. They also recalled their respective positions regarding the dangerous and aggressive behavior by the People's Republic of China (PRC) supporting unlawful maritime claims in the area. Furthermore, they shared concerns about actions that are inconsistent with international law as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and stressed the importance of fully respecting freedom of navigation and overflight.

The three sides recognized that there is no change in their basic positions on Taiwan and emphasized the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait as an indispensable element of security and prosperity in the international community. They called for the peaceful resolution of cross-Strait issues.

The three officials welcomed holding the 16th Defense Trilateral Talks in the first half of next year in Japan.

https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3900255/

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Foreign National Extradited from Colombia to the United States for Kidnapping and Assaulting Members of the U.S. Military

Monday, September 9, 2024

For Immediate Release

Office of Public Affairs

A Colombian national was extradited to the United States on Friday to face charges related to kidnapping and assaulting two members of the U.S. military who were on temporary duty in Bogota, Colombia.

Kenny Julieth Uribe Chiran, 35, of Bogota, made her initial court appearance today in Miami, Florida, before Magistrate Judge Eduardo Sanchez of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida.

According to court documents, Uribe Chiran and her co-conspirators targeted, incapacitated, and kidnapped two U.S. soldiers in Bogota in order to rob them of their valuables.

Uribe Chiran is charged with kidnapping an internationally protected person, conspiracy to kidnap an internationally protected person, assaulting an internationally protected person, and conspiracy to assault an internationally protected person.

Uribe Chiran is the last of the three co-defendants to be extradited to the United States. Arango Castellanos was extradited in May 2023 from Colombia to the United States, pleaded guilty in January to the charges in the indictment, and was sentenced in May to 48 years and nine months in prison. Silva Ochoa was extradited

in April from Chile to the United States and is currently scheduled for trial in November.

Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department's Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida, and Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of the FBI Miami Field Office made the announcement.

The FBI is investigating the case, and the U.S. Marshals Service escorted Uribe Chiran from Colombia to the United States. The Justice Department's Office of International Affairs, the FBI Miami Field Office, the Office of the Legal Attache Santiago, and the Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section's Judicial Attache Office in Bogota provided significant assistance in securing the arrest and extradition of Uribe Chiran. The United States also thanks Colombian law enforcement authorities for their valuable assistance.

Trial Attorneys Clayton O'Connor and Elizabeth Nielsen of the Criminal Division's Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Bertila Fernandez for the Southern District of Florida are prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Components: Criminal Division

Criminal - Human Rights and Special Prosecution Section

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

USAO - Florida, Southern

Press Release Number: 24-1119

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September 10, 2024

Transcript

Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder Holds a Press Briefing

PENTAGON PRESS SECRETARY MAJOR GENERAL PAT RYDER: All right. Well, good afternoon, everyone. I do have quite a bit to pass along at the top today. So, thanks in advance for your patience, and then I'll get right to your questions.

Tomorrow Secretary Austin and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Air Force General CQ Brown Jr, will host an observance ceremony at 9:00 AM at the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial in honor of the 184 people who were killed in the 2001 terrorist attack on the Pentagon. The Pentagon observance ceremony, which is not open to the public, allows the family members of those lost in the terrorist attack to observe the memory of their loved ones and for us to honor and never forget the sacrifices of those we lost that day.

Prior to the ceremony during sunrise at 6:46 AM, the American flag will be unfurled down the side of the Pentagon in the same location where a flag was unfurled by firefighters and soldiers on September 12th, 2001, to demonstrate our resolve and resilience in the face of the horrific terrorist attacks on our nation. Today it remains a symbol of the prevailing spirit of endurance, freedom, and hope.

Turning to the Middle East, DOD continues to monitor the situation across the region and remains postured to support the defense of Israel and protect US troops and assets in the region. Secretary Austin had the opportunity to touch base with his Israeli counterpart over the weekend to get an update on IDF operations, and we remain intently focused on de-escalating tensions in the Middle East while also remaining focused on securing a ceasefire as part of a hostage deal to bring all of the hostages home and to end the war in Gaza.

And staying in the CENTCOM AOR, as announced earlier today by Secretary of State Blinken, the United States has confirmed reports that Iran has transferred shipments of Fateh 360 close range ballistic missiles to Russia, which we assess could employ them within weeks against Ukraine, leading to the deaths of even more Ukrainian civilians.

To echo our State Department and White House colleagues, this is a deeply concerning development, as this partnership between Iran and Russia threatens European security and illustrates how Iran's destabilizing influence reaches beyond the Middle East and around the world. Additionally, Russian support for Iran is destabilizing as well, as Moscow is sharing technology that Iran needs. We'll continue to monitor these developments alongside our allies and partners across Europe and the Middle East and remain steadfast in our support to Ukraine's defense from the threat these missile systems may pose to the people of Ukraine.

Moving over to the Indo-Pacific theater, yesterday, September 9th, the commander of US Indo-Pacific command, Admiral Samuel Paparo, held a video teleconference with General Wu Yanan, the commander of the PLA's Southern Theater Command. The call was a deliverable from the bilateral meeting held in November 2023 between President Biden and PRC President Xi Jinping.

During that meeting, both leaders agreed to resume high level military to military communication between the Department of Defense and the PLA, and to hold conversations between US INDOPACOM and the PLA's theater commanders. During the call, Admiral Paparo underscored the importance of sustained lines of communication between the US military and the PLA. Noting that such discussions between senior leaders serves to clarify intent and reduce the risk of misperception or miscalculation. Admiral Paparo expressed hope that this discussion with his PLA counterpart would be the first of many such conversations. And noted the necessity of continued dialog on issues of concern with General Wu as well as counterparts in other PLA theater commands.

Additionally, I'd like to address an upcoming naval exercise by the Russian Federation. In mid-September, Russia will conduct its schedule Okean 2024 exercise, including naval assets from across its fleets. While Russia prefers to include foreign participants in such exercises, we believe China will be the only true participant with a few other countries only observing.

The US has been tracking this planned exercise for some time. It poses no threat to the US homeland or the NATO alliance. And we'll continue to monitor and remain in close communication with our NATO allies and partners.

Separately, the third INDUS X summit between the United States and India kicked off yesterday at Stanford University in California.

INDUS X or the India US Defense Acceleration Ecosystem was launched just over a year ago in June of 2023. The initiative aims to facilitate partnerships among US and Indian defense companies and innovators of all types. On the Indian side, the INDUS X initiative is supported by the Indian Ministry of Defense's Innovations for Defense Excellence and on the US side by the Pentagon's Defense Innovation Unit and the office of the Secretary of Defense.

In the words of Secretary Austin, the INDUS X summit will allow American and Indian partners to co-produce cutting edge military capabilities that will safeguard a free and open Indo-Pacific. And with that, I'll be happy to take your questions. We'll go to AP, Lita.

Q: Thanks, Pat. Just a couple of things on the Iranian missiles, can you give us a broad estimate of how many you think have been delivered? Even if it's dozens, hundreds or whatever. there has been statements that dozens of Russians have been trained, so I would assume you have at least some sort of ballpark idea how much of this is getting into Russia? Have you seen any of them used yet or being positioned to be used? and then what do you think Iran is getting in exchange?

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: So, I'm able to address a few of those things. So as you highlight, we do believe that that dozens of Russian military personnel were trained in Iran to use this missile system. I'm not able to get into the intelligence in terms of the specific number of missiles. Needless to say, this is a concerning development as I highlighted.

And the thing about the missile is that you know, it is a short range or close range ballistic missile system. We estimate it has a maximum range of about 75 miles. So what this does is it would enable Russia to employ this capability while preserving its longer range capabilities for use throughout the battlefield, thus deepening Russia's arsenal and also again giving it the ability to strike the kinds of targets that we've seen then striking, to include Civilian targets.

And so we have not seen them employ them yet, but obviously keeping a close eye on that. And as you heard the State Department say earlier and the White House, there are sanctions being applied to include sanctions from our European allies.

Q: And what Iran is getting  what do you think Iran specifically has gotten in exchange for this specific?

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: So, you know, again without being going to go into specifics, we see them sharing information as it relates to nuclear programs, space and other technological capabilities that Russia has, that countries like Iran wants. Carla?

Q: Thank you, Pat. Three quick ones. Did the Houthis shoot down a US drone as they have claimed?

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: We've seen those reports, Carla. I don't have anything to provide on that right now. Obviously, looking into that but I'd refer you to CENTCOM.

Q: Okay, thank you. And then, are US forces pulling out from federal Iraq by September 2025 and the Kurdistan region by September 2026 as the Iraqi defense minister has said?

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Yeah, I've seen a lot of press reporting on that. Again, nothing new to announce from here. Again, when we have updates, we'll certainly provide them to you.

Q: Okay, and then last one, so the NCTC's Brett Holmgren said this week that al-Qaeda was kicked out of Afghanistan and they have a small footprint there. But the FDDs Long War Journal is saying pretty much the opposite that al-Qaeda leaders are serving in the Taliban's government. And that al-Qaeda is running training camps in at least 12 of the 34 provinces. What's the Pentagon's assessment of the al-Qaeda threat in Afghanistan right now?

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Yeah, I don't  I don't have a detailed assessment in front of me, Carla, so you know, I'd refer you back to the NCTC for further details on their comments. I mean, clearly al-Qaeda remains a threat at various locations throughout the world and so we continue to stay focused on that. But I don't  I don't have a detailed assessment on Afghanistan to provide from here. Natasha?

Q: Thanks, Gen. Ryder. Do you all have an assessment of whether this is the only shipment of ballistic missiles for now that's going to be sent or is this the first in, you know, a bigger kind of shipment that's going to be continued? And then secondly, in terms of force posture in the Middle East, do you have an update on where the USS Georgia is at this moment?

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Yeah, so on your first question, you know the short answer is I'm just not going to be able to predict the future. I would say, you know the concerning aspect of this again is the developing relationship between Russia and Iran. And you also see Russia developing a relationship with the DPRK where they become essentially a supplier of capability.

So 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 good deal. That this would be a source of capability that Russia would seek to tap in the future. And it's also again indicative of the supply challenges that Russia is facing as it prosecutes this campaign, not only from you know, munitions, but also from personnel.

And so you know, it's something that we're going to continue to keep a close eye on. As far as the Georgia, the Georgia has transited into the CENTCOM AOR. And I'll just leave it at that. Konstantin?

Q: Thanks, Pat. so Senator Tommy Tuberville said that he's holding up the promotion of Lieutenant General Ronald Clark for what he says are failings of the Pentagon to sort of hold itself accountable in the wake of Secretary Austin's hospitalization. Do you have a reaction?

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: so just a couple of things. So first of all, I would just say up front, you know, General Clark is a highly qualified senior officer, a leader. He was nominated for this critical position because of his expertise and his strategic level experience. You know, when you look at the experience that someone like General Clark has, leading at senior commands throughout the world at all echelons, he's exactly the kind of leader that we need.

And our priority theater leading US forces. And so we would urge the Senate to confirm all of our qualified nominees. And as we've seen before, these kinds of holds really can undermine our military readiness.

Q: And just a quick follow up. He's set to relieve General Flynn I believe. How long can General Flynn stay in that position?

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: I don't want to get into timelines. Obviously, you know, confirmation  the confirmation process needs to work itself. Clearly, you know, we as a military, are used to managing the leadership of our commands throughout the world. But again, I just can't speak highly enough of General Clark and his qualifications for this position.

And you know and back to your earlier comment, you know, about the concerns here that are being expressed. I would just highlight again, when we did our review, it was clear that at no time was there a gap in the chain of command. And so, you know, again, we would just urge the Senate to confirm all of our qualified nominees.

Let me go to the other side of the room here. Tony?

Q: I'm; more of a geopolitical question in Afghanistan. The report yesterday, the GOP report implies that the United States should actually still be in Afghanistan. It didn't directly say it, but it had all these ramifications of us leaving. It implied we should still be there even though president  former President Trump said in June of 2021, 21 years we think is enough.

21 years. You painted today a world with a lot of conflict. If the United States had retained 21,000  2100 troops in Afghanistan and we had today  fast forward today. Can you give a feel for the strain on the force both readiness-wise and money-wise, force structure-wise how all the things you laid out on top of that we would have troops being attacked in Afghanistan by the Taliban?

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Yeah, thanks, Tony. Well, I mean, as you highlight, you know, just as a reminder here, the February 2020 Doha agreement left only 2,500 US troops on the ground in Afghanistan and called for the complete removal of all US forces by May of 2021. So the options at the time were either to withdraw all US forces in accordance with the agreement or send in more American troops to resume the fight with the Taliban. But the reality is that we didn't keep forces in Afghanistan.

So I'd be speculating in terms of the potential implications on force posture or readiness were we to have kept forces in Afghanistan. And so while that would be an interesting discussion and a thought experiment, I'm going to stay focused on the facts in front of us and the missions that we have today.

And broadly speaking though, I would say the one thing that has not changed is our determination to take the necessary steps to safeguard the homeland and our national security interests. And you can see that as you highlighted, you know around the world in terms of where our forces are currently postured and our efforts to work alongside our allies and partners to address mutual security challenges.

Q: McCaul said  Chairman McCaul yesterday was asked and he did say we've lost the ability to, for over-the-horizon strikes in Afghanistan. We've lost a lot of intelligence capability because we pulled out. We have no way to monitor ISIS K. Is that a fair assessment going, you know, three years later.

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Well, you know, I won't address the senator's comments specifically. You know, obviously I'll let those stand on their own. But what I will say is that we do maintain robust intelligence capability around the world. Of course we can always use more wherever we're at. But as you've seen, as the situation in Europe or the Middle East have heated up, we've been able to put the resources where we need them.

And we do maintain over-the-horizon capability when it comes to counterterrorism. And we've demonstrated that over and over again. Thank you. Let me go to Joseph.

Q: A follow up?

Thanks.

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: I'll come back to you.

Q: Just on Gaza and the West Bank, you mentioned the secretary spoke to his Israeli counterpart over the weekend. One, could you tell us, did he get any updates on what the Israeli army was doing or is doing in the West Bank? And then on Gaza, it seems from Open Source reporting that the Israeli defense minister is at odds with Netanyahu.

Can you  without getting into Israeli  internal Israeli politics and dynamics, is the Pentagon satisfied with how the Israeli army is carrying out its campaign in Gaza when it comes to one, civilians and reducing civilian casualties? And two, with their  with their endgame or their goal in the conversations that you guys have had?

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Yeah, thanks Joseph. So you know as I highlighted the secretary did get a chance to touch base with Minister Galant and get an update on IDF operations. I'm not going to have any more specifics to provide on that aspect. But broadly speaking, as you know, the secretary has spoken with Minister Galant many times about their operations in Gaza, about their operations in West Bank.

And the secretary has made clear our concerns about ensuring that civilian safety is taken into account, and particularly to prevent any type of escalation or incitement of violence in the West Bank. As far as their operations in Gaza go, again, I think we've been very clear that  that it's important that Israel have the ability to defend itself and to prevent the kinds of attacks we saw on October 7th from happening again, while at the same time doing everything possible to mitigate civilian harm to get humanitarian assistance into Gaza.

And as I highlighted at the top, right now, the focus is on securing a cease fire so that we can get the hostages released and we can end this war in Gaza. So I'll just leave it there.

Q: And I'll just ask one more on Iraq and the US troop withdrawal. A senior US official was on the record telling Reuters that an agreement had been reached, but you guys were just waiting to announce it. Can you just at least confirm if an agreement has in fact been reached?

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Yeah, again, I appreciate the question, Joseph. Right now I just don't have anything to announce. So let me go to Janne and then I'll come back to you, Charlie.

Q: Thank you very much, general. Two questions on North Korea and Russia. First question, North Korea, Kim Jong Un unveiled the new larger mobile launcher to enhance its ICBM intercontinental ballistic missile capabilities. Do you think this poses a threat to the United States missile defense?

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Well, look, you know, again we don't necessarily look at one particular system. We look at the entire array of capabilities and most importantly at the intent. And so, again, we'll continue to consult closely with our allies in the region to deter potential aggression. But most importantly, work towards regional security and stability, you know, throughout the peninsula and the broader region.

Q: Second question, Russian President Putin said he would no longer talk to Ukraine. Meanwhile, the Russian foreign ministry recently announced a revision to its nuclear doctrine that would allow for the use of nuclear weapons. Could this be a sign of a possible nuclear use?

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: So again, you know this is something we keep a close eye on all the time. Right now we have not seen anything that would cause us to change the posture of our strategic forces. So thank you. Charlie?

Q: Two questions, with the Iranian missiles nowwith the introduction of these Iranian missiles into the region, do the Ukrainians have sufficient defenses to take those on? And is it under consideration that perhaps the United States and other allies might provide them with the weaponry to take that on?

And my second question is, I know that we're reluctant to talk about the future and force posture, but as my understanding is the Roosevelt is supposed to come to the end of its extension, I think it's tomorrow. So if that is extended or if they chop out, will that announcement be made in the next few days?

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: So on your first question, I mean air defense has been something that we've been very focused on for a long time now when it comes to Ukraine. That  that has been a priority for the Ukrainians and therefore it has been a priority for us. You know, I would point you back to the UDCG almost you know, a year and a half ago where Secretary Austin highlighted how critical this was. And from the very beginning we've been working to get them a variety of systems to address both, you know, near-term missile threats as well as longer range missile threats.

Building that integrated air defense capability for Ukraine has been going on for a while now. And so we're not going to let up. And again, there was discussion of this at the UDCG and how allies and partners can work together to make sure that we continue to get Ukraine the air defense systems that it needs and the munitions associated with that.

So that's not going to change. And these missiles, while they certainly are going to present a threat, we're going to work with Ukraine to ensure to your point that they have the capabilities needed to defend against these missiles and other missiles that  that Russia is using to include drones. As far as the Roosevelt goes, as I'm sure you can appreciate, you know, as a matter of policy, we're just not going to talk about deployment timelines.

And so if and when we have things to announce, we'll certainly do that. But I don't have anything to provide from the podium.

Q: Can I just follow up with the short range missiles, I guess what I was trying to ask is does it present a more unique threat than what they have been dealing with in terms of their air defenses? Does the fact that they're close range or where they're launched from, are they more difficult to intercept because they fly shorter distances?

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: You know, I think a combination of things here, Charlie. I mean, first of all, again is the fact that  that Russia is now receiving these ballistic missiles from Iran, a supplier of capability that can be used against civilian targets, for example, especially as we go into winter. But of course, they present a threat.

But that said, you know, we're going to continue to work with Ukraine to try to make sure that they have what they need to protect against them, volume in and of itself. And the capacity and the ability to conduct sustained attacks is something that has been a challenge all along and that's why we're so focused on this.

Thanks. Let me go to the phone here real quick, WTOP, JJ?

Q: Good afternoon. Thanks, general for the question. Two really quick questions for you. In terms of the Russians that have been trained or being trained by the Iranians, can you say how long ago that training started? And the second thing is, talking about Russia getting this extra capability, how does that impact - And I recognize that these are short range missiles or shorter range missiles, 75 miles and under - but I wonder how that impacts their request to get US and Western permission to use the capabilities they've gotten from you to strike deeper into Russia to stop this?

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Yeah, so on your first question, JJ, I don't have anything to pass along in terms of the  a specific training timeline for the Russians. And as far as our policy as it pertains to the use of US-provided munitions for long range strikes, that policy hasn't changed. Ok.

Q: Ok.

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Yeah.

Q: Can the  can Ukraine use the current ATACMS to go after these short range missiles?

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: So, our policy on long range strike is that they can use that capability within sovereign Ukraine territory, right?

So  now, again, don't  I don't want to necessarily get into a discussion here about battlefield tactics. But, you know, ATACMS are a long-range capability that can be used to strike significant operational and strategic targets. And, you know, again, leave it to the Ukrainians and how they employ those within the  you know, within their conflict and their operations under the current policy that we've provided. But 

Q: It's  75 miles is well within the range of an ATACM.

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Is it feasible? Absolutely it's feasible. But again, you know, the question is would you want to employ that kind of capability on something. That's up to the Ukrainians to decide.

But  yeah. Ok. Let me go to you and then I'll come to you. Yep.

Q: Thank you very much, General. Both of my questions are follow up questions to my colleague's questions earlier. The rise of al-Qaeda and their camps my colleague earlier asked, and the confusion there is in that region. To add further confusion to it, Pakistani army chief two days ago urged the Taliban regime in Afghanistan to not help the TTP guys, the terrorists, the Taliban regime in Pakistan, not to help them.

On the other hand, we have a deputy prime minister who has been accused for corruption since last two decades for dozens of charges. He says that the former ISI chief should have not been in Kabul the day the US was doing a withdrawal from Afghanistan. Me being a journalist from Peshawar for 25 years, I am totally confused as to what's going on, what's your US policy. I am confused about Pakistani policy. And I agree with my colleague here that terrorism in that region is indifferent. International terrorist organizations are excusing  increasing at a much faster pace than State Department and you both are expecting or your analysis on it.

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Okay. You're asking me what my analysis is of it?

Q: To  further to my colleague's question that she's raised that there are 12 al-Qaeda camps in Afghanistan operating. I am saying that, beside al-Qaeda, the local terrorist organization, including Taliban, their expansionism, which I've been raising with State Department, is at very fast scale right now.

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Yeah. Yeah. So, you know, understanding that I won't get into any discussion of domestic Pakistani politics writ large, you know, we've known for a long time that there are terrorist threats throughout the region, to include in Afghanistan, and  and that exists today. And this is why for many, many years since 9/11, we've been working closely with regional partners and allies throughout the world to address those threats, and particularly as they pertain to affecting our ability to protect the United States and our national security interests around the world.

And so, as we've demonstrated time and time again, if those interests are threatened, we'll take appropriate action. We do have the ability to conduct over-the-horizon strikes or collect intelligence should we need to if threats are, you know, developing. And I'll just leave it at that.

Q: My second question is my other colleagues related Mr. McCaul's report that was released yesterday, and yesterday I asked this question to Vedanta as well. I'm  my 25 journalism is purely about international in that region. I don't  I'm not into Republican and Democrat. That's not my focus.

My one thing that I have been raising since last two years at State Department, and I want to raise it to you, sir, as well, President Biden took over January 20 2021st. The last ambassador, Ambassador  his name is Bass [Ph]. He had left in January 23rd. Charge d'affaires took over. Mr. Ross was acting ambassador in Afghanistan. On August 15th, the embassy was officially closed. Why was no diplomatic relations there on ground and US troops were left there by themselves? Is the diplomat life more important, or is it more precious? Then why those soldiers were left over there?

That's  that  and this is the issue. I have been raising it for two years now as a journalist from that region, that I don't think it's fair. And that's why I've been continuously asking that  the last day of those 13 Marines that were killed, investigation should be done about them.

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Yeah. So, there was a very thorough investigation done by US Central Command. And as you know, they did a supplemental review of that investigation that looked at all of that and found that there was no information drawn from that that would have changed any of the findings of the original investigation.

And to your comment, do we prioritize certain aspects of our government over others, the answer to that is absolutely not. You know, we obviously are going to take care of our folks, whether they're working for the Diplomatic Service, military. I'll just leave it there.

All right. Yes, sir, I promised you I'd take your question, and then I'll get over here.

Q: Thank you, sir. Two questions, please. One, India is trying to use its influence to end the war in the Middle East, and also Prime Minister Modi was recently in Ukraine to bring the peace between Russia and Ukraine, or to use his influence. And if the defense minister of India, when he was here, Mr. Rajnath Singh, if he had discussed anything of these things? And also, what do you think about Prime Minister Modi's visit to Ukraine to use his influence to bring the peace in that region?

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Yeah. On the  on the defense minister's visit, you know, it was a fantastic visit. We did issue a readout on that. So, I'd point you to that for details about the discussion.

As for the prime minister's visit to Ukraine, certainly we welcome that dialog. And any support that can be provided to Ukraine to help them to protect their freedom and sovereignty is always very welcome.

Let me 

Q: And second, sir  sorry. Second, sir, I bring a tribute from my Indian American community as far as 23 years of 9/11 tomorrow. Hundreds of thousands of men and women from this building is protecting America and also peace around the globe. My question is that what message secretary have for those who were sponsoring and financing Osama bin Laden and his network in Afghanistan and also in Pakistan, anything has changed?

And now, because the United Nations General Assembly is also coming up in the next few days and next week, and dozens of prime ministers and presidents, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and also President Biden will be there, anything change after 23 years of this?

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Well, I'd encourage you to listen to the secretary's remarks tomorrow during the 9/11 memorial. And of course, that will be live streamed on our  on our website. And I think you'll find that very poignant and important.

So, let me go to Alex.

Q: Thanks, Pat. So, back to Ukrainian air defense, so it looks like the Ukrainians are moving the wrong way when it comes to the health of their defense, you know, strikes in Poltava and Kramatorsk and Kyiv and elsewhere. Can you give us a sense of what the US is doing in terms of, you know, future PDAs to help in that?

And when it comes to Central Command, post October 7th, what does the pressure on increased air defense in the Middle East have on your ability to give both systems and munitions for air defense to Ukraine?

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Yeah. So, a few things on that. So, first of all, as I mentioned to Charlie, air defense has been a priority for the Ukraine Defense Contact Group and for the United States when it comes to Ukraine for a long time now. And I don't see that changing.

And in addition to the short-term requirements as far as, you know, rushing munitions, getting additional systems, for example, you know, what was announced during the NATO summit, we've also stood up these eight capability coalitions which look at the long term requirements for Ukraine and their future defense needs. And so, what you have is that combination of supporting both short term urgent requirements and building the capabilities and, importantly, the ability to sustain those capabilities to include air defense in the long term.

Key to all of that is working very closely with industry not only in the United States but around the world to look at how we can partner from  you know, in terms of our defense industrial bases to be able to ensure that Ukraine has what it needs in terms of air defense, but also other very important capabilities, armor, information, technology, drones, all those kinds of things. And of course, the Air Force Capability Coalition. So going forward, that will continue to be the focus. But as I highlighted as well, when you're dealing with air defense, you're talking about an integrated air defense that can look, you know, not only at protecting close in, but you've got those broader threat rings in terms of medium and long range.

You're also protecting strategic centers of gravity. And I won't go over those from the podium here, but you know, broadly speaking, population centers, energy infrastructure, defense capabilities and things like that. All of that is being looked at holistically with our allies and partners and Ukraine to help them as we go forward.

Q: When it comes to CENTCOM, can you talk about how that's a variable to your decisions on what to 

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Yeah, so, you know, as far as CENTCOM goes and I wouldn't necessarily  a necessarily say it's just CENTCOM, but you know that is obviously a very important and critical theater. But we, the Department of Defense look holistically when it comes to requirements throughout the world. And you know, particularly from a global integration standpoint of looking at how what we're doing in one theater affects another theater and what those requirements are going to be.

And that of course all goes into the National Defense Strategy and budgeting and ensuring that we have the capabilities where we need them when we need them to support those requirements. And so air defense within the CENTCOM AOR is no different. We do have the ability to surge capabilities should we need to do that. But again, you know, we're always going to be looking at how we prioritize resources and how we make sure we have what we need, where we need it, so.

Q: Quickly on the West Bank, Secretary Blinken said that the IDF's rules of engagement must change after they likely killed an American who was protesting. The State Department is not the experts of the rules of engagement you guys are, so what assessments and what advice recommendations are you providing to the State Department for that guidance?

And two, is this an opportunity for you guys to put meat on the bone on actions and consequences when it comes to what aid you're providing? Is this an opportunity for you to be a little bit more emphatic and forceful with the Israelis about what they receive and how they conduct themselves?

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Yeah, well, in terms of the Israelis, I mean, from the very early days, I mean, I'd point you back to Secretary Austin's comments in Tel Aviv shortly after October 7th. He has highlighted the importance of taking care of civilian harm mitigation, making sure that that's a critical element in planning and operations.

And he's continued to have that conversation with his Israeli counterpart going forward. As far as the West Bank, again as I mentioned earlier, the secretary has spoken to Minister Gallant about the importance of taking civilian safety into account as well as making sure that actions being taken don't inflame tensions and result in a wider conflict.

And so again, they'll continue to stay focused on that. I would, you know, gently push back a little bit. I think State Department does have an understanding of international humanitarian law and rules of engagement writ large. And as you know, they're  they assess accusations of violations of international humanitarian law.

And I know those assessments are ongoing. In the meantime, we are going to continue to encourage our  and expect our Israeli counterparts to take civilian safety into account. Okay, I've got time for just a few more. Yes, ma'am.

Q: Can you clarify the call between INDOPACOM commander and the southern theater commander? Was this part of a new framework or is it one of the three that two of them have been resumed and one has not? Is it a new framework or can you just clarify that?

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: I'm not sure I understand what you mean, but it was a result of, as I highlighted, you know the discussion between President Biden and President Xi in terms of re-initiating those contacts, one of which was between the Chinese theater commanders PRC theater commanders and the Commander of INDOPACOM.

As you know, Secretary Austin has also engaged with his counterpart. And we hope to see those conversations continue. Thank you. I'll go to you, you, and then we'll close it out with Heather.

Q: Yes, sir. Okay. Thank you, general. Two quick questions on Middle East. Do you have an update on the current discussions with Iraqi partners, the negotiations that are discussed by the High Military Commission?

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Again, no  no announcements to make. We'll  we'll keep you updated.

Q: And you know the US has military presence in Syria, will their role continue as long as ISIS remains as a threat or that depends on the presence of Russians in Syria?

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Well, as it  as it pertains to the global coalition and Operation Inherent Resolve, again that's the discussions that have been happening in terms of the transition from that global coalition to a US-Iraq bilateral security cooperation. So certainly as it pertains, you know, because it's part of the Defeat ISIS mission, Syria would certainly be a part of that discussion. But again, I just don't have anything to announce right now. Jared?

Q: How many Iranian SRBMs to Russia, beyond the threat to Ukraine, I believe Secretary Blinken and I think you alluded to it earlier as well said that this poses a threat to quote "all of Europe" because it  this provision allows Russia to dedicate longer range BMs to other targets. I'm wondering, I mean the US is known for months that Iran's government was considering sending these. I wonder if you could elaborate on any steps that DOD has taken with its allies to sort of shore up European defense in case this has happened?

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Well, I mean as a member of NATO, I mean we  you know, where to start? We've done lots of things in terms of, you know, relocating or deploying additional forces into the European AOR. We conduct multiple exercises with our NATO partners. And you know the secretary is regularly engaging with NATO defense ministers to talk about what we can do to work together to ensure our collective security as it  as it relates to Europe. Never mind the fact that the UDCG also provides a forum where they can talk about these kinds of things. Thanks.

Q: And if I could just follow up? You mentioned the Russian government sharing technology with regards to nuclear programs with Iran. Is this technology that could potentially be involved in weaponization initiatives? Does it potentially shorten Iran's weaponization breakout time?

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Yeah, I just don't  I'm not going to be able to provide any more details on that. Thanks. All right, last question. We'll go to Heather, USNI.

Q: Thanks so much. Two questions. First, can you give an update on the tankers that the Houthis hit? And then second, during Admiral Paparo discussions, did anything come up about the recent actions between the Chinese Coast Guard and the Philippines over Sabina Shoal?

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Yeah, thanks, Heather. I'm assuming you're referring to the Delta Sounion, to my knowledge still on fire. It appears that the internal oil tanks so far are secure. I think I had mentioned earlier that we had indications of oil leak. So, it would appear that that was probably from like the engine room or some type of chemical leak.

But clearly, that presents a  the potential for a significant environmental disaster. And I know that there are third parties that are looking at how to salvage that and  and get the  the oil tanker out of there. But again, just an indication of the kinds of malign activity that we're seeing from the Iranian backed Houthis. And then I'm sorry, your last question was?

Q: During Admiral Paparo's call did anything come up about the Chinese Coast Guard in the Philippines over Sabina Shoal?

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Yeah, I'm just not going to have anything more to provide beyond what I had in my topper. And I would refer you to the readout from INDOPACOM. All right, thanks very much everybody. Appreciate it.

https://www.defense.gov/News/Transcripts/Transcript/Article/3901796/

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September 10, 2024

Release

U.S.-Republic of Cyprus Roadmap for Bilateral Defense Cooperation

On Monday, September 9, 2024, Celeste Wallander, the Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs, and Vasilis Palmas, the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Cyprus (ROC), signed the U.S.-ROC Roadmap for Bilateral Defense Cooperation in Nicosia. The two issued a joint statement on the signing, available here.

The roadmap is a foundational agreement on the priorities and direction of the bilateral defense relationship over the next five years, a welcome step forward in our security partnership. This signing builds on the second U.S.-ROC Defense and Security Cooperation Dialogue held in Washington last June to enhance stability and security in the Eastern Mediterranean.

During her visit from September 9 to 10, Assistant Secretary Wallander also discussed regional events and bilateral cooperation with ROC President Nikos Christodoulides and visited the Joint Rescue Coordination Center in Larnaca. She thanked the ROC for its continued leadership in regional humanitarian aid and for its support of citizens in crisis in the Eastern Mediterranean.

https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3900867/

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League of Arab States: Opening remarks by High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell at the Ministerial Meeting

European External Action Service (EEAS)

10.09.2024

Cairo, Egypt

EEAS Press Team

Check against delivery!

Ministers, Secretary General [Aboul Gheit], Excellencies, distinguished guests,

It is a great honour for me to be here with you today, in a moment where our shared neighbourhood lives a tragedy. This is the moment to increase cooperation among us, more than ever.

Excellencies,

80 years ago, the Alexandria protocol led to the establishment of the Arab League.

Allow me to congratulate you for the achievements of the Arab League, in particular for the Arab Peace Initiative, which is in line with the European Union's position and remains a cornerstone for building a better future for this region.

Well, some may say, "it is too old, it was 20 years ago and has not been implemented". In fact, many have forgotten about the Arab Peace Initiative. But I think that you could accelerate the slow - certainly too slow - changing perception of the Israel/Palestinian conflict by reaffirming the Arab Peace Initiative and by making it better known all over the world.

Excellencies,

We all know that, almost a year after the terrorist attack by Hamas that the European Union has strongly condemned, the situation is - strictly speaking - catastrophic both from a humanitarian and political point of view with no positive outlook in sight.

Everything has been said about the situation: facts and figures are there.

There is, nevertheless, a success of the polio vaccination campaign that proves, once again, that UNRWA has demonstrated its usefulness.

The European Union has given full support to the ongoing efforts of Egypt, Qatar and the United States. But the ceasefire agreement, prior to the implementation of the Biden plan, has still not been signed and does not seem likely to be signed in the near future.

Why? Quite simply, because those who are waging the war have no interest in putting an end to it. So, they are just pretending. Less and less pretending. Because, as it turns out, their intransigence is accompanied by total impunity. If acts have no consequences, if blatant violation of international law remains disregarded, if institutions such as the International Criminal Court are threatened, if the International Court of Justice rulings are totally ignored by those who promote a rules-based order, who can be trusted?

One year ago, at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) meeting, we were considering with a lot of good will how the 'Peace Day' could look like. And less than six months ago, we were talking seriously about the 'Day After'. Today, the 'Day After' is receding like a mirage in the desert.

Not only is there no pause in the war in Gaza. But what looms on the horizon is the extension of the conflict to the West Bank, where radical members of the Israeli government - Netanyahu's government - try to make impossible to create a future Palestinian state.

A new front is being opened 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, and 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. Yes, without action, the West Bank will become a new Gaza. And Gaza will become a new West Bank, as settler's movements are preparing new settlements.

Against this backdrop, it is clear that the prospect of a two-state solution - which we have been ritually repeating - is receding ever further whilst the international community deplores, feels, and condemns, but finds it hard to act.

But there are people acting.

Yesterday, I visited the border crossing point of Rafah. I want to praise the effort of so many people that work hard to overcome so many difficulties to make the long queues of trucks enter into Gaza, where the civilian population under siege is being depraved of their basic needs - in a very conscious manner.

By the way, allow me to say that our border control mission EUBAM [Rafah] is ready to act if the parties agree to let them intervene.

Excellencies, what can we Europeans and Arabs, do? What can we do?

I think we need to restate the basic principles of a settlement. The legal bases are here and have been clearly stated by the International Court of Justice. What is missing is the political will to implement them. We need to raise our voice at the next UNGA; and prevent a sort of 'Gaza fatigue'; which will embolden the extremists and postpone once again the idea of a political settlement.

We have to launch a process where all parties who want to work on an agenda - a concrete and practical agenda to implement the two-state solution - can work together.

Second, we need to revitalise the Palestinian Authority to support their reform process, but also to support [them] financially.

Third, [we have] to facilitate all attempts at dialogue between Palestinians and Israelis, such as the one you have just taken up with [Nasser] El Kidwa [Former Foreign Affairs Minister of the Palestinian Authority] and former Prime Minister [of Israel, Ehud] Olmert.

Fourth, [we must] not give up on engaging with Israeli civil society, even in this context - and especially in this context. Everyone, not just the Europeans - Palestinians, and Arab civil society, must do it. I know how difficult it is to reconcile both narratives, but it is the only way to move forward.

Keep in mind that the Israeli society is deeply divided and traumatised by October 7. We must talk to them. Ostracising Israeli society serves no purpose. No purpose other than to reinforce the Massada complex, which is in fact the objective pursued by the extremists.

I have always-made clear that the Israeli government and the Israeli society need to be considered as two different things. As my friend Shimon Perez [Former Prime Minister of Israel] was saying many years ago, "Israel will not have permanent security without peace" - but they have to believe it.

Fifth, the Palestinians have to reach a common vision, to overcome their divisions, because the more these divisions exist, the more they undermine the legitimacy and representativeness of the Palestinians.

Sixth, the Europeans need to adopt a common approach. That is what I am working tirelessly on, - even if the success is limited, because I have never seen such a dividing issue among the Europeans, as the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Seventh, the Arab States need also to adopt a truly common approach, in coordinating and showing solidarity.

All in all, it means building a balance of power on realistic foundations for the two-state solution - before it becomes, definitely, too late.

I know, it is extremely difficult. However, we must never give up. There is a moment of total lack of empathy about the suffering and the pain of the other.

But allow me to finish, to remind the words of the Queen of Jordan. I was listening to her some days ago at Cernobbio Forum. She was saying: "Do not give up. We have to continue supporting that the law is a must - not a maybe. That human rights are not open to negotiation. That without accountability, injustice becomes the norm. That peace - real, lasting, life-affirming peace - is key to security for everybody. And that extreme voices cannot be allowed to dictate our conversation."

Thank you.



Link to the video: https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/video/I-260662

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Egypt: Press remarks by High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell after his meeting with Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty

European External Action Service (EEAS)

10.09.2024

Cairo, Egypt

EEAS Press Team

Check against delivery!

Thank you very much, Minister [for Foreign Affairs of Egypt, Badr Abdelatty]. First of all, congratulations for your appointment.

You did a lot when you were ambassador in Brussels to increase and improve the relationship between the European Union and Egypt. I am sure that we will continue on this track.

I was in Cairo almost exactly one year ago and there have been frequent interactions between the European Union and Egypt at the highest level.

Since my last visit, our partnership - as the Minister has explained - has been growing and has been elevated to a Strategic and Comprehensive one, but - unfortunately - the regional situation continues deteriorating, both in terms of human tragedy and security risks. Not only to your East with Palestine and Lebanon, but also to your West in Libya, and to your South in Sudan, as you rightly mentioned.

And while I can appreciate our solid bilateral ties with Egypt, I cannot help but mention the dramatic situation in this region, where the confluence of crises poses a direct threat on both Egypt's and the European Union's security.

No solution can work without full engagement and support by Egypt - and I thank you for all your efforts in this context.

But bad news continues coming. Today, a new attack by the Israeli Defence Forces in a refugee camp in Gaza has produced more than 40 people being killed, and 60 people being wounded.

I cannot not raise my voice against these kinds of things. The war has always laws. It is difficult to believe that these laws of war are being fulfilled.

In our bilateral cooperation, we have been showing solidarity with you in a critical moment - [with] a [financial] package announced in June which is going to be implemented, and the successful Investment Conference that saw some 30 agreements signed totalling almost 50 billion.

We will continue supporting Egypt in the recovery, offering assistance in the implementation of the much-needed reforms including in the implementation of the National Human Rights Strategy. And we are very much aware of the impact on your financing by the Houthi's attacks against navigation in the Red Sea.

We will be together with you through investment, and economic and financial support in order to face these difficult circumstances.

We also have to focus our collective efforts to achieve a ceasefire and a hostage deal in Gaza, while doing everything we can to improve the catastrophic humanitarian situation of people there.

We have been giving full support, Minister, to you - to Egypt - to Qatar and to the United States on trying to look for a ceasefire agreement. A ceasefire that has been announced so many times; we are almost there, but we are not there. Why? Quite simple: because those who are waging war have no interest in putting an end to it. So, they are pretending. Less and less pretending, because their intransigence is accompanied by total impunity and their acts have no consequences.

A blatant violation of international law remains disregarded. If institutions such as the International Criminal Court are threatened, if the International Court of Justice's rulings are totally ignored, then, what is the solution? And whom may we trust?

We will continue supporting you on looking for a ceasefire. First step, the liberation of hostages, humanitarian support and political solution. This is the clear objective, first step in the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in a couple of weeks. But we have to launch the process, not just an event.

We have to launch a process in order to continue working every day with everybody willing to build the two-state solution, committed and looking for what kind of pressure we can put on the ones who do not want this solution.

We have been very much committed in supporting the people in Gaza; almost 300 million in humanitarian support. Certainly, it is badly needed, but it is not enough.

I am coming from the Rafah border very much impacted by what I have seen there: 1,500 trucks queuing and waiting to come into Gaza Strip, conveying the humanitarian supply that people on the other side of the border are waiting for.

Ambulances of the Red Crescent waiting to try to evacuate the wounded people that cannot cross the border.

This is something that the international community cannot afford. That is why I think that the international community, in New York, will have to discuss about what we can do in order to stop this dramatic situation.

Then, certainly, we talked about the situation in Sudan. I am very much aware, Minister, of the burden that the war in Sudan represents for the Egyptian economy and society. I do not know how many more - [almost] 1 million people coming from Sudan looking for refuge in Egypt, posing socioeconomic pressure on the country? I understand very well that you are doing here an incredible effort in order to support these people, but we also have to support you to support them.

We discussed about the situation in Somalia, and the will of Egypt to participate in the military mission in the framework of the United Nations in order to fight against Al-Shabaab terrorism and to preserve the integrity of this country.

All in all, Minister, times demand dialogue, compromise and de-escalation. You are at the core of a region that faces unprecedented conflicts and instability. And this is certainly not in the interest of ordinary people [to have] this situation.

I am very glad we have Egypt as a partner, with whom we can continuously discuss how to best tackle those challenges, advance in reforms and to fight and to work to restore peace and stability. This is our strategic interest, for you and for the European Union.

I thank you a lot for your cooperation and your work with us.

Q&A

Q. [In Arabic - e-Translation]

Yesterday in Rafah you stated that your ability to pressure Israel is limited; to use your words "our capacities are limited". We did not expect to hear this from the European Union, given the amount of economic, political and military relations between you and Israel, between your countries and Israel. Is that what you intend to say when you will meet the Foreign Ministers at the League of Arab States meeting? Is that also what you intend to say in Lebanon when you get there? Just good wishes and condemnations?

Nobody can say that what we are doing in the region is just good wishes. We are the biggest donor to the Palestinian Authority. It is not wishes, it is millions of euros. We have been the biggest donor to support the humanitarian people in Gaza; it is not good wishes. It is more than 300 million since the start of the war. We have been very vocal in all international fora in order to ask for a ceasefire.

But at the same time, you know very well that this issue is a very dividing issue inside the European Union, that different Member States have different positions. And I have to represent a common position which, in some cases, it is difficult to get. But it does not obstruct that we [are] continuing engaging with all our capacities and financial resources. No one has done more than the European Union in order to support the Palestinian Authority and the humanitarian situation in Gaza. So, please, do not say that it is just 'wishes' - look at the current accounts. Look at the money flows. Look at the number of flights landing in the airport where it was landing yesterday, conveying humanitarian support to the people in Gaza. Is someone doing more than us?

Thank you.

Link to the video (starting at 8:20) : https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/video/I-260686

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Minister of Defence Antti Hakkanen's speech at the Responsible AI in the Military domain Summit on 10 September 2024

Finnish Ministry of Defence

10.09.2024

Finland would like to thank the Republic of Korea, and our co-hosts the Kingdom of Netherlands, the Republic of Singapore and the United Kingdom for all their efforts and dedication organizing the REAIM-conference. We also commend your leadership in drafting the REAIM Blueprint for Action, which Finland is very pleased to endorse.

As we see in ongoing conflicts, the significance of military applications of artificial intelligence is ever growing; there is no denying its inevitable impact on the present and the future of warfare. It is crucial for the development of Finland's defence capabilities that we are able to utilize emerging disruptive technologies, such as artificial intelligence, to meet the requirements of an ever more challenging international security situation.

Simultaneously, we have already witnessed the risks and challenges that are (as undeniably) an integral part of the military use of artificial intelligence. States must comply with international law, especially international humanitarian law, when studying, developing and deploying artificial intelligence as part of their military capabilities. Consequently, Finland recognizes the urgent need for international regulation, rules and principles. We need to specify the requirements of international law in a concrete and practical manner to ensure safe, secure and responsible practices in the development and use of artificial intelligence applications in the military domain.

Finland has long been a forerunner in research and development related to wireless communications and is emerging as a leader in quantum computing, which are foreseen to converge with the development of AI and various applications both for civilian and defence use. Similarly Finland has expertise in remotely operated machinery from e.g. mining and forestry sectors that can be utilized in various applications.

This context of technological advancement in the civilian sector was part of the foundation on which we started to work on our defence administration's strategic guidelines for the development of artificial intelligence solution. These were for the first time published already in 2020, so we do recognize the need to keep continuously updating our thinking based on the recent technological developments.

When it comes to the future governance of AI, one of the core issues in securing lawfulness and responsibility is the dual-use nature of these technologies. A whole of government approach is needed to ensure that the regulation addresses both the civilian and military applications of artificial intelligence consistently. 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. Therefore, ensuring high standards throughout the whole process is crucial for the protection of our common values.

Finland supports and continues to actively participate in the discussions on multiple international fora, aiming for an efficient, technology neutral, future-proof and globally over-arching regulation of the use of artificial intelligence in military applications.

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Statement by Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide on airstrike in Gaza

Government of Norway

News story | Date: 10/09/2024

'I condemn the Israeli airstrike this morning on a safe zone in Khan Younis. All parties have an obligation to protect civilians in warfare', said Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide.

'The presence of armed groups does not nullify the obligation to comply with international humanitarian law. The war must end', said Eide.

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Press Briefing by IDF Spokesperson RAdm. Daniel Hagari- September 10, 2024

IDF Press Release

September 10, 2024

10.09.24

IDF

Good evening,

In recent days, we presented to the families of Hersh, Eden, Carmel, Alex, Almog, and Ori, of blessed memory, we presented the footage from the tunnel in Rafah where we located them. This evening, we will broadcast that footage here.

All the evidence you saw inside the tunnel has been taken for investigation and examination. We are examining the materials and following every lead to track down the terrorists responsible for this heinous murder. We will continue to operate against Hamas with determination and eliminate the commanders and terrorists wherever they may be. We have also distributed this footage in English, and I have briefed the international media, so that the whole world can see and remember the evil of Hamas and understand the cruelty with which it treats the hostages.

At the same time, we are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the murder as thoroughly as possible. Once the investigation is complete, we will firstly, firstly present the findings to the families and then to the public.

The troops operating in the field acted responsibly and cautiously, above and below ground. In recent weeks, they have eliminated many terrorists above ground, including the commander of the Tel al-Sultan Battalion and the chain of command of the battalion. We did not have intelligence information that would allow us to carry out a hostage rescue operation, and we did not know the precise location of the hostages in the tunnel that was located. They were murdered before we reached the location.

We are also investigating the incident of the leak of the hostages' names during Saturday, before they were recovered from the tunnel. This is a very serious incident that firstly hurt the families of the hostages and also compromised the security of the troops operating in the field.

Even at this moment, our hearts are first and foremost with the families of the hostages, and we share in their immense grief and sorrow. We continue and will continue to exert every effort, every effort to bring the hostages home alive, and as quickly as possible.

Alongside the ongoing operations in Gaza, we continue to operate with intensity on the northern border. This morning, in an extensive strike on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, we struck a military headquarters and a weapons manufacturing site of Hezbollah. Additionally, we eliminated a commander from Hezbollah's Radwan Force. We continue to act with strength, and we are prepared with operational plans, and we will act in accordance with the directives of the political level.

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Hezbollah missiles rain down on Israeli positions

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Sep 10, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- The Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah has launched a series of missile attacks targeting settlements and military bases belonging to the Israeli regime in northern occupied Palestine.

The Beirut-based Al Mayadeen news network reported on Tuesday that dozens of rockets were fired from the Lebanese territory at Israeli positions in northern occupied Palestine.

The Islamic Resistance in Lebanon stated that the operation was in support of Gaza and in response to the enemy's attacks on Lebanon, particularly the assassination carried out in Western Bekaa and the targeting of a building on the Zebdine-Nabatieh road.

Hezbollah said that its fighters targeted the enemy's artillery emplacements of Battalion 411 in Neve Ziv and command headquarters currently occupied by Golani Brigade forces at the Mount Neria base with dozens of Katyusha rockets.

Israeli media outlets reported a total blackout and fire eruption in the Meron area and its vicinity after heavy missile fire from southern Lebanon.

It further noted that more than 30 explosions took place in the "Western Galilee" area in the north of the occupied territories.

Since the start of Operation Al-Aqsa Storm by the Palestinian resistance groups on October 7, 2023, Hezbollah has carried out daily and heavy strikes against the Zionist regime's positions to engage a large number of its forces in the north of occupied Palestine and reduce the pressure on the resistance in Gaza.

Since the onset of the war in Gaza, nearly 41,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have been killed in the enclave.

3266**2050

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Yemen says shots down US MQ-9 drone

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Sep 10, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- The spokesperson of Yemen's Armed Forces Yahya Saree has announced the downing of a US MQ-9 drone over the country.

The US drone was shot down when it was spying and taking hostile measures over Saada in northwest of Yemen, Saree said in a statement on Tuesday.

Saree went on to say that the US drone was the second the Yemeni forces downed during the past 72 hours.

In his remarks, the Yemeni spokesperson hailed the anti-Israel operation carried out by Maher al-Jazi, the Jordanian citizen who was martyred on border crossings with West Bank, and killed three Zionists.

Saree noted that the Islamic Ummah performs its religious and ethical duty to support the Palestinian people, nearly 41,000 of whom have been killed in Gaza since the last October.

Yemen will continue its military operations against Israel until the regime ceases aggression against Gaza and lifts siege of the Strip, he underlined.

From the outset of 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.

1483**9417

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Zionists' attack on Palestinian refugee camp kills 40, injures 60

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Sep 10, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- The Zionist regime attacked the tents of the refugees in the city of Khan Yunis killing 40 people and injuring 60 others.

According to the Palestinian Sama news agency, at least 20 refugee tents in Al-Mawasi area were targeted by the Zionists.

The Gaza relief and rescue department announced that 65 Palestinian refugees were among the martyrs and the wounded.

Gaza Civil Defense spokesman Mahmoud Bassal said that several families completely disappeared under the sand in al-Mawasi massacre.

Some14 martyrs were transferred from Mawassi to hospitals and the operation of removing the bodies is still underway, and due to the severity of the attacks, there is still a possibility of an increase in the number of martyrs and injured.

These attacks have created 9-meter holes in Al-Mawasi area.

9376**9417

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Israel stopped UN convoy 'at gunpoint': Official

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Sep 10, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for Palestine Refugees in the Near East Philippe Lazzarini has said that the Israeli army stopped a UN convoy, which was on its way to Gaza, at gunpoint.

"The convoy was stopped at gunpoint just after the Wadi Gaza checkpoint with threats to detain UN staff. Heavy damage was caused by bulldozers to the UN armored vehicles," Lazzarini wrote on his X account early on Tuesday.

"The convoy had both national & international staff traveling to roll out the polio vaccination campaign for children in Gaza City and northern Gaza," he said. "We are not able to confirm whether the polio campaign will take place tomorrow, (Tuesday) in northern Gaza."

The UNRWA head criticized the Israeli regime's inhumane actions, saying that the incident was the latest violation by the Israeli forces against the UN staff.

As he wrote, "All staff & convoy are now released & back safely in the UN base."

Despite prior notification, the armed forces of the Zionist regime shot at the UN convoy and arrested the staff.

"UN Staff must be allowed to undertake their duties in safety + be protected at all times in accordance with international humanitarian law."

Since the start of the war in Gaza last October, more than 40,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have been killed in the enclave.

1483**4354

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UN chief alarmed by level of death, destruction in Gaza

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Sep 10, 2024

New York, IRNA -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has reiterated his call to stop bloodshed of Palestinians, saying "I've never seen such a level of death and destruction as we are seeing in Gaza in the last few months."

According to IRNA reporter, while stressing the urgency of a cease-fire now, Guterres said in a conversation on Monday local time: "The level of suffering we are witnessing in Gaza is unprecedented during my mandate as secretary-general of the United Nations.

"The United Nations will be available to support any ceasefire," he told The Associated Press but said: "It is unrealistic" to think that the UN can play a role in the future of Gaza, either through the administration or by providing peacekeeping forces because Israel is unlikely to accept them.

The UN chief has issued many such statements deploring the massacres of civilians in Israel's indiscriminate air and artillery strikes across Gaza, demanding "end to this terrible war".

"I have never seen such a level of death and destruction as we have seen in Gaza in the past few months," he said.

The Israeli regime launched a genocidal war on the Gaza Strip on October 7, 2023. During this period, nearly 41,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children have been killed and 80% of the houses and infrastructures of Gaza Strip have been destroyed.

The continued siege and restriction on aid have caused a severe humanitarian crisis, along with the unprecedented famine and hunger that threaten the lives of over 2 million Gazans now living in refugee camps.

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Turkiye calls for urgent OIC leaders' meeting on Gaza

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Sep 10, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan has demined the Organization of Islamic Cooperation convene an extraordinary leaders' summit to discuss the ongoing Israeli war on the Gaza Strip and find ways to prevent the genocide pf Palestinians in the blockaded territory.

According to IRNA, Erdogan said on Monday night that "it (OIC) is urgent that it convenes at the leadership level without delay and that the Islamic world demonstrates its firm stance."

If Israel is not stopped, this regime's occupation policy will never stop, he said, adding that "Let's accelerate our efforts to force the Islamic world to take more action to prevent the mass killing of Palestinians in Gaza by Israel."

Erdogan also hailed the role of Egypt as a mediating country to ensure reaching a ceasefire agreement and providing aid to the Gaza Strip.

Earlier, Erdogan criticized the OIC for its indifference to the increasing aggression against Al-Quds, emphasizing that the organization's primary duty is to defend this cause.

He warned that Israel is seeking to expand its invasion and occupation policies to include Al Aqsa Mosque, which is significant to Muslims as their first Qibla.

"It is unthinkable that the OIC, whose duty is to defend the cause of Al-Quds, would remain indifferent to these attacks," Erdogan said after presidential cabinet meeting on Monday.

On Saturday night, Erdogan emphasized the need for solidarity and unity among Islamic countries to stop the terrorism of the Zionist regime, warning that after occupying the West Bank, Israel will covet the land of Jordan, Syria, Turkey and Lebanon.

Israel's hypocrisy and its expansionist policies will never be stopped except with the solidarity of Islamic countries, he added.

4399

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NATO DIANA announces companies chosen for the next phase of its accelerator programme

NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation

10 Sep. 2024

On Tuesday (10 September), NATO's Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) named the ten start-ups selected for the next phase of the accelerator's programme. Each of these innovators is developing a deep technology solution for one of three security challenges identified by NATO Allies: sensing and surveillance, energy resilience, and secure information sharing. The solutions they offer employ quantum devices, smart renewable energy platforms, underwater drones, and intelligent antennas for challenging environments.

Technological potential, commercial viability, relevance to end-users and investment maturity were among the criteria taken into consideration during the selection process. In the next phase of development, the start-ups will receive additional funding of up to 300,000 euros and assistance to adapt their ideas for commercial use.

"We're proud to announce the ten innovative companies moving into Phase II," said Professor Deeph Chana, Managing Director of DIANA. "To solve complex security and resilience problems, we need an ecosystem of creative, collaborative innovators willing to bring their talent and expertise to bear. These ten innovators, and indeed all of our first cohort, are paving the way for a strong pipeline of innovation for Allied nations to adopt."

The ten companies, from seven NATO countries, were selected from the 44 start-ups chosen to join DIANA's accelerator programme in November 2023. During the first phase, the start-ups benefited from world-class training and expert advice to develop their technologies and adapt them to defence and security requirements. Each company also received a grant of 100,000 euros to help cover expenses, such as salaries, rent and equipment.

DIANA launched five new challenges in July 2024. The successful innovators will be selected from more than 2,600 applications. They will join the accelerator's programme in January 2025.

Further information is available on LinkedIn and on the DIANA website: diana.nato.int.

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Chinese ships swarming WPS rise to 207: PH Navy

Philippine News Agency

By Priam Nepomuceno

September 10, 2024, 11:15 am

MANILA -- The number of Chinese ships spotted in features in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) continues to rise, the Philippine Navy (PN) said Tuesday.

The PN's latest monitoring report showed 207 Chinese vessels were spotted in these areas from Sept. 3 to 9, a slight increase from 203 recorded from Aug. 27 to Sept. 2.

Out of this number, 182 are Chinese maritime militia vessels (CMMVs), marking a sharp rise from 165 during the Aug. 27 to Sept. 2 monitoring period.

Also spotted during the Sept. 3-9 period were 18 China Coast Guard Vessels (CCGVs), six People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) warships, and one Chinese Research and Survey Vessel (CRSV).

The bulk of Chinese ships in the WPS are in the vicinity of the Sabina Shoal, where the Philippine Coast Guard's BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV-9701) stands watch.

A total of 68 Chinese vessels were seen in this area - 55 CMMVs, eight CCGVs, and five PLAN warships.

This was followed by the Iroquois Reef with 59 Chinese vessels - 58 CMMVs and one PLAN ship.

Another 50 Chinese vessels were seen in Pag-asa Islands - 49 CMMVs and one CCGV - while 13 ships were seen in Bajo de Masinloc - 12 CMMVs and one CCGV.

Meanwhile, 10 vessels were spotted in the Ayungin Shoal - eight CCGVs and two CMMVs - followed by Lawak Island with four CMMVs, Likas Island with one CMMV, Panata Island with one CMMV, and Rizal Reef with one CRSV.

Highest so far

PN spokesperson for the WPS Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said this number of Chinese vessel sightings is the highest so far for this year.

"A lot of the (Chinese) maritime militia are focused on Escoda or Sabina Shoal. Sabina and Escoda have been under our attention for the past good number of months because of the reported increase of crushed corals and we have to determine if this is man-made or by force of nature. Hence, the extra patrols given by the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines), the Navy, the Coast Guard, and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources," Trinidad said.

Also, Trinidad said that the number of Chinese ships deployed so far in the WPS is within the "force projection capability of South Sea Fleet, the CCG, and the maritime militia."

"Open sources will tell us that the South Sea Fleet is composed of roughly 80 to 90 ships and submarines. The (China) Coast Guard from 25 to 35, for the maritime militia, we have monitored in the past numbers as high as 250 to 300. These are stationed in their bases, Johnson, Subi, and or Mischief. But what they bring into our exclusive economic zone (EEZ) limits is what we monitor and report," he added.

Trinidad said what can be considered abnormal for China is if it decides to bring in units from other theaters of the PLA.

"So long as these are the forces within theater and they don't bring in other forces from the East Sea Fleet or the North Sea Fleet, then this is still within the normal range of their capability," he added. (PNA)

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US Marine Corps vows to boost AFP's protection of maritime borders

Philippine News Agency

By Priam Nepomuceno

September 10, 2024, 9:55 am

MANILA -- The commandant of the United States Marine Corps (USMC) has committed to helping the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in developing its maritime domain awareness (MDA) so it can be more interoperable with its American counterparts.

MDA refers to the capabilities of a country to protect and detect intrusions within its territorial waters.

USMC head Gen. Eric M. Smith made this assurance during his courtesy call with AFP vice chief of staff, Lt. Gen. Arthur Cordura at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Monday.

"The two leaders also discussed the upcoming Maritime Training Security (MTA) 'Sama-Sama' underscoring a shared commitment to advancing maritime domain awareness and interoperability," the AFP said in a statement late Monday.

The MTA "Sama-Sama" is a multilateral naval exercise between the Philippines and the US first held in October 2022.

In the meeting, Cordura expressed his appreciation of Smith's visit and highlighted the importance of continued partnership between the AFP and the USMC.

Smith's visit reflects the AFP's initiative to explore avenues for future cooperation anchored in the rules-based international order and a shared vision for a stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific Region. (PNA)

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Israeli forces shoot dead 2 Palestinians, including woman, in West Bank

Iran Press TV

Tuesday, 10 September 2024 6:52 PM

Israeli forces have shot dead two more Palestinians, including a woman, in the occupied West Bank, almost two weeks after the occupying entity launched a massive military aggression on the Palestinian territory.

The two Palestinians were fatally shot by live fire of Israeli soldiers in the city of Tulkarm, in the northern occupied West Bank, the official Palestinian news agency WAFA reported on Tuesday, citing the Palestinian Ministry of Health.

The ministry identified the male as 24-year-old Ahmad Majduba, while the identity of the female is still unknown.

According to WAFA, Earlier, Israeli military vehicles stormed Tulkarm and its camp and besieged the Thabet Thabet Governmental Hospital.

At least 10 other Palestinians also sustained injuries in the military incursion and transferred to hospital, with their wounds described as moderate to mild.

Israeli forces used live ammunition, sound bombs, and tear gas against residents while ordering shop owners to close their stores and leave, resulting in a major traffic jam around the Thabet Thabet roundabout, Nablus Street, and the nearby hospital.

They also raided the Palestine Red Crescent Society's EMS center in Tulkarm, surrounding the building and forcing medical personnel to evacuate, the PRCS said on X.

The PRCS also reported that, earlier, Israeli forces fired live bullets at a PRCS volunteer who was helping an injured individual in the Tulkarm camp, while at the same time, they encircled the camp, stationed their vehicles at every entrance, placed snipers on various houses and buildings, and conducted extensive reconnaissance flights overhead.

In the early hours of August 28, the Israeli military conducted its biggest operation - dubbed "Camps of Summer" - in the West Bank in over 20 years, deploying hundreds of troops and carrying out airstrikes on Jenin, Tulkarm, and Tubas, which are major centers of Palestinian resistance against the occupying regime.

Since the onset of the current aggression in the West Bank, the number of Palestinians killed by Israeli forces has now increased to dozens. The total death toll in the occupied West Bank has now reached over 700 since October 7 last year.

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EU's Josep Borrell fears occupied West Bank becoming 'new Gaza'

Iran Press TV

Tuesday, 10 September 2024 6:22 PM

The European Union foreign policy chief has warned that Israeli forces have opened a new front with a clear objective of turning the occupied West Bank into a "new Gaza."

Addressing the Arab League in Cairo on Tuesday, Josep Borrell said Israel was opening "a new front... with a clear objective: to turn the West Bank into a new Gaza -- in rising violence, delegitimizing the Palestinian Authority and stimulating provocations to react forcefully."

The top EU diplomat said "without action of the international community, the West Bank will become a new Gaza."

"Without action, the West Bank will become a new Gaza," he told the meeting.

"And Gaza will become a new West Bank, as settlers' movements are preparing new settlements," Borrell said.

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," he said.

Borrell accused "radical members of the Israeli government" of trying to make it "impossible to create a future Palestinian state."

"The international community deplores, feels, and condemns, but finds it hard to act."

Some Israeli ministers have recently called for ramping up military assaults in the occupied West Bank.

Rights groups have warned of escalating violence in the West Bank and the use of tactics by Israeli forces that the world has witnessed in its war on Gaza.

Dozens of Palestinians were killed after the Israeli occupation forces recently launched the largest military onslaught in two decades on the West Bank.

Since the Gaza war began on October 7, Israeli troops or settlers have killed at least 662 Palestinians in the West Bank.

Israeli settler attacks against Palestinians in the West Bank hit a record in 2023, and the EU has said last year saw the most settlement building permits issued in decades.

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45,000 Palestinian children in Gaza are missing their first day of school, UN says

Iran Press TV

Tuesday, 10 September 2024 4:34 PM

The United Nations says 45,000 Palestinian children are missing their first day of school in the besieged Gaza Strip due to Israel's ongoing genocidal campaign in the Palestinian territory.

On Monday, UN Under Secretary-General for Global Communications Melissa Fleming issued the alert, emphasizing that this large group of six-year-olds must be protected under international law.

"45,000 6-year-olds in Gaza should have been starting their first day of school today. Under international humanitarian law, students, teachers and schools are protected. Warring parties must not direct attacks against them," she said on X.

She also reported the alarming figures of 9,211 students killed and 14,237 others injured since Israel began its brutal war in Gaza on October 7 last year.

The genocidal war in Gaza has severely affected children in the blockaded area, with UNICEF reporting that at least 14,200 have been killed by Israeli aggression, while tens of thousands are either displaced or missing.

Those who have survived the relentless bombings and airstrikes are now experiencing an unprecedented interruption to their education.

The UN children's agency reports that 625,000 children have missed a year of schooling since the onset of the current war.

"Children in the Gaza Strip have lost their homes, family members, friends, safety and routine," said Adele Khodr, UNICEF's Middle East and North Africa regional director.

"They have also lost the sanctuary and stimulation provided by school, putting their bright futures at risk of being dimmed by this terrible conflict," she added.

The UN agencies also warned that 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.

According to Palestine's Education Ministry, more than 630,000 students have been denied their right to education in Gaza and will not be returning to school, as the ongoing Israeli genocidal war on the territory disrupts schooling for a second year.

Providing a higher figure than that of Fleming, the ministry says 58,000 students were supposed to join the first grade and start school on Monday, but they could not as a result of the Israeli bombardment campaign.

At least 39,000 students were unable to take their high school exams, it said, adding that more than 25,000 children, including over 10,000 students, have been killed or wounded in Israeli attacks.

According to the ministry, some 90 percent of 307 public school buildings have been destroyed by Israeli bombings and airstrikes since October.

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Sept. 9: 'Axis of Resistance' operations against Israeli occupation

Iran Press TV

Tuesday, 10 September 2024 1:37 PM

By Press TV Website Staff

Amid Israel's genocidal war on Gaza, which has killed more than 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 Monday, September 9, are as follows:

Al-Quds Brigades' operations on Sept. 9:

Targeted an Israeli infantry force on the Ghanem axis in Tulkarem Camp, occupied West Bank.

Targeted "Ashkelon" and illegal settlements surrounding Gaza with a rocket barrage.

Detonated a pre-prepared explosive device on a military vehicle in Tulkarem Camp, occupied West Bank.

Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades' operations on Sept. 9:

Downed an Israeli military "Matrice 300" drone while it was carrying out a spying mission in the skies over eastern Gaza.

Confronted Israeli forces storming Balata Camp and targeted them with a heavy barrage of bullets and high-powered "Zoufi" explosives.

Engaged in fierce clashes with Israeli forces in the axis of incursion in Tulkarem camp, occupied West Bank, using machine guns.

Engaged in fierce clashes with Israeli occupation forces storming Balata camp, occupied West Bank, from several axes using machine guns.

Al-Asifah Forces' operations on Sept. 9:

Engaged in fierce clashes with Israeli occupation forces invading the vicinity of Tulkarem Camp, occupied West Bank, with a heavy barrage of bullets

Al-Fajr Forces' operations on Sept. 9:

Launched two separate barrages of rockets targeting the Israeli military "Beit Hillel" site in the "Kiryat Shmona" settlement in northern occupied Palestine.

Hezbollah's operations on Sept. 9:

Targeted the "Mayan Baruch" site with a barrage of rockets.

Launched an aerial attack with squadrons of drones on the headquarters of the "Golani" Brigade and the headquarters of Unit "Eguz" 621 in the "Shraga" barracks, north of occupied Akka.

Confronted an Israeli warplane and fired a surface-to-air missile at it, forcing it to leave Lebanese airspace and retreat toward occupied Palestine.

Targeted the newly established headquarters of the western brigade command south of the "Ya'ara" barracks with a barrage of Katyusha rockets.

Targeted the Al-Marj site with artillery shells.

Targeted the Al-Alam site with two [FPV] attack drones.

Targeted the Habushit site with a barrage of rockets.

Targeted the Jal Al-Alam site with artillery shells.

Targeted the Israeli spy equipment at the Ramtha site in the occupied Lebanese Kfar Shuba hills with appropriate weapons.

Targeted a deployment of Israeli soldiers in the vicinity of the "Metulla" site with rockets.

Targeted the "Malikiyah" site with artillery shells.

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Iran asserts Persian Gulf islands 'inseparable' parts of its territory

Iran Press TV

Tuesday, 10 September 2024 11:05 AM

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kan'ani has slammed as "repetitive, non-constructive and futile" the recent statement issued by the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), saying the alliance's stance undermines the regional cooperation.

His remarks came as the final communique of the 161st session of the Ministerial Council of the GCC referred to the three Iranian islands: Abu Musa, the Greater and Lesser Tunb as Emirati ones.

Kan'ani stressed that the three islands are "integral and eternal" part of the Iranian territory.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran considers any remarks regarding the residential development [of] and the travel of civilian and military officials to the islands that belong to Iran, as well as the holding of military exercises on its territorial borders as interference in its sovereign affairs and condemn them."

The three Persian Gulf islands of Abu Musa, the Greater and Lesser Tunbs have historically been part of Iran, proof of which can be found and corroborated by countless historical, legal, and geographical documents in Iran and other parts of the world.

However, the United Arab Emirates has repeatedly laid claim to the islands.

The islands fell under British control in 1921 but on November 30, 1971, a day after British forces left the region and just two days before the UAE was to become an official federation, Iran's sovereignty over the islands was restored.

Kan'ani also rejected the inclusion of Kuwait's unilateral claim on the Arash gas field in the statement, saying "issuing repetitive statements and making unilateral claims have no legal value and doesn't prove any right for the Kuwaiti side."

He stressed that "technical and legal negotiations and bilateral dialogue" are the "only reasonable and fruitful" way to reach a related sustainable agreement that serves the common interests of the two sides.

The dispute over the Arash gas field dates back to the 1960s when Iran and Kuwait were awarded overlapping offshore concessions for the field following its discovery.

The Arash gas field is estimated to contain reserves of 20 trillion cubic feet of gas, potentially yielding a daily output of one billion cubic feet. Some studies show approximately 40% of the field lies within Iranian maritime boundaries.

Commenting on the statement's content that referred to Iran's nuclear program, the spokesman reiterated that "the Islamic Republic of Iran has always adhered to its international laws and obligations, so it considers baseless statements on its peaceful nuclear program as worthless."

Kan'ani warned that the GCC's stance "don't help the process of regional interaction and cooperation, and should be avoided", emphasizing that Iran observes good neighborliness policy and welcomes "constructive initiatives" aimed to expand bilateral and multilateral ties.

He also stressed the importance of cooperation between the regional countries to ensure the collective security.

"While rejecting the foreign military presence in the region, the Islamic Republic of Iran will firmly continue to play its effective and constructive role in ensuring the security of regional waters and waterways."

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US, UK airstrike on Yemeni school kills, injures several students in Ta'izz

Iran Press TV

Tuesday, 10 September 2024 10:50 AM

At least two Yemeni students have been killed and five others injured following airstrikes by UK and US warplanes on a school in southwestern Ta'izz province.

The bombardment targeting al-Jund school also caused significant damage to nearby buildings.

The bloody attack came a day after airstrikes on a city in the western coastal province of Hudaydah.

The attacks come in response to Yemeni army reprisal operations against ships affiliated with the Israeli regime in the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, and Mediterranean, with the aim of lifting the maritime blockade on Israel.

Since November, the Yemeni army has launched dozens of retaliatory missile and drone strikes on commercial vessels linked to the Israeli regime in the Red Sea, as part of its support for Palestinians in war-torn Gaza.

The Yemeni Armed Forces have asserted that they will not stop their reprisal attacks until unrelenting Israeli ground and aerial offensives in Gaza end.

The US had formed a maritime coalition, claiming it seeks to protect shipping routes in the Red and Arabian Seas. However, media reports said the coalition has fallen short of countering Yemen's missile attacks.

The Tel Aviv regime has so far killed at least 41,020 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured 94,925 others, according to the Gaza health ministry.

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Yemeni forces shoot down second American spy drone in less than 72 hours

Iran Press TV

Tuesday, 10 September 2024 10:30 AM

The Yemeni Armed Forces have shot down an American MQ-9 drone, the second such aircraft targeted in just 72 hours and the ninth downed since the start of retaliatory operations against the US and Israel.

Spokesman for the Yemeni Armed Forces, Brigadier General Yahya Saree said the country's forces had downed the US MQ-9 drone, while it was carrying out hostile activities in the airspace of Saada province.

"This marks the second drone of its kind downed in just 72 hours, bringing to nine the total [number of] drones intercepted during the Promised Conquest and Sacred Jihad battle in support of Gaza," the official said on Tuesday.

The aircraft, which is valued at approximately $30 million, can fly at altitudes up to 15,240 meters (50,000 feet) and remain airborne for as long as 24 hours, has been utilized by US military and intelligence units over Yemen for several years.

"Yemen's military operations will persist until the aggressive actions of the Zionist regime against the Gaza Strip cease and the blockade of this strip is fully lifted," Saree added.

The spokesperson further hailed a reprisal shooting by a Jordanian truck driver at a border crossing bridge that resulted in the killing of several Israelis.

He noted that Yemeni armed forces express their support for the heroic sacrifice of Maher Ziab Hussein al-Jazi, urging all members of the Islamic community to fulfill their religious, moral, and humanitarian duties to support the Palestinian people suffering from the impacts of war.

Maher killed three Israeli forces on Sunday in support of Palestinians in the besieged Gaza Strip before being shot dead at the King Hussein Bridge, the vital link between Jordan and the occupied West Bank.

On Saturday, Yemeni armed forces had shot down a MQ-9 Reaper over Ma'rib province while "it was carrying out hostile activities."

In the Tuesday statement, Saree also said that Yemeni forces will continue to mount attacks in support of Palestinians and "are in the process of strengthening defensive capabilities" to confront continued joint airstrikes by the US and United Kingdom on Yemen.

Since the onset of Israel's genocidal war on Gaza, Yemeni forces have carried out scores of operations in support of the war-hit Gazans, striking targets throughout the occupied Palestinian territories, in addition to targeting Israeli ships or vessels heading towards ports in the occupied territories.

The US has, on the other hand, been staging attacks against Yemen as means of trying to stop these operations.

The leader of the Ansarullah resistance movement, Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, has said it is "a great honor and blessing to be confronting America directly."

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UN chief says alarmed by 'unprecedented' death, destruction caused by Israel war on Gaza

Iran Press TV

Tuesday, 10 September 2024 7:14 AM

The United Nations chief has stressed the urgency of a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, where a genocidal Israeli war has caused the worst death and destruction he said he has seen in his more than seven-year tenure.

Antonio Guterres made the remarks in an interview with The Associated Press on Monday, as more than 11 months of the Israeli onslaught has killed a shocking number of Palestinians and sparked a humanitarian catastrophe in the besieged territory.

"The level of suffering we are witnessing in Gaza is unprecedented in my mandate as secretary-general of the United Nations," he said.

"I've never seen such a level of death and destruction as we are seeing in Gaza in the last few months."

Guterres further noted that it's "unrealistic" to think the UN could play a role in Gaza's future, either by administering the Palestinian territory or providing a peacekeeping force, because Israel is unlikely to accept a role by the world body.

However, he added, "The UN will be available to support any ceasefire."

He also expressed the United Nations' readiness "to do whatever the international community asked for us."

Israel waged its brutal Gaza offensive on October 7, 2023, after the Palestinian Hamas resistance group carried out a historic operation against the usurping entity in retaliation for its intensified atrocities against the Palestinian people.

So far, the occupying regime has so far killed at least 41,020 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured 94,925 others.

In its aggression, Israel has deliberately targeted hospitals and schools sheltering displaced Palestinians, destroying more than 80 percent of buildings in the Gaza Strip.

Israel is currently on trial for genocide at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over the Gaza onslaught.

Additionally, the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), a different court in The Hague, has issued arrest warrants for Israeli officials over their war crimes against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

Elsewhere in his interview, Guterres said that the so-called two-state framework is not only viable, but "the only solution" to the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

"The two-state solution is, in my opinion, a must if we want to have peace in the Middle East," he emphasized.

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40 killed after Israel attacks displaced Gazans with US-provided 2,000-pound bombs

Iran Press TV

Tuesday, 10 September 2024 2:56 AM

The Israeli regime has attacked displaced Palestinians in the southern part of the Gaza Strip with US-provided 2,000-pound bombs, killing at least 40 civilians, mostly women and children.

As many as 60 others were injured in the attack that targeted an area previously declared by the Israeli military as a "humanitarian zone" at the al-Mawasi refugee camp in the city of Khan Younis on Tuesday.

The military alleged that it had struck members of the Hamas resistance movement, who were "operating a command and control center" inside the targeted area, a claim that was rejected by the group as a "blatant lie."

"The resistance has repeatedly confirmed the absence of any of its members among civilian gatherings or the use of such areas for military purposes," Hamas said.

The bloodletting took place as part of the regime's ongoing genocidal war on Gaza, which began on October 7 in response to a retaliatory operation staged by the territory's resistance groups.

So far, close to 41,000 Palestinians have been killed and more than 94,800 others wounded in the brutal military onslaught.

The Tuesday massacre came after the refugee camp witnessed an influx of homeless Palestinians, who had fled there from the death and destruction spree caused by the war elsewhere across the coastal sliver. Between 30,000 and 34,000 people were living upon each square kilometer of the camp at the time of the attack, the United Nations estimates show.

The weapons deployed during the massacre have been identified as American-made MK-84 bombs, which carry 900 pounds of explosives.

The payload can create a crater about 15 meters wide and over 10 meters deep, besides being capable of causing deadly damage around it within a radius of approximately 73 meters.

This is not the first time when the regime deploys the ammunition against civilian targets during the war.

More than 70 Palestinians were killed after it struck the refugee camp with the same bombs in July.

As part of its unbridled military support for the regime, the United States has armed it with as many as 14,000 of the bombs since the onset of the war.

Hamas also called the US "complicit" in such massacres that "are being deliberately carried out without regard for international law, humanitarian law, or resolutions calling for an end to the aggression."

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Vietnam defense minister Phan Van Giang visits US to boost ties

Defense trade and information sharing are high on the agenda as Hanoi seeks to strengthen maritime security.

By RFA Staff 2024.09.10 -- Vietnam's minister of national defense Phan Van Giang is in the U.S. to bolster bilateral security cooperation amid rising tensions in the South China Sea.

Vietnam is among the states that claim at least part of the waterway and it has been seeking to strengthen its maritime capabilities, including with purchases of defense technologies and equipment.

Giang's trip is his first official visit to the U.S. since he took office in April 2021.

Hanoi and Washington upgraded their relations to the top tier of comprehensive strategic partnership in September 2023, during a visit by U.S. President Joe Biden to Vietnam.

Yet their security and defense cooperation, deemed highly sensitive as the two countries fought each other in the past, remains limited and has focused mainly on the legacies of the Vietnam War, such as searching for American soldiers missing in action and decontamination of areas affected by toxic chemicals.

Gen. Giang and his counterpart, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, had a meeting on Monday at the Pentagon, during which they "underscored the importance of working together to overcome war legacies," according to a summary provided by the Department of Defense.

They also "discussed opportunities to deepen defense cooperation, including on defense trade, industrial base resilience, and information sharing," the department said without providing further details.

Shopping list

According to the U.S. government, from 2016 to 2021, it authorized US$29.8 million - a relatively small amount - in defense articles to Vietnam via direct commercial sales. The Defense Department also has more than $118 million in active foreign military sales to Vietnam, mainly of trainer aircraft.

This budget would be greatly expanded if Vietnam decided to procure more U.S. equipment, analysts say.

"Defense equipment suppliers and subcontractors can expect increased demand for naval combatants, aerial defense, intelligence systems, and surveillance and reconnaissance equipment," the U.S. government's International Trade Administration said in its commercial guide.

"Maritime security and air defense is where Vietnam has the biggest need, but I would expect Vietnam would start with maritime security first, as this dovetails with U.S. expectations," said Alexander Vuving, a professor at the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies in Hawaii

"But there is no clear-cut distinction between maritime security and air defense. For example, aircraft, radars and missiles are essential in both," Vuving told Radio Free Asia.

The United States and Vietnam signed in 2015 a so-called Joint Vision Statement on defense relations - their most important document setting out defense cooperation, in which maritime security was highlighted.

The U.S. has given the Vietnam coast guard two Hamilton-class cutters - a third one is scheduled to be delivered in the near future - as well as tactical drones and patrol boats.

Veteran regional military watcher Mike Yeo said that coast guard cutters "would be an obvious item" on Hanoi's shopping list.

"But another possibility is the approval for transfer of subsystems to Vietnam such as jet engines for Korean FA-50 light attack planes should Vietnam decide to buy them," Yeo said.

"Vietnam hasn't bought the FA-50 yet but it seems like a logical choice going forward and as the engine used is a U.S. design an export clearance will be needed for any buyers," he added.

Not targeting China

The United States lifted its lethal arms embargo on Vietnam in 2016, enabling it to procure U.S. equipment but "it will depend mainly on Vietnam's needs and the prices," said Vuving.

Vietnam's defense budget has not been made public, but could be about $7.8 billion in 2024, according to GlobalData. It remains dependent on cheaper Russian arms and equipment but there are efforts to diversify supplies with a major defense expo in Hanoi in 2022 and a second one slated for this December.

Before the meeting with Gen. Giang on Monday, Secretary Austin said his department had accepted an invitation to the event that is due to be attended by defense suppliers from dozens of countries including Russia, India, the United Kingdom, Israel and France.

Vietnam's big neighbor China did not attend the first Vietnam Defense Expo and has yet to confirm its attendance at the second.

Hanoi is always cautious not to antagonize Beijing while deepening ties with Washington, insisting that any effort to modernize its military is purely for self-defense and not aimed at any country.

"China will watch Vietnam-U.S. relations very closely," said Vuving. "Beijing is unhappy with any progress in U.S.-Vietnam relations."

Edited by Mike Firn.

Updated to clarify Phan Van Giang's schedule.

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.

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Wider Europe Briefing: Who Will Be The Next EU Enlargement Commissioner?

By Rikard Jozwiak September 10, 2024

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 Balkanslate 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.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/wider-europe-rikard-jozwiak- enlargement-commissoner/33113333.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.

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Georgian Dream Picks Ivanishvili As Top Candidate For October Poll

By RFE/RL's Georgian Service September 10, 2024

TBILISI -- The ruling Georgian Dream party on September 10 selected Bidzina Ivanishvili, a billionaire and former prime minister, as its lead candidate for a parliamentary election on October 26.

Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, a close Ivanishvili ally, was designated the party's No. 2 candidate while Irakli Gharibashvili, chairman of the party and former prime minister, is third.

The list's top 10 also includes other party leaders, including party chairman Irakli Gharibashvili, who previously served as prime minister, and Olympic athletes Lasha Talakhadze, a weightlifter, and Geno Petriashvili, a freestyle wrestler.

Ivanishvili, who served as prime minister from 2012-2013, has been honorary chairman of the Georgian Dream party since December. He has played a major role in a political crisis surrounding Georgia's law on "foreign agents," which was pushed through by the government earlier this year despite large-scale protests.

In a speech in April, Ivanishvili lashed out against the West, saying the foreign agent law was necessary to defend Georgian sovereignty against attempts by a "global war party" to drag Georgia into confrontation with Russia.

The United States and other Western nations expressed concern about the law, which requires organizations that receive more than 20 percent of their funding from abroad to register as "agents of foreign influence."

Tens of thousands of Georgians demonstrated against the bill despite a brutal crackdown and violent retaliation. Most protesters referred to the bill as "the Russian law" because of its similarity to decade-old legislation in Russia that has contributed to a fierce clampdown on independent media and public dissent there.

The European Union reacted to the enactment of the bill by pausing EU accession negotiations, while the United States opted to launch a "comprehensive review" of relations with Georgia.

Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili last month signed a decree announcing October 26 as the day for the parliamentary polls, calling the elections a choice between "being Russia's slave or cooperation with Europe."

Polls show that Georgian Dream remains the country's single most popular party ahead of the October election.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/georgia-ivanishvili-election- foreign-agents-russia/33114919.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.

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Gaza: UN envoy condemns deadly strike on camp in humanitarian zone

10 September 2024 - The UN Middle East envoy has strongly condemned deadly airstrikes by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) on Tuesday on a densely populated area in an Israeli-designated humanitarian zone in Gaza.

Thousands of displaced Palestinians were staying in the camp in Khan Younis, and at least 19 people were killed, according to latest media reports.

'Nowhere is safe in Gaza'

"While the IDF said it struck Hamas militants who were operating in a command-and-control centre embedded inside the Humanitarian zone, I underline that international humanitarian law, including the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precautions in attack, must be upheld at all times," Tor Wennesland, UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, said in a statement.

He emphasized that civilians must never be used as human shields.

"Yet again, such actions only underscore that nowhere is safe in Gaza," he said.

Guterres 'deeply alarmed'

The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said via his Spokesperson at the regular noon briefing in New York that he was "deeply alarmed by the continued loss of life in Gaza."

"He strongly condemns today's Israeli air strikes in an Israeli-designated zone for displaced persons in Khan Younis", said Stephane Dujarric.

"The use of heavy weapons in densely populated areas is unconscionable. Palestinians had moved to this area in Khan Younis in search for shelter and search of safety, after being repeatedly instructed to do so by the Israeli authorities," he continued.

Mr. Guterres called yet again for an immediate ceasefire and the "immediate and unconditional release of all Israeli hostages and other nationalities still being held in Gaza."

End the war

The envoy repeated his call for all sides to immediately reach an agreement that will bring about the release of all hostages and a ceasefire in Gaza, adding that the killing of civilians must stop, and the horrific war must end.

"Ultimately, only a political path that outlines tangible, irreversible steps towards ending the occupation and establishing a two-State solution can put a durable end to the suffering of Palestinians and Israelis," he said, noting that the UN stands ready to support all efforts towards this goal.

Guterres condemns convoy incident

Meanwhile, the UN agency that assists Palestine refugees, UNRWA, reported that on Monday the Israeli army stopped a convoy heading to north Gaza to vaccinate children against polio and held it for more than eight hours, despite prior detailed coordination.

The UN chief condemned the hours-long delay as "one of the most horrific assaults" on UN aid workers ability to deliver life-saving vaccines.

"Twelve UN staff members, whose movement was fully coordinated with Israeli forces and whose details were shared in advance, were stopped at a checkpoint on their way to northern Gaza to support the polio vaccination campaign", said Mr. Dujarric.

"Israeli forces fired live shots and the UN convoy was compacted by a military tank and a bulldozer with our staff inside.

The convoy was held at this checkpoint for seven and a half hours and ultimately unable to fulfill its humanitarian mission, the statement added: "The Secretary-General strongly condemns this incident."

UNRWA, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) launched a three-part campaign this month to protect more than 600,000 young children in the enclave against polio after the disease was detected in sewage samples in June.

The UN convoy carried national and international staff travelling to roll out the campaign in Gaza City and northern Gaza, UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini said on Tuesday in a post on the social media platform X, formerly Twitter.

Staff threatened, vehicles damaged

The convoy was stopped at gun point just after the Wadi Gaza checkpoint with threats to detain UN staff. Heavy damage was caused by bulldozers to the UN armoured vehicles.

"This significant incident is the latest in a series of violations against UN staff including shootings at convoys and arrests by the Israeli Armed Forces at checkpoints despite prior notification," said Mr. Lazzarini.

"UN Staff must be allowed to undertake their duties in safety and be protected at all times in accordance with international humanitarian law. Gaza is no different."

Vaccinations underway

In a tweet later on Tuesday, UNRWA sent an update that despite the convoy delay "our teams have been able to vaccinate thousands of children in north Gaza today."

"This is a race against time", the agency added. "The spread of polio is a very real threat. Our colleagues continue to do the impossible to reach every child under the age of 10 across the Gaza Strip."

One convoy, two missions

The delayed convoy was composed of two missions, UN health agency WHO said on Tuesday in Geneva.

One team was bringing fuel and vehicles for the third phase of the vaccination campaign, while another was attempting to bring desperately needed fuel to the embattled Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City.

The enclave's largest medical centre reopened its emergency department in early September after its destruction in an Israeli raid in November 2023 following claims that Palestinian armed groups were using the site for military purposes.

'Not an isolated incident'

"This is not an isolated incident," said WHO spokesperson Tarik Jasarevic, who deplored the lack of a "functioning deconfliction mechanism," 11 months into the Gaza war.

Between 7 and 10 September, WHO teams tried to reach Al-Shifa hospital four times with no success.

"But we will try again today," he said. "We really do our best, but this is a pattern: in August the number of denied requests for access doubled compared to previous months".

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The Israeli Army stopped a UN convoy on its way to northern Gaza

UNRWA

10 Sep 2024

From Philippe Lazzarini, the UNRWA Commissioner-General as posted on his official X account (previously known as Twitter)

The Israeli Army stopped a UN convoy on its way to northern Gaza for more than eight hours today (Monday) despite prior detailed coordination.

The convoy had both national and international staff traveling to roll out the polio vaccination campaign for children in Gaza city and northern Gaza.

The convoy was stopped at gun point just after the Wadi Gaza checkpoint with threats to detain UN staff.

Heavy damage was caused by bulldozers to the UN armoured vehicles.

All staff and convoy are now released and back safely in the UN base. We are not able to confirm whether the polio campaign will take place tomorrow, (Tuesday) in northern Gaza.

This significant incident is the latest in a series of violations against UN staff including shootings at convoys and arrests by the Israeli Armed Forces at checkpoints despite prior notification.

UN Staff must be allowed to undertake their duties in safety and be protected at all times in accordance with international humanitarian law.

Gaza is no different.

Background Information:

UNRWA is the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. The United Nations General Assembly established UNRWA in 1949 with a mandate to provide humanitarian assistance and protection to registered Palestine refugees in the Agency's area of operations pending a just and lasting solution to their plight.

UNRWA operates in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, The Gaza Strip, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria.

Tens of thousands of Palestine refugees who lost their homes and livelihoods due to the 1948 conflict continue to be displaced and in need of support, nearly 75 years on.

UNRWA helps Palestine Refugees achieve their full potential in human development through quality services it provides in education, health care, relief and social services, protection, camp infrastructure and improvement, microfinance, and emergency assistance. UNRWA is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions.

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Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General - on Gaza

United Nations Secretary-General

New York

10 September 2024

Stephane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General

The Secretary-General strongly condemns today's Israeli air strikes in a densely populated Israeli-designated zone in Khan Younis and the killing of civilians, including women and children.

The use of heavy weapons in densely populated areas is unconscionable.

Displaced Palestinians had moved to this area in Khan Younis in search for shelter and safety after being repeatedly instructed to do so by the Israeli authorities - but there is no safe place in Gaza.

Today's attack comes as humanitarian workers yesterday faced one of the most horrific assaults on their ability to deliver life-saving vaccines. Twelve UN staff members, whose movement was fully coordinated with Israeli forces and whose details were shared in advance, were stopped at a checkpoint on their way to northern Gaza to support the polio vaccination campaign. Israeli forces fired live shots and the UN convoy was compacted by a military tank and a bulldozer with our staff inside. The convoy was held at this checkpoint for seven and a half hours and ultimately unable to fulfill its humanitarian mission. The Secretary-General strongly condemns this incident.

The Secretary-General once again recalls that international humanitarian law, including the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precautions in attack, must be complied with at all times by all parties to the conflict. He also calls for the protection of civilians, including aid workers, as well as the facilitation of humanitarian access.

The Secretary-General reiterates once again his calls to reach an immediate deal on a ceasefire and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.



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Blinken urges Israel to change West Bank operations after American killed

By VOA News September 10, 2024

After the Israeli military acknowledged its fire probably killed a U.S. citizen activist in the occupied West Bank, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday called on Israel to make "fundamental changes" in its actions in the territory.

Blinken called the killing of Turkish American activist Aysenur Ezgi Eygi "unprovoked and unjustified." President Joe Biden later called it an "accident."

Eygi was shot in the head during a pro-Palestinian demonstration in the occupied West Bank last week.

The Israel Defense Forces said it was highly likely that she was "hit directly and unintentionally by IDF fire." The Israeli military expressed deep regret.

During a visit to London, Blinken told reporters that the investigation and eyewitness accounts show "that her killing was both unprovoked and unjustified."

"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 freely expressing their views," he said.

"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," Blinken added.

An Israeli government spokesperson declined to comment on Blinken's statements, according to Reuters.

Airstrike in Gaza

Gaza's health ministry said Tuesday an Israeli missile strike on a humanitarian area in the southern Gaza Strip killed at least 19 people and wounded 60 others.

The ministry said rescuers had not yet been able to reach some of the victims who remained buried under sand and rubble.

The death toll was lower than an earlier number given by the Civil Defense, which said 40 people were killed.

Israel's military disputed the higher toll, while blaming Hamas for operating in humanitarian zones.

The attack happened in Mawasi, an Israeli-designated humanitarian zone just west of Khan Younis, where the Israeli military has told tens of thousands of Palestinians to evacuate.

The IDF said it struck a number of senior Hamas militants, including several commanders who were directly involved in the October 7 attack on Israel that began the war.

A Hamas statement denied its fighters were in the area.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres strongly condemned the Israeli airstrikes in Mawasi.

"The use of heavy weapons in densely populated areas is unconscionable," spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told reporters. "Palestinians had moved to this area in Khan Younis in search for shelter and safety, after being repeatedly instructed to do so by the Israeli authorities. As the secretary-general has repeatedly said, there is no safe place in Gaza."

Cease-fire effort

Blinken said Tuesday that the United States will continue working with Qatar and Egypt to bridge remaining gaps in a cease-fire deal to end the conflict in Gaza as soon as possible.

"More than 90% of the issues have been agreed, so we're down to a handful of issues, not even a handful of issues that are hard but fully resolvable in our judgment," Blinken told reporters during a joint news conference in London with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy.

Lammy, who recently returned from the United Arab Emirates, said the UAE is "showing some forward-leaning in their commitment" to security guarantees in post-war Gaza. He stressed the need for a pathway to a two-state solution, emphasizing that there can be no role for Hamas in post-war Gaza.

U.N. chief Guterres said Monday that the United Nations has offered to help monitor any eventual cease-fire, but that it is unrealistic to think that the U.N. would directly administer the territory or provide a peacekeeping force.

"The U.N. will be available to support any cease-fire," he told the Associated Press in an interview but said he did not believe Israel would accept a broader role for the U.N.

As the Israel-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 October 7 Hamas attack on southern Israel last year killed about 1,200 people and led to the capture of about 250 hostages. Israel's retaliatory offensive has killed more than 41,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, although the Israeli military says the death toll includes several thousand militants.

Hamas has been designated a terror group by the U.S., U.K., EU and others.

The United States, Qatar and Egypt have spent months trying to broker a cease-fire and the return of remaining hostages, but the negotiations have repeatedly bogged down.

UN aid convoy detained

The U.N. said a convoy with a dozen staffers supporting the Gaza-wide polio vaccination campaign was detained by the IDF Monday at a checkpoint for over seven hours and two Palestinian staff were questioned by the military.

"The situation escalated quickly, with soldiers pointing their weapons directly toward our personnel in the convoy," U.N. spokesperson Dujarric said Tuesday. "The U.N. vehicles were encircled by Israeli forces, and shots were fired. The convoy was then approached by IDF tanks and bulldozers, which proceeded to ram the U.N. vehicles from the back and front, compacting the convoy with U.N. staff still inside."

He said one bulldozer dropped debris on the first vehicle, while Israeli soldiers threatened staff, making it impossible for them to safely exit their vehicles.

The two staffers were questioned in front of their colleagues and then released, Dujarric said.

"This incident - and the conduct of Israeli forces on the ground - put the lives of our staff in danger," Dujarric said. "It is critical that Israeli forces take measures to protect humanitarian staff and assets and to facilitate their work - this is what international humanitarian law requires."

Despite the incident, the polio vaccination campaign went ahead in northern Gaza on Tuesday. The U.N. hopes to vaccinate around 150,000 children under age 10 there through Thursday. Overall, the campaign has reached more than a half-million children so far in central and southern Gaza, after the poliovirus was detected in wastewater in the strip and one baby was diagnosed with the potentially crippling disease.

Correspondents Nike Ching and Margaret Besheer contributed to this report. Some information for this story came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters.

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Political startups bleed support in India-administered Kashmir over suspected Delhi ties

By Muheet Ul Islam September 10, 2024

New political parties formed after the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir's 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 People's 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 couldn't push aside traditional parties, especially the NC.

"It's hard to achieve such goals in a country like India. Even a dictator wouldn't 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 India's 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 Modi's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party.

The suspicion was fueled by Modi's 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 Lone's 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 Kashmir's 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, it's crucial to persuade people regardless of the labels attached," he said. "Some members departed because they sought power and realized we couldn't provide it while others left due to unmet expectations regarding their mandates."

Wasim Nabi contributed to this story.

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US Assistant Secretary of State O'Brien: Georgia's leadership is 'in denial'

By Ekaterine Maghaldadze September 10, 2024

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 country's organizations chose to do so. Many organizations expect they will be forced to register and fined for allegedly serving foreign interests.

Georgia's so-called "foreign agent" law has been labeled a "Russian-style law" and heavily criticized by Georgia's Western partners, who say it undermines the hope of most Georgians that their country will join European institutions. Georgia's 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 America's 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. ... It's 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?

O'Brien: We've 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 EU's 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 party's intentions?

O'Brien: 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?

O'Brien: 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?

O'Brien: No. And they're in denial. They haven't noticed we've 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.

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'Betrayed' rural Thais no longer guarantee votes for Shinawatra clan

By Vijitra Duangdee September 10, 2024

Rural voters may have permanently turned away from the Shinawatra family and its Pheu Thai party, former loyalists warn, after Thailand's 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 country's 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 they've betrayed us, I'm 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. They've done everything all along only for their own gain."

Paetongtarn Shinawatra's 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 People's Party and is determined to win the 2027 election.

Too late for Pheu Thai?

Thaksin's daughter, Thailand's 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, Paetongtarn's 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] People's Party. The conservative elite has no other option than to use Thaksin's 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 Thai's 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 Thailand's 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 Thailand's political turmoil that principles no longer matter. He just wants a better quality of life for the country's poorest.

"Thai people are very forgiving, and if our country is really moving forward, then I don't 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 we're developing very little here. My only focus now is to make money and that means working overseas because there's no way I can do that here."

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Press Release: Notice on the Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to Certain Terrorist Attacks

September 09, 2024

Consistent with section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act, 50 U.S.C. 1622(d), I am continuing for 1 year the national emergency previously declared on September 14, 2001, in Proclamation 7463, with respect to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and the continuing and immediate threat of further attacks on the United States.

Because the terrorist threat continues, the national emergency declared on September 14, 2001, and the powers and authorities adopted to deal with that emergency must continue in effect beyond September 14, 2024. Therefore, I am continuing in effect for an additional year the national emergency that was declared on September 14, 2001, with respect to the terrorist threat.

This notice shall be published in the Federal Register and transmitted to the Congress.

JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

THE WHITE HOUSE,

September 9, 2024.

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A proud farewell to HMAS Broome

By Lieutenant Commander Jonathan White

9 September 2024

After 17 years of proud service, HMAS Broome has decommissioned in Darwin, in front of former commanding officers, crew, families and friends.

One of 14 Armidale-class patrol boats constructed for Navy, Broome has contributed significantly over the past two decades to a wide range of border protection and maritime security operations in Australian waters and throughout the south-west Pacific.

During its service, Broome steamed more than 568,000 nautical miles, and was underway for more than 43,900 hours.

Broome has participated in several multinational exercises in Australian waters and overseas, including Exercise Talisman Sabre in 2009 and 2017, alongside large numbers of US and Australian ships off the coast of Queensland.

In 2010, Broome participated in Exercise Penguin alongside units of the Royal Brunei Navy, and with the Philippines Navy in Exercise Lumbas.

Commander Surface Force Commodore Terence Morrison highlighted the operational service of Broome.

"She has been a floating embassy, welcomed in the ports across south-east Asia, contributing to the Australian Government's intent and priorities," he said.

"She is a ship built by Australians, in Australia, for Australia and crewed by Australians."

Broome also participated in numerous high-profile activities that enhanced Navy's reputation. It was one of several Armidale-class patrol boats that featured as 'HMAS Hammersley' on the television series Sea Patrol during 2007 and 2008.

It was one of many Australian and international naval vessels that entered Sydney Harbour for the International Fleet Review in 2013, to mark the centenary of the Royal Australian Navy's fleet arrival.

It was also one of the Australian ships re-enacting the 'Magnificent 7' ships of the Australian fleet that arrived in Sydney Harbour on October 4, 1913.

Commanding Officer Broome Lieutenant Commander Chris Wardle commended his crew during the service.

"I am proud because of the ship's company that I was fortunate to serve with on HMAS Broome and of the service of Broome herself," Lieutenant Commander Wardle said.

"For those of us present here today and watching online that have been fortunate enough to serve on board her, Broome will always hold a special place in our hearts."

In addition to ongoing contribution to Operation Resolute, Broome participated in the Australian Fisheries Management Authority's Operation Sandfish, targeting illegal fishing activities in the Torres Strait.

In 2018, Broome served in support of Operation Augury, a joint patrolling operation with the Philippine Navy.

"If her bulkheads could talk she would tell the tale of raucous laughter from the mess decks, the embellished stories of a few fish caught on her quarterdeck and of tireless operational service," Lieutenant Commander Wardle said.

"She has been trustworthy and true in her service, ensuring that all that served on board have made the return journey to home port and loved ones.

"As we finalise this ceremonial occasion saying goodbye and decommissioning this ship, I think it is important for all of us to note, you have made a difference, not only in each other's lives but also in your service to your country."

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Theater commanders of Chinese, US militaries hold talks

Global Times

By Liu Xuanzun and Guo Yuandan Published: Sep 10, 2024 08:05 PM

The theater commanders of the Chinese and US militaries on Tuesday had a video teleconference, marking the resumption of all military communication mechanisms agreed by the heads of state of the two countries at the San Francisco meeting in November 2023.

According to the consensus reached by the heads of state of China and the US at the San Francisco meeting, Wu Ya'nan, commander of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command, and Samuel Paparo, commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command, on Tuesday held a teleconference in which they exchanged views on issues of mutual concern, China's Ministry of National Defense said in a press release on Tuesday.

The US Department of Defense is also sending a delegation to the upcoming Beijing Xiangshan Forum, scheduled to take place from September 12 to 14 in Beijing.

The video teleconference between the theater commanders on Tuesday marked the resumption of all four military communication mechanisms agreed by the Chinese and US presidents during the San Francisco meeting.

The high-level communication between the two militaries took place on May 31 when Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun met with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin during the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, the 17th China-US Defense Policy Coordination Talks took place in January in Washington, DC, and a China-US Military Maritime Consultative Agreement work group meeting took place in April in Hawaii.

This is a positive signal showing that the two countries are boosting mutual understanding and managing their differences in the military field to avoid accidents that benefit the interests of neither, a Chinese military expert who requested anonymity told the Global Times on Tuesday.

While the Chinese press release did not provide more details about the talks, the US Indo-Pacific Command released a readout saying that Paparo urged the PLA to "reconsider its use of dangerous, coercive, and potentially escalatory tactics in the South China Sea and beyond."

Zhang Junshe, another Chinese military expert, told the Global Times on Tuesday that the US is using false narratives to accuse the PLA's rightful countermeasures as dangerous, and ignores the fact that the current tensions in the South China Sea stem from the Philippines' provocations.

The US should not on the one hand expect to manage differences through talks, then on the other hand incite the Philippines and other allies to stir up troubles, experts said.

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Amphibious assault ship joins Chinese aircraft carrier group in far seas exercise

Global Times

By Liu Xuanzun Published: Sep 10, 2024 09:12 PM

The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy's Type 075 amphibious assault ship for the first time joined the aircraft carrier Shandong in a recent far seas exercise. Observers believe that this combination will play a crucial role in safeguarding China's territorial sovereignty, maritime rights, and development interests, particularly on key issues such as the Taiwan question and the South China Sea.

According to a regularly scheduled annual training plan, the PLA Navy's Shandong aircraft carrier group recently conducted a round-the-clock far seas combat exercise covering waters in the South China Sea and the West Pacific. The carrier group enhanced its combat capabilities in distant waters by conducting coordination and command trainings under various combat scenarios, China Central Television (CCTV) reported on Monday.

The CCTV report showed that the Shandong aircraft carrier group featured not only vessels including the Type 055 large destroyer, the Type 052D destroyer and the Type 901 comprehensive replenishment ship that frequently escorted PLA aircraft carriers in the past, but also, apparently for the first time revealed in an official report, a Type 075 amphibious assault ship.

Japan's Ministry of Defense Joint Staff separately reported the presence of the aircraft carrier Shandong in the West Pacific waters from August 12 to 13 and the entry of a Type 075 amphibious assault ship into the region on August 17. It is unclear when and where exactly the two flattops joined force, observers said.

The integration of amphibious assault ships in aircraft carrier groups reflects the concept of systematic amphibious combat, a Beijing-based military expert who requested anonymity told the Global Times on Tuesday.

As the aircraft carrier and its escorts claim air superiority and control of the sea, amphibious forces get the chance to safely host landing operations, the expert said, noting that the combination can safeguard China's territorial sovereignty, maritime rights and development interests when deployed in regions such as the South China Sea and West Pacific waters to the east of the island of Taiwan.

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Questions continue to swirl around China's 'disappeared' foreign minister

By Xiaoshan Xue September 10, 2024

More than a year after China's former foreign minister, Qin Gang, disappeared from public view, raising a host of questions, the Chinese government remains silent on his whereabouts.

A new report this week from The Washington Post, citing two former U.S. government officials, suggests Qin has been spared any jail time and now is nominally holding a low-ranking position at a publishing house under the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Earlier reports speculated that he was sentenced to life in prison or had died from suicide or torture.

Some are skeptical about the Washington Post report, while others see it as evidence of uncertainty and impermanence within the political system directed by the Chinese Communist Party, or CCP.

According to Sunday's Washington Post report, Qin, 58, now works, at least on paper, for the World Affairs Press, a state-owned publishing house under the Foreign Ministry.

One of the former officials said Qin is "not going to jail, but his career is over."

Before he disappeared from public view in July of last year, Qin was the youngest foreign minister since the founding of the CCP. A leading theory among Chinese political analysts is that Qin was removed because he had an affair with Fu Xiaotian, a prominent Chinese television journalist, and that the pair had a child born out of wedlock in the United States.

Some reports suggested that the Chinese government suspected Fu of sharing state secrets with foreign intelligence agencies, but these rumors have never been confirmed. Like Qin, Fu disappeared from public life for more than a year ago.

During a top-level political meeting in July, the Third Plenum of the 20th Central Committee, the CCP agreed to Qin's request that he be removed from his post as a member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, Chinese state media reported. That followed an official announcement in February that said Qin had resigned as a parliamentary deputy.

A reporter from The Washington Post recently visited the bookstore of the World Affairs Press in Beijing, but employees there told the newspaper that they had not heard that Qin worked at the publishing house. A staff member who answered the phone said she did not know if the news was true. China's Foreign Ministry did not respond to a request for comment.

Some observers pointed out that the Washington Post's report is based on an anonymous source who has left office, and the authenticity still needs to be verified.

Neil Thomas, a fellow on Chinese politics at the Asia Society Policy Institute's Center for China Analysis, said on social media platform X, "The rumors of Qin Gang moving to World Affairs Press have been around for months. Sources are U.S. ex-officials and I don't know what they do. But @nakashimae & @cdcshepherd are top reporters."

Charles Smith, an encryption security expert, said on X that he doesn't believe the article, which "even notes the 'bookstore' employees have never seen Qin. ... He's on an extended fishing vacation." His tweet was accompanied by an image of a skeleton fishing underwater.

Last December, online news outlet Politico reported that Qin had been arrested for undermining national security and was tortured to death or committed suicide.

Yen-Ting, an X user who frequently comments on China's social and political issues, tweeted, "It's almost poetic justice, a 'Wolf Warrior' reduced to selling books while the regime's whispers suggest he's paid off the hook rather than locked up. This is China's way of dealing w/ its wayward wolves: not through the claws of justice but by shoving them into obscurity."

Kalpit A. Mankikar, a fellow in the Strategic Studies Program with the Observer Research Foundation in New Delhi, tweeted, "Once seen as Stalin's heir, Soviet politician Georgy Malenkov fell from grace and was banished to Kazakhstan to manage a power plant. In #China, ex-foreign minister Qin Gang seems to have rehabilitated at a Party-run bookshop, says @washingtonpost."

The Washington Post report also quoted current and former U.S. officials who had dealt with Qin as saying he lacked the diplomatic skills of his experienced colleagues to break out of the "Wolf Warrior" model.

One example is that Qin appeared to threaten the U.S. with China "erasing" Taiwan Strait's median line, in a heated exchange with U.S. officials amid former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan in August 2022.

American columnist James Pinkerton tweeted a reader's online comment on the Washington Post report.

The reader Paul Messina said, "I believe that now that the Chinese economy is falling apart, Xi has realized that this 'Wolf Warrior' tactic has actually exacerbated the fall of Chinese industry. Besides aggravating the West, particularly the United States with this nonsense, it has led to multiple Western corporations leaving China, permanently closing their doors and factories in search of friendlier nations to do business.

"Vietnam and other nations have greatly benefited. Thus this idiot actually decreased the CCP's prestige in the world. I believe that this is why his new 'career' is librarian. Xi made a big mistake with his 'Wolf Warrior' attitude towards the world. I believe that he now realizes this fact."

Liu Jianchao, the head of the International Liaison Department of the CCP Central Committee, who is relatively moderate in terms of rhetoric and image, is considered a possible candidate to succeed Wang Yi as the next foreign minister.

According to The New York Times, as China is already seeking to soften its image in the U.S. and Europe and improve relations with some of its neighbors, appointing Liu may mean China is abandoning its "Wolf Warrior" diplomacy.

Adrianna Zhang contributed to this report.

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HMAS Sydney joins international effort to enforce sanctions against North Korea

Issued by Defence Media 11 September 2024

Royal Australian Navy Hobart-class guided missile destroyer, HMAS Sydney, has commenced service in Operation Argos, supporting international efforts to enforce United Nations Security Council (UNSC) sanctions against North Korea, as part of its IndoaPacific regional presence deployment.

Australia supports UNSC sanctions through the deployment of Australian Defence Force maritime patrol aircraft and surface vessels. During Operation Argos, HMAS Sydney and its embarked MH-60R helicopter will monitor and deter illegal ship-to-ship transfers of sanctioned goods in the region.

Since 2018, Australia has deployed maritime patrol aircraft on 13 occasions and Navy vessels 12 times in support of the operation.

HMAS Sydney is currently undertaking a regional presence deployment, encompassing the Pacific, Southeast and Northeast Asia regions, to contribute to Australia's near continuous Indo-Pacific presence.

Quotes attributable to Chief of Joint Operations, Vice Admiral Justin Jones:

"Australia is committed to enforcing United Nations Security Council sanctions against North Korea until it takes concrete steps towards denuclearisation.

"Defence regularly deploys ADF assets on Operation Argos to monitor and deter shipments of sanctioned goods, alongside partners including Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

"These deployments, as part of an international pressure campaign on North Korea to denuclearise, demonstrate Australia's commitment to the global rules-based order."

Quotes attributable to Commanding Officer HMAS Sydney, Commander Grant Coleman:

"I am pleased to bring the highly advanced sensors and capabilities of HMAS Sydney to this important surveillance and deterrence task in support of Argos.

"HMAS Sydney's operational deployment follows a number of significant international engagements that have enhanced our relationships with allies and regional partners.

"All members of Sydney's crew are honoured to be making such important contributions to regional security, while representing Australia in the Indo-Pacific."

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SIMULTANEOUS LAUNCH OF 'MALPE AND MULKI', FOURTH AND FIFTH SHIPS OF ASW SWC (CSL) PROJECT

India - Press Information Bureau

Ministry of Defence

Posted On: 10 SEP 2024 9:45AM by PIB Delhi

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. In keeping with the maritime traditions, the two ships were launched by Mrs. Vijaya Srinivas in the presence of VAdm V Srinivas, Flag Officer Commanding in Chief, Southern Naval Command.

The Mahe class ASW Shallow Water Crafts have been named after ports of strategic importance along the coast of India, and will look to carry forward the glorious legacy of the erstwhile minesweepers which were their namesake.

The contract for building eight ASW SWC ships was signed between the Ministry of Defence and CSL on 30 Apr 19.

The Mahe class of ships will be equipped with indigenously developed, state-of-the-art underwater sensors, and are envisaged to undertake anti-submarine operations in coastal waters as well as Low Intensity Maritime Operations and Mine Laying Operations. The ASW SWC ships can achieve a maximum speed of 25 knots with endurance of up to 1800 nautical miles.

Simultaneous launch of these ships highlights India's strides in indigenous shipbuilding, towards 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'. The ASW SWC ships will have over 80% indigenous content, thereby ensuring that large scale defence production is executed by Indian manufacturing units, generating employment and capability enhancement within the country.

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VM/SPS



(Release ID: 2053322)

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E3 impose new sanctions on Iran for alleged transfer of missiles to Russia

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Sep 10, 2024

London, IRNA -- Three European countries of France, Germany, and the United Kingdom - referred to as E3 - have applied fresh sanctions on Iran for what they claim to be the country's transfer of ballistic missiles to Russia.

In a joint statement which was published on the website of Germany's foreign ministry, the E3 said that they see the transfer of missiles as a direct threat to European security.

"This is a further escalation of Iran's military support to Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine and will see Iranian missiles reaching European soil, increasing the suffering of the Ukrainian people."

"We will be taking immediate steps to cancel bilateral air services agreements with Iran," the statement said, adding that they also pursue the designations of significant entities and individuals involved with Iran's ballistic missile programme.

The statement further said that the three European countries will also work towards imposing sanctions on Iran's flagship carrier, Iran Air.

Iran and Russia have repeatedly rejected claims about their military cooperation on the war in Ukraine as baseless.

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US on the back foot over Iran's missiles transfer claims

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Sep 10, 2024

New York, IRNA -- The US National Security Council spokesman has said that the administration of President Joe Biden could not confirm the alleged reports published by the media about Iran's ballistic missiles transfer to Russia.

John Kirby, the spokesman and coordinator of strategic communications of the White House on Monday local time told reporters in response to questions that he does not confirm the recent reports about the delivery of ballistic missiles from Iran to Russia.

Previously, Vedant Patel, the deputy spokesperson of the State Department, on Monday also did not respond to a question about the alleged reports on Iran but said the US remains concerned about these reports.

Any Iranian missiles to Russia will be a serious escalation of tension with regard to the Ukraine war, Patel said, adding that "since the beginning of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, we have expressed concern about the increase in defense cooperation between Iran and Russia, and we will pay close attention to these relations."

Recently, a British daily also reported that the head of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) William Burns did not confirm Western media reports that Iran had transferred its ballistic missiles to Russia.

The Guardian published a report on Saturday that suggested that Burns while meeting with his British counterpart, Richard Moore in London, did not positively respond to a question raised by the Financial Times reporter on the issue.

Meanwhile, United Nations spokesman Stephane Dujarric also reacted to the alleged reports and said the world body could not confirm the claims Iran had supplied such weapons to Russia

According to IRNA reporter, a journalist asked UN spokesman on Monday local time about the alleged reports and in response Dujarric clarified: We have seen these reports, but we have no way to confirm them.

Iran and its senior officials have repeatedly denied the accusations leveled by the media and some western countries about supplying Russia with short-range ballistic missiles.

Last week, Iran's Permanent Mission to the United Nations dismissed reports published by CNN and Wall Street Journal alleging that the Islamic Republic had transferred ballistic missiles to Russia.

"Iran's position vis-A -vis the Ukraine conflict remains unchanged. Iran considers the provision of military assistance to the parties engaged in the conflictawhich leads to increased human casualties, destruction of infrastructure, and a distancing from ceasefire negotiationsato be inhumane," the mission said in a statement.

Separately, Iran's ambassador to the UN categorically rejected "baseless and misleading" such allegations in identical letters he sent to the UN chief and the Security Council president.

The US, Britain and France and their media outlets have been coming out with such accusations, time and again, without any credible evidence while themselves fueling the flames of war by supplying Ukraine with lethal weapons.

Iran's ambassador to the UN in his letter called it "ridiculous" that the three countries that are directly involved in the Ukraine conflict and have significantly contributed to its escalation through providing advanced weapons, had brazenly made such baseless claims against Iran.

Amir-Saeid Iravani also said that contrary to the claim of the American representative to the UN, it is actually the United States, not Iran, which is the main supporter and promoter of terrorism in the region and the world.

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Iran says will take reciprocal measures after West imposed sanctions

Iran Press TV

Tuesday, 10 September 2024 10:16 PM

The spokesman for Iran's Foreign Ministry has warned Tehran will take reciprocal measures after the Western countries imposed sanctions on the country over allegations of its weapons delivery to Russia.

On Tuesday, Nasser Kana'ani said that the claim that "the Islamic Republic of Iran has sold ballistic missiles to the Russian Federation is completely baseless and false."

He said the new sanctions are a continuation of the West's hostile policy and its economic terrorism against Iranians.

The spokesman strongly condemned the unusual statement of the foreign ministers of England, France and Germany with the Islamic Republic of Iran regarding the cancellation of bilateral agreements for the provision of air services and the sanctioning of Iran Air under the pretext of allegedly interfering in the conflict in Ukraine.

Kana'ani said the US and the three European countries are the main suppliers of weapons to the Zionist regime and therefore partners in its widespread massacre of people in Gaza.

He said these countries should be held to account for their wrong policies.

Earlier on Tuesday, Germany, France and the UK announced they will cancel bilateral air services agreements with Iran and work towards imposing sanctions on the country's national airliner, Iran Air.

"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," he said.

The US has also sanctioned several individuals and entities based in Iran and Russia over Tehran's alleged drone and missile sales to Russia.

On Monday, Moscow rejected US media reports claiming that Iran has sent short-range ballistic missiles to Russia to be used in the war in Ukraine.

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 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 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.

Iran has rejected allegations of supplying ballistic missiles to Russia as baseless and misleading.

The mission of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations said on Friday that the country regards as inhuman any military assistance to parties of the Ukraine conflict that would increase damage to lives and infrastructure in Ukraine.

Therefore, not only does it not do so, but also invites other countries to stop sending weapons to the parties involved in the conflict, the mission said.

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Germany, France, UK impose sanctions on Iran over Russia ties

Iran Press TV

Tuesday, 10 September 2024 3:35 PM

Germany, France, and Britain have imposed new sanctions on Iran under the pretext of claims it has delivered ballistic missiles to Russia for use in the Ukraine war, despite repeated denials by Tehran.

The three countries said that, despite their warnings of "new and significant measures against Iran" in case it sent missiles, "we now have confirmation that Iran has made these transfers".

The statement described the alleged transfer as a "further escalation of Iran's military support" to Russia, posing a "direct threat to European security" with the potential for Iranian missiles to reach European soil.

The three countries said they take immediate steps to cancel bilateral air services agreements with Iran.

They also plan to designate significant entities and individuals involved in Iran's ballistic missile program and the transfer of ballistic missiles and other weapons to Russia.

Additionally, they will work towards imposing sanctions on Iran Air, echoing a similar step taken by Washington.

The statement came despite Iran's repeated denial of sending weapons to Russia for use in Ukraine.

Shortly before the joint announcement, Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani said on X that "spreading false and misleading news about the transfer of Iranian weapons to some countries" was "ugly propaganda" and a lie.

He charged that it aimed to conceal "the dimensions of the massive illegal arms support of the United States and some Western countries for the genocide in the Gaza Strip", where Israel is at war with the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

US to impose sanctions

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken also announced that the United States would impose fresh sanctions on Iran soon.

During a visit to London, he claimed that Iran has sent short-range missiles to Russia, expected to be used against Ukraine within weeks.

Blinken asserted that dozens of Russian military personnel have trained in Iran using the Fath-360 missile, which has a range of 120 kilometers.

"We've warned Iran privately that taking this step would constitute a dramatic escalation," Blinken said at a news conference in London. "Russia has now received shipments of these ballistic missiles and will likely use them within weeks in Ukraine against Ukrainians."

Iran and Russia, both hit by Western sanctions, have maintained close ties over the past years.

The two countries have traditionally had close military ties, notably with Iran receiving the Russian-made S-300 anti-missile system in 2015.

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U.S. Levels More Sanctions On Iran After Alleged Missile Transfer To Russia

By RFE/RL September 10, 2024

The United States on September 10 issued new sanctions on Iran in response to Tehran's military support to Russia, including the alleged recent delivery of ballistic missiles, for use in its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The U.S. Treasury Department designated 10 individuals and six entities based in Iran and Russia for sanctions and identified four vessels as blocked property that the Treasury Department said are enabling Iran's delivery of weapons components and weapons systems to Russia. The weapons that the United States said were transferred include drones and close-range ballistic missiles (CRBMs).

"In late 2023, Iran and Russia signed a contract for the supply of hundreds of missiles. In the summer of 2024, Russian military personnel were trained on the use of Iran's Project 360 CBRMs by Iranian personnel," the Treasury Department said in a statement, adding that Russia received the first shipment of CBRMs from Iran earlier this month.

The announcement came after the United States and key European allies accused Iran of a dangerous escalation in a pattern of malign activity that threatens European security by supplying the short-range ballistic missiles to Russia.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his British counterpart, David Lammy, officially accused Iran of the missile transfers earlier on September 10 in London.

"Russia has now received shipments of these [Iranian] ballistic missiles and will likely use them within weeks in Ukraine against Ukrainians," Blinken said.

The Kremlin has yet to comment on Blinken's statement. A day earlier it declined to directly refute the accusation about Iranian-supplied missiles and instead highlighted its cooperation with Tehran, saying it was developing dialogue in all areas. Tehran has denied supplying missiles to Moscow.

After Blinken and Lammy's statements, the German Foreign Ministry called out Iran for its support of Russia's "war of aggression," noting that Iranian missiles could as a result be striking European soil.

It shared a joint German, French, and British statement condemning the transfers, calling them "an escalation by both Iran and Russia" and "a direct threat to European security."

Experts agree that short-range ballistic missiles could be a boost to Moscow's war effort in neighboring Ukraine, which already benefits from Iranian drone supplies and technology.

The U.S. Treasury Department's statement said Iran Air -- the country's flagship airline -- was one of the entities designated for sanctions. It said its actions against the airline and other entities, individuals, and vessels were "concurrent" with actions announced by international partners.

"Iran Air has a history of transporting goods on behalf of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics," the department said. "Iran has also provided freight shipping services to Russia, including shipments of electronics and aircraft parts."

Iran-based Azadegan Transportation Co., another IRGC-affiliated company critical to the logistics operations of the IRGC, is another of the entities hit by U.S. sanctions, which freeze any assets the individuals and entities hold in U.S. jurisdiction and bar any transactions with U.S. persons.

Peter Stano, spokesman for EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, said the transfer of Iranian ballistic missiles to Russia represents a further military escalation and will be met with a "strong response" from the European Union.

The EU's diplomatic service has already presented EU members with "a substantial set of decisive and targeted measures" against Iran in response to the transfer, Stano said.

"A delivery of ballistic missiles will likely assist Russia's escalatory bombing campaign against Ukrainian civilians, cities and civilian infrastructure, further increasing civilian casualties and destruction," Stano said.

Andriy Yermak, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's chief of staff, said new sanctions against Iran over the missile deliveries would be a "positive step" but said it was not enough.

"We also need authorization to use Western weapons against military targets on Russian territory, the provision of longer-range missiles, and the enhancement of our air-defense systems," Yermak said on X.

The Wall Street Journal and other U.S. media have quoted anonymous sources asserting that the Iranian missiles have come at a crucial juncture in the 36-month-old full-scale invasion.

Support for Ukraine in its defense against Russia's invasion is one of the main agenda items during Blinken's London visit, which was to include a meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Reiterating ongoing U.S. and U.K. support for Kyiv, Blinken and Lammy announced their plans to travel this week to Ukraine in what Lammy called "the first joint visit of this kind for well over a decade."

"This is a troubling action that we're seeing from Iran," Lammy said. "It is definitely a significant escalation and we are coordinating."

The Blinken-Lammy meeting came with the secretary of Iran's Security Council, Ali Akbar Ahmadian, in Russia for a meeting later this week of security officials from countries in the BRICS grouping of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa and other major emerging economies.

Lammy said the United States and the United Kingdom are "completely aligned on the need to tackle Iran's malign activity in the region and beyond."

"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," Lammy said.

Blinken said the alleged Iranian supply of short-range ballistic missiles gives Russia added capability and flexibility, and would free up Moscow to devote other resources to longer-range targets in the ongoing war on Ukraine.

With reporting by Reuters, AP, and AFP

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/blinken-uk-visit-ukraine- war-iran-russia/33114301.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.

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Treasury Designates Actors Facilitating Iran's Transfer of Lethal Aid to Russia

U.S. Department of the Treasury

September 10, 2024

United States and Partners Respond to Iran's Escalatory Decision to Provide Ballistic Missiles to Russia for its War Effort

WASHINGTON -- Today, in response to Iran's ongoing military support, including the recent delivery of ballistic missiles, to Russia for its war of aggression against Ukraine, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is designating ten individuals and six entities based in Iran and Russia and identifying four vessels as blocked property that are enabling Iran's delivery of weapons components and weapons systems, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and close-range ballistic missiles (CRBMs), to Russia. In late 2023, Iran and Russia signed a contract for the supply of hundreds of missiles. In the summer of 2024, Russian military personnel were trained on the use of Iran's Project 360 CBRMs by Iranian personnel, and as of early September 2024, Russia received the first shipment of these CBRMs from Iran.

Concurrent with this action, international partners are announcing measures which will not allow Iran Air to operate in their territory in the future and are pursuing further designations of Iran- and Russia-based individuals, entities, and vessels involved in the transfer of Iranian lethal aid to Russia. The Department of State is concurrently designating three entities, including Iran Air, and identifying five vessels as blocked property involved in the proliferation of Iranian weapons systems to Russia.

"Today, the United States and our allies are taking concerted action in response to Iran's reckless decision to proliferate ballistic missiles to Russia for use in its war of aggression against Ukraine, despite the censure from the international community in response to Iran's provision of one-way attack UAVs to Russia, and the ample evidence of the destruction of civilian infrastructure caused by Russia's use of such UAVs," said Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Wally Adeyemo. "Iran has opted to intensify its involvement in Russia's illegal war, and the United States, along with our partners, will continue to stand with Ukraine."

Treasury's action today is being taken pursuant to the counterterrorism authority, Executive Order (E.O.) 13224, as amended; the WMD counterproliferation authority, E.O. 13382; and E.O. 14024, which targets Russia's harmful foreign activities.

IRAN AIR

Tehran-based Iran Air is Iran's flagship airline and operates both passenger and cargo flights. Iran Air has a history of transporting goods on behalf of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL). Iran has also provided freight shipping services to Russia, including shipments of electronics and aircraft parts.

Iran Air was previously identified as meeting the definition of Government of Iran pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13599 on November 5, 2018, for being owned or controlled by the Government of Iran. Concurrently, Treasury also identified 67 Iran Air-operated aircraft as blocked property on the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List (SDN List).

Today, Iran Air is being designated pursuant to E.O. 14024 for operating or having operated in the transportation sector of the Russian Federation economy. The Department of State is concurrently designating Iran Air pursuant to E.O. 13949, the Iran conventional arms authority, for materially contributing to the transfer, directly or indirectly, to or from Iran, or for the use in or benefit of Iran, of arms or related materiel, including spare parts.

IRGC and MODAFL OFFICIALS

Russia-based Ruhollah Katebi (Katebi) is the Russian government's point of contact for Iran's MODAFL in Moscow. In this capacity as a MODAFL official, Katebi has contributed to Russia's preparations to take receipt of MODAFL's Fath-360 CRBMs. On October 25, 2007, the Department of State designated MODAFL pursuant to E.O. 13382 for having engaged, or attempted to engage, in activities or transactions that have materially contributed to, or pose a risk of materially contributing to, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction or their means of delivery.

Iran-based Ebrahim Bahrami (Bahrami) is an employee of Shahid Kharrazi Industries, a subordinate organization of Iran's Shahid Bakeri Industrial Group (SBIG), and has been a point of contact in Iran for the Russian government and the training of Russian military personnel in Iran. On January 4, 2018, the Department of the Treasury designated Shahid Kharrazi Industries pursuant to E.O. 13382 for being owned or controlled by, directly or indirectly, SBIG, which the President included in the Annex to E.O. 13382 on June 28, 2005.

Iran-based Ali Ja'farabadi (Ja'farabadi) is the Commander of the IRGC Air Force's Salman Farsi Space Command. As commander of the IRGC Air Force's Salman Farsi Space Command, Ja'farabadi has overseen satellite launches in Iran. On June 16, 2010, the Department of the Treasury designated the IRGC Air Force pursuant to E.O. 13382.

Katebi is being designated pursuant to E.O. 13382 for acting or purporting to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, MODAFL. Bahrami is being designated pursuant to E.O. 13382 for acting or purporting to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, Shahid Kharrazi Industries. Ja'farabadi is being designated pursuant to E.O. 13382 for acting or purporting to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, the IRGC Air Force.

TRANSMORFLOT UPDATE AND MG-FLOT VESSELS

On May 8, 2022, the Department of State designated Russia-based TransMorFlot LLC for operating or having operated in the marine sector of the Russian Federation economy. At the time of designation, vessels owned and managed by TransMorFlot LLC transported weapons for the Russian government. Concurrently, the Department of State identified Russia-flagged ETIM EMIN (IMO: 8700010) as property in which TransMorFlot LLC has an interest. On June 27, 2022, TransMorFlot LLC changed its name to MG-FLOT Limited Liability Company (MG-FLOT). In July 2022, MG-FLOT renamed the ETIM EMIN to the SAPFIR. This vessel regularly transits the Caspian Sea, bringing cargo between Iran and Russia. OFAC is updating TransMorFlot LLC and ETIM EMIN's entries on the SDN List to include their new primary names, as well as updating other identifying information.

Dzhamaldin Emirmagomedovich Pashaev (Pashaev) owns or controls  network of Russian shipping companies that operate in Olya Port, Russia. Pashaev's enterprises have been involved in Russian military exports since 2021, and have completed over 200 agreements related to the maritime transport of military goods around the world. Pashaev and his companies have been integral to the ongoing transfer of lethal aid to U.S.-designated Russian Joint Stock Company Special Economic Zone of Industrial Production Alabuga (SEZ Alabuga), which has been one of the primary assembly plants of UAVs for the Russian Ministry of Defense, with support from Iran. Pashaev is the current chairman of the board of G-FLOT.

Russia-flagged BORIS KUSTODIEV (IMO: 9103817), PORT OLYA-3 (IMO: 9481910), PORT OLYA-4 (IMO: 9481934), and KOMPOZITOR RAKHMANINOV (IMO: 8606616) are vessels that are owned and operated by MG-FLOT. The BORIS KUSTODIEV, PORT OLYA-3, PORT OLYA-4, and KOMPOZITOR RAKHMANINOV regularly transit the Caspian Sea, bringing cargo between Iran and Russia. The Russian Ministry of Defense used the vessel PORT OLYA-3 to transport CRBMs from Iran to Russia.

Today, Pashaev is being designated for operating or having operated in the defense or related materiel sector of the Russian Federation economy. BORIS KUSTODIEV, PORT OLYA-3, PORT OLYA-4, and KOMPOZITOR RAKHMANINOV are being identified pursuant to E.O. 14024 as property in which MG-FLOT, a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 14024, has an interest.

AZADEGAN TRANSPORTATION COMPANY NETWORK

Iran-based Azadegan Transportation Company is an IRGC-affiliated company critical to the logistics operations of the IRGC. As of 2018, Azadegan Transportation Company was part of the portfolio of companies owned, controlled, or directed by U.S.-designated Bonyad Taavon Sepah, also known as the IRGC Cooperative Foundation. Azadegan Transportation Company conducts ground cargo transportation operations for the IRGC, including the transportation of lethal aid in the Middle East and providing logistical services related to ammunition for IRGC facilities.

Iran-based Amad Behineh Saz Engineering Company (Amad Behineh Saz), Sanjesh Gostar Dana Engineering and Quality Control Inspection Company (Sanjesh Gostar Dana), and Talieh Sabz Jehan Group Company (Talieh Sabz Jehan) are legal entities that are members of the board of directors of Azadegan Transportation Company. Amad Behineh Saz is an IRGC-affiliated company responsible for the design and production of mechanical and electronic parts and is represented on Azadegan Transportation Company's board by Ali Zare (Zare), who also acts as the Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Azadegan Transportation Company. Sanjesh Gostar Dana is an IRGC-affiliated company responsible for quality inspection and supervision, and is represented on Azadegan Transportation Company's board by Gholamreza Eini Sarkalleh (Sarkalleh), who also acts as the Vice Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Azadegan Transportation Company. Talieh Sabz Jehan is an IRGC-affiliated company responsible for providing design and project management guidance, and is represented on Azadegan Transportation Company's board by Masoud Noorahmadi (Noorahmadi), who also acts as the Managing Director of Azadegan Transportation Company.

Azadegan Transportation Company is being designated pursuant to E.O. 13224, as amended, for being owned, controlled, or directed by, directly or indirectly, the IRGC. Amad Behineh Saz and Talieh Sabz Jehan are being designated pursuant to E.O. 13224, as amended, for being owned, controlled, or directed by, or having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, Azadegan Transportation Company. Zare, Sarkalleh, and Noorahmadi are being designated pursuant to E.O. 13224, as amended, for having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, Azadegan Transportation Company. Sanjesh Gostar Dana is being designated pursuant to E.O. 13224, as amended, for having materially assisted, sponsored, or providing financial, materiel or technological support for, or goods or services to or in support of, the IRGC.

FARZANEGAN PROPULSION SYSTEMS DESIGN BUREAU AND COMPANY OFFICIALS

Iran-based Farzanegan Propulsion Systems Design Bureau (Farzanegan) has supplied Russian weapons makers with samples of Farzanegan's engines in support of Russian cruise missile development. Farzanegan manufactures numerous types of engines, including turbojet engines, and claims to have designed Iran's first ramjet engine. Farzanegan has long been involved in the development of engine technology for Iranian defense research entities, and Farzanegan's engines have been presented in person to Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Hossein Pourfarzaneh, Zahra Pourfarzaneh, and Hassan Pourfarzaneh are leaders or officials of Farzanegan, with Hossein Pourfarzaneh taking a public-facing and highly publicized role as the lead engineer at Farzanegan.

Farzanegan is being designated pursuant to E.O. 14024 for operating or having operated in the defense and related materiel sector of the Russian Federation economy. Hossein Pourfarzaneh, Zahra Pourfarzaneh, and Hassan Pourfarzaneh are being designated pursuant to E.O. 14024 for being or having been a leader, official, senior executive officer, or member of the board of directors of Farzanegan.

SANCTIONS IMPLICATIONS

As a result of today's action, all property and interests in property of the persons above that are in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons are blocked and must be reported to OFAC. In addition, any entities that are owned, directly or indirectly, 50 percent or more by one or more blocked persons are also blocked. All transactions by U.S. persons or within (or transiting) the United States that involve any property or interests in property of designated or blocked persons are prohibited unless authorized by a general or specific license issued by OFAC, or exempt. These prohibitions include the making of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of any blocked person and the receipt of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services from any such person. Non-U.S. persons are also prohibited from causing or conspiring to cause U.S. persons to wittingly or unwittingly violate U.S. sanctions, as well as from engaging in conduct that evades U.S. sanctions. OFAC's Economic Sanctions Enforcement Guidelines provide more information regarding OFAC's enforcement of U.S. sanctions, including the factors that OFAC generally considers when determining an appropriate response to an apparent violation.

In addition, persons that engage in certain transactions or activities with the sanctioned entities and individuals may expose themselves to sanctions or be subject to an enforcement action. The prohibitions include the making of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of any designated person, or the receipt of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services from any such person. Furthermore, any foreign financial institution that knowingly facilitates a significant transaction or provides significant financial services for any of the or entities designated today could be subject to U.S. sanctions. For additional guidance specific to E.O. 14024, as amended, please see the updated OFAC advisory, "Updated Guidance for Foreign Financial Institutions on OFAC Sanctions Authorities Targeting Support to Russia's Military-Industrial Base," as well as OFAC Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 1146-1157. For additional guidance specific to Iran authorities, please refer to OFAC's Iran Sanctions.

The power and integrity of OFAC sanctions derive not only from OFAC's ability to designate and add persons to the SDN List, but also from its willingness to remove persons from the SDN List consistent with the law. The ultimate goal of sanctions is not to punish, but to bring about a positive change in behavior. For information concerning the process for seeking removal from an OFAC list, including the SDN List, please refer to OFAC's Frequently Asked Question 897 here. For detailed information on the process to submit a request for removal from an OFAC sanctions list, please click here.

Any persons included on the SDN List pursuant to E.O. 14024 may be subject to additional export restrictions administered by the Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS).

For identifying information on the individuals and entities sanctioned today, click here.

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Foreign ministers of France, Germany, and the United Kingdom gave a statement following Iran's export and Russia's procurement of Iranian ballistic missiles.

10 September 2024

Statement by Foreign Ministers of the United Kingdom, France and Germany:

The governments of France, Germany, and the United Kingdom strongly condemn Iran's export and Russia's procurement of Iranian ballistic missiles. This is a further escalation of Iran's military support to Russia's 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.

The E3 has privately and publicly been clear that we would take new and significant measures against Iran if the transfers took place. We now have confirmation that Iran has made these transfers. 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 Iran's ballistic missile programme and the transfer of ballistic missiles and other weapons to Russia. We will also work towards imposing sanctions on Iran Air.

The E3 are closely coordinating our strong response to these transfers with our European and international partners. We call on Iran to immediately cease all support to Russia's war against Ukraine and halt the development and transfers of its ballistic missiles.
UK and partners respond to Iran's transfer of ballistic missiles to Russia

UK government announcement of significant measures against Iran and Russia, following the Iranian regime's transfer of ballistic missiles to Russia.

10 September 2024

UK and E3 partners cancel bilateral arrangements with Iran, which will restrict Iran Air services into the UK and Europe

UK and US announce co-ordinated sanctions against Iranian and Russian individuals and organisations

Russian cargo ships sanctioned for their role in transporting military supplies from Iran to Russia

response taken in co-ordination with international partners to expose Iran and Russia's attempts to undermine global security

The UK government is today announcing new and significant measures against Iran and Russia, following the Iranian regime's transfer of ballistic missiles to Russia for use on the battlefield in Ukraine.

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.

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.

Foreign Secretary David 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 Putin's unprovoked, premeditated and barbaric attack against a sovereign democratic state. The UK will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.

Together with France and Germany, the UK has today also issued a joint statement condemning the transfer of ballistic missiles to Russia and outlined the necessary steps being taken in response.

Transport Secretary Louise Haigh said:

This government stands firmly with the people of Ukraine. We will continue to use every lever at our disposal to put pressure on Iran to end its support for Putin's illegal invasion, which is why we have begun the termination of all direct air services between the UK and Iran.

Defence Secretary John Healey MP said:

By transferring ballistic missiles to Russia, Iran is actively supporting Putin's illegal war in Ukraine. Iran has already supplied Russia with hundreds of one-way attack drones. Ballistic missiles are highly dangerous weapons, likely to threaten innocent lives. Resorting to collaboration with countries such as North Korea & Iran shows the desperate situation Russia is in. We 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. Those subject to an asset freeze and travel ban include:

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

Those subject to an asset freeze include:

The Anzali Free Trade Industrial Zone Organisation (Anzali FTZ)

Baharestan Kish Company

Saad Sazeh Faraz Sharif (SSFS)

Chekad Sanat Faraz Asia (CSFA)

Several Russian organisations are also sanctioned today 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)

Command of the Military Transport Aviation (VTA)

Five Russian cargo ships are also sanctioned today for their role in transporting military supplies from Iran to Russia. These include:

SKIF-V (IMO 8858087)

OMSKIY (IMO 8889385)

MUSA JALIL (IMO 8846814)

BEGEY (IMO 8943210)

BALTIYSKIY (IMO 7612448)

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.

Iran is one of Russia's key military backers and has transferred hundreds of drones to Russia for use in its war of aggression in Ukraine since August 2022.

New legislation is also being laid in Parliament later this week to strengthen trade sanctions on Iran, targeting items that are used in the production of ballistic missiles, UAVs and other weaponry.

The UK will continue to work with international partners to hold Iran to account for its malign behaviour, including for its military support to Russia, and to hold Russia to account for its illegal invasion of Ukraine.

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US imposes sanctions on Iran over supply of ballistic missiles to Russia

By Henry Ridgwell September 10, 2024

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 a especially if you're thinking about the debates over long-range strikes a 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.

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Myanmar junta airstrikes kill dozens, including prisoners, rebels say

The military has responded to a string of setbacks in Rakhine state with more intense air attacks.

By RFA Burmese 2024.09.10 -- Myanmar's military has killed 70 people, including many of its troops in rebel captivity, in two airstrikes in Rakhine state where Arakan Army insurgents have been making major gains against junta forces, the group said.

The Arakan Army, or AA, has captured many members of the military and pro-junta militia in advances over recent months in which they have pushed junta forces back into just a few pockets of territory in Myanmar's western-most state.

The military has responded with airstrikes, taking an increasingly deadly toll of civilians in areas under AA control, the rebels and rights groups say.

On Sunday, an airstrike in Pauktaw township, just east of the state capital of Sittwe, killed at least 17 people, including seven prisoners, and wounded 10, the AA said in a statement.

"People didn't have time to run because the plane flew in so quickly," said one resident of the area, who declined to be identified for safety reasons.

On Monday, junta jets launched an airstrike in Maungdaw township, in the north of Rakhine state near the border with Bangladesh, killing more than 50 people, the AA said in another statement.

The junta has not released any information about the attacks and telephone calls to spokesperson Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun went unanswered.

Bombs dropped in Maungdaw hit a former military position captured by the AA, about five kilometers (three miles) east of Maungdaw town, where the insurgents have detained prisoners, including members of the mostly Mulsim Rohingya community who joined a pro-junta militia.

The AA said a U.N. building in Wai Thar Li village was also bombed. Radio Free Asia RFA tried to contact the U.N. office in Myanmar Yangon but a staff member said the office could not respond outside working hours.

International humanitarian organizations have been helping civilians displaced by fighting in the region but most groups have withdrawn staff and suspended their work as the security situation has deteriorated.

The AA has warned against attacks in densely populated areas under its control. The junta denies targeting civilians.

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.

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Red Cross chief calls for greater aid access after visit to Myanmar

Mirjana Spoljaric warns that conflict has cut off 'countless people' from essential services.

By RFA Burmese 2024.09.10 -- Myanmar's junta must allow greater aid access to civilians, the Red Cross chief said at the end of a visit to the war-torn country, warning that the conflict has created a humanitarian crisis that's put "countless people" at risk.

The United Nations says about 3 million people have been forced from their homes by fighting between junta troops and those who oppose the military's Feb. 1, 2024, coup d'etat, many since clashes surged at the beginning of the year.

The comments from International Committee of the Red Cross President Mirjana Spoljaric came as aid workers told RFA Burmese that 40,000 people had been displaced in central Myanmar's Sagaing, Magway and Mandalay regions by junta airstrikes and troop raids between Aug. 1 and Sept. 10.

In a statement following her Sept. 5-9 trip, Spoljaric warned that a breakdown of healthcare services in Myanmar is leading to a rise in preventable diseases, while a lack of medical supplies is worsening the suffering of the wounded and chronically ill.

"Many families in Myanmar are going without basic medicines and health care, face food shortages and have limited access to clean water and sanitation. They live with the fear of conflict and violence," she said in a statement. "The disruption of livelihoods is leaving countless people without the means to sustain themselves."

Spoljaric noted that the military's regular use of explosive weapons in populated areas has led to an increase in civilian casualties, while restrictions on the movement of people and goods has limited access to essential services for many communities.

During her visit, Spoljaric met with junta chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing to discuss the ICRC's goals in the country and urged him to allow greater access to conflict-affected areas - particularly in Shan, Kachin, Rakhine, Chin, Kayah, and Kayin states.

She also traveled to Rakhine state, where the military killed 70 people, including its troops in rebel captivity, in airstrikes on Sunday and Monday.

International humanitarian organizations have been helping civilians displaced by fighting in the region but most groups have withdrawn staff and suspended their work as the security situation has deteriorated.

Spoljaric said that the ICRC is engaging in dialogue with all stakeholders in the conflict "to remind them of their obligation to respect international humanitarian law and ensure the safety of civilians and humanitarian actors."

Airstrikes displace 40,000

On Tuesday, residents and relief workers told RFA that junta troops had resumed offensives against villages in Sagaing, Magway and Mandalay regions, and that the air force is carrying out bombardments more frequently there.

A resident of Su Yit Kone village, in Mandalay's Natogyi township, told RFA that nearly everyone had fled into the jungle because of the threat of airstrikes.

"The junta is intentionally destroying local houses every day to make the people afraid," said the resident who, like others interviewed for this story, declined to be named due to security risks. "The villages aren't active anymore. When it becomes dark, everyone beds down in the jungle."

In Pa Zi Gyi village, in Sagaing region's Kanbalu township, residents have been sheltering in the jungle since April 2023, when a junta airstrike killed more than 170 people and leveled all but three of the village's 400 homes.

With airstrikes on the rise in the region, "we still don't dare go back home," one resident said, adding that junta planes are "constantly seen flying overhead."

"Our village has turned into a wilderness," he said. "We survive on collecting herbs and vegetables from the forest."

The resident said that the displaced are only occasionally visited by small charity groups, who help supplement their food supplies.

Central region under assault

Meanwhile, junta ground forces are also stepping up raids on villages in the region.

On Tuesday, Data For Myanmar, which monitors arson attacks in Myanmar, reported that junta troops razed more than 1,043 houses in Sagaing, Magway and Mandalay regions in the first half of 2024 alone.

Attempts by RFA to contact junta spokesperson Major Gen. Zaw Min Tun about the reasons for the uptick in attacks in central Myanmar went unanswered Tuesday.

An official with the insurgent People's Defense Force in Mandalay said that the junta sees central Myanmar as a militarily strategic region because it connects northern Shan, Kachin and Chin states to the rest of the nation.

"The people of central Myanmar have suffered a lot from the fighting, but they will persevere," he said. "Victory by the armed opposition could present huge challenges to the junta because of the region's strategic value, which is likely why the military is making a push there."

Translated by Aung Naing. Edited by Joshua Lipes and Malcolm Foster.

Copyright 1998-2024, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content 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.

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'No One Is Safe': Life Under The Rule Of The Pakistani Taliban

By Abubakar Siddique and Abdul Hai Kakar September 10, 2024

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 Pakistan's 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 men's 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 TTP's 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 TTP's 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."

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/pakistan-ttp-taliban- khyber-pakhtunkhwa/33113386.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.

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Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's working visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

9 September 2024 20:22

1661-09-09-2024

On September 8 and 9, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov was on a working visit to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. He was received by Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud and had a meeting with Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud.

The participants in the talks had a detailed discussion on the key avenues for further developing of the traditionally friendly Russian-Saudi relations in all their aspects with a focus on the practical implementation of the agreements reached following President of Russia Vladimir Putin's visit to Saudi Arabia in December 2023.

The two sides expressed their shared interest in promoting consistent efforts to expand their trade and economic cooperation, step up investment collaboration, including the implementation of current and future projects, and promoting closer cultural, humanitarian, scientific and technological ties.

They praised the existing level of cooperation in the OPEC+ format and stressed that the recently approved decisions testified to the growing stability and independence of this unique coordinating mechanism used by the oil exporting countries, as well as its effectiveness and relevance in terms of balancing supply and demand on the global energy market.

They paid special attention to current regional issues, including prospects for the settlement of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict in light of the ongoing unprecedented escalation of violence in the Gaza Strip, as well as the state of affairs in Yemen, Sudan, and Syria. They noted that Moscow and Riyadh shared convergent approaches in favour of resolving of the persisting Middle East crises as quickly as possible and solely by political and diplomatic methods taking into account the interests of all the parties involved and within a generally recognised international legal framework in keeping with the principles of the UN Charter.

They reaffirmed the shared commitment by Russia and Saudi Arabia to maintain regular political dialogue and coordination on all aspects of the bilateral and global agenda.



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Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's participation in the 7th Russia- GCC Ministerial Meeting for Strategic Dialogue

9 September 2024 14:18

1656-09-09-2024

On September 9, Riyadh hosted the 7th Russia-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Ministerial Meeting for Strategic Dialogue. The meeting was chaired by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Qatar's Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammed Al Thani, representing the current GCC chair. The event was attended by the foreign ministers of the Kingdom of Bahrain, the State of Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the Sultanate of Oman, as well as the Secretary General of the GCC.

In his remarks, Sergey Lavrov highlighted that since the inception of the Russia-GCC Strategic Dialogue format in 2011, international relations have undergone significant changes, and global geopolitical transformations have taken place. The concept of a rules-based world order, which the United States and its European allies cling to, is increasingly becoming obsolete. Instead, a new, just, and democratic multipolar world order is emerging, centred around the United Nations and a balanced consideration of the interests of all countries. The influence of states in the Global South and East is rapidly expanding, with the rapidly evolving monarchies of the Arabian Peninsula playing a major role.

Sergey Lavrov emphasised that strengthening cooperation with our GCC partners is a key priority for Russian diplomacy. The Strategic Dialogue format has proven to be an effective mechanism for interaction, serving as a unique platform for aligning strategies and coordinating approaches to major global and regional issues. It also facilitates discussions on enhancing trade and economic relations, and cultural and humanitarian ties between our countries. This is evidenced by the frequent highest- and high-level interactions, with the positive tone being set by the regular and trusting dialogue between President Vladimir Putin and the leaders of the GCC member states.

The meeting participants thoroughly examined the situation in the Middle East and North Africa during the lively discussion. All participants agreed that the persistent problems and crises in the region should be addressed through political and diplomatic means, while strictly adhering to the core principles of the UN Charter.

The main focus was placed on discussing the crisis in the Palestine-Israeli conflict zone in the context of the unprecedented escalation of violence in the Gaza Strip. The participants also emphasised the importance of an immediate ceasefire in the Palestinian enclave and providing urgent humanitarian assistance to its residents. They also confirmed the need to consolidate international efforts to create conditions for launching a comprehensive peace process on a generally accepted international legal basis, providing for the creation of an independent Palestinian state coexisting with Israel in peace and security.

When discussing the developments in Yemen, the participants agreed that it is critical to ensure safe international shipping, stressing the need to address this task solely through political and diplomatic means. Hope was expressed that the parties to the Yemeni conflict will be able to avoid the resumption of the active phase of armed confrontation and begin implementing the UN roadmap for an internal political settlement.

When discussing the situation in Syria, the sides reaffirmed their commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of this country. It was stressed that active efforts must be continued to help relieve the long-term crisis in the Syrian Arab Republic, including its post-conflict restoration and return of Syrian refugees. The importance of creating appropriate conditions for this purpose was noted, including lifting unilateral sanctions against Damascus, which was stated in the final document of the Arab League summit held on May 16 in Manama.

The developments in Sudan were discussed in detail, with an emphasis on the need to cease the armed confrontation and address pressing socioeconomic and humanitarian problems the country is facing.

In their remarks, Sergey Lavrov and his Arab counterparts reaffirmed mutual interest in further efforts to develop and diversify mutually beneficial business, cultural, and humanitarian ties, given the countries' significant potential. In this context, the participants expressed their satisfaction with the successful implementation of the Russia-GCC Joint Action Plan for 2023-2028, which was approved at the sixth Strategic Dialogue meeting in Moscow in July 2023.

The parties agreed to hold the next, eighth meeting of the Russia-GCC Ministerial Meeting for Strategic Dialogue in the Russian Federation in 2025.





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Israeli Freight Forwarder Pleads Guilty to Violating Export Restrictions Imposed on Russia

Tuesday, September 10, 2024

For Immediate Release

Office of Public Affairs



Gal Haimovich, 49, of Israel, pleaded guilty yesterday to conspiracy to commit export control and smuggling violations for his role in a scheme to illegally ship aircraft parts and avionics from U.S. manufactures and suppliers to Russia, including for the benefit of sanctioned Russian airline companies. As part of his plea agreement, Haimovich admitted that his scheme involved deceiving U.S. companies about the true destination of the goods at issue, and that the defendant and others attempted to conceal the scheme by submitting false information in export documents filed with the U.S. government. A sentencing hearing has been set for Nov. 22.

According to court documents, Haimovich owned an international freight forwarding company that was an affiliate in a group of companies that did business in various countries, including the United States and Israel. Haimovich, through those companies, operated as a freight forwarder of choice for individuals and entities seeking to illegally export goods to Russia in violation of U.S. export control laws. Between at least March 2022 and May 2023, Haimovich facilitated the export of aircraft parts and avionics, including those with missile technology applications, from the United States, through the Southern District of Florida, to various third-party transhippers on behalf of Russian customers. These Russian end customers routinely instructed Haimovich to deceive the U.S.-based manufacturers and suppliers about the ultimate destination of the goods.

For example, between April 2022 and April 2023, after the United States imposed additional restrictions on the export of goods to Russia in response to the country's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Haimovich arranged for more than 160 shipments to companies in the Maldives and United Arab Emirates that were responsible for the illicit transshipment of the goods to Russia. One such shipment, of an air data module, occurred in August 2022. Haimovich, who had been hired by Siberia Airlines (doing business as S7 Airlines) to deliver the aircraft component to Russia, directed a co-conspirator to falsely inform the U.S. supplier that the part was destined for the Maldives; in fact, Haimovich knew that the part was destined for Russia for the benefit of S7 Airlines.

Haimovich also agreed that, between March 2022 and May 2023, he billed Russian customers, including Siberia Airlines (doing business as S7 Airlines), more than $2 million to have aircraft parts and avionics illegally exported from the United States to Russia. In connection with Haimovich's plea, he agreed to the entry of a forfeiture money judgment in the sum of $2,024,435 and to forfeit various aircraft parts and components.

The Department of Commerce's Office of Export Enforcement and the FBI investigated the case.

Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department's National Security Division, U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida, Executive Assistant Director Robert Wells of the FBI National Security Branch, and Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement Matthew S. Axelrod of the U.S. Commerce Department made the announcement.

Trial Attorney Christopher M. Rigali of the National Security Division's Counterintelligence and Export Control Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Browne for the Southern District of Florida are prosecuting the case.

This case is being coordinated through the Justice Department's Task Force KleptoCapture, an interagency law enforcement task force dedicated to enforcing the sweeping sanctions, export controls and economic countermeasures that the United States, along with its foreign allies and partners, has imposed in response to Russia's unprovoked military invasion of Ukraine. Announced by the Attorney General on March 2, 2022, and under the leadership of the Office of the Deputy Attorney General, the task force will continue to leverage all of the department's tools and authorities to combat efforts to evade or undermine the collective actions taken by the U.S. government in response to Russian military aggression.

Topics: Export Control

National Security

Components: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

National Security Division (NSD)

USAO - Florida, Southern

Press Release Number: 24-1121

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Ocean 2024 strategic command-and-staff exercise

Supreme Commander-in-Chief Vladimir Putin took part, via videoconference, in the launch of the active phase of the Ocean 2024 strategic command-and-staff exercise.

September 10, 2024

15:40

The Kremlin, Moscow

Taking part in the videoconference held within the framework of the Ocean 2024 strategic command-and-staff exercise were Defence Minister Andrei Belousov, Commander-in-Chief of the Navy Alexander Moiseyev, Commander of the Pacific Fleet Viktor Liina, Commander of the Baltic Fleet Sergei Lipilin, Commander of the Northern Fleet Konstantin Kabantsov, Commander of the Caspian Flotilla Oleg Zverev, and Commander of the Mediterranean Sea Task Force Captain 1st Rank Dmitry Dobrynin.

The Ocean 2024 strategic command-and-staff exercise is one of the man events of the operational and combat training of the Russian Armed Forces in 2024.

The exercise is taking place on September 10 through 16 under the general supervision of Commander-in-Chief of the Navy Alexander Moiseyev.

The objective of the exercise is to review the key elements dealing with the combat readiness of the Navy and Aerospace Forces command and control system and units and to check their cohesion.

The exercise is taking place in the waters of the Pacific and Arctic Oceans, as well as the Mediterranean, Caspian and Baltic seas. It involves over 400 warships, submarines, and auxiliary fleet support vessels, 120 airplanes and helicopters of the Navy and the Aerospace Forces, about 7,000 weapon systems and military and special equipment, as well as over 90,000 troops.

The task groups of military command bodies and troops of Russia's foreign partners have been invited to take part in the exercise.

* * *

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Comrades,

First, I would like to greet and express gratitude to all participants in the Ocean 2024 strategic command-and-staff exercise. Its active phase, which begins today, stipulates for training to fulfil the most complicated tasks under conditions as close to combat ones as possible.

I would like to point out that it is the first naval exercise of this scale we have held over the past 30 years. It will be held simultaneously in the Pacific and Arctic Oceans, as well as in the Mediterranean, Caspian and Baltic seas. It will involve the Navy and long-range and military transport aviation. Ships and aircraft of the People's Liberation Army of China are also taking part in this process-oriented exercise. Representatives from 15 countries have been invited to attend as observers.

The objective of the exercise is to carry out a detailed review of the key elements dealing with the combat readiness of the Navy and Aerospace Forces command and control system and units and determine whether they can operate in a cohesive manner. The exercise will include combined use of precision weapons as well as other modern and advanced weaponry, taking into account, among other things, the experience gained during the special military operation.

We are paying special attention to strengthening cooperation with our friendly countries. This is especially important today amid rising geopolitical tension around the world.

We can see that the United States is doing everything to hold on to its global military and political dominance no matter the cost by utilising Ukraine and seeking to inflict a strategic defeat on our country. The United States and its satellites have been using the alleged Russian threat and the China containment policy as a pretext for building up their military presence along Russia's western borders, as well as in the Arctic and in Asia-Pacific.

The United States and its allies have made no secret of their plans to deploy intermediate and shorter-range missiles in the so-called forward deployment areas. They view islands in the Western Pacific, as well as several APR countries as priority vectors for these deployments. Meanwhile, the US armed forces have already held exercises to practice the way they will transfer and deploy their future missile systems in Asia-Pacific.

The purpose of these aggressive undertakings by the United States consists of achieving a substantial edge in terms of its military capabilities, which would upend the existing security architecture in Asia-Pacific with a disruptive effect on the balance of power there. In fact, the United States is seeking to provoke an arms race, while disregarding the security interests of its European and Asian allies. This lays the groundwork for a dangerous crisis in Europe, as well as in the Asia-Pacific Region.

I would like to stress that Russia must be ready regardless of how this situation unfolds, while our Armed Forces must reliably defend Russia's national sovereignty and interests, as well as to counter any possible military aggression no matter where it comes from, including in the ocean and at sea.

The Russian Navy must play a key role in delivering on this objective. Our sailors have always defended our Motherland's security with courage and valour.

Today, during the special military operation, they are selflessly fighting along the line of contact by targeting the enemy with their devastating strikes, and effectively destroying military facilities and infrastructure. They have been demonstrating courage and professionalism in their efforts. And they are our true heroes.

I would like to stress that we will continue to strengthen our Navy, including its strategic nuclear component. We will develop, systematically and comprehensively, all types and branches of the armed forces, increase their strike capabilities, improve the training of ship crews, coastal and air units factoring in real combat experience, and do everything necessary to reliably protect Russia and its people and maintain strategic stability and the balance of power in the world.

I wish the participants of the exercise a successful solution to the tasks set. Good luck.

I would like to ask the Defence Minister to report on readiness.

Defence Minister Andrei Belousov: In accordance with the Armed Forces training schedule, we began the Ocean 2024 strategic command-and-staff exercise at 09:00 a.m.

The plan includes repelling large-scale aggression of a potential enemy from ocean, combating unmanned boats, unmanned aerial vehicles, defending the naval bases, and conducting amphibious operations and escorting transports, with due regard for the experience of the special military operation.

In accordance with the exercise concept, a promising form of using the Navy, an independent operation in the ocean, will be tested. Military command bodies have occupied command posts and are elaborating plans for using the fleets. The forces and troops have been deployed to designated areas and are ready for practical actions.

The head of the exercise, Navy Commander-in-Chief Admiral Alexander Moiseyev, will report on the progress and the procedure for conducting the exercise.

The report is over.

Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy Alexander Moiseyev: Comrade Supreme Commander-in-Chief,

The Navy and a part of the Aerospace Forces, together with our foreign partners, have begun practicing the tasks of the strategic command-and-staff exercise.

The exercise is being held during seven days in bilateral format and in two stages, with the designation of the opposing sides: the Pacific, Baltic fleets and the Caspian flotilla have been designated as our forces, and the Northern fleet as the enemy. The exercise involves over 90,000 service personnel, over 400 ships and vessels, 125 aircraft, over 7,500 units of weapons and equipment, including from the People's Liberation Army of China: three ships, one vessel and 15 aircraft.

Practical actions are being practised in 13 sea zones in three strategic areas.

<...>

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Meeting with Chairman of the National Assembly of Vietnam Tran Thanh Man

Vladimir Putin met at the Kremlin with Chairman of the National Assembly of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Tran Thanh Man.

September 10, 2024

17:15

The Kremlin, Moscow

The Russian side was also represented by State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin.

Vladimir Putin was briefed about the talks held between Tran Thanh Man and the State Duma Speaker.

A discussion was also held in the follow-up to the Russian-Vietnamese talks during the Russian President's recent visit to Vietnam.

* * *

Chairman of the National Assembly of Vietnam Tran Thanh Man (retranslated): I am very glad to meet you after our meeting in June.

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Yes. I remember all these meetings and would like to thank you for the warmhearted welcome. I am delighted to see you in Moscow.

Tran Thanh Man: People of Vietnam dream of seeing you there many times over. Your recent visit to Vietnam has greatly impressed the Vietnamese.

Vladimir Putin: Thank you very much.

I remember how warmly I was welcomed in Hanoi in June, like only true friends do. I am confident that the results of my visit to Hanoi will serve to develop our inter-state ties.

Please, convey my best regards to the President, Comrade To Lam. I hope that he will be able to accept the invitation to participate in BRICS events in the BRICS+/Outreach format.

I know that a strong typhoon has recently hit Vietnam. Please accept our sincere condolences due the tragic consequences of the natural disaster.

You have a packed programme of your stay in Russia. We are very glad to see you.

Tran Thanh Man: Mr Putin,

I am very happy to visit Russia and Moscow again. I remember well the conversation we had during your state visit to Vietnam in June.

The General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam passed away in July. Thank you very much for the deep condolences you sent us.

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate you and the Russian people on the successes achieved under your leadership. Russia maintains political and economic stability, its GDP is growing, and Russia is enhancing its role and position in the international arena.

We consistently consider Russia to be our primary partner. We would like to intensify cooperation with Russia in all areas for the benefit of the two nations - for peace, stability and development in the region and in the world.

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Russia launches largest joint navy drills of post-Soviet era alongside China

Iran Press TV

Tuesday, 10 September 2024 5:19 PM

Russia has launched its largest navy drills of the post-Soviet era alongside Chinese warships, in the latest sign of deepening military cooperation between the two global powers.

The 7-day global military exercise, which kicked off on Tuesday, will cover the Pacific and Arctic Oceans, the Mediterranean, Caspian and Baltic Seas, according to the Russian defense ministry.

More than 90,000 Russian military personnel in more than 400 warships, submarines and support vessels, in addition to more than 120 aircraft and helicopters of the naval aviation and about 7,000 units of weapons will be used in these exercises.

President Vladimir Putin will oversee the exercises "from a situation center in the Kremlin," his spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

Russia said the exercises were aimed at testing the navy's readiness, using weapons and expanding co-operation with "partner countries" and "strengthen their ability to jointly deal with security threats".

"The main objectives of [the drills] ... are to test the readiness of the command staff of the Russian Navy formations and units to manage heterogeneous force groups in their areas of responsibility, solve non-standard operational tasks, comprehensively use high-precision weapons, advanced and modern weapons and military equipment during the practical part of the exercise, as well as expand interaction with the naval forces of partner countries in solving joint tasks at sea," Russian's defense ministry said.

"Operational groups of military command bodies and military contingents from foreign partner states of Russia have been invited to participate in the exercise," it added.

China's defense ministry confirmed the joint naval and air drills with Russia, emphasizing the "strategic cooperation" between the two global powers' militaries in defiance of the West.

China sent four warships and a supply vessel to the exercise, joining Russia's naval fleet in the Sea of Japan, it said.

Chinese naval forces are set to become "one of the Russian army's main operational and combat training events of 2024," it added.

China and Russia have significantly strengthened their economic cooperation and diplomatic ties in recent years, with their strategic partnership growing even closer following the Ukraine conflict.

Russia and China declared a "no limits" partnership in February 2022, when Putin visited Beijing just days before Moscow launched its special military operation in Donbas.

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Russia and China's Navy warships meet in Peter the Great Bay to participate in Ocean 2024 strategic command post exercise

10.09.2024

Warships of the Russian Navy and the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy, which participate in the Ocean 2024 strategic command post exercise, met in the northern area of the Peter the Great Bay.

Four warships and one logistics vessel of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy are involved in the drills.

As the ships met, they welcomed each other by dressing flags.

In the course of the radio talks, the sides discussed an action plan, organised a joint ship detachment, and started to perform the assigned tasks of the drills.

Groups of Forces of the Pacific Fleet and the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy are to perform joint tactical actions on defending sea routes and areas of maritime economic activity in Primorsky region.

According the training plan of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, formations and units of the Russian Navy have started taking part in the Ocean 2024 strategic command post exercise, which is to last until 16 September 2024. The exercise, which is one of the most important operational and combat training events of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation in 2024, is to be conducted in a bilateral format under the overall command of Admiral Aleksandr Moiseyev, the Commander-in-Chief of the Navy.

More than 400 warships, submarines and support vessels, over 120 naval aircraft, some 7,000 units of weaponry, military and special hardware, and more than 90,000 personnel will participate in the drills, which will take place in the waters of the Pacific and Arctic oceans, Mediterranean, Caspian, and Baltic seas.

The Ocean 2024 strategic command post exercise is aimed at checking the readiness of the senior staff of the Russian Navy to operate all-arms groups of forces in the areas of responsibility, to solve non-standard operational tasks, to make full use of high-precision weapons, advanced and modern weapons and military hardware in the practical part of the exercise, and to expand cooperation with the navies of partner countries to perform joint maritime missions.

Department for Media Affairs and Information

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Baltic Fleet's training ship Smolny arrives in Angola

10.09.2024

Today, the Baltic Fleet training ship Smolny, which is carrying out a long-distance mission for maritime practice of naval cadets, has arrived with an unofficial visit to the port of Luanda, the Republic of Angola.

During the stay in the port of Luanda, the ship's crew will replenish water, fuel, and food supplies, conduct a technical inspection of the ship. The seamen and cadets from the Baltic Fleet will also meet with Angolan naval personnel in the port, go on a series of excursions and take a look at the historical sights of Luanda, the country's largest political, cultural, financial, and industrial centre.

For the ship's crew, the visit to Angola is the fifth foreign port for unofficial visit during this long-distance mission. Previously, in the period from 27 July, the Smolny visited the ports of Havana (the Republic of Cuba), La Guaira (the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Cape Town (the Republic of South Africa), and Walfish Bay (Namibia).

The training ship's long-distance sea mission is a part of the maritime practice of naval cadets of the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation. Future naval officers carry out a training programme on the ship, in particular on communication and shipping. In total, more than 300 cadets take part in the sea mission.

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Arctic Group of Northern Fleet deployed in eastern areas of Arctic Ocean

10.09.2024

During the Ocean 2024 strategic command post exercise launched today, the Arctic Expeditionary Group of Forces (Troops) of the Northern Fleet was deployed in eastern areas of the Arctic Ocean.

The group includes the large anti-submarine ship Vice Admiral Kulakov, from which the forces are controlled, the large landing ship Aleksandr Otrakovsky, the rescue tugboat Altay, and the tanker Sergei Osipov.

During the Ocean 2024 strategic command post exercise, the Arctic Expeditionary Group of Forces (Troops) of the Northern Fleet is to perform tasks on ensuring security of objects of the coastal infrastructure of the Russian Federation in the Arctic.

Military command and control units of the Northern Fleet are to practise actions of controlling forces and units when organising a defence of military and civilian infrastructure of the Arctic coast of the Russian Federation, protecting objects of maritime economic activity and strategic communications taking into the account of the modern naval warfare.

In the course of practical actions, the Arctic Group is planned to examine areas of possible combat actions, conditions of deploying the All-Arms Forces (Troops) of the Fleet, weaponry, and technical means in the Arctic maritime zone, as well as conducting joint special operations to restrain and eliminate terrorists.

According the training plan of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, formations and units of the Russian Navy have started taking part in the Ocean 2024 strategic command post exercise, which is to last until 16 September 2024. The exercise, which is one of the most important operational and combat training events of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation in 2024, is to be conducted in a bilateral format under the overall command of Admiral Aleksandr Moiseyev, the Commander-in-Chief of the Navy.

More than 400 warships, submarines and support vessels, over 120 naval aircraft, some 7,000 units of weaponry, military and special hardware, and more than 90,000 personnel participate in the drills, which take place in the waters of the Pacific and Arctic oceans, Mediterranean, Caspian, and Baltic seas.

The Ocean 2024 strategic command post exercise is aimed at checking the readiness of the senior staff of the Russian Navy to operate all-arms groups of forces in the areas of responsibility, to solve non-standard operational tasks, to make full use of high-precision weapons, advanced and modern weapons and military hardware in the practical part of the exercise, and to expand cooperation with the navies of partner countries to perform joint maritime missions.

Department for Media Affairs and Information

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Echelon 2024: combat service support units undergo drills in highlands

10.09.2024

The Echelon 2024 special exercise in Kyrgyzstan involving combat service support (CSS) units is carried out to improve coordination and speed of the operations of the CSTO's logistic, technical, and medical support units during a joint operation.

Particular attention is paid to the combat service support units acting during a regrouping of the CSTO CRRF contingents to the areas of a joint operation. A mobile hospital has been set up in the training area, involving the forces and facilities of the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Health, and Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Kyrgyz Republic. The mobile hospital is designed for providing competent medical care to the wounded, sick, and injured.

Combat service support operations were also practised at the Edelweiss Mountain Training Centre at an altitude of 2,300 metres. The Centre is designed for mountain training. The equipment was delivered here by a combination of air, motor, and pack transport.

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. Up to 1,500 servicemen and up to 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

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US Seeks Sound Military Edge Spurring Arms Race - Putin

Sputnik News

20240910

Vladimir Putin delivered an address at the opening of the Ocean-2024 naval drills and laid out key geopolitical challenges lying ahead for Russia and its armed forces. Putin explained that the US seeks to maintain its global hegemony and inflict a strategic defeat on Russia using Ukraine as its tool.

United States is seeking sound military edge and triggering arms race, said Russian President Vladimir Putin during his address at the opening of the active phase of the Ocean-2024 drills.

"With their aggressive moves US seeks to achieve sound military edge thus ruin the security architecture and balance of power in Asia-Pacific. By fact, US is spurring arms race ignoring the security of their European and Asian allies", Putin said.

The United States is trying to maintain its dominance in the world at any cost, using Ukraine in order to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia, Putin added.

"We see that the United States is trying to maintain its global military and political dominance at any cost. With this purpose, by using Ukraine, it seeks to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia," Putin said during his address at the opening of the active phase of the Ocean-2024 drills.

Washington openly declares plans to deploy medium-range and short-range missiles, including in the Asia-Pacific region, Putin added.

"Under the pretext of countering the allegedly existing Russian threat and deterring China, the United States and its satellites are increasing their military presence near Russia's western borders a in the Arctic and in the Asia-Pacific region," Putin said.

Washington seeks to achieve tangible military advantage and provokes an arms race, Putin concluded adding that White House openly mulls deployment of short and medium-range missiles in the Asia-Pacific.

Russia's Large Scale Naval Drills

Russia is conducting such a large scale naval exercise as the Ocean-2024 drills for the first time in several decades, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday.

"This is the first time in three decades that we have conducted such a large-scale exercise at sea," Putin said during his address at the opening of the active phase of the Ocean-2024 drills.

Representatives of 15 countries are involved as observers in the Ocean-2024 exercises, the president said, adding that China's armed forces are involved in the drills.

Participants will practice the integrated use of high-precision weapons, as well as other modern and advanced weapons, the president said.

Bolstering Russia's Defenses

Russia will continue to strengthen the navy and all types of troops and increase their capabilities, Putin added.

"We will continue to strengthen our navy, including its strategic nuclear component, systematically and comprehensively develop all types and types of troops, increase strike capabilities, improve the training of ship crews, coastal and aviation units, taking into account real combat experience, and do everything necessary to reliably protect Russia and our citizens," Putin said in an address to the Ocean-2024 command and staff drills.

Russia must be prepared for any development of events, and its armed forces must be ready to repel any possible military aggression in any direction, Putin said.

A Sputnik

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Russian Naval Forces Launch Ocean-2024 Strategic Drills

Sputnik News

20240910

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The Russian naval forces have launched the planned strategic exercise "Ocean-2024" in the Pacific and Arctic Oceans, the Mediterranean, Caspian and Baltic Seas, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Tuesday.

The drills are launched in accordance with the training plan, statement added.

"Today, in accordance with the training plan of the Russian armed forces, units and formations of the naval forces are beginning to participate in the strategic command and staff exercise 'Ocean-2024,' which will last until September 16 inclusive," the ministry said in a statement, adding that maneuvers will take place in the waters of the Pacific and Arctic Oceans, the Mediterranean, Caspian and Baltic Seas.

More than 400 warships, submarines and support vessels will take part in the exercise, the statement read, adding that over 120 aircraft and helicopters of the naval aviation of the naval and the aerospace forces, about 7,000 units of weapons, military and special equipment, as well as more than 90,000 personnel will be involved.

"The main objectives of [the drills] ... are to test the readiness of the command staff of the Russian Navy formations and units to manage heterogeneous force groups in their areas of responsibility, solve non-standard operational tasks, comprehensively use high-precision weapons, advanced and modern weapons and military equipment during the practical part of the exercise, as well as expand interaction with the naval forces of partner countries in solving joint tasks at sea," the ministry said.

The first stage of the exercise will focus on deploying force groups to designated combat training grounds, while during the second stage of the exercise, they will master combat operations to destroy strategic objects and forces of the simulated enemy and to land troops.

"Operational groups of military command bodies and military contingents from foreign partner states of Russia have been invited to participate in the exercise," the statement said.

Cooperation With Chinese Navy

Warships of the Russian and Chinese naval forces met in Peter the Great Gulf to jointly participate in the Ocean-2024 exercise, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Tuesday.

"Warships of the Russian and Chinese naval forces met in Peter the Great Gulf to jointly participate in the strategic command and staff exercise 'Ocean-2024,'" the ministry said in a statement, adding that the drills involve four Chinese warships and a supply vessel.

Units of Russia's Pacific Fleet and the Chinese naval forces will practice defending sea lanes in the Primorsky direction, the ministry said.

Putin to Watch Ocean-2024 Drills' Active Phase Via Videoconference

Russian President Vladimir Putin will follow the active phase of the Ocean-2024 strategic exercises via videoconference, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday.

"Putin continues to work in the Kremlin on Tuesday, September 10 ... Today he will take part in the beginning of the active phase of the strategic command and staff exercises 'Ocean-2024' from the situational center in the Kremlin," Peskov told reporters, adding that the president will make a statement.

When asked about NATO exercises held simultaneously with the Ocean-2024 drills, the official said that this is a common practice for conducting counterexercises.

Russia to Use Over 30 Warships in Caspian Sea Under Ocean-2024 Drills

More than 30 warships and support vessels will be involved in the Caspian Sea as part of the Ocean-2024 exercise, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Tuesday.

According to the ministry, as part of the strategic command and staff drills "Ocean-2024", the ships of the Caspian Flotilla went to sea to carry out tasks to destroy surface and air targets of the "enemy".

"More than 30 warships and support vessels of the auxiliary fleet will be involved in the Caspian Sea to work out the episode of the strategic command and staff exercise: the missile ship Dagestan, the small artillery ships Astrakhan and Volgodonsk, the small missile ships Veliky Ustyug, Grad Sviyazhsk and Uglich, the base minesweepers Magomet Gadzhiev and the German Ugryumov, anti-sabotage boats and raid minesweepers," the statement read.

During the drills ships will work out about 200 combat exercises and use three marine ranges in the waters of the Caspian Sea, the ministry added.

Russian Baltic Fleet Warships Set Out to Conduct Tasks Within Ocean-2024 Drills

"Over 30 warships and boats as well as Baltic fleet maintenance vessels have left permanent base points and set out to the appointed areas of the Baltic Sea to carry out practical tasks of the strategic command staff drills Ocean-2024," the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement.

A Sputnik

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Russia, China kick off joint military exercises, challenging US-led coalition

By William Yang September 10, 2024

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 Japan's 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 won't have more bandwidth to focus on the situation across the Taiwan Strait," Lin told VOA in a phone interview.

China and Russia's 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 haven't 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 Moscow's war in Ukraine.

"Since Russia's 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 Russia's 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 Moscow's 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.

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Harbor acceptance test of indigenous sub under 60 percent complete: Navy

ROC Central News Agency

09/10/2024 08:46 PM

Taipei, Sept. 10 (CNA) The harbor acceptance test (HAT) of the indigenous defense submarine (IDS) prototype, the Narwhal, is 50-60 percent complete, and work to test and improve the vessel remains on schedule despite recent setbacks, Navy Chief of Staff Vice Admiral Chiu Chun-jung (eaS) said Tuesday.

Chiu made the remarks at a Ministry of National Defense news conference in response to a media request for comment on recent news reports that the Narwhal had failed more than 70 categories in the HAT, which must be completed before a sea acceptance test (SAT) for the vessel can commence.

Chiu rejected the reports, saying that the actual number is "more than 10 categories."

He added that progress on testing and improving the Narwhal is "on schedule."

The Navy expects to take delivery of the Narwhal in November 2025, he said.

Meanwhile, Taiwan plans to build new port facilities to station its fleet of IDS at Zuoying Naval Base in Kaohsiung and Suao Naval Base in Yilan County, a source in the Navy said.

The facilities will be used to recharge and refuel the diesel-electric IDS, the source added.

The funding for the planned facilities is included in the budget earmarked for phase three of the IDS program, which has a total cost of NT$284 billion (US$8.82 billion), the source told CNA.

The sites were selected because they are the two largest military ports in Taiwan, the source added.

(By Sean Lin)

Enditem/AW





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German MP criticizes China for opposing Taiwan Strait transit plans

ROC Central News Agency

09/10/2024 05:13 PM

Berlin, Sept. 9 (CNA) The German Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Michael Roth criticized China for objecting to Germany's plan to send naval vessels through the Taiwan Strait in September, reaffirming "it is a legally compliant transit."

"We are reinforcing the freedom of navigation and stability in a strategically important region for us," Roth said in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday.

"A transit is not a provocation," Roth clarified. "We stand for peace and security in the Taiwan Strait and oppose any unilateral and violent changes to the status quo by China. It is a misconception to think that leniency will lead China to reconsider."

According to German weekly news magazine Der Spiegel, the German frigate "Baden-WArttemberg" and the supply ship "Frankfurt am Main" are scheduled to transit the Taiwan Strait on their way from South Korea to Jakarta, Indonesia, in mid-September.

In response, China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday expressed dissatisfaction, saying that while it respects other nations' rights to navigate according to Chinese law and international frameworks like the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, it opposes actions that "provoke and endanger China's sovereignty and security under the pretext of 'freedom of navigation.'"

Roth said that, from the Communist Party's perspective, anything that does not align with their interests is considered a provocation. He urged the German government and media to reject Beijing's narrative.

He also highlighted that Chinese President Xi Jinping (cea) views unification with Taiwan as "his historical mission" and that "China is tightening its grip and changing the status quo daily."

"It is in our core interest to prevent any war in or blockade of Taiwan."

He warned that "a military conflict in the Taiwan Strait would have catastrophic consequences for Germany and the global economy, potentially even worse than the COVID-19 pandemic."

"We must do everything possible to prevent any Chinese escalation. Therefore, we should follow the example of our Dutch and Canadian partners, who have already sent ships through the Taiwan Strait this year."

He expressed regret that Taiwan is often discussed in Germany only in the context of war and peace.

"Taiwan is the most democratic and liberal society in East Asia, with a highly innovative economy. The people simply want to live in peace and freedom-just like all of us," he said.

(By Lin Shang-yin and Evelyn Yang)

Enditem/kb

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U.S. Congress passes Taiwan Conflict Deterrence Act as warning to CCP

ROC Central News Agency

09/10/2024 12:12 PM

Washington, Sept. 9 (CNA) The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Taiwan Conflict Deterrence Act on Monday, aiming deterring Chinese aggression toward Taiwan by threatening to publish information about Chinese Communist Party (CCP) officials' "illicit" financial assets in the event that Beijing attacks Taiwan.

The act would also "restrict financial services for certain immediate family of such officials," according to the text of the legislation.

The bipartisan bill was introduced in January last year by Republican Representative French Hill and Democratic Representative Brad Sherman. After remarks from several members, the bill passed unanimously.

"If China chooses to attack the free people of Taiwan, [the bill] requires the treasury secretary to publish the illicit assets of Beijing's senior most leaders, including the names of financial institutions and maintaining accounts," Hill said during his speech to the House.

"Let these corrupt officials explain to ordinary Chinese citizens how they acquired their riches on a government salary," Hill added, after suggesting that Beijing "has failed to deliver a social safety net and families are battered by sinking real estate debt."

According to Hill, "This bill goes beyond naming and shaming" since it would also "cut off access" to the U.S. financial system for CCP officials and their "immediate family," he added.

"For Chinese officials whose families profit from their ill-gotten gains, they too will find the world becoming a much smaller place," Hill said.

The congressman from Arkansas further noted that the U.S.'s formal diplomatic recognition of Beijing in 1979 was based on the premise that "the future of Taiwan would be determined by peaceful means."

Any actions, including a blockade of Taiwan, would "threaten regional peace and security," Hill said.

During his remarks, Sherman said that the bill "is designed to put the government of China on notice that the United States is closely watching its increasing threats toward Taiwan."

"This bill does not focus on retaliating against the Chinese government per se, but rather on individuals who are in that government," he added.

According to Sherman, who represents California's 32nd district, the measures stipulated in the Taiwan Conflict Deterrence Act would only be triggered if the U.S. president exercised their authority under Section Three of the Taiwan Relations Act.

"I don't expect that a triggering will ever occur, but it's important to put Beijing on notice of what would happen if their threats against Taiwan raised to that level," the congressman said.

Commenting on the bill in Taipei, Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung () on Tuesday expressed gratitude toward the U.S. Congress for using a "creative and effective way" to deter Chinese military aggression toward Taiwan.

"This kind of legislation allows us to jointly deter Chinese Communist expansion and to uphold peace in the Indo-Pacific region, especially cross-strait stability and security," Lin said.

(By Shih Shiu-chuan, Evelyn Yang and Joseph Yeh)

Enditem/JT

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Blinken, Lammy stress importance of Taiwan Strait status quo in US-UK talks

By Nike Ching September 10, 2024

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; it's, 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 military's 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, China's 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 Jinping's top military adviser agreed to the talks.

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Pilot rescued after parachuting out of Mirage 2000

ROC Central News Agency

09/11/2024 12:00 AM

Taipei, Sept. 10 (CNA) An Air Force pilot who parachuted out of a Mirage-2000 jet was rescued and reportedly displayed stable vital signs after his aircraft apparently lost power over waters off Hsinchu County on Tuesday night, according to Ocean Affairs Council head Kuan Bi-ling ().

The pilot was brought onto the deck of a rescue boat "conscious," Kuan said in a Facebook post.

Military sources told CNA that the pilot, Captain Hsieh Pei-hsun (), was located and brought onboard a Coast Guard Administration (CGA) vessel at around 10:39 p.m. His life signs were stable.

The incident occurred at 8:05 p.m., according to a statement issued by the Ministry of National Defense (MND) before the rescue.

The single-seat Mirage 2000, which belongs to the Air Force's 2nd Tactical Fighter Wing, was conducting a night-time drill, the MND said.

Defense Minister Wellington Koo () ordered a search and rescue mission involving air and sea units to rescue the pilot and identify the cause of the incident as soon as possible, the MND said.

Koo immediately reported the situation to President Lai Ching-te () and Lai promptly ordered the military, the CGA, and National Rescue Command Center to join the rescue operation and ensure the expeditious and safe recovery of the pilot, according to Presidential Office spokesperson Karen Kuo ().

The CGA said that after receiving a report on the incident from the MND at around 8:00 p.m., the agency immediately dispatched a 1,000-tonne patrol vessel, the "Changhua," and four patrol boats to an area about 9 nautical miles off the coast of Waipu in Miaoli County.

Kuan said in a previous Facebook post that the sea in the area where the pilot parachuted from the aircraft was classified at level three to four, with waves reaching one meter in height and water temperature at 30.4 degrees Celsius.

(By Sean Lin and Sunny Lai)

Enditem/AW



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Secretary Blinken's Meeting with UK Prime Minister Starmer

US Department of State

Readout

Office of the Spokesperson

September 10, 2024

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met today with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in London. Secretary Blinken and Prime Minister Starmer underscored the fundamental importance of the Special Relationship in addressing the most pressing global challenges. The two discussed the importance of enduring support for Ukraine and our sustained efforts in countering the Kremlin's brutal war of aggression. They also discussed the need to finalize a ceasefire deal in Gaza that brings the hostages home, increases the flow of humanitarian assistance into Gaza, and brings an end to the war.

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Congress President condemns illegal elections in the occupied Crimea

Council of Europe

Congress

Strasbourg

10 September 2024

The President of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, Marc Cools, has issued the following statement:

"On behalf of the Congress, I condemn the illegal conduct of so-called elections by the Russian Federation in Ukraine's Autonomous Republic of Crimea and City of Sebastopol occupied by Russia since 2014. 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 ".

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September 10, 2024

By C. Todd Lopez, DOD News

Iran Gives Russia Short-Range Missiles, While U.S., Partners Expect to Keep Bolstering Ukrainian Air Defense

The United States has confirmed that Iran has given a number of close-range ballistic missiles to Russia. But a U.S. official said from the beginning of the Russian invasion, support to Ukraine has focused on air defense, and that this will continue a including with a focus on the threat posed by the new missiles.

"The United States has confirmed reports that Iran has transferred shipments of Fath 360 close-range ballistic missiles to Russia, which we assess could employ them within weeks against Ukraine, leading to the deaths of even more Ukrainian civilians," said Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder during a briefing today. He added that right now, the department can't say how many missiles are involved.

The Fath 360 missiles, Ryder said, are believed to have a range of about 75 miles and would allow Russians to reserve more advanced missiles with longer ranges for other uses.

"It is a short-range or close-range ballistic missile system," he said. "What this does is it would enable Russia to employ this capability while preserving its longer-range capabilities for use throughout the battlefield, thus deepening Russia's arsenal and also, again, giving it the ability to strike the kinds of targets that we've seen them striking, to include civilian targets."

Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, and since then, through a variety of security arrangements, including with the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, the U.S. and partner nations have provided military support to Ukraine. A large focus has been on air defense, which Ryder said would continue.

"Air defense has been something that we've been very focused on for a long time now when it comes to Ukraine," he said. "That has been a priority for the Ukrainians, and therefore it's been a priority for us. I point you back to UDCG, almost a year and a half ago, where [Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III] highlighted how critical this was."

Since that time, Ryder said, U.S. and partner nations have been working to provide the Ukrainians with a variety of air defense systems meant to address both short-range and long-range missile threats.

"Building that integrated air defense capability for Ukraine has been going on for a while now, and so we're not going to let up," Ryder said. "And [with] these missiles, while they certainly are going to present a threat, we're going to work with Ukraine to ensure ... that they have the capabilities needed to defend against these missiles and other missiles that Russia is using, to include drones."

The United States has committed more than $55.9 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since the beginning of Russia's invasion in February 2022. Air defense systems are featured heavily in that security assistance. Among the air defense systems provided are Patriot air defense batteries; National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems, also called NASAMS; HAWK air defense systems; Stinger anti-aircraft missiles; and Avenger air defense systems.

In the same way the U.S. and partner nations have been training Ukrainian service members on the use of equipment such as howitzers and the F-16 Falcon aircraft, the Iranians have trained Russians on the use of the Fath 360. Ryder said the department believes "dozens" of Russian military personnel were trained in Iran to use the missile system.

While it's not known what the Iranians received in exchange for providing the missiles. Ryder said officials speculate intelligence information might have been part of the arrangement.

"Without being able to go into specifics, we see them sharing information as it relates to nuclear programs, space and other technological capabilities that Russia has that countries like Iran want," he said.

Ryder also said given Russia's growing relationships with other bad-faith actors on the global stage, including North Korea, there is a reasonable expectation that there will be continued delivery of missiles from Iran.

"The concerning aspect of this ... is the developing relationship between Russia and Iran," he said. "And you also see Russia developing a relationship with [North Korea], where they become essentially a supplier of capability. So, 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 good deal, that this would be a source of capability that Russia would seek to tap in the future."

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Chinese FM reiterates stance after Putin, Meloni's reported remarks on China's role in solving Ukraine crisis

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Sep 10, 2024 06:28 PM

The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Tuesday reiterated China's stance on the Ukraine crisis, emphasizing that China is committed to promoting peace talks, and supports all efforts for peace, in response to Russian President Vladimir Putin and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni reportedly expressing hope that China and other countries can mediate Russia-Ukraine conflict or play a role in resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

We stand ready to continue working with the international community to accumulate conditions for the political settlement of the crisis and play a constructive role for peace, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told a routine press conference on Tuesday.

According to Reuters, Putin said on Thursday that China, India and Brazil could act as mediators in potential peace talks over Ukraine. Putin said a preliminary agreement reached between Russian and Ukrainian negotiators in the first weeks of the war at talks in Istanbul, which was never implemented, could serve as the basis for talks.

In another development, Meloni, after meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Italy's Cernobbio on Saturday, said that India and China have the potential to find a resolution to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, The Times of India reported on Sunday.

Chinese Foreign Ministry has repeatedly stressed that China's stance on the Ukraine issue is consistent and clear. China always believes that to end the hostilities as soon as possible and seek a political settlement is in the interest of all parties. China is of the view that dialogue and negotiation is the only viable way out of the Ukraine crisis.

On August 27, Special Representative of the Chinese Government on Eurasian Affairs Li Hui held a media briefing on the recent fourth round of shuttle diplomacy on the Ukraine crisis. Li said that all parties are generally concerned about the risk of escalation and spillover of the conflict, concerned about the deep-rooted reasons for the protracted crisis, and highly appreciated the six common understandings issued by China and Brazil, which provide a valuable path for promoting the resolution of the crisis.

"All parties have put forward their own ideas on the peace process and look forward to strengthening exchanges with China to promote a fair and just solution to the crisis," Li said.

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Norway strongly condemns so-called "elections" in illegally annexed Crimea

Government of Norway

News story | Date: 10/09/2024

Russia conducted partial regional and local elections, including in the illegally annexed Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol, on 6-8 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.

Norway stands firmly with Ukraine and will continue to hold Russia accountable for its brutal war and criminal actions in Ukraine.

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Ukraine keeps pushing US, allies to allow long-range weapons use in Russia

Iran Press TV

Tuesday, 10 September 2024 3:07 PM

Ukraine once again urges the United States and its Western allies to allow the use of long-range missiles to hit targets deep inside the Russian territory.

The United States and other Western allies provide long-range weapons to Kiev but restricted it from launching them deep into Russia.

The Ukrainian president's chief of staff Andriy Yermak said on Tuesday that Kiev needs "permission to use Western weapons against military targets on the territory of the Russian Federation."

To strike targets inside the Russian territory, he said, the country's armed forces would also need permission for "deliveries of longer-range missiles, and strengthening our air defenses."

President Vladimir Putin has warned NATO allies against allowing Ukraine to use their arms to attack Russian territory, saying that his country could provide long-range weapons to others to strike Western targets in response to any such attack on this country.

Putin said that actions by the West will further undermine international security and could lead to "very serious problems."

However, key suppliers of military hardware to Ukraine, including Britain, Germany and the US have recently eased previous restrictions on how and where their equipment can be used.

On Tuesday, 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 from the capital Moscow, said local governor Andrey Vorobyov.

Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov condemned the strike, which he 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."

In the meantime, Moscow said Russian military forces have made sweeping territorial gains in eastern Ukraine.

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Ukrainian Drones Threaten Moscow And Its Airports As Russian Drones Target Kyiv

By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service and RFE/RL's Russian Service September 10, 2024

Ukrainian officials said on September 10 that a widespread Russian drone-and-missile attack had targeted Kyiv and critical infrastructure in Ukraine's northeast in addition to other regions, while Russian officials said an overnight swarm of attack drones from Ukraine killed a woman near the capital and grounded flights at three Moscow airports.

Moscow region Governor Andrei Vorobyov said a 46-year-old woman was killed and four others injured in the town of Ramenskoye when drones struck multistory buildings in the Moscow region.

Dozens of residents were evacuated from a heavily damaged apartment block, officials said.

Local media quoted Russian defense sources as saying air defense units had destroyed 144 Ukrainian drones over nine Russian regions overnight.

Russia's national aviation authority Rosaviyatsiya said that following the drone attacks, flights had been suspended at three of Moscow's international airports -- Domodedovo, Zhukovsky, and Vnukovo -- for safety reasons.

A few hours later the airports were said to be operating normally.

The Ukrainian Air Force, meanwhile, said Russia attacked overnight with two missiles and at least 46 drones. It said it had shot down 38 of the drones.

The military administration in the Ukrainian capital said its air defenses had shot down all of the UAVs headed for Kyiv after an air alert that began around 4 a.m. local time and lasted about two hours.

Kyiv officials said there had been no damage in the city.

In Ukraine's northwestern Sumy region, the military administration said Russian forces had attacked critical infrastructure facilities but said air defenses had blunted the attack.

RFE/RL could not immediately verify the claims by either side.

A major feature of Moscow's offensive since the early months of its 36-month-old full-scale invasion, Russian missile and rocket attacks on population centers and power and other infrastructure throughout the country have been increasingly countered with cross-border drone attacks by Ukraine.

With reporting by Reuters

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-war-moscow-airports- drone-attacks/33114103.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.

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Wartime Imitation: Russia Holds Illegitimate Elections In Occupied Crimea

By Aleksander Palikot, RFE/RL's Crimea.Realities and RFE/RL's Russian Service September 10, 2024

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, Putin's ruling United Russia party planned to nominate many "heroes of the special military operation," that is veterans of Moscow's 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, Russia's 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 won't 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.

Ukraine's 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 Crimea...are 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.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-crimea-elections- illegitimate-wartime-ukraine/33113400.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.

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Beside ICC Prosecutor, Ukraine Accuses Russian Commander Of Ordering Attack On Children's Hospital

By RFE/RL September 10, 2024

Ukrainian Prosecutor-General Andriy Kostin accused an unnamed Russian Air Force commander of ordering a devastating air strike on a children's hospital in Kyiv in July, during a September 10 visit to the scene of the tragedy alongside the International Criminal Court's (ICC) visiting top prosecutor.

ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan told journalists near the heavily damaged Okhmatdyt Children's Hospital that a Kh-101 cruise missile appeared to have been identified as the projectile in the attack.

But Khan stopped short of assigning culpability for the bombing, which killed dozens of people and shocked the international community despite two years of scenes of suffering and death from Russia's grinding 2-year-old invasion.

Khan is in Ukraine to bolster his intergovernmental court's pursuit of justice for alleged Russian war crimes that have produced international warrants for senior Russian leaders all the way up to President Vladimir Putin.

Kostin hinted at the identity of the Russian commander that Kyiv believes ordered the bombardment that struck Okhmatdyt only by saying the ICC had already issued an international arrest warrant for the suspect.

The ICC agreed in March to Khan's request for warrants over unspecified energy and other attacks against Sergei Ivanovich Kobylash, whom it identified as "a lieutenant general in the Russian armed forces who at the relevant time was commander of the long-range aviation of the Aerospace Force," and Viktor Nikolayevich Sokolov, "an admiral in the Russian Navy, who at the relevant time was commander of the Black Sea Fleet."

"We are continuing the investigation to find other people responsible for the strike on Okhmatdyt," Kostin said on September 10.

Kostin added that the Kh-101 cruise missile that struck Okhmatdyt had been fired from a Russian bomber.

Khan has homed in on possible war crimes since early in the full-scale invasion, announcing an investigation in March 2022 of potential crimes spanning back beyond Russia's covert invasion of Ukraine in early 2014.

He and other ICC officials have made multiple visits to Ukraine since February 2022.

In February 2023, Khan launched criminal warrants for Putin and Russia's commissioner for children's rights, Maria Lvova-Belova, over the unlawful deportation and transfer of Ukrainian children to Russia from occupied areas of Ukraine.

The ICC has since issued the Kobylash and Sokolov warrants for actions that it said constituted war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Russia has denied targeting civilians despite near-constant attacks on Ukrainian population centers.

Moscow is not a party to the 1998 Rome Statute that established the ICC and has accused the court of being a "puppet body" serving narrow Western interests.

Ukraine is also not among the 120-plus Rome Statute signatories, but Kyiv has accepted ICC jurisdiction in past cases on its territory.

Other targets of ICC warrants include Israel's leadership and current and former leaders of Hamas, the U.S.- and EU-designated terrorist organization whose incursion from the Gaza Strip into southern Israel on October 7 killed at least 1,200 people, many of them civilians, sparking a yearlong Israeli military response that has devastated Gaza and its residents, and threatened a broader conflict.

In addition to pursuing senior Hamas leaders for alleged war crimes, Khan has sought warrants for the arrest of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yaov Gallant over the Israeli military response in the Gaza Strip where 2 million Palestinians resided.

Armenia became the 124th state party to the Rome Statute in February, months after archfoe Azerbaijan's lightning offensive forced the capitulation of ethnic Armenian forces who had controlled the internationally recognized Azerbaijani region of Nagorno-Karabakh for decades.

The Azerbaijani takeover prompted some 100,000 ethnic Armenians to flee the region and elicited accusations in Yerevan of war crimes.

With reporting by Reuters

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/icc-khan-visit-ukraine-war-crimes- russia/33114267.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.

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Russian Defence Ministry report on repelling an invasion attempt of the AFU on the territory of the Russian Federation (10 September 2024)

10.09.2024

Units of the Sever Group of Forces supported by Army Aviation and artillery repelled six attacks of the enemy in the direction of Apanasovka, Kamyshevka, Maryevka, and Cherkasskaya Konopelka. The enemy's attempts to launch attacks in the direction of Borki, Krasnooktyabrskoye, and Kremyanoye were thwarted.

As a result, the AFU losses amounted to up to 40 troops killed and wounded, four AFU servicemen were taken prisoner; one tank, two armoured fighting vehicles, and one motor vehicle were destroyed.

The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue reconnaissance and search operations in forestry areas to locate and eliminate enemy sabotage groups attempting to get to the depth of the Russian territory.

Air strikes, artillery fire, and actions of the troops inflicted fire damage on manpower and hardware clusters of the 22nd, 61st mechanised brigades, 80th, 82nd air assault brigades, 152nd Jaeger Brigade, 1st Presidential Brigade, and 1004th Security and Service Brigade near Borki, Vnezapnoye, Ivashkovsky, Kubatkin, Kurilovka, Lyubimovka, Malaya Loknya, Makhnovka, Martynovka, Novaya Sorochina, Novoivanovka, Obukhovka, Orlovka, Snagost, and Uspenovka.

Operational-Tactical Aviation and Missile Troops delivered strikes in Sumy region at concentration areas of foreign mercenaries and reserves of the 21st, 22nd, 41st, 54th mechanised brigades, 17th Tank Brigade, 80th, 82nd air assault brigades of the AFU, 1st Presidential Brigade, 101st, 103rd, and 129th territorial defence brigades near Belopolye, Boyaro-Lezhachi, Glukhov, Druzhin, Krovnoye, Iskriskovshchina, Novaya Sloboda, Svessa, Peschannoye, Pavlovka, Pustogorod, Sumy, and Yampol.

Over the past 24 hours, the AFU losses amounted to more than 380 troops and 15 units of hardware, including two tanks, 13 armoured fighting vehicles as well as three artillery guns, and 11 motor vehicles.

Since the beginning of hostilities in Kursk direction, the Armed Forces of Ukraine have lost more than 11,800 troops, 93 tanks, 42 infantry fighting vehicles, 74 armoured personnel carriers, 649 armoured fighting vehicles, 382 motor vehicles, 89 artillery guns, 24 MLRS launchers, including seven of HIMARS and five of MLRS, eight SAM launchers, two transport-loading vehicles, 22 electronic warfare stations and seven counter-battery radars, two air defence radars, eight engineering vehicles, including two counterobstacle vehicles and one UR-77 mine clearing vehicle.

The operation to neutralise the AFU units is in progress.

Department for Media Affairs and Information

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Ukraine Loses Over 11,800 Soldiers During Operation in Kursk Region

Sputnik News

20240910

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The Russian military eliminated more than 11,800 Ukrainian service members and 93 tanks during military operations in the border areas of the Kursk Region, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Tuesday.

In total, during the Kursk region military operations, the Ukrainian armed forces lost more than 11,800 servicemen, 93 tanks, 42 infantry fighting vehicles, 74 armored personnel carriers, 649 armored combat vehicles, 382 vehicles, the ministry said in a statement.

Over the past day, Kiev has lost as many as 380 soldiers, 15 pieces of military equipment, including two tanks and 13 armored vehicles in the Kursk area, the ministry added.

The Russian troops have repelled six attacks in the Kursk Region while preventing attempted attacks targeting three Russian settlements, the ministry said, adding that the Ukrainian forces suffered losses amounting to 40 personnel and a tank, with 4 soldiers ending up being taken prisoner.

Russian Civilians Injured

Over 240 civilians, including 11 children, have been injured since the start of the Ukrainian offensive in Russia's Kursk Region, acting deputy Health Minister of the Kursk Region Pavel Alimenko said on Tuesday.

"Since August 6, 2024, as a result of shelling of the Kursk Region, a total of 243 people have been injured among the civilian population, including 11 children. There are currently 38 patients receiving hospital treatment, including one child," Alimenko told a briefing.

A Sputnik

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Constant missile and drone attacks show Russia's callous disregard for Ukraine's citizens: UK statement at the UN Security Council

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine.

10 September 2024

Colleagues, over two and half years since Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine it is the Ukrainian people who continue to bear the terrible consequences of Russia's aggression.

14 million Ukrainians are already in need of humanitarian assistance.

Rather than end this suffering, Russia has chosen to sharply increase its attacks on schools and hospitals in recent months.

This Council met in July to discuss the particularly shocking damage caused by a Russian missile strike on the Okhmatdyt Children's Hospital. Since then, the situation has only got worse. The UN reports that Russian attacks have led to 184 civilian casualties in the last month, in cities and towns across the country.

And Russia continues to target key energy facilities across the country. Over 100 attacks since March, have caused extended power cuts affecting millions of people. To be clear, direct attacks on civilian infrastructure constitute a war crime.

This must end.

This constant bombardment, and Russia's aggression along the frontline and in Ukrainian territory, is also complicating the humanitarian response.

As reported by OCHA on World Humanitarian Day, Ukraine is now one of the most dangerous contexts in the world for aid workers. There were over 225 incidents that directly impacted humanitarian operations last year, averaging four a week.

The systemic denial of humanitarian access also means we cannot verify the full scale of violations and abuses being committed against Ukrainian civilians.

The UK calls on Russia to comply with all its obligations under International Humanitarian Law, to take all feasible precautions to protect civilians and to cease targeting infrastructure that provides the essential needs for Ukraine's population.

Until Russia ends its aggression, Ukraine has the right to defend itself, under Article 51 of the UN Charter. And in defending itself, Ukraine is defending us all.

Ukrainians are risking their lives day in, day out to stand up for the values at the heart of this very institution - the UN - and the right of all our countries to sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Mr President, the UK remains steadfast in its support for Ukraine. We've committed A12.7bn of support so far, including vital lethal aid, crucial humanitarian assistance and funding for energy supplies. We will continue to support Ukraine in the face of this appalling aggression.

We reiterate once again our call for Russia to end this brutal war, to withdraw from Ukrainian territory, and to uphold its commitments under the UN Charter.

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Defence Secretary oral statement on war in Ukraine - 10 September 2024

Defence Secretary, John Healey, provided an update to the House of Commons on the war in Ukraine - including details of Ukraine's defensive operation in the Kursk region of Russia.

10 September 2024

Mr Speaker, it has now been 930 days since Putin launched his full scale, illegal invasion of Ukraine.

930 days in which, Ukrainian Forces have fought heroically, while also communities have endured relentless attacks, children have been stolen to Russia, and families have seen their homes destroyed.

Yet, throughout everything, Ukraine has stood strong in the face of Russian aggression.

And since day one, when I sat in the honourable gentleman's place opposite as Shadow Defence Secretary, this House - and our country - has been united for Ukraine.

In Opposition, Labour backed every package of military aid, every sanction on Russia, every scheme to support civilians, like Homes for Ukraine. And I know the Opposition will continue to work with the Government in the same way because this House stands united for Ukraine.

Mr Speaker, I've been proud of UK leadership on Ukraine and I am determined that UK leadership will continue. And I am also determined to work across this House.

So, I will offer Opposition leaders regular intelligence assessments on the conflict. I will offer MPs of all parties regular MOD and FCDO briefings - the second one took place this morning within MOD and now more than 100 colleagues from all sides of the House have attended. And, Mr Speaker, the House will receive regular updates on the conflict from me.

Mr Speaker, Ukraine is a first order priority for me as Defence Secretary and for this new Government. That's why, on the second day in the job, I flew to Odesa and I joined President Zelenskyy and his team for the afternoon.

I told him the Ukrainians' courage inspires the world. I also told him that at this critical moment, this new Government would step up support for Ukraine.

So in our first week, we announced a new package of UK military support - including ammunition, missiles, artillery guns; a new commitment to speed up the deliveries pledged by the previous Government; and a promise to spend A3 billion a year on military support for Ukraine this year, next year and every year for as long as it takes.

And in the weeks since, Mr Speaker, we have stepped up support still further:

We signed a new A3.5 billion Defence Industrial Support Treaty; hit the A1 billion milestone for the International Fund for Ukraine; advanced the UK-led Maritime and Drone Capability Coalitions; and agreed a new A300 million contract for artillery shells.

And then on Friday, last week, at the Ukraine Defence Contact Group in Ramstein, I announced a new A160 million production contract for air defence missiles, and I also announced the UK's Operation Interflex, which has trained 45,000 Ukrainian troops since 2022, will extend beyond this year and throughout 2025.

This support is both short term and long term. Immediate provision and long term production, training troops today and developing Ukrainian forces for the future.

This approach gives Ukrainians the confidence to plan, and it sends a signal to Putin that we the UK, and our allies, will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.

Mr Speaker, there have been important battlefield developments during the past month.

In the first week of August, Ukrainian forces launched a remarkable offensive across Russia's border into the Kursk region. This exposed the vulnerabilities of Putin's frontline forces, and it demonstrates Ukraine's ability to achieve surprise strategic attacks.

It also helps better defend Ukraine and its northern centres by pushing back the sites from which Russia can launch deadly attacks.

Around 900 square-kilometres of territory is now held by Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region. This has put Putin under pressure.

After initial disarray, Russian forces are now deploying to the area in greater numbers.

But eastern Ukraine continues to be Russia's main focus, with tactical advances bringing Pokrovsk within approximately 8km now of the frontline.

And with Russia continuing to rely on infantry-led assaults, its casualties remain high and rising. Daily casualties have doubled from this time last year, with Russia averaging more than 1,100 a day killed or wounded in July and August alone.

Meanwhile, recent Russian air bombardments have been some of the most intense since the start of the war. President Zelenskyy stated on Friday, in Ramstein, that 4,000 missiles and drones were fired at Ukraine in the last month, targeting critical national infrastructure, attacking civilian centres, including Poltava and Lviv in the last week.

Since 2022, the impact of this has been that Russia has destroyed or it has captured more than fifty per cent of Ukraine's power generation capacity, forcing Ukraine to implement power outages with winter approaching.

Meanwhile at sea, Ukraine has scored some significant successes. Driving Russia's fleet out of the western Black Sea to reopen export routes, destroying or damaging 26 Russian Naval vessels operating in the Black Sea, including a Russian Kilo-class submarine just last month.

Despite these notable achievements, Russian pressure across the whole frontline will continue in the months ahead.

Russian industry remains on a war footing, Russian artillery is outfiring Ukraine by at least three to one, and Russia is also conscripting or recruiting 400,000 additional soldiers this year.

So for the coming weeks, two things are clear:

Ukrainians need to strengthen their frontline 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.

This was discussed at the US-led Ukraine Defence Contact Group last Friday that I attended with other defence ministers and President Zelenskyy. It was where military support and unity for Ukraine was strengthened among 50 allied nations, and where the US Defense Secretary, Lloyd Austin, served an important reminder to everyone: "If Ukraine is not free", he said, "the world is not safe".

And that's why the defence of the UK starts in Ukraine. And if President Putin prevails in Ukraine, he will not stop at Ukraine. If big nations redraw international boundaries by force, the sovereignty and security of all nations is undermined.

That's why UK support, alongside allies, is so important. Military, economic, industrial and diplomatic support.

Mr Speaker, I also want this House to know: we are seeing clear growing signs of Russian aggression beyond Ukraine. NATO allies are reporting Russian drones violating their airspace.

The heads of the UK and US security services confirmed that Russian intelligence is, as they said, conducting a "reckless campaign of sabotage across Europe".

And last week, the National Cyber Security Centre revealed last week that Russia's specialist GRU unit is conducting offensive cyber operations directed at governments and civilian infrastructure.

Putin is targeting our security. He is targeting our way of life. We face a decade of growing Russian aggression.

But this is a Government that will protect our people and this country. We will actively deter and defend against Russian threats, working in partnership with our allies.

And that's why, as a new Government, our defence policy will now be NATO first.

Mr Speaker, as we approach 1,000 days of war, this conflict is at a critical moment.

That's why the UK is stepping up support. Because this isn't just Ukraine's struggle. It's our struggle too.

Ukraine is fighting to regain its sovereign territory, but it's also fighting to reinforce peace, democracy, and security in the rest of Europe.

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President Met with UNITED24 Ambassador, Historian Timothy Snyder in Kyiv

President of Ukraine

10 September 2024 - 20:27

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with UNITED24 Fundraising Platform Ambassador, Yale University Professor of History Timothy Snyder.

The Head of State noted the Ambassador's efforts in raising funds for the Safe Terrain and Safe Skies programs. Thanks to Timothy Snyder, $3.8 million has been raised. The most active fundraisers with his support have been for drones and for the Shahed Hunter enemy UAV countermeasures system.

"Thank you for your work on the UNITED24 Platform. You are our record holder - thanks to you, this is a record fundraiser, and this is very important. It helps a lot. You have helped in many different ways. You know that not all Ambassadors have taken the military direction, and I am very grateful to you for not being afraid of it," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

Timothy Snyder noted that he is seeking to contribute to the just struggle of Ukrainians.

"This is a small thing. It is very important for me as a human being: I can think that I am doing something for Ukraine. There are no opportunities in life when what is just is as clear as it is now," he said.

The historian presented Volodymyr Zelenskyy with an autographed copy of his book "On Freedom." The book is based on conversations with the President of Ukraine. It will be presented in a week.

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Peace for Ukraine and Just End of this War is Daily and Very Hard Work - President at the Presentation of the New Minister of Foreign Affairs

President of Ukraine

10 September 2024 - 18:32

I wish you good health! Glory to Ukraine!

Dear participants!

Dear Mr. Minister, Andrii Ivanovych! Dear Ukrainian diplomats, all employees of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine!

First of all, I would like to thank every one of you who is really working for the defense of our state, for the defense of Ukrainians, our people. It is very valuable that Ukraine can rely on your professional experience, on the expertise of Ukrainian diplomats in the most difficult times of its history, and this is part of our defense - your work.

Before February 24 and after February 24, Andrii Sybiha worked and continues to work on a fundamental basis to ensure that Ukraine has the strength to stand up to Russia. I am grateful to Andrii Ivanovych for this support from the first not just days, but hours of the invasion. And I know that he has always tried and is trying to ensure that our Ukrainian diplomacy can perform all state tasks.

Now the Minister can definitely direct the Ukrainian diplomatic service in such a way that Ukraine will achieve the most important result: a lasting peace, a just peace for all our people - a victory for Ukraine.

It is important that all of you correctly understand the significance of this particular time - you are to be a diplomatic part of the entire team of our state, which will lead Ukraine to peace. In this regard, I would like to emphasize the following priorities. Although we met recently and talked about important things, I would like to emphasize some things separately.

First. When I became the President of Ukraine and saw the work of the Ambassador of Ukraine to TArkiye, it really inspired respect. And I heard the respect with which the President of TArkiye spoke about the Ambassador of Ukraine.

While working in TArkiye, Andrii Sybiha spoke Turkish and had a good understanding of Turkish culture and customs. President ErdoAYan emphasized this in our conversations. He was in close contact with the people who determined the policy of TArkiye. And the same way when he worked in Poland: he knows the language, understands the culture and spirit of the country, and communicates closely with political and social leaders.

This is what, in my opinion, should be the standard for Ukrainian representatives abroad.

Being an Ambassador of Ukraine means understanding the country you work in, and you definitely need to be able to be heard in that country. Andrii Ivanovych, I am counting on this kind of fair treatment to all Ambassadors - a professional attitude to all Ambassadors of our state, consuls, and other representatives: we need diplomats who add respect to Ukraine. You have worked at this level and know exactly how a Ukrainian mission should function.

Second. We need to pay more attention to relations with Ukraine's neighbors. We cannot lose this neighborhood, whatever it may be.

We understand how difficult the political process is, for example, now in Poland. Moreover, a new election process is about to begin there.

We understand the situation in Hungary, we understand the situation in Slovakia, in Moldova, in Romania.

All this requires sensitivity, perseverance and protection of Ukrainian interests, as well as our common interests with our neighbors. Only together can we protect our region, and a lot depends on your skills, on the skills of Ukrainian diplomacy at all levels.

Third. The defense of Ukraine requires a global understanding of what is happening.

We should be heard and known in all regions of the world. Much has already been done for this purpose. I am grateful to everyone who contributed. But we need more, and much more. In particular, in Latin America, Africa, the countries of Asia. At the same time, we must be transparent with our long-term partners - with everyone. Ukraine's position should be voiced in the world, and this can only be done when Ukrainian diplomacy is truly active and truly systematic.

Fourth. We have absolutely urgent needs in supplying the frontline and ensuring the stability of our entire state. The announced defense packages should be delivered as quickly as possible. Our partners should know our every need and every opportunity for cooperation with them. Supplying the front, joint defense production, reconstruction in Ukraine, strengthening sanctions against Russia and the use of Russian assets for Ukrainian defense, support for our communities abroad - these should be the areas of constant work of every Ukrainian diplomat.

And fifth. This year, we need an effective second Peace Summit. This means maximum involvement of the world in the implementation of the Peace Formula. And the maximum strengthening of our positions to make the process of restoring peace real and fair.

For example, today the 94th country - Panama - has joined the CommuniquA of the first Peace Summit. And every Ambassador of Ukraine to the countries that have not yet joined should make sure that their host country better understands the Peace Formula, and our position on ending the war with a just peace for Ukraine, and the global efforts to implement the Formula. Taking care of this means taking care of the state, your family, and yourself as a citizen. And also, about your position. And this is only fair.

The same goes for the maximum involvement of countries in the groups working on the Peace Formula points.

The team of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, the entire team of the Government, the team of the Presidential Office, our Parliamentary Diplomats, everyone involved in this work at the public level - everyone should understand that peace for Ukraine and a just end to this war is not only a historic mission, but daily and very hard work.

I am confident that Ukraine is capable of doing this work - winning this war and ensuring peace.

I look forward to your full effectiveness.

Thank you.

Glory to Ukraine!

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Volodymyr Zelenskyy Introduced the New Minister of Foreign Affairs

President of Ukraine

10 September 2024 - 17:53

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy introduced the newly appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha to the staff of the Ministry.

The Head of State noted that since the first hours of the full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation, Andrii Sybiha has been doing everything possible to ensure that Ukrainian diplomacy could achieve all state goals.

According to him, the standard for Ukrainian diplomats abroad should be a deep understanding of the host country. This is how our country's representation abroad should function.

Another priority mentioned by Volodymyr Zelenskyy is to pay more attention to relations with Ukraine's neighboring countries.

"We understand how difficult the political process is, for example, now in Poland. Moreover, a new election process is about to begin there. We understand the situation in Hungary, Slovakia, Moldova, Romania. All this requires sensitivity, perseverance and protection of Ukrainian interests, as well as our common interests with our neighbors," the Head of State stressed.

The President also noted that Ukraine should be heard and known in all regions of the world. Much has already been done for this purpose, but more is needed. In particular, he emphasized the need to intensify work in Latin America, Africa and countries of Asia.

The urgent needs of the frontline and ensuring the resilience of the entire state are crucial issues. The announced defense packages should be delivered as quickly as possible.

"Our partners should know our every need and every opportunity for cooperation with them. Supplying the front, joint defense production, reconstruction in Ukraine, strengthening sanctions against Russia and the use of Russian assets for Ukrainian defense, support for our communities abroad - these should be the areas of constant work of every Ukrainian diplomat," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

The Head of State noted that Ukraine needs an effective second Peace Summit this year.

"Everyone should understand that peace for Ukraine and a just end to this war is not only a historic mission, but daily and very hard work. I am confident that Ukraine is capable of doing this work - winning this war and ensuring peace," he said.

Andrii Sybiha thanked the President for his trust and assured him that the MFA would work for results.

"The set priorities are clear. We will ensure them continuously, persistently - consistently, proactively, strongly, with new staff, with new approaches. Where necessary, we will do so diplomatically. Where necessary, we will be tough," the Minister of Foreign Affairs said.

Andrii Sybiha noted that the entire work of Ukrainian diplomacy will be subordinated to the logic of victory, achieving a comprehensive, just and sustainable peace.

Integration into NATO and the EU will also be an absolute priority.

"And, of course, people. We will pay special attention to the protection of people's rights and interests," the Minister concluded.

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Russia reports shooting down 144 Ukrainian drones

By VOA News September 10, 2024

Russia's 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.

Russia's 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.

Ukraine's 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

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General Assembly wraps up with calls for unity and resolve

By Vibhu Mishra

10 September 2024 - The 78th session of the UN General Assembly closed on Tuesday, concluding a tumultuous year in international diplomacy and underscoring the need for a collective resolve among nations to confront pressing challenges.

Secretary-General AntAnio Guterres said the past year had been marked by ongoing poverty, inequality and conflict, emphasizing that it was also the hottest year on record.

Addressing the session's final plenary meeting, he highlighted the "hope and inspiration" in what can be achieved if the global community worked as one. He also applauded the leadership of Assembly President Dennis Francis.

"The challenges facing humanity are not insurmountable if we work together," he said.

Mr. Guterres reiterated that the UN, and the multilateral system itself, can only be as effective as Member States' commitment allows.

"As we celebrate the achievements of the 78th General Assembly, let us also look to the 79th as a moment in which the world can deliver the trust, solutions and peace that our world needs."

'An eventful year'

Addressing the Assembly for the final time in that capacity, President Dennis Francis, the veteran diplomat from Trinidad and Tobago, recalled key achievements of the session and the work of his Presidency.

"We began the session in September with an especially hectic though successful High-Level Week - featuring the SDG Summit and High-Level Dialogue on Financing for Development, as well as a number of other significant achievements for multilateral diplomacy."

He highlighted that a key aspect of his work was ensuring the UN's relevance to its eight billion global constituents, having visited 31 countries and meeting with a wide range of stakeholders - from government leaders to students, women, civil society and displaced families.

"My visits to Haiti, South Sudan, and Ukraine were especially poignant, as these nations are facing conflict, insecurity, and aggression," he said, stressing that the UN's efforts in these regions "are truly lifesaving".

Israel, Palestine, 'uppermost in my mind'

Mr. Francis added that though he was unable to meet with Israelis and Palestinians on the ground, in the vicinity of the theatre of ongoing crisis, "developments there remained uppermost in my mind."

He discussed the crisis with leaders worldwide, including Pope Francis, he added.

He expressed "sincere hope" that ongoing diplomatic efforts will produce a ceasefire, even if temporary, and that this can somehow lead to a political process towards achieving long-lasting peace for the sake of the peoples of the region.

Challenges 'not beyond our capacity'

The Assembly President concluded his address reminding ambassadors that while the challenges confronting the global community are complex, "they are certainly not beyond our capacity to overcome."

He underscored the importance of unity, urging nations to confront global challenges with all available resources to build a more secure future, reiterating the importance of the United Nations as "one of the greatest forces for good in the world and that we must work hard to sustain its longevity."

"Let us rise to the occasion. Let us deliver on the promises we have made and let us work together in solidarity to build a future that honours the hopes and dreams of all peoples and truly unites the nations...as the great Nelson Mandela once said, 'it always seems impossible until it is done'."

Philemon Yang takes over the gavel

The meeting also saw Philemon Yang, President-elect of the 79th session of the General Assembly, take the oath of the office of the President of the General Assembly.

Mr. Yang declared he would perform his duties truthfully as Assembly President, acting "in all loyalty, discretion and conscience."

He committed to always exercising his authority as president in the best interests of the United Nations and in accordance with the UN Charter and code of ethics.

President Dennis Francis then declared the 78th session closed and handed over the iconic gavel to President Yang.

The 79th session of the General Assembly convenes in the afternoon at 3 PM (New York time), with the session's annual high-level general debate taking place from 24 September.

Also taking place in September are high-level meetings the threats posed by sea level rise (25 September), and elimination of nuclear weapons and antimicrobial resistance on 26 September.

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Secretary-General's remarks at the Closing of the Seventy-Eight Session of the United Nations General Assembly [as delivered]

United Nations Secretary-General

New York

10 September 2024

Mr. President, Excellencies,

We close this 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly after a tumultuous year.

A year of continued poverty, inequality and injustice.

A year of division, violence, and conflict.

A year that was the hottest on record a again.

But this session also closes at a time of growing hope and inspiration in what we can achieve if we work as one.

This spirit of solidarity shone through this Assembly's accomplishments over the last year.

Using the timeless tools of diplomacy, dialogue and debate, this 78th session of the General Assembly worked to deliver solutions and hope for people and planet alike.

At every step, we could count on the outgoing President, His Excellency Dennis Francis.

With consummate skill, stewardship and dedication a under the theme "Peace, Prosperity, Progress and Sustainability" a he brought the needs of small island developing states such as his own to this Assembly.

He convened the High-Level Meeting on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response last September.

He was invaluable to the success of the SDG Summit, which resulted in a strong show of political support for an SDG Stimulus and for reforming the global financial architecture so it better serves developing countries.

He has been tireless in raising the alarm and inspiring action on rising sea levels - convening leaders, and taking his message to key gatherings around the world.

He convened the first-ever Sustainability Week at the General Assembly a a weeklong series of events around tourism, infrastructure, transport, energy, and debt.

And I appreciate his leadership in advancing preparations for the Summit of the Future this month, and his tireless advocacy of gender equality and youth participation.

Mr. President a on behalf of the entire UN family, thank you for your efforts over the last year.

And we look forward to collaborating with your successor a His Excellency Philemon Yang of Cameroon a to carry this work forward in the coming session.

Mr. President, Excellencies,

The United Nations, and the multilateral system itself, is only as effective as Member States' commitment to it.

The challenges facing humanity are not insurmountable if we work together.

As we celebrate the achievements of the 78th General Assembly, let's also look to the 79th as a moment in which the world can deliver the trust, solutions and peace that the world needs.

At every step, you can count on my full support.

I thank you.

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Secretary-General's remarks at the Opening of the Seventy-Ninth Session of the United Nations General Assembly [as delivered]

United Nations Secretary-General

New York

10 September 2024

Mr. President of the 79th session of the General Assembly, Your Excellency Philemon Yang of Cameroon a congratulations.

You bring to this vital task a wealth of experience, including your years as Prime Minister of Cameroon that I had the privilege to meet in your country, but also as a diplomat and public servant, and as a proud African.

I commend your vision statement's focus on key priorities such as finance and science and technology which are all critical to global progress.

Mr. President, I pledge my full support as you unite our diverse membership around common goals and solutions.

And I once again thank the outgoing President a His Excellency Dennis Francis a for his stewardship of this Assembly over the last year.

Excellencies,

As we open this 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, we confront a world in trouble.

But the good news is that we can do something about it.

From day one, the United Nations has been the place for multilateral solutions a grounded in collaboration...dialogue...diplomacy...and the United Nations Charter.

And it has been the place where respect for one another, and for the dignity and human rights that belong to every member of the human family, are brought to life.

As we welcome this 79th session, these tasks now fall to you.

This is the place where solutions are made.

And we need solutions across the board.

Solutions to bring the Sustainable Development Goals back to life, and end poverty and inequality.

Solutions to spur economic progress and job-creation for all a especially women and young people.

Solutions to bridge the political divides and end the conflicts that are causing so much death and suffering.

Solutions to end the climate catastrophe that is killing our one and only home.

Solutions to summon the financing that developing countries need to invest in the future of their people.

Solutions that give all countries a voice in global institutions of finance, peace and security.

And solutions to ensure that groundbreaking technologies like artificial intelligence are a boon, not a barrier, to human progress and equality.

Step by step, solution by solution, we can re-build trust and faith in one another, and in what we can accomplish through collaboration and solidarity.

Mr. President, Excellencies,

The values that have brought us together since 1945 are more essential than ever.

In confronting the challenges before us, the United Nations General Assembly remains an indispensable tool and a vital pathway towards a peaceful and just future for all people.

Let's renew our commitment to that future.

And let's get there together.

Thank you.

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VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Sept. 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Anthem Properties Group has launched an initial public offering on its 66 storey, mixed-use development, Citizen, located in the heart of Metrotown in Burnaby, British Columbia, with the goal of increasing housing availability in a critically constrained market. Units in this IPO will be issued through the newly created Anthem Citizen Real Estate Development Trust.



CIBC Capital Markets will act as sole agent for the IPO and has successfully completed real estate development IPOs for US assets. Anthem anticipates raising up to $82M CDN which will be added to other funding sources already secured on the project. The partnership model on Citizen is not new to Anthem, who has financial partnerships on many of its projects.

Policy changes, increased costs, shifting market cycles and more create an ongoing challenge for developers hunting for capital which requires innovative and creative thinking to get projects off the ground, said Anthem Core-Founder & CEO, Eric Carlson. Doing things differently is at the core of what we do at Anthem, and this IPO is a great way to continue to push the boundaries of what is possible and take a new approach to making housing happen.

With a mix of market, rental and affordable homes, anchored by a hotel and supported by retail space, Citizen is anticipated to be a premier destination in Metrotown, Burnaby. Anthem has a productive and positive working relationship with the City of Burnaby, who is eager to create great spaces that encourage residents and businesses to choose their city to call home. The project has rezoning approvals and entitlements complete, with construction expected to begin at the close of this offering.

Details on the IPO including the prospectus and investor presentation can be found at www.citizenbyanthemdevtrust.com

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities of the REDT in the United States, nor shall there be any sale of the securities of the REDT in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The securities described herein have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the 1933 Act), and may not be offered or sold within the United States unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or pursuant to exemptions from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws.

About Anthem Properties

Anthem is a real estate development, investment and management company that strives, solves and evolves to create better spaces and stronger communities, with more than 385 residential, commercial, and retail projects. Founded in 1991, Anthem is a team of 800, with a diverse portfolio consisting of 41,700 homes, 11.5 million square feet of retail, industrial and office space and has developed more than 60 communities across 9,800 acres of land across in Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario and California. We are Growing Places.

Contact:

Elisha McCallum

Vice President, Communications

Phone: 604.488.3612 Mobile: 778.668.0185

Email: emccallum@anthemproperties.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4159460b-cefc-4564-9407-2e54268141a2
SINGAPORE, Sept. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- OKX , a global Web3 technology company, today announced that it is the Title Sponsor of TOKEN2049 Singapore, Asia's premier Web3 and crypto conference, for the third consecutive year. The event will take place from September 18-19 at Marina Bay Sands Convention Centre.



As part of TOKEN2049 Singapore, OKX executives will take part in panels, keynotes and fireside chats during the event - with special guest appearances throughout the week. In addition, OKX's Web3 Product and Marketing teams will showcase flagship onchain products - including the OKX Wallet and Marketplace - at booth P67 and P71. Visitors to booth P56 will have the opportunity to receive exclusive OKX-branded swag items and other surprises.

OKX will also have a strong presence at Web3 conferences before and after TOKEN2049 Singapore. The OKX Wallet team will host various side events coinciding with TOKEN2049 Singapore, partnering with leading projects such as Uniswap and Solana for networking and additional panel discussions.

TOKEN2049 Singapore is set to welcome over 20,000 attendees, including 7,000+ companies, 300+ speakers, 400+ exhibitors and over 70% of C-suite leaders in the industry. This makes it the largest event of its kind this year.

For further information, please contact:

Media@okx.com

About OKX

OKX is a technology company with a mission to organize the world's blockchains and make them more accessible and useful.

We want to create a future that makes our world more efficient, transparent and connected.

OKX began as a crypto exchange giving millions of people access to trading and over time became among the largest platforms in the world. In recent years, we have developed one of the most connected onchain wallets used by millions to access decentralized applications (dApps).

OKX is a brand trusted by hundreds of large institutions seeking access to crypto markets on a reliable platform that seamlessly connects with global banking and payments.

OKX is committed to transparency and security, and publishes its Proof of Reserves monthly to build trust.

Our most well-known products include: The OKX Exchange, OKX Wallet, OKX Marketplace, OKX Explorer, OKX Chain and OS for developers, OKX Ventures and OKX Institutional Services. To learn more about OKX, download our app or visit: okx.com




HANAM-SI, South Korea, Sept. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- VRAD, a leading company specializing in virtual reality medical education software, has officially announced its entry into the Asian market by launching a new series of medical education simulators. By introducing its flagship medical education simulators to these markets, VRAD is expanding its presence in key Asian countries, including Thailand, India, Taiwan, and Singapore.

The newly launched simulators include the "Core Nursing Skills Simulator," "Oral Radiography Simulator," "Severe Trauma Management Simulator," "Ventilator Management Simulator," and "Neonatal APGAR Scoring Simulator." Each simulator is meticulously designed to enable medical professionals to receive training in environments that closely mimic real-life scenarios.

Notably, VRAD is set to showcase these products at the Medical Fair Asia (MFA) in Singapore on September 11th. The company's innovative medical education solutions are expected to garner significant attention at this event, highlighting VRAD's growing influence in the Asian market.

A VRAD representative stated, "This expansion into the Asian market is a pivotal step in VRAD's global growth strategy. The unveiling of our products at MFA in Singapore is particularly significant, as it will play a crucial role in strengthening our position in the Asian medical education sector."

To date, VRAD has supplied its virtual reality medical education simulators to over 80 medical and educational institutions across Korea, demonstrating its outstanding technological capabilities and the effectiveness of its educational solutions. The company anticipates that its entry into the Asian market will allow more medical institutions to leverage VRAD's innovative educational tools.

At the upcoming MFA exhibition, visitors to VRAD's booth will have the opportunity to experience a variety of medical simulators firsthand. VRAD representatives will provide detailed demonstrations and explanations of their products. Designed to support real-time interaction and learning in virtual environments, VRAD's solutions aim to enhance the capabilities of medical professionals by preparing them for a wide range of medical scenarios

Website: https://vrad.one/

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a62b8881-5a6c-4cbd-bc97-033eb17732a5
FERRARA, Italy, Sept. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- How do you keep cool after summer? The perfect solution comes from the highest quality fruits, meticulously selected by The European Art of Taste project: delicious kiwis and juicy oranges! Today, The European Art of Taste presents a special "Refreshing Beverage Collection" each drink is easy to create yet bursting with summer freshness.

Whether youre a fan of fruity teas, creamy milkshakes, or icy granitas, we have the ideal choice for you. These aren't just simple recipes  they're exclusive creations that celebrate the extraordinary quality and intense flavor of European fruits.

Kiwi Sparkling Tea: Selected Italian kiwis from The European Art of Taste project, with their unique and enveloping flavor, pair with the freshness of green tea to create a sparkling delight. A must-have to beat the heat!

Ingredients: 2 Kiwis, 1 green tea bag, 30ml gum syrup, 200ml cold water, ice cubes, 100ml sparkling water.

Instructions: Steep the green tea bag in 200ml of cold water overnight. Peel and chop the kiwi, blend it with gum syrup into a puree. Mix the green tea, kiwi puree, and ice cubes, and pour into a glass. Finally, add sparkling water and stir gently.

Kiwi Milkshake: When the sweet and slightly tangy kiwis from The European Art of Taste selection meet the creaminess of vanilla ice cream, the result is a pure pleasure experience!

Ingredients: 2 Kiwis, 200ml milk, 2 scoops vanilla ice cream, 1 tbsp honey, ice cubes, whipped cream.

Instructions: Peel and chop the kiwi. Blend the kiwi, milk, vanilla ice cream, and honey until smooth. Pour into a glass and add ice cubes. Top with whipped cream and enjoy.

Orange Iced Americano: Premium Italian oranges chosen by the project offer a fruity and lively twist to the timeless Iced Americano, creating a drink full of character.

Ingredients: 2 oranges, 100ml iced coffee (Americano), ice cubes, 10ml syrup (optional).

Instructions: Prepare iced coffee and chill it. Peel and chop the oranges, then juice them. Pour the fresh orange juice into a glass and add ice cubes. Slowly pour in the iced coffee to create layers. Add syrup if desired and stir gently before drinking.

Orange Passion Fruit Slush: Surprise your senses with an Orange and Passion Fruit Slush, combining the freshness of European citrus with exotic sweetness in a deliciously refreshing experience.

Ingredients: 2 oranges, 2 passion fruits, 1 cup ice cubes, 30ml sugar, mint leaves (for garnish).

Instructions: Peel and chop the oranges, then juice them. Mix the orange juice, passion fruit, ice cubes, and sugar in a blender and blend until slushy. Pour the slush into a glass and garnish with orange slices and mint leaves. Enjoy immediately to feel the summer coolness.

These are more than just simple recipesthey are exclusive creations celebrating the extraordinary quality and intense flavor of European fruit, guaranteed by rigorous safety standards. Let yourself be inspired and create your own delicious drinks with products from The European Art of Taste for a summer filled with pleasure and well-being!

Press Office:

Renato Pagani Renato.pagani@secnewgate.it  + 39 335 6939561

Giorgia Rizzi giorgia.rizzi@secnewgate.it

News about The European Art of Taste and CSO Italy

The project The European Art of Taste  Fruit & Veg Masterpieces aims to promote and inform about high-quality European fruits and vegetables and is financed by CSO Italy and the European Union. The following Italian companies also participate in the project: RK Growers, Mazzoni Group, Apofruit, Origine Group e Oranfrizer.

CSO Italy, founded in 1998, is a unique entity in Italy that associates many of Italy's leading companies in the production and marketing of domestic fruit and vegetables. Completing the range of members are important companies specializing in different areas of the fruit and vegetable supply chain, from packaging, logistics, processing, machinery, and distribution. CSO Italy's mission is to provide useful services to members to improve and make the Italian fruit and vegetable industry more efficient and competitive. A technical table at the service of the entire Italian fruit and vegetable supply chain to increase its competitiveness through synergy among operators. CSO ITALY, has 73 members, distributed as follows: 51 producer members, 14 supply chain members, 3 subsidizing members and 5 supporting bodies.

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Executive Agency (REA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/217272c3-0869-487a-8bc1-c9768aafd669




NEW YORK, Sept. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Leading securities law firm Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP announces that a lawsuit has been filed against Arbor Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE: ABR) and certain of the Companys senior executives.



If you invested in ABR, you are encouraged to obtain additional information by visiting https://www.bfalaw.com/cases-investigations/arbor-realty-trust-inc.

Investors have until September 30, 2024 to ask the Court to be appointed to lead the case. The complaint asserts claims under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 on behalf of investors in ABR securities. The case is pending in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York and is captioned Lois Martin v. Arbor Realty Trust, Inc., et al., No. 24-cv-05347.

What is the Lawsuit About?

ABR is a nationwide real estate investment trust (REIT) and direct lender, providing loan origination and servicing for commercial real estate assets. The complaint alleges that during the relevant period, ABR misrepresented the health of the Companys loan book. In truth, ABR used fake holding companies to help conceal that its loan book was distressed, and the underlying collateral was overstated.

On March 14, 2023, NINGI Research published a report which claimed, among other things, that Arbor has been hiding a toxic real estate portfolio of mobile homes with a complex web of real and fake holding companies for more than a decade. This news caused the price of ABR stock to decline by $0.87 per share, or almost 7%, to close at $12.12 per share on March 14, 2023.

Then, on December 5, 2023, Viceroy Research published an in-depth study of ABRs Jacksonville, Florida properties. Viceroy found that the Companys entire loan book is distressed and the underlying collateral is vastly overstated. This news caused the price of ABR stock to decline by $0.19 per share, or over 1%, to close at $13.67 per share on December 5, 2023.

Finally, on July 12, 2024, Bloomberg reported that ABR was being probed by federal prosecutors and the Federal Bureau of Investigation in New York. According to the news report, [t]he investigators are inquiring about lending practices and the companys claims about the performance of their loan book. This news caused the price of ABR stock to decline by $2.64 per share, or almost 17%, to close at $12.89 per share on July 12, 2024.



Click here if you suffered losses: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases-investigations/arbor-realty-trust-inc.

What Can You Do?

If you invested in ABR, you have rights and are encouraged to submit your information to speak with an attorney.

All representation is on a contingency fee basis, there is no cost to you. Shareholders are not responsible for any court costs or expenses of litigation. The Firm will seek court approval for any potential fees and expenses. Submit your information by visiting:

https://www.bfalaw.com/cases-investigations/arbor-realty-trust-inc

Or contact:

Ross Shikowitz

ross@bfalaw.com

212-789-3619

Why Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP?

Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP is a leading international law firm representing plaintiffs in securities class actions and shareholder litigation. It was named among the Top 5 plaintiff law firms by ISS SCAS in 2023 and its attorneys have been named Titans of the Plaintiffs Bar by Law360 and SuperLawyers by Thompson Reuters. Among its recent notable successes, BFA recovered over $900 million in value from Tesla, Inc.s Board of Directors (pending court approval), as well as $420 million from Teva Pharmaceutical Ind. Ltd.

For more information about BFA and its attorneys, please visit https://www.bfalaw.com.

https://www.bfalaw.com/cases-investigations/arbor-realty-trust-inc

Attorney advertising. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
Assay Highlights:

24GF-1471: 4.9 g/t Au over 6.4 m (0.16 oz/t Au over 23.0 ft)

24GF-1474: 13.8 g/t Au over 2.4 m (0.44 oz/t Au over 9.8 ft)

24GF-1452: 9.8 g/t Au over 2.8 m (0.31 oz/t Au over 11.2 ft)

See Figure 5. All assay value intervals are true widths unless otherwise noted; TW=True Width, CW=Core Width

TORONTO, Sept. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- McEwen Mining Inc. (NYSE: MUX) (TSX: MUX) is pleased to provide new assay results from its Grey Fox deposit, part of the Fox Complex located in the Timmins region of Ontario, Canada. These results (see Table 1) demonstrate that the Gibson area of Grey Fox has good grading mineralization over mineable widths in close proximity to existing underground infrastructure. Grey Fox is currently a +1 Million ounce gold deposit and is the next project in our growth pipeline after the current development of our Stock Project (see June 20th/2024 Press Release).

Table 1  Highlights of Recent Drill Intercepts from the Grey Fox Exploration Program*. *Au values capped to 30 g/t

Hole ID From

(m) To

(m) Core

Length

(m) True

Width

(m) True

Width

(ft) Au

Capped

(g/t) Au TW

Capped

(GxM) 24GF-1452 102.3 106.2 3.9 3.0 9.8 5.4 16.2 And 136.7 145.0 8.3 6.9 22.6 2.7 18.6 And 208.5 211.9 3.4 2.8 9.2 9.8 27.4 24GF-1453 294.7 299.0 4.3 3.2 10.5 4.4 14.2 24GF-1456 79.0 81.0 2.0 2.0 6.6 8.2 16.1 24GF-1458 79.9 83.0 3.1 2.5 8.2 9.4 23.5 And 202.0 206.0 4.0 3.3 10.8 5.2 17.2 24GF-1460 117.4 118.8 1.4 1.2 3.9 19.4 23.4 24GF-1461 238.0 239.0 1.0 0.7 2.3 11.8 8.3 24GF-1462 111.5 113.4 2.0 1.5 4.9 6.7 10.0 24GF-1463 18.0 19.0 1.0 0.7 2.3 15.2 10.8 24GF-1464 233.6 239.0 5.5 4.6 15.1 3.4 15.7 24GF-1467 238.0 241.0 3.0 2.4 7.9 4.8 11.5 24GF-1468 150.7 152.2 1.5 1.2 3.9 13.6 16.1 24GF-1471 23.9 25.0 1.2 1.1 3.6 5.7 6.1 And 90.0 97.0 7.0 6.4 21.0 4.9 31.4 24GF-1474 119.0 122.0 3.0 2.4 7.9 13.8 33.1 24GF-1475 97.0 100.0 3.0 2.6 8.5 11.3 29.5 And 130.9 134.7 3.8 3.3 10.8 4.5 14.9 24GF-1477 134.6 139.0 4.4 3.1 10.2 5.6 17.5 And 152.7 162.7 10.0 7.1 23.3 3.3 23.4 24GF-1480 99.0 106.0 7.0 5.5 18.0 4.3 23.7 Including 99.0 126.0 27.0 20.9 68.6 2.4 50.2 And 113.0 117.0 4.0 3.1 10.2 4.7 14.8 And 201.9 202.7 0.8 0.6 2.0 30.0 18.9



In addition, geological interpretations have created an exciting new exploration target shown in Figure 1 - one that suggests that high grade Black Fox horizon style mineralization (in orange-red) may exist below and adjacent to the Grey Fox deposit (see in red) and could extend 3 km along trend towards the Black Fox Mine. The current Grey Fox gold resource is estimated to contain more than 1.1 million ozs of indicated mineralization and greater than 0.2 million ozs of inferred mineralization (shown in yellow).

An earlier geophysical survey that previously identified multiple targets, including one that became the Froome mine, is the main focus for two key areas planned for drilling in 2025. The first area is the Grey Fox exploration horizon (shown in red) located to the North-West of the current Grey Fox resource (shown in yellow) which contains the Gibson, Whiskey Jack, 147 and the GFS (Grey Fox South) zones.

The second area is what our geologists believe could be the Black Fox horizon located stratigraphically below the Grey Fox horizon (which can also be seen in Figure 8).

Figure 1. Plan View Regional Geology Map of the Fox Complex. Location of Froome Mine, Black Fox Mine, Grey Fox zones of Gibson. Whiskey Jack, 147 and GFS (Grey Fox South) are also shown.





A follow-up geophysical survey will be conducted in Q4, with the goal of delineating additional anomalies between the Grey Fox resource and the Black Fox Mine.

Figure 2 is a plan view geological map for Grey Fox showing some of the delineated lenses of mineralization (in red) and the location of the historical Gibson Ramp (in blue) at Grey Fox. Much of the 2024 drilling campaign at Grey Fox was concentrated on identifying mineralization in proximity to this ramp system. This ramp would offer early access to near-term production.

Figure 2. Plan View Geology Map of the Grey Fox Area.





Figure 3 is a plan view for the Gibson area at Grey Fox. Most of the recent good drill results are within 50-100 m of the Gibson Ramp. Much of the 2024 drilling was designed to increase the indicated and inferred mineralization in proximity to this ramp. However, some holes were drilled to deeper levels to test for continuity of the gold mineralization and shown in Figure 6. Note that Figure 3 only shows results from surface down to a vertical depth of 300 m.

Figure 3. Plan View Geology map of the Gibson Area at Grey Fox with recent & previously released Assay Results.





Figures 4 & 5 are enlarged plan view sections for the Northern and Southern portions of the Gibson ramp system, respectively. It is evident that there are abundant good grading drillholes with mineable widths within 100 m of existing ramp infrastructure. Again, these results are shallow, within 300 m below surface. In addition, many of the new results reported e.g., 24GF-1474 (13.8 g/t Au over 2.4 m) & 24GF-1452 (9.8 g/t Au over 2.8 m) are well above the current average indicated resource grade for Grey Fox of 4.8 g/t Au.

Figure 4. Enlarged Plan View of the Northern Section of the Gibson Ramp with recent and previously published Assay Results.





Figure 5. Enlarged Plan View of the Southern Section of the Gibson Ramp showing recent and previously published Assay Results.





In Figure 6, gold mineralization at Gibson is characterized by multiple, stacked and sub-parallel vein sets that begin less than 10 m below surface and extend below 600 m. These vein sets are generally planar and have good strike and vertical depth components. Due to their strong continuity and good grades with mineable widths, these vein sets are attractive areas for either underground development or open pit mining methods.

Figure 6. Cross section (looking NE) for the Southern Portion of the Gibson Area





Figure 7 and Figure 8, show results from earlier drilling that encountered gold mineralization in the footwall i.e., below Grey Fox. High assay values seen in holes 21GF-1352 (27.5 g/t Au / 1.0 m CW) and GF08-15 (8.5 g/t Au / 4.0 m CW) identified gold mineralization in a similar geological setting to that seen at the Black Fox mine, located about 3 km to the North-West. These results are most encouraging as this area is relatively untested.

Figure 7. Plan view Southern portion of Grey Fox Highlighting Historical intercepts in the Footwall (i.e., Below) of the Grey Fox Deposit.





Figure 8. Cross Section View for the South-East Portion of Grey Fox Suggesting Mineralization in the Footwall i.e., Below Grey Fox.





Figure 9: A previous geophysical survey completed in 2010 left some areas in the SE portion of the Fox Complex untested  an infill survey is expected to begin in Q4 (red lines at bottom left). The goal is to identify Black Fox style mineralization both adjacent to Grey Fox and back towards Black Fox Mine. The 2010 survey helped to discover what became the Froome Mine. Additional targets were tested over the following years but without the benefit of a full geological model and understanding to help augment the proposed drilling. We now have a much better understanding of both the regional and local Fox Complex geology and are now in a better position to continue to follow up on previously identified geophysical targets.

Figure 9. Plan View for a previously performed TITAN 24 Geophysical Survey of the Fox Complex.





For a list of drilling results at Grey Fox since May 27, 2024 including hole location and alignment, click here: https://www.mcewenmining.com/files/doc_news/archive/2024/20240911_fox_drill.xlsx

Technical Information

Technical information pertaining to the Fox Complex exploration contained in this news release has been prepared under the supervision of Sean Farrell, P.Geo., Chief Exploration Geologist, who is a Qualified Person as defined by Canadian Securities Administrators National Instrument 43-101 "Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects."

The technical information related to resource and reserve estimates in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Luke Willis, P.Geo., McEwen Minings Director of Resource Modelling and is a Qualified Person as defined by SEC S-K 1300 and Canadian Securities Administrators National Instrument 43-101 "Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects."

New analyses reported herein were submitted as  core samples and assayed by the photon assay method at the accredited laboratory MSA Labs (ISO 9001 & ISO 17025) in Timmins, Ontario, Canada.

CAUTION CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release contains certain forward-looking statements and information, including "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The forward-looking statements and information expressed, as at the date of this news release, McEwen Mining Inc.'s (the "Company") estimates, forecasts, projections, expectations or beliefs as to future events and results. Forward-looking statements and information are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties, risks and contingencies, and there can be no assurance that such statements and information will prove to be accurate. Therefore, actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements and information. Risks and uncertainties that could cause results or future events to differ materially from current expectations expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements and information include, but are not limited to, effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, fluctuations in the market price of precious metals, mining industry risks, political, economic, social and security risks associated with foreign operations, the ability of the corporation to receive or receive in a timely manner permits or other approvals required in connection with operations, risks associated with the construction of mining operations and commencement of production and the projected costs thereof, risks related to litigation, the state of the capital markets, environmental risks and hazards, uncertainty as to calculation of mineral resources and reserves, and other risks. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information included herein, which speak only as of the date hereof. The Company undertakes no obligation to reissue or update forward-looking statements or information as a result of new information or events after the date hereof except as may be required by law. See McEwen Mining's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, under the caption "Risk Factors", for additional information on risks, uncertainties and other factors relating to the forward-looking statements and information regarding the Company. All forward-looking statements and information made in this news release are qualified by this cautionary statement.

The NYSE and TSX have not reviewed and do not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the contents of this news release, which has been prepared by management of McEwen Mining Inc.

ABOUT MCEWEN MINING



McEwen Mining is a gold and silver producer with operations in Nevada, Canada, Mexico and Argentina. McEwen Mining also holds a 48.3% interest in McEwen Copper, which is developing the large, advanced-stage Los Azules copper project in Argentina. The Companys goal is to improve the productivity and life of its assets with the objective of increasing the share price and providing a yield. Rob McEwen, Chairman and Chief Owner, has a personal investment in the Company of US$225 million.

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WEB SITE SOCIAL MEDIA www.mcewenmining.com McEwen Mining

Facebook: facebook.com/mcewenmining LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/mcewen-mining-inc- CONTACT INFORMATION X: x.com/mcewenmining 150 King Street West Instagram: instagram.com/mcewenmining Suite 2800, PO Box 24 Toronto, ON, Canada McEwen Copper

Facebook: facebook.com/ mcewencopper M5H 1J9 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/mcewencopper X: x.com/mcewencopper Relationship with Investors: Instagram: instagram.com/mcewencopper (866)-441-0690 - Toll free line (647)-258-0395 Rob McEwen

Facebook: facebook.com/mcewenrob Mihaela Iancu ext. 320 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/robert-mcewen-646ab24 info@mcewenmining.com X: x.com/robmcewenmux





Figures accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/31a0c3a2-d7db-4a09-900c-4359080734d9

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f8a08392-5d12-4bc5-bc7a-3c1518da9927

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/50d9a92d-1f2e-4dd4-8696-5d783009890a

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/70cd065d-6980-406b-a728-20d49df8d952

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d15f7196-b8bd-491a-a60b-86f9fe2384a6

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0c1c9a3c-a7c4-41fa-af8c-62cfc189c059

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8570cb1a-610e-4dd2-a558-53c164ade18b

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7119b55a-6899-45e3-b38a-18d96e78c1bf

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fb41168f-fbee-464a-80cf-eaf732ebd17c
HOUSTON, Sept. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Orion Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: ORN) (Orion or the Company), a leading specialty construction company, today announced that it has priced its previously announced underwritten public offering of 4,860,000 shares of its common stock at a public offering price of $5.15 per share. Orion expects the gross proceeds from this offering to be approximately $25.0 million, before deducting the underwriting discount and other estimated offering expenses. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from this offering for working capital and general corporate purposes, which may include repayment of indebtedness under its credit agreement. In connection with the offering, Orion has granted the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to 729,000 additional shares of its common stock at the public offering price, less the underwriting discount. The Company expects to close the offering, subject to customary conditions, on or about September 12, 2024.



Craig-Hallum Capital Group acted as the sole book-running manager for the offering. Roth Capital Partners acted as co-manager for the offering. A shelf registration statement relating to the shares of common stock to be issued in the proposed offering was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) and is effective. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, these securities, nor will there be any sale of these securities in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale is not permitted.

The Company has filed a preliminary prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus describing the terms of the offering with the SEC, and will file a final prospectus supplement with the SEC. Copies of the final prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus relating to the securities being offered may be obtained, when available, from Craig-Hallum Capital Group LLC, Attention: Equity Capital Markets, 222 South Ninth Street, Suite 350, Minneapolis, MN 55402, by telephone at (612) 334-6300 or by email at prospectus@chlm.com. Electronic copies of the preliminary prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus will also be available on the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov.

About Orion Group Holdings

Orion Group Holdings, Inc. is a leading specialty construction company serving the infrastructure, industrial, and building sectors, providing services both on and off the water in the continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii, Canada and the Caribbean Basin through its marine segment and its concrete segment. Its marine segment provides construction and dredging services including marine transportation facility construction, marine pipeline construction, marine environmental structures construction, dredging of waterways, channels and ports, environmental dredging, design, and specialty services related to marine construction, fabrication, and dredging. Its concrete segment provides turnkey concrete construction services including concrete surface place and finish, site preparation, layout, forming, and rebar placement for large commercial, structural and other associated business areas. The Company is headquartered in Houston, Texas with regional offices throughout its operating areas.

Forward-Looking Statements

The matters discussed in this press release may constitute or include projections or other forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, of which provisions the Company is availing itself. Certain forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, such as believes, expects, may, will, could, should, seeks, approximately, intends, plans, estimates, or anticipates, or the negative thereof or other comparable terminology, or by discussions of strategy, plans, objectives, intentions, estimates, forecasts, outlook, assumptions, or goals. In particular, statements regarding the timing, size, terms, conditions, results, outcome and use of proceeds from the offering are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Considering these risks and other uncertainties, the inclusion of forward-looking statements in this press release should not be considered to be a representation by the Company that the Company's plans, estimates, forecasts, goals, intentions, or objectives will be achieved or realized. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. The Company assumes no obligation to update information contained in this press release whether as a result of new developments or otherwise, except as required by law.

Please refer to the Company's 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed on March 1, 2024, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other subsequent filings with the SEC, which are available at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov, for additional and more detailed discussion of risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our current expectations, estimates or forecasts.

Contacts:

Scott Thanisch

Chief Financial Officer

Orion Group Holdings, Inc.

310-622-8256

orn@finprofiles.com

Margaret Boyce

Financial Profiles, Inc.

310-622-8247

orn@finprofiles.com

Source: Orion Group Holdings, Inc.
Statkraft has today issued SEK 500 million 14-year senior unsecured green bonds with a coupon of 3.21% under its EMTN (Euro Medium Term Note) programme.

The settlement date is set to September 17, 2024. Statkraft will apply for the green bonds to be listed at Euronext Dublin.

Danske Bank acted as Sole Manager for the issuance.

The EMTN Offering Circular and Green Finance Framework are available on Statkraft' s website:

https://www.statkraft.com/IR/funding/

For further information, please contact:

Funding Manager Andre Halle Julin, tel.: +47 992 54 205

VP Group Treasury Stephan Skaane, tel.: +47 905 13 652

This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Act
TORONTO, Sept. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Canadian companies should prioritize honest workplace communication if they want to improve productivity and attract and retain top talent, according to a newly released Express Employment Professionals-Harris Poll survey.



Almost all job seekers (93%) agree a work environment that allows employees and managers to be honest with one another is essential to a companys success, with the vast majority (89%) adding honest workplace communication is critical for a productive workforce. Three-quarters of job seekers (75%) also say employees should feel comfortable discussing their personal issues with their manager if it is impacting their day-to-day work.

Companies can reap significant benefits from fostering more honest communication.

For instance, a large majority of job seekers (82%) say they would be more loyal to a company if they felt they could be honest with their manager. Indeed, job seekers report having seen firsthand when employees can speak honestly, morale (48%), productivity (44%) and loyalty to the company (43%) all increase.





On the other hand, when employees are not able to speak honestly at work job seekers report that employee morale falls (58%), productivity decreases (51%), employee burnout worsens (48%), workplace resentment jumps (47%) and employee turnover increases (44%).

Canadian hiring managers agree honest workplace communication plays a vital role in a companys success. Two-thirds (66%) say it increases employee morale, while other benefits include making employees more loyal to the company (60%), improving productivity (56%), reducing conflicts and disagreements (51%) and decreasing employee turnover (47%).

More than half of hiring managers (58%) report the employees feeling comfortable being honest in the workplace is absolutely essential to their ability to be a good manager.

Theres Always Room for Improvement

Most companies (84%) feel they have created a workplace where employees can be honest, and more than three-quarters (76%) also believe their company has the right systems and tools in place to allow for constructive criticism to be received well.

As a result, nearly all employers (96%) feel their employees can speak honestly with anyone at the company regarding their concerns or issues  most commonly with their supervisor (66%) and their colleagues (57%).

Most job seekers (70%) agree their company encourages honest communication. The majority report it is easy to receive constructive feedback from a supervisor (76%), set professional boundaries so their work is not impacted by personal issues (73%) and be honest with a supervisor about issues they have with the company (63%).



However, less than half of job seekers (40%) report it is easy to discuss personal issues that are impacting their work with their manager.

Equipping Leaders with Relevant Training

Honest workplace communication requires managers to be properly trained on how to handle sometimes uncomfortable issues. Job seekers appreciate companies that offer resources to managers and employees to support honest communication.

However, more than half of hiring decision-makers (58%) report their company does not currently provide managers with resources or training on how to handle personal issues brought up by employees.

A strong majority of job seekers (90%) believe it is at least somewhat important (23% say it is absolutely essential) companies provide managers with resources and training on how to manage when an employee discusses personal issues. Most (88%) also believe it is at least somewhat important (21% say absolutely essential) that companies provide employees with resources and training on how to manage personal issues, so it doesnt impact their work.

The foundation of any good relationship is trust, which is no different in the workplace, said Bill Stoller, Express Employment International CEO. Similar to other leadership training, managers can significantly benefit from structured programs that emphasize healthy communication and the ability to handle challenging conversations.

Survey Methodology

The Job Insights survey was conducted online within Canada by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals between May 16  June 3, 2024, among 504 Canadian hiring decision-makers between May 16  June 3, 2024.

The Job Seeker Report was conducted online within Canada by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals between May 28  June 10, 2024, among 505 adults ages 18 and older.

For full survey methodologies, please contact Ana Curic at Ana@MapleLeafStrategies.com.

If you would like to arrange for an interview to discuss this topic, please contact Ana Curic at (613) 858-2622 or email Ana@MapleLeafStrategies.com.

About Bill Stoller

William H. "Bill" Stoller is chairman and chief executive officer of Express Employment International. Founded in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, the international staffing franchisor supports the Express Employment Professionals franchise and related brands. The Express franchise brand is an industry-leading, international staffing company with franchise locations in the U.S., Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.



About Express Employment Professionals

At Express Employment Professionals, were in the business of people. From job seekers to client companies, Express helps people thrive and businesses grow. Our international network of franchises offers localized staffing solutions to the communities they serve across the U.S., Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand, employing 492,000 people globally in 2023 and more than 11 million since its inception. For more information, visit ExpressPros.com/CA.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/59c8bfdd-2969-454e-bcdd-932fe513fd6b
CALGARY, Alberta, Sept. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- New West Public Affairs - one of Canadas leading and fastest-growing government relations firms - today announced it is expanding its western Canadian team with three new strategic hires.

Shannon Greer joins New West as a Senior Consultant and brings nearly 15 years of experience across the private, public, and non-profit sectors. Most recently, Shannon led communications at the Calgary Stampede, but has also served in senior government roles in Alberta and British Columbia, including as Executive Director of Cabinet Priorities in the BC Public Service.

Emily Peckham, who will be based in British Columbia, joins New West as a Consultant. Emily is a seasoned public affairs professional with extensive experience in government relations and strategic communications. She has held various roles within the Government of Alberta and the House of Commons, most recently serving as Senior Policy Advisor to Albertas Deputy Premier and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services.

Shirin Kouklanfar also joins New West as a Consultant and specializes in stakeholder engagement and project management. As the former Director of Operations for the United Conservative Caucus in Alberta, Shirin coordinated legislative activities, advised senior officials, and streamlined communications to advance key policy initiatives.

The additions of Greer, Peckham, and Kouklanfar reflects New West's commitment to providing clients with a team of advisors who have a proven track record of excellence.



We are thrilled to welcome Shannon, Emily, and Shirin to our team. Each bring a distinct set of skills and deep expertise that correspond with our mission to offer our clients the best strategic advice, said Monte Solberg, CEO of New West Public Affairs. Their commitment to excellence aligns perfectly with New Wests values, and we look forward to the impact they will have on our clients success.

To learn more about how New West Public Affairs is expanding its capabilities to better serve clients across Canada, visit here.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at



https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/98d99a32-c7de-4fb7-9e4f-c4f7b5903316

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0777524b-87b6-4159-9afb-c3829409af83

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c1cd4ebe-b08c-42b7-95ce-9f916a02bdec
BALTIMORE, Sept. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Royal Farms, the iconic and award-winning convenience store and gas station chain, is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its 300th store location at 8498 Veterans Highway Millersville, MD 21108. The milestone reflects the company's steady growth and celebrates its long-standing tradition of delivering high-quality food, fuel, and exceptional service to communities throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.

Royal Farms is proud to celebrate the opening of its 300th store by helping students kick off the school year with the tools they need to succeed. In honor of this milestone, the company donated 300 backpacks filled with essential school supplies to The Preston Mitchum, Jr. Foundation's annual Back-to-School Drive. The PMJ Foundation focuses on providing critical resources to shelters for individuals and families in need. Through Royal Farms' generous donation, the Foundation was able to supply nearly 3,000 backpacks to school-aged children, ensuring they have the supplies and clothing necessary to thrive in the classroom.

A Journey Through Royal Farms' History

Royal Farms was established in 1959 as a subsidiary of Cloverland Dairy, a family-owned business with deep roots in the dairy industry. What began as a small chain of convenience stores has grown into a beloved brand recognized for delighting customers. Throughout its history, Royal Farms has been dedicated to innovation. From introducing self-service gasoline stations in the 1980s to expanding its food offerings to include freshly brewed coffee dispensed from state-of-the-art Swiss coffee machines, made-to-order subs, and signature sides, the company has consistently adapted to meet the changing needs of its customers.

The opening of the 300th Royal Farms store in Millersville is a testament to the companys enduring legacy and its vision for the future. As Royal Farms continues to grow, it remains committed to upholding the values that have guided it for over six decades: quality, convenience, and community.

Today, the chain has locations in Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia, West Virginia, and North Carolina. Most locations are open 24 hours, 365 days a year to service all fuel, food, and convenience needs. For more information about Royal Farms, visit: www.royalfarms.com

What to Expect at the Millersville Location

World-Famous Fried Chicken : Prepared fresh in-store and available 24/7, Royal Farms' fried chicken is a customer favorite, known for its crispy, flavorful taste.

: Prepared fresh in-store and available 24/7, Royal Farms' fried chicken is a customer favorite, known for its crispy, flavorful taste. Fresh, Made-to-Order Meals : The new location offers a variety of customizable subs, sandwiches, and other fresh food options, alongside our signature freshly brewed coffee.

: The new location offers a variety of customizable subs, sandwiches, and other fresh food options, alongside our signature freshly brewed coffee. Premium Fuel : Customers can fill up with high-quality fuel at competitive prices, making Royal Farms a one-stop destination for food, fuel, and convenience.

: Customers can fill up with high-quality fuel at competitive prices, making Royal Farms a one-stop destination for food, fuel, and convenience. Car Wash : The Millersville location also features a modern car wash, providing customers with a quick and efficient way to keep their vehicles sparkling clean.

: The Millersville location also features a modern car wash, providing customers with a quick and efficient way to keep their vehicles sparkling clean. ROFO Rewards: The Millersville store will also feature the popular ROFO Rewards program, allowing customers to earn points on purchases, enjoy exclusive discounts, and get free surprise offers.





To celebrate the arrival in Millersville, Royal Farms will be hosting a ticketed soft opening event where customers can check out the new store and be served one free meal from the soft opening menu. The free tickets are available on Eventbrite here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/royal-farms-millersville-md-soft-opening-tickets-1003157630477?aff=PressRelease. Be sure to follow Royal Farms on social media for all news on store openings and events.

Grand Opening Celebrations

To commemorate this exciting milestone, Royal Farms will host a grand opening event at the Millersville store on October 7, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. The celebration will include special promotions, giveaways and prizes from vendor partners like Pepsi and Maryland Lottery, appearances from 100.7 The Bay, company executives, and local officials. The community is invited to join the festivities, explore the new store, and take part in this historic occasion.

"Reaching our 300th store is a proud achievement for Royal Farms, and its a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team," said Rob Newell, Zone Leader at Royal Farms. "Our journey from a small group of convenience stores to a regional leader has been incredible, and we are excited to continue serving our customers with the same commitment to quality and convenience that has defined us for over 60 years."

"Our 300th store in Millersville highlights the growth and vision of our entire team. Its more than just a milestone; its about continuing to bring quality and exceptional service to even more communities," said Amy Pantoja, District Leader at Royal Farms. "Were excited to introduce the Royal Farms experience to Millersville and look forward to becoming a valued part of this vibrant community."

Customers can sign up for RoFo Rewards on the Royal Farms mobile app or on RofoRewards.com. RoFo Rewards Members save money throughout the year, earn fuel discounts with RoFo Pay, receive rewards for everyday purchases, and redeem other surprise freebie offers.

How to Register as a RoFo Rewards Member

Download the Royal Farms app here: https://engagement.punchh.com/b/royalfarms and click "Sign Up" to create a RoFo Rewards account. You can also visit https://www.roforewards.com/register/ to create an account.

About RoFo Rewards

By registering a RoFo Rewards card or downloading our app you gain access to special member offers and can earn rewards points on purchases. Every time you visit Royal Farms and make a purchase, you will receive two points for every dollar you spend, and one point for every gallon of gas you purchase. If you upgrade your card to RoFo Pay, you will also receive a discount on gas when you use your RoFo Rewards card to pay at the pump except for New Jersey Stores. You can keep track of points and offers at www.roforewards.com or by downloading the RoFo Rewards app on your phone.

For Marylanders interested in working for Royal Farms, please visit https://www.royalfarms.com/careers/. Royal Farms offers competitive pay, medical and dental insurance, a 401(K)-retirement plan, opportunities for advancement, flexible schedules, vacation time, and our employee store discount.

Contact:

Aliyah Atayee

aatayee@royalfarms.com




RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Sept. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In a significant move to bolster its global presence, the King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSHRC) is set to join as a key partner in the 2024 NYC C3 Summit Davos of Healthcare, kicking off on Monday in New York City. Under the theme "Tech-Driven Healthcare Evolution & Breakthroughs: Addressing Future Global Challenges & Impact of Advanced Technologies," the summit will foster dialogue and collaboration between the United States and the Arab world in the healthcare sector.



Held in collaboration with the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), the summit will commence with welcoming remarks from Dr. Bjorn Zoega, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of KFSHRC, alongside the C3 Summit Co-chair, Professor of Medicine Dr. Ghassan Abou-Alfa, and the summit's Founder and Managing Partner, Mr. Ransel Potter. Dr. Zoega will address the importance of global collaboration in advancing healthcare systems and strengthening global resilience against future health challenges.

As part of the summit agenda, Dr. Feras Khaliel, Head of KFSHRCs Heart Transplant Program, will deliver the opening keynote: The Potential for Technology-Driven Healthcare and Wellness. Dr. Edward Cupler, Executive Director of Research and Innovation, will present on A Rising Biotechnology Powerhouse. Additionally, Dr. Salah Baz, Executive Director of the Genomics Centre, will discuss the implementation of genomics in patient care.

For the first time, this years C3 Summit will be listed in the UNGA Guide 2024 as a premiere international healthcare meeting. The summit will bring together business leaders, policymakers, educators, and healthcare professionals from both the Arab world and the United States, addressing key topics such as future medical centre designs, early education for holistic wellness, modern approaches to early cancer detection, and transformative strategies for integrated maternal healthcare.

KFSHRCs participation reflects its commitment to engaging with global healthcare institutions, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange through high-profile international conferences and events. It also highlights KFSHRCs pioneering experience, reaffirming its ongoing dedication to the highest standards of quality and innovation, in line with Saudi Vision 2030 and the Health Sector Transformation Program.

KFSHRC has been ranked first in the Middle East and Africa and 20th globally in the list of the worlds top 250 Academic Medical Centres for the second consecutive year and recognized as the most valuable healthcare brand in the Kingdom and the Middle East, according to the 2024 Brand Finance rankings. Additionally, in the same year, it was ranked among the world's best 250 hospitals by Newsweek magazine.

Media Contact:

Essam AlZahrani

+966 55 525 4429

mediacoverage@kfshrc.edu.sa

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2530807c-f773-46d4-b6d9-b2edad140922
New York, NY, Sept. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Interested in solving some of the biggest challenges humanity faces? Starting today, young people ages 5 to 24 can compete for prizes in the annual World Series of Innovation (WSI), presented by Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE), the Citi Foundation, and MetLife Foundation.

Prizes range in value from $300 to $1,500 with challenges focused on advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Eligible teams and individuals worldwide can sign up at innovation.nfte.com.

Each year, WSI harnesses the potential of young innovators, empowering them to unleash their creativity and drive positive change. This year, NFTE has expanded the competition to include younger participants with two distinct tracks: the WSI Imagination League, for ages 5-12, and the WSI Impact League, for ages 13-24. The competition is now available in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Arabic, Simplified Chinese, and Hindi. NFTE believes that an entrepreneurial mindset is key to solving the worlds biggest problems. Thousands of WSI participants will not only propose creative solutions but also develop crucial entrepreneurial and design-thinking skills.

We are thrilled to launch this year's NFTE World Series of Innovation, an event that consistently showcases the incredible creativity and problem-solving abilities of young people around the globe, said Dr. J.D. LaRock, NFTE president & CEO. Past competitions have brought forward groundbreaking ideas, such as a platform that leverages AI to connect patients with medical professionals, an innovative process that transforms discarded rice husks into clean-burning fuel, and new technology designed to improve traffic efficiency and road safety. By introducing the WSI competition to an even larger audience through expanded ages and languages, we are empowering more young visionaries to address global challenges. We look forward to seeing the remarkable innovations that this diverse group of participants will bring to the table.

Young innovators are crucial to success in a new economy and for them to reach their full potential, we must provide outlets to encourage their entrepreneurship. Through the World Series of Innovation, these brilliant young people are tackling the challenges of today that will create an even brighter future for all, said Tia Hodges, President and CEO of MetLife Foundation and Head of Corporate Giving and Employee Volunteerism at MetLife.

"The Citi Foundation believes in the power of young people to shape the future innovations that will create meaningful impact in their communities. By fostering the entrepreneurial spirit of young founders, NFTEs World Series of Innovation Challenge supports their efforts to address pressing issues in their communities and pave the way for a brighter future, said Brandee McHale, Head of Community Investing and Development at Citi and President of the Citi Foundation.

Each fall, NFTE announces new WSI challenges leading up to Global Entrepreneurship Week. The competition concludes on Dec. 8, with winners for the Imagination League announced on Feb. 18, 2025, and winners for the Impact League announced on April 14, 2025.

This years online challenges will advance the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

WSI Imagination League Challenges (ages 5-12):

SDG 6: Clean Water Challenge

SDG 8: Youth Economic Advancement Challenge, Citi Foundation

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being Challenge, MetLife Foundation

WSI Impact League Challenges (ages 13-24):

SDG 6: Clean Water Challenge

SDG 9: Solar Innovation Challenge, CBT Technology Institute

SDG 8: Youth Economic Advancement Challenge, Citi Foundation

SDG 4: Quality Education Challenge, Comerica Bank

SDG 16: Responsible AI Challenge, EY

SDG 4: Game Based Financial Learning Challenge

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being Challenge, MetLife Foundation

SDG 13: Climate Action Challenge

Learn more about the latest set of NFTE WSI innovation challenges, the sponsoring organizations, and the prizes being offered at innovation.nfte.com.

See some of the winning entries from previous challenges at innovation.nfte.com/results.

###

For media inquiries, please contact Angelika Seaman, 603-504-8554, or Denise Berkhalter, APR, 917-281-4362, at mediainquiries@nfte.com.

About NFTE

Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) ignites the entrepreneurial mindset with unique learning experiences that empower students to own their futures. A global nonprofit founded in 1987, NFTE provides high-quality entrepreneurship education to middle school, high school and postsecondary students. NFTE brings the power of entrepreneurship to students, regardless of family income, community resources, special needs, gender identity, race, or ethnicity. NFTE has educated more than a million students, delivering our programs in school, out of school, in-person, online, or through hybrid models. Visit nfte.com to learn more.

About Citi Foundation

The Citi Foundation works to promote economic progress and improve the lives of people in low-income communities around the world. We invest in efforts that increase financial inclusion, catalyze job opportunities for youth, and reimagine approaches to building economically vibrant communities. The Citi Foundations More than Philanthropy approach leverages the enormous expertise of Citi and its people to fulfill our mission and drive thought leadership and innovation. For more information, visit citifoundation.com.

About MetLife Foundation

At MetLife Foundation, we are committed to driving inclusive economic mobility around the world. We collaborate with nonprofit organizations and provide grants aligned to three strategic focus areas  economic inclusion, financial health and resilient communities  while engaging MetLife employee volunteers to help drive impact. MetLife Foundation was established in 1976 to continue MetLifes long tradition of corporate contributions and community involvement. Since its inception, MetLife Foundation has contributed over $1 billion to strengthen communities where MetLife has a presence. To learn more about MetLife Foundation, visit www.metlife.org.

Attachment
Marystown, Newfoundland & Labrador, Sept. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- EverWind Fuels ("EverWind"), North Americas leading developer of green hydrogen projects, is proud to register its Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Burin Peninsula Green Fuels Project (the Project) with the Department of Environment and Climate Change of the Government of Newfoundland & Labrador.

The Project will generate green hydrogen using carbon-free electricity from 10 gigawatts (GW) of onshore wind and 2.5 GW of solar energy across the Burin Peninsula. Final project design and infrastructure layouts are subject to further wind and solar resource assessments, environmental studies, and public consultation.

Since March 2022, EverWind has focused on critical pre-construction activities, including the installation of significant wind and solar measurement equipment, collection of environmental data (bird and wildlife monitoring), and studying unique engineering challenges resulting from extreme wind speeds.

"Registering the EA represents a significant step forward in our development on the Burin Peninsula, progressed in partnership with the local communities, as well as our commitment to sustainable development and a sustainable future for us all." said Trent Vichie, CEO of EverWind Fuels. It is our goal to ensure our work on the Burin Peninsula complements lifestyles, so communities can continue to enjoy activities on the peninsula, like hunting, fishing, and ATVing added Vichie.

Wind farms are being considered in three areas, identified as the Lower, Mid, and Upper Burin Peninsula (LBP, MBP and UBP). EverWinds proposed industrial facility, which will produce green hydrogen and green hydrogen derived green fuels (ammonia) will be located approximately 7 km northeast of the Town of Marystown. Construction of the LBP wind farm, solar farm and industrial facility is anticipated to commence in 2026 subject to EA release and approval from the Province.

The Burin Peninsula Project is one of the largest investments in the Provinces history, with an estimated C$16 billion in capital and the creation of approximately 5,500 jobs during construction and an additional 500-750 jobs during operation associated with the LBP, solar farm and industrial facility alone.

Matt Borys, VP Corporate Development of EverWind Fuels commented, This will play a crucial role in retaining families on the Burin Peninsula, contributing to the regions economic stability and social well-being. By providing substantial job opportunities and fostering local development, it will support vibrant, healthy communities, allowing residents to thrive in their own hometowns.

EverWind anticipates submission of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) by late 2025, following the regulatory process outlined by the Department of Environment and Climate Change. Completing the required environmental and socioeconomic studies as part of an EIS submission is a critical step in this process, as it is essential in order to avoid, minimize, mitigate and manage any potential impacts and address community concerns said Vichie. Both the EA registration and EIS submission documents will be publicly available, to ensure residents and stakeholders have access to clear, factual, information as the Project develops.

As part of the EA registration, EverWind remains committed to continued engagement with communities across the Burin Peninsula, having already completed over 50 information sessions since 2022. In addition, EverWind is dedicated to ongoing collaboration with Indigenous communities and organizations by engaging in thorough consultation and providing a comprehensive partnership throughout project development.

EverWinds regional office is located at 215-217 Ville Marie Drive in Marystown, where community members are encouraged to visit, share insights, and learn more about the Project. The office is open Monday through Thursday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, and on Fridays by appointment only.

EA Document

https://www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/projects/burin-peninsula-everwind-green-fuels-project/

About EverWind

EverWind is North America's leading independent green hydrogen developer, currently developing of a pipeline of 15GW of renewables across Atlantic Canada, and the first in North America to complete FEED engineering for a large-scale green hydrogen production facility. EverWind is developing one of the worlds largest green fuels projects on the Burin Peninsula in Newfoundland & Labrador. This project will be critical in delivering the scale and competitive wind resource required to support the green energy transition ambitions of some of the largest industrial companies in the world. EverWind has collected over 18 months of environmental data and is executing the largest wind measurement campaign in the Province. EverWind continues to engage with communities and stakeholders on the Burin Peninsula and work closely with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to ensure the economic, social and environmental prosperity of the region for generations to come.

EverWind is also concurrently developing a sister green fuels project at Point Tupper in Nova Scotia. The Point Tupper Project received the first Environmental Approval in North America for a large-scale green hydrogen project, and is significantly advanced in design, engineering, and development for the first phase of both its green energy generation projects and the production facility which will convert this energy into green hydrogen and green ammonia. EverWind owns and operates the Point Tupper Transshipment Terminal, which is the deepest ice-free berth on the East Coast of North America, with world class access to rail, roads, and pipelines. Our safety-first culture, evidenced through 19 years without a lost time injury, reflects a highly skilled and extensively certified workforce.

EverWind is led by Trent Vichie, a co-founder of Stonepeak Infrastructure Partners, and a former Blackstone Partner. EverWind's development team consists of over 20 members who have previously held senior positions at various infrastructure, private equity, renewable power, engineering, and utility companies. EverWind is supported by a local team of Newfoundland & Labrador based partners including Strum Consulting, ICI Innovations, Caron Hawco Group, Angler Solutions, Eunoia Consulting, McInnes Cooper, Robot Interactive and Edwards & Associates.
Burlingame, Sept. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global Perovskite Solar Cell Market Size to Grow from USD 188.4 Million in 2024 to USD 4,392.1 Million by 2031, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 56.8% during the forecast period, as highlighted in a new report published by Coherent Market Insights. Perovskite solar cells are a promising form of thin film solar technology that can potentially compete with silicon-based solar panels. Perovskite solar cells have relatively high power conversion efficiency and low cost production.



Request Sample Report: https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-sample/7017

Market Dynamics:

Perovskite solar cells are rapidly gaining traction as a viable alternative to commercially available silicon-based solar cells due to their flexibility, light weight and transparency. These next-generation photovoltaic cells could help reduce the cost of solar power close to conventional fossil fuel sources owing to their low production cost and high power conversion efficiency. With the growing emphasis on renewable and clean energy sources to meet increasing energy demands and for reduction in carbon emissions, investment in perovskite solar cell technology is expected to significantly rise over the coming years. Furthermore, ongoing research and development activities aimed at improving the stability and efficiency of perovskite solar cells will further support market growth.

Perovskite Solar Cell Market Report Coverage

Report Coverage Details Market Revenue in 2024 $188.4 million Estimated Value by 2031 $4,392.1 million Growth Rate Poised to grow at a CAGR of 56.8% Historical Data 20192023 Forecast Period 20242031 Forecast Units Value (USD Million/Billion) Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends Segments Covered By Structure, By Product Type, By End User Geographies Covered North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of World Growth Drivers  Potential for Improvement in Efficiency



 Potential for Lower Cost Production Restraints & Challenges  Instability issues



 Lack of infrastructure for mass production

Market Trends:

The emergence of tandem solar cell technology is one of the key trends witnessed in the global perovskite solar cell market. Tandem solar cells that combine perovskite materials with other materials like silicon, Cadmium Telluride and organic materials have the potential to achieve conversion efficiencies above 30%. Several companies are actively focusing on developing commercially viable perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells. In addition, many organizations and research institutes across countries like China, Japan, UK and USA are working towards improving perovskite processing techniques like low-temperature spin coating and scalable deposition methods such as slot-die coating and inkjet printing to enable mass manufacturing of cost-effective perovskite modules. These ongoing efforts aimed at enhancing efficiency, stability and scalability of perovskite solar cell technology will significantly support the market growth over the forecast period.

Immediate Delivery Available | Buy This Premium Research Report: https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/buy-now/7017

Planar perovskite solar cells are expected to dominate the market over the forecast period. Planar cells have a simple structure that allows for scalable manufacturing using high-throughput processes such as slot-die coating and spray coating. This makes them an attractive technology for commercialization. Additionally, planar cells can achieve power conversion efficiencies comparable to mesoporous cells while offering benefits such as reduced cost and design flexibility. Key players are focusing their R&D efforts on improving the stability and efficiency of planar perovskite solar cells to drive their adoption in the market.

The flexible perovskite solar cells segment is anticipated to grow at a high CAGR during the forecast period. This is attributed to the increasing demand for lightweight, portable, and bendable solar panels for applications such as power generation at the edge in IoT devices, smart homes, and electric vehicles. Flexible perovskite cells can be manufactured via low-cost solution processing techniques on flexible plastic and metal foil substrates. Manufacturers are exploring the potential of flexible perovskite solar modules as an alternative to crystalline silicon modules for building integrated photovoltaics. The development of stable and highly efficient flexible perovskite solar technologies offers significant market opportunities.

Key Market Takeaways:

The global perovskite solar cell market is anticipated to witness a CAGR of 56.8% during the forecast period 2024-2031, owing to rapid technological advancements in perovskite material synthesis and device architecture.

On the basis of structure, planar perovskite solar cells segment is expected to hold a dominant position, accounting for over 70% of the market share by 2031 due to their simple design and potential for scale-up using industry compatible processes.

On the basis of product type, the rigid segment currently dominates the market but flexible perovskite solar cells are gaining ground rapidly, driven by expanding applications in wearables, portable devices and building-integrated photovoltaics.

On the basis of end user, the aerospace segment is expected to grow at the highest pace during the forecast period driven by the increasing integration of perovskite solar cells in CubeSats and satellites.

By region, North America is anticipated to dominate the global market through 2031, supported by strong government funding for research in the US and emergence of domestic solar panel manufacturers.

Some of the leading players operating in the perovskite solar cell market include Saule Technologies, FrontMaterials Co. Ltd., Xiamen Weihua Solar Co. Ltd., Fraunhofer ISE, Polyera Corporation, Solaronix SA, Dyesol, FlexLink Systems Inc. and New Energy Technologies Inc. These players are focusing on scaling up production capacities and advancing perovskite material properties to cater to the growing demand.

Request For Customization: https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-customization/7017

Recent Developments:

In April 2024, Solaires and XLYNX collaborated to build high efficiency perovskite solar cell.

In January 2024, RenShine Solar announced the completion of its 150MW perovskite PV tanden cell, with a predicted conversion efficiency of 27% and an energy yield of 24%.

Detailed Segmentation-

By Structure:

Planar perovskite solar cells

Mesoporous perovskite solar cells

By Product Type:

Rigid

Flexible

By End User:

Aerospace

Industrial automation

Consumer Electronics

Energy

Others



By Region:



North America:

U.S.

Canada

Latin America:

Brazil

Argentina

Mexico

Rest of Latin America

Europe:

Germany

U.K.

Spain

France

Italy

Russia

Rest of Europe



Asia Pacific:

China

India

Japan

Australia

South Korea

ASEAN

Rest of Asia Pacific



Middle East:

GCC Countries

Israel

Rest of Middle East



Africa:

South Africa

North Africa

Central Africa



Have a Look at Trending Research Reports on Energy Domain:

global alkaline fuel cells market is estimated to be valued at USD 71.35 Billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 123.07 Billion by 2031, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.1% from 2024 to 2031.

Global energy storage as a service market is estimated to be valued at USD 1.81 Bn in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 3.71 Bn by 2031, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.8% from 2024 to 2031.

Nuclear Fusion Market is estimated to be valued at USD 331.26 Bn in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 491.55 Bn by 2031, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.8% from 2024 to 2031.

Global hydrogen storage market is estimated to be valued at USD 1.6 Bn in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 6.8 Bn by 2031, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 23% from 2024 to 2031.

Author Bio:

Ravina Pandya, PR Writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc. With an MBA in E-commerce, she has an expertise in SEO-optimized content that resonates with industry professionals.

About Us:

Coherent Market Insights is a global market intelligence and consulting organization that provides syndicated research reports, customized research reports, and consulting services. We are known for our actionable insights and authentic reports in various domains including aerospace and defense, agriculture, food and beverages, automotive, chemicals and materials, and virtually all domains and an exhaustive list of sub-domains under the sun. We create value for clients through our highly reliable and accurate reports. We are also committed in playing a leading role in offering insights in various sectors post-COVID-19 and continue to deliver measurable, sustainable results for our clients.
Dublin, Sept. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "United States Multi-Cloud Management Market (2024 Edition): Market Size, Trends, Opportunities and Forecast by Organisation Size, End-Use Industry, Type, Region, By State: 2020-2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



In response to the burgeoning complexities of cloud computing, the United States has witnessed a sizable growth in the multi-cloud management sector. The industry, whose value reached USD 2.45 billion in 2023, is driven by the increasing necessity for organizations to manage various cloud platforms efficiently.

With the rise of digital transformation initiatives, companies across diverse sectors, such as IT & Telecommunication, Industrial & Manufacturing, and Healthcare & Life Sciences, are seeking advanced solutions to optimize their cloud operations. These solutions are key for managing costs, enhancing risk management, ensuring regulatory compliance, and facilitating strategic business agility.



Segment Insights



A deep dive into the market reveals a significant uptick in the adoption of multi-cloud management by Large Organizations. These entities are turning towards sophisticated management platforms that consolidate diverse cloud resources under a single umbrella, mitigating risks associated with cost management, security, and regulatory adherence. Moreover, as cyber threats grow more intricate, the implementation of comprehensive security measures becomes pivotal. Among the segments analyzed, the sectors of automation, reporting & analytics, and multi-cloud security and risk management stand out as vital components in the multi-cloud management market.



Key Companies



The marketplace teems with innovation and strategic movements, as evidenced by the activities of prominent players like Cisco Systems, Inc., IBM Corporation, VMware, Inc., and a host of other cutting-edge tech companies. Mergers, acquisitions, and the launch of new services are among the strategic approaches employed by these organizations to maintain a competitive edge and to further propel the industry forward.



In the ever-evolving landscape of cloud computing, the United States Multi-Cloud Management Market stands out as an exemplar of tech-driven progress and innovation, promising a streamlined and secure future for the management of cloud infrastructures across a myriad of industries. With dedicated strategies and an unwavering focus on cybersecurity and compliance, the market is poised for continued expansion well into the next decade.



Companies Featured

BMC Medium, Inc.

Cisco Systems, Inc.

IBM Corporation

VMware, Inc.

Micro Focus

Snow Medium

UnityOneCloud

Dynatrace LLC

Flexera

Zerto Ltd. (HPE)

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/ssikn6

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.
NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES



MONTREAL, Sept. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Opus One Gold Corp (TSX-V: OOR) (the Company or Opus One) is pleased to announce that it has outlined new gold targets on its Noyell property located some 25 km to the south of the mining town of Matagami in Abitibi, south of Eeyou Istchee, James Bay region.

In recent months, Opus One carried out a bio-geochemical survey over its Zone 1 gold discovery (confirmed by drilling in 2020 and 2021) as well as on the ground to the east and south-east of it to find potential extensions to Zone 1 and/or parallel structures that could be gold bearing.

Firstly, it must be mentioned that the bio-geochemical survey successfully identified the Zone1 discovery as a clear gold anomaly was outlined at the precise location of the zone, even though it is covered by approximately 20 meters of overburden. Furthermore, the gold anomaly related to Zone 1 appears to extend eastward for several hundred meters. It must be noted that Zone 1 and this gold anomaly are closely associated to a magnetic anomaly corresponding to the presence of a banded iron formation (BIF). We know from drilling that Zone 1 is in direct contact with a BIF which represents an excellent marker horizon.

The survey identified a second potential gold bearing horizon, also associated with a BIF, some 300 meters south-east of Zone 1. That target, which extends for over 1 km in an east-south-east direction, has never been drilling and represents a totally new target area.

We already know that Zone 1 is not the only gold bearing horizon on the property. Past drilling identified a second horizon (Zone 2) some 40 meters to the north of Zone 1. The latter is seldom mentioned by OOR as it only carries sub-economic values, so far. It is however well developed and, more importantly, shows that several gold bearing horizons could be outlined on the property enhancing its gold potential significantly.

Opus One, is gearing up for a winter drilling program in 2025. The program has been fully designed and permitting is underway. The company expects to complete approximately 7,000 meters of drilling from the beginning January to the end of March 2025. This program will explore the eastern and western extensions of Zone 1 as well as the depth extension which is totally open to date.

Louis Morin Opus One CEO commented: We are really pleased by those results obtained from our latest bio-geochemical survey. Not only It outlined our existing gold bearing Zone 1 but it clearly showed potential for extensions of this zone along with possible existence of similar zones elsewhere on the property.

Despite an ongoing challenging environment for junior mining exploration company, thanks to our supporters, we were able to secure a 100% ownership of Noyell gold property.

From its location, Noyell is easily accessible and costs for different exploration programs are quite lower than those for more remote projects. Therefore it is with the highest enthusiasm we look forward to the upcoming exploration and drill programs on Noyell.

OPUS ONE Resources Inc.

Opus One Resources Inc. is a mining exploration company focused on discovering high quality gold and base metals deposits within strategically located properties in proven mining camps, close to existing mines in the Abitibi Greenstone Belt, north-western Quebec and north-eastern Ontario - one of the most prolific gold mining areas in the world. Opus One holds assets in the Val-d'Or and Matagami mineral districts.

A qualified person, Pierre ODowd P.Geo, has verified the data disclosed, including sampling, analytical, and test data underlying the information or opinions contained in the written disclosure as required by section 3.1 and 3.2 of NI43-101.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains statements that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information may include, among others, statements regarding the future plans, costs, objectives or performance of Opus One, or the assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. In this news release, words such as may, would, could, will, likely, believe, expect, anticipate, intend, plan, estimate and similar words and the negative form thereof are used to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether, or the times at or by which, such future performance will be achieved. No assurance can be given that any events anticipated by the forward-looking information will transpire or occur, including the anticipated exploration program on the project, the results of such exploration program, the development of the project and what benefits Opus One will derive from the project, the expected demand for lithium. Forward-looking information is based on information available at the time and/or managements good-faith belief with respect to future events and are subject to known or unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other unpredictable factors, many of which are beyond Opus One control.

These risks, uncertainties and assumptions include, but are not limited to, those described under Financial Instruments and Risk and Uncertainties in Opus One Annual Report for the fiscal year ended August 31st, 2022, a copy of which is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in any forward-looking statements. Opus One does not intend, nor does Opus One undertake any obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking information contained in this news release to reflect subsequent information, events or circumstances or otherwise, except if required by applicable laws.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the release.

For more information, please contact:

Louis Morin

Chief Executive Officer & Director

Tel.: (514) 591-3988

info@OpusOneGold.com

Visit Opus Ones website: www.OpusOneGold.com









Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d8327326-484f-4d9d-9f1d-70ac2aebb713

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/617ce532-6f93-4836-b85d-1b4fd38a3d3f
INDIANAPOLIS, IN, Sept. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and CO-100, its award-winning digital platform for small businesses, today announced Scorpion Protective Coatings, Inc. was chosen for the CO-100: America's Top 100 Small Businesses list.

Related link: https://www.uschamber.com/co/profiles/scorpion-protective-coatings-inc





Scorpion Protective Coatings, Inc. was selected out of more than 14,000 applicants by an esteemed panel of judges for its overall growth driven by cutting-edge ideas, resilience, and strong employee culture. The list includes a diverse array of small businesses of all sizes and industries located in 31 states and Washington, D.C.

"Scorpion is truly humbled and excited to be included in this prestigious group as selected by the US Chamber of Commerce. To be 1 of 100 small businesses from across the US, and 1 of 2 companies from the state of Indiana - it really is an outstanding achievement and we appreciate the recognition.

Beyond being an honoree, it is important to note that Scorpion was 1 of 10 companies to be named a "Community Champion." This recognition means so much to us as a company, as it extends the honor to our local community.

As Scorpion continues to explore how we can best extend our social purpose - we see this honor not as a mark of achievement, but a sign that we are moving in the right direction."

- Clayton Tomasino, CEO of Scorpion Protective Coatings, Inc.

The CO-100 honorees receive a one-year paid membership to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, unmatched access to top experts and thought leaders, national brand exposure, and exclusive community building and networking opportunities.

On October 8, the CO-100 will be celebrated at a premier event at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's historic headquarters in Washington, D.C., where they will participate in a VIP experience and have access to some of the most influential names in business through the CO-100 Small Business Forum. At an evening awards dinner, 10 Top Businesses will be recognized for outstanding achievement across 10 categories of excellence and receive $2,000 each. One overall CO-100 Top Business will receive $25,000.

"As the world's largest business organization representing companies of all sizes and industries, we understand what makes a business great," said Jeanette Mulvey, Vice President and Editor-in-Chief of CO- by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. "The CO-100 founders, owners, entrepreneurs, and employees showcase the exceptional talent and innovation within the American business community."

Learn more about the CO-100 honorees https://buyscorpion.com/ .

Media contact

Brand: Scorpion Protective Coatings

Contact: Media team

Email: info@buyscorpion.com

Website: https://buyscorpion.com/

SOURCE: Scorpion Protective Coatings




SINGAPORE, Sept. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WEEX Exchange, a prominent cryptocurrency futures trading platform boasting a user base of 5 million traders, is preparing to host a significant event at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore, with the potential to reshape the cryptocurrency landscape. The forthcoming Crypto Millionaire Gala: WEEX VIP Lounge @ TOKEN 2049 transcends the traditional event framework; it emerges as a pivotal experience tailored for blockchain enthusiasts, Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs), and forward-thinking project leaders. This event amalgamates intellect, collaboration, and strategic vision to redefine your journey in the realm of cryptocurrency.

Event Details:

Date : September 18th & 19th

: September 18th & 19th Time : 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM

: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM Location : Marina Bay Sands, Singapore  Just a short 5-minute walk from the TOKEN 2049 venue

: Marina Bay Sands, Singapore  Just a short 5-minute walk from the TOKEN 2049 venue Registration: https://lu.ma/lgtpt4uf

What Makes the Gala Different?

Dive into an atmosphere where innovation sparks and connections flourish. The WEEX VIP Lounge X TOKEN 2049 Gala transcends the ordinary, acting as a catalyst for redefining the future of decentralized finance. Industry visionaries, Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs), and blockchain enthusiasts will converge, creating a powerhouse of ideas and collaborations that have the potential to shape the trajectory of the crypto realm.

The Exclusive Benefits Joining as a KOL or Crypto Entrepreneur

The WEEX VIP Lounge stands as a haven for profound discussions and strategic partnerships, providing a platform where innovative ideas can thrive. As a KOL or Crypto Project Owner, your presence at this Gala promises curated interactions, offering a chance to network with elite figures in the industry, exchange groundbreaking concepts, and explore potential collaborations that can propel your ventures to new heights.

Exploring the Evolution of WEEX: A Closer Look

It's evident that the upcoming Crypto Millionaire Gala: WEEX VIP Lounge @ TOKEN 2049 marks a milestone in the evolution of the WEEX Exchange Empire. Over the past six years since its establishment in 2018, WEEX Exchange has achieved remarkable progress. From its inception to now boasting a user base of 5 million traders and a daily trading volume exceeding $200 million, the exchange has made substantial strides in the industry.

One of the key success factors is WEEX providing over 400 futures trading pairs, setting it apart from the competition. A substantial protection fund of 1000 BTC ensures a secure trading environment for users. The future of WEEX Exchange appears promising, with a landscape ripe with opportunities for further expansion and growth.

Do I Participate in this Gala?

If you want to immerse yourself in a realm where opportunities flourish and connections mold the path ahead, come to WEEX VIP Lounge X TOKEN 2049 Gala. Reserve your spot today in this pivotal juncture for the cryptocurrency realm.





About WEEX

Founded in 2018 and based in the bustling hub of Singapore, WEEX Exchange has rapidly emerged as a leading global cryptocurrency exchange. Offering a diverse array of over 400 trading pairs and introducing zero trading fees for newly listed tokens, WEEX Exchange has garnered acclaim within the industry. With the addition of " WEEX WE-Launch ," the platform provides users with exciting opportunities to become WXT holders and benefit from new token airdrops. Boasting a substantial user base exceeding 5 million and a daily trading volume surpassing $200 million, the exchange has secured a spot in the top 25 on CoinMarketCap .

For more information:

Website: https://www.weex.com/

Media Inquiries: market@weexglobal.com

Customer Support: support@weex.com

WEEX Exchange WE-Launch: https://www.weex.com/WE-Launch

Disclaimer: This content is provided by WEEX. The statements, views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the content provider. The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d22fa81e-0b56-4009-9eaf-c811571f4612

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9e2f83ab-b5ce-422f-ba36-58bdcadf40f9
FRISCO, TX, Sept. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- With 25 years of successful consulting and sales leadership at technology, SaaS, and professional services companies, Rob Rash will now apply his deep industry experience to take client sales to the next level as a Fractional CSO for Chief Outsiders. Recently, Rash joined Chief Outsiders team of more than 120 Fractional Chief Sales Officers (CSOs) and Fractional Chief Marketing Officers (CMOs).

A trusted partner and advisor to CXOs based on informed insights, Rob builds winning sales teams and processes, leading to outstanding growth, said Paul Sparrow, South Region Managing Partner, Chief Outsiders. Were excited to add his technology and professional services industry experience to our team of battle-tested fractional sales executives.

A values-oriented servant leader and team builder, Rash brings together the right people to create transformative change and substantial new value for mid-market and PE-owned companies. An expert in go-to-market strategy development and sales process improvement, he delivers highly profitable accelerated revenue that beats the market.

Technology and Professional Services Industry Sales Leadership

At Chief Outsiders, Rash works with the CEOs of early-stage and mid-market technology and professional services companies to make big things happen. Prior to joining Chief Outsiders, as Vice President of Sales at Fruition Partners, he grew sales by 28% YoY, facilitating the sale to DXC Technology. And as Director of Business Development at KPMG Consulting, he achieved double-digit sales gains annually while partnering with industry leading SaaS software vendors such as Salesforce, ServiceNow, and Workday.

Most recently, Rash served as Vice President, Sales at Resource Global Partners, Sales Advisory Leader for SBI Growth Advisory, Vice President, Sales at Argano Keste, LLC, and Vice President, Sales for Olympia Growth Consultants, LLC. Between stints at KPMG Consulting, he filled the Managing Director role at Kroll, LLC and served as CEO and President of Rash & Associates, LP.

Prior to his successful sales leadership career, Rash earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of North Texas in Denton, Texas and a Master of Arts in Global Leadership from Dallas Baptist University in Dallas, Texas.

About Chief Outsiders

Chief Outsiders, the nations leading Executives-as-a-Service firm, helps CEOs identify and deploy the fractional marketing and sales executives they need to accelerate growth. The firms cohesive team of more than 120 fractional executives act as Strategic Operators to achieve results. They blend insight, strategy, and execution to deliver revenue engines that drive long-term profitable growth for businesses.

Chief Outsiders fractional executives drive growth strategy and execution plans by offering instant access to talent with highly customized and flexible engagements. Having served on the executive teams of more than 2,000 client companies, each Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Sales Officer has led marketing or sales at a diverse set of large corporations, including many Fortune 500 firms. Inc. Magazine has recognized Chief Outsiders for ten consecutive years as one of the 5,000 fastest growing privately held companies in the US. The company was also recognized as a Forbes Small Giant in 2019.

The Growth Gears: Using a Market-Based Framework to Drive Business Success, is an Amazon #1 best-seller for business owners and CEOs co-authored by Chief Outsiders CEO Art Saxby and Principal Pete Hayes. For additional information about the companies and CEOs who trust Chief Outsiders as their premier source for business growth acceleration, visit us at www.chiefoutsiders.com.

Attachment
GREENWICH, Conn., Sept. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, Fieldpoint Private Holdings, Inc. (the Company and Fieldpoint Private) announced it has entered into a written agreement with its regulators, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and the Connecticut Department of Banking, that encompasses a set of practices implemented at the Company and Fieldpoint Private Bank & Trust (the Bank) since the banking industry crisis in the spring of 2023. The agreements measures specify timeframes for continuing to update regulators on progress and plans affecting earnings, ensuring ongoing liquidity strength and the Banks capital.



The primary circumstance warranting these measures has been the economic impact of the rising rate environment affecting banks since 2022, and its pressures on funding costs, loan yields, earnings and capital. Pursuant to the agreement, the Bank will continue to share with regulators its primary operating and controls plans including liquidity risk management, contingency funding, earnings and capital, among others.

We have a strong partnership with our regulators, said H. Russell Holland, President and CEO of Fieldpoint Private. The written agreement outlines what our stakeholders know and expect from us, focusing on maintaining our liquidity and capital, while adhering to a strong financial discipline, further strengthening our ability to continue to solve our clients challenges.

Fieldpoint Private noted significant progress in 2024:

Year to date, the Bank has more than doubled its clientele, diversifying and growing its deposit base while reducing its funding costs. Management believes this will improve loan yields and add to capital over time.

Fieldpoint Private has added more than $100 million in core client deposit balances and increased its client count by more than 2,700 via a partnership with an online client cash allocation tool.

Additionally, the Bank has recruited 12 high-performing New York metro bankers with successful experience developing business with wealthy clients and their related businesses, including in partnership with clients Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) firms. Since Q2 of this year, they have increased core deposits by an additional $60 million and further improved the Banks funding cost profile.

The Bank has entered into agreements with 15 RIA firms to serve as banking partner on behalf of the firms advisors and clients. These firms represent a combined $64 billion in client assets under management, and more than 50,000 client relationships.

In addition, Fieldpoint Private reported that, after having worked this year with multiple existing shareholders toward a sizeable capital commitment, its Board of Directors has approved an investment term sheet from one of its shareholders and the parties are working toward a definitive agreement. Subject to regulatory approval, the proposed investment combines capital and an increase in holding company credit commitment, to strengthen the Banks liquidity and capital positions.

Fieldpoint Private is well positioned for the future and will continue to maintain our focus on what is right for the client, period, Holland said, emphasizing Fieldpoint Privates commitment to individual client solutions. We are focused on continuing to build on our trusted relationships with our clients while helping to strengthen and sustain wealth through our custom strategies to meet any need.

Mr. Holland added that Fieldpoint Private is fully committed to meeting the terms of its written agreement and thanks its regulatory partners for their guidance and collaboration through the process.

About Fieldpoint Private

Fieldpoint Private Holdings, Inc., is the holding company of Fieldpoint Private Bank & Trust, a boutique private banking firm headquartered in Greenwich, Connecticut, with offices in New York City, Atlanta and Orlando/Winter Park. Fieldpoint Private was established at the onset of the Great Financial Crisis by 31 individuals, including former Chairmen and CEOs of some of the most well-known and successful financial and consumer firms in America. Their intent was not to craft a firm that would emulate the large, established institutions, but rather one that would serve as an alternative. Dedicated to meeting the comprehensive financial needs of highly successful individuals, families, businesses and institutions, Fieldpoint Private offers a powerful combination of private personal and commercial banking services delivered directly and in partnership with clients most trusted independent advisors.





 2024 Fieldpoint Private | Equal Housing Lender | Banking Services: Fieldpoint Private Bank & Trust, Member FDIC.

Fieldpoint Private provides clients access to products and services offered through bank and non-bank affiliates. Banking services offered through Fieldpoint Private Bank & Trust Member FDIC  Equal Housing Lender. NMLS 408942.
Long Island, NY, Sept. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Clara Capital, a leading provider of financing solutions for small and medium-sized businesses, proudly announces its inclusion in the 2024 Inc. 5000 list, ranking as the 158th fastest-growing privately held company in the United States. This prestigious recognition underscores Clara Capitals significant growth and its unwavering commitment to supporting entrepreneurs with competitive, flexible financial products.

Company Milestones and Growth

Since its founding in 2019, Clara Capital has been on a mission to redefine business financing. CEO Ryan Adwar established the company with a vision of offering innovative financial solutions that drive sustainable growth for businesses across various industries. This approach has resulted in a remarkable client retention rate, with over 70% of businesses returning for additional funding.

Clara Capitals ability to deliver fast turnarounds, competitive financing options, and fully customizable solutions has made it a trusted partner for entrepreneurs. The company has funded thousands of businesses to date, providing critical support to companies at every stage of growth.

Industry Recognition

Clara Capitals exceptional growth has earned it recognition as the 15th fastest-growing financial services company in the country. The company also achieved the top ranking in the business finance industry, as reported by Debanked.com. These accolades reflect Clara Capitals dedication to offering a comprehensive range of financial products tailored to meet the diverse needs of its clients.

From large equipment financing to smaller lines of credit for emerging businesses, Clara Capital has built a reputation for providing value through customized terms. Whether offering flexible terms for seasonal businesses or payment plans aligned with cash flow, Clara Capital consistently delivers solutions that empower businesses to thrive.

About Clara Capital

Clara Capital LLC is a private lender based in Long Island, NY, specializing in financing solutions for small and medium-sized businesses across multiple industries. The company is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs achieve their business goals through tailored financial products and exceptional customer service.

For more information, please visit www.claracap.com or contact us at support@claracap.com.

Media Contact:

Michael Lederman

m@claracap.com

516-517-0361

https://www.linkedin.com/company/clara-capital-llc

https://www.facebook.com/ClaraCapitalNY/

support@claracap.com

www.claracap.com




Dublin, Sept. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Vertical Farming Market by Growth Mechanism (Hydroponics, Aeroponics, Aquaponics), Structure (Building-based, Shipping Container-based), Crop Type, Offering (Hardware, Software, Services) & Region - Global Forecast to 2029" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The global vertical farming market was valued at USD 5.6 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 13.7 billion by 2029; it is expected to register a CAGR of 19.7% during the forecast period.



Altruistic demands are also driven by food security issues like population growth, urbanization and safe food. Some of the examples of benefits that could be attributed to the economic aspect includes; transportation cost, year round production and production of high valued crops. The use of IoT, Hyper intelligent transport system (HITS), AI, LED lighting, and hydroponics increases effectiveness in the organization. All of them provide the needful argument for vertical farming, which indeed can be viewed as one of the most promising models of contemporary agriculture.





The lighting hardware type to hold the largest share during the forecast period



Lighting has tremendously improved owing to its pros specific to indoor vertical farms' requirements, and the use of LED lighting has gained huge popularity. LED lights give the farmers the control of both the light composition and the brightness, so that the former are able to adjust the light to the needs of the plants, thus helping them grow faster and produce more.



In addition, LED lights are energy saving, that is, they use way much power than most conventional sources of lighting. It also cuts on costs of maintenance due to their longer lasting as compared to other lamp types. Thirdly, LED lights produce comparatively little heat that reduces the possibilities of heat injury of plants and making the working condition of farmers much better. This has made the LED lighting to be popular among the vertical farm operators since it add more value to the vertical farming technique by averting the key reason behind the failure of the farming methodology in the past.



The aeroponics growth mechanism segment to record highest market share during the forecast period



The aeroponic growth mechanism is anticipated to exhibit the highest growth rate in the vertical farming market due to its higher productivity in contrast to hydroponics as well as the substantially lesser utilization of water. Aeroponics occupies a lesser amount of space let plants get all optimal conditions necessary for their growth and provide rich nutrient solution directly to roots of the plant, thus it is more resourceful.

The fixed cost of aeroponics, compared to hydroponics are higher, but the payback is much higher given that the yields are much higher. With the increasing global awareness towards conservation of natural resources and water the need to increase production using limited space and water especially in built-up areas is likely to boost the uptake of aeroponic systems and therefore fuel the growth of this segment in the vertical farming market.



The shipping container-based vertical farms is likely to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period



Vertical farms use shipping containers, that is sustainable, space optimal and can easily be moved from one location to another since they are designed to be transported via sea and rail hence the name 'shipping' containers. Shipping container-based vertical farms are comparatively more affordable. This is due to the ability of the farms to be built in different regions fully equipped without large capital investments in infrastructure.

Also, shipping container farms are climate controlled meaning less water is used during the production processes and also there is production all year round which plays a pivotal role especially in the aspects of food insecurity. Knowing this, the market for vertical farming utilizing shipping containers will inevitably grow as technology progresses in an attempt to enhance the efficiency of these systems and provide entrepreneurs and investors with a competent solution in the agriculture industry.

Research Coverage



The report segments the vertical farming market and forecasts its size by offering, growth mechanism, structure, crop type, and region. The report also discusses the drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges pertaining to the market. It gives a detailed view of the market across four main regions - North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and RoW. Supply chain analysis has been included in the report, along with the key players and their competitive analysis in the vertical farming ecosystem.

The vertical farming market is dominated by a few globally established players such as Signify (Netherlands), Freight Farms (US), AeroFarms (US), Sky Greens (Singapore), Spread (Japan), Plenty (US), Valoya (Finland), Osram (Germany), Everlight Electronics (Taiwan), and Heliospectra AB (Sweden). The study includes an in-depth competitive analysis of these key players in the vertical farming market, with their company profiles, recent developments, and key market strategies.



Key Attributes

Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 251 Forecast Period 2024-2029 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $5.6 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2029 $13.7 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 19.7% Regions Covered Global

Market Dynamics

Drivers High Yield Associated with Vertical Farming Over Conventional Farming Advancements in Light-Emitting Diode (LED) Technology Year-Round Crop Production Irrespective of Weather Conditions Decrease in Arable Land and Water Scarcity Amid Growing Urban Population

Restraints Lack of Technically Skilled Workforce and Limited Crop Types High Startup Costs

Opportunities Reduced Environmental Impact from Vertical Agriculture Potential Market Opportunities in Asia-Pacific and Middle East Growth of Cannabis Cultivation Through Vertical Farming

Challenges Maintenance of Temperature, Humidity, and Air Circulation in Vertical Farm Higher Energy Consumption Leading to High Operational Costs Large-Scale Cost-Intensiveness



Pricing Analysis

Average Selling Price Trend of Key Players, by Lighting Components

Average Selling Price of Lighting Components, by Key Player

Average Selling Price Trend of Lighting Components, by Region

Technology Analysis

Key Technologies Climate Control Systems Hydroponic and Aeroponic Systems UV and Far-Red Light Integration

Complementary Technologies Smart Lighting LED Grow Lights

Adjacent Technologies Spectrum Control Technology



Trade Analysis

HS Code 8539 - Lighting Products Export Data Import Data

HS Code 8436 - Agricultural Equipment Export Data Import Data

HS Code 8415 - HVAC Control System Export Data Import Data



Case Study Analysis

Ljusgarda: Scaling Up Indoor Growth with Heliospectra

Hortipolaris: Perennial Support for Led Lighting in Cultivation and Research Facilities by Fluence by Osram

Aerofarms: Improving Aeroponic Precision Farming Using AI

Aerofarms: IoT Deployment for Data-Driven Insights in Collaboration with Dell Emc

Riat: Signify's Led Lighting Solution Used for Vertical Farming Tomatoes and Cucumbers

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Attachment
HIGHLIGHTS



Novo has completed a review of the antimony (Sb)  gold (Au) potential across its Pilbara ground holding, in light of recent global strategic metals supply changes.

potential across its Pilbara ground holding, in light of recent global strategic metals supply changes. Two prospects in the early stages of exploration rank highly for antimony potential, including the historic Sherlock Crossing (Clarke) antimony mine and the Southeast Wyloo antimony-gold stream sediment anomaly.

and the antimony-gold stream sediment anomaly. The Sherlock Crossing antimony mine was discovered in 1906 and operated during 1907 to 1916 1 . Novo conducted reconnaissance work, collected rock chip samples and undertook soil sampling at Sherlock Crossing in 2022 with peak results of 1.71 g/t Au and 592 ppm Sb.

. Novo conducted reconnaissance work, collected rock chip samples and undertook soil sampling at Sherlock Crossing in 2022 with peak results of 1.71 g/t Au and 592 ppm Sb. Southeast Wyloo includes two, 2km-strike high-order Sb ( Au) stream sediment anomalies , where reconnaissance rock chip sampling completed by Novo in mid-2023 yielded peak results of 387 g/t Ag, 5.0% Pb, 1.6% Zn, 2.4% Cu, 0.38% Sb, and 0.52 g/t Au.

, where reconnaissance rock chip sampling completed by Novo in mid-2023 yielded peak results of Both projects represent exciting targets and will require detailed follow-up exploration work.





Figure 1: Novos rock chip sample W19909 at Sherlock Crossing, showing the subcrop in the area covered with flood plain sediments. Results include 1.71 g/t Au and 592 ppm Sb.

1. Maitland, A. Gibb, (1919) Antimony deposits in Western Australia, Geological Survey of Western Australia, State Government of Western Australia.



VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Sept. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Novo Resources Corp. (Novo or the Company) (ASX: NVO) (TSX: NVO) (OTCQX: NSRPF) is pleased announce the results from a review of extensive geochemical and geological datasets across its West and Central Pilbara land holding targeting antimony (Sb)  gold (Au) potential.

The importance of antimony has increased significantly since China announced export restrictions in August. These restrictions are set to commence in mid-September. The price of antimony has nearly doubled since the start of 2024 and has hit record highs, with the critical metal predominantly used in flame retardant products, solar panels, lead-acid batteries and in the defence industry. China accounted for 48% of global antimony mine production in 2023.

Importantly, through the assessment of the Companys large Pilbara landholding, Novo has identified two prospects: the historic Sherlock Crossing (Clarke) antimony mine; and the Southeast Wyloo (SE Wyloo) Prospect (Figure 2), with significant Sb, Ag, Au, Cu, Pb and Zn potential. These prospects are located on tenements which are 100% owned by Novo subsidiaries and are in the early stages of exploration.





Figure 2: Location map of the Sherlock Crossing antimony mine and SE Wyloo targets.

Sherlock Crossing (Clarke) Antimony Mine

The Sherlock Crossing (Clarke) antimony mine (Figure 2) is a historic antimony-gold mine discovered in 1906 and operated during 1907 to 1916.

According to historic records, the mine initially produced 16 tonnes of dressed concentrate grading 53% Sb and 10.9 g/t Au to 72.9 g/t Au and in 1916, a further 5.66 tonnes of dressed concentrate grading 42.2% Sb and 15.6 g/t Au1.

The workings are now largely covered by flood transported sands and clay on the eastern flood plain of the Sherlock River (Figure 1). Mineralisation was traced over 1,207 m strike and tested by a series of shafts up to 12 m deep, pits and trenches2. There is little evidence of the old workings, apart from three prospecting pits which have been filled with flood debris to within 2 metres of the surface. Rock chip sampling from this area has yielded peak results of 98.8 g/t Au and 0.83% Sb3 (Figure 4).

Three phases of minor evaluation work have been completed in the past and the project has not been drill tested. The text below in italics is extracted from the historical reports lodged by third parties:

Aarex 19974 - As river sands from floods cover much of the area, geo-chemical sampling residual soils was not possible. It is apparent that the mineralisation described as being traced by a series of shallow shafts, pits and open cuts in historical literature occurs some distance to the west (further toward the river) of the few minor excavations still evident today. Thus, the most highly prospective area of the tenement was not sampled, as it would require either costeaning or drilling.



Thirty-five samples were taken from outcrop or from the dump surrounding the main historical excavation. The highest sample result was 84.8 g/t gold which averaged 68.5 g/t over four assays. Twenty samples returned values in excess of 0.1 g/t gold, with twelve returning values of between 1 g/t and 68.5 g/t gold over a zone of about 60 metres wide (not including the main Line of Lode). Although antimony was present in most of the samples, the highest value was only 180 ppm Sb, which is most unusual, given the area was known for antimony mining and very high grades and visible antimony ore. This further highlights the fact that the majority of the historical workings are covered by flood debris, to the west of the areas sampled.

Ascent Mining 2002 (A66185) 3 - Sherlock Crossing, located at the site of the historical Clarke antimony mine, comprises gold antimony quartz veins in pillow basalt returning up to 98.8 g/t Au and 0.83% antimony from Ascent sampling programmes. Repeat sampling gave an average of 240.2 g/t Au (original sample plus three repeat assays). A total of 21 grab samples were collected from mine dumps and quartz veins/stringers in the vicinity of the exposed workings on the east bank of the Sherlock River. Of the 21 samples collected from this area 11 returned results in excess of 1g/t Au including 5 samples >10 g/t Au.



Sherlock Crossing, located at the site of the historical Clarke antimony mine, comprises gold antimony quartz veins in pillow basalt returning up to 98.8 g/t Au and 0.83% antimony from Ascent sampling programmes. Repeat sampling gave an average of 240.2 g/t Au (original sample plus three repeat assays). A total of 21 grab samples were collected from mine dumps and quartz veins/stringers in the vicinity of the exposed workings on the east bank of the Sherlock River. Of the 21 samples collected from this area 11 returned results in excess of 1g/t Au including 5 samples >10 g/t Au. Ourwest Corp 2007 (A76553) 5  11 samples gave peak results of 3.78 g/t Au and 1390 ppm Sb.



No assurance can be given that Novo will achieve similar results as part of its exploration activities at Sherlock Crossing.

Novo conducted reconnaissance work on the Sherlock Crossing antimony mine in 2022. Mapping of the remaining pits was conducted along with rock chip sampling, and soil sampling on the western side of the Sherlock River, in conjunction with stream sediment sampling. Seventeen rock chip samples were collected by Novo in the vicinity of the few remaining pits and to the north and west, with peak results of 1.71 g/t Au and 592 ppm Sb. Original high grade rock chip samples were not re-sampled at this time. See Appendix 1 for all results.

110 soil samples were completed at 80 m x 40 m spacings to cover an outcropping area on the western side of the Sherlock River. Peak soil results include 33.6 ppm Sb at the southern end of the grid and peak stream sediment results south of the soil grid yielded 13 ppm Sb (Figure 3). The 1.5 km long Sb anomaly requires follow-up work.

2 - Finucane, K. J., and Telford, R. J., 1939a, The antimony deposits of the Pilbara Goldfield: Aerial, Geological and Geophysical Survey of Northern Australia, Western Australia Report 47, 5p.

3 - A66185 Wamex Report - Ascent Mining Pty Ltd 2003 - Exploration Licence E47/760 Annual Technical and Progress Report for the Period 01 December 2001 to 30 November 2002

4 - A49869 A53516 Wamex Report - Aarex 1997 Annual Report Exploration Licence 47/760 Sherlock Crossing 1 December 1996 to 30 November 1997

5 - A76553 Wamex Report - Ourwest Corp 2007 - Liberty - Indee Project Combined Reporting Number: C130/2007 Annual Report EL 47/760 & EL 47/1209 In the name of Ourwest Corporation Pty Lid For The Period 27/09/2006  26/09/2007





Figure 3  Sherlock Crossing regional geochemistry highlighting strong antimony at the southern end of the soil grid, and significant antimony anomalism in stream sediment samples over 1.5 km to the south (yellow highlight).





Figure 4  All rock chip results including historical sampling3,4,5 from Sherlock Crossing antimony mine, highlighting gold (left) and antimony (right). In some cases, multiple samples were collected from the same point (mullock dump).

Novos rock chip and soil sampling results at Sherlock Crossing were collected prior to its listing on ASX in September 2023 and are reported to ASX in accordance with the JORC Code 2012 for the first time.

SE Wyloo Target

Exploration on the Wyloo tenement E47/4213 highlighted two significant antimony anomalies in the SE part of the licence area (Figure 5).

Peak stream sediment values recorded by Novo included 131 ppm Sb, being the most anomalous antimony sample in Novos dataset of 8,744 stream sediment samples assayed for antimony in the West and South Pilbara. Both anomalies are approximately 2 km long and trend E-W. Reconnaissance follow-up exploration on the eastern-most antimony-gold stream sediment anomaly in 2023 identified a zone of quartz-sulphide veining, rich in base metals, antimony, silver and gold (Figure 6) in the Jeerinah Formation (Upper Fortescue Group).

An ENE trending quartz vein swarm, outcropping over 150 m strike and in a zone up to 5 m thick, is present in a highly altered and partly brecciated felsic volcanic sequence of rocks. Strong kaolinite-sericite alteration occurs proximal to the vein swarm (>10 m) with minor disseminated copper (malachite) present (Figure 7).

Samples generated results of 387 g/t Ag, 5.0% Pb, 1.6% Zn, 2.4% Cu, 0.38% Sb, and 0.52 g/t Au, from seven rock chips sampled (Table 1). Sample R06926 was collected over a 3 m width as a representation of the 3 m zone (not a true channel sample) and assayed 172 g/t Ag and 0.38% Sb. See Appendix 2 for a full list of results.

Table 1: Wyloo Project SE Sb anomaly - selected rock chip sample assay results 2023.

Sample Easting (m) Northing (m) Au g/t Ag g/t Cu% Pb% Sb% Zn% R06920 457954 7482688 0.002 2 1.08 0.02 0.03 0.25 R06921 457953 7482690 0.005 7 2.36 0.02 0.02 0.12 R06922 457962 7482681 0.142 387 0.39 1.17 0.15 1.6 R06923 457960 7482678 0.188 361 0.05 0.58 0.17 0.03 R06924 457958 7482676 0.518 88 0.05 5.00 0.29 0.17 R06925 457998 7482697 0.005 67 0.14 1.20 0.06 0.03 R06926 457922 7482663 0.006 172 0.02 1.69 0.38 0.1





Figure 5: Wyloo Project in the South Pilbara showing the extensive high-order antimony stream sediment anomalies in the SE corner of the Tenement. Black box = inset Figure 6.





Figure 6: The SE antimony anomaly highlighting the stream sediment anomaly over 2 km strike and peak rock chip results, highlighting strong base-metal silver and gold mineralisation.

The mineralisation trends under colluvial and alluvial cover to the west southwest and east northeast. Much of the stream anomaly has not been assessed and the western antimony stream sediment anomaly remains completely untested. Reconnaissance exploration has provided very encouraging results.





Figure 7  Select reconnaissance rock chip samples from the SE Wyloo prospect

Novos rock chip sample results at SE Wyloo were collected prior to its listing on ASX in September 2023 and are now reported to ASX in accordance with the JORC Code 2012 for the first time.

Future Work

The historic Sherlock Crossing (Clarke) antimony mine area requires follow-up sampling and validation of previous high grade rock chips, heritage, drilling in the vicinity of the main workings and follow-up soil sampling, mapping and rock chip sampling in the area of the western stream anomaly.

Wyloo SE requires heritage, systematic soil sampling, detailed rock chip and channel sampling and mapping prior to RC drilling through the primary targets on the eastern anomaly, and follow-up stream sediment and soil sampling on the western target.

ANALYTIC METHODOLOGY

Aarex4 1997  utilized fire assay with 50 g charge for Au analysis and single acid digest As, Ag, Cu, Ni, Pb, Sb and Zn assayed with ICP scan AAS finish at Minlab, Malaga Perth.

Ascent3 2002 - All samples were submitted to Ultratrace Laboratory in Canning Vale Perth and analysed for Au/Pt/Pd (via Fire Assay  Optical Emission Spectrometry [ICP-OES]) and Ag/As/Cu/Pb/Zn (via Multi-Acid digest  Mass Spectrometry [ICP-MS]).

Ourwest Corp5 2007 - All samples were submitted to Ultratrace Laboratory in Canningvale Perth and analysed for Au/Pt/Pd (via Fire Assay  Optical Emission Spectrometry [ICP-OES]) and multielements (via Multi-Acid digest  Mass Spectrometry (ICP-OES and Ag, Mo, As, SB by ICP-MS).

Historic companies do not report duplicate samples or insertion of CRMs or blanks.

Novo rock chip samples of 1  3 kg were submitted to Intertek commercial Genalysis (Intertek) in Perth, Western Australia where they were dried and crushed to -3 mm and pulverized to 75 m or better (prep code SP64), with a > 85% pass, then assayed for Au by 50 g charge fire assay FA50/OE and for 48 elements using four acid digest  MS finish (4A/MS). Elements that reported above the upper detection limit for 4A/MS were reanalysed using method 4AH/OE. A minimum of 2 CRM standards relevant for the style of mineralisation and 2 blanks were submitted per 100 samples.

Soil samples were sieved to < 80 mesh and submitted to Intertek for aqua regia to analyse for 33 elements. A minimum of 2 CRM standards, 2 blanks and 4 field duplicates were submitted per 100 samples.

Stream sediment samples were sieved to < 0.9 mm and submitted to Intertek where they were dried and pulverized to 75 m or better (prep code SP02), with a > 85% pass, then analysed for aqua regia for 33 elements. In addition, the samples are analysed via BLEG (Bulk Leach Extractable Gold) 500 g cyanide leach with MS finish for Au, Pt, Pd and Ag.

Historical exploration results contained in the WAMEX Reports lodged by the other companies referred to in this news release have not been reported in accordance with the JORC Code 2012 or NI 43-101 and a Competent Person/Qualified Person has not done sufficient work to disclose the exploration results in accordance with the JORC Code 2012 or NI 43-101. It is possible that following further evaluation and/or exploration work that the confidence in the prior reported exploration results may be reduced when reported under the JORC Code 2012 or NI 43-101. Novo confirms that nothing has come to its attention that causes it to question the accuracy or reliability of the results included in the WAMEX Reports, but Novo has not independently validated those results and therefore is not to be regarded as reporting, adopting or endorsing those results. No assurance can be given that Novo will achieve similar results as part of its exploration activities at its Pilbara projects.

Authorised for release on behalf of the Board of Directors.

CONTACT

Investors:

Mike Spreadborough

+61 8 6400 6100

info@novoresources.com North American Queries:

Leo Karabelas

+1 416 543 3120

leo@novoresources.com Media:

Cameron Gilenko

+61 466 984 953

cameron.gilenko@sodali.com

QP STATEMENT

Mrs. Karen (Kas) De Luca (MAIG), is the qualified person, as defined under NI 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, responsible for, and having reviewed and approved, the technical information contained in this news release. Mrs De Luca is Novos General Manager Exploration.

JORC COMPLIANCE STATEMENT

The information in this news release that relates to exploration results in the Pilbara is based on information compiled by Mrs De Luca, who is a full-time employee of Novo Resources Corp. Mrs De Luca is a Competent Person who is a member of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists. Mrs De Luca has sufficient experience that is relevant to the style of mineralisation and the type of deposits under consideration and to the activity being undertaken to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 Edition of the 'Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves'. Mrs De Luca consents to the inclusion in the report of the matters based on her information in the form and context in which it appears.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Some statements in this news release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Canadian and Australian securities law and regulations. In this news release, such statements include but are not limited to planned exploration activities and the timing of such. 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, customary risks of the resource industry and the risk factors identified in Novos annual information form for the year ended December 31, 2023 (which is available under Novos profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and at www.asx.com.au) in the Companys prospectus dated 2 August 2023 which is available at www.asx.com.au. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date those statements are made. Except as required by applicable law, Novo assumes no obligation to update or to publicly announce the results of any change to any forward-looking statement contained or incorporated by reference herein to reflect actual results, future events or developments, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting the forward-looking statements. If Novo updates any forward-looking statement(s), no inference should be drawn that the Company will make additional updates with respect to those or other forward-looking statements.

ABOUT NOVO

Novo is an Australian based gold explorer listed on the ASX and the TSX focused on discovering standalone gold projects with > 1 Moz development potential. Novo is an innovative gold explorer with a significant land package covering approximately 6,700 square kilometres in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, along with the 22 square kilometre Belltopper project in the Bendigo Tectonic Zone of Victoria, Australia.

Novos key project area is the Egina Gold Camp, where De Grey Mining is farming-in to form a JV at the Becher Project and surrounding tenements through exploration expenditure of A$25 million within 4 years for a 50% interest. The Becher Project has similar geological characteristics as De Greys 12.7 Moz Hemi Project6. Novo is also advancing gold exploration at Nunyerry North, part of the Croydon JV (Novo 70%: Creasy Group 30%), where 2023 exploration drilling identified significant gold mineralisation. Novo continues to undertake early-stage exploration across its Pilbara tenement portfolio.

Novo has also formed lithium joint ventures with both Liatam and SQM in the Pilbara which provides shareholder exposure to battery metals.

Novo has a significant investment portfolio and a disciplined program in place to identify value accretive opportunities that will build further value for shareholders.

Please refer to Novos website for further information including the latest Corporate Presentation.





6. Refer to De Grey ASX Announcement, Hemi Gold Project Resource Update, dated 21 November 2023. No assurance can be given that a similar {or any) commercially mineable deposit will be determined at Novos Becher project.

Appendix 1  Rock Chip Table of Results Clarke Sb Mine and Surrounds (all samples)

Sample Company Coord sys East (m) North (m) Au g/t Sb ppm Cu ppm Pb ppm 5301 Aarex4 AMG84_50 563207 7674855 0.01 0.4 27 9 5302 Aarex4 AMG84_50 563247 7674864 1.26 0 38 5 5303 Aarex4 AMG84_50 563298 7674873 0.02 0 31 10 5304 Aarex4 AMG84_50 563362 7674842 0.02 0.4 17 1 5305 Aarex4 AMG84_50 563238 7674890 0.02 1 23 3 5306 Aarex4 AMG84_50 563232 7674884 0.51 2.6 48 5 5307 Aarex4 AMG84_50 563192 7674892 0.1 1.6 37 7 5308 Aarex4 AMG84_50 563227 7674917 25.9 40 190 1200 5309 Aarex4 AMG84_50 563227 7674917 3.47 16 66 240 5310 Aarex4 AMG84_50 563227 7674917 0.09 7.4 61 22 5311 Aarex4 AMG84_50 563227 7674917 3.01 17 88 62 5312 Aarex4 AMG84_50 563227 7674917 0.17 3.2 57 22 5313 Aarex4 AMG84_50 563227 7674917 0.05 9.2 74 77 5314 Aarex4 AMG84_50 563227 7674917 0.12 5.8 120 150 5315 Aarex4 AMG84_50 563227 7674917 0.33 22 92 53 5316 Aarex4 AMG84_50 563227 7674917 68.5 53 730 9800 5317 Aarex4 AMG84_50 563213 7674924 4.15 43 150 1400 5318 Aarex4 AMG84_50 563227 7674932 15.4 180 28 800 5319 Aarex4 AMG84_50 563226 7674927 0.98 25 42 90 5320 Aarex4 AMG84_50 563238 7674927 11.8 13 98 5700 5321 Aarex4 AMG84_50 563260 7674932 3.12 15 110 760 5322 Aarex4 AMG84_50 563275 7674938 0.25 6.8 37 49 5323 Aarex4 AMG84_50 563294 7674975 0.06 1.2 32 18 5324 Aarex4 AMG84_50 563235 7674999 1.83 63 13 14 5325 Aarex4 AMG84_50 563131 7675167 0.33 25 43 16 5326 Aarex4 AMG84_50 563175 7675148 0.04 3.2 68 9 5327 Aarex4 AMG84_50 563198 7675170 0.03 2 53 4 5328 Aarex4 AMG84_50 563111 7675208 0.02 0.8 27 5 5329 Aarex4 AMG84_50 563130 7675251 0.02 1.6 58 8 5330 Aarex4 AMG84_50 563130 7675251 0.04 0 12 5 AX00021 Ascent Mining3 MGA94_50 563375 7675056 0.421 8300 200 21000 AX00022 Ascent Mining3 MGA94_50 563375 7675056 5.14 462 165 545 AX00023 Ascent Mining3 MGA94_50 563375 7675056 98.8 926 480 2050 AX00024 Ascent Mining3 MGA94_50 563375 7675056 71.7 1140 250 1280 AX00025 Ascent Mining3 MGA94_50 563375 7675056 90.6 356 420 920 AX00026 Ascent Mining3 MGA94_50 563359 7675073 3.07 269 70 440 AX00027 Ascent Mining3 MGA94_50 563359 7675073 18.4 2960 110 345 AX00028 Ascent Mining3 MGA94_50 563361 7675053 0.423 59.4 30 125 AX00029 Ascent Mining3 MGA94_50 563371 7675114 0.653 11.6 15 15 AX00030 Ascent Mining3 MGA94_50 563328 7675119 0.035 7 540 10 AX00031 Ascent Mining3 MGA94_50 563328 7675119 0.039 8.4 115 5 AX00032 Ascent Mining3 MGA94_50 563328 7675119 11.4 628 1550 100 AX00033 Ascent Mining3 MGA94_50 563328 7675119 0.012 10.8 35 5 AX00034 Ascent Mining3 MGA94_50 563385 7675021 0.068 11.2 70 5 AX00035 Ascent Mining3 MGA94_50 563376 7675034 0.005 12.4 25 5 AX00036 Ascent Mining3 MGA94_50 563356 7675058 3.77 59 135 5 AX00037 Ascent Mining3 MGA94_50 563356 7675058 7.52 78.8 85 10 AX00038 Ascent Mining3 MGA94_50 563375 7675075 0.526 783 85 2820 AX00039 Ascent Mining3 MGA94_50 563375 7675075 2.85 355 45 950 AX00040 Ascent Mining3 MGA94_50 563416 7675128 0.017 19.4 20 -0.5 AX00041 Ascent Mining3 MGA94_50 563416 7675128 0.027 18.6 20 5 J2401 Ourwest Corp5 MGA94_50 563366 7675050 3.78 1390 110 2100 J2402 Ourwest Corp5 MGA94_50 563366 7675050 0.017 60.6 40 -100 J2403 Ourwest Corp5 MGA94_50 563366 7675050 0.258 100 55 -100 J5101 Ourwest Corp5 MGA94_50 563294 7675150 0.012 8 40 5 J5111 Ourwest Corp5 MGA94_50 563481 7675117 0.012 13.2 10 11 J5121 Ourwest Corp5 MGA94_50 563481 7675117 0.008 12.2 20 7 J5131 Ourwest Corp5 MGA94_50 563300 7675010 0.004 10.8 70 8 J5601 Ourwest Corp5 MGA94_50 563294 7675065 -0.002 7.2 30 4 J5701 Ourwest Corp5 MGA94_50 563294 7675065 0.008 49.4 20 24 J5801 Ourwest Corp5 MGA94_50 563294 7675065 0.01 23.2 65 12 J5901 Ourwest Corp5 MGA94_50 563294 7675065 0.048 6.8 90 10 W10757 Novo MGA2020_50 563366 7675148.5 0.01 269.25 26.4 2.1 W10758 Novo MGA2020_50 563412 7675132.5 0.021 23.93 36.6 1 W10759 Novo MGA2020_50 563417 7675134.5 0.241 20.61 27.5 0.9 W10761 Novo MGA2020_50 563424 7675135.5 0.017 26.18 28.6 2.5 W10762 Novo MGA2020_50 563459 7675068.5 0.008 9.24 6.3 2.8 W10763 Novo MGA2020_50 563485 7675054.5 0.008 15.78 34.7 1.4 W19905 Novo MGA2020_50 563421 7675204 0.077 35.65 90.3 9.8 W19906 Novo MGA2020_50 563359 7675079 0.323 47.61 29.9 80.3 W19912 Novo MGA2020_50 563398 7675087 0.035 119.38 27.2 6.9 W19913 Novo MGA2020_50 563341 7675075 0.045 65.65 18.7 3.8 W19914 Novo MGA2020_50 563419 7675044 0.003 10.59 148.5 9.3 W10764 Novo MGA2020_50 563416 7675047.5 0.004 7.44 41 8.9 W19907 Novo MGA2020_50 563365 7675075 0.415 132.27 31.4 9 W19908 Novo MGA2020_50 563382 7675072 0.143 442.41 41.9 715.3 W19909 Novo MGA2020_50 563384 7675074 1.708 592.16 219 2556.7 W19910 Novo MGA2020_50 563390 7675106 0.003 4.42 7.3 11.3 W19911 Novo MGA2020_50 563406 7675087 0.038 80.06 27.5 29.6

Appendix 2  Rock Chip Table of Results Wyloo SE Anomaly and Surrounds (all samples)  co-ordinate system is MGA2020_50 for all samples

Sample

East (m)

North (m)

Au g/t

Ag g/t

Cu ppm

Pb ppm

Sb ppm

Zn ppm

R06927 458554 7482785 0.00 0.6 10 56 32.01 81 R06926 457922 7482663 0.01 171.8 240 16859 3786 967 R06925 457998 7482697 0.01 66.8 1361 11995 630.1 312 R06924 457958 7482676 0.52 87.8 497 50027 2908 1654 R06923 457960 7482678 0.19 361.0 541 5814 1698 348 R06922 457962 7482681 0.14 386.9 3854 11714 1492 16042 R06921 457953 7482690 0.01 7.2 23590 188 233 1178 R06920 457954 7482688 0.00 1.7 10815 182 343.9 2525 R06919 457987 7482752 0.00 0.1 20 39 6.74 1217 R06917 457974 7482902 0.01 1.9 368 798 150.7 470 R06916 458009 7482882 0.00 0.5 213 21 18.92 732 R06915 458060 7482860 0.00 0.1 9 5 2.08 22 R06914 458051 7482860 0.01 0.5 15 323 6.34 27 R06913 458162 7482756 0.00 1.6 129 604 18.26 419 R06912 458180 7482557 0.00 0.1 8 9 187.1 19

JORC Code, 2012 Edition  Table 1

Section 1: Sampling Techniques and Data

(Criteria listed in the preceding section also apply to this section)

Criteria JORC Code explanation Commentary Sampling techniques Nature and quality of sampling (e.g., cut channels, random chips, or specific specialised industry standard measurement tools appropriate to the minerals under investigation, such as down hole gamma sondes, or handheld XRF instruments, etc). These examples should not be taken as limiting the broad meaning of sampling.

Include reference to measures taken to ensure sample representivity and the appropriate calibration of any measurement tools or systems used.

Aspects of the determination of mineralisation that are Material to the Public Report.

In cases where industry standard work has been done this would be relatively simple (e.g., reverse circulation drilling was used to obtain 1 m samples from which 3 kg was pulverised to produce a 30 g charge for fire assay). In other cases, more explanation may be required, such as where there is coarse gold that has inherent sampling problems. Unusual commodities or mineralisation types (e.g., submarine nodules) may warrant disclosure of detailed information. Rock chips samples were collected by grab sampling 1  3 kg of material into calico bags for dispatch from outcrop or historic dump samples. Sample sites were selected based to be representative on the lithology, vein and mineralisation sampled, and the same sampling technique was employed at each sample site where possible. Samples at Wyloo listed as 3m or 0.6m width were not strict channel samples, rather an attempt to collect a representative sample across a certain width of mineralisation.

Soil samples of 200g were collected from small pits 2 cm  20 cm depth and sieved to <80#. Analysis depends on anticipated target mineralisation and includes aqua regia for all soils with optional fire assay for Au / Pt / Pd analysis.

Stream sediment samples were sieved to < 0.9 mm from active sediment in creeks, generally not from trap sites, rather active straight channels where possible

Based on statistical analysis of these results, there is no evidence to suggest the samples are not representative.

Rock samples by other companies were likely collected by grab sampling 1  3 kg as is standard industry practice Drilling techniques Drill type (e.g., core, reverse circulation, open-hole hammer, rotary air blast, auger, Bangka, sonic, etc) and details (e.g., core diameter, triple or standard tube, depth of diamond tails, face-sampling bit, or other type, whether core is oriented and if so, by what method, etc). No drilling was undertaken. Drill sample recovery Method of recording and assessing core and chip sample recoveries and results assessed.

Measures taken to maximise sample recovery and ensure representative nature of the samples.

Whether a relationship exists between sample recovery and grade and whether sample bias may have occurred due to preferential loss/gain of fine/coarse material. No drilling was undertaken. Logging Whether core and chip samples have been geologically and geotechnically logged to a level of detail to support appropriate Mineral Resource estimation, mining studies and metallurgical studies.

Whether logging is qualitative or quantitative in nature. Core (or costean, channel, etc) photography.

The total length and percentage of the relevant intersections logged. No drilling was undertaken. Sub-sampling techniques and sample preparation If core, whether cut or sawn and whether quarter, half or all core taken.

If non-core, whether riffled, tube sampled, rotary split, etc and whether sampled wet or dry.

For all sample types, the nature, quality, and appropriateness of the sample preparation technique.

Quality control procedures adopted for all sub-sampling stages to maximise representivity of samples.

Measures taken to ensure that the sampling is representative of the in-situ material collected, including for instance results for field duplicate/second-half sampling.

Whether sample sizes are appropriate to the grain size of the material being sampled. Novo rock chip samples of 1  3 kg were submitted to Intertek commercial Genalysis (Intertek) in Perth, Western Australia where they were dried and crushed to -3 mm and pulverized to 75 m or better (prep code SP64), with a > 85% pass, then assayed for Au by 50 g charge fire assay FA50/OE and for 48 elements using four acid digest  MS finish (4A/MS). Elements that reported above the upper detection limit for 4A/MS were reanalysed using method 4AH/OE. A minimum of 2 CRM standards relevant for the style of mineralisation and 2 blanks were submitted per 100 samples.

Soil samples were sieved to < 80 mesh and >200g in pre-numbered paper packets were submitted to Intertek for aqua regia to analyse for 33 elements. A minimum of 2 CRM standards, 2 blanks and 4 field duplicates were submitted per 100 samples.

Stream sediment samples were sieved to < 0.9 mm and >600g were submitted in prenumbered plastic bags to Intertek where they were dried and pulverized to 75 m or better (prep code SP02), with a > 85% pass, then analysed for aqua regia for 33 elements. In addition, the samples are analysed via BLEG (Bulk Leach Extractable Gold) 500 g cyanide leach with MS finish for Au, Pt, Pd and Ag.

The sampling techniques and sample size is considered appropriate for this style of mineralisation.

Aarex 1997 rock chip samples utilized fire assay with 50 g charge for Au analysis and single acid digest As, Ag, Cu, Ni, Pb, Sb and Zn assayed with ICP scan AAS finish at Minlab, Malaga Perth.

Ascent 2002 rock chip samples were submitted to Ultratrace Laboratory in Canningvale Perth and analysed for Au/Pt/Pd (via Fire Assay  Optical Emission Spectrometry [ICP-OES]) and Ag/As/Cu/Pb/Zn (via Multi-Acid digest  Mass Spectrometry [ICP-MS]).

Ourwest Corp 2007 rock chip samples were submitted to Ultratrace Laboratory in Canningvale Perth and analysed for Au/Pt/Pd (via Fire Assay  Optical Emission Spectrometry [ICP-OES]) and multielements (via Multi-Acid digest  Mass Spectrometry (ICP-OES and Ag, Mo, As, SB by ICP-MS).

Historic companies do not report duplicate samples or insertion of CRMs or blanks. Quality of assay data and laboratory tests The nature, quality and appropriateness of the assaying and laboratory procedures used and whether the technique is considered partial or total.

For geophysical tools, spectrometers, handheld XRF instruments, etc, the parameters used in determining the analysis including instrument make and model, reading times, calibrations factors applied and their derivation, etc.

Nature of quality control procedures adopted (e.g., standards, blanks, duplicates, external laboratory checks) and whether acceptable levels of accuracy (if lack of bias) and precision have been established. The rock chip sample assay methodology noted above is considered appropriate for the style of mineralisation tested. The method includes inserting 2 CRM standards and 2 blanks per 100 samples or at least one of each per sample submission.

The soil sample assay methodology has low level detection for gold and multi-elements and is considered appropriate for soil geochemistry for near surface mineralisation. The method includes insertion of at least 2 blanks 2 CRM standards and 4 field duplicates per 100 samples.

The stream sediment sample assay methodology has low level detection for gold and multi-elements and very low detection for AU, Ag, Pt and Pd (BLEG) and is considered appropriate for stream sediment geochemistry. The method includes insertion of at least 2 blanks 2 CRM standards and 4 field duplicates per 100 samples.

No QAQC issues were detected.

The historic rock chip sample assay methodologies noted above are considered appropriate for the style of mineralisation tested. However, Aarex 1997 rock chip sampling utilized single acid digest and certain elements may not have entirely dissolved or given complete assays (i.e. possible under-reporting for some elements such as Pb, Ba etc).

No QAQC protocols or performance was reported by Historic companies, and it is assumed that QAQC was not considered at the time. Verification of sampling and assaying The verification of significant intersections by either independent or alternative company personnel.

The use of twinned holes.

Documentation of primary data, data entry procedures, data verification, data storage (physical and electronic) protocols.

Discuss any adjustment to assay data. Primary data was collected using database compatible excel templates which were then forwarded to the database manager email for upload to the Geobank (v2022.5) database, buffered through a validation portal that ensures code, interval and primary record compliance. Geobank is a front-end UX/UI tender software platform (developed and sold by Micromine) attached to a SQL v15.1 server.

Assay data were loaded from lab certificates received from the registered laboratory by an internal database manager or external database consultant, and industry-standard audit trails and chain-of-custody was adhered to.

No adjustments of the assay data were made.

Historic sample and assay data is extracted from their annual reports, available online via WAMEX under the report IDs A66185, A53516  A49869 and A76553. Assays were reported by Novo as listed in copied original lab certificates. No adjustments were made. Location of data points Accuracy and quality of surveys used to locate drill holes (collar and down-hole surveys), trenches, mine workings and other locations used in Mineral Resource estimation.

Specification of the grid system used.

Quality and adequacy of topographic control. All surface sample reconnaissance locations were recorded in by hand-held GPS using the GDA94-Z50 co-ordinate system and converted to GDA2020-Z50

Historical companies recorded collar coordinates using a GPS in grid AGD84, zone 50 and GDA94 zone 50, which are converted by Novo to GDA2020 zone 50. Data spacing and distribution Data spacing for reporting of Exploration Results.

Whether the data spacing, and distribution is sufficient to establish the degree of geological and grade continuity appropriate for the Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve estimation procedure(s) and classifications applied.

Whether sample compositing has been applied. Limited rock samples are taken and are indicative of potential grade tenor. These do not indicate any continuity or scale potential.

Soil samples were taken on a nominal 80 m x 40 m grid oriented N-S

Stream sediment samples were collected from all creeks in the area that could be sampled, near the outflow but not too close to be contaminated by the main creek flood events. Orientation of data in relation to geological structure Whether the orientation of sampling achieves unbiased sampling of possible structures and the extent to which this is known, considering the deposit type.

If the relationship between the drilling orientation and the orientation of key mineralised structures is considered to have introduced a sampling bias, this should be assessed and reported if material. Soil sample grids were orientated to best intersect the lithological and structural trends at right angles. Sample security The measures taken to ensure sample security. All samples are collected in the field by Novo staff and contractors and individual samples are loaded into polyweave bags or sample boxes either on-site or at the end of the day.

Sample are transported to Karratha by internal staff and stored in bulka bags in a locked shed ready for transport

Samples are then transported by reputable companies to a registered laboratory where they are stored in a locked facility before being tracked and processed through the preparation and analysis system at the laboratory.

Chain of custody is maintained by con notes and tracking numbers from Karratha to the registered laboratory.

At the registered laboratory the individual samples are registered and tracked through the preparation and analysis process.

Chain of custody information from historic companies is not available. Audits or reviews The results of any audits or reviews of sampling techniques and data. No audits have been undertaken.

Section 2: Reporting of Exploration Results

(Criteria listed in the preceding section also apply to this section)

Criteria JORC Code explanation Commentary Mineral tenement and land tenure status Type, reference name/number, location and ownership including agreements or material issues with third parties such as joint ventures, partnerships, overriding royalties, native title interests, historical sites, wilderness or national park and environmental settings.

The security of the tenure held at the time of reporting along with any known impediments to obtaining a license to operate in the area. The Sherlock Crossing is part of the Karratha District and is located on Exploration License E47/3825 100% owned by Novo Resources, approximately 70km east-southeast of Karratha.

There are several Registered Heritage Sites within this tenement, however not overlapping with the immediate exploration area.

The prospect falls under the granted Ngarluma Native Title determination WC1999/014 and is subject to a land access and mineral exploration agreement with the Native Title Holders.

The Wyloo Prospect is part of the South Pilbara district approximately 120 km east-southeast of Paraburdoo and is located on Exploration License E47/4213, 100% owned by Novo Resources.

There are several Registered Heritage Sites within this tenement, however not overlapping with the immediate drilling area.

The prospects fall under the granted Puutu Kunti Kurrama People and Pinikura People #1 and #2 Native Title determination WC2001/005, WC2005/004 and is subject to a land access and mineral exploration agreement with the Native Title Holders.

The tenements are currently in good standing and there are no known impediments. Exploration done by other parties Acknowledgment and appraisal of exploration by other parties. Aarex 1997 (A53516  A49869) collected thirty-five samples from outcrop or from the dump surrounding the main historical excavation at the Clarke Mine. The highest sample result was 84.8 g/t gold which averaged 68.5 g/t over four assays.

Ascent Mining 2002 (A66185) - collected twenty-one rock chip samples from Sherlock Crossing, located at the site of the historical Clarkes antimony mine, returning up to 98.8 g/t Au and 0.83% antimony

Ourwest Corp 2007 (A76553)  collected eleven rock chip samples which gave peak results of 3.78 g/t Au and 1390 ppm Sb.

No other known work of relevance has been undertaken by other parties. Geology Deposit type, geological setting, and style of mineralisation. Sherlock Crossing is orogenic Au-Sb vein hosted mineralisation along a major N to NNE trending structure, hosted in basalt to ultramafic rocks of the Archaean Louden Volcanics (2.95 Ma). Mineralisation occurs in poorly outcropping zones of sheeted to stockwork quartz veins with stibnite and gold on the eastern flood plain of the Sherlock River.

Wyloo SE is zone quartz-sulphide veining, rich in base metals, antimony, silver and lesser gold in the Jeerinah Formation (Upper Fortescue Group 2.63 Ga). An ENE trending quartz vein swarm, outcropping over 150m strike and in a zone up to 5 m thick, is present in a highly altered and partly brecciated felsic volcanic sequence of rocks. Strong kaolinite sericite alteration occurs proximal to the vein (>10m) with minor disseminated copper (malachite) present. Mineralisation style is currently unknown. Mineralisation goes under transported cover to the SW and NE. Drill hole Information A summary of all information material to the understanding of the exploration results including a tabulation of the following information for all Material drill holes, including Easting and northing of the drill hole collar, Elevation or RL (Reduced Level  elevation above sea level in metres) of the drill hole collar, dip and azimuth of the hole, down hole length and interception depth plus hole length.

If the exclusion of this information is justified on the basis that the information is not Material and this exclusion does not detract from the understanding of the report, the Competent Person should clearly explain why this is the case. No drilling was undertaken. Data aggregation methods In reporting Exploration Results, weighting averaging techniques, maximum and/or minimum grade truncations (e.g., cutting of high grades) and cut-off grades are usually Material and should be stated.

Where aggregate intercepts incorporate short lengths of high-grade results and longer lengths of low-grade results, the procedure used for such aggregation should be stated and some typical examples of such aggregations should be shown in detail.

The assumptions used for any reporting of metal equivalent values should be clearly stated. No drilling was undertaken. Relationship between mineralisation widths and intercept lengths These relationships are particularly important in the reporting of Exploration Results.

If the geometry of the mineralisation with respect to the drill hole angle is known, its nature should be reported.

If it is not known and only the down hole lengths are reported, there should be a clear statement to this effect (e.g., down hole length, true width not known). No drilling was undertaken.

Rock sample results are indicative in nature and, whilst representatively sampling the target lithology, do not contain any width or length information other than a qualitative description of the target. Diagrams Appropriate maps and sections (with scales) and tabulations of intercepts should be included for any significant discovery being reported. These should include, but not be limited to a plan view of drill hole collar locations and appropriate sectional views. Refer to the body of the release for appropriate maps and diagrams. Balanced reporting Where comprehensive reporting of all Exploration Results is not practicable, representative reporting of both low and high grades and/or widths should be practiced to avoid misleading reporting of Exploration Results. All rock sample results are reported in Appendix 1. Soil sample and stream sediment samples analytical results are not listed here but summarised in diagrams and in the body of the release. Other substantive exploration data Other exploration data, if meaningful and material, should be reported including (but not limited to): geological observations; geophysical survey results; geochemical survey results; bulk samples  size and method of treatment; metallurgical test results; bulk density, groundwater, geotechnical and rock characteristics; potential deleterious or contaminating substances. No additional data. Further work The nature and scale of planned further work (e.g., tests for lateral extensions or depth extensions or large-scale step-out drilling).

Diagrams clearly highlighting the areas of possible extensions, including the main geological interpretations and future drilling areas, provided this information is not commercially sensitive. Refer to the body of the release.

No Section 3 or 4 report as no Mineral Resources or Ore Reserves are reported in this Appendix

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

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Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Sept. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A long-time York University professor will join the Ivy League this fall, having been awarded a prestigious visiting professorship at Yale University.

Dawn Bazely, a University Professor in the Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, has been named this years recipient of the 2024-25 Fulbright Canada Distinguished Visiting Professorship, the foundations top Research Chair.

Bazely has taught at York for more than 30 years and met the news of the win with shock and disbelief.

I initially thought it was fake or their email account was hacked, says the trained ecologist. But once it was verified, I chalked it up to a career built on 99 per cent grind and persistence, and a decades-long personal policy of never resting on my laurels. I feel that this is evidence that I still have something to bring to the academic table.

At Yale, Bazely will teach a course as wide-ranging as her expertise, called Canadas Approach to Selected Global Wicked Problems. The course will cover world issues, including climate change, settler-colonialism, and public health  as seen through a Canadian lens.

The largely anticipated American group of students will also learn about Canadian politics, the countrys relationship to the United Nations and its contributions to several intergovernmental panels, like the Intergovernmental Panel on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), along with current topics particularly relevant north of the border, including the Truth and Reconciliation Commissions Calls to Action and the Canadian mining sector.

For Bazely, the opportunity to conduct research and teach at Yale is a platform to amplify as many voices and perspectives as possible.

I will be bringing in guest presenters, including far more brilliant people than me from York and elsewhere, to the course each week, to share their views of the Canadian zeitgeist and how science and society are connected, she says. I want to grow the students global awareness, expose them to new ideas and have the course be as expansive and as eye-opening of an experience as possible. Not to mention, the most important part: I want the course to be fun.

Bazelys upcoming stint at Yale also wont be the first time shes taught at an Ivy League institution. In 2011, she was a Charles Bullard Fellow in Forest Research at Harvard University.

These awards add to a long list of accolades that Bazelys received over the years, becoming one of Yorks most decorated academics. She received the Sandford Fleming Medal in Excellence in Science Communication from the Royal Canadian Institute for Science in 2022, as well as the Minister of Colleges and Universities Award of Excellence for Future-proofing Ontarios students.

Bazely first came to York in 1990 after earning her doctorate from Oxford University. As a first-generation university student herself, she was drawn to York because of its diverse student body, which includes many generational pioneers.

York students should hold their heads up high about their education and training, she says. They can hold their own and compete with the best of the best students from schools around the world.

As a York Fulbright scholar, Bazely will follow in the footsteps of York faculty member Kent McNeil, an emeritus distinguished research professor at Osgoode Hall Law School, who won the award in 2020, and York PhD alumnus Andrew Knight, a professor of international relations at the University of Alberta, who won in 2021.

The Fulbright Canada Distinguished Visiting Professorship is from September to April and is valued at $50,000 USD. For more about Fulbright Canada, visit fulbright.ca

Video of Dawn Bazely in York University's greenhouse

Attachment
Minneapolis, Sept. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Minneapolis, Minnesota -

Diversified Brokerage Services, Inc. has announced a new initiative to expand their service offerings. This effort aims to make client interactions smoother and enhance the overall user experience through tech upgrades and improved customer service strategies.

"We're excited to take this step forward," said the company's CEO. "Our goal is to make it easier for our clients to access the services they need and to provide them with a more seamless and intuitive experience. With these changes, we hope to better serve our clients and exceed their expectations."

Part of this new initiative includes rolling out a customer relationship management (CRM) system. This system will use advanced analytics to better understand client needs and tailor services accordingly. The rollout is expected over the next few months and will give clients easier access to information and support.

Alongside the new CRM system, Diversified Brokerage Services is also upgrading their digital platforms. This includes updates to their website and mobile app, making them more user-friendly and efficient. The goal is to provide clients with quicker access to their accounts and easier navigation. By making these updates, the company aims to improve the digital experience for their clients.

Clients can look forward to more efficient life insurance solutions, supported by a team with over 50 years of experience in the industry. DBS's deep understanding of life insurance, underwriting expertise, and face-to-face sales support are integral parts of the value they bring to their clients. Additionally, the company provides advanced case support through their Advanced Marketing Attorney and Case Design Analyst, who work closely with clients to create competitive solutions for complex cases.

"Our clients are at the heart of everything we do," said a senior company representative. "By upgrading our digital platforms and CRM system, we aim to offer a higher level of service and greater convenience. We believe these changes will have a significant positive impact on our clients' experience."

This initiative reflects the company's ongoing commitment to improvement. Diversified Brokerage Services has built a reputation for excellence and innovation. This new direction aligns perfectly with their mission to provide top-notch service to their clients. Keep up with their latest updates by following their LinkedIn profile at https://www.linkedin.com/company/dbs-diversified-brokerage-services/.

Over the years, Diversified Brokerage Services has built a foundation based on trust and reliability. This latest initiative is another effort in their ongoing mission to adapt to the changing needs of their clients. The company has always prioritized client satisfaction, and this new project is a clear sign of that commitment.

The new CRM system and enhanced digital platforms are just the beginning. Diversified Brokerage Services plans to keep exploring new ways to innovate and improve their service offerings. They believe staying ahead in the industry is key to providing the best service to their clients.

Diversified Brokerage Services has always been a leader in industry advancements, consistently looking for ways to enhance their services and better serve their clients. The latest initiative is in line with this tradition, reflecting the company's dedication to excellence.

Clients are encouraged to take advantage of the new features as they become available. By staying engaged and providing feedback, clients can help shape the future of Diversified Brokerage Services. This collaborative approach ensures that the company can continue to meet the evolving needs of its diverse client base.

In conclusion, Diversified Brokerage Services, Inc. is dedicated to providing exceptional service through continuous improvement and innovation. The new CRM system and digital platform enhancements are designed to offer a more seamless and personalized experience for clients. For more information and updates, visit https://dbs-lifemark.com/.

###

For more information about Diversified Brokerage Services, Inc, contact the company here:



Diversified Brokerage Services, Inc

DBS

952 697 5000

info@dbs-lifemark.com

5501 Excelsior Blvd Minneapolis, MN 55416
Newark, Sept. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Brainy Insights estimates that the USD 16.85 billion in 2023 global water desalination market will reach USD 38.10 billion in 2033. Water is essential for all forms of life and exists in solid, liquid, and gas states. Composed of hydrogen and oxygen in a 2:1 ratio, water covers 71% of the Earth's surface. However, only 3% of this water is freshwater, with 2.5% locked in ice in polar regions, leaving just 0.5% as accessible freshwater. This limited supply is further stressed by overexploitation, contamination, and wastage due to human activities. To address water scarcity, desalination has become a key method. Desalination purifies seawater, brackish water, and contaminated water by removing salts, minerals, and other impurities, making it potable and reducing the strain on freshwater sources.



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Report coverage & details:



Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 20242033 Base Year 2023 Market Size in 2023 $ 16.85 billion Market Size in 2033 $ 38.10 billion CAGR 8.6% No. of Pages in Report 139 Segments Covered application, source, technology, and regions. Drivers The growing world population Opportunity Emerging new & advanced hybrid desalination technologies Restraints Fouling & scaling

Key Insight of the Global Water desalination Market



Middle East and Africa will dominate the market during the forecast period.



This region currently leads the water desalination market, driven by a high population growth rate due to the refugee crisis, increased government spending on infrastructure, and substantial water needs in the construction sector.



In 2023, the municipal segment dominated the market with the largest market share of 57% and revenue of 9.60 billion.



The application segment is divided into municipal, industrial & others. In 2023, the municipal segment dominated the market with the largest market share of 57% and revenue of 9.60 billion.



Over the forecast period, the seawater segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 9.1%.



The source segment is divided into seawater, brackish water, river water & others. Over the forecast period, the seawater segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 9.1%.



In 2023, the reverse osmosis segment dominated the market with the largest market share of 46% and revenue of 7.75 billion.



The technology segment is divided into reverse osmosis (RO), multi-stage flash (MSF) distillation, multi effect (ME) distillation & others. In 2023, the reverse osmosis segment dominated the market with the largest market share of 46% and revenue of 7.75 billion.



Advancement in market



In order to help fulfil the emirate's growing need for potable water, Saudi-listed ACWA Power and Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority (SEWA) have signed an agreement to establish Sharjah's first Independent Water Project (IWP). With the use of seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) technology, the Hamriyah IWP will be developed. By Q2 2027, the facility will produce about 272,000 cubic meters of desalinated water per day (m3/day).



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Market Dynamics



Driver: Growing World Population.



Rapid urbanization and industrialization are increasing the demand for potable water across various sectors, including households, commercial activities, manufacturing, and construction. With freshwater resources depleting and becoming overexploited, desalination offers a viable alternative. By utilizing abundant seawater and brackish water, desalination helps meet the rising water demands of a growing global population.



Restraints: Fouling and Scaling.



Fouling refers to the accumulation of unwanted materials on surfaces during heating or cooling, while scaling is a specific type of fouling that occurs in desalination processes. Salts and minerals from seawater and brackish water can deposit on desalination membranes, reducing their lifespan and increasing operating costs. Preventive measures such as disinfectants and anti-scaling agents can help, but these can be expensive and may not be feasible for institutions in underdeveloped markets.



Opportunities: Advanced Hybrid Desalination Technologies.



Hybrid desalination technologies combine thermal distillation and membrane separation processes. These systems offer lower installation and post-treatment costs, increased efficiency, and better output ratios. Their flexibility and integration with various operating systems make them cost-effective, potentially expanding the market by making desalination accessible to smaller companies and regions.



Challenges: Environmental Concerns.



Desalination processes produce brine, a byproduct with high salt concentration, which can be harmful to marine ecosystems and inland environments. The disposal of brine can increase soil salinity and negatively impact flora and fauna, posing significant risks to biodiversity in both the short and long term.



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Some of the major players operating in the global water desalination market are:



 SUEZ

 Veolia

 Doosan Heavy Industries & Construction

 ACCIONA

 IDE Water Technologies

 Genesis Water Technologies

 Biwater Holdings Limited

 Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation

 Aquatech International LLC

 Aqua FilSep Inc.



Key Segments covered in the market:



By Application



 Municipal

 Industrial

 Others



By Source



 Sea Water

 Brackish Water

 River Water

 Others



By Technology



 Reverse Osmosis (RO)

 Multi Stage Flash (MSF) Distillation

 Multi Effect (ME) Distillation



By Region



 North America (U.S., Canada, Mexico)

 Europe (Germany, France, the UK, Italy, Spain, Rest of Europe)

 Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, Rest of APAC)

 South America (Brazil and the Rest of South America)

 The Middle East and Africa (UAE, South Africa, Rest of MEA)



About the report:



The market is analyzed based on value (USD Billion). All the segments have been analyzed on a worldwide, regional, and country basis. The study includes the analysis of more than 30 countries for each part. The report analyses driving factors, opportunities, restraints, and challenges to gain critical market insight. The study includes Porter's five forces model, attractiveness analysis, Product analysis, supply and demand analysis, competitor position grid analysis, distribution, and marketing channels analysis.



About The Brainy Insights:



The Brainy Insights is a market research company that provides actionable insights through data analytics to companies to improve their business acumen. They have a robust forecasting and estimation model to meet the client's objectives of high-quality output within a short period. They provide both customized (client-specific) and syndicate reports. Their repository of syndicate reports is diverse across all the categories and sub-categories across domains. Their customized solutions meet the client's requirements whether they are looking to expand or planning to launch a new product in the global market.



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Head of Business Development

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Investors can contact the law firm at no cost to learn more about recovering their losses



LOS ANGELES, Sept. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Portnoy Law Firm advises Endava, PLC ("Endava" or the "Company") (NYSE: DAVA) investors of a class action representing investors that bought securities between May 23, 2023, and February 28, 2024, inclusive (the "Class Period"). Endava investors have until October 25, 2024 to file a lead plaintiff motion.

Investors are encouraged to contact attorney Lesley F. Portnoy, by phone 310-692-8883 or email: lesley@portnoylaw.com, to discuss their legal rights, or click here to join the case. The Portnoy Law Firm can provide a complimentary case evaluation and discuss investors options for pursuing claims to recover their losses.

The Class Action alleges that, during the Class Period, Defendants made misleading statements and omissions regarding the Companys business, financial condition, and prospects. Specifically, Defendants misled the market regarding demand for Endavas services within its Payments & Financial Services vertical and Banking & Capital Markets vertical.

As the truth about Endavas business reached the market, the price of Endavas stock suffered significant declines, harming investors. For example, on February 29, 2024, before the market opened, Endava filed a Form 6-K with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, reporting revenues below expectations and drastically cutting revenue guidance for full year 2024. Endava attributed the revenue decline and reduced guidance to clients [] hesitating on when to commit the sizable spend needed to build production-ready systems. On this news, the price of Endavas common stock declined $26.65, or 42%, to close at $37.17, on unusually heavy trading.

Please visit our website to review more information and submit your transaction information.

The Portnoy Law Firm represents investors in pursuing claims against caused by corporate wrongdoing. The Firms founding partner has recovered over $5.5 billion for aggrieved investors. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

Lesley F. Portnoy, Esq.

Admitted CA and NY Bar

lesley@portnoylaw.com

310-692-8883

www.portnoylaw.com

Attorney Advertising
Investors can contact the law firm at no cost to learn more about recovering their losses



LOS ANGELES, Sept. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Portnoy Law Firm advises Stellantis N.V. ("Stellantis " or the "Company") (NYSE: STLA) investors of a class action representing investors that bought securities between February 15, 2024 and July 24, 2024, inclusive (the "Class Period"). Stellantis investors have until October 15, 2024 to file a lead plaintiff motion.

Investors are encouraged to contact attorney Lesley F. Portnoy, by phone 310-692-8883 or email: lesley@portnoylaw.com, to discuss their legal rights, or click here to join the case. The Portnoy Law Firm can provide a complimentary case evaluation and discuss investors options for pursuing claims to recover their losses.

On July 25, 2024, Stellantis released its financial report for the first half of 2024. The report showed that the company did not meet analysts' expectations and was predicting a disappointing outlook in the near future.

Following this announcement, Stellantis' stock price dropped by $1.94, or 9.9%, over two days, ending at $17.66 per share on July 26, 2024. This decline negatively impacted investors.

The class action complaint claims that during the Class Period, the defendants made false or misleading statements and failed to reveal important negative information about the companys financial health, operations, and future prospects. Specifically, the defendants did not disclose: (1) the companys financial and operational issues, lower-than-expected revenue, and unsuccessful business expansions; and (2) that their positive statements about the company's business and future prospects were misleading or lacked a solid basis at all relevant times.

Please visit our website to review more information and submit your transaction information.

The Portnoy Law Firm represents investors in pursuing claims against caused by corporate wrongdoing. The Firms founding partner has recovered over $5.5 billion for aggrieved investors. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

Lesley F. Portnoy, Esq.

Admitted CA and NY Bar

lesley@portnoylaw.com

310-692-8883

www.portnoylaw.com

Attorney Advertising
PORTLAND, Ore., Sept. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tumalo Holdings, LLC (Tumalo or the Company) announced today that the Circuit Court of the State of Oregon has entered an order granting the appointment of an Oregon state receiver (the Receivership Order) over the Company and its subsidiaries (the Receivership Entities). Tumalo does business under the well-known brands Dr. Jolly's, Local Leaf, Parlour Cannabis Shoppe, and The Herb Center.



The Receivership Order appoints Rogue50, Inc. dba CannXperts as receiver (the Receiver) over the business, assets, and property of the Receivership Entities and grants a broad stay of proceedings against them or their property. The intent of the receivership proceeding is to, among other things, protect the value of the Receivership Entities for the benefit of its creditors and stakeholders.

In accordance with the Receivership Order, all creditors of the Receivership Entities will be stayed from enforcing their claims. The goal of the stay is to allow Tumalos day-to-day operations to continue largely uninterrupted, and provide Tumalo with additional time to consider potential restructuring transactions, including a sale and investment solicitation process to explore potential strategic options and alternatives.

With five meticulously curated dispensaries in Bend and Portland, two state-of-the-art cultivation facilities, and a cutting-edge extraction center, Tumalo has established a reputation as a premier destination for cannabis enthusiasts across Oregon. Under the stewardship of its dynamic management team, Tumalo has honored its obligations to its trade creditors, provided well-paying jobs for nearly 100 employees, and become a leader in supplying high-quality cannabis products to a multitude of loyal customers. The Receiver anticipates that sustaining these relationships will be of paramount importance to Tumalos continuing vitality. The Receivership Entities appear to be generally cash flow positive but for the legacy debt which precipitated the Receivership Order.

While the outcome of the receivership process is relatively uncertain, and Tumalo can offer no assurances that any potential restructuring transactions will be available on terms acceptable to Tumalo, its stakeholders and creditors, the courts, or at all, Tumalo hopes to exit the receivership process well-positioned to continue to develop its partnerships with vendors and to serve its valued clientele with the high level of products and service they have come to expect.

Forward-Looking Information

This news release includes forward-looking information and statements, which may generally be identified by the use of the words will, continues, anticipates and intends and variations or similar expressions which include, but are not limited to, information and statements regarding or inferring the future business, operations, financial performance, prospects, and other plans, intentions, expectations, estimates, and beliefs including, without limitation, the date of any future court appearance or update; the Companys plans with respect to potential restructuring transactions; and potential benefits of a restructuring transaction.

Forward-looking information and statements involve and are subject to assumptions and known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause actual events, results, performance, or achievements of Tumalo to be materially different from future events, results, performance, and achievements expressed or implied by forward-looking information and statements herein. Such assumptions, risks, uncertainties and other factors include, but are not limited to, that the stay will have the effect contemplated by Tumalo in providing it with additional time to consider restructuring transactions and that the restructuring process and Tumalos ability to meet its obligations proceed on the basis anticipated by Tumalo or at all. Although Tumalo believes that any forward-looking information and statements herein are reasonable, in light of the use of assumptions and the significant risks and uncertainties inherent in such information and statements, there can be no assurance that any such forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, and accordingly readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such risks and uncertainties and should not place undue reliance upon such forward-looking information and statements. Any forward-looking information and statements herein are made as of the date hereof, and except as required by applicable laws, Tumalo assumes no obligation and disclaims any intention to update or revise any forward-looking information and statements herein or to update the reasons that actual events or results could or do differ from those projected in any forward looking information and statements herein, whether as a result of new information, future events or results, changes in the receivership proceeding or otherwise, except as required by applicable laws.

Additional inquiries may be directed to:

Rogue50, Inc. dba CannXperts

In its capacity as Receiver for Tumalo and the Receivership Entities

Attn: Andy Shelley

65 Division Ave.

W-1 PMB 290

Eugene, OR 97404

andy@cannxperts.com
Falls Church, Va., Sept. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Community Associations Institute, the leading international authority on the community association housing model; including condominium associations, homeowners associations, and housing cooperatives, filed a lawsuit against the United States Department of the Treasury in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia challenging the federal Corporate Transparency Act. This lawsuit seeks to exempt community associations from burdensome reporting requirements that CAI argues are incompatible with nonprofit, volunteer-run organizations.

The Corporate Transparency Act, enacted by Congress in 2021, mandates that entities such as corporations and limited liability companies disclose beneficial owners' information to the Department of Treasurys Financial Crimes Enforcement Network. While CAI supports the acts goal of enhancing transparency to combat money laundering and terrorist financing, it contends the law's broad application unjustly includes community associations  entities vastly different from traditional corporations or businesses.

CAI is committed to advocating for the interests of community associations and their volunteers," says Thomas M. Skiba, CAE CAIs chief executive officer. "The Corporate Transparency Acts requirements impose unnecessary and substantial burdens on volunteer-run community associations and threaten their ability to serve their residents effectively. We believe community associations were not the intended targets of this law, and in the absence of regulatory relief, we are taking this legal step to protect these vital communities."

The lawsuit argues the act imposes excessive administrative and financial burdens on the more than 75.5 million Americans living in 365,000 community associations across the U.S. These nonprofit entities, primarily governed by volunteer homeowners, would be required report board members sensitive personal information to the federal government. Self-managed communities face even greater challenges due to a lack of clear compliance guidance.

As of now, new community associations must file immediately, while existing associations are required to submit their information by Dec. 31. As the law is currently active, community associations should adhere to these compliance deadlines as mandated. Noncompliance, whether intentional or accidental, could result in severe penalties, including fines up to $10,000 and imprisonment of up to two years. Adhering to the acts requirements also increases communities administrative costs and puts volunteers at risk for mishandling sensitive information.

CAI argues these factors could lead to significant disruptions in the governance and operation of community associations across the country and discourage volunteerism.

"Requiring community associations to comply with the Corporate Transparency Act not only diverts resources away from community governance and service but also poses a chilling effect on volunteerism," Skiba continues. "We are asking the court to recognize the constitutional violations, overreach of federal powers, and equal protection violations related to the Corporate Transparency Act and community associations."

CAIs lawsuit is a significant step in advocating for the distinct needs of community associations across the nation. As the case proceeds, CAI remains committed to keeping its members and the public informed about the developments and is optimistic the court will recognize the unique nature of community associations.

For more information on the lawsuit and how community associations can get involved or support CAIs efforts, visit www.caionline.org/Advocacy/Priorities/CTA/Pages/landing.aspx.
Minneapolis, MN, Sept. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Seven months after Jostens announced Warren High School in Warren, Ark. as the first place winner and recipient of the Jostens Epic School Revamp grand prize package, the big day has arrived  the reveal of their renewed identity and revitalized brand.

A few weeks prior, Jostens hosted Warren High School's staff leaders at the 2024 Jostens Renaissance Global Conference (JRGC) in Orlando, Fla as part of their grand prize reward. The three-day conference equipped their leaders with practical strategies to enhance educator morale, academic achievement, character development and overall school climate. Warren High School is energized and eager to leverage Renaissance resources and JRGC insights to positively impact their culture this year.

Where students, faculty and community members celebrated the exciting news in January, Warren gathered once again on Monday morning to see the transformation Jostens branding experts and SchoolMark services created. Spanning from the schools front entrance to the main hallways, the new Lumberjacks logo and tagline covered the walls in bold black and orange. Students and staff beamed as they took in their new campus for the first time, Jostens has helped us create something to rally around, even as a small 1,400-student district. Moving forward, our battle cry is to be A Cut Above. From our superintendent and school nurses to bus drivers and students, everyone in this entire district can rally to be A Cut Above.  Bryan Cornish, Warren School District Superintendent

The Jostens team has been honored to help Warren High School build both a symbolic and visual representation of what it means to be part of the Fightin Lumberjack community for generations to come. Jostens CEO, Michael Burgess, shared, When students walk in the door on the first day of school, theyll see that message reinforced visually with beautiful graphics, and theyll feel renewed energy as the school uses the Jostens Renaissance framework to support a culture in which all students strive to be A Cut Above.

The company is thrilled to announce it will be searching the country again this fall for a school that desires an identity revamp and a culture refresh. To learn more, head to: https://www.jostens.com/resources/epic-school-revamp

DO IT [apply]! Completing the application itself really makes you look at your schools culture and climate. Get your students involved in the process  it pushes them to think about what kind of legacy they want to leave behind and what kind of message they want to have as a school in our community and state.  Payton Reep, Warren High School EAST Facilitator

ABOUT JOSTENS

Jostens is a trusted partner in the academic and achievement channel, providing products, programs and services that help its customers celebrate moments that matter. The company's products include yearbooks, publications, jewelry and consumer goods that serve the K-12 educational, college and professional sports segments. Founded in 1897 and based in Minneapolis, MN, for more information visit www.jostens.com
BOSTON and LONDON and ANAHEIM, Calif., Sept. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- At the RE+ clean energy conference, American Energy Storage Innovations, Inc. (AESI, RE+ expo booth N90001) is pleased to announce they have reached agreement on three Letters of Intent (LOI) with ESB Scotland, Ltd. (ESB) for projects utilizing AESIs flagship project, TeraStor. The LOIs represent a combined total of more than 1.5GW of energy storage capacity across three sites in the United Kingdom:



High Nether Faul Farm: This site will host 1GW / 2GWh of TeraStor BESS across 312 units, utilizing TeraStor's double-stack footprint technology. The target for commissioning is Q4 2028.

Gretna Substation: This project involves the installation of 500MW / 1GWh of TeraStor BESS across 156 units. The target for commissioning is Q4 2030.

Harker Substation: For this project, ESB intends to install 371MW / 742MWh of TeraStor, across 116 units. The target for commissioning at this location is also Q4 2030.



ESB was drawn to TeraStors industry-leading features, including:

Stackability: TeraStors ability to double-stack units provides space optimization, crucial for high-density installations like High Nether Faul Farm.

Plug-and-Play Efficiency: Unlike other options they considered, the all-in-one TeraStor is engineered, manufactured, factory-tested, managed and supported as a single product. It arrives onsite and ready to install in less than 6 hours, significantly reducing installation time, onsite integration challenges and labor costs.

Cost and Time Savings: ESB recognized the significant capital benefits from TeraStors favorable lead times and efficient deployment.

James Ewart, Managing Director of ESB, commented, TeraStor is exactly what we need to meet our energy storage goals efficiently and reliably. The flexibility, ease of installation and impressive lead times make it the perfect fit for our projects. AESIs solution not only saves us time but also ensures we maximize our capital investments. Were excited to see these projects come to life.

Bud Collins, CEO of AESI, added, We are thrilled to partner with ESB on these landmark projects. TeraStors reliability, flexibility and cost-saving advantages make it easy for our customers to deploy a powerful BESS that optimizes their profitability from day one.

For more information on AESI and the TeraStor, please visit https://www.aesi-ess.com.

About American Energy Storage Innovations, Inc. (AESI)

AESI is a pioneering provider of advanced grid-scale battery energy storage systems designed for high reliability, superior performance and the lowest total cost of ownership. AESIs flagship product, TeraStor empowers customers to harness the full potential of renewable energy and optimize energy management for maximum profitability and sustainability for utilities, independent power producers and large-scale energy projects. With a steadfast commitment to value, reliability, sustainability and innovation, the AESI team of industry veterans aims to revolutionize the energy storage landscape.

Contact

AESI Media Relations

American Energy Storage Innovations, Inc.

2 Cabot Road, Hudson, MA 01749 USA

media@aesi-ess.com
JERICHO, N.Y., Sept. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kimco Realty (NYSE: KIM) will announce its third quarter 2024 earnings on Thursday, October 31, 2024, before market open. You are invited to listen to our quarterly earnings conference call. The webcast information is as follows:



When: 8:30 AM ET, October 31, 2024

Live Webcast: 3Q24 Kimco Realty Earnings Conference Call or on Kimco Realtys website investors.kimcorealty.com

Dial #: 1-888-317-6003 (International: 1-412-317-6061). Passcode: 1893940

Audio from the conference will be available on Kimco Realtys investor relations website until January 31, 2025.

About Kimco Realty 

Kimco Realty (NYSE: KIM) is a real estate investment trust (REIT) and leading owner and operator of high-quality, open-air, grocery-anchored shopping centers and mixed-use properties in the United States. The companys portfolio is strategically concentrated in the first-ring suburbs of the top major metropolitan markets, including high-barrier-to-entry coastal markets and rapidly expanding Sun Belt cities. Its tenant mix is focused on essential, necessity-based goods and services that drive multiple shopping trips per week. Publicly traded on the NYSE since 1991 and included in the S&P 500 Index, the company has specialized in shopping center ownership, management, acquisitions, and value-enhancing redevelopment activities for more than 60 years. With a proven commitment to corporate responsibility, Kimco Realty is a recognized industry leader in this area. As of June 30, 2024, the company owned interests in 567 U.S. shopping centers and mixed-use assets comprising 101 million square feet of gross leasable space.

The company announces material information to its investors using the companys investor relations website (investors.kimcorealty.com), SEC filings, press releases, public conference calls, and webcasts. The company also uses social media to communicate with its investors and the public, and the information the company posts on social media may be deemed material information. Therefore, the company encourages investors, the media, and others interested in the company to review the information that it posts on the social media channels, including Facebook (www.facebook.com/kimcorealty), Twitter (www.twitter.com/kimcorealty) and LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com/company/kimco-realty-corporation). The list of social media channels that the company uses may be updated on its investor relations website from time to time.

CONTACT:

David F. Bujnicki

Senior Vice President, Investor Relations and Strategy

Kimco Realty Corporation

1-833-800-4343

dbujnicki@kimcorealty.com
NEW YORK, Sept. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On Tuesday, September 10, ocean advocates gathered at the Mastercard Midnight Theatre in Manhattan for An Evening of Jazz, presented by Blancpain, to support Oceana, the largest international organization dedicated solely to ocean conservation. Nearly $1.8 million was raised for Oceanas campaigns to protect and restore the oceans around the world. Oceana Board Member Ted Danson served as Master of Ceremonies, helping to celebrate the organizations achievements in ocean conservation and welcome its new CEO, James Simon. The event featured an esteemed group of speakers, performers, and attendees, including Oceana Board Chair Sam Waterston, gala chairs Susan and David Rockefeller, and musical guests Brian Newman and Rumer Willis.



A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available by clicking on this link .

Over the past 10 years, nearly $18 million has been raised at Oceanas annual events in New York to help deliver policy victories in the United States and around the world. In the last year alone, Oceana has won more than 25 victories for the oceans, including the Biden administrations decision to phase out single-use plastics across the federal government by 2035; new habitat protections in Canada, Europe, and Mexico; and new sustainable catch limits in the European Union, as well as requirements to include tracking devices on all fishing vessels. During the program, Danson and Waterston also highlighted how Oceana convinced the worlds largest online retailer Amazon to replace plastic air pillows from their packaging in North America with 100% recycled paper filler  a move the company says will avoid nearly 15 billion plastic air pillows annually.

The only way to reduce plastic pollution is to create and use less of it, and the most logical place to start is with unnecessary single-use plastic, like wrappers and packages. Plastic is wreaking havoc on our oceans, and, as it breaks up into microplastics, they are getting into our bodies, including our brains, blood, and even mothers milk, Oceanas CEO James Simon told attendees. Oceana and our allies have passed policies that by 2033 can eliminate the use of more than 2.1 million tons of single-use plastic each year.

Oceana is also currently raising funds to expand its campaigns to Ghana, Senegal, and Malaysia  three coastal nations where many local communities rely on fish and the oceans to support their livelihoods and families. Many local fish populations are now in decline because of illegal fishing and destructive fishing, limited management capacity, and warming oceans. In some cases, fish are being taken out of the nets of local fishers by wealthier nations and sent to other countries.

Dr. Christina Hicks, a new Oceana Board Member, scientist, and Professor at the University of Lancaster in the United Kingdom, addressed event guests about threats facing fishers and families in West Africa, including fish becoming more expensive and scarce, and increased risk of micronutrient deficiency. Working alongside local communities, Oceana will develop policies to slow the flow of fish out of West Africa and ensure benefits are distributed locally, said Dr. Hicks. This will improve fish stocks and support the livelihoods of 800 million fishery-dependent people around the world.

The evening concluded with a performance by jazz artist Brian Newman and special guest Rumer Willis  the first time the pair has ever collaborated.

Oceanas exclusive watch partner, Blancpain, was the presenting partner for the event. For more than 70 years, since the 1953 launch of the worlds first true divers watch, the Fifty Fathoms, Blancpain has established deep connections with the worlds oceans and the communities dedicated to their preservation. Through its ocean exploration and conservation initiative, the Blancpain Ocean Commitment, Blancpain has supported dozens of major scientific expeditions, including three with Oceana.

Photos from the event are available here. Photos from Getty Images are available here.

Join the fight to save our oceans at Oceana.org/join.

Oceana is the largest international advocacy organization dedicated solely to ocean conservation. Oceana is rebuilding abundant and biodiverse oceans by winning science-based policies in countries that control one-quarter of the worlds wild fish catch. With more than 300 victories that stop overfishing, habitat destruction, oil and plastic pollution, and the killing of threatened species like turtles, whales, and sharks, Oceanas campaigns are delivering results. A restored ocean means that 1 billion people can enjoy a healthy seafood meal every day, forever. Together, we can save the oceans and help feed the world. Visit Oceana.org to learn more.

Contact: Gillian Spolarich, gspolarich@oceana.org
TORONTO, Sept. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The McMaster Students Union (MSU) is excited to announce a new partnership with Bounce to make it the official community and events platform for the campus. McMaster now enters the ranks of other leading universities such as University of British Columbia , and Western University that have integrated Bounce into their campus life to boost student engagement.



The recent boom in Canadian universities partnering with Bounce to improve student engagement on campus means that the platform will support over 500,000+ students in Canada over the next scholastic year, encompassing more than one third of the entire student population in the country.

For the MSU in particular, this partnership comes at a crucial time as the student union invests deeply into boosting student engagement and creating an environment where students have more opportunity to build strong bonds and connect with one another.

"Our job is to connect students, and if we're not doing that, we're failing." says Jovan Popovic, President of MSU, about its plans for the upcoming school year. Things need to get better. There needs to be more offered, there needs to be more community, more people attending, more people coming out and meeting others.

The MSU made its intent to invest into student engagement very clear earlier in the year when the organization doubled its budget dedicated to hosting more campus events and enabling student clubs to do the same. This decision was centered around how we can improve the student experience, and this is the most front-facing area of what we do. This is what students will be the most interested in, and this is how we'll create the biggest sense of community for all. says Popovic.

This was one of the biggest reasons why we looked to Bounce as a considerable product. Its in line with all the goals that were striving for as an organization. says Popovic, Students don't like going to activities and events alone, and I can understand that. It's a matter of let's go with a group of friends, and let's go find more people to go, and I think that's something that Bounce really enables our student community to do."





Jovan Popovic (Middle-Right), president of the MSU, alongside Bounce Campus Ambassadors at McMaster University.

The MSU plans to integrate and leverage Bounce throughout the McMaster campus in several key ways:

Increased Student Engagement : Bounces marketing tools will enable the MSU to improve attendance at campus events by reaching students in the right channel, with the right context. Bounces marketing tools include unlimited free SMS blasts directly to students, and Bounces social notifications which alert students when a friend buys a ticket, encouraging them to attend events with a group of friends.



: Bounces marketing tools will enable the MSU to improve attendance at campus events by reaching students in the right channel, with the right context. Bounces marketing tools include unlimited free SMS blasts directly to students, and Bounces social notifications which alert students when a friend buys a ticket, encouraging them to attend events with a group of friends. Streamlining Event Management : With Bounces user-friendly event hosting tools, the MSU and its constituent organizations will be able to host more campus events easily, allowing students to connect more often and build a strong campus community.



: With Bounces user-friendly event hosting tools, the MSU and its constituent organizations will be able to host more campus events easily, allowing students to connect more often and build a strong campus community. Enhanced Campus Communication: Using Bounces extensive communication tools, the MSU will be able to reach and communicate with students directly. These tools include features like a campus-wide announcement feed, student and club group chats, and a McMaster-specific events feed to improve student awareness of services and events offered by the student union.



Using Bounces extensive communication tools, the MSU will be able to reach and communicate with students directly. These tools include features like a campus-wide announcement feed, student and club group chats, and a McMaster-specific events feed to improve student awareness of services and events offered by the student union. Comprehensive School Analytics: Bounces deep campus analytics will allow the MSU to have a well-defined measurement of how student engagement is changing over time. This will make future budget approvals and performance reviews significantly easier, as it will be accompanied by strong campus data.

Perhaps the biggest benefit is that all of this will live in one platform, both for the MSU and the student body at large. "Students are being overwhelmed by everything that's being offered on campuses, not knowing where to go, where to look. says Popovic, Thats one of the biggest focuses here; putting everything in one spot. Everything that the MSU does is going to be on Bounce. It's going to be easily accessible, it's going to be easy to attend, and students are going to be able to form that sense of community within one singular app."





Jovan Popovic, President of the MSU, holds up the MSU flag alongside the Maroons, a unique MSU service that helps students learn more about the MSU

The MSU is clear about its intentions to invest in student engagement and catapult the campus above pre-pandemic levels of engagement, and Popovic acknowledges how widespread this challenge is across Canadian schools: Student engagement has been a problem across campuses throughout the country. The pandemic really hurt student unions. When students don't feel our physical presence and they're not able to interact in person with our events, with our services, it's hard for them to know what we do, what we offer, and the impact we hold on the student life. And that's why this is so critical."

Sean Monteiro, CEO of Bounce, echoed this sentiment: This is not a problem specific to Canada. Schools everywhere around the world are having to rethink how they engage their students and are looking for solutions like Bounce to both rebuild and enhance campus life. Were incredibly proud to be partnering and working so closely with the MSU to help tackle this at McMaster University.

Over the past year, Bounce has skyrocketed into one of the industry-leading solutions in North America. Bounces operations now stretch from the Canadian east coast to the American west coast with partners like the UCLA Campus Events Commission .

To learn more about Bounces innovative community and events hosting platform, visit www.bouncelife.com .

About Bounce: Based out of Toronto, Ontario, Bounce delivers an all-in-one community building platform to university administrations, campus organizations, and event planners across North America.

About McMaster Students Union: The McMaster Students Union (MSU) represents full-time undergraduate students at McMaster University and is. The MSU is dedicated to enhancing student life through advocacy, services, and events that foster a vibrant and inclusive campus community.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5a90be62-61b4-4e68-8893-cea245377196

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/89f35469-49f1-4040-b511-9ae339602acd
Singapore City, SG, Sept. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

Puffer Finance, a leader in decentralized infrastructure solutions, has announced key updates to its roadmap that underline its commitment to refining Ethereum's ecosystem. Initially launched as a Liquid Restaking Protocol (LRT), Puffer Finance has expanded its offerings into a comprehensive suite of synergistic products designed to enhance Ethereum. The latest roadmap details include advancements in AVS (Actively Validated Services), based rollup solutions, a forthcoming upgrade to the Puffer Restaking Protocol, and plans for a Token Generation Event (TGE) and withdrawal.

Puffers Key Milestones and Upcoming Innovations

Puffer Finance has made significant strides in the restaking space, with over 500,000 ETH in Total Value Locked (TVL) and integration across numerous DeFi platforms. This growth reflects the network's strength, with over 5,000 node operators contributing to its decentralized infrastructure. The upcoming innovations are set to further this momentum.





Source: Puffers Dune Dashboard

Launch of UniFi AVS: Set to launch at the end of August, UniFi AVS introduces a pioneer approach to transaction processing with pre-confirmations for Layer 2 transactions, achieving speeds of up to 100 milliseconds. This advancement significantly enhances liquidity and capital efficiency, addressing current DeFi challenges and paving the way for a more unified and competitive Ethereum ecosystem.

Puffer UniFi Rollup Testnet: Scheduled for a September release, the Puffer UniFi Rollup testnet represents a significant evolution in based rollup technology. As the first atomically composable rollup, UniFi is crafted to unify Ethereum by addressing liquidity fragmentation and centralization. Unlike traditional rollups that rely on centralized sequencers, UniFi leverages Ethereum validators for sequencing, enhancing neutrality, capturing value back to Layer 1 (L1), and promoting home staking. These features are essential to Puffer's mission of preserving Ethereum's decentralized nature and improving user experience through seamless interactions across different app chains.

Jason, Core-Contributor at Puffer, explains: "Our goal is seamless user experiencemaking UniFi feel effortless. With technologies like chain and account abstraction evolving, users can manage assets smoothly across different app chains. For more risk-averse users, they can maintain assets on Layer 1, deposit into a based-app chain, execute actions, and withdrawall within the same block."

Puffer Restaking V2: Expected in early Q4 2024, Puffer Restaking V2 will introduce major enhancements for validators and node operators, such as Fast Path Rewards, Globally Enforced Anti-Slashers, and a reduced bond requirement by 50%. These updates aim to make decentralized validation more accessible and cost-effective, promoting broader participation in Ethereum validation.

Token Generation Event (TGE) and Withdrawal: Also planned for early Q4 2024, Puffer Finance will launch its TGE for the $PUFI governance token, a critical element designed to drive participation and governance across the ecosystems products, including UniFi AVS, UniFi Rollup, and Puffer LRT. Alongside the TGE, the withdrawal function for ETH stakers will be rolled out, designed to offer a secure and user-friendly experience.





Puffers Strategic Vision for Ethereums Future

Puffer Finance is committed to building a decentralized, secure, and efficient Ethereum ecosystem. The strategic roadmap outlined by Puffer highlights a future-focused approach to overcoming the challenges of liquidity fragmentation and centralized control, reinforcing Ethereum's leadership position in the blockchain space.

"Puffer is redefining the scalability and efficiency of Ethereum by innovating beyond traditional rollups," added Amir, Core-Contributor at Puffer. "Our innovations are crafted to drive the mass adoption of Ethereum, supporting its long-term growth and resilience. "

Explore the Future with Puffer Finance

Puffer invites developers, Ethereum enthusiasts, and the wider blockchain community to engage in the transformative journey of revolutionizing Ethereum. Dive into the UniFi litepaper for a comprehensive overview of the latest technologies, or participate in the upcoming TGE event to get involved in the Puffer ecosystem.

For media inquiries, interviews, or further information, please contact Puffer Finance through their official channels:

About Puffer Finance

Puffer Finance is pioneering permissionless infrastructure on Ethereum through innovative decentralized solutions. Puffer offers a suite of synergistic products, including liquid restaking (LRT), Based Rollups, and a preconfirmation AVS. Powered by natively restaked validators and the AVS, the UniFi based rollup stack addresses liquidity fragmentation across Ethereum while providing instant settlement (1 block vs 7 day withdrawals) and 100ms transactions.

Puffer Finance has raised $5.5 million in a seed round co-led by Lemniscap and Lightspeed Faction, followed by an $18 million Series A funding round led by Brevan Howard Digital and Electric Capital, and a strategic investment from Binance Labs, Binances venture capital arm. As of August 2024, Puffer ranks second among Liquid Restaking Protocols according to DefiLlama, with over 500,000 ETH in Total Value Locked (TVL), valued at $1.4 billion. The platform is integrated with numerous DeFi platforms, broadening its reach and impact within the Ethereum ecosystem.



Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. Cryptocurrency mining can be risky. There is potential for loss of funds. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities.




Wilmington, Delaware, United States, Transparency Market Research, Inc. , Sept. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global cell based assays market (   ) was projected to attain US$ 20.2 billion in 2023. It is anticipated to garner a 6.4% CAGR from 2024 to 2034, and by 2034, the market is likely to attain US$ 40.4 billion . Cell-based assays, also known as cellular assays, are important instruments for assessing cell health, proliferation, viability, chemotaxis, invasion, and migration.

Cell-based screening is used in drug development and biomedical research to accurately measure off-target interactions, biochemical processes, biological activity, and cytotoxicity. Cell proliferation tests provide several advantages, including the ability to generate and facilitate physiologically meaningful and complicated data. Unlike traditional biochemical tests, cell-based assays are more physiologically relevant and capable of analyzing drug properties.

However, cell-based assay system procedures cannot yet handle both water-insoluble and water-soluble test materials. Furthermore, there is a risk of contamination in the reusable cell counting chamber, variances between users, and variations in hemocytometer filling rates.

Water-insoluble and water-soluble test materials, however, are not currently compatible with cell-based assay system methods. In addition, there is a chance that the reusable cell counting chamber may get contaminated, that user-to-user differences will occur, and that hemocytometer filling rates will vary. These are a few of the things impeding the expansion of the cell-based assays market.

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Key Findings of the Market Report

The use of cell-based assays might enhance the drug development process by furnishing crucial biological data pertaining to drug action mechanisms, cellular survival, and off-target consequences.

Any toxicity concerns that may surface in the latter phases of clinical trials can be mitigated by cell-based screening.

High-throughput cell-based assay procedures test several chemicals under different circumstances at the same time, producing a lot of data.

When discovering potential drug candidates early in the drug development process, this approach is effective.

The results of cell-based assays are being used successfully by a number of academic institutions and commercial businesses to develop treatments for long-term illnesses.

Market Trends for Cell Based Assays

Cell viability, cytotoxicity, proliferation, apoptosis, signal transduction, reporter gene activity, enzyme activity, receptor occupancy, receptor binding, and complement-dependent cytotoxicity are among the biological and functional impacts that may be evaluated using cell-based assays (CDC).

Depending on the variables that need to be measured, the signal that is read out might be radioactivity, luminescence, colorimetric, absorbance, or fluorescence. Plate readers, microscopes, and flow cytometers can all be used to measure these signals.

In modern biomedical research, the use of 3D cell culture assay optimization has been growing. The complexities of in vivo systems and traditional 2D models are bridged by 3D cell cultures. The 3D method highlights how important it is to have sophisticated assay optimization techniques.

Global Market for Cell Based Assays: Regional Outlook

In 2023, North America acquired a significant share of the market. Throughout the projection period, the region is probably going to keep its top spot.

acquired a significant share of the market. Throughout the projection period, the region is probably going to keep its top spot. One of the key elements boosting North America's market share for cell-based assays is the increase in drug discovery research being carried out by academic institutions in partnership with pharmaceutical corporations.

North America market expansion is also being aided by the rising incidence of chronic illnesses, including diabetes, osteoarthritis, cardiovascular disease, and cancer, particularly in the United States.

According to a research issued by the American Heart Association in January 2022, every 40 seconds a person was diagnosed with myocardial infarction in the U.S. The concerning prevalence of the chronic illness is fueling the North American market's rise.

Global Cell Based Assays Market: Competitive Landscape

In order to improve disease diagnosis, companies operating on a global basis are developing novel cell-based tests. The following companies are well-known participants in the global cell based assays market:

Danaher Corporation

GE Healthcare Inc.

Charles River Laboratories

Lonza Group Ltd.

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.

Merck & Co.

PerkinElmer Inc.

Cell Signaling Technology, Inc.

Becton, Dickinson and Company

Promega Corporation

Key developments by the players in this market are:



The Aquios STEM system was unveiled by Beckman Coulter Life Sciences in May 2022 as an innovative approach to stem cell analysis. The system's goal is to drastically reduce turnaround time by eliminating manual and prone-to-mistake procedures.

was unveiled by Beckman Coulter Life Sciences in May 2022 as an innovative approach to stem cell analysis. The system's goal is to drastically reduce turnaround time by eliminating manual and prone-to-mistake procedures. PhenoVista Biosciences and Olympus partnered in June 2020 to provide 3D cell-based testing services that aid in drug discovery.

partnered in June 2020 to provide 3D cell-based testing services that aid in drug discovery. Promega Corporation and FUJIFILM Cellular Dynamics collaborated to develop novel assays for cellular biology observation in a system that more closely resembles the behavior of real body cells in March 2022.

collaborated to develop novel assays for cellular biology observation in a system that more closely resembles the behavior of real body cells in March 2022. Selvita unveiled a cell-based phenotypic test tool for drug discovery in February 2021. The platform may be used to evaluate new chemicals for possible applications in medicine.

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Global Cell Based Assays Market Segmentation

Product Type

Instruments

Assay Kits

Reagents & Consumables

Software

Services

Application

Drug Discovery

Basic Research

Predictive Toxicology

Others

End User

Pharmaceutical & Biotech Companies

Academic Institutions

Contract Research Organizations

Others

Region

North America

Latin America

Europe

Asia Pacific

Middle East & Africa

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About Transparency Market Research

Transparency Market Research, a global market research company registered at Wilmington, Delaware, United States, provides custom research and consulting services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insights for thousands of decision makers. Our experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools & techniques to gather and analyses information.

Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.

Contact:
TSXV: EOX

www.euromaxresources.com

VANCOUVER, Sept. 10, 2024 - Euromax Resources Ltd. (TSXV: EOX): ("Euromax" or the "Company"), announces today that further to its news release dated August 6, 2024, it has now completed the issuance of 12,292,899 units of the Company (the "Units") to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development ("EBRD") pursuant to the debt settlement agreement entered into between the Company and EBRD on August 5, 2024 (the "DSA"). Each Unit consists of one common share in the capital of the Company (each, a "Common Share") and one Common Share purchase warrant (each, a "Warrant"), and was issued at a deemed offering price of C$0.02 per Unit (collectively, the "Transaction"). Each Warrant is exercisable for one Common Share for a period of five years from the date of issuance, at an exercise price of C$0.05. Pursuant to the DSA, the Company agreed to issue the Units in order to repay C$245,857.98 to EBRD, representing a portion of the outstanding debt owing to the EBRD under the convertible debenture issued by the Company to EBRD in principal amount of USD$5 million, as amended (the "Debenture").

The Units issued pursuant to the Transaction, and any Common Shares issued in connection with the exercise of Warrants, if any, will be subject to a hold period of four months and one day from the date of issuance, expiring on January 10, 2024, in accordance with the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV") and applicable securities laws.

The Transaction is not expected to materially affect control of the Company. As EBRD is a related party of Euromax, in completing the Transaction, the Company is relying on the exemptions from the formal valuation and minority approval requirements of Policy 5.9 of the TSXV and Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101") in respect of related party transactions contained in sections 5.5(b) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101, respectively.

The Company will file a material change report in respect of the Private Placement within the timeline prescribed by applicable securities laws. The Company did not issue a material change report more than 21 days before the closing of the Private Placement because the transaction was under consideration by the TSXV and closing was conditional on receipt of TSXV approval.

Prior to completion of the Transaction, EBRD owned 23,368,547 Common Shares (representing an ownership interest of approximately 4.2% of the Company's issued and outstanding Common Shares) and was beneficially entitled to own and control an additional 112,628,582 Common Shares by converting all amounts owing to it under the Debenture as at 31 July 2024 (assuming a conversion price of C$0.15 per Common Share and an exchange rate of US$1 = C$1.38488), for an aggregate beneficial ownership interest of 135,997,129 Common Shares, representing approximately 14.25% of the Company's outstanding Common Shares (on a post-conversion basis).

Upon completion of the Transaction, EBRD owns an aggregate of 35,661,446 Common Shares, (representing an ownership interest of 6.4% of the Company's issued and outstanding Common Shares) and is entitled to beneficially own and control, in aggregate 158,943,874 Common Shares for an aggregate beneficial ownership interest of 16.27% (on a post-conversion and exercise basis) of the issued and outstanding Common Shares of the Company, including the Common Shares of the Company that it currently owns and assuming the exercise of all of the Warrants granted to it pursuant to the Transaction, representing an increase in beneficial ownership of 2.01%. Depending on market conditions and other factors, EBRD may from time to time acquire and/or dispose of securities of the Company or continue to hold its current position.

To obtain a copy of the early warning report filed in connection with this press release, please contact Mikhail Zlobin (telephone number: +44 20 7338 8981) or David Ryba (telephone number: +44 20 7338 6203). EBRD's address is 5 Bank Street, London, United Kingdom, E14 4BG.

About Euromax Resources Ltd.

Euromax has a major development project in North Macedonia and is focused on building and operating the Ilovica-Shtuka gold-copper project.

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains statements that are forward-looking, such as those relating to the filing of a material change report in connection with the Transaction. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterised by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management at the dates the statements are made, and are 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 statements. This information is qualified in its entirety by cautionary statements and risk factor disclosure contained in filings made by the Company, including its annual information form for the year ended December 31, 2023 and financial statements and related MD&A for the financial years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, as well as the financial statements for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 and the related MD&A for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, filed with the securities regulatory authorities in certain provinces of Canada and available on SEDAR+ at sedarplus.ca. The forward-looking statements contained in this document are as of the date of this document, and are subject to change after this date. Readers are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. Euromax disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless required by applicable law. All information in this news release concerning EBRD has been provided for inclusion herein by EBRD. Although the Company has no knowledge that would indicate that any information contained herein concerning EBRD is untrue or incomplete, the Company assumes no responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of any such information. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its regulation services provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

SOURCE Euromax Resources Ltd.
VICTORIA, 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
PERTH, Sept. 10, 2024 - Westgold Resources Limited (ASX: WGX) (TSX: WGX) (OTCQX: WGXRF) (Westgold or the Company) is pleased to provide an update in relation to recent mining activities at the Western Flanks orebody at Beta Hunt.

Highlights

Sediment hosted coarse gold mineralisation confirmed within Western Flanks - providing significant production upside potential.

Mineralisation style is consistent with the bonanza grade "Father's Day Vein" - previously mined in the parallel A Zone deposit.

Potential for similar style high grade positions within Beta Hunt - including in the rapidly evolving Fletcher Zone.

Westgold Managing Director and CEO Wayne Bramwell commented:

"Coarse gold occurrences at Beta Hunt, such as the famous "Father's Day Vein" discovered in 2018, have to date been limited to the A Zone deposit.

The confirmation of this style of mineralisation within the Western Flanks deposit not only provides increased production upside, it also indicates the potential for additional bonanza grade zones within other mineralised structures such as the Fletcher Zone.

Westgold sees a much larger opportunity at Beta Hunt and across our Southern Goldfields assets, with drilling the catalyst to defining their real scale."

Sediment Hosted Coarse Gold at Beta Hunt - The A Zone Discovery

Within Westgold's Beta Hunt mine at Kambalda, Western Australia, the majority of gold mineralisation is hosted within the Lunnon Basalt and associated with northwest trending sub-vertical structures (Figure 2). Within the Lunnon Basalt is a narrow pyritic laminated shale horizon known as the Lunnon Sediment. When intersected by mineralising structures, such as that in A Zone, the Lunnon Sediment has developed a bonanza grading southerly plunging coarse gold zone along the length of the A Zone.

This gold zone includes the Father's Day Vein (FDV) occurrence which was discovered in 20181 and produced in excess of 30,000oz of gold2. Importantly, the FDV had not been captured in the A Zone geological or Mineral Resource Estimation model at that time.

______________________________ 1 Refer to Karora Resources (then RNC Minerals) TSX Announcements of 9 September 2018 & 16 September 2018.

2 Refer to Karora Resources (then RNC Minerals) TSX Announcement of 2 October 2018.

Western Flanks - An Additional Coarse Gold Opportunity

Drilling conducted by Karora Resources in 2019 as part of the Western Flanks exploration program intersected sediment associated, coarse gold in two holes with assay results comprising (Appendix A):

2.00m @ 1,017.3 g/t Au - including 0.27m @ 7,621 g/t Au, in drill hole WFN-29; and

4.75m @ 395.9g/t Au - including 0.85m @ 2,210g/t Au, in drill hole WFN-0633.

These results highlighted the potential for Western Flanks to also host the same style of coarse gold mineralisation as mined from the Father's Day Vein within A Zone.

In Q1 FY25, the mining schedule allowed for stoping of the area hosting the coarse gold intersections identified in the 2019 drilling (Figures 3 & 4). Observations from mining Stope WFC-380-N1 have since revealed the presence of sediment associated coarse gold (Figure 1) which confirms the same coarse gold style of mineralisation mined at A Zone is also present at Western Flanks.

In a similar fashion to A Zone, the coarse gold mineralisation at Western Flanks is interpreted to have a shallow southerly plunge along the length of the Western Flanks Mineral Resource. The coarse gold mineralisation at Western Flanks is not yet modelled in the Western Flanks Mineral Resource and is therefore expected to deliver additional ounces to the mine reconciliation.

________________________ 3 Refer to Karora Resources TSX announcements of 22 January 2019, and 25 February 2019 (accessible via SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca)).

Looking Forward

The Lunnon Sediment is a regional stratigraphic unit which is located around 150m below the Lunnon Basalt - Kambalda Ultramafic contact. This unit is likely present over the full Beta Hunt sub-lease and the confirmation, through mining, that coarse gold is now associated with the Western Flanks shear zone supports the interpretation for coarse gold mineralisation occurring wherever the Lunnon Sediment intersects a mineralised shear zone.

By analogy to A Zone and Western Flanks, this opens the opportunity for Lunnon Sediment coarse gold mineralisation to occur within the Fletcher Zone (within the Hunt Block) as well as extensions to shear zones in the Beta and Gamma Blocks.

This represents significant upside production potential that will be tested by accelerated drilling programmes in FY25.

This announcement is authorised for release to the ASX and TSX by the Board.

Competent/Qualified Person Statements

Exploration Results

The information in this release that relates to exploration results was compiled by Westgold technical employees and contractors under the supervision of Mr. Simon Rigby B.Sc. (Hons), who is a member of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists and who has verified, reviewed and approved such information. Mr Rigby is a full-time employee of the Company and has sufficient experience which is relevant to the styles of mineralisation and types of deposit under consideration and to the activities which he is undertaking to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 Edition of the Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves (the "JORC Code") and as a Qualified Person as defined in the CIM Guidelines and National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"). Mr. Rigby is an employee of the Company and, accordingly, is not independent for purposes of NI 43-101. Mr Rigby consents to and approves the inclusion in this release of the matters based on his information in the form and context in which it appears. Mr Rigby is eligible to participate in short- and long-term incentive plans of the company.

General

Mineral Resources, Ore Reserve Estimates and Exploration Targets and Results are calculated in accordance with the JORC Code. Investors outside Australia should note that while Ore Reserve and Mineral Resource estimates of the Company in this announcement comply with the JORC Code (such JORC Code-compliant Ore Reserves and Mineral Resources being "Ore Reserves" and "Mineral Resources" respectively), they may not comply with the relevant guidelines in other countries. The JORC Code is an acceptable foreign code under NI 43-101. Information contained in this announcement describing mineral deposits may not be comparable to similar information made public by companies subject to the reporting and disclosure requirements of US securities laws, including Item 1300 of Regulation S-K. All technical and scientific information in this release has been prepared in accordance with the Canadian regulatory requirements set out in NI 43-101 and has been reviewed on behalf of the Company by Qualified Persons, as set forth above.

The Company confirms that it is not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the information included in the original market announcements and that all material assumptions and technical parameters underpinning the estimates in the relevant market announcements continue to apply and have not been materially changed. The Company confirms that the form and context in which the Competent Persons findings are presented have not been materially modified from the original market announcements.

Forward Looking Statements

These materials prepared by Westgold Resources Limited include forward looking statements. Often, but not always, forward looking statements can generally be identified by the use of forward looking words such as "may", "will", "expect", "intend", "believe", "forecast", "predict", "plan", "estimate", "anticipate", "continue", and "guidance", or other similar words and may include, without limitation, statements regarding plans, strategies and objectives of management, anticipated production or construction commencement dates and expected costs or production outputs.

Forward looking statements inherently involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Company's actual results, performance and achievements to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements. Relevant factors may include, but are not limited to, changes in commodity prices, foreign exchange fluctuations and general economic conditions, increased costs and demand for production inputs, the speculative nature of exploration and project development, including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses and permits and diminishing quantities or grades of reserves, political and social risks, changes to the regulatory framework within which the Company operates or may in the future operate, environmental conditions including extreme weather conditions, recruitment and retention of personnel, industrial relations issues and litigation.

Forward looking statements are based on the Company and its management's good faith assumptions relating to the financial, market, regulatory and other relevant environments that will exist and affect the Company's business and operations in the future. The Company does not give any assurance that the assumptions on which forward looking statements are based will prove to be correct, or that the Company's business or operations will not be affected in any material manner by these or other factors not foreseen or foreseeable by the Company or management or beyond the Company's control.

Although the Company attempts and has attempted to identify factors that would cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those disclosed in forward looking statements, there may be other factors that could cause actual results, performance, achievements or events not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended, and many events are beyond the reasonable control of the Company. In addition, 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 of the Company's continuous disclosure filings available on SEDAR+ or the ASX, including, in the Company's current annual report, half year report or most recent management discussion and analysis.

Accordingly, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward looking statements. Forward looking statements in these materials speak only at the date of issue. Subject to any continuing obligations under applicable law or any relevant stock exchange listing rules, in providing this information the Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any of the forward-looking statements or to advise of any change in events, conditions or circumstances.

APPENDIX A - WESTERN FLANKS - WFC N1 P3 STOPE DRILLING - SIGNIFICANT INTERSECTIONS WITHIN LUNNON SEDIMENT UNIT

Hole Collar N Collar E Collar RL Intercept

(Downhole) From (m) Dip Azi Total Length (m) WFN-29 544087 374806 -348.7 2.00m @ 1,017.3g/t Au 43.00 -8.6 234 119.8 Inc. 0.27m @ 7,621g/t Au 44.82 WFN-63 544087 374805 -348.2 4.75m @ 365.9g/t Au 47.00 -9.0 230 117.2 Inc. 0.85m @ 2,210g/t Au 51.00

APPENDIX B - JORC 2012 TABLE 1 - GOLD DIVISION

SECTION 1: SAMPLING TECHNIQUES AND DATA

(Criteria in this section apply to all succeeding sections.)

Criteria JORC Code Explanation Commentary Sampling techniques Nature and quality of sampling (e.g. cut channels, random chips, or specific specialised industry standard measurement tools appropriate to the minerals under investigation, such as down hole gamma sondes, or handheld XRF instruments, etc.). These examples should not be taken as limiting the broad meaning of sampling.

Include reference to measures taken to ensure sample representivity and the appropriate calibration of any measurement tools or systems used.

Aspects of the determination of mineralisation that are Material to the Public Report.

In cases where 'industry standard' work has been done this would be relatively simple (e.g. 'reverse circulation drilling was used to obtain 1 m samples from which 3 kg was pulverised to produce a 30 g charge for fire assay'). In other cases more explanation may be required, such as where there is coarse gold that has inherent sampling problems. Unusual commodities or mineralisation types (e.g. submarine nodules) may warrant disclosure of detailed information. Diamond Drilling

A significant portion of the data used in resource calculations has been gathered from diamond core. Multiple sizes have been used historically. This core is geologically logged and subsequently halved for sampling. Grade control holes may be whole-cored to streamline the core handling process if required.

Face Sampling

At each of the major past and current underground producers, each development face / round is horizontally chip sampled. The sampling intervals are domained by geological constraints (e.g. rock type, veining and alteration / sulphidation etc.). The majority of exposures within the orebody are sampled.

Sludge Drilling

Sludge drilling at is performed with an underground production drill rig. It is an open hole drilling method using water as the flushing medium, with a 64mm (nominal) hole diameter. Sample intervals are ostensibly the length of the drill steel. Holes are drilled at sufficient angles to allow flushing of the hole with water following each interval to prevent contamination. Sludge drilling is not used to inform resource models. Drilling techniques Drill type (e.g. core, reverse circulation, open-hole hammer, rotary air blast, auger, Bangka, sonic, etc.) and details (e.g. core diameter, triple or standard tube, depth of diamond tails, face-sampling bit or other type, whether core is oriented and if so, by what method, etc.).

Method of recording and assessing core and chip sample recoveries and results assessed.

Measures taken to maximise sample recovery and ensure representative nature of the samples. RC Drilling

Drill cuttings are extracted from the RC return via cyclone. The underflow from each interval is transferred via bucket to a four-tiered riffle splitter, delivering approximately three kilograms of the recovered material into calico bags for analysis. The residual material is retained on the ground near the hole. Composite samples are obtained from the residue material for initial analysis, with the split samples remaining with the individual residual piles until required for re-split analysis or eventual disposal.

RAB / Aircore Drilling

Combined scoops from bucket dumps from cyclone for composite. Split samples taken from individual bucket dumps via scoop. RAB holes are not included in the resource estimate.

Blast Hole Drilling

Cuttings sampled via splitter tray per individual drill rod. Blast holes not included in the resource estimate. Drill sample recovery Whether a relationship exists between sample recovery and grade and whether sample bias may have occurred due to preferential loss/gain of fine/coarse material. All geology input is logged and validated by the relevant area geologists, incorporated into this is assessment of sample recovery. No defined relationship exists between sample recovery and grade. Nor has sample bias due to preferential loss or gain of fine or coarse material been noted. Logging Whether core and chip samples have been geologically and geotechnically logged to a level of detail to support appropriate Mineral Resource estimation, mining studies and metallurgical studies.

Whether logging is qualitative or quantitative in nature. Core (or costean, channel, etc.) photography.

The total length and percentage of the relevant intersections logged Westgold surface drill-holes are all orientated and have been logged in detail for geology, veining, alteration, mineralisation and orientated structure. Westgold underground drill-holes are logged in detail for geology, veining, alteration, mineralisation and structure. Core has been logged in enough detail to allow for the relevant mineral resource estimation techniques to be employed.

Surface core is photographed both wet and dry and underground core is photographed wet. All photos are stored on the Company's servers, with the photographs from each hole contained within separate folders.

Development faces are mapped geologically.

RC, RAB and Aircore chips are geologically logged.

Sludge drilling is logged for lithology, mineralisation and vein percentage.

Logging is quantitative in nature.

All holes are logged completely, all faces are mapped completely. Sub-sampling techniques and sample preparation If core, whether cut or sawn and whether quarter, half or all core taken.

If non-core, whether riffled, tube sampled, rotary split, etc. and whether sampled wet or dry.

For all sample types, the nature, quality and appropriateness of the sample preparation technique.

Quality control procedures adopted for all sub-sampling stages to maximise representivity of samples.

Measures taken to ensure that the sampling is representative of the in-situ material collected, including for instance results for field duplicate/second-half sampling.

Whether sample sizes are appropriate to the grain size of the material being sampled. Blast holes -Sampled via splitter tray per individual drill rods.

RAB / AC chips - Combined scoops from bucket dumps from cyclone for composite. Split samples taken from individual bucket dumps via scoop.

RC - Three tier riffle splitter (approximately 5kg sample). Samples generally dry.

Face Chips - Nominally chipped horizontally across the face from left to right, sub-set via geological features as appropriate.

Diamond Drilling - Half-core niche samples, sub-set via geological features as appropriate. Grade control holes may be whole-cored to streamline the core handling process if required.

Chips / core chips undergo total preparation.

Samples undergo fine pulverisation of the entire sample by an LM5 type mill to achieve a 75 product prior to splitting.

QA/QC is currently ensured during the sub-sampling stages process via the use of the systems of an independent NATA / ISO accredited laboratory contractor. A significant portion of the historical informing data has been processed by in-house laboratories.

The sample size is considered appropriate for the grain size of the material being sampled.

The un-sampled half of diamond core is retained for check sampling if required. For RC chips regular field duplicates are collected and analysed for significant variance to primary results. Quality of assay data and laboratory tests The nature, quality and appropriateness of the assaying and laboratory procedures used and whether the technique is considered partial or total.

For geophysical tools, spectrometers, handheld XRF instruments, etc., the parameters used in determining the analysis including instrument make and model, reading times, calibrations factors applied and their derivation, etc.

Nature of quality control procedures adopted (e.g. standards, blanks, duplicates, external laboratory checks) and whether acceptable levels of accuracy (i.e. lack of bias) and precision have been established. Recent drilling was analysed by fire assay as outlined below;

At Beta Hunt all drill core sampling is conducted by Karora personnel. Samples for gold analysis are shipped to SGS Mineral Services of Kalgoorlie for preparation and assaying by 50 gram fire assay analytical method. All gold diamond drilling samples submitted for assay include at least one blank and one Certified Reference Material ("CRM") per batch, plus one CRM or blank every 20 samples. In samples with observed visible gold mineralization, a coarse blank is inserted after the visible gold mineralization to serve as both a coarse flush to prevent contamination of subsequent samples and a test for gold smearing from one sample to the next which may have resulted from inadequate cleaning of the crusher and pulveriser. The lab is also required to undertake a minimum of 1 in 20 wet screens on pulverised samples to ensure a minimum 85% passing at -75m. No significant QA/QC issues have arisen in recent drilling results.

Photon Assay was introduced in 2023 for Beta Hunt grade control samples. PhotonAssay technology (Chrysos Corporation Limited) is a rapid, non-destructive analysis of gold and other elements in mineral samples. It is based on the principle of gamma activation, which uses high energy x-rays to excite changes to the nuclear structure of selected elements. The decay is then measured to give a gold analysis. Each sample is run through two cycles with a radiation time of 15s. This methodology is insensitive to material type and thus does not require fluxing chemicals as in the fire assay methodology. Highlights of the PhotonAssay process are as follows:

The process is non-destructive; the same sample accuracy can be determined by repeat measurements of the same sample. In addition, the instrument runs a precision analysis for each sample relating to the instrument precision The process allows for an increased sample size, about 500 g of crushed product.

The crushed material is not pulverised, as in the fire assay process; this ensures that gold is not smeared or lost during pulverisation (especially important if there is an expectation of visible gold that is being analysed)

Historical drilling has used a combination of Fire Assay, Aqua Regia and PAL analysis.

These assay methodologies are appropriate for the resources in question. Verification of sampling and assaying The verification of significant intersections by either independent or alternative company personnel.

The use of twinned holes.

Documentation of primary data, data entry procedures, data verification, data storage (physical and electronic) protocols.

Discuss any adjustment to assay data. No independent or alternative verifications are available.

Virtual twinned holes have been drilled in several instances across all sites with no significant issues highlighted. Drillhole data is also routinely confirmed by development assay data in the operating environment.

Primary data is collected utilising LogChief. The information is imported into a SQL database server and verified.

All data used in the calculation of resources and reserves are compiled in databases (underground and open pit) which are overseen and validated by senior geologists.

No adjustments have been made to any assay data. Location of data points Accuracy and quality of surveys used to locate drill holes (collar and down-hole surveys), trenches, mine workings and other locations used in Mineral Resource estimation.

Specification of the grid system used.

Quality and adequacy of topographic control. All data is spatially oriented by survey controls via direct pickups by the survey department. Drillholes are all surveyed downhole, deeper holes with a Gyro tool if required, the majority with single / multishot cameras.

All drilling and resource estimation is preferentially undertaken in local mine grid at the various sites.

Topographic control is generated from a combination of remote sensing methods and ground-based surveys. This methodology is adequate for the resources in question. Data spacing and distribution Data spacing for reporting of Exploration Results.

Whether the data spacing and distribution is sufficient to establish the degree of geological and grade continuity appropriate for the Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve estimation procedure(s) and classifications applied.

Whether sample compositing has been applied. Data spacing is variable dependent upon the individual orebody under consideration. A lengthy history of mining has shown that this approach is appropriate for the Mineral Resource Estimation process and to allow for classification of the resources as they stand.

Compositing is carried out based upon the modal sample length of each individual domain. Orientation of data in relation to geological structure Whether the orientation of sampling achieves unbiased sampling of possible structures and the extent to which this is known, considering the deposit type.

If the relationship between the drilling orientation and the orientation of key mineralised structures is considered to have introduced a sampling bias, this should be assessed and reported if material. Drilling intersections are nominally designed to be normal to the orebody as far as underground infrastructure constraints / topography allows.

Development sampling is nominally undertaken normal to the various orebodies.

Where drilling angles are sub optimal the number of samples per drill hole used in the estimation has been limited to reduce any potential bias.

It is not considered that drilling orientation has introduced an appreciable sampling bias. Sample security The measures taken to ensure sample security. For samples assayed at on-site laboratory facilities, samples are delivered to the facility by Company staff. Upon delivery the responsibility for sample security and storage falls to the independent third-party operators of these facilities.

For samples assayed off-site, samples are delivered to a third-party transport service, who in turn relay them to the independent laboratory contractor. Samples are stored securely until they leave site. Audits or reviews The results of any audits or reviews of sampling techniques and data Site generated resources and reserves and the parent geological data is routinely reviewed by the Westgold Corporate technical team.

SECTION 2: REPORTING OF EXPLORATION RESULTS

(Criteria listed in the preceding section also apply to this section.)

Criteria JORC Code Explanation Commentary Mineral tenement and land tenure status Type, reference name/number, location and ownership including agreements or material issues with third parties such as joint ventures, partnerships, overriding royalties, native title interests, historical sites, wilderness or national park and environmental settings.

The security of the tenure held at the time of reporting along with any known impediments to obtaining a licence to operate in the area. Native title interests are recorded against several WGX tenements.

The CMGP tenements are held by the Big Bell Gold Operations (BBGO) of which Westgold has 100% ownership.

Several third-party royalties exist across various tenements at CMGP, over and above the state government royalty.

The Fortnum Gold Project tenure is 100% owned by Westgold through subsidiary company Aragon Resources Pty. Ltd. Various Royalties apply to the package. The most pertinent being;

State Government - 2.5% NSR

Beta Hunt is owned by Westgold through a sub-lease agreement with St Ives Gold Mining Company Pty Ltd (SIGMC), which gives Westgold the right to explore and mine gold and nickel.

Royalties on gold production from Beta Hunt are as follows: A royalty to the state government equal to 2.5% of the royalty value of gold metal produced; and Royalties to third parties equal to 4.75% of recovered gold less allowable deductions.

The Higginsville-Lakewood Operations include the Higginsville and Lakewood Mills and associated infrastructure, mining operations and exploration prospects which are located on 242 tenements owned by Westgold and covers approximately 1,800km2 total area.

Royalties on the HGO gold production are as follows: Production payments of up to 1% of gross gold revenue over various tenements to traditional land owners. Royalty equal to 2.5% of recovered gold to the Government of Western Australia; and Various third parties hold rights to receive royalties in respect of gold (and in some cases other minerals or metals) recovered from the tenements.

The tenure is currently in good standing

There are no known issues regarding security of tenure.

There are no known impediments to continued operation.

WGX operates in accordance with all environmental conditions set down as conditions for grant of the leases. Exploration done by other parties Acknowledgment and appraisal of exploration by other parties The CMGP tenements have an exploration and production history in excess of 100 years.

The FGP tenements have an exploration and production history in excess of 30 years.

BH tenements have an exploration and production history in excess of 60 years.

HGO tenements have an exploration and production history in excess of 40 years.

Westgold work has generally confirmed the veracity of historic exploration data. Geology Deposit type, geological setting and style of mineralisation. BHO Beta Hunt is situated within the central portion of the Norseman-Wiluna greenstone belt in a sequence of mafic/ultramafic and felsic rocks on the southwest flank of the Kambalda Dome.

Gold mineralisation occurs mainly in subvertical shear zones in the Lunnon Basalt and is characterised by shear and extensional quartz veining within a halo of biotite/pyrite alteration. Within these shear zones, coarse gold sometimes occurs where the shear zones intersect iron-rich sulphidic metasediments in the Lunnon Basalt or nickel sulphides at the base of the Kambalda Komatiite (ultramafics). The mineralised shears are represented by A-Zone, Western Flanks, Larkin and Mason zones.



CGO CGO is located in the Achaean Murchison Province, a granite-greenstone terrane in the northwest of the Yilgarn Craton. Greenstone belts trending north-northeast are separated by granite-gneiss domes, with smaller granite plutons also present within or on the margins of the belts.

Mineralisation at Big Bell is hosted in the shear zone (Mine Sequence) and is associated with the post-peak metamorphic retrograde assemblages. Stibnite, native antimony and trace arsenopyrite are disseminated through the K-feldspar-rich lode schist. These are intergrown with pyrite and pyrrhotite and chalcopyrite. Mineralisation outside the typical Big Bell host rocks (KPSH), for example 1,600N and Shocker, also display a very strong W-As-Sb geochemical halo.

Numerous gold deposits occur within the Cuddingwarra Project area, the majority of which are hosted within the central mafic-ultramafic  felsic porphyry sequence. Within this broad framework, mineralisation is shown to be spatially controlled by competency contrasts across, and flexures along, layer-parallel D2 shear zones, and is maximised when transected by corridors of northeast striking D3 faults and fractures.

The Great Fingall Dolerite hosts the majority gold mineralisation within the portion of the greenstone belt proximal to Cue (The Day Dawn Project Area). Unit AGF3 is the most brittle of all the five units and this characteristic is responsible for its role as the most favourable lithological host to gold mineralisation in the Greenstone Belt.



FGO The Fortnum deposits are Paleoproterozoic shear-hosted gold deposits within the Fortnum Wedge, a localised thrust duplex of Narracoota Formation within the overlying Ravelstone Formation. Both stratigraphic formations comprise part of the Bryah Basin in the Capricorn Orogen, Western Australia.

The Horseshoe Cassidy deposits are hosted within the Ravelstone Formation (siltstone and argillite) and Narracoota Formation (highly altered, moderate to strongly deformed mafic to ultramafic rocks). The main zone of mineralisation is developed within a horizon of highly altered magnesian basalt. Gold mineralisation is associated with strong vein stock works that are confined to the altered mafic. Alteration consists of two types: stockwork proximal silica-carbonate-fuchsite-haematite-pyrite and distal silica-haematite-carbonate+/- chlorite.

The Peak Hill district represents remnants of a Proterozoic fold belt comprising highly deformed trough and shelf sediments and mafic / ultramafic volcanics, which are generally moderately metamorphosed (except for the Peak Hill Metamorphic Suite).



HGO The Higginsville Gold Operation is located in the Eastern Goldfields Superterrane of the Archean Yilgarn Craton. The bulk of the Higginsville tenement package is located almost entirely within the well-mineralised Kalgoorlie Terrane, between the gold mining centres of Norseman and St Ives. HGO can be sub-divided into seven major geological domains: Trident Line of Lode, Chalice, Lake Cowan, Southern Paleo-channels, Mt Henry, Polar Bear Group and Spargos Project area.

Majority of mineralisation along the Trident Line of Lode are hosted within the Poseidon gabbro and high-MgO dyke complexes in the south. The Poseidon Gabbro is a thick, weakly-differentiated gabbroic sill, which strikes north-south and dips 60 to the east, is over 500 m thick and 2.5 km long. The mineralisation is hosted within or marginal to quartz veining and is structurally and lithologically controlled.

The Chalice Deposit is located within a north-south trending, 2 km to 3 km wide greenstone terrane, flanked on the west calc-alkaline granitic rocks of the Boorabin Batholith and to the east by the Pioneer Dome Batholith. The dominant unit that hosts gold mineralisation is a fine grained, weak to strongly foliated amphibole-plagioclase amphibolite, with a typically lepidoblastic (mineralogically aligned and banded) texture. It is west-dipping and generally steep, approximately 60 to 75.

The Lake Cowan project area is situated near the centre of a regional anticline between the Zuleika and Lefroy faults, with the local geology of the area made more complex by the intrusion of the massive Proterozoic Binneringie dyke. The majority of mineralisation at the Lake Cowan Mining Centre is hosted within an enclave of Archaean material surrounded by the Binneringie dyke.

Mineralised zones within the Southern Paleo Channels network comprise both placer gold, normally near the base of the channel-fill sequences, and chemically-precipitated secondary gold within the channel-fill materials and underlying saprolite. These gold concentrations commonly overlie, or are adjacent to, primary mineralised zones within Archaean bedrock.

The Mount Henry Project covers 347km2 of the prolific South NorsemanWiluna Greenstone belt of the Eastern Goldfields in Western Australia. Although the greenstone rocks from the Norseman area can be broadly correlated with those of the Kalgoorlie - Kambalda region they form a distinct terrain which is bounded on all sides by major regional shears. The Norseman Terrane has prominent banded iron formations which distinguish it from the Kalgoorlie- Kambalda Terrane. The Mount Henry gold deposit is hosted by a silicate facies BIF unit within the Noganyer Formation. Gold mineralisation is predominantly hosted by the silicate facies BIF unit but is also associated with minor metabasalt and dolerite units that were mostly emplaced in the BIF prior to mineralisation. The footwall to the BIF is characterised by a sedimentary schistose unit and the hanging wall by the overlying dolerites of the Woolyeener Formation. The Mount Henry gold deposit is classified as an Archean, orogenic shear hosted deposit. The main lode is an elongated, shearhosted body, 1.9km long by 6 - 10 metres wide and dips 6575 degrees towards the west.

The Polar Bear project is situated within the Archaean Norseman-Wiluna Belt which locally includes basalts, komatiites, metasediments, and felsic volcaniclastics. The primary gold mineralisation is related to hydrothermal activity during multiple deformation events. Indications are that gold mineralisation is focused on or near to the stratigraphic boundary between the Killaloe and Buldania Formation.

The Spargos Project occurs within Coolgardie Domain of the Kalgoorlie Terrane. The area is bounded by the Zuleika Shear to the east and the Kunanalling Shear to the west. The geological setting comprises tightly-folded north-south striking ultramafic and mafic volcanic rocks at the northern closure Widgiemooltha Dome. The project lies on the general trend of the Kunanalling / Karramindie Shear corridor, a regional shear zone that hosts significant mineralisation to the north at Ghost Crab (Mount Marion), Wattle Dam to the south, the Penfolds group and Kunanalling. The regional prospective Zuleika Shear lies to the east of the project. The tenements are prospective for vein and shear hosted gold deposits as demonstrated by Spargos Reward and numerous other gold workings and occurrences. Gold mineralisation at Spargos Reward is hosted by a coarse-grained pyrite-arsenopyrite lode in quartz-sericite schists, between strongly biotitic altered greywacke to the east and quartz-sericite-fuchsite-pyrite altered felsic tuff to the west. Gold mineralisation is associated with very little quartz veining which is atypical for many deposits in region. The Spargos Reward setting has been described variously as a low-quartz sulphidic mesothermal gold system or as a Hemlo style syn-sedimentary occurrence.



MGO MGO is located in the Achaean Murchison Province, a granite-greenstone terrane in the northwest of the Yilgarn Craton. Greenstone belts trending north-northeast are separated by granite-gneiss domes, with smaller granite plutons also present within or on the margins of the belts.

The Paddy's Flat area is located on the western limb of a regional fold, the Polelle Syn- cline, within a sequence of mafic to ultramafic volcanics with minor interflow sediments and banded iron-formation. The sequence has also been intruded by felsic porphyry dykes prior to mineralisation. Mineralisation is located along four sub-parallel trends at Paddy's Flat which can be summarized as containing three dominant mineralisation styles: Sulphide replacement BIF hosted gold. Quartz vein hosted shear-related gold. Quartz-carbonate-sulphide stockwork vein and alteration related gold.

The Yaloginda area is a gold-bearing Archaean greenstone belt situated ~15km south of Meekatharra. The deposits in the area are hosted in a strained and metamorphosed volcanic sequence that consists primarily of ultramafic and high-magnesium basalt with minor komatiite, peridotite, gabbro, tholeiitic basalt and interflow sediments. The sequence was intruded by a variety of felsic porphyry and intermediate sills and dykes.

The Reedy's mining district is located approximately 15 km to the south-east to Meekatharra and to the south of Lake Annean. The Reedy gold deposits occur with- in a north-south trending greenstone belt, two to five kilometres wide, composed of volcano-sedimentary sequences and separated multiphase syn- and post-tectonic granitoid complexes. Structurally controlled the gold occur. Drill hole Information A summary of all information material to the understanding of the exploration results including a tabulation of the following information for all Material drill holes: easting and northing of the drill hole collar elevation or RL (Reduced Level - elevation above sea level in metres) of the drill hole collar dip and azimuth of the hole down hole length and interception depth hole length.

If the exclusion of this information is justified on the basis that the information is not Material and this exclusion does not detract from the understanding of the report, the Competent Person should clearly explain why this is the case. Tables containing drillhole collar, downhole survey and intersection data are included in the body of the announcement. Data aggregation methods In reporting Exploration Results, weighting averaging techniques, maximum and/or minimum grade truncations (e.g., cutting of high grades) and cut-off grades are usually Material and should be stated.

Where aggregate intercepts incorporate short lengths of high-grade results and longer lengths of low-grade results, the procedure used for such aggregation should be stated and some typical examples of such aggregations should be shown in detail.

The assumptions used for any reporting of metal equivalent values should be clearly stated. All results presented are length weighted.

No high-grade cuts are used.

Reported results contain no more than two contiguous metres of internal dilution below 0.5g/t. For Beta Hunt, a cut off of 1 g/t Au with maximum internal waste of 2m is used to define significant intercepts.

Results are reported above a variety of gram / metre cut-offs dependent upon the nature of the hole. These are cut-offs are clearly stated in the relevant tables.

Unless indicated to the contrary, all results reported are downhole width.

Given restricted access in the underground environment the majority of drillhole intersections are not normal to the orebody. Relationship between mineralisation widths and intercept lengths These relationships are particularly important in the reporting of Exploration Results.

If the geometry of the mineralisation with respect to the drill hole angle is known, its nature should be reported.

If it is not known and only the down hole lengths are reported, there should be a clear statement to this effect (e.g., 'down hole length, true width not known'). Unless indicated to the contrary, all results reported are downhole width.

Given restricted access in the underground environment the majority of drillhole intersections are not normal to the orebody. Diagrams Appropriate maps and sections (with scales) and tabulations of intercepts should be included for any significant discovery being reported These should include, but not be limited to a plan view of drill hole collar locations and appropriate sectional views. Appropriate diagrams are provided in the body of the release if required. Balanced reporting Where comprehensive reporting of all Exploration Results is not practicable, representative reporting of both low and high grades and/or widths should be practiced to avoid misleading reporting of Exploration Results. Appropriate balance in exploration results reporting is provided. Other substantive exploration data Other exploration data, if meaningful and material, should be reported including (but not limited to): geological observations; geophysical survey results; geochemical survey results; bulk samples - size and method of treatment; metallurgical test results; bulk density, groundwater, geotechnical and rock characteristics; potential deleterious or contaminating substances. There is no other substantive exploration data associated with this release. Further work The nature and scale of planned further work (e.g. tests for lateral extensions or depth extensions or large-scale step-out drilling).

Diagrams clearly highlighting the areas of possible extensions, including the main geological interpretations and future drilling areas, provided this information is not commercially sensitive. Ongoing surface and underground exploration activities will be undertaken to support continuing mining activities at Westgold Gold Operations.

SOURCE Westgold Resources LimitedContactInvestor and media relations enquiries: Investor Relations, Kasun Liyanaarachchi | Investor Relations Manager, investor.relations@westgold.com.au, +61 458 564 483; Investor Relations - North America, Rob Buchanan | CPIR, Rob.Buchanan@westgold.com.au, +1 416-309-0600; Media, Peter Knight | Communications Manager, peter.knight@westgold.com.au, +61 459 980 481
NOT FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES OR THROUGH U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES

VANCOUVER, September 11, 2024 - Alta Copper Corp. (TSX:ATCU)(OTCQX:ATCUF)(BVL:ATCU) ("Alta Copper" or the "Company") is pleased to announce, subject to the approval of the Toronto Stock Exchange, that it has arranged a non-brokered private placement (the "Private Placement") with Nascent Exploration Pty. Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Fortescue Ltd. ("Fortescue") to raise gross proceeds of Cdn.$2,500,000. The Company intends to use the proceeds of the Private Placement for working capital while continuing to advance its 100% owned Canariaco copper project.

The Private Placement will consist of the sale of 4,629,630 common shares (the "Common Shares") at a price of Cdn$0.54 to raise gross proceeds of approximately Cdn.$2,500,000. The Common Shares will be subject to a mandatory hold period ending four months and one day after issuance, in accordance with applicable securities law. There will be no warrants included in this Private Placement.

Giulio T. Bonifacio, Executive Chair and CEO, commented: "We are pleased with the continued support of our largest shareholder which further validates the investment merits of our Canariaco copper project. Although the context of capital markets for financing continue to remain challenging this financing was considered superior to alternative financing options available that would have been priced at a discount to the market inclusive of warrants and fees. The current financing will result in limited dilution and based on pricing, which is above the recent market close, Fortescue's share ownership will increase to 34%. The current funding will now provide the required working capital to advance our drill permit application which is progressing on target and to continue to advance our community engagement and social license."

About Alta Copper

Alta Copper is focused on the development of its 100% owned Canariaco advanced staged copper project. Canariaco comprises 97 square km of highly prospective land located 150 km northeast of the City of Chiclayo, Peru, which include the Canariaco Norte deposit, Canariaco Sur deposit and Quebrada Verde prospect, all within a 4 km NE-SW trend in northern Peru's prolific mining district. Canariaco is one of the largest copper deposits in the Americas not held by a major.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws ("forward-looking statements"). Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: believe, expect, anticipate, intend, estimate, plans, postulate and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. All statements that are not statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, statements with respect to the of the Private Placement, the use of proceeds for the Private Placement, the insider participation in the Private Placement and the business plans of the Company, including the drill program. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release. Although the Company believes the forward-looking statements in this press release are reasonable, it can give no assurance that the expectations and assumptions in such statements will prove to be correct. The Company cautions investors that any forward-looking statements by the Company are not guarantees of future results or performance, and are subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors which could cause events or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others: the state of the equity financing markets in Canada and other jurisdictions; the receipt of regulatory approvals; fluctuations in metals prices, the actual results of current development activities; conclusions of economic evaluations; changes in project parameters as plans to continue to be refined; accidents, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry; and delays in obtaining approvals or financing. There can be no assurance that forward-looking 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. We are under no obligation to update or alter any forward-looking statements except as required under applicable securities laws.

On behalf of the Board of Alta Copper Corp.

"Giulio T. Bonifacio" Executive Chair, CEO and Director

For further information please contact:

Giulio T. Bonifacio

gtbonifacio@altacopper.com

+1 604 318 6760

Email: info@altacopper.com

Website: www.altacopper.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Alta_Copper

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/altacopper/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AltaCopperCorp

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/altacopper/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AltaCopper

SOURCE: Alta Copper Corp.

View the original press release on accesswire.com




When people think of Calvin, they usually think of furrowed eyebrows. Long pointy nose, thick beard, stiff expression, no smiles, this is how Gary Brown depicts him. But actually, he is human like us, with flesh and blood. He has his humanity and feelings. Dr. Simon Wat said in his online lecture Summary of Calvins Theology. He led his audience to break the stereotypical image of Calvin and explore the multifacetedness of this spiritual giant.



The lecture is paraphrased below:







Im not sure how well you know Calvin. Some people might have been a believer for some time already and heard many things about him, and maybe you would think that his serious image and doctrine of predestination makes him overly focused on the sovereignty of God which is why he seemingly ignores mans choice and feelings. And maybe youve heard some stories of his life and came with some prejudices. Today, I hope to share with you another side of Calvin.







Unfortunately, when you search up Calvin online, most of the portraits we see have his brows deeply furrowed. Like this caricature by Gary Brown, Calvin is depicted with a long pointy nose, thick beard, stiff expression, and no smiles. This fits our stereotypical idea of Calvin, but in actuality, he is human just like us, with flesh and blood, with humanity and feelings.



In todays lecture, we will not only discuss the characteristics of Calvin as a spiritual giant, I also hope that we can learn something new from his life experience, find something we dont usually see.



Obeying His Father, Changing His Studies, Giving Up His Studies, Becoming a Shepherd



Calvin was born on July 10, 1509, in a small city in France. His mother died when he was just six years old, and had little influence on him. His father, on the other hand, had a profound effect on him. His father was the local bishop's clerk, a high position for the time, and had hoped that Calvin would follow in his footsteps. He wanted Calvin to become a member of the clergy, and perhaps even rise to the rank of bishop someday. However, his father changed his mind and instead encouraged Calvin to study law.



While in school, Calvin's studies were constantly changed. Although he majored in law, towards the end of his studies he wrote a commentary on the writings of the classical thinker Seneca, an attempt to become a prominent humanist. However, just as he was embarking on his scholarly journey, the Reformation (particularly the influence of Martin Luther) swept through Europe and reached France.



Calvin's close friend, Nicolas, was euthisatically pro-Reformation and gave a speech in Paris titled Justification by Faith, which caused great controversy. Nicolas was then hunted down as a heretic, and Calvin had to flee for being guilty by association. After being on the run for years, Calvin eventually arrived in Geneva, Switzerland.



Calvins original plan was to travel to Strasbourg on the French border, live in seclusion, and focus on scholarly research, away from the turbulences of the church. He was introverted and liked to read and write, it was only natural for him to desire so. However, while he was in Geneva, he caught the attention of another pastor, Farnolle. Farnolle saw in Calvin the leader Geneva desperately needed because he could speak powerfully and think meticulously.



Geneva had a large number of religious refugees who needed pastoral care, fleeing not from war or politics, but from the Catholic Churchs persecution. Yet Calvin hesitated. Farnoules counseling was direct: If you dont stay to help and serve God, He will curse you. Perplexed by these words, Calvin put aside his academic dream and finally decided to stay in Geneva to minister to the local religious refugees.



Two years later, due to differences of opinion, Calvin left Geneva for Basel, Switzerland. Arriving in Strasbourg, he again encountered a similar scenario when another pastor, Martin Bussel, used a similar exhortation to ask Calvin to help the religious refugees there. Calvin eventually accepted the mission and continued to faithfully minister to those persecuted for their faith.



Calvin returned to Geneva in 1541, and although he did not receive citizenship of Geneva until 1559, he continued to minister faithfully until his deathbed.



The Four Stages of Faith: Ignorance, Shock, Exploration, Repentance



Calvin's journey of faith was full of challenges and changes. He went through four stages: ignorance, shock, discovery, and repentance, which together led him to a breakthrough in faith. The greatest shock in his life came when he introspected deeply and felt the rebuke of his conscience, he felt unworthy of salvation. This pain prompted him to ponder deeply about his faith. Eventually, he came to realize the significance of the Reformation. He agreed with the teachings of reformers such as Martin Luther and thoroughly criticized his life in Catholicism, repenting completely and accepting the doctrine of justification by faith.



Calvins life is a testament to how one can faithfully serve God and others through constant searching and repentance. The transformation Calvin went through is full of tears and gratitude, and it is something that every believer will experience when they break through in their faith.



Our faith is transformed not just emotionally, but also in our thinking and reasoning. Calvins transformation reflects this well. After he was converted, Calvin showed great faith and action in his Geneva ministry. His Institutes of the Christian Religion is not just a theological classic, but his magnum opus as well.



Calvin started with an academic pursuit, hoping to make a name for himself through the books and theses he would publish, but he had to change the direction of his life, choosing the path to serve God instead. However, even though he no longer pursued academic success, he did not let his writing talents rust. On the contrary, he used his writing to better serve and shepherd the flock God gave him. God will not waste the talents of the people He calls, but will creatively incorporate them into the services He calls them into. Writing, teaching, spreading the gospel, etc., all gifts will be used by God to bless many others.



Calvins writing career reflects how God helped him apply his writing talents. He continued to revise his Institutes, going until the fifth edition, demonstrating his commitment to excellence in ministry and writing. What we should glean from this lesson is that no service or work can be achieved overnight, but through constant practice and effort, we can do our best to reach perfection. We might be involved in Bible Study, choir leading, or other ministry works, but all first tries could be difficult. But through consistent practice and perseverance, we will come to the turning point of quality change, and even start teaching others ourselves.



If you consider Calvins Institutes a very important book, and even read it cover to cover in both Chinese and English editions, then you might feel great about yourself. After all, Institutes is a hefty book, and unless you are just skimming through it, you cannot finish the fifth edition in a year. However, what I can tell you is that, even if you thoroughly read Institutes, you have still only read a tenth of Calvins writings. His other works, including commentaries and psalms, take up a bulk of his portfolio.



Like many other Reformers, Calvin believed he had the responsibility to teach the Bible to the believers. That is why he wrote many commentary books. You will find that his Bible commentaries do not cover all 66 books of the Bible. For example, he did not write the book of Revelation because he wasnt sure how he could comment on it, nor did he write anything for the wisdom books such as Proverbs and Song of Songs. Although he did not write commentaries on these volumes, he did often quote from the wisdom books in his sermons.



What is very precious about Calvin can be found in his introduction to his commentary on Thessalonians. He believes every full-time or part-time minister should realize that ministry is more precious than life. He critiqued the first half of his life with tears and felt God's grace to make ministry more than just work, but a response to God's salvation and love.



Many people, including my former theology professors, believe to preach well, you need to read Calvin's commentaries. Unfortunately, many of Calvin's commentaries are rarely translated into Chinese, the English translations are more complete. In addition to his commentaries, Calvin had many other writings. When he pastored in Geneva, he not only dealt with the separation of politics, society, and religion, but also wrote many creeds, organized the structure of the church, orders of worship, and children's education, and established a pastoral care system.



From Institutes to commentaries to other works of writing, we can see the dramatic change that Calvin went through. He went from a scholar to a pastor. He not only shepherded through his writing, he was also very active in promoting education.



Calvin the Workacholic?



Calvin is considered to be a workaholic. It is something interesting to think about as we end the lecture. Calvins life was completely devoted to responding to Gods salvation and to shepherding. During the Reformation, the Bible and theology were very important, but in cities like Geneva, the need for reading and education was just as important. Calvin realized the limitations of education at that time, and so started many high schools and higher education institutes. From 1550, he also held Bible classes every Friday evening. He did a great deal of teaching.



Calvins pastoral post didnt just include the responsibility of teaching. He preached every Sunday, and while he was in Geneva, he traveled and preached in at least three places per week, sometimes multiple times per day. His sermon times were very early in the morning (4 AM to 5 AM), with slight modifications for summer and winter seasons.

Calvin preached constantly from 1542 to 1564. Thankfully God had someone record his sermons, otherwise, Calvin was known for his habit of preaching script-free. He believed doing so would allow the Holy Spirit to work without restraint. He would often schedule prayer meetings on Wednesdays, which is why until now many churches keep that tradition.



Before he died, Calvin gathered his fellow ministers and exhorted them to keep serving the Lord with fervor, not losing heart or courage. He hoped that they would continue to face the challenges ahead of them with bravery, not letting anything get between their relationship with the sheep of their flock. In his last words, Calvin expressed his gratitude to his coworkers, and asked for their forgiveness for any hurt he had caused them while serving together.



Calvins legacy is not just in his writings and preaching, but also in how insistent he was about spiritual life. His life teaches us that, true spiritual examples do not require us to follow every detail he did, but to learn from his characteristics and combine it with our individual abilities and situations to serve better. Calvin often felt in debt to God, which is why he was always improving his work, revealing great resilience and sacrifice through his dedication. His lie reminds us to genuinely give ourselves to God. That is how our serving and life can be transformed.


Bortoleto given green light to negotiate with Audi

McLaren has reportedly cleared the path for Gabriel Bortoleto to make his Formula 1 race debut in 2025.

Valtteri Bottas, Italian GP 2024

 Sauber

Audi officials specifically named the 19-year-old Formula 1 frontrunner as featuring prominently on their short-list to join Nico Hulkenberg at Sauber next year.

However, the young Brazilian joined McLaren's driver development program just at the end of last year - meaning an Audi deal would have to be struck with the agreement of the Woking based team.

According to authoritative Brazilian source Grande Premio, McLaren has now told Bortoleto's management and Audi that they would conditionally agree to release him on loan.

The agreement provides for a loan for at least two years and aims to prepare him for a return (to McLaren) at an opportune time, the report explained.

Grande Premio believes Audi would prefer to sign Bortoleto over incumbent Valtteri Bottas next year, as the team needs to save money once Guanyu Zhou's millions in Chinese backing disappears.

Another reported contender for the second Audi-Sauber seat is Mick Schumacher. However, multiple teams have turned down the opportunity to sign Michael Schumacher's son for a return to the F1 grid.

German racing legend Hans-Joachim Stuck blames former Haas boss Gunther Steiner for Schumacher's shattered reputation.

He kept criticising him for mistakes that were completely normal, Stuck told Eurosport. He (Steiner) has that on his conscience.

Stuck, 73, admits that Audi could be Schumacher's last-ever shot at returning to the grid.

Mick is not getting any younger, he said. But in my view, Mick has every right to get a place again.

(GMM)
Government to wind down Belgian GP backing

Organisers of the Belgian GP think they are "making progress" to keep their Formula 1 race at the fabled Spa-Francorchamps circuit alive.

Belgian GP 2024

 Alpine

Late last year, the sport's owners agreed to a mere one-year extension to the previous race contract - meaning 2025 is currently scheduled to be the final Belgian GP.

It is believed F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali intends to pair some of the European rounds to free up space on the annual calendar and enable events like Spa to enjoy lower costs - because they'll only be hosting a race every two years.

According to the Belgian broadcaster RTBF, the regional Walloon government gives the promoters at Spa between 3 and 8 million euros per year.

But Pierre-Yves Jeholet, the Walloon minister of the economy, insists that by 2029, public intervention will decrease .

We must be able to develop an activity without calling on the 'Mr Cash' of the Walloon region, he said.

For two years, the circuit has been generating profits, efforts are being made, but we must go further and find more sponsorship and advertising, and attract private investors in order to limit public intervention.

Amaury Bertholomee, general manager of the iconic Spa circuit, acknowledges that the financial situation surrounding the Belgian GP going forwards must change.

We are going to discuss with the Walloon government, he said, but we have financial results that are on a sustained and positive trajectory. This will allow us to consider this phasing out (of public financing) in the short term.

Minister Jeholet told the Brussels Times this week that he is personally involved in the current negotiations for 2026 and beyond with Formula 1.

We are making progress, he revealed, but not at any cost. The negotiations continue.

(GMM)
Newey will have instant impact at Aston Martin says Ralf

Two well-known Formula 1 figures are divided over just how quickly Adrian Newey can have a major impact at Aston Martin.

Adrian Newey Press Conference

 Aston Martin Racing

Christian Horner recently insisted that although the sport's most renowned technical brain stepped away from active duty at Red Bull some months ago, his absence could not possibly explain the team's fall from dominance.

One man's input could never be so dramatic so quickly, said the Red Bull team boss.

And now that Newey has signed up at Aston Martin and will start full-time in early March next year, fellow engineer Toni Cuquerella warns that the Silverstone based team cannot expect an immediate boost.

When Newey comes in, the former Ferrari and BMW engineer told DAZN, "don't think it will be an immediate impact.

The Newey Aston Martin, possibly the 2026 car, will be a hybrid of the old team and the Newey team, added Cuquerella. The 2027 car will be the first real Newey car.

However, former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher completely disagrees. In fact, the German thinks Newey will start to have an impact almost immediately - and even before he officially starts work.

That is despite the fact that, at least in terms of design, the 2024 and 2025 cars will have nothing to do with Newey at all.

I am very, very sure, although he may not be officially starting until next year, that Aston Martin will make a miraculous leap as early as next year. And maybe even by the end of this year, Schumacher told Sky Deutschland.

Adrian has been spoiled by success, he added, but he is also known for guaranteeing it. That must of course be his goal now. And he has everything he needs at Aston Martin for that.

Schumacher thinks Newey clearly lost all of his desire to stay at Red Bull once internal leadership turmoil started to spill into the public early this year.

Newey needs certain conditions in order to do his work, said the 6-time grand prix winner, who knows the engineer well and even spends time away from the circuits with the 65-year-old and Newey's new 'manager' Eddie Jordan.

He has to feel comfortable, he has to have absolute trust. He just wants to do motorsport, said Schumacher.

He wants to have enthusiastic people around him who have no sensitivities, but only one goal - to build fast cars and win races.

(GMM)
Reminder - Apple Intelligence will not be available in the EU or China any time soon

Starting next month, users of compatible iPhones will be able to enjoy the full Apple Intelligence features (in beta) as part of the expected iOS 18.1 update. Unless they live in the EU or China  the two regions where Apple will not be releasing the new AI features just yet.

First off, let's look at which devices qualify to get Apple Intellgence in the first place. Due to NPU performance and RAM requirements, only the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max from the older models are supported, but all new models (iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max) are compatible.

You will need iOS 18.1, of course, at least 4GB of available storage and setting the device and Siri language to a supported language.

Only US English will be supported in the beginning, but other regional English variants will be added in December. Next year, the language selection will expand to support Chinese, French, Japanese and Spanish.



Apple Intelligence will only support English at first, more languages coming next year

However, even if you set your iPhone and Siri to a supported language, it will not work if you have your Apple ID Country/Region set to a EU country and you are physically in the EU. It will work when traveling outside of the EU, though.

EU users of iOS 18 beta also suggest there is a workaround to get Apple Intelligence to work in the EU - you have to set your AppleID region to a supported one like the US. This, however, has far greater implications. Changing the region requires you to empty your iTunes store balance and cancel all your Apple subscriptions beforehand. It also requires you to enter a fake address where located in that region that may or may not work as a billing address for your payment methods (if you care about purchasing apps and services from Apple). Upon changing the region, you will also lose access to all the apps you've paid for in your regional AppStore and will have to start afresh in the new AppStore.

Compared to the EU, the restrictions for China are even stricter  Apple Intelligence won't work on any iPhones bought in mainland China. For iPhones bought elsewhere, Apple Intelligence will not work while they are in mainland China or if your Apple ID region is set to mainland China.

The good news is that phones bought in the EU will eventually get Apple Intelligence. What's holding things up, anyway?

Regulation, mostly, specifically the Digital Markets Act (DMA). First, the EU wants independent experts to be able to verify that Apple is keeping customer data private regularly. This is something that Apple specifically mentioned during its presentation  AI features that don't run on-device will instead run on Apple servers that exclusively use Apple silicon, which will never store your data or images.

However, this tight integration between Apple Intelligence and other Apple services might be hurting it. Remember that DMA designates Apple as a "gatekeeper" , which means that it has to respect strict rules about fair competition and transparency due to the large number of consumers using its products and services. The Core Technology Fee that Apple insists on charging developers could prove to be an issue as well.

It's not that it can't be done; this is more a case of Apple being cautious. The company is allegedly in talks with EU regulators about the best way to implement Apple Intelligence and other affected features.

CNBC reported that Apple is holding back iPhone Mirroring and enhancements to SharePlay for EU consumers due to similar concerns over DMA rules. Apple claims that "the interoperability requirements of the DMA could force us to compromise the integrity of our products in ways that risk user privacy and data security."

Apple Intelligence in iOS 18.1 will support the following features, and you can expect all these features to be MIA on iPhones in the EU and China. You can learn more about Apple Intelligence here.

Writing Tools

Clean Up in Photos

Create a Memory movie in Photos

Natural language search in Photos

Notification summaries

Reduce Interruptions Focus

Intelligent Breakthrough & Silencing in Focus

Priority messages in Mail

Smart Reply in Mail and Messages

Summaries in Mail and Messages

Siri enhancements, including product knowledge, more resilient request handling, new look and feel, more natural voice, the ability to type to Siri, and more

Source
As efforts increase to bring birds back to Guam, it is important to plant the native species they need to thrive.

The University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant champions native plant restoration through seed collection, propagation, and plantings. A cooperative agreement written by Else Demeulenaere, CIS associate director for natural resources, brings native plants and expertise to private landowners to increase the planting of native species throughout the island.

Full disclosure: I am one of the landowners who has signed an agreement with the funder, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services, to plant and protect native species on my property. The Endemic and Endangered Plant Partnership Program, Taiparehu, will allow me to work with university and federal biologists to determine the types of plants that will grow well on my property.

The Taiparehu Program will provide the plants and directions for where to plant and how to care for them. The federally funded Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program pays for the plants. Since my property is in the savannas of Santa Rita-Sumai, the focus will be on plants suited for the savanna habitat.

Project Taiparehu (CHamoru for unique) aims to protect and enhance endemic plant species and their habitats by including the community, nongovernmental organizations, and the local government to strengthen the recovery of endangered species and those that provide food for wildlife, Demeulenaere explained. With increased development, I think it is important that we protect habitat throughout Guam, not just in preserve networks but also in peoples yards. This way, everybody shares the responsibility to help preserve Guams biocultural diversity.

As the landowner, I will grant the biologists access to my property for assessment and planting. Once the plants are in the ground, biologists will check on the plants periodically and, if I notice anything unusual, I may contact them for assistance.

All I need to do is allow the areas with plantings to remain in place for the duration of the habitat improvement project.

At the end of the period, I as the landowner take responsibility for the plants. I am excited to increase the native plant diversity on my property and hope they will attract butterflies, birds, and fanihi.

The Taiparehu project is a win for native plants, wildlife, landowners, and Guam!

For more good news, the National Park Service is now in the planning stages of the kick-off for the Asan Restoration project slated for Nov. 16 to initiate the removal of brown tree snakes and the return of native birds and plants. Save the date and join in the fun.

Become a volunteer citizen scientist working with NPS biologists to bring back birds one snake at a time. Check out the NPS website here: https://www.nps.gov/wapa/learn/nature/brown-treesnake-research-and-control.htm

We would love to hear about your neighborhood projects where you start small and make a difference.
Tropical Depression Bebinca has been upgraded to a tropical storm but is now about 110 miles west-northwest of Guam, moving west-northwest at 13 miles per hour with maximum sustained winds of 40 mph.

This is according to the latest press release from the Guam Homeland Security/Office of Civil Defense, citing information from the National Weather Service Guam.

A tropical storm warning remains in effect for Guam, Rota, Tinian and Saipan. Tropical storm conditions continue, but are gradually subsiding.

At this time, Guam remains in Condition of Readiness 3. At COR 3, the government of Guam remains open and employees are expected to report to work today, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024.

Residents are advised to be cautious when driving on roads due to continuing inclement weather as crews from the Guam Power Authority, Department of Public Works, and mayors offices are working in flood prone and outage areas to restore operations.

Tropical Storm Bebinca (14W) is forecast to intensify over the next few days and may possibly become a typhoon by Friday although well northwest of the Marianas.

The next advisory will be issued by NWS at 2 p.m.

Guam still has active tropical storm warning, high surf warning, coastal flood advisory, and flood watch in effect.

Residents are reminded to monitor official channels for updates and changes to this organic and developing weather phenomenon.

Visit the following links for the latest advisory information:
School classes will resume on Thursday as Guam has been placed back in condition of readiness 4 by Wednesday afternoon, but monsoon associated with Tropical Depression Bebinca continues to dump several inches of rain as well as bring gusty winds across the island.

All Guam Department of Education schools and Catholic schools will return to normal operations on Sept. 12, GDOE and the Archdiocese of Agana announced.

Bebinca was upgraded to a tropical storm Wednesday morning with maximum sustained winds of 40 miles per hour.

It was downgraded back to a tropical depression with wind speeds of 35 mph by early afternoon as it continued its movement away from Guam, according to the National Weather Service Guam.

All tropical storm warnings for Guam, Rota, Tinian and Saipan were canceled, NWS said.

Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero and Rear Admiral Brent De Vore placed Guam and the respective military bases in COR4 at 2 p.m. Wednesday.

At the time, Bebinca was centered 190 miles west-northwest of Guam, moving west-northwest at 21 mph, NWS said.

Bebinca is forecast to continue northwestward into the open Philippine Sea as it continues to strengthen, NWS said.

Weather hazards remain

Numerous weather hazards remain, however.

While Bebinca is pulling away from the Marianas and poses no direct threat to the islands in the region, the monsoon associated with it will surge across Palau, Yap, the outer islands of Yap and Chuuk and the Marianas throughout the end of the week, NWS said.

Expect showers, locally heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, the potential for flooding, strong gusty winds across all locations, hazardous seas and surf, NWS added.

Residents are advised to be cautious when driving on roads due to continuing inclement weather as crews from the Guam Power Authority, Department of Public Works, and mayors offices are working in flood-prone and outage areas to restore operations, according to the Guam Homeland Security/Office of Civil Defense.

Guam still has active high surf advisory, wind advisory, small craft advisory, and a flood watch in effect.

GDOE: Some changes

GDOE, in a press release, said J.Q. San Miguel Elementary School will conduct in-person instruction at CL Taitano Elementary School.

This arrangement is part of a strategic plan to ensure that students continue to receive quality education in a conducive environment, GDOE said.

Similarly, H.B. Price Elementary School will hold its in-person classes at MU Lujan Elementary School, it added.

Inalahan Middle School and Southern High School will continue to meet online pending Department of Health and Social Services sanitation inspections.

These temporary measures are designed to accommodate students effectively during times when their usual school facilities are not available. Parents and guardians are encouraged to stay informed about these changes through official school communications and updates, GDOE said. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we implement these adjustments to ensure a continuous and effective learning environment for our students.
Ron McNinch is a longstanding member of the Guam community and frequently gives his opinion on a wide range of topics.
Overnight President Joe Biden approved Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landrys request to declare a state of emergency as Hurricane Francine continues to barrel toward the state, with landfall expected later today.

Gov. Landry sent the request to the President on Tuesday, following predictions that the storms impact, including torrential rainfall, damaging winds and hurricane spawned tornadoes, could pose a serious threat to the lives and property of the people of Louisiana.

After declaring a State of Emergency, we have now determined that this storm is of such severity that an effective response is beyond the capabilities of the state and local governments, Landry said in a statement. This federal assistance is needed to save lives and property, and I look forward to President Biden quickly approving this request.

The Presidents action, announced late Tuesday, and effective as of Sept. 10, authorizes the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency to coordinate all disaster relief efforts and provides federal assistance and reimbursement for mass care including evacuation and shelter support for the effected parishes.

Landry also issued an executive order to allow licensed nursing facilities in Louisiana, that accept or receive evacuated residents, to temporarily exceed their licensed bed capacity in the event of a declared emergency.
As Hurricane Francine barrels toward Louisiana, the streets of New Orleans French Quarter have nearly emptied: A few brave tourists can be seen wrestling with umbrellas, while residents stack sandbags in front of rain-drenched doors.

Several bars, however, are preparing to welcome the wet and weary  even if the lights shut off.

Weve got a backup generator, and were going to stay open all night long, says Robert Corroza, owner of High Grace NOLA (733 St. Peter).

A block off Bourbon Street, the bar was formerly home to Johnny Whites, a beloved locals dive that famously remained open throughout Hurricane Katrina.

The way Corroza sees it, providing a refuge for locals is his way of maintaining tradition.

People dont want to be anxious alone. While the excuse is drinking, its more of a community thing, he says.

On Wednesday, Sep. 11, 2024, Bourbon Street looks uncharacteristically empty, as Hurricane Francine pummels New Orleans with rain. Emily Topping

Corroza decided to close his other two bars  Fetiche NOLA and Cause & the Cure  for the day and encourage patrons to gather in one spot. By mid-afternoon, nearly every seat in the bar was occupied.

Some patrons say they decided to leave their homes for the hurricane, opting to ride out the storm in a French Quarter hotel instead.

My dog has epilepsy and I dont want her to get overheated, says Annell Lopez, a local writer. We stayed during Ida and it was really hard to keep (my dog) alive. I just really cant see myself without her.

Annell Lopez orders a drink at Finnegan's Easy, as Hurricane Francine approaches New Orleans. Lopez hopes her French Quarter hotel will be better-equipped to deal with the storm than her Uptown home.Emily Topping

Annell Lopez's dog 'Welty,' a corgi-papillon mix named after author Eudora Welty, enjoys the air-conditioning of Finnegan's Easy.Emily Topping

For now, Lopez is passing the time at High Grace  and the next-door Finnegans Easy, which is also remaining open  with 8-year-old Welty at her feet.

In the event of a power outage, High Grace staff are well-equipped to keep all species of patron comfortable. Theyre already emptying the bars walk-in fridges, offering free tacos to any guest, human or dog.

Coming together during times of crisis, its what New Orleans is obviously very good at, Corroza says.
Hurricane Francine is expected to bring hurricane-force winds and a life-threatening flood surge to Louisiana on Wednesday, according to forecasters.

The storm will make landfall as a Category 1 hurricane sometime Wednesday afternoon or evening, according to the latest update from the National Hurricane Center.

As of 10 p.m. CT, the center of Hurricane Francine was located about 185 miles east-northeast of the mouth of the Rio Grande and about 295 miles southwest of Morgan City, Louisiana.

The storm is moving slowly northeast at 10 mph. Maximum sustained winds have strengthened to 85 mph, with higher gusts, according to Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft data. Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 35 miles from the center of the storm, and tropical storm-force winds extend outward up to 115 miles.

A Category 1 hurricane has winds that range from 74 mph to 95 mph.

The probable path for Hurricane Francine is shown within the cone, valid at 10 p.m. CT on Sept. 10, 2024. The storm is expected to make landfall in Louisiana on Wednesday or Wednesday night as a Category 1 hurricane.Courtesy National Hurricane Center

Additional strengthening is expected through Wednesday

morning. A continued northeastward motion and a faster forward speed are expected Tuesday night and Wednesday. Hurricane Francine is anticipated to move across the northwestern Gulf of Mexico on Tuesday night before making landfall in Louisiana on Wednesday afternoon or evening.

Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry signed a state of emergency executive order on Monday in anticipation of the impacts from the storm.

A few tornadoes are possible Wednesday into Wednesday

night across parts of southeast Louisiana, southern Mississippi, southern Alabama and the Florida Panhandle, forecasters said.

After landfall, Francine is expected to move northward into Mississippi on Wednesday night or Thursday. The storm is expected to weaken quickly after landfall.

Up to 12 inches of rain possible

The rainfall potential from Hurricane Francine, valid at 7 p.m. CT on Sept. 10, 2024. The storm is expected to make landfall as a Category 1 hurricane in Louisiana on Wednesday or Wednesday night.Courtesy National Hurricane Center

Francine is expected to bring storm total rainfall of 4 to 8 inches, with local amounts of up to 12 inches possible 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, the hurricane center said.

Across the Lower Tennessee Valley and portions of the Lower Mississippi Valley, rainfall totals of 2 to 4 inches with local amounts of up to 6 inches are possible from Wednesday night into Friday morning. This rainfall could lead to flash and urban flooding.

Watches and warnings

The peak storm surge forecast for Francine from the National Hurricane Center, valid at 10 p.m. CT on Sept. 10, 2024. The worst of the surge is expected to be between the Vermilion-Cameron Parish line and Port Fourchon, Louisiana.Courtesy National Hurricane Center

The hurricane center has tweaked several watches and warnings in its latest update.

A storm surge warning is in effect for Cameron, Louisiana, to the Mississippi-Alabama Border. 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 deepest water will occur along the immediate coast near and to the east of where landfall occurs, 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, forecasters said.

The water could reach the following heights if the peak surge occurs at the same time as high tide:

Vermilion-Cameron line to Port Fourchon, Louisiana: 5 to 10 feet.

Vermilion Bay: 5 to 10 feet.

Port Fourchon to the mouth of the Mississippi River: 4 to 7 feet.

Cameron, Louisiana, to Vermilion-Cameron Line: 3 to 5 feet.

Pointe a la Hache, Louisiana, to the Mississippi-Alabama border: 3 to 5 feet.

Lake Pontchartrain and Lake Maurepas: 3 to 5 feet.

A storm surge watch is in effect for the Mississippi-Alabama border to the Alabama-Florida border. Mobile Bay is expected to see a 2- to 4-foot surge at peak.

A storm surge warning means there is a danger of life-threatening inundation, from rising water moving inland from the coastline, during the next 36 hours. A storm surge watch means there is a possibility of life-threatening inundation, from rising water moving inland from the coastline, during the next 48 hours.

A hurricane warning is in effect for the Louisiana coast from the Vermilion-Cameron parish line eastward to Grand Isle. A warning is typically issued 36 hours before the anticipated first occurrence of tropical storm-force winds, which are conditions that make outside preparations difficult or dangerous. Preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion.

A hurricane watch is in effect for Lake Maurepas and Lake Pontchartrain, including metropolitan New Orleans. A hurricane watch means that hurricane conditions are possible, in this case within 24 to 36 hours.

A tropical storm warning is in effect for the Louisiana coast east of Sabine Pass to the Vermilion-Cameron line; east of Grand Isle, Louisiana, to the Alabama-Florida border; and at Lake Maurepas and Lake Pontchartrain, including metropolitan New Orleans.

A tropical storm warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected within 36 hours.

Canceled warnings

As it becomes clearer where Hurricane Francine will make landfall, the hurricane center has canceled all warnings and watches for the entire Texas coast and the far western Louisiana coast.

The tropical storm warning from High Island, Texas, to Sabine Pass has been discontinued. Plus, the storm surge warning has been discontinued west of Cameron.

In a previous update, all warnings and watches were discontinued for the Texas coast from High Island southward.
UPDATE at 7 p.m. CT, Tuesday, Sept. 10: Francine has strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane with sustained winds near 75 mph. Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 30 miles east of the center of the storm and tropical storm-force winds extend outward up to 140 miles from the center. Hurricane Francine is expected to make landfall as a Category 1 hurricane in Louisiana on Wednesday or Wednesday night. The National Hurricane Center has not made any changes to the watches and warnings.

###

Tropical Storm Francine is expected to make landfall in Louisiana sometime Wednesday or Wednesday night as the system slowly marches toward the northeast in the Gulf of Mexico.

As of 4 p.m. CT, the center of the storm was located about 135 miles east of the mouth of the Rio Grande and about 360 miles southwest of Morgan City, Louisiana, the National Hurricane Center said in its latest update.

Francine is slowly moving toward the northeast at 10 mph. Maximum sustained winds are near 65 mph, with higher gusts. Tropical storm-force winds extend outward up to 140 miles from the center of the storm.

Strengthening is expected through Wednesday morning, with Francine likely intensifying into a Category 1 hurricane on Tuesday night.

A continued northeastward motion and a faster forward speed are expected Tuesday night and Wednesday. The storm is anticipated to move across the northwestern Gulf of Mexico on Tuesday night before making landfall in Louisiana on Wednesday or Wednesday night.

Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry signed a state of emergency executive order on Monday in anticipation of the impacts from the storm.

After landfall, Francine is expected to move northward into Mississippi on Wednesday night or Thursday. The storm is expected to weaken quickly after landfall.

Up to 12 inches of rain possible

The rainfall potential from Francine, valid at 3:56 p.m. on Sept. 10, 2024. Francine is expected to make landfall as a Category 1 hurricane in Louisiana on Wednesday or Wednesday night.Courtesy National Hurricane Center

Francine is expected to bring storm total rainfall of 4 to 8 inches, with local amounts of up to 12 inches possible 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, the National Hurricane Center said.

Across the Lower Tennessee Valley and portions of the Lower Mississippi Valley, rainfall totals of 2 to 4 inches with local amounts of up to 6 inches are possible from Wednesday night into Friday morning. This rainfall could lead to flash and urban flooding.

Watches and warnings

The peak storm surge forecast for Francine from the National Hurricane Center, valid at 4 p.m. CT on Sept. 10, 2024. The worst of the surge is expected to be between the Rockefeller Wildlife Reserve and Port Fourchon.Courtesy National Hurricane Center

The hurricane center has tweaked several watches and warnings in its latest update.

A storm surge warning is in effect for Sabine Pass, Texas, to the Mississippi-Alabama Border. Vermilion Bay is expected to see a 5- to 10-foot storm surge while Lake Maurepas and Lake Pontchartrain are expected to see a 3- to 5-foot surge at peak.

A storm surge watch is in effect for the Mississippi-Alabama border to the Alabama-Florida border. Mobile Bay is expected to see a 2- to 4-foot surge at peak.

A storm surge warning means there is a danger of life-threatening inundation, from rising water moving inland from the coastline, during the next 36 hours. A storm surge watch means there is a possibility of life-threatening inundation, from rising water moving inland from the coastline, during the next 48 hours.

Storm surge is a phenomenon where the combination of storm surge and tide causes normally dry coastal areas to be flooded by rising waters moving inland from the shoreline. This surge can lead to significant flooding, especially if it coincides with high tide.

A hurricane warning is in effect for the Louisiana coast from Cameron eastward to Grand Isle. A warning is typically issued 36 hours before the anticipated first occurrence of tropical storm-force winds, which are conditions that make outside preparations difficult or dangerous. Preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion.

A hurricane watch is in effect for Lake Maurepas and Lake Pontchartrain, including metropolitan New Orleans. A watch is typically issued 48 hours before the anticipated first occurrence of tropical storm-force winds.

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; and at Lake Maurepas and Lake Pontchartrain, including metropolitan New Orleans.

A tropical storm warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected within 36 hours.

Canceled warnings

As the predicted path of Francine has tracked east, the NHC has canceled several warnings and watches along the Texas and western Louisiana coasts.

The Storm Surge Warning has been discontinued for the Texas coast west of Sabine Pass. All warnings and watches have been discontinued for the Texas coast from High Island southward.
UPDATE at 10 p.m. CT, Tuesday, Sept. 10: The National Hurricane Center continues to tweak its forecast as Hurricane Francine slowly makes its way northeast at 10 mph. The storm has strengthened with sustained winds of 85 mph, according to Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft data. Francine will make landfall in Louisiana on Wednesday afternoon or evening, according to forecasters. Hurricane-force winds and life-threatening storm surges are expected.

###

As Francine continues to slowly move northeast toward the Louisiana coast, the storm has strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane.

Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 75 mph, with higher gusts, the National Hurricane Center said in its 7 p.m. CT update. Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 30 miles east of the center of the storm and tropical storm-force winds extend outward up to 140 miles from the center.

A Category 1 hurricane has winds that range from 74 mph to 95 mph.

Hurricane Francine is currently located in the Gulf of Mexico about 140 miles east of the mouth of the Rio Grande and about 350 miles southwest of Morgan City, Louisiana.

Francine is slowly moving toward the northeast at 10 mph. A continued northeastward motion and a faster forward speed are expected Tuesday night and Wednesday. The storm is anticipated to move across the northwestern Gulf of Mexico on Tuesday night before making landfall as a Category 1 hurricane in Louisiana on Wednesday or Wednesday night.

Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry signed a state of emergency executive order on Monday in anticipation of the impacts from the storm.

After landfall, Francine is expected to move northward into Mississippi on Wednesday night or Thursday. The storm is expected to weaken quickly after landfall.

Up to 12 inches of rain possible

The rainfall potential from Francine, valid at 3:56 p.m. on Sept. 10, 2024. Francine is expected to make landfall as a Category 1 hurricane in Louisiana on Wednesday or Wednesday night.Courtesy National Hurricane Center

Francine is expected to bring storm total rainfall of 4 to 8 inches, with local amounts of up to 12 inches possible 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, the National Hurricane Center said.

Across the Lower Tennessee Valley and portions of the Lower Mississippi Valley, rainfall totals of 2 to 4 inches with local amounts of up to 6 inches are possible from Wednesday night into Friday morning. This rainfall could lead to flash and urban flooding.

Watches and warnings

The probable path for Hurricane Francine is shown within the cone, valid at 7 p.m. CT on Sept. 10, 2024. The storm is expected to make landfall in Louisiana on Wednesday or Wednesday night as a Category 1 hurricane.Courtesy National Hurricane Center

Despite strengthening into a hurricane, there have been no changes in the watches and warnings along the Texas and Louisiana coasts.

A storm surge warning is in effect for Sabine Pass, Texas, to the Mississippi-Alabama Border. Vermilion Bay is expected to see a 5- to 10-foot storm surge while Lake Maurepas and Lake Pontchartrain are expected to see a 3- to 5-foot surge at peak.

A storm surge watch is in effect for the Mississippi-Alabama border to the Alabama-Florida border. Mobile Bay is expected to see a 2- to 4-foot surge at peak.

A storm surge warning means there is a danger of life-threatening inundation, from rising water moving inland from the coastline, during the next 36 hours. A storm surge watch means there is a possibility of life-threatening inundation, from rising water moving inland from the coastline, during the next 48 hours.

Storm surge is a phenomenon where the combination of storm surge and tide causes normally dry coastal areas to be flooded by rising waters moving inland from the shoreline. This surge can lead to significant flooding, especially if it coincides with high tide.

A hurricane warning is in effect for the Louisiana coast from Cameron eastward to Grand Isle. A warning is typically issued 36 hours before the anticipated first occurrence of tropical storm-force winds, which are conditions that make outside preparations difficult or dangerous. Preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion.

A hurricane watch is in effect for Lake Maurepas and Lake Pontchartrain, including metropolitan New Orleans. A watch is typically issued 48 hours before the anticipated first occurrence of tropical storm-force winds.

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; and at Lake Maurepas and Lake Pontchartrain, including metropolitan New Orleans.

A tropical storm warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected within 36 hours.
Update 10:57 p.m. CT, Wednesday Sept. 11: Francine has weakened to a tropical storm but still has the potential to bring life-threatening storm surge, strong winds and heavy rainfall to Louisiana and Mississippi.

Update 8:29 p.m. CT, Wednesday Sept. 11: Hurricane Francine has weakened to a Category 1 storm but is still packing a punch as it moves inland in southern Louisiana. Heavy rain, storm surge flooding, damaging winds and tornadoes will be possible through Thursday morning, forecasters said.

###

Hurricane Francine has made landfall in southern Louisiana as a Category 2 hurricane.

Landfall occurred in Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana, about 30 miles south-southwest of Morgan City, Louisiana, and about 85 miles west-southwest of New Orleans, the National Hurricane Center said in a 5 p.m. incremental update.

Francine is moving toward the northeast at 17 mph. This general motion should continue as heavy rains and hurricane-force winds spread inland across southern Louisiana.

Maximum sustained winds are near 100 mph, according to data from an Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft. An oil platform southeast of the center reported sustained winds of 79 mph and a peak gust of 105 mph. A National Ocean Service station at Eugene Island, Louisiana, reported sustained winds of 76 mph and a wind gust of 99 mph.

Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 40 miles from Francines center and tropical storm-force winds extend outward up to 140 miles.

The probable path for Hurricane Francine is shown within the cone, valid at 4 p.m. CT on Sept. 11, 2024.Courtesy National Hurricane Center

The center of the storm is expected to cross southeastern Louisiana Wednesday night and then move northward across Mississippi on Thursday and Thursday night. The storm is expected to rapidly weaken now that it has made landfall, and the system is forecast to become post-tropical on Thursday.

Louisiana state officials said during a news conference late Wednesday morning that the time to evacuate had expired.

Now is the time to hunker down and ride this storm out, said Tony Robinson, the Federal Emergency Management Agencys regional administrator for Louisiana.

I know that we have been through a lot here in Louisiana, but I urge everyone to take the necessary preparations, said Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry, who urged residents to stay off the roads, stay home and stay put.

Despite the shelter-in-place warning, some bars in the New Orleans French Quarter are keeping their doors open, even if the lights go out.

Landry said the Louisiana National Guard was being sent to parishes that could be impacted by Francine.

President Joe Biden granted an emergency declaration that will help Louisiana secure federal money and logistical assistance from partners such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Both Landry and Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves also declared states of emergency, authorizing them to quickly free up resources for disaster assistance.

Rainfall

The rainfall potential from Hurricane Francine, valid at 7 p.m. CT on Sept. 11, 2024. Some areas could see up to a foot of rain.Courtesy National Hurricane Center

Francine is expected to bring storm total rainfall of 4 to

8 inches, with local amounts to 12 inches, across southeastern Louisiana, Mississippi, far southern Alabama and the Florida Panhandle through Thursday night. This rainfall could lead to considerable flash, urban and river flooding, the hurricane center said.

Watches and warnings

The peak storm surge forecast for Francine from the National Hurricane Center, valid at 4 p.m. CT on Sept. 11, 2024. The worst of the surge is expected to be between Burns Point and Port Fourchon.Courtesy National Hurricane Center

The hurricane center has tweaked its watches and warnings as Hurricane Francine zeroes in on the Louisiana coast.

A storm surge warning is in effect for the Vermilion-Cameron Parish line in Louisiana to the Mississippi-Alabama border, including the Vermilion Bay, Lake Maurepas and Lake Pontchartrain.

The deepest water will occur along the immediate coast near and to the east of where landfall occurs, 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, forecasters said.

The water could reach the following heights if the peak surge occurs at the same time as high tide:

Burns Point, Louisiana, to Port Fourchon, Louisiana: 5 to 10 feet.

Port Fourchon to the mouth of the Mississippi River: 4 to 7 feet.

Mouth of the Pearl River in Louisiana to Ocean Springs, Mississippi: 4 to 6 feet.

Lake Pontchartrain: 4 to 6 feet.

Ocean Springs to the Mississippi-Alabama border: 3 to 5 feet.

Intracoastal City, Louisiana, to Burns Point: 3 to 5 feet.

Lake Maurepas: 3 to 5 feet.

A storm surge warning means there is a danger of life-threatening inundation from rising water moving inland from the coastline beginning Wednesday for the indicated locations.

The storm surge warning has been discontinued west of the

Vermilion-Cameron Parish line.

A hurricane warning is in effect for the Louisiana coast from the Vermilion-Cameron line eastward to Grand Isle. A hurricane warning means that hurricane conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area.

A hurricane watch is in effect for Lake Maurepas and Lake Pontchartrain, including metropolitan New Orleans. A hurricane watch means that hurricane conditions are possible within the watch area.

A tropical storm warning is in effect for the Louisiana coast from Cameron to the Vermilion-Cameron line; East of Grand Isle, Louisiana, to the Alabama-Florida border; and at Lake Maurepas and Lake Pontchartrain, including metropolitan New

Orleans. A Tropical Storm Warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area.

A tornado watch has been issued for much of southeastern Louisiana and the entire Mississippi coast until 11 p.m. CT. According to the National Weather Service, 807 schools, 85 hospitals, and more than 2.5 million people are under the tornado watch. The watch begins south of Abbeville, Louisiana and extends to the Alabama-Mississippi border.

The Associated Press and Steven Ibanez contributed to this report.




Haiti - FLASH : D-1 Pre-deployment of Jamaica





On Tuesday, September 10, 2024, Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness announced that his Government would deploy 24 military and police personnel to Haiti on Thursday, September 12, to assist the Mission and establish the command structure for the deployment of the bulk of Jamaican forces.



"This is the beginning of what we intend to do," Holness said. "We want the operation to be a great success. The operation must not be flawed because of a failure of planning."



Let's recall that on August 3rd, 2024, Jamaica officially committed to providing 200 men to the UN-supported mission https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-40181-haiti-flash-jamaica-ready-to-send-200-men-to-haiti.html



Currently the Mission is led by Kenya, which is so far the only country to have deployed 400 officers to Haiti, out of a total of 1,000 promised.



In addition to Jamaica (200 men), the Bahamas (150 men) and Belize (50 men), these 3 countries should, according to the statements of Godfrey Otunge, Kenyan Commander of the Multinational Security Support Mission (MMSS), "send their advance contingents before the end of this month" [September] https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-43157-haiti-flash-kenyan-commander-announces-arrival-of-contingents-from-3-other-countries.html



Once the deployments are complete, the participation of these 3 regional countries would double the number of officers of the Mission, bringing its total strength to 800 men.



Rear Admiral Antonette Wemyss-Gorman, Chief of Staff of the Jamaican Defence Force, said the Jamaican deployment would be under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Kevron W. Henry, who will act as Deputy Commander to Kenyan Commander Godfrey Otunge.



Other countries have pledged troops (within an unknown time frame) to bring the Mission's strength to at least 2,500.



See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-43157-haiti-flash-kenyan-commander-announces-arrival-of-contingents-from-3-other-countries.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-40181-haiti-flash-jamaica-ready-to-send-200-men-to-haiti.html



SL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - New secondary : Towards setting in motion of the technological sector





On Tuesday, September 10, 2024, the Ministry of National Education organized a consultation workshop (from September 10 to 13, 2024) bringing together executives from the Ministry, national and international actors involved in education in Haiti, in order to develop the Orientation Document for the Technological Education Sector.



During the opening ceremony, Augustin Antoine, the Minister of National Education, was delighted to finally see the Ministry on the path to launching the technological education sector, which leads to short higher education and also allows entry to university.



Minister Augustin Antoine recalled that the Haitian school is no longer what it was 50 years ago, emphasizing that the renovation of secondary education requires, on the one hand, the updating of programs to adapt them to the reality of the country and the international context. On the other hand, this renovation seeks to address the problem of the socio-professional integration of young people.



"We have a population composed mainly of young people, hence the need for the State and the school to take care of the socio-professional integration of young people. This is about the adequacy between training and the job market. The school must address this problem. What training for which youth, for which country in the service of which development ?" asked Augustin Antoine, indicating that through technological training, young people should become entrepreneurs capable of creating wealth in the country and at the same time filling the gaps in the job market.



According to Augustin, given the evolution of things around the world, it is necessary to give another direction to the Haitian school. Question, he said, of laying the foundations for the Haiti of tomorrow.



Minister Augustin hopes that at the end of the work of this workshop, the document developed can greatly help in the real implementation of the technological sector.



For Professor Miguel Fleurijean, Director of Secondary Education, "The technological education stream will play a crucial role in democratizing the training offered to our young people," specifying that it offers them not only the opportunity to develop practical skills, but also an in-depth understanding of the technical and technological issues that shape the world.



According to Fleurijean, "in a context where innovation and technology are at the heart of economic growth, it is imperative that young people are prepared to meet the challenges of tomorrow."



The technological education stream has a dual purpose, namely : to allow high school graduates in technological education to directly access jobs and to pursue higher education in institutions where their specialties are taught.



Here are the series of the technological education stream leading to the baccalaureate :

- Industrial Sciences and Technology Series (STI);

- Tertiary Sciences and Technology Series (STT);

- Rural Development Sciences and Technology Series (STDR);

- Medical-Social Sciences and Technology Series (STMS);

- Computer Science Series (SI).



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - Trinidad : Haiti at the meeting of the Group of Experts on Maritime Drug Trafficking





On Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at the Hyatt Trinidad, the Ministry of National Security, in collaboration with the Executive Secretariat of the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (ES-CICAD) of the Organization of American States (OAS), held the opening ceremony of the Meeting of the Group of Experts on Maritime Drug Trafficking.



Delegations from approximately fifteen OAS Member States are participating in the meeting, which is taking place in Trinidad from September 10 to 12, 2024.



Haiti is represented by Karl-Henry Pericles, Coordinator of the National Commission for the Fight against Drugs (CONALD).



The Group's meeting aims to provide a forum for the exchange of best practices on the control of maritime and river drug trafficking in OAS Member States. It also aims to foster inter-institutional, regional and international cooperation.



Minister of National Security Fitzgerald Hinds at the opening ceremony said that the "Government of Trinidad and Tobago has responded to these maritime drug trafficking challenges with a multi-dimensional approach, with a focus on strengthening maritime security, improving law enforcement capabilities, and promoting regional and international cooperation.



However, we recognize that we cannot fight this problem alone. Regional and international cooperation is essential if we are to dismantle the complex and well-funded criminal networks behind maritime drug trafficking. This gathering of experts provides an important forum for sharing intelligence, best practices, and innovative approaches to addressing the problem."



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - News : Zapping...





False allegations "Dangerous" for Haitian Immigrants

"The misrepresentation of Haitian immigrants is a cause for concern. Recent accusations that Haitians in Springfield consume domestic animals and local wildlife are not only unfounded but also unacceptable. This rhetoric unfairly targets a community that has consistently contributed significantly to American society through its hard work. These narratives risk dividing and endangering already vulnerable communities. It is imperative that we promote the unity, mutual respect, and historic partnership between the United States and Haiti," said Leslie Voltaire, Member of the Presidential Transition Council of the Republic of Haiti.



According to the White House, "These rumors about pets in Springfield began going viral over the past weekend, based in part on comments from residents during public hearings and a fourth-hand story posted in a Facebook group devoted to crime. By Monday, they had become a talking point adopted by supporters of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, adding new vitriol to an election race where immigration was already a hot topic."



CEP publication today ?

According to concordant sources, the Order appointing the members of the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) should be published this Wednesday, September 11, 2024. To be continued...



PNH / MMSS : Towards Strengthened Communication

On Tuesday, September 10, 2024, Berrick Estidore, Head of the Press and Publications Department of the Haitian National Police (PNH) made a courtesy call to Godfrey Otunge Commander of the Security Support Mission. Estidor stressed that the PNH will strengthen its collaboration and engagement with the Missions Strategic Communications team to ensure that Haitians get the right information free of propaganda.



It is the people, not the gangs, who will write Haitis future

"The United States has now delivered a total of 34 MaxxPro armored vehicles equipped with mine-resistant and ambush-protected equipment to support Haitian-led security efforts. Since the arrival of the first MSS contingent in Port-au-Prince in June, progress has been made. We are keenly aware of what needs to be done to address the challenges facing Haiti and the enormous amount of work that lies ahead. We will continue to work with our Haitian partners and the international community to implement Haitian-led solutions to bring security to the Haitian people." As Secretary of State Blinken said during his visit on September 5, "it is the Haitian people and not the gangs who will write the future of the country."



Poet Maurice Leonce celebrates his 103rd birthday

On Tuesday, September 10, 2024, Maurice Leonce, the oldest poet of Grande Anse, celebrated his 103rd birthday. A year of double celebration since Maurice Leonce remarried on August 29, 2024 with Marie Edith Dorestant (43 years old).



HL/ HaitiLibre


















Key components of iOS 18 will probably not be coming to the EU  at least for the moment. Due to "regulatory uncertainties" caused by the Digital Markets Act (DMA), the company assumes that it will no longer be able to introduce certain functions for customers in Germany and other EU member states this year, as Apple surprisingly announced in a statement on Friday evening. The affected functions include the recently announced AI package "Apple Intelligence" as well as iPhone mirroring on Macs and significant improvements to remote maintenance via SharePlay.

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Apple refers to the interoperability requirements for gatekeepers set out in the Digital Markets Act. The company is concerned that this "compromises the integrity of the products" and undermines data protection and security. No details were given. However, Apple wants to try to find a solution together with the EU Commission in order to bring the functions to the EU after all, the company also emphasized.

Other iOS 18 functions affected

Although only iOS and iPadOS have so far been classified as gatekeepers under the DMA and must therefore comply with the new regulations, the new iPhone mirroring technology also affects MacOS, according to Apple. The function mirrors the iPhone screen live on the Mac and allows the smartphone to be used from a laptop or desktop.

The improvements to screen sharing are also affected. With iOS 18, users can remotely control another user's shared device for the first time - similar to remote maintenance software - and also draw on their screen to draw attention to a function, for example. This will also not be available in the EU for the time being.

EU likely to lodge complaints against Apple soon

Anzeige

The EU is likely to lodge its first complaints against Apple in the near future, accusing the company of violating the Digital Markets Act. EU Competition Commissioner Vestager recently spoke of "very serious" problems with Apple's DMA compliance. Although the company opened up the iPhone to alternative app stores and sideloading in the spring, it attached a number of difficult-to-fulfil conditions and a new fee model. In spring, Apple briefly claimed that the DMA would force the company to remove support for web apps from iOS. However, following massive criticism, the company backed down.

Empfohlener redaktioneller Inhalt Mit Ihrer Zustimmmung wird hier ein externer Podcast (Podigee GmbH) geladen. Podcasts immer laden Podcast jetzt laden

(lbe)
On Monday, the daily newspaper reported that it has obtained the logging plan, which provides workers serving the logging site with instructions for entering the site, the boundaries of the site and storing the harvested timber.

THE DRIVER of a forest machine that devastated a major population of endangered freshwater pearl mussels was following the logging plan provided by Stora Enso, reveal documents obtained by Helsingin Sanomat.

Stora Enso has earlier indicated that it devised the plan for the site in Suomussalmi, Kainuu.

My understanding is that the logging plan and timber sales deal were made by our forest expert, and my understanding is that they drafted a normal logging plan in conjunction with the timber sales deal, Janne Partanen, the head of wood supply in Finland at Stora Enso, said to Helsingin Sanomat in August.

A forest machine serving the site drove across a rivulet inhabited by freshwater pearl mussels hundreds of times, silting up the rivulet with sediment and killing up to thousands of mussels and leaving thousands more at risk of suffocation.

Police are investigating the incident as aggravated nature conservation offence.

Ingrid Peura, the director of communications at Stora Enso, on Monday declined to comment on the details of the logging plan obtained by Helsingin Sanomat. We cant comment on a confidential document thats related to an ongoing investigation, she replied in a text to the newspaper.

Helsingin Sanomat revealed on Friday that environmental considerations had largely been disregarded in the logging operation.

Stora Enso, the newspaper has learnt, issued a notification of forest use that extended all the way to the edge of the rivulet, despite a requirement to leave a 45-metre safe zone due to the endangered mussel population, and neglected to seek permission for using a nearby road that would have prevented the machines from having to cross the rivulet. The clear-cutting project was also carried out in summer, at a site the owner of which had opted not to comply with even the most lenient environmental standard for forest management, PEFC.

ELY Centres and the Finnish Environment Institute (Syke) in 2021 withdrew from the forest management standard, arguing that its criteria are too lenient and the processes largely ignore science and ecology. Petri Keto-Tokoi, a lecturer in forest ecology at the Tampere University of Applied Sciences, described the standard as greenwashing and public relations scam in an interview with Helsingin Sanomat in May 2021.

The ELY Centre for Kainuu in May instructed Stora Enso and the forest owner to leave a 45-metre safe zone along the rivulet to protect the mussels and to refrain from crossing the rivulet in a way that introduces mud and sand into the water.

The rivulet was inhabited by one of the largest freshwater pearl mussel populations in Finland. The devastation was detected by sheer chance by a group of biologists who were mapping the area in August.

The rivulet was crossed in the same location also during a logging operation carried out for Stora Enso in 2012. Although the incident was detected in 2014, the ELY Centre for Kainuu did not report it as an offence despite its knowledge of the mussel population.

Stora Enso declined last week to both provide its logging plan for the site and answer most of the questions posed by Helsingin Sanomat.

An aerial photo of a clear-fell site next to a rivulet in Suomussalmi, Kainuu. The photo shows a failure to comply with instructions to leave a 45-metre safe zone along the river and to not cross the river in a way that results in mud and sand silting up the water. (Hannu Huttu  Str / Lehtikuva)

YLE: Logging in areas with endangered species is common in Finland

Forests in Finland are harvested for wood regularly in areas inhabited by endangered and protected species, reports YLE.

Finnish regulations stipulate that forest management practices should take into consideration a total of 2,600 endangered and vulnerable species, a requirement that is unrealistic if the populations are not known in advance, views Matti Koivula, a research professor at Finland Natural Resources Institute (Luke).

Koivula on Saturday reminded the public broadcasting company that one in nine species in the country are endangered and that over a third of the endangered species inhabit forests. Species that are difficult or require special expertise to identify, such as epiphytic lichens and epixylic mosses, are at particular risk of being overlooked during forest management projects.

Itd leave quite a lot of the responsibility for the harvester driver, and itd require know-how that you can only develop through years of education, he remarked.

The impact of forest management on endangered species has been a hot topic of public debate in the wake of the incident in Suomussalmi, Kainuu. The debate has also cast light on similar incidents.

The Centre for Economic Development, Transport and Environment (ELY Centre) for Kainuu on Thursday carried out an inspection at two logging sites used by the same forest industry giant amid suspicions that provisions of the nature conservation act had been violated at one of the sites.

Stora Enso itself issued a press release about the suspicions in late August. The only information we have that is that were talking about crossing the creek. We want to communicate these kinds of suspicions at a low threshold, though, Peura told Helsingin Sanomat on 28 August.

YLE on Saturday reported that changes in forest habitats caused by the economic utilisation of forests is the primary reason for the endangerment of 28 per cent of endangered species in Finland. The endangerment of 24 per cent of endangered species, on the other hand, is caused primarily by the closing of open areas, which can have a detrimental impact on species such as drooping woodreed and ladys-slipper orchid.

Koivula on Saturday told YLE that tensions between forest industry and nature conservation objectives will increase if logging volumes are increased.

Logging doesnt mesh terribly well with the demanding inhabitants of forests, he summarised.

He added that the most significant impacts of forest management practices on endangered species are the long-term diminishing of important structural features, such as large dead trees, old trees and old forests.

At least part of the endangerment of our species is caused by human activity, said Koivula.

Laura Saaristo, a senior expert at Tapio, said to the public broadcaster that the forest industry is committed to maintaining and improving natural diversity. Tapio is a leading provider of forest management-related advisory and consulting services in Finland.

The only way to do that is to take species and their habitat requirements into account when logging. Of course diversity measures are needed also in other types of land use than simply forestry, she commented.

Aleksi Teivainen  HT
Airbnb has bolstered its efforts to combat human trafficking by announcing the expansion of the Global Modern Slavery Directory into six additional languages. This initiative is part of the company's ongoing partnership with Polaris, a leading anti-trafficking organization. Airbnb is also providing additional funds for Polaris to update their data capabilities to bolster their anti-human trafficking efforts.(Reuters file photo)

The directory, which is now available in Arabic, Russian, Malay, Hindi, Tagalog, and Ukrainian, provides a critical resource for victims and survivors of human trafficking, offering a straightforward way to connect with support agencies worldwide. The translation of this directory has been subsidised by Airbnb to increase its accessibility and effectiveness on a global scale.

In addition to translating the directory, Airbnb will provide further funding to Polaris to enhance their data capabilities, aiming to improve support for survivors and strengthen efforts against human trafficking.

Patrick McIntyre, Chief Development & External Affairs Officer at Polaris, said, The Global Modern Slavery Directory is a vital resource for victims and survivors of human trafficking to identify and contact agencies that are best suited to help them. By making the Directory available in six new languages, we make this resource accessible to more people than ever. Airbnb has been a vital partner in this effort, and we are grateful for their continued support in our pursuit of a world where no one is exploited and everyone has the freedom, power, and opportunity to choose how they live and work.

Tara Bunch, Airbnbs Global Head of Operations, highlighted the company's commitment to addressing human trafficking. While reported incidents on Airbnb are rare, we remain committed to using our platforms global reach and community to play a role in the fight against human trafficking and exploitation. Were proud to partner with organizations such as Polaris and support the vital work they do to tackle this issue and support survivors and victims around the world, Bunch said.

Since 2018, Airbnb has partnered with Polaris, which operates the US Human Trafficking Hotline, to leverage its global network in support of anti-trafficking efforts.
Bill Gates has time and again warned the general public about issues like climate disasters, devastating cyberattacks and more. For the billionaire, two potential crisis that evoke the most concern are war and pandemic. Bill Gates expressed concern over future pandemics and wars, highlighting the need for better preparedness compared to the Covid-19 outbreak. (AFP)

He said that a lot of unrest in todays world could spark a major war and even if we avoid a big war ... then, yes, there will be another pandemic, most likely in the next 25 years.

For Bill Gates, the most important question in case of a pandemic would be if nations are more prepared than they were for the outbreak of Covid-19. Talking about the United States, he said, The country that the world expected to lead and be the model fell short of those expectations."

Bill Gates also wrote a book called How to Prevent the Next Pandemic in 2022 in which he called out various governments for not being prepared in 2020. In the book, he also laid out recommendations for countries worldwide, including stronger quarantining policies, disease monitoring and boosting vaccine research and development.

On Covid, he said, Although some of the lessons from the coronavirus pandemic have been learned, its been way less than I would expect, sadly. Getting our thoughts together about what we did well, what we didnt do well, is still not happening .... Perhaps, in the next five years, thatll get better. But, so far, its quite surprising.
Bitcoin slipped as traders reacted to the US presidential debate between Democratic nominee Kamala Harris and Republican rival Donald Trump, who has embraced the crypto sector. Signage for Bitcoin cryptocurrency is seen. (Bloomberg)

The largest digital asset fell as much as 1.5% before paring some of the drop to trade at $56,895 as of 9:49 p.m. on Tuesday in New York. Elsewhere in markets, US equity futures and a dollar gauge edged down, while Treasuries were steady.

The original cryptocurrency is one of a number of so-called Trump trades because of the former presidents avowed support of the digital-asset industry. Bitcoin was thus in the spotlight as an asset that might provide real-time clues on who is gaining the upper hand in the debate.

Vice President Harris has yet to detail a policy position on crypto. Last month, an adviser to her campaign said Harris will back measures to help grow the industry. The adviser also signaled ongoing interest in implementing safeguards.

Trump has pivoted to courting the digital-asset sector in search of donations and votes amid a tight race for the White House, even vowing to make the US the crypto capital of the planet. His stance is an about-face given that the former president previously dubbed the sector a scam.

Crypto Projects

The Republican nominee recently put out his fourth collection of nonfungible tokens. These NFTs, representing ownership of assets like images depicting Trump riding a motorcycle or as a boxer, have earned millions of dollars.

Trump and his sons Eric and Don Jr. have also been promoting World Liberty Financial, a planned initiative in cryptos niche decentralized finance sector. Details remain scarce, and hackers last week briefly compromised some Trump family social media accounts to issue a fake post about the project.

The digital-asset industry has become an influential player in the presidential election through big donations to political action committees. Crypto businesses are seeking friendlier regulations, pushing back against the critical stance adopted by the Securities & Exchange Commission under Chair Gary Gensler.

Bitcoin jumped to a record $73,798 in March, fueled by demand for dedicated US exchange-traded funds. The rally cooled but the gains have nonetheless dulled memories of a deep bear market in 2022 and a string of collapses, including the wipeout of the FTX exchange  one of the biggest financial frauds in US history.
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. The Apple logo is illuminated at a store.(AP)

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.
A unit of Nestle SA agreed to pay 2 million ($2.2 million) to settle French criminal allegations focusing on its production of natural mineral water. The Nestle logo is pictured on the company headquarters building in Vevey, Switzerland.(Reuters)

The deal, which was approved on Tuesday by a judge in Epinal, east of France, brings to an end to two investigations it faced in the region. Under the terms of the agreement reached with local prosecutors, Nestle Waters Supply Est, or NWSE, makes no admission of guilt.

In addition to the fine, the Nestle unit agreed to a 1.1 million restoration plan and to pay about 500,000 to compensate several associations who had brought a complaint to authorities, according to a statement by Epinals prosecutor.

Foodwatch, one of the plaintiff groups behind the cases, criticized the settlement.

This is a scandalous decision that sends a very bad message about the climate of impunity: Nestle Waters can deceive consumers for years around the world and get away with it by simply pulling out the checkbook, Ingrid Kragl, fraud expert at Foodwatch, said in a statement.

Nestle said the agreement notes that there was no harm to public health and that the treatments previously carried out didnt alter the mineral composition of the waters.

Since 2023, all NWSE activities respect the current regulatory framework and comply with the latest directives given by the authorities, the company said.
PM Modi said that when chips are down globally, the world can bet on India to provide the groundbreaking semiconductor tech as he addressed experts from the industry at the Semicon India 2024 summit. Reflecting on India's growth story, PM Modi called on investors and stakeholders to invest in the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses a gathering during the inauguration of SEMICON India 2024, in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh. He highlighted India's commitment to enhancing infrastructure and promoting inclusive growth in the semiconductor sector.(PTI)

He said, India is the world's 8th such country where global semiconductor initiative is being initiated, this is the right time to be in India.

"You are at the right place at the right time. The chips are never down in 21st century India. Today's India gives the world the affirmation that when the chips are down, you can bet on India," he added.

PM Modi also discussed the role of technology in shaping both business and India's future as he asserted that semiconductors will soon be essential for even the most basic needs.

Outlining Indias commitment in playing a significant role in the global semiconductor sector, he said that there are several key areas for development: enhancing social, digital, and physical infrastructure; promoting inclusive growth; easing regulatory burdens; and boosting investment in manufacturing and innovation. India is well-positioned to become a reliable partner in a diversified semiconductor supply chain, he said.
Semiconductor stocks rallied after Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted India's commitment to building and growing its semiconductor infrastructure at the Semicon India 2024 event. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses a gathering during the inauguration of SEMICON India 2024, in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh.(PTI)

The PM said that the world can bet on India when the chips are down globally. It is the right time to be in India, he said, highlighting India's growing stature in the global chip manufacturing industry.

India contributes 20 per cent of the world's talent, he said, adding, For India, chips meaning is not just technology, but a medium to address the aspirations of consumers. India is a big consumer of chips.

Read more: Bill Gates says worry about another pandemic keeps him up at night

The government is working with a 360-degree approach towards the chip industry as it aims to increase the number of semiconductors produced in the country, the PM said.

IT minister Ashwani Vaishnaw also said the government is committed to developing a strong talent pool of 85,000 engineers and technicians in the next 10 years in India, adding, The government has tied up with 113 universities, academic institutions, and R&D organisations to develop a curriculum with a semiconductor focus. Our focus on design ecosystem development will lead to at least 3 or 4 major products in coming years.

Semiconductor stocks up today

RIR Power Electronics and SPEL Semiconductor hit upper circuits of five per cent while CG Power and ASM Technologies shares were trading higher by 2.5 per cent each. Moschip Technologies shares were up four per cent.
A couple in Bengaluru accidentally immersed a Ganesh idol in a mobile tank, which was decorated with an expensive gold chain. They forgot to remove the ornament, which is reportedly worth 4 lakh. The gold chain was found after a 10-hour intense search. Bengaluru couple mistakenly immerses Ganesh idol with  4 lakh gold chain, recovered: Report (Pic for representation)

Also Read - Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah forms committee of ministers to review scams during BJP govt

According to a report in The Times of India, Ramaiah and Umadevi who work as teachers at Bengalurus Govindarajanagar placed a Ganesh idol at their house as part of the festival. During the pooja, they decorated the idol with a 60 grams gold chain and later handed it over to a mobile tank. While returning, the couple realized that they did not remove the chain and mistakenly immersed the idol.

Also Read - Bengaluru's Brookfield residents raise 3.5L to repair dug-up roads by electricity board

They rushed back to the mobile tank and informed the authorities about the gold chain. Speaking to the publication, Umadevi told, The boys who were at the tank said that they observed a chain while immersing but they thought it was a duplicate one. They started searching for it but they could not find it as there was too much clay which was dissolved from idols.

However, the couple reportedly informed the Magadi police station and even alerted the local MLA about the incident. The search operations began again and it continued for 10 hours as the mobile tank contractor deployed his boys to find the chain. They also pumped 10,000 liters of water from the tank to spot the gold chain.

The chain was found after at least ten people searched the tank for it. The contractor said, More than 300 idols were immersed in the mobile tank, so a huge amount of mud was piled up inside the tank. However, in the morning, my staff found the chain, and we informed the couple. They later collected it from us.
Amid speculations on the future of Siddaramaiahs chief ministerial post, a section of Karnataka Congress leaders urged Rahul Gandhi to warn those expressing the desire to become the next Karnataka CM. They said that such statements are bringing down the morality of cadre across the state. Cadre getting demoralised: Karnataka Congress leaders write to Rahul Gandhi amid tussle for CM post

In a letter to Rahul Gandhi, signed by some Congress MLCs and other former ministers, they said, More than six leaders, including senior ministers, are issuing statements claiming the post of chief minister, instead of fighting against the BJP and the JD(S). Due to this, many of our leaders and workers are demoralised and losing hope in the government and the party.

Also Read - Bengaluru's Brookfield residents raise 3.5L to repair dug-up roads by electricity board

They also called the statements of leaders reckless and urged Rahul Gandhi to address the matter. We humbly appeal to your esteemed office to take note of the statements issued by the said leaders and warn them against issuing such damaging statements in future in the interest of the Congress party and the state of Karnataka, the letter further said.

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah was earlier prosecuted by the Governor in the MUDA site allotment case, and a petition challenging the prosecution is being heard in the High Court. While the BJP-JDS demanded his resignation, he clarified that he was not going to step down from the post.

Also Read - Bengaluru auto driver arrested for abusing women gets crowd-funding support to cover 30,000 fine

Though the Congress leaders are confident about Siddaramaiah continuing as the chief minister, they also show the desire to become the chief minister of state. Karnataka minister MB Patil earlier said that if Siddaramaiah steps down, the party might elect the next CM candidate based on seniority and call himself the senior Congress leader in the state. Senior Congress MLAs R V Deshpande and Basavaraj Rayrareddy, too, have expressed their wish to become the chief minister.

However, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar is the prime contender for the CM post, if Siddaramaiah steps down in near future. However, the party leaders reiterated that there was no question of Siddaramaiah giving up his position.

(With agency inputs)
A sub-inspector was on Tuesday night allegedly mowed down by a car driven by a woman constable in Madhya Pradeshs Rajgarh district, police said on Wednesday. A probe is underway in the case. (Representative file photo)

The sub-inspector posted at police line in Rajgarh, Deepankar Gautam, died while undergoing treatment while constable posted at Pachor police station.

Rajgarh superintendent of police Aditya Mishra said, Pallavi Solanki and Karan Thakur confessed their crime. Solanki hit the SI Gautam with her car near a petrol pump and dragged him. He suffered injuries to his head and legs. After committing the crime, the accused surrendered at the rural police station.

Sub-inspector Gautam was taken to a civil hospital by locals from where he was referred to Bhopal.

Also Read: Punjab: Three associates of Bishnoi, Raja gangs arrested in Patiala

He was declared brought dead by doctors at the Chirayu Hospital in Bhopal.

The accused constable Pallavi informed police that she and Karan were in a relationship but a few weeks ago they had an altercation. Pallavi then became friends with Gautam. Later, when Pallavi and Karan resolved their issues, Gautam was unwilling to let go the friendship following which they decided to kill him, the police officer said.

A probe is underway in the case, police said.
Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modis arrival in Doda for an election rally on Saturday, security forces killed two armed terrorists in a gunfight on Udhampur-Kathua border on Wednesday, said officials. With the killing of the two terrorists, the number of terrorists gunned down in Jammu region this year so far has now gone up to 10. (HT File)

In a post on X, the Rising Star Corps of the Indian Army said, Two Terrorists Neutralised in the Ongoing Operation at Khandara #Kathua by Troops of Rising Star Corps. Operations in progress.

An AK-47 assault rifle, a US-made M4 carbine, a pistol, magazines, a machete, a mobile phone, a tarpaulin and other warlike stores were recovered from the site of the encounter.

With the killing of the two terrorists, the number of terrorists gunned down in Jammu region this year so far has now gone up to 10. Meanwhile, 10 civilians have also been killed in various terror attacks while 55 people injured in Jammu region this year.

Starting June 9, when the PM and his council of ministers took oath, Jammu region had been rattled by terror attacks in Reasi, Doda, Udhampur and Kathua districts.

Earlier, people familiar with the matter said at least three to four terrorists were believed to be hiding in the jungles of Kadwah in Basantgarh area, located on Udhampur-Kathua border.

Based on specific intelligence, an operation was launched in Kathua. Contact has been established at Kathua- Basantgarh border with the terrorists. Operation is under progress. Details being ascertained, said defence spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Suneel Bartwal.

A police spokesman said based on specific intelligence about presence of terrorists, a joint search operation was launched by security forces in the area of Basantgarh police station.

A contact has been established and few rounds have been fired from both sides. The area has been cordoned and additional reinforcements have been rushed, he said.

DIG Udhampur-Reasi range Mohammad Rayees Bhat said, Three to four terrorists were believed to be hiding in the area. The searches are on.

BSF jawan injured in Pak firing in Akhnoor

A jawan of the Border Security Force (BSF) was injured when Pakistan Rangers opened unprovoked fire from across the border in Akhnoor sector of Jammu district during the intervening night of Tuesday and Wednesday.

The unprovoked fire comes barely six days before the first phase of assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir on September 18.

On Wednesday around 2.35 am, an incident of unprovoked firing in Akhnoor area from across the border happened, which was befittingly responded by the BSF. One BSF personnel sustained injuries in Pak firing, a BSF spokesperson said adding that troops are on high alert.

On Tuesday, BSF Jammu Frontier IG DK Boora, who was on a visit to Bhaderwah, said counter-infiltration measures have been put in place along the borders to ensure that terrorists dont infiltrate and disturb assembly elections.

A total of 24 assembly segments in south Kashmir and Chenab valley region of Jammu are going to polls in the first phase on September 18.

The borders are completely secure. BSF in tandem with sister agencies, including police, have taken all necessary counter-infiltration measures. I want to assure everyone that no infiltration of terrorists from across the border will be allowed, the IG added.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday promised five guarantees, including 5 lakh interest-free loans for women entrepreneurs and  25 lakh health insurance per family, if the coalition parties form government in Jammu and Kashmir. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge with National Conference president Farooq Abdullah and other leaders during assembly election rally in Anantnag on Wednesday. (HT Photo)

While campaigning in South Kashmirs Anantnag constituency, Kharge promised restoration of statehood, 3000 monthly stipend to families headed by women and increase of rice grains to 11 kg per head in the UT under public distribution system (PDS).

We will jointly get statehood of J&K restored and will fight for it. If the National Conference (NC) and Congress government comes to power in J&K. I promise, we will get both houses, assembly and legislative council restored, the Congress president told a roaring crowd at Anantnag.

This was the second visit of the Congress president to J&K since the NC and Congress announced to contest assembly elections jointly last month at NC president Farooq Abdullahs residence.

Kharge, along with Congress general secretary PC Venugopal, was campaigning in South Kashmir where Congress is contesting on four seats Devsar, Dooru, Tral and Anantnag West. Reading out the five guarantees, Kharge said there are one lakh open vacancies in J&K.

If we come to power, we will fill all one lakh vacancies. We will employ young people, he said, adding that BJP wants to keep people of J&K poor.

Kharge said tourism, manufacturing, jobs and industrial sectors will be their top priority. We will open all those school which have been closed, he said, adding that they are going to rehabilitate Kashmiri Pandit migrants and fulfil promises made during the tenure of former Prime Minister Manmohan Sigh.

Kharge said OBCs in J&K will also get their rights which have been given to them in the Constitution of India.

The Congress president termed promises made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and home minister as lies.

They, Modi ji and Amit Shah, are head of liars. They keep on spreading lies. By speaking truth, we have worked in the country for 70 years and keep the nation in peace. We have done tremendous work in the country in irrigation, employment and the public sector, he added.

He said the alliance between NC and the Congress has left the BJP government unnerved. They (BJP) are changing list of candidates frequently. They are so afraid they have changed two to three lists, he added.

Later, Kharge also addressed a press conference in Srinagar and sought votes for the alliance candidates across J&K.

Waqf bill sent to JPC due to alliance

Kharge said Congress and its alliance partners are also fighting for Muslims. If Congress would havent formed an alliance in the country, the Waqf bill would have never sent to the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) during past years many bills were passed without discussing in the Parliament, he said.

Today the situation is different and BJP government is in minority. And, this is the reason Waqf board bill is before the JPC.They (BJP) will try to bulldoze it but we are fighting for you and keep on fighting on your behalf, he added.
Government doctors in Punjab announced that they will proceed with their call for a complete suspension of outpatient department (OPD) services from Thursday after the state government failed to issue a letter accepting their demands. In the second phase of the strike starting September 12, a complete boycott of OPD services will be observed across the government hospitals in the state. (HT Photo)

The announcement came after a meeting with the Punjab cabinet sub-committee here after the doctors failed to get a written communication from the government stating acceptance of their demands including a decision on the restoration of assured career progression (ACP) and other important demands, including a definite framework on security.

The cabinet sub-committee headed by finance minister Harpal Cheema and comprising health and family welfare minister Dr Balbir Singh, renewal energy minister Aman Arora and minister for NRI affairs Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal held point-wise discussions with the Punjab Civil Medical Services Association (PCMSA) representatives. The meeting lasted three hours.

PCMS association president Dr Akhil Sarin said the government in principle agreed to all our demands but when no official communication was issued by the state government by evening, we decided to go ahead with our next phase of agitation.

In the face of non-receipt of definite official communication from the government, the call for full day suspension of OPDs for tomorrow stays. The government seems non-committal to our genuine demands and that is why we will continue with our decision to boycott all OPDs, Sarin said.

Around 2,500 government doctors are holding protests under the banner of the PCMSA to press for their demands, including reinstatement of the ACP scheme, timely recruitment of medical officers (MOs), and the clearance of pending CPC arrears and adequate security measures for healthcare professionals.

The ACP scheme provides financial benefits and higher pay scales to government employees.

Since Monday, the PCMSA suspended OPD services for three hours -- from 8 am to 11 am from September 9 to 11 in all district, sub-divisional hospitals and community health centres.

In the second phase of the strike starting from Thursday, a complete boycott of OPD services will be observed thus bringing tough times for the patients across the government hospitals.

After the meeting, PCMSA was assured that an official letter from the government would be issued on Wednesday, outlining the cabinet sub-committees decision on the demands.

The meeting with PCMSA concluded on a positive note. We have principally agreed to their demands which will be fulfilled soon. We request them to call off their strike, said health minister Dr Balbir Singh.
As vice-president of the National Conference, Jammu and Kashmirs oldest political party, Omar Abdullah, 54, is fronting a hectic-paced campaign for the three-phase assembly elections beginning from September 18, first in a decade and after the momentous 2019 constitutional changes that nullified the erstwhile states special status and cleaved it into two Union Territories. A third-generation face of Kashmirs formidable Abdullah dynasty and former chief minister, Omar spoke to Hindustan Times at his Gupkar Road residence in Srinagar about the NC-Congress alliance, his poll pitch and the banned Jamaat-e-Islamis proxy electoral outing, while sounding upbeat on his partys poll prospects. Edited excerpts: National Conference vice-president and former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah during an interview with Hindustan Times at his Gupkar Road residence in Srinagar. (Waseem Andrabi/HT)

What is your sense of the electoral landscape ahead of the first phase of assembly polls in J&K?

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 National Conference (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 the 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 election is also unique in recent times because the banned Jamaat-e-Islami 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, the 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 the 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 the parties like the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Now with the Jamaat coming and fielding its own nominees, it will dent the PDP in seats where it 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 regarding 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 special status of J&K, which is part of the 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?

Its not a major issue on which we are fighting the election. 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 daily, such as employment, education, health, electricity, water and development. Thats why our manifesto goes far beyond the political issue of autonomy.

By promising J&Ks now-nullified special status, arent you giving the people a false hope, knowing well 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 judgment of the Supreme Court. It is subject to change. They are not the word of God. In future, there may be a government at the Centre that is willing to discuss our demand for autonomy. Tomorrow, there could be a full bench of the Supreme Court to adjudicate differently. We want to keep this issue alive in the hope that in future, circumstances may change and allow us to revisit it.

After the 2019 constitutional changes on J&K, you had publicly declared to not contest the assembly polls till statehood is restored. What made you change your mind?

My first instinct, and for the longest time the only instinct that I had, was that I wouldnt contest. I didnt have the best of things to say about either the UT 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 the NC or politics. They said, If this assembly is not good enough for you, why do you want us to vote for it? I genuinely had no answer. How do I go to voters and tell them: Please elect my candidate as MLA but I dont 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 that well get our statehood.

Who do you see as your main opponent?

In Kashmir, it will probably be the PDP, and in Jammu, its the BJP. 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 the NC, Congress, PDP and BJP. Smaller elements will play a role on the fringes.

You say that independents are being encouraged to split the votes of mainstream parties. Who will gain?

The biggest beneficiary of this will be the BJP that has said as much that if they fall short of numbers to form a government, they would take the help of smaller parties. The ones they are silent about but are open to doing business with are 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 people of J&K 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 sign of hawa that propelled a jailed Engineer Rashid to victory against me. But that doesnt stop an X-factor from emerging because we are still in the early stages of 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 will 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 reprisal. That is not the case now.

Given the 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, the NC doesnt gain as much from the pact as the Congress does. Allying with Congress became almost vital for us due to a recent high court order that struck down an Enforcement Directorates case involving my father. Some of our political opponents went to town calling it evidence of an underhand deal between the BJP and the NC. To convince the people that we are not hand in glove with the BJP and will go all out to defeat the saffron party, an alliance with Congress became very important for us. We have an understanding on 84 of 90 seats. That we have managed to get this is not a bad thing.

How do you respond to home minister Amit Shahs charge that the Congress and the NC want to release separatists and terrorist sympathisers to destabilise J&K?

What will we get by destabilising our state except a tag of failure. On such a wild statement that we will allow militancy to come back, I would like to ask Mr Shah, who believes in numbers, to look at the graph of militancy in six years when I was CM and compare it with the last five years of rule under the Lt Governor. I would hazard a guess that in my time, the graph was sloping downward, and in the last five years its upward. 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 the BJPs bastion?

If the pattern of voting in the last Lok Sakha elections is repeated, then the BJP is not as comfortably placed as it claims to be. Its vote share has gone down. In the 2019 Lok Sabha contest, it had won both Jammu and Udhampur by three lakh plus votes. In 2024, the margins were half of that. One hopes the Congress is able to win a good number of seats there.

What is it like to spearhead your first assembly election with Dr 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 didnt campaign at all. This time, he is around and campaigning. I would say 75% is mine and 25% his effort. But his share assumes greater significance than mine.

Who is the NCs CM face?

That is like putting the cart before the horse. First, we will have to get a majority. Then we will talk about the CM.
A retired government headmaster, who is the face of Jamaat-e-Islami in north Kashmir, on Wednesday filed his nomination papers as an Independent candidate from Baramulla assembly segment, which in the past was considered as one of the strongholds of the banned organisation. Abdul Rahman Shalla will be locked in a contest with NC candidate and former legislator Javeed Baig and his uncle former deputy CM Muzzaffar Hussain Baig, who is contesting as an Independent candidate besides PDP spokesman Mohammad Rafique Rather. (HT File)

Accompanied by dozens of supporters, Abdul Rahman Shalla, 68,a well-known educationist and former Auqaf chairman, said they have decided to contest elections as Independent as Jamaat-e-Islami is still banned. The foundation of the organisation was laid in old town Baramulla in early 1940s.

Its not that Jamaat wasnt participating in polls. Earlier, Jamaat contested elections many times, assembly, Parliament and municipal elections. The government should lift our ban so that we will be able to contest from all the seats, he added.

Besides helping in the spread of education, Shalla is also involved in philanthropy in Baramulla and its adjoining areas. Baramulla constituency has been ignored in the past, especially the town. I will try to become a voice for the people of Baramulla, he said, adding that his manifesto is only about his constituency and all issues have been highlighted, especially those pertaining to town.

My focus will be on the door-to-door campaigning and I am getting tremendous support from the people of my constituency. I will also try to forge a plan for our apple growers that is produced in big numbers in our district but faces problems, said the 68-year-old educationist.

In the 1987 elections, senior Jamaat leader Ghulam Mohammad Safi, who was the then candidate of Muslim United Front, lost by a margin of 1,500 votes while NC candidate advocate Sheikh Mohammad Maqbool was declared elected. In the entire north Kashmir, Baramulla and Sopore has been strongholds of Jamaat in the past. Since 2002, the PDP has won all assembly elections from Baramulla.

Shalla will be locked in a contest with NC candidate and former legislator Javeed Baig and his uncle former deputy CM Muzzaffar Hussain Baig, who is contesting as an Independent candidate besides PDP spokesman Mohammad Rafique Rather.

The entry of Shalla has made the contest in Baramulla tough to predict, especially when Jamaat-e-Islami still has a good cadre in the town. In the last Lok Sabha elections, the party cadres had voted for Engineer Rashid who took more than 30,000 votes in Baramulla constituency followed by Omar Abdullah.

Jamaat is already backing five to six Independents in fray in the first phase and the tally could likely to be around 10 to 12 in the second and third phases. The deadline for the third phase ends on September 12.

In 2019, the Centre had imposed a five-year ban on the Jamaat, citing the outfits ties with terrorist groups. It was first been banned in 1975 and again in 1990 at the beginning of the militancy in Kashmir.

Almost all political leaders have welcomed participation of Jamaat in the elections, with former chief minister Omar Abdullah terming it a victory of democracy before advocating to lift the ban. PDP, Apni Party and Peoples Conference have also have requested the Centre to revoke the ban on Jamaat. On Tuesday, Mehbooba Mufti while advocating lifting of ban on Jamaat said original Jamaat people are in jails.
Atleast 10 miscreants including women and men robbed a factory manager of cash and mobile phones near Sahnewal. The accused also attempted to abduct him but fled after locals gathered there. The onlookers nabbed three of the suspects and handed them over to the police. The Sahnewal police initiated investigation. Atleast 10 miscreants including women and men robbed a factory manager of cash and mobile phones near Sahnewal. (Ht File)

Roy Thomas, 55, of Mundian, stated that he was returning home in his car after finishing up for the day. After he reached the national highway near Sahnewal atleast 10 miscreants who were travelling in two autos intercepted his way. The accused robbed him of his wallet and mobile phone. The accused abducted him in his car. When the car slowed down due to heavy traffic on the stretch, he jumped off from the moving car and raised an alarm.

Roy Thomas added that after he raised an alarm locals gathered there and rescued him.

Loka Kerala Sabha member Alex sought stern action against the accused involved in the crime. Assistant sub-inspector Gurmukh Singh, investigating the case, stated that the police will act after investigating it.
{doctors strike} The partial strike of doctors at the civil hospital here entered day three on Wednesday, as the Punjab Civil Medical Services Associations (PCMSA) met cabinet sub-committee and health minister Dr Balbir Singh. (HT File)

The partial strike of doctors at the civil hospital here entered day three on Wednesday, as the Punjab Civil Medical Services Associations (PCMSA) met cabinet sub-committee and health minister Dr Balbir Singh.

PCMSA State president Dr Akhil Sareen said while the health minister accepted the demands on security and assured career progression in principle, no written assurance was given on the same.

Sareen said that now starting Thursday the OPD service will be suspended completely. For the last three days the doctors had kept the OPD shut from 8am to11am every day in protest. The doctors body had earlier said that if the meeting on Wednesday failed to resolve the demands the protest will enter the second phase.

PCMSA was reassured by the department that an official letter from the government will be issued today itself stating the cabinet sub-committees decision on the restoration of ACPs and other important decisions of the meeting including a definite framework on security, read a PCMSA press release.

However, in the face of non-receipt of such definite official communication from the government, the call for full day suspension of OPDs for tomorrow stays, it added.

All services except emergency services, postmortems, medicolegal examinations, court evidence, and judicial medical examinations will be suspended.

The  out-patient opioid assisted treatment centres will also only dispense daily doses.
The Punjab Government will form an expert committee to address the concern of the protesting farmers who have been opposing the compressed biogas (CBG) projects in Punjab. This was decided in a meeting conducted by finance minister Harpal Cheema and renewable energy minister Aman Arora with protesters at Punjab Bhawan. Punjab renewable energy minister Aman Arora.

Pertinently, ahead of the paddy harvest, the ambitious plan of the Punjab government to set up 39 compressed biogas (CBG) plants costing 1,000 crore across the state to tackle paddy straw burning issues has hit a roadblock because of administrative and other reasons.

The five projects, which have started their operations, are also facing hurdles as farmer unions have been opposing their 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.

After hearing the farmers and other protesters, the state government has given consent to form a scientific expert group to study the main issues raised by the local residents. The committee will submit a report within 10 days, said Arora. He said the meeting was held in a cordial manner and most of the concerns were addressed by experts. He said the protesters had some doubts and concerns which the committee will study and provide solution.

Due to the opposition, 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.

As many as 20 million tonnes of paddy straw is produced every year and the state frequently draws criticism over paddy straw burning.
Protesters demanding the demolition of an illegal structure in a mosque in Shimlas Sanjauli area were lathi-charged by security forces on Wednesday after they broke police barricades during a demonstration. Security forces barricade the road leading to the disputed mosque in Sanjauli after Hindu organisations called for a protest in Shimla on Wednesday. (Deepak Sansta/HT)

Raising slogans of Jai Shri Ram and Hindu Ekta Zindabad, hundreds of protesters gathered at the Sabzi Mandi at Dhalli and marched towards Sanjauli to lodge their protest and broke the barricades erected near the Dhalli tunnel.

As the protesters, who had gathered on the call of Hindu groups, broke the second barricade near the mosque, police resorted to lathi-charge and used water cannons to disperse them.

Amid escalating tension over the unauthorised construction in the Sanjauli mosque and a bandh called by Hindu outfits to press for the demolition of the disputed structure, Sanjauli and its adjoining areas have been converted into a fortress with heavy police deployment.

The Shimla district administration issued prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, barring the assembly of more than five people and the carrying of lethal weapons and arms.

Some Hindu organisations had given a call for Sanjauli bandh on Wednesday, demanding the demolition of the unauthorised structure and the registration of outsiders coming to the state.

Hindu organisation members holding a protest against the illegal construction of a mosque at Sanjauli near Dhalli tunnel in Shimla on Wednesday. (Deepak Sansta/HT)

Earlier, several citizens and members of Hindu organisations, particularly from the Civil Society Devbhoomi Sangathan, joined the protests, displaying the Tricolour and raising slogans as they headed towards Sanjauli.

Himachal Pradesh minister Vikramaditya Singh said that the protests should not affect peace in the area and that the state government would take action if the mosque is illegal.

The situation is very clear. Everyone has the right to protest peacefully and government too has said this. Police have taken preventive measures. Section 163 has been imposed. As far as the construction of the illegal structure is concerned, the matter is sub judice. The government will take a decision after the hearing. We have clearly said that if it is found illegal, action will definitely be taken and it will be demolished. But that is a step that will be taken once the order of the municipal commissioner comes, Vikramaditya Singh said.

Himachal Pradesh chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhus media adviser Naresh Chauhan said that the BJP wanted to make it a Hindu-Muslim issue. All those who have gathered, I know them personally. These 20-25 people are BJP workers and they have contested elections on the BJP ticket. The party wants to make it a national issue but the reality is that this is not a Hindu-Muslim issue. It is a law and order situation and the law will take its course. The CM has said that any action that needs to be taken related to any unauthorised construction, will be taken. Some people who see a political opportunity in this will not get support. The government has said that they will keep a track record of the people coming from outside, to make sure that there are no bad elements, Chauhan said.

Leader of opposition in Himachal Pradesh assembly Jairam Thakur slammed the Sukhu government saying that the state was delaying action against the alleged illegal construction. (With ANI inputs)
A mosque in Uttarkashi town is built on registered land and is not illegal, an official in the Uttarakhand police, citing district administration records, said. Uttarkashi DM said they have constituted a committee for inspection of the land records pertaining to the mosque. (Representative file photo)

Amit Srivastava, superintendent of police (SP), Uttarkashi, said, Some Hindu organisations had given a memorandum to the administration, in which they stated that it is an illegal mosque. According to the district administration, it is built on registered land, and it is not illegal. It is registered in the names of four people. The administration has conveyed them the same to the Hindu organisations.

We will not allow anybody to take law into their hands, he said.

An umbrella group of Hindu organisations -- Sanyukt Sanatan Dharam Rakshak Sangh -- submitted a memorandum to Uttarkashi district magistrate Meharban Singh Bisht on September 9 demanding for the demolition as it was not registered in the official revenue records.

The organisation members held a public demonstration outside the DM office pressing for their demands with a three-day deadline.

Also Read: Uttarakhand: Prohibitory orders issued in Nandanagar over molestation incident

Meanwhile, Uttarkashi DM Bisht said they have constituted a committee under sub divisional magistrate (SDM) Bhatwari for inspection of the land records pertaining to the mosque.

We will take the required action as the law once the report of the committee is received, he said.

The committee will probe the land records of places, including the mosque, mentioned in the memorandum given to them (by Hindu organisations). Once the probe report comes, we will take action as per the law and will remove illegal encroachments, if any, he said.

The DM urged everyone to cooperate with the district administration to maintain law and order and peace in the district.
An official of the water works department of Lucknow Municipal corporation (LMC) zone 3 was booked for molesting an NRI woman when she had gone to register her house at the LMC office. For representation only (HT File Photo)

The incident happened on September 4. However, the woman filed a complaint at the Ghazipur police station on September 9 after which an FIR was registered under BNS sections 74, 78, and 351 (2).

In the FIR, the complainant, Gauri Chandra, 22, a resident of Nirala Nagar, told the police that she had gone to get her house registered in Municipal Corporation Zone 7 on September 4.

There I had to go to withdraw money from the ATM to pay the rent. Municipal Corporation Zone 7 officer Uday Tripathi offered to take me to the ATM on his two-wheeler, which has even been captured on CCTV camera.

Later, he took me to a deserted place and repeatedly touched me inappropriately. When I protested, he threatened me, asking me not to tell anyone. While returning, he stopped the motorcycle under a shed near the Jalkal Department and again started touching me in a dirty manner. After a long time he left me outside the Nagar Nigam and locked me up, she said in the FIR copy.

According to the complainant, she reported the matter to Nagar Nigam authorities after which they checked the CCTV camera and then suspended Uday Tripathi.
LUCKNOW Chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday said that manufacturing units of Uttar Pradesh were now producing over 55% of cell phones and over 50% of mobile components made in India while emphasising that Semicon India-2024 would position India as a global leader in semiconductors, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modis vision. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath during the inauguration of SEMICON India-2024, in Greater Noida, on Wednesday. (HT Photo)

He was addressing the inaugural session of Semicon India-2024 that Prime Minister Modi inaugurated at the India Expo Mart in Greater Noida. The event was being organised from September 11 to 13 with the theme Shaping the Semiconductor Future.

UP has emerged as a major exporter of consumer electronics. This success is a result of the efforts made over the past few years, with 55% of the countrys mobile manufacturing and 50% of the mobile component production now taking place in the state, he said.

The CM said while Samsung India came up with its display unit plant in Uttar Pradesh, the state was also becoming a major hub for data centres. The UP Semiconductor Policy-2024 has been implemented to create a favourable environment for the semiconductor industry in the state. It includes attractive provisions for capital assistance, interest subsidies, land value, stamp and electricity duty exemptions, he said.

In 2020, the global supply chain was severely disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions, affecting the semiconductor industry as well, he added.

The CM said under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, India took significant steps by issuing a notification for the development of the semiconductor and display manufacturing ecosystem, alongside managing the Covid crisis. This was a crucial step toward building a self-reliant India, he said.

UP was positioning itself as a global hub for semiconductor design engineers and major companies like MediaTek, ERM, Qualcomm, NXP, Synopsys, and Cadence established operations in the state, which was leveraging local talent and fostering innovation in semiconductor design, added the CM.

Adityanath said the IT industry had been granted the status of an industry in UP that allowed industrial land to be offered to IT companies at more affordable rates.

As a result, UP has earned the status of an Achiever State in ease of doing business. Currently, 27 sectoral policies are active across different industries in the state, he said.

The CM said: We also have a dedicated policy for FDI Fortune Global-500 and Fortune India-500 companies. Over 450 online services are available through the single-window portal Nivesh Mitra, leveraging technology to streamline processes for entrepreneurs. Additionally, the Nivesh Sarathi portal has been developed for monitoring MoUs. The incentive distribution is now handled online. To further support investors, 100 Udyami Mitras have been appointed to assist the industry.

Yogi added: UP boasts of an extensive network of rail and road infrastructure. The Eastern and Western Freight Dedicated Corridors pass through the state. Additionally, the countrys first inland waterway operates between Varanasi and Haldia. We are also developing a multi-modal terminal in Varanasi, a multi-modal logistics hub in Dadri, and a logistics transport hub in Udaki.

Later, the CM along with union minister for IT and electronics Ashwini Vaishnav spoke to media persons and said that UP had transformed itself to an investment-friendly state.

Before 2017, UP was not seen as an investment destination. However, due to a shift in perception, the state now attracts significant investment. It now has rule of law, investment friendly policies and a business friendly atmosphere. As a result, everyone wants to invest in Uttar Pradesh, said Adityanath.
Mumbai: The American technology giant Microsoft has made another significant land purchase in Pune, further solidifying its presence in the country and particularly in Maharashtra. The company's latest acquisition, a 16.4-acre plot in Hinjewadi, was secured for 519.72 crore from Indo Global Infotech City. The American technology giant Microsoft has made another significant land purchase in Pune.(Reuters)

Microsoft's Indian subsidiary, Microsoft Corporation (India) Private Limited, finalised the deal on 20 August, paying a stamp duty of 31.18 crore and a registration fee of 30,000. The transaction was officially registered with the state on 6 September, according to documentation from Square Yards, a data analytics-backed real estate and mortgage portal.

The sellers, Indo Global Infotech City, is a partnership firm led by Reena Sanjiv Aurora, Radhika Manoj Hingorani, Sanjiv Chamanlal Aurora, Manoj Nawalraj Hingorani and Harish Manoj Hingorani, as reported by Zauba Corp, a business information platform.

Hinjewadi, a suburb of Pune, has become a hub for technology companies and business parks. The area's transformation from a quiet outskirt began in the late 1990s, driven primarily by the IT boom. Today, it bustles with young professionals working in IT and business parks, surrounded by upscale eateries, lounges, apparel stores, malls and multiplexes.

This purchase comes less than two years after Microsoft's acquisition of a 25-acre plot in Pune's Pimpri Chinchwad suburb for 328 crore in October 2022. Earlier this year, the company also invested 267 crore in a 48-acre land parcel in Hyderabad.

Microsoft currently maintains a presence in 10 Indian cities, including Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Gurugram, New Delhi, Noida and Kolkata. The company reports employing over 23,000 individuals across these locations, engaged in sales, marketing, research, development, customer services and support.

Outside of its American headquarters in Redmond, Washington, Microsoft's largest software development centre is located in Hyderabad, known as the Microsoft India Development Center. During a visit to Mumbai in February, Microsoft chairman and chief executive officer Satya Nadella announced a skilling initiative aimed at training two million individuals in AI skills by 2025. The programme, called ADVANTA(I)GE INDIA, will focus on training people in tier 2 and 3 cities as well as rural areas.
The manager of Hilton Convent School of Amroha, Anurag Saini, has been re-inducted into the BJP fold as part of the partys ongoing membership drive, while the principal of the school has been found to have used objectionable language during a conversation with the mother of a Muslim student. The investigation committee did not pass any strictures on the school principal, effectively letting him off the hook. A screen grab from a video that went viral, showing the school principal berating the young student and his Muslim background (HT File Photo)

The Muslim boy, a student of Class 3, was accused of bringing non-vegetarian food in his tiffin and reportedly threatening his classmates of converting them to Islam by feeding them the food.

A committee of three principals of government schools formed by the district inspector of schools, V P Singh, found the principal Avneesh Sharma guilty of using inappropriate language with the students mother.

A video of their conversation had gone viral on social media after which political leaders Asaduddin Owaisi, Chandrashekher Azad and others had criticised the school management and principal over the incident.

Meanwhile, a photograph of schools manager Anurag Saini with Amroha BJP president, Udai Giri Goswami, went viral in which he was seen wearing a stole of the saffron party.

Goswami, however, said that Saini has been a BJP member for long as his father was among founder members of the party and also served as minister in the BJP government. He further said that the party has fixed a target of making 5 lakh members during the ongoing membership drive therefore he had gone to meet Saini along with other party members.

Amrohas former MP, Danish Ali said, He (Saini) joined BJP only to prevent action against the school and the principal. He demanded that stern action be initiated against the school and principal because their words and actions had violated the ethos of our constitution.

They tried to frame a student of Class 3 in communal allegations without any evidence, he said and questioned how a student of seven or eight years could talk about complex issues like conversion and blasphemy.

Meanwhile, sources said that the school manager was a close associate of a senior Samajwadi Party leader in the district who also tried to pressure the students mother to brush the issue under the carpet.

Sainis father, Mangal Singh Saini, was minister in the BJP government in 1997 and he also had an association with BSP and the Samajwadi Party.

Sub divisional magistrate (SDM) Sudhir Kumar, circle officer Arun Kumar, DIOS V P Singh along with members of both sides sat together on Tuesday evening to reach a compromise.

DIOS Singh said that the students mother agreed to withdraw her three children from the school and asked his assistance ensuring their admission in another school. The school management also agreed to waive off the remaining fees of 31,770.

He said that the committee has found the principal of using inappropriate language during an interaction with the students mother. The committee remained silent on allegations of the student bringing non-vegetarian food and talking about conversion, and being involved in an alleged act of blasphemy. It also found the allegation of keeping the student captive and beating him wrong.

School principal Avneesh Sharma said that the issue of non-veg food came to light a year ago. What I said to the boys mother was based on allegations of the parents of the students classmates.

Meanwhile, after findings of the committee, the school management has formed a committee to probe the conversation of a viral video of the principal and the students mother. And the principal has been directed to work from home for a fair inquiry.
When the fifth wolf was captured on Tuesday, locals and the district administration heaved a collective sigh of relief, but perhaps a little too soon. One of the injured girls being treated at Bahraich Medical College on Wednesday. (HT Photo)

Panic prevailed in the Mahsi Tehsil area after two minor girls in two villages were injured in alleged wolf attacks. The attacks took place late on Tuesday night and in the wee hours of Wednesday. However, the forest department is yet to confirm that the incidents were indeed wolf attacks.

According to sources, one Shivani, 12, daughter of Kishori Yadav, a resident of Bhawanipur under the Khairighat police station area was attacked by a wolf around 5 AM on Wednesday. She was said to be dragged by a wolf some distance from the house.

Listening to the screams of Shivani, family members woke up and ran towards the animal with sticks and rod. The animal ran towards the paddy fields leaving the girl at the spot. The girl was admitted to CHC Mahsi from where she was referred to Bahraich Medical College.

Gram Pradhan Bhawanipur, Phuleraj Chauhan said that according to family members, Shivani was mauled by a wolf and sustained severe injuries on her neck and head.

Meanwhile, in another incident, 13-year-old Suman, daughter of late Laxmi Narayan, was attacked by a wolf in Gadariyanpurwa hamlet of Maikupurwa gram panchayat under the Hardi police station area around 11 PM on Tuesday. The girl was rushed to CHC Mahsi from where she was referred to Bahraich Medical College.

Meanwhile, a member of the family of the victim on Wednesday blamed the forest department team for not installing doors in houses of villages.

Sunil Kumar, the family member, said that the wolf dragged the child out of the house to the road.

A wolf came here at night and dragged the child out of the house to the road...A boy was sitting there. When the wolf brought the girl there, he called out. The wolf was alarmed and he ran away after leaving the girl there. The wolf had been to the village 3-4 times earlier too. The forest department team has not come yet. The door has not been installed here; if there were doors, then the incident would not have taken place, he said.

Village head Anoop Singh said that along with other villagers, he saw the wolf running away, so there was no doubt that the attacking animal was a wolf. He said the girl was sleeping along with her mother on the ground when she was attacked by a wolf.

He said that the wolf dragged the girl 30 meters from her house. Listening to her screams, Sumans brother woke up and ran towards the animal. Later, all the villagers started searching for the animal and the girl was rushed to CHC Mahsi, Anoop added.

Divisional forest officer (DFO), Bahraich, Ajit Pratap Singh, has confirmed that two incidents of man-animal conflict arose in the area. He said that teams have been combing the area to identify and trap the animal. He said drones were also being deployed in the area to track the animal.

VK Singh, former wildlife warden of the Allahabad (now Prayagraj) region, who had headed the eight-month-long wolf operation in Jaunpur in 1997, said the main culprit is still on the loose.

Although a pack of six wolves had been seen in drone camera footage, there may be an isolated individual or some other packs in the area. He advised that there was a need to expand the ground-combing operation and targeted villages should be identified to prevent wolf attacks.

It has to be understood in which direction the pattern of attack is moving and after that the nearby targeted villages should be identified and then put on high alert.

Singh said that at present, paddy crops are being grown in the fields and as the length of paddy crops increases, this problem will increase further because animals will find easy places to hide.

The forest department teams had captured the fifth wolf from the pack of six wolves on Tuesday. Earlier, the forest department had already trapped four wolves between August 3 to August 29 but the attacks could not be stopped.

The lone wolf

VK Singh, former wildlife warden of the Allahabad (now Prayagraj) region, said that the attacks will continue till the main culprit is trapped. Singh said that if an animal was dragging a 12-year-old and a 13-year-old girl, it means that it was a strong and big animal.

All the animals that have been caught so far seem to be small in size and weak, whereas the animal that dragged the 12 or 13-year-old girls must be big and strong. He said, it seems that not the whole pack but only one animal might be the main culprit.

SHARIQ RAIS SIDDIQUI and agencies
Admission Committee for Professional Under Graduate Medical Educational Courses, ACPUGMEC, is carrying out the Round 2 registrations of Gujarat NEET UG Counselling 2024. Candidates who wish to apply for the second counselling round can submit their applications on the official website at medadmgujarat.org. Gujarat NEET UG Counselling 2024: Round 2 registrations are underway at medadmgujarat.org.

As per the official notice, candidates will have to purchase a PIN for Gujarat NEET UG 2024 counselling registration by paying a non-refundable fee of Rs.1,000.

Also read: SSC warns of legal action against individuals resorting to malpractices during exams, check notice here

Additionally, they will need to pay a refundable security deposit of Rs. 10,000 to take part in the Gujarat NEET UG counselling process. In other words, candidates need to pay a total fee of 11,000.

As per the schedule, the window for online PIN purchase from the website of the admission committee is from September 10 to September 13, 2024.

The window to register online is from September 10 to September 13, 2024.

Besides, the document verification and deposit of document photocopies at the help centre will be conducted from September 11 to September 14, 2024.

Also read: SSC GD Constable PST/PET admit card 2024 out at rect.crpf.gov.in, download link here

Gujarat NEET UG Counselling 2024: How to register for Round 2

Candidates can follow the steps mentioned below to register for Round 2 of Gujarat NEET UG Counselling 2024

Visit the official website at medadmgujarat.org.

Click on the Gujarat NEET UG Counselling 2024 registration link available on the home page.

Key in the credentials as asked and click on submit.

Login to your account.

Fill out the application form, pay the application fee, and click on submit.

Download the confirmation page and keep a printout of the same for future reference.

Also read: Karnataka govt, British Council join forces to launch 4 new skilling programmes, details here

For more related details candidates can check the official website of the Admission Committee for Professional Under Graduate Medical Educational Courses.
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India will reopen the application portal of ICAI CA November Exam 2024 on September 11, 2024. Candidates who want to apply for Chartered Accountants Final and Post Qualification Course viz.: Insurance and Risk Management (IRM) Technical Examination and International Taxation  Assessment Test (INTT-AT) can find the direct link on the official website of ICAI at icai.org. ICAI CA November Exam 2024: Application portal reopens, register till tomorrow

The last date to apply for the examination is till September 12, 2024. Candidates who want to apply for the courses mentioned above will have to pay late fee of 600/-.

ICAI CA Final, PQC application portal reopens tomorrow, candidates to have 17-day deadline to apply for all future exams

The official notice reads, In view of the fact that this shortening of timeline from 28 days to 17 days, being the first such instance for Chartered Accountants Final and PQC examinations and request received from the students regarding the same, it has been decided to re-open the online filling of examination application form for Chartered Accountants Final and Post Qualification Course viz.: Insurance and Risk Management (IRM) Technical Examination and International Taxation  Assessment Test (INTT-AT) for 2 (Two Days) from 11th September 2024 (11.00 AM) to 12th September 2024 (11.59 PM) with late fees (Rs.600/- or US$10) for the benefit of the students as a one- time measure and as a special case only.

Also Check: UPPBPB UP Police Constable Answer Key 2024 released for August 23 exam, heres how to download

ICAI CA November Exam 2024: How to apply

To apply online, candidates can follow the steps given below.

Visit the official website of ICAI at eservices.icai.org

Enter the required details and register yourself.

Once done, login to the account.

Fill the application form and make the payment of late fee.

Click on submit and download the page.

Keep a hard copy of the same for further need.

ICAI CA November exam 2024 dates was announced in July. The Final course examination for Group 1 will be conducted on November 1, 3 and 5, 2024 and Group 2 will be conducted on November 7, 9 and 11, 2024. The International Taxation- Assessment Test will be conducted on November 9 and 11, 2024. The Insurance and Risk Management (IRM) Technical examination will be held on November 5, 7, 9 and 11, 2024.
The Assam government introduced the Assam Public Examination (Measures for Prevention of Unfair Means in Recruitment) Act, 2024, to ensure transparency and fairness in public recruitment examinations, the Chief Minister's Office said on Wednesday. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had on September 8 called for heightened vigilance on social media to address any attempts by miscreants to undermine the integrity of examinations. (File image)

According to the CMO, the act prohibits malpractice with penalties of up to 10 years imprisonment and fines up to 10 crore, and examinees found guilty may also be barred from future examinations. This law reinforces Assam's commitment to merit-based recruitment in government jobs, the CMO said in a post on X.

Also read: SSC warns of legal action against individuals resorting to malpractices during exams, check notice here

On September 8, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma held a meeting with District Commissioners and Superintendents of Police to discuss the smooth execution of the ADRE 2024 examination for Grade III and Class IV positions scheduled from September 15, 2024 onwards.

Also read: IIT-Guwahati dean puts in his papers after protests over students death on campus allegedly due to suicide

During the meeting, the Chief Minister underscored the critical need for a transparent and merit-based examination process, instructing each District Commissioner to implement measures for a seamless examination process, including personal inspections of examination centres to ensure essential amenities are provided.

Also read: Delhi HC asks DU VC to decide representation for women's reservation in DUSU polls, details here

He directed SPs to enforce rigorous security measures around these centres. The Chief Minister also called for heightened vigilance on social media to address any attempts by miscreants to undermine the examination's integrity.
The dean of academic affairs (DoAA) of Indian Institute of Technology-Guwahati has put in his papers following protests by students after the death of a 3rd year student on Monday allegedly due to suicide. IIT-Guwahati dean resigns after protests over students death in campus(File Photo / PTI)

According to authorities, the dean, KV Krishna, resigned on Tuesday night, but the institute has yet to decide on it.

SSC warns of legal action against individuals resorting to malpractices during exams, check notice here

As for the Dean who has sent his resignation, the institute authorities have received his resignation, and we are discussing this internally. A decision will be taken soon, IIT-Guwahati mentioned in a statement issued on Wednesday.

Protests by students started after discovery the body of a 3rd year BTech student of computer science from Uttar Pradesh in his hostel room on Monday. Police have ruled out foul play and said that prima facie it looked like suicide.

Also Read: Karnataka govt, British Council join forces to launch 4 new skilling programmes, details here

This was the fourth case of death of a student in the premier institute this year. A 24-year-old MTech student from Uttar Pradesh was found dead in her hostel room on August 9. Police didn't reveal anything about their investigation.

On April 10, a 20-year-old student from Bihar was found dead hostel While the institutes authorities claimed he died by suicide, his parents alleged he was ragged and murdered and demanded a high-level probe into the matter.

On January 1, a 21-year-old student from Telangana died after a New Year celebration on the campus. Police said she was taken to the hospital after she fell unconscious where doctors declared her dead.

Check This: Delhi HC asks DU VC to decide representation for women's reservation in DUSU polls, details here

IIT Guwahati acknowledges the deep distress caused by the recent unfortunate incident of a student death on campus and understands the concerns of the student community. The well-being of everyone remains our top priority, and we are fully committed to fostering

a safe and supportive environment for all, said the IIT-Guwahati statement.

It mentioned that the issues raised by the students are being taken seriously and the Director had a one-on-one discussion with the students on Tuesday for several hours and has taken cognizance of their issues and concerns.

The institute added that to address the concerns raised by students and prevent future tragedies, IIT-Guwahati is taking some immediate measures like expanding wellbeing services, ensuring that everyone has access to professional support, including specialized

counsellors for both crisis intervention and long-term assistance.

We are establishing peer support groups, offering everyone a safe and confidential space to share their experiences and receive support from their peers. A comprehensive review of our safety and emergency response protocols is underway, the statement read.

Disclaimer: Discussing suicides can be triggering for some. However, suicides are preventable. A few major suicide prevention helpline numbers in India are 011-23389090 from Sumaitri (Delhi-based) and 044-24640050 from Sneha Foundation (Chennai-based).
The Government of Karnataka and the British Council joined forces on Tuesday to launch four new skilling programmes in line with the MoU with Karnataka State Higher Education Council (KSHEC) signed on February 26, 2024. Karnataka govt, British Council join hands to launch 4 new skilling programmes aimed at advancing higher education, enhancing language proficiency, improving employability, and creating a seamless transition for students into the workforce,

The four new programmes include the following:

Scholars for Outstanding Undergraduate Talent (SCOUT) programme by GREAT for the Karnataka State Higher Education Council.

English Skills for Youth (An initiative by the British Council and Microsoft India to empower students in Karnataka Government Engineering Colleges.)

Capacity Building Training for International Officers

Freemium Digital Library Wall inauguration at Bengaluru City University.

The four programmes are aimed at advancing higher education, enhancing language proficiency, improving employability, and creating a seamless transition for students into the workforce, a press release informed.

Also read: Delhi HC asks DU VC to decide representation for women's reservation in DUSU polls, details here

As part of the SCOUT programme, KSHEC will select 30 students, which include 5 students and one faculty member each from Bangalore University, Bengaluru City University, Gulbarga University Kalaburgi, Raichur University, Tumkur University, and Rani Channamma University, along with 2 KSHEC officials, to participate in a 2-week immersive learning experience at the University of East London from November 9th to 22nd, 2024.

The aim is to provide deserving students from less privileged backgrounds with valuable international exposure, as well as foster academic excellence, innovation, and research skills. Some key themes identified for this programme are Sustainable Development Goals, Critical Thinking, Entrepreneurship, and Personality Development.

Also read: ICAI CA November Exam 2024: Application portal reopens today at icai.org, register till tomorrow

Likewise, the English Skills for Youth initiative is aimed at enhancing the English language and communication skills of young adults aged 18-25. The programme will be implemented across 16 Government Engineering Colleges under the KSHEC, benefiting 5,795 students in Semesters II and III.

Participants will complete 40 hours of self-paced coursework via the Microsoft Learning Management System (LMS), supplemented by 30 hours of in-person or blended English Practice Club sessions.

The Capacity Building for International Officers programme, on the other hand, will have the KSHEC shortlisting 28 universities and over 56 participants for the workshop designed to bolster the internationalisation efforts of Indian universities, said the press release.

Participants will be offered modules to develop the skills and effectiveness of international officers, and promote knowledge sharing and practical outcomes to support the overall internationalisation agenda of participating institutions.

The Freemium Digital Library Wall will offer access to faculty and students to a freemium layer of digital content.

Also read: JNVST 2024 application window closes on Sept 16, check pattern of selection test and guidelines to record answers

Notably, the programmes were launched by Dr. Sudhakar M.C, Minister for Higher Education, Government of Karnataka at KSHEC.

Dr Sudhakar M.C said that the state government is dedicated to strengthening educational ties with the UK through initiatives like SCOUT and English Skills for Youth providing deserving students with global exposure.

Alison Barrett MBE, Director India at British Council, highlighted that the partnership with the Government of Karnataka focuses on the deepened partnership and shared commitment to advancing higher education.

She said, We are dedicated to enhancing language skills, improving employability, and facilitating students transition into the workforce. It stands as a testament to our mutual commitment to broadening educational opportunities and driving meaningful, positive change through our collective efforts. Such programmes will promote mutual understanding and create a platform for knowledge-sharing across borders.

Likewise, Janaka Pushpanathan, Director of South India at British Council informed that the GREAT SCOUT programme represents a significant step in providing students from Karnataka with unparalleled international exposure.

Whereas initiatives like English Skills for Youth and the Capacity Building for International Officers programme would enhance employability in the State and create systemic change in the higher education ecosystem in Karnataka, she added.

The Freemium Digital Library Wall further exemplifies our commitment to enhancing access to high-quality resources for all, Pushpanathan said.
Aparshakti Khurana has come a long way in his acting career ever since his debut with Aamir Khan's Dangal. The actor recently shared about his struggling phase. Aparshakti, in an interview with The Lallantop, recalled that he was once stopped from attending the trailer launch of his own film by the lead actor. (Also read: Amar Kaushik confronted Aparshakti Khurana for passing a controversial comment on Stree 2 credit war) Aparshakti Khurana said that his co-actor did not allow him to attend trailer launch of his own film.

Aparshakti on not being allowed to attend trailer launch

Aparshakti reacted to his Berlin co-star Rahul Bose's revelation of not being given a chair on the sets of his debut movie. Rahul stated that ever since then, he has carried his personal chair on every film set.

While sharing his experience, Aparshakti said, Badi ajeeb cheezein sabke saath ho rakhi hain (A lot of weird things have happened to each one of us). Without naming the actor, I did a film and touchwood it was such an amazing set. We had a great time, everyone performed very well. It was a well-made film. Everyone saw the film before the trailer launch and liked it a lot. Trailer launch se teen minute pehle us actor ne ye bol diya producer ko ki, Apar should not be on the stage. Baaki sab actor ko bula lijiye (Three minutes before the trailer launch that actor told the producer that, 'Apar should not be on stage. You can call all the other actors). I flew all the way from Amritsar. I only came for the trailer launch.

Turning towards Rahul, he pointed out, You know how much I love to dress-up in different colours. And I am standing right there, they called everybody. Suddenly a PR person came and said, There is a last minute change, we will do a separate introduction. I am waiting 10 minutes, 15 minutes, 20 minutes, 30 minutes, entire trailer launch is over, people have gone.

Aparshakti Khurana's upcoming projects

Aparshakti will be next seen in Atul Sabharwal's spy thriller Berlin. The movie features Ishwak Singh, Rahul (Bose), Anupriya Goenka and Kabir Bedi in pivotal characters. The actor is also a part of Navjot Gulati's comedy-drama Badtameez Gill, co-starring Vaani Kapoor, Paresh Rawal, Sheeba Chaddha and Monica Chaudhary.
ANI tweeted on Wednesday, Father of actress-model Malaika Arora died by suicide by jumping off a terrace. Police team is present at the spot: Mumbai Police. The police spoke to the press and said that a detailed investigation is on.

Malaika's father died on Wednesday morning

Earlier in the day, a source cast doubt when they told PTI, "It's true that Malaika's father passed away this morning. He has not committed suicide, it's an accident. They all are shocked because he had no ailment or anything as such." The police 'panchnama' will make things clear, the source said.

However, Mumbai police told the press, We are investigating everything... prima facie it looks like suicide, we are conducting further investigation.

Arbaaz visits Malaika and family

Actor-producer Arbaaz Khan was spotted arriving at Malaika's family home in Mumbai amid these reports. Police personnel as well as media persons were spotted outside the apartment.

More about Malaika's family

Malaika's parents divorced when she was 11, and she moved to Chembur with her mother and sister Amrita. Her mother, Joyce Polycarp, is a Malayali Christian, and her father, Anil Arora, was a Punjabi Hindu from the Indian border town of Fazilka who worked in the Indian Merchant Navy.

She said last year in an interview, "My parents' separation allowed me to observe my mother through a new and unique lens. I learned a rock-steady work ethic and the value of getting up each morning to do whatever it takes to become fiercely independent. Those early lessons are the cornerstones of my life and professional journey. I am still fiercely independent; I value my freedom and live life on my terms."

Amrita Arora is married to businessman Shakeel Ladak since 2009; they share two sons.

Arbaaz and Malaika were married for 19 years before they parted ways in 2016. They were officially divorced in 2017. Arbaaz is now married to makeup artist Sshura Khan. Malaika was dating actor Arjun Kapoor for a couple of years, recently reports claimed the two have ended their relationship. Arhaan is Arbaaz and Malaikas only son, and was born in the year 2002.

Discussing suicides can be triggering for some. However, suicides are preventable. A few major suicide prevention helpline numbers in India are 011-23389090 from Sumaitri (Delhi-based) and 044-24640050 from Sneha Foundation (Chennai-based).
Ranbir Kapoor was seen taking part in Ganpati Visarjan. The custom which was passed on to late actor Rishi Kapoor is now carried on by Ranbir. The actor along with his mother Neetu Kapoor was seen performing the rituals on Wednesday, September 11. (Also read: Ranbir can never be a superstar like Amitabh? Javed has a cheeky solution) Ranbir Kapoor and Neetu Kapoor took part in Ganpati Visarjan ceremony.

Ranbir Kapoor performs Ganpati Visarjan

Ranbir was seen lifting the idol of Lord Ganesha before it was taken for the visarjan (A Sanskrit term that symbolises farewell referring to the ritual of immersing an idol or deity into a body of water, marking the end of a festival or religious ceremony in Hindu tradition), while Neetu was seen instructing the staff. The mother-son duo is then shown praying with folded hands as the idol is immersed for visarjan. A fan commented, Very very beautiful. Other users dropped heart emojis. A user also wrote, Wheres Alia? Why she is never present?

Ganpati Visarjan at RK Studios

The Ganpati Visarjan was started by Raj Kapoor at his RK Studios in 1952 along with his father Prithviraj Kapoor. The filmmaker-actor was known for celebrating all festivals in his studio along with his family and crew members. Apart from the Kapoor family, Salman Khan's family is also known for being secular as they celebrate all Indian festivals with their relatives and friends.

Ranbir Kapoor's upcoming projects

Ranbir was last seen in Sandeep Reddy Vanga's Animal. He will next feature in Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana where he plays Lord Ram. The epic-drama is based on the ancient texts by sage Valmiki. Sai Pallavi has been cast opposite Ranbir to portray Goddess Sita. The movie also features Arun Govil, Lara Dutta and others in piuvotal characters. The actor is also expected to shoot for Sandeep's Animal Park later in 2025.
Sidharth Malhotra on Wednesday visited the Siddhivinayak Temple in Mumbai with his mother to seek Lord Ganesha's blessings during the ongoing Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. (Also read: Aamir Khan celebrates Ganesh Chaturthi with sister, performs puja with son Azad; see pics) Sidharth Malhotra takes his mother to seek blessings during Ganesh Chaturthi.

The actor and his mother were seen entering the temple, surrounded by a large crowd of devotees. Sidharth went all traditional as he opted for a red kurta. The two were also spotted leaving the temple after receiving blessings. Both were barefoot and had a 'tikka' on their foreheads. The 'Shershaah' actor was seen folding his hands and chanting "Ganpati Bappa" while posing for the paparazzi.

Earlier on September 8, Sidharth along with his wife and actress Kiara Advani attended the Ambani family's grand Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations at their residence, Antilia. Several stars from Bollywood, including Kareena Kapoor, Sonam Kapoor, Bhumi Pednekar, Sara Ali Khan, Ananya Panday and more were in attendance.

The couple made a stylish entrance, looking their best in traditional attire. Kiara stunned in a beautiful white anarkali suit, while Sidharth looked dapper in a floral kurta.

On the work front, Sidharth Malhotra was last seen on the big screen in the film Yodha. It was released in cinemas on March 15 this year. Yodha also stars Disha Patani and Raashii Khanna. The high-octane action thriller film follows Arun Katyal, the commanding officer of an elite unit, the Yodha Task Force, on a thrilling rescue operation. Sidharth also made his OTT debut with Indian Police Force in January.

Meanwhile, Ganesh Chaturthi, a 10-day festival that commenced on September 6, will continue until Anantha Chaturdashi.

During Ganesh Chaturthi, Lord Ganesha is worshipped as the god of new beginnings and the remover of obstacles. Devotees across India and abroad celebrate Lord Ganesha's wisdom and intelligence.

(With inputs from ANI)
Television personality-model Malaika Arora often shares pictures with her mother Joyce, little is known about her father. She had once spoken about her childhood and what she learnt after her parents' separation. In 2022, speaking with Grazia, Malaika said that she observed her mother "through a new and unique lens". She had said she also learned "rock-steady work ethic" and process of becoming "fiercely independent". Malaika Arora once spoke about the tough situation she faced in her childhood.(PTI)

When Malaika spoke about herself as a kid

Malaika had said, "I had a wonderful childhood, but it wasn't easy. In fact, in retrospect, the word I would use to describe it is tumultuous. But tough times teach you important lessons too. My parents' separation allowed me to observe my mother through a new and unique lens."

"I learned a rock-steady work ethic and the value of getting up each morning to do whatever it takes to become fiercely independent. Those early lessons are the cornerstones of my life and professional journey. I am still fiercely independent; I value my freedom and live life on my terms. The world could be going crazy around me, but these fundamental attitudes imbibed during my formative years hold me in good stead," she had added.

About Malaika's family

Malaika was only 11 years old when her parents--mother Joyce Polycarp and late father Anil Arora separated. At that time, Malaika's younger sister-actor Amrita Arora was six years old. The sisters moved with their mother, Joyce, from Thane to Chembur. They were raised by her after the divorce.

What happened to Malaika's father?

As reported by the news agency PTI, Malaika's father, died on Wednesday morning at 62 years old. A police official told PTI that Anil allegedly jumped off the sixth floor of a building in Bandra area. Police rushed to the spot and shifted him to a hospital, where he was declared dead before arrival.

The exact reason behind the incident was not yet known, the official said, adding an investigation was underway. A source told PTI, "It's true that Malaika's father passed away this morning. He has not committed suicide, it's an accident. They all are shocked because he had no ailment or anything as such." The police 'panchnama' will make things clear, the source said.

If you need support or know someone who does, please reach out to your nearest mental health specialist. Helplines: Aasra: 022 2754 6669; Sneha India Foundation: +914424640050 and Sanjivini: 011-24311918
Actor James Hollcroft who went missing on September 3, 2024, has been found dead. Actor James Hollcroft has been found dead in Mexico City after being missing for days.(Instagram )

The 26-year-old performed in the television show Como dice el dicho and was studying at an acting school in Mexico City. His sister also confirmed the news of his death on Instagram, paying tribute to her late brother.

What did James Hollcroft's loved ones say about the actor's death?

As reported by The Mirror US, his sister Jane Hollcroft was devastated at the news of his death. She wrote on Instagram, 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, you will always be present in our hearts, little brother.

Even though the situation of the actor's death is unclear, it has been confirmed by his sister that he disappeared on his way back home to Tizapan in Mexico City.

Luis Duval, a friend of Hollcroft paid him a heartfelt tribute in a now deleted post. He mentioned, I love you, I love you so much. I'm going to miss you. Fly high my boy. I will always remember how great you are.

His brother-in-law also paid him a tribute and expressed, I wish that everything is just another dream, 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. Today we are lowering the curtain here but I know that you are in heaven doing the great staging that you talked so much about.

As reported by NY Post, his friend German Lopez wrote in an Instagram post, It hurts me a lot your departure, I have no words to tell you, my deepest condolences to your family this irreparable loss, Rest in Peace friend.

Also Read | Jennifer Garners relationship with John Miller in jeopardy due to her attention towards Ben Affleck: Report

What message did CEA Televisa and Hollcroft's fans leave for him?

As reported by The Daily Star, Artistic Education Center, a part of CEA Televisa which James was affiliated with, expressed their sorrow on Facebook. The organization wrote, Thank you for all the good times we spent together during your acting training. We will carry you in our memories and in our hearts, you will always be part of our CEA family, farewell dear James Hollcroft.

Also Read | Tyrese Gibson arrested for failing to pay child support, claims there's conspiracy against him

As reported by The Mirror US, many fans left their good wishes and condolences on social media. A fan sympathised with his sister and commented, A hug Jane, blessings to you and your family and your brother in the arms of God.

Another user paid their respects to the actor and mentioned, Much peace, strength, all the affection and deep love to his family. May his soul rest with the angles in the sky surrounded by infinite love.
What the director said

Halina came up on stage and introduced the film ahead of the premiere. She then addressed Nicole's absence and said, We just came back from Venice where we had the world premiere of our movie, and it was quite an emotional experience as you might have read because Nicole Kidman had just won the award for best actress.

She went on to add, "Unfortunately, right before she was going to go on the stage and accept the award, she sadly heard of her mother's passing and had to rush off to her family, and that's why she's not here with us tonight. But she wanted all of us to know that she was so excited for this day. It's very special to us. This is our North American premiere."

More details

Nicole was announced the winner of the Volpi Cup for Best Actress at the closing ceremony of Venice Film Festival by Jury President Isabelle Huppert. There too, Halina took the stage, and read a statement on behalf of Nicole: Today, I arrived in Venice to find out shortly after my brave and beautiful mother, Janelle Anne Kidman, had just passed. Im in shock and I have to go to my family, but this award is for her.

The statement continued, She shaped me, she guided me and she made me. I am beyond grateful that I get to say her name to all of you through Halina. The collision of life and art is heartbreaking. My heart is broken.

In Babygirl, Nicole plays a successful businesswoman who seemingly has a comfortable personal life with her husband Antonio Banderas. Trouble arrives when a new intern Harris Dickinson joins her company and she starts an affair with him. The film will be released in U.S. theaters by A24 on December 25.
The Tamil Film Producers Council (TFPC) had called out Dhanush in July for taking advances from multiple producers and failing to deliver films in return. They had also asked producers to convene with the TFPC before signing the actor for new projects. Asianet News reports that the issue has now been resolved. (Also Read: When Vishnu Vishal turned down Dhanushs Raayan and apologised to fans: Could not accommodate it) The Tamil Film Producers Council called out Dhanush for 'taking advances from multiple producers'.

Dhanushs red card revoked

In July, the TFPC put out a statement, and a portion of it read, In the situation where Dhanush has received advance payments from several producers, the producers are requested to consult the Tamil Film Producers Association before starting work on new films starring actor Dhanush.

The actor had taken advance amounts from Thenandal Films and Five Star Creations for films that had never taken off for various reasons. The publication now reports that Dhanush will pay back the amount he took, with interest, to Five Star Creations and has agreed to do a film with Thenandal Films. Both production houses had complained against him to TFPC and his red card was revoked on these conditions.

The TFPC has yet to release a statement about this at the time of writing. Dhanush will soon be seen in Sekhar Kammula's Telugu-Tamil-Hindi film Kubera with Rashmika Mandanna, Nagarjuna and Jim Sarbh. He will also produce and direct Nilavuku En Mel Ennadi Kobam.

What happened

In July, the TFPC announced that the commencement of all new film projects would be halted from August 16 and all film-related work will be halted from November 1 to clear backlogs of films stuck in various stages of filmmaking and check the rising cost of production due to artist remuneration and other expenses. In the same note, they announced a ban on Dhanush.

Karthi, the treasurer of Nadigar Sangam expressed concern that the TFPC did not consult with their organisation before taking a decision on Dhanush, calling the sudden decision as completely unacceptable. The TFPC however issued another statement, claiming the producers body had informed the Nadigar Sangam a year ago about five top stars whose call sheets were causing a lot of headaches to producers.
Saif Ali Khan on Tuesday said his co-actor Jr NTR roped him to be part of the upcoming pan-India film Devara because of his performance in the 2006 critically-acclaimed movie Omkara. Billed as a high-octane action drama set in the forgotten coastal lands of India, Devara is directed by Koratala Siva. (Also Read | Devara Part 1 trailer: Jr NTR, Saif Ali Khan, Janhvi Kapoor film tells a tale of power and fear) Saif Ali Khan plays Bhaira in Koratala Siva's Devara.

Sif, whose role of Langda Tyagi in Omkara is considered a landmark in his career, is excited to be part of a film, which, he said, feels like a debut in a new kind of cinema. I was really excited when they offered me a movie made in Andhra in the South industry, theyve given us so many incredible movies. I think the future is going to be collaborations between North and South and pan-Indian kind of scenario.

"The whole thing happened because Tarak (Jr NTR) and Siva wanted me in it. I think they had seen Omkara and remembered it. I have to thank Vishal Bharadwaj ji (director of Omkara) for that, Saif told reporters at the trailer launch of Devara.

The actor, known for his nuanced performances in Ek Hasina Thi, Being Cyrus, OTT series Sacred Games, and Tanhaji, said he thoroughly enjoyed playing his part of Bhaira in Devara. It was a very interesting character. There is a young version and an old version, crazy make-up. I would not call it an anti-hero but a straight antagonist. It is like a debut in a new kind of cinema, cutting-edge Indian cinema. So, it is great for me to be here, he said.

The actor said he still remembers his nervousness while giving his first shot while speaking in Telugu in the movie. I had sweat running down my back. I felt very nervous in a very different way. We come from the same country but our states are completely different to one another, going down there was a very exciting experience. It was very kind of Tarak NTR ji and Siva ji to want me in the movie.

"Because movies made in the South recently are mind-blowing, to get a chance to act in a film like this and try to do that, I felt like a newcomer. I'm excited because I've spoken the language, it is a new language for me. I loved the movie and I loved what I did in it also, the actor said.

Saif also thanked Jr NTR for being patient with him while he would say his dialogues in Telugu.

Janhvi said she had so much fun working on the movie that she would love to team up with Jr NTR again. Siva said Janhvi and Jr NTR's pairing looks good together. "Down south people feel that after NTR and Sridevi, it's Jr NTR and Janhvi," the director said, adding that he was nervous as the film marks his debut in Hindi.

The film, which also stars Jahnvi Kapoor, is presented by filmmaker Karan Johar in north Indian territories through his banner Dharma Productions. Devara is produced by Yuvasudha Arts and NTR Arts, and presented by Nandamuri Kalyana Ram. It is set to arrive in theatres on September 27.
Sins and omissions as they say, always come home to roost. After doing nothing at all about a promised, signed and agreed upon pipeline for 15 years, Pakistan may have to pay billions to Iran in damages. Or so the Asia Nikkei report says. Thats not hard to believe. Teheran has a solid case if it takes this up at the International Arbitration Court as threatened, given that the project was signed 18 years ago, and Pakistan has been sitting on its hands. Apart from that, it has taken a good deal from Islamabad, in terms of a stream of terrorist attacks from Pakistani soil. So, the threat is not just about the pipeline. Iran is clearly hardening its stance. A picture from Gwadar, the port city in Pakistan.(Bloomberg)

The story of the pipeline is fascinating in its twists and turns. The 1900 km pipeline was to start in Assaluyeh in the rich South Pars gas fields in Iran and move via Gwadar port to Nawabshah in Pakistan, to bring one billion cubic feet per day of gas to energy starved Pakistan. And beyond. In 2008, it originated as an Iran-Pakistan-India pipeline proposal. That soon bit the dust ostensibly on price issues. But the Kargil experience, the Mumbai attacks and the sheer instability that was Pakistan deterred India. Iran and Pakistan decided to go ahead anyway, and Tehran began its section of 900 km and completed it by 2011, while Pakistan was to do so by 2014. It didnt even start. The then petroleum minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said Pakistan was finding it difficult to get banks and contractors to back the project, due to sanctions. Yet when in 2016, all sanctions were lifted after Tehran agreed to suspend its nuclear activities under the JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action), Islamabad still dithered.

The reasons were four-fold. First, as South Block had long concluded, Islamabad were apprehensive that the Saudis would frown on any such enterprise. It was not just about generous loans from Riyadh. Pakistani political big wigs are accustomed to sheltering with the Saudis or allied states. No one would ever dream of sheltering in Tehran. The second issue was the sheer money involved in massive and open smuggling across the border. That has been estimated at $1 bn worth of natural gas coming into Pakistan yearly. The pay offs on that for border forces would be enormous, and several officers of the Frontier Corps have faced dismissal in not so frequent clean-ups though the political dons involved in the trade remain untouched. Then is the fact that this trade doesnt involve the exit of hardly available foreign exchange, which would make financial planners unwilling to end it (regardless of the loss to the exchequer.) A third reason is that smuggling is the mainstay of Baloch tribals. An intelligence report noted that some 2.4 mn people depend on this, and an abrupt end would worsen an already explosive situation. The report, leaked to local media, named over 200 individuals involved including government and security officials, indicating widespread corruption at border checkpoints. The fourth and final reason is ostensibly the wrath of the United States (US), evident enough in frequent warnings from White House officials at any mention of a pipeline, with the most recent seeing also assurances from the State Department that it would assist Pakistan in meeting its energy needs. But as Donald Lu US assistant secretary of state for South and Central Asia, said, Islamabad had not requested a sanctions waiver to conduct gas trade with Iran at any time. Yet in February, Cabinet Committee gave the green light for the pipeline to go ahead, apparently finding it cheaper to go ahead rather than pay damages. Yet a few months down the line, things are back to square one. As the US threatened sanctions, a bargain may have been made. In July an International Monetary Fund disbursal came through.

The question of what else Pakistan has been promised to lay off the pipeline has yet to be seen. The International Monetary Fund disbursal will hardly even cover even a part of the threatened costs in damages of $18 bn. Meanwhile, the very fact that Iran has chosen to up the ante indicates the slide in bilateral relations, as apparent in the recent air and missile strikes by the two on each others territory. Though there is much reference to brotherly Islamic countries, the truth of the matter is that Pakistan has been supporting attacks on its neighbour, in just the same way that it has with all the others neighbours. In Iran it uses the Jaish ul Adl together with the (Pakistan version) of the Islamic State. Some of this activity also serves the intelligence requirements of the US is a given, which Teheran could not but be aware of. That Israeli intelligence also used Pakistani terrorists to get ingress into Iran is also now out in the open.

The crux of it all is this. Pakistan can no longer afford to follow an independent foreign policy, sanctions or no sanctions. Its bitter internal divisions, and terrorist based external policies have landed it into a mess, where it faces the threat of paying Iran some $18 billion in damages, which it can ill afford. Iran knows this, and chooses to turn on the screws to get Pakistan to back off. To get out of this trap, Islamabad has to fall at the feet of the US or China, which is has its own costs in terms of what each would like to squeeze out of Islamabad. Unlike Iran or Russia, or even Turkey, Pakistan cant afford to choose one or other side. Playing all sides in the hope that is simply unsustainable, however good Islamabad may have been in playing a bad hand all these years. For India, the choice of staying out of a bad bargain proved to be the right one, given the sheer impossibility of the pipeline ever being laid anytime in the near future. Quite simply, no ones going to fund it. Though Pakistan is likely to take up the case again, so far it remains a pipe dream.

This article is authored by Tara Kartha, director (R&A), Centre for Land Warfare Studies, New Delhi.
The Anubhav Sinha-directed web series IC814: The Kandahar Hijack recently sparked controversy when a section of social media accused the filmmaker of deliberately altering the names of two of the hijackers to Bhola and Shankar. The uproar grew so intense that streaming platform Netflix issued a statement, part of which read, the opening disclaimer has been updated to include the real and code names of the hijackers. A still of actor Kumud Mishra from IC814: The Kandahar Hijack

Amid this controversy, we spoke to actor Kumud Mishra, who plays Ranjan Mishra, Joint Secretary of RAW in the show. When asked whether a project based on true events brings a sense of responsibility to present facts accurately, and if theres added pressure to deliver a compelling series while staying true to reality, Mishra tells us, The important thing is that it is based on true events. If you want more information about the incident, there are documentaries and research materials available. But when youre presenting a fictionalised account of a true event, many elements are incorporated for dramatic effectthe characters we portray are not biographies of real people. I played the role of Ranjan Mishra, imagining how this particular character might have acted in such a situation. Its my interpretation.

Also Read: IC814 The Kandahar Hijack is not a documentary: Patrakekhaa

He further says, If todays generation wants more information about the event, they can turn to the reference material available on the subject. However, the basics (of the incident) cannot be changed, but much is included for dramatic effect even when adapting an autobiography for the screen.

Addressing social media discussions about not using the real names of the hijackers, portraying the terrorists in a humane light, and introducing a romantic angle, Mishra says, Why are certain things said on social media? We all know the reasons. As a performer, I can only speak about acting. However, I want to ask, why arent the thousands of people who are watching the series asking these questions? Why are only some on social media asking these questions? The people who are coming to me and appreciating the series arent asking me these questions."

Also Read: IC-814 The Kandahar Hijack director Anubhav Sinha on the controversy: I remained truthful with the script

He adds, "If someone wants to have a constructive discussion with me about why certain things are portrayed a certain way, I can have that conversation. But how can I discuss something that has no basis? If you watch the series properly, everything has been answered. Theres no question left unanswered by the makers. That being said, it was such a massive incident that even today, so many questions remain unresolved. And every incident has several interpretations of truthit depends on your perspective. If someone wants to manufacture the truth, they can. Everyone has their own view, just like in Akira Kurosawas Rashomon.

Commenting on the specific controversy about the code names, Mishra clarifies, The code names used in the series were the actual names used during the incident. There should be no controversy about this. But everyone is entitled to their opinion.

When asked whether the controversy has overshadowed the generally positive response to the series, Mishra responds: I dont think so. People who want to watch the series for its art and creativity will continue to do so. These discussions wont matter to them.
The Toronto International Film Festival is back, and it's serving up a tantalizing blend of cinematic delights and red-carpet glamour. With a lineup featuring highly anticipated films like Nightbitch, Queer, We Live in Time, and Without Blood, TIFF 2024 has captivated audiences worldwide. Best dressed celebrities at TIFF 2024, (Source: AP News)

But it's not just the movies that are stealing the show. The festival's red carpet has been a dazzling showcase of celebrity style, with A-listers like Angelina Jolie, Florence Pugh, Cate Blanchett, Lupita Nyong'o, and Sydney Sweeney turning heads with their impeccable ensembles.

One standout moment came from the legendary Cate Blanchett, who made a bold fashion statement at the premiere of "Disclaimer." Her outfit featured a unique and unexpected element: spoons! Yes, you heard that right. Here's a roundup of some of the best-dressed celebs we spotted on the TIFF red carpet









Florence Pugh

Cate Blanchett

Selena Gomez (Source: AP News)

Nathalie Emmanuel

Zoe Saldana

Angelina Jolie
Bollywood actor Ishaan Khatter says he loves being objectified. The actor was seen in a series of undressing shots that are unapologetically valiant in Dirty Magazine's shoot. Ishaan Khatter opened up about his mental health, his struggles in the industry and also about him being an emotional partner. 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, he said in an interview. Ishaan Khatter poses in just underwear for a magazine shoot.(Photos: Instagram/ishaankhatter)

In the shoot, Ishaan is seen being fearlessly himself, showcasing what lies underneath his exterior to the world. The black-and-white pictures showcase Ishaan posing in his underwear, which is as risky as daring. I don't worry too much about what people think. There's always a self-questioning, that's very important to me. I used to be hard on myself but I'm getting better at that, he mentioned.

Ishaan has debuted in Hollywood, playing the role of Shooter Davil, a mysterious character in the recently released Netflix series, The Perfect Couple. He is seen as the groom Benjis best man and childhood best friend from boarding school. For Ishaan, a good story is what matters the most, As far as stories go, to me it's more about the conviction of the storyteller; the tone could be anything, he added.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday announced five major guarantees if the Congress-National Conference (NC) alliance came to power in Jammu and Kashmir. One of the key promises is a health insurance scheme providing coverage of 25 lakh to every family in Jammu and Kashmir. Congresss president Mallikarjun Kharge said the Congress-NC government will give  3,000 monthly to the women heads of families. (HT File)

Speaking at a poll rally in Anantnag, Kharge also revisited a long-standing commitment from Congress, vowing to fulfil the promise of rehabilitating Kashmiri Pandit migrants.

"We will fulfil the promise of rehabilitating Kashmiri Pandit migrants made during Manmohan Singh's tenure," he said, reaffirming the alliance's intention to address the concerns of displaced communities.

Also Read | Independents are not real Jamaat: Mehbooba Mufti to voters ahead of J&K polls

Kharge promised a monthly benefit of 3,000 to women heads of families in Jammu and Kashmir, alongside an interest-free loan of 5 lakh to women.

Kharge read out the promises in the presence of National Conference president Farooq Abdullah and other senior Congress leaders, including K C Venugopal and Subodh Kant.

Taking aim at the BJP, Kharge accused the party of failing to deliver on its promises.

"BJP gives a lot of speeches but there is a lot of difference between action and words...no matter how much BJP tries, Congress and NC's alliance won't weaken. We have shown our strength in the Parliament...We will

Also Read | Afzal Gurus brother to contest J&K polls from Sopore

Kharge on BJP's employment promise

When asked about BJP's promise to employ 5 lakh youth in Jammu and Kashmir, Kharge said it was just a "jumla" or empty promises.

"They said the same thing about creating 2 crore jobs annually across the country, but 10 years have passed, and those jobs havent materialized," Kharge said.

Also Read | J&K polls: Jailed cleric now in fray from Ganderbal days after Zainpora rejection, Omar cries foul

He urged voters not to fall for what he described as BJP's "lies." "The BJP gives a lot of speeches, but there is a big difference between their words and actions. They promised 2 crore jobs, yet they couldn't even recruit 1 lakh people here. How will they now provide 5 lakh jobs?" he questioned, appealing to the people to support the Congress-NC alliance, which he said had always stood by the people since Independence.

The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections are scheduled to be held in three phases -- September 18, September 25 and October 1. The results will be announced on October 8.
Bengali actress Ritabhari Chakraborty met West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday to demand the formation of a state-level committee on the lines of Justice Hema Committee in Kerala to investigate allegations of sexual abuse within the Bengali film industry, news agency PTI reported. Ritabhari Chakraborty(Facebook)

Chakraborty has been demanding the formation of such a committee in West Bengal ever since the Hema Committee report revealed widespread sexual abuse in the Malayalam film industry.

Also read | Sexual harassment in Malayalam film industry: 6 shocking findings by Hema Committee

The reports of abuse are all too familiar to me and others I know. We have a responsibility to protect young actresses who enter the industry with dreams, only to face exploitation, she noted on the concerns of aspiring actresses.

In discussions with the chief minister, she proposed the creation of an unbiased committee consisting of five members", headed by a retired justice. She also proposed the inclusion of women from various professions such as doctors and lawyers. The aim of this proposed committee, she added, would be to investigate allegations of sexual harassment and produce a comprehensive report.

Also read | Khel Khel Mein actor Pragya Jaiswal reacts to the Hema Committee Report

Posting on Instagram, the actress said the chief minister listened to her on all issues affecting women in the Bengali film industry. "Yesterday, chief minister @mamata official responded to our request of creating a similar body like Hema Committee. My request for the body to not have any political name or film personalities was heard," she said in another post.

The actress claimed that her move was a step to cleanse the industry from "predators". While expressing optimism, she also emphasised the need for patience on these issues. Investigations take time, but we are hopeful for a resolution, she added.

Chakraborty clarified that she is not representing any political party on the issue, and she is standing only on behalf of women working in the industry.

The actress had been questioning why similar measures on the lines of Hema committee had not been adopted in Bengali cinema. She had described that such a committee would be the first step towards dismantling the system of exploitation.
Samajwadi Party (SP) president Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday attacked the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Uttar Pradesh over the police encounters amid the ongoing controversy over the death of Mangesh Yadav, an accused in a high-profile robbery case. Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav slammed the Uttar Pradesh government over the encounter killings. (HT FILE)

In a scathing post on social media platform X, Akhilesh Yadav accused the BJP of staging fake encounters and manipulating the justice system to target individuals, particularly based on caste.

"A pattern of encounters has been set in BJP rule," Yadav wrote, outlining what he described as a systematic method of orchestrating fake encounters.

He claimed that the ruling BJP first selects a target, creates a fabricated story, and later pressures the victim's family to remain silent. Yadav also accused the government of using media propaganda to support their narrative.

Akhilesh Yadav's remarks followed the killing of Mangesh Yadav, who was wanted in connection with a 1.5-crore daylight robbery at a jewellery store in Sultanpur in August. Mangesh Yadav, along with four others, had reportedly robbed the store in Thatheri Bazaar, and a reward of 1 lakh had been placed on his head.

Also Read | Rahul Gandhi targets PM Modi's Constitution gesture over Sultanpur encounter: Your govts tearing it to pieces

Police claim Mangesh Yadav was killed in a retaliatory firing during an encounter led by an STF team early Thursday morning in Sultanpur. According to Additional Director General (law and order) Amitabh Yash, the criminal was involved in multiple cases of loot, robbery, and theft across Jaunpur, Sultanpur, and Pratapgarh districts between 2021 and 2024.

However, Akhilesh Yadavs post insinuated that the encounter was staged to cover up police excesses and deflect attention from the real issues.

"The more the BJP with its forces tries to prove such encounters to be true, the bigger the lie that encounter actually is," Yadav said in his post.

Also Read | SP upset over dacoits encounter, says Yogi

He accused the BJP of shielding its top leaders by using second-tier politicians to defend these actions and leveraging media outlets for propaganda.

Then get your so-called big BJP leaders, who are experts in lying, to make irrational statements to justify such illegal encounters, the former chief minister said.

When public anger grows, conduct a formal, superficial investigation and bury the matter, he added.

What's the controversy?

Former IPS officer Amitabh Thakur had raised questions about the authenticity of the encounter, pointing to a photograph of a senior police officer wearing slippers during the incident. Thakur questioned how such footwear would enable the officer to engage in a high-speed chase, further fueling suspicions of a staged encounter.

A picture of DK Shahi has surfaced in which he is seen wearing slippers at the time of the alleged encounter of Mangesh Yadav. The design of the slippers is such that running, chasing etc is impossible in them, he said in a video statement.

Uttar Pradeshs director general of police, Prashant Kumar, dismissed these allegations, stating that the police operate impartially and do not engage in caste-based actions. "The police do not engage in such things... they are taking action impartially," Kumar said during a media interaction in Lucknow.

The Sultanpur encounter is the latest in a series of such incidents in Uttar Pradesh, where the police have intensified their crackdown on criminals. While the BJP government hails these encounters as a success in curbing crime, opposition parties have expressed concerns over the increasing number of extrajudicial killings.
The Kerala high court on Tuesday slammed the alarmingly lethargic response of the state government to the Justice Hema Committee report, which has sparked allegations of sexual abuse against prominent figures in the Malayalam film industry, and said the administration cannot remain a mute spectator to social and economic injustices meted out to women. The Kerala high court directed the government to hand over the report, including the redacted portions, of the committee to a special investigation committee (SIT) probing the sexual abuse allegations against male professionals in the Kerala film industry. (PTI)

A special bench of justices AK Jayasankaran Nambiar and CS Sudha observed that the report was submitted by the panel in 2019 but the state government did not even do the bare minimum of deciding if it agreed with its findings. It directed the government to hand over the report, including the redacted portions, of the committee to a special investigation committee (SIT) probing the sexual abuse allegations against male professionals in the Kerala film industry.

... the conduct of the state executive has been alarmingly lethargic. We are taken aback by the lack of action by the state government Although the report of the Justice Hema committee was submitted to the state government as early as on 31.12.2019, there was no action taken thereon for well over four years, and even thereafter, it took a litigation to spur the state into action, and that too only in respect of one of the many issues that were flagged by the Justice Hema committee, the bench said, while hearing a clutch of petitions pertaining to the report.

... we are of the view that the bare minimum that was expected of the government was to take a prompt decision as to whether or not it agreed with the findings of the committee. Apparently this was not done, it added.

In its landmark report on the working conditions of women movie professionals in Kerala, which was released on August 19, the Hema Committee said that women artistes and actors were routinely asked for sexual favours in exchange for opportunities, told to compromise, dealt with force exhibited by their male colleagues and threatened with bans if they attempted to sue. The committee report  originally 295 pages long  was cut short by 66 pages to redact the names and information of those who testified and others against whom allegations were made.

After the report was released, several women actors, including a Bengali actress, went public with allegations of sexual harassment against some of the well-known faces of Malayalam cinema, including director Ranjith and actors Siddique and Mukesh. On August 25, the Kerala government constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT), comprising top IPS officers, to probe the claims even as Siddique and Ranjith stepped down as general secretary of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) and chairman of Kerala Chalachitra Academy, a state-run institution, respectively. Top Malayalam actor Mohanlal also quit as AMMA president and the 17-member executive committee of the influential body also resigned en masse, taking moral responsibility.

Silence and inaction not being options available to the state government any more, we are of the definitive view that the state government must take immediate steps to address the various issues generally faced by women in our society, including those faced by women in connection with their respective vocations, the high court said.

It also reminded the state government that it cannot afford to remain a mute spectator to the social and economic injustice that is meted out to women in general.

The bench directed the state to hand over an unredacted copy of the report to SIT and sought a report, within two weeks, on the action taken by the administration so far.

It also asked SIT to be mindful of the sensitivities pertaining to the case and take note of legal provisions to protect the privacy rights of the survivors as well as against those whom allegations may have been made.

It cautioned the media from applying undue pressure on investigative agencies and asked it to exercise restraint while publishing information on the contents of the report.

Appearing for the state, advocate general K Gopalakrishna Kurup said he has the full text of the report in a sealed cover as per an earlier court order but the special bench asked him to keep it in safe custody till it is required for perusal at a later stage.

Senior CPI(M) leader and former minister AK Balan later said the Hema committee told the government not to release the report due to privacy concerns of those who testified before it.

Those who gave statements before the committee told it that it didnt want the report to be made public or their identities revealed. They do not desire to be associated with any criminal action that may be taken. The Hema committee submitted a letter to the government, citing these concerns. So, the legal hassles that prevented the government from acting on the report have now been removed, Balan told reporters.
An 11-year-old girl was attacked on Tuesday night by an animal, which locals claimed was a wolf, in Uttar Pradeshs Bahraich. Despite catching five wolves, the attacks on children remain unabated in the area. The attacks continue to happen and now the authorities believe that they could be looking for the wrong animal. (ANI photo)

Such incidents indicate that the UP forest departments effort to catch the animal responsible for such attacks hasnt yet yielded the required results.

In the past one month, the department has caught five wolves and said that the sixth wolf of the pack is responsible for the attack.

The attacks continue to happen and now the authorities believe that they could be looking for the wrong animal.

Animal experts have repeatedly attributed the attack to a wolf-dog hybrid who could be roaming around in villages unnoticed.

To differentiate a wolf-dog hybrid from a dog, who are close descendants of the wolves, is not easy. It appears no effort has been made to search for a wolf-dog hybrid, who could have mingled with the local dog population.

Also Read: Operation Bhediya: Five down, one to go

However, there is a reason to blame wolves for the attack.

For a wolf attack, there is government compensation whereas no money is provided for a wolf-dog or feral dog attack, according to government rules, unless the district authorities approves.

In 1996, the eastern UP districts of Pratapgarh, Sultanpur and Jaunpur reported a large number of deaths caused allegedly by wolves.

An investigation by Wildlife Institute scientists led by V Y Jhala and Dinesh Kumar Sharma showed that many of the deaths were not by wild animals and were claimed either to settle old enmity or get compensation.

Old enmities were also setlled and blame put on the Manai (werewolf), the authors note in the paper published in 1997.

In some cases where an animal attack was found, the authors had said that an individual animal was involved as the carcass was not strewn apart.

The remains were mostly intact and not strewn about, which meant a pack was not at work but a single animal, they wrote.

In at least six of the ten suspected wolf attacks in Bahraich, the carcass has been found to be intact, indicating that one animal was involved. Even though the forest department claimed that canine marks were found on the victims indicating presence of wolves, experts said canine of a wolf and a wolf-dog hybrid could be similar.

It is not yet known whether the forest department has done forensic analysis of the canine marks of the caught wolves with the marks found on the victims. Such an analysis could confirm whether the caught wolves were the real culprits or not.

There is little information shared by the UP government on the conclusion that a particular pack of wolves was involved.

Even though there is no clarity over the animal accused of killing ten peeople in Bahraich district, the villagers are living in fear and demanding installation of doors, construction of brick rooms and night vigil. Some villagers have even sent their children to their relatives home for safety.

The UP forest department, which had initiated Operation Bhediya to apprehend wolves allegedly responsible for attacks in 25-30 villages under Mahsi tehsil, has also installed cameras in Sikandarpur village around six caves, which local villagers claim to be the habitat of wolves.

The villages impacted are inhabited by poor people, as is the case of people living in and around most forests in India, who bear the maximum brunt of human-animal conflict.

For villagers of Bahraich, their poverty has become a reason for their fear, even as the forest department continues its chase for the animal.
Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech on Wednesday announced its collaboration with US-based Alopexx Inc for development and commercialisation of the latters broad-spectrum anti-microbial vaccine in India and other low-income countries, which experts feel could be a game-changer in tackling the growing anti-microbial resistance (AMR) threat. Alopexx would be entitled to a one-time upfront payment and milestone payments, as well as royalties on future. (Representative file photo)

As part of the collaboration, the companies will co-develop and commercialise the vaccine AV0328 in India and other licensed territories, said Bharat Biotech in a formal statement.

Our goal is to develop solutions to reduce anti-microbial resistance through vaccination. This collaboration aligns with our mission to provide safe, affordable, and high-quality vaccines to combat infectious diseases globally, said Krishna Ella, executive chairman, Bharat Biotech

Alopexx CEO, Daniel Vlock, said about the collaboration that it brings the company one step closer to addressing the critical need for affordable, broad-spectrum antimicrobial solutions, especially in low-and middle-income countries.

He further said that the support of Bharat Biotech is not only crucial for the advancement of AV0328 but will also significantly bolster their overall clinical programmes.

The broad and breakthrough potential of our platforms in treating a wide array of bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections represents a transformative approach to combating infectious diseases on a global scale, he said.

Also Read:ICMR distances itself from safety study on Covaxin

Alopexx would be entitled to a one-time upfront payment and milestone payments, as well as royalties on future sales of AV0328 in the licensed territories, it added.

According to the company statement, phase I, first-in-human trial, has been completed, demonstrating that AV0328 is well-tolerated with no serious adverse events observed.

AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites change over time and no longer respond to medicines making infections harder to treat and increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness and death. As a result, the medicines become ineffective and infections persist in the body, increasing the risk of spreading to others.

According to a paper published in The Lancet in May, if the world does not prioritise action on AMR now, there will be a steady increase in the global death toll  currently 4.95 million per year from infections linked to AMR  with young infants, elderly people, and people with chronic illnesses or requiring surgical procedures at the highest risk.

According to the paper, an estimated 7.7 million deaths globally are caused by bacterial infections  1 in 8 of all global deaths, each year, making bacterial infections the second largest cause of death globally.

Out of these bacterial infection deaths, almost 5 million are associated with bacteria which have developed resistance to antibiotics.

The paper added that a third of deaths in newborn babies globally are caused by infections and half of those to sepsis (a potentially lethal system-wide response to infection). Increasingly, the bacteria or fungi which cause these infections are no longer responding to most readily available antibiotics, for instance, in a study including 11 countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America between 2018-2020, 18% of babies with sepsis did not survive despite being given antibiotics.

According to WHO (World Health Organisation), the role of vaccines in combating antimicrobial resistance is going to be significant going forward.

Addressing antimicrobial resistance starts with preventing infections, vaccines are, therefore, an important tool in the fight against antimicrobial resistance.

A vaccine directly blocks the transmission of pathogens that cause infections. Decreasing this transmission decreases the number of infections and reduces the chance of a pathogen mutating to a drug-resistant form, read WHOs document on role of vaccines in combating antimicrobial resistance.

In addition, people protected by vaccines are less likely to get sick as often, which helps reduce the overall consumption of antibiotics. Since antibiotics are often inappropriately prescribed for viral infections, like colds and flu, vaccines against these viral infections could reduce inappropriate antibiotic use and help prevent AMR.

Overall, vaccines decrease the risk of both acquiring and transmitting resistant pathogens and help to reduce antibiotic use, added the UN health body.
Indias National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Wednesday urged BRICS nations to collaborate in addressing modern security challenges such as terrorism and digital threats, during a conclave of the national security advisors in Saint Petersburg, Russia. The BRICS NSAs also reviewed pressing security challenges facing the globe.(@IndEmbMoscow)

Doval, speaking at the BRICS (Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa) meeting, emphasized the need for coordinated action to tackle issues stemming from Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and growing concerns over terrorism.

He also called for reforms in multilateral institutions, suggesting that existing global structures are ill-equipped to handle the complex challenges of the modern era.

"The wide participation in the meeting today testifies to the fact that there is an urgent need to reform multilateralism if we are to restore credibility," he said.

The BRICS NSAs reviewed pressing global security concerns, including the rise of cyber threats and terrorism, and discussed potential strategies for joint action within the BRICS framework. Doval stressed that collective efforts were necessary to confront these issues and ensure global stability.

Doval's remarks came during the first session of the three-day conclave, which precedes the annual BRICS summit set to take place in Kazan, Russia, next month. The summit, scheduled for October 22-24, will be attended by leaders of the BRICS nations, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

On the sidelines of the meeting, Doval briefly interacted with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The two officials are expected to hold a bilateral meeting on Thursday to discuss India-China relations and other regional issues.

Russia is hosting the summit in Kazan from October 22 to 24.

With PTI inputs
A Border Security Force (BSF) personnel was injured in the Akhnoor area of Jammu on Wednesday when Pakistani troops engaged in unprovoked firing on Indian posts, violating a ceasefire agreement along the border. Security forces patrol near the Indo-Pak International border at Arnia Sector in Jammu(ANI File Photo)

The BSF personnel retaliated, but officials said that casualties on the Pakistani side were not immediately known.

On 11 Sept 2024 at about 02:35 AM, incident of unprovoked firing in Akhnoor area from across the border happened and which was befittingly responded by the BSF. One BSF personnel sustained injuries in Pak firing. Troops are on high alert, BSF said in a statement.

Ceasefire violations between the two countries have been rare since India and Pakistan renewed their ceasefire agreement on February 25, 2021.

A BSF jawan was killed last year in firing by Pakistan Rangers in the Ramgarh sector, marking the first loss of life on the Indian side in over three years.

The violation of the ceasefire agreement comes days before the first phase of the three-phase assembly elections, scheduled for September 18. The second phase will be held on September 25, followed by the third phase on October 1.

The Union government has mobilised paramilitary forces ahead of the first assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir in a decade, especially against the backdrop of a spurt in terror attacks in the hilly and rugged Jammu region since June.

As many as 60 to 80 terrorists are believed to have infiltrated the Jammu region in March-April this year. Pakistan has sought to push more terrorists prompting security forces to go all out in counter-insurgency operations.

BSF director general Daljit Singh visited the Jammu border on August 22 for a security review. The Union government has retained around 450 companies of paramilitary forces sent to Jammu and Kashmir for the annual Amarnath Yatra. Nearly 450 additional companies have been sent for poll duty.

With PTI inputs
The Border Security Force (BSF) on Wednesday said a trooper of the border guarding force was injured in firing from the Pakistani side along the India-Pakistan border in Jammu and Kashmirs Akhnoor, prompting a response. BSF said its troops were on high alert. (HT PHOTO/Representative)

On September 11 [Wednesday], at about 02:35 AM, there was an incident of unprovoked firing in [the] Akhnoor area from across the border, which was befittingly responded by the BSF One BSF personnel sustained injuries in Pak firing. Our troops are on high alert, the BSF said in a statement.

Pakistan violated the ceasefire agreement along the border at least four times last year. A BSF trooper was killed in one such firing last year.

India and Pakistan reached an agreement to enforce the 2003 ceasefire deal after a meeting between the Directors General of Military Operations in February 2021. There were 72 cross-border firing incidents at the international border and Line of Control before the two sides agreed to enforce the ceasefire.

At least 5,133 incidents of ceasefire violations  the highest since 2003  were reported in 2020. In 2019, 3,479 violations were logged as the government nullified Constitutions Article 370 to strip Jammu and Kashmir of its semi-autonomous status.
Internet services were on Tuesday snapped in five districts of Manipur and strict prohibitory orders were imposed in three districts as protesters as security forces clashed across the strife-torn state, where violence has ratcheted up and shattered the fragile calm over the past 10 days. Paramilitary and police personnel stand guard during a student protest demanding the removal of the Manipur Director General of Police (DGP) and security advisor after the recent violence in different areas and districts, in Imphal on Tuesday. (ANI)

Data services, including cellular and broadband, will be cut off in five districts till Saturday, the state home department said in an order, even as the administrations of Imphal East, Imphal West and Thoubal imposed indefinite curfews after agitations in the districts turned violent.

The law-and-order downturn also prompted the state government to order schools and colleges to stay shut till Thursday.

Thousands of students took part in agitations throughout Manipur, with much of the protests focussed in the capital Imphal, where 40 people were injured when they faced-off with security forces while marching towards Raj Bhavan, demanding the dismissal of the director general of police and security adviser over the recent spate of drone and missile attacks.

Police officers pinned the violence on misinformation, and said the protesters pelted them with stones and marble balls, forcing them to fire tear gas and charge the crowds. Protesters, however, said they threw stones because police injured peaceful protesters and stopped them from meeting the governor.

Some miscreants on social media circulated fake news that a woman protester died in firing during the protest The violence was also exacerbated by another piece of fake news that a student was killed. We later came to know that a protester, possibly a student, fell off the flyover. He was injured, said an officer of the Rapid Action Force (RAF).

Clashes in the conflict-ridden state have dialled up significantly this month, with militants turning to modern weaponry like drones and rockets, adding a fresh layer of violence to the ongoing use of rifles and grenades.

Ten people have died since September 1, of whom one was killed in a drone attack and another by a rocket. A former army soldier was also stabbed and beaten to death.

The Centre has formed a committee of top officers from the police, army and paramilitary forces to examine the use of explosive-bearing drones. The committee is now preparing a report that it will submit by September 13.

However, protesters have since then made a string of demands, arguing that the security apparatus positioned in the state has failed to placate tensions and weed out militants. Several people, including the Bharatiya Janata Party chief minister N Biren Singh, have demanded that the unified command, a group of 12 senior security officials, be disbanded and the states security be handed back to the local administration.

The unified command, from various government agencies, was formally formed on May 31, 2023 to restore normalcy in the state, formulate counter-insurgency strategies, maintain law and order, and ensure the safety of communities in Manipur, where Kuki groups have accused the state police of siding with the Meiteis. Retired Indian Police Services (IP) officer Kuldiep Singh, appointed by the Centre, heads the unified command.

On Tuesday, thousands of students in uniform thronged streets across the besieged state, calling for an end to violence. Protesters said they were not affiliated with a political group and were leaderless.

Students are fed up with the governments handling of the situation. Our college is shut but we still came in our uniforms because we want everyone to see how the government has failed in Manipur. We want action by the Centre and the state government on the ground, said one protester in Imphal.

However, as agitators tried to march from various parts of Imphal towards the governors official residence, security forces near the iconic Kangla Fort fired teargas shells to stop them in their tracks.

Between 2pm and 6pm, at the road connecting Ima Market with the Kangla Fort, around 100m away from Raj Bhavan, forces repeatedly lobbed teargas shells to stop protesters from moving ahead.

A student from a prominent engineering college said, Look at the bruises on my hand. Police are firing at us. My friend fell off the flyover because police were firing at us. Why are they attacking students? All students wanted is to go to the Raj Bhavan and seek answers.

Ethnic violence has crippled the state of around 2.85 million for 16 months now, with 235 people killed, thousands injured and hundreds of thousands displaced in that time. What began as an ethnic conflict between the majority Meiteis and the tribal Kukis has grown into seemingly irreconcilable cleavages within Manipuri society. People from the majority Meitei community, which dominates regions in and around the Imphal valley, have accused the tribal Kukis, who dot the hills, of being behind the surge in violence.

Kuki militants are dropping bombs from the hills and the sky using drones. Meiteis are no longer safe. This government has failed to protect us. These protests will continue until the government arrests the people who dropped bombs and rockets on our people, one protester said on Tuesday.

Kuki Inpi Manipur, an apex body of Kukis in the state, in a statement on Tuesday dismissed Manipur polices statements that drones were used to drop explosives. Contrary to the assertions, the Kukis have not employed drone bombs at any time. In fact it was the Meiteis who first deployed drone bombs during their attack on T Lailopjhai village on February 20, 2024.

Manipur governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya made an appeal for calm amid the violence.

It has been seen that the state for the last few months has been in turmoil...Peace and peoples cooperation are the only means which bring societal development, said a statement issued by Raj Bhavan.

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, adding that violence is not the solution to any problem, everyone will have to contribute and find ways to overcome this problem.

The Manipur Police also held a press conference in Imphal on Tuesday urging students and other protesters not to indulge in violent protests. They warned of action against misleading and false information being spread on social media by some vested interests.

Around 6pm, 10 students accompanied by social activist Rohan Philem were allowed inside Raj Bhavan. Though the Raj Bhavan is yet to issue a statement, Philem said the group had submitted a memorandum representing all students involved in Tuesdays protest.

The governors response was positive, but he said it will take some time to incorporate the changes. Among the six demands we made were handing unified command to the CM, removal of the DGP and security advisor, removal of Assam Rifles and calling all 50 MLAs, barring the 10 Kukis ones, to the House and understanding their views on the crisis in Manipur. All students have agreed to continue the strike, said Philem.
A division bench of the Delhi high court on Wednesday upheld a single judges order directing the budget airline SpiceJet to ground three engines and return them to the lessorTeam France 01 SAS and Sunbird France 02 SAS. SpiceJet approached a high court division bench against the August 14 order directing the grounding of three engines. (AFP/Representative)

We are not inclined to interfere with the order. The appeals are not entertained. The impugned directions have not been interfered with by us, a bench of justices Rajiv Shakdher and Amit Bansal said.

SpiceJet approached the division bench against the August 14 order directing the grounding of three engines and returning to the lessor with effect from August 16. The single judge ruled that the airline was a defaulter and had no legal and contractual right to continue using the engines.

In his 21-page order, Justice Manmeet PS Arora said SpiceJet had been extremely erratic in making payments to the lessors for its admitted dues and thus directed the airline to redeliver the engines within 15 days from the date of the order. Justice Arora directed the airline to offer prior inspection of the engines to lessors through an authorised representative at the Delhi airport within seven days.

This Court is of the considered opinion that the defendant has been extremely erratic in making payments to the plaintiff for its admitted dues. In fact, a perusal of the intermittent payments made by the defendant after 29.05.2024 shows that effectively the defendant has only made payments towards the concurrent usage charges for three (3) Engines and the original outstanding has still not been liquidated, Justice Arora said.

The August 14 order was passed after the lessor sought to restrain the airline from operating three engines and an order to grounding them, saying the airline had paid $8.36 million, and the outstanding as of date was $9.41 million.
Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, who was touring the United States, made several critical remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government over the past few days. However, one key foreign policy sector in which he backed the government's approach was the India-United States bilateral relations. LoP in Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi during an interaction with the media at the National Press Club, in Washington DC.(PTI)

Responding to a question on the India-US relationship during a press interaction in the country, Rahul Gandhi said he doesn't see a "big diversion" in PM Modi's policies regarding the United States.

"I don't see a big diversion. I don't see Modi has been diverting very much from our approach with the US. I don't see ourselves changing direction very much from what he's doing. So, I see continuity there, he said.

"I think...everybody does accept the fact that the India-US relationship is key for both countries, he added.

Rahul Gandhi also backed the government on its approach towards Pakistan. He said until Pakistan stopped terrorism, "there's going to be problems between us".

"Pakistan's instigation of terrorism in our country is holding the two countries back. We are not going to accept Pakistan carrying out terror acts in our country. We're just not going to accept it. And until they keep doing that, there's going to be problems between us," Rahul Gandhi said.

He said "No" when asked if the Kashmir issue is keeping the two South Asian nations away from a bilateral dialogue.

Rahul Gandhi, however, was critical of PM Modis handling of China.

"We've got Chinese troops occupying land the size of Delhi in Ladakh. I think that's a disaster. Media doesn't like to write about it, he said.

How would America react if a neighbour occupied 4,000 square kilometres of your territory? Would any president be able to get away with saying that he's handled that well? So, I don't think Modi's handled China well. I think there's no reason Chinese troops should be sitting in our territory, Gandhi said.

Rahul Gandhi's four-day US trip ended on Tuesday.

With inputs from PTI, ANI
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) was looking into at least seven properties of Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of Kolkatas RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, and his wife, suspected to be purchased out of proceeds of crime. Former RG Kar Medical College and Hospital's principal Sandip Ghosh being taken to court. (ANI)

The federal agency, which is probing the alleged financial irregularities at the hospital that has been in the news since a doctor was raped and murdered there last month, found documents related to these properties as it searched the residences of Ghosh and some of his relatives and associates last week at multiple places including Kolkata.

During the search operations, documents related to properties; one flat in Murshidabad, three flats in Kolkata, two houses in Kolkata, acquired by Ghosh and his wife Sangeeta, along with documents relating to a farmhouse they own them were found, the ED said in a statement. ...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.

It said Sangeeta Ghosh, who was posted as an assistant professor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital during Sandip Ghoshs term as the principal, purchased two immovable properties without approval from the state government. The agency added that she was granted a post facto approval in 2021.

Sangeeta Ghosh maintained her husband had not done anything wrong. These are all wild allegations against him. Please do not make a person villain before he is pronounced guilty, Sangita Ghosh said last week when their residence was being searched.

Sandip Ghosh is accused of illegally using dead bodies for research, selling biomedical waste, and favouring some firms without floating valid tenders.

The Calcutta high court on August 23 directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to probe into the alleged financial scam at the RG Kar College and Hospital during Ghoshs three-year tenure as the principal.

The CBI lodged a case against Ghosh and three firms a day later. It arrested Ghosh, his bodyguard, and two vendors this month after nearly 15 days of questioning. The CBI conducted a polygraph test on Ghosh as well.

The ED last month booked Ghosh under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
Any falsehood by lawyers or litigants trying to take undue advantage of the courts sympathy in matters of grant of remission will not be tolerated, the Supreme Court asserted on Tuesday as it dismissed a case where false statements were made by three petitioners to seek remission. Pointing to the large volume of cases confronting the courts, the bench said that judges in the apex court often rely on statements made by lawyers in the petition to grant relief, but such instances have shaken its faith in the system and made it difficult for the judges to trust members of the bar. (ANI)

Pointing to the large volume of cases confronting the courts, a bench headed by justice AS Oka said that judges in the apex court often rely on statements made by lawyers in the petition to grant relief, but such instances have shaken its faith in the system and made it difficult for the judges to trust members of the bar.

The system works on faith and when we come across such cases, our faith is shaken, the bench, also comprising justice Augustine George Masih, remarked.

The court dismissed the petition filed by three life convicts who lied that they had completed 14 years of actual sentence on the date of filing the plea on July 15.

During the past two weeks, seven cases came to light where blatantly false statements were made in petitions before the court, the bench said. Undue advantage is being taken of the sympathy of this court...It cant be an accident that in seven matters, there is blatant false statements made before this court.

Senior advocate Rishi Malhotra, who had filed the plea, appeared before the court and apologised, saying he will be careful in future.

You are careful now when we have caught you... We find it difficult now to trust the members of the bar. Rather, we should ourselves read through every page of the file, the bench blasted at the lawyer. We have been lenient with you. In the 6-7 matters that we have cited, find out in how many matters have you appeared.

The court was inclined to impose exemplary cost in the matter. However, we cannot penalise the petitioner for the mistakes committed by their lawyers, it added.
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. External affairs minister S Jaishankar with his German counterpart Annalena Baerbock in Berlin on Tuesday. (PTI)

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.

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.

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.
The Union government may soon announce a social safety net for the countrys estimated 7.7 million gig economy workers, people familiar with the thinking in the highest echelons of government said, with aggregators likely to be asked to pay 1-2% of their revenue to create a social security fund that can provide health insurance and other benefits to the workers. the scheme is in line with the Social Security Code passed by Parliament in 2020 but which hasnt been implemented yet. (REUTERS)

The plan, HT learns, may be unveiled on September 17, when the third Narendra Modi government completes 100 days of its term. The day also coincides with the Prime Ministers 74th birthday.

Given all talk of the 100-day plan before and soon after the national elections this summer, it is no surprise that all ministries are keen to showcase their achievements, and suggest special 100-day schemes.

Among those pitches lying with the Prime Ministers Office (PMO), HT learns, is the blueprint of a social security plan for gig workers. Union labour minister Mansukh Mandaviya is understood to have met with officials on September 7 to put final touches to the plan.

We have one final meeting with the platforms and aggregators that remains to be done. Otherwise, we are ready with our plan to be sent to the cabinet, said one of the people, a senior government official who asked not to be named.

While the details are still mostly unknown, the scheme is in line with the Social Security Code passed by Parliament in 2020 but which hasnt been implemented yet because the rules are yet to be framed by all states. Four labour codes passed during 2019-2020 consolidated 29 labour laws to boost jobs and extend ease of doing business.

We have already asked all the big aggregators to register with e-Shram, the national database of informal workers. The outlay for this hasnt been worked out yet because it will be from the fund that the aggregators create, said the official cited above.

Zomato, one of the largest gig economy companies in the country, did not respond immediately to a request for comment. Neither did Amazaon, Uber or Urban company when contacted by HT.

This newspaper reported on September 1 that the labour ministry was working on a social security plan for gig workers, quoting Mandaviya, who did not share further details. The minister, however, said the government was going to launch an online window for gig platforms to help enrol workers on the e-Shram portal, a state-run database of informal workers.

Workers registered on the portal, currently numbering around 300 million, qualify for federal social welfare schemes, such as free ration at their place of work and publicly funded social insurance.

States have already had a very positive reaction to this scheme. The only state which raised some concerns was West Bengal but it was of a technical nature and we will work it out, said the official cited above.

The government has also planned to meet with trade unions to ensure that their concerns are also taken on board. The welfare of gig workers is a major concern internationally. It was also a major part of the Brics meeting on international labour initiatives, said the official.

Some states already have laws or are working on ones for gig workers although their enforcement is patchy.

On July 24, 2023, Rajasthan passed the Rajasthan Platform-Based Gig Workers (Registration and Welfare) Act, becoming the first state to regulate gig work. In Rajasthan, there are still issues about contribution of aggregators towards social security, said Rikta Krishnaswamy, the Delhi-NCR coordinator for the All-India Gig Workers Union.

On June 29 this year, the Karnataka government published a draft of the Karnataka Platform-based Gig Workers (Social Security and Welfare) Bill to regulate social security benefits of gig wage earners.

The issue is also one that the opposition and especially the Congress Party has been highlighting frequently. Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, in the last few weeks, has met Uber drivers to get their inputs for legislation aimed at gig wage earners in Congress-ruled states.

I wanted to meet you so that I know what kind of laws we need. We are bringing this in Telengana and Karnataka, Rahul Gandhi tells one Uber driver in a recent video.

The government however is clear that it is not a political issue, but a policy initiative that is the need of the hour.

Any social benefits are welcome, but we have not been consulted yet, said Sunand, who goes by one name, who is associated with the All-India Gig Workers Union and is a leader of the Centre for Indian Trade Unions.

Sunand said the main concerns, aside from social security, are the legal definition of employee-employer relationships in the gig sector, wages and working hours, which he said arent addressed by the labour codes.

Globally, gig platforms tend to not view themselves as traditional employers. These app-driven service providers describe workers as partners, which then has implications for what kind of labour regulations they are required to follow.

Even existing laws and legal frameworks, say like the Delhi Shops and Establishment Act, have enough provisions to provide protection needed for gig workers. They key thing is to understand the nature of gig work, said Krishnaswamy.

Labour falls in the Concurrent List of the Constitution, meaning both the Centre and states have jurisdiction over the sector. Indias gig economy is rapidly expanding but most workers are undocumented and not covered by any welfare programme.

According to the Economic Survey 2023-24, the gig workforce in Asias third-largest economy will reach 23.5 million workers by 2029-39, roughly three times the estimated 7.7 million workers in 2020-21.
The ruling BJP late Wednesday released its third and final list of candidates for the Haryana polls as it denied ticket to its senior leader Ram Bilas Sharma from Mahendragarh. BJP has fielded Kanwar Singh Yadav from Mahendragarh. (Pic used for representation)

According to the party list, BJP has fielded Kanwar Singh Yadav from Mahendragarh, even as Sharma, sensing that the party may deny him a ticket, filed his nomination papers from the constituency earlier in the day.

From Sirsa, the party has fielded Rohtash Jangra while from Faridabad NIT, the BJP has named Satish Fagna as its candidate.

Sirsa is currently represented by BJP's ally Gopal Kanda, who heads the Haryana Lokhit Party.

With this, the BJP has named candidates for all the 90 assembly seats.

Sharma is a prominent Brahmin face of the party, who was also a Minister in the government headed by M L Khattar between 2014 and 2019. However, Sharma lost the 2019 Assembly polls. He has also served as the BJP's Haryana unit president.

The BJP has denied tickets to a few of its sitting MLAs, including a couple of ministers.

Amid deepening schisms within the ruling BJP in Haryana over poll ticket distribution, party leader Karan Dev Kamboj on Wednesday indicated that the rebellion could have been prevented if Chief Minister Nayab Saini had a "say" in the allocation process.

The BJP on Tuesday released its second list of candidates for the polls, denying tickets to two ministers and replacing its nominee for the Pehowa seat.

In its first list of candidates announced on September 4, the BJP nominated Kamaljeet Singh Ajrana for the Pehowa seat but replaced him with Jai Bhagwan Sharma in the second list.

Incumbent MLA of Pehowa and former minister Sandeep Singh has been denied re-nomination.

The BJP also denied a ticket to Minister Banwari Lal, who represented Bawal in the outgoing Assembly, and fielded Krishna Kumar in his place.

School Education Minister Seema Trikha, the incumbent MLA of Badhkal, too was denied re-nomination. Dhanesh Adlakha has been nominated for the seat.

The BJP released its first list of 67 candidates for the 90-member Assembly on September 4, fielding Haryana chief minister Saini from the Ladwa seat and rewarding several recent entrants to the party with poll tickets.

Shruti Choudhry, the grand-daughter of former chief minister Bansi Lal, who joined the ruling party recently, is contesting from the Tosham.

After the BJP announced its first list of 67 candidates, it faced rebellion within its ranks with Minister Ranjit Singh Chautala and MLA Lakshman Dass Napa quitting the party after being denied a ticket.

A few other aspirants who were also denied tickets had raised a banner of revolt.

The BJP is aiming for a hattrick in the Haryana Assembly polls to be held on October 5 but faces a tough challenge from a resurgent Congress which is looking to cash in on the anti-incumbency factor.

Saini is the BJP's chief ministerial face for the assembly polls. The counting of votes will take place on October 8.
The Union Cabinet has approved health coverage of 5 lakh for all senior citizens aged 70 and above, regardless of their income, under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY). Union minister of information and broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw announced health insurance for all citizens above 70 under Ayushman Bharat.(File/PTI)

The decision taken by Cabinet under PM Narendra Modi is set to benefit 4.5 crore families across the country, Union minister of information and broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Wednesday.

All senior citizens of the age 70 years and above irrespective of their socio- economic status would be eligible to avail the benefits of AB PM-JAY, a government release said.

ALSO READ- Kolkata rape-murder case: Agitating doctors demand live telecast of meeting with Mamata Banerjee

How to avail government's free health insurance?

 Senior citizens aged 70 and above will receive a distinct card under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) for healthcare coverage.

 Those already covered under AB PM-JAY will get an additional top-up of 5 lakh per annum specifically for senior citizens in their families.

 Senior citizens already benefiting from other public health insurance schemes can either continue with their current plan or opt for coverage under AB PM-JAY.

ALSO READ- Chandigarh on alert after suspected grenade blast, suspects flee in autorickshaw

What is Ayushman Bharat scheme?

 Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana is the world's largest publicly funded health assurance scheme, the statement said.

 It provides health coverage of 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalizations.

 The scheme covers 55 crore people from 12.34 crore families, regardless of the age of family members.

ALSO READ- Kharge's jail warning in J&K speech prompts Emergency barb from BJP

 7.37 crore hospital admissions have been covered under the scheme, with 49 per cent of beneficiaries being women, the government statement said.

 So far, the public has benefited by more than 1 lakh crore through this healthcare initiative.
A woman flying officer of the Indian Air Force has alleged that she was sexually assaulted by a wing commander, who is posted at Air Force Station, Srinagar. The 26-year-old woman officer alleged that she was subjected to continuous harassment, sexual assault, and mental torture. (Photo for representational purpose only)

An FIR, a copy of which HT has seen, was registered at Budgam police station against the wing commander following a complaint accusing him of rape. The 26-year-old woman officer alleged that she was subjected to continuous harassment, sexual assault, and mental torture.

The IAF said it is cooperating with the police, news agency PTI reported. Both the Indian Air Force (IAF) officers are currently stationed in Srinagar.

A day after the complaint by the woman officer, the FIR under Section 376(2) of the IPC was filed at Budgam police station in central Kashmir on Sunday.

What IAF woman flying officer alleged:
New Delhi: Depriving a person of their liberty, even for a single day, is a day too many, the Supreme Court said on Wednesday, as it ordered the immediate release of a man who had been granted bail but was required by the Patna high court to spend six months in custody before he could be let out. A bench, led by justice Surya Kant, set aside the Patna high courts condition, asserting that personal liberty should be upheld without undue delay.

A bench, led by justice Surya Kant, set aside the Patna high courts condition, asserting that personal liberty should be upheld without undue delay while adding that the process of justice should not turn into punishment.

In matters of liberty, even one day delay is a day too many... One cannot be deprived of liberty even for a single day. The process should not become punishment. Its a matter of personal liberty and constitutional right, observed the bench, also comprising justices Dipankar Datta and Ujjal Bhuyan.

Taking a grim view of the high courts order that required the man, accused in a prohibition case, to spend six months in jail before being allowed to furnish a bail bond, the bench quashed this condition and directed his immediate release.

In the facts of the case, we set aside the Patna high court direction that he can furnish bail bond after spending six months behind bars. He must be set at liberty forthwith, the bench ordered.

The court further mandated that the accused shall cooperate with the trial process, appear before the trial court on all scheduled dates, and ensure there is no delay in the proceedings. Given that the accused had previous criminal cases, the bench remarked that any further infractions would be taken seriously and could lead to adverse consequences.

With this order, the Supreme Court has once again underscored the critical need to maintain a balance between ensuring a fair trial and avoiding undue punishment through prolonged legal proceedings.

In a series of recent judgments, the top court has reaffirmed the principle that bail should be the norm, with jail being an exception, even in cases involving stringent laws like the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, or UAPA, and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The apex court has also urged lower courts to exercise caution when staying bail orders, highlighting the importance of upholding personal liberty.

On Monday, the Supreme Court ruled in a landmark judgment that a person already in custody for one offence can still seek anticipatory bail for a different offence, asserting that the right to personal liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution must be safeguarded unless specifically restricted by law. In another order on the same day, the court underscored that an accused is entitled to a fair and speedy trial, as guaranteed by Article 21, and that the legal process should not be allowed to turn into a form of punishment.

The present case stemmed from an order passed by the Patna high court on July 25, 2024, in which the court granted Vikash Kumar Gupta bail but with the caveat that he could only furnish his bail bond after completing six months of imprisonment.

Gupta was booked under the Bihar Prohibition and Excise Amendment Act, 2016. The prosecution claimed that 231.6 liters of countrymade and foreign liquor were recovered from three motorcycles, one of which was being driven by Gupta at the time of the recovery. But Gupta, who had been in custody since June 14, maintained his innocence, contending that he was falsely implicated.

The Supreme Courts order on Wednesday underscores a broader principle of law -- that bail conditions should not be so onerous that they effectively become punitive. While the top court acknowledged that the petitioner had previous run-ins with the law, it stressed that this could not justify a bail condition that extended his deprivation of liberty unnecessarily.
Rahul Gandhi in US news: Rahul Gandhi of the Congress has once again raked up the India-China border issue, alleging that Prime Minister Narendra Modi didn't handle China well. Congress MP Rahul Gandhi during an interaction with students at Georgetown University, Washington DC, USA on Tuesday.(PTI)

Speaking at the National Press Club in Washington DC in the US, on Tuesday (local time), Rahul Gandhi said, If you call having Chinese troops in 4,000 square kilometres of our territory handling something well, then maybe we have got Chinese troops occupying land the size of Delhi in Ladakh. I think that's a disaster."

Alleging that the media doesnt like to write about the development, Rahul Gandhi added, How would America react if a neighbour occupied 4000 square kilometres of your territory? Would any president be able to get away with saying that he's handled that well? So I don't think PM Modi handled China well at all. I think there's no reason Chinese troops should be sitting in our territory.

Watch the video here:

Making a similar allegation last year, the Congress leader had accused Prime Minister Modi of lying to the Opposition over the India-China border situation in Ladakh while reiterating China has snatched Indian territory.

Also Read | Pakistan instigating terrorism in India, not acceptable to us: Rahul Gandhi

China has taken Indian land...thousands of square km...and ironically Indian Prime Minister said at a meeting with the Opposition that not an inch of Indian land was taken, Rahul Gandhi had said at a rally in Kargil on the last day of his nine-day visit to Ladakh.

Gandhis reference was to Modis comments in June 2020 at an all-party meeting following the killing of 20 Indian Army soldiers in a clash with Chinas Peoples Liberation Army in Ladakhs Galwan Valley. Modi told leaders of political parties that neither has anyone entered nor is anyone present in Indian territory and nor was any Indian post captured.

Also Read | '3,000 Sikhs were killed under Congress rule...dangerous narrative': Minister slams Rahul Gandhi's remarks in US

Rahul Gandhi promotes China, undermines India: BJP

On Sunday, Rahul Gandhi said 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. He underscored the need to focus on manufacturing during an interaction with students at the University of Texas in Dallas.

The former Congress president also said there is no shortage of skills in India and the country could compete with China if it starts aligning itself for production.

Hitting back, Bharatiya Janata Party national spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari said the world is aware of the roaring unemployment crisis in the youth in China. "Does the secret MOU make him deliberately insult India and glorify China?" Pradeep Bhandari said while referring to the grand old party's 2008 pact with the Communist Party of China (CPC) to put in place a mechanism that would help regular high-level exchanges between them.

Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday accused the Congress leader of promoting Beijing and undermining India.

Rahul Gandhi promotes China in various ways. Undermining India, he tries to project China as the best nation. But, there is no democracy and no religious freedom for people in China. But, Gandhi doesn't talk about them, Sarma told reporters at the Birsa Munda Airport in Ranchi.

Huge increase in China's power: Rahul Gandhi

Speaking at the event on Tuesday, Gandhi said the world is changing. There's a huge increase in China's power.

China is our neighbour. We have a relationship with the United States. So, we are right in the middle of all this geopolitical change. We need a long-term strategic vision; it shouldnt be just one tactical move after another. It should be, OK, this is how we are thinking about it for the long term. This is the basic foundation, and were going to follow this path, he said.

From our perspective, the central elements of that vision must be democratic ideaspeace, nonviolence, cooperation, and harmonyvalues our freedom fighters like Mahatma Gandhi fought for. However, to do this properly, you need a very good sense of who you are and what your own nature is. Thats where I dont agree with the current dispensation. When you imagine yourself to be something you are not, thats when problems arise. India is a very plural country, an open country. India is not just one idea; India is multiple ideas. When you imagine yourself to be something youre not, thats when all your strategic problems begin, Rahul Gandhi said.
Ukraine is looking to India to moderate dialogue with Russia since New Delhi can use its position on the global stage to convince Moscow of the need to join peace talks, Ukrainian ambassador Oleksandr Polishchuk said on Wednesday. Polishchuk said Zelenskyy appreciated Indias participation in meetings on Ukraines peace formula (HT sourced photo)

The Ukrainian side expects India to share responsibility on global issues as part of its efforts to secure a seat at the United Nations Security Council and the Indian side should frame a concrete plan for diplomacy and dialogue, Polishchuk said in an interview.

His remarks came in the wake of Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to Ukraine last month for talks with President Volodymyr Zelensky, and Russian President Vladimir Putin and Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni calling on India and China to play a role in resolving the conflict.

Maybe India can play the role of a courier to deliver messages, but this isnt what we expected from India. We expected moderation of the dialogue with Russia, we need those who can moderate negotiations, Polishchuk said.

If the only way ahead is diplomacy and dialogue, India cant be just a post box. India should use its position and relations with Russia to convince Moscow of the need to take part in peace talks.

He added, Aiming for the seat [in a reformed UN Security Council] just to protect its national interests would be a low target. Of course, Ukraine supports Indias bid for UN Security Council membership.

Amid the renewed push for peace talks, external affairs minister S Jaishankar said on Tuesday that India believes Russias participation is essential to take forward negotiations to end the conflict, and New Delhi is willing offer its advice to both countries.

Also Read: Indian PMs visit will open new window of opportunities: Ukraine envoy to HT

Polishchuk said National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Dovals visit to Russia and Jaishankars meeting with Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov are a great chance for India to share its experiences from the visit to Kyiv. The meeting between Modi and Zelensky was planned for 40 minutes but went on for three hours and the two sides had open and frank discussions, he said.

Modi discussed his meeting with Putin in July and shared his observations and conclusions with Zelensky.

Polishchuk said while Zelenskyy appreciated Indias participation in meetings on Ukraines peace formula and the peace summit in Switzerland, he proposed the holding of the second peace summit in India with the precondition that India join the communique from the first summit. Zelenskyy requested India to hold the second summit before November 2024.

He hoped the office of Indias NSA and the external affairs ministry can make concrete proposals for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. If India is participating in discussions and meetings, it should have its own position, he said, expressing hope India will have a concrete plan for diplomacy and dialogue.

Polishchuk welcomed an India NGOs involvement in humanitarian demining operations in Ukraine and New Delhis offer to fund community projects. Indias Horizon Group has set up an office in Kyiv and is awaiting certification to start the humanitarian demining project. This is a good and positive move, he said, pointing to demining work done in Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Cambodia and Kuwait by the NGO founded by senior retired Indian Army officers.

Ukraine looks forward to taking up Indias offer on high impact community development projects. There was a green light from India for private firms to come to Ukraine for rebuilding and reconstruction, he added.

With Russia increasingly targeting power distribution facilities, including one close to Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, and hydropower facilities as winter approaches, Ukraine is looking to India for generators and transformers in case the need arises, since equipment made by BHEL was developed with Ukrainian technology, Polishchuk said.
India will join the Financial Action Task Forces (FATF) exclusive club of top performers on September 19, surpassing the US, China, Germany, Japan, and Canada for maintaining higher standards in curbing money laundering and terror financing even as New Delhi leads a global initiative to bring greater transparency in online transactions and credit card payments, officials said on Tuesday. FATFs mutual evaluation conducted in 2023-24 placed India in the top category of regular follow-up. (AP)

The comprehensive report on Indias performance in curbing financial crimes gave the thumbs-up on 37 of 40 stringent evaluation parameters, a feat achieved by just three members of the G20  the United Kingdom, France, and Italy, said the officials who did not wish to be named.

Officials said FATFs mutual evaluation conducted in 2023-24 placed India in the top category of regular follow-up which allows India to meet the other three remaining parameters voluntarily but for the countries that fall in the next category of enhanced follow-up such as the US, China and Germany, meeting all shortcomings are mandatory.

According to FATF, such countries have to report back every year on the progress achieved or face action. They are, however, better off than the countries in the grey list where an action plan is given with monitoring of their implementations in every four months. If countries on the gray list fail to show any progress then they are pushed to black-list and subjected to counter-measures for example Myanmar. Countries that do not participate in FATFs mutual evaluation process  for example, Iran and North Korea  are also black-listed.

The advantages of being in the top category (regular follow-up) are immense for India, the officials said. Countries in regular follow-up report back once in three years, which is voluntary. It improves the credibility and reputation of India as a financially stable and secure nation, making it more attractive for investments, an official said.

Besides that it improves cooperation with other countries in areas like countering terrorist financing, asset recovery, and law enforcement; increases access to international markets and lowers borrowing costs; and a good rating leads to increased access to international trade by increasing the trust of Indias trade finance instruments, he added.

India has reached a high level of technical compliance with the FATF, the global institution said in a statement on its website. It lauded Indias achievements in its money laundering and terror funding risk understanding, international cooperation, access to basic and beneficial ownership information, use of financial intelligence, and depriving criminals of their assets and counter-proliferation financing measures.

However, improvements are needed to strengthen the supervision and implementation of preventive measures in some of the non-financial sectors, FATF said. India also needs to address delays relating to concluding money laundering and terror funding prosecutions, it added.

The officials confirmed that the next major task of the global financial crime watchdog is to set the standard for transparent and expeditious disclosure of parties involved in online transactions either through payment aggregators or through plastic cards such as credit and debit cards. India is playing a significant role in this effort while being mindful to strike a balance between regulations and ease, the first official said.

Intensive stakeholders consultation and industry outreach efforts will also be undertaken before finalising the standards. India is in favour of transparent disclosures. But regulations must not affect the ease of compliance and speed of transactions.

Officials said that the matter is being debated in FATF and from Indias side, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is also in favour of enhanced mandatory disclosures and information exchange with FATF member countries. They said industry players, including Visa and MasterCard, are also involved in the discussions.

As stakeholders have some apprehensions, we must find suitable solutions before implementing any standard, the second official said. All decisions of the FATF are based on consensus, but, unlike the United Nations, no member enjoys veto rights.

FATF, the global watchdog on money laundering and terrorist financing, was formed in 1989. It is the apex standards-making body to prevent financial crimes. It makes countries comply with its standards through a rigorous process called mutual evaluation.

Its members are 38 countries and two regional bodies  the European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council. Most of the other countries are part of FATF through nine associate member groups. Several multilateral institutions such as the World Bank and the United Nations enjoy observer status.
Indians discovered America centuries before Italian explorer Christopher Columbus, developed the country and built temples in San Diego, Madhya Pradesh higher education minister Inder Singh Parmar said on Tuesday, stressing that institutions were teaching students incorrect history. Madhya Pradesh school education minister Inder Singh Parmar

In the eighth century, Indians went to a place called San Diego (in California) and built temples there. The proof is there in an American museum and library, he said, without specifying which library or museum, during a diatribe against western education while addressing the convocation of the Barkatullah University in Bhopal.

He also claimed that Indians turned America into a capitalist economy. Indians helped Mayan civilisation in development of America, he said, referring to a civilisation that was founded around 2000 BC and which spread across parts of Mexico and Central America at its prime. For the record, the city of San Diego, California (where there are some temples, albeit, all established in the late 20th or early 21st centuries) was founded in the late 18th century.

Parmars comments come months after chief minister Mohan Yadav, during his first address to the Madhya Pradesh assembly, claimed Ujjain was once the global standard for time and that his administration would work to pry this status back and away from the Greenwich Meridian.

To be sure, the tale that Columbus discovered America is apocryphal.

Columbus inadvertently made a slew of trips from Spain to the Caribbean between the late 15th and early 16th centuries during failed quests to find a sea route from Europe to Asia.Columbus did not reach North America during his travels.

Moreover, the parts of the Caribbean that he did visit were already inhabited by indigenous populations.

However, there is no evidence to suggest that Indians reached America before explorers and colonisers from other countries.

Columbus died in 1507 convinced he visited Asia. However, Amerigo Vespucci, another Italian explorer, after his travels to Brazil in 1501-1502 insisted that the country was not part of Asia, but a separate continent hitherto unknown to Europeans. Once this theory was affirmed, later European historians borrowed Vespuccis first name to christen the continent the Americas.

What is the need for teachings about Columbus in India? Parmar asked.

What should have been taught was the migrants who went to America after Columbus killed the local tribals, who were worshippers of sun and nature, and captured their landBut it was not taught, he said.

Parmar appeared to be making a larger argument against the perils of western education models and said the central governments National Education Policy 2020 was trying to reorient this focus towards Indian culture and heritage.

To rule the country (India) permanently, invaders systematically attacked way education policy of the country and ruined it. We are fortunate that in 2020, educationists come up with the National Education Policy and have taken resolve to build a modern and developed India towards making it vishwaguru, he said.
A special NIA-Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) court in Lucknow on Wednesday awarded life sentence to Islamic preacher Maulana Kalim Siddiqui, Islamic Da'wah Centre founder Mohammed Umar Gautam and 10 others in a 2021 case of illegal religious conversion, PTI reported. Among the twelve accused, four others were also sentenced to 10-years in prison under UP Prohibition of Religious Conversion Act 2021, the court said.

Among the twelve accused, four others - Mohd. Salim, Rahul Bhola, Mannu Yadav, Kunal Ashok Chaudhary -were also sentenced to 10-years in prison under UP Prohibition of Religious Conversion Act 2021, the court said.

Also read | Be cautious on conversion laws

Besides Gautam and Siddiqui, others sentenced to life are Irfan Sheikh, Salauddin Zainuddin Sheikh, Prasad Rameshwar Kanware alias Adam, Arsalan Mustafa alias Bhupriya Bandon, Kaushar Alam, Faraz Shah, Maulana Kalim Siddiqui, Dheeraj Govind Rao Jagtap, Sarfaraz Ali Jafri, Qazi Jahangir and Abdullah Umar under IPC section 121A (conspiracy to commit offence against the State).

Officials said the accused were involved in running a racket named Islamic Da'wah Centre. The centre was involved in converting poor people and students with hearing disabilities to Islam. They are also suspected to have received funding from Pakistan's intelligence agency the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

Also read | Pastor, three others held for illegal religious conversions

Explaining their activities, Director General of Police Prashant Kumar said Gautam had converted to Islam from Hinduism and lived in Batla House of Delhi's Jamia Nagar. "During interrogation, he boasted to the police of having converted "at least 1,000 people to Islam", luring them with marriage, money and jobs", Kumar added.

An FIR was lodged in Lucknow and an investigation was launched into the alleged cases of illegal religious conversions and foreign funding. All the accused were arrested by the ATF in various operations launched in different parts of the country, officials claimed.

Also read | Anti-conversion laws exude fear of independent women

According to Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Religious Conversion Act 2021, No person shall convert or attempt to convert, either directly or otherwise, any other person from one religion to another by use or practice of misrepresentation, force, undue influence, coercion, allurement or by any fraudulent means or by marriage nor shall any person abet, convince or conspire such conversion.

Any conversion deemed unlawful (through force, misrepresentation, undue influence, coercion, or by marriage) is punishable. Penalties include imprisonment of 1 to 5 years, and in the case of conversion involving minors, women, or people from Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes, imprisonment can be extended to 10 years.

(With PTI inputs)
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi sparked a political slugfest during his ongoing visit to the United States, where he made a comment about the condition of the Sikh community in India. While NDA leaders slammed Rahul Gandhi's words, his remarks were endorsed by Khalistani separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a designated terrorist in India. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. (Congress-X)

During an event in Washington DC, Rahul Gandhi said, "Fight in India is whether a Sikh will be allowed to wear turban and kada, go to gurdwara.

After major backlash on this statement, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun came out in support of the Congress leader's remarks.

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, Pannun said in a statement.

Gurpatwant Singh Pannun is the co-founder of the banned outfit Sikhs for Justice, and has been declared a terrorist in India by the ministry of home affairs, on the grounds of sedition and secessionism.

While addressing Indian Americans in the US during his visit, Rahul Gandhi accused the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) of considering some religions and communities as inferior to others. He said the fight in India is not over politics, but for the right of practising one's religion freely.

While speaking to a Sikh attendee, the Congress leader said, 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 in India. That's what the fight is about, not just for him, but for all religions.

Rahul Gandhi also slammed the BJP-led central government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday over the border standoff between India and China, saying that the PM has not handled it well.

"We've got Chinese troops occupying land the size of Delhi in Ladakh, and I think that's a disaster. The media doesn't like to write about it. How would America react if a neighbour occupied 4,000 square kilometres of its territory? Would any president be able to get away with saying he's handled that well? So, I don't think Mr Modi has handled China well at all. I see no reason why Chinese troops should be sitting in our territory," he said.
Kolkata rape-murder case highlights: Agitating junior doctors continue to spar with the state government over conditions to engage in talks with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The Bengal government had invited 12-15 representatives of junior doctors for talks at secretariat Nabanna by 6 pm. After declining the health secretary's invite on Tuesday, the agitating junior doctors had sought a meeting with the chief minister to discuss their demands and resolve the impasse....Read More

Despite the Supreme Court's directive to resume duties by 5 PM on September 10, protesting junior doctors in Kolkata continue their strike for the 33rd day on Wednesday. They are pressing for justice for a medic who was allegedly raped and murdered at a state-run hospital on August 9.

Banerjee had invited the junior doctors for a meeting at the state secretariat on to address the issue. State finance minister Chandrima Bhattacharya said the chief minister was waiting, but a protesting doctor called the email an insult, citing their demand for Nigams resignation and the limit on representation.

The Supreme Court on Monday directed doctors on strike to resume work, 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.

A CBI court on Tuesday had 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.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) in an official statement on Tuesday 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.
Two days after the Supreme Court's rebuke, Kolkata doctors who are protesting against the rape and murder of a trainee doctor in the state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, have agreed to engage with chief minister Mamata Banerjee regarding their demands. Kolkata: Junior doctors during their second day of 'dharna' over the RG Kar Hospital rape and murder incident, near Swasthya Bhawan.(PTI)

The Supreme Court had asked the protesting doctors in Kolkata to end their agitation and return to work. However, the doctors defied the court's deadline on Tuesday and continued with their agitation.

However, now they have decided to send an email to Banerjee's office seeking an appointment to meet with her.

They have been demanding justice for the victim. They also want punishment for those who tried to cover up the crime.

Doctor Aniket Mandal, a representative of the doctors, told NDTV that the protestors were ready to hold talks with the chief minister.

"To clarify this, we will send a mail to the CM's office and put forward our demands. We want to talk to the Chief Minister," he told the channel.

The doctor was found dead in the seminar hall of the hospital in a seminude condition.

The police later arrested Sanjay Roy, a civil volunteer who was seen on CCTV entering the seminar hall at 4.03 am.

He later told the CBI that he was innocent and the woman had been lying unconscious when he entered the hall.

The CBI has also arrested the ex-principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, Sandip Ghosh, for allegedly being involved in corrupt practices.

His role after the murder has come under the scanner. He had allegedly made her parents wait for three hours before they could see the woman's body. He is also accused of ordering renovation work near the crime scene.
Kolkata doctor rape-murder case: The father of a 31-year-old trainee woman doctor, who was allegedly raped and murdered at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, has voiced his dissatisfaction with how West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee has managed the case. The father of a 31-year-old trainee woman doctor, who was allegedly raped and murdered at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata on August 9. (ANI)

The father of the victim also reacted to Mamata Banerjee's appeal to the public to shift their focus from protests to Durga Puja festivities.

We think no one will celebrate Durga Puja this year. If someone celebrates, they will not be celebrating with happiness because all the people of Bengal and the country consider my daughter their daughter, the father told news agency ANI as he turned emotional.

The father's reaction come a day after the victim's mother called out Mamata Banerjee for her insensitive statement.

Also Read | 3 Kolkata flats, farmhouse: ED on RG Kar ex-principal Sandip Ghosh's properties found in raids

"We used to celebrate Durga Puja with our daughter, but we will never celebrate Durga Puja or any other festival for years to come. Her remarks are insensitive," India Today quoted the victim's mother as saying. Let her return our daughter. Would she have said the same had this happened in her family?" she said.

She also accused Mamata Banerjee of attempting to suppress the protests demanding justice for her daughter.

The lamp at my home has gone out forever, she added. They throttled my daughter to death. They are now trying to throttle the demand for justice.

The father alleged that the Bengal chief minister did not do any work in the case. They have only arrested Sanjay Roy in the case We have been saying this since starting that a person from the department involved in this, the trainee doctor's father said.

Also Read | RG Kar ex-dean Sandip Ghosh allegedly molested male student in Hong Kong in 2017: Report

Banerjee's plea to "return to festivities" came amid ongoing protests across West Bengal and beyond, which have been ongoing for a month. The protests, led by junior doctors and supported by the public, have been demanding swift justice for the doctor who was found semi-naked and brutally murdered at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9.

Banerjee claimed that the protests were causing disruptions and called for calm and a return to normal life.

I request you to return to festivities and let the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) complete the investigation at the earliest, she said during a meeting at the state secretariat on Monday.

Meanwhile, protesting junior doctors in West Bengal defied a Supreme Court order, asking them to resume work by 5pm 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.

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 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".

(With inputs from agencies)
After the West Bengal government invited agitating doctors for a meeting to resolve the impasse over their cease work strike, the protesting medics reverted with a list of their demands for the government, and asked the authorities to confirm chief minister Mamata Banerjee's presence in the meeting. Resident doctors and medical students protest against Kolkata rape-murder case (Anshuman Poyrekar/ HT Photo)

The doctors also demanded a live telecast of the meeting.

This comes as the doctors and medical students in West Bengal refused to abide by the Supreme Court's Tuesday deadline and continue to cease work, expressing their outrage over the brutal rape and murder of a junior doctor in Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital last month.

The government's invitation, sent via email at 3:49 am on Wednesday, proposed a discussion at the state secretariat, Nabanna, at 6 pm the same day. However, the invitation did not confirm if CM Mamata Banerjee would be present during the discussion.

In the invitation, Chief Secretary Manoj Pant urged the doctors to send a delegation of 12 to 15 members to the meeting. He also mentioned the doctors surpassing the deadline set by the Supreme Court to return to work.

Despite the invitation, the junior doctors set few pre-conditions for talks. "There are several points that need to be discussed before we decide whether to accept the invitation to Nabanna or not," one of the doctors said.

Submitting a list of demands to the state government, the protesting doctors said that the delegation must consist of at least 30 representatives as many associations and hospitals are involved in the protests.

"We want the discussion to be held in the presence of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and be telecast live. We want at least 30 representatives as this movement is spread across various medical colleges and hospitals," a member of the junior doctors' forum said at a press conference.

In a separate communication sent earlier in the day, the doctors said that the meeting can be held anytime, anywhere provided it is streamed live for all to watch. They also said that if they accept the invitation for the meeting, "they will attend it without any pre-conclusion."

On August 9, the body of a postgraduate doctor was found inside the seminar hall of the RG Kar Medical College, with the autopsy report confirming rape and murder.

(With inputs from PTI)
The father of the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital rape-murder victim said on Tuesday that he wasn't "satisfied" with the role of chief minister Mamata Banerjee in the case. He claimed "she hasn't done any work". He also repeated his allegation that the crime wasn't committed by just one person. Kolkata: Junior doctors shout slogans as they sit on a dharna after the police stopped their protest march towards Swasthya Bhawan over the RG Kar Hospital rape and murder.(PTI)

"We are not satisfied with the role of the CM (Mamata Banerjee) in the case; that's why we went to the CBI. She hasn't done any work. One of the policemen came to our house, they said we had arrested Sanjay Roy and he would be produced in fast track court and get a death sentence. But the incident that happened with my daughter was not the work of just one person. We have been saying this since the start that persons from the department were involved in this," he told ANI on Tuesday.

The doctor was found raped and murdered inside the seminar hall of the hospital on August 9. The police arrested a civic volunteer named Sanjay Roy for allegedly murdering the woman.

The victim's family has been claiming more than one person was involved in the crime.

The CBI, which has been probing the rape and murder case, hasn't thus far found evidence of gang rape.

The victim's mother also attacked Mamata Banerjee over her Durga Puja remarks.

"Maybe she will take people to celebrate, in her capacity but we think no one will celebrate Durga Puja this year. If someone celebrates, they will not be celebrating with happiness. Because all the people of Bengal and the country consider my daughter their daughter," he added.

On September 9, Banerjee encouraged people to "return to festivities".

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 CBI is also investigating why the hospital authorities initially told the victim's family that she died by suicide.

The woman's death sparked a massive agitation in Kolkata. On Tuesday, the protesting doctors defied the Supreme Court's direction and deadline to return to work.

With inputs from ANI
Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra on Wednesday took a swipe at former Supreme Court judge Hemant Gupta for attending an event organised by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), sparking a fresh debate on the role of retired judges in politically and ideologically charged events. TMC MP Mahua Moitra has hit out at former judges for attending VHP event.

Justice Gupta, who retired from the Supreme Court in October 2022, defended his attendance at the September 8 event, stating that he participated as a "citizen of India" to discuss current issues.

As far as retired judges attending such events post retirement is concerned, I cannot comment about others but I have the liberty to associate with platforms and forums to discuss and deliberate upon current issues and topics as any other citizen of the country, The Quint quoted Justice Gupta as saying.

In a post on X, Mahua Moitra said, Of course MiLords- you have the liberty to attend anything! Take up post retirement sinecures, become nominated members of RS- who can stop the Gods from doing anything? Who are we- mere mortals- to question you?

The VHP event, held at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi on Monday, was reportedly attended by nearly 30 retired judges from the Supreme Court and various high courts, reported PTI.

Also Read | Mirwaiz-led Muslim conglomerate writes to JPC against Waqf bill, cautions of protests in J&K

Union law minister Arjun Ram Meghwal also attended the event and shared images on X, saying the discussions centred on judicial reforms to build a developed India.

Today, by participating in the Judge's Meet ceremony organized by the legal cell of Vishwa Hindu Parishad, I had a detailed discussion on the topics related to judicial reforms related to the creation of a developed India, he wrote on X in Hindi.

On this occasion, retired judges, other jurists, senior lawyers and other eminent intellectuals were present in the august presence of Vishwa Hindu Parishad President Shri Alok Kumar ji.

It was an internal meeting organised by the VHPs legal cell which discussed a range of issues including the disputes over Varanasi and Mathura temples, the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, cow slaughter and religious conversion, reported PTI citing sources.

Justice Gupta, who had previously served as Chief Justice of the Madhya Pradesh High Court, was appointed Chairperson of the New Delhi International Arbitration Centre (NDIAC) two months after his retirement.

Justice Hemant Gupta's judgment on hijab controversy

On October 13, 2022, a two-judge bench of the apex court, comprising Justice Hemant Gupta and Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia, delivered a split verdict in the hijab controversy emanating from Karnataka.

While Justice Gupta, since retired, upheld the Karnataka high court's verdict in the Hijab ban case while Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia held there shall be no restriction on wearing hijab anywhere in schools and colleges of the state.

The top court is yet to constitute a larger bench to decide the Karnataka hijab row.
Two junior ministers in the Maldivian government, suspended earlier this year for criticising Prime Minister Narendra Modi, have resigned ahead of President Mohamed Muizzus proposed visit to New Delhi, reported Reuters an official on Wednesday. The new president of the Maldives, Mohamed Muizzu, had formally asked India to withdraw its military personnel from the archipelago (AP Photo)

Malsha Shareef and Mariyam Shiuna, from the ministry of youth empowerment, information, and arts, along with fellow minister Abdulla Mahzoom Majid, were suspended in January after making disparaging remarks about PM Modi on social media platform X. They called the prime miniter a "clown," "terrorist," and "puppet of Israel," after Modi promoted tourism in Lakshadweep, seen as a signal to pro-China Muizzu, who had promised to end the Maldives' "India first" policy.

ALSO READ- On derogatory words on PM Modi, Maldives minister says, Wont happen again'

The remarks angered India, leading to a social media campaign by Indian celebrities promoting local tourism. This affected Indian tourist arrivals in the Maldives, which is known for its luxury resorts on its 1,192 islands.

ALSO READ- Maldives continues to lose Indian passengers as Lakshadweep gains

While Muizzus office did not comment, a government official confirmed the resignations but declined to provide further details.

'Muizzu to visit India soon'

Local media reported that Muizzu plans to visit India soon.

This will be Muizzu's second visit after among the heads of states from the neighbourhood who attended PM Modi's oath ceremony. Muizzu had expressed delight at the invitation and called his visit a "success," saying strong ties with India will boost prosperity for the Maldives.

ALSO READ- Mutual interest, reciprocal sensitivity basis of ties: Jaishankar tells Maldives

India-Maldives relations improving

Relations between Maldives and India were strained after Muizzus election win and his demand for the replacement of Indian defence personnel stationed in the Maldives. India completed the replacements in May, and relations have improved following diplomatic talks.

(Inputs from Reuters)
Amid the ongoing clashes in Manipur, the Manipur government has imposed a five-day internet suspension and curfews in three districts to protect public safety and prevent the spread of false information. A police officer fires a tear smoke shell to disperse demonstrators during a protest march by the students demanding an end to the latest spurt of ethnic violence, in Imphal, Manipur, India, September 10, 2024. (REUTERS)

The Congress has called for Union home minister's intervention, urging corrective measures including decisive action by security forces to restore law and order.

The two warring communities  Meitei and Kukis  have clashed intermittently since last year following a court order for the state to extend the Kukis' special economic benefits and quotas in jobs and education to the Meiteis as well.

Congress MP from Inner Manipur A Bimol Akoijam wrote to Union home minister Amit Shah and called for a thorough investigation into allegations of involvement by illegal immigrants, foreign elements, and the illicit drug mafia in the ongoing unrest.

Here's what we know so far about the recent surge in violence:
Heavy to very heavy rainfall was likely in Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand while moderate showers were expected in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) this week under the influence of a depression over central India, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Wednesday. The monsoon trough was active and south of its normal position. (HT PHOTO)

The depression on Wednesday was about 60 km east-northeast of Damoh, 110 km south of Khajuraho, 110 km southwest of Satna (Madhya Pradesh) and 210 km from Jhansi (Uttar Pradesh). It was likely to move slowly north-northwestwards.

The monsoon trough was active and south of its normal position at mean sea level and likely to continue to be like this for the next three to four days. A cyclonic circulation was lying over south Gujarat at middle tropospheric levels.

Private forecaster Skymet Weather vice president (climate and meteorology) Mahesh Palawat said the depression south of Delhi and expected to recurve towards Uttar Pradesh and north Madhya Pradesh. We can expect moderate to heavy showers in Delhi and NCR on Wednesday and Thursday.

He said the cyclonic circulation, a remnant of typhoon Yagi that battered Vietnam last week, will intensify into a feeble low-pressure area and then merge with the depression. But it will be a weak system.

Heavy to very heavy rainfall was expected at isolated places in Chhattisgarh, Arunachal Pradesh, and Gujarat. IMD said heavy rainfall was likely at isolated places in Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, west Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Assam, Meghalaya, and Telangana.

Strong wind speeds reaching 30-40 km per hour gusting to 50 km per hour were likely in north Madhya Pradesh and adjoining south Uttar Pradesh.

There has been an 8% excess rainfall in the country since June 1. Central India has had 19% excess rain, northwest 4%, and south Peninsula 25%. There has been a 16% deficiency in east and northeast India.
New Delhi The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has launched a scathing critique of the madrasa education system in its submissions before the Supreme Court, asserting that these institutions violate childrens fundamental rights to education and are operating in breach of the constitutional mandates and the Right to Education (RTE) Act. NCPCR submitted that children in madrasas are compelled to follow a rigid curriculum focused on religious education, leaving them without the opportunity to engage in mainstream academic learning. (HT PHOTO)

Urging the top court to recognise the need for integrating general education with religious teachings in these institutions, NCPCR submitted that children in madrasas are compelled to follow a rigid curriculum focused on religious education, leaving them without the opportunity to engage in mainstream academic learning.

It is a flagrant violation of a childs constitutional right to education to impart instruction that is entirely in the context of religion and that does not adhere to the requirement of the RTE Act, 2009, or any other applicable laws. Innocent children suffer as a result of the religious subject of education becoming institutionalised in madrasas...The absence of formal education in these institutions deprives children of essential skills and knowledge necessary for their holistic development, stated the child rights body.

NCPCR also expressed concerns over the content of some madrasa textbooks, particularly those promoting supremacy of Islam, even as several non-Muslim children were also enrolled in madrasas in the state of Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

The submissions were made in response to petitions filed by madrasa owners, management societies, and teachers associations challenging a March 2024 Allahabad high court judgment that declared the Uttar Pradesh Board of Madarsa Education Act, 2004 unconstitutional and violative of secularism.

On April 5, a Supreme Court bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud stayed the high courts decision, emphasising that the issue was not with the Madarsa Act itself but with ensuring that students receive quality education. The court, however, refrained from issuing any direction to the Uttar Pradesh government for continuing to provide state aid to madrasas, which the state claimed to be around 1,098 crore annually.

The case was scheduled to come up before the bench on Wednesday, but it could not be heard due to another matter taking up the entire day.

Infringement of childrens fundamental rights

At the heart of NCPCRs argument is the claim that madrasas confine education to religious teachings, thereby infringing on the rights of children as guaranteed under the RTE Act, 2009 and other relevant laws.

Expressing alarm over the madrasa systems focus on religious education, the Commission said that children studying in madrasas are deprived of access to a basic school curriculum, resulting in significant educational deficits.

The commissions stance revolved around the definition of a school as provided under Section 2(n) of the RTE Act, which includes any recognised institution imparting elementary education. Madrasas fall outside this definition and, NCPCR claimed, lack the right to compel children to receive education in such settings.

NCPCR further argued that madrasas fail to meet the basic entitlements prescribed under the RTE Act, such as the formation of school management committees, curriculum standards, and teacher qualifications, leaving children without essential educational oversight.

National security concerns and controversial textbooks

A significant part of NCPCRs submission addressed objectionable content found in madrasa textbooks, particularly those teaching Diniyat (Islamic religious knowledge). According to the commission, some madrasa textbooks promote the supremacy of Islam, which may foster an exclusionary mindset. NCPCR warned that such teachings could pose a threat to national security by influencing young minds with extremist ideologies.

NCPCR also mention the alleged influence of Darul Uloom Deoband, an unregistered madrasa in Saharanpur, which it said affiliates many other unregistered madrasas across the country. Claiming that the Deoband madrasa has ties to the spread of a strict and austere version of Islam across South Asia, NCPCR alleged that the Deoband madrasas ideologies have influenced extremist groups like the Taliban, particularly along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.

Moreover, NCPCR pointed out instances of fatwas issued by the Darul Uloom Deoband, citing a book titled Bahishti Zewar that reportedly contains improper and illegal content concerning child sexual relations. The commission claimed that such material is in violation of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act, 2012. It also highlighted alleged fatwas from the Deoband madrasa that discuss issues like physical relationships with minors and even queries on suicide attacks against non-Muslims. These, NCPCR argued, reinforce harmful ideologies and are not only terrorising but also constitute a national security threat.

Broader constitutional violations

NCPCRs submissions also highlighted alleged violations of several constitutional provisions, including Articles 21, 14, and 15, which ensure a childs right to life, equality before the law, and protection against discrimination. The Commission argued that madrasa education deprives children of equal opportunities to develop in a healthy manner, in conditions of freedom and dignity, as mandated under Article 39(f) of the Constitution.

The submissions contended that the absence of the RTE Acts provisions in madrasas deprives children of crucial entitlements like midday meals, school uniforms and access to trained teachers. NCPCR stressed that madrasas operating outside the purview of formal schooling should be classified as out-of-school institutions, denying children their right to formal, quality education.

NCPCR focussed on the alleged coercion of non-Muslim children into receiving religious instruction in madrasas, which, it contended, is a violation of Article 28(3) of the Constitution. This provision prohibits educational institutions from obligating students to receive religious education without parental consent.

The commission also stressed that Islamic religious education is being imparted to non-Muslim children in several states with madrasa boards, exacerbating the issue of religious instruction crossing constitutional boundaries.

Pan-India ramifications and recommendations

Arguing that the issue extended beyond Uttar Pradesh, NCPCR called for any decision by the Supreme Court to have pan-India implications. The commission requested the court to ensure that notice is served to all states with madrasa boards, given that similar issues of religious instruction and fundamental rights violations are prevalent across the country.

NCPCR urged the top court to recognise that madrasa education, as it currently operates, undermines the right to education and the broader constitutional mandate to provide holistic, secular, and formal schooling for all children.

The state madrasa board estimates that the high court order will have an impact on approximately 200,000 students who are now enrolled in 16,500 recognised and 8,500 unrecognised madrasas or Islamic seminaries throughout Uttar Pradesh. Of the 190 million people living in Uttar Pradesh, 19.26% are Muslims. According to Iftikhar Ahmed Javed, chairman of the Uttar Pradesh Madrasa Education Board, at least 10,000 teachers are attached to these seminaries.

On March 22, the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad HC quashed the 2004 Act -- enacted by the then ruling Samajwadi Party -- directing the state government to accommodate students studying in madrasas in regular schools, casting a shadow of uncertainty over the future of thousands of young students enrolled in madrasas across the state.

In its verdict, the high court said that the state had no power to create a board for religious education or to establish a board for school education only for a particular religion and philosophy associated with it.
India is not closed to business dealings with China, though businesses need to factor in national security consequences because all countries are not the same, external affairs minister S Jaishankar said on Tuesday. External affairs minister S Jaishankar in Berlin on Tuesday. (AP)

Jaishankar made the remarks while participating in a discussion with his German counterpart Annalena Baerbock as part of the annual ambassadors conference of the German foreign office in Berlin. He was responding to questions from business leaders about challenges confronting India and the countrys trade relations with China. We are not closed to business from China. Its the second largest economy in the world, its a premium manufacturer. Theres nobody who can say I wont do business with China, he said while replying to a specific question on trade and investment ties with China.

I think the issue is which sectors do you do business, on what terms do you do business, he said, outlining Indias position on trade against the backdrop of a dragging military standoff with China on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) that began in April 2020.

Its far more complicated than a black and white, binary answer, he added.

After the standoff on the LAC took bilateral relations to a six-decade low, India banned more than 400 Chinese apps, including TikTok, and took steps to effectively restrict new Chinese investments. Earlier, authorities had blocked Chinese telecom major Huawei from participating in the creation of new 5G networks.

Jaishankar said India had rolled out its own 5G solution that had factored in the cost of ensuring national security. He said businesses need to understand that their exposure can have national security consequences, and the Indian government is well within its rights to tell businesses to slow down and look at things carefully.

There are also debates on where business stops and where security begins, and this is a legitimate issue because all countries are not the same and not everybody plays by the same rules, he said. This is a challenge that will assume a bigger dimension in the digital era, including precautions related to cross-border flows of data, and India is trying to tackle this issue with the European Union (EU) through the Trade and Technology Council, he said.

Jaishankar had spoken out several times in recent months about the need for careful handling of trade and investments with China. In August, he said India has a special China problem and the military standoff on the LAC and the state of bilateral relations underline the need for precautions, such as scrutiny of Chinese investments.
Jammu and Kashmirs Baramulla MP Sheikh Abdul Rashid, popularly known as Engineer Rashid, walked out of Tihar Jail on Wednesday after being granted interim bail by a Delhi court. Rashid, who was arrested in 2019 in connection with a terror funding case, received temporary reprieve to campaign in the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections, scheduled to begin later this month. Baramulla MP Sheikh Abdul Rashid, popularly known as Engineer Rashid, walks out of Tihar Jail, in New Delhi, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024.(PTI)

Upon his release, Rashid pledged to continue his political fight, focusing on what he called Prime Minister Narendra Modis failed narrative of "Naya Kashmir."

"I will not let down my people. I take a pledge that I will fight PM Modi's narrative of 'Naya Kashmir,' which has totally failed. People have rejected whatever he did on August 5, 2019," Rashid said, referring to the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir's special status under Article 370.

Rashid, who defeated former chief minister Omar Abdullah in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, said his fight was for the people, not for power.

"My fight is bigger than what Omar Abdullah says. His fight is for the chair, my fight is for the people," he declared.

He also accused the BJP of using oppressive tactics against him, saying, "I am a victim of BJP, and I will fight against PM Modi's ideology till my last breath."

J&K leaders sceptic of timing

The National Conference (NC) vice-president Omar Abdullah had earlier alleged that the interim bail was not granted to serve the people but to fetch votes.

"We were aware that it would happen. I feel regret for the people of Baramulla parliamentary constituency as this bail has not been granted to serve them or attend Parliament," Abdullah told reporters.

"He has not been granted bail to work as a parliamentarian but to fetch votes here. After that, he will be taken back to Tihar (jail) and the people of north Kashmir will again be without a representative," he added.

Engineer Rashids brother fielded from Langate as AIP lists nine more picks

Rashid's party, the Awami Ittehad Party (AIP), is contesting the assembly elections, which will be held in three phases starting on September 18. His release comes with conditions, including a bond of 2 lakh, a surety, and a prohibition on discussing the ongoing terror funding case with the media.

The Baramulla MP has been in custody since 2019 after being arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act for his alleged involvement in a 2017 terror funding case. The court deferred its decision on his regular bail plea to October 5, allowing Rashid to campaign temporarily.

Several political leaders have reacted to Rashid's release. Ghulam Nabi Azad, chief of the Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP), welcomed the court's decision, describing it as a "step towards justice." However, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti accused Rashid of being a proxy for the BJP and lamented the disparity in the treatment of jailed individuals.

"On one hand, the parents of a poor person in jail are not allowed to meet him, but on the other hand, some people are contesting elections from jail, form parties, they are provided vehicles and security.

"When they attack our candidate, instead of the police taking action against them, the Electio Commission sends notice to our candidate. By this you should come to know about the person contesting elections from inside jail," the PDP chief said.

The elections in Jammu and Kashmir, which will be held in three phases from September 18 to October 1, are expected to be a major political battleground, with results set to be declared on October 8.
Commenting on the relationship between India and Pakistan, Rahul Gandhi, currently in the United States on his maiden overseas visit as the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, lashed out at Pakistan for instigating terrorism in India.' Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. (Congress-X)

Pakistan's instigation of terrorism in our country is holding the two countries back. We simply are not going to accept Pakistan carrying out terrorism in our country. Until they (Pakistan) keep doing that, there will be problems, Gandhi told his audience at an event in Washington DC.

Gandhi's remarks come ahead of next month's Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Heads of Government Meeting, to be held in Pakistan's capital Islamabad, and for which Islamabad has sent a formal invitation to prime minister Narendra Modi to attend.

Modi was also the last Indian premier to visit Pakistan, when he made an impromptu stopover in Lahore to meet his then counterpart, Nawaz Sharif, in December 2015. The prime minister, then serving his first term, was returning to Delhi after completing his visits to Russia and Afghanistan.

The last Pakistani leader in India was the then foreign minister, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, who attended SCO's foreign ministers' meeting, held in Goa in May last year.

In February 2019, following the terrorist attack on Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama, New Delhi revoked the Most Favoured Nation accorded by it to its neighbour. Then, the two nations nearly had a full-blown war, the first since Kargil 1999.

The same year, in August, Islamabad protested after India abrogated Article 370, that granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, an Indian Union territory also claimed by Pakistan.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the second phase of the Ahmedabad Metro Rail Extension on September 16, during his two-day visit to Gujarat, which begins on September 15. The second phase of the metro project has been developed with an investment of  5,384 crore. (HT sourced photo)

The second phase of the metro project has been developed with an investment of 5,384 crore.

The new phase will connect key locations between Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar, including Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City), Gujarat National Law University (GNLU), Pandit Deendayal Energy University (PDEU) and Sector-1, among others, a media release said.

The 21-kilometre stretch from Narendra Modi Stadium in Motera to Gandhinagars Sector-1 will enhance connectivity and ease transportation for commuters across the state capital.

Also Read: PM Modi to lay foundation stone, inaugurate string of projects in Gujarat

The metro rail extension is part of a broader initiative to enhance urban mobility in the region.

Funding for the project has been secured through loans from international agencies Agence Francaise de Developpement (AFD) and Kreditanstalt fur Wiederaufbau (KfW).

The new metro route will not only cut travel time but also reduce the regions carbon footprint by offering a greener alternative to private transport.

Plans are already underway for further expansion, with the aim of creating a fully integrated system that will serve the regions growing population.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has provisionally attached assets worth 29.75 crore belonging to fugitive businessman Nirav Modi, as part of its ongoing investigation into the 6,498 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case, officials said on Wednesday. Nirav Modi, the mastermind behind the PNB scam, has been fighting extradition from the UK, where authorities arrested him in 2019. (Aniruddha Chowdhury/Mint)

The attached assets include immovable properties and bank balances in India, which were identified as proceeds of the crime, the ED said in a statement.

The Mumbai Zonal Office initiated the attachment under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.

The investigation stems from a First Information Report (FIR) filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with one of the largest banking frauds in India, allegedly orchestrated by Nirav Modi and his group of companies.

Also Read | Vijay Mallya, Nirav Modi, Mehul Choksi escaped due to delay in arrests: Mumbai Court

Modi and his uncle, Mehul Choksi, are accused of defrauding PNB by obtaining fraudulent Letters of Undertaking (LoUs), enabling them to secure overseas loans without proper collateral.

The scam, uncovered in 2018, involved officials from PNBs Brady House branch in Mumbai issuing unauthorised LoUs to Modis firms, allowing them to receive credit from foreign banks. The total loss to PNB was estimated at 6,498 crore. The fraudulent transactions went unnoticed for several years due to the alleged collusion of certain bank officials.

Also Read | London court allows sale of Nirav Modis property

So far, the ED has attached movable and immovable assets valued at 2,596 crore linked to Nirav Modi and his associates, both in India and abroad. Additionally, assets worth 692.90 crore have been confiscated under the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act (FEOA), 2018, following an order from the Special Court (FEOA) in Mumbai.

Also, assets to the tune of Rs. 1052.42 Crore have been successfully restored to the victim banks i.e. PNB and consortium banks and such assets were physically handed over, the federal agency said.

The ED has also filed prosecution complaints, including a supplementary prosecution complaint, against Nirav Modi and his associates under the PMLA in a special court.

Modi, the mastermind behind the PNB scam, has been fighting extradition from the UK, where authorities arrested him in 2019. Despite multiple legal challenges, he remains in custody, with extradition proceedings ongoing.
Washington: Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi interacts with the media at the National Press Club, in Washington DC on Wednesday. (AICC)

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said that there isnt much divergence between his and the Union governments approach towards the United States (US), declared that Pakistans cross-border terrorism was at the root of the impasse in the bilateral relationship, and expressed concerns about extremism and violence in Bangladesh.

But the inclusion of controversial Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, who has been publicly critical of India, among the people Gandhi met in Washington DC triggered a controversy in Delhi, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) saying he was indulging in dangerous activities.

Gandhi also said that Modi wasnt able to control China and argued that Beijing was occupying 4,000 sq km of Indian territory in Ladakh.

The Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition made the comments at a press interaction at the National Press Club in Washington DC on the final day of his US visit on Tuesday.

He spent the morning on Capitol Hill where he met a set of legislators. The group included, among others, the chairman emeritus of the India caucus, Brad Sherman; Ro Khanna, Sri Thanedar, Raja Krishnamoorthi, three of the five Indian-Americans members of the House; and Ilhan Omar, the controversial representative from Minnesota who has taken a staunchly critical position of the Indian government and been a sympathiser of Pakistans case on Kashmir.

The BJP condemned Gandhis decision to meet Omar.

It is for the first time in the history of India that a Leader of Opposition has met a declared anti-India lawmaker and expressed his sweet feelings. He has met US lawmaker Ilhan Omar, who is infamous for her anti-India stand and statements, said party national spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi.

In his speech, Gandhi said that India-US ties had two pillars. The defence pillar, he said, was going well but more work was needed to offer a democratic vision of production and prosperity as a counter to Chinas undemocratic model of production.

But on his partys and the BJPs approach, Gandhi indicated a rare policy agreement.

I dont see a big diversion. I dont see Modi diverting very much from our approach with the US. I dont see ourselves changing direction very much from what hes doing. So, I see continuity there. I think...everybody does accept the fact that the India-US relationship is key for both countries.

Asked about the implications of the elections in the US on the relationship, Gandhi said that he thought both Republicans and Democrats would continue to deepen ties with India.

He also said that the fight for democracy was a battle to be fought in India by Indians and it was not his job to advise the US on how to deal with PM Modi on issues of democracy. But he added that Indian democracy was a global public good and what happens in India matters to the world because of the sheer size of India.

Gandhi said that Indias biggest strategic asset was its democracy and reiterated that this was under attack today.

Responding to a question on whether Kashmir was holding back India-Pakistan ties, Gandhi said, Pakistans instigation of terrorism in our country is holding the two countries back. We are not going to accept Pakistan carrying out terror acts in our country. Were just not going to accept it. And until they keep doing that, theres going to be problems between us.

On Bangladesh too, there appeared to be convergence. There are concerns in India about extremist elements in Bangladesh and we share some of those concernswe are against any type of violence. And we want it to stop. And its the responsibility, frankly, of the Bangladeshi government to stop it as soon as possible. From our side, its the responsibility of our government to put pressure so that violence stops, he said.

But it was on China where Gandhi was most critical of the government. Responding to a question on whether Modi managed the US-China competition well, Gandhi said, Well, if you call having Chinese troops in 4,000 square kilometres of our territory handling something well, then maybe. We have got Chinese troops occupying land the size of Delhi in Ladakh. I think thats a disaster... How would America react if a neighbour occupied 4,000 square kilometres of your territory? Would any president be able to get away with saying that hes handled that well?

On the situation in Gaza, Gandhi condemned the October 7 terror attacks but also critiqued Israel. I also think what Israel did and is doing, bombing innocent civilians, and killing women and children, is absolutely wrong and should not be allowed to continue. I am against violence of any kind. And certainly, the scale of violence, I actually think, is harming Israel. Its harming Israel more than its helping them.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhis meeting with US lawmaker Ilhan Omar, a Democrat, has sparked controversy, with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accusing him of aligning with anti-India forces. Rahul Gandhi's meeting with Ilhan Omar sparks controversy

Gandhi, who is on a visit to the United States, met US lawmakers at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington, DC.

Rahul Gandhi is in Opposition, and in his own signature ways, is being indulged in a tour which is against India. But this time, it is serious. He has become the first LoP from India who met with a declared anti-India MP. Ilhan Omar is notorious for speaking against India..., said BJP leader Sudhanshu Trivedi.

"Rahul Gandhi has added another feather in his cap with respect to being anti-India," he added.

ALSO READ- BJP trains guns on Rahul Gandhi over meeting Ilhan Omar in US: Pakistan sponsored

Who is Ilhan Omar?

 Ilhan Omar serves in the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Minnesota's 5th Congressional District, which includes Minneapolis and nearby suburbs.

 Sworn into office in January 2019, Omar became the first African refugee to join Congress, the first woman of colour to represent Minnesota, and one of the first two Muslim women elected to Congress.

 Born in Somalia, Omar and her family fled the civil war when she was eight. They spent four years in a Kenyan refugee camp before immigrating to the U.S.

 Omar's family moved to Minneapolis in 1997, where she grew up and later entered public service.

 During her time in Congress, Omar has spoken on issues like immigration and racism.

ALSO READ- Akhilesh Yadav alleges pattern of encounters under BJP rule: Pick someone first

Why is BJP opposing IIhan Omar?

 BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla accused Ilhan Omar of introducing resolutions in the US Congress that criticised India's policies.

 She has spoken against India's decision to revoke Article 370, which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

 Omar visited Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) during a trip allegedly sponsored by Pakistan, which the BJP says is a violation of India's sovereignty.

 She met with Pakistan's former Prime Minister Imran Khan and others to discuss "Islamophobia" in India, said BJP's Poonawalla.

ALSO READ- 'Petty views, petty mentality': Eknath Shinde attacks Rahul Gandhi

 BJP alleges that Omar has been instrumental in promoting narratives that incite hatred against Hindus.
Rahul Gandhi kicked off a political storm as he appeared to suggest that Sikhs in India might not be allowed to practice their religious faith freely, a charge that drew immediate condemnation from both the government and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) back in Delhi. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. (Congress-X)

During his three day visit to the US, speaking to the diaspora in Virginia at an event organised by the Indian Overseas Congress on Monday evening eastern time, Gandhi said that the fight in India was not about politics. Turning to a Sikh member of the audience, Gandhi asked for his name and then said, The fight is about whether he, as a Sikh, is going to be allowed to wear a turban in India; or whether, he, as a Sikh, will be allowed to wear a kada in India; or whether he, as a Sikh, is allowed to go to a Gurudwara. Thats what the fight is about, and not just for him, but for all religions.

Union minister and BJP leader Hardeep Singh Puri hit back and termed Gandhis comments sinister with the aim of spreading dangerous narratives in the diaspora. Puri said that Gandhis comments dont reflect Indian ground realities. I condemn in the strongest terms the statement he has made about Sikhs not being able to wear turbans and kadas.

Puri also referred to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, which took place under Rajiv Gandhis Congress government, and 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.

Gandhis comment was in line with his broad political position where he has sought to frame Indias domestic political competition as one between his vision based on respect for diversity of all religions, languages, and regions and commitment to the Constitution, and the BJPs vision that, Gandhi claims, is based on a hierarchical social order and against the Constitution and diversity.

But Gandhis specific allusion to Sikhs and implicit suggestion that their religious faith was in jeopardy in India comes at a time when Sikh political alienation has grown in the diaspora, there is a revival of sentiment and violent activities associated with the Khalistani movement, there is a separatist narrative that Indias government disrespects Sikh sentiments, and there is a controversy around Indias alleged actions against individuals Delhi considers as terrorists who are citizens of the US and Canada.

The BJP, for its part, has emphatically pointed to PM Narendra Modis consistent outreach to the Sikh community, visits to gurudwaras, homage to Sikh religious gurus, the freedom available to all Sikh citizens to practice their faith, and has, in its official comments, often sought to make a distinction between Sikhs at home and abroad and extremists in the diaspora.
India believes that Russias participation is essential to take forward any negotiations aimed at ending the Ukraine conflict, and New Delhi is open to any serious step towards peace, external affairs minister S Jaishankar said on Tuesday. External affairs minister S Jaishankar with his German counterpart Annalena Baerbock in Berlin on Tuesday. (S Jaishankar- X)

Jaishankar made the remarks while addressing a media briefing in Berlin following talks with his German counterpart Annalena Baerbock during which the Russia-Ukraine conflict was extensively discussed. The comments also came against the backdrop of a renewed push for peace talks and speculation about a possible role for India in bringing the warring countries to the negotiating table.

Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modis meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the margins of the G7 Summit in Italy in June, and his visits to Moscow and Ukraine in the past two months, Jaishankar said the Indian premier had detailed and long discussions with both President Vladimir Putin and Zelensky.

Indias position, he said, is based on some postulates  one, that differences and disputes cannot be settled through war; two, that a solution wont emerge from the battlefield, and that negotiations are the only way forward. He added: At some point, there has to be a negotiation. When there is a discussion, we also think it is essential to have Russia in it, otherwise the discussions dont gain further movement.

Jaishankar sidestepped questions on whether India will take up Zelenskys proposal for hosting the second peace summit on Ukraine and only said that New Delhi will back any serious move ending the conflict.

Suggestions have been made [about India hosting the peace summit] from time to time but let me say this  for us, this is not about a process or about being seen to do something. What is important for us is the reality of the conflict that is taking place today. So, we are always open to any step that is serious, that is impactful and that is, in our view, a step towards peace, he said.

India participated in a series of preparatory meetings ahead of the first peace summit on Ukraine that was hosted by Switzerland in June. India sent a senior diplomat to that summit but didnt join the joint communique for a variety of reasons, Jaishankar said.

He noted that India has also been involved in several specific initiatives related to the Ukraine conflict, such as the opening of a corridor last year for the export of grains from Ukraine and matters related to the security of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station.

Where India is concerned, its up to what the two parties [Russia and Ukraine] want. We continuously talk to them, he said, pointing out that National Security Adviser Ajit Doval is currently visiting Russia.

Participating in a discussion with Baerbock at the German foreign ministry ahead of their formal talks, Jaishankar also said India could not set the terms for negotiations but could offer advice to Russia and Ukraine. Its not for us to tell you what terms [for talks]. If you want advice, we are always willing to give it. Thats really the position that weve taken, he said.

At the media briefing, Baerbock described Modis visit to Ukraine in August as an important signal, and said any Indian backing for Zelenskys 10-point peace plan would have Germanys full support. She also noted that India has channels to Russia due to the long-standing relations between the two countries.

While Europe has been working with Ukraine for peace for the past two-and-a-half years, Baerbock contended that Russia had pulled back from all steps towards peace suggested by European and African countries and Turkey and instead continued his attacks on the peaceful European order.

Russia was invited to be part of the peace summit process but its government said it wasnt not considering attending such meetings without Ukraine ceding various territories, she said. This shows the Russian government still has the goal it had on Feb 24, 2022  they want to destroy Ukraine [and] for them, its not about negotiations, she added, speaking in German.

Russia was involved in violations of the airspace of EU and NATO members and is engaging in hybrid warfare, Baerbock said. A dictated peace or what Putin imagines  having a break for arming up again to subjugate the whole of Ukraine or threaten other neighbouring countries such as Moldova  this needs to be discussed when we talk about peace, she said.
The government will launch the second phase of Indias semiconductor manufacturing policy in the next three to four months as the first stage is practically complete, electronics and IT minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said. Under Semicon 1.0, the government has so far approved five semiconductor units. (PTI photo)

India Semiconductor Mission 2.0 (Semicon 2.0) will focus on bringing the entire semiconductor manufacturing supply chain to India.

We will now focus equally on ecosystem partners, equipment manufacturers as we have done on ATMP (assembly, testing, marking and packaging) and fabs. Simultaneously, we will look at how to bring the chemicals being produced in the world to India. Third big emphasis will be on specialised materials. The entire value chain from materials to wafers will be brought, Vaishnaw said while speaking at the SEMICON expo on Wednesday.

The focus is on developing the entire ecosystem which includes equipment, specialised materials, and specialised chemicals and gases, he said.

Also Read:Cabinet approves fifth semiconductor unit in India

The government is working on Semicon 2.0 and getting all the necessary approvals from different government departments.

Vaishnaw didnt specify the outlay for Semicon 2.0 but said that the government has been holding detailed consultations with each player in the semiconductor industry.

All industry participants are emphasising on one thing  just bringing ATMP units or fab units is not enough. The focus should be on building the entire ecosystem. This industry uses specialised chemicals. There are about 250 chemicals and gases that are unique to the industry. Raw materials used to manufacture semiconductors have purity requirements much higher than other industries. Bringing all these together and setting it all up is very difficult, he said.

Vaishnaw said that the fact this industry captains from across the world had gathered under one roof was evidence of Indias importance to global semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem.

This shows how important India is in the plan and how much confidence today they have on our efforts, on our stable policies, on the visionary leadership of our prime minister, he said.

Under Semicon 1.0, the government has so far approved five semiconductor units  four in Gujarat and one in Assam.

Three to four states will soon have semiconductor units, including Uttar Pradesh, he said.

Uttar Pradesh (UP) chief minister Yogi Adityanath shed light on the states electronics and semiconductor policies.

He said that UP was giving both land capital subsidies and higher foreign direct investment (FDI) support for Fortune 500 companies working in the sector.

He also said that the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority had reserved 1,000 acre land to develop a semiconductor manufacturing cluster.

Between the Centre and the state, total subsidies usually cross about 75%, he said.
New Delhi: India can become a trusted partner in a diversified semiconductor supply chain, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday, as he chaired a roundtable discussion of executives from some of the top semiconductor companies in the world at his residence. Prime Minister Narendra Modi (ANI)

In the 90-minute meeting, which comes on the eve of SEMICON India, the prime minister laid down the vision for the semiconductor ecosystem in India. Stating that semiconductor is the basis of the digital age, Modi emphasised that the day is not far when the semiconductor industry will be the bedrock for even basic necessities, according to a statement from his office.

He also explained to the sector representatives what the industry can expect from India Semiconductor Mission 2.0. He added that ISM 2.0 will have an allocation of about $15 billion and is currently awaiting final cabinet approval. It will focus more on developing the supply chain for semiconductors by concentrating on raw materials, gases, equipment, lead frames, substrates, and chemicals, he said.

The government had launched the initial scheme to incentivise semiconductor manufacturing in December 2021 with an outlay of 76,000 crore. Now dubbed ISM 1.0, it focussed on setting up ATMP (assembly, testing, marking and packaging) and fabrication units.

The roundtable was attended by Union IT minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and minister of state for electronics and IT Jitin Prasada. Chief executives and representatives from companies such as US Micron, Synopsys, Cadence, Jacobs, Teradyne, Applied Materials, and Lam Research; Taiwans PSMC; Netherlands NXP Semiconductors; Belgiums IMEC; Japans Renesas, Tokyo Electron, Rapidus, HSR, and Advantest; and Indias CG Power, Kaynes Technology, Tate Electronics, Infineon attended this roundtable.

We are very impressed with the new vision that beyond manufacturing, PM Modi also wants to invest in long-term R&D. From our side, we want to form a very strategic partnership to enable India also to become strong in R&D, IMEC CEO Luc Van den hove said after the meeting.

Sanjay Mehrotra, CEO Micron, lauded Modis policies to incentivise semiconductor manufacturing in India. It is the perfect time to develop semiconductor opportunities in India because as AI [artificial intelligence] grows, opportunities will increase, he added.

Bob Pragada, CEO of Jacobs, said: I think what the prime minister is doing right now to elevate India on a global scale is what not only India needs is what the world needs, for India to be at the forefront of the manufacture renaissance that is about to happen.

During the day, the executives met at Bharat Mandapam for a summit where Vaishnaw reassured the executives that the government would continue to offer both fiscal and non-fiscal support for the semiconductor ecosystem even as the industry matures in the country.

At the executives summit, about 50 top honchos from semiconductor companies, including the CEOs of NXP, Cadence, Synopsys and IMEC, gave short presentations on how India can be a catalyst for the semiconductor ecosystem and global supply chain, and how their companies can contribute. This was followed by a closed-door lunch with Vaishnaw and IT secretary S Krishnan.

Modi will inaugurate the three-day SEMICON India 2024, which will showcase Indias semiconductor strategy and policy, in Greater Noida on Wednesday.
Tension prevailed in Himachal Pradesh's Shimla on Wednesday as hundreds of people protesting against an alleged illegal mosque clashed with the police. Visuals show protestors, including women, chanting slogans against the mosque. A group of protestors were also seen trying to overwhelm the police after tossing around their barricades. The police retaliated with water cannons and mild force. People stage a protest over illegal construction in a mosque, at Sanjauli locality in Shimla, Wednesday.(PTI)

The protest was called by Hindu groups in the mountainous city. They gathered in the Dhalli area of Shimla on Wednesday and held a protest against the alleged illegal construction of a mosque in the Sanjauli area.

Media Advisor to Himachal Pradesh CM Naresh Chauhan said that the BJP wanted to make this a Hindu-Muslim issue.

"All the people that have gathered, I know them personally. These 20-25 people are BJP workers and they have contested elections on BJP tickets... The BJP wants to make this a national issue but the reality is that this is not a Hindu-Muslim issue. It is a law and order situation and the law will take its course... The CM has said that any action that needs to be taken related to any unauthorised construction, will be taken... Some people who see a political opportunity in this will not get support... The government has said that they will keep a track record of the people coming from outside, to make sure that there are no bad elements," Naresh Chauhan said.

"Everyone understands how some people are trying to make it an issue for their gain. The issue is of an unauthorised construction, the law is taking its course and the matter is in the commissioner court. Connecting the issue with a mosque controversy is not right... The locals have not come out. Some BJP workers are raising slogans 2 km away from Sanjauli. They tried to gather public support through social media but that has not happened... People understand the real issue," he added.

Leader of Opposition in Himachal Pradesh Assembly Jairam Thakur, meanwhile, slammed the government saying that the state was delaying action against the alleged illegal construction.

"Himachal Pradesh is a peaceful state. There have hardly been any community conflicts here. But, now the situation has emerged, the government should have taken active measures against it, and people are agitated because of the delay. The sentiments of the Hindus and the local people must be respected... Imposing BNSS 163 is an attempt to suppress the voice of the people... There should be peaceful protests within the limits of the law. I urge the government that if it is an unauthorised construction, then this problem should be solved soon," Jairam Thakur said.

Heavy police force was deployed at the Dhalli tunnel in Shimla.

On Tuesday, the police imposed prohibitory orders in the Sanjauli locality.

The prohibitory orders were issued due to the prevailing law and order situation in the Sanjauli area and apprehension of a breach of public peace and tranquillity, District Magistrate of Shimla Anupam Kashyap said.

The order shall remain effective in the entire Sanjauli area on Wednesday from 7:00 AM to 11:59 PM.

CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said the people have the right to protest peacefully but there shouldn't be any damage.

With inputs from ANI, PTI
Leaders from the Sikh community staged a protest outside the official residence of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi after his remarks during his address in the United States sparked a political slugfest. The Sikh Prakoshth of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Delhi took out a protest march outside Rahul and Sonia Gandhi's residence over his remarks on the Sikh community, demanding an apology. Sikh supporters from Bhartiya Janta Party protests ouside the residence of Congress Leader Sonia Gandhi against Rahul Gandhi at Janpath Road in New Delhi (HT photo/Sanchit Khanna)

BJP leader RP Singh and other Sikh leaders were detained by the Delhi police during the protest, reported ANI.

During the protest, RP Singh said Rahul Gandhi should apologise. He used the foreign land to defame India and gave a statement about Sikhs that Sikhs are not allowed to wear turban and go to Gurudwara...

The protesters, including women, raising slogans and carrying placards tried to approach Gandhi's residence 10 Janpath, marching from Vigyan Bhawan but police stopped them.

Apart from this, the protestors from the Sikh community slogans against Gandhi and demanded his apology for allegedly "humiliating" Sikhs, holding the Congress responsible for the 1984 anti-Sikh riots in the country.

This comes after Rahul Gandhi's statement on the Sikh community sparked a political slugfest in India, with BJP leaders saying that the Leader of Opposition defamed India on foreign land.

While addressing a gathering of Indian Americans in Washington DC on Monday, Gandhi said that that in India, the fight is for a Sikh person to wear a turban and a kada and go the gurdwara. He also accused the RSS of considering some religions, languages and communities of being inferior to others.

Gandhi asked the name of one of the Sikh attendees in the front rows during the programme. "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.
TMC minister Chandrima Bhattacharya attributed ulterior political motives to the stand-off between protesting junior doctors and the state government over terms of engagement for talks. In a video posted by the party on social media platform X, Bhattacharya said the government's willingness to hold an unconditional discussion should not hinge on any preconditions. Kolkata: Junior doctors during their 2nd day of sit-in-dharna over the RG Kar Hospital rape and murder incident, near Swasthya Bhawan in Kolkata, Wednesday,(PTI)

The minister alleged a hidden political agenda behind the doctors' delayed response to an email invite sent by the health secretary on Tuesday.

We would like to ask the protesting doctors - Is it acceptable to send an email to the CMO at 3.45 am in the morning? Naturally not. So, there is a hidden political agenda behind all this," she said.

The protesting doctors had declined the invite claiming they felt insulted getting an invite from the health secretary who they are demanding to be sacked. They also objected to the invite not addressing the hundreds of female doctors protesting alongside them.

In another effort to break the impasse, the doctors expressed their willingness to talk again, following which the state chief secretary sent an email invitation.

Bhattacharya also explained that the second invite was sent around 3:23 am on Wednesday, but the doctors responded late.

They were informed 2 and half hours in advance. They were asked to bring a delegation of preferably 12 to 15 people. They could have come for the meeting. But they sent a response to that email almost two hours later, she alleged.

Also read | RG Kar Hospital protests: Junior doctors want discussion in presence of CM Mamata

The doctors demanded a bigger delegation of at least 30 members and a discussion on their five-point demands in the presence of the chief minister. They also demanded that the meeting be telecasted for the sake of transparency.

Reacting to the preconditions, the minister said the government is willing to engage in an honest, open and unconditional discussion but open dialogue and preconditions don't go hand in hand. So, they don't want dialogue, she alleged.

Also read | Kolkata rape-murder case LIVE

The minister appealed to the protesting junior doctors to resume duties and reiterated the government's call to abide by the decision of the Supreme Court. I request the junior doctors to consider this. Don't fall for political provocations. Do the right thing. We appeal to you to discharge the duties that come with this noble profession.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday named former minister B Nagendra as a central figure in the irregularities in the tribal welfare development board in the charge sheet that was filed in the special court for MLAs/MPs, in connection with a multi-crore irregularities in the tribal welfare development board. In the earlier findings of the special investigation team (SIT) by the Karnataka polices criminal investigation department (CID), Nagendra was cleared of any wrongdoing in the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation case (ANI)

In the earlier findings of the special investigation team (SIT) by the Karnataka polices criminal investigation department (CID), he was cleared of any wrongdoing in the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation case.

Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has accused the CID SIT of protecting Nagendra and Congress MLA Basanagouda Daddal, who also chaired the tribal welfare board. The SIT has faced criticism for not summoning either Nagendra or Daddal during its investigation.

The EDs charge sheet has alleged that Nagendra played a crucial role in the case as he collaborated with principal accused Satyanarayana Varma and oversaw the misuse of funds.

It further revealed that 21 crore, diverted from the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation, was used in the recently held Lok Sabha elections, with funds being moved from Bengaluru and Ballari to various locations, said officials in the know of the development.

In response to the charge sheet, the Karnataka BJP has called for the dismissal of Ballari Congress MP E Tukaram. Member of the Legislative Council (MLC) N Ravi Kumar claimed that the EDs findings indicate that the funds were used to secure Tukarams election. Kumar has asked the Election Commission of India to remove Tukaram from office, stating, The Valmiki Tribal Welfare Board case is an inter-state corruption scam.

Ravi Kumar criticised the SIT, formed on May 31 to investigate the issue, for allegedly protecting Nagendra and not addressing the full scope of the case. He accused the state government of manipulating the SITs findings to shield the former minister, describing the SITs actions as an attempt to cover up the scandal.

The irregularities in the tribal welfare board first came to light following the suicide of an official of the body. He had hinted at the involvement of a sitting minister without naming them. The SIT was initially critiqued for not including Nagendra and Daddal in their investigation. The EDs ongoing independent investigation continues alongside the CBI and SIT inquiries.

In response to the charge sheet, home minister G Parameshwara said: I have not received the ED report. In its probe, the SIT has said he was not involved. Now the ED is saying he is involved. When asked about the differences in the findings of different agencies, he said, What can you do since multiple agencies are probing the case? In any case, my office has not received any communication from ED. I can only comment based on that.
Days after stones were pelted at a Ganesh pandal in Gujarat's Surat, the state's Bharuch city also witnessed a violent clash between members of two religious communities, police said. On Sunday night, a clash had broken out between two groups after stones were pelted at a Ganesh pandal in the Sayedpura area of Surat Sept 8, 2024. (PTI Photo)

The cause of violence Tuesday night, according to police, was the installation of religious flags at a locality in the city.

People from two different faiths had an altercation in the Gokul Nagar area. Our teams were immediately rushed to the spot and they dispersed the mobs. Two persons were injured in the stone-pelting, PTI quoted Mayur Chavda, Bharuch's Superintendent of Police, as saying.

Chavda also stated that on the basis of the complaint given by members of one community, an FIR (First Investigation Report) was registered and 17 people from the other side were detained.

He added that during the disorder, a few vehicles, too, were damaged and the situation, currently, was under control.

The FIR is registered against 20 individuals in total, the SP noted.

The situation at Gokul Nagar, a mixed population locality, became tense as flags were being put up here in view of the upcoming Eid-e-Milad, PTI reported citing sources.

Also Read: 50 individuals booked by police over communal clash at Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

Meanwhile, the clash in Surat, the second-largest city of the western state, broke out after stones were thrown by six minors at a pandal of Lord Ganesha in the Saydepura area Sunday night.

The minors were detained and 27 adults were arrested for the melee.

Before that, police had to resort to lathi charge and use teargas in trying to locate the perpetrators. As many as 1,000 security personnel were deployed to maintain law and order in Gujarat's diamond hub.
Davangere , Senior Congress MLA Shamanuru Shivashankarappa on Wednesday said he will also be in the contest for the Chief Minister post if the legislators support him, in the event of leadership change in Karnataka. The 93-year-old, however, said the incumbent CM Siddaramaiah is running a good administration and added: "let him continue until he has the blessings of the high command." "There is no question of senior or junior in politics. Whomever majority of the elected legislators support, high command says yes to them, that's the practice. If the situation comes, I will also contest, I won't leave," Shivashankarappa told reporters. His son, S S Mallikarjun, is a Minister in the Siddaramaiah Cabinet, while daughter-in-law Prabha Mallikarjun is Davangere MP. "I said, I will, the legislators should first accept and support me," he said when asked if he is in the race being the senior-most MLA. Shivashankarappa joined the list of party leaders weighing in for the Chief Minister's post in the event of leadership change in Karnataka, while maintaining that the incumbent will continue in the position. As Siddaramaiah's petition challenging the Governor's sanction for his prosecution in a site allotment case is being heard in the High Court, some Congress leaders seem to be preparing for a race to become CM, in case of leadership change. Making it clear that the Chief Minister post in the state is not vacant for anyone to weigh in to occupy it now, Siddaramaiah on Wednesday asserted that there are no doubts in this regard and he will continue in the position.

Will contest for CM''s post if there is leadership change, says senior MLA Shivashankarappa
Onam, the vibrant harvest and cultural festival celebrated chiefly by the people of Kerala, is a major annual event and the official festival of the state. It commemorates the Vamana and the generous daitya king Mahabali, with this year's celebrations taking place from September 6 to September 15. One of the festival's most cherished aspects is its elaborate food spread, which features an assortment of dishes, pickles, and rice for a traditional and satisfying meal. Here are some delicious and authentic recipes to help you celebrate Onam in style. Onam is a vibrant Kerala festival celebrated from September 6 to 15, featuring elaborate food spreads.(Pinterest)

1. Ada Pradhaman

Ada Pradhaman is a rich, traditional Kerala dessert.(Chef Sanjeev Kapoor)

Ingredient:

1cup ada

 cup ghee

10-12 cashewnuts

2 tablespoon raisins

1 cup thin coconut milk

 cup thick coconut milk

200 grams palm jiggery

A pinch of green cardamom powder

Method:

1. Heat 1 tablespoon ghee in a deep non-stick pan. Add cashewnuts and raisins and fry till light golden in colour. Keep aside.

2. Heat 1 tbsp. of ghee in the same non-stick pan. Add the ada saute till light golden brown in colour. Add 1 cup water and mix.

3. Add thin coconut milk and mix well.

4. Cover and cook till the ada is soft taking care not to mash it.

5. Add jaggery and continue cooking till the mixture is thick.

6. Add the thick coconut milk and mix. Reserve a few cashewnuts and raisins for garnish and add the rest to the pan. Stir well and heat through without boiling the mixture.

7. Sprinkle the cardamom powder.

8. Transfer into a serving bowl. Garnish with remaining fried cashewnuts and raisins and serve hot.

2. Parippu Payasam

Parippu Payasam is a comforting dessert made with lentils, jaggery, and coconut milk(Pinterest)

Ingredients:

1 cup split skinless green gram (dhuli moong dal/parpu)

1 cup chopped jaggery

2 tbsps ghee

 cup thinly sliced fresh coconut

10-15 cashew nuts

 cup raisins (khishmish)

 tsp green cardamom powder

1 cup coconut milk

Method:

1. Dry roast split skinless green gram till golden brown and transfer into a pressure cooker, add 2 cups water and pressure cook till 2-3 whistles are given out.

2. To make jaggery syrup, add jaggery in a non-stick pan and add  cup water and cook till the jaggery melts.

3. Heat ghee in a non-stick pan, add coconut slices and saute till golden. Add cashew nuts and raisins and saute till raisins puff up. Take the pan off the heat.

4. Open the cooker once the pressure has reduced completely, lightly mash cooked pigeon peas with the back of a spoon. Strain the jaggery syrup into it and mix well.

5. Cook this mixture till it comes to a boil, reduce the heat to low and add green cardamom powder and coconut milk. Mix well and cook for 2-3 minutes.

6. Add coconut-nuts mixture and mix well, switch the heat off and transfer into serving bowls. Serve warm.

3. Pineapple Pulissery

Pineapple Pulissery is a tangy and slightly sweet Kerala curry made with pineapple and yoghurt.(Pinterest)

Ingredients:

500 grams pineapple, peeled and cut into 1 inch pieces

 tsp turmeric powder

1 tbsp sugar

1 cup scraped fresh coconut

3-4 green chillies

1 tsp cumin seeds

1 cup yogurt

Salt to taste

1 tbsps coconut oil

1 tsp mustard seeds

A pinch of fenugreek seeds (methi dana)

3-4 dried red chillies, broken

1 sprig of curry leaves

Method:

1. Heat an earthen pot. Add the pineapple pieces, 1 cups water and turmeric powder and mix well. Add sugar, mix well and bring it to a boil. Continue to cook for 10-15 minutes.

2. Put the coconut in a mixer jar. Add green chillies, cumin seeds and  cup water. Grind to a fine paste.

3. Take yogurt in a bowl. Add salt, and mix till well combined.

4. Add the ground paste into the pineapple mixture and mix well. Cook for a minute.

5. Stir in the yogurt mixture, and cook for 2-3 minutes. Pour  cup water, mix and cook for 4-5 minutes.

6. For the tempering, heat coconut oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Add fenugreek seeds, dried red chillies and curry leaves and saute for a few seconds.

7. Transfer into serving bowls. Serve.

4. Aviyal

Aviyal is a traditional Kerala dish made with a mix of vegetables.(Pinterest)

Ingredients:

2 medium carrots, cut into 1 inch thick strips

50 grams broad beans (papdi), stringed and cut into 1 inch pieces

100 grams red pumpkin (kadu), peeled and cut into 1 inch thick strips

100 grams white pumpkin (bhopla), peeled and cut into 1 inch thick strips

50 grams French beans, cut into 1 inch pieces

50 grams yam (suran), peeled and cut into 1 inch thick pieces

100 grams raw banana, peeled and cut into 1 inch thick strips

100 grams drum sticks, peeled and cut into 1 inch pieces

50 grams cluster beans (gavar), stringed and cut into 1 inch pieces

Salt to taste

 tsp turmeric powder

1 cup whisked yogurt

2 tbsps coconut oil

10-15 curry leaves

Paste

1 cup scraped fresh coconut

2-3 green chillies

1 tsp cumin seeds

Method:

1. Heat a non-stick deep pan, add carrot, red pumpkin, white pumpkin, French beans, yam, raw banana, drum sticks, cluster beans, turmeric powder and salt. Add 1  cups water, mix and cover and cook for 10-12 minutes.

2. Put coconut in a blender jar, add green chillies, cumin seeds and  cup water and blend to a coarse paste.

3. Add ground paste into the vegetable mixture and mix. Reduce the heat to low and add yogurt and mix. Cook for 1-2 minutes.

4. Add coconut oil and curry leaves and mix and take the pan off the heat. Transfer into serving bowls and serve hot.

(All recipes by Chef Sanjeev Kapoor)
The past few weeks have been a busy time for the countrys top medical education regulator, the National Medical Commission (NMC). On August 31, the NMC revised the forensic medicine curriculum  the Competency-Based Medical Education Curriculum, 2024 (CBME)  for undergraduate medical students, re-introducing sodomy and lesbianism under the category of unnatural sexual offences and terming transvestism (cross-dressing) as a sexual perversion (along with necrophilia). It also brought back topics such as the importance of the hymen and the definition of virginity and defloration. At the same time, it removed the seven-hour training on disability competencies.

The revised guidelines were predictably met with outrage, considering that they seem to have been drafted keeping in mind conservative Victorian moralities; and were contrary to all medical, scientific, and psychological evidence. Treating consensual same-sex relations on par with bestiality undermined the (slow) progress that has been made by the country on the issue of queer rights and trans rights in one fell swoop.

The CBME Guidelines were also contrary to the Supreme Courts recognition of the importance of the dignity of LGBTQIA+ persons and the fact that criminalisation of behaviour that did not conform to traditional heterosexual expectations of society was unconstitutional. As far back as 2014, the Supreme Court in the NALSA judgment, recognised that gender identity and sexual orientation are different. An individuals self-defined sexual orientation and gender identity is integral to her personality and is an aspect of self-determination, dignity and freedom.

While striking down Section 377, IPC (insofar as it applied to consensual same-sex relations), the Court in Navtej Johar (2018) noted the intersectional nature of sex discrimination, which cannot be said to operate in isolation of other identities, especially from the socio-political and economic context.

In fact, the Madras High Court in 2021 built on the Supreme Courts dicta when it issued expansive guidelines to eliminate the prejudice against the LGBTQIA+ community and laid the blueprint for their de-stigmatisation and inclusion in society. The judgment was also noteworthy because the judge voluntarily underwent a session of psycho-education with a counselling psychologist to help him understand same-sex relations better to pave the way for his evolution.

He also extracted the entire report of this counselling session in his judgment, which, among other things, addressed the pathologisation of any other gender or sexuality that lies outside the binary system. It recognised that existing diagnostic guidelines and medical interventions were built on the false belief that homosexuality is a condition, that the problem was either in the persons genitals or their brain and that it can be cured.

The judgment also noted that our medical textbooks are just as draconian as our laws, given that the then-prevailing forensic medicine curriculum prescribed for medical students described sodomy and lesbianism and oral sex as sexual offences and transvestism as a sexual perversion.

The impact of the Madras High Courts judgment was profound and immediate. It resulted in the NMC removing these subjects from its curriculum in 2022  only to reintroduce them two years later in August 2024.

One week later, after protracted media outrage and protests, the NMC withdrew the Guidelines on September 4.

While the NMC may have withdrawn the curriculum for now, it has clarified that the guidelines will be revised in due course. Revision in the medical and medico-legal curriculum is welcome and should take into account evolving progressive practices and changing medical and scientific discourse. But such revisions should not set us back decades by adopting unscientific and discriminatory approaches towards queer and trans persons and persons with disabilities.

The CBME Guidelines are important because they send a message to young MBBS students about what is considered natural or unnatural, and what is an acceptable forensic practice. For decades, the proforma for medical examination of rape victims involved the two-finger test, an unscientific and invasive practice being used to determine the sexual history of the woman.

The Supreme Court repeatedly criticised this practice, recognising that it re-traumatised the woman and did not prove nor disprove the allegations of rape in any manner. In 2022, the Court even directed the Government to review the curriculum in medical schools to ensure that the two-finger test was not prescribed as part of the procedure to examine survivors of rape and sexual assault.

But the CBME Guidelines also have an impact far beyond the medico-legal, forensic context. These guidelines directly impact the ability of queer and trans people to access health care. If medical professionals are taught and believe, -that cross-dressing is a sexual perversion or engaging in same-sex relations is unnatural, what is to stop them from trying to cure persons of the LGBTQIA+ community or subjecting them to harmful conversion therapy? What is to stop a therapist from dismissing the mental health concerns of a young queer teen, coming to terms with her sexuality, and instead, laying the blame on her doorstep?

At the same time, removing the seven-hour disabilities competency training results in doctors being profoundly ill-equipped to provide health care services to persons with disabilities in a way that recognises their dignity and autonomy.

The NMC now has an opportunity to correct historic injustices. Further revisions to the CBME curriculum should proactively recognise that queer and trans persons, and persons with disabilities, are equal and valued members of society, and must be treated with dignity. Only then can the promise of transformative constitutionalism be achieved in practice.

Vrinda Bhandari is a practising Advocate at the Supreme Court of India. The views expressed are personal
In the wake of President Joe Bidens withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race and vice president Kamala Harris ascension into the role of Democratic nominee, a crucial question emerges: How would Harris foreign policy depart from Bidens? U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on the White House grounds, in Washington, D.C., U.S., July 25, 2024. REUTERS/Nathan Howard (REUTERS)

Biden assumed office as the most experienced foreign policy president of our generation. He was a long-time member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, having played a vocal role in national security debates for decades. As vice president, he spearheaded key Obama administration diplomatic initiatives. Harris pre-White House resume  career prosecutor, state attorney general, and first-term senator  was decidedly sparse by comparison on the foreign policy front.

However, four years as vice president have provided Harris with a crash course in international relations that few Democrats or Republicans can match. She has received the Presidents Daily Brief every morning, sat in on most of Bidens meetings with visiting heads of State, and been present in the Situation Room when critical national security decisions were made. She has also travelled to more than 20 countries, met with over 150 foreign leaders, and led many key delegations herself  including the past three to the Munich Security Conference.

Through the pandemic, the Afghanistan withdrawal, Russias invasion of Ukraine, intensifying great power competition with China, the West Asia war, and numerous smaller crises, the leaders of the USs allies have come to see her as a steady and capable hand. Perhaps not as much as Biden, whom theyve known for decades and, in many cases, grown fond of, but certainly more than former president Donald Trump. But how does her worldview and her policy preferences compare to Bidens? There is plenty of overlap but also significant daylight between them.

Biden, 81, came of age during the height of the Cold War, and his worldview reflects that. He is a strong believer in American exceptionalism and sees international relations in black-and-white terms, as a struggle between democracies and autocracies where the US is always a force for good. He is also a believer in the great man theory of politics, which posits that statesmen can alter the course of history through personal relationship-building and sheer force of will.

By contrast, the 59-year-old Harris grew up in a post-Cold War world where the greatest challenge to American hegemony was a failure to uphold its ideals at home and abroad. Her inclination as a prosecutor is to judge countries by their adherence to the rule of law and international norms rather than their political system or leaders. She views Bidens democracies vs autocracies framework as reductive, acknowledging the necessity of US engagement with non-democratic nations as well as Americas own democratic shortcomings. Though agreeing with Biden that the US is generally a force for good, she is wary of unintended consequences and favours institutionalist and multilateral approaches over unilateral interventions. Harris believes the most effective way for the US to exercise power in a more contested and multipolar world where it is still the hegemon but lacks the ability, the will, and the legitimacy to dictate outcomes in the way it once did is to lead by example. These contrasting worldviews manifest differently across policy areas.

On China, continuity is the order of the day, as US national security adviser Jake Sullivan explicitly assured Chinese leader Xi Jinping in a rare meeting. Biden and Harris are fully aligned on engaging with Beijing wherever cooperation is possible while competing vigorously but in close coordination with allies on national security-related issues. Any differences in policy between them are likely to be just a matter of emphasis or tactics. As vice president, Harris expended considerable effort in shoring up Americas Indo-Pacific relationships, travelling five times to Asia and meeting regularly with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Her administration would prioritise alliance-building over unilateral measures (such as tariffs, export controls, and sanctions), intensifying the pivot to Asia beyond Bidens and certainly Trumps approaches.

The Russia-Ukraine war is a different story. Harris and Biden align in supporting Kyiv, but their motivations differ. Whereas Harris sees the conflict in legal terms, emphasising Russias violation of Ukrainian sovereignty, Biden views it through a moral lens, casting it as a struggle between democracy and autocracy. This underlying difference in perspective could lead to policy divergence under changing circumstances. While Harris would accept a bilateral ceasefire agreement, she would be less likely than Biden  whose personal relationship with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy is tepid at best  to pressure Ukraine into unwanted negotiations, especially while Ukrainian territory remains under illegal occupation.

The Israel-Palestine issue marks their most significant foreign policy divide. Harris is more sensitive to alleged Israeli violations of international law committed with US complicity. Shes also generally more supportive of the Palestinian statehood claim than Biden, who nominally favours a two-State solution but has been all too deferential to the far-Right Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu. While Harris would continue to recognise Israel as the USs most important regional security partner and ensure its ability to defend itself, she would exert more pressure on it to uphold the rule of law. This tightening of the special relationship would represent a break from the past but align US policy more closely with most allies stances.

As the election nears, Harris potential to shape global affairs for the next many years becomes increasingly significant. Though often aligned with Biden, her unique worldview promises distinct leadership on the international stage. As we navigate an increasingly complex global landscape, understanding just how US foreign policy might shift under a Harris administration is not just important  its imperative.

Ian Bremmer is the founder and board president of Eurasia Group Foundation. The views expressed are personal
Brigade Groups flexible workspace arm, BuzzWorks, has entered the Hyderabad market with a 25,000-square feet space in Auro Orbit of Hitec City. Brigade Groups BuzzWorks marks Hyderabad foray with 25,000-square feet office space(BuzzWorks)

As per the company statement released on September 11, the facility features 416 desks, along with meeting rooms and collaborative spaces.

Overall, Brigade Group aims to expand to 1 million sq ft of flexible office space over the next 2 years, the company statement underscored. Presently, BuzzWorks has a footprint of 3 lakh square feet, spanning 5,000 desks across Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Kochi.

Also Read: Brigade Group to develop 8-acre housing project worth 1,100 crore in Bengaluru

Brigade Group ventured into the flexible office spaces with 'BuzzWorks' in 2019. BuzzWorks aims to create 10,000 seats in its ready-to-move-in premium workspaces and custom-built managed offices across Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Chennai, said Nirupa Shankar, Joint Managing Director, Brigade Enterprises Limited.

While the focus on Hyderabad continues with the launch of our first BuzzWorks center in HITEC City, we are also seeking suitable land parcels with like-minded partners to expand our footprint in the city, she added.

Also Read: Brigade Group to launch 15 mn sq ft in Chennai by 2030, to invest 8000 crore

About the facility

Located on the 18th floor, the facility has an 'Urban Forest' theme and offers amenities like wireless access control, visitor management and AI-powered smart space technology, including advanced energy management systems, the company statement said.

Earlier this year, BuzzWorks launched a facility in Bengalurus WTC Annexe, situated within Brigade Gateway in Malleswaram-Rajajinagar.

Also Read: After Awfis, three major co-working firms mull Initial Public Offering in 2025: Sources

Headquartered in Bengaluru, Brigade Group was established in 1986 and has since developed many landmark buildings across cities including Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Gift City-Gujarat and Thiruvananthapuram, among others. The brand has delivered projects across segments, including residential, commercial, retail and hospitality.

Brigade Group has completed more than 300 buildings amounting to over 90 million square feet of developed space.
Global tech giant Microsoft has invested close to Rs. 519.72 crore on land parcels spread across an area of 16.4 acres in Punes Hinjewadi, a major IT hub, documents accessed by Square Yards showed. Global tech giant Microsoft has invested close to Rs. 519.72 crore on land parcels spread across an area of 16.4 acres in Punes Hinjewadi, a major IT hub, documents accessed by Square Yards showed. (Representational photo)(Reuters)

In recent years, Microsofts investments in India's commercial real estate sector have increased, spanning data centers, development centers, and flexible office spaces.

As per the registration document, Microsofts Indian arm, Microsoft Corporation (India) Private Limited, acquired 66,414.5 square meters (~16.4 acres) of prime land in Punes Hinjewadi in four separate deals.

The transactions, registered in August 2024, involved the purchase of land from Indo Global Infotech City LLP. The deal incurred a stamp duty of Rs. 31.18 crore and a registration fee of Rs. 30,000, the sale deed documents showed.

An email has been sent to the company. The story will be updated once a response is received.

Other real estate deals



In 2022, Microsoft Corporation (India) had acquired 10.89 lakh sq ft of commercial plot in Pune from Finolex Industries for a consolidated amount of 328.84 crore. The commercial plot is located at Pimpri Waghere in Pune and has been acquired through an agreement with Finolex Industries to transfer the lease for 328.84 crore, property documents showed. The company had then paid a stamp duty of 16.44 crore on the deal, the documents showed.

Also Read: Finolex Industries sells leasehold rights of 25 acres of land in Pune for 470 crore

Earlier this year, Microsoft secured 48 acres of land in Hyderabad for Rs. 267 crore.

Tech giant Microsoft Corporation (India) Pvt Ltd has bought a 48 acre land parcel in Hyderabad for 267 crore, documents showed.

Also Read: Microsoft buys 48-acre land parcel in Hyderabad in a transaction estimated to be worth 267 crore

According to media reports, in 2022, Microsoft had acquired three land parcels in Hyderabad for around 275 crore to establish a data center.

Both deals are part of Microsofts broader strategy to expand its presence in India, particularly within its data centre operations. The company's network of data centres already includes locations in Pune, Mumbai, and Chennai, solidifying its presence across key markets.

Also Read: Godrej Properties acquires rights on 11-acre land in Pune; to develop housing and high-street project worth 1,800 cr

Bengaluru-based listed real estate developer Prestige Estates wholly owned subsidiary Prestige Exora Business Parks Ltd had recently purchased a 4.57-acre land parcel in Pune for 200 crore.

Also Read: Pune real estate land deal: Prestige Exora Business Parks buys 4.57-acre land parcel for 200 crore

The Pune real estate market witnessed a 25% year-on-year (YoY) increase in property registrations in July 2024 with 13,314 properties being registered as against 10,614 in the same period a year ago, according to the data shared by Maharashtra governments Department of Registrations and Stamps  the Inspector General of Registration and Controller of Stamp (IGR).
A new snake species with an exceptionally long snout has been discovered in India. Two specimens of the long-snouted vine snake (Ahaetulla longirostris) were discovered hundreds of kilometres apart - in Bihar and in Meghalaya  according to a paper published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity. An uncollected individual of Ahaetulla longirostris from Valmiki Tiger Reserve(Facebook/snakeszeeshan)

According to the Miami Herald, two scientists named Sourabh Verma and Soham Pattekar were walking on the outskirts of a village in Bihar in 2021 when they stumbled upon a dead creature. The 4-foot-long creature intrigued them. It did not look like any known species.

DNA testing, follow-up surveys and in-dept analysis revealed that Verma and Pattekar has inadvertently discovered a new species of vine snake: Ahaetulla longirostris, or the long-snouted vine snake.

See pics of the snake below:

The study published in the Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity said that long-snouted vine snakes can reach a length of 4-feet in size. Zeeshan Mirza, Soham Pattekar, Sourabh Verma, Bryan Stuart, Jayaditya Purkayastha, Pratyush Mohapatra and Harshil Patel formed the research time.

On 16 December 2021, a deceased vine snake was found on the outskirts of the Valmiki Tiger Reserve at the boundaries of the Gonauli village in the state of Bihar, India. The cause of death could not be ascertained as the animal did not bear any external injury, the study said.

The tail tip was taken from the dead Bihar specimen and preserved in 95% ethanol for molecular analysis the study explained. Molecular data further attested to the distinctiveness of the Bihar and Meghalaya population, which is described here as a new species.

These long-snouted vine snakes can be bright green or orange brown. They typically have orange bellies. These snakes live in forests as well as human-dominated areas like cities.
What began as a routine destruction drive of seized liquor bottles in Andhra Pradesh quickly devolved into chaos when locals saw the opportunity to score free alcohol and began to loot the bottles. Footage that has gone viral online shows a large crowd in Guntur running to grab liquor bottles that cops had lined up for a PR shoot before the destruction drive. Guntur Police tries to stop crowd from looting alcohol bottles.(X/@error040290)

The crowd braved lathis and bashings from Guntur police to grab the liquor bottles, the viral video shows.

Heres what happened

Acting on the instructions of Guntur SP S. Satish Kumar, police in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh on Monday lined up seized alcohol bottles at the Nalla Cheruvu dumping yard. The bottles, worth over 50 lakh, had been seized during the Assembly Elections.

The cops had planned to destroy the liquor bottles. However, locals who got wind of the news descended upon the spot and tried to grab the bottles and run.

A viral video shows policemen trying in vain to stop the locals from running away with the liquor. When their pleas fell on deaf ears, cops resorted to beating the unruly crowd with lathis.

However, many even braved lathis for the opportunity to grab free alcohol. One person was even seen trying to negotiate with the cops.

The police did manage to make at least a few people return the bottles - some were seen meekly keeping them back. An investigation has been ordered to identify the men who managed to steal the bottles.

The footage sparked much amusement on social media, where it has been watched millions of times. Last guy literally debated two police officers and convinced them to allow him to leave with the bottle, wrote one X user. Locals thought they had organised a liquor langar, another quipped. An X user called it an example of When life is stranger than fiction.
A companys internal note prohibiting employees from taking leave to care for their sick children has sparked widespread backlash on social media. The memo, which surfaced Reddit , outlined that employees would no longer be permitted to miss work for a child's illness, stirring intense debate about work-life balance. An internal memo banning leave for sick children sparked outrage on Reddit. Critics slam the policy, calling it a work-life imbalance and promoting dishonesty.

(Also read: Chinese man, 30, dies after 104 days of non-stop work with only 1 day off)

The controversial memo

The memo in question, which a user shared on subreddit antiwork, read: Calling out because your child is sick is no longer a valid excuse to miss work and will now result in a write-up. We do not employ your children and, as such, their sickness is not an excuse for you to miss work. Go, team!

The companys stance was condemned, with critics accusing the employer of showing a blatant disregard for employees' family responsibilities and overall well-being. Many users suggested that such policies would force parents to make difficult decisions, potentially bringing sick children to work, risking the health of other employees.

(Also read: Employee receives flak from workplace for leaving early by 1 minute)

Outrage on social media

Social media was flooded with outraged responses, as users vented their frustrations. One Reddit user sarcastically remarked, "Legit. I would leave a response to this note saying, 'Whatever my kids get, I end up catching. But if you want five staff members to end up calling in sick instead of one because I gave everyone Covid, then fine. Your loss.

Another expressed dismay at the employers lack of compassion, commenting, We do not employ your children? Well, you dont employ my partner, parents, or friends either. All of whom could need my help. Time to only hire orphans with no relationships whatsoever. Idiot employer.

Another user pointed out how the policy might lead to dishonesty, stating, "This is ridiculous. Policies like this only push people to lie. Instead of saying my child is unwell, and I need to stay home, theyll claim Im feeling sick myself and cant come in. Similarly, another commenter noted, Some rules make you shrug and comply, but others stir up real resentment and push employees to work against the company. This is definitely one of those."
A disgruntled Ola Electric customer reportedly set fire to one of the companys showrooms in Karnataka over a delay in repairing his electric scooter. An Ola Electric customer has been arrested for setting a showroom on fire(Representational image)

According to a Moneycontrol report, 26-year-old Mohammad Nadeem had purchased the electric scooter on August 28 and faced constant issues with the two-wheeler. The resident of Kalaburagi in North Karnataka was unhappy as Ola Electric staff failed to address his problem despite repeated complaints and showroom visits.

Damage worth  8.5 lakh

Nadeem had spent 1.4 lakh on purchasing the scooter. However, within a couple of days, the scooter began to experience technical issues with the battery and sound system, reported India Today. After repeated complaints failed to resolve the issue, Nadeem, a mechanic by profession, resorted to arson.

On September 10, he bought petrol and set the Ola Electric showroom in Kalaburagi on fire. Fortunately, no casualties were reported in the incident as the showroom was reportedly closed at the time. However, six scooters were badly damaged in the fire. The total loss from the fire is estimated to be around 8.5 lakh.

He bought an Ola scooter from the showroom 20 days ago, but it had frequent issues. The showroom staff did not address the problems despite his repeated visits. Frustrated with the issues and the staffs negligence, he poured petrol on the showroom and set it on fire on Tuesday, a senior police officer told Moneycontrol

The cause of the fire was earlier suspected to be a short circuit. However, after Nadeems role in the arson came to light, the 26-year-old was taken into custody for interrogation. A complaint has been registered against him.

Ola Electric reacts

Ola Electric shared a statement on social media condemning the act of violence and arson. The EV company said it would take legal measures to ensure strict action in the matter so that such incidents are not repeated.
A young Indian software engineer working in Canada has found himself at a crossroads as he has to choose between staying back in Canada and returning to his home country to work in the same company in their Bengaluru office, but in a managerial role. The techie, who moved to Canada in 2019 for a Masters degree and has since earned permanent residency (PR), is grappling with whether to leave his established life in Canada or return to India to be closer to his family. The Indian techie moved to Canada in 2019.

The man took to Reddit to ask others for advice and suggestions before he made a life-altering decision.

Revealing the salary he earns in Canada, the man said he currently makes 85,000 Canadian dollars ( 52.5 lakh) a year, which includes a bonus. However, with the exorbitant cost of living even in a place like Halifax in Canada, where he lives, he feels that "life is getting tough".

The Indian man, who pays 2,300 Canadian dollars ( 1.42 lakh) for rent and utilities, also found Canada's strained healthcare system difficult to navigate, especially because of the long waits for non-emergency medical cases.

Now, his company has offered him a managerial role in Bengaluru with a salary of 36 lakh per annum plus a bonus of 5 lakh. The engineer said he has never worked in India and expressed concerns about working with an Indian boss and adapting to their working style.

"I'm good while my current managers are around(culture, work-life balance), but if they 'leave', I might end up with an Indian manager (I have heard horror stories, especially of their demands). I was still thinking, maybe this job is a once-in-a-lifetime gig; maybe I should consider doing it for a year and see how Canada rolls out," he said in his post on Reddit.

Canada citizenship vs life in India

One of his biggest dilemmas is the impact this move to India would have on his Canadian citizenship process. Staying in Canada would mean securing Canadian citizenship in 1.5 years, while taking the job in India would push this timeline to at least 2.5 years. However, he feels that it would help his mother to have him around in India because of her growing health needs.

"I wanted to get Canadian citizenship and move to the US, but now I'm thinking I'll probably end up in India long-term. Might consider a short US stint if offered," he said.

The post, on a Reddit forum for non-resident Indians (NRIs), sparked a conversation on the pros and cons of both choices. Redditors weighed in on the best possible options for the software engineer for both his career and family goals.

Citizenship is a key goal for the engineer, as it opens doors to a future in the U.S. However, with his familys improved financial situation and his mothers growing health needs, being closer to home has its advantages.

(Also Read: Bengaluru couple moves to Luxembourg for better quality of life, lower taxes)

Here's what Reddit users suggested:

Several users suggested that he stay in Canada until he gets citizenship and then move to India with an OCI (Overseas Citizen Of India) card.

"Get citizenship and then leave. Passport gives you the power to your CV as well. Not having visa requirement makes getting job easy," a person said.

"Come back to India as a Canadian at age 28 with OCI or keep it for later when parents are even more old and so are you with no sure shot chance of getting a job. Reduce rent by sharing and moving away from city centre," another Reddit user commented.

"Exiting Canada without citizenship is like leaving money on the table," one person said, expressing similar sentiments as the majority of the people who commented.

(Also Read: Gurgaon couple in Australia wants to move to Bengaluru 2 years after migrating: 'We spend 80% of our income')
Former US special forces trying to help overthrow Venezuelan strongman Nicolas Maduro? Check. Speedboats cruising through international waters, private unmarked planes and Venezuelan army deserters in the Colombian jungle? Check. At Toronto film fest, the bizarre tale of a failed coup in Venezuela

Filmmaker Jen Gatien first learned about Jordan Goudreau, a decorated onetime US Army Green Beret now facing federal weapons smuggling charges in connection with a failed 2020 coup attempt in Venezuela, by reading the newspaper.

To her great surprise, when she Googled his phone number and texted him, he replied almost immediately.

So begins the strange and twisting tale of "Men of War," a documentary which made its world premiere during the Toronto International Film Festival , the largest in North America.

"He's the only mercenary, or the only person to me that's been labeled a mercenary, who never got paid," Gatien told AFP in an interview with co-director Billy Corben.

She explained that the Green Beret motto, which translates roughly from Latin as "Free the Oppressed," was deeply ingrained in Goudreau and his fellow soldiers.

"I think that the mission in Venezuela spoke to something much deeper than money," she said.

Through a mix of original footage obtained from Goudreau and interviews with key players in the saga, interspersed with images from pop culture of Rambo and Jason Bourne, Gatien and Corben lift the lid on a web of intrigue.

Goudreau is a decorated Iraq and Afghanistan US military veteran who founded security company Silvercorp after being medically retired.

"We're in the business of war. And the more you get comfortable with it, the more you do it it becomes, like, this drug," Goudreau, now 48, says at the start of the movie.

He found himself at the center of the swirling "Operation Gideon," from its nascent stages in Miami in mid-2019 to an actual effort in May 2020 to use a small group of men to infiltrate Venezuela, join up with other military deserters and oust Maduro.

Misunderstandings with Venezuela's opposition movement, then led by US-backed Juan Guaido, nebulous US government contacts, double-crossings and a lack of resources ultimately doomed the mission before it ever began.

Several insurrectionists were killed, and two Americans war buddies of Goudreau who volunteered to help him - spent more than three years in a Venezuelan jail before being freed in 2023.

"Was I in over my head? Yeah," Goudreau admits in the film.

Corben and Gatien say Goudreau definitely has a signed agreement with Guaido albeit one with a "Mission: Impossible"-style deniability clause that if things went south, the opposition would disavow the operation.

He also had an audio recording of the signing session with Guaido, who many countries including the United States declared was Venezuela's rightful president after Maduro claimed victory in the disputed 2018 election.

"He has the receipts. Had he not had that recording of that contract signing, I think we all would have just laughed him out of the room," Gatien said.

After the failed coup, Goudreau went on the run to Mexico, but later returned home.

The film's final twist is a doozy: after a four-year investigation, Goudreau is arrested by US marshals and charged in federal court.

He has pleaded not guilty, been released on bail and is awaiting trial. He faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted.

So given his perilous legal situation, why would Goudreau even agree to make this film?

"He had a really big push to make the film because he really felt that he had been portrayed as the fall guy in this," Gatien said.

The filmmakers say Goudreau's plight reveals a wider problem: what happens to soldiers who are trained to kill when they leave the military?

"What happens to these Captain Americas and GI Joes and GI Janes when the governments are done playing with them?" Corben asks.

Meanwhile, Maduro has once again been accused of a fraudulent reelection victory this past July.

"Due to breaking news and seemingly weekly unfolding events in this story, this is a work in progress that we're screening," Corben said.

TIFF runs through Sunday.

sst/st

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
By Alexander Ratz and Sarah Marsh Berlin makes proposals to reduce number of asylum seekers

BERLIN -Germany's government presented a plan on Tuesday to implement more rigorously European rules on asylum that would see more people turned away at its borders, a day after it announced it would start carrying out controls on all its land borders.

The proposals include detaining asylum seekers while authorities determine whether Germany is responsible for processing their case with the help of Europe's shared fingerprint database, Eurodac, amongst other tools, Interior Minister Nancy Faeser told a news conference.

"We want people whose asylum procedure is the responsibility of another EU country to be sent back there," Faeser said.

The measures reflect Germany's hardening stance on immigration in the wake of high arrivals of asylum seekers from both the Middle East and Ukraine which could strain relations with other European states.

"We will approach our European partners at a high political level to ensure that they give their approval for readmission to the respective countries more quickly so that the European rules are complied with," Faeser said.

Yet Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk earlier on Tuesday already criticised Germany's tighter border controls, calling for urgent consultations with other affected countries and more support for Warsaw's own immigration policies.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz's centre-left government elaborated the proposals for faster rejections at the borders as part of talks with the opposition conservatives which fell apart on Tuesday with the latter complaining they did not go far enough.

Scholz's three-way coalition does not necessarily need approval from the conservatives, however, to push through the proposals, which they also want to discuss with regional governments before implementing.

Berlin says it must tackle irregular migration due to overburdened public services and to protect the public from threats such as Islamist extremism.

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.

Mainstream parties are seeking to seize the initiative away from the far-right Alternative for Germany that has tapped into concerns about migration and seen support surge in recent years.

The AfD became the first far-right party in Germany to win a state election since World War Two in Thuringia on Sept. 1.

Marcus Engler at the German Centre for Integration and Migration Research said, however, the new proposals would likely have limited impact given asylum seekers would likely find ways around them, and other EU countries did not appear willing to accept asylum seekers back.

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Toronto: As Canadas study permit system comes under greater scrutiny after it emerged that a Pakistani national, arrested on terrorism-related charges last week, was in the country as an international student, others find they are being scapegoated for the failures of the immigration system. International students from India at the site for an indefinite protest in Brampton (Naujawan Support Network)

Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, 20, was arrested from Ormstown, Que last week and faces terrorism charges in both Canada and the United States as he was allegedly planning major attacks in New York City targeting the Jewish community. On Tuesday, Canadas Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Marc Miller confirmed Khan had entered Canada on a study visa in May 2023.

That development will add to the anti-immigration sentiment already present in Canada, as a shelter affordability crisis has been linked to the heavy influx, especially of temporary residents like students. These students, many of whom are now in the country on post-graduate work permits face an increasingly uncertain future.

That has led to an indefinite protest in the town of Brampton in the Greater Toronto Area or GTA organised by the activist group Naujawan Support Network.

Among its principal organisers is Bikramjit Singh, originally from Hoshiarpur district in Punjab, who said according to their estimates, nearly 130,000 ex-international students will see their work permits expire at the end of this year and 2025 and will face potential deportation since pathways to permanent residence have become restricted.

He said they have received no assistance from Canadian politicians due to the anti-immigration sentiment currently prevalent. Because of the political scenario, theyre not doing anything. Also, were not voters, Bikramjit Singh, who came to Canada as a student in 2019, said.

Their indefinite protest began last Friday and will continue till their demands are met. Those include extending work permits, providing post-graduate work permits to all international students and a fair pathway to PR.

At this time, he said, desperate students are filing for refugee claims or trying to illegally enter the United States or even entering into marriages, to maintain their status in Canada.

Being ignored by Canadian politicians is a different experience from the one former international students from India had last year when many faced deportation as forged documents were used by immigration consultants to procure their study permits.

That protest began in May last year and ended later in the summer as the Canadian Government announced an amnesty for those who had genuinely come to study in the country. That came about due to pressure from MPs and political leaders who even joined the protestors at their encampment.

This years protest is different as conditions have changed, including the sympathy Canadians had for their plight and the presence of politicians across parties. Majority of society is against us and politicians are staying away, Bikramjit Singh said.
* China challenges dim European firms' investment appetite, lobby group says

Economic slowdown is No.1 concern of EU firms in China

*

EU Chamber in China calls for more consumption stimulus

*

Warns firms feel risks of China market no longer match rewards

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Growing doubts over China's commitment to reform, chamber says

By Joe Cash

BEIJING, Sept 11 - European firms in China doubt the government has a credible plan to boost demand in the ailing economy or will carry out long-promised reforms, diminishing their appetite to invest in the country, a European business lobby group said on Wednesday.

The European Union Chamber of Commerce in China said in the latest edition of its Position Paper that many of its more than 1,700 member companies were now reconciling themselves to the fact that the problems they face may have become permanent features rather than "growing pains" of an emerging market.

"A tipping point has been reached, with investors now scrutinising their China operations more closely as the challenges of doing business are beginning to outweigh the returns," Jens Eskelund, the chamber's president, said.

"It has become so much harder to make money in the Chinese market," he added, speaking at an event where the paper was released.

In 2023, EU foreign direct investment flows to China dropped by 29% from the previous year to 6.4 billion euros , European Commission data shows, while the chamber said that profit margins in China had sunk for around two thirds of its members to equal to or below the global average.

"With many other markets offering greater predictability and legal certainty along with the same return on investment, continuing to invest at previous levels in the China market is simply becoming harder to justify," the chamber's report read.

European firms must wrestle with Chinese competitors receiving unfair subsidies, a highly politicised business environment, President Xi Jinping's heightened focus on national security, and perennial market access and regulatory barriers, the chamber said.

But the "central concern" was China's economic slowdown.

After a dismal second quarter, policymakers signalled they were ready to deviate from their playbook of pouring funds into infrastructure, instead targeting fresh stimulus at households.

But promise fatigue has become prevalent among European firms, the chamber said.

"At the start of the new millennium, reform plans announced by the Chinese government were seen by foreign companies as credible," the report said. "Now, after more than a decade of largely unfulfilled pledges, doubts over China's commitment to reform are increasing."

Economists are still waiting on more specific plans to reinvigorate the 1.4 billion-strong consumer market beyond a pledge from the top-decision making body of the ruling Communist Party in July that it will do so and a recently rolled-out subsidised trade-in scheme for consumer goods.

The chamber said the trade-in programme was unlikely to significantly increase domestic consumption as the amount budgeted for it worked out to just about 210 yuan per capita.

"The government needs to look at what can be done for China to regain its position as a top location for European FDI," the chamber's Eskelund said.

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By Carlos Carrillo Cuba`s 'migratory stampede' has no end in sight

HAVANA, Sept 11 - Cuban lab chemist Deisy Herrera was crushed when her two sons left the island in search of a better life.

"Those were terrible times," the 61-year old pharmaceutical worker said in tears during an interview at her home in Havana. "When you have kids, you never think they will leave. But we all know the situation here."

It is no secret that Cuba`s economic crisis has prompted a record-breaking exodus of its citizens - far exceeding similar mass migrations off the island, including the 1980 Mariel boatlift.

But even within Cuba, population scientists debate the scope of the country`s population decline, with recent estimates ranging from around 10% since 2020, to nearly one in five residents in the past two years alone.

"There are other countries where has happened, but they have been in wartime," said Juan Carlos Albizu-Campos, a Cuba-based economist and population scientist who works for the Christian Center for Reflection and Dialogue in Cuba.

Albizu-Campos, who has studied Cuba`s demographics for 30 years, surprised many in July when he estimated the island`s population had fallen dramatically to 8.62 million, an 18% decline in 2022 and 2023 alone, numbers he described as a "migratory stampede."

Most Cuban migrants head for the United States.

Juan Carlos Alfonso Fraga, of Cuba`s official statistics agency ONEI, puts the population at 10.1 million, far above Albizu-Campos estimate but still an "important decline" of 10% since 2020.

The difference between the two estimates comes down to technical details that experts told Reuters are best resolved by a census.

But a formal population count has been delayed until at least 2025, officials say.

While the scale of the migration remains unsettled, population experts agree the majority of those leaving are young, able-bodied workers.

Official data has for decades shown that birthrates, too, have dropped dramatically in Cuba, now well short of the rate necessary to replace those who pass away each year.

One in 4 Cubans are now over 60 years old, according to data released by ONEI in July, an increasing burden for the country`s health care system and its economy.

Antonio Aja, director of the University of Havana`s Center for Demographic Studies, says that dynamic - a low birthrate and soaring migration - makes Cuba a standout.

"When you look at the statistics from the U.S., Europe and some countries in South America, you see they are receiving immigrants...and that rejuvenates the population structure," Aja told Reuters.

"In Cuba`s case, we are losing both population and our young people."

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo faced blistering criticism in an often combative congressional subcommittee hearing Tuesday over his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic during the time when the virus was spreading through nursing homes. Cuomo defends COVID-19 nursing home decisions in combative House committee hearing

Republicans who questioned the Democrat zeroed in on a controversial directive his administration issued in March of 2020 that initially barred nursing homes from refusing to accept patients just because theyd had COVID-19. More than 9,000 recovering coronavirus patients were released from hospitals into nursing homes under the directive, which was rescinded amid speculation that it had accelerated outbreaks.

U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York called the directive deadly. Rep. Brad Wenstrup, the Ohio Republican who chairs the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic, said it was inconsistent with federal guidance and its consequences were dangerous and disastrous. Republicans accused Cuomo of staging a cover-up to hide mistakes that endangered nursing home residents.

Governor, you own this. Its your name on the letterhead. This is your directive, whether you knew about it or not," Wenstrup said. Youre the leader. The buck stops with you, or at least it should."

In over two hours of testimony, Cuomo adamantly defended his actions and blamed the former Trump administration for failing to provide enough testing and personal protective equipment in the early days of the pandemic.

These are all diversions to blame New York and other states for the culpability of the federal response, which was malpractice, Cuomo said.

The testimony is unlikely settle disputes over the nursing home order, which was issued to keep hospitals from becoming overwhelmed with COVID-19 patients who were no longer sick enough to require hospitalization but needed nursing home care for other conditions and couldnt simply be discharged or sent home.

A report issued by the House committee didn't delve into the question of whether significant numbers of people discharged from hospitals were still contagious with the virus when they were readmitted to nursing homes, or whether they then passed the virus to other patients.

Some public health experts have said it is likely that most of the people who died in New York nursing homes during the early months of the pandemic got it from staff, from visiting loved ones, or from fellow patients who hadn't yet been hospitalized.

Cuomo told the panel that its report provided no evidence to support the allegation that the directive helped spread the virus.

In fact, the report finds no causality whatsoever. Not one death, he said.

In a particularly heated exchange, Stefanik asked Cuomo if he was negotiating a book deal as people in nursing homes were dying. They each accused each other of making up facts before Stefanik demanded Cuomo apologize to families who lost loved ones.

There are families sitting here. I want you to turn around, look them in the eye and apologize, which you have failed to do," she said. "Will you do it?

This is not about political theater, Cuomo responded.

The congressional committee said it had also determined that Cuomo and his top aides tried to deflect any potential blame by ordering up an unscientific report concluding that the rescinded March directive likely had little impact on fatalities.

There were about 15,000 COVID-19 deaths among long-term care residents in New York, far more than the initial number disclosed. Cuomo said some figures were initially withheld out of concerns about accuracy.

The governor was desperate to change the narrative  to dispel of the notion that his administration failed nursing home residents, said Republican Rep. James Comer, who chairs the House Oversight Committee.

Cuomo resigned from office in August 2021 amid sexual harassment allegations, which he denies.

Cuomo was widely seen as a reassuring figure in the early months of the pandemic, but his reputation suffered after revelations that his administration released an incomplete accounting of the number of deaths at nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

Cuomo testified before the subcommittee in June , but it was behind closed doors. Top former Cuomo administration officials also were interviewed as part of the investigation.

A separate state report commissioned by Cuomo's successor, Gov. Kathy Hochul, and released this summer found that while the policies on how nursing homes should handle COVID-19 were rushed and uncoordinated, they were based on the best understanding of the science at the time.

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* Hanoi flooded by swollen river as Typhoon Yagi leaves 155 dead

Hanoi evacuates thousands from areas near swollen river

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Vietnam death toll at 155 since Yagi swept in on Saturday

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Vietnam utility halts water discharges from big hydropower plant

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Hanoi flagged concerns about China hydropower plants

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Export-oriented northern areas suffer

By Khanh Vu and Francesco Guarascio

HANOI, Sept 11 - Vietnam's capital of Hanoi evacuated thousands of people living near the swollen Red River as its waters rose to a 20-year high, flooding streets days after Typhoon Yagi battered the country's north, killing at least 155 people.

Asia's most powerful typhoon this year, Yagi brought gales and heavy rain as it moved westwards after landfall on Saturday, collapsing a bridge this week while it scythed through provinces along the Red River, the area's biggest.

"My home is now part of the river," said Nguyen Van Hung, 56, who lives in a neighbourhood on the banks of the Red River.

Across the country, the typhoon and subsequent landslides and floods have killed 155 people while 141 were missing, the government estimated.

Vietnam's state-run power utility EVN said on Wednesday it had cut off power from some flooded parts of the capital due to safety concerns.

Mai Van Khiem, director of the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, said in a statement that the Red River was at its highest in two decades and that more rain was expected over the next two days.

Some schools in Hanoi have told students to stay home for the rest of the week, while thousands of residents of low-lying areas have been evacuated, the government and state media said.

Nearer the city centre, charity Blue Dragon Children's Foundation evacuated its office on Tuesday, after authorities warned of flood risks.

"People were moving frantically, moving their motorbikes, relocating items," said spokesperson Carlota Torres Lliro, expressing concern for dozens of children and families living in makeshift houses by the river.

EVN said on Wednesday it had stopped discharging water from Hoa Binh hydropower dam, the second largest in northern Vietnam, into Red River tributary, the Da River, to reduce water flows.

Vietnamese authorities also raised concerns on Wednesday about Chinese hydropower plants releasing water into another Red River tributary, the Lo River, known in China as Panlongjiang, with Beijing saying the two countries were cooperating on flood prevention.

BLOW TO FACTORIES

Yagi wreaked havoc on many factories and flooded warehouses in coastal export-oriented industrial hubs east of Hanoi, forcing closures, with some only expected to resume full operations after weeks, executives said.

The disruptions threaten global supply chains as Vietnam hosts large operations of multinationals that ship mostly to the United States, Europe and other developed nations.

Elsewhere, in provinces north of the capital, landslides triggered by heavy floods killed dozens.

"My house's first floor is completely under the water," said Nguyen Duc Tam, a 40-year-old resident of Thai Nguyen, a city about 60 km from Hanoi.

"Now we have no fresh water and electricity," he said.

Another resident, Hoang Hai Luan, 30, said he had not experienced such flooding in more than 20 years in the area.

"My belongings and possibly those of many others are completely lost."

Among the factories located on the outskirts of the city of about 400,000, is a large facility for Samsung Electronics , which ships about half of its smartphones worldwide from Vietnam.

There were no signs of flooding at the facility on Wednesday, a Reuters witness said.

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By Sarah Marsh, Jan Lopatka, Alan Charlish How Germany plans to tighten border controls in immigration crackdown

BERLIN/PRAGUE/WARSAW, Sept 11 - Germany announced plans this week to extend controls to all its land borders and turn away more asylum seekers in a bid to reduce irregular migration in a shift from its previous open-door policy.

Germany lies at the heart of Europe, with land borders to nine countries. The plans mark a setback to free movement within the European Union, a pillar of the European project, and could strain regional unity.

Here's more on the plans, what motivated them, and what reactions they have sparked:

WHAT DID GERMANY ANNOUNCE?

Germany announced on Monday it would extend temporary controls to all its land borders.

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. On Tuesday it announced proposals to toughen up the implementation of EU rules on asylum including detaining asylum seekers while authorities determine whether Germany is responsible for processing their case.

Police could do so with the help of Europe's shared fingerprint database, Eurodac, amongst other tools.

The government rejected measures requested by the opposition conservatives to automatically reject asylum seekers at the borders, which it and others deemed to be contrary to EU law.

WHY NOW?

Analysts say that while irregular migration has increasingly strained public services, the plans are likely also politically motivated and a bid to stem support for the opposition far-right and conservatives ahead of state and federal elections.

Polls show migration is voters' top concern in the eastern German state of Brandenburg, which holds elections in ten days and where Chancellor Olaf Scholz's centre-left Social Democrats are fighting to retain power. Currently the anti-migration Alternative for Germany is polling first, after earlier this month it became the first far-right party since World War Two to win a state election, in Thuringia. 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.

HOW COULD THIS IMPACT TRAVEL IN THE EU?

Travellers may expect more random checks on cars, trains or buses crossing the borders which could result in some traffic delays and jams. This however has already been happening elsewhere in Europe as Germany is the latest in a string of countries to re-introduce border controls.

Anyone deemed to be entering Germany illegally could be refused entry, or detained at or near the border if they say they want to claim asylum in the country.

"I am not expecting the end of Schengen in general, rather a less functional space of free movement," said Marcus Engler at the German Centre for Integration and Migration Research.

HOW DID OTHER COUNTRIES REACT?

Some neighbouring countries have reacted with dismay to the news which may result in them having to take in more asylum seekers themselves. Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk called on Tuesday for urgent consultations with other affected countries and more support for Warsaw's own immigration policies.

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.

Others were more sanguine however, given Germany has already had controls on some of its borders. Czech Interior Minister Vit Rakusan said for example that he did not expect material change as checks will be random.

Both Poland and the Czech Republic already have detention centres to hold migrants who do not have the necessary travel documents or whose asylum requests are being checked.

Meanwhile Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who has long called for more to be done in Europe to stop irregular migration, welcomed the move:

"Scholz, welcome to the club! #StopMigration," he said on X.

TRENDS IN ASYLUM PLICATIONS Th EU received more than 1.14 million asylum applications in 2023, the highest number since the migrant crisis in 2016, according to the European Union Agency for Asylum .

However, applications have dropped in recent months and in May were down by a third compared to the peak of last autumn.

Germany continued to receive the most applications for asylum, 22% of the total, whereas Ireland received the most per capita.

WHAT'S NEXT?

Berlin still needs to discuss its plans to detain asylum seekers at the borders with Germany's 16 regional governments whose authorities would need to implement them. It has also said it wants to consult with its European partners whose cooperation would be needed if it wants to send back asylum seekers.

However it can implement the border controls straight away, having already notified the European Commission of its decision.

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Toronto: As has been its record in recent years, the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) has provided a platform to an Indian directors maiden project, showcasing Lakshmipriya Devis Boong, set in Manipur, this year. A still from the Manipuri film Boong, which had its world premiere at the 49th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival. (TIFF)

The film had its world premiere at the 49th edition of North Americas largest movie event. The director said she was very amazed at its selection for the prestigious festival.

I never thought this film will be made. I could have never imagined this film will get such a huge platform like TIFF, she said.

First-time director Lakshmipriya Devi expertly centres themes of enduring friendship within a narrative in which ethno-racial discord is ever-present, TIFFs director of programming Robyn Citizen noted in her description of the feature.

The film follows the eponymous character, a schoolboy played by Gugun Kipgen, as he searches for his missing, presumed dead, father Joykumar, who was last known to have lived in Moreh, a border town between India and Myanmar. Its backdrop is the ethno-cultural rift but its essentially a gentle movie about family and friendship.

Given the current situation in Manipur, it isnt surprising that the ethnic violence isnt far from the surface, though the outsiders depicted here are those from beyond Manipur.

The town of Moreh is a pivotal setting for this film. But the ethnic clashes led to it being destroyed. In fact, she said she has heard from residents of Moreh who want to watch the movie just to catch a last glimpse of their razed homes and town.

There was a festival when we were shooting there. Theres a goddess at the entrance of Moreh. Theres a temple there and the festival that celebrated every year. Shes the goddess for outsiders, she welcomes all because Moreh has lots of Tamilians, lots of Marwaris, Burmese, everyone. And it was razed.

For now, she is focused on the reception the film has received, a positive development for a troubled state. The film has resonated during screenings at TIFF. As she said, I thought the setting will be very alien. But people connected with the story and the characters.

While she has been working in the film industry in Mumbai for several years, the world premiere was still a nerve-wracking experience as it was for her own debut project. But the reaction was gratifying, It boosted my confidence otherwise I was a woman on the verge of a nervous breakdown.
By Elwely Elwelly Iran's president visits Iraq on first foreign trip

DUBAI, Sept 11 - Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian arrived in Baghdad on Wednesday, making an official visit to Iraq, a strategic ally of both Tehran and Washington, Iran's state media said.

Iraq hosts several Iran-aligned parties and armed groups, as Tehran has steadily increased its sway in the major oil producer since a U.S.-led invasion toppled its enemy Saddam Hussein in 2003.

A rare partner of both the United States and Iran, Iraq hosts 2,500 U.S. troops and has Iran-backed militias linked to its security forces. It has suffered escalating tit-for-tat attacks since the Israel-Hamas war erupted in Gaza in October.

"We are planning to sign several agreements," Iran's state media quoted Pezeshkian, a relative moderate, as saying ahead of the visit, his first official foreign trip. "We will meet senior Iraqi officials in Baghdad."

The United States and Iraq have reached an understanding on plans for the withdrawal of U.S.-led coalition forces from Iraq, say sources familiar with the matter.

Iran-aligned militia groups in Iraq have repeatedly attacked US troops in the Middle East since the Gaza war began.

State media have said Pezeshkian also plans to visit Iraqi Kurdistan, a region where Iran has carried out strikes in the past, saying it is used as a staging ground for Iranian separatist groups as well as agents of its arch-foe Israel.

Baghdad has tried to tackle Iranian concerns over regional separatist groups, moving to relocate some members in a 2023 security pact with Tehran.

"We have several co-operation areas, including political, regional ... and security issues," Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said ahead of the president's trip, according to state media.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
By Elwely Elwelly Iran's president visits Iraq on first foreign trip

DUBAI -Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian arrived in Baghdad on Wednesday, making an official visit to Iraq, a strategic ally of both Tehran and Washington, Iran's state media said.

Iraq hosts several Iran-aligned parties and armed groups, as Tehran has steadily increased its sway in the major oil producer since a U.S.-led invasion toppled its enemy Saddam Hussein in 2003.

A rare partner of both the United States and Iran, Iraq hosts 2,500 U.S. troops and has Iran-backed militias linked to its security forces. It has suffered escalating tit-for-tat attacks since the Israel-Hamas war erupted in Gaza in October.

"We are planning to sign several agreements," Iran's state media quoted Pezeshkian, a relative moderate, as saying ahead of the visit, his first official foreign trip. "We will meet senior Iraqi officials in Baghdad."

The United States and Iraq have reached an understanding on plans for the withdrawal of U.S.-led coalition forces from Iraq, say sources familiar with the matter.

Iran-aligned militia groups in Iraq have repeatedly attacked US troops in the Middle East since the Gaza war began.

State media have said Pezeshkian also plans to visit Iraqi Kurdistan, a region where Iran has carried out strikes in the past, saying it is used as a staging ground for Iranian separatist groups as well as agents of its arch-foe Israel.

Baghdad has tried to tackle Iranian concerns over regional separatist groups, moving to relocate some members in a 2023 security pact with Tehran.

"We have several co-operation areas, including political, regional ... and security issues," Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said ahead of the president's trip, according to state media.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
LONDON  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. King Charles III to visit Australia and Samoa in a test of stamina after cancer diagnosis

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.

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* Pope Francis lands in Singapore; inter-faith dialogue, climate on agenda

Mass expected to draw 55,000 people, including Hong Kong Catholics

*

Inter-faith dialogue a key theme of visit

*

Wealth inequality and climate change are other issues the pope may address

By Joshua McElwee

SINGORE, Sept 11 - Pope Francis arrived in Singapore on Wednesday afternoon from East Timor, where he is expected to focus on inter-faith dialogue and reinforce the Catholic Church's presence in a region where it is a small minority.

The pope is on the final leg of an ambitious 12-day journey across Southeast Asia and Oceania, the longest trip of his papacy. His two-night stay in the city-state, a global financial hub, will include a speech to the country's political authorities, where the pope may also address issues such as wealth inequality and climate change.

Francis will also celebrate a Mass the Vatican expects to draw some 55,000 people, including Catholics who are travelling from Hong Kong for the event.

The Vatican is currently renegotiating a

controversial deal

with China over the appointment of Catholic bishops in the country, which is up for renewal in October.

Singapore, with a population of 5.92 million, is plurality Buddhist, with about 31% of people identifying with that faith. The Vatican counts about 210,000 Catholics in the country. There are also strong Muslim, Hindu and Taoist communities.

Inter-faith dialogue has been a

central theme

of Francis' 11-year papacy, and in Singapore he will host an inter-religious meeting with young people from various faith traditions. Wealth inequality and climate change are other

frequent themes

.

Singapore's government says rising sea levels due to global warming could have major implications for its low-lying coastline and it is planning to spend S$100 billion over the course of the century on the issue. While in the country, pope will also hold private meetings with President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, and former Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

Francis is only the second pope to visit Singapore, following a brief 5-hour layover by the late John Paul II in 1986. The country counts about 210,000 Catholics among its 5.92 million people, according to the Vatican. The pope arrived from Dili, East Timor's capital, where on Tuesday he celebrated Mass with an estimated 600,000 of the country's 1.3 million population, in one of the largest ever turnouts as a proportion of a country's population for a Mass during a papal visit. On landing in Singapore, Francis was met by Edwin Tong, the Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, and received flowers from local school children. Outside the airport, local media reported that about 1,000 Catholics prayed and waved the flags of The pope's schedule for the rest of Wednesday is light, with only a private meeting with the country's community of Jesuit priests planned. The meetings with political leaders and Mass will take place on Thursday, before he returns to Rome on Friday.

Francis' 12-day tour has also included stops in Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.

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* Red Cross pushes for aid corridors into war-torn Myanmar

A third of Myanmar's population in need of assistance

*

ICRC chief met Myanmar's ruling general this week

*

Access, restrictions limiting scope of aid operation

By Panu Wongcha-um and Devjyot Ghoshal

BANGKOK, Sept 11 - The International Committee of the Red Cross is in talks with Myanmar's ruling junta, its armed opponents and its neighbours to provide cross-border humanitarian assistance into the war-torn country, its chief said on Wednesday.

Myanmar has been mired in conflict since February 2021 when top generals ousted the elected government of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, triggering widespread protests that grew into an armed rebellion challenging the powerful military.

With wide swathes of the country in turmoil, about a third of Myanmar's 55 million people require humanitarian assistance but the ICRC cannot operate in many areas because of access restrictions and security risks, said Mirjana Spoljaric.

"There's a total absence in certain regions of medical services, I mean, a complete collapse," Spoljaric told Reuters.

"There's not even medicine coming in at the moment, and there's very little food available."

During a visit to Myanmar that ended this week, Mirjana said she told junta chief Min Aung Hlaing that the ICRC has the capacity to deliver more assistance.

"The problem is access," she said. "It's critical at the moment because we can't even go and assess the humanitarian needs, and this is something that we need to remedy."

CROSS-BORDER PROACH

In an effort to push more aid into Myanmar, the ICRC is engaging multiple parties on the possibility of sending assistance through neighbours such as Bangladesh and Thailand.

"This was a constant topic of conversation," Spoljaric said, "The cross-border issue is on the table."

In March, Thailand delivered some aid into Myanmar, as part of an initiative backed by the Southeast Asian bloc ASEAN to open a humanitarian corridor.

"The lesson learned is you need to have everybody's agreement in order to operate. But this could potentially provide entry points for some level of ceasefire, local ceasefire negotiations going forward," Spoljaric said.

Another potential route to deliver aid into the country is through Bangladesh, which borders Myanmar's Rakhine state, where the Arakan Army rebel group has taken control of significant territory and beaten back the military.

The fighting in Rakhine has led to a fresh exodus of the mainly Muslim minority Rohingya community into Bangladesh, which already has over a million Rohingya refugees in sprawling camps.

"What we seek is the direct dialogue with all the parties to a conflict with all weapon bearers and those who have control over them," Spoljaric said.

"But at the same time as in every conflict we try to mobilise states that can have an influence."

A former Swiss diplomat, Spoljaric did not detail the response of the Myanmar junta chief to the proposal, which she said is also being discussed with armed groups opposed to the military, neighbouring countries and ASEAN.

"I am hoping that my meeting with the chairman will improve channels of communication and will at least show some openings on their side to increase operational space," she said, referring to Min Aung Hlaing.

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Two rockets fell near U.S. forces stationed near Baghdad airport at the Camp Victory base, security sources said early on Wednesday, with reports of material damage but no casualties. Two rockets fall near US forces in Baghdad: Report(AFP)

The U.S. embassy did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Iraq's Iran-backed armed faction, Kataib Hezbollah, said that the targeting of Baghdad's airport at this time was clearly aimed at disrupting a visit by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian set to begin on Wednesday morning.

In a statement, the group called on Iraqi security forces to investigate and determine who was behind the attack.
The mother of Colt Gray, a 14-year-old accused of killing four people in a mass shooting at Apalachee High School in Barrow County, Georgia, has penned an open letter to the families of the victims, apologizing and defending her son, saying he is not a monster. Marcee Gray, mother of the accused Apalachee High School shooter.(Facebook/Marcee Gray)

The high school shooting took place last week, leaving two students and two teachers dead. Colt Gray has been charged with four counts of murder and will be tried as an adult. If convicted, he could face life in prison.

Colin Gray, the boys father, has also been charged with 14 counts in connection with the shooting. According to investigators, Colin provided Colt with the AR-15-style rifle used in the massacre. He faces four counts of manslaughter, two counts of second-degree murder, and eight counts of cruelty to children.

ALSO READ| Georgia school shooting: Colt Gray's mom says teachers knew he was making references to violence that morning

Alleged Georgia high school shooter's mother expresses sorrow for the deceased teachers

Marcee Gray, Colts mother, shared the open letter with CNN: To the parents and families of those affected by the tragic events at Apalachee High School, I want to say that I am so sorry from the bottom of my heart.

If I could take the place of Mason and Christian [two 14-year-olds killed in the mass shooting], I would without a second thought. As a parent, Ive always said that the loss of one of my children would be the only thing that I wouldnt be able to come back from. I feel all of your pain and devastation. I grieve and cry with you.

My heart breaks for the two teachers who gave their lives while in the service of teaching and protecting our children, she added. The teachers, Richard Aspinwall, 39, and Cristina Irimie, 53, died while trying to shield their students during the chaos.

ALSO READ| Georgia school shooting victim's acquaintance reflects on community's anger: So many families shattered

Accused Georgia high school shooter's mom defends his son

Marcee Gray expressed her overwhelming guilt and remorse in the letter, stating, We are all in a living nightmare right now, and I will personally never forgive myself for what has happened.

My son Colt is not a monster. He is my oldest baby. He is quiet, thoughtful, caring, funny, and extremely intelligent, she wrote. She also asked for prayers for her son and her family, while offering her own prayers for the victims and their families. Please pray for him and the rest of our family, as I am praying for all of you every moment of every day.

The day of the shooting, Marcee Gray reportedly received a text message from Colt that simply read, Im sorry mom, according to her father, Charles Polhamus, per CNN. She then and there called the school around 9:50 a.m., about half an hour before police responded to the shooting. She had reportedly warned the school of an extreme emergency and informed a school counsellor.

ALSO READ| Georgia school shooting: Student's mom says institution failed them, They could have prevented these deaths

Colts grandfather, Charles Polhamus, expressed his own anguish over the situation, noting that Colt as a good kid but blamed the influence of Colts father, Colin Gray, for his descent into violence. He called Colts father as evil and claimed that Colt spent years under the influence of a dysfunctional dad who was a screamer and a hollerer.
Joe Biden spoke to Kamala Harris ahead of the Democratic candidate's first presidential debate with GOP rival Donald Trump. According to Joe Biden, Kamala Harris appeared calm, cool, and collected ahead of the most-awaited battle.

According to the incumbent President, Harris seemed calm, cool, and collected ahead of the most-awaited battle.

I've spoken to the vice president, Biden stated in a New York Post reporter Steven Nelson's White House pool report. She seems calm, cool and collected. I think she's going to do great. And I'm not going to tell you what advice I gave her.

The debate hosted by ABC News will take place on September 10 in Philadelphia. In social media posts, Trump and Harris announced their agreement to hold a debate. On August 27, Trump wrote, I have reached an agreement with the Radical Left Democrats for a Debate with Comrade Kamala Harris. The event will be streamed live on ABC FAKE NEWS, Trump said by calling it the nastiest and most unfair newscaster in the business.

Biden further informed that he will watch the debate after the family gathering on Wednesday and then attend events in New York and Pennsylvania to mark the anniversary of terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.

According to a White House statement, Biden and Harris will commemorate the 23rd anniversary of the September 11 attacks together. To remember the fallen and the first responders who put their lives in danger, they will pay respects at the Flight 93 Memorial in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, and Ground Zero in New York the following week.

Biden, who will be in New York, said he would also celebrate the birthday of his granddaughter Finnegan on debate night. He plans to attend the 9/11 event at Ground Zero of the 9/11 attacks the following day.

Also Read: Harris vs Trump: Who's winning the US presidential race? Here's what polls indicate before high-octane debate

Here's Hillary Clinton's message to Harris

Hillary Clinton has offered some debate tips to Harris before her face off with Trump.

In three debates as the Democratic nominee for president in 2016, Clinton squared off against Trump.

The consensus was that I won all three debates and that I was well prepared, Clinton said in an interview to the New York Times on Tuesday.

Clinton counseled Harris to embrace her prosecutorial background. She just should not be baited. She should bait him. He can be rattled. He doesnt know how to respond to substantive, direct attacks, she said.

The former First Lady targetted Trump, saying He doesnt answer the questions. He doesnt come with any specifics.

Clinton also recommended that Harris criticise Trump's "really terrible record" as president and the plans for his next term, citing Project 2025, the Heritage Foundation-led conservative blueprint for a second Trump term.

The former secretary of state also suggested that Harris should be sufficiently prepared to feel completely at ease playing both attack and defense since there is a lot to discuss with Trump.
The entire world will be keenly turning on to Philadelphia as Donald Trump and Kamala Harris prepare to face off in a highly anticipated presidential debate. This encounter, the first and possibly only of the campaign, is set to prove pivotal as Americans gear up for the November 5 election. Debate between Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee and U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris set to begin in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania(REUTERS)

Also Read: Kamala vs Trump: What to watch out for

Donald Trump arrives for the debate, Kamala in Philadelphia since Monday

Trump, 78, arrived in the city aboard his private plane, "Trump Force One," just over two hours before the debate, setting the stage for what many expect to be a combative and dramatic evening. Harris, who has been in Philadelphia since Monday, will be participating in her first presidential debate.

The debate, hosted by ABC News, will begin at 9:00 pm Eastern Time (0100 GMT Wednesday or 6.30am IST) and will run for 90 minutes without commercial breaks. The network itself is facing huge scrutiny from both sides after it turned down Kamala campaign's plea to unmute the mics and Trump called the network bias, threatening to pull out.

Also Read: Who are the debate moderators? All about David Muir and Linsey Davis

What's at stake for Kamala and Trump

For Harris, America's first female, Black, and South Asian vice president, the pressure is particularly intense. After an initial surge of support following her entry into the race in July, recent polls suggest her honeymoon period may be fading. Tonight's debate will offer her a crucial opportunity for her to connect with the undecided voters.

On the other hand, Trump, a former reality TV star known for his combative debate performances, is expected to attack Harris on issues such as the economy and immigration. Being the oldest presidential candidate in the election history Trump is battling age and cognitive ability questions against his young and charismatic opponent.

He is expected to resort to racially and sexually charged rhetoric, fueled by fake claims. Harris, on the other hand, is expected to counter with sharp criticism of Trump's contradictory stances on reproductive rights, a key issue for many voters, particularly women, where Harris holds a significant polling advantage.

The debate will be held at the National Constitution Center and will take place without an audience. The format ensures that each candidate's microphone will only be active during their allotted speaking time, reducing the chances of interruptions that have marred previous debates.

Former President Joe Biden, whose campaign came to a dramatic halt after a disastrous debate performance against Trump in June, has expressed confidence in his running mate. "I spoke to the vice president. She seems calm, cool and collected. I think she's going to do great," Biden said.

What's happening inside the campaign rooms?

Inside, both campaigns are already working the "spin room," with the Democrats bringing along two former Trump administration officials, including Anthony Scaramucci, who has since become a vocal critic of the former president. Scaramucci predicted that Harris would win the debate by focusing on substantive issues, while warning that Trump could "go low" in his attacks.

The debate promises to be a fierce contest between two candidates with starkly different styles and visions for the country. Harris, a former prosecutor known for her sharp wit and cold put-downs, is expected to remain focused on the issues, while Trump, notorious for his no-holds-barred approach, may unleash a torrent of accusations and half-truths.

As the clock ticks down to the start of the debate, the nation waits to see who will emerge victorious in this critical battle for the White House.
Kamala Harris vs Donald Trump's Tuesday night debate turned to deadly riot on Capitol Hill, with the former President pinning the blame on then US Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks during a presidential debate with Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris at the National Constitution Center, Tuesday, Sept.10, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)(AP)

In a White House speech prior to the attack, Trump urged his followers to march to the Capitol. He later sent out a tweet urging the protestors to disperse.

Trump claims that he spoke peacefully and patriotically, during my speech, and not later on, and that he made no calls for violence.

When the moderators asked him if he had any regrets on what he did on that day, Trump reiterated, I had nothing to do with that except that they asked me to make a speech.

He then went on to blast Democrat Nancy Pelosi for not stepping up Capitol security, citing the video that was filmed by her daughter on January 6, in which the ex-speaker admitted responsibility for the National Guard.

I take responsibility for not having them just prepare for more, Pelosi had stated.

It wasn't organized by me; it was done by others. I offered 10,000 National Guard or soldiers, but they rejected me. Nancy Pelosi rejected me, Trump stated.

Just two weeks ago, her daughter released a tape where Nancy said she is fully responsible for what happened. It would have never happened if Nancy Pelosi and the mayor of Washington did their jobs.

He concluded his remarks, claiming that I wasn't responsible for securityNancy Pelosi was.

The former President added, it was Pelosi who didnt do her job.

Also Read: Kamala Harris invokes Project 2025 on debate stage as Donald Trump rejects any link: Im an open book'

Harris reminds Trump has been indicted and impeached

The moderators then sought Harris' response, she noted that she was present in Congress that day as a US Senator and vice-president elect.

On that day the President of the United States incited a violent mob to attack our nation's Capitol, to desecrate our nations Capitol, Harris said.

The former president has been indicted and impeached for exactly that reason, she mentioned.

She also brought up the 2017 Charlottesville, Virginia, far-right demonstration, where white nationalists marched and chanted racist and antisemitic slogans. It occurred early duringTrump's presidency, and he was slammed for his response.
Kamala Harris campaign left Philadelphia on Tuesday night energized and eager for another debate with former President Donald Trump, following their first high-profile showdown. US Vice-President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris (right) and former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump shake hands at the start of a presidential debate at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on Tuesday. (AFP)

While Trump had previously pushed for multiple debates, his enthusiasm for a rematch seemed to wane after his performance received mixed reviews, with many labeling it chaotic and riddled with false claims.

The morning after the debate, Trump appeared on Fox & Friends and doubled down on his claim that he had won the debate. The first thing they did is ask for a debate because when a fighter loses, he says, I want a rematch, Trump stated.

ALSO READ| Elon Musk doesn't think ABC was fair to Trump, has mild change of heart for Harris

When pressed about whether he would agree to another face-off, the former president hesitated, saying, Id be less inclined to because we had a great night, we won the debate, we had a terrible network.

Trump was highly critical of ABC News, the network that hosted the debate, calling it the most dishonest news organization. He described the event as biased, referring to it as three to one and a rigged deal.

David Muir and Linsey Davis, who fact-checked him multiple times throughout the debate, Trump maintained that his performance was stellar. It was one of my better debates, maybe my best debate, he claimed.

Debate between Harris and Trump was marked by disagreements

Trump had initially called for several debates, including one on Fox News on September 4, which Harris declined. The campaigns also clashed over debate rules, specifically whether the candidates microphones should be muted while the other spoke.

ALSO READ| German Foreign Ministry fires back at Donald Trump over debate barbs: 'We don't eat cats and dogs'

Ultimately, Harris team relented on the issue, allowing for muted microphones, but she still attempted to interrupt Trump during the debate, even with her mic turned off. At one point, Trump responded, Im talking now  does that sound familiar?  a reference to Harris memorable line from the 2020 vice-presidential debate with Mike Pence, when she said, Mr. Vice President, Im speaking.

She wanted a moment like she did with Mike Pence, Trump remarked the next morning. But I actually gotgotp that moment too, I won that too because she was talking while I was speaking quite a bit actually.
Donald Trump and Kamala Harris are set to square off on Tuesday, September 10, at their first presidential debate of the year. The event, set to take place at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, is expected to be viewed by millions of Americans. Donald Trump vs Kamala Harris debate: 5 crucial things to watch out for as candidates face off (Photo by Brendan Smialowski and ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP)

The earlier presidential debate was a disaster for Joe Biden, who stumbled, froze and stared blankly on various occasions. Despite massive criticism following the debate, the president attempted to dismiss concerns over his mental acuity. Days later, however, he dropped out of the race and endorsed Harris.

The ABC News debate will be moderated by David Muir and Linsey Davis. It will take place on Tuesday at 9 p.m ET. As viewers brace for the much-awaited event, here are five crucial things to watch out for.

Will Donald Trump stay focused on policy?

Trump has time and again attacked Harris personally, once even falsely questioning her racial identity. However, allies told ABC News that veering into personal attacks would be counterproductive. Sen. Lindsey Graham had the same thing in the past  Trump needs to focus on serious policy discussion instead of personally attacking the vice president.

On being asked if Trump makes an effective contrast on the trail, former White House press secretary Sean Spicer said, "I think he does. If I had a critique, it would be that he'll make the case sometimes and then, with all due respect, he will sometimes go beyond the case and give the media something else to focus on."

"He needs to avoid creating a moment that takes the focus away from her record. So, if it's about her personality or her appearance as opposed to her record, that will change the focus of what people talk about the next day, Spicer added.

How will Kamala Harris present herself to voters who are undecided?

Trumps popularity, for reasons good or bad, has always been evident. However, a recent New York Times/Siena College poll showed that 28% of likely voters feel they "need to learn more about Kamala Harris."

While people have heard of the veep, she is less defined than Trump. Therefore, to get the support of undecided voters, she must do more work to introduce herself better and explain what her vision is.

"I think there needs to be a long litany of just pummeling Donald Trump while also being extremely clear about what your vision is for the future," said Bakari Sellers, a prominent Harris ally and Democratic media commentator.

How will Kamala Harris address the conflict in Gaza?

After Biden dropped out of the race, Americans have been wondering what exactly Harris take on Israel and Gaza is. The presidents strong support for Israels war in Gaza led to a rift between moderates and progressives in his party, and many have wondered if Harris will create a different path forward.

Notably, Harris chose not to attend Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's address to Congress in the US in July. Instead, she chose to meet him privately, which was slightly different from Bidens approach. Biden was seen embracing Netanyahu on the tarmac in Tel Aviv in November, signifying his unwavering support for Israel.

It is widely known that Harris has ties to the American Jewish community and Israeli interest groups, and has won the support of several major Jewish interest groups in her presidential bid, including Democratic Majority for Israel, J Street, and the Jewish Democratic Council of America. How she puts forth her opinion on the conflict at the debate is something everyone is watching out for.

Will Joe Biden play a major role?

Since the beginning of her campaign, Harris has been recognising her role in Bidens administration and touting his achievements. On some occasions, she has cast herself as a candidate in her own right.

Trumps attacks on Biden have not stopped altogether even after the president ended his candidacy. Even in the days after Biden dropped out, Trump focused extensively on the president at times. This strategy, though, risks focusing too much on Biden rather than the former presidents own opponent.

Can we expect any hot mics?

The candidates microphones will be muted while their opponent answers a question. This is something Harris team argued, perhaps in the hopes of tempting an angry Trump to interrupt her. Could a clash of such sort still happen during Tuesday's debate? Time will tell.
The mother of Apalachee High School shooter Colt Gray has claimed that teachers at the school had noticed her son making references to violence even before she called the school to warn them. Colt opened fire at the school, killing four people  math teachers Richard Aspinwall and Christina Irimie, and students Mason Schermerhorn and Christian Angulo, both 14. Colt Gray's mom says teachers knew he was making references to violence that morning (Barrow County Sheriff's Office via AP)(AP)

It was revealed that Colt sent his mom, Marcee Gray, a haunting text before committing the crime. Im sorry, mom, Colts message read.

Panicking, Marcee reportedly called Apalachee High School and warned a counsellor of an extreme emergency. Marcee has now revealed that the call worsened her fear.

What did the counsellor say?

The counselor said, I wanted to let you know that earlier this morning, one of Colts teachers had sent me an email saying Colt had been making references to school shootings, Marcee Gray told ABC News.

Between my gut feelings, the text messages, and now this email, you need to, like, run to the classroom, she added.

After getting Colts text, the mom quickly began driving to Winder, about three hours away. Halfway there, he learned about the massacre at the school, Colts grandfather Charles Polhamus previously told New York Post.

Speaking of the victims, Marcee told ABC News, If I could take their place, I would. I would in a heartbeat.

Colt, 14, surrendered after he was confronted by a school security officer, and was subsequently taken into custody. He has been charged with four counts of murder. Although Colt has been charged as an adult, he will not face the death penalty if convicted because he is below 18 years of age.

The mother of a student of the school recently said that the bloodbath could have been avoided if officials had taken proper steps. They could have prevented these deaths and they didnt, Rabecca Sayarath, the mother of Colts classmate Lyela Sayarath, told the Associated Press. The school failed them.
Germany's foreign ministry mocked and responded sharply on Wednesday to former US President Donald Trump's remarks during ABC's first presidential debate against Vice President Kamala Harris, where he criticized Germanys energy policy. Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump motions while attending the 9/11 Memorial ceremony on the 23rd anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)(AP)

On Tuesday night, Trump claimed that Germany regretted its shift to renewable energy sources, using the country as an example to argue against the US's adoption of similar policies. You believe in things like were not going to frack, were not going to take fossil fuel, were not going to do things that are going to be strong, whether you like it or not, he said.

Germany tried that, and within one year, they were back to building normal energy plants.

ALSO READ| Donald Trump warns Taylor Swift will pay the price for endorsing Kamala Harris

Germany's foreign ministry hammers Trump following the debate

Germany's foreign ministry swiftly took to X (formerly Twitter) to respond, Like it or not: Germanys energy system is fully operational, with more than 50 percent renewables.

And we are shutting down  not building  coal and nuclear plants. Coal will be off the grid by 2038 at the latest.

The ministry then took another jab at Trump, stating, PS: We also dont eat cats and dogs. #Debate2024, alluding to a debunked claim Trump had repeated about undocumented immigrants eating pets in Ohio.

Also driven by the Greens party, the economy ministry retweeted the post and wrote, New coal-fired power plants? No way!

Germany's energy transition, or Energiewende, has aimed to increase renewable energy use while phasing out coal and nuclear power. This shift faced challenges, especially after Germany's reliance on cheap Russian oil and gas was exposed during the Kremlin's war on Ukraine. To cope with the resulting energy crisis, Germany was forced to keep some coal-fired power plants online longer than initially planned and even restarted others.

ALSO READ| Trump breaks silence after rigged ABC debate with Harris, says he won by a lot

While Trump referred to Germany building normal power plants, no new coal-fired plants are under construction. However, in February, Berlin approved a plan to build four major natural gas plants, arguing they were necessary to stabilize the energy grid as the country continues to transition to renewable energy.
Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris are set to square off in Philadelphia for what is expected to be their only campaign debate before the elections. After a back-and-forth over debate rules and broadcasting platform, Harris reportedly made last-minute adjustments to her strategy, pushing for an unmuted debatea request ultimately denied, leaving the muted format from Trumps previous debate with Joe Biden in place. In this combination photo, Democratic vice presidential candidate Sen. Kamala Harris, speaks during a debate, Oct. 7, 2020 (AP)

Also read: Harris vs Trump: Who's winning the US presidential race? Here's what polls indicate before high-octane debate

Meanwhile, Trump arrived, energising his supporters with a fist pump as he prepared for the night's theatrics. Adding to the intrigue, reports suggest Harris is bringing a surprise guest to the debate stage.

Kamala Harris set for a surprise guest at debate

Kamala Harris is bringing some unexpected guests to tonight's debate: Anthony Scaramucci, Trumps former communications director, and national security official Olivia Troye, reports NY Post. Scaramucci, who lasted just 11 days in Trumps administration, hasnt held back in criticising the former president ever since, often taking shots at Trumps personal life, including his wife Melania. His brief time in the White House turned into a disaster when a rude and profanity-filled rant, in which he called out Steve Bannon and Reince Priebus, was leaked by New Yorker journalist Ryan Lizza. This clearly shows that Trump is not on good terms with him.

Donald Trump lands; is in good spirits

Donald Trump was in a good mood as he headed to Pennsylvania for tonight's debate, Danielle Alvarez from his campaign said. He's got his game face on, ready to dive into pressing topics like the economy, and it looks like he's going to wait a bit before going after Harris like he usually does in his campaign. After getting off his plane, which was surrounded by heavily armed police, Secret Service, and campaign surrogates, Trump was spotted pumping his fist to the crowd as he stepped off Trump Force One.

Donald Trump gets it naturally needs no preparation

Regarding the debate, Trumps campaign and sources suggest that the former president, accustomed to handling unscripted crowds and questions, requires no special preparation to face off against Kamala Harris, who has reportedly conducted multiple rehearsals in her hotel room, even practising with a mock Trump.

According to The Guardian, the adviser noted, Trumps daily encounters with unscripted questions mean you cant truly prepare for him, likening it to training for a bout with Muhammad Ali. You cant predict his style. He combines humor and charm with sharp, impactful facts.

Also read: Kamala Harris vs Donald Trump: Where exactly they stand before their first Presidential debate

Trump, though, has been working with his supporters, like Tulsi Gabbard, who used to be in Congress for the Democrats but now supports Trump. In a chat with reporters right before the debate, Jason Miller, who advises Trump, said he thinks Harris might have a hard time getting ready as well.

Kamala Harris spin room surrogates

Vice President Kamala Harris will be supported in the spin room by a diverse group of surrogates, including Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, Illinois Senator Tammy Duckworth, and North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper.

The roster also includes names like- the governors of North Carolina, New Mexico, California, and Pennsylvania, along with a retired Brigadier General. Additionally, a California Senator, Illinois Senator, Connecticut Senator, and Colorado Congressman will be present, as well as a Texas Congresswoman and California Congressman.

Donald Trumps spin room surrogates

After his debate with Vice President Kamala Harris tonight, Former President Donald Trump will have Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and Senator Rick Scott to back him up in the spin room. They'll also have Tulsi Gabbard, JD Vance, his running mate and North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, POST reports.
On November 5, US voters will cast their ballots to choose the country's next president. The election was supposed to be a rematch of 2020, but President Joe Biden's withdrawal from the race and endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris in July turned the tables around. Prior to Biden's decision to withdraw from the 2024 contest, polls continuously favoured Trump. Numerous surveys at the time suggested Harris wouldn't do much better. (AFP)

The key question is will it be a second term for Donald Trump or Harris would become America's first female president.

All eyes will be on Harris and Trump when they will square off in their first presidential debate today.

Prior to Biden's decision to withdraw from the contest, polls continuously favoured Trump. Numerous surveys at the time suggested Harris wouldn't do much better. However, as she started the campaign trail, the race became more competitive, and she went on to have a little advantage over her opponent in the average of national surveys.

According to a number of polls taken before Tuesday night's battle, there is a tight contest between the two presidential contenders.

A look at what the latest polls say

New York Times/Sienna College poll

The most recent New York Time/Sienna College poll, which was released on Sunday, shows that Trump is leading Harris 48%47%. 1,695 registered voters were questioned for the survey between September 3 and September 6. However, it's crucial to note that the margin of sampling error for the poll is plus or minus 2.8 percentage points, which is greater than the gap between the two contenders.

According to the poll, the voters still feel that they need to learn more about Harris. While just 9% of prospective voters in the poll think this way about Trump, 28% said they wanted more information about the Democratic nominee.

Washington Post poll

The Washington Post poll shows Harris is ahead in three of the seven battleground states that will most likely decide the election's outcome. She leads in Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin, while Trump is ahead by a slim margin in Arizona, Georgia, and North Carolina.

The Washington Post's election data incorporates state and national surveys that take into account each state's last two presidential election results in order to determine the candidate that voters support.

Emerson College poll

Harris leads Donald Trump by a narrow margin of 49% to 47%, as per Emerson College survey. While three percent of voters are uncertain, one percent want to vote for a different candidate, the poll says.

Morning Consult poll

According to the results of their daily monitoring survey among potential voters, Harris edges Trump 49% to 46% in a new poll by business intelligence firm Morning Consult.

FiveThirtyEight poll

Harris is leading Trump by a narrow margin in a nationwide poll released on Monday, according to the most recent survey from FiveThirtyEight, a website that specializes in political, economic, and polling analysis. Harris edges Trump 47.1% to 44.3%.

YouGov poll

According to a YouGov survey released on Sunday, Harris surpasses Trump by a slight margin in Michigan (50%49%) and Wisconsin (51%49), but the two candidates are deadlocked in Pennsylvania.

Also Read: ABC News under scanner ahead of Trump-Harris debate, network hasn't committed to

Harris vs Trump: Who is winning in swing states?

Trump turned Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin, the strongholds of Democratic party, red in 2016 on his way to becoming president. In 2020, Biden overtook them again; if Harris can succeed in doing the same this year, the victory will be in her hands.

The day Biden withdrew from the campaign, he was slipping behind Trump in these seven battleground states by an average of almost five percentage points, indicating how the race has evolved since Harris emerged as the Democratic contender.

Harris vs Trump: Can voters trust the polls?

As of now, surveys indicate that Trump and Harris are tied nationwide and in battleground states by a few percentage points. In a contest that close, it is extremely difficult to determine the winner.

Surveys underrated Trump's support in both the 2016 and 2020 elections. Polling firms will be attempting to address this issue in a number of ways, one of which will be to ensure that their findings accurately represent the demographics of those who cast ballots.
By Daphne Psaledakis and Olena Harmash In Kyiv, US and UK diplomats offer aid but no breakthrough on strikes into Russia

KYIV -The U.S. and British foreign ministers met President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Wednesday on a visit interrupted by air raid warnings, unveiling new support but no breakthrough on the long-range strikes into Russia desperately sought by Ukraine.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and British foreign minister David Lammy, in Kyiv at a critical juncture in Ukraine's struggle against Russia, said they talked about Ukraine's war goals and what they could do to help.

"Among other things, we discussed long-range fires, but a number of other things as well. And as I said at the outset, I'm going to take that discussion back to Washington to brief the president on what I heard," Blinken told reporters.

Zelenskiy has been pleading with Kyiv's allies for months to let Ukraine fire Western missiles including long-range U.S. ATACMS and British Storm Shadows deep into Russian territory to limit Moscow's ability to launch attacks.

"We are listening carefully and, of course, we are having discussions on a range of issues, including the military equipment that Ukraine needs to win," Lammy told a news conference alongside Blinken and Ukraines Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.

The British foreign minister suggested those discussions could continue for a few more weeks, a remark that will disappoint Ukrainians hoping the West would quickly discard fears of escalation.

Ahead of the news conference, Zelenskiy was asked whether he was optimistic the United States and Britain would greenlight deeper strikes into Russia, and he quipped that it depended instead on the "optimism" of Ukraine's partners.

"Let's count on some strong decisions at least. For us it's very important for today," he told reporters in Kyiv.

In a comment posted on his Telegram channel, Zelenskiy described the talks as "long and meaningful".

"All the key issues were discussed," he wrote.

"What's important is that all the Ukrainian arguments were heard. And that concerns long-range weaponry, supplying our front-line brigades and the general strategy of moving strategically towards a just peace."

There is nervousness in Washington and some European capitals that lifting the restrictions on long-range attacks could provoke Russia towards a direct conflict with the West, at the same time as a recognition that Ukraine needs more help if it is to swing the war in its favour.

The speaker of Russia's lower house of parliament, Vyacheslav Volodin, said Moscow would consider the United States and its allies to be parties to the war if they allowed Kyiv to use long-range weapons to strike deep in Russia.

ROOM FOR COMPROMISE

Overnight, U.S. President Joe Biden suggested there was room for compromise, saying his administration was "working that out now" when asked if the United States would lift the restrictions on the use of long-range weapons.

The air raid alert sounded twice during Blinken and Lammy's visit to Kyiv, before and after the news conference. A wreath-laying ceremony they were due to attend was cancelled.

Both alerts appeared to have been sounded over ballistic missile threats, but it was unclear what any missile had been targeting or what happened to the missiles.

Blinken announced more than $700 million in support for Ukraine. Lammy said Britain would provide a further 600 million pounds .

More than 2-1/2 years since the invasion, Russian forces are inching forward in the east as Kyiv's forces try to hold a pocket of land they seized in western Russia in a surprise incursion last month.

After making rapid progress initially, Ukrainian advances have stalled, and on Wednesday a senior Russian commander said his forces had taken back control of about 10 settlements.

Ukraine has not commented on the latest Russian reported gains. Reuters was not able to independently verify battlefield developments.

Later this month, Zelenskiy travels to the United States and will present a plan to Biden and his two potential successors in November's presidential election that he hopes will bring the end of the war closer.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
The high-octane debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump kicked off on Tuesday night, with the Democratic candidate invoking Project 2025, which Democrats describe as radical. Democratic presidential nominee, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris gestures as she speaks while Republican presidential nominee, former U.S. President Donald Trump listens, during a presidential debate hosted by ABC in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S., September 10, 2024 REUTERS/Brian Snyder(REUTERS)

While Harris attempted to link Trump to Project 2025, the contentious right-wing guidebook on national governance, the former President made an effort to disassociate himself.

The conservative think tank Heritage Foundation penned the 922-page Mandate for Leadership, which lays out a blueprint for how the next Republican administration should manage the US: by completely reorganizing the federal government.

According to the plan, the president's power would be dramatically increased and up to 50,000 federal employees would be fired and replaced with Trump supporters.

Over two dozen former Trump administration officials drafted Project 2025, but the former president said the book has nothing to do with his campaign.

On Tuesday night, the former president again claims to have nothing to do with Project 2025 and to have purposefully avoided reading the suggested conservative agenda.

It makes no difference  Everybody knows Im an open book. Everybody knows what Im going to do, he remarked.

On his social media platform Truth Social, Trump previously stated, I know nothing about Project 2025.

I have no idea who is behind it. I disagree with some of the things theyre saying and some of the things theyre saying are absolutely ridiculous and abysmal. Anything they do, I wish them luck, but I have nothing to do with them.

Also Read: US presidential debate LIVE: Kamala says Trump will sign a National Abortion Plan, Trump calls it a lie

A quick look at Project 2025

Project 2025 calls for shutting down the US Departments of Education and Homeland Security, while the Department of Health and Human Services would be required to advocate a policy of safeguarding the fundamental right to life.

In addition, the plan calls for criminalizing pornography and prosecuting anyone caught sending abortion pills by mail. Moreover, data on abortions will be maintained by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

During the Democratic National Convention, Democrats brought up Project 2025 on multiple occasions to warn voters that a Trump administration would implement what they saw to be a harsh plan for a dictatorial administration.

Debate stage witnessed awkward handshake

Just before the debate, Harris and Trump shared an awkward handshake. Harris then responded to the first question concerning whether the US economy is doing better now than it was four years ago.

Before restating some of the more populist aspects of her economic program, such as tax breaks for new parents, assistance for first-time homeowners, and support for small companies, Harris referred to herself as a middle-class kid.

My opponent, on the other hand, his plan is to do what he has done before, which is to provide a tax cut for billionaires and big corporations, Harris said.

In response, Trump said, Everybody knows what Im going to do  cut taxes very substantially and create a great economy.
Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are facing off for the ABC News presidential debate  the only debate they have scheduled so far. During the event, the discussion turned to the subject of abortion, with Harris laying out the consequences of Trumps policies on women's rights and health. The veep also claimed Trump will sign a national abortion ban. Kamala Harris says Donald Trump will sign a national abortion ban (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)(AP)

If Donald Trump were to be reelected, he will sign a national abortion ban

"Let's understand how we got here," said Harris. "Donald Trump hand-selected three members of the Supreme Court with the intention that they would undo Roe v. Wade, and that's what they've done."

Harris stressed that the result is "Trump abortion bans" in 20 states. "Bans that make no exception even for rape and insist which, understand what that means. A survivor of a crime of 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 belief to agree the government and Donald Trump certainly should not be telling a woman what to do with her body, she added.

Harris went on to claim that she has spoken with women across the country. "Pregnant women who want to carry a pregnancy to term suffering from a miscarriage, being denied care in an emergency room because the health care providers are afraid they might go to jail and she's bleeding out in a car in a 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, she said.

"But understand, if Donald Trump were to be reelected, he will sign a national abortion ban," she added. "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 freedom, in particularly the freedom to make decisions about one's own body, should not be made by the government."

Trump, however, clarified, I am not signing a ban, adding that a national abortion ban is not needed.
A popular brand of macaroni and cheese sold at retail chains, including Target, is being recalled over the risk of causing adverse health consequences. Resers Fine Foods issued a voluntary recall of two of its macaroni & cheese products last week, Newsweek reported. The affected products were distributed in California, Illinois, Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota, according to a notice by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A popular macaroni and cheese brand sold at Target has been recalled(Representational Image)

Mac & cheese sold at popular retail stores recalled

The Oregon-based corporation initiated the voluntary move over concerns that the recalled products may have been spoiled due to a malfunctioning refrigeration unit on a trailer. The two varieties of mac and cheese that have been pulled back by the manufacturer are 12 oz Reser's American Classics Macaroni & Cheese White Cheddar and 12 oz Reser's American Classics Macaroni & Cheese.

The affected products which bear the codes 71117.02009 and 71117.02123 on their bar code were sold across at Target, Safeway, and Stop & Shop. The recall notice received a Class II risk categorization, referring to a situation in which use of or exposure to a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote, the FDA said.

However, the two mac and cheese varieties are not the only products that have been pulled back by the company. The following 12 products have also been recalled by the brand:
ABC moderator Linsey Davis directly challenged former President Donald Trump's controversial claim that Democrats support abortion up to nine months after birth. There is no state in this country where it is legal to kill a baby after it's born, Davis stated, cutting through Trumps assertion with a firm fact-check. Former US President Donald Trump and US Vice President Kamala Harris are shown on screen in the spin room during the second presidential debate (Bloomberg)

The moment marked a "moderate" shake-up in the debate, as it was the first time the moderators took a stand and directly challenged the candidates' claims. While some in the media centre chuckled at the on-the-spot fact check, the internet slammed them for not being neutral and favouring Harris.

Harris and Trump clash over abortion

Harris and Trump are in the middle of their big presidential debate, which is the only time they'll be facing each other in the race. Kamala Harris went after Trump on abortion, saying it was a topic that Democrats thought Biden didn't do a good job of in his June debate. Lets talk about the reality for women who suffer a miscarriage and are denied emergency care because doctors fear legal repercussions, the Vice President ripped into the former prez. Imagine a woman bleeding in a parking lot, unable to get help, she added.

"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," she continued.

Also read: Trump blasts Harris as Marxist, as she struggles to keep her cool with smile: Her father is a

Trump took a page from the old-school debate playbook, "Here we go once more," Trump retorted to Harris criticisms on abortion. "It's simply not the case. I have no plans to impose an abortion ban, he added.

Later on, Vice President Kamala Harris avoided commenting on potential restrictions on abortion when asked by both the moderator and Donald Trump. She stressed reinstating Roe v. Wade but did not address whether she would permit abortions in the later stages of pregnancy, despite Trumps queries.

ABC fact checks into Trumps baby killing claims

On the other hand, the moderators have been diligently fact-checking former President Trumps more controversial statements throughout the debate. They made sure to step in and correct Trump when he said that some states in the U.S. let you kill a baby after it's born, which was totally wrong. Linsey Davis was straightforward about it, saying, No state in this country lets you kill a baby after it's born.

Donald Trump also took shots at former Virginia Governor Ralph Northam, saying he backed the killing of babies, pointing to Northam's 2019 remarks about what to do with babies that couldn't survive. Trump got it wrong and initially mentioned West Virginia, but then fixed it to say Virginia, where Northam was governor from 2018 to 2022.

Also read: Donald Trump defends himself over US Capitol riot, pins blame on Nancy Pelosi: Had nothing to do with that except

You can look at the governor of West Virginia, the previous governor of West Virginia, not the current governor, who is doing an excellent job, but the governor before he said, the baby will be born and we will decide what to do with the baby, Trump said while debating. In other words, will execute the baby, he added.

Internet bashes ABC host for favouring Kamala Harris

Some members of the media laughed while sitting in the media centre after the host debunked Trumps claims with their statement, seemingly mocking Trump. But, this attitude didnt sit well with netizens closely observing the big debate night.

moderators are debating trump instead of kamala LOL, a person commented. WHY ARE THEY ONLY FACT CHECKING TRUMP ???? another one added. ABC is trying to gaslight the people who live in cities that are witnessing illegal immigrants EATING ANIMALS!, a third one added. WHY ARENT YOU FACT CHECKING KAMALA HARRIS YOU ONE SIDED idots, more chimed in.
The US is unlikely to stop supporting Ukraine against Russia irrespective of the outcome of the presidential election, NATOs senior military officer said, as former President Donald Trump told the first debate with Vice President Kamala Harris that he wants the war to be over. NATO's Chair of the Military Committee Admiral Rob Bauer listens during the plenary session of the Seoul Defense Dialogue 2024 in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP)

Speaking at a conference in Seoul on Wednesday, Admiral Rob Bauer, who chairs NATOs Military Committee, said there is a broad support for Ukraine among American people, as well as among both of the Democratic and Republican parties.

I think its unlikely in that light that the US as a country will stop supporting Ukraine, he said.

Bauers remarks came as Republican nominee Trump said during the debate hosted by ABC News that it is in Americas best interest for the war in Ukraine to end. The former president did not answer moderators question on whether he wants Ukraine to win the war.

As we all know, politicians that are participating in an election say things that not necessarily end up becoming policy in their government if they win the election, the NATO admiral said.

The race for the White House remains tight ahead of the Nov. 5 election and the two candidates differ significantly on a solution to the conflict in Ukraine, currently well into its third year.

While President Joe Biden and Harris have pledged to back Kyiv for as long as needed, Trump has repeatedly raised doubts over US commitments to NATO and said hell bring the war to an end before his inauguration. Russian President Vladimir Putin, meanwhile, has given little indication that hes ready to negotiate, except on his own terms.

If the Russians stop the war now and go home, the war is over. If Ukraine stops the war now, they have lost their country. Thats the difference, Bauer said. I would be extremely surprised if the US would have an interest in allowing Putin to win that war.
Donald Trump and Kamala Harris on Tuesday engaged in a debate over abortion, an issues where polls indicate the US Vice President holds a political advantage. Meanwhile, the former President tried distance himself from his VP candidate JD Vance's position on the key issue. In an attempt to disassociate himself from JD Vance's assertion that the previous president would veto a nationwide abortion ban, Trump claimed that his running mate wasn't speaking for him at the time and that he hadn't discussed the matter with the Ohio Senator.

Trump falsely claimed that both Republicans and Democrats supported the 2022 U.S. Supreme Court decision that abolished constitutional protection for abortion and returned the matter to the states. Democrats have always backed the right to an abortion under the constitution.

I did a great service in doing it. It took courage to do it, Trump said.

Debate moderator Linsey Davis of ABC News refuted Trump's claim that certain states permit babies to be aborted after birth.

There is no state in this country where it is legal to kill a baby after it's born, she asserted.

Referring to states that have enacted restrictive prohibitions, Harris expressed her astonishment at Trump's claim that the subject of abortion becoming a matter of states' rights was a popular outcome.

This is what people wanted? the US VP asked. People being denied care in an emergency room because healthcare providers are being afraid of being hauled off to jail?

Hitting back at Trump's assertion, she said, Nowhere in America is a woman carrying a pregnancy to term and asking for an abortion. That is not happening.

She claimed that Trump would sign a national abortion ban if he comes back to the power.

When asked whether he would veto a federal abortion ban if Congress passed one, Trump responded in the negative. I'm not signing a ban, he stated, mentioning that the issue is with the states.

Vance speaks out as Trump throws him under the bus

In an attempt to disassociate himself from JD Vance's assertion that the previous president would veto a nationwide abortion ban, Trump claimed that his running mate wasn't speaking for him at the time and that he hadn't discussed the matter with the Ohio Senator.

Well, I didnt discuss it with JD, in all fairness, Trump responded to his running mate's claim. And I dont mind if he has a certain view, but I dont think he was speaking for me.

On August 25, Vance told NBC News that Trump explicitly informed him that he would veto a law prohibiting abortion.

When ABC News asked whether Trump supported national restrictions on abortion, the Ohio Senator said, I think the presidents been very clear that he doesnt want a national abortion ban.

He mentioned that Trump finds the question somewhat a little bit ridiculous because the legislation will never actually happen.

Also Read: Trump takes most brutal swipe at Biden, claims Dems threw him out like a dog

And why he would veto it or not veto it when he says very explicitly that he doesnt support a national abortion ban and he wants these policies to be made by the states, Vance said.

He went on to target Harris, calling her debate rhetoric empty.

You had Kamala Harris effectively echoing platitude after platitude after platitude. The American people cant pay their grocery bills on platitudes.

According to him, Harris spoke a lot but offered very little concrete advice on how to cut grocery costs, protect the border, and lessen the cost of housing in the US.
Donald Trump is calling out ABC for hosting a rigged and unfair debate. On Wednesday, the former president spoke for the first time following the Philadelphia showdown, saying that his debate against Kamala Harris was a three on one. The Republican nominee took aim at the ABC moderators for constantly fact-checking him during an early morning appearance on Fox News' Fox & Friends. Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks during a presidential debate with Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris at the National Constitution Center, Tuesday, Sept.10, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)(AP)

Trump calls ABC debate against Harris rigged and unfair'

It was a rigged deal, as I assumed it would be, because when you looked at the fact that they were correcting everything and not correcting with her, the 78-year-old told the network over the telephone.

So many things I said were debunked like totally debunked, Trump went on, adding, But she could say anything she wanted. My stuff was right, but they would correct you.

ALSO READ: RFK Jr shreds ABC's Trump-Harris debate moderators for being clearly biased

The former president blasted ABC, calling them dishonest. I think ABC took a big hit last night. They ought to take away their license for the way they did that, he added.

Continuing his attacks, Trump said, From the standpoint of ABC, theyre the most dishonest, in my opinion, the most dishonest news organization, and thats saying a lot, because theyre all essentially really dishonest.

ALSO READ: Eggs recalled over salmonella outbreak, 65 reported sick across 9 US states

Despite the alleged issues, Trump said that he was proud of himself as he won by a lot. I thought I did a great job, the GOP candidate said before admitting, Ive had worse odds before, but never so obvious.

When asked about his plans for another debate in the future, he said that he is less inclined to do so. Well, Id be less inclined to because we had a great night. We won the debate, Trump said.
Democrat Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump met on Tuesday for their first and perhaps only debate, a square-off that could have a significant impact on the Nov. 5 election as polls show a tight race. Donald Trump vs Kamala Harris debate: One of Harris goals, as a former California prosecutor, was to call Trump out for his past actions, particularly his efforts to overturn the 2020 election.

Here are takeaways from the debate:

RILING HER RIVAL

Harris made a point to get under Trump's skin, as her campaign had forecast.

She urged viewers to attend a Trump rally, where she said Trump would say bizarre things such as windmills cause cancer (something he has, in fact, said) and where, she taunted, attendees would leave out of exhaustion and boredom.

Trump, who prides himself on the crowds he draws, was clearly riled.

"My rallies, we have the biggest rallies, the most incredible rallies in the history of politics," he said. He accused Harris of busing in attendees to her rallies.

Trump then falsely claimed that immigrants in the country illegally were killing and eating people's pets in the city of Springfield, Ohio, an unsubstantiated claim that has circulated on social media and been amplified by Trump's vice presidential running mate JD Vance.

"In Springfield, they're eating the dogs! The people that came in, they're eating the cats!" Trump said. "They're eating the pets of the people that live there."

City officials in Springfield have said those reports are untrue, which the ABC moderators pointed out after Trumps comments.

"Talk about extreme," Harris responded, laughing.

PLAYING DEFENSE

Another of Harris goals, as a former California prosecutor, was to call Trump out for his past actions, particularly his efforts to overturn the 2020 election.

An hour into the debate, her strategy appeared to be paying off. Trump was continually on the defensive.

Asked about the Jan. 6, 2021, siege of the U.S. Capitol, he insisted he had nothing to do with that, other than they asked me to make a speech." He also maintained, falsely, that he had won the 2020 election.

Harris used Trumps actions as an argument for the country to turn the page.

"Donald Trump was fired by 81 million people, so let's be clear about that, and clearly he is having a very difficult time processing that, but we cannot afford to have a president of the United States who attempts as he did in the past to upend the will of the voters in a free and fair election, Harris said.

The vice president dug at Trump a little more, saying world leaders were laughing at him and calling him a disgrace  language that Trump has employed himself at rallies in reference to how he says other countries view President Joe Biden.

A few minutes later, Trump erupted, claiming Harris had received no votes in claiming the Democratic nomination and suggesting she replaced Biden as part of some sort of coup.

He hates her, Trump said of Biden. He cant stand her.

The exchanges may have aided Harris' argument that Trump, as she put it, lacks the temperament to be president.

RACIAL DIVIDE

Deep into the debate, the long-simmering topic of race came up. Trump was asked why he had publicly questioned Harris dual heritage as a Black and South Asian woman.

I dont care what she is, he responded. I read that she was Black. Then I read that she was not Black.

Asked to respond, Harris accused Trump of using race to divide Americans throughout his career. She cited how he and his father turned away Black renters in the 1970s and how Trump led the public outcry against five young Black and Latino men who were wrongly convicted of assaulting a jogger in New York City's Central Park in 1989.

More recently, he openly questioned whether President Barack Obama was a U.S. citizen, Harris noted.

"I think it's a tragedy that we have someone who wants to be president who has, consistently, over the course of his career, attempted to use race to divide the American people," she said.

"I think the American people want better than that," Harris added. "We don't want a leader who is constantly trying to have Americans point their fingers at each other."

Instead of trying to defend his record, Trump pivoted back to the economy and tried to pin Bidens economic policies on Harris. Shes trying to get away from Biden, he said.

Harris used the attack to pitch herself again as a change agent.

"Clearly, I am not Joe Biden, and certainly not Donald Trump, Harris said, and what I do offer is a new generation of leadership for our country."

HANDSHAKE

Heading into the debate, there was a question as to how Harris and Trump, who have never met, would greet each other.

Harris settled the issue, definitively. She walked over to Trump at his podium, extended her hand and introduced herself as Kamala Harris.

It was a disarming way for Harris to approach a man who has spent weeks insulting her race and gender.

SPARRING ON THE ECONOMY

In the debates opening minutes, Trump and Harris went to battle on one of the issues that is top of mind for voters: the economy.

Harris detailed the economic policies she has rolled out in recent weeks, which include a substantial tax credit for small start-ups. Trump focused his comments on tariffs, saying he would protect the American economy from unfair foreign competition.

While both sides got their jabs in, Harris got to speak first on a topic where she trails Trump in terms of voter trust. She appeared to force the former president onto his back foot, and Trump essentially played defense on one of his strongest issues.

"She doesn't have a plan" Trump said, after Harris' opening comments. "It's like Run, Spot, Run."

A SCHISM ON ABORTION

The two candidates also engaged in a fractious debate about abortion, an issue where polls show Harris has the upper hand.

Trump defended the U.S. Supreme Courts 2022 ruling that ended constitutional protection for abortion and sent the issue back to individual states, arguing, incorrectly, that it was an outcome desired by both Republicans and Democrats. Democrats have long supported a constitutional right to abortion.

I did a great service in doing it. It took courage to do it, Trump said.

Trump contended that some states allow babies to be aborted after birth, a point corrected by ABC News moderator, Linsey Davis.

Harris flashed some outrage at Trumps assertion that abortion becoming a states-rights issue was a popular result, referring to states that have passed restrictive bans.

This is what people wanted? Harris asked. People being denied care in an emergency room because healthcare providers are being afraid of being hauled off to jail?"

Trump was asked whether he would veto a federal abortion ban if one were passed by Congress. He insisted it would never happen, but refused to answer the question definitively.

WORLDS APART

One of the most heated policy discussions came when Trump and Harris clashed over how they would handle Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

The candidates' responses revealed the degree to which their views on America's role in the world fundamentally differ.

Trump refused to say he wanted Ukraine to win the war, even as ABC moderator David Muir pushed him on the point, saying only that he wanted to wrap up the conflict as soon as possible.

Harris shot back, arguing that what Trump really wanted was Ukraine's quick and unconditional capitulation.

"If Donald Trump were president, (Russian President Vladimir) Putin would be sitting in Kyiv right now," Harris said.

Also read: Trump takes most brutal swipe at Biden, claims Democrats threw him out of race like a dog: 'Doesn't know he's alive'

'WEAPONIZED' JUSTICE

In one heated exchange, Trump and Harris accused each other of conspiring to "weaponize" the Justice Department in a bid to go after their enemies.

Trump said the indictments he faces for conspiring to overturn his 2020 election loss and for his mishandling of classified documents - as well as his conviction for forging documents related to hush money payments to a porn star - are all the result of a conspiracy cooked up by Harris and Biden. There is no evidence for that assertion.

Harris shot back by pointing out that Trump has promised to prosecute his enemies if he wins a second term.

"Understand this is someone who has openly said he would terminate, I'm quoting, terminate the Constitution," Harris said.

Trump concluded the debate by calling Biden and Harris the worst president and vice president in the history of the country.

The exchange underlined how Harris and Trump see the stakes of this election as existential. Both see their opponent as a threat to democracy itself.
Donald Trump on Tuesday night dodged a question about whether he supports Ukraine in its fight against Russia, and vowed to end the conflict before taking the oath for a second term if he wins the elections. However, the former President took a swipe at President Joe Biden's shaky hold on the presidency in the midst of global conflicts. Donald Trump blasted Democrats for forcing Joe Biden to withdraw from the race and accused his party leaders of treating him like a dog.(AP)

I want the war to stop. I want to save lives, Trump asserted. People are being killed ... [it] is so much worse than the numbers that you're getting.

He further boasted his good ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukraine President Volodomyr Zelenskyy.

I know [Ukrainian President Volodomyr] Zelenskyy very well and I know [Russian leader Vladimir] Putin very well. I have a good relationship, and they respect your president  OK? They respect me.

When the debate host asked Trump if he thinks it's in the best interest of the US for Ukraine to win this war, the ex-President gave his nod, saying that the US must negotiate a deal quickly and amicably because we have to stop all of these human lives from being destroyed.

Issuing a warning amidst the two ongoing wars, the GOP leader said, We're playing with World War Three.



He went on to blast Democrats for forcing Biden to withdraw from the race and accused his party leaders of treating him like a dog.

And we have a president ... we don't even know if he's a president. They threw him out of his campaign like a dog.

We have a president, he reiterated, adding that who doesn't know he's alive.

Harris calls Trump a laughing stock

Vice President Kamala Harris asserted during a discussion regarding election integrity that Trump is a laughing stock around the globe.

I'm going to tell you that I have traveled the world as vice president united states and world leaders are laughing at Donald Trump. I have talked with military leaders, some of whom worked with you, and they say you're a disgrace, she said.
Hong Kong lashed out Wednesday at the US House of Representatives for passing a bill that could potentially shut the Chinese city's trade outposts across the United States. US bill on Hong Kong trade offices draws rebuke from city

The US House voted overwhelmingly in favour of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office Certification Act, which would require a review of the privileges, exemptions and immunities enjoyed by the city's trade offices located in New York, Washington and San Francisco.

If they are not found to be operating with "a high degree of autonomy" from China, the offices would have to shut within 180 days.

The bill must be passed by the Senate before it can be signed into effect by President Joe Biden.

But its House passage drew a sharp rebuke from Hong Kong's secretary of commerce on Wednesday, who said there was "no reason" for it.

"It is purely political slander the law safeguarding the national security of Hong Kong," Algernon Yau told reporters.

Earlier in the day, the Hong Kong government condemned the House of Representatives, saying that its "fact-twisting attack on Hong Kong... grossly interferes in the affairs of Hong Kong".

The former British colony was once considered one of the freest corners of China due to a mini-constitution that protected certain rights and freedoms unheard of on the mainland.

But it has in recent years fallen in international favour after authorities quashed massive and at times violent protests in 2019 that pushed for more autonomy from Beijing.

To quell dissent, China imposed a security law in 2020 that has effectively silenced Hong Kong's opposition.

In March, Hong Kong enacted a second law, colloquially referred to as "Article 23", to "plug" legislative gaps, targeting other security offences like sedition and espionage.

The city's government said it was needed to protect Hong Kong's economy and maintain prosperity, but the United States condemned it for further curtailing freedoms.

Last week, the US State Department issued an advisory warning of the "new and heightened risks" for businesses operating in Hong Kong because of Article 23.

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This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Iran's new president, Masoud Pezeshkian, began a visit to Iraq on Wednesday, aiming to deepen already close ties with the neighbouring country on his first trip abroad since taking office.

The three-day trip comes amid turmoil in the Middle East sparked by the war in Gaza, which has drawn in Iran-backed armed groups around the region and complicated Iraq's relations with the United States.

"Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani welcomes the president of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Masoud Pezeshkian," the Iraqi premier's office said in a brief statement alongside a picture of the two men shaking hands on the tarmac at Baghdad airport.

Pezeshkian has vowed to make relations with neighbouring countries a priority as he seeks to ease Iran's international isolation and mitigate the impact of US-led sanctions on its economy.

His visit comes after Western powers on Tuesday announced fresh sanctions on Iran for supplying Russia with short-range missiles for use against Ukraine.

Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani warned Britain, France and Germany that they "will face the appropriate and proportionate action" for the "hostile" move.

Hours before Pezeshkian's arrival, an explosion rocked a base at the airport used by a US-led anti-jihadist coalition, Iraqi security officials said.

A spokesperson for the Iranian-backed Hezbollah Brigades in Iraq said Tuesday night's "attack" aimed to "disrupt the Iranian president's visit".

Ties between Iran and Iraq, both Shiite-majority countries, have grown closer since the US-led invasion of 2003 toppled the Sunni-dominated regime of Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein.

"Iraq is one of our friends, brothers and Muslim countries," Pezeshkian said before leaving Iran, according to footage aired on Iranian state television.

"And for this reason, we will go to this country as the first trip," he added.

Pezeshkian, who took office in July after an early election following the death of his predecessor Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash, has previously linked shoring up ties to sanctions pressure.

"Relations with neighbouring countries... can neutralise a significant amount of pressure of the sanctions," he said last month.

Iran has suffered years of crippling Western sanctions, especially after its arch-foe the United States, under then-president Donald Trump, unilaterally abandoned a landmark nuclear deal between the Islamic republic and major powers in 2018.

Pezeshkian has made the top diplomat who negotiated the 2015 deal, Mohammad Javad Zarif, his vice president for strategic affairs as part of his bid for a more open Iran.

Iran has become one of Iraq's leading trade partners, and wields considerable political influence in Baghdad, where its Iraqi allies dominate parliament and the current government.

Every year, millions of Iranian pilgrims travel to Iraq's Shiite holy cities of Najaf and Karbala, and Pezeshkian will also visit the shrines there during his visit.

Non-oil trade between Iran and Iraq stood at nearly $5 billion over the five months from March 2024, Iranian media reported.

Iran also exports millions of cubic metres of gas a day to Iraq to fuel its power plants, under a regularly renewed waiver from US sanctions.

Iraq is billions of dollars in arrears on its payments for the imports, which cover 30 percent of its electricity needs.

Political scientist Ali al-Baidar said expanding trade ties was a major goal of Pezeshkian's visit.

"Iran needs the Iraqi market for its exports, just as it needs Iraq's energy imports," the Iraqi analyst said.

Washington still has around 2,500 troops in Iraq and 900 in neighbouring Syria as part of an international coalition against the Islamic State jihadist group.

Last winter, US-led coalition forces in both Iraq and Syria were targeted dozens of times with drones and rocket fire as violence related to the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza has drawn in Iran-backed armed groups across the Middle East.

The barrage of attacks triggered retaliatory US air strikes in both countries.

On Sunday, Iraqi Defence Minister Thabet al-Abbassi told pan-Arab television channel Al-Hadath that the US-led coalition would pull out of most of Iraq by September 2025 and the Kurdish autonomous region by September 2026.

Despite months of talks, the target dates have yet to be agreed between Baghdad and Washington.

Pezeshkian will also travel to the Kurdish regional capital Arbil for talks with Kurdish officials, Iran's official IRNA news agency said.

In March last year, Tehran signed a security agreement with the federal government in Baghdad after launching air strikes against bases of Iranian Kurdish rebel groups in the autonomous region.

They have since agreed to disarm the rebels and remove them from border areas.
Hilton and JM Hospitality Inc. today announced the opening of Spark by Hilton Toronto Markham, marking the brand's entry into the Canadian market. Situated in the vibrant tech and business hub just 28 kilometers north of Toronto, the opening of the first Spark in Canada signals an important growth milestone for the rapidly expanding premium economy brand. Spark by Hilton Toronto Markham joins eight other Spark hotels in various stages of development across Canada, highlighting the brand's impressive growth and appeal in the market.

Spark opened its first hotel in Mystic, Connecticut in September 2023, just nine months after the brand was first announced. In May, the brand marked its European debut with the opening of Spark by Hilton London Romford. Today, Hilton's fastest announcement-to-market brand boasts more than 50 open hotels, and more than 275 hotels in the global pipeline.

Spark, a conversion-only brand, is scaling quickly due to its appeal to both developers and guests. With its innovative design, affordable rates, and guest-centric amenities, Spark delivers an exceptional stay experience that also aligns seamlessly with current travel trends. Additionally, the brand offers flexible development options and robust support from Hilton, making it an attractive choice for developers aiming to enter or expand within the dynamic hospitality sector.

Located in the heart of Markham, a vibrant suburb known for its cultural diversity and economic dynamism, the 72-room Spark by Hilton Toronto Markham is poised to become an appealing destination for both leisure and business travelers. The hotel's proximity to major corporate headquarters, shopping districts, and cultural attractions makes it an ideal choice for guests seeking an outstanding yet affordable stay experience.

Spark by Hilton Toronto Markham is also a bellwether for Hilton's broader growth strategy in Canada, where the global hospitality company is on track to expand its portfolio of hotels by 50% over the next five years. Throughout Canada, Hilton currently has a portfolio of more than 180 hotels welcoming travelers across the region, and a development pipeline of approximately 100 hotels in various stages of design and construction.

Hotel website
InterContinental Wellington, the capital's premier luxury destination, is delighted to announce the completion of its newly revamped Health Club and a stylish makeover of its Classic Rooms.

Bringing a new level of luxury to its 79 Classic Rooms, including eight accessible rooms, the hotel has meticulously re-styled these spaces in collaboration with Y-6, an acclaimed Interior Architecture and Design studio based in Auckland, known for its unique, narrative-driven approach to hospitality design.

The new-look Classic Rooms, which feature stunning city views, now include all-new soft furnishings, such as luxurious beds, sofas, premium linens, plush carpets, and ambient lighting. Bathrooms have been upgraded with timeless porcelain tiles, elegant black chrome fittings, double rain shower heads, and thermostatic mixers for consistent water temperature. Soft robes, slippers and amenities by European brand Byredo, offer guests a spa-like experience in the privacy of their own room.

Refreshed Health Club

InterContinental Wellington's Health Club has undergone a significant transformation, featuring a spacious new layout, modernised design, and the addition of an infrared sauna and ice bath plunge pool to enhance guest well-being. The hotel is the first in New Zealand to offer the state-of-the-art Nu-a IV sauna by Found Space, leaders in hormetic technologies that are already popular in recovery centres, gyms and workspaces.

The indoor heated swimming pool - the largest hotel pool in Wellington - enclosed by conservatory-like windows with stunning cityscape views, has been retiled with handmade Italian mosaic tiles in shimmering grey blues, copper, and white accents. The pool area also features new loungers and plush towels. A handcrafted Stoked Stainless spa pool completes the new Health Club's upgraded wellness amenities.

The gymnasium features the latest Technogym equipment, including cardio machines, treadmills with LCD screens, rowing machines, and weightlifting stations. The Health Club's pools, and sauna are open from 5:30 am to 9:00 pm, while the gym is accessible 24 hours a day, ensuring guests can maintain their wellness routines at their convenience.

Award-winning Hotel

InterContinental Wellington has been honoured with several prestigious accolades at the 2024 World Travel Awards, reinforcing its position as a leader in New Zealand's hospitality industry. The hotel was named Oceania's Leading Conference Hotel and New Zealand's Leading Business Hotel, while its Club InterContinental was recognised as Oceania's Leading Executive Club Lounge. In addition, the property excelled at the 2024 World MICE Awards, securing titles as Oceania's Best MICE Hotel and New Zealand's Best MICE Hotel, solidifying its reputation as a premier destination for business and events.

Hotel website
Choice Hotels Continues to Grow its Upscale Portfolio with Opening at 'Gateway to the West'.

Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), the industry's player to watch in the upscale segment, further expanded its upscale portfolio with the opening of the Radisson Hotel Fairview Heights - St. Louis in Fairview Heights, Illinois. With nearly 10,000 square feet of meeting spaces and amenities including a heated indoor pool, state-of-the art fitness center, and on-site bar and restaurant, the property is ideal for business and leisure travelers alike who are planning a visit to the St. Louis area.

Conveniently located near downtown St. Louis, the newest Radisson is less than 30 minutes from both St. Louis Lambert International Airport and St. Louis Downtown Airport and offers easy access to popular attractions like the iconic Gateway Arch, Busch Stadium, St. Louis Aquarium and the Budweiser Brewery Experience. The four-story, 119-room hotel offers a clean and modern nature-inspired design and a variety of thoughtful features and services designed to provide guests with a harmonious stay. All guest rooms have a dedicated ergonomic work area, free WiFi, a flat screen TV, refrigerator and microwave, and sofa beds are offered in the hotel's larger suites.

Radisson participates in Choice Privileges, the award-winning rewards program that enables members to earn and redeem points for reward nights at over 7,000 hotels across a diverse portfolio of brands in 45 countries and territories worldwide. Other participating upscale hotel brands include Radisson Blu, Radisson Individuals, Cambria Hotels, Ascend Hotel Collection and others, counting more than 700 hotels open or in the pipeline across eight distinctive full-service, upscale and upper upscale hotel brands. With the Choice Privileges Mastercard, members can earn more points faster, including on everyday purchases such as gas and groceries.

Choice Hotels, with a franchise-first focus and an industry-leading retention rate, has been committed to providing its hotel owners with the support they need to succeed since it launched the country's first hotel chain in 1941. Today, Choice offers franchisees a suite of cutting-edge cloud-based solutions, including the choiceEDGE central reservation platform and Your Key to Profit, a mobile-friendly platform with profitability tools like G3, a revenue management resource to help franchisees effectively manage room rates, distribution channels, and inventory. Additionally, Choice University, the most widely awarded learning program in the hospitality industry, delivers customized and always evolving learning and development resources. From pre-opening to grand opening and every day forward, Choice provides hotel owners with best-in-class resources to help them maximize the return on their investment.

For more information Radisson development opportunities, visit https://choicehotelsdevelopment.com/brands/#radisson.

Hotel website
The much-anticipated Mercure Szczyrk Resort, a stunning blend of modern design and local tradition, has opened its doors, welcoming guests to an iconic location in the Silesian Beskid.

The opening of Mercure Szczyrk Resort marks a significant milestone for the Mercure brand, beloved by guests for its connection with the local destinations and its reliable hotel services. Located at an altitude of 660 metres above sea level, this flagship property offers unparalleled views of the Silesian Beskid while continuing a hotel tradition that dates back almost 50 years. The opening of this hotel expands Mercure's Polish portfolio to 25 hotels and represents a key step in the brand's expansion in Poland and the wider CEE region.

A Record-Breaking hotel

The hotel's eye-catching exterior, which resembles an eagle's nest and echoes its historic name, blends seamlessly into the landscape, demonstrating how large-scale architectural forms can harmonise with mountains and forests. The hotel's interior and facilities further enhance its natural appeal.

Mercure Szczyrk Resort offers 447 tastefully decorated rooms, each with a direct view of Skrzyczne - the highest peak in the Silesian Beskid. With six diverse dining options, including the Flame and Seasons restaurants, Aqua Bistro and Pool Bar, as well as two bars - WoW Bar and Luna - guests will enjoy a range of local culinary journeys.

The wellness area offers a family pool including 2 slides, a leisure pool with a water bar and three outdoor Jacuzzis, and a 16+ zone featuring six saunas and a salt grotto. The resort also boasts a spa with 10 treatment rooms, saunas, and a fitness centre. For business interactions and events, the hotel offers two conference rooms spanning 2,500 square metres, accommodating up to 1,200 guests, and can be divided into 12 smaller rooms. An outdoor pet area and spaces for campfires and barbecues will be available soon.

Local Inspiration Everywhere

The hotel's picturesque surroundings are thoughtfully integrated into its interior design. The mountain atmosphere can be felt as soon as you enter the hotel thanks to the use of wood in various colours and shapes. In the lobby, guests can admire 'The Nest', a wooden sculpture paying tribute to the hotel's history. Flame restaurant's rustic atmosphere, combined with the aroma of dishes grilled over an open fire, evokes the warmth of a fireside gathering. A few steps away, the WoW Bar offers stunning mountain views, while regional patterns, and a fireplace wall inspired by Highlander art create a cosy environment.

Each room features handmade handicrafts inspired by local craftsmanship, such as the intricate Koniakow Lace patterns, beautifully displayed on the walls. The hotel's pool complex, with its natural finishes and views of the surrounding landscape, provides a mountain stream-like swimming experience.

The Luna bar, located on the 7th floor, is inspired by the beauty of the moonlit night, featuring creative lighting and fireplaces for an intimate atmosphere. Guests at the bar can enjoy lounge seating, a DJ area and access to an outdoor terrace with mountain views.

Rooted in the Mercure brand philosophy, the newly opened hotel embodies the local region, which can be discovered at every turn during your stay.

A Taste of the Polish Mountains

The resort's culinary offerings are a testament to the Mercure brand's commitment to local discovery. The hotel's main restaurant, Seasons, can accommodate 450 guests, or up to 900 when combined with the conference space. The Flame Restaurant, is a standout on the local culinary scene, specialising in high-quality beef grilled over fruitwood. The combination of fire with mountain air, nature and sweet wood smoke will create an unparalleled dining experience.

While the resort is surrounded by nature and offers a tranquil mountain experience, it is located near Szczyrk's town centre and is well connected by motorway and rail to major cities and airports in Poland, as well as the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

Mercure Szczyrk Resort participates in ALL - Accor Live Limitless, the loyalty programme by Accor that provides access to a wide range of rewards, services and experiences. For more information, visit https://group.accor.com/en/brands/our-loyalty-program/all-accor-live-limitless.

Hotel website
Resort upgrades to include newly renovated guest rooms and public spaces, a new restaurant & bar, and updated amenities and activities, to be completed in early 2025.

The Blockade Runner Beach Resort, a North Carolina coastal landmark since 1964, is embarking on its next chapter as it officially announces a renovation that aims to enhance its guest experience while honoring its standing as a beloved local establishment. Joining Trailborn, the fast-growing outdoor hospitality brand, the resort will undergo comprehensive upgrades to the lobby and common areas, guestrooms and bathrooms, indoor and outdoor dining options, meeting and event spaces, and experiential offerings, all designed to offer an even better experience. Upon completion in early 2025, the Blockade Runner will emerge as Trailborn Surf & Sound, named for the property's unique location, with the sound on one side and the ocean on the other. During the renovation period, the hotel will remain open and continue to offer its signature hospitality.

Key Renovation Highlights:

Upgraded Accommodations and Amenities: The 151-key resort will feature fully renovated guest rooms and common spaces, designed in partnership with award-winning design firm, Post Company. Guest rooms will be outfitted with new furniture and finishes, including signature Trailborn mattresses, Smart TVs, and walk-in showers. Guests can look forward to a bright lobby & lounge, curated retail market, and new dining options, including a new lobby restaurant with a bar and an enhanced pool bar. The property's design will seamlessly blend contemporary style with nods to the iconic location, featuring natural beachside materials and highlighting water views.

Meeting & Event Spaces: The property's flexible indoor and outdoor meeting and event spaces, including its 2,800 sqft ballroom, will all be upgraded. During the renovation, groups can reach out to the Blockade Runner directly to organize weddings, corporate events, and more for 2025.

Preserved Legacy: While embracing these modern enhancements, the resort will retain the distinctive charm that has defined it for six decades. The property's unique location, family-friendly amenities, breathtaking water views from all guestrooms, and dedication to guest satisfaction will continue to be the focus. Wrightsville Beach is a special place, and the team is committed to supporting the community and celebrating local partners. The resort will continue to serve as a welcoming place for locals and visitors alike.

Sustainability and Community Focus: In alignment with Trailborn and the resort's longstanding commitment to sustainability and community involvement, the guest experience will prioritize environmentally-friendly practices, and continue to support local initiatives, notably with the NC Coastal Federation, ensuring that the hotel remains a valued part of the Wrightsville Beach community.

Hotel website
Francesco Immorlano joins SLS Dubai as the new bars manager. He brings with him a decade of experience in the luxury hospitality industry.

Previously, Immorlano has worked with award-winning, international venues and has collaborated with some of the world's most recognised industry professionals.

He has worked in Spain and the UK, where he worked at Sexy Fish in London. On moving to the UAE, Immorlano joined ZUMA Dubai as senior bartender before being promoted to bar supervisor in 2021.

Following this, he took on the role as head bartender and assistant bar manager at Ergo Dubai.

Both ZUMA Dubai and Ergo Dubai have been listed among the World's 50 best bars, with ZUMA ranked in 17th place in 2022 and Ergo Dubai came in 69th place in 2023.

Immorlano now brings his creative flair to menu creation at SLS Dubai. He goes through a three-step process when creating a drink, starting with universally recognised flavour pairings; introducing an element of surprise; and finally ensuring the right balance for a palatable experience.

One of his most celebrated creations at SLS Dubai is the Bachue cocktail. A playful twist on the classic whiskey highball and garnished with a "bitten" slice of melon, it's designed to be softer on the palate for non-whiskey lovers. In keeping with the ethos of SLS, Immorlano plans to create a unique guest experience. This includes serving innovative, creative and memorable beverages with personal interactions.
Moxy Mumbai, Marriott International's vibrant lifestyle brand, is honored to announce the appointment of Mr. Sharad Singh as the Hotel Captain of the newly launched Moxy Mumbai in Andheri West. With an illustrious career spanning over 17 years and a long-standing association with the Marriott International family, Sharad Singh brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this dynamic role.

Sharad Singh has carved a niche for himself in the hospitality industry, showcasing exceptional leadership and operational acumen across various prestigious properties. His journey with Marriott began at the inception of his career, and since then, he has held several key positions, contributing significantly to the success and recognition of these establishments.

In his most recent role as Director of Operations at The Westin Goa, Sharad was instrumental in leading the hotel to win the 'Best Food and Beverage Hotel' in Marriott Asia Pacific Excluding China 2022. Prior to his tenure at The Westin Goa, Sharad served as Director of Food and Beverage at Sheraton Grand Pune and The St. Regis Mumbai.

Sharad's extensive background also includes key roles at JW Marriott Pune, Marriott Hotels and Resort Jaipur, and Renaissance Mumbai Hotel & Convention Centre. His expertise spans across operations, strategy planning, marketing and promotions, customer relationship management, and service excellence.

Sharad's leadership style is characterized by his enterprising spirit, strong analytical skills, and a genuine passion for guest satisfaction. His ability to connect with people from diverse cultures make him a perfect fit for Moxy's inclusive and vibrant ethos as he envisions a stellar roadmap for the hotel's positioning within the hospitality landscape.

Sharad was instrumental in driving the pre-launch activities of the hotel and building the teams. He will continue this exciting journey at Moxy Mumbai, Andheri West as Hotel Captain. Sharad Singh's leadership and vision will undoubtedly play a crucial role in establishing Moxy Mumbai as a premier destination for modern travelers seeking a stylish and spirited stay experience and for the ones that are young at heart.
Hotel La Jolla, Curio Collection by Hilton, a landmark 50-year-old property located in the picturesque seaside community of La Jolla Shores, has announced the appointment of Maria Sifuentes as its new Director of Sales & Marketing. Sifuentes joins the property on the heels of an extensive multi-million-dollar reimagination encompassing all 110 guestrooms and suites, 1,600 square feet of meetings and space, and its 11th floor restaurant and private events room.

In her new position at Hotel La Jolla, Sifuentes will lead the property's sales team to drive transient and group business by leveraging the hotel's newly elevated spaces including its penthouse level restaurant Sea & Sky, as well as its prime coastal location, and personalized, boutique-inspired service structure, positioning the property as one of La Jolla's most desirable options for conferences and private events.

Maria brings over 20 years of hospitality experience with a focus in hotel sales, marketing, and food and beverage to Hotel La Jolla, having excelled in various leadership roles across the hospitality industry. Her expertise includes hotel transitions and openings, as well as the development of independent restaurant marketing strategies. Most recently, she served as the Director of Sales & Marketing for Colorado-based Sage Hospitality, where she oversaw sales operations for Marriott select brands. At Sage Hospitality, she built and maintained high-performing sales teams to consistently drive business in competitive markets and maintain consistent RevPAR and ADR growth, while also spearheading successful branding, marketing, and digital initiatives on behalf of multiple properties. During her tenure, she and her team garnered multiple awards and accolades within Sage Hospitality including the company's Community Service, and Service Excellence - Team of the Year awards. Prior to that role, Sifuentes held leadership positions at San Diego's Excel Hotel Group as Opening Director of Sales, and Huntington Hotel Group as Dual Property Sales Leader, in addition to holding multiple sales manager positions at high-profile properties around the country including the iconic Queen Mary, located in Long Beach, CA.

Sifuentes holds a Professional Certificate in Meeting and Event Planning from San Diego State University and has been recognized with several awards, including the Sage Hospitality Trend Setter Award and the Certificate of Appreciation from the United States Marines Special Operations Command.

A native Southern California, Sifuentes is currently based in Oceanside and enjoys taking advantage of San Diego's exceptional year-round weather by visiting the area's local beaches, hiking, and exploring new places to eat.
The Boutique Lifestyle Lodging Association (BLLA), the original boutique hotel association established in 2009, is proud to announce the 2024 BLLA Awards winners. Now in its fourteenth year, the BLLA Awards continue to honor the most daring and innovative achievements in the global boutique hospitality industry, recognizing the world's finest hotels, visionaries, and partners.

2024 Award Winners

In the Best Boutique Hotel Under 50 Rooms category, Hotel 1928 in Waco, Texas, claimed the top prize, celebrated for its unique charm and dedication to the guest experience. When Chip and Joanna Gaines partnered with AJ Capital Partners to transform a historic early twentieth-century Moorish Revival lodge into a boutique hotel, they meticulously preserved original details like the square rooftop penthouse, unique brickwork, and intricate trim, ensuring that the hotel not only honored its past but also provided a warm, home-like experience for future guests, where hidden treasures like original textured glass and arched doors invite exploration and celebration within its storied walls. The runner-up, The Culver Hotel

in Culver City, California, also received recognition for its timeless elegance and cultural significance.

category, in Waco, Texas, claimed the top prize, celebrated for its unique charm and dedication to the guest experience. When Chip and Joanna Gaines partnered with AJ Capital Partners to transform a historic early twentieth-century Moorish Revival lodge into a boutique hotel, they meticulously preserved original details like the square rooftop penthouse, unique brickwork, and intricate trim, ensuring that the hotel not only honored its past but also provided a warm, home-like experience for future guests, where hidden treasures like original textured glass and arched doors invite exploration and celebration within its storied walls. The runner-up, in Culver City, California, also received recognition for its timeless elegance and cultural significance. The Best Boutique Hotel Over 50 Rooms award was secured by The Ranch at Laguna Beach in Laguna Beach, California. Kurt Bjorkman, COO of The Ranch, shared his excitement, stating, I am beyond thrilled that The Ranch at Laguna Beach has been selected as the Best Boutique Hotel for 2024! Being recognized by BLLA and the awards committee, comprised of our peerspeers I greatly look up tois rewarding beyond words. The runner-up in this category, Montauk Yacht Club in Montauk, New York, was commended for its stunning coastal setting and impeccable service.

award was secured by in Laguna Beach, California. Kurt Bjorkman, COO of The Ranch, shared his excitement, stating, The runner-up in this category, in Montauk, New York, was commended for its stunning coastal setting and impeccable service. In the highly competitive Best Boutique Hotel Design Project category, Dawn Ranch in Guerneville, California, took the top honor. Designed by Bridgeton Studio in collaboration with Brian Smith and Whitney Clark, the project was praised for thoughtfully integrating the resort's rich history with contemporary design. Atit Jariwala, Founder & CEO of Bridgeton, remarked, The design of Dawn Ranch is intentional to its location and pays homage to the many lives the resort has lived in its storied history. Thank you to BLLA for continuing to give lifestyle boutiques a platform to promote their authenticity and adventure. We are honored to have been selected as the best Boutique Hotel Design Project and inspired to continue our passion for creating meaningfully designed hospitality spaces. The runner-up, Otis Harbor Springs in Harbor Springs, Michigan, was also impressed with its innovative design approach.

category, in Guerneville, California, took the top honor. Designed by Bridgeton Studio in collaboration with Brian Smith and Whitney Clark, the project was praised for thoughtfully integrating the resort's rich history with contemporary design. Atit Jariwala, Founder & CEO of Bridgeton, remarked, The runner-up, in Harbor Springs, Michigan, was also impressed with its innovative design approach. The Best Boutique Hotel Owner award was presented to Jon Kully, Founder of LEFT LANE , New York, NY. Kully reflected on the recognition, saying, I am honored to receive this recognition alongside other exceptional category leaders. Together with our teams, we have the rare opportunity to impact hospitality in a meaningful way. Im looking forward to whats to come for our Bardo and Recess brands and am grateful to BLLA for embracing us early on in the journey.

award was presented to , New York, NY. Kully reflected on the recognition, saying, In the Best Boutique Hotel General Manager category, McClinton Heil, General Manager at Halcyon, a hotel in Cherry Creek , Denver, Colorado, was honored for his exceptional leadership. Heil expressed his gratitude, stating, I am honored to receive this remarkable recognition on behalf of the entire team at Halcyon. I feel lucky to work in this incredible industry and lead the team at Halcyon  I am blown away by their daily commitment to creating unforgettable, one-of-a-kind experiences for our guests, and it is not without them that this achievement is possible.

category, , Denver, Colorado, was honored for his exceptional leadership. Heil expressed his gratitude, stating, The Best Boutique Hospitality Vendor award was proudly presented to Hyperion Essentials, a company dedicated to providing sustainable hotel amenities. Hyperion Essentials was recognized for its outstanding contributions to enhancing the guest experience through innovative, eco-friendly solutions tailored specifically to the needs of boutique hotels. Their commitment to sustainability and quality has set a new standard in the industry, making them a leader in their field.

The BLLA Awards were established in 2010 to provide a platform to celebrate exceptional efforts in boutique hospitality. Each year, the awards identify and honor the industry's top performers in hotel design and management, ownership, and operation. The judging process ensures that only the most outstanding entries receive recognition.

A big thank you to this years judges:

Anita Chan, CEO of Compass Edge

Brenda Collin, EVP, Europe of Preferred Travel Group

Doug Olson, President of C2C Designs

Frank Roller, Founder & CEO of Places of Healing

Heleri Rande, Partner of Think Hospitality

Maria Pajares, Managing Director of Mason Rose

Yasmine Mahmoudieh, Principal of Yasmine Mahmoudieh Design

Join Us in Celebrating the Winners

All winners and runner-ups will be celebrated in person during the BLLA Awards Dinner on September 16, 2024, from 6:00 to 10:00 PM PT at the Westlake Village Inn in California. This prestigious event will also mark the midway point of the Boutique Hotel Owners Conference, which will run from September 16-17, 2024, at the same venue.

Register Today

Celebrate the best in boutique hospitality! Tickets to attend the Awards Dinner are available now. Note: Full Conference registrations include the Awards Dinner. Click HERE to secure your place at the 2024 BLLA Awards Dinner or to register for the entire Boutique Hotel Owners Conference.

About BLLA

Founded in 2009, BLLA is the world's most authentic and credible platform for boutique hotels, general managers, owners, designers, and partners. As the voice of the boutique lifestyle, BLLA is dedicated to fostering and promoting the boutique hospitality industry through advocacy, education, and recognition of excellence.

For more information about the BLLA Awards and to explore all categories, visit BLLA Awards.

Submissions for the 2025 BLLA Awards will open in early January.
The hospitality industry thrives on its vibrant, fast-paced environment, where frontline staff play a crucial role in creating memorable guest experiences. While this dynamic atmosphere can present unique challenges, it also offers tremendous opportunities for growth.

This webinar explores how to build comprehensive training and development programs that can equip frontline hospitality teams with the essential skills and strategies to not only navigate challenges effectively, but also thrive in their roles. Jessica Lee (senior vice president of global talent development at Marriott), Captain Kate McCue (the first American female captain of a mega cruise ship) and JD Dillon (chief learning architect at Axonify) will delve into the tools and techniques that empower staff to handle demanding situations with grace and build resilience. Theyll also cover how to deliver exceptional service  even during peak periods.

Join us on September 17 at 1 p.m. ET to discover how investing in your frontline teams development can transform challenges into opportunities, fostering a positive, engaged workforce that consistently exceeds guest expectations.

In this webinar, well explore:

The Power of Training and Development: Discover how well-developed training programs can enhance communication, conflict resolution and customer service skills.

Discover how well-developed training programs can enhance communication, conflict resolution and customer service skills. Building Resilience: Hear from experts in the field on how they foster a resilient workforce that can manage stress, reduce burnout and maintain a positive attitude.

Hear from experts in the field on how they foster a resilient workforce that can manage stress, reduce burnout and maintain a positive attitude. Creating a Positive Guest Experience: Explore how empowered employees contribute to exceptional guest satisfaction and loyalty.

About Axonify

Axonify is the proven frontline enablement solution that gives employees everything they need to learn, connect and get things done. It starts with brain science and AI to drive knowledge retention through bite-sized microlearning and daily intelligent reinforcement. Embedded two-way communication and feedback ensure your staff is engaged and informed, no matter the scale of your organization and guided task management shows employees exactly how to put their training to use, every single day. With an industry-leading 80% user engagement rate, companies use Axonify to deliver next-level CX, higher sales, improved workplace safety and lower turnover. Axonify enables over 3.5 million frontline workers in 160+ countries, with over 250 customers including Lowe's, Kroger, Walmart and Citizens Bank. Founded in 2011, Axonify is headquartered in Waterloo, ON Canada. For more information, visit axonify.com.
Pandox acquires DoubleTree by Hilton Edinburgh from Starwood

Swedish hotel owner Pandox has entered an agreement to acquire the four-star, 138-room DoubleTree by Hilton Edinburgh City Centre hotel in Edinburgh, Scotland, from American private equity firm Starwood Capital Group, for 49 million (355,000 per room). The hotel is located just to the south of Edinburgh Castle, around 10-minutes walk from the Royal Mile. London-based operator Axiom Hospitality is set to manage the property under a management agreement. Pandox plans to evaluate the hotels brand strategy and operating model, with the current franchise agreement with Hilton due to expire in 2027. The hotel is expected to generate an initial yield of some 7.5%, growing to a potential 9% in the future through active operational improvements and targeted investments . HVS provided advisory services in relation to the transaction.

MNK Partners acquires the Premier Inn Aberdeen Airport in Scotland

French portfolio manager MNK Partners, on behalf of its pan-European fund MNK Europe+, has reportedly acquired the three-star, 100-room Premier Inn Aberdeen Airport (Dyce) hotel in Aberdeen, Scotland, for 6 million (60,000 per room). Built in 2013, the asset is held on a long-leasehold basis until 2180. It is managed by Premier Inn Hotels under an operating lease that is set to mature in July 2038, with a break option in July 2033. A purchase at this level reportedly reflects a net initial yield of 9%. This is the eighth and final asset acquired under the MNK Europe+ fund, which has a seven-year lifetime.

Inwood Hotels acquires Five Seas Hotel Cannes from Dona Bertarelli

Inwood Hotels, a French boutique hotel operator, has acquired the five-star, 45-room Five Seas Hotel Cannes on Frances Cote dAzur, from Swiss billionaire Dona Bertarelli. The hotel is located just two-minutes walk from Cannes famous shorefront promenade, the Boulevard de la Croisette, and very close to the citys Palace of Festivals and Congresses. Opened in 2011, the hotel is affiliated with Marriotts Design Hotels, a boutique luxury collection brand with over 300 properties worldwide. This marks the third acquisition for Inwood Hotels on the Cote d'Azur, following their 2023 acquisitions of the four-star, 46-room La Malmaison in Nice, and the Imperial Garoupe in Cap d'Antibes, a 34-room five-star hotel affiliated with Relais & Chateaux.

About HVS

With over 35 offices in the United States, HVS's hospitality intelligence and extensive expertise will help you achieve the results you want. HVS experts are regarded as the leading professionals in their respective regions of the globe. Through a worldwide network of 50 offices staffed by more than 250 experienced industry professionals, HVS provides an unparalleled range of complementary services for the hospitality industry. For further information regarding our expertise and details about our services, please visit hvs.com.
Developed in collaboration with the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU), the three-year Bachelor of Science in International Sustainable Tourism is designed to train graduates capable of leading the sector toward a more sustainable future.

For the first academic year, 30 students were welcomed to Madrid, representing six different countries (Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Saudi Arabia, Georgia, and Switzerland). The Degree course is designed to equip students equipped with the skills to innovate, to drive change, and to make decisions that promote both economic growth and environmental stewardship.

The tourism sector needs skilled people with diverse knowledge and innovative vision, and the Bachelor in International Sustainable Tourism was created to accompany tourism leaders on their journey into the future. With approximately 880,000 jobs in the tourism sector requiring specialised training annually by 2030, this degree programme is not just an educational initiative, but a transformative force. It is essential to cultivate the talent needed to drive the sector forward, ensuring sustainable growth and innovation. UN Tourism Executive Director, Natalia Bayona

UN Tourism: Prioritizing Education

Higher education is vital to building a sustainable tourism sector, a priority outlined in UN Tourism's educational roadmap. As one of the most dynamic and rapidly growing sectors, tourism holds a unique position as the largest employer of global youth, with over 50% of its workforce under the age of 25. However, despite this potential, young people face significant challenges. While youth make up 16% of the global population, more than one in five began this decade without being engaged in education, employment, or training. At the same time, the global tourism sector faces a shortage of skilled personnel, particularly in customer service and managerial roles.

This first undergraduate program from UN Tourism program represents a critical step towards bridging this gap. International diversity is achieved by targeting students from all over the world and with teaching taking place in Madrid Lucerne and online. Spain and Switzerland are two countries ranked among the top ten in the World Economic Forum's tourism competitiveness indexSpain being second and Switzerland tenth globally.

The vision of HSLU and UN Tourism is to create a universally accessible programme that empowers the future-oriented transformation of the entire tourism sector.

Related links:

About UN Tourism

The World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) is the United Nations agency responsible for the promotion of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism.

As the leading international organization in the field of tourism, UN Tourism promotes tourism as a driver of economic growth, inclusive development and environmental sustainability and offers leadership and support to the sector in advancing knowledge and tourism policies worldwide.

Our Priorities

Mainstreaming tourism in the global agenda: Advocating the value of tourism as a driver of socio-economic growth and development, its inclusion as a priority in national and international policies and the need to create a level playing field for the sector to develop and prosper.

Promoting sustainable tourism development: Supporting sustainable tourism policies and practices: policies which make optimal use of environmental resources, respect the socio-cultural authenticity of host communities and provide socio-economic benefits for all.

Fostering knowledge, education and capacity building: Supporting countries to assess and address their needs in education and training, as well as providing networks for knowledge creation and exchange.

Improving tourism competitiveness: Improving UN Tourism Members' competitiveness through knowledge creation and exchange, human resources development and the promotion of excellence in areas such as policy planning, statistics and market trends, sustainable tourism development, marketing and promotion, product development and risk and crisis management.

Advancing tourism's contribution to poverty reduction and development: Maximizing the contribution of tourism to poverty reduction and achieving the SDGs by making tourism work as a tool for development and promoting the inclusion of tourism in the development agenda.

Building partnerships: Engaging with the private sector, regional and local tourism organizations, academia and research institutions, civil society and the UN system to build a more sustainable, responsible and competitive tourism sector.

Our Structure

Members: An intergovernmental organization, UN Tourism has 160 Member States, 6 Associate Members, 2 Observers and over 500 Affiliate Members.

Organs: The General Assembly is the supreme organ of the Organization. The Executive Council take all measures, in consultation with the Secretary-General, for the implementation of the decisions and recommendations of the General Assembly and reports to the Assembly.

Secretariat: UN Tourism headquarters are based in Madrid, Spain. The Secretariat is led by the Secretary-General and organized into departments covering issues such as sustainability, education, tourism trends and marketing, sustainable development, statistics and the Tourism Satellite Account (TSA), destination management, ethics and risk and crisis management. The Technical Cooperation and Silk Road Department carries out development projects in over 100 countries worldwide, while the Regional Departments for Africa, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific, Europe and the Middle East serve as the link between UN Tourism and its 160 Member States. The Affiliate Members Department represents UN Tourism's 500 plus Affiliate members.

UN Tourism Communications Department

+34 91 567 8100

UN Tourism
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.  From rule breaking and theft to verbal abuse and foul language, one customers behavior can negatively affect another customers experience. How hospitality businesses can best respond to instances of customer misbehavior can depend on the strictness of societal norms, according to a new study from researchers in the Penn State School of Hospitality Management.

The study, published in the Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Management, found that customers who observe misbehavior in countries with strict societal norms  or specific expectations for how people should act in public  respond better to an apology, while customers who observe misbehavior in nations with looser societal norms respond better to acknowledgements or appreciations of their patience.

Anna Mattila, Marriott Professor of Lodging Management at Penn State; Barbara Atanga, assistant professor of marketing at Johnson C. Smith University who earned her doctorate in hospitality management at Penn State this year; and Lavi Peng, current Penn State doctoral candidate, led this research.

When customers observe other customers misbehaving, it affects their satisfaction, Mattila said. They become unhappy with their experience. This can be costly to businesses, as these customers may never come back. We wanted to identify a way that businesses could satisfy customers who observe these unfortunate instances.

The researchers conducted two studies to find the effect of apologies and appreciation on customers who observe misbehavior. To survey participants with both distinct strict and loose societal norms, the research team recruited participants from the United States, a country with loose norms, and India, a country with strict norms. Each study recruited participants via Amazon Mechanical Turk, and participants were randomly assigned to either an apology or appreciation condition.

The first study surveyed 187 people  97 from the United States and 90 from India  and used a hypothetical scenario in which participants were asked to imagine checking in at a front desk while observing two guests in an argument. The second study surveyed 202 people  101 from the United States and 101 from India  and used a hypothetical situation in which participants were asked to imagine dining in a restaurant while nearby customers were being disruptive.

In both studies, an apology resulted in higher recovery satisfaction among observing customers with strict societal norms, whereas showing appreciation led to enhanced recovery satisfaction among observing customers with loose societal norms.

Businesses may see the terms thank you and sorry as interchangeable, Atanga said. However, these terms serve distinct purposes. Sorry explicitly says this is wrong whereas thank you is more subtle and implicit. Businesses should understand the strictness or looseness context of their customer base to use these two strategies effectively.

In a third study, the researchers tested if violations of perceived norms drive the impact of recovery strategy on satisfaction among observing customers. This study surveyed 180 participants  95 from the United States and 85 from India  via Amazon Mechanical Turk. Participants were randomly assigned to either an apology or appreciation condition in a hypothetical scenario where they observed two other patrons arguing because one of them jumped the queue.

The researchers found that acknowledging customer misbehavior had a mediating effect on the observing customers recovery for participants with loose norms but not for participants with strict norms.

People with strict norms may appreciate an apology, but this may not be enough to reduce the impact of the norm violation, Peng said. This could be why the mediating effect was not found for those with stricter norms.

The researchers said effective ways businesses can address the negative implications of customer misbehavior is to practice service recovery techniques. For example, apologies  even generalized ones like sorry for the inconvenience  or by purposely showing appreciation like thanking customers for their patience can help other customers satisfaction with the business when they observe customer misbehavior.

Saying sorry or thank you is a cheap, easy way for businesses to conduct service recovery, Atanga said. This is also a cost-effective strategy, as saying sorry or thank you does not have a monetary cost attached to it.

The researchers also said businesses should train their employees in how to properly handle situations where customer misbehavior may occur. Employees should learn to listen and remain calm in these situations before evaluating how best to act, and to do so strategically.

In addition, brands operating across different nations should adjust and adapt their recovery strategies as opposed to having a single, universal service recovery protocol, according to the researchers.

Businesses can get so wrapped up by customers who are misbehaving that they forget about the customers who witness the norm violation, Peng said. Even if observing customers dont actively speak out, they still may have noted the inconvenience in their heads.

The Marriott Foundation supported this research.

About Penn State School of Hospitality Management

Established in 1937 Penn State's School of Hospitality Management is one of the nation's oldest and most respected. Its top-ranked undergraduate and doctoral programs prepare global leaders with a rigorous, diverse curriculum focused, since its inception, on engaged scholarship, featuring partnerships with Penn State's Hospitality Services, Housing and Food Services, and top global hospitality brands. It's also home to the oldest Penn State alumni program group, The Penn State Hotel and Restaurant Society.

Ben Jellison

Director of Industry and Alumni Relations

814-865-6728

Penn State School of Hospitality Management
Raffles Hotels & Resorts Unveils New Global Brand Campaign Celebrating Its World-Renowned Butler Service - Image Credit Raffles Hotels & Resorts



'The Butler Did It' stars Waris Ahluwalia & Robert Rabensteiner, with creative by Trey Laird & Dylan Don.

Raffles Hotels & Resorts revealed 'The Butler Did It,' the newest campaign from the luxury hospitality brand. The project, which brings together exceptional creative talent, celebrates the brand's legendary Butler Service and its role in crafting 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 renowned 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 brand's flagship property known for its Butler Service since its opening in 1887. The statement-making initiative centers 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 how unconventional. We hope our guests will now join us in saying 'The Butler Did It' when experiencing a surprising moment of delight with Raffles," said Omer Acar, CEO, Raffles Hotels & Resorts.

As the brand grows globally, with recent debuts in Jaipur, London, Boston, 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 world's iconic fashion and lifestyle brands, brings his recognizable 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. I'm 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," said Trey Laird, Founder of TeamLaird.

You can view the campaign at: raffles.com/the-butler-did-it.
Spark by Hilton Markham - Image Credit Hilton

Hilton and JM Hospitality Inc. today announced the opening of Spark by Hilton Toronto Markham, marking the brand's entry into the Canadian market. Situated in the vibrant tech and business hub just 28 kilometers north of Toronto, the opening of the first Spark in Canada signals an important growth milestone for the rapidly expanding premium economy brand. Spark by Hilton Toronto Markham joins eight other Spark hotels in various stages of development across Canada, highlighting the brand's impressive growth and appeal in the market.

Spark opened its first hotel in Mystic, Connecticut in September 2023, just nine months after the brand was first announced. In May, the brand marked its European debut with the opening of Spark by Hilton London Romford. Today, Hilton's fastest announcement-to-market brand boasts more than 50 open hotels, and more than 275 hotels in the global pipeline.

Spark, a conversion-only brand, is scaling quickly due to its appeal to both developers and guests. With its innovative design, affordable rates, and guest-centric amenities, Spark delivers an exceptional stay experience that also aligns seamlessly with current travel trends. Additionally, the brand offers flexible development options and robust support from Hilton, making it an attractive choice for developers aiming to enter or expand within the dynamic hospitality sector.

"Spark has enjoyed tremendous growth and momentum in its first full year, indicating we really knew what we were doing when we introduced this brand," said Bill Duncan, global category leader, All-Suites & Focused Service, Hilton. "Our launch in Canada is not only a major milestone but a clear demonstration of our commitment to meeting the diverse needs of travelers globally, and further demonstrates how our innovative and pioneering spirit continues to make us the #1 leader in the hospitality industry worldwide."

Located in the heart of Markham, a vibrant suburb known for its cultural diversity and economic dynamism, the 72-room Spark by Hilton Toronto Markham is poised to become an appealing destination for both leisure and business travelers. The hotel's proximity to major corporate headquarters, shopping districts, and cultural attractions makes it an ideal choice for guests seeking an outstanding yet affordable stay experience.

"Spark by Hilton's debut in Canada marks an important next step in our global expansion strategy," said Alissa Klees, brand leader, Spark by Hilton. "We were thrilled to partner with JM Hospitality to bring Spark by Hilton to the Canadian market. With our first hotel opening in Markham, we look forward to introducing travelers to a new level of contemporary comfort and innovative design, showcasing Hilton's ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences worldwide."

Spark by Hilton Toronto Markham is also a bellwether for Hilton's broader growth strategy in Canada, where the global hospitality company is on track to expand its portfolio of hotels by 50% over the next five years. Throughout Canada, Hilton currently has a portfolio of more than 180 hotels welcoming travelers across the region, and a development pipeline of approximately 100 hotels in various stages of design and construction.
Embassy Suites by Hilton Nashville Airport Receives $57 Million Financing

Smith Hill Capital, the fully integrated commercial real estate debt investment management business of the Procaccianti Companies, and Bain Capital's Special Situations team yesterday announced the firms' joint venture originated a first mortgage financing for the Embassy Suites by Hilton Nashville Airport. The first mortgage has a total available balance of $57 million.

The 305-key property is well-located and maintains close proximity to Nashville International Airport, a 15-minute drive to downtown Nashville, and One Century Place Conference Center. Amenities at the hotel include an airport shuttle, fitness center, business center, indoor pool, complimentary evening reception, and over 6,000 square feet of meeting space.

"Despite uncertain market conditions, our platform continues to provide capital solutions for hospitality owners and their assets," said Brendan McCormick, Managing Principal, Smith Hill Capital. "The Embassy Suites by Hilton Nashville Airport is a high-quality asset with strong sponsorship that aligns very well with our goal of providing loans to institutional quality sponsors. It was a pleasure working with the teams at Affinius Capital and Westmont Hospitality and their advisors at Eastdil Secured on this financing."

Smith Hill and Bain Capital's joint venture is focusing on serving the financing needs of hospitality companies and assets in demand-driven markets across the U.S. The partnership combines decades of industry and capital markets experience with a highly attractive market opportunity.
Mosquito-Borne Illness: What You Need to Know

With the start of fall, you may be looking forward to venturing outdoors. But you also may have heard recent reports of dangerous mosquito-borne illnesses in the region.

"Everyone should get outdoors during this beautiful season, but do so safely," advises Elizabeth A. Talbot, MD, an infectious disease and international health specialist at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center. "Yes, there is a risk of acquiring serious infections from mosquitos, but that risk can be substantially lowered," she said.

EEEV is rare in our region

Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus (EEEV) is a rare but serious disease transmitted to people by infected mosquitos.

The last reported human EEEV infection in New Hampshire was in 2014, when the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) identified three human infections, including two fatalities. This year, the region has seen higher numbers of mosquitos testing positive for EEEV.

This August, the Departments of Health in Vermont, Massachusetts and New Hampshire all reported a human case of EEEV. The infected adult from Hampstead, New Hampshire, had to be hospitalized due to severe central nervous system disease and died of the illness.

What other diseases are mosquitos carrying this year?

"In New Hampshire, mosquitos transmit infections including Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus, West Nile Virus (WNV), and Jamestown Canyon Virus (JCV)," said New Hampshire State Epidemiologist Benjamin P. Chan, MD, in the August 27th announcement of the Hampstead EEEV case.

A few weeks prior, the Vermont Department of Health reported that it had collected mosquitos that carried EEEV and WNV.

Infection in people is rare

The good news is that if you are bitten by a mosquito, you are at low risk of contracting any of these three diseases. One reason is that there are more than 40 species of mosquitos in New Hampshire and only a small number carry and spread mosquito-borne illnesses, according to the DHHS.

Although Vermont has some 45 mosquito species, only a few mosquito pools have tested positive with WNV or EEE, so risk of infection is low in that state, too.

What to look out for

But if you do get bitten by a mosquito, keep an eye out for symptoms.

The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) says most people with EEE or WNV have either no or mild symptoms and should recover from the illness unscathed.

But the 20 percent to 30 percent of people with WNV who do get symptoms may experience a fever, headache, weakness, pains in their muscles or joints, gastrointestinal issues, and even a rash. In rare cases, WNV can lead to severe neurological disease, causing paralysis, meningitis or brain damage.

EEEV has some similar characteristics but is more severe. People with EEEV also usually do not develop symptoms, but among those who do, the virus can result in febrile illnesswith fever, chills, body aches and joint painor neurologic diseases such as meningitis or encephalitis, says the CDC.

Come the fall, there is less risk of the Jamestown Canyon Virus as it tends to taper out toward the end of the summer, says New Hampshire's DHHS. But those symptoms also can include fever, muscle aches, fatigue, dizziness, headache and, in severe cases, encephalitis and meningitis, too.

When a mosquito bite means contacting a doctor

Mosquito bites are usually no reason to worry. But if you do get one and start showing any of the symptoms associated with these mosquito-borne illnesses, seek medical attention.

Karen Hsu Blatman, MD, an allergist and clinical immunologist at Dartmouth Health, notes that mosquito bites can swell and be uncomfortable for some people who react to the mosquito's saliva. When people contact her because of discomfort or swelling, she often recommends icing and applying a topical steroid to the bite. If a person scratches the bite area and breaks the skin, it may lead to a secondary infection. If the bite is accompanied by yellow pus, blisters, or feveror gives you reason for concernyou should contact your provider.

How to stay safe

All this does not mean you should not go outside, but you can take precautions to lower your risk of being bitten.

"We believe there is an elevated risk for EEEV infections this year in New England given the positive mosquito samples identified. The risk will continue into the fall until there is a hard frost that kills the mosquitos. Everybody should take steps to prevent mosquito bites when they are outdoors," advised Chan.

These steps include getting rid of any standing water around your home to prevent mosquitoes from breeding nearby.

You also should wear protective clothing such as socks, long-sleeved shirts, and long pants. Consider, too, avoiding outdoor activities in the early morning and evening when mosquitoes are most active. In Vermont, health officials are recommending people avoid spending time outdoors as much as possible from 6 pm to 6 am in towns deemed at high-risk of mosquito-borne illnesses. As of August 28th, these towns included Alburgh, Burlington, Colchester, and Swanton. The recommendation remains in place until the first hard frost that kills mosquitos.

Lastly, use an insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or another EPA-registered repellent when outdoors. The EPA has a search tool that can help you find the best product.

What about tick-borne illnesses?

And lest you get complacent about other risks, remember that, while tick-borne illnesses are highest from March to July when the black-legged tick is most active, ticks can be found anytime when temperatures are above freezing. Protective clothing and other precautions can help keep you safe from ticks as well.

So when you come indoors, do not forget to check yourself for ticks, as well as mosquito bites.

Resources
Annie Selke Closing, Laying Off 47

PITTSFIELD, Mass.  Annie Selke on Peck's Road will close its doors and layoff 47 people before the end of the year.

WAMC is reporting that the company, Fresh American LLC, filed its intention to close last week with the state, as required by law.

Employees were to be notified on Tuesday and the permanent closure will include the company's headquarters and outlet in Pittsfield and its retail location in Lenox.

"It is anticipated this layoff will take place on or about December 31, 2024. Most positions and jobs at the headquarters, and all of the jobs at the outlet and retail location will be eliminated during this same time period," according to documents acquired by WAMC reporter Josh Landes.

Designer and entrepreneur Annie Selke started with a bedding and sleep items business in 1994 as Pine Cone Hill. The largely wholesale home decor operation added Potluck Studios dinnerware in 2002 and Dash & Albert Rugs in 2003.

She invested nearly $4 million into the former Interprint mill on Peck's Road that dates to the 1860s and moved in 2007. The company was purchased by Rugs USA in 2023

WAMC has confirmed that the rapid response team from MassHire has been notified.
Brian Willette, commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart and an Army veteran, speaks Tuesday during Pittsfield's memorial of the Sept. 11 terror attacks. Kiwanis President Curtis Janey sings the national anthem at the memorial on Tuesday. The remembrance of 9/11 was held the city's Iraq and Afghanistan War Memorial in Veterans Memorial Park. Mayor Peter Marchetti speaks of his father's military service. The memorial lists the names of the five Berkshire County soldiers who lost their lives in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars that followed the attack. PreviousNext

23 Years Later, Berkshire Communities Remember 9/11



Dalton officials are joined by police, firefighters and community members at Sept. 11 observances outside Town Hall on Tuesday. PITTSFIELD, Mass.  Around 50 people gathered in Veterans Memorial Park to mark the 23rd anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001, when attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon left nearly 3,000 people dead, thousands wounded, and launched two of the nation's longest wars.

Mayor Peter Marchetti described it as "a day that most of us would probably like to forget." When he woke up this morning, the clear skies and sunshine eerily reminded him of the weather on that tragic day.

"There's been a number of these years that the weather is almost exactly the same to remind us of that treacherous day that we all were surprised," he added.

"You know, growing up in this generation, knowing all of the folks that say, 'Do you remember where you were when President Kennedy was shot?' Now my generation has 'Do you remember where you were on September 11, 2001?'"

Five Berkshire County soldiers lost their lives in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars: Sgt. 1st Class Daniel H. Petithory, 32, of Cheshire; Spc. Michael R. DeMarsico II, 20, of North Adams; and Spc. Mitchell K. Daehling, 24, of Dalton, all in Afghanistan; and Sgt. Glenn R. Allison, 24, of Pittsfield, and Chief Warrant Officer Stephen M. Wells, 29, of North Egremont, in Iraq.

The ceremony took place around the city's Iraq and Afghanistan War Memorial, dedicated four years ago to honor the men and others lost. A time capsule was buried at the monument with items that were provided by their family members and will be opened in 2101.

Brian Willette, commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart and an Army veteran, said it is "our first duty to remember and to never allow the public or even ourselves to forget the significance of today and what happened next."

Marchetti also stressed the importance of remembrance. He understood the true impact of his father's service to the Army when he received a full military burial.

"My grandfather was a veteran, my dad was a veteran," he said.

"We never talked about it and so I hope that we can come together and talk about it more often because it's easy to forget and this is one thing that we can't do. We can't forget."

Willette said U.S. soldiers knew this was their calling, what they were sent to do, and why they joined the service. What they could not have imagined was their children later joining them on the battlefield.

"My daughter was 16 at the time (of 9/11,) my son was 10. As it turns out, my daughter was the first one to see action out of any of us in a rocket attack at Baghdad International Airport in 2009 and my son himself would earn the Purple Heart six months after I did in Afghanistan," he said.

"We could not imagine that that would be the case."

He said less than one percent of the general public fought the ensuing wars for 20 years after the attacks and it was a challenge to keep going.

"I was honored to be there in 2010 during the search to really bring the Taliban to their knees, 2009, 2010, and 2011, and to really bring them to the negotiating table to find find a way to end the war and ultimately, that was successful," he said.

"How the war ended just a few years ago was a tragedy at the [Abbey Gate outside Kabul's Hamid Karzai International Airport] but I have to say it's no more tragic than all the lives ever lost up until then. Being in the military is a dangerous business, and everybody who was at Abbey Gate that day knew that."

Willette pointed out that members of the Massachusetts National Guard 181st Infantry are currently providing force security at a base in Iraq and are under fire.

"So it's still going on. It's still going on being held up by a small group of people defending this country," he said.

He believes that the country is in good hands and patriotism is still alive. Though, he emphasized the importance of not isolating as a nation.

"There's an isolationist trend that's returning in our thought process, in our dialog, which is very bad," Willette said.

"We cannot isolate from the world events. We are the world's leader. It's a position we must maintain because no one can do it like us and yes, there is sacrifice involved with that commitment."

Master of ceremonies Arnie Perras, commander of VFW Post 448, thanked all involved with the unique monument and urged younger veterans to join the organization.

Dalton

As cars passed by on the busy main street in Dalton, town employees, police and firefighters could be seen standing below the flag that was at half-staff.

Police Chief Deanna Strout and Fire Department Lt. Tyler Colby stood alongside both departments' chaplain John David "J.D." Hebert as he read a tribute for the 9/11 first responders.

Hebert, who has been serving as a first responder for three decades, wrote the tribute and everyone to take a moment to honor the "lives lost and the courage shown" on that day and asked them to reflect on their own experience that day.

"What I loved about what our chaplain did is he [asked] all the first responders what their memories were," said Strout.

"And some of them are so young here that they weren't even born, or some of them were in school. So, it was nice to hear everyone's perspectives on what their memory was."

In his tribute, Hebert included the time the North Tower of the World Trade Center collapsed, 10:28 a.m., and the number of first responders who perished while saving others from the attack.

Strout read that 72 law enforcement officers lost their lives in the attack, and Colby that 343 firefighters died helping others.

"The memories of Sept. 11th are etched into our hearts. We remember the faces of those who were lost, the bravery of our first responders, and the resilience of our communities. We remember the unity that brought us together in a time of crisis," Hebert said.

"Today, we reflect on the impact of the tragedy and how it has shaped our perspectives and community."

Strout said, "It's just important for us to never forget those sacrifices, and, you know, especially the unity of our country the next day. And I think we all should strive to have that and get that back."

Ceremonies like these allow us to remember and respect the history and those who gave their lives that day, especially for those who may not be able to remember, Colby said.

"We come to work every day knowing that we could be put in situations and the ones that lost their lives that day made the ultimate sacrifice that we take great pride in. So, it's nice to honor them and keep the keep their memory alive," he said.

"Obviously, 9/11 was a tough day. No one really wants to relive the memory, but I think it's a very good thing to keep in your mind and actually keep those memories alive, just for the sake of the fallen that we lost that day."

At 6:30 p.m., the Great Barrington Fire Department will hold a 9/11 remembrance ceremony at the firehouse on State Road.
Page Content









Themed Advanced air mobility (AAM) global harmonization and interoperability: Challenges and opportunities," the symposium has brought together 400 high-level government officials from 75 countries and representatives of the United Nations system and international aviation industry associations. World-leading manufacturers, operators and other cutting-edge innovators also participated to inform the development of a global vision and to share best practices and challenges.





AAM comprises electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) including drones, and a wide range of other technologies related to remotely piloted and autonomous aircraft.





Advanced air mobility will revolutionize the transportation of passengers, goods, and services by reimagining aerial mobility in urban and regional contexts. However, realizing this vision requires careful consideration and planning at a global level, as we navigate the complex interplay of technology, infrastructure, regulation, and societal needs, remarked ICAO Council President Salvatore Sciacchitano.





The complexity of this undertaking is immense, necessitating insights from both core aviation stakeholders and new entrants, he added. This points to an essential role for ICAO in ensuring alignment around safety and sustainability in this rapidly evolving and expanding landscape.





ICAOs 2024 AAM event was officially opened by Mr. Sciacchitano, joined by His Excellency Abdulaziz Bin Abdullah Al Duailej, President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and His Excellency Prosper Higiro, High Commissioner of the Republic of Rwanda to Canada and Representative to ICAO.





ICAO is encouraging the deployment of these technologies to heighten aviations ability to act as a catalyst for sustainable development worldwide. AAM is bringing new and innovative capabilities through an increasing array of activities, including health care, agriculture, water supply and monitoring, wildfire control, passenger, mail and cargo transportation.





Furthermore, AAM holds the promise of accelerated development in many emerging economies, potentially allowing them to bypass traditional infrastructure limitations.





It is in this context that a Call to Action has emerged.





Through our concerted efforts, we will embrace the numerous opportunities that AAM offers, shaping a future of aviation that is more accessible, efficient, and sustainable, said ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar.





Noting that the Call comprises specific priorities on regulatory interoperability and adaptability, airspace integration, multilevel cooperation and support for innovation, Secretary General Salazar emphasized the far-reaching implications of these initiatives. AAM has considerable impact across various areas and disciplines throughout the aviation system he said. We therefore need to have a holistic approach to AAM and prepare for its convergence with conventional aviation.





The Call urges cooperation among the wide array of stakeholders involved in AAM, including all levels of public authority; operators, manufacturers and service providers across the entire aviation ecosystem; private, public, and academic innovators; and other UN entities.





Indeed, several UN system entities today supported cooperation with ICAO, aimed at enhancing support for humanitarian missions by harmonizing UAS frameworks. This cooperation is essential, as UAS has proven invaluable to high-impact UN field operations, in areas like aid delivery, disaster response and peacekeeping operations.





The symposium will continue until 12 September, with delegates making important contributions to progress on these topics.











Resources for Editors

About ICAO A specialized agency of the United Nations, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) leads the international alignment of technical standards and strategies, facilitating the safe, secure, and sustainable development of its 193 member states aviation sectors and air services. This year, ICAO is celebrating the 80th anniversary of its establishment by the 1944 Convention on International Civil Aviation.

UN support for AAM The UN entities collaborating with ICAO are: the United Nations Secretariat; the World Food Programme; UN Habitat; the United Nations University; the Universal Postal Union; the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime; the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations; United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees; and the International Telecommunication Union.





General Contact communications@icao.int Twitter: @ICAO

Media Contact William Raillant-Clark Communications Officer wraillantclark@icao.int +1 514-954-6705 +1 514-409-0705 (mobile) Twitter: @wraillantclark LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/raillantclark/










Stagecraft is also witchcraft, but its rare to have a magician of British theatre confide his secrets. A contemporary of Imelda Staunton, Alex Jennings and Ralph Fiennes, Sir Simon Russell Beale, whos already been acclaimed by The Independent as the greatest actor of his generation, certainly has a resume to match: 10 Olivier nominations, three Baftas and a Tony award, along with many prizes, and countless roles in film and television.

His true passion, however, is classical, obsessive and singular. Launched with a simple quotation from Hamlet, this remarkable book is one actors account of falling in love at first sight with William Shakespeare.

After a long and rich relationship  some 40 years  that has become, writes Beale, an indispensable part of my life and work, this elegant volume triumphs in a treacherous genre: the thespian memoir. The book is not an exercise in bardolatry, but rather a lucid, often brilliant, witty, and above all modest  even practical  account of my time in [Shakespeares] company.

As an actor, Beale possesses an uncanny and mesmerising ability to anatomise the mystery of a great part through the deconstruction of script and role. This is a gift that he translates from the stage to the page in his exploration of the playwrights uniquely hospitable qualities as a poet, philosopher, psychoanalyst, entertainer, historian, mystic, and metropolitan crowd-pleaser.

In A Piece of Work, a clever and ambiguous title thats at once precise and teasing, Beale paints an enthralling portrait of what life and work in the theatre might entail.

As an actor who has enjoyed important relationships with some of our finest contemporary directors (principally Deborah Warner, Adrian Noble, Sam Mendes and Nick Hytner), he takes the reader inside the rehearsal room to elucidate his own performances as Macbeth, Hamlet, Lear, Iago, Benedick, Malvolio and Prospero, among many others.

Its a masterclass in Shakespeare by a player who confesses early on, with raw merriment, that he loves being on stage. In front of the footlights, or enjoying the vicissitudes of his own ebullient autobiography, heres an artist who knows in his marrow how to hold an audience through a kind of radiant wit. As ever, thats deftly achieved with a very light touch.

At the same time, this actor seems never to have been starstruck. In the making of his mature identity as a performer, Simon Beale, son of Sir Peter Beale (an army doctor who eventually became Surgeon General of the British armed forces) was blessed with two pieces of luck: his family and his voice.

The first became his anchor  the nurture of parents, brothers and sisters during a nomadic childhood with overseas postings; the second supplied a youthful grounding in the discipline of a choristers rehearsal routine. He writes that this privileged upbringing was very sheltered, but the record reads otherwise.

open image in gallery The actor alongside Zoe Wanamaker in Much Ado About Nothing at the National Theatre, London ( Getty )

Family came with loss (the premature death of his sister Lucy); the demands of music instilled a deep grasp of his limits. Before he stepped on stage, life and singing were braided together; he treats both with respect and seriousness. (In the final pages of this memoir, we find a heartfelt note about his desire to make a television history of the concerto.)

He is always very much himself, with an infectious streak of self-mockery: one of many bone-dry comic asides describes a botched attempt at a theatrical rebrand as Simon Beagle. The upshot, in his work as an artist, is a kind of detachment that makes Beale an exhilarating comic actor, but also something of a lone wolf.

At Cambridge, he was part of a glittering generation that included Emma Thompson, Hugh Laurie, Tilda Swinton and Stephen Fry, but hes at pains to establish that he knew none of them well. He might resist this comparison, but he shares with Shakespeare an insider-outsider ambivalence, running with both fox (many directors) and hounds (his fellow actors).

From his early life, he seems to have been blessed with an innate resilience. Sent away to school at the age of eight, he remembers feeling more bemused than upset. In his first letter home, instinctively searching for the mot juste, he reported himself to be halfway between happy and unhappy.

As well as displaying, in his attitude towards himself as a star, an impressive absence of vanity, theres his basic modesty. Not many of his contemporaries would admit, as readily as he does, that I am visibly overweight.

Its very much in character, for example, that he should report an early West Country review of his Hamlet, which punned: Tubby or not tubby. Fat is the question. Typically he concedes: I was used to people writing about my weight. An actors size and shape are part of what people see on stage, and maybe I was fair game.

open image in gallery Judi Dench as Perdita and David Bailie as Florizel in a Royal Shakespeare Company production of The Winters Tale ( Getty )

On stage, Beale almost always conjures an engaging atmosphere of play. In this memoir, which begins in a mood of reticence, his boyish innocence soon breaks through. Describing his performance as Benedick in Much Ado (opposite Zoe Wanamakers Beatrice), he recalls the scene in which (on the Nationals Olivier stage) he was required to jump into an ornamental pool.

This, he writes, was by a long way the most physically satisfying moment I have ever enjoyed on stage. He describes the happy sensation of being a 10-year-old again, the experience evoking childhood memories of life in the far east.

His devoted audiences will know that what they see when Beale steps on stage is not only a great performer in his natural habitat, but also a free spirit in joyous communion with his liberated self. Just as important, hes also a devoted student of the Shakespearean canon.

This is the great passion of an artist who can seem, in part, an academic manque (with a first in English). Among several truly remarkable passages in A Piece of Work, his working analyses of Macbeth, Hamlet and Lear  as characters  are outstanding.

Consider, for instance, his reading of Macbeth, a role he would like to play again in a drama he interprets as a compulsive re-examination of children in relation to parents. His readings of Hamlet and Lear are also steeped in the lessons of the live production. Not for him the quasi-academic pose that claims that Shakespeares greatest plays are better read than staged, and that text trumps performance.

open image in gallery Ian McKellen attends a photocall for Hamlet at Theatre Royal, Windsor, in 2021 ( Getty )

As youd expect, A Piece of Work makes affectionate reference to many marquee names in recent British theatre (Fiona Shaw, Judi Dench, Benedict Cumberbatch, etc). Just as close to his heart is the roll-call of the major/minor Shakespeare parts he has played: Cassius, the King of Navarre, Thersites, Ariel, Edgar; even the young shepherd in The Winters Tale.

His analysis of Malvolio, Iago, Leontes, Prospero, Falstaff, and Timon of Athens is matched by his actors insights into their stories. He is not above confessing the influence of Coronation Street on his interpretation of a role.

Once, in a suggestive aside, Stephen Greenblatt, an American scholar of Shakespeare, observed that the playwright always wrote as if he thought that there were more interesting (or at least more dramatic) things in life to do than write plays. Beales love affair with Shakespeare, compelling as it is, has never blinded him to the appeal of a varied theatrical experience. He has been a great exponent of restoration comedy, performed regularly in Chekhov, and had many cameo roles in film, plus a lot of television. He has not, however, acquired a great screen presence.

Movies, he writes, are another world, and describes a conversation with a famous actor of prodigious talent (could this be Sir Ian McKellen?) who told him that he planned to make his name in movies and then come back to the theatre later in his career, when he would be assured of great parts  and full houses  which was precisely and triumphantly what he did.

open image in gallery ( Little Brown )

Beale is at home in his skin as a stage performer. This, to many English actors, is a higher calling than movie stardom. His instinct, he reports, is that he would probably spend most of my career in the theatre, which felt like home, rather than in the movies, a scary terra incognita. Just once, in A Piece of Work, does he seem to hanker for better recognition on screen, when paying tribute to Armando Iannucci for the role of Lavrentiy Beria in that brilliant black comedy The Death of Stalin.

The alchemy of Shakespeare that Beale administers in these pages derives from Hamlets words, words, words. Few contemporary actors understand as well as he the minutiae of thought and emotion that can be encrypted in print  or the risks inherent in this magical experiment. Words, he writes in closing, are slippery.

That, for him, is the ever-present thrill of Shakespeare, and the greater professional thrill of analysing Shakespeare. On stage, from time to time, some actors do achieve something he describes as a universal impersonality. Such moments are rare, transcendent, and unforgettable. When you close A Piece of Work, as a dazzled reader lost in the solitude of these pages, I believe you will glimpse this universal sensation  in black on white  for yourself.

A Piece of Work: Playing Shakespeare & Other Stories by Simon Russell Beale (Little Brown, 25.00) is published on 5 September
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Kate Winslet has criticised abusive public scrutiny of her figure throughout her decades-long acting career.

The Titanic star, 48, who recently revealed she struggled with an eating disorder after gaining notoriety in James Camerons 1997 historical drama, admitted she had never worried about her physical appearance and had always been a normal shape before stepping into the limelight.

Winslet, who said her dress size had fluctuated between a size 10 and 14 while she was a teenager, expressed regret at not calling out comments about her appearance sooner and praised the body positivity movement for confronting instances of weight shaming in the film industry.

Speaking to Elizabeth Day on the How to Fail podcast, Winslet said: Had I stood up for myself more, and been clear and called people out for abusive language, actually, it may have in turn given other actresses the inspiration to do the same.

Reflecting on her early role in Ang Lees Sense and Sensibility adaptation aged 19, she said: I was actually little anyway. I remember having my measurements taken and the costume designer going Cor! 26 and a half inch waist!

I wasnt even aware of what was small or a big measurement. I didnt have a clue. But I do remember I was actually fairly petite.

The Nineties [were a] strange time where it was thought that women were all meant to be a certain size, Winslet added.

Kate Winslet with her Titanic co-star Leonardo Dicaprio at the Golden Globes in 1998 ( Getty Images )

It was a really rough introduction into being famous and it put the fear of God in me. After Titanic, I made active choices to do the smallest things I could find while I was learning who I was.

Winslet, who goes topless in her latest film Lee, which portrays the life of the Second World War photojournalist Elizabeth Lee Miller, criticised viewers whod labelled her as brave for filming nude scenes without first undergoing a Hollywood exercise regime.

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Brave is going to the front line. Brave is being a NHS nurse during Covid, she said. Its not flipping brave to go topless or have no makeup or no BotoxThats just being a real person.

While filming the biographical drama, Winslet slipped and fell on her first day of filming while shooting a sequence where Lee runs down the street in the French city of Saint-Malo while it was under bombardment in 1944. She was left with four hematomas on her spine.

Winslet and Marion Cotillard in Lee' ( Sky UK )

I dont want my body to break down. I dont want to get injured, the Revolutionary Road star said. So, for me, exercise is not actually about looking a certain way. Its about not getting injured.

Because I always want to be able to hike for five hours, Winslet explained. And I always want to be able to give my son a piggy back even though hes 10 and it kind of hurts now. And I always want to be able to carry my own stuff. My own luggage.

Those things matter.

For anyone struggling with the issues raised in this article, eating disorder charity Beats helpline is available 365 days a year on 0808 801 0677. NCFED offers information, resources and counselling for those suffering from eating disorders, as well as their support networks. Visit eating-disorders.org.uk or call 0845 838 2040
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Selling Sunset star Alanna Gold has reportedly apologized for making false claims that she owned an unincorporated California community in the High Desert near Los Angeles.

The 32-year-old real estate agent made the assertion during her debut on the newest season of the Netflix reality TV series, telling her co-stars that she owned a little Western town in the desert called Pioneertown.

Im (the) sheriff of the town, yeehaw! she declared. When her boss Jason Oppenheim asked her how much he would have to pay to buy the town from her, she responded: You guys dont get to know that. You cant have it, its ours.

On Monday (September 9), the residents of Pioneertown released a statement via the Pioneer Gazette refuting Golds claims and demanding an apology.

Selling Sunsets Alanna Gold does not own Pioneertown, the message read. The people of Pioneertown kindly request an apology from Selling Sunset and Alanna Gold.

It continued: The baseless claims by Selling Sunsets Alanna Gold that she owns Pioneertown 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.

The statement went on to further explain that Pioneertown is a mile-square census designated community with over 400 residents and is privately owned by more than 100 independent parties.

It clarified that Gold has a small minority non-controlling interest in an entity that owns six of thirty five parcels in the Mane Street area, constituting less than 1% of Pioneertowns total 640 acres. The claim that she owns the entire town is verifiably false.

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open image in gallery Alanna Gold of Selling Sunset has reportedly issued an apology to residents of Pioneertown ( Netflix )

A representative for Gold told The Independent that the reality star has been reaching out to Pioneertown residents to apologize for the situation.

Her letter 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. 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.

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.

We are contacting any and all reporters to make sure they update their stories and correct the record. Again, I am so sorry to the people of Pioneertown, I would never want to disrespect the towns history or any of the people who make it such a wonderful place.

Gold joined Selling Sunsets eighth season, which premiered on Netflix on September 6. The hit reality series follows a group of Los Angeles real estate agents from The Oppenheim Group who work with affluent clients to purchase luxurious properties.
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Filming for the third and final season of Good Omens has reportedly been paused.

The Prime Video fantasy series is based on the 1990 novel of the same name, which was co-authored by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman. It follows the friendship of fastidious angel Aziraphale (Michael Sheen) and fast-living demon Crowley (David Tennant).

The first season aired in 2019, with a second following in 2023. No release date was given for the third and final season, which was confirmed back in December.

According to Deadline, discussions about possible production changes will take place while the much-loved show takes a break from filming. The Independent has contacted Amazon for comment.

Prior to the production pause, Amazon had previously announced that filming would be taking place in Scotland.

Fans responded to reports of the production freeze with dismay.

open image in gallery Michael Sheen and David Tennant as Aziraphale and Crowley on Good Omens season two ( Amazon )

For Terrys sake, let season three happen, please, one person wrote on X/Twitter.

This is the only reason why I have Prime [Video], another fan added, while a third person called the news heartbreaking.

The production hiatus comes shortly after Gaiman, who is also an executive producer on the series, was accused of having non-consensual sex with two young women, one of whom was a nanny to his child, and another, a fan of his writing.

Gaiman allegedly assaulted one of the women within hours of meeting them  when she was 22 and he was 61. Both women accused the author of rough and degrading sex. The author has strongly denied any accusations of non-consensual sex with both women.

A further two women accused Gaiman of sexual assault at the start of August, which the writer also denied. At the end of last month, a fifth woman alleged the author had sexually assaulted her. Gaiman claimed their previous interactions suggested she wanted intimate contact, Tortoise reports.

The Independent has contacted Gaimans representatives for comment.

open image in gallery Good Omens author and executive producer Neil Gaiman ( Getty )

Meanwhile, Good Omens director Douglas Mackinnon  who made the first two seasons  previously confirmed his exit from the show before a third season was comissioned.

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Writing in his Instagram comments in October 2023, Mackinnon told his followers: Im not involved with this show anymore.
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A flurry of Simpsons memes have erupted on social media in response to a bizarre and wildly false statement about pets made by Donald Trump during his first presidential debate with Kamala Harris on Tuesday.

In a claim that was almost immediately debunked by ABC News moderator David Muir, Trump said: In Springfield, theyre eating the dogs. The people that came in. Theyre eating the cats. Theyre eating  theyre eating the pets of the people that live there. And this is whats happening in our country, and its a shame.

Trump was referring to a racist rumour spread by his running mate JD Vance that Haitian immigrants in the city of Springfield, Ohio had been abducting pets and eating them, causing chaos in the town. Springfield Police Division said it was aware of the rumours but has no information to support them.

As a stunned Harris looked on in disbelief, Muir interjected and corrected the former president, adding: ABC News did reach out to the city manager there. He told us there had been no credible reports of specific claims of pets being harmed, injured or abused by individuals within the immigrant community.

Trump protested and said that he had seen stories on TV about pets being eaten adding: People on television say, My dog was taken and used for food, so maybe he said that and maybe thats a good thing to say for a city manager.

Given that Trump referenced a city named Springfield, it wasnt long before a frenzy of jokes about the fictional hometown of the Simpsons started to appear online with many nods towards the familys dog, Santas Little Helper.

IN SPRINGFIELD THEYRE EATING THE DOGS, wrote one person on X/Twitter along with a picture of the cartoon pooch.

Another X/Twitter user quoted Trump but this time also included an image of the Simpsons cat Snowball II.

open image in gallery ( X/Twitter )

The account for the BBC show Have I Got News For You, chimed in with an image of Homer Simpson and his dog writing: US Presidential debate: After Trump claims people in Springfield are eating dogs, theres concern about where hes been getting his news from.

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The classic old man yells at cloud meme also made an appearance.

open image in gallery ( X/Twitter )

Elsewhere, an edit of the We Put The Spring in Springfield song from Bart After Dark has deservedly gone viral.

In another instance of the Simpsons appearing to predict the future, a clip from the 1997 episode The Springfield Files was shared featuring the Red Tick Beer brewery showing that they make their beverage using dogs.

Speaking about peoples habit of The Simpsons foreseeing major news events, such as the start of the Ukraine-Russia war, showrunner Al Jean told The Hollywood Reporter that The Simpsons long-running history of predicting such events is sadly more the norm than it is the prediction.

In terms of predictions, there are two kinds we have: the trivial, like Don Mattingly getting in trouble for his hair in Homer at the Bat. And then there are predictions like this, Jean said. I hate to say it, but I was born in 1961, so 30 years of my life were lived with the spectre of the Soviet Union.

So, to me, this is sadly more the norm than it is the prediction. We just figured things were going to go bad.
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Chinese policymakers are reviewing plans to delay the retirement age of state employees as the urgency grows over a shrinking workforce within a rapidly ageing population.

China has one of the worlds lowest retirement ages among major economies at 60 for men, 55 for white-collar women, and 50 for women who work in factories. The policy has remained unchanged since the 1950s.

On Tuesday, the National Peoples Congress discussed a draft law to gradually raise the statutory retirement age, the Xinhua News Agency reported.

The review of the draft law was held at the 11th meeting of Chinas Standing Committee in Beijing after a resolution was adopted in the third plenary session of the Communist Party in July to tackle the ageing population and a declining birth rate.

The government has long pushed its citizens to work longer but has refrained from policy implementation fearing a pushback from people.

However, the urgency to tackle the early retirement age  six years below men in most developed economies  has increased as the median age in China has risen to almost 40, making a gradual rise in the last 54 years when it was still 20.

Chinas working-age population is 61 per cent of the total population, down from 66 per cent in 2016 ( AFP via Getty Images )

The countrys working-age population  the number of people between the ages 16 and 59  plunged to 865 million last year, 61 per cent of the total population, according to official statistics.

It has marked a five per cent downfall from 2016 when it was 907 million or 66 per cent of the total population.

Meanwhile, the life expectancy in China has also almost doubled, rising to 78 years by 2021 from about 44 years in 1960, and is projected to exceed 80 years by 2050.

According to the UN estimates, China is projected to have 31 per cent of its population to be 65 years or older by 2050. By 2100, the country would have almost half of its population, 46 per cent older than 65.

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, Yuan Xin, vice president of the China Population Association was quoted as saying by Xinhua.

Once the most populated country in the world, China has grappled with its falling population for two consecutive years and is expected to continue falling for decades, piling pressure on a rapidly ageing population.

It is an inevitable choice for China to adapt to the new normal of population development, Mo Rong, Director of the Chinese Academy of Labour and Social Sciences told the Peoples Daily.

The move is also expected to abate pressure on pension budgets with many provinces already reeling from large deficits. The country has already cut down on medical benefits for some pensioners.

Eleven of Chinas 31 provincial-level jurisdictions are running pension budget deficits, according to finance ministry data. The state-run Chinese Academy of Sciences sees the pension system running out of money by 2035.
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The sale of pet carriers in South Korea has surpassed that of baby strollers for the first time, underlining the countrys worryingly low fertility rate.

The East Asian countrys fertility rate declined to a historic low of 0.78 in 2022, the lowest globally and well below the replacement rate.

The trend is reflected in stroller sales.

According to Gmarket, an e-commerce platform operator, 57 per cent of the strollers sold in 2023 were for pets compared to 43 per cent for babies, the Korea Times reported. The corresponding figures were 33 per cent and 67 per cent, respectively, in 2021.

As fewer children are born in the country, the newspaper noted, more people are opting to raise pets. More than six million households in South Korea had pets in 2022, up from 3.6 million in 2012.

President Yoon Suk Yeol has called the plummeting birth rate a national emergency and announced the creation of a Ministry of Low Birth Rate Counterplanning.

We will mobilise all of the nations capabilities to overcome the low birth rate, which can be considered a national emergency, he said in May.

I think the important thing going forward is indeed the economy. Corporate growth and job creation are important too but what I think is more important is to try harder to look for what is inconvenient in the life of each and every person and to resolve them.

Baby bonnets displayed at a baby fair in Seoul. ( AFP via Getty )

South Koreas demographic crisis is blamed on a number of factors, but frustration with the rising cost of living and declining quality of life is considered to be the primary reason.

The federal government offers financial incentives to encourage couples to have children, paying 35m to 50m won (20,566 to 29,380) from birth until the child turns seven.

It was reported in March that the number of marriages had dropped by 40 per cent over the past decade. The number of marriages recorded in 2023 was 193,673 as against 322,807 in 2013.

According to the Population Trends Survey by Statistics Korea, South Korea last year experienced significant demographic shifts characterised by declines in marriage and birth rates.
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Between the coconut trees, bungalows and rice paddies of this remote village in southern India there is a bizarre sight: a collection of giant blue posters adorned with the face of US vice president Kamala Harris, each wishing her  in the local Tamil language  luck for Novembers presidential election.

It is more than a century since Harriss grandfather was born here in Thulasendrapuram, a tiny hamlet some 300km away from the state capital Chennai. Yet remarkably the Democrat and her family still maintain good ties to their ancestral home, a fact that has won her a village full of adoring fans a world away from Washington DC.

Outside the villages 300-year-old temple dedicated to the Hindu deity Sastha there is a black stone tablet, proclaiming the names of major donors. There, written alongside an amount of Rs 5000 (46.50), is Kamala Harris  a record of an offering made in her name in 2014, at at time when she was still serving as Californias attorney general.

open image in gallery Road leading to Thulasendrapuram village ( Vishwam Sankaran )

The Sri Dharma Sastha Temple is abuzz at 6.30am with shops opening ahead of morning prayers. Siva Kumar, the priest in charge of the morning schedule, recalls a relative making the donation to the temples consecration on Harriss behalf.

Even after her family has moved from the village, they still sponsor prayers at the temple, not giving up on their roots. That is a source of pride for us, says N Maheshwari, who runs a grocery shop close to the temple.

Harriss grandfather PV Gopalan was born in Thulasendrapuram in the early 1900s and moved away from the village, first to Chennai and later to Delhi, to become a civil servant in British-ruled India. His success paved the way for Harriss mother, Shyamala Gopalan, to move to the US when she was 19 to study biomedical science at UC Berkeley. It was there that she met her future husband Donald Harris, an immigrant from Jamaica.

open image in gallery A banner wishing victory for Kamala Harris at Indian village Thulasendrapuram ( Vishwam Sankaran )

Almost everyone in the village seems to be aware of Harriss family history, even though the home where that story began no longer stands. People here appreciate that the family remembers where they came from, and that members of Harriss family living in India still stop by regularly.

Her uncle Balachandran from Delhi and aunt Sarala from Chennai visit the local temple about once a year. The family is still connected to the village, Ramalingam, who lives near the temple, tells The Independent.

open image in gallery Sri Darma Sastha Temple in Thulasendrapuram ( Vishwam Sankaran )

Further down the villages main road, a couple of hundred metres from the temple, is a neighbourhood of Brahmins  caste segregation remains a phenomenon in many rural parts of India  where residents say Harriss grandparents most likely lived.

The homes here have large thinnais or raised platforms on their verandahs, characteristic of homes for better-off families in villages in the area, along with other features like concrete floors and a large tank to store water in one corner of the house.

Round the corner lives retired banker N Krishnamurthy, who has become something of a local authority on all matters relating to Harris and her ancestors.

Some 80 years back one Gopal Iyer (Mr Gopalan) was living here with his wife Rajam. They were staying here at a house in this corner at the end of the agraharam. Now the house is not there. The place is nothing but a barren land now, he says.

Polls show tight race: Trump vs. Harris

While talking to The Independent he repeatedly fields phone calls from people enquiring about Harriss latest election prospects now that Biden has stepped down from the race, leaving her the presumptive Democratic candidate.

Ms Harris was not so well known in the village until it was announced she was the vice presidential candidate [in August 2020]. This was when we started gathering information, says Krishnamurthy, who has lived in the village for the last 15 years.

Harris is said to have visited Thulasendrapuram herself when she was five years old, and in interviews has recalled memories of walking with her grandfather on the beach in Chennai. She hasnt been back to Tamil Nadu, or indeed visited India as a whole, since becoming vice president.

open image in gallery Banner wishing for Kamala Harris success placed against a house in Thulasendrapuram village in Tamil Nadu ( Vishwam Sankaran )

Nonetheless, residents here say there will be big celebrations if she can go one step further and enters the White House. Maheshwari, the shopkeeper, points to a calendar with photos of president Biden and Harris that occupies pride of place on the counter.

Even people who migrate from the village to some place further north within India forget their ancestral deities, she says, contrasting this to Harris and her family.

We have been following her journey since she was nominated vice president in 2020. Back then we conducted special prayers at the temple when she won and distributed sweets to celebrate her victory. We will do it again if she becomes president this time.

open image in gallery Stone engraving of donation made to temple in the name of Kamala Harris by her Indian relatives highlighted ( Vishwam Sankaran )

Some villagers suggest a win for Harris could strengthen ties between the US and India, although they are realistic about whether any benefits would extend to this tiny village 8,000 miles away from Washington DC.

There was a lot of news coverage about our village when she became vice president, and afterwards officials, including some from the US consulate, came to inspect schools and water bodies here. Nothing happened after that, a resident says as she prepares fodder for her cows.

Even now we understand theres not much in her power to help the village, but we still hope she wins, she says.

open image in gallery Local resident and grocery shopkeeper Maheshwari with Biden-Harris calendar ( Vishwam Sankaran )

Assuming she is named the Democratic nominee at the partys convention next month, Harris will face Donald Trump in Novembers election, and there are plenty of fans in India for the Republican who, during his time in office, found a kindred spirit in prime minister Narendra Modi.

There are no Trump supporters to be found in Thulasendrapuram, however, with many residents saying they are only interested in following the US elections because Harris is involved.

One villager, Maniyan S, puts it like this: Trump is an American. But Harris is a woman with Indian roots, and her ancestry is from our land. It would be a source of great pride if a woman from our land wins the American election.
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Twenty allies of the Philippines are meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session in New York amid fears that one wrong move could escalate tensions in the South China Sea.

The summit is aimed at finding ways to talk some sense into China and send a message to president Xi Jinping, Manilas envoy to America said on Tuesday. Jose Manuel Romualdez did not name any of the countries that are likely to attend.

The Philippine Navy claims China is deploying ever more maritime vessels and warships in the disputed waters amid increasing skirmishes between the two countries.

The Philippines and China have exchanged accusations of intentionally ramming coast guard vessels in the disputed waters in recent months, including a violent clash in June in which a Filipino sailor lost a finger.

open image in gallery Map shows exploration and development blocks in the South China Sea by different countries. Hainan province is seen here as the large island off China surrounded by its yellow blocks ( World Bank/EIA )

The tensions are centred around the Sabina Shoal, a coral atoll in the disputed Spratly Islands which is closer to the Philippines than the earlier flashpoint of the Second Thomas Shoal.

The new flashpoint emerged after the two countries made a deal to try to stop dangerous confrontations at the Second Thomas Shoal.

A series of clashes around Sabina Shoal has caused fears that any misstep at sea could unintentionally spill over into an armed conflict, potentially drawing in the US, the chief ally of the Philippines.

The more countries band together and give a message to China that what they are doing is definitely not on the right side of history, then we have a better than even chance that they will not make the wrong move that we are all fearing, Mr Romualdez was quoted as saying by Reuters.

open image in gallery Screengrab from video footage taken and released on 31 August by the Philippine Coast Guard shows a Chinese ship colliding with Philippine Coast Guard ship BRP Teresa Magbanua near the Sabina Shoal. ( AFP )

Mr Romualdez told the New America think tank in Washington that the Philippines has never faced this type of challenge since World War II, referring to the Chinese actions in South China Sea.

As of today they have about 238 ships or militia vessels swarming in the area, and they continue to do this day in and day out, he claimed.

The upcoming summit, he said, is meant to give a signal to China, that we are not just one but we are many that are not happy with what theyre doing today in the Indo-Pacific region.

Mr Romualdez said the summit would take place on the sidelines of the annual General Assembly in New York in the week of 22 September.

China claims sovereignty over most of the South China Sea. Both countries have had clashes over competing claims at several atolls in the sea, where $3 trillion worth of trade passes annually.

Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, a spokesperson for the Philippine Navy, reported the largest presence ever of Chinese ships in the disputed waters for the third consecutive week.

He said some of the Chinese vessels withdrew during tropical storm Enteng but they were soon replaced. The deployment of 207 ships was more than 203 vessels recorded between 27 August to 2 September.
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Sir Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves will not water down the decision to strip winter fuel payments from millions of pensioners despite a revolt by Labour MPs and warnings about the impact it will have on the elderly.

Chancellor Ms Reeves insisted it is absolutely right to means-test the benefit, worth up to 300, in order to address the black hole in the public finances.

Despite the opposition to the measure, housing minister Matthew Pennycook said there are no plans to scale back the policy.

The plan cleared the Commons on Tuesday with just one Labour rebel voting against it but dozens of MPs on the Government benches were missing in action.

The decision means that only those on Pension Credit or some other benefits in England and Wales will receive the payment, saving the Exchequer around 1.5 billion a year.

Ms Reeves told broadcasters: We faced a situation when I became Chancellor that there was a 22 billion black hole in the public finances this year.

That meant we had to make difficult decisions, tough decisions, to get a grip of those public finances so that we could bring stability back to the economy.

These werent decisions that I wanted to make. They werent decisions that I expected to make, but in the circumstances that we faced it was absolutely right to make sure that our public finances were on a firmer footing.

Because only through doing that do we have the chance to bring stability back to our economy and start to grow the economy after 14 years of stagnation.

The Government has so far resisted pressure to publish an assessment of the impact of restricting winter fuel payments, with outgoing Tory leader Rishi Sunak joining calls for the details to be released at Prime Ministers Questions on Wednesday.

Downing Street declined to comment on whether the impact assessment would be published in due course, while the Prime Ministers press secretary insisted the Government had operated with openness and transparency on the policy.

On Tuesday MPs voted 348 to 228 to reject a Conservative bid for the controversial policy to be blocked.

However, one Labour backbencher, Jon Trickett, opposed the Government in supporting the Tory motion, while 52, including seven ministers, had no vote recorded.

A dozen of those did not have permission to miss the vote and are thought to have abstained in protest at the policy.

Fifteen of the Labour MPs who signed a motion which called on the Government to delay implementing the cut were among those who did not vote.

It is understood that those who defied the whip, including those who abstained without permission, will face disciplinary action from the Labour whips.

Mr Pennycook said there will be no U-turn on the policy despite the opposition from campaigners and some in his own party.

The housing minister told Sky News that all of us took that decision with an extremely heavy heart but were not going to water down that policy.

We think its the right decision to make, he said.

Asked why the Government is awarding pay increases to public sector workers, a key part of the black hole, he said: What this Government has done is implement the recommendations of the independent public sector pay review bodies.

Now, unless the opposition in Parliament are saying they would have rejected those recommendations out of hand, allowed industrial action to continue, which was extremely costly to the UK economy, they would have faced that same decision.

Age UKs charity director Caroline Abrahams said: The reality is that driving through this policy as the Government is doing will make millions of poor pensioners poorer still and we are baffled as to why some ministers are asserting that this is the right thing to do.
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The Government is expected to announce details of a multimillion-pound package to help the transition to a greener way of producing steel at the countrys biggest steel plant.

Tata Steel is planning to change the way it produces steel at its site in Port Talbot in South Wales, with the loss of up to 2,800 jobs.

The company will close the remaining blast furnace at Port Talbot by the end of the month in readiness for switching production with a new electric arc furnace which needs fewer workers.

The Business Secretary, Jonathan Reynolds, is expected to outline on Wednesday details of a deal to help with the transition.

The previous Conservative government had agreed to give Tata Steel 500 million towards the 1.25 billion electric furnace, which will melt scrap steel.

Unions have been campaigning to save jobs at Port Talbot, warning that the losses would have a huge impact on the local economy.
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Dave Grohl has revealed he fathered a child outside of his marriage.

In a recent Instagram statement, the 55-year-old Foo Fighters frontman admitted to fathering a child outside of his marriage and cheating on his wife Jordyn Blum. He wrote: Ive recently become the father of a new baby daughter, born outside of my marriage.

I plan to be a loving and supportive parent to her, he continued. I love my wife and my children, and I am doing everything I can to regain their trust and earn their forgiveness. Were grateful for your consideration toward all the children involved, as we move forward together.

Grohl didnt disclose any further details about the new baby or the mother of the child.

The rock star first met his wife Blum, 48, at the Sunset Marquis Whiskey Bar in 2001. In a 2007 interview with Elle, Grohl admitted that he stopped calling Blum after they went on a few first dates, realizing that he wasnt ready for commitment.

When I first met my wife, we went out on a few dates and I decided that I wasnt ready for a serious relationship, so I just stopped calling, he recalled. After three months, I had a revelation and called her back. She picked up the phone and said, Oh, I never thought Id hear from you again.

They eventually tied the knot in their Los Angeles home on August 2, 2003. They welcomed three children together: Violet Maye, Harper Willow, and Ophelia Saint, born in 2006, 2009, and 2014, respectively.

open image in gallery Dave Grohl, pictured with his wife and three daughters at the 36th Annual Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on October 30, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio ( (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame) )

The former Nirvana drummer has long been a self-avowed family man, often noting that he hates to spend time away from his family while touring. He recalled to Time in 2009: I used to tour nine months out of the year. Now I dont like being away from my kids for more than 12 days.

open image in gallery Dave Grohl and his wife Jordyn Blum attend the 2018 LACMA Art + Film Gala. The Foo Fighters frontman recently admitted to fathering a child outside of his marriage' ( Getty Images for LACMA )

Its changed everything that I do, he said at the time. When you have kids, you see life through different eyes. You feel love more deeply and are maybe a little more compassionate. Its inevitable that that would make its way into your songwriting.

Grohl has spent much of this summer touring with the Foo Fighters for their 2023 album, But Here We Are. The band has one more tour date scheduled on September 29 for a set at the Soundside Music Festival in Bridgeport, Connecticut.

The Independent has contacted representatives for Grohl for comment.
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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.
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A mother has gone viral after emailing her sons teacher in an effort to opt out of homework.

In a viral TikTok video, mother-of-three Cayley (@cayleyxo) shared how her son received a 15 to 20-page, double-sided homework packet on his first day of kindergarten. The packet was meant to encompass all of his homework for August, but when the sight of it stressed her son out, she sent the teacher a cutesy email.

She started the video, explaining: I sent my sons kindergarten teacher a cutesy little email saying, Im sorry. Based on the stress, mental, physical anxiety its causing my kid, we are done.

She was motivated to send the email after she and her son tried to work on the homework packet together on 26 August after he had fallen behind, sitting him down to finish at least one or two pages. At that moment, they were both so stressed out, they began to cry.

It was an emotional mess. I felt so guilty dropping him off at school, she recalled. 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 five. The only thing you should be worrying about is learning and what time snack time is.

She added that shed rather her children enjoy their education than grow to resent it, stressing: Work to live, we dont live to work.

The video - which has since garnered over 250,000 views on the platform - received tons of comments from teachers who empathized with Cayley and her son.

Kindergarten teacher here - its normal for kids to not like school the first couple of weeks or even months! one user wrote. 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.

They added, 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 noted.

Fellow parents also voiced similar concerns.

My kids get SO much homework, one wrote. Theyre GRADED on it too, starting in first 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, someone else added.

Cayley shared an update on the situation on 7 September, saying the teacher had considered her complaints and has since reduced the homework to one page as well as included more interactive assignments.

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 told viewers. This is your sign to maybe say something to your teacher, nicely and politely, if something doesnt sit right with you at their school.
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A poignant phrase echoes when 9/11 victims' relatives gather each year to remember the loved ones they lost in the terror attacks.

I never got to meet you.

It is the sound of generational change at ground zero, where relatives read out victims' names on every anniversary of the attacks. Nearly 3,000 people were killed when al-Qaida hijackers crashed four jetliners into the twin towers, the Pentagon and a field in southwest Pennsylvania on Sept. 11, 2001.

Some names are read out by children or young adults who were born after the strikes. Last years observance featured 28 such young people among more than 140 readers. Young people are expected again at this year's ceremony Wednesday.

Some are the children of victims whose partners were pregnant. More of the young readers are victims' nieces, nephews or grandchildren. They have inherited stories, photos, and a sense of solemn responsibility.

Being a 9/11 family reverberates through generations, and commemorating and understanding the Sept. 11 attacks one day will be up to a world with no first-hand memory of them.

Its like youre passing the torch on, says Allan Aldycki, 13.

A photo of New York firefighter Christopher Michael Mozzillo, who died in the 9/11 attacks, with his 9/11 Medal of Valor ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

He read the names of his grandfather and several other people the last two years, and plans to do so on on Wednesday. Aldycki keeps mementoes in his room from his grandfather Allan Tarasiewicz, a firefighter.

The teen told the audience last year that hes heard so much about his grandfather that it feels like he knew him, but still, I wish I had a chance to really know you, he added.

Allan volunteered to be a reader because it makes him feel closer to his grandfather, and he hopes to have children wholl participate.

Its an honor to be able to teach them because you can let them know their heritage and what to never forget, he said by phone from central New York. He said he already finds himself teaching peers who know little or nothing about 9/11.

When it comes time for the ceremony, he looks up information about the lives of each person whose name hes assigned to read.

He reflects on everything and understands the importance of what it means to somebody, his mother, Melissa Tarasiewicz, said.

Pamela Yarosz and her daughter Capri, relatives of New York firefighter Christopher Michael Mozzillo ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

Reciting the names of the dead is a tradition that extends beyond ground zero. War memorials honor fallen military members by speaking their names aloud. Some Jewish organizations host readings of Holocaust victims names on the international day of remembrance, Yom Hashoah.

The names of the 168 people killed in the 1995 bombing of a federal building in Oklahoma City are read annually at the memorial there.

On Sept. 11 anniversaries, the Pentagons ceremony includes military members or officials reading the names of the 184 people killed there. The Flight 93 National Memorial has victims relatives and friends read the list of the 40 passengers and crew members whose lives ended at the rural site near Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

The hourslong observance at the 9/11 Memorial in New York is almost exclusively dedicated to the names of the 2,977 victims at all three sites, plus the six people killed in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. All are read by relatives who volunteer and are chosen by lottery.

Each is given a subset of names to render aloud. Readers also generally speak briefly about their own lost kin, frequently in touching detail.

I think often about how, if you were still here, you would be one of my best friends, looking at colleges with me, getting me out of trouble with Mom and Dad, hanging out at the Jersey Shore, Capri Yarosz said last year of her slain uncle, New York firefighter Christopher Michael Mozzillo.

Now 17, she grew up with a homemade baby book about him and a family that still mentions him in everyday conversation.

Chris would have loved that is a phrase often heard around the house.

She has read twice at the trade center ceremony.

It means a lot to me that I can kind of keep alive my uncles name and just keep reading everybody elses name, so that more of the upcoming generations will know, she said by phone from her familys home in central New Jersey. I feel good that I can pass down the importance of what happened.

Her two younger sisters also have read names, and one is preparing to do so again Wednesday. Their mother, Pamela Yarosz, has never been able to steel herself to sign up.

I dont have that strength. Its too hard for me, says Pamela Yarosz, who is Mozzillos sister. Theyre braver.

By now, many of the children of 9/11 victims  such as Melissa Tarasiewicz, who was just out of high school when her father died  have long since grown up. But about 100 were born after the attacks killed one of their parents, and are now young adults.

Though we never met, I am honored to carry your name and legacy with me. I thank you for giving me this life and family, Manuel DaMota Jr. said of his father, a woodworker and project manager, during last years ceremony.

One young reader after another at the event commemorated aunts, uncles, great-uncles, grandfathers and grandmothers whom the children have missed throughout their lives.

My whole life, my dad has said I reminded him of you.

I wish you got to take me fishing.

I wish I had more of you than just a picture on a frame.

Even though I never got to meet you, I will never forget you.
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The MTV Video Music Awards return Wednesday night with a whole lot of Taylor Swift. Will she become the most-awarded musician in VMAs history?

The pop star leads the nominations with 12  eight for her Fortnight music video, two social categories and nods in the best pop and artist of the year categories. Shes followed by her Fortnight collaborator Post Malone, who has 11. He is nominated along with Swift 10 times and earned his 11th nom for his country hit I Had Some Help, featuring Morgan Wallen.

It's unclear whether Swift will attend the show, but if she does, winning would give her a prominent stage to voice support for Kamala Harris' presidential bid. Swift endorsed the vice president Tuesday night, moments after Harris' debate with former president Donald Trump ended.

If prior years are any indication, Swift may make multiple speeches.

She took home nine VMAs last year, bringing her total to an impressive 23. That places her just behind Beyonce, who has 30 and just ahead of Madonna, who has 20 awards. Lady Gaga, has 19.

Seven Swift wins would tie Beyonces record, and if she wins eight, she could become the most awarded musician in VMA history.

That is, if Beyonce doesn't take home any of her own trophies. She's up for song of the year ("Texas Hold 'Em") and two social categories.

The VMAs, which begin at 8 p.m. Eastern and are being held at the UBS Arena on New Yorks Long Island  will be hosted by Megan Thee Stallion. It marks her first time hosting an award show. She'll perform as well. The last two years have been hosted by Nicki Minaj: She emceed solo in 2023, in 2022, she was joined by Lil Wayne and Jack Harlow.

Katy Perry will receive the Video Vanguard Award and also perform. Previous recipients include Shakira, Beyonce, Minaj, Madonna, Janet Jackson, Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna and Missy Elliott.

Other scheduled performers include Eminem, who will open the show, as well as Benson Boone, Sabrina Carpenter, Megan Thee Stallion, Chappell Roan, GloRilla, Halsey, Lenny Kravitz, LISA, Rauw Alejandro, Karol G, LL COOL J, Shawn Mendes, Camila Cabello and Anitta, who will be joined by Fat Joe, DJ Khaled and Tiago PZK.

The VMAs will air on MTV and simulcast on BET, BET Her, CMT, Comedy Central, Logo, MTV, MTV2, Nick at Nite, Paramount Network, Pop, TV Land, VH1, and in Spanish on Univision.
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Starbucks new chairman and CEO has revealed the changes he wants to make to the coffee giant franchise.

The new boss, Brian Niccol, said on Tuesday that he plans to focus on improving service  particularly during the morning rush.

He also said he wanted to reestablish stores as gathering places as he takes over the struggling chain.

In an open letter on the Seattle coffee giant's website, Niccol said Starbucks is a beloved brand but that he found during conversations with employees and customers over the past few weeks a shared sense that we have drifted from our core.

Starbucks' sales have fallen this year due to weaker U.S. store traffic and other issues, including rising competition in China and boycotts in the Middle East. Niccol said improving the store experience for both baristas and customers will help turn that around.

Many of our customers still experience this magic every day, but in some places  especially in the U.S.  we arent always delivering, said Niccol, who was named Starbucks' CEO in August but officially started the job on Monday. It can feel transactional, menus can feel overwhelming, product is inconsistent, the wait too long or the handoff too hectic. These moments are opportunities for us to do better."

Brian Niccol, named the chairman and chief executive officer of Starbucks on August 13, 2024 ( Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

Niccol, who was the CEO of Chipotle before coming to Starbucks, said the company founded on a love for high quality coffee needs to make sure baristas have the proper tools and time to make drinks and personally deliver them to customers.

A rise in different channels -- like mobile, drive thru and delivery, which now make up 75% of orders -- has made store operations more complex and added to wait times. Store design should acknowledge that change and make a clear distinction between to-go orders and in-store service, and stores should be an inviting place to linger with comfortable seating, he said.

Niccol also said Starbucks needs to ensure its meeting the needs of morning customers.

This means delivering outstanding drinks and food, on time, every time, Niccol said.

Coffee is the heart of the company, Niccol said, and Starbucks' marketing should remind customers of its coffee expertise. That may have been a subtle dig at recent product introductions at Starbucks, including bubble tea and energy drinks.

Niccol said he plans to spend his first 100 days in Starbucks' stores and support centers and meeting with suppliers.
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Pope Francis was flying to Singapore on Wednesday for the final leg of his trip through Asia, heading to one of the worlds richest countries from one of its poorest after a record-setting final Mass in East Timor.

Francis wrapped up his visit to East Timor with a rally Wednesday morning of its young people, who make up the majority of the 1.3 million population. He urged them to work together to build their young country, using the foundations of older generations who secured their independence from Indonesia, to grow in peace, prosperity and reconciliation.

Go forward with the happiness of youth, but dont forget one thing, Francis told them. You are the heirs of those who persevered in founding this nation. For this, dont lose your memory, the memory of those who persevered with so much sacrifice to consolidate this nation.

The 87-year-old pope, who is on the longest and farthest trip of his pontificate, ditched his prepared remarks to speak off the cuff in his native Spanish, as he often does when he's around young people.

The joyous encounter came just hours after some 600,000 people  or nearly half the population  packed a seaside park for Francis Mass. It was held on the same field where St. John Paul II prayed 35 years ago, when East Timor was under brutally oppressive Indonesian rule.

Francis came to East Timor, also known as Timor-Leste, to encourage it 20 years after it secured independence as it struggles with poverty and high unemployment.

In final, off-the-cuff remarks at the end of the liturgy, Francis warned the Timorese today to beware of the crocodiles who come ashore and want to change your culture, your history.

It was an apparent reference both to East Timors past, as a colonial possession of first Portugal and then Indonesia, but also its current attractiveness to international commercial interests eager to develop its natural gas reserves.

The oil and gas industry is the bedrock of the Timorese economy and the main source of government revenue. Development of the promising offshore Greater Sunrise gas field, shared between Australia and East Timor, has been stalled for more than two decades  mainly over the question of which country the fuel should be piped to.

Timorese officials believe that piping gas into their country would deliver more benefits for their people despite the added logistical challenges. In an interview last week, President Jose Ramos-Horta said any alternative would have to be a very persuasive proposal.

Francis, historys first Latin American pope, has long railed against multinational companies that exploit poor countries for their natural resources for their own benefit without taking care to adequately compensate the local population or care for the environment.

And dont go near those crocodiles because they bite, and bite a lot, a lot, Francis said Tuesday night, using a term in Spanish that means both to bite and to accept bribes.

The huge turnout in East Timor was a testament to the devout Catholic faith of its people and their reverence of the church, which strongly backed the Timorese fight for independence. Francis praised the Timorese for having not only built up their country from scratch, but reconciled with Indonesia after securing independence in 2002.

One of the Timorese who campaigned for that independence, Fransisco Dionisio Fernandes, was a 15-year-old acolyte at the Dili Mass celebrated by St. John Paul II on the same field as Francis.

He went on to become one of the most vocal pro-independence activists in East Timor, known locally by his nom de guerre Maukura. But he chose the path of non-violent resistance rather than joining the guerrillas, preaching a message of reconciliation with Indonesia that Francis underscored during his visit.

Whats past is past, every nation certainly has its dark history, and we cannot erase history, Fernandes said in an interview. East Timor has made a great effort to reconcile the wounds of the past and found a way to pursue a process of genuine reconciliation.

Fernandes, who became a career diplomat, said the focus was now on the future.

Now is the time for Timorese to fight for the development and peoples welfare. With the principle of mutual respect for each others sovereignty, we rebuild together with Indonesia which is destined to be brothers.

East Timor remains one of the poorest in the world, with some 42% living below the poverty line. It struggles with high levels of unemployment and malnutrition. Nearly two-thirds of the countrys citizens are under 30 years old, making youth job creation a high priority.

From Dili, Francis was flying to Singapore, one of Asias economic powerhouses. The city-states transformation from a colonial port lacking natural resources into an economic power since its independence from Malaysia in 1965 has long been touted as a success story.

It enjoys one of the highest living standards in the world, and is known for its safety and low crime rate. But it is also one of the most expensive cities to live in and its competitive work environment makes for a stressful, overworked people.

Francis has no official program in Singapore on Wednesday other than a private meeting with his Jesuit confreres.

___

AP writer Eileen Ng contributed from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

___

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.
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A teenage girl has been arrested on suspicion of arson after a deadly house fire in Leicester.

Officers were called to a property in Bedale Drive at 4.08am on Tuesday, with one person found dead and other occupants taken to hospital as a precaution.

A 14-year-old girl was arrested on suspicion of arson in connection with the incident but has since been released on bail to allow enquiries to continue.

A spokesperson for Leicestershire Police said: Whilst an arrest has been made, detectives are keeping an open mind and are working closely with colleagues from the fire service to establish the full circumstances leading up to the incident.

Detective Inspector Michael Chandler said: This is an extremely tragic incident in which a person has sadly lost their life.

Our investigation is at a very early stage and we are keeping an open mind as to what caused the fire. A dedicated team is carrying out enquiries and we are working closely with the fire service to fully establish what has happened and how it has happened.

Specially trained officers are also continuing to provide full support to the family of the deceased.

I understand this incident will have caused distress and concern in the community and officers remain in the area to offer support and reassurance. They are there for you so please do speak with them.
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Serial killer Lucy Letby was nicknamed nurse death by junior doctors after she was removed from duty after the deaths of two triplet boys and the suspected collapse of a boy at the Countess of Chester Hospital, a public inquiry has heard.

The 34-year-old nurse was transferred to do clerical work as consultant paediatricians urged bosses to take action on the grounds of patient safety after the incidents over three successive days in June 2016.

A review was soon prompted by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) in September 2016, with leadership, doctors and nurses revealing concerns over Letby.

Yet neither the hospital or the RCPCH chose to contact Cheshire Police on the matter - leaving it another eight months before the force was formally called in and an investigation launched.

On a day of chronological evidence provided to the inquiry, Nicholas de la Poer KC, counsel to the inquiry, said some members of the review team from RCPCH were even unaware of concerns about Letby ahead of their visit.

But in an interview with former medical director Ian Harvey, notes recorded showed him raising Letbys name as an elephant in the room for paediatricians concerned over the correlation of deaths with the nurse.

Lucy Letby was removed from nurse duties in June 16 over concerns raised of a series of deaths on the neo-natal unit at Countess of Chester Hospital ( Getty Images )

He added: Want to think the worst - but nothing else is pointing to it..... Huge nettle to grasp.

Mr Harvey also said: Had to intervene with the neo-natal lead as junior doctors had been referring to her as nurse death. Ripples through the team and trying to function. Cant see how to conclude without calling the police.

Asked what is the tipping point or what is the tipping point? Not police, he was recorded as responding need to pull together before we press the nuclear button.

The matter, however, was not reported to the police until May 2017.

The RCPCH team also interviewed Letby, who described herself as being scapegoated and very vulnerable, the inquiry heard.

After being questioned, the killer sent a Facebook message in which she said the interviewers had told her off the record they thought an investigation into the deaths would be recommended, and that she needed to prepare herself as she would play a big part, said Mr de la Poer.

The review ended with two reports being published; a confidential version and another publicly published.

The public inquiry at Liverpool Town Hall is examining the circumstances surrounding the crimes carried out by Lucy Letby ( Getty Images )

The inquiry heard how the confidential report named Letby and described how consultant paediatricians had identifying her as rostered on shift for all deaths and had become convinced by the link.

However, the published version did not mention the killer and stated there were no obvious factors which linked the deaths, but highlighted issues with staffing levels on the neo-natal ward.

In response to the drafted report, Mr Harvey told the North Regional Medical Director of NHS Improvement, Vincent Connolly, that the RCPCH was a very through report and there were no immediate concerns, according to notes taken by Mr Connolly.

Yet a month after it was published, in February 2017, NHS England became aware for the first time of concerns over the link between the number of deaths and Letby, Mr de la Poer told the hearing.

Dr Michael Gregory, from NHS England, told colleagues in an email that he thought the trust was avoiding the issue that we wish to see (contacting the police).

In May 2017, following a meeting involving police, the matter was reported and an investigation launched - Letby was arrested in July 2018, and then charged in November 2020 in relation to the deaths.

She is now serving 15 whole-life orders after being convicted of murdering seven newborn babies and attempting to murder seven others between 2015 and 2016.

The inquiry continues on Thursday.
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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.
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A food bank was ransacked by a gang of thieves who stole thousands of pounds worth of food donations leaving south London families to struggle.

Raiders broke into the Southwark Foodbank warehouse, which processes care packages for hundreds of families a week, in Mission Place, Peckham High Street at 9am on Monday.

They were caught on CCTV walking back and forth looting the store for food, toiletries and laptops worth 3,000 after causing significant damage to the shutters.

Supplies were looted from the food bank ( Southwark Foodbank )

Pecan, the Christian charity that operates the branch, is now appealing to the public for donations to replenish their stock after the robbery. Security at the warehouse has been strengthened over the last 48 hours.

Peter Edwards, chief executive, told The Independent: We are all ok. We did not have to close the warehouse, fortunately, and are working very hard to ensure our vulnerable clients continue to receive the food packages expected.

Southwark Foodbank was ransacked on Monday morning ( Google )

We have been deeply heartened by the outpouring of generosity from the community following this shocking break-in  but, for a small charity like Pecan, the work of fundraising continues day in and day out.

A spokesperson for the food bank told Southwark News: Its been difficult getting donations in this year anyway.

But to come in this morning and see this, its very disheartening.

A fire door was smashed in to allow the thieves entry ( Southwark Foodbank )

They added that volunteers were left flummoxed as to the motive behind the theft as they give the food away for free.

If people are desperate we give them stuff, they continued, We never turn anyone anyway.

The theft came as food banks are seeing a concerning increase in pensioners needing emergency food parcels in the past year, according to new figures that reveal the deepening cost-of-living crisis.

Volunteers Genevieve and Shahid outside the food bank ( Southwark Foodbank )

The Trussell Trust delivered a record 3.1 million emergency food parcels to people across the UK in the year 2023/4, up over 100,000 on the year before.

Part of this increase was fuelled by more pension-age households needing help, with 179,000 parcels provided for older people in the age bracket. This represents a 27 per cent increase on the year before.

Shelves were cleared from Southwark Foodbank ( Southwark Foodbank )

Addressing the burglary, Southwark Foodbank posted on the fundraiser: We recently had a break-in at our Southwark Foodbank warehouse and unfortunately, large quantities of food, hygiene products, and a laptop were stolen.

Sadly, the door and shutter were also damaged, leaving us with costly repairs. Now, our food stock is running low, and we are also faced with unexpected repair expenses. Please support us, as it will make a difference to those who rely on us.

A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: Police were called at 9am on Monday 9 September to a report of a burglary at a premises on Mission Place, Peckham.

Enquiries are ongoing. No arrests have been made.

At this early stage, we are unable to confirm what has been taken.

To donate to Southwark Foodbank, visit its online fundraiser.
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A larger proportion of parents are struggling to provide enough food for their children as the cost of living crisis continues to bite, according to new research by a charity.

A quarter of the parents surveyed by Barnardos said they found it difficult to put sufficient food on the table, up from a fifth two years ago.

The responses, from more than 2,000 parents of children under 18 last month, suggest more families are feeling the squeeze on their household budgets.

Barnardos chief executive Lynn Perry fears as winter approaches, families will face a desperate struggle to keep the power on and the fridge stocked.

More families are feeling the squeeze on their household budgets as colder weather approaches ( PA Wire )

The countrys attention has recently focused on the elderly, as the new Labour government has pushed on with its controversial decision to roll back the winter fuel allowance for millions of pensioners.

But childrens charity Barnardos insists young people must not be forgotten and has restated its call for the government to commit to scrapping the two-child benefit cap in the autumn Budget.

The policy, which restricts child tax credit and Universal Credit to the first two children in most households, has faced widespread criticism since coming into effect under the Conservatives in 2017.

Among its opponents is the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, who has branded it as cruel and neither moral nor necessary.

The government has seemingly ruled out scrapping the limit, claiming the countrys finances could not accommodate the estimated 2.5 billion of additional benefits. In July, Labour suspended seven of its MPs who voted against their party in favour of abolishing the limit.

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby has spoken out against the two-child benefit cap ( PA Wire )

Barnardos research also found 8% of parents are turning to local food banks to feed their families as a direct result of the cost of living crisis, up from 6% in 2022.

The charity cited examples of a young care leaver having no electricity or gas for two weeks last winter, and another struggling to manage their tenancy with little money for food after rent payments.

Ms Perry said: Millions of parents up and down the country are struggling to feed their children  with even more families struggling now than two years ago.

The cost of living crisis continues to bite, with families facing a desperate struggle to keep the power on and the fridge stocked this winter.

Last month, we welcomed the governments announcement of a Child Poverty Taskforce and stand ready to work with ministers to find lasting solutions. But families cant wait any longer for support.

We urge the government to use next months autumn Budget to take bold steps  including a commitment to end the unfair two-child limit on benefits.

A government spokesperson said: No child should be growing up hungry - thats why our ministerial task force is kickstarting work to develop an ambitious strategy to reduce child poverty and give children the best start in life.

We have extended the Household Support Fund to protect the most vulnerable this winter and we will roll out free breakfast clubs in all primary schools while delivering on our plan to tackle inequality and make work pay.
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A government-backed anti-knife crime campaigner has won damages from the Met Police after being strip-searched by officers, The Independent can reveal.

Faron Paul was paid 9,000 following his ordeal where he was subjected to a cavity search by six white, male officers at Charing Cross police station after being arrested during a traffic stop in October 2021.

News of the payout came in the same week the 38-year-old met with Sir Keir Starmer and actor Idris Elba in Downing Street for a summit on the governments new knife crime campaign.

Mr Faron campaigns against knife crime and holds amnesties of weapons like these ( Supplied )

Referring to the strip-search incident, Mr Paul, who has been independently running a knife amnesty scheme in London called Faz Amnesty, claimed the officers involved were on a power trip.

It upsets me because the officers knew exactly who I was and the work that I do in the community, he told The Independent. Yet they chose to take advantage of and racially profile me, then made malicious allegations against me, that I had to fight against to prove that they were the aggressors in the situation that they tried to make me liable for. Fighting back has made me feel as though Ive reclaimed some of my power.

Mr Pauls partner was also wrongly strip-searched, he said, but the Met Police has failed to apologise to either of them for their ordeal.

I didnt get an apology, he told The Independent. Theyd rather pay money and drag [out] a payout for two years than make a public apology, he said. I wish I knew then what I know now. Ive been wrongly strip-searched several times before and didnt know how to challenge it; strip-searches and racial profiling by the police are normalised.

But now I know that what they did was wrong and itll never happen to me again, or any of my family or friends  and if it does, Ill hold the police accountable again.

He added: I think many people have a Black family member or friend who has been illegally strip-searched.

Idris Elba, Faron Paul and anti-knife crime campaigners walking into No 10 Downing Street on Tuesday ( Yui Mok/PA Wire )

Black adults in London are nearly four times more likely than white adults to be strip-searched by police, official data shows, while Black children across England and Wales are up to six times more likely than white children to be strip-searched.

When asked if he has mixed feelings about working with the government following the strip-search incident, Mr Paul said yes but explained that hes dedicated to helping communities and optimistic about the new Labour governments commitment to tackling knife crime.

The summit was positive but its early days, he said. I look forward to holding the government to account on what they say theyll do, moving forward. Ill have an eagle eye on it. Im impressed; we had the last government for 14 years and they never called once during the whole time that I was running Faz Amnesty. In fact, they went against banning zombie knives.

This summit was more about all the conversations being brought into action. Its a good start but time will tell how effective the summit is going to be.

On the strip-search payout, a Met Police spokesperson said: A civil claim was settled without admission of liability. The claim relates to a matter in October 2021 where a 36-year-old man was charged with criminal damage, assault on police and using threatening or abusive words or behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress (public order offence)

The man was later convicted of the public order offence and criminal damage. The charge regarding assault on police was dismissed at court. Part of the claim related to a strip-search in custody. Improving how we carry out strip-searches is a key focus for the Met with new policy and guidance introduced in May 2022.
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A patient has been found dead in a catering oven at a hospital.

Northamptonshire Police said officers were called to the sudden death of the man at Kettering General Hospital last Friday.

The death is not being treated as suspicious.

The force added in a statement: Our thoughts are with the mans family and friends at this time.

University Hospitals of Northamptonshire NHS Groups Chief Nurse, Julie Hogg, said: 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 mans family and loved ones. We will not be commenting further at this time.
 Close Prince Harry laughs as young boy pulls his beard at WellChild awards in London

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King Charles is set to temporarily pause his cancer treatment while taking part in a high-profile overseas visit after getting the go-ahead from doctors, according to reports.

The monarch, 75, who will make the nine-day visit with Queen Camilla, was first diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer earlier this year after a routine procedure to treat an enlarged prostate.

It is understood that the monarch will continue his treatment upon his return from Australia and Samoa, following 11 days of travelling, The Mirror reports.

Planned engagements for the trip include a visit to the Australian War Memorial and a fleet review of the Royal Australian Navy at Sydney Harbour.

Meanwhile, the Duchess of Sussex, 43, has debuted a new look during a surprise appearance at a childrens hospital in Los Angeles over the weekend.

Meghan, 43, stepped out at the Childrens Hospital Los Angeles 2024 Gala on Saturday (3 October) in a red dress she previously wore to the New York Salute to Freedom Gala in 2021.

She paired the dress with a never-before-seen beach waves hairstyle  typically achieved by letting hair dry into its natural curls.

The Independent has reached out to Buckingham Palace for comment.
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Thousands of Afghans across the UK and Ireland face losing a crucial layer of support as the countrys embassy in London shuts down  with staff having been told to apply for political asylum or prepare to leave Britain, The Independent understands.

The mission is closing at the end of the month at the official request of the British government after the Taliban government dismissed the embassys staff for refusing to represent it.

An eight months pregnant Afghan refugee in Dublin fears for her childs future with the embassy closing. My child is coming into a world where the mothers documents are no longer valid and my infants nationality is in jeopardy now, the woman, who asked not to be named, told The Independent.

My passport has already expired and I will not be allowed to renew it. I cannot go back to Afghanistan, where they are disapproving of any working woman, she said.

The embassy is staffed by representatives of Afghanistans previous regime, which was backed by the west before the Taliban regained power in 2021.

She had been invited to work at conferences in Spain, the woman claimed, but couldnt travel without a passport.

Afghanistans embassy in London looks set to close on 27 September ( Getty )

I cannot go back home until the Taliban is there and now I am not allowed to leave Ireland, she said, adding that her family was scattered in Afghanistan and other countries.

The Talibans foreign ministry said in July it would no longer recognise papers issued by Afghan embassies in the UK and several other European countries due to a lack of coordination.

The UK, like the US and 13 other mostly European countries, does not recognise the Taliban and is thus unlikely to allow them to reopen the embassy anytime soon.

This means Afghans, including refugees, seeking to renew passports, get consular paperwork done or obtain travel documents, will be required to contact Kabul after 27 September.

The UK government evacuated some 25,000 Afghans in August 2021 before Nato forces left Afghanistan. Most, if not all, of them reportedly require documents of one type or another.

The embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in London is scheduled to officially close and will cease its operations on 27 September 2024 at the official request of the host country, Zalmai Rassoul, who represented the previous regime as ambassador to the UK and Ireland, said.

Mr Rassoul and his staff are said to have been told to apply for political asylum or prepare to leave the UK in 90 days, sources told The Independent.

This is not the first time that the Afghan embassy in London has closed its doors. It was previously shut down after the 1978 communist coup in Kabul because of its anti-west bias and intimate relations with the former Soviet Union, according to the embassys website. The mission was then closed again from 1996 to 2001, when the Taliban first ruled Afghanistan.

In the three years since they returned to power after overthrowing the Nato-backed regime in Kabul, the Taliban have fostered diplomatic relations with several major countries including China, Russia and Pakistan.
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The US is considering easing restrictions on long-range missiles being used by Ukraine so that they can hit targets deep inside Russia, a decision which would also free up the use of British-made Storm Shadow cruise missiles.

Kyiv has made renewed pleas at high-level talks over the issue, with Ukraine calling it crucial for its defences against Russias invasion. US secretary of state Antony Blinken, UK foreign secretary David Lammy and president Volodymyr Zelensky discussed the issue at a meeting in Kyiv on Wednesday, with Mr Blinken saying the war has entered a critical moment.

Prime minister Keir Starmer and Joe Biden will no doubt talk about the use of long-range missiles, including more Storm Shadow cruise missiles, in Washington on Friday, Mr Blinken said.

Until now the Storm Shadow missiles have been limited to Russian targets operating inside Ukraine, as well as in occupied Crimea. The missiles were likely used in the largest Ukrainian attack on the headquarters of Russia s Black Sea fleet last year at Sevastopol.

While the UK  and France, which also uses a variant of Storm Shadows  are said to be supportive of using such missiles deep inside Russia, Kyiv is said to be waiting for permission from Washington, given US systems are key to the launch and targeting of long-range missiles.

The US, which has provided Ukraine with the longest-range version of ATACMS, a ballistic missile that can travel 190 miles, has remained hesitant for the firing of long-range missiles into Russia over fears of a reaction from Moscow that could escalate the conflict. They are believed to be particularly concerned that Russia could respond by deploying nuclear weapons.

Britains foreign secretary David Lammy and US secretary of state Antony Blinken walk to board a train for Kyiv on Wednesday ( via REUTERS )

But that position appears to be shifting, with Russia acquiring ballistic missiles from its ally Iran. Tehran has formally denied exporting missiles to Moscow, while the Kremlin has said it is deepening cooperation with allies.

Joe Biden said the US is also working out how best to ease restrictions on Ukraines use of its ATACMS long range missiles.

British Storm Shadow missiles have a range of more than 150 miles and can be fired by Ukrainian aircraft. Kyiv has long lobbied for permission to hit deep inside Russian soil via the western long-range missiles.

Storm Shadow cruise missile is on display during the Paris Air Show in Le Bourget, north of Paris, France ( AP )

Manufacturer MBDA has said that the missile, which is fired from an aircraft, carries a range of around 155 miles and is designed to evade detection despite flying low after being launched.

By contrast, the US-supplied Himars missiles currently used by Ukraine only have a range of around 50 miles. ATACMS have a range of around 190 miles.

Powered by a turbo-jet engine, the 1,300kg Storm Shadow travels at speeds of more than 600mph, is just over five metres long and has a wingspan of three metres.

After launch, the weapon, equipped with its own navigation system, descends to a low altitude to avoid detection before locking on to its target using an infra-red seeker.

On final approach the missile climbs to a higher altitude to maximise the chances of hitting the target.

Detonation of ammunition caused by a fire at a military training field in the Kirovsky district in Crimea ( Getty images )

On impact, it penetrates the target before a delayed fuse detonates the main warhead.

The UK first confirmed it would supply Ukraine with Storm Shadow missiles in May last year. Then defence secretary Ben Wallace had touted that the weapons would give Ukraine the best chance of defending itself.

Just last week, former defence secretary Grant Shapps pushed actively for allowing Ukraine to hit Mr Putins targets inside Russia issuing a simple ultimatum. He also urged French, American and German partners to follow Britains lead in supporting Ukraines response.

Ukraine has deployed Storm Shadow missiles on several occasions during the war. In June last year, the then-defence secretary Ben Wallace told parliament that the missiles were already having a significant impact on the battlefield.

Storm Shadow missiles have also been used by British and French air forces in the Gulf, Iraq and Libya.
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Training Ukrainian soldiers constrains the UKs ability to train its own troops, a watchdog has warned.

A National Audit Office (NAO) investigation of British military support for Ukraine found a quarter of the srmys training estate was being used for Operation Interflex, the UKs basic infantry training programme for Ukrainian recruits.

The use of facilities for Operation Interflex has meant British srmy units saw bids for time in training areas rejected eight times more often in 2023 than they were in 2019.

In its report published on Wednesday, the NAO said: The MoD has acknowledged that Interflex will constrain the British armys capacity to train its own soldiers.

Another training programme for Ukrainian marines, Operation Interforge, had to be moved to the Netherlands earlier this year because the use of training facilities in the UK was threatening to compromise the Royal Marines own training needs, the NAO added.

An MoD spokesperson said: All UK forces have access to the relevant training required to be held at readiness to protect the UK and meet our Nato commitments.

But we welcome the NAOs report, which recognises that Ukrainian troops are better prepared to defend their country from Russias illegal invasion thanks to the UK providing training.

Ukrainian soldiers take part in urban training at a camp in Yorkshire ( PA )

More than 45,000 Ukrainians have received training in the UK since Russias full-scale invasion began in February 2022, with 89 per cent of the most recent cohort telling the Ministry of Defence it left them better prepared for the battlefield.

But there have also been criticisms of the course from Ukrainians, the NAO said, particularly regarding the lack of training on countering and using drones because of UK military and civil aviation restrictions.

Some drone training is provided, and it is understood that the MoD is looking at expanding counter-drone training within the Operation Interflex course.

Last week, defence secretary John Healey announced that Operation Interflex would continue throughout 2025.

Gareth Davies, the head of the NAO, said: As the Ministry of Defence plans its future support for Ukraine, it must continue to balance the UKs strategic interests with maintaining the UKs own military capabilities.

This includes making sure there are appropriate stocks of equipment and sufficient training provision for UK forces.

Ukrainian soldiers take part in a training excercise in eastern England ( AFP )

Since shortly before the outbreak of war, the UK has donated 171.5m of equipment from its own stockpiles on top of spending 2.4bn procuring new equipment for Kyiv.

But the cost of replenishing British stockpiles is set to outweigh the value of the donated equipment, with the MoD telling the NAO it expected to spend 2.71bn up to 2030-31.

The MoD said the discrepancy was because of the UK buying newer equipment, which in some cases is more advanced than the kit donated to Ukraine.

In total, the UK has committed 7.8bn in support for Ukraine up to March 2025, including both supplying military equipment and training Ukrainian soldiers, funded from the Treasurys reserves rather than the MoDs own budget.

The NAO investigation did not seek to evaluate the strategic case for supporting Ukraine or reach conclusions on value for money, but was intended only to set out the facts regarding what support was being provided.
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A new foreign minister was named in Sweden on Tuesday, nearly a week after the post was vacated in a surprise resignation.

The move to appoint Maria Malmer Stenegard, 43, came after Tobias Billstrom said on Sept. 4 that he was leaving the government in a shock departure. Malmer Stenegard had previously been migration minister.

Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson also made other changes to his center-right government as part of a Cabinet shakeup.

Johan Forssell, who was development minister, takes up the migration portfolio vacated by Malmer Stenegard. Benjamin Dousa replaces Forssell as development minister.

The Swedish government leader also tapped Jessica Rosencrantz as the new European Union affairs minister. She replaces Jessika Roswall, who was nominated as Swedens new EU commissioner in July.

All are members of Kristerssons conservative Moderates party.

Finally, two Liberal ministers swapped roles: Johan Pehrson became education and research minister, while Mats Persson became minister for employment and integration.

In October 2022, Kristersson formed a center-right, minority Cabinet with his own Moderates, the Liberals and the Christian Democrats. It was relying on Sweden Democrats, the populist party with far-right roots that supports the government but isn't a part of it.

Kristerssons announcement was made as Swedish lawmakers returned to the Riksdagen, Swedens 349-seat parliament, after the summer recess.

Billstrom, who steered the Scandinavian country along a sometimes bumpy road to NATO membership and is a strong supporter of Ukraine, said that he was resigning and that he hadn't decided what to do in the future.
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Foreign Secretary David Lammy has warned the security of Europe is at stake as optimism grows in Ukraine that it will get the green light to fire long-range missiles into Russia.

In what would be a major shift in tactics, Western countries are considering lifting restrictions despite fears over how Putin might retaliate.

On a visit to Kyiv with his US counterpart, Mr Lammy blasted Russias fascism and imperialism. And he said the West was listening carefully and ... having discussions on a range of issues including the military equipment that Ukraine needs to win."

Mr Lammy also said Irans delivery of ballistic missiles to Russia clearly changes the debate as they would allow Moscow to have further penetration into Ukraine.

Foreign secretary David Lammy during a joint press conference with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Ukraine ( Reuters )

Ukraine stunned Putins administration last month with a series of attacks inside Russian territory. Now it wants to step up that campaign, using missiles including Storm Shadows supplied by Britain.

During a press conference in the Ukrainian capital, Mr Lammy described Russias actions as "imperialism" and "fascism" and compared it to his own ancestors experience of being enslaved.

"Putins barbaric actions are the latest example of a very old and evil story, he said.

"One of my ancestors was taken from their home, enslaved, chained on a ship and forced to work for the profit of a foreign empire. He knew only too well what imperialism was.

"No act of authoritarianism is ever exactly the same, but 80 years after Stalin deported the Crimean Tartars, 240 years after Catherine the Great annexed Crimea, (Vladimir) Putin has revealed the same arrogance, the same greed and the same disdain for the rights of others individuals and nations. This is imperialism. This is fascism.

At stake in this war, he added, was the security of Europe and the security of the West.

As part of a joint press conference, his US counterpart Anthony Blinken hinted that the US could allow the use of long-range missiles against targets inside Russia, saying, Were working with urgency to continue to ensure that Ukraine has what it needs to effectively defend itself.

Foreign secretary David Lammy shakes hands with President Zelensky during his visit to Kyiv ( via REUTERS )

Earlier Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky ramped up the pressure on the West to give his country permission to use long-distance missiles in Russia.

President Zelensky called for "strong decisions" to be made.

It came as Mr Lammy and Mr Blinken used a rare joint visit to to show support in the battle against Putins forces.

Mr Zelensky has repeatedly called for Ukraine to be allowed to use Western missiles against Russia.

He was given a boost on Tuesday when US President Joe Biden said we are working that out now. Keir Starmer is set to discuss the issue with President Biden when the two men meet at the White House on Friday.

Speaking at a conference attended by both Mr Lammy and Mr Blinken, the Ukrainian president said that he was optimistic about their decision to give us permission to use long distance (missiles).

But, he added: It is a pity it doesnt depend on my optimism. It depends on their optimism. Lets count on some strong decisions on this. For us it is very important.

Mr Lammy told reporters that the West was "listening carefully and, of course, we are having discussions on a range of issues including the military equipment that Ukraine needs to win."

A source with connections to the Ukrainian militarys general staff has told The Independent that Kyiv urgently needs permission to use the missiles.

Targets inside Russia could include weapons depots, airbases used by warplanes that launch cruise missiles and glide bombs, and areas where satellite images show Moscow mustering troops for fresh assaults on Ukraine.

Ukrainian rescuers work in the military communications institute in Poltava, eastern Ukraine, two days after it was hit by Russian missiles ( Ukraine Emergency Ministry Press )

The Independents source, a colonel who has been involved in negotiations to acquire western weapons, said: We need restrictions eliminated on how and where we use the Storm Shadows and other types of weapons and for our allies to provide the longer-range types of missiles.

There have been concerns that the use of such weapons would cause Putin to escalate the war. But the source said: Every time we have been provided with more powerful weapons, we have shown how effectively we can use them and there has been no escalation and instead the Russians have moved further away from our borders and its limited what they can do.

Lifting the restrictions would save many lives, he said, adding that pushing back the Russians  and Russian weapons  from the Ukrainian border means that their missiles and planes will have further to fly and we will have more time to detect them and warn people of approaching threats.

In Ukraine, the Foreign Secretary also announced more 600m worth of support for Ukraine, including reaffirming for PM Rishi Sunaks pledge of 242m, as well as $484m (370m) worth of loan guarantees for World Bank lending before the end of the year.

He insisted that the UKs support for Ukraine was unwavering.

He added: "The bravery and resilience of the Ukrainian people is inspiring. Alongside the United States, we are committed to giving Ukraine what it needs to resist Russias illegal invasion.

"Their fight for freedom, liberty and democracy is also a fight for British security, European security, and global security. With the US, we stand firmly with Ukraine for as long as it takes."
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Sir Keir Starmer has refused three times to say whether he will publish an impact assessment of his decision to withdraw winter fuel payments from millions of pensioners.

It came as the prime minister also failed to give a guarantee on continued support for pensioner discounts for council tax, telling MPs they will have to wait for the Budget on 30 October. During PMQs he refused to guarantee bus passes and discretionary travel would be protected but a spokesperson later confirmed they are safe.

Sir Keir came under pressure at PMQs over his decision to means test the payment, worth up to 300, removing it from all but the poorest pensioners.

Ahead of a crunch vote on the decision, The Independent revealed that the government has assessed how many additional pensioners will be driven into fuel poverty by the move. But ministers have so far refused to publish the assessment, promising only that it will be made public in due course.

Labour has so far failed to publish an impact assessment on the fuel cuts ( Reuters )

Sir Keir staved off a threatened rebellion of Labour MPs, with only one voting against the measure, but at PMQs on Wednesday Rishi Sunak repeatedly asked the PM whether he would publish the assessment, and why he had refused so far.

Mr Sunak, who will act as leader of the opposition until a successor is chosen, said: Yesterday, Labour MPs voted to remove the winter fuel payment from over 10 million British pensioners, including those with just 13,000 of income.

With that decision debated and made, it is important the House understands the full consequences of the governments choice.

Will he now publish the impact assessment before the House rises?

Mr Sunak went on to ask the prime minister about the impact assessment twice more, but Sir Keir repeatedly avoided the question.

He said: The fact of the matter is that they left a 22bn black hole because of the tough decisions we are making to stabilise the economy, we can make sure the triple lock grows and increases in pensions will outstrip the loss of payment.

Before he complains about us clearing up his mess, perhaps he would like to apologise for the 22bn black hole.

Conservative Party leader Rishi Sunak challenged the prime minister on the cuts ( PA Wire )

Mr Sunak pointed to a 2017 Labour analysis of Conservative plans to means test the payment, which found that it would kill as many as 4,000 pensioners.

Are the numbers in his impact assessment higher or lower than that, Mr Sunak asked.

But a defiant Sir Keir again refused to say when the impact assessment would be made public. In the weekly post-PMQs huddle with journalists, the state of the impact assessment remained shrouded in misery. The prime ministers spokesman repeatedly refused to confirm that one had been completed, and would not answer questions about whether it would be made public if so.

I am just not getting into advice from officials, she said repeatedly.

Later he was challenged Tory Old Bexley and Sidcup MP Louie French is he would rule out scrapping discretionary travel fairs and council tax discounts which also help millions of pensioners around the country.

But Sir Keir refused saying: I dont want to pre-empt the Budget.

Left-wing Labour MP Kim Johnson, who has opposed the change and did not vote for it, previously told The Independent that failing to release this crucial information only gives rise to the suspicion that there are details within that the government would prefer to keep hidden.

And former shadow chancellor John McDonnell, who has been suspended for rebelling against the government over the two-child benefit cap, said it was no way to implement policy.

I am fearful of the impact on many people whose lives will be made so much harder and for some who will be put at serious risk, he added.

Rachel Reeves has said means testing the payment will save the Treasury 1.5bn this year and is essential to restore order to the public finances.

But charity Age UK, which campaigned against the change, estimates around two million struggling pensioners will suffer because of the change.
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Labour will give renters the right to have pets and end no-fault evictions as it revives a package of rental reforms abandoned by the Tories.

In a major overhaul of renters rights to be introduced to Parliament on Wednesday, the government has vowed to clean up the mess in the rental market left behind by the Conservatives.

Sir Keir Starmers party will abolish Section 21 so-called no-fault evictions, under which tenants can be removed from rented housing when a fixed-term tenancy ends or during a rolling tenancy.

Angela Rayner said renters have been let down for too long as the government published plans to ban no-fault evictions ( PA Wire )

Last year alone, nearly 26,000 households faced homelessness as a result of a Section 21 eviction orders and were forced to turn to their local councils for support.

And it will give tenants the right to request a pet, with landlords unable to unreasonably refuse and able to request insurance to cover potential damage from pets if needed.

Other measures in the Renters Rights Bill include moves to strengthen tenants rights, with renters empowered to challenge unfair rent increases and plans to outlaw rental bidding wars by landlords and letting agents.

Under the bill, Labour will also make it illegal for landlords to discriminate against tenants in receipt of benefits or with children when choosing to rent out their property.

The party accused the Tories of having repeatedly refused to stand up fro private renters, with a ban on no-fault evictions first announced by Theresa May in 2019.

Deputy prime minister Angela Rayner said: Renters have been let down for too long and too many are stuck in disgraceful conditions, powerless to act because of the threat of a retaliatory eviction hanging over them.

Most landlords act in a responsible way but a small number of unscrupulous ones are tarnishing the reputation of the whole sector by making the most of the housing crisis and forcing tenants into bidding wars.

The Renters Rights Bill will seek abolish so-called no fault evictions by removing Section 21 of the Housing Act 1988 ( PA Wire )

There can be no more dither and delay. We must overhaul renting and rebalance the relationship between tenant and landlord.

The Renters Reform Coalition praised ministers and officials for ensuring the bill was one of the first major overhauls pursued by the new government.

Group chairman Tom Darling said: We renter groups have been consistent in calling for these, and though there are still areas for improvement, the fact that this government has listened means that a lot of renters will benefit from increased security of tenure.

The government said the bill is a crucial step toward ending the UKs housing crisis, linking it to a drive to deliver 1.5 million new homes over the course of the parliament.

Labour also says the bill will also drive up standards in the rental sector, with a decent homes standard implemented to ensure tenants can expect safe, well-maintained, and secure living conditions.

It hopes the change will prevent rogue landlords from undercutting the market with substandard rental properties. And the Renters Rights Bill will apply Awaabs Law, which will set a legal timeframe within which landlords must make homes containing serious hazards safe.

The National Rental Landlords Association (NRLA) said it is vital the measures contained within the bill are fair to both tenants and landlords.

Chief executive Ben Beadle said the ending of no-fault evictions is the biggest change facing the sector for three decades, warning that it could lead to backlogs in courts as landlords need to file repossession claims where landlords have legitimate reasons to evict tenants.

He added: Once the Bill is passed, it is vital that sufficient time is provided to enable the sector to properly prepare.

And Mr Beadle welcomed plans to ensure rented housing meets a minimum standard, adding: Too often the actions of a minority of rogue and criminal landlords have brought the sector into disrepute.
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Landlords have warned they may raise rents as a result of Labours Renters Rights Bill, which is aimed at giving tenants more power when renting.

The proposals could include legislation to allow tenants to walk away from deals just two months after moving in, as well as introducing a ban on so-called no-fault evictions in the coming week.

Previously, tenants generally had to wait for six months before they could leave a rental agreement.

The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA), which represents over 110,000 landlords, warned that, if the policy is introduced, it could lead to an increase in rent prices particularly in city centres and tourist hotspots.

It said its members are considering adjusting prices to mitigate the risk to incomes posed by added flexibility for renters.

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said renters have been let down for too long (Chris Furlong/PA) ( PA Wire )

Chris Norris, policy director for the NRLA told the Guardian: The new model could lead to Airbnb lite.

If you need a place for two months you could go to a private rented sector landlord, [sign a tenancy agreement] and then immediately serve notice.

But renters dismissed this possibility, with Dan Wilson Craw, deputy chief executive of the Generation Rent campaign group, saying: If you want a short-term let, its always going to be more straightforward to go through a platform like Airbnb, so these warnings are completely implausible.

The Renters Rights Bill will ensure greater security for renters by creating a level playing field between tenants and landlords, the government said.

A ban on no-fault evictions, which was promised by the previous government but was delayed over concern about its impact on landlords, has been welcomed by campaigners.

Research by charity Shelter found that, since 2019, 26,000 households have been evicted through the Section 21 process, which allows landlords to evict tenants with two months notice without providing a reason.

Mr Wilson Craw said: Evictions have surged in recent years, so it is welcome that the Government is acting quickly to introduce legislation to tackle this crisis.

The abolition of Section 21 evictions is long overdue and requiring landlords to provide a valid reason for eviction will give tenants more confidence to challenge disrepair and poor treatment by landlords and letting agents.

He said ministers were also right to take a stand on the egregious practice of bidding wars in the coming Bill but warned measures it has proposed risk being ineffective at countering the problem.

The Bill will also extend Awaabs Law  named after the toddler who died after exposure to mould in his familys social rented home  to the private sector to ensure all landlords speedily address hazards and make homes safe.

In addition, it would end blanket bans imposed by some landlords on those receiving benefits or with children.

A Decent Homes Standard will be applied to the private rented sector for the first time, with the government highlighting that 21 per cent of privately rented homes are currently classified as non-decent and more than 500,000 contain the most serious hazards.

Also included in the reforms is a crackdown on bidding wars through a legal requirement for landlords and letting agents to publish the required rent for a property.

Deputy prime minister Angela Rayner said: Renters have been let down for too long and too many are stuck in disgraceful conditions, powerless to act because of the threat of a retaliatory eviction hanging over them.

She added: There can be no more dither and delay. We must overhaul renting and rebalance the relationship between tenant and landlord. This Bill will do just that and tenants can be reassured this Government will protect them.

A Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government spokesperson said: We dont recognise this mischaracterisation of our rental reforms. There is a broad consensus more needs to be done to level the playing field between landlords and tenants and this is exactly what our proposed reforms will do.

The majority of landlords already meet their responsibilities to tenants and have nothing to fear from these reforms.
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President Joe Biden and Sir Keir Starmer came together for talks in the White House on Friday night under growing pressure from both Ukraine and Russia over the potential use of long-range missiles in the war.

The leaders met under the shadow of nuclear threats from Vladimir Putin and desperate demands from Volodymyr Zelensky, who wants to be allowed to use Storm Shadow weapons at targets in Russia.

No final decision was made during the talks on the use of Storm Shadow missiles by Ukraine, according to Politico. After the meeting Sir Keir said the issue will be taken up again at the UN General Assembly at the end of this month. Well obviously pick up again in UNGA in just a few days time with a wider group of individuals, he said.

But their talks were overshadowed by:

Putin expelling six UK diplomats from Moscow, accusing them of spying.

The Russian president also threatening that permission to use the missiles would mean Russia would be at war with Nato, while reminding Starmer and Biden that Russia is a nuclear power.

Zelensky warning that delay is costing lives of Ukrainian citizens.

Russia remained silent on international condemnation for targeting a Ukrainian cargo ship carrying wheat in the Black Sea.

Experts warned against Starmer and Biden backing down to Russian aggression

Speaking to journalists in the Blue Room in the White House during a break in their meeting a bad tempered Biden scolded Sky News for asking a question but in response to concerns about Putins nuclear threat, he said: I dont think much about Vladimir Putin.

( EPA )

The meeting had originally been set for two hours and reduced to 90 minutes before Starmers arrival and then curtailed further as the two leaders avoided making a final decision on the crucial issue of the Storm Shadow missiles.

However, even as Mr Biden and Sir Keir prepared to meet, President Zelensky increased the pressure with a direct plea via X to the two leaders.

Mr Zelensky also praised the past actions of Boris Johnson, who he met on Friday at a summit in Kyiv.

Mr Zelensky said: We are now in the third year of a full-scale war. After so much death, destruction, and countless Russian war crimes, Putin can still afford to destroy life in Ukraine as he pleases, buy and produce missiles, bombs and artillery, and issue ultimatums to the world. He expects the world to fall for his madness.

Starmer and Lammy hold meetings in Washington DC ( Getty Images )

We need air defence systems like Patriots, which are sufficient in the world and which we have long expected from our partners. Yet, when we ask for these systems, we repeatedly hear, We are working on it. Time passes, but Russian missiles and Iranian drones continue to terrorize our skies and our people.

Adding to the pressure on Sir Keir and Mr Biden, Mr Johnson said: It is vital that Ukraine should be able to defend itself properly by stopping the appalling Russian attacks with glide bombs and now Iranian missiles. It is obvious that they should be able to use Storm Shadow, Scalp and ATACMS as fast as possible against targets in Russia itself.

Mr Zelensky also held talks on Friday with foreign secretary David Lammy and US secretary of state Antony Blinken in Kyiv.

But even as the prime minister and his team crossed the Atlantic, Mr Putin threatened war with Nato if it agreed to the use of storm shadow missiles on targets in Russia.

Putin expelled six British diplomats on Friday ( Reuters )

This was followed by the dramatic expulsion of six British diplomats from Moscow.

The Storm Shadow missiles have a range of at least 250km (155 miles) and Britain and France have given stocks to Ukraine but not yet given permission for them to be used on targets in Russia. Permission also needs US logistical support but Mr Zelensky sees it as essential for stopping the long range attacks by Mr Putins forces.

Before landing in Washington, Sir Keir had struck a defiant note over Mr Putins threats of war.

He told journalists: It was Russia who started this in the first place. They caused the conflict, theyre the ones who are acting unlawfully. And Ukraine obviously has the right to self-defence.

What I want to do is make sure that those discussions, tactical discussions, are set in the proper strategic context of the situation in Ukraine. And there are, equally, tactical issues in relation to the Middle East, which need to be set in a context which is strategic, not just tactical.

Zelensky is desperate for more advanced weaponry ( PA )

On the diplomatic expulsions, a Foreign Office spokesperson said: The accusations made today by the FSB against our staff are completely baseless. The Russian authorities revoked the diplomatic accreditation of six UK diplomats in Russia last month, following action taken by the UK government in response to Russian state directed activity across Europe and the UK. We are unapologetic about protecting our national interests.

Meanwhile, former First Sea Lord Admiral Lord West warned against the UK and US backing down to Russian aggression after all this hype.

Because the message it would give to Putin is: ah they do have to obey my red lines  and thats a bad message, he said.

Were talking here about risks that are immense, just immense risks, and people have got to think very carefully, sensibly and in a calm way about these and need to think about all reactions if certain things happen. And Im not sure always thats the case. Being gung-ho about major wars between say Russia and Nato  that is not clever.

John Foreman, who served as UK defence attache in Moscow from 2019 to 2022: added: We dont have great insight to Putins decision making ... nor reliably predict how he will actually react.

This plus Russias skewed threat perceptions and the lack of diplomatic channels has raised US concerns about risk of unintended escalation. These cant be dismissed out of hand or wished away.

Putin critic Sir Bill Browder, head of the Global Magnitsky Justice campaign, dismissed Mr Putins threats: Good luck to him if he wants to go to war with Nato. He would lose that war in a matter of days.

In my opinion all of his red line talk is complete nonsense. He doesnt have the capacity to win against an ill-equipped, poor neighbour  he certainly doesnt have capacity to win a war with Nato. So this is all bluster, as far as I can see.

Oleksandr Vasiuk, MP for the partly Russian-occupied Ukrainian region of Zaporizhzhia, warned that Moscow is now actively moving its military assets  frequently used to strike Ukraine  deeper into Russian territory to evade Kyivs forces.

Any delay or prohibition on the use of long-range Western missiles only complicates the situation for Ukrainian forces, said Mr Vasiuk.

An adviser to the Ukrainian presidential administration, who asked not to be named, told The Independent that Kyiv had long been using Ukrainian-manufactured weapons to strike military bases and oil refineries deep inside Russia, while using Western weapons to hit Ukrainian regions Mr Putin now claims are part of Russia.

So, according to their logic, we and the West have already crossed that red line despite all their previous threats to retaliate against the West. They didnt then and they will not now, said the aide, adding that he doubted even a demented Putin would seriously countenance a war with Nato.
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Watch as a ceremony is held in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, to remember those killed when hijacked Flight 93 crashed into an open field on September 11, 2001.

US president Joe Biden and vice president Kamala Harris on Wednesday will observe the 23th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, with visits to each of the three sites where hijacked planes crashed in 2001 and killed nearly 3,000 people.

The pair will first visit the New York City site where planes brought down the World Trade Centers twin towers.

Vice President Harris, now the Democratic nominee for president, was due to travel to New York after debating her Republican rival, Donald Trump, in Philadelphia on Tuesday evening with just eight weeks left before the 5 November presidential election.

No remarks are scheduled at the site, where relatives will read the names of those who died.

Former President Trump said he will also attend the New York City ceremony along with his running mate JD Vance.

President Biden and Ms Harris will then fly to Shanksville, Pennsylvania, where passengers on United Flight 93 overcame the hijackers and the plane crashed in a field, preventing another target from being hit.

They will then head back to the Washington area to visit the Pentagon memorial.
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Watch live as a 9/11 observance ceremony is held at the Pentagon on Wednesday to mark the 23rd anniversary of the September 11, 2001, attacks on the United States.

On this day in 2001, al-Qaeda terrorists hijacked commercial planes and crashed them into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, killing 2,977 people.

The Pentagon ceremony comes as the Bell of Hope is rung in New York City to remember the victims.

Joe Biden and Kamala Harris will mark 23 years since the attacks at a commemorative ceremony in the city, visiting each of the three sites where hijacked planes crashed.

They will first visit the site where planes brought down the World Trade Center's twin towers.

Biden and Harris will then fly to Shanksville, Pennsylvania, where passengers on United Flight 93 overcame hijackers and the plane crashed in a field, preventing another target from being hit.

They will then go back to the Washington area to visit the Pentagon memorial.

According to his campaign, Donald Trump will also attend ceremonies in New York and visit Shanksville.
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A jury has cleared a Mississippi man on a charge of threatening to kill Republican U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker during a confrontation with one of Wicker's relatives.

Six women and six men deliberated about an hour and a half Tuesday before unanimously finding William Carl Sappington not guilty of threatening to injure or kill a United States official, the Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal reported.

Sappington's attorney, Tom Levidiotis, said federal prosecutors failed to prove the alleged threat was credible.

There is no scintilla or proof that this had anything to do with (the senators) official duties, Levidiotis said. Roger Wicker has no idea this guy even exists.

After the verdict in the two-day trial, Sappington was released from jail for the first time since he was arrested on the charge in May 2023.

Conviction would have been punishable by up to 10 years in federal prison.

Sappington was accused of going to the Hickory Flat home of the senators second cousin, George Wicker, on April 26, 2023. Prosecutors believed the testimony of George Wicker, 83, who said Sappington asked if he was related to the senator and then said, You tell him that Im going to kill him.

During an FBI interview, Sappington denied making a direct threat against Roger Wicker, who has been in the Senate since 2007.

If I went there to kill him, hed be dead, Sappington said during the recorded 2023 FBI interview that was played to the jury. But Im not into that. I dont even want to kill him with the law.

Sappington said he accused the senator of being part of a conspiracy to cover up an aggravated kidnapping against him. In February 2014, Sappington was arrested in the assault of his own brother. He tried to flee and was bitten by a police dog. Authorities took him to a hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, to treat injuries he sustained during the arrest.

Prosecutors said George Wicker was locked in his house and scared. On the 911 call, he said Sappington was a crazy man. But the first law enforcement officer to arrive at the home found George Wicker in his carport arguing with Sappington, who was about 15 feet (4.6 meters) away in the driveway. Sappington said he was trying to leave, but George Wicker kept calling him back.

George Wicker was adamant in his testimony that the incident happened in the morning. But a police report showed it happened around 6 p.m. During a 45-second call to Benton County 911, George Wicker was heard saying twice that he was going to kill Sappington.
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A mother has been arrested after her three-year-old daughter died in a hot car, years after she advocated for tougher DUI laws following the deaths of her two sons.

Sandra Hernandez-Cazares, 42, of Anaheim, was charged with one felony count of involuntary manslaughter and child abuse causing great bodily injury, the Orange County District Attorney confirmed.

Last Friday, concerned family members searched for Hernandez-Cazares when staff at her five-year-old sons elementary school reported that no one had arrived to pick him up.

Hernandez-Cazares was found in her car, outside her apartment, with her three-year-old daughter, Ily Ruiz, also inside. Both were unconscious and were rescued from the vehicle. Despite resuscitation efforts, the little girl was pronounced dead at the scene, KTLA reported.

Ily Ruiz, aged three, died last week after being left in a hot car in California ( GoFundMe )

The child had been dead for hours before she was discovered, according to medical officials.

Anaheim police officers discovered empty alcohol bottles in the car and the mothers blood alcohol content was .30 when she arrived at the hospital. BAC at this level has the effect of alcohol poisoning and loss of consciousness.

Following her arrest, it was revealed that Hernandez-Cazares had advocated for stricter DUI laws after losing her five-year-old and nine-year-old sons a decade prior to a drunk driver.

The boys had been killed by a drunk driver who ran over them while they slept in a tent at a South Dakota campground on a family vacation in 2012. Both Hernandez-Cazares and her husband Juan Ruiz lobbied the state legislature for stronger penalties for those caught driving under the influence.

Sandra Hernandez-Cazares, 42, was charged with involuntary manslaughter and child abuse causing great bodily injury, officials said ( Orange County District Attorney )

Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer said: The unimaginable pain of having your five-year-old and nine-year-old sons killed by a drunk driver is something from which you can never recover.

Anyone who has suffered such a devastating tragedy knows the ripple effects of grief may be able to be hidden, but the heartbreak of losing your children will never go away.

A mother who was robbed of the chance to see two of her sons grow up because of the selfish decision of a stranger will have to live with the fact she will never get to see her little girl grow up because of the choices she made.

In a memorial post on GoFundMe, Ilys fathers cousin paid tribute to the little girl. 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 that 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.

Hernandez-Cazares faces up to 12 years in jail if convicted. She is being held in lieu of $150,000 bail, authorities confirmed.
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A Massachusetts man has been charged with murder over the death of his neighbor who was last seen making the sign of the cross before entering his apartment. Her body was found in a local park several days later.

Cristian Montero, 35, of Lawrence, Massachusetts, is due to be arraigned Wednesday and was charged with murder following the disappearance of Carol Flaz-Burgos.

The 37-year-old was found dead in the Kenoza Lake Conservation Area last week after being reported missing on August 31.

According to the Essex County District Attorneys office she was last seen on surveillance camera days earlier while entering Monteros apartment in the building where she lived with her children and mother.

Flaz-Burgos had made "the sign of the cross when she entered," an assistant DA said, but was never seen exiting the apartment. Montero was arrested on September 3 by Lawrence Police. Its unclear why she made the cross before enterin the apartment.

Carol Flaz-Burgos, 37, was last seen crossing herself before entering the apartment of Cristian Montero  who has now been charged with murder over her death ( Lawrence Police Department )

Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker said Montero had initially been charged with witness intimidation and misleading an investigation, but that the office was waiting on the results of an autopsy.

On Tuesday it was announced that the charge against Montero had been upgraded to murder.

Though Flaz-Burgos was not seen exiting Monteros apartment, data from her cellphone showed it began moving away from the apartment building on Broadway at the same time Montero was seen leaving it.

According to NBC10, prosecutors said he had left "with a wagon, a beach cart, that appeared to be filled with clothes.

Authorities have not specified what relationship Flaz-Burgos and Montero may have had.

The 35-year-old allegedly misled investigators about where he was in the time frame of Flaz-Burgos disappearance.

He claimed he had driven to a barbershop but did not go in because he was feeling sick, though city cameras did not show his parked vehicle and cellphone data allegedly showed him in a different location.

Montero is due to appear at Lawrence District Court at 2 p.m. Wednesday for a detention hearing. He is being held without bail.

It is a tough day for the City of Lawrence, said Lawrence Mayor Brian A DePena, following the discovery of Flaz-Burgos body. It is not easy for the family or the community, but we thank everyone for working together.
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Authorities released body camera footage of an interview with the suspected Apalachee High School shooter and his father last May.

One year before Colt Gray, 14, was charged with four counts of murder after opening fire in the hallways of his high school on Wednesday, September 5, Jackson County Sheriffs Office deputies interviewed him and his father after receiving an FBI tip that the teen was threatening to shoot up a middle school on the social media platform Discord.

The interviews, conducted by two sheriffs deputies on May 21, 2023, took place outside the home where the father and son lived, where a large blue G hangs on the Grays door.

The footage begins with two deputies approaching the Georgia home. Colin Gray, the father of the now-suspected shooter, answered the door in a t-shirt, shorts and a silver cross necklace dangling from his neck.

When the deputy asks whether then-13-year-old Colt Gray plays video games, the father replied: Yeah he does. Plays em all the time.

The father then admitted that he had weapons in his house. When a deputy asked whether they were accessible to the teen, Colin Gray said: They are. I mean, theres nothing loaded but they are down.

Sheriffs deputies last May interview Colt and Colin Gray, now both arrested in connection to the Georgia high school shooting ( Jackson County Sheriffs Office )

The father then started rattling off his sons shooting experience: We do a lot of shooting. We do a lot of deer hunting. He shot his first deer this year.

The picture on my phone is him with blood on his cheeks from shooting his first deer. Its just the greatest day ever. He knows the seriousness of weapons and what they can do and how to use them and not use them, the father continued.

Colin Gray denied knowing anything about his son threatening to shoot up a school. I dont know anything about him saying s***like that. And Im going to be mad as hell if he did, and then all the guns will go away and they wont be accessible, he told officers. Im trying to teach him about firearms and safety and how to do it all and get him interested in the outdoors.

Get him away from those video games, one officer retorted.

The father kept repeating that he was in shock by the allegation: Im pretty much in shock, to be honest with you. Im a little p****ed off, to be even really honest with you.

The footage then captured Colt Gray coming outside to join his father, where he denied knowing about the school shooting threat. Maybe they misheard somebody else, the teen tells the deputies. The teen, wearing a blue hat, blue shirt and sweatpants, swayed back and forth as he insisted that he didnt know anything about the allegation.

Colt Gray, 14, is shown in this police booking photo released September 5, 2024 by the Barrow County Sheriffs Office after a shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia ( Barrow County Sheriffs Office/Reuters )

When asked about using Discord, Colt Gray said the last time he used it was a few months ago but that he doesnt have it anymore. The account in question made mentions to Adam Lanza, the Sandy Hook school shooter, according to a report obtained by The Independent.

Despite what the teen told deputies, an investigation into the Discord account indicates that the account was made after the teen said hed deleted it, according to the report. The probe also revealed that the IP addresses associated with the Discord account appeared to come from different parts of Georgia, as well as New York and Virginia.

Authorities ended up closing the investigation after finding the user behind the Discord account that made the threat cannot be substantiated. A Discord spokesperson also told CNN that the platform removed an account believed to be associated with Gray in May 2023 for violating the platforms policy against extremism.

During his interview, the father offered some insight into what was happening behind closed doors. He told officers that he often visited the school and is on a first name basis with school officials.

Colin Gray, 54, father of 14-year-old suspected Apalachee High School shooter Colt Gray, poses for police booking photos in this undated handout photo released September 5, 2024 ( Barrow County Sheriffs Office/Reuters )

Were up there all the time talking to the school, he added, later explaining that his son gets picked on. He also explained that after he and his wife split, his wife took the younger two kids while Colin and Colt lived separately. He admitted that his son was struggling with the separation of his parents and can sometimes get flustered.

Before the officers approached his son, Colin Gray pleaded: Please instill in him that if this is whatever or wherever this is coming from, this is no joke. Like, its no joke.

We wouldnt be here if it wasnt, an officer replied.

No, I know. Im telling you right now, we talk about this quite a bit, all the school shootings, things that happened, the father said.

One year later, Colt Gray is accused of carrying an AR-15-style weapon last into his high school, opening fire, and charged with killing two students  Mason Schermerhorn, 14, and Christian Angulo, 14  and two teachers  Richard Aspinwall, 39, and Christina Irimie, 53.

His father was taken into custody the next day, charged with four counts of involuntary manslaughter, two counts of second-degree murder, and eight counts of cruelty to children. Months after the sheriffs deputies investigated the father and son, Colin Gray reportedly purchased an AR-15-style rifle as a holiday gift in December 2023 for his son.
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A man in Nashville has been charged with raping and threatening to kill a woman he locked on his houseboat.

A woman, who has not been identified, alleged that Tyree Watson, 42, raped her on his houseboat at the Four Corners Marina in the Tennesee city this past weekend.

She was attending a party on the houseboat, according to a press release from the city.

She alleged that Watson locked her in a room on his boat after she asked him to use the restroom. He then allegedly strangled her and threatened to kill her before he sexually assaulted her.

Tyree Watson, of Nashville, charged with aggravated rape, aggravated kidnapping and aggravated assault after he allegedly locked a woman in a room on his houseboat and raped her ( City of Nashville )

Watson then fell asleep, according to the victim, and she managed to escape the houseboat. A dockworker helped the woman until she could get in touch with law enforcement.

Police arrested Watson, who is being held on a $200,000 bond, on charges of aggravated rape, aggravated kidnapping, and aggravated assault. Watson has previously been convicted of a felony.

The Independent has contacted Metro Nashville police for comment.

His first court appearance is scheduled for September 11.
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A long-time California death row inmate, whose innocence campaign has attracted support from celebrities like Oprah Winfrey, plans to continue fighting after a federal court rejected his appeals earlier this month.

I was hopeful, but I had also prepared myself emotionally for yet another legal hurdle in securing my freedom, Jarvis Jay Masters said in a statement to The Los Angeles Times.

Masters, 62, is on death row for the 1985 murder of San Quentin State Prison corrections officer Sgt. Hal Burchfield.

Prosecutors accused Masters of making the weapon that others used to kill the sergeant and said notes in the inmates hand describing making the sharpened piece of metal used in the murder.

Family members of Burchfield are split over Masterss claims of innocence, they told the Times.

Masters, meanwhile, maintains his innocence and says he was forced to copy out the notes by superiors in a prison gang.

The California man entered San Quentin in 1981 at age 19 on an armed robbery charge, after a childhood marked by chronic hunger, neglect, foster care, and domestic violence against his mother.

Buddhist death row inmate backed by Oprah vows to fight on after losing bid to overturn his conviction ( freejarvis.org )

In prison, Masters converted to Buddhism and wrote the 2009 memoir That Bird Has My Wings, which was later featured as a pick in the influential Oprahs Book Club.

In a 2022 discussion of the book, Winfrey described the memoir as the story of a young boy victimized by addiction and poverty and violence and the foster care system and later the justice system, and said Masterss account touched me so deeply and still does today.

Other public figures, including the writer Rebecca Solnit, have championed Masterss innocence claims.

The legal system shows little interest in the strong case for his innocence on the charges and seems to see him as only the surly young Black man it locked up all those years ago, she wrote in The New York Times in 2022.

The #FreeJarvis campaign alleges issues with the underlying conviction against the inmate, including witnesses who have recanted, and the fact that the man convicted of Burchfields murder got a life sentence, rather than a death sentence.

State and federal courts have been less persuaded.

Jarvis Jay Masters in 2021 ( freejarvis.org )

Masters has exhuasted his legal appeals at the state level, according to The Los Angeles Times, and a federal court dismissed his claims on September 3.

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, attorney Michael F. Williams told the paper on Tuesday.

The Independent and the nonprofit Responsible Business Initiative for Justice (RBIJ) have launched a joint campaign calling for an end to the death penalty in the US. The RBIJ has attracted more than 150 well-known signatories to their Business Leaders Declaration Against the Death Penalty - with The Independent as the latest on the list. We join high-profile executives like Ariana Huffington, Facebooks Sheryl Sandberg, and Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson as part of this initiative and are making a pledge to highlight the injustices of the death penalty in our coverage.
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An elderly man in New York City is being investigated for a hate crime after an altercation with a business owner over a Kamala Harris poster in her shop window.

Juan Bernal, 76, allegedly confronted, spat at, and pushed Tanya Young Williams, the owner of a luxury fashion boutique on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, on August 30.

Bernal was charged with third-degree assault and the incident is being investigated as a hate crime, the Manhattan District Attorneys Office said on Tuesday.

The Independent has contacted the New York Police Department for more information on the incident.

Juan Bernal, 76, was charged with assault after allegedly attacking the shop owner over the poster (pictured) in the shop front on the Upper West Side of Manhattan ( NBC )

Williams told ABC News, that the suspect walked past while she stood in her store doorway, but turned back after spotting the large poster of the Democratic presidential candidate.

The poster shows the Vice President wearing a black suit and striding across a field with a caption: Were not going back  Kamala Harris. Williams shop also has T-shirts supporting Harris' campaign in the window display.

Bernal, who was reportedly wearing a T-shirt with Trumps face on it, said: You should have this in your window, and pointed at his T-shirt, Williams recalled.

She added: I moved toward him, to keep him sort of out of the store, and said, Im supporting Kamala.

Shop owner, Tanya Young Williams, told ABC she was spat at and attacked over her Kamala Harris poster ( Tanya Luxury Fashion Boutique/Instagram )

Bernal then allegedly began to tell Williams why Black voters, including her, should support Trump in the upcoming election, before spitting in her face and pushing her, causing a head injury.

Witnesses called 911, according to ABC. Bernal was arrested on Saturday. The 76-year-old was charged with assault this past weekend and his arraignment is set for September 25.

Bernal denied the allegations when contacted by ABC, and said he was seeking an attorney to defend him.
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A personal assistant convicted of killing and dismembering his former tech entrepreneur boss after stealing about $400,000 from him was sentenced on Tuesday to 40 years to life in prison, Manhattan's district attorney said.

Tyrese Haspil, 25, was found guilty in June of murder, grand larceny and other charges in the 2020 death of his former boss, Fahim Saleh.

Prosecutors said Haspil had been hired as an assistant for Saleh, whose ventures included a ride-hailing motorcycle startup in Nigeria, but quickly began to siphon money from Saleh's businesses. Haspil resigned a year later but continued to steal money, even after Saleh discovered the theft and let Haspil repay him over two years to avoid criminal prosecution.

Haspil decided to kill Saleh over concerns that his former boss would discover he was continuing to steal from his companies, prosecutors said.

On July 13, 2020, Haspil, wearing a black suit and a mask, followed Saleh into the elevator of his luxury apartment building in Manhattan and shocked him in the back with a Taser when the elevator doors opened into Salehs apartment. Saleh fell to the floor and Haspil stabbed him to death, authorities said.

Fahim Saleh: Assistant of tech entrepreneur found decapitated in luxury condo charged with murder

Haspil returned the apartment the next day to dismember the body with an electric saw but eventually left to purchase a charger after the saw's battery died. While Haspil was out, Saleh's cousin arrived at the apartment and discovered the dismembered body.

Police arrested Haspil days later.

Today, Tyrese Haspil is facing accountability for brutally murdering and decapitating Fahim Saleh, a kind, generous, and empathetic person who positively impacted the world. Even after the defendant stole from him to fund a lavish lifestyle, Mr. Saleh still gave him a second chance, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said in a statement. While todays sentence wont bring Mr. Saleh back, I hope it provides his family a sense of closure as they continue to mourn his painful loss.

Shortly after her brothers brutal death, Mr Selahs sister, Ruby Angela Saleh, 41, wrote an essay on Medium dedicated to her brother.

She described her brother as healthy, vibrant, creative, beautiful and recalled first learning about the murder and having to identify her brothers body remotely as a result of the coronavirus.

She recalled her cousin going to Fahims apartment to check on him and finding his remains.

She found his torso in his living room, my sister said. I have to go. Im with the detective, Ruby wrote. I dropped the phone and crawled onto the wooden floor, touching its cold, hard surface with the palms of my hands. I shook my head. No, no, I said, my hair falling on my face. What are they saying?
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A toy company founder who sold his $79 million Miami mansion to Jeff Bezos for less than the asking price is now suing his realtor for not disclosing that the Amazon billionaire was the buyer.

Leo Kryss, co-founder of Tectoy, a Brazilian toy and electronics company, says real-estate brokerage Douglas Elliman misled him and at one point specifically denied that Bezos was the buyer.

In May of 2023, Kryss listed the luxury, seven-bedroom house in Indian Creek Village  which has a wine cellar, library, theater and pool  for $85 million.

A month later Bezos spent $68 million on a 2.8-acre property next door. Soon after Kryss received an offer for his home for $6 million below the asking price.

According to a lawsuit, filed in the circuit court of the 11th Judicial Circuit in Miami-Dade County and obtained by The Independent, Kryss asked Elliman specifically if Bezos was behind the offer.

Jay Parker, Ellimans CEO for the Florida region, called Kryss personally to say that Bezos was not the buyer and that the purchaser wouldnt pay more than $79 million, WSJ reported. This was later found not to be the case, after Kryss had agreed to sell the property at a 7.1 per cent discount.

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos stepped down as chief executive in 2021 ( PA Archive )

In reliance upon Mr Parkers affirmative representations regarding the identity of the potential and ultimate buyer of the home, Kryss was induced to reduce the sale price of the home by millions of dollars, the suit stated.

But for these misrepresentations and in reliance upon the Brokers duties to deal honestly, fairly, and with due care towards TAM, Kryss would not have reduced the purchase price or sold the Home for $79,000,000.

In the complaint, Kryss said that it was highly material to the negotiations and the decision on the eventual sales price to know whether Bezos was attempting to anonymously acquire the home in order to assemble it with the adjoining property.

The fact that Bezos already owned the property next door made it significantly more valuable to Bezos that to other potential buyers the suit stated.

Elliman received a 4 per cent commission on the sale  worth more than $3 million, according to the complaint.

In a statement shared with The Independent, Dana Clayton, representing Kryss said: Douglas Elliman failed to fulfill their duties to our client.

The facts, as set forth in our complaint, speak for themselves; they knew or should have known who the ultimate beneficial purchaser was and misrepresented that very important fact to our client.

The lawsuit seeks damages in excess of $750,000 arising from the brokers breach of contract, breach of its duties and negligent misrepresentations regarding the identity of the potential and ultimate purchaser of the home.

Douglas Elliman declined The Independents request for comment about the lawsuit, though a spokesperson told WSJ that the company could not comment on pending litigation.

The Independent has also reached out to representatives of Jeff Bezos for comment.

The Amazon.com founder is currently the third richest man in the world, with an estimated net worth of $197.6 billion, according to Forbes.

Bezos announced his move to Miami from Seattle in February 2023. He now owns more than four bayfront acres on Indian Creek Island, a gated community sometimes referred to as the Billionaire Bunker.

The island is known to be home to several high-profile residents including Tom Brady, and Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump.
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U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy arrived in Kyiv on a joint visit Wednesday, as Ukraine presses the West to allow it to use long-range missiles against Russia.

The top diplomats reached the Ukrainian capital by train hours after the U.S. presidential debate during which Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Trump sparred over the 2 1/2-year war in Ukraine.

Blinken traveled from London, where he accused Iran of providing Russia with Fath-360 short-range ballistic missiles, calling the move a dramatic escalation of the war.

For months, Ukraine has been requesting approval to use long-range weapons from the United States and Western allies to strike targets in Russia, and is expected to press harder given Russias latest reported weapons acquisition.

If we are allowed to destroy military targets or weapons prepared by the enemy for attacks on Ukraine, it would certainly bring more safety for our civilians, our people, and our children, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said at a news conference in Kyiv on Tuesday. We are working towards this and will continue to push for it every day.

Referring to the missiles from Iran, he added: Russias use of weapons from its terrorist allies to strike at Ukraine continues their genocidal war and terrorism on our territory. We must be able to respond to such terrorism in kind by destroying military targets on their territory to ensure greater safety for our citizens.

Wednesdays visit comes ahead of British Prime Minister Keir Starmers upcoming trip to Washington, where he will meet President Joe Biden at the White House on Friday.

Russian airstrikes, mostly aimed at crippling Ukraines energy infrastructure, have intensified in recent weeks with nightly missile and drone attacks. ___

Follow APs coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
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Donald Trump had three opponents onstage Tuesday at the presidential debate in Philadelphia  at least, thats what his campaign would have you believe.

Before the two candidates had finished their closing statements in front of the ABC moderators, there was already murmuring in the so-called spin room that the Republican candidate would demand another try. It was a sign of the battering he took from his opponent on issues like abortion rights, January 6, and his penchant for personal attacks and showmanship over substance.

As the surrogates for Trump and Harris filed in, it became clear that a familiar song-and-dance was going to play out, with Republicans attacking the media for conducting fact-checks during the debate. But it seemed as if even the Trump campaign and Republican National Committee (RNC) officials present knew that the narrative of the night was going to be about their candidates inability to land any serious policy-related hits.

Before the cameras arrived, the Trump campaign had announced that his running mate JD Vance would serve as their top surrogate for the evening. That ended up being thrown to the wayside: Vance spoke to reporters for a few minutes before hopping on TV for an interview, only to be overshadowed minutes later by the arrival of Trump himself.

Candidates themselves almost never emerge in the spin rooms, with the exception of primary debates. But Trump gaggled with journalists for about 20 minutes before disappearing behind the curtains, flanked by rifle-bearing security.

Its rare for a candidate to appear in the spin room themselves ( Getty Images )

In that gaggle occurred possibly one of the most stunning moments of the campaign  after defending his performance, Trump came face-to-face with New York City Councilman Yusef Salaam, none other than a member of the Central Park Five whom the former president called to be executed for crimes they were later exonerated of committing. Reporters asked Trump if he would apologize to Salaam. He did not, instead turning away laughing after quipping that Salaam was on my side, which the bemused Salaam denied.

Vance, meanwhile, was sticking to the message clearly blasted out to the Trump team as the debate unfolded: attack, attack, attack  and blame the moderators for their candidates performance.

The Ohio senator sparred with reporters for several minutes over the issue of whether Haitian-born immigrants living in an Ohio town after being granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS) were eating cats and dogs owned by local residents. It was a claim that ABCs moderators noted they could find no evidence to support on Tuesday.

He wasnt the only one who was clearly panicking. Stephen Miller, famous for his role as the architect of Trumps first-term immigration policy, took things a step further and had to force himself to walk away from a conversation with a Hispanic reporter after raising his voice repeatedly and yelling angrily that Kamala Harris was responsible for a supposed epidemic of child rape (one that is wholly imaginary) which he then blamed on immigrants.

Why are you yelling at me? the reporter asked Miller, who near-screamed at the man and asked him if he had any remorse for children who were supposedly being murdered and raped.

Stephen Miller loses cool with reporter while refusing to answer question

Vivek Ramaswamy, one of Trumps two former opponents-turned-allies who showed up to the debate, echoed some of Millers anger as he lambasted ABCs David Muir for setting [Harris] up with softball questions.

Tim Murtaugh, a Trump campaign official recently added to the team after serving on Trumps 2020 squad, took a bit of a calmer approach. He said after ABCs program ended that another debate on Fox News should have already happened and indicated that he thought the campaign would continue pushing for more.

But he, like other Republicans, also eviscerated the moderators for only jumping in to make corrections when Trump said something that was obviously false. Harris, he said, took the bait from moderators David Muir and Linsey Davis, and allowed them to cover for her during the program.

Harris was allowed to continue to not answer for essentially [running] the most dishonest campaign youve ever seen in 20 years of public service.

He and the RNCs Brian Hughes both claimed to The Independent that Trump had been successful in staying on message; Hughes also rejected the idea that Black women would be turned off by Trumps answer about why he was comfortable speaking about Harriss racial identity.

JD Vance sparred with reporters on a viral right-wing conspiracy claiming that Haitian immigrants are eating pets in an Ohio town ( Getty Images )

There was one (former) Trump campaign official present in the room who did not share that assessment. Anthony Scaramucci, known as Trumps shortest-serving director of communications in the White House, gave the president a grade of two or three points out of ten, compared to an eight for his opponent. He said those scores were essentially a direct reversal of the two candidates performances at the June debate between Trump and Joe Biden.

I saw a guy that was out of his element. I saw a guy that was not prepared for [Harris]. She was very well-prepared. She had a very good narrative to tell. She had an expansive idea of where she wants to go with the country. He wasnt prepared for that. So he was going to certain dogwhistles that he uses, said Scaramucci.

He also opined on possibly the biggest headline of the evening: Pop star Taylor Swifts endorsement of Harris, and the effect her support would have on an election he said would be largely focused on turnout rather than convincing undecided voters.

The Taylor Swift thing on the margin is beneficial because it creates momentum. And one thing that Taylor Swift is very good at is bringing out the registrations, he explained.

Republicans, who have been anticipating the Swifie-verse siding with Kamala Harris since back when Biden was at the top of the ticket, did not act surprised but offered little response.

No, Im not a teeny-bopper, Hughes joked when asked for his opinion on it.

Harriss surrogates, who included a list of swing-state governors including Josh Shapiro, Gavin Newsom, Roy Cooper and Michelle Lujan Grisham, were all evoking satisfied confidence in where the race stood after the dust settled.

There was only one commander-in-chief onstage tonight, Newsom declared after the debate. It was a terrible night for Donald Trump and a great night for our democracy.
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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.
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As Joe Biden and Kamala Harris attended a small 9/11 memorial service in Pennsylvania, one onlooker had less respectful ideas.

Among the crowd of 200 people in Shanksville, an unidentified man wore a bright red T-shirt which read #Kommy Kamala SUCKS at all her jobs. Willie Brown said #Hawktuah Harris also swallows.

The vulgar and sexist message is a reference to unsubstantiated rumors that Harriss ascension to California Attorney General was correlated to her romantic relationships. The second part of the shirt, Hawktuah is a reference to oral sex.

When asked by a pool reporter why he had attended the service, the man said he had come to the ceremony to honor the victims of Flight 93 and to make sure Biden and Harris get this message.

The back of the shirt said Abort Hawktuah Harris.

Biden and Harris previously attended a memorial service in New York City on Wednesday morning to honor the victims of the 9/11 attacks ( REUTERS )

Forty passengers and crew were killed when United Flight 93 went down during the coordinated attack on September 11 2001. Passengers had attempted to wrestle back control of the aircraft from four terrorist hijackers.

Four people were spotted at the Shanksville service wearing Trump hats in the audience, but no Harris or Biden apparel was seen. Aside from those individuals the event remained apolitical.

Earlier that day the president and vice president had set aside political differences, appearing alongside Donald Trump at a service in New York City. Harris and Trump were seen shaking hands.

The presidential motorcade travels towards Shanksville after Biden and Harris visited the nearby Flight 93 National Memorial ( REUTERS )

The civil moment came less than 12 hours after the pair clashed on the debate stage for the first time in Philadelphia.

The Independent has reached out the Trump/ Vance campaign for comment about the man in Shanskville.
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Anyone who has questioned Kamala Harriss racial heritage just needed to spend debate night with Black Capitol Hill staffers.

The debate between the vice president, herself a former member of the Congressional Black Caucus when she was a senator, and former president Donald Trump served as a kickoff for the CBC Foundations annual legislative conference.

For the uninitiated, CBC week is a part networking event, part policy summit that turns Washington DC into a block party. Its not uncommon to see members on the weekend stepping out for a boozy brunch.

Plenty of Black Hill staffers also take part and, at the Park on 14th, a Black-owned restaurant and bar located only two blocks away from the White House, plenty of the Hills denizens took a break from avoiding a Republican-induced government shutdown to convene for an event honoring staff on Tuesday night.

Jim Clyburn, the former House majority whip whom many credit for making Joe Biden president when he endorsed him in the 2020 Democratic primary, gave clear marching orders to every member of the Divine Nine sororities and fraternities.

All of us are AKAs, he said, in reference to Alpha Kappa Alpha, the sorority Harris joined when she attended Howard University. Harris also served as a point of pride given that not only would she be the first Black woman to become president were she to win, she would become the first alumnus of a historically Black college, Howard University (often called The Mecca by alumni and whose mascot is the Bison).

Many attendees and Black staffers wore Kamala Harris gear, such as a shirt that said Hotties for Harris ( Eric Garcia/The Independent )

I feel like its on par, this is what we do at the Mecca, Neosho Ponder, who earned her masters and doctorate from Howard, told The Independent on Tuesday night.

And being a part of this, this legacy of Bison that are changing the landscape of the world. I mean, it's just an honor.

Few people understand the racist undertones of calling Harris a DEI hire more than Black staffers who work on Capitol Hill, a place where many white staffers can afford to work for the criminally low pay in government because their parents subsidize their rent and got their jobs thanks to who they knew or what prestigious college they attended.

So Trumps attack on Harris for attending a sorority party instead of meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu elicited especially outraged boos from the watch party attendees.

So I really encourage him to find Jesus, Bree Prince, a member of Harriss sorority, told The Independent about Trump.

I really encourage him to examine himself and to wonder why he thinks it's okay to talk to her the way that he does.

Of course, this being a gathering of staffers, many attendees were often staring at their phones, sending messages or crafting talking points on their bosses behalf.

But, every once in a while, they would cheer or snap their fingers.

Kamala Harris and Donald Trump shake hands as they meet onstage for the first time on Tuesday evening ( AFP via Getty Images )

One such moment came when Harris said about Trump that clearly hes having a very hard time processing that he lost the 2020 election.

Besides Clyburn, other CBC members also joined the party, including Representatives Jamaal Bowman of New York and Cori Bush of the Squad, both of whom lost their primaries thanks to a boatload of cash from outside groups such as the American Israel Public Affairs Committee spending money in the contests due to their outspoken criticism of Israel.

Bowman was on hand to honor his chief of staff, and later regaled the room.

But some staffers also criticized Harris when she talked about Israels right to defend itself and the US sending weapons to Israel, with one person saying: Sis, what are you doing?

That, however, was only a brief hiccup in a night that otherwise had people in the room excited. This especially comes as Harris and the Democrats as a whole are trying to win back working-class, non-white voters, particularly Black men.

Kamala Harris speaks during the debate against Donald Trump ( AP )

I think its everybody's job to be having these conversations, Prince said. These are dinner table conversations, these are family text message conversations we have to be talking about it, we have to inform our friends and family.

Edwin Hubbard, another attendee, told The Independent during one of the commerical breaks that Harris was doing great, but that he wanted to see more.

They have to make him answer questions directly, He's dancing around questions and not really giving true answers, and hes flat out lying, he said.

Later, when Harris went on the offense, Hubbard said: She done got under his skin.

By the end, many staffers were not even watching the debate, rather choosing to chat with their friends or check their phones.

As the debate ended, the DJ cut off the audio and decided to, perhaps fittingly, blare Kendrick Lamar, proclaming: Alls my life I has to fight... we gon' be alright.
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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.
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Donald Trump insulted two Fox News anchors in a rant-filled, rambling post-debate appearance on the network.

Trump called into Fox & Friends on Tuesday night after wrapping up his debate against Vice President Kamala Harris. During the call, Fox News host Steve Doocy told Trump the network offered to host a second debate moderated by Martha MacCallum and Bret Baier.

Well, I wouldnt want to have Martha and Bret. Id love to have somebody else other than Martha and Bret, the former president said. Id love to have, frankly, Sean [Hannity] or Jesse [Watters] or Laura [Ingraham], you know, somebody else. Lets give lets give other people a shot. But I didnt think Martha and Bret were good last night.

Trump explained that he preferred Watters because he said he won the debate.

But I didnt think Martha and Bret were so good last night, Trump said. Jesse was fantastic last night. What he said, Jesse, really got it. Jesse said, Trump won that debate. We won that debate by a lot. And I wouldnt want Martha involved.

Brian Kilmeade went on to defend his colleagues: I will say this, I think that Bret and Martha would do a phenomenal job.

Donald Trump insulted two Fox News anchors when he called into the network after his debate against Vice President Kamala Harris on Tuesday night ( AP )

The former president then channeled his own debate performance, launching into a rant about ABC News and Project 2025.

We won the debate, he said. We had a terrible network. I think they were terrible, and they should be embarrassed.

And Project 2025, they know it has nothing to do with me, he continued. She mentioned it all night long, and they refused to correct it. And everybody  I havent, I have nothing to do with Project 2025, but I am not inclined to do it because I won the debate by a lot.

Trump was referring to the multiple times the moderators, David Muir and Linsey Davis, fact-checked him during the debate.

When the former president falsely claimed that Democrats support executing babies after they are born during the abortion segment of the debate, Davis stepped in.

There is no state in this country where it is legal to kill a baby after its born, she said. Davis went on to see a flurry of racist and sexist abuse online for fact-checking the former presidents lie.

Trump also peddled the since-debunked racist conspiracy theory that Haitian immigrants are killing and eating household pets in Springfield, Ohio.

Harriss comments about Project 2025 also got under Trumps skin.

Trump claims he had nothing to do with Project 2025, a blueprint for the next conservative presidency that includes plans to expand his executive authority, replace civil servants with loyalists, crush abortion rights, attack civil rights for LGBTQ+ people and impose an anti-immigrant agenda, among other policies.

However, Project 2025 is led by the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, and more than a dozen former Trump administration officials.

Trump, despite distancing himself from the project, praised the Heritage Foundation and their plans for exactly what our movement will do two years ago.

Heritage does such an incredible job, this is a great group, and theyre going to lay the groundwork and detail plans for exactly what our movement will do and what your movement will do when the American people give us a colossal mandate to save America, Trump said in 2022.

This article was amended on September 11 to correct the spelling of Bret Baier and to clarify that Brian Kilmeade defended Baier and MacCallum
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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.
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Presidential hopefuls Kamala Harris and Donald Trump were the sources of many memorable sound bites at their first debate  her impassioned support for abortion, his claim that migrants eat pets  but there were just as many quips when their mics were muted.

In what could be the only debate before the November election, the candidates sparred over abortion, the economy, foreign policy and immigration. ABC News muted each candidates mic after their turn to speak  but that didnt mean Harris or Trump stopped talking.

A pool reporter in the room transcribed the off-mic comments which only served to underscore the bitter exchanges between the two candidates.

During a segment on reproductive rights and the overturning of Roe v Wade, led by conservative Supreme Court justices that Trump appointed, the former president claimed to have been a leader on in vitro fertilization (IVF). Off-mic, Harris remarked: You have not. Come on.

Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during her debate with Republican presidential nominee former president Donald Trump at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia on Tuesday night ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

She gave a similar response after Trump suggested that Democrats would allow abortions in the ninth month of pregnancy  and executions of babies after birth.

The vice president, off-mic, said: Cmonthats not true.

Trumps comments was so wild that ABC moderator Lindsey Davis cut in to fact-check. There is no state in this country where it is legal to kill a baby after its born, she said.

In arguably the most outlandish remark of the night, Trump suggested that migrants in Ohio were eating residents pets. The people that came in, theyre eating the cats, Trump said. Theyre eating  theyre eating the pets of the people that live there.

Former President Donald Trump speaks during a presidential debate with Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris ( AP )

The vice president immediately responded: What? This is unbelievable.

The former president had some of his own exasperated off-mic reactions when the vice president mentioned his ongoing civil and criminal court cases.

Trump gasped when Harris mentioned his New York City conviction. In May, he was convicted on 34 counts of falsifying business records in connection with a scheme to influence the 2016 presidential election by paying adult film star Stormy Daniels in exchange for her silence over an alleged affair.

At one point, Trump argued that the crime rate is higher under the Biden administration because they allowed terrorists, drug dealers and common street criminals to migrate into the country.

Harris replied: I think this is so rich coming from someone who has been prosecuted for national security crimes, economic crimes, election interference, has been found liable for sexual assault and his next big court appearance is in November at his own criminal sentencing.

Trump then uttered off-mic: She is the one that weaponized.

During another memorable moment early in the debate, Harris suggested that Trump didnt have a plan for the economy.

Id invite you to know that Donald Trump actually has no plan for you, because he is more interested in defending himself than he is in looking out for you, the vice president said.

Off-mic, Trump snapped: Thats just a sound bite. They gave her that to say.
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Hillary Clinton has offered some debate tips for Vice President Kamala Harris before she faces off against Donald Trump.

While Trumps campaign adviser Jason Miller suggested on Monday that preparing to debate Trump is like trying to prepare for Floyd Mayweather or Muhammad Ali, Clinton had some specific ideas on how Harris could spar with the former president.

As the Democratic presidential nominee in 2016, Clinton faced Trump three times on the debate stage. Despite losing to him in the general election, she has clung on to her debates, which she says, were a decisive victory.

The consensus was that I won all three debates and that I was well prepared, Clinton told the New York Times in a Tuesday interview.

Clinton advised the current Democratic presidential nominee not to shy away from her prosecutorial experience. She just should not be baited. She should bait him. He can be rattled. He doesnt know how to respond to substantive, direct attacks, Clinton said.

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, on August 19. She offered advice to Kamala Harris for debating Trump, something she has done three times ( AFP via Getty Images )

I mean, when I said he was a Russian puppet and he just sputtered onstage, I think thats an example of how you get out a fact about him that really unnerves him.

Clinton added: He doesnt answer the questions. He doesnt come with any specifics.

Clinton also suggested that Harris attack Trumps really terrible record as president as well as what his next term will look like, including Project 2025, the conservative blueprint for a second Trump term spearheaded by the Heritage Foundation.

Trump has tried to disavow himself from the 900-page plan, claiming that he knows nothing about it or who is behind it  despite its authors coming from his former administration. His own running mate JD Vance wrote a glowing introduction for the Heritage Foundations Index of Culture and Opportunity in 2017, a collection of pieces touting conservative views.

I think she has a lot of good ammunition, Clinton told the Times.

Hes not a strong leader. Hes not a stable leader. The more that can be exposed, the more people will have doubts about him, Clinton told the outlet. She emphasized that this debate is designed for those who are undecided. There still is enough potential movement in the key states where people can be persuaded that they dont want to sign on for another four years of him.

From left: Vice President Kamala Harris, NY Governor Kathy Hochul and Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton on November 3, 2022 ( Getty Images )

The former Secretary of State also advised: I think she needs to be prepared enough that she feels really comfortable going on both offense and defense against Trump, because theres a lot to cover with him.

Clinton recalled how Trump mocked her for preparing for their head-to-head. It was the first debate when Trump literally ridiculed me for preparing. This was not something we had thought about beforehand, because who thought we could be ridiculed for preparing for a presidential debate in front of 85 or 90 million people?

And Ill tell you something else I prepared for: I prepared to be president. Because I had the confidence. I knew the material. I felt comfortable. I also knew I had to brush Trump back and not let him be the center of attention all the time, she said.

Trump in recent weeks has often relied on personal attacks against Harris  like questioning her race or suggesting that she has a low IQ  while also illustrating a dystopian view of the country. Harris has brushed off the attacks and promoted a bright view of the nations future.

Clinton suggested Harris stick to what shes been doing so far.

He has nothing positive to say about our country or the world, and I think shes handling him very well.
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Speaker of the House Mike Johnson pulled a vote on his temporary spending bill on Wednesday just hours before it was scheduled to head to the floor, citing a lack of agreement by House Republicans.

Were having thoughtful conversations, family conversations within the Republican conference and I believe well get there, Johnson told reporters.

The temporary bill would have funded federal agencies and programs for six months upon the new fiscal year beginning on October 1. Congress must pass a stopgap spending bill before that day in order to avoid a partial government shutdown  which would occur right before the presidential election.

But the legislative package also includes a controversial measure that would require voters to provide proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote, known as the SAVE Act.

At least six House Republicans voiced opposition to it which, in combination with Democratic disapproval, is enough to sink it.

Even with Republican support, the funding bill was unlikely to pass in the Democratic-controlled Senate and the Biden administration said the president would veto the measure.

Johnson told reporters that Majority Whip Tom Emmer was going to do the hard work and build consensus

Were going to work through the weekend on that, Johnson said.

Wednesdays decision indicates that there is still internal conflict within the House Republican Party.

Last year, the House GOP was thrown into chaos when rifts began to form among factions and a group of far-right Republicans, led by Representative Matt Gaetz, ousted former Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy.

Since then, House GOP leadership has been working to present a united front to Americans in a tumultuous election year.

But despite Johnsons public confidence that he could push ahead with the spending bill vote on Tuesday evening, by Wednesday afternoon it was clear that would not happen.

There is no indication a government shutdown will certainly happen. Congressional leaders are working hard to avoid it.

But doing so may mean Republicans need to make major concessions.

Democrats want the controversial voter registration measure stripped from the spending package and only want it to fund the government until December  in anticipation of the November election.

Johnson is facing the pressure of his party as well as former president Donald Trump who, on Tuesday, advocated for a government shutdown if that meant the controversial measure would not be included.
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Kamala Harris made an admission that may have surprised some viewers of the presidential debate against Donald Trump: she is a gun owner.

During Tuesday nights debate, Trump accused Harris of having a plan to confiscate everybodys guns if she is elected in November.

Responding to the false claim, the vice president said: This business about taking everyones guns away  Tim Walz and I are both gun owners.

Were not taking anybodys guns away, so stop with the continuous lying about this stuff.

Walz chimed in in a statement on X: Kamala Harris and I are both gun owners. Were not going to take away your Second Amendment rights  were going to prevent your kids from getting shot at school.

Commentators also remarked on social media how possession of a firearm by a convicted felon is a federal crime, meaning Harris is legally allowed to own a gun but Trump, by law, is not.

Not only are Kamala Harris and Tim Walz law-abiding gun owners, as she says, but Donald Trump has had his guns removed from his possession because he is a convicted felon, Democratic congressman Jamie Raskin said in a post on X.

Another person said: Fun Fact: Kamala Harris can own a gun. As a convicted felon, Donald Trump cant.

Kamala Harris responds to Donald Trumps accusation that she will confiscate everyones guns' ( AP )

After Trump was convicted of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records at his hush money trial earlier this year, ABC News reported that the NYPD would be revoking his gun license.

Harriss revelation that she owns a gun is not new.

What Harris has previously said about owning a gun

The Democratic presidential nominee first revealed she has a firearm in 2019 while on the campaign trail for the 2020 presidential election.

Back then, a campaign aide confirmed to CNN that Harris owns a handgun, purchased a number of years ago, which she keeps locked up for safety.

The vice president said the gun was for personal safety because of her former role as a prosecutor.

I am a gun owner and I own a gun for probably the reason a lot of people do  for personal safety, she said while speaking to journalists in Iowa. I was a career prosecutor.

Harris said in 2019 she has a gun for personal safety because of her role as a former prosecutor ( Getty Images )

She added: We are being offered a false choice. Youre either in favor of the Second Amendment or you want to take everyones guns away. Its a false choice that is born out of a lack of courage from leaders who must recognize and agree that there are some practical solutions to what is a clear problem in our country.

Harris also told a crowd at the time, including members of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, about her plans for gun control. We need reasonable gun safety laws in our country, including universal background checks and a renewal of the assault weapons ban, she said.

Harriss stance on gun control

Harris has repeatedly called for a new assault weapons ban, which would limit access to certain semi-automatic rifles commonly used in mass shootings.

The ban expired in 2004, one decade after it was signed into law by President Bill Clinton. It prohibits the sale of 19 specific models of firearms which have features of guns used by the military.

Last December, Senate Republicans blocked efforts by Senate Democrats to renew the ban, which included legislation on universal background checks Harris has previously called for.

Following the recent mass shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, Harris renewed her calls to end the epidemic of gun violence in the US.

Its senseless. It is. Weve got to stop it, and we have to end this epidemic of gun violence in our country once and for all. You know, it doesnt have to be this way. It doesnt have to be this way, she said.

Harris spoke about gun control after last weeks school shooting in Georgia ( AP )

While attorney general in California in 2012, Harris seized more than 2,000 firearms from people legally barred from owning them, including those who were determined to be mentally unstable and anyone with active restraining orders.

As vice president, Harris has overseen the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention. Its priorities have been to address school shootings by focusing on stopping people in crisis, notably when it comes to mental health, and juveniles from accessing firearms.

Meanwhile, as president in 2017, Trump reversed an Obama-era regulation that had made it harder for people suffering from mental health issues to buy a gun.

His administration did ban bump stocks in 2017 in the aftermath of the 2017 Las Vegas massacre where the gunman used the accessory  which converts a semi-automatic weapon into a machine gun.

However, the Supreme Court lifted the ban in June this year after a Texas gun shop owner challenged it. Trump appointed three of the conservative justices to the court.
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A 2019 questionnaire filled out by then-Senator Kamala Harris illuminates her previous support for more progressive causes, contrasting her more moderate approach as she now seeks to appeal to a broad swath of Americans in the final days of the 2024 presidential election.

Harriss answers on the form by the American Civil Liberties Union indicate that she once backed funding cuts to Immigration and Customs Enforcement and supported taxes being used to fund gender transition surgeries for federal prisoners and detained immigrants. The now-vice president also backed federally decriminalizing drug possession for personal use, and she pledged to end immigration detention.

When she filled out the form, Harris was running for president in the 2020 primary, but she ended up dropping out before voting began.

In an interview with CNN in August, Harris noted that she has modified some of her positions, but insisted that her values have not changed.

The Vice Presidents positions have been shaped by three years of effective governance as part of the Biden-Harris Administration, a Harris campaign advisor told CNN.

Democratic presidential nominee and U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during a campaign stop in North Hampton, New Hampshire, U.S. September 4, 2024. An ACLU questionnaire from 2019 has revealed a number of her previous more progressive stances ( REUTERS )

As President, she will take that same pragmatic approach, focusing on common-sense solutions for the sake of progress, a spokesperson added.

Harriss tougher rhetoric on immigration enforcement departs significantly from the position she took in the 2019 questionnaire.

She wrote that she would end private prisons and immigration detention facilities, adding that she would cut ICE funding.

Our immigrant detention system is out of control, and I believe we must end the unfair incarceration of thousands of individuals, families and children, the then-senator wrote. I was one of the first Senators after President Trump was elected to advocate for a decrease in funding to ICE.

As president, I will focus enforcement on increasing public safety, not tearing apart immigrant families. This includes requiring ICE to obtain a warrant where probable cause exists as to end the use of detainers, she added at the time.

ICE detainers are requests from the agency to local or state law enforcement to hold a person for as much as 48 hours longer than their original release time to allow ICE to potentially deport them.

When reached for comment, the Harris campaign referred to a statement from Communications Director Michael Tyler on Fox News.

That questionnaire is not what she is proposing or running on. You want to talk about immigration or border security, she has been very clear about ... how she has governed and intends to govern if she is president of the United States, he said. You talk about border security, for example, she has made clear the bipartisan border security package that Donald Trump blew up because he thought it would benefit him politically, if it gets on her desk, she will sign it into law.

On trans rights, Harris said in 2019 that she backed taxpayer-supported gender transition surgeries for federal prisoners and detained immigrants.

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, Harris wrote. Thats why, as Attorney General, I pushed the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to provide gender transition surgery to state inmates.

Transition treatment is a medical necessity, and I will direct all federal agencies responsible for providing essential medical care to deliver transition treatment, she added at the time.

Harris also said on the questionnaire that she supported decriminalizing all drug possession for personal use. Her answer only addressed the notion of legalizing marijuana, pointing to the Marijuana Justice Act, which she co-sponsored and which would have made the drug federally legal.

She added that drug use should be seen as a public health matter rather than an issue of crime.

Throughout my career, I have supported treating drug addiction as a public health issue, focusing on rehabilitation over incarceration for drug-related offenses, she wrote at the time.
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Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene blatantly accused former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo of murder on Tuesday during a tense congressional hearing on Cuomos Covid-19 nursing home scandal.

The firebrand congresswoman pointed her finger at Cuomo, claiming that his decision to force nursing homes to take in patients who were recovering from Covid in March 2020 led to the murdering of older New Yorkers.

The Comfort ship was sent to New York on March 30th of 2020. That was just a few days after you signed the directive to put Covid-19 patients into nursing homes on March 25th which led to the murdering [of] peoples parents, grandparents and great-grandparents, Greene said.

Yes, murdering them, she repeated.

The former governor tried to dispute Greenes accusations but she fiercely demanded he stop speaking and went on to accuse Cuomo of purposefully not allowing the Covid patients in the Javitts Center medical center or on the Comfort hospital ship.

Former governor Andrew Cuomo testifies to the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic ( Getty Images )

You didnt send them there you put them in nursing homes which is murder, Greene said. Thats murdering people.

Tuesdays hearing was a much-anticipated testimony from Cuomo who was caught in a scandal after his office underreported the number of Covid-19 patients who died in nursing homes.

On March 25, 2020, Cuomo signed a directive requiring nursing homes to accept Covid patients from hospitals regardless of their current infection status. Some criticized the directive, believing it would hurt the already at-risk population.

The New York governor defended his actions, saying he was acting in accordance with federal law.

The directive was later rescinded but when it came time to report the number of nursing home deaths, his office underreported by 50 percent.

Its been more than four years since the controversy, but Cuomo and his administration have faced state and federal investigations.

During Tuesdays hearing, Cuomo defended his administrations actions and accused Donald Trump of malpractice by downplaying the effect of the virus. The former governor told those who lost family members to the virus that he was sorry for their loss.

I am sorry for your loss and I believe you are owed an apology because this country should have done better, Cuomo said.

Greene and other members of the committee accused Cuomo of failing to take responsibility and acting without empathy.
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At Tuesday nights presidential debate, Donald Trump repeated the wild, baseless claim that Haitian migrants in an Ohio city are abducting peoples pets and eating them.

In Springfield, theyre eating the dogs. The people that came in. Theyre eating the cats. Theyre eating  theyre eating the pets of the people that live there. And this is whats happening in our country, and its a shame, Trump said.

The conspiracy theory appears to have bubbled up from racist rhetoric circulating online about the Haitian community in Springfield, which has a population of 58,000.

Haitians have come to the US in large numbers in recent years after a federal immigration program offered humanitarian parole to citizens from the Caribbean nation and three other countries facing economic and societal upheaval. Haiti has been devasted by major earthquakes and gang violence in the past decade.

Haitians appear to have come to Springfield because of job opportunities and affordable living, according to the city.

The pet-eating claim seems to have originated from a post on a Springfield Facebook group. The person who made the post, however, was not an eyewitness to the heinous accusation, but instead relied on a fourth-hand account.

Trump speaks during a presidential debate with Vice President Kamala Harris at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. Trump, his running mate, and other conservatives have been posting baseless rumors about Haitian migrants in Ohio eating pets  a claim that officials have repeatedly debunked ( AP )

The post, which appeared to have been written in the private group Springfield Ohio Crime and Information, read: Warning to all about our beloved pets & those around us!! My neighbor informed me that her daughters friend had lost her cat. She checked pages, kennels, asked around, etc.

One day she came home from work, as soon as she stepped out of her car, looked towards a neighbors house, where Haitians live, & saw her cat hanging from a branch, like you'd do a deer for butchering, & they were carving it up to eat. I've been told they are doing this to dogs, they have been doing it at snyder park with the ducks & geese, as I was told that last bit by Rangers & police. Please keep a close eye on these animals.

The post also claimed that they, presumably referring to Haitian migrants, are eating dogs, geese and ducks.

City officials and the Springfield Police Department swiftly rejected the claims.

There have been no credible reports or specific claims of pets being harmed, injured or abused by individuals within the immigrant community, a spokesperson for Springfield told WCMH. The police department has received no reports related to pets being eaten.

Springfield Mayor Rob Rue also tried to put an end to the wild rumors.

As a human being, can you imagine being talked about like this? Rue said, at a Tuesday press conference. What were doing is were letting these rumors, this national rhetoric come into our community and divide us.

Still, the myth has spread like wildfire online, fueled by some right wing figures and conservative lawmakers.

In an attempt to attack the Biden-Harris administrations border policy, JD Vanceposted a video to X on Monday that reports indicated that people have had their pets abducted and eaten by people who shouldnt be in this country.

A GOP strategist furthered the rumor and billionaire Trump supporter Elon Musk also jumped in. Vote for Kamala if you want this to happen to your neighborhood! he wrote.

As of Wednesday afternoon, his post had been viewed nearly 50 million times.

Springfields website estimates there are 12,000 to 15,000 immigrants in the city and surrounding Clark County. It does not specify the number of Haitian migrants.

However, the website mentions Haitian migrants specifically, clarifying that Haitian immigrants are here legally.

Springfield is also now home to ten newer businesses, opened by Haitian immigrants, including, 2 Haitian restaurants, 7 Haitian grocery stores and 1 Haitian food truck, the site states.
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You can bet Donald Trump wasnt prepared for this particular showdown.

On the sidelines of his first and possibly only debate against Kamala Harris in Philadelphia, the former president on Tuesday found himself face-to-face with none other than Yusef Salaam.

Salaam is a member of the Central Park Five  a group of Black and Hispanic youths Trump once called to be executed for a crime they were later they later exonerated of.

The confrontation unfolded in the wake of Trumps debate against Harris on Tuesday night, when the former president made a surprise appearance in the spin room at the Pennsylvania Convention Center  a room where his and Harriss assembled surrogates were making the case for why their respective candidates were the rightful victor of the debate.

Likely expecting to be fielding another question from a reporter, Trump instead found himself facing Salaam, now an elected member of New York Citys council, who had joined the scrum of reporters surrounding the former president. Salaam, a Democrat, was one of the many Harris campaign allies marked for interviews with press after the debate.

As the former president turned towards Salaam, he was asked by several reporters including NBCs Peter Alexander whether he would apologize or say anything at all to Salaam.

Donald Trump points at Yusef Salaam, a member of the exonerated Central Park Five, in the spin room after his debate with Kamala Harris ( Getty Images )

It wasnt clear if Trump immediately understood why Salaam was there, but he grinned and pointed at him, quipping: Thats good, youre on my side!

Salaam, obviously taken aback, laughed along with some of the reporters around him.

No, no, Im not on your side! Salaam shot back.

The former president then waved and stepped away to take questions from reporters standing further away.

Central Park 5 member confronts Trump face to face at debate

It was a jarring moment that illuminated the small world of US politics  which, even on the national stage, is often tinier than most appreciate.

The moment was particularly shocking given that Trump had just been called out by his opponent for demanding the execution of Salaam and four others on bogus charges, which Trump only appeared to acknowledge had been recanted in a skeptical-sounding response.

In that response, Trump insinuated that Democrats were digging up old baggage to hit him with, and dismissed Salaams relevance to his campaign given that, he claimed, then-Mayor Michael Bloomberg agreed with his assessment of the case. Bloomberg, a Democrat, blocked a multimillion-dollar settlement over Salaams prosecution.

A lot of people, including Mayor Bloomberg, agreed with me on the Central Park Five, Trump had said during his debate with Harris.

The vice president, meanwhile, argued that it was a tragedy that we have someone who wants to be president, who has consistently, over the course of his career, attempted to use race to divide the American people.
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Kamala Harris, the vice president said as she strode across the debate stage and shook Donald Trumps hand. Lets have a good debate.

Nice to see you, he replied. Have fun.

It marked the first time the presidential nominees had ever met face-to-face as they took to the stage in Philadelphias National Constitution Center on Tuesday night for the debate moderated by ABC News.

But Harris and Trumps amicable start was short lived, with the former president quickly spiraling into a slew of personal and policy-based attacks  many of which the former president has been baselessly claiming since the vice president stepped up on the Democratic ticket in July.

From Haitian immigrants devouring cats and dogs to the execution of babies after birth, Trump made a series of falsehoods and wild claims.

Here, The Independent has debunked Trumps five most bizarre (and baseless) claims of the night:

Executions after birth

At one point when speaking about abortion, Trump falsely claimed that Democrats support killing babies after birth.

[Harriss] vice presidential pick says abortion in the ninth month is absolutely fine. He also says execution after birth  its execution, no longer abortion because the baby is born  is okay, Trump said.

Trump and Harris kicked-off the debate with a handshake on Tuesday evening ( AFP via Getty Images )

This is false. Infantacide is illegal across all 50 states.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has also never claimed that its okay to execute a baby after it has been born. Last year, he signed an abortion bill into law in the state, which rules that an infant born alive following an abortion shall be fully recognized as a human being and falls under the full protection of the law.

ABC Newss moderator Linsey Davis swooped in and fact-checked Trump, noting that there is no state in this country where it is legal to kill a baby after its born.

Pet-eating immigrants

On Monday, Trumps running mate JD Vance claimed that Springfield, Ohio, residents are having their pets abducted and eaten by people who shouldnt be in this country.

Harris was left dumbfounded after Trump claimed that Haitian migrants are eating pet animals ( AFP via Getty Images )

Trump continued peddling the conspiracy on Tuesday night.

Theyre eating the dogs, theyre eating the cats, theyre eating the pets of the people that live there its a shame, he said.

Talk about extreme, a dumbfounded Harris muttered.

The bizarre story appears to stem from a local Facebook group, claiming that Haitian immigrants were killing and devouring cats and decapitating ducks.

But the false assertions have already been debunked by Springfield authorities, who confirmed on Monday that there has been no reports of pets being stolen and eaten in the community.

Project 2025

I have nothing to do with Project 2025, Trump said. Thats out there. I havent read it. I dont want to read it, purposely. Im not going to read it.

Trump declared that he has nothing to do with Project 2025  a key line of attack for the Harris campaign ( AFP via Getty Images )

Trumps affiliation with the Heritage Foundation think tank, which devised the so-called wish list of demands for a potential Trump second term is well documented  including a keynote address to his friends at the groups president club meeting in October 2017.

Six of Trumps former cabinet secretaries have reportedly assisted with writing the 900-page manifesto and an additional 140 of his former staffers are said to have helped work on Project 2025.

Paul Dans, an architect of Project 2025 and the former chief of staff at the Office of Personnel Management under Trump, told CNN on Monday that hed be honored to be asked by the president to work with him for another term.

He also said that hed visited Trumps Mar-a-Lago resort several times and last shook hands with the former president in February.

Despite the clear ties, Trump and the Heritage Foundation continue to deny that the former president has any involvement with Project 2025.

Proof 2020 election rigged

The former president claimed that there was so much proof that the 2020 election was rigged  a lie that Trump has been pushing ever since President Joe Biden beat him in the race for the White House.

Trump once again lambasted that the election was rigged. Harris alluded to him being stuck in the past ( AFP via Getty Images )

Following Bidens win, Trump and his allies filed a flurry of more than 60 lawsuits contesting the election.

Almost all the suits were dropped due to either a lack of evidence or failure to show fraud.

Judges and officials appointed by Trump also found no evidnce of election fraud.

In another falsehood about the 2020 election, the former president claimed no judges looked at the lawsuits filed.

They said we didnt have standing. A technicality. Can you imagine a system where a person in an election doesnt have standing? The president of the United States doesnt have standing. Thats how we lost, he said.

The border crisis

When hitting out at Harris over immigration and the USs southern border with Mexico, Trump stated that the number of migrants crossing the border have reached record highs over the past few years.

The Biden-Harris administration oversaw record numbers of migrants flood the US-Mexico border - but Trumps numbers were off ( AFP/Getty )

While this is correct, Trumps numbers were vastly overinflated as he claimed that millions [and] millions of people are pouring into our country monthly.

Figures from the Customs and Border Protection reveal that the agency has had eight million encounters with migrants at the US-Mexico border since Biden became president in 2021. Approximately half of which were turned away, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

The highest monthly migrant encounter tally was recorded in December, with the CBP processing 300,000 migrants.

Even taking into account an estimated 1.7 million migrants that have evaded apprehension since the start of fiscal year 2021, Trumps estimates are wildly off.
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Donald Trumps false claim that immigrants in Ohio are abducting pets and eating them during Tuesdays presidential debate was quickly slapped down by ABC News moderator David Muir.

While on the debate stage in Philadelphia, the former president asserted that Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio were eating dogs and eating the cats while pushing his anti-immigration policies.

What they have done to our country by allowing these millions and millions of people to come into our country and look at whats happening to the towns all over the United States, the former president said.

In Springfield, theyre eating the dogs. The people that came in. Theyre eating the cats. Theyre eating  theyre eating the pets of the people that live there. And this is whats happening in our country, and its a shame, the former president claimed.

As he spoke, Harris looked in disbelief at the former president before laughing.

There is no evidence that Haitian immigrants in Ohio are abducting and eating pets.

Muir corrected the former president, adding: ABC News did reach out to the city manager there. He told us there had been no credible reports of specific claims of pets being harmed, injured or abused by individuals within the immigrant community.

Trump interrupted Muir and disputed him, claiming he saw it on television.

Well, Ive seen people on television. People on television say, My dog was taken and used for food, so maybe he said that and maybe thats a good thing to say for a city manager, Trump said.

Former president Donald Trump falsely asserted a false and inflamatory claim that Haitian immigrants in Ohio were abducting and eating pets ( Getty Images )

That claim started from a post on social media, that appeared to originate from Springfield, where a resident said that the Haitian community carved up animals, including cats and dogs, for consumption.

Trumps running mate JD Vance reposted the claim. Other allies like Elon Musk and the GOP Judiciary made posts referencing the false claim.

Springfield Police Division said there was no evidence to support the claim and Muir confirmed that the Springfield City Manager had no credible reports of it.

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.
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Less than 12 hours after she quite clearly got under Donald Trumps skin on a Philadelphia debate stage, Vice President Kamala Harris shook hands with her Republican rival at a 9/11 memorial ceremony at Ground Zero in New York City.

Trump, who immediately complained at the conclusion of Tuesday nights matchup about the proceedings being rigged and unfair, showed up Wednesday morning at the site of the September 11, 2001 terror attack with running mate Sen. JD Vance of Ohio, who aped his bosss style in a matching blue suit and red tie.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, U.S. President Joe Biden, former Mayor of New York Michael Bloomberg, and former U.S. President Donald Trump join family and friends at Ground Zero honoring the lives of those lost on the 23rd anniversary of the terror attacks of September 11, 2001 ( Getty Images )

Harris arrived at the site about 10 minutes after Trump, and beamed as she was warmly welcomed by the crowd. President Joe Biden stood by Harriss side for the event marking the 23rd anniversary of the deadliest-ever terrorist strike on US soil; Cantor Fitzgerald CEO Howard Lutnick, whose firm lost 658 of its 960 employees on 9/11, was next to Trump, with former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg  who called Trump a carnival barking clown in 2020 in response to the then-presidents childish slurs over his height  positioned between them.

Once photographers snapped a raft of pictures of Harris, the VP and Oval Office hopeful chatted with Sen. Chuck Schumer, the New York Democrat, then walked over to Trump and greeted him with a handshake. Last night, Harris also made the first move to be civil to her opponent, who spent much of the 90-minute debate red-faced and yelling into the mic about nonsensical conspiracy theories involving, among other things, Haitian immigrants in Ohio eating peoples household pets.

From left, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-NY, Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden talk while attending the 9/11 Memorial ceremony on the 23rd anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura) ( AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura )

Moments after the debate ended, pop star Taylor Swift publicly endorsed Harris. Trumps performance opposite the VP was devastating to his campaign, CNN host Jake Tapper said. Former Fox News anchor Chris Wallace, now with CNN, echoed Tappers analysis, saying Harris pitched a shutout against the former president and convicted felon. A flash poll conducted by CNN found Harris to be the debates decisive winner.

Still, Trump showed up in the post-debate spin room, spinning the decidely contrarian view that he had in fact won the debate against Harris. At the same time, he did not seem eager to take part in a second contest, telling Fox News, I dont know that I want to do another debate.

Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump, left, Republican vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, center, and Rudy Giuliani, right, attend the 9/11 Memorial ceremony on the 23rd anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura) ( AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura )

When two fighters fight and one loses, the first thing they do is ask for a debate, Trump said. Or they ask for a fight. So in this case a debate, Trump said. When a fighter loses, he says: I want a rematch. I want a rematch. Always the losing person, the fighter, the debater, they always ask for a rematch.

Biden on Wednesday said a brief hello to Trump, who has been vicious in his attacks on the sitting president.

Taylor Swift publicly endorsed Kamala Harris moments after Tuesdays debate ended ( AFP via Getty Images )

In a statement issued prior to the event, Biden said, On this day 23 years ago, terrorists believed they could break our will and bring us to our knees. They were wrong. They will always be wrong. In the darkest of hours, we found light. And in the face of fear, we came together  to defend our country, and to help one another. That is why terrorists targeted us in the first place: our freedom, our democracy, our unity.

Striking an optimistic tone running directly counter to Trumps consistent drumbeat of a failing nation walking headlong into World War III, Bidens statement portrayed the United States as a nation of boundless promise.

Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, right, talks with Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump, center and Republican vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, as they depart the 9/11 Memorial ceremony on the 23rd anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, in New York ( AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura )

[W]e are the United States of America, the statement said. We endure. We overcome. And there is nothing beyond our capacity when we do it together.

Disgraced ex-New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani was also on hand for the Wednesday morning ceremony. He joined Trump and notorious conspiracy theorist Laura Loomer, who once handcuffed herself to the front door of Twitters Manhattan offices to protest her suspension from the platform, at a nearby firehouse following the Ground Zero event. Loomer flew to last nights debate on Trumps plane, according to pool reports.

The Ground Zero event had a far larger turnout than a subsequent one in Shanksville, Pennsylvania ( Getty )

Harris and Biden headed to Shanksville, Pennsylvania later on Wednesday for a ceremony memorializing United Flight 93, which went down during 2001s coordinated attack, killing 40 passengers and crew.

Shortly after 12:30 p.m., the two laid a white and red wreath at the Flight 93 memorial, then walked out to the crash site itself.

There were about 200 people there, some of them family members of victims, the on-scene press pooler reported. The low turnout suggested that people are forgetting, according to one attendee. A man at the event was spotted wearing a red shirt reading, #Kommy_Kamala SUCKS at all her jobs. Willie Brown said #Hawktuah_Harris also swallows. The back of the shirt said, Abort Hawktuah Harris. He told the pooler he was there to honor the victims of Flight 93. The event was largely apolitical, according to the pool reporter, but four Trump hats were seen on heads in the audience for the Biden-Harris appearance.

Trump is expected in Shanksville this afternoon for a private wreath-laying ceremony.

Biden and Harris  who did not shake Trumps hand when she departed the Ground Zero event  will also take part in a 9/11 ceremony this afternoon at the Pentagon.
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Donald Trumps campaign and allies had hoped a debate against Kamala Harris could give him yet another chance to finally deliver a focused attack against his Democratic rival.

Instead, he unraveled.

The former president repeated false claims about abortion, amplified conspiracy theories, and grew frustrated and defensive over discussion of his rally crowd sizes in a series of flailing responses in their first, and potentially last, presidential debate of 2024.

By the end, he was predicting a Third World War without him in office, and one of the worlds biggest pop stars Taylor Swift was endorsing his rival.

In their highly anticipated prime-time matchup in Philadelphia on Tuesday, the former president repeated discredited claims about immigrants stealing and eating pets, falsely stated that abortion patients are killing their children after they are born, and steamed over Harriss accusations that his supporters are leaving his long-winded rallies exhausted and bored.

The first-ever face-to-face meeting between the Republican and Democratic presidential candidates presented not only starkly different visions of Americas future, but what Americas reality even is.

Harris pitched to voters an opportunity to leave Trumps distortions in the past and instead build on the aspirations and hopes of the American people.

Donald Trump and Kamala Harris shake hands ahead of their first-ever 2024 presidential debate on ABC on September 10. ( AFP via Getty Images )

Trump, by contrast, was spiraling, turning to his worn-out list of lies and personal attacks as he seemed to struggle with the fact that he is no longer running against President Joe Biden.

ABC News moderators Linsey Davis and David Muir were tasked with directing what could have been 90 minutes of chaos. But without an audience, and with a muted microphone when it wasnt his turn to speak, Trump appeared alone, flailing, not in control, and visibly rattled.

He repeatedly tried to turn the conversation to immigration, claiming that immigrants are taking over buildings ... violently, and blurting out at one point that Harris wants to do transgender operations on illegal aliens that are in prison.

Haitian immigrants in Ohio are eating the dogs, he said.

The people that came in, theyre eating the cats, Trump said. Theyre eating  theyre eating the pets of the people that live there.

Harris, laughing and shaking her head in disbelief, appeared to say this is unbelievable.

Talk about extreme, she said.

She predicted at the start that Trump would turn to immigration throughout the debate, a topic that she said he wields against his supporters to scare them into voting for him.

Trump repeats debunked cat-eating claims during debate with Harris

Trump, Harris said, would rather run on a problem than fix a problem.

At his rallies, he talks about fictional characters like Hannibal Lecter and claims that windmills cause cancer.

And what you will also notice is people start leaving his rallies early out of exhaustion and boredom, she said. And I will tell you the one thing you will not hear him talk about, is you.

Trump, lashing out in response, and clearly stung by the dig at his crowd sizes, fired back that nobody goes to the vice presidents events except people who are paid and bussed in.

On the future of abortion access, Harris argued that one does not have to abandon their faith or deeply held beliefs to agree that the government  and Donald Trump, certainly  should not be telling a woman what to do with her body.

Trump, on the other hand, falsely asserted that physicians are executing babies after birth.

He refused to plainly state that he would veto a national abortion ban, if one passed Congress and arrived on his desk.

Asked whether there was anything he regretted about his response to the attack on the Capitol on January 6. Trump said he had nothing to do with that and once again pivoted to demanding the prosecution of people crossing the US-Mexico border.

For everyone watching who remembers January 6, I say, We dont have to go back, said Harris, who was a senator inside the Capitol that day.

Its time to turn the page, she added. And if that was a bridge too far for you, there is a place in our campaign for you.

Trump turned to his worn-out list of lies and personal attacks as he seemed to struggle with the fact that he is no longer running against President Joe Biden ( AFP via Getty Images )

Asked whether his recent statements that he lost the 2020 election by a whisker are his years-delayed admission of defeat, Trump said he was speaking sarcastically.

He pointed to the millions of votes he received in 2016 and 2020, failing to mention that Biden received more.

Harris, borrowing a line from her opponent, said that Trump was fired by 81 million people.

A question about Trump and his allies elevating bogus and racist attempts to undermine her biracial background gave Harris a chance to cycle through his legacy of racist attacks, from a federal lawsuit in the 1970s targeting alleged racial discrimination at Trump housing developments, to his latest statements about the vice president.

I think its a tragedy that we have somebody who wants to be president who has consistently over the course of his career has used race to attempt to divide the American people, she said. I think the American people want better than that  want better than this.

In her opening remarks, she reminded Americans what Donald Trump left us, listing what she said the Biden administration inherited after Trumps four-year team: the worst unemployment since the Great Depression, the worst public health epidemic in a century, and the worst attack on our democracy since the Civil War following a Trump-fueled mobs attempt to overturn 2020s election results.

What we have done is clean up Donald Trumps mess, she said.

Trump, the first criminally convicted former president, is running for office a third time on his Make America Great Again agenda, with a retribution-fueled campaign painting an apocalyptic vision of the nation overrun by violent crime and dogged by a flailing economy under Bidens administration. Trump has now pinned the blame for all of the above on the vice president.

Harris has embraced a were not going back slogan, opting for optimism and the promise of an opportunity economy that would build off Bidens platform.

Tuesdays debate arrived less than two months before Election Day, and just seven weeks after Biden ended his re-election campaign and endorsed the vice president as the Democratic nominee.

Harris formally accepted the nomination at the Democratic National Convention less than a month ago on August 22, marking an extraordinary turn of events that have compressed the typically months-long election cycle into a few crucial weeks.

It was Bidens poor performance against Trump on June 27  and his failure to stand up to his avalanche of lies and distortions  that galvanized Democrats around the idea of him stepping aside.

On Tuesday, Harris did what Biden had failed to do, confronting Trump with a combination of sober outrage and mockery.
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Kamala Harris laid the bait for Donald Trump by attacking the most precious thing to him in the world - his rallies.

He talks about fictional characters like Hannibal Lecter. He will talk about how windmills cause cancer. What you will also notice is that people start leaving his rallies early out of exhaustion and boredom. The one thing you will not hear him talk about is you, she said, in a moment that was likely rehearsed for days.

Trumps eyes widened and his face dropped. He could no longer hear the moderators above the ringing in his ears.

Let me respond just to the rallies, he said, ignoring a question about the border. People dont leave my rallies. We have the biggest rallies, the most incredible rallies in the history of politics, he went on.

The man who has spent every debate of his life burrowing beneath the skin of his opponents was finally on the receiving end of it.

From that moment on, his voice rarely fell below a shout. His sentences were disjointed. His syntax was confused. His face was red. His brow was furrowed. He leaned forward towards the empty space in front of him.

The worst was still yet to come.

Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks during a presidential debate with Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris. ( AP )

In perhaps the strangest moment of the debate, or of any presidential debate in US history, Trump stumbled from a defense of his rallies to the sharing of an online conspiracy theory about Haitian migrants eating cats in Springfield, Ohio.

In Springfield, theyre eating the dogs  the people that came in  they are eating the cats. Theyre eating  theyre eating the pets of the people that live there, he said.

When the moderator, ABCs David Muir, said there had been no credible reports of pets being harmed, the former president responded with an answer that might have prompted a wellness check if it had been uttered anywhere but the debate stage: The people on television say my dog was taken and used for food.

The split-screen was not kind to Trump. As he summoned images of dead cats from his imagination, Harriss facial expressions told a story all of their own. She laughed and winced through his answers.

This was not the imposing Trump that stalked Hillary Clinton in 2016. Or the restrained Trump that spoke quietly as Joe Biden stumbled just two and a half months ago.

Trumps debate style was once compared to a malfunctioning appliance. On stage this evening, he resembled a whistling kettle rattling on a stove. He never found his footing.

Harris baited him again and again, attacking his temperament, calling him weak and a disgrace. She stared straight at Trump as she told him world leaders were laughing at Donald Trump, and called him confused about fact.

Harris listens to Trump during the debate. She threw him off his game by just bringing up his rallies. ( AP )

Trump fixed his gaze square ahead. His anger at an invisible mark in front of his lectern only grew.

Let me just tell you about world leaders. Viktor Orban, one of the most respected men -- they call him a strong man. Hes a tough person. Smart. Prime Minister of Hungary. They said why is the whole world blowing up? Three years ago it wasnt. Why is it blowing up? He said because you need Trump back as president, he said, before listing more dictators who thought he was a good guy.

Harris landed her biggest punches on Trump on abortion and race.

In what is likely to be her most viral moment, she was able to deliver a powerful rebuke of Trumps dismantling of Roe v Wade.

Trump abortion bans that make no exception even for rape and incest. Understand what that means. A survivor of a crime, a violation of their body, does not have the right to make a decision about what happens to their body next. That is immoral, she said.

And one does not have to abandon their faith or deeply held beliefs to agree the government, and Donald Trump certainly, should not be telling a woman what to do with her body, she added.

Trump, meanwhile, prevaricated on his position on a national abortion ban and made the absurd claim that Harriss running-mate, Tim Walz, supports execution after birth.

That prompted a sullen moderator, Linsey Davis, to remind the former president: There is no state in this country where it is legal to kill a baby after its born.

Trump lost his cool, then spouted false claims and continued to hit the same talking points from the campaign trail, offering little new. ( REUTERS/REUTERS )

Trump had hoped to use the debate to tie Harris to all of Bidens failures. By the end, Harris had more success prosecuting the case against Trump.

In her closing statement, Harris spoke of the candidates two very different visions for our country.

One that is focused on the future and the other that is focused on the past. And an attempt to take us backward. But were not going back. And I do believe that the American people know we all have so much more in common than what separates us and we can chart a new way forward, she said.

Trump ended with a question for Harris.

So, she just started by saying shes going to do this, shes going to do that, shes going to do all these wonderful things. Why hasnt she done it? he asked.

Were a failing nation. Were a nation thats in serious decline. Were being laughed at all over the world. All over the world, they laugh, I know the leaders very well. Theyre coming to see me. They call me. Were laughed at all over the world. They dont understand what happened to us as a nation. Were not a leader. We dont have any idea whats going on, he added.

As he walked off stage, Donald Trump must have been wishing he had gone easier on Joe Biden.

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.
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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.
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Around the 24th minute of Donald Trumps seventh general election presidential debate, he fell directly into a trap Kamala Harris had laid out for him.

The vice president was answering a question on immigration, a subject that has been central to Trumps political rise and his remaking of the Republican Party, when she noted that he was the one who had pressured his political allies in Congress into killing a bipartisan border security bill. She could have left it there. Instead, Harris did something curious. She invited voters to attend one of his signature political rallies, calling them a really interesting thing to watch because many of Trumps supporters now leave them early out of exhaustion and boredom.

It was a calculated line, clearly meant to trigger the notoriously thin-skinned ex-president. And it was one that her campaign had telegraphed earlier in the day by airing a television advertisement that featured Barack Obama needling Trump about his obsession with crowd sizes.

Yet it was also a line Trumps campaign should have prepared him to face. He had one goal that evening: to maintain his cool. With one throwaway comment, Harris got him to fail at that task in the most spectacular manner possible.

As soon as it was his turn to speak once more, Trump took the bait. First, he began claiming  falsely  that supporters dont leave his rallies. He called the campaign gatherings the most incredible rallies in the history of politics because his supporters want to take their country back and are angry at whats happening to the towns all over the United States.

It got worse for him from there.

The ex-president next turned to a false story his campaign has been promoting about Haitian migrants kidnapping and eating pets in Springfield, Ohio.

In Springfield, they're eating the dogs  the people that came in, they're eating the cats. They're eating the pets of the people that live there. And this is what's happening in our country, and it's a shame, he said.

It was so bizarre that moderator David Muir had to step in and inform him that the Springfield city manager told ABC News that nothing of the sort had happened, ever.

Shes kicking his ass, one Republican operative told The Independent as the debate wrapped. ( AFP via Getty Images )

According to a source familiar with Harriss debate preparations, the vice president and her team had prepared multiple canned lines she could inject into the conversation with the exact aim of upending Trumps psychological state. But what the Harris campaign did not prepare for  and could not prepare for  was the way Trump managed to bite on every single one of the lures that the vice president dropped into the water.

At another point, Muir interjected to tell Trump that the FBI has said violent crime is actually down in recent years, after the ex-president claimed it has skyrocketed under Biden. In response, Trump began attacking the FBI, giving Harris another opening to bring up Trumps upcoming criminal sentencing.

He then launched into another rant about the various prosecutions against him and blamed Biden and Harris for them. Job done by Harris once again.

By the halfway mark in the 90-minute debate, the former president had gone off on multiple tangents, each more damaging than the last. That included one in which he praised Ashli Babbitt, the deceased Capitol rioter who was shot by a police officer while trying to enter an area from which House members were being evacuated to prevent them from being lynched by a pro-Trump mob. He also repeatedly refused to acknowledge having lost the election under questioning from Muir and co-moderator Linsey Davis.

At the same time, Harris landed her blows and even got out detailed explanations of her policy proposals, giving voters something theyve told pollsters they want.

As Trump ranted and raved, she stayed calm. She didnt raise her voice, but her expressions  ranging from bemusement to feigned shock and horror  made clear her feelings about her opponent. She even managed to find reason to relay comments from military leaders whove worked under Trump and who, according to her, called him a disgrace.

She managed to take the fight to him without fighting, to attack without appearing combative, to take offense without appearing angry. Or, as one Republican consultant who worked with Trump on his 2020 race put it in a text message as the debate wrapped: This is Pam Grier vs. Archie Bunker.

A moment later, the same operative weighed in again, this time in more blunt terms.

Shes kicking his ass, they said.
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Donald Trump revealed the reason behind his nickname for Vice President Kamala Harris.

Trump, who has inexplicably referred to his opponent as Kamabla in recent weeks, has finally explained his thinking behind the nickname in an interview with New York Magazine.

Just a  mixed-up  pile of words, Trump told the magazine. Like she is.

She is, she is, well, you have to see it to really understand, he continued, saying the nickname works better in writing as his explanation fell flat. New York Magazines Olivia Nuzzi, who interviewed the former president, even noted she was confused as he explained the nickname.

Trump has indeed used the nickname often on his social media platform, Truth Social.

People vote with their STOMACH, and food is now at an all time high because of Kamabla/Biden INCOMPETENCE, the former president wrote last month on Truth Social.

Donald Trump has finally explained the meaning behind his nickname for the vice president, Kamabla ( Getty Images )

Kamabla has stated, over and over again, that she wants to DEFUND THE POLICE AND, WITHOUT QUESTION, BAN FRACKING, he added.

His own campaign has explained the nickname previously, telling The Intelligencer that Kamabla represents all the hurt and misery the Biden-Harris administration has brought to every single American.

However, this previous definition did not provide much explanation for the b inserted into the vice presidents name.

His running mate, JD Vance, had also been elusive about the moniker.

I think the president, obviously, he loves to give people nicknames and I think that hes going to keep on doing that, Vance has previously said. I would be shocked if its the last nickname he gives her before the end of the election.

While this isnt Trumps only nickname for Harris, it may well be the most confusing. Hes also branded Harris as Lyin Kamala and Laffin Kamala throughout her seven-week-long campaign for president.

Trumps explanation of Kamabla came ahead of his first debate against Harris, scheduled for Tuesday night.

Going into the debate, Harris has a 2.8-point lead over Trump, according to the latest average of national polls, collated by FiveThirtyEight. On average, Harris has been marginally ahead of Trump in national polls.

The face-off has high stakes for both candidates, The Independent previously reported. Harris is tasked with keeping alive the spike in enthusiasm among Democrats since Joe Biden dropped out of the race. Trump, in turn, needs to stop that momentum in its tracks and make up lost ground.
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Former president Donald Trump repeated a familiar false claim that some states allow people to obtain abortions after a baby is born on the debate stage Tuesday evening  a claim that was quickly smacked down by moderator Linsey Davis.

[Democrats] have abortion in the ninth month, the former president falsely stated.

He claimed, once again, that the previous governor of West Virginia said the state would decide what to do with the baby after it was born.

In other words, well execute the baby, Trump claimed.

Davis corrected the former president about his statement saying, There is no state in this country where it is legal to kill a baby after its born.

Harris looks on as former president Donald Trump speaks on the debate stage ( REUTERS )

Trumps claim is one that anti-abortion activists have launched before. His assertion originates from a quote taken out of context from former Virginia governor Ralph Northam in 2019.

Northam was giving a hypothetical example of what could happen if a pregnant person whose fetus was not viable requested an abortion while in labor.

Anti-abortion activists have used the so-called concept of after-birth abortions to paint loose abortion laws as radical. But there is no state where a baby can be legally killed after birth.

Harris reiterated to the former president that his assertion was false and insulting to the women of America.

The vice president, who campaigns on reproductive freedoms, blamed Trump for restrictive abortion laws in the United States and shared harrowing stories of women who experienced physical and emotional pain as a result.

At the Democratic watch party, viewers cheered for Harriss response about the former president causing the end of Roe v. Wade, according to The Independents Washington bureau chief Eric Garcia.

Trump also commended the six conservative Supreme Court Justices for overturning Roe and said laws pertaining to abortion were rightfully brought back to the states.

However, when asked if he would support a federal abortion ban, Trump did not give a straightforward answer.

The former president also revealed he had not discussed whether he would veto a federal abortion ban with JD Vance, his vice-presidential running mate, who has claimed that Trump would veto such a bill.
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Back in 2015, Donald Trump kicked off his presidential campaign at Trump Tower by branding immigrants from Mexico rapists and drug dealers, and nearly a decade later, his anti-immigration views have only gotten stronger.

In recent weeks, he and running mate JD Vance have been spreading unfounded, often racist claims about Haitian and Venezuelan migrants, part of a larger false narrative about an unprecedented migrant crime wave in the U.S. which is not actually occurring, which they allege is a consequence of Kamala Harriss time in a border czar role she never actually had.

Trump and Vance may not be telling the whole truth, or much of it at all, but the comments are revealing nonetheless. Theyre a signal of what a Trump-Vance presidency might look like, where the candidates have promised an unprecedented and bloody crackdown on migrants inside the U.S.

Most recently, Vance has joined in on an unfounded, racist rumor that migrants from Haiti are abducting and eating pets in his home state of Ohio.

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.

Donald Trump and J.D. Vance have continued to amplify dubious claims about immigrants to the U.S. ( Getty Images )

Reports now show that people have had their pets abducted and eaten by people who shouldnt be in this country.

The claim appears to have its roots in a post from a Springfield-based Facebook group, later parroted by far-right activists and neo-Nazis online before it reached Vance and other prominent Republicans like Senator Ted Cruz.

The Springfield police said on Monday theyd received no reports of pets being stolen or eaten, though Vances office insisted to The Independent that the senator has been receiving a high volume of calls and emails from concerned citizens about such claims.

I think its sad that some people are using this as an opportunity to spread hate or spread fear, Jason Via, Springfields deputy director of public safety and operations, said of the situation earlier this year. 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. And we havent really seen any of that. Its really frustrating. As a community, its not helpful as we try to move forward.

Moreover, many of the up to 20,000 Haitians whove arrived in Springfield since the pandemic began are there legally under Temporary Protected Status, a program designed to protect migrants from countries undergoing crises like coups or national disasters. They have been credited with helping revive local manufacturing jobs.

The Trump ticket followed a similar playbook earlier this month, repeating highly contested claims that a Venezuelan street gang had taken over an apartment complex in the Denver suburb of Aurora.

Take a look at Aurora in Colorado, where Venezuelans are taking over the whole town, theyre taking over buildings, the whole town, Trump said at a recent Fox News town hall. You saw it the other day theyre knocking down doors and occupying apartments of people.

Here, the factual situation is a bit murkier, though theres certainly not a citywide Venezuelan gang invasion underway.

Surveillance video of the apartment complex in question shows a group of armed men strolling the halls and entering an apartment, and a city council member and the mayor of Aurora have described buildings being taken over.

The Aurora police department and governor of Colorado, meanwhile, say this is untrue, and that violent crime has actually been declining in the city at the same time it received an influx of Venezuelan migrants.

In both cases, the claims from the Trump campaign may ignore key parts of the factual record but appear to have caused real damage on the ground.

Denise Williams, a former NAACP chapter president in Springfield, who has spoken out against the torrent of hate directed at Haitians in the area, told NPR shes been bombarded with angry messages since Vances claims went public.

Im taking that as a pure threat, she said.

Residents of the apartment complexes in Aurora under the microscope have also described a wave of violent, angry threats coming their way after their lives became the focus of the Republican conspiracy industrial complex.

Jefferson Medina, a Venezuelan immigrant who lives at one of the complexes, told Westworld last week that a group of men in a car with a large gun yelled ugly things as they drove through the area.

I go to work at five in the morning, and Im already afraid for my life that someone is going to do something  because Im Venezuelan, theyre going to do something, Moises Didenot, another Venezuelan migrant, told the outlet. Weve all already been threatened with a flier saying were all criminals. Im afraid someone is going to do something out of hate.

The anti-immigrant hysteria is part of the Trump campaigns larger narrative that the U.S. is beset with a wave of Biden migrant crime, part of an invasion taking place at U.S. borders.

This is also not true.

Border-crossings did hit unprecedented levels at the U.S.-Mexico border in December, part of a record-breaking few years, but that hasnt corresponded with a massive crime wave in the largely liberal-leaning cities where many have settled. Quite the opposite.

As a meta-analysis of criminal justice studies from the Brennan Center notes, the data does not support the claim that immigrants commit more crimes or are incarcerated at higher levels than U.S.-born people, nor does the data suggest undocumented migration and sanctuary city policies drive violent crime.

Those trends hold true even in cities to which Republican states like Texas have explicitly rerouted border-crossers, like Philadelphia, Chicago, Denver, New York, and Los Angeles, according to an NBC News review of crime data available through 2024.

But if Donald Trumps political rise has proven anything, its that the hard facts arent particularly important to his brand of power.

His numerous false claims about the 2020 election, none of which have secured meaningful victory in the courts, havent stopped the former president from retaining the support of nearly half of voters.

And it seems more Americans are coming around to Trumps point of view on immigrants.

According to Gallup polling, between 2021 and July of 2024, the percentage of Americans who think immigration should be decreased shot up from 31 to 55 percent, mirrored by a sharp drop during that same period in those who think immigration should increase.

His first term in office coincided with a string of chaotic and highly controversial comments and initiatives  a travel ban from largely Muslim countries; family separation that divided, in some cases permanently, children from their parents, including U.S. citizens; reported comments calling Haiti and other African nations sh**hole countries; and a pandemic-era border shutdown.

As the last few weeks indicate, he was only just getting started.
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Stanislawa Wasilewska was 42 when she was captured by Nazi German troops on 31 August 1944 in Warsaw and sent to the womens concentration camp at Ravensbruck. From there, she was sent to the Neuengamme forced labour camp, where she was given prisoner number 7257 and had her valuables seized.

Eighty years later, Germanys Arolsen Archives returned Ms Wasilewska's jewellery to her grandson and great-granddaughter at an emotional ceremony in Warsaw during which families of 12 Polish inmates of Nazi concentration camps were given back their confiscated belongings.

Some relatives had tears in their eyes as they received the mementoes of their long-gone, often unknown family members. More such ceremonies are planned.

Ms Wasilewskas family were given back her two amber crucifixes, part of a golden bracelet and a gold wristwatch engraved with the initials KW and the date 7-3-1938, probably marking her wedding to Konstanty Wasilewski.

This is an important moment in our lives, because this is a story that we did not fully know about and it came to light, Wasilewskas great-granddaughter, Malgorzata Korys, 35, she said.

When Nazi Germany was defeated in 1945, Ms Wasilewska was taken by the Red Cross from Neuengamme to Sweden, but later returned to Poland. She is buried in her native Grodzisk Mazowiecki, near Warsaw.

From another family, Adam Wierzbicki, 29, was given two rings which belonged to Zofia Strusinska and a golden chain and tooth filling of Jozefa Skorka, two married sisters of his great-grandfather Stanislaw Wierzbicki. Captured together on 4 August like Ms Wasilewska, the sisters also went through Ravensbruck and Neuengamme before the Red Cross took them to Sweden.

A relative shows items that were confiscated by Nazis from Zofia Strusinska and her sister Jozefa Skorka ( AP )

A family story has it that a Swedish man fell in love with one of the sisters and wanted them both to stay, promising to take care of them, but they decided to go back to Poland, Mr Wierzbicki said.

The return of their jewellery is important for sentimental reasons but also for historical reasons, Ms Wierzbicki said.

The items were returned by the Arolsen Archives, the international centre on Nazi persecution, which holds information on about 17.5 million people. It stores some 2,000 items which were seized by the Nazis from concentration camp inmates from more than 30 countries, and are intended to be returned to their relatives.

When the prisoners were sent to concentration camps, their valuables  wedding rings, watches, gold chains, earrings and other items  were confiscated and put in envelopes marked with their owners names. That allowed for the items return to the families, decades later.

It was an uplifting moment when the archives volunteers contacted him, Mr Wierzbicki said, but there was also this thought that history will catch up with you. It was like my aunts were looking at me from the past.

Relatives of the deceased collect their jewellery at the ceremony in Warsaw ( AP )

The archives launched its restitution campaign, Warsaw Uprising: 100 Untold Stories, to mark 80 years since the city rose up against the Nazi invaders on1 August 1944, with the goal of reaching the families of 100 victims and reviving the memory of them through their belongings.

Archive director Floriane Azoulay said they were only custodians of the belongings, which should be returned to the families.

Every object that we return is personal, Ms Azoulay said. And its the last personal thing a person had on them before they became a prisoner, before they became a number. So it is a very important object for a family.

Volunteer Manuela Golc has found more than 100 Polish families and each time its an emotional moment.

It is often the case that we pass on information that the family was not aware of at all, Ms Golc said. So this conversation on the phone... is also very difficult. But in the end, we are very happy that the memento is returning to the family.

If she was unable to trace a family online or through official records, she travelled to cemeteries, leaving notes waterproofed against the rain for the families on the graves of people whose data matched those in the archives, asking them to get in touch. Sometimes they do.

The Warsaw Uprising was launched by the underground resistance Home Army with the goal of taking control of the capital city ahead of the advancing Soviet troops. It fell after 63 days of heroic struggle that cost the lives of some 200,000 fighters and civilians. In revenge, the Germans expelled the surviving residents and reduced Warsaw to ruins.

During German occupation from 1939 to 1945, Poland lost some 6 million residents, half of them Jewish, and suffered huge material losses.

AP
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Ukraine has built its first steel, underground frontline hospital in a bid to provide critical first aid to severely wounded soldiers.

The complex, which comprises two full-scale operating theatres and six enlarged steel bunkers, is capable of housing around 100 soldiers. The Ministry of Defence said the hospital is capable of both stabilising the wounded and performing up to four surgeries simultaneously.

It has been supplied with alternative power sources, ventilation and water supply, allowing it to operate without additional support if the area comes under threat.

While its steel reinforcements will provide protection against Russian artillery, it is also equipped with electronic warfare intended to further reduce the threat of Russian aerial attacks.

During the installation of the underground hospital, additional security measures were taken to protect against exposure of its location and potential enemy attacks on the facility. It is believed that the hospital is located in eastern Ukraine.

The hospital consists of six bunkers to cater to wounded Ukrainian troops ( Rinat Akhmetov's Steel Front initiative )

As Russian forces advance in that area of Ukraine, particularly in the Donetsk region, Kyiv is looking to shore up its defences. Providing more frontline care is aimed at alleviating the impact that high casualty rates, worsened by a lack of rotation from the front, are having both on troop morale and its ability to defend territory.

Ukrainian defence minister Rustem Umerov said the hospital is just the first step in a large-scale project that will strengthen our medical infrastructure and allow us to provide even more effective support to our frontline defenders.

Such underground stabilisation points are critical for saving the lives of our service members, he added.

The hospital will be able to perform four surgeries simultaneously and house 100 soldiers ( Rinat Akhmetov's Steel Front initiative )

In the heat of intense hostilities, we must deliver maximum protection and immediate medical care to our heroes.

The project cost an estimated 371,000, with nearly half of that spent on medical equipment. It was built with the help of Ukrainian steel tycoon and billionaire Rinat Akhmetov, a former lawmaker, and the Metinvest Group, a Ukrainian steel and mining company.

Roman Kuzev, acting commander of the medical forces group East, described the hospital as the best stabilisation centre available.

The facility cost around 371,000 and is due to be the first of several across the frontline in Ukraine ( Ministry of Defence )

This underground hospital is the best stabilisation centre available. It will allow us to provide medical care to over 100 patients a day, saving hundreds of lives of our heroes, he said. I hope the number of such facilities will grow.

Oleksandr Myronenko, chief operating officer of Metinvest Group, said: A medical hospital located many metres underground is the most ambitious and challenging project we have had to implement since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, as part of Rinat Akhmetovs Steel Front initiative.

Every minute counts in saving the lives of Ukrainian defenders. We have made every effort not to waste this precious time and to ensure that our doctors have everything they need to provide timely and effective aid.

Steel facilities near the frontline have been used previously by Ukrainian forces but only as shelters, not independent medical facilities.
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Russian forces have advanced in eastern Ukraine and look to be readying for an upcoming battle for a key city in the area, the loss of which could open up the wider Donetsk region, analysts have reported.

While the Ukrainian incursion into the Kursk region through August successfully captured a chunk of mainland Russia, Kyivs forces are now battling hard against advancing troops in the Donetsk region hundreds of miles to the south.

Click here to see our live coverage of the war.

It had been hoped that the Kursk incursion would draw away Russian forces in Donetsk and slow the advance but it appears that this has not happened.

Coupled with morale issues, belated troop rotations and apparent ammunition shortages, Ukrainian forces have had to fight hard to prevent any significant advance in the area.

On Tuesday, Russian security council chief and former defence minister Sergei Shoigu alleged that Moscows forces had seized a significant sliver of territory in the region.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) later claimed that Russian forces had taken control of four villages in the region towards the key city of Pokrovsk.

While the claims are likely exaggerated - or at the least premature - they nonetheless highlight the volatile situation in the area.

Open source data and battlefield reports indicate that Russian forces in the wider Donbas region, including Donetsk and neighbouring Luhansk, advanced in August at their fastest rate in about two years.

The Ukrainian general staff, meanwhile, wrote on Tuesday that Russia continues to try to break through the defence in multiple directions towards and around Pokrovsk.

Below, The Independent takes a look at the latest developments on the frontline.

The fight for Pokrovsk

The frontline in Ukraine is around 740 miles long but the hottest fighting is concentrated in the Donetsk region, according to the Ukrainian military, particularly towards the city of Pokrovsk.

It is a linchpin of Ukrainian defence in the region and, sitting on two strategic supply roads to the rest of Donetsk, is vital to the defence of the area.

The Centre for Defence Strategies (CDS), a Ukrainian security think tank, suggested the upcoming battle for Pokrovsk will be the climax of the enemys offensive operations in 2024.

The Russians appear to be pushing around the Pokrovsk area, as well as in the Toretsk direction immediately north and the Kurakhove district to the south, along multiple points.

Ukraines general staff said there were five attacks in the Toretsk direction, mainly focused around the area of Niu-York, a city contested by both forces.

Around 20 miles to the south, they reported that they had repelled 11 Russian attacks of 14 directed towards Pokrovsk. Around 20 miles further south, towards Kurakhove, they reported another 14 Russian attacks. They added that the Kurakhove and the Pokrovsk attacks were the hottest on the frontline.

CDS suggested that Russian forces will now look to surround the city of Selydove and use that as a stepping stone to attack Pokrovsk.
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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.
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Italian navy specialist divers are combing the superyacht on which tycoon Mike Lynch and six others died to try to find out why it sank last month off Sicily.

An investigating magistrate has reportedly asked the Italian navys secretive Comsubin unit to search for clues as to what happened, so he can check them against statements given by the crew.

Sicilian magistrates are investigating the yachts captain, a British yacht engineer and another British crew member over their role in the sinking of the Bayesian in a storm off Sicily last month.

Neither Mike Lynch nor his daughter, Hannah, survived ( Tancredi )

Fifteen people, including Mr Lynchs wife, survived the sinking, and other vessels nearby stayed afloat.

Mr Lynch died alongside his 18-year-old daughter, Hannah, the boats chef and four others who were on board the British-flagged yacht, celebrating his acquittal after a decade-long legal battle.

About six divers from the Comsubin unit are combing the 180ft superyacht for electronic equipment, including data storage and CCTV footage, according to The Times.

They are also checking whether doors or hatches were left open, a source close to the investigation told the paper.

Sources close to New Zealander James Cutfield, 51, the captain, told the Italian newspaper Corriere Della Sera that is living through the darkest days of his life.

A large-scale search operation by Italys fire service was carried out over for five days as they retrieved the seven bodies.

Divers faced debris and furniture that blocked the narrow passageways of the sunken yacht.

But the sinking has puzzled maritime experts, who said a vessel such as the Bayesian, built by high-end yacht manufacturer Perini, should have withstood the storm.

An Italian fire service dive team return to port on the fifth day of the search (Jonathan Brady/PA) ( PA Wire )

The naval diving specialists from Comsubin, which is the Italian navy equivalent of the British Special Boat Service, have now begun work, supported by a navy minesweeper with a decompression chamber to help in deep-dive operations.

The authorities say the vessels owner, Revton, which is controlled by Lynchs widow Angela Bacares, will fund the operation to raise the yacht.

Revton has employed a Genoa-based diving company, Drafinsub, to use sonar and a submersible robot to study the state of the Bayesian to plan how to raise it.

With the robot we will video the hull to see how the yacht and its mast are positioned on the sea floor, while the sonar we have on a vessel can map the sea floor and check the position of the anchor and chain, a Drafinsub official told The Times.

Around 18,000 litres of fuel must be syphoned out of the yachts tanks to avoid any spillage and make the vessel lighter to lift.

Then buoyancy balloons may be used or ties could be attached to the yacht to hoist it to the surface.
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Joe Biden appears poised to lift restrictions on Ukraines use of long-range missiles deep inside of Russia, including UK-made missiles, in a pivotal moment for the war in Ukraine.

Britain has supplied Ukraine with Storm Shadow missiles, which have a range of about 155 miles, three times the range of the missiles Ukraine has used up to now, but it cannot use them to fire at key targets inside Russia. While the UK  and France, which also uses a variant of Storm Shadows  are said to be supportive of using such missiles deep inside Russia, Kyiv is said to be waiting for permission from Washington, given US systems are key to the launch and targeting of long-range missiles.

The US, which has provided Ukraine with the longest-range version of ATACMS, a ballistic missile that can travel 190 miles, has remained hesitant for the firing of long-range missiles into Russia over fears of a reaction from Moscow that could escalate the conflict. They are believed to be particularly concerned that Russia could respond by deploying nuclear weapons.

David Lammy, the British foreign secretary, and his US counterpart Anthony Blinken are arriving in Kyiv on Wednesday to discuss the potential to lift these restrictions with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky.

When asked about the possibility of long-range missiles being used inside Russia, Mr Biden said late on Tuesday that hat his administration was working that out now.

"I think its a critical moment for Ukraine in the midst of what is an intense fall fighting season with Russia continuing to escalate its aggression," Mr Blinken said at a news conference with Mr Lammy in London before travelling to Kyiv.

Mr Biden is also likely to discuss Ukraines use of missiles with prime minister Keir Starmer when they meet in Washington on Friday.

Reacting to the news that the US could lift the restrictions, Vyacheslav Volodin, the speaker of Russias Duma, the lower house of parliament, accused Washington and the UK of becoming parties to the war in Ukraine.

Russian forces launch rockets from an undisclosed location on 10 September 2024 ( EPA )

Mr Zelensky has repeatedly urged the West to supply more long-range missiles and lift restrictions on using them to hit targets inside Russian territory.

British government sources have been quoted as suggesting the US position of hesitancy is now shifting. CIA chief Bill Burns also hinted at a shift in Washingtons thinking during a visit to London last Saturday. Such permission from the US would be a big shift in Kyivs capabilities.

Mr Blinken and Mr Lammy are visiting Kyiv a day after Russia reportedly received a shipment of 200 ballistic missiles from Iran.

The US and UK have denounced the move and unveiled new sanctions against Iran, including a ban on Iran Air passenger flights from British airspace.

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, the secretary of state declared.

The deepening military cooperation between Iran and Russia is a threat for all of Europe, Blinken said, and added that Washington had privately warned Iran that providing ballistic missiles to Russia would be "a dramatic escalation." The US issued sanctions on Iran late on Tuesday over the transfer.

He declined to confirm whether Washington will allow Ukraine to use long-range weapons inside Russia but said such a decision is informed by multiple factors.

"Its not just the system itself that counts. You have to ask: can the Ukrainians effectively use it, and sometimes that requires significant training, which weve done. Do they have the ability to maintain it?" Mr Blinken said.

After Mr Blinken announced the new sanctions against Iran, Andriy Yermak, Mr Zelenskys chief of staff, praised the positive step but added: We also need authorization to use Western weapons against military targets on Russian territory, the provision of longer-range missiles, and the enhancement of our air defense systems.
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Watch as US secretary of state Antony Blinken, UK foreign secretary David Lammy and Ukraines foreign minister Andrii Sybiha speak at a press conference on Wednesday 11 September, following their meeting in Kyiv.

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has today called for strong decisions to be made as he ramped up the pressure on the West for permission to use long-distance missiles in Russia.

Mr Lammy and his US counterpart Mr Blinken are on a joint visit to the Ukrainian capital in a show of support.

The foreign secretary announced on Wednesday over 600 million worth of support for Ukraine, including aid to meet immediate humanitarian, energy and stabilisation needs.

Mr Zelensky has repeatedly pushed for permission to use Western missiles to strike at targets within Vladimir Putins Russia, and US president Joe Biden and Sir Keir Starmer are set to discuss the issue in Washington DC on Friday.

For their trip, Mr Lammy and Mr Blinken took an overnight train from eastern Poland and reached the Ukrainian capital shortly before midday.

Mr Blinken travelled from London, where he accused Iran of providing Russia with Fath-360 short-range ballistic missiles, calling the move a dramatic escalation of the war.
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The UKs new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme will apply to the vast majority of overseas arrivals  even those merely changing planes  by 2 April 2025.

The new government says: Everyone wishing to travel to the UK  except British and Irish citizens  will need permission to travel in advance of coming here. This can be either through an Electronic Travel Authorisation or an eVisa.

The ETA costs 10 and is valid for multiple entries to the UK over the course of two years or until the travellers passport expires, whichever is sooner; the eVisa is used by a minority of travellers who do not qualify for visa-free status.

Ministers say rolling out the scheme worldwide will prevent abuse of our immigration system.

The ETA will be needed even for those who are airside at Heathrow for a short time between international flights.

For British travellers, there should be no direct impact. But travel industry figures say rules attached to the ETA will disadvantage UK airlines and tourism.

These are the key questions and answers.

What is planned?

Most visitors to the UK need not go through the complex and expensive business of applying for a British visa; they simply turn up with their passport and apply for entry.

But that is all changing with the new online permit. The Electronic Travel Authorisation will be mandatory for all non-visa overseas visitors to the UK  except for Irish nationals, who are allowed free movement under the Common Travel Agreement.

The starting point of the journey to the UK is not relevant  it is the travellers nationality that counts.

The ETA is loosely modelled on the US Esta and is electronically linked to the travellers passport. The cost is 10. The permit will be valid for repeated journeys within two years or until the passport expires, whichever is sooner.

When is it happening?

The roll-out began with Qatari nationals travelling to or via the UK on 15 November 2023. On 22 February 2024 the programme was extended to nationals of Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Jordan was later removed from the pilot scheme, for reasons that are unclear.

Non-Europeans will need the permit to travel from 8 January 2025, with the ETA mandatory for European arrivals from 2 April 2025.

How do travellers obtain an ETA?

Online through a UK government website or via the app (search for UK ETA on the Apple app store or Google Play).

You need to supply a photograph and answer a set of questions. The government says: This will ensure we have information on those seeking to come to the UK helping to prevent dangerous individuals, such as criminals, entering the UK.

A decision on each case is expected usually within three days. In practice, existing similar schemes in the US, Canada and elsewhere deliver approval more quickly.

Commercial sites that are designed to tempt applicants to pay additional fees have already appeared, such as etauk.uk, which is based in Spain and has no connection with the UK government.

Who will check the ETA?

For the majority of travellers, airlines and ferry companies will be expected to verify the ETA status before the passenger boards a flight or ship to the UK. They will be penalised if they fail to check.

The government says: Where an inadequately documented arrival (IDA) is brought to the UK, the carrier may be liable for a fine of up to 2,000.

Ferries from France to Dover, Eurostar trains to London and Eurotunnel shuttles to Folkestone have juxtaposed controls and UK Border Force staff will check the permit while the traveller is in Continental Europe.

On arrival, UK Border Force will check the ETA and ask supplementary questions before deciding whether or not to allow the traveller in. The government says: An ETA does not guarantee entry to the UK.

Non-Irish and British travellers from the Republic of Ireland to Northern Ireland will not face checks.

What about transit passengers?

The UK government has decided to become an outlier by insisting that all connecting travellers must obtain an ETA. This will make London Heathrow airport a more challenging transit hub than the main continental European competitors, plus airports such as Istanbul and Dubai.

The almost-worldwide convention is that passengers who are connecting from one gate to another at a hub  not passing through passport control  need only meet the requirements for their final destination.

But when the ETA scheme takes full effect next April, all passengers except British and Irish nationals will need a permit  even if they are simply switching from one British Airways plane to another at Heathrow Terminal 5, or making a connection between Star Alliance airlines at the airports Terminal 2.

Travel industry experts predict overseas travellers with a choice of routings will switch to other hubs to avoid extra red tape and cost  harming Heathrow and leading to a slump in customers for British Airways and Virgin Atlantic.

About 30 per cent of passengers at Heathrow are in transit.

Paul Charles, director of The PC Agency and former Virgin Atlantic communications director, said: Taxing transit is tantamount to failure. If other airports offer free transit then they will pick up market share.

Airports should be zones of ease, enabling seamless travel. This proposed tax needs removing.

Rob Burgess, editor of the frequent flyer website Head for Points, says: Why would anyone pay 40 for a family of four to get an ETA purely so they can transit in the UK on the way from, say, the US to Croatia? All of the other European hub carriers will be laughing as they pick up this business.

A Heathrow spokesperson said: We dont disagree with the long-term roll-out of the scheme, but including airside transit passengers will make the UK less competitive and harm economic growth.

We want to work in partnership with Home Office ministers over the next few months to address this issue, and learn from the lessons of the countries trialled, where weve seen the loss of a significant number of transfer passengers already.

What does the government say?

The 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 32bn 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.

Government online information about the new scheme says: Requiring those transiting to obtain an ETA will stop transit being a future loophole for people to use to avoid needing an ETA. This is in line with the US Esta scheme.

If Im changing planes in the US I need an Esta

There is a crucial difference: all passengers in transit through the United States are required to clear Customs & Border Protection and be legally admitted to the US. In theory they could decide, instead of transferring at Atlanta, Chicago or Houston, to stay in America for up to three months.

This policy does not apply at Heathrow (or elsewhere in Europe) for international-to-international journeys. UK Border Force will not check passengers on arrival at Heathrow if they are continuing their journey internationally.

Furthermore, few US airports rely on transit passengers for business in the way that Heathrow does.

Besides the potential financial damage to airlines and Heathrow airport, the government decision could also impact British passengers. A number of routes and frequencies are viable only because of the volume of connecting passengers. If services are cut, choice will reduce and fares could rise.
Archaeologists and military veterans have uncovered a unique clearance trench on the site of a field hospital on the Waterloo battlefield.

Veteran support charity Waterloo Uncovered is carrying out a targeted excavation at Mont-Saint-Jean farm in Belgium, which served as the Duke of Wellingtons field hospital during the battle in 1815.

A previous excavation at the same site in 2022 found the remains of horses, amputated limbs and a lone soldier laid to rest together in what is now the farms orchard.

A week of excavation this month has now uncovered a purposefully dug pit which experts said was likely designed to quickly clear the hospital of gore after the battle.

It contains deposits of human and animal remains separated by a barrier of ammunition boxes stripped from soldiers leather satchels.
Police officers used their bare hands to grapple with an eight-foot alligator that showed up in front of a house in Florida.

Footage shared by the Lee County Sheriffs Office (LCSO) shows deputies assisting Florida Fish and Wildlife officers in removing the huge gator from the front of a residence in Bonita Springs over the weekend.

OH SNAP! the authorities wrote, sharing the video on social media.

Over the weekend, this 8ft swamp puppy showed up on a Bonita Springs residents doorstep. LCSO deputies gave a helping hand to our friends at Florida Fish and Wildlife who safely relocated the gator. See ya later, alligator!
Nigel Farage faced shouts from MPs in the House of Commons after he accused Sir Keir Starmer of presiding over a two-tier policing and a two-tier justice system in the UK following the release of hundreds of inmates from prisons to ease overcrowding.

The Reform UK MP said serious career criminals were released to make way for rioters and those whove said unpleasant things on Facebook and elsewhere in social media.

The prime minister replied that he was angry to be put in a position to release people who should be in prison because the last government broke the prison system.
Donald Trump was repeatedly fact-checked during his 2024 election debate with Kamala Harris on Tuesday, 10 September.

The former president was quickly slapped down by moderator David Muir after each false claim during the event in Philadelphia.

As Mr Trump spoke, the vice president looked in disbelief at him before laughing.

In one of the more bizarre moments of the debate, Mr Trump claimed that immigrants in Ohio are abducting pets and eating them.

He also said that Tim Walz has said "execution after birth is OK", as well as further false claims about the 2020 election.
Would it be the economy? Global affairs? Or maybe a personal slight that would dominate the headlines after this fiery and unforgettable debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump? No, the jawdrop moment was about cats. And hands up who had that on their bingo card?

So forgive me if this column has a strong feline theme. But as you will see it runs through last nights events like the word Blackpool through a stick of rock.

In the name of precision, I should say cats and dogs, and also give a shout out to Springfield, Ohio as the location and starting point. It is here in this hitherto relatively anonymous Midwestern town that  according to Donald Trump  in the dead of night, illegal immigrants are marauding through and eating everyones cats and dogs. No pet is safe it would seem.

Except according to the moderators of last nights debate who were fact-checking the former president in real time, its not true: Tiddles and Fido are safe. ABC had checked this claim out, and it doesnt stack up.

But it was part of a hellscape that Donald Trump was trying to conjure of what it was like to live in Bidens America. On the question of abortion, where Kamala Harris has opened a massive lead with women voters according to the polls, Trump said Democrats were in favour of abortion after nine months  in other words after the baby was born. Democrats were executing babies, he charged. Except that, of course executing babies is murder and illegal in all 50 states. More than 90 per cent of abortions in the US take place in the first trimester. The moderators called him out again for this falsehood.

No doubt about it, abortion and immigration are big issues, but the framing of them by Trump was way over the top. It will be the stuff of parody and endless memes on the late shows. And its hard to discern the strategy  sure the MAGA base will lap it up. But theyre already in his corner. How was framing this in such caricatured terms going to win over moderate opinion  the liberal Republicans, the independents the suburbs where Novembers contest will be settled? It was as though he hadnt prepared.

The economy is  again, according to the polls  where Trump enjoys the biggest advantage. And that is where the debate started, with the presenter asking Kamala Harris whether Americans were better off than they were four years ago. She didnt even nod to the question. Totally ignored it. But Trump never picked her up on it. Instead he kept on going back to how he had built the best economy the world had ever seen when he was president.

In (almost literally) the 90th minute, Trump made the point that Harris couldnt present herself as the change candidate when she had been at Bidens side throughout. Its the argument that his campaign team believe is his strongest suit; he should have been hammering that message throughout. But he kept on being distracted.

What Kamala Harris did brilliantly was goad him into those distractions. People left his rallies because they got bored, the American people sacked him in 2020, the military think hes a disgrace  and each time, like a kitten with a ball of string, he couldnt resist reaching out a claw and rising to the bait. All of which assisted her in painting Trump as being a candidate who was locked in the past, nursing his grievances, while she was the candidate of the future with an offer of hope.

At times, Trump seemed rattled. And for all that he is normally the absolute master of the studio and the theatre of television, he kept looking at the TV presenters when he responded; she looked down the barrel of the camera lens to give the impression she was addressing the American public directly. He never looked at Kamala Harris, his contempt and pent-up fury barely beneath the surface.

Perhaps his greatest grievance was that he wasnt still facing Joe Biden on the debate stage. This was a very different opponent for Trump. The rambling, incoherent 81-year-old president was much more to his liking.

In the post-debate spin room, the norm is that your trusted surrogates and champions go out and explain why your guy won. Last night after the bruising 90-minute encounter, Trump went in himself, and the accusations were flying that the moderators had been unfair to him in calling out the repeated lies. But if youre complaining that is a sure sign you know you have been beaten. And if you dont trust your advisers to do the spinning for you, it suggests all is not well in the campaign.

But then within an hour of the debate ending, enter stage left none other than Taylor Swift with her quarter of a billion followers on social media. She has come out in favour of Kamala Harris in a long and calmly written post on her Instagram account. And at the end of her post, she signed off by describing herself as a childless cat lady  a clear dig at Trumps running mate, JD Vance who seemed to attack women who dont have children.

Its easy to overdo celeb endorsements in politics. But Taylor Swift isnt just any rock star. Shes a cultural phenomenon. And if her involvement encourages more young people to register to vote, if it nudges more women in Kamala Harriss direction then it matters.

So, in answer to the central question did Trump lose last night? He was given a mauling. But does it mean the race is all but over? Not a cats chance.

Trump has been shown to have nine lives. Dont count him out yet.
New roles will bring workforce to 1,000 by end of the year for Meath-based firm

Irish firm MTM Engineering is to create 200 jobs after completing the construction of its new headquarters in Slane, Co Meath. It will bring its workforce to about 1,000 by the end of the year.

The company, which provides critical cabling systems to data centres and other industrial sectors from renewable energy to aviation, sold a majority stake in the business in 2022 to Dutch private equity firm Waterland. Its understood that deal was worth about 30m.

In the past three years, MTM has acquired four firms in order to expand its service offering into adjacent sectors and new markets.

In 2022, the latest year for which accounts are publicly available for the group, MTM posted revenue of 37.3m and a 3.4m operating profit. About 90pc of its revenue is generated in overseas markets and it operates in 10 countries. The firm paid 4.6m in dividends to its owners in 2022.

It has two off-site manufacturing hubs  one in Ireland and another in mainland Europe.

MTM is headed by CEO Brendan Mee  son of founders Martin and Patricia Mee  who joined the business in 2013.

The investment represents our long-term commitment to growing both our business and our presence in the local community  as well as throughout Europe and beyond, said the chief executive.

Mr Mee said the new roles being created by the company are in areas including engineering, operations, finance, commercial, logistic and administration.

Laura Dillon, partner at Waterland Private Equity Ireland, said that MTM has experienced remarkable growth in international markets.

A number of Irish firms have established leading positions in the data centre construction and installation market.

Last month, US investment giant Blackstone finalised its deal to buy a 50.7pc stake in Dublin-based data centre engineering group Winthrop Technologies.

When it was confirmed in April, the deal was said to value the Irish firm at about 800m. Filings with one company linked to the deal show that a consideration of 613m was paid for shares by Blackstone and Winthrop management in a new topco that was used to effect the transaction.

Its thought that the 613m consideration excluded debt and/or surplus cash.

When Winthrop Technologies and Blackstone announced their deal earlier this year, they said the partnership would enable the Irish company to accelerate its growth trajectory, capitalising on the continuing demand for data centres.
Michael OLeary again calls for action on Dublin Airport passenger cap

Ryanair boss Michael OLeary has branded as unproductive a meeting today with junior minister James Lawless on the passenger cap at Dublin Airport and again criticised the Governments handling of the issue.

The airline chief demanded that Transport Minister Eamon Ryan order the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) to authorise additional landing and take-off slots at the airport this winter. The IAA has capped capacity at the airport at 14.4 million passengers for the period from October to March.

However, Mr Lawless, who is junior transport minister, said he was not convinced the demand from Mr OLeary is a runner.

Theres a legal and planning dimension to it, he said. I dont think that we can get a one size fits all quick solution here.

Mr Lawless said that while he wanted to ultimately see passenger numbers grow at Dublin Airport, it was credible in the meantime that growth that cannot be accommodated in Dublin could be shifted to regional airports.

Most airlines say they want the bulk of their operations to be in and out of the capital, however, due to strong passenger traffic flows and the critical mass of population that makes services in and out of the country viable.

The passenger cap at Dublin Airport was introduced in 2007 as a planning condition attached to the construction of the airports second terminal.

Mr OLeary said the cap  including the restriction on winter flights  threatens ad-hoc services such as flights for rugby fans travelling to matches and festive trips to Lapland.

We need a solution to this that allows the Leinster rugby matches to go ahead, that allows the Christmas extras to come to Dublin and not to go to Belfast, that allows the rugby internationals next spring, that allows the Cheltenham flights to operate, he said.

There are real daily challenges being posed by this, he insisted. All of this is solvable if Eamon Ryan simply issues a directive to the IAA to issue these additional slots this winter and next summer while the planning process plays itself out.

The DAA said last week it expected to breach the passenger cap this year, with Dublin Airport handling 33 million passengers during 2024.

The agency has applied to Fingal County Council for an increase in the annual cap to 40 million as part of a wider 2bn-plus infrastructure development. The application could take another two years to be ruled on.

The airport could have handled 35 million passengers this year if growth hadnt been throttled, according to DAA chief executive Kenny Jacobs. Next year, it could have been a 37-million-passenger airport, he said last week.

Ultimately, the solution to the cap at Dublin Airport is for the planning process to come to a decision and do that quickly, said Mr Lawless. Its my preferred outcome that the cap would be lifted. In the interim, we need to mitigate that, and we need to look at ways we can do that.
Celebrity endorsements from the likes of model Gigi Hadid and singer Taylor Swift have played a big part in boosting Alo Yoga's profile 

Alo Yoga, the high-end yoga apparel retailer, is entering the Irish retail market and planning to set up its first store on Dublins Grafton Street.

The Los Angeles-headquartered Alo is an acronym for air, land and ocean, and has been worn by celebrities such as Taylor Swift, Katie Holmes, Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner.

Alo Yoga Ireland Ltd has lodged an application to revamp 62-63 Grafton Street. A letter to Dublin City Council from architect Deirdre Dolan of SSA Architects, on behalf of Alo Yoga, states that it is a globally recognised brand known for its contemporary yoga apparel and lifestyle products.

Ms Dolan claims the brand has a modern and sleek aesthetic, and they want to ensure that this new Dublin store reflects this. To achieve this, it seeks to update the existing shopfront to align with Alo Yogas contemporary branding, she says.

The alterations planned are designed to enhance the visual appeal of the premises while maintaining the character of Grafton Street.

The owner of 62-63 Grafton Street is Dunnes Stores. Mark Clifford, a property director at Better Value UC, a Dunnes firm, has provided a letter of consent allowing Alo Yoga Ireland to lodge the planning application.

The brands stores are mainly US based but the opening of the Grafton Street outlet follows on from Alo Yogas first store in the UK, on Londons King Road, last November.

The company will be hoping to get a slice of the athleisure boom here. Lululemon, a competitor in the yoga apparel market, increased its revenues here by 30pc to 12.8m in the 12 months to the end of January as its pre-tax profits almost doubled to 473,577.

Lululemon opened its standalone flagship store on Dublins Grafton Street in the final quarter of 2021 at a premises formerly occupied by retailer Pamela Scott.

The move by Alo Yoga follows on from two other international retailers lodging plans in recent weeks to open up new outlets on Grafton Street.

In August, fashion retail giant Mango lodged plans with Dublin City Council to carry out works to open an outlet at 112-113 Grafton Street.

In July, a unit of Italian owned make-up group Kiko Cosmetics Ireland Ltd lodged plans for a new outlet at number 23 on Dublins main shopping thoroughfare.
World Business

AI isnt coming for your job but it might gobble up your money, says MIT professor
Southwest Airlines chairman forced out by activist investor Elliott

Gary Kelly said he will voluntarily retire from his position

Elliott said Southwest Airlines needs fresh, proven executive leadership from outside the company. Photo: Getty

Mary Schlangenstein Wed 11 Sep 2024 at 03:30







Southwest Airlines chairman Gary Kelly is to step down along with six directors, after the carrier faced calls for a strategic overhaul from activist investor Elliott Investment Management.
The author on her new novel charting Charlottes honeymoon in Ireland less than a year before her death, her marriage to a curate from Offaly, and the truth about her father downplaying his own Irishness

1854 visit: One of the last remaining buildings at Cuba Court, where Charlotte Bronte spent her honeymoon, and inset, how the house once looked

On a pleasant afternoon, Martina Devlin is happy to be in the Peoples Park in Dun Laoghaire, but not only because of the warm breeze and blowsy flowerbeds; this, she tells me as we sit sipping coffee, is the place where Charlotte Bronte first set foot in Ireland in 1854, disembarking the steam packet from Holyhead into what was then known as Kingstown.

She was on her honeymoon, having married her fathers curate, Arthur Bell Nicholls, an Irishman keen to introduce her to his family. The couple took the train into Westland Row station, and spent several days in Dublin, visiting Phoenix Park and Trinity College, where Nicholls had studied. Thereafter, they travelled to Banagher in what is now Co Offaly, to the area that Charlottes husband regarded as home and which forms much of the backdrop to Devlins intriguing and absorbing novel, Charlotte.

But Devlin was interested in more than simply narrating the last part of Brontes eventful life  she was to die, along with the couples unborn child, only nine months after she had married, at the age of 38. She also wanted to explore the Bronte familys ambivalent relationship to Ireland and what it reveals about their life, the work and wider attitudes towards the country.

In the novels opening pages, Charlotte is approached by a hollow-chested girl carrying a baby almost as large as herself, beseeching her in Irish. Arthurs cousin Mary, a central character in the novel, translates: Shes saying theyre hungry. Theyre the only two left from a family of eight. But while Charlotte finds the scene harrowing, Mary reflects that she must guard against allowing my heart to harden, given that destitution is everywhere. The people had become walking skeletons  those whod survived. Between death and emigration, the country had emptied out.

Devlin points out that Black 47, the worst year of the Great Famine, was the year that Jane Eyre, Charlotte Brontes most famous novel, was published, under the gender-disguising pseudonym Currer Bell. Emily Bronte/Ellis Bells Wuthering Heights and Anne Bronte/Acton Bells Agnes Grey also appeared in 1847.

England was full of people from Ireland fleeing the famine, explains Devlin, and they were frequently greeted with horror and contempt rather than sympathy: Charles Kingsley, who wrote The Water-Babies, talks about human chimpanzees, the Punch cartoons at the time present Irish people as simian. Its about colonisation: people arent capable of ruling themselves, and the famine was an act of God.

The Bronte family had a clear and strong link to Ireland. Patrick Bronte, father of Charlotte, Emily, Anne and three other children, was born in Co Down in 1777; his father, Hugh Brunty, was an Anglican, his mother, Elinor McClory, a Catholic. They had very little money, but Patrick managed to forge a different path, and ended up as a sizar  a student who exchanges labour for financial aid  at the University of Cambridge.

It was there that Brunty became Bronte: He reinvented himself, and he never quite gave credit, I think, to the people who had helped him, because he didnt get from Co Down to Cambridge without help. There was a Co Wicklow-born minister called the Reverend Thomas Tighe, from a very famous family, who took him on and helped him to Cambridge to his college, St Johns, and another clergyman in the Co Down area. They saw this very bright young man  legend has it that they found him reading Paradise Lost and doing all the voices. So he got part of the grant, but he had to work his way through. It cannot have been pleasant being a servant there, and also doing lectures and trying to win prizes for the money.

But Patrick Brontes Irishness was somewhat glossed over, particularly, Devlin points out, in Elizabeth Gaskells mythologising, posthumous biography of Charlotte. She wrote that there was nothing of the Irish in his voice, Devlin tells me, which was patently untrue. And she also said that he wasnt in touch with his family back in Ireland, which was also patently untrue. They wrote to each other, and he would remember them in his will. He sent them copies of Charlottes books: there was that connection.

Great courage: Charlotte Bronte

I ask Devlin what first drew her to writing about Charlotte Bronte. I suppose it all began with Jane Eyre, she replies. I loved Jane Eyre as a kid and as a young woman. I was intrigued by this unassuming governess. Shes not egotistical, and yet she cant be pushed around. And its one of the most famous phrases in literature, those four words, Reader, I married him: in the last chapter, she tears down a wall between the written word and the reader, and you hear her voice. So I loved the novel. My view about Mr Rochester changed as I aged  as a young woman, I thought he was fantastic and much better than a Jane Austen hero, because he had feet of clay.

But as I got older, I realised that he was an attempted bigamist, then he wanted to set Jane up as his mistress and that his ward, Adele, was clearly his natural daughter. And then I read Jean Rhys Wide Sargasso Sea, which I think is an extraordinary work of the imagination, which fleshes out the first Mrs Rochester and gives us an entirely different view of this so-called madwoman in the attic. But I still always loved Jane Eyre as a piece of literature.

Jane Eyre was the novel that ensured Charlotte Bronte became a popular sensation. After her death, memorabilia became increasingly sought after and valuable, and the idea of literary reputation forms part of Devlins narrative. It is told by Mary  the young woman who greets Charlotte in Dublin  who eventually marries her widower, Arthur, the relative she has known since her parents fostered him and his brother.

Mary knows that Charlotte is Arthurs first love, but provides a stable and loving home for him in Offaly. It is when she herself is widowed and facing increasingly straitened circumstances that she begins to sell off Charlottes possessions and effects, which Arthur had transported back from Haworth Parsonage.

There were many. When Arthur left Haworth, Devlin describes a kind of yard sale, and villagers were buying saucepans, everything, all sorts. He had the bed, the marital bed  the bed that Charlotte died in  chopped up and buried. He didnt want anyone getting their hands on that.

A wedding against her fathers wishes: Charlottes husband Arthur Bell Nicholls (left); and her father Patrick Bronte

Elizabeth Gaskells biography had only strengthened the craze for all things Bronte, and the three sisters were together seen as tragic geniuses living in rural isolation in Yorkshire, each destined to die prematurely. The Victorian obsession with commemorating death can only have fed into the myth  when, in fact, much of their lives were more prosaic.

Devlin describes the immense effort that Charlotte made to ensure that her father and her husband were able to co-habit peaceably in Haworth Parsonage: Anne, on her death-bed apparently, had said to Charlotte, take courage, and Charlotte showed great courage and determination in making this marriage happen against her fathers wishes, she explains.

The night before her wedding, her father told her that he was not going to give her away. She was devastated, but she had very good friends, and two of them were there at the wedding, Ellen Nussey and Margaret Wooler, who was retired at this stage, but had been Charlottes teacher among the schools she attended. And she said, Well, lets check the Book of Common Prayer and see. She realised it didnt have to be a man who gave a woman in marriage, and so she stood for her.

I feel that Ireland had a stronger pull on her imagination than has necessarily been acknowledged

Charlotte, who wrote her novels at the dining-room table, arranged for both men to have a study, having an old boot-room knocked through, plastered and painted for Arthur.

Devlin is fascinated by the enthusiasm with which Bronte entered into marriage, carefully assembling her trousseau and almost willing herself to feel love for her new husband: She was under no illusions about her looks. She was not a beautiful woman, at a time when a womans looks were her currency. She was 38 when she married, and had lost some of her teeth. The well-known image of her is a very romantic image; the most credible representation of her is the one done by her brother Branwell, the pillar portrait in the National Gallery in London. Youve got a square face, and really a shoehorn of a nose. Against that, she had fine eyes and lovely soft hair, and she was very elegant, very particular about her appearance.

One of the questions that remains alive for Devlin is whether Bronte would have written about Ireland, given that she used so much of her life in her fiction. She is intrigued by the theory that Patrick Brunty had a bardic ancestor, and connects some of the gothic elements of the sisters works, and Wuthering Heights in particular, with Irish storytelling traditions. Of Charlotte, she says, I feel that Ireland had a stronger pull on her imagination than has necessarily been acknowledged.

1854 visit: One of the last remaining buildings at Cuba Court, where Charlotte Bronte spent her honeymoon, and inset, how the house once looked

Devlin has frequently looked to the past for inspiration in writing her own novels, which include Edith, based on the life of one half of Somerville and Ross, authors of The Irish RM, The House Where it Happened, inspired by an 18th-century Irish witchcraft trial, and Ship of Dreams, in which she drew on a family story to explore the passengers on the Titanic.

Its a marked contrast to her other career as a journalist and a columnist. Does she think she needs the pull of contemporary life to complement her fictional forays into the past? It takes a couple of years to write a novel, at least, she smiles, and you still have to pay bills, so its useful from that point of view. But also it keeps me in the world a bit.

She has some captivating stories from her time in journalism, particularly interviews with the famous and the notorious. Actress Shirley MacLaine once admired her suit, and Chubby Checker taught her to do the twist in his hotel suite  apparently the trick is to pretend youve just got out of the shower and youre drying yourself with a towel.

But the most hair-raising is her trip to Parkhurst maximum security prison to meet gangster Reggie Kray: He picked me up off the ground by my elbows, and planted this kiss on my mouth. And it must have lasted for quite a long time, because I remember just dangling there, thinking, Im being kissed by a gangland killer and theres nothing I can do about it.

Kray wrote to her repeatedly after their meeting, asking her to send a photograph of herself and enter into a correspondence. Sensibly, she did not, and it seems unlikely that this encounter will form the basis of another novel. But for Devlins fertile imagination, there are bound to be other stories to tell.

Charlotte: A Novel by Martina Devlin
Kenneth Branagh, winner of the Writing (Original Screenplay) award for Belfast, poses backstage during the 94th Academy Awards in 2022 (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images)

Kenneth Branaghs next thriller film is set to be filmed in a private school in Ascot in the UK after his company was granted permission to shoot the movie on the site.

Nuncle Films Ltd  of which the Belfast-born actor is one of the directors  requested temporary permission to use the former Hurst Lodge private school site in Berkshire to film scenes for his upcoming picture The Last Disturbance of Madeline Hyne.

According to reports, the plans submitted to the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Council did not specify the exact film is being shot in Ascot.

However, it is understood Branagh had begun work on the new psychological thriller and filming was already underway having begun last month.

According to the application notes, Hurst Lodge was previously used to film scenes for Belfast, the 2021 Oscar-winning film based on true events from Kenneth Branagh's childhood, and was produced by Nuncle Films' other director, Tamar Thomas.

The plans submitted to the council also said filming at the site would also involve the construction of a large temporary sound stage and dressing rooms

According to reports, planning officers granted permission for filming on Thursday, September 5.

Meanwhile, the report said filming would end on Friday, September 20, before the site is ultimately cleared by the production by October 4.

While many details are still under wrap around the project, it has been revealed the film will star Killing Eve actress Jodie Comer, with the cast also including Line of Duty lead Vicky McClure.

Also joining the cast are Patricia Arquette, Michael Sheen and Tom Bateman.

The film is described by the production as a contemporary psychological thriller.

Despite concerns over such a production close to the nearby greenbelt which would normally prohibit permission, it was said the temporary nature of the development, and the fact that the site is screened by trees, limited the harm.

Also cited was the very special circumstances justified by the economic benefits filming would bring to the area.

Branagh was most recently on the big screen for his latest portrayal of Agatha Christie's Belgian detective Hercule Poirot.

Branagh has directed and starred in three of his Poirot films.

He began playing Poirot in his film adaptation of Murder on the Orient Express in 2017, making him the latest in a long line of actors to play the role on screen.

He also played the detective in the 2022 adaptation of Death on the Nile.

The latest film  A Haunting in Venice which was released last year  saw Branagh team up with Co Down native and actor Jamie Dornan in the supernatural mystery, based on the 1969 Agatha Christie novel called Hallowe'en Party.
Tax free inheritance up to 500,000, ACRES places for 70,000 farmers, and 200/head for dairy beef calves are some of the key demands from farm leaders ahead of Budget 2025,

IFA president Francie Gorman wants to see supports rolled out urgently, hitting out at recent Department failures such as the ACRES fiasco.

ICMSA president Denis Drennan has been even more scathing of the Government ahead of Budget 2025, warning this is the last chance to show some degree of honour and fairness with the farming community ahead of the looming General Election.

Farm organisations have put the following 10 demands in front of politicians as they sit down and determine the countrys expenditure for the year ahead.

#1 Inheritance tax breaks

ICMSA has called for the 33pc Capital Gains Tax to ensure that farms can be transferred without a tax burden and to ensure that people buying land for investment purposes cannot use the taxation system to undermine farmers in the land market.

The first 1,270 of an individuals chargeable gain is exempt from Capital Gains Tax, however, this exemption has not been increased since its introduction and ICMSA believe it should be increased to 5,000 in Budget 2025 to stimulate the sale of non-essential assets and encourage further re-investment in the farm business.

On Capital Acquisitions Tax, the tax free threshold currently stands at 335,000, and ICMSA propose an immediate increase to 500,000.

The association also wants to see the introduction of a private pension regime that takes account of the income volatility in the agriculture sector.

The INHFA wants the Government to consider a farm retirement scheme in this budget. INHFA President Vincent Roddy highlights the need to look at how we can encourage senior farmers to consider transferring their land.

#2 Succession pilot

Macra wants to see a pilot succession scheme to encourage more young people to consider agriculture as a future career.

Macra President Elaine Houlihan looks forward to a positive engagement with the committee on generational renewal in farming, our members are those who are emigrating because they do not have access to land, our patience is at an end.

#3 Rainy day fund

ICMSA demands an income volatility measure that will allow farmers to utilize funds deposited with the State in a good year which can then be drawn down and used to assist in bad year.

The association claims that the cost to the exchequer would be absolutely insignificant set against the national budget and any tax liabilities will be paid on these deposits placed under the supervision of the State.

President Drennan said the impact at farm level, however, would be very significant and it would allow farmers access to tax-efficient deposits that could tide them over.

#4 Acres extension

ICMSA wants to see an extension of ACRES to 70,000 farmers with a focus on measures that would be suitable to intensive farmers and the delivery of a 70pc grant for slurry storage for all farmers.

#5 VAT breaks

ICMSA wants the exclusion of calf feeders and robotic scraper systems from the VAT reclaim regime to be addressed as part of the Finance Bill.

#6 RZLT clarity

As part of Budget meetings, IFA has said that Ministers have taken on board that active farmers would have to be removed from the Residential Zoned Land Tax.

ICMSA wants clarity around the mechanism that will ensure that farm families are excluded from the tax.

#7 Dairy beef money

ICMSA wants a Dairy Beef Calf Scheme delivering 100 to the calf rearer and 100 to the finisher in recognition of the climate benefits of dairy beef and the opportunity to develop a sector that has the potential to deliver strong net foreign earnings.

#8 Beef welfare

ICSA wants to see greater funding allocated to the suckler sector in Budget 2025 through a revamped Beef Welfare Scheme that can deliver "a meaningful financial benefit.

ICSA Suckler chair Jimmy Cosgrave said: "This needs to include increased payments for meal feeding and vaccination, as well as adding elements to the scheme such as payment for myostatin testing and animal welfare protocols around weaning and dehorning.

Most importantly, however, the cap limiting payments to 40 eligible animals must be removed, as it unfairly disadvantages commercial suckler farmers striving for long-term sustainability.

Grants are available to dairy farmers with up to 120 cows which is a recognition that it takes more than 40 cattle to earn a full time living and perfectly illustrates the need for this cap to be reconsidered.

#9 TAMS ceiling

IFA insists that TAMS ceilings would have to adjust to take higher costs into account, with an additional allocation needed to ensure there is proper funding for the new slurry storage grant aid scheme proposed by the Government.

The Irish Grain Growers Group wants to raise the investment ceiling for TAMS, specifically for tillage farming projects related to sustainability and technology.

#10 Forgotten farmers

INHFA has sought funding of 20m to help the Forgotten Farmer Group. This is the year, Minister, this is the time that this group has their concerns addressed, President Vincent Roddy said.
The 30-year-old was recognised along with other young farmers for the award that recognises business initiative, innovation and agricultural knowledge

A Co Cavan dairy farmer has been named FBDs Young Farmer of the Year. Christopher Cahill (30) is a graduate of the Sustainable Agriculture Masters degree from UCD who helped expand a dairy enterprise in Meath from 110 cows to 250 crossbred cows in 2021 through a shared farming arrangement.

Christopher has also been named category award winner for Land Mobility for the arrangement and working with Macras Land Mobility Service. In addition to farming, he also owns Cavan Grassland Consultancy, a grass measurement and management service provider across the north midlands area.

Back for its 26th year, the competition rewards young farmers in the country based on a number of criteria including farm business initiative and innovation, levels of farm efficiency and enterprise quality, farm safety and environmental protection awareness and agricultural knowledge.

Tonights winner Christopher Cahill really demonstrates the talent of Irelands young farmers. It is our young farmers who are the future of farming in this country and these awards ensure that the future of farming has its night in the spotlight, said Elaine Houlihan, Macra National President said.

Other winners from the evening include David Melody from Clare who is farming in Kilkenny who was named Runner-Up and won the Career Farm Management category; Sarah Kelly from Sligo was named Best Young Entrant.

Martin OReilly from Laois was named the winner of the Dairy category and the Macra Agricultural Skillnet Biodiversity Young Farmer of the Year award; Sligos Jamie Hannon was the Drystock category winner and Seamus Leahy won the Other Enterprises category

IFA President Francie Gorman noted that the vision displayed by the entrants were encouraging for the future of farming: There is a wealth of talent in farming and were delighted to be part of this competition with Macra. I hope those who took part will consider a leadership role in the future. They are already very accomplished with their own farm enterprise.

From here, we would like to see them contribute outside the farmgate. Its very rewarding and its an opportunity to shape the future for their families and their communities.

The Award ceremony was held on September 10 at the Heritage Hotel in Laois where recipients in each category including Christopher Cahill were present.
Yeshua Bonadio, son of Sinead OConnor, Victoria Mary Clarke, wife of Shane MacGowan, David McRedmond, CEO of An Post, Kiera Dignam, daughter of Christy Dignam and Maire Ui Bheaglaoich, wife of Seamus Begley. Photo: Maxwells

Stamps honouring four of Irelands greatest musicians have been unveiled by An Post.

The stamps, featuring images of Sinead OConnor, Shane MacGowan, Christy Dignam and Seamus Begley, will be available from Thursday.

All four of the musicians died in 2023. The stamps were presented at a private unveiling for the musicians families.

The stamps, featuring images of Sinead OConnor, Shane MacGowan, Christy Dignam and Seamus Begley

OConnors former husband John Reynolds, speaking on behalf of the family, said it was a great honour for Sinead to be included in the stamp set and for Ireland to remember her in such a dignified way while we all still mourn her loss and the loss of her fellow musical greats.

The series of stamps, entitled Iconic Irish Voices, marks their passing and their contributions to Irish life and music.

MacGowans wife Victoria Mary Clarke said: Shane would be exceptionally proud and delighted to be honoured with a stamp from An Post.

"He was a passionate Irish man with a huge love for Ireland and its history and culture and he was very interested in the stamps and often spoke about how much he loved them.

He saw the Irish postage stamps as symbolic of our freedom from Britain and our status as an independent republic, the fact that we could issue our own stamps without the head of the British monarch was very important to him. His family are all very grateful to An Post for this beautiful gesture.

Featuring simple black-and-white portraits, the stamps were designed by Shaughn McGrath Creative. The portraits highlight each artists eyes looking back at us and their hands, which they used to write and perform their music.

McGrath aimed to capture the four musicians humanity, strength and humility.

Dignams daughter Kiera said: Our family are deeply touched to have my dad honoured in such a beautiful way by An Post. Knowing his humour, to be on a stamp is definitely something he would giggle about, its like hes Irish royalty.

Begleys family said: This stamp is a wonderful recognition of the impact that Seamus had on people and we as a family are very proud and very grateful to An Post for this honour.

CEO of An Post David McRedmond said: Its still hard to accept that Christy, Seamus, Sinead and Shane are no longer with us. Each of them shone brightly and bravely throughout their lives, bringing good times, inspiration and joy to millions upon millions of people. They were proud Irish artists whose work explored, often critically, our identity as a people.

"We are greatly honoured on behalf of the people of Ireland to release these special stamps as symbol of the nations respect and pride in their musical genius and their impact on the world.

The new stamps will be celebrated on Culture Night on Friday, September 20, in a collaboration between An Post and Music Network Ireland at the GPO.

Four instrumental performances of world-famous songs will be held celebrating the works of OConnor, MacGowan, Dignam and Begley.
The widow of Pat Finucane has said the British government's public inquiry into her husbands murder will be a watershed moment for legacy cases, as she admits her family had no confidence in the police investigation.

Mr Finucane, 39, was shot dead in his family home in north Belfast in February 1989 by the Ulster Defence Association in an attack found by a series of probes to have involved collusion with the state.

Geraldine Finucane and the couples three children have been campaigning for decades for a public inquiry to establish the extent of security force involvement.

The decision was welcomed by the family of Mr Finucane including his son, the current Sinn Fein MP for North Belfast, John.

The family of Pat Finucane  his wife Geraldine and children Seamus, Katherine and John  have campaigned for decades for a public inquiry (Liam McBurney/PA)

Speaking at a press conference, this afternoon, Mrs Finucane said the inquiry may bring hope to families involved in legacy cases.

"If a public inquiry into the murder of Pat Finucane can finally publicly examine all of the collusion that plagued our society for so many years, then there is hope that the real process of healing can begin, she said.

"The murder of Pat Finucane is the last remaining Weston Park case.

"It is high time it was properly investigated, publicly examined, and finally resolved. I believe that my family deserve this after so many years. Pat Finucane deserves this after so many years.

"Society as a whole deserves this, after so many years. After 35 years of cover-ups, it is time for truth."

She said her family were not satisfied with the subsequent police investigation into Mr Finucanes murder.

We had no confidence that police investigations would ever bring those truly responsible to justice, she added.

"We were not satisfied with private, limited reviews from which we were excluded. We could not and did not accept the assurances of previous British governments that they were anxious to set the record straight, because they were never prepared to do so in public.

"An independent, statutory public inquiry is and was the only way to bring the whole truth behind the murder of Pat Finucane into the light of day.

"After 35 years of campaigning for such an inquiry, I believe this announcement represents a significant step forward for my family in our fight to uncover all of the circumstances behind Pat's murder.

Taoiseach Simon Harris welcomed the decision of the British government to establish a public inquiry into the 1989 murder of the Belfast solicitor.

Speaking today, Mr Harris said he welcomes the British governments decision.

"Today is a vindication of Geraldine Finucane and her family who have campaigned over decades for truth and justice. I spoke to John Finucane by phone yesterday evening to underline the enduring importance that I, as Taoiseach, and the Government attach to progress in his father's case," he said.

This is the beginning of a process and it will be important that, as details are confirmed, there is confidence that it can meet the standards and independence thresholds essential to an inquiry of this nature.

I want to acknowledge the leadership of Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Secretary of State Hilary Benn in coming to this decision.

Prime Minister Starmer and I have discussed the Pat Finucane case, including as recently as last Saturday when we met in Dublin, and in follow up to a previous discussion in Chequers in July.

I know that the Prime Minister is committed to finding a new approach to legacy issues in Northern Ireland, and todays decision by the British Government is in keeping with the spirit of that commitment.

I have indicated to the Prime Minister that we stand ready to work with him and his Government on legacy issues.

Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn made the announcement to the House of Commons today.

Pat Finucane (PA Media)

The minister said it is a plain fact that a UK government commitment made more than 20 years ago to hold an inquiry into Mr Finucanes murder remains unfulfilled.

It is for this exceptional reason that I have decided to establish an independent inquiry into the death of Patrick Finucane under the 2005 Inquiries Act, he said.

Mr Finucanes son John, a Sinn Fein MP for North Belfast, welcomed the announcement.

Today is for my father, Pat Finucane, he posted on X.

The announcement that there will now be a public inquiry into his murder is very much welcomed by our family.

Led by my mother Geraldine, we have campaigned for decades to uncover the truth behind my fathers murder. I want to thank every person who has supported our campaign throughout those years. Today belongs to us all.

After 35 years of cover-ups, it is now time for truth.

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Tanaiste Micheal Martin said: I want to warmly welcome the announcement by the Secretary of State of his decision to establish an independent public inquiry into the murder of Pat Finucane.

This case matters, first and foremost, to the Finucane family. They have followed a long and challenging road since Pat Finucanes murder in 1989 and since a public inquiry was recommended by Judge Peter Cory in 2004.

It also matters to all of those, on all sides, working for justice in Northern Ireland.

This significant decision shows that the voices of those most affected, Pat Finucanes family, have been heard and that the rule of law is being respected.

Those are two fundamental principles that must guide our approach to the legacy of the Troubles in Northern Ireland.

I want to again thank the Secretary of State, Hilary Benn, for moving on this important case so soon after taking office.

I understand that the next stage in this process will be the appointment of a judge to chair the inquiry and the terms of reference.

In 2019, the Supreme Court said all previous examinations of the death had not been compliant with human rights standards.

The court acknowledged Mrs Finucane had been given an unequivocal undertaking by the UK government following the 2001 Weston Park agreement that there would be a public inquiry into the murder.

However, the Supreme Court judges found that the government had been justified in later deciding against holding one.

The court said it was up to the government to decide what form of investigation was now required.

The following year, the government pushed back a decision on a public inquiry, insisting outstanding issues concerning the original police investigation needed to be first examined by the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland.

In the years since, Mrs Finucane has pursued further legal proceedings challenging the ongoing delays on a decision.

During the summer, the Court of Appeal in Belfast gave the Government a September deadline to confirm what form of human rights-compliant investigation it intended to undertake into the murder.

Mr Benn met with members of the Finucane family in Belfast on Tuesday evening.
A young man charged with carrying out arson attacks at five stores in Cork city on February 25 last has entered signed guilty pleas in the case.

Samuel Nunes Neto (24), of no fixed abode, first appeared before Cork District Court on February 28 last. He was charged with five counts of causing criminal damage by fire three days earlier in Cork city centre. No figures were given in relation to the cost of the damage caused in the incident.
Courts

Unacceptable behaviour for visitors to our country, judge says, as tourists arrested trying to sell cocaine to garda
Man accused of destroying priceless mummies in Dublin church charged with arson

Christian Topiter, 38, who has been in custody on remand for almost three months, appeared before Judge Alan Mitchell at Cloverhill District Court today

Christian Topiter (38)

Tom Tuite Wed 11 Sep 2024 at 08:07







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.
When used together, the drugs were much more effective at fighting cancer than when used alone. Stock photo

A combination of two existing drugs has been shown to overcome a treatment-resistant form of breast cancer that makes up around one in five forms of the disease, according to new research by Irish scientists.

The research, led by Dr Neil Conlon of Dublin City University, could potentially lead to more treatment options for patients with HER2-positive breast cancer, which can grow more quickly.

HER2 is a protein that helps cancer cells to develop and HER2-positive cancers make too much.

There are already treatments for HER2-positive cancers, but more choices are needed, particularly for those who are no longer getting a benefit from existing therapies.

The findings have the potential to improve treatment options for people with HER2-positive breast cancer, especially for those whose cancer no longer responds to current treatments, Dr Conlon said.

The study, published in the journal Translational Oncology, explored how combining two approved anti-cancer drugs, neratinib and dasatinib, may overcome or prevent treatment resistance in this cancer.

Dr Conlon pointed out that HER2-positive breast cancer had high levels of the protein HER2, which causes the growth of this type of cancer.

Both of these drugs are taken orally, making it easier for patients to use them at home

There are several drugs used to treat this disease that target HER2. These HER2-targeted drugs have had a profound effect on the prognosis for people with HER2-positive breast cancer, he said. However, unfortunately for some people, their cancer doesnt respond to these HER2-targeted drugs or, after initially responding, their cancer becomes resistant to this treatment.

The research looked at how to tackle that problem and involved testing the combination of neratinib, an approved HER2-targeted therapy, and dasatinib, a drug used to treat certain types of leukaemia, against HER2-positive breast cancer cells with varying responses to current approved treatments.

The results showed that these drugs, when used together, were much more effective at fighting the cancer than when used alone.

Whats even more exciting is that this combination also helped prevent the cancer from becoming resistant to treatment and worked particularly well against cells that were already resistant to HER2-targeted drugs, Dr Conlon said.

Another big plus is that both of these drugs are taken orally, making it easier for patients to use them at home.

Dr Conlon believes the results provide the scientific reasoning to test this combination in a clinical trial involving patients.

Meanwhile, a University of Galway researcher whose work focuses on therapies for cancers of the brain has been awarded a prestigious 1.5m grant from the European Research Council.

Dr Catalina Vallejo Giraldo is based at Curam Research Centre for Medical Devices, funded by Taighde Eireann/Research Ireland, at the university, where her research combines biomaterials, brain mechanobiology and medicine to develop new targeted brain treatments.
John Finucane during a press conference after it was announced a public inquiry into the murder of his father will take place

The decision from the British Secretary of State Hilary Benn to announce a public inquiry into the murder of my father, Pat Finucane, was a pivotal moment and one which my family have campaigned for over three decades to achieve.

On February 12, 1989, my father was murdered by loyalist paramilitaries as we sat together at the dinner table in the kitchen of our home in Belfast. I was eight years old.

I sat with my mother, my sister and brother and suddenly ended up squeezed into a corner, as the gunmen fired shot after shot into the prone figure of my father. He was 39 years old when he was killed.

My familys sole objective in our 35-year long campaign has been the truth. And it is just that which has kept us going, pushing against extraordinary adversity, and the full force of the British state.

We did not believe that his murder was simply the work of the gunmen who killed him. We had no confidence that police investigations would ever bring those truly responsible to justice.

We were not satisfied with private, limited reviews from which we were excluded. We could not and did not accept the assurances of previous British governments that they were anxious to set the record straight, because they were never prepared to do so in public.

It has been my mother and my wider familys firm belief that only an independent statutory public inquiry would reveal the full extent of my fathers murder, and the events preceding it.

Since 2001, my family have been given commitment after commitment only to be given the next excuse for delay by successive British governments. That we now have a commitment from the new British government to hold a public inquiry is a significant milestone, and one which can now deliver truth and justice.

I want to take this opportunity to thank each and every person who has stood with us on this long, hard road.

Indeed, we would never have succeeded without the assistance, support and encouragement of so many people over the years.

So many people across the world were willing to give generously of their time and talent again and again. I want to record my heartfelt thanks and gratitude to each and every one of them. We would not be here today without them.

I hope this inquiry marks a watershed moment in relation to legacy on our island. If a public inquiry into the murder of my father can finally publicly examine all of the collusion that plagued our society for so many years, then there is hope that the real process of healing can begin.

Pat Finucane

Everyone on our island who has been affected by horrific past events are entitled to full truth and justice.

After countless inquiries and commitments, I believe my family deserves this after so many years. My father deserves this after so many years. And wider society deserves this after so, so many years.

We will now work closely with the British government to ensure this inquiry is awarded the correct tools and resources to effectively investigate the truth.

I want to save my last words for my mother. She has led our campaign with energy, resolve and determination to establish the full extent of what happened to her husband, and me and my siblings father.

It has been her strength and courage which has taken us this far.

It is now my sincere hope that we can at last uncover the full truth of what happened to my father, Pat Finucane.

Now is the time for truth.
The forest that wont forget (TFTWF) is a living, breathing artwork located near Ennis in Co. Pictured at the launch which took place today at the Irish Museum of Modern Art are (l-r) Lyn Fenton from Kerry, Elizabeth Byrne from Claire, Wendy Stringer from Mayo and Carla Duggan from Galway. Picture Conor McCabe Photography.

A living artwork, titled the forest that wont forget, has been unveiled in memory of the women and families affected by the past failings of CervicalCheck.

The poignant tribute from the 221+ support group is located in Ennis, Co Clare, and celebrates growth, life and enduring resilience.

It is in memory of women who developed cervical cancer after undergoing screening, several of whom have died.

The launch was held in the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) today attended by 221+ members and their families as well as friends, supporters and representatives from the healthcare and arts communities.

The 221+ patient support group was set up for women and families directly affected by the CervicalCheck controversy that came to light in 2018, through the late Vicky Phelan.

The three-year project involved a core group of five members who worked with artists Fiona Whelan and John Conway.

The aim was to create a series of written, visual and performative artworks and involved the concept of a living artwork and the desire for a shared place to go.

A spokesperson said the choice of a forest to meet that desire came from a recognition that the forest is home to a vast and diverse array of life that is innately resilient, nurturing, powerful and that renews itself continually.

The site chosen has been selected in conjunction with Hometree, a nature restoration charity, based in the west of Ireland which works to establish and restore resilient habitats, focusing on native temperate rainforests, they added.

Lyn Fenton, from Killorglin in Co Kerry, who had cervical cancer, said: This project started with a desire not to forget and the choice of a place and a setting that will, literally live forever, goes further than any memorial ever could.

"The forest that wont forget is a glorious site that is rich in both flora and fauna, with stories to tell that are centuries in the making and that will live beyond us all. We can think of no better way to celebrate those who were denied the opportunity to be here to visit a place like this themselves.

Artist Fiona Whelan commented that our collaboration with 221+ has been focused on developing a series of artworks drawing attention to the lived experiences and narratives of members.

"The forest that wont forget is the first public artwork from this collaborative process. This national living artwork commits to never forgetting the experiences of women and families affected by the CervicalCheck failure, while creating a space for generating new memories and experiences, she said.

Fellow artist John Conway added that no single artistic gesture could encompass the complexities and trauma that women and bereaved families have experienced as a result of the failures of the CervicalCheck programme.

"As artists, we feel that the forest that wont forget, which is a physical and metaphorical site for unity, goes someway to acknowledge and hold space for a multitude of lived experiences, for now and into the future, he said.

Ceara Martyn, manager of the 221+ Patient Support Group, said the hope was to set up some basic infrastructure at the site to facilitate visitors.

"We want it to be accessible both as a place for public recognition and private reflection on the experience and learning from CervicalCheck. We hope too in the future that further artistic, ecological and educational projects could be housed there, she said.
London properties for Wembley gigs are available for 157

Oasis fans attending the bands reunion tour in Dublin next year face paying more than 600 for an Airbnb after hosts bumped up prices due to the huge demand for the sell-out concerts.

Data compiled by a marketing company shows fans going to see the Gallagher brothers in Croke Park may end up paying nearly four times more for accommodation than those going to the concerts in London.

Oasis announced two Irish dates at GAA headquarters next August as part of a UK and Ireland tour.

However, the bands long-awaited reunion was shrouded in controversy after a dynamic pricing model led to some fans paying more than 400 for in-demand standing tickets. Now those lucky enough to have got passes are facing further price hikes.

Marketing firm QR Code Generator said the average price for an Airbnb in Dublin on August 16 is 618, compared with an average of 157 for all the London tour dates.

There are only 125 Airbnb properties available in Dublin for that date. For the Sunday gig on August 17, Airbnb prices are averaging 473.

Oasis will also play gigs in Cardiff, Edinburgh and Manchester. Prices for Airbnbs in the Welsh capital on July 5 are averaging 1,897.

Airbnb said average price for the concert dates is around 240 a night in Dublin and across all host cities

The analysis scored each date on the tour from one to 10 based on Airbnb availability and value for money, considering the one-night cost for two adults in properties where fans get the whole property to themselves, or just one room.

The August 16 tour stop in Dublin scores just 3.6 out of 10, making it the sixth-worst on the list. The two dates in Cardiff and three gigs in Edinburgh are ranked worse.

Fans travelling to any of the five Wembley gigs in London are facing much lower prices, with Airbnbs averaging 157 for one night  77pc lower than the average accommodation price for the other dates across all cities.

Speaking on the findings, Marc Porcar, CEO of QR Code Generator, said: The big price differences across cities mean fans will need to be smart about booking. Our advice is to book early to lock in lower prices before they increase even more as we get closer to the tour dates.

Hotel prices in Dublin next summer have also surged, with fans facing paying over 500 for many rooms on the weekend of the gigs.

Responding yesterday, Airbnb disputed the prices in the survey. It said the average price of booked listings on Airbnb for the concert dates is around 240 a night in Dublin and across all host cities.

We have listings available at every price point across the host cities, which will generate extra income for local families and help them benefit directly from the reunion of the decade, a spokesperson said.

Kerry Gaeltacht had highest number of Airbnb lets at 543, yet not one was listed for long-term rent

An investigation by current affairs series Iniuchadh TG4 has highlighted how more than 1,000 houses were listed on the short-term letting site in the Gaeltacht regions this summer, but fewer than 10 houses were available for long-term renting on Daft.ie.

In a regional breakdown for the period, Kerry Gaeltacht areas had the highest number of Airbnb lets available at 543, yet not a single house was listed on Daft.ie for long-term rent.

In Donegals Gaeltacht, there were 225 houses listed on Airbnb, while only three houses were advertised for long-term.

The Connemara Gaeltacht had 221 Airbnbs available, and only four houses available on a long-term basis.

Connemara-based activist Donncha O hEallaithe said people living in the Gaeltacht are being forced out of the local housing market because of the demand from outsiders for second homes that often double as Airbnbs.

Most of the houses available are on Airbnb. They are not available for people who want to rent long-term, he said. People arent staying here any more, theyre leaving, and when they go there arent strong Irish-language communities in the places they go to and thats a loss for the Irish language and Gaeltacht communities.

Research carried out by Dr Sein O Muineachain for Udaras na Gaeltachta  a regional state agency responsible for the economic, social and cultural development of Irish-speaking regions  shows that on average almost a fifth of homes in the Gaeltacht are holiday homes, with the proportion increasing in some areas.

Forty-five per cent of homes in the South Kerry Gaeltacht are classified as holiday homes. In the north Donegal Gaeltacht, the figure is 42pc. In the West Mayo Gaeltacht, 34pc are holiday homes, Dr O Muineachain said.

The documentary, called Nil Aon Tintean, is due to air tonight at 9.30pm on TG4.
Irelands underinvestment in education has been exposed by a new report, the countrys largest teachers union has said.

The latest Education at a Glance report from the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) found education was below average in Ireland while class sizes and work hours for teachers exceeded the average.

The Irish National Teachers Organisation (INTO) has called for cuts to be reversed and further investment to be made to tackle issues including class sizes and workloads for teachers.

Irelands spending per primary school student was 8pc below the OECD average while 1.1pc of Irelands GDP is spent on primary education compared to an average of 1.4pc in other countries.

The share of GDP spent on education across primary, secondary and third level in Ireland was among the biggest decreases among OECD countries from 2015 to 2021.

This places Ireland at the bottom of the table compared to 34 countries studied by the OECD. Alongside Japan and the UK, Irelands Government expenditure on education is among the lowest.

From early childhood education through third level, the average OECD country spends 5.7pc of GDP. Ireland spends 2.8pc.

Class sizes in Ireland are above both the EU and OECD average. In the last school year, the Department of Education said the average class size was 22.5

INTO general secretary, John OBoyle, said classrooms have gotten smaller in recent years but remain seriously overcrowded.

Class sizes must be reduced by two points on budget day. The Government must also reinstate the 1,700 assistant principalships that were cut from schools in 2009. Primary schools are operating under severe financial constraints, struggling to cover basic running costs.

"The Governments continued underfunding not only places undue pressure on schools but also compromises the quality of education for our children.

Primary teachers in Ireland were found to work more hours than their counterparts in other countries. The average teacher in Ireland worked 905 hours per year, compared to an OECD average of 773.

According to the report, teacher shortages can aggravate inequalities.

"Schools are not equally affected by teacher shortages. In order to attract more teachers to the most affected schools, about one-third of countries with available data offer allowances to teachers who teach in remote schools and about one in ten countries offer allowances for teaching in socio-economically disadvantaged ones, it said.

Teachers unions have called for the Government to tackle a crisis in teacher retention and recruitment.

Mr OBoyle also called for additional funding to be made available to make sure schools can be run sustainably and meet costs.

We are calling for a 20pc increase in two of the core grants paid annually to primary and special schools  the capitation and minor works grants  and a higher ancillary services grant to alleviate this burden and ensure sustainable, adequate funding for primary education in Ireland.

"It is imperative that the Government steps up to deliver its constitutional obligation to provide truly free primary education for all.
The spending of Irelands 14.1bn Apple windfall will become a key battleground in the election as other countries clamour for a share of Irelands billions.

It is expected to take around six months before the money can be drawn down from the escrow fund it has been sitting in and used, senior government sources said last night.

Politicians expect this will be an election issue and likely to feature prominently in party manifestos before the general election, which Taoiseach Simon Harris has suggested will be in March.

While a decision is yet to be made on how the funds will be spent, it is understood the money will be put into capital projects and not day-to-day expenses.

However, Finance Minister Jack Chambers said some other countries, where Apple made sales, may also have a claim on some of the money.

Mr Chambers said there have been some third-country adjustments already made which had marginally reduced the amount in escrow, but said the total amount still remained in the region of 14bn.

A total of 455m of the tax underpaid by Apple to Ireland has been paid out to other countries which had Irish branches of Apple companies.

A total of 209m was paid out in 2019 and a further 246m was paid out in May 2021.

These payments from the escrow fund were paid back to Apple to account for the profits taxed in the other countries and not Ireland.

There is currently 14.1bn in the escrow fund owed to the State, according to the Department of Finance.

A spokesperson for the department said it is not currently aware of any further claims which would arise if third countries claim that taxes were due by these companies in those jurisdictions.

The billions in the escrow fund are currently invested and will be realised in the next six months, or more, added the spokesperson.

Taxes will be paid and then the money will be put into the Exchequer.

Ireland is required to recover the more than 14bn in back taxes from Apple, following the decision of Europes top court.

The billions were 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 opposition has already made a number of calls about how the money can be spent, including suggestions to build housing and investment in off-shore wind projects.

The Taoiseach said the funds will not be used for day-to-day spending.

Careful consideration should now be given to how best to utilise this for Ireland and the needs of our country, Mr Harris said.

I look forward to discussing this with government colleagues soon.

Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe said the plans for Budget 2025 were already well advanced and he and others want to assess the possible risks before deciding how the money should be used.

When you bring in a budget, you bring in the budget assuming that this is spending that youre going to continue in the future, whereas what we have now is the potential at the point next year for a one-off receipt of additional money, and that should not change what our plans are going to be for money that we plan to keep on spending year by year by year, Mr Donohoe said.

The minister 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.

He added that other multinational companies are very large employers in Ireland, who already pay a large share of Irish tax receipts.

The minister said there is no preferential treatment by the Irish Government of any multinational company.

Mr Donohoe, a former finance minister who made the decision to challenge the case, said if they did not do so it would have sent a message that the Government did not have confidence in how tax policy works in Ireland.

Opposition parties, who criticised the Governments decision in 2016 to join Apple in appealing against the ruling, have repeated calls for the windfall to be used quickly to fix the housing crisis and help fund stretched services such as healthcare.

Labour finance spokesperson Ged Nash said it was a genuine windfall for the State and much of the resources need to be directed to housing and infrastructure development.

Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald said her party would spend the money on desperately needed housing and infrastructure.

She accused the Government of gross recklessness and incompetence, saying: You couldnt make this up. The parties of government, who lecture fiscal prudence, sought to obstruct more than 13bn that the State was due. They defended the indefensible, and persisted with throwing more millions of taxpayers money pursuing this case.

Aontu leader TD Peadar Toibin said this case is the pinnacle of squander and misuse.

I am calling for the Minister for Finance and the Minister for Public Expenditure to be brought immediately before the Finance Committee to explain their shocking actions, he said.

Meanwhile, it has emerged Ireland has spent 10m so far fighting the case at EU level.

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, 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.

A European Commission investigation found Apple had paid an effective corporate tax rate of 1pc on its European profits in 2003, down to 0.005pc in 2014  50 for every 1m of profit.

The findings were disputed by Apple and the Irish State, which said all tax owed had been collected.

The European Court of Justice yesterday ruled to restore a 2016 European Commission ruling that Ireland gave undue tax benefits to Apple, which would be illegal under EU state aid rules. An Apple representative said the company was disappointed with the decision.
They are bargains worth stashing away for Christmas, says our wine expert

Every September brings annual wine promotions from supermarkets and specialist multiple retailers. This months wine sale at OBriens Wines (until September 29) offers the biggest annual discounts from a multiple retailer that loves to discount, with wines and styles from around the world. SuperValu and Dunnes both have dedicated French Wine Sales, running to September 25 and October 14 respectively.

Meanwhile, Lidls limited-run French Wine Cellar has landed and should stay on shelves for another week or two. Aldi has just launched a seasonal line of old favourites and new offers under the banner of its Autumn-Winter Cellar, so stocks of these will last longer.

The intention of all these sales, promotions and value-focused cellars is to take the sting out of a belt-tightening month, when were counting back-to-school costs or summer holiday splurges, and encourage loyal shopping habits as we resettle into autumnal routines.

The French wine promotions include some real bargains from classic regions. The effect feels fitting for autumn  a time for cosying up with the familiar, from woollens to wines  but its also worth stashing a few steals for the festive season if you can think that far ahead.

SuperValus French wine sale is strong hunting ground for classic regions such as todays Vacqueyras (12) from southern Rhone and Fleurie (10) from one of Beaujolais best-loved appellations. Aldis Fleurie (12.99) is decent if drier and tarter, so perhaps more a match for fattier meats or high-acid foods like tomato-based pizza, as is the Specially Selected Bourgogne Gamay (12.99) that some Aldi stores still have on shelves, with its fresh red fruit.

SuperValu also has some excellent-value French Sauvignon Blanc. Its silky and elegant Signature Range Foucher Le Brun Les Deux Collines Pouilly-Fume 2023 (15 from 21) marries smoky gunflint with lemon tart freshness.

One of my top recommendations from last year is featured again this year  Andre Goichot Saint-Bris (10 from 18) is from Burgundy, but starring Sauvignon rather than Burgundys usual Chardonnay  as is some great value from the lesser-known appellation of Coteaux du Giennois (12 from 16.89).

OBriens highlights worth stashing for a festive day include Domaine Begude Terroir 11300 (a previously recommended organic Chardonnay from Limoux, 12.95 from 18.95), Piper-Heidsieck Cuvee Brut NV (42.95 from 59.95), the elegant Chateau Villa Bel-Air Rouge from Bordeuxs Graves (19.95 from 25.95) and the saline-fresh Condes De Albarei Albarino (12.95 from 19.95).

Wines of the week

Remy Ferbras Vacqueyras 2020

Remy Ferbras Vacqueyras 2020, Rhone, France, 14.5pc, 12 (from 20) An excellent-value Signature Range introduction to Vacqueyras, one of southern Rhones star appellations. Blending Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre, its a big warm hug of an autumnal wine with earthy spice and roasted red fruits, silky tannins and peppery spice, good concentration and length. Perfect with roast lamb or tagine-style pots. Lidls Vacqueyras (14.99) is organic but sweeter and shorter; its two Les Aumoniers Cotes du Rhone Villages (Seguret 10.99, Plan De Dieu 9.99) are better value. SuperValu

Bonfils LEsparrou Vin Orange 2022

Bonfils LEsparrou Vin Orange 2022, Vin de France, 13pc, 10.80 This blend of Vermentino, Viognier and Muscat given skin-contact treatment to extract its pale amber colour is a great gateway orange wine that shines with spicy food. Easy silky drinking but with finely focused acidity, notes of saffron-spiced quince, perfumed kumquat, peach blossom and dried apricot. Dunnes Stores

Le Rocher de Saint Victor Picpoul de Pinet AOP 2022

Le Rocher de Saint Victor Picpoul de Pinet AOP 2022, 12pc, 11.99 Brisk, dry and crisp with a distinctive briny character giving a saline bite to the fruity character (think salted lemon and grapefruit pith with a touch of exotic fruits like longan and lychee). Very seafood friendly, as is Lidls Muscadet Sevre et Maine Sur Lie (9.99), if plumper with more orchard fruits. Lidl

Andre Goichot Fleurie 2022

Andre Goichot Fleurie 2022, Beaujolais, France, 12.5pc, 10 (from 18) Made south of Burgundy with Beaujolais signature Gamay grape, this has lovely lifted aromas of dried flowers and wild cherry and raspberry, with decent weight and concentration of fruit, finishing fresh with a pleasantly dry rasp. Charming, quaffable and a versatile pairing for roast birds or paler meats. SuperValu

Louis Weiss Alsace Riesling

Louis Weiss Alsace Riesling , France, 12pc, 9.99 This is big, bold and balanced Riesling with lemongrass perfume and pithy finger lime notes that play beautifully to Thai or other Asian flavours, as does the slightly off-dry profile. Lidls Riesling Vin dAlsace 2022 (12.5pc, 9.99) is a little drier and tart, with key lime pie, green apple, elderflower and hints of honeysuckle. Aldi
We need to safeguard that tourists dont experience chaos and that citizens can continue to live in the centre...

Seemingly every tourist in Rome knows the key to returning to the Eternal City is to toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain and make a wish.

The result: Hoards of visitors packing the Baroque monument any given day, taking selfies and betting on a return trip.

Officials are now considering a plan to manage tourism to one of Romes most-visited sites: A  ticket to access an open-air fountain that has always been free of charge.

The proposal by citys top tourism official, Alessandro Onorato, comes after the Italian lagoon city of Venice tested a controversial 5 daytripper access fee to the city this summer.

Greece has also detailed plans to impose a 20 levy on cruise ship visitors to the islands of Santorini and Mykonos, while New Zealand will triple its tourist tax to NZ$100 (56) next month.

Romes 2 ticket idea must be deliberated by the City Council before taking effect, but the citys mayor, Roberto Gualtieri, has already voiced support.

Two euros is more or less the same amount that people toss into the fountain to make a wish, Onorato told The Associated Press last week.

Swedish actress Anita Ekberg invites Marcello Mastroianni to join her in the Trevi Fountain in the famous scene from 'La Dolce Vita'. Photo: Getty

Cities across the globe are grappling with how to manage the ever-growing number of tourists, who fuel the economy but can create inconveniences to residents by converging on the same top sites.

We have to avoid, especially in a fragile art city like Rome, that too many tourists damage the tourist experience, and damage the city, Onorato said. We need to safeguard two things, that tourists dont experience chaos and that citizens can continue to live in the centre.

Onorato said he hopes to test the entrance fee, which would be managed through a reservation system and a QR code, in time for the 2025 Jubilee Holy Year, and have the system operational by spring.

Passersby in the piazza overlooking the fountain will not have to pay. The fee would be charged only to those entering the nine stone steps leading up to the fountain's edge. It would be free to Romans.

Onorato said the system would also help discourage people from eating on the steps overlooking the fountain and feeding pigeons or, worse, from reenacting Anita Ekbergs plunge into the fountain in Fellinis La Dolce Vita, a frequently repeated offence that carries a fine.

It would happen less, or maybe it wouldnt happen at all, because whoever would enter, we would know their names and where they live. It becomes more complicated, he said.
Emmanuel Macron last week handed a noose to the nations hard right  a movement animated by bigotry  and empowered it to hang his government whenever it likes.

The French president, backed into a corner of his own making, named a new prime minister whose survival, along with the cabinets, will depend on the support of Marine Le Pens National Rally, a party whose trademark is rejection of Frances vibrant multi-cultural diversity.
Culture Night 2024 will offer opportunities for people to speak and sing in Irish, experience culture and traditions from different nations and attend shows by well-known performers

Culture Night 2024 will take place on September 20 and is organised by Cork County Council and funded by the Arts Council.

Free events ranging from ABBA in ancient castles to dancing in the streets will take place in communities around County Cork for the 19th annual Culture Night on Friday, September 20.

This years Culture Night programme will consist of 120 events which will celebrate Corks artistic, cultural and thriving creative communities.

Over 16,000 people engaged with events across the county last year and for 2024, Culture Night will offer even more opportunities for people to speak and sing in Irish, experience culture and traditions from different nations and attend shows by well-known performers.

Mayor of the County of Cork, councillor Joe Carroll, said it is fantastic to see excitement building in towns and villages for Culture Night.

The sheer variety and number of events taking place is a wonderful indication of the creativity and imagination that can be found all around the county, Mayor OCarroll said.

This years programme will be focused on the 17 hub areas of Baile Bhuirne, Bandon, Bantry, Carrigaline, Charleville, Clonakilty, Cobh, Fermoy, Kinsale, Macroom, Mallow, Midleton, Mitchelstown, Passage West, Skibbereen, Watergrasshill, and Youghal as well as surrounding areas and the islands off the coast of Cork.

I invite everyone to take a chance and try something new, there is something for everyone to enjoy, the Mayor said.

One highlights of the event will be Waisted  The Culture of Food, a photo exhibition by Thady Tra which will celebrates ugly food and questions the way we consume and value our vegetables. It will be part of a year-long effort in Clonakilty called 'Waste Not, Want Not' and co-hosted by VOICE Ireland at the Green Dot Cafe.

A puppetry event and DoReDee Sing with me for children in Watergrasshill also promises to be well worth attending, as does Short and Sweet Shakespeare at the art deco Regal Cinema in Youghal.

Poetry and Prose from Cork County Libraries by Cork County Council writer-in-residence Victoria Kennefick will also be launched on Culture Night while in Killeagh, Microcultures: A miniature parade which celebrates multifarious cultures will be hosted in Greywood Arts.

All Culture Night 2024 events are free, however advance booking is required for certain events. See www.culturenightcorkcounty.ie for more information.
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."
Galway cruise captain's two-day search reunites Donegal girl with lost teddy, creating a touching tale of dedication at sea

Rabbie with the crew the day she was found

Rabbie and Stanley on their way home

A cruise-ship captain from Galway has told the heartwarming story of how he found a lost teddy after a massive, two-day search of his vessel and of how he subsequently reunited with its eight-year-old owner in Donegal.

Staff Captain Brian Whelan of Princess Cruises ship Sun Princess told the Irish Independent it was a day like any other when he noticed a post on the ships Facebook page.

The Galway City native explained: I just happened to be on Facebook in my office that day and I saw a post from a family saying that they just disembarked and they forgot Rabbie the teddy bear and if anyone could help get it back. It was just the luck of the draw that I noticed that.

It happened to me when I was a kid, Ive loved cruising for over 30 years and we went on a couple of cruises when I was a kid, and I almost lost my teddy bear once as well, a long time ago.

I left my desk and I went down immediately.

So the hunt started and the whole cruise staff was involved in the search for two days.

Brian said: We all started looking for it, and after a couple of days luckily we found it. I had almost given up hope that we would find it but one of the team found it and we brought it up onto the bridge for safe keeping.

It was in the laundry, under a pile of towels.

Staff Captain Brian Whelan with Sophie Callaghan, Rabbie and Stanley

Through the same Facebook page, Brian then got in touch with Rabbies family and found out that her owner is eight-year-old Sophie Callaghan, who lives with her family in Donegal.

Posting the teddy bear would have been the easiest choice, but Brian explained he was afraid Rabbie would have gone missing again.

So the staff captain kept the teddy with him on the ship for two weeks, until he came back home to Galway, and then organised a trip to Donegal.

The 41-year-old said: So it all worked out very well, I got to meet them, we got to have a nice coffee and a chat, and reunited the teddy with Sophie.

Over the two weeks Rabbie had the best time on the cruise as pictures show him helping the crew on the ships bridge.

Rabbie with the crew the day she was found

But in this journey Rabbie was not alone as he came home with a friend, the bear Stanley.

Brian explained: Stanley is Princesss mascot. Hes dressed up in a captain outfit, we sell him in the shop.

I gave Sophie Stanley as well, he was looking after Rabbie and they became friends while she was waiting to go home.

Rabbie and Stanley on the ship

Brian added he is very proud of what he and the crew did for Rabbie and Sophie.

It was a team effort by all of the crew. Were a small little village almost.

I really like cruising, I think its a very nice industry because we want to go that extra mile, we really share the world and make lasting memories for our guests.

Hopefully Sophie will remember this for the rest of her life.
Campaign group calls for new multi-denominational school amid scramble for places

A group of campaigners in Dublin 8 is advocating for the construction of a new multi-denominational secondary school to solve the present shortfall in places for local children.

According to Educate D8, half of the children living in the Dublin 8 area will not have a local secondary school place next year.

Despite the fact there are five existing secondary schools, a 600-student gap remains in Dublin 8 and the campaign group believes this fits the Department of Educations criteria for a new school.

According to the most recent census data from last year, Dublin 8 has a non-Catholic population of 62pc, double the national average. However, this is not reflected in the distribution of newly created multi-denominational schools.

Louise Fitzpatrick, Educate D8 spokesperson, told the Irish Independent it has begun a letter-writing campaign to Education Minister Norma Foley to highlight the lack of secondary school places, which forces primary school children to leave the area.

This time of year, its an especially big issue because it's when parents start applying for secondary schools, she said.

Its when its at the top of everyones mind, because people realise the bad situation were in.

According to the group, parents are sometimes obliged to apply to dozens of schools across Dublin in the hope of finding a space.

The closest multi-denominational secondary school in their catchment area is Sandymount Educate, created to meet the needs of Dublin 8 students but which often requires a 90-minute trip both ways.

Everybody must compromise where they send their kids to school, Ms Fitzpatrick said.

So, if they send them to a local school, theyre usually compromising on religion, or they could be compromising on subject choice, extracurricular activities.

What we dont understand is why, in the area where we have the most multi-denominational population, as in the most international, the least Catholic, is that not possible?

How can it be the case for kids in, you know, Blackrock and in Sandyford, in all of these affluent places where actually the population is much more homogenous? she added.

Read more Synge Street CBS to welcome girls for the first time in more than 160 years

The campaign group also believes that comments from the Minister of Education so far shows the situation they are in is not being fully understood.

Weve been focussing on trying to find potential sites for a new school, which is really difficult to do in a built-up urban area, Ms Fitzpatrick said.

A lot of families in our area dont realise this is an issue until its too late for them.

A spokesperson for the Department of Education said it is aware of reports that half of children in Dublin 8 will not have a place in a local post primary school for the 2025/26 school year.

However, according to data available to the Department, there are sufficient first year places available across the five post primary schools in Dublin 8 to facilitate circa 80pc of the children due to leave sixth class in schools in that area.

There is also a willingness among schools and from the Department to make additional places available, should they be required.

However, there were 29 unfilled first year places in post primary schools in Dublin 8 in the 2023/24 school year, even after a significant cohort of students from outside the area were accommodated.

Some families are choosing to enrol their children in post primary schools outside the area, including in multi-denominational schools.

While a small number of children from Dublin 8 are enrolled in Sandymount Park ETSS, greater numbers are enrolled in each of Harolds Cross ETSS and Clogher Road Community College, both multi-denominational schools less than 1km from the Dublin 8 School Planning Area boundary.

There has been significant new population growth in Dublin 8 in recent years driven by residential development activity.

While some families in Dublin 8 are choosing to enrol their children in post primary schools outside the area, this population growth is a real opportunity to reinvigorate and strengthen enrolments at the established local schools.

The Department recognises the important role of these post primary schools in meeting the needs of the community in Dublin 8 and continues to actively support these schools.

The Edmund Rice Schools Trusts recent decision that CBS Synge Street will transition to a co-educational Gaelcholaiste is also being actively supported by this department.

Ensuring sufficient school capacity is a priority for the department, and the school place needs in Dublin 8 will continue to be kept under review.
The Clockwork Door wont renew city centre lease without rapid change to address issues

A Temple Bar business says it will not renew its current lease unless something changes rapidly to address safety issues in the city.

Ciaran Hogan, owner and operator of The Clockwork Door for the past eight years, had hoped the city would improve in the last year, but that hasnt happened.

A member of his staff was recently mugged and beaten while waiting for a bus home after work.

Every incident like this  my staff member being attacked or guests saying their phone was stolen  just reinforces the perception that the city isnt safe, he said.

This will be the second year in a row that The Clockwork Door has decided not to participate in Culture Night, after equipment was stolen from the venue during the event in 2022.

Despite repeated calls for a plan to rejuvenate the city centre and address anti-social behaviour, Mr Hogan believes nothing has changed.

He said he would love nothing more than to participate in Culture Night and praised the organisers of the event.

I made the statement last year and I wasnt going to change my mind about this year unless the city had improved significantly  obviously, that hasnt happened, he said.

"I don't think theyre treating the root cause of the problem. Its trying to promote culture when the venues and events that promote that culture are really going to struggle if people dont want to be in Dublin city centre."

He added that people who experience crime in the city often feel there is no reason to report it as they have no confidence in the system.

If theyre catching someone in the middle of committing a crime, they have to be able to prosecute them fully, Mr Hogan said.

Theres a systematic problem  not that gardai are lazy, but that theyre not being supported.

The Clockwork Door on Wellington Quay is a social space and venue that offers a mix of board games, a cafe, study spaces, a hostel common room, a lecture hall, and escape rooms.

They host events like Laughter Yoga, Mocktail Classes, game nights, and movie nights.

The owner said that, in the past eight years of running the business, nobody from Dublin City Council has ever reached out to help or support them in any way.

He believes there needs to be a public perception of safety and security, which could be achieved with an increased garda presence and support for them to follow through on getting offenders off the streets.

The Clockwork Door has previously said their family-run business would consider relocating due to safety issues in Dublin, and Mr Hogan has now confirmed they will finish up their lease and not renew, unless something changes rapidly.

Im actively looking for other premises. Unless something changes rapidly, I, along with many other businesses, will be leaving, he said.

Theres a snowball effect. The fewer businesses there are, the fewer customers come into town. It makes the city feel like an empty husk, and its hard to reverse that once it starts.

Many fantastic businesses have opened up, but they couldnt survive. Its not because they were bad businesses  its because of the taxes, the services, and the declining foot traffic through Dublin.

A spokesperson for Dublin City Council, joint organisers of Culture Night, said: Dublin City Council regrets that any theft occurs at any time, particularly on such a fun night as Culture Night.

Each venue though on Culture Night is autonomous and responsible for its own operation and security. Its a shame to hear Clockwork Door have had a negative experience, something very rare on Culture Night.
Students of Presentation Secondary School in Tralee taking part in the 'Think Before You Flush' campaign.

The Think Before You Flush campaign, operated by Clean Coasts in partnership with Uisce Eireann, joined Presentation Secondary School in Tralee this week to discuss the environmental issue of sewage-related litter.

The campaign is one which aims to raise awareness about the detrimental effects of flushing sanitary products and other damaging items down the toilet and to promote responsible waste management practices. It has asked the students to help spread the Think Before You Flush message throughout their community.

Think Before You Flush emphasises the importance of appropriate flushing behaviour and disposal of items including wipes and other sanitary products in the bin, even if they are labelled as flushable. Unlike toilet paper, which is designed to disintegrate quickly in water, these other items do not break down easily.

Only the 3 Ps (pee, poo and paper) should be flushed down the toilet. When items such as wet wipes are flushed, they can cause serious blockages in sewage systems, damage wastewater networks and ultimately pollute our rivers, lakes, beaches and coastal waters.

The students of Presentation Secondary School also learnt about the Think Before You Pour campaign that looks at the issue of pouring fats, oils, and greases (FOGs) from cooking down the kitchen sink. Instead of flowing freely, FOGs cool and harden as they travel along the wastewater network.

When FOGs combine with sewage related litter fatbergs can form. Uisce Eireann clears thousands of blockages, including fatbergs, from the wastewater and sewage networks every year. The Think Before Pour campaign urges everyone to avoid washing FOGs down the kitchen drain and, instead, dispose of them in the bin once cool.

Speaking about the Think Before You Flush campaign, Head of Water Operations for Uisce Eireann, Margaret Attridge said:

We hope that the students from Presentation Secondary School in Tralee enjoyed hearing about the Think Before You Flush campaign. Sewage related litter is polluting our marine, coastal, and river environments and putting unnecessary pressure on Irelands wastewater infrastructure. Every single person in Ireland can play their part in ensuring that toilets are used for their intended purpose; pee, poo, and paper. We hope the students enjoyed the workshop and will continue to Think Before They Flush.
An image of some of the suspected drugs and cash which were seized following yesterday's seizure.

A man in his 30s arrested following the seizure of close to 30,000 worth of suspected cocaine and the discovery of a cannabis grow farm in county Longford on Tuesday afternoon has been released without charge.

Members from the Gardais Armed Support Unit (ASU) together with officers attached to the Longford Divisional Drugs Unit and uniformed gardai made the discovery following an intelligence-led operation in the Cloonee area of the county yesterday afternoon.

The Irish Independent can confirm approximately 28,000 worth of suspected cocaine together with 6,260 in cash was seized during the search.

A short time later and during a follow-up operation, a cannabis grow farm which gardai have described as being in its early stages of construction was discovered.

The searches were carried out by the Longford Divisional Drugs Unit, Western Region Armed Support Unit, Roads Policing Unit Longford, as well as officers from Longford Community Engagement and Granard, said a garda spokesperson.

The male suspect was detained and questioned for a number of hours at a local garda station before being released without charge.

A garda spokesperson confirmed a file will now be readied for the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP0 to determine the next course of the investigation.

"The man aged in his 30s has now been released without charge, said the spokesperson.

A file will be submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions. Investigations are ongoing.

Details surrounding yesterdays seizure is the latest high profile discovery to be made under Operation Tara, an enhanced national anti-drugs strategy launched by Garda Commissioner Drew Harris in July 2021.

Its initiation was ushered in to focus on disrupting, dismantling, and prosecuting drug trafficking networks at international, national, and local levels alongside the importation, distribution, cultivation, production, local sale, and supply of controlled drugs.
The CEO of Dignity4Patients has renewed the organisations call for an Inquiry into the crimes of disgraced surgeon and serial abuser, Michael Shine in the wake of separate and shocking new revelations of abuse in religious-run institutions in Louth and across the country.

Dignity4Patients CEO, Adrienne Reilly said that the promised Commission of Investigation into the abuses at religions schools must have the interests of victims at its centre and that a separate Inquiry into the crimes of Michael Shine must be also be launched by the State.

Reacting to the latest revelations from the Scoping Inquiry into abuses in schools run by religious orders, Ms Reilly welcomed the report and the commitment to a Commission of Investigation but said that the history of such commissions in Ireland has not been fantastic and this one, must be victim-centred.

The government has to get this one right. They have enough knowledge now in terms of Commissions of Investigation and Public Inquiries to properly resource the victims in this process and have real and meaningful engagement with victims, she said.

Ms Kelly said this is what the victims of Michael Shine deserve too. She said that Dignity4Patients is now aware of at least 350 male alleged victims of Shine and she believes this is only scratching the surface, in terms of the scale of abuse in this case..

Adrienne Reilly said there was a huge need for an Inquiry into the crimes of Michael Shine and that her organisation and the victims it represents were waiting on the ear of government on that issue.

Ms Reilly said that cost should be no barrier to setting up a Shine Inquiry given that the Medical Missionaries of Mary had established a fund to protect the order against claims against it in 1997. She said that fund was 1.6 million punts, which amounted to about 2 million and with interest, will be a much larger sum, now.

The money is there and that money should be used for the benefit of Shines victims to establish a Commission of Investigation into the crimes of Michael Shine, Adrienne Kelly said.

She said that one of the victims of Michael Shine had already gone public to say he was abused in a Drogheda school run by a religious order, and there may well be more. Expressing her views forcefully, she said the number of alleged victims of Michael Shine made him Irelands Jimmy Saville.

Ms Reilly said that Dignity4Patients has been busy over the last week, fielding calls from alleged victims of Shine that are stepping forward for the first time and those reporting abuses in religious-run schools, seeking advice on where to go for help.

She said: Every time there is something in the media related to sexual abuse, we get more people coming forward..

Often we are the first people they have told in more than 30 years and it is the first time they have been able to talk about it.

With that in mind, Ms Reilly said that it was important for victims of sexual abuse to reach out and talk to someone. She said that Dignity4Patients is happy to help and that you dont have to be a victim of Michael Shine to make contact.

If we cant help directly, we can signpost people to services that can help. There are services and resources out there to support people and I would encourage people to reach out, she said.

Dignity4 Patients can be contacted Monday to Thursday between 10am and 4pm by phoning the helpline at 041  9843730 or texting 086 1654111 or emailing support@dignity4patients.org. The organisations out of hours number is 1800 778888.
Golf

All Ireland medal joy for Louise and Antoinette at Headfort

Greenislands Louise Noble shot the round of her life to claim silver and Castlebars Antoinette Starken saw her hard work pay off with the bronze after two nail-biting finishes to the All-Ireland Womens Silver and Bronze Medal finals at lovely 
The staff at FCJ secondary school in Bunclody were amazed by the record-breaking results their students received in this years Leaving Cert.

According to teacher Justin Kelly, out of the 140 students who sat the exams, twelve students received over 600 points, including three that received the full 625 possible points. Over 75 per cent received over 500 points and 45 per cent received over 400 points.

Mr Kelly says they are prepared to support their students well after they have cleaned out their lockers, especially with the help of dedicated Career Guidance teacher Ciara Kenny.

"She is amazing at following up with each and every student, she has detailed lists for what each person plans to do after graduation. She is a right one, he said.

Although they are an academically-driven group, the school prides itself on using every avenue, including social media, to secure opportunities for the students who decide to enter apprenticeships.

"I am over the social media, and Ms Kenny will tell me exactly which students are looking for apprenticeships and I put the word out there. Within hours, people flock to us and every single student gets sorted very quickly, he added.

However, similar to fellow school staff within the district, they are worried for students in the current accommodation crisis, especially for those who are planning to go to universities in Dublin.

"The first three students who came to us on results day all received enough points for their courses; one is planning on going to the Royal College of Surgeons, while the other two are going to Trinity College Dublin. It is much harder than when I was in college. Even worse as second and third year college students knew they would be returning and have their accommodation sorted, he said.

Nevertheless, Mr Kelly says that the students who were disappointed by their results or who may miss out on an offer, have no need to worry about their future, using his own experience fifteen years ago as an example.

"Although the majority of students at the school receive their first offers, students who do not need to remember that it is not the end of anything. There are so many routes now to get what you want. I did not get my first offer, but it ended up for the better. We can be so hard on ourselves sometimes, he added.

Principal Brendan Daly also expressed that he was incredibly proud of the students and wished them all the best in their future endeavours.
On the face of things, it's no major shock that Sinn Fein have confirmed sitting TD Johnny Mythen as their candidate to contest the general election in the newly adjusted, four-seat, Wexford constituency.

Last time out in 2020, the Enniscorthy man managed a record-breaking 18,717 first preference votes as the full force of the Sinn Fein surge enveloped the county.

Despite this, there were some rumours that the party was considering a different direction and that Mythen might opt to retire from politics.

Some within the party reportedly favoured Wexford councillor Tom Forde, particularly given the creation of a new South Wicklow/North Wexford constituency north of Enniscorthy, while there were others who wanted to build on the last election and follow in Fine Gaels footsteps by running two candidates within the four-seater.

With local elections not going completely to plan for the party, it seems that Sinn Fein have opted to play it safe and Mythen was officially chosen at the partys selection convention on Monday night as their sole candidate in the southern constituency.

"It has been an honour and a privilege to represent the people and constituency of Wexford as their TD since February 2020, he said.

"Through our constituency office and our involvement in the community, our team of councillors and local activists have worked very hard to fight for our communities and for our county.

"I am very grateful for that support and delighted to be part of the Wexford Sinn Fein team. We will work hard to build on that progress in the upcoming General Election.

"While it may be a new layout for the Wexford constituency as a four-seater, the challenges remain the same - in housing, health, cost-of-living, and elsewhere. With an ever-growing population in Wexford the government have failed in their duty to ensure that growth is matched with essential public and community infrastructure and services.

"The people of Wexford deserve better than that. I hope to have the opportunity to continue to fight their corner after the next general election, and to see our communities thrive and reach their full potential.

"In the meantime, we will continue to work hard. I am very grateful for the Sinn Fein nomination, and I look forward to the campaign ahead."

Deputy Mythens selection follows that of Cllr Fionntan O Suilleabhain in the South Wicklow/North Wexford three-seater, which will also be contested by Fianna Fail Senator Malcolm Byrne, Wicklow councillor Pat Kennedy (FF) and Gorey businessman Brian Brennan (FG).

A dog-fight is certainly beginning to take shape in the Wexford constituency with James Browne (FF), Verona Murphy (IND), George Lawlor (LAB), Cathal Byrne (FG), Bridin Murphy (FG) and now Mythen (SF) all declared, with rumours that Mick Wallace might be weighing up a general election run after losing his European seat back in June.

Its the view of a number of astute political commentators that we could be headed to the polls before the end of November. With a number of the declared candidates already out canvassing, perhaps they possess some information that we don't in relation to when an election will officially be called as political tensions mount.
In the 18 years since the very first Culture Night was held in Dublin the make-up of the Irish population has shifted significantly. Where once an area was defined by local customs and cultures, now all but the most remote parts of the country contain a variety of ethnic groups, each with their own unique identities and cultures.
Minister Stephen Donnelly with a coffee cup made specially for him, with Aubrey McCarthy and Phil Thompson.

Cllr Stephen Stokes, cllr Louise Fenelon Gaskin, Rachel Harper, cathaoirleach of Greystones Municipal District, cllr Tom Fortune, cllr Lourda Scott and cllr Daithi Doolan, at the Tiglin Aftercare Launch, in Greystones. Photos: Leigh Anderson.

Health Minister Stephen Donnelly praised both the residents and staff at Tiglins Coolnagreina campus in Greystones as an inspiration to us all, when he officially launched the new aftercare facility on Friday September 6.

The facility marks a significant expansion of Tiglins services, which include a youth cafe, family support services, a social enterprise bakery, and womens transitional housing.

The highlight of the launch was the introduction of Tiglins new aftercare programme for men and women who have completed residential rehabilitation.

Tiglins CEO, Phil Thompson, emphasised the importance of the new initiative, when he explained the pathway to recovery.

Previously, when we offered residential rehab only, there was an increased risk of relapse as people returned to the environments where their addiction took root, often coupled with isolation, he said.

Now, we are proud to offer a comprehensive aftercare programme out of our new facility. This seven-month, Monday-to-Friday curriculum focuses on recovery, education, and employment opportunities with our partners.

This ensures that those in our care reintegrate into society successfully, seamlessly transitioning into the broader community, he added.

Men completing Tiglins rehabilitation at the Ashford centre now move into Carraig Eden, a facility purchased and refurbished with support from Minister Donnelly and Wicklow County Council.

In a significant development, the health chief also announced the allocation of funding to refurbish an old house at Coolnagreina into a 12-bedroom en-suite transitional housing facility for women.

This new housing will support women completing Tiglins residential programme, aiding their social reintegration and strengthening their social capital.

Aubrey McCarthy, chairman of Tiglin, highlighted the importance of this phase of recovery journey.

What we do through our aftercare programme and housing is essential, he said. After a life of chaos and addiction, and after completing a tough programme, the aftercare programme in Greystones is crucial.

It prepares and supports individuals as they acclimate to normal life. Towards the end of the programme, most residents secure jobs or start courses, giving them the leg up they need when they need it most, he added.

The rehabilitation journey was described by one aftercare participant at the launch, who shared their positive experience with the guests, which also included local councillors Stephen Stokes, Lourda Scott, Louise Fenelon Gaskin, the Cathaoirleach of Greystones Municipal District, cllr Tom Fortune and Dublin City councillor, Daithi Doolan.

Joining the community in Greystones has been transformative. Its a new town with so much going on. Ive joined a choir and a drama group, and I even have a mentor I meet with weekly. Its given me a new lease on life.

Minister Donnelly concluded the event by praising the dedication of both the residents and workers at Tiglin, when he said: I believe the residents and workers here represent the very best of us in Wicklow. They are an inspiration to us all.

Separately, on Thursday, September 5, We Act, the public awareness campaign which promotes the value and impact of the charity and community sector in Ireland, marked International Day of Charity with a fascinating new documentary video to thank volunteers in communities all over Ireland.

The video tells the remarkable stories of some of the sectors most regarded contributors, including Tiglins Aubrey McCarthy.

We loved getting to surprise these volunteers with a huge thank you from the people theyve impacted, explains Claire McGowran, We Act campaign manager.

People like Aubrey work tirelessly year-round, they dont do it to be thanked, but they certainly deserve our gratitude. Its people like them that make our communities fun, vibrant, better, more equitable places to live, she said.

The video can be viewed at vimeo.com/1006536719
Ann Richardson, Samantha Hogan and Deirdre Garry, volunteers with No Name Club Hollywood, Co. Wicklow with John Williams, Edith Geraghty and Sean Twomey of No Name Club.

The No Name Club organisation is looking to establish new clubs around County Wicklow, but firstly require volunteers who are willing to help.

Founded in 1978, No Name Club is a national, voluntary youth organisation that aims to empower young people aged 15-18 by providing a fun, safe environment where they can socialise without the pressures of alcohol or drugs.

The only registered No Name Club in County Wicklow is based in Hollywood, with weekly meetings held in the Hollywood Centre.

Dr Garrett Keenaghan, chairperson of No Name Club, said: We know that its crucial for young people to build confidence and self-esteem. No Name Club is more than just a social outletits a place where young people can build confidence, learn new skills, and make lifelong friends.

By involving young people in the planning and running of events, No Name Club helps them build confidence and leadership skills.

Through its activities, the organisation raises awareness about the effects of alcohol and drugs, empowering young people to make informed choices. Membership fees are kept low to ensure that the club is accessible to all young people, offering them a supportive environment in which to thrive.

As a volunteer-led organisation, No Name Club relies on the dedication of its volunteers, who work tirelessly to guide and mentor young members. These volunteers are essential in creating the safe, welcoming environments that are central to the clubs mission.

If youd like to find out more about establishing a No Name Club in your locality, contact nonameclub.ie.
Close to 3,400 properties in Redcross can now avail of high-speed fibre broadband connection, including the rural areas and townlands surrounding Arklow, Redcross and Brittas Bay.

A total of 16,000 premises in County Wicklow are included in the States intervention area, which will see National Broadband Ireland (NBI) deliver minimum speeds of 500 megabits per second to homes, businesses, farms, and schools. As the biggest investment in rural Ireland since rural electrification, Co Wicklow will receive 59 million of government investment under the National Broadband Plan.

There are 3,390 Wicklow premises in the Redcross deployment area that can join the NBI network. National Broadband Ireland is calling on people living nearby to visit nbi.ie/map/ and enter their Eircode to see if they are ready to connect.

There are 8,588 homes, businesses, and farms in County Wicklow that can order or pre-order high-speed, reliable broadband with 2,753 connections made to the NBI network so far.

Build works continue across Co Wicklow as over 1,900 premises near Aughrim and over 1,800 near Baltinglass are due to be connected to NBIs fibre broadband in the coming weeks between September and October 2024.

Peter Hendrick, chief executive officer at National Broadband Ireland, said: We are delighted to announce that almost 3,400 Wicklow premises near Redcross can now order high-speed broadband services through the NBI network. This will enable those who connect to experience the life-changing benefits of high-speed broadband with minimum speeds of 500 megabits per second.

Almost 8,600 homes, businesses and farms in Co Wicklow can now order a high-speed fibre connection to the NBI network. This includes almost 3,400 premises near Redcross, over 1,400 near Blessington and 2,300 near Kilcoole. We are working hard on the ground to progress other areas of the county through engineering survey, design and construction phases. We encourage local residents to visit the NBI website to check their Eircode and sign up for updates.

As a wholesale network operator, NBI does not sell fibre broadband directly to end users, rather it enables services from a range of broadband providers or retail service providers (RSPs). As a wholesale provider, NBI will make the new fibre-to-the-home network available to all RSPs operating in the intervention area.

Signing up to the NBI email notifications at nbi.ie/eoi is the easiest way to get the most up-to-date status of premises during the rollout and when premises will be ready for order.
Anne Newton at the launch of Bewleys Big Coffee Morning for Hospice.

A Wicklow woman hosting coffee mornings as part of Bewleys Big Coffee Morning for Hospice for the last 25 years has praised the incredible level of support Our Ladys Hospice & Care Services Wicklow Hospice deliver to patients.

Anne Newton raises an average of 1,000 every year by inviting relatives and friends to her rural home, 6km from Ashford.

She embraces the annual Bewleys Big Coffee Morning for Hospice as her way of helping to support patients receiving end-of-life care at Our Ladys Hospice & Care Services Wicklow Hospice.

This long-standing and much-loved national event, coordinated by Together for Hospice, takes place on September 26.

I hadnt visited anyone in a hospice, but then I visited Our Ladys last year and it was amazing. I immediately felt relaxed, and I felt this wonderful atmosphere envelop me  it was incredible, Anne said. You are treated as someone who is living rather than someone who is dying.

It was so heart-warming, so calm. There was no hustle and bustle. That made me more determined than ever to continue these fundraising events.

Annes initial fundraiser was sparked when she heard a radio ad asking people to support Hospice coffee mornings.

My uncle had died of cancer a few years before and he didnt get the chance to be cared for in a hospice, said the mum-of-two. Every family has to deal with cancer. I dont believe theres a family that hasnt been hit by it.

From small beginnings, Anne managed to raise 1,100 in 2019, before Covid put the brakes on in-person gatherings.

The advantage of having it in your home is that you invite the people and you have control over how many come, she says.

I used to do a huge amount of baking, but for the last few years, my local Dunnes Stores have very kindly been donating goods, which helps me enormously

Ive also taken to buying fruit as not everyone wants to eat cake! I have also invited people along the road who have moved in and want to get to know other people. They really enjoy it. I drop leaflets into letter boxes and spread the word in different WhatsApp groups.

Anne even sends leftovers to her husband Stephens colleagues at Birdwatch Ireland, who also makes a donation to the Hospice.

Together for Hospice, The National Hospice Movement, represents 24 Hospice and specialist palliative home care providers supporting patients and their families across Ireland.

Funds raised locally stay local and go directly to each local hospice service to innovate, build new facilities, develop new services and deliver quality improvements and extra benefits for their patients and their family members.
North America

I was appalled by such cruelty  Melania Trump breaks silence on claims that son Barron is autistic
The Indo Daily: You will die in prison  My life-changing time as an Iranian state hostage
Flights suspended around Russian capital

Ukraine targeted the Russian capital yesterday in its biggest drone attack so far, killing at least one and wrecking dozens of homes in the Moscow region and forcing around 50 flights to be diverted from airports around Moscow.

Russia said it had 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.
People attend a protest against the government and to show support for the hostages who were kidnapped during the deadly October 7 attack, amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza between Israel and Hamas, in Tel Aviv, Israel. Photo: Reuters

Israeli strikes on Palestinian territories have killed more than two-dozen Palestinians on Wednesday, according to local officials. They say an Israeli airstrike killed five Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, and at least 20 people, including 16 women and children, were killed in the Gaza Strip.
India-Spain Bilateral Trade and Investment Profile

The bilateral relationship between India and Spain has developed into a multifaceted partnership encompassing political, economic, cultural, and strategic cooperation. Regular high-level interactions, including official visits and meetings at international forums such as the G20, demonstrate the growing significance of this relationship. In 2017, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to Spain marked a key milestone, and in 2023, Spains Vice President attended the G20 summit hosted by India, reflecting the continued engagement between the two nations.

Spain, a key European partner, works with India on important projects in defense, renewable energy, and other global initiatives, deepening the scope of their diplomatic and economic partnership. Defense cooperation has gained momentum with Indias recent purchase of C295 cargo planes from Spain, and both countries are eager to expand collaboration in marine security and defense technologies. Regular high-level meetings, such as the India-Spain Foreign Office Consultations, further strengthen these ties.

India-Spain economic and trade cooperation

Economic and trade cooperation plays a pivotal role in India-Spain relations. Spanish companies are active in Indias infrastructure, renewable energy, and automotive sectors, while Indian investments in Spain are concentrated in IT services and pharmaceuticals. The India-Spain Joint Commission on Economic Cooperation (JCEC), which held its 12th meeting in 2023, plays a key role in boosting bilateral trade. The India-Spain CEOs Forum, established in 2015, further strengthens business ties. Both countries also collaborate on industrial research and development through the India-Spain Program of Cooperation, and Indias participation in various trade fairs in Spain is indicative of this growing relationship.

Bilateral trade

In 2023, bilateral trade between India and Spain reached US$8.25 billion, with Indias exports to Spain amounting to US$6.33 billion and imports totaling US$1.92 billion. Indias primary exports include mineral fuels, chemical products, iron and steel, electrical machinery, and apparel.

In June 2024, Indias exports to Spain amounted to US$389 million, with imports reaching US$177 million. Key export growth areas included ready-made cotton garments, iron and steel, and telecom instruments. Imports from Spain also increased, driven by petroleum products, industrial machinery, and paper. India saw significant growth in exports of bulk drugs and telecom instruments, while Spain experienced increased demand for its petroleum products and industrial machinery.

The prospects for bilateral trade are promising, with significant opportunities in renewable energy, smart cities, and infrastructure. Spain, a global leader in renewable energy, aligns with Indias sustainability goals. Both nations are actively exploring opportunities in defense, IT, and healthcare, driven by Indias growing market and Spains expertise in these sectors.

Top traded items: India and Spain

Indias Top Exports to Spain in 2023 Items Value (US$ million) Organic chemicals 535.51 Iron and steel 472.04 Articles of apparel, not knitted or crocheted 427.70 Electrical, electronic equipment 349.09 Mineral fuels, oils, distillation products 249.65 Machinery, nuclear reactors, boilers 238.31 Vehicles other than railways, tramways 190.57 Fish, crustaceans, molluscs, aquatic invertebrates 178.31

Source: Trading Economics

Indias Top Imports from Spain in 2023 Items Value (US$ million) Ships, boats, and other floating structures 529.09 Beverages, spirits, and vinegar 410.51 Machinery, nuclear reactors, boilers 290.39 Mineral fuels, oils, distillation products 248.58 Organic chemicals 222.90 Tanning, dyeing extracts, tannins, derivatives, pigments 132.67 Plastics 128.26 Electrical, electronic equipment 102.92

Source: Trading Economics

Investment flow

Spain ranks as the 16th largest foreign investor in India, with cumulative FDI totaling US$3.94 billion as of December 2023. Over 280 Spanish companies operate in India, particularly in the metallurgical industries, renewable energy, automotive, ceramics and infrastructure (highways, transmission lines, tunnels and metro stations).

Key investment destinations include Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka. Meanwhile, Indian investments in Spain amount to approximately US$900 million, with around 80 Indian companies active in sectors such as IT services, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals. India is among the top five Asian investors in Spain.

Indian companies in Spain

Indian companies operating in Spain are primarily in Madrid and Barcelona, and across sectors such as iron and steel, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, and IT. Indian multinationals like ArcelorMittal, Wipro, and Sun Pharmaceuticals have a significant presence, contributing to the local economy. Spanish subsidiaries of Indian IT firms employ substantial local workforces, and the pharmaceutical sector has witnessed Indian companies acquiring Spanish firms to expand their European footprint. Spain serves as a strategic hub for Indian companies to manage operations across Europe and Latin America.

List of Indian Companies in Spain Electronic, Information and Communication Technologies (EICT) 14 Pharma and Biotechnology 8 Automotive, Automotive Components 6 Tourism & Connectivity 5 Renewable Energies, Water & Sustainability 4 Others 10

Spanish companies in India

Spanish companies entered the Indian market later than those from other countries, establishing a presence after Indias 1991 economic liberalization reforms. Among the first to set up operations were Banco Sabadell in 1994, Grupo Antolin in 1996, and Grupo Mondragon in 1998. Since then, Spanish involvement has surged. Close to 300 Spanish companies are active across key economic hubs in India, primarily concentrated in metropolitan areas such as Delhi, Mumbai-Pune, Bangalore, and Chennai. Spains commercial and corporate presence spans multiple sectors, with significant involvement in infrastructure, construction, industrial engineering, advanced machinery, renewable energy, environmental sustainability, electronic and communication technologies (EICT), and the automotive industry, including automotive components. This highlights Spains contribution to growing Indias value chain and fostering the countrys competitive and sustainable economic growth.

Spanish companies in India range from large corporations to SMEs involved in various sectors. Notable companies like Indra, Roca, and SIS-Prosegur have established significant operations, contributing to areas such as air traffic control, bathroom design, and ATM management. The presence of major companies has drawn in Spanish SMEs, particularly in sectors like renewable energy and automotive components.

Spanish businesses typically enter India through joint ventures with local partners, often evolving into full subsidiaries. Economic and commercial offices in New Delhi and Mumbai, part of Spains Embassy, assist Spanish companies with market entry and offer ICEX services, including organizing business meetings and partnerships.

Although Spain lacks a strong national brand recognition in India, Spanish companies have successfully attracted Indian consumers with innovative, high-quality products. Major fashion brands such as Zara, Mango, and Desigual have expanded significantly, while beauty and personal care brands like Iberchem and Skeyndor have also established a presence. E-commerce is a growing frontier for Spanish brands, with companies like Zara enhancing their online presence in India. Spanish companies have shown adaptability to the Indian market, with examples like Roca, Lladro, and fashion brands adjusting their products to local consumer preferences.

List of Spanish Companies in India Infrastructure, Construction & Civil Engineering 23 Auxiliary Industry, Industrial Components & Industrial Engineering 23 Machinery & Tools 22 Renewable Energies, Water & Environmental Sustainability 21 Electronic, Information and Communication Technologies (EICT) 20 Automotive, Automotive Components 14 Financial Services, Legal Advice & Strategy & Operations Consultancy 11 Food & Drinks 9 Chemical 8 Mining, Metallurgy & Steel 6 Logistics 6 Biotechnology & Pharma 6 Wholesale/Retail Distribution 5 Fashion, Textile & Footwear 5 Others 20

Bilateral agreements

India and Spain have established 26 bilateral agreements, covering a wide range of sectors, from trade and cultural cooperation to civil aviation and defense. Key agreements include:

Agreement on Trade and Economic Cooperation (1972) Civil Aviation Agreement (1986) Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (1993) Bilateral Investment Protection and Promotion Agreement (1997) Extradition Treaty (2002) Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty on Criminal Matters (2006) Memorandum of Understanding on Agriculture and Allied Fields (2009) MoU on Defense Cooperation (2012) Protocol for amending the Convention and Protocol between India and Spain for the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion concerning taxes on income and on capital originally signed in February 1993 in New Delhi (2012)

In addition, several other agreements are under negotiation, underscoring the commitment to deepen bilateral engagement across multiple areas.

India-Spain DTAA

The India-Spain Double Tax Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) covers capital and income taxes in both countries to prevent double taxation and tax evasion. In Spain, it applies to individual income tax, corporate tax, and capital tax, while in India, it covers income tax, surtax, and wealth tax. The DTAA also extends to future comparable taxes, ensuring flexibility.

Key tax provisions include:

Tax rates: Dividends are taxed at 15 percent, interest at 15 percent, and royalties or technical service fees at 10 percent.

Capital gains: Gains from movable property, such as stocks, are typically taxed in the sellers home country, eliminating double taxation.

Employment income: Employees working in one state for less than 183 days are taxed only in their home state. For longer stays, the DTAA allows for tax offsetting to prevent double taxation, encouraging cross-border employment and economic cooperation.

Overall, the DTAA fosters economic activity between the two countries by reducing tax burdens and promoting clarity on income and capital gains taxation.

Outlook

India and Spains evolving economic and diplomatic relationship holds significant promise, with key areas of cooperation including trade, investment, renewable energy, infrastructure, and defense. Spanish expertise in renewable energy, infrastructure, and environmental technology complements Indias expanding market, particularly in sectors like IT, automotive, and healthcare. Initiatives like Make in India and Digital India create favorable conditions for further collaboration, encouraging foreign direct investment.

As both countries continue to leverage their mutual strengths, the future of India-Spain bilateral ties looks bright, with enhanced economic cooperation and innovation-driven partnerships on the horizon.
Representational image from Unsplash/Trac Vu/Amin Zabardast

Luxembourg/IBNS: Apple Inc. has lost its legal battle over a 13 billion ($14.4 billion) Irish tax bill, while Google has lost its challenge against a 2.4 billion fine for abusing its market power, reports Bloomberg.

These rulings mark a significant victory for the European Union (EU) in its efforts to regulate Big Tech, according to reports.

The EUs Court of Justice in Luxembourg backed a landmark 2016 decision that Ireland had violated state aid laws by granting Apple an unfair tax advantage.

Additionally, in another victory for the EUs antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager,

the same court ruled that Google had illegally used its search engine dominance to unfairly promote its own product listings.

Margrethe 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, reports Bloomberg.

The Apple decision represents the most significant achievement in Vestager's decade-long effort for tax fairness, which has also included scrutiny of companies like Amazon.com Inc. and Fiat, a unit of Stellantis NV.

Vestager has consistently argued that providing selective tax benefits to large corporations constitutes illegal state aid, which is prohibited under EU law.

Apple CEO Tim Cook previously dismissed the 2016 tax order as total political crap, while Google was fined in 2017 for using its search engine dominance to unfairly boost its own product listings.

Vestager had directed Ireland to recover the 13 billion, which has been held in escrow pending final rulings.

Apple expressed disappointment with the decision, noting that a previous court had annulled the case.

As of early Tuesday, Apple shares fell 1.3 percent to $218 in premarket trading.

Similarly, Googles spokesperson expressed disappointment with the court's judgment and highlighted that a 2017 proposal to address the EUs concerns led to increased visibility for other shopping services.

The EUs actions against Google have prompted global scrutiny, extending beyond search dominance to a series of fines totaling over 8 billion.

The EUs competition regulators hope that the recently implemented Digital Markets Act will address these issues comprehensively.

This regulation includes provisions that prevent Big Tech from prioritizing their own services over those of competitors, a measure influenced by the EUs prolonged conflict with Googles search dominance.
Representational image by Jonathan Kemper on Unsplash

Chennai/IBNS: Production at Samsung Electronics' key plant in southern India faced disruptions for the second consecutive day on Tuesday (Sept. 10) due to a strike by hundreds of employees demanding higher wages.

Senior executives from Samsung are working to address this unusual instance of labour unrest, according to reports.

Samsung, headquartered in South Korea, is India's largest consumer electronics firm and considers the country a vital growth market, competing with rivals like LG Electronics across various product categories, including televisions, refrigerators, and smartphones.

The plant in Tamil Nadu's Sriperumbudur, one of Samsungs two factories in India, employs about 1,800 people and produces electronic products rather than smartphones.

Despite this, the plant accounts for 20 to 30 percent of Samsung's annual $12 billion revenue in India, Reuters reported, citing two sources familiar with the situation who requested anonymity.

Workers have set up tents outside the plant at Sriperumbudur, barely 40 km from Tamil Nadu's capital Chennai, displaying "Indefinite Strike" posters, and are demanding higher wages, improved working hours, and recognition of a union affiliated with the Centre of Indian Trade Unions group.

Union leader E. Muthukumar confirmed that the strike had entered into the third consecutive day on Wednesday (Sept. 11), reports Reuters.

The strike has impacted about half of the factorys daily output, with many workers participating in the protest.

Meanwhile, Samsung's shares fell 1.9 percent in Seoul, while the KOSPI index dropped by 0.5 percent, as per reports.

Samsungs Southwest Asia CEO, JB Park, along with other senior executives, are visiting the plant to seek a resolution, Reuters reported.

JB Park, who manages Samsungs India market from Gurugram near New Delhi, has reportedly been actively involved in the discussions.

However, Samsung did not provide a comment when requested, and Muthukumar stated that no agreement had been reached as of Tuesday, according to Reuters.

Tamil Nadu labour secretary Veera Raghava Rao told Reuters that talks between workers and management were ongoing, but there was no clear timeline for when the issue might be resolved.

Samsung India stated on Monday that it is actively engaging with workers to address grievances and comply with all relevant laws and regulations, Reuters reported.

Approximately 800 workers signed a register outside the factory to document their protest, reports said.

Reuters reported, quoting Prabhu Ram, a vice president at Cybermedia Research, that the strike could hinder Samsung's production efforts ahead of the important sales as festival season in India is approaching.

In South Korea, Samsung Electronics' largest worker union, comprising 36,500 members, also went on strike in July and August demanding better wages and benefits, according to a Reuters report.

However, Samsung reported that this action did not disrupt production.

In India, Samsung workers are calling for equal pay for employees with similar experience levels.

Their demands have received support from some Indian political leaders who participated in Tuesday's protest, as per reports.
Image Credit: PIB

Noida: Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated on Wednesday that India aims to become a global hub for producing, using, and exporting green hydrogen.

He made this announcement at the International Conference on Green Hydrogen India 2024, organized by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, in collaboration with the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, the Department of Science and Technology, and the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research.

The National Green Hydrogen Mission is giving an impetus to innovation, infrastructure, industry and investment. We are investing in cutting-edge research and development. Partnerships between industry and academia are being formed. Start-ups and entrepreneurs who are working in this domain are being encouraged, he said.

There is also a great potential for a green jobs eco-system to develop. To enable this, we are also working on skill development for our youth in this sector, PM Modi said.

PM Modi said the effects of climate change are being felt here and now.

There is a growing realisation that climate change is not just a matter of the future. The impact of climate change is being felt here and now. The time for action is also here and now. Energy transition and sustainability have become central to global policy discourse, he stressed.

Friends, humanity has faced many challenges in the past. Each time, we overcame adversities through solutions that were collective and innovative. It is the same spirit of collective and innovative action that will guide us towards a sustainable future. We can achieve anything when we are together. Let us work to accelerate the development and deployment of green hydrogen, PM Modi added.

PM Modi further said India is not complacent with its climate action achievements.

We were the first among G20 nations to fulfill our Paris commitments on green energy. These commitments were fulfilled 9 years ahead of the target of 2030. Indias installed non-fossil fuel capacity increased nearly 300% in the last 10 years.

"Our solar energy capacity increased over 3,000% in the same period. But we are not resting on these achievements. We remain focused on strengthening existing solutions, he said.

Green hydrogen is becoming a valuable addition to the global energy mix, offering a way to decarbonize industries that are challenging to electrify, such as refineries, fertilizers, steel, and heavy-duty transportation.

It also provides a storage solution for excess renewable energy.

Prime Minister Modi highlighted that India has already launched the National Green Hydrogen Mission in 2023.
Representational image by Ajay Suresh on Flickr via Wikimedia Commons

Pune: Microsoft Corporation (India) Pvt Ltd, the Indian arm of the software giant, has acquired a 16.4-acre land parcel in Pune's tech-centric Hinjawadi suburb for approximately Rs 520 crore, according to documents reviewed by Square Yards, media reports said.

The seller is identified as Indo Global Infotech City LLP, reported Moneycontrol.

This marks Microsoft's second significant land purchase in Pune, following its acquisition of a 25-acre plot in the satellite city of Pimpri-Chinchwad from Finolex Industries in 2022 for Rs 328 crore, where it is currently developing a data center, the report said.

Hinjawadi is known for the Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park, a key hub for IT services and global capability centers, housing facilities of various technology and manufacturing companies.

Earlier this year, Microsoft also purchased a 48-acre land parcel in Hyderabad for Rs 267 crore to expand its data center footprint in India, the report said.

As a "hyperscaler" in the data industry, Microsoft, along with Google and Amazon Web Services, is expected to play a crucial role in the localization of data through Indian-based data centers.

In addition to its operational and planned data centers, Microsoft employs around 23,000 people across its development centers in Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Noida.
Image by Avishek Mitra/IBNS

Kolkata/IBNS: West Bengal junior doctors, who have been on ceasework for more than a month demanding justice for RG Kar rape-murder victim, continued their protests overnight outside state Health and Family Welfare office Swasthya Bhavan in Kolkata's Salt Lake area.

The junior doctors began their sit-in protest on Tuesday after they were denied an entry into Swasthya Bhavan to hand over deputation demanding resignation of some of the top officials.

On Tuesday evening, the health department shot an email to the junior doctors inviting them to participate in a meeting with a senior government representative.

The doctors rejected the proposal claiming it was "insulting" to them as the email came from the principal secretary of the state Health and Family Welfare department, who is one of those 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.

In the meantime, state junior health minister Chandrima Bhattacharya said Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee waited till 7:30 pm at the state secretariat Nabanna for a response from the students. Upon receiving no response, the Chief Minister, who Bhattacharya claimed was eager to schedule a meeting, left her office for home.

The junior doctors, who raised slogans throughout the night, on Tuesday refused to resume work by 5 pm, the deadline which was set by the Supreme Court.

The top court had said the government will be free to take action against the protesters post 5 pm on Tuesday.

Some of the senior doctors have claimed they are backing the juniors and they would respond appropriately if the government takes any action against the protesters.

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.

(Images by Avishek Mitra/IBNS)
Photo courtesy: PIB

Imphal/IBNS: Congress MP from Inner Manipur, A Bimol Akoijam, has written a letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah calling for "corrective measures" in the wake of the fresh violence that broke out in the northeastern state.

In his letter to Shah, Akoijam wrote the violence reminds him of the memories of the Partition of India in 1947.

Akoijam wrote as quoted by NDTV, "It is distressing that such a severe crisis has unfolded under the present administration's watch."

He added, "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."

Latest updates from #Manipur: Police started firing to students protestors & many injured. Students occupied prominent central landmark of Manipur- Khwairamband Mothers market. Students are demanding PM @narendramodi action against Kuki Militants who fired Ballistic missiles & pic.twitter.com/bigCIWmOKQ  Licypriya Kangujam (@LicypriyaK) September 10, 2024

Akoijam said he deeply "regrets" that the situation in Manipur does not matter to the central government, of which Shah is an important leader.

"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 wrote as quoted by NDTV.

He sent the letter in the wake of the escalation of violence following last week's drone attack that killed a 78-year-old man and injured six others. The deceased has been identified as RK Rabei.

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. 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.

Congress MP A Bimol Akoijam | Photo courtesy: Screenshot grab

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 2,000 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.

BIG BREAKING 



This is not Syria or Bangladesh 



This is Manipur where students have hit the streets against BJP Govt over 16 months long violence



Will Godi Media wake up & show the ground reality atleast now?  pic.twitter.com/7y6RdsMZam  Ankit Mayank (@mr_mayank) September 9, 2024



More than 200 people died and about 50,000 others displaced after the ethnic clash between the Meiteis and Kukis broke out in Manipur on May 3, 2023.

The outbreak of violence in Manipur can be traced back to the 'Tribal Solidarity March' initiated by the All Tribal Students' Union of Manipur (ATSUM).

The march was organized as a form of protest against the demand to include the Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category, which was prompted by a directive from the Manipur High Court on April 19.

The march served as a catalyst for the subsequent escalation of violence in the region.

Approximately 53 percent of the population in Manipur comprises Meiteis, residing predominantly in the Imphal Valley, while the remaining 40 percent consists of tribal communities such as Kukis, residing primarily in the hill districts surrounding the Valley.

Earlier in September, a fresh suspected attack by the Kuki insurgents after months of calm had left normal lives in jeopardy with the death of two people and injury to 10 others.
Photo courtesy: Congress X handle

New Delhi/IBNS: Union Home Minister Amit Shah has lashed out at Leader of Opposition and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi who favoured abolition of reservations in India if the country becomes a "fair place".

Speaking at an event in the US, Gandhi said, "We will think of scrapping reservations when India is a fair place and India is not a fair place."

In a sharp counter, Shah said the remark has exposed Congress' 'anti-reservation face' and challenged the LoP stating no one would be able to undo reservations as long as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is in power.

In a long X post, the Home Minister wrote, "Standing with forces that conspire to divide the country and making anti-national statements have become a habit for Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party. Whether it is supporting the JKNC's anti-national and anti-reservation agenda in J&K or making anti-India statements on foreign platforms, Rahul Gandhi has always threatened the nation's security and hurt sentiments.

"Rahul Gandhi's statement lays bare the Congress's politics of causing rifts on the lines of regionalism, religion, and linguistic differences. By speaking about abolishing reservations in the country, Rahul Gandhi has once again brought the Congress's anti-reservation face to the forefront. The thoughts that were in his mind eventually found their way out as words. I want to tell Rahul Gandhi that as long as the BJP is there, neither can anyone abolish reservations nor can anyone mess with the nation's security."

Standing with forces that conspire to divide the country and making anti-national statements have become a habit for Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party. Whether it is supporting the JKNC's anti-national and anti-reservation agenda in J&K or making anti-India statements on  Amit Shah (@AmitShah) September 11, 2024

At a separate event in the US, Gandhi said he was misquoted and claimed his party was never against reservation and in fact Congress is in favour of increasing reservation beyond 50 percent.

"Somebody misquoted me saying that I am against reservation. I've been saying repeatedly that we are going to increase reservations beyond 50 percent."

Rahul Gandhi's Sikh rights remarks in the US draws BJP ire

Speaking at an event in Herndon, Virginia, Gandhi had 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."
Photo courtesy: BJP X handle

New Delhi/IBNS: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday assured the semiconductors industry "stable policies" and "ease of doing business" promising "an integrated ecosystem" for the sector in the country.

Modi made the remark inaugurating SEMICON India 2024 in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh.

Speaking at the event, Modi said, "In the semiconductors industry of Bharat, when you make an investment in diodes, the govt assures you stable policies and ease of doing business. Just like the semiconductor industry is connected to an integrated circuit, Bharat, too, provides you with an integrated ecosystem."

"Bharat is the 8th country in the world where a grand programme related to the Global Semiconductor industry is conducted. I can proudly say that this is the right time to be in India! You're at the right place at the right time. In the Bharat of the 21st century, the chips are never down. Today's Bharat reassures the world that when the chips are down, you can bet on India."

PM Shri @narendramodi attends inauguration of SEMICON India 2024 in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh. https://t.co/aRAiOEwTem  BJP (@BJP4India) September 11, 2024

The Prime Minister claimed the country has increased investments worth over Rs. 1.5 trillion due to the steps by the government.

He said, "We are focused on increasing the number of chips that are manufactured in India. Government provides 50 percent support for installing semiconductor manufacturing units in India. Due to the government interventions, Bharat has already attracted investments worth over Rs 1.5 trillion.

"SEMICON India is one such initiative with a 360-degree approach that will enhance the overall production of chips in India. We want electronic devices globally to have a 'Made in India' logo."

Modi has referred to how the usage of 'chip' went beyond the semiconductor sector.

The Prime Minister said, "For India, 'chip' isn't limited to the semiconductor sector. For us, it is a means to fulfil crores of aspirations. Today, India is also one of the largest consumers of chips. India has created the world's largest Digital Public Infrastructure by using chips; these chips have enabled us to ensure last-mile delivery of the initiatives.
Image by Avishek Mitra/IBNS

Kolkata/IBNS: West Bengal junior doctors, who are on ceasework demanding justice for RG Kar rape-murder victim, on Wednesday said they are open for a discussion with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee but warned of continuing with their protests until their five demands are fulfilled.

Addressing a press conference, the junior doctors, who are camped near state Health and Family Welfare headquarters Swasthya Bhavan in Salt Lake, said they have mailed the Chief Minister at 3:50 am on Wednesday. The protesters said they are waiting for a response.

The five demands in a nutshell are justice for the victim, disciplinary action against now arrested ex-RG Kar principal Sandip Ghosh, resignation of Commissioner of Police Vineet Goyal and two other top police officers, enhancing security at hospitals and elimination of the alleged threat culture.

The doctors have cleared a delegation of at least 30 members should be allowed in the meeting, which will have to be broadcasted live for people of the state to watch.

UPDATE: The state's Chief Secretary has invited for a meeting with the government at Nabanna at 6 pm with a delegation team of 12-15 people.

The junior doctors began their sit-in protest on Tuesday after they were denied an entry into Swasthya Bhavan to hand over deputation demanding resignation of some of the top officials.

On Tuesday evening, the health department shot an email to the junior doctors inviting them to participate in a meeting with a senior government representative.

The doctors rejected the proposal claiming it was "insulting" to them as the email came from the principal secretary of the state Health and Family Welfare department, who is one of those 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.

In the meantime, state junior health minister Chandrima Bhattacharya said Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee waited till 7:30 pm at the state secretariat Nabanna for a response from the students. Upon receiving no response, the Chief Minister, who Bhattacharya claimed was eager to schedule a meeting, left her office for home.

The protesters on Wednesday said they sent an email to Nabanna stating they were unaware of the Chief Minister waiting at her office as there was no mention of it in the message which was sent from the health department.

The junior doctors, who raised slogans throughout the night, on Tuesday refused to resume work by 5 pm, the deadline which was set by the Supreme Court.

The top court had said the government will be free to take action against the protesters post 5 pm on Tuesday.

Some of the senior doctors have claimed they are backing the juniors and they would respond appropriately if the government takes any action against the protesters.

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.

(Images by Avishek Mitra/IBNS)
Photo Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons

Norwegian leader Ine Eriksen Soreide has said there is a potential for India and Norway to collaborate in sectors like climate change, green transition, and ocean management.

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, reported ANI.

Speaking to the Indian news agency, he 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 ParliamentWe have been discussing everything from geopolitics to regional issues and the growing collaboration between India and Norway.

She 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 Norways 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 IndiaThere is huge potential between the two countriesWe have been talking about research collaboration on climate change, which is very important globallyWe have joint interests in areas such as climate change, technology, green transition and ocean management, she told ANI.

In March, India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) signed a Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA).

The main highlights of the agreement are EFTAs commitment to promote investments to increase the stock of foreign direct investments by $ 100 billion in India in the next 15 years, and to facilitate the generation of 1 million direct employment in India, through such investments, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry.

EFTA is an inter-governmental organization set up in 1960 for the promotion of free trade and economic integration for the benefit of its four member states.
New Delhi: The Union government has approved health coverage for all citizens aged 70 and above under the Ayushman Bharat national insurance scheme.

According to a statement from the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) will provide benefits to 4.5 crore families, including six crore senior citizens.

The coverage, worth Rs 5 lakh, will be provided on a family basis at no cost.

"With this approval, all senior citizens of the age 70 years and above irrespective of their socio- economic status would be eligible to avail the benefits of AB PM-JAY. The eligible senior citizens would be issued a new distinct card under AB PM-JAY," the government said in the statement.

Senior citizens aged 70 and above from families already covered under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) will receive an additional top-up health coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh per year, which is exclusively for them and not shared with other family members below the age of 70, according to the government.

Those who are currently benefiting from other public health insurance schemes such as the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), and Ayushman Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) may choose to remain with their existing plan or opt for AB PM-JAY.

Meanwhile, senior citizens aged 70 and above with private health insurance or under the Employees' State Insurance Scheme will also be eligible for benefits under AB PM-JAY.

The AB PM-JAY is the world's largest publicly funded health assurance program, providing Rs 5 lakh per family annually for secondary and tertiary hospital care to 55 crore people, or about 12.34 crore families.

All members of eligible families are covered regardless of age, and the scheme has so far facilitated 7.37 crore hospital admissions, with women beneficiaries making up 49 percent.

The public has benefited to the tune of over Rs 1 lakh crore through the scheme.

The expansion to cover senior citizens aged 70 and above was announced by Prime Minister Modi in April.

The government noted that the scheme has been progressively expanding its beneficiary base, initially covering 10.74 crore poor and vulnerable families, or the bottom 40 percent of India's population.

In January 2022, the base was expanded to 12 crore families, considering India's decadal population growth of 11.7 percent since 2011.

The scheme was later extended to cover 37 lakh ASHAs, Anganwadi Workers (AWWs), and their families for free healthcare.

Now, AB PM-JAY will provide free healthcare coverage of Rs 5 lakh to all citizens aged 70 and above nationwide.
Photo Courtesy: Unsplash

Police have arrested a person in Bangladesh's Rajshahi region after he was found illegally occupying the residence of a Hindu community member and even damaging the idol, media reports said.

The arrested person was identified as Md Altaf Ali, 52, of Jotarghu village.

Rajshahi district Additional Superintendent of Police (DSB) Rafiqul Islam said in a press release that the victim, who was identified as Sri Rup Sanatan Dob, 50, a resident of Jotarghu village, had travelled to India on August 2.

The accused had reportedly broken into the house of the Hindu community member while he was still in India on August 5 when Bangladesh was witnessing a political violence that led to the fall of former PM Sheikh Hasina-led government.

The arrested person had looted Tk46,000 from a steel box in the bedroom and even vandalized religious idols in the house.

The accused and his accomplices also attacked Dob's aunt with bamboo sticks, injuring her severely, reported Dhaka Tribune.

During the attack, the arrested individual and his accomplices desecrated the family temple by damaging the idols and a sacred tulsi plant altar.

They even took control of the house and the adjacent land which belonged to the Hindu person.

Police launched raids after a report was filed and the accused was arrested on September 9 from Adani Bazar.

Police are trying to find the other suspects involved in the crime.

Several Hindu houses and temples were attacked by radicals when Hasina-led government toppled amid violent protests against her regime last month.
Image credit: REAIM official website

Seoul/IBNS: China declined to sign the 'Blueprint for Action' agreement, which aims to prohibit artificial intelligence (AI) from controlling nuclear weapons.

The agreement was introduced at the Responsible AI in the Military Domain (REAIM) summit in Seoul on Tuesday (Sept. 10), attended by representatives from over 100 countries, including the United States.

Though not legally binding, the agreement seeks to ensure that "human control and involvement are maintained in all decisions related to nuclear weapons deployment."

It also states that "AI applications should be ethical and human-centric."

South Korean Defence Minister Kim Yong-Hyun described AI as a "double-edged sword," noting, "while AI enhances military operational capabilities significantly, it also poses risks if misused."

The summit's declaration did not outline any sanctions or penalties for breaches.

It acknowledged the need for substantial progress to keep pace with advancements in military AI and called for ongoing discussions to develop clear policies and procedures.

The Seoul summit, co-hosted by Britain, the Netherlands, Singapore, and Kenya, builds on the inaugural event held in The Hague last February.

It aims to be the "most comprehensive and inclusive platform for addressing AI in the military domain."
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Kamala Harris and Donald Trump exchanged barbs during fiery debate. Photo Courtesy: DOnald Trump X page/Kamala Harris Instagram

Former US President Donald Trump and her challenger American Vice President Kamala Harris exchanged barbs on numerous issues, including the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war and the situation in Gaza, during their fiery presidential debate ahead of the November 5 polls on Tuesday.

Speaking during the debate, Trump said he wants the war in Ukraine and Russia, which began in 2022, to stop.

He said: "I want the war to stop. I want to save lives that are being uselessly -- people being killed by the millions."

"If I win, when I'm President-Elect, and what I'll do is I'll speak to one, I'll speak to the other, I'll get them together. That war would have never happened," he said.

Kamala Harris sharply responded and said: "If Donald Trump were president, Putin would be sitting in Kyiv right now."

She said: "Understand what that would mean. Because Putin's agenda is not just about Ukraine. Understand why the European allies and our NATO allies are so thankful that you are no longer president and that we understand the importance of the greatest military alliance the world has ever known, which is NATO."

When asked about the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict, Trump said the crisis would not have started if he was still the president of the country.

"If I were president it would have never started," Trump said during the debate.

Targeting Harris, he said Israel would not remain for two years if she becomes the president.

"She hates Israel. She wouldn't even meet with Netanyahu when he went to Congress to make a very important speech. She refused to be there because she was at a sorority party of hers. She wanted to go to the sorority party. She hates Israel. If she's president, I believe that Israel will not exist within two years from now," he said.

Harris denied his 'predictions' and said: "That's absolutely not true. I have my entire career and life supported Israel and the Israeli people. He knows that. He's trying to again divide and distract from the reality, which is it is very well known that Donald Trump is weak and wrong on national security and foreign policy. It is well known that he admires dictators, wants to be a dictator on day one according to himself.'

Harris mentioned in her debate that a 'two-state' solution is needed to re-build Gaza.

She said: "I will always give Israel the ability to defend itself, in particular as it relates to Iran and any threat that Iran and its proxies pose to Israel. But we must have a two-state solution where we can rebuild Gaza, where the Palestinians have security, self-determination and the dignity they so rightly deserve."

Israel has been engaged in a conflict with Palestine ever since Hamas members attacked the nation on October 7.

The debate began with the two leaders formally handshaking but soon it turned bitter and Kamala Harris said his opponent was contesting against her and not US President Joe Biden since Trump slammed his administration during the session.

"It's important to remind the former president you're not running against Joe Biden, you're running against me," Harris said during the heated argument between the two leaders contesting for the top post in the country.
The Indian Telugu-language movie Devara, starring Junior NTR and Janhvi Kapoor, is all set to release in theatres on September 27. The film is one of the most anticipated films of the year. Ever since a song, Daavudi, from the film has been released, they are all over the internet. But are you one of those who don't really like going to the theatres even for your favourite stars and always wait for the films' OTT release details? Well, we have an update on Devara for you. According to media reports, the Telugu film Devara will be releasing on Netflix after its theatrical run scheduled for September 27.



Though there is no official confirmation from the OTT platform, reports suggest that Devara has made records with its earnings even before its release date as advance booking of the film has started. As per media reports, Netflix has bought the digital rights of Devara for over Rs 100 crore. This amount is the highest among South Indian films in recent times.

All about Devara

Devara has been directed by Koratala Siva. Other than Jr. NTR and Janhvi Kapoor, there is also Saif Ali Khan in a lead role. The film is Jahnvi Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan's Tollywood debut. This is going to be Junior NTR's 30th film. According to media reports, the actor is playing a double role of both father and son.

Recently, Junior NTR shared another poster of the film, which confirmed his double role in the film. The poster had dual faces of Junior NTR, which were giving a very intense vibe.

What's the plot of Devara?

There is not much that is out about the storyline of Devara, but according to media reports, the film is said to be based on true historical events that took place in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.

For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.


The Great Indian Kapil Show is coming back with a brand new season soon. The comedy show's season 2 will be arriving on OTT platform Netflix on September 21. The show this time is promising to be more humorous, inviting several celebrities. Here's the latest promo that the makers have released now and other details that you need to know before its OTT release:



In the promo released by Netflix today, the team of the upcoming film Jigra was seen coming to the show to promote and have fun with the Kapil Sharma show's family and cast. The clip showed Alia Bhatt, Karan Johar, and Vedang Raina enjoying the hilarious visit to the brand new show.



OTT platform Netflix announced the fresh season of The Great Indian Kapil Show in June this year but now have announced the date and its teaser too.

Plot

Season 2, just as the first one, will feature celebrities and different funny skits by comedian Kapil Sharma's team. The basics remain the same, where the team of comedians interacts with celebrities and tries to revolve their skits around them. The show also promotes the upcoming series and films for which the stars visit the show.

Cast and crew

Other than Kapil Sharma, the team of comedians at the show will include some familiar faces like Sunil Grover, Krushna Abhishek, Kiku Sharda, Archana Puran Singh, and Rajiv Thakur.

All about The Great Indian Kapil Show

This Kapil Sharma show has remained India's first series to be on the Global Top 10 Non-English TV list for five weeks. It also ranked among OTT platform Netflix's top two series in India since its release.

Also Read: Devara OTT release: Where to watch Junior NTR and Janhvi Kapoor's film after its theatrical run

Who all has been there on the show?

Celebrities that have visited season 1 of The Great Indian Kapil Show are Aamir Khan, Rohit Sharma, Shreyas Iyer, and Ed Sheeran, among many others.

For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.


In a shocking turn of events, new details have emerged surrounding the tragic death of Malaika Arora's father Anil Arora. While initial reports suggested suicide, Malaika's mother Joyce Polycarp has recorded her statement with the Police. No suicide note has been found and sources also suggest that it could be a case of accident. As the investigation takes place, here 10 crucial details that shed light on the mysterious death of Anil Arora.



Crucial details in Malaika Arora's father Anil Arora's death case

1. Accident, not suicide?

A source has told PTI, "It's true that Malaika's father passed away this morning. He has not committed suicide, it's an accident. They all are shocked because he had no ailment or anything as such." Furthermore, the source said that the police 'panchnama' will make things clear. On the other hand, the Police has so far said that it's a case of suicide.

2. Malaika's father was not ill

Photos of Malaika Arora's father being ill are doing the rounds. The photos are old and not the latest. Malaika's mother Joyce Polycarp has also confirmed to the Police Anil Arora was not ill. He was doing fine.

3. Malaika's parents were divorced



Malaika's parents got divorced when she was 11 years old. She moved in Chembur with her mother and sister Amrita. While her mother is a Malayali Christian, her father was a Punjabi Hindu from the Indian border town of Fazilka.

4. Malaika's parents were living together



Despite their divorce, they had been living together for the past few years, her mother Joyce revealed to the Police in a statement.

#WATCH | Maharashtra | Anil Arora, father of actress-model Malaika Arora died by suicide by jumping off the terrace of their residence in Mumbai. Police team is present at the spot and is carrying out investigation. Details awaited. pic.twitter.com/QKBDKWOsdI  ANI (@ANI) September 11, 2024

5. Malaika's father was a retired Merchant Navy officer

Joyce Polycarp revealed Malaika's father had taken a VRS from the Merchant Navy.



6. He jumped off from the balcony, not the terrace

As per initial reports, he fell off/ jumped off from the sixth-floor balcony.

7. Malaika's mother was the first one to know about it

VIDEO | Actor-model Malaika Arora's father allegedly committed suicide by jumping from a building in Mumbai.



"Inside this building, body of Anil Mehta, aged 62 years, was found. A detailed investigation is going on. Bandra Police Station along with forensic team is on the spot. pic.twitter.com/Djhsgw9HMn  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 11, 2024

In a statement given to the Police, Malaika's mother Joyce Polycarp said that she found her ex-husband's slippers in the living room. When she went to the balcony looking for him, she couldn't find him. Instead, she heard the watchman shouting for help. When she looked down, she saw what had happened.

8. The incident happened at 9 in the morning.

The actress was in Pune when the incident happened. It is said that she immediately rushed to Mumbai after hearing the news.

Malaika Arora, who was in Pune at the time of her father's death, has arrived at her mother's residence. #MalaikaArora #AnilArora pic.twitter.com/wJJLiDzzGh  Vani Mehrotra (@vani_mehrotra) September 11, 2024

9. Malaika on her parents' divorce

"My parents' separation allowed me to observe my mother through a new and unique lens. I learned a rock-steady work ethic and the value of getting up each morning to do whatever it takes to become fiercely independent. Those early lessons are the cornerstones of my life and professional journey. I am still fiercely independent; I value my freedom and live life on my terms," she had said in an earlier interview.

10. Arjun Kapoor, Amrita Arora, Arbaaz Khan arrive at Malaika's parent's home

#WATCH | Mumbai | Legendary writer Salim Khan along with his son & actor Sohail Khan and actor Arjun Kapoor arrive at the residence of Malaika Arora's mother following demise of Anil Arora pic.twitter.com/kuTfuKfk7K  ANI (@ANI) September 11, 2024

the first one to reach the house was Malaika's ex-husband Arbaaz Khan. As per latest news, Anil Arora's younger daughter Amrita Arora and Malaika's current boyfriend Arjun Kapoor have arrived at the family home to offer support during this difficult time.

Also Read: Malaika Arora's father dies by suicide after jumping off a terrace, Arbaaz Khan reaches their home

For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.


Unexpectedly, Anil Arora, the father of Malaika Arora, committed suicide this morning, September 11, 2024. The family and social media users were taken aback by the news, and many of them took to their accounts to express their grief. He jumped off his terrace and committed suicide, according to ANI. While reasons behind the tragic incident are still unknown, heres all you need to know about Malaikas father Anil Arora, starting from his work to his personal life.

Maharashtra | Father of actress-model Malaika Arora died by suicide by jumping off a terrace. Police team is present at the spot: Mumbai Police  ANI (@ANI) September 11, 2024

All you need to know about Malaika Aroras father Anil Arora

Anil Arora was employed by the Indian Merchant Navy and was a Punjabi Hindu from the Indian border town of Fazilka.

He got married to Malayali Christian Joyce Polycarp. Malaika and Amrita are their two kids. However, Anil and Joyce divorced when the kids were little.

Not many details about Anil Arora are known publicly since he had been very quiet about his personal life and was mostly away from limelight.

He was often featured on Malaika Aroras Instagram.

What happened to Malaika Aroras father?

Police reportedly taped Malaika Arora's mother Joyce's statement shortly after her father Anil Arora committed suicide, according to News18. According to the portals report, Joyce had told the police that Anil would regularly read the newspapers every morning while sitting on the balcony. She informed the police that, despite being divorced, they had been living together for the last few years. Joyce went on to say that she went to the balcony to look for him on Wednesday morning. She peeped down the balcony and looked below when she was unable to see him sitting. She then saw that the watchman was calling out for help.

For the unversed, Malaika Arora, on the other hand, was previously married to actor Arbaaz Khan and Arbaaz was also seen outside Anil's house after getting to know about the unfortunate incident.

For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.


Shriya Pilgaonkar, best known for her role in Mirzapur, recently turned heads at the grand trailer launch of Taaza Khabar Season 2. The event took place at the iconic India Gate & SRC in Delhi, and Shriya made sure all eyes were on her with her stunning fashion choice.

Shriya Pilgaonkar wows in showstopping blue silk dress

The actress shared a series of glamorous photos on her official Instagram account, captioning them with, Taaza Khabar 2 Trailer launch day. She was dressed in a striking blue cutout silk dress that perfectly complemented the grandeur of the event. The dress, crafted by the Delhi-based fashion brand Lovebirds Studio, featured a sleek design that highlighted her elegance and poise.

Take a look:

Called the 'Star Silk Dress', the official website of the brand describes it as,"mid-length silk dress showcases a stylish cutout at the neck, adding a modern touch. It features asymmetrical gathers from the waist, creating a unique and dynamic drape for an elegant and fashionable look."

As always, Shriya Pilgaonkar proved that shes not just a talented actress but also a true fashion icon. Her latest appearance reinforces her status as a style star, effortlessly combining glamour with grace.







The second season of Taaza Khabar is set to premiere exclusively on Disney+ Hotstar on September 27, 2024. The highly anticipated action-drama Taaza Khabar starring YouTube sensation Bhuvan Bam is back and fans are excited for the second season.


Say goodbye to cracked roads and overlooked building flawsthanks to a groundbreaking system developed by a team from Indian Institute of Technology (IIT). Professors, students, and PhD researchers from IIT Indore have developed cutting-edge technology designed to revolutionise structural inspection and monitoring. This advanced system enables detailed observation of structures in hard-to-reach areas, transforming how we assess and maintain infrastructure.



A pioneering system developed by Prof. Abhirup Datta, student Kumar Sheshank Shekhar, and PhD researcher Harsha Avinash Tanti is set to transform structural inspections. By combining Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), this cutting-edge technology can detect faults in high-tension wires, buildings, and roads in just 25 milliseconds.

They highlights that the UAVs are equipped with sophisticated cameras and lidar sensors, allowing them to gather detailed information about any issues.

The system uses advanced AI edge devices like NVIDIA Jetson, achieving a remarkable 98.7% success rate in crack detection and data processing.

Credit: NVIDIA Developer | NVIDIA Jetson

This innovation not only speeds up the inspection process but also enhances its accuracy and safety.



Also read: Watch: Viral video shows shocking IIT Delhi hostel condition'Infrastructure is hell in govt institutes, even at IITs and IIMs'

The technology's ability to process data onboard the drone facilitates swift, real-time decision-making, making it a game-changer for infrastructure maintenance and monitoring.

Prof. Datta asserted that with targeted research, AI-powered drones could also be employed to identify cracks and defects in railway tracks.

With potential applications in defense and space, this system promises to reduce maintenance costs and improve efficiency across various sectors.

For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.
'They are taking away our jobs'  this has been a line used by those opposed to mass migration for a very long time to target immigrants. It seems like even they are bored of repeating the same lines again and again and are coming up with 'creative' ways to dehumanise immigrants in the US, in an election year where immigration is one of the most discussed topics.

CREDIT: AP

'They are eating cats and dogs'

So, it did not come as a surprise that in the first Presidential debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, immigration was the dominant theme. But what came as a surprise was Trump's claim that in Springfield, Ohio, migrants from Haiti are stealing pets to eat them.

In Springfield, theyre eating the dogs. The people that came in, theyre eating the cats. Theyre eating... theyre eating the pets of the people that live there, Trump said during the debate.

Donald Trump speaking on eating cats and dogs pic.twitter.com/5shUwuFPcs  non aesthetic things (@PicturesFoIder) September 11, 2024

How MAGA amplified allegations against migrants from Haiti

It should be noted that Trump is not the first to make such a claim, but over the past few weeks, this unfounded allegation has gained momentum among MAGA supporters.

Trump's Vice Presidential pick, JD Vance, who is from Ohio, has also been spreading this claim for some time.

In the last several weeks, my office has received many inquiries from actual residents of Springfield whove said their neighbours' pets or local wildlife were abducted by Haitian migrants, Vance said in a post 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 shouldn't be in this country. Where is our border czar? pic.twitter.com/rf0EDIeI5i  JD Vance (@JDVance) September 9, 2024

Musk joins the camp

Even Elon Musk joined the bandwagon in promoting the claim, which the Ohio Police have said is untrue. Musk has reposted several posts from his account, further spreading the claim that people's pets are in danger due to immigrants from Haiti.

Trump, the protector of cats

This has also led to a flurry of memes on social media, with AI-generated images portraying Trump as the protectors of America's cats.

Cats for Trump. Dogs for Trump. Geese for Trump. Vote Trump or get extinct. https://t.co/3IDtwOaStq pic.twitter.com/ykmJkBQp0H  Jc (@JcJcJc24) September 9, 2024

It's happening, the cat leaders of Ohio have just endorsed Donald Trump ! Let's go!  pic.twitter.com/IOtow1VBhK  Oskar Arnarson (@oskararnarson) September 9, 2024

Cats doing a parade with Trump on 5th Avenue RIGHT NOW to show their support. Breaking - Cats endorsed Donald Trump! pic.twitter.com/Y2VShzLFFG  The Great Booboo (@DurstVader) September 10, 2024

What is the reality of immigrants eat cats?

According to reports, the rumour about immigrants from Haiti eating cats and dogs started with the arrest of a woman in Canton, about 170 miles northeast of Springfield, who was arrested in August for killing a cat.

In a video widely circulated on social media, a cop can be heard asking the woman, identified as Telia Ferrell, "Did you eat that cat?", to which she did not answer.

While many Republicans and MAGA supporters claimed that the woman in question was an immigrant from Haiti, local media reports have identified her as an Ohio native.

For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.
Last month, researchers at the Chinese Academy of Sciences reported the detection of mysterious floating structures over Egypt, spanning an astonishing 9,500 kilometers in breadth. This discovery has sparked intrigue among scientists, who are now exploring whether these phenomena could hold vital clues to preventing future satellite disruptions.

These mysterious floating structures are known as space bubbles or equatorial plasma bubbles (EPBs), which are pockets of superheated gas forming at low latitudes, typically after sunset.

They occur when there's a sudden drop in charged particles within the ionospherea crucial layer of the Earth's atmospherecausing disturbances that can impact satellite communications, as reported by Interesting Engineering.

While the appearance of an enormous plasma bubble over Egypt might not seem groundbreakingsince dozens of these EPBs form annually in that regionwhat makes this discovery noteworthy is the unique vantage point from which it was observed, IFLScience reports.

Typically, EPBs are monitored from space to provide a global perspective, or from the ground, focusing on nearby sections of the ionosphere.

However, ground-based observations are often limited by the Earth's curvature, which can obscure targets beyond the horizon.

But in a recent development, researchers at the Chinese Academy of Sciences managed to detect this phenomenon from Hainan Island in the South China Sea, approximately 8,000 kilometers (4,970 miles) away from Egypt.

Credit: Council on Foreign Relations | South China sea

This is a significant feat, as it provides new avenues for studying EPBs and their potential effects on space weather.



The Chinese Academy of Sciences emphasised that these bubbles are a critical space weather phenomenon that warrants further study to mitigate their impact on satellite operations and communication systems.

For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.
In a highly anticipated showdown, Democratic nominee Kamala Harris and Republican nominee President Donald Trump went head-to-head in a debate that has everyone talking. As expected, social media is buzzing with reactions to their policy stance and the duo's distinct styles. However, there's one standout moment that's stealing the spotlightand it happened before a single word was spoken on stage: the Kamala Harris-Donald Trump handshake! This unexpected gesture has sparked, memes and a flurry of speculation about what it all means.



Check out the moment here:

The presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump took place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on September 10, hosted by ABC News.

This was the first time ever that Harris and Trump met face to face.

The debate took place just eight weeks before the U.S. general elections on Tuesday, November 5.

How did people react?

kamala grabbing trumps hand when he was abt to go straight to the podium pic.twitter.com/j76yEdew8s  miko hancock (@boajupiter) September 11, 2024





kamala knew trump was gonna try to be a dick and not shake her hand, so she went to him and MADE him shake her hand #debate #Debate2024 pic.twitter.com/I0A5pkPbW2  bob. (@bedchem_) September 11, 2024

Alpha female power move by Kamala 



Trump would never have shook her hand. And her move to shake his hand like that established dominance from the start. Nice work.https://t.co/Dx9B8rLeuZ  JON DEE (JonDee.com) (@JonDeeOz) September 11, 2024

Kamala chases Trump down for the handshake- Trump says - have fun  pic.twitter.com/TkvFGinGuS  Karli Bonne  (@KarluskaP) September 11, 2024

Kamala walked right up to Trump and shook his hand.



Shes the bigger person but also conveying huge strength here.



pic.twitter.com/TaYbw9Hyzj  CALL TO ACTIVISM (@CalltoActivism) September 11, 2024

Kamala Harris walks up to Donald Trump to make sure she gets a hand shake from him pic.twitter.com/5HOuDvemGe  ryan  (@scubaryan_) September 11, 2024

I thought this a nice gesture from Kamala going over to shake Donald Trumps hand .. says a lot of the kind of person she is .. pic.twitter.com/5lXsrz91Yb  Martha (@MGonigle) September 11, 2024

On Reddit, the handshake between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump quickly became the topic of conversation.

One user summed it up with, "I wasn't expecting a handshake whatsoever."

The comment section erupted with reactions, many expressing surprise at the unexpected gesture and noting how "Trump was not prepared for that, you could tell."

Some saw it as a strategic move by Harris, with one commenter declaring, "Power move. He wanted to refuse. She cornered him, right up in his space. Brilliant strategy from the start."

Another echoed this sentiment, urging, "Power move. Assert dominance, Kamala!"

The comments continued with one user speculating, "He tried to run away like a coward. He probably thought she was going to KO him. She had to chase him down to shake his hand."

The consensus seemed clear: the handshake was more than just a polite gestureit was a calculated display of dominance.

As another Redditor put it, "It was a show of dominance from her to start."

Now, it's a countdown to November 5, when Americans will head to the polls to elect their next President.

For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.
The Athens Medical Association (ISA) and the Hellenic Medical Society of Melbourne have renewed their partnership to boost medical tourism in Greece. In a meeting held at ISAs headquarters, the presidents of both organisations discussed expanding scientific collaboration and launching joint initiatives to attract international patients.

ISA President

Giorgos Patoulis and Hellenic Medical Society of Melbourne President Marinis Pirpiris highlighted the potential of medical tourism to contribute to Greeces economy and reputation as a global healthcare hub

They emphasised the importance of leveraging the expertise of Greek doctors worldwide to attract patients seeking high-quality medical care.

One of the key initiatives discussed was the summer school program for Melbourne students in Athens and Kos.

This program, conducted in cooperation with the World Institute of Physicians, aims to provide students with hands-on experience in a Greek healthcare setting.

By strengthening our ties with the Greek diaspora, we can create a network of medical professionals who can promote Greece as a destination for medical tourism, said Mr. Patoulis. We believe that our joint efforts can help to drive growth in this important sector of the Greek economy.

   iefimerida.gr
A Greek truck driver has been shot and arrested by Turkish police at the Ipsala border station, authorities have said.

They said the driver, who has a history of psychiatric disorders, allegedly injured a Turkish national riding a motorcycle at the border crossing on Tuesday before approaching Turkish police officers with a sharp object.

Turkish authorities said police fired two warning shots into the air before shooting the driver in the leg. The injured Turkish national and the Greek driver were both taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The incident has raised concerns about the use of force by Turkish police and the potential implications for bilateral relations between Greece and Turkey.

An investigation is underway to determine the exact circumstances leading up to the shooting.

   iefimerida.gr
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis following his meeting with Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer addressed key issues related to migration, on Wednesday.

Mitsotakis stressed that it is unacceptable for human traffickers to determine who enters the European Union. He asserted that such decisions should be made by EU member

states, underscoring the unity on this issue within Europe . He expressed gratitude for Austria's support in March 2020 when Greece faced a coordinated attempt to breach its borders, a challenge Greece successfully repelled for the benefit of both Greece and Europe

He described this as an early indicator of a shift in European attitudes, emphasizing the prioritization of external border protection, as reflected in the conclusions of the European Council and integrated into the Migration and Asylum Pact.

Mitsotakis highlighted the significant progress Greece has made over the past five years, citing the organized reception structures on the Aegean islands. He noted a decrease in migration flows from Turkish coasts to Greek islands and praised the effectiveness of Greeces border protection. He also commended the Coast Guard for rescuing distressed individuals at sea.

He thanked Austria for its support in the ongoing request for increased European funding for land border protection. Regarding the fence on the Evros River, he affirmed that it will be constructed with either national or European funds, though he believes EU assistance would be more equitable.

On legal migration, Mitsotakis discussed agreements Greece has established with countries such as Egypt.

He also addressed the European prospects for the Western Balkans, asserting that there should be no compromises on the rule of law and adherence to existing agreements.

Regarding the Middle East, Mitsotakis reiterated Greeces stance on completing negotiations to achieve an immediate ceasefire, alleviate the humanitarian situation, and secure the release of hostages. He added that Greece is working to prevent the worst-case scenario of regional escalation impacting all of Europe.

In response to a question, Mitsotakis noted that energy costs in Europe are currently higher than in the US and highlighted that Greece and other Balkan countries have recently experienced distortions in the European energy market. He emphasized the urgent need to invest more in European energy networks as a top priority.

In response to a question about migration, Mitsotakis emphasized that the implementation of the Migration and Asylum Pact should be a priority. He stated that Greece cannot be expected to bear an unfairly large burden due to its position at the EU's external borders. He stressed that European support for managing migrants arriving in Greece must continue and current resources may not be sufficient or guaranteed for the future.

Mitsotakis further noted that it is not Greeces role to dictate the social welfare policies of other member states. He argued against moving towards an ad hoc approach with exceptions to the Schengen Agreement, asserting that it would be unjust to expect Greece, which has recently emerged from an unprecedented economic crisis, to offer a more favorable social protection framework for refugees than for Greek citizens.

   iefimerida.gr
The presidency has reacted to the arrest of the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero.

It asserted that Ajaero is not above the law and must comply with summons from the nations security agencies.

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The position was in response to accusations of human rights abuses levelled against Nigeria by the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in the United Kingdom.

Recall that Ajaeros sudden arrest prevented him from travelling abroad to speak at a Labour conference in London.

According to the presidency, this action was taken because Ajaero had snubbed the invitation of a law enforcement agency conducting an ongoing investigation.

Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who disclosed the Presidencys position, emphasised that under the Nigerian Constitution, no individual is exempted from lawful investigation.

Clearly, under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (As Amended), no person is above the summons of law enforcement agencies and lawful investigation, Onanuga stated.

The government drew parallels with other democratic nations, pointing out that trade union leaders in countries like the UK, Europe, and the United States are expected to comply with law enforcement agencies.

We are not aware that there is anyone in the United Kingdom or anywhere in Europe and the United States, trade union leaders inclusive, who will flagrantly ignore the invitation or summons of MI5 or Scotland Yard or treat the FBI with the level of disdain Mr Ajaero has subjected law enforcement agencies in Nigeria, the statement read.

Onanuga further clarified that the invitation extended to Ajaero by the Department of State Services (DSS) was not related to his role as NLC President.

The government maintained that as a responsible citizen, Ajaero should honour the invitation and address any issues arising from the investigation through proper channels.

READ ALSO: Ajaero: TUC Accuses FG Of Intimidating Organised Labour

The presidency also took the opportunity to address broader labour issues in the country, accusing the labour movement of sometimes advancing ideological positions that fly in the face of economic realities.

The presidency cited historical examples, including labours opposition to the privatization of refineries in 2007, which the government argues has hindered economic development.

Despite the current tensions, the government insists there is no adversarial relationship between the Labour Movement and the administration.

It reaffirmed President Ahmed Tinubus commitment to protecting civil liberties and the rights of all citizens, describing him as a pro-democracy activist president.

He said Many ideological stances of the labour unions in Nigeria in the past have only stunted the economic growth and development of the country and even compromised the material well-being of the workers and the poor people they protect.

A case in point was the strong opposition of the NLC and TUC to the sale of Port-Harcourt and Kaduna Refineries to Bluestar Consortium, promoted in 2007 by Aliko Dangote and Femi Otedola, during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Seventeen years after the labour movement forced the successor government of Umar Yar Adua to cancel the sale of the two refineries, none of the four government-owned refineries worked.

In the obverse, Mr. Aliko Dangote, one of the promoters of Bluestar, has built the largest single-train refinery in the world. In a twist of fate, the same Labour Movement that fiercely opposed Dangote from taking over the two refineries in 2007 hailed him on completing his 650,000-bpd refinery in Lagos.

The administration of President Tinubu will continue to promote the best economic interest of Nigerians despite the current challenges. It will also continue to pursue policies and programmes that will expand national economic output and create prosperity for our citizens, Onanuga stated.


The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) says its President, Joe Ajaero, will undergo a medical checkup after his release from detention by the Department of State Services (DSS).

On Monday, Ajaero was arrested by operatives of the DSS at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport in Abuja while he was about to board a flight to the United Kingdom (UK).

Benson Upah, the NLC spokesperson, said Ajaero was going to the UK at Britains Trade Union Congress (TUC) invitation.

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After the labour leaders arrest, NLC alerted all its affiliates, state councils, and Nigerian workers to remain vigilant and on high alert.

The labour union also demanded his unconditional release before 12 midnight. But the DSS released the NLC president on Monday night.

In a statement on Tuesday, the NLC expressed appreciation to Nigerians, civil society organisations (CSOs), affiliates, and the international community for their support during Ajaeros detention.

Also, the NLC announced the suspension of its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting called to assess the situation and determine the next steps in its collective struggle.

Ajaeros release came after intense pressure from the NLC and compliance with the demands of the National Administrative Council, NAC.

The NLC remains vigilant and will conduct medical checks to ensure Ajaeros health has not been compromised.

The NLC condemned the arrest and detention as a reckless abuse of power and reaffirmed its commitment to standing against oppression, intimidation, and lawlessness.

The organization views the attack on its leadership as an assault on the fundamental rights of all Nigerian workers and citizens.

The NLC demands the release of citizens detained for participating in the #EndBadGovernance protest, an end to the clampdown on popular voices, and the reversal of hikes in petrol and electricity tariffs, the statement read.
A woman, identified as Ifeoma, has died shortly after collapsing while sharing a testimony at the Ministry Church in the Ejigbo area of Lagos State.

It was gathered that the incident, which occurred during Sunday service on September 8, 2024, led to her death a few minutes later.

INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that the horrible incident was disclosed in a statement released to newsmen by the Spokesman of the Lagos states police command, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, on Wednesday.

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Benjamin added that the 55-year-old woman had allegedly gone to the front of the church, singing songs of gratitude as she prepared to give her testimony when she suddenly collapsed.

READ MORE: Man Attempting To Vandalize Transformer Electrocuted In Lagos

He stated: The Zonal accountant of the church in Ejigbo came to the station and reported that during testimony hour in the church, while the service was on, Ifeoma came out singing songs to give her testimony when she suddenly slumped.

She was quickly rushed to a nearby hospital but was referred to the General Hospital in Isolo, where she was confirmed dead.

Based on the report, detectives were detailed to visit the hospital with the complainant. On getting there, they were told that the husband and family of the deceased had taken the corpse to Anambra State, where she came from for burial.
Five people were reportedly detained for allegedly engaging in criminal conspiracy and receiving stolen items, according to the Bauchi State Police Command.

This was revealed during a press briefing on Tuesday by Ahmed Wakil, the commands Police Public Relations Officer, on behalf of the state Commissioner of Police, Auwal Mohammed.

Wakil added that one of the apprehended suspects was a lady who was accused of obtaining stolen tricycles from Kano State and then selling them in Bauchi State.

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The statement read, Maryam Ibrahim alias Ummi f aged 30 years, Adamu Sale alias Brother, m, aged 30 years, Umar Ibrahim alias Baba Luti, 31 years, Nasiru Usman, m, aged 29 years, Nasiru Musa Umar alias Nass m aged 27 years.

Preliminary investigations have revealed that she has sold approximately seven stolen tricycles within Bauchi.

This successful operation was made possible through credible intelligence regarding suspicious activities and the hard work of the State Intelligence Department of the Bauchi State Police Command.

READ MORE: Hardship: Politicians Dont Care, Protest Is Not Enough  Seun Kuti Tells Nigerians

Wakil revealed that the recovered exhibit which include seven tricycles, also known as Keke Napep.

He reiterated that engaging in the receiving of stolen property is a serious offence with severe consequences, as per Section 427 of the Criminal Code Act in Nigeria.

He stated that anyone convicted of this act may face a 14-year prison sentence.

The PPRO appreciated the communitys assistance and cooperation in providing vital information that resulted to the arrest of the aforementioned criminals.


An Ikeja Special Offences Court has sentenced an American businessman, Marco Ramirez, to 74 years in prison for fraud.

Ramirez was convicted on Tuesday on charges preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The anti-graft agency had initially arraigned the convict on a 12-count charge but later re-arraigned him on a 16-count charge on June 24, 2022, before Mojisola Dada, the Presiding Judge.

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Ramirez pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

The convict was prosecuted alongside his companies, USA NOW LLC, Eagle Ford Instalodge Group LP, and USA Now Energy Capital Group LP, over the $1,235,000 EB-5 visa scam.

READ ALSO: FCT Police Apprehend Shiite Member For Offering Officers N1.5m Bribe

He was accused of obtaining the money from his victims as processing fees for their investments in his company, which would qualify them to be eligible for the issuance of a USA green card.

However, the American businessman allegedly reneged on his promise.

Ramirez was also arraigned on another nine-count charge concerning $368,698.24 fraud.

Delivering judgment on Tuesday, the Judge held that the prosecution was able to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt.

The Judge sentenced him to various terms of imprisonment on the different counts of the charges.
The wife of the Lagos State Governor, Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has urged women in the state to shun extravagant lifestyles amid economic hardship facing the country.

Speaking at the 24th National Womens Conference organised by the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials, in Eko Hotels and Suites, on Wednesday, themed, Soar Beyond Boundaries: Enriching Communities, the Governors wife said that women should embrace modesty and avoid any way of life, beyond their budget.

She said: We are at a crucial point in our nations history where the need for prudent and intentional living has never been more urgent.

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As women, the backbone of our homes and society, it is essential that we embrace the reality of the present economic situation, not only in Nigeria but globally.

The era of extravagant lifestyle is over. We must adjust, prioritise what truly matters, and lead by example in our homes and communities.

We must demonstrate what makes women unique and indispensable, particularly when it comes to the judicious use of resources and thinking outside the box.

READ MORE: Most Lagos Women Are Runs Girls, Like To Show Off  Isreal Adesanya Asserts

One of the key messages I have consistently shared is the importance of embracing modesty.

In these times, we must be prudent in our spending and become exemplary managers of our resources.

Frivolities must be set aside, as we focus on what truly matters. It is not about cutting corners, but about cutting waste. Every naira must be spent with purpose and accountability.

As women, we hold the power to shape the financial health of our households, and it is our responsibility to manage our resources effectively.
Actress Adesua Etomi-Wellington showered praise on her husband, Banky W, highlighting his exceptional kindness as a quality that deeply endears him to her.

On her Instagram story section on Tuesday, she expressed her admiration for his warm and compassionate personality, suggesting that she may have married the kindest person on earth.

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Adesua emphasized the importance of kindness, urging others not to overlook its significance.

Her heartfelt post read: I may have married the kindest person in the world. Never underestimate kindness.

READ MORE: Funke Akindele Empowers Nigerian, Ghanaian Young Talent In Self-Funded Movie Project

See some reactions on her post

mikky_wheelz remarked: FUNNY HOW THESE PEOPLE LOVE STORY STARTED JUST FROM MOVIE

eosskincare wrote: Marry a kind man or woman 

classy_precious1 remarked: Kindness is an entire love language on its own 

yeaty_glow commented: Marry a kind partner, its very important!

akpajosephine stated: Since January reach now single people never breathNa only God when 

SEE POST:
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Christopher Musa, says troops of the Nigerian Army will soon arrest notorious bandit kingpin in Zamfara State, Bello Turji.

Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, Musa said the military is collaborating with other security agencies and the state government to protect citizens over reports of Turji imposing levies on communities.

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He urged residents to support the military, noting that asymmetric warfare, which involves elusive non-state actors, becomes difficult without community support.

The CDS assured that the armed forces and other sister agencies would continue to address security challenges and restore normalcy across Nigeria.

On the issue of Turji, like I said, it is just a deranged individual that feels power, but I can bet you that it is just a matter of time.

We are going to get him, and I can assure you that within the shortest possible time, we are going to address that issue.

READ ALSO: Insecurity: Were Not Afraid Of Death  Terrorist Turji Dares Service Chiefs To Come After Gang

That is why we all must come together to work with members of the armed forces and security agencies to deny them the ability to move freely within our communities.

Please do not give them any support. Do not give them information on the movement of troops because this is what is really happening.

Most of the area where this thing is continuing is because we have informants within the communities.

I have always reminded Nigerians that asymmetric warfare is something that should not be allowed to commence because once it is done, it is a very difficult operation.

You are dealing with non-state actors that are not wearing uniform, you dont know them, but they know you and are within the communities, if you dont have the support of the community, it makes it extremely very difficult.

Our intention is to make sure that life returns to normalcy in Nigeria. It is a work for all of us together, including members of the press, News Agency of Nigeria quoted the CDS as saying.
A yet-to-be-identified motor boy was killed when his truck collided with another on the Poka Road in Lagos States Epe region.

According to Nosa Okunbor, Head of Public Affairs for the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, the tragedy occurred late on Monday.

In a statement received by PUNCH Metro on Tuesday, Okunbor stated that investigations at the scene of the disaster revealed that another truck attempted to overtake the mini-truck, which contained bags of cement and some individuals, resulting in a collision.

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He went on to say that the incident caused one of the motor boy to fall and die.

Okunbor narrated, Upon arrival of the agencys response team at the incident scene by 1922hrs, it was observed that a mini-truck, registration number unknown, laden with Dangote Cement, was involved in an accident at the aforementioned carriageway.

Further investigations by the LRT revealed that the said mini-truck while approaching the abovementioned road, was involved in an accident when attempts by an unknown articulated truck to overtake it resulted in a side collision with the said mini-truck.

Impact of the collision reportedly resulted in the fall of one of the motor boys who sat on the cement at the back of the mini-truck, and the subsequent loss of his life, while the unknown articulated truck absconded from the scene.

According to the LASEMA spokesperson, the deceaseds body was turned over to the police for further action.

The LRT has bagged the remains of the victim and handed them over to police officers from Noforija Police Station, led by an Inspector. The bagged commodity has been taken to the Epe General Hospital morgue by the police.

READ MORE: Portable Confronts, Slaps Preacher Outside His Bar, Sparks Social Media Backlash

He also stated that sufficient precautions were taken to safeguard the safety of road users following the mishap.

The LRT has activated necessary safety and appropriate control measures for the protection of all responders and road users at the incident scene during the operation, Okunbor noted.
The Ogun State Police Command has initiated a hunt for Michael, a self-identified soldier who allegedly stabbed a security guard, Samuel Adeyemi, in the Itele community of the Ado-Odo-Ota Local Government area of the state.

Omolola Odutola, the commands spokesperson, told PUNCH Metro on Tuesday that the incident occurred on Sunday while the victim was on duty on Ibuloko Street in Itele.

Michael, who claimed to be a Nigerian Army operative, allegedly approached the street gate and requested that the guard open it for him and the other occupants of the vehicle he was in.

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In an effort to ascertain the true identities of the cars passengers, it was discovered that the fleeing suspects disembarked the vehicle and stabbed the victim in the head with an iron rod, cutting the right half of his ear.

READ MORE: Portable Confronts, Slaps Preacher Outside His Bar, Sparks Social Media Backlash

Odutola said, The victim was on duty as a security guard in the community at around 12:45 a.m. on Sunday. The suspect, who claimed to be a soldier, approached the community with others and demanded that the victim open the gate for them to enter.

As the security guard attempted to question them about their true identities, the suspect allegedly approached the victim and attacked him with an iron rod, causing injuries to his head and right ear. Medical papers have been provided for the victims treatment. The suspect has not yet been arrested.
At least one charcoal seller has been killed in a riot that involved local hunters in Zaranda village, Toro Local Government Area of Bauchi State.

It was gathered that the incident, which happened on Tuesday, led to protests among residents of the village who barricaded the Bauchi  Jos Federal highway disrupting free flow of movement.

INFORMATION NIGERIA learnt that some individuals, who were said to be engaging in charcoal business were shot by the hunters because they refused to settle them with money as they tried to move their market from the bush to the village.

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Confirming the incident, the Spokesman of the Bauchi Police Command, SP Ahmed Wakil in a statement issued on Tuesday, said that three residents were shot while one of them lost his life following a sporadic shooting of some members of Nigerian Hunters, Forestry and Security Service.

READ MORE: Bauchi: Seven Stolen Tricycles Recovered As Police Arrest Five Suspects

The statement reads: This incident led to the serious injury of 35 year old Abubakar Yahaya, 20 year old Hussaini Yunusa and 16 year old Yayangida Hussaini, all from Zaranda Gari village via Toro LGA.

They were taken to the Primary Health Care Center Zaranda Gari, where unfortunately, Abubakar Yahaya succumbed to his injuries, Wakil said.

The Commissioner of Police has instructed the Deputy Commissioner of Police In-charge of the Department of Operations to mobilise tactical teams, including the Department of Operation, Rapid Response Squad, Operation Restore Peace, Acpol Toro, and Nabordo Division personnel, to handle the situation professionally, ensuring the road is reopened for commuters and peace is restored in the area.
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has admitted that the policies initiated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu have increased economic hardship in the country.

APCs National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, noted this in a response statement to former National Vice Chairman (North West) of the Party, Salihu Mohammed Lukman.

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Lukman had accused the APC of failing Nigerians, adding that both former President Muhammadu Buhari and incumbent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu have failed to deliver on their campaign promises.

Reacting, Morka argued that Tinubu was taking bold measures to reset the countrys long broken economy, xplaining that his reforms have increased economic hardship in the country.

The APC-led administration of President Tinubu is taking bold measures to reset our countrys long broken economy, improve national security and restore the country to wholesome and sustainable development.

No doubt, these inevitable reforms have increased economic hardship for our people. In fact, the unwillingness of previous administrations to undertake these reforms and tackle the problems at their roots is the reason the economy has remained in the doldrums for a long time.

It would be easy and painless for President Tinubu to do as his predecessors have done, continue business as usual, kick the can down the road for future administrations to deal with while the rot and stagnation fester.

READ ALSO: You Were Part Of The Failure  APC Slams Lukman Over PDPs 16 Years Better Than Partys 9-Year Reign Comment

But in keeping with the renewed hope agenda of his administration, he has chosen to tackle the countrys generational economic problems for the good of present and future generations of Nigerians. In the fullness of time, this President shall be vindicated for his vision and unwavering commitment to the national interest and the common good of all, the Tuesday statement read.

Morka furthered that, Salihu Lukmans hunger for attention is insatiable. Not even his frenzied political soliloquy in self-adulation has proved sufficient to fill his bottomless obsession for attention.

Since his exit as a National Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Lukman has been sleepless in search of political relevance. He seems to have found for himself, for now, a new role as the chief discordant trumpeter for a cacophonous political opposition.

In his new self-assigned role, he alleges, without substantiation, that APC ruined the country in economic policies and corruption and called on opposition parties and Nigerians to vote out APC in 2027. Such an empty and outlandish allegation is undeserving of any response especially coming from a displaced political gaslighter.

One day, Lukman claims to be a progressive committed to fixing the People Democratic Partys (PDP) 16 years of rot, another day, he proclaims abiding faith in the capacity of the PDP and decadent political opposition to save Nigeria. Lacking conviction, or staying power to justify any cause, Lukman is not in any position to advise Nigerians on how to vote or who to vote for.

His latest call for opposition leaders to unite against the APC is a calculated move to cobble political relevance, divert attention from the administrations substantial progress, and further his own selfish agenda.
TypeScript 5.6, the latest version of Microsofts strongly typed JavaScript variant, is now available as a production release. The update features capabilities that include disallowing nullish and truthy checks on syntax that never varies on nullishness or truthiness.

Unveiled September 9, TypeScript can be accessed via NPM using the following command: npm install -D -typescript . The update also can be accessed through NuGet.

For disallowed nullish and truthy checks, TypeScripts compiler now errors when it can syntactically determine that a truthy or nullish check will always evaluate in a specific way. Microsoft said many, many bugs could be caught this way. Some expressions still are allowed even if truthy or nullish. Specifically, true, false, 0, and 1 are all still allowed despite always being truthy or falsy.
Inspectors warned that a Boars Head plant in southern Virginia had major deficiencies that could pose an imminent threat to food safety after discovering rusted equipment, condensation dripping on the floor and green mold on the wall nearly two years before a deadly nationwide listeria outbreak, according to government inspection reports released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

But despite repeated violations, the plant continued to operate. The establishment failed to meet the regulatory requirements, according to a noncompliance report, noting that plant management was notified to take the necessary corrective actions.

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 READ MORE: From July: Boars Head expands recall to include 7 million more pounds of deli meats tied to listeria outbreak

Between Sept. 27 and Oct. 4, 2022, inspectors detailed food residue on the floor of the liverwurst room, live beetles in a hallway and thick product buildup on equipment, among other violations. Dirt, screws and trash were observed on the floor of the production area, the document said.

Deli meat produced at the Jarratt, Va., plant between May 10 and July 29 is believed to be responsible for the deaths of nine people and the hospitalization of dozens of others in the nation's largest listeriosis outbreak since 2011. Boar's Head issued a recall of more than 70 products produced during that time, such as ham, bologna and bacon, according to the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service. Food safety experts say the pattern of violations reflect a failed food safety system and have questioned why the plant was not closed sooner.

You see listings like standing water and dripping pipes. Those are listeria breeding grounds, said Neal Fortin, the director of the Institute for Food Laws & Regulations at Michigan State University.

The USDA previously released documents showing inspectors had notified managers at the Virginia plant of one or more noncompliances on nearly 60 separate days between Aug. 1, 2023, and July 27, 2024. The issues cited included dirty machinery, flies in pickle containers, heavy meat buildup on walls, and blood in puddles on the floor.

USDA has since released more inspection reports dating back to January 2022, which were first reported Tuesday by the New York Times.

The USDA documents indicate that a rigorous food safety audit - known as a federal Food Safety Assessment - had been performed on multiple days in the fall of 2022. The agency did not release the full food safety audit. A spokeswoman for the USDA did not respond to questions about the audit or a request to share it.

Virginia officials are charged with inspecting the plant on behalf of the USDA, an arrangement the department has with more than half of the states.

Boar's Head did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The company previously told The Washington Post that its plant team "immediately remediated" noncompliance notifications issued by inspectors and is working with food safety experts to conduct an "extensive investigation" into how its liverwurst became contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

Listeria is the third leading cause of death from foodborne illness, according to the CDC. Older adults, pregnant people and those who are immunocompromised are at high risk of the illness, which is caused by eating food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. It can take up to 10 weeks to develop symptoms such as fever and muscle aches. Some of the recalled Boar's Head products have sell-by dates into October, meaning the deli meats may still be in consumer's refrigerators and on their sandwiches.

A USDA spokeswoman told The Post that the department is investigating the matter and taking this public health matter very seriously. This includes a review to determine the factors that led to the outbreak and what needs to be improved. The department is also taking a holistic look at Boars Head plants across the country.

Some food safety experts have argued that the outbreak represents failures at many levels, including among the management of the plant and the USDA, which did not shutter the facility.

Its honestly shocking the condition of the plant, said Barbara Kowalcyk, director of the Institute for Food Safety and Nutrition Security at George Washington University. I cannot understand why they didnt take action.
Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital chief medical officer Alan Pope (left) and Lisa Ferraro (right), president of Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, pose on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024, as construction continues on a building with affordable senior rental units and a first-floor Virtua facility next to the Ferry Avenue PATCO station in Camden. Read more

In the early 1970s, the mix of residential, office, and retail development on the periphery of PATCOs Ferry Avenue Station was ahead of its time.

And despite floundering in the 1990s as the office buildings and some of the apartments went vacant, Camdens pioneering attempt at transit-oriented development has been getting an incremental refresh.

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The latest redevelopment project under construction on a portion of the 18-acre site  much of which is still devoted to parking  is a mixed-use building of 47 affordable senior rental apartments above a Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital primary-care facility.

In terms of smart growth, public transportation, housing, economic growth, and quality, accessible health care, its a beautiful model, said Nick Cangelosi, senior vice president of the Michaels Organization.

The Camden-based company is Virtuas partner in the $24 million project, the cost of which was underwritten by federal, state, and private funding. This project is something really special, Cangelosi said. Construction is expected to be completed in the spring.

The three-story building will be named Oliver Station in honor of the Rev. Thomas Clement Oliver (1818 -1900), an Underground Railroad conductor associated with Camdens historic Macedonia African Methodist Episcopal Church.

This opportunity to provide the community with primary care is very important to our mission, said Alan Pope, chief medical officer of Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital.

The new facility will not provide emergency or urgent-care services but will serve the primary-care needs of people in the building and nearby neighborhoods, as well as among the 1,200 PATCO riders who use the station on a typical weekday.

People living near PATCO stations could use [the train] and come here for their primary care, Pope said.

Details about the hours of service at the facility are being worked out, Virtua officials said.

Development around PATCO station didnt age well

The 1969 opening of the PATCO line between Center City Philadelphia and Camden County was seen as a boost for Camden and included two stops downtown as well as the Ferry Avenue station.

There, at the citys border with Collingswood and Woodlynne, the availability of 24-hour train service sparked construction of 500 apartments as well as two office buildings.

The larger of the two office buildings, in the 70s, was home to a ground-floor restaurant and bar called King Zogs Taverne, in honor of a long-deceased Albanian royal.

But the overall developments utilitarian design and location along the fringe of the 1,900-space parking lot didnt age well.

And for years before it was finally demolished to make way for Oliver Station, the long-defunct Plaza office building had trees growing on its roof and vegetation sprouting from its windows.

I could see that building from my front door, and to watch it become dilapidated and an eyesore was so disheartening, said retired city police officer Tracey Hall, who bought her Whitman Park home 30 years ago.

I used to go to the dentist in that building. The big office building was like a hub where you could go to the bank and to PSE&G to pay your bill, Hall said.

When all that fell apart you had the broken-window syndrome. There were [more and more] vacancies.

A Camden redevelopment plan, followed by a rebirth

The Whitman Park Redevelopment Plan the city adopted in 2005 called for capitalizing on the presence of the PATCO station and encouraging transit-oriented development nearby.

The Rochester, N.Y.-based Conifer real estate and development firm rehabilitated the larger of the two vacant office buildings into an 86-unit senior building called Ferry Manor that same year.

Collaborating with the Camden nonprofit Parkside Business and Community in Partnership (PBCIP), the firm went on to build Conifer Village at Ferry Station, a 50-unit rental development for senior citizens. The 48-unit Ferry Landing rental complex for families followed.

Weve been proud to be part of the Camden community for over 20 years, said Rogelio Pine, Conifer vice president for development.

Pine said his company engages with residents, stakeholders, and partners like Parkside to create developments that meet each communitys unique needs. Were committed to building not just homes, but vibrant places where people can truly thrive.

A brighter future?

There is potential for even more development around Ferry Station, and our stations in Collingswood and Westmont are a fantastic example of this, said John T. Hanson, chief executive officer of the Delaware River Port Authority, which oversees PATCO.

Places in close proximity to transit will likely experience more development and increasing property values, he said, citing what he described as the approaching inflection point in the shift from a car culture to a transit culture.

Said Camden Mayor Victor Carstarphen: This facility will be a quality place and will be a catalyst for more development.

Virtua officials said they look forward to Oliver Station being a front door members of often-underserved communities can easily access.

We could definitely use it, said Whitman Park resident Juan Mendez, 71.

Hall said she hopes her nonprofit Daelight Foundation, which aims to prevent suicide, will be able to collaborate with Virtua in the new space.

I watched my neighborhood get bad and now its coming back, she said.

But all that good stuff coming back has been a long time coming.
The former owners of an early Pennsylvania marijuana dispensary defrauded their partner and now owe her $24.5 million, a Philadelphia judge ruled last week.

The lawsuit alleges that the former owners of Ilera, which in 2016 became one of the first medical marijuana businesses in Pennsylvania to obtain a super license to both cultivate and sell cannabis, defrauded partner Shannon Hexter out of millions of dollars by persuading her to give up more than half of her stake in the company based on false financial information.

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Hexter was an early partner in Ileras operations in Pennsylvania, with a 12% equity stake in the company. The Maryland resident and graduate of Pennsylvania State University leased land in Fulton County to Ilera to cultivate cannabis through a business entity called Big Bite Real Estate LLC.

Hexter alleges in legal filings in Common Pleas Court that Ilera Healthcares former CEO, Greg Rochlin, used credit lines from the successful medical marijuana operation in Pennsylvania to expand into Louisiana in 2018. Rochlin and other Ilera executives, including then-chief financial officer Lisa Gray, told Hexter that she didnt have a claim on the Louisiana operation, her lawyers say in legal filings. But they offered her a deal: Give up 8% of your share in the Pennsylvania company in favor of 4% in the Louisiana company.

Rochlin told Hexter that the smaller percent of Louisiana operation was worth more than her Pennsylvania stake, Hexters lawyers said in a legal filing. She claims she was told that the company was valued at $59 million, but it was sold for much more not long after.

Ileras Pennsylvania operation was acquired in 2019 by TerrAscend, a Canadian cannabis business, for a valuation of $125 million to $225 million. Hexter lost $10 million to $18 million by swapping her equity in Pennsylvania to the Louisiana venture, the lawsuit claims.

The 2020 complaint filed in Common Pleas Court names multiple business entities related to Ilera, such as Ilera Holdings LLC and Ilera Healthcare LLC, as well as five of the companys top executives, including Rochlin and Gray. TerrAscend is not a party in the suit.

This was a case where five sophisticated investors sought to take advantage of their less sophisticated partner by presenting an incomplete picture of what was happening at the company and with the companys money, said David Feuerstein, a partner at New York City-based Feuerstein Kulick law firm, who represented Hexter.

Lawyers for the defendants said in court filings that Hexter was looking to deepen her partnership with the owners of Ileras Pennsylvania operation, who invited her into their Louisiana venture. And they contend Hexter is an expert in medical marijuana with experience filing more than a dozen license applications.

But when the Pennsylvania business sold for more than the owners expected, Hexter searched for someone to blame for not netting more money, the defense lawyers argued.

Hexter should not be allowed to run away from an arms length transaction negotiated by her lawyer because she is now unhappy with the deal she made, defense lawyers wrote in an August brief.

Common Pleas Court Judge Paula Patrick held a four-day bench trial in July and ruled last week that Hexter is owed $24.5 million.

Rochlin, Gray, and other defendants could not be reached directly. Michael S. Hino, a partner at Troutman Pepper law firm who represented the defendants, said he intends to appeal the ruling.

We strongly disagree with the courts order as a matter of law and fact and stand by our position, Hino said via email.
A former teacher at Harriton High School was sentenced Wednesday to 30 years in federal prison for posing as a teenager on social media and soliciting hundreds of sexually explicit photos from young girls, including a student at the school.

U.S. District Judge John Murphy said Jeremy Schobel, 33  who taught English at Harriton, in Rosemont, for about a year before his 2022 arrest  had committed a shocking abuse of trust by deceiving young victims and preying on their vulnerabilities.

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Schobel, Murphy said, chose over and over and over again to commit his crimes, seeking out teenagers online, exchanging sexually explicit messages with them, then asking them to send him nude photos or indecent videos.

These crimes were planned, methodical, they required many, many steps, concerted effort, constant attention, and a focused conscious scheming that was designed to manipulate children, Murphy said. It spanned many years and required frequent work. And that speaks to someone who knew what he was doing and had many opportunities to stop.

Schobel dipped his head but did not otherwise visibly react as the sentence was imposed. Earlier in the hearing, he apologized for his actions, saying he now recognized that he caused enormous and endless damage to his victims. He described his conduct as a compulsion that spiraled out of control and said he would seek to spend the rest of his life atoning for his mistakes.

I did not understand when I was in it how corrosive it was, Schobel said. I couldnt see its potential for harm, and now 15 months removed  I see it so clearly, I see it so constantly.

The mother of one of Schobels victims, however, testified that she did not believe that Schobel was truly remorseful. Her daughter was a student at Harriton who got duped into sending Schobel explicit photos. The mother said Schobel, who taught some of the girls friends, greeted her in the hallways even after receiving the pictures. (Schobel denied that he knew any of his victims or targeted any students.)

Schobel would not hesitate to do this again, the mother said.

Schobels activities were first flagged in late 2022 by the French social media site Yubo, which alerted authorities that two linked accounts appeared to be targeting and grooming teenage girls, seeking out girls accounts and asking them to start exchanging messages on Snapchat.

The screen names  jillmoreno131 and sophiavan423  purported to be those of a 17-year-old girl, but investigators later found that both were tied to Schobel. And a review of his activity on Yubo and Snapchat showed he was using IP addresses not only at his home in Philadelphia but also at Harriton, where investigators learned he was employed as an English teacher.

After obtaining a search warrant, investigators found that the Snapchat accounts contained hundreds of purported minor victims, thousands of pages of chats, and thousands of pornographic images and videos, prosecutors wrote in court documents. Schobel was seeking out victims and exchanging messages day after day, for more than three years, prosecutors wrote.

Schobel eventually admitted his actions to authorities but denied targeting any of his students.

Then, in the days after his 2023 arrest for child pornography, as word began circulating around the school community, a girl who attended Harriton said she was one of Schobels victims and spoke to the FBI. Investigators found images and messages corroborating her account.

The girls mother said in her testimony Wednesday that her daughter has been left traumatized and deeply ashamed by the episode. And she took particular offense to what she described as Schobels willingness to solicit messages and photos from the girl while also running into her in school.

The fact that he was able to look my daughter in the eye  and continue doing what he was doing, Im mortified by it. Im broken by it, and its traumatized my family, she said.

Joseph DAndrea, Schobels attorney, denied that Schobel knew any of his victims, saying Schobel was effectively indiscriminate while seeking out girls to send him photos.

Another victim testified Wednesday that explicit photos she had sent to another man as a teen years ago were found on Schobels phone. That revelation, she said, has caused her to feel as if she cannot escape a mistake she made as a vulnerable young girl.

I can change and I can grow and be a new person  but I cant outrun or escape or outgrow the offenders who seek out far more young people like the person that I was, the woman said.

(The Inquirer does not identify victims of sex crimes unless the person agrees to be named.)

Schobel was charged in June 2023, and pleaded guilty in March to counts including receiving and manufacturing child pornography related to six victims.

Since his arrest, he said Wednesday, his wife divorced him and moved out of state with their two children, and he has had to come to terms with the fact that he embarrassed and disappointed his family, friends, and former students and colleagues.

I do not understand how I became so entrenched in behavior that is so opposed to my morality, he said. I am so profoundly sorry.
Mayor Cherelle L. Parker holds a moment of silence during a press conference to discuss the death of Officer Jaime Roman, who was shot on duty during a motor vehicle stop in June. He had been hospitalized for nearly three months, and died from his injuries on Sept. 10. Read more

The dreaded call came to Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel on Tuesday afternoon: Officer Jaime Roman, who had been shot in the line of duty nearly 12 weeks earlier, was in deteriorating health and likely had only hours left to live.

Bethel rushed to Temple University Hospital and into the room where the 31-year-old father of two had lain unconscious since he was shot in the neck during a routine car stop on June 22. The commissioner sat with Romans loved ones and then, just before 8:30 p.m., watched as the officer took his last breath.

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Through most of Bethels nearly four decades in the Philadelphia Police Department, he said Wednesday morning, he saw his fellow officers as colleagues.

But now, as head of the department, he said, they were far more.

These are my children now, he said, his voice trembling.

And losing Roman, he said, felt like losing a child.

The six-year veteran of the force was shot in Kensington by Ramon Rodriguez Vazquez, 36, on the 3500 block of F Street, police said. The officer and his partner pulled Vazquez over for lacking proper registration for his Toyota sedan, and subsequently discovered that Vazquez did not have a drivers license.

While waiting for a tow truck to haul the car away, they conducted a search of the vehicle, police said. During the search, police said, the officers discovered a gun holster tucked beneath a car seat, and when they attempted to confront Vazquez about it, he ran away  then started shooting at them with a gun he had in his waistband.

Roman was struck in the neck and fell to the ground, police said. His partner returned fire, but Vazquez was not hit. The partner then put Roman into his patrol car and sped to Temple Hospital.

Roman was admitted in critical condition. Officials said at the time that he was taken into surgery and then placed on a respirator. For the last 80 days, Bethel said, Roman had fought a valiant fight.

His family on Wednesday, overcome with emotion, declined to speak.

After shooting Roman, police said, Vazquez ran off, first to seek refuge in a nearby garage, then unsuccessfully trying to carjack a minivan, according to police. He ended up running to the 800 block of East Schiller Street, where police say he threatened a resident at gunpoint and forced him inside. SWAT officers arrested Vazquez inside that house later that night.

Vazquez was jailed and charged with crimes including attempted murder, aggravated assault of an officer, and illegal gun possession. The charges will be upgraded to murder now that Roman has died, Bethel said.

Bethel described Roman as the nucleus of his family, a strong father to a 7-year-old daughter and 4-year-old son. He joined the force when he was just 23 years old, serving first in the 12th District in Southwest Philadelphia before moving to the 25th in North Philadelphia, said Capt. Steven Wheeler.

Romans father told Bethel that, as far back as he could remember, his son had always wanted to be a cop.

That was unwavering, Bethel said.

Mayor Cherelle L. Parker said all flags in the city would be flown at half staff. She had spent the night at Temple Hospital alongside at least 150 members of the police force, holding hands and praying for the officer and his family.

Its a day to remember the sacrifice of Officer Jaime Roman and the ultimate sacrifice that he made for the people of Philadelphia, Parker said. We will not allow his death to be in vain.

She added: The public health and safety of our city is our number-one priority, and I shall not be moved.

Funeral arrangements were underway, police said, and details would be forthcoming.

Roman is the 10th police officer to be shot in the city in recent months  and the fourth to be killed in the line of duty since 2020.

Last year, Officer Richard Mendez was fatally shot inside a parking garage at Philadelphia International Airport while trying to stop a group of people from stealing a car.

Months before that, Temple Police Officer Christopher Fitzgerald was shot and killed, police said, by 18-year-old Miles Pfeffer in North Philadelphia. Fitzgerald was attempting to stop Pfeffer after a rash of carjackings and robberies in the area, police said.

Phillies players including Kyle Schwarber met with Romans family before a game in August. Bethel shared images of Schwarber posing for photos and signing a bat for Romans relatives, writing: We stand united with [officer] Roman, his family, friends and all who love him.

Correction: An earlier version of this article misspelled the first name of Officer Jaime Roman.
The Central Bucks school board on Tuesday passed new policies governing student clubs and their social media use, after posts by a Muslim student group earlier this year were cited in a federal civil rights complaint accusing the district of tolerating antisemitism.

The policies, adopted unanimously, outline rules for third-party social media accounts designated by student clubs during the application process as their official accounts. While students create and maintain the accounts, they will be expected to involve the clubs faculty adviser when posting.

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Club posts will be expected to focus on several topics: club activities, recruitment for new members, and members and their achievements.

And posts will be subject to the student code of conduct  which says discipline can be warranted for off-campus student expression that materially and substantially disrupts the operations of the school, or that administrators reasonably anticipate will have that effect.

Its unclear to what extent the policies would curtail the type of messages that drew outrage from parents earlier this year, when the Muslim Student Association at Central Bucks West posted a prayer for Ramadan on Instagram that said Oh Allah, deal with the usurping Jews and the treacherous Zionists.

The club took that post down; its adviser said students had posted it accidentally and apologized for not catching it. But in another post that weekend that upset community members, the club shared a post from X that said the birthplace of Jesus is being bombed on Easter.

A federal complaint filed with the U.S. Department of Educations Office of Civil Rights accused the club and its adviser, Spanish teacher Youssef Abdelwahab, of seeking to align the Christian and Muslim population against the Jewish/Israeli population by using blood libel, a centuries-old false accusation claiming Jews murder Christians for ritual purposes.

Abdelwahab  who has faced accusations of antisemitism for anti-Israel posts on the Instagram account for his business, AragApparel  said earlier this year that students were showing some empathy to Christian Palestinians and not trying to single out Jewish students. Students in the club, who have partnered with Jewish students at Central Bucks West, have said they have been the targets of Islamophobia.

Abdelwahab said Wednesday evening that he believes the policy changes were demanded by some residents to silence minorities.

This will not only impact the [Muslim Student Association] but many clubs that value and promote positive civic engagement and awareness of local and global issues, he said. It discourages students from learning about current events, constructive dialogue, and using critical thinking. These are vital skills needed for engendering productive and engaging global citizens of the 21st century.

A district spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment Wednesday but previously said he could not speculate on how situations that occurred in the past may or may not have been affected by then-proposed policy changes.

Central Bucks new superintendent, Steven Yanni, has said he wants to better define the boundaries of acceptable speech for students and staff, anticipating division around the forthcoming election.

We all enjoy First Amendment freedoms, and while we enjoy those, theyre not absolute, Yanni said in a recent interview, noting that the district can regulate speech disruptive to the school environment. So many times, drama ensues just because people dont know where the line is.
Drexel University has asked several deans to step down as part of a consolidation of two colleges and one of its schools into a new entity, according to multiple sources.

The move comes amid a budget crunch and as the West Philadelphia university prepares to move from a quarter system to a semester system, which is part of a larger academic restructuring.

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No timeline has been provided on when the changes will take effect.

Affected are the College of Engineering and the College of Computing and Informatics, as well as the School of Biomedical Engineering, Science, and Health Systems.

We stand at a defining moment in Drexels history when we must boldly take steps to forge the universitys future, Paul E. Jensen, Drexel provost, said in a message to the university community Wednesday. Paramount to our future is our ability to evolve from the comprehensive research university we have grown into over the last 25 years into the comprehensively integrated powerhouse we have the opportunity to become.

Sharon L. Walker, dean of engineering, discussed the changes during a call with her faculty and staff Tuesday. The dean of the School of Biomedical Engineering, Sciences, and Health Systems will retain his leadership role but have a different title. The school will be embedded within the newly created college but retain its identity, the university said. The deans affected did not return emails requesting comment.

It was not clear whether there would be faculty or staff cuts as part of the academic moves.

Drexel also said that its School of Education would be merged into its College of Arts and Sciences, a move that is already underway.

Other colleges in the region have made similar changes as student enrollment falls and competition increases. La Salle University announced earlier this year that some academic departments within its schools of arts and sciences, business, and nursing and health care would be combined.

The move comes as Drexel president John A. Fry is preparing to leave the school after 14 years and become president of Temple University. He leaves Drexel on Sept. 30 and starts at Temple on Nov. 1.

 READ MORE: As Drexels John Fry gets voted in as Temples next president, heres what he plans to do

Drexels move to a semester system is expected to occur over the next three years. The universitys signature co-op program will stay intact.

Students will retain their ability to take up to three, six-month co-ops, and the process will be structured to maintain students expected time to graduation, Jensen said in the memo.

But he acknowledged that the restructuring would be challenging and said he would be seeking the faculty senates approval for the work. Faculty senate chair Kevin G. Owens, an associate professor of chemistry, did not respond to an email for comment.

Changes of this magnitude understandably bring a range of emotions and questions, and they will impact each member of our University community in different ways, Jensen wrote.

In an interview last month, Fry and interim president Denis P. OBrien acknowledged budget challenges ahead.

Higher education is somewhat challenged now, OBrien said at the time, pointing to recent college closures locally, including University of the Arts and Cabrini University. Drexel is going to have some of the same challenges. And its going to have some financial challenges that were going to have to really work through to make sure our revenue structure and cost structure are in the right place.

Enrollment stood at 21,700 last school year, down 10% from 2017. Drexel has not yet released its enrollment numbers for this fall. With a quarter system, classes are not scheduled to start until Sept. 23. Fry acknowledged enrollment challenges this year, given ongoing problems nationally with federal financial aid forms.

Drexel also has faced a reduction in net tuition revenue. In 2023, it stood at $610 million  $17 million less than it was in 2015. Fry said last month that medical malpractice settlements also were a strain.

 READ MORE: La Salle Universitys enrollment dropped 28% since 2019. What is the school doing to cope?

Because we were involved at Hahnemann Hospital, those are trailing lawsuits, he said at the time. They follow us to this very day.  Some of these cases are over 10 years old.

Hahnemann was the teaching hospital for Drexels School of Medicine. It closed in 2019.

Fry said in the August interview that Drexel finished fiscal year 2023 with a positive operating margin, but he declined to release results for this year, explaining that the numbers were in auditing and would not be available until October.
The University of the Arts, which closed in June, asked a Philadelphia judge to approve the transfer of its $63 million endowment to institutions that enrolled its students. Read more

University of the Arts asked a Philadelphia judge to approve the distribution of its $63 million endowment to a dozen institutions that enrolled its students after the 150-year-old schools abrupt closure in June.

The petition Tuesday in Orphans Court shows that the biggest chunk of the endowment, 44%, would go to Temple University, which has the most UArts students of any partner school. Moore College of Art and Design and Drexel University would get the next-largest amounts.

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The money would be used for scholarships for transferred UArts students and then to further the mission of advancing human creativity and art education in the areas of the visual and performing arts, the filing said.

Ken Kaiser, Temples senior vice president and chief operating officer, said he was aware of the petition.

Were thankful to be considered as a home for a portion of these assets, and were committed to being responsible stewards for these assets, Kaiser said. Temple said it currently has 359 UArts students. In the end, its kind of bittersweet. Our endowment will be enhanced, but at a pretty significant price for the students affected.

Moore, which would receive 16% of the endowment under the proposal, said it was honored that 114 UArts students chose the Center City school. We would welcome additional resources to help support the scholarship funds we have awarded to UArts students, Moore president Cathy Young said in a statement.

The Hamilton Family Charitable Trust, which has contributed about half of UArts endowment, had previously opposed the transfer of the endowment to Temple, ending Temples efforts to acquire UArts.

On Wednesday afternoon, Hamilton Family Charitable Trust board member S. Matthews V. Hamilton Jr. said of the petition: Its the first Ive heard of it.

Asked whether the family would maintain its interest in the fate of the University of the Arts endowment, he said: Probably so.

Another Hamilton board member, Francis J. Mirabello, also said he had not seen the petition, but he referred a reporter to an earlier letter obtained by The Inquirer outlining the foundations stance. In that letter, the family said it wanted the endowment to become part of the Hamilton Charitable Trust Education Fund, which was founded with the purpose of supporting educational activities in the Philadelphia region.

The position hasnt changed from that letter, he said.

The union that represents former UArts faculty and staff also took issue with the proposed disbursement. No representatives of the university or trustees board have met their contractual and legal obligations to the workers affected by the closure, union vice president Bradley Philbert said.

At no point were former workers, students, or community members consulted in this decision, which emphasizes the decadeslong disregard UArts officials have shown for the institution they were entrusted to protect, Philbert said in a statement. While these funds could bring much-needed support to institutions of higher education in Philadelphia and beyond, their primary use should be in repairing the damage done to the hundreds of workers and their families who have yet to receive the payments they are owed by UArts.

The petition provided no insight into UArts closure. It attributed the boards decision to unforeseeable business circumstances, further cash losses being projected for the next academic year, 2024-25, and the impending loss of its accreditation.
Norristown State Hospital's administration building is shown at right. The hospital's staff were recently cited by state investigators looking into safety lapses after a patient there killed his roommate in July. Read more

Good morning. Today, we take you inside the investigation into a killing at a state-run psychiatric hospital. Plus, theres news on the future home of a micro-hospital in the Philly burbs, what the Sixers stadium battle could mean for the biotech space, and a data dive into science day at the Center City courtroom where a legal fight is playing out over wildly popular weight-loss drugs such as Ozempic.

 How has your health system dealt with patient safety issues? For a chance to be featured in this newsletter, email us back.

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If someone forwarded you this newsletter, sign up here.

 Aubrey Whelan and Alison McCook, Inquirer health reporters, @aubreyjwhelan and @alisonmccook.

On the night of July 14, Kyle Samuels-Robey left his room at Norristown State Hospital, walked to the nurses station  and, police say, told staff at the state-run psychiatric facility that he had just choked out his roommate, Jacob Gonzalez.

Staffers found Gonzalez on his bed, strangled. Samuels-Robey was swiftly arrested.

Drawing on police reports, hospital inspections, and interviews with the families of both men, our big read today digs into how staffers at Norristown failed.

State inspectors who visited Norristown two days after the killing found staff lied on paperwork saying theyd conducted regular checks on the roommates. And, video footage showed, they didnt immediately respond with a crash cart when Gonzalez was found unresponsive.

Norristown received the states most serious warning of immediate jeopardy, signaling that inspectors are concerned for the safety of the patients. Four staffers were suspended, and all employees at the facility were retrained on emergency procedures.

Read more about the troubled history of the 144-year-old institution, and why families of both roommates say Norristowns failures should never have happened.

The latest news to pay attention to

This weeks number: 32 million.

Thats the estimated number of U.S. adults who have taken one of the blockbuster drugs for diabetes or weight loss such as Ozempic or Wegovy.

Heres how we crunched the numbers: Recent polling found that 1 in 8 U.S. adults have taken the drugs. Given that the 2020 Census counted 258 million adults living in the U.S., that translates to roughly 32 million American adults who have taken Ozempic or similar drugs.

We care because thats the scope of whats at stake in a Philly courtroom, the scene of a federal case brought by dozens of patients against the drug manufacturers, arguing that they were not adequately warned about some serious side effects of taking the medicines.

Click here to learn more about last weeks science day in court, as both sides of the lawsuit explained the science behind their arguments, including how Ozempic, Wegovy, and similar drugs work.

Each week, we report on the Pennsylvania Department of Healths inspection reports at area hospitals. Today, we look at Jefferson Lansdale Hospital. State inspectors did not conduct an on-site investigation of any potential safety violations at the Montgomery County hospital between January and June.

During his medical school clerkships, Cooper University med student Milan Arya often saw patients with questions about their weight  and how to lose some of it.

Arya wrote for The Inquirer: Do I prescribe Ozempic for the patient whose blood sugar levels are just barely into the prediabetic range? Do I recommend bariatric surgery for the patient who suffers from treatment-resistant depression and needs a psychiatrist, not a surgeon?

Ayra shares how his personal experiences led him to practice size-inclusive medicine and tailor his patients care.

Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic appointed Marlow Levy the president of Darbys Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital and Wilmington, Del.s Saint Francis Hospital last month.

Levy, a registered nurse and Navy veteran, previously served as vice president of operations at Baptist Health System in Jacksonville, Fla., where he was also system leader for laboratory, environmental health, and protective services. Hes worked at the Mayo Clinic, UPMC, and Kaiser Permanente.

Trinity officials cited in a news release Levys volunteer work and clinical acumen.

Researchers at UPenn are getting part of $9.6 million in funding from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the National Institutes of Health to study how nuanced messaging about tobacco products influences peoples behavior.

UPenn scientists led by Andy Tan at the Annenberg School for Communication will investigate whether information from the FDA helps convince the nearly 30 million U.S. adults who currently smoke cigarettes to consider switching to lower-risk products, such as some types of smokeless tobacco or low-nicotine cigarettes.

Most importantly, can that messaging nudge smokers in the direction of lower-risk tobacco products without drawing in new users? Finding a way to thread that needle is key, Tan said. It is an important challenge to be able to meet these dual goals.

 Do you think its possible to push lower-risk tobacco products to existing smokers without drawing in new users? For a chance to be featured in this newsletter, email us back.

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.
Julia Levis of New Hope and friend Sydney Norris of West Philadelphia walk pass Three Cranes Gallery along Main Street in New Hope. Read more

Some small suburban Philadelphia towns are so undeniably and unbearably adorable they look like they came straight out of a Hallmark holiday movie.

Theres Media, where a trolley still runs down the middle of the main street; Ardmore, which boasts one of the regions best concert venues on its main strip; and Phoenixville, which has experienced such a rebirth downtown that it closes its main street every weekend from May to October to accommodate pedestrian traffic.

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But rising above them all, reaching levels of adorableness typically only obtained by puppies frolicking in a field of flowers or a baby playing in a basket of clean laundry, is New Hope.

This month, the town of about 2,600 people perfectly situated along the Delaware River was named to Travel + Leisures annual list of top 10 best small towns in America

While other towns with populations of 25,000 or less were crowned with honors like Best Small Lake Town (Harbor Springs, Mich.) or Best Small Food + Wine Town (Elk, Calif.), New Hope walked away with the award for Best Arts + Culture Town.

Travel + Leisure noted that New Hope was the birthplace of early-20th-century Pennsylvania Impressionism; the home of George Nakashima, a founder of the American Studio Craft movement; and a place where stars like Liza Minnelli and Robert Redford performed early in their careers.

Staffers praised the town for being one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly places in the country and a home for creatives who add their own flair to the boroughs enduring natural beauty, long-established artistic culture, and quirky charm.

New Hope is packed end to end with idiosyncratic and intellectual allure, all crammed into just 1.4 utterly charming square miles, Travel + Leisure said.

Along with quaint shops and unique bars and restaurants, the town has a host of traditional bed and breakfasts, a working scenic passenger train on the New Hope Railroad, and is home to the Bucks County Playhouse, where stars like Leslie Nielsen and Bea Arthur have performed.

New Hope is also about an hour away from Philly and New York City, just minutes away from Peddlers Village, and just a walk across the bridge from Lambertville, N.J.

Earlier this year, some residents told The Inquirer theyre worried developers and gentrification are slowly pricing out the very people who give the borough its funk and flair.

May this recent honor from Travel + Leisure give new hope (and added pressure) to keep the town weird.
People stroll in the 1600 block of Walnut Street during the Open Streets: West Walnut event in Philadelphia on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024. Read more

Start your day with the Philly news you need and the stories you want all in one easy-to-read newsletter

Welcome to a warm and sunny Wednesday, Philly.

Last nights presidential debate is the big story of the day. Read on for analysis and scenes from the event, onstage at the National Constitution Center and throughout the city.

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Plus, its fall festival season in Philadelphia, and we found more than 20 must-go fests, street markets, and celebrations to add to your calendar. And in a sea of million-dollar properties, we have the story of the Jersey Shore homeowners keeping it tiny  and refusing to sell.

Heres what to know today.

 Julie Zeglen (morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)

If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here.

The stakes were high as Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump faced off in their first debate. Here are the top takeaways from a historic night in Philadelphia.

On the offensive: During the 90-minute debate, Harris cast Trump as the extreme candidate and baited him by talking about issues known to irk him, while Trump spent much of his time trying to tie Harris to Biden.

Watch this: Groups aligned with both major parties hosted debate-viewing parties in the city, including the Harris campaigns official watch party at Cherry Street Pier, which she visited post-debate. (The Man by Taylor Swift played as she walked offstage following brief remarks  just moments after the Berks County-native pop superstar endorsed the Democratic nominee.)

Elsewhere in Philly: Pro-Palestinian protesters marched in Center City, and several were detained outside the National Constitution Center. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro spent debate night hyping up Harris. Earlier in the day, the Black Conservative Federation led a Black Voters for Trump bus tour through city.

So, who won? To The Inquirer Editorial Board, which operates separately from the newsroom, the winner was clear.

Next up: Both candidates are slated to attend Sept. 11 remembrance events today in Shanksville, Pa.

Autumn is a season for being outside, and Philadelphias cultural scene makes that easy with a slew of themed festivals.

No, its not just Oktoberfests  though you can find plenty of beer at these, too, if thats your thing. Heres just a sample of the 20-plus events slated for the fall:

 For the crafters, Chestnut Hill Fall for the Arts Festival brings its 40th annual showcase and marketplace to Germantown Avenue this weekend.

 For the pedestrians, Open Streets: West Walnut is closing Rittenhouse streets to cars every Sunday this September.

 For the eccentrics, East Kensingtons Weirdo Fest is an ode to the wacky, from the arts to amateur wrestling.

Reporter Henry Savage has the full roundup.

What you should know today

Linda Galers parents bought the Stone Harbor property she now owns for about $6,000 in 1960.

 Its like frozen in time, the Montgomery County resident said of the 400-square-foot houses screened-in front porch, wooden fence, and red exterior. Even when were sitting on the porch, I still feel like its years and years ago.

 Even so, in whats become one of the ritziest zip codes down the Shore, its now worth more than $2 million.

 The tiny property is one of several bungalows still standing in Shore towns now flush with multi-story, multi-million-dollar homes. And their owners arent selling, despite persistent interest.

Take a tour of Galers home and two more adorable holdouts in Avalon and Brigantine.

 Trivia time

Which nationally known, locally based company just announced a new name?

A) Campbell Soup Co.

B) Five Below

C) Gopuff

D) Comcast

Think you know? Check your answer.

What were...

 Anticipating: The SNL debut of Jane Wickline, an internet personality with Philly ties.

 Learning: The science behind diabetes and weight loss drugs like Ozempic.

 Pausing: The noise with Pennsylvanias new 9/11 remembrance law.

 Unscramble the anagram

The leafy Center City neighborhood just east of the Schuylkill, with a public park at its center

FEAR QUILTERS

Email us if you know the answer. Well select a reader at random to shout out here. Cheers to Joann Polk, who solved Tuesdays anagram: Waxahatchee. The once-local band led by Katie Crutchfield is slated to headline this falls Philly Music Fest. (For the uninitiated: Start with Right Back to It from the latest album, Tigers Blood.)

Photo of the day

 One last colorful thing: A little-known master stained glass artist is behind the restoration of Phillys historic Mother Bethel AME Church windows after they were smashed by a vandal earlier this year. He is also raising money to build a museum to house his sculptures and other artwork.

Enjoy the rest of your Wednesday. 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.
As we comb through last nights epic debate and check in with our pets, some inquiring minds are wondering: Who is Viktor Orban, and why did Donald Trump speak so highly of him?

First, a fact-check: Kamala Harris was correct to say that most European leaders detest and mock Trump. And Trump was correct to say that Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is a prominent exception. The two have a bromance that mirrors the one between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. But it may be even more consequential.

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Whereas Putin is the self-made billionaire, bare-chested horseback rider, and global power broker whom Trump wants to be in his dreams, Orban presents a more realistic role model. In fact, Trumps Project 2025 playbook mirrors a lot of what Orban already achieved in Hungary, turning a democracy into a soft authoritarian regime.

One of the most chilling parallels between Orban and Trump has been their media policy.

Orban began his political career in 1989 as a young anti-communist, pro-democracy activist. Like Trump, he switched sides and embraced the new populism. Orban won a landslide election in 2010 after a previous government admitted to mismanaging the global financial crisis. His party controlled enough votes to change Hungarys constitution, following a well-known authoritarian playbook: destroy Supreme Court oversight, capture the media, and take over the universities, all while denouncing refugees, attacking George Soros, supporting traditional family values, and hoping to expand Hungarys territory at the expense of neighboring countries (including Ukraine).

 READ MORE: Elected leaders in Israel, Poland, and Hungary are following the autocrats playbook | Trudy Rubin

Orbans constitutional reforms skewed Hungarys voting system so badly that even if he eventually loses in some future landslide  he was elected to a fourth term in 2022  his party will still control many levers of power for decades to come.

One of the most chilling parallels between Orban and Trump has been their media policies. Orban pioneered a silent and devastating approach to destroying independent media. He encouraged his rich oligarch allies to buy up media companies. And turn them into government mouthpieces. Or shut them down altogether.

Sound familiar?

Has anyone noticed how Elon Musk bought Twitter and turned it into an extreme X? While John Malone bought a seat on CNNs board to change its editorial policy? That is literally the Orban playbook. Eventually, once Orbans buddies bought up and destroyed Hungarys independent media, he forced them to donate the media companies to a government-controlled foundation, so he never had to worry about the media ever again.

 READ MORE: Tucker Carlson and the American right are taking the wrong lessons from Hungary | Opinion

I was in Hungary during the 2022 election campaign, and all the billboards, television, and print media were solid Orban. The opposition was free to speak, but only online.

Orban targeted and shut down the Soros-funded Central European University, forcing it into exile in Vienna. Many of my colleagues there now commute. The people I know and have met in business can only function with the approval of Orbans party or an affiliated oligarch. In many cases, government-connected business people force competitors to sell out or face escalating government inspections and intimidation. Orban controls everything. No one is killed, but those who do not cooperate are pushed to the exits.

New York University professor Ruth Ben-Ghiat labeled Orban and Trump one of a group of strongmen leaders seeking to subvert democracy. It was amusing to see Trump turn this around in the debate by calling Orban a strong man while Harris labeled Trump as weak.

But word games aside, make no mistake. Trumps Orban comments signal that the authoritarian takeover in Project 2025 is real. Hungarys Orban already implemented it  and we know now that it cannot be easily undone once imposed.

Mitchell A. Orenstein is a professor of Russian and East European studies at the University of Pennsylvania and a senior fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute in Philadelphia. He lives in Philadelphia and is friendly with his neighbors pets.
Firefighters work beneath the destroyed mullions, the vertical struts that once faced the soaring outer walls of the World Trade Center towers, after a terrorist attack in New York on Sept. 11, 2001. Read more

For those of us who faced the terrible impact of 9/11, its hard to believe that enough time has passed that college-age students were not alive on that day. Its critical we ensure the memory of coordinated terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon on Sept. 11, 2001, is passed down through each generation.

After all, as a nation, we promised to never forget. We swore to never forget.

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To that end, its important to acknowledge the legislation signed into law in June by Gov. Josh Shapiro, which established a moment of silence in our schools on 9/11 to be observed yearly. The legislations sponsor, State Rep. Jim Haddock (D., Luzerne), had the unanimous support of the Pennsylvania General Assembly.

Its my hope that all Pennsylvanians will pause on Sept. 11, every year, in a moment of silence, quiet reflection, introspection, or prayer. Its also a time when individuals collectively halt their activities to honor and remember the deceased  reflecting on the impacts of their lives on our own.

The legislation also requires schools to provide programming for students about the events that day at Ground Zero, at the Pentagon, and, of course, over the skies of Western Pennsylvania when the United Airlines Flight 93 patriots first fought the terrorists, forcing their plane down into the green fields of Shanksville.

This new law rightly commemorates the terrible loss of 2,996 lives that day. Of those, nearly 400 were police officers, firefighters, and EMTs. Children were killed that day flying on airplanes hijacked by terrorists; the youngest was just 2 years old.

The work in identifying the victims continues. In January, more than two decades after the attacks, the remains of a victim were identified in New York. To date, more than 1,100 of the World Trade Center victims  about 40%  remain unidentified.

 READ MORE: The towers were burning: The view of 9/11 as a train from Philly pulled into New York | Opinion

The aftermath created thousands of more victims who responded to the exhausting search and rescue effort. Nearly as many first responders have died after 9/11 as those who perished in the moments after the terrorist attacks occurred. Within three years of the collapse of the towers, more than 70,000 people suffering from physical and mental health issues related to the attacks had signed up for the World Trade Center Health Registry.

Ideally, school curricula can help students understand the events leading up to 9/11, and then look at why the U.S. responded the way it did  for example, with legislation like the Patriot Act. Students should learn that America still has military and intelligence assets stationed in the Middle East and around the world as a direct result of the global war on terror. If young people graduate from high school and dont understand how and why 9/11 occurred, were not doing a very good job of preparing them to be our future leaders.

Let me also suggest that the 9/11 anniversary should stand as a day when we rededicate ourselves to staying on guard to prevent another terrible attack on our homeland. It is the civic responsibility of all American citizens to support strong counterterrorism protections every day.

 READ MORE: On 9/11, America faced foreign attackers. Today, the danger comes from within. | Editorial

Regrettably, polling shows that many Americans do not see terrorism as a major threat to our nation. Only 58% of Americans consider terrorism a critical threat, the lowest rate since before 9/11, according to a 2022 public opinion survey by the Chicago Council on Global Affairs. This is down dramatically from 90% in 2002, one year after the attacks of 9/11.

But the threats we face today are as real as those we woke up to on 9/11. After the FBI disrupted a terrorist plot to kill former President George W. Bush that involved the would-be assassins fleeing into Mexico, its clear we must do more to protect our southern border.

We must teach our children  and remind each other  that homeland security is not merely a buzzword. It represents a responsibility American citizens and all levels of government must take seriously.

Former national security adviser Gen. Colin Powell said this about the events of 9/11: You can be sure the American spirit will prevail over this tragedy. He was right. We have. But we must stand by the commitment made 23 years ago when we promised those who tragically died, and their loved ones, that we would never forget what happened on that horrific day.

Lets keep that commitment, and do everything in our power to ensure that no other generation of Americans ever suffers another tragedy like it.

Mark Schweiker was the 44th governor of Pennsylvania. On 9/11, he served as chairman of the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Council, driving the commonwealths response and deployment of emergency resources.
Former President Donald Trump, reflected on a wall, and Vice President Kamala Harris during the presidential debate at the National Constitution Center on Tuesday. Read more

The bully was beaten.

For nearly a decade, Donald Trump has tormented his foes, demanded sycophancy from his allies, and debased Americas political discourse. He stiff-armed all comers with derisive nicknames from Little Marco to Sleepy Joe to Crooked Hillary.

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Trump fired up supporters with racist rants, snappy slogans, and braggadocio about how he alone would fix everything. He turned American policy upside down by attacking allies and sucking up to dictators. And he counterpunched critics of his incompetence and corruption by claiming it was all fake news.

But on Tuesday night, Vice President Kamala Harris pierced the veil of the Trumpian mystique. She pulled back the curtain on the Wizard of Odd.

For perhaps the first time, many Americans saw there was nothing there but a deranged, old man.

Harris delivered a master class on how to take down a bully. She pummeled Trump and put him in short pants. And she did it with style and substance.

Harris punched and prodded. She balanced the contempt for a twice-impeached, racist felon and sexual harasser who has no business running for president with eye rolls, smiles, and sass.

It was a beatdown for the ages. For many Americans who have watched Trump with disgust and dismay as he tweeted his way into the White House and turned the United States into a laughingstock, it was 90 minutes of exhilaration.

Whether it will turn into enough votes for Harris on Election Day remains to be seen. But finally, someone had figured out how to take on Trump, while also appearing presidential and ready to lead and unite the country.

From the minute Harris strode across the stage and invaded Trumps personal space to give him an unwanted handshake and teach him how to pronounce her name, she owned him. It was a polite reverse of the menacing way Trump stalked Hillary Clinton during their debate in 2016.

The hunter was now being hunted.

Trump was on defense all night. Harris assailed him over his criminal trials and incompetent handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. She hung the abortion albatross around Trumps neck, telling viewers he would sign an abortion ban if reelected.

Harris spoke passionately  perhaps as only a woman can do  about how Trump and the government have no right to tell a woman what to do with her body. She was poignant in discussing how the U.S. Supreme Courts reversal of Roe v. Wade has upended the lives of women and young girls who have been raped and now struggle with where to go for an abortion.

 READ MORE: The Trump Threat | An occasional series by The Inquirer Editorial Board about the risk posed by a second Donald Trump presidency.

Trump, who has repeatedly flip-flopped his position on abortion, squirmed as he struggled to come up with a coherent response. At one point, he claimed babies were being executed after birth.

The ABC News moderators fact-checked him, pointing out that no state in the country allows babies to be killed after they are born.

The moderators pressed Trump on the Affordable Care Act, which now provides health insurance to 50 million Americans since it was passed in 2010 by former President Barack Obama. As president, Trump repeatedly tried to get rid of the popular plan but never developed a replacement.

When asked if, after nine years of railing about Obamacare, he had a plan, Trump meekly offered: I have concepts of a plan.

The social media wags rightly roasted him, as the pathetic answer summed up Trumps lack of policy chops on everything from infrastructure week to building the border wall to his new miracle cure: tariffs.

Perhaps the biggest tell of where Trump wants to take the country if he is reelected came after Harris said world leaders are laughing at him because he is weak on national security and easily manipulated with flattery and favors.

Trumps defense was to cite favorable comments about him by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, an authoritarian who has cracked down on the press, the judiciary, voting rights, immigration, and LGBTQ rights, all while maintaining close ties to Vladimir Putin.

It was Trumps own reminder that he would be a dictator on Day One. Indeed, Trump doubled down on an extreme plan to deport millions of immigrants and his claim that the 2020 election was stolen  despite recently admitting he lost by a whisker.

Throughout the night, the split screen that showed the two candidates body language told the story. Trump refused to look at Harris or use her name. He contorted his face, pursed his lips, and scowled as Harris, a former district attorney and attorney general, prosecuted her case.

Harris, meanwhile, shot him piercing looks, openly laughed at him, and struck puzzled poses with her hand on her chin during his inane ramblings.

The contrast underscored the difference in temperament and strength.

Trump was angry and rattled. Harris was poised and unflappable.

Trumps lack of preparation shined through when he argued that Harris does not have an economic plan: She copied Bidens plan, and its like four sentences, like Run, Spot, Run. More like, See Donny Run.

Harris, meanwhile, reminded voters that Trump, 78, had no new ideas. Just more of the same old, tired playbook, a bunch of lies and grievances and name-calling. She told viewers she grew up in the middle class, while Trump was born rich but still filed for bankruptcy six times.

Trump was angry and rattled. Harris was poised and unflappable.

Harris said Trump only cares about himself. Donald Trump has no plan for you, while she envisioned an opportunity economy for everyone and not just the wealthy.

But perhaps the biggest turning point came when Harris urged voters to attend one of Trumps MAGA rallies. She said they would not hear him talk about their needs, dreams, or desires. She said they would see supporters leaving Trumps rallies early out of exhaustion and boredom.

This sent Trump into a Three Mile Island meltdown, claiming his rallies were the biggest and most incredible in the history of politics.

From there he launched into a wild conspiracy about Haitian immigrants living in Springfield, Ohio. In Springfield, theyre eating the dogs, the people that came in, theyre eating the cats. Theyre eating the pets of the people that live there.

Harris had baited Trump over his obsession with crowd size. He was reeling and flailing. His magic was gone.

Voters got to see the short-fingered emperor fully exposed.

And guess what? There is not much there.
Makeshift tombstones are part of a national cemetery commemorating people who lost their lives to substance abuse-related causes. The memorial was set up across the street from the National Constitution Center ahead of Tuesday's presidential debate. Read more

On the train ride over to the Center of the Political Universe Tuesday night, I found myself drawn to a conversation between a couple of teachers seated next to me. They werent talking about the global issues debate moderators at the National Constitution Center would later focus on but about the more pressing lack of supplies at their school.

This is as real as it gets in Philadelphia and countless other communities like ours, and nothing like what was about to happen onstage in front of ABCs cameras.

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Just two weeks into the academic year, the teachers commiserated, they were already scrambling. And dont even get them started on what was passing for sustenance for their students.

If youre going to offer a salad, throw a few vegetables in it, one said in disgust.

I dont know what school they were talking about, or the particulars of the sad state of salads in our schools. But I do know that despite some improvements, the even sadder state of much of Phillys educational landscape remains constant.

 READ MORE: School board members who are serving their egos, not their communities have to go | Helen Ubinas

Just a day after Mayor Cherelle L. Parker declared the first day of school one of new beginnings last month, dozens of buildings were closed early because of the lack of adequate air-conditioning in more than 60 schools.

While the women chatted, I scrolled through my phone and saw that just as police were increasing their presence in Center City in anticipation of crowds and protests, there had been a shooting near City Hall. A 23-year-old man was shot on a train platform after a confrontation erupted between two men. A teenager injured his leg while trying to escape the gunfire  a sickening rite of passage for far too many young people in our city.

Once off the train, I passed by a disheveled man asking a police officer if he could spare a bottle of water from the case he was carrying for the throngs of law enforcement who lined the streets, two of whom were giddy over how much overtime they were racking up on the assignment. At least someone was enjoying this spectacle, I thought.

It was nice, though, to see the officer hand the man a bottle of water without hesitation. It was even nicer to see someone actually get something tangible from the political circus that rolled into town with the usual caravan of grand promises.

Thats the running gag of politics, isnt it? That no matter what party wrestles its way into office, which candidate wins enough of the electorate, even if its our preferred choice, the reality for too many Americans  and always, always those most marginalized and those most in need  doesnt change much. At least never as much as politicians claim it will, if only youd vote for them.

Families still struggle to make ends meet, young people still wonder if they will ever be able to afford a family of their own, and in too many communities, including Philadelphia, people bury their loved ones while Washington debates and debates and debates the dual scourges of gun violence and the opioid epidemic.

After a few hours of taking in the eclectic mix of sometimes unhinged protesters at the Independence Mall lawn  yeah, Im looking at you, wannabe influencer who kept switching his allegiances to get the biggest rise out of people for the gram  I took one last lap before finding a place to watch the debate.

It was then that I noticed some people sitting quietly in front of a purple banner that read, Trail of Truth. The group, of all ages and genders, and who likely held different political views, Id later learn, were painting makeshift tombstones for a national cemetery to memorialize people who have lost their lives to substance use-related causes.

Even in the carnivalesque atmosphere where a trio of protesters dressed as sharks held up signs that read, Dont Let Project 2025 Take A Bite Out Of Democracy, and someone dressed as a rat, the tombstones caught my attention  as did the lack of signaling which candidate the group supported.

That is by design, Brianna Dayton told me. Dayton is a team assistant for Truth Pharm, a Binghamton, N.Y.-based nonprofit dedicated to educating the public through marches and art installations like the Trail of Truth.

And the truth, reinforced for Dayton while traveling with the project, is that the issue is not a partisan one, as evidenced by the Donald Trump supporters who stood by the Kamala Harris supporters to learn more about the project and share their own stories of loss.

As Dayton and I talked, I couldnt help but think of Kensington, our own ground zero in the national drug crisis, and some of what the trail of truth looks like there  riddled with broken promises overrun with splashy efforts that continue to be uneven at best, and haunted by constant suffering. For those experiencing drug addiction, but also for those forced to navigate their lives around it  even if these days its often being kept just a few blocks out of view.

Truth is often a casualty of politics, locally and nationally. And its only gotten worse with a former president who not only built his life and stint as president on lies but also spent most of Tuesdays debate pushing for another shot at leading our country with one outlandish fabrication after another.

I doubt the debate was enough to change anyones mind about their chosen candidate  even if one of them came completely undone on stage. But just like those Trump and Harris supporters who were able to stand shoulder to shoulder at the exhibit on the Independence Mall lawn, we know what the truth is.
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Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris debate at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia Tuesday. Read more

It remains unclear whether Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump will debate again before Election Day on Nov. 5.

Immediately following Tuesday nights debate in Philadelphia, the Harris campaign said it would welcome a second event with Trump.

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Under the bright lights, the American people got to see the choice they will face this fall at the ballot box: between moving forward with Kamala Harris, or going backward with Trump, Harris campaign chair Jen OMalley Dillon said in a statement. Thats what they saw tonight and what they should see at a second debate in October. Vice President Harris is ready for a second debate. Is Donald Trump?

Trump campaign adviser Chris LaCivita responded in a statement to the Washington Post, writing: Of course. They need clean up.

Trump had previously called for three debates against Harris. Before agreeing to Tuesday nights debate, the Trump campaign proposed several debate dates on different networks, including Sept. 25 on NBC.

But on Fox & Friends Wednesday morning, Trump would not commit to facing Harris again on Fox News or any other network.

I dont know that I want to do another debate, Trump said. I am not inclined to do it because I won the debate by a lot. But I think we let it settle in and lets see what happens.

Despite his own candidates lack of enthusiasm for a second debate, Trump campaign adviser Jason Miller suggested the former president was committed to participating in the proposed event on NBC later this month.

The onus here is on Kamala Harris to quit playing games, quit running, show up on Sept. 25, Miller said during an interview Wednesday morning on CNN.

If there is a second debate, it wont happen in September. The Harris campaign wants it to take place next month following the forthcoming vice presidential debate.

That was fun. Lets do it again in October, Harris spokesperson Brian Fallon wrote on social media Tuesday night.

When is the VP debate?

Next month, it will be Democratic Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Republican Ohio Sen. JD Vance stepping onto the debate stage.

The two vice presidential candidates will face off on Oct. 1 in New York City in a debate hosted by CBS News.

As with Tuesdays event, CBS will turn to two moderators for the vice presidential debate  CBS Evening News anchor Norah ODonnell and Face the Nation moderator Margaret Brennan.

CBS has not released any details about the time, location, or rules for the vice presidential debate.
U.S. Rep. Madeleine Dean (D., Pa.) arrives at a House hearing in Washington, D.C. in 2022. Read more

Democrat U.S. Rep. Madeleine Dean (D., Pa.) had a surprise interaction and conversation with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. while she was in the middle of a television interview Tuesday night in the presidential debate spin room in Philadelphia.

Kennedy was walking by when NewsNation anchor Leland Vittert, who was interviewing Dean, called out his name. Kennedy, who ended his own independent campaign for the White House last month and endorsed former President Donald Trump, stopped and joined the interview.

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Hi, my name is Madeline Dean. Im a member of Congress. Your father tragically died on my ninth birthday, Dean told Kennedy. Im an extraordinary fan of your father and your family. I represent suburban Philadelphia.

Vittert interjected that Dean, who represents Montgomery County, and other Democrats have sort of ostracized Mr. Kennedy from the Democratic Party. Is that fair?

Dean rejected that characterization and briefly engaged Kennedy.

She mentioned her grandchildren and asked Kennedy: So what do you see for their future in terms of the environment? What do you see in terms of womens reproductive freedom? Those are the things I care about. What do you see in terms of protecting us against the next pandemic?

Im very grateful to you, Kennedy replied, for your commitment to having conversations and dialogue with people.

Kennedy said his main concern in public life has been ending the chronic disease epidemic, particularly for children. Kennedy opposes vaccines for children that are widely recommended by medical professionals.

Dean then mentioned that she carries in her pocketbook your fathers button, an RFK button, when he ran in 68.

Dean added: The other thing I honored about your father and your uncle was their focus on the poor. They were not afraid to talk about the poor, that we are all in this for the poor.

She concluded: Lets focus on the poor. Lets focus on our children.

Minutes after the exchange, a group of reporters who had watched the tense moment asked her about it.Mr. Leland tried to say something about how I have ostracized Robert F. Kennedy Jr., of course, no I havent, Dean said.

I have no idea why he popped in there, Dean said, asked what prompted Kennedy to join her. Yeah, I believe that was live. It was fascinating.

Kennedy did several interviews with TV stations inside the spin room Tuesday night before the debate, but didnt stop for a gaggle with reporters trailing him inside.

Dean said she admires Kennedys family and his focus in the interview on lifting children out of poverty and hunger.

So we have some things in common, Dean said. Obviously, his support for Mr. Trump makes no sense to me, she added.

Dean said she didnt think Kennedys support of Trump will make a difference in her closely divided home state.

I dont think so. I dont think Mr. Kennedys support is gonna make a difference at all because it seems hes been all over the board in terms of that which he cares about. If you remember, as a younger man, he cared so much about the environment. my constituents, young people in my district care a lot about the environment but that seems to have faded from Mr. Kennedys focus.

Asked if she could work with a Trump administration that also includes Kennedy in the cabinet, Dean said: The good news is there will not be a second Trump administration.
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. 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."
ANZIIF CEO Katrina Shanks emphasised the value of the event, saying: Staying up to date on the latest industry developments is crucial to ensure the best possible service is being provided to customers.
For example, in the UKs insurance market, 32% of those penalised by loyalty pricing are over 65, compared to 23% of the general population. Other affected groups include low-income individuals and those with health challenges.
We have internal targets when it comes to promoting from within, but of course we will only ever appoint from our own ranks where the candidate is the best person for the position; Im totally confident Matt will be superb in this role, he said.
The governments decision builds on its ongoing commitment to genomic research, including investments totalling $66 million in this area, along with $5.5 million for newborn screening programs. The ban aims to align with these efforts, ensuring that individuals are not penalised for accessing genetic testing that could improve their health outcomes.
Meanwhile, iA Financial Group is running its nationwide philanthropic contest from September 10 to October 14. Charitable organizations are invited to submit their proposals outlining how they would utilize a $100,000 donation. The most compelling submissions will be selected to share a total of $500,000, which will help fund their projects or advance their missions.
BMS chief executive Nick Cook said: Richard brings an impressive wealth of experience and will play a key role in supporting BMS as it continues to grow. His vast expertise in both specialty and reinsurance, along with his relationships and history of working with colleagues, insurers, regulators, and clients across the globe, will be instrumental as BMS expands its international footprint.
The agency, initially advertising in the local newspaper, built a reputation for personalized service and strong relationships with its clients. For the past five years, ASK Insurance has been located at a busy intersection in Pueblo, serving as a central location for clients to meet with agents in person.
According to 2023 data from AM Best, nearly 22% of the homeowners multi-peril insurance market market in Louisiana is held by State Farm. Next in line is Allstate, with an almost 14% market share.
High-net-worth individuals represent a significant portion of Monarch E&Ss business. As Schneider points out: Im seeing much of my business in the high-net-worth space. The California FAIR Plan goes to $3 million  so many of those policies default to that due to a more reasonable premium, but once you go past that threshold of $3 million, E&S carriers likely will be the option to offer full limits. This is where we see a lot of our business catering to the high-net-worth market.
A small plane crashed in Vermont near an airport in Ferrisburgh, killing the four people on board, police said Monday.

The Vermont State Police recovered the bodies from the wreckage of the four-seat, single-engine Piper aircraft that crashed Sunday in a wooded area near the Basin Harbor Airport. The victims were all from Connecticut. They were identified as Paul Pelletier, 55, of Columbia, Frank Rodriquez, 88, of Lebanon, Susan Van Ness, 51, of Middletown, and Delilah Van Ness, 15, of Middletown.

The plane took off from the Windham Airport in Connecticut at about 8:30 a.m. Sunday for a roughly two-hour flight to the airport in Ferrisburgh, police said. The aircraft landed and the four people arrived for a brunch reservation at Basin Harbor, a resort on Lake Champlain. They left the restaurant shortly after noon to fly back to Connecticut and a witness reported seeing the plane on the runway at about 12:15 p.m., police said.

When the occupants did not return to Connecticut as expected, relatives contacted police.

Middletown, Connecticut, police notified the Vermont State Police late Sunday. Investigators found the wreckage overnight.

The victims bodies were brought to the chief medical examiners office for autopsies to determine the cause and manner of death, police said.

The crash is under investigation.

Copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Numbers Connecticut Vermont
DBS Group Holdings Ltd. is considering forming insurance partnerships in India and Taiwan to expand its services in the region, according to people familiar with the matter.

The Singapore-based lender is working with Goldman Sachs Group Inc. as an adviser on potential bancassurance agreements for those markets, the people said, asking not to be identified because the deliberations are private.

In bancassurance, an insurer typically pays upfront for exclusive rights to sell its products in bank branches. This DBS transaction could be worth a few hundred million dollars and may include products in Singapore, the people said.

Considerations are preliminary and DBS could decide not to pursue a deal, the people said.

Representatives for DBS and Goldman declined to comment.

DBS already has abancassurance partnership with Toronto-based Manulife Financial Corp. for markets including China, Hong Kong, Indonesia and Singapore.

DBS has had a presence in India for three decades, having opened its first office in Mumbai in 1994. In 2020, DBS Bank India Ltd. merged with Lakshmi Vilas Bank Ltd., and it now has about 500 branches in 19 states, according to a recent press release. It entered Taiwan even earlier, in 1983, and has more than 70 branches across the island, expanding organically and via acquisitions.

Last month, DBS said that Tan Su Shan will take over from Chief Executive Officer Piyush Gupta in March, becoming the first woman to lead the bank. Gupta is credited with multiplying returns at DBS, which is backed by Temasek Holdings Pte, and transforming its culture and technology amid rising competition from digital lenders.

Photograph: Signage at a DBS Group Holdings Ltd. bank branch in Singapore, on Monday, Aug. 5, 2024. Photo credit: Ore Huiying/Bloomberg

Copyright 2024 Bloomberg.
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 arent enough to compensate them for all their suffering. Many people dont 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. Thats why they filed a motion asking the judge to order the lawyers to release all the tests their expert did in the community.

The plaintiffs lawyers said in their motion that they cant 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 wasnt 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 werent going to explode.

The plaintiffs lawyers said that because of their extensive investigation they werent surprised by anything that came out at the NTSB hearing in June.

Photo: This photo taken with a drone shows portions of a Norfolk and Southern freight train that derailed Friday night in East Palestine, Ohio are still on fire at mid-day Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Ohio
Francine strengthened into a hurricane and is expected to make landfall in Louisiana Wednesday after causing some offshore oil platforms to be shuttered, but it will likely miss major natural gas export plants.

On its current track, Francine could graze Morgan City, with impacts from its winds extending as far east as New Orleans, before pushing into Mississippi. Aside from coastal flooding caused by a storm surge that may reach as high as 10 feet (3 meters), there is a moderate chance of flash flooding for New Orleans and other parts of southeastern Louisiana, the US Weather Prediction Center said.

With top winds of 75 miles (120 kilometers) per hour, the storm has become a hurricane, the National Hurricane Center said in an advisory at 7 p.m. Houston time. Francine is expected to bypass liquefied natural gas facilities clustered around the Texas-Louisiana border, including Cheniere Energy Inc.s Sabine Pass terminal.

Earlier forecasts that Francine would reach Category 2 on the Saffir-Simpson scale have been revised downward, with its top winds now expected to reach 90 mph, making it a Category 1 storm. Still, Francine will likely cause $2.7 billion in damage and losses, 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. Francine would be the third hurricane to hit the US mainland this year.

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry declared a state of emergency as Francine approached. A hurricane warning is in effect for a small slice of the Louisiana coast, from Cameron to Grand Isle. Storm surge warnings are in place from Sabine Pass to the Mississippi-Alabama border, as well as Lake Pontchartrain, Lake Maurepas and Vermilion Bay near New Orleans.

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. Federal officials said the total amount of shut-in oil represented nearly a quarter of current crude production in the Gulf of Mexico. Gas supply to US LNG export plants was down 3.2% Tuesday from a day earlier. Eight Gulf Coast refineries also lie in the storms track. Residents near Exxon Mobils Beaumont, Texas refinery were warned to shelter in place and seal doorways, in case of a gas release from the plant.

Meanwhile, the US Coast Guard declared Port Condition Yankee Tuesday at Beaumont, Port Arthur, and other key Texas ports, a warning that rough weather is expected within 24 hours. Louisianas Port Fourchon also began emergency evacuations.

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. But rains will make field work harder, delaying harvests and reducing grain quality.

NOLAREADY: TS Francine is being monitored with potential damaging winds and heavy rainfall. Gather supplies to shelter in place & stay connected. https://t.co/AyuRn38guC  NOLA Ready (@nolaready) September 9, 2024

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 from populated areas.

Photo: The Royal Dutch Shell Plc Norco refinery in Norco, Louisiana, US. Photographer: Luke Sharrett/Bloomberg

Copyright 2024 Bloomberg.

Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters Louisiana Hurricane
Mississippis insurance commissioner is reminding policyholders that once Hurricane Francine moves across Louisiana, it will likely bring strong winds and heavy rains to the western part of the Magnolia State.

And residents should be prepared by reading their insurance policies, knowing what is covered and what is not, Commissioner Mike Chaney said, according to local news reports. Homeowners and businesses should also keep their policy in a waterproof spot, make a digital copy of it, and create an inventory of the contents of the structure, with estimated values of items.

Flood damage is not covered by most homeowners policies, and its probably too late to secure a National Flood Insurance Program policy, he noted.

The National Weather Service has said that Francine is expected to make landfall Wednesday evening on the Louisiana coast, southwest of New Orleans, as a Category 1 or 2 hurricane. By Thursday morning, the center of the storm should be near Jackson, Mississippi.

Topics Mississippi
A quick-moving wildfire raced toward Southern California mountain communities as authorities warned residents to evacuate.

The Bridge fire exploded on Tuesday, burning into the Wrightwood community and nearby Mountain High ski resort.

The fire has burned 47,288 acres and is 0% contained, according to CalFire. The cause is under investigation.

Today, the Bridge Fire exhibited extreme fire behavior and spread north and northeast, towards the communities of Wrightwood and Pinon Hills, an update from CalFire on Tuesday states. New evacuation orders were issued by the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department starting at approximately 4:57 p.m. for these communities.

Its one of several fires burning in the state.

The San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department on Tuesday arrested a man in connection with the Line Fire burning east of Los Angeles since last week.

Justin Wayne Halstenberg, a 34-year-old man from Norco, was identified as the suspect who started the fire, the Sheriffs Department said in a press release.

The Line Fire has burned 34,659 acres and was at 14% contained, with roughly 65,600 structures threatened, according to the latest update by Cal Fire.

Numerous evacuation orders were still in place.

Topics Catastrophe California Natural Disasters Wildfire
September 11, 2024 (Investorideas.com Newswire) For North Americans, one of the highlights of overseas travel is often a journey on a high-speed train. Over the years, getting from A to B in Europe and Asia has been made so much easier thanks to "bullet" trains that max out at over 300 kilometers an hour.

Examples include the Shinkansen in Japan, the TGV in France, the ICE in Germany, and Renfe in Spain, all of which whisk locals and tourists alike to big-city destinations within two to three hours.

The earlier journey on slower trains would have taken five to six hours, or even involve an overnight train with "sleeper cars".

The move to high-speed rail in North America has begun but is light years behind Europe and Asia.

While proponents say it is a badly needed step to getting drivers out of their emissions-spewing vehicles, critics point out the numerous obstacles to implementing high-speed rail in North America. That includes the high cost, lack of suitable track infrastructure, the relative slow speed of the trains, their surprisingly high emissions, and the fact that they don't necessarily get passengers to where they want to go.

Developments

In December 2023, the Biden administration announced $8.2 billion in new funding for 10 major passenger rail projects, including a new high-speed rail corridor between California and Nevada; and a new high-speed rail line through California's Central Valley to link Los Angeles and San Francisco, supporting travel with speeds up to 220 mph.

Brightline West project

The Brightline West High-Speed Intercity Passenger Rail System Project will receive up to $3 billion for a new 218-mile intercity passenger rail system between Las Vegas, Nevada, and Rancho Cucamonga, California. "The project will create a new high-speed rail system, resulting in trip times of just over 2 hours - nearly twice as fast as driving. This route is expected to serve more than 11 million passengers annually, taking millions of cars off the road and, thanks to all-electric train sets, removing an estimated 400,000 tons of carbon dioxide per year," gushes the White House news release. "The project will also allow for connections to the Los Angeles Metro area via the Metrolink commuter rail system."

The first rail spikes were hammered this past April, with Brightline West aiming to lay 218 miles of track almost all in the median of Interstate 15 between Las Vegas and Rancho Cucamonga, California. The goal, reports APN News, is to have trains exceeding speeds of 186 mph (300 kph) - comparable to Japan's Shinkansen bullet trains - operating in time for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

It was recently announced that a site in New York state has been chosen to build the trains for the $12-billion Las Vegas-LA line. According to ABC News, Siemens Mobility will construct the American Pioneer 220 trains at a facility in Horseheads, in upstate New York.

"Officials say the aim is for the trains to exceed speeds of 186 mph (300 kph) - comparable to Japan's Shinkansen bullet trains. That would cut the travel time from four hours by car to just over two hours.

"The trains would run faster than those on other high-speed lines in the U.S., including Amtrak's Acela between Boston and Washington, D.C., which can top 150 mph (241 kph).

"The New York factory is expected to begin building the new trains in 2026."

California Central Valley project

The California Inaugural High-Speed Rail Service Project will receive up to $3.07 billion to help deliver high-speed rail service in California's Central Valley by designing and extending the rail line between Bakersfield and Merced, procuring new high-speed trainsets, and constructing the Fresno station, which will connect communities to urban centers in Northern and Southern California. "This 171-mile rail corridor will support high-speed travel with speeds up to 220 mph," states the news release. "The project will improve connectivity and increase travel options, along with providing more frequent passenger rail service, from the Central Valley to urban centers in northern and Southern California."

Through the Corridor ID Program, created though the $1.2 trillion Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, 15 existing rail routes would be upgraded, 47 extensions to existing and new conventional corridor routes would be established, and seven new high-speed rail projects advanced. These include Cascadia High-Speed Rail, a proposed new high-speed rail corridor linking Oregon, Washington, and Vancouver, British Columbia; and Charlotte to Atlanta, a new high-speed rail corridor linking the Southeast and providing connection to the busy Hartsfield-Jackson Airport.

Miami line

According to APN News, "Florida-based Brightline Holdings' Miami line debuted in 2018 and expanded service to Orlando International Airport last September with trains reaching speeds up to 125 mph (200 kph). It offers 16 roundtrips per day with one-way tickets for the 235-mile (378-kilometer) distance costing about $80.

Forbes reported at the end of 2023 that Brightline plans to break ground on an extension to Tampa.

"Other fast trains in the U.S. include Amtrak's Acela, which can top 150 mph (241 kph) between Boston and Washington, D.C.," said APN News.

Los Angeles-San Francisco line (proposed)

In California, a proposed 500-mile (805-kilometer) rail line linking Los Angeles and San Francisco was approved by voters in 2008, but has seen estimated project costs skyrocket from $33 billion to $128 billion.

While the United States has clearly made progress in high-speed rail, Canada is reportedly the only G7 country without the technology.

Pros

A Globe and Mail column penned by author/ academic John Rapley states that high-speed rail - involving faster trains not just more frequent ones - is "a badly needed idea that the federal government should not have abandoned."

Rapley notes that, despite the country's continued investments in road and highway infrastructure, Canada has one of the world's longest average commute times.

Yet the drawbacks of a car-based transportation network are most apparent when it comes to intercity travel. Rapley gives the example of the journey between Ottawa or Montreal to Toronto for a meeting or job interview. The fastest two options are to fly or drive. If a traveler wanted to take a train, it would be slow and likely require an overnight stay, adding to the cost and hassle.

A high-speed train running between Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto would allow travelers to make the journey there and back within a day.

Rapley notes the high-speed rail system in southern England made networking and information-sharing among a large cluster of scholars easy and frequent, when he lived there. The same thing could occur in the Southern Ontario-Quebec corridor.

Moreover, fast trains enable start-ups, often spun off from universities, to cluster around rail hubs, and for knowledge and human capital to spread across a region:

Research on such clustering reveals that the most dynamic firms tend to form linkages with firms outside their immediate vicinity, and rely on their ability to attract workers into them.

Back to US high-speed rail, an article in New Scientist says as work begins on the Los Angeles-Las Vegas line, the project could serve as a blueprint for similar projects across the country.

It points out two reasons why Brightline West may succeed where other US high-speed rail projects have fallen behind:

Brightline is focused on connecting major markets separated by about 400 to 550 kilometers, according to a report by the infrastructure consultancy AECOM. That represents a sweet spot where high-speed rail is very competitive with driving and flying.





Another factor in Brightline's favor is that it leased access from Nevada and California to build Brightline West through the existing Interstate 15 corridor. That bypasses the typical costs and delays involved in obtaining rights of way and acquiring land.

Popular Science adds that new high-speed rail projects could foster competition with Amtrak, currently the nation's primary long-distance rail provider, and encourage new lines in areas that remain unserved.

PopSci also says the US Department of Transportation estimates that Brightline West could cut 400,000 tons of carbon dioxide per year by taking would-be drivers out of their cars and putting them into trains.

Cons

However, the latter point is refuted by the fact that high-speed rail construction releases a huge amount of greenhouse gases, particularly for concrete ties, steel rails and other construction materials. The Cato Institute quotes a study predicting that building California's 520-mile line would release 9.7 million tons of greenhouse gases, or 18,650 tons per mile. While operating the trains would save GHGs, the study estimated it would take 70 years to repay the construction costs.

Calling it "obsolete technology," Cato says fast train travel made sense when air fares were more expensive than train fares. Now, the average airfare is less than a fifth of the average fare paid by riders of the Amtrak Acela.

It's also a minimal market. In 2019, Amtrak carried only 0.1% of all passenger travel in the United States.

But the main disadvantage, other than their slow speeds compared to air travel, is they require a large amount of infrastructure that must be built and maintained to extremely precise standards. Contrast this to airliners, where the only infrastructure required is air traffic control.

The Cato Institute offers 10 reasons why high-speed rail is a bad idea:

It's too expensive. California has spent an average of more than $100 million per route-mile building 220 mph track on flat land. The latest estimates project that the entire 520-mile route will cost $100 billion, of which $20 billion is for 120 miles of flat land and $80 billion is for 400 miles of hilly or mountainous territory. That works out to $200 million a mile for hilly areas.

Once built, high-speed rail systems are expensive to maintain. Long-run capital renewal requirements include replacement of rails and trainsets as frequently as every 10 years. Transit agencies in the United States currently have a $176 billion maintenance backlog.

The 48,500 miles of interstate highways connect every state and every major urban area in the contiguous United States. Constructing the system cost about $530 billion in present-day dollars, making the average cost of $11 million per mile well below that for high-speed rail. If built today, it might cost a little more but would still be less than a fifth of the cost, per mile, of high-speed rail lines.

Since high-speed train ticket revenues are not likely to cover operating costs, much less capital costs, all of the construction cost would come from deficit spending.

Wasted infrastructure. As cars became more popular, gas taxes and other fees paid by auto users covered the costs of paving roads and expanding the highway network. Similarly, when the first planes went into commercial service, they could land in any open field. As air travel became more popular, airlines used their profits and air ticket fees to improve airports. In contrast, high-speed trains require that the high-cost infrastructure be put in place first.

Moreover, unlike highways and airports, which are shared by passenger, freight, and national defense vehicles, high-speed trains can only be used for passengers, making them far less cost-effective.

Energy hog. It takes a lot more energy to move a train at 220 mph than to move one at conventional speeds of 60-80 mph. The East Japan Railway Company, which operates both high-speed and conventional trains, says that moving a high-speed train car one kilometer requires 57% more energy than a conventional train car.

Because most passenger trains make multiple stops, many trains tend to be relatively empty for much of their journeys, greatly reducing their energy efficiency.



The biggest factor working against the energy efficiency of high-speed rail is the huge amount of energy required to build it as well as to periodically replace infrastructure such as rails and power facilities. Airports are practically the only infrastructure required for airlines, but high-speed rail lines need mile after mile of roadbed, ties, rails, power supplies, signals, and stations to operate. Even if high-speed train operations used somewhat fewer BTUs per passenger-mile than airlines, the high energy costs of building and replacing infrastructure would more than make up for that savings.

Outside of the West Coast and a few other states, most of the electricity that would power US high-speed trains is generated by burning fossil fuels.

It's slow. High-speed train average speeds are a lot lower than the 220 mph or so top speeds that proponents like to trumpet. Part of the reason is that they need to slow down in places for safety reasons and for intermediate stops.

The biggest factor slowing down air travel is the time required to get through airport security. Yet, security systems can be streamlined for a lot less than it would cost to build high-speed rail. If high-speed rail ever became a significant mode of travel, it also would require security systems.

It doesn't go where you want to go. People driving on an interstate freeway can get off the freeway at any exit and access the nation's other 4.1 million miles of roads. Once rail passengers arrive at a station, they must find some other mode of travel to reach their final destinations, greatly reducing the convenience of the system.

It won't get many people out of cars or planes. The most heavily used high-speed rail lines in the world, including those in China, Europe, and Japan, gained their riders from conventional trains, not from cars or airplanes. The United States doesn't have enough conventional train riders for high-speed rail lines to succeed. The three European countries with the most high-speed rail lines - France, Germany and Spain - have not seen rail reduce automobile or airline travel.

Air travel in Europe has massively increased thanks to the introduction and expansion of low-cost air carriers, while in China, automobile ownership is growing much more rapidly than rail ridership.

No "sweet spot". A fundamental precept behind high-speed rail is that there is a "sweet spot" of distances between cities in which high-speed rail will thrive as the distance is supposedly too long for auto travel and too short for air travel. The Federal Railroad Administration, for example, claims that this sweet spot is between 100 and 600 miles. This claim is entirely speculative, and there is no evidence that it is true. On one hand, many short-distance routes are served by numerous airliners each day. On the other hand, the distances people are willing to routinely drive continue to grow.

It won't help and may hurt the economy. Studies have found that high-speed trains can generate new economic development near the stations where the trains stop. However, the same studies show that economic development slows in communities not served by such trains. On a nationwide basis, high-speed rail is thus a zero-sum gain. Far from boosting the economy, most countries that have built high-speed rail systems have gone heavily into debt.

It takes decades to plan and build. The California legislature created a high-speed rail commission to study the possibility of a rail line in 1994. Construction didn't begin until 2015. Not all high-speed rail lines may take this long, but two decades seems a likely minimum.

Source of political corruption. As with any megaproject, high-speed rail is a tempting target for people who would illegally or unethically divert government dollars to their own political or economic gains. The Obama administration's revised, 2010 high-speed rail plan included a line to Duluth, Minnesota, which has only 120,000 people in its urban area. Not coincidentally, at the time the map was issued, the chair of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee was from Duluth.

A review of 10 passenger-train corridors funded by President Obama's high-speed rail program found that only one ended up increasing train speeds by more than 2.2 miles per hour, and several actually saw speeds decline, suggesting that the $11.5 billion federal dollars and $7 billion state dollars spent on these projects was almost completely wasted.

The Cato Institute concludes that "High-speed rail is a costly and obsolete technology. It is slower than flying, less convenient than driving, and more expensive than both. Its environmental benefits are questionable at best, especially since both cars and airliners are becoming more fuel-efficient and less polluting every year. The United States does not need an expensive new infrastructure system that will take decades to build, carry relatively few passengers, and provide no improvements to freight service."

"Rather than funding an obsolete system we don't need, [Secretary of Transportation Pete] Buttigieg and Congress should find ways to relieve congestion, improve safety, and increase people's access to jobs and other economic opportunities by improving existing roads and building more highways that could be paid for with user fees."

Believe it or not, there are more arguments against high-speed rail, some overlapping with the Cato Institute's findings.

Last year Forbes wrote that US rail projects are more expensive and take longer to finish than anywhere else in the world. Domestic rail and transit projects cost 50% more on a per-mile basis than those in Europe and Canada. One study found European tunnels can be completed 18 months faster than anything in the US.

One suggestion for lowering the cost of high-speed rail in the US is to repeal the Buy America' provisions. Because the country lacks a dedicated domestic rail industry, its laws force foreign manufacturers to build in America. This means taxpayers are currently forced to pay a 40 to 70% cost premium.



The publication also advises to end the "weaponization of environmental law". In recent years many environmental laws have been used to block rail projects that, ironically, are designed to improve the environment, states Forbes.

Scientific American outlines the most pragmatic of all the US high-speed rail cons mentioned so far: outdated rail tracks.

A year ago, the publication noted Amtrak will soon get 28 high-speed rail cars, to be linked into high-speed bullet trains that run between Boston, New York and Washington. The problem? The 450-mile route does not have tracks that can handle the speed:

Amtrak, a federally owned passenger-rail company, will have to operate the new trains on tracks that were built more than a century ago for much slower commuter and freight service. The bullet cars will be forced to run slower than 110 mph in most segments.

Many European and Asian countries operate high-speed trains around 200 mph on special tracks designed for faster speeds and closed to slower rail cars

None of the nation's rail lines are built for trains to run 200 mph. Amtrak's Northeast Corridor - the busiest intercity U.S. passenger route by a wide margin - is filled with sharp curves, bottlenecks, decaying tunnels, bridges and overhead power lines that slow down trains. The corridor needs billions of dollars for basic improvements and to accommodate high-speed service

Currently, only 32 miles of tracks on the Northeast Corridor can handle speeds up to 160 mph. Amtrak plans to make an additional 100 miles of tracks capable of handling bullet trains in the next 12 years. The expansion would enable bullet trains to hit 160 mph in roughly 30 percent of the rail route by 2035, a full decade after they start operating.

Back to Canada, one of the main obstacles to high-speed rail concerns ownership of the rail tracks. Most of the tracks used by Via Rail, the country's passenger rail provider, are owned by CN Rail, which moves freight. Signaling issues often result in passenger trains being moved onto side tracks with lower speed limits.

Only 59% of Via's trains were on time in 2023.

Having dedicated passenger tracks is clearly the way to go, and is part of the mandate given to Via High Frequency Rail (HFR), formed in 2022 to develop high-frequency passenger rail service in the 1,000-km Southern Ontario-Quebec corridor.

The Globe and Mail reports "Via HFR asked each of three competing groups to provide two proposals each: one that would run trains at 200 kilometres an hour; and a second project in which the trains are much faster. This is in line with the high-speed trains in Europe, Japan and elsewhere, but is far more costly.

"On top of costs - estimated at several billion dollars for either project - hurdles include the task of buying the railway's rights-of-way, and electrifying the system."

"Proposals from three private consortiums to build and run the system are due in the summer, and in the fall the government will select a group with which to work."

Conclusion

Despite the hopes and dreams of train buffs and clean-transportation enthusiasts, there are many obstacles blocking the tracks of high-speed rail projects in the United States and Canada.

These projects cost billions, take at least a decade to complete, and in the end, provide poor value to taxpayers because there are few users.

And unlike in Europe and Asia, they aren't that fast.

In the most densely populated areas, like the US Northeast, high-speed rail is a misnomer because the trains are running on tracks not designed to travel at speeds over 200 mph. The Canadian equivalent, high-speed trains to/from from Montreal, Toronto and Ottawa, remains an expensive megaproject that the federal government seems reluctant to fund; VR HFR is currently accepting bids from the private sector.

Without dedicated passenger rail tracks, high-speed trains would have to share space with freight trains, which take priority on CN's tracks. More than half the time, Via Rail's trains are delayed for this reason.

High-speed rail makes more sense on new tracks built specifically for that purpose, such as the Brightline West project linking Los Angeles to Las Vegas. But even here, will it really get people out of their cars and stop them from flying? In car-culture America, I have my doubts.

The three European countries with the most high-speed rail lines - France, Germany and Spain - have not seen rail reduce automobile or airline travel.

Road infrastructure is cheaper to build per mile than railroads, and the latter is less efficient; unlike highways and airports, which are shared by passenger, freight, and national defense vehicles, high-speed trains can only be used for passengers, making them far less cost-effective.

Since high-speed train ticket revenues are not likely to cover operating costs, much less capital costs, all of the construction cost would come from deficit spending.

This alone is a red flag for me, the last thing we need is another government megaproject white elephant.

Richard (Rick) Mills

aheadoftheherd.com

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The Climate Adaptation Conference, taking place on October 15, aims to identify the key climate adaptations that Irish grassland systems must implement and address in the years ahead and highlight the knowledge gaps that may exist, which require an additional research focus.

Taking place at Teagasc Moorepark, Fermoy, Co Cork, it will examine key areas, such as grass and clover breeding, grassland modelling, weather and grass production trends, as well as the latest research findings, which will form part of the conference.

Commenting ahead of the conference, which is sponsored by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Teagasc Director Professor Frank OMara said: The Irish grassland livestock production system now has a lot more climate challenges; in 2024, we experienced a wet and cold spring, combined with intermittent dry periods throughout the summer, both having impacts on grass growth and utilisation, and more recently wet weather in parts of the country. This conference aims to address these challenges and prepare our solutions for the years ahead.

He added: It is great to have some leading scientists addressing this topic. Dr Alan Stewart, Head Grass Breeder and Scientist with PGG Wrightsons Seeds, New Zealand, and Mr Luc Delaby, Grassland Scientist with INRAe, France, are two keynote speakers participating in the conference at Moorepark.

Teagasc's head of grassland science Professor Micheal ODonovan added: The conference is a good mix of very high-calibre international and national speakers giving their perspectives on climate adaptation for grass-based systems. In the afternoon, delegates will get a chance to view and discuss some of the climate adaptation research themes which are in place at Teagasc Moorepark research farm.

Irish grassland systems are experiencing some clear climatic challenges. The incidence of high-level precipitation events, soil moisture deficits, and prolonged winter conditions, as well as dry summer periods, are becoming increasingly frequent, resulting in challenging conditions for Irish farmers.

Dr Deirdre Hennessy, Sustainable Grassland Lecturer at University College Cork, who will also contribute to the conference, commented: Grassland is the cornerstone of Irish livestock production systems, which are globally efficient food production systems. These systems must adapt to climate change to promote economic and environmental sustainability and resilience of our systems into the future, and research can support that adaptation.
The newly-published Atlas of the Irish Civil War: New perspectives contains a wealth of new material on multiple aspects of that terrible conflict. For example, it identifies all the fatalities for the first time, gives the most detailed treatment yet of the crucial propaganda war, explores British perspectives and broader international dimensions, addresses the hidden history of sexual and gendered violence, and outlines the impact on children and on the lives of ordinary people.

The book also features much of interest in the area of arts and culture. As with the Atlas of the Irish Revolution (2017), we on the editorial team set out to make this complementary volume as accessible and visually attractive as possible. Along with a series of newly created maps, previously unpublished photographs and original documents, many works of visual art are reproduced.

Visual art

The striking cover image is An Allegory (1924) by Sean Keating, whose Men of the South was the cover image for the Atlas of the Irish Revolution. Central to it is the digging of a grave for a tricolour-draped coffin by two soldiers from either side of the Civil-War divide, with the ruins of a Big House in the background. As art historian Eimear OConnor explains in the book, Keatings aim was "to paint an image that visually called a halt to the violence. It was now time to move on, and to begin to build the state that had been imagined for so long".

The book also presents work by acclaimed living artists such as Hughie ODonoghue and Mick ODea. The latter adapts historical photographs to provide the viewer with new ways of comprehending the tragic events of the period. An Post commissioned a number of works by ODea to mark the centenary of the Civil War.

The Intelligence Man, by Mick ODea. This portrait of Erskine Childers featured on a commemorative stamp issued by An Post in November 2022 to mark the centenary of his execution. (Image courtesy of An Post)

Two are featured in the book: Commencement of Hostilities, which depicts the shelling of the Four Courts in June 1922, marking the start of the Civil War, and The Intelligence Man, a portrait of the enigmatic revolutionary and author of The Riddle of the Sands Erskine Childers, a supremo of anti-Treaty propaganda who was executed by the Free State in November 1922.

Work by younger and emerging artists is also featured, such as former MTU Kerry art student Joshua Griffiths Elizabeth Dunne (2023), which depicts the trauma of a Kerry woman of that name who was attacked by National Army soldiers in September 1922. The trauma of her violent humiliation and a subsequent cerebral haemorrhage left her mute. The work represents her with her mouth just below the surface of the water, while her body languishes underneath.

Poetry and prose

A series of distinctive portraits by the great Harry Kernoff offered a chance to explore the links of prominent creative figures like Liam OFlaherty and Peadar ODonnell to the Civil-War story: both took the anti-Treaty side and subsequently addressed the conflict in their writings. His most recent biographer Paul OBrien looks at Sean OCaseys creative connections to the war, most especially Juno and the Paycock (1924), where the playwright "portrays the tension between the desires of ordinary people to live in peace and the real world of civil war and strife intruding into their lives".

Cork writers Frank OConnor and Sean OFaolain both took the anti-Treaty side as young men and played important roles in the propaganda war thar raged throughout the conflict. Some of their subsequent writings reflected the disillusionment of many former revolutionaries whose hopes for a transformation of Ireland had been dashed.

In his autobiography, OFaolain discusses the idea that the Civil-War divide was between pro-Treaty realists and anti-Treaty idealists: "Our realists said goodbye to too many of their feelings. I cannot say that we idealists said goodbye to our sense of realism, because, alas, if we had any worthy of the name I saw but little sign of it in those disheartening days of civil war."

Detail from The Lost Heifer mural by Garreth Joyce, at Croppy Park, Clonakilty, quoting the poem by Austin Clarke. (Image courtesy of Garreth Joyce)

The book also features the brilliant mural by Garreth Joyce, based on Austin Clarkes 1936 poem The Lost Heifer, which adorns Croppy Park in Clonakilty. The poem follows the elusive heifer, symbolic of the unattainable ideal of Irish sovereignty, lost in the mists of the countryside. It emerges briefly into the optimistic sunshine of the early revolutionary period before disappearing again into the dark rain of civil war.

Other poets also make appearances: Theo Dorgan reflects on WB Yeatss Mediations in Time of Civil War, while Ailbhe McDaid examines at length the theme of time, especially temporal disruption, in Irish Civil-War-related poetry.

Civil War Songs

Siobhra Aiken challenges the conventional notion that silence was the default response to the Civil War in Irish culture by uncovering popular and oral forms of remembrance that have been previously neglected or ignored.

In his case study of the songs of the Civil War, Terry Moylan shows that the anti-Treaty side was by far the more prolific in terms of lyrical responses to the conflict. The book features many of these songs, some of which were issued as ballad sheets such as A Four Courts Ditty and Harry Boland, TD. Mick McGinleys The Martyrs of Drumboe, written on the day of the execution of four anti-Treaty prisoners in County Donegal in March 1923, is illustrated by the handwritten version by a Donegal schoolchild from 1938, part of the Irish Folklore Commissions Schools Collection. The raw emotion is writ large: "No mercy was asked / From their pitiless foe / And no mercy was shown / By the thugs at Drumboe."

As Moylan concludes, ballads capture, as no other cultural form can, the relationship between people and place and the immediacy of events that unfolded during a period as tragic as the Civil War.

Graffiti, posters and more

Multiple other aspects of the cultural dimensions of the Civil War and its aftermath are also contained in the volume, such as graffiti in Mountjoy Gaol, illustrated autograph books from internment camps, election and propaganda posters, cartoons (see panel) and the material culture of objects such as the shirt worn by Stephen Fuller, survivor of the Ballyseedy massacre of March 1923, when eight anti-treaty prisoners were killed by being tied to a landmine.

Together they represent an exciting strand of the burgeoning scholarship that is complicating the narrative of the Irish Civil War and leading us away from the great man interpretations, militaristic narratives and tired old binaries that have dominated the presentation and popular understanding of the conflict for far too long.

Donal O Drisceoil lectures in History at UCC. Atlas of the Irish Civil War: New Perspectives, edited by Helene OKeeffe, John Crowley, Donal O Drisceoil, John Borgonovo and Mike Murphy, is published on September 12 by Cork University Press

A cartoon war

A war of words raged between the pro- and anti-Treaty sides from the moment the document was signed in December 1921, but also a war of images, especially cartoons.

Cartoons were utilised by both sides in the propaganda war, principally to ridicule and denigrate the other side. However, pro-Treaty cartoonists had a much greater tendency to boost their own side through valorising and glorifying the Free State and its apparent benefits.

A cartoon by Grace Plunkett in The Plain People in 1922.

While the cartoons were sometimes humorous, they often functioned as straightforward political statements. They mainly featured in the press but were also used in handbills and posters.

Cartoons essentialised and summarised the core themes of both sides propaganda. For pro-Treatyites, this mainly meant depicting the Treaty and Free State as symbolic of freedom, progress, stability and prosperity, and counterposing this with the anti-Treaty alternative of chaos, terrorism and destruction.

The principal anti-Treaty cartoonist was Grace Plunkett, widow of 1916 martyr Joseph Plunkett and subject of the popular ballad Grace. Her work appeared in several republican papers and reflected the central tropes of republican propaganda: Arthur Griffith and Michael Collins had sold out the republic, the Free State was a British creation, and its supporters were British puppets.
The glitz and glamour of Strictly returns to our screens on Saturday night, and we are eager to see how this years celebrity cast cope with the inevitable first show pressure.

Watching your favourite celebs glide across the dance floor over the season might inspire to try out some of the moves for yourself.

We have spoken to Neil Harrison, chief executive officer at British DanceSport Association, who has explained what each dance encompasses and what muscles they target.

Waltz

The Waltz is characterised by its elegant, flowing movements and graceful rise and fall, explains Harrison.

Its three-beat rhythm allows for long, sweeping steps, giving the Waltz its signature smooth and continuous movement.

It provides a moderate cardiovascular workout, improving circulation and enhancing heart health.

Muscles used: Rectus Abdominis, Obliques, Transverse Abdominis, Quadriceps, Hamstrings, Gastrocnemius, Soleus, Gluteus Maximus.

Tango

The Tango is known for its dramatic intensity and sharp movements, notes Harrison.

Its beauty lies in the contrast between fast, staccato steps and slower, fluid moments of connection between partners.

Tangos sharp movements increase heart rate, providing a vigorous cardiovascular workout that improves heart function.

Muscles used: Obliques, Rectus Abdominis, Transverse Abdominis, Quadriceps, Hamstrings, Adductors, Gastrocnemius, Iliopsoas.

Foxtrot

The Foxtrot is a dance of sophistication and elegance, often performed to smooth, flowing music, highlights Harrison.

Dancers use long, gliding steps and subtle rhythms, creating an air of effortless grace.

The dances slow-quick-quick timing allows for versatility and flexibility, making it both smooth and adaptable, adds the CEO.

It also provides a low-impact cardiovascular workout, improving endurance and strengthening the heart.

Muscles used: Transverse Abdominis, Obliques, Quadriceps, Hamstrings, Gastrocnemius, Soleus, Gluteus Maximus.

Quickstep

The Quickstep is lively, fast, and full of energy, says Harrison. Its rapid footwork, hops, and syncopated rhythms create a light, joyful atmosphere.

It provides a high-intensity cardiovascular workout, increasing stamina and improving heart health.

Muscles used: Rectus Abdominis, Obliques, Quadriceps, Hamstrings, Gastrocnemius, Iliopsoas.

American Smooth

American Smooth allows for greater freedom of movement than traditional ballroom dances, reflects the CEO

Partners can break away from closed holds to perform dramatic lifts, open movements, and sweeping arm gestures.

This dance is often characterised by its glamorous and expressive style, with more emphasis on creativity and performance, adds Harrison.

The variety in movements and open choreography increases heart rate, providing a cardiovascular workout that improves overall fitness and heart health.

Muscles used: Rectus Abdominis, Obliques, Transverse Abdominis, Quadriceps, Hamstrings, Gastrocnemius, Gluteus Maximus.

Viennese Waltz

The Viennese Waltz is known for its speed and constant turning, says Harrison. Dancers perform continuous rotations at a fast pace, creating a sense of whirling motion. The dance is smooth and elegant, with partners maintaining a close hold as they spin gracefully around the dance floor.

The fast pace of the Viennese Waltz elevates the heart rate, offering a moderate-to-intense cardiovascular workout that improves heart function.

Muscles used: Rectus Abdominis, Obliques, Transverse Abdominis, Quadriceps, Hamstrings, Gastrocnemius, Gluteus Maximus.

Argentine Tango

The Argentine Tango is sensual, intimate, and deeply emotional, says the CEO. Dancers perform in close embrace, often improvising intricate footwork and sharp leg flicks.

The controlled yet intricate movements provide a moderate cardiovascular workout, improving heart health and balance.

Muscles used: Obliques, Rectus Abdominis, Transverse Abdominis, Adductors, Quadriceps, Hamstrings, Gastrocnemius, Iliopsoas.

Cha-Cha-Cha

Cha-Cha-Cha is playful, flirty, and full of energy, emphasises Harrison. The Cuban motion of the hips is an essential feature, and the dance is characterised by small, precise footwork paired with fast, upbeat music.

It is a high-energy dance that provides a strong cardiovascular workout, improving heart health and aerobic fitness.

Muscles used: Obliques, Rectus Abdominis, Transverse Abdominis, Quadriceps, Hamstrings, Gastrocnemius, Gluteus Maximus.

Samba

Samba is characterised by its continuous bouncing action and rhythmic hip movements, highlights Harrison.

The rolling motion of the hips, combined with fast footwork and syncopated rhythms, makes Samba a dance that requires both precision and energy.

The fast pace and continuous bouncing elevate heart rate, providing a high energy cardiovascular workout.

Muscles used: Rectus Abdominis, Obliques, Transverse Abdominis Lower Body Muscles: Quadriceps, Hamstrings, Gluteus Maximus, Gastrocnemius.

Rumba

The Rumba is slow, sensual, and expressive, often described as the dance of love, notes the CEO. Its Cuban motion emphasises fluid hip movements, while the slow, controlled steps create an intimate and romantic atmosphere.

It provides a gentle cardiovascular workout, reducing stress and improving circulation.

Muscles used: Obliques, Rectus Abdominis, Transverse Abdominis.

Lower Body Muscles: Quadriceps, Hamstrings, Gluteus Maximus, Gastrocnemius.

Paso Doble

The Paso Doble is bold, dramatic, and powerful, inspired by the Spanish bullfight, says Harrison.

Dancers use sharp, forceful movements to tell a story of strength and dominance. The male dancer often plays the role of the matador, with the female dancer representing the cape.

The high-intensity movements of Paso Doble provide a vigorous cardiovascular workout, improving heart health and circulation.

Muscles used: Rectus Abdominis, Obliques, Transverse Abdominis.

Lower Body Muscles: Quadriceps, Hamstrings, Gluteus Maximus, Gastrocnemius.

Jive

Jive is fast-paced, fun, and energetic, with kicks, flicks, and bounce steps that create a lively, joyful atmosphere, exclaims Harrison.

The dance is light-hearted and playful, with fast footwork and constant movement.

It provides a high-energy cardiovascular workout, strengthening the heart and improving overall fitness.

Muscles used: Rectus Abdominis, Obliques, Quadriceps, Hamstrings, Gastrocnemius, Gluteus Maximus.

Salsa

Salsa is known for its fast footwork, rotational hip movements, and improvisation, explains Harrison. Salsa allows for a lot of personal expression, with dancers adding spins, dips, and body rolls to enhance the playful, rhythmic style.

It offers a high-energy cardiovascular workout, strengthening the heart and improving cardiovascular endurance.

Muscles used: Obliques, Rectus Abdominis, Transverse Abdominis.

Lower Body Muscles: Quadriceps, Hamstrings, Gluteus Maximus, Gastrocnemius.
WE are back to school, and Im not just talking about my eldest son, Ted, who flew in through the door of his naionara with the speed of a man who was forced to listen to the soundtrack of West Side Story on repeat all summer. This is the price we pay for having a musical dad.

I also have gone back to school, part-time, to teach. As a parent, the juggle is real, and throwing an extra ball in to the mix makes little to no indent on the madness of trying to organise a family of constantly moving parts.

I have returned to teaching part-time because I love it and for mortgage approval. Being back in the classroom is my biggest joy: The children are just great, and the school is so amazing it makes Summer Bay High look like something out of Michelle Pfieffers film Dangerous Minds.

Besides, having a day job while doing comedy is not new to me. I was a teacher for quite a few years pre-covid, though its my first time double-jobbing as a parent. And, my word, did I underestimate the amount that parents have to conquer to be able to work outside the home.

I am amazed by how much I repressed the memory of mornings under pressure in my previous teaching life: Car keys waylaid, milk suddenly evaporating, and a pair of clean knickers lost like a needle in a chaotic haystack.

At the risk of sounding like a hardcore conspiracy theorist, nobody can convince me that 10 minutes between 8am and 9am is the same unit of time as 10 minutes between 8pm and 9pm.

While I can get many things done post Nationwide, the morning is a warp zone, wherein socks disappear and showers suddenly stop working with no explanation other than the universe is against you.

Mornings are the Bermuda triangle of parenting, when you have children of school-going age, and can bring out the worst and the best in us.

Going into the week, I was not prepared for the craziness that would ensue just to get everyone where they needed to be and how much military precision this would require.

The one benefit of gigging at 10pm is that traffic is minimal, so factoring in any form of congestion has blown my mind in the last few days. Admittedly, this congestion is less down to roadworks and more down to retired American tourists moving at a glacial pace to soak up the view, blissfully unaware that the rest of us have a job to get to, something they had until relatively recently themselves.

So far, we have just about got away with nobody being late, but given that we are only on week two, this doesnt really feel like too much cause for celebration. The husband was away last week, so the process of getting the small fella to the childminder and the big fella to school was made a little complicated, especially on day two, when I forgot the small fellas bottles, which I had placed in one of many Paw Patrol bags that have somehow infiltrated my life.

The problem with having more than one Paw Patrol bag is that when somebody informs you the item you are looking for is in the Paw Patrol bag, this only narrows it down to 17 places.

As such, it is little wonder that I forgot the bag with the bottles and had to hightail it back from the babysitter to our house. Of course, as I took one step into the hallway (or vestibule, if we were ever looking to sublet), it dawned on me that I had left the bottles in a bag I had given Ted to take into the naionara.

And so I returned to the naionara to procure the bag, only to have Ted presume I was picking him up early and arrive at the door ready to hit the road.

When I explained to him that I had forgotten one of our many Paw Patrol bags, he looked at me with raised eyebrows and returned to his friends, announcing his mothers latest failure.

My mammy forgot JJs bag, he said mournfully, the realisation suddenly dawning that a lifetime of forgotten lunches and non-uniform days lay before him.

I eventually got the bottles to the baby and made it to school on time, only to discover I was 40 minutes early because I had misread my timetable.

Because I will probably never be early for work again, I found an excuse to pop down to the office and walk around the school repeatedly, so as many colleagues as possible would see me.

Even at 40, I still yearn to be the best girl in the class, and I am determined to reinvent myself as a punctual person as we barrel headfirst towards having two school-going children on the roster.

Getting children to school on time is nothing short of heroic when so many obstacles frustrate our attempts to be punctual  not least coat zippers refusing to close, American retirees refusing to stay in their lane, and an array of Paw Patrol bags that would rival Noel Edmonds gameshow Deal or No Deal in terms of their arbitrary contents.

If you make it to work on time, every parent deserves a little sit-down, preferably with a cup of tea. Because you need something to soften the blow when you realise youve accidentally brought your sons Paw Patrol lunchbox to work.
Drew Barrymore for two minutes and 19 seconds

Nothing screams sincerity like Drew Barrymores tearful, two minute and 19 second apology for restarting her TV show during last years actors strike. Filmed with no makeup in her very expensive house, the exceedingly long video  starting with the now-iconic line I believe theres nothing I can do or say in this moment to make it OK  was deleted days after it was posted following a torrent of social media backlash.

Barrymore professed there wasnt a PR machine behind this and it was her decision to return to the program  but girl, speaking as a longtime Drew fan, sometimes a little advice goes a long way.

 Caitlin Cassidy

Ja Rule says Fyre festival was NOT A SCAM

The Fyre festival disaster of 2017 truly was a gift from the schadenfreude gods. Taking the time-honoured notes app genre to new heights, the Fyre co-founder Ja Rule delivered the immortal lines : My partners and I wanted to make this an amazing moment this was NOT A SCAM (it was absolutely a scam ) and I truly apologize as this is NOT MY FAULT (to be fair, a court agreed with that bit ).

In todays vastly different social media landscape, I dont expect the inevitable apologies from the mooted 2 Fyre 2 festival will come close to recapturing that magic.

 Alan Vaarwerk

Lena Dunhams delusional girl persona

When it comes to celebrity apologies, nobody does it better than Lena Dunham. Or at least: nobody does it more . As she herself admitted in a piece she wrote for LinkedIn (?) , Ive been apologizing profusely since 1989.

Dunhams apology addiction is kept well-fed not just by a public that loves to hate on her, but by her penchant for putting her foot in it . My fave followed a 2016 episode of her podcast in which she said I still havent had an abortion, but I wish I had  an attempt at destigmatisation that could definitely have been worded better.

I would never, ever intentionally trivialize the emotional and physical challenges of terminating a pregnancy, Dunham wrote in her subsequent apology . My words were spoken from a sort of delusional girl persona I often inhabit. The mea culpa we didnt know we needed.

 Steph Harmon

Ariana Grandes insurgent manifesto

The revolution, in case you missed it, has already been televised: in grainy footage released by TMZ of Ariana Grande licking a display of doughnuts while averring, I hate Americans. I hate America. This was 2015 and the US has never quite recovered?

Unfortunately Grande was then forced to appear on Good Morning America to apologise for her insurgent manifesto. You have to really think about what youre about to say and do because its important, she practically trilled while vamping at the camera. And  yeah.

 Michael Sun

Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutchers worst line reading

Mila Kunis and Aston Kutcher had to backpedal in early September 2023 after it was revealed they had supplied a character statement for fellow That 70s Show alumnus Danny Masterson, who was awaiting sentencing after being found guilty of two counts of rape. The backlash was fierce enough for the pair to issue a video apology  but reader, it did not go well.

The first issue was the painfully tight script. The second: the way it was read. Youd assume if your job is to act, projecting sincerity would be a breeze, but the rigid lines and painful pauses were cringeworthy, and the word sorry was almost lost amid a sea of justification.

The backlash on the backlash ensued  and a week after, the couple stepped down from their roles at the anti-child sex abuse organisation Thorn.

 Carly Earl

Johnny Depp and Amber Heard did not choose to make this video

Remember the time Barnaby Joyce threatened to shoot Johnny Depps dog? (And he could do it too, he owns a farm.) Somehow that wasnt the craziest part of this 2015 saga.

Ultimately it was Depp and Amber Heard who apologised  to Joyce, to the unique plants, animals and people of Australia, and above all to the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources.

The Hollywood pair appeared in the rural equivalent of a hostage video, as part of their punishment for smuggling their dogs Pistol and Boo into the country in violation of quarantine rules. If you disrespect Australian law, Depp was made to say, they will tell you firmly. The video remains online for all to see, forever.

 Andrew Messenger

Patti LuPone would rather burn her mouth

While an apology is all well and good, there is an absolute art form to the non-apology. My personal favourite will always be the politician who shared some, shall we say, robust views about me one day and later denied it  only to be informed that yes, he did say those things, and apologised by saying he was sorry to hear I said those things to you.

A close second is Patti LuPone who unapologetically refused to apologise for calling Madonna a movie killer, letting her actions  setting her mouth on fire with a death wing instead of uttering Im sorry  speak for themselves.

 Amy Remeikis

Colleen Ballinger plays the ukulele

When the YouTube star Colleen Ballinger picked up her ukulele and began plucking its strings and singing about the toxic gossip train, an infamous apology video was born.

The content creator, also known by her internet character Miranda Sings, had been facing accusations she formed inappropriate relationships with teenage fans. Ballinger denied the lies and gossip through a 10-minute song, saying her team had advised her against speaking out but they never said I couldnt sing. The fever dream of a video has garnered more than 18m views. Ballinger has since called it embarrassing and said that she let her ego take over.

 Emily Wind

Mario Batali says it with  a recipe

When the celebrity chef Mario Batali was accused of sexual misconduct by four women in 2017, he served up a public apology for past behavior in, where else, his weekly email newsletter.

As many of you know, this week there has been some news coverage about some of my past behavior. I have made many mistakes and I am so very sorry that I have disappointed my friends, my family, my fans and my team. My behaviour was wrong and there are no excuses. I take full responsibility, he wrote. (He later settled two separate lawsuits with two women who alleged he sexually assaulted them.)

As apologies go, it wasnt badly crafted  until he ruined it with his decision to end it with his recipe for 'Pizza Dough Cinnamon Rolls', which he called a fan favorite. The backlash was swift and immense. If there is a more spermatic-looking dessert, I have not seen it. (And dont show me.)

 Sian Cain

 Guardian
Ensuring people have equal access to palliative care across the country is among 25 key changes in a strategy to support patients and their families.

The document also calls for the expansion of out-of-hours palliative care in the community and an increase in GP home visits to reduce unnecessary hospital admissions.

Launching the report, Health Minister Stephen Donnelly said providing dignified end-of-life care "goes right to the soul" of who we are.

It is crucial that patients with life-limiting conditions and their families can easily access a level of palliative care service that is appropriate to their needs, allowing them to live as well as possible for as long as possible, and to ensure a good death in as much as possible.

However, the report has highlighted regional inequities in terms of access to care.

Mr Donnelly said 49 extra palliative care beds have been opened over the last four years, adding that three new hospices will be coming on-stream.

"This policy document isn't about waiting several years it's about getting going now," he said, adding that 2m is being provided in 2024 to begin implementation of the new policy.

Improving public understanding of palliative care and support community engagement programmes in conjunction with service providers and voluntary groups is also a key priority within the strategy.

A survey carried out by the All Ireland Institute of Hospice and Palliative Care (AIIHPC) found that over half of adults in Ireland feel "fearful" when they hear the term palliative care.

Welcoming the publication of the policy, AIIHPC Voices4Care member Brendan Kennelly said: "I am very hopeful that the new policy, if fully implemented and properly resourced, will lead to significant improvements in the delivery of appropriate palliative care in Ireland.

In particular, I think that enhancing community-based palliative care, including out-of-hours palliative care, will enable more people to die in the community in line with their wishes and will also help to reduce unnecessary hospital admissions at end of life.

The strategy also aims to strengthen financial protection for people with life-limiting conditions and their families and stresses the importance of aligning palliative care services to the HSE Health Regions structures and addressing geographic variations in the provision of specialist palliative care services.

The Irish Hospice Foundation also welcomed the policy, which takes into account the range of patients requiring palliative care services, as well as the projected increase in Irelands older population.
Nearly one in five operational drug tests carried out in Irish prisons last year were positive, with inmates tested for opiates, cocaine, cannabis, and other narcotics.

However, the Irish Prison Service said it had conducted just 1,883 tests on prisoners under its operational testing programme, with 353 of those returning a positive result.

It said it had begun this year to "re-energise" a full programme of random and intelligence-led operational drug testing, with weekly targets set for each jail.

An analysis of figures shows nearly 45% of the testing last year took place at a single prison, Shelton Abbey Open Centre in Co Wicklow, a facility for prisoners considered to present a low risk.

The Irish Prison Service said 834 tests had been carried out at Shelton Abbey, with 44 of them returning a positive result.

The next highest level of operational testing was at the Midlands Prison in Co Laois, where 476 tests were conducted and 145 of them showed the presence of drugs.

In Cork Prison, 222 tests took place in total and 48 of them were positive.

The highest fail rate on drug tests was at high-security Portlaoise Prison, where almost 60% of the tests carried out came up positive.

HSE tests

Under a separate stream of testing conducted by healthcare teams, about 800 other tests were carried out, figures released under Freedom of Information legislation showed.

At the Midlands Prison, 296 tests took place, with about a third of them found to have traces of opioids like heroin.

Other drugs discovered during the healthcare tests were cocaine and cannabis, with positive results also for commonly prescribed medications like sedatives, sleeping tablets, and methadone.

The positivity rate for opiates at some prisons in tests sent to the HSE lab was extremely low.

At Cloverhill Remand Prison in Dublin, 312 of the 315 samples sent out came back negative for opioids, with two positives for cocaine and 25 for cannabis.

In Castlerea in Co Roscommon, there were just two positive opiate tests from 64 samples, along with a further two for cocaine and eight for cannabis.

Asked about the figures, a spokesman for the Irish Prison Service said preventing access of contraband to jails continued to be a high priority.

He said: It is estimated that up to 70% of the prisoner population have addiction issues. Those with active addiction continue their drug-seeking behaviour inside prison notwithstanding the supports [available].

The spokesman said a much higher level of testing would take place this year, with 150 prison staff having completed training with a new supplier and specific minimum targets being set for each jail.

He said new on-site drug testing would allow for instant results and the Irish Prison Service was also keeping a close watch on the emerging trend towards the availability of more harmful synthetic drugs.
Tanaiste Micheal Martin has met surviving members of a religious group slaughtered by terrorist group Isis 10 years ago.

The extremist organisation launched a genocidal campaign against the Yazidi community in Iraq and Syria in their establishment of a fanatical regime during 2014 and 2017.

The Department of Foreign Affairs held a seminar on Tuesday to mark 10 years since Isis, also known as Daesh, launched an attack on the Yazidis in their homeland of Sinjar, in northern Iraq.

It is estimated Isis abducted and killed 5,000 Yazidis, and 6,000 women and children were taken into slavery.

About two thirds of the Yazidi population, numbering over 400,000 people, were displaced from northern Iraq.

UN investigations found those taken into slavery were subjected to horrific violence, domestic servitude, forced conscription and rape (including forced marriage to Daesh fighters).

Many were also forcibly converted to Islam and many of those enslaved were subsequently murdered.

Mr Martin, who is also minister for foreign affairs, met with members of the Yazidi community of Iraq, along with Yazda, a body representing Yazidis and other minority groups attacked by Daesh.

A department statement said these groups as well as the government of Iraq, the Kurdish regional government and EU officials attended the seminar.

Issues included the prospects of the Yazidis returning home to rebuild their community as well as the possibility of accountability of those behind the slaughter.

Tanaiste Micheal Martin: 'I was honoured to meet today with members of Iraqs Yazidi community and pleased that my department was able to host a seminar marking the 10th anniversary of the atrocities inflicted on their people by Daesh.' Picture: Sasko Lazarov / RollingNews.ie

The statement said the seminar also discussed the winding-up this month of Unitad, the UN mission investigating Daesh crimes, the preservation of its records and continuation of its work.

The statement said: At the seminar, Shereen Kheddo, a survivor of the atrocities, said 'when telling us about previous genocidal campaigns and attacks against Yazidis, our grandmothers used to say 'Mala Ma khrakrin', this is a Kurmanji sentence that literally means, 'They destroyed our homes', but I dont think that you can fully understand it unless you hear it from an elderly women saying it with eyes full of tears and a sigh that burns her lungs'.

The statement said Mr Martin commended the Yazidi representatives on their resilience under terrible assault, their determination to tell their stories and to rebuild and seek redress.

He said: I was honoured to meet today with members of Iraqs Yazidi community and pleased that my department was able to host a seminar marking the 10th anniversary of the atrocities inflicted on their people by Daesh.

Their resilience in the face of such brutality is inspiring and I am glad to have been able to offer this platform to the Yazidi people to promote awareness of their cause.
Five-time All-Ireland winning hurler Kyle Hayes will again face court in relation to a violent disorder charge in Limerick, after a judge granted a State request following his conviction for dangerous driving.

Hayes, aged 26, was given a two-year driving ban and a 250 fine by Judge Colm Roberts at Mallow District Court on Tuesday for the offence near Mallow on July 14. The court heard he had no previous convictions for road traffic offences.

However, an application was made at the conclusion of this hearing by Sergeant Majella OSullivan to have Hayes, from Ballyashea, Kildimo, Co Limerick, returned to Limerick Circuit Court, where a decision will be made on whether a two-year suspended sentence he was given in March for violent disorder will be re-activated following his conviction.

Mallow District Court heard that Hayes overtook nine cars on the dual carriageway in his 191-registered white Audi A6, which was detected travelling at 155km/h in a 100km/h zone, northbound at Lissavoura, Grenagh, close to Mallow. He was returning to Limerick from West Cork.

Evidence was heard from Garda Deirdre Barrett that she started a checkpoint on the N20 at Lissavoura, Grenagh, at 7pm on July 14.

She observed nine cars travelling at varying speeds between 80km/h and 95km/h at 7.55pm, and they were overtaken by Hayes.

Speed limit

The court heard that the section of the road alternates between dual and single carriageways in both directions.

Garda Barrett outlined that Hayes pulled into the left lane of the dual carriageway as it reduced to one lane, having just overtaken the nine cars. He was arrested for dangerous driving.

She said Hayes told her the speed limit for dangerous driving in Limerick was 160km/h. His barrister, Liam Carroll, said his client believed he was doing a safe manoeuvre and pushed for the case to be considered one of careless driving  as opposed to dangerous driving. He said he had found himself in a lane that was coming to an end.

However, Judge Roberts raised concerns that Hayes had been travelling at around 55km/h above the speed limit, had overtaken nine cars, and you were totally unaware of what speed you were driving. He added: Is that not a concern?

He added: He could have slowed down. He chose not to slow down. He chose to speed up.

Mr Carroll acknowledged that what had occurred was a lapse of judgement and a mistake, but Judge Roberts said it was beyond that.

Deaths on Irish roads

He added: I cannot accept in any way that his actions were not dangerous. Judge Roberts asked Hayes if he accepted that speed is one of the main factors causing deaths on Irish roads, and whether he accepted if his own car, an Audi A6, was a powerful car. Hayes agreed that it was.

Judge Roberts added: I am trying to keep him alive as well as everything else. There are too many deaths on the road at this time. He also described cars as being killer machines on the road.

Judge Roberts said Hayes might think he is chosen, but all that is required is for one thing to go wrong.

The conviction means that Limerick Circuit Court will now consider whether the conviction will trigger the suspended sentence for Hayess previous conviction at Limerick Circuit Court on two counts of violent disorder  after a young man was attacked inside and outside a nightclub. Hayess barrister indicated that his client may appeal Tuesdays conviction.
A district court judge has described a case before his court as a failing of the State, believing the accused should not be in prison because of mental health difficulties.

Referring to a case before him at Mallow District Court yesterday, Judge Colm Roberts said: Prison is not where this man should be.

The court heard from Sergeant Majella OSullivan that a report was being awaited from prison on his fitness to plead.

Judge Roberts said he is inclined towards striking out the charges against the man because he has been in prison so long, adding:

If he had pleaded guilty, he would have been out by now. It is outrageous what has happened. It is a failing in the system.

He said that the man has serious mental health difficulties, and continued: The last place he should be is in prison.

Judge Roberts said the man had been taken to hospital previously but ended up back in prison again.

He described the man as very vulnerable and said he has recently been assaulted in prison.

Judge Roberts said each of the mans appearances before him have caused me deep concern. Each time, he was there but not there.

Special forensic psychiatrist Professor Gautam Gulati from the National Forensic Mental Health Service was in court and said the man needs to be in a hospital setting.

The case has been adjourned to a hearing of Midleton District Court on Thursday.

Judge Roberts was commenting after recently-published reports from the prisons visiting committees for 2022 highlighted concerns about people being in the prison system instead of being treated for mental health issues.

It also follows a report by the Irish Examiner highlighting that a third of beds at the Central Mental Hospital are currently empty because of staffing difficulties.

Irish Penal Reform Trust (IPRT) executive director Saoirse Brady, told the Irish Examiner that the reports highlight the inappropriate nature of prison settings for people with high-level mental health with long waiting lists to access necessary services.

While these reports provide important insights into life behind the high prison walls, they are already outdated given the marked increase in the prison population since they were completed, so many of the issues they note may in fact have deteriorated further in the interim.

Imprisonment, while necessary in some cases, in many other cases is an ineffective, counterproductive and hugely expensive response to offending. Instead of aiming to expand prison space, IPRT calls for smarter and more effective investment in supporting and championing effective alternatives to prison and promoting diversion for people with mental health or addiction issues where this is possible and appropriate.
A ruse to ask for permission to use a pub toilet only to burgle an upstairs staffroom resulted in the culprit being jailed for five months.

34-year-old Antonio Arundel 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 Street, 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.

Arundel 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 and when gardai searched him afterwards he had a flick-knife in his pocket.

On the same date, he stole alcohol at Carry-Out off-licence at Ballyhooley Road, Cork.

Finally, he had 140 worth of cocaine for his own use.

Mr Arundel was represented by solicitor Shane Collins-Daly, who said the accused had a longstanding difficulty with alcohol.

Unfortunately, he never dealt with it and gets himself into difficulties. 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, Mr Collins-Daly said.
A 15-year-old Irish holidaymaker has been arrested on suspicion of raping an 18-year-old tourist of the same nationality in a Spanish holiday resort.

The youngster was held hours after the alleged sex attack in the Costa Dorada resort of Salou, just south of the city of Tarragona.

He has already been remanded to a youth detention centre after appearing before a judge pending an ongoing criminal probe.

Detectives are said to have tracked him down to the unnamed Salou hotel where he was staying after his alleged victim gave officers a description of the suspect and told them he had been wearing an all-inclusive resort wristband.

She has now flown back to Ireland after giving police a statement and ratifying her complaint in front of the same youth court judge the 15-year-old appeared before following his arrest.

The regional Mossos dEsquadra police force confirmed the September 2 arrest on Wednesday.

A spokesman for the force said: I can confirm a minor has been arrested on suspicion of a sexual assault in Salou the night of September 1 to 2.

The arrest was made on September 2. I am not in a position to offer any more information given the fact the suspect is a minor.

A well-placed source close to the inquiry confirmed the youngster was Irish. The alleged victim has been described as Irish in local reports.

The pair are understood to have met in a pub in Salou during a night out.

The alleged sex attack, which happened at about 3am on September 2, happened outside the unnamed nightspot.

The youth detention centre where the Irish teenager is being held has been identified as Can Llupia, in Barcelona, described locally as an educational centre for minors.

Police are said to have been forced to work round-the-clock to make the arrest, knowing the suspect was on holiday.

He was due to return to Ireland with his family three days after the alleged attack.

The possibility he could eventually be tried in his homeland if he ends up being charged has not been ruled out. It is not clear if his family has remained in Spain.

His alleged victim is believed to have returned to Ireland on September 4.
A man accused of slashing another man with a weapon outside a coffee shop in Cork city centre on Friday September 6 appeared by video link from prison on Wednesday.

Sergeant Dave Delea said there were no directions yet in the case from the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Shane Collins-Daly, solicitor, told accused Aaron Bohane by video link the case was being adjourned by Judge Mary Dorgan until September 25 to allow time for DPP directions.

Mr Bohane replied: No problem. The accused man is a native of Ballincollig but currently of no fixed address.

He faces two offences arising out of the investigation into the attack on 38-year-old Gavin Sheehan in Cork at about 5pm on Friday.

Mr Bohane is charged with assault causing harm to Gavin Sheehan on Oliver Plunkett Street, Cork, on September 6 contrary to Section 3 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act.

He is also charged with producing a bladed weapon while committing an offence, namely assault causing harm contrary to Section 11 of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act.

Detective Garda Joe Crowley of Anglesea Street Garda Station gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution and told the court at a special sitting of Cork District Court on Sunday that Mr Bohane made no reply to either charge after caution.

The defendant has reserved his position regarding a possible bail application. Mr Collins-Daly represented him on free legal aid after earlier evidence the accused was unemployed and in receipt of social welfare.
Signed pleas of guilty were entered on Wednesday by a young man charged with carrying out arson attacks at six stores in Cork city on February 25 last.

When Samuel Nunes Neto, 24, of no fixed abode, first appeared before Cork District Court there were concerns about his psychiatric condition.

Judge Mary Dorgan asked on Wednesday in advance of signed guilty pleas being entered if the accused man had been found fit to plead to the charges.

Defence solicitor Joseph Cuddigan said there was no issue about the defendants fitness to plead and confirmed he had been seen by a psychiatrist. He added he and a barrister in the case had met with the accused and he could confirm the defendant was fit to plead.

On Wednesday at Cork District Court, he signed the guilty pleas and Judge Mary Dorgan sent the case forward for sentencing at the sessions of Cork Circuit Criminal Court commencing on October 29.

He admitted six counts of causing criminal damage to stores in Cork city centre.

The impacted shops were in the Patrick Street, Half Moon Street, Opera Lane and Cornmarket Street area of Cork City and included outlets of TK Maxx, Superdry, Lifestyle Sports, Next, Boots and Brown Thomas.

The damage on the charges related to clothing at Superdry, Next, Brown Thomas and TK Maxx, the building structure and clothing at Lifestyle Sports, and damage to shelving, perfumes, cosmetics and toiletries at Boots.

Free legal aid in respect of Mr Cuddigans representation of the accused was extended to include a barrister for the sentencing hearing at Cork Circuit Criminal Court.
The father of a two-week-old baby girl is being hailed a hero after risking his life to save an elderly neighbour whose house was engulfed in flames.

The local community in Mahon, Cork, has been heaping praise on Kelvin Cassells, whose bravery undoubtedly helped save his neighbour's life.

The 24-year-old said he felt like James Bond after rushing to the rescue on Tuesday night shortly after 8pm.

I was sitting inside my home with my newborn baby when all of a sudden I saw a load of people outside. That was when I ran out and saw all the commotion. Normally, I would panic but I saw there was a life involved, so it was fight or die.

Witnesses told how they saw Kelvin jump over a side gate to access the house where the fire had taken hold. He managed to avoid the flames  which by that stage were shooting through the back doors and windows of the house  to bring the elderly homeowner to safety.

Kelvin Cassells with his two week old baby daughter Alora. Picture: Larry Cummins

Kelvin was helped to carry the man to safety by his friend Jack Sweeney, while other neighbours also helped.

Like a movie

I feel like James Bond, Kelvin laughed. It really was like a movie. I could feel the heat from the flames. They were nearly hitting me. I went through the fastest route which was also the most dangerous. The elderly man is said to be making a positive recovery after suffering minor burns and smoke inhalation. Kelvin says he was glad he was able to help.

I met him in the ambulance and we had a few words. He just said 'thanks for everything'. I was lucky that I didnt have to go to hospital but it was still hard to sleep. It was only sinking in that I had saved someone but I would do it again happily.

Kelvin, who is dad to two-year-old Carter and two-week-old Alora, says Tuesday night's drama was not his first rescue.

Its a running joke that fires follow me. A fire broke out in our house when I was six. The bed went up in flames and I went under the bed to rescue the cat. While you might say this wasnt my first rescue it was my first time rescuing a person. I cant remember the name of the cat now. All I know is that he ran away two years later.

The house is now boarded up following the fire. Picture: Larry Cummins

Kelvin, a former world champion dancer who once played a candle of all things  Lumiere  in Beauty and the Beast, hopes that this latest rescue might serve as an act of redemption following years of guilt.

The housefire when I was six was started accidentally by me. My mums friend had left her lighter down and I lit a chewing gum wrapper that started the blaze.

"We had to move house for two years after that. All our pictures and memories were gone forever and Ive felt bad ever since. Ive had about nine lives but Ill be on my 10th before I can even start to make up for it.

His girlfriend Saoirse said she is extremely proud of Kelvin

"I was still giving out to him telling him that what he did was dangerous. At the same time, I am very proud."
Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys was warned she was likely to come under attack over why it had taken so long to means test benefit payments for asylum seekers.

In May, her department introduced a new system to ensure international protection applicants with jobs were not receiving welfare payments they were not entitled to.

However, in internal briefing notes, Ms Humphreys was told by advisers to expect questions on why the money should not be recouped and why it took over a year to introduce the change.

It said about 4,600 people already had payments stopped because of their income from employment and expected savings would be in the region of 10.5m each year.

In a series of responses for expected attack lines from the Opposition, Ms Humphreys was told one of the first questions was likely to be why repayments were not required.

The answer provided said: Income testing was not previously part of the daily expenses allowance.

A person in receipt of the daily expenses allowance could not reasonably have been expected to know that being in receipt of an income could affect their entitlement to the payment.

It added people had only just been informed of the change to their payment and recoupment could not arise.

Closing loophole

On delays in acting on concerns first raised by the Comptroller and Auditor General in an investigation during 2022 and 2023, the briefing said the department had been working with colleagues in the Department of Children and Equality to close off the loophole.

A suggested answer said: The Minister for Social Protection signed off on these changes and assessment of income has commenced this month.

The information has been made clearly available on the departments website.

Asked how income testing for international protection applicants would work, Ms Humphreys was told income assessments were normal in the welfare system.

If you have income from employment thats over a certain level, your payment is reduced or stopped  thats how the system works, the briefing said.

It hasnt applied to international protection applicants up to now, but it will apply from now on.

A separate submission for Ms Humphreys said EU rules meant the payments should have been applied all along.

It said: Notwithstanding that [EU] regulations require the application of a means test by the Minister for Social Protection  this income test has not been implemented.
Russias invasion of Ukraine has revived EU expansion as an imperative. For years, enlargement has been a low priority  Croatia was the last country to join the club, more than 10 years ago.

But things have changed. Ursula von der Leyen told a forum in Bled, Slovenia, I attended this month that Europes security depends on the 27-nation union expanding again. Thanks to Vladimir Putin, as the Albanian prime minister, Edi Rama, put it, enlargement is back on track.

The fact expansion is a strategic priority makes it possible new members will be admitted. But it doesnt make it certain.

It is about 20 years since six western Balkan countries (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia and Kosovo) were promised hope of membership, but little progress has been made since then.

The Balkan countries dont need the EU for security guarantees. Albania, Montenegro and North Macedonia are members of Nato, while Bosnia and Kosovo have a large Nato presence.

It is a very different scenario from Europes east, where the absence of Natos shield to protect Ukraine, Moldova and the Caucasus means these countries view EU membership as a surrogate security guarantee.

Ukraines EU membership drive

But Ukraines EU membership drive in particular has created a palpable fear in the western Balkans of being left behind. Serbia wants nothing to do with Nato, and its close relationship with Moscow has complicated Belgrades bid to enter the EU, even more so since Russias large-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Yet, in important ways, the latest momentum around EU enlargement is helping Balkan countries that aspire to join. Had it not been for the invasion of Ukraine, accession negotiations with Albania and North Macedonia would certainly still be stuck, and Bosnia and Herzegovina would not have been recognised as an EU candidate.

Perhaps the EU would also not have agreed the budget for its new 6bn growth plan for the western Balkans. The plan makes European investments conditional on Balkan reforms, but if its full potential is realised, countries in the region could receive per capita almost as much money as full members are entitled to under the EUs cohesion fund, which is designed to help poorer regions catch up.

If supporters of an expanded EU are true believers, it is high time to show it through concrete policy action and not just words.

This would make economic convergence between the EU and the western Balkans more than just a dream for the first time. A number of projects to put flesh on the bones of the regions gradual European integration are in the pipeline, such as these countries inclusion in the European single euro payments area.

While scepticism of the EUs intentions still abounds in Albania, the conversations I had during a recent visit to Tirana went beyond the usual list of complaints about Brussels unfair treatment of the region.

However, this is not enough. Von der Leyens next commissioner for enlargement should raise the level of ambition of what gradual integration can actually deliver, with carrots such as inclusion in the Schengen area considered. The negotiations over the EUs next seven-year budget, which begin early next year and cover the 2028-2034 period, should also bake in the financial implications of including new members.

Eject poison from enlargement policy

Most important, steps must be taken to eject the main poison from existing enlargement policy. For too long, enlargement has been hijacked by the whims of existing members seeking to promote their national interests.

Be this Cyprus and Greece over Turkey, Greece and Bulgaria over North Macedonia, France (in the past) and Greece over Albania, or Hungary over Ukraine, the exploitation of the accession policy by different members to further their (legitimate or otherwise) interests has dramatically hampered its credibility by constantly moving the goalposts for applicant countries.

Theres a lesson for the EU from Britains riots: do more to prevent hatred and division  or violence follows.

The main route through which this poison spreads is by giving EU governments an opportunity to block the process at every stage. Viktor Orbans Hungary doesnt even try to hide this intention any more.

Yet there is nothing in EU law that requires such interference by member states, which are only requested to greenlight the beginning and the end of the process.

In previous enlargement rounds, the intermediary steps were correctly treated as technical matters in the hands of the commission. It is possible politically and legally to revert to this method.

Viktor Orbans Hungary doesnt even try to hide its intention of blocking enlargement of the EU. Picture: AP /Luca Bruno

What this requires is a first mover to trigger a critical mass. Germany and Slovenia have already proposed ways to unburden the process. Other member states supportive of Europe integrating the western Balkans, such as Austria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Italy and Slovakia, should follow suit.

Countries such as Poland and the Baltics, with an interest in Ukraine and Moldovas EU membership, and recent converts to enlargement such as France, should all make their voices heard.

There will be outliers such as Hungary, and perhaps Bulgaria, Greece and Cyprus. But as the history of European integration proves time and again, when a critical mass builds in favour of a decision, it is very difficult for recalcitrant members to resist for long.

If supporters of an expanded EU are true believers, it is high time to show it through concrete policy action and not just words, less still questionable bilateral deals over migration such as that reached between Italy and Albania.
Tourism encompasses a broad variety of businesses. There is an assumption that it only suits the extroverted but behind every reception desk, tour guide and adventurer is a slew of back-room talent that supports and enables job satisfaction.

From project managers and logistical experts that make the service feel seamless to culinary whizzes, storytellers and those selling Ireland as a destination to visit, the skill sets accrued are utterly transferable lifelong skills to equip you for a successful career, training you to equally adapt to other sectors.

It offers an apprenticeship in the finer things in life, from haute cuisine to five-star hotels.

See the world

Matthew Smith is in sales and marketing as corporate and incentive support at Dublin Convention Bureau (DCB). He loves the travel opportunities that come with his profession: Its not your regular desk job, he says.

Just eight months into this new role and hes already journeyed to seven cities, including New York, Las Vegas, Istanbul, Vienna, and Hamburg.

Travel also presents opportunities to network and meet people he may one day work with. He represents Dublin and Ireland at events and has also built new friendship networks through these. It feels less like work and more like socialising, Smith explains.

Hes happy to fly the flag, as he puts it, in a role that positions him as an ambassador for Ireland.

He studied international tourism at ATU Galway: All my friends knew they wanted to be nurses or engineers. I just knew I liked travelling. I liked working with people.

Following college, he was selected to join Failte Irelands graduate programme and from there got his first real job at DCB and was recently elected to the board of young leaders of the Society of Incentive Travel Excellence.

A lot of his contemporaries had to emigrate to Australia, Canada and beyond to get the same opportunities. He puts the fact that he didnt down to his career.

Mid-career upskilling

Declan Murphy, commercial executive in charge of operations at tour company DoDublin, a commercial division of Dublin Bus, at its Broadstone, D7 depot.

A decision to start driving a bus when he lost his job in construction put Declan Murphy in the driving seat of a whole new career that encouraged professional development.

He moved into tourism in 2008 when building work dried up as a result of the property crash. It was never meant to be a long-term thing, says the commercial executive, who is in charge of operations at DoDublin, a commercial division of Dublin Bus, and a business recognised for its quality people practices in Failte Irelands Employer Excellence Programme.

On his first day on the job training to become a bus driver he spotted the green-liveried open-top tour buses of DoDublin. Straight away it was on my radar, he recalls.

Within a few months, career opportunities presented themselves. He became a mentor, doing a level 6 course in frontline management at the National College of Ireland; and a driving instructor, another level 6 course with Dublin Bus. Already the tour guides were encouraging his keen interest in history. I didnt even have the job and already they were helping and pointing me in the right direction, he says.

The initial training, a tour guide level 8 course with Dublin Bus, lasted six weeks and included training in Microsoft Office.

One of the highlights of his schooling has been treading the boards on the stage of the Abbey Theatre. To help hone their delivery and presentation on the tours he and his colleagues spent time on the stage of the national theatre and had to deliver lines from a script to each other. This has helped him at moments when he might otherwise have been caught off guard and he feels it has made him more confident in his interactions with tourists.

A tour of Dublins Docklands is a new addition to DoDublins schedule, including Epic Museum and the world-renowned Windmill Lane Recording Studios. U2, David Bowie, The Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen and Sinead OConnor are just some of the artists who have recorded there.

Tourism is a place where individuality shines, Murphy says. At parent company Dublin Bus he believes the career ladder is endless.

You can keep going. You progress through education. You literally send an email, and they will guide you through all the steps, he says.

Professional development

Karen Fleming, director of sales at the five-star Cashel Palace Hotel in Co Tipperary.

Karen Fleming, director of sales at Cashel Palace Hotel, oversees one of Irelands most stylish new five-star properties. Situated within a former bishops palace, the medieval ruins of the Rock of Cashel form a dramatic backdrop to the property.

Its a people-oriented profession, she says. It is a hugely human-driven industry and one that makes people feel welcome and happy, especially at events such as weddings. Working in a tourism profession helps improve your social skills.

Working in a hotel sales role allows you to travel the world, says Fleming. Nothing here happens without collaboration, she adds. The skills you learn here are very transferable to the corporate world.

For Fleming, one of the benefits of her job is being able to take care of her family and friends and treat them as VIPs occasionally, making their celebrations special. Working in tourism is a great way to constantly evolve as a person and as a professional, she says; a self-professed eternal student, she is a big believer in being able to continue education while working.

If someone shows an interest in bettering themselves, they will also better the organisation they work for, says Fleming.

Her own studies began at ATU Galway, where she did a degree in hotel management. Following stints at properties in Killarney and Galway she moved to Cork, and successfully applied for a job in food and beverage at one of the citys five-star properties while doing an MSc in management and marketing at UCC. There she moved into her current area of expertise in sales and marketing.

Her employer facilitated her continuing to learn on the job, through a masters in management and marketing at Cork University Business School. Fleming was awarded a scholarship through the 30% Club. She completed the programme at Cashel Palace Hotel, which is also part of the Employer Excellence Programme.

It is busy, she says. I cannot tell you the last time I was bored. There is no time to be bored.

Think you have what it takes? For further information on the wide range of professional opportunities visit tourismcareers.ie
Democrat Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump met on Tuesday for their first and perhaps only debate, a square-off that could have a significant impact on the November 5 election as polls show a tight race.

Here are takeaways from the debate:

Riling her rival

Harris made a point to get under Trump's skin, as her campaign had forecast - and it worked.

She urged viewers to attend a Trump rally, where she said Trump would say bizarre things such as windmills cause cancer (something he has, in fact, said) and where, she taunted, attendees would leave out of exhaustion and boredom (something they have, in fact, done.) Trump, who prides himself on the crowds he draws, was clearly riled.

"My rallies, we have the biggest rallies, the most incredible rallies in the history of politics," he said. He accused Harris of bussing in attendees to her rallies.

Trump then falsely claimed that immigrants in the country illegally were killing and eating people's pets in the city of Springfield, Ohio, an unsubstantiated assertion that has circulated on social media and been amplified by Trump's vice presidential running mate JD Vance.

"In Springfield, they're eating the dogs! The people that came in, they're eating the cats!" Trump said.

They're eating the pets of the people that live there.

City officials in Springfield have said those reports are untrue, which the ABC moderators pointed out after Trumps comments.

"Talk about extreme," Harris responded, laughing.

Playing defense

Another of Harris goals, as a former California prosecutor, was to call Trump out for his past actions, particularly his efforts to overturn the 2020 election.

An hour into the debate, her strategy appeared to be paying off. Trump was continually on the defensive.

Asked about the January 6, 2021, siege of the US Capitol, he insisted he had nothing to do with that, other than they asked me to make a speech."

He also maintained, falsely, that he had won the 2020 election.

Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks during Tuesday's US presidential debate. Picture: AP Photo/Alex Brandon

Harris used Trump's actions as an argument for the country to turn the page, which she would do throughout the evening.

"Donald Trump was fired by 81 million people, so let's be clear about that, and clearly he is having a very difficult time processing that, but we cannot afford to have a president of the United States who attempts as he did in the past to upend the will of the voters in a free and fair election, Harris said.

The vice president dug at Trump a little more, saying world leaders were laughing at him and calling him a disgrace  language that Trump has employed himself at rallies in reference to how he says other countries view President Joe Biden.

A few minutes later, Trump erupted, claiming Harris had received no votes in claiming the Democratic nomination and suggesting she replaced Biden as part of some sort of coup.

He hates her, Trump said of Biden. He cant stand her.

The exchanges may have aided Harris' argument that Trump, as she put it, lacks the temperament to be president.

'Weaponised' justice

Trump and Harris accused each other of conspiring to "weaponize" the Justice Department in a bid to go after their enemies.

Trump said the indictments he faces for conspiring to overturn his 2020 election loss and for his mishandling of classified documents - as well as his conviction for forging documents related to hush money payments to a porn star - are all the result of a conspiracy cooked up by Harris and Biden. There is no evidence for that assertion.

Harris shot back by pointing out that Trump has promised to prosecute his enemies if he wins a second term.

Understand this is someone who has openly said he would terminate, I'm quoting, terminate the Constitution.

The heated exchange underlined how Harris and Trump see the stakes of this election as existential. Both claimed their opponent to be a threat to democracy itself.

Racial divide

Deep into the debate, the long-simmering topic of race came up. Trump was asked why he had publicly questioned Harris dual heritage as a Black and South Asian woman.

I dont care what she is, he responded. I read that she was Black. Then I read that she was not Black.

Asked to respond, Harris accused Trump of using race to divide Americans throughout his career. She cited how he and his father turned away Black renters in the 1970s and how Trump led the public outcry against five young Black and Latino men who were wrongly convicted of assaulting a jogger in New York City's Central Park in 1989.

Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at a campaign event at Northwestern High School in Detroit on Monday. iIle Picture: AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin

He also has openly questioned whether President Barack Obama, who was born in the United States, was an American citizen, Harris noted.

"I think it's a tragedy that we have someone who wants to be president who has, consistently, over the course of his career, attempted to use race to divide the American people," she said.

"I think the American people want better than that," Harris added. "We don't want a leader who is constantly trying to have Americans point their fingers at each other."

Instead of trying to defend his record, Trump pivoted back to the economy and sought to pin Bidens economic policies on Harris. Shes trying to get away from Biden, he said.

Handshake

Heading into the debate, there was a question as to how Harris and Trump, who have never met, would greet each other.

Harris settled the issue, definitively. She walked over to Trump at his podium, extended her hand and introduced herself as Kamala Harris.

It was an assertive way to approach a man who has spent weeks insulting her with racist and sexist attacks. Trump had no choice but to accept the gesture.

Sparring on the economy

In the debates opening minutes, Trump and Harris went to battle on one of the issues that is top of mind for voters: the economy.

Harris detailed the economic policies she has rolled out in recent weeks, which include a substantial tax credit for small start-ups. Trump focused his comments on tariffs, saying he would protect the American economy from unfair foreign competition.

While both sides got their jabs in, Harris got to speak first on a topic where she trails Trump in terms of voter trust. She appeared to force the former president onto his back foot, and Trump essentially played defense on one of his strongest issues.

"She doesn't have a plan," Trump said, after Harris' opening comments. "It's like Run, Spot, Run."

A schism on abortion

The two candidates also engaged in a fractious debate about abortion, an issue where polls show Harris has the upper hand.

Trump defended the US Supreme Courts 2022 ruling that ended constitutional protection for abortion and sent the issue back to individual states, arguing, incorrectly, that it was an outcome desired by both Republicans and Democrats. Democrats have long supported a constitutional right to abortion.

I did a great service in doing it. It took courage to do it, Trump said.

Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump, left, and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris during an ABC News presidential debate at the National Constitution Center on Tuesday. Picture: AP Photo/Alex Brandon

Trump contended that some states allow babies to be aborted after birth, a point corrected by ABC News moderator, Linsey Davis.

Harris flashed some outrage at Trumps assertion that abortion becoming a states-rights issue was a popular result, referring to states that have passed restrictive bans.

This is what people wanted? Harris asked. People being denied care in an emergency room because healthcare providers are being afraid of being hauled off to jail?"

Trump was asked whether he would veto a federal abortion ban if one were passed by Congress. He insisted a federal ban would never happen.

Worlds apart

One of the most heated policy discussions came when Trump and Harris clashed over how they would handle Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

The candidates' responses revealed the degree to which their views on America's role in the world fundamentally differ.

Trump refused to say he wanted Ukraine to win the war, even as ABC News moderator David Muir pushed him on the point, saying only that he wanted to wrap up the conflict as soon as possible.

Harris shot back, arguing that what Trump really wanted was Ukraine's quick and unconditional capitulation.

"If Donald Trump were president, Putin would be sitting in Kyiv right now," Harris said.

She also pushed back at Trump's claim she had been sent by Biden to talk to Putin to resolve the conflict. Harris has never met with Putin, but has met several times with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

"I said at the beginning of this debate, you're going to hear a bunch of lies coming from this fellow, and that is another one," Harris said.

- Reuters
Israeli strikes on Palestinian territories have killed more than two dozen people, according to local officials.

They say an Israeli air strike killed five Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, and at least 20 people, including 16 women and children, were killed in the Gaza Strip.

Gazas health ministry said Tuesdays strike on a tent camp in an Israeli-designated humanitarian zone killed at least 19 people.

The ministry says more than 40,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since the Israel-Hamas war began, though it does not differentiate between combatants 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.

A strike on a tent camp in the Gaza Strip killed at least 20 people (AP)

Hamas-led militants killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, in their October 7 attack that sparked the war. They abducted another 250 and are still holding around 100. Around a third of them are believed to be dead.

Meanwhile, the Israeli military said two Israeli soldiers died and seven more were injured when their helicopter crashed in the southern Gaza Strip.

The military said the overnight helicopter crash was not the result of enemy fire and is under investigation.

The helicopter was on a mission to evacuate wounded soldiers from Gaza for treatment in Israeli hospitals.

There have been 340 Israeli soldiers killed since the ground operation began in Gaza in late October, at least 50 of whom have been killed in accidents within Gaza  not as a result of combat with Palestinian militants, according to the military.
The relatives of 12 Polish inmates of Nazi Germanys concentration camps have received precious belongings seized from their kin during captivity.

The items were returned by a German archive in an emotional ceremony in Warsaw late on Tuesday.

The Arolsen Archives and its volunteers have spared no effort to reach the families of inmates who were captured by Nazi troops during the ill-fated 1944 Warsaw Uprising.

Like hundreds of thousands of others, the prisoners were sent to concentration camps where their valuables  wedding rings, watches, gold chains, earrings and other items  were confiscated and put in envelopes marked with their owners names.

The Arolsen Archives, the international centre on Nazi persecution, which holds information on about 17.5 million people (AP)

That allowed for the items return to the families, 80 years later.

Stanislawa Wasilewska was 42 when she was captured by Nazi German troops on August 31 1944 in Warsaw and sent to the womens concentration camp at Ravensbruck, Germany.

From there, she was sent to the Neuengamme forced labour camp, where she was given prisoner number 7257 and had her valuables seized.

Eighty years later, Germanys Arolsen Archives returned Ms Wasilewskas jewellery to her grandson and great-granddaughter at the ceremony in Warsaw.

Some relatives had tears in their eyes as they received the mementoes of their long-gone, often unknown family members. More such ceremonies are planned.

Ms Wasilewskas family was given back her two amber crucifixes, part of a golden bracelet and a gold wristwatch engraved with the initials KW and the date 7-3-1938, probably marking her wedding to Konstanty Wasilewski.

This is an important moment in our lives, because this is a story that we did not fully know about and it came to light, Ms Wasilewskas great-granddaughter, Malgorzata Korys, 35, told reporters.

Stanislawa Wasilewska, was captured by Nazi troops during the Warsaw Uprising in 1944 (AP)

When Nazi Germany was defeated in 1945, Ms Wasilewska was taken by the Red Cross from Neuengamme to Sweden, but later returned to Poland. She is buried in her native Grodzisk Mazowiecki, near Warsaw.

From another family, Adam Wierzbicki, 29, was given two rings which belonged to Zofia Strusinska and a golden chain and tooth filling of Jozefa Skorka, two married sisters of his great-grandfather, Stanislaw Wierzbicki.

Captured together on August 4, like Ms Wasilewska, the sisters also went through Ravensbruck and Neuengamme before the Red Cross took them to Sweden.

A family story has it that a Swedish man fell in love with one of the sisters and wanted them both to stay, promising to take care of them, but they decided to go back to Poland, Mr Wierzbicki said.

The return of their jewellery is important for sentimental reasons but also for historical reasons, Mr Wierzbicki told the AP.

Relatives were reunited with items belonging to relatives placed in a Nazi concentration camp (AP)

The items were returned by the Arolsen Archives, the international centre on Nazi persecution, which holds information on about 17.5 million people.

It stores some 2,000 items which were seized by the Nazis from concentration camp inmates from more than 30 countries, and are intended to be returned to their relatives.

It was an uplifting moment when the archives volunteers contacted him, Mr Wierzbicki said, but there was also the thought that history will catch up with you. It was like my aunts were looking at me from the past.

The archives launched its restitution campaign, Warsaw Uprising: 100 Untold Stories, to mark 80 years since the city rose up against the Nazi invaders on August 1 1944, with the goal of reaching the families of 100 victims and reviving the memory of them through their belongings.

Archive director Floriane Azoulay said they are only custodians of the belongings, which should be returned to the families.

Twelve families were reunited with the precious objects (AP)

Every object that we return is personal, Ms Azoulay said. And its the last personal thing a person had on them before they became a prisoner, before they became a number. So it is a very important object for a family.

Volunteer Manuela Golc has found more than 100 Polish families and each time it is an emotional moment.

It is often the case that we pass on information that the family was not aware of at all, Ms Golc said. So this conversation on the phone  is also very difficult. But in the end we are very happy that the memento is returning to the family.

If she was unable to trace a family online or through official records, she travelled to cemeteries, leaving notes waterproofed against the rain for the families on the graves of people whose data matched those in the archives, asking them to get in touch.

The Warsaw Uprising was launched by the underground resistance Home Army with the goal of taking control of the capital city ahead of the advancing Soviet troops.

It fell after 63 days of heroic struggle that cost the lives of some 200,000 fighters and civilians. In revenge, the Germans expelled the surviving residents and reduced Warsaw to ruins.

During German occupation in 1939-45, Poland lost some six million residents, half of them Jewish, and suffered huge material losses.
A union has called off a strike that grounded flights at Kenyas main airport following talks with the government.

Airline workers were protesting against a build-and-operate agreement between the Kenyan government and Indias Adani Group that would see the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport modernised, and an additional runway and terminal constructed, in exchange for the group running the airport for 30 years.

The union wrote on X that a return to work agreement had been signed and the unions secretary general, Moss Ndiema, told journalists and workers that the union would be involved in every discussion moving forward.

We have not accepted Adani, he said.

The strike followed an agreement between the government and Indias Adani Group(AP)

Transport Minister Davis Chirchir told journalists that the government would protect the interests of Kenyan citizens during the quest to upgrade and modernise the main airport.

Hundreds of workers demonstrated on Wednesday as planes remained grounded, with hundreds of passengers stranded.

Kenya Airport Workers Union, in announcing the strike, had said that the deal would lead to job losses and inferior terms and conditions of service for those who will remain.

Kenya Airways on Wednesday announced there would be flight delays and possible cancellations because of the strike at the airport, which serves Nairobi.

The strike affected local flights coming from the port city of Mombasa and the lake city of Kisumu.

At the main airport, police officers had taken up security check-in roles with long queues seen outside the departure terminals and worried passengers unable to confirm if their flights would depart as scheduled.

The Kenya Airports Authority said in a statement that it was engaging relevant parties to normalise operations and urged passengers to contact their respective airlines to confirm flight status.

Airport workers called off a strike last week (AP)

The Central Organisation of Trade Unions secretary-general, Francis Atwoli, told journalists that the strike would have been averted had the government listened to the workers.

This was a very simple matter where the assurance to workers in writing that our members will not lose jobs and their jobs will remain protected by the government, and as is required by law, and that assurance alone, we wouldnt have been here, he said.

Last week, airport workers had threatened to go on strike but the plans were called off pending discussions with the government.

The spotting of unknown people moving around with airport officials taking notes and photographs raised concerns that the Indian firm officials were readying for the deal, local media outlets reported last week.

The High Court on Monday temporarily halted the implementation of the deal until a case filed by the Law Society and the Kenya Human Rights Commission is heard.
Israeli air strikes across Gaza hit a UN school sheltering displaced Palestinian families as well as two homes, killing at least 34 people, including 19 women and children, hospital officials said.

The deadliest strike came on Wednesday afternoon, targeting the UNs Al-Jaouni Preparatory Boys School in central Gazas Nuseirat refugee camp.

The Israeli military claimed it was targeting Hamas militants planning attacks from inside the school.

At least 14 dead from the strike, including two children and a woman, were brought to Awda and al-Aqsa Martyrs hospitals nearby, officials from the facilities said. At least 18 people were wounded in the strike, they said.

One of the children killed was the daughter of Momin Selmi, a member of Gazas civil defence agency, which works rescuing wounded people after strikes

Mr Selmi had not seen his daughter for 10 months since he remained in north Gaza to keep working while his family fled south, the agency said.

Tens of thousands of Palestinians driven from their homes by Israeli offensives and evacuation orders are living in Gazas schools. The al-Jaouni school, one of many in Gaza run by the UN agency for Palestinians (UNWRA) has been hit by multiple strikes over the course of the war.

Israel frequently bombs schools, saying they are being used by Hamas militants. It blames Hamas for civilian casualties from its strikes, saying its fighters base themselves and operate within dense residential neighbourhoods.

More than 90% of Gazas school buildings have been severely or partially damaged in strikes, and more than half the schools housing displaced people have been hit, according to a survey in July by the Education Cluster, a collection of aid groups led by Unicef and Save the Children.

Israels 11-month-old campaign in Gaza has killed at least 41,084 Palestinians and wounded another 95,029, the territorys Health Ministry said on Wednesday.

Israel launched its campaign vowing to destroy Hamas after the October 7 attack on southern Israel, in which militants killed some 1,200 people and abducted 250 others.

In the Israeli-occupied West Bank, an Israeli strike killed five people in the northern town of Tubas, the Palestinian Health Ministry said. The military said it was targeting a group of militants. The ministry did not specify whether the dead were militants or civilians.

Israel has stepped up its military raids across the West Bank, saying it is working to dismantle militant groups and prevent attacks. Palestinians say such operations are aimed at cementing Israels seemingly open-ended military rule over the territory.

A strike on a tent camp in the Gaza Strip killed at least 20 people (AP)

A driver crashed a fuel truck into a bus stop in the central West Bank, injuring one person in what the Israeli military said was an attack targeting troops operating there.

Officials said that soldiers and an armed civilian had neutralised the attacker but it was not immediately clear whether that meant he had been killed.

Earlier on Wednesday, a strike hit a home near the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis, killing 11 people, including six brothers and sisters from the same family ranging in age from 21 months to 21 years old, according to the European Hospital, which received the casualties.

A strike late on Tuesday on a home in the urban Jabaliya refugee camp in northern Gaza killed nine people, including six women and children, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. The civil defence said the home belonged to Akram al-Najjar, a professor at the al-Quds Open University, who survived the strike.

The Israeli military said two soldiers died and seven were injured when their helicopter crashed in the southern Gaza Strip as they evacuated wounded troops.

It said the overnight crash was not the result of enemy fire and is under investigation. There have been 340 Israeli soldiers killed since the ground operation began in Gaza in late October, at least 50 of whom died in accidents, according to the military.
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A weekly review of the best and most popular stories published in the Imperial Valley Press. Also, featured upcoming events, new movies at local theaters, the week in photos and much more.
Manitou Group has hosted inauguration event for the expansion of its plant in Yankton, South Dakota. This event coincides with the 50th anniversary of the site which is dedicated to the production of telehandlers and articulated loaders.

A year after inaugurating the expansion of its neighboring plant in Madison, SD, Manitou Group is now presenting the expansion of its second North American production site in Yankton, SD.

This expansion will support production of the new range of telehandlers dedicated to the North American market, presented in March 2023 at the Conexpo international construction show.

With 75,000 sq ft (7,000 m) added to the existing 220,000 sq ft (20,000 m), this $20 million investment will provide the Yankton site with innovative industrial resources, such as laser-cutting machines and an automated moving assembly line to support the Groups expansion in the US.

The ceremony took place in the presence of Jacqueline Himsworth, chairman of the board of Manitou Group, Michel Denis, president & CEO, and national representatives from the state of South Dakota and Yankton Mayor Mason Schramm.

The expansion of our Yankton site, which is now 50 years old, strengthens our Groups historic presence in the United States. This is an important growth lever in a particularly dynamic market. This new industrial site will enable us to keep pace with this strong demand, while delivering ever greater added value to our customers, says Alexandre Caharel, VP product unit compact and articulated loaders.
BLOOMINGTON, Ill.  As a commitment to our shared Bloomington-Normal community, Illinois Wesleyan University is launching a new initiative offering direct admission to all eligible students at five area high schools.

Beginning Sept. 16, 2024, qualifying seniors from Bloomington High School, Normal Community High School, Normal Community West High School, University High School and Central Catholic High School will be guaranteed a spot at IWU, streamlining the college admissions process and expanding educational opportunities in Bloomington-Normal.

We recognize the exceptional education that takes place at Bloomington-Normal high schools and we are pleased to build on those efforts to support our community. We're thrilled with the academic strength of students admitted through this program right in our own backyard," said Illinois Wesleyan President Sheahon Zenger.

Admitted students will receive more information through their respective high schools, eliminating the need to complete traditional application paperwork.

"We are collaborating with these local high schools to identify eligible students, ensuring were reaching those who will thrive at IWU while providing a supportive admissions experience. Direct admission to Illinois Wesleyan alleviates stress and removes barriers for students by streamlining the application process. This collaboration also helps retain talented young adults within our community, said Admissions Constituency Relations Liaison Molly Munson.

The local direct admissions process began as a pilot program with Bloomington High School in 2023, which doubled the number of BHS students attending Illinois Wesleyan for college this year.

We are really excited that BHS students and other students from our community will have this opportunity to be directly admitted to Illinois Wesleyan, said Bloomington High School Principal Tim Moore. "I applaud IWU for making an effort to not only recruit local students, but for making the process for qualified students to be admitted seamless."

This effort comes at a time of growth for IWU, with new student enrollment reaching the second highest level in a decade. The latest cohort of Titans includes 502 new students with nearly 30% identifying as first-generation college students and 32% as students of color.

As the first university in the area to establish a direct admissions partnership with local high schools, Illinois Wesleyan is setting a new standard for collaboration and community engagement in higher education. IWU continues to support local students through the McLean County Scholarship, which was established through the leadership of donor Byron Tucci 66 of Bloomington, a member of the Illinois Wesleyan Associates.

The McLean County Scholarship provides a total scholarship package of at least $34,000 per year to admitted students graduating from a McLean County high school. Funded by the Illinois Wesleyan Associates  a group of local business and community leaders dedicated to advancing local education  the scholarship underscores IWUs commitment to nurturing talent and fostering educational opportunities in the region.
ABC provided a transcript of the debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. I have some thoughts on the Middle East dimension:

On Gaza, Harris said, Well, lets understand how we got here. On Oct. 7, Hamas, a terrorist organization, slaughtered 1,200 Israelis. Many of them young people who were simply attending a concert. Women were horribly raped. And so absolutely, I said then, I say now, Israel has a right to defend itself. We would. And how it does so matters. Because it is also true far too many innocent Palestinians have been killed. Children, mothers. What we know is that this war must end. It must when, end immediately, and the way it will end is we need a cease-fire deal and we need the hostages out. And so we will continue to work around the clock on that. Work around the clock also understanding that we must chart a course for a two-state solution. And in that solution, there must be security for the Israeli people and Israel and in equal measure for the Palestinians. But the one thing I will assure you always, I will always give Israel the ability to defend itself, in particular as it relates to Iran and any threat that Iran and its proxies pose to Israel. But we must have a two-state solution where we can rebuild Gaza, where the Palestinians have security, self-determination and the dignity they so rightly deserve.

But that isnt how we got there. The Israelis expelled 250,000 Palestinians to Gaza in 1948 from their homes in what became southern Israel, making Gaza a big refugee camp. The population has grown to 2.2 million. They detached from Gaza its agricultural lands and left it cut off from its markets. From 1967 the Israelis came after the Palestinians in Gaza again and occupied them. In 2007 they slapped an economic siege on the Gaza Strip, imposing 55% unemployment and causing children to be malnourished. So Hamas committed horrific terrorism on civilians on October 7 last year, for which there can be no justification. But if it had only attacked the Israeli military it might have had grounds in international law, which permits resistance groups to fight foreign military occupation. Harris left out the Nakbah or Palestinian displacement by Israel, and the long decades of military occupation and siege, so she made the story impossible to understand.

She is much better than Biden in at least expressing some empathy for the tens of thousands of innocent civilians Israel has killed in Gaza. But empathy, while better than nothing, wont stop the killing, which is daily and directly enabled by US supply of weapons and ammunition (the Israelis ran out months ago).

The cease-fire deal she is touting does not exist. It was just a cheap trick pulled on Biden by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to giving him breathing space to continue the war, Netanyahu has constantly tacked on new conditions, most recently his occupation of the Philadelphi Corridor south of Rafah, which he knows Hamas (and even Egypt) will never agree to.

There is no two-state solution to be had, and politicians should start being honest about it. Gaza is rubble and there are hundreds of thousands of Israeli squatters in the Palestinian West Bank. Where would you put a state?

Trumps response was to say that the war would not have happened on his watch because he starved Iran of money. That assertion is not true and it isnt a policy. It is just a narcissistic boast that he can magically control the world. He cant.

As usual, what he said is arrant nonsense. The CIA assesses that Hamas did not tell Iran it was planning Oct. 7. Iran had nothing to do with it.

Further, Biden has kept all the Trump sanctions on Iran, which is not a good thing. It puts the US on a war footing with Iran. Washington tries to interfere in Irans normal commerce such as selling its oil. There are no grounds in international law for this behavior. The US has even sanctioned the Iranian national bank, making all economic transactions with Iran a form of terrorism, including sending food or medicine. It is unprecedented to call the national bank of a country a terrorist organization.

Trump has no policies, just insults, such as that Harris hates Israel and even hates Arabs because her hatred of Israel will get Arabs killed. I couldnt follow the argument because of that arrant nonsense thing.

CNN: Watch the full Second Presidential Debate Hosted by ABC

Afghanistan was the other country in the greater Middle East that came up.

Harris expressed her agreement with President Bidens decision to pull out of Afghanistan, noting that four presidents had sought to withdraw, but he was the first to do so, saving the $300 million a day that the fruitless war was costing taxpayers. She said that And as of today, there is not one member of the United States military who is in active duty in a combat zone in any war zone around the world, the first time this century.

Harris blamed the debacle of the withdrawal on the weak deal negotiated directly with the Taliban by Don Trump, which she implied rather detracted from his reputation as a deal-maker. She said he by-passed the Afghan government and as part of his deal he released 5,000 Taliban terrorists. She expressed outrage that he would invite the Taliban to Camp David.

Harris is correct about the cost of the Afghanistan War, which came to $2.313 trillion over 21 years. That is $110 billion a year. Divided by 365, it comes to $301 million per day. Although al-Qaeda plotted the 9/11 attacks from Afghanistan, it is not clear that they told the Taliban what they were planning, and it was kind of odd that Afghanistan, rather than the al-Qaeda network, should have been thought the danger to the U.S.

Id say her account was accurate regarding the favorability of the deal Trump proposed to the Taliban. It is also true that Trump really wanted out of Afghanistan and kept telling his generals to get out, and they slow-rolled him. In some ways the story shows that on this issue Biden and Trump agreed. It isnt for sure that Biden could have gotten a better deal than Trump on withdrawal. As for leaving the Afghan government out of the negotiations, that was weird. But given the way it collapsed and its top leaders were implicated in large-scale theft, it is not obvious that if Trump had included them in the talks, they could have obtained more favorable terms.

I dont agree with her allegation that there is not one member of the United States military who is in active duty in a combat zone in any war zone around the world. I think the 800 US troops at Tanf in southeast Syria are in a war zone and that they are actively still fighting al-Qaeda, but also Shiite militias. Although the 2,500 US troops in Iraq are now classified as trainers, they do appear to be providing back up to the Iraqi Army in mopping up operations against ISIL in northern Iraq.

But the statement is also a little misleading because so many U.S. military interventions are aerial. The U.S. has been bombing Yemen regularly because the Houthis have been targeting container ships and oil tankers in the Red Sea in support of the people of Gaza. You cant just make this mini-war disappear because there are no boots on the ground. The US routinely bombs the al-Shabab extremist fundamentalist movement in Somalia.

In fact, in the past year the US has also bombed Shiite militias in Iraq and Syria in reprisal for their attacks on bases housing US troops in those two countries. The Shiite militias struck at the US in Iraq, Syria and Jordan in an effort to punish it for its heavy support to the Israeli total war on Gaza. When you are actively bombing Yemen, Somalia, Syria and Iraq you cant be said to be entirely at peace.



Prize Fight, Digital, Dream / Dreamland v3 / Clip2Comic, 2024

Trump boasted that in the 18 months after his deal with the Taliban, no US troops were killed in Afghanistan. This is true, but it is because he promised to get out of Afghanistan shortly if the Taliban ceased the attacks.

Trump said that the leader of the Taliban is Abdul. He was probably referring to the Taliban political chief in 2020, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar. Abdul is not a name on its own. It means servant of and is followed by a name of God. Abdul-Ghani means servant of the All-Sufficient (that is, God does not need anything because his essence is intrinsically rich). Baradar signed the deal for a complete US withdrawal from Afghanistan in February 2020.

Biden essentially followed the Trump treaty, though he delayed the promised US withdrawal from April 2021 to August. Although Trump is correct that the withdrawal was done chaotically, he was the one who guaranteed that it would be by his pledge to completely withdraw by a date certain. Trumps claim that Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine because of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan is ridiculous.
By Avidan Kent, University of East Anglia | 

(The Conversation)  The prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Karim Khan, has been a prominent figure in the news in recent years. In 2023, he requested  and was granted  a warrant for the arrest of Russias president, Vladimir Putin.

He then dived into the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in May 2024, requesting arrest warrants for the leaders of Hamas and Israel in response to the ongoing violence in the Middle East. The ICC is expected to make a decision on whether to accept Khans request in the coming days.

The prosecutor is responsible for initiating investigations when there are reasonable grounds to believe that one of the four international crimes within the ICCs jurisdiction has been committed. These crimes are war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, and the crime of aggression.

The prosecutor may initiate an investigation if it is requested by either the UN Security Council or one of the ICCs 124 member states. But they can also open an investigation on their own initiative, as has happened in the Israel-Hamas case and on several occasions before.

Khans predecessor, Fatou Bensouda, opened an investigation against Israel in 2021. And the current events were, somewhat controversially, addressed as part of this case. The US and others have argued that, given the events of October 7, Khan should have opened a new investigation, and that the failure to do so raises concerns about due process.

When determining whether to proceed with an investigation, the prosecutor must consider various factors. These include the ability and willingness of the relevant state to conduct its own investigation into the alleged crimes.

If the prosecutor is satisfied that the state is genuinely investigating the suspected crimes, then they will defer to the state and refrain from further action. This act of deference is known in international law as the principle of complementarity.

It is this element  the states ability and willingness to investigate alleged crimes on its own  that has drawn the ire of certain politicians regarding Khans decision to request arrest warrants.

The US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, commented in a press statement that the prosecutor rush[ed] to seek these arrest warrants rather than allowing the Israeli legal system a full and timely opportunity to proceed.

Germany, which intervened in the case in support of Israel, made a similar remark. It stated that, as Israel is currently at war, it should have been given an appropriate and genuine opportunity to put its accountability mechanisms into action.

Whether the court accepts that the prosecutor acted too hastily will be clarified in its imminent decision.

Another unique element in the process leading to the request for arrest warrants was the prosecutors appointment of an independent panel of legal advisers. The task of this panel was to assist Khan with evidence review and legal analysis.

The panels appointment and its work, however, has attracted some criticism. Certain legal experts have argued that the selection process for panel members was flawed, that the panels experts lacked the necessary expertise to evaluate controversial facts, and that the panel did not cite its evidential sources.

Some also accused certain members of impartiality, referencing previous public comments on the Israel-Hamas dispute. These critical remarks gained media attention and were echoed by various outlets.



Butcher in Chains, Digital, Dream / Dreamland v3/ Clip2Comic, 2024.

It is important to clarify that the panels mandate was only to advise Khan on his decision to request arrest warrants. Ultimately, it is Khans work and his evaluation of the facts  not the panels  that will be reviewed by the court. Thus, the controversies surrounding the panels role are possibly overstated.

Serious consequences

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, what will happen next should the court accept Khans request and issue arrest warrants? The ICCs history of issuing arrest warrants is mixed, with well-known defendants such as Vladimir Putin, Omar al-Bashir, Saif al-Islam Gaddafi and Joseph Kony still at large.

The warrants are also unlikely to lead to arrests in the current case. It is hard to imagine Israel handing over its prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, or its defence minister, Yoav Gallant, to the Hague. And it is just as unlikely that Palestine will hand over Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas.

However, these warrants are expected to have significant consequences, particularly for Israel. To begin with, Israeli leaders will probably avoid travelling to any of the ICCs member states, as these countries are obligated to arrest them upon entry.

The same faith is less likely to harm Palestines foreign affairs given that these are led by the Palestinian Authority and not by Hamas.

Should the ICC determine that Israels leaders are responsible for committing war crimes and crimes against humanity, this decision will probably lead to increased political isolation and sanctions.

Since the start of the war in Gaza, several countries have suspended the sale of weapons to Israel. The UK followed suit in early September, announcing that it would suspend 30 out of 350 arms export licenses to Israel. This decision could easily be expanded in scope.

The economic impact of an ICC decision to issue arrest warrants would also be severe. It may lead certain investors and funds to disengage and divest from Israel. Many funds have ethical policies that prevent them from engaging in activities that support or contribute to the commission of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

The effect of the decision could reverberate through the ICC, too. In June, the US House of Representatives passed legislation to sanction the ICC and its officials for requesting arrest warrants against Israeli leaders.

This legislation is unlikely to be accepted by the US Senate and become law. But the upcoming US elections, and the prospect of a Republican administration, may not bode well for Khan and his staff.

During his previous term in the White House, Donald Trump imposed personal sanctions on Bensouda in response to her investigations into alleged crimes committed in Afghanistan and Palestine.

There is no doubt that the arrest warrants for the leaders of Israel and Hamas, if issued, will have significant implications. But the extent to which they will affect this decades-old conflict, and whether they will help enforce the international rule of law, is not yet clear.

Avidan Kent, Professor of Law, University of East Anglia

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 11, 2024) - Copper Standard Resources Inc. (CSE: CSR) ("Copper Standard") and Pucara Gold Ltd. (TSXV: TORO) (BVL: TORO) ("Pucara") are pleased to announce that they have entered into an arrangement agreement on September 10, 2024 (the "Arrangement Agreement"), pursuant to which Copper Standard will acquire all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Pucara (the "Pucara Shares"), in exchange for common shares of Copper Standard (the "Copper Standard Shares"), by way of a plan of arrangement (the "Transaction"). The Transaction will create a combined company that consolidates a prospective copper exploration portfolio totaling over 17,000 hectares in Peru. Further details of the Transaction are outlined below.

Transaction Highlights:

Deliver increased scale and enhanced diversification with the addition of three prospective copper exploration assets located in Peru, two of which were selected to be optioned by the late David Lowell, to Copper Standard's portfolio.

Provide synergy and cost savings with Copper Standard's board and management team with a proven history and in-country track record of discovery, exploration success, mine building, operations, community engagement and monetization leading the combined company.

Pucara Copper Projects

Pacaska is an epithermal high-sulfidation gold/porphyry copper target that sits on 7,650 hectares of land with a widespread mineralized footprint. The geology of Pacaska is analogous to various world-class deposits, such as the Pierina Mine in Peru. Rock sampling at Pacaska has returned 17 g/t gold and 11% copper. In 2019, an extensive shallow surface 300 line-km magnetometry and IP geophysical program was completed.

Paco Orco is a carbonate replacement type target with distal mineralization. The 4,400-hectare claim block is largely under-explored containing mineralized gossan and jasperoid silica outcrops that extend for at least two kilometres. Surface rock samples from the project have included up to 0.58% lead, 0.26% zinc, and 58 g/t silver. A third party has an earn-in option agreement on Paco Orco for up to 75% interest. The third party has agreed to obtain all necessary drill permits and spend US$4 million during the first three years for 51% interest. An additional 24% interest, for a total of 75%, can be earned after third party spends US$11.5 million over four years, fully funding a Pre-Feasibility Study ("PFS") for the project, and pay US$0.5 million.

Capricho is a 3,768-hectare concession package with a porphyry copper target. Recent prospecting work on the claims has uncovered porphyry mineralization in stockworks and altered intrusive rocks. The concessions contain enrichment zones of up to 3% copper. A third party has an option to earn a 75% interest over three stages. The third party must obtain all necessary agreements and permits for drilling and spend US$5 million during the first three years for a 51% interest. The remaining 24% interest will be granted when the third party spends US$11.5 million over the next four years, solely funding a PFS on the project, and pay US$0.5 million.

Matt Fargey, CEO of Copper Standard, commented: "This Transaction is an exciting opportunity to unite complementary assets, teams, and investors to create value for all Copper Standard and Pucara shareholders. The late David Lowell endorsed each of Copper Standard and Pucara's copper exploration projects and now combining them all together will allow Copper Standard to leverage its Peruvian team to advance the exploration efforts in-country."

Greg Davis, CEO, President, and Director of Pucara commented: "We are very pleased to be entering this combination with Copper Standard. By combining with Copper Standard, Pucara's shareholders will benefit from the synergies and cost savings of leveraging the combined company's in-country management team while also providing a refreshed approach to community relations at the Pacaska project for obtaining required permits to commence a drilling program."

Transaction Terms

Pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Arrangement Agreement, the holders of the issued and outstanding Pucara Shares will receive 0.1 Copper Standard Shares for each one (1) Pucara Share held (the "Exchange Ratio"). Pucara stock options and warrants that are outstanding at the time of completion of the Transaction will become exercisable for Copper Standard Shares on substantially the same terms and conditions, with the number of Copper Standard Shares issuable on exercise and the exercise price adjusted in accordance with the Exchange Ratio. The Transaction will be carried out by way of a court-approved plan of arrangement under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia).

The Exchange Ratio implies a price of $0.05 per Pucara Share and a premium of approximately 67% based on the closing prices of Copper Standard and Pucara on September 10, 2024, and a premium of approximately 50% based on the 20-day volume weighted average prices of Copper Standard Shares and Pucara Shares as of September 10, 2024. Upon completion of the Transaction, existing Copper Standard and Pucara shareholders would own approximately 85% and 15% of the combined company, respectfully, on an undiluted basis.

Upon completion of the Transaction, Copper Standard will continue to be listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the same Copper Standard name and ticker symbol. The Arrangement Agreement contains customary deal-protection provisions including a non-solicitation covenant on the part of Pucara and a right for Copper Standard to match any Superior Proposal (as defined in the Arrangement Agreement). Under certain circumstances, Copper Standard would be entitled to a termination fee or expense reimbursement fees of $0.25 million.

Complete details of the Transaction will be included in a management information circular to be delivered to Pucara security holders in the coming weeks.

Conditions to Completion

The completion of the Transaction is subject to a number of terms and conditions, including without limitation the following: (a) approval of the Pucara shareholders, as described below; (b) acceptance of the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV"); (c) approval of the British Columbia Supreme Court; (d) there being no material adverse changes in respect of either Copper Standard or Pucara; and other standard conditions of closing for a transaction of this nature. There can be no assurance that all of the necessary approvals will be obtained or that all conditions of closing will be satisfied.

The Transaction is subject to the approval at a special meeting of Pucara shareholders by (i) 66 2/3% of the votes cast by Pucara shareholders, and (ii) if required, a simple majority of the votes cast by the Pucara shareholders, excluding the votes cast by certain persons as required by Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Securityholders in Special Transactions. Copper Standard and Pucara are arm's length parties and, accordingly, the Transaction is not expected to a related party transaction. No finder's fees are being paid in connection with the Transaction.

Officers and directors along with certain shareholders of Pucara who collectively control 40.05% of the Pucara Shares (excluding those issued in connection with the Pucara financing discussed below) on an undiluted basis have entered into voting and support agreements pursuant to which they have agreed to vote their shares in favor of the Transaction.

Board of Directors and Management

Upon closing of the Transaction, the board of directors of Copper Standard will remain unchanged to lead the combined management and project teams. The head office will continue to be in Vancouver, Canada. In addition, on September 10, 2024 and prior to execution of the Arrangement Agreement, Mr. Andy Swarthout resigned as a director of Pucara to avoid conflicts under corporate law as a result of being a director of both Copper Standard and Pucara.

Pucara Financing

Concurrent with signing the Arrangement Agreement, Copper Standard has signed a subscription agreement to subscribe for 8,415,765 units of Pucara (the "Units") at a price of $0.03 per Unit (the "Pucara Financing"). Each Unit will include one Pucara Share and one half of one common share purchase warrant, with each whole warrant entitling the purchase of one Pucara Share at a price of $0.05 per Pucara Share for a period of five years from the date of issuance. The Pucara Financing is expected to close within five days of this announcement.

The Pucara Financing will be relying upon exceptions permitted by the TSXV in order to issue the Pucara Shares at less than $0.05 per Pucara Share. Pucara also intends to rely on the "part and parcel exception" under the policies of the TSXV in respect of the Pucara Financing as the Pucara Financing is integral to the Transaction by capitalizing the combined company.

It is anticipated that proceeds from the Pucara Financing will be utilized for the payment of legal and other advisor fees in connection with the Transaction (approximately 50% of the gross proceeds) and for other general working capital purposes (approximately 50% of the gross proceeds), provided that permitted working capital purposes shall not include payment of bonuses, amounts in respect of a change of control, nor any other amounts to employees, consultants or related parties. None of the proceeds raised will be used to pay "Non-Arm's Length Parties" or to fund "Investor Relations Activities" (as each is defined in the policies of the TSXV).

Transaction Timeline

Pursuant to the Arrangement Agreement and subject to satisfying all necessary conditions and receipt of all required approvals, the parties anticipate completion of the Transaction by the end of 2024. Following completion of the Transaction, Pucara Shares will be de-listed from the TSXV and Lima Stock Exchange and Pucara will cease to be a reporting issuer under Canadian securities laws.

Recommendations by the Boards of Directors

After consultation with its legal advisors, the board of directors of Copper Standard unanimously approved entering into the Arrangement Agreement. After consultation with its legal advisors, the board of directors of Pucara unanimously approved entering into the Arrangement Agreement and unanimously recommends that Pucara Gold shareholders vote in favour of the Transaction.

Counsel

DLA Piper (Canada) LLP are acting as legal counsel to Copper Standard. Gordon J. Fretwell Law Corporation and McMillan LLP are acting as legal counsel to Pucara.

Qualified Person

The technical information of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Andy Swarthout, Chairman of Copper Standard, and a Qualified Person, as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

About Copper Standard Resources Inc.

Copper Standard is engaged in the acquisition, exploration, discovery, and development of mineral interests focusing on copper and gold projects. Copper Standard has an option to acquire 100% of the Colpayoc Copper-Gold Property in Peru ("Colpayoc"). Colpayoc has significant, untested potential for supergene and porphyry copper-gold mineralization at depth, beneath drill holes bottoming in oxide gold-copper mineralization. Colpayoc is largely untested with limited drilling and is similar to many of the world class porphyry copper-gold deposits within the prolific Yanacocha District. Recognizing the importance of sustainable practices, Copper Standard remains dedicated to thorough evaluation and responsible development within the mineral sector. Copper Standard continues to evaluate opportunities in the mineral sector on an ongoing basis.

About Pucara Gold

Pucara is a junior exploration company focused on the discovery and advancement of economic precious metals deposits in resource-rich Peru. Pucara has a portfolio approach to project acquisition and controls seven precious and base metal projects located in Peru. Pucara is advancing one project while the remaining two are under option agreements with strategic partners.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news 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 news release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, respectively (collectively referred to herein as "forward-looking information"). Forward-looking information may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "targets", "expects", "is expected", "scheduled", "estimates", "outlook", "forecasts", "projection", "prospects", "strategy", "intends", "anticipates", "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or terminology which states that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might", "will", "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". Forward-looking information in this news release includes: expected timing and completion of the Transaction; the strengths, characteristics and expected benefits and synergies of the Transaction; receipt of court approval; approval of the Transaction by Pucara shareholders at the special meeting of Pucara securityholders; obtaining CSE and TSXV acceptance to complete the Transaction; the completion of the Pucara Financing; obtaining TSXV acceptance to complete the Pucara Financing; the anticipated timing of the special meeting of Pucara shareholders to vote on the Transaction and the related management information circular; the expected delisting of the Pucara Shares; and the composition of Copper Standard's board and management team following completion of the Transaction. In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, intentions, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including information in this news release regarding the Transaction and the Pucara Financing, contain forward-looking information. Statements containing forward-looking information are not historical facts but instead represent the companies' expectations, estimates and projections regarding possible future events or circumstances. The forward-looking information included in this news release is based on the companies' opinions, estimates and assumptions in light of their experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, their assumptions regarding the Transaction and the Pucara Financing (including, but not limited to, their ability to close the Transaction and the Pucara Financing on the terms contemplated, and to derive the anticipated benefits therefrom), as well as other factors that they currently believe are appropriate and reasonable in the circumstances. The forward-looking information contained in this news release is also based upon a number of assumptions, including the companies' ability to obtain the required securityholder, court and regulatory approvals in a timely matter, if at all; their ability to satisfy the terms and conditions precedent of the Arrangement Agreement in order to consummate the Transaction; assumptions in respect of current and future market conditions and the execution of the companies' business strategies, that operations in Copper Standard's and Pucara's properties will continue without interruption, and the absence of any other factors that could cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated, intended or implied. Despite a careful process to prepare and review the forward-looking information, there can be no assurance that the underlying opinions, estimates and assumptions will prove to be correct. Forward-looking information is also subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such risks, uncertainties and other factors include, but are not limited to, failure to receive the required shareholder, court, regulatory and other approvals necessary to effect the Transaction; the potential for a third party to make a superior proposal to the Transaction; that Copper Standard and its shareholders will not realize the anticipated benefits following the completion of the Transaction; that the Pucara Financing will not be completed; that the proceeds of the Pucara Financing will not be used as announced; that the special meeting of Pucara shareholders to vote on the Transaction will not occur at the anticipated timeframe; and those set forth under the Risk Factors in the companies' most recent respective management's discussion and analysis, and other documents filed with or submitted to the Canadian securities regulatory authorities on the SEDAR+ website at www.sedarplus.ca.

Although the companies have attempted to identify important risk factors that could cause actual results or future events to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other risk factors not presently known to them or that they presently believe are not material that could also cause actual results or future events to differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking information. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information, which speaks only as of the date made. The forward-looking information contained in this news release represents the companies' expectations as of the date of this news release and is subject to change after such date. Copper Standard and Pucara each disclaim any intention or obligation or undertaking to update or revise any forward-looking information whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. All of the forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by the foregoing cautionary statements.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 11, 2024) - Founders Metals Inc. (TSXV: FDR) (OTCQX: FDMIF) (FSE: 9DL0) ("Founders" or the "Company") announces drill core assay results from its fully-funded 2024 drill program at the Antino Gold Project ("Antino" or the "Project") in southeastern Suriname. The Company reports new high-grade, gold-bearing structures in eastward step-out and extends the Froyo Gold Zone ("Froyo") 500 metres (m) north. This new mineralization connects through the historical artisanal mining pit known as 'Cupcake'. Founders' diamond drilling now delineates ~1,400 m of high-grade gold mineralization at Froyo (Figure 1).

Highlights

Froyo strike length increases by 500 m; results include multiple high-grade intercepts Three main zones in drill hole 24GG015 including: 5.0 m of 14.09 grams per tonne (g/t) gold (Au) from 274.0 m 15.0 m of 3.51 g/t Au from 173.0 m 7.0 m of 3.64 g/t Au from 243.0 m Drill hole 24CU006 intercepts 7.0 m of 3.46 g/t Au from 107.0 m



Multiple broad, gold-bearing shears in latest eastward step-out at Froyo including: 14.0 m of 2.91 g/t Au from 56.0 m (24FR080) 24.0 m of 1.60 g/t Au from 183.0 m (24FR081)



President & CEO Colin Padget commented, "With a drill-defined footprint that is 500 metres longer and 100 metres wider, the Froyo zone has almost doubled from two months ago. The recent growth further highlights the robust nature of the gold system at Antino and the property's potential to host world-class gold deposits."

Padget continued, "Beyond Froyo and Upper Antino, our Phase 1 drill program at Buese is nearly complete and we look forward to sharing those results later this month once we have the remaining outstanding assays back. Lastly, Lower Antino work has advanced quickly with drilling underway, and we are soon to begin an auger and trenching program at Lawa."

Connecting Ginger, Cupcake and Froyo Gold Zones

The results from drillholes 24FR080, 24FR081, and 24GG015 occur within a key structural junction between the historical Cupcake pit and the Froyo Gold Zone. There is now demonstrable geological continuity of the gold mineralization between these two historical mining areas (Figure 1). Drill results from 24CU001-006 occur within and along strike of Cupcake and represent the northernmost drill-defined gold mineralization to date. Founders' technical team now recognizes that the Ginger, Cupcake and Froyo zones comprise connected parts of a single larger mineralized corridor that hosts multiple, high-grade shear zones spanning a combined strike length of at least ~1,400 m.

Donut Phase 2 Drilling

Founders intends to do a second phase of drilling at the Donut target area to further expand upon the strong results in the initial drill program including 19.0 m of 14.23 g/t Au (23DO007) and 45.0 m of 2.16 g/t Au (23DO006). The Donut target exhibits both low grade, bulk tonnage style mineralization and a high-grade shear component occurring along the margins of a mineralized intrusive body. The Company successfully discovered two dominant shear structures while also demonstrating the continuity of mineralization at depth and along strike. We expect this drilling to further extend and better define the intrusive body hosting mineralization. Phase 2 at Donut is expected to begin in Q4 2024.

Figure 1: Upper Antino Plan Map with Drillhole Locations

Figure 2: Subvertical Section of Froyo Zone

Figure 3: Oblique View & Long-Section of Upper Antino Drilling by Founders Metals to Date

Table 1: Assay Results

Hole ID From (m) To (m) Core Length* (m) Au (g/t) 24FR081 103.00 112.00 9.00 0.50 and 134.00 141.00 7.00 2.27 and 183.00 207.00 24.00 1.60 and 250.00 252.00 2.00 1.69 24FR080 56.00 70.00 14.00 2.91 24FR079 23.10 29.10 6.00 1.16 24FR078 71.10 74.10 3.00 1.05 24FR077 51.60 54.60 3.00 1.50 and 218.00 220.00 2.00 7.04 and 310.00 315.00 5.00 0.77 24GG015 103.00 107.00 4.00 0.94 and 144.00 147.00 3.00 1.21 and 173.00 188.00 15.00 3.51 and 243.00 250.00 7.00 3.64 and 274.00 279.00 5.00 14.09 24GG014 3.60 14.10 10.50 0.40 and 32.10 44.10 12.00 1.18 and 132.00 139.00 7.00 0.62 and 197.00 198.00 1.00 33.47 and 245.00 247.00 2.00 3.08 24GG012 140.10 143.10 3.00 0.48 24GG011 268.00 271.00 3.00 0.48 24GG010 157.00 162.00 5.00 0.80 24GG009 198.00 205.00 7.00 0.66 24GG008 149.00 153.00 4.00 4.46 and 188.00 195.00 7.00 0.75 24CU006 107.00 114.00 7.00 3.46 24CU005 NSA 24CU004 121.00 131.00 10.00 1.21 incl 121.00 125.00 4.00 2.67 24CU003 NSA 24CU002 127.00 132.00 5.00 0.31 24CU001 105.00 115.00 10.00 0.42

*Intervals are estimated to represent 85% or more of true width based on current drill data

Table 2: Drill Hole Locations

Hole ID Easting* (m) Northing* (m) Elevation (m) Azimuth () Dip () Depth (m) 24FR081 817181.7 401382.7 206.9 250.0 -50.0 407.0 24FR080 817060.5 401468.0 170.9 250.0 -50.0 338.0 24FR079 817075.0 401384.5 182.0 250.0 -50.0 257.0 24FR078 816668.2 400877.6 226.5 60.0 -55.0 301.9 24FR077 817042.3 401261.0 202.9 250.0 -50.0 358.8 24GG015 817128.1 401333.1 200.1 250.0 -50.0 389.0 24GG014 817143.3 401233.2 165.2 250.0 -50.0 311.1 24GG012 816895.2 401273.2 225.4 262.4 -50.7 300.6 24GG011 816957.5 401328.2 230.3 259.5 -49.7 302.0 24GG010 816980.3 401205.3 191.4 232.9 -51.9 211.8 24GG009 816964.7 401238.8 199.8 237.8 -55.1 233.2 24GG008 816964.7 401238.8 199.8 236.2 -48.0 260.0 24CU006 816918.8 401658.3 160.0 84.0 -50.8 290.2 24CU005 817062.4 401727.3 157.7 88.1 -52.8 254.1 24CU004 817057.1 401727.1 157.7 253.6 -47.2 202.1 24CU003 817283.0 401559.5 162.4 268.4 -47.0 258.8 24CU002 817099.9 401556.4 157.3 268.4 -63.3 202.4 24CU001 817100.2 401556.5 157.3 268.3 -46.4 200.1

*The coordinate reference system is WGS 84, UTM zone 21N (EPSG 32621)

About Founders Metals Inc.



Founders Metals is a Canadian-based exploration company focused on advancing the Antino Gold Project located in Suriname, South America, in the heart of the Guiana Shield. Antino is 20,000 hectares and has produced over 500,000 ounces of gold from surface and alluvial mining to date1. The Company drilled 10,000 metres in 2023 and is fully financed for drilling in 2024.

12022 Technical Report - Antino Project; Suriname, South America. K. Raffle, BSc, P. Geo & Rock Lefrancois, BSc, P.Geo.

Quality Assurance and Control



Results from samples were analyzed at FILAB Suriname, a Bureau Veritas Certified Laboratory in Paramaribo, Suriname (a commercial certified laboratory under ISO 9001:2015). Samples are crushed to 75% passing 2.35 mm screen, riffle split (700 g) and pulverized to 85% passing 88 m. Samples were analyzed using a 50 g fire assay (50 g aliquot) with an Atomic Absorption (AA) finish. For samples that return assay values over 10.0 grams per tonne (g/t), another cut was taken from the original pulp and fire assayed with a gravimetric finish. Founders Metals inserts blanks and certified reference standards in the sample sequence for quality control. External QA-QC checks are performed at ALS Global Laboratories (Geochemistry Division) in Lima, Peru (an ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited facility). A secure chain of custody is maintained in transporting and storing of all samples. Drill intervals with visible gold are assayed using metallic screening. Rock chip samples from outcrop/bedrock are selective by nature and may not be representative of the mineralization hosted on the project.

Qualified Persons



The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Michael Dufresne, M.Sc., P.Geol., P.Geo., an independent qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS,

Per: "Colin Padget"

Colin Padget

President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-Looking information includes, without limitation, statements regarding the use of proceeds from the Company's recently completed financings and the future or prospects of the Company. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect ", "is expected ", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". Forward-Looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to business, market, and economic risks, uncertainties, and contingencies that may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, other factors may cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Other factors which could materially affect such forward-looking information are described in the risk factors in the Company's most recent annual management discussion and analysis. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

All material information on Founders Metals can be found at www.sedarplus.ca.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 11, 2024) - Golden Spike Resources Corp. (CSE: GLDS) (OTCQB: GSPRF) (FSE: L5Y) ("Golden Spike" or the "Company") announces a non-brokered private placement financing of up to 5,000,000 non-flow-through units ("NFT Units") at $0.20 per NFT Unit for gross proceeds of up to $1,000,000. Each NFT Unit consists of one common share and one-half of one transferable warrant. Each whole warrant (a "Warrant") is exercisable into one common share at $0.30 per common share for 2 years from closing (the "NFT Private Placement").

The Company received a lead order from Mr. Eric Sprott for the NFT Private Placement. Upon completion of the NFT Private Placement, Mr. Sprott's investment combined with his existing holdings will further increase his equity stake in the Company, currently at 12.3%. The Company deeply appreciates the backing from all of its strategic shareholders and the broader investment community.

In regard to the NFT Private Placement, the Company will pay finder's fees consisting of 6% cash and 6% warrants (with the same terms as the subscribers' Warrants except that the finder's warrants will be non-transferable) on all or a portion of the NFT Private Placement, in accordance with the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange.

In addition, the Company has entered into an engagement letter with Kernaghan & Partners Ltd. ("Kernaghan") pursuant to which Kernaghan has agreed to act as lead agent and sole bookrunner for a brokered private placement offering in the provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, Newfoundland and Nova Scotia of up to 8,000,000 flow-through units (each a "FT Unit") at $0.23 per FT Unit for gross proceeds of up to $1,840,000. Each FT Unit consists of one flow-through common share (a "FT Share") and one-half of one transferrable warrant. Each whole warrant (a "FT Warrant") is exercisable into one non-flow-through common share at $0.33 per common share for 2 years from closing (the "Brokered FT Private Placement"). Each FT Share and each FT Warrant is expected to qualify as a "flow-through share" as defined in s. 66(15) of the Income Tax Act (Canada).

Kernaghan has the option to place up to an additional 800,000 FT Units (being 10% of the Brokered FT Private Placement) for additional proceeds to the Company of up to $184,000. The Company and Kernaghan intend to negotiate a formal agency agreement reflecting the terms of the engagement letter, subject to, among other things, satisfactory completion of the Kernaghan's due diligence investigations.

In regard to the Brokered FT Private Placement, the Company will pay Kernaghan a fee consisting of 6% cash and 6% non-transferable broker warrants, each exercisable to acquire one common share at $0.23 per common share for a period of 36 months.

Proceeds of the Private Placements will be used for Canadian exploration and development of the Company's project in Newfoundland, and for general working capital.

All securities issued and sold under the Private Placements will be subject to a statutory hold period expiring four months and one day from their date of issuance, in accordance with applicable securities laws.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. persons except in compliance with the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or pursuant to exemptions therefrom.

About Golden Spike

Golden Spike Resources Corp. (CSE: GLDS), (OTCQB: GSPRF), (FSE: L5Y) is a Canadian mineral exploration company focused on identifying, acquiring and unlocking value in mineral opportunities in Canada and other low-risk jurisdictions. The Company currently holds 100% interest in the 5,050-hectare Gregory River Property in Newfoundland, strategically centered over an approximate 11-kilometer-long stretch of the Gregory River VMS-belt, a north-northeast trending corridor of very prospective ground with potential to host Cyprus-type polymetallic VMS deposits. In addition, the Property hosts a cluster of historically explored, high-grade, copper gold vein structures.

"Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE") nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release."

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release includes certain statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company regarding future events. Generally, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "intends" or "anticipates", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "should", "would" or "occur". This information and these statements, referred to herein as "forwardlooking statements", are not historical facts, are made as of the date of this news release and include without limitation, statements regarding discussions of future plans, estimates and forecasts and statements as to management's expectations and intentions with respect to, among other things, completion of the Private Placements, the fact that Mr. Eric Sprott will close on a lead order in the NFT Private Placement, the equity stake that Mr. Eric Sprott is expected to have upon completion of the NFT Private Placement, the payment of finder's fees in connection with the NFT Private Placement, the execution of an agency agreement with Kernaghan, the payment of broker fees to Kernaghan in connection with the Brokered FT Private Placement, the fact that each FT Share and each FT Warrant will qualify as a "flow-through share" as defined in s. 66(15) of the Income Tax Act (Canada), the use of proceeds from the Private Placements, and the proposed exploration plans for the Company's project in Newfoundland.

These forwardlooking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties and actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, the Company not receiving the necessary corporate approvals in respect of the NFT Private Placement and/or the Brokered FT Private Placement; the failure of Mr. Eric Sprott to participate in the NFT Private Placement in the amount expected, or at all; the failure of the Company to pay finder's fees under the NFT Private Placement; the early termination of the engagement letter and the engagement of Kernaghan; the failure of the Company and Kernaghan to negotiate and execute an agency agreement; the failure of the Company to pay broker fees under the Brokered FT Private Placement; the risk that the FT Shares and/or FT Warrants do not qualify as "flow-through shares" as defined in s. 66(15) of the Income Tax Act (Canada); the failure of the Company to complete the NFT Private Placement and/or the Brokered FT Private Placement, on the terms expected, or at all; recent market volatility; unanticipated costs; changes in the Company's business plans; the state of the financial markets for the Company's securities; and the exploration of the Company's project not occurring as anticipated, or at all.

In making the forward looking statements in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation, that the Company will receive the necessary corporate approvals in respect of the NFT Private Placement and the Brokered FT Private Placement; that Mr. Eric Sprott will close on a lead order in the NFT Private Placement; that the Company will pay the finder's fees and broker fees, as currently anticipated; that the Company will execute an agency agreement with Kernaghan; that the FT Shares and FT Warrants will qualify as "flow-through shares" as defined in s. 66(15) of the Income Tax Act (Canada); that the Company will successfully complete the Private Placements; there will be no change in the Company's business plans; and that the Company will have sufficient resources to be able to conduct the exploration of the Company's project as anticipated.

Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, forward-looking information or financial out-look that are incorporated by reference herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. We seek safe harbor.
PERTH, Australia, Sept. 10, 2024 /CNW/ - Westgold Resources Limited (ASX: WGX) (TSX: WGX) (OTCQX: WGXRF) (Westgold or the Company) is pleased to provide an update in relation to recent mining activities at the Western Flanks orebody at Beta Hunt.

Highlights

Sediment hosted coarse gold mineralisation confirmed within Western Flanks - providing significant production upside potential.

Mineralisation style is consistent with the bonanza grade "Father's Day Vein" - previously mined in the parallel A Zone deposit.

Potential for similar style high grade positions within Beta Hunt - including in the rapidly evolving Fletcher Zone.

Westgold Managing Director and CEO Wayne Bramwell commented: "Coarse gold occurrences at Beta Hunt, such as the famous "Father's Day Vein" discovered in 2018, have to date been limited to the A Zone deposit.

The confirmation of this style of mineralisation within the Western Flanks deposit not only provides increased production upside, it also indicates the potential for additional bonanza grade zones within other mineralised structures such as the Fletcher Zone.

Westgold sees a much larger opportunity at Beta Hunt and across our Southern Goldfields assets, with drilling the catalyst to defining their real scale."

Sediment Hosted Coarse Gold at Beta Hunt  The A Zone Discovery

Within Westgold's Beta Hunt mine at Kambalda, Western Australia, the majority of gold mineralisation is hosted within the Lunnon Basalt and associated with northwest trending sub-vertical structures (Figure 2). Within the Lunnon Basalt is a narrow pyritic laminated shale horizon known as the Lunnon Sediment. When intersected by mineralising structures, such as that in A Zone, the Lunnon Sediment has developed a bonanza grading southerly plunging coarse gold zone along the length of the A Zone.

This gold zone includes the Father's Day Vein (FDV) occurrence which was discovered in 20181 and produced in excess of 30,000oz of gold2. Importantly, the FDV had not been captured in the A Zone geological or Mineral Resource Estimation model at that time.

______________________________ 1 Refer to Karora Resources (then RNC Minerals) TSX Announcements of 9 September 2018 & 16 September 2018.

2 Refer to Karora Resources (then RNC Minerals) TSX Announcement of 2 October 2018.

Western Flanks  An Additional Coarse Gold Opportunity

Drilling conducted by Karora Resources in 2019 as part of the Western Flanks exploration program intersected sediment associated, coarse gold in two holes with assay results comprising (Appendix A):

2.00m @ 1,017.3 g/t Au - including 0.27m @ 7,621 g/t Au, in drill hole WFN-29; and

4.75m @ 395.9g/t Au - including 0.85m @ 2,210g/t Au, in drill hole WFN-0633.

These results highlighted the potential for Western Flanks to also host the same style of coarse gold mineralisation as mined from the Father's Day Vein within A Zone.

In Q1 FY25, the mining schedule allowed for stoping of the area hosting the coarse gold intersections identified in the 2019 drilling (Figures 3 & 4). Observations from mining Stope WFC-380-N1 have since revealed the presence of sediment associated coarse gold (Figure 1) which confirms the same coarse gold style of mineralisation mined at A Zone is also present at Western Flanks.

In a similar fashion to A Zone, the coarse gold mineralisation at Western Flanks is interpreted to have a shallow southerly plunge along the length of the Western Flanks Mineral Resource. The coarse gold mineralisation at Western Flanks is not yet modelled in the Western Flanks Mineral Resource and is therefore expected to deliver additional ounces to the mine reconciliation.

________________________ 3 Refer to Karora Resources TSX announcements of 22 January 2019, and 25 February 2019 (accessible via SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca)).

Looking Forward

The Lunnon Sediment is a regional stratigraphic unit which is located around 150m below the Lunnon Basalt  Kambalda Ultramafic contact. This unit is likely present over the full Beta Hunt sub-lease and the confirmation, through mining, that coarse gold is now associated with the Western Flanks shear zone supports the interpretation for coarse gold mineralisation occurring wherever the Lunnon Sediment intersects a mineralised shear zone.

By analogy to A Zone and Western Flanks, this opens the opportunity for Lunnon Sediment coarse gold mineralisation to occur within the Fletcher Zone (within the Hunt Block) as well as extensions to shear zones in the Beta and Gamma Blocks.

This represents significant upside production potential that will be tested by accelerated drilling programmes in FY25.

This announcement is authorised for release to the ASX and TSX by the Board.

Competent/Qualified Person Statements

Exploration Results

The information in this release that relates to exploration results was compiled by Westgold technical employees and contractors under the supervision of Mr. Simon Rigby B.Sc. (Hons), who is a member of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists and who has verified, reviewed and approved such information. Mr Rigby is a full-time employee of the Company and has sufficient experience which is relevant to the styles of mineralisation and types of deposit under consideration and to the activities which he is undertaking to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 Edition of the Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves (the "JORC Code") and as a Qualified Person as defined in the CIM Guidelines and National Instrument 43-101  Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"). Mr. Rigby is an employee of the Company and, accordingly, is not independent for purposes of NI 43-101. Mr Rigby consents to and approves the inclusion in this release of the matters based on his information in the form and context in which it appears. Mr Rigby is eligible to participate in short- and long-term incentive plans of the company.

General

Mineral Resources, Ore Reserve Estimates and Exploration Targets and Results are calculated in accordance with the JORC Code. Investors outside Australia should note that while Ore Reserve and Mineral Resource estimates of the Company in this announcement comply with the JORC Code (such JORC Code-compliant Ore Reserves and Mineral Resources being "Ore Reserves" and "Mineral Resources" respectively), they may not comply with the relevant guidelines in other countries. The JORC Code is an acceptable foreign code under NI 43-101. Information contained in this announcement describing mineral deposits may not be comparable to similar information made public by companies subject to the reporting and disclosure requirements of US securities laws, including Item 1300 of Regulation S-K. All technical and scientific information in this release has been prepared in accordance with the Canadian regulatory requirements set out in NI 43-101 and has been reviewed on behalf of the Company by Qualified Persons, as set forth above.

The Company confirms that it is not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the information included in the original market announcements and that all material assumptions and technical parameters underpinning the estimates in the relevant market announcements continue to apply and have not been materially changed. The Company confirms that the form and context in which the Competent Persons findings are presented have not been materially modified from the original market announcements.

Forward Looking Statements

These materials prepared by Westgold Resources Limited include forward looking statements. Often, but not always, forward looking statements can generally be identified by the use of forward looking words such as "may", "will", "expect", "intend", "believe", "forecast", "predict", "plan", "estimate", "anticipate", "continue", and "guidance", or other similar words and may include, without limitation, statements regarding plans, strategies and objectives of management, anticipated production or construction commencement dates and expected costs or production outputs.

Forward looking statements inherently involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Company's actual results, performance and achievements to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements. Relevant factors may include, but are not limited to, changes in commodity prices, foreign exchange fluctuations and general economic conditions, increased costs and demand for production inputs, the speculative nature of exploration and project development, including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses and permits and diminishing quantities or grades of reserves, political and social risks, changes to the regulatory framework within which the Company operates or may in the future operate, environmental conditions including extreme weather conditions, recruitment and retention of personnel, industrial relations issues and litigation.

Forward looking statements are based on the Company and its management's good faith assumptions relating to the financial, market, regulatory and other relevant environments that will exist and affect the Company's business and operations in the future. The Company does not give any assurance that the assumptions on which forward looking statements are based will prove to be correct, or that the Company's business or operations will not be affected in any material manner by these or other factors not foreseen or foreseeable by the Company or management or beyond the Company's control.

Although the Company attempts and has attempted to identify factors that would cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those disclosed in forward looking statements, there may be other factors that could cause actual results, performance, achievements or events not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended, and many events are beyond the reasonable control of the Company. In addition, 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 of the Company's continuous disclosure filings available on SEDAR+ or the ASX, including, in the Company's current annual report, half year report or most recent management discussion and analysis.

Accordingly, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward looking statements. Forward looking statements in these materials speak only at the date of issue. Subject to any continuing obligations under applicable law or any relevant stock exchange listing rules, in providing this information the Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any of the forward-looking statements or to advise of any change in events, conditions or circumstances.

APPENDIX A  WESTERN FLANKS  WFC N1 P3 STOPE DRILLING - SIGNIFICANT INTERSECTIONS WITHIN LUNNON SEDIMENT UNIT

Hole Collar N Collar E Collar RL Intercept

(Downhole) From (m) Dip Azi Total Length (m) WFN-29 544087 374806 -348.7 2.00m @ 1,017.3g/t Au 43.00 -8.6 234 119.8 Inc. 0.27m @ 7,621g/t Au 44.82 WFN-63 544087 374805 -348.2 4.75m @ 365.9g/t Au 47.00 -9.0 230 117.2 Inc. 0.85m @ 2,210g/t Au 51.00

APPENDIX B  JORC 2012 TABLE 1  GOLD DIVISION

SECTION 1: SAMPLING TECHNIQUES AND DATA

(Criteria in this section apply to all succeeding sections.)

Criteria JORC Code Explanation Commentary Sampling techniques Nature and quality of sampling (e.g. cut channels, random chips, or specific specialised industry standard measurement tools appropriate to the minerals under investigation, such as down hole gamma sondes, or handheld XRF instruments, etc.). These examples should not be taken as limiting the broad meaning of sampling.

Include reference to measures taken to ensure sample representivity and the appropriate calibration of any measurement tools or systems used.

Aspects of the determination of mineralisation that are Material to the Public Report.

In cases where 'industry standard' work has been done this would be relatively simple (e.g. 'reverse circulation drilling was used to obtain 1 m samples from which 3 kg was pulverised to produce a 30 g charge for fire assay'). In other cases more explanation may be required, such as where there is coarse gold that has inherent sampling problems. Unusual commodities or mineralisation types (e.g. submarine nodules) may warrant disclosure of detailed information. Diamond Drilling

A significant portion of the data used in resource calculations has been gathered from diamond core. Multiple sizes have been used historically. This core is geologically logged and subsequently halved for sampling. Grade control holes may be whole-cored to streamline the core handling process if required.

Face Sampling

At each of the major past and current underground producers, each development face / round is horizontally chip sampled. The sampling intervals are domained by geological constraints (e.g. rock type, veining and alteration / sulphidation etc.). The majority of exposures within the orebody are sampled.

Sludge Drilling

Sludge drilling at is performed with an underground production drill rig. It is an open hole drilling method using water as the flushing medium, with a 64mm (nominal) hole diameter. Sample intervals are ostensibly the length of the drill steel. Holes are drilled at sufficient angles to allow flushing of the hole with water following each interval to prevent contamination. Sludge drilling is not used to inform resource models. Drilling techniques Drill type (e.g. core, reverse circulation, open-hole hammer, rotary air blast, auger, Bangka, sonic, etc.) and details (e.g. core diameter, triple or standard tube, depth of diamond tails, face-sampling bit or other type, whether core is oriented and if so, by what method, etc.).

Method of recording and assessing core and chip sample recoveries and results assessed.

Measures taken to maximise sample recovery and ensure representative nature of the samples. RC Drilling

Drill cuttings are extracted from the RC return via cyclone. The underflow from each interval is transferred via bucket to a four-tiered riffle splitter, delivering approximately three kilograms of the recovered material into calico bags for analysis. The residual material is retained on the ground near the hole. Composite samples are obtained from the residue material for initial analysis, with the split samples remaining with the individual residual piles until required for re-split analysis or eventual disposal.

RAB / Aircore Drilling

Combined scoops from bucket dumps from cyclone for composite. Split samples taken from individual bucket dumps via scoop. RAB holes are not included in the resource estimate.

Blast Hole Drilling

Cuttings sampled via splitter tray per individual drill rod. Blast holes not included in the resource estimate. Drill sample recovery Whether a relationship exists between sample recovery and grade and whether sample bias may have occurred due to preferential loss/gain of fine/coarse material. All geology input is logged and validated by the relevant area geologists, incorporated into this is assessment of sample recovery. No defined relationship exists between sample recovery and grade. Nor has sample bias due to preferential loss or gain of fine or coarse material been noted. Logging Whether core and chip samples have been geologically and geotechnically logged to a level of detail to support appropriate Mineral Resource estimation, mining studies and metallurgical studies.

Whether logging is qualitative or quantitative in nature. Core (or costean, channel, etc.) photography.

The total length and percentage of the relevant intersections logged Westgold surface drill-holes are all orientated and have been logged in detail for geology, veining, alteration, mineralisation and orientated structure. Westgold underground drill-holes are logged in detail for geology, veining, alteration, mineralisation and structure. Core has been logged in enough detail to allow for the relevant mineral resource estimation techniques to be employed.

Surface core is photographed both wet and dry and underground core is photographed wet. All photos are stored on the Company's servers, with the photographs from each hole contained within separate folders.

Development faces are mapped geologically.

RC, RAB and Aircore chips are geologically logged.

Sludge drilling is logged for lithology, mineralisation and vein percentage.

Logging is quantitative in nature.

All holes are logged completely, all faces are mapped completely. Sub-sampling techniques and sample preparation If core, whether cut or sawn and whether quarter, half or all core taken.

If non-core, whether riffled, tube sampled, rotary split, etc. and whether sampled wet or dry.

For all sample types, the nature, quality and appropriateness of the sample preparation technique.

Quality control procedures adopted for all sub-sampling stages to maximise representivity of samples.

Measures taken to ensure that the sampling is representative of the in-situ material collected, including for instance results for field duplicate/second-half sampling.

Whether sample sizes are appropriate to the grain size of the material being sampled. Blast holes -Sampled via splitter tray per individual drill rods.

RAB / AC chips - Combined scoops from bucket dumps from cyclone for composite. Split samples taken from individual bucket dumps via scoop.

RC - Three tier riffle splitter (approximately 5kg sample). Samples generally dry.

Face Chips - Nominally chipped horizontally across the face from left to right, sub-set via geological features as appropriate.

Diamond Drilling - Half-core niche samples, sub-set via geological features as appropriate. Grade control holes may be whole-cored to streamline the core handling process if required.

Chips / core chips undergo total preparation.

Samples undergo fine pulverisation of the entire sample by an LM5 type mill to achieve a 75 product prior to splitting.

QA/QC is currently ensured during the sub-sampling stages process via the use of the systems of an independent NATA / ISO accredited laboratory contractor. A significant portion of the historical informing data has been processed by in-house laboratories.

The sample size is considered appropriate for the grain size of the material being sampled.

The un-sampled half of diamond core is retained for check sampling if required. For RC chips regular field duplicates are collected and analysed for significant variance to primary results. Quality of assay data and laboratory tests The nature, quality and appropriateness of the assaying and laboratory procedures used and whether the technique is considered partial or total.

For geophysical tools, spectrometers, handheld XRF instruments, etc., the parameters used in determining the analysis including instrument make and model, reading times, calibrations factors applied and their derivation, etc.

Nature of quality control procedures adopted (e.g. standards, blanks, duplicates, external laboratory checks) and whether acceptable levels of accuracy (i.e. lack of bias) and precision have been established. Recent drilling was analysed by fire assay as outlined below;

At Beta Hunt all drill core sampling is conducted by Karora personnel. Samples for gold analysis are shipped to SGS Mineral Services of Kalgoorlie for preparation and assaying by 50 gram fire assay analytical method. All gold diamond drilling samples submitted for assay include at least one blank and one Certified Reference Material ("CRM") per batch, plus one CRM or blank every 20 samples. In samples with observed visible gold mineralization, a coarse blank is inserted after the visible gold mineralization to serve as both a coarse flush to prevent contamination of subsequent samples and a test for gold smearing from one sample to the next which may have resulted from inadequate cleaning of the crusher and pulveriser. The lab is also required to undertake a minimum of 1 in 20 wet screens on pulverised samples to ensure a minimum 85% passing at -75m. No significant QA/QC issues have arisen in recent drilling results.

Photon Assay was introduced in 2023 for Beta Hunt grade control samples. PhotonAssay technology (Chrysos Corporation Limited) is a rapid, non-destructive analysis of gold and other elements in mineral samples. It is based on the principle of gamma activation, which uses high energy x-rays to excite changes to the nuclear structure of selected elements. The decay is then measured to give a gold analysis. Each sample is run through two cycles with a radiation time of 15s. This methodology is insensitive to material type and thus does not require fluxing chemicals as in the fire assay methodology. Highlights of the PhotonAssay process are as follows:

The process is non-destructive; the same sample accuracy can be determined by repeat measurements of the same sample. In addition, the instrument runs a precision analysis for each sample relating to the instrument precision The process allows for an increased sample size, about 500 g of crushed product.

The crushed material is not pulverised, as in the fire assay process; this ensures that gold is not smeared or lost during pulverisation (especially important if there is an expectation of visible gold that is being analysed)

Historical drilling has used a combination of Fire Assay, Aqua Regia and PAL analysis.

These assay methodologies are appropriate for the resources in question. Verification of sampling and assaying The verification of significant intersections by either independent or alternative company personnel.

The use of twinned holes.

Documentation of primary data, data entry procedures, data verification, data storage (physical and electronic) protocols.

Discuss any adjustment to assay data. No independent or alternative verifications are available.

Virtual twinned holes have been drilled in several instances across all sites with no significant issues highlighted. Drillhole data is also routinely confirmed by development assay data in the operating environment.

Primary data is collected utilising LogChief. The information is imported into a SQL database server and verified.

All data used in the calculation of resources and reserves are compiled in databases (underground and open pit) which are overseen and validated by senior geologists.

No adjustments have been made to any assay data. Location of data points Accuracy and quality of surveys used to locate drill holes (collar and down-hole surveys), trenches, mine workings and other locations used in Mineral Resource estimation.

Specification of the grid system used.

Quality and adequacy of topographic control. All data is spatially oriented by survey controls via direct pickups by the survey department. Drillholes are all surveyed downhole, deeper holes with a Gyro tool if required, the majority with single / multishot cameras.

All drilling and resource estimation is preferentially undertaken in local mine grid at the various sites.

Topographic control is generated from a combination of remote sensing methods and ground-based surveys. This methodology is adequate for the resources in question. Data spacing and distribution Data spacing for reporting of Exploration Results.

Whether the data spacing and distribution is sufficient to establish the degree of geological and grade continuity appropriate for the Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve estimation procedure(s) and classifications applied.

Whether sample compositing has been applied. Data spacing is variable dependent upon the individual orebody under consideration. A lengthy history of mining has shown that this approach is appropriate for the Mineral Resource Estimation process and to allow for classification of the resources as they stand.

Compositing is carried out based upon the modal sample length of each individual domain. Orientation of data in relation to geological structure Whether the orientation of sampling achieves unbiased sampling of possible structures and the extent to which this is known, considering the deposit type.

If the relationship between the drilling orientation and the orientation of key mineralised structures is considered to have introduced a sampling bias, this should be assessed and reported if material. Drilling intersections are nominally designed to be normal to the orebody as far as underground infrastructure constraints / topography allows.

Development sampling is nominally undertaken normal to the various orebodies.

Where drilling angles are sub optimal the number of samples per drill hole used in the estimation has been limited to reduce any potential bias.

It is not considered that drilling orientation has introduced an appreciable sampling bias. Sample security The measures taken to ensure sample security. For samples assayed at on-site laboratory facilities, samples are delivered to the facility by Company staff. Upon delivery the responsibility for sample security and storage falls to the independent third-party operators of these facilities.

For samples assayed off-site, samples are delivered to a third-party transport service, who in turn relay them to the independent laboratory contractor. Samples are stored securely until they leave site. Audits or reviews The results of any audits or reviews of sampling techniques and data Site generated resources and reserves and the parent geological data is routinely reviewed by the Westgold Corporate technical team.

SECTION 2: REPORTING OF EXPLORATION RESULTS

(Criteria listed in the preceding section also apply to this section.)
On September 9, actor Jung Hae-in attended a press event and media conference at CGV Yongsan I-Park Mall in Seoul to introduce his upcoming film I, the Executioner, with director Ryoo Seung-wan and co-stars Hwang Jung-min and Jung Man-sik.

The stars were asked if Jung felt pressured to live up to Yoo Ah-in's previous role in the 2015 film Veteran, where he played a character named Jo Tae-oh.

"The structure of evil in this film is different from the last one, so there was no character-related pressure," Jung answered.

"However, since the previous film was beloved by many, I did have some concerns about it," he added. Known for his effective performances, he discussed some of the challenges of his role, such as the restrictions he faced in expressing his feelings.

SEE: Jung Hae In Net Worth 2024 + How Much is His Salary Per Episode

"In the beginning, the direction of my gaze was important," Jung added, "From the latter part of the film, I had to act while wearing a mask and hat, which limited my facial expressions.

I spent a lot of time thinking about how to express myself in such confined spaces." I, the Executioner is an action-crime movie about a young detective, Park Sun-woo (played by Hae-in), who collaborates with a veteran detective, Seo Do-cheol (played by Hwang) to catch a serial killer who is terrorizing the citizens of the country. The movie is scheduled to be released on September 13.

Jung is currently featured in the K-drama titled Love Next Door, and he will be starring in this mystery film. It has only been a couple of years since his contemporary Yoo was arrested for the use of drugs.

With Yoo Ah-In facing legal trouble, including two accusations and reportedly a one-year prison sentence, his character's fate might influence Jung's path in the cinema industry, which has been parallel so far.

The fans will see if Jung is able to prove himself as a distinctive young actor in his new upcoming film.

SEE: 'Love Next Door' Star Jung Hae In Promotes New Film 'I, the Executioner'

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Actors Jung Hae-in and Jung So-min will be traveling to Bali at the end of this month for a couple's pictorial shoot, fueling rumors of a romantic relationship.

Jung Hae-in and Jung So-min are the stars in the current tvN drama "Love Next Door, " also known as "Mom's Friend's Son," and are reportedly preparing to leave for Bali on September 24th.

They will depart just a few days before the drama ends and will participate in the shooting for a fashion magazine. An official in the advertising industry admitted that it is "very unusual" for the couple to have an overseas pictorial shoot right after a series wraps up, and it raises questions about the true nature of their relationship.

"Such schedules were found to be quite uncommon, except for the rewards of a vacation or overseas pictorial shooting for the early promotions of a drama."

The overall ratings of the drama didn't go above average and remained in the range of 4-6%. Many in the drama production industry are quite surprised about the overseas pictorial shooting as the drama is about to end soon.

The rumors of romantic feelings between Hae-in and So-min, who have a fiery acting partnership, are expected to be the talk of the town. Hae-in and Jung So-min have not made any official statements on the matter at this time.

The fashion magazine featuring Hae-in and Jung So-min's couple pictorial will be released soon.

SEE: 'Love Next Door' Star Jung Hae In Promotes New Film 'I, the Executioner'

Meanwhile, on the morning of Sept 11, actor Jung Hae-in reportedly laughed during a promotional interview for the movie Veteran 2, which was held in a cafe in Samcheong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, when asked "Are you dating Jung So Min?"

He replied, "I won't say anything.I'm afraid articles will come out with just that wording." Then he added, "First of all, Jung So-min and I are only a year apart in age. We are childhood friends in the setting, so I thought it would have been uncomfortable if we weren't close. We were all close before the shooting began. And neither of us are extroverts. But when two introverted people get close to each other, there is a vibe. That's true; we really got comfortable for six months, and the feeling of a childhood friend started to appear. It's nice that the viewers liked it.But it's just a drama, so we're happy that everyone liked the making-of."

Regarding comments that "there are reactions that say it would be good if they dated in real life," he added, "right, our chemistry is that good. It's a drama, but they said we really seemed like we were dating behind-the-scenes. It's promotional content, and we're shooting it somewhere. So we're happy because they said our chemistry was good. It's true that the chemistry between me and So-min seems good."

SEE: Tragic Ending For 'Love Next Door'? Fans Point Out 4 Tell-Tale Signs Seok Ryu is Sick and Dying

What can you say about the story? Share your comments below





Kdramastars own this.





This article was written by:





Rovelyn Barba
Today, Kim Hye Yoon arrived in South Korea safely from her trip to Hong Kong. 'Korea Dispatch' shared the video of her arriving at Incheon International Airport on Instagram. Fans were happy to see her return home, and they filled the comments with sweet messages.

See: Kim Hye Yoon Update 2024: Is the 'Lovely Runner' Star Preparing for New Drama?

Take a look at some of their heartfelt messages below.

Hellobungz: "Thank you dispatch for the video. Our Hyeyoon is so so pretty and cute today."

Jhiboo: "Yes please, that's my heart right there. Love you hyeyoon and I am ready to support any movie of yours."

Spring haneull: "Our beloved princess is so adorable."

The 'Lovely Runner' star had adorable airport fashion. She wore a knit hat covered in red hearts, a white crop top, pink blouse, and light-colored wide leg pants.

See: 'Lovely Runner' Director Admires Kim Hye Yoon's Top-Notch Acting: 'I Respect Her'

View her stylish airport video below.

This spring, Kim Hye Yoon starred in the romantic fantasy Kdrama 'Lovely Runner.' She played character Im Sol in the series about a fan time-traveling to change the future for her and her favorite celebrity. It co-starred Byeon Woo Seok, and the popular series ended its run on May 28.

What do you think about her fabulous airport fashion? What type of Kdrama do you hope she stars in the next?




Wednesday, September 11, 2024 - Detectives from DCI Nairobi Regional Headquarters have arrested Daniel Mbugua Njogu, also known as Dan, at his residence in the Kimbo area.

Mr. Njogu, aged 30, is accused of defrauding numerous individuals under the guise of forex trading.

His arrest follows an extensive investigation into fraudulent activities that misled and exploited members of the public seeking financial gains through forex investments.

The arrest of Mr. Njogu confirms the DCI's commitment to tackling financial crimes and protecting citizens from fraudulent schemes.

Individuals who may have been deceived by Njogu's actions or who may have lost money are urged to come forward and report their cases at the DCI's Nairobi area offices.

As financial fraud remains a significant risk, members of the public are strongly advised to exercise caution when engaging in forex trading or any other online investment activities. It is crucial to verify the legitimacy of brokers and trading platforms before entrusting them with any amount of money.

Members of the public are also advised to be wary of offers that seem too good to be true and to ensure that all investments are made through licensed and regulated entities.





The Kenyan DAILY POST.






Tuesday, September 10, 2024 - Suspects linked to ISIS plotted to attack Pope Francis during his trip to Indonesia, but were thwarted by their own online boasts, authorities say.

Last week, the Indonesian national police arrested seven people suspected of planning attacks against the 87-year-old, peace-preaching pontiff while he was in Jakarta as part of his Asia-Pacific tour, officials say.

Police seized bows and arrows, a drone, and ISIS leaflets during raids of the suspects homes on Sept. 2 and 3, police said in a statement.

At least some of the plotters had pledged allegiance to ISIS, an unnamed source told the Straits Times. One of them was in the same ISIS-aligned terror cell that stabbed Indonesias chief security minister in 2019.

It remains unclear if all seven detainees were working together, police said.

The wannabe attackers were apparently enraged over the popes visit to the largest mosque in Southeast Asia, Istiqlal, and the fact that the government urged local television stations not to interrupt the popes televised Mass with the usual Islamic call to prayer, the Straits Times reported.

The plotters seemed to have outed themselves online and been sold out by acquaintances. Police said the suspects blasted threats and propaganda on social media in the run-up to the pontiffs visit. They also threatened to start fires at certain locations.

We have a mechanism to monitor and filter. We had tip-off information from members of the public, said Col. Aswin Siregar of the national police anti-terror unit Detachment 88.

The pope had delivered a message of peace and tolerance during his visit to Jakarta, the first stop on a 12-day Asia-Pacific tour that also includes Papua New Guinea, East Timor and Singapore.

Indonesian authorities ramped up protection for Il Papa during his three-day visit, which ended Friday: On top of his own security detail, the pope was protected by Indonesian police, snipers and soldiers, a total force of around 4,000, Barrons reported.




Wednesday, September 11, 2024  High Court Judge Lawrence Mugambi is now living in fear after presiding over the high-profile case of three missing Kitengela men.

This is after Acting Inspector General of Police Masengeli sent his goons to threaten and intimidate him over the case.

Justice Mugambi disclosed that a senior police officer had been prying into his whereabouts, raising serious concerns about potential threats against him as he handles the sensitive case.

According to the Judge, the officer made repeated inquiries to the judge's driver and bodyguard about his location.

"The conduct is unacceptable and borders on outright intimidation," stated Mugambi.

Kenya has a long history of police and political intimidation, often used to silence critics and stifle dissent.

The revelation of a plot to intimidate a High Court judge overseeing a sensitive case involving missing persons allegedly abducted by police revives deep-seated fears of impunity.

This revelation has intensified scrutiny on the police as they face accusations over the disappearance of activist Bob Micheni Njagi and two brothers, Jamil and Aslam Longton.

The three men have been missing since August 19, when they were allegedly abducted by individuals believed to be police officers in Kitengela.

Justice Mugambis court has been the centre of attention, especially after he found Masengeli guilty of contempt.

The police boss has repeatedly failed to appear before the court, ignoring legal summons on seven occasions.

His absence has fuelled suspicions of high-level cover-ups within the police.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Wednesday, September 11, 2024 - A couple who pretended to have 18 children in a 300k tax credit fraud scam have now been ordered to pay back just 2.

According to Mail Online, 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'

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 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.

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.'




Wednesday, September 11, 2024 - Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has stated that he will start working with wise people, noting that he is currently surrounded by fools within the government who constantly advise him to mislead Kenyans.

Speaking on Monday, Gachagua, who is spearheading a rebellion of Mt Kenya leaders against the government, declared that he will start surrounding himself with wise individuals and distance himself from the fools who have been advising him.

I must start walking with the wise and stop walking with fools, Gachagua said.

Gachagua spoke even as some of President William Ruto's close confidantes accused the second in command of being a tribalist for advocating a united Mt Kenya region.

The second in command has been calling communities living in Mt Kenya to remain united ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

However, Ruto's allies have interpreted Gachaguas call as ethnic mobilization, which they deem both uncouth and unconstitutional.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Wednesday, September 11, 2024  As investigations into the deadly fire tragedy at Endarasha Academy that claimed the lives of 21 students intensify, a multi-agency team comprising DCI detectives, the Kenya Power Company, and the Ministries of Education and Public Works spent a considerable time in the school compound where they also interrogated the school's owner Mr. David Kinyua for at least six hours on what transpired.

During the probe, the school director took the officers around the school's premises and showed them the power installations situated in different sections of the institution.

The DCI officers, led by Homicide Director Martin Nyoguto, questioned the school owner about the events that led to the Thursday night tragedy.

He reportedly founded the school 15 years ago.

Of great interest to the multi-agency team was the final moments that led to the fire with investigations narrowed to the possibility of an electric fault, according to sources privy to the information.

Reports further revealed that the detectives also questioned the technician who set up the electric circuit at the school.

Meanwhile, the DCI officers have also lined up several people for questioning about the fire incident at the school.

Among the people tipped for interrogation include the school headteacher, the matron, the teacher on duty, and other key witnesses including the survivors of the tragedy.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Wednesday, September 11, 2024 - Residents of Trans Nzoia woke up to shock after homicide officers exhumed the body of a woman from a shallow grave wrapped in a blanket.

The incident occurred at Kaliwa village in Waitaluk Ward leading to the arrest of two suspects.

Concerned residents suspicious of fishy activities reported the matter to the authorities after which officers from Kitale Police Station arrived at the scene to initiate further investigations.

Following the tip from the members of the public, homicide officers marked the home as a scene of crime and guarded the compound last night.

The police are hunting for more leads, even as the plot continues to thicken.

On Friday, it emerged that the woman's retrieved body was buried without a casket several meters outside a mud-walled house.

Since then, panic has gripped the village amid fears that several other bodies may be buried in the compound since there are signs of fresh digging activities in the compound.

According to Trans Nzoia County police commander Jeremiah Ole Kosiom, the homicide officers had obtained a court order to search the compound and dig up the grave.

We have two suspects in custody and we will know the whole truth, the police boss stated.

The two suspects arrested are owners of the home where the shallow grave was discovered. The discovery of the body has raised alarm about the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Many questions remain unanswered about how long the bodies have been buried and the circumstances surrounding their death.

The Kenyan DAILY POST
JOHANNESBURG, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- The Africa-China partnership is a mutually beneficial endeavor with huge potential for further growth, a former South African senior diplomat has said. Gert Grobler, a former South African ambassador to Spain, Japan, and Madagascar, and currently an honorary professor at the Institute of African Studies at Zhejiang Normal University in East China, made the comments during a recent interview with Xinhua. "The essence of Africa-China cooperation is mutual benefit and common development. Their cooperation has never been and will never be a mere talk shop," Grobler said. "While bringing tangible benefits to the African and Chinese peoples, Africa-China cooperation has also created more favorable conditions for international cooperation." Grobler noted that this must be seen against the background of today's world, which is facing increasingly multiple and complex challenges. "As a result, Africa and China are striving to strengthen unity and cooperation with other Global South countries, with a view to jointly tackling challenges and pushing for a more equal, just and rational international order." Grobler pointed out that the remarkable accomplishments of China's social and economic transformation have served as an inspiration for numerous African countries. They have shown a keen interest in learning from and adopting the best practices employed by China. This is largely because the experiences and development model of China have proven to be highly relevant and influential for many developing countries, particularly those in the Global South. "Furthermore, Africa has accepted and stands ready to work with China and other developing countries to jointly implement China's Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilization Initiative, among others," Grobler added. Grobler further said these initiatives are aimed at improving global economic development, practicing true multilateralism, increasing the representation and voice of the Global South in global governance, and safeguarding the shared interests of developing countries toward the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. "When China-Africa cooperation thrives, Global South cooperation will also flourish," said Grobler. Grobler underlined that the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) remains the flagship collaborative platform between China and Africa. He further emphasized that the FOCAC has continued to deliver wide-ranging, tangible economic and social results. In his view, since the inception of the FOCAC 24 years ago, China-Africa relations have grown ever closer, and cooperation has produced fruitful results. The success of the FOCAC lies in the commitment of both sides to the purposes of increasing understanding, expanding consensus, strengthening friendship, and promoting cooperation through equal consultation. In the interview, Grobler also talked about the reason why he, together with 63 African scholars, sent a joint letter to Chinese President Xi Jinping. "As African scholars, we are deeply encouraged by President Xi's dynamic leadership and strategic contribution, as illustrated at the third plenary session (of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China), which strongly reaffirmed an unwavering commitment to China's modernization through reform and opening up while mapping out a clear path for China's continuous high-quality development," said Grobler. "We believe it is vital to strengthen both Africa and China studies which would provide intellectual support to bilateral relations. Enhanced collaboration between African and Chinese think tanks and media would allow for an increasing collaboration on the sharing of the common vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind."




Wednesday, September 11, 2024 - Homa Bay Town Member of Parliament, Peter Kaluma, has urged members of the Kikuyu community to stop blackmailing President William Ruto, who is committed to uniting the entire country after the divisive 2022 presidential election.

Some Mt Kenya leaders allied to Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua have been threatening to ditch the government if Ruto and his coterie don't respect the second in command.

The leaders, led by Embakasi Central Member of Parliament Benjamin Gathiru, said the entire Mt Kenya region will move away from the government if Ruto continues undermining the region and its leaders.

However, Kaluma, an Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) MP, boldly told off Mt. Kenya leaders, insisting that all Kenyans are now part of the government.

He added that the Kikuyus should not feel entitled as no community holds a special status in the new political landscape.

The ignorance, misconceived sense of entitlement, and disrespect from some "leaders" from Mt. Kenya region is nauseating.

"Someone tell this guy that all Kenyans are in government - as Kenyans, we are nobody's spouse! Tufinyane sote ndani ya serikali kwa upole, Kaluma wrote on X on Tuesday.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Wednesday, September 11, 2024 - Kisii County Senator Richard Onyonka has criticized the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) for targeting Nelson Amenya, a whistleblower who exposed the controversial Adani Group-JKIA deal.

In a letter from Michael Sang, Head of the Serious Crimes Unit at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, Nelson Amenya was requested to provide several documents related to his Afrinet Carbon Limited Company.

These included a certified copy of the certificate of incorporation, a certified copy of the Articles and Memorandum of Association, and the names and contact details of the registered directors and founders of the company.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations, pursuant to its mandate, is currently conducting investigations into a case of Computer fraud, Sang stated.

However, Senator Onyoka said the letter by DCI to Amenya was a witch hunt aimed at intimidating the businessman who currently resides in France

I consider this letter and request from the DCI as a witch-hunt aimed at serving a vindictive, vitriolic, and vengeful politically motivated abhorrence, read the statement in part.

The Kisii Senator pointed out that the information requested by the DCI are documents that the state can access from the Business Registration Service (BRS), an entity mandated to oversee all the operations of registration of such a business.

I condemn any belligerent action by the state to venomously try to silence Kenyans in rightfully participating in lawful governance activities in this country.

Such actions are an outright setback to the progress we have made as a democracy. Any attempt on the same will be repulsed by every means possible using all legal options available, Onyonka stated.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Tuesday, September 10, 2024 - Benson Nderitu, a senior manager at Kenya Reinsurance Corporation, is embroiled in a scandal after a man discovered that he is having an affair with his wife.

The distraught man snooped through his wifes phone after suspecting that she was cheating and found out secret chats between her and the senior manager planning to meet for fun.

His cheating wife and Ben work together at the Government parastatal.

The woman takes advantage of official trips at work to have fun with the manager in hotel rooms without her husbands knowledge.

The chats between the two (in PDF) are quite something.

Check out the expose










Tuesday, September 10, 2024 - An investigation has been launched after a patient was found dead in an oven at a hospital in England.

Police were called to Kettering General Hospital after the unnamed mans body was discovered on Friday, September 6.

The area was cordoned off while officers investigated and Northamptonshire Police have since confirmed they are not treating the death as suspicious.

No details have been released as to how the man came to be in the oven and the hospital said they are investigating the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

A Northamptonshire Police spokeswoman said: "Police officers were called to the sudden death of a man at Kettering General Hospital on Friday, September 6.

"We are not treating this death as suspicious and will be preparing a report for the coroner. Our thoughts are with the mans family and friends at this time."

University Hospitals of Northamptonshire NHS Group chief nurse, Julie Hogg said: "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 mans family and loved ones. We will not be commenting further at this time."






Wednesday, September 11, 2024 - The Prince Harry visa row case has been closed in a sealed ruling by the judge.

According to Mail Online, 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.

Newsweek reported that the case has been dropped meaning that the public will almost certainly never see Harrys immigration paperwork.

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 about 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.

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.




Wednesday, September 11, 2024 - A section of Mt Kenya leaders has urged President William Ruto to tame his 'attack dogs' who have been disrespecting Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, whom they consider the undisputed leader of the Mt Kenya region.

Speaking at a function in Nairobi on Monday, the leaders singled out National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichungwah.

The Kikuyu MP has been critical of the Deputy President, even going as far as taking jabs at him during official presidential functions.

The MPs accused him of leading and coordinating campaigns to malign Gachagua.

If intimidation will not end, then people will leave silently like in the last government. I am seeing the same trend happening now, Embakasi Central MP Benjamin Gathiru said.

The leaders also challenged the President to clear the air whether the coordinated attacks against his deputy had his blessing.

Maragwa MP Mary Wamaua said the Majority leader position is a big seat and should unite them but Ichungwah was using it to attack other people.

Mr President, you called us to a meeting after the Muranga tour and told us you dont want to hear anything about impeachment and the issue stopped," she said.

"Why is it that Ichungwah is attacking the DP in front of you?

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Wednesday, September 11, 2024 - Kenya and the United States are gearing up for the eighth round of negotiations under the Strategic Trade and Investment Partnership (STIP), as time runs out for the long-delayed free trade agreement.

This comes as President William Ruto prepares for his visit to the United States later this month for the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

The Biden administration, nearing its final months, appears eager to cement its legacy by resolving the trade pact, originally initiated under Donald Trumps presidency.

Meanwhile, Rutos government is keen to secure a deal before the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) expires in 2025.

AGOA allows Kenya and other Sub-Saharan African nations to export products to the US without facing tariffs or quotas.

The next round of talks, set for September 1627, 2024, in Washington, will be led by Principal Secretary for Trade Alfred KOmbudo on the Kenyan side, and Assistant U.S.

Trade Representative Constance Hamilton for the US. Seven key areas are on the agenda, including agriculture, trade facilitation, and workers rights.

According to sources familiar with the talks, both nations are under pressure to finalise the agreement amid growing geopolitical concerns.

The looming expiration of AGOA adds another layer of pressure. The programme has been a critical element of Kenyas export strategy, with over Ksh50 billion in exports to the US annually.

A new trade deal would ensure continued access to the US market and prevent economic disruptions.

However, the path to an agreement has not been smooth. When Biden took office, he sought to shift away from traditional free trade deals, focusing instead on non-tariff measures to promote trade and investment.

This shift created delays and uncertainty, leaving Kenya in a vulnerable position.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Wednesday, September 11, 2024  President William Rutos 2027 political matrix is taking shape and is looking pretty good.

This is after several ODM politicians defected to Rutos UDA ahead of the 2027 General Election following the move by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga to join the government.

The ODM defectors from Marsabit County were received into UDA interim Secretary General Hassan Omar on Tuesday as Ruto prepares to defend his presidential seat at the ballot.

The leaders, drawn mainly from the minority Burji community announced their political decision after holding consultative talks with Omar at the UDA headquarters in Nairobi.

The leaders pledged their loyalty to Ruto during which they promised to support the Head of State's initiatives across the country.

Omar, while welcoming the new leaders, reiterated the position that the political outfit is looking to build towards a national outlook which includes being welcoming and giving a voice to minority groups.

During the meeting, the former Mombasa Senator announced that a department has been established in the party to oversee the interests of demographics across the country.

Omar also stated that UDA and the government are speeding efforts to improve the potential of ASAL regions in the country.

The recent defections come weeks after Ruto's development tour of the Nyanza region.

During the tour, the Head of State was welcomed by ODM stalwarts such as Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi and his energy counterpart Opiyo Wandayi.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Wednesday, September 11, 2024  Kilifi Governor Gideon Mungaro and former Gender Cabinet Secretary Aisha Jumwa's supporters clashed on Monday.

The clash occurred after Aisha Jumwa gatecrashed the popular Chenda Chenda festival and disrupted its whole agenda.

The Chenda Chenda festival is a cultural festival where tribes come to showcase their culture.

The organizers of the events had already booked the venue and set up the dais, however, Aisha Jumwa set up a parallel dais opposite the festival and used that opportunity to hijack high-profile visitors streaming to the event.

Temperatures cooled down after Trade and Industry Cabinet Secretary CS Salim Mvurya arrived. At this point, Aisha Jumwa tried to convince him to join her at her dais.

The CS refused after which the whole situation escalated. According to reports, the brawl was so intense that they ended up dismantling the public address system.

Reacting to the brawl, the Kilifi Governor expressed his disappointment in the unfortunate events, which he claims were politically instigated.

He called on the former CS to wait until 2027 to take the conflict to the ballot.

"Whoever you are and whatever position you hold or used to hold in government doesn't matter, I will crush you if you mess with me. Wait until 2027, Mungaro told Jumwa.

The leaders have accused Aisha Jumwa of neglecting the community when she was a Cabinet Secretary but wants to be recognized now after she was fired.

Jumwa and Mungaro were competitors during the 2022 general elections. They were both vying for the Kilifi Gubernatorial seat, where Mungaro won.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Wednesday, September 11, 2024 - Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris has passionately defended the controversial Adani JKIA takeover deal, calling it a potential game changer for airports in Kenya.

Speaking at JKIA, Passaris urged Kenyans to educate themselves on the benefits of the deal, rather than reacting to prevailing sentiments, which have led to widespread opposition to the deal across the country.

"Kenyans need to understand what the Adani group will provide. I have been to Ahmedabad Airport (India) which was done by Adani.

The first time I went to Ahmedabad airport, four years ago, it was a mediocre airport, today it's one of the five-star airports," Passaris stated as she was leaving the country for Johannesburg where she is expected to represent Kenya at a Pan African Parliament forum.

Passaris went ahead to praise the value of the infrastructure Adani constructed around the Ahmedabad airport.

She opined that the only negative surrounding the deal is the Kenya Kwanza government's reluctance to come clear on the terms of the deal and educate Kenyans on its benefits.

"When you try and have a big contract, there are many people who want that contract.

"The government should come clear and that's why we have a government spokesperson, to break it down and help people understand how much money are they gonna put into the airport," she stated.

This came even as Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) workers downed their tools to protest the deal.

The workers demanded the government furnish them with documents detailing the terms the Kenya Kwanza administration had agreed with the Indian company.

The workers staged a protest beginning at midnight, camping at JKIA. Determined to make their voice heard, the workers sustained the demonstration through to Wednesday.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Tuesday, September 10, 2024 - Switzerland has been named the 'best country in the world, with 14 other European nations making it into the top 25.

The rankings, released by U.S. News & World's report in its annual Best Countries rankings, saw 15 European countries in the top 25 spots, east and Southeast Asia taking four spots, and the Middle East taking two spots, with North America and Oceania taking two spots apiece.

According to Mail Online, the analysis, conducted with marketing and communications services company WPP and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, took the views of more than 17,000 people across the globe to assess how well each nation ranked on categories including power, agility, and cultural influence.

Switzerland, which has been at the top of the table nearly every year since 2017, came top of the ranking once again.

The report said it was 'bolstered by notable performances in three of the heaviest-weighted sub rankings: quality of life , entrepreneurship, and social purpose.'

Other countries in the top 10 included Canada, Australia, Sweden, Germany, the UK, New Zealand, and Denmark.

In Numbers 11 to 25 were Norway, France, the Netherlands, Singapore, Italy, China, the UAE, South Korea, Spain, Finland, Austria, Iceland Belgium, Ireland, and Qatar.






Wednesday, September 11, 2024 - Delta Airlines has released an updated statement following a collision between two of its planes at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Tuesday morning.

"At approximately 10:07 a.m., the wing of an Airbus A350 taxiing out as DL295 from Atlanta to Tokyo-Haneda made contact with the tail of an Endeavor Air CRJ-900, DL5526 to Lafayette, Louisiana, on an adjacent taxiway, resulting in damage to the tail of the regional jet and the wing of the A350," the airline said.

"There have been no reported injuries at this time, and customers are being transported back to the terminal where they will be accommodated on alternate flights. There were 221 customers on DL295 and 56 customers on DL5526. At this time, no additional operational adjustments are expected."

Delta added that it is cooperating with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and other authorities as they investigate the incident.

The collision took place as one of the flights was preparing for takeoff to Lafayette, Louisiana. Eyewitnesses reported that the A350 clipped the back end of the regional jet, startling passengers onboard both planes.

Meteorologist Jason Adams, who was a passenger on one of the planes, described the collision as "very jarring." He shared on social media: "Metal scraping sounds then loud bangs. Were fine. No fire or smoke."

Adams noted that passengers were evacuated onto the tarmac and awaited further instructions. Delta has apologized for the inconvenience and is working to re-accommodate affected passengers. The cause of the collision remains under investigation.

Hartsfield-Jackson, the worlds busiest airport, has faced scrutiny recently after a tragic incident in which two Delta employees died during routine maintenance when a plane tyre exploded earlier this summer. The airport serves as a major hub for Deltas operations.




Wednesday, September 11, 2024 - A fourth-year student at the University of Nairobi was arrested and charged with attempting to burn Hotel Boulevard, linked to President William Ruto, during student protests against the higher education funding model.

The suspect, Bernard Wangila Ojiambo, was caught with a five-litre jerrycan of petrol near the hotel where the students engaged anti-riot police officers in running battles as they called for the scrapping of the funding model.

The charge against you states that jointly with others not before the court, you were found with a five-liter jerrycan with petrol at Hotel Boulevard in circumstances that indicated you intended to commit a felony namely, arson, Senior Principal Magistrate Robinson Ondieki read out the charge to the suspect.

Ojiambo denied the charge.

Defence lawyer Danstan Omari told the court that the accused was arrested on his way to his rented house.

Omari pleaded with the court to release the student on lenient bail terms, adding that he defended the student pro bono.

However, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) opposed the bail application, citing numerous arson cases.

The magistrate reserved his bail ruling and ordered the student to be detained at Capitol Hill Police Station until Tuesday, September 11, 2024, when he will rule on the bond application.

The Kenyan DAILY POST.




Wednesday, September 11, 2024 - President William Ruto has reportedly ordered a significant reduction in the Coffee Reforms Budget, slashing it from the initial Sh 200 million to a paltry Sh 6 million.

This was revealed by Naivasha Member of Parliament Jayne Kihara, who said she was shocked to see Ruto abandoning the coffee farmers, noting that they had turned out in large numbers in 2022 to support his presidential bid.

The recent slashing of the coffee reforms budget from Sh 200 million to Sh 6 million raises concerns, Kihara said.

Ruto is said to be punishing the Mt Kenya region after its leaders led by former President Uhuru Kenyatta and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua were linked to the June and July Gen Z protests that almost toppled his government.

The National Intelligence Service (NIS) and Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have linked Gachagua and Uhuru to the Gen Z protests though they have not provided substantial evidence to prove their claims.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Wednesday, September 11, 2024 - Nairobi County Chief Officer for Environment, Geoffrey Mosiria, has raided an illegal cement plant operated by a Chinese investor in a residential area.



The plant, located within a densely populated neighborhood, was allegedly causing severe pollution and discomfort to residents.

Local authorities had received multiple complaints about the environmental and health hazards posed by the factory, including dust emissions and noise pollution.

Mosiria arrested the investor for further questioning.

He emphasized that the county government is committed to ensuring compliance with zoning laws and environmental regulations to safeguard the well-being of residents.

Authorities are expected to continue investigating the situation, with potential legal actions being taken against the investor for violating land use and environmental laws.

Watch the video.

Nairobi County Chief Officer Mosiria, Arrests a chinese investor having a cement plant in a residential area! pic.twitter.com/wjbq6KD2UP  The Kenyan Vigilante (@KenyanSays) September 10, 2024

The Kenyan DAILY POST.
Once again, I found myself balled up on the kitchen floor, head between my knees, sobbing. My shoulders shook, and my chest heaved as I gasped for air, but air wouldnt be enough. What I was truly gasping for was hope, something that had eluded me during this perpetually challenging season of my neurodivergent parenting career.

Im not sure what made that moment any different from the countless dysregulated nights that preceded it. Most likely, my young, bright, neurodivergent childs words of self-loathing and hatred had filled me with a simultaneous sense of despair and resolvea resolve that only a parent who feels like they are losing their child can begin to grasp. I was determined to find answers that would allow my child to see how wonderful they were, and that would help me reestablish this belief in them despite their challenging behaviors.

As a board-certified family physician with an MPH, I knew about attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). I was licensed to treat this subset of neurodiversity, yet I was sorely unprepared for it in my own home. Medical school and residency had taught me that ADHD was a behavioral disorder marked by poor focus and an inability to sit still. My perfect answer for treatment was school-day stimulants with behavioral therapy. But, as I sat struggling on my kitchen floor, traumatized by the emotional and physical dysregulation that had engulfed my child, I was struck by the complexity of the ADHD nervous system. My medical training had tragically oversimplified the neurology, medications, parenting strategies, and educational interventions needed for my creative, exuberant child to thrive. My child was full of beautiful character traits that were being overshadowed by impulsive and explosive behaviors truly beyond their control. School-day stimulants and sticker charts alone would never be the perfect answer.

My child will be the first to admit that they didnt feel seen or understood by me during this challenging season of our lives. I will be the first to admit that I was failing my child, but I wasnt sure how or why. My education had never painted a full picture of the emotional dysregulation, severe impulsivity, and parent-child frustration that could accompany the executive function delays of ADHD. Medication rebound, rejection sensitivity dysphoria, oppositional defiance, sensory processing sensitivities, time blindness, frustration intolerance, internal restlessness, and sleep disturbances werent in the fine print of my textbooks. They had failed to equip me with the effective parenting skills I desperately needed to meet my childs unique needs while failing to mention the tumultuous stress ADHD could add to a family unit.

Accepting and embracing that I didnt know what I didnt know, little by little led me to the hope for which I had been so desperately gasping. I consumed medical journals, new research, best-selling books, personal testimonials, and signed up for newsletters and workshops from reputable ADHD educators. I was voracious. With cautious optimism, I joined a social media support group for physician moms of children with ADHD, where I found solidarity with fellow female physicians. I waded through conflicting theories and opinions, gross misinformation, and evidence-based approaches rooted in behaviorism to find better answers rich in empathy, neuroscience, and practical application.

My self-assigned CME on ADHD made it clear that my childs medications werent optimized, and medication rebound had been sabotaging our afternoons and evenings. While finding a medical management clinic for ADHD accepting new patients was a feat, I was relieved to secure a provider who listened and validated my childs daily struggles. Although medication trials were taxing, finding the right class and combination empowered my child to feel more in control of their behavior. Instead of impulsively climbing on window ledges over our 20-foot-tall foyer, damaging walls in moments of severe frustration, and lashing out physically, my child was able to pause and think more often before acting. I knew medication optimization was only part of the puzzle; I needed effective parenting skills.

Traditional parenting strategies had not only been ineffective but had worsened my relationship with my child, resulting in opposition, defiance, and poor self-esteem. My breakthrough moment finally occurred when I stumbled across the book How to Talk so Kids Will Listen and Listen so Kids Will Talk by Mazlish and Faber. Despite being published in the 1970s, this book was the turning point in my parenting, pushing me toward other priceless resources that would forever change my perspective on parenting. I was the one who needed to change. I wasnt a bad mom. I loved my children immensely and was doing the best that I could with the skills that I had. I now recognized that I needed to reframe how I viewed ADHD, my childs challenging behaviors, and my parenting approach.

ADHD reframe

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental difference (not willful behaviors) that can be more clearly understood through the lens of a delay in executive function skills, specifically self-regulation. My child wasnt trying to be defiant or difficult when focusing on boring or mundane tasks. They couldnt just will themself to focus, get organized, or sit still. They were frequently bored due to understimulation and then dysregulated due to overstimulation. My child had an interest-based nervous system that craved dopamine. This neurodiverse nervous system gave them many advantages, such as seeing things in a unique way, being able to hyperfocus and establish a flow state, and being passionate about injustice. While leaving for school on time was a challenge due to poor working memory and distractibility, their impulsivity led to adventure, excitement, and discovery. While big emotions were still sparking challenging moments, I learned there was a better way to support my child with all feelings as they arose.

Reparenting

My traditional parenting approach (unbeknownst to me) had been rooted in behaviorism. Consequences (positive and negative), time-outs, and unintentional shame-based approaches had failed because they made my child doubt their own value while simultaneously threatening their safe and secure attachment with me. Compliance had come at the cost of connection, eventually leading to opposition, defiance, and emotional overwhelm. The parenting strategies I had been implementing (many of which were promoted in best-selling books dedicated to ADHD) prevented attunement. By disregarding the human part of parenting and focusing solely on behavior change, these methods felt bad and fell short.

The new parenting strategies I was rapidly implementing incorporated polyvagal theory, attunement, and attachment. They parsed out the nuances of behavior, dismissing the oversimplified view of behavior as simply good or bad. It made sense that all behavior is communication, and bad behaviors often stem from unmet needs or lacking skills. When my child was acting out, it was because they were having a hard time, not because they were trying to be difficult. In those challenging moments, my child needed my calm, sturdy presence to help them regulate their nervous system, as their prefrontal cortex responsible for self-regulation was still developing (and due to ADHD, was lagging behind that of most neurotypical children by at least three years). Accepting my childs neurodevelopmental differences allowed me to adjust my expectations, approaching frustrating situations from a place of empathy rather than criticism.

In addition to deepening my understanding of behaviors, I learned the importance of acknowledging my childs feelings, validating them, and providing a safe space for them to be aired, even if I didnt agree with them. While I could not allow all behaviors, I could allow for all feelings, thus fostering emotional intelligence. Through modeling and joint problem-solving outside of heated moments, I could help my child develop skills. Instead of isolating my child, I could help them work through their big feelings. By giving my child more positive feedback and limiting the negative, I could help reestablish their healthy sense of self-worth while reinforcing the behaviors I wanted to see.

By adjusting my parenting style, reframing my view of ADHD, and finding an effective medication combination for my child, their behavior began to change as well. The opposition and defiance melted away, leaving a child who liked themself and had no doubt about how much I liked them too. I dont get it right every day, and our home will never be typical. We will always have more challenges with deep feelings and strong emotions. But when my child is having a hard time, I now ignore the onlookers who misunderstand the moment. I step into the moment knowing that I have the skills to help my child regulate. And, even if I fail to help them regulate in that moment, my steady loving presence as we weather the storm together is enough to build connection, attunement, and their positive sense of self. My child is more than their momentary challenging behaviors. Although their brain is wired differently, its neuroplasticity allows new pathways with new skills to be continually created.

Medicine is still uncovering answers to the nuanced differences of the ADHD brain, but many health and educational organizations have yet to catch up with reframing, reparenting, and pushing for new best practices for our children and patients with ADHD. We can do better for these children and their families, and we should. Because, as I discovered, there is hope for nights filled with snuggles and laughter, shared tears and connection, rupture and repair. There is hope for perfectly imperfect families to thrive with all their differences.

Emma Hostetter is a family physician.
The cross-examination of ACP Andrew Mubiru Kizimula, the prosecutions eighth witness in the Katanga murder case, resumed on Wednesday before the High Court in Kampala. Mubiru is the Polices Forensic Director who conducted DNA tests on evidence related to the case.

During Wednesdays proceedings, Mubiru was questioned about his findings regarding the DNA on a bedsheet recovered from Molly Katangas home. He confirmed that his analysis identified a mixed DNA profile containing DNA from Molly Katanga and two unidentified individuals from the Ugandan population.

Defense lawyers challenged the reliability of the DNA results, alleging that the laboratory equipment and testing procedures were contaminated. They pointed to positive results in negative control tests, which should have shown no DNA. Additionally, the lawyers accused Mubiru of using outdated software from 2021, despite the availability of a newer version released in 2024.

Following Henry Katangas murder, police arrested his widow, Molly Katanga, and their two daughters, Martha Nkwanzi and Patricia Kakwanzi. They are charged with murder alongside George Amanyire and Charles Otai, who are accused of assisting in the destruction of evidence.

The four accused are out on bail, while Molly Katanga, the key suspect, is participating in the trial via Zoom from Luzira Womens Prison.
The government of Uganda has been called upon to establish strong defence industries that will bolster the countrys research and development capabilities.

Speaking during a memorial lecture for the late Chief of Defense Forces, Aronda Nyakairima, at the Commonwealth Resort Munyongo on Wednesday, retired Lieutenant General Nakibusi Lakara, the Managing Director of Uganda Cargo, emphasized the strategic importance of defence industries worldwide.

He noted their crucial role in global security, geopolitical dynamics, economic development, and technological innovation.

Let me just refer to the LRA experience, sometime in 1996 the first time we got casualties, we were wondering what kind of weapon was the LRA using, he said on Wednesday.

The Kampala Defence and Security Expo 2024, a three-day event that began on Tuesday, is being held under the theme Celebrating the Life of General Aronda Nyakairima: A Paragon of Revolutionary Sacrifice, Pan-Africanism, Patriotism, Courage, and an Accomplished Freedom Fighter.
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Industry and Commerce Minister Col. Rajyavardhan Rathore addresses media ahead of Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit 2024



khaskhabar.com : Wed, 11 Sept 2024 5:34 PM

-:Bringing down cost of doing business and cutting regulatory red-tape high on Governments priority: Col. Rathore



-:Government of Rajasthan undertaking massive policy overhaul to make industrial landscape investor friendly



Jaipur: Ahead of the Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit 2024, scheduled to be held in Jaipur under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma in December this year, Col. Rajyavardhan Rathore, Honble Minister of Industries and Commerce, Government of Rajasthan, addressed the media today. The Minister said that the government is aiming to double the states GDP from the current INR 15 lakh crore to INR 30 lakh crore in the next five years and garnering investment in the Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit 2024 is the topmost priority of the government. Col. Rathore also said that the government is working towards facilitating ease of doing business under two broad heads- Reducing Cost of Doing Business and Cutting the Red Tape.



Speaking about the Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit 2024, Col. Rajyavardhan Rathore, Honble Minister for Industries and Commerce, Government of Rajasthan said, The summit is an opportunity to showcase Rajasthan as one of the most business-friendly states that is undertaking a massive administrative overhaul to make the industrial landscape investor friendly. For the first time in Rajasthan, the summit is being organised on a global scale for which the patchwork has been laid by tying up with partner nations and partner international organizations.



Col. Rathore noted that the global scale at which the summit is being hosted demonstrates the administrative will and seamless coordination across various departments of the government. He further said that several new policies are going to be launched by the government to ensure that all major sectors of the economy are in sync with the investor-friendly vision of the government.



Laying emphasis on the governments decision to organize the investment summit in the very first year of its tenure, the Minister said that the decision was taken to ensure that the MoUs are not only signed but also implemented on the ground before organizing the successive editions of the global investment summit. He also highlighted the recent decision taken by the government to allocate specific IAS officers as Point of Contacts (PoCs) to specific countries to take routine follow-up on the investment proposals from the respective country/state and ensure its on-ground implementation.



Addressing the media, Honble Industry and Commerce Minister Col. Rajyavardhan Rathore said, We are committed to generate jobs and help the Rajasthans economy through this summit. We are trying that several MoUs, which have been signed, become operational even before the main summit is held in December this year. We have scaled up the international outreach for inviting the business leaders to Rajasthan to unprecedented levels and doing investors meets in different countries and in different cities of the country. In the Delhi Investors Meet, we are going to organize roundtable with ambassadors of different countries. We have the desired political will to make the Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit 2024 a resounding success.



In the run-up to the summit, various government dignitaries ranging from Honble Chief Minister and Cabinet Ministers to Government officials are touring key domestic and international commercial centers to welcome the investors community to the Jaipur summit and help setup their investment projects in the state.



As part of the planned investors meets at these commercial centers, Col. Rathore will lead a high-level delegation to the UAE and Qatar from September 16 to September 20. The delegation will impress upon the investors and business organizations in the two West Asian economies to invest in Rajasthan and invite them for the Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit 2024.





About the Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit 2024:





The Government of Rajasthan, led by Honble 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.
Work is going on behind the scenes to get lights on Duke Street in Athy shining again after a lengthy period out of service. Senator Mark Wall told the Kildare Nationalist last Friday afternoon that theyve been out for at least three months and shared his concerns.

Its very dangerous in my opinion, he said. Ive been contacted by a lot of people who work late in Athy, they're doing deliveries, they're working in the local pubs et cetera, and they're walking that street say at 1 o'clock in the morning or after 12 anyway, and they have fears and it's rightly so.

There's three lights out and it is extremely, extremely dark on that street. You have a light at the post office, but that's the last light then until you get to the corner of Woodstock Street. It's missing three lights in that stretch of road.

The Labour politician said theyve been onto Kildare Co Council for the last three, maybe going on four months now.

On 7 August he was informed via email that these lights are on ESB Network columns and the new maintenance contractors were not yet approved to work on them. They are being audited this week to get the approvals. ESB has said that no work can proceed on their network until the electricians are approved, he was told at that time.

An email received by Senator Wall last Friday explained that the ESB audit was completed and they should have been fixed by now.

I share the fears of those people working late in the town of Athy that the main street is in darkness when they're coming out late at night after  and also those people using those premises late at night as well, the Labour politician said.

It's totally acceptable that it's taken four months... [cllr] Aoife [Breslin] will be talking to the council, I will be talking to the council as well that when the next contract comes up, something like this can never happen again. Whatever about any other lights, the main street lights in the town need to be fixed and fixed urgently once they go out.
By Grainne Ni Aodha, PA

Irish soldiers are preparing for the likelihood of deployment in 2025 as part of an EU battlegroup amid increased political instability around the world.

The Irish Government approved the participation by the Defence Forces in a German-led EU battlegroup this year and next year.

Its purpose includes acting as an initial entry force to stabilise a situation pending the deployment of a follow-on force, to support an established peace operation in difficulty, and to respond to humanitarian crises.

The group can be deployed 6,000km from Brussels, a region which stretches from the Balkans to the Sahel region of Africa.

Irish troops take part in the European Battlegroup National Certification Exercise at Gormanstown Camp in Co Meath (Niall Carson/PA)

This will be the eighth occasion where the Defence Forces have participated in an EU battlegroup, though it has never been deployed before.

The EU Battlegroup 2025, with a strength of 2,000 personnel, is a two-year programme which will be on standby for the entirety of 2025.

There will be 174 personnel from the Defence Forces in the battlegroup, as well as members from Austria, Croatia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Sweden.

The group carried out a certification exercise at the Gormanstown Camp in Co Meath on Wednesday where they simulated manning a perimeter and looking after access and entry points into a base.

Private 3 Star Alan James Harte wearing a chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) suit (Niall Carson/PA)

Lieutenant Colonel Donal Burke said there was an increased likelihood of deployment this time.

He said the group was different from a peacekeeping mission as the battlegroup prepares for all spectrum of crisis management events.

Were very much focused on the peace enforcement because its the harder end of the spectrum.

Lt Col Donal Burke (left) and Captain Michael Cawley take part in the European Battlegroup National Certification Exercise at Gormanstown Camp (Niall Carson/PA)

He added that this battlegroup was different from previous iterations.

So were part of the European Union rapid deployment capacity. This has three main differences to previous battlegroups. One is the timescale. We are on a standby period for 12 months. Previously it was six months.

The second main difference is the number of personnel. Previous battlegroups were 1,500 personnel, this battlegroup can scale up to 5,000 personnel.

And the third difference is the political emphasis. There is a clear focus on the European Union being able to operationalise its foreign policy.
Gordon Deegan

A retired farmer has been left with an off the scale 364,513 income tax and VAT bill after losing a battle with the Revenue Commissioners.

This follows the Tax Appeals Commission (TAC) upholding Revenue assessments against the retired farmer.

Across 2013, 2014 and 2015, the farmer declared a combined income of 493,443, but the TAC found that lodgements to his accounts during that time totalled 1.99 million.

Revenue raised the combined income tax and VAT assessments of 401,709, made up of 154,427 in VAT and 247,282 in income tax, in 2018 and 2019 for the 2013 to 2015 period.

Revenue issued the assessments after concluding that the farmer had understated his income for certain years, and had sold agricultural products including silage wrap on which he had not charged VAT.

At the hearing, the farmer told the TAC that he appealed the Revenue assessments as they were off the scale altogether.

He said: No one knew what they were about.

He said that he keeps suckler cows and families have to live off that.

Its unheard of even to audit a man in that situation, he said.

The farmer had three different explanations for the difference between his declared income and lodgements to his accounts.

The first explanation was that his only income was from the sale of cattle, with a small amount of fertiliser contract work in 2015.

The second explanation was that he allowed his bank account to be used by two individuals as a facilitation arrangement, from which he obtained no benefit.

The third explanation was that he was a bulk buyer and distributor of agricultural supplies for other farmers.

However, Appeal Commissioner Simon Noone found that none of the three "explained the very significant difference between his declared income and the lodgements to his accounts".

Upholding the amended Revenue assessment of 364,513, Mr Noone said he was satisfied that the farmer failed to explain the substantial discrepancy between his declared income, and the transactions into and out of his accounts.

He said the farmer had not disclosed two bank accounts held by him, Ulster Bank and NI Bank of Ireland, to the Revenue and had not cooperated with the Revenue investigation.

Mr Noone said that Revenue had contacted nine farmers who stated that the appellant had supplied wrap and other agricultural supplies to them.

Five of them provided receipts or invoices given to them by the farmer, and the appellant had previously told Revenue that he did not provide receipts or invoices.

The farmer was not able to complete his evidence due to ill health, but Mr Noone stated that even taking his examination in chief at its height, he had not met the burden of proof upon him.

Mr Noone said he found the farmers evidence to be vague, extremely general in nature and contradictory.

He said there was no engagement by the farmer with the substance of the allegations against him.
The ruling ordering Ireland to collect 13 billion in back taxes from Apple dominates Wednesday's front pages.

The Government is concerned about the fallout from the Apple ruling, The Irish Times reports. A story on policing costs for Leinster House protests reaching 1 million also makes the front page.

The Apple windfall will not have an impact on Budget 2025, the Irish Examiner reports.

The 13 billion sum will become an 'election battleground,' the Irish Independent reports.

The Echo, Irish Sun and Irish Daily Mail all lead with the Apple ruling.

Today's front page of The Irish Sun pic.twitter.com/JpWtbz5F7H  The Irish Sun (@IrishSunOnline) September 11, 2024

Don't miss your action-packed @CommunityGames1 supplement in Wednesday's Irish Daily Mail. pic.twitter.com/2LZfT54dG9  The Irish Daily Mail (@irishdailymail) September 11, 2024

The Herald leads with a story on fake funeral notices for criminal James 'Jaws' Byrne.

The Irish Daily Star leads with a story on Limerick hurler Kyle Hayes being convicted of dangerous driving.

Wednesdays front page pic.twitter.com/xjFCKk6Bul  Irish Daily Star (@isfearranstar) September 11, 2024

In the North, the Belfast Telegraph leads with a story on former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson pleading not guilty to 18 historical sex offences.

The Irish News leads with a story on loyalist and republican paramilitary leaders holding discussions in prison about which killings were 'legitimate'.

Mounting pressure over planned changes to winter fuel payments continues to dominate Wednesdays UK headlines.

The Guardian, Daily Mail and Daily Express focus on the spending cuts, revealing the UK government is facing increased pressure to stop the changes.

The Guardian: PM faces calls to aid poorest as winter fuel cut approved #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/xJQg6qDl4C  George Mann (@sgfmann) September 10, 2024

Daily Express: UNITED WE STAND IN WINTER FUEL FIGHT #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/6p4zAkNUwg  George Mann (@sgfmann) September 10, 2024

The i reports the UK prime minister and chancellor Rachel Reeves will push ahead with other cuts, even after a revolt from within Labour ranks.

Wednesday's front page: Starmer and Reeves to push ahead with cuts after facing down rebel MPs #TomorrowsPapersToday @HugoGye and @ChaplainChloe report: https://t.co/3RBSZtvvra pic.twitter.com/wGmgIsLeG9  The i paper (@theipaper) September 10, 2024

The Times and The Daily Telegraph both lead on news that Ukraine could be given the green light to use long-range missiles to strike inside Russia.

 The front page of tomorrow's Daily Telegraph:



'President poised to lift Ukraine missile ban'#TomorrowsPapersToday



Sign up for the Front Page newsletter https://t.co/JIMevXrNiU pic.twitter.com/Z7wCZHp2wX  The Telegraph (@Telegraph) September 10, 2024

The Times: Kyiv to get go-ahead to strike deep into Russia #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/ws62ZrjzdG  George Mann (@sgfmann) September 10, 2024

The European Unions top court has ordered Apple to pay back 13 billion in back taxes to Ireland, the Financial Times reports.

Just published: front page of the Financial Times, UK edition, Wednesday 11 September https://t.co/p3XmrzyVsJ pic.twitter.com/JKl2eWOMdV  Financial Times (@FT) September 10, 2024

TV presenter Jeremy Kyle told an inquest into the death of Steve Dymond after appearing on his show that it had taken a huge toll on his life, according to Metro.

Tomorrow's Papers Today 



HUGE TOLL ON ME, BY CLEARED TV KYLE



 Coroner: Suicide not caused by show#tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/u6deotQJz3  Metro (@MetroUK) September 10, 2024

The Daily Mirror claims BBC staff were told to hand over their phones as part of the networks probe into Strictly Come Dancing bullying allegations.

And the Daily Star hints a long-awaited wedding could take place on the final episode of Gavin and Stacey.

The New York Times leads with a story on Donald Trump pledging to increase tariffs if he is elected president.
Kildare Library Service will host its first Climate Readers Day on Saturday 28 September from 10am4pm at the Riverbank Arts Centre in Newbridge.

Eco Lines will bring together writers, thinkers, makers and feelers to explore what it means to make art in a bruised, burning, beautiful world. From the soil to the sea; seeds to stories; from the feminine to fiction; restoration to rainforests  the festival will hold space for the many various factors that play a part in how, and why we create.

What does it mean to create at a time like this? How do we navigate the myriad crises our planetary home is facing in fair, sustainable, creative ways?

Eco Lines is curated by Kerri ni Dochartaigh and hosted by the Kildare Co Council Library Service in partnership with The Irish Writers Centre. The festival line up at the Riverbank Arts Centre is as follows:

10.15-11am; Sea See // Whale Wail: women on water, grief, ancestry and hope. Join Alice Kinsella and Eleanor Hooker in conversation, chaired by Kerri Ni Dochartaigh, as they discuss women and water, in all their melancholy, mystery and magic.

11.20am-12.20pm, RESTORE, REPAIR, REMEMBER: on finding the way back.

Eoghan Daltun, Samuel Arnold and Aoife Hammond in conversation discuss the land and how we might write a new story of relation to our planetary home. Chaired by Kerri Ni Dochartaigh.

1-2pm, HEAD, HEART, HANDS: healing through one-anotherness. Kerri Ni Dochartaigh joins Jennie Moran and Jesse Gilbert in conversation on interconnectedness; community and ecologies of care. Chaired by Nidhi Zak Aria Eipe.

2.30-3.30pm, Invisible, imagined, Illuminating: fiction, non-fiction and all that lies between. Sinead Gleeson and Molly Hennigan in conversation, exploring creative choice and the navigation of lived experience. What does it mean to write at these times? Chaired by Kerri Ni Dochartaigh.

To book tickets for any of the events taking place in the Riverbank, visit https://www.riverbank.ie/events.

A series of creative writing workshops will take place in Newbridge Community Library as part of the festival. The line-up includes:

11am-1pm, Poetry of Irish Biodiversity in a Time of Crisis with Jane Robinson. To survive shifting climatic and seasonal changes, wild animals and plants need robust and bio-diverse populations. Human and industrial activities have caused them to decline. If insects are down by 70%, what happens to insectivores such as swallows, bats and blue tits? If the pollinators decline, will there be enough berries for the fruit-eaters?

Each participant will write and hone a new poem to celebrate their favourite species of native plant or animal. As writing prompts you will use: first-hand experience, photos, natural prompts (pine cones, feathers, flowers, leaves etc.) and field guides. Discussions and feedback are tailored to suit the experience of participating writers.

Places are limited  applications via MS Form by Friday 20 September.

2-4pm, The Environment as Metaphor in Creative Nonfiction with Ryan Dennis. At its core, climate writing is about bringing the challenges of global warming to the forefront of the readers imaginative consciousness. While cli-fi is an emergent and fast growing field, opportunities to invoke climates concerns  explicitly and implicitly  are often overlooked in creative nonfiction. This workshop will consider techniques to draw thematic meaning from environmental issues in personal essays and memoirs, as well as how to approach the subject as a topic in creative nonfiction. With prompts and writing exercises, participants will leave prepared to write a creative essay that seamlessly promotes awareness of climate change.

Places are limited. Applications via MS Form by Friday 20 September
Kilkennys growing reputation as a thriving technology hub has received a major boost with a global tech giant set to deliver 200 new jobs.

UKG, a leading provider of HR, payroll, workforce management, and culture solutions and the largest US-based private software company in the world, today (Wednesday) announced the establishment of its newest Global Operations Hub in Kilkenny.

In partnership with the Irish government through IDA Ireland, under the Department of Enterprise, Trade, and Employment, UKG plans to hire approximately 200 new roles in the country, with a focus on cybersecurity, but also including customer success, research and development, and professional services.

I am delighted to join with UKG today to welcome the launch of their newest Global Operations Hub in Kilkenny, said Taoiseach Simon Harris.

This announcement will see the creation of 200 new jobs, adding to Kilkennys growing success as a home to leading technology companies. Todays announcement is also a testament to the considerable talent and skills we have available in Ireland.

I look forward to seeing the benefits UKGs investment will bring to Kilkenny and the wider South-East region in the years ahead.

Kilkenny is fast cementing a reputation as a thriving tech hub specialising in cybersecurity, with a strong mix of innovative startups and global technology providers.

UKG has operated in Kilkenny since the 2023 acquisition of multi-country payroll technology provider Immedis, which resulted in the launch of the UKG One View solution.

Were on a mission to give every organisation the opportunity to become a great place to work through technology built for all, and Kilkennys vibrant technology community will provide key talent to help us achieve this goal, said Hugo Sarrazin, president, chief product and technology officer at UKG. With more than 80,000 customers located around the world, our Irish team joins a robust security and network operations group that plays a vital role in safeguarding our solutions.

His comments were echoed by the IDA: "Im delighted that UKG, which is widely respected for driving innovation, has chosen Kilkenny, which is home to some of the best cybersecurity talent, said Michael Lohan, CEO of IDA Ireland. Creating high value job opportunities in regional locations like Kilkenny is one of IDAs key strategic pillars. UKGs plan to create 200 jobs in the region is a testament to the strength of our technology community within Irelands regions.

Recently named one of the Worlds Most Innovative Companies of 2024 by Fast Company, UKG is ranked third in the world among large companies in Foundrys Computerworld 2024 Best Places to Work in IT and was named 2024 Global Payroll Supplier of the Year by the Global Payroll Association. UKG solutions, including the UKG Pro suite and the UKG Ready suite, are regularly ranked as a Leader or #1 in key HCM industry reports and peer review sites, including the Gartner Magic Quadrant for Cloud HCM Suites and The Forrester Wave: Human Capital Management Q2 2023 report.

With an incredible company culture and a commitment to transforming work for millions of people, UKG is a sought-after employer all over the world, said Richard Limpkin, Immedis co-founder and group vice president of multi-country payroll solutions at UKG. In just a year, weve raised the bar for technology providers in Ireland and are proud to partner with the Irish government to anchor Kilkennys thriving technology sector for years to come.

Kilkenny Chamber has also welcomed the announcement, with Chamber vice-president Brian Keyes hailing it as a boost for employment and an endorsement of Kilkenny's growing reputation as a tech and industry hub.

As part of its growing presence in the region, UKG is a top sponsor of the Cyber Ireland National Conference, taking place September 26 in Kilkenny. Mustapha Kebbeh, chief security officer at UKG, will be a featured speaker on the topic of addressing global cybersecurity through public-private partnerships.

Further expansion into the Ireland market follows the addition of Global Innovation Hubs in both Bulgaria and Uruguay, which support the development of award-winning UKG solutions and strategic products. UKG also maintains Innovation Hubs in Canada, India, and the US, where it hosts dual headquarters in Lowell, Massachusetts and Weston, Florida.
The long awaited works to clear the eyes of the bridge over the Kings River in Callan have begun.

Phase one of the works got underway last week with silt being removed both upstream and downstream of the bridge. Rock armour was also put in place upstream of the bridge.

The next phase of the project will see the removal of the sandunes and shrubbery.

The commencement of the works have been widely welcomed by the local community and councillors after years of calling on Kilkenny County Council to take action in a saga lasting over three years.

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Initially, both the Office of Public Works (OPW) and Kilkenny County Council maintained the other was responsible for the works bill.

In July 2023, works to clear the eyes of the bridge were given the go ahead by Inland Fisheries Ireland but were subsequently postponed due to high water levels, following one of the wettest Septembers on record last year.

However, the latest positive development was welcomed by councillors at the most recent Callan-Thomastown Municipal District Meeting.

Cllr Joe Lyons thanked everyone involved, stating it was a 'long journey' from seeking the work to it being approved and now completed, but "people were never as happy" to see the work starting.

Meanwhile, Area Engineer, Declan Murphy praised the contractors involved in the project.
The hiker who was found dead on the Italian island of Sardinia has been named locally.

Originally from Kilkenny, John Bergin, aged 39, had been reported missing by his family last Thursday while on a holiday with his siblings, after failing to return from a hike.

Following an extensive search, his body was found on Sunday near the Sa Rocca Niedda canal.

Mr Bergin and his family had been hiking the Cammino Minerario di Santa Barbara, a trail which runs along the coastline, between the towns of Masua and Cala Domestica.

In a statement shared by the funeral home La Ginestra, his family thanked the Emergency services, the helicopter pilots, drone operations, firefighters, the Carabinieri (Italian national police force), as well as the Irish Embassy and all of those who helped.

They found our brother John and took care of him, we also thank the La Ginestra funeral home. We will be forever grateful for the support and love that the Sardinians have shown us in the last days, they said.
A Kilkenny auctioneer joined a coalition of estate agent representatives to address the Dail last week to campaign for the passing of a buyer's bill that has been delayed since 2021.

Representatives of up to 2,000 estate agents across the country converged on the Dail on Tuesday 3rd September to urge the passing of legislation that will, among other things, take allegedly unsaleable properties, estimated to constitute almost one-third of the residential market, off sale until such time as they have undergone a process that would render them genuinely saleable.

The relevant legislation, the Sellers Legal Pack for Property Buyers Bill 2021, would also protect home buyers from having their mortgage approvals, typically of six months duration, lapse. The Bill which underwent pre-legislative scrutiny in July, is intended to cut by half conveyancing times which take four months on average.

Ella Dunphy of DNG Ella Dunphy Kilkenny and former President of IPAV, the Institute of Professional Auctioneers & Valuers said Irelands conveyancing system dates largely from 1881 and is totally unfit for the digital age.

She said legislators need to fix it, otherwise aspiring buyers will continue to see sales fall through and they will continue to incur unnecessary expenditure, among other issues.

139 submissions, representing about 2,000 agents, including among others DNG, Hooke and MacDonald, Knight Frank, and BidX1, were handed in to Leinster House urging the Government and all public representatives to ensure the Bill is passed without further delay.

The agents expressed frustration saying numerous proposals and minor reforms over the past decade have not been effective in easing delays, including the voluntary Pre-Contract Investigation of Title (PCIT) system. The mandatory proposals in the Bill would ensure the conveyancing system becomes efficient, secure and cost effective for consumers.

In brought into law, the bill would offer early confirmation of property saleability and remove from the market those that cant be sold, and cut conveyancing times, currently averaging four months, by up to 50 per cent.

READ NEXT - Thousands of euro of farming equipment stolen from Kilkenny property
Homeowners in Kilkenny who register for an upcoming Home Energy Upgrade Information Evening will get a free Home Energy Assessment (HEA) worth 850.

The Information Evening event on Tuesday, September 24th in The Lyrath Estate Hotel at 8pm is being organised by Envirobead  one of Irelands leading Deep Retrofit specialists  in association with Daikin.

Envirobead are currently rolling out their One Stop Shop service across the country and are inviting homeowners who are interested in finding out more about Home Energy Upgrades to register now at envirobead.com to avail of the free HEA.

The Home Energy Assessment is the first step, that will give you all the information required to show you what needs to be done to bring your home up to a B2 minimum rating, explained Fergal Cantwell of Envirobead.



Sean Armstrong and Diarmuid OSullivan of Envirobead attending the Home Retrofit Information evening hosted by Envirobead in the Ardilaun Hotel. Photo: Mike Shaughness

The biggest reason to get a Home Energy Upgrade is to future-proof your home for the next 25 to 30 years, he added. Youll have a more comfortable home and, hopefully, reduce your energy bills into the future as well.

Weve a very experienced team right across the country, and we provide nationwide coverage to complete your Home Energy upgrade.

A panel of Home Energy Upgrade experts  including Stephen Farrell (SEAI, Programme Manager National Retrofit Technical), April McHale (Retrofit Manager, Daikin) and Hugh Foley (RTS Heating and Cooling)  will be in attendance at the The Lyrath Hotel to explain the various aspects of the One Stop Shop initiative.



April McHale, Daikin, Fergal Cantwell, Envirobead, Justine Barrett, SEAI, Stephen Farrell, SEAI and Mark Aulsberry, RTS attending the Home Retrofit Information evening hosted by Envirobead in the Ardilaun Hotel. Photo: Mike Shaughnessy

Everything from home insulation to solar panels to heat pumps to ventilation, and much more, will be on the agenda.

The expert panel will also take part in a Question and Answer session which always proves to be very informative and worthwhile.

If youre looking at doing a deep retrofit, the One Stop Shop is the only way to go for your Home Energy Upgrade. Its so much simpler.

These were the words of Justine Barrett from the SEAI (Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland) when she spoke at a very well-attended Envirobead Home Energy Upgrade Information Evening in Galway recently.

The One Stop Shop is going to organise the SEAI grants, theyre going to apply for them on your behalf, you only have to pay the net of the grants, theyll co-ordinate all the contractors, and take all that hassle out for you, she added.

For more information on Envirobeads One Stop Shop service, go to www.envirobead.com or call (022) 22102.
Ally Financial Inc. (NYSE:ALLY  Get Free Report) has received a consensus recommendation of Hold from the eighteen brokerages that are currently covering the firm, Marketbeat Ratings reports. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have given a hold rating and nine have issued a buy rating on the company. The average 1-year target price among brokerages that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $43.41.

A number of equities research analysts have weighed in on the company. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft cut their target price on Ally Financial from $51.00 to $50.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Monday, July 1st. BTIG Research initiated coverage on Ally Financial in a research note on Friday, June 7th. They set a buy rating and a $51.00 target price for the company. Evercore ISI boosted their price target on shares of Ally Financial from $43.00 to $45.00 and gave the stock an in-line rating in a research report on Tuesday, June 25th. Barclays upped their price target on shares of Ally Financial from $43.00 to $44.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Thursday, July 18th. Finally, Morgan Stanley lifted their price objective on shares of Ally Financial from $47.00 to $49.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, July 18th.

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Institutional Investors Weigh In On Ally Financial

Ally Financial Trading Down 17.6 %

Large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Fifth Third Bancorp raised its position in shares of Ally Financial by 1.2% in the second quarter. Fifth Third Bancorp now owns 23,275 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $923,000 after purchasing an additional 278 shares during the period. Trust Co. of Toledo NA OH lifted its position in Ally Financial by 1.7% during the 1st quarter. Trust Co. of Toledo NA OH now owns 17,622 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $715,000 after acquiring an additional 287 shares during the last quarter. WBI Investments LLC boosted its stake in Ally Financial by 2.2% during the 4th quarter. WBI Investments LLC now owns 14,635 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $511,000 after purchasing an additional 316 shares during the period. Signet Financial Management LLC grew its holdings in Ally Financial by 4.8% in the 1st quarter. Signet Financial Management LLC now owns 7,273 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $295,000 after buying an additional 330 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Blue Trust Inc. increased its position in Ally Financial by 10.2% in the 2nd quarter. Blue Trust Inc. now owns 4,308 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $175,000 after buying an additional 400 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 88.76% of the companys stock.

NYSE:ALLY opened at $32.68 on Friday. Ally Financial has a 1 year low of $22.54 and a 1 year high of $45.46. The business has a fifty day moving average of $41.74 and a 200-day moving average of $39.82. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.39, a quick ratio of 0.91 and a current ratio of 0.92. The stock has a market cap of $9.93 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.34, a PEG ratio of 0.38 and a beta of 1.41.

Ally Financial (NYSE:ALLY  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, July 17th. The financial services provider reported $0.97 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.64 by $0.33. Ally Financial had a net margin of 10.26% and a return on equity of 8.37%. The firm had revenue of $2 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.03 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $0.96 EPS. Ally Financials quarterly revenue was down 3.8% on a year-over-year basis. Equities analysts predict that Ally Financial will post 3.51 earnings per share for the current year.

Ally Financial Dividend Announcement

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, August 15th. Investors of record on Thursday, August 1st were issued a dividend of $0.30 per share. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, August 1st. This represents a $1.20 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.67%. Ally Financials dividend payout ratio is 48.98%.

About Ally Financial

(Get Free Report

Ally Financial Inc, a digital financial-services company, provides various digital financial products and services in the United States, Canada, and Bermuda. The company operates through Automotive Finance Operations, Insurance Operations, Mortgage Finance Operations, and Corporate Finance Operations segments.

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Royal London Asset Management Ltd. raised its holdings in shares of Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO  Free Report) by 23.1% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 605,447 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 113,451 shares during the period. Royal London Asset Management Ltd.s holdings in Altria Group were worth $27,578,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the business. Maryland Capital Advisors Inc. raised its stake in Altria Group by 154.4% during the first quarter. Maryland Capital Advisors Inc. now owns 575 shares of the companys stock worth $25,000 after acquiring an additional 349 shares during the period. BNP Paribas acquired a new stake in Altria Group in the first quarter worth $27,000. MFA Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new position in Altria Group during the 2nd quarter valued at about $27,000. Pineridge Advisors LLC bought a new position in Altria Group in the 4th quarter worth about $28,000. Finally, Westend Capital Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Altria Group in the first quarter valued at approximately $29,000. 57.41% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of equities analysts recently issued reports on MO shares. Barclays increased their price objective on Altria Group from $43.00 to $45.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a report on Monday. StockNews.com raised Altria Group from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Friday, June 28th. UBS Group lifted their price objective on shares of Altria Group from $39.00 to $41.00 and gave the company a sell rating in a research note on Monday. Stifel Nicolaus upped their price objective on shares of Altria Group from $50.00 to $54.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Thursday, August 1st. Finally, Bank of America raised their target price on shares of Altria Group from $52.00 to $57.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday, September 4th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, three have issued a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Altria Group presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $49.67.

Altria Group Stock Performance

MO opened at $54.08 on Wednesday. The company has a market capitalization of $92.27 billion, a PE ratio of 11.31, a P/E/G ratio of 3.10 and a beta of 0.65. The stocks fifty day moving average is $50.47 and its 200-day moving average is $46.24. Altria Group, Inc. has a one year low of $39.06 and a one year high of $54.95.

Altria Group (NYSE:MO  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, July 31st. The company reported $1.31 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.35 by ($0.04). Altria Group had a negative return on equity of 232.55% and a net margin of 42.25%. The business had revenue of $6.21 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.39 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $1.31 earnings per share. Altria Groups revenue was up 14.2% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities research analysts forecast that Altria Group, Inc. will post 5.1 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Altria Group Increases Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, October 10th. Investors of record on Monday, September 16th will be issued a dividend of $1.02 per share. This represents a $4.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 7.54%. This is a boost from Altria Groups previous quarterly dividend of $0.98. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, September 16th. Altria Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 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.

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Shares of Magnolia Oil & Gas Co. (NYSE:MGY  Get Free Report) have earned a consensus rating of Hold from the eleven brokerages that are currently covering the firm, MarketBeat.com reports. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have assigned a hold rating and six have assigned a buy rating to the company. The average 12-month price objective among brokerages that have covered the stock in the last year is $28.60.

MGY has been the topic of a number of research analyst reports. Wells Fargo & Company lowered their target price on Magnolia Oil & Gas from $27.00 to $26.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a report on Monday, August 5th. Piper Sandler decreased their price objective on Magnolia Oil & Gas from $29.00 to $26.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, August 15th. Capital One Financial started coverage on Magnolia Oil & Gas in a report on Tuesday, June 11th. They set an overweight rating and a $28.00 price objective on the stock. Benchmark reissued a hold rating on shares of Magnolia Oil & Gas in a report on Thursday, July 18th. Finally, Susquehanna decreased their price objective on Magnolia Oil & Gas from $33.00 to $32.00 and set a positive rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, September 4th.

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Read Our Latest Stock Report on Magnolia Oil & Gas

Magnolia Oil & Gas Stock Performance

MGY opened at $23.17 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $4.61 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.52, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.12 and a beta of 2.00. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $25.39 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $25.17. The company has a quick ratio of 1.28, a current ratio of 1.28 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.21. Magnolia Oil & Gas has a 12-month low of $19.16 and a 12-month high of $27.63.

Magnolia Oil & Gas (NYSE:MGY  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, July 31st. The company reported $0.56 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.51 by $0.05. The firm had revenue of $336.73 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $340.72 million. Magnolia Oil & Gas had a return on equity of 21.18% and a net margin of 29.44%. On average, equities analysts forecast that Magnolia Oil & Gas will post 2.13 earnings per share for the current year.

Magnolia Oil & Gas Announces Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, September 3rd. Investors of record on Friday, August 9th were paid a $0.13 dividend. This represents a $0.52 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.24%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, August 9th. Magnolia Oil & Gass dividend payout ratio is 25.87%.

Institutional Trading of Magnolia Oil & Gas

Several institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of MGY. Mather Group LLC. bought a new position in Magnolia Oil & Gas in the 1st quarter valued at $27,000. Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADV raised its position in Magnolia Oil & Gas by 1,753.6% in the 2nd quarter. Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADV now owns 1,038 shares of the companys stock valued at $26,000 after purchasing an additional 982 shares during the last quarter. Opal Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new position in Magnolia Oil & Gas in the 2nd quarter valued at $26,000. Private Wealth Management Group LLC bought a new position in Magnolia Oil & Gas in the 4th quarter valued at $33,000. Finally, GAMMA Investing LLC raised its position in shares of Magnolia Oil & Gas by 184.4% during the second quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 1,607 shares of the companys stock worth $41,000 after acquiring an additional 1,042 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 94.73% of the companys stock.

Magnolia Oil & Gas Company Profile

(Get Free Report

Magnolia Oil & Gas Corporation, an independent oil and natural gas company, engages in the acquisition, development, exploration, and production of oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids reserves in the United States. Its properties are located primarily in Karnes County and the Giddings area in South Texas principally comprising the Eagle Ford Shale and the Austin Chalk formation.

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Factorial Partners LLC decreased its holdings in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY  Free Report) by 14.6% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 35,000 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after selling 6,000 shares during the quarter. Factorial Partners LLCs holdings in Bristol-Myers Squibb were worth $1,454,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Norges Bank acquired a new stake in Bristol-Myers Squibb in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $1,560,524,000. Capital International Investors boosted its holdings in Bristol-Myers Squibb by 14.1% during the 1st quarter. Capital International Investors now owns 70,203,814 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $3,807,153,000 after acquiring an additional 8,675,322 shares during the period. M&G Plc acquired a new position in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb in the first quarter valued at approximately $392,608,000. Pzena Investment Management LLC grew its stake in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb by 119.8% in the first quarter. Pzena Investment Management LLC now owns 12,293,913 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $666,699,000 after acquiring an additional 6,701,097 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD raised its stake in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb by 77.1% in the first quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 12,547,823 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $680,469,000 after acquiring an additional 5,461,767 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 76.41% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several brokerages have weighed in on BMY. TD Cowen upped their price target on Bristol-Myers Squibb from $45.00 to $53.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a report on Monday, August 12th. Cantor Fitzgerald restated a neutral rating and set a $45.00 target price on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb in a research note on Monday, July 22nd. Barclays boosted their price target on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb from $41.00 to $42.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a report on Thursday, August 22nd. Jefferies Financial Group raised their price objective on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb from $49.00 to $51.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, August 28th. Finally, StockNews.com upgraded shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Monday, July 29th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, thirteen have assigned a hold rating, two have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $54.67.

Bristol-Myers Squibb Stock Up 1.6 %

Shares of NYSE BMY opened at $49.28 on Wednesday. The stock has a market cap of $99.91 billion, a PE ratio of -15.90, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 12.62 and a beta of 0.46. Bristol-Myers Squibb has a 52-week low of $39.35 and a 52-week high of $61.42. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $46.27 and a 200 day moving average price of $46.51. The company has a quick ratio of 1.02, a current ratio of 1.16 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.86.

Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Friday, July 26th. The biopharmaceutical company reported $2.07 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.64 by $0.43. Bristol-Myers Squibb had a negative net margin of 14.06% and a positive return on equity of 12.51%. The business had revenue of $12.20 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $11.54 billion. During the same period last year, the firm posted $1.75 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 8.7% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities research analysts forecast that Bristol-Myers Squibb will post 0.77 earnings per share for the current year.

Bristol-Myers Squibb Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, November 1st. Stockholders of record on Friday, October 4th will be issued a $0.60 dividend. This represents a $2.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.87%. Bristol-Myers Squibbs payout ratio is -77.42%.

Bristol-Myers Squibb 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.

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Louisiana-Pacific Co. (NYSE:LPX  Get Free Report) has received a consensus rating of Hold from the nine analysts that are currently covering the stock, MarketBeat reports. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell recommendation, five have issued a hold recommendation and three 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 $94.88.

LPX has been the subject of a number of recent research reports. DA Davidson increased their target price on shares of Louisiana-Pacific from $98.00 to $110.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Friday, June 14th. BMO Capital Markets downgraded shares of Louisiana-Pacific from an outperform rating to a market perform rating and set a $99.00 price objective for the company. in a report on Thursday, August 8th. StockNews.com raised shares of Louisiana-Pacific from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, September 5th. Truist Financial restated a buy rating and issued a $105.00 price target (up from $101.00) on shares of Louisiana-Pacific in a research report on Thursday, August 8th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group lifted their price objective on Louisiana-Pacific from $78.00 to $86.00 and gave the stock a sell rating in a research report on Thursday, August 8th.

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Louisiana-Pacific Price Performance

NYSE:LPX opened at $94.24 on Friday. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $92.04 and a two-hundred day moving average of $85.52. Louisiana-Pacific has a 12 month low of $49.47 and a 12 month high of $101.89. The firm has a market cap of $6.62 billion, a P/E ratio of 25.89, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.59 and a beta of 1.88. The company has a current ratio of 3.38, a quick ratio of 1.95 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.21.

Louisiana-Pacific (NYSE:LPX  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, August 7th. The building manufacturing company reported $2.09 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.86 by $0.23. The firm had revenue of $814.00 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $797.26 million. Louisiana-Pacific had a return on equity of 27.09% and a net margin of 15.22%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 33.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $0.55 earnings per share. On average, analysts expect that Louisiana-Pacific will post 5.05 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Louisiana-Pacific Announces Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, September 3rd. Investors of record on Tuesday, August 20th were given a $0.26 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, August 20th. This represents a $1.04 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.10%. Louisiana-Pacifics payout ratio is 28.57%.

Insider Buying and Selling at Louisiana-Pacific

In related news, CEO William Bradley Southern sold 32,600 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, August 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $93.44, for a total value of $3,046,144.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 596,886 shares in the company, valued at approximately $55,773,027.84. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. In related news, CEO William Bradley Southern sold 32,600 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, August 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $93.44, for a total transaction of $3,046,144.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 596,886 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $55,773,027.84. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, Director Ozey K. Horton, Jr. sold 800 shares of Louisiana-Pacific stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, August 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $96.10, for a total transaction of $76,880.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 29,008 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,787,668.80. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 36,991 shares of company stock worth $3,443,269 over the last quarter. 1.26% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Louisiana-Pacific

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of LPX. LifeSteps Financial Inc. purchased a new stake in Louisiana-Pacific during the 1st quarter worth approximately $25,000. Fidelis Capital Partners LLC acquired a new position in shares of Louisiana-Pacific in the first quarter worth $25,000. Whittier Trust Co. acquired a new position in shares of Louisiana-Pacific in the first quarter worth $31,000. Bessemer Group Inc. increased its position in shares of Louisiana-Pacific by 258.5% during the first quarter. Bessemer Group Inc. now owns 441 shares of the building manufacturing companys stock worth $37,000 after acquiring an additional 318 shares during the period. Finally, GAMMA Investing LLC raised its stake in shares of Louisiana-Pacific by 57.3% in the second quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 486 shares of the building manufacturing companys stock valued at $40,000 after acquiring an additional 177 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 94.73% of the companys stock.

Louisiana-Pacific Company Profile

(Get Free Report

Louisiana-Pacific Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, provides building solutions primarily for use in new home construction, repair and remodeling, and outdoor structure markets. It operates through Siding, Oriented Strand Board, LP South America, and Other segments. The Siding segment offers LP SmartSide trim and siding products, LP SmartSide ExpertFinish trim and siding products, LP BuilderSeries lap siding products, and LP Outdoor Building Solutions; and engineered wood siding, trim, soffit, and fascia products.

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Norwegian Cruise Line (NYSE:NCLH  Get Free Report) was downgraded by research analysts at StockNews.com from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report released on Tuesday.

NCLH has been the topic of several other reports. Truist Financial upgraded shares of Norwegian Cruise Line from a hold rating to a buy rating and boosted their price objective for the stock from $20.00 to $21.00 in a research report on Wednesday, May 29th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft increased their price target on shares of Norwegian Cruise Line from $18.00 to $20.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, May 21st. Wells Fargo & Company upped their target price on Norwegian Cruise Line from $19.00 to $20.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Tuesday, May 21st. Morgan Stanley raised their price target on Norwegian Cruise Line from $16.50 to $17.50 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, August 7th. Finally, Tigress Financial restated a strong-buy rating and issued a $32.00 price objective on shares of Norwegian Cruise Line in a research report on Friday, August 9th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, nine have assigned a hold rating, six have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $22.38.

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Norwegian Cruise Line Price Performance

Shares of NYSE NCLH traded up $0.28 during midday trading on Tuesday, hitting $17.78. The company had a trading volume of 13,624,188 shares, compared to its average volume of 12,837,231. The company has a quick ratio of 0.22, a current ratio of 0.24 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 17.19. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $17.60 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $17.94. Norwegian Cruise Line has a twelve month low of $12.70 and a twelve month high of $21.73. The firm has a market capitalization of $7.63 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 25.40, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.25 and a beta of 2.71.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NYSE:NCLH  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, July 31st. The company reported $0.40 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.35 by $0.05. The business had revenue of $2.37 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.38 billion. Norwegian Cruise Line had a return on equity of 105.44% and a net margin of 4.62%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 7.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $0.20 EPS. Equities research analysts anticipate that Norwegian Cruise Line will post 1.34 earnings per share for the current year.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Norwegian Cruise Line

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Transcendent Capital Group LLC acquired a new position in shares of Norwegian Cruise Line in the first quarter worth about $27,000. YHB Investment Advisors Inc. bought a new stake in Norwegian Cruise Line in the first quarter worth about $39,000. Sentry Investment Management LLC acquired a new position in Norwegian Cruise Line during the second quarter valued at $39,000. 1832 Asset Management L.P. acquired a new position in Norwegian Cruise Line in the 4th quarter valued at $44,000. Finally, Fidelis Capital Partners LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Norwegian Cruise Line during the 1st quarter worth approximately $61,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 69.58% of the companys stock.

Norwegian Cruise Line Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., together with its subsidiaries, operates as a cruise company in North America, Europe, the Asia-Pacific, and internationally. The company operates through the Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises brands. It offers itineraries ranging from three days to a 180-days calling on various ports, including Scandinavia, Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, the Greek Isles, Alaska, Canada and New England, Hawaii, Asia, Tahiti and the South Pacific, Australia and New Zealand, Africa, India, South America, the Panama Canal, and the Caribbean.

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Halliburton (NYSE:HAL  Free Report)  Zacks Research lowered their Q1 2026 earnings per share estimates for Halliburton in a research report issued on Thursday, September 5th. Zacks Research analyst R. Department now forecasts that the oilfield services company will post earnings per share of $0.90 for the quarter, down from their prior estimate of $0.91. The consensus estimate for Halliburtons current full-year earnings is $3.14 per share. Zacks Research also issued estimates for Halliburtons Q2 2026 earnings at $1.12 EPS and FY2026 earnings at $4.06 EPS.

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Halliburton (NYSE:HAL  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Friday, July 19th. The oilfield services company reported $0.80 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, meeting the consensus estimate of $0.80. Halliburton had a net margin of 11.61% and a return on equity of 29.97%. The business had revenue of $5.83 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.95 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $0.77 EPS. Halliburtons revenue was up .6% compared to the same quarter last year.

Several other equities research analysts also recently issued reports on the company. Stifel Nicolaus decreased their price target on Halliburton from $47.00 to $46.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, July 16th. The Goldman Sachs Group dropped their price target on shares of Halliburton from $47.00 to $40.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, August 29th. Bank of America decreased their price objective on shares of Halliburton from $41.00 to $40.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Monday, July 22nd. Susquehanna cut their price objective on Halliburton from $49.00 to $46.00 and set a positive rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, July 22nd. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada decreased their price objective on shares of Halliburton from $45.00 to $44.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Monday, July 22nd. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, sixteen have assigned a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $44.88.

Read Our Latest Report on HAL

Halliburton Stock Down 1.3 %

Shares of NYSE HAL opened at $28.32 on Monday. Halliburton has a 1 year low of $27.96 and a 1 year high of $43.85. The stock has a market capitalization of $25.07 billion, a P/E ratio of 9.80, a P/E/G ratio of 0.97 and a beta of 1.89. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.76, a current ratio of 2.13 and a quick ratio of 1.54. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $32.24 and a 200-day moving average price of $35.20.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD boosted its stake in shares of Halliburton by 46.0% during the 1st quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 61,090,055 shares of the oilfield services companys stock valued at $2,408,171,000 after purchasing an additional 19,237,784 shares in the last quarter. Pacer Advisors Inc. grew its stake in shares of Halliburton by 17,317.6% in the 2nd quarter. Pacer Advisors Inc. now owns 13,631,188 shares of the oilfield services companys stock worth $460,462,000 after buying an additional 13,552,927 shares during the last quarter. Norges Bank purchased a new stake in shares of Halliburton in the 4th quarter worth approximately $400,070,000. LSV Asset Management raised its stake in Halliburton by 24,954.1% during the second quarter. LSV Asset Management now owns 2,730,900 shares of the oilfield services companys stock valued at $92,250,000 after buying an additional 2,720,000 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its holdings in Halliburton by 2.7% in the first quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 100,274,105 shares of the oilfield services companys stock worth $3,952,805,000 after acquiring an additional 2,618,740 shares in the last quarter. 85.23% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, EVP Van H. Beckwith sold 10,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, July 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of $36.75, for a total transaction of $367,500.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president now owns 273,908 shares in the company, valued at approximately $10,066,119. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Corporate insiders own 0.61% of the companys stock.

Halliburton Announces Dividend

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, September 25th. Investors of record on Wednesday, September 4th will be paid a $0.17 dividend. This represents a $0.68 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.40%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, September 4th. Halliburtons dividend payout ratio is currently 23.53%.

Halliburton Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Halliburton Company provides products and services to the energy industry worldwide. It operates through two segments, Completion and Production, and Drilling and Evaluation. The Completion and Production segment offers production enhancement services that include stimulation and sand control services; cementing services, such as well bonding and casing, and casing equipment; and completion tools that offer downhole solutions and services, including well completion products and services, intelligent well completions, and service tools, as well as liner hanger, sand control, and multilateral systems.

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ResMed Inc. (NYSE:RMD  Free Report)  Equities researchers at Zacks Research lifted their Q2 2025 earnings per share (EPS) estimates for shares of ResMed in a research note issued on Tuesday, September 10th. Zacks Research analyst R. Department now forecasts that the medical equipment provider will post earnings per share of $2.19 for the quarter, up from their previous estimate of $2.16. The consensus estimate for ResMeds current full-year earnings is $8.91 per share. Zacks Research also issued estimates for ResMeds Q3 2025 earnings at $2.23 EPS, Q4 2025 earnings at $2.29 EPS, FY2025 earnings at $8.72 EPS, Q2 2026 earnings at $2.26 EPS, Q4 2026 earnings at $2.45 EPS, FY2026 earnings at $9.29 EPS and FY2027 earnings at $10.15 EPS.

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ResMed (NYSE:RMD  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, August 1st. The medical equipment provider reported $2.08 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.03 by $0.05. The firm had revenue of $1.20 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.22 billion. ResMed had a net margin of 21.79% and a return on equity of 25.00%. ResMeds revenue for the quarter was up 6.9% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $1.60 earnings per share.

Several other equities analysts have also recently weighed in on the company. KeyCorp raised their price target on ResMed from $238.00 to $251.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Friday, August 2nd. Needham & Company LLC cut shares of ResMed from a buy rating to a hold rating and set a $236.00 price target on the stock. in a research report on Wednesday, September 4th. StockNews.com cut shares of ResMed from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, August 30th. Royal Bank of Canada increased their price target on shares of ResMed from $204.00 to $206.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a report on Friday, August 2nd. Finally, Citigroup cut ResMed from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a research note on Monday, June 24th. Seven equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $204.70.

View Our Latest Report on RMD

ResMed Trading Up 1.3 %

Shares of ResMed stock opened at $252.82 on Wednesday. ResMed has a twelve month low of $132.24 and a twelve month high of $255.18. The company has a quick ratio of 1.69, a current ratio of 2.59 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.14. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $218.37 and a 200-day moving average price of $205.73. The firm has a market cap of $37.15 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 38.84, a PEG ratio of 2.44 and a beta of 0.69.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On ResMed

A number of large investors have recently bought and sold shares of RMD. Atlantic Edge Private Wealth Management LLC bought a new position in shares of ResMed in the 4th quarter worth $27,000. OFI Invest Asset Management bought a new position in ResMed in the second quarter worth about $32,000. BOK Financial Private Wealth Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of ResMed during the first quarter valued at about $35,000. Versant Capital Management Inc boosted its holdings in shares of ResMed by 196.7% in the 2nd quarter. Versant Capital Management Inc now owns 181 shares of the medical equipment providers stock valued at $35,000 after buying an additional 120 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Financial Connections Group Inc. purchased a new position in shares of ResMed in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $37,000. Institutional investors own 54.98% of the companys stock.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In related news, CEO Michael J. Farrell sold 14,683 shares of ResMed stock in a transaction dated Monday, September 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $248.38, for a total transaction of $3,646,963.54. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 464,169 shares in the company, valued at approximately $115,290,296.22. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. In related news, CEO Michael J. Farrell sold 14,683 shares of ResMed stock in a transaction dated Monday, September 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $248.38, for a total value of $3,646,963.54. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 464,169 shares in the company, valued at $115,290,296.22. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, insider Justin Leong sold 48,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, August 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $217.07, for a total transaction of $10,419,360.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 18,741 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,068,108.87. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 97,931 shares of company stock worth $21,382,007 over the last quarter. Company insiders own 1.21% of the companys stock.

ResMed Increases Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, September 19th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, August 15th will be given a $0.53 dividend. This represents a $2.12 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.84%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, August 15th. This is an increase from ResMeds previous quarterly dividend of $0.48. ResMeds dividend payout ratio is 32.57%.

ResMed Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

ResMed Inc develops, manufactures, distributes, and markets medical devices and cloud-based software applications for the healthcare markets. It operates in two segments, Sleep and Respiratory Care, and Software as a Service. It offers various products and solutions for a range of respiratory disorders, including technologies to be applied in medical and consumer products, ventilation devices, diagnostic products, mask systems for use in the hospital and home, headgear and other accessories, dental devices, and cloud-based software informatics solutions to manage patient outcomes, as well as provides customer and business processes.

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Sentry Investment Management LLC lessened its holdings in Delta Air Lines, Inc. (NYSE:DAL  Free Report) by 17.0% during the 2nd quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 12,926 shares of the transportation companys stock after selling 2,647 shares during the quarter. Sentry Investment Management LLCs holdings in Delta Air Lines were worth $613,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of DAL. Manchester Capital Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of Delta Air Lines by 26,166.7% in the 4th quarter. Manchester Capital Management LLC now owns 788 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $32,000 after acquiring an additional 785 shares during the last quarter. Strategic Financial Concepts LLC purchased a new position in shares of Delta Air Lines in the 2nd quarter valued at $36,000. Rise Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Delta Air Lines by 122.5% in the first quarter. Rise Advisors LLC now owns 821 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $39,000 after acquiring an additional 452 shares during the period. Unique Wealth Strategies LLC acquired a new position in shares of Delta Air Lines in the 2nd quarter valued at $40,000. Finally, Private Wealth Management Group LLC purchased a new stake in Delta Air Lines in the 4th quarter valued at $42,000. 69.93% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Delta Air Lines Trading Down 0.6 %

Shares of DAL opened at $43.40 on Wednesday. The company has a market capitalization of $28.01 billion, a PE ratio of 6.24, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.93 and a beta of 1.34. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $42.41 and a two-hundred day moving average of $46.10. Delta Air Lines, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $30.60 and a fifty-two week high of $53.86. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.21, a quick ratio of 0.35 and a current ratio of 0.40.

Delta Air Lines Increases Dividend

Delta Air Lines ( NYSE:DAL Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, July 11th. The transportation company reported $2.36 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $2.37 by ($0.01). Delta Air Lines had a net margin of 7.46% and a return on equity of 36.02%. The company had revenue of $15.41 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $15.45 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $2.68 EPS. The companys revenue was up 5.4% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, analysts forecast that Delta Air Lines, Inc. will post 5.94 EPS for the current year.

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, August 20th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, July 30th were given a dividend of $0.15 per share. This represents a $0.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.38%. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, July 30th. This is an increase from Delta Air Liness previous quarterly dividend of $0.10. Delta Air Liness payout ratio is 8.63%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

DAL has been the topic of a number of recent research reports. Citigroup lifted their price objective on shares of Delta Air Lines from $55.00 to $65.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, May 29th. Jefferies Financial Group lowered their target price on Delta Air Lines from $58.00 to $56.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, June 28th. Sanford C. Bernstein cut their price target on Delta Air Lines from $66.00 to $62.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Friday, July 12th. Finally, TD Cowen decreased their price target on Delta Air Lines from $61.00 to $59.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, July 17th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating, eleven have issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Buy and an average target price of $60.70.

Get Our Latest Stock Report on Delta Air Lines

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other Delta Air Lines news, Director Willie Cw Chiang bought 10,000 shares of Delta Air Lines stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, July 12th. The shares were acquired at an average price of $43.90 per share, for a total transaction of $439,000.00. Following the acquisition, the director now owns 20,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $878,000. The acquisition was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. 0.96% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

About Delta Air Lines

(Free Report)

Delta Air Lines, Inc provides scheduled air transportation for passengers and cargo in the United States and internationally. The company operates through two segments, Airline and Refinery. Its domestic network centered on core hubs in Atlanta, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Detroit, and Salt Lake City, as well as coastal hub positions in Boston, Los Angeles, New York-LaGuardia, New York-JFK, and Seattle; and international network centered on hubs and market presence in Amsterdam, Bogota, Lima, Mexico City, London-Heathrow, Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Sao Paulo, Seoul-Incheon, and Tokyo.

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Spectrum Wealth Advisory Group LLC boosted its position in Invesco S&P MidCap Momentum ETF (NYSEARCA:XMMO  Free Report) by 1.3% in the second quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 24,562 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 304 shares during the period. Invesco S&P MidCap Momentum ETF makes up about 3.0% of Spectrum Wealth Advisory Group LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 9th largest holding. Spectrum Wealth Advisory Group LLC owned 0.13% of Invesco S&P MidCap Momentum ETF worth $2,800,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in XMMO. Dynamic Advisor Solutions LLC grew its stake in shares of Invesco S&P MidCap Momentum ETF by 2.5% in the 2nd quarter. Dynamic Advisor Solutions LLC now owns 4,531 shares of the companys stock worth $516,000 after purchasing an additional 110 shares during the last quarter. PFG Advisors increased its holdings in shares of Invesco S&P MidCap Momentum ETF by 2.6% in the first quarter. PFG Advisors now owns 4,495 shares of the companys stock valued at $516,000 after buying an additional 114 shares in the last quarter. Concourse Financial Group Securities Inc. lifted its position in shares of Invesco S&P MidCap Momentum ETF by 114.2% during the 2nd quarter. Concourse Financial Group Securities Inc. now owns 242 shares of the companys stock valued at $28,000 after acquiring an additional 129 shares during the last quarter. Sculati Wealth Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of Invesco S&P MidCap Momentum ETF by 1.3% during the 4th quarter. Sculati Wealth Management LLC now owns 14,294 shares of the companys stock worth $1,284,000 after acquiring an additional 184 shares in the last quarter. Finally, American Trust grew its holdings in shares of Invesco S&P MidCap Momentum ETF by 2.7% in the 1st quarter. American Trust now owns 7,387 shares of the companys stock worth $848,000 after acquiring an additional 192 shares during the last quarter.

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Invesco S&P MidCap Momentum ETF Stock Up 0.5 %

Shares of NYSEARCA XMMO opened at $112.13 on Wednesday. Invesco S&P MidCap Momentum ETF has a 12 month low of $74.39 and a 12 month high of $121.49. The company has a market cap of $2.19 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 19.24 and a beta of 1.12. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $115.36 and a 200-day simple moving average of $113.51.

Invesco S&P MidCap Momentum ETF Profile

The Invesco S&P MidCap Momentum ETF (XMMO) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the S&P MidCap 400 Momentum (USD) index. The fund tracks an index of S&P 400 MidCap stocks selected by momentum and weighted by market cap and momentum. XMMO was launched on Mar 3, 2005 and is managed by Invesco.

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Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun held bilateral talks with his counterparts from Cameroon and Finland on Wednesday to discuss the security situation, and ways to broaden defense and arms industry cooperation, his office said.

In what marked the first defense ministerial meeting between Korea and Cameroon since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1961, Kim and his counterpart, Joseph Beti Assomo, agreed to seek cooperation in the defense and arms sectors, including in the state communications network business of the central African country, according to the South's defense ministry.

In his meeting with Finnish defense chief Antti Hakkanen, Kim supported Helsinki's decision to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization last year amid increasing security interconnectivity between Asia and Europe.

Kim also called for further boosting their defense, arms and technology cooperation, noting how Finland first adopted Korea's K-9 self-propelled howitzers in 2017.

The meetings came on the sidelines of the annual Seoul Defense Dialogue that kicked off its two-day run earlier in the day. Some 900 security officials and experts around the world joined the forum for discussions on regional and global security issues and challenges. (Yonhap)
Annual Seoul Defense Dialogue kicks off for 2-day run

By Lee Hyo-jin

Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun strongly condemned the growing military partnership between Russia and North Korea, Wednesday, raising concerns that Moscows ties with Pyongyang are fueling the North's illegal nuclear weapons program.

The fact that a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council is bolstering military cooperation with a rogue communist authoritarian state that has repeatedly violated UNSC resolutions undermines the international order and forfeits legitimacy for its actions, Kim said during a discussion session at the Seoul Defense Dialogue (SDD).

North Koreas illegal weapons support is prolonging the war in Ukraine, while the funds and technology obtained through arms deals are fueling North Koreas illegal military development, he added.

Kim called for international cooperation to counter these threats, emphasizing that the security of the Korean Peninsula, the Indo-Pacific and the Atlantic are all interconnected.

He also said that the South Korea-U.S. alliance remains the cornerstone of South Koreas strategy to deter threats from its nuclear-armed northern neighbor.

However, the minister noted that all options are open for defending national security, depending on the evolving international environment and Pyongyangs missile advancements.

These remarks are seen as hinting at the possibility of South Korea acquiring its own nuclear weapons, a notion that has been gaining increasing support among conservative politicians and the public here.

Kim, a retired three-star Army general, was appointed defense minister last week. Both before and after his inauguration, he expressed openness to using all means to respond to North Korea's threats, when asked about the nuclear option.

During the discussion, Rob Bauer, chair of NATOs military committee, also denounced Russias aggression against Ukraine and reaffirmed NATOs commitment to supporting the sovereign state.

We have to continue to support them, with the 50 nations that are doing that with money, non-lethal support and lethal support, Bauer said.

Bill Blair, Canada's minister of defense, expressed concerns over the growing threats from China and North Korea. He underscored Canadas commitment to maintaining a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific by continuing its defense investments and strengthening partnerships with regional allies.

The SDD, an annual defense forum launched in 2012, has become a key platform for discussions on security issues concerning the Korean Peninsula and beyond. Initially, the forum began with around 100 representatives from 17 nations. Over the years, the number of participants has expanded to include countries from Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

This years 13th edition of the forum, held for two days through Wednesday, brought together around 900 participants from 64 countries. They included 10 ministerial-level delegations from eight countries and two international organizations  NATO and the International Committee of the Red Cross.

Under the theme International Cooperation Beyond Global Security Challenges, discussions on the first day were held on emerging security issues, such as challenges to the non-proliferation regime and maritime security.

On the second day, two sessions focused on cyber and space security, addressing international cooperation in countering these newly emerging domains. The participants will also be offered a tour of the truce village of Panmunjeom on the inter-Korean border.

On the sidelines of the event, South Koreas defense minister held several bilateral meetings with his counterparts, including those from Canada, Finland and Cameroon.
The Empire State Building, an iconic New York City landmark, was illuminated in a color symbolizing K-pop girl group Le Sserafim, the group's agency said Wednesday.

The group participated in a lighting ceremony at the tourist landmark Tuesday (U.S. time) to mark the release of its fourth EP, "Crazy."

"It's an honor to illuminate the Empire State Building, a living history of New York and an international symbol, in 'fearless blue,'" the band was quoted as saying in the ceremony, referring to the official color of the group's fandom.

"'Fearless blue' is a sky blue color that symbolizes the highest temperatures of stars, symbolizing passion, independence, power, hopes and dreams," it added.

The event was held in collaboration with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, a nonprofit foundation founded in the United States to support children with critical illnesses.

The New York City government welcomed the group on its official social media accounts.

After the ceremony, the girl group shared through its agency: "It's moving to see the Empire State Building bathed in 'fearless blue.' It's even more meaningful that this event can help the campaign for children with critical illnesses. We're happy to be able to spread a positive influence."

Released on Aug. 30, "Crazy" debuted at No. 7 on the Billboard 200 albums chart this week. Its title track ranked 76th on the Hot 100 songs chart the same week, becoming the band's highest-charting song.

The K-pop quintet will perform at the preshow of the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards at the UBS Arena in New York on Wednesday. (Yonhap)
By Baek Byung-yeul

Yoido Full Gospel Church, in collaboration with Good People International, a non-governmental organization, delivered Hope Box of Love relief items to underprivileged households in Korea ahead of Chuseok, the country's harvest festival holiday.

Yoido Full Gospel Church said it held a Hope Box of Love delivery ceremony Tuesday with Lee Young-hoon, the church's senior pastor, Kim Chun-soo, chairman of Good People International and other officials in attendance.

Prepared in cooperation with CJ CheilJedang, the box contains 10 types of food items, including instant steamed rice, canned ham, seasoned seaweed and home meal replacements.

Good People International has been conducting this donation event for 13 years, providing boxes filled with daily necessities and food items. So far, 291,000 Hope Box of Love have been delivered to underprivileged households in Korea.

Through this year's event, Good People and Yoido Full Gospel Church delivered 7,000 Love Hope Boxes worth 400 million won ($300,000) to vulnerable households, including older adults living alone, people with disabilities and low-income families.

"Love grows as it is shared," Lee said. "Yoido Full Gospel Church and Good People International will continue to spare no effort and sacrifice in practicing love."

Established in 1999, Good People International has been carrying out relief activities in Korea and abroad with the aim of helping all those in need, transcending religion, culture and national borders.
The number of deaths at hospital emergency rooms declined during the first seven months of this year as fewer patients with mild cases visited ERs for treatment amid the prolonged walkout by trainee doctors, the health ministry said Wednesday.

A total of 27,176 people died while receiving treatments at emergency care centers during the January-July period, down 3.4 percent from the previous year's 28,123, ministry official Jung Yoon-soon said in a press briefing.

The decline was due to the fall in the total number of patients visiting hospital ERs this year, 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.

"Thanks to the cooperation of the people, fewer patients with mild cases have visited emergency rooms," Jung said.

Korea has experienced disruptions to the medical services due to the walkout, with hospitals having been forced to cut back on surgeries, outpatient treatment services, and emergency room operations.

According to the data released by the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker Kim Yoon, the number of patients visiting hospital ERs fell 17 percent to 3.43 million from February through July.

In an effort to ensure emergency care services during and around the five-day Chuseok holiday that begins on Saturday, the government designated Sept. 11-25 as a special period and set up an emergency task force that will be in charge of managing the situation of emergency medical centers across the country.

Meanwhile, the ministry said that a total of 32 people have been referred to the prosecution for a probe into allegations that they were involved in the blacklisting of doctors not joining their striking colleagues.

The ministry also sought a police investigation into recent online posts degrading the people and patients and voicing "a hope for real chaos" at ERs during the holiday.

The posts were uploaded at a website used mainly by doctors.

"It is a great pity that some doctors and medical students had done such wrongful conduct," Jung said. "The government will take stern measures against blacklists of doctors who work at the medical scene."

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 Jung Min-ho

The government has warned of the risk of wasp stings and snake bites as many people are expected to visit their ancestral graves as part of a tradition known as seongmyo before and during the Chuseok holiday, scheduled to begin this Saturday.

According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) on Wednesday, more than 71 percent of all wasp- and bee-sting cases reported over the past five years occurred between July and September.

According to KDCA data, of the more than 4,500 incidents between 2019 and 2023, 111 were serious, with 15 resulting in fatalities.

During the same period, 808 snakebite cases were reported, with 62 percent of those affected requiring hospitalization.

The health agency said the risk is higher for people planning for seongmyo, for which family members remove the weeds that have grown around their ancestors graves.

The KDCA also advised the public to take precautions when using lawnmowers for the work. During the five-year period, nearly 1,300 people were reported to have been injured while mowing.

Most of them (66 percent) said their heads and faces were hurt by stones, pieces from the machine itself or other objects.

To minimize the risk of being stung by wasps or bees, the KDCA recommended not wearing any perfumes or other scented cosmetic products when visiting grassy areas. If attacked, the person should remove the stringer by using a credit card or other ways and place an ice pack on the wound, the agency added.

The best way to avoid snakebites is to leave the animal alone, as snakes are generally shy and tend not to attack unless provoked. If bitten by a venomous snake, which is often indicated by two distinct puncture marks among other signs, the person should immediately seek emergency help and move as little as possible, because moving causes the venom to circulate through the body, the KDCA said.

Wasp stings, snakebites and injuries from mowing occur frequently in September during the Chuseok holiday. But the risk remains higher (than other months of the year) until mid-October. So everyone should take precautions to prevent such incidents when doing outdoor activities until then, KDCA Commissioner Jee Young-mee said in a statement.
Politicians flock to hospital emergency rooms amid growing public concerns

By Kwak Yeon-soo

A four-way consultative body comprising major political parties, the government and doctors' groups is unlikely to be launched before the Chuseok holiday, according to politicians and doctors, Wednesday, as key stakeholders failed to find a breakthrough in the conflict over President Yoon Suk Yeol's medical reform plan.

The Korean Medical Association (KMA), the country's largest group of doctors, has been insisting that it will not join the consultative body unless the government withdraws its plan to increase the medical school admissions quota for 2025.

Doctors also demanded Yoon issue an apology and dismiss both the minister and the deputy minister of health and welfare.

Both the ruling party and the presidential office said they will reconsider the option of postponing the quota increase planned for the 2026 academic year but not for next year because universities have already begun accepting admissions for medical schools.

"It's not feasible to retract the admissions quota hike plan for the 2025 academic year because it's going to create confusion among test-takers and their parents. But we can reconsider the option of postponing the quota increase planned for 2026. So I hope the medical community will join political parties to engage in discussions and offer suggestions of their own," PPP floor leader Rep. Choo Kyung-ho said.

PPP Chairman Han Dong-hoon is set to hold a high-level party-government meeting at the National Assembly on Thursday to request support for establishing the consultative body. "We plan to ask the government to actively participate in establishing the consultative body," said Rep. Kim Sang-hoon, policy chief of the PPP. The same day, Han and doctors-turned-lawmakers of the PPP, such as Rep. Ihn Yo-han and Rep. Han Zee-a, will meet separately with the KMA officials to discuss pending issues.

The nation's medical system, particularly emergency services, has been suffering a staffing crisis for more than seven months after thousands of junior doctors walked off their jobs in response to the government's plan to increase the enrollment quota at medical schools by 2,000 for next year.

The KMA said 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 health care system.

With no signs of doctors returning anytime soon, the medical crisis is expected to have a profound impact on patients during the Chuseok holiday.

On Wednesday, the government designated a two-week emergency period that will last until Sept. 25 to ensure there are no disruptions in emergency medical care. It also decided to increase health insurance fees, such as consultation and prescription fees, temporarily before and after the Chuseok holiday to better reward hospitals and medical professionals for their services. Consultation fees for specialists at regional emergency medical centers, which handle critical emergency cases, will be raised to 3.5 times the usual rate.

The same day, the Seoul Metropolitan Government announced its plan to operate 1,200 hospitals and 1,300 pharmacies in Seoul over the Chuseok holiday. It vowed to inject 71 billion won ($52.82 million) to ensure emergency rooms and intensive care units are fully functional throughout the five-day weekend.

While the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) welcomes the idea of forming the four-way consultative body, it says that the government and the ruling party must resolve the medical crisis.

"President Yoon must take responsibility for the medical crisis and apologize to the public," said Rep. Park Chan-dae, floor leader of the DPK, adding that the government should convince doctors' groups to engage in dialogue.

"Han should visit Yoon promptly and confirm if he is willing to solve the crisis," said Rep. Kim Min-seok, a Supreme Council member of the DPK.

Meanwhile, politicians have been flocking to hospital emergency rooms to soothe public concerns.

The PPP's Choo visited emergency rooms at Chung-Ang University Hospital, and party leader Han visited Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, to meet with medical staff, Wednesday.
Korea and Poland have discussed ways to strengthen economic cooperation in various sectors, including the defense industry, Seoul's foreign ministry said Wednesday.

During a joint economic committee meeting in Warsaw on Tuesday (local time), Kim Hee-sang, deputy foreign minister for economic affairs, discussed cooperation strategies with his Polish counterpart, Jacek Tomczak, the ministry said in a press release. This meeting marks the sixth of its kind.

In the meeting, Kim emphasized the importance of deepening cooperation between the two countries in sectors that include batteries and defense, and expanding collaborations into areas like energy, infrastructure and Ukraine's reconstruction efforts.

In response, Tomczak expressed hope that high-level exchanges, including the joint economic committee, would continue to strengthen in the future.

Poland is Korea's largest trading partner in Central Europe, with bilateral trade growing for six consecutive years, reaching an all-time high of $10.1 billion last year.

Both sides noted the close economic relationship, highlighting the presence of around 390 Korean companies in Poland, which have created 30,000 jobs. South Korea's large business presence in Poland is led by Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics and LG Energy Solution. (Yonhap)
By Kim Hyun-bin

The Czech Republic's top diplomat expressed optimism that Korea and the Eastern European nation will finalize a 24 trillion won ($17.9 billion) nuclear power plant project in the first half of 2025 as planned, despite legal challenges from U.S. and French rivals.

Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky reaffirmed the countrys trust in Korea regarding the project in which Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) was selected as the preferred bidder to build two nuclear plants.

"First of all, it's a huge achievement that KHNP was selected as a preferred bidder, and I hope that the negotiation will be successful and the deal will be sealed as the schedule says," Lipavsky said during an exclusive interview with The Korea Times, Tuesday, during his visit to Seoul.

His remarks come amid concerns about the project's progress, following an appeal filed last month by Westinghouse Electric, a U.S. nuclear energy firm, and French company EDF, with the Czech Office for the Protection of Competition. They argued that KHNPs selection violated tender principles, prompting the antitrust authority to officially investigate the appeal.

Separately from the appeal, Westinghouse has raised an intellectual property issue with KHNP. Westinghouse claims that its technology is being used in the type of nuclear plant KHNP is attempting to export to the Czech Republic and asserts that the Korean company does not have the right to use that technology in other markets without Westinghouses consent.

"Of course, this matter is a sensitive one, but I'm sure that the Czech government designed the process in such a way that it's proof against such legal steps," he said.

The minister was cautious about predicting the antitrust authority's decision, but said, "From the very beginning, it was clear by which set of rules the whole process will be ruled. So, I would be very surprised if that would bring a change into the whole thing."

Instead, Lipavsky expressed confidence in Korea and KHNP, citing the rigorous criteria used in the selection process.

"It is by all calculations the most profitable one. Also, it scores well in other domains like security of supply chains. Seeing the power plant in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as proof, it also showed good results. So, it was multiple criteria which led to the company and the Czech government conclusion that KHNP will be selected as a preferred bidder, and I hope that the deal will be successfully sealed."

The deal is expected to be finalized by the first quarter of next year and mark Korea's second nuclear power plant export, following a 2009 project in the UAE.

Regarding the project's contribution to the countrys long-term energy security, Lipavsky emphasized the importance of stable and sustainable energy sources.

"We are a manufacturing country. We have a lot of heavy industry. We need electricity for our economy to be working, he said.

"So, a nuclear power plant in our geographical circumstances creates a bedrock for electricity production in combination with renewable resources through solar power plants and wind energy. But a nuclear power plant will always be there. It's very reliable, it's very safe, it's ecological, so we have to rely on that. Therefore, we are looking for ways to replace the aging nuclear power plant with new reactors."

Yoon's visit to Prague

The foreign minister discussed the upcoming summit between President Yoon Suk Yeol and Czech President Petr Pavel in Prague later this month, highlighting the key issues on the agenda and the anticipated outcomes of the meeting.

The minister emphasized that the summit's primary focus would be on economic matters and expressed optimism about the potential of the meeting to foster significant bilateral agreements.

I hope that the Czech and Korean side will sign a lot of important documents. We will have quite a good set of documents being signed. I dont want to go into specifics because there are still negotiations going on, Lipavsky said.

We have to cooperate and try to work on the sectors where the future is the brightest. And Im speaking about artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, medicine, and things like transportation, defense cooperation.
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.




President Yoon Suk Yeol met with head of Cambodian Senate, Hun Sen, on Wednesday and called for measures to stem crimes targeting Korean nationals in the Southeast Asian country, the presidential office said.

Yoon met with the former Cambodian prime minister at the presidential office in Seoul to discuss improving bilateral ties, according to his office.

In particular, Yoon asked Sen to pay attention to responding to and preventing increasing crimes targeting Koreans residing in Cambodia in recent days.

Yoon also said he wishes to improve Korean relations with Cambodia following the two countries' agreement to establish a strategic partnership earlier this year.

"Korea is Cambodia's most important partner," Sen said, expressing hope that Korean companies will participate in joint projects aimed at developing Cambodia's infrastructure and economy, such as building a bridge crossing two rivers in Phnom Penh.

Sen also delivered support for Seoul's efforts to protect peace on the Korean Peninsula, according to the presidential office. (Yonhap)
By Bereket Alemayehu

In celebration of the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances on Aug. 30, NK Watch, a civic organization advocating for North Korean human rights, hosted a hybrid global roundtable discussion focusing on the issue of forced disappearances by totalitarian states under the theme "Voices for the Missing: Global CSOs Roundtable on Enforced Disappearances" on Friday at HJ Business Center in central Seoul. The roundtable featured global civil society organizations, including NK Watch presenters from North Korea, Sudan, Cambodia, Syria and Nepal.

The roundtable was attended and led by several human rights groups from around the globe that focus on the serious crime of enforced disappearances. Each organization shared its region's situation of forced disappearance, advocacy processes and strategies and cooperation with the United Nations Working Group on Enforced Disappearance and discussed countermeasures.

Ahn Myeong-chul, executive director of NK Watch, called for strengthening advocacy activities through solidarity with international civil society organizations representing victims of enforced disappearance and political prison camps. Highlighting the importance of global actors, he said that the goal of this initiative is to enhance the impact of the voices speaking out against the problems of enforced disappearance and political prison camps. During his presentation on the issue of enforced disappearance in North Korea and NK Watch's human rights advocacy strategy, he said that NK Watch wants legal justice for crimes against humanity based on humanity's shared universal values and international law. NK Watch also believes that justice can only be achieved if Kim Jong-un and his family are made to answer for their crimes because the Kim regime is at the root of North Korea's atrocities.

Read More NGO releases paper solidifying links between NK's Kim family and crimes against humanity

"From January 2013 to May 2024, NK Watch submitted 967 petitions to U.N. working groups and the special rapporteur on the human rights situation in North Korea," he said. "NK Watch submits these petitions to the U.N. in order to provide official documentation of specific crimes against humanity committed in the North. Furthermore, NK Watch hopes that these petitions may be used as evidence for the realization of justice via the international legal system. We are sharing information related to human rights violations occurring outside of political prison camps, such as torture, enforced disappearance and the like to the U.N. In October 2020, NK Watch provided the Seoul (Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights) with copies of 768 petitions. The information produced by NK Watch has been deemed highly reliable by the U.N."

Established by North Korean Political Prison Camp Survivors and Family Members on June 3, 2003, NK Watch investigates crimes against humanity in North Korea through interviews with North Korean defectors. It has since acted consistently as an organization for victims of crimes against humanity by the North Korean authorities.

It is an organization for the victims, by the victims and of the victims, that aims to bring democracy and realize human rights in North Korea based on human dignity and freedom. It is devoted to the people who are suffering from murder, torture, forced labor and abuse even now.

The African Centre for Justice and Peace Studies (ACJPS), based in Kampala, Uganda, with global offices in the United States, Britain and Sweden, provided much-needed research and analysis on the human rights situation in Sudan, and its interventions are valued by human rights defenders and policymakers at both the regional and international level.

Mossaad Mohamed Ali, executive director of the ACJPS, explained in his paper that the use of enforced disappearances and torture across Sudan has been endemic over the last three decades.

Sudanese authorities have used torture and other forms of ill-treatment to silence political dissent as well as intimidate detainees and extract confessions. Victims of enforced disappearance and torture include human rights defenders, indigenous groups, migrants, political and other social activists, internally displaced persons and students who are particularly vulnerable.

"Despite Sudan acceding to key international treaties such as the U.N. Convention against Torture and inclusion of the criminal offense of torture under the Criminal Act in 2020, impunity for human rights violations persists. The culture of human rights violations remains deeply engrained and needs to be urgently addressed," he told the audience.

The United Nations characterizes enforced disappearance by three elements: deprivation of liberty against the will of the person, involvement of government officials, at least by acquiescence and refusal to acknowledge the deprivation of liberty or concealment of the fate or whereabouts of the disappeared person.

From 1980 to the present, the U.N. Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances has transmitted a total of 61,626 cases to 115 states. The number of cases under active consideration that have not yet been clarified, closed or discontinued stands at 48,619 in a total of 100 states.

Visit nkwatch.org for more information.

Bereket Alemayehu is an Ethiopian photo artist, social activist and writer based in Seoul. He's also the co-founder of Hanokers, a refugee-led social initiative and a freelance contributor for Pressenza Press Agency.
President Yoon Suk Yeol said Wednesday that South Korea aims to become a cyber drill hub in the Indo-Pacific region to enhance international cooperation in combating rising cross-border cyberthreats.

Yoon called for joint efforts to tackle security threats in cyberspace in an address to Cyber Summit Korea, the first global cybersecurity event hosted by the National Intelligence Service, the nation's spy agency.

"State-sponsored hacking groups and cybercriminals have exploited advanced cybertechnology to launch more complicated, sophisticated attacks," Yoon said during the opening ceremony held at COEX in southern Seoul.

"If such cyberthreats inflict serious damage on critical infrastructure, they could severely threaten national security and public safety," he added.

Yoon unveiled South Korea's goal of becoming a cyber drill hub in the Indo-Pacific region, building on its cyber defense capabilities developed in response to North Korean threats. Pyongyang has been accused of stealing cryptocurrency and hacking local defense contractors.

"South Korea has been continuously developing its cyber defense capabilities and security system to counter cyberattacks from hostile forces like North Korea," Yoon said.

On the sidelines of the event, Yoon observed the International Cyber Training (APEX) exercise, a multinational effort he committed to during the North Atlantic Treaty Organization summit in Washington in July.

Last week, South Korea unveiled the National Cybersecurity Basic Plan, which outlines offensive cyber defense operations and strategies to combat disinformation. (Yonhap)
Korea most dependent on capital city for GDP, jobs among 7 wealthy nations
President stresses deepening security ties with NATO

By Anna J. Park

President Yoon pledged Wednesday that South Korea will position itself as a global hub for international cyber training in the Indo-Pacific region, emphasizing that the country has long been at the forefront of cybersecurity, consistently strengthening its defenses against threats from hostile forces, including North Korea.

His remarks were part of a congratulatory message delivered at Cyber Summit Korea (CSK) 2024, the first edition of the annual forum, jointly hosted by the National Intelligence Service and the National Security Research Institute.

Under the theme of "Step ahead in AI, quantum, space era and global cybersecurity," the two-day event kicked off at COEX in southern Seoul on Wednesday, featuring various cybersecurity issues, including international cooperation on cyberthreats.

"South Korea has long been a stronghold in cybersecurity, developing its defense capabilities and security systems in response to cyberattacks from hostile forces, including North Korea. We will actively contribute to protecting humanity's safety and prosperity by sharing our capabilities and experiences with the world," President Yoon said during the congratulatory speech at the event, Wednesday.

Expressing his concerns that hacking organizations and cybercriminals backed by totalitarian states are exploiting advanced cybertechnologies to carry out sophisticated and diverse forms of attacks, President Yoon highlighted that cyberthreats are not the problem of a single nation, due to the nature of cyberspace, which is hyperconnected and transcends physical borders.

"Countries around the world are shifting towards 'active cybersecurity' based on international solidarity. South Korea also announced its national cybersecurity strategy in February this year, enhancing its proactive defense capabilities to respond preemptively to cyberthreats, and is making concerted efforts to collaborate internationally against transnational cyberthreats," he stressed.

President Yoon said he hopes the CSK will develop into a dynamic platform for dialogue and collaboration, bringing together leading experts from around the world to tackle future challenges and strengthen cybersecurity infrastructure.

At the event, National Intelligence Service (NIS) Director Cho Tae-yong also echoed the same hope for the event.

"South Korea has been continuously enhancing its cybersecurity capabilities since establishing the National Cyber Security Center (NCSC) in 2004. As cooperation with allied nations is particularly crucial for cybersecurity, we hope that this event serves as a platform for sharing evolving cybersecurity experiences and solutions," the NIS chief said.

Wednesday's opening ceremony was attended by about 70 officials from 17 foreign countries including diplomats stationed in Seoul.

On the sidelines of the event, President Yoon visited exhibitions showcasing advanced technology and cybersecurity companies, encouraging the participants.

He notably observed the Allied Power Exercise (APEX) led by South Korea, a multinational cyber defense initiative that he committed to during the last NATO summit in Washington in July.

An official from APEX explained that Wednesday's exercise simulates attacks from adversarial nations, with participants from 24 countries, including NATO members and nations from the Indo-Pacific region, responding to the scenarios. Following the exercise, the participants will share information to boost the capabilities of all involved.

After observing the exercise, Mart Noorma, director of the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence (CCDCOE), expressed his respect for President Yoon's leadership in strengthening cooperation between NATO and the Asia-Pacific region. In response, President Yoon said that South Korea plans to deepen its cooperation with NATO and reaffirmed his commitment to enhancing cybersecurity collaboration with the alliance.
Korean police and Interpol have rounded up 29 drug offenders across Southeast Asia and confiscated drugs worth some 1.4 trillion won ($1.04 billion) as part of a joint international crackdown, officials said Wednesday.

The National Police Agency said it has successfully carried out the joint drug crackdown with Interpol, codenamed "LIONFISH-MAYAG," in the Golden Triangle region straddling Thailand, Myanmar and Laos for 16 days from July 22-Aug. 7.

The NPA has been carrying out such anti-drug "MAYAG" projects in cooperation with Interpol since last year in order to beef up international cooperation as most drugs circulated in South Korea are smuggled from overseas.

Seven countries, including the United States, Cambodia and Australia, took part in the operation that resulted in the detainment of 29 drug offenders and seizure of synthetic narcotics worth some 1.4 trillion won.

Among the confiscated drugs were 1.5 tons of ketamine, suggesting the Golden Triangle region is the main origin of the narcotic, officials said.

During the operation, the Korean police also nabbed the main suspect accused of smuggling drugs from Thailand into the country by exchanging information with participating countries in real time.

"We could learn through this operation the means of how the drug suppliers smuggle synthetic drugs and raw materials," said Jurgen Stock, secretary general of Interpol, adding cooperation with Interpol facilitated the real-time information swap between participating countries and raised the efficacy of the operation.

A National Police Agency official said it will continue to expand international cooperation in the Southeast Asian region, the main source of drugs coming into the country. (Yonhap)
Police are investigating 513 cases of deepfake sex crimes, a more than 70 percent jump in about 40 days, the National Police Agency said Wednesday.

The number, tallied as of Tuesday, compares with only 297 cases at the end of July.

Should the current trend hold, the annual number of deepfake crime cases reported to police is expected to reach a record high. The number of such cases has been on a steady rise from 156 cases in 2021, to 160 cases in 2022 and 180 cases in 2023.

From January to September this year, 318 suspects were detained over deepfake sex crime charges, and 251 of them, or 78.9 percent, were teens.

Many victims of deepfake sex crimes were also in their teens, with 62 percent of the total number of victims being teenagers last year.

Since last month, police have been carrying out a special crackdown on deepfake crimes.

Korea's media regulator also said it plans to hold a working-level talk with officials from Telegram in the near future to discuss their joint response to deepfake porn content on the platform. The regulator did not elaborate on the details of the planned meeting.

Last week, Telegram opened a hotline with the Korea Communications Standards Commission (KCSC) to better respond to illicit content on its platform.

Since then, Telegram has removed 61 pieces of sexual exploitation material from its platform, including those requested by the KCSC, according to the watchdog. (Yonhap)
Two Korean climbers who went missing in the Alps have been found dead, three days after they were reported missing, Korean embassy officials in France said Tuesday.

Rescue officials discovered the bodies, identified as a man in his 50s and a woman in her 40s, on a slope about 100 meters from the Mont Blanc summit, at around 1:15 p.m., according to the embassy.

The two climbers were among the seven members with a mountaineering club that visited Chamonix-Mont-Blanc last week.

The team reported four of the members missing on Saturday after they lost contact with them. Two of the four people were rescued by a helicopter the next day, at an altitude of 4,100 meters.

The rescued climbers said they were unable to descend due to worsening weather.

The Korean Embassy said earlier they dispatched a consular official as soon as they received the report on the missing nationals, and are working with local authorities for rescue operations.

The embassy said it has also informed the family members of the deceased of the body discovery and plans to provide necessary assistance. (Yonhap)
By Jung Min-ho

The National Human Rights Commission of Korea urged an international school in Jeju to change its strict uniform policy, saying it violates the students rights to self-determination.

In a statement released Wednesday, the commission said applying the same rules regarding what to wear regardless of weather conditions is the principals excessive exercise of authority that could limit students basic rights enshrined in the Constitution and a United Nations treaty.

This decision comes after a student at the school that follows the British curriculum filed a complaint last year, saying the school's uniform policy violates his human rights.

The student said he was forced to take off a coat worn over his uniform jacket despite the cold weather on Feb. 16, 2023. In another incident later that year, he said he was told to keep wearing his summer uniform jacket during school hours even when it was very hot.

The principal said the policy was included in the school regulations that all of its students must comply with. The principal added that teachers try to keep the temperatures at proper levels with air conditioning and heating systems.

The commission acknowledged that each school can have its own education system, including its own dress code, but it said the rules should be consistent with the spirit of the Constitution, which stipulates that all citizens have the right to pursue happiness.

Students are autonomous and responsible exercisers of their basic rights. By this standard, imposing uniform rules on all students without considering other ways to minimize the restriction of their rights is an excessive use of authority, the commission said.

It noted the uniform policy may also violate the U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child, which says all children have the right to freedom of expression and privacy, among other rights.

The commission said forcing students to follow the same dress code infringes on the fundamental rights to self-determination and health, calling on the school to find a reasonable solution to the issue through talks with parents and students.
Two major umbrella unions and a civic group on Wednesday called for the preservation of a girl statue erected in Berlin years ago to symbolize the victims of Japan's wartime sexual slavery, saying it is the emblem of historical justice.

The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU), the Federation of Korean Trade Unions (FKTU), and the Korean Council for Justice and Remembrance for the Issues of Military Sexual Slavery made the remark in a press conference in front of the German Embassy in Seoul, saying removing the statue in Germany would be "rejecting the history" of the country's war crimes.

The statue, dubbed the Statue of Peace, was erected in Berlin's Mitte district in 2020 to internationally publicize the issue of wartime sexual slavery victims euphemistically called "comfort women."

However, Germany decided to dismantle the statue on Sept. 28, a move that has gained momentum after Berlin's mayor told Japan's Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa in Tokyo in May that there should not be a "lopsided opinion," and he will "resolve the issue" regarding the statue.

"The statue symbolizes the numerous victims who had to live in pain and out of sight," said Lee Na-young, the head of the Korean Council. "This is why the Statue of Peace should be in Germany, a country where it has escaped from its imperialist past and strived to fulfill the common values of humanity."

Rep. Kim Joon-hyeong of the minor Korea Innovation Party, who also attended the conference, also stressed that the Statue of Peace should be permanently preserved as it is the "emblem of solidarity for world peace and human rights."

Following the press conference, Lee delivered a joint statement by local and German labor groups to the German Embassy in Seoul, calling for the preservation of the statue in Berlin. (Yonhap)
A flight attendant of Asiana Airlines was recently assaulted by a passenger on an aircraft while the plane was preparing to takeoff for the United States, according to industry sources Wednesday.

According to the sources, the incident occurred at around 9 p.m. last Thursday aboard flight OZ204 headed for Los Angeles from Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul.

At that time, the aircraft was reportedly close to takeoff, and passenger movement was restricted. The incident occurred when the assailant's companion got up to head toward the restroom and the flight attendant attempted to stop them.

The incident was purportedly reported to the cabin manager immediately. However, instead of returning the plane to the gate or reporting the assailant to the police, the flight continued as scheduled.

Even after completing the 11-hour flight, there was reportedly no report made to local police.

Asiana Airlines stated that after arriving in Los Angeles, both the victim and the cabin manager were excused from additional duties and sent back to Korea.

The airline said it is closely monitoring the victim's condition and is investigating the incident to determine whether to pursue legal action.

The incident came to light after an employee expressed dissatisfaction with the cabin manager's handling of the situation on Blind, an anonymous online platform for workers.

"We are thoroughly investigating this matter and will take appropriate action based on the results of the investigation," a company official said. (Yonhap)
Korea will continue to consult with Japan about the exhibits on an old Japanese mine complex listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, in ways that will better show its history of wartime forced labor, Seoul's top diplomat said Wednesday.

Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul made the remarks as criticism has persisted over the government's negotiations with Japan on the Sado gold and silver mines in the lead-up to the site's UNESCO inscription in late July.

"We think that the negotiations over improving the exhibits should continue," Cho said during a parliamentary session. "We will negotiate with Japan while considering how much we can enhance the content of the Sado mine exhibits."

Seoul gave consent to the inscription after Tokyo agreed to set up the exhibits on its history and hold a regular memorial service to honor the forced labor victims.

But critics have said the exhibits, installed at a local history museum near the Sado mines, lack descriptions of the coercive nature of the mobilization.

"To what extent the upgrade of the content of the exhibits will be done will be a matter of careful consideration during negotiations," Cho said.

The minister said the memorial service Japan has promised to hold to honor the forced labor victims at the Sado mines is unlikely to take place in September as expected, given the upcoming election in Japan later this month and other factors.

"We are discussing the date with the Japanese side," Cho said.

Seoul officials had said Japan agreed to consider holding the memorial event around July and August every year.

Many Koreans were taken to toil at Japanese mines and factories during Japan's 1910-45 colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula. (Yonhap)
A parliamentary committee on Wednesday passed a bill mandating a special counsel probe into allegations against first lady Kim Keon Hee, including her alleged interference in April's general elections.

The Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) and other opposition parties, which hold a majority of seats in the legislation and judiciary committee, unilaterally passed the bill during the committee's plenary session at the National Assembly.

Lawmakers of the ruling People Power Party walked out of the meeting in protest.

The bill calls for a special counsel to look into Kim's allegations, including stock manipulation, her receipt of a luxury bag and interference in the April 10 general elections.

If passed at the upcoming plenary session Thursday, it would be the second such bill after a similar bill was vetoed by President Yoon Suk Yeol and scrapped in a revote in January.

The DP is likely to keep pushing for the bill's passage, since the statute of limitations for election violations is set to end on Oct. 10.

A separate special counsel bill, aimed at investigating the military's response to a Marine's death last year, also passed the committee. It marks the opposition's fourth attempt to pass such legislation.

The latest bill mandates that the Supreme Court chief justice recommend four candidates to the special counsel. They will be narrowed down by the opposition parties to two, from which the president will make the final appointment.

The special counsel will be tasked with looking into allegations the presidential office and the defense ministry inappropriately interfered in the military's investigation into the death of Cpl. Chae Su-geun, who was killed during a search mission for victims of heavy downpours in July 2023.

During Wednesday's session, the committee adopted a confirmation report on Kim Bok-hyeong, nominee for justice of the Constitutional Court.

If appointed following a parliamentary confirmation hearing, Kim will keep at three the number of women on the Constitutional Court's nine-person bench.

Another bill aimed at promoting the use of local currency vouchers to help boost the economy also passed the committee. (Yonhap)
By KTimes

A baby bottlenose dolphin born on Aug. 28 at Geoje Sea World in South Gyeongsang Province, died just 10 days later, marking the third dolphin death at the facility this year, including the newborn calf.

Over the past decade, 15 dolphins have died there, earning the facility the grim nickname of " the whale graveyard" and "aquarium of death."

According to the Gyeongsangnam-do Provincial Government and the animal rights group Korean Animal Welfare Association, the baby dolphin was confirmed dead on Sept. 8.

The newborn was in poor health from birth. This latest death follows the passing of two dolphins used for performances  July and Nova  who died on Feb. 25 and 28, respectively.

Controversial births within aquariums



Animal rights groups criticize Geoje Sea World for continuing to use dolphins for performances and breeding them for profit, despite the amendment to the Zoo and Aquarium Act last December.

The amendment prohibits the display of cetaceans as they are deemed unsuitable for exhibition and bans the acquisition of new animals, laying the groundwork for ending whale and dolphin exhibitions in domestic aquariums. However, Geoje Sea World's operations remain largely unchanged.

There is ongoing debate over whether births within aquariums constitute a violation of the ban on acquiring new animals.

In July of last year, the birth of a bottlenose dolphin named Mark was reported at Geoje Sea World, followed by the birth of Arang, a dolphin transferred from Pacific Resort (formerly Pacific Land) in April this year.

Animal rights groups argue that breeding within aquariums is illegal based on Articles 2 and 15 of the Zoo and Aquarium Act, but the government has said that further legal review is needed to determine if breeding falls under the new acquisition ban provision.

Animal rights groups have filed a complaint with the police against Geoje Sea World, alleging "illegal breeding" with the birth of Arang.

Dolphins forced to perform despite illnesses

An official at the Gyeongsangnam-do Provincial Government's Maritime and Port Division said, "We are communicating with the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries while awaiting legal interpretation."

While the amendment imposes penalties of up to two years in prison or fines of up to 20 million won ($15,000) for new acquisitions of cetaceans, it does not specify follow-up measures like confiscation.

Geoje Sea World faced backlash earlier this year for forcing July and Nova to perform while they were being treated for illness, with Nova even performing until four days before its death.

In response, the Korean Association of Zoos and Aquariums, composed of current and former veterinarians nationwide, issued a statement calling for health-compromised animals to be given treatment opportunities and for displays to be restricted.

Despite the ongoing breeding, Geoje Sea World has separated male and female dolphins, but issues identified during joint inspections last June and March  such as managing water temperatures using heat pumps  have not been addressed.

Animal rights groups argue, "Local governments, as licensing authorities, can issue corrective orders to aquariums and impose administrative sanctions, such as business suspension, if they fail to comply."

They urged local governments and the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries to use newly introduced professional inspectors to actively seek measures to regulate Geoje Sea World's operations.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.
By Shim Jae-yun

"Hell Joseon," a term used to describe Korea, has become a potent expression of the country's deep-seated inequalities and structural problems. The younger generation, in particular, feels a profound sense of disillusionment and despair about the future. This sentiment is starkly reflected in the nation's low birthrate. The challenging social environment  where it is almost inconceivable to consider having and raising children  leads young people to lose hope for their future, threatening the very foundation of the nations survival.

A film that vividly portrays this reality is "Because I hate Korea. The movie follows Gyena, a young woman who decides to leave Korea for New Zealand in search of a better life, away from the harsh realities she faces at home. Gyena comes to see life in Korea as a source of despair rather than hope, feeling that it stifles her identity and happiness. Her decision is emblematic of a broader trend among young Koreans who are looking abroad for opportunities and a more promising future, reflecting the deep-rooted structural issues within Korean society. In the film, Gyena is symbolically compared to a penguin named Pablo, who, disliking the cold, ventures in search of warmer land.

The "hateful" issues in Korean society are diverse and complex. One major problem is the rigidity of the labor market. Decent jobs are highly sought after but scarce, leading to intense competition. The pressure to accumulate qualifications and the excessive focus on academic credentials place immense stress on young people. Even after graduating from university, those who do not secure a regular job may be relegated to temporary or part-time work, which further undermines their quality of life. Consequently, it becomes challenging to achieve job security or to make long-term plans.

Additionally, the culture of hyper-competition erodes trust and solidarity among people. In a society where individuals are viewed as rivals rather than partners, and where exclusion and competition take precedence over cooperation, human relationships inevitably suffer. The younger generation, having been raised in this environment, often come to see each other as adversaries. This mindset fosters a vicious cycle of mistrust and anxiety, becoming pervasive throughout society.

An even more pressing issue is the pervasive culture that equates money with everything. In a society where higher-paying jobs are valued over meaningful work, material success is often seen as the sole goal in life. This focus on economic achievement over human dignity contributes to widespread moral decay. As a result, young people are left with a profound sense of disillusionment, struggling to understand their true life goals amid a culture that prioritizes financial gain above all else.

However, there are countries that have overcome such challenges. The Netherlands and Sweden are frequently highlighted as successful examples in addressing low birthrates. Both countries have developed inclusive and flexible labor markets that help young people balance work and life. For instance, the Netherlands offers various work conditions, including flexible hours, to help individuals manage their work and family responsibilities. Similarly, Sweden provides generous parental leave and flexible working hours, enabling parents to spend more time with their children. These supportive systems are vital for young people contemplating parenthood and have played a significant role in boosting birthrates.

Recently, The Korea Times hosted a roundtable discussion featuring notable dignitaries and experts. The panel included Dutch Ambassador Peter van der Vliet, Swedish Deputy Head of Mission Johannes Andreasson, Kim Sang-hee from the Ministry of Health and Welfare who oversees childrens policies, and Yi In-sil, head of the Korean Peninsula Population Institute for Future.

In moderating the debate, I highlighted the urgent population challenges facing South Korea. The envoys responded enthusiastically, sharing their countries' experiences and lessons. Their insights offered valuable and multi-faceted solutions to the demographic issues at hand.

Korea could benefit greatly from the examples set by these countries. Policies should aim to enhance labor market flexibility and develop a robust social safety net to alleviate hyper-competition. Additionally, fostering a social environment that values more than just financial success is crucial for helping young people rediscover their dreams and aspirations.

For Korean youth to escape the harsh realities of "Hell Joseon" and envision a brighter future, we must commit to collective action. This transformation needs to start now. The examples set by the Netherlands and Sweden demonstrate that change is achievable, and Korea can succeed as well.

Shim Jae-yun is a chief editorial writer of The Korea Times.
By Angela Woodward

Should New Zealand join AUKUS Pillar II? According to Aotearoa New Zealand's Foreign Minister, Winston Peters, this question is a moot point, as the country has not received an invitation to join Pillar II, the technology-sharing mechanism of the Australia, Britain and the United States (AUKUS) security partnership. However, he acknowledged that the government is in discussions to learn more about what membership would entail and is considering whether joining would be in New Zealand's national security interests. Should New Zealand signal a willingness to join, a formal invitation would undoubtedly be forthcoming.

As officials continue to examine the implications of Pillar II membership, the political debate within New Zealand's foreign policy circles is vociferous and growing but also divided on the perceived benefits and risks of joining the arrangement.

What would joining Pillar II mean for New Zealand?

While New Zealand has long relied on its geographic isolation to deter traditional military threats, physical distance offers no protection from emerging digital threats. The foreign minister has indicated that New Zealand's strategic threat environment warrants a thorough consideration of the merits of Pillar II membership, arguing that opponents may not fully appreciate the country's intelligence service assessments shaping this debate, even as he remains undecided on whether the country should join. A recent publicly available intelligence report raises concerns about foreign interference and espionage threats, including recent instances involving China, emphasizing the need to seriously consider the technological gains that New Zealand could accrue under Pillar II to strengthen its electronic intelligence and counter-espionage capabilities  technologies that New Zealand could not realistically develop indigenously.

Proponents of Pillar II highlight that, on a practical level, membership would enable the country to access a range of advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, cyber, undersea capabilities, hypersonic weaponry, information-sharing and electronic warfare  though it may choose not to acquire the full suite of options.

The argument goes that adopting the relevant advanced technologies available through Pillar II would enable New Zealand to maintain its interoperability in areas such as communications and domain awareness with its military cooperation partners. Conversely, failing to stay up-to-date with their systems could impede New Zealand's ability to coordinate with these partners on a range of important tasks, including its growing role in emergency and disaster response, and may result in its marginalization from such arrangements.

For example, New Zealand, along with the three AUKUS states and Canada, is part of the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance and has recently joined the Operation Olympic Defender initiative on space-related cooperation, both of which are likely to utilise the technology envisioned in Pillar II. This close cooperation among these states also extends to the NATO Indo-Pacific Partnership grouping of Australia, New Zealand, Japan and Korea. Notably, Canada, Japan and South Korea are similarly considering joining AUKUS Pillar II.

A sticking point for opponents is the extent to which Pillar II's advances in offensive military technology and even greater alignment with New Zealand's traditional allies' AUKUS commitment to a "free and open Indo-Pacific" are perceived as weakening New Zealand's foreign policy independence. These moves are also viewed as provocative by China and as efforts to constrain China's expanding influence in the region. Indeed, Chinese Premier Li Qiang likely conveyed as much to New Zealand officials during his Wellington visit in June.

It has also been noted that New Zealand's growing entanglement in these various initiatives may come at the expense of its enduring commitments to Pacific Island partners, serving as an unwelcome distraction from their actual and shared existential threat  climate change  against which more resources are desperately required. Careful diplomacy will be required to address Pacific partners' concerns about an expansion of AUKUS interests in the sub-region, particularly beyond Australia's acquisition of nuclear-powered but conventionally-armed submarines, which has already strained neighborly relations.

As a small country dependent on trade, New Zealand is also sensitive to the risk of upsetting its largest trading partner, China, with whom it has maintained a comprehensive strategic partnership for ten years. The financial costs of developing and purchasing these new Pillar II technologies and the potential damage that joining Pillar II may inflict on New Zealand's most important bilateral trade relationship have yet to be transparently quantified or debated.

More public debate is certainly needed on all these considerations before the New Zealand Government makes a decision on whether to signal its readiness to join AUKUS Pillar II.

Angela Woodward is the deputy executive director of the Verification Research, Training and Information Centre and a member of the International Advisory Board of the Asia-Pacific Leadership Network (APLN). This essay is published in cooperation with the APLN (www.apln.network).


Striking doctors should heed appeals of critically ill patients

Doctors are currently divided, with hardliners accusing moderates of betrayal for resuming their work and condemning them as traitors.

Park Dan, a hardliner and the leader of the Korea Intern and Resident Association (KIRA), criticized Lim Hyun-taek, the president of the Korean Medical Association (KMA), calling for his resignation. President Lim doesnt represent trainee doctors who risked their careers by resigning from their place of work or medical school students who are on leaves of absence, he said in a statement posted on social media.

KIRA is an organization of junior doctors, while the KMA represents senior doctors. The president of the KMA has rejected Park Dan's call for his resignation.

Amid these developments, patients are bearing the brunt, as the deepening rift among doctors groups is likely to worsen the protracted medical crisis in the country.

The Yoon Suk Yeol government is chiefly responsible for the medical service vacuum, having introduced a plan to increase medical school admissions earlier this year without prior consultation with doctors.

Therefore, it is understandable that doctors are furious, given they were excluded from the decision-making process for a change that will significantly impact their lives.

However, doctors cannot avoid criticism for their role in the current medical crisis, as their inflexibility and reluctance to make concessions have hindered efforts to reach an agreement with the government.

The two sides are facing off against each other, and as a result, patients' lives are being put at risk.

Doctors, especially the hardliners, ignored the pleas from patients and instead rallied support from the doctors community to continue their struggle until their demands were met.

A rift developed among junior doctors when some trainees chose to return to work and treat patients.

Irritated by the doctors who returned to work, hardliners posted a list of emergency room (ER) doctors, including their names, on a restricted membership website. They labeled these ER doctors as "collaborators" with the government.

They demonized fellow doctors, posting gossip and rumors about them on the website. The website's unnamed operator announced that the "collaborators' list" would be updated with more details on Sept. 21. The operator and members of the website are believed to be doctors themselves.

The KMA took the case seriously. The group urged the operator and members of the website to stop bullying fellow doctors.

We understand that they compiled the list and made it public because they are so desperate. We fully understand their position, but attacking their colleagues just because they have different ideas is not desirable, it said in a statement released on Tuesday, calling on the members to show restraint.

The blacklist reveals a division within the medical community, with two distinct groups of doctors holding opposing views on whether trainee doctors should return to work. Hardliners, such as KIRA leader Park, vowed to fight to the end to reverse the Yoon governments course of action, so that the plan to increase the medical school admissions quota can be completely scrapped. They urged other doctors to join their cause to strengthen their collective voice in the policymaking process.

Meanwhile, doctors with more moderate views have returned to work, driven by their commitment to saving patients' lives after learning about the plight of ER patients who were forced to move from one hospital to another in search of treatment. Several understaffed hospitals had been unable to admit the patients.

The focus here is not on identifying villains or heroes. The real issue is whether there were flaws in the process that led to each sides decisions and how those decisions were implemented.

In a democratic society, individuals are free to express their own opinions, and diverse viewpoints are natural because people think differently. Respecting differing opinions is a cornerstone of democracy. While trainee doctors can encourage their peers to join their cause for a unified voice, coercing others into action is unacceptable in a democracy. Everyones free will must be respected, and the hardliners have overstepped their bounds.
Govt protects, promotes traditions to boost exports

By Ko Dong-hwan

Korea Grand Masters, a group of experts with government-certified craftsmanship for the countrys traditional foods or liquors, have shifted their focus from protecting the heritage to more actively sharing it worldwide, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

The experts change in treating their transcended techniques and palatable outcomes are in line with the countrys increasing efforts to boost exports of Korean foods, beverages and liquors.

The masters supports for the governments export initiative comes as the countrys major private food and alcohol companies such as Samyang Foods, CJ CheilJedang and HiteJinro are rigorously expanding their presence in overseas markets with instant noodles, alcohols, snacks and desserts. As of last month, the countrys exports of manufactured food products and natural produce for this year altogether registered $6.48 billion, up 8.7 percent from the same period last year. The figure surpassed the previous year's record for the 12th consecutive month.

Korea Grand Masters, identified by an eponymous logo issued by the ministry and marked on their products, have been protected and supported by the countrys Food Industry Promotion Act since 1994 to preserve their lineages and products. Currently, 80 masters are active nationwide in a range of fields, including sauces, desserts, meats, herbal foods, teas and alcohols.

The Korea Food Grand Master Center is an experience-oriented hotspot in downtown Seoul which invites those interested in trying to make the countrys edible heritages or simply tasting them. Over 290 products by 61 grand masters are on display, including rice cakes, confections and teas.

The center has been running experience programs since 2016 for foreign and local tourists. Nearly 160,000 people have visited the venue as of this month, with 30,000 having engaged in hands-on activities to emulate the masters' expertise.

The center has become increasingly popular, a ministry official said. The place is usually booked a month in advance these days.

A Korea Grand Master in the soy sauce category, who is currently offering an educational platform, encourages restaurateurs, chefs and other gastronomic experts to come and learn about the countrys oldest sauces.

Ki Soon-dos Fermentation School in Damyang, South Jeolla Province, offers an eight-week program dedicated to traditional sauces  called jang in Korean.

At the school, which opened last year, students learn not only how to make jang but also how to use it in various recipes. Joseph Lidgerwood, an Australian chef who runs fine dining restaurant Evett in Seoul, shares at the school how he uses Kis jang for his dishes and invites participants to taste them.

Ki, designated as Korea Grand Master No. 35, gained global recognition in 2017 when then-U.S. President Donald Trump visited Seoul and tasted a dish featuring Kis soy sauce during a banquet at Cheong Wa Dae. The soy sauce, fermented for 360 years at the time, was used in a dish of braised ribs and receives rave reviews. Foreign news outlets even said the soy sauce had been fermented longer than U.S. history.

Ko Hwa-sun, a herbal food master and Korea Grand Master No. 90, registered the countrys first export of herbal foods in 2017 through her company On Sky Farm. Since then, she has been exporting nine edible green products and vegan bibimbap to the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and Hong Kong. The companys exports have reached $700 million as of this month.

Ko, whose herbal food-making techniques were passed down from her grandmother on her mothers side to her own daughter, sources ingredients from some 800 local herb farms. She supplies 182 products across 32 categories to 5,000 elementary, middle and high schools nationwide. The company, established in 2000 with 50 employees, reported sales of 13.1 billion won ($9.76 million) last year, proving its economic soundness despite its small size.

Appointing masters

Since 1994, the ministry has been designating the grand masters every year. Those who have been engaged in their food or alcohol fields for 20 years or more, or who can make traditional foods or alcohol with complete accuracy, or who have been trained for five years or more and working in the field for 10 years or more are eligible for the title.

To be acknowledged as a Korea Grand Master, they must file for an application to a local government. The government, after reviewing their qualifications and authencity, recommends the candidates to the ministry. A jury promoting the country's food industries evaluates the recommended candidates and make the final decision.

Once designated, the grand masters receive diverse supports from the government to sustain their generation-to-generation apprenticeship, promote their businesses and expand their productive capabilities.

Those who copy the foods or beverages from the grand masters to abuse their exclusive rights are subject to up to three years in prison or fines up to 30 million won.

This article was planned in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.






Unionized office workers at SK hynix, the world's second-largest memory chip maker, have agreed on a 5.7 percent wage hike with the company, industry sources said Wednesday.

Some 78.6 percent of 539 representatives from SK hynix office workers' union voted in favor of this year's tentative wage deal between the company and the labor union, according to the sources.

Last week, the company and the union had tentatively reached an agreement on a 5.7 percent pay raise, along with an increase in medical payments and other benefits.

The new wage increase marks a slight rise from last year's 4.5 percent.

Meanwhile, a separate labor union representing SK hynix's manufacturing workers rejected a similar tentative wage deal earlier this week.

The company said it will continue working toward an agreement with the manufacturing workers' union. (Yonhap)
Female leaders call for improvement in gender equality

By Park Jae-hyuk

Korean companies still seem to have a long way to go in terms of womens representation in leadership positions, although they have made a series of efforts to improve gender equality, according to Women in INnovation (WIN), an association consisting of female executives at Korean companies and foreign firms here.

WIN recently revealed the findings of Leaders Index, after the corporate tracker analyzed 353 companies among Koreas 500 largest firms by revenue.

According to the analysis, the proportion of their female executives rose to 7.3 percent this year from 7 percent in 2023, 6.3 percent in 2022, 5.5 percent in 2021 and 3.9 percent in 2019.

The growth was attributed mainly to the passage of a partial amendment to the Financial Services and Capital Markets Act in 2020, which mandates that a listed company with total assets of at least 2 trillion won ($1.5 billion) must not have an all-male or all-female board and should comply with this requirement within two years from the effective date of the amendment.

However, the analysis showed that those firms have largely circumvented the regulation by appointing women as outside directors, instead of giving executive positions to female employees.

Between 2020 and 2024, the proportion of outside directors who are women at the 353 companies jumped to 16.4 percent from 5.5 percent, while the proportion of female inside directors inched up to 3.8 percent from 2 percent, according to the analysis.

The proportion of their female employees also stood at around 26 percent from 2019 to 2024.

Although the number of women in executive positions has increased after the revision of the Capital Markets Act, companies need to take follow-up measures to nurture candidates to become female executives, WIN President Suh Ji-hee said.

Amid the complex and uncertain business environment, it has become more important to embrace diversity and equality.

Earlier this week, the Federation of Korean Industries (FKI) appointed Samyang Roundsquare CEO Kim Jung-soo and Youngone Holdings CEO Sung Rae-eun as new vice chairpersons. Kim is a daughter-in-law of the food firms late founder Chun Joong-yoon. Sung is the second-oldest daughter of the apparel makers founder Sung Ki-hak.

This is the first time in 25 years for the business lobby to give a vice chairperson seat to a woman, since Aekyung Group Chairwoman Chang Young-shin assumed the position in 1999.

With the appointment of the businesswomen, we will follow the changing trends and listen to the opinions of various sectors to become more dynamic, an FKI official said.

But still, the FKI chairman and 12 other vice chairpersons are all men.

Among the 25 vice chairpersons of the Seoul Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which is led by Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry and SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won, the only woman is Hyundai Group Chairwoman Hyun Jeong-eun, daughter-in-law of late Hyundai Group founder Chung Ju-yung.

The Korea Enterprises Federation, another major business lobby, lacks female leadership.

In contrast, the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea, the largest foreign business lobby here, has nine women on its 29-member board of governors.

The Korean-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the second-largest foreign chamber here, has Deutsche Bank Seoul Branch Manager Park Hyun-nam as one of its two chairpersons. She is the first female head of a domestic and foreign investment bank in Korea.

The British Chamber of Commerce in Korea is led by Executive Director Lucinda Walker, who introduces herself as a working woman in Korea and a mother of a Korean citizen. The chamber is a partner of the British Embassy in Korea, led by Ambassador Colin Crooks, who boycotted the unification ministrys forum held earlier this month, citing womens underrepresentation.
Cass, Jeju Soju to expand together in global markets, continuing export growth momentum

By Kang Seung-woo

Oriental Brewery Company announced, Wednesday, that it has decided to acquire Jeju Soju from Shinsegae L&B.

The acquisition of Jeju Soju, a company dedicated to enhancing the global profile of K-soju through exports, strengthens the ability to accelerate the international expansion of both the Cass and Jeju Soju brands, Korea's largest beer maker said.

By leveraging the strengths of both brands and the growing influence of hallyu, Oriental Brewery, which is owned by AB InBev, said it aims to bring Cass and Jeju Soju to global consumers, offering a diverse range of Korean beverages.

Oriental Brewery said its core focus remains on leading and growing the beer category in Korea while expanding Casss presence across the globe. As an official partner of the recent Paris Olympic Games, Cass gained significant global attention by operating a Korean-style street bar, Cass Pocha, in Paris. This initiative further solidified Cass growing international presence, showcasing its potential through consistent export growth.

As part of its global expansion strategy, Oriental Brewery said it chose Jeju Soju to accompany Cass on its international journey. Together, Cass and Jeju Soju aim to tap into the increasing global enthusiasm for K-culture, expanding it to include K-food and beverages.

"This acquisition is part of (Oriental Brewery's) long-term growth strategy, opening up new possibilities for us," Vice President Koo Ja-beom said.

(Oriental Brewery) remains dedicated to delivering the best beer experience for Korean consumers. This acquisition allows us to further leverage and strengthen our Cass export network worldwide.
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 kilometers).

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 two and a half 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. (Reuters)
Russia said on Tuesday its forces had advanced by 1,000 square kilometers (390 square miles) in eastern Ukraine in August and September despite a Ukrainian incursion into western Russia, which ruled out any ceasefire talks with Kyiv.

Since Russia sent armored forces into Ukraine in February 2022, the war has largely been a story of grinding artillery and drone strikes along a heavily fortified 1,000-km (620-mile) front involving hundreds of thousands of soldiers.

Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu said that the August. 6 Ukrainian incursion into Russia's Kursk region had aimed to improve Kyiv's negotiating position and divert Russian forces from the Donbas front in eastern Ukraine.

But Shoigu said that Russian forces were increasing the pace of their offensive in Donbas, capturing almost 1,000 sq km over August and the first eight days of September.

Russia's Defense Ministry on Tuesday announced the capture of four villages on the eastern front, but Ukrainian accounts of front-line activity disputed parts of that claim.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiyy offered no details of the situation on the ground, but praised troops for holding their positions in the two most difficult sectors in the east  Pokrovsk and Kurakhove.

Zelenskiyy has said the Kursk operation achieves a number of objectives, including preventing Russian forces from launching their own incursion on the Ukrainian side of the border in that area.

He appeals almost daily for greater numbers of weapons and permission from Kyiv's Western allies to use them on targets deep inside Russia. U.S. President Joe Biden said on Tuesday his administration was "working that out now."

Fastest rate of Russian advance

Open-source data and battlefield reports indicate that Russian forces in Donbas advanced in August at their fastest rate in about two years.

Shoigu said on state TV that as long as Ukrainian forces were on sovereign Russian soil there would be no talks with Kyiv, and this was the stance of President Vladimir Putin.

Russian forces, which have taken about a fifth of Ukraine, are attempting to take the whole of the eastern Donbas region, comprised of Donetsk and Luhansk provinces. The area is about half the size of the U.S. state of Ohio.

The Russian Defense Ministry said Moscow's forces had expanded their footprint and now controlled the Donetsk villages of Krasnohorivka, Hryhorivka, Vodiane and Halytsynivka. Russian news agencies said Defense Minister Andrei Belousov congratulated units on the capture of Krasnohorivka.

Russia rarely comments on its losses, but Kyiv and its NATO allies say its recent advances have come at an enormous cost in terms of casualties and destroyed armored vehicles.

The General Staff of Ukraine's military on Tuesday said Kyiv's forces had repelled Russian attacks near Krasnohorivka and Hryhorivka, east of the key city of Pokrovsk. An earlier report said Halytsynivka had come under Russian attack.

Ukrainian military bloggers gave conflicting reports of who was holding Vodiane, further south near the hilltop town of Vuhledar.

Reuters could not independently verify the battlefield reports from either side.

On Sunday, Russia said its forces had taken full control of another town in eastern Ukraine as Moscow's forces advance on Pokrovsk, a logistics hub.

On Monday, Moscow said its forces had captured the village of Memryk, 15 miles (24 km) southeast of Pokrovsk.

Putin ordered tens of thousands of troops into Ukraine in February 2022 in what he calls a "special military operation" against security threats by Western-backed Kyiv. Ukraine has denied such accusations and vowed to expel all Russian forces.

Ukraine also struck the Moscow region on Tuesday in its biggest drone attack so far on the Russian capital. (Reuters)
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy arrived in Kyiv on a joint visit Wednesday, as Ukraine presses the West to allow it to use long-range missiles against Russia.

The top diplomats reached the Ukrainian capital by train from Poland hours after the U.S. presidential debate during which Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Trump sparred over the 2 1/2-year war in Ukraine.

Blinken traveled from London, where he accused Iran of providing Russia with Fath-360 short-range ballistic missiles, calling the move a dramatic escalation of the war.

For months, Ukraine has been requesting approval to use long-range weapons from the United States and Western allies to strike targets in Russia, and is expected to press harder given Russias latest reported weapons acquisition.

We hope that long-range equipment for strikes on the territory of our enemy will be reached and we will have it," Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal told Lammy. "We hope for your help and support in this issue.

Shmyhal described the meeting with Lammy in Kyiv as intense but gave no other details in the post on his Telegram channel.

At a news conference on Tuesday, Shmyhal said that if we are allowed to destroy military targets or weapons prepared by the enemy for attacks on Ukraine, it would certainly bring more safety for our civilians, our people, and our children.

We are working towards this and will continue to push for it every day.

Referring to the missiles from Iran, he added: Russias use of weapons from its terrorist allies to strike at Ukraine continues their genocidal war and terrorism on our territory. We must be able to respond to such terrorism in kind by destroying military targets on their territory to ensure greater safety for our citizens.

Wednesdays visit comes ahead of British Prime Minister Keir Starmers upcoming trip to Washington, where he will meet President Joe Biden at the White House on Friday. Ukraine's request for permission to strike Russian targets is due to feature in the discussion.

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.

The rare joint visit by the British and American top diplomats 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.

Russian airstrikes, mostly aimed at crippling Ukraines energy infrastructure, have intensified in recent weeks with nightly missile and drone attacks.

As Blinken and Lammy arrived in Kyiv, the U.K. announced it was banning 10 commercial ships it accuses of illicitly transporting Russian oil in violation of international sanctions. The U.K. government said the vessels would be barred from British ports and could be detained if they enter. (AP)
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BTS *truly* paved the way!

Among many global artists, the K-pop icon proved their position after being named one of the 21st century's greatest pop stars by Billboard.

On Sept. 10th (local time), the US Billboard updated its "Greatest Pop Star of 21st Century" rankings, placing BTS in 19th place.

In particular, the music industry's standard record chart initially unveiled its Honorable Mentions and will reveal the Top 25 staff picks in the next few months before the year ends.

In the article uploaded on its website, the global music chart lauded the septet's huge contribution to the K-pop scene, which eventually extended into the pop music industry, thanks to their hits and fandom.

The K-pop boy group broke the wall and became the definition of "pop stars" by not only being a group with seven all-rounders but by establishing a fandom called ARMY, that embodies BTS's love, connection and positive message.

Billboard also emphasized the septet as the "new blueprint for everything pop," lauding its massive fan community and long list of hits. In fact, in the history of US Billboard, BTS has recorded six Hot 100 No. 1 hits and six 200 No. 1 albums.

READ ALSO: BTS "Paved The Way:" Koreans Laugh at International Fandoms Who Aren't Acknowledging it

As the magazine delved deeper into why BTS was selected to join the "Greatest Pop Stars" list, Billboard added the group's top-tier vocals, visuals, dance abilities, and performances as more reasons they deserve their spot.

"Everything BTS is produced to the highest quality," highlighted Billboard.

Lastly, the article cited the seven-member team's contribution in paving the way in the global market, especially in the U.S. with their group hits such as "Dynamite" and "Butter," not to mention the seven members' solo careers that helped them expand their name as BTS, credited to their respective accolades.

In the end, Billboard claimed:

"No K-pop group  or group in general  has accomplished what Bangtan (BTS) has this century... BTS truly paved the way."

RELATED ARTICLE: Top 10 'Most Impactful K-pop Groups of All Time According to AI: BTS, SNSD, More!

For more K-Pop news and updates, keep your tabs open here at KpopStarz.

KpopStarz owns this article.

Written by Eunice Dela Cruz
BATON ROUGE, La. - Governor Jeff Landry announced the White House has approved the Emergency Declaration for the State of Louisiana which cove
President von der Leyen - 4th Crimea platform Summit

Dear President Zelenskyy, dear Volodymyr,

Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It has been ten years since Russia began its aggression against Ukraine.

Ukrainians had bravely demanded justice, democracy, and a European future.

Russia responded with the illegal occupation of the peninsula.

It's clear:

Crimea and Sevastopol are Ukraine.

The European Union will never tire to support the territorial integrity of Ukraine.

Only where borders count there is security and peace for people.

Over these ten years, Crimea has been a testing ground for the brutal tactics Russia now uses across occupied Ukraine.

The tragic echoes of the Soviet-era deportation of Crimean Tatars reverberate today.

The disappearances, the torture, the attempted deletion of Tatar culture, and the persecution of journalists and human rights defenders.

Europe stands with Ukraine in documenting each and every one of these crimes.

Together we will ensure that justice will be served.

For peace without justice is no peace at all.

We Europeans want peace as much as Ukrainians do.

But a peace that is fair and lasting.

True peace is one that ensures war cannot return.

A peace that allows people to focus on their future.

This is why Ukraine's integration into the European Union is at the heart of our efforts.

Formal accession negotiations were launched this summer in a historic step.

Ukraine is joining a large family that will always have your back.

Like we have had since day one of the full-scale aggression.

We have provided Ukraine with over 118 billion euros in support so far.

And with funding from the Ukraine Facility secured until 2027, there is much more to come.

President Putin's attempts to crush Ukraine's spirit have failed.

Instead, Ukraine stands strong.

Our peoples have never been closer.

Together, we will endure and prevail, united as we are in our commitment to a free and democratic Ukraine.

Slava Ukraini.

Zarazeno st 11.09.2024 14:09:00 Zdroj Evropska komise en Original ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/api/documents?reference=STATEMENT/24/4643&language=en lang en guid /STATEMENT/24/4643/
On 10 September Brazils Presidentvisited the northern city of Manaus, capital of Amazonas state, which has been suffering from a severe drought in recent months.

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On 10 September the Argentine government dismissed, who had been appointed by Presidentto run the state coal mining company Yacimientos Carboniferos Rio Turbio (YCRT), for alleged corruption.

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DEAR ABBY: A close male friend, Will, ended our friendship without warning. I didnt know he had such strong feelings about my current arrangement. I have been dating a married man, Bart, whose wife suggested he get himself a girlfriend if he wanted sex/intimacy/companionship. She also told him she would never want to sleep with him again. It has been 10 years since they were last intimate or even shared a bed. They dont live together; Bart lives in his guest house. They share a son, which is why he doesnt want to leave.

As a parent, I understand. Its why I stayed in my own marriage for so long. The circumstances are less than ideal and something I never thought Id be a part of, but I havent felt this wonderful in years. My ex-husband and I were never this compatible. When Im with Bart, its magical, and I believe its mutual.

For this choice of mine, Will has severed our friendship. He did it via text. Id told him about it two weeks earlier, and he advised me to be careful. He called Bart and me cheaters, but its not exactly like that. Im deeply hurt over this loss. I want to know if Will is in the wrong or if I am. -- NO CHEATER IN ARIZONA

DEAR NO CHEATER: Does who is right or wrong matter at this point? Your friend Will does not approve of your affair with Bart because of his marital status and has chosen to distance himself. Thats his privilege. You made an adult decision to engage in this relationship, and it has cost you a friend. Live your life, but dont be shocked if others also feel the way Will does.

***

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
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.

Casey said last week that he had agreed to the Philadelphia debate and an Oct. 3 debate in Harrisburg hosted by ABC27 that McCormick had already accepted.

The Oct. 3 debate will be broadcast on Nexstar stations across the state and on KDKA-TV in Pittsburgh.

However, the two sides remain apart on an agreement for a debate in Pittsburgh. Casey has agreed to one on Oct. 9 on KDKA, a CBS affiliate, but McCormick has agreed to one hosted by WPXI-TV, an NBC affiliate.

While several recent polls have showed a tightening contest between Casey and McCormick, a new CBS News poll of Senate races in three battleground states, including Pennsylvania, showed Casey with a 48% to 41% lead.

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Editors note: This is part of a series of on how tribes and Indigenous communities are coping with and combating climate change.

This spring, a torrent of rain sent a river rushing over a field on the Oneida Nation in Wisconsin, destroying most of what was in its path, including the traditionally important crop of white corn.

Families tried planting a second time, but it was too wet; many seeds dissolved in the water-soaked soil. The corn that did sprout was patchy and stunted.

It looked anemic, said Lea Zeise, one of the coordinators of Ohelaku, a non-profit that works with the families planting crops. Really skinny and really frail.

A few members picked what remained at the end of August in its early form, known as green corn, but it was barely enough to go around. There will be none of their white corn in the annual food boxes sent to tribal elders next year. And the harvest moon event, traditionally an important time for ceremonies and community gathering, has been canceled.

Its a stark reminder of the uncertainty in store for Indigenous growers as the planet warms and as seasonal weather patterns become more unpredictable. There will likely be many hard years threatening the food that ties Oneida people to their culture, the land and each other. Oneida white corn stewards and other Indigenous growers want to adapt, and are proactively incorporating sustainable land management techniques like using cover crops to try to improve soil health and bolster their land against future droughts and floods. But years like this one remind them that it wont always be enough.

Were really up against some pretty serious odds with climate change. Theres a lot at stake. And so it feels very personal, Zeise said. Its very hard not to go out to the field and feel just deeply sad.

White corn is more than just a food for Oneida people; its part of their creation story and a relative to be cared for. Its also an annual, seasonal reason for people to come together, which was the philosophy behind Ohelaku, which translates to among the cornstalks.

Braiding corn husks is the favorite activity of 10-year-old Lucia Stevens, who was crowned Lil Miss Oneida this year and whose Oneida name Tehwahshutyahks means she breaks the night. Shes been joining the white corn harvest for about as long as she can remember, but this was the hardest year shes seen in her lifetime, her mother Stephanie said.

We tried our best, Lucia said. The reason why we didnt get that much corn is because it kept getting too hot days, and then it kept getting too rainy days, and it kept going back and forth like that.

Zeise and her mother Laura Manthe, who helped found the organization, said that by growing corn communally, families can learn from each other. They can all chip in on the labor-intensive processes of sowing, weeding, picking cobs by hand, winnowing to separate the chaff from the grain and other tasks, Manthe and Zeise said. The group can also still have a substantial crop even if the animals get to some of it, and they have a better chance of surviving extreme weather events if theyre growing on a larger area of land.

But even growing together was no match for this years spring inundation. Drive around Wisconsin, Minnesota and Michigan and there are a lot of farmers whose corn looks horrible, Manthe said. But commercially grown corn, which uses more uniform varieties than heirloom ones and is often genetically modified, is looking pretty good this time of year, she said.

Oneida and commercial farmers take different approaches to dealing with smut, too  a type of fungus that can grow on corn. While many commercial growers consider it a disease to be eradicated, some Mexican growers use it for cooking and consider a delicacy. Ohelaku members have taken inspiration and are just starting to use it as the wetter seasons make it more prevalent, but by this time the corn smut is already too mature to use.

Becky Webster, who grows with Ohelaku, is also executive director of another Oneida farmstead and non-profit Ukwakhwa, where she plants white corn in smaller plots and in two different ways. Some of it she plants in rows, and some of it in a method called Three Sisters, where corn, beans and squash are all planted together in mounds. She said the Three Sisters corn wasnt flooded out because it was protected by the mounds, but that an unseasonably late wind storm blew over many of the stalks. She thinks its still salvageable but not in a great position. And she cant remember ever seeing weather this wild.

Our springs were pretty steady before, aside from storms here and there. But weve had to deal with extremes. Last year was extreme drought and this year was extreme rain, Webster said. She added that its harder to anticipate which planting methods might be most effective, and described how its been a challenge to save seeds strategically because the ones that did well in a wet year wont do as well in a dry year and vice versa.

All the Oneida growers stressed the importance of leaning on traditional farming knowledge, of further importance because many tribal members have been cut off from their own culture. Its a way of returning to their roots after families lost land to colonizers, children were forced to attend boarding schools and land was leased or sold to non-Indigenous farmers. But reviving past knowledge is made harder by the new seasonal unpredictability.

Even if we did know everything our ancestors learned, were having to do it in an erratic and changing climate, Webster said.

University of Wisconsin-Madison Ph.D. candidate Daniel Hayden thinks more research will be needed to understand the science behind sustainable Indigenous farming techniques that go back generations. Hes been working with Ohelaku for several years now trialing sustainable methods like interseeding cover crops, which involves planting other crops in the same field to improve soil health, balance moisture levels and prevent erosion. Its a work in progress, and this year it wasnt enough to keep the majority of the corn from getting washed out, though his research plot of white corn did make it.

He acknowledged that while Oneida growers are willing to focus on stewarding land and improving soil health  not necessarily maximizing yields  commercial farmers have different priorities. He hopes his research will amplify the conversation about including Indigenous practices in mainstream agriculture, something he doesnt think has gotten enough attention yet.

As Webster put it, The Indigenous practices are no longer plan B, it has to be the plan. Because we are very mindful of all of the things around us.

 By MELINA WALLING Associated Press
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America in a report this week said the Lehigh Valley is the worst metro region in the country for asthma sufferers, for a third time in four years.

The nonprofit organization based in Arlington, Virginia, on Tuesday released its report titled 2024 Asthma Capitals: The Most Challenging Places to Live with Asthma.

Its rankings are based on analysis of data from the 100 most-populated Metropolitan Statistical Areas in the contiguous 48 states as determined by the most recent U.S. Census Bureau population estimates in 2022.

The Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ Metropolitan Statistical Area deemed worst in the reports findings covers Carbon, Lehigh and Northampton counties in Pennsylvania and Warren County, New Jersey.

The three individual factors analyzed for the 2024 rankings are:

estimated asthma prevalence.

crude death rate from asthma.

emergency department visits due to asthma.

The report also called the Allentown area its No. 1 Asthma Capital in 2021 and 2023, and again this year in 2024.

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America says its report is published in September in recognition that September is a peak month for people with asthma and allergies, especially children. Each September, doctors treat more people for asthma episodes and attacks, and asthma emergency department visits and hospitalizations increase, according to the report.

Nearly 28 million people in the United States have asthma, states Kenneth Mendez, the foundations president and CEO, in a news release. For people with asthma, this report makes clear that where they live plays a significant role in their quality of life.

Federal, state, and local policymakers should use this report as a guide to address climate change, indoor air quality, and access to medical care. Addressing these issues can go a long way to help improve the lives of people with asthma.

Asthma is a disease that affects your lungs, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It is one of the most common long-term diseases of children, but adults can have asthma, too. Asthma causes wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing at night or early in the morning.

Asthma can be deadly in rare cases, CNN reported in 2019.

To prevent emergencies, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America says people with asthma must avoid (or reduce) exposure to known asthma triggers and use medicines to keep their airways open. Visit cdc.gov for more information on living with asthma.

On page 33 of 49 of the report, which is included below for viewing on some internet platforms, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America describes efforts slated to begin in late 2024 to address asthma in the Lehigh Valley.

The foundation, according to the report, will support the Allentown area with developing and launching an EASE program  which stands for Empowering Asthma Self-Management and Education: This project will be led by the Health Promotion Council of Southeastern Pennsylvania, Inc. (HPC), a subsidiary of Public Health Management Corporation, in collaboration with local partners.

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Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com.
A Bucks County man is accused of drugging and sexually assaulting multiple women he met online.

Andrew J, Gallo, 40, of Bristol Township, is charged with five felony counts of rape; four felony counts of strangulation; six counts felony possession with intent to deliver drugs; one count felony corruption of minors; and two counts misdemeanor furnishing liquor to a minor. The Bucks County District Attorneys Office and the Bristol Township Police Department announced the arrest and charges against Gallo on Wednesday morning.

Victims ranged in age from 17 to 30 years old and all the women resided in parts of New Jersey and Pennsylvania, according to court records.

All reported to investigators meeting Gallo on the dating website, sugardaddymeet.com, and finding him under the user names DREWSTER420 and KAE. All reported the incidents allegedly taking place at Gallos home in the first block of Copper Beech Lane.

After meeting the victims on the website, Gallo allegedly would arrange dates at his house, boasting about the great drinks he would make for them. Gallo would then surreptitiously provide the females with a controlled substance in their drinks, authorities said.

Authorities began investigating the case in December 2023 when the first female victim reported going to Gallos home and he allegedly made an alcoholic beverage for her with a sugar rim. After consuming the beverage, the victim reported a strange feeling. The woman was later sexually assaulted and choked by Gallo, court records state.

That victim tested positive five days later for multiple substances, including methamphetamine and cocaine, and told authorities she was provided with the drugs without her knowledge, court records state.

At least four other victims came forward with similar accounts. The second victim reported meeting Gallo in June 2023; the third in February 2024; and the fourth on August 2024.

Investigators on Aug. 15 obtained a search warrant and raided Gallos home, finding a fifth victim in the bedroom, authorities said. That victim reported being choked by Gallo almost to the point of unconsciousness during sex acts, court records state.

Seized during the search was a bottle of alcohol, which later tested positive for methamphetamine, police said.

A sixth victim later came forward, reporting she met Gallo in August 2024. Gallo allegedly repeatedly forced her to drink alcohol and engaged in sex acts while choking the victim, court records state. Authorities said blood results indicated the victim ingested methamphetamine, among other substances.

All the victims described to authorities feeling strange after consuming the drinks, not how they would typically feel after imbibing alcohol. They described feeling of a lack of control during the sexual encounters and unable to stop anything Gallo allegedly wanted to do. The victims reported side effects from the drugs that including staying up for days, hallucinations and psychosis, authorities said.

The victims in this case are so courageous, Bucks County District Attorney Jennifer Schorn stated during a news conference. They came forward to report crimes that quite frankly predators like this assume the victims wont have the strength to do so and I commend them for their strength and courage.

Gallo was arraigned Wednesday before District Judge Terrence Hughes, who set bail at $5 million. In lieu of bail, he was taken to the Bucks County jail. Gallo is due back in court for a preliminary hearing tentatively scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Sept. 24. A judge will then determine if theres sufficient evidence to send the case toward trial at the Bucks County Court of Common Pleas.

Court records didnt immediately show any attorney information for Gallo.

Authorities believe there could be more victims. Those with information are asked to call Bristol Township Police Department Det. Emilyann Maialetti at 267-812-3024; Bucks County Detectives at 215-348-6354; or email the BucksCrimeTips submission at buckscrimetips@buckscounty.org.

The case is being prosecuted by Bucks County Chief Deputy District Attorney Kristin M. McElroy and Bucks County Assistant District Attorney Emily Knight.

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Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com.
Every day on her PATH train commute from her home in Jersey City, Elizabeth Hillman follows the same route so many New Jersey residents took into lower Manhattan 23 years ago today  some for the last time.

I think about a lot of things differently, said Hillman, the president of the National September 11 Memorial and Museum at the former site of Ground Zero. I cant help but be in awe of the courage with which people responded that day and the compassion that shaped a lot of the aftermath too.

But, the memories of that day are now decades old  and dont exist at all for a new generation born after the terrorist attacks.

We now have 100 million Americans who are too young to remember 9/11  they were born since then or were quite young at the time, Hillman said, sitting earlier this week near the memorial waterfalls built in the footprints of the North and South Towers.

As of 2023, 27% of Americans were born after 2001. Its a sobering statistic for those trying to keep alive the memories of those who died and the lessons of Sept. 11.

Our mission is to commemorate, educate and inspire people about what happened, Hillman said. And for us to do that, we have to reach new generations.

People hang out of broken windows of the North Tower of the World Trade Center in New York on the morning of Sept. 11, 2001. ASSOCIATED PRESS

The National September 11 Memorial and Museum sits on the 16-acre site that was once home to the World Trade Center towers. Its 100,000 square feet of exhibition space and 90,000 artifacts serve as both a memorial to the tragedy and a teaching tool for future generations.

The story of Sept. 11, 2001, is complex and far-reaching  and one Hillman is avid about telling.

The former Rutgers University professor has led the museum and memorial for two years, after serving as president of Mills College in California. The 56-year-old is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, a respected historian and former law professor. The New Jerseyan and her wife, Trish, are the parents of five grown children.

When she was appointed, the museums board chairman and former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg praised her rare set of skills from her experience as college president managing large institutions through challenging times, as a veteran who is still relied upon by our armed services, as a historian whose deep sense of service is grounded in a lifelong commitment to learning, and as a trailblazer who has fought for justice and equality her entire career.

"Oh my God we're alive, we're alive. Oh my God we're alive," a woman cried as people tried to comfort each other in the smoke and dust filled lobby of 2 John St. in Manhattan's financial district after the first World Trade Center tower collapsed.Aristide Economopoulos / The Star-Ledger

Hillman had worked in legal reform around military issues. At Rutgers Law School in Camden, she taught courses on women and the law, and supervised students teaching law in underserved schools in the city.

Her resume included no museum work, and she had been surprised to be recruited for the job at the 9/11 museum.

But she saw it as an outlet for her deep interest in American history and military history and her desire to help educate people about the most important things that made the world what it is and how they might be able to improve it or change in the future.

She saw the chance to reach so many people from the site of the largest-ever terrorist attack on American soil.

We see thousands of people in the museum every day, she said. Well see more than 2 million this year.

The job was a homecoming of sorts, as she had gone to graduate school in New York. She was just starting her job at Rutgers-Camden when the planes hit the towers. Her sister was living in New York City at the time, but Hillman did not lose any close friends or relatives in the attacks.

Honestly, its been a tremendous privilege to connect to the communities most affected by this, she said.

She has been moved by the citys resilience after its single worst day, and how people have shown how they can work through unimaginable trauma.

We rebuilt the World Trade Center site, and all these people are here, learning and visiting, she said, looking around at the crowds. The fact that this was built, and that this remains such sort of hallowed ground, is an amazing thing.

That day held lessons for countless sectors of society, she said, in firefighting, building, crisis management, processing grief, and recovery, among others.

To ensure current and future generations benefit from those lessons, the museum offers educational programs within its walls as well as outside.

The museum offers free lesson plans designed to be easy for teachers to use, including video clips of peoples recollections from the day.

For teachers, there are also virtual field trips and an Anniversary Digital Learning Experience on Wednesday, with a 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. live chat where educators will answer students questions about the day.

A week-long intensive professional development workshop over the summer was attended by 23 teachers from 12 states and the United Kingdom.

The museum website also features panel discussions including Forensic Science in the Wake of Mass Atrocity, Marking Fifty Years of Hip Hop & the WTC, and God, Guns, and Sedition: Far-Right Terrorism in America.

One of the most popular lessons offered by the museum addresses how to talk to children about terrorism, Hillman said.

The interior of the 9/11 Museum in New York City.courtesy of the 9/11 Memorial & Museum

We also realize the whole complexity of the events is too much for young learners to understand, but its really never too early to answer kids questions about what happened, she said.

The day-to-day running of the museum requires a deft touch. As in other museums that focus on traumatic material, its important to take care of staff and volunteers. Some will need breaks, some will need to be moved from area to area, depending on how they are affected by spending time with various exhibits.

For instance, the rooms where one hears voicemail recordings or newscasts from the day or sees the mangled Ladder Co. 3 firetruck might be challenging posts, and docents might need to move over to the glorious mural of multiple patches of blue, remembrances of the sky that perfect September Tuesday.

Looking ahead, Hillman is aiming to lead the museum beyond its goal of reaching a total of 20 million students in the next two years, in time for the 25th anniversary of the attacks.

She also wants to reach 100,000 emerging leaders with professional training programs and to expand access to the museum. It is free to New Yorkers on the first Monday of every month, and she hopes to extend that program to New Jersey residents in the future.

Hillman has also met with officials in Jersey City who wanted to use its materials to inspire public service in underserved communities. And she visited the Sept. 11 memorial at Eagle Rock Reservation, meeting with Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr. and his chief of staff about 9/11 lessons.

All education is local, she said. So we need to meet with people in different communities and connect with them. Its why we think that the outreach to educators is the best way for us to reach more communities.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

Tina Kelley may be reached at tkelley@njadvancemedia.com.
A BMW driver has appealed a disqualification for travelling at 190 kph in Laois.

Ukpe Akpo Oghenefego Mideno Bayagbon (29) of 23 Brandon Square, Waterville, Dublin 15 admitted driving at the speed on the M7 at Great Heath, Portlaoise on June 15, 2024.

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said a garda speed check detected a red 181D registered BMW travelling at 190 kph in the 120 zone on the date in question.

He said the car was slowed down by traffic in the fast lane and the defendant was cooperative with gardai and had no previous convictions.

Andrew Dunne BL said his client lives in Blanchardstown and works in Leixlip. He said the man had been driving home from Cork on the date in question having recently learned that his mother had fallen ill in the UK.

Mr Dunne said his client was upset and preoccupied as a result. He said his client thanked the gardai for stopping him.

He is aware of the harm that he could have caused others and himself, said Mr Dunnne. He said the man would lose his job and his home if he was disqualified from driving. He brought reference letters to the court and said his client had never even been in a garda station before the event.

He is asking the court to show some mercy, said Mr Dunne.

He has brought considerable shame to himself and his family, he added.

Judge Andrew Cody didnt accept the claim that the man had been preoccupied.

I cannot accept for a moment that someone can drift to 190, said Judge Cody.

This man could have killed all before him travelling in his swanky BMW on that day, he said.

He fined the man 1,000 and disqualified him from driving for two years and fixed recognisance in case of appeal.

The man appealed the sentence before the sitting of Portlaoise District Court had concluded.
The next Portlaoise primary school to be built in the rapidly expanding Laois town will be in the Kilminchy area, suggested by the Department of Education and agreed by Laois County Council.

The Department has suggested Kilminchy to rebalance school locations in Portlaoise, and described the type of site required, in a submission made to the town's next Local Area Plan.

The projected growth figures could see the demand for primary school places increase substantially which could place significant pressure on existing schools. Further to this, the Department is mindful that the geographical spread of primary schools within the town in relation to the location of much of the existing and proposed new communities is somewhat unbalanced.

The Department is requesting that a site for a potential future primary school be reserved in the Kilminchy area of the town. The Department further requests that the site is appropriately zoned (i.e. Community, Educational and Institutional) and that it is of an adequate size and centrally located within the community, they say in a submission to the draft Portlaoise Local Area Plan.

It agrees to take action if a new school is found to be necessary.

The Department will engage with the Council where the findings of an assessment require a review of existing or future school site provision within a specific location.

However any new school will not be built for years to come. In the meantime, the Department of Education says extra land should be given beside Portlaoises existing schools so they can expand.

Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald fears the return of prefabs which filled playgrounds of the old school buildings in Portlaoise for years in the past.

"I'm not happy. The idea of adding more prefabs is not acceptable. We all know there is a need for more schools. I don't think we can accept this part," she said.

Cllr Willie Aird said "I'd hate to see us go back to more prefabs. The Department of Education wants to wait untiler there is a crisis situation".

Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley noted that it is eight years since the Dunamase College secondary school formed, and school construction has not yet started.

"The department need to get their act together. On one hand they say they will deal with an overflow with extensions, on the the other hand they are asking the council to look at Kilminchy. The LOETB has three acres, land for a primary and a park and ride will be put in on it. It makes no sense to ask the council to look for an alternative when land is there. We know children in Aghnaharna living beside schools are being bussed out to country schools. The argument is won," she said.

Director of Services Angela McEvoy gained their agreement to write an objective into the new town plan, to carry out a feasibility study, in contact with all the schools, within six months of the plan being adopted.

"At least we'll have a target to stick to," she said.

Cllr Tommy Mulligan is also a primary school teacher in Scoil Bhride NS, Portlaoise.

"The option of prefabs shouldn't be an option. The principals, teachers parents and pupils don't want it. Leaving to go outside of the town to school shouldn't be an option. Rural schools don't want that either, it changes their dynamic. We need a new school, I think the decision is made, just go for it," he said.

"We will continue to talk to the Department of Education," Ms McEvoy said.

The Department of Education notes the following in its submission, about adding land to existing Portlaoise schools.

In terms of the Departments future school place requirements, the Department have cited a preference to expand existing school facilities if possible, to cater for potential additional school places if required. To this end, the Department of Education have requested the Planning Authority to examine the potential of providing a land buffer around each of the school to enable them to expand further if necessary.

"The projected growth figures will see an increase in post-primary school place demand but it is currently expected that this extra requirement could be accommodated by existing facilities and their potential expansion if required. The proposed new building for Dunamaise College will be relevant in this regard."

The authority expects to have to add more special need classrooms.

The Department anticipates that additional Special Education Needs provision at both Primary and Post Primary level will be required in the future throughout the country and this may result in schools requiring additional accommodation

They note that school place demand could also rise unexpectedly.

In terms of assessing current and future capacity, the Department of Education has to be mindful of potential unforeseen circumstances such as the Ukrainian crisis.

The new Portlaoise Local Area Plan is expected to be adopted by November 2024.
The HSE has been granted planning permission to provide an Ophthalmology Unit at Portlaoise Family Resource Centre.



An application was lodged with Laois County Council for a change of use at the Centre in Knockmay to provide a new Ophthalmology Unit consisting of a nurses administration room, three Clinical Consulting Rooms and an Ophthalmological Dark Room. The location of the proposed change of use in the existing HSE accommodation is to the north of the existing building at ground floor level.



The application was granted with four conditions attached. This included conditions that the development must be carried out in accordance with the plans submitted to the Council as well as the use of the premises.



The Neighbourhood Centre was originally constructed as part of the Knockmay Regeneration Scheme. The original application was submitted in 2008, including a community centre/ workshop facility, drop in facilities, Multi-Agency offices and meeting rooms, HSE office accommodation, technology room, youth internet cafe, restaurant and cafe, preschool facilities, childcare facilities, afterschool club, a convenience/ retail unit and on-site parking.

Earlier this year Laois TD Brian Stanley welcomed confirmation that the specialist eye services would be transferred back to Laois.



Dep Stanley said in June: Following my most recent engagement with the Minister for Health on this matter, I have received confirmation that the Outreach Eye Clinic will now be provided in Portlaoise Hospital and that a location has been identified in Portlaoise for transferring full Ophthalmology Services (Eye) back to the county. Funding has also been approved for a Consultant Ophthalmologist post."



He described it as a welcome development.



A number of Constituents contacted me on an ongoing basis about the distance they have to travel to Athlone since the services were relocated there. This caused the most severe problem for residents in the south and east of the county, such as Errill, Rathdowney, Crettyard and Graiguecullen. In the absence of Public Transport, attending the clinic is very difficult, he said.



Dep Stanley said the HSE has confirmed that planning and associated works are expected to be completed late 2024/early 2025.
Kildare County Council (KCC) was asked about the EU Just Transition Fund (JTF) in relation to the Clane-Maynooth Municipal District (KCC).

The question was raised by Social Democrats councillor Aidan Farrelly at the latest MD meeting on Friday, September 6 last.

Cllr Farrelly asked KCC if it intends to apply for funding for projects regarding the EU JTF in the MD.

In a lengthy report issued to councillors, KCC said: "The EU JTF is focused on three priority areas of investment, with the six regional delivery partners across multiple funding calls.

"The relevant areas for KCC's Enterprise Economic Development and Tourism Department are within Priority 1:

Generating employment for former peat communities by investing in the

diversification of the local economy.

diversification of the local economy. Support the economic diversification of the local economy through the

development of the regenerative Tourism sector (Through Failte Ireland).

development of the regenerative Tourism sector (Through Failte Ireland). Support the implementation of local and regional economic strategies (Through Pobal).

Support research, development, and innovation in the bioeconomy sector."

KCC continued: "The council's Enterprise Economic Development and Tourism Department are currently implementing the Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme and Tourism Activation Scheme under priority 1 which cover Maynooth-Celbridge MD and Athy MD.

"A funding application to support the implementation of local regional and economic strategies to Pobal has been unsuccessful, and further clarification has been requested from the delivery partner on the decision.

"KCC's Community Department submitted a funding application to Pobal to improve access to Allenwood Community Development Association (ACDAL), the community and enterprise centre located in Northwest Kildare by building a sustainable walk and cycle route to and from the village of Allenwood.

"This would have resulted in increased access to and from this pivotal centre for the region; this application was not successful.

"A third call under Support to Local and Regional Economic Strategies of 3.7 million to be shared across a number of counties has opened for 'shovel ready' projects only, with a deadline of September 20.

"This call is limited to projects capable of immediate implementation, i.e. planning permission, leases and partnership agreements for operations are already in place, and outcomes for job creation and training are achievable."

KCC stressed that projects 'must also align to the Local Economic and Community Plan actions.'

The council elaborated: "Our priority project in the Maynooth-Celbridge MD, which has been is a feasibility study / business case for the development of an industrial park, is not eligible under the current call.

"The community department is currently supporting the Robertstown Community Amenities Association application, for the development of the Eco Park and Community Space in the third call for funding."

"Please note both MDs will also benefit from investment from the EU JTF through additional projects such as peatland restoration and transport decarbonisation initiatives through the regional delivery partners," KCC concluded.
Sean McLoughlin, from Caragh, is one of 18 young people who travelled to Lyon, France this week to compete as Team Ireland at the 2024 World Skills event.

The WorldSkills competition will see over 1,500 competitors from more than 71 countries and regions around the world demonstrate their skills across 62 skills areas. Team Ireland will compete in areas including Industrial Mechanics, Beauty Therapy, Carpentry, Food and Hospitality, Cybersecurity and Construction.

Irelands talented team was announced by Taoiseach Simon Harris and Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research Innovation and Science, Patrick ODonovan TD at Government Buildings, Dublin.

Minister ODonovan said: By competing at this very experienced level, Team Ireland is also showcasing the range and diversity of skills careers and Apprenticeships available in Ireland. We hope that this will inspire todays youth to explore the multiple career pathways available now through Further Education, Apprenticeships and Higher Education.

Sean is part of Team Ireland and will be competing in Electrical Installations after beating off tough competition at the national skills competition to make the World Skills event. Sean from Caragh, Co Kildare is completing his apprenticeship with GMAC Electrical. He attended Laois & Offaly Education and Training Board and Atlantic Technological University (ATU).

Commenting on his journey to represent Ireland at World Skills Lyon, Lee said: I am delighted to be competing in electrical installations representing my country as part of world skills Ireland this year. To be able to compete at such a big event at something I am so passionate about is an honour for me.

The expertise and drive to succeed that Gerard Galligan is supplying me through my training in DKIT is incredible. The opportunities and knowledge I have gained from world skills Ireland is something I will be forever grateful for.

Andrew Brownlee CEO of SOLAS, the Further Education and Training Authority of Ireland said: Skills talent in Ireland has never been brighter, and the World Skills competition offers a fantastic opportunity for our young people to showcase their incredible skills. Team Ireland represents the modern-day apprentice, FET learner and skilled worker of the future.

FET and Apprenticeships provide endless opportunities for students and career seekers of all ages and backgrounds, helping people across Ireland to upskill, reskill and unlock their potential through Apprenticeships, Traineeships, Post-Leaving Certificate (PLCs) courses and more.

Team Ireland competed for the first time in 1957 and has competed at every international competition since then winning 63 Gold medals, 53 Silver medals, 80 Bronze Medals and 174 Diplomas/Medallions of Excellence with 732 Team Ireland competitors. In 2016 Ireland Skills adopted the global branding to become WorldSkills Ireland.
Tributes have been pouring in for the hiker who was found dead on the Italian island of Sardinia.

Originally from Kilkenny, John Bergin, aged 39, had been reported missing by his family last Thursday while on a holiday with his siblings, after failing to return from a hike.

Following an extensive search, his body was found on Sunday near the Sa Rocca Niedda canal.

Mr Bergin and his family had been hiking the Cammino Minerario di Santa Barbara, a trail which runs along the coastline, between the towns of Masua and Cala Domestica.

In a statement shared by the funeral home La Ginestra, his family thanked the Emergency services, the helicopter pilots, drone operations, firefighters, the Carabinieri (Italian national police force), as well as the Irish Embassy and all of those who helped.

They found our brother John and took care of him, we also thank the La Ginestra funeral home. We will be forever grateful for the support and love that the Sardinians have shown us in the last days, they said.

Mr Bergin lived in Dublin and was formerly of Dean Street and Rioch Street in Kilkenny City.

Since the tragic news broke out, tributes have been pouring in for Mr Bergin, who has been described as a kind man with "sharp humour".

"My sincere condolences to the Bergin family on the tragic passing of John. John possessed a wit that could brighten the darkest day and his sharp humour was only matched by his kindness and warmth. May he rest in peace," paid someone in tribute. "Condolences to the Bergin family on the tragic passing of John. Condolences to his uncle Johnny Hennessy and all relations and friends. May heaven be his eternal bed," someone wrote in tribute.

Mr Bergin is survived by his brothers Paschal, Michael, Stephen, David and sister Clare. John will be deeply missed by his loving family, sisters-in-law Tara, Cathy, Angela and Paschals fiance Cinty, nephews and nieces James, Martha, their mother Grace, Jem, Eala, Fionn, Fiadh, Siomha, Anna, Ed, Evie, Max and Kate, uncles Johnny Hennessy, Brendan Bergin, David Bergin, cousins and extended family.

He will also be sorely missed by his work colleagues in Fingal County Council, Local Government Management Agency and a wide circle of friends and neighbours.

He predeceased by his parents Lorcan and Margaret, uncles Eddie, Tom, Phil, his aunt Nellie and his faithful friend Butch the dog.

Mr Bergin will be cremated and a private cremation service will be held in Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy on Friday, September 13. Requiem Mass, which will be live-streamed here, will be celebrated on Tuesday, September 17 at 11am in St. Canice's Church, Dean St, Kilkenny (R95 V440) after which his ashes will be laid to rest with his parents at St. Kieran's Cemetery.

Family flowers only. Donations, if desired, to Alpine and Speleological Rescue Operations, Sardinia, Italy. Donation box in the Church or donate here.
Taoiseach Simon Harris has said his party will begin a consultation process on setting up a public childcare and early education service.

The Fine Gael leader said they would consult with parents and childcare providers from Friday on how to implement such a service during the next governments term.

He made the comments while speaking to reporters at the Fine Gael parliamentary party think-in in Tullamore, Co Offaly.

Childcare is expected to be an area of focus for political parties ahead of the general election, as parents struggle to find childcare places and early-education providers grapple with increasing costs.

Speaking to reporters at the Fine Gael think-in, the Taoiseach highlighted efforts to reduce the cost of childcare and increase subsidies.

Mr Harris added that there was more work to be done around available places and said the early years sector should be in the public space.I am concerned though, that when it comes to things like affordability, weve made progress, but when it comes to things like supply, there is still real work that needs to be done.

Theres too many parents that say to me: Yes, its good that youve reduced the cost, but I want to know what youre going to do to increase the places.

I ultimately believe the model of childcare in Ireland and early years childhood education needs to be in the public space needs to be more closely linked to our education system.

He said the proposal would be fully costed in the partys election manifesto.

The Fine Gael leader, who has hinted previously that he was considering such plans, also denied repackaging a policy by Green party leader and childrens minister Roderic OGorman.

On Monday, Mr OGorman said he believes the State needs to be taking an even greater role in childcare.

He said his party would make two years of free early childhood care and education (ECCE) a legal right.

Asked if a public childcare model would be part of the Green Party election manifesto, Mr OGorman told RTE Radio that the next few years should be about delivering extra capacity in areas that need it.

Asked if Fine Gael was repackaging a Green Party policy, Mr Harris said: No.

Its my clear view, and Ive been very clear on this since becoming leader of this party, that I want childcare to be a part of the publicly funded education system. I welcome the fact that that is the view of others too, I have praised Minister OGorman for the work he has done.

More than 70 Fine Gael politicians and general election candidates are to meet in Tullamore on Wednesday and Thursday.

Fine Gael has chosen 47 candidates across 30 constituencies, 16 of whom are women or 34% of their candidates  short of the required 40% gender quota.

The party has a high number of experienced TDs who have announced they are stepping down: of the 26 TDs across the Dail who have announced they will not contest the next general election, 15 are from Fine Gael.

There are 23 Fine Gael candidates running for the first time, six of whom have never run for public office before.

The party has reportedly set September as a deadline for selecting all its candidates, fuelling rumours that leader Mr Harris is gearing up for an election before the end of the year.

Mr Harris said the party will offer a blended mix of experience and new energy, freshness at the next election.

He said that issues including the upcoming budget, housing, migration and childcare would be discussed at the think-in.
Tourists visiting Dublin should consider flying to Shannon or Cork airports, the international transport minister has said.

James Lawless made the remarks amid a long-running dispute over a passenger cap at Dublin Airport.

Irelands busiest airport is only allowed to fly through a maximum of 32 million passengers a year based on planning conditions from 15 years ago.

Airlines have called for the cap to be lifted to meet demand and senior ministers have said the limit is a risk to economic growth, while others have questioned the impact of removing the restriction as Ireland aims to reduce its carbon emissions.

The limit was originally brought in during planning permission for the airports second terminal in 2007, over concerns about traffic around the airport.

Ryanair has raised concerns that requests for additional flight slots will be rejected by the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA).

The operator of Dublin Airport, DAA, has itself warned that it is on course to breach the cap this year  with passenger numbers expected to be closer to 33 million. It has asked planning authorities to lift the cap.

Mr Lawless, who is minister of state for international transport, met Ryanair boss Michael OLeary on Wednesday as part of a series of engagements with key stakeholders on the passenger cap.

Afterwards, the junior minister at the Department of Transport told reporters that it was his preferred outcome that planning authorities imminently lift the cap to 40 million, but added that efforts to mitigate the effects of the limit had to be taken in the interim.

He said an obvious solution was to increase the use of Shannon Airport and Cork Airport, which are not subjected to caps.

The minister of state said airlines should explore increasing connections to the regional airports, adding that there may be an infrastructure risk in Irelands reliance on Dublin Airport.

He said: Theres nobody in a better place than Ryanair and with a better proven record at marketing outlying airports as a destination.

Ive gone to Paris (Beauvais) with Ryanair, Venice (Treviso) with Ryanair  why cant I fly to Dublin (Shannon) with Ryanair?

Shannon Airport is around 230 kilometres away from Dublin City centre or at least two and a half hours depending on method of travel while Cork Airport is 260 kilometres away or at least three hours.

Pressed on whether he would advise tourists who want to visit Dublin to consider using another airport, he said: Yes, very much so.

Mr Lawless said the Dublin Airport passenger cap was a difficult legacy issue dating back to 2007.

Unfortunately, the application from DAA was only made in November 2023, wed all be in a better place if that had been made sooner.

Related to that is An Bord Pleanala decision around the noise quota, which is a system Fingal County Council have engineered to manage residents concerns.

I think it is a good system but it has been appealed to An Bord Pleanala and sat with them for two years now.

Mr Lawless also suggested there could potentially be leeway on how passengers are counted under the cap, including people connecting through the airport, and multiple people travelling in the same vehicle.

Asked if he was concerned about the environmental implications of raising the cap, Mr Lawless said there were other ways to mitigate that as he pointed to a departmental taskforce on more environmentally friendly fuels.

For his part, Mr OLeary characterised the meeting as unproductive. The airline boss has publicly clashed with senior Transport Minister Eamon Ryan several times over the matter, who he described as woeful and useless.

Ryanair communications staff handed members of the gathered press copies of a letter which the company had drafted for Mr Ryan, issuing policy directions to the IAA to disregard the passenger cap during the planning process and facilitate additional airline slot requests.

Mr OLeary said: All he has to do is stick his signature on it.

On the proposal, Mr Lawless said he was not convinced it is a runner due to planning and legal issues.

Mr OLeary further questioned how ministers could use the Government jet out of Dublin Airport this winter, adding: Theyre all extra slots. Maybe theyll all have to stay at home.

The Ryanair chief executive said the company was unable to get slots to transport the Leinster rugby flight to its winter matches abroad, for Christmas-time charters to Lapland, and other winter extra flights.

He said using the notion of breaching planning restrictions was an excuse and distraction from pursuing Government policy on aviation.

Mr OLeary also rejected the notion that the additional flights could operate from other Irish airports, saying 60% of the traffic is inbound and it doesnt want to go to Shannon or Cork, it wants to go to Dublin.

Earlier this year, Mr OLeary hosted a publicity stunt where he held a cardboard cut-out of Mr Ryan wearing a superimposed dunce cap.

Mr Ryan has announced he will not seek re-election.

Asked if he was concerned that the Ryanair boss may now put a dunce cap on his head, Mr Lawless said: Maybe Ill do the same with him.

He added: Were professionals, weve got to work together. No, if youre in politics  you have to have a thick skin.

The minister of state said successfully fulfilling the national aviation policy was not about Mr OLeary or any other industry or political figure.
A new study has revealed Ireland's favourite pizza toppings with Pepperoni taking first place.

Dutch lifestyle magazine Dailybase analysed the number of monthly searches in Ireland for 50 different pizza topping.

1. Pepperoni

Pepperoni has an average of 681.67 monthly searches in Ireland. The cured meat is a type of salami, made from pork or a combination of pork and beef. Paprika and chilli are the main spices found in pepperoni, but it can also contain black pepper, garlic, and mixed herbs.

2. Anchovy

Anchovy has 460.83 average monthly searches. A small, oily fish, anchovies are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, making them highly beneficial for both your body and your brain. Their salty, umami packed flavour makes them a bold but tasty pizza topping.

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3. Mozzarella

Mozzarella is searched for an average of 277.50 times a month. Made of cow or buffalo milk, this semi-soft cheese is known for its subtle flavour and stretchy texture when melted. It is the main component of the classic Margherita pizza.

4. Nduja

In Ireland, Nduja has an average of 215.83 monthly searches. It is a spicy, spreadable sausage from Italy that has gained worldwide popularity in the last few years. Combined with a drizzle of hot honey, this duo adds the perfect amount of heat and sweetness to your pizza.

5. Pesto

Pesto is searched for, on average, 194.17 times a month. Pesto is a paste made of crushed basil leaves, pine nuts, parmesan or pecorino cheese, garlic, and oil. It can be used as a base to your pizza or placed on top with other toppings.

Daniel de Voer, chief editor of Dailybase, has commented on the findings: "One of the reasons why pizza is so popular is how versatile it can be; you can completely customise your toppings to fit your tastes and create a pizza unique to you.

"It is fascinating to discover which toppings are the most popular in each country. We can see plenty of influence from different cuisines across Europe, not just from Italy, such as the Mediterranean with the additions of feta, olives, and fish and even Turkish food, like doner meat making the list in some areas.

"With summer in full swing, if there's a topping on the list you haven't tried before, now is the perfect time to see what the hype is about."
Leitrim County Council will increase the Hedge Cutting Grant Scheme by an additional 50 per kilometre, on top of the existing 75 per kilometre for instances where a saw is required to cut overgrown roadside hedgerows.

Ballinamore area Cllr Paddy ORourke has welcomed the decision by Leitrim County Council.

Cllr ORourke has campaigned long and hard to have this increase introduced.

Simply flailing the roadside hedge rows to about shoulder high whilst ignoring the canopy of overgrown trees and bushes is not effective, Cllr ORourke said.

Cllr ORourke believes that properly managing roadside hedgerows could lead to substantial savings for the Council on road maintenance and greatly enhance road safety.

While acknowledging the overall grant is relatively small, Cllr ORourke highlights that Leitrim is one of only a few counties that actually have a grant scheme.

The scheme was only ever envisaged as an incentive to encourage landowners to take responsibility for these hedge rows.

Cllr ORourke frequently made the comparison between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland where no hedgerows are allowed to grow to the extent that they threaten road safety, or prevent roads from drying out following frost.

The closing date for applications to the Hedge Cutting Grant Scheme is Friday, January 31, 2025. The scheme is open to groups, communities and individual applicants.
Last month, secondary schools around the country were issued with a letter from Minister for Education Norma Foley with details of the Governments planned ban on smartphones.

We are still digesting the letter we received from the minister, said Adrian Jackson, principal of Carrick-on-Shannon Community school in Leitrim.

Mr Jackson said that they would be complying with the minister's directive but that there will be challenges, like what to do with students' phones in the mornings and how to police their use through the school day.

They are not challenges we cannot overcome, but it just means we will have to go a different direction to the way we have been doing up to now, he said.

Up until now schools were left to their own devices in deciding how to manage students phone usage. Under the new plan schools are told that phones should be kept in lockers, cubbies or left switched off in bags. Though exceptions should be made for students who need access to their phone for specific reasons.

In the last year, Carrick-on-Shannon school has implemented a relaxed policy to phones, allowing students to use them in class for research in class when directed to by teachers, according to Jackson.

He feels that this is a good way of teaching students to use the phone as a learning support and to teach them discipline around it. One of the things that schools are charged with is preparing our students for life after school, and the wider world, and it is a fact of life that we all work with the phone in our pocket. It's learning not to be distracted by it, he said.

I am sure that there are staff members who would agree with the Minister and there are staff members who would prefer to keep things as they are here, he says.

Under the ban, students would be advised to go to the school office in case of emergency where they need to contact their parents or guardians.

The ban is also intended to give students a rest from their phones while at school, which is something that Diarmuid McCaffery, principle of Balinamore community school supports.

In his school, their current policy is that students keep phones in lockers. Their goal is to limit the amount of time on phones in school and give pupils more time to interact with each other, he said. Though the government's plan is not massively different to their own policy he feels that an outright ban is too restrictive and difficult to police.

Martin Fallon, principle of Drumshanbo vocational school welcomes the ban due to the negative effects he feels phones have on children and says that it is inline with the schools already existing policy.

The smart phones have several negative effects on our students - they're a distraction for a start  We have a very successful and popular evening study programme in our school. Many of those attending will tell us that the reason they attend is that they are not allowed access to their mobiles. They consequently find it easier to study here than at home, he said.

He also feels that students' ability to converse has diminished largely due to smart phone use: On any city bus, train or even our local link, we can all see those around us, adults and teens alike staring into their smartphone  smartphones are not going away ! I think we can still limit the damage being caused to our students though The Minister can help by placing an outright ban on the sale of smartphones to under 18's, he said.

Right now, it is not clear when exactly the ban will be implemented, but it has been made clear to schools that it is in the works.

Read More: Leitrim increases grant for hedge cutting scheme enhancing road safety
The Government is to consider further changes to supports for asylum seekers, the Taoiseach has said.

Simon Harris made the remarks during a speech at the Fine Gael parliamentary party think-in on Wednesday.

Mr Harris also said that tented accommodation at Thornton Hall will open later this month.

Speaking in Tullamore, Co Offaly, the Fine Gael leader said there are no easy answers to building a new system to deal with increasing number of asylum seekers into the country.

He said: I continue to believe our approach must be threefold: Firm rules, fairly and efficiently enforced; a compassionate approach delivered with common sense; consistent, open and honest communications with the public.

Mr Harris said Irish people know the value migration brings to the economy, the health services and to society.

He said they also want to know the Government is listening to their concerns.

The Taoiseach added: With these things in mind, we will in the coming weeks consider further changes to the supports available to those seeking asylum in this country.

He said a new accommodation project management group would also be established, focused on opening a small number of large sites.

Mr Harris said: The first test of this will be the opening of tented accommodation at Thornton Hall later this month.

But crucially, we will enhance resources for the community engagement team and will commence a communications campaign from the end September.

We understand the very legitimate concerns people have and we have to work with communities to address the very basic questions they have.

We must not allow those who want to work with us to fall for the misinformation and disinformation.

We have a responsibility to address their issues.

But we will never, ever stand by and allow the men and women of An Garda Siochana to be attacked for doing their job.
Pfizer Highlights Diverse Oncology Portfolio and Combination Approaches at ESMO 2024





Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) continues to showcase potential practice-changing research and next-generation candidates across its robust Oncology portfolio at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress 2024, being held September 13-17 in Barcelona. Data from more than 50 company-sponsored, investigator-sponsored and collaborative research abstracts, including more than 10 oral and mini-oral presentations, will be presented across the company's tumor areas and core scientific modalities, as well as a potential treatment for a cancer-related condition.

"At this year's ESMO, we are looking forward to demonstrating our progress toward delivering next-generation biologics and novel combinations that have the potential to be new standards of care for patients," said Chris Boshoff, Chief Oncology Officer and Executive Vice President, Pfizer. "Our key data presentations highlight our scientific leadership in developing targeted therapies, including small molecules and antibody-drug conjugates, across our core tumor areas, including breast, bladder and thoracic cancers."

"At ESMO, Pfizer will share important data highlighting our commitment to transforming outcomes for patients living with lung cancer, including longer-term follow-up results from the BRAFTOVI + MEKTOVI PHAROS study in BRAF V600E-mutated metastatic non-small cell lung cancer," said Karin Tollefson, Chief Oncology Medical Officer, Pfizer. "We are also looking forward to sharing progress on our industry-leading pipeline of new molecules, including encouraging early results for two novel, investigational antibody-drug conjugates and preliminary data on a novel combination of Pfizer's next-generation CDK inhibitors."

Key research includes a late-breaking presentation of updated results from the pivotal Phase 2 PHAROS* study of BRAFTOVI (encorafenib) + MEKTOVI (binimetinib) in patients with BRAF V600E-mutant metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (mNSCLC). Longer-term efficacy and safety data will be presented, following the initial primary overall response results (ORR) that supported the FDA approval for BRAFTOVI + MEKTOVI in this indication in 2023 and the recent approval by the European Commission in August 2024. Further, Pfizer will share updated data from the safety lead-in of the ongoing Phase 3 BREAKWATER trial, showing antitumor activity of BRAFTOVI + cetuximab + FOLFIRI in patients with untreated BRAF V600E-mutant metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) in a mini-oral presentation.

Additionally, Pfizer will present a late-breaking Proffered Paper Presentation on the Phase 2 efficacy and safety results for its GDF-15 inhibitor, ponsegromab, in patients with cancer-associated cachexia, highlighting the company's commitment to improving the treatment journey for people living with cancer. Cancer cachexia is a common, life-threatening wasting condition characterized by severe weight loss. The condition affects patients with advanced cancers and can greatly impact a patient's ability to tolerate cancer treatment and quality of life. Despite its severity, there are no FDA-approved treatments for cachexia.i,ii

Pfizer will also present early clinical-stage research for a number of priority pipeline areas, including encouraging Phase 1 results of the potential first-in-class antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) candidate SGN-PDL1V (PF-08046054) in NSCLC and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC); initial data for the investigational ADC disitamab vedotin in combination with KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab) in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-expressing locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer (la/mUC); and the first data combining atirmociclib, our highly-selective cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) inhibitor (CDK4i), with a novel CDK2 inhibitor (CDK2i) in hormone receptor-positive (HR+)/HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer (MBC) from a Phase 1 dose-escalation study.

Key ESMO Presentations

Genitourinary Cancer

PADCEV + KEYTRUDA**: additional analysis from the pivotal EV-302 trial continues to support the combination as a new standard of care for patients with previously untreated la/mUC. An exploratory analysis shows PADCEV + KEYTRUDA showed consistent progression free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and ORR versus chemotherapy regardless of Nectin-4 or PD-L1 expression.

Disitamab Vedotin: preliminary efficacy and safety data for disitamab vedotin in combination with KEYTRUDA highlights Pfizer's continued commitment to developing novel therapeutics to meet the needs of patients with bladder cancer. Results from the safety run-in of the ongoing Phase 2 trial showed encouraging early efficacy and a safety profile consistent with previously presented data in treatment-naive patients with HER2-expressing la/mUC.

Thoracic Cancer

SGN-PDL1V (PF-08046054): encouraging Phase 1 results will be presented for PDL1V, a novel, investigational vedotin ADC directed to PD-L1-expressing solid tumors. Data from the dose-escalation and dose optimization cohorts of the ongoing Phase 1 study show PDL1V as monotherapy was generally well tolerated with no unexpected adverse events, and encouraging antitumor activity was observed in patients with heavily pretreated NSCLC and HNSCC.

Breast Cancer

Atirmociclib (PF-07220060) + PF-07104091: initial data from a dose-escalation study evaluating the innovative combination of atirmociclib, a potential first-in-class CDK4-selective inhibitor, with PF-07104091, a novel CDK2-selective inhibitor, showed a manageable safety profile and encouraging efficacy in patients with heavily pretreated HR+/HER2- breast cancer. These early results highlight the potential of Pfizer's strategy to advance atirmociclib as a future CDK inhibitor backbone therapy that may address treatment resistance with first generation CDK4/6i, subject to clinical success and regulatory approval. The CDK4i+2i combination is continuing to be explored in an ongoing Phase 1b/2 dose escalation and dose expansion study (NCT05262400).

Additional information on the Pfizer-sponsored abstracts, including date and time of presentation, follow in the chart below.

Pfizer is continuing its commitment to help non-scientists understand the latest findings with the development of abstract plain language summaries (APLS) for company-sponsored research being presented at ESMO, which are written in non-technical language. Those interested in learning more can visit www.Pfizer.com/apls to access the summaries starting September 16, 2024.

BREAST CANCER Mini Oral Presentation (Abstract 618MO)

Saturday, September 14, 2:45 PM-4:15 PM CEST



Phase 1b/2 first-in-class novel combination trial of next generation CDK4-selective inhibitor PF-07220060 and next generation CDK2-selective inhibitor PF-07104091 in HR+ HER2- metastatic breast cancer and advanced solid tumors



Yap et al Poster Presentation (Abstract 413P)

Monday, September 16, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM CEST



Longitudinal circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) dynamics in Phase 1/2a study of the first-in-class CDK4-selective inhibitor, PF-07220060, in combination with endocrine therapy in patients with HR+/HER2? metastatic breast cancer (mBC) who progressed on prior CDK4/6 inhibitors



Yap et al Poster Presentation (Abstract 359P)

Monday, September 16, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM CEST



Overall survival of palbociclib (PAL) + endocrine therapy (ET) in Japanese patients with hormone receptor-positive (HR+)/ human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2-) advanced breast cancer (ABC) in the 1st line (1L) or 2nd line (2L) setting: A multicenter observational study



Nakayama et al Poster Presentation (Abstract 354P)

Monday, September 16, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM CEST



Synergistic preclinical efficacy through combination of the CDK4 and CDK2 selective inhibitors, PF-07220060 and PF-07104091, respectively, in HR+ HER2- breast cancer



Anders et al Poster Presentation (Abstract 356P)

Monday, September 16, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM CEST



Real-world effectiveness in subgroups of palbociclib + endocrine therapy in HR+/HER2- ABC patients: Interim Results of the PERFORM study



Pfeiler et al EARLY PIPELINE Oral Presentation, Proffered Paper (Abstract 607O)

Friday, September 13, 4:00 PM-5:30 PM CEST



Interim results of a Phase 1 study of SGN-PDL1V (PF-08046054) in patients with PDL1-expressing solid tumors



Oliva Bernal et al GASTROINTESTINAL CANCER Mini Oral Presentation (Abstract 515MO)

Saturday, September 14, 2:45 PM-4:15 PM CEST



Encorafenib + cetuximab (EC) + FOLFIRI for BRAF V600E-mutant metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC): updated results from the BREAKWATER safety lead-in (SLI)



Tabernero et al GENITOURINARY CANCER Mini Oral Presentation (Abstract 1966MO)

Sunday, September 15, 8:30 AM-10:00 AM CEST



EV-302: Exploratory analysis of nectin-4 expression and response to 1L enfortumab vedotin (EV) + pembrolizumab (P) in previously untreated locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer (la/mUC)



Powles et al Poster Presentation (Abstract 1968P)

Sunday, September 15, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM CEST



Study EV-103 dose escalation/cohort A (DE/A): 5y follow-up of first-line (1L) enfortumab vedotin (EV) + pembrolizumab (P) in cisplatin (cis)-ineligible locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma (la/mUC)



Rosenberg et al Poster Presentation (Abstract 2001P)

Sunday, September 15, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM CEST



Epidemiology and treatment patterns of patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer in France: a non-interventional database study



Joly et al Poster Presentation (Abstract 1638P)

Sunday, September 15, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM CEST



Enzalutamide (ENZA) with or without leuprolide in patients (pts) with high-risk biochemically recurrent (hrBCR) prostate cancer (PC): EMBARK post hoc analysis by age



Shore et al Poster Presentation (Abstract 1626P)

Sunday, September 15, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM CEST



Incidence of hematologic toxicities in the homologous recombination repair (HRR)-deficient population of the TALAPRO-2 trial and their potential association with germline vs somatic origin of HRR gene alterations



Azad et al Poster Presentation (Abstract 1637P)

Sunday, September 15, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM CEST



Efficacy of talazoparib and enzalutamide in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) patients previously treated with androgen receptor pathway inhibitors (ARPI) or docetaxel ? post hoc analysis from both cohorts in TALAPRO-2 study



Agarwal et al Poster Presentation (Abstract 1633P)

Sunday, September 15, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM CEST



Phase 3 study of talazoparib (TALA) + enzalutamide (ENZA) vs placebo (PBO) + ENZA as first-line (1L) treatment in patients (pts) with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC): TALAPRO-2 (TP-2) China cohort



Zeng et al Mini Oral Presentation (Abstract 1967MO)

Sunday, September 15, 8:30 AM-10:00 AM CEST



Preliminary efficacy and safety of disitamab vedotin (DV) with pembrolizumab (P) in treatment (Tx)-naive HER2-expressing, locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma (la/mUC): RC48G001 Cohort C



Galsky et al MELANOMA Poster Presentation (Abstract 1071TiP)

Saturday, September 14, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM CEST



Phase 1 study of the investigational CD228 x 4-1BB costimulatory antibody Anticalin bispecific SGN-BB228 (PF-08046049) in advanced melanoma and other solid tumors



Dummer et al SUPPORTIVE AND PALLIATIVE CARE Oral Presentation, Proffered Paper (Abstract LBA82)

Saturday, September 14, 2:45 PM-4:25 PM CEST



Efficacy and safety of ponsegromab, a first-in-class, monoclonal antibody inhibitor of growth differentiation factor-15, in patients with cancer cachexia: A randomized, placebo-controlled, Phase 2 study



Crawford et al THORACIC CANCER Mini Oral Presentation (Abstract LBA56)

Saturday, September 14, 10:15 AM-11:45 AM CEST



Updated efficacy and safety from the Phase 2 PHAROS study of encorafenib plus binimetinib in patients with BRAF V600E-mutant metastatic NSCLC (mNSCLC)



Riely et al Poster Presentation (Abstract 1398TiP)

Saturday, September 14, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM CEST



Be6A Lung-01, a Phase 3 study of sigvotatug vedotin (SV), an investigational antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) versus docetaxel in patients (pts) with previously treated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)



Peters et al Poster Presentation (Abstract 1279P)

Saturday, September 14, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM CEST



First-line lorlatinib vs crizotinib in Asian patients with ALK+ non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): 5-year outcomes from the CROWN study



Wu et al

*The PHAROS trial is conducted with support from Pierre Fabre.

**Pfizer and Astellas have a clinical collaboration agreement with Merck to evaluate the combination of PADCEV and KEYTRUDA in patients with previously untreated metastatic urothelial cancer.

Prescribing Information for Pfizer Medicines

Please see full Prescribing Information for PADCEV.

Please see full Prescribing Information for BRAFTOVI and full Prescribing Information for MEKTOVI.

About Pfizer Oncology

At Pfizer Oncology, we are at the forefront of a new era in cancer care. Our industry-leading portfolio and extensive pipeline includes three core mechanisms of action to attack cancer from multiple angles, including antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), small molecules, bispecific antibodies and other immunotherapy biologics. We are focused on delivering transformative therapies in some of the world's most common cancers, including breast cancer, genitourinary cancer, hematology-oncology, and thoracic cancers, which includes lung cancer. Driven by science, we are committed to accelerating breakthroughs that help people with cancer globally live better and longer lives.

About Pfizer: Breakthroughs That Change Patients' Lives

At Pfizer, we apply science and our global resources to bring therapies to people that extend and significantly improve their lives. We strive to set the standard for quality, safety and value in the discovery, development and manufacture of health care products, including innovative medicines and vaccines. Every day, Pfizer colleagues work across developed and emerging markets to advance wellness, prevention, treatments and cures that challenge the most feared diseases of our time. Consistent with our responsibility as one of the world's premier innovative biopharmaceutical companies, we collaborate with health care providers, governments and local communities to support and expand access to reliable, affordable health care around the world. For 175 years, we have worked to make a difference for all who rely on us. We routinely post information that may be important to investors on our website at www.Pfizer.com. In addition, to learn more, please visit us on www.Pfizer.com and follow us on X at @Pfizer and @Pfizer News, LinkedIn, YouTube and like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/Pfizer.

DISCLOSURE NOTICE:

The information contained in this release is as of September 11, 2024. The Company assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements contained in this release as the result of new information or future events or developments.

This release contains forward-looking information about Pfizer Oncology, Pfizer's Oncology portfolio of marketed and investigational therapies, including combinations, and an investigational therapy for a cancer-related condition; expectations for our product pipeline, in-line products and product candidates, including their potential benefits, clinical trial results and other developing data; potential breakthrough, best- or first-in-class or blockbuster status or expected market entry of our medicines; and other statements about our business, operations and financial results that involves substantial risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. Risk and uncertainties include, among other things, uncertainties regarding the commercial success of Pfizer's oncology portfolio; the uncertainties inherent in research and development, including the ability to meet anticipated clinical endpoints, commencement and/or completion dates for our clinical trials, regulatory submission dates, regulatory approval dates and/or launch dates, as well as the possibility of unfavorable new clinical data and further analyses of existing clinical data; risks associated with interim and preliminary data; the risk that clinical trial data are subject to differing interpretations and assessments by regulatory authorities; whether regulatory authorities will be satisfied with the design of and results from our clinical studies; whether and when any drug applications, biologics license applications and/or emergency use authorization applications may be filed in any jurisdictions for any potential indication for Pfizer's product candidates; whether and when any such applications that may be pending or filed for any of Pfizer's product candidates may be approved by regulatory authorities, which will depend on myriad factors, including making a determination as to whether the product's benefits outweigh its known risks and determination of the product's efficacy and, if approved, whether any such product candidates will be commercially successful; decisions by regulatory authorities impacting labeling, manufacturing processes, safety and/or other matters that could affect the availability or commercial potential of Pfizer's products or product candidates, including development of products or therapies by other companies; manufacturing capabilities or capacity; uncertainties regarding the impact of COVID-19 on Pfizer's business, operations and financial results; and competitive developments.

A further description of risks and uncertainties can be found in Pfizer's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 and in its subsequent reports on Form 10-Q, including in the sections thereof captioned "Risk Factors" and "Forward-Looking Information and Factors That May Affect Future Results", as well as in its subsequent reports on Form 8-K, all of which are filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and available at www.sec.gov and www.pfizer.com.

i Cleveland Clinic. Cachexia (Wasting Syndrome). Cachexia (Wasting Syndrome): Symptoms & Treatment (clevelandclinic.org). Accessed September 3, 2024.

ii Lisa Martin, Michael B. Sawyer, Cancer Cachexia: Emerging Preclinical Evidence and the Pathway Forward to Clinical Trials, JNCI: Journal of the National Cancer Institute, Volume 107, Issue 12, December 2015, djv322, https://doi.org/10.1093/jnci/djv322

Category: Pipeline

11 september 2024 at 06:50

News published onand distributed by:
PTX Metals Announces Appointment of Frederico Marques to the Board of Directors





TORONTO, Sept. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- PTX Metals Inc. (CSE: PTX) (OTCQB: PANXF, Frankfurt: 9PX) ("PTX" or the "Company"), a minerals exploration Company focused on high-quality gold, copper, nickel and PGE projects in northern Ontario, is pleased to announce the appointment of Frederico Marques to its Board of Directors and the retirement of Felix Lee.



Frederico brings over 25 years experience in mining, M&A, legal and corporate experiences to the Board of Directors of PTX. Frederico has worked with several leading mineral exploration and mining companies around the globe, including as an independent director of Sigma Lithium Corp. (from June 2018 until June 2023). As a former partner of major Canadian law firms and in-house counsel at Vale S.A. Frederico worked with early-stage mineral exploration projects and large mining operations in over 20 mining jurisdictions, with a focus in the Americas. Throughout his career, Frederico was involved in over US$30 Billion in M&A, financings, joint ventures and other sophisticated transactions.

Christophe Vereecke, Chairman of the Board, stated that:

"We are pleased to welcome Frederico to the Board who will play an important role with the Board and management as PTX further advances the W2 project and executes on other corporate plans underway. Frederico brings both a wealth of mining and corporate experience including a network of mining executives globally. The Company would also like to extend its appreciation to Felix Lee for his guidance and technical knowledge provided to the management and Board. We wish Felix the best in his retirement and appreciate that he will continue to assist as an advisor to the Company."

Frederico Marques commented:

"I am honored and humbled to join PTX as an independent director. PTX has a fantastic team and promising critical minerals exploration projects that are of fundamental importance to powering the global green and digital economy. I am fully confident in PTX and its leadership and together we will take the appropriate measures to continuing creating value to PTX shareholders, strengthening PTX governance and steering PTX in the right direction."

About PTX Metals Inc.

PTX is a minerals exploration Company focused on high-quality critical minerals projects, including two flagship projects situated in northern Ontario, renowned as a world-class mining jurisdiction for its abundance of mineral resources and investment opportunities. The corporate objective is to advance the exploration programs towards proving the potential of each asset, which includes the W2 Copper Nickel PGE Project and South Timmins Gold Joint Venture Project.

PTX portfolio of assets offers investors exposure to some of the world's most valuable metals including gold, as well as essential critical minerals for the clean energy transition: copper, nickel, PGE, uranium and rare metals. PTX's portfolio of assets was strategically acquired for their geologically favorable attributes, and proximity to established mining companies. PTX mineral exploration programs are designed by a team of expert geologists with extensive career knowledge gained from their tenure working for global mining companies in northern Ontario and around the world.

PTX is based in Toronto, Canada, with a primary listing on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol PTX. The company is also listed in Frankfurt under the symbol 9PF and on the OTCQB in the United States as PANXF.

For additional information on PTX, please visit the Company's website at https://ptxmetals.com/.

For further information, please contact:

Greg Ferron, President and Chief Executive Officer

Phone: 416-270-5042

Email: [email protected]

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains forward-looking information which is not comprised of historical facts. Forward-looking information is characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Forward-looking information involves risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events, results, and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including statements regarding the potential development of mineral resources and mineral reserves which may or may not occur. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, changes in the state of equity and debt markets, fluctuations in commodity prices, delays in obtaining required regulatory or governmental approvals, general economic and political conditions, and includes those risks set out in the Company's management's discussion and analysis as filed under the Company's profile at Sedar+. Forward-looking information in this news release is based on the opinions and assumptions of management considered reasonable as of the date hereof, including that all necessary approvals, including governmental and regulatory approvals will be received as and when expected. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by applicable laws. For more information on the risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause our actual results to differ from current expectations, please refer to the Company's public filings available under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

Neither the CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

11 september 2024 at 08:30

News published onand distributed by:
24M Unveils New Test Data for the 24M Imperviotm Battery Separator, Highlighting Breakthrough Innovation to Reduce Battery Fires





24M today unveiled new testing data for its transformative battery separator ? Imperviotm ? that addresses the growing concern of battery safety for electric vehicles (EV), energy storage systems (ESS) and consumer applications. The new data coincides with mounting concerns after recent battery fires in the United States and internationally.

Impervio, announced in January 2024, in addition to its other benefits, addresses the safety risk of overcharging. Overcharging is when a battery exceeds its safe charging threshold yet continues to charge and overheats ? which has caused numerous EV fires over the past year.

"Battery safety is a major roadblock to the widespread adoption of EVs. Recent EV fires around the globe have highlighted why new battery safety innovations are required," said Naoki Ota, 24M President and CEO. "A sustainable energy future is only possible with innovations like Impervio, which can help prevent battery fires and create new opportunities for battery innovation."

Overcharging can lead to dendrite formation and an internal short, which can result in a battery fire and/or explosion. Impervio obstructs dendrite propagation, by controlling the cell at the individual electrode level, preventing dendrites from propagating and enabling early fault detection. The technology can prevent thermal runaway by monitoring the cell's electrochemistry and enabling the implementation of a failsafe in the event of a potential short.

In new testing conducted at 24M labs, the company compared performance and safety between two different battery pouch cells ? a 10Ah high nickel NMC/Graphite pouch cell with an Impervio separator and another off-the-shelf nickel NMC graphite pouch cell with a conventional separator. Both cells were brought to a fully charged state and then advanced to 100% overcapacity or twice the manufacturers specified maximum voltage. The cells with Impervio demonstrated robust performance without shorting or overheating with a full hour of overcharge. In contrast, the off-the-shelf cells overheated consistently with dendrite-caused micro shorts occurring after 15 minutes of overcharging and the cell exploding into a massive fire after 38 minutes. Click here for a video of the side-by-side comparison.

About 24M

24M answers the world's need for affordable energy storage by offering a revolutionary battery manufacturing and product design technology set enabled by the 24M SemiSolidtm and Unit Cell manufacturing platform. By re-inventing today's battery products and manufacturing methods, 24M solves the critical, decades-old challenge associated with the world's preferred energy storage products and technologies: reducing their high cost while improving their performance, safety and recyclability. Founded and led by some of the battery industry's foremost inventors, scientists and entrepreneurs, 24M is headquartered in Cambridge, Mass. For more information, please visit www.24-m.com.

24M is a registered trademark of 24M Technologies, Inc. Imperviotm and 24M SemiSolidtm are pending trademarks of 24M Technologies, Inc.

11 september 2024 at 09:05

News published onand distributed by:
TEGNA to Host Third Quarter 2024 Earnings Conference Call on Thursday, November 7, 2024





TEGNA Inc. (NYSE: TGNA) will host a conference call to discuss its third quarter 2024 earnings results on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at 9 a.m. (ET).

The conference call will be webcast through the company's website, and is open to investors, the financial community, the media and other members of the public.

To access the meeting by phone, please visit investors.TEGNA.com at least 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start time to access the links and register before the conference call begins. Once registered, phone participants will receive dial-in numbers and a unique PIN to seamlessly access the call.

TEGNA's earnings announcement will be released to news outlets and wire services before the market opens on November 7. Materials related to the call will be available at that time through the Investor Relations section of TEGNA's website, investors.TEGNA.com. The webcast will also be archived and available at investors.TEGNA.com.

About TEGNA

TEGNA Inc. (NYSE: TGNA) is an innovative media company that serves the greater good of our communities. Across platforms, TEGNA tells empowering stories, conducts impactful investigations and delivers innovative marketing solutions. With 64 television stations in 51 U.S. markets, TEGNA is the largest owner of top 4 network affiliates in the top 25 markets among independent station groups, reaching approximately 39 percent of all television households nationwide. TEGNA also owns leading multicast networks True Crime Network and Quest. TEGNA offers innovative solutions to help businesses reach consumers across television, digital and over-the-top (OTT) platforms, including Premion, TEGNA's OTT advertising service. For more information, visit www.TEGNA.com.

11 september 2024 at 09:50

News published onand distributed by:
Europe Data Center Power Landscape Report 2024-2029: AI Boom in FLAPD Markets Spurs Growth of High-Energy Data Centers - ResearchAndMarkets.com





The "Europe Data Center Power Market Landscape 2024-2029" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The Europe data center power market by investment is expected to reach a value of $6.96 billion by 2029 from $4.21 billion in 2023, growing at a CAGR of 8.76% from 2023 to 2029.

The Europe data center power market is highly competitive, with major players like ABB, Eaton, and Schneider Electric leading in power infrastructure. In 2023 and 2024, Cummins and Caterpillar will dominate the Europe data center power market generator segment. Data centers across Europe increasingly prefer battery types like lithium-ion, nickel-zinc, VRLA, and Prussian blue sodium-ion for their UPS systems in data centers.

In the ever-changing world of data center operations, a noticeable trend toward sustainability is growing, pushing the adoption of novel solutions. One such idea is the integration of fuel-cell generators to meet the high-power demands of data center facilities. For instance, NorthC Data Centers installed 500kW hydrogen fuel cells at its new Groningen data center, using green hydrogen for backup power. The company plans to explore this eco-friendly technology at other data centers in the Netherlands.

AI adoption is skyrocketing across Europe, especially in the FLAPD industry, fueling a rise in AI data centers. To meet the high energy demands, operators like Vantage Data Centers, Telia, CoreWeave, Microsoft, and Equinix may collaborate with power infrastructure vendors in the coming years to find better renewable energy solutions to meet their sustainability needs.

Due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions in Europe may extend lead times for data centers and construction, impacting infrastructure availability. Data center operators might explore alternative strategies to minimize these disruptions and mitigate future outages and losses.

GEOGRAPHICAL ANALYSIS

Western Europe is a rapidly growing market for data center development, driven primarily by the U.K., Germany, and France. Despite some investment restrictions in Ireland and the Netherlands, there's notable growth in greenfield and modular data centers. The region, however, faces land and power constraints in 2023, especially in FLAPD regions, with Ireland's EirGrid imposing a de facto moratorium on new data centers.

Data center operators favor the Nordics for their cooler climate, which lowers cooling costs and improves PUE. Additionally, they are partnering with renewable energy providers, like Telia and Telenor's PPA with Better Energy for a Danish solar park, to enhance sustainability and reduce carbon emissions.

In 2023, data center investments in Central and Eastern Europe surged, particularly in Russia, Norway, and emerging markets like Czechia. The region prioritizes renewable energy, with operators like Orange signing power purchase agreements, such as the recent one with Enertrag for its Polish operations.

SEGMENTATION INSIGHTS

Diesel generators are still the most popular choice for procurement data centers in the European power market, but some facilities are switching to gas generators. For instance, NorthC Datacenters has chosen INNIO's Jenbacher H2-ready engines for emergency backup power at its new Eindhoven facility. Six of these engines will run on natural gas or hydrogen and provide carbon-free power during grid outages.

European data center operators increasingly invest in UPS batteries like lithium-ion, Prussian blue sodium-ion, and nickel-zinc. Additionally, VRLA batteries are also gaining popularity in the Europe data center power market.

In the European region, especially in FLAPD regions, due to rising land and power constraints, governments have banned the construction of data centers, impacting the market of UPS and generators in the data centers market and adopting sustainability fuels and initiatives. For example, in Ireland, EirGrid temporarily halted new data center projects in the Dublin region until 2028 due to grid limitations. New applications will only be reviewed for other areas of the country on a case-by-case basis.

The Europe data center power market by generator type in the U.K., Ireland, Sweden, and the Netherlands stands out for its innovation in diverse fuel sources like DRUPS, fuel cells, and natural gas. Leading companies, including Hitachi Energy, FuelCell Energy, Bloom Energy, Panasonic, and Toshiba, provide cutting-edge solutions that boost data center efficiency.

KEY QUESTIONS ANSWERED:

How big is the Europe data center power market?

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China on Monday unveiled a draft plan to expand its national carbon trading market by including three major carbon-emitting industriescement, electrolytic aluminum, and steelseeking public feedback on the proposal.

The move would mark a significant step in expanding the world's largest carbon trading program, which currently only covers the coal-fired power generation sector. According to the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, the inclusion of these additional industries would extend the market's coverage to about 60 percent of China's total carbon emissions.

The decision follows a comprehensive evaluation of seven sectors, including petrochemicals, chemicals, papermaking, and aviation, to assess their readiness for participation in the carbon market. The ministry's assessment considered factors such as greenhouse gas emission control, industry development, pollution and carbon reduction contributions, emission data quality, and international carbon barrier requirements.

The results indicated that the cement, steel, and electrolytic aluminum sectors are prepared to join the carbon trading market this year, the ministry said.

Launched in July 2021, China's carbon trading market has facilitated the trade of approximately 465 million metric tons of carbon emission allowances, valued at nearly 27 billion yuan ($3.8 billion) as of mid-July, the ministry reported.

China's current carbon trading system sets emission limits for coal-fired power plants. After each compliance period, plants can sell any unused carbon allowances or, if they exceed their limit, buy allowances to meet the benchmark.
(Left) Hon. Byron W. Zahnwea, Superintendent of River Cess County showing the gift presented to him and middle, Dr. Sennen Hounton, Regional Director for the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in West and Central Africa (WCARO), and UNFPAs Country Representative, Bidisha Pillai at the office of the superintendent in Cestos City, River Cess County.
A FARMER who faces more than 350 charges relating to the discovery of a large number of dead calves on lands he owns in County Limerick is facing prosecution before the circuit court.

At Kilmallock Court this Tuesday, Judge Patricia Harney was told Seamus Looby faces a total of 352 charges and that the Director of Public Prosecutions has directed trial on indictment.

All of the offences are alleged to have occurred at farmlands at Raheen, Garryspillane on dates between March 8, 2022 and September 8, 2022.

The criminal proceedings have been initiated following a major investigation which was launched by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine following the discovery of the animals in September 2022.

During a procedural hearing, State Solicitor Brendan Gill said the DPP has indicated that she would consent to the matter being dealt with on the basis of a signed plea of guilty, if that were to arise.

Barrister Suzanne Gorey, instructed by solicitor Michael Devlin, told the court that her client, aged in his 60s, was not present in court and she submitted a medical certificate to Judge Harney.

No evidence relating to the alleged offences or the number of dead animals was heard in court during this Tuesday's hearing.

Seeking an adjournment, Mr Gill indicated he is in a position to disclose any relevant documentation to allow Mr Looby to consider his position before any further order is made by the court.

He also indicated it is the intention of the State to withdraw 35 of the summons on the basis that evidence relating to 20 sample charges will be heard by the court.

Mr Gorey accepted this and the matter was adjourned to November 19, next.

READ ALSO: PICTURES: Inside brand new Limerick house you could buy for same price as Dail bike shed

Mr Gill said legal aid was a matter for the court but he noted there are a considerable number of charges and that they involved serious matters.

In the case, Seamus Looby faces 140 charges of breaching his duty to protect animal welfare under the provisions of section 11 of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013; 72 charges of contravening the prohibition on animal cruelty under section 12 of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013; 84 charges of failing to comply with an animal health and welfare notice under section 42 (9) of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 and 56 charges of breaching the European Union (Animal By-Products) Regulations 2014.
ONE Limerick woman with a can-do attitude has been recognised for living her life with no limits.

Aisling Arthur from Faha, Kildimo has been named an Enable Ireland 2024 Life With No Limits champion.

Aisling, who has a life-long passion for sport, is an Enable Ireland service user. She has competed in everything from boccia to wheelchair hurling.

The Life With No Limits campaign takes place during September each year.

It provides a platform for children and adults with disabilities who use Enable Ireland services to share their life experiences. The campaign also acts as a fundraiser for the charity.

READ MORE: JP McManus launches fresh initiative for good causes across Limerick

I have had a strong interest in sport since I was young and its always been a part of my life whether Im watching or playing, Aisling said.

The first sport I played was boccia when I was in secondary school. Boccia has been a part of my life ever since.

Boccia is a Paralympic sport introduced in 1984 and is similar to bowls.

Aisling said that her most recent sport that she has taken up is wheelchair hurling, despite starting at age 28.

Being 28, Im kind of oldish to start playing hurling but sure look! I strongly believe you can achieve anything you put your mind to, Aisling said.

At the moment, Im training with the junior team while I build my strength, speed, and skills and in June, I was thrilled to play my first competition with the Munster Wheelchair Hurling Club.

Donal Kitt, Enable Ireland national fundraising manager said that the Life With No Limits campaign is a pivotal [one] in the Enable Ireland calendar.

By spotlighting the lived experiences of people with disabilities, the campaign raises awareness and helps support inclusion, Mr Kitt said.

It is also crucial in raising funds for Enable Ireland's services. Now more than ever, we need your help to raise funds.

Please support our vital services for children and adults with disabilities.

Every year, Enable Ireland needs over 2m in additional funding to meet the costs of delivering their services.

2024 Life With No Limits champion Aisling concluded by saying: Sport has played a key role in my life. It gives me more determination to keep going and reach my goals.

If youre thinking about playing sport or any other activity, just go and try it  give it a go! If you dont try it youll never know. Most importantly, always believe in yourself.
IBEC, the organisation representing businesses hosted a budget and general election manifesto briefing at the Technological University of the Shannon's Coonagh campus.

During the meeting, the business group's local members emphasised the importance of leveraging economic success while avoiding complacency.

At the meeting, local TDs heard how Limerick businesses remain highly optimistic and believe that the resources available to the next Government provide a generational opportunity to address areas where Ireland scores poorly, such as infrastructure delivery, a realistic energy strategy, low lifelong learning rates, and quality of life issues like social investment and housing.

Ibec also said Budget 2025 will be important for supporting businesses in the region, which have been struggling with rising costs, and for helping businesses better prepare for the skills required to compete in the future.

The group welcomed remarks by Taoiseach Simon Harris at its president's dinner in Dublin last week, saying that his Government will unlock the National Training Fund before the end of the year and establish a new Better Regulation Initiative to assess the impact of regulation on business costs, both of which were key Ibec asks.

READ MORE: Careers event 'with an insightful edge' set to benefit Limerick students

Helen Leahy, head of regional policy at Ibec, said: Limerick and the wider region are prime examples of how businesses and strategic government investment can enable a region to thrive. From 2011 to 2022, Limerick has seen a 42% increase in third level education and 27.6% employment growth. More than that, businesses have created opportunities for fulfilling, purposeful careers with a good work-life balance in high-value sectors, demonstrating the regions position of strength and future potential.

She warned complacency must not be allowed to set in.

"The need for multi-annual funding for the Foynes to Limerick Scheme remains a source of concern for many members in the region, as well as the need for continued investment in Shannon Airport and Port. It is also critical that we continue to invest in further/ higher education and ensure that the skills needed for the future workforce are developed, including significantly increasing lifelong learning rates. While the economy continues to perform strongly, we are acutely aware of the cost competitiveness challenges faced by smaller businesses across the region, some of which placed in very vulnerable positions," she said.
An Post has unveiled four special stamps to honour Seamus Begley, Christy Dignam, Shane MacGowan and Sinead OConnor, all of whom died in 2023.



Entitled Iconic Irish Voices, the four-stamp set marks their passing and their contributions to Irish life and music.

The stamp set includes two N National rate stamps showing striking portrait photographs of Seamus Begley and Christy Dignam, together with images of Shane MacGowan and Sinead OConnor on two W stamps for posting worldwide.

Available from Thursday, September 12 online at anpost.com/IrishVoices and in selected Post Offices nationwide, each stamp is available in a sheet of four (5.60 for national, 8.80 for international), as well as on a limited edition First Day Cover envelope (8.70), featuring an emotive image of a lone microphone stand cast in the spotlight.

The simple, unadorned black and white portrait stamps were designed by Shaughn McGrath of Shaughn McGrath Creative and highlight the artists humanity, strength and vulnerability. Each image highlights both the artists eyes, looking boldly back at us, and their hands, which they used to inscribe and perform.

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Speaking at a private stamp unveiling for the featured artists families, David McRedmond, CEO of An Post said: Its still hard to accept that Christy, Seamus, Sinead and Shane are no longer with us. Each of them shone brightly and bravely throughout their lives, bringing good times, inspiration and joy to millions upon millions of people. They were proud Irish artists whose work explored, often critically, our identity as a people. We are greatly honoured on behalf of the people of Ireland to release these special stamps as symbol of the nations respect and pride in their musical genius and their impact on the world.

Seamus Begleys family commented: This stamp is a wonderful recognition of the impact that Seamus had on people and we as a family are very proud and very grateful to An Post for this honour.

Kiera Dignam, daughter of Christy Dignam said: Our family are deeply touched to have my Dad honoured in such a beautiful way by A Post. Knowing his humour, to be on a stamp is definitely something he would giggle about, its like hes Irish Royalty!

Victoria Mary Clarke, wife of Shane MacGowan said: 'Shane would be exceptionally proud and delighted to be honoured with a stamp from An Post. He was a passionate Irish man with a huge love for Ireland and its history and culture and he was very interested in the stamps and often spoke about how much he loved them. He saw the Irish postage stamps as symbolic of our freedom from Britain and our status as an independent republic, the fact that we could issue our own stamps without the head of the British monarch was very important to him. His family are all very grateful to An Post for this beautiful gesture.

On behalf of the OConnor family, John Reynolds said: "It is a great honour for Sinead to be included in the stamp set and for the Irish State to remember her in such a dignified way while we all still mourn her loss and the loss of her fellow musical greats."


Irelands data watchdog has launched an investigation into Googles AI model.

The Data Protection Commission (DPC) said on Thursday that it has commenced a statutory inquiry into Google under Section 110 of the Data Protection Act.

The probe involves examining whether Google complied with any obligations to undertake an assessment, under GDPR laws, prior to processing the personal data of EU/EEA data subjects in developing its AI Model, Pathways Language Model 2 (PaLM2).

The DPC said that a Data Protection Impact Assessment, where required, is of crucial importance in ensuring peoples rights and freedoms are considered and protected when processing of personal data is likely to result in a high risk.

The DPC probe is examining cross-border processing, which means it involves either the processing of personal data on a controller or processor in more than one European Union country, or the processing of personal data which takes place in one EU location but which substantially affects or is likely to substantially affect data subjects in more than one member state.

The investigation follows a request from the Irish watchdog for social media site X, formerly known as Twitter, to suspend processing its user posts to train its AI chatbot Grok.

In August, the DPC welcomed the decision by X to suspend processing while they examine its compliance with GDPR.
Indian automakers are gearing up for a crucial test of market sentiment this festive season as they seek to reverse a slowdown in demand that has hurt sales of all types of vehicles.

The extended monsoon season dampened consumer sentiment in the rural region, impacting two-wheeler sales, said Yogesh Mathur, director, sales and marketing, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI). The festival season will be crucial for the two-wheeler market."

Apart from a prolonged monsoon, low consumer appetite for spending and rising vehicle costs also contributed to a slump in both entry-level and premium vehicle sales. Companies are sitting on high inventory levels, prompting Tata Motors Ltd. and Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. to offer discounts.

The previous months had failed to meet the industrys growth expectations, making October a pivotal month for gauging a potential boost in sales, said Mathur at the recent Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) convention. If the festive season proves successful, it could boost domestic sales by around 10% for the ongoing fiscal, he said.

'Everything depends on October'

However, this years auspicious period is condensed into a single month, which adds to the uncertainty. Everything depends on October," he said. If October does not perform well, it will definitely have an (adverse) impact."

The countrys largest carmaker Maruti Suzuki India Ltd said Onam, which marks the onset of the festive season in Kerala, fell in September this year compared to August last year, and the company recorded 10% on year increase in bookings. Similarly, it saw a 10% growth in deliveries in key markets during Ganesh Chaturthi.

We are hopeful that this positive traction will continue through the festive season," said Partho Banerjee, senior executive director, marketing and sales at Maruti Suzuki.

The company aims to maintain its pricing strategy without raising discounts further, he said.

Other major automakers, including Tata Motors, are adopting a more aggressive stance. The company has significantly increased discounts across its range of vehicles, including both electric vehicle (EV) and internal combustion engine (ICE) models to stimulate demand in a sluggish market.

Commercial vehicle makers also anticipate a potential uptick in demand during the festive season.

While the festive season is just the beginning, there is hope for improved demand over the next few months, Satyakam Arya, chief executive officer of Daimler India Commercial Vehicles, told Mint. The full impact of the festive season will become clearer by October. We definitely saw better sentiment (the beginning of this festive season) than in the past year, with customers coming forward and closing deals they had postponed, but it wasnt much better compared to August."
Mumbai: Aditya Birla Finance, one of the creditors of Byjus, on Wednesday accused the companys interim resolution professional (IRP) of playing fraud in the ongoing corporate insolvency resolution process of the edtech firm.

Aditya Birla Finance has filed a plea in the National Company Law Tribunal against Byjus resolution professional for alleged wrongful classification of the lender as an operational creditor instead of as a financial creditor.

A bench led by justices K Biswal and Manoj Kumar Dubey issued notice to the IRP and posted the matter for further hearing on 24 September. The bench has given the resolution professional one week to file objections.

Udaya Holla, senior counsel for Aditya Birla said, Aditya Birla was the creditor to Think and learn... the balance sheet shows that they owe us 139 crores. The IRP issued notice in the CoC (committee of creditors) meeting, and thereafter 15 days later, IRP said we are not a financial creditor but operational creditors. This is absolute fraud played by the IRP.

Financial creditors provide loans or other forms of credit to a company, while operational creditors supply goods or services as part of the company's regular business activities. But the primary distinction between the two lies in the nature of their claims during an insolvency process.

Financial creditors have a primary claim on the assets of a bankrupt company, followed by operational creditors. Indias Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) aims to balance the interests of both types of creditors to ensure a fair and transparent insolvency process for all parties involved.

Glas Trust vs resolution professional US-based Glas Trust, which has provided a $1.2-billion Term Loan B to Byju's, has also filed a plea against the resolution professional.

Last week, Glas Trust was allegedly unlawfully ousted from the committee of creditors by Byju's insolvency resolution expert, Pankaj Srivastava. Srivastava has admitted the lender's claims under contingent liability.

The US lender has sought the removal of the resolution professional. However, the plea is yet to be decided on merits as a parallel proceeding is pending before the Supreme Court.

The court is likely to hear the matter on 17 September.

The Supreme Court had earlier declined a plea by Byju's to prevent the resolution professional from constituting a committee of creditors till the top court decides on the case.
Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), a public sector company, on Wednesday stated that it had received orders worth 1,155 crore in two different deals.

The defence manufacturer has received an order worth 850 crore from Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) to supply indigenous multi-function X-Band radar.

BEL also received orders worth 305 crore for a navigational complex system for ships, thermal imagers, communication equipment, fire control and gun control systems, spares, and services, the company said in a stock filing on Wednesday.

The fully indigenous radar will be designed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and manufactured by BEL. It is capable of detecting, acquiring and tracking airborne targets to provide protection to naval ships.

BEL has secured an order worth Rs. 850 Cr from Cochin Shipyard Limited for supply of indigenous Multi Function Radar in X Band. Additionally, following its last disclosure on Aug 22, 2024, BEL has secured orders worth Rs. 305 Cr, the PSU informed on X.

Following these two orders, BEL now has orders up to 7,075 crore in the current fiscal year, according to the stock filing.

India's defence manufacturing capability The government has set the target of achieving indigenous defence manufacturing valued at 175,000 crore. This will include defence exports up to 35,000 crore in the current fiscal year.

The government has taken several policy initiatives in the past few years to promote indigenous defence manufacturing.

Also Read | Midcap defence stock snaps four-day losing streak on govt order win

The total value of defence production in the country was 126,887 crore, a 17 per cent increase from the previous fiscal year.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin met with Ford officials during his US visit to discuss the future of the automakers operations in the state.

CM Stalin posted pictures with Ford officials on his official X handle and wrote, Had a very engaging discussion with the team from Ford Motors! Explored the feasibility of renewing Fords three decade partnership with Tamil Nadu, to again make in Tamil Nadu for the world [sic]!

The meeting was part of CM Stalin's broader efforts to attract investments for Tamil Nadu.

Return to Indian market with focus on EVs According to media reports, earlier in February, the global auto major was working on a return to the Indian market by using its manufacturing facility in Chennai for the production of hybrid and electric vehicles.

In 2021, Ford exited the Indian market as it recorded a massive fall in sales but could be eyeing a return, its third to the Indian market, with a focus on EVs.

Ford has struggled in India in the past, facing intense competition and incurring operating losses of more than $2 billion until 2021 and losses of $800 million on the write-down of assets in 2019, according to media reports.

Ford had previously planned to sell its Chennai plant to the JSW group but decided to terminate the deal in December 2023. The global automaker also filed a patent for the next-generation Endeavour in India in January 2024, sparking speculation of a possible return of the company to India.

Ford Motor entered the Indian market in the 1990s to tap one of the worlds biggest auto markets. However, due to price sensitivity, Ford faced tough competition in the South Asian region.
New Delhi: New York-based private equity firm I Squared Capital, JSW Neo Energy, a subsidiary of India's JSW Group, and Macquarie Group, one of the largest foreign infrastructure investors in the country, have been shortlisted to submit binding bids to buy renewable energy platform O2 Power, in a deal that is likely to peg its equity value at $1 billion and enterprise value at $2.3 billion.

Talks are also on with New York-based alternative investment firm Stonepeak to take it to the next stage of the sale process for submitting binding offer in a deal that will rank among the largest green energy transactions in the country, said two people aware of the development.

I Squared Capital, JSW Groups JSW Neo Energy, and Macquarie Group have been informed that they have been shortlisted from among the bidders that submitted NBOs (non-binding offers). The plan is to take one or two additional bidders to the next stage, for which talks are on," said one of the two people cited earlier, requesting anonymity.

Enterprise and equity value are business valuation methods in mergers and acquisitions. Enterprise value, in simple terms, is the total sale price of the company, while equity value is part of the enterprise value that's pocketed by equity holders after paying off debt.

These selected bidders will be given full data room access, after which the binding bids will be submitted. The deadline for the submission of binding offers is 19 October, and the successful bidder will be given exclusivity to close the deal.

Also read | A mountain of renewable assets is looking for buyers

Mint had reported in August that seven bidders, including I Squared Capital, JSW Neo Energy, Macquarie Group, Stonepeak, Edelweiss Alternative Asset Advisors' Sekura Energy, Actis Llp, and Singapores Sembcorp Industries Ltd had submitted their non-binding offers (NBOs) in the sale process run by Barclays to buy European alternative asset manager EQT and Singapores Temasek-owned O2 Power.

13 prospective buyers

The process has seen a lot of interest, with13 prospective buyers that had signed non-disclosure agreements (NDA) for the sale of O2 Power.

EQT and Temasek hold 51% and 49%, respectively, in O2 Power, and have invested $500 million in the company founded in 2019 by former ReNew Power executives Parag Sharma, Peeyush Mohit, and Rakesh Garg. O2 Power is targeting a portfolio of around 5 GW and has already created a 4-GW portfolio.

O2 Power chief operating officer Peeyush Mohit and a Barclays spokesperson declined comment.

A Temasek spokesperson in an emailed response said, As a matter of policy, Temasek does not comment on market speculation."

Also read | Edelweiss front runner to buy O2 Powers 350 MW solar projects

Spokespersons for Macquarie Group, Stonepeak, Actis, and Edelweiss Alternatives also declined comment.

Queries emailed to the spokespersons of I Squared Capital, JSW Group, EQT, and Sembcorp on 3 September remained unanswered till press time.

There is a sustained investor interest in India's green energy transition play including renewable energy (RE). India has an installed renewable energy capacity of 180.79 GW, including 73.31 GW solar and 44.73 GW of wind power capacity. The government aims to add 50 GW of green energy capacity annually to reach 500 GW capacity by 2030.

As reported by Mint, JSW Neo Energy, and Sembcorp Industries Ltd have also been shortlisted to submit binding bids for acquiring a significant majority stake in National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF)-backed Ayana Renewable Power Pvt Ltd in a deal having an equity value of around $800 million. Also, Sembcorp, and JSW Neo Energy are in fray to buy a majority stake in Shell Plc Sprng Energy group's 1 GW operational assets, in a deal having an equity and enterprise value of $350 million and $1.1 billion respectively.

Seasoned investor

I Squared Capital is not new to India infrastructure space. It had invested $150 million in Amplus Energy Solutions Pvt. Ltd in April 2015 that was sold to Malaysias state-run oil and gas company, Petroliam Nasional Bhd or Petronas, in April 2019 for 2,700 crore. I Squared Capital has also set up a climate solutions platformHexa Climate Solutionswith Amplus founder Sanjeev Aggarwal wherein the New York-based private equity fund will invest around $500 million. I Squared Capital is also an investor in Singapore-based Cube Highways and Infrastructure Pte. Ltd., one of Indias largest private sector operators of toll roads which has emerged as the likely winner to acquire the roads assets of NIIF's Athaang Infrastructure, in a deal having an equity value of around 4,000 crore.

Also read | O2 Power acquires solar power portfolio in Karnataka, Telangana

JSW Neo Energy has a 13.6 GW generation portfolio, of which 2.6 GW is under construction. It bought 1.75 GW of renewable energy projects from Mytrah Energy at an enterprise value of 10,530 crore. Macquarie Group has been investing in Indias infrastructure space since 2008 and is focussed on energy transition, infrastructure and digital communications.
New Delhi: The Centre on Wednesday announced a 10,900 crore electric vehicle subsidy scheme, the PM E-Drive, marking the third phase of the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (FAME) policy which has subsidized the purchase of over 1.6 million electric vehicles in India since 2015.

The new scheme will aim to boost adoption of electric buses, and brings the curtains down subsidies for electric and hybrid cars. The PM E-Drive scheme will give demand incentives to deploy 14,028 electric buses, demand for which will be aggregated across nine major cities by Convergence Energy Solutions Ltd (CESL), a stare-run company. With a 10,000 subsidy per kwh of battery capacity for each bus at a total outlay of  4,391 crore, public transport buses form the largest segment of the subsidy outlay.

The E-Drive scheme will also aim to develop an extensive charging infrastructure.

Apart from electric buses, 2,679 crore will be set aside to subsidize 2.48 million electric two-wheelers and 316,000 electric three-wheelers.

Additionally, 500 crore each has been earmarked for electric trucks and hybrid ambulances, aiming to drive EV adoption in critical service sectors and the commercial vehicle segment for the first time.

For ambulances, we are going to give incentives to hybrids because we need total reliability in the vehicles, Ashwani Vaishnav, Union Minister for information and broadcasting said at a Cabinet briefing.

For trucks, the scheme will offer incentives only to those who have a scrapping certificate from vehicle scrapping centres approved by the road ministry.

While FAME-II extended incentives for electric cabs, the Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme (EMPS) that temporarily replaced it did not. The E-Drive scheme skips electric cars entirely, in an upset for Tata Motors Ltd, India's largest electric car maker that had vigorously pushed for subsidizing electric cabs in the new scheme. Mint had reported in April that electric four-wheelers used in commercial fleets such as taxis were likely to miss out on subsidies under the scheme.

Charging infrastructure development also receives a major push, with 2,000 crore to support the installation of 22,100 fast chargers for e-four-wheelers, 1800 fast chargers for e-buses and 48,400 fast chargers for e-two-wheelers and three-wheelers in select cities with high levels of EV penetration. In July, Mint had reported about the government's plan to set aside 2,000 crore to expand charging infrastructure, critical to support the growing EV ecosystem.

In addition to the subsidies, the government also announced a payment security mechanism fund (PSMF) of 3,435 crore for 38,000 electric buses, which will reduce financial risks for bus operators and promote the electrification of public transportation networks.

Digital vouchers for customers MHI is introducing e-vouchers for EV buyers to avail demand incentives under the scheme. At the time of purchase of the EV, the scheme portal will generate an Aadhaar authenticated e-Voucher for the buyer. A link to download the e- voucher shall be sent to the registered mobile number of the buyer, a release by the Ministry of Heavy Industries said. Mint had reported on September 8 that the government is looking to put its mark on its EV subsidy scheme, to make the role of the Central government funds in making EVs affordable more affordable to the buyer.

This e-voucher will be signed by the buyer and submitted to the dealer to avail demand incentives under the scheme. Thereafter, the e-Voucher will also be signed by the dealer and uploaded on the PM E-DRIVE portal. The signed e-voucher shall be sent to the buyer and dealer through an SMS. The signed e-voucher will be essential for OEM to claim reimbursement of demand incentives under the scheme, the MHI release explained.
Hundreds of workers at Kenya's main international airport demonstrated on Wednesday against a planned deal between the government and a foreign investor. Planes have remained grounded, with hundreds of passengers stranded at the airport.

The government has said that the build-and-operate agreement with India's Adani Group would see the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport renovated, and an additional runway and terminal constructed, in exchange for the group running the airport for 30 years.

Kenya Airport Workers Union, in announcing the strike, said that the deal would lead to job losses and inferior terms and conditions of service for those who will remain.

Kenya Airways on Wednesday announced there would be flight delays and possible cancellations because of the ongoing strike at the airport, which serves Nairobi.

Last week, airport workers had threatened to go on strike, but the plans were called off pending discussions with the government.

The spotting of unknown people moving around with airport officials taking notes and photographs raised concerns that the Indian firm officials were readying for the deal, local media outlets reported last week.

The High Court on Monday temporarily halted the implementation of the deal until a case filed by the Law Society and the Kenya Human Rights Commission is heard.
A division bench of the Delhi High Court division bench has dismissed SpiceJet's plea to overturn a single-bench order that mandated the grounding of two planes with engines leased from Team France 01 SAS and Sunbird France 02 SAS.

The division bench, led by Justice Rajiv Shakdher, rejected SpiceJets contention on Wednesday, saying it did not wish to interfere with the single-bench order, and asked both parties to seek a settlement instead.

The airline must now ground the planes with the leased engines, but can approach the Supreme Court for relief. The grounding of these planes will increase the burden on the cash-strapped airline. SpiceJet said in court that it operates a fleet of 21 aircraft and that grounding the two planes would disrupt its operations.

The original order, issued on 14 August, required SpiceJet to ground the planes by 16 August and return the engines for inspection within 15 days. SpiceJet challenged the order immediately and sought a stay, which the division bench has now rejected.

The high court had previously rebuked the airline, with Justice Shakdher remarking, "You are using someone elses property, and you cant use it without paying the rent. Hes (the lessor) in the business of letting out that property. Which court allows you to use property without paying?"

The court also expressed scepticism about the airlines assurances to the lessors, noting that if SpiceJet had the financial means to meet its commitments, it would not be defending itself in court. The court also highlighted the airlines broader financial struggles, including its failure to pay employees.

During the hearing, SpiceJet said it was one of the few remaining airlines in India and was struggling to remain operational amid a challenging environment. It said it was making efforts to meet its obligations. The airline detailed a bona fide offer, which included securities and a pledge of shares from the directors to cover the outstanding dues. It proposed securing payments with encumbered aircraft or shares, with an obligation to top these up in case the stock fell. The airline also committed to continuing its weekly payments of $160,000 and monthly installments of $1.2 million.

Plan to raise  3,000 crore SpiceJet also said it planned to raise 3,000 crore through a qualified institutional placement (QIP) by 30 September, and pledged to use 4.9 crore from this to settle its dues by the end of September. However, the lessors rejected this offer and expressed frustration over the airlines failure to make payments since December 2023 and its questionable financial stability.

Court filings revealed that Team France 01 SAS and Sunbird France 02 SAS initiated legal action against SpiceJet in December 2023, citing unpaid dues exceeding $20 million. While SpiceJet has managed to pay $8.36 million towards these claims, it still owes them $9.41 million as of 12 August.

The airline's finances remain dire. It reported a consolidated net profit of 158.2 crore for the June quarter, a 20% decline from 197.6 crore in the same quarter last year. Total income fell by 8.3% to 2,077.8 crore, while expenses decreased by more than 7% to 1,919.6 crore.

SpiceJets total liabilities stood at approximately 11,252 crore at the end of June, down from 11,690.7 crore at the end of March and 12,420.2 crore at the end of December 2023. The airline also now operates under the Directorate General of Civil Aviations (DGCA) enhanced surveillance due to the cancellation of flights and financial stress.
Tata Steel Ltd has signed a 500 million grant funding agreement with the UK government for its 1.25 billion green steel project in Port Talbot.

This will allow Tata Steel to proceed at pace with the project to install an electric arc furnace at the steelworks in Wales. The new assets will reduce the UKs entire industrial carbon emissions by 8% and Port Talbots by 90%, setting a benchmark in circularity using scrap.

With the UK governments critical support, this complex and ambitious transformation of Port Talbot has the potential to make the plant one of Europes premier centres for green steelmaking, T.V. Narendran, Tata Steels chief executive officer and managing director, said in a statement on Wednesday.

The Indian steel major has already launched a public consultation on specific activities and is working closely with the authorities to apply for planning approvals by November, and commence large-scale site work around July.

The electric arc furnace is expected to be operational within three years. These will replace coal-powered blast furnaces, which are nearing the end of their effective life. An electric arc furnace uses an electric current to melt scrap steel or iron to produce steel, whereas blast furnaces use coke, a carbon-intensive fuel made from coal.

Also read | Mint Explainer: Why Tata Steel is jittery about the UK election

Jobs at stake Alongside its planned 750 million investment, Tata Steel has deployed its global engineering and project capabilities behind this project, which will benefit from an additional 500 million in UK Government Grant Funding, the company said in its statement.

We now look forward to the efficient and speedy execution of the EAF project. We will also continue our work with the Transition Board and the UK and Welsh governments to enable this project to be a catalyst for economic regeneration and job creation in South Wales, Narendran added.

In April, Tata Steel had said that it would proceed with a plan to build an electric arc furnace at Port Talbot and start closing the existing heavy-end assets.

Following this, the country underwent months of national-level discussions with UK trade unions that threatened industrial action over expected job losses.

Tata Steel said it had finalised a memorandum of understanding with the UK Steel Committee.

The company will offer generous support packages to employees leaving the company, and a comprehensive voluntary redundancy aspiration process combined with cross-matching and re-skilling, the company said.

For any employee in Port Talbot selected as being at risk of compulsory redundancy, the company will provide the option for them to participate in a paid re-training scheme for a defined period to help them secure alternative future employment.
New Delhi: On a hot May afternoon, a factory that makes wearable technology products for Indian company Noise in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, hums with over 300 workers. More than half of them are women. Once in a while, a supervisor makes a round of the factory floor, like a principal in a school. But the workers, busy assembling the electronic pieces, rarely look over their shoulders. By the end of the day, they would have assembled 30,000 smartwatches and 10,000 wireless earbudsthe factory is one of Indias largest for such products.

Similar assembly units, big and small, had sprung up to meet the scorching demand, not just for smartwatches and earwear, but also for wrist bands and rings. They all do more or less the same thingtrack stuff such as sleep patterns and physical activity. But beyond every utility, it is a fashion accessory millennials love to flaunt.

Outsourced manufacturing companies, the likes of Dixon Technologies and Optiemus Electronics, were talking of expanding capacities for wearable products even last year. Conversations often revolved around pushing the envelope in local value addition".

By the end of 2019, the Indian industry had already run up to become the third largest in the world, behind the US and China. In the second quarter of that year, a record three million devices had been shipped in India, more than double the previous year. It was on steroids post the pandemicin 2023, India clocked sales of over 134 million units, overtaking the US and China to become the largest market in the world.

Four Indian startupsboAt, Noise, Boult and Fire-Bolttrode this explosive growth, becoming the movers and shakers in the global pecking order. During the festive season last year, boAt overtook Chinese giant Xiaomi to become the worlds second-largest wearables company behind Apple. Similarly, Noise became the worlds third-largest smartwatch company in 2023, behind Apple and Samsung.

But the wearables sector is less noisy right now. Demand has tapered off. The change was so sudden this year that the industry was caught off guard and left with a significant inventory. In the first quarter of 2024, overall demand grew only by 2.1%, the slowest since the pandemic. In the second quarter, sales declined for the first time ever by 10% compared to the year-ago quarter. The downturn is led almost entirely by smartwatches, which declined 27%, according to data from IDC, a market research firm.

The hyper-growth of smartwatches in the India market over the past few years has been primarily driven by its appeal as a low-cost fashion accessory," said Harshit Rastogi, research analyst at market research firm Counterpoint Research. However, this initial growth phase is now cooling down as the initial excitement of the segment is tapering off. This is also reflected in the dwindling growth rates," he added. Even with the festive season ahead, when consumer activity typically picks up, the outlook for the rest of the year is bleak, thanks to the high base from last year. The market is forecast to witness a double-digit percentage decline in 2024," Rastogi said.

In many ways, the smartwatch segment mirrors the trend of smartphones from a decade ago. Back then, a clutch of newfound domestic companies or startups spotted an opportunity, contacted vendors in China and disrupted the market with timely affordable products. One company that mastered this strategy best was Micromax, which, at its peak in 2014, briefly became the largest mobile phone player in the domestic market. An onslaught from Chinese phone makers eventually sank the brand.

Just like smartphones in the last decade, the strong growth of wearables over the past few years has caught the attention of Chinese-origin playersthe likes of Realme and OPPOwho are beginning to flex muscles. At the same time, a number of nondescript smaller white label players have emerged in the tier II and III markets in the country that are importing products from across the border and undercutting the incumbents on price.

Can the industry find a way to address the challengers and adapt to the new reality? And can the big four domestic startups avoid the fate of Micromax?

End of the bull run

Why is the Indian consumer suddenly falling out of love with smartwatches? The one-word answer is fatigue.

The focus on ones health in the aftermath of the pandemic saw a large part of the population take to an active lifestyle. Smartwatches that helped measure your daily calorie burn, step count, heart rate monitor and sleep pattern analysis, became a much sought-after accessory.

View Full Image The focus on health in the aftermath of the pandemic saw many people take to an active lifestyle. (Unsplash/Filip Mroz)

A smartwatch can do much more than an old-fashioned analog watch but there was one major irritantjust like any other electrical gadget it needed to be charged. Even as most of these watches would last nearly a week of use, a number of customers found charging it even once a week to be tedious. The burn out is among the highest for any gadget in the industry. Around 10% of the customers stop wearing the watch within a month of purchase. It swells to nearly 22% within three months, one of the wearables companies Mint spoke to stated.The replacement cycle in smartwatches is unlike any other electronic gadget. The number of users who quit is higher. Lot of them get bored very quickly and never come back for another watch. It was a fad whose peak is behind us and we need to adjust to the new reality," said Varun Gupta, co-founder, Boult.The industry is also facing stiff competition from numerous nondescript firms that have flooded the market in smaller towns with cheaper knock offsfor as low as 700of more premium brands.The number of such unknown companies has shot up from 70 in 2021 to over 130 in 2024. Their combined share has also gone up from 3% in 2020 to over 15% last year, data from Counterpoint Research stated.

The industry is facing stiff competition from numerous nondescript firms that have flooded the market with cheaper knock offs of more premium brands. The number of such unknown companies has shot up from 70 in 2021 to over 130 in 2024.

We expect a sharp double-digit decline this year in smartwatch shipments from a high of 53 million in 2023. In the upcoming years, the growth is expected to regain but in low single digit. It is safe to assume that 2023 was the peak for smartwatches until a brand or tech innovation disrupts the industry," said Vikas Sharma, senior research analyst for smart wearable devices at IDC.

Not everybody will find the adjustment easy or painless.

Tale of two halves

Between the four big Indian players, the estimated 10,000 crore wearables industry is unevenly split. boAt, operated by Imagine Marketing Ltd, is the largest with revenue of 3,258 crore in 2022-23. Noise, operated by Nexxbase Marketing, totalled revenue of 1,426 crore during the year, as per data from Capitalmarket.

In the smartwatches segment, Noise and Fire-Boltt together account for 50% of industry volumes while boAt and Boult account for just 15.5%, according to IDC. In the earwear segment, however, it is the reverse. boAt and Boult account for 47% of the sales while Noise and Fire-Boult have less than 13%.

While the earwear segment is also facing a slowdownsales declined 9.4% in the last quarter of 2023 and have grown only in single digits since then year on yearit is not as acute as in the smartwatches category.

The decline was largely attributed to vendors taking a careful approach towards inventory management, prioritizing the clearance of older stock before the onset of the festive season. This, combined with a reduced number of new product launches, restrained consumer demand, and innovation fatigue, played a significant role in the observed decrease," said Sharma of IDC. Companies that have ridden the frenzy for smartwatches in the last four years and benefited from it have their task cut out. Facing the double whammy of not just slowing demand but rock-bottom priceshigh discounting is the norm in the entry and mid-level smartwatch categoriesthe industry needs to find a way to get customers to buy the watches while raising prices.

We view the current market dynamics as a natural phase of maturation. When it comes to the democratization of technology, each category undergoes its own growth cycle and evolves over time," said Amit Khatri, co-founder, Noise. But, definitely, not the end of the golden era for smartwatches. Rather, it is a pivotal period of transformation. The industry is evolving and is poised to unlock new levels of capabilities for wearables," he hastened to add.

View Full Image A file photo of Amit Khatri, co-founder, Noise.

The fall in price of smartwatches has been dramatic, down a third from $60 in the third quarter of 2021 to $20.6 today. This has been one of the major drivers of demand in the past but in the last quarter, high inventories meant the industry had to go into a scalding price war. With everybody taking a knock, nobody has emerged a winner.We have seen this trend playing out in China as well, where prices crashed and then the market corrected itself with some consolidation and it moved towards health and wellness play. We are expecting a similar trend in India in the coming quarters," said Sameer Mehta, co-founder and chief executive, boAt.

More than 80% of smartwatch buyers in India are first-timers who bought it as a lifestyle product. To lure them, players flooded the market with low-cost smartwatches which led to an increase in volumes in the short run and asharp decline in average selling price. But this was unsustainable and the market had to correct," he added.

The reset

Micromaxs well documented fall underlined the perils of not having sufficient local manufacturing and engineering know-how. Indian wearable brands today are at a crossroads similar to the one Micromax found itself in 2015 when the 3G to 4G transition was about to take place. While the smartphone industry could not withstand the onslaught from Chinese-origin companies, wearables companies are scrambling to shore up local manufacturing and have developed in-house research and development (R&D) and design capabilities to stay ahead of the curve.

We are now making printed circuit boards (PCBs) in India using surface mounting technology (SMT). We are already making 40% of PCBs in India and are aiming to reach 60% local production by this year," said Khatri of Noise. This is just the beginning towards our component localization efforts. As we move ahead, we will be exploring the localization of more component production, including batteries. We are currently in the quality testing phase and plan to conduct beta trials in India soon."

PCBs are one of the core components of smartwatches, as it manages wireless connections which enables functionalities like WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity. Noise has so far achieved 15-20% value addition in India through SMT, assembly and local purchase of packaging. Others are roughly in the same range. Localizing even further would entail significant capital investments and time. It could, however, prove to be crucial for the sustenance of the industry.

While the wearable manufacturing industry in India has made significant strides, the industry as a whole still needs to import certain key components including display and semiconductors," Khatri said. Looking at the market landscape, displays will require at least a years timeline for the industry to initiate localization efforts, provided we have all the right support," he added.

Premium play

The other obvious but more challenging part of the strategy being pursued by all the startups is to move up the value chain, shed their mass market positioning, and offer more premium products. That will enable better profitability as well. There is still a wide gulf between the four Indian firms and Apple, Garmin or Samsung in terms of positioning.

We have pivoted our strategy and playbook towards wearables. Unlike other players, we dont want to play the price and heavy discount game to retain market share," said Mehta of boAt. We are transitioning towards a consumer segment that values superior experiences over price considerations, prioritizing premium hardware and advanced algorithms to cater to their discerning preferences."Diversification into new categories in the larger audio devices segment and automotive dashcams, as well as expanding presence in offline channels, is another strategy Indian companies are keen on.We dont foresee the earwear category to shrink like smartwatches," Varun Gupta of Boult said. We are expanding into the larger audio devices space where there is great potential for growth. Dashcams is another interesting prospect. It may be small today but can explodeifregulations are favourable."
Bill Gates, the billionaire philanthropist and Microsoft co-founder, has sounded the alarm on two major global concerns: the threat of war and the lingering pandemic.

According to Bill Gates, many disturbances in the world today could lead to a major war, and even if the war is avoided, a pandemic is possible, most likely in the next 25 years.

He said that in case of a pandemic, the major question is whether nations are prepared enough compared to the Covid-19 outbreak in 2020. He feels that the nations were unprepared for the global outbreak of 2020.

In a conversation with CNBC Make it, Gates said, The country that the world expected to lead and be the model fell short of those expectations, referring to the United States.

Bill Gates' book on pandemic In 2022, Bill Gates wrote the book, How to Prevent the Next Pandemic in which he called out several governments for being unprepared in 2020 to tackle the Covid-19 outbreak.

In his book, he also suggested ways for countries worldwide to deal with the pandemic. These included stringent quarantining policies, efficient disease monitoring mechanisms, and boosting vaccine research and development.

Although some of the lessons from the coronavirus pandemic have been learned, its been way less than I would expect, sadly. Getting our thoughts together about what we did well, what we didnt do well, is still not happening .... Perhaps, in the next five years, thatll get better. But, so far, its quite surprising, Gates said while referring to the pandemic.

In the upcoming Netflix series"What's Next? The Future with Bill Gates," the Billionaire will explore measures to avoid a pandemic.

Also Read | Billionaire Bill Gates shares health hacks for young entrepreneurs

This isnt the first time Bill Gates has expressed his concerns about the pandemic. Earlier, he expressed his worries about the pandemic on various public platforms.
Radhika Gupta, the MD and CEO of Edelweiss Mutual Fund (MF) has once again taken to social media to encourage her followers to invest in systematic investment plans or SIPs.

Gupta is a big proponent of investing part of your earnings in SIPs and has consistently advocated the same to her followers on the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter).

"First Mercedes then medicines. Everyones worried about being beaten by SIPs. But small correction  SIP is not a spend, but an investment in the future. Keep investing India," she wrote on September 11.

Gupta quoted a data account on X, which said that India's "monthly spend" on SIPs beat their spend on medicines in March 2024 and asked readers to "keep investing".

You must start an SIP advices Radhika Gupta Earlier in May 2024 too, Gupta posted a video from being backstage at Shark Tank India, where she encouraged staff to begin investing in mutual funds through SIPs.

In a video, she is seen behind the scenes on the sets of Shark Tank India, advising and encouraging staff to begin investing. "Cant take the Mutual Fund CEO out of me, even behind the shoots of Shark Tank. This conversation is a reminder of how many people still need to learn about the power of MFs and start investing and for my MFD friends, a nudge that a lot of people are looking for guidance and advice!" she posted.

Also Read | Kamala Harris, Donald Trump clash on abortion in heated US Presidential Debate

Radhika Guptas dal-chawal funds Then, in July 2024, came advice for dal-chawal funds, in which she asked users to ensure that 80 per cent of their portfolios were comprised.

A danger in these times is to fill your portfolio with narrow ideas that ideally are satellite allocation. Remember, 80% of the portfolio should be dal-chawal funds! she stated.

According to Gupta, broad-based mutual funds that are all-weather and span a range of sectors would be dal-chawal funds. As an example, she pointed to Balanced advantage and aggressive hybrid type funds, including flexi, multi, large and mid, broad-based 250-500 index funds, calling these forever funds.
An internal contest that Axis Bank held last year to reward top performers generating business has come under the scanner of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

In October 2023, Axis Bank floated the Achievers' Club contest in its rural business vertical to reward performance in various categories. It said top performers would be rewarded for raising high-value current accounts, forex income or term deposits and meeting loan disbursement targets. Winners were to be felicitated at various domestic and foreign locations.

Also read | 6 key measures enforced by RBI for safe banking

In a communication sent to the private bank, the RBI said the rewards "were in direct contravention of extant guidelines" and that staff were given incentives over and above their variable pay. Mint has seen a copy of the Axis Bank contest announcement as well as relevant portions of the regulator's observations.

We are proposing a contest to build momentum, particularly in Q2 and Q3  which is (the) most challenging period of the year  for the overall business and to motivate the sales team to deliver superlative performance during (the) contest period," an Axis Bank internal note said in October. The contest was open for the wholesale and retail units of Bharat Enterprises, a part of Axis Bank's unit which serves rural customers.

Citing an analysis, Axis Bank said that in one of the contests where 103 employees could have become eligible for rewards, the cost would be 75 lakh, while it was expected to earn incremental revenue and fees of 4.86 crore for the bank. Similarly, in another contest, the bank concluded that by spending 15.75 lakh on 25 eligible employees, it could earn 2.7 crore in revenue and fees.

No incentives allowed

However, RBI guidelines forbid lenders from offering incentives for raising deposits. According to its 2016 directions on deposit rates, banks cannot offer prize/lottery/free trips (in India and/or abroad), etc or any other initiative having (an) element of chance for mobilizing deposits". But they are free to give inexpensive gifts of not more than 250, at their discretion, to depositors at the time of accepting deposits.

Also read | Banks see bad assets rise after long gap as agri, retail provisions surge

Scheduled commercial banks shall not pay any remuneration or fees or commission or brokerage or incentives on deposits in any form or manner to any individual, firm, company, association, institution or any other person except (in certain cases)," as per RBI regulations.

These exceptions include commission paid to agents employed to collect door-to-door deposits under a special scheme; those paid to direct selling agents or direct marketing agents as part of the outsourcing arrangements; and remuneration paid to business facilitators or business correspondents.

A senior banker who has served on the boards of several lenders likened the practice to how insurance companies once used to market their products to bank customers through bancassurance tie-ups, adding such internal contests are not very common at banks nowadays.

Emails sent to RBI and Axis Bank remained unanswered.

Compensation off purview

According to two central bankers, one of whom is retired, the regulator does not interfere in bank employees' compensation, and there are no specific guidelines around targets and what incentives banks pay on achieving them.

Staff compensation is left to the banks board. However, RBI could point out its displeasure in cases where such incentives could lead to mis-selling," the former RBI official said. Since these guidelines also mention depositors as being incentivized, banks might have interpreted it as not being applicable to employees, the former official said on the condition of anonymity.

The regulator has now given Axis Bank an opportunity to respond to its observations and explain the rationale for the contest. There have been cases where the RBI has accepted the reasoning provided by regulated entities and withdrew its observations, the former RBI official said.

Mis-selling worries

Experts said RBI's intervention raises the question of whether the regulator is concerned about the potential for mis-selling or the structure of the rewards itself.

While RBI typically does not interfere in staff salaries or incentive schemes, this move suggests that the regulator may be looking into whether such rewards encourage aggressive sales tactics, leading to mis-selling of financial products like CASA," said Suma R.V., partner, King Stubb & Kasiva, a law firm. The nature of foreign and local trips as incentives could push employees to prioritize short-term sales goals over long-term customer interests, something the RBI seems keen to avoid."

Also read | Axis Bank to sell stake in finance unit, looks at listing too

Others said that increased regulatory scrutiny on mis-selling is essential to protect consumer interest and promote transparency in the financial sector.

This move will help prevent deceptive practices and reinforce ethical standards. It is a significant step towards rebuilding public confidence in banking and will help curb unethical practices and ensure that banks prioritize fair treatment of customers," said Rahul Sundaram, partner, IndiaLaw LLP.
New Delhi: Spains Zelestra plans to invest $5 billion in India to build 10GW of wind and solar power capacity by the end of the decade, a top executive said, doubling its previous target of achieving 5GW by 2026. The company, backed by private equity firm EQT, may also enter Indias lucrative commercial and industrial sector as part of the expanded plan, chief executive officer Leo Moreno said in an interview.

Typically, renewable energy projects raise 30% equity and 70% project finance, but given the strong backing from EQT, Zelestra wont need to raise any external equity, Moreno said. We put our own equity to do all the development, and we invest our own equity when we build the projects. So, that creates an advantage for us in terms of the cycle and how much we can spend early to build," he said.

Also read | India must manage its green energy demand for a successful climate transition

Zelestra will look to achieve an equal mix of solar and wind projects in India in the long run, Moreno said. Solar and wind combined, the cost of setting up these projects would be $550,000 per megawatt.

The company is dreaming bigger for India at a time when the country is eyeing 500GW of renewable power capacity by 2030. The green transition is also aided by several schemes and regulations such as green open access norms, schemes for solar parks and rooftop solar and production-linked incentive programmes for solar modules and viability gap funding for battery energy storage systems.

Moreno said about 5GW capacity is already in the pipeline. This includes operational capacity 140MW and another 450MW under construction in Rajasthan, while power purchase agreements (PPAs) have been signed for another 450MW and construction for that capacity would start soon. Recently, it signed a 25-year PPA for the 450 MW solar project in Rajasthan with NTPC.

Building battery energy

Zelestra would also consider building battery energy storage facilities for its customers. Globally its, pipeline for batteries is about 4GW and construction on the same would start soon.

Now, what were seeing is that for the future, the majority of our new projects will have batteries attached to them because its significantly better to have a supply for 16 hours. For future, I would say a very high percentage may be at 80%, while for the historical (projects), it may represent 15% of the pipeline," he said.

Energy storage in the form of grid-scale batteries or pumped hydro projects is critical for renewable power, which is intermittent due to changing wind patterns and sunshine. Several Indian companies, including Tata Power, Adani Group, Reliance Industries and JSW Energy are already planning such storage projects.

Also read | India's renewable energy boom stunted by regulatory ambiguity over sales accords

Zelestra, which operates in countries such as the US, Germany, Colombia, Chile, and Peru, believes Indias renewable energy market holds potential. Were now talking about going to 10GW by 2030. And it (India) is a market that can support this type of bold, ambitious growth and multi-technologies. We already have PPAs awarded in winning storage combination of wind, solar, and storage. So, it really represents the strategy of the company."

Zelestra is not alone in tapping into the Indian opportunity. Some major global clean energy firms and investors currently operating in India include Sembcorp, Gentari, Brookfield Renewables, BlackRock, and Mubadala.

Global growth eyed

Moreno noted that globally, Zelestra plans to take its installed capacity to 45GW by 2026, with countries such as India and the US playing a key role. He said that apart from India and the US, it would focus on Latin America, Southern Europe and Germany.

Speaking on the regulatory concerns globally over supply chain diversification for solar modules to limit the dominance of China, he said that such moves may have a short-term impact, but would be beneficial in the longer run.

Moreno said India has passed certain laws to support the domestic solar industry, at a time when Chinese companies command 95% of the global wafering capacity. The US had also done the same as India, he said, adding the supply chain will normalize as local entities build capacity over time. Such measures are a path to have more security of supply, Moreno said, calling it a period of instability that leads to a future of more prosperity.

The combination of enormous demand, government targets, the ease and speed to grow, and the appetite of investors make India compelling place to invest, Moreno said. Today international investors have a pretty positive view about India, and expect future stability of the market. So, that is appealing," he said.
On July 9th Britains new chancellor, Rachel Reeves, confirmed plans to set up a 7.3bn ($9.4bn) National Wealth Fund (NWF). The details, including its personnel, risk tolerance and degree of independence, are yet to be ironed out. But in its outlines, the plan brings to mind the old cliche about the Holy Roman Empirethat it was none of those three things.

Despite its name, the NWF is not intended to be a sovereign-wealth fund, an open-ended pot of government-run investments along the lines of Singapores GIC or Australias Future Fund. Instead, Ms Reeves wants the NWF to be a development-bank-cum-investment-concierge. Focused narrowly on a handful of favoured green industries like steel, hydrogen and batteries, it will aim to crowd in three times as much private capital by biting off the riskiest chunk of projects. That vision makes it closer in spirit to the UK Infrastructure Bank (UKIB), a Boris Johnson-era green lending venture.

Britain has a long lineage of state-backed efforts to pull cash into voguish industries. Some are still running, like UKIB or the British Business Bank, a lender to startups that dates back to the Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition of 2010-15. (Ms Reeves intends to eventually pull both under the NWF umbrella.) Others are now defunct. The UK Green Investment Bank, another coalition-era lender, lost favour and was sold off in 2017 to Macquarie Group, an Australian investment conglomerate. Further back, the NWF has some similarities to the 1970s National Enterprise Board, a vehicle that propped up Britains ailing manufacturing sector during Harold Wilsons premiership. The chances of the NWF substantially greening and expanding the British economy do not seem much greater than those of its predecessors.

Graphic: The Economist

Labour is right to note that Britain has a serious problem with under-investment. But access to finance is not the main bottleneck. Only 5% of the manufacturers surveyed by the Confederation of British Industry, a lobby group, said that trouble raising money is holding them back from investing. Half pointed to uncertainty about demand and a third to worries about inadequate returns (see chart).

Thoughtfully structured investment (for instance a cap and floor mechanism, in which the NWF would stabilise revenue by topping it up below a certain band in return for payouts above that band) could allay some of those issues. But in most cases, they are best mitigated by a growing and stable economy.Besides, we have a very well-developed financial system with lots of risk finance, says Neil Lee of the London School of Economics. If people arent investing, its probably not because there arent enough clever bankers in London.

More plausible culprits for low investment are Britains blocker-friendly planning system, its recent reputation for chaotic governance and a lack of expertise on managing big projects, especially in local government. Since taking charge, Labour has said it will offer more policy stability and launched an initial salvo of pro-development regulatory changes. These are much more likely to alter Britains growth prospects for the better.

Another worry is the NWFs narrow scope. Emphasising green manufacturing lines up neatly with the Labour Partys ideological proclivities. (Ed Miliband, the energy secretary, plans to launch a related venture, GB Energy, that focuses on renewable-power generation.) Less clear is whether that focus matches what the British economy needs to grow. Services, which make up 80% of output and more than half of exports, are largely absent from the NWFs mandate. The single largest slug of NWF financing will be directed towards steel, an industry where Britains high energy costs and stringent environmental standards make competitiveness a challenge.

But the most serious question is more fundamental: should the British state be selectively doling out capital on generous terms at all? Governments across the rich world have gone on a green splurge over the past few years; a report on the NWF prepared for Labour by a task-force of finance-sector bigwigs points out that very similar bodies are already operating in Canada and Australia. Boosters say Britain could be left behind. They also emphasise that new green technologies are inherently risky. In theory, having the NWF shave off a portion of the downside risk (in return for appropriate upside) could entice larger, more cautious pools of capital like pension funds to invest alongside.

But Britains fraught history with industrial subsidies, especially in the post-war years, is not promising. And using the NWF to barge in on a global subsidies race would be an expensive error. The NWF and associated ventures are dwarfed by the trillion-dollar scale of American green spending, for example, though they are closer in size to Canadian and Australian efforts. Probably the strongest argument for state involvement is also the most dispiriting. A history of planning vetoes and costly U-turns on totemic projects like HS2, a rail line, has left many foreign investors leery of Britain; a government co-investor with taxpayer cash on the line might provide some reassurance of its commitment to specific policies and projects.

For more expert analysis of the biggest stories in Britain, sign up to Blighty, our weekly subscriber-only newsletter.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Wednesday released the fifth list of nine candidates for Haryana Assembly elections.

The fifth list comes hours after the party released fourth list of candidates.

So far, Aam Aadmi Party has announced the names of 70 candidates for the 90-member legislative assembly.

Also Read | AAP fields Kavita Dalal against Vinesh Phogat in Haryana - Full List

In the fifth list, the party announced candidature of Anil Ranga from Narwana, Daljeet Singh from Tosham, Dr Gopichand from Nangal Chaudhry, Pradeep Jutail from Pataudi, Nayab Thekedar Bisru from Punahana, ML Gautam from Hodal, Dharmender Hindustani from Palwal and Kaushal Sharma from Pithala.

AAP Haryana Candidates.

Earlier in the day, the party announced candidates on 21 seats and fielded Kavita Dalal from Julana against wrestler Vinesh Phogat.

AAP started announcing candidates from Monday after seat-sharing talks with Congress failed.

Meanwhile, former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister and AAP leader Manish Sisodia participated in the nomination rally of Anurag Dhanda, the party's state vice president and candidate from Kalayat seat.

"Our main fight is with corruption, with anti-school politics, with anti-hospital politics, with politics that took away job opportunities," said Sisodia.

"I have come for the nomination filing of Anurag Dhanda. He has been my friend, a journalist and a senior leader of Haryana AAP. People are upset with the 10-year rule of BJP in Haryana and they want to free Haryana from the BJP. AAP will form the government here and work will be done on the guarantee of Arvind Kejriwal," ANI quoted Sisodia as saying.

Star campaigners The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) also announced 40-star campaigners for Haryana Assembly Elections.

The list includes the names of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's wife, Sunita Kejriwal, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Delhi Ministers Atishi, and Saurabh Bharadwaj, and AAP leaders Sanjay Singh and Manish Sisodia.

Election schedule  The last date for filing nominations is September 12.

 Voting will be held on October 5.
New Delhi: Engineers India Ltd (EIL), a public sector undertaking, is exploring renewable energy opportunities, and has started negotiating with green power developers to design and develop offshore wind infrastructure in India.

On Wednesday, EIL chairperson and managing director Vartika Shukla said the company has revived its offshore division and expects to undertake several projects within the next year.

We have been reaching out to our clients...for putting offshore wind. We have revived our offshore division. Some years ago, we were very active in offshore...we are fully capable in designing the structural pattern, the deck, platforms and jackets. That capability is what we are offering to our clients.

EIL has played a key role in developing offshore oil and gas projects, including Mumbai High and other fields on Indias west and east coasts. According to its website, its offshore pipeline capabilities include conceptual studies, feasibility reports, basic and detailed engineering, surveys, environmental engineering, procurement services, construction supervision and commissioning, besides overall project management.

Also read | India's renewable energy boom stunted by regulatory ambiguity over sales accords

Offshore wind projects are installed in large water bodies, such as seas and oceans. Key components, including seabed installation and grid connectivity, make these projects highly cost-intensive.

The Union ministry of new and renewable energy plans to promote these projects to achieve its ambitious target of 500 GW non-fossil capacity by 2030.

In June, the Union Cabinet had approved a viability gap funding (VGF) scheme for offshore wind energy projects with a total outlay of 7,453 crore. This includes 6,853 crore for the installation and commissioning of 1GW of offshore wind projects500MW each off the coasts of Gujarat and Tamil Naduand 600 crore for upgrading two ports to meet the logistics requirements for these projects.

Renewable growth Offshore wind is a renewable energy source that offers several advantages over onshore wind and solar projects, including higher reliability, reduced storage requirements, and greater employment potential.

Shukla also highlighted EILs role in one of Indias largest biorefinery projects with Assam Biorefinery Pvt. Ltd, which is nearing completion, and its leadership in a pre-feasibility report for a bamboo-based ethanol project for Numaligarh Refinery Ltd in Meghalaya.

Also read | RIL aims to be green energy leader, boost retail and Jio investments

"EIL is spearheading the initiatives to set up Bio-ATF plants in collaboration with CSIR-IIP and has already developed a basic engineering and design package for MRPL. The company has undertaken preliminary studies on the development of 3G biofuel production technology and has been able to identify microalgae species for biofuel production studies," she added.

Besides, the company has delivered engineering, procurement and construction management (EPCM) services to GAIL for the balance of plant (BoP), and related facilities, for a 10MW green hydrogen production facility in Uttar Pradesh's Vijaipur.

The company has also reported significant expansion of its global footprint and project portfolio over the past financial year. "The commissioning of the Dangote oil refinery project in Nigeria, a $20 billion venture, reflecting the companys pivotal role in advancing the local to global vision," the company said in a statement.

The company is also offering project management consultancy (PMC) for a 1.5 MMTPA refinery in Mongolia, funded by an Indian government line of credit, besides modernising Bahrains refining sector with a desalination plant design. It is also expanding its presence in Guyana through consultancy for the Integrated NGL Plant and a 300 MW CCGT power plant.
Demand for nuclear energy is rising fast. Whether there are enough new recruits to keep the industry humming is another question.

Between 2012 and 2022, the number of students graduating with bachelors degrees in nuclear engineering in the U.S. fell by 25%, according to the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, with the class of 2022 seeing only 454 students graduate with a degree in the field.

At the same time, the nuclear industry is facing a maturing workforce, with 17% of workers in the industry over the age of 55 and 60% aged between 30 and 54, according to the 2024 U.S. Energy and Employment report. The report also highlighted that 23% of workers were aged under 30, compared with 29% for other energy workers.

As demand for nuclear energy rises, thats a problem. We need nuclear expertise in order to combat climate change," said Sara Pozzi, professor of nuclear engineering and radiological sciences at the University of Michigan. We are at a crucial point where we need to produce the new generation of nuclear experts so that they can work with the older generation and learn from them."

Nuclear energy is touted as one of the key ways of producing carbon-free energy. Forecasts from the Breakthrough Institute, a California-based environmental policy research center, see nuclear energy making up 10% to 15% of the global energy mix by 2050.

To meet this demand, the global nuclear workforce will need to rise to four million people. In the U.S., that figure currently stands at about 68,000 people, but would need to grow to more than 200,000, based on an Energy Department forecast that sees nuclear power tripling by 2050.

The conversation around nuclear has done a complete 180 in the last 10 years," said John Kotek, senior vice president of policy development and public affairs at the Washington, D.C.-based Nuclear Energy Institute.

There were dozens of nuclear plants that were at risk of closing. Now what has happened in the last half a dozen years is more companies started to demand clean electricity and individual states are demanding 100% clean energy by 2050. So the companies that were thinking of shutting down are now extending their nuclear licenses and building new plants," said Kotek.

But the nuclear industry has an image problem, according to those working within it. A history of disasters such as Three Mile Island in 1979, Chernobyl in 1986 and Fukushima in 2011 has meant that fewer engineers have sought a career within its ranks.

One of the things I get with older people when I say Im studying nuclear is Please dont make an atomic bomb or be the next Oppenheimer," said Zoe Fisher, a Ph.D. candidate at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She said that for people over the age of 30, public disasters and the link to weapons has led to a growing mistrust of the industry.

However, according to Fisher, among younger people that attitude is changing. Increasingly, they see nuclear energy as key to cutting carbon emissions and fighting climate change. A recent survey of Generation Z voters found that four in five supported new generation" nuclear energy to supplement renewable power sources.

Fisher said that being able to fight climate change firsthand is one of the key reasons why she wanted to make a career in nuclear. Its a cool thing to study that is going to have a lot of broader impacts."

Another benefit for young people entering the industry is that compared with similar roles, getting a job is easier because of rising demand for workers and a shortfall in expertise.

Every nuclear engineer that graduates from a program has a job unless they choose to switch industries after graduation," said Adam Stein, director of the nuclear energy innovation program at the Breakthrough Institute. But with the industry stagnant for decades, you only had to replace the number of engineers that retired. Now, were moving into a growth basisthat requires a rapid increase."

Pay also is another attractive factor for those entering the industry. Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that compared with other engineering degrees, pay in the nuclear industry is only second to petroleum engineering, with the median salary at $125,460.

Advances in nuclear science are also an attraction for the technically minded. Developments in areas such as small modular reactors, otherwise known as SMRs, are luring young talent, while startups around nuclear fusion, which involves fusing parts of atoms rather than splitting them to produce energy, are also attracting recruits from fields such as IT and computer science.

We are in a lucky spot at this moment," said Francesco Sciortino, chief executive and co-founder of Proxima Fusion, a fusion-energy startup based in Munich. Sciortino said that because of the high levels of funding, and the opportunity to build a next-generation technology, attracting top talent hasnt been a problem for his company. Hires have included engineers from entities such as McLaren Racing, Googles X Development and Harvard University.

Some within the industry think that nuclear fusion could be achieved within a decade. In the U.S., Commonwealth Fusion Systems has landed billions in funding from the likes of Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos, betting that the technology could be achieved in the not-so-distant future. Industrial players like Nucor are also betting fusion could be the way to produce low-carbon steel, with the company investing $35 million in Helion Energy, a startup backed by OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman.

Most of the people that have nuclear engineering training currently leave the field. In our hiring process we have people who left the field and then figured that nuclear engineering now makes some sense," said Sciortino. Now there is an opportunity for them to come back."

Demand for energy from artificial intelligence too is further adding to the equation with companies like Microsoft and Amazon.com eyeing the energy source to power their ever growing data centers.

The NEI, says that its been working with labor unions to advertise the pros of nuclear jobs, saying that they are a safe long-term bet for people wanting a stable career.

What people find here is a facility in which I can make a career," said Kotek. Theres a degree of stability for people who want to put down roots, have a career and be a part of a community long term." He added that the NEI has worked with the Helmets to Hardhats" program aimed at recruiting former military professionals.

Still, diversifying talent is a key issue. The industry remains male-dominated, with just over a third of the nuclear workforce in the U.S. women. Fisher said that at a conference where she had been presenting, people confused her as waitstaff, handing her glasses when she was due to present on stage. That was a brutal awakening," she said.

As with any engineering discipline its male-dominated," said the University of Michigans Pozzi. However, her department has been working with elementary, middle and high schools to expose them to nuclear sciences, advertising the discipline to students. We want to reach a diverse group of students and not exclude students of particular identities from these types of courses."

Write to Yusuf Khan at yusuf.khan@wsj.com
Air passenger traffic growth in Asia-Pacific is expected to outpace the global average over the next 5-10 years, but it is crucial to maintain focus on safety and sustainability in the region, the International Civil Aviation Organization said on Wednesday.

"The Asia-Pacific aviation sector has demonstrated remarkable resilience despite facing the challenges of the global pandemic. The region has emerged stronger and more adaptable. Safety measures should keep pace with the region's expanding aviation sector," ICAO Council president Salvatore Sciacchitano said in New Delhi at the 2nd ICAO Asia-Pacific ministerial conference.

Aviation safety continued to improve despite the operational challenges of the pandemic recovery, ICAO said last month. The organisations safety report for scheduled commercial air travel shows that the fatality rate dropped to 17 people per billion passengers in 2023, down from 50 people per billion passengers in 2022. The global accident rate decreased to 1.87 accidents per million departures in 2023, down from 2.05 in 2022.

"In early 2024, traffic in Asia-Pacific was 2% above 2019 figures. More interestingly, it is projected to have a 9% growth rate per year over the next five years while the global average rate will be approximately 6%," Sciacchitano said.

Also Read: The sky is the limit for Indian aviation, but can homegrown talent keep up? While the region has enormous potential, the ICAO Council president said challenges such as inadequate implementation of global standards require immediate attention.

"As of March 2024, 19 out of 37 audit states in the region were below global average in implementing global standards. This is particularly crucial given the region's rapid aviation growth," he added.

The first ministerial conference of the Asia-Pacific region was held in Beijing in 2018. India volunteered to host the second conference in 2020, but it was postponed due to the covid-19 pandemic. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to address the conference on Thursday.

Indias aviation market is the fastest growing in the world and more than doubled to 152 million passengers in 2023 from 61.4 million passengers in 2013, crossing pre-covid levels.

Indian market Indian carriers expanded their share of total overseas traffic in the domestic market to 45.6% in the April-June quarter from 43.9% a year earlier and 35% in the same quarter during 2019, according to data from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. The share of foreign airlines shrank to 54.4% from 56% a year ago.

Also Read: TCS expects greater use of predictive intelligence in aviation to cut emissions, improve efficiency "India's airport infrastructure has expanded significantly in the past decade, with the number of operational airports increasing from 74 in 2014 to 157 in 2024. We have an ambitious plan to scale this up to 300-400 airports by 2047," Union aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu said.

Global aviation leaders at the conference welcomed the 9 September decision of the Goods and Services Tax Council to exempt import of services by foreign airline companies.

"It was becoming an issue of concern to international airlines, and it is great to see that the issue now appears to be resolved. So, a very positive development," International Airport Transport Association director general Willie Walsh told Mint on the sidelines of the conference.

Montreal-based ICAO is a United Nations agency that helps 193 countries to cooperate and share their skies to mutual benefit. It coordinates the principles and techniques of international air navigation and fosters the planning and development of air transport to ensure safe and orderly growth.
New Delhi: JSW-MG Motor India is looking to win over hesitant electric vehicle (EV) buyers with a financing plan that tackles concerns about battery life, resale value, and pricingissues that are deterring potential buyers from making the shift from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.

MG has rolled out a battery-as-a-service (BaaS) model for its Windsor EV, which was launched on Wednesday as the first product from the JSW-MG joint venture since it was formalized in March.

Also read | Made-in-India parts to fuel JSW-MG Motor alliance's India drive This allows customers to pay only for the car's shell upfront while opting to pay for the batteryessentially the heart of an EVon a per-km basis ( 3.5 per km according to one of the battery rental schemes MG has announced).

While this isn't entirely new in IndiaMahindras Reva introduced a similar battery leasing option back in 2010the Windsor is the only passenger vehicle to be offered with this solution at present.

MG Motor is also evaluating the potential for adopting the BaaS model across its other EVs.

Financially accessible MG Motor's new BaaS model could make EV ownership financially accessible. For a 9 lakh ICE car, the monthly expenditureincluding fuel and servicingaverages around 38,000, Parth Jindal, director, JSW MG Motor India said on Wednesday.

In comparison, the 9.99 lakh Windsor EV, with its battery-as-a-service plan, would cost approximately 29,500 in EMI and 6,750 in running costs, totalling about 36,250 per month. This EV, which is much bigger, much wider, and has many more features, is equivalent to, for the end customer, a 9 lakh ICE car, he said.

Industry experts are sceptical about the potential acceptance of a BaaS model for passenger vehicles and said it will need more time to emerge as a fully-evolved model.

Also read | Electric vehicles become 10% costlier in Delhi, registrations slip With battery prices having dropped considerably to roughly $100/kwh, one is rapidly approaching price parity with ICE vehicles. OEMs are passing these benefits on to consumers. With price becoming less of a factor, does it really warrant a battery subscription model? Ashish Malik, an independent business strategy consultant and EV industry expert, said.

Also, Indian consumers have an all-inclusive mindset. They are wary of recurring add-on charges as has been seen in the case of value-added softwares in their vehicles. Battery subscription has failed in the past due to lack of clarity with respect to ownership of the battery at the end of the subscription period. What happens to the resale value of the vehicle without its heart? Most people also tend to sell their vehicles directly in the second sale market as they get higher resale values rather than when they sell through OEM dealers, he told Mint.

Investing in training Meanwhile, to ensure customers understand the new model, MG Motor said it will invest in extensive training for its employees and dealers.

The Windsor EV will come with a lifetime warranty on the battery for customers and a 60% assured buyback value after three years for those who buy a three-year maintenance plan with the car, a first for any passenger EV on the market at present.

MG Motor said it saw its EV sales grow 52% in the first seven months of the year. The company aims to surpass 50% of its sales coming from EVs with the introduction of the Windsor EV.

Also read | Maruti not to deepen discounts for festive season even as sales fall We want EVs everywhere in this country...The only way of doing that is by doing this kind of innovation, Jindal said. We need to play a leadership role, because others have other agendas. They have big engine factories... We are a clean, new company, five-year-old company. We have to be aggressive, and we have to bring these concepts.
Apparel retailer PacSun noticed a sharp increase in returns of online purchases earlier this year, including one customer who had returned some 250 orders worth $24,000.

PacSun had issued the refunds, but the company never received the actual merchandise at its warehouse. Instead, workers found used or different merchandise returned in the box, or even empty shoeboxes," said Shirley Gao, the companys chief digital and information officer. Other promised packages never arrived at all.

For the Southern California-based seller of beachwear, casual clothing and footwear, the case turned out to be part of a broader pattern of purchases and bogus returns, many amounting to thousands of dollars, that started hitting the business in early May.

The company said its investigation found many of the fraudulent returns followed tips passed along through websites, groups on messaging app Telegram and other forums aimed at siphoning off money through the retail returns process.

The turn to such large-scale, seemingly loosely coordinated returns targeting specific merchants marks a new step in what retailers say is a growing problem with the messy, costly process of returns of online purchases.

Organized returns

Retailers nationwide have seen online returns skyrocket over the past four years after rolling out generous returns policies to attract customers amid a pandemic-driven surge in e-commerce. The returns policies have helped change shopping habits: Consumers have grown accustomed to ordering items online in several sizes and colors, then returning what they dont want.

Shoppers last year returned 17.6% of items they purchased online, valued at more than $247 billion and more than double the percentage of goods returned in 2019, according to the National Retail Federation and software provider Appriss Retail.

Returns have become such an entrenched part of online commerce that companies have sprung up to handle the growing business. United Parcel Service last year acquired one of those specialized operators, Happy Returns, for $465 million.

The ease of shipping goods back has also given criminals new tools to exploit in an online environment in which buyers dont need to interact with store employees, industry experts say.

PacSuns experience shows the scale and organization of the fraud is getting more ambitious, and organized.

The retailer didnt disclose the amount it has lost to fraudulent returns so far this year, but Gao said the scheme is having a significant impact financially and operationally to the business."

The National Retail Federation estimated more than $100 billion in merchandise was returned fraudulently in the U.S. last year, amounting to about 13.7% of the overall returned goods retailers received in 2023. That was more than twice the level of bogus returns in 2020, according to the industry trade group, which noted its methodology changed in 2023 to include customer returns data from Appriss Retail.

Organized criminal groups are taking advantage of the omnichannel retail environment," said David Johnston, vice president of asset protection and retail operations at NRF. Criminals are exploiting information gaps between retailers various departments, such as sales staff at stores, warehouse workers and online customer service representatives, to game the system, he said.

In some cases, fraudsters are returning knockoffs in place of designer goods and sending back boxes full of bricks or other filler rather than the original items. Others are manipulating shipping labels to receive a refund just from mailing back an empty envelope.

Sharing schemes

Industry experts say those tactics, including tips on exploiting the returns policies at specific retailers, are being shared across websites as well as groups on anonymous-messaging apps such as Telegram.

Some of those viewed by The Wall Street Journal promote refunding services" that can get customers full refunds in days without actually returning merchandise. Several of the groups list out the returns policies of large retailers to show customers what they are eligible to get refunded.

You can use this service for personal use or you can also resell the products that have been refunded to earn some money!" says one such website. We only offer stores that are risk-free, so you can use this service and resell your items without any inconvenience."

A spokesman for Telegram, the Dubai-based messaging and social-media app, said its moderators seek to remove content that promotes fraud, but that Telegrams growth to nearly 1 billion users globally has caused growing pains in its content moderation." He said Telegram is giving priority to improving moderation this year.

The stores named by the refunding services sell merchandise that can cost anywhere from a few dollars for fast fashion up to thousands of dollars for electronics or luxury goods.

Fraudsters marketing their services on Telegram and through other websites often sell their services in return for a cut of customers refunds.

In one popular scheme, customers give the fraudsters their names, email addresses and order confirmation numbers for purchases made online. The fraudsters then go to a targeted retailers website and request a return label. They digitally manipulate the label to change the shipping address and apply the modified label to an empty envelope.

The parcel carrier who picks up the envelope scans the label, which sends a digital signal to the retailer that the piece of mail is on its way to the retailers warehouse. When the envelope is later delivered to the modified address, the parcel carriers online tracker shows the parcel was delivered."

The fraudsters then go online with the retailers customer service department and ask for the refund on the item. The support agents, who typically are far removed from the companys warehouse operations, see online only that a package was delivered" and release a refund to a given customers account, long before warehouse workers discover that no package actually arrived.

Legal action

Prosecutors nationwide have started cracking down on the practice.

There have been a number of different investigations across the country at the local, state and even federal level going after individuals or going after these organized or coordinated groups," said the NRFs Johnston, who declined to provide details on specific cases.

The U.S. Attorneys Office for the Middle District of Florida in November 2023 charged a former student at the University of Miami, Matthew Frederic Bergwall, with running a refund-fraud scheme that cost retailers $8 million. Bergwall pleaded guilty in July to mail-fraud conspiracy. He is scheduled to be sentenced in October.

Two other men, Brock David Fischer and Miguel Angel Fortier Jr., were charged in July for their alleged involvement in the scheme. Both have pleaded not guilty and their case is set to go to trial in November.

In a separate case, Sajed Al-Maarej of Dearborn, Mich., pleaded guilty in July in U.S. District Court in Seattle after federal prosecutors accused him of running a refunding service through Telegram called Simple Refunds as well as shipping retailers his own fake returns.

In one case, prosecutors said, Al-Maarej sent an unnamed retailer an envelope filled with plastic toy frogs instead of the bulky tools" he claimed to be returning. Prosecutors said Al-Maarejs schemes together resulted in more than $3.9 million of fraudulent refunds. He is scheduled to be sentenced in September.

Prosecutors allege Al-Maarej conspired with Leonardo Vidal of Wilkes-Barre, Pa., who pleaded guilty to an informationmeaning he waived indictment by a grand juryrelated to his alleged operation of a fraudulent refunding service. Prosecutors said Vidals service, called Ressu Refunds, operated through Telegram and obtained some $6 million in fraudulent refunds over about two years. Vidal is scheduled to be sentenced in November.

PacSun temporarily stopped accepting returns through the mail in June to deter fraud, although Gao said people have also taken advantage of in-person return drop-off locations by bringing back used merchandise and knockoff items.

PacSun now charges customers $10 for mail-in returns of items such as footwear and said it is working with a technology company to detect fraudulent returns.

Some retailers such as Amazon.com have taken their own legal action.

The e-commerce retailer in December sued a refunding-services group called REKK that it claimed was responsible for stealing millions of dollars of products from Amazons online stores through systematic refund abuse."

A representative for Amazon said the company refers people caught repeatedly taking advantage of its returns policies to law enforcement, and that Amazon has been developing technology to detect and prevent fraud.

We continue to make progress in identifying and stopping fraud before it happens, as well as dismantling the groups that attempt to damage the integrity of our store and the stores of retailers across the retail industry," the representative said.

Write to Liz Young at liz.young@wsj.com
P N Gadgil Jewellers IPO: Amid a wave of initial public offerings (IPOs), the Maharashtra-based firm PN Gadgil Jewellers Ltd.'s IPO was fully bookedin a matter of hours after it opened for bids on Tuesday and concluded the day with a two-time subscription. On Monday, PN Gadgil Jewellers Ltd said that it had collected 330 crore from major investors. On September 12, the IPOwill come to an end. The issue's price band has been set at 456-480 per share. The lot size for the issue is 31 equity shares, and it can be increased in multiples of 31 equity shares thereafter.

P N Gadgil Jewellers IPO has reserved not more than 50% of the shares in the public issue for qualified institutional buyers (QIB), not less than 15% for non-institutional Institutional Investors (NII), and not less than 35% of the offer is reserved for retail investors.

Also Read | P N Gadgil Jewellers IPO: Here are 10 key risks from the RHP you should know

As per the Technopak Report, P N Gadgil Jewellers is the leading market for BIS-registered shops in India and is the second biggest organised jewels retailer in Maharashtra. As of January 2024, it has the maximum number of stores. Based on the rise in sales between fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2024, the firm has also become the jewellery brand with the quickest growth rate among the main organised jewellery retailers in India.

The firm sells its products mostly under the flagship brand "PNG" and a number of sub-brands through a number of channels, including websites and 39 retail locations (as of July 31, 2024).

P N Gadgil Jewellers IPO Subscription Status During the second day of bidding, P N Gadgil Jewellers IPO maintained its momentum from the first day, with non-institutional investors leading the subscriptions. At 17:03 IST, P N Gadgil Jewellers IPO subscription status was 6.89 times, as per BSE data.

The initial share sale received bids for 11,62,99,073 shares against 1,68,85,964 shares on offer, according to BSE data.

While the quota for non-institutional investors was subscribed to 15.74 times, the share for retail investors obtained 6.98 times subscriptions. The qualified institutional buyers (QIBs) part is booked 8%.

On the first day of bidding, the IPO for P N Gadgil Jewellers Ltd, was completely subscribed, with non-institutional investors in the lead, and retail investors following closely behind. P N Gadgil Jewellers IPO subscription status is 2.01 times, as per BSE data.

The portion for retail investors received 2.61 times subscription while the quota for non-institutional investors got subscribed 3.27 times. The qualified institutional buyers (QIBs) part is booked 1%.

P N Gadgil Jewellers IPO Review Anand Rathi Research The sixth generation of the jeweller family is in charge of Pune-based P N Gadgil Jewellers Ltd, which is the second-biggest jewellery merchant in Maharashtra, according to the brokerage. The business offers loyalty programs and customer-focused rewards like any other traditional player. Due to the growing proportion of organized players, the retail gold jewelry market in India, which is the world's second-largest consumer, is predicted to expand at a 16% CAGR between FY 23 and FY 28. Additionally, the firm intends to use the funds to finance the opening of 12 new stores in Maharashtra by the fiscal year 2026, as part of its aspirations to further expand its network of stores.

According to valuation analysis, the company's indicated market cap at the highest price range is around 65,130 million, or 42.2 times the PE for FY24. The brokerage believes that this matter might be taken into consideration for the company's long-term growth, given its consistent and increasing earnings and return ratios. As a result, the brokerage rates this IPO as "SUBSCRIBE" for LONG TERM.

SMIFS Ltd The firm projects that the retail jewellery industry would expand to US$ 145 billion by FY28. With more than 25,000 registered stores, PNG has established itself as the largest market for BIS-registered outlets in India and is the second-largest jewellery player in Maharashtra, making up 17% of all jewellery outlets in India. In FY24, the company's ROE and ROCE were 27.31% and 28.88%, respectively. Since the firm plans to increase the number of its stores to 51 by FY26, as well as increase foot traffic, transaction values, and debt reduction, we advise subscribing to the issue as it will favourably effect the company's bottom line growth in the upcoming fiscal years.

P N Gadgil Jewellers IPO details The issue size would consist of an offer by SVG Business Trust to sell up to 250 crore and a fresh issue of 850 crore.

The jewellery firm plans to use 300 crore to pay off debt and plans to utilise 387 crore of the proceeds from the new issuance to open 12 shops in Maharashtra by FY26. The leftover cash will be used for routine business needs. As of February 29, the company's debt was 377.45 crore.

The P N Gadgil Jewellers IPO has Motilal Oswal Investment Advisors Ltd, Nuvama Wealth Management Ltd, and Bob Capital Markets Ltd as the book running lead managers, and Bigshare Services Pvt Ltd is the registrar for the issue.

P N Gadgil Jewellers IPO GMP today P N Gadgil Jewellers IPO GMP today or grey market premium is +258. This indicates P N Gadgil Jewellers share price were trading at a premium of 258 in the grey market, according to investorgain.com.

Considering the upper end of the IPO price band and the current premium in the grey market, the estimated listing price of P N Gadgil Jewellers share price was indicated at 738 apiece, which is 53.75% higher than the IPO price of 480.

According to the grey market activities in the last 9 sessions, the IPO GMP is showing an upward trend today, and a strong listing is expected. The GMP ranges from the lowest at 0 to the highest at 258, as indicated by experts at investorgain.com.

'Grey market premium' indicates investors' readiness to pay more than the issue price.

P N Gadgil Jewellers IPO details.
Tolins Tyres' Initial Public Offering (IPO) opened for subscription on September 9 and closed today, September 11. The company aims to raise approximately 230 crore through the offering, which will be listed on both the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and National Stock Exchange (NSE)

The IPO price band has been set between 215 and 226 per share. Tolins Tyres raised 69 crore from anchor investors ahead of the public subscription. A total of 30.53 lakh shares were allocated to these investors at 226 per share, the upper end of the price band, bringing the total transaction size to 69 crore.

Also Read | Startup IPOs have made a scorching comeback. Beware the optical illusion

Subscription The IPO witnessed overwhelming demand, with the issue subscribed 10.18 times till 12:35 pm on Day 3 of bidding.

The IPO received bids for 7.25 crore shares against the 71.23 lakh shares on offer. Specifically, the subscription breakdown was notable across different segments: the retail investor segment saw a subscription of 14.33 times, and non-institutional investors booked 11.28 times. Meanwhile, the Qualified Institutional buyers segment saw 2.10 times bidding.

About the IPO The Tolins Tyres IPO comprises a fresh issue of 0.88 crore shares, raising 200 crore, and an offer for sale of 0.13 crore shares, amounting to 30 crore. The promoters, Kalamparambil Varkey Tolin and Jerin Tolin will sell shares worth 15 crore each through the offer for sale (OFS) route. They currently hold an 83.31 per cent stake in the company.

Of the 200 crore raised from the IPO, 75 crore will be allocated to enhance the company's long-term working capital, 62.55 crore will be used to pay off debt, and 24.36 crore will be invested in the subsidiary, Tolin Rubbers, for debt repayment and working capital support.

The minimum lot size for the IPO application is 66 shares, totalling 14,916. The allotment date is anticipated to be September 12, 2024, with the shares expected to be listed on the BSE and NSE on September 16, 2024.

Saffron Capital Advisors Private Limited is the book-running lead manager for the IPO, and Cameo Corporate Services Limited is the registrar.

About the company Tolins Tyres, founded in 2003, is a leading tyre manufacturing company in India. It specializes in tyre retreading solutions and exports products to 40 countries. The company offers a broad product range, including tyres for two-wheelers, three-wheelers, light commercial vehicles, agricultural machinery, tread rubber, and various accessories like bonding gum, tyre flaps, and vulcanizing solutions.

Tolins Tyres operates three manufacturing facilities and manages 163 stock-keeping units (SKUs) within the tyre category. Its distribution network features eight depots and a nationwide presence of 3,737 dealers.

Also Read | Regreen-Excel EPC India files DRHP for IPO with SEBI

Review In its IPO note, SMC Global suggests that investors with a high-risk tolerance might consider the Tolins Tyres IPO due to the company's rapid growth and potential. The note points out that the tyre manufacturing industry faces challenges from limited suppliers of essential raw materials, such as natural rubber and carbon black. At the upper end of the price band, the stock is valued at a pre-IPO price-to-earnings ratio of 26.64 times, based on the financial year 2024 earnings per share of 8.48.

Swastika Investmart advises investors interested in long-term exposure to the tyre sector to consider the Tolins Tyres IPO. The firm highlights Tolins Tyres' product diversity, extensive customer base, gradual expansion, and solid financial performance. It also finds the IPO's valuation reasonable.

Master Capital Services encourages investment in the IPO for a mediumto long-term horizon. Analysts at Master Capital anticipate a 4-6 per cent growth in the Indian tyre industry for fiscal 2025. They believe Tolins Tyres will capitalize on this by optimizing capacity utilization, expanding its domestic market reach, and introducing new products.

Tolins Tyres IPO GMP today The IPO's grey market premium (GMP) today is 39 per share, indicating an expected listing price of 265, a premium of 17.26 percent from its issue price of 226. The GMP has been the same since September 9.

Grey market premium indicates investors readiness to pay more than the issue price.
The political crisis in Bangladesh, a major exporter of ready-made garments (RMG), drove several listed Indian textile stocks to new 52-week highs in July and August. This surge reflects anticipation that the unrest in Bangladesh could lead large RMG brands and retailers to reassess their supply chains and reduce dependence on the country. With the "China + 1" sourcing strategy already in motion, India is viewed as a potential beneficiary to fill the demand gap created by upheaval in the neighbouring nation.

This potential shift could benefit Indian RMG exporters like Gokaldas Exports Ltd, K.P.R Mill Ltd, and Arvind Ltd. Unsurprisingly, shares of these stocks touched new highs, reflecting the Streets optimism. Sentiment boosts aside, grabbing a meaningful chunk from Bangladeshs textile export pie may not be easy. In fact, some analysts point out that the gains for Indian textile companies from the Bangladesh crisis could be temporary in nature because of the difference in product portfolio and the countrys pact with the European Union, which puts it in a relatively stronger position.

Moreover, the political turmoil in Bangladesh may be short-lived. Given that RMG exports form the backbone of its economy, Dhaka is likely to stabilize the situation swiftly. And while Indian textile companies may have the production muscle to meet increased demand, they still face challenges in terms of cost competitiveness.

Read this | As Bangladesh descends into chaos, Indias trade and security hang in balance

After a challenging FY24, marked by inventory issues and weak demand, signs of recovery are beginning to emerge for Indian textile firms.

"Our analysis of top 20 listed textile stocks shows that in Q1FY25, year-on-year sales growth muted at around 4% due to weak domestic demand even as external demand prospects improved," said Aditi Gupta, economist at Bank of Baroda. However, profit after tax and profit before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization, rose 25% and 14%, respectively, aided by a favourable base and volume led growth strategy adopted by companies, she added.

For spinners, improved international and domestic demand, thanks to favourable Indian cotton prices, aided June quarters earnings. Liquidation of excess inventory gave volumes for garment companies and home textile firms a push. This can be a factor driving more investor interest in the sector. For textile stocks in the Nifty 500 index, foreign institutional investors ownership rose to a 14-quarter high in Q1FY25.

However, sluggish demand in key importing markets such as the European Union and the US suggests that the recovery of textile exports in FY25 may be moderate. This is despite government efforts to support export competitiveness in the Indian textile sector.

Export order inflows have started to improve, albeit by a margin. Sustenance of orders from key importing economies, the US and EU are crucial given the domestic challenges their economies face," said Shradha Saraogi, associate director, India Ratings and Research.

As for FY25 earnings outlook, delayed demand recovery could hurt Ebitda across the value chain. Exports of yarn and fabrics to Bangladesh from India could get impacted if the crisis prolongs. This could hurt realizations of the cotton yarn makers, added Saraogi.

Another key factor influencing earnings is cotton price movements. When international cotton price falls below domestic price, it makes Indian industry uncompetitive in international markets, especially when demand is muted. Further, management commentaries of key textile companies in Q1FY25 pointed to a year-on-year increase in freight costs due to disruptions in the Red Sea, making the trajectory of freight expenses critical for the sector.

Also read | India's answer to EU's carbon tax: Green textiles

Its important to remember that many textile stocks fall into the mid-cap and small-cap categories, which have been on the rise regardless of fundamentals. In the event of a market correction, these stocks could decline more sharply than large-cap counterparts. Therefore, the current rally in textile stocks should be approached with caution.
Global brokerage Jefferies, in a recent report, reiterated its buy call on private-sector lender Axis Bank, setting a target price of 1,500 per share, implying an upside potential of over 26 percent.

Jefferies, following a recent meeting with Axis Bank's CEO and top management, said they are reassured that the surge in credit costs during the first quarter could normalise, thanks to the banks conservative provisioning policy on unsecured loans. While deposit growth has been slower, Axis Bank has managed funding costs effectively, helping maintain its net interest margins (NIMs).

The brokerage highlighted initiatives like premiumisation and the bank's focus on corporate salary clients as key strategies to gradually strengthen the bank's deposit franchise. Given that Axis Bank's valuations are currently trading at a discount compared to its peers, Jefferies ranks it as one of its top picks with a buy rating.

Jefferies pointed out that while the SME book carries risks, Axis Bank's initiatives to mitigate these risks appear promising. Improvements in the deposit franchise and continued cost control should help both growth and profitability. Jefferies also noted that asset quality concerns have largely been reflected in the current valuations. A macroeconomic recovery could lead to a stock re-rating.

Base, Bull and Bear case scenarios Base Case: In its base case, Jefferies projects a loan compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15 percent from FY24 to FY27, with average NIMs around 3.9 percent during the same period. For FY25, it expects gross non-performing assets (GNPA) at 1.4 percent and net non-performing assets (NNPA) at 0.3 percent. The sum-of-the-parts (SOTP) valuation values the core bank at 1.9x the September 2026 estimated adjusted price-to-book value (PB), translating to a target price of 1,500.

Bull case: In the bull case, the brokerage forecasts a loan CAGR of 17 percent from FY24 to FY27, with average NIMs around 4 percent during the same period. For FY25, it projects GNPA at 1.3 percent and NNPA at 0.2 percent. The SOTP valuation estimates the core bank to be valued at 2.1x the September 2026 estimated adjusted PB value, leading to a target price of 1,600. This target implies an upside potential of almost 35 percent.

Bear Case: In the bear case, it expects a loan CAGR of 13 percent between FY24 and FY27, with average NIMs of around 3.8 percent during this period. It expects GNPA to reach 1.5 percent and NNPA at 0.4 percent in FY25. Under this scenario, the SOTP valuation estimates the core bank to be valued at 1.4x the September 2026 adjusted PB value, resulting in a target price of 1,050.

Stock Price Trend Axis Bank stock has climbed nearly 19 percent over the past year and about 8 percent year-to-date in 2024, outpacing the benchmark Nifty Bank index's 12 percent gain in the last year and nearly 6 percent year-to-date in 2024.

After reading a record high of 1,339.55 in July, the stock remains approximately 11 percent below that peak but is up nearly 25 percent from its 52-week low of 951.55, recorded in October of the previous year.

Investment Rationale Credit costs: Jefferies noted that while there has been an abnormal surge in credit costs, these are expected to stabilise, with lower recoveries and upfront provisioning on unsecured loans contributing to this rise.

Following the increase in net slippages and credit costs in the first quarter, trends are anticipated to normalise starting from the second quarter. Management remains optimistic about recovering corporate slippages from the first quarter throughout FY25.

The retail unsecured loan segment is experiencing some rise in slippages, and the bank's conservative provisioning approachproviding 100 percent for loans that default within 90 dayswill lead to upfront credit costs.

Despite this, the stress is manageable, being relatively higher in credit cards and digital loans compared to personal loans. Credit costs for FY25-26 are estimated to be around 60-70 basis points of average loans, with a 10 basis point increase in credit costs potentially impacting earnings by 3 percent.

Also Read | After multibagger returns in 2024 YTD, brokerages remain bullish on Zomato

Deposit mobilisation: Axis Bank has shown slower growth compared to peers, with a 13 percent increase in 1QFY25, compared to 15 percent for ICICI Bank, 16 percent for Kotak Mahindra Bank, and 17 percent for HDFC Bank (excluding mergers).

However, the bank has effectively controlled deposit costs and maintained NIMs around 4 percent, surpassing the guidance of 3.8 percent on a through-cycle basis. Axis Bank has opportunities to deepen relationships in the corporate salary segment, although this typically takes time. Efforts in premiumisation, corporate salary relationships, and Bharat Banking are expected to gradually improve the bank's franchise. Due to tighter control on the cost of funds and margins, moderate loan growth of 14 percent to 15 percent is anticipated for FY25-26.

Estimates Earnings are expected to improve from the third quarter onwards. While 2Q earnings may remain soft due to higher credit costs, the integration costs from the merger will moderate, and credit costs should trend towards 60 basis points of average loans with stable NIMs. With valuations at 12x 12-month forward PE and 1.7x forward PB, Jefferies sees a favourable risk-reward profile.

Axis Bank remains a top pick in the sector with a buy rating and a target price of 1,500, reflecting a valuation of 1.9x the September 2026 adjusted price-to-book value.
Kross Limited IPO; The Initial public issue that opened for subscription on 9 September closes today. The Kross IPO had been subscribed 2.73 times by Day 2 with retail portion having been subscribed 4.15 times. It had been subscribed 0.03 times in the QIB category, and 3.03 times in the NII category.

Kross IPO, which is a book-built issue of 500.00 crores comprises of an offer for sales of 1.04 crore shares totaling 250.00 crores and a new issue of 1.04 crore shares totaling 250.00 crores . On Thursday, September 12, 2024, it is anticipated that the allocation for the Kross IPO will be completed. The tentative listing date for the Kross IPO is set for Monday, September 16, 2024 on the BSE and NSE.

Also Read | P N Gadgil Jewellers IPO: Here are 10 key risks from the RHP you should know

Grey Market Premium or GMP- The grey market premium, or Kross IPO GMP, is +50, according to investorgain.com. This shows that the price of Kross shares was selling at a premium of 50 on the Grey market.

Given the maximum limit of the IPO price range and the prevailing premium in the secondary market, the expected listing price of Kross shares was 290 per share, signifying a 20.83% premium over the 240 IPO price.

The grey market activity over the last eight sessions indicates that today's IPO GMP is increasing and should have a strong listing. Experts at investorgain.com have revealed that the GMP is between 0 and 50.

Apply or Not Kross Ltd., a diversified company is a producer of Trailer axles, suspension components, and high-performance, precision-machined safety-critical parts for Medium and Heavy Commercial Vehicles (M&HCV) and farm equipments . Due to cargo fleet operators' preference for trailers over rigid vehicles in the 55 tonne plus market, the tractor-trailer segment is now outperforming the medium- and heavy commercial vehicle (MHCV) industry, where the company supplies parts say analysts.

Axle beam extrusion is also being used by Kross as part of a backward integration process that could improve margins and gain firm export orders that have increased revenue visibility. The company's improved product mix and increased internal production have led to a comparatively large improvement in Earnings before interest tax depreciation and amortisation (Ebitda) and revenue margins over the last two fiscal years said analysts at Anand Rathi Research.

Anand Rathi Research recommends applying of Long term For Kross Ltd, performance consistency may remain a challenge because of the cyclical nature of the commercial vehicle industry. Regarding valuation, Kross is seeking for a PE (price to earnings ratio) of 34 times for FY24 at the upper price band, and with a post-issue market capitalization of 1548 crore , it appears that the issue is fully priced as per Anand Rathi Research. However, Anand Rathi Research advises the IPO with a higher risk appetite to "SUBSCRIBE for LONG TERM" given all of its business potential and steady financial performance.

Canara Bank Securities recommend applying for Long term Given that the top five customers accounted for more than 66% of the company's revenue over the last three fiscal years, customer concentration puts the business at risk.

Although Kross's P/E ratio of 28.92 times is marginally higher than the sector average of 26 times, its forward integration tactics, plans for capacity development, and excellent growth potential make this offering look attractive.

For long-term benefits, the brokerage business advises SUBSCRIBING to this IPO.

Neutral ratings by Swastika Investmart A fast-rising company with backward integration skills in the organized trailer axle manufacturing sector. Kross has long-term relationships with significant domestic and international clients. It has seen steady increases in sales, earnings, and margins along with a desirable debt-to-equity ratio.

The valuation of the IPO is comparatively high says Swastika Investmart . Given the premium valuation and possible obstacles in the current market, we suggest giving the IPO a neutral grade.
The company which recently debuted on the BSE and NSE, is getting more traction compared to prominent solar players like Tata Power. It is because Premier Energies is so much more than just a solar cell manufacturer.

View Full Image Data Source: Red Herring Prospectus

Lets discuss all things about Premier Energies what exactly makes it stand out, the companys growth prospects and other aspects.

About Premier Energies

Established in 1995, Premier Energies stands out as a leading integrated solar cell and solar module manufacturing company, thriving on innovative technology.

With backing from GEF Capital, a prominent private equity investor in Washington DC, Premier Energies pioneers photovoltaic solutions.

It has five manufacturing facilities, all of which are situated on the land it owns in Hyderabad, India.

One of its manufacturing facilities is Indias first LEED gold-rated solar manufacturing facility, as certified by the US Green Building Council.

The companys manufacturing facilities have an annual installed capacity of 2 GW for solar cells and 4.13 GW for solar modules.

Coming to its clients, some of the renowned names include NTPC, Tata Power Solar Systems, Panasonic Life Solutions, Shakti Pumps, Luminous, etc.

As can be seen from the above names, the company has a diversified range of customers that require Premier Energies offerings, including IPPs, OEMs and off-grid operators.

The companys IPO

Premier Energies announced its IPO last month, which was open from 27 August to 29 August.

It raised 28 billion (bn) from this IPO, primarily to finance the establishment of a new 4 GW Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact solar cell and module manufacturing facility in Hyderabad.

The company had set the price band at 450per share at the upper end.

Now, investors who received allotment made a killing (quite literally) as shares of Premier Energies staged a solid market debut, delivering multibagger returns on the listing day itself.

The stock was listed at 991 per share on the BSE, a premium of 120% over its issue price.

The rally didnt stop. The stock bounced back another 15% on the very next day following a massive order win for 8,085 solar water pumping systems.

Before the IPO, the stock was under the spotlight as it had sold a portion of its shares to some investors, days before the IPO opened for subscription. On this, the companys MD had clarified that this was done to meet the excess investor demand, and the decision was within the regulations.

The IPO had received bids worth more than 1.48 trillion compared to 28 bn on offer. The company even became the second company after Tata Technologies to cross 1 trillion in bids during the IPO phase.

That brings us to the most important part and a big recent development.

Top international fund jumps in

Premier Energies received a stellar response from its anchor investors during the IPO. These included big names like Nomura, Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, DSP India, Morgan Stanley, PNB Paribas, HDFC, and ICICI.

Blackrock was also a prominent name. According to reports, National Pension services, which is managed by Blackrock Institutional Trust Company, subscribed to 3.5% of the anchor portion.

While the latest shareholding pattern is not yet available on the BSE, Blackrock would be a name thatll appear on the list of shareholders when the company files its shareholding.

Recent order win and order backlog

As we mentioned above, the company recently won a big order for solar water pumping systems.

The order is for supply, installation, and commissioning with 5-year comprehensive warranty of 8,085 solar water pumping systems across various districts in Uttar Pradesh.

The order value is around 2.2 billion (bn) which is expected to be executed by March 2025.

This initiative is part of governments Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha scheme, which aims to provide clean energy to more than 35 lakh farmers by solarising their agriculture pump.

As of July 2024, the company had a total order book of 59.3 bn, of which 25% portion includes orders from public sector undertakings (PSUs) and government entities, while the rest is from private players.

The recent order win has taken its order backlog to over 61 bn.

The order book includes some big orders like the 350 MW module supply agreement signed between Premier Energies Photovoltaic and an independent power producer in June 2024 and the order it received from NTPC in December 2023 for the supply of bifacial solar modules.

The road ahead

The company has posted out-of-the-box numbers for the first quarter of FY25.

It has already achieved half of the revenue and almost 85% of the profit for FY24 in the first quarter of FY25.

The module manufacturing company is focusing more on backward integration as thats the place to be if you want real margins.

The government's announcement has added to the positive sentiment for module manufacturers. According to reports, the ministry of new and renewable energy plans a policy similar to the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) for solar modules for solar cells to ensure better quality, and boost domestic manufacturing.

ALMM is a list of the models and manufacturers from which solar project developers can buy the required equipment.

If this is implemented, it will be a big positive for domestic solar cell manufacturers like Premier Energies and Websol.

Conclusion

The companys established market presence, over two decades of experience of promoters in the solar industry, healthy demand outlook owing to bright solar prospects, and a massive order book are some of the key positives that are expected to support Premier Energies growth in the long run.

However, investors should not forget the expensive valuations it trades at.

Ultimately it will all depend on the companys ability to execute and process the order backlog.

The company generates a substantial portion of its revenue from just two product categories namely solar cells and modules. So the continued success and demand for these products are critical for sustaining its business operations.

Also, the previous ALMM scheme has received some backlash saying despite putting restrictions on China, Chinese players continue to find a way to get into Indian markets. So we cant possibly rule out the risk of competition from Chinese imports.

Nevertheless, the Indian government's initiatives such as theproduction linked incentive (PLI)and the Solar Park scheme have fostered a favorable environment for solar power development and domestic manufacturing.

Investors are willing to pay a higher premium for solar stocks including Premier Energies.

Thats it for today, happy investing!

Disclaimer:This article is for information purposes only. It is not a stock recommendation and should not be treated as such.

This article is syndicated from Equitymaster.com
Following the successful listing of Awfis Space Solutions earlier this year, other co-working companies are likely to list on the stock exchanges as demand for flexible office space rises following the slowdown during the covid-19 pandemic.

In addition to Smartworks Coworking Spaces Ltd, which has filed its documents with the market regulator, WeWork India, Simpliwork Offices, IndiQube and Table Space Technologies Pvt Ltd are gearing up for initial public offers, three people with knowledge of the development said.

Currently, talks are on with investment bankers and appointments will be made soon," a banker said on condition of anonymity, referring to the plans of the three companies. These IPOs are likely to range from 600 crore to 1,500 crore."

Peak XV-backed Awfis listed in May this year. The company raised 599 crore selling shares in the range of 364- 383 apiece. Since then, its stock has doubled and closed at 757.20 on the National Stock Exchange on Monday.

This kind of investor interest has encouraged the other co-working companies to list, the people said. Managed campuses and office experiences company Smartworks, which filed its draft red herring prospectus dated 14 August 2024 with the Securities and Exchange Board of India, is aiming at a 550 crore IPO, which includes a fresh issuance of shares and an offer for sale by existing investors.

Interest in this sector remains strong even on the unlisted side. WeWork raised 1,200 crore as equity investment for a minority stake in June this year. This was after they had raised close to 500 crore in December 2022," said Prashant Rao, director and head of equity capital markets at Anand Rathi Investment Banking. Table Space was another company that had raised a round in 2022. There are other bootstrapped companies in the co-working space showing high growth potential, attracting investor attention."

While Table Space did not respond to queries seeking comment on its IPO plans, a spokesperson for Simpliwork declined to comment. A response from WeWork was awaited.

Attractive sector

In 2023, Kontor Space, a co-working company, listed on the Indian exchanges.

The co-working space has been an eyecatcher for private equity firms in view of its asset-light model, higher returns on capital employed, EBITDA margins of more than 15% and scalability. PE firms have invested in Awfis, Table Space, Indiqube, and WeWork, among others. In the past couple of years, there have also been some acquisitions - myHQ was bought by Anarock in 2022, Innov8 by Oyo in 2020, and Uncube by Cowrks in 2019.

Awfis successful IPO and Smartworks DRHP filing have guided other similar companies like WeWork India, Red Bricks, and BHIVE to plan IPOs in the next 12 to 18 months," said Vijay Agrawal, managing director of Equirus.

According to Agrawal, companies in this space are growing at 50% to 100% year on year. The sector is transforming from co-working to managing offices for large corporations. The potential for decent returns is attracting investors.

The drivers of valuation could be the steady growth in the sector of 25% to 50% over the next 5-7 years and improving operating leverages of the companies as they scale up. This will improve their profitability and RoCE, resulting in valuation growth," Agrawal added.

According to a report from real estate consulting and investment firm Anarock in March 2024, the size of the flexible office real estate market across the country is expected to grow aggressively to anywhere from 100 million square feet to 140 million sq. ft by 2030. Currently, it stands at over 55 million sq. ft, it said.

Also Read: Office space leasing revival is subject to conditions

After the pandemic, most organisations have recognised the value of offering employees flexible, tech-enabled modern workspaces with a strong work environment. This has driven a shift from traditional offices to agile, customised, and cost-effective flex spaces.

Sectors such as information technology and information technology-enabled services, banking, financial services, and insurance, consulting, e-commerce, manufacturing, and startups are leading this growing demand.
If you are a lay investor and plan to invest in a new mutual fund scheme, you undoubtedly have several options. However, most options are likely to fall into thematic or sectoral schemes.

In August alone, four asset management companies (AMCs) rolled out thematic mutual fund schemes, including the Bank of India Business Cycle Fund, a manufacturing mutual fund by Invesco India and a business cycle fund by Motilal Oswal.

The latest AMFI (Association of Mutual Funds in India) data released on Tuesday revealed that there are 179 thematic mutual funds in the entire mutual fund universe, which ishold your breathmore than the total of all key categories put together, i.e., small cap, mid cap, large cap, flexi cap, and multi-cap mutual funds.

Several mutual fund houses have recently launched several sectoral/thematic mutual fund schemes. These include the SBI Innovative Opportunities Fund and the ICICI Prudential Energy Opportunities Fund.

Month Thematic/ sectoral schemes Inflow (  crore) May 162 19,213 June 172 22,351.6 July 174 18,386 Aug 179 18,117 crore

(Source: AMFI)

Sectoral funds galore But why are mutual fund houses launching sectoral schemes aplenty?

Some wealth advisors believe that asset management companies (AMCs) use them as a tool to garner more money from investors along different themes. But cant they also do this by launching schemes in other categories?

While shedding light on this, Sridharan Sundaram, founder of Wealth Ladder Direct, says that since Sebi introduced the fund categorisation of mutual fund schemes in 2017, fund houses are not left with too much leeway in other categories.

This means that the definition of a scheme as small cap, flexi cap, mid-cap, or multi-cap is well-defined. One fund house can launch only one scheme in each category, leaving fund houses with little legroom for launching schemes in the existing categories.

Also Read | Mutual Funds: 5 common mistakes you must avoid while investing in SIPs

These fund houses tend to launch new schemes to garner more funds. Even investors also want new themes and categories to invest their money, which prompts these AMCs to roll out new schemes in sectoral funds, says Sundaram.

Another reason for launching new sectoral funds is that schemes cant do sectoral rotation because each constituent stock may have an investment of around 300-400 crore, so it is difficult to exit these investments, he elucidates.

Also Read | How divorce led this influencer to go all in on mutual funds

Echoing similar sentiments, Preeti Zende, a Sebi-registered investment advisor and founder of Apna Dhan Financial Services, says, Sectoral or thematic funds are favourite among investors for quite some time as some specific themes are in the news due to special emphasis given by the Centre. These include defence, infrastructure, railways, shipping, EV and manufacturing. So, many companies from these sectors get more cash flow, and their valuations are now skyrocketing. To garner the investors' interest and to be part of this euphoria, many AMCs prefer to launch such sectorial and thematic funds to attract more and more investment.

"But investors should be very careful since these sectors are already overheated, and a bubble is already created in some parts. So instead of betting on any sector or theme, investing in diversified equity mutual funds and managing your risk is better," she adds.
By Jonathan Stempel

Sept 10 (Reuters) - A U.S. judge said Trevor Milton, the Nikola founder who was sentenced to four years in prison after being convicted of fraud, must pay the electric truck maker $167.7 million for making false and misleading statements about the company to the public.

In a decision on Monday, U.S. District Judge Diane Humetewa in Phoenix upheld a divided arbitration panel's November 2023 award in Nikola's favor.

Humetewa said the panel acted within its authority in interpreting a separation agreement that Milton entered when he resigned as Nikola chief executive in September 2020.

The panel found Milton liable to pay $121.25 million, or 97%, of Nikola's $125 million fine from settling a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission civil fraud case, and to cover nearly $46.5 million in legal fees and expenses.

Milton, 42, argued that the award was excessive and amounted to "rough justice" because the panel ignored the "relative fault" of other Nikola executives, directors and employees.

But the judge said the panel's analysis was plausible, including its assigning 3% fault to the Phoenix-based company for failing to stop Milton from misleading investors.

Lawyers for Milton did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Tuesday. Nikola's lawyers had no immediate comment.

Jurors in Manhattan convicted Milton in October 2022 on two counts of wire fraud and one count of securities fraud, after prosecutors said he lied to investors about Nikola's technology.

Prosecutors said Milton's improper statements included that Nikola built a pickup from the "ground up," developed batteries he knew it was buying elsewhere, and had made progress in creating a "Nikola One" semi-truck he knew did not work.

Milton is free on bail while he appeals his conviction and December 2023 sentence.
(Bloomberg) -- Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo defended his handling of the spread of coronavirus in nursing homes in 2020 at a politically charged congressional hearing where Republicans highlighted an issue they aim to make a liability for Democrats this November.

The political stakes are personal for the former governor, who resigned amid sexual harassment allegations in August 2021, as he considers a possible 2025 comeback campaign for New York City mayor. Cuomo has denied the allegations.

The GOP-controlled House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic called the hearing on Tuesday to gather information on how to better handle future pandemics, but there was a partisan edge to the sparring between Cuomo and lawmakers. A broader Republican effort aims to link Democrats such as vice presidential nominee Tim Walz, the governor of Minnesota, to restrictive coronavirus policies.

When were you negotiating for your multimillion dollar advance deal for your book as seniors were dying in nursing homes? Republican Represenative Elise Stefanik of New York asked Cuomo. Stefanik was referring to the book Cuomo published in late 2020, American Crisis, that was briefly a bestseller. Its a disgrace.

Cuomo, who was subpoenaed by the panel in March, publicly defended his administrations handling of caseloads in nursing homes. He previously testified before the subcommittee behind closed doors.

At the Tuesday hearing, the former Democratic governor also repeated past claims that he was following federal guidance while blaming then-President Donald Trump for downplaying the danger from the pandemic at the time.

New York was hit first and worst by Covid through no fault of its own, Cuomo said in his opening statement. These are all diversions to blame New York and other states for the culpability of the federal response.

According to an interim report released Monday by the subcommittee, Cuomos administration mishandled the state response to Covid-19 in nursing homes and then withheld information about it from the public. The panel has eight Republicans and six Democrats among its members.

Half-Baked

A spokesperson for Cuomo, Richard Azzopardi, dismissed the subcommittee report as politically motivated.

This MAGA caucus report is all smoke and mirrors designed to continue to distract from Trumps failed pandemic leadership and is predictably sloppy, half-baked partisan screed built upon uncorroborated, cherry-picked testimony and conclusions not supported by evidence or reality, Azzopardi said in a statement.

Democratic Representative Jamie Raskin of Maryland similarly pushed back at the subcommittees focus on Cuomo compared with Trump.

Im appalled by the majoritys decision to evade and bypass the central events of the epidemic for totally political reasons, Raskin said. The broader and authentic context for this hearing is, of course, the failure of Donald Trumps reckless and incompetent pandemic response.

Separate New York probes by the Democratic-controlled state Assembly and state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, a Democrat, reached similar conclusions that the Cuomo administration undercounted coronavirus deaths in nursing homes.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
(Bloomberg) -- Hurricane Francines winds are raking the coast of Louisiana, where the storm is forecast to come ashore in hours with a dangerous storm surge and flooding rains.

Francine is a Category 1 hurricane with top winds holding steady at 90 miles (145 kilometers) per hour, the US National Hurricane Center said in an advisory at 1 p.m. local time. Its heading for a marshy stretch of coastline about 70 miles west of New Orleans, and is on track to menace six Gulf Coast refineries and 22 ports, according to Bloomberg calculations.

It will make landfall kind of in the no mans land of Louisiana, said Adam Douty, a meteorologist with AccuWeather Inc.

Wind gusts in New Orleans could reach 60 mph. The storm has grounded 235 flights in Houston, New Orleans and Baton Rouge, according to FlightAware, an airline tracker.

Oil and gas companies have evacuated some offshore platforms in the Gulf of Mexico. While the storm is not forecast to make a direct hit on any of the regions major natural gas export plants, gas feeding into Sempras Cameron terminal has declined ahead of Francine.

Francine will the third hurricane to strike the mainland US in 2024, making this the ninth year since 1900 that has happened by Sept. 11, Phil Klotzbach, a hurricane researcher at Colorado State University said in an X post.

Francine is set to pummel the region with heavy rains, creating the risk for flash and urban flooding, the hurricane center said. Storm surge in some areas could reach 10 feet (3 meters).

After making landfall, the storm is forecast to move across Mississippi on Thursday and head north toward Memphis. While there may be some flooding, the rains will bring some relief to the Mississippi River, where low water levels have threatened to roil shipments of everything from corn to gasoline. But rains will make field work harder, delaying harvests and reducing grain quality.

Francine will likely cause between $2 billion and $3 billion in damages and losses, said Chuck Watson, a disaster modeler with Enki Research. Francine will be the third hurricane to hit the US mainland this year.

The hurricane center is tracking three other disturbances in the central Atlantic Ocean that have potential to become tropical storms. One of the systems has been upgraded to a tropical depression and will likely be named Tropical Storm Gordon overnight. Its currently more than 300 miles west of the Cabo Verde Islands off the coast of Africa.

--With assistance from Robert Tuttle.

(Updates energy threats in second paragraph.)

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
A Border Security Force (BSF) personnel was injured when Pakistani troops resorted to unprovoked firing on Indian posts in violation of a ceasefire agreement along the border on Wednesday.

The BSF troops also retaliated but the casualties on the Pakistani side were not known immediately, PTI reported citing official.

At about 2.35 am, an incident of unprovoked firing in the Akhnoor area from across the border happened and which was befittingly responded by the BSF. One BSF personnel sustained injuries in Pakistani firing, a spokesperson of the border guarding force said.

He said the troops are on high alert and keeping a strict vigil all along the International Border and Line of Control.

The ceasefire violation between the two countries has been very rare ever since India and Pakistan renewed the ceasefire agreement on February 25, 2021. Last year, a BSF jawan was killed in Pakistan Rangers firing in the Ramgarh sector, the first loss of life on the Indian side in more than three years.

The latest ceasefire violation comes days ahead of the first phase of the three-phase assembly elections scheduled on September 18. The second phase of the elections will be held on September 25 followed by the third phase on October 1.

(With inputs from PTI)

The India-Pakistan border extends around 3,323 kilometers, encompassing various sectors with varying levels of tension and security challenges.

In Jammu and Kashmir, this border has been a frequent flashpoint for skirmishes and ceasefire violations. Tensions have fluctuated over the years, with occasional cross-border firing escalating into significant security concerns.

The Border Security Force (BSF), tasked with safeguarding this sensitive area, regularly contends with these ongoing border tensions. The recent incident underscores the persistent security issues and the volatile dynamics of the region's border.
The Union cabinet on Wednesday cleared schemes worth over 1 trillion to build more rural roads, boost electric mobility, speed up hydropower projects and offer free health insurance cover for those aged 70 years and above.

The projects, approved ahead of crucial assembly elections this year, seek to improve the ease of living while leveraging the multiplier effect of infrastructure building on the overall economy. The largest outlay is for the rural roads scheme 70,125 crore to be spent over five years from FY25 to FY29to finance the building of roads totalling 62,500 km.

Also read | Cabinet approves  3,300 crore Kaynes ATMP chipmaking plant in Gujarat An official statement issued after the cabinet meeting said 25,000 unconnected habitations will get all-weather road connectivity, which will catalyse socio-economic development and transform remote and rural areas. The road will also connect nearby government educations, markets and growth centres to benefit the local people. The central government will meet 70% of the cost and the rest will be met by states.

Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said at a briefing after the Cabinet meeting that the health cover for all senior citizens aged 70 and above irrespective of their income under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Yojana (AB-PMJAY) will benefit 45 million families with around 60 million senior citizens. The scheme offers free and cashless health insurance scheme of up to 5 lakh per family. The government has kept an outlay of 3,437 crore to implement this new initiative.

Raising clean energy capacity In an effort to raise renewable energy capacity, the Cabinet approved 12,461 crore to develop enabling infrastructure for hydropower projects. This would enable setting up a cumulative capacity of 31.35 GW. Under the scheme, the Centre would provide financial support for building facilities including roads, bridges, transmission lines, ropeways and railway bridges. The incentive would be 1 crore per MW in the case of projects with a capacity of up to 200 MW. Larger projects would receive a support of 200 crore, plus 75 lakh per MW, for capacity above the 200 MW threshold.

Also read | Cabinet okays key agri projects including Digital Agriculture Mission Noting that there is a potential of 133 GW hydro power capacity in India, Vaishnaw said, "This scheme will help in achieving the ambitious target of 500 GW installed non-fossil power generation capacity by 2030."

Currently, India has an aggregate hydroelectric power capacity of nearly 47 GW. In April, the power ministry had said that projects with 15 GW capacity are under construction.

Subsidizing e-Mobility The government also decided to allocate 10,900 crore for subsidizing electric mobility under a scheme called PM E-Drive. This will promote adoption of the green energy-powered automobiles including two-wheelers, three-wheelers, electric buses and trucks, as well as hybrid ambulances. Notably, the new EV subsidy scheme has no separate allocation to subsidize the cost of electric four-wheelers.

The PM E-drive scheme was created following the lessons from previous EV subsidy schemes, the two iterations of the heavy industries ministry's Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric (and Hybrid) vehicles schemes, the minister said.

Also read | Govt launches  10,900 cr EV subsidy scheme; fund to secure e-bus payments Allocation under the new PM E-Drive scheme also covers expenditure on charging infrastructure for EVs. The Centre plans to create 88,500 charging centres, a presentation shared by the government showed.

The PM E-Drive scheme will also continue the localization norms imposed on vehicle manufacturers in previous subsidy schemes for electric vehicles.

The Centre also announced a 3,435 crore outlay under the PM eBus scheme to ensure payment security to the government's partners in public-private partnerships running electric buses. This scheme will be operational in 169 cities across the country.

Shailesh Chandra, president, Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) welcomed the schemes, stating they reflected the government's unwavering support for India's transition to electric mobility, fostering innovation and investment within the sector.

Climate mission The cabinet also cleared a project called Mission Mausam to make the country more weather-ready and climate-smart, with an outlay of 2,000 crore. It will help in tackling extreme weather events and the impacts of climate change. Additionally, the programme will help broaden capacity and resilience across communities, sectors, and ecosystems in the long run.

Also read | Draft norms for financial assistance, payment security under PM Surya Ghar Quoting earth sciences ministry secretary M. Ravichandran, Mint reported in July that the ministry had decided to augment the country's climate-tracking infrastructure to better predict weather and climatic conditions using artificial intelligence and machine learning technology.
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday, took a slew of decisions, including approval for Mission Mausam' with an outlay of 2,000 crore over two years and Ayushman health insurance coverage for all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, irrespective of income, under the flagship scheme.

Ayushman health insurance coverage Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) health coverage is expected to benefit six crore senior citizens from 4.5 crore families with 5 lakh free health insurance cover.

 All senior citizens above 70 years, irrespective of their socio- economic status, would be eligible to avail the benefits of AB PM-JAY.

 The eligible senior citizens would be issued a new distinct card under AB PM-JAY.

We are committed to ensuring accessible, affordable and top-quality healthcare for every Indian. In this context, the Cabinet today has decided to further expand the ambit of Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY to provide health coverage for all citizens above 70 years. This scheme will ensure dignity, care and security to 6 crore citizens, said PM Modi in a post on X.

Also Read | Cabinet okays key agri projects including Digital Agriculture Mission

Mission Mausam The Union Cabinet also approved 'Mission Mausam' to create a more weather-ready and climate-smart Bharat with an outlay of 2,000 crore over two years.

 Mission Mausam is envisaged to be a multifaceted and transformative initiative that will tremendously boost India's weather and climate-related science, research, and services.

 The mission's focus will include improving observations and understanding to provide highly accurate and timely weather and climate information across temporal and spatial scales, including monsoon forecasts, alerts for air quality, extreme weather events and cyclones, weather interventions for managing fog, hail, and rain, etc, capacity building and generating awareness.

 Critical elements of Mission Mausam will include the deployment of next-generation radars and satellite systems with advanced sensors and high-performance supercomputers, the development of improved Earth system models and a GIS-based automated Decision Support System for real-time data dissemination.

Also Read | Cabinet approves 3,300 crore Kaynes ATMP chipmaking plant in Gujarat

Construction of 62,500 km of roads The Union Cabinet approved the Department of Rural Development's proposal to implement the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-IV from 2024-25 to 2028-29.

 An official statement said financial assistance will be provided for the construction of 62,500 km of roads to provide new connectivity to eligible 25,000 unconnected habitations and the construction and upgrade of bridges on the new connectivity roads.

 All-weather roads measuring 62,500 km will be provided to unconnected habitations.

 The construction of required bridges along the alignment of the all-weather road will also be provided.

31,350 MW hydropower projects The cabinet also approved the development of 31,350 MW hydropower projects with an outlay of 12,461 crore over the next eight years.

 The scheme will be applicable to all hydropower projects of more than 25 MW capacity including the private sector projects which have been allotted on a transparent basis.

The modifications in the hydropower projects scheme approved by the Cabinet will boost infrastructure development in remote areas. It will accelerate hydropower growth, create jobs and drive investments in the sector, said Modi.

PM E-drive scheme The Cabinet approved the PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) Scheme with an outlay of 10,900 crore.

 The scheme will support 24.79 lakh e-2Ws, 3.16 lakh e-3Ws, and 14,028 e-buses. Scheme paves the way for electric ambulances, a crucial step towards integrating EVs into the health sector.
Despite the Supreme Court banning ragging in India in 2001, with the provision of a three-year jail term and a fine, instances of ragging in college hostels often appear on social media.

In a recent case in Himachal Pradesh's Solan district, where five Bahra University students thrashed a fellow student after failing to impose their will on him, reported NDTV.

According to the report, the assaulters thrashed and whipped with a belt to 22-year-old Rajat Kumar, a first-year MBA student at the private university, for refusing to drink alcohol.

Action against accused: The entire assault on Rajat was caught on camera and all the five accused  younger to Rajat  were arrested by the police. The accused have been identified as Chirag Rana, Divyansh Karan Dogra, Kartik and Saksham.

Also Read | West Bengal Governor seeks ISROs help to tackle ragging in colleges

The Solan police arrested Chirag, Divyansh and Karan, while Kartik and Saksham were taken into custody on Wednesday, said the report, adding all the accused would be produced in the court on Thursday.

Following the incident, the varsity initiated an inquiry against Kumar's assaulters and even the anti-ragging committee asked them to appear before it. However, they refused.

The Bahra University on 10 September released a notice stating they have expelled Kartik and Saksham with immediate effect. While Karan Dogra and Divyansh have been expelled from the hostel and rusticated from varsity until further orders. Vishal has been warned to be more cautious.

Later, victim Rajat Kumar filed a complaint at the Kandaghat police station against the five assaulters and police registered a case against the students under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Himachal Pradesh Educational Institutions (Prohibition of Ragging) Act, 2009.

What exactly happened? On Saturday, Rajat was asked to by two of his fellow students to accompany them to another room of the hostel. Upon refusing, Rajat was dragged to the room where three others were already present.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government on Wednesday rejected junior doctors' demands for her presence and a live broadcast as pre-conditions for talks to resolve the month-long 'cease work' and standoff over the alleged rape-murder of a woman medic at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

As the protests enter day 33, and the sit-in outside Swasthya Bhawan for the second day, Minister of State for Health Chandrima Bhattacharya said the government remains open to discussions but suggested that "political forces" might be influencing the protests.

This led to a quick rebuttal from the medics, who dismissed the claims as baseless.

Bhattacharya has called on the doctors to resume work in accordance with the Supreme Court's directive yet has avoided a direct answer regarding whether the state government will impose any punitive measures for non-compliance with the court's order.

Meanwhile, TMC leaders and MLAs issued veiled threats to the agitating junior doctors by calling them "anti-nationals" and saying the party too might conduct counter-protests against the agitating medics.

The government had invited the doctors to a meeting at state secretariat Nabanna at 6 pm on Wednesday but the invitation did not confirm whether Banerjee would attend it.

Chief Secretary Manoj Pant, in an email sent at 3.49 am on Wednesday, urged the doctors to send a delegation of 12 to 15 members and stressed the importance of resuming work, citing a Supreme Court order directing them to return to duty by 5 pm on Tuesday.

"You will, no doubt, appreciate and agree that as a law-abiding citizen, it is everyone's bounden duty to adhere to these directions. Unfortunately, it has not been adhered to so far," Pant wrote, emphasising the need for doctors to return to their duties to provide necessary care to the public.

Despite the invitation, the junior doctors insisted on several preconditions before agreeing to the meeting.

"We want the discussion to be held in the presence of the CM and be telecast live. We want at least 30 representatives as this movement is spread across various medical colleges and hospitals," a member of the junior doctors' forum said at a press conference.

The government, however, stood firm on its stance, refusing to accept any pre-conditions for the meeting.

Bhattacharya, alongside Pant and DGP Rajeev Kumar, urged doctors to resume duties, stressing the urgent need to restore healthcare services disrupted by the prolonged agitation.

"We were quite hopeful that the doctors would participate in the meeting. But they did not. No meeting can be held with so many conditions. We waited for them to turn up with an open mind, but they did not take any proactive step to resolve the situation," she said.

She added that the doors for discussion remain open, despite the doctors' conditions, but stressed that the government would not accept demands for a live broadcast or the CM's mandatory presence at the talks.

"We will again request them to rejoin duties as per the Supreme Court's directive and show respect to it. They must not forget their responsibility in this noble profession. They must not fall prey to the political provocation," Bhattacharya said.

The protests began after the body of a postgraduate trainee was found at RG Kar Hospital on August 9.
Kolkata doctor rape case: Agitating junior doctors in West Bengal on Wednesday sent an email to Chief Minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee, seeking an appointment to discuss the ongoing impasse arising out of the alleged rape and murder of an on-duty medic at a state-run hospital here last month.

In their mail, the medics mentioned that they were open for a meeting "anytime and anywhere", provided that the entire discussion must be streamed live, a doctor said.

"We have written to the CM madam for a meeting, which could be arranged anytime today or tomorrow and anywhere of her choice. But the meeting should be streamed live," one of the junior doctors told PTI.

He also claimed that the e-mail was sent around 3.50 am.

Following a mail sent by the medics, the Bengal government asked them to join a meeting at the state secretariat at 6 pm on Wednesday.

"We invite your delegation preferably consisting of 12-15 colleagues to join us for a discussion at 6 PM today, i.e. 11.09.2024, in Nabanna. A list of the members of your delegation may please be intimated by email. We look forward to your positive response and hope for a fruitful dialogue," State Chief Secretary Manoj Pant said in the letter.

Notably, on Tuesday, the agitating doctors had declined the West Bengal government's offer for negotiations, vowing to persist in their protests against the recent brutal rape and murder of a colleague.

Kolkata Doctor Rape Case: Doctors intensify protest The agitating doctors, who have been demonstrating outside Swathya Bhavan, the state health department headquarters, for more than 22 hours, demanding that Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal, the state health secretary, director of health education (DHE), and the director of health services (DHS) be removed from their posts.

Also Read | Kolkata doctor rape case: TMC hails SC order urging WB doctors to resume work

They also demanded adequate safety and security measures for all women health professionals in the state.

Defying Supreme Court's directive to join duties by 5pm on September 10, the protesting junior doctors continued with their cease work for the 33rd day on Wednesday to press their demand for justice for the medic who was allegedly raped and murdered at the state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital last month.

Also Read | Kolkata doctor rape case: TMC hails SC order urging WB doctors to resume work

The body of the Kolkata postgraduate trainee doctor was recovered from the RG Kar hospital's seminar hall on August 9. A Kolkata Police civic volunteer was arrested the next day in connection with the rape and murder of Kolkata doctor.
The parents of Kolkata's RG Kar victim has slammed West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for urging public to focus on the upcoming Durga Puja festivities amid ongoing protests over the rape-murder of young doctor.

I request you to return to festivities and let the CBI complete the investigation at the earliest," Banerjee said on Monday.

However, the parents have called Mamata Banerjee's remark insensitive.

"We used to celebrate Durga Puja with our daughter, but we will never celebrate Durga Puja or any other festival for years to come," PTI quoted late doctor's family as saying.

They also termed Mamata's remarks insensitive which came on completion of a month of the horrific crime that shocked and outraged the nation.

"Let her return our daughter. Would she have said the same had this happened in her family?,"asked the doctor's family.

According to TOI, the victim's father said that they went to the CBI as they are not satisfied with the role of the CM (Mamata Banerjee).

Also Read | Kolkata doctor rape case: Protesting medics seek meeting with Mamata

Mamata rejects money offering charges Stating that she never said anything about offering monetary compensation to the deceased doctor's family, Mamata termed it a conspiracy by the Centre and some Left parties and called it 'slanderous lies'. "I challenge anyone to show proof of such claims. It's an attempt to malign our government," she said.

Family counter's Mamata's claim However, rejecting Mamata Banerjee's claim, the victim's mother said that the Chief Minister (Mamata Banerjee) is lying. We were offered money...My daughter will not return, will I lie in her name? The Chief Minister said you will get money, make something in your daughter's memory. I then said, when my daughter gets justice, I will go to your office and take that money....

Invite to doctor for talks The West Bengal government on Wednesday invited the agitating junior doctors for talks. Following a mail sent by the medics earlier in the day, the government asked them to join a meeting at the state secretariat at 6 pm on Wednesday.
As the West Bengal government invites the protesting junior doctors for a meeting to resolve the standoff which has now continued for over a month, the doctors on Wednesday insisted that the discussion be held in the presence of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. They have also demanded a live broadcast of the meeting.

The doctors have been protesting the alleged rape and murder of the 31-year-old post-graduate intern doctor on 9 August 2024 at the RG Kar hospital. They have been on a cease work for over a month now.

The state government had sent the doctors an invitation for a discussion at the state secretariat, Nabanna, at 6 pm today. The invite was sent via email at 3:49 am today itself.

Chief Secretary Manoj Pant urged the doctors to send a delegation of 12 to 15 members to the meeting and indicated that a positive response would be appreciated.

The invitation did not confirm whether Mamata Banerjee would be present at the meeting.

Pant's letter also addressed the doctors' defiance of a Supreme Court order to resume duties by 5 pm on Tuesday.

"You will, no doubt, appreciate and agree that as a law-abiding citizen, it is everyone's bounden duty to adhere to these directions. Unfortunately, it has not been adhered to so far," Pant wrote.

He added that the state government hoped the doctors would return to work and provide necessary care to the public.

Despite the invitation, the junior doctors set few pre-conditions for talks.

"There are several points that need to be discussed before we decide whether to accept the invitation to Nabanna or not," one of the doctors said.

Around 5:23 PM, the agitating doctors said the delegation must include at least 30 representatives as several medical colleges and hospitals are involved in the agitation.

"We want the discussion to be held in the presence of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and be telecast live. We want at least 30 representatives as this movement is spread across various medical colleges and hospitals," a member of the junior doctors' forum said at a press conference.

The doctors said even if they go to the meeting, "they will attend it without any pre-conclusion."

"If we attend the meeting, we will come back and discuss it with our friends and then announce our decision," the junior doctor said.

In a separate communication earlier in the day, the agitating doctors reached out to Banerjee, requesting a meeting that could be held "anytime and anywhere," provided it is streamed live.

The doctors have been protesting outside Swathya Bhavan, the state health department headquarters, demanding the removal of Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal, the state health secretary, the director of health education, and the director of health services.

They also called for enhanced security measures for women health professionals and the suspension of Sandip Ghosh, former principal of RG Kar Hospital, along with others allegedly involved in tampering with evidence.

The protest has entered its 33rd day as the doctors continue to demand justice for Abhaya, the postgraduate trainee whose body was discovered at RG Kar Hospital on August 9.

A civic volunteer was arrested the following day in connection with the case. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is conducting the probe under a Calcutta High Court order.

The junior doctors have emphasised the need for transparency in the ongoing investigation and have called for better security measures in hospitals and government healthcare centres. They have also demanded a more democratic representation in official bodies to address the threats and issues faced by healthcare professionals.
Amit the unrest, Manipur state government on Tuesday ordered all government, aided, private colleges to remain shut. Here are the top ten updates:

1. The Higher and Technical Education Department of Manipur announced that all government, aided, and private colleges would be closed until September 12. This decision was conveyed through an official order signed by Laishram Dolie Devi, the Joint Secretary of Higher and Technical Education. According to the order, all colleges in the state will be shut on Wednesday, September 11, and Thursday, September 12.

2. 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.

3. 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.

3. He further mentioned that he is constantly speaking to public leaders and students in efforts to establish peace in the state.

4. "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.

4. 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.

6. Meanwhile, the state government has imposed a ban on internet services in the state starting on Tuesday.

7. 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 X. According to the orders by the Manipur government, the internet ban will continue till September 15.

8. Earlier, 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.

9. In a series of highly effective joint operations, the Indian Army, Assam Rifles, and other security forces conducted extensive search and recovery missions across multiple districts in Manipur.

10. According to an official release, these operations, carried out in the first week of September 2024, led to the substantial recovery of arms, ammunition, and warlike stores. The success of these efforts underscores the effectiveness of the collaborative actions taken by the Indian Army, Assam Rifles, and other security forces.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Semicon India 2024 on September 11 and said that his dream is for every global device to have Indian-made chips, PTI report.

This is the right time to be in India. India offers an integrated ecosystem for the semiconductor sector, provides stable policies, and ease of doing business, PM Modi said, addressing SEMICON India 2024.

Investment of over 1.5 lakh crore committed in semiconductor manufacturing, many projects in the pipeline. Our dream is to have an Indian-made chip in every device in the world, he added.

Looking to Expand The PM added that India is targeting $500 billion size for the electronics sector by end of decade, up from the present $150 billion. He added that the country' supply chain resilience is "critical" and cited the global disruption amid the COVID-19 pandemic as an example.

SEMICON India 2024 will be held from September 11-13 at India Expo Mart, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh. The theme is "Shaping the Semiconductor Future." The three-day conference will showcase India's semiconductor strategy and policy, which envisions making India a global hub for semiconductors, it added.

Earlier on September 10, PM Modi chaired the Semiconductor Executives' Roundtable at his residence.

Green Hydrogen Policy Earlier today, PM Modi virtually addressed the 2nd International Conference on Green Hydrogen, ANI reported. Addressing the global scientific community; he asked them to suggest ways to shape policies for the green hydrogen sector.

"I urge the global scientific community to come together to explore various aspects. Scientists and innovators can suggest changes in public policy to help the green hydrogen sector. We want to make India a global hub for the production, utilization and export of Green Hydrogen," PM Modi said.

Also Read | Kamala Harris, Donald Trump clash on abortion in heated US Presidential Debate

He also emphasised the need for energy transition and sustainability, adding that India was the first among the G20 Nations to fulfil its Paris commitments on green energy.

"These commitments were fulfilled nine years ahead of the 2030 target. India installed nonfinancial fossil fuel capacity increased by nearly 300 per cent in the last 10 years. Our solar energy capacity increased by over 3,000 per cent in the same period. But we are not resting on these acts. We remain focused on strengthening existing solutions," he said.
Hundreds of Hindu protesters clashed with the police and broke barricades on Wednesday over an alleged illegal mosque in the Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh.

The protestors are demanding the demolition of the allegedillegal structure in the Sanjauli area of the district.

Chanting slogans of "Jai Shri Ram" and "Hindu Ekta Zindabad", the protestors gathered at the Sabzi Mandi Dhalli. They marched towards Sanjauli to lodge their protest and broke the barricades near the Dhalli tunnel.

Also Read | Waqf amendment bill row: 21 Lok Sabha MPs on joint parliamentary panel

To disperse the crowd, the police resorted to lathi-charge and used water cannons.

Due to escalating tensions over the alleged illegal structure in the Sanjauli area mosque and a bandh called by Hindu groups, Sanjauli and adjoining areas were converted into a fortress with heavy security deployment.

To maintain law and order, the Shimla district administration issued prohibitory orders under section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, barring the gathering of more than five people and the carrying of lethal weapons and arms.

Also Read | Himachal assembly adopts resolution to condemn Kangana Ranauts remarks

Speaking on the issue, Himachal Pradesh minister Vikramaditya Singh said that the protests should not affect the peace in the area and that the state government would take action if the mosque was illegal.

The situation is very clear. Everyone has the right to protest peacefully and Govt too has said this but there should not arise a situation which would affect the peaceful situation there. So Police have taken preventive measures. Sec 163 has been imposed there and the area has to be turned into a Police camp so that no situation arises which would raise questions on the law and order in the state, Vikramaditya said.

As far as the construction of that illegal structure is concerned, the matter is sub-judice, Govt will take a decision after hearing. We have clearly said that if it is found to be illegal, action will definitely be taken and it will be demolished. But that is a step that will be taken once the order of the Municipal Commissioner comes, it will not be right to take action before that, he added.
(Bloomberg) -- Over the last six years, investors knew they had at least one place to appeal when they didnt agree with Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador: Mexicos courts.

They turned to the Supreme Court when the government threatened to jail anyone accused of tax fraud even before their cases were heard. And again, when AMLO, as the president is known, wanted to pass a nationalist electricity law.

Now, on the precipice of a drastic overhaul of the judiciary, investors are dreading the day when they have nowhere to direct their pleas. And that day will likely come soon.

Senators passed a bill early on Wednesday that mandates judge selection by popular vote, at a time when AMLOs party has more public support than ever. It will likely give the ruling party Morena control over all three branches of government, which opposition members argue eliminates the final check and balance on the presidency. The bill now only has to be approved by state legislatures before its published into law.

The peso, which was earlier in the year one of the worlds top performing currencies, sank as it became clear that AMLO would push for the reform and is now more than 14% weaker since the start of the year.

The reform could set back the business climate by 50 years, critics say, when the countrys politics were dominated by the rule of a single party, the PRI. Back then, power was consolidated around the executive and the party did not shy away from repressing the opposition. The government nationalized Mexicos banks in 1982. At the time, oil and telecommunications were already some of the industries that were mostly state-run.

We had taken such important steps in forming our democracy, in separating powers and in not having a single political party hold so much power, Jose Medina Mora, head of business group Coparmex, said in an interview Monday. Were going back to a regime where all the power is centralized in the president  its back to Mexico in the 1970s.

While smaller companies might not be as affected by the changes to the court system, larger firms might seek to invest in other countries if they have the option to take their money elsewhere. Already, in August, Global Companies in Mexico, a group that includes Nestle SA, AT&T Inc. and MetLife Inc. among others, said the bill could discourage investment. The group urged the government to amend it so it guarantees judicial independence and adheres to international trade regulations.

The lower house has been discussing another piece of legislation that would get rid of independent regulatory bodies, including the commission of economic competition Cofece, the telecommunication regulator IFT and energy regulator CNH. If passed by both houses of Congress, the regulators work will be absorbed by different ministries, and they would lose their independent budget and autonomy.

Mexico has been deteriorating as a destination for foreign direct investment, Medina Mora said.

Reforming the judiciary the way AMLO has proposed, Medina Mora said, will not only delay fresh foreign investment but outright stop it, as international corporations tend to avoid countries with weak rule of law.

Fighting Tendencies

AMLO is no stranger to picking fights with international companies operating in Mexico.

There was Spanish Iberdrola SA, with whom he eventually reached a $6.2 billion deal to purchase power plants and a wind farm, after accusing the company of predatory practices in the electricity market. Hes threatened to take over the limestone quarry of US-based Vulcan Materials Co. Chinas top lithium firm, Ganfeng Lithium Group Co., initiated an arbitration process with Mexico after the government canceled what would have been the countrys first commercial lithium mine.

Its part of the not-so-friendly relationship AMLO has struck with Mexicos business community and foreign companies. Hes invested in public-private agreements for infrastructure projects, celebrated Mexicos rise to become the top trading partner of the US, and taken a hands-off approach to banks.

His administration has worked closely with billionaire Carlos Slims Grupo Carso and Canadas TC Energy among others, but he continues to vilify certain parts of the business sector.

At a press briefing ahead of the reforms approval, Lopez Obrador said that if the government did not carry out the proposed changes, the countrys judges would continue defending foreign companies that come to sack, steal, and affect Mexicans economy.

He pointed to his defeated proposal to prioritize using power from Mexicos state-owned utility company over energy from private firms including producers of renewables, after it reached the desk of Mexicos Supreme Court justices.

Weve seen how they canceled laws that were meant to guarantee there was no increase in electricity costs, the president said, because they want the foreign companies to stay dominant.

US congressional lawmakers have put pressure on US Trade Representative Katherine Tai, warning in a letter that the reforms under consideration could make the 2026 review of the North American free trade agreement more difficult and potentially compromise US investors access to a stable, predictable, and unbiased regulatory framework. They urged her to seek to negotiate with AMLO and President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum, who takes power on Oct. 1.

Sheinbaum, for her part, has dismissed criticism against the reform, saying Monday that domestic and foreign investors should know that their investments will be well protected in Mexico and that this reform to the judiciary strengthens democracy and justice.

On Tuesday, protesters against the reform sought to halt congressional proceedings, pushing their way onto the Senate floor. When lawmakers resumed the session in an alternate building hours later, police lined up outside to prevent marchers from breaking in again.

The Morena party also faced criticism for supposedly twisting the arm of an opposition senator, Miguel Angel Yunes Marquez, to vote in favor of the judicial overhaul. The president on Wednesday denied to the media that his government had offered the senator money or threatened him in exchange for his vote, calling it a political decision.

Domino Effect

Investors arent comforted by AMLO and Sheinbaums assurances.

The possible politicization of judicial appointments would open the door for judges to face external pressures that could compromise their independence and impartiality, said Jose Domingo Figueroa, president of the Mexican Institute of Financial Executives.

That increased legal uncertainty would have a domino effect: Investors would lose confidence, and a slowdown in new foreign direct investment could lead to Mexico losing its investment grade, affecting its ability to obtain new financing, he said.

It would also risk erasing Mexicos appeal to foreign businesses in recent years.

Many companies had seen Mexico as a viable place to invest to be closer to the USs gigantic consumer market, a process called nearshoring. If that changes with the judicial reform, it could affect 1.9% of gross domestic product per year, said Gabriela Siller, Grupo Financiero Bases head of economic research.

One workaround for foreign investors, according to a Base report, is to require that disputes be resolved under US jurisdiction.

Its too soon to know if that will be enough.

Were not the only option to manufacture, said Jorge Gonzalez Henrichsen, co-CEO of the Nearshore Company, which helps US firms move part of their production to Mexico. Theres Vietnam, other parts of South East Asia, theres Colombia, theres India  and theres Texas.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
Kashmiri Member of Parliament (MP), Engineer Rashid walked out of Tihar Jail on September 11, a day after a Delhi court granted him interim bail in a terror-funding case till October 2.

Rashid has been let out for campaigning in the upcoming assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. The three-phased polls in the Union Territory end on October 1 and the results will be declared on October 8.

Rashids Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) has fielded 34 candidates in the assembly elections. His younger brother, Khurshid Ahmad Sheikh, is also a candidate from Langate seat in north Kashmirs Kupwara district. Rashid, who has been in jail since 2019 in a terror-funding case, has been an MLA from Langate seat twice.

Rashids entry into the assembly poll campaign is expected to give a big boost to his party in assembly elections, more so since he is now an elected MP in Lok Sabha.

Defeated Omar Abdullah Abdul Rashid Sheikh, popularly known as Engineer Rashid, is a former two-time MLA from Langate seat in north Kashmir.

Fifty-seven-year-old Rashid was in the news during the Lok Sabha Elections 2024 when he defeated former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah by over two lakh votes in the Baramulla seat in north Kashmir.

Rashid's win is a shocker since he contested the elections from Tihar jail, where he has been for the last five years facing charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act(UAPA). Rashid contested the election as an independent candidate and unlike in assembly elections he was not allowed to campaign during Lok Sabha polls.

The other candidate from the Baramulla seat was Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference (JKPC) chief, Sajad Lone.

Rashid won the Baramulla seat with 472,481 votes, almost double the number of votes polled by Abdullah and Lone combined. After his victory, Rashid was given court permission to take oath as an MP.

Separatist-turned-mainstream politician Before joining mainstream politics in 2008, he was a close aide of slain Hurriyat leader and JKPC founder Abdul Gani Lone, father of Sajad Lone. He had joined the Peoples Conference, founded by Abdul Gani Lone in 1978.

Remember, the Peoples Conference was then part of the separatist political camp and contested the assembly elections as part of the Muslim United Front in 1987. Rashid later shunned separatist politics and joined the government service as a civil engineer.

Rashid made a formal entry into mainstream politics in 2008 when he won assembly elections from the Langate assembly seat in Kupwara district. He won from the seat again in the 2014 assembly elections.

Later he established the Awami Ittehad Party, not yet recognized as a political party by the Election Commission of India (ECI). Rashid had also contested during the 2019 parliamentary elections form Baramulla, but lost. Akbar Lone of the National Conference had won the seat then.

Commoner Image Rashid is known for carrying a commoner image and raising issues that strike a chord with the masses. Seen dressed in Pathan suits and pheran- the Kashmiri woolen gown  Rashid resonated among youth during elections. It was Rashids campaign against alleged forced labour by the India Army in Langate helped him win two assembly polls, according to reports.

Rashid was arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), in August 2019, soon after the abrogation of Article 370, in a case of terror funding.

In the run-up to Lok Sabha elections, his two sons led his campaign, drawing large crowds as they sought votes for their jailed father. Supported by the Democratic Progressive Azad party, led by former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, Engineer Rashid's posters, showing him in prison, were commonplace in the election campaign.

"This is both an emotional and proud moment, Abrar Rashid, one of Engieer Rashid's son said on Tuesday after the interim bail order.

Rashid is charged with criminal conspiracy in a 2017 case against separatist leaders of receiving and collecting funds through hawala channels, in connivance with active militants of proscribed terrorist organizations Hizb-ul-Mujahideen, Dukhtaran-e-Millat, Lashkar-e-Toiba, to fund terrorist activities in Jammu and Kashmir, according to a report in Indian Express.

Rashid was not named initially. His name did not feature among the 12 accused in the agencys first chargesheet in the case, filed on January 18, 2018. However, Rashids name surfaced in the subsequent investigation. He was arrested on August 9, 2019  four days after the Bhartiya Janata Party government at the Centre abrogated Article 370 of Jammu and Kashmir.

In a supplementary chargesheet filed on October 4, 2019, the NIA named five people, including Rashid and Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front chief Yasin Malik.

Timing Questioned Jammu and Kashmirs mainstream politicians have questioned the timing of Rashids bail. Both the NC and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have smelled foul and claimed that the BJP has some sort of a deal with the AIP, along with other smaller parties.

PDP chief and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti had on Monday asked how the AIP was getting the resources to field so many candidates.

This is both an emotional and proud moment, said Abrar Rashid, Engineer Rashid's son, after the interim bail order.

Mehboobas rival Omar raised similar concerns. We were aware that it would happen. I feel regret for the people of the Baramulla seat as this bail has not been granted to serve them or attend Parliament but to fetch votes here. After that, he will be taken back to Tihar (Jail) and the people of north Kashmir will again be without a representative, he said.

According to political analysts, Rashids presence will boost the campaign of AIP candidates ahead of polls. Some said that AIP will potentially damage the electoral prospects of NC candidates in many north Kashmir seats.
(Bloomberg) -- Lithium producers surged from Asia to the Americas on speculation Chinese battery giant Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. halted production at a major mine, easing oversupply concerns for the material.

Shares of Albemarle Corp., the worlds largest lithium miner, climbed as much as 17% in New York on Wednesday, while SQM gained as much as 12%. Pilbara Minerals Ltd. jumped as much as 17% in Sydney, while Tianqi Lithium Corp. climbed 16% in Hong Kong. UBS Group AG, citing channel checks with contacts, said CATL suspended its lithium lepidolite operation at a Jiangxi mine following a meeting on Tuesday.

Based on recent lithium market conditions, CATL plans to make adjustment to the lithium carbonate production in Yichun, according to the company spokesperson.

The stoppage will spur an 8% cut in Chinas monthly lithium carbonate output and will help rebalance the supply with demand, UBS analysts led by Sky Han wrote in a note.

The shutdown is positive for the commodity, according to UBS, which expects 11% to 23% upside for lithium prices in the rest of 2024. While the broker cautioned that past rumors about halted operations at the mine had turned out to be incorrect, it said it received higher conviction this time.

Lithium shares have languished this year as a supply glut overwhelmed demand from battery manufacturers amid slower electric vehicle sales. Pilbara Minerals had closed at a two-year low on Tuesday.

In Australia, some lithium producers including Arcadium Lithium Plc and Core Lithium Ltd. were forced to shutter high-cost sites. Mine developer Global Lithium Resources Ltd. announced on Tuesday it would immediately cut expenses at its own highly prospective project, citing a longer-than-expected slump in pricing. Albemarle shut half of its current processing capacity in Australia and put expansion there on hold due to the deepening price decline.

Lithium prices may enter an upcycle starting 2026, with aggregate supply showing signs of tightening as construction in several projects including Argentinas Sal de Vida slow down and capital expenditure contracts, Guotai Junan Securities Co. analysts wrote in a note. Lithium stocks typically start to rise six to nine months ahead of the commoditys price, they added.

Listen on Zero: How China Left the World Far Behind in the Battery Race

--With assistance from April Ma, John Cheng, Danny Lee, Annie Lee and Yvonne Yue Li.

(Adds shares of Albemarle, SQM in second paragraph.)

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
(Bloomberg) -- Tropical Storm Francine is expected to reach hurricane strength before making landfall in Louisiana Wednesday on a path that has shuttered some offshore oil platforms but will likely miss major gas export plants.

On its current track, Francine could graze Morgan City and Baton Rouge, with impacts from its winds extending as far east as New Orleans, before pushing into Mississippi. Aside from coastal flooding caused by a storm surge that may reach as high as 10 feet (3 meters), there is a moderate chance of flash flooding for New Orleans and other parts of southeastern Louisiana, the US Weather Prediction Center said.

With top winds of 65 miles (105 kilometers) per hour, the storm is about 360 miles southwest of Morgan City, the National Hurricane Center said in an advisory at 4 p.m. Houston time. Francine is expected to bypass liquefied natural gas facilities clustered around the Texas-Louisiana border, including Cheniere Energy Inc.s Sabine Pass terminal.

Earlier forecasts that Francine would reach Category 2 on the Saffir-Simpson scale have been revised downward, with its top winds now expected to reach 90 mph, making it a Category 1 storm. Still, Francine will likely cause $2.7 billion in damage and losses, 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. Francine would be the third hurricane to hit the US mainland this year.

Late Monday and into Tuesday, 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 will provide fuel for strengthening, but Francine also faces wind conditions that could damage the storms structure and limit its power.

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry declared a state of emergency as Francine approached. A hurricane warning is in effect for a small slice of the Louisiana coast, from Cameron to Grand Isle. Storm surge warnings are in place from Sabine Pass to the Mississippi-Alabama border, as well as Lake Pontchartrain to the north of New Orleans.

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. Federal officials said the total amount of shut-in oil represented nearly a quarter of current crude production in the Gulf of Mexico. Gas supply to US LNG export plants was down 3.2% Tuesday from a day earlier. Five Gulf Coast refineries also lie in the storms track. Residents near Exxon Mobils Beaumont, Texas refinery were warned to shelter in place and seal doorways, in case of a gas release from the plant.

Meanwhile, the US Coast Guard declared Port Condition Yankee Tuesday at Beaumont, Port Arthur, and other key Texas ports, a warning that rough weather is expected within 24 hours. Louisianas Port Fourchon also began emergency evacuations.

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. But rains will make field work harder, delaying harvests and reducing grain quality.

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 from populated areas.

--With assistance from Ruth Liao, Tarso Veloso, Robert Tuttle, Cedric Sam, Kevin Crowley, Christopher Charleston and Mitchell Ferman.

(Updates storm location and path in second and third paragraphs, NWS warning locations in paragraph six and port conditions in paragraph eight.)

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
(Updates prices in paragraphs 5 and 7, adds detail from Goldman CEO's CNBC interview in paragraph 7)

By Pritam Biswas

Sept 11 (Reuters) - U.S. bank stocks fell on Wednesday, extending declines after top executives warned of a slower-than-anticipated recovery in investment banking and an expected hit to interest income from looming rate cuts.

The commentary has sparked concerns about the industry, which has been under stress since last year. It also comes at a delicate time for the economy as a slowdown in the labor market spooks investors.

"Investors are trying to reconcile a few moving parts that are both bullish and bearish," said David Wagner, portfolio manager and equity analyst at Aptus Capital Advisors.

"Rate cuts are expected to compress net interest income (NII) but lower rates are also supposed to help boost spending. A tug of war has begun to see if growth can insulate the NII compression."

Bank of America, Citigroup and Wells Fargo fell between 1.3% and 2%. Morgan Stanley dipped 0.5%, while JPMorgan Chase was largely flat.

The comments overshadowed concessions made by the Federal Reserve, which has said it will water down a highly contested plan to raise big banks' capital.

Goldman Sachs shares turned positive and were last up marginally. In an interview with CNBC, the bank's CEO, David Solomon,

dismissed the notion

that its planned early exit from a credit card partnership with General Motors was "messy".

OVERLY OPTIMISTIC NII

JPMorgan led the declines on Tuesday with a 5.2% fall after President and Chief Operating Officer Daniel Pinto said forecasts for the bank's 2025 NII - the difference between what it earns on loans and pays out on deposits - were overly optimistic.

Rivals Wells Fargo and Citigroup had declined 1.2% and 2.7% respectively on Tuesday, while investment banks Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs each fell 1.6% and 4.4%.

Higher rates had boosted banks' loan income, but easing monetary policy would lead to smaller-than-expected increases.

Morgan Stanley has also forecast modestly lower interest income for the third quarter, with President Dan Simkowitz noting that mergers, acquisitions and initial public offering activities will remain below trends for the rest of the year.

Pinto expects JPMorgan's trading revenue to be flat or rise 2% in the quarter, while Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon anticipates a probable 10% dip due to sluggish conditions in August.

Citigroup's CFO Mark Mason told investors at a conference in New York on Monday that markets revenue is likely to drop 4%.
The United States on Wednesday solemnly remembered the 2,977 lives lost in the 9/11 terror attack, which continues to cast a profound shadow over the nation. On September 11, 2001, four planes were hijacked, and two of them flew through the twin towers of the World Trade Center in the heart of New York City.

US presidential poll contenders, Vice President and Democratic nominee Kamala Harris and former US President and Republican candidate Donald Trump met again at the 9/11 observances at the World Trade Center in New York and the Flight 93 National Memorial in Pennsylvania.

Also Read | No death penalty for 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed

September 11 Attacks: A photograph of the dust-covered victim, Marcy Borders (19732015)

Twenty-three years have passed since 19 terrorists, following the directions of Osama Bin Laden of the Al Qaeda terror group, hijacked four commercial aeroplanes and flew them into the Twin Towers in New York City and the Pentagon. A fourth plane, United Flight 93, crashed in Pennsylvania.

The September 11 terror attack remains the deadliest in documented history of humanity.

A look at the 1 hour and 40 minutes of September 11 In the early hours of September 11, 2001, nineteen hijackers seized control of four commercial airlinerstwo Boeing 757s and two Boeing 767s.

These flights, originally heading to California, had taken off from Logan International Airport in Boston, Massachusetts; Newark Liberty International Airport in Newark, New Jersey; and Washington Dulles International Airport in Loudoun and Fairfax counties, Virginia.

Al Qaeda leader Mohamed Atta flew American Airlines Flight 11 into the North Tower of the World Trade Center complex in Lower Manhattan at 8:46 a.m.

A satellite view of the 9/11 attacks.

After North Tower was hit, in the lobby, fire chiefs set up the command post  while bodies and debris hit the ground outside, reports CNN.

Seventeen minutes later, at 9:03, the World Trade Center's South Tower was hit by United Airlines Flight 175.

Right before the hijacked plane was going to hit the South Tower, one Brian Sweeney, a former pilot and instructor for the United States Navy, onboard the highjacked Flight 175, called his wife and left her a message.

I want you to do good, go have good times, same to my parents and everybody.

At 9.59 am the South Tower collapsed.

First responders had 29 minutes to make a choice: help those trapped in the North Tower or retreat to safety before it came down as well, witnesses recalled to CNN.

Half an hour later, at 10.28 am, the North Tower collapsed.

A wall of smoke and debris overtook anyone running on the streets below the twin towers in New York.

Both 110-story skyscrapers of the World Trade Center collapsed within an hour and forty-one minutes.

Then the noise stopped, and I'm still alive. And I think it took a few seconds to realize that I'm going to continue living. I was so sure I was going to die, recounted a witness, who was in the North Tower when it was hit.

Then the noise stopped, and I'm still alive. And I think it took a few seconds to realize that I'm going to continue living. I was so sure I was going to die

The Falling Man: The "Falling Man" is a photograph by Associated Press photographer Richard Drew, capturing an unidentified individual falling from the North Tower during the September 11 attacks. Taken at 9:41 am, the image depicts the man either fleeing the fire and smoke or falling while seeking safety.

September 11 Attacks: The 'Falling Man' is a photograph by Associated Press photographer Richard Drew

Meanwhile, American Airlines Flight 77 flew towards Washington, DC and crashed into the Pentagon at 9.37 am, causing a partial collapse.

The fourth and final aircraft, United Airlines Flight 93, was diverted towards Washington, DC, with investigators suspecting its intended target was either the US Capitol or the White House.

Rescue workers carry a fatally injured man in the 9/11 attacks.

In response to the earlier attacks, the passengers on board resisted the hijackers, leading to the plane being forced down into a field in Stony Creek Township, near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, at 10.03 am.

According to local media accounts, eventually, the dust settled in the next few days, but the country continued to be haunted and continued to question the alleged involvement of Saudi Arabia in the September 11 attacks.

The September 11 Attacks

AIRLINES FLIGHT No FLIGHT TYPE TIME OF DEPARTURE TIME OF CRASH DEPARTED FROM HEADED TO CRASH SITE American Airlines 11 Boeing 767-223ER 7:59 a.m. 8:46 a.m Logan International Airport Los Angeles International Airport North Tower of the World Trade Center, floors 93 to 99 United Airlines 175 Boeing 767222 8:14 a.m. 9:03 am Logan International Airport Los Angeles International Airport South Tower of the World Trade Center, floors 77 to 85 American Airlines 77

Boeing 757223 8:20 a.m. 9:37 a.m. Washington Dulles International Airport Los Angeles International Airport West wall of Pentagon United Airlines 93 Boeing 757222 8:42 a.m. 10:03 a.m. Newark Int'l Airport San Francisco International Airport Field in Stony creek Township near Shanksville

Survivors covered in dust after the collapse of the World Trade Center towers
Donald Trump v Kamala Harris: Republican presidential nominee and former United States President Donald Trump, and Democratic presidential candidate and US Vice President Kamala Harris are facing-off in their first debate today (September 10 local time / September 11 IST).

Hosted by ABC ahead of the November 2024 US Presidential elections, the debate is taking place at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. In IST that is 6:30 am today, September 11.

Amid the debate, we check at where both candidates are in terms of favour among US voters. While Trump was leading widely when contesting against US President Joe Biden, Harris taking over the campaign brought about a reversal of sorts. So, did that initial momentum for Harris sustain into steady lead? We take a look.

Trump v Harris: What Do US Polls Say? Now, Harris and Trump are locked in a tight contest, as per multiple voter polls conducted on September 10, Hindustan Times reported.

Americans are slightly more likely to trust Trump over Harris when it comes to handling the economy, according to an AP-NORC poll from August, AP reported.

The New York Times/Siena College poll released on September 8 found 28 per cent of likely voters said they needed to know more about Harris, while just 9 per cent said that of Trump, Bloomberg reported.

Further, over six out of 10 likely voters said the next president should represent a major change from Joe Biden  something Harris has struggled with, the Bloomberg report added. And just a quarter of those surveyed in the NYT/Siena poll said Harris represented that change, while 53 per cent said Trump did.

Harris Leading by Small Margins The NYT/Siena poll showed Trump leading Harris 48%47% among 1,695 registered voters. The poll was conducted from September 3-6. Notably, while Trump is only leading by 1 per cent, the margin of error on the poll is 2.8 percentage points, the HT report said.

In a win on the Emerson College poll, Harris has a small lead on Trump 49%-47%. Of those surveyed, 3 per cent said they are uncertain, and 1 percent want to vote for a different candidate, the report added.

Next, the Morning Consult and FiveThirtyEight polls also showed Harris leading Trump 49%-46% and 47.1%-44.3%, respectively.

Stakes High in Swing States In swing states Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, the YouGov poll shows Harris v Trump at 50%-49%, 50%-50%, and 51%-49%, respectively.

Another poll conducted by the Washington Post showed Harris and Trump each leading in three out of seven swing states. For Harris, these three states are Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. For Trump, it is Arizona, Georgia, and North Carolina, HT reported. The WaPo poll collates data from state and national surveys and considers the last two election winners from a given state.

Notably, polls in 2016 and 2020 had under registered support for Trump during those elections, so the numbers being so close is very little comfort to Harris' campaign.
US Vice-President Kamala Harris said former US President Donald Trump would be telling "a bunch of lies" and "that is not actually a surprising fact" during their first presidential debate on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Harris falsely claimed that Trump left office with the "worst unemployment since the Great Depression".

As the debate was underway on Wednesday, several media houses fact-checked the slew of allegations levelled by Harris and Trump  the two US presidential candidates  in the run-up to the November 5 elections.

Here we decode the truth behind claims made during the Trump Vs Harris debate:

CLAIM 1: Kamala Harris said Donald Trump left office with the "worst unemployment since the Great Depression".

The claim is false. The New York Times revealed that unemployment spiked to its worst levels since the Great Depression in the pandemic recession of 2020. It was 6.4 per cent in January 2021, when Trump left the office. CNN cited the Bureau of Labor Statistics to explain that the unemployment rate skyrocketed to 14.8 per cent in April 2020 (Covid-19 pandemic). That was the highest rate since 1939, according to BLS historical records.

CLAIM 2: Donald Trump talked about Haitian immigrants eating local people's pet cats and dogs in Ohio. He said that in Springfield, theyre eating the dogs. "The people that came in, theyre eating the cats. Theyre eating  theyre eating the pets of the people that live there," he said.

The claim is false. During the debate, Trump was corrected by the moderator that authorities had said this didn't happen. A spokeswoman for the city of Springfield in Ohio reportedly said that despite viral social media posts, there have been no credible reports or specific claims of pets being harmed, injured or abused by individuals within the immigrant community.

CLAIM 3: Donald Trump alleged that Harris' vice-presidential pick Minnesota Governor Tim Walz "says abortion in the ninth month is absolutely fine". He further claimed that some states allow people to execute babies. He said the previous governor of West Virginia had once said that the baby will be born and "we will decide what to do with the baby. In other words, we will execute the baby...Democrats are radial in that".

The claim is false. No state allows for the execution of a baby after it is born. Killing of newborns is called infanticide, and it is illegal in every US state. According to CNN, Trump also misspoke. It was not the former West Virginia governor but the former Governor of Virginia Ralph Northam who made a controversial remark in 2019 that many Republicans said sounded like he supported infanticide.

CLAIM 4: Donald Trump said Kamala Harris is a "Marxist"

This claim is false. A report cited Communism and Marxism experts as saying that Kamala Harris positions do not align with the philosophies of Marxism. Harris is not against private home or business ownership, for example, a report cited by the New York Times said.

Marxism refers to the school of thought inspired by Karl Marxs analysis of capitalism. Communism is a political system of government or a party that abolishes private property.

CLAIM 5: Kamala Harris said she and her running mate Walz are gun owners

This is true. Harris currently owns a handgun, an aide told CNN. In 2019, Harris had said, I am a gun owner, and I own a gun for probably the reason a lot of people do  for personal safety...I was a career prosecutor.

CLAIM 6: Kamala Harris said the US Supreme Court recently ruled that Trump "would essentially be immune from any misconduct if he were to enter the White House again".

This claim needs to put in context. In July this year, the US Supreme Court had said that Donald Trump cannot be prosecuted for "official actions" taken as president, but can for private acts, in a landmark ruling recognising for the first time any form of presidential immunity from prosecution.

CLAIM 7: Donald Trump said Russian President Vladimir Putin endorsed Harris last week. "Said I hope she wins. And I think he meant it...," Trump said.

The claim is misleading. Contradicting reports have emerged over time. In an interview at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Russia, on September 5, Putin said, We had the current president, Mr [Joe] Biden, as our favourite, but he is not participating in the election race. He recommended that all his allies support Ms Harris. That's what we are going to do, we are going to support her.

Meanwhile, according to the New York Times, the US intelligence agencies assessed that Putin supports the election of Trump.

CLAIM 8: Donald Trump claimed during the debate that 21 million people are "pouring into our country monthly" under President Joe Biden's rule. He said, "When you look at what she's done to our country and when you look at these millions and millions of people that are pouring into our country monthly where it's I believe 21 million people, not the 15 that people say, and I think it's a lot higher than the 21. That's bigger than New York state. Pouring in."

This claim is false. The total number of encounters at the northern and southern borders from February 2021 through July 2024, at both legal ports of entry and in between those ports, was roughly 10 million, CNN reported. It added that an encounter does not mean a person was let into the country; some people encountered are promptly sent away.

CLAIM 9: Kamal Harris claimed that Donald Trump wants a "20% tax on everyday goods" that would cost middle-class families "about $4,000 more a year." She called it "Trump sales tax".

This claim is true, but needs context. According to ABC News, Trump has proposed a universal "10-20%" tariff on all US imports, from cars and electronics to wine, food products and many other goods. He has also proposed a 60% tariff on imports from China. Harris called the plan "Trump's sales tax". But Trump has not called for any tax hikes for American families. Moreover, the precise financial impact on families is hard to predict.

Also Read | Goldman says big US tax haul means debt-limit deadline in July

CLAIM 10: Kamala Harris said, "If Donald Trump were to be reelected, he will sign a national abortion ban." She added, "Understand, in his Project 2025 there would be a national abortion ban...-- a monitor that would be monitoring your pregnancies, your miscarriages."

This claim is said to be false and misleading too. Trump said during the debate, "I'm not signing a ban...And there's no reason to sign a ban." According to ABC News, Trump had earlier promised that if elected, he will not sign a federal abortion ban into law and will leave the issue up to the states.

During the debate, Trump reacted to a question of whether or not he would veto a national abortion ban. He said, Well, I didn't discuss it with JD [Vance, who is Trump's vice presidential pick]. In all fairness. JD  And I don't mind if he has a certain view but I think he was speaking for me but I really didn't.

Moreover, Trump has denied any association with Project 2025.
Kamala Harris Vs Donald Trump debate: Donald Trump beat Kamala Harris in a virtual coin toss before their presidential debate  but thats about all he won. The Vice President of the United States, Kamala Harris, seemingly bested the debate; she tried to throw Trump off his game. He repeatedly took the bait. However, there is now contention if 'Kamala sounded a lot like Obama'.

Barack Obama, the 44th President of United States of America.

Netizens have been abuzz with speculations that Kamala Harris may have had help from former US president Obama during the ABC News Presidential debate. Kamala Harris baited Donald Trump for nearly all of the 1 hour and 45 minutes of their first and potentially only debate on Tuesday night  and Trump took every bit of it.

How could Obama have helped Harris during a live debate?

Netizens have flagged her earrings!

One X (formerly Twitter) user Aravind, has said, "I think Kamala did a great job tonight in the debate against Trump, who I think is a great orator and debator himself. But her earrings intrigued me a lot. May be because I got reminded of similar looking ones from some tech article on an earphone that looks like earrings."

The post shared a screenshot of Nova HT Audio earphones resembling earrings. It claimed that those earphones and Kamala Harris' earrings had an eerie similarity, fostering theories of Obama's help.

The post shared a screenshot of Nova HT Audio earphones resembling earrings. It claimed that those earphones and Kamala Harris' earrings had an eerie similarity, fostering theories of Obama's help.

Another X account 'Emergent Perspective' posted, If you think Kamala sounded a lot like Obama tonight...she probably did. BUSTED! Compare NOVA H1 Audio Earrings to the ones she had on tonight...

On Tuesday, Kamala Harris had prepared extensively for their debate, and peppered nearly every answer with a comment designed to enrage former president Donald Trump.

Harris told Trump that world leaders were laughing at him, and military leaders called him a disgrace. She called Trump weak and wrong. She said 81 million voters fired Trump  the number that voted for President Joe Biden in 2020.

Clearly, hes having a very difficult time processing that, she said.
During the highly anticipated debate against Vice President Kamala Harris, former President Donald Trump referred to the assassination attempt he survived earlier in the year, attributing the violence to the rhetoric from Harris and the Democratic Party. Trump claimed, "I probably took a bullet to the head because of the things that they say about me. They talk about democracy. I'm a threat to democracy. They're the threat to democracy," while speaking from the debate stage in Philadelphia on Tuesday evening.

The assassination attempt occurred in July during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The assailant, Matthew Crooks, fired shots, injuring Trump in the ear, wounding two audience members, and tragically killing local firefighter Corey Comperatore.

Trump's assertion that Democratic rhetoric may have incited the shooting was met with a strong rebuttal from Harris. She argued that Trump would likely use the Department of Justice to target his political opponents if re-elected. "Well, let's talk about extreme, and understand the context in which this election in 2024 is taking place. The United States Supreme Court recently ruled that the former president would essentially be immune from any misconduct if he were to enter the White House again," Harris remarked.

Trump, having recovered from the attack, was seen with a bandage over his ear just days later at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. This debate at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia marked the first direct face-off between Trump and Harris, following President Joe Bidens decision to withdraw from the race amid growing concerns about his cognitive abilities.

Trump vs Harris The debate, which began at 9 p.m. EDT on Tuesday, provided Americans with a closer look at a drastically altered presidential race since the last debate in June. Within a short period, President Joe Biden withdrew from the race following a poor performance, Donald Trump survived an assassination attempt, and both political sides finalized their choices for running mates.

This debate could be the only time voters see Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Trump face off directly before the general election in November, as no additional debates have been scheduled.
In the first (and only) televised debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, the former accused the ex-US president of selling out the country on China. During the ABC News presidential debate, US Vice President Kamala Harris blamed Trump for high unemployment rates during COVID pandemic. She also held him responsible for policies favouring China over America's interest.

The face-off between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump could have a significant impact on the upcoming US Presidential Elections set to take place on November 5.

A policy about China should be in making sure the United States of America wins the competition for the 21st century, which means focusing on the details of what that requires, focusing on relationships with our allies, focusing on investing in American-based technology so that we win the race on AI, on quantum computing, focusing on what we need to do to support Americas workforce, said Kamala Harris in the debate.

Kamala Harris lambasts Donald Trump over post-Covid economic slump Kamala Harris also sharply criticised Trump for leaving the country in an economically miserable state after the Covid-19 pandemic. She also mentioned the US Capitol attack in 2021 and blamed Trump for the attack.

What we have done is clean up Donald Trumps mess, Harris said. She opened her answer by saying she expects voters to hear a bunch of lies, grievances and name calling from her GOP opponent during their 90-minute debate.

In his rebuttal, Donald Trump denied Harris's remarks of economic instability in the country and claimed that the US Stock market reached to a new high during his tenure as US President despite COVID pandemic. He also highlighted the record production of masks, sanitisers, and other medicines in the US during the pandemic.
Nippon Steel Corp. is mounting a last-ditch push to muster support for its $14.1 billion takeover of United States Steel Corp., a deal opposed by President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and ex-President Donald Trump.

Biden and Harris want the company to remain domestically owned while Trump has flatly said hed block it. The United Steelworkers union leadership also opposes the deal. But, among other stakeholders and some union members, the view is more mixed  with some supporting the deal because they worry that another buyer wont match Nippon Steels pledges to invest $2.7 billion into some mills.

Nippon Steel Executive Vice President Takahiro Mori traveled to Washington for meetings Wednesday. The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States must review the deal and send a recommendation to Bidens desk. As of Wednesday, it had yet to do so, according to a US official who asked not to be identified discussing private deliberations. People familiar with the matter said earlier this month that Biden planned to kill the sale once it reaches his desk.

US Steel rose as much as 8.7% to as high as $33.92 a share as of 3:45 p.m. in New York, the biggest intraday increase since Dec. 18.

Some union members and political figures are expressing support for a deal that otherwise faces staunch opposition from union brass and the highest echelons of American politics.

Many of the rank and file at a trio of plants near Pittsburgh want the deal to go through, Jason Zugai, vice president of United Steelworkers Local 2227, said in an interview. He represents workers at one of three plants in Pennsylvanias Mon Valley that could benefit as Nippon Steel has pledged to invest at least $1 billion there.

The deal on the table would solidify the jobs in the Mon Valley for the next 50 to 100 years, Zugai said.

Earlier: US Steel Assets Face Chopping Block Without Japan Deal

While some local members favor the offer, the overarching United Steelworkers union opposes the deal.

The bottom line about this merger is that it jeopardizes national security and critical supply chains, United Steel Workers President Dave McCall said in a statement, insisting that Nippons commitments come with so many conditions as to make their promises worthless.

Now USS and Nippon are politicizing the situation in a last-ditch attempt to save the deal, he said.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, a Democrat who has neither backed nor opposed the deal, publicly, is acting as something of a mediator behind the scenes. Shapiros office said earlier this month he was working with all parties to find a solution that protects Pennsylvania jobs.

The White House and Shapiros office declined to comment.

In his communication with the administration, Shapiro has not expressed opposition to blocking the sale and has said he supports the steelworkers, according to a person familiar with the matter who also asked not to be identified to discuss the talks.

US Steel has threatened to shutter plants and move its headquarters out of Pennsylvania if the acquisition collapses. But McCall has steadfastly opposed the deal, saying Nippon Steel is refusing to put its parent companys name on the agreement or offer sufficient guarantees to the union.

At the end of the day, therell still be people around interested in US Steel, he said in an interview last week.

The company has rebutted that. There is no scenario where US Steel would make these investments  absent Nippon Steel. A transaction with Nippon Steel is the best avenue to ensure that US Steel will be able to thrive well into the future, US Steel said in a statement.

US Steel and Nippon Steel took the extraordinary step Wednesday of publishing their private correspondence with the union, saying they want to fight public mischaracterizations of our communications with the USW.

Mori, in a Sept. 3 letter to McCall, said: Personally, I remain convinced that, if you and I can partner together, we can achieve amazing results for US Steel and the USWs membership.

Were confident that Nippon Steels acquisition of U. S. Steel will benefit American workers, local communities, and national security in a way no other alternative can, Nippon Steel said in a statement.

US-based Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. has expressed interest in buying some or all of US Steel, but was outbid by Nippon Steel. The companys chief executive officer has said the company might still be interested. Pennsylvanias two senators, Bob Casey, whos running for re-election, and John Fetterman, also oppose the deal.

Earlier: Japan PM Contender Hayashi Holds Out Hope for Nippon Steel Deal

Pennsylvania, home to both US Steel and the union, is a key battleground state and the issue has become entwined in the US presidential election. But neither Harris nor Trump raised the deal in their debate Tuesday, held in Pennsylvania.

Biden and Harris have both said US Steel should remain American owned and operated  guaranteed, Biden once said. Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, has vowed to kill the sale, and his running mate, Senator JD Vance of Ohio, is a longtime opponent of the deal.

Yoshimasa Hayashi, Japans top government spokesman and a candidate for the ruling partys leadership, said in an interview with Bloomberg last week, after reports that Biden was poised to block the deal, that hes holding out hope the sale can proceed. Its still going on and we dont know the result yet, Hayashi said.

In Allegheny County, which includes Pittsburgh and several US Steel facilities, county council member Sam DeMarco is in favor of the deal. As many as 7,500 jobs directly and indirectly rely on the operations of US Steel in the Pittsburgh area, DeMarco said.

So many of the folks that are in the rank and file, what theyre concerned with is that they have a job in the future and the ability to put food on the familys table and a roof over the familys head, DeMarco said.

At the Irvin plant, Justin Calderone, a shift manager and a former USW member, supports the deal.

I have not had many run-ins with people who are just like we cant be sold this and that, Calderone said. I would say 90% of the people here believe that the Nippon purchase is whats best for our facility.

Pennsylvania State Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward, a Republican, supports the sale.

My message to either party is take a look at the concessions that have been given. Take a look at the promised investment, she said in an interview, referring to Bidens decision. It would a devastating thing if Biden kills this then, four to five years after, US Steel says were leaving.
In May, Chinas central government urged more than 200 cities to buy unsold homes to ease oversupply. More than three months later, only 29 have heeded the call.

The glacial pace of implementation  driven in large part by the unattractive economics of the plan for local governments  underscores the challenge President Xi Jinping faces as he tries to arrest a record property slump thats threatening to undermine the countrys growth targets.

The plan has been a key part of the governments attempt to shore up the real estate sector, while achieving Xis goal of creating more affordable housing. The disappointing progress raises the pressure for more forceful measures as China tries to deal with 382 million square meters of excess inventory, equivalent to the size of Detroit.

Local governments have made slow headway, Ding Zu Yu, chairman of Shanghai CRIC Info Tech Co., wrote in a late August report. Purchases stood at only 1.9% of unsold apartments nationwide as of July, Ding estimates.

Local bureaucrats are reconciling the demands from Beijing while trying to be prudent about costs. Buying apartments at this point makes little financial sense for those officials, as apartment prices are expected to drop at least another 30% in major cities before stabilizing, according to Jefferies Financial Group Inc.

Estimated returns from turning inventory into affordable housing are also below the cost of funding. Rental yields in Chinas tier-1 cities averaged just 1.4% in 2023, compared with the central banks funding rate of 1.75%, according to Macquarie Group Ltd.

A few cities have proposed to resort to heavy bargaining to minimize their risks, raising doubts on whether distressed developers would be willing to sell their inventory. In southern Guangdong, Foshan city proposed to buy at no more than 50% of prices of similar projects nearby. Within the same province, Dongguan city plans to price for-sale affordable housing at around 50% of new-home values in a survey, meaning buying costs would be even lower than that.

The potential for improved returns exists only if unsold homes were bought at a significant discount, said Tyran Kam, senior director on Asia-Pacific Corporate Ratings at Fitch. But local governments might also be wary of doing this because of the socio-political repercussions for local homeowners, he said.

The move risks further stressing local finances that are already on shaky ground. Regional governments ability to spur growth has been undermined by a record drop of income from land sales, with their budget spending shrinking in the first seven months. Among all 31 provinces and municipalities, only Shanghai recorded a fiscal surplus in the first half.

We do not expect a wide rollout of the purchase program due to the lack of funding and the fact that banks and state-owned firms need to bear the full credit and investment risks, said Zerlina Zeng, senior credit analyst at Creditsights Singapore LLC.

Central Bank Program

After the Peoples Bank of China unveiled the initiative in May, the central bank called on more than 200 cities to advance the plan, according to a state media report. The next month, the housing ministry pushed the program to be widened to counties, meaning 387 lower prefectures were also encouraged to join.

Authorities in at least 60 cities have voiced support for the initiative, according to China Index Holdings. But not many have announced detailed rules to pave the way for implementation, said its research director Chen Wenjing.

While state buying of housing inventory is widely seen as a key step toward easing the glut, uptake of the central banks funding support has also been low.

Only 12.1 billion yuan , or 4% of the PBOCs 300 billion yuan relending program had been utilized as of the end of June, public data showed.

The limited usage of existing financing programs signals that the returns and cash flow from social housing are insufficient to service associated debt, Fitch Ratings analysts wrote in an Aug. 29 note.

Analysts have also been skeptical about whether the central bank funding is sufficient, as its just a fraction of the 1 trillion yuan to 5 trillion yuan that is needed to fix the supply-demand mismatch.

To address funding concerns, China is considering letting local governments use special loans to purchase excess residential units, which would give them access to as much as 1.6 trillion yuan of funding, Bloomberg reported last month. That would be more than enough to fund the home-buying program, which is expected to not exceed 1 trillion yuan for 2024-2025, according to Bloomberg Intelligence.

Relaxing Rules

Stringent purchasing requirements have also added to the challenges. In May, a suburban district in Hangzhou stipulated that potential targets be completed en-bloc assets with enough car parking space. Chongqing demands that building selections have a subway station, school and hospital within a kilometer.

Still, other cities with similar requests are lowering the bar. In August, the southern tech hub of Shenzhen stopped requiring that target assets be fully constructed. Zhaoqing city in southern Guangdong province ceased limiting purchases to en-bloc buildings. Shangqiu city in central Henan province has dropped its location standards.

More cities are likely to ease their rules to expand the pool of potential targets, Ding wrote.

But for now, China may struggle to sell its home bailout plan to local governments, said Bloomberg Intelligence analyst Kristy Hung. The meager rental yields hardly justify the risk.
By Nate Raymond

BOSTON, Sept 10 - An employee of French drugmaker Ipsen has agreed to plead guilty to illegally making more than $262,000 by trading on inside information he learned about his company's plans to acquire cancer drug developer Epizyme in 2022.

Dishant Gupta, Ipsen's director of data strategy and operations, plans to plead guilty to securities fraud and is settling related claims by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, according to filings in Boston federal court on Tuesday.

A plea hearing is set for Oct. 8. Jeffrey Lichtman, a lawyer for the 40-year-old New Jersey resident, in an email said his client was working to resolve the case.

Ipsen said it does not comment on legal matters concerning current or former employees and was focused on compliance with applicable laws.

Prosecutors said that an Ipsen executive during a meeting in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in March 2022 asked Gupta to help him put together materials related to a potential acquisition of a cancer drug and an unidentified drug company's assets.

Days later, he met with Ipsen executives to discuss possible acquisitions in the oncology market, and by April 7, 2022, Gupta knew the cancer drug and assets Ipsen wanted to acquire belonged to Cambridge-based biotech Epizyme, the maker of the cancer medication Tazverik, prosecutors said.

That day, he began buying Epizyme shares in his wife's brokerage account, according to charging documents. He bought more in the days that followed as the companies discussed a potential outright acquisition of Epizyme, prosecutors said.

Gupta began conducting frequent internet searches that authorities said showed his awareness of a potential deal, with searches for "Epizyme buyout" and "Epizyme takeover," according to prosecutors and the SEC.

Ipsen announced its $247 million acquisition of Epizyme on June 27, 2022. Gupta then sold all of his Epizyme shares, netting him a profit of more than $262,000, prosecutors said.
Donald Trumps attacks on Germanys energy policy during Tuesdays debate drew umbrage  and a sharp social media jab  from the countrys foreign ministry, underscoring the extent to which the Republican presidential nominee retains a raw diplomatic relationship with some of Europes leading powers.

The squabble originated in the closing moments of Trumps face-to-face showdown with Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris, whom the former president was eager to cast as an opponent of fracking and fossil fuels and in favor of renewable energy.

The issue has become a flashpoint in Pennsylvania, the key swing state where the debate was held and where a fracking boom has boosted the economy.

Germany tried that, and within one year they were back to building normal energy plants, Trump said Tuesday night. Were not ready for it. We cant sacrifice our country for the sake of bad vision.

Germanys foreign ministry bridled at the swipe, saying in a social media post, Like it or not: Germanys energy system is fully operational, with more than 50% renewables. And we are shutting down  not building  coal & nuclear plants. Coal will be off the grid by 2038 at the latest.

PS: We also dont eat cats and dogs, the post added.

The quip  a reference to Trumps airing during the debate of an unfounded conspiracy theory that migrants in Ohio were eating neighborhood pets  was a break from normally staid diplomatic statements, particularly among allies who often seek to avoid taking sides in domestic campaigns.

The episode also underscored the extent to which energy policy might remain a sore spot for Germany, which decided to close the nations nuclear reactors after the 2011 disaster at Japans Fukushima plant. The decision meant that Germany had to burn more environmentally-damaging coal to make up for lost energy production  particularly after Russias invasion of Ukraine led to a surge in the cost of natural gas. Berlin has dropped an initial goal to phase out coal by the end of the decade.

Still, the country has not undertaken the type of reversal described by Trump. The use of coal power has dropped significantly in recent years and the country does not have plans to construct any new coal-fired plants.

Trump frequently clashed with then-German Chancellor Angela Merkel during his presidency, and in particular his push to condition US military protection on allies reaching the goal of spending at least 2% of gross domestic product on defense. Current German leader Olaf Scholz praised Harris earlier this year as a competent and experienced politician.
Two Maldivian ministers resigned Tuesday, the government said, months after they were suspended for allegedly using "derogatory remarks" against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, dubbed as pro-China, had suspended the three ministers in January for their remarks. One of them had reportedly called PM Modi a "clown". A government official was quoted by AFP as saying that both had resigned citing "personal reasons".

Official sources told the news agency that the resignations came ahead of a potential visit by Muizzu to New Delhi. Last month, India's foreign minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar had visited the archipelago nation for the first time since Male expelled Indian troops in May.

The now ex-ministers had criticised Modi on social media, sparking angry protests from Indian celebrities who called for a tourism boycott, the mainstay of the nation's economy.

There was no immediate word on a third minister, who was also suspended in January.

Also Read | Maldives President congrats PM Modi on Indias Independence Day

Maldives Vs Lakshadweep In January this year, the India-Maldives diplomatic ties hit a roadblock when several Maldivian leaders lashed out at PM Modi for promoting Lakshadweep as a tourist destination. The move was seen by Maldivian leaders and MPs as a way to lure Indian tourists away from Maldives, and encouraging them to visit Lakshadweep instead.

PM Modi had posted photographs of himself snorkelling, and suggested the islands should be on the must-visit list of any adventure-seeking tourist.

Known as a luxury holiday destination, Maldives became a geopolitical hotspot, with New Delhi suspicious of Beijing's influence in Male. India's government has traditionally considered the Maldives, home to around half a million people, within its sphere of influence.

Global east-west shipping lanes pass the nation's chain of 1,192 tiny coral islands, stretching around 800 kilometres (500 miles) across the equator.

Maldivian President Muizzu to visit India very soon Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu will travel to India on an official visit "very soon", his spokesperson said on Tuesday. Heena Waleed, the chief spokesperson at the President's Office, announced Muizzu's visit on a day when two junior ministers, suspended in January for derogatory comments against Prime Minister Narendra Modi - resigned from the government.

"The President is scheduled to visit India very soon. 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, she said during a press conference.

Muizzu travelled to India to attend PM Modi's inauguration in June, but has not made a solo official visit. Since coming to power, Muizzu has toned down his anti-Indian rhetoric and said he would not upend the regional balance by replacing Indian forces with Chinese troops.
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.

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.

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Former President Donald Trumps campaign and his allies are spreading unfounded rumors that Haitian immigrants in Ohio are abducting and eating pets, a continuation of the inflammatory and anti-immigrant rhetoric that has characterized Trumps campaigns.

As reported by AP, officials have stated that there is no evidence supporting these claims. Nevertheless, Trumps campaign, along with Vice Presidential nominee Ohio Sen. JD Vance and other Republicans, have reiterated these allegations this week.

Trump's campaign, which has hit Vice President Kamala Harris for her leadership role in President Joe Bidens administration on the U.S.-Mexico border, issued a press release Monday, the day before Tuesday's presidential debate, suggesting Kamala Migrants Ravage Ohio City. Vance, Trump's running mate, posted Tuesday that his office has received many inquiries about Haitian migrants abducting pets, AP reported.

Vance acknowledged Tuesday it was possible all of these rumors will turn out to be false.

Officials have said there have been no credible or detailed reports about the claims, even as Trump and his allies use them to amplify racist stereotypes about Black and brown immigrants.

While president, Trump questioned why the US would accept people from so-called s-hole countries like Haiti and places in Africa. His 2024 campaign has focused heavily on illegal immigration, often referencing in his speeches crimes committed by migrants. He argues immigrants are responsible for driving up crime and drug abuse in the United States and taking resources from American citizens.

Here's a closer look at how the false claims have spread.

How did this get started? On Sept. 6, a post surfaced on X that shared what looked like a screengrab of a social media post apparently out of Springfield, Ohio. The retweeted post talked about the person's neighbor's daughter's friend seeing a cat hanging from a tree to be butchered and eaten, claiming without evidence that Haitians lived at the house. The accompanying photo showed a Black man carrying what appeared to be a Canada goose by its feet. That post continued to get shared on social media.

On Monday, Vance posted on X. 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? he said. The next day, Vance posted again on X about Springfield, saying his office had received inquires from residents who 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.

Other Republicans shared similar posts. Among them was Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, who posted a photo of kittens with a caption that said to vote for Trump So Haitian immigrants don't eat us.

The former president posted two related photos on his social media site. One Truth Social post was a photo of Trump surrounded by cats and geese. Another featured armed cats wearing MAGA hats.

What do officials in Ohio say? Springfield City Manager Bryan Heck's office issued a statement knocking the rumors down.

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's office said in an emailed statement.

What do advocates for Haitian immigrants say? The posts create a false narrative and could be dangerous for Haitians in the United States, according to Guerline Jozef, founder and executive director of the Haitian Bridge Alliance, a group that supports and advocates for immigrants of African descent, AP repoted.

We are always at the receiving end of all kind of barbaric, inhumane narratives and treatments, specifically when it comes to immigration, Jozef said in a phone interview.

Her comments echoed White House national security spokesman John Kirby.

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.

What is the broader context of Haitians in Ohio and the United States? Springfield, Ohio, with a population of approximately 60,000, has experienced growth in its Haitian community in recent years. While the city cannot provide an exact number, it estimates that the entire county's immigrant population is around 15,000.

The Haitian immigrants in Springfield are legally present under a federal program that offers temporary protection due to unsafe conditions in Haiti. Last month, the Biden administration extended temporary legal status to about 300,000 Haitians in the U.S. because of the dangerous situation in Haiti, where the government has declared a nationwide state of emergency due to severe gang violence.
I moved to Mumbai in late September 2005. Thankfully, two friends let me stay with them. Pretty soon I had been introduced to our Guajarati landlord. During the course of our conversation he came to know that I had come to the city to work in the business section of a newspaper.

By the end of October, our landlord would come visiting every Saturday morning, knowing that I would go to the office late over the weekend. And every time he visited he wanted a tip, or as he put it, a teep.

Being new to the city and its investing culture, the first few times I had no idea of what he was asking for and I turned the conversation to other topics of mutual interest, like the weather, the maid, the state of the city, and the state of the nation.

Eventually I did figure out that he was asking for stock market tips: basically, recommendations of stocks, in particular stocks that the punters were planning to run up. The way it would work is that some stockbrokers would come together and decide to drive up the price of what was usually a penny stock by buying and selling the stock among themselves. This was referred to as circular trading, or more popularly as a chakri" in the kya lagta hai stock market lingo.

Given the low volumes of such stocks, as soon as this pre-agreed buying and selling would come in, the price of the stock would start to go up. Once the price went up regularly for a few days, it would appear on the radar of retail investors looking to make a quick buck. Once retail buying started to come in, the chakri operators would sell and quickly exit the stock.

Like in any Ponzi scheme, the sooner you entered such a stock, the more money you made. But by the time the retail investors would enter such a stock, its price had already been run up as much as the operators wanted it, and it was time for them to sell. This would lead to the stock price falling, with retail investors usually losing money in such situations. As is the case with almost every financial market, the insiders took the outsiders for a ride.

My landlord thought that as I worked for a newspaper I would have access to insider information on such setups and be able to share some tips with him. Now, as it turned out, I had no access to such information. The landlord equated the lack of tips from me to the absence of a quid pro quo. So, before I could scratch his back, he decided to scratch mine, and started giving me tips. These would typically be penny stocks.

Dear reader, we are in 2024, and close to two decades have passed, so you might be wondering what triggered this memory. Well, in the recent months, I have been asked for stock tips after many years: investors want tips on which small cap stocks they should put their money in. They also want to know which initial public offerings, especially those of small firms that list on the small and medium enterprises platform of stock exchanges, they should invest in, and how long after listing should they hold on to the stock.

Like I had no information to offer in 2005, I have no information to offer even now. But what I do have to share is some information regarding IPOs that the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) recently shared.

1. Individual investors sold 50.2% shares (in value terms) allotted to them within a week after listing. Basically, on average, half of the shares allotted to individual investors in an IPO were sold within the first week of listing of the stock on the exchange.

2. Like my Gujarati landlords love for tips, Gujaratis on the whole love the idea of investing in IPOs. As Sebi points out 39.3% of retail investors in IPOs were from Gujarat, followed by those from Maharashtra (13.5%) and Rajasthan (10.5%). In fact, given that many Gujaratis live in Mumbai, the Maharashtra number must also be primarily made up of them.

3. When returns were more than 20%, individual investors sold 67.6% shares by value allotted to them within a week of the stock listing. In comparison, they sold 23.3% shares by value, when returns after listing were negative, meaning that the market price of the stock was lower than its issue price.

This basically implies that when the stock price goes up after listing, and investors are sitting on profits, they tend to sell too quickly and book profits, whereas when the stock lists at a price lower than the price it was issued at, investors tend to hold on to the stock and not sell it immediately.

This tendency has been widely studied by economists and is referred to as loss-aversion. As Richard Thaler writes in Misbehaving: Roughly speaking, losses hurt about twice as much as gains make you feel good The fact that a loss hurts more than an equivalent gain gives pleasure is called loss aversion. So, we experience life in terms of changes and losses sting more than equivalently-sized gains feel good."

The concept of loss aversion was introduced by renowned Israel-American psychologists Daniel Kahneman, who won the Nobel Prize in Economics in 2002, and Amos Tversky, who would have shared the award had he not passed away in 1996.

As mentioned earlier, loss aversion refers to the tendency for people to prefer avoiding losses over acquiring equivalent gains. This idea stems from Prospect Theory, developed by Kahneman and Tversky, which suggests that individuals are more influenced by potential losses than gains because losses evoke stronger emotional reactions.

Research in behavioural economics consistently shows that people feel about twice as much pain from a loss as they experience pleasure from a gain. For example, the excitement of a rising stock market index doesnt match the emotional distress felt when it plunges, which is why these days the term stock market crash starts trending on social media even when the broader indices fall by as little as 1%.

Another reason people stick with losing investments is their difficulty in admitting their mistakes. They often hold on, hoping to recover their losses. As Jason Zweig writes in Your Money and Your Brain, quoting Kahneman: When you sell a loser you dont just take a financial loss; you take a psychological loss from admitting you made a mistake. You are punishing yourself when you sell On the other hand selling a winner is a form of rewarding yourself."

This tendency to sell winners early and hold on to losers is one of the many problems I have had with the fascination of individual investors with IPOs. Here are a few others.

1. The demand for an IPO doesnt always guarantee long-term gains. As a Bloomberg newsreport published in January pointed out: Indian IPOs have failed miserably at generating additional returns for investors over what they would have earned passively from just owning a broad benchmark.

About 77% have underperformed the NSE 500 Index over a 10-year period, with average underperformance of more than 14% annually." But just owning stocks that make up for an index that already exists and hoping to make money from it is an extremely boring idea. In comparison, chasing the mirage of IPO returns is fun. It gets the adrenaline going. It creates talking points.

2. While strong demand can lead to impressive percentage gains on listing day, the limited chances of getting an allocation mean the potential for absolute gains is reduced.

3. An IPO isnt the only opportunity for retail investors to invest in a companys stock; shares can be purchased at any time after the listing.

4. If retail investors believe a stock has strong potential, they should consider gradually accumulating it over time. This is particularly important for those whose financial situation may not allow large one-time purchases. In fact, true wealth creation for retail investors often comes from post-IPO investments or by simply sticking to regular investing through equity mutual funds.

5. Building wealth over the long term can seem unexciting. The thrill of securing an allocation in an oversubscribed IPO, talking to others who did not get allocation about it, and enjoying listing day gains is hard to beat. However, keep in mind that these gains are significant mainly in percentage terms and not much money is made in absolute terms. Its possibly a part of the icing on the cake that will never be built. Getting rich is all about making money in absolute terms.

6. There is a tendency amongst retail investors to want to speed up the process. They have come to a realisation that investing in the stock market is the way to riches. And now that they know that they want to speed up this process by actively and continuously managing the little money that they have. Investing in IPOs is a part of that thinking.

As Morgan Housel writes in Same As EverTimeless Lessons on Risk, Opportunity and Living a Good Life: Whenever people discover something valuable valuableparticularly a lucrative investment or a special skillthere is a tendency to ask, Great, but can I have it all faster? Can we push it twice as hard? Can we make it twice the size? Can we squeeze some more juice out of it?" Nonetheless, it is worth remembering that most things have a natural size and speed and backfire quickly when you push them beyond that".

Indeed, even Warren Buffett, whose name keeps getting dropped in the world of people managing other peoples money, made much of his wealth after he turned 50, and he did that by staying invested for the long-term. As Housel writes: Warren Buffett once joked that you cant make a baby in one month by getting nine women pregnant."

But this isnt the world in which talking about such things makes much sense. Over the last few years, many individual investors have moved on from one bubble to another. First came the fascination for investing in cryptos. It was followed by punting in small cap stocks. Then came public sector stocks and stocks across several sectors, driving up their prices to astonishing levels.

As Pankaj Tibrewal, founder and CIO of IKIGAI Asset Manager, had tweeted in July, quoting data from Bloomberg Intelligence: Indias industrial sector (construction and machinery) has almost touched more than $425 billion in market capitalization, surpassing Germanys and Koreas, but Indias aggregate sales and EBDITA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) are just one third of those countries, though with similar growth profiles. Total market capitalization of shipbuilders in India is now 75% of Korean shipbuilding sector with sales 5% of Koreas."

This does not mean that many retail investors havent made money. They have. But clearly there is a problem on the valuation front. Many stocks that retail investors are invested in and are still investing in are priced much higher than what their earnings justify.

We are busy punting IPOs of small firms listing on the small and medium enterprises platforms of the stock exchanges. IPOs of firms wanting to raise a few crore rupees have been subscribed hundreds of times over.

Amid all this, trading in financial derivatives, primarily options, where 90% of the traders lose money, has gone through the roof. Further, 71% of the investors carrying out intraday trading also lose money.

But that doesnt seem to be stopping most from betting, and betting big. With due apologies to the American rock band R.E.M., I guess this is the end of the world as I have known it, but I largely feel fine, of course, on most days.

In the end there are two kinds of investors in this world, those who invest like my former landlord and those who invest like my former landlord. As Zweig puts it: Holding losers too long and selling winners too soon is no way to get rich, but its how nearly everyone invests."
Commentary

By Michael Zwaagstra

Students across Canada are now back in classrooms. As the new school year begins, lets encourage schools to focus on what matters most  teaching and learning.

There is no doubt room for improvement. According to results from the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), the math skills of 15-year-old students across Canada declined by 35 points from 2003 to 2022. To put this in perspective, PISA equates 20 points with approximately one grade level.

This means that the math skills of Canadian students are almost two grade levels below where they were 20 years ago. Things arent much better in reading since Canadian students declined in this subject by 27 points (more than a full grade level) over the same period.

Students would clearly benefit from a stronger focus on the academic basics. In math, this means getting students to memorize their times tables and learn the standard algorithms for addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. These are the fundamental skills they need to master so they can tackle more challenging math problems in higher grades and post-secondary programs.

As for reading, the evidence is clear that phonics, where students learn how to sound out individual letters and words, is vastly superior to whole language instruction, where students guess the meaning of words based on their context. Beware of school boards that advertise their three cueing and balanced literacy programs; these methods are light on phonics and heavy on whole language.

Another important way to improve students reading skills is to expand their overall knowledge base by ensuring that teachers are provided with content-rich curriculum guides. Research shows that the more background knowledge students possess, the more easily they can understand what they are reading.

Simply put, reading comprehension depends on background knowledge. The more students know, the more they can learn. Knowledge about a topic makes it easier to acquire more knowledge in that field. Teachers must not shortchange students.

This is why subjects such as science and social studies are so important. These content-rich subjects are where students acquire much of the knowledge they need to understand how the world works. Its in science class where students learn about the scientific method, memorize standard scientific terminology, and gain an understanding of the basic laws of science.

In social studies, students must learn about our countrys history and the world. They should learn about the parliamentary system of government and be able to explain how elections work.

This includes exposing students to a wide variety of ideas and perspectives. Instead of sheltering students from controversial ideas, teachers must help students grapple with challenging issues and get them to engage in respectful dialogue with their classmates.

Thus, the last thing students need is to be indoctrinated in woke ideology, where everything revolves around race, gender, and sexuality. Not only does woke ideology lead to division and resentment, but it makes it impossible to have an honest dialogue about controversial topics.

Look at any major school board website; youll find plenty of references to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Hallmarks of DEI include the notion that our country is systemically racist and that anyone who isnt racialized must repent of their white privilege. Anyone who has gone through DEI training quickly realizes that no one can challenge the assumptions of their DEI trainers.

The tragic case of former Ontario principal Richard Bilkszto, who committed suicide after being publicly humiliated and harassed by a prominent DEI consultant during a professional development session, is a well-known example of the very real harms caused by DEI zealotry.

In their obsession to stamp out white privilege and heteronormativity, school boards are sadly not providing students with the academic instruction they need to be successful in post-secondary education and in life. And when schools do not provide students with the academic basics, students from disadvantaged homes suffer the most. Their parents do not have the same resources (money for private tutoring, etc.) that more affluent parents have at their disposal.

Teachers have enough to do without getting into the business of indoctrinating students with woke ideology. Education rather than indoctrination should be the focus of every school.

Michael Zwaagstra is a public high school teacher and a senior fellow with the Frontier Centre for Public Policy.
In Jakarta this July, textile workers took to the streets to protest imports of cheap Chinese apparel selling on e-commerce platforms that had laid the domestic industry low. Indonesian trade unions complain that a dozen or so factories have closed in the first half of this year, a cumulative loss of 13,000 jobs.

In response, the Indonesian government has raised tariffs to 100-200% on goods ranging from clothing to electronics. The media quoted trade minister Zulkifli Hasan as saying, The United States can impose a 200% tariff so we can as well."

It is a refrain playing out across Southeast Asia. Even governments such as Thailands are being forced to respond differently as industry-after-industry feels besieged by the Chinese export flood.

The military junta that ruled Thailand for more than a decade found it expedient to ally with Beijing, but will be forced to respond differently because of a groundswell of concern over Chinese imports.

An electric vehicle (EV) invasion from China has undermined Thailands automotive industrial base built over decades in partnership with Japanese players.

Smaller-value consumer goods from China have multiplied via e-commerce, meaning that even small local retailers in Asean often do not benefit from the business generated.

The South China Morning Post, the Hong Kong daily, reported that the Malaysian Retailers Association has publicly called on Kuala Lumpur to significantly raise duties on imported goods costing $115 or less from the 10% levy imposed in January.

The retailers association estimates it is losing 30% of its business to e-commerce portals selling goods shipped in from China. Because we have not tightened up any rules or regulations, Malaysia has become a dumping ground for excess capacity from China," Ameer Ali Mydin of the Malaysian Retailers Association told the newspaper.

Two trends that have dominated Chinas economic development have come to the fore.

Dating back to 1999, when I began following the Chinese economy as a foreign correspondent in Hong Kong for the Financial Times, experts have said that China needed to raise its personal consumption levels as a proportion of GDP and scale back its industrial model, which was too dependent on boosting growth through endlessly increasing capital expenditure and manufacturing and relying on export markets to soak up surplus production.

Instead, Chinas total household consumption remains at just under 40% of GDP, compared with 60-70% in most developed countries.

Some economists argue that these cross-country comparisons underestimate the consumption of services in China. But when the gap is of such magnitude, that number still highlights Beijings inability to steer Chinas economy to a more sustainable path.

The second more recent trend is the bursting of Chinas property bubble. This means industries such as construction, steel and cement have slowed, prompting Beijing to raise manufacturing capacity in the expectation that exports will keep the economy growing.

In late August, the Wall Street Journal characterized this approach as putting the countrys factory sector on steroids squeezing businesses around the world and raising the spectre of a trade war."

While newspaper headlines have suggested that a trade war is primarily an extension of an increasingly fractious US-China relationship, this is only part of the story.

Even countries like Pakistan have begun to investigate the low pricing of Chinese stationery and rubber, while Argentina and Vietnam worry about wind-tower and microwave oven shipments from China.

Meanwhile, the huge increase in capacity of EV manufacturing in China, more than twice its local demand, has rung alarm bells globally.

Thailands The Nation noted that in the first half of this year, its trade deficit with China reached $30 billion: The impact of Chinas economic situation is particularly concerning for four major Thai industries: steel, automobiles, hard disk drives, and petrochemicals."

Earlier, the Federation of Thailand Industry estimated that in 2023, imports from China contributed to the closure of nearly 2,000 factories.

Chinese diplomats have insisted that Chinas exports are often capital goods, a point also made by New Delhi last week in trying to defend Indias continually rising trade deficit.

The truth is that both consumer and capital-goods industries in China are characterized by an export-or-bust mentality as Chinese firms seek to sustain cash flows as a shock absorber amid a property crash and consumption slowdown at home.

The bigger issue is that Beijings subsidies arent decreasing. Although industrial policy has spread across the world as a kind of follow-on infectious disease since covid, Beijing tops the global table with Olympian subsidies for a variety of industries.

Despite the International Monetary Funds recent suggestion that India should join trade groupings such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, the evidence of 2023 and 2024 across the region by way of sizeably higher trade deficits with China argues against it.

Ceramic manufacturers in Thailand and garment makers elsewhere are baffled by how they can marshal a competitive response to Chinese rivals offering prices that are sometimes less than half theirs.

Chinas producer price index released on Monday showed that prices fell 1.8% in August, the most since April, when they fell 2.5% year-on-year. Intensifying deflationary pressure in China is likely to fuel a round of tariff increases across Asia.
Street vendors are instrumental to the Indian economy. This message echoed in Prime Minister Narendra Modis address at the Global FinTech Fest on 30 August 2024. In his speech, he discussed Indias milestones in fintech, emphasizing the benefits of the PM SVANidhi scheme.

He spoke of how street vendors are now able to take collateral-free loans under this scheme, and how, enabled by fintech and based on digital transaction records, they will keep getting more loans to expand their business. His speech acknowledged the contribution of street vendors to the economy.

In the process of rebuilding urban spaces, thousands of small businesses and other informal dwellers get displaced, leading to the breakdown of various communities and livelihoods. Street vendors are one such vulnerable group. In developing countries, authorities tend to regard street vending as unlawful and disruptive.

Also read: Shrinking informal economy rings alarm bells for jobs in India

Their belief that strict law enforcement is necessary to keep public spaces clear for pedestrians and vehicles tends to keep street vendors under the constant threat of eviction. Fortunately, with recent policies, especially the PM SVANidhi scheme, the discourse on Indias street vendors has seen a significant shift, with the focus now on drawing them into the formal economy.

In 2017-18, the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) recorded 2.7 million street vendors, a figure that grew to 5.9 million in 2022-23. This increase, largely across cities and towns, indicates that they are not just contributors to local commercial activity, but also key players in the larger economic system.

As per PLFS 2022-23, Indias street vendor composition shows that the bulk are concentrated in Maharashtra (20.8%), Karnataka (9.2%) and Tamil Nadu (7.9%), while Union territories (UTs) have the most street vendors as a proportion of the state/UTs workforce, led by Chandigarh (4.8%), followed by Delhi (2%) and Goa (1.9%).

On delving deeper into the composition data of street vendors, some disparities are evident in the average wages earned. For instance, the average annual wage of street vendors in Chandigarh and Maharashtra are 1.5 lakh and 1 lakh, respectively.

As a broad observation, street vendors in states/UTs where they are in high concentration earn less than those who operate in states/UTs where they show lower density but form a larger share of the workforce. In such a scenario, PM SVANidhi offers crucial support by facilitating financial access, regardless of the market conditions in their regions.

The scheme was launched by the Centre in 2020 to provide collateral-free working capital loans to street vendors whose livelihoods were impacted by pandemic lockdowns. The principal objective was to help them resume their businesses, but it was also designed to reward digital transactions even as it incentivized regular repayments.

In a span of four years, the scheme has sanctioned 12,739.6 crore worth of loans to 6.5 million beneficiaries from a pool of 11.2 million applicants. This is quite commendable.

In addition, the recent 2024 budget discussion on developing 100 weekly street markets in selected cities is another step towards integrating street vendors into the formal economy. These initiatives highlight their potential to increase their economic contribution with adequate support.

While the PM SVANidhi scheme has done well to empower street vendors, it also illustrates complexities in addressing their problems and implementing solutions. Potential beneficiaries lack awareness of it and efforts to reach out to all who could benefit should be stepped up.

Also read: Employment schemes aim to shift workforce from informal to formal jobs

Proper identification of street vendors is a critical step towards enhancing the PM SVANidhis schemes success. This requires active participation by state governments and urban local bodies, which is easier said than done.

Street vendors mostly operate in a grey zone of the law, with their claimed right to work often in conflict with the rights of other citizens to freely use public spaces. From a planning perspective, permits of licences issued for street vending are not just simple decisions by a city administration, but a tool that keeps these conflicts under control.

The crux of the matter is that regulation of street vending is not as simple as merely enforcing rules of conduct; it entails a proper interpretation of rights provided by Indias constitutional framework, including the right to work. It also requires a delicate balance between legal aspects and the reality of social and geographical circumstances.

For example, cities must come up with strategies aimed at protecting the income-generating activities of street vendors and also address the interests of other residents who need access to shared spaces. This aspect is a big challenge that complicates the disposition of public policy to street vending.

Legal norms should not only enable street vendors to make a living this way under appropriate rules and regulations, but should also look at the urban environment within which they operate.

The challenge posed by street-vending is a microcosm of Indias broader one of urban governance, which also requires innovative thinking and useful solutions.

The PM SVANidhi scheme has played an exemplary role in laying out a path, and it should be replicated as a model for further public efforts to draw informal businesses into the formal sector.

To this end, it is indeed reassuring that fintech and other innovative solutions can be leveraged to help street vendors thrive and not just survive in a post-pandemic world.

The authors are, respectively, chair and researcher at the Institute for Competitiveness
It was an isolated incident, the government insists. On June 24th a Chinese man attacked a Japanese woman and her child at a bus stop outside a Japanese school in the city of Suzhou. A Chinese school-bus attendant, Hu Youping, tried to shield the pair, only to be stabbed herself. She died days later. The local administration has called Ms Hu a righteous and courageous" role model.

Extreme Chinese nationalists, though, have a different view of the attack. In comments posted online they have spread rumours that Ms Hu had been a Japanese spy. Others urged more violence against Japanese people. Some social-media posts called for the establishment of a modern-day Yihetuan". The term refers to the Boxer Rebellion, an anti-foreign uprising in northern China between 1899 and 1901.

Japan is often a target of nationalist ire. Young Chinese are taught to resent the country for its invasion of China and the atrocities it committed during the 1930s and 40s. One netizen described the attack in Suzhou as the result of decades of hate education". Nationalists are further animated by disputes over the Japanese-controlled Senkaku islands, which China claims and calls the Diaoyu, and Japans support for Taiwan. Online nationalists sometimes wish for Japan to sink to the bottom of the sea.

This type of vitriol is generally tolerated by the government, which censors content it deems undesirable. Many nationalists attract huge audiences online. One such commentator, Hu Xijin, has nearly 25m followers on Weibo, a microblogging site. The nationalists promote a sense that the Communist Party has made China strong. And they distract from the partys failings. Last year, as the economy slowed, the government stoked nationalist anger over Japans release of nuclear wastewater.

But Chinas ruler, Xi Jinping, is obsessed with stability, so the party wants to make sure that nationalism has limits. In response to the attack in Suzhou, party mouthpieces called for vigilance against the spread of digital hatred" into the real world. Social-media platforms have cracked down on extreme nationalism", particularly anti-Japanese sentiment. Weibo and Tencent, a social-media giant, said they had removed hundreds of pieces of content.

Even some nationalists think the anti-Japanese rhetoric has gone too far. The attack in Suzhou came two weeks after four American college instructors were stabbed in the province of Jilin. On June 27th Mr Hu wrote a post titled: Is hating America and Japan patriotism?" Chinas status as a developing country made close ties with richer countries important, he argued. Hatred towards others was not in Chinas interests.

 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 Congress on Monday released its third list for the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly polls, fielding Chaudhary Lal Singh from Basohli in Kathua. The party is drawing flak for the move as the same Chaudhary Lal Singh had questioned the police investigation of the Kathua gang rape case and declared the heinous crime as a conspiracy attempt against Hindus.

Chaudhary Lal Singh, a former MP and a J&K state minister in the former PDP-BJP coalition government in J&K, held a Tiranga rally in 2018 in support of the accused in the Kathua rape case.

Chaudhary Lal Singh, a former BJP leader during the PDP-BJP coalition, left the Congress following the 2014 general election. His support for individuals implicated in the Kathua gang rape case had sparked major controversy.

Subsequently, Singh established the Dogra Swabhiman Sangathan before rejoining the Congress ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Union Minister Jitendra Singh defeated him in the Udhampur constituency.

2018 Kathua Rape Case: A Recap The Kathua rape case involved the abduction, gang rape, and murder of an 8-year-old girl, Asifa Bano, by seven males (six adults and a juvenile) in January 2018 in the Rasana village near Kathua in Jammu and Kashmir, India.

According to an Al Jazeera report, the minor was first kidnapped and then raped for a week inside a temple. The report further stated that the child's uterus had popped out of her private parts owing to the brutality of the crime.

Subsequently, the unconscious victim was strangled and her head was hit twice with a stone to make sure she was dead, The Siasat Daily quoted a special police officer as saying. The police investigation states, The unconscious body of the victim was taken to a nearby forest and before murdering her once again, she was gang-raped.

Sanji Ram, the priest of the family temple where the incident occurred, was found to be the main accused in the case. His son Vishal and his juvenile nephew were also accused in the case.

Lal Singh's support for Kathua rape case accused Chaudhary Lal Singh, then a BJP leader, had in 2018 questioned the police investigation and declared the Kathua gang rape case as a conspiracy attempt against Hindus while supporting the accused identified as Parvesh Kumar Sanji Ram, Deepak Khajuria and Parvesh Kumar.

Also Read | Kathua rape case puts spotlight on crimes against women by juveniles

Reactions to Chaudhary Lal Singh's nominations BRS Working President K. Taraka Rama Rao criticised the Congress for selecting Chaudhary Lal Singh, The definition of real Naari Nyay has been explained by the Congress. By nominating Lal Singh, a man who defended the Kathua rapists, the Congress has shown its true colours. How can a party that claims to fight for justice stand behind someone who questioned the brutal gang rape of Asifa Bano? This is disgraceful and insults every woman, undermining the very essence of justice. Shameful! he said.

Within the Congress, especially among Muslim leaders, there is significant unease regarding Chaudhary Lal Singh's nomination due to his contentious track record. The decision has also faced backlash from other political groups in Jammu and Kashmir, with Ghulam Nabi Azads Democratic Progressive Azad Party denouncing it as a regrettable and shameful move.

J-K Assembly Elections 2024: Cong-NC Alliance The Jammu and Kashmir elections will be held in three phases on September 18, September 25 and October 1, followed by counting of votes on October 8.
New Delhi: Prime minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday called for international cooperation on green hydrogen to scale up production, lower cost and promote research & development.

Addressing the International Conference for Green Hydrogen 2024 in a video message, Modi said the G20 Summit held in New Delhi last year, under India's presidency, adopted voluntary principles for green hydrogen which would help in creating a common roadmap.

He said that given the global nature of climate change, the solutions for tackling climate change would also have to be global in approach.

Also Read: Adani Group pilots green hydrogen, green ammonia initiatives amid climate funding woes The prime minister stressed the need for international partnerships to promote green hydrogen in efforts at decarbonization, adding that scaling up production, minimizing costs and building infrastructure can happen faster through cooperation.

He also called for jointly investing in research and innovation to push technology further. "All of us must remember -- the decisions we make now will decide the lives of our future generations, he added.

Reiterating Indian plans to produce and export green hydrogen, Modi said: "We aim to position India as a global hub for the production, utilization, and export of green hydrogen. The National Green Hydrogen Mission, launched in 2023, is a critical step toward realizing this ambition. It will drive innovation, build infrastructure, stimulate industry growth, and attract investment in the green hydrogen sector.

Also Read: GAIL commissions its first green hydrogen plant under national green hydrogen mission Addressing the inaugural session of the three-day conference Union minister for new and renewable energy Pralhad Joshi said that along with the potential to generate investment opportunities worth 8 trillion, the green hydrogen mission would also help in creating 600,000 jobs.

Efforts to reduce carbon emissions by 5 MMT by 2030 to be made "As we move forward, our efforts will also contribute to reducing carbon emissions by 5 MMT by 2030, positioning India as a beacon of sustainable development on the global stage, he said.

Hardeep Singh Puri, the Union minister for petroleum and natural gas noted that India's commitment to achieving net-zero emission by 2070 involves a multifaceted approach, including a significant focus on green hydrogen.

"Our goal of producing 5 million metric tonnes of green hydrogen by 2030 is a critical step in decarbonizing our economy. This will require an investment of $100 billion and the development of 125 gigawatts of new renewable energy capacity," Puri said.

Also Read: World Banks second $1.5 billion loan reflects confidence in Indias green hydrogen policies Along with reducing 15 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually, the mission will also generate substantial savings, he added. Puri was of the view that the success of the National Green Hydrogen Mission depends on the collaborative efforts of both the central and state governments, as well as industry partners.
Jammu and Kashmir News: Lok Sabha MP from Baramulla, Sheikh Abdul Rashid, popularly known as Engineer Rashid, vowed to fight Prime Minister Narendra Modi's narrative of 'Naya Kashmir' in his first speech out of jail. Rashid walked out of Tihar Jail on Wednesday, a day after a Delhi court granted him interim bail till October 2 in a terror funding case so that he can campaign in the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly polls.

"I am a victim of BJP, I will fight against PM Modi's ideology till my last breath...I am coming to Kashmir to unite my people, not to divide them..." Engineer Rashid said on Wednesday.

After being released from Tihar Jail, Engineer Rashid said PM Modi's narrative of 'Naya Kashmir' failed in Jammu and Kashmir, in an apparent dig at the situation post abrogation of Article 370, revoking the statehood of valley.

People have rejected whatever he did on 5th August 2019, Rashid remarked. "I am committed to working for the welfare of my people. We are not going to get scared."

Ahead of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly polls, Engineer Rashid also slammed former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir and National Conference (NC) leader Omar Abdullah and said, My fight is bigger than what Omar Abdullah says. His fight is for the chair, my fight is for the people.

Also Read | Meet Engineer Rashid, the Kashmiri MP whose bail in poll season has angered many

Meanwhile, NC vice-president Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said Rashid had been granted bail to fetch votes from the people of Kashmir and not to serve them.

Engineer Rashid defeated former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls in Baramulla. Rashid's outfit, Awami Ittehad Party (AIP), is contesting the Assembly elections.

Additional Sessions Judge Chander Jit Singh has granted interim bail to Rashid, stipulating a personal bond of 2 lakh along with a surety of the same amount. The judge has also imposed specific conditions, including a ban on Rashid discussing the case with the media.
Ahead of the first phase of Assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir on 18 September, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday announced five major guarantees if the Congress-National Conference (NC) alliance came to power.

One of the main promises Kharge made was health insurance scheme providing coverage of 25 lakh to every family in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

Not only this, Kharge also vowed to fulfil the promise of rehabilitating Kashmiri Pandit migrants.

Addressing an election rally in Anantnag, Kharge said, as quoted by Hindustan Times, "We will fulfil the promise of rehabilitating Kashmiri Pandit migrants made during Manmohan Singh's tenure."

The Congress president read out the promises in the presence of National Conference president Farooq Abdullah and other senior Congress leaders.

He also hit out at BJP of failing to deliver on its promises. He said, "BJP gives a lot of speeches but there is a lot of difference between action and words...no matter how much BJP tries, Congress and NC's alliance won't weaken."

He added, "They (BJP) said the same thing about creating 2 crore jobs annually across the country, but 10 years have passed, and those jobs havent materialized."

Here are Congress' five promises: 1) Health insurance scheme providing coverage of 25 lakh to every family in Jammu and Kashmir.

2) To fulfil the promise of rehabilitating Kashmiri Pandit migrants.

3) Monthly benefit of 3,000 to women heads of families in Jammu and Kashmir. Adding on an interest-free loan of 5 lakh to women.

4) Provision to give 11 kg grains per person through the public distribution system.

5) OBCs to get their rights as enshrined in the Constitution.

The Assembly polling in Jammu and Kashmir will occur in three phases  18 September, 25 September and 1 October. The results will be announced on 8 October.
Agriculture is among the most critical components of the Indian economy and employs the bulk of the countrys workforce. Yet, the Indian farmer is unable to generate the kind of income that his peers in other countries manage to earn. In addition, there are several other challenges they face.

The issue of raising farmers income and equitable distribution of opportunity in the agriculture ecosystem was discussed threadbare at the Mint Leadership Roundtable held recently in Delhi. The series will also see discussions on other aspects of raising Indias per capita income in Mumbai and Bengaluru.

Prof. Ramesh Chand, member of Niti Aayog, started the proceedings with a keynote address where he pointed out that the role of agriculture in India needed to be reimagined. He stated that while the share of agriculture in Indias gross domestic product (GDP) was just about 19%, labour employment was 45% and increasinga big departure from what one would expect when development was happening.

Also read | Economic Survey 2024: Farmers should move to high-value agriculture to increase income

We need to reimagine the role of agriculture in the economy. In field crops, which are grown on 94% of our land, growth hasnt even been 2%. So, the segment that is driving growth is not benefitting all farmers. Our efficiency in most commodities is declining, and for most crops, the real cost of production is rising," said Chand.

The government is also pushing for natural farming and lesser use of chemicals, but its very labour-intensive. But if we combine natural farming with mechanized farming, the gap in production can get considerably bridged," he said, adding that the fiscal burden of agricuexlture is worrisome and that the role that policies are playing to support agriculture should be done by the markets.

View Full Image Niti Aayog member Ramesh Chand says we need to reimagine the role of agriculture in the economy. (Mint)

Chand was supported by most experts about diversification being the biggest driver of growth in agriculture. However, concerns were also raised on the majority of agricultural land in India being occupied by field crops such as paddy and wheat, and their poor growth over the years. Diversification to other crops such as maize and oilseeds, and also horticulture was mooted.

But at the heart of any move towards diversification had to be research that was market-led and consumer-led, Mekhala Krishnamurthy, associate professor of sociology and anthropology at Ashoka University, said. Also, environmental factors such as the depletion of water tables in areas of paddy fields and the degrading of soil quality were other factors to be considered for diversification.

Ganesh Sundaraman, chief operating officer, agribusiness, ITC, said the key priority before the country today is to raise the income level and change lives of the millions of farmers who have fragmented 1.5-2-acre farms and are well below the average in terms of income.

Switching to pesticide-free farming and organic farming is another long-term agenda that needed attention, the experts suggested. To maintain soil quality, rotation of crops such as paddy with a legume (done earlier) could be reintroduced, said Rajashekar Reddy Seelam, founder and managing director of Sresta Natural Bioproducts. Better storage facilities to check wastage, collectivization of land, better coordination between corporates and startups, and keeping the farmer at the Centre of any decision-making were the other important suggestions made by the experts.

Understanding a farmers livelihood is complex for decision-makers, pointed out Ajay Jakhar, chairman of Bharat Krishak Samaj, particularly because in India it wasnt possible for farmers to improve their incomes to such a point that they could lead dignified lives. Apart from giving them equal opportunities, human capacity needed to be improved, Jakhar said.

Given the risky nature of the business, a safety net needed to be created for farmers, the experts said. With MSP (minimum selling price) and subsidies having outlived their usefulness, the money needed to be used in a different form. At the farmer level also, a lot of behavioural changes were needed because, in the past five decades, people have moved to mono-cropping or two crops. To mitigate risks, they will have to diversify.

Sanjeev Kanwar, managing director, Yara South Asia, pointed out that 10 years from now, India is poised to become a $10 trillion economy. It means agriculture, which currently contributes about $400-500 million of GDP, will need to contribute at least $1.5 trillion. A business-as-usual approach wont work in such a scenario, Kanwar said, adding that we would need to tackle the challenges of water scarcity, soil health, and the nutritive value of crops to get there.

View Full Image Given the risky nature of the business, a safety net needed to be created for farmers, the experts said. (Mint)

Agriculture research funding, which has seen a dip over the years, also needs to be improved. Concentrating on the smallest of statesand not only Punjaband celebrating their achievements was a suggestion put forward by the panel.

More involvement of states when it came to reforms and not merely making it an expectation of the Centre is a must, according to Chand. Every policy decision taken at the Centre provides the same opportunities for all states, but there was a reason few states were achieving 6-7% growth while some states were registering negative growth, Chand said. Quoting the examples of Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra, which produce 18% and 10% of the fruits in India, respectively, and are also top producers of vegetables and fisheries, he said it wasnt that the Centre was facilitating them; the states were proactive.

Talking about the three now-repealed farm laws, Amit Kapur, joint managing partner at JSA Advocates & Solicitors, said the dialogue with farmers should have come before the laws were shaped and not after. Farmers need to be taken into confidence and not be dictated to. If all the states are brought together for a national dialogue and re-engagement with farmers is initiated, Indian agriculture can be reformed, he stated.

Along similar lines, Roshan Lal Tamak, executive director and chief executive officer (CEO) of the sugar business at DCM Shriram, spoke about the need for a listing of national priorities for agriculture. A national agriculture council with all states on board where they could share their learnings and experiences and discuss issues could help immensely, he said. The government developed a great land leasing act in 2016 for aggregation of the land, but it wasnt implemented properly by the states, he pointed out.

Regulation and not over-regulation, and intervention through rationalization would be key going forward. Water should not be free and nor should there be over-subsidization of fertilizer, opined the experts. Farmers need to be given freedom to make decisions, but the government should be there to support and govern them.

View Full Image A Q&A session with the audience at the Mint Leadership Roundtable. (Mint)

Shraman Jha, CEO of Hindustan Unilever Foundation, pointed out that increasingly, women are taking the lead role in agriculture, especially with males migrating for jobs in most parts of India.

Lastly, like in any other sector, the role of startups and corporates could not be ruled out. They needed to collaborate to help farmers and play a bigger role in reimagining agriculture in India. The fear among farmers of losing their land either to the government or to corporations had to be dealt with much more sensitively. Services for farmers or people who want to take up farming should be available at the right price point including the latest technologies and tools, said Subhadeep Sanyal, a partner at Omnivore.

The cost of the Internet of Things (IoT) and monitoring, etc., was quite high and unless there was collectivization of some form, it would be very difficult to pass on the benefits to the farmers. Apart from playing a role in market linkage, startups could also play a role in arresting crop wastage through better use of technology.
Commentary

By Sylvain Charlebois

The response to Canadas decision to impose tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) last week was predictable. Ottawa knew that retaliation would follow, and China quickly responded by launching an anti-dumping investigation into Canadian canola exports.

While there is no evidence of actual dumping, the facts are largely irrelevant. China is likely to move forward with sanctions, regardless of the explanations provided by the Canola Council or Canadian diplomats. As in 2019, when Canada faced a similar impasse, we could again see borders close to Canadian agricultural exports.

In March 2019, after the arrest of Meng Wanzhou in the Huawei incident, China abruptly halted Canadian canola shipments, citing pest contamination as the official reason. The Canadian canola industry suffered losses estimated between $1.54 billion and $2.35 billion in sales, with price declines persisting until August 2020 due to the suspended export licenses. Pork exports were also affected, but canola has always been a primary target for China in these diplomatic standoffs.

Canola holds a special place in Canadas agricultural identity, and targeting it first is a calculated move by China. The crop was developed in Canada, and its very name  derived from Canada and ola (referring to oil low in acid)  underscores its deep national significance. As the worlds largest exporter of canola, Canada plays a pivotal role in both global food markets and biofuel production. Conversely, China is the largest oilseed importer, with half of Canadas canola exports destined for its market. By hitting canola, China sends a clear message: it can disrupt a critical Canadian sector anytime political tensions escalate.

Farmers in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba  where most of Canadas 43,000 canola producers are located  are already feeling the impact. Yesterday, canola prices dropped nearly five percent, and further declines could mirror the prolonged downturn of 2019. The symbolism of canola makes it a prime target. Whenever Canada moves against Chinas interests, Canadian agricultural commodities such as canola are the first to be leveraged.

Western Canadian farmers now face significant uncertainty, largely due to Ottawas aggressive push to bolster the battery and EV sectors. The federal government has committed nearly $50 billion toward building battery factories, a bold gamble that led to the tariffs on Chinese EVs. The official rationale, it seems, is to protect domestic manufacturers from an influx of cheaper green vehicles from China, even if that means limiting affordable options for Canadian consumers and straining relations with China. This approach prioritizes the development of Canadian-made EVs over the potential benefits of allowing lower-cost imports to help reduce carbon emissions.

This industrial strategy follows a familiar pattern: when a government decides that a product must be produced domestically, at all costs, it often results in less competition, higher prices, and questionable product quality.

The dairy industry offers a prime example. Ottawa has funnelled billions into the sector, supported by highly restrictive trade barriers. While this policy has propped up dairy farmers, it has done so at the expense of other agricultural sectors  wheat, canola, beef, and pork  all of which could arguably benefit from the same level of government support.

In the end, the federal government will likely compensate canola farmers for their losses, as it has done before. Farmers are resilient, but Canadas diplomatic standing, particularly with China, continues to erode.

For those old enough to remember, Pierre Trudeau once idealized China, yet today, his son Justin faces a more hostile Beijing. History, it seems, has a twisted sense of irony.

Dr. Sylvain Charlebois, a Canadian professor and researcher specializing in food distribution and policy, is a senior director of the Agri-Food Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University and co-host of The Food Professor Podcast.
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The Tivoli Theatre Foundation announced the closing of a $9 million deal which will support the theatre's restoration.

Funds from the New Markets Tax Credit transaction will also aid the creation of a new Tivoli Performing Arts Center, a 250-seat cinema and performance art hall.

U.S. Bancorp Impact Finance and the National Trust Community Investment Corporation (NTCIC) funded and enabled this investment, said a release from the theatre.

We thank both U.S. Bancorp Impact Finance and NTCIC for their commitment to this project and their belief in our mission to breathe life into one of Chattanoogas most beloved landmarks, said Nick Wilkinson, CEO of the Tivoli Theatre Foundation.

Tennessee awards $400,000 historic grant for Tivoli Theatre The Tivoli opened in March of 1921, following two years of construction at a cost of nearly $1 million.

U.S. Bancorp Impact Finance VP Bill Carson said the New Markets Tax Credits Program helps enhance economic vitality and arts education.

"Its our pleasure to invest in the restoration of these historic buildings, which will expand access to the visual and performing arts in Chattanooga while supporting economic growth in downtown Chattanooga," Carson said.

Private entities fund 90% of the new Tivoli complex project.

The theatre foundation expects to seek additional proceeds from a Historic Tax Credit investment in the coming weeks.
Protesters rally outside the Land Forces event in Melbourne on Wednesday. Picture: NewsWire / Luis Enrique Ascui

A reporter who was swarmed in heated scenes during a horror anti-war protest outside a Melbourne weapons expo has spoken of her experience, describing it as vile and violent.

Thousands gathered in the city CBD on Wednesday morning, a major street was blocked off, riot police were called in and journalists were harassed live on camera.

Protesters clashed with police outside the exhibition, throwing horse manure and rocks, while officers made arrests and swung batons in efforts to subdue tensions.

Channel 7 Sunrise reporter Teegan Dolling was doing a live cross when three masked and unmasked protesters swarmed her, sticking up middle fingers to the camera and bumping Dolling.

One female protester put her hand over the camera lens, Dolling pushed her arm away and what appeared to be private security guarding the reporter stepped in, but the protester managed to put hands on the camera at least one more time.

Thats not on if people are actually mishandling our reporter, host Natalia Barr said from the studio.

In the hours after the protest, she penned a piece for 7news.com.au where she described the protest as vile and violent.

Channel 7 reporter Teegan Dolling was swarmed at the Melbourne rally. Picture: Channel 7

Dolling tried to push the protesters out of her way. Picture: Channel 7

First there was the stench of OC spray in the air, then came the overwhelming smell of vomit, as protesters threw water balloons filled with sick at police, delegates and media, Ms Dolling wrote.

Ducking for cover as padlocks, apples, chairs and horse manure were hurled towards anyone the activists assume held different views.

She said Melbourne had once been the most liveable country in the world and has seen many protests, but none this vile and violent.

The aggression came in waves, as police surged towards the 2000-strong group to remove them from the road, escort members of the public to safety, or to extinguish flames, she wrote.

Ms Dolling said protesters didnt listen to directions to move and reacted with attacks on police and cruelty towards horses.

Then aggression turned to the media.

Police used rubber bullets and crowd-dispersing smoke grenades. Picture: NewsWire / Luis Enrique Ascui

Protesters started gathering about 6am and had largely dispersed by 1pm. Picture: NewsWire / Luis Enrique Ascui

A group surrounded our crew live on air, throwing a bottle at the cameraman, she said.

Footage from the scene captured the moment I tried to protect my colleague from the relentless abuse, only for the protesters to give rude gestures towards the camera.

The hostility forced our Sunrise colleagues to cut the feed so we could retreat to a safe place.

Peaceful activists gave out masks when OC was sprayed, asked if media were okay after copping abuse from ugly demonstrators and offered water, but they were in the minority.

Chief Commissioner Shane Patton told reporters police were appalled by the behaviour on Wednesday.

We have always said we are comfortable for people to come and protest peacefully...that wasnt the case today, he said.

The type of images that we saw on Spencer Street Bridge today, where protesters lit fires to bins, they were standing there in in full face balaclavas with ski masks on. There was no snow there.

They only wore those for one reason, to avoid being subject to spray when they came with intent to provoke, to attack, to try and raise the awareness for their cause.

Chief Commissioner Patton said police were attacked by the protesters.

He said 24 officers had been treated for a range of injuries including sprains, strains, irritants and substances thrown at them requiring decontamination.

Police horses were also targeted.

Protestor rally outside the Landforces event in Melbourne. Picture: NewsWire / Luis Enrique Ascui

Police said they were appalled by the scenes. Picture: NewsWire / Luis Enrique Ascui

Up to 39 people have been arrested. Picture: NewsWire / Luis Enrique Ascui

I do say targeted because Im told a number were punched, he said.

The protesters did try and distract the horses, and there was some officers have said they actually had feces thrown at them.

This is the type of disgusting behavior that we saw today from a group who are intent on confronting us at this stage.

He said the behaviour was appalling and 39 people have now been arrested and charged.

They have been charged with a variety of offences including assault police, hinder, police, obstruct police, generalized assault, arson and blocking roadways.

The disappointing thing for us is that they came there clearly, and we knew this from intelligence thats why we planned so well, that they came there with an intent to confront and they did, from my point of view, he said.

ehavior, we will take action, as we have done today.

Protesters as well as media were directly and indirectly hit with pepper spray. Picture: NewsWire / Luis Enrique Ascui

Police outside the event. Picture: NewsWire / Luis Enrique Ascui

The crowd of thousands of protesters had mostly dispersed by 1pm, and shortly after police released a statement saying demonstrators had been armed with dangerous weapons.

Some police have been spat at by protesters, whilst other officers have been sprayed with a liquid irritant, some of which has been identified as acid, Victoria Police said.

Victoria Police is appalled at the behaviour of some of the protesters in attendance.

Police are there to ensure the highest level of safety and security throughout the event.

This morning, those police have been pelted with missiles, including bottles filled with liquid rocks, and horse manure whilst trying to protect the attendees of the Land Forces expo, some of whom were also assaulted by protesters, a police spokesperson said.

More than 20 people were arrested outside the weapons expo as the demonstration became chaotic.

Police say officers were pelted with acid. Picture: NewsWire / Luis Enrique Ascui

A statement from co-organisers of the rally, Wage Peace, said after a morning of confrontations with authorities, 22 people had been taken into custody.

In the statement, protester Hugh claimed he had been violently detained during the rally.

I was holding a placard to protest the weapons trade when police threw me to the ground and kneed me several times in the back, causing large bruises, Hugh said in comments reportedly made from a police cell.

The degree of police violence we saw today clearly demonstrates how invested our government is in supporting arms dealers at the expense of all life, he said.

The protesters say they delayed the Land Forces expo VIP breakfast and the opening of the expo through their actions.

More than 50 groups came together to protest. Picture: NewsWire / Luis Enrique Ascui

None of us are free until all of us are free. The genocide in Gaza, atrocities in West Papua, slavery in Congo, forced starvation in Sudan are all a result of militarism, protest spokeswoman Caroline Da Silva said.

Directly acting to prevent harm is in the DNA of all people of conscience. Direct action is a bedrock of democracy she said.

The organisers say more than 50 groups had come together to protest this week.

Land Forces is a one stop genocide shop, where weapons change hands in deals worth billions, organisers said.

Immense human suffering and planetary damage result from the deals done at Land Forces.

Messages were loud and clear. Picture: NewsWire / Luis Enrique Ascui

Police and protesters clashed all morning. Picture: NewsWire / Luis Enrique Ascui

More than 25,000 people had been expected to surround the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on Wednesday, rallying against the Land Forces Defence Expo being held inside.

As of late morning, there were still several thousand protesters at various points surrounding the convention centre.

Police had prepared a huge operation ahead of the protest. Picture: NewsWire / Luis Enrique Ascui

Protesters chanted Free Palestine and money for houses and education, not for weapons corporations.

Elsewhere, at least one photographer got hit with pepper spray, and a Daily Mail reporter was struck with police rubber bullets.

Premier Jacinta Allan said there were between 2000 and 3000 protesters outside the convention centre about 10am.

Protesters gathered early on Wednesday. Picture: NewsWire / Luis Enrique Ascui

I say to anyone going down to threaten police, to threaten community safety, (they) will absolutely be dealt with by Victoria Police, she said.

Victoria Police members are there doing their job  they deserve to be treated with respect and dignity.

The Premier took a shot at state Greens MP Gabrielle de Vietri, who left parliament to attend the protest.

Heavily equipped police are out in full force. Picture: NewsWire / Luis Enrique Ascui

The protesters are trying to step weapons industry representatives from gathering and trading at the expo. Picture: NewsWire / Luis Enrique Ascui

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, Ms Allan said.

Police had turned out in force to manage the protesters with a ring of steel around the exhibition centre, but when the group began to move from their place outside the building and towards a major intersection, a heated clash broke out between the two.

Anti-war protesters pepper sprayed and beaten

Shocking footage showed horse manure being picked up by protesters and flung towards mounted police, with other reports suggesting rocks had also been thrown at officers.

Earlier vision showed protesters surrounding a police horse, with one person grabbing its bridle as an officer sat on top of the animal.

Footage shows officers subduing and arresting two protesters and an officer striking a person with his baton.

Thousands of protesters gathered by 10am. Picture: NewsWire / Luis Enrique Ascui

Today reporter Christine Ahearn, reporting from the scene, was caught up in earlier chaos, with protesters surrounding her and trying to grab her microphone as she crossed live to the Nine studio.

She told host Karl Stefanovic there had been a heated clash between the group, made up of pro-Palestine and Extinction Rebellion activist groups and police.

Weve seen police are actually being pelted with projectiles, she said.

Some have actually grabbed the reins of the horses, trying to stop them and pull them back. And obviously police got out their batons and were actually clashing with protesters trying to stop that.

Protesters threw manure at police. Picture: Sunrise

An officer is covered in poo. Picture: Sunrise

Police fired pepper spray towards the huge group in a bid to regain control of the situation, with live footage from the scene showing the crowd back under control about 8.30am.

The reporters and cameras of other media outlets have been pushed, blocked and screamed at during live crosses. The Herald Sun reports seeing a police officer with blood streaming down his face.

Traffic on roads surrounding the expo is backed up, with vehicles stuck at a standstill for 45 minutes in some spots. Police are walking in large groups on highways letting cars drip through the jam.

Melbourne exhibition centre under heavy guard

According to activist group Wage Peace - Disrupt War, the protest group were marching to the back entrance to disrupt Land Forces while attendees are going through security checks.

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.

Under the powers its an offence to hinder a search or fail to comply with a direction to remove a face covering.

Police have been granted special powers for the protest, including the ability to tell people to take face coverings off. Picture: NewsWire / Luis Enrique Ascui

This is expected to be our largest operation since the World Economic Forum in 2000, a Victoria Police spokesman said.

Hundreds of regional police have been deployed to Melbourne for the event, alongside metro general duties police and specialist officers.

Scheduled to run from September 11-13, the Land Forces expo 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.

The protest caused traffic jams and road blockages. Picture: RACV

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.

When asked for her thoughts on Sky News on Wednesday morning, deputy Liberal Party leader Sussan Ley said the group should get a job.

Police had been prepared for protesters to surround the exhibition centre, but a heated clash broke out after protesters began moving towards a major intersection. Picture: NewsWire / Luis Enrique Ascui

These people need to get a job, she said.

They need to actually, its like rent a crowd every single time we have one of these protests. I back our defence industries every single day of the week, and I know that Australians massively, absolutely do so as well.
Christopher Cahill from County Cavan has been named the 2024 FBD Young Farmer of the Year.

Christopher is a 30-year-old dairy farmer and a graduate of the Sustainable Agriculture Masters degree from UCD.

He entered a share farming arrangement in 2021 in County Meath with the assistance of the Macra Land Mobility Service and has since expanded the dairy enterprise from 110 cows to 250 crossbred cows.

Christopher has also been named category award winner for Land Mobility.

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Along with farming Christopher also owns Cavan Grassland Consultancy Ltd, a grass measurement and management service provider across the north midlands area.

The evening also saw a number of additional category winners:

David Melody originally from Clare but farming in Kilkenny was named Runner Up and won the Career Farm Management category.

Sarah Kelly of Sligo was named Best Young Entrant.

Martin OReilly of Laois was named the winner of the Dairy category and also won the Macra Agricultural Skillnet Biodiversity Young Farmer of the Year award.

Jamie Hannon of Sligo was named the Drystock category winner.

Seamus Leahy won the Other Enterprises category

This year marks the 26th anniversary of the FBD Young Farmer of the Year Awards which were held at the Heritage hotel in Laois. Christopher Cahill, the 2024 winner of the award was present at the awards ceremony and addressed the crowd.

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Elaine Houlihan, Macra National President said, the FBD Young Farmer of the Year Awards recognises and celebrates the talent, dedication and hard work of young farmers across Ireland since its inception over 26 years ago and has always showcased the very best of Irish farming. Tonights winner Christopher Cahill really demonstrates the talent of Irelands young farmers. In fact, all of the finalists here tonight, highlight the best and the brightest in the industry. Congratulations to Christopher and all of tonights winners. We thank FBD for sponsoring these awards for the last 26 years and the IFA for their partnership. It is our young farmers who are the future of farming in this country and these awards ensure that the future of farming has its night in the spotlight.

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On behalf of the entire FBD team, I extend our congratulations to Christopher Cahill on this well-deserved recognition. The FBD Young Farmer of the Year award is a reflection of Christophers unwavering dedication, passion, and hard work. FBD Insurance is proud to maintain our long-standing partnership with Macra na Feirme and the FBD Young Farmer of the Year Awards. We take great pride in supporting initiatives that celebrate the remarkable achievements of young farmers and their vital contributions to the farming community. We hope these awards will continue to inspire the next generation to build strong, sustainable farm businesses for the future said Tomas O'Midheach, CEO, FBD Insurance.

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IFA President Francie Gorman said the energy and vision shown by the entrants to the FBD Young Farmer of the Year Awards is very encouraging for the future. Congratulations to the winner Christopher Cahill. There is a wealth of talent in farming and were delighted to be part of this competition with Macra. I hope those who took part will consider a leadership role in the future. They are already very accomplished with their own farm enterprise. From here, we would like to see them contribute outside the farmgate. Its very rewarding and its an opportunity to shape the future for their families and their communities.

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The aim of the competition is to recognise and reward the top young farmers in the country. Entrants are judged according to a number of criteria including farm business initiative and innovation, levels of farm efficiency and enterprise quality, farm safety and environmental protection awareness, and agricultural knowledge.

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St Josephs national school has received a timely boost for their crowdfunding campaign to develop a playground and sensory area.

The St. Josephs Convent National School Playground Fund has become the latest beneficiary of Aldi's Community Grants programme, with the school receiving 2,500 worth of Aldi gift cards from the Aldi store team in County Longford.

The Longford town school is hoping to raise 100,000 in order to develop the playground and sensory facilities. So far, the fundraiser has received over 49,000 in support.

St Joseph's has over 500 pupils and 70 staff, making it the largest in the county. The school recently opened its fifth autism class in September.

Speaking to the Leader earlier this year, school principal Orla Egan said that, unfortunately for us as an Urban Deis Band 1 school, we are finding fundraising extremely difficult.

Our playground is not just a place but a sanctuary of shared experiences, where friendships bloom and the echoes of laughter resonate forever. We aim that our playground becomes a hub of joy, laughter and learning, she stated.

We want to create a playground that grows with the community, fostering friendships and unforgettable memories for generations to come, Orla added.

Orla is in her 10th year as Principal and she is a member of staff since 2001. It is very busy but I honestly love my job. Were so lucky here with an excellent, hard working, dedicated, hard working staff, she recently told Humans of Longford.

Its all about the pupils though, theyre the reason why were here, to meet the needs of the school community, she added.

The school has approximately 26 languages.

Commenting on the sizeable donation from Aldi, Rachel Nugent, National Sustainability Manager, Aldi Ireland said: We are delighted to continue to support local charities and community groups across the country through the Aldi Community Grants programme and to see the impact of our donation in the local communities of County Longford.

The Community Grants programme is one example of how Aldi is committed to investing and partnering with local communities and charities across Ireland and we look forward to continuing this engagement for years to come," Rachel added.

Those wishing to donate can do so online here - DONATION LINK.

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Longford man Stephen Garland, who lives with Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (PPMS), was once told he was six months away from a wheelchair.

Now he is determinedly planning to climb Benbulben on Saturday, September 21 to raise much needed funds for the MS North West Therapy Centre in Sligo and the Longford Branch of MS. .

Stephen, who has organised a weekend of events aimed at raising awareness and funds for MS, said he will forever be grateful to the North West Therapy Centre for the kindness, support and treatments he received from the most wonderful staff there.

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One of the 9,000 people living with MS in Ireland, Stephen, hailing from Granard, ran as an Independent European election candidate in the Midlands North West constituency where a key plank of his campaign was to raise awareness of Multiple Sclerosis.

He describes the Midlands North West as a blackspot for MS. The incidence rate in the Irish State is 1 in 800 or 138 per 100,000 of the population, but in counties Donegal, Sligo and Leitrim the rate is 1 in 600.

Thanking the 1,079 votes that gave him their first preference vote, Stephen had originally planned to climb Benbulben as part of his election campaign however an injury sustained by his father put paid to that. My Dad broke his hip and Im delighted to say that he continues his great recovery.

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Saturday, September 21 is also International Peace Day and Stephen believes it is fitting he should be embarking on his Benbulben climb that day. It is thanks to a famous Ukrainian doctor, Dr Fedorenko who treated me six years ago in the Pirogov hospital in Moscow and that changed my life.

Also well known as an international comedy and music promoter, Stephen has organised a crammed weekend (Thursday, September 19 - Saturday, September 21) of positive events incorporating Culture Night, the Benbulben climb on International Peace Day complete with live streamed unfurling of Ukrainian and Palestinian flags from the summit.

The Best of Us in Granard

Stephen will perform a show entitled The Best of Us in Lus na Greine Family Resource Centre, Granard on Thursday, September 19 at 7.30pm.

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From running in the European elections to climbing Benbulben, from battling a no treatment, no cure diagnosis to advocating for plant medicines, Stephen will bring the audience on an inspiring journey through comedy and storytelling. The show concludes with an interactive Q&A.

Culture Night, September 20 in Sligo

Stephen will perform a special edition of his show, The Best of Us, as part of Sligo Culture Night on Friday, September 20 at 7.30pm in Garavogue Bar.

While all Culture Night performances are FREE, for management purposes the public do need to reserve their places via The Best of Us Culture Night Sligo Eventbrite page.

International Peace Day

From 10am on Saturday, Stephen will climb Benbulben, one of Ireland's most beautiful landmarks. September 21 is also International Peace Day and it is Stephens intention to unfurl both Palestinian and Ukrainian flags at the summit with a live stream and he adds, Expect some Lennon possibly in the soundtrack!

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The climb is primarily aimed at raising much-needed funds for the North West Therapy Centre via a Go Fund Me Page (Climb for Mind, Body and Soul - MS Therapy centre!) - https://gofund.me/3d0b7de9

From 6pm on Saturday in Maeves Bar, Sligo, the events conclude with a heartfelt tribute to Dubliner Mark Gilligan, a legend of the Irish music industry, who battled MS himself for 16 years.

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Mark shared the same stem cell treatment journey as Stephen and he was making similar massive improvements but sadly succumbed to cancer in September 2023. The memorial music session in Maeves Bar will be led by Joe Connolly.

All musicians are welcome to join and celebrate Marks enduring legacy.

Join the Cause

Stephen Garland invites everyone to participate in these meaningful events. Full details can be found on his website: www.garland4europe.com

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Musician and mental health advocate Bressie made a stop in Longford to share a powerful message ahead of a daunting challenge.

To raise vital funds for A Lust for Life, Niall Breslin (Bressie) will kayak the River Shannon, cycle 160km from Limerick to Killarney and then scale Irelands highest peak, Carrauntoohil.

From September 9 to 15, the team aims to raise vital funds for A Lust for Lifes free early prevention school programs, which aim to equip children with the tools they need to protect and enhance their mental health.

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On Monday, the team gathered in Lanesboro for a meet and greet, where crowds gathered to show support for their multi-day expedition, The Rising 2024.

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Co-founded by Breslin in 2017, A Lust For Life has been at the forefront of developing early prevention mental health and wellbeing programmes in schools across Ireland. These programmes are designed to equip children with the tools to enhance and protect their mental health, ensuring they thrive emotionally, mentally, and socially from the earliest age.

The challenge itself is as daunting as it is symbolic. Over six days, the team will navigate the waters of the River Shannon, cycle from Limerick to Killarney, and finally, climb Irelands highest peak, Carrauntoohil.

Also read: Two-time Olympian Darragh Greene inspires next generation of Longford athletes

Last year, The Rising captured the publics imagination as Bressie and his team kayaked down the Shannon, raising an impressive 158,000 for the cause.

This year, the stakes are highernot just in the scale of the challenge, but in the ambition behind it. A Lust For Life is asking people across Ireland to unite in a powerful rising up on Sunday, September 15 as Bressie and the team make their final ascent of Carrauntoohil.

Also read: Proud to fly Longford flag on international stage: Gerard Sheehan picks up top award in Miami

Bressie and the team will be joined by some familiar faces on their last days climb - double Olympic gold medallist Kellie Harrington, Tiktok stars Tadgh and Derry Fleming, broadcaster and mindfulness teacher Dermot Whelan, author Kaitriona OSullivan, artist Joe Caslin, fitness influencer and teacher Caroline McKenna - and more. People can join the movement and rise up by doing a walk or hike in their locality, registering to donate and sharing photos on the day.

Reflecting on the significance of The Rising, Bressie said: This journey represents more than just a fundraiser; it mirrors the struggles that many young people face in todays world. Its a call to action for all of us to ensure that our youth have the tools they need to navigate lifes challenges.

Also read: PROPERTY WATCH | 'Exceptional residence' on the market for 395,000 in Longford

Our children are growing up in an increasingly complex world, and we cant wait for a crisis to act. We need to equip them with the skills to protect their mental health now, so they can grow up with the tools that none of us had.

Speaking of last years challenge, Bressie said: Last years experience on the Shannon was tough but incredibly rewarding. This year, were raising the barnot just in the challenge itself, but in our ambition to unite the country in support of our childrens mental health. Every step, every paddle stroke, and every euro raised brings us closer to a future where mental health education is ingrained in every school in Ireland. Together, we believe Ireland can be world leaders in investing in prevention as a model of care.

Also read: Longford man who was six months from a wheelchair is now planning to climb Benbulben
A Circuit Court judge has said he cant help wondering if a man who disappeared mysteriously into a wooded area for several hours after causing serious injury to a woman in a collision was intoxicated and chose to hide out to avoid a drunk driving conviction.

However, without express evidence of intoxication, Judge Kenneth Connolly was not allowed to speculate in the case of Arunas Raisys (50), with an address in Ballinamuck, Co Longford.

Mr Raisys first appeared before Longford Circuit Court on May 17, 2022, charged with dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm in Ballinamuck on September 9, 2021.

He was also charged with failing to give, on demand, the appropriate information to Gardai, for leaving the scene of the accident, and for failure to report the occurrence of an accident.

Also read: Longford Gardai disrupt planned cannabis grow farm

In October 2023, he entered a guilty plea to dangerous driving on a full facts basis and the case was adjourned to July to allow for the preparation of a probation report.

Garda Campbell Brennan told the court that the injured party was travelling in the passenger seat of her daughters car, with her granddaughter in the back seat when a van came around a dangerous bend and collided with their car.

The car kept going backwards until the driver pulled the handbrake to slow down in an attempt to avoid going into the ditch. Mr Raisys, however, kept driving until he reached his house a short distance away.

When he got out of his car, he was met by his wife who was screaming and roaring at him in their own language before stopping and simply staring at him. Mr Raisys then walked away into the wooded area behind the house and was not seen again for several hours.

When Gardai arrived, he wasnt present in the vehicle or the surrounding area. Air support assistance was called in and the area was thoroughly searched but Mr Raisys could not be located.

Also read: Gardai swarm site as dig gets underway for girl (15) who vanished 30 years ago

He returned home in the early hours of the morning, the court heard, and said he had fallen unconscious. There was damage to the front windscreen of his car, where he had hit his head during the collision.

Mr Raisys wife told Gardai that, when she went out to the van following the collision, it was like he didnt see me.

I checked on the other people, then went back to my husband and he was gone. I was scared because he faints when he sees blood, she said.

When questioned by Gardai, Mr Raisys said he only remembered when I opened my eyes it was very dark and I was in the forest.

The injured party was an elderly woman who required extensive ICU care following the crash. Her injuries were significant and included severe trauma to her chest and abdomen, including a fractured sternum and multiple rib fractures.

In her victim impact statement, the woman said she was fit and healthy before the collision and loved working with her 40 cows on her own. She had named each of her cows and loved them. Now she can no longer milk and take care of them and does not know their names.

Also read: Gardai investigating as cash stolen during broad daylight Cloontuskert house break-in

She said she doesn't remember being in ICU for 11 days, but she remembers she couldnt see her family due to the strict Covid rules of only one family member permitted at a time.

She said she felt like a child because she couldnt sleep in her own bed, change her own clothes or cook and she is now afraid to drive or be a passenger in a car as a result of the incident.

Mr Raisys has no previous convictions and there was no suggestion or evidence that he had consumed alcohol or drugs before getting behind the wheel that day, the court heard.

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Judge Connolly noted that the collision occurred and Mr Raisys disappeared mysteriously into the woods at approximately six oclock in the evening, but there was nothing more definite than the early house of the morning given in evidence regarding his return home.

There was also no evidence that his family were out with sticks looking for him. One cant help wondering if he was intoxicated and decided to head into the woods until he had exceeded the three hours in which Gardai could test him for alcohol, he said.

It might be obvious, but I have no evidence of that and Im not allowed to speculate. Alcohol and drugs are not in this case, so I have to assume that this man was entirely sober.

Aggravating factors in the case included the fact that Mr Raisys came around the bend on the wrong side of the road, as well as the catastrophic injuries caused to the injured party.

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Theres every inference that some speed was involved when looking at the damage. When one sees the photographs Ive seen, the front of Mr Raisys van is absolutely decimated, he said.

The Renault was also considerably damaged and probably a write-off, he added, referring to the car in which the injured party was a passenger.

The Renault was pushed along the road. Newtons law says if two moving objects collide, they slow each other down, but this van not only slowed the Renault down, it pushed it along the road. The driver pulled the handbrake and it still didnt stop.

However, Judge Connolly gave credit for a number of mitigating factors, including a plea of guilty, a lack of previous convictions and the fact Mr Raisys has always been in employment since he moved to Ireland over a decade ago.

There was no useful purpose for imposing an immediate custodial sentence, Judge Connolly noted, setting a sentence of two years and six months and suspending it in its entirety for a period of four years.

It does absolutely no good to put him in prison because, instead of having him working and contributing to society by paying taxes, we would have someone in prison at the expense of the state, he said.

Mr Raisys has been ordered to pay a sum of 5,000 to a road victims charity within 12 months, and has been disqualified from driving for six years, starting on August 15 at 12pm, to allow him to arrange for an alternative driver at his place of work.

Before he drives again, hell be obliged to resit all aspects of the driving test and undertake a pro-social driving course, said Judge Connolly.

If there is any application to restore his licence, I want the judge to be aware of my condition that he re-sit his test and I want a copy of that court order to be sent to the Road Safety Authority.

Finally, he ordered that a sum of 2,500 that Mr Raisys had brought to court to be handed over to State Solicitor Mark Connellan, to be paid to the injured party in due course.
When Gabby and Charlie moved to Australia from the UK, they aimed to do it differently. And now they're encouraging others to do the same.

British couple Charlie and Gabby recommend doing farm work, despite it no long being a visa requirement in Australia. Source: gabzandchaz_travel

When British couple Gabby and Charlie set out for their great Aussie adventure, they'd planned to do it differently from most.

Despite farm work no longer being a visa requirement for expats hoping to extend their stay in Australia, they decided to do it anyway  and it's something they'd "100 per cent" recommend to others, dispelling the myth that expats making a life in Australia can't save much money due to the rising cost of living.

The couple from Essex arrived Down Under in October last year and instead of heading to Sydney, like many expats choose to do, they stayed three months in Newcastle, a smaller harbour city in NSW. After a short stint in Melbourne, they made their way to rural Victoria where they worked for 20 weeks on a dairy farm.

"It was a decision we made before we even left because we knew it'd be an amazing experience, it's something different. Something that we would never even think about doing back home," Charlie told Yahoo News Australia.

"We also used it as an opportunity to save for our future travels around Australia too," he added, revealing they were able to save over $34,000 during their 20-week stay. And it's something they admit all expats should still consider to get ahead.

Farm work no longer a requirement for working holiday visa holders

As of 1 July 2024, changes to the Australian working holiday visa meant UK travellers no longer have to complete three months of farm work to extend their stay in Australia after a year. Previously, many expats relied on fruit picking at farms across the country to complete the mandatory work.

But that wasn't an option for the young couple, aged 24 and 26, who said they didn't want to work on a fruit farm mostly because "we've heard some really bad stories," alluding to poor pay and tough conditions.

The couple say they worked long days on the dairy farm but loved the experience and the pay. Source: gabzandchaz_travel

"The reason we went for dairy farming is because of the experience and getting to be with the calves and the cows," they said. A typical day involves milking cows, cleaning stalls and birthing calves before enjoying quiet nights at home.

They found the gig in Yanakie, Victoria after posting on Facebook Marketplace and were approached by a local farmer. "They had never had backpackers before. They didn't know anything about our visa or anything like that," they said.

"They were actually looking for people who didn't have any farming experience because they wanted to teach people to do things their way. We were very fortunate because we didn't have to do it for our visa, so we were able to be quite picky with [who we chose]."

Breakdown of costs working on the dairy farm

Breaking down their pay, the couple revealed that 50 hours of work per week earned them each $1275. Being a rural area, "there wasn't much to do" in terms of fun, so they didn't spend a lot of money socialising.

Their total weekly spend on rent and expenses totalled $791.18 between them, which allowed them each to save almost $900 a week. This likely wouldn't be possible in major cities, including Sydney," they said.

The couple's total weekly expenses was $791, meaning they were able to save almost $900 a week each. Source: gabzandchaz_travel

Comparing their own experience to others living Down Under, they say this work allowed them to experience something different while funding their future travels. They're now planning an epic three-week holiday travelling across Queensland, including Brisbane, Cairns, Port Douglas and the Great Barrier Reef  a trip they say likely wouldn't have otherwise been possible.

"A quarter of the money we've saved is funding that trip," they told Yahoo. "We've worked hard these past five months and we've saved a lot of money, so now we don't have to worry."

A typical day on the farm started at 5am and ended at 6pm.

How farm work compares to city jobs

Others living in Sydney or other cities often rely on hospitality or retail work to get by while some opt for office work including recruitment. A British man previously revealed his major gripe with the working holiday visa. Those staying on the visa can only work for the same employer for a maximum of six months before being forced to find another role. Plus, there's often a shortage of jobs, he said.

Like most, Charlie and Gabby tried their hand at a range of roles while living in Melbourne and Newcastle including labouring for Charlie and hospitality for Gabby. But nothing compared to the work they did on the farm, and what they got paid.

"For me personally, the money is a bonus," said Charlie. "But the experience on the farm is just one of the things you have to do. It's just different and we absolutely loved it."

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

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Two men found hiding in toilets at Shannon airport in the early hours of Tuesday morning after disembarking a Ryanair flight are to spend Tuesday night in Limerick prison on alleged immigration offences.

At Kilrush District Court this Tuesday, September 10, the two men - both claiming to be Chinese nationals - appeared after being charged with landing in the State without the proper documentation including a valid passport contrary to section 11 of the Immigration Act 2004.

In court, Det Garda Ciaran Keoghan told the court that he found Lin Delin (30) of no fixed abode and Li Hu (26) of no fixed abode in the ladies and gents toilets in the airport terminal sometime after 2am on Tuesday morning.

Det Keoghan said that in response to caution and charge at Shannon Garda Station later, Mr Delin said: I am claiming asylum.

Det Keoghan said that the Ryanair flight from Girona landed shortly after 2am on Tuesday morning.

He said: The two seconded themselves in the toilets in the terminal building and I had to go check the toilets and I found one man in the ladies and one man in the gents.

He said: We would always check the toilets after flights.

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Det Keoghan told the court that the two had no documentation and he later found the remains of a Japanese passport from the aircraft.

Solicitor for the two, Tara Godfrey said that the two men deny that the Japanese passport recovered from the toilet of the aircraft was theirs.

Ms Godfrey said that she has instructions to plead guilty to the charges before the court in Ennis on Wednesday, and that she wasnt seeking bail for her clients at this time.

Ms Godfrey said that she was seeking a Mandarin translator for court on Wednesday and a translator in court today on loud speaker over Det Keoghans mobile phone translated proceedings for the two.

Judge Alec Gabbett said: I am remanding Mr Delin and Li Hu but we have nothing to show that they are those people they say they are.

Judge Gabbett said: They could be remanded in custody at length and that in itself would be unjust. It is going to cause a lengthy period in custody if we cant establish who they are.

He commented: It would be very unusual to be seeking asylum from Japan.

Judge Gabbett remanded the two to Limerick prison to appear before Ennis District Court on Wednesday for sentence. He said: "It might be difficult to impose sentence if we don't know who they are."

Read more Crime & Courts stories on Clare Live
Local News, Crime

By Long Island Published: September 11 2024

A 20-year-old Riverhead man was sentenced to 22 years in prison for fatally stabbing a 26-year-old man near a busy traffic circle, following an altercation in a park.

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced that Gelber Lopez Perez, 20, of Riverhead, was sentenced to 22 years in prison, followed by five years of post-release supervision, after pleading guilty to Manslaughter in the irst Degree, for fatally stabbing Tony Fernando Alvarado Ajcuc, 26, also of Riverhead, near a busy traffic circle in Riverhead on a weekday afternoon.

This defendant took a life in a brazen act of violence that occurred in full view of our community. Violence like this is unacceptable, said District Attorney Tierney. Our thoughts remain with the victims family, and we hope that this resolution brings them some measure of closure.

As established by the investigation and guilty plea allocution, on June 6, 2023, at approximately 3:00 p.m., Lopez Perez was in Grangabel Park in Riverhead, arguing with a friend. When the victim arrived at the park, he asked Lopez Perez and his friend why they were arguing. Lopez Perez and the victim then got into a physical altercation.

After the altercation, the victim left the park on foot, crossed four lanes of traffic on Nugent Drive, and headed toward a nearby traffic circle.

Lopez Perez ran after the victim and knocked him to the ground. As the victim laid on the ground in a defensive posture, Lopez Perez stabbed him with a knife. He then fled back toward the park.

An eyewitness took a photograph of Lopez Perez as he ran from the scene, which was later

provided to the police. The victim was transported to Peconic Bay Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased.

Less than a half hour later, police found and arrested Lopez Perez near Court Street and Griffing Avenue, a short distance from where the homicide occurred. Police also recovered the knife from Lopez Perezs waistband that still had blood stains on it.

On June 27, 2024, Lopez Perez pleaded guilty to Manslaughter in the First Degree before Acting Supreme Court Justice Stephen L. Braslow.

On September 10, 2024, Judge Braslow sentenced Lopez Perez to 22 years in prison followed by five years of post-release supervision. He was represented by Ian Fitzgerald, Esq.
Local News

By Chris Boyle Published: September 11 2024

Fall D.C. Trip Made Possible by Generous Gift from One Veterans Group to Another.

Honor Flight Long Island, the iconic volunteer-run veterans organization, is proud to announce that our Fall Flight to Washington, D.C. is scheduled for Saturday, October 5, 2024. This flight will take 46 Long Island veterans to visit their military memorials, meet with service branch representatives, commiserate with fellow veterans and exchange stories. Honor Flights mission is to honor fellow Long Islanders who served in the United States Armed Forces to preserve our freedoms, by providing free, one-day trips so they can visit their D.C. memorials.

According to HFLI President Bill Jones, Our Fall Flight includes 43 Vietnam War veterans who will receive long overdue recognition and thanks for their service. Theyll be accompanied on this flight by 3 elder comrades, veterans of the Korean War. What this flight really represents is a Big Hug to all of our veterans from Honor Flight, their families and supporters, who make such flights possible, Jones said. Bill Jones is a U.S. Army veteran and West Point 1972 Graduate.

Thanks to HFLI, these 46 veterans will take a free, early-morning Southwest flight to Washington, D.C. Departing from Islip MacArthur Airport at 6:05 a.m., veterans and their guardians will visit the World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War Memorials, Arlington National Cemetery for a Changing of the Guard, plus the Air Force and Iwo Jima Memorials. Theyll return to Islip that evening at 10:05 p.m., for a rousing welcome by the Safron United Pipe Band, plus thunderous applause from hundreds of family, friends and supporters!

A major donation from the Hicksville Veterans Association to Honor Flight Long Island, will pay for the cost of all veterans on this flight. According to Vincent Morreale, Chairman of the Hicksville Veterans Association and a Vietnam veteran, 10 of our members were honored by an Honor Flight in the Spring of 2022 and were overwhelmed by the experience. We are so proud and delighted to sponsor this October 5th flight for our fellow veterans, he said.

Four members of the Hicksville Veterans Association from the 2022 flight, will serve as guardians on this flight, and six members will be flying as veterans for the first time. Bill Jones said Honor Flight Long Island is humbled by this generous donation. Thank you, Vincent and your members, this donation means a lot in our continuing mission to honor Long Islands veterans, Jones said.

Next up is our Veterans Reunion on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at the American Airpower Museum, Hangar 3, 1230 New Highway, Farmingdale, NY. The reunion runs from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at AAM. The public is welcome to attend for FREE . Museum opens at 12:00 p.m. and everyone is encouraged to come early and enjoy the exhibits before and after the reunion. For information about AAM, call (631) 293-6398 or email www.americanairpowermuseum.org.

Come and cheer our heroes during the Ceremony of Honors, as each receives a personalized Tribute Journal full of photos taken during their D.C. trip. This great patriotic event includes speeches by HFLI President Bill Jones and AAM President Jeff Clyman. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla Band will play a popular patriotic medley known as the Armed Forces Salute, featuring the six official musical themes of the U.S. Armed Forces: Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air and Space Forces, and Coast Guard. Free refreshments for all provided by HFLI.
A screenshot from IDF footage of southern Lebanon shows what the IDF says is a Hezbollah terrorist in the village of Houla.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) conducted an airstrike on a Hezbollah commander in the groups elite Radwan Force, the IDF said on September 10. Mohammad Qassem Al-Shaa was targeted in the town of Qaraoun, around 30 miles north of the Israeli border. Hezbollah released an image of Al-Shaa in the wake of his death. On September 11, Hezbollah announced the death of another of its members, bringing the groups total losses to at least 435 members since it began its attacks on Israel in October 2023.

The deaths of two Hezbollah members in two days happened as the group continued to carry out rocket and missile attacks on northern Israel. On September 10, the Iranian-backed group fired 15 rockets at the Israeli community of Zarit on the border in northern Galilee. Shortly afterward, at around 4:30 pm, Hezbollah launched another 30 rockets at Sasa and Mount Meron. Hezbollah has targeted Meron in the past, claiming to fire at an IDF base located on the mountain.

Hezbollah followed up this barrage with a number of drone attacks on Israeli communities in the Huleh Valley. Several suspicious aerial targets were identified crossing from Lebanon into Israeli territory. Some of the targets were intercepted. Fallen targets were identified in an area adjacent to Amiad. No injuries were reported, the IDF said.

On September 11, Hezbollah increased its attacks, again launching rockets in the afternoon just after 4 pm. In this case, it targeted Abirim in the northern Galilee and Kfar Szold in the Huleh Valley with around 60 projectiles in a series of barrages. Just before sunset, the group launched more rockets at the communities of Matat and Hurfeish, a Druze village in northern Israel. In June, a Hezbollah drone attack on a field near Hurfeish being used by the IDF injured nine Israeli soldiers.

The Israel Defense Forces responded to the attacks with a series of air strikes and artillery fire missions. The Israeli Air Force struck 30 Hezbollah rocket launchers located in Jibbain, Naqoura, Deir Seryan, and Zibqin in southern Lebanon. In other rounds of airstrikes, the IDF hit more launchers in Maryamine, Rachaya Al Foukhar, and Mansouri and At Tiri, also in south Lebanon. In Rachaf, Nabaiteh, Mansouri, and Kfarkela, the IDF said it struck Hezbollah military structures, and it targeted a Hezbollah weapons manufacturing facility in Jouaiyya. A Hezbollah observation post was also destroyed in Kfarchouba.

Some of these villages have been targeted by the IDF in the past due to Hezbollahs presence, although it appears from the list that several villages, such as Rachaf and Maryamine, have been in the line of fire infrequently over the last few months. The latest targeting could represent Hezbollah expanding its operations to new areas, or the IDF discovering terror infrastructure and launchers in these new areas.

While the IDF mainly relies on airstrikes in southern Lebanon, Israeli artillery also fired on Souaneh, Al-Dahira, and Ayta ash Shab, while mortars were launched at Naqoura, near the border on the Mediterranean Sea. The IDF released a relatively high-quality video of an alleged member of a Hezbollah terrorist cell in Houla in southern Lebanon. The IDF said it will continue to operate against the threat of the Hezbollah terrorist organization in order to defend the State of Israel.

The most significant airstrike in Lebanon was against Al-Shaa, Hezbollahs Radwan Force commander. Throughout the 11 months of clashes with the group, one of Israels key goals has been to reduce the presence of the Radwan Force, considered more experienced and a significant threat, near the border. The IDF said that Al-Shaas death further impairs the Hezbollah terrorist organizations ability to promote and conduct terrorist activities from southern Lebanon against the Israeli Homefront on the northern border. 

Via statements to Iranian state media and the pro-Iranian al-Mayadeen media, Hezbollah claimed it had carried out numerous attacks on IDF positions in northern Israel on September 10 and 11. In one instance, an Al-Mayadeen correspondent said the outlet had confirmed a Hezbollah attack on the Israeli town of Metula. Metula is on the Lebanese border and has been attacked frequently by Hezbollah anti-tank missiles and other projectiles.

The IDF said that an Israeli reservist was wounded by anti-tank fire near the community of Dan in northern Israel. He was working as a community security guard. Many of these lightly armed security personnel have served as reservists during 11 months of war, allowing them to remain in their communities while receiving uniforms, arms, and benefits like other reservists.

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).
Researchers have uncovered worrying results after they examined how many rescued koalas were released back into the wild.

If you were betting on the recovery of a sick or injured koala youd sadly be given very short odds. Shockingly analysis of records taken from hospitals treating an endangered Queensland population reveal the most likely outcome is euthanasia.

University of Queensland researchers studied 50,000 koala sightings and hospital admissions between 1997 and 2019 from the southeast of the state and found only a quarter were released back into the wild. Many of the animals died before arriving at a vet hospital and those that did make it were often euthanised on the grounds of welfare, despite vets and carers doing their best to save them, lead researcher and PhD candidate Renae Charalambous said.

Its a grim statistic for Queenslands koalas which are being routinely displaced for new conveniences to serve the states growing population. Around the Gold Coast town of Coomera alone, habitat has been cleared to make way for a Westfield shopping centre and a Toyota dealership, while new outlets for US fast-food chains KFC, McDonalds, Taco Bell have been opened on a former koala range. And the state government is getting in on the act too, with plans to bulldoze more trees to build a new hospital.

Related: 'Very sad' reason locals don't want defunct koala signs removed from streets

What's harming endangered koalas?

The researchers discovered the spread of infectious chlamydia is responsible for around 30 per cent of hospital admissions, and motor vehicle strikes 20 per cent. And habitat loss and dog attacks were also major contributors.

"Those that made it to an animal hospital after [a] car strike were almost three times more likely to be euthanised than released. 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 euthanised than released, Charalambous said.

These are pretty grim statistics so the future for koalas looks bleak.

A new Taco Bell, McDonald's and KFC have been built in East Coomera. Source: Supplied

Second state facing collapse of koala population

While the results may be depressing, Charalambous argues they provide an opportunity to minimise the threats the species faces.

Its not just Queensland where koalas are in serious trouble. All wild NSW populations are expected to be wiped out by 2050.

Its last healthy chlamydia-free population, which is in southwest of Sydney, has been under pressure after successive state and federal governments approved new housing projects where it lives. Vehicle strikes have increased in the surrounding roads, resulting in declines. And habitat has become fragmented as forest is bulldozed to make way for new houses, driveways and swimming pools.

The University of Queensland study has been published in the journal Brill.

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Updated: Seven coastal emu eggs were removed and placed in an incubator after logging workers discovered them in an Australian forest.

Logging operations at a secret site on the NSW North Coast have ceased after the discovery of a rare coastal emu egg nest. Source: Mark Graham

More than a week after an announcement that a clutch of the worlds rarest bird eggs had been discovered, the NSW government has voluntarily ceased its logging operations around the now empty nesting site.

The reason for the decision remains unclear, but it follows a public outcry about the operations impact on the states last remaining coastal emus, of which fewer than 50 survive in the wild.

Before the decision, state-owned Forestry Corporation had created a 100-metre buffer zone around the "miracle" nest that fulfilled its legal obligations, but conservationists derided it as a woefully inadequate protection measure. Forestry Corp has voluntarily ceased the nearby timber harvesting operation as of this afternoon, 10 September 2024, a spokesperson told Yahoo News on Wednesday.

North Coast conservationist Mark Graham welcomed the decision but said logging should have stopped as soon as eggs from the endangered emu population were discovered.

The fact that no stop-work order or cessation of logging was implemented earlier goes to the heart of the problem. The very rarest vertebrate in northern NSW has been pushed much closer to extinction by these industrial logging operations. The moment coastal emus were discovered in that landscape all industrial logging should have ceased immediately, he said.

Sue Higginson is concerned about the impact of logging on endangered coastal emus. Source: Daniel McKeon/Clarence Valley Council/Mark Graham

Widespread logging around endangered emu population sparks concern

The eggs were discovered by forestry workers as they scanned the forest prior to harvesting. Yesterday the Corporation told Yahoo the find confirms its practices are effective in identifying and protecting habitat.

However Greens MP Sue Higginson responded by accusing Forestry Corporation of attempting to spin this story as a good news moment. But it couldn't be further from the truth. I've seen the on-ground photos and videos of the logging, and the landscape is absolutely devastated," she said.

"I don't use the word miracle lightly, but it is a miracle that any coastal emu remained close enough to the nests despite the loud and disruptive logging nearby."

Forestry Corporation responds to concerns about logging near nesting site

Forestry Corporation's operations were conducted approximately 4.6 kilometres from the coastal emu nesting site this week, prior to it voluntarily halting work.

A spokesperson told Yahoo News, "The nest was found in a regrowth forest that is designated for multiple uses including timber production and has been harvested multiple times and regrown in the past."

"Recent operations in the forest where the nest was found commenced in December 2023 and approximately 400 hectares have been selectively harvested. Prior to these operations, timber harvesting has taken place within one kilometre of where this nest was found in 2020, 2010, 2007 and 2002, and the area was also harvested and regrown multiple times in the previous century."

Government removes eggs from nesting site

The Department of Environments Save Our Species (SoS) program worked with the Corporation to examine the eggs. A spokesperson confirmed there are no longer any eggs left at the site. And Yahoo understands there are two other coastal emu nests which have been found on privately owned land.

Seven eggs were removed from the original nest and of these two hatched. Sadly one of the chicks died from a yet to be determined cause, and tests will now be undertaken. Five remain in the incubator and their status remains unknown.

Just three eggs were left at the nesting site, and the male stayed nearby. Two eggs hatched, and the male left the nest with chicks once they were mobile. One egg was unviable, which is not uncommon, and has been collected for testing. It is not considered abandoning a nest to move on after the majority of chicks have hatched a Department spokesman said.

Forestry Corporation maintains the discovery of the emu eggs demonstrates its methods are effective at protecting the environment. Source: Forestry Corporation

The Department told Yahoo News the eggs were not removed because of specific threats but rather so they could be used as part of its SoS captive breeding program.

"The captive breeding program is considered the best and potentially only way to recover this endangered population," a spokesperson for the Department said.

After the emu eggs were discovered, Higginson repeatedly called for the logging to stop. Because of the delay, she has warned the remaining coastal emu population is now more vulnerable to threats including invasive species and bushfires. With more severe and frequent bushfires expected because of climate change, she is concerned they could be catastrophic for the species.

"This forest is critical habitat for a species that is on the brink of extinction, the fact that the Minns Labor Government allowed the logging to occur here speaks volumes about their disregard for genuine nature repair."

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SUNDERLAND  The Taconic & Green Regional School District Board will hold a special meeting on Monday, September 9 to discuss The State of our Schools.

In a statement posted to social media on Thursday, Bennington-Rutland Supervisory Union Superintendent Randi Lowe acknowledged ongoing discussions about a regional middle school and asked for input from the public.

As many of you know, the Board has been exploring the possibility of a middle school for the past two years and last winter, it became clear that it was not possible to make decisions about the middle school in isolation, Lowe wrote. A facility review was completed on the five Taconic and Green schools so the Board could have a good sense about the condition of the school buildings themselves.

The Taconic & Green Regional School District serves the towns of Danby, Dorset, Landgrove, Londonderry, Manchester, Mt. Tabor, Peru, Sunderland, and Weston. Schools within the district include Currier Memorial School, The Dorset School, Flood Brook School, Manchester Elementary-Middle School, and Sunderland Elementary School.

In June, the Journal reported nearly $75 million in recommended renovations to the districts five school buildings. The repairs recommended by TruexCullins, the architecture and interior design firm contracted to conduct the evaluation, total $74,567,596. The cost of replacing all five school buildings is approximately $172,987,500, the firm estimates.

What Now? Taconic & Green buildings have 'reached the end' A recent evaluation conducted for the Taconic & Green Regional School District has returned with nearly $75 million in recommended renovations to the districts five school buildings, raising the question: now what?

Sunderland Elementary School faces the most severe ratio of recommended repairs ($8,597,842) against the cost to replace the building entirely ($11,250,000), though all five schools fell into the highest range of need according to the metric employed by TruexCullins.

In June 2023, the Board also voted to move forward on planning a regional middle school for the nine-town district.

Taconic & Green Regional School District moves forward on regional middle school planning SUNDERLAND  The Taconic & Green Regional School District Board has voted to move forward on planning a regional middle school for the nin

I will be presenting to the Board information from the work that has been completed to date and to discuss a number of possible directions the district could go in the future, Lowe continued in Thursdays statement. After my presentation, the Board will discuss what was presented and following that will be an extended public comment period for members of the public to provide input to the Board.

The meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. at Sunderland Elementary School (98 Bear Ridge Rd, Sunderland, VT 05250). The agenda, available on the BRSUs website, includes Lowes presentation on the State of the Schools, as well as discussion on the topic. The Boards Community Engagement Committee will be directed to plan and schedule further forums on the future of the districts schools.

Board members will also provide recommendations to Lowe on the next steps for the configuration of Taconic & Green schools, alongside recommendation for budget preparations in light of the needed maintenance at school facilities.

After these agenda items, there will be a 30 minute window for public comment.

This is the first of what I anticipate to be multiple meetings on this topic, Lowe wrote. I know the Board wants to do what is best for the community and your input, perspective and partnership is important and valued. I hope to see you on Monday evening.

Those who cannot attend Mondays in person can join via Google Meet at https://meet.google.com/jdx-zzwh-whp or by calling 1-484-424-6709 and using the PIN 892 857 137.
In this instalment of our series, Lenin in a Year, we take a look at a short but very interesting text by Lenin, written in 1919, The Third International and its Place in History. This year represented the high water mark of a European-wide wave of revolutions. The foundations of capitalism were shaking. And to lead the European and world proletariat, Lenin led the founding of a new Third Communist International.

[The full original text by Lenin can be found at the bottom of this introduction.]

By 1919, the spark of the Russian Revolution had lit a conflagration in Europe. Lenin confidently remarked, a new era in world history has begun. Uprisings unfolded in Germany, Austria, where the Hohenzollern and Habsburg monarchies collapsed. A wave of sit-down strikes swept Italy. A revolutionary war of independence broke out in Ireland. In Hungary, a soviet republic was even declared.

As the British Prime Minister Lloyd George admitted: the whole existing order in its political, social and economic aspects is questioned by the masses of the population from one end of Europe to the other.

Despite being the wars victors, Britain and France were also in the throes of unrest. Britains efforts to crush the soviet republic were checked by its own working class, who looked towards the soviet power as a beacon of hope.

This was the time of revolutionary unrest on Red Clydeside. In London, dock workers prevented a cargo vessel from departing which was carrying munitions that would be used to attack soviet Russia. The TUC was forced to threaten a general strike on this question.

British troops who were being shipped off to carry out the orders of the ruling class to crush the revolution mutinied, leading a top General at the time to say: we are sitting on top of a mine which may go off at any moment.

Across the Atlantic, Woodrow Wilson shared this assessment: The world is on fire and were in a race against Bolshevism.

The Third International

Lenin had long foreseen this. It was not just Russia that was ripe for revolution at this time. Capitalism had reached its limits as a world system. Cracks had emerged across the globe. Russia was not a special case, but a weak link in the capitalist chain, and the first to break. The task of the soviet power was to hold out until the revolutionary crisis matured across Europe, and then come to its aid, not only by bringing material assistance, but by bringing the condensed lessons of a victorious socialist revolution.

It was in this context that the Third Communist International was founded in March 1919. Its mission was to bind together the vanguard of the proletariat under a clear programme and on this basis, lead the proletariat across the world in a struggle for power.

Its tasks were set out in Lenins article The Third International and its Place in History, namely, to take world revolution beyond the realm of words and to make it a reality.

Breaking with the Second International

This was not the first time that an international party of the working class had been formed. Marx and Engels established the First International which, as Lenin explained in this article, laid the foundation of the proletarian, international struggle for socialism.

This was not the first time that an international party of the working class had been formed / Image: public domain

This was followed by the Second International, which, particularly in Germany, gained a mass following. It was, however, born in a period where capitalism in Europe experienced an economic upswing. For a layer of the working class, living conditions improved.

This had an effect on the psychology of the leadership of the International, the leading party of which was the Germany party. They became detached from the interests of the working class. In practice, they adapted to capitalism. Some of its key leaders, like Kautsky, still paid lip service to Marxism, but they quietly tolerated others who explicitly claimed that capitalism had now solved its contradictions.

This represented a complete renunciation of revolutionary struggle in favour of a nicer version of capitalism, which, as proven by the crisis of capitalism and devastation of war, did not exist.

The criminal betrayal of the working class in 1914 on the outbreak of war, when the leadership of the German party voted unanimously to support its own ruling class, exposed the rot. In order to remain a legal opposition, and to hold fast to its apparatus and privileges, it was ready to support sending German workers to slaughter workers from other countries on the battlefields of Europe.

When revolution broke out across Europe, these traitors showed that they stood squarely in the camp of bourgeois counter-revolution. In early 1919, German Social Democrat minister, Gustav Noske led the Freikorps in first hunting down and killing Rosa Luxemburg and Karl Liebknecht, and then went from region to region, shutting down workers councils, putting down rebellions and murdering communists.

In one country after another, the right-wing social democrats provided one of the main props for the capitalist order, using a combination of deception and repression.

The Third International was born out of an uncompromising struggle against this rotten leadership. Understanding that it was dead for the purposes of emancipating the working class, Luxemburg had long ago described the Second International, in words celebrated by Lenin, as a stinking corpse.

Under Lenins leadership, meanwhile, the Bolshevik Party in Russia had not only led the working class to take power itself, but by doing so, had in its hands invaluable experience that would help to prepare the leadership of the proletariat across the world. On the basis of these lessons, Lenin waged a fierce struggle against the Second International in order to wrest away their influence over the working class. As he wrote:

The Third International has gathered the fruits of the work of the Second International, discarded its opportunist, social-chauvinist, bourgeois and petty-bourgeois dross, and has begun to implement the dictatorship of the proletariat

A school of communism

The birth of the Third International was therefore a call to arms; revolution was the order of the day, and the two choices were the dictatorship of the bourgeoisie or the dictatorship of the proletariat.

There could be no half measures; the workers state was fighting for its life and required immediate assistance, which could only be brought about with the spread of proletarian revolution. Lenin lays out in black and white in this short text that socialism, if it is to exist at all, must be a world system. While the proletariat in Russia could break the power of capital more easily, the struggle could only be completed on the world scale:

For the continuance and completion of the work of building socialism, much, very much is still required. Soviet republics in more developed countries, where the proletariat has greater weight and influence, have every chance of surpassing Russia once they take the path of the dictatorship of the proletariat.

And so, the Communist International was launched to roars of applause in a crammed theatre and renditions of the Internationale. The crucial tool for world socialist revolution had been born.

The birth of the Third International was a call to arms / Image: public domain

This was just the beginning. The Bolsheviks had prepared for the October Revolution over a decade and a half, whereas, for example, the German Communist Party was founded one month after the revolution broke out in Germany.

Time was of the essence to disseminate the vast wealth of experience of revolutionary ideas and tactics of Bolshevism to the young communist parties of the world, to create an International based upon parties in the mould of Bolshevism.

The plenaries and commissions of the first four Congresses of the International, in which Lenin played the leading role, represent a school of communism that has had no equal before or since.

It has been over a century since the launch of the Third Communist International, however, its raison detre is just as relevant today as it was then. There can be no underestimating the depth of the crisis the capitalist system finds itself in today. On every front; economic, political, cultural, social, more and more people are realising that the system has nothing to offer them. The words of the Manifest of the Communist International, drafted by its other great leader, Leon Trotsky, ring as true today as they did in 1919:

Workers of the World  in the struggle against imperialist barbarism, against monarchy, against the privileged estates, against the bourgeois state and bourgeois property, against all kinds and forms of class or national oppression  Unite! Under the banner of Workers Soviets, under the banner of revolutionary struggle for power and the dictatorship of the proletariat, under the banner of the Third International  Workers of the World Unite!

The task the Revolutionary Communist International has set itself is to recommence the work that Lenin started when he founded the Communist International. We will see many revolutions in our lifetimes, but whether they end up sounding the final death knell for capitalism or not depends entirely on the existence of a world leadership of the working class, built on the lessons of the Bolsheviks.

In the next part in our series, Lenin in a Year, we look at one of the great classics of Marxism, a polemical work that emerged precisely from the debates in the young Communist International, Left-wing Communism: an Infantile Disorder.

The Third International and Its Place in History

The imperialists of the Entente countries are blockading Russia in an effort to cut off the Soviet Republic, as a seat of infection, from the capitalist world. These people, who boast about their democratic institutions, are so blinded by their hatred of the Soviet Republic that they do not see how ridiculous they are making themselves. Just think of it, the advanced, most civilised and democratic countries, armed to the teeth and enjoying undivided military sway over the whole world, are mortally afraid of the ideological infection coming from a ruined, starving, backward, and even, they assert, semi-savage country!

This contradiction alone is opening the eyes of the working masses in all countries and helping to expose the hypocrisy of the imperialists Clemanceau, Lloyd George, Wilson and their governments.

We are being helped, however, not only by the capitalists blind hatred of the Soviets, but also by their bickering among themselves, which induces them to put spokes in each others wheels. They have entered into a veritable conspiracy of silence, for they are desperately afraid of the spread of true information about the Soviet Republic in general, and of its official documents in particular. Yet, Le Temps, the principal organ of the French bourgeoisie, has published a report on the foundation in Moscow of the Third, Communist International.

For this we express our most respectful thanks to the principal organ of the French bourgeoisie, to this leader of French chauvinism and imperialism. We are prepared to send an illuminated address to Le Temps in token of our appreciation of the effective and able assistance it is giving us.

The manner in which Le Temps compiled its report on the basis of our wireless messages clearly and fully reveals the motive that prompted this organ of the money-bags. It wanted to have a dig at Wilson, as if to say, Look at the people with whom you negotiate! The wiseacres who write to the order of the money-bags do not see that their attempt to frighten Wilson with the Bolshevik bogey is becoming, in the eyes of the working people, an advertisement for the Bolsheviks. Once more, our most respectful thanks to the organ of the French millionaires!

The Third International has been founded in a world situation that does not allow prohibitions, petty and miserable devices of the Entente imperialists or of capitalist lackeys like the Scheidemanns in Germany and the Renners in Austria to prevent news of this International and sympathy for it spreading among the working class of the world. This situation has been brought about by the growth of the proletarian revolution, which is manifestly developing everywhere by leaps and bounds. It has been brought about by the Soviet movement among the working people, which has already achieved such strength as to become really international.

The First International (1864-72) laid the foundation of an international organisation of the workers for the preparation of their revolutionary attack on capital. The Second International (1889-1914) was an international organisation of the proletarian movement whose growth proceeded in breadth, at the cost of a temporary drop in the revolutionary level, a temporary strengthening of opportunism, which in the end led to the disgraceful collapse of this International.

The Third International actually emerged in 1918, when the long years of struggle against opportunism and social-chauvinism, especially during the war, led to the formation of Communist Parties in a number of countries. Officially, the Third International was founded at its First Congress, in March 1919, in Moscow. And the most characteristic feature of this International, its mission of fulfilling, of implementing the precepts of Marxism, and of achieving the age-old ideals of socialism and the working-class movementthis most characteristic feature of the Third International has manifested itself immediately in the fact that the new, third, International Working Mens Association has already begun to develop, to a certain extent, into a union of Soviet Socialist Republics.

The First International laid the foundation of the proletarian, international struggle for socialism.

The Second International marked a period in which the soil was prepared for the broad, mass spread of the movement in a number of countries.

The Third International has gathered the fruits of the work of the Second International, discarded its opportunist, social-chauvinist, bourgeois and petty-bourgeois dross, and has begun to implement the dictatorship of the proletariat.

The international alliance of the parties which are leading the most revolutionary movement in the world, the movement of the proletariat for the overthrow of the yoke of capital, now rests on an unprecedentedly firm base, in the shape of several Soviet republics, which are implementing the dictatorship of the proletariat and are the embodiment of victory over capitalism on an international scale.

The epoch-making significance of the Third, Communist International lies in its having begun to give effect to Marxs cardinal slogan, the slogan which sums up the centuries-old development of socialism and the working-class movement, the slogan which is expressed in the concept of the dictatorship of the proletariat.

This prevision and this theorythe prevision and theory of a geniusare becoming a reality.

The Latin words have now been translated into the languages of all the peoples of contemporary Europemore, into all the languages of the world.

A new era in world history has begun.

Mankind is throwing off the last form of slavery: capitalist, or wage-slavery.

By emancipating himself from slavery, man is for the first time advancing to real freedom.

How is it that one of the most backward countries of Europe was the first country to establish the dictatorship of the proletariat, and to organise a Soviet republic? We shall hardly be wrong if we say that it is this contradiction between the backwardness of Russia and the leap she has made over bourgeois democracy to the highest form of democracy, to Soviet, or proletarian, democracyit is this contradiction that has been one of the reasons (apart from the dead weight of opportunist habits and philistine prejudices that burdened the majority of the socialist leaders) why people in the West have had particular difficulty or have been slow in understanding the role of the Soviets.

The working people all over the world have instinctively grasped the significance of the Soviets as an instrument in the proletarian struggle and as a form of the proletarian state. But the leaders, corrupted by opportunism, still continue to worship bourgeois democracy, which they call democracy in general.

Is it surprising that the establishment of the dictatorship of the proletariat has brought out primarily the contradiction between the backwardness of Russia and her leap over bourgeois democracy? It would have been surprising had history granted us the establishment of a new form of democracy without a number of contradictions.

If any Marxist, or any person, indeed, who has a general knowledge of modern science, were asked whether it is likely that the transition of the different capitalist countries to the dictatorship of the proletariat will take place in an identical or harmoniously proportionate way, his answer would undoubtedly be in the negative. There never has been and never could be even, harmonious, or proportionate development in the capitalist world. Each country has developed more strongly first one, then another aspect or feature or group of features of capitalism and of the working-class movement. The process of development has been uneven.

When France was carrying out her great bourgeois revolution and rousing the whole European continent to a historically new life, Britain proved to be at the head of the counter-revolutionary coalition, although at the same time she was much more developed capitalistically than France. The British working-class movement of that period, however, brilliantly anticipated much that was contained in the future Marxism.

When Britain gave the world Chartism, the first broad, truly mass and politically organised proletarian revolutionary movement, bourgeois revolutions, most of them weak, were taking place on the European continent, and the first great civil war between the proletariat and the bourgeoisie had broken out in France. The bourgeoisie defeated the various national contingents of the proletariat one by one, in different ways in different countries.

Britain was the model of a country in which, as Engels put it, the bourgeoisie had produced, alongside a bourgeois aristocracy, a very bourgeois upper stratum of the proletariat. For several decades this advanced capitalist country lagged behind in the revolutionary struggle of the proletariat. France seemed to have exhausted the strength of the proletariat in two heroic working-class revolts of 1848 and 1871 against the bourgeoisie that made very considerable contributions to world-historical development. Leadership in the International of the working-class movement then passed to Germany; that was in the seventies of the nineteenth century, when she lagged economically behind Britain and France. But when Germany had out stripped these two countries economically, i.e., by the second decade of the twentieth century, the Marxist workers party of Germany, that model for the whole world, found itself headed by a handful of utter scoundrels, the most filthy blackguardsfrom Scheidemann and Noske to David and Legienloathsome hangmen drawn from the workers ranks who had sold themselves to the capitalists, who were in the service of the monarchy and the counter-revolutionary bourgeoisie.

World history is leading unswervingly towards the dictatorship of the proletariat, but is doing so by paths that are anything but smooth, simple and straight.

When Karl Kautsky was still a Marxist and not the renegade from Marxism he became when he began to champion unity with the Scheidemanns and to support bourgeois democracy against Soviet, or proletarian, democracy, he wrote an articlethis was at the turn of the centuryentitled The Slavs and Revolution. In this article he traced the historical conditions that pointed to the possibility of leadership in the world revolutionary movement passing to the Slavs.

And so it has. Leadership in the revolutionary proletarian International has passed for a timefor a short time, it goes without sayingto the Russians, just as at various periods of the nineteenth century it was in the hands of the British, then of the French, then of the Germans.

I have had occasion more than once to say that it was easier for the Russians than for the advanced countries to begin the great proletarian revolution, but that it will be more difficult for them to continue it and carry it to final victory, in the sense of the complete organisation of a socialist society.

It was easier for us to begin, firstly, because the unusualfor twentieth-century Europepolitical backwardness of the tsarist monarchy gave unusual strength to the revolutionary onslaught of the masses. Secondly, Russias backwardness merged in a peculiar way the proletarian revolution against the bourgeoisie with the peasant revolution against the landowners. That is what we started from in October 1917, and we would not have achieved victory so easily then if we had not. As long ago as 1856, Marx spoke, in reference to Prussia; of the possibility of a peculiar combination of proletarian revolution and peasant war. From the beginning of 1905 the Bolsheviks advocated the idea of a revolutionary-democratic dictatorship of the proletariat and the peasantry. Thirdly, the 1905 revolution contributed enormously to the political education of the worker and peasant masses, because it familiarised their vanguard with the last word of socialism in the West and also because of the revolutionary action of the masses. Without such a dress rehearsal as we had in 1905, the revolutions of 1917both the bourgeois, February revolution, and the proletarian, October revolutionwould have been impossible. Fourthly, Russias geographical conditions permitted her to hold out longer than other countries could have done against the superior military strength of the capitalist, advanced countries. Fifthly, the specific attitude of the proletariat towards the peasantry facilitated the transition from the bourgeois revolution to the socialist revolution, made it easier for the urban proletarians to influence the semi-proletarian, poorer sections of the rural working people. Sixthly, long schooling in strike action and the experience of the European mass working-class movement facilitated the emergencein a profound and rapidly intensifying revolutionary situationof such a unique form of proletarian revolutionary organisation as the Soviets.

This list, of course, is incomplete; but it will suffice for the time being.

Soviet, or proletarian, democracy was born in Russia. Following the Paris Commune a second epoch-making step was taken. The proletarian and peasant Soviet Republic has proved to be the first stable socialist republic in the world. As a new type of state it cannot die. It no longer stands alone.

For the continuance and completion of the work of building socialism, much, very much is still required. Soviet republics in more developed countries, where the proletariat has greater weight and influence, have every chance of surpassing Russia once they take the path of the dictatorship of the proletariat.

The bankrupt Second International is now dying and rotting alive. Actually, it is playing the role of lackey to the world bourgeoisie. It is a truly yellow International. Its foremost ideological leaders, such as Kautsky, laud bourgeois democracy and call it democracy in general, orwhat is still more stupid and still more crudepure democracy.

Bourgeois democracy has outlived its day, just as the Second International has, though the International performed historically necessary and useful work when the task of the moment was to train the working-class masses within the framework of this bourgeois democracy.

No bourgeois republic, however democratic, ever was or could have been anything but a machine for the suppression of the working people by capital, an instrument of the dictatorship of the bourgeoisie, the political rule of capital. The democratic bourgeois republic promised and proclaimed majority rule, but it could never put this into effect as long as private ownership of the land and other means of production existed.

Freedom in the bourgeois-democratic republic was actually freedom for the rich. The proletarians and working peasants could and should have utilised it for the purpose of preparing their forces to overthrow capital, to overcome bourgeois democracy, but in fact the working masses were, as a general rule, unable to enjoy democracy under capitalism.

Soviet, or proletarian, democracy has for the first time in the world created democracy for the masses, for the working people, for the factory workers and small peasants.

Never yet has the world seen political power wielded by the majority of the population, power actually wielded by this majority, as it is in the case of Soviet rule.

It suppresses the freedom of the exploiters and their accomplices; it deprives them of freedom to exploit, freedom to batten on starvation, freedom to fight for the restoration of the rule of capital, freedom to compact with the foreign bourgeoisie against the workers and peasants of their own country.

Let the Kautskys champion such freedom. Only a renegade from Marxism, a renegade from socialism can do so.

In nothing is the bankruptcy of the ideological leaders of the Second International, people like Hilferding and Kautsky, so strikingly expressed as in their utter inability to understand the significance of Soviet, or proletarian, democracy, its relation to the Paris Commune, its place in history, its necessity as a form of the dictatorship of the proletariat.

The newspaper Die Freiheit, organ of the Independent (alias middle-class, philistine, petty-bourgeois) German Social-Democratic Party, in its issue No. 74 of February 11, 1919, published a manifesto To the Revolutionary Proletariat of Germany.

This manifesto is signed by the Party executive and by all its members in the National Assembly, the German variety of our Constituent Assembly.

This manifesto accuses the Scheidemanns of wanting to abolish the Workers Councils, and proposesdont laugh!that the Councils be combined with the Assembly, that the Councils be granted certain political rights, a certain place in the Constitution.

To reconcile, to unite the dictatorship of the bourgeoisie and the dictatorship of the proletariat! How simple! What a brilliantly philistine idea!

The only pity is that it was tried in Russia, under Kerensky, by the united Mensheviks and Socialist-Revolutionaries, those petty-bourgeois democrats who imagine themselves socialists.

Anyone who has read Marx and failed to understand that in capitalist society, at every acute moment, in every serious class conflict, the alternative is either the dictatorship of the bourgeoisie or the dictatorship of the proletariat, has understood nothing of either the economic or the political doctrines of Marx.

But the brilliantly philistine idea of Hilferding, Kautsky and Co. of peacefully combining the dictatorship of the bourgeoisie and the dictatorship of the proletariat requires special examination, if exhaustive treatment is to be given to the economic and political absurdities with which this most remarkable and comical manifesto of February 11 is packed. That will have to be put off for another article.

Moscow, April 15, 1919
One Australian researcher who did a PhD on the notorious 'Swifties' believes the massive endorsement could have a measurable impact on the US presidential race.

In the final moments of the US presidential debate, Taylor Swift quietly dropped a bombshell.

Arguably the biggest pop star the world has known since Michael Jackson, the 34-year-old took to Instagram to provide a rare political stance. While she has waded into certain political issues in the past, she has mostly been reticent to publicly make political endorsements.

But not any more.

Posting to Instagram, she gave her thoughts after watching the televised debate, telling her 283 million followers who she intends to vote for.

"Like many of you, I watched the debate tonight. If you havent already, now is a great time to do your research on the issues at hand and the stances these candidates take on the topics that matter to you the most," she wrote.

"I will be casting my vote for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz in the 2024 Presidential Election."

It comes after a fake AI video of her showed her endorsing Donald Trump, with Swift saying the best way to combat misinformation was with the truth.

"Im voting for Kamala Harris because she fights for the rights and causes I believe need a warrior to champion them. I think she is a steady-handed, gifted leader and I believe we can accomplish so much more in this country if we are led by calm and not chaos. I was so heartened and impressed by her selection of running mate Tim Walz, who has been standing up for LGBTQ+ rights, IVF, and a womans right to her own body for decades.

"Ive done my research, and Ive made my choice. Your research is all yours to do, and the choice is yours to make."

Alongside the post, Swift included a photo with her cat, a clear nod to controversial comments made by Trump's VP pick that the Democratic party is made up of miserable cat ladies  a moniker she used to sign off.

The post racked up more than 3.5 million likes in the first hour.

Taylor Swift and boyfriend Travis Kelce. Source: Reuters

Taylor Swift endorsement 'could move the needle'

It's very common in the US for celebrities to give political endorsements ahead of presidential elections. And for political strategists, Taylor Swift has long been seen as the biggest of whales. A part of that is the immense loyalty her fans display.

Dr Georgia Carroll from the University of Sydney did her PhD on Taylor Swift fandom and appreciates the intensity and dedication among her fan base.

"One of the most important things about her power over them is that in most cases they've been a fan of hers for a decade, more than half their life... and that really forges a deep connection.

"She's really framed herself as a friend to her fans. It's why so many fans are attached to the idea of her politics as well ... They want her to stand up."

The question is, how many will follow?

Dr Carroll believes the explicit endorsement "could move the needle" as her fans "know who we're supporting". She pointed to a previous effort when Swift encouraged her fans to vote in a local state election which saw a meaningful spike in voter registrations.

Dr Emma Shortis, a senior researcher and US watcher at RMIT University in Melbourne, agrees about the power of social media to mobilise certain groups of voters.

"Parts of the media do tend to overestimate the impact of celebrity endorsements," she told Yahoo. "But Taylor Swift is a cultural phenomenon in and of herself.

"If you think about the sheer number of people who went to her recent tour ... and the economic impact they had... We can't underestimate the power they hold."

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Editors note: This article was updated at 4:30 p.m. on Sept. 16, 2024, to correct the manner in which Zella Nunez was killed.

A Worcester County Superior Court judge charged two men in connection with the shooting deaths of a Worcester mother and her 11-year-old daughter in March.

On Tuesday, Dejan Belnavis, 27, of Worcester, and Karel Mangual, 28, of Worcester, were charged with two counts each of murder. Both men were indicted by a Worcester County Grand Jury on Sept. 5.

Along with fatally shooting her mother Chasity Nunez, both men were charged in connection with beating Zella to death. On each of these counts, Belnavis and Mangual pleaded not guilty.

Boston-based defense attorney Rosemary Scapicchio represented Belnavis while lawyer Richard Farrell represented Mangual. Scapicchio previously helped free Sean Ellis after he was found guilty of the 1993 murder of a Boston police detective, which featured in the Netflix documentary Trial 4.

Their lawyers requested that their clients not physically appear in the courtroom, but rather appear behind a door. Scapicchio argued that their appearance could lead to presentation bias for potential jurors. Ritter accepted their request.

Judge William Ritter ordered that Belnavis and Mangual be held without bail. The two men are expected to appear again in court on Nov. 21.

Before their names were called, officers with the Worcester Police Crime Gun Intelligence Unit sat in the courtroom.

Both men were arrested in March. Nunez and her daughter were found shot inside their car on Englewood Avenue on March 5. They were taken to the hospital shortly after, where both 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.

Belnavis went on the run and was caught by police in San Diego after a motor vehicle stop on March 11, prosecutors said. After he returned to Worcester on March 29, Belnavis was arraigned in Worcester Central District Court on two murder charges, prosecutors said.

Mangual and Belnavis have been held in custody since. Both men have pleaded not guilty.

The Nunez family raised $55,701 through a GoFundMe that would financially support them ahead of the mother and daughters funerals.

Another GoFundMe set up by an MIT Health organizer raised $8,075 to go toward creating a scholarship for Nunezs daughter Isla. Nunez worked at MIT as a patient safety and clinical quality program coordinator at MIT Health since July 2023, MIT spokesperson Kimberly Allen told MassLive.

Nunez was a decorated patient administration specialist of the Connecticut National Guards 142nd Medical Company based in Danbury, National Guard Major David Pytlik said in a statement to MassLive. She received the National Defense Service Medal, the Service Ribbon and the Army Achievement Medal, and served for four years after she began in 2020.

I cannot begin to make sense of why this happened and why her family, friends, co-workers and fellow soldiers have been robbed of her and Zella, Pytlik said. What we can, and must do now, is support one another as we grieve, process this profound loss and honor their memory.

Three Columbus Park School teachers and the schools principal also mourned Zellas death in the wake of the shooting. Principal Lisa Carignan said Zella was a remarkable student ... with her radiant joy, peace, and love, made her a standout scholar both in and out of the classroom.

Teacher Michele Sebastyanski said her sixth-grade class lost a vital member and a shining light.
A Boston man is accused of trying to kill someone during a Monday night shooting near a gas station in the citys Dorchester neighborhood, according to police.

Tuan Trieu, 53, is facing two counts of armed assault with intent to murder and one count of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, unlawful possession of a firearm  third offense, unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and three other firearms charges, Boston police said in a Tuesday press release.

Officers responded to 1707 Dorchester Ave.  the address for Gibbs Gas  shortly before 8 p.m. on Sept. 9 after receiving multiple reports of gunfire nearby, police said. Witnesses told them that the suspect  who was later identified as Trieu  shot at the victim multiple times and then fled the scene in a car.
A man was rescued Monday afternoon after getting stuck in a marsh.

Around 1:27 p.m. officials got a report of someone who was stuck in a marsh in Bourne. Someone had called 911 after hearing someone shouting for help in the marsh, according to WCVB.

The 41-year-old man was on foot and was in a thick brush that was in an area not typically travelled, the Bourne Police Department wrote on Facebook.

The Bourne Fire Department cleared a path to him and was able to get him out of the brush, Bourne Fire Chief David S. Pelonzi told the Boston Globe.

He was taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Officials said they were uncertain how long he was in the marsh but Pelonzi told the Globe it couldve been for two days.
A man from Yonkers, N.Y. was arrested on Tuesday in connection with a scheme to steal a tax refund for about $810,000 by pretending to be a managing partner at a Connecticut-based company, federal authorities said.

Steven Ware, 63, was charged with one count of bank fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft, acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy said in a statement. Ware was arrested on Tuesday in Yonkers, N.Y. After he appeared in New York federal court, he was released with conditions.

Ware opened a bank account in the name of a company in Connecticut and one of its managing partners at a credit union in Tyngsborough, Massachusetts in December 2023, according to charging documents.

After he opened the account, Ware deposited a United States Treasury tax refund check payable to the company and the managing partner for about $810,000, federal prosecutors said.

Once the check cleared, a debit card was used to buy several items at retailers in New York, New Hampshire and Massachusetts, the prosecutors said. Ware repeatedly returned to the Tyngsborough credit union and wired more than $634,000 of the stolen money, Levys office said.

If Ware is found guilty of bank fraud, he could spend up to 30 years behind bars with five years of supervised release and could also be hit with a fine of up to $1 million, Levys office said.

If hes also found guilty of aggravated identity theft, Ware could spend two more years in prison with one year of supervised release and will be fined up to $250,000, the acting U.S. attorneys office said.
Steward Health Cares mismanagement of its hospitals in Massachusetts and elsewhere meant patients spent hours longer in the emergency room than the national average.

Yet some patients still left Stewards ERs without receiving care at a rate that also exceeded the national average.

The bankrupt, Dallas-based hospital chain also saw death rates for certain conditions at some of its hospitals increase, while fatalities for those same conditions held steady or decreased across the country.

More than half of Steward-owned hospitals ranked in the bottom half of acute care hospitals nationwide for patient outcomes. Many of those hospitals also ranked in the bottom quarter for hospitals nationwide and in their state.

Those are just a few of the top-line findings of a new report issued by one of the chains most vocal critics on Capitol Hill, U.S. Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass.

Its release comes the day before the U.S. Senates Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee holds a Thursday hearing in Washington D.C., on the chains very public financial collapse.

The lesson from this crisis is clear: we need permanent guardrails against corporate greed in health care, the document reads. Otherwise, corporate executives will continue to place their wealth over the publics health, risking patient lives and worker livelihoods.

To reach the conclusions listed in the 24-page document, Markeys office said it used publicly available data from the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services; data from the Lown Institute, a Boston think tank that focuses on health care issues; reports by health care workers, bankruptcy documents and other public reporting.

Taken together, the report details how Stewards financial destruction translated to dangerous conditions for patients and health workers.

The report, which was made public Wednesday, also paints a picture of a hospital chain where employee morale plummeted amid degrading facilities, missing equipment, and chronic understaffing.

Steward filed for bankruptcy in May, saying it was unable to meet the tens of millions of dollars in rent payments it owed on its hospitals in Massachusetts and elsewhere in the nation.

As of last week, Steward CEO Dr. Ralph de la Torre said he planned to ignore a subpoena ordering him to appear before the Senate committee.

Through his attorney, de la Torre denounced the Senate hearing as a pseudo-criminal proceeding, that would be used not to gather facts, but to convict [him] in the eyes of public opinion.

The Steward boss asked for it to be put off until after the company finishes its case before a U.S. Bankruptcy Court judge in Houston.

Markey, who chairs one of the panels subcommittees, joined by U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., has called for contempt proceedings against de la Torre if he follows through on his threat to skip the hearing.

In a statement, the committees chairperson, U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and its ranking Republican, U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy, of Louisiana, said they hoped de la Torre would comply with the subpoena and still decide to appear.

Gaining more information about the management decisions of Dr. Ralph de la Torre is essential to understand Steward Health Cares financial problems that have impacted more than 30 hospitals across eight states, Sanders and Cassidy said.

Regardless of whether de la Torre attends the committee will move forward and also hear from health professionals and leaders from communities impacted by Stewards mismanagement the lawmakers said.

Three Steward-owned facilities in Massachusetts already have closed their doors. New England Sinai Hospital in Stoughton went first in April.

Two more facilities, Carney Hospital in Dorchester, and Nashoba Valley Medical Center in Ayer, both closed on Aug. 31. The trio of closings cost the jobs of hundreds of workers.

Earlier this month, the bankruptcy court cleared the way for Steward to sell six of its Massachusetts hospitals in a $343 million deal. Sales for two more hospitals already have closed.

Steward announced the sale of its physicians network last month in a deal valued at $245 million.

In the 10 years between 2014 and 2024, Steward shuttered eight hospitals in four states, according to the report.

At a minimum, this translates to the loss of roughly 1,533 patient beds and 4,431 jobs for health providers, staff and administrators, the report reads.

The company has confirmed that it is cooperating with a U.S. Justice Department investigation of its financial dealings.
There is no doubt that Fine Gael has seen a bounce in its popularity since Simon Harris took office earlier this year. The latest Sunday Independent/Ireland Thinks opinion poll has the party sitting on 25 percent, and the common consensus seems to be that the Taoiseach will eventually bow to pressure from his party colleagues and call a general election for November after the announcement of Budget 2025, which is due to take place on October 1.

With the party set for its last get-together before the budget this week, to be held in Offaly, some are keen to leave with a date confirmed, with early November favoured. There is a sense among some that Fine Gaels strong polling cannot be guaranteed later into the winter, so the Taoiseach would be wise to call an election shortly after a budget that is expected to bring with it a number of measures around the cost of living and taxation.

The Irish Examiner reported on Monday that a Fine Gael source said it would be bonkers not to go to the public before Christmas on the back of a budget that will be pitched at middle-income earners.

The newspaper also said that another party source has said they had got it wrong in the past by calling elections in February or March, and that the Taoiseach should not allow a post-Christmas malaise set in among the public.

However, Mr Harris has long maintained that he would not call an early election and many who have spoken to him say that his thinking remains unchanged.

Election selections

Last week, the Taoiseach told an Ibec dinner that the coalition would run until March.

He told the room of business leaders that most people havent given much thought to the next general election.

He said: In reality I know most people havent given much thought to who theyre voting for in the next general election. Ive met thousands of people over the last few months and the date of the general election is the last thing on their mind.

Fine Gael has been making selections for candidates to contest the next election ahead of an internal deadline later this month.

The party last week chose eight candidates to run in the general election, bringing the total number of selections so far to 42. Meanwhile, candidates have said that they are aware of the need to be ready to contest an election within weeks.

The partys Mayo convention is set to take place this Sunday and it will indeed be very interesting to see how many candidates will actually let their name go forward.

Fianna Fail have now made it clear they will only run two candidates after their convention in Castlebar last Friday evening. Councillors Brendan Mulroy and Damien Ryan both withdrew their names in order to back the team of sitting TD Dara Calleary and Senator Lisa Chambers, who lost her seat in the last general election.

Risky strategy

The strategy does seem very risky considering the fact that Fine Gaels huge vote getter Michael Ring is now retiring and leaving some 15,000 first preference votes up for grabs. Not running a candidate in the west Mayo area means Fianna Fail will be expecting Lisa Chambers to pick up number ones all along the western seaboard, but will voters in the coastal region just vote to keep a TD in their area?

It does seem like Michael Ring is endorsing the candidacy of Fine Gael newcomer Keira Keogh, but is there a chance that Fine Gael HQ will just allow two candidates be chosen at convention, and perhaps then decide to endorse a high-profile third candidate like Martina Jennings, the current CEO of Mayo Roscommon Hospice. Sitting TD Alan Dillon is the only certainty to be chosen at convention. The other names currently in the mix are Westports Keira Keogh; new councillor in Ballyhaunis, Alma Gallagher; current Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, John OHara and former TD, Michelle Mulherin.

Things should become clearer after Sundays Fine Gael convention, but the doubt surrounding the date of general election could mean that we may have to wait another number of weeks before we know who exactly will be on the ballots.
PEOPLE Before Profits Mayo general election candidate has said the separation of church and state should be a key issue in the upcoming general election.

Joe Daly was speaking in light of a scoping inquiry which revealed that 42 religious orders harboured at least 844 alleged abusers in Irish schools, amounting to a minimum of 2,400 allegations of sexual abuse.

These include four schools in Mayo, where a total of six allegations have been documented against five alleged abusers.

Mr Daly, who teaches in St Geralds College in Castlebar, called for all schools to be brought into public ownership.

At present, over 88 percent of primary schools and 48 percent of secondary schools are under the patronage of religious orders.

We have the farcical and undemocratic situation where the majority of schools are providing religious based instruction in publicly-funded schools with publicly paid teachers in a way that is completely at odds with the majority views of the public in terms of issues like divorce, a womans right to bodily autonomy and LGBTQ+ issues for example marriage equality and trans right, said Mr Daly.

While the 1998 Education Act provides for the right of students to opt out of religious instruction on an individual basis this is a token gesture to allow the church to maintain control while the whole ethos of schools under religious patronage discriminates and promotes one religion.

Mr Daly cited a survey of 1,000 people carried out by the Opinion market research agency in May 2023 for the Education and Training Board lreland (ETBI) where 9 percent of adults said they would prefer a religious body to provide education in schools. Sixty-one percent of respondents said they would prefer a multi-denominational system.

He also described the process of transferring patronage of schools as a complete failure.

The establishment parties lack the political will to upset the Church hierarchy, so it will require a genuine left government to bring all schools into public ownership and control in a secular system that treats religion as a private matter, he said.

The question is do parties like Sinn Fein have the political courage to join People Before Profit in making this a serious issue in the upcoming general election?

Mr Daly has become the latest in an ever-growing field of declared general election candidates in Mayo.

He stood unsuccessfully in the recent local election, receiving 246 first preferences in the Castlebar Local Electoral Area, where a total of 19 candidates were on the ballot.

Mr Daly also stood for People Before Profit in the last general election, where he was eliminated after the third count after obtaining 721 first preference votes.
THE sinking of a smuggling ship in Killala Bay to create Irelands first artificial reef has been delayed due to a poor weather forecast.

The infamous smuggling ship, MV Shingle is currently in dry dock in New Ross Harbour but unfavourable weather conditions mean that the timeline for towing it to Killala Bay has been delayed.

It had been hoped that the ship, which is currently in the possession of the Revenue Commissioners, would be in Mayo for the weekend after the final planning condition was met with the completion of an Underwater Archaeological Impact Assessment of the site in Killala Bay.

However, unfavourable weather conditions for the coming week will mean the MV Shingle will remain in New Ross until conditions improve to allow the ship to be towed.

Killala Bay Ships 2 Reef Ltd, which is made up of a group of diving enthusiasts, were granted permission to sink the ship in July to create Irelands first artificial reef for diving.

The MV Shingle was seized in 2014 after customs officers discovered 32 million packets of cigarettes worth 13 million on board the 60 metre long vessel. The ship was due to be scrapped but it was identified as a possible ship for sinking and the Revenue Commissioners agreed to make it available.

Cllr Michael Loftus, who is involved in Killala Bay Ships 2 Reef Ltd, said that the engine and any potential pollutants has been taken out of the ship and it will be environmentally safe to sink it.

Killala Bay Ships 2 Reef Ltd have invested up to 35,000 of their own money into the project and they have also received 50,000 in funding from Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) towards it.

Cllr Loftus said that he is excited at the prospect of the MV Shingle arriving to north Mayo and believes it will be economically beneficial for the area for years to come.

This will be a tourist attraction which will be there for the next 50 years and will benefit both fishing and diving and will be an attraction. We can see it being used for research also over the years and we are looking forward to it, he said.
FIANNA Fail Senator Lisa Chambers has welcomed proposals that would ban the sale of disposable vapes.

The Nicotine Inhaling Products Bill aims to restrict the sale of flavoured vapes and ban point-of-sale advertising displays in shops other than specialised outlets that only sell vapes.

These nicotine alternatives have risen in popularity in recent years but are not subject to the same public health legislation as regular tobacco products.

Proposals by Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, to draft legislation to restrict the sale and advertising of vapes were recently approved by Cabinet.

Disposable vapes are a blight on our environment, Senator Chambers said in a statement

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.

It is well documented that they have a detrimental impact on the climate and our biodiversity as the lithium batteries within these vapes are a very toxic form of litter and could be releasing toxic compounds into the environment.

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 buy them in shops and experiment with them.

Senator Chambers said it is welcome that the legislation will tackle advertising displays, packaging and flavours, as these are targeted at younger people.

The former TD and county councillor was recently selected to run in the new five-seat Mayo constituency in the general election alongside party colleague, Minister Dara Calleary.

Senator Chambers lost her seat in the 2020 general election when Mayo was a four-seat constituency.
Miller Wilson, a wildlife enthusiast, filmed himself handling a deadly stonefish, known to be fatal to humans.

Miller Wilson was shown holding a deadly stonefish with his bare hands in a video on social media. Source: millerwilson_

A young Aussie has shocked viewers on social media after sharing a video showing his bold move in the water. Miller Wilson, 20, appeared fearless when he reached under a rock and pulled out a dangerous and deadly stonefish with his bare hands  a move that's "simply not safe," an expert told Yahoo News Australia.

The wildlife enthusiast is no stranger to wild encounters outdoors, but this one "sends the wrong message to his viewers" according to Professor Culum Brown from Macquarie University.

"It looks to me like the kid in the video knows what he is doing. He handles the fish very well and stays well away from the dorsal spines," he said. "But it still sends the wrong message to viewers. It is simply not safe to handle these fish."

In the video posted on TikTok, the 20-year-old is seen kneeling in the shallow water at an undisclosed location. He admits he's "just spotted the biggest stonefish" which are the most venomous fish known, and can be fatal to humans.

"It's the world's most venomous fish that I've seen sitting under this rock ledge right here," he continued before diving headfirst into the water to get a closer look.

"Alright, got him," he continued after scooping it up with his bare hands. "Take a look at that. That is the world's most venomous fish. Pretty big one as well."

He described it as "mean looking," admitting it was a "pretty crazy" find.

Why are stonefish dangerous?

Stonefish are considered dangerous and even deadly when stepped on which is most often how humans stumble upon the harmful fish. Often, they're easy to miss as they camouflage well in sand.

"Stonefish are found in tropical waters and have a bunch of strong, sharp dorsal spines (spines along their back) which they erect when disturbed," Professor Brown said.

"Each spine has an associated venom gland or two that squirt the venom along the spine and into the unsuspecting victim."

Stonefish are considered dangerous and even deadly in some instances as they contain venom. Source: millerwilson_

He said the pain caused by standing on a stonefish is "excruciating" and can cause muscular paralysis, breathing difficulties and even cardiac arrest. Professor Bryan Fry from the University of Queensland, an expert in venom, agreed that a sting from a stonefish is particularly "brutal".

The key to treating a sting is hot water and immediate medical attention. "Hot water is something that will stop the pain and stop the damage," Professor Fry said.

"Stonefish and box jellyfish have the dubious distinction of being the only animals in the world that can kill you just from the pain alone."

Stonefish are 'landmines of rock pools'

The young bloke's move shocked many who viewed the video. "Why are you in bare feet and no gloves," said one.

"World's most venomous fish, let me just grab it with my hands," another mocked. While another detailed the pain endured after accidentally standing on one.

Another video posted to Wilson's page in 2022 shows him handling not one but two stonefish while navigating a rockpool at an unknown Australian location.

He demonstrated how their venom is released from their spine using part of a discarded thong. He described them as "literal landmines of the rock pools".

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Auburn Police Department

 Dedrick A. Parks, 25, of Auburn, was charged Sept. 7 with second-degree obstructing governmental administration and resisting arrest.

 Ira D. Smith, 40, of Auburn, was charged Sept. 8 with second-degree obstructing governmental administration.

 Charnae C. Moore, 31, of Auburn, was charged Sept. 10 with criminal obstruction of breathing and endangering the welfare of a child.

 Tyrese L. Taylor, 41, of Auburn, was charged Sept. 10 with obstructing governmental administration, third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and resisting arrest.

New York State Police

 Ashley R. Ross, 30, of Canandaigua, was charged Sept. 7 with second-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument.

 Terrell Dennis, 35, of Auburn, was charged Sept. 8 with driving while intoxicated first offense and operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of at least .08 of 1% first offense.

 Janet L. Minor, 30, of Poughkeepsie, was charged Sept. 8 with second-degree promoting prison contraband.

 Timothy Martinez, 31, of Port Byron, was charged Sept. 10 with second-degree criminal contempt.

 Mark E. Schmidt, 65, of Syracuse, was charged Sept. 10 with driving while intoxicated first offense and operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of at least .08 of 1% first offense.

Seneca County Sheriff's Office

 Bernard Collier, 55, of Moravia, was charged with driving while intoxicated.

The records page: Blotter, restaurant inspections and more Visit the records page of auburnpub.com to see The Citizen's latest blotter, restaurant inspections and property transfers.
by Wendy Davis , Staff Writer @wendyndavis, September 10, 2024

The Department of Justice's antitrust case against Google kicked off Monday in a way that called to mind one of the most famous fictional trials in television history -- the 1998 Seinfeld finale.

That's according to ad tech veteran Ari Paparo, who was present in the Alexandria, Virginia courthouse where the case got underway with testimony from four online advertising and publishing figures -- Gannett's Tim Rowe, Index Exchange's Andrew Casale, Joshua Lowcock (formerly of UN Worldwide) and Kevel's James Avery.

This trial is the ad tech version of the Seinfeld finale where all the characters wronged by Jerry and friends come into court one by one and lay out the previous decade of (alleged) malfeasance, Paparo writes in Marketecture's The Monopoly Report.

The courthouse doesn't allow electronics, so his report, like most others, came soon after testimony ended for the day.

The Department of Justice and a coalition of states are attempting to prove that Google illegally monopolized ad-tech tools that power open web display advertising.

Prosecutors are seeking an order that would force Google to divest some or all of its ad-tech products.

Google denies that it acted anticompetitively, and also disputes the idea that open web display advertising -- meaning banner ads on sites operated by news organizations and other online publishers -- is its own market.

The Department of Justice specifically contends that Google monopolizes three markets connected to open web display advertising -- publisher ad servers, advertiser ad networks, and ad exchanges.

One monopoly is bad enough. But a trifecta of monopolies is what we have here, Justice Department lawyer Julia Tarver Wood reportedly told U.S. District Court Judge Leonie Brinkema on Monday.

Google urged Brinkema to reject the prosecution's theory, arguing that the proposed market doesn't account for ad placements that have become more prevalent in recent years -- such as on streaming services or social apps like TikTok.

In what may have been the soundbite of the day, Google lawyer Karen Dunn reportedly compared the prosecution's concept of the market to time capsule with with a Blackberry, an iPod and a Blockbuster video card.

Gannett's Tim Wolfe, senior vice president of ad revenue operations, testified that the company makes $330 million from programmatic ads, and pays Google $15 million for ad tech, according to Paparo.

Wolfe also admitted that Gannett used some ad-tech companies other than Google, according to The Washington Post

Google's counsel reportedly highlighted on cross-examination that Gannett is pursuing a separate antitrust lawsuit against Google, Paparo reported.

Lowcock, president at Quad Media and former global chief media officer at UM Worldwide, testified that other forms of advertising -- including in-app ads and video ads -- aren't substitutes for online display ads, according to Paparo.
by Teresa Buyikian , September 10, 2024

Street food vendors in Los Angeles are as popular (if not more so) than even the highest rated fine dining restaurants, many with thousands of social media followers and nightly lines down the block. But unfortunately, with success often comes those envious of it. Thus many of LAs over 10,000 street vendors have increasingly become crime victims, especially when serving customers after dark.

In order to shine a light on the food, culture and community, Sol Mexican Lager has launched the first of its kind solar-powered branded umbrella, designed specifically to illuminate L.A.'s Mexican street vendors and promote safety.

Sols Solar Umbrellas also provide UV protection during the day, as well as being portable and easy to mount on the vendors carts while displaying Sols bright red and orange logo.

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Sol is a Mexican lager inspired by the sun that exists to brighten the world through authenticity, Bob Vydra, associate marketing manager, imports, Molson Coors Beverage Company, told Marketing Daily. Street food vendors have always been a part of Sol's world, because they are a good embodiment of bringing authentic food and culture to cities. Sol wanted to shine a light on street food vendors, literally and figuratively, to help them feel safer at night.

The brand distributed the umbrellas to various Mexican street vendors throughout the Los Angeles metropolitan area, which were given out with the help of local L.A. influencers, according to Vydra. The journey to create the umbrellas was documented in a promo video created by ad agency Alma, seen here, which also highlights the vendors themselves. The Solar Umbrella campaign is being promoted through earned media, paid social channels and paid influencer content.

Sol is no stranger to guerrilla marketing and supporting the Latino community, added Vydra, pointing to the brands Sol Artist Series campaign in 2022. The campaigns goal was to raise awareness of the dearth of Latino representation in American museums, at only 2.8% of art actually produced by Latinos. The beer maker filled limited edition bottles with a fraction of beer (resin in reality), 2.8% to be exact, with stark labels stating, 2.8% IS NOT ENOUGH.

Additionally, this year Sol is making a donation to the Accion Opportunity Fund, a nonprofit that provides financial support and loans for Latino-owned businesses and entrepreneurs.


Did you know? Nearly 60% of respondents were dissatisfied with conversations about psychedelics, and over half felt discriminated against by their physician for discussing the topic.

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Patients' Experiences Discussing Psychedelics for Therapeutic Purposes with Physicians and Other Health Care Providers



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Legal Pathway for Psychedelic Therapy

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Stigma Surrounding Psychedelics in Therapeutic Use

Patients' Experiences Discussing Psychedelics for Therapeutic Purposes with Physicians and Other Health Care Providers- (https:www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/psymed.2023.0060 )

It is important to discuss your health and well-being with your primary care physician in a secure and comfortable environment.Trust and communication between patients and clinicians are critical components in providing and receiving adequate medical treatment.However, the stigma attached might make this procedure more difficult for patients using psychedelics for therapeutic purposes.Hallucinogens, or psychedelics,Nevertheless, many people who have used psychedelic substances, including psilocybin , to help regulate their symptoms of depression, anxiety, or PTSD do not take that feeling of peace and safety for granted.A group of academics from the Irving K. Barber Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at UBC Okanagan has recently published a study.The study focuses on patient perspectives and potential concerns when discussing the therapeutic use of psychedelics with their doctors.Their most recent work, published in, found that patients' reservations about openly discussing psychedelic drugs with their doctors can be a barrier to having this important conversation().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 them to Health Canadas 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.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 percent endorsing their use for therapeutic purposes.Some 78 percent 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 percent said their doctor recommended psychedelics.Despite this, nearly 60 percent of respondents felt less satisfied with the communication about psychedelics theyd 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, its 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.Source-Eurekalert
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Mpox (Monkeypox): Causes, Symptoms, Treatment



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#Monkeypox cases are on the rise again. Stay informed about symptoms, prevention, and vaccination. Let's work together to stop the spread and keep our communities safe. #mpoxawareness #mpox #Tamilnadu

Mpox Screening: Tamil Nadu on High Alert

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Mpox (Monkeypox): Causes, Symptoms, Treatment - (https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22371-monkeypox)

Although Tamil Nadu has not reported any cases of Mpox , the state's health department has issued a precautionary alert to all district medical officers.This illness, caused by the monkeypox (Mpox) () virus, is a viral infection which can spread between people, mainly through close contact, and occasionally from the environment to people through surfaces that have been touched by an infected person. The state health department officials told IANS that the district medical officers are required to put the taluk-level hospitals on alert and also monitor the Primary Health Centres (PHC) under their jurisdiction.Tamil Nadu government has already set up fever screening centres at four international airports of the state and has also put in place isolation wards attached to each airport. The King Institute of Preventive Medicine and Research in Guindy will be the laboratory earmarked by the Union Ministry of Health for testing of Mpox in Tamil Nadu. This lab is among the 22 laboratories identified by the Ministry across the country for testing.Tamil Nadu health authorities said that the state has in place mass fever screening systems at all four international airports, and isolation wards are ready in airports as well as in four designated government hospitals. State health minister Ma Subramanian, while speaking to IANS, said: The state is ready with testing and treatment facilities. All precautionary measures have also been taken.The minister further said that as soon as information, on a person with suspected symptoms was announced by the Union government, the state government got in touch with the Union government and received information about the country from where the person had returned and the place of hospitalisation, which are kept confidential.The Government of India had announced that a person with suspected symptoms of mpox was identified, isolated, and treated. Tamil Nadu, notably, has four international airports in Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, and Tiruchi, and mass fever screening systems, and continuous monitoring of travellers is underway.At all four airports, medical isolation wards have been readied. In addition, digital boards with information on symptoms of mpox and seeking medical help have been put up at the airports.Isolation wards for mpox were set up in four government hospitals in: Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital in Chennai, Government Rajaji Hospital in Madurai, Government Medical College Hospital in Coimbatore and Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Government Hospital in Tiruchi. Each ward had 10 beds.Source-IANS
Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On September 10, ZF officially announced that its China-made Active Kinematics Control (AKC) rear-wheel steering system has gone into mass production at its Zhangjiagang plant. This second-generation AKC technology will be featured in models from leading Chinese new energy vehicle (NEV) manufacturers.

ZF's Zhangjiagang factory; photo credit: ZF

ZF said, the AKC system offers key advantages such as compatibility and customizability, significantly improving chassis dynamics for enhanced driving comfort and safety while reducing costs for automakers.

Notably, the Zhangjiagang facility is the first global production site for ZF's AKC technology outside Europe. The facility, which began construction in November 2022, will eventually produce a wide range of chassis components, including control arms, knuckles, tie rods, and stabilizer links. It is expected to generate sales of approximately 2 billion yuan by 2027.

ZF's Zhangjiagang factory; photo credit: ZF

ZF has been developing rear-wheel steering technology for nearly 20 years, particularly in vehicle dynamics control and control algorithms. Its modular software allows for rapid integration, helping automakers meet performance and functional requirements at the vehicle level. The AKC system can deliver up to +/-12 degrees of rear-wheel steering, improving maneuverability at low speeds and stability at high speeds. This is particularly beneficial for electric vehicles with extended wheelbases.

As the automotive industry increasingly shifts toward software-defined vehicles, smart chassis systems like ZF's AKC have become critical benchmarks for intelligent cars. The AKC system transfers steering forces to the rear wheels, enhancing agility during low-speed turns and improving stability at high speeds, offering drivers an exceptional handling experience.

Since 2013, ZF has been a global pioneer in the commercial application of AKC technology, which is widely used in premium vehicles. With the growing demand for enhanced driving experiences in NEVs, the AKC system has been adopted by major Chinese brands such as IM Motors and Dongfeng Motor's MHERO. By the end of 2023, ZF had sold 1.9 million sets of its AKC systems globally, making it the leader in rear-wheel steering technology.

Now in its second-generation platform, the AKC system boasts significant mechanical improvements and expanded compatibility, including the addition of CAN communication interfaces, allowing its use in heavier vehicles like pickup trucks and full-sized SUVs.
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Pregabalin Use/Misuse: A Source of Consternation in Western Punjab



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Pregabalin in Punjab



State of Punjab Household Survey (2018) stated that nearly 15% or 1 in 7 people were using either a licit or illicit substance in a dependent manner #medindia #drugabuse #punjab

Government's Response to Pregablin

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Pregabalin Use/Misuse: A Source of Consternation in Western Punjab - (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10011841//)

In the wake of the pandemic, Punjab has encountered a rising drug problem Pregabalin , a prescription medication that has become a popular yet dangerous alternative for drug users. This painkiller , known locally as "koda" or "Signature," has caught the attention of anti-drug committees and vigilant communities, triggering a battle to curb its misuse. Furthermore, in the State of Punjab Household Survey (2018), it was found that nearly 15% or 1 in 7 people were using either a licit or illicit substance in a dependent manner ().In Mansa district, Punjab, the Ralla village's Nasha Roko Committee patrols the borders, armed with sticks and pistols, stopping and frisking vehicles for the red-and-white capsules of Pregabalin. This self-initiated group, along with others across the region, has made significant progress, claiming to have reduced alcohol and heroin addiction by 95%. However, Pregabalin presents a new challenge.Pregabalin is widely prescribed to treat neuropathic pain and anxiety disorders, but its overuse leads to life-threatening conditions like seizures and comas. Despite its dangers, the drug remains accessible and unregulated under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, making it a cheap and easy high for many, including students.Only recently have district magistrates across Punjab banned the sale of Pregabalin tablets over 75 mg. While this move empowers the police to act against black-market sellers and unauthorized chemists, critics argue that it's too little too late for families who have already lost loved ones to the drug.In response to the slow government action, vigilante groups like those in Ralla have taken matters into their own hands. They patrol in a sky-blue vehicle equipped with loudspeakers, urging villagers to report drug activities. Their actions go beyond surveillanceculprits caught with large quantities of the drug are often beaten before the police are involved. Such methods, while controversial, have gained approval from local communities who are desperate to rid their society of the drug menace.The devastating effect of Pregabalin on families is evident. Many users, including young men, fall into a near-comatose state after consuming an entire strip of pills. Their families are left helpless as addiction fuels domestic violence, theft, and a complete breakdown of family structures.Pregabalins legal status remains a loophole. Despite multiple seizures of large quantities of the drug, the punishment for possession or sale remains minimal. Users can secure bail quickly, frustrating the efforts of the local police and further complicating the fight against drug abuse.Punjabs battle with drug addiction is far from over. While heroin has taken a backseat, Pregabalin has emerged as a new enemy. Despite the efforts of anti-drug committees and vigilantes, the state requires stronger legal frameworks and more robust governmental support to combat the growing crisis.Source-Medindia
The notice issued by advocate Ajay Khatlawala, Senior Partner at Little & Co. states that their clients, Bharat Shah and Bina Bharat Shah are Borders world rights controllers.

As the excitement around Border 2 grew, a report in Complete Cinema magazine issue of September 7 carried a notice by film financier and distributor Bharat Shah against the 1997 film.

The sequel titled Border 2 will mark the return of Sunny Deol with new cast members like Varun Dhawan and Diljit Dosanjh .

 Complete Cinema

It also states that Bharat Shah got into an agreement with JP Dutta on November 21, 1994, to finance Border.

However, post the two had several differences, a Deed of Settlement was signed upon which stated that any revenue generated by Border will be shared between Bharat Shah and JP Dutta equally.

The notice further claims that JP Dutta breached the terms of the Deed and he neither shared the numbers done by Border nor paid the profits earned from the film.

In 2014, Bharat Shah and Bina Bharat Shah moved Bombay High Court and the case has now finally been transferred to a civil court and is sub-judice.

As soon as the news broke out, it led to many wondering if this means major trouble for Border 2 which will go on floors soon.

However, Border 2 co-producer and writer Nidhi Dutta, who is also JP Duttas daughter, refuted the speculations and told Hindustan Times, No this is not going to impact Border 2. This is a sub judiciary matter. The High Court has had all the facts for years and has dismissed the case. As per the settlement, Bharat Shah is first supposed to pay us the overflow, which he hasnt for 27 years. Once he stands by his commitment, we can take this further. He has no right over anything to do with Border till then.

Directed by Anurag Singh of Kesari fame, Border 2 will release in theatres on Republic Day 2026.
Malaika Aroras father Anil Arora died by suicide after jumping off his apartment building in Bandra, Mumbai, and soon a number of celebs including her ex-husband Arbaaz Khan, ex-boyfriend Arjun Kapoor, Salman Khan, Sohail Khan and Salim Khan among others were spotted arriving at her residence.

In fact, at the time of her fathers demise, Malaika was in Pune who rushed back to Mumbai and video of her reaching her residence to be with her mother also surfaced online. Similarly, Malaikas sister Amrita Arora too was captured arriving at the apartment to grieve with her mother and sister.

Amid that, Varun Dhawan has taken to Instagram story and has slammed paparazzi calling them insensitive for shoving camera in the face of people who are in grief.

He wrote, It is the most insensitive thing to point cameras in the face of the people who are grieving please think what you people are doing or what someone is going through when u do this. I understand it is work but sometimes another human might not be Ohkay with this #humanity.

Check out the screenshot of his story below:
Have you ever sent a corporate gift to your clients and received almost no reply to it? Or even worse, did your good-intentioned action go wrong? You're not alone. However, in todays world of fast-growing competition, an improperly chosen gift is capable of causing more harm than benefits. Imagine a gift that never gets appreciated because it erodes your brand image.

When it comes to corporate gifting, one can easily make some grave errors that can easily create embarrassing moments. But now, knowing these risks you will be able to make sure your gifts will be perfect in the year 2024 and will create a timely, meaningful corporate gesture that builds long-term business relationships, improves business relations, and boosts the employees morale. Eager to enhance the best ways to advance your corporate gifting to the next level? It is now time to take a closer look at 5 major mistakes that businesses will want to steer clear of as they prepare for corporate gifting for 2024 and beyond. Ready to dive in? Lets get started! 5 Corporate Gifting Pitfalls to Avoid 1. Lack of Knowledge regarding the Organisations Gifts Policy All organisations have set policies as to the value, kind or time of hatching the gift. Failing to adhere to such policies may lead to the return of your gift hence creating an awkward situation. It is always wise to check up on the policy of the company so that your action is well appreciated by everyone. 2. Giving Inappropriate Business Gifts

 pexels Gifts that are too personal, too expensive or completely unrelated to the operating work environment can turn out to be counter-productive. Gifts should be in a related line as the relationship of the recipient is with the sender or the company. 3. Disrespecting Cultural Beliefs In the current worlds business, companies mostly target employees from different cultures and backgrounds. Many times, when the same gifts are offered to all people or occasions, it may lead to disregard or disrespect the particular culture and traditions of the individual concerned. 4. Misusing Branding Opportunities

 pexels Corporate gifts are a great platform to advertise by branding yourself, however, over-branding is equally bad as it assumes the entire thing is self-serving. In other words, ensure that you give a quality item that will be useful in the first instance while the branding is secondary. If there are too many logos or company images, this kills the personal feel and the recipients will only feel that it is a form of marketing gimmick. 5. Using Cheap Packaging The packaging is as important as the actual product being given. Wrapping a good gift in bad or thin wrapping paper may have a negative effect on the outcome. Economical packaging creates a negative image as it shows that the company did not expend much effort on product packaging. Choose exquisite professional and premium quality gifts that imply the perceptions of quality, status, and success. Ways to Steer Clear of these Mistakes 1. The power of a handwritten note

 pexels Include a personalized element in the form of a friendly message handwritten by you. 2. Consider the occasion Use the appropriate occasion to make the gift; it could be Christmas, an anniversary, a promotion or a birthday among others. 3. Research and personalization Make sure that you spare time and effort in trying to know more about the person who will be receiving the gift. In other words, the closer you are to the client, the more you know about their requirements, the better the gift will be. 4. Presentation is key

 pexels This is especially an important factor considering that the way the gift is presented is just as important as the gift itself. It is very important to visually appeal to the customers receiving gift programs and products since the first impression counts. When you integrate these components, you will design and develop a special and meaningful corporate freebie that fosters business partnerships and retains the clients good impression. Conclusion
With Gasgoo Daily, we will offer daily important automotive news in China. For those we have reported, the title of the piece will include a hyperlink, which will provide detailed information.

NETA Auto inks several agreements for entry into Mexican market



On September 11, NETA Autos CEO Zhang Yong announced via social media that the company has signed agreements with a Mexican bank, the local electric vehicle association, and several dealer partners, paving the way for entry into the Mexican market.

Photo credit: Weibo@Zhang_Yong

Guangzhous Huadu District expands autonomous driving test roads

Guangzhous intelligent connected vehicle demonstration operation center announced the addition of a third batch of intelligent connected vehicle test roads in Huadu District, achieving near-full coverage of general roads within the area. Huadu now has 450 test roads open, totaling 1,462.36 kilometers of two-way routes, accounting for nearly one-third of Guangzhous total open roads.

GAC Trumpchi E8+ hits market

On September 10, GAC Groups Trumpchi brand officially released the E8+ model to the market, offering two variants priced at 232,800 yuan and 238,800 yuan, respectively.

Power battery system provider REPT BATTERO opens North America office in California

On September 9, 2024, Chinese automotive power battery system provider REPT BATTERO established its North American branch in Irvine, California, marking a significant step in the companys global expansion following the opening of its European subsidiary in 2023.

NETA X owner becomes first to receive Malaysias EV-dedicated JPJePlate

On September 9, Malaysias Road Transport Department (JPJ) launched the JPJePlate, a license plate dedicated to all-electric vehicles that comes with a built-in RFID chip, and opened bidding for the "EV" series plate numbers. NETA Auto, the Chinese new energy vehicle brand under HOZON Auto, announced that a local NETA X vehicle owner became the first in Malaysia to use the JPJePlate.

Cherys vehicles gain access to NIO Powers charging network

On September 10, Anhui Chery Green Energy Ecological Technology Co., Ltd. (Chery Green Energy) and Wuhan NIO Energy Co., Ltd. (NIO Power) officially entered into a partnership in terms of charging network services.

WeRide starts pilot paid commercial Robobus operation in Zhuhais Hengqin area

On September 10, 2024, WeRide, a global leader in autonomous driving technology, in collaboration with the authorities of the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone and Zhuhai Da Heng Qin Technology Development Co., Ltd., officially launched pilot commercial operation of autonomous shuttle buses (Robobus) in Hengqin. This marks the first commercial deployment of autonomous shuttle buses in the Cooperation Zone, signifying a major milestone.

AITO M9 five-seater version hits market, featuring enhanced Huawei technologies

On September 10, at the Huawei Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliances product launch, AITO, the premium new energy vehicle brand jointly backed by Huawei and SERES, unveiled the new five-seat version of the AITO M9.

Chery Tiggo 8 PLUS lineup goes on sale, starting from 109,900 yuan

On September 10, Chery Auto officially released the new Tiggo 8 PLUS and Tiggo 8 PLUS C-DM models to the market, offering a total of eight variants priced between 109,900 yuan and 159,900 yuan.

BYD launches M6 MPV model in Thailand

On September 9, BYD officially launched its latest multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) model, the BYD M6, in Bangkok, Thailand, according to a press release from BYD.

Baidu, Geely-backed JI YUE puts JI YUE 07 model onto market

On September 10, JI YUE, the automotive robot (robocar) brand co-backed by Geely and Baidu, officially put its second mass-produced model, the JI YUE 07 (also known as ROBOCAR 07), onto the market, offering three variants priced between 209,900 yuan and 299,900 yuan. A limited-time discount of 10,000 yuan is also available, bringing the price down to 199,900 yuan to 289,900 yuan.

ZF puts AKC rear-wheel steering system into volume production in Chinas Zhangjiagang

On September 10, ZF officially announced that its China-made Active Kinematics Control (AKC) rear-wheel steering system has gone into mass production at its Zhangjiagang plant. This second-generation AKC technology will be featured in models from leading Chinese new energy vehicle (NEV) manufacturers.

Envision Group signs agreement to build hydrogen equipment factory in Spain

On the afternoon of September 10, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez led a delegation of Spanish business leaders to visit Envision Group, engaging in discussions on green hydrogen technology and industry development.
The robotics team at Toyota Material Handling Taiwan

With labour shortages affecting global markets, logistics businesses in particular are seeking ways to automate repetitive tasks and help manage operational costs. Increasingly they are turning to robotic solutions such as the innovative AirRob system from Libiao Robotics. In Taiwan, where the labour shortage is particularly acutely felt, Toyota Material Handling Taiwan, the importer of intralogistics systems and forklifts manufactured by the Japanese automotive giant, chose the recent Taipei International Logistics Show to introduce AirRobs capabilities to the Taiwanese audience.

With 166 employees working out of eight service locations in Taiwan plus two further locations in Mainland China, Toyota Material Handling Taiwan reshaped its business in 2003 in response to the developing changes in industry trends. The opportunity arose to transform Toyota Material Handling Taiwan from a pure forklift business to one that provides customers with holistic automated solutions for logistics warehousing and storage.

In the past, the customers main premise to introduce automation has been return on investment, said Huang Mingren, General Manager of Toyota Material Handling Taiwan. But now the lack of labour has become the primary problem. AI is becoming more and more mature, and in addition to being intelligent and shareable, equipment now being introduced should also be highly flexible.

In Japan and Taiwan, in terms of logistics automation, traditional equipment such as automatic warehouses, conveyors, sorters, elevators, electronic labelling and picking systems are still widely used. But we have now entered an era where intelligent warehouse automation equipment is transforming the industry, accelerated by eCommerce-type logistics.

This year, Toyota Material Handling Taiwan introduced Libiaos AirRob system into its range of intelligent warehouse solutions. Meeting the demands of high-density and high-traffic warehouse operations such as those experienced in eCommerce operations, AirRob has the characteristics of high return rate, high flexibility and high efficiency, continues Huang Mingren. According to the projects we have executed, the staff can not only increase the speed of operation by more than 50%, but also significantly shorten the training period. In terms of the operation platform and equipment, the number of robots can be flexibly increased or decreased according to the demand, and if the scale is expanded or the site needs to be moved, it can be easily moved or reconfigured.

It is an intelligent robot with a very high degree of flexibility and freedom; it can be very small or very large, and it can have great expandability to meet the needs of different customers under different operating modes."

Huang Mingren concluded: " Our mission is to create solutions together with our customers and partners. It is my dream that our company can be the benchmark in Taiwan in the field of intelligent storage, and at the same time have the opportunity to bring us and our partners to the world market. We are an integrated platform, with reputation, knowledge, technology and capital. With the launch of our intelligent storage solutions, I believe that we will have the strength to lead us to be bigger and stronger.

Taipai International Logistics Show

Taking place at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Centre, the Taipei International Logistics Show saw Toyota Material Handling Taiwan formally introduced the comprehensive Libiao AirRob 3D sorting system to demonstrate the warehouse automation services and solutions it can provide to its customers in Taiwan. Libiaos CEO, Xia Huiling, was invited to share the company's innovative solutions in the food and footwear industries, and to describe how Libiao can provide cutting-edge technology to help alleviate the current labour shortage problem in Taiwan's logistics sector. With a large demand for personnel, difficulty in recruiting workers, and a high turnover rate, businesses in Taiwan often need to recruit a large proportion of temporary workers, particularly when facing seasonal business growth. The emergence of AirRob provides an effective solution to help solve these challenges, she said.

During her speech at the Smart Logistics Forum held during the exhibition, Xia Huiling discussed Libiaos efficient sorting solutions for food, clothing, housing and transportation. After highlighting several of AirRobs significant benefits and advantages  such as the need for no infrastructural modifications to the existing shelving, no special requirements for ground flatness, its fast deployment, its highly efficient goods-to-person operation, and its ability to easily conform to Taiwans stringent environmental regulations  Xia Huiling discussed in detail an application of the AirRob system at the Skechers footwear and apparel distribution centre in Taicang, Mainland China, a project which not only won the 13th LT Award China Logistics Technology Innovation Application Award, but has also been shortlisted as a finalist in Europe in two categories of the prestigious Robotics & Automation Awards 2024.

Xia Huiling furthermore analysed the current status and trends of international cold chain logistics in 2024, pointing out that the industry is developing rapidly, especially in Europe and Asia-Pacific, with great potential. The market segments of fresh food and pharmaceutical logistics are expanding, but they face challenges such as temperature control management, cost control and difficulty in recruiting workers. She also explained how Libiao's intelligent sorting solutions can cope with these challenges through successful cases of the companys applications in fresh food projects such as Dingdong Maicai, Hema Fresh, Meituan Youxuan, and South Korea's HY.

The addition of Taiwan to its already extensive operations in Asia-Pacific means Libiao Robotics is strongly placed to service the growing needs of customers in the region. Furthermore, Libiao is expanding to serve its growing customer base in the European market, having recently established a regional headquarters in Frankfurt.
When did the American Century begin? When did the United States first become a global superpower? Some might argue it was with the Spanish-American War of 1898, the first major overseas campaign of US forces. But this was really a matter of medium-scale intervention in a couple of local conflicts  in Cuba and the Philippines  and the numbers involved were modest, with only about 70,000 US troops deployed. Until that time, the US had remained almost exclusively focused on the North American continent. Public opposition to imperialism and adventurism was strong. European colonialism was viewed with suspicion. The Spanish American War was only a partial break with this sentiment. US intervention in the First World War represented a radical change of tempo. Some half a million American Doughboys would be hurled into action between September and November 1918 as part of the last great offensive on the Western Front. THE FIRST WORLD WAR Europe was a continent both of warring states and of rival empires. Here was a global war that would cost 15 million lives, bring down three empires, trigger several revolutions, and redraw the map of the world. American intervention in 1917 meant that, unequivocally, the US was now launched as a global power.

Altogether, about four million Americans served. Of these, around 100,000 died and 200,000 were wounded. This was the blood-price paid to earn US President Woodrow Wilson a leading role in the peace process in 1919, alongside British Prime Minister David Lloyd George and French Premier Georges Clemenceau. Wilsons voice was heard but not heeded. Liberal anti-imperialism suited the Americans because they wanted to break into colonial markets. It did not suit the Europeans  a band of feuding brothers consumed by avarice  and the outcome of the war was simply a resetting of the stage for an even greater conflict two decades later. Only then would the US emerge as decisive global arbiter. One reason for limited influence in 1919 was perhaps the relative immaturity of the US military. General John Pershing  who thought he knew better  found himself on a steep learning-curve during the Meuse-Argonne offensive, as the battle-hardened veterans of the German Imperial Army took a heavy toll of his raw divisions in the fierce fighting on the Western Front in the last three months of World War I. PERSHINGS DOCTRINE

No general in American history held the kind of absolute power General Pershing wielded. With complete backing from President Woodrow Wilson and Secretary of War Newton D Baker, Pershing could shape the AEF as he saw fit. When the Great War began, Pershing was on the Mexican border, patrolling the frontier against incursions by Pancho Villas bandito revolutionaries. Observing matters from the Rio Grande, Pershing concluded that European tactics were all wrong. He criticised the European emphasis on artillery and de-emphasising of traditional infantry skills like marksmanship. Of the AEF, he wrote: To bring about a decision, that army must be driven from the trenches and the fighting carried into the open. It is here that the infantryman with his rifle, supported by the machine-guns, the tanks, the artillery, the airplanes, and all auxiliary arms, determines the issue. In Pershings view, the infantry was to push its way through German lines and break out into the open country beyond. Marksmanship, manoeuvre, and mass would win the battle. Pershing called this doctrine open warfare. When building the AEF in 1917-1918, Pershing organised massive, so-called rectangular, divisions of four regiments (the equivalent of British brigades), totalling 28,000 men in all. This made an American division about the size of a European army corps, and an American brigade, numbering 8,000 men, the size of a European division. AEF Divisions usually attacked with one brigade in line and one in reserve. Often the reserve brigades artillery moved to the front to support the line brigades attack. Brigades were divided into two regiments, each of three battalions. Regiments attacked with three battalions in column: attack, support, and reserve. The attack battalion would take a forward enemy position, while the support battalion would follow immediately behind so as to pass through and continue the assault to the next objective. Battalions advanced two companies forward, two back, each in three lines of platoons. Behind these was a machine-gun battalion to lay down covering fire. Under Pershings concept of open warfare, lengthy artillery preparation was discouraged, as he felt this would give too much warning to the Germans.

AMERICAN HUBRIS?

But the doctrine of open warfare involved large, unwieldy divisions that were difficult to supply. Throughout the Marne and MeuseArgonne campaigns, supplies and artillery units remained snarled in massive traffic jams. The situation was untenable during the Meuse-Argonne campaign, where only three narrow roads were available to supply the million-man AEF. Pershing was repeating the mistake that had led British and French generals to launch murderous breakthrough offensives during 1916 and 1917: underestimating the defensive power of modern weaponry in general, and the expertise of the German Army in defensive warfare in particular.

This is an extract from a 15-page special feature in the August 2018 issue of Military History Monthly.



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Edwards Air Force Base has broken ground on the service's first privatized on-base apartment complex, a move aimed at curbing an ongoing housing shortage for airmen stationed at the massive installation in Southern California.

The base, home to the 412th Test Wing, has faced housing issues for its more than 10,000 military and civilian personnel across the 481-square-mile installation. Long wait times for the dorms or on-base housing are common. This new complex -- which has been approved by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget -- will eventually provide 142 apartments with a total of 246 beds for airmen.

"Many airmen at the 412th Test Wing have been impacted by the shortage of housing options on or in proximity to the base. That's why we're going to flip the script and try something new, something tailored for the men and women who serve here and to our families," Ravi Chaudhary, assistant secretary of the Air Force for energy, installations and environment, said in a news release Tuesday. "I can say this: We hear you, we see you, but now it's time to deliver for you."

Read Next: New Mortar and Rocket Training Simulators Could Shield Marines from Blasts Linked to Brain Injury

The project will be overseen by Mayroad, which is responsible for private housing on the base, and aims to get senior airmen with ranks of E-4 and above, as well as students of the Test Pilot School, into the units. The service hopes it will allow for consistent lodging other than the limited housing options available in the remote communities around the base or in the expensive Los Angeles area nearly two hours away.

Even if housing can be found in the vicinity of the base, the cost is often too steep for an airman's Basic Allowance for Housing to cover. The average price for a home in nearby Palmdale, California, for example, is more than $500,000, according to Zillow.

Design and cost plans for the project will be reviewed in early 2025, with construction to follow. The base expects to have the apartments completed by 2026.

If successful at Edwards, the Air Force is hoping it can replicate the model in other areas where housing is either limited or too expensive.

Col. Douglas Wickert, 412th Test Wing commander, said in the press release that Edwards has been home to many firsts: breaking the sound barrier, the first flight of the B-2 Spirit, and now the base can "celebrate one more: the Air Force's first commercial apartment complex."

The groundbreaking for the first Air Force apartment complex comes as the military as a whole has faced heavy scrutiny for the conditions of its barracks, dormitories and on-base housing options in recent years.

A damning report from the Government Accountability Office last year identified a myriad of quality-of-life issues at military facilities across the country.

Related: Merchant Marine Academy Slow to Address 'Crumbling Facades, Leaking Pipes and Water Damage' on Campus, GAO Finds
It's time for another try at the gold.

Several members of New Mexico's congressional delegation plan to renew a push to confer a collective Congressional Gold Medal on veterans who defended Bataan and Corregidor in the Philippines during World War II, as well as several other battles with Imperial Japanese forces.

U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich and U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez are reintroducing the Defenders of Bataan, Corregidor and Attu Congressional Gold Medal Act, with co-sponsorship from Sen. Ben Ray Lujan and Rep. Melanie Stansbury.

Japan's invasion of the Bataan peninsula in late 1941 and early 1942 was a bloody period that left many dead and thousands of American and Filipino troops captured, subjected to the infamous 65-mile Bataan Death March which ended in captivity in prisoner-of-war camps for those who survived. The island of Corregidor fell less than a month after Bataan.

"This brave defense  alongside campaigns to defend the Midway Atoll, Wake Island, Guam, Java, Mindanao and the Aleutians  changed the momentum of the war, delaying the Japanese conquest of the Philippines and providing the Allied Forces with critical time to mount a campaign to liberate the Pacific," Heinrich's office said in a news release.

Parachutes of the 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment pattern the bomb, pitted terrain of Corregidor, Philippines on March 1, 1945, after paratroopers landed and joined forces with amphibious assault troops to engage the Japanese for control of the Island Fortress. (AP Photo)

It was a brutal chapter of the war that had a major and lasting impact on New Mexico, which had more than 1,800 soldiers from the state's 200th Coast Artillery Regiment in the Philippines at the beginning of the conflict. More than 800 of them didn't survive.

"These brave Americans endured unfathomably harrowing conditions during the Bataan Death March and years of captivity in prisoner of war camps," Heinrich said in a statement. "The courage and sacrifices of so many Americans who bravely defended the Pacific ultimately made Allied victory possible."

Efforts to give those soldiers the Congressional Gold Medal go back to the era of now-retired U.S. Rep. Tom Udall, said Jan Thompson, president of the American Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor Memorial Society, who chalked those earlier bills' failures up to "so much politics."

Heinrich's support for the measure goes to 2009, when he was in the House of Representatives, said spokesperson Caty Payette. He last introduced the bill in 2021.

This year's measure seeks not only to give the Congressional Gold Medal to troops who fought at Bataan and Corregidor but also those who defended Midway, Wake, Guam, Java, Mindanao and the Aleutian Islands, the release says.

"We're trying to honor anybody that had been a POW under Imperial Japan, because it was such a unique experience," said Thompson, whose father, a U.S. Navy serviceman who served as a pharmacist mate, was held as a prisoner of war in the Philippines.

This year's bill would also include the Saskinax people, an indigenous group living on the island of Attu who were captured by Japanese forces. Thompson said that group's inclusion is new.

"We'd rather be inclusive than not," she said.

Thompson said she believes there might only be a few Bataan and Corregidor battles survivors still living, who would be in their late 90s or early 100s. Her father, Robert Earl Thompson, died in 2012 at age 92.

Jan Thompson said she would like to think the legislation will pass this time.

"I'd like to be optimistic but I do understand that things are quite dysfunctional, which is a real shame," she said. "It should be bipartisan. ... We are honoring the Greatest Generation."

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Moscows forces claim to have started an offensive to dislodge Ukrainian troops in the Kursk region of Russia, their first significant effort in more than five weeks since the start of Kyivs incursion.

A Russian brigade began advancing Tuesday, with fighting continuing Wednesday, Apti Alaudinov, a military commander, told state-run Rossiiskaya Gazeta newspaper.

Russian military bloggers also wrote about an offensive in the region, though it remained unclear whether the troops doing the fighting were deployed from the front in eastern Ukraine, or from elsewhere inside Russia. A few bloggers, alongside Rossiiskaya Gazeta, said some of the soldiers were from the 155th Marine Brigade, which is based in Vladivostok in the Far East, but has in the past fought in the war on Ukraine.

Neither the Russian Defense Ministry nor Ukrainian officials have confirmed that a counteroffensive is under way.

Russia recaptured at least two localities, said the Telegram channel Rybar, which has more than 1 million subscribers.

In Kursk, our people went on a counteroffensive with fresh forces yesterday, said Ruslan Pukhov, head of the Moscow-based Center for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies. So far it has been very successful, with several villages liberated and prisoners taken. The resistance was weak  the Ukrainians did not have a continuous front line there.

Ukraines incursion is the first foreign military offensive inside Russia since World War II. The operation caught the Kremlin off guard and prompted tens of thousands to flee their homes in the region. Ukraine said at the end of last month it controlled almost 1,300 square kilometers (about 500 square miles) of Russian territory, which Russia never confirmed.

Analysts at DeepState, a map service maintained in cooperation with the Ukrainian Defense Ministry, said that the situation had worsened on Ukraines left flank in Kursk after Russian forces crossed the Seym River with armored vehicles. Ukrainian forces had previously attacked bridges on the Seym in the Glushkov district of Kursk to stop Russias army from reinforcing its troops and delivering ammunition supplies.

Despite Ukraines cross-border incursion, Russia has continued its offensive elsewhere along the front line, advancing in the eastern Donetsk region toward the city of Pokrovsk, an important logistics hub for Ukrainian forces.

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2024 Bloomberg L.P. Visit bloomberg.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
FORT WORTH  Growing up, Mike Shaffer knew little of his great uncle, his grandfathers brother.

His family rarely spoke of the horrors of war or even of Elbert Knox, who earned the nickname Toughegg for his propensity for fighting and his rough-and-tumble reputation.

As a teenager, Shaffer first learned his great uncle had been a prisoner of war during World War II, killed in captivity 11 years before Shaffer was born. His mother did not know much more, but that crumb of information would remain with Shaffer for decades.

On Tuesday, 80 years after his death in a prisoner of war camp, the U.S. Navy posthumously awarded Knox a Purple Heart and a Prisoner of War Medal. Shaffer, now 69, was given the medals at a ceremony at the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base in Fort Worth.

Everything. This means everything, Shaffer, who lives in Tyler, said after the ceremony. This is proof of what he went through.

Shaffer began researching his great uncle four years ago, when he learned about the Prisoner of War Medal. Five generations of his family have served in the military, including Shaffer, who served in the U.S. Army from 1973 to 1976, and Shaffer wondered why his great uncle had never received the medal. He began making phone calls and digging online.

Slowly, Shaffer unraveled his great uncles story.

Knox enlisted in the U.S. Army at age 19 and served as a cook at an Army hospital in Illinois after World War I. A year later, he returned to his hometown in rural Wisconsin, where he worked as a carpenter and cemented his nickname of Toughegg with occasional run-ins with law enforcement.

Still, Knox was respected in the community. He was known as a skilled worker and had no trouble finding work. That changed when the Great Depression hit, and finding a job became difficult, if not impossible.

When World War II began, jobs returned. Knox landed a job with a construction company building airfields and naval bases on Wake Island, a tiny dot in the Pacific Ocean. Knox, then 40, boarded a ship in September 1941 for Wake Island, with the promise of a stateside job when he returned home after a one-year contract.

On Dec. 8, 1941, within hours of the attack on Pearl Harbor, Japanese forces attacked Wake Island. American forces fought for more than two weeks until forced to surrender, and Knox was among the civilian workers taken as prisoners of war.

Knox remained on Wake Island working for Japanese forces until September 1942, when he and about 200 other contractors were relocated. Knox landed at Fukuoka Prisoner of War Camp No. 18 in Yunoki. Medical care and food were scarce, and prisoners were given little clothing to endure frigid winters.

Knox was eventually caught fashioning a blanket into an article of clothing  some said it was a shirt, others said socks  to try to stay warm. As punishment, Knox, who stood more than 6 feet tall, was placed in a small, open-air solitary confinement cell. On Jan. 15, 1944, Knox died from malnutrition and exposure to the bitter temperatures.

Shortly after World War II ended, Knoxs remains were exhumed and moved to the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific.

Shaffer learned about much of Knoxs background with the help of a school project in Wisconsin, who chose Knox for a research project because of his unusual story.

No one should have to go through what he went through, Shaffer said. Nobody should have to suffer this way.

Because Knox was a civilian worker, he was not awarded posthumous medals after the war, Shaffer learned. But in 1981, the U.S. granted veteran status to the civilians who fought at Wake Island. Shaffer made call after call without luck, until the office of U.S. Rep. Nathaniel Moran, R- Tyler, helped Knox get in touch with the office in charge of naval medals and decorations.

On Tuesday, those efforts culminated with a somber ceremony, a moment of silence for Knox and the sorrowful wail of Taps. Master Chief Sean Bohanan, with the Navy Reserve Region Readiness and Mobilization Command in Fort Worth, said the country must never forget its prisoners of war.

Elberts sacrifice is a poignant reminder of the price of freedom and the heroism of those who defend it, Bohanan said.

After the ceremony, after all the photographs and handshakes, Shaffer returned home, clutching the medals of a man he never knew.

2024 The Dallas Morning News. Visit dallasnews.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
It's no secret that U.S. service members and veterans love our muscle cars. We can't get enough of them. Most of us pick up something used, some can afford to buy new, and one lucky soul even landed a Challenger SRT Demon 170 with some help from Dodge. Given a winning lottery ticket, though, we'd probably all end up shopping at Ringbrothers.

For those of you who haven't had the pleasure of drooling over a Ringbrothers design, allow me to recalibrate your understanding of what a dream car looks like. Mike Ring, Jim Ring, several family members and a cast of automotive artisans run a body shop in southern Wisconsin. When they're not repairing local fender-benders, they're crafting exquisite machinery for A-list customers.

You won't find car prices on the website because each one that leaves the shop is totally customized with CAD-designed hinges, rearview mirror bezels carved from billet aluminum, you name it. And under the hood, you'll find anything from a souped-up Chevy LS to a Dodge Hellephant. The engines vary, but horsepower figures reliably include a comma.

How does a young service member get into such a cool job? It turns out that Ringbrothers exists largely thanks to the hobby shop at Naval Base Coronado in California.

A Rescue Swimmer's Crash Course

Mike Ring enlisted in the Navy in 1981; here, we see him with siblings after his boot-camp graduation. (Photo by Scott Murdock; image on steering wheel courtesy of Mike Ring)

Before Mike Ring earned international recognition in the car scene, he was a rescue diver in the Navy. After enlisting in 1981, his job description involved leaping into the ocean to pluck fallen pilots and crew members from the waves, armed with little more than his own ability to swim.

As first impressions go, Ring certainly made a splash when he arrived at his first unit as an H-3 Sea King crew member.

"The CO and the maintenance officer are always the first ones to take the new aircrew out," Ring told Military.com. "So we were off the coast of San Diego, and we were flying and the maintenance officer -- just amazingly calm pilots -- he goes, 'Oh, we just lost No. 1.'"

The pilot gained altitude, dumped as much fuel as possible to lose weight and headed back to the coast. Shortly after, the second engine died.

Mike Rings Navy service took him around the world, but he never stopped dreaming about cars. (Photo by Scott Murdock; image of helicopter courtesy of Mike Ring)

"All you do is practice, right?" Ring said. "It was so calm. They just said, you know, if we hit the water, we go upside down, just wait till all the violent motion stops. But H-3 is kind of built like a boat. ... We hit the water. Pilots did an amazing job, kept it afloat, got it shut down. Jumped into a raft, Coast Guard was nearby, picked us up, hoisted the helicopter up and we were fine."

Maybe it was training, trust in each other or the invincibility of youth, but nobody seemed too bothered by the looming crash.

"Just lucky, but I was never afraid at 19," Ring said. "Like you can't die at 19. To look back, it was probably more traumatic, but at the time? No big deal."

Ring walked away unscathed, save for a fitting nickname: "Crash."

Don't Call Him a Pollywog

If Mike Rings tales dont make you want to join the Navy, you might not have a sense of adventure. (Photos courtesy of Mike Ring)

Ring's introduction to the fleet was no walk in the park, but there were plenty more challenges on the horizon.

For those not in the know, anyone who hasn't crossed the equator aboard a Navy vessel is a pollywog. Those who have are shellbacks. Transitioning from one to the other is no easy feat.

Ring remembers swimming through a sea of garbage, biting a cherry out of King Neptune's belly (played by the heaviest sailor available, of course), surviving a gauntlet of whirling fire hoses and climbing topside to be recognized as a shellback -- if he could keep his wits about him.

"All day, they're asking you, 'What are you?' 'I'm a wog; I'm a wog,'" Ring recalled. "If you get to the end and they ask you what you are and you say you're a wog ... gotta go all the way and start over. You better remember you've become a shellback at the time."

The Ringbrothers garage is full of superchargers and super-cool memories. (Images courtesy of Mike Ring)

It sounds tortuous, but like other (very unofficial) rituals in the U.S. military, it means a great deal to those who got to take part.

"Yeah, you just remember the good times," Ring chuckled. "You know what I mean? It was a good time! I've got pictures of me doing it, and it's just -- you're smiling at the end. You accomplished something."

Step Inside the Ringbrothers' Garage

Under the skin, Ringbrothers creations look very little like the cars they began as. (Kahn Media)

In the 1980s, Ring's only place to work on cars was the Naval Base Coronado hobby shop. It wasn't fancy, but the work was his passion, and plenty of people benefited from that.

"I painted some of the officers' cars," Ring said. "People figured out I could do it, and I just enjoyed doing it. The military gave me a great space to do it; at least, Coronado did at the time."

His fee? The cost of materials.

"If they could cover the costs or pay for the rent of the tool would be all I needed," he said. "No, it was never for the money. Just wanted to try to get better at it. I never imagined this is what I'd do when I got out, but it was always something in me that I couldn't shake."

Today, Ringbrothers uses cutting-edge design software and masterful skills to create one-of-a-kind cars. They use hand-formed steel and featherweight carbon fiber instead of stock body panels. The paint is immaculate. Every single detail -- inside and out -- is personalized to the buyer.

Ringbrothers cars like Enyo are truly world class. (Kahn Media)

Just look at the carbon fiber grip on Tusk's Hurst shifter. Gaze in awe at Paramount's starry sky headliner. Enyo looks more like a cyberpunk video-game car than the 1948 Loadmaster it started as.

There's nothing like them, and yet, Ring feels like he's just getting started.

"I think what drives me is, never felt like we nailed it," he said. "I always feel like, it's cool -- but ... I think in life if you ever think you nailed it, or did the best, or that's the best, I've never felt that. I've always felt like I can learn. There's younger guys that can teach me, and I want to do better. I think that's the key for me, is just never being quite satisfied."

Ring describes car-building as easy to start and hard to finish. He credits the Navy with instilling the grit necessary to get the job done.

The tools have changed, but the man behind them has the same fire in his belly he had more than 30 years ago. (Photo by Scott Murdock; inset image courtesy of Mike Ring)

"There's a lot of good things that the military could do for a lot of young people," he said. "I'm a huge advocate of it."

Visit Your Base's Auto Skills Center Today

Will you ever find yourself building world-famous custom cars? Never say never. It could all start with a few tools and a trip to your base's auto skills center.

If you're passionate about working with your hands -- whether that's building cars, cabinets or HVAC systems -- you have Ring's support. Don't be afraid to make short-term sacrifices in the pursuit of long-term goals.

"If people can get over that -- maybe not having the lifestyle they have, but doing something they love -- the money will come," he said. "The money will come. Life's too short to work in something that you're really not happy at, just for money."

What would this young sailor say if you showed him the cars hed go on to build? (Photo by Scott Murdock, inset image courtesy of Mike Ring)

If you do it right, you might never have to go to work another day in your life.

"Now I'm gonna be 62 and people ask, 'When are you gonna retire?'" Ring said with a grin. "This is what I'd wanna do if I was retired so I have no plans! I'll probably be laying dead out here, you know? This isn't a job that I call a job. I don't want to leave the guys. I want to continue to be excited every day. I feel really lucky, and the Navy gave me the tools that I never had."

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.
Beijing (Gasgoo)- On September 10, 2024, WeRide, a global leader in autonomous driving technology, in collaboration with the authorities of the Hengqin Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone and Zhuhai Da Heng Qin Technology Development Co., Ltd., officially launched pilot commercial operation of autonomous shuttle buses (Robobus) in Hengqin. This marks the first commercial deployment of autonomous shuttle buses in the Cooperation Zone, signifying a major milestone.



Photo credit: WeRide

WeRide has also received approval to conduct regular road tests of Robobuses in the Cooperation Zone with no safety operators on board and no steering wheel onboard under remote high-level autonomous driving conditions, laying the groundwork for fully unmanned commercial operations.

Located on the west bank of the Pearl River Estuary, adjacent to Macao and just 187 meters at its closest point, the Hengqin Cooperation Zone serves as a key link between Macao and the Chinese Mainland.

Since July 2023, WeRide's Robobuses have completed over 100,000 kilometers in autonomous driving during passenger-carrying tests in the Zone, providing service to more than 20,000 passengers and offering convenient, green, and intelligent mobility solutions to residents and tourists from both Guangdong and Macao.
Phone Cases for Samsung Galaxy Core Prime: A Comprehensive Guide to Compatibility







(Case Compatibility: Will Other Phone Cases Fit Your Samsung Galaxy Core Prime?)

In todays fast-paced world, the Samsung Galaxy Core Prime is an Android smartphone that has been highly sought-after due to its innovative features. However, sometimes it can be difficult to find cases that fit perfectly for your device. In this guide, we will provide you with a comprehensive overview of phone cases for the Samsung Galaxy Core Prime, including their compatibility and features.

When it comes to finding the right phone case for your Samsung Galaxy Core Prime, there are several factors to consider. First, make sure that the case is compatible with your phone model. This means that the cover may only work on certain models, such as Samsung Galaxy S4 or Galaxy Note 8. If your phone does not match these models, then the case may not be able to fit properly.

Another important factor to consider when looking for a phone case is the material. While some cases are made from hard materials like metal, leather, or silicone, others are more affordable and come in a range of styles. Make sure that the case is made of high-quality materials that can withstand wear and tear.

When choosing a phone case for the Samsung Galaxy Core Prime, its also important to consider the design and aesthetics. Look for cases that are simple and stylish, with clean lines and minimal flourishes. These types of cases can complement the other accessories that you may already have in your phone bag, making it easier to carry your phone around.

One popular option for phone cases for the Samsung Galaxy Core Prime is the case of the premium Samsung Galaxy Active. The active case is made of high-quality aluminum and features durable wheels, meaning that it will stand up to a variety of uses and conditions without losing its shape or quality. It also features a lightweight build, which makes it easy to carry in your pocket.

Another popular choice for phone cases for the Samsung Galaxy Core Prime is the premium Korean style phone case. This case is made of polycarbonate and features a sleek design that fits well on most surfaces. It also includes features like a water-resistant frame, comfortable grip, and durability.







(Case Compatibility: Will Other Phone Cases Fit Your Samsung Galaxy Core Prime?)

In conclusion, finding the perfect phone case for your Samsung Galaxy Core Prime requires careful consideration of the following factors: compatibility with your phone model, material, design and aesthetics, and protection against wear and tear. With the right phone cases, you can ensure that your Samsung Galaxy Core Prime remains protected and at your disposal throughout your day.

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Title: The birth of the breeze  where wind power first originated







(The Birth of the Breeze: Where Was Wind Power First Invented?)

In the beginning, what was it that truly amazed humans? Wind power. It had been around for thousands of years, yet many still had no idea where this ancient and powerful force came from.

In ancient China, wind power was used to create water-powered steam engines for the land. But by the 18th century, the idea of using wind power for powered transportation began to gain popularity. This led to the development of the steam engine and later the steam car, which revolutionized transportation across the globe.

During World War I, there was an attempt to generate electricity from the same sources as the steam engine, but it proved ineffective due to the harsh conditions and dangerous environment. Eventually, the British government decided to use artificial neural networks instead of traditional methods, which required massive amounts of energy and were also more expensive.

As the United States emerged from the war, the interest in renewable energy sources like wind power grew. In 2019, the Department of Energy (DOE) launched a $23 billion wind project aimed at developing new wind turbines on certain parts of the US east coast. The project is designed to generate 4 gigawatts of power and will be used to power over 600,000 homes.

But there is still much work to be done before we can fully harness the power of wind. In addition to building more wind turbines, we need to improve our understanding of how wind works and develop better technologies for capturing and storing wind power. With ongoing research and development, we can hope to one day see the widespread adoption of wind power as a reliable source of clean energy for our planet.







(The Birth of the Breeze: Where Was Wind Power First Invented?)

In conclusion, the birth of the breeze is not just about creating power from the wind, but about harnessing its full potential to create a sustainable future for humanity. By leveraging wind technology, we can overcome the challenges posed by climate change and achieve significant progress in reducing our reliance on fossil fuels.

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The next Jeopardy champion could reside from Michigan.

Todays episode of the game of questions and answers will see Kristen Robinson from St. Joseph, Michigan, try to dethrone the current champ, Will Weiss from New York. His current 1-day winnings are $14,000.

Robinson is a history instructor at Lake Michigan College in Benton Harbor, according to the school.

Jeopardy airs in the Metro Detroit area on WDIV-TV, at 7:30 p.m.

The Flint area audience can watch it on WNEM-TV at 7:00 p.m.

Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo area residents can watch at 7:30 p.m. on WWMT-TV.
Pop group Charly Bliss is performing at the Blind Pig in Ann Arbor tomorrow night, and tickets are still available from $30 each.

Shop local Michigan concerts and the rest of the 2024 Charly Bliss tour on Vivid Seats, Ticketmaster, SeatGeek, and StubHub.

New York band Charly Bliss opens for Jimmy Eat World at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Eva Hendricks, Sam Hendricks, Spencer Fox, and Dan Shure are Charly Bliss, a pop band formed in Brooklyn during the early 2010s. Now on their Forever and Ever Tour in support of their latest album, Forever, released on Friday, August 16, the band is traveling throughout the U.S. and Canada until October 10, playing venues like Adelaide Hall in Toronto tonight, the Blind Pig in Ann Arbor tomorrow, and Bottom Lounge in Chicago on Friday.

Shop tickets to hear Charly Bliss new power pop album at a theater or club near you before they head to London for a show at The Garage on November 6.

Tickets:

Wed, Sept 11 in Toronto  StubHub from $21, limited availability

Thurs, Sept 12 in Ann Arbor  SeatGeek from $53 | StubHub from $30

Fri, Sept 13 in Chicago  Vivid Seats from $38 | Ticketmaster from $22 | SeatGeek from $38 | StubHub from $27
OAKLAND COUNTY, MI -- An Arizona man is charged with multiple felonies after he allegedly sexually assaulted a woman in an Auburn Hills hotel room last month. Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonalds office issued the charges against 36-year-old Joel Delavara of Yuma, Arizona in connection with the alleged Aug. 14 assault.

Delavara is accused of making a copy of the victims room key and using the copy to gain access to her room. Prosecutors allege Delavara then raped the victim before getting on a flight back to his home state. The victim reported the crime to police and charges were filed on Aug. 16.

Delavara was eventually arrested and arraigned on Sept. 5 in 52-3rd District Court. He is charged with one count each of first-degree criminal sexual conduct, second-degree criminal sexual conduct and first-degree home invasion. First-degree CSC carries a maximum sentence of life in prison.

The impact of rape on a victim and our community is immense, McDonald said. This case will be handled by my offices Special Victims Unit (SVU), which is dedicated to prosecuting violent sex offenders and getting justice for victims. We will hold perpetrators fully accountable under the law.

Bond was set at $100,000 with 10% allowed. Delavara has already posted bond, according to officials and a probable cause conference has been set for Sept. 19.
Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On the afternoon of September 10, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez led a delegation of Spanish business leaders to visit Envision Group, engaging in discussions on green hydrogen technology and industry development.

During the visit, Sanchez witnessed the signing of a cooperation agreement between the government of Spain and Envision Group, aimed at supporting Spain and Europe's transition toward carbon neutrality and the establishment of a new green industrial system.

Photo credit: Envision Group

Under the agreement, Envision will build a hydrogen equipment factory in Spain and develop a green hydrogen industrial park in partnership with Spanish companies, achieving 100% green electricity-powered hydrogen production. Envision will also collaborate with Spain on synthetic biology, green methanol, and sustainable bio-aviation fuel, fostering a green hydrogen industrial ecosystem with cost-competitive products to support Spain's carbon-neutral transition across sectors such as industry, aviation, and maritime.

Prime Minister Sanchez highlighted Envision's global leadership in green hydrogen technology, stating, "Envision's partnership with Spanish companies to build a zero-carbon hydrogen industrial park and hydrogen equipment factory will not only contribute to Spain's economic development but also help create a brighter future for the country."

Envision Group Chairman Zhang Lei emphasized, "Envision has developed full-stack technology capabilities for new power systems and hydrogen energy. We pioneered the world's first zero-carbon industrial park in Ordos, Inner Mongolia, and are building the world's largest green hydrogen-ammonia project in Chifeng. We are excited to bring these innovations from China to Spain, helping Spain build a green hydrogen industrial ecosystem and driving Europe's green transformation."
DETROIT -- A man accused of pouring flammable liquid on two female co-workers and setting them on fire has been charged with multiple felonies by Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy. Roberto Romero is scheduled to be arraigned Wednesday in 36th District Court on numerous charges related to Mondays attack.

Romero is accused of assaulting the two women -- who are ages 57 and 50 respectively -- at a building in the 1000 block of West Grand Boulevard in Detroit around 6 a.m. Monday. After setting the women on fire, investigators say Romero fled the scene before eventually being apprehended.

Romero is charged with two counts each of assault with intent to murder, assault with intent to do great bodily harm, and felonious assault. He is also charged with placing offensive substance causing physical injury.
ANN ARBOR  C.S. Mott Childrens Hospital hosted an indoor parade through its cancer ward Tuesday in honor of National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

Patients on the seventh floor oncology ward were greeted by dozens of Michigan Medicine staff and partners including organizations like Rainbow Connection, Bottomless Toy Chest, Make-a-Wish Michigan, Fleece and Thank You, Kids Kicking Cancer and Camp Casey. DFCU Financial sponsored commemorative teddy bears handed out to each patient.

Disney princesses Belle and Elsa and officers from the University of Michigan Department of Public Safety and Security and the UM Dance Team also participated.

Luanne Ewald, hospital chief operating officer, said staff came up with the inaugural event as a kick off for Michigan Medicines annual Block out Cancer fundraiser. Each September during National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, the hospital raises funds for pediatric cancer research. This year, donors Linda and Andy Jacob of Southeast Michigan will match donations up to $100,000.

This year, we said What can we do to make Block out Cancer a little more fun and really bring it to the bedside where our patients are? Ewald said. What brings smiles more than a parade?

Patient Kayden Strong helped lead the group as they made a lap around the building, handing out stuffed animals, toys and books.

We had a good time it puts a good vibe and a positive energy on the floor, he said. You feel a lot happier about everything going on stuff may be tough at times, but it makes it a lot easier to go through.

Michigan softball player Kaylee Rodriguez, herself a survivor of a rare form of bone cancer, also took part in the parade.

The parade, led by the seventh floors Golden Retreiver therapy dog Dashiel, rounded the four corners of the wards hallway, greeting patients in each room before heading into the infusion clinic for a special celebration.

The best part was that right at the end, we went into the clinic and found one of our patients - today was his sixth birthday - so we brought the whole parade in and celebrated his birthday in style, she said.

After the parade, patients took part in craft activities and snapped photos with Dashiel, Belle and Elsa in the seventh floor activity room.

Supporters can donate to Block Out Cancer online at www.blockoutcancer.org.

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GRAND RAPIDS, MI  With ArtPrize set to return to Grand Rapids on Friday, attendees will have an opportunity to explore more than 800 entries, from paintings and sculptures to interactive exhibits that feature audio, visuals and more.

Among those entries, one will take home the grand prize, which this year amounts to $125,000. The free international art competition runs from Sept. 13-28.
GREENVILLE, MI  Corewell Health is adding new exam rooms, infusion bays and a wellness and education center at its Greenville Hospital, thanks to a $4.2 million gift from the family of late philanthropist Bob Braman.

The gift covers the majority of the $4.7 million project, which is expected to be complete next year.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- Cars barrel down U.S. 131 as people hurry to downtown workplaces, but the plaza outside Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum is dressed in solemnity.

Boy Scouts and the Grand Rapids Fire Honor Guard join in an unbroken symphony of salutes, honoring the lives lost and impacted during the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The Star-Spangled Banner, which became a symbol of strength and unity 23 years ago today, is marked with remembrance.

The Scouts Salute is an annual community day in remembrance of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. This is the 23rd year of the event and one of seven similar events across the state.

After 9/11, we decided as a nation that wed never forget, said Michigan Fire Marshal Kevin J. Sehlmeyer. The Boy Scouts stepped up. The idea is that, from sun up to sun down, we salute.

Most of the kids in scouts today werent alive (during 9/11)... but through this event these kids wont forget, either.

Rockford resident Jane Mancewicz, 15, is a senior patrol leader for Girls Troop 283. While born in 2009, she understands the significance of being a part of the commemoration.

Its about showing respect, Mancewicz said. I understand from the stories Ive heard and what Ive learned in history class. This days important even if you werent there.

Retired Muskegon assistant fire chief Ken Chudy took part by ringing a silver bell at 8:46 a.m. in tribute to the moment the World Trade Centers North Tower was hit. He rang the bell three more times to mark the strike of the South Tower, the Pentagon and United Airlines flight 93.

The commemoration is planned to run continuously until 8 p.m. Area scouts and community members are encouraged to take part even if its from work or home.

This event is really simple -- take a few moments out of your day to remember the tragedy on 9/11, said Aaron Gach, deputy scout executive for Michigan Crossroads Council, Boy Scouts of America. But also, we remember that theres men and women that are still putting on the uniform and serving us today.

A program is set to take place later in the evening.

The Salvation Army Band will perform at 5:30 p.m. followed by a program at 6:10 p.m. Fire marshal Sehlmeyer and CEO of Scouting American Michigan Crossroads Council Donald Shepard are set to speak amongst others.

A Final Salute with echo taps will conclude the event at 7:59 p.m.

You can watch the livestreamed salute on the Michigan Crossroads Council, Boy Scouts of America Facebook page here.

Other planned salutes across Michigan:

Albion - Riverside Cemetery, 6-7:30 p.m.

Bay City - USS Edson, 10 a.m.- 4p.m.

Farmington  Riley Park, 5 p.m.-9 p.m.

Muskegon - USS LST 393, 6-8 p.m.

Paw Paw - 43255 60th Ave., 8 a.m.- 9:30 a.m.

Riverview - Young Patriots Park, 4 p.m.-8 p.m.

Traverse City - Grand Traverse Metro Fire Station, 8:30-9 a.m.

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 - Grand Rapids Public Schools parents looking for better communication with the Board of Education can meet them for coffee on Monday, Sept. 16.

Its part of a new pilot program to increase communication.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Before they ever pick up a hammer, students at the West Michigan Construction Institute can use virtual reality headsets to practice construction safety, part of a $3 million expansion of the Institute that also came with two new lab spaces.

Walking into a silent room full of students with virtual reality headsets on navigating their own spaces is a delight for me to watch, said Institute President Jen Schottke.
KALAMAZOO, MI -- Dirt moved on Tuesday, Sept. 10, marking the ceremonial start of a $32.7 million project to build an apartment building and restaurant in the heart of downtown Kalamazoo.

The Ironworks development will bring dozens of apartment units as well as a restaurant to the space at Rose Street and Water Street. Supporters and people involved in the project, including Mayor David Anderson, grabbed a shovel to throw sand and signal the start of work during a ceremony Tuesday.

We are very thankful for the public and private partnerships that helped move Ironworks across the finish line, Trisha Kidd, PlazaCorps director of project management, said to a crowd gathered outside the construction site.

PlazaCorp is the developer of the project that will turn vacant buildings at 245 N. Rose St. and 203 N. Rose St. into a mixed-use space, including 82 new residential units.

The project is called Ironworks as a nod to the buildings history, as it started out as a foundry to process iron in the late 1800s. Officials have also referred to the project as Arcadia Lofts.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held Tuesday, Sept. 10, for a new development in downtown Kalamazoo. The new space will house dozens of apartments as well as a restaurant.(Brad Devereaux | bdeverea@mlive.com)

The development is seen as a catalyst for more foot traffic in the area, the company said. It sits near the countys new courthouse and in the area of the future site of the incoming downtown arena.

MORE: New arena plans: See designs for water features, courtyard, parking deck, slimmer street

Bobcat Bonnies plans to locate in the building on the corner of Rose Street and Water Street once the space is ready. The restaurant chain started in Detroit in 2015 and has expanded to several other locations in Michigan and nearby.

Bobcat Bonnies Owner, Matt Buskard, talked about the visionaries at PlazaCorp who found a way to bring new life to the building.

How do I find the magic in these existing spaces? Buskard said. Its really exciting to see.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held Tuesday, Sept. 10, for a new development in downtown Kalamazoo. The new space will house dozens of apartments as well as a restaurant.(Brad Devereaux | bdeverea@mlive.com)

The restaurant will help activate the building, officials said, and the housing units are needed in Kalamazoo.

Everyone knows theres a housing crisis in this country, Mayor Anderson said. Theres only one way we can address it: supply.

The building, designed by L.D. Grosvenor to house Lawrence and Chapin Ironworks, dates back to 1872, when the front portion was built. Two additions followed, one in 1881 and the second in the mid-1900s, according to Lynn Houghton, Western Michigan University regional history curator.

The mansard-roofed portion of the building and the first addition are both now included on the National Register of Historic Places. Additional floors will only be added to the non-historically contributing portion of the building.

Kudos for making a very complicated project reality, Michigan Rep. Julie Rogers, D-Kalamazoo, said.

She and others toured the building Tuesday after the groundbreaking ceremony. Inside, they saw the work that is happening now, as interior walls begin to take shape.

The project is funded in part by a $4.875 million loan from the states Michigan Strategic Fund. The city of Kalamazoo approved an estimated $1.8 million tax abatement for the property.

Projected rental rates for studio apartments begin at $963 per month, up to $2,729 per month for a two-bedroom unit, Michigan Economic Development Corporation documents state.

10 1 / 10 Arcadia Lofts slated for Rose Street in $33M project

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OTTAWA COUNTY, MI  A man crashed his vehicle into another then sexually assaulted the other driver when she pulled over in a gas station parking lot, police said.

The victim fought off the attacker and called 911, police said.
ST. CHARLES, MI  With political fervor ramping up, a second lawsuit has been filed against the Village of St. Charles for allegedly removing citizens yard signs supporting a particular local candidate.

Attorney Philip L. Ellison on Sept. 9 filed suit in U.S. District Court in Bay City on behalf of St. Charles resident Amy Paul, naming the village and President Edgar Tithof as defendants. The suit comes on the heels of Ellison filing a similar one on Aug. 25 on behalf of Troy Freed, an appointed village trustee seeking election to retain the position.

The new suit asserts Paul erected a sign in her front yard on M-52 showing her support for Freed. On Aug. 22, Tithof rode a bicycle to Pauls house, stepped onto her property, and removed her pro-Freed sign, the suit claims.

A camera on Pauls porch captured footage of Tithof pedaling away with the sign in his hand, the suit states.

A political sign advocating for St. Charles Trustee Troy Freed.Cole Waterman

Ellison maintains removing political signs is illegal, with his suit alleging violations of the First and Fourth amendments and procedural due process.

Its really government overreach is what it is, Ellison said. St. Charles has got some very passionate people who do not like it when their government oversteps.

Tithof has told MLive he cannot comment on pending litigation.

St. Charles zoning ordinance, adopted in April 2007, states political signs may be erected no more than 30 days before the pertinent election and must be removed at most four days after. Ellison contends such an ordinance flouts the First Amendment and that village officials used it to hamper Freeds election prospects.

Ellisons previous suit names the village, Tithof, Manager Hartmann Aue, and Police Chief Jason Olive as defendants. That suit also alleges Tithof removed several pro-Freed signs from yards on Aug. 22.

Freed complained of this, after which Tithof and Aue directed Chief Oliver to remove Freeds signs, the suit alleges. Ellison claims Tithof and Aue told Oliver not to remove signs of other candidates, including those supporting Republican presidential candidate and Donald J. Trump.

Oliver on Saturday, Aug. 24, authored a post on the police departments Facebook page reminding residents of the sign ordinance. He asserted the village ordinance is shared by the county, adding county authorities had contacted St. Charles officials questioning why the village had not been in compliance.

Oliver also noted the Michigan Department of Transportation prohibits such signs from being placed in highway right-of-ways. Ellison has countered village officials are not to enforce MDOTs regulations.

MDOTs rules for political signs state they must be more than three feet from the curb and more than 30 feet from the edge of a roadway without barrier curbs.

The Village of St. Charles Manager does not make up these rules nor does our Police Department, Oliver wrote. These ordinances have been in place for quite some time, long before the current manager came in.

Oliver went on to write he planned to spend Aug. 26 checking the entire village for political signs and removing any he found in yards. He advised residents who find their signs missing can reclaim them at the police department.

In response to a users question on Facebook, the police department wrote political signs cannot be erected until Sept. 6.

In both suits, Ellison is asking the courts to declare St. Charles political sign ordinance unconstitutional, enter injunctions against its enforceability and the removal of yard signs, and to award Freed and Paul damages and attorney fees.

The defendants in the earlier lawsuit have until Oct. 24 to submit their response. Flint attorney Audrey J. Forbush is representing them; she did not reply to a message from MLive seeking comment.
Beijing (Gasgoo)- On September 10, at the Huawei Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliances product launch, AITO, the premium new energy vehicle brand jointly backed by Huawei and SERES, unveiled the new five-seat version of the AITO M9.



Photo credit: AITO

The M9 five-seater is available in three trim levels: the M9 Max Extended Range version starting at 469,800 yuan, the M9 Ultra Extended Range version starting at 529,800 yuan, and the M9 Ultra Battery-electric version starting at 569,800 yuan.

The new AITO M9 five-seat version is equipped with several cutting-edge Huawei technologies. It features Huawei's high-resolution smart projection headlights with dual-reflector lens technology, capable of ultra-close-range welcome projections. The M9 also introduces VPD parking light signals, where the headlights can project messages like Yielding and Temporarily Stopping during parking and valet scenarios, providing visual cues to pedestrians and surrounding vehicles.

Photo credit: AITO

The AITO M9 boasts an upgraded smart cockpit with Huawei's HarmonyOS 4.0 system, which enhances the control center interface, allowing over 90% of commonly used functions to be accessed with a single touch. It also includes the HUAWEI AR-HUD (augmented-reality head-up display) system, delivering a 75-inch display area in 2K resolution for an immersive experience.

A key highlight of the launch event was the HUAWEI ADS 3.0 intelligent driving system, which uses an end-to-end architecture with PDP decision neural networks, enhancing pre-decision and planning capabilities. A new instinctual safety network is also integrated to ensure maximum safety. In August 2024, HUAWEI ADS achieved a total intelligent driving distance of over 200 million kilometers in a single month, said Huawei.

Photo credit: AITO

Furthermore, the HUAWEI ADS 3.0 system integrates deeply with AR-HUD, offering upgrades like traffic light countdowns, turn signals, omnidirectional safety warning lights, and lane change guidance. The system also introduces side blind-spot real-time visualization for drivers, displaying a 37-inch side blind-spot video during turns and lane changes.

The AITO M9 five-seater is now available for preorder under the Pioneer Plan, limited to 1,000 units. Deliveries for Pioneer Plan participants will begin before October 1, 2024, with broader deliveries starting in mid-October.
GENESEE COUNTY, MI -- Incumbent state Rep. Phil Green won a Republican primary election against two challengers in August but still must get by Democratic challenger Anissa Buffin on Nov. 5 to remain the 67th District state House representative.

Green, of Millington, has served as an ordained pastor for 20 years. He won the redrawn 67th District state House race in 2022 after representing the 84th District prior to redistricting.
Beijing (Gasgoo)- On September 9, Malaysias Road Transport Department (JPJ) launched the JPJePlate, a license plate dedicated to all-electric vehicles that comes with a built-in RFID chip, and opened bidding for the "EV" series plate numbers. NETA Auto, the Chinese new energy vehicle brand under HOZON Auto, announced that a local NETA X vehicle owner became the first in Malaysia to use the JPJePlate.



Photo credit: NETA Auto

The JPJePlate brings several advantages to NETA Auto vehicle owners, including enhanced road safety and exclusive charging subsidies through a partnership with ChargeEV. In the future, owners will also benefit from intelligent tolling features on highways and in parking lots, significantly reducing operating costs and enhancing the driving experience.

In the first half of 2024, electric vehicle registrations in Malaysia surged 150% year over year to around 12,850 units, highlighting the substantial growth potential of the local electric vehicle market.

Earlier this year, NETA Auto broke ground on its new factory in Malaysia, which is scheduled to begin production in early 2025. The Malaysian factory follows the establishment of its plants in Thailand and Indonesia. In July 2024, Malaysia was among the first markets for the Chinese carmaker to launch the NETA X overseas model.

As an early adopter of Malaysia's digitized transportation system, NETA Auto aims to bolster its brand presence in the Malaysian market while supporting the countrys ambition to become a leader in electric mobility and sustainable development in Southeast Asia.
Beijing (Gasgoo)- On September 9, 2024, Chinese automotive power battery system provider REPT BATTERO opened its North American branch in Irvine, California, marking a significant step in the companys global expansion following the opening of its European subsidiary in 2023.

Photo credit: REPT

The company has also set up a Southeast Asian subsidiary to conduct market research and exploration in the region.

The U.S. energy storage market has seen rapid growth, driven by the expansion of renewable energy, advancements in lithium technology, supportive policies, and increasing market demand, making it one of the most dynamic energy storage markets worldwide.

REPT BATTERO is committed to providing safe and efficient energy storage solutions through innovative technologies, high-quality products, and comprehensive services. In the first half of this year, REPT BATTERO signed a framework agreement with POWIN, a globally recognized energy storage manufacturer, for the supply of 12GWh of energy storage batteries. Additionally, in 2023, REPT BATTERO partnered with U.S. energy storage technology developer Energy Vault, signing a 10GWh supply agreement for a liquid-cooled energy storage battery system.

The establishment of the North American subsidiary will enable REPT BATTERO to better address local customer needs with tailored solutions and enhanced service experiences. The subsidiary aims to build closer relationships with local partners to accelerate the transition to green energy globally.

Looking ahead, REPT BATTERO plans to deepen its global strategy by setting up manufacturing plants in Southeast Asia, Europe, and South America, further expanding its international business footprint.
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Florida Man Punches Guy For Saying His Challenger Is Nice

Dashcam footage shows a Florida man punch another driver after receiving a compliment on his Dodge Challenger. Its an odd way to thank someone for saying something nice, but Florida is a weird place and weve come to expect extraordinary things from it.

A random piece of metal flies off a trailer and into a mans windshield.

Polk County Sheriffs Office shared the dashcam footage on social media to help bring the suspect, 53-year-old John Sturgeon, in after a warrant was issued for his arrest. The effort must have been effective because the law enforcement agency provided an update later, saying Sturgeon turned himself in.

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According to the sheriffs office, the incident in question happened on the evening of September 1. The victim said he was waving at Sturgeon while saying something about how much he liked the Dodge Challenger when the suspect stopped in the middle of the road before a stop sign.

Sturgeon then marched from his Mopar to the victims car, grabbed the mans hands, then punched the guy in the face. You can hear the victim reply he was just saying how much he liked Sturgeons Challenger.

Is this the way people in Florida react when you tell them you like their ride? Or is this just one guy who has some sort of a rage control issue spinning out of control? Given the physique of the suspect, we expect some to say this was a roid rage incident, but theres no way of confirming or denying that accusation.

Instead, were just left perplexed about why Sturgeon reacted the way he did. Maybe he thought the guy was saying nice car in a mocking way? Maybe the victim made a rude gesture and we dont have that on video?

This case is now in the justice system, so Sturgeon is either going to cut a deal with a prosecutor or have his day in court. Just nobody tell him they like his Dodge!

Image via Polk County Sheriffs Office/Facebook

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Image: Marko Law, PLLC

Two elementary school students were seriously injured while on a field trip to Fords test track in Auburn Hills, Michigan. A demonstration driver, in what appears to be a Mustang, lost control of the machine and ran headlong into the guardrail behind which the classroom of students had gathered. Elijah Gibson, eight at the time, and Lavell McGee, ten at the time, were hospitalized as a result of the July 2023 crash. A lawsuit in Oakland County Circuit Court names Continental Automotive Systems (the track owners), Ford Motor Co., the Detroit Area Pre-College Engineering Program, and the driver as defendants in the case.

Both boys received injuries to their legs and traumatic brain injuries, and both have developed cognitive issues and suffer memory loss. Gibson received multiple surgeries as a result of his injuries. The lawsuit alleges negligence, willful and wanton misconduct, and other accusations.

You can see in the above image how the crash played out, as the car veered right, hopping the curb en route to smashing the guardrail right where the students had gathered under the pop-up tent. From there, the car rolled over to rest back on the asphalt. If it was still carrying enough speed to roll when it hit the guardrail, it must have been moving quite quickly.

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The lawsuit, filed by Marko Law, PLLC and Scott Goodwin Law, P.C., claims the driver rapidly accelerated the car in a negligent and/or reckless manner and lost control, plowing into the guardrail and violently striking the children watching the track from behind it. The collision was so violent that the vehicle flipped over on its roof.

Obviously many unpredictable things had to go wrong for this tragic incident to have occurred. Certainly the chaperones could have done more to keep the kids back from the guardrail, and perhaps the driver didnt need to execute a high-risk high-speed maneuver in close proximity to the children. I guess the legal proceedings and a jury of their peers will determine just who made which wrong call in short order.

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FARMERS & MERCHANTS TRUST Co OF LONG BEACH lowered its stake in Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY  Free Report) by 42.6% in the second quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 2,128 shares of the companys stock after selling 1,579 shares during the period. FARMERS & MERCHANTS TRUST Co OF LONG BEACHs holdings in Eli Lilly and Company were worth $1,927,000 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. Twelve Points Wealth Management LLC lifted its stake in Eli Lilly and Company by 1.4% in the 2nd quarter. Twelve Points Wealth Management LLC now owns 811 shares of the companys stock valued at $734,000 after acquiring an additional 11 shares in the last quarter. Verum Partners LLC lifted its stake in Eli Lilly and Company by 1.5% in the 2nd quarter. Verum Partners LLC now owns 731 shares of the companys stock valued at $662,000 after acquiring an additional 11 shares in the last quarter. Acorn Creek Capital LLC lifted its stake in Eli Lilly and Company by 1.3% in the 2nd quarter. Acorn Creek Capital LLC now owns 927 shares of the companys stock valued at $840,000 after acquiring an additional 12 shares in the last quarter. Thompson Davis & CO. Inc. lifted its stake in Eli Lilly and Company by 0.7% in the 2nd quarter. Thompson Davis & CO. Inc. now owns 1,687 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,527,000 after acquiring an additional 12 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Versant Capital Management Inc lifted its stake in Eli Lilly and Company by 1.8% in the 1st quarter. Versant Capital Management Inc now owns 736 shares of the companys stock valued at $573,000 after acquiring an additional 13 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 82.53% of the companys stock.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several equities analysts recently weighed in on LLY shares. Argus raised their target price on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $770.00 to $840.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, May 14th. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price objective on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $875.00 to $1,000.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, August 9th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price objective on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $900.00 to $1,000.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, July 11th. Morgan Stanley reiterated an overweight rating and issued a $1,106.00 target price on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a research note on Tuesday, August 27th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft upgraded Eli Lilly and Company from a hold rating to a buy rating and lifted their price target for the stock from $725.00 to $1,025.00 in a report on Monday, August 12th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seventeen have given a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $961.76.

Insider Buying and Selling

In other news, major shareholder Lilly Endowment Inc sold 194,978 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, June 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $885.91, for a total transaction of $172,732,959.98. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 97,583,810 shares in the company, valued at approximately $86,450,473,117.10. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Insiders have sold 661,900 shares of company stock valued at $604,721,602 over the last 90 days. 0.13% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Eli Lilly and Company Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE LLY opened at $908.39 on Tuesday. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $895.85 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $829.55. The firm has a market cap of $863.36 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 133.78, a P/E/G ratio of 2.73 and a beta of 0.42. Eli Lilly and Company has a one year low of $516.57 and a one year high of $972.53. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.74, a current ratio of 1.11 and a quick ratio of 0.87.

Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, August 8th. The company reported $3.92 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.64 by $1.28. The business had revenue of $11.30 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $9.83 billion. Eli Lilly and Company had a net margin of 18.86% and a return on equity of 67.52%. On average, equities analysts forecast that Eli Lilly and Company will post 16.51 EPS for the current year.

Eli Lilly and Company Dividend Announcement

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, September 10th. Investors of record on Thursday, August 15th will be paid a $1.30 dividend. This represents a $5.20 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.57%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, August 15th. Eli Lilly and Companys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 76.58%.

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.

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Want to see what other hedge funds are holding LLY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY  Free Report).

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Spanish Mountain Gold Ltd. (CVE:SPA  Get Free Report) Director Lembit Janes purchased 180,500 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, September 10th. The shares were purchased at an average price of C$0.17 per share, with a total value of C$29,782.50.

Lembit Janes also recently made the following trade(s):

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On Thursday, August 8th, Lembit Janes purchased 50,000 shares of Spanish Mountain Gold stock. The shares were acquired at an average price of C$0.17 per share, for a total transaction of C$8,250.00.

On Tuesday, July 16th, Lembit Janes purchased 623,000 shares of Spanish Mountain Gold stock. The stock was bought at an average price of C$0.18 per share, for a total transaction of C$109,025.00.

On Thursday, July 11th, Lembit Janes bought 287,000 shares of Spanish Mountain Gold stock. The stock was bought at an average cost of C$0.18 per share, with a total value of C$50,225.00.

Spanish Mountain Gold Trading Up 6.3 %

Shares of CVE SPA traded up C$0.01 during midday trading on Tuesday, hitting C$0.17. 194,878 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 104,531. Spanish Mountain Gold Ltd. has a 12-month low of C$0.11 and a 12-month high of C$0.29. The firm has a market cap of C$66.10 million, a P/E ratio of -16.00 and a beta of 1.87. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of C$0.17 and a 200 day moving average price of C$0.18. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.29, a quick ratio of 3.03 and a current ratio of 5.92.

Spanish Mountain Gold Company Profile

Spanish Mountain Gold Ltd., an exploration stage resource company, engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral properties in Canada. It holds a 100% interest in the Spanish Mountain gold project, which comprises approximately 50 contiguous mineral claims and 13 placer claims covering an area of approximately 10,414 hectares located in the Cariboo region of central British Columbia.

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Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (NYSE:ANF  Get Free Report) EVP Samir Desai sold 19,041 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, September 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $131.36, for a total value of $2,501,225.76. Following the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 27,985 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,676,109.60. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link.

Abercrombie & Fitch Trading Down 2.5 %

NYSE:ANF opened at $129.91 on Wednesday. Abercrombie & Fitch Co. has a 52 week low of $49.24 and a 52 week high of $196.99. The firms fifty day moving average is $155.14 and its 200-day moving average is $146.40. The firm has a market cap of $6.64 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.16 and a beta of 1.50. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.20, a quick ratio of 0.93 and a current ratio of 1.44.

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Institutional Trading of Abercrombie & Fitch

A number of institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky lifted its stake in shares of Abercrombie & Fitch by 9.6% in the 2nd quarter. Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky now owns 29,523 shares of the apparel retailers stock valued at $5,250,000 after purchasing an additional 2,579 shares during the period. B. Riley Wealth Advisors Inc. acquired a new position in Abercrombie & Fitch in the second quarter valued at approximately $908,000. Quarry LP boosted its holdings in shares of Abercrombie & Fitch by 156.0% during the 2nd quarter. Quarry LP now owns 279 shares of the apparel retailers stock worth $50,000 after buying an additional 170 shares in the last quarter. Invst LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Abercrombie & Fitch during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $523,000. Finally, Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. increased its stake in shares of Abercrombie & Fitch by 8,914.3% in the 2nd quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 631 shares of the apparel retailers stock valued at $112,000 after acquiring an additional 624 shares in the last quarter.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several research firms have commented on ANF. Citigroup upgraded Abercrombie & Fitch from a neutral rating to a buy rating and set a $190.00 target price for the company in a research report on Friday, August 30th. Telsey Advisory Group reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $208.00 price objective on shares of Abercrombie & Fitch in a report on Wednesday, August 28th. UBS Group decreased their price target on shares of Abercrombie & Fitch from $193.00 to $165.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, August 29th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upgraded shares of Abercrombie & Fitch from a neutral rating to an overweight rating and lifted their price target for the stock from $167.00 to $194.00 in a report on Monday, July 22nd. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group increased their price objective on Abercrombie & Fitch from $215.00 to $220.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, September 4th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $179.14.

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About Abercrombie & Fitch

(Get Free Report)

Abercrombie & Fitch Co, through its subsidiaries, operates as an omnichannel retailer in the United States, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, the Asia-Pacific, Canada, and internationally. The company offers an assortment of apparel, personal care products, and accessories for men, women, and kids under the Abercrombie & Fitch, abercrombie kids, Hollister, and Gilly Hicks brands.

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AdvisorShares Investments LLC lessened its stake in shares of Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras (NYSE:PBR  Free Report) by 2.3% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 37,886 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock after selling 910 shares during the quarter. AdvisorShares Investments LLCs holdings in Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras were worth $549,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently made changes to their positions in PBR. Choreo LLC bought a new stake in Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras during the 2nd quarter valued at $198,000. Ashton Thomas Private Wealth LLC purchased a new position in shares of Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras in the second quarter valued at about $30,000. Ping Capital Management Inc. bought a new position in shares of Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras during the second quarter valued at about $726,000. Ballentine Partners LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras by 11.0% during the second quarter. Ballentine Partners LLC now owns 14,821 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock worth $215,000 after purchasing an additional 1,463 shares during the period. Finally, Caprock Group LLC grew its stake in shares of Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras by 526.7% in the second quarter. Caprock Group LLC now owns 113,826 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock worth $1,696,000 after purchasing an additional 95,664 shares during the last quarter.

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Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras Trading Down 3.7 %

Shares of Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras stock opened at $14.43 on Wednesday. Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras has a twelve month low of $12.90 and a twelve month high of $17.91. The company has a quick ratio of 0.67, a current ratio of 0.90 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.70. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $14.75 and a 200-day moving average price of $15.24. The firm has a market cap of $94.11 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 4.19, a PEG ratio of 0.17 and a beta of 1.40.

Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras Increases Dividend

Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras ( NYSE:PBR Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, August 8th. The oil and gas exploration company reported $0.47 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, meeting analysts consensus estimates of $0.47. The company had revenue of $23.47 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $24.22 billion. Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras had a net margin of 16.17% and a return on equity of 28.42%. Equities research analysts anticipate that Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras will post 3.14 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The company also recently announced a Variable dividend, which will be paid on Friday, November 29th. Stockholders of record on Friday, August 23rd will be issued a $0.165 dividend. This represents a dividend yield of 15.4%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, August 23rd. This is a positive change from Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobrass previous Variable dividend of $0.03. Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobrass dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 25.00%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of research analysts have commented on the company. Bank of America raised Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras from a neutral rating to a buy rating and upped their price target for the company from $16.80 to $17.90 in a research report on Thursday, June 27th. The Goldman Sachs Group dropped their price target on Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras from $19.30 to $16.70 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, August 13th. UBS Group cut their price target on shares of Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras from $19.40 to $18.10 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Monday, August 19th. Morgan Stanley upgraded shares of Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and upped their price objective for the stock from $18.00 to $20.00 in a report on Monday, August 26th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group cut shares of Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras from a buy rating to a hold rating and dropped their target price for the stock from $21.20 to $17.70 in a research report on Wednesday, May 15th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and six have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $18.07.

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Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras Profile

(Free Report)

Petroleo Brasileiro SA  Petrobras explores, produces, and sells oil and gas in Brazil and internationally. The company operates through Exploration and Production; Refining, Transportation and Marketing; and Gas and Power. It also engages in prospecting, drilling, refining, processing, trading, and transporting crude oil from producing onshore and offshore oil fields, and shale or other rocks, as well as oil products, natural gas, and other liquid hydrocarbons.

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Angeles Wealth Management LLC cut its holdings in ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP  Free Report) by 5.0% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 7,820 shares of the energy producers stock after selling 409 shares during the period. Angeles Wealth Management LLCs holdings in ConocoPhillips were worth $894,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other large investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the business. Brasada Capital Management LP increased its holdings in shares of ConocoPhillips by 5.3% in the 2nd quarter. Brasada Capital Management LP now owns 26,816 shares of the energy producers stock worth $3,057,000 after buying an additional 1,338 shares during the last quarter. MGO One Seven LLC increased its holdings in shares of ConocoPhillips by 6.4% in the 2nd quarter. MGO One Seven LLC now owns 19,849 shares of the energy producers stock worth $2,270,000 after buying an additional 1,194 shares during the last quarter. Headlands Technologies LLC increased its holdings in shares of ConocoPhillips by 338.9% in the 2nd quarter. Headlands Technologies LLC now owns 35,990 shares of the energy producers stock worth $4,117,000 after buying an additional 27,790 shares during the last quarter. Coldstream Capital Management Inc. increased its holdings in shares of ConocoPhillips by 6.7% in the 2nd quarter. Coldstream Capital Management Inc. now owns 26,412 shares of the energy producers stock worth $3,021,000 after buying an additional 1,659 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Gryphon Financial Partners LLC increased its holdings in shares of ConocoPhillips by 12.9% in the 2nd quarter. Gryphon Financial Partners LLC now owns 9,193 shares of the energy producers stock worth $1,052,000 after buying an additional 1,052 shares during the last quarter. 82.36% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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Insider Activity

In other 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 completion of the sale, the director now owns 455,909 shares in the company, valued at approximately $49,288,321.99. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Company insiders own 0.34% of the companys stock.

ConocoPhillips Price Performance

ConocoPhillips stock opened at $104.00 on Wednesday. The stock has a market cap of $121.63 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.78, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.80 and a beta of 1.22. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.34, a current ratio of 1.33 and a quick ratio of 1.19. ConocoPhillips has a 1 year low of $102.27 and a 1 year high of $135.18. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $110.82 and a two-hundred day moving average of $116.93.

ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 1st. The energy producer reported $1.98 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.96 by $0.02. ConocoPhillips had a net margin of 18.18% and a return on equity of 20.81%. The company had revenue of $14.14 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $14.96 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $1.84 EPS. The firms quarterly revenue was up 9.7% on a year-over-year basis. On average, research analysts forecast that ConocoPhillips will post 8.42 earnings per share for the current year.

ConocoPhillips Cuts Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, September 3rd. Stockholders of record on Monday, August 12th were issued a $0.58 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, August 12th. This represents a $2.32 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.23%. ConocoPhillipss dividend payout ratio is currently 26.27%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. Raymond James restated a strong-buy rating and issued a $159.00 target price (up from $155.00) on shares of ConocoPhillips in a report on Thursday, May 30th. UBS Group boosted their target price on shares of ConocoPhillips from $151.00 to $153.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, August 20th. Sanford C. Bernstein dropped their price target on shares of ConocoPhillips from $147.00 to $132.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, July 17th. Susquehanna dropped their price target on shares of ConocoPhillips from $154.00 to $147.00 and set a positive rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, September 4th. Finally, Barclays lifted their price target on shares of ConocoPhillips from $158.00 to $160.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, May 30th. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, twelve have given a buy rating and two have assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $143.24.

View Our Latest Analysis on ConocoPhillips

About ConocoPhillips

(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.

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Anson Capital Inc. cut its holdings in Medical Properties Trust, Inc. (NYSE:MPW  Free Report) by 22.9% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 28,923 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after selling 8,572 shares during the period. Anson Capital Inc.s holdings in Medical Properties Trust were worth $125,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Lindbrook Capital LLC boosted its holdings in Medical Properties Trust by 112.1% in the 1st quarter. Lindbrook Capital LLC now owns 7,225 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $34,000 after buying an additional 3,819 shares during the period. Versant Capital Management Inc boosted its holdings in Medical Properties Trust by 435.0% in the 2nd quarter. Versant Capital Management Inc now owns 7,972 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $34,000 after buying an additional 6,482 shares during the period. Iron Horse Wealth Management LLC boosted its holdings in Medical Properties Trust by 166.7% in the 2nd quarter. Iron Horse Wealth Management LLC now owns 8,000 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $34,000 after buying an additional 5,000 shares during the period. Future Financial Wealth Managment LLC bought a new position in Medical Properties Trust in the 1st quarter worth approximately $38,000. Finally, Fidelis Capital Partners LLC bought a new position in Medical Properties Trust in the 1st quarter worth approximately $43,000. 71.79% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several analysts have issued reports on MPW shares. StockNews.com cut shares of Medical Properties Trust from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note on Saturday, May 18th. Truist Financial increased their target price on shares of Medical Properties Trust from $4.50 to $5.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, May 30th. BNP Paribas cut shares of Medical Properties Trust from an outperform rating to a neutral rating and lowered their target price for the stock from $6.00 to $4.00 in a research note on Tuesday, July 2nd. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada reiterated a sector perform rating and issued a $5.00 target price on shares of Medical Properties Trust in a research note on Tuesday, May 14th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating and eight have issued a hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $4.86.

Medical Properties Trust Stock Performance

Medical Properties Trust stock opened at $4.81 on Wednesday. The stock has a market cap of $2.89 billion, a P/E ratio of -2.17, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.68 and a beta of 1.28. The firms fifty day moving average price is $4.65 and its 200-day moving average price is $4.65. Medical Properties Trust, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $2.92 and a fifty-two week high of $6.69. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.51, a quick ratio of 2.93 and a current ratio of 2.93.

Medical Properties Trust (NYSE:MPW  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, August 8th. The real estate investment trust reported ($0.54) EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.21 by ($0.75). The company had revenue of $266.60 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $259.53 million. The firms revenue for the quarter was down 21.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $0.48 EPS. On average, equities research analysts expect that Medical Properties Trust, Inc. will post 0.9 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Medical Properties Trust Cuts Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, October 10th. Shareholders of record on Monday, September 9th will be issued a $0.08 dividend. This represents a $0.32 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 6.65%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, September 9th. Medical Properties Trusts dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently -27.03%.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other Medical Properties Trust news, Director C Reynolds Thompson III sold 20,530 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, August 27th. The shares were sold at an average price of $4.38, for a total value of $89,921.40. Following the sale, the director now owns 54,637 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $239,310.06. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. In other Medical Properties Trust news, Director C Reynolds Thompson III sold 20,530 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, August 27th. The shares were sold at an average price of $4.38, for a total value of $89,921.40. Following the sale, the director now owns 54,637 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $239,310.06. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, Director Elizabeth N. Pitman sold 10,025 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, August 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $4.98, for a total transaction of $49,924.50. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 68,653 shares in the company, valued at approximately $341,891.94. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders own 1.53% of the companys stock.

Medical Properties Trust Profile

(Free Report)

Medical Properties Trust, Inc is a self-advised real estate investment trust formed in 2003 to acquire and develop net-leased hospital facilities. From its inception in Birmingham, Alabama, the Company has grown to become one of the world's largest owners of hospital real estate with 441 facilities and approximately 44,000 licensed beds as of September 30, 2023.

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Atrato Onsite Energy plc (LON:ROOF  Get Free Report) hit a new 52-week low during trading on Wednesday . The stock traded as low as GBX 64 ($0.84) and last traded at GBX 64 ($0.84), with a volume of 62662 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 66.10 ($0.86).

Atrato Onsite Energy Stock Performance

The business has a fifty day moving average of GBX 67.89 and a two-hundred day moving average of GBX 69.69. The firm has a market capitalization of 96 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -23.14 and a beta of -0.11.

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Atrato Onsite Energy Announces Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a dividend, which was paid on Friday, August 30th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, August 8th were given a GBX 1.37 ($0.02) dividend. This represents a dividend yield of 1.94%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, August 8th. Atrato Onsite Energys payout ratio is presently -174.22%.

Atrato Onsite Energy Company Profile

Atrato Onsite Energy plc, an investment company, provides onsite clean energy generation services in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. It designs, finances, installs, and maintains rooftop and ground mounted solar photovoltaic systems on commercial sites; and zero capex, a fully funded renewables solution.

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Bahl & Gaynor Inc. increased its position in Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (NYSE:BR  Free Report) by 0.6% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 1,108,867 shares of the business services providers stock after purchasing an additional 6,634 shares during the quarter. Broadridge Financial Solutions makes up 1.2% of Bahl & Gaynor Inc.s holdings, making the stock its 24th largest position. Bahl & Gaynor Inc. owned about 0.94% of Broadridge Financial Solutions worth $218,447,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the company. LPL Financial LLC grew its holdings in Broadridge Financial Solutions by 2.1% in the 2nd quarter. LPL Financial LLC now owns 260,264 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $51,272,000 after buying an additional 5,428 shares in the last quarter. AdvisorShares Investments LLC grew its stake in shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions by 7.4% in the second quarter. AdvisorShares Investments LLC now owns 28,762 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $5,653,000 after acquiring an additional 1,972 shares in the last quarter. Coldstream Capital Management Inc. increased its position in Broadridge Financial Solutions by 3.7% during the second quarter. Coldstream Capital Management Inc. now owns 10,905 shares of the business services providers stock worth $2,148,000 after acquiring an additional 392 shares during the period. Andra AP fonden raised its stake in Broadridge Financial Solutions by 3.7% in the 2nd quarter. Andra AP fonden now owns 139,100 shares of the business services providers stock worth $27,403,000 after purchasing an additional 4,900 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Choreo LLC bought a new stake in Broadridge Financial Solutions in the 2nd quarter valued at about $925,000. 90.03% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Insiders Place Their Bets

In other Broadridge Financial Solutions news, Chairman Richard J. Daly sold 21,938 shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions stock in a transaction dated Friday, September 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $207.66, for a total transaction of $4,555,645.08. Following the completion of the sale, the chairman now owns 105,094 shares of the companys stock, valued at $21,823,820.04. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. In other Broadridge Financial Solutions news, Chairman Richard J. Daly sold 21,938 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, September 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $207.66, for a total transaction of $4,555,645.08. Following the transaction, the chairman now directly owns 105,094 shares in the company, valued at $21,823,820.04. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, VP Laura Matlin sold 673 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, August 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $216.00, for a total transaction of $145,368.00. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president now owns 5,530 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,194,480. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 116,852 shares of company stock valued at $24,370,893 in the last quarter. Corporate insiders own 1.60% of the companys stock.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of equities analysts have commented on BR shares. Royal Bank of Canada raised their price objective on Broadridge Financial Solutions from $239.00 to $246.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, August 7th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price target on Broadridge Financial Solutions from $224.00 to $225.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Tuesday, August 20th. StockNews.com raised shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday. Finally, DA Davidson reissued a neutral rating and issued a $185.00 target price on shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions in a report on Tuesday, June 11th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Broadridge Financial Solutions currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $213.33.

View Our Latest Research Report on Broadridge Financial Solutions

Broadridge Financial Solutions Trading Up 1.7 %

Shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions stock opened at $214.20 on Wednesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.55, a quick ratio of 1.08 and a current ratio of 1.08. The stock has a market capitalization of $25.00 billion, a P/E ratio of 36.55 and a beta of 1.05. Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. has a 52-week low of $166.73 and a 52-week high of $223.81. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $209.06 and its 200 day simple moving average is $202.92.

Broadridge Financial Solutions (NYSE:BR  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, August 6th. The business services provider reported $3.50 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $3.49 by $0.01. The company had revenue of $1.94 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.96 billion. Broadridge Financial Solutions had a return on equity of 42.77% and a net margin of 10.73%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 5.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $3.21 EPS. As a group, research analysts anticipate that Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. will post 8.51 EPS for the current year.

Broadridge Financial Solutions Increases Dividend

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, October 3rd. Shareholders of record on Thursday, September 12th will be given a dividend of $0.88 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, September 12th. This is a positive change from Broadridge Financial Solutionss previous quarterly dividend of $0.80. This represents a $3.52 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.64%. Broadridge Financial Solutionss payout ratio is presently 54.61%.

Broadridge Financial Solutions Company Profile

(Free Report)

Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc provides investor communications and technology-driven solutions for the financial services industry. The company's Investor Communication Solutions segment processes and distributes proxy materials to investors in equity securities and mutual funds, as well as facilitates related vote processing services; and distributes regulatory reports, class action, and corporate action/reorganization event information, as well as tax reporting solutions.

Further Reading

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RALEIGH, N.C.Adult content creator, professional Dominatrix and MILF next door Mistress Kora Bell has launched her official website, Adult content creator, professional Dominatrix and MILF next door Mistress Kora Bell has launched her official website, MistressKoraBell.com

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Bahl & Gaynor Inc. reduced its position in Ecolab Inc. (NYSE:ECL  Free Report) by 3.9% in the 2nd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm owned 141,761 shares of the basic materials companys stock after selling 5,821 shares during the quarter. Bahl & Gaynor Inc.s holdings in Ecolab were worth $33,739,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

A number of other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the business. Campbell & CO Investment Adviser LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Ecolab during the 4th quarter valued at about $749,000. Cetera Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in Ecolab by 84.3% during the first quarter. Cetera Advisors LLC now owns 13,415 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $3,098,000 after purchasing an additional 6,137 shares in the last quarter. Cibc World Markets Corp grew its stake in shares of Ecolab by 527.9% in the 4th quarter. Cibc World Markets Corp now owns 87,915 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $17,438,000 after purchasing an additional 73,913 shares during the period. DZ BANK AG Deutsche Zentral Genossenschafts Bank Frankfurt am Main raised its holdings in shares of Ecolab by 5.9% in the 4th quarter. DZ BANK AG Deutsche Zentral Genossenschafts Bank Frankfurt am Main now owns 1,128,977 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $223,933,000 after buying an additional 62,434 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Great Lakes Advisors LLC lifted its position in shares of Ecolab by 41.9% during the 4th quarter. Great Lakes Advisors LLC now owns 27,855 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $5,525,000 after buying an additional 8,220 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 74.91% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of analysts have weighed in on ECL shares. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their price target on Ecolab from $225.00 to $228.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 31st. UBS Group dropped their target price on shares of Ecolab from $288.00 to $276.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, August 15th. Stifel Nicolaus upgraded shares of Ecolab from a hold rating to a buy rating and boosted their price target for the company from $233.00 to $283.00 in a research report on Monday, July 8th. Royal Bank of Canada reaffirmed an outperform rating and set a $260.00 price objective on shares of Ecolab in a research note on Wednesday, August 21st. Finally, Robert W. Baird lifted their target price on shares of Ecolab from $243.00 to $267.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 31st. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, ten have assigned a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $254.67.

Ecolab Stock Up 0.6 %

NYSE ECL opened at $250.79 on Wednesday. The stock has a market capitalization of $71.62 billion, a P/E ratio of 46.44, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.47 and a beta of 1.13. Ecolab Inc. has a 52 week low of $156.72 and a 52 week high of $253.54. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.91, a quick ratio of 1.10 and a current ratio of 1.50. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $242.80 and a 200-day moving average of $234.51.

Ecolab (NYSE:ECL  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, July 30th. The basic materials company reported $1.68 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.67 by $0.01. Ecolab had a net margin of 10.95% and a return on equity of 21.65%. The business had revenue of $3.99 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.03 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $1.24 earnings per share. Ecolabs revenue was up 3.5% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities research analysts forecast that Ecolab Inc. will post 6.65 EPS for the current year.

Ecolab Dividend Announcement

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, October 15th. Investors of record on Tuesday, September 17th will be paid a dividend of $0.57 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, September 17th. This represents a $2.28 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.91%. Ecolabs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 42.22%.

Insider Activity at Ecolab

In other news, EVP Gregory B. Cook sold 3,811 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, August 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $249.33, for a total transaction of $950,196.63. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 8,080 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,014,586.40. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. In other Ecolab news, EVP Gregory B. Cook sold 3,811 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, August 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of $249.33, for a total value of $950,196.63. Following the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 8,080 shares in the company, valued at $2,014,586.40. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, Director David Maclennan purchased 650 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, August 2nd. The stock was purchased at an average cost of $240.41 per share, with a total value of $156,266.50. Following the acquisition, the director now directly owns 17,967 shares in the company, valued at $4,319,446.47. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. 0.04% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Ecolab Profile

(Free Report)

Ecolab Inc provides water, hygiene, and infection prevention solutions and services in the United States and internationally. The company operates through three segments: Global Industrial; Global Institutional & Specialty; and Global Healthcare & Life Sciences. The Global Industrial segment offers water treatment and process applications, and cleaning and sanitizing solutions to manufacturing, food and beverage processing, transportation, chemical, metals and mining, power generation, pulp and paper, commercial laundry, petroleum, refining, and petrochemical industries.

Further Reading

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AdvisorShares Investments LLC cut its position in shares of Banco Macro S.A. (NYSE:BMA  Free Report) by 2.3% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The firm owned 15,865 shares of the banks stock after selling 380 shares during the quarter. AdvisorShares Investments LLCs holdings in Banco Macro were worth $841,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

Several other hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of BMA. Candriam S.C.A. acquired a new stake in shares of Banco Macro in the second quarter valued at $43,236,000. Maple Rock Capital Partners Inc. bought a new stake in Banco Macro in the first quarter worth about $23,994,000. Ping Capital Management Inc. acquired a new stake in Banco Macro in the 2nd quarter valued at about $12,326,000. Fourth Sail Capital LP bought a new position in shares of Banco Macro during the 1st quarter valued at about $9,038,000. Finally, LSV Asset Management boosted its position in shares of Banco Macro by 23.1% during the 2nd quarter. LSV Asset Management now owns 78,804 shares of the banks stock valued at $4,518,000 after purchasing an additional 14,804 shares in the last quarter.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

BMA has been the topic of a number of research reports. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upgraded shares of Banco Macro from an underweight rating to a neutral rating and boosted their target price for the stock from $14.00 to $78.00 in a report on Friday, August 30th. StockNews.com cut Banco Macro from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, September 6th. Finally, Bank of America raised Banco Macro from an underperform rating to a neutral rating and raised their price objective for the stock from $53.00 to $62.00 in a research note on Thursday, August 8th.

Banco Macro Trading Down 3.6 %

NYSE BMA opened at $61.51 on Wednesday. Banco Macro S.A. has a 1 year low of $17.30 and a 1 year high of $68.24. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $54.80 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $54.00. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.14, a quick ratio of 0.77 and a current ratio of 0.79.

Banco Macro (NYSE:BMA  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, August 22nd. The bank reported ($4.01) EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.49 by ($5.50). Banco Macro had a net margin of 12.58% and a return on equity of 25.97%. The firm had revenue of $1.03 billion during the quarter. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $2.69 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts expect that Banco Macro S.A. will post 5.97 EPS for the current year.

Banco Macro Increases Dividend

The firm also recently announced a monthly dividend, which was paid on Friday, August 23rd. Stockholders of record on Friday, August 16th were given a $1.798 dividend. This represents a $21.58 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 35.08%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, August 16th. This is a boost from Banco Macros previous monthly dividend of $1.74. Banco Macros dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 127.41%.

Banco Macro Company Profile

(Free Report)

Banco Macro SA provides various banking products and services to retail and corporate customers in Argentina. It offers various retail banking products and services, such as savings and checking accounts, time deposits, credit and debit cards, consumer finance loans, mortgage loans, automobile loans, overdrafts, credit-related services, home and car insurance coverage, tax collection, utility payments, automated teller machines (ATMs), and money transfers.

Further Reading

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BMA? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Banco Macro S.A. (NYSE:BMA  Free Report).

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StockNews.com began coverage on shares of China Green Agriculture (NYSE:CGA  Free Report) in a report published on Saturday morning. The firm issued a sell rating on the basic materials companys stock.

China Green Agriculture Stock Performance

Shares of CGA stock opened at $1.67 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $24.70 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -0.83 and a beta of 0.52. China Green Agriculture has a one year low of $1.61 and a one year high of $4.00. The companys 50-day moving average is $1.94 and its 200 day moving average is $2.49.

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About China Green Agriculture

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China Green Agriculture, Inc, through its subsidiaries, engages in the research, development, production, and sale of various fertilizers, agricultural products, and bitcoin in the People's Republic of China and the United States. The company operates through four segments: Jinong (Fertilizer Production); Gufeng (Fertilizer Production); Yuxing (Agricultural Products Production); and Antaeus (Bitcoin).

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Royal London Asset Management Ltd. cut its stake in shares of Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:C  Free Report) by 1.4% during the second quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 767,651 shares of the companys stock after selling 10,736 shares during the quarter. Royal London Asset Management Ltd.s holdings in Citigroup were worth $48,715,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other hedge funds have also recently made changes to their positions in C. POM Investment Strategies LLC acquired a new position in shares of Citigroup in the second quarter valued at about $25,000. Frazier Financial Advisors LLC acquired a new position in Citigroup in the 4th quarter worth approximately $29,000. Beacon Capital Management LLC raised its position in Citigroup by 85.5% during the 1st quarter. Beacon Capital Management LLC now owns 460 shares of the companys stock worth $29,000 after buying an additional 212 shares during the last quarter. Beaird Harris Wealth Management LLC raised its position in Citigroup by 1,962.1% during the 4th quarter. Beaird Harris Wealth Management LLC now owns 598 shares of the companys stock worth $31,000 after buying an additional 569 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Triad Wealth Partners LLC acquired a new stake in Citigroup during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $32,000. 71.72% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Citigroup Trading Down 2.7 %

C stock opened at $57.93 on Wednesday. The businesss 50-day moving average is $62.22 and its 200 day moving average is $61.33. Citigroup Inc. has a 12-month low of $38.17 and a 12-month high of $67.81. The stock has a market cap of $110.50 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.23, a PEG ratio of 0.64 and a beta of 1.45. The company has a current ratio of 0.94, a quick ratio of 0.94 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.47.

Citigroup Increases Dividend

Citigroup ( NYSE:C Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Friday, July 12th. The company reported $1.52 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.39 by $0.13. Citigroup had a return on equity of 6.26% and a net margin of 4.95%. The firm had revenue of $20.14 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $20.07 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $1.37 earnings per share. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 3.6% on a year-over-year basis. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that Citigroup Inc. will post 5.82 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, August 23rd. Investors of record on Monday, August 5th were given a dividend of $0.56 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, August 5th. This is a positive change from Citigroups previous quarterly dividend of $0.53. This represents a $2.24 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.87%. Citigroups payout ratio is presently 62.75%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

C has been the subject of several recent research reports. Royal Bank of Canada raised their target price on shares of Citigroup from $63.00 to $66.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Monday, June 17th. Piper Sandler boosted their price objective on Citigroup from $70.00 to $73.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Monday, July 15th. Oppenheimer raised their target price on Citigroup from $85.00 to $86.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Monday, July 15th. Morgan Stanley upped their price objective on Citigroup from $66.00 to $79.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, July 30th. Finally, Evercore ISI raised their price objective on shares of Citigroup from $60.00 to $62.00 and gave the stock an in-line rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 3rd. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have issued a hold rating and ten have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $68.06.

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Citigroup Profile

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Citigroup Inc, a diversified financial service holding company, provides various financial product and services to consumers, corporations, governments, and institutions worldwide. It operates through five segments: Services, Markets, Banking, U.S. Personal Banking, and Wealth. The Services segment includes Treasury and Trade Solutions, which provides cash management, trade, and working capital solutions to multinational corporations, financial institutions, and public sector organizations; and Securities Services, such as cross-border support for clients, local market expertise, post-trade technologies, data solutions, and various securities services solutions.

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Crown Castle Inc. (NYSE:CCI  Get Free Report) announced a quarterly dividend on Wednesday, August 7th, Wall Street Journal reports. Investors of record on Friday, September 13th will be given a dividend of 1.565 per share by the real estate investment trust on Monday, September 30th. This represents a $6.26 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 5.22%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, September 13th.

Crown Castle has increased its dividend by an average of 8.3% annually over the last three years. Crown Castle has a dividend payout ratio of 233.6% indicating that the company cannot currently cover its dividend with earnings alone and is relying on its balance sheet to cover its dividend payments. Analysts expect Crown Castle to earn $6.51 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $6.26 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 96.2%.

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Crown Castle Stock Up 2.1 %

Shares of CCI opened at $119.96 on Wednesday. The firm has a market cap of $52.13 billion, a PE ratio of 37.49 and a beta of 0.85. The company has a quick ratio of 0.43, a current ratio of 0.43 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 4.04. Crown Castle has a fifty-two week low of $84.72 and a fifty-two week high of $120.11. The companys fifty day moving average is $108.39 and its two-hundred day moving average is $103.52.

Insider Buying and Selling at Crown Castle

Crown Castle ( NYSE:CCI Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, July 17th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.58 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.54 by $0.04. The firm had revenue of $1.63 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.62 billion. Crown Castle had a net margin of 17.98% and a return on equity of 19.20%. The firms revenue was down 12.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $2.05 EPS. Analysts forecast that Crown Castle will post 6.64 earnings per share for the current year.

In related news, COO Michael Joseph Kavanagh sold 10,883 shares of Crown Castle stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, July 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $103.72, for a total transaction of $1,128,784.76. Following the completion of the sale, the chief operating officer now owns 75,127 shares of the companys stock, valued at $7,792,172.44. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Insiders own 0.39% of the companys stock.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several research analysts have issued reports on CCI shares. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft upped their price target on Crown Castle from $103.00 to $105.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, July 23rd. The Goldman Sachs Group began coverage on Crown Castle in a research report on Monday, July 1st. They issued a neutral rating and a $104.00 target price for the company. TD Cowen boosted their price objective on Crown Castle from $124.00 to $127.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, July 18th. Raymond James reissued an outperform rating and issued a $126.00 target price (up from $124.00) on shares of Crown Castle in a research note on Friday, June 14th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada boosted their price target on Crown Castle from $100.00 to $104.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research report on Thursday, July 25th. Twelve equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $113.53.

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Crown Castle Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Crown Castle owns, operates and leases more than 40,000 cell towers and approximately 90,000 route miles of fiber supporting small cells and fiber solutions across every major U.S. market. This nationwide portfolio of communications infrastructure connects cities and communities to essential data, technology and wireless service  bringing information, ideas and innovations to the people and businesses that need them.

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Edwards Lifesciences Co. (NYSE:EW  Get Free Report) has earned a consensus rating of Moderate Buy from the twenty-six brokerages that are currently covering the stock, Marketbeat reports. Fourteen equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation, eleven have assigned a buy recommendation and one has assigned a strong buy recommendation to the company. The average 12 month price target among brokerages that have covered the stock in the last year is $80.81.

A number of equities research analysts have commented on the stock. Stifel Nicolaus dropped their price objective on shares of Edwards Lifesciences from $85.00 to $70.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, July 25th. Bank of America downgraded shares of Edwards Lifesciences from a buy rating to a neutral rating and dropped their target price for the company from $105.00 to $75.00 in a research report on Thursday, July 25th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered Edwards Lifesciences from an overweight rating to a neutral rating and cut their price target for the stock from $105.00 to $72.00 in a research report on Thursday, July 25th. Citigroup upped their price target on shares of Edwards Lifesciences from $105.00 to $106.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 10th. Finally, Daiwa America upgraded shares of Edwards Lifesciences to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 31st.

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View Our Latest Analysis on Edwards Lifesciences

Insider Buying and Selling at Edwards Lifesciences

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

In related news, VP Daveen Chopra sold 1,250 shares of Edwards Lifesciences stock in a transaction that occurred 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 completion of the transaction, the vice president now directly owns 29,333 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,051,843.35. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website . In other news, VP Daveen Chopra sold 1,250 shares of the firms 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 sale, the vice president now owns 29,333 shares in the company, valued at $2,051,843.35. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website . Also, VP Donald E. Bobo, Jr. sold 5,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, August 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $66.08, for a total value of $330,400.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president now owns 46,936 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,101,530.88. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . Insiders have sold 11,250 shares of company stock valued at $884,288 over the last quarter. Corporate insiders own 1.29% of the companys stock.

Several large investors have recently modified their holdings of EW. Park Avenue Securities LLC increased its position in Edwards Lifesciences by 0.5% during the second quarter. Park Avenue Securities LLC now owns 23,484 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $2,169,000 after purchasing an additional 108 shares during the last quarter. City State Bank grew its stake in shares of Edwards Lifesciences by 16.5% during the 2nd quarter. City State Bank now owns 917 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $85,000 after buying an additional 130 shares during the period. Chapin Davis Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Edwards Lifesciences by 1.7% during the 1st quarter. Chapin Davis Inc. now owns 8,548 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $817,000 after buying an additional 140 shares during the last quarter. Johnson Financial Group Inc. raised its position in shares of Edwards Lifesciences by 23.0% in the 4th quarter. Johnson Financial Group Inc. now owns 771 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $59,000 after buying an additional 144 shares during the period. Finally, Valley National Advisers Inc. boosted its holdings in Edwards Lifesciences by 6.0% in the first quarter. Valley National Advisers Inc. now owns 2,677 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $255,000 after acquiring an additional 152 shares during the last quarter. 79.46% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Edwards Lifesciences Stock Up 2.2 %

Shares of NYSE EW opened at $67.15 on Friday. Edwards Lifesciences has a 12-month low of $58.93 and a 12-month high of $96.12. The stock has a market cap of $40.45 billion, a P/E ratio of 28.94, a PEG ratio of 2.79 and a beta of 1.13. The company has a current ratio of 3.71, a quick ratio of 2.87 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.08. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $73.78 and its 200-day simple moving average is $83.83.

Edwards Lifesciences (NYSE:EW  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, July 24th. The medical research company reported $0.70 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.69 by $0.01. Edwards Lifesciences had a return on equity of 22.35% and a net margin of 24.55%. The business had revenue of $1.63 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.65 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $0.66 EPS. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 6.7% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities analysts predict that Edwards Lifesciences will post 2.7 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Edwards Lifesciences Company Profile

(Get 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.

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Edwards Lifesciences Co. (NYSE:EW  Get Free Report) VP Donald E. Bobo, Jr. sold 5,000 shares of Edwards Lifesciences stock in a transaction on Wednesday, September 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $66.77, for a total transaction of $333,850.00. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president now owns 46,936 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,133,916.72. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link.

Edwards Lifesciences Stock Performance

Shares of Edwards Lifesciences stock traded up $1.11 during trading hours on Wednesday, reaching $68.25. 4,313,963 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 4,214,635. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $73.78 and a 200 day moving average price of $83.83. The firm has a market capitalization of $41.11 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 28.94, a P/E/G ratio of 2.79 and a beta of 1.13. Edwards Lifesciences Co. has a one year low of $58.93 and a one year high of $96.12. The company has a quick ratio of 2.87, a current ratio of 3.71 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.08.

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Edwards Lifesciences (NYSE:EW  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, July 24th. The medical research company reported $0.70 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.69 by $0.01. The business had revenue of $1.63 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.65 billion. Edwards Lifesciences had a return on equity of 22.35% and a net margin of 24.55%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 6.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $0.66 EPS. On average, equities research analysts expect that Edwards Lifesciences Co. will post 2.7 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several equities analysts have commented on EW shares. The Goldman Sachs Group lowered their price objective on Edwards Lifesciences from $107.00 to $91.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Friday, July 26th. UBS Group lowered their price target on Edwards Lifesciences from $90.00 to $75.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday. Citigroup lifted their price target on Edwards Lifesciences from $105.00 to $106.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 10th. Truist Financial lowered Edwards Lifesciences from a buy rating to a hold rating and lowered their price target for the stock from $110.00 to $82.00 in a research report on Thursday, July 25th. Finally, Oppenheimer lowered their price target on Edwards Lifesciences from $100.00 to $90.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, July 25th. Fifteen investment 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 stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Edwards Lifesciences presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $80.81.

View Our Latest Analysis on EW

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Edwards Lifesciences

A number of large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its stake in shares of Edwards Lifesciences by 1.1% during the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 52,964,394 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $5,061,277,000 after acquiring an additional 600,994 shares during the period. Bank of New York Mellon Corp grew its stake in shares of Edwards Lifesciences by 4.3% during the 2nd quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 19,782,909 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $1,827,347,000 after acquiring an additional 809,605 shares during the period. Brown Advisory Inc. grew its stake in shares of Edwards Lifesciences by 20.1% during the 4th quarter. Brown Advisory Inc. now owns 18,181,420 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $1,386,333,000 after acquiring an additional 3,048,274 shares during the period. Wellington Management Group LLP grew its stake in shares of Edwards Lifesciences by 2.4% during the 4th quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 16,827,510 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $1,283,098,000 after acquiring an additional 393,109 shares during the period. Finally, Norges Bank bought a new position in shares of Edwards Lifesciences during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $648,540,000. 79.46% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

About Edwards Lifesciences

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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.

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Chesapeake Capital Corp IL lowered its stake in EnerSys (NYSE:ENS  Free Report) by 50.3% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund owned 2,597 shares of the industrial products companys stock after selling 2,629 shares during the period. Chesapeake Capital Corp ILs holdings in EnerSys were worth $269,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. Norges Bank bought a new stake in shares of EnerSys during the 4th quarter valued at about $46,747,000. Great Lakes Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of EnerSys during the 2nd quarter valued at about $10,765,000. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC grew its position in shares of EnerSys by 25,769.4% during the 2nd quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC now owns 62,604 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $6,481,000 after buying an additional 62,362 shares during the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its position in shares of EnerSys by 1.4% during the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 4,396,164 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $415,262,000 after buying an additional 60,021 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Assenagon Asset Management S.A. grew its position in shares of EnerSys by 354.4% during the 2nd quarter. Assenagon Asset Management S.A. now owns 65,336 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $6,764,000 after buying an additional 50,958 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 94.93% of the companys stock.

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EnerSys Trading Up 0.1 %

Shares of NYSE:ENS opened at $95.75 on Wednesday. The company has a 50 day moving average of $101.01 and a 200-day moving average of $98.22. The firm has a market cap of $3.85 billion, a P/E ratio of 14.73, a P/E/G ratio of 0.60 and a beta of 1.24. EnerSys has a twelve month low of $83.27 and a twelve month high of $112.53. The company has a current ratio of 2.70, a quick ratio of 1.66 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.48.

EnerSys Increases Dividend

EnerSys ( NYSE:ENS Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, August 7th. The industrial products company reported $1.98 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.97 by $0.01. The company had revenue of $852.90 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $877.52 million. EnerSys had a net margin of 7.73% and a return on equity of 19.98%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was down 6.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $1.89 EPS. As a group, analysts anticipate that EnerSys will post 8.94 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, September 30th. Stockholders of record on Monday, September 16th will be paid a $0.24 dividend. This is a positive change from EnerSyss previous quarterly dividend of $0.23. This represents a $0.96 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.00%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, September 16th. EnerSyss dividend payout ratio is currently 13.85%.

Insider Transactions at EnerSys

In other news, insider Chad C. Uplinger sold 500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, August 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $100.87, for a total value of $50,435.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 17,175 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,732,442.25. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. In related news, insider Chad C. Uplinger sold 500 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, August 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $100.87, for a total value of $50,435.00. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 17,175 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,732,442.25. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, CEO David M. Shaffer sold 17,600 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, August 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $100.08, for a total transaction of $1,761,408.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 226,540 shares in the company, valued at $22,672,123.20. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last three months, insiders sold 22,700 shares of company stock valued at $2,271,843. Company insiders own 1.61% of the companys stock.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of brokerages recently weighed in on ENS. StockNews.com downgraded shares of EnerSys from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research report on Friday, August 30th. Roth Capital raised shares of EnerSys to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, August 27th. BTIG Research lowered shares of EnerSys from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, May 24th. Finally, Roth Mkm started coverage on shares of EnerSys in a research note on Tuesday, August 27th. They set a buy rating and a $120.00 target price for the company. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, two have assigned a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, EnerSys has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $118.00.

Read Our Latest Stock Report on ENS

EnerSys Company Profile

(Free Report)

EnerSys engages in the provision of stored energy solutions for industrial applications worldwide. It operates in four segments: Energy Systems, Motive Power, Specialty, and New Ventures. The Energy Systems segment offers uninterruptible power systems (UPS) applications for computer and computer-controlled systems, as well as telecommunications systems; switchgear and electrical control systems used in industrial facilities and electric utilities, large-scale energy storage, and energy pipelines; integrated power solutions and services to broadband, telecom, data center, and renewable and industrial customers; and thermally managed cabinets and enclosures for electronic equipment and batteries.

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Farmers & Merchants Bank of Long Beach (OTCMKTS:FMBL  Get Free Report) shares shot up 0.2% on Tuesday . The stock traded as high as $5,035.00 and last traded at $5,035.00. 1 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 99% from the average session volume of 118 shares. The stock had previously closed at $5,025.00.

Farmers & Merchants Bank of Long Beach Price Performance

The stock has a market capitalization of $609.24 million, a P/E ratio of 10.37 and a beta of 0.41. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $5,031.65 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $4,801.32. The company has a quick ratio of 0.80, a current ratio of 0.80 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.88.

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Farmers & Merchants Bank of Long Beach (OTCMKTS:FMBL  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, July 18th. The company reported $107.86 earnings per share for the quarter. The business had revenue of $67.66 million for the quarter. Farmers & Merchants Bank of Long Beach had a net margin of 12.34% and a return on equity of 4.21%.

Farmers & Merchants Bank of Long Beach Announces Dividend

About Farmers & Merchants Bank of Long Beach

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, September 30th. Stockholders of record on Friday, September 13th will be issued a $28.00 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, September 13th. This represents a $112.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.22%. Farmers & Merchants Bank of Long Beachs dividend payout ratio is presently 23.07%.

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Farmers & Merchants Bank of Long Beach provides various banking products and services to individuals, professionals, and small to medium-sized businesses in Los Angeles, Orange, and Santa Barbara Counties. It offers checking, savings, Christmas club savings, health savings, market rate savings, and money market accounts; demand and time deposits; certificates of deposit; and individual retirement account.

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HHM Wealth Advisors LLC raised its stake in shares of Valero Energy Co. (NYSE:VLO  Free Report) by 261.8% in the 2nd quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The firm owned 1,809 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after purchasing an additional 1,309 shares during the period. HHM Wealth Advisors LLCs holdings in Valero Energy were worth $284,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the stock. AGF Management Ltd. lifted its position in shares of Valero Energy by 112.2% during the 2nd quarter. AGF Management Ltd. now owns 106,979 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $16,770,000 after buying an additional 56,567 shares in the last quarter. Angeles Wealth Management LLC lifted its holdings in Valero Energy by 18.7% during the second quarter. Angeles Wealth Management LLC now owns 1,709 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $268,000 after purchasing an additional 269 shares in the last quarter. Coldstream Capital Management Inc. boosted its position in shares of Valero Energy by 2.7% in the second quarter. Coldstream Capital Management Inc. now owns 7,372 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $1,156,000 after purchasing an additional 192 shares during the period. Daiwa Securities Group Inc. boosted its position in shares of Valero Energy by 0.7% in the second quarter. Daiwa Securities Group Inc. now owns 35,879 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $5,624,000 after purchasing an additional 244 shares during the period. Finally, Hutchinson Capital Management CA increased its stake in shares of Valero Energy by 0.4% in the second quarter. Hutchinson Capital Management CA now owns 58,567 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $9,181,000 after purchasing an additional 235 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 78.69% of the companys stock.

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Valero Energy Price Performance

Shares of VLO stock opened at $136.10 on Wednesday. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $147.87 and a 200 day moving average price of $155.66. The firm has a market capitalization of $43.60 billion, a P/E ratio of 6.74, a P/E/G ratio of 2.73 and a beta of 1.40. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.34, a quick ratio of 1.04 and a current ratio of 1.48. Valero Energy Co. has a 52-week low of $119.88 and a 52-week high of $184.79.

Valero Energy Dividend Announcement

Valero Energy ( NYSE:VLO Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, July 25th. The oil and gas company reported $2.71 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.60 by $0.11. Valero Energy had a net margin of 4.25% and a return on equity of 21.01%. The company had revenue of $34.49 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $32.97 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $5.40 EPS. The firms revenue was down .1% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that Valero Energy Co. will post 12.3 earnings per share for the current year.

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, September 3rd. Investors of record on Thursday, August 1st were paid a $1.07 dividend. This represents a $4.28 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.14%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, August 1st. Valero Energys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 21.20%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several analysts recently issued reports on the company. Piper Sandler decreased their target price on Valero Energy from $187.00 to $169.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, June 14th. Barclays cut their price objective on Valero Energy from $171.00 to $165.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, July 9th. Mizuho upgraded Valero Energy from a neutral rating to an outperform rating and boosted their target price for the stock from $165.00 to $175.00 in a research report on Wednesday, July 17th. Wolfe Research initiated coverage on Valero Energy in a report on Thursday, July 18th. They set an outperform rating and a $177.00 price target for the company. Finally, Scotiabank lifted their price objective on Valero Energy from $165.00 to $173.00 and gave the stock a sector outperform rating in a research note on Friday, July 12th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have given a hold rating, ten have given a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $174.50.

View Our Latest Research Report on VLO

About Valero Energy

(Free Report)

Valero Energy Corporation manufactures, markets, and sells petroleum-based and low-carbon liquid transportation fuels and petrochemical products in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Latin America, Mexico, Peru, and internationally. It operates through three segments: Refining, Renewable Diesel, and Ethanol.

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Credit: USA TODAY

Dana White didnt see the presidential debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris on Tuesday night, as he was busy with an edition of Dana Whites Contender Series.

But the UFC president seemingly had his mind made up regarding how the debate would go, preemptively accusing the debates moderators, ABCs David Muir and Linsey Davis, of being in the tank for Harris.

I havent seen it, but Ill tell you this: he called me an hour before the debate, White said of his close friend, Trump, in a post-show press conference. First of all, this is the second time he has to debate. He already did a debate. They didnt like how the debate turned out so they want to kick [President Joe Biden] out. Hes unfit to run, yet hes still the president of the United States. Now they bring in somebody who wasnt elected to actually be in there.

Theyll only do it on ABC. It was three-to-one tonight. He was facing three to one. So I dont know how it went or what happened, but I know he took it seriously. He said, I look at this like a heavyweight fight. Im not taking anyone lightly.'

Dana White is asked if he saw any of the Trump/Harris debate tonight. pic.twitter.com/zlnTmLlknP  Jed I. Goodman  (@jedigoodman) September 11, 2024

Whites comments are hardly surprising, as the idea of ABCs moderators teaming up with Harris against Trump was already a right wing talking point by the time the debate had finished. The accusation was, however, notable considering that Disney is currently UFCs lone media rights partner, with the MMA promotion occasionally airing fight cards on ABC airwaves.

As for the debate itself, White was seemingly unaware of the viral moment in which Trump claimed, theyre eating the dogs theyre eating the cats in reference to Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio (for what its worth, none of these claims have been verified). After MMA journalist Kevin Iole referenced the line, White appeared to be confused.

Oh. OK, White replied. So whats that mean?

Ask him, Iole responded.

Asked if he gave Trump any advice regarding the debate, White said hell keep that between himself and the Republican nominee.

[UFC]
International Business Machines Co. (NYSE:IBM  Get Free Report)s stock price reached a new 52-week high on Wednesday after Evercore ISI raised their price target on the stock from $215.00 to $240.00. Evercore ISI currently has an outperform rating on the stock. International Business Machines traded as high as $207.90 and last traded at $204.55, with a volume of 435462 shares. The stock had previously closed at $205.32.

A number of other equities research analysts also recently weighed in on IBM. UBS Group lifted their target price on International Business Machines from $130.00 to $145.00 and gave the stock a sell rating in a report on Wednesday, September 4th. Jefferies Financial Group lifted their price objective on shares of International Business Machines from $190.00 to $200.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, July 25th. StockNews.com upgraded shares of International Business Machines from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, June 19th. BMO Capital Markets lifted their price target on shares of International Business Machines from $190.00 to $210.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a research report on Thursday, July 25th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus increased their price target on International Business Machines from $190.00 to $205.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, July 25th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have issued a hold rating and seven have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, International Business Machines currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $188.60.

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Institutional Inflows and Outflows

International Business Machines Price Performance

Institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Arden Trust Co increased its position in shares of International Business Machines by 2.8% in the first quarter. Arden Trust Co now owns 1,973 shares of the technology companys stock worth $377,000 after purchasing an additional 54 shares during the last quarter. Armbruster Capital Management Inc. grew its stake in International Business Machines by 2.3% in the 2nd quarter. Armbruster Capital Management Inc. now owns 2,500 shares of the technology companys stock worth $432,000 after buying an additional 56 shares in the last quarter. CVA Family Office LLC increased its holdings in shares of International Business Machines by 3.3% in the 2nd quarter. CVA Family Office LLC now owns 1,796 shares of the technology companys stock worth $311,000 after buying an additional 57 shares during the last quarter. Mill Creek Capital Advisors LLC raised its position in shares of International Business Machines by 5.1% during the 2nd quarter. Mill Creek Capital Advisors LLC now owns 1,165 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $201,000 after buying an additional 57 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Chicago Partners Investment Group LLC lifted its holdings in shares of International Business Machines by 0.8% during the 4th quarter. Chicago Partners Investment Group LLC now owns 7,528 shares of the technology companys stock worth $1,309,000 after acquiring an additional 58 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 58.96% of the companys stock.

The company has a market capitalization of $188.01 billion, a PE ratio of 23.07, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 4.47 and a beta of 0.70. The company has a quick ratio of 1.08, a current ratio of 1.12 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.20. The firms 50-day moving average is $190.65 and its 200-day moving average is $182.80.

International Business Machines (NYSE:IBM  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, July 24th. The technology company reported $2.43 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.16 by $0.27. The firm had revenue of $15.77 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $15.62 billion. International Business Machines had a return on equity of 40.59% and a net margin of 13.52%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 1.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $2.18 EPS. Equities analysts predict that International Business Machines Co. will post 10.1 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

International Business Machines Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, September 10th. Shareholders of record on Friday, August 9th were given a dividend of $1.67 per share. This represents a $6.68 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.27%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, August 9th. International Business Machiness payout ratio is currently 75.65%.

About International Business Machines

(Get Free Report)

International Business Machines Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, provides integrated solutions and services worldwide. The company operates through Software, Consulting, Infrastructure, and Financing segments. The Software segment offers a hybrid cloud and AI platforms that allows clients to realize their digital and AI transformations across the applications, data, and environments in which they operate.

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Equities research analysts at StockNews.com began coverage on shares of International Tower Hill Mines (NYSEAMERICAN:THM  Get Free Report) (TSE:ITH) in a note issued to investors on Monday. The firm set a sell rating on the mining companys stock.

International Tower Hill Mines Price Performance

Shares of International Tower Hill Mines stock opened at $0.52 on Monday. International Tower Hill Mines has a twelve month low of $0.31 and a twelve month high of $0.80.

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International Tower Hill Mines (NYSEAMERICAN:THM  Get Free Report) (TSE:ITH) last released its quarterly earnings data on Friday, August 9th. The mining company reported ($0.01) EPS for the quarter.

Institutional Trading of International Tower Hill Mines

About International Tower Hill Mines

A hedge fund recently bought a new stake in International Tower Hill Mines stock. Herr Investment Group LLC purchased a new position in shares of International Tower Hill Mines Ltd. ( NYSEAMERICAN:THM Free Report ) (TSE:ITH) in the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm purchased 2,052,246 shares of the mining companys stock, valued at approximately $1,416,000. Herr Investment Group LLC owned about 1.03% of International Tower Hill Mines at the end of the most recent reporting period. 54.63% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

(Get Free Report)

International Tower Hill Mines Ltd. engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral properties. It holds rights to acquire interests in the Livengood gold project covering an area of approximately 19,546 hectares located to the northwest of Fairbanks, Alaska. The company was formerly known as Tower Hill Mines Ltd.

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Anson Capital Inc. increased its stake in iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:SGOV  Free Report) by 57.3% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 70,969 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 25,851 shares during the quarter. iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF accounts for 7.0% of Anson Capital Inc.s portfolio, making the stock its 2nd largest position. Anson Capital Inc.s holdings in iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF were worth $7,147,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Asset Dedication LLC purchased a new position in shares of iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF during the 2nd quarter worth $30,000. Larson Financial Group LLC purchased a new position in shares of iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF during the 2nd quarter worth $31,000. Pineridge Advisors LLC purchased a new position in shares of iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF during the 4th quarter worth $33,000. Maryland Capital Advisors Inc. purchased a new position in shares of iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF during the 1st quarter worth $36,000. Finally, Benjamin F. Edwards & Company Inc. purchased a new position in shares of iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF during the 4th quarter worth $38,000.

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iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF Trading Up 0.0 %

Shares of iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF stock opened at $100.45 on Wednesday. iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF has a 1-year low of $100.04 and a 1-year high of $100.75. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $100.52 and its 200-day simple moving average is $100.52.

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John Hancock Investors Trust (NYSE:JHI  Get Free Report) announced a quarterly dividend on Tuesday, September 3rd, Wall Street Journal reports. Shareholders of record on Friday, September 13th will be paid a dividend of 0.3134 per share by the financial services provider on Monday, September 30th. This represents a $1.25 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 9.03%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, September 13th. This is a boost from John Hancock Investors Trusts previous quarterly dividend of $0.22.

John Hancock Investors Trust has decreased its dividend payment by an average of 13.8% per year over the last three years.

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John Hancock Investors Trust Stock Up 0.2 %

Shares of JHI stock opened at $13.89 on Wednesday. John Hancock Investors Trust has a fifty-two week low of $11.63 and a fifty-two week high of $13.93. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $13.51 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $13.35.

John Hancock Investors Trust Company Profile

John Hancock Investors Trust is a closed-ended fixed income mutual fund launched and managed by John Hancock Investment Management LLC. It is co-managed by John Hancock Asset Management. It invests in the fixed income markets across the globe. The fund primarily invests in a diversified portfolio of corporate and government bonds, debt securities.

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Katoro Gold plc (LON:KAT  Get Free Report)s share price rose 2.9% during trading on Monday . The company traded as high as GBX 0.12 ($0.00) and last traded at GBX 0.11 ($0.00). Approximately 4,361,344 shares were traded during mid-day trading, a decline of 77% from the average daily volume of 18,597,604 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 0.10 ($0.00).

Katoro Gold Stock Down 3.5 %

The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of GBX 0.11 and a 200 day simple moving average of GBX 0.10. The stock has a market cap of 1.31 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -0.42 and a beta of 0.93.

About Katoro Gold

(Get Free Report)

Katoro Gold plc operates as a gold and nickel exploration and development company in the United Kingdom, Cyprus, South Africa, and Tanzania. The company primarily explores for nickel, platinum group metals, copper, and gold deposits. It holds 65% interest in the Haneti project covering an area of approximately 5,000 square kilometers located in central Tanzania; and Blyvoor Tailings project located in South Africa.

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KFA Private Wealth Group LLC lessened its stake in shares of iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (NYSEARCA:IVV  Free Report) by 47.4% in the 2nd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The institutional investor owned 65,195 shares of the companys stock after selling 58,771 shares during the quarter. iShares Core S&P 500 ETF makes up 18.5% of KFA Private Wealth Group LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its biggest position. KFA Private Wealth Group LLCs holdings in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF were worth $35,677,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the stock. Proffitt & Goodson Inc. grew its stake in shares of iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 21.2% in the second quarter. Proffitt & Goodson Inc. now owns 103 shares of the companys stock valued at $56,000 after buying an additional 18 shares in the last quarter. Global Trust Asset Management LLC raised its stake 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 purchasing an additional 19 shares during the period. Independence Bank of Kentucky lifted its position in shares of iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 0.9% during the first quarter. Independence Bank of Kentucky now owns 2,134 shares of the companys stock worth $1,122,000 after purchasing an additional 20 shares in the last quarter. Unionview LLC boosted its stake in shares of iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 0.6% in the first quarter. Unionview LLC now owns 3,293 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,731,000 after purchasing an additional 20 shares during the period. Finally, MTM Investment Management LLC grew its holdings in 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 valued at $169,000 after purchasing an additional 20 shares in the last quarter.

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iShares Core S&P 500 ETF Price Performance

iShares Core S&P 500 ETF stock opened at $551.76 on Wednesday. The firms fifty day moving average price is $552.51 and its 200 day moving average price is $534.28. The company has a market capitalization of $476.11 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 25.23 and a beta of 0.99. iShares Core S&P 500 ETF has a 12-month low of $411.02 and a 12-month high of $568.24.

About iShares Core S&P 500 ETF

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.

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Lavras Gold Corp. (CVE:LGC  Get Free Report) Director Rostislav Christov Raykov acquired 17,800 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, September 10th. The stock was purchased at an average cost of C$2.50 per share, with a total value of C$44,500.00.

Rostislav Christov Raykov also recently made the following trade(s):

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On Tuesday, July 23rd, Rostislav Christov Raykov bought 1,100 shares of Lavras Gold stock. The shares were purchased at an average price of C$1.92 per share, with a total value of C$2,112.00.

On Tuesday, July 16th, Rostislav Christov Raykov purchased 4,200 shares of Lavras Gold stock. The shares were acquired at an average price of C$1.95 per share, for a total transaction of C$8,190.00.

On Wednesday, June 26th, Rostislav Christov Raykov acquired 10,000 shares of Lavras Gold stock. The stock was acquired at an average cost of C$1.80 per share, with a total value of C$18,000.00.

On Thursday, June 20th, Rostislav Christov Raykov bought 7,200 shares of Lavras Gold stock. The shares were acquired at an average cost of C$1.54 per share, for a total transaction of C$11,088.00.

Lavras Gold Stock Performance

Shares of LGC stock opened at C$2.50 on Wednesday. The firm has a 50 day moving average of C$2.20 and a two-hundred day moving average of C$1.74. The stock has a market capitalization of C$128.38 million, a PE ratio of -35.71 and a beta of -0.17. The company has a quick ratio of 11.12, a current ratio of 7.38 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.66. Lavras Gold Corp. has a 52 week low of C$0.75 and a 52 week high of C$2.89.

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.

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Linscomb Wealth Inc. raised its holdings in The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG  Free Report) by 1.0% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 77,547 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 731 shares during the quarter. Procter & Gamble comprises 0.7% of Linscomb Wealth Inc.s investment portfolio, making the stock its 21st largest position. Linscomb Wealth Inc.s holdings in Procter & Gamble were worth $12,789,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in PG. Alera Investment Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Procter & Gamble by 1.2% during the 1st quarter. Alera Investment Advisors LLC now owns 5,007 shares of the companys stock valued at $812,000 after purchasing an additional 60 shares during the last quarter. Hudson Value Partners LLC grew its stake in shares of Procter & Gamble by 4.1% during the second quarter. Hudson Value Partners LLC now owns 1,516 shares of the companys stock worth $250,000 after acquiring an additional 60 shares during the last quarter. Fiduciary Alliance LLC increased its holdings in shares of Procter & Gamble by 2.8% during the second quarter. Fiduciary Alliance LLC now owns 2,261 shares of the companys stock valued at $371,000 after acquiring an additional 61 shares in the last quarter. LCM Capital Management Inc raised its position in shares of Procter & Gamble by 1.1% in the 1st quarter. LCM Capital Management Inc now owns 5,701 shares of the companys stock valued at $925,000 after purchasing an additional 63 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Home Federal Bank of Tennessee boosted its stake in Procter & Gamble by 0.3% in the 2nd quarter. Home Federal Bank of Tennessee now owns 23,318 shares of the companys stock worth $3,846,000 after purchasing an additional 63 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 65.77% of the companys stock.

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Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, CFO Andre Schulten sold 13,041 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, August 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of $170.00, for a total value of $2,216,970.00. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 37,208 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $6,325,360. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. In related news, CFO Andre Schulten sold 13,041 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, August 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $170.00, for a total value of $2,216,970.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 37,208 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $6,325,360. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, insider Balaji Purushothaman sold 8,842 shares of Procter & Gamble stock in a transaction on Thursday, August 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $164.90, for a total transaction of $1,458,045.80. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 11,537 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,902,451.30. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last quarter, insiders sold 375,553 shares of company stock valued at $63,829,141. 0.17% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Procter & Gamble Stock Up 1.0 %

PG opened at $177.83 on Wednesday. The company has a fifty day moving average of $168.80 and a two-hundred day moving average of $164.95. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.51, a quick ratio of 0.53 and a current ratio of 0.73. The Procter & Gamble Company has a fifty-two week low of $141.45 and a fifty-two week high of $177.94. The stock has a market capitalization of $419.70 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 29.06, a PEG ratio of 3.81 and a beta of 0.41.

Procter & Gamble (NYSE:PG  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, July 30th. The company reported $1.40 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.37 by $0.03. Procter & Gamble had a return on equity of 33.46% and a net margin of 17.71%. The company had revenue of $20.53 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $20.69 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $1.37 EPS. Procter & Gambles quarterly revenue was down .1% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, research analysts expect that The Procter & Gamble Company will post 6.97 earnings per share for the current year.

Procter & Gamble Dividend Announcement

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, August 15th. Investors of record on Friday, July 19th were paid a $1.0065 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Friday, July 19th. This represents a $4.03 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.26%. Procter & Gambles dividend payout ratio is currently 65.85%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

PG has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. Stifel Nicolaus upped their price target on shares of Procter & Gamble from $157.00 to $161.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research note on Monday, July 22nd. Citigroup raised their target price on Procter & Gamble from $177.00 to $190.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 10th. Wolfe Research raised Procter & Gamble to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Friday, August 23rd. Barclays cut their price objective on Procter & Gamble from $174.00 to $163.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, August 1st. Finally, DZ Bank raised Procter & Gamble from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $190.00 target price for the company in a report on Thursday, August 29th. Seven investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, fourteen have given a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $175.79.

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Procter & Gamble Company Profile

(Free Report)

The Procter & Gamble Company provides branded consumer packaged goods worldwide. It operates through five segments: Beauty; Grooming; Health Care; Fabric & Home Care; and Baby, Feminine & Family Care. The Beauty segment offers conditioners, shampoos, styling aids, and treatments under the Head & Shoulders, Herbal Essences, Pantene, and Rejoice brands; and antiperspirants and deodorants, personal cleansing, and skin care products under the Olay, Old Spice, Safeguard, Secret, and SK-II brands.

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Marco Investment Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE  Free Report) by 4.8% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 143,332 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after buying an additional 6,522 shares during the quarter. Marco Investment Management LLCs holdings in Pfizer were worth $4,010,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Wellington Management Group LLP increased its holdings in Pfizer by 4.9% in the 4th quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 239,209,768 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $6,886,849,000 after purchasing an additional 11,099,024 shares during the last quarter. Norges Bank acquired a new position in Pfizer during the 4th quarter worth about $2,129,927,000. Van ECK Associates Corp boosted its holdings in Pfizer by 1.8% during the 2nd quarter. Van ECK Associates Corp now owns 16,104,088 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $450,593,000 after acquiring an additional 290,760 shares during the period. California State Teachers Retirement System grew its position in Pfizer by 0.9% in the 1st quarter. California State Teachers Retirement System now owns 9,250,303 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $256,696,000 after acquiring an additional 83,556 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Thornburg Investment Management Inc. lifted its position in shares of Pfizer by 12.5% during the first quarter. Thornburg Investment Management Inc. now owns 8,891,353 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $246,735,000 after purchasing an additional 988,451 shares in the last quarter. 68.36% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Pfizer Stock Up 1.1 %

Shares of Pfizer stock opened at $29.74 on Wednesday. The company has a market cap of $168.50 billion, a P/E ratio of -495.58, a PEG ratio of 1.00 and a beta of 0.68. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $29.12 and a two-hundred day moving average of $28.08. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.65, a quick ratio of 0.60 and a current ratio of 0.86. Pfizer Inc. has a one year low of $25.20 and a one year high of $34.62.

Pfizer Dividend Announcement

Pfizer ( NYSE:PFE Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data 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 firm had revenue of $13.28 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $12.96 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $0.67 earnings per share. The firms revenue was up 2.1% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, analysts forecast that Pfizer Inc. will post 2.66 earnings per share for the current year.

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, September 3rd. Shareholders of record on Friday, July 26th were given a $0.42 dividend. This represents a $1.68 annualized dividend and a yield of 5.65%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, July 26th. Pfizers payout ratio is -2,800.00%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several equities research analysts recently weighed in on the stock. UBS Group upped their target price on shares of Pfizer from $30.00 to $31.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 31st. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their price target on shares of Pfizer from $28.00 to $30.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Wednesday, July 31st. Barclays raised their target price on Pfizer from $30.00 to $32.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 31st. Daiwa Capital Markets upgraded shares of Pfizer from a neutral rating to an outperform rating and boosted their price objective for the stock from $28.00 to $34.00 in a research report on Wednesday, August 7th. Finally, Daiwa America raised shares of Pfizer from a moderate buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, August 7th. Eight investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, seven have assigned a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $34.54.

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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.

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North American Construction Group Ltd. (TSE:NOA  Get Free Report) (NYSE:NOA) Director Martin Robert Ferron bought 3,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, September 10th. The stock was purchased at an average cost of C$24.15 per share, with a total value of C$72,460.80.

Martin Robert Ferron also recently made the following trade(s):

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On Friday, August 9th, Martin Robert Ferron bought 7,000 shares of North American Construction Group stock. The shares were acquired at an average price of C$23.70 per share, for a total transaction of C$165,900.00.

On Monday, June 24th, Martin Robert Ferron purchased 12,000 shares of North American Construction Group stock. The stock was acquired at an average price of C$26.45 per share, with a total value of C$317,400.00.

North American Construction Group Stock Down 0.1 %

NOA stock traded down C$0.02 during midday trading on Wednesday, reaching C$24.34. 22,695 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 68,619. North American Construction Group Ltd. has a 52 week low of C$23.59 and a 52 week high of C$34.87. The company has a market cap of C$650.61 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.31, a P/E/G ratio of 0.79 and a beta of 1.61. The firms fifty day moving average price is C$26.01 and its 200-day moving average price is C$28.27. The company has a quick ratio of 0.79, a current ratio of 1.03 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 210.33.

North American Construction Group Announces Dividend

North American Construction Group ( TSE:NOA Get Free Report ) (NYSE:NOA) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, July 31st. The company reported C$0.85 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of C$0.79 by C$0.06. The company had revenue of C$276.31 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of C$314.61 million. North American Construction Group had a net margin of 4.99% and a return on equity of 15.19%. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that North American Construction Group Ltd. will post 3.9671642 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, October 4th. Investors of record on Friday, August 30th will be given a $0.10 dividend. This represents a $0.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.64%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, August 30th. North American Construction Groups payout ratio is currently 21.86%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several research analysts have commented on NOA shares. National Bankshares cut their target price on North American Construction Group from C$47.00 to C$39.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Friday, August 2nd. ATB Capital cut their price objective on North American Construction Group from C$45.00 to C$40.00 in a research note on Friday, August 2nd. Ventum Financial decreased their target price on shares of North American Construction Group from C$52.00 to C$47.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Friday, August 2nd. BMO Capital Markets dropped their price target on shares of North American Construction Group from C$37.00 to C$32.00 in a research report on Thursday, August 1st. Finally, Raymond James lowered their target price on shares of North American Construction Group from C$40.00 to C$35.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Friday, August 2nd. Six analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating, Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Buy and an average target price of C$37.00.

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About North American Construction Group

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North American Construction Group Ltd. provides mining and heavy civil construction services to customers in the resource development and industrial construction sectors in Australia, Canada, and the United States. The company operates Heavy Equipment  Canada, Heavy Equipment  Australia, and Other segments.

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M&G (LON:MNG  Get Free Report)s stock had its sector perform rating reaffirmed by equities research analysts at Royal Bank of Canada in a report released on Wednesday, Digital Look reports. They currently have a GBX 220 ($2.88) price target on the stock. Royal Bank of Canadas price objective would indicate a potential upside of 5.21% from the companys current price.

Other research analysts have also recently issued research reports about the stock. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reiterated a buy rating and issued a GBX 240 ($3.14) target price on shares of M&G in a research note on Thursday, September 5th. Berenberg Bank reissued a hold rating and issued a GBX 225 ($2.94) price objective on shares of M&G in a research note on Thursday, September 5th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have assigned a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of GBX 223.33 ($2.92).

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M&G Trading Up 0.8 %

Insider Activity

Shares of MNG stock opened at GBX 209.11 ($2.73) on Wednesday. The company has a market capitalization of 4.98 billion, a P/E ratio of 1,742.55, a P/E/G ratio of -2.76 and a beta of 1.47. M&G has a 12-month low of GBX 188.85 ($2.47) and a 12-month high of GBX 241.10 ($3.15). The company has a quick ratio of 0.39, a current ratio of 1.17 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 207.54. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of GBX 208.20 and a 200 day moving average price of GBX 209.64.

In other M&G news, insider Edward Braham bought 24,600 shares of M&G stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, June 19th. The shares were bought at an average price of GBX 204 ($2.67) per share, with a total value of 50,184 ($65,625.74). 1.74% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

About M&G

(Get Free Report)

M&G plc, through its subsidiaries, engages in savings and investment businesses in the United Kingdom and internationally. The company operates through three segments: Asset Management, Life, and Wealth. It offers retirement, savings, and investment management solutions. The company also provides individual and corporate pensions, retirement, annuities, life, savings, and investment products, such as equities, fixed income, multi-asset and real estate.

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M&G plc (LON:MNG  Get Free Report) declared a dividend on Wednesday, September 4th, Upcoming.Co.Uk reports. Shareholders of record on Thursday, September 12th will be given a dividend of GBX 6.60 ($0.09) per share on Friday, October 18th. This represents a yield of 3.05%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, September 12th. The official announcement can be seen at this link.

M&G Trading Up 1.2 %

Shares of M&G stock traded up GBX 2.50 ($0.03) during trading on Wednesday, hitting GBX 209.90 ($2.74). The stock had a trading volume of 4,955,381 shares, compared to its average volume of 8,490,277. M&G has a 12 month low of GBX 188.85 ($2.47) and a 12 month high of GBX 241.10 ($3.15). The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 207.54, a current ratio of 1.17 and a quick ratio of 0.39. The firms fifty day simple moving average is GBX 208.20 and its 200-day simple moving average is GBX 209.64. The stock has a market cap of 5.00 billion, a PE ratio of 1,742.55, a PEG ratio of -2.76 and a beta of 1.47.

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Insider Transactions at M&G

In other news, insider Edward Braham acquired 24,600 shares of M&G stock in a transaction on Wednesday, June 19th. The shares were bought at an average cost of GBX 204 ($2.67) per share, for a total transaction of 50,184 ($65,625.74). Corporate insiders own 1.74% of the companys stock.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

MNG has been the subject of several analyst reports. Berenberg Bank reissued a hold rating and issued a GBX 225 ($2.94) price objective on shares of M&G in a research note on Thursday, September 5th. Royal Bank of Canada reissued a sector perform rating and set a GBX 220 ($2.88) price target on shares of M&G in a research note on Wednesday. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft restated a buy rating and set a GBX 240 ($3.14) price objective on shares of M&G in a report on Thursday, September 5th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have issued a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of GBX 223.33 ($2.92).

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M&G Company Profile

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M&G plc, through its subsidiaries, engages in savings and investment businesses in the United Kingdom and internationally. The company operates through three segments: Asset Management, Life, and Wealth. It offers retirement, savings, and investment management solutions. The company also provides individual and corporate pensions, retirement, annuities, life, savings, and investment products, such as equities, fixed income, multi-asset and real estate.

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Pier Capital LLC decreased its position in Q2 Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:QTWO  Free Report) by 46.5% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 121,408 shares of the technology companys stock after selling 105,693 shares during the period. Pier Capital LLC owned about 0.20% of Q2 worth $7,325,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the company. Quest Partners LLC acquired a new position in shares of Q2 in the second quarter valued at $153,000. Arizona State Retirement System raised its stake in shares of Q2 by 2.6% in the 2nd quarter. Arizona State Retirement System now owns 16,537 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $998,000 after buying an additional 423 shares in the last quarter. Chase Investment Counsel Corp lifted its holdings in shares of Q2 by 6.6% during the 2nd quarter. Chase Investment Counsel Corp now owns 47,959 shares of the technology companys stock worth $2,893,000 after acquiring an additional 2,989 shares during the period. Rhumbline Advisers boosted its position in shares of Q2 by 6.9% during the 2nd quarter. Rhumbline Advisers now owns 86,849 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $5,240,000 after acquiring an additional 5,583 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Pembroke Management LTD bought a new stake in Q2 in the second quarter valued at about $7,303,000.

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Q2 Stock Performance

Shares of Q2 stock opened at $71.53 on Wednesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.02, a current ratio of 2.44 and a quick ratio of 2.44. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $68.82 and a 200 day simple moving average of $59.97. Q2 Holdings, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $28.91 and a fifty-two week high of $75.94. The firm has a market cap of $4.31 billion, a P/E ratio of -52.98 and a beta of 1.58.

Insider Activity

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

In other news, Director James Offerdahl sold 1,013 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, August 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $73.97, for a total transaction of $74,931.61. Following the transaction, the director now owns 18,789 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,389,822.33. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink . In other Q2 news, EVP Jonathan Price sold 11,000 shares of Q2 stock in a transaction on Thursday, June 27th. The shares were sold at an average price of $60.00, for a total transaction of $660,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 226,079 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $13,564,740. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink . Also, Director James Offerdahl sold 1,013 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, August 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $73.97, for a total transaction of $74,931.61. Following the sale, the director now owns 18,789 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,389,822.33. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . In the last ninety days, insiders sold 52,971 shares of company stock valued at $3,757,293. Company insiders own 3.60% of the companys stock.

A number of equities research analysts have weighed in on QTWO shares. The Goldman Sachs Group lifted their price objective on Q2 from $59.00 to $86.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday, August 1st. DA Davidson lowered Q2 from a buy rating to a neutral rating and boosted their price target for the company from $65.00 to $76.00 in a research note on Wednesday, July 24th. BTIG Research increased their price objective on Q2 from $75.00 to $82.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Monday, August 26th. Royal Bank of Canada lifted their price objective on Q2 from $60.00 to $76.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a report on Thursday, August 1st. Finally, Compass Point started coverage on shares of Q2 in a research report on Wednesday, September 4th. They set a buy rating and a $91.00 target price for the company. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and nine have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Q2 presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $72.38.

Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on QTWO

About Q2

(Free Report)

Q2 Holdings, Inc provides cloud-based digital solutions to regional and community financial institutions in the United States. The company offers Digital Banking Platform, an end-to-end digital banking platform supports its financial institution customers in their delivery of unified digital banking services across digital channels.

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Consolidated Edison, Inc. (NYSE:ED  Free Report)  Analysts at Zacks Research increased their Q1 2025 earnings per share (EPS) estimates for Consolidated Edison in a report issued on Thursday, September 5th. Zacks Research analyst R. Department now expects that the utilities provider will post earnings per share of $2.01 for the quarter, up from their previous forecast of $1.98. The consensus estimate for Consolidated Edisons current full-year earnings is $5.31 per share. Zacks Research also issued estimates for Consolidated Edisons Q2 2025 earnings at $0.60 EPS and Q4 2025 earnings at $1.13 EPS.

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Consolidated Edison (NYSE:ED  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 1st. The utilities provider reported $0.59 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.57 by $0.02. The firm had revenue of $3.22 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.08 billion. Consolidated Edison had a net margin of 12.03% and a return on equity of 8.67%. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $0.61 EPS.

ED has been the subject of several other reports. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their target price on Consolidated Edison from $97.00 to $105.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research report on Friday, August 2nd. Argus raised Consolidated Edison to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Friday, June 7th. Bank of America lifted their target price on Consolidated Edison from $97.00 to $109.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Monday, August 5th. UBS Group boosted their target price on Consolidated Edison from $92.00 to $96.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, July 19th. Finally, Scotiabank increased their price target on Consolidated Edison from $85.00 to $90.00 and gave the company a sector underperform rating in a research report on Tuesday, August 20th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have given a hold rating, one has issued a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $92.65.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on ED

Consolidated Edison Trading Up 0.2 %

Shares of NYSE ED opened at $104.97 on Monday. The company has a current ratio of 1.04, a quick ratio of 0.97 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.08. The stock has a market capitalization of $36.34 billion, a PE ratio of 20.15, a PEG ratio of 3.49 and a beta of 0.36. Consolidated Edison has a twelve month low of $80.46 and a twelve month high of $105.99. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $97.83 and a 200-day simple moving average of $93.79.

Consolidated Edison Dividend Announcement

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, September 16th. Investors of record on Wednesday, August 14th will be given a $0.83 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, August 14th. This represents a $3.32 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.16%. Consolidated Edisons dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 63.72%.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in ED. Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. lifted its position in Consolidated Edison by 3.2% during the 4th quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 418,244 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $38,897,000 after acquiring an additional 12,953 shares during the period. Corient Private Wealth LLC grew its position in Consolidated Edison by 4.6% in the 4th quarter. Corient Private Wealth LLC now owns 175,416 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $15,958,000 after buying an additional 7,725 shares during the last quarter. UBS Group AG increased its stake in Consolidated Edison by 14.7% in the 4th quarter. UBS Group AG now owns 488,483 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $44,437,000 after buying an additional 62,519 shares during the period. Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADV raised its position in Consolidated Edison by 2,486.2% during the 1st quarter. Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADV now owns 21,776 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $1,977,000 after buying an additional 20,934 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Tower Research Capital LLC TRC lifted its stake in shares of Consolidated Edison by 35.0% in the 4th quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 47,466 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $4,318,000 after acquiring an additional 12,307 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 66.29% of the companys stock.

About Consolidated Edison

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Consolidated Edison, Inc, through its subsidiaries, engages in the regulated electric, gas, and steam delivery businesses in the United States. It offers electric services to approximately 3.7 million customers in New York City and Westchester County; gas to approximately 1.1 million customers in Manhattan, the Bronx, parts of Queens, and Westchester County; and steam to approximately 1,530 customers in parts of Manhattan.

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Rice Hall James & Associates LLC lessened its holdings in e.l.f. Beauty, Inc. (NYSE:ELF  Free Report) by 6.5% during the 2nd quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 20,294 shares of the companys stock after selling 1,415 shares during the quarter. Rice Hall James & Associates LLCs holdings in e.l.f. Beauty were worth $4,276,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the business. Ashton Thomas Private Wealth LLC acquired a new position in shares of e.l.f. Beauty during the 2nd quarter worth about $26,000. Matrix Trust Co purchased a new stake in e.l.f. Beauty during the second quarter worth approximately $27,000. Innealta Capital LLC acquired a new position in e.l.f. Beauty in the second quarter valued at approximately $30,000. Harbor Investment Advisory LLC purchased a new position in e.l.f. Beauty in the first quarter valued at approximately $31,000. Finally, Whittier Trust Co. of Nevada Inc. raised its holdings in e.l.f. Beauty by 405.9% during the second quarter. Whittier Trust Co. of Nevada Inc. now owns 172 shares of the companys stock worth $36,000 after purchasing an additional 138 shares in the last quarter. 92.44% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several brokerages have recently issued reports on ELF. Stifel Nicolaus upped their target price on shares of e.l.f. Beauty from $151.00 to $161.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Monday, July 22nd. Raymond James reaffirmed a strong-buy rating and set a $235.00 price objective on shares of e.l.f. Beauty in a report on Monday, July 22nd. UBS Group reduced their target price on e.l.f. Beauty from $250.00 to $230.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Friday, August 9th. Canaccord Genuity Group raised their price target on e.l.f. Beauty from $214.00 to $250.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, June 18th. Finally, Bank of America reduced their price objective on e.l.f. Beauty from $230.00 to $190.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Monday. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have issued a hold rating, twelve have given a buy rating and two have given a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $211.00.

e.l.f. Beauty Stock Performance

Shares of ELF opened at $110.38 on Wednesday. The stock has a market capitalization of $6.22 billion, a P/E ratio of 49.72, a P/E/G ratio of 2.55 and a beta of 1.45. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.23, a quick ratio of 1.10 and a current ratio of 1.77. e.l.f. Beauty, Inc. has a 1 year low of $88.47 and a 1 year high of $221.83. The companys fifty day moving average is $168.12 and its two-hundred day moving average is $179.35.

e.l.f. Beauty (NYSE:ELF  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, August 8th. The company reported $0.87 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.67 by $0.20. The business had revenue of $324.48 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $303.60 million. e.l.f. Beauty had a net margin of 10.80% and a return on equity of 23.30%. On average, sell-side analysts predict that e.l.f. Beauty, Inc. will post 2.88 earnings per share for the current year.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, SVP Joshua Allen Franks sold 3,370 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, July 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $201.28, for a total value of $678,313.60. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president now directly owns 71,986 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $14,489,342.08. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. In other e.l.f. Beauty news, CEO Tarang Amin sold 15,386 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, July 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $200.85, for a total transaction of $3,090,278.10. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 171,329 shares in the company, valued at $34,411,429.65. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Also, SVP Joshua Allen Franks sold 3,370 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, July 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $201.28, for a total transaction of $678,313.60. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president now directly owns 71,986 shares of the companys stock, valued at $14,489,342.08. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last 90 days, insiders have sold 19,304 shares of company stock worth $3,864,492. Company insiders own 5.20% of the companys stock.

e.l.f. Beauty Company Profile

(Free Report)

e.l.f. Beauty, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, provides cosmetic and skin care products under the e.l.f. Cosmetics, e.l.f. Skin, Well People, and Keys Soulcare brand names worldwide. The company offers eye, lip, face, face, paw, and skin care products. It sells its products through national and international retailers and direct-to-consumer channels, which include e-commerce platforms in the United States, and internationally primarily through distributors.

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Sachetta LLC decreased its holdings in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (NYSE:TSM  Free Report) by 27.3% during the second quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 200 shares of the semiconductor companys stock after selling 75 shares during the quarter. Sachetta LLCs holdings in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing were worth $35,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the company. BOKF NA raised its holdings in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 4.8% during the 1st quarter. BOKF NA now owns 1,762 shares of the semiconductor companys stock valued at $249,000 after acquiring an additional 81 shares during the period. Dodge & Cox bought a new stake in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing during the 4th quarter valued at $6,396,000. Aigen Investment Management LP bought a new stake in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing during the 4th quarter valued at $553,000. Credit Capital Investments LLC raised its holdings in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 9.4% during the 4th quarter. Credit Capital Investments LLC now owns 58,000 shares of the semiconductor companys stock valued at $6,032,000 after acquiring an additional 5,000 shares during the period. Finally, Cetera Advisors LLC raised its holdings in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 80.7% during the 1st quarter. Cetera Advisors LLC now owns 79,291 shares of the semiconductor companys stock valued at $10,787,000 after acquiring an additional 35,404 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 16.51% of the companys stock.

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Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Stock Down 0.2 %

Shares of NYSE:TSM opened at $162.49 on Wednesday. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited has a 52-week low of $84.01 and a 52-week high of $193.47. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $169.33 and a 200 day moving average of $155.98. The firm has a market capitalization of $842.74 billion, a PE ratio of 30.95, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.92 and a beta of 1.14. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.26, a quick ratio of 2.21 and a current ratio of 2.47.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Increases Dividend

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing ( NYSE:TSM Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, July 18th. The semiconductor company reported $1.48 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.37 by $0.11. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing had a net margin of 37.85% and a return on equity of 25.54%. The company had revenue of $20.82 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $20.33 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $1.14 earnings per share. The firms quarterly revenue was up 34.6% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, research analysts anticipate that Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited will post 6.45 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 9th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, December 12th will be given a dividend of $0.4871 per share. This represents a $1.95 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.20%. This is a positive change from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturings previous quarterly dividend of $0.49. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, December 12th. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturings dividend payout ratio is presently 32.57%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of equities research analysts have issued reports on TSM shares. Susquehanna reissued a positive rating and set a $250.00 target price on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in a report on Wednesday, August 14th. Barclays upped their price target on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from $150.00 to $170.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, June 5th. Sanford C. Bernstein upped their price target on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from $150.00 to $200.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, June 20th. Needham & Company LLC upped their price target on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from $168.00 to $210.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Monday, July 15th. Finally, TD Cowen upped their price target on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from $130.00 to $170.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a report on Thursday, July 18th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $200.00.

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Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Profile

(Free Report)

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures, packages, tests, and sells integrated circuits and other semiconductor devices in Taiwan, China, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Japan, the United States, and internationally. It provides a range of wafer fabrication processes, including processes to manufacture complementary metal- oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) logic, mixed-signal, radio frequency, embedded memory, bipolar CMOS mixed-signal, and others.

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Schneider Downs Wealth Management Advisors LP lowered its stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY  Free Report) by 21.0% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 241 shares of the companys stock after selling 64 shares during the period. Schneider Downs Wealth Management Advisors LPs holdings in Eli Lilly and Company were worth $218,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Several other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Twelve Points Wealth Management LLC increased its stake in Eli Lilly and Company by 1.4% in the 2nd quarter. Twelve Points Wealth Management LLC now owns 811 shares of the companys stock valued at $734,000 after buying an additional 11 shares during the last quarter. Verum Partners LLC grew its stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 1.5% in the second quarter. Verum Partners LLC now owns 731 shares of the companys stock valued at $662,000 after buying an additional 11 shares in the last quarter. Acorn Creek Capital LLC raised its position in Eli Lilly and Company by 1.3% during the second quarter. Acorn Creek Capital LLC now owns 927 shares of the companys stock worth $840,000 after acquiring an additional 12 shares in the last quarter. Thompson Davis & CO. Inc. grew its position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 0.7% in the 2nd quarter. Thompson Davis & CO. Inc. now owns 1,687 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,527,000 after acquiring an additional 12 shares during the period. Finally, Versant Capital Management Inc increased its stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 1.8% during the 1st quarter. Versant Capital Management Inc now owns 736 shares of the companys stock worth $573,000 after purchasing an additional 13 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 82.53% of the companys stock.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of research analysts recently weighed in on the company. Cantor Fitzgerald reissued an overweight rating and set a $885.00 target price on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a report on Monday. Berenberg Bank boosted their price target on Eli Lilly and Company from $1,000.00 to $1,050.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, August 14th. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their target price on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $875.00 to $1,000.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, August 9th. Bank of America increased their target price on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $1,000.00 to $1,125.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Friday, August 9th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft raised Eli Lilly and Company from a hold rating to a buy rating and upped their price objective for the company from $725.00 to $1,025.00 in a research note on Monday, August 12th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seventeen have issued 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.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In related news, major shareholder Lilly Endowment Inc sold 15,022 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, June 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $882.47, for a total transaction of $13,256,464.34. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 97,778,788 shares in the company, valued at approximately $86,286,847,046.36. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Insiders sold a total of 661,900 shares of company stock valued at $604,721,602 over the last quarter. 0.13% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Eli Lilly and Company Stock Down 0.8 %

LLY stock opened at $901.28 on Wednesday. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $895.74 and a 200-day moving average of $830.47. Eli Lilly and Company has a fifty-two week low of $516.57 and a fifty-two week high of $972.53. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.74, a quick ratio of 0.87 and a current ratio of 1.11. The company has a market capitalization of $856.60 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 132.74, a PEG ratio of 2.73 and a beta of 0.42.

Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 8th. The company reported $3.92 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.64 by $1.28. The company had revenue of $11.30 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $9.83 billion. Eli Lilly and Company had a net margin of 18.86% and a return on equity of 67.52%. As a group, equities research analysts predict that Eli Lilly and Company will post 16.51 earnings per share for the current year.

Eli Lilly and Company Announces Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, September 10th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, August 15th were issued a $1.30 dividend. This represents a $5.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.58%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, August 15th. Eli Lilly and Companys payout ratio is currently 76.58%.

About Eli Lilly and Company

(Free Report)

Eli Lilly and Company discovers, develops, and markets human pharmaceuticals worldwide. The company offers Basaglar, Humalog, Humalog Mix 75/25, Humalog U-100, Humalog U-200, Humalog Mix 50/50, insulin lispro, insulin lispro protamine, insulin lispro mix 75/25, Humulin, Humulin 70/30, Humulin N, Humulin R, and Humulin U-500 for diabetes; Jardiance, Mounjaro, and Trulicity for type 2 diabetes; and Zepbound for obesity.

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Sentry Investment Management LLC cut its stake in The Charles Schwab Co. (NYSE:SCHW  Free Report) by 17.0% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 12,966 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 2,656 shares during the period. Sentry Investment Management LLCs holdings in Charles Schwab were worth $955,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the company. LPL Financial LLC raised its position in Charles Schwab by 8.9% during the second quarter. LPL Financial LLC now owns 1,118,318 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $82,409,000 after acquiring an additional 91,267 shares during the last quarter. Biltmore Family Office LLC acquired a new stake in Charles Schwab during the 2nd quarter valued at $202,000. Kinsale Capital Group Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Charles Schwab by 23.9% in the second quarter. Kinsale Capital Group Inc. now owns 80,825 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $5,956,000 after acquiring an additional 15,612 shares during the last quarter. Coldstream Capital Management Inc. increased its position in Charles Schwab by 7.8% during the 2nd quarter. Coldstream Capital Management Inc. now owns 18,624 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,372,000 after purchasing an additional 1,352 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Daiwa Securities Group Inc. lifted its holdings in Charles Schwab by 4.1% in the 2nd quarter. Daiwa Securities Group Inc. now owns 198,450 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $14,624,000 after purchasing an additional 7,853 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 84.38% of the companys stock.

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Insider Buying and Selling

In other Charles Schwab news, Chairman Charles R. Schwab sold 67,386 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, July 31st. The stock was sold at an average price of $65.11, for a total value of $4,387,502.46. Following the sale, the chairman now directly owns 60,619,371 shares in the company, valued at $3,946,927,245.81. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. In other news, Chairman Charles R. Schwab sold 67,386 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, July 31st. The stock was sold at an average price of $65.11, for a total transaction of $4,387,502.46. Following the transaction, the chairman now directly owns 60,619,371 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,946,927,245.81. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, CEO Walter W. Bettinger bought 25,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, July 17th. The stock was bought at an average price of $66.26 per share, with a total value of $1,656,500.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 827,377 shares in the company, valued at $54,822,000.02. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 99,636 shares of company stock worth $6,533,064 over the last quarter. 6.60% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of brokerages recently issued reports on SCHW. UBS Group decreased their target price on shares of Charles Schwab from $91.00 to $90.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, July 9th. Bank of America cut their price target on shares of Charles Schwab from $72.00 to $66.00 and set an underperform rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, July 17th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their target price on shares of Charles Schwab from $82.00 to $78.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, July 17th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft raised their target price on shares of Charles Schwab from $79.00 to $80.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, August 15th. Finally, TD Cowen reaffirmed a hold rating and set a $71.00 price target (down from $88.00) on shares of Charles Schwab in a research report on Wednesday, July 17th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have assigned a hold rating and seven have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $74.00.

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Charles Schwab Trading Up 0.1 %

Shares of SCHW opened at $63.07 on Wednesday. The company has a market capitalization of $112.17 billion, a P/E ratio of 26.39, a P/E/G ratio of 1.18 and a beta of 0.97. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.65, a quick ratio of 0.42 and a current ratio of 0.42. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $66.01 and a 200 day moving average price of $70.12. The Charles Schwab Co. has a one year low of $48.66 and a one year high of $79.49.

Charles Schwab (NYSE:SCHW  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, July 16th. The financial services provider reported $0.73 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.72 by $0.01. Charles Schwab had a net margin of 26.30% and a return on equity of 18.14%. The company had revenue of $4.69 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.68 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $0.75 EPS. The companys revenue was up .7% on a year-over-year basis. Sell-side analysts forecast that The Charles Schwab Co. will post 3.05 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Charles Schwab Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, August 23rd. Shareholders of record on Friday, August 9th were issued a $0.25 dividend. This represents a $1.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.59%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, August 9th. Charles Schwabs dividend payout ratio is presently 41.84%.

Charles Schwab Company Profile

(Free Report)

The Charles Schwab Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a savings and loan holding company that provides wealth management, securities brokerage, banking, asset management, custody, and financial advisory services in the United States and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Investor Services and Advisor Services.

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Squarespace, Inc. (NYSE:SQSP  Get Free Report) saw strong trading volume on Monday . 3,565,879 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 283% from the previous sessions volume of 930,861 shares.The stock last traded at $46.20 and had previously closed at $45.30.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

SQSP has been the topic of several recent research reports. UBS Group increased their target price on Squarespace from $44.00 to $46.50 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Tuesday. B. Riley downgraded Squarespace from a buy rating to a neutral rating and set a $43.00 target price for the company. in a research note on Tuesday, June 11th. Mizuho lowered shares of Squarespace from an outperform rating to a neutral rating and set a $44.00 price objective for the company. in a research report on Monday, August 5th. Finally, Barclays boosted their price objective on shares of Squarespace from $44.00 to $47.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Tuesday. Ten investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $43.14.

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Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on SQSP

Squarespace Trading Up 0.1 %

The businesss fifty day moving average price is $44.46 and its 200-day moving average price is $40.56. The company has a market capitalization of $6.36 billion, a P/E ratio of -924.50, a P/E/G ratio of 8.11 and a beta of 0.62.

Squarespace (NYSE:SQSP  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Friday, August 2nd. The company reported $0.04 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.11 by ($0.07). The business had revenue of $296.80 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $293.12 million. The firms revenue was up 19.9% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $0.03 earnings per share. As a group, equities research analysts forecast that Squarespace, Inc. will post 0.28 EPS for the current year.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, CEO Anthony Casalena sold 38,466 shares of the companys 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 completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 1,527,820 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $69,149,133.20. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. In other Squarespace news, insider Paul Gubbay sold 2,500 shares of Squarespace stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, July 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $43.72, for a total value of $109,300.00. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 39,986 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,748,187.92. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, CEO Anthony Casalena sold 38,466 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred 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 sale, the chief executive officer now directly 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. Over the last ninety days, insiders have sold 232,019 shares of company stock valued at $10,227,282. 44.96% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Point72 Asia Singapore Pte. Ltd. bought a new stake in Squarespace in the 2nd quarter worth $71,000. CWM LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Squarespace by 185.6% during the second quarter. CWM LLC now owns 2,016 shares of the companys stock worth $88,000 after purchasing an additional 1,310 shares during the period. Quest Partners LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Squarespace by 1,828.9% during the second quarter. Quest Partners LLC now owns 2,739 shares of the companys stock worth $120,000 after purchasing an additional 2,597 shares during the period. Sagefield Capital LP bought a new stake in shares of Squarespace in the second quarter worth about $197,000. Finally, Squarepoint Ops LLC purchased a new position in Squarespace during the 2nd quarter valued at about $245,000. 92.30% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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.

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TE Connectivity Ltd. (NYSE:TEL  Free Report)  Equities researchers at Zacks Research dropped their FY2025 earnings per share (EPS) estimates for shares of TE Connectivity in a report released on Thursday, September 5th. Zacks Research analyst A. Ganguly now expects that the electronics maker will post earnings per share of $8.02 for the year, down from their prior forecast of $8.03. The consensus estimate for TE Connectivitys current full-year earnings is $7.57 per share. Zacks Research also issued estimates for TE Connectivitys Q1 2026 earnings at $2.07 EPS, Q2 2026 earnings at $2.22 EPS and FY2026 earnings at $8.97 EPS.

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TEL has been the subject of a number of other research reports. HSBC lowered TE Connectivity from a buy rating to a hold rating and set a $162.00 target price for the company. in a research note on Wednesday, July 24th. Hsbc Global Res upgraded TE Connectivity to a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 24th. Wolfe Research upgraded TE Connectivity from a peer perform rating to an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, September 5th. Bank of America lifted their price objective on TE Connectivity from $165.00 to $170.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, July 18th. Finally, StockNews.com assumed coverage on TE Connectivity in a research note on Thursday, September 5th. They set a buy rating for the company. Eight analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have assigned a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $158.45.

TE Connectivity Stock Performance

Shares of TEL stock opened at $144.00 on Monday. The firm has a market capitalization of $43.76 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.17, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.95 and a beta of 1.33. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.23, a current ratio of 1.51 and a quick ratio of 0.99. The business has a fifty day moving average of $150.39 and a 200 day moving average of $147.28. TE Connectivity has a 1 year low of $115.00 and a 1 year high of $159.98.

TE Connectivity (NYSE:TEL  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, July 24th. The electronics maker reported $1.91 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.86 by $0.05. The company had revenue of $4 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.01 billion. TE Connectivity had a return on equity of 18.53% and a net margin of 21.94%. The firms quarterly revenue was up .1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $1.77 EPS.

Insider Activity

In related news, CFO Heath A. Mitts sold 59,700 shares of TE Connectivity stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, July 31st. The stock was sold at an average price of $154.70, for a total value of $9,235,590.00. Following the sale, the chief financial officer now directly owns 38,073 shares in the company, valued at approximately $5,889,893.10. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. In related news, SVP Robert J. Ott sold 2,913 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, July 31st. The shares were sold at an average price of $154.59, for a total transaction of $450,320.67. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president now owns 25,504 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,942,663.36. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, CFO Heath A. Mitts sold 59,700 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, July 31st. The stock was sold at an average price of $154.70, for a total transaction of $9,235,590.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 38,073 shares in the company, valued at $5,889,893.10. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 71,363 shares of company stock worth $11,042,161 in the last ninety days. Company insiders own 0.86% of the companys stock.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On TE Connectivity

A number of institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Private Advisor Group LLC raised its holdings in shares of TE Connectivity by 4.0% during the 4th quarter. Private Advisor Group LLC now owns 11,219 shares of the electronics makers stock worth $1,576,000 after acquiring an additional 429 shares during the period. Principal Securities Inc. purchased a new position in shares of TE Connectivity during the 4th quarter worth $420,000. JFS Wealth Advisors LLC raised its holdings in shares of TE Connectivity by 97.8% during the 4th quarter. JFS Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 184 shares of the electronics makers stock worth $26,000 after acquiring an additional 91 shares during the period. QRG Capital Management Inc. raised its holdings in shares of TE Connectivity by 3.0% during the 4th quarter. QRG Capital Management Inc. now owns 76,573 shares of the electronics makers stock worth $10,759,000 after acquiring an additional 2,223 shares during the period. Finally, Dimensional Fund Advisors LP raised its holdings in shares of TE Connectivity by 13.8% during the 4th quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 2,835,064 shares of the electronics makers stock worth $398,342,000 after acquiring an additional 343,205 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 91.43% of the companys stock.

About TE Connectivity

(Get Free Report)

TE Connectivity Ltd., together with its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells connectivity and sensor solutions in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the AsiaPacific, and the Americas. The company operates through three segments: Transportation Solutions, Industrial Solutions, and Communications Solutions.

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TELUS International (Cda) Inc. (TSE:TIXT  Get Free Report) insider TELUS Corporation bought 100,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, September 9th. The stock was purchased at an average price of C$5.00 per share, with a total value of C$500,230.00.

TELUS Corporation also recently made the following trade(s):

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On Thursday, August 29th, TELUS Corporation bought 100,000 shares of TELUS International (Cda) stock. The stock was purchased at an average price of C$4.87 per share, with a total value of C$486,600.00.

On Monday, August 26th, TELUS Corporation acquired 30,798 shares of TELUS International (Cda) stock. The shares were bought at an average price of C$4.96 per share, with a total value of C$152,662.61.

On Friday, August 23rd, TELUS Corporation bought 100,000 shares of TELUS International (Cda) stock. The shares were acquired at an average cost of C$4.82 per share, for a total transaction of C$481,970.00.

On Friday, August 16th, TELUS Corporation acquired 200,000 shares of TELUS International (Cda) stock. The stock was purchased at an average cost of C$4.75 per share, for a total transaction of C$950,240.00.

On Friday, August 9th, TELUS Corporation acquired 416,400 shares of TELUS International (Cda) stock. The stock was purchased at an average cost of C$4.09 per share, for a total transaction of C$1,703,325.84.

TELUS International (Cda) Stock Performance

Shares of TSE TIXT opened at C$4.94 on Wednesday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.79, a current ratio of 1.09 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 80.53. The stock has a market capitalization of C$548.34 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 38.00 and a beta of 0.68. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is C$6.43 and its 200 day simple moving average is C$8.90. TELUS International has a 52-week low of C$3.90 and a 52-week high of C$15.56.

About TELUS International (Cda)

TELUS International (Cda) Inc design, builds, and delivers digital solutions for customer experience (CX) in the Asia-Pacific, the Central America, Europe, Africa, North America, and internationally. The company provides digital experience solutions, such as AI and bots, omnichannel CX, enterprise mobility solutions, cloud contact center, big data analytics, platform transformation, and UX/UI design; and customer experience solutions, including work anywhere/work from home, contact center outsourcing, technical support, sales growth and customer retention, healthcare/patient experience, and debt collection.

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Van Hulzen Asset Management LLC lowered its stake in shares of The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TRV  Free Report) by 7.9% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 3,495 shares of the insurance providers stock after selling 299 shares during the quarter. Van Hulzen Asset Management LLCs holdings in Travelers Companies were worth $711,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of TRV. Pathway Financial Advisers LLC acquired a new position in shares of Travelers Companies during the 1st quarter valued at about $35,000. Beacon Capital Management LLC increased its stake in shares of Travelers Companies by 74.2% during the 1st quarter. Beacon Capital Management LLC now owns 155 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $36,000 after acquiring an additional 66 shares during the last quarter. Private Wealth Management Group LLC acquired a new position in shares of Travelers Companies during the 4th quarter valued at about $39,000. Opal Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of Travelers Companies during the 1st quarter valued at about $42,000. Finally, Tributary Capital Management LLC acquired a new stake in Travelers Companies during the 1st quarter worth approximately $45,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 82.45% of the companys stock.

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Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, EVP Michael Frederick Klein sold 10,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, July 25th. The stock was sold at an average price of $211.44, for a total transaction of $2,114,400.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 22,798 shares in the company, valued at $4,820,409.12. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. 1.33% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Travelers Companies Stock Performance

Travelers Companies stock opened at $238.85 on Wednesday. The stock has a market cap of $54.44 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.75, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.22 and a beta of 0.62. The company has a current ratio of 0.33, a quick ratio of 0.33 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.32. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $216.24 and a 200-day moving average of $216.53. The Travelers Companies, Inc. has a 52 week low of $157.33 and a 52 week high of $242.89.

Travelers Companies (NYSE:TRV  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Friday, July 19th. The insurance provider reported $2.51 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $3.23 by ($0.72). Travelers Companies had a return on equity of 15.90% and a net margin of 8.37%. The firm had revenue of $11.28 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $11.35 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $0.06 earnings per share. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 11.7% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, analysts expect that The Travelers Companies, Inc. will post 17.19 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Travelers Companies Dividend Announcement

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, September 30th. Investors of record on Tuesday, September 10th will be paid a dividend of $1.05 per share. This represents a $4.20 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.76%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, September 10th. Travelers Companiess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 31.20%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of analysts recently issued reports on TRV shares. Barclays started coverage on shares of Travelers Companies in a research report on Wednesday, September 4th. They set an overweight rating and a $286.00 target price for the company. Royal Bank of Canada reissued a sector perform rating and set a $225.00 target price on shares of Travelers Companies in a research report on Monday, July 22nd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their target price on shares of Travelers Companies from $220.00 to $242.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a research report on Thursday, July 11th. Piper Sandler dropped their target price on shares of Travelers Companies from $213.00 to $207.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Monday, July 22nd. Finally, Morgan Stanley dropped their target price on shares of Travelers Companies from $220.00 to $210.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research report on Friday, July 19th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, thirteen have assigned a hold rating, five have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, Travelers Companies has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $227.05.

Check Out Our Latest Report on TRV

Travelers Companies Company Profile

(Free Report)

The Travelers Companies, Inc, through its subsidiaries, provides a range of commercial and personal property, and casualty insurance products and services to businesses, government units, associations, and individuals in the United States and internationally. The company operates through three segments: Business Insurance, Bond & Specialty Insurance, and Personal Insurance.

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Wellington Shields & Co. LLC trimmed its holdings in shares of DuPont de Nemours, Inc. (NYSE:DD  Free Report) by 2.2% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 7,305 shares of the basic materials companys stock after selling 167 shares during the quarter. Wellington Shields & Co. LLCs holdings in DuPont de Nemours were worth $588,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

Other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Palisade Asset Management LLC purchased a new position in DuPont de Nemours in the first quarter worth $25,000. ESL Trust Services LLC purchased a new position in shares of DuPont de Nemours in the 1st quarter worth about $26,000. LifeSteps Financial Inc. bought a new position in shares of DuPont de Nemours during the 1st quarter valued at about $28,000. Denver PWM LLC purchased a new position in shares of DuPont de Nemours during the 2nd quarter valued at about $28,000. Finally, Cassady Schiller Wealth Management LLC lifted its position in DuPont de Nemours by 153.5% in the 4th quarter. Cassady Schiller Wealth Management LLC now owns 431 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $33,000 after buying an additional 261 shares during the last quarter. 73.96% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of equities analysts recently commented on DD shares. Barclays lifted their target price on shares of DuPont de Nemours from $81.00 to $85.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Tuesday, May 28th. Wells Fargo & Company upgraded DuPont de Nemours from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and increased their target price for the company from $80.00 to $103.00 in a report on Friday, May 24th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lifted their price target on DuPont de Nemours from $92.00 to $98.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, August 1st. Citigroup dropped their price objective on DuPont de Nemours from $95.00 to $94.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Friday, July 12th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada lifted their target price on shares of DuPont de Nemours from $87.00 to $102.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Monday, August 5th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have given a hold rating and nine have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $95.00.

DuPont de Nemours Trading Down 0.1 %

NYSE:DD opened at $79.51 on Wednesday. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $80.33 and a 200-day moving average price of $77.96. The stock has a market cap of $33.24 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 96.96, a P/E/G ratio of 2.10 and a beta of 1.33. The company has a current ratio of 2.21, a quick ratio of 1.44 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.30. DuPont de Nemours, Inc. has a 12 month low of $61.14 and a 12 month high of $85.12.

DuPont de Nemours (NYSE:DD  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, July 31st. The basic materials company reported $0.97 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.85 by $0.12. DuPont de Nemours had a net margin of 5.30% and a return on equity of 6.31%. The business had revenue of $3.17 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.05 billion. During the same period last year, the business posted $0.85 earnings per share. DuPont de Nemourss quarterly revenue was up 2.5% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities analysts predict that DuPont de Nemours, Inc. will post 3.74 EPS for the current year.

DuPont de Nemours Dividend Announcement

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, September 16th. Shareholders of record on Friday, August 30th will be issued a $0.38 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, August 30th. This represents a $1.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.91%. DuPont de Nemourss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 185.37%.

About DuPont de Nemours

(Free Report)

DuPont de Nemours, Inc provides technology-based materials and solutions in the United States, Canada, the Asia Pacific, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. It operates through Electronics & Industrial, Water & Protection, and Corporate & Other segments. The Electronics & Industrial segment supplies materials and solutions for the fabrication of semiconductors and integrated circuits.

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Wellington Shields & Co. LLC grew its position in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY  Free Report) by 2.1% during the second quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 35,979 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after purchasing an additional 746 shares during the quarter. Wellington Shields & Co. LLCs holdings in Bristol-Myers Squibb were worth $1,494,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Norges Bank acquired a new position in Bristol-Myers Squibb in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $1,560,524,000. Capital International Investors raised its position in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb by 14.1% during the first quarter. Capital International Investors now owns 70,203,814 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $3,807,153,000 after acquiring an additional 8,675,322 shares during the last quarter. M&G Plc acquired a new position in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb in the first quarter worth approximately $392,608,000. Pzena Investment Management LLC lifted its position in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb by 119.8% in the 1st quarter. Pzena Investment Management LLC now owns 12,293,913 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $666,699,000 after purchasing an additional 6,701,097 shares during the period. Finally, Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD boosted its stake in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb by 77.1% in the 1st quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 12,547,823 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $680,469,000 after purchasing an additional 5,461,767 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 76.41% of the companys stock.

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Bristol-Myers Squibb Price Performance

Shares of NYSE BMY opened at $49.28 on Wednesday. Bristol-Myers Squibb has a fifty-two week low of $39.35 and a fifty-two week high of $61.42. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $46.27 and a 200-day moving average of $46.51. 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 stock has a market cap of $99.91 billion, a PE ratio of -15.90, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 12.62 and a beta of 0.46.

Bristol-Myers Squibb Dividend Announcement

Bristol-Myers Squibb ( NYSE:BMY Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Friday, July 26th. The biopharmaceutical company reported $2.07 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.64 by $0.43. Bristol-Myers Squibb had a negative net margin of 14.06% and a positive return on equity of 12.51%. The company had revenue of $12.20 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $11.54 billion. During the same period last year, the business earned $1.75 earnings per share. Bristol-Myers Squibbs revenue was up 8.7% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities research analysts anticipate that Bristol-Myers Squibb will post 0.77 earnings per share for the current year.

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, November 1st. Stockholders of record on Friday, October 4th will be given a dividend of $0.60 per share. This represents a $2.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.87%. Bristol-Myers Squibbs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently -77.42%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of equities analysts have issued reports on BMY shares. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft cut their price target on Bristol-Myers Squibb from $53.00 to $45.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, July 23rd. Jefferies Financial Group upped their price target on Bristol-Myers Squibb from $49.00 to $51.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, August 28th. Cantor Fitzgerald reaffirmed a neutral rating and set a $45.00 price target on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb in a research report on Monday, July 22nd. TD Cowen upped their price objective on Bristol-Myers Squibb from $45.00 to $53.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research note on Monday, August 12th. Finally, StockNews.com upgraded Bristol-Myers Squibb from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Monday, July 29th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, thirteen have given a hold rating, two have issued a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $54.67.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on BMY

About Bristol-Myers Squibb

(Free Report)

Bristol-Myers Squibb Company discovers, develops, licenses, manufactures, markets, distributes, and sells biopharmaceutical products worldwide. It offers products for hematology, oncology, cardiovascular, immunology, fibrotic, and neuroscience diseases. The company's products include Eliquis for reduction in risk of stroke/systemic embolism in non-valvular atrial fibrillation, and for the treatment of DVT/PE; Opdivo for various anti-cancer indications, including bladder, blood, CRC, head and neck, RCC, HCC, lung, melanoma, MPM, stomach and esophageal cancer; Pomalyst/Imnovid for multiple myeloma; Orencia for active rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis; and Sprycel for the treatment of Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia.

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September 11, 2024 / 21:55 IST

We warmly welcome the Government's announcement of the PM E-drive scheme, with an outlay of Rs 10,900 crore over 2 years. With subsidies of over Rs 3,679 crore to incentivize EVs, this new programme will support 24.79 lakh electric two-wheelers, 3.16 lakh electric three-wheelers and ambulances. We also welcome the allocation of Rs 4391 crore for procurement of over 14,000 e-buses. Heartening to see that over 40% allocation has been announced for electric buses.

The PM E-drive scheme is holistic in nature and shall herald a transformative growth in the EV sector towards the governments mission of decarbonisation, zero emission and clean mobility.

Further, the Rs 3,435-crore towards the payment security mechanism will provide the much-awaited impetus to OEMs and will act as a cornerstone to establish the electric bus sector and attracting substantial global investors.
Manish M. Suvarna is Senior Correspondent at Moneycontrol. He writes on the Indian money markets, RBI, Banks and NBFCs. He tweets at @manishsuvarna15. Contact: Manish.Suvarna@nw18.com
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EU flags flutter in front of European Central Bank (ECB) headquarters in Frankfurt, Germany on July 18. [Photo/Agencies]

Global Times-Former European Central Bank chief and Italian prime minister Mario Draghi presented a report at a news conference in Brussels on Monday, titled "The Future of European Competitiveness." In the report, he calls for EU to "radically change." However, is the "prescription," offered by Draghi amid the EU's extreme anxiety over declining competitiveness, really what Europe needs?

The report's main concern is Europe's declining competitiveness. Europe is facing an unprecedented dilemma now, with sluggish economic growth, declining industrial competitiveness, high unemployment, and low business confidence. As a result, Europe has begun to explore various "prescriptions" for its challenges.

In the 69-page "Draghi's Report," China is mentioned in 25 pages. The report points out that "the EU's competitiveness is currently being squeezed from two sides. On the one side, EU companies are facing weaker foreign demand - especially from China - and rising competitive pressures from Chinese companies." In April, Draghi specifically condemned China for "threatening to undercut" Europe's industrial base by "attempting to capture and internalize all parts of the supply chain in green and advanced technologies."

"Draghi's Report" reflects Europe's overall anxiety. Understandably, Europe is seeking a way out of its current predicament. However, this solution should not involve position China as a target obstructing European development, nor should it come at the expense of China-EU relations. If the EU resorts to such an approach, it would not only fail to help Europe overcome its challenges but could even exacerbate its problems.

Europe's current economic difficulties reveal deep-seated structural defects. In the face of intense market competition, European companies are struggling to transform and adapt to new economic and technological developments, putting them at a distinct disadvantage in the global market. In this context, as China has made significant strides in emerging fields like renewable energy, some European viewpoints, with added pressure from the US, perceive the normal market relationship with China as excessive dependency and risk.

However, this perspective not only obscures Europe's own problems but also conflates competitiveness issues with complex geopolitical games, deepening Europe's economic predicament.

As a matter of fact, China and Europe share deep mutual interests in economic and trade relations, global governance, and politics. Despite their differences, the China-EU relationship enjoys strong endogenous driving force and bright prospects of development. The essence of China-EU cooperation lies in complementary advantages and mutual benefits. China can support Europe in the development of new energy, helping address the bottlenecks Europe faces.

The decline in competitiveness acts like an invisible net, making it difficult for Europe to compete globally. The more anxious Europe becomes, the more clear-minded it should strive to maintain. A simplistic pursuit of protectionism, as the US and EU are currently doing, cannot address the fundamental, deep-seated issues facing Europe. The EU should resolve trade frictions with China through dialogue and consultation, taking into account each other's legitimate concerns, while avoiding retaliatory trade conflicts and preventing a lose-lose situation. Only by doing so can the EU enhance its competitiveness. Europe's "prescription" should not focus on exaggerating how China has "squeezed" Europe's survival space; instead, it should concentrate on fixing its own structural defects.
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Amit Shah hits out at Rahul Gandhi over his remarks in US: Making anti-national statements
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'Bold and pioneering': Khalistani separatist Pannun backs Rahul Gandhi's Sikh remark in US
September 11, 2024 / 22:34 IST

"I have written to the Chief Ministers of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Haryana, and Punjab regarding the unfair devolution of taxes by the Union government. States with higher GSDP per capita, like Karnataka and others, are being penalized for their economic performance, receiving disproportionately lower tax allocations. This unjust approach undermines the spirit of cooperative federalism and threatens the financial autonomy of progressive states. I have invited them to a conclave in Bengaluru to collectively deliberate on the issues of fiscal federalism at a juncture when the Finance Commission needs to make a directional shift & create incentives for growth & better tax mobilisation," he wrote on X.
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'Behind-the-scenes...': How J&K leaders reacted to Engineer Rashid's bail in terror case
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Piyush Goyals propaganda machine charge against Rahul Gandhi over US remarks
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Sanjauli mosque row: Why are Hindu groups protesting in Shimla?
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India aims to achieve 50 percent cumulative installed power generation capacity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030.

As the chart below shows, there is an unusual jump in the quantum of bank loans directed towards renewable energy companies in the last two years.

This is partly triggered by the increased government push on the renewable energy sector and the call to companies to invest more to ramp up production capacity. Bank lending is the main source of funding for these companies.

Banks step up lending wherever they see an opportunity. But loose lending is fraught with
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'I'm Talking Now': Trump tells Harris in debate, drawing parallel to 2020 exchange
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A man from southwestern North Dakota has pleaded not guilty to eight misdemeanor counts of animal neglect.

Dalton Staley, 28, of Hebron, on Tuesday turned down a proposed plea agreement that would have seen the charges ultimately dismissed under court rules if he had completed a 360-day probation period.

By entering the not guilty plea, Staley faces a trial scheduled for Jan 2. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of nearly a year in jail and a $3,000 fine on each count.

During Tuesday's appearance, Staley represented himself; however, he told South Central District Judge Bobbi Weiler that he intends to hire an attorney as the case moves forward.

Charges against Staley stem from an incident that allegedly took place in Hebron on June 7. A Morton County deputy responded to a residence after receiving reports of loose dogs, according to an affidavit. When the deputy arrived, he was told by a resident that a family of dogs had escaped from a neighboring backyard and that one of the dogs had approached the neighbor in an aggressive manner, court documents stated.

The deputy went to the residence where the dogs allegedly came from and found a kennel with six puppies and two adult dogs. One of the puppies was dead inside the kennel and the dogs allegedly had no water and appeared "very skinny and emaciated," according to the affidavit.

When the deputy spoke with other neighbors, one of them identified the dogs' owner as Staley, according to the affidavit. The neighbor told the deputy that Staley said he planned to leave town and wanted that neighbor to watch the dogs, but the neighbor refused due to a previous conflict.

The deputy contacted an assistant Morton County state's attorney, who reportedly told the deputy that the State's Attorney's Office would obtain a warrant to have the animals removed, according to the affidavit. Personnel from Bismarck-based Furry Friends Rockin' Rescue arrived in Hebron to remove the seven surviving animals.

Staley's wife told the deputy over the phone that her husband left Minnesota about 12 hours before she was contacted by authorities, court documents stated. She also told the deputy that another neighbor was supposed to check on the dogs, but the neighbor allegedly told the deputy that he had no knowledge of any such arrangement.

When Staley was reached by the deputy, he gave verbal consent for the animals to be removed, the affidavit stated. Staley was also allegedly informed that the dogs would be taken to the animal rescue.

A representative of Furry Friends told the Tribune that Staley owes the animal rescue "thousands of dollars" in boarding fees accrued since June 7. The representative said Furry Friends charges $15 per dog per day. That totals $105 per day for the five puppies and two adult female dogs housed there. As of Sept. 10, the amount owed totals nearly $10,000.

During Tuesday's court appearance, Assistant Morton County State's Attorney Nicholas Daquisto told Weiler that had Staley pleaded guilty to the charges, he would also have had to make restitution to Furry Friends. The animals are still housed with the rescue group.
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Michigan Technological University continues to build momentum, welcoming its largest student body in decades. This fall, Michigan Tech opened its doors to 7,430 students, marking another year of enrollment growth and reflecting the growing demand for a Michigan Tech education.

This year, Michigan Tech's overall enrollment has increased by 110 students, bringing the total to 7,430  a 1.5% rise from last year. This continues Tech's steady trend of growing enrollment, marking the largest student body on campus since 1982. Undergraduate enrollment has seen a significant boost, up by over 2%. The University also achieved its highest-ever retention rate at 88.7%, reflecting its commitment to student success.

Graduates are also seeing significant returns on their investment, with a median early career salary of $80,300. This strong earning potential contributes to Michigan Tech's rankings by The Wall Street Journal as No. 3 for Best Salaries among public colleges in the U.S. and No. 15 among all colleges.

1.5% increase in overall enrollment

$80,300 median early career salary for grads

88.7% retention rate, the highest ever

"I am enthusiastic about Michigan Tech's continued growth," said University President Rick Koubek. "It's a testament to the value our students place on a degree from Tech, which was recently affirmed by our ranking as Michigan's No. 1 public university for salary impact, according to The Wall Street Journal."

Michigan Tech's steady enrollment growth is a result of the Campus Master Plan, which sets a deliberate course of expansion that ensures the University continues to offer a high-quality education while strategically enhancing its campus and resources. By focusing on purposeful growth, MTU is drawing talented students from across the nation and around the world, while maintaining the close-knit community and personalized educational experience the University is known for.

Innovation in Education and Research

Michigan Tech's commitment to advancing education and research is exemplified by the recent opening of the H-STEM Engineering and Health Technology Complex (H-STEM Complex) in April 2024. The H-STEM Complex serves as a hub for interdisciplinary collaboration, offering students hands-on research opportunities in cutting-edge fields such as biomedical engineering, kinesiology and integrative physiology.

Hands-on health care education: A Michigan Tech nursing student practices clinical skills, part of the University's growing health disciplines supported by the H-STEM Complex and the new Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.

The addition of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program has further boosted enrollment in health disciplines, signifying the University's strategic response to the growing demand for health care professionals. As health care continues to evolve, Michigan Tech remains at the forefront, preparing students to meet the challenges of tomorrow.

"Our new academic programs are playing a key role in driving steady enrollment growth, particularly in fields like health and technology. The H-STEM Complex and the College of Computing exemplify how Michigan Tech is advancing interdisciplinary education and research, offering students hands-on opportunities that prepare them for the demands of tomorrow's industries," said Andrew Storer, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. "These initiatives not only attract a diverse group of students but also ensure they graduate ready to make a significant impact in their careers. We continue to work to make sure all of our academic programs are of outstanding quality and at the forefront within the discipline areas that they represent."

The emphasis on hands-on, student-led research continues to be a major draw for students, with Michigan Tech positioned to address global challenges through innovative research in areas such as sustainable technologies, advanced computing and cybersecurity. Students are not just participating in these efforts  they are leaders, contributing to projects with real-world impact.

Enhancing the Student Experience

Michigan Tech's campus continues to evolve with new developments that enhance the student experience, aligning with the University's vision for a vibrant and collaborative learning environment.

In alignment with the Campus Master Plan, Michigan Tech is committed to enhancing the student experience through significant campus developments. The construction of a new residence hall, designed to accommodate the growing student body, is underway, offering modern and collaborative living spaces that foster a strong sense of community. This new residence hall is part of the University's broader vision to create a vibrant, inclusive campus environment that supports student success both in and out of the classroom.

Following the completion of the new residence hall, the University intends to construct a Center for Convergence and Innovation to further elevate Michigan Tech as a leader in interdisciplinary research and industry collaboration. This facility will be a central component of Tech's efforts to integrate education, research and industry, providing students in both the College of Computing and the College of Business with unparalleled opportunities to engage in collaborative real-world problem-solving.

"It's important that our physical facilities properly reflect the excellence that resides in our students, faculty and staff, which is why we will continue to prioritize investments in our campus infrastructure," said Koubek.

Campus Enhancements in Progress In alignment with the Campus Master Plan, Michigan Tech is transforming its campus with several key construction projects: East Hall Construction: New residence hall for over 500 students, completion expected in fall 2025.

New residence hall for over 500 students, completion expected in fall 2025. Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts Bathroom Remodel: Adding public restrooms and wellness rooms, completed in August 2024.

Adding public restrooms and wellness rooms, completed in August 2024. Daniell Heights Renovations: Upgraded student housing, completed in August 2024.

Upgraded student housing, completed in August 2024. McNair Dining Hall Remodel: Overhauled dining and kitchen areas, completed in August 2024.

Overhauled dining and kitchen areas, completed in August 2024. John MacInnes Student Ice Arena Upgrades: Improved air handling and dehumidification systems, completed in August 2024. These projects reflect Michigan Tech's commitment to providing state-of-the-art facilities that support both academic excellence and student well-being.

Expanding Research Impact and Scope

With over $100 million in research expenditures last year, Michigan Tech is solidifying its place among the nation's top research universities. The University continues to expand its research footprint in the Lower Peninsula and beyond, enhancing its capabilities across multiple key research centers. MTU's Translational Health Engineering Research Center (THERC) is set to become a nationally recognized hub for collaboration between industry, researchers and clinicians, driving health research innovation. Additionally, the Michigan Tech Research Institute (MTRI) continues to excel in many research disciplines, including remote sensing and environmental monitoring. Coupled with strategic partnerships at the American Center for Mobility, these initiatives highlight Michigan Tech's commitment to addressing global challenges.

"Michigan Tech's research impact continues to grow, reaching communities locally, regionally, nationally and internationally." Andrew Barnard, vice president for research

"As we continue to expand our impact in lower Michigan, we can look forward to more success from new additions THERC and ACM, and continued growth from MTRI," said Barnard. "The research success of the University depends on the dedicated students, staff and faculty whose ideas move from ideas to basic and applied research, and eventually transition to products and services that impact people and communities around the world."

Preparing for the Future

As Michigan Tech continues to grow, MTU graduates remain highly sought after by employers. With strong programs in mechanical, chemical and aerospace engineering, as well as a growing focus on emerging fields, the University's industry connections ensure students receive the hands-on experience they need to excel in their careers.

"MTU students are in high demand, and it's easy to see why," said Michelle Scherer, dean of the College of Engineering. "The hands-on experiences they gain, like working in our chemical engineering facility and participating in student-led Enterprises, are remarkable. Our students, including those designing nanosatellites for NASA, handle real projects from start to finish. It's no wonder employers are eager to hire them."

The demand for Michigan Tech graduates remains strong, with a 93% five-year average placement rate. The upcoming fall Career Fair, set for Sept. 24, is expected to be one of the largest in the University's history, with 385 companies recruiting on campus.

Looking forward, Michigan Tech's focus remains on strategic growth that aligns with the evolving needs of students and the demands of industry. This year's overall enrollment is not just a reflection of past success, but a promise of what's to come  a future where Michigan Tech continues to lead in innovation, collaboration and real-world impact.

Michigan Technological University is a public research university founded in 1885 in Houghton, Michigan, and is home to more than 7,000 students from 55 countries around the world. Consistently ranked among the best universities in the country for return on investment, Michigans flagship technological university offers more than 120 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in science and technology, engineering, computing, forestry, business and economics, health professions, humanities, mathematics, social sciences, and the arts. The rural campus is situated just miles from Lake Superior in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, offering year-round opportunities for outdoor adventure.
The Tinian Cattlemen's Association partnered with the University of Hawaii in conducting a two-day Beef Quality Assurance certification training.
Wheatfield may be feeling an extra chill soon.

A commercial refrigeration installer in Cheektowaga and a Lockport general contractor for commercial and industrial work are teaming up on a new project to create a cold-storage facility in Niagara County, with more than 1.25 million cubic feet of refrigerated warehouse space.

MT Altimeter LLC, a joint-venture between Gregory Mulvey of Mulvey Construction and Donald R. Timm Jr. of TDH Refrigeration, wants to launch Polaris Cold Storage as a micro-fulfillment center capable of serving clients who need frozen, chilled or dry storage, with easy access to highways and international bridges. That includes pharmaceutical, food and agricultural companies.

But the partners say its not viable without Niagara County Industrial Development Agency help. So they are asking the agency for $3.4 million in tax breaks, including a 15-year payment-in-lieu-of-taxes on the property that would save $2.71 million, as well as sales-tax relief of $604,000 over two years and a mortgage-recording tax abatement of $77,813.

In exchange, the company plans to create seven full-time and two part-time jobs within three years, paying $31,200 to $90,000 in salary, for a warehouse manager, warehouse laborers, a forklift operators, accounting and shipping clerks.

According to their application to the NCIDA, the partners plan to construct an 80,000-square-foot metal building at 6410 Inducon Corporate Drive, on the south side of Lockport Road near the Niagara Falls International Airport. Plans call for it to open in 2026.

The $13.45 million facility  which would be built in one phase of construction  would include five separate freezer storage areas totaling 32,000 square feet of floor space, plus four coolers with 16,000 square feet of climate-controlled space. And it would reserve another 12,000 square feet for dry goods, as well as some office space, plus eight loading docks with the potential to expand to 12.

That means its capable of handling 6,800 pallets of cold storage and 780 pallets for dry storage. That equates to 672,000 cubic feet of freezer storage, 336,000 cubic feet of cooler space and 252,000 cubic feet of dry storage. All nine storage areas could be customized to meet client needs, and kept separate. Theres also a leak-detection system for refrigerant.

We have a unique ability to accommodate these customers directly, Timm said. If an area needs to be segregated or locked down, we can adapt.

The duo are already talking with Pizza Logs, with which they will share a parking lot, and have also been in communication with McDonalds Corp. and one of its major supply-chain providers, Pittsburgh-based Armada Logistics.

The goal is to provide flexible and cost-effective service to customers, using a software-based warehouse management system and an enterprise resource planning system to track inventory, handle accounting and optimize the space using third-party logistics technology, according to the companys application to the NCIDA. Goods will be scanned with codes upon arrival, providing workers with precise information about temperature, date and location.

The software weve chosen is very robust, Mulvey said. So automatically, a warehouse worker can go in and see where he needs to go.

Mulvey said the pair have been working on plans for the project for the last three years, and the project is now pending before the town Planning Board. He said most of the existing cold-storage facilities locally and nationally are old, and 70% of those around the country are considered not energy-efficient or in disrepair.

They identified the project site as ideal  and even overpaid for it, Mulvey said  because its close to the border and the airport, as well as many farms and agricultural businesses. Amazons new distribution facility is currently under construction just over a mile away. About 40% of the population of both the United States and Canada is within a 10-hour drive. And the area already has a lot of truck traffic. Its just an ever-changing world, Timm said.

Project costs include the $250,000 price from buying six acres of vacant land earlier this year, as well as $10.5 million for construction; $2.3 million for equipment like warehouse racking, coolers and office furniture; and $400,000 in soft costs and fees.

The project would be funded with $10.38 million in bank loans, $2.5 million in equity, $150,000 in unspecified grants or tax credits, and $450,000 in other sources.

Theres a reason theres not a lot of these around, because of the expense of building these facilities, Timm said. Were so low on space, theyre shipping their stuff out to Michigan to get cold storage.
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Yves here. As a change of sorts from our regular programming, were offering a short primer on the expansion of European empires in the century preceding World War I. While we anticipate a lot of this history will be familiar to most readers, there may be details that are new.

By Dr. Vladislav B. Sotirovic, Ex-University Professor and Research Fellow at Centre for Geostrategic Studies

The period in the worlds history from the end of the Napoleonic Wars (1815) to the beginning of the Great War (1914) is usually labeled as the golden age of the European imperialistic expansion and the making of the greater national states and overseas colonial empires in Africa and Asia. Nevertheless, in 1815 huge territories of the world still have been unknown to Europeans, and millions of people in Africa and Asia were living their lives not influenced by European civilization. Europeans even were not very familiar with China, one of the oldest, richest, and biggest civilizations globally.

However, only a century later, European explorers, colonists, missionaries, merchants, bankers, adventurists, soldiers, and administrators, penetrated almost all corners of the globe. As a matter of fact, the people of Asia and especially Africa mainly were unable to resist colonists and to repulse the superior European technology, especially of armed forces. In Africa, for instance, on the eve of the Great War, there were only two territories free of European colonization: Liberia on the western African seacoast and Abyssinia in East Africa.

As a historical-political phenomenon, imperialism is understood as domination or control by one state or a group of people over others. The new phase of imperialism started in the first half of the 19th century when occupational-colonial authorities were imposed by (West) European industrial states in their competition for the colonial partition of Asia and especially Africa. At least from the Marxist viewpoint (V. I. Lenin), imperialism was an economic necessity of the industrialized capitalist economies that had the aim to offset the declining tendency of the rate of profit by exporting capital investments. The others did not understand imperialism as necessary in economic terms as it was, for instance, the case with J. A. Schumpeter who defined this phenomenon as the non-rational tendency of the state to expend as much as its power and territory.

From the psychological point of view, imperialism was rooted in the minds of rulers and ruling aristocracy for the grabbing of land to become richer and politically influential. Alternative views of imperialistic policies stress the outgrowth of popular nationalism or a method to underwrite the welfare state in order to pacify the working class, personal adventurism, civilizing mission, or finally as a consequence of international rivalry for political power and prestige. Nevertheless, the 19th-century neo-imperialism had clearly a Eurocentric focus (like the previous one too).

Actually, the process of making new imperialistic colonial empires, especially by the West European countries regarding Africa and South-East Asia including the Pacific aquatorium, occupied the time spent from 1871 to 1914. As a matter of comparison, Africa was only under minimal (sea coast) West European colonial penetration in the years 18151870 as the immense portion of the continent was even not discovered by the European explorers. The German unification in 1871 gave a new impetus to the colonization of Africa and Asia followed by the Italian desire (unified in 1861/1866) to take a part of the African colonial cake. In other words, up to 1871, the European possessions in Africa and Asia were mainly confined to trading posts and military strategic stations with the exceptions of the British possessions in (British) India, Australia, New Zealand, and Cape Colony in South Africa followed by those of Russia in Siberia, Portuguese in littoral Angola and Mozambique and of France in littoral Algeria, Senegal, and Indo-China.

On one hand, the competition for colonial possessions by the Great European Powers played a very significant influence on international relations and global politics from the 16th to the 18th centuries but on the other hand at least up to the mid-19th century overseas empire building, in fact, lost its previous attraction. It is important to stress that several economic philosophers, like Adam Smith and those around the Manchester School, criticized the overseas empire buildings based on mercantilist justification as, for instance, in practice, British successful trade business with the USA or South America did not depend on political control and colonial politics as they were not necessary for commercial success. Furthermore, in 1852, Benjamin Disraeli (later twice British PM) thought that colonies had been millstones around the British neck.

However, no one great European power after the Napoleonic Wars wanted to abandon any of their colonial possessions. Moreover, the First French Empire ceased to exist as the majority of the French pre-Napoleonic colonies became transferred to others, especially Brits. At the same time, both Spain and Portugal lost their American possessions due to the wars of independence as a consequence of their weakness at home. In other words, Spanish and Portuguese colonies in the Western hemisphere became formally independent which meant not recognizing anymore the colonial rule by Madrid and Lisbon (only Cuba remained under Spanish rule till 1898). In 1867 Russia sold to the USA its North American territory of Alaska.

However, in the 1830s, France, who had lost up to 1815 most of her first colonial empire started to gradually build up a new one firstly by the occupation of the littoral of Algeria (the rest of Algeria was occupied in the 1840s) followed by expanding her colony of Senegal in the 1850s, taking several Pacific islands and annexing Saigon in 1859. The French Indo-China was finally formed in 1893, French West Africa in 18761898, French Congo in 18751892 (part of French Equatorial Africa), Madagascar in 18951896, and Morocco in 1912. French Guiana was the only French colony in South America.

However, at the same time, Great Britain as well as one by one acquired new colonies and up to 1914 became the greatest Western colonial empire and the biggest one in the worlds history having territorial acquisitions from Canada to New Zealand  35 mil. sq. km. compared to the Mongol Empire (20 mil. sq. km.) and the Roman Empire (13 mil. sq. km). Having lost their political and colonial dominance in America since 1783 (the American Revolution and the War of Independence, 17761783), the British turned their colonial intentions to Asia and Africa. After the Napoleonic Wars and the defeat of imperial France, the United Kingdom (Great Britain and Ireland) retained Cape Colony (the Cape of Good Hope) and the maritime provinces of Ceylon from the Netherlands (Holland), Malta from the Knights of St. John, Seychelles and Mauritius from France (while France retained neighboring Reunion), and some West Indian islands from France and Spain.

The UK in the 1830s, as feared a French influence in the region, extended its claim to sovereignty over Australia and in the 1840s over New Zealand. Indian subcontinent and the lands around were the most significant British colonial possessions. By 1858, the frontiers of British India had been formed, and it lasted until the proclamation of Indias independence in 1947. The other British overseas colonies in Asia acquired in the 19th century include Singapore (1819), Malaca (1824), Hong Kong (1842), Natal (1843), Labuan (1846), Lower Burma (1852), Lagos (1861), and Sarawak (1888). All of them were, in fact, strategic points on the sea routes important for British trade, especially regarding the route to British India which was the most valuable British colonial possession. Such colonial policy of the British policymakers was grounded in the British attitude that their national prosperity depended primarily on trade within the global framework.

There were two methods that London used to safeguard British maritime trade lines: either by influence or by direct political/military intervention/occupation. In fact, the Brits transformed up to WWI the whole area of the Indian Ocean into the British Indian Ocean Empire controlling all the trade routes of the Indian Ocean from South Africa to Hong Kong and from Aden to West Australia.

Global history from 1871 to 1914 experienced European neo-imperialistic competition in Asia and Africa for grabbing land, natural resources, markets, and outlets to invest financial capital. Consequently, a huge portion of the globe passed under European control. However, many of the possible areas for colonization were already pre-empted. Furthermore, the 1823 Monroe Doctrine of Americas to Americans discouraged further (West) European military-political involvement within the framework of the Western hemisphere (from Canada to Patagonia including the islands from the Caribbean to North Brazil) that meant latecomers (Italy and Germany) had to build up their colonial empires in Africa, the Pacific, or China. The list was, however, entered with old imperialists like Great Britain, France, and Portugal, while the USA became one of the latest latecomers by taking Spanish colonies (Cuba, Philippines) or the Hawaiian Islands as a consequence of the 1898 Spanish-American War. A newly great Pacific power became Japan taking Formosa (Taiwan) in 1895 and Korea in 1910 but penetrating into the Chinese mainland as well. At the same time, the southern portion of Central Europe (Mittel Europa) together with the Balkans, experienced the creation of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Therefore, Austria-Hungary and Russia were the only European empires which did not have any overseas colonies.

Almost among all the old great trading countries, the Netherlands remained content with its very prosperous and existing colonial empire in the East Indies (Indonesia). France, after the unification of Germany in 1871 up to the beginning of the Great War in 1914, built up its overseas colonial empire by growing around 6,5 million sq. km. heaving nearly 47 million inhabitants. The French new colonial empire, created after the Napoleonic Wars, was chiefly in North and West Africa and Indo-China, where Laos and Tongking were added to Cambodia and Cochin China. France, as well as occupied Madagascar and several Pacific islands.

Among all colonial latecomers, united Germany was the most successful in building up the overseas colonial empire (followed by the USA, Japan, Belgium, and Italy). Germany acquired an empire of 1,6 million sq. km. of territory with around 14 million colonial inhabitants in German Southwest Africa (1884), Togoland (1884), the Cameroons (1884), German East Africa (1886), and the Pacific islands (18821899). Italy took Eritrea (1889), Italian Somaliland (1893), and Libya (1912), but was abortive to take Abyssinia (The First Italo-Ethiopian War in 18951896). Italian colonies existed only in Africa. The Belgian king Leopold II (18651909) received international recognition for his own private colony named Congo Free State in 1885 (2,600,000 sq. km.) that in 1908 became Belgian Congo where Belgian occupation authorities committed terrible atrocities connected with the forced labor and brutal administration during the barbaric exploitation of the natural resources.

The old colonial power of Portugal extended her African colonial possessions in Angola and Portuguese East Africa (Mozambique), but did not succeed in including the land between them due to the British colonial penetration from South Africa which separated these two Portuguese possessions. Great Britain, together with France, made the greatest territorial acquisitions in Africa controlling Lower and Upper Nigeria (1884), British East Africa (Kenya, 1886), South Rhodesia (1890), North Rhodesia (1891), Egypt (1882), and Anglo-Egyptian Sudan (1898). In the Pacific, Great Britain took Fiji (1874), parts of Borneo (Brunei, 1881 and Sarawak, 1888), Papua New Guinea (1906), and some islands. The British Empire added 88 million people and in 1914 exercised authority over a 1/5 of the global mass land and a  of its inhabitants.

While the African continent was almost completely colonized and partitioned, China succeeded in avoiding classical colonization and partition nevertheless being under strong Western political, economic, and financial influence and even control. Russia joined the other (West) European great powers in competing for influence in Asia. The Russian land empire in Central Asia and Siberia enormously grew since the 1860s. It is estimated that over 7 million Russian citizens emigrated from the European parts of Russia across the Ural Mt. to Asiatic Russian possessions in the 19thcentury and up to WWI.

China experienced during the last quarter of the 19th century up to 1914 the policy of soft imperialism practiced by the Western colonial powers in the form of the battle of the concessions (similar to the Ottoman Empire as well) when the leading neo-imperialistic countries fought for commercial advantage followed by financial and railway concessions. There was a proposal to divide the territory of China into three influential zones: northern (including Outer Mongolia) under Russian influence, central as neutral (buffer zone), and southern (including Tibet) under British influence. The same was done but realized into practice in 1907 concerning the territory of Persia. However, China as a state was stronger by having more centralized political-administrative power compared to the African case, and, therefore, Chinese central authorities succeeded in keeping the Western direct colonial influence at the seacoast, at least up to the Great War.

At the turn of the 20th century, undoubtedly the UK formed the largest empire ever seen. In the early 1890s in Great Britain, an idea of imperial preference was born rooted in a geopolitical vision of enduring a British overseas colonial empire. In other words, it was proposed that the UK and its colonial possessions should create a single autarkic economy imposing tariffs against the rest of the world while extending preferential rates to one another. This imperial preference system was partially applied to the self-governing dominions following the Ottawa Conference of 1932. However, the system gradually declined after WWII for the reason that changing trade patterns reduced the significance of intra-Commonwealth commerce and due to the British membership to the EFTA.

Nonetheless, after the Great War, regardless of the very fact that the overseas empire of the UK grew in size and number of inhabitants due to the addition of the pre-war African and Pacific colonies of the German Second Empire, the imperialistic land-grabbing was in principle no longer acceptable politics in the international relations as the global politics was at least supposed to be conducted within the security framework build-up by the League of Nations (which member was not the USA  a country that initiated that idea).

_____________  Vladislav B. Sotirovic 2024

Personal disclaimer: The author writes for this publication in a private capacity which is unrepresentative of anyone or any organization except for his own personal views. Nothing written by the author should ever be conflated with the editorial views or official positions of any other media outlet or institution
Thanks to the magnanimity of nearly 800 members of the Naked Capitalism community, weve met our first four targets, our critical budget for IT support/defenses, supporting the comments section, and the third, continuing our expanded Links section and providing bonuses for our guest bloggers, at a solid pace.

We are now at $470 towards our new target of $24,000 for Karoshi, aka burnout, prevention.

But being who we are, your humble blogger must sound a note of reality. We are still behind where we need to be in this fundraiser. If you havent donated yet, please take a detour to our Tip Jar and chip in! And if you are in a position to be generous, please dig deep, both on your behalf to bolster the donations from people who gave despite having limited means.

We are on our way to meeting our fifth target, support for extra manpower so we can make our 365 day a year, just about 24/7 coverage more sustainable.

If Yves the publisher and Yves the employee were two different people, Yves the employee would have gone on strike a long time ago.

Perhaps youve heard of karoshi, a Japanese word that translates roughly into death by overwork. The Guardian reported on this phenomenon:

Japan has again been forced to confront its work culture after labour inspectors ruled that the death of a 31-year-old journalist at the countrys public broadcaster, NHK, had been caused by overwork. Miwa Sado, who worked at the broadcasters headquarters in Tokyo, logged 159 hours of overtime and took only two days off in the month leading up to her death from heart failure in July 2013. Sados death is expected to increase pressure on Japanese authorities to address the large number of deaths attributed to the punishingly long hours expected of many employees.

Youve shown in the past how essential this coverage is. This year, Yves cleared out a house with 46 years worth of stuff in it, did 16 year of deferred maintenance and cosmetic fix ups, got it sold, dealt with other estate demands, moved overseas_but did you even much notice her absences?

That was due to the great job everyone on this site does and covering for her during crunch times but it was also due to Yves taking off as little time as possibleand this year, not even a working holiday.

Even though your generous support of the site have allowed her to have a day and a half off from posting every week, and shift more of daily Links duty to Lambert, this hasnt translated into more personal time for Yves. Even on her days off from posting, Yves is managing the business of the site, discovering and responding to e-mails she embarrassingly didnt see, sometimes catching up on research, and often vetting story ideas or articles pitched to her.

A big reason that the site consumes more writing/production time than in the past is that weve kept improving our output and expanding our beats. Our Links section used to be 25-30 links. It is now 55 and sometimes more.

Similarly, in runup to the crisis, when anyone who knew about finance was a one-eyed man in the land of the blind, many of our posts had only a few hundred words of commentary on an extract or extracts from news articles. Now, a significant portion of what Naked Capitalism does is quick turn-around political economy analysis of a very high caliber. We often produce think tank level work but with the aim of stripping away obfuscation and holding people accountable. That means more writer time on average per post.

We joke that we run the site with 1.6 people, although with our increased commitment as a result of Covid-19, it might be up to 1.9 writer equivalents. Regardless of the precise figure, its a way to highlight that we provide a remarkable level of output and the consistency of coverage with very thin resources.

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Mike Adams and Texas Rep. Cloud agree: Overreaching federal agencies MUST BE CURTAILED

The Health Ranger Mike Adams and U.S. Rep. Michael Cloud (R-TX) both agree that overzealous federal agencies being weaponized against the American people should be curtailed

The two touched on the matter during a recent edition of the "Health Ranger Report." One such agency that needs to be curtailed is the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), which is under the Department of Justice (DOJ).

According to Cloud, Congress had been involved in dealing with the ATF  discovering that the agency had collected an abnormal amount of gun records numbering in the billions. Moreover, the federal legislature also noted that the ATF digitized these records even though it wasn't supposed to have a federal gun registry.

The Health Ranger pointed out that the ATF is getting all the records of federal firearms licenses (FFLs) that cease operations. According to Cloud, the FFL records were supposed to be kept in a gun store file cabinet for 20 years in case something happens. This would enable a local sheriff to look through the records and trace a weapon.

These FFL records also go through the ATF for safekeeping, but they should be destroyed after 20 years. But instead of destroying these records, the ATF immortalized these records and kept them in the federal database. Cloud added the ATF also started to put zero-tolerance policies on FFLs and strict checking of a gun store's paperwork which has led to forced closures. (Related: Huge victory for gun owners as Supreme Court strikes down ATFs bump stock ban as unconstitutional.)

"And so, this is the kind of bad action that's been happening that we've again been pushing back on. It's this kind of activity that's happening in agency after agency after agency, and why we need to right-size these agencies because they've gone well beyond -- almost every single agency has gone well beyond the scope of what they were created to do," said the congressman who represents Texas' 27th district in Capitol Hill.

EPA another example of an agency that needs to be curtailed

Aside from the ATF, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is another agency that needs to be curtailed as per both Cloud and Adams. The owner of Brighteon.com and Natural News pointed out that the EPA and other agencies have gone crazy by making their fiefdom law  with Congress unaware of all the rules they are creating.

Adams noted that when the EPA was established in 1970, Congress didn't mean to tell it that it should outlaw the air  in particular carbon dioxide, which the agency considers a pollutant. Plants use carbon dioxide to grow through photosynthesis, but the EPA outlaws a molecule that is in the air that grows crops. Moreover, the EPA is also reportedly using the "carbon dioxide as a pollutant" narrative to ban combustion engines by 2035, something Adams called insane.

Meanwhile, the congressman commented that the American people can't hold agencies like the EPA and ATF accountable due to how the executive branch is set up to protect career and political appointees. The multiple layers of accountability in government agencies have become multiple layers of plausible deniability so that no one is ever held accountable, he added. Cloud ultimately remarked that these things are prime examples of what Congress needs to fix in the executive branch.

Adams remarked that the federal agencies have built firewalls against responsibility. Congress has delegated powers to these agencies, but they are going beyond their authority.

Follow BigGovernment.news for more stories about the federal agencies abusing their authority.

Watch the full conversation between Texas Rep. Michael Cloud and the Health Ranger Mike Adams below.

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Supreme Court overturns Chevron doctrine; judicial branch can now overrule corrupt FDA, CDC, EPA, ATF and other rogue agencies.

Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals in North Dakota rules against ATFs pistol brace ban.

EPA sued for failing to prevent toxic PFAS in biosludge from contaminating and destroying farm lands across America.

Sources include:

Brighteon.com

Cloud.House.gov
The Buffalo Catholic Diocese will close about 70 churches under revised plans announced Tuesday morning to merge parishes and downsize properties, shifting slightly from earlier recommendations that would have resulted in the closure of 89 churches across eight counties.

Buffalo Diocese announces full list of church closures The diocese currently has 196 worship sites that include 160 parishes and 36 secondary worship sites. After the changes, the diocese will have 79 parishes and 39 secondary worship sites open.

The sweeping changes to address declining Mass attendance, financial struggles in many parishes and a shrinking number of priests would cut the number of Catholic parishes in Western New York in half, while eliminating 40% of the regions Catholic churches.

Under the final plan, the imprint of Catholic churches will be reduced from 196 to 118, with 79 parishes having a main church and 39 secondary worship sites, according to the Rev. Bryan Zielenieski, who has been leading the dioceses parish restructuring efforts.

The number of diocese church closures in such a short time span would be the most since a parish restructuring known as Journey in Faith & Grace reduced 265 churches in 2011 to fewer than 200.

Bishop Michael W. Fisher said he shared in and understood the pain and sadness of losing a parish, which he called a reflection of the very soul of those who belong to it.

Ultimately, though, the changes were needed to refocus on ministry and potential regrowth within the church, instead of caring for buildings, he said.

This is a turning point in the history and the life of this diocese, of our diocese, said Fisher. Certainly, no bishop ever wants to close. We want to build. But I also look at, What is our mission?

Fisher said he knows the pain of a parish closing firsthand. Three parishes in which he grew up in Baltimore have since closed, he said.

Among the changes from the initial recommendations announced in June:

 St. Mark on Woodward Avenue will remain an active parish and its church will continue to be used. The earlier plan had St. Mark parish merging with St. Margaret parish on Hertel Avenue, with the St. Mark Elementary School using the church building for its purposes.

St. Benedict Church in Eggertsville will remain open as a secondary worship site in a merger with St. Leo the Great in Amherst. The earlier proposal had the church closing and being used by St. Benedict Elementary School.

St. Bernadette Church in Orchard Park, originally slated to be closed and sold, will remain open as a secondary worship site, in a merger with SS. Peter & Paul parish in Hamburg.

SS. Columba & Brigid Church, originally slated for closure, will remain open as the dioceses Hispanic Ministry Center. Holy Cross Church, which has a large Spanish-speaking ministry and was recommended initially to stay open, will close and merge with SS. Columba & Brigid under the final plan.

Resurrection Church in Cheektowaga will remain open. It was originally slated for closure.

St. Mary of the Lake in Hamburg will remain open. It had been marked in June to close. Instead, within the same family of parishes, the final plan calls for closing St. Francis of Assisi Church in Hamburg, which had been chosen in June to stay open.

Queen of Angels in Lackawanna, initially tapped to be closed, will stay open as a secondary worship site of Our Lady of Victory Basilica.

Our Lady of Perpetual Help in the Old First Ward, recommended for closure in June, will stay open as a secondary worship site of Our Lady of Charity parish in South Buffalo.

St. John Gualbert Church in Cheektowaga was slated in June to close. It now will remain open as a secondary worship site of St. Stanislaus parish in Buffalo.

Ascension Church in Batavia will be closed, and the parish merged with Resurrection parish, with St. Maximilian Kolbe Church in East Pembroke as a secondary worship site. Ascension initially was slated to remain open.

The closures will happen between Oct. 1 and June 1, 2025, Zielenieski said. But parishioners may appeal the closing of a church to the Vatican, and any closing would be forestalled until church officials in Rome rule on it.

Zielenieski said he didnt know if any parishioners planned to appeal, but he said the diocese followed proper canonical procedures regarding consultation for all the church closings.

Recommendations unveiled in June called for the closure of 89 churches and worship sites across eight counties to confront an intensifying priest shortage, declining Mass attendance and weakened finances in many parishes, as the diocese also works through a Chapter 11 bankruptcy and a settlement with 900 sex abuse claimants that may end up costing tens of millions of dollars.

The diocese, which currently has 115 priests available for ministry, anticipates 70 priests by 2030 and just 38 by 2040. At the same time, fewer Catholics are attending Masses and receiving sacraments such as baptism and confirmation, and nearly 60% of parishes were operating in the red.

At a news conference Tuesday morning inside the Catholic Center on Main Street, Fisher spelled out the harsh realities facing the Buffalo Diocese and other Catholic dioceses across the country: chief among them are declines in church attendance and men pursuing the priesthood, a rise in secularism and a shifting away from the parish as the defining center of Catholic identity.

He also acknowledged the horrendous toll that the sexual abuse scandal by clergy and others has inflicted on parish life and the personal faith of so many, and most especially on those who have been forever harmed in body, mind and spirit.

To fulfill the spiritual and physical needs of the faithful, the diocese must face these realities squarely, without any illusion, or false expectation of a divine rescue plan, Fisher added.

As part of a process known as Road to Renewal, the diocese in 2022 began grouping 160 parishes into 36 families as a way to better distribute a limited number of clergy. Diocese officials said at the time they werent looking, necessarily, to close churches. Zielenieski apologized on Tuesday for suggesting then that closings wouldnt be part of the Road to Renewal.

That was a statement we should not have said, because the process was all about the families of parishes identifying themselves properties that might not be able to be used in the future, he said.

While diocese officials have repeatedly said the downsizing effort would have needed to happen regardless of the Chapter 11 filing, the financial challenges associated with the bankruptcy case have made the closings more urgent, Zielenieski said.

We were hoping it would be a little more ground up, having the time to do that, he said. We were going to be doing this whether there was Chapter 11 or there was not. What Chapter 11 has done, one of the influences its had, is its kind of sped things up a bit, because we have to take a look at where our parishes are at and whats reasonable for them going forward.

A diocesan review committee received 52 counterproposals to the original recommendations, half of which led to modifications adopted in the final plan, Zielenieski said.

Secondary worship sites will no longer be stand-alone parishes. Leadership of the parishes into which those communities are merged will determine how much liturgical activity and ministry work happens at the secondary worship sites, Zielenieski said.
Dutch healthcare workers worried about Ukrainian soldiers potentially bringing SUPERBUGS into Europe

Several European hospitals are on alert due to an alarming sudden increase in antibiotic-resistant infections among Ukrainian patients

The infections can't be treated with common antibiotics and have been linked to poor health care and the overuse of antibiotics in Ukraine. Reports have warned that the spread of these superbugs could pose a serious threat to public health across Europe.

Experts are also worried that these resistance patterns might be linked to possible experimental biological testing on Ukrainian soldiers, which has also sparked worries about a secret bioweapons program.

The superbugs are often found in Ukrainian soldiers undergoing treatment in the Netherlands, and healthcare workers are worried that they can be transmitted to Dutch patients who were previously unexposed to infections. (Related: UN report warns that SUPERBUGS could kill up to 10M people each year by 2050.)

Experts have also suggested that Ukrainian soldiers carry superbugs because Ukrainian doctors often prescribe antibiotics to patients, unlike their Dutch counterparts.

According to reports, these superbug infections have occurred at least "three times between February 2022 and August 2023."

The first case was announced in a research letter for the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Germany in August 2023, when a Ukrainian soldier was diagnosed with several dangerous infections that were not treatable with antibiotics.

According to the German CDC report, the first case was officially registered in Germany. The injured Ukrainian soldier was first taken from Dnipro to Kyiv. He was later taken to an American military hospital in Germany, where he was tested for infections and the unexpected discovery was made.

Doctors took blood, urine, respiratory and peri-rectal surveillance cultures from the patient. Surveillance cultures grew A. baumannii, Enterococcus faecium, Klebsiella pneumoniae and two distinct morphologies of P. aeruginosa.

The paper also revealed that blood cultures grew a third P. aeruginosa. Using the Vitek 2 automated system, doctors found that the gram-negative organisms were "non-susceptible to almost every antibiotic tested."

Ukrainian soldiers carrying different types of resistant bacteria

Data from the National Coordination Center for Patient Distribution also revealed that Dutch hospitals have treated 143 Ukrainian soldiers since the start of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Some of the soldiers have been treated for serious injuries.

A Dutch clinical microbiologist warned that it is unprecedented for the Netherlands to "see how many different types of resistant bacteria they already carry with them."

Russia has repeatedly claimed that the U.S. was conducting illegal research in biolabs across Ukraine and other countries near Russian borders.

Meanwhile, Russia's Radiation, Chemical and Biological Defense Troops said that Washington is working on a "universal" genetically engineered bioweapon designed to cause severe damage to enemies comparable to that of a "nuclear winter."

According to a report from Russia's Ministry of Defense, Ukrainian military personnel were allegedly involved in experiments designed to detect the bodys tolerance for dangerous infectious diseases. The experiments included injecting test subjects with "higher doses of antibiotics, which, in turn, lead to the development of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms in their bodies."

Visit SuperBugs.news for more stories about dangerous infections.

Watch the video below to learn about two people in the U.S. who have died from superbugs.

This video is from the InfoWarSSideBand channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Entire hospital ICU in China gets completely overtaken by antibiotic-resistant superbugs, putting patients at serious risk.

Bioweapons launderer Fauci and associates illegally deleted emails and federal records to protect themselves from FOIA requests.

BIOWEAPONS SMOKING GUN: Chinese scientist who mapped SARS-CoV-2 two weeks before China told world about COVID received CASH from NIH.

STUDY: Use of last-resort antibiotic colistin in animal feed driving global spread of superbugs.

Sources include:

GreatGameIndia.com

CDC.gov

Stacks.CDC.gov

Brighteon.com
The Blair Witch Project: Former Prime Minister calls for global censorship

In the 1999 cult classic The Blair Witch Project, one character tells his friends I could help you, but Id rather stand here and record. For free speech advocates, we often feel that other citizens have become passive observers as an anti-free speech movement grows around us, threatening our " indispensable right ."

(Article by Jonathan Turley republished from JonathanTurley.org)

One of the most infamous figures in this movement has been former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, who has long been the smiling face of censorship. As the head of the Labour Party, Blair pushed through some of the early crackdowns on free speech in the United Kingdom. He is now calling for global censorship to expand these efforts.

In an interview on LBC Radio, Blair declared:

The world is going to have to come together and agree on some rules around social media platforms. Its not just how people can provoke hostility and hatred but I think the impact on young people particularly when theyve got access to mobile phones very young and they are reading a whole lot of stuff and receiving a whole lot of stuff that I think is really messing with their minds in a big way.

We recently discussed how the UK is already using recent rioting to crackdown further on those with opposing or toxic views.

For years, I have been writing about the decline of free speech in the United Kingdom and the steady stream of arrests.

A man was convicted for sending a tweet while drunk referring to dead soldiers. Another was arrested for an anti-police t-shirt. Another was arrested for calling the Irish boyfriend of his ex-girlfriend a leprechaun. Yet another was arrested for singing Kung Fu Fighting. A teenager was arrested for protesting outside of a Scientology center with a sign calling the religion a cult.

Last year, Nicholas Brock, 52, was convicted of a thought crime in Maidenhead, Berkshire. The neo-Nazi was given a four-year sentence for what the court called his toxic ideology based on the contents of the home he shared with his mother in Maidenhead, Berkshire.

While most of us find Brocks views repellent and hateful, they were confined to his head and his room. Yet, Judge Peter Lodder QC dismissed free speech or free thought concerns with a truly Orwellian statement: I do not sentence you for your political views, but the extremity of those views informs the assessment of dangerousness.

Lodder lambasted Brock for holding Nazi and other hateful values:

[i]t is clear that you are a right-wing extremist, your enthusiasm for this repulsive and toxic ideology is demonstrated by the graphic and racist iconography which you have studied and appeared to share with others

Even though Lodder agreed that the defendant was older, had limited mobility, and there was no evidence of disseminating to others, he still sent him to prison for holding extremist views.

After the sentencing Detective Chief Superintendent Kath Barnes, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing South East (CTPSE), warned others that he was going to prison because he showed a clear right-wing ideology with the evidence seized from his possessions during the investigation.We are committed to tackling all forms of toxic ideology which has the potential to threaten public safety and security.

Blairs views have been echoed by Speaker of the House Sir Lindsay Hoyle who declared:

?? Commons speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle told @MattChorley that no misinformation, threats or intimidation should be allowed on social media. We asked X for a reply, and we received an automated response that simply said: Busy now, please check back later. pic.twitter.com/mTboOLhlU3  BBC Radio 5 Live (@bbc5live) September 2, 2024

Misinformation is dangerous. Social media is good but its also bad when people are using it in a way that could cause a riot, threat, intimidation, suggesting that we should attack somebody, its not acceptable. What weve got to do is factually correct whats up there, if not I think the government has to think long and hard about what they are going to do about social media and what are they going to put through parliament as a bill.

I believe it should be across, it doesnt matter what country you are in, the fact is that misinformation is dangerous and no misinformation, or threats, or intimidation should be allowed to be carried out on social media platforms.

As with the effort in Brazil to block X entirely for refusing to censor political opponents of the government, Blairs call for global censorship is where the movement is going next.

Notably, after Musk purchased Twitter, Hillary Clinton called upon European officials to force him to censor American citizens under the infamous Digital Services Act (DSA). Recently, Democratic leaders like Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison praised Brazil for its action to prevent citizens from having access to unfettered news sources.

Interviews like the one with Tony Blair are not just jump scares meant to intimidate or scare others. They reflect a comprehensive campaign from our political elite to enforce censorship on a national and transnational scale. If you think that this latest Blair Witch Project is just another scary production, you have not been paying attention.

Read more at: JonathanTurley.org
Green Party becomes first political party in Britain to declare Israels war in Gaza a GENOCIDE

The Green Party of England and Wales has become the first political party in the United Kingdom to declare Israel's actions in the Gaza Strip as genocide

The party also announced its support for the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement  a nonviolent resistance movement promoting economic actions against Israel  and for the total suspension of arms sales to Israel.

The party won four seats in the House of Commons in the last election on July 4 after making Gaza a notable platform of its campaign. The party's recent motion, which was approved at the party's annual conference on Sunday, Sept. 8, tagged Israel's attack on Gaza as a genocide.

"We affirm our commitment to explicitly supporting BDS in our internal and external communications going forward. Supporting the BDS movement is essential to holding Israel accountable, to supporting Palestinians' rights to equality and self-determination, and to demonstrate that our support, as a nation, is not performative," the Green Party said in a statement.

The motion was suggested by an internal party group known as the Greens for Palestine. Mothin Ali, a Green Party councilor for the northern English city of Leeds and one of the party members who presented the motion, told the Middle East Eye that the Green Party has shown unprecedented leadership on the Gaza genocide issue.

"It's absolutely crucial for all peace-loving people to do whatever is in their capacity to stop the killing [in Gaza. To truly work for peace, it's absolutely essential to recognize the situation on the ground for what it is]," Ali said. "We knew that our party membership as well as the wider public supports the calls for a ceasefire and an end to genocide. It's a very positive step that party policy is in alignment with the view of the membership, along with the wider public."

The Greens have made themselves notable for leading the way in calling for an end to the violence in Gaza. Just days after the war broke out last year, the Green Party called for a ceasefire in opposition to the then-ruling Conservatives and the Labour Party, both of which backed Israel's blockade and indiscriminate bombing of the Gaza Strip.

Aasiya Bora, secretary of the Muslim Greens, said in an interview with Middle East Eye that the party has "made history" by passing the Gaza motion. "Greens for Palestine, comprising passionate people from across the Green Party, have worked tirelessly for this and are beyond elated," Bora said.

Green Party leaders slam Labour government's "half-hearted" partial suspension of arms sales to Israel

Member of Parliament (MP) Adrian Ramsay, also the co-leader of Green Party, criticized the Labour government's partial suspension of arms sales to Israel as "half-hearted."

The government declared on Sept. 2 that it would stop 30 out of 350 arms export packages to Israel. (Related: Canadian government halts future arms sales to Israel in light of Israels ongoing genocide campaign against Gazans.)

On Sept. 7, Green Party Deputy Leader Zack Polanski echoed the criticism, saying: "We recognize peace just can't happen until we end our own government's complicity in violence. We must end further arms sales to Israel  and to all countries breaking international law."

Meanwhile, the British Muslims who voted Green in the recent election and helped the party secure four new MPs have shown renewed enthusiasm at the party's annual conference.

Even before the election last July, some British Muslims started losing trust in the Labour Party over its position on the Israel-Gaza war.

This anti-Labour sentiment inspired organizations like "The Muslim Vote" to try to direct votes away from major parties and toward candidates who could potentially serve the Muslim community better.

Follow Genocide.news for more stories about the ongoing genocide happening in Gaza.

Watch the video below about Middle East analyst Mouin Rabbani's commentary regarding Western politicians being fundamentally racist toward Palestinians on the issue of the Gaza genocide.

This video is from the Puretrauma357 channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Israel has killed more than 40,000 Palestinians in Gaza, say local authorities.

Only a failing US empire would be so blind as to cheer Netanyahu and his genocide.

Colombia CUTS diplomatic ties with Israel over continued genocide of Palestinians in Gaza.

13 Countries join South Africas case against Israel on genocide in Gaza.

Poll: Muslim countries lead way in BOYCOTTING brands that support Israels genocide of Palestinians in Gaza.

Sources include:

MiddleEastEye.net

News.Sky.com

Brighteon.com
Historian warns four out of five major predictors for CIVIL WAR in the United States have already happened

A noted historian, demographer and author is warning that the United States is on the verge of another civil war

Neil Howe, who co-authored the book "The Fourth Turning: An American Prophecy," noted that four out of five predictors for a crisis have already happened, leaving the country on the edge of unparalleled internal conflict. (Related: The catalyst for the next US civil war?)

In a recent interview with the Daily Signal, Howe summarized the factors he considers are pushing the American nation toward a possible civil war.

He said the first of four that have come to pass is a "crisis over debt," which Howe referred to as a "new tea party movement," which manifested during the 2010 political conflicts under the same name.

The second is a WMD (weapon of mass destruction) attack on a major American city, this being the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attack on New York City. Howe said the terrorist attacks accomplished this prediction by bringing destruction and enduring consequences.

The third was the pandemic, specifically the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic which swept across the world beginning in 2020.

The fourth one was Russia invading a former soviet republic. This was fulfilled when Russia began its special military operation in Ukraine in February 2022, and it connects with his prediction of international tensions reaching a fever pitch.

Nullification crisis could be the tipping point that drops America into chaos

Howe said the only remaining predictor is a nullification crisis, where "one or more of the states would actually nullify federal regulation, which could lead to a new secession movement."

Such an event could be the tipping point that drops the country into chaos.

Howe's theory is based upon the concept of "fourth turnings," which are cyclical events that happen every 80 to 100 years and set off major turmoil like the Great Depression or World War II.

He believes the U.S. is currently experiencing one of these fourth turnings, characterized by today's intense political polarization and cultural clashes.

Howe said the divisions between "red" and "blue" America have increased and become so deep that each side now sees the other as "perfectly evil." He stressed that while democracy serves well for settling ordinary issues, it struggles to negotiate deeply personal and identity-driven fights.

"When most of what you're talking about is the width of sidewalks and the diameter of sewer pipes, just coordination issues, democracy works really well. But when you're talking about issues that virtually define who you are, it doesn't work," Howe said. "You are not going to give up everything you believe in just because you came up three votes short."

Howe stressed that the nation is at a turning point, adding that the sense of existential threat could push the nation into chaos.

Follow CivilWar.news for more stories about the possibility of another civil war in America.

Watch the video below about the Deep State planning for civil war and martial law.

This video is from the glock 1911 channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Poll finds 41% of voters believe CIVIL WAR could break out in America within the next five years.

Steve Quayle: Blue states want total CIVIL WAR in America.

Financial expert Ray Dalio urges investors to move assets out as he forecasts more than 1 in 3 chance of civil war in America.

The stuff of nightmares unfolding in America as globalists rush us towards all-out civil war  The more divided the country, the easier to complete our annihilation and overthrow in WW3.

Sources include:

YourNews.com

DailySignal.com

Brighteon.com
ICC prosecutor calls for Netanyahus immediate arrest: We need to apply the law

Even though it is a very unpopular position to take as a Western leader, Karim Khan, the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands, is pushing for ICC judges to issue an arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for alleged crimes against humanity in Gaza.

In order to demonstrate to the world that the ICC is "not just an instrument of power," Khan filed an application to arrest Netanyahu as well as Hamas leaders for alleged war crimes in the occupied territories of the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.

As of this writing, ICC's judges have not signed off on the Netanyahu arrest warrant because they are apparently afraid of the "atomic bomb," to quote Khan, that would drop as a result. Khan is still insistent that it happen, though.

"You can't have one approach for countries where there's support, whether it's NATO support, European support [and] powerful countries behind you, and a different approach where you have clear jurisdiction," Khan told BBC's Nick Robinson in a recent interview.

"When people are in shelters hearing bombs overhead, when people are struggling with plastic bags crossing international borders ... whether that's Ukraine into Poland, or whether it's Darfur into Chad, we need to apply the law."

(Related: When the ICC first announced that Netanyahu needs to be arrested for war crimes, the Israeli prime minister started begging Joe Biden to step in and shield him from justice.)

Arresting Netanyahu and Hamas leaders isn't political

Because of the serious conflict that persists in the Middle East, one might assume that Khan's push to arrest Netanyahu and Hamas leaders is not a political move, but rather a moral one.

"What we're doing is the antithesis of politics," Khan explained to Robinson. "It's about the equal application of the law irrespective of whether one receives a round of applause from some quarters or a deafening din of condemnation from the other."

The hypocrisy is evident in that the very same people who applauded when the ICC issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin are reeling with upset and angst over the thought of Israel's top dog being held accountable, too.

"We need to apply the law in a way that is equal, because if we don't, and importantly if we're not seen to, we're going to lose all the architecture, not just the ICC, that has been built on human suffering since Nuremberg," Khan warns.

As for Netanyahu's claim that Khan is simply engaging in "antisemitism" by seeking Netanyahu's arrest, Khan says "there's not an ounce, not a jot, not a scintilla of truth in the charge."

"Our job is to apply the law and not to be dissuaded by these cheap shots or criticisms that manifestly are false," he added.

Whether in this life or the next, Netanyahu will have a lot to answer for concerning his views and approach to dealing with the people of Gaza. The precedent he is setting for the mistreatment of the people of Gaza as subhumans is a terrible one, but also one that the world is taking notice of as the Netanyahu regime shows its true colors.

"It will take many ropes to hang all these psychopaths worldwide," one of our readers wrote on a story about Netanyahu and Biden and their efforts to evade justice over the war in Gaza.

"We should just use their HAARP weapon they killed all the Hawaiians with," responded another, referring to the use of directed energy weapons (DEWs) on Lahaina.

How much longer do you think Israel will wage war in Gaza before a ceasefire is achieved? Find out more at Prophecy.news.

Sources for this article include:

MiddleEastEye.net

NaturalNews.com
If Kamala wins, ALL free speech in America will END

Elon Musk, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Tulsi Gabbard are in an uproar over the possibility of Kamala Harris winning the election and silencing free speech online once and for all.

After Kamala told the world  watch below  that she supports the censorship regime of Brazil and what just happened to X down there in South America, Musk and the others are sounding the alarm that Kamala might try to do the same thing here in the United States as president.

Kamala supports what Brazil just did to X. How do I know? She wants to do it here: pic.twitter.com/nb4QXRiI9v  End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) August 30, 2024

Keep in mind that back in 2019, Kamala vowed to weaponize the Department of Justice (DOJ) and local law enforcement against social media companies that are caught allowing "misinformation" to spread on their platforms.

According to Kamala, the First Amendment is a "threat to our democracy," which is why she continues to wage war on free speech at every turn. If given full access to the Oval Office to start dictating American life from there, Kamala will likely wreck what remains of free speech.

(Related: The other day, Kamala went on a word salad rant in which she claimed, bizarrely, that forcing Americans into climate slavery is a form of "freedom" and "patriotism.")

Kamala helped deplatform Trump from Twitter

As vice president under Joe Biden, Kamala became something of a "disinformation czar," this in addition to her appointment as "border czar." Since when does America have czars, anyway?

Biden appointed Kamala to head up the "White House Task Force to Address Online Harassment and Abuse." While there, Kamala has pushed increasingly more censorship as the solution to "hate" and "misinformation."

Kamala also helped spearhead the campaign to have President Trump removed from then-Twitter in the hopes that it would destroy his chances of ever again occupying the White House.

"We will hold social media platforms accountable for the hate infiltrating their platforms because they have a responsibility to help fight against this threat to our democracy," Kamala bellowed during a 2019 speech in front of the NAACP.

"If you profit off of hate, if you act as a megaphone for misinformation or cyber warfare, if you don't police your platforms, we are going to hold you accountable as a community."

Elon Musk, RFK Jr., and Tulsi Gabbard are raising concerns of free speech under Kamala Harris. In 2019, Harris vowed to use the DOJ and law enforcement to 'hold social media platforms responsible' for 'misinformation' as part of the 'fight against this threat to our Democracy' pic.twitter.com/3XwD8lcoQb  Charlie Spiering (@charliespiering) September 5, 2024

In a recent letter to the House Judiciary Committee, Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Oh.) addressed the more recent revelation that Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Meta (Facebook and Instagram), had his social media companies censor people at the order of the U.S. government.

"I believe the government pressure was wrong, and I regret that we were not more outspoken about it," Zuckerberg wrote in his letter to Jordan. "I also think we made some choices that, with the benefit of hindsight and new information, we wouldn't make today."

Kamala, meanwhile, is forging on with plans to "corral" the internet and make it less agreeable for people to exchange ideas at will. Kamala wants social media platforms to be policed much more strongly to prevent free ideas from slipping through the censors.

"The clear goal here is to silence dissent at all costs," one media outlet warned. "Even with all the censorship against opposing voices, the internet is still too much of a 'wild west' for the globalist elites."

Free speech is one of the fundamental pillars of American society. Learn more at FirstAmendment.news.

Sources for this article include:

Revolver.news

NaturalNews.com
NYPD: Illegal immigrants account for more than half of all arrests in New York City

The New York Police Department (NYPD) has revealed in their reports that illegal immigrants are flooding their criminal justice system as they account for more than half of the arrests in several parts of New York City.

According to recent reports, migrants account for 75 percent of arrests in Midtown Manhattan and over 60 percent in Queens, with crimes ranging from assault and robbery to domestic violence. The police sources also disclosed that despite making up only under 10 percent of the total population of the Big Apple, illegal immigrants still represent a disproportionately high number of those arrested for crimes. In fact, court dockets are increasingly filled with asylum seekers who have violated the law.

"I would say about 75 percent of the arrests in Midtown Manhattan are migrants, mostly for robberies, assaults, domestic incidents and selling counterfeit items," one officer said.

Another Manhattan officer noted that migrants are behind many shoplifting incidents, particularly targeting high-end stores like Lululemon and Sunglass Hut.

"They like the pricey branded goods," the officer said, adding that migrants are also responsible for "most" of the pickpocketing, phone thefts and chain snatches reported by the NYPD.

This problem is also evident in Queens, with cases ranging from minor incidents like petty theft to more severe crimes, including domestic violence, gang violence and sexual assault.

"There are days we have so many migrant cases, we have to call in for extra Spanish interpreters," said a law enforcement officer at the Queens Criminal Courthouse. Another court officer said, "Come on Mondays! Almost every case is a migrant." (Related: FISCAL BURDEN: American taxpayers spent $150B last year to fund Biden's illegal immigrants.)

"Most of the people we arrest are professionals  these aren't their first crimes," one law enforcement source said. Some migrants have even become familiar faces in city jails and courtrooms, often reoffending shortly after their release.

"They don't care if they get arrested  they laugh if they get sent to Rikers. Where they come from, they get tortured in jail," a Bronx police officer said.

NYPD officials blame federal and local policies for the influx of migrant-related crimes

NYPD officials and law enforcement representatives are pointing fingers at both federal and local policies for the crisis of migrant crime.

They criticize the "open border" policies of the Biden-Harris administration and the sanctuary status of New York, which prohibits the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from cooperating in detaining illegal immigrants. Additionally, police officers are barred from asking about the immigration status of crime victims, witnesses or suspects.

"New York City eliminated a tool to get rid of violent criminals. What a mess," said Jim Quinn, a former prosecutor at the office of the Queens District Attorney. "The sanctuary city law is pathetic. It's disgusting. It's crazy."

Meanwhile, NYC Police Benevolent Association President Patrick Hendry blamed the courts for failing to take a stance against illegal immigration.

"Our justice system is already failing to protect New Yorkers and hold lawbreakers accountable, regardless of where they come from," he said. "But now word has gotten out that you can come to New York to commit crimes and attack police officers and be out the next day. That message needs to change in order to keep dangerous people off our city streets."

The lack of cooperation between NYC police and ICE makes it difficult to curb illegal immigration and accurately estimate the true extent of crimes committed by migrants.

Visit Migrants.news for more stories about the migrant crisis in the United States.

Watch this video discussing California's plan to provide illegal immigrant homebuyers with $150,000 in down payment assistance.

This video is from Newsclips on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Massachusetts governor accused of secretly spending $1 billion on ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.

Congressional report shows 3,000% SURGE in number of illegal immigrants on TERROR WATCHLIST entering the U.S.

14% of illegal immigrants in Georgia admit they are registered to vote in America's elections.

Texas rancher sues DHS over "massive flood" of illegal immigrants passing through his property.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren: Kamala Harris will forge "pathway to citizenship" for MILLIONS of illegal immigrants.

Sources include:

TheNationalPulse.com

NYPost.com

Brighteon.com
Peaceful settlement protester and U.S. citizen shot dead by Israeli military in Palestinian town

A 26-year-old Turkish-American activist died on Friday, Sept. 6, after an Israeli sniper shot her while she was participating in a protest against illegal Israeli settlement expansion in the town of Beita, south of Nablus.

Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, a recent graduate of the University of Washington, was struck by a live bullet to the head during the demonstration. Eyewitnesses said that the protester was not posing any threat at the time of the shooting, which occurred after a period of relative calm following earlier clashes between Palestinian protesters and Israeli soldiers.

An activist who was with Eygi at the time told the Middle East Eye that she and other volunteers from the International Solidarity Movement (ISM) had been attending the weekly demonstration. According to the source, they retreated from soldiers, who had shot tear gas into the crowd. Then two rounds of live ammunition were fired at the group, the activist said, one of which struck Eygi in the head.

"When she was shot, she was standing there doing absolutely nothing with one other woman, it was a deliberate shot because they shot from a very far distance," said the activist, who did not want to be identified. "It was a deliberate shot to the head."

Two Palestinian doctors confirmed that Eygi was indeed shot in the head and efforts to save her life were unsuccessful. Fouad Nafaa, head of the Rafidia hospital in nearby Nablus, told reporters that the activist arrived in a very critical condition with a serious head wound. "We tried to perform a resuscitation operation on her, but unfortunately, she died," he said.

The Israeli army confirmed the incident, saying it had "responded with fire toward a main instigator of violent activity who hurled rocks at them during a protest and that it was looking into reports that a foreign national was killed.

U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller offered condolences to her family and said they were "urgently gathering more information" on the incident, adding they had "no higher priority than the safety and security of American citizens".

"We are aware of the tragic death of an American citizen, Aysenur Eygi, today in the West Bank," Miller said in a statement given to Middle East Eye. "We offer our deepest condolences to her family and loved ones. We are urgently gathering more information about the circumstances of her death and will have more to say as we learn more. We have no higher priority than the safety and security of American citizens."

The Turkish foreign ministry described Eygi's death as a "murder committed by the Netanyahu government."

"Israel is trying to intimidate everyone who comes to the aid of the Palestinians and fights peacefully against genocide," said the ministry. "This policy of violence will not yield results."

Eygi's family demands an individual probe into the "killing"

The family of the shooting victim said that an Israeli investigation was not enough "given the circumstances." They want the United States government to handle the probe.

"We call on President Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of State Antony Blinken to order an independent investigation into the unlawful killing of a U.S. citizen and to ensure full accountability for the guilty parties, said the family.

United Nations spokesman Stephane Dujarric also called for a "full investigation. It said that "civilians must be protected at all times."

U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen said Eygi is the third American to be killed in the West Bank since the Israel-Hamas war started and that the Biden administration "has not been doing enough to pursue justice and accountability on their behalf."

3 U.S. citizens have now been killed in the West Bank in 11 months. There MUST be justice & accountability. The Netanyahu gvt hasn't provided that & the Biden Admin needs to do more to obtain it. Those responsible must be held accountable & the DOJ must take action if necessary: https://t.co/QTja0vFzkN pic.twitter.com/wTDS0AEJzl  Senator Chris Van Hollen (@ChrisVanHollen) September 6, 2024

"It is unfortunate but it is not unprecedented," American lawyer and Palestinian rights activist Tarek Khalil told Al Jazeera. "It is another incident, another horrific killing of an innocent person that is protesting."

Earlier this year, an off-duty Israeli police officer and a settler opened fire and killed 17-year-old U.S. citizen Tawfiq Ajaq near his ancestral village of al-Mazraa ash-Sharqiya. An investigation into the case is still ongoing.

In 2022, an Israeli sniper shot U.S. citizen and Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, who was reporting at the time in the Jenin refugee camp.

The killings came amid an intensification of violence in the West Bank following the Israel-Hamas war that began in October 2023. The West Bank has seen a sharp increase in Israeli military raids, attacks by Palestinian militants, and violence between Israeli settlers and Palestinians. (Related: TWISTED: David Friedman wants U.S. to divert $1B in humanitarian aid for Palestinians to help Israel fully annex West Bank.)

According to Palestinian health officials, over 690 Palestinians have been killed in the region since the conflict escalated. Eygi's death is one of several recent incidents involving the deaths of foreign nationals in the region.

Head over to IsraelCollapse.com to read the latest updates on the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict.

Sources for this article include:

MiddleEastEye.net

AlJazeera.com

FirstPost.com
U.S. charges top Hamas leaders with terrorism in high-profile indictment

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced on September 3 a series of criminal charges against Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and five other senior Hamas officials , both living and deceased, for alleged terrorist activities spanning from the 1990s to the present.

The seven-count indictment, unsealed in a New York federal court, includes charges against Sinwar, Ismail Haniyeh, Mohammad Al-Masri, Marwan Issa, Khaled Meshaal and Ali Baraka.

According to the DOJ, Sinwar is the current leader of Hamas, a group designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S. and is also a founder of the al-Qassam Brigades, Hamass military wing. He is believed to be based in the Gaza Strip. Meshaal, known as Abu al-Waleed, served as chairman of Hamass political bureau from 2004 to 2017 and now manages the group's international affairs from Qatar. (Related: Alleged mastermind of Oct. 7 attack on Israel, Yahya Sinwar, named as new Hamas leader.)

Baraka, who oversees Hamas' foreign relations, is thought to reside in Lebanon. Three of the defendants are either confirmed or presumed dead.

Hamas has confirmed that Haniyeh was killed in a targeted attack in Iran on July 30. The Israeli military reported that Al-Masri, also known as Mohammed Deif and a leader of the al-Qassam Brigades, was killed in an airstrike on July 13, though Hamas has not officially confirmed this. Issa, another Gaza-based commander in the Qassam Brigades, was reported killed on March 10.

The indictment details various conspiracies from 1997 onwards aimed at promoting terrorism and targeting U.S. nationals.

The charges include conspiracy to provide material support for terrorism, conspiracy to murder U.S. nationals, conspiracy to commit bombing resulting in death, conspiracy to use weapons of mass destruction and evading sanctions.

Attorney General Merrick Garland emphasized that these charges are part of a broader strategy to dismantle Hamas' operations. He also highlighted the murder of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, a 23-year-old Israeli-American taken hostage by Hamas during its October 7 attack on southern Israel.

Goldberg-Polin was among six hostages whose remains were recently recovered from Hamas tunnels in Rafah.

Garland assured that U.S. authorities would investigate Goldberg-Polin's death and other Hamas-related killings of Americans as acts of terrorism.

America's decision to charge Hamas leaders undermines its role as mediator in ceasefire negotiations

Efforts are ongoing to negotiate the release of hostages held by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and a ceasefire in Gaza. Of the approximately 250 captives taken by Hamas during the October 7 attack, 117 have been released alive  105 through a November exchange and others through subsequent Israeli rescue operations.

The bodies of 37 additional captives have been recovered, with around 100 hostages still in Hamas' possession.

Hamas has proposed releasing all hostages in exchange for an end to the war, the full withdrawal of Israeli forces and the release of a large number of Palestinian prisoners, including high-profile militants. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has firmly rejected these terms, vowing to defeat Hamas and prevent any resurgence as a threat to Israeli security.

The U.S. charges come as the White House is working with Egyptian and Qatari counterparts to develop a new ceasefire and hostage deal aimed at ending the conflict in Gaza.

Rami Khouri, a distinguished fellow at the American University of Beirut, told Al Jazeera that the U.S. decision to charge Hamas leaders undermines its role as a mediator in the ongoing ceasefire negotiations.

Khouri criticized the U.S. for its strong support of Israel's actions in Gaza, which the UN has described as a potential genocide and for its long-standing designation of Hamas and Hezbollah as terrorist organizations. He argued that the U.S. is more focused on holding Hamas accountable than addressing Israeli actions, leading many to view the U.S. as complicit rather than an impartial mediator.

Read more news about the escalating conflict between Israel and its neighbors in the Middle East at WWIII.news.

Watch this ABC News report about the U.S., Qatar and Egypt calling for renewed negotiations between Hamas and Israel.

This video is from the TrendingNews channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Hamas politburo member says U.S. now incapable of bringing about a CEASEFIRE.

Hamas kills Israeli captive and wounds two others in retaliation for string of Israeli massacres in Gaza.

Despite overwhelming advantage in military equipment, Israel is incapable of destroying Hamas in Gaza, U.S. officials have now concluded.

Sources include:

NTD.com

AlJazeera.com

Brighteon.com
Chilling backdoor plot involving savage Ohio Haitian migrants is being hidden from the American people

Why is there a horde of uncivilized Haitian migrants overrunning the red state of Ohio? Thats the million-dollar question Americans are asking as they watch this horrific nightmare unfold in the Midwest. By now, youve probably heard the horror stories going viral onlineghoulish tales of unkempt, filthy Haitian migrants squatting on peoples lawns, killing pets for food, and being overly aggressive toward American citizens.

(Article republished from Revolver.news)

Absolutely HEARTBREAKING moment Springfield, Ohio, resident tells mayor that she "can't take it anymore" as Haitian migrants squat on her lawn, litter in her yard and harass her and her elderly husband daily. The mayor of Springfield does NOT want people to see this: pic.twitter.com/OJtAy7LSXX  captive dreamer (@captivedreamer7) September 7, 2024

Its a true nightmare, brought to life under the extreme so-called leadership of Biden and Harris, and itll only get worse if the radical duo of Harris and Walz are installed in the White House.

From a Springfield, Ohio Facebook post - this is Kamala's third world America. pic.twitter.com/T7BgRAimri  captive dreamer (@captivedreamer7) September 6, 2024

While Americans watch in horror as small towns in Ohio and across the country are overtaken by violent Venezuelan gangs and Haitian criminals, were all left shocked at how quickly we fell into this mess.

Obviously, the Biden/Harris border invasion is the main culprit, but it goes even deeper than that. Many believe the US is being destroyed from within by a globalist regimes plan to bring America to her knees and equalize her in order to fully install the Great Reset. After all, you cant reset a nation thats happy, healthy, and thriving, can you? Which brings us to the latest devastating issue unfolding in Ohiohow did this horde of invaders end up there, and why?

Well, a bombshell thread on X might just reveal exactly whats going on. And if its trueand theyve got receiptsit proves there really is a plot to reset America, and not in a good way. Worse yet, its all being strategically hidden from the American people.

So, whats the plot? It involves tens of thousands of supposed jobs being quietly advertised and marketed to these uncivilized Haitian groups. Theyve flooded our country, and specifically Ohio, in hopes of landing jobs.

The Consultant:

How 20k Haitians Stormed Ohio to Take Jobs that Were Never Advertised ***Receipts at end of thread*** The Haitian Invasion of Ohio has created a lot of buzz. There are a lot of unexplained aspects of it that people find odd. One of these strange happenings is that locals reported that the jobs the Haitians came for were never advertised to the local population. So how did the Haitians find out about them? It turns out that a network of federal grant recipient organizations have quietly seized control of nearly the entire job market in the US and work to ensure that openings remain hidden so that refugees can take them ahead of American citizens. How many job openings remain hidden? The internal estimates of this network put the number of hidden openings at 80% of all available jobs. EIGHTY PERCENT The way that this network has seized control of the labor market of the United States is easy enough to understand. Firstly, it has positioned itself as a way to remove recruiting costs for employers. Next, it offers employers laborers who can work for lower wages by also providing its refugees with a plethora of social welfare not available to a typical American worker. Finally, it can provide access to the entire global labor market by setting the conditions of refugee status to effectively cover anyone in the world. If an employer needs nurses, janitors, programmers, police or literally any kind of worker the network can provide them to employers at a lower rate of pay than what an American citizen would require due to not having access to the same welfare benefits. These globally sourced scab workers dont require health insurance and have all living expenses subsidized by federal programs. If the typical American had all their health, food, and housing costs covered they would also be able to work for a fraction of their existing wages. Instead, they cover the cost of these global laborers by paying much much more for food, housing, and healthcare. Is this sustainable? If the trend of authoritarian communism continues to win, yes. If 80% of work opportunities are already exclusive to connected networks most of the public will soon have no choice but to work directly for government. The military recruiting crisis will be resolved by simply continuing to deny access to employment and driving up the cost of living for citizens. RECEIPTS > Switchboard (resettlement network technical assisstance) report: The project is 100% financed by federal funds. live-irc-switchboard.pantheonsite.io/wp-content/upl Switchboard is the hub that provides perfect insight into the plan. It is blunt and plainly states its mission to outcompete American labor through networking with all employers to fill positions with refugees in as cut-throat a manner as possible. The plan is simple and cruel  dont even let Americans see a job opening, apprenticeship application, or social program and instead fill every possible opening with global labor being subsidized with every possible form of social welfare. Switchboard has to be blunt because it provides technical direction to every organization in the network. Read the report. Note the explicit acknowledgement that the economy is bad and competition for work is expected to be fierce for a long time.

How 20k Haitians Stormed Ohio to Take Jobs that Were Never Advertised ***Receipts at end of thread*** The Haitian Invasion of Ohio has created a lot of buzz. There are a lot of unexplained aspects of it that people find odd. One of these strange happenings is that locals...  The Consultant (@Civilian1A) September 7, 2024

This is an incredible turn of events. If this revelation pans out and is fully confirmed, you have to ask yourselfwhat US state is next? Which red state will the regime reset after Ohio? Their goal is clear: to transform rural America into a foreign wasteland filled with anti-American forces. The only way to stop this from getting worse is to ensure Harris and Walztwo radical globalistsstay as far away from the White House as possible.

And who knowsif this savagery keeps up, President Trump and JD Vance might even win over the cat lady and PETA vote.

Read more at: Revolver.news
A Buffalo man will spend five years in prison after pleading guilty to charges related to an attempted kidnapping in Cheektowaga.

'Extremely rare': Buffalo man charged with kidnapping Cheektowaga woman Acting DA Michael J. Keane said stranger abduction attempts are very unusual in Western New York. He and the county's Special Victims Bureau chief could not recall a previous instance locally, Keane said.

Abel H. Gebrehawaria, who pleaded guilty to second degree kidnapping, a class B felony, in June, was sentenced Wednesday. He was accused of attacking the victim in early March, dragging her into his vehicle where it was parked on the street and pushing her into the rear seat of his car before driving away.

The victim grabbed the steering wheel as Gebrehawaria attempted to drive, causing him to drive into the curb on George Urban Boulevard. She was then able to escape and reported the incident to police, according to a news release from the Erie County District Attorneys office.

Gebrehawaria will be under post-release supervision for five years as part of the agreement. State Supreme Court Justice M. William Boller also issued a final order of protection on behalf of the victim, which will be in effect until September of 2037.

- Justin Sondel
DEADLY mRNA clot shots revealed to be a MILITARY PROJECT developed by NIH, not Moderna and Pfizer, as we were all led to believe

Did you know that military contractors created the experimental gene therapy injections that trick human cells into producing billions of toxic spike prions in the blood? Did you know that NIH owns 50 percent of the patents for the mRNA vaccines that Moderna and Pfizer pushed out on the populace? Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is blowing the whistle on the whole operation, and should Trump win the presidency this fall, look for the crooks and criminals responsible for this plandemic tragedy to serve hard time in federal prison for it. In fact, Pfizer and Moderna were paid to put their stamps on those vaccines as if they came from the pharmaceutical industry, according to RFK Jr., because it was a military project from the very beginning.

Why would the military be involved in developing heart-crippling biological weapons of mass destruction that were distributed and injected into 270 million Americans?

There is a long history of the Communist Chinese Party (CCP) employing their Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) to create biowarfare weapons, and now it appears that they partnered with National Institutes of Health (NIH) to use gain-of-function research to create Covid-19, create deadly vaccines to prevent it and its spread. Then, the CCP colluded with NIH and pretended that the pharmaceutical industry created the jabs to save everyone, even though the spike protein injections are military-grade biological weapons of mass destruction, designed to kill humans and were created for that reason by the military.

Never forget the United States used small pox virus as a biological weapon to wipe out the indigenous Native Americans, so if youre thinking this coverage of mRNA jabs as biological weapons used by the U.S. military and Big Pharma against Americans is too far-fetched, think again.

U.S. Military, NIH, CCP collaborated to create and patent biological weapons of mass destruction to wipe out billions of humans across the globe

Biological weapons are comprised of toxic materials produced from pathogenic organisms with the intention of wrecking biological processes of a host, thus incapacitating or exterminating that host, which in this case is human. There are unlimited types of microorganisms that can be used as biological weapons because they are highly toxic, inexpensive, simple to obtain, easy to transfer between humans and easy to disperse (think aerosols or vaccines here).

Typical microbes used for biological weapons include viruses, bacteria (anthrax and botulism), fungi and toxins from plants and animals. As of late, Big Pharma is using venom peptides from poisonous animals (snakes, snails, spiders, scorpions, frogs) for prescription medicines. This is widely documented.

The U.S. military is involved in distributing biological weapons of mass destruction on more fronts than just one. Yes, the Covid clot shots are like Trojan horses in that they sneak gene mutation technology into your cells, so they create microscopic prions that clog the vascular system like tiny weapons that destroy vital human systemic functions.

The U.S. military also is responsible for disseminating aerosol toxins into the atmosphere known as chem-trails, and this is certainly a biological weapon of mass destruction, as human respiratory systems and our environment (including crops) are contaminated with heavy metal toxins, hospital hazardous waste, bacteria, viruses and the list goes on.

Bookmark Vaccines.news to your favorite independent websites for updates on experimental military projects given to the populace that cause vascular clots, hypertension, myocarditis, pericarditis, heart attacks, strokes, PCVS, SPS and Long-Vax-Syndrome.

Sources for this article include:

Pandemic.news

NaturalNews.com

GlobalCovidSummit.org

Thoughtco.com
RIGGED: Google growth strategist admits search results manipulated to favor Kamala Harris

Another undercover video from O'Keefe Media Group (OMG) has dropped, showing that search engine giant Google is manipulating its search engine results to favor Kamala Harris over Donald Trump.

A Google growth strategist named Dakota Leazer told one of James O'Keefe's undercover "American Swiper" journalists that Google has been actively coordinating with the Kamala campaign to push her as the candidate Americans should vote for in 2024.

In addition to the Kamala campaign paying for fake news headline ads that pretend to be from names like CNN and NPR, Google is colluding with the Kamala campaign to basically force its users to only see results that support her for president.

"Google was essentially promoting through its ads rhetoric that was very pro-Kamala," Leazer said. "It seemed to link out to legitimate news publication sites. So, it seemed like it was an ad from PBS, but it was really an ad for the Kamala campaign."

BREAKING: Google Growth Strategist Exposes Googles Search Engine Manipulation for Kamala Harris Campaign, Revenue-Driven Political Bias "Google was essentially promoting through its ads rhetoric that was very pro-Kamala, admits Dakota Leazer (@dakotaleazer), a Growth pic.twitter.com/5Sn3gU84be  James O'Keefe (@JamesOKeefeIII) September 9, 2024

(Related: Did you know that YouTube, which is owned by Google, openly brags about how it manipulates elections by banning videos that defy establishment narratives?)

Google's primary objective involves generating ad revenue through fear-based content

Google is less concerned with producing search results that users actually want to see and more concerned with scaring the most users into clicking things that they otherwise might not click, which generates ad revenue for the company.

According to Leazer, Google's entire business model relies on fear-based content to drive clicks and associated ad revenues. Without fear, Google would have a lot less cash flowing into its coffers.

"I think whatever demographic is most fearful is going to be most profitable," Leazer told the OMG reporter, explaining that the left current represents the most fearful demographic that Google wants to exploit.

"I think right now the left is more fearful than the right is," he added. "It's all about the share of the stock price. I think Google has a belief that one side will allow them to make more money."

Other media outlets rely on fear-based programming to drive clicks as well, including CNN whose technical director, Charlie Chester, once stated that "fear sells."

Since OMG's video featuring Leazer went public, Leazer reportedly took down all of his TikTok videos, including ones where he is seen wearing Google merchandise. He also removed his entire bio, including contact information.

"This follows his exposure on hidden camera, where he admitted Google has been coordinating with the Kamala Harris campaign and manipulating search engine ads to favor her in the 2024 election," James O'Keefe tweeted.

JUST IN: @Google Growth Strategist Dakota Leazer (@dakotaleazer) has deleted his TikTok videos, including ones where he is seen wearing Google merchandise. He has also removed his bio and contact information. This follows his exposure on hidden camera, where he admitted Google pic.twitter.com/BSoOtODrwr  James O'Keefe (@JamesOKeefeIII) September 9, 2024

"Kamala Harris is controlled by corrupt Billionaires like Soros and Sundar Pichai Google's CEO," added "Truth Justice" (@SpartaJustice) to the conversation on X, along with the following link:

KAMALA SOROS CORRUPTION: Kamala Harris as Attorney General refused to prosecute the George Soros owned OneWest Bank for over 1,000 violations of federal law. A one year investigation had uncovered evidence of widespread misconduct, but she refused to prosecute Soros and Mnuchin. pic.twitter.com/mRA5ij93ju  Truth Justice  (@SpartaJustice) September 9, 2024

As usual, Google is playing its part to ensure Donald Trump stays out of the White House. Learn more at Rigged.news.

Sources for this article include:

X.com

NaturalNews.com
Indonesia foils plot to assassinate Pope Francis, 7 suspects arrested

Seven suspects believed to be inspired by the Islamic State (ISIS) were arrested for plotting to assassinate Pope Francis during his recent visit to Southeast Asian nations.

The scheme would have seen the pope targeted during the Indonesia leg of his 12-day tour to the Asia-Pacific. The suspects were arrested on Sept. 2 and 3 after police were tipped off by concerned citizens. The police raided one of the suspects' house and discovered a bow and arrows, a drone and pro-ISIS leaflets.

The terrorists were reportedly angered after Pope Francis showed up at the Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta, the largest mosque in the country, and by the fact that the government asked TV stations to not broadcast the common Islamic call to prayer while they displayed Pope Francis' visit as a sign of respect.

Col. Aswin Siregar, a spokesperson for the Indonesian National Police's specialist counterterrorism unit Densus 88, noted that the jihadists were discovered after broadcasting threats against the pope on social media.

Siregar told media that investigations are still in progress, and it has not yet been established whether the seven detainees know each other or are members of the same terror cell.

"We have a mechanism to monitor and filter. We had tip-off information from members of the public," Aswin said. "Densus 88 has taken legal action against seven individuals  who made threats in the form of propaganda or terror threats via social media in response to the Pope's arrival. There was also a threat to set fire to the locations."

Aswin added that a search of one of the suspect's houses revealed that at least some of the suspects had pledged their allegiances to ISIS.

"One of the arrested is a militant who belongs to the same terror group that attacked Wiranto," Aswin stated, referring to Indonesia's former Chief Security Minister Wiranto, who was stabbed in 2019 by two terrorists affiliated with the local ISIS-linked militant group Jamaah Ansharut Daulah.

Pope Francis denounces religious extremism, calls for dialogue between faiths

The 87-year-old Pope Francis is visiting Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, East Timor and Singapore over his 12-day tour. The leader of the Catholic Church is confined to a wheelchair after suffering health issues over the past years.

During a short visit to the presidential palace in Jakarta, Pope Francis used the opportunity to denounce religious extremism.

"There are times when faith can be manipulated to foment divisions and increase hatred," said Pope Francis, adding that religious differences need to be talked out by stating that "prejudices can be eliminated, and a climate of mutual respect and trust can grow."

Indonesia has the biggest Muslim population in the world. It has battled against religious extremist-motivated terrorist attacks for decades  a fight that has been characterized by prominent attacks, including the aforementioned stabbing against Wiranto, the 2002 Bali bombings that killed over 200 people and the 2009 Jakarta bombings that killed and injured dozens. (Related: ISIS takes credit for fatal shooting during Catholic Mass in Istanbul.)

Follow Terrorism.news for more news about ISIS and other terrorist groups.

ISIS always looking for soft targets, according to former CIA station chief Dan Hoffman. Watch this video.

This video is from the TrendingNews channel on Brighteon.com.

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Taylor Swifts Eras Tour concert in Vienna CANCELED due to CIA terrorist plot warning.

Germany: Murder victims in the Solingen massacre were activists in favor of "tolerance" and "integration."

8 Tajikistan nationals with suspected ISIS ties ARRESTED after crossing southern border.

ISIS sympathizers threaten terrorist attack during India-Pakistan cricket match in New York.

Over 100 people in Russia DEAD in ISIS-claimed terrorist attack at concert venue right outside Moscow.

Sources include:

The-Sun.com

StraitsTimes.com

Brighteon.com
Israeli airstrikes KILL paramedics, injure civilians in southern Lebanon

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has killed three paramedics and wounded two civilian truck crews, some of whom are in critical condition, during an airstrike in southern Lebanon

According to Lebanon's Ministry of Public Health, the emergency workers were trying to contain a fire in the village of Froun in the southern Nabatieh Governorate when the IDF conducted an airstrike in the area on Sept. 7. The ministry called the attack a "violation of international law," noting it was the second time within 12 hours that an ambulance team had been targeted. (Related: At least a dozen civilians KILLED in Israeli airstrike targeting Gaza school.)

"Israeli forces targeted a team from the Lebanese Civil Defense as they responded to fires sparked by recent Israeli air strikes," a ministry statement said, adding that the strike hit a fire truck. "Earlier today, the IDF struck and eliminated terrorists from the Amal terrorist organization that operated within a Hezbollah military structure in the area of Froun in southern Lebanon."

The IDF refuted the claims and stated that the strike only "eliminated terrorists" from the Amal movement, a Shia group allied with Hezbollah. But shortly after, the Amal movement released a statement that two of the slain paramedics were their members. The movement indicated that two of their members had been killed "while performing their humanitarian and national duty in defense of Lebanon and the South." The statement does not indicate that the slain were anything but paramedics.

In line with this, Brig. Gen. Raymond Khattar, the director of Lebanese Civil Defense, extended his "deepest condolences" to the families of those killed and expressed hopes for the "speedy recovery" of Mohammad Amasha, one of the wounded men, who remains in critical condition at Tebnin Governmental Hospital following surgery.

IDF has been targeting paramedics, health workers and humanitarian aid

Cross-border hostilities between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah group have escalated since the beginning of the war in Gaza, with near-daily exchanges of fire between the two sides.

The Lebanese Public Health Ministry disclosed that "25 paramedics from various ambulance teams have been killed, while two health workers and 94 paramedics have been injured" to date due to Israeli aggression.

Meaning to say, that paramedics, health workers and humanitarian aid have been included in Israeli targets since the war started in October.

In line with this, Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati condemned the Sept. 7 airstrike as "a blatant violation of international laws and blatant aggression against human values." He even called for an emergency meeting with Western ambassadors and other international representatives in Beirut to demand accountability and exert pressure on Israel.

"The Israeli enemy does not care about any law and continues to ignite the fire of its crimes against Lebanon and the Lebanese," Mikati said.

Check out IsraelCollapse.news for the latest updates on the catastrophic Israeli attacks on Gaza and Lebanon.

Watch this clip of Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon.

This video is from the channel Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Israeli airstrike on Gaza refugee camp in Rafah decapitates small child, kills dozens.

Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon KILL TWO CHILDREN.

Israeli airstrikes targeting Hamas leaders in Jabalia refugee camp left at least 195 Palestinians dead.

Israeli airstrike partially destroying nearly 1,600-year-old Gaza church stuns Christian community.

Israeli airstrike hits CHURCH in Gaza, kills at least 18 Christians.

Sources include:

NewsAntiWar.com

CNN.com

ABC.net.au

Brighteon.com
Kamala Harris releases three pro-abortion ads targeting Trump while advocating a free-for-all of nationwide baby murder

The Democratic Party campaign of Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has just released three pro-abortion ads to directly attack former President Donald Trump

The ads, which will be aired on broadcast and cable networks in key swing states like Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, are part of the Harris-Walz campaign's $70 million digital and television marketing initiative that will run until the election on Nov. 5. This marketing initiative would capitalize on the debate over reproductive rights following the 2022 overturning of Roe v. Wade.

The first ad, titled "He Told Us," features a clip of Trump taking credit for "terminating Roe v. Wade" and includes statements that he is "proud" of the decision. The ad goes on to claim that Trump seeks to restrict access to birth control, ban abortion nationwide and monitor women's pregnancies  allegations based on passages from The Heritage Foundation's "Project 2025," a document that Trump has publicly disavowed.

The second ad, "Big Family," centers on Alabama resident Latorya Beasley, whose planned in-vitro fertilization (IVF) procedure was canceled due to a ruling by the Alabama Supreme Court, which determined that frozen embryos are legally considered children.

"Donald Trump overturning Roe v. Wade stopped us from growing the family that we wanted," Beasley said in the ad, citing the dependence of the IVF industry on legally killing more children than bringing them into the world.

"I don't want politicians telling me how or when I can have a baby," continued Beasley, perhaps unaware of the fact that it was the rulings of the U.S. and Alabama Supreme Courts, rather than Trump himself, that affected the status of IVF procedures.

The third ad, "Laurel," presents Wisconsin resident Laurel Marcinkus, who recounts a life-threatening experience during childbirth. Marcinkus stated that the overturning of Roe v. Wade delayed her access to medical care. The ad also includes footage of Trump from a 2016 MSNBC town hall, where he stated that "there has to be some form of punishment for women" who have abortions, a statement he later retracted.

Harris appears at the end of the ad, approving Marcinkus' message, while a campaign spokesperson, Lauren Hitt, adds: "Donald Trump is a fundamental threat to reproductive freedom  and you dont have to take our word for it  Trump said it himself. In fact, hes said again and again that he's 'proud' that he overturned Roe  a ruling which has harmed countless women, including Latorya and Laurel."

Same old strategy: Democrats focusing on reproductive rights while criticizing Trump

In 2022, the Democrats proved this strategy effective when it blunted the expected "red wave" in the midterms. Now, with another election season on the horizon, they are once again investing tens of millions of dollars in the same strategy of focusing on reproductive rights while criticizing Trump, his past actions and his role in the reversal of Roe v. Wade.

Harris is expected to focus more on direct attacks against Trump. Her campaign team is also set to bring up the alleged "lies, failure and broken promises" of Trump to portray Harris as a strong, fearless candidate willing to take on the former president head-on. (Related: Kamala Harris LOSES SUPPORT in latest post-DNC poll.)

The Democrats believe rattling Trump with sharp personal criticisms could be more effective in swaying voters than engaging in a policy-heavy discussion.

Aside from the ads already attacking Trump, Harris' campaign team also plans to remind voters of all the controversies associated with the former president and his first term in office. These controversies include his supposed failures in securing funding for a border wall, response to the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, proposed alternative healthcare plan after failing to repeal the Affordable Care Act and alleged inability to pass a comprehensive infrastructure bill.

Visit KamalaWatch.com for similar stories regarding the campaign of the vice president.

Watch as Kamala Harris is called out for new strategy to avoid the press.

This video is from the TrendingNews channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Kamala Harris working with Tim Walz to create federal Department of GROCERIES  food price controls and empty shelves wont be far behind.

Kamala Harris dodges media questions by pretending to be on a phone call  while wearing headphones.

Kamala Harris used fake letter to deceive public into thinking Tucker Carlson praised her push for gun control.

Kamala Harris calls for renewal of so-called assault weapons ban to hurriedly DISARM Americans before the election.

Kamala Harris campaign colluded with Google to manipulate headlines, shadow ban Trump on search results.

Sources include:

LifeSiteNews.com

YourNews.com

NBCNews.com

Brighteon.com
Judge Merchan DELAYS Trumps hush money sentencing until after election

Judge Juan Merchan, who oversees former President Donald Trump's hush money trial in New York, has delayed the Republican's sentencing until after the November election.

According to Reuters, the acting justice of the New York State Supreme Court postponed his sentencing of Trump to Nov. 26  three weeks after Election Day on Nov. 5. This marks the second time Merchan pushed back Trump's sentencing; the real estate mogul was previously scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 19.

Prior to the Sept. 6 reschedule, Trump's original sentencing schedule was on July 11. However, the Supreme Court issued a decision with regard to presidential immunity that impacted the former president's guilty verdict. According to the high court, Trump and other presidents are immune from legal action for actions done in an official capacity  but not actions done unofficially. (Related: Supreme Court says Trump, other former presidents immune from criminal prosecution for official acts  but NOT unofficial acts.)

Merchan's decision to move Trump's sentencing to Nov. 26 sides with a motion filed by the former president's attorneys Todd Blanche and Emil Bove. They wrote in the August filing that there wouldn't be enough time for the defense to appeal the judge's upcoming ruling on Trump's request to overturn the conviction. Moreover, it would be inappropriate to sentence the former president this month since early voting in the presidential election has already begun.

Prosecutors did not challenge Merchan's decision to delay Trump's sentencing, leaving the final say to the judge. "The people respectfully defer to the court on the appropriate post-trial schedule," they noted. Even the office of Manhattan District Attorney (DA) Alvin Bragg did not oppose the delay, with a spokesperson saying the progressive prosecutor "stands ready for sentencing on the new date set by the court."

Trump calls for the hush money verdict to be "rightfully terminated"

In May, Trump was convicted on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records to cover up $130,000 given by his then-lawyer Michael Cohen to adult film actress Stormy Daniels (born Stephanie Clifford). The hush money sought to keep Daniels silent before the 2016 election about a sexual encounter she claimed she had with Trump a decade earlier.

The real estate mogul pleaded not guilty and denied the encounter, vowing to appeal the verdict once he is sentenced on Nov. 26. He took to Truth Social to laud Merchan's move. According to Trump's post, he appreciated that Merchan noted the sentencing would only take place if the judge denies a pending motion by his lawyers to toss out the jury's verdict.

"This case should be rightfully terminated, as we prepare for the most important election in the history of our country," Trump wrote. Steven Cheung, a spokesman for the former president's campaign, remarked that there should be no sentencing at all and that the hush money case should be dismissed.

According to ZeroHedge, the charges carry a maximum sentence of four years in jail. Most legal observers expect Trump to avoid jail time, given the alternatives to incarceration, including probation.

If Trump wins in November, he could order the Department of Justice to drop federal election interference charges against him filed by Special Counsel Jack Smith. However, he won't have the authority to end the hush money case in Manhattan presided by Merchan, a separate civil fraud case presided by Judge Arthur Engoron and election interference charges in Georgia pushed by Fulton County DA Fani Willis.

Check out Trump.news for similar stories.

Watch this Fox News report about Donald Trump entering a not guilty plea in his federal election interference case.

This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Donald Trump's sentencing in hush money case DELAYED until September 18, right before election.

SCOTUS rejects request to DELAY Trump sentencing for hush money case until after elections.

Trump moves to overturn Manhattan conviction following SCOTUS immunity ruling.

Sources include:

ZeroHedge.com

Reuters.com

Brighteon.com
Oxfords new COVID jab aimed to sterilize 60%  70% of recipients, developer admits

Prof. Sir John Bell, a key figure in the development of the University of Oxford 's Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) "vaccine," let slip the other day the fact that the school's latest COVID injection is capable of sterilizing between 60 and 70 percent of those who take it.

In a recent interview about the new shot, Sir John, who teaches medicine at Oxford, seemed to suggest that one of the goals behind these injections is to mass sterilize the planet under the guise of protecting public health against the "COVID virus."

"These vaccines are unlikely to completely sterilize a population," Sir John said with seeming disappointment during the interview.

"They're very likely to have an effect which works in a percentage, say 60 or 70 percent. We'll have to look quite carefully, and the regulators will have to look quite carefully to make sure that it's done what we need it to do before it gets approved."

A clinical trial for the shot is still ongoing and Sir John says there will be a "delay" between when the results are in and when regulators give the shot the green light for public release.

Sir John was barely able to complete his sentence before the interviewer cut him off, apparently to keep him quiet from revealing any further incriminating information about the new Oxford shot.

During a seemingly routine interview, Professor Sir John Bell, a key figure in the development of the Oxford vaccine, accidentally let slip a jaw-dropping bombshell that left the world in disbelief. Caught off guard, Bell revealed the unthinkable: "Sterilizing 60 to 70% of the pic.twitter.com/K2sRt1kdvE  ?Blue Sky ?? ?? ?? (@Anpo_Star) September 7, 2024

(Related: Just a few short months ago, Donald Trump was bragging to TIME about how "phenomenal" his Operation Warp Speed jabs are.)

COVID shots did nothing to stop pandemic  and EVERYTHING to make it worse

X users had a heyday with this interview and the implications made in it. One wrote that while the word "sterilizing" as Sir John used it could simply be referring to the shot sterilizing the "virus," it is still untrue that any COVID shot prevents any disease.

"A 'sterilizing' vaccine is a vaccine that prevents the recipient from catching and transmitting the virus," one wrote. "The Covid vaccines do not do that."

Another linked to the following definition from the medical literature as to what sterilizing immunity means:

"Sterilizing immunity describes the elimination of a pathogen before it can replicate in the host."

Dr. Peter McCullough, MD, MPH, also commented that Operation Warp Speed, meaning the worldwide vaccine program unveiled by Donald Trump, did nothing to influence the "pandemic" for the better.

"Three developments have made the illness far less severe and essentially eliminated the risk of COVID-19 hospitalization and death in this historical order:" Dr. McCullough wrote, emphasizing that the jabs are not one of those developments.

"1) Early multidrug treatment protocols

2) Natural immunity from prior strains

3) Mutation to less pathogenic Omicron variants"

Dr. Mary Talley Bowden, MD, agrees. She wrote in response to Dr. McCullough's post that the shots are "all risk" and "no benefit."

"Profits over safety," she added. "The shots should have been pulled off the market a long time ago."

"Ironically, the graph would probably show more of an effect if they were actually measuring 'real' COVID deaths and not just anyone-who-died-of-anything-and-tested-positive (irrespective of how 'effective' the vaccine wasn't)," wrote another about Dr. Bowden's graph, which you can view below:

Looks like the shot designed to save the world did not work. pic.twitter.com/4FQaikyrCD  Mary Talley Bowden MD (@MdBreathe) September 7, 2024

Getting COVID-jabbed is a recipe for health disaster. Find out more at BadMedicine.news.

Sources for this article include:

X.com

NaturalNews.com
Violent Tren de Aragua prison gang from Venezuela terrorizes, takes over El Paso hotel

El Paso County authorities in Texas are taking legal action after a horde of illegal alien invaders from the Venezuelan "Tren de Aragua" (TdA) prison gang swarmed and seized control of the Gateway Hotel in El Paso along the border with Mexico.

No longer are there normal, paying guests staying at the Gateway Hotel, but rather a steady stream of gang members in and out who are using the property as a hub for committing violent criminal activity in Texas and beyond, as well as for prostitution, drug use and other gang activity.

The El Paso County Attorney's office filed for a temporary injunction, a restraining order and a petition for abatement against the Gateway Hotel for allowing the facility to be turned into a crime hub for a violent, foreign gang. If successful, the Gateway Hotel will be shut down entirely.

Court documents show that police officers in the area are concerned about the growing criminal presence at the hotel.

Officer Samuel Medina says crime is up big time after TdA took over the facility. Officer Dionicio M. Alvarez echoed this, stating that the hotel's management is doing nothing to stop the illegal activity from taking place on its property.

Security footage shows armed gang members brandishing firearms, knives and hatchets in the hallways of the hotel. In at least one clip, a gunshot could be audibly heard in the background.

(Related: Did you know that according to Pope Francis, rejecting migrants is "a grave sin" that will not go unpunished by God?)

Thanks, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, for destroying America

From what we know, TdA now has a presence in Texas, Colorado and New York City. There are likely other cities where the Venezuelan gang is setting up shop as well, which we will likely hear about in the coming days as the Biden regime's open borders policies wreak havoc on America.

In Dallas, for instance, TdA gang members were spotted in multiple neighborhoods causing trouble. They are also raising hell in El Paso where the Gateway Hotel is located.

Keep in mind that TdA is known to have first entered the U.S. illegally since Joe Biden and Kamala Harris were installed into the White House. Kamala, who is now running for president on the Democrat ticket, was Biden's "border czar" this entire time, meaning she is directly responsible for allowing TdA to bust in and take over the place.

"You could say it's an armed invasion, and one that's not being addressed by those elected to protect and defend the nation," one commenter wrote.

"Impeachment is too good for this entire current administration," wrote another.

"I guess Trump was right about them not sending their best," said another, referring to the many times back in 2016 when Donald Trump warning on the campaign trail that Mexico, in that case, was not sending its best.

Someone else pointed out that El Paso's current mayor, a Democrat, was born in Chihuahua, Mexico. He arrived in El Paso with his family when he was just nine years old and did not even know how to speak English.

"Think your vote doesn't matter?" this person then asked, referring to how easy it apparently is for foreigners to come to America and take office.

"How do these people that invaded our country benefit us? They don't," said another. "What a waste of hundreds of billions of dollars of our tax dollars and resources."

Eventually, the illegal alien invasion will result in American citizens being outnumbered by the invaders  what happens then? Find out more at InvasionUSA.news.

Sources for this article include:

YourNews.com

KFOXTV.com

NaturalNews.com
Trump teases supporters with claims that those who stole the 2020 election will be prosecuted

President Donald Trump is back online with a message for his supporters: if he gets reelected this fall, mass arrests of those who tampered with the 2020 election will come.

On his Truth Social platform, Trump issued his own "CEASE & DESIST" note that claims he and "many Attorneys and Legal Scholars" are "watching the Sanctity of the 2024 Presidential Election very closely because I know, better than most, the rampant Cheating and Skullduggery that has taken place by the Democrats in the 2020 Presidential Election."

Further calling what happened in 2020 "a Disgrace to our Nation!" Trump warned that as the 2024 votes come pouring in, he and his allies will be giving them "the closest professional scrutiny" to ensure that Trump wins this time.

"WHEN I WIN," Trump shouted, "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 WON'T!" Trump added. "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."

(Related: Did you know that Russian President Vladimir Putin is a huge Kamala Harris supporter? Putin says he loves Kamala because "she laughs so expressively and infectiously that it means that everything is fine with her.")

Did Trump already catch the swamp?

It is unclear from Trump's message whether he is saying he plans to prosecute the cheaters both in 2020 and 2024 or if he just plans to deal with what happened to him in 2020. In either case, Trump has sent the first warning shot that cheaters will not get away with it this time.

The "MJTruthUltra" (@MJTruthUltra) X account speculated that perhaps Trump's message gives "Mass Arrests Vibes," this presumably referring to the QAnon warnings from years ago about future mass arrests  or maybe this is what Trump meant when he infamously warned that "a storm is coming?"

Some are speculating that Trump has already caught all of the cheaters in 2020. Back in 2019, in fact, Trump came right out and said in an interview while waiting to board Marine One that he "caught the swamp."

"I caught them all," Trump said definitively  watch the clip below. "Let's see what happens: Nobody else could have done it but me."

Trump actually said basically the same thing again at a recent gathering of the National Rifle Association (NRA) in Texas:

There is a genius to what Im doing, you do know that right? pic.twitter.com/d7CyY1iMhh  DailyNoah.com (@DailyNoahNews) September 1, 2024

"Are we truly just watching a movie?" asked "Noah" from 100percentfedup.com about these latest developments. "Has most of this over the past 10 years all been scripted? Or at least heavily influenced?"

Noah seems to believe that Trump may still be using the presidential seal and that the people currently in charge on the world stage may not be as powerful as they seem.

Holy shyt... There it is. ? While talking about identification, Trump holds his binder up to his chest... That is the PRESIDENTIAL SEAL. He just showed the presidential seal as his ID. ?? Then he appears to even draw a Q over top of it? This feels like a really https://t.co/D8tCNpd7yn pic.twitter.com/vCRaBqnXId  Joe Rambo (@BrainStorm_Joe) October 8, 2023

"This is why there have been many people in the FBI, CIA, DOJ, and SS that say if Trump gets elected again, they are leaving the USA," one commenter wrote, adding to the speculation.

The latest news about Trump's re-run for president in 2024 can be found at Trump.news.

Sources for this article include:

100percentfedup.com

NaturalNews.com
Tulsi Gabbard: Criticizing Kamala Harris put me on secret terrorist watchlist

Former U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI) has shared that her criticism of Vice President Kamala Harris has put her on the federal government's "secret terrorist watchlist."

The former congresswoman for the Aloha State recounted details of this ordeal in a video posted Sept. 4 on the X platform. According to her, she was placed on the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) Quiet Skies program (QSP) in July. Her inclusion in the QSP came a day after she warned about Harris and the Deep State on the matter of foreign policy during an appearance on "The Ingraham Angle" on Fox News.

"Harris is not knowledgeable or strong enough to stand up to potential adversaries, or just as importantly the unelected warmongers  i.e. the military-industrial complex which profits from the war and the national security state which uses these wars as a pretext to further clamp down on our freedom," Gabbard wrote on X following her July Fox News appearance.

"Like [President Joe] Biden, she will simply be their puppet. We need a commander-in-chief strong enough to take charge. [Former President Donald] Trump will not be anyone's puppet  that's why the Deep State will do everything possible to keep him out of the Oval Office."

However, Gabbard became aware that something was amiss when she and her husband were being patted down extensively when they would travel  with the more stringent security measure beginning on July 23. It was only after several whistleblowers from the Federal Air Marshal Service disclosed the information to the Air Marshal National Council (AMNC) that the full details emerged.

UncoverDC reported on the whistleblowers' disclosures to the AMNC. According to them, Gabbard was being trailed by "two explosive-detection canine teams, one Transportation Security Specialist-Explosives, one plainclothes TSA supervisor and three federal air marshals on every flight she boards." Following the disclosures being made public, news of the former congresswoman being placed on the QSP broke out.

According to LifeSiteNews, the QSP is "a surveillance initiative the government uses to monitor potential domestic terrorists." But Gabbard is far from being a terrorist, having served in Congress from 2013 to 2021. She left the Democratic Party in 2022, becoming an independent.

Democratic Party deems critics of its policy as "terrorists"

Gabbard took to X when news of her inclusion in the QSP broke out, reminding voters that the current administration engaged in politically motivated targeting of ordinary Americans  including herself.

"The Harris-Biden regime has now labeled me a domestic terrorist. Why? They see me as a threat to their power," she said in a video posted on the social media platform.

"The Harris-Biden administration and Democrat elite have spent years weaponizing our law enforcement, national security state  even enlisting the help of their friends in Big Tech and the mainstream propaganda media  to retaliate against those who dare to criticize their acting and their policies."

Several Republican lawmakers spoke out against Gabbard's inclusion in the QSP, including Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan  chairman of the House Judiciary Committee  and Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul. Four GOP lawmakers in the Hawaii House of Representatives also denounced the TSA's "harassment" of Gabbard in a letter.

The senator for the Bluegrass State and ranking member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee previously sent a letter to the TSA calling Gabbard's targeting "troubling allegations." But Gabbard herself told Tucker Carlson that the TSA failed to comply with Paul's request.

The news of Gabbard being surveilled by the TSA came days before Trump and Harris faced off in their first presidential debate on Sept. 10. The former Hawaii congresswoman has reportedly been helping the real estate mogul prepare.

According to LifeSiteNews, Harris and Gabbard previously faced off during the 2020 Democratic primary debates. The then-congresswoman for Hawaii called out the then-California senator's hypocritical stance on marijuana laws. Trump recently announced that Gabbard, alongside Robert F. Kennedy Jr., will be joining his transition team if he wins in November.

Visit CancelDemocrats.news for similar stories.

Watch former U.S. Rep Tulsi Gabbard explaining why she endorses Donald Trump for president below.

This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Why a Kamala Harris presidency would be the death of the Democrats.

Kamala Harris secures endorsements from top Democrats except Barack Obama.

Three powerful Dems sound major alarm bells over Comrade Kamala's plans to BUTCHER social media.

Sources include:

LifeSiteNews.com

Brighteon.com
The Niagara County Sheriff's Office on Wednesday released the names of the drivers involved in Tuesday's fatal collision in Somerset.

Louis A. Greenwald, 78, of Lake Wales, Fla., was killed in the 2:31 p.m. collision at East Lake and Carmen roads, the Sheriff's Office said.

Greenwald was driving a 2024 Nissan heading north on Carmen when he failed to yield to a truck heading east on Lake, according to the Sheriff's Office.

Greenwald was taken by Mercy Flight to Erie County Medical Center where he died.

The driver of the 2019 GMC truck, identified as Earl H. Foster, 78, of Wilson, was taken by ambulance to Lockport Memorial Hospital with injuries not considered life-threatening.

Greenwald's Nissan came to rest in the middle of the intersection, while Foster's truck ran into a nearby cornfield, the Sheriff's Office said.

- Aaron Besecker
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This past week the Buffalo Union of American Physicians & Dentists, representing 831 resident physicians who work in University at Buffalo-affiliated hospitals, executed a four-day strike to protest the failure of University Medical Resident Services (UMRS), the private corporation that employs the residents, to provide a fair contract.

Whether or not to actively participate in the strike was a difficult and personal decision for many residents. Stepping away from patient care is painfully incongruent with our ingrained instinct to care for patients regardless of the personal cost.

As a general surgery resident, I love my colleagues, the surgical faculty, support staff, and most of all, I love serving the patients of Buffalo. In weighing my decision, I realized that on a personal level, it comes down to family. Specifically my concern for the health and well-being of residents and their families. My husband and I are blessed with two young children. I dont take for granted that I do not have to consider the financial repercussions of completing essential parenting tasks like establishing childcare, purchasing school supplies, or even medical emergencies.

The only reason these tasks arent laden with monetary distress is because our household is complemented with my husbands income. With his income, commensurate with his education, we can provide for our children and medical attention for our family. It pains me to consider the financial distress of my colleagues depending solely on resident incomes struggling to secure childcare, educational opportunities, or even basic medical care for themselves and their children.

Residents have dedicated well over a decade of their lives to provide the best possible care for their patients. The average student loan debt is $250,000. It is frankly unconscionable for UMRS to make healthcare financially prohibitive with a $3,000 deductible for residents already saddled with overwhelming debt.

Thankfully many families qualify for public assistance for childcare, given their low income status. Studies show that inappropriate compensation exacerbates burnout. Supporting residents and their families is as simple as matching the salaries and benefits of regional residency programs.

UMRS has failed to offer a fair contract to the Buffalo Union of American Physicians & Dentists. Buffalo is the most unionized city in the country. As residents, it is our privilege to serve as doctors for a city with such a strong union presence. In order to continue excellence in care and to recruit the best residents to our great city, we need the support of the Buffalo community as we insist on a fair contract.

Only as healthy, appropriately compensated physicians can we provide the best possible care for our patients.
Rahul Gandhi calls for India, US to offer alternative to China's growth model

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ongress 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."

 Rahul Gandhi calls for India, US to offer alternative to China's growth model

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Canada suspends 30 arms sales permits for Israel

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anadian Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly has said that Ottawa has suspended about 30 existing permits for arms sales to Israel, local media reported.

According to the reports, Joly said on Tuesday that Ottawa's policy is that Canadian-made arms and components cannot be used in the Gaza Strip, regardless of how they are sent to Israel.

Ottawa stopped approving new arms permits for Israel in January though permits approved in the prior months were still active, Xinhua news agency reported, citing local media.

"We will not have any form of arms, or parts of arms, be sent to Gaza. Period. How they're being sent and where they're being sent is irrelevant," Joly was quoted as saying.

According to the reports, Canada is also blocking a contract with the US government to send Quebec-made ammunition to the Israeli Defense Forces, which was announced by Washington weeks ago.

 Canada suspends 30 arms sales permits for Israel

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Putin would eat you: Harris to Trump on his 'friendship' with Russian president

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n the first US presidential debate, Democratic candidate Kamala Harris accused her Republican opponent, Donald Trump, of aligning with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

When the discussion shifted to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, Trump refrained from answering directly whether he wanted Ukraine to win the war. Instead, he said, "I think it's in the US' best interest to get this war finished."

Harris responded sharply, taunting Trump for his "friendship" with Putin. She suggested that Trump would cave under pressure from the Russian leader.

"Putin would be sitting in Kyiv with his eyes on the rest of Europe, starting with Poland," Harris said. "How quickly you would give up for the sake of favour and what you think is a friendship with what is known to be a dictator who would eat you for lunch."

On the Israel-Hamas conflict, Harris voiced her support for a two-state solution. Trump claimed the current situation in Gaza would never have escalated under his presidency and accused Harris of disliking both Israel and the Arab population in the region.

Harris firmly denied Trump's accusations and reiterated her support for Israel.

Harris also criticised Trump's global reputation, pointing out how world leaders perceive him.

"I have travelled the world as Vice-President of the United States. World leaders are laughing at Donald Trump. They say you are a disgrace," she sarcastically remarked.

Throughout the debate, Harris handled Trump's criticisms with composure, particularly when he attempted to highlight the failures of the Biden administration.

In response, Harris quipped, "You are not running against Biden."

The debate, hosted by ABC News, marked the first time the two candidates faced off. Notably, Harris and Trump shook hands at the start of the debate, breaking an eight-year streak of no handshakes on the presidential debate stage.

Harris also made a point to formally introduce herself to Trump during their initial encounter, adding a personal touch to the fiery exchanges.

 Putin would eat you: Harris to Trump on his 'friendship' with Russian president

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Amit Shah thanks Amitabh Bachchan for joining campaign against cybercrime

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nion Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday expressed his gratitude to Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan for actively participating in the government's efforts to combat rising cybercrimes and help create a cyber-secure India.

"Pursuing Modi Ji's vision, the Ministry of Home Affairs is resolved to creating a safe cyberspace in the nation. The I4C (Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre) has taken several steps in this direction. I thank Shri Amitabh Bachchan Ji for joining this campaign. Amitabh Bachchan Ji's active involvement will further accelerate our mission to build a Cyber-Secure Bharat," Shah wrote on X, sharing a post of Cyber Dost, the Ministry of Home Affairs' cyber safety and security awareness handle.

Cyber Dost also highlighted Amitabh Bachchan's involvement in the campaign, saying, "Supporting PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji and HM Shri Amit Shah Ji's vision, the iconic actor Shri Amitabh Bachchan Ji has joined I4C's campaign to make India cyber secure. You too can join this initiative, stay vigilant against cyber fraud, and contribute to building a Cyber-Secure Bharat."

In a video message, Amitabh Bachchan emphasised the importance of vigilance against cybercrime.

"The rising cases of cybercrime in the country and across the world are a matter of concern. The Home Ministry's Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre is working towards controlling this. With Home Minister Amit Shah's insistence, I joined this campaign, and I want us all to unite against this problem. A bit of caution can protect us from cybercrimes," the Bollywood actor said.

On Tuesday, Amit Shah addressed the first Foundation Day celebrations of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) and launched the 'Samanvay' Platform, a joint cybercrime investigation facility system.

The I4C initiative was approved in October 2018 to address various forms of cybercrime in a comprehensive and coordinated manner.

The government has since undertaken several measures to increase awareness, prevent cybercrime, and enhance law enforcement capacity by issuing cyber alerts, training officials, and improving cyber forensic facilities.

 Amit Shah thanks Amitabh Bachchan for joining campaign against cybercrime

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Swami Vivekanand's speech, 131 years ago, inspired PM Modi to embark on journey of self-discovery

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s the nation celebrates the Digvijay Diwas, honouring the legacy of Swami Vivekanand and commemorating his historic speech in Chicago, here is a throwback on how his historic address, 131 years ago, inspired Narendra Modi to embark on a journey of self-discovery to the Himalayas.

It was on September 11, 1893, that Swami Vivekanand delivered his timeless speech at the Parliament of World's Religions in Chicago.

His words not only introduced the world to India's rich spiritual heritage but also inspired countless individuals in future generations, one of whom was a 17-year-old young boy - Narendra Modi.

Modi Archive, a popular X handle narrating the life journey of the Prime Minister via its archives shared an old photo of Narendra Modi on Wednesday and informed about what impact Swami Vivekanand's speech had on his young, impressionable mind.

Narendra Modi was so inspired by Swami Vivekanand's teachings at such a young age that he left his abode in Vadnagar for the Himalayas, on a journey of self-discovery.

The popular X handle also shared a photo of Narendra Modi, from a wedding ceremony in his village, just a day before leaving for the Himalayas.

It also informs that the young Narendra Modi got to know and understand Swami Vivekanand's works from Dr Vasantbhai Parikh, a local native of his village.

It was 131 years ago that Swami Vivekanand delivered his memorable speech at the Parliament of World's Religions in Chicago and left the world stunned with knowledge of ancient Hindu scriptures and a visionary outlook.

To date, the speech is remembered by every Indian as path-breaking and also a landmark moment in the history of inter-faith dialogue as it introduced Indian spirituality and the Vedas to the Western world.

PM Modi has time and again spoken about the impact of Swami Vivekanand's teachings on his life and has often reflected in his years of public service.

This year, after concluding the whirlwind tour of the country for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, PM Modi spent two days meditating on the rocks at Swami Vivekanand memorial in Kanyakumari.

The memorial was named after Swami Vivekananda as he sat there to meditate after his India tour. It was here in Kanyakumari that Swami Vivekanand is understood to have got the vision of modern India.

 Swami Vivekanand's speech, 131 years ago, inspired PM Modi to embark on journey of self-discovery

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CM Stalin meets Ford company officials, explores possibilities to renew tie up

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amil Nadu Chief Minister M .K. Stalin, who is on an investment garnering trip to the United States since August 29, met the officials of Ford Motors in Chicago.

CM Stalin, in a statement on his social media platform X, said: "Had a very engaging discussion with the team from @Ford Motors! Explored the feasibility of renewing Ford's three-decade partnership with Tamil Nadu, to again make in Tamil Nadu for the world! "

Ford had invested nearly $2 billion in the Indian market for its design, production and marketing. However, it exited India in September 2021 as it faced stiff competition and its global sales dipped.

However, the Automobile industry is buzzing with stories that Ford has been looking forward to re-entry in India with EV vehicle production and production of Internal Combustion Engines (ICE) in the CBU forms at the plant.

Earlier, CM Stalin signed several MoUs with many companies during his 17-day US trip.

The state government had signed a Rs 400 crore contract with Ohmium in San Francisco, which will generate 500 jobs, the Chief Minister's Office said in a statement.

The statement also said that CM Stalin visited the headquarters of Google, Apple and Microsoft and signed MoUs with these tech giants.

The Chief Minister signed an MoU with Nokia for a New Nokia R&D centre which will be their largest Fixed Network test bed in the world for innovation in 10G,25G,50G and 100G PON, it added.

The centre will be set up at SIPCOT, Siruseri, Chengalpattu with an investment cost of Rs 450 crore and will generate 100 jobs.

He also signed an MoU with the PayPal group for an Advanced Development Centre focussed on Artificial Intelligence which will be set up in Chennai and provide 1000 jobs.

Another MoU was signed with Yield Engineering Systems for a product development & manufacturing facility for semiconductor equipment to be set up at Sulur, Coimbatore. The project will cost Rs 150 crore and generate around 300 jobs.

CM Stalin also signed an MoU with Microchip for an R&D centre in Semiconductor technology to be set up at Semmancherry, Chennai which is expected to generate 1500 jobs and at an estimated cost of Rs 250 crore.

The statement said that an agreement and MoU were also signed with Applied Materials for an Advanced AI-enabled Technology Development Centre for Semiconductor manufacturing &equipment to be set up at Tharamani, Chennai, which is expected to generate 500 jobs.

CM Stalin also signed an agreement with Infinx for a Technology and Global Delivery Centre at ELCOT, Vadapalanji, Madurai district for Rs 50 crore. The project was expected to generate 700 jobs.

 CM Stalin meets Ford company officials, explores possibilities to renew tie up

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Kyiv will be allowed to make long-range missile strikes: Russia

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remlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov announced on Wednesday that if the United States allowed Ukraine to conduct long-range missile strikes then Russia would respond accordingly.

Peskov's comments came as the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy arrived in Kyiv on Wednesday - a visit that Russia alleged was part of giving the Ukrainian authorities the permission to strike Russia using American long-range ATACMS missiles.

"Most likely, of course, all these decisions have already been made. This can be assumed with a high degree of probability," Peskov commented during a media briefing on Wednesday while responding to reports of potential strikes by Ukraine on Russian soil.

"At the moment, the media is simply conducting an information campaign to formalize the decision that has already been made," Peskov was quoted as saying by Russia's TASS news agency.

At a news conference in London on Tuesday, Blinken emphasised the critical juncture in the Russia-Ukraine conflict as Kyiv continues its counteroffensive amid heightened Russian aggression.

"It's a critical moment for Ukraine in the midst of an intense fall fighting season," Blinken said.

Ukraine has been pressing its allies to provide advanced weaponry capable of striking deeper into Russian territory. Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal reiterated this appeal during his meeting with Lammy, expressing hope for Western support.

"We hope that long-range equipment for strikes on the territory of our enemy will be reached, and we will have it," Shmyhal said.

At a news conference on Tuesday, Shmyhal argued that Ukraine should be allowed to target military installations in Russia, stating that such actions would enhance the "safety of Ukrainian civilians."

US President Joe Biden has also confirmed that his administration is working on lifting restrictions on Ukrainian strikes deep within Russian territory, further indicating Western alignment with Kyiv's military objectives.

 Kyiv will be allowed to make long-range missile strikes: Russia

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MP govt inks MoU with NDDB for promoting milk production: CM Mohan Yadav

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hief Minister Mohan Yadav said on Wednesday that the Madhya Pradesh government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), aimed at increasing the milk production in the state.

CM Yadav made this announcement after a meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who also holds the portfolio of the Ministry of Cooperation in New Delhi.

"MP government has signed an MoU with NDDB on Tuesday. This step will help to increase milk production in the state," CM Yadav said, adding that NDDB and the state government would set up dairies for milk production as a pilot project.

Chief Minister said with this step, more than 11,000 villages would be able to get a fair milk price.

"During the meeting, the Union Cooperation Minister assured that the MP government will get full support and the milk project will be expanded across the state in future," he added.

On the other hand, the opposition Congress has alleged that the attempt was being made to promote Gujarat-based Amul milk products in Madhya Pradesh.

Congress Rajya Sabha MP and senior advocate Vivek Tankha said, "Sanchi is being taken over through the backdoor. Amul has been trying to expand in Madhya Pradesh for a long time, it even set up a big plant, but could not find a way."

However, the MP BJP unit responded to Tankha's claim, saying the Congress leader was making a "false and baseless" allegation about the BJP-led MP government.

MP BJP said the NDDB is an undertaking of the Union government, which has been given the task of operating and efficiently managing Sanchi.

"There is no mention of Amul in this. There is talk of handing over Sanchi to the National Dairy Development Board for modernisation and production. Since the BJP government is determined to make the state a leader at every level, this step has been taken to make the state a leader in milk production in the country by providing facilities," the MP BJP said in a statement on Wednesday.

 MP govt inks MoU with NDDB for promoting milk production: CM Mohan Yadav

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by Staff reporter

Former president Thabo Mbeki has dropped a bombshell that the deadly 2008 xenophobic attacks in Alexandra, Johannesburg, were part of a planned operation to force Zimbabweans to return to their country and to vote out Robert Mugabe.Mbeki made the shocking revelations last Wednesday, during a student engagement at the University of South Africa (Unisa), in Pretoria.He said the driving force behind the operation was a deliberate strategy to force Zimbabweans back to their country to vote against then president Robert Mugabe.This was during March, in 2008, where the opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai and Mugabe failed to garner a 50% majority, resulting in a run-off election scheduled to take place in June.Mbeki said Alexandra township has always attracted and had many foreign nationals from different countries across the African continent, without any friction."Historically, the African community here (referring to South Africa) has never been xenophobic about other Africans. In 2008 all manner of troubles broke out in Alexandra township in Johannesburg, attacks on these foreigners, particularly Zimbabweans."He said the attacks later spread to other areas across the province, with people championing for xenophobia and afrophobic attacks.Mbeki, who served as the president of South Africa from 1999 to 2008, explained that when he saw the attacks, he realised that it was not the township that he knew."Alexandra, for decades, has had Zimbabweans and Mozambicans and so on. There was never this kind of conflict. Why?"He said they made a mistake as a government for not declassifying an intelligence document about what happened in that township, on the very same year."That thing was organised to drive the Zimbabweans out of the country back to Zimbabwe because there were elections in Zimbabwe. People were out, because they were going against Bob (referring to Robert Mugabe) there."Mbeki further disclosed that the intelligence report had names, dates and venues, including additional information where people met and planned the operation of sending the foreign nationals back to their country.The former president said he regretted not declassifying the intelligence report during his era."It was wrong. It was organised, systematic and for political purposes. I am saying the mistake we made, (and) we should have declassified that intelligence report."He said South Africa's economy is in crisis and that it is not caused by foreigners."I am a former president of this country and you will never ever convince me that this economy is in crisis because of foreigners. It's not true," he said as students clapped for his remarks.Mbeki said among other things that contribute to the economic crisis in the country is the sky rocketing unemployment, which he said needs to be addressed."At the same time the country has got a loss about migration of people. Let's enforce laws. You just come here illegally. So the thing about the registration of people undocumented it is correct. But I am saying it is incorrect to think that the economic crisis is caused by people who came from the rest of the world."Mbeki's recent comments about the attacks were an elaboration of what happened in 2008, where he described the violence as "naked criminal activity", according to the Mail & Guardian report."What happened during those days was not inspired by possessed nationalism, or extreme chauvinism, resulting in our communities violently expressing the hitherto unknown sentiments of mass and mindless hatred of foreigners  xenophobia," he said at the time.
Officers pummeled Tyre Nichols because he fled, a form of 'run tax,' prosecutor says

Three former Memphis police officers charged in the beating death of Tyre Nichols stood by his body and laughed after pummeling him in an attack caught on video
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.
The country where dog strollers now outsell prams for babies

The sale of pet carriers in South Korea has surpassed that of baby strollers for the first time, underlining the countrys worryingly low fertility rate.

The East Asian countrys fertility rate declined to a historic low of 0.78 in 2022, the lowest globally and well below the replacement rate.

The trend is reflected in stroller sales.

According to Gmarket, an e-commerce platform operator, 57 per cent of the strollers sold in 2023 were for pets compared to 43 per cent for babies, the Korea Times reported. The corresponding figures were 33 per cent and 67 per cent, respectively, in 2021.

As fewer children are born in the country, the newspaper noted, more people are opting to raise pets. More than six million households in South Korea had pets in 2022, up from 3.6 million in 2012.

President Yoon Suk Yeol has called the plummeting birth rate a national emergency and announced the creation of a Ministry of Low Birth Rate Counterplanning.

We will mobilise all of the nations capabilities to overcome the low birth rate, which can be considered a national emergency, he said in May.

I think the important thing going forward is indeed the economy. Corporate growth and job creation are important too but what I think is more important is to try harder to look for what is inconvenient in the life of each and every person and to resolve them.

Baby bonnets displayed at a baby fair in Seoul. (AFP via Getty)

South Koreas demographic crisis is blamed on a number of factors, but frustration with the rising cost of living and declining quality of life is considered to be the primary reason.

The federal government offers financial incentives to encourage couples to have children, paying 35m to 50m won (20,566 to 29,380) from birth until the child turns seven.

It was reported in March that the number of marriages had dropped by 40 per cent over the past decade. The number of marriages recorded in 2023 was 193,673 as against 322,807 in 2013.

According to the Population Trends Survey by Statistics Korea, South Korea last year experienced significant demographic shifts characterised by declines in marriage and birth rates.
Flavored e-cigarettes prove more effective than low-nicotine cigarettes alone, offering new hope for those struggling with addiction in high-risk communities.

Study: Reduced Nicotine Cigarettes and E-Cigarettes in High-Risk Populations. Image Credit: Master_foto / Shutterstock

A study published in JAMA Network Open reveals that access to electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) with commonly preferred flavors can significantly reduce the frequency of tobacco smoking in adults with psychiatric disorders, opioid use disorder (OUD), and lower educational levels.

Background

Cigarette smoking is disproportionately prevalent among adults with psychiatric conditions, substance use disorders, and those with lower educational levels. In an effort to reduce the prevalence of smoking, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has developed a national policy to reduce nicotine content in cigarettes to minimally addictive levels.

Randomized controlled trials conducted in the general population, as well as among at-risk populations, have demonstrated that smoking cigarettes with very low nicotine content can reduce smoking frequency, exposure to toxic materials, and addiction risk.

Experts have suggested that increased availability and accessibility of e-cigarettes with commonly preferred flavors can improve the success rate of the FDAs nicotine-reduction policy.

However, the FDA has currently allowed the use of only nicotine and methanol-flavored e-cigarettes in the US, owing to the concern that e-cigarettes with fruity or sweet flavors may increase e-cigarette use among youths. Such limitations have the potential to weaken the impact of nicotine-reduction policy in the general and at-risk populations.

In this study, scientists explored the impact of different types of cigarettes and e-cigarettes on smoking reduction among adults with psychiatric conditions, OUD, and lower educational levels.

Study design

The scientists conducted three parallel 16-week randomized controlled trials at three selected universities, including the University of Vermont, Brown University, and Johns Hopkins University. Each trial was conducted at two out of three locations between October 2020 and November 2023.

A total of 326 adults who were current smokers with no plan of quitting in the next 30 days were enrolled for the trials. This study population included participants with affective disorders (psychiatric conditions), OUD, and females of reproductive age with lower educational levels.

Data points are least square means from repeated-measures analysis of variance. The four experimental conditions included normal nicotine content (NNC) cigarettes only, very low nicotine content (VLNC) cigarettes only, VLNC cigarettes plus tobacco flavor e-cigarettes (VLNC + TF), and VLNC plus participant-preferred flavor e-cigarettes (VLNC + PF). Error bars indicate SEMs. Data points not sharing a superscript letter (a,b,c) differed significantly in post-hoc testing at week 16 (primary study outcome).

The participants were randomly assigned to four experimental conditions: normal nicotine content (NNC) cigarettes only, cigarettes with very low nicotine content only, cigarettes with very low nicotine content together with tobacco-flavored e-cigarettes, and cigarettes with very low nicotine content plus e-cigarettes with three participant-preferred flavors chosen from eight different options. Among these flavors, participants were allowed to choose three preferred flavors, which could include fruity, sweet, or menthol options.

The primary outcome of the trials was the mean number of cigarettes smoked per day during the 16-week study period. Various tobacco-related biomarkers, including breath carbon monoxide, urine tobacco-specific carcinogens, and urine anatabine, were also analyzed.

Important observations

The trial findings indicated that all four experimental conditions impacted the total number of cigarettes smoked daily during the 16 weeks. This impact was consistent across study participants.

A significant reduction in tobacco smoking rate per day was observed among participants who received cigarettes with very low nicotine content plus e-cigarettes with their participant-preferred flavors, with the greatest reductions noted in this group compared to others. The most commonly preferred e-cigarette flavors were mango, fruit medley, and classic menthol.

A significant reduction in smoking rate per day was observed among participants who received cigarettes with very low nicotine content compared to those who received cigarettes with typical nicotine content. The difference in smoking reduction between the experimental conditions increased significantly over the 16 weeks.

Regarding tobacco-related biomarkers, significantly lower levels of breath carbon monoxide, urine tobacco-specific carcinogen, and urine anatabine were observed in participants who received cigarettes with very low nicotine content plus e-cigarettes with their preferred flavors.

A significantly higher number of days without smoking, lower addiction level, and lower craving level were noted in participants who received cigarettes with very low nicotine content plus e-cigarettes with their preferred flavors.

Significance

The findings of these three randomized controlled trials indicate that access to e-cigarettes with participant-preferred flavors can help achieve a higher reduction in daily smoking frequency than that could be achieved by using cigarettes with very low nicotine content alone. These findings are applicable to people with psychiatric disorders, opioid use disorder, or lower educational levels, who are at higher risk for smoking, addiction, and smoking-related adverse health outcomes.

The trials also found that access to flavored e-cigarettes not only reduced daily smoking rates but also led to lower exposure levels to tobacco-specific carcinogens among these high-risk populations. Moreover, flavored e-cigarettes have also been found to reduce dependency and cravings in these smokers.

These observations indicate that access to flavored e-cigarettes could be effective in quitting smoking as well as preventing smoking relapse.

A well-regulated marketplace with a strong focus on nicotine exposure regulation should allow adult access to e-cigarettes while preventing youth access to the same. This would be the ideal situation to control nicotine exposure as well as its harmful health effects in the general and at-risk populations.

The current trial findings support this notion and provide a reason to continue exploring whether such balance can be achieved in the US marketplace. However, it is important to note that the current study population, focused on at-risk groups, does not represent the US general population, which might restrict the generalizability of the findings.
Gum disease is more common in individuals with microvascular complications of diabetes, new research being presented at the annual meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) in Madrid, Spain (9-13 September) and published in The Journal of Dental Research has found.

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the gums and the bones supporting the teeth. It is caused by the accumulation of bacterial plaque, and if left untreated, it can lead to the destruction of the tissues that hold the teeth in place, ultimately resulting in tooth loss.

This tooth loss can affect essential functions like chewing and speaking, while also affecting self-esteem. As a result, periodontitis can significantly reduce a person's quality of life, leading to difficulties with nutrition, communication, and social interactions. Understanding who is at higher risk, such as individuals with diabetes complications, is crucial for early intervention and prevention of these far-reaching effects." Dr. Fernando Valentim Bitencourt, researcher from the Department of Dentistry and Oral Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark

Some studies have found that individuals with microvascular complications of diabetes such as retinopathy (damage to the blood vessels of the retina) and neuropathy (damage to the nerves) are at higher risk of periodontitis.

However, the results have been inconsistent and the studies have been small and have failed to take into account important confounding variables  factors such as sociodemographic status, smoking and diabetes duration  that can affect their outcome.

In addition, the joint impact of microvascular complications and dyslipidemia (unhealthy levels of blood fats) has not been evaluated.

To address this, Dr. Bitencourt and colleagues from Steno Diabetes Center Aarhus and National Dental Centre Singapore, analyzed data on more than 15,000 individuals from the Health in Central Denmark study of people with type 2 diabetes.

The analysis involved 15,922 individuals (with a mean age of 63.7 years) with type 2 diabetes who had completed a questionnaire and a comprehensive laboratory examination.

The results, which were adjusted for potential confounding variables including sociodemographic status, lifestyle habits (including smoking and physical activity levels) and health conditions, found a clear link between microvascular complications and moderate/severe cases of periodontitis.

Individuals with diabetic retinopathy were 21% more likely to have moderate/severe periodontitis than those without complications of diabetes.

Diabetic neuropathy was associated with a 36% increase in risk of having severe gum disease. When the participants had both diabetic retinopathy and neuropathy, their likelihood of having moderate/severe periodontitis was 51% higher than in those without complications of diabetes.

The presence of dyslipidemia further increased the odds of having moderate/severe periodontitis in those with diabetes complications.

Dr Bitencourt says: "When diabetes is poorly controlled high blood sugar levels can lead to inflammation which, over time, can affect the eyes, leading to retinopathy, or the nerves in the feet, causing neuropathy, or the gums, contributing to the development of severe periodontitis.

"Dyslipidaemia, which is very common, further increases the risk of severe gum disease.

"Importantly, the role of inflammation means that that periodontitis might not only serve as a marker for oral health issues but could also help identify individuals with a higher systemic inflammatory burden, who are therefore at greater risk of diabetes-associated microvascular complications."

The researchers say that the take-home message for dentists and healthcare practitioners is clear: it is important to have a multidisciplinary approach when treating individuals with type 2 diabetes.

"For dentists, in particular, this means recognizing that patients with type 2 diabetes and moderate/severe periodontitis, especially those with dyslipidemia, may be at a higher risk for microvascular complications such as neuropathy and retinopathy," says Dr. Bitencourt. "Dentists should consider recommending that these patients be screened for microvascular complications.

"By working together, healthcare providers can help ensure that patients with type 2 diabetes, especially those who are at an elevated risk of diabetes complications, receive more comprehensive oral health care  potentially improving both their oral and overall health."
Feeling safe and comfortable are key when discussing your health and wellbeing 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 substances-;including psilocybin-;to 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. However, the stigmatization of psychedelic use for therapeutic purposes may complicate this process." Dr. Michelle St. Pierre

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."

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 per cent endorsing their use for therapeutic purposes. Some 78 per cent 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 per cent said their doctor recommended psychedelics. Despite this, nearly 60 per cent 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."
In the United States, wealthy people live on average 10 years longer than poor people, and Black people can expect to live an average of 5 years less than White people. Now, thanks to a $3.5 million grant, researchers will examine why these disparities persist  and how to address them. Led by University of Maryland SPH Professor Dahai Yue, a research team will gather large-scale historical data to understand and quantify how education and infectious disease in childhood play a role in these stark mortality disparities.

Yue, assistant professor in UMD's Department of Health Policy and Management and associate director at the Center on Aging, earned the grant from the National Institute on Aging (NIA), together with professors Adriana Lleras-Muney at the University of California, Los Angeles, and Joseph Price at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah.

The team will embark on an extensive study to gather, link and analyze data on the life and death of approximately 20 million people including a large and representative sample of Black people and White people to examine how certain childhood experiences impact longevity. Data will be collected from publicly available censuses from 1890 up to 1940 and from the National Death Index and linked to family tree information in the database of Family Search, a nonprofit genealogy company.

This is the first study to follow a huge sample of people from birth all the way to death, looking at the causal relationship between childhood origins of health and health disparities. To our knowledge, this will be the largest individual-level data-gathering on mortality in the U.S." Dahai Yue, University of Maryland SPH Professor

Researchers will measure two key factors  quality of education and the infectious disease environment in childhood  against the age and cause of death of each person. Evidence shows that education and child health both play a significant role in determining someone's longevity, and that there are also substantial variations in these two factors between racial groups and geographical areas.

"Our hope is that this research will contribute to policies that can improve health equity. And these are two very practical areas where policy-makers can use the results to make equitable decisions," said Yue.

Jie Chen, Ph.D., chair of the UMD Health Policy and Management Department and director of UMD's Center on Aging, also an investigator on the project, notes that the data-gathering element of the grant will in itself be a huge contribution to aging research.

"This innovative research and the new datasets it will reveal on health, education, life expectancy and race will be invaluable resources for scientists, policy-makers and practitioners," Chen said. "It's a great example of what the Center on Aging is doing."

This research is funded under NIH grant: R01AG088639.
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is an intractable disorder that causes fluid-filled cysts to grow in the kidneys. It is typically seen in adults. As one of the most prevalent hereditary kidney diseases, the autosomal dominant form of PKD is usually caused by mutations in the PKD1 and PKD2 genes.

However, one out of ten patients with this condition typically exhibit no family history of the disease and lack mutations in these well-known genes. This raises an important question about the other genetic factors that may be contributing to PKD in these cases.

In a study published online on 16 July 2024 in Kidney International Reports, researchers from Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU) addressed a key gap in understanding PKD. They performed a comprehensive genetic analysis of patients with PKD focusing exclusively on those without a family history of polycystic kidneys.

A total of 157 adult patients were recruited in the study from 2014 to 2023, coming from 27 Japanese institutions. These patients underwent genetic testing using next-generation sequencing, covering up to 92 genes depending on the panel used for the assay. These genes were all associated with inherited kidney cystic diseases.

The results pinpointed a potential cause for PKD in a part of the cohort.

Our comprehensive genetic analysis revealed that seven patients (4.5%) had mutations in the IFT140 gene, a recently identified gene associated with PKD." Dr. Eisei Sohara, Associate Professor, Tokyo Medical and Dental University

This was in stark contrast to previous findings on IFT40.

Sohara added, "The proportion of monoallelic loss-of-function IFT140 variants in this cohort was higher than that in previously reported cohorts with polycystic kidneys who had a positive family history," he adds.

To shed further light on this issue, the researchers analyzed various relevant clinical characteristics of the patients. Interestingly, the kidneys of patients with mutations in the ITF140 gene were usually in a better state than those with PKD1 in terms of kidney function and cyst size. "Because the phenotype of polycystic kidneys caused by the IFT140 gene is mild, parental kidney disease may be overlooked. Therefore, patients without a positive family history are more likely to carry pathogenic variants in IFT140," highlights Dr. Takayasu Mori from TMDU. Explaining further, he says, "Patients with IFT140-related polycystic kidneys are also likely to be underdiagnosed because of relatively high glomerular filtration rate, smaller kidney volume, and atypical kidney cysts."

Overall, the results of this study help paint a clearer picture of the genetic landscape surrounding autosomal dominant PKD, which affects over 30,000 people in Japan alone. "Our findings may impact clinical practice, including diagnosis, drug therapy selection, and genetic counseling for adult PKD patients without a family history," concludes Dr. Takuya Fujimaru from TMDU.

In summary, this breakthrough research could revolutionize diagnostics and treatment, offering hope for significantly improved outcomes. With continued innovation, the promise of enhanced patient care for patients with PKD could soon become a reality.
A false alarm that a gunman was roaming one Catholic high school and then another in March 2023 touched off frightening evacuations and a robust police response in the city. It also prompted the diocese to rethink what constitutes a model learning environment.

Months after hundreds of students were met by SWAT teams, the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh began forming its own armed police force.

Wendell Hissrich, a former safety director for the city and career FBI unit chief, was hired that year to form a department to safeguard 39 Catholic schools as well as dozens of churches in the region. Hissrich has since added 15 officers and four supervisors, including many formerly retired officers and state troopers, who now oversee school campuses fitted with Stop the Bleed kits, cameras, and defibrillators.

When religious leaders first asked for advice after what are known as "swatting" incidents, the veteran lawman said he didn't hesitate to deliver blunt advice: "You need to put armed officers in the schools."

But he added that the officers had to view schools as a special assignment: "I want them to be role models. I want them to be good fits within the school. I'm looking for someone to know how to deal with kids and with parents  and, most importantly, knows how to de-escalate a situation."

Gun violence is a leading cause of death for young people in America, and the possibility of shootings has influenced costly decision-making in school systems as administrators juggle fear, duty, and dizzying statistics in efforts to keep schools safe from gun harm. In the first week of September, the risks were made tragically clear again, this time in Georgia, as a teenager stands accused of shooting his way through his high school and killing two students and two teachers.

Still, scant research supports the creation of school police forces to deter gun violence  and what data exists can raise as many questions as answers. Data shows over half of U.S. firearm deaths are, in fact, suicides  a sobering statistic from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that reflects a range of ills. Gun violence grew during the covid-19 pandemic and studies found that Black children were 100 times as likely as white children to experience firearm assaults. Research on racial bias in policing overall in the U.S. as well as studies on biased school discipline have prompted calls for caution. And an oft-cited U.S. Secret Service review of 67 thwarted plots at schools supports reasons to examine parental responsibility as well as police intervention as effective ways to stop firearm harm.

The Secret Service threat assessment, published in 2021, analyzed plots from 2006 to 2018 and found students who planned school violence had guns readily at home. It also found that school districts that contracted sworn law officers, who work as full- or part-time school resource officers, had some advantage. The officers proved pivotal in about a third of the 67 foiled plots by current or former students.

"Most schools are not going to face a mass shooting. Even though there are more of them  and that's horrible  it is still a small number," said Mo Canady, executive director of the National Association of School Resource Officers. "But administrators can't really allow themselves to think that way.

"They have to think, 'It could happen here, and how do I prevent it?"

About a 20-minute drive north of Pittsburgh, a top public school system in the region decided the risk was too great. North Allegheny Superintendent Brendan Hyland last year recommended retooling what had been a two-person school resource officer team  staffed since 2018 by local police  into a 13-person internal department with officers stationed at each of the district's 12 buildings.

Several school district board members voiced unease about armed officers in the hallways. "I wish we were not in the position in our country where we have to even consider an armed police department," board member Leslie Britton Dozier, a lawyer and a mother, said during a public planning meeting.

Within weeks, all voted for Hyland's request, estimated to cost $1 million a year.

Hyland said the aim is to help 1,200 staff members and 8,500 students "with the right people who are the right fit to go into those buildings." He oversaw the launch of a police unit in a smaller school district, just east of Pittsburgh, in 2018.

Hyland said North Allegheny had not focused on any single news report or threat in its decision, but he and others had thought through how to set a standard of vigilance. North Allegheny does not have or want metal detectors, devices that some districts have seen as necessary. But a trained police unit willing to learn every entrance, stairway, and cafeteria and who could develop trust among students and staffers seemed reasonable, he said.

"I'm not Edison. I'm not inventing something," Hyland said. "We don't want to be the district that has to be reactive. I don't want to be that guy who is asked: 'Why did you allow this to happen?'"

Since 2020, the role of police in educational settings has been hotly debated. The video-recorded death of George Floyd, a Black man in Minneapolis who was murdered by a white police officer during an arrest, prompted national outrage and demonstrations against police brutality and racial bias.

Some school districts, notably in large cities such as Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., reacted to concerns by reducing or removing their school resource officers. Examples of unfair or biased treatment by school resource officers drove some of the decisions. This year, however, there has been apparent rethinking of the risks in and near school property and, in some instances in California, Colorado, and Virginia, parents are calling for a return of officers.

The 1999 bombing plot and shooting attack of Columbine High School and a massacre in 2012 at Sandy Hook Elementary School are often raised by school and police officials as reasons to prepare for the worst. But the value of having police in schools also came under sharp review after a blistering federal review of the mass shooting in 2022 at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas.

The federal Department of Justice this year produced a 600-page report that laid out multiple failures by the school police chief, including his attempt to try to negotiate with the killer, who had already shot into a classroom, and waiting for his officers to search for keys to unlock the rooms. Besides the teenage shooter, 19 children and two teachers died. Seventeen other people were injured.

The DOJ report was based on hundreds of interviews and a review of 14,000 pieces of data and documentation. This summer, the former chief was indicted by a grand jury for his role in "abandoning and endangering" survivors and for failing to identify an active shooter attack. Another school police officer was charged for his role in placing the murdered students in "imminent danger" of death.

There have also been increased judicial efforts to pursue enforcement of firearm storage laws and to hold accountable adults who own firearms used by their children in shootings. For the first time this year, the parents of a teenager in Michigan who fatally shot four students in 2021 were convicted of involuntary manslaughter for not securing a newly purchased gun at home.

In recent days, Colin Gray, the father of the teenage shooting suspect at Apalachee High School in Georgia, was charged with second-degree murder  the most severe charges yet against a parent whose child had access to firearms at home. The 14-year-old, Colt Gray, who was apprehended by school resource officers on the scene, according to initial media reports, also faces murder charges.

Hissrich, the Pittsburgh diocese's safety and security director, said he and his city have a hard-earned appreciation for the practice and preparation needed to contain, if not thwart, gun violence. In January 2018, Hissrich, then the city's safety officer, met with Jewish groups to consider a deliberate approach to safeguarding facilities. Officers cooperated and were trained on lockdown and rescue exercises, he said.

Ten months later, on Oct. 27, 2018, a lone gunman entered the Tree of Life synagogue and, within minutes, killed 11 people who had been preparing for morning study and prayer. Law enforcement deployed quickly, trapping and capturing the shooter and rescuing others caught inside. The coordinated response was praised by witnesses at the trial where the killer was convicted in 2023 on federal charges and sentenced to die for the worst antisemitic attack in U.S. history.

"I knew what had been done for the Jewish community as far as safety training and what the officers knew. Officers practiced months before," Hissrich said. He believes schools need the same kind of plans and precautions. "To put officers in the school without training," he said, "would be a mistake."
Researchers at the University of Exeter and clinical radiopharmaceutical company Serac Healthcare Ltd are researching a new molecular imaging marker which could help to detect disease progression sooner.

The novel imaging agent 99mTc-maraciclatide has been used to scan the first patient with the aim of evaluating the marker's potential for predicting interstitial lung disease in a Phase II study titled 'PRospective Evaluation of Interstitial Lung Disease progression with quantitative CT' ("PREDICT-ILD").

Interstitial lung diseases (ILD) are a heterogenous group of over 200 irreversible conditions with varying degrees of inflammation that, without treatment, lead to scarring (fibrosis) of the lining of the lungs. It affects more than 150,000 people in the UK, with an incidence of 2,000-4,000 and causes significant morbidity and mortality. It is estimated that lung scarring results in 1% of deaths in the UK. The progression of Interstitial lung diseases is unpredictable, making prognostication challenging and creating barriers to effective drug development.

Therapies are available that can slow disease progression in some patients, however current limitations in diagnosis mean that determining the most suitable treatment is challenging, and prescribing the wrong treatment can make the condition worse. For example, certain medications are known to be effective at treating inflammation (which can be a feature of this disease) but can be detrimental in patients with fibrotic disease. Understanding the mechanisms that drive the progression of ILD is an urgent research priority.

The PREDICT-ILD study, led by Professor Chris Scotton, Associate Professor in Respiratory Biomedicine and Dr Giles Dixon, Senior Clinical Research Fellow, both at Exeter, is majorly funded by the Wellcome Trust's GW4-CAT PhD Programme for Health Professionals.

The distinction between ILD conditions which are characterised by scarring and inflammation is crucial as this determines the appropriate treatment. A molecular imaging marker with the potential to differentiate between early-stage inflammation and the fibrosis it causes could have a significant impact on improving patient outcomes, as well as the development of new therapies. We are looking forward to working with the University of Exeter to evaluate maraciclatide's potential in this new indication." David Hail, Chief Executive of Serac Healthcare

Professor Michael Gibbons, Senior Investigator Fellow, NIHR Exeter Biomedical Research Centre, and Consultant Respiratory Physician, Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Trust, said:

"Being able to detect disease progression sooner and thereby enabling earlier access to disease modifying treatments to appropriate patients would represent a step change in the treatment of this incurable condition. We are excited to be working with Serac Healthcare to evaluate whether maraciclatide could play a part to bring precision medicine to this patient population."

The 99mTc-maraciclatide study is being facilitated by the Nuclear Medicine Department at the Royal United Hospitals, Bath and is supported by specialist radiologists Dr David Little and Dr Jonathan Rodrigues and specialist ILD physicians Dr Shaney Barratt and Professor Michael Gibbons. The study is also supported by the University of Exeter's EPSRC Hub for Quantitative Modelling in Healthcare under the guidance of Professor Krasimira Tsaneva-Atanasova. Professor Michael Gibbons is also a Senior Investigator Fellow at the NIHR Exeter Biomedical Research Centre.
The Wyss Institute at Harvard University announced today that Ropirio Therapeutics, Inc. (Ropirio) has secured a worldwide, exclusive license from Harvard's Office of Technology Development (OTD) and Boston University (BU)'s Technology Development office for novel molecules that activate the lymphatic system - a first in the pharma industry.

There has been a tremendous amount of research into the lymphatic system over the last decade, with scientists uncovering new lymphatic vasculature and understanding the critical role it plays across a wide range of serious diseases. Ropirio is building on this explosion of research and will be the first company to develop therapeutics that specifically target and activate the lymphatic system, enabling the treatment of a multitude of serious diseases." Jerald Korn, CEO of Ropirio

Ropirio's assets include a pioneering in vitro platform that models human lymphatic vessels, as well as a stable of proprietary small molecules that modulate specific targets within lymphatic cells.

The human body's lymphatic system is extensive and complex. It comprises a network of vessels that collect and transport fluids throughout the body. This system is also a major conduit for immune cells, and thus critical for healthy immune responses.

Work conducted in the lab of Wyss Core Faculty member Chris Chen, M.D., Ph.D. led to the creation of a lymphatic vessel -on-a-chip that accurately models human lymphatics in a microfluidic in vitro system. The 3D model consists of two tiny channels suspended in a collagen matrix: one lined with human lymphatic cells to form a vessel, the other perfused with a surrogate lymph fluid composed of molecules including fatty acids, phospholipids, albumin, and insoluble particles. By pressurizing the fluid channel, the researchers were able to replicate the process by which fluid from around the body's tissues drains into lymph vessels.

Chen's team discovered that the addition of inflammatory cytokines to their lymphatic vessel chip significantly reduced lymphatic drainage, mimicking human response to inflammation. Building on this finding, the team identified a druggable pathway that can activate lymphatics by opening junctions between lymphatic endothelial cells and restoring normal drainage, even in the setting of inflammation. This biology is specific to lymphatic tissues, allowing for selective activation of drainage without causing side effects in other parts of the body.

"Our work in the lab revealed just how critical it is to understand the molecular underpinnings of human biology in order to create effective treatments for diseases. Prior to this research, it was thought that lymphatic vessels drained fluid passively, but we demonstrated that lymphatics respond actively to external factors, opening cell-cell junctions in response to fluid and closing these junctions in the face of inflammation. We were also able to demonstrate that by inhibiting a target, we could restore lymphatic drainage even in the presence of inflammation," said Chen, who is also the William Fairfield Warren Distinguished Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Director of the Biological Design Center at BU.

Following this breakthrough discovery, a team at the Wyss Institute comprising industry veterans Ken Carlson, Ph.D., Joel Moore, Ph.D., and Sylvie Bernier, Ph.D coalesced in order to translate this biological result into a tangible human therapeutic. The group rapidly assembled a complete drug discovery platform that ultimately produced potent, orally bioavailable compounds that demonstrated efficacy in the gold-standard animal model for secondary lymphedema. "This program exemplified the collaborative power of the Wyss Institute's translational engine through its transformation of fundamental biological science into the foundation of Ropirio Therapeutics," said Moore, who now serves as the SVP of Non-Clinical Development at Ropirio.

Ropirio was founded by Chen along with fellow Wyss Faculty member Sangeeta Bhatia, M.D., Ph.D., who is also the John J. and Dorothy Wilson Professor at MIT's Institute for Medical Engineering and Science and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science; Rene Russo, Pharm.D., Chief Executive Officer of Xilio Therapeutics; and Joel Moore, Ph.D., SVP of Non-Clinical Development at Ropirio and Medicinal Chemist at the Wyss Institute. Ropirio's portfolio includes several small molecule drugs targeting the lymphatic system, which it aims to start testing in clinical trials in 2026.

"It has been exhilarating to see how quickly the Ropirio team progressed from an idea in the lab to a set of potentially revolutionary treatments for the lymphatic system by combining forefront science with an experienced team of drug developers at the Institute," said Wyss Founding Director and Core Faculty member Don Ingber, M.D., Ph.D. "They are a model example of the Wyss Institute's commitment to accelerating impactful technologies to the market, and we are lucky to count them among our outstanding community of Lumineers." Ingber is also the Judah Folkman Professor of Vascular Biology at HMS and Boston Children's Hospital and the Hansjorg Wyss Professor of Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard's John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.
Researchers from the Institute for Neurosciences (IN), a joint center of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) and the Miguel Hernandez University (UMH) of Elche, along with a team from the Transylvanian Institute of Neuroscience (Romania), and in collaboration with experts from the Universitat Politecnica de Valencia, have developed an innovative approach to studying brain connections using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Recently published in Cell Systems, this work introduces a new way of understanding brain architecture through dynamic functional networks, challenging the traditional static approach.

The study has revealed that delays in communication between brain regions are crucial to understanding the organization of functional networks. Unlike conventional methods that average a single static network, the team used an approach that studies the temporal evolution of connection strength, analyzing their statistical distribution rather than their average activation. This has allowed them to discover a brain architecture that is both robust and dynamic.

The connection speed between brain regions and integration times are variable, which introduces communication delays. Our objective has been to incorporate these delays into the analysis of functional connectivity to develop a more precise and sensitive method." Santiago Canals, researcher, Brain Networks Pasticity laboratory at the IN

The results of this research reveal the existence of a functional backbone formed by robust, delay-free interactions, complemented by a large number of weaker connections whose strength fluctuates over time, adding flexibility to the brain's functional architecture. "This dynamic approach better captures the brain's constantly changing reality. It has enabled us to obtain comparable results in rats, marmosets, and humans, with extraordinary consistency when the same subject is scanned repeatedly over time, which is uncommon in the field of magnetic resonance," Canals emphasizes.

One of the most significant discoveries of the study is the identification of the "backbone" -; a set of robust and stable functional connections that serve as the core of communication in the brain. Although these connections represent less than 10% of all those studied, they play a crucial role in the overall cohesion of brain networks, maintaining robust connectivity that ensures efficient communication between different regions. "Efficiency in network communication is dramatically reduced when these connections are compromised, underscoring their importance in the brain's functional structure. Meanwhile, the weaker and more dynamic connections amplify the system's potential functional states, providing flexibility," concludes Canals.

To conduct this study, scientists used fMRI data from rats, non-human primates, humans, and patients with alcohol use disorder. These findings open new avenues for identifying more precise and sensitive brain biomarkers capable of detecting subtle alterations in neuronal networks, which could have significant implications for diagnosing neuropsychiatric diseases.

These results were made possible through a joint international collaboration that brought experts from various fields together. Canals emphasizes that the research was only possible with a multidisciplinary team. The laboratory led by Maria Ercsey-Ravasz at the Transylvanian Institute of Neurosciences (TINS) has extensive experience in the physics of complex networks. At the same time, Raul C. Muresan's lab at the same institution focuses on developing advanced tools for time series analysis. David Moratal's group from the Center for Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering (CBIT) at the Universitat Politecnica de Valencia also contributed to the study.

This work has been possible thanks to the funding of the European Union's Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme, the ERA-Net NEURON Programme, the Spanish Agency of Research (AEI), the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the Spanish Ministry of Health, Social Services and Equality, the PROMETEO program of the Generalitat Valenciana, the Severo Ochoa Programme for Centres of Excellence in R&D, the Human Brain Partnering Project ERANET-FLAG-ERA-ModelDXConsciousness and ERANET-NEURON-2-UnscrAMBLY project, the National Authority Romanian Society for Scientific Research and Innovation, and the German Research Society (DFG).
California Passes AI Safety Legislation, Awaits Governor's Signature

California lawmakers have overwhelmingly approved a bill that would impose new restrictions on AI technologies, potentially setting a national precedent for regulating the rapidly evolving field. The legislation, known as S.B. 1047, now heads to Governor Gavin Newsom's desk. He has until the end of September to decide whether to sign it into law.

The bill (S.B. 1047), which passed the California State Assembly by a 4515 vote, following a 321 vote in the state Senate in May, awaits a final procedural vote in the Senate. If passed, the bill would require large AI companies to test their systems for safety before they are released to the public. Additionally, the bill grants the state's attorney general the authority to sue companies for damages if their technologies cause significant harm, including death or property damage.

The passage of S.B. 1047 has reignited a contentious debate about how best to regulate artificial intelligence. The debate has focused so far on generative AI systems, which have raised concerns about misuse in such areas as disinformation campaigns and even the creation of biological weapons.

Senator Scott Wiener, a Democrat and co-author of the bill, celebrated the Assembly's vote as a proactive step in ensuring that AI development aligns with the public interest. "With this vote, the Assembly has taken the truly historic step of working proactively to ensure an exciting new technology protects the public interest as it advances," Wiener said in a statement.

Governor Newsom, who has faced intense lobbying from both sides of the issue, has not yet publicly indicated his stance on the legislation. The tech industry, including companies such as Google, Meta, and OpenAI, has mounted a significant campaign urging the governor to veto the bill, arguing that it could stifle innovation. They contend that the regulation of AI technologies should be handled at the federal level to avoid a patchwork of state laws that could slow the pace of progress.

Opponents also argue that S.B. 1047 targets developers rather than those who misuse AI systems, such as those who would deploy AI tools for nefarious purposes. Nancy Pelosi, former Speaker of the House, along with other congressional representatives, expressed concern that the bill's requirements are premature and could harm AI development. Pelosi referred to the legislation as "well-intentioned but ill-informed."

On the other side, prominent figures such as Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and founder of xAI, have voiced support for the legislation. Musk, who has long advocated for AI regulation, called the bill a "tough call," but ultimately expressed approval due to the potential risks AI poses to society.

One of the most significant aspects of S.B. 1047 is its focus on ensuring that companies test their AI models for safety. The bill applies to AI models that require more than $100 million in data to train, a threshold that few current models meet but one that experts say could become more common as the technology evolves.

To address concerns from the tech industry, Senator Wiener made several amendments to the bill earlier this month. These included removing a proposed new agency dedicated to AI safety and narrowing the bill's liability provisions, so companies would only be punished for actual harm, not potential harm.

Wiener emphasized that his approach is a "light touch," intended to balance the need for innovation with safety. "Innovation and safety can go hand in hand  and California is leading the way," he said in a statement.

If signed into law, S.B. 1047 could position California as a leader in AI regulation, similar to its role in setting national standards for environmental regulations and consumer privacy. It could also serve as a model for other states and even federal lawmakers, who have yet to pass any comprehensive AI regulations.

The European Union has already enacted the AI Act, which imposes strict regulations on AI, but no such laws exist in the U.S. In an open letter to Governor Newsom, a coalition of AI experts, including AI "godfathers" Geoffrey Hinton and Yoshua Bengio, warned of AI's catastrophic potential without appropriate safety measures. In a letter to Newsom, they emphasized that the decisions made now could have far-reaching consequences.

"Forty years ago, when I was training the first version of the AI algorithms behind tools like ChatGPT, no one  including myself  would have predicted how far AI would progress. Powerful AI systems bring incredible promise, but the risks are also very real and should be taken extremely seriously ... I am still passionate about the potential for AI to save lives through improvements in science and medicine, but it's critical that we have legislation with real teeth to address the risks. California is a natural place for that to start, as it is the place this technology has taken off."

Professor Bengio published an op-ed in Fortune in support of the bill.

The governor's decision on S.B. 1047 will come amid a broader conversation about AI's role in society and how best to harness its potential while mitigating its risks. As the largest home to AI companies, including 35 of the world's top 50 firms, California's regulations could influence the global AI landscape for years to come.
The HER2-specific tyrosine kinase inhibitor zongertinib was well tolerated and demonstrated promising efficacy in patients with HER2 mutation-positive non-small cell lung cancer, meeting the primary endpoint of the Beamion LUNG-1 Phase Ib Cohort 1 study, according to research presented today at the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer 2024 World Conference on Lung Cancer.

Zongertinib is a novel, orally administered HER2-specific tyrosine kinase inhibitor designed to bind selectively and covalently to the tyrosine kinase domain of HER2, while sparing the wild-type epidermal growth factor receptor to limit EGFR-related adverse events. In November 2023, the US Food and Drug Administration granted Fast Track Designation to zongertinib as an investigational treatment for patients with advanced/metastatic HER2 m+ NSCLC who had progressed following platinum-based therapy.

To further test zongertinib, Dr. Gerrina Ruiter, Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Thoracic Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Netherlands and colleagues at other sites, enrolled 132 patients in the Beamion LUNG-1 trial. Beamion LUNG-1 is an ongoing, Phase 1a/1b, first-in-human, open-label study evaluating the safety and efficacy of zongertinib in patients with HER2 aberration-positive solid tumors (Phase 1a) and HER2 m+ NSCLC (Phase 1b).

Earlier Phase 1 data revealed that zongertinib achieved an overall response rate of 35.8% and a disease control rate of 94.3% in patients with HER2 m+ NSCLC, with manageable safety and limited EGFR-related adverse events.

Phase Ib of the study is recruiting patients with HER2 m+ advanced/metastatic NSCLC across five global cohorts. Cohort 1, focusing on previously treated HER2 TKDm+ NSCLC patients, initially randomized participants to receive 120 mg or 240 mg of zongertinib once daily. The 120 mg daily dose was selected for further investigation based on interim analysis. The primary endpoint for Cohort 1 is overall response per RECIST version 1.1 by central independent review, with secondary endpoints including duration of response and progression-free survival.

As of May 2024, 132 patients have been treated in Phase Ib Cohort 1 with zongertinib at doses of 120 mg (n=75) and 240 mg (n=57) QD. The median age of patients was 62 years, with 57.6% being female. The median treatment duration was 7.6 months, and 87 patients (65.9%) were still receiving treatment at the time of data cut-off.

Adverse events were reported in 99.2% of patients, with the most common adverse effects being diarrhea (55.3% overall; 1.5% grade 3), rash (26.5% overall; 0% grade 3), and increases in alanine aminotransferase (22.7% overall; 9.1% grade 3) and aspartate aminotransferase (22.7% overall; 6.1% grade 3).

Efficacy analysis showed a confirmed overall response rate of 72.0% and a disease control rate of 95.5% in the entire patient population, with 2.3% achieving a complete response (CR) and 69.7% achieving a partial response. The duration of response and progression free survival rate data remain immature, with 63.2% of responding patients still on treatment.

According to Dr. Ruiter, the primary analysis of the Beamion LUNG-1 Phase Ib Cohort 1 study confirms that zongertinib is well tolerated and effective in treating patients with HER2 m+ NSCLC.
International flight operations are set to commence at Gaya International Airport from October 10. With this development, Bodh Gaya is expected to see a surge in foreign tourists. International tourists are expected to pour in the holy city after the end of Pitru Paksha.

The Gaya Airport Authority has released the schedule for domestic and international flights. Thai Airways will start operations on October 10, followed by Myanmar National Airlines on October 16, Myanmar Airways International on October 30, Bhutan Airlines on November 16, and Drukair on December 2.

Myanmar Airways will operate six days a week on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Myanmar International Airlines, Drukair, and Bhutan Airlines will operate twice a week. Thai Airways will run daily throughout the week.

Gaya Airport Director Bangjit Saha stated that most international flights will begin operating in October. A total of 16 domestic and international flights will operate from Gaya International Airport. The flight schedule will commence on October 10 and will continue until March 29, 2025.

Thai Airways flight will arrive at Gaya Airport on October 10 at 12:40 pm with passengers from Bangkok and will depart at 1:40 PM. Saha mentioned that Thai AirAsia will operate twice a week, Myanmar National Airlines will also fly twice a week, Myanmar Airways International will operate daily throughout the week, and both Bhutan Airlines and Drukair will operate twice a week.

Currently, IndiGo operates daily flights from Gaya to Delhi and Kolkata. With the commencement of international flights, devotees and tourists from various non-Buddhist countries, including China, Taiwan, Russia, Poland, Singapore, Malaysia, Denmark, Germany, Canada, Switzerland, Hong Kong, Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh, are expected to visit Bodh Gaya.

More than 18 international flights are set to operate from Gaya Airport. The current schedule of 16 international and domestic flights has been released.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said this is the right time to be in India as the government here offers stable policies and ease of doing business on investments. He also said India gives an integrated ecosystem to the semiconductor industry and will do whatever it takes to become a semiconductor powerhouse. PM Modi on Wednesday inaugurated the three-day Semicon India 2024 at Greater Noida in Uttar Pradesh.

The Semicon India 2024 is being organised from September 11 to 13 with the theme Shaping the Semiconductor Future. The three-day conference will showcase Indias semiconductor strategy and policy which envisions making India a global hub for semiconductors.

Speaking at the inauguration, PM Modi said, I can say that this is the right time to be in India. You are at the right place at the right time. In the India of the 21st century, the chips are never down. Todays India makes the world believe that when the chips are down, you can bet on India.

India will do whatever it takes to become a semiconductor powerhouse, he said adding that this is an era of silicon diplomacy. The country is also targeting a $500-billion size for the electronics sector by the end of the decade from the current $150 billion.

We are preparing a workforce of 85,000 technicians, engineers and R&D experts. Indias focus is to make its students and professionals semiconductor industry-ready, PM Modi

Stating that a total investment of over Rs 1.5 lakh crore has been committed for semiconductor manufacturing and many projects are in pipelines, PM Modi said, Our dream is to have Indian-made chip in every device in the world.

He also said the country offers a unique proposition of a reformist government, a growing manufacturing base and a tech-oriented market.

Citing global disruption in supply chain during COVID-19 pandemic, he said Supply chain resilience is critical.

Speaking on the occasion, Union Electronics & IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said, Prime Minister Narendra Modis vision is to democratise access to technology. All the initiatives taken so far whether it is Digital India Mission or the Telecom Mission, every initiative has brought the technology in the hands of citizens. The growth of the semiconductor industry in India will further deepen this vision.

Vaishnaw added that India first tried to start the semiconductor industry about 60 years ago. This is because semiconductor is a foundational industry. Chips manufactured are used in medical instruments, mobilephones, laptops, cars, trucks, trains, TVs, and everything other things that is switched on and switched off. After many attempts finally it is under the PM Modis leadership that we succeeded in getting the industry in our country.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who was present at the event, As result of the efforts taken by the Uttar Pradesh government in the past few years, about 50 per cent of the total mobilephone components are produced in the state. UP has emerged as the exporter of consumer electronics. Samsung India has also started its display manufacturing plant in Noida itself. Today, the state has also been established at a hub for data centres.

Ajit Manocha, president of Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International, said we need to support the vision of achieving exponential growth in the semiconducted industry, which is good not just for India but for the whole world and the humanity. The semiconductor industry is foundational to every industry in the world We are on the unprecedented challenges, unprecedented opportunities and unprecedented actions underway in India.

Industry leaders also participated in the event. The Semicon India 2024 will witness participation of more than 250 exhibitors and 150 speakers.
Bajaj Housing Finance IPO: The initial public offering of Bajaj Housing Finance, which has been closed on Wednesday, September 11, has received a whopping 67.39 times subscription. The price band of the Rs 6,560-crore much-awaited IPO was fixed at Rs 66 to Rs 70 per share. On the final day of bidding on Wednesday, the IPO received a 67.39 times subscription garnering bids for 46,22,63,63,416 shares as against the 68,60,00,009 shares on offer.

The category for non-institutional investors received 43.93 times subscription, while the portion for retail individual investors (RIIs) got subscribed 7.35 times. The QIB category was subscribed 222.05 times subscription.

The IPO was opened for public subscription on September 9. The share allotment of the Bajaj Housing Finance IPO will likely be finalised on September 12, while its shares will be listed on both BSE and NSE on September 16.

A total of 50 per cent of the IPO has been reserved for qualified institutional buyers (QIB), 35 per cent for retail investors, and 15 per cent for high-networth individuals.

Apart from this, Bajaj Housing Finance has also reserved Rs 500 crore worth of shares under shareholder quota. Eligible shareholders of Bajaj Finance Limited and Bajaj Finserv Limited as of the Red Herring Prospectus date, i.e. August 30, 2024, would be eligible to apply for this Offer under the Shareholders Reservation Portion. Only bids received at or above the Offer Price will be considered in this category.

Bajaj Housing Finance IPO: GMP Today

According to market observers, unlisted shares of Bajaj Housing Finance Ltd are trading Rs 74 higher in the grey market than its issue price. The Rs 74 grey market premium or GMP means the grey market is expecting a 105.71 per cent listing gain from the public issue. The GMP is based on market sentiments and keeps changing.

Grey market premium indicates investors readiness to pay more than the issue price.

Bajaj Housing Finance IPO: Analysts Recommendations

Giving buy recommendation, Brokerage firm Anand Rathi in its IPO note said, In the near term, a fundraise of Rs 7000 crore in Bajaj Housing Finance Ltd (BHFL) is likely to be a catalyst for Bajaj Finances (BAF) re-rating. The standalone entity delivers higher RoE (return on equity) and RoA (return on assets) than Bajaj Housing Finance and commands premium valuations. The recent correction offers an attractive entry point. We reiterate a Buy recommendation. At the CMP, the stock trades at 3.7x standalone FY26e BV(adjusted for subsidiaries).

Another brokerage InCred Equities also recommended a subscription rating to the IPO.

In its note, InCred Equities said, Although mortgages look to be a pure vanilla product, they have multiple dimensions, especially in an emerging market like India. We believe BHFLs management has the vision and capability to explore the same over the years, which makes the company attractive over the mid- to long-term horizon. We recommend subscription to the IPO.

InCred, however, said this is expensive compared to peers like LIC Housing Finance (1.2x), PNB Housing (1.7x), and Can Fin Homes (2.7x), but in line with our expectations, given BHFLs robust yet diversified AUM growth (+30% CAGR), sturdy asset quality (NPAs less than 1%), and superior technology platform enabling it to remain relevant in a stiff competitive environment.

At the upper band of Rs 70, the stock will be valued at 3.2 times its trailing June 2024 book value (post dilution and adjusting for rights share allocation), it said.

Bajaj Housing Finance IPO: More Details

The company collected Rs 1,758 crore from anchor investors on Friday. Among the anchor investors are Government of Singapore, Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, Fidelity, Morgan Stanley, Nomura, Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan India Investment Trust Plc, SBI Life Insurance Company, ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Company, HDFC Mutual Fund (MF), Kotak Mahindra MF, SBI MF, UTI MF and Nippon India MF.

According to a circular uploaded on BSEs website, the company has allotted 25.11 crore equity shares to 104 funds at Rs 70 apiece, which is also the upper-end of the price band. This aggregates the transaction size to Rs 1,758 crore.

The much awaited Rs 6,560-crore initial share-sale will open for public subscription on September 9 and conclude on September 11.

The price band has been fixed at Rs 66 to Rs 70 per share for the public issue.

The proposed IPO comprises a fresh issue of equity shares of up to Rs 3,560 crore and an offer-for-sale (OFS) of equity shares to the tune of Rs 3,000 crore by parent Bajaj Finance.

The share sale is being conducted to comply with the Reserve Bank of Indias (RBI) regulations, which require upper layer non-banking finance companies to be listed on stock exchanges by September 2025.

Proceeds from the fresh issue will be used to augment the companys capital base to meet future capital requirements.

Bajaj Housing Finance is a non-deposit taking Housing Finance Company registered with the National Housing Bank since September 2015. It offers financial solutions for purchasing and renovating residential and commercial properties.

It has been identified and categorized as an upper layer NBFC by the RBI in India and its comprehensive mortgage products include home loans, loans against property, lease rental discounting and developer financing.

For the entire financial year 2023-24 , the housing lender posted a net profit of Rs 1,731 crore, marking a growth of 38 per cent from Rs 1,258 crore in FY23.

Aadhar Housing Finance and India Shelter Finance are two housing finance companies that have listed on the stock exchanges in recent months.

In June, Bajaj Housing Finance filed preliminary papers with Sebi for a Rs 7,000 crore IPO, comprising fresh shares worth Rs 4,000 crore and an OFS component of Rs 3,000 crore by its parent. The market regulator gave its clearance to the companys maiden public issue earlier this month.

Kotak Mahindra Capital Company Ltd, BofA Securities India Ltd, SBI Capital Markets Ltd, Goldman Sachs (India) Securities Private Ltd and JM Financial Ltd are the book running lead managers that will manage the companys public issue.
PN Gadgil Jewellers IPO: The initial public offering of PN Gadgil Jewellers Ltd, which opened on Tuesday for public subscription, has received nearly seven times subscription so far. The price band of the Rs 1,100-crore IPO has been fixed at Rs 456 to Rs 480 apiece. On the second day of bidding on Wednesday, the IPO received bids for 11,79,93,626 shares against 1,68,85,964 shares on offer, translating into a 6.99 times subscription.

The portion for non-institutional investors got booked 16.01 times and the quota for Retail Individual Investors (RIIs) received 7.05 times subscription. The Qualified Institutional Buyers (QIBs) part got subscribed 10 per cent.

The IPO will be closed on Thursday, September 12. Its allotment will be finalised on September 13, while its share listing is scheduled to take place on September 17.

PN Gadgil Jewellers IPO GMP Today

According to market observers, unlisted shares of PN Gadgil Jewellers Ltd are trading Rs 258 higher in the grey market than its issue price. The Rs 258 grey market premium or GMP means the grey market is expecting a 53.75 per cent listing gain from the public issue. The GMP is based on market sentiments and keeps changing.

Grey market premium indicates investors readiness to pay more than the issue price.

PN Gadgil Jewellers IPO: Analysts Recommendations

Most analysts have given a subscribe rating to the IPO on the back of its business outlook and well-established brand.

Granting a subscribe rating, Canara Securities in its IPO note said, P N Gadgil Jewellers is a well-established name in the jewellery sector, known for its strong presence in Maharashtra with 38 stores, including one in the USA. The company also boasts a vast inventory with over 38,000 SKUs. They are also the fastest growing jewellery brand amongst the key organised jewellery players in India, based on the revenue growth between fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2024.

P N Gadgil Jewellers EBITDA has nearly doubled from Rs 141.98 crore in FY22 to Rs 277.42 crore in FY24, showcasing the companys ability to scale its operations profitably. Ebitda stands for earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation.

Another brokerage firm Anand Rathi said, On Valuation parse, at the upper price band the companys implied market cap is around Rs 65130 Mn valuing at PE of 42.2 times for FY24. Looking at the companys stable and growing profits and returns ratios we believe that this issue may be considered for its long term growth. Hence we give SUBCRIBE for LONG TERM rating to this IPO.

Brokerage Nirmal Bang in its IPO said, In FY24, P N Gadgils operating margin stood at 4.5% which are lowest in the industry. The company is strategically aiming to boost its profitability by focusing on leveraging economies of scale to reduce costs and enhancing its revenue share of studded jewellery sales. Overall marketing expenses are also to be maintained in the range of 0.6-0.7% of revenue. Despite lower margins, the company has been able to generate strong return ratios, such as ROE of 28.9% and ROCE of 25.7% in FY24 supported by efficient operations which are best in the industry. The issue is valued at P/E of 42.2x to FY24 EPS which is available at discount when compared with industry average of 70x. Thus, we recommend SUBSCRIBE to the issue.

Apart from this, other major brokerage firms including Stoxbox, BP Wealth, Swastika and Choice, have also given a Buy call to the IPO.

PN Gadgil Jewellers IPO: Anchor Investment

The company raised Rs 330 crore from anchor investors, ahead of the IPO.

PN Gadgil Jewellers IPO: More Details

The initial public offering (IPO) will conclude on September 12. The price band for the offer has been fixed at Rs 456-480 per share.

The Maharashtra-based companys IPO is a combination of a fresh issue of equity shares worth up to Rs 850 crore and an offer for sale (OFS) of equity shares to the tune of Rs 250 crore by promoter SVG Business Trust.

At present, SVG Business Trust holds a 99.9 per cent stake in PN Gadgil Jewellers.

Of the fresh issue proceeds, Rs 393 crore will be utilised for the funding of expenditure towards setting up 12 new stores in Maharashtra, Rs 300 crore for payment of debt, besides a portion will also be used for general corporate purposes.

PN Gadgil Jewellers Ltd offers a wide range of precious metal/jewellery products including gold, silver, platinum and diamond jewellery, across various price points and designs.

The companys products are primarily sold under its flagship brand, PNG, and various sub-brands, through multiple channels, including 39 retail stores (as of July 31, 2024) and various online marketplaces, including websites.

Motilal Oswal Investment Advisors Ltd, Nuvama Wealth Management Ltd and BOB Capital Markets Ltd are the book-running lead managers to the issue.
Stocks To Watch On September 11: Domestic markets extended their rebound, gaining nearly half a percent on Tuesday, supported by a recovery in global indices. In todays trade, shares of HDFC Bank, Vodafone Idea, Dr Reddys, RIL, and IndiGo among others will be in focus due to various news developments.

SpiceJet: The airline has reached a deal with Carlyle Groups commercial aviation unit to write off a $40.2 million payment obligation and a $30 million conversion of arrears into equity. This move is set to increase Carlyles stake in SpiceJet and could boost the airlines financial stability.

Maruti Suzuki India: As the company gears up to launch its first electric vehicle (EV) in January 2025, it plans to address key consumer concerns including range anxiety, charging infrastructure, and resale value.

L&T: L&T Semiconductor Technologies, an arm of L&T, has entered into a strategic partnership with IBM to advance processor design for edge devices and hybrid cloud systems. The collaboration aims to develop Indias semiconductor tech ecosystem and is expected to drive innovation in computing applications.

Reliance Industries: Reliance Retail Ventures, the retail business of RIL, has formed a 50/50 joint venture with Delta Galil Industries to enhance its apparel offerings in India. This partnership aims to bring innovative intimate and activewear products to the Indian market.

Mahindra & Mahindra: The company has responded to allegations from the Congress party regarding preferential treatment related to market regulator Sebi and its chief. The company has firmly denied these claims and highlighted its commitment to corporate governance standards.

Vodafone Idea: Vodafone Idea is still facing significant challenges securing loans from public-sector banks due to its liabilities and the lack of a clear capital expenditure plan, despite raising significant equity funds.

Century Textiles and Industries: The Aditya Birla group company has acquired a 10-acre land parcel in Mumbai with significant development potential from the Wadia Group. The deal boosts the companys landholding and booking value potential.

Lemon Tree Hotels: The company has signed a license agreement for a new property, Lemon Tree Hotel, Mira Road, Mumbai. Scheduled to open in FY26, this hotel, with 108 rooms, a restaurant, bar, meeting room, swimming pool, and a spa catering to both business and leisure travelers, will be managed by Carnation Hotels Private Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lemon Tree Hotels.

HDFC Bank, Axis Bank: Both the banks have been penalised by the Reserve Bank of India for various regulatory non-compliances. HDFC Bank faces a Rs 1 crore penalty, while Axis Bank has been fined Rs 1.91 crore.

Coal India: The company is set to invest approximately Rs 67,000 crore in developing coal-fired power plants near its mining operations. This move, which includes 4.7 gigawatts of planned generation capacity over the next six to seven years, underscores the ongoing reliance on coal for Indias power needs.

IndiGo: The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has reduced the quantum of penalty imposed on the company from Rs 1.2 crore to Rs 70 lakh.
Global tech giant Microsoft has made a significant investment of Rs 519.72 crore in Pune, one of Indias prominent IT hubs, according to Square Yards. In recent years, Microsofts investments in Indias commercial real estate sector have increased, spanning data centres, development centres, and flexible office spaces.

As per the registration document reviewed by Square Yards, Microsofts Indian arm, Microsoft Corporation (India) Private Limited, acquired 66,414.5 square meters (16.4 acres) of prime land in Punes Hinjewadi. The transaction, registered in August 2024, involved the purchase of land from Indo Global Infotech City LLP. The deal incurred a stamp duty of Rs. 31.18 crore and a registration fee of Rs. 30,000.

In 2022, the company also acquired a 25-acre plot in Pimpri-Chinchwad for Rs. 328 crore. Earlier this year, Microsoft secured 48 acres of land in Hyderabad for Rs. 267 crore. Both deals are part of Microsofts broader strategy to expand to expand its presence in India, particularly within its data centre operations. The companys network of data centres already includes locations in Pune, Mumbai, and Chennai, solidifying its presence across key markets.

Currently, the companys workforce in India includes over 23,000 employees across cities such as Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Pune. These teams support various business functions, including sales, marketing, research, development, and customer support. Additionally, in early 2024, Microsoft launched a major skilling initiative in India, aiming to equip 2 million individuals with AI and digital skills by 2025. The program, known as ADVANTA(I)GE INDIA, is part of the companys Skills for Jobs initiative designed to foster a future-ready workforce.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will release the first installments of PM Awas Yojana to lakhs of beneficiaries in rural areas and griha pravesh (house warming) of 26 lakh beneficiaries will be held on September 15 in Jamshedpur, Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced on Tuesday.

Addressing an online meeting with rural development ministers of states, Chouhan said the prime minister will release installments worth Rs 2,745 crore to lakhs of the PM Awas Yojana (PMAY) beneficiaries.

PM Modi will also interact with Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) beneficiaries, the Rural Development Ministry said.

Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Installment

Around 10 lakh beneficiaries will get their first installments at the event in Jharkhand. Acceptance letters will also be distributed to all the targeted beneficiaries for the financial year 2024-25, the statement said.

The ministry said a large number of people will participate in the programme and lakhs will join it online.

Chouhan said that the target was to construct 2.95 crore houses by March 2024 out of which almost all the houses have been approved, while 2.65 crore houses have been completed.

He said that griha pravesh, a traditional ceremony performed while moving into a new house, of 26 lakh beneficiaries whose houses have been completed so far during the financial year 2023-24 and 2024-25 will also take place on the day.

Chouhan added that the rules of the scheme have been simplified and amended to ensure people are not excluded.

According to the ministry, exclusion criteria such as owning motorised two-wheelers or fishing boats, refrigerators and landline phones have been removed.

Apart from this, the monthly income limit of a member of the family has been increased from Rs 10 thousand to Rs 15 thousand. The exclusion criteria related to land ownership have also been simplified, it said.

The Ministry of Rural Development, after consulting the views of all the states and all the stakeholders, has decided that unnecessary conditions should be removed so that the objective of housing for all can be truly realized, the minister said.

Chouhan added that the houses built under the scheme are complete houses, which are well-equipped.

The Union cabinet had last month approved implementation of the PMAY-G during FY 2024-25 to 2028-29.

Two crore more houses will be constructed under the PMAY-G during next five years to address housing need arisen over the years. Construction of houses for two crore more households is expected to benefit nearly 10 crore individuals, the statement said.

To achieve the objective of Housing for All in rural areas, the Government of India launched the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana -Gramin (PMAY-G) with effect from April 2016 with a target of construction of 2.95 crore houses with basic amenities to be achieved in phases till March 2024.

(With PTI inputs)
After the untimely death of a 21-year-old B. Tech student at IIT-Guwahati, Professor Kanduru V. Krishna, the institutes academic dean, resigned amid mounting tensions and demonstrations.

The deceased student, originally from Uttar Pradesh was pursuing a degree in Computer Science and Engineering, had been found hanging in his hostel room on September 9. This incident prompted significant resentment among students, who staged a massive protest accusing the institution of fostering a toxic environment.

They demanded Professor Krishnas removal from his position, citing excessive academic pressure as a contributing factor to the students death.

Also Read| Protests Erupt at IIT Guwahati After Third-year Student Found Dead In Hostel Room

Hundreds of students gathered outside the administration building, waving posters and singing slogans, to express their worries about the academic atmosphere and pressures at the university. One student who was protesting told IANS that several students failed due to short attendance, even though they got good marks in the examination. In our batch, at least 200 students failed due to low attendance. This is unacceptable. One or two students might have done something wrong, but such a huge number of pupils can not be found on the wrong foot, the student continued.

As the protests grew, IIT-Guwahati authorities accepted Professor Krishnas resignation.

According to IANS, Professor Krishna, an alumnus of IIT Delhi, completed his Ph.D. in 2006, following a Masters in Mathematics from Andhra University. He is known for his research in General Algebra and Theoretical Computer Science. His resignation comes amid increasing scrutiny over the mental health and well-being of students in high-pressure academic environments like IITs.

On Monday, IIT Guwahati issued a statement stating that students well-being is their top priority and that they are deeply saddened to report the death of a student from their community. A spokesman expressed heartfelt condolences to the students family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time.

The institution encouraged students to seek out their support networks to provide a secure and supportive environment for all students.

 with IANS inputs

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Amid ongoing turmoil in Manipur, where violence has lasted over 16 months, the state administration extended the closure of schools and colleges for two additional days on September 11 and 12. This decision was made in reaction to massive student demonstrations and calls for action against external invaders. The Higher and Technical Education Department announced the extension, stating that educational institutions had already been shut down since September 8. If the circumstances dont improve, the closures of educational institutions could continue.

The decision to close schools and higher educational institutions underscores how serious the current unrest is. On September 9, hundreds of students protested outside the Manipur Secretariat and Raj Bhavan. Their demands focused on the states safety, notably demanding for action against those responsible for recent drone and missile strikes, as well as protecting Manipurs territorial and administrative integrity.

To cope with the worsening crisis, the Home Ministry has ordered the deployment of 2,000 CRPF soldiers to the state. This comes after dramatic clashes between protesting students and police officers in Imphal on Tuesday, which highlight the regions rising tensions.

Violence has erupted in Manipur since May 2023, owing mostly to longstanding reservations conflicts between the Kuki and Meitei communities. The conflict has killed 226 people and left others homeless, with no apparent end in sight. The prolonged closure of schools and colleges emphasises the gravity of the situation and the governments efforts to contain the disturbance.

Meanwhile, on September 6, an elderly man was killed and five others were injured when suspected militants attempted a bomb attack on Moirang, a residential neighbourhood in Bishnupur district. The rocket that dropped on the grounds of former Chief Minister Mairembam Koirengs mansion appeared to be improvised.

Following the incident, the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), a conglomeration of valley-based civic entities, issued a public emergency throughout Imphal Valleys five districts, starting immediately.
BJP leader Ram Madhav on Wednesday compared Engineer Rashid with National Conference leader Omar Abdullah and PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti after the Lok Sabha MP from Baramulla walked out of Delhis Tihar jail on interim bail.

Madhav, BJPs in-charge for J&K polls, was reacting to Rashids remark that he will fight Prime Minister Narendra Modis narrative of Naya Kashmir.

This rank separatist, in jail for last 5 years under UAPA for indulging in anti-India activities, is out on bail to further vitiate Valley politics. Look at d language anti-Modi rants, restoring Art 370, freeing terrorists from jails no different from what Omar or Mehabooba or even others like Lone, of NC, PDP or PC  d Gupkar Gang  is saying. He wants to defeat Modis dream of Naya Kashmir. We accept d challenge. Naya Kashmirs March will go on unrelenting, the BJP leader wrote on X.

This rank separatist, in jail for last 5 years under UAPA for indulging in anti-India activities, is out on bail to further vitiate Valley politics. Look at d language anti-Modi rants, restoring Art 370, freeing terrorists from jails no different from what Omar or Mehabooba https://t.co/XFQvWFceVo Ram Madhav (@rammadhav_) September 11, 2024

Sheikh Abdul Rashid, popularly known as Engineer Rashid, has been in jail since 2019 following his arrest by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in the 2017 terror funding case.

Will Fight PMs Naya Kashmir Narrative: Rashid

Baramulla MP Engineer Rashid walked out of Tihar Jail on Wednesday, a day after a Delhi court granted him interim bail till October 2 in a terror funding case so that he can campaign in the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly polls.

Talking to reporters outside the jail, he said that he would continue to fight for his people. Rashids sons and supporters welcomed him after he walked out of the prison.

He was released from jail at 4.15 pm, said a senior prison official.

Rashid defeated former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls in Baramulla. Rashids outfit Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) is contesting the assembly elections.

I was in jail for five-and-a-half years. I am committed to fighting for my people. I am coming back to unite people and not divide them, he told reporters outside Tihar.

I want to bring everlasting peace to Kashmir and prove that Kashmiris are not stone pelters. But we will not compromise with our political rights, he said, adding, I will fight the prime ministers narrative of Naya Kashmir. National Conference vice-president Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said Rashid has been granted bail to fetch votes from the people of Kashmir and not to serve them.

About Peoples Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti describing Rashids Awami Ittehad Party as a proxy for the BJP, Abdullah said while he was being very cautious on the issue, it is good that she has stated openly what many people were thinking.

Lashing out at Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti, Rashid on Wednesday alleged that they have destroyed Kashmir.

Polling for Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections are scheduled to be held in three phases  September 18, September 25 and October 1. The results will be declared on October 8.

Additional Sessions Judge Chander Jit Singh ordered Rashids release on interim bail on a personal bond of Rs 2 lakh and a surety of the like amount. He also imposed certain conditions on him, including that he would not speak to the media about the case.

(With PTI inputs)
US Presidential debates are televised spectacles, which bring in big bucks from advertisers, but have little or no impact on the election. One such continuity of the traditional debates of presidential hopefuls was the Donald Trump and Kamala Harris face-off on Tuesday, ahead of the November election.

Many US media outlets have declared Harris the clear winner. The New York Times highlighted how she effectively put Trump on the defensive from the start, and controlled the debate throughout. Ms. Harris was for the most part able to deliver a crisp and clear message. Mr. Trump seemed angry and defensive, the publication stated.

The presidential debates usually inform voters on the issues and temperaments of the candidates, and can also make for good TV, creating soundbites and moments that resonate for decades to come.

From the candidates physical appearances to gaffes to off-the-cuff remarks, here are some memorable moments from US presidential debate history.

1960: The first and possibly considered the most famous televised American presidential debate was between Democrat John F Kennedy and Republican vice-president Richard Nixon on September 26. The debate created some defining moments for both presidential debates and television itself. The debate propelled Kennedy to stardom because of his young and charismatic persona while Nixon old and looked tired. Those who watched the debate on TV declared Kennedy as winner but radio listeners thought Nixon had fared better. Kennedy won a narrow election. He was assassinated three years later.

1976: Republican president Gerald Ford, who succeeded Nixon after the Watergate scandal, had been closing the gap on Democrat Jimmy Carter but then remarked: There is no Soviet domination of eastern Europe, and there never will be under a Ford administration. The remark came across as naive, leading the media to portray Ford as clumsy and not up for the job. It was seen as a critical gaffe in the context of the Cold War and Carter went on to win the election. Carter beat Ford by just 11,000 votes in Ohio, which determined the election outcome. The state had the families of Catholic immigrants from Eastern Europe and formed a significant share of the vote.

1992: In a three-way contest with Democrat Bill Clinton and businessman Ross Perot, President George HW Bush made the fatal mistake of looking at his watch. It gave the impression of a haughty, aloof incumbent who did not want to be there and took too much for granted. Bush later admitted what had been on his mind: Only 10 more minutes of this crap. He lost to Clinton. The debate had three unique aspects: first, all of them took place over the course of only nine days, creating a mini-series. Second, the debates had different formats, including the first-ever townhall-style debate in which the candidates sat on stools and walked around the open stage, surrounded by the audience on three sides. Third, these debates featured three candidates unlike the traditional two  Republican Bush Sr, Democrat Clinton, and Reform Party nominee Ross Perot, who went on to win 18.9% of the popular vote in one of the most successful third party runs in American history.

2000: George W Bush, the eldest son of former President George HW Bush, lost the popular vote to Vice President Al Gore but won one more than the required majority of 270 votes in the electoral college to claim the presidency. The live mics caught Gore sighed loudly when his rival Bush spoke. He was seen on the TV screen rolling his eyes or shaking his head in frustration multiple times. In another incident, Gore criticised Bushs personal space when Bush strolled forward and Gore rose and moved towards his rival, as if looking for a fight. As TIME Magazine wrote in 2000: Last week, George W. Bush and Al Gore stood at podiums, and Gore, as befitting the furniture, gave what came across as a lecture: correcting his opponent, holding forth, sighing in exasperation at Bushs answers. The pundits and the polls agreed: Gore had won the debate. Then he lost: within a week, Bush had opened up a lead in several polls, as voters apparently decided they were tired of Professor Know-It-All.

2012: Viewers felt that President Barack Obama had phoned in his first lackluster debate performance against Republican Mitt Romney, who performed above expectations. But in the second debate, Romney, responding to a question about gender pay equality, said he had binders full of women as candidates for cabinet posts. The phrase became a meme on social media and Romney lost in November.

2020: Donald Trump debated Joe Biden in his characteristically testy way. At one point, an exasperated Biden pleaded, Will you shut up, man?. That line came as the debate schedule was affected by a new virus, Covid-19, spreading through the country. Trump tested positive for the virus, leading to the cancellation of the second debate.

2024: Biden vs Trumps debate effectively ended the political career of the former on the night of June 27, 2024, and was labelled as the most embarrassing performance of all time. Biden, 81, came across weak, his voice trembling, and his answers unintelligible, with blunt retorts. He committed gaffe after gaffe in the debate, compelling many to wonder if he was even fit to finish the current term. Although he put up a brave and defiant tone in the debates immediate aftermath, Biden was dropped out of the US presidential race less than a month later.
An 11-year-old girl was attacked by a wolf in Uttar Pradeshs Bahraich on Tuesday night, as the authorities in the city continued their search for a sixth wolf.

According to news agency ANI, the minor was admitted to a hospital, where she was being treated for her injuries.

A pack of six wolves in the area has killed eight people and injured more than 20 since mid-July.

On Tuesday, the authorities managed to capture a fifth wolf as part of the Operation Bhediya campaign that has been ongoing in Bahraichs Mahasi tehsil.

The fifth man-eater wolf was captured using pugmark technique near the Ghaghra River close to Harabnspur village.
The Mumbai civic body on Wednesday appointed the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay as a third party quality control agency to ensure that the quality of cement concrete roads in being developed in the city city remains high.

In a statement, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said it signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the IIT Bombay for checking the quality of cement concrete road works.

The BMC has initiated cement concretisation of the 701-km-long roads in the city in two phases  392 km long roads in the first phase and 309 km in the second.

The premier engineering institute located in Powai will conduct quality control checks of the cement concrete road works, including cube tests, core tests, slump cone tests, durability tests and field density tests.

The IIT will conduct surprise visits, site inspections and hold feedback sessions to ensure high-quality work, the release said.

The MoU was signed in the presence of BMC Commissioner and Administrator Bhushan Gagrani and Additional Municipal Commissioner (Projects) Abhijit Bangar. It was attended by officials from the BMC and IIT, including the institute director Prof K V Krishna Rao, and head of the department of civil engineering of the institute Prof Solomon Debbarma.
The Bombay High Court has acquitted a man accused of rape, ruling that the womans behaviour was inconsistent with that of a person of ordinary prudence.

In a recent ruling, Justice GA Sanap of the Nagpur bench observed, In my opinion, this conduct of the victim is not consistent with the conduct of a person of ordinary prudence placed in a similar situation.

Regarding the womans claim that the man had booked a hotel room for their meeting, Justice Sanap remarked, A girl meeting a young boy for the first time would not go to a hotel room. Such a conduct on the part of a boy would obviously send the alarming signals to the girl.

Justice Sanap further commented that if a girl accompanied an unknown person to a secluded area and encountered trouble, she would likely cry out for help. Even if, on some promise, the girl accompanies an unknown person to a room and if she is put in any trouble, then she is bound to raise hue and cry, he stated.

Justice Sanap highlighted that the hotel room was not far from the hotels busy areas, stating that the circumstances of the alleged incident in the hotel room appear to be unbelievable, Lawbeat reported.

In my view, the occurrence of the incident in the hotel room, therefore, appears to be unbelievable. The subsequent conduct of the victim is not consistent, Justice Sanaps order read.

The decision came as the court was reviewing an appeal by the accused, who had been convicted by a Sessions Court.

About the case

The woman, in her complaint, had alleged that she connected with the man on Facebook and later exchanged phone numbers. The man then took her to a hotel room, where he allegedly asked her to change into a T-shirt he provided and took photographs of her while she was changing.

He reportedly threatened to share the photos if she refused to have sexual intercourse. Fearing public shame, she complied. Despite this, the accused still shared the photos on Facebook and with her relatives, leading the woman to file an FIR against him.

The bench also observed that although the photos were made public in March 2017, there was a delay in lodging the report, which was only filed in October 2017.

It is evident that the victim, after noticing the attitude of the accused, discontinued her relationship with him. It is, therefore, possible that the accused might have decided to trouble them and therefore, on repetitive publication of the photographs of the victim in social media, the parents would have lodged the report, the court stated.
Members of the Delhi BJPs Sikh cell staged a protest against Rahul Gandhi near his 10, Janpath residence here on Wednesday, demanding an apology from the Congress leader over his remarks in the US concerning the community.

Raising slogans and carrying placards, the protesters, including women, tried to approach Gandhis residence from Vigyan Bhawan, but were stopped by police at a barricade.

Addressing a gathering of several hundred Indian Americans in Washington DC on Monday, Gandhi accused the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) of considering some religions, languages and communities inferior than others and said the fight in India is about this and not about politics.

Asking the name of a turbaned person in the gathering, Gandhi said, 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 is what the fight is about. And not just for him, for all religions. The protesters raised slogans against the leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha, demanded his apology for humiliating Sikhs and held the Congress responsible for the 1984 anti-Sikh riots in the country.

Bharatiya Janata Partys (BJP) national spokesperson R P Singh alleged that Gandhi has insulted Sikhs through his statement.

Under Prime Minister Narendra Modis leadership, the Sikh community is witnessing progress and the members of the community feel safe in India. The 1984 massacre, where Sikhs were beaten up and killed, occurred during the Congress rule, he said.

Delhi BJPs Sikh cell convenor Charanjeet Singh Lovely said Gandhis small-mindedness is evident from his statement, claiming that Sikh turbans are not safe in India and that Sikhs lack religious freedom.

The Congress has historically been the political party that caused the most harm to Sikhs, he said, citing the 1984 riots.

Delhi BJPs Sikh cell in-charge Tarvinder Marwah said Gandhi should learn the history of his family and acknowledge the atrocities inflicted on Sikhs by his grandmother and father. No other political party has wronged the Sikh community as much as the Congress, he said.

The BJP has come down heavily on Gandhi over his remarks in the United States about Sikhs, saying the Congress leader is trying to create a dangerous narrative by speaking on sensitive issues abroad.
A 26-year-old man set fire to an Ola Electric showroom in Kalaburagi, North Karnataka, on September 10, following frustrations over unresolved issues with his electric scooter.

Mohammad Nadeem purchased the scooter on August 28 but faced repeated problems that the showroom staff failed to address despite his multiple visits. According to police, Nadeem bought petrol and ignited the showroom in anger after feeling neglected by the staff. Earlier, authorities suspected the fire was caused by a short circuit. However, an investigation revealed the deliberate act of arson.

Karnataka: A customer set an Ola showroom in Kalaburagi on fire after facing issues with the ongoing service of his new bike.Following a verbal argument with the showroom owner yesterday evening, he set the showroom on fire. A case has been registered at Kalaburagi Chowk pic.twitter.com/AItGyakP4f  IANS (@ians_india) September 11, 2024

The fire resulted in the destruction of six scooters, but fortunately, no casualties were reported as the showroom was closed at the time. Fire safety officials quickly arrived on the scene to extinguish the flames.

Kalaburagi Chowk police have registered a case and taken Nadeem into custody for questioning. This incident follows a similar fire at an Ola showroom in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, just two weeks prior. Ola Electric has not yet commented on the situation.

The (servicing) response was not good, he went multiple times. Yesterday (Tuesday), when he went, he carried petrol and set fire to six bikes, he said. No one was injured in the incident, the commissioner of police for Kalaburagi said.

The police officer, Sharanappa S.D, quantified the damage to the showroom to be worth more than eight lakh rupees. Ola Electric was listed on stock exchanges last month and has 431 service stations across India.

(With agency inputs)
A bowl of curds seems to have churned up quite a commotion in Chief Minister Siddaramaiahs private office, leading to a minor internal investigation.

It all began with a social media post by an organic farm products producer, who claimed that a woman, identifying herself as Shubha, a personal secretary in the Chief Ministers Office (CMO), called to highlight a complaint from Siddaramaiahs sister."

The innocuous post was put up by Madhu Chandan, a farmer and the CEO of Organic Mandya, a company which has gained popularity for selling millets and other products directly from farmers to urban consumers.

Chandan had excitedly posted earlier: Pleasant Surprise. We received a call from the Karnataka Chief Ministers office, and to my surprise, the lady on the line introduced herself as the Personal Secretary to the CM. She mentioned that our Honorable CM had stopped consuming curd for the past week! Intrigued, we asked how we were connected with this. She explained that the CM is used to the curd made from Organic Mandyas desi milk! Ooops why did he stop consuming it? She said the curd had been watery lately, which led him to pause. Curious, we mentioned that to our knowledge, we dont supply milk directly to the CMs residence. Thats when she clarifiedour milk is supplied to the CMs sisters house from our JP Nagar store, and from there, the curd makes its way to the CMs home!"

And then came another pleasant surpriseshe added, Do you know who referred your milk to the CM? We asked eagerly, Who? She said, It was the Deputy Chief Minister who recommended your products to us, and they are SUPER! Now our CM has resumed consumption of the curds after the matter was resolved!!! Feeling incredibly proud to know that our Honorable CM & DCM have started consuming our curd & milk! When you create great products, word of mouth really is the best!

**P.S.** I am unable to tag our CM as his office hasnt created a handle on LinkedIn yet!"

According to the post, Organic Mandya immediately sought to address the quality issue after receiving the call from Siddaramaiahs household. However, when this came to the attention of the CMO, it was revealed that not only was the caller fake, but Siddaramaiah does not have a sister living in Bengaluru. In fact, he has brothers, and his only sister passed away several years ago.

The sudden appearance of a sister" who allegedly knew Siddaramaiahs preferences for curds and where they were sourced raised serious concerns.

We conducted an internal inquiry and found that the call made by the woman claiming to be Shubha was fake and there is no one by that name who works in any of the Chief Ministers offices," confirmed a senior CMO official to News18.

When News18 contacted Madhu Chandan, he described how the caller claimed that the milk provided by the company was diluted, leading to watery curds. The woman also spoke of Siddaramaiahs sister, living in Basavangudi, Bengaluru, who prepared fresh curds for him daily and had remarked on the quality of the milk.

What caught the companys attention was the callers mention of Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, claiming he had introduced Organic Mandya to the Siddaramaiah family.

When we received the call, we decided to verify it with our friend and MLA Darshan Puttanaiah. We later learned that the call was not genuine and that the Chief Minister does not have a sister supplying him with curds. The woman had specifically mentioned the Deputy Chief Minister, DK Shivakumar, which surprised us as she correctly knew we supply organic products to his residence," Chandan told News18.

Although the issue involved just one litre of milk per day, allegedly provided to the residence of Siddaramaiahs sister," the CMO deemed it important to investigate why someone would misuse the names of the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister over a bowl of curd.
A woman junior doctor was allegedly assaulted by a patient at the state-run Gandhi Hospital in Hyderabad on Wednesday.

The Gandhi Junior Doctors Association (JUDA) said that a patient in intoxicated condition assaulted the female intern when she was performing her duties at the Casualty department of the hospital at around 3.30 pm. The incident caused concern among junior doctors, it said in a release.

The man in his 60s, said to be mentally unstable, who was undergoing treatment at the hospital for the past three days allegedly grabbed the female intern, police said.

CCTV footage of the incident purportedly showed a man suddenly grabbing the woman doctors hand and holding her by the apron and allegedly attacking her even as some medical staff among others rescued her.

The Gandhi JUDA strongly condemned the incident and called for a swift and decisive action to ensure the safety and security of all medical staff and interns.

The association further demanded a thorough investigation into the incident and measures to prevent such occurrences in the future, adding they reported the incident to the Superintendent of Gandhi Hospital.

The mentally ill man, who was admitted to the hospital by his family members, has been accused of grabbing and misbehaving with the female intern, a senior police official said.

A police team reached the hospital after being informed about the incident over Dial-100, he said. The security personnel at the hospital handed over the man to the police.

The police official said they are inquiring into the matter and were in the process of registering an FIR based on the complaint. Further investigation was on.
Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal is at the epicentre of a brewing storm over the RG Kar Medical College rape and murder. The situation makes one wonder  Is Vineet Goyal the new Rajeev Kumar, who is currently holding the position of DGP, West Bengal? With mounting criticism over his handling of the RG Kar Medical College case, parallels are being drawn.

Like Kumar, Goyal is seen as one of the key enforcers  as claimed by the doctors and the political opponents  for the ruling establishment, accused of bending over backwards to protect the governments image and to please the Chief Minister. As discontent swells within the police force and on the streets, Goyals actions could be carving out a similar legacy of controversy and political manoeuvering.

Post the vandalisation of the hospital on August 14, Goyal has been accused of inept handling of the situation, as alleged by the junior doctors. His mishandling of the series of incidents, and not acknowledging or addressing the procedural lapses, fierce criticism and mass protests, have exposed him as a key figure in the controversy. In addition, the governments allegedly flawed response has only intensified scrutiny, with Goyals role now a flashpoint in the escalating political backlash.

Goyal vs Kumar: A New Face of Political Policing?

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, known for her key officials, who have remained loyal to her, appears determined to shield Goyal, much like she did in the past for Rajeev Kumar, the former Kolkata Police Commissioner. During Kumars tenure, when he was under scrutiny for his role in the Saradha scam, Banerjee famously sat on a dharna to protect him.

Now, a similar scenario has been unfolding, with Banerjee seemingly ready to go to great lengths to defend Goyal amid the ongoing RG Kar controversy. While addressing a televised administrative meeting on Monday, the Chief Minister said that the Commissioner wanted to resign from his position last week, however she refused.

Here, the parallels between Vineet Goyal and Rajeev Kumar are hard to unsee and ignore. Both have found themselves in the middle of political and administrative storms, and in both cases, Mamata Banerjee has stepped in to protect them, even at the cost of drawing further criticism.

The mighty police officers of Kolkata

Rajeev Kumar is an IIT graduate and technocrat who joined the IPS. He is a 1989 batch officer who quickly gained a reputation for being highly competent and efficient, and for possessing a sharp mind that gave him the edge over his peers. He superseded many seniors to become the CP of Kolkata as well.

Goyal, also an IIT graduate and an IT (information technology) expert, held several crucial positions in the Kolkata Police, the states CID and the STF. He has been honoured with two gallantry medals; however, his peers often question the legitimacy of those medals. Goyal received several central and state government medals for his service.

Why is Mamata shielding Vineet Goyal?

There have been instances of shifting goalposts in the West Bengal administration.

On August 11, a junior doctor demanded the removal of RG Kar Medical Colleges principal Sandip Ghosh, which marked the beginning of a series of escalating demands and significant changes in the system. Another primary target was the then ACP (assistant commissioner of police)-level officer who was in charge of the hospital. The government removed both.

However, the anger escalated after the vandalisation of the hospital on August 14 leading to substantial discontent brewing against the CP.

A senior IAS officer said, There is no end to such demands. These are arm twisting tactics. The CP offered to resign, but the CM refused because she thinks that surrendering to such pressure tactics may act counter productive.

However, another source in the government ranks said that the Chief Minister is also worried about the escalation. If she removes Goyal, the next target of the protestor might be her health portfolio as she is the health minister, the source said.

The investigation into these matters is complex, involving procedural issues and several glitches, with the CBI now examining the role of various individuals. The trials timing and related issues, including the involvement of the investigating team, remain under intense scrutiny as the political and administrative landscape shifts dramatically.

The question now is whether Goyal will follow the same path as Kumar, whose career was mired in controversy, or if Banerjees backing will help him weather this storm.
One Border Security Force (BSF) jawan was injured after firing on a BSF post in the Akhnoor sector of Jammu and Kashmir.

The gunfire was reported at nearly 2.35 am on Wednesday, in the Kanachak area of Jammu.

A high alert was sounded in the area.

According to the details, a snipper was used by Pakistan rangers to target the BSF.

In an official statement, the BSF said, On September 11, 2024, at about 2.35 am, an incident of unprovoked firing in the Akhnoor area from across the border happened which was befittingly responded by the BSF.

One BSF personnel sustained injuries in Pak firing; troops are on high alert, it said.

The injured jawan was admitted to a hospital where he was undergoing treatment.

On September 9, two heavily armed terrorists were killed in a gunfight with the security forces along the Line of Control (LoC) in Rajouri district.

The gunfight broke out in the Laam area of the Nowshera sector late on Sunday night after alert Army troops noticed terrorists trying to sneak into this side from across the border, officials told news agency PTI.

Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir are scheduled to take place in three phases  September 18, September 25 and October 1.
Sam Mistry, who stayed in Malad for over 30 years, used to take more than 15-20 minutes to cross the 1.5-kilometre stretch around Akurli bridge. This had become a perennial problem for commuters. If we consider northbound traffic from Kurar Metro station towards Oberoi Mall, vehicles used to move slowly around Growels Mall to a point where we would have to constantly hit the brakes and wait, said Mistry.

On Tuesday night, local MP and Union Minister Piyush Goyal inaugurated the Akurli underpass, which will now lead to seamless flow of vehicles along the stretch. This will offer huge respite to residents of northern suburbs such as Borivali, Kandivali, Malad and Dahisar.

ALSO READ | Big Traffic Relief For Mumbai Motorists As Kandivali Subway Work On Western Express Highway Finally Ends

The intervention ensured that the work, which was languishing for years, was completed within 30 days of his first meeting at the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on August 14. This is a Ganesh Chaturthi gift for not just North Mumbai, but the entire city, said a spokesperson from Goyals team.

Akurli stretch is one of the most important roads linking Kandivali railway station to Western Express Highway and beyond the highway to the Lokhandwala Complex. The project had been going on for several years. It was affected by the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021.

How The Ganeshotsav Gift For Mumbai Motorists Got Ready In Time

A major issue faced by the implementing authority was in shifting of the gas pipeline/power supply cable/water supply line (300mm diameter) which took around nine months.

Another issue was to secure traffic permission on the busy highway, wherein work was allowed only for six hours at night.

While major chunk of the work has now been completed, what remains is the completion of the work of the subway. Traffic issues around Growels Mall are now a thing of the past. The bridge was inaugurated by MP Goyal late last night. That will ease the traffic movement towards Borivali. Earlier, three-lane traffic movement was affected because the work, but it has now been completed, said Anil Kumbhare, Jt CP Traffic.

We left no stone unturned to deliver the Akurli Bridge on time for Mumbai! pic.twitter.com/QBse7oHtzU Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) September 11, 2024

Kumbhare added that as the subway needs extension, work would be carried out in the night hours, wherein subway movement will be restricted between 10 pm and 8 am each night for another fortnight, until the work is completed.

Local residents are now looking at an uninterrupted flow of traffic on the Western Express Highway and towards entry points of Kandivali.

Stuck vehicles on the southbound (8 am to 11 am) and northbound (5.30 pm to 8 pm) stretches used to cause traffic snarls till Andheri. A problem area was the Growels Mall junction, a densely populated patch, which used to see movement of traffic from Lokhandwala and connect to Thakurli village, where there used to be another block. With the bridge inaugurated, we are hoping that the situation will improve, said Yogesh Shah, a resident of Borivali, who travels to BKC every day.
Junior doctors in Kolkata, who are on a protest against the rape-murder of a trainee doctor in the state-run RG Kar Hospital, continued their protest on Wednesday, shouting slogans for justice. The doctors also demanded representatives from maximum colleges to be present for their meeting with authorities, and that there should be a live telecast of the same on media channels.

The protesters continued their sit-in Tuesday night, way past an evening deadline set by the Supreme Court to end their campaign that the state government says has disrupted healthcare services.

The doctors listed five demands for the West Bengal governments consideration, rejected Chief Minister Mamata Banerjees invitation for talks, and sat on a dharna outside the Health Department on another day of high drama. Late on Tuesday night, they were joined by the victims family, who thanked them for their support.

The doctors took exception to the language of the email sent to them by the Principal Health Secretary, NS Nigam, to resolve the impasse over the RG Kar hospital issue.

Further, the doctors conveyed that although doors remain open for talks with the states highest authorities, they would continue with their agitation until their demands are met.

Also, 51 doctors, who were issued notices by the RG Kar hospital, accusing them of fostering intimidation and disrupting the institutions democratic atmosphere, have been summoned to appear before an inquiry committee today.

JUNIOR DOCTORS CONTINUE PROTEST: UPDATES SO FAR
Even as drone-dropped grenades and crude bombs are being blamed for triggering the latest round of violence in Manipur, the recently retired DG of Assam Rifles (AR) has questioned this assessment.

In an exclusive conversation with CNN-News18, Lt Gen (Rtd) P C Nair said that the woman who died in Koutruk village may have been caught in the crossfire between the two groups and died of bullet injuries.

He also said that the rockets used in Bishnupur seem to be renovated Pompi Guns that have been used in strife-torn Manipur for decades.

Excerpts from the interview:

The latest round of violence from September 1 seems to have been triggered by use of drones. The Manipur Police has blamed Kuki groups. What is your assessment?

Drones have been used for many purposes. Usually surveillance, photography, imagery, agriculture, etc. So its not new. In fact, in the initial days of violence, drones were used against some of our (Assam Rifles) posts too. It is something that has been happening and is not limited to Manipur alone. It is used in many places. Only thing is there is no check in Manipur for reasons known to all of us. When this news (September 1 incident) first came to me, I thought yes, it is quite possible that a drone was used because in next door Myanmar, too, drones are being used extensively.

But from the footage (of Koutruk) that I saw, it seemed like a light, small drone and the impact of the shells on ground was major. There are reasons to believe that the shells could not have been fired from those small drones. That is my take on this subject.

ALSO READ | Amid Fresh Violence in Manipur, Govt Implements Last Months Decision of Replacing 2 Assam Rifles Battalions With CRPF | EXCLUSIVE

The Manipur Police, on its social media handle, put up a picture of a drone that they claim was used in this attack and said they were sending it for further analysis. But you are saying that your assessment is that the woman died of splinter injury?

Not splinterbullet. It is not just my assessment. It is there in the media that she died of bullet injuries. It is there in the reports of local media.

You think drones were used for surveillance and not really to drop a grenade at the victims residence?

There was a fight going on between the two factions. The factions were fighting while these drones, rockets, pompieswhatever you call themwere being fired. Its possible she would have died because of a bullet from that crossfire.

What about the allegation that rockets were fired?

The term rockets, as we (people of military background), understand, is of a specific kind. These (what is used in Manipur) are all improvised things which can be called a rocket because they move in an aerial trajectorybut it not the same as weapons that are mass produced. These are all indigenous weapons. These, for example, have been used long ago, almost 100 years ago in the Anglo-Kuki war. Progressively, some modifications have been made. The national media has covered it extensively in the past one year. Everyone has seen that. Theres nothing new in this.

#WATCH | Kangpokpi, Manipur | Assam Rifles has deployed a few anti-drone systems in the State at fringe areas to repel any rogue drones, said Manipur PoliceCRPF has also tested one anti-drone system and given it to the force deployed in the State. Some more anti-drone guns are pic.twitter.com/LIfzkyhHrp  ANI (@ANI) September 8, 2024

So are you suggesting there is no new chapter in the Kuki-Meitei conflict or new element in terms of drones or rockets or new foreign fighters?

Having said that, because of the extensive usage of drones across Myanmar, we should not be surprised if these come in larger numbers. That is the larger thing that we should be thinking of. What can happen in the future is what we should be thinking about.

Can you clarify on the foreign fighter bit? There are lot of apprehensions, especially in the Imphal Valley, that whats happening now is because of a foreign power.

Its been there. I mean most of the unrest in the North-East for the past 65-70 years is a consequence of foreigners interference. Go back in time from the Naga insurgency onwards. There has been a hand of a Northern neighbour. Even now Paresh Baruah is sitting in Yunnan in China. So was there a foreign hand? I think it is a no-brainer, but who exactly in foreign land, I will not be able to comment on that. But it is in the interest of countries that are inimical to us cash in on the existing situation.

Is the situation aggravating because of the Government of Indias decision to move the Assam Rifles units from Manipur to Jammu and Kashmir (J&K)?

We do know that Jammu and Kashmir, especially Jammu, has terror-related challenges. The election is around the corner. So the government is trying to strengthen the hand of the security grid there.

Let me specifically speak about the AR battalions going there. The Jammu region has seen a lot of acts of terror in the past few months, so this decision is in the fitness of things. What is more important is to realise that rather than the debate on whether we are succumbing to somebodys pressure or not listening to somebody, it is important to tackle the situation. The Assam Rifles battalions have always done a fabulous job in Jammu and Kashmir. One of the battalions that is going now to J&K has established an all-time record there. I think it is in the fitness of things that the government would have taken this decision.

In Manipur, the grudge is now no longer limited to AR alone. At least one member of the Legislative Assembly has written to the Union Home Minister alleging that paramilitary forces are mute spectators to violence. This sentiment seems to be gaining traction on the ground. What is the issue with the presence of the paramilitary forces?

The Centre sent them to ensure that peace prevails and to be fair, I think they did ensure peace for at least two or more consecutive months. It would be unfair to blame the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF). They are operating under very challenging circumstances. The demands, if you see, began in the initial part, from AR should go back or withdrawn to the Indian Army should also go back. Then came the demand that the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) should also go back. Then it was further scaled up to all the central forces should go back. So, who will handle the situation there? Somebody has to handle the situation there and nobody is in a better position than the central forces. Because central forces have no axe to grind. They are not, they cant be biased.

But that seems to be the allegation. It seems for the Kuki group specially. They have a special affinity or their special trust in the AR and the Meitei groups have zero trust in Assam Rifles or for that matter in the central forces, how did matters come to this stage?

All I can say is the Assam Rifles, like the other central forces, have been absolutely neutral. There is no way they could have been partial to anyone.

The news coming from Imphal is worrying. We do know that student groups have laid a siege outside the Raj Bhavan. In a situation like this, what do you think is the way forward? We have the example of unified command in Jammu and Kashmir also.

Well, two situations can never be alike. J&Ks issues are entirely different. We should not mix these things up there is a particular kind of command thats happening in one place. I think nobody is in a better position than the government to decide what works best. Which government will not want peace to be restored at the earliest? They have multiple agencies, multiple sources, they know best. So if they feel this is the way it can be handled, maybe this is a way. But again, tomorrow if the situation turns worse or takes a totally different turn, Im sure the government would consider everything and think of some other arrangement to handle the situation.

If the Central government decides on their demand and the CAPF is withdrawn, will the Manipur Police be able to handle the situation?

You should ask the Manipur Police. I mean, this is a question anyone can answer. When in a state, two communities are fighting, can it be left to them to sort it out? One, affinities will be there. Second would be the numbers. Where would they get the numbers from to carry out the arrests in such a situation?

The Manipur Police claims there is no Meiti or Kuki Police

What I would say is their ethnicity is strong. No matter where you are, and even if there is in some way, some rationality, the pressures are so high. People really have no choice. They have to think of their family. They have to think of their children. I feel this attachment towards ethnicity is prime. Everything else is secondary.

The Internet ban and curfew are back in Manipur. Will it work?

Whenever the situation goes out of control, there is a need for an internet shutdown, but it cannot continue for long. Sooner rather than later, it will have to be restarted. Childrens studies, medical needs, transport, everything gets impacted. So its not a long-term solution.

Will withdrawal of Article 355 help in any way?

That is for the Centre to decide.

ALSO READ | Centre Should Take Steps to Protect: Manipur CM In Memorandum to Governor

The DGP, the advisor and the chief secretary were sent by the Centre. Now, there is a demand that all of them be sent back, will it help matters?

No, thats again for the Centre to decide. But I can say that perhaps things would have been worse had the Centre not intervened.

What is the way forward?

The starting point (to peace) is people. They have to realise that this cannot go on endlessly. At some point, it has to stop. And that point is everyday. Its today. It should be tomorrow if not, then at least day after tomorrow. That is how they should be looking at this. In these 15-16 months, look at the state, how progressive it was. And I wish that this stops at the soonest. My good wishes to them. It can only happen if the two communities take a step back, realise that it is best for them and for the future of their children that they stop this. The elders, civil society organisations, youths and all people carrying weapons have to realise this.

Women in Manipur are very strong. They have a great influence over society. At one point, Manipur was known as the drug capital and HIV capital of India. How did it come down? It is totally because of the proactive manner in which the Meira Paibis acted against the youth. The youth listen to them. This is a moment in history when Meira Paibis and the other women of all other groups should cast aside their differences and come together for peace.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who is on a visit to the United States, has faced a barrage of attacks from rivals back home over his remarks about the condition of Indias Sikh community that have also been endorsed by Khalistani separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. Now, government sources say, it has emerged that some pro-Khalistani elements were present at Gandhis Tuesday event in Virginia.

Baba Makhan Shah Gurdwara, Richmond Hill, representatives also attended his meeting, said a source. This gurdwara is known for its support of all anti-India protests. Last year, this gurdwaras representatives protested at Times Square against the Indian government arresting separatist Amritpal Singh. They took out a car rally from Baba Makhan Shah Gurdwara to Times Square in New York. The same group raised anti-India slogans and billboards at Times Square were also used for the same purpose.

The sources said that the gurdwara also organised an event to support and congratulate protesters after the Narendra Modi government rolled back three controversial farm laws.

While interacting with members of the Indian diaspora at an event in Virginia, Rahul Gandhi said that the fight in India is about whether a Sikh person would be allowed to wear a kada and go to a gurdwara or not. His comments have sparked a political slugfest in India, with BJP leaders saying that the Lok Sabha leader of opposition has defamed India on foreign land.

First of all, you have to understand the fight is not about politics. The fight is about whether he, as a Sikh, is going to be allowed to wear a turban in India; or whether, he, as a Sikh, will be allowed to wear a kada in India; or whether he, as a Sikh, is allowed to go to a gurdwara. Thats what the fight is about, and not just for him, but for all religions, the Congress leader had said.
Hello, readers! In todays afternoon digest, News18 brings you the latest updates on the tragic death of Malaika Aroras father, the debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, and other stories.

Malaika Aroras Father Anil Arora Dies By Suicide; Mumbai Police Confirm He Jumped Off Balcony

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20 More Seats And They Would Be In Jail: Kharges Tirade Against BJP Draws Emergency Reminder

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Justice For Abhaya, End To Threat Culture: Kolkata Doctors Agree To Meet Mamata But Conditions Apply

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Fact-Checking US Presidential Debate: What Trump, Kamala Got Wrong On Migrants, Economy And Crime

In their first and perhaps only debate, former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris described the state of the country in distinctly different ways. As the two traded jabs, some old false and misleading claims emerged along with some new ones. Heres a look. READ MORE

Two Terrorists Killed In J&K Kathua Encounter Weeks Before Polling

Security forces killed two terrorists affiliated with the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) outfit in an encounter at the Kathua-Basantgarh border in the Udhampur area of Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday. READ MORE

Two Dancers Kidnapped At Gunpoint In UPs Kushinagar For Performance At Party, Then Gang-raped

The Uttar Pradesh Police arrested eight men in connection with the abduction and gang-rape of two orchestra dancers in Kushinagar district. The incident took place on Monday night, when the victims were forcibly taken from their rented accommodation. READ MORE
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the much-awaited metro rail extension from Ahmedabad to Gandhinagar on September 16, improving connectivity between the two cities, during his Gujarat visit.

The PM will be on a two-day visit to his home state from September 15 and among several programmes, he will be inaugurating the Ahmedabad metro extension Phase 2, a Gujarat government release said.

This will be Modis first visit to Gujarat after assuming office for a third term on June 9.

Part one of Phase 2 spans up to 21 kilometres, covering a total of eight new metro stations initially and providing seamless and efficient transportation services to both residential and commercial areas, said the release.

Part two of Phase 1, which is still under construction, will connect Sector 1 in Gandhinagar to Mahatma Mandir, a locality in the state capital which houses a mega convention and exhibition centre.

The project, developed by the Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation (GMRC) in collaboration with the state government and the Centre, will further expand the metro network, linking key locations between Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar like GNLU (Gujarat National Law University), PDEU (Pandit Deendayal Energy University), Gift City, Raysan, Randesan, Dholakuva, Infocity and Sector-1, said the release.

This new phase, stretching from Motera to Gandhinagars Sector-1, will connect crucial hubs such as GIFT City, facilitating easy access for professionals, students, and tourists.

The total project cost for Phase 2 metro stands at Rs 5,384 crore with funding secured through loans from international financial institutions like AFD (France) and KfW (Germany), said the release.

The extended metro route dramatically reduces the travel time between Ahmedabad, Gujarats commercial hub, and state capital Gandhinagar, located nearly 25km apart. For instance, commuters can now travel between APMC and GIFT City in under an hour, at a cost of around Rs 35, said the release.

The Ahmedabad Metro Rail Extension represents a significant milestone in Gujarats path of development. between Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar, it provides a more sustainable, affordable, and convenient travel option for all, it added.
Fear and political power enjoyed by the family was used to force women to submit to him, the first two chargesheets filed against former Hassan MP Prajwal Revanna have indicated.

According to sources in the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the allegations of rape against Prajwal Revanna, all the victims have in their complaints said that they feared the power of the family.

That fear prevented them from even mentioning it to Prajwals mother Bhavani Revanna. They were all in awe and fear of the Revanna family. The sheer fear of the family using their power to suppress them, or in the case of Prajwal, of exposing them using the videos, kept them under the cloud of fear and silenced them, a senior SIT official told News18 on condition of anonymity.

The SIT has so far received complaints from four survivors of rape allegedly by Prajwal. There is one complaint against Prajwal and his father, HD Revanna, JDS leader and MLA, of sexual assault and kidnapping. The sixth complaint is of alleged kidnapping against Bhavani Revanna.

In the second and latest chargesheet that has been filed, Prajwal Revanna has been charged under section 376 (2) (K) for being in a position of control or dominance over a woman, committing rape on a woman, 376 (2) (n) for committing rape repeatedly on the same woman, 354 for outraging the modesty of a woman under the IPC, and various sections of the IT Act 2000.

The first two chargesheets were filed on August 24 and September 9 respectively. The police will file filing a chargesheet for each of the four FIRs filed by survivors against Prajwal Revanna. In the two chargesheets already filed, one of the survivors is in her late fifties and another is in her late forties, both of whom are farm labourers who doubled up as housemaids in the Hassan Gannikada farmhouse as well as in the Bengaluru house.

Prajwal Forced Himself on The Victim

In the second chargesheet, it has been alleged that the farmhouse where the first assault occurred is in the name of Suraj Revanna, Prajwals elder brother. According to the narration of events, the incident took place eight years ago. The victim, along with her husband, approached Suraj Revanna for a job at the farmhouse. They were given jobs and provided accommodation in the servant quarters attached to the farmhouse. Prajwal and Suraj visited the farmhouse frequently.

The chargesheet reads that just before the Covid lockdown in 2021, Prajwal Revanna visited the farmhouse while the victim was cleaning a room. Prajwal called her and asked her to bring him a glass of water. When she entered the room, Prajwal pushed her inside and closed the door.

Frightened, she asked him to open the door, but he refused, forcibly undressed her, and demanded she comply. The victim pleaded to be released, but he ignored her and said, Nothing will happen, before forcing himself on her, according to the chargesheet. She fell to the ground, and while forcing himself on her, Prajwal used one hand to record a video of the assault on his phone. He then pushed her on to the bed and raped her, as stated in the chargesheet.

The same victim was allegedly raped a second time in 2021 at the Basavanagudi house in Bengaluru, the private residence of Prajwals father, HD Revanna. The victim, along with her younger sister, was brought to Bengaluru by Bhavani Revanna, Prajwals mother, to clean the house. The house has three floors, and they were assigned the task of cleaning it, according to the chargesheet.

While cleaning the third floor, Prajwal called the victim inside, asking her to take away some soiled clothes for washing. Fearing him, she hesitated, prompting Prajwal to shout at her for not attending to her duties. When she entered the room, he once again latched the door and told her to undress. He reassured her that nothing will happen and took out his phone to record the scene. The victim stood frozen in fear, but Prajwal forcibly threw her on to the bed. She begged to use the washroom, but he refused and continued to assault and rape her, as stated in the chargesheet.

A third attempt was made by Prajwal a few months later, but this time, the victim managed to escape. Once again, he had asked for water and tried to pull her close, but she ran away. The next day, she and her husband were dismissed from their jobs, and they left the servants quarters overnight.

In both incidents, Prajwal allegedly blackmailed the victim, threatening to send the videos to her son if she did not comply with his demands. He also threatened her life, which kept her silent. The chargesheet includes forensic science laboratory reports confirming that the man in the video was Prajwal. Through audio and video analysis, the body parts visible in the footage were confirmed to belong to him.

Allegations Against Revanna Family

The SIT, which is probing four cases of sexual assault and harassment against the 33-year-old former MP, submitted the first chargesheet of 2,144 pages to the Special court Representatives in Bengaluru on August 24. This chargesheet, including statements from 150 witnesses, accused HD Revanna of sexually assaulting a domestic worker at his Holenarasipura home from 2019 to 2022.

Prajwal is charged with raping the same woman at their Basavanagudi residence in Bengaluru. The chargesheet has further alleged that Prajwal coerced the womans daughter to undress during video calls, which he secretly recorded. In an FIR filed on April 28 with the Holenarasipura police, HD Revanna is listed as the first accused, followed by Prajwal.

HD Revanna has also been charged with sexual harassment under Section 354 of the Indian Penal Code. He was arrested on May 4 and later released on bail. One of the survivors, a housemaid, was allegedly kidnapped and held captive at a Revanna family farmhouse. She escaped and filed a statement accusing HD Revanna of abducting her to silence her. He was arrested on May 5 for the kidnapping and later released on bail. His wife Bhavani Revannas and Prajwals mother, has also been accused of involvement in the abduction. She has applied for anticipatory bail and the matter is pending in the Supreme Court.

Four victims have recorded statements with the SIT, including two farmhands and housemaids who alleged being raped while being recorded. A JDS worker also accused Prajwal of raping her in his official quarters in Hassan, recording the act, and blackmailing her into further sexual encounters between January 2021 and April 2024.

A homemaker seeking school admission for her son became the fourth woman to accuse Prajwal of sexual harassment. She filed an FIR ten days after his arrest on May 31, following several complaints. She alleged that Prajwal had requested her phone number during a meeting about her sons admission and soon began coercing her into virtual sex through video calls. This allegedly occurred 8 to 10 times between October 2019 and 2020, with threats to release the recordings if she refused.

The Congress government in Karnataka set up the SIT on April 28 to investigate the alleged video clips of sexual abuse involving Prajwal, who had fled to Germany soon after polling in the Lok Sabha election on April 26. Pen drives were dumped in various parts of Hassan just before polling day. He later returned to India on May 31 having absconded for over a month, after his grandfather and former PM, HD Deve Gowda appealed to him to surrender before the law. He was arrested at the Bengaluru international airport on his arrival.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday attended Ganesh Puja at the residence of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachuds residence in New Delhi. The Prime Minister was seen offering his prayers to the deity along with the chief justice and his spouse Kalpana Das.

Ganesh Chaturthi is being celebrated with religious fervour and devotion across the country.

#WATCH: Prime Minister #NarendraModi on Wednesday attended #GaneshPuja at the residence of Chief Justice of India #DYChandrachuds residence in New Delhi. The Prime Minister was seen offering his prayers to the deity along with the chief justice and his spouse Kalpana Das pic.twitter.com/FIsohlz58l News18 (@CNNnews18) September 11, 2024

This sacred ten-day festival begins on Chaturthi and concludes on Anantha Chaturdashi.

Prime Minister Modi also extended his heartiest greetings of Ganesh Chaturthi to all the countrymen and chanted the holy prayer, Ganpati Bappa Morya in a social media post shared at the beginning of the festivities.

Heartiest greetings of Ganesh Chaturthi to all countrymen. Ganpati Bappa Morya, the Prime Minister tweeted.

President Droupadi Murmu also greeted people on the eve of Ganesh Chaturthi and said the festival gave the message of social harmony and brotherhood.

On the auspicious occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, I extend my warm greetings and best wishes to all Indians living in India and abroad, she said in a message on the eve of the festival.

This festival of joy and enthusiasm gives the message of social harmony and brotherhood, Murmu said.
Mumbai motorists using the Western Express Highway (WEH) can heave a huge sigh of relief as their traffic nightmares, which lasted almost two years, have finally come to an end. The Akurli subway widening work at Kandivali is all but completed and the barricades placed on the highway have been removed.

The barricades had reduced the north-bound carriageway of the highway to two lanes, instead of four, leading to a bottleneck for vehicles travelling from south Mumbai and Bandra to the western suburbs of Borivali and Dahisar. To ease the congestion, traffic police would open two additional lanes on the other side during peak traffic hours. This stop-gap solution would lead to traffic pileups on the south-bound carriageway, too, at Kandivali.

Kandivali Western Express Highway Growels patch opened for motorists on 11/09/2024. The quality of work says it all @PiyushGoyal @nitin_gadkari @rushlane @mumbaitraffic pic.twitter.com/LcOWQys7xa Tanay (@tanay917) September 11, 2024

Motorists travelling towards Borivali would complain that it took anywhere between 20 minutes to an hour, depending on the time of day, to cross the 1.5-2km stretch between Malad and Kandivali, with the Samata Nagar Police Station junction being the major issue.

ALSO READ | Akurli Bridge Ganeshotsav Gift For Mumbai: Motorists Set For Smooth Traffic Flow On Western Express Highway

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) had begun work on widening the Akurli subway, which connects Kandivli station to the highway and Lokhandwala residential area. The project work, according to MMRDA, got delayed owing to an unexpected discovery of a gas pipeline on the Borivali side of the subway. The pipeline measuring 300mm in diameter, which serves areas from Dahisar to Bandra, had to be moved for the work to be completed.

Mumbai: Union Minister Piyush Goyal announces the inauguration of the traffic-free Kandivali Western Express Highway, highlighting his continuous efforts to bring relief to commuters. Union Minister & BJP MP from North Mumbai Piyush Goyal says, "Today is a significant day not pic.twitter.com/mK4eUELzOM  IANS (@ians_india) September 11, 2024

Union minister and recently elected Mumbai North MP Piyush Goyal, along with MLA Atul Bhatkhalkar, MMRDA officials and local residents, had inspected the work site earlier this month.

Announcing the inauguration, Goyal said, Today is a significant day not just for North Mumbai, but for the entire city. Since I started campaigning in North Mumbai, I noticed the severe traffic issues on the Western Express Highway, with hours-long traffic jams on both sidesDuring the election period, I was deeply saddened to see this and made a promise that in the first 100 days of the new government, during PM Modis third term, we would speed up the work and resolve this issue, providing relief to the people of Mumbai from the daily traffic jams
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FPT INDUSTRIAL DOCKS IN CANNES TO SHOWCASE THE EFFICIENT POWER OF ITS MARINE FLEET

FPT Industrial heads for the French Riviera to attend the Cannes Yachting Festival, Europe's top in-water boat show and the world's no. 1 show for large sailboats.

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FPT Industrial heads for the French Riviera to attend the Cannes Yachting Festival, Europe's top in-water boat show and the world's no. 1 show for large sailboats. From September 10 to 15, 2024 as a guest at the stand of its long-time partner and distributor Bimotor, FPT Industrial will be giving visitors a significant glimpse of its extensive marine range, showcasing two relevant products from its renowned NEF range, namely the N40 250 E and the N67 570 EVO.







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184 kW

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Redakcja CentrumPR informuje, ze artykuy, fotografie i komentarze publikowane sa przez uzytkownikow "Serwisow skupionych w Grupie Kafito". Publikowane materiay i wypowiedzi sa ich wasnoscia i ich prywatnymi opiniami. Redakcja CentrumPR nie ponosi odpowiedzialnosci za ich tresc.

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Hundreds of protestors demanding the demolition of an illegal structure in a mosque in Shimlas Sanjauli area were lathi-charged by security forces on Wednesday after they broke police barricades during a demonstration.

A large crowd gathered at the Sabzi Mandi Dhalli and marched towards Sanjauli to lodge their protest and broke the barricades erected near a tunnel. As the protestors, who had gathered at the call of Hindu groups, broke the second barricade near the mosque, police resorted to lathi-charge and used water cannons to disperse them.

#WATCH | Shimla Protests | Himachal Pradesh: Water cannons and sloganeering continue as the protestors clash with the police while on their way to the alleged illegal construction of a mosque in the Sanjauli area pic.twitter.com/fuHXO9xGMK ANI (@ANI) September 11, 2024

Neglected public sentiments

Amid escalating tensions in the area near the mosque and a bandh call issued by Hindu outfits to press for the demolition of the structure, Sanjauli and nearby areas have been fortified with police deployment.

The Shimla district administration issued prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, barring the assembly of more than five people and the carrying of lethal weapons.

The government has neglected public sentiments and demands, former Himachal Chief Minister Jairam Thakur told CNN-News18. No action has been taken against the construction of the illegal structure, he added.

Earlier, Some Hindu outfits had called for a Sanjauli bandh on Wednesday, demanding the demolition of the unauthorized structure and the registration of outsiders coming to the state. One of the protestors slammed the Himachal government after police used water cannons and resorted to lathi-charge.

Regarding the illegal construction, we have seen that Himachal Government Minister Anirudh Singh has stated that the construction is unauthorized and should be demolished. Today, the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh has, while disrespecting the Hindu community, used lathi-charge against women and the Hindu community. We were on our way to Sanjauli for a peaceful protest, but the police of the Sukhu government used lathi-charge to disperse us, the protestor was quoted as saying by ANI.

Action If Structure Found Illegal: Minister

Himachal Pradesh Minister Vikramaditya Singh said that actions will be taken to demolish the structure if it is found illegal.

People have the right to protest. Police have been deployed in large numbers to prevent any situation that will deteriorate the law and order (in Shimla). I have said this before that this issue is with MC Commissioner and if it is found unauthorised then actions will be taken to demolish it, he said.

As far as the construction of illegal buildings is concerned, the government has taken cognizance of it. I have also strongly said in the assembly that as soon as the decision comes on this within the ambit of law action will be taken, it will be demolished if it is found to be illegal. But we have to move ahead with the process of law. We want an atmosphere of peace should prevail in Himachal Pradesh, Singh added.

(With inputs from agencies)
Alia Bhatt continues to showcase why she reigns as a superstar, effortlessly blending her acting talent, high-profile brand partnerships with luxury labels like Gucci and LOreal Paris, and her ever-evolving style. In just one day, Alia served two distinct looks, transitioning seamlessly from edgy, dark glamour in a leather halter dress to a soft, traditional vibe in a pink suit, embodying both fierce femininity and timeless elegance.

Earlier in the day, Alia stepped out in a sleek, form-fitting leather dress, flaunting a sharp, sculpted silhouette. The halter neckline accentuated her toned figure, giving her a bold, powerful edge. However, it was her later look that captured a completely different side of her styleone that was grounded, graceful, and effortlessly charming.

Her second look featured a royal fuchsia suit that exuded understated elegance. The suit, which also featured a halter neckline similar to her earlier outfit, was adorned with bold floral motifs and swirling leaf designs. Geometric patterns embellished with mirror work decorated the hemline, providing a modern contrast to the traditional floral details. A golden-bordered dupatta completed the ensemble, adding a touch of sophistication.

Alias hair was styled in a sleek, low bun with a clean middle parting, perfectly complementing her desi aesthetic. She accessorized with delicate, gold-accented pearl earrings, enhancing the soft, feminine vibe of the outfit. Her makeup featured a rosy palette with pink eyeshadow and tinted lips, while a black bindi added the finishing touch, channeling regal Rani vibes with effortless ease.

Beyond her fashion statements, Alia Bhatt has a string of exciting projects on the horizon. Her much-anticipated film Jigra is set to hit theaters on October 11th. The action-packed drama centers on a fiercely determined sister, played by Alia, who embarks on a mission to free her brother from a high-security prison. She stars alongside The Archies actor Vedang Raina, who portrays her on-screen sibling. Additionally, Alia recently joined the ranks of LOreal Paris as a global brand ambassador, further cementing her position as an international style icon.
Many people are grappling with severe diseases due to poor lifestyles. Amid this, exercise plays an important role in maintaining good health. Doctors recommend regular exercise for both cardiovascular and mental health. Most people include exercise in their daily routine to maintain fitness. Exercise is considered beneficial for overall health; but excessive exercise can adversely affect heart health. Balanced exercise is very necessary to keep the heart functioning. Dr Santosh Kumar Dora, Senior Cardiologist of Asian Heart Institute in Mumbai, guided about the problems that can occur due to intense exercise. Regular exercise or physical activity is considered the cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle. Due to this, mental health along with heart and blood vessels is good, and it also increases the lifespan. Although it is beneficial to do moderate exercise every day, it is important to know what kind of exercise should be done considering the health of the heart. When the body is exercised beyond its physical capacity without adequate rest, the risk of heart and blood vessel disease increases. These include myocardial damage and cardiac arrhythmias.

Intense exercise increases the risk of overtraining syndrome. When a person exceeds their bodys ability to recover from the stress of exercise, they experience chronic fatigue and impaired performance, known as overtraining syndrome. Intense exercise can disrupt the hearts electrical system. As a result, the heartbeat may become abnormal. Although this type is mild and self-limiting, it can lead to serious problems such as atrial fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia.

If there is a family history of heart disease or arrhythmia, such individuals should consult with a healthcare provider to determine safe exercise parameters for themselves and minimise potential risks. Safe exercise is essential to reap the benefits of exercise and maintain good heart health. For this, the following things are important to keep in mind.
National Forest Martyrs Day is celebrated every year on September 11 in India to pay tribute to those who died for the protection of the forest and wildlife of the country. The day honours protective environmentalists and personnel of the forest who have experienced certain risks in the process of conservation of natural resources.

National Forest Martyrs Day History

The day goes back to the memory of the Khejarli Massacre, which took place in 1730 in the Marwar Kingdom. The then Maharaja Abhai Singh demanded Khejri trees from the Bishnoi village of Khejarli to be cut down to provide timber for his new palace.

However, his action was resisted by the Bishnoi community, which has always been very sensitive towards the natural community.

Villagers under the leadership of Amrita Devi Bishnoi protested by hugging trees to safeguard them. Unfortunately, Devi and many other members of the village were slain while defending the trees. It was estimated that 363 of them died while protesting.

In recognition of this sacrifice, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change of India declared September 11 as the National Forest Martyrs Day in 2013.

National Forest Martyrs Day Significance

The day celebrates the lives of environmental activists, forest personnel or any ordinary citizen who has to work in dangerous situations and in some cases lose their lives while trying to conserve natural resources.

It pays tribute to those who risked their lives against people who did illegal logging, poaching and deforestation in order to protect Indias valuable forests and wildlife.

National Forest Martyrs Day is specifically dedicated to educating people about the significance of preserving the forest and the role the forests play in the environmental balance.

National Forest Martyrs Day 2024 Quotes
When it comes to romantic getaways, Paris has long been the go-to destination. However, a recent survey reveals that couples are now favouring a new spot for their intimate trips: Maui, Hawaii. The survey, conducted by Talker Research and Funjet Vacations, polled 2,000 Americans, with Maui securing the top spot with 34% of the votes. Paris followed closely behind, garnering 33%, signalling a shift in couples travel preferences.

Maui, the second-largest island in Hawaii, is renowned for its stunning beaches, the sacred Iao Valley, and the unique experience of whale watching from its shores. Visitors can indulge in farm-to-table dining, witness breathtaking sunrises and sunsets from Haleakala and immerse themselves in the islands natural beauty, making Maui a paradise for travellers.

The survey also revealed that most respondents preferred smaller and unexplored places over big and crowded places. They felt these hidden gems offered a more intimate atmosphere and helped build deeper connections. If youre looking for a memorable romantic escape, there are plenty of lesser-known destinations that offer an unforgettable experience. Here are five enchanting alternatives to Maui that promise a perfect romantic retreat:

Venice, Italy

The enchanting waterfront views of Venice are truly captivating. Many of the citys romantic hotels offer direct access to the Venetian canals, allowing guests to wake up to the soothing sounds of water and the sight of passing gondoliers. Be sure to visit iconic landmarks like St. Marks Square and the Bridge of Sighs early in the morning for a peaceful experience. In the afternoons, take a stroll along the quieter canals and indulge in a romantic gondola ride to complete the magical day.

Cancun, Mexico

This is one of the most beautiful places to visit when in Mexico. The lip-smacking food and amazing activities make this place a must-visit for all lovers. Couples who are looking to celebrate their wedding anniversary or simply planning their next getaway should visit this place. Take a luxury sailing trip to Isla Mujeres, spend some time on the beautiful beaches, explore Tulum and nearby caves, visit the Sian Kaan Preserve, swim in a cenote, snorkel with whale sharks, and discover more hotspots in Cancun.

Costa Rica

This place is perfect for any couple. It has plenty of activities for an intimate experience such as soak in Arenals famous natural hot springs, staying in a luxurious room with a jacuzzi, and enjoying quality time with your partner. Experience a romantic retreat in the rain forest, take a hot air balloon ride at sunrise, sail into the sunset on a catamaran, wake up on a luxury coffee estate, hike to Llanos de Cortes or Nauyaca and catch the sunrise on the Caribbean coast.

Santorini, Greece

This is one of the most beautiful islands in the world. It has some of the best views, sunsets and hotels. The best way to spend your days is sailing on the water, visiting nearby islands, and hopping between Santorinis top beaches. You can also enjoy the islands delicious food and excellent wine while overlooking the lagoon.

New York

This city is full of romantic moments. In New York, you can enjoy a romantic walk in Central Park, through Greenwich Village, or along The High Line. Admire the Manhattan skyline from the Empire State Building, stroll across the Brooklyn Bridge at dusk, visit the Statue of Liberty Museum and Ellis Island, or catch a Broadway show.
James Hollcroft, a 26-year-old actor best known for his role in the television series Como dice el dicho, was found dead after going missing on September 3, 2024. The young actor was also pursuing studies at an acting school in Mexico City. His sister, Jane Hollcroft, confirmed the heartbreaking news on Instagram, sharing a heartfelt tribute to her late brother.

In her post, Jane expressed her grief, writing, I will love you forever. Thank you for the years we shared together and for giving me the most magnificent moments. You will always be present in our hearts, little brother. The circumstances surrounding Jamess death remain unclear, but it has been confirmed that he disappeared while returning home to Tizapan, Mexico City.

Tributes have since poured in from friends, family and fans. One of Hollcrofts close friends, Luis Duval, penned an emotional tribute on social media, which has since been deleted. Duval wrote, I love you so much. Fly high, my boy. I will always remember how great you are.

Jamess brother-in-law also expressed his deep sorrow, stating, I wish this was all just a dream. Thank you for being the brother, uncle, and great son that you were. We will miss you a lot, this really breaks my heart. Today, we lower the curtain here, but I know youre in heaven staging the great production you always talked about.

Hollcrofts affiliation with the Artistic Education Center (CEA), part of CEA Televisa, was also acknowledged with a tribute from the organisation. In a Facebook post, they expressed their sorrow: Thank you for all the good times we spent together during your acting training. We will carry you in our memories and hearts. You will always be part of our CEA family. Farewell, dear James Hollcroft.

Fans have also shared their condolences on social media. One fan commented, A hug to you, Jane. Blessings to you and your family, and may your brother rest in the arms of God. Another wrote, May his soul rest with the angels in the sky, surrounded by infinite love.
Alia Bhatt is all set to take her global stardom to new heights! After making waves with her debut at the Met Gala, the Jigra actress is now gearing up to grace Paris Fashion Week as the newly appointed global brand ambassador for LOreal Paris. On September 23, Alia will strut down the runway at the iconic LOpera, marking yet another milestone in her international journey. But she wont be the only Indian beauty shining on this prestigious stage  Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, a veteran in the global fashion scene, is also expected to make an appearance alongside superstars like Cindy Bruna and Kendall Jenner.

In an official statement, Alia Bhatt said, Firsts are always special, and I am deeply honoured to walk for Le Defile with LOreal Paris at Paris Fashion Week. Being among such inspiring, powerful and confident women is such a moment of pride for me and I cant wait to join them at this platform that celebrates sisterhood and empowerment.

Alia Bhatt, recently named one of Time Magazines 100 Most Influential People of 2024, has made a mark across different languages and genres, winning many awards and praise. As an actress, producer, and entrepreneur, Alia fits perfectly with LOreal Pariss values of inclusivity and empowerment, reflecting the brands mission to inspire women worldwide with self-confidence and strength.

Expressing her excitement, Alia Bhatt had earlier said, I am honored to join the LOreal Paris family and to be part of a community of strong, empowered women. As someone with a deep passion for skincare, Ive long admired LOreal Paris for its pioneering innovations and dedication to excellence in beauty. The brands focus on womens empowerment resonates with me deeply, and Im eager to collaborate with LOreal Paris to make a meaningful impact in the beauty industry, advocating for greater inclusivity.

On the work front, Alia Bhatt will be seen in Jigra. Produced by Viacom18 Studios, Dharma Productions, and Alia Bhatt and Shaheen Bhatt, it is directed by Vasan Bala and will be released on October 11. Next up, Alia Bhatt will star in first female-led YRF Spy Universe film, Alpha with Sharvari and Sanjay Leela Bhansalis Love And War, starring alongside Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal.
Malaika Arora and Amrita Aroras father, Anil Mehta, tragically died by suicide on Wednesday afternoon. According to the Mumbai Police, he took the fatal step by jumping from the terrace of his Bandra residence. The family has yet to release an official statement regarding the heartbreaking event.

Read: Malaika Aroras father dies by suicide; police confirm he jumped off building

Top police officers rushed to the scene, and investigations are underway to uncover the reasons behind the incident. In a widely shared video on social media, Malaikas ex-husband, Arbaaz Khan, was seen outside Anil Mehtas home, discussing the situation with police officials. The area was heavily secured by police, ensuring privacy and order, while an ambulance was stationed outside the building. Further details are still awaited as authorities continue to investigate.

Just a day before the shocking incident, Malaika Arora was spotted visiting her parents home. As she exited the building with her adorable pet Casper, she smiled for the paparazzi who had gathered outside the building to get a glimpse of her. Dressed casually, Malaika waved at the paps as she drove off in her car. Check out the video here:

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Viral Bhayani (@viralbhayani)

Sources claimed Malaikas mother, Joyce, in her statement to the police said that Anil Mehta would routinely sit in the balcony and read the newspapers every morning. She told the police that while they were divorced, had starting living together again for the past few years. She told the police that on Wednesday morning, when she saw her ex-husbands slippers in the living room, she went to look for him in the balcony. When she could not find him there, she leaned over and saw below. The building watchman was shouting for help. Joyce also told the police that Anil Mehta was not suffering from illness. He only had some knee pain. He had taken VRS from Merchant Navy.
Actresses Malaika Arora and Amrita Aroras father, Anil Mehta, died by suicide on Wednesday afternoon. According to Mumbai Police, he jumped from the balcony of his home in Mumbais Bandra. The family, however, is yet to release a statement on the tragic incident. In this incredibly difficult time for Malaika Arora, Amrita Arora and their mother, the Khan family has been a pillar of support. The first to arrive at her parents residence was her ex-husband, actor-producer Arbaaz Khan, who was seen speaking with police officials and taking stock of the situation. Soon after, Arbaazs parents, Salma Khan and Salim Khan, along with his sister, Alvira Khan, were spotted arriving to offer their condolences to the grieving family.

Later in the afternoon, Salim Khans second wife, Helen, also arrived to pay her respects. Despite Malaika and Arbaazs divorce, the Khan familys unwavering presence speaks volumes about the close bond they still share, standing by her during this heartbreaking moment. The entire family has come together to support Malaika, ensuring she doesnt face this tragedy alone.

Meanwhile, Malaikas celebrity friends were seen visiting the family after the news broke, with videos of her former partner Arjun Kapoor and others doing the rounds on social media. Apart from him, Shibani Dandekar, Kim Sharma, Aditi Govitrikar and Ritesh Sidhwani also visited her parents house to pay their respects.

An official spoke to the media personnel and shared that all angles in the death case are being probed. He also added that the forensic team is currently on the spot and is conducting an investigation. The body of Mr Anil, who was 62 years old, was found. He used to live on the 6th floor. A detailed investigation is going on. Bandra police and a forensic team are on the spot and we will investigate all the angles. The legal process is being followed, the police official said and then added, Whatever SOPs are to be followed, we are doing that. Keeping all the angles in mind, we will investigate.
The untold love story of legendary actor Meena Kumari and filmmaker Kamal Amrohi is set to come to the big screen. Directed by Siddharth P Malhotra, the film, titled Kamal Aur Meena, will explore the couples timeless journey, delving into their personal lives as well. Officially announced as a joint project by Saregama and Bilal Amrohi, Kamal Amrohi and Meena Kumaris grandson, the news has garnered attention. Actor Sanjay Dutt extended his heartfelt wishes to Bilal and his wife, Saachi Kumar Amrohi, following the announcement.

Sharing the announcement teaser on his Instagram handle, Dutt wrote, Dear Saachi and Bilal, all the best for your new venture. May it be a successful one! Love always, from Sanjay Mamu. Its a must-watch.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sanjay Dutt (@duttsanjay)

For those unaware, Saachi Kumar Amrohi is the daughter of Namrata Dutt, sister of the Bollywood actor. Both Saachi and Bilal have joined the project as producers, states a Pinkvilla report.

Speaking about the video, it begins with a series of vintage pictures of the late actor along with some letters in Urdu. What follows are the voices of Meena and Kamal in the background as they call out to each other with some endearing nicknames. A filmmaker, A Muse, Their star crossed love story, A dream that refused to die, A love that went beyond the grave, read the on-screen captions amid the music of Chalte Chalte from Pakeezah.

More Details About Kamal Aur Meena

While the Maharaj director takes on the project, it also involves a star-studded lineup of talents like AR Rahman, Irshad Kamil, Bhavani Iyer, and Kausar Munir.

Speaking to Zoom, Siddharth P Malhotra revealed that the entire Amrohi family will be a part of the project. They are producing it. The casting will be done in November, he added. Bilal Amrohi also shared his views and said that he wishes to show their heart-wrenching story to the world. Over 500 handwritten letters exchanged between my grandparents Kamal Sahaab and Meenaji, as well as personal journals detailing their lives together, he said, as quoted by Hindustan Times.

The film will go on the floors in 2025 and is expected to be released in 2026, said trade analyst Taran Adarsh. Meanwhile, details about the casting have been kept under wraps.
Maharashtra is celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi in full swing. Many celebrities including Kartik Aaryan, Varun Dhawan, and Shilpa Shetty visited lord Ganesha at Lalbaugcha Raja. Today, Rajkummar Rao and his wife Patralekha were spotted walking barefoot in the city. They were seen taking blessings from the lord.

In the video, shared by Filmygyan, we can see Rajkummar Rao in a new look which he has taken for the new film Maalik. And Patralekha is wearing a saree. Both are seen walking towards the temple and also posing for the camera. They were seen making way for themselves as fans were excited to see them. Earlier, Varun and Kartik were also spotted walking barefoot to the temple. They even shared photos on social media.

Watch the video here:

View this post on Instagram A post shared by F I L M Y G Y A N (@filmygyan)

Rajkummar Rao is currently basking under the success of his recently released film Stree 2. The film also stars Shraddha Kapoor, Abhishek Banerjee, Aparshakti Khurrana, Pankaj Tripathi and more. Akshay Kumar and Varun Dhawan are also seen in cameo role. The film has crossed Pathaan record also and continues to remain unstoppable.

Recently, Rajkummar Rao announced his next film Maalik. He took to Instagram, where he shared the films poster, in which he is seen standing on top of a jeep holding an AK-47. The poster also features a line of trucks queued up in front of him. The poster had: Maalik. Paida nahi ho sakta ban toh sakta hai, written on it. Giving an update about the filming, he captioned it: #Maalik ki duniya mein aapka swagat hai. Shoot shuru ho chuka hai, jald hi mulaqat hogi!

On the other hand, Patralekha is currently seen in IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack. The series is based on the 1999 hijacking of an Indian Airlines flight by terrorists and features Naseeruddin Shah, Pankaj Kapur, Vijay Varma, Arvind Swamy and Dia Mirza. The controversy surrounding the Netflix series began on September 1 as many pointed out the non-Muslim names of the hijackers in the show and sought a boycott. However, an earlier Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) note from 2000, which outlined the sequence of events, had conceded that the hijackers had codenamed themselves as Burger, Shankar, Bhola and Doctor.
It looks like Ranbir Kapoor is all set to begin working on his next movie, Love and War. On Tuesday, the Bollywood actor was snapped by the paparazzi with Sanjay Leela Bhansali which left everyone wondering if the actor-filmmaker duo met to discuss their next venture.

In a video that surfaced on social media, Ranbir and Sanjay were seen getting out of a building. Ranbir looked dapper in a white t-shirt with brown pants. Interestingly, Alia Bhatt was also spotted visiting Sanjay Leela Bhansalis residence just a few days back.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by BollywoodShaadis.com (@bollywoodshaadis)

In Love and War, Ranbir Kapoor will be reuniting with his actress wife Alia Bhatt. It will mark their second movie together after Brahmastra Part One: Shiva. The film will also star Vicky Kaushal in the lead.

Earlier this year, in an exclusive interview with News18 Showsha, Alia talked about Love and War and her reunion with Ranbir when she said, I, as an audience, am more excited to see him [Bhansali] and Ranbir collaborate, again, after so many years. I am like, wow, whats that going to be like? Talking about reuniting with Vicky Kaushal, Alia continued by saying, Vicky and I coming together again; Ranbir and Vicky created magic with Sanju. So, it is a lot of combinations.

At the end of the day, the intention is to keep your head down and work hard. Not let the other excitement get in the way, because the excitement about the film and the material is the most important. When you are on set, you just have to give your 180 percent, the actress added.

Meanwhile, Ranbir Kapoor is currently also shooting for Nitesh Bharadwajs Ramayana. In the film, he is playing the role of Lord Ram whereas Sai Pallavi will be seen as Sita. The movie is expected to release by the end of 2025.
In an era where social media has revolutionised the way we travel, two best friends have made headlines with their extraordinary wanderlust experiences. Tommaso Farina and Adrian Lafuente have embarked on a remarkable journey, visiting 27 countries in 463 days, and counting.

Whats even more astonishing is their commitment to sustainability. Refusing to contribute to carbon emissions, they opted out of air travel, instead using boats, hiking and hitchhiking to explore the world. Their eco-friendly approach has earned them the title of boat hitchhikers and sustainable explorers.

Farina (25) and Lafuente (27) have traversed most of Europe and South America, even crossing the Atlantic, all while keeping their carbon footprint minimal. Their incredible journey has cost them 11,800 (approximately Rs 6,48,283 each) so far.

Farina is from Italy, while Lafuente hails from Spain. They keep sharing glimpses of their travel diaries on Instagram. They began this journey as part of Project Kune. They say it is their commitment to showing the world that no-flight travel is necessary and how human beings are bonded with nature.

The friends document their experiences on Instagram, sharing glimpses of their incredible adventure. In a recent post celebrating one year since they embarked on their journey, they reflected on the challenges and joys of travelling.

In a conversation with Luxury Travel Daily, Farina called the two of them boat hitchhikers and talked in detail about their journey. Friends and family were a bit panicked when we first told them, especially when we decided to travel across the Atlantic in a sailing boat with no experience, he said.

Then we sailed across the Pacific on a monohull boat. We found one of our rides on Facebook, talking to a boat captain who offered us a seat. Our intention is to help in creating hope for a world where we, humans, are actually able to live in symbiosis with the rest of the vegetation, animals and other humans, Farina added.

Lafuente said in the same conversation, The first 10 days in the Gulf of Panama can only be described as absolutely terrible. We had very unfavourable winds, storms and big waves constantly. It was quite scary at first to think that we might flip upside down. The only way to overcome these difficulties was trying to stay as calm as possible, trust the boat and cheer each other up.

Talking about their bond, Farina shared, Having been best friends for the last three years and spent every day with each other for the past year, we are quite used to intense and extreme situations now. Of course, there have been some fights or discussions along the way, but thats only natural.

However, they also recommended other travel enthusiasts to be one hundred percent sure before embarking on such a journey like them, keeping in mind the challenging and demanding adventure.

Their journey is still ongoing, as they continue to explore every corner of the world.
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 familys 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 behaviour, Prabhaass calm demeanour is his most unnerving trait. He doesnt 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.
The International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences has announced that comedian and Bollywood star Vir Das will host the 2024 International Emmy Awards. The prestigious event is set to take place on Monday, November 25, in New York City.

This marks Dass return to the International Emmys stage after his impressive win last year for his Netflix comedy special Landing. Das, who was also nominated in the Comedy category in 2021, brings a unique blend of humor and perspective that has resonated with global audiences.

Bruce L. Paisner, President & CEO of the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, expressed enthusiasm about Dass return: Were delighted to welcome back Vir Das to our stage and to add International Emmy Host to his impressive list of talents. With his unique humor and perspective on the world, he now joins a distinguished group of Gala hosts over the years who fit in perfectly with our global audience.

Sharing the news on his Instagram handle, Vir wrote, Thanks to your support, an Indian Emmy Host I cant wait to host the @iemmys this year! Crazy. Thank you for having me. Tremendously honoured and excited!

Das, currently on his international Mind Fool tour, has built a diverse career. He has created, produced, and starred in various series, including the ABC spy drama-comedy Whiskey Cavalier, the Netflix thriller Hasmokh, and the Amazon travel show Jestination Unknown. Additionally, he starred in Judd Apatows Netflix feature The Bubble and is developing a single-camera comedy with CBS Studios and Andy Samberg. He also leads Indias comedy-rock band Alien Chutney.

In 2023, Das made history by winning an International Emmy for Comedy for his Netflix special Vir Das: Landing. This accolade was shared with Derry Girls Season 3, while titles such as Frances Le Flambeau and Argentinas El Encargado were also nominated. Reflecting on his win, Das remarked, This moment is truly surreal  an incredible honor that feels like a dream. Winning an Emmy for Vir Das: Landing is not just a milestone for me but for Indian comedy as a whole. Its heartening to see Vir Das: Landing resonate globally, thanks to Netflix, Akash Sharma, and Reg Tigerman who made it special.

Currently, Das is earning acclaim for his role as a TRP-hungry TV news anchor, Satyajit Sen, in Ananya Pandays Call Me Bae, streaming on Prime Video.
Sitting in America, Rahul Gandhi is seeing divisions everywhere in Indian society. The Congress scion, whom rivals frequently accuse of playing on the insecurities of Muslim minorities, has now shifted his gaze to the Sikhs. Rahul Gandhi said that the Congress was committed to fighting the RSS-BJP ideology that he claimed was built on excluding other Indians.

To illustrate the point, Rahul Gandhi alleges, The fight (in India) is about whether a Sikh is going to be allowed to wear a turbanwhether a Sikh will be allowed to wear a kada or go to the gurdwara. Thats what the fight is about, and its not just for Sikhs, but for all religions.

Rahul Gandhi is the leader of Indias opposition. Because it is a pivotal post, he is doubly obliged to be responsible and factual when speaking in public. Without adducing evidence to claim that Sikhs are under siege in India, the victims of some sort of Xenophobia perpetrated by the government is to callously sow the winds of disaffection which others may use to fuel the whirlwind of separatism.

India doesnt need to see a repeat of the bloodletting of the 1980s and 1990s in Punjab fueled, yet again, by Congress vote bank politics. A charge that Congress cant disassociate from, especially when it gave alleged Khalistan sympathiser the late Sidhu Moose Wala a ticket to contest in the last assembly elections.

One could have given Rahul Gandhi the benefit of the doubt, had he been talking about Muslims. There have undoubtedly been hate crimes against the community, but to drag the Sikhs into the same boat without a shred of evidence to back his claims is imprudent.

Here are some hard facts that expose Gandhis scurrilous populist trope.

First, about 77% of the total Sikh population in India lives in the state of Punjab. This makes Sikhism the majority religion in Punjab, where its practised by 16 million people, or 57.7% of the population. In other words, the Sikhs have numerical superiority to assert themselves unconditionally. And they do.

For instance, despite India being a secular republic, Punjab is the only state in India with a defined blasphemy law. It was passed as an assurance to Sikhs that their religion would be protected in India. Interestingly, the Congress CM Captain Amarinder Singh who managed to expand the laws scope in 2018 ended up joining the BJP. It stands to reason that Captain Amarinder Singh, a war veteran, a proud Sikh, and a one-time Gandhi family loyalist, wouldnt have joined the BJP had the latter been viewed as anti-Sikh.

Third, Sikhism is part and parcel of Bharats dharmic socio-religious fabric. Being Dharmic traditions both Sanatana and Sikhism are intertwined, sharing similar customs. The Sikh Holy book the Guru Granth Sahib makes references to Hindu gods and goddesses from the bhakti movement, such as Vishnu, Shiva, Brahma, Parvati, Lakshmi, Saraswati, Rama, and Krishna. This bond is civilisational and unbreakable. Lets not forget this bond is important to Sikhs too. Thousands of Sikhs fought the Khalistani separatists. Many were martyred preserving the unity of India. KPS Gill, the supercop who cleaned up militancy, was a Sikh.

Fourth, the RSS-BJP and the Modi-led NDA have always promoted the interests of the Dharmic traditions in India, especially Sikhism.

In 2015, Modis NDA set up an SIT and re-opened 300 anti-Sikh riot cases, leading to the imprisonment of some of the key accused including Congress politicians. The NDA constructed the Kartarpur Sahib corridor and provided facilities for Sikh pilgrims to travel to Pakistan. The Modi government opened the way to give citizenship under the CAA to Sikhs who were tortured in neighbouring countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan. The NDA also made Sultanpur Lodhi, the first Karam Bhumi of Guru Nanak Sahib, a state-of-the-art smart city. Many financial sops have also been showered on the Sikh community and their ecclesiastical bodies.

Restoring Sikh history has also been prioritised with the Modi government passing the Jallianwala Bagh National Memorial (Amendment) Bill, 2019, to refurbish the hallowed national memorial.

At an individual level, Prime Minister Narendra Modi often talks about how he would disguise himself as a Sikh during the Emergency. Photos of him sporting a turban and kada are all over. For an individual who has always refused to sport the Muslim skull cap, opting to wear a turban speaks volumes about his regard for Sikhs and their faith.

The BJP is packed with Sikhs. The Modi cabinet has Sikhs in important posts. Beyond government Sikhs, who wear their turbans and kadas with pride, are also part of several institutions both in the public and private sector.

Above and beyond these facts, Rahul Gandhi and the Congress have little moral authority to speak on Sikh security. Many Sikhs have pointed out the irony of Rahul Gandhi talking about the communitys welfare when the only time ordinary Sikhs faced an existential crisis in India was under Congress rule. These Sikh leaders arent wrong.

Then-Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhis statement, When a big tree falls, the earth shakes, was seen as justifying the violence. In May 2019, Sam Pitroda, when questioned on the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, set off a storm by replying, So what, to a question on the alleged involvement of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in the riots.

Jagdish Tytlers alleged statement, We will teach them a lesson, was seen as inciting violence. Kamal Naths alleged statement, Khoon da badla khoon nahin, badla khoon ka badla (Blood for blood, but not revenge for revenge) was seen as inflammatory.

For years, Jagdish Tytler and Kamal Nath were insulated from justice.

This despite several commissions set up to investigate the anti-Sikh riots of 1984. The Congress party is yet to officially acknowledge its role in covering up the riots.

It isnt just that the Congress has no moral right to talk about Sikh welfare, but such statements by Rahul Gandhi also play into the hands of Pakistan and the United States.

Pakistan, which once bankrolled Khalistani separatism, has been trying to revive the movement in Punjab. It has nurtured Khalistani terror groups on its soil and looks to clandestinely inject these insurgents back into the state whenever the opportunity presents itself. Bhindranwale wannabe Amritpal Singh, who has been jailed under UAPA, is a case in point. Now, Pakistan can use Rahul Gandhis unfounded statements to appeal to Sikhs about their duty to fight the Indian state to save their compatriots living in fear in India.

The United States harbours Sikh extremists buying into their false persecution narrative. Rahul Gandhis remarks give these separatists cover to continue to claim victimhood. The US State Department could very well point to Rahul Gandhis assertions to dismiss Delhis claims that the Khalistani separatists should be handed over to India as they are mere Pakistani proxies sponsored to break the Indian state.

In the end, Rahul Gandhis latest narrative is a lose-lose case of scorched-earth politics.

Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.
Introduction

Drones have become indispensable tools in modern military operations, transforming the way intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions are conducted. Platforms like the MQ-9 Reaper, once considered highly effective for ISR and precision strikes, are now facing serious challenges in contested airspace. Evolving air defence technologies and sophisticated electronic warfare systems are making these drones increasingly vulnerable.

The recent downing of Reaper drones by adversaries, from Houthi forces in Yemen to engagements in the Ukraine-Russia conflict, has exposed significant limitations. As India strengthens its unmanned aerial systems, particularly along the Pakistan border, similar vulnerabilities could arise. This analysis highlights the lessons India can draw from these global events.

The Reaper Drone: Capabilities and Limitations

The MQ-9 Reaper, developed by General Atomics, is a critical asset for both ISR and strike missions. It can carry a payload of up to 3,750 pounds and fly for up to 27 hours, making it ideal for long-endurance surveillance. Armed with Hellfire missiles and laser-guided bombs, it has been a game-changer in counter-terrorism operations. However, despite its technological prowess, the Reaper has key limitations.

First, it is not a stealth platform. Its large radar cross-section and slow speed (approximately 300 mph) make it an easy target for modern air defence systems. Secondly, it relies heavily on satellite communication links, making it vulnerable to electronic warfare attacks. This combination of factors renders it particularly susceptible in contested airspaces, where adversaries can deploy surface-to-air missiles (SAMs), man-portable air defence systems (MANPADS), or engage in electronic jamming.

Improvement in Air Defence Capabilities: A Growing Challenge

The US and its allies growing reliance on Reaper-like UAVs, including the upcoming deployment of Reaper-like platforms for surveillance and strike missions, brings the lessons from these conflicts closer to home. Nations world over have been significantly upgrading their air defence systems in recent years, acquiring modern surface-to-air missiles, and investing in electronic warfare capabilities. The strategic use of these systems in hot war and in defence could present a similar threat to drone-like Reaper and such large drones. Countries must be prepared for the possibility that this asymmetry could be the leverage that defending countries are looking for.

Lessons from the Houthis: Asymmetric Warfare Against Drones

In Yemen, the Houthisa non-state actor with limited resourceshave managed to down several MQ-9 Reaper drones using a combination of Soviet-era SAMs and electronic warfare tactics (sources say over 10 drones have been downed). The success of such asymmetric tactics is largely due to support from regional powers, providing them with advanced equipment and training. This is an important lesson for countries like India which operate large drones, especially when considering the evolving security environment in Jammu & Kashmir and its border with Pakistan, where proxies and non-state actors could acquire similar capabilities.

The Houthis ability to down these highly capable UAVs illustrates the challenge posed by even modest air defence systems. India, which is working on bolstering its ISR capabilities along the LoC and eastern Ladakh, must consider the risk that adversaries like Pakistan and China could similarly exploit the vulnerabilities of slow-moving drones such as the Reaper.

The Ukraine-Russia Conflict: High-Tech Threats to Drones

The conflict in Ukraine offers another case study of how drones fare in contested airspace. Both Ukrainian and Russian forces have extensively used UAVs for ISR and artillery spotting. However, in an environment saturated with advanced air defence systems like the S-400 and Tor-M1, drones have been frequently shot down. If India deploys Reapers or similar systems in a conflict scenario along the LoC or its western borders, it could face a similar fate against Pakistans increasingly sophisticated air defences.

Electronic warfare is also rampant in the Ukraine conflict, where jamming and spoofing of UAV communication links have become routine. In an Indian-Pakistani conflict, with both nations ramping up their electronic warfare capabilities, drones could find themselves unable to communicate with their operators, leaving them vulnerable to capture or destruction.

Why Reaper Drones Are at Risk

Lack of Stealth: The MQ-9 Reaper was designed primarily for use in low-intensity conflicts where air superiority is uncontested, such as counter-insurgency and anti-terrorism operations. As a result, stealth was not a design priority. In fact, its large airframe and non-stealthy features make it highly visible to radar systems. The Reapers radar cross-section (RCS) is significantly larger than more modern stealth drones, like the RQ-170 Sentinel, which was specifically designed for covert operations in heavily contested environments.

The Reapers large RCS is a significant disadvantage in contested airspaces, where adversaries employ advanced radar systems. Air defence systems such as the Russian-made S-400, which can detect, track, and engage aircraft from hundreds of miles away, easily pick up large, non-stealthy targets like the Reaper. In contrast, stealthy drones are designed with a reduced RCS, allowing them to fly undetected or with minimal detection by enemy radar systems.

Stealth technology has become an essential feature for survival in modern warfare, especially in heavily defended airspaces. Stealth reduces the chance of detection, allowing an aircraft or drone to approach its target before the enemy can react. The absence of such capabilities in the Reaper makes it an easy target in environments where radar-based surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems are actively scanning the skies for intrusions.

In a highly contested airspace, the Reapers lack of stealth becomes a critical liability, as adversaries with modern air defence systems can lock onto and engage it with relative ease. The missile systems used by countries like Russia, China, and Iran are designed to track and destroy high-RCS targets like the Reaper, making the platform ineffective in any operation where stealth is required.

Slow Speed and High Altitude: The Reapers operational speed of approximately 300 mph (482 km/h) significantly limits its ability to evade incoming threats. While this speed may suffice in low-risk environments where enemy air defences are minimal or non-existent, it is a severe disadvantage in contested airspaces filled with advanced SAMs, interceptor aircraft, and even man-portable air defence systems (MANPADS).

In modern aerial warfare, speed is often critical for survivability. Fast-moving aircraft can evade missiles or make it more difficult for radars to lock onto them. The Reaper, however, is much slower than modern fighter jets like the F-22 Raptor or even some attack helicopters. This slowness renders it highly vulnerable to faster, more agile air defence missiles that can track and intercept slow-moving targets with precision.

Additionally, while the Reaper operates at altitudes of up to 50,000 feet, it remains well within the engagement envelope of modern SAM systems. Advanced systems like the Russian S-400 or the American Patriot missile system can engage targets flying at high altitudes, including drones like the Reaper. Even older SAM systems like the SA-6, which was designed in the 1960s, have successfully shot down Reaper drones in Yemen. The Houthis ability to down Reapers using SA-6 further illustrates that altitude alone does not guarantee safety, especially when slower-moving UAVs are involved.

At these high altitudes, the Reaper becomes an even easier target for radar-guided missiles, as it flies in predictable paths and cannot evade threats with speed or agility. Unlike manned aircraft, which can perform evasive manoeuvres in response to missile threats, the Reapers flight path is often linear and controlled remotely, making it highly predictable for advanced air defence systems.

Vulnerability to Electronic Warfare: As technology evolves, electronic warfare (EW) has become an increasingly vital component of modern combat. Both state and non-state actors are investing heavily in EW capabilities, making it one of the most potent threats to drones like the MQ-9 Reaper. The Reapers reliance on satellite communications and GPS for navigation makes it particularly vulnerable to EW attacks, which can disrupt or even hijack its control systems.

One of the primary EW threats to the Reaper is signal jamming. Jamming communication links between the drone and its ground control station can sever the drones connection to its human operators. This type of attack can render the Reaper useless by forcing it to lose communication and potentially crash or automatically return to base. Moreover, even temporary loss of communication in hostile territory can result in mission failure, as the Reaper would be unable to carry out its surveillance or strike operations.

Spoofing is another EW tactic that poses a severe threat to the Reaper. Spoofing involves sending false GPS signals to the drone, causing it to miscalculate its location and deviate from its intended path. In a high-stakes environment, this can lead to disastrous consequences, including crashing the drone, making it an easy target for capture, or directing it toward hostile areas. In 2011, Iran reportedly downed an RQ-170 Sentinel drone using GPS spoofing, underscoring the vulnerability of even more advanced systems to this type of EW attack.

In contested airspace, where both state and non-state actors have access to electronic warfare tools, the Reapers reliance on communication and GPS makes it especially vulnerable. Sophisticated adversaries, like those in the Ukraine-Russia conflict, have employed EW extensively to neutralise UAVs, making it clear that drones with weak EW defences have limited survivability in such environments.

Anti-Drone Technologies: The proliferation of drone technology has led to a concurrent rise in anti-drone systems. These counter-drone measures range from kinetic solutions, such as missiles and projectiles, to non-kinetic methods like jammers, directed energy weapons, and net-wielding drones. The MQ-9 Reapers size and non-stealthy design make it a prime target for many of these countermeasures, which are becoming more common on the modern battlefield.

One of the most prevalent anti-drone technologies is radio-frequency (RF) jamming. RF jammers disrupt the drones communication systems, making it difficult for operators to maintain control. As the Reaper relies on satellite links and RF communications, this type of jamming can neutralise the drones ability to operate effectively. In addition, some RF jammers can disable the drones onboard GPS, causing it to lose its navigation capabilities.

Kinetic solutions, such as ground-based missile systems and anti-drone guns, have also been developed to target UAVs like the Reaper. These systems are designed to intercept and destroy drones either by direct missile hits or by using projectiles designed to incapacitate the drones flight capabilities. In many cases, these kinetic systems are able to engage drones flying at high altitudes and long ranges, making them effective against the slow-moving Reaper.

In addition to ground-based systems, there has been a rise in drone-on-drone warfare, where small, agile UAVs are equipped with nets or other devices designed to capture or disable larger drones. These anti-drone UAVs are specifically built to target platforms like the Reaper, which cannot manoeuvre as effectively in a dogfight-like situation. Smaller, more agile drones can swarm and disable a Reaper before it can carry out its mission.

Directed energy weapons, such as lasers, are another emerging counter-drone technology. Lasers can destroy UAVs by focusing high-intensity beams of energy on critical components, rendering the drone inoperable. The US, China, and Russia are all actively developing directed energy systems capable of shooting down large UAVs like the Reaper, further limiting its operational utility in contested airspace.

The rapid development of these anti-drone technologies underscores the need for UAVs to evolve. The Reapers relatively large size, slow speed, and reliance on communication links make it an attractive target for both kinetic and non-kinetic counter-drone measures. As more adversaries adopt these technologies, the Reapers effectiveness in contested airspace will continue to diminish, highlighting the need for a new generation of UAVs designed with survivability in mind.

The MQ-9 Reaper, while once considered a highly capable and effective platform in asymmetrical warfare, is now facing increasing challenges in contested airspace. Its lack of stealth, slow speed, vulnerability to electronic warfare, and susceptibility to emerging anti-drone technologies make it less viable in environments where adversaries possess advanced air defence systems. The lessons learned from the Houthis downing of multiple Reapers and the evolving drone warfare seen in the Ukraine-Russia conflict highlight the need for more resilient, stealthy, and survivable UAV platforms to meet the challenges of modern aerial combat.

The future of drone warfare will likely see a shift towards stealthier, faster, and more autonomous systems capable of operating in highly contested environments. The Reaper, while still a valuable asset in certain situations, may soon be outclassed by newer UAV technologies that prioritise survivability in the face of evolving threats.

The Future of Indian Drone Warfare

As the strategic use of UAVs increases, India must adapt to the realities of contested airspaces. Several emerging trends will shape the future of Indian drone warfare:

Shift to Stealth Drones: India is exploring more stealthy UAV designs, emphasising radar evasion, speed, and survivability. Platforms like the Ghatak UCAV, currently in development, will likely play a crucial role in future high-risk operations. Swarm Drones and Autonomy: Autonomous drones and swarm tactics will become increasingly important for India. These technologies, capable of overwhelming enemy defences, will be more effective in contested environments. Enhanced Electronic Warfare Resistance: Indian drones will need to be equipped with robust electronic warfare countermeasures to survive in electronic warfare-heavy environments, especially along the western and northern borders. Expendable UAVs: As India seeks to maintain an edge in aerial surveillance and strike capabilities, the development of smaller, cheaper UAVs will mitigate the loss of expensive assets like the MQ-9 Reaper in high-risk zones.

Conclusion

As India expands its use of drones in defence operations, particularly along the Pakistan border, it must learn from the vulnerabilities exposed by conflicts in Yemen and Ukraine. The MQ-9 Reaper and similar UAVs may not be well-suited for heavily contested airspaces like those India could encounter. Future strategies will need to emphasise stealth, electronic warfare resilience, and the use of expendable platforms to maintain aerial superiority in these increasingly complex environments.

Group Capt MJ Augustine Vinod VSM (retd) tweets at @mjavinod. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.
Were getting used to Rahul Gandhis soliloquies on the situation back home when he travels to foreign countries. Perhaps, theres something about the clear air in these locales that allows his thoughts to float to the surface. In India, the pollution can assume the form of a miasma that oppresses the mind.

And so, in the US of A, Rahul Gandhi has expounded on his latest thesis. And why not? After all, even his mentor, Sam Pitroda, who puts on these foreign junkets for his favourite protege, says Rahul has a well-informed perspective on things around him. Unlike Pappu, his BJP-conjured alter ego.

Ensconced in a university in Texas, Rahul warmed up with a spot of Civics 101 reminding his grasping audience that India was a union of states much like the US and, therefore, no one singular allegedly overbearing entity, like for instance the RSS and Narendra Modis BJP, could impose a singular dogma upon all Indians. After making that point, Rahul Gandhi pivoted to metaphysics.

On this rather esoteric matter, he proceeded to acquaint his listeners with the real meaning of the term devta as it appeared to him. And because the audience was obligingly attentive, he came to the subject of economics  to be precise  global macroeconomics. A subject that he regards as his strong suit.

The West, Rahul proclaimed, has an employment problem. India has an employment problem But many countries in the world dont have an employment problem. China certainly doesnt have an employment problem. Vietnam doesnt have an employment problem The act of production creates jobs. India has to think about the act of production and organising production Its not acceptable that India simply says, okay, production is going to be the preserve of the Chinese

Rahul Gandhi is right in his unqualified praise for China, especially its formidable prowess in manufacturing. But, his comments do betray a startling lack of nuance. Well get to that.

But, first lets go over some data that will reveal that China isnt exactly flush with jobs, that Chinese GDP per capita declined in 2023  the first time in decades. And that India is growing faster on the back of an ambitious Modi-driven Make in India policy, which is also beginning to hurt China. For one, it is under the present NDA that the US has replaced China as Indias top goods trade partner.

In the crucial 15 to 24 demographic, Chinas unemployment rate at 15.7 per cent is almost even with Indias 15.8 per cent. Chinas share in Indias imports has declined from the 2020-21 level of 16.5 per cent to 14.7 per cent in the first quarter of 2024-2025. This shows India is becoming atmanirbhar.

Most importantly, Indias GDP at 7.6 per cent is growing faster than China, which is at 5.2 per cent. In fact, this has been the trend over the past three years. Though these figures reveal that India is growing at a fast clip, economic growth is unlikely to touch the double-digit levels that China achieved through the noughties.

This is primarily because India will never liberalise as much as China did to create that heady mix of policies and conditionalities that big businesses flock to. For such an informed mind, it is surprising that Rahul Gandhi conveniently omitted that Chinas stupendous growth was on the back of a reform model that could only be rolled out on the point of a gun in autocracies.

And it isnt as if Chinas come-hither economic model hasnt been without consequence. Many an expert have pointed out that rapid manufacturing growth in China has physically scarred the country and also broken the back of many of its citizens. Especially its poorest, a class of people in India who Rahul Gandhi looks out for with singular focus.

Chinas government forcibly acquired land from farmers and villagers at below-market rates without fair compensation or relocation support. Since 1950s, 70 million people involuntarily relocated for setting up special economic zones (SEZ). Its governments would lease land to developers and factories for extended periods (up to 70 years), effectively handing control of the land. This is inconceivable in India.

Horror stories have emerged of industrial-scale labour exploitation. Right from the punitive 996 (9 am to 9 pm x 6 days) work week, to being denied the right to rest or the lack of access to social benefits, not to mention the Chinese workforces increasing vulnerability to wage theft.

Theres even discrimination in recruitment, especially based on age and ethnicity with no one to champion worker interests owing to the state suppression of labour unions and collective bargaining. Environmental regulations are routinely waived.

Many Chinese companies are also provided institutional support to circumvent intellectual property (IP) protection laws, and international protocols on preventing forced technology transfer from foreign companies. In its pursuit of conquering global markets by undercutting competition, China has resorted to unfair trade practices, rigging tariffs and even its currency.

These shenanigans would never fly in India. Its messy democracy works as a check and balance on any your-way-or-the-highway reforms undertaken by totalising governments. Just ask Rahul Gandhi. If it is anyone, it is the Congress and its appetite for economic virtue signalling, that has stalled reforms that could have accelerated manufacturing and consumption-led growth in India.

In 2020, the NDA got Parliament to approve three labour codes. These would have removed impediments to winding up of companies. Allowed for firing of staff without government permission in firms with up to 300 workers, up from 100. These laws would have interested multinational companies to set up shop in India.

But, the codes had to be put on the ice because the Congress opposed the anti-labour legislations claiming that they weakened trade unions and removed the security net for workers. The three farm laws and the Land Acquisition Bill, 2015, met with the same fate. They, too, were deemed anti-people and pro-big business.

It is all very well to give sermons, but if Rahul Gandhi really wants India to start thinking about the act of production, perhaps he could take his foot off the brakes hes applied to Modis ambitious reforms agenda.

(Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views)
Congress scion Rahul Gandhis utterances on foreign trips used to range from wining and dining to whining about India, peppered all along with hilarious blunders. That has changed, slightly.

He continues to wine and dine and regale us with the blunders. But the whining about Bharat has turned into menacing and more audacious attempts at dividing his own nation.

And to achieve that, he is leaning on untruths, unfazed by scoring self-goals in the process. Here are some samples from his ongoing US trip.

Sample 1

Rahul Gandhi is perhaps eyeing to ride the separatist, Khalistani sentiments  being funded and fanned by the ISI  which has managed to sway a tiny section of the community.

Addressing the Indian diaspora community in Herndon, Virginia, on Monday, he said: The fight (in India) is about whether a Sikh is going to be allowed to wear a turbanwhether a Sikh will be allowed to wear a kada or go to the gurdwara. Thats what the fight is about, and its not just for Sikhs, but for all religions.

That is not just a mauling of the truth, but an unintended reminder of the most horrific anti-Sikh pogrom carried out by the Congress under the leadership of his own father, Rajiv Gandhi, in 1984.

Union minister Hardeep Puri, who is proudly Sikh, was quick to respond: Sikhs have never felt safer and more honoured than they do now, under the current government. This is my kada and my pagdi. No one ever stopped me from following my religion and wearing those. I am happy in my country. Stop using Sikhs for your poisonous ambitions.

BJP national spokesperson RP Singh said: 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.

These are documented, incontestable facts. What has not happened in Narendra Modis time as PM is any incident of a religious attack on Sikhs in India. PM Modi has himself proudly worn the Sikh turban on multiple occasions, while Rahul Gandhi was busy serenading for votes the nations second-largest majority, the Muslims, wearing a skull cap.

Sample 2

Rahul Gandhi predictably attacked the RSS, but again using a false premise.

What the RSS is saying is that certain states are inferior to other states. Certain languages are inferior to other languages. Certain religions are inferior to other religions, and certain communities are inferior to other communities, he said. Whether you are from Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, all of you have your history, tradition, language. And every single one of them is as important as the other one. The ideology of the RSS is that Tamil, Manipuri, Marathi, Bengali are all inferior languages.

This was probably an extrapolation of RSSs now-discarded, old slogan, Hindu, Hindi, Hindustan. But a call for Hindi to replace English as a bridge language is not the same as Hindi imposition or belittling other languages.

Rahul Gandhi should read the RSS resolution taken by the Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha on the Need to protect and promote Bharatiya languages on March 9-11, 2018, in Nagpur.

The declining trend in the practice and usage of Bharatiya languages, elimination of their words and replacement by words of foreign languages are emerging as a serious challenge. Today, many languages and dialects have become extinct and several others are endangered. ABPS is of the opinion that the governments, other policymakers and the society, including the voluntary organisations, should endeavour to undertake all kinds of efforts to protect and promote various languages and dialects of the country, it says. Primary education across the country should only be in mother tongue or any other Bharatiya language. For this, parents should also make up their mind and the governments should formulate suitable policies and frame necessary provisions in this regard.

Does this read like denigrating Tamil, Bengali, Marathi, Manipuri or any other language?

Sample 3

In the US, Rahul Gandhi showed some trademark dragon love. He said the West was facing an unemployment problem and so was India. But he praised China for not having a jobs problem.

Thats a lie. Chinas unemployment rate rose to 17.1 per cent in July. It is so severe that Reuters reported on August 21: Rising unemployment in China is pushing millions of college graduates into a tough bargain, with some forced to accept low-paying work or even subsist on their parents pensions, a plight that has created a new working class of rotten-tail kids. The phrase has become a social media buzzword this year, drawing parallels to the catchword rotten-tail buildings for the tens of millions of unfinished homes that have plagued Chinas economy since 2021.

Does Rahul Gandhis repeated high praise for China, surreptitiously meeting Chinese officials during the Doklam conflict and other actions stem from the yet-undisclosed MoU that his party, the Congress, signed with the CCP in 2008?

One doesnt know.

Rahul Gandhis recent utterances and his insistence on a caste survey to create divisions, inciting minorities, all oddly reek of the US Deep States age-old regime-change toolkit. But in the middle of all these vicious but misdirected attacks on his own country, Rahul Gandhi did not disappoint on the blunders.

When a young student, Arjun Badi, asked him a question about the I.N.D.I Alliance, Rahul Gandhi acerbically tried to correct him, saying it was I.N.D.I.A. Alliance, suggesting that the young man was speaking the BJPs language.

Badi coolly asked him a follow-up question: What does the A in I.N.D.I.A. stand for?

Rahul was left fumbling for words and letters. A familiar sight.

Abhijit Majumder is a senior journalist. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.
The call for a caste census in India has sparked a complex and multifaceted debate, with various political and social entities advocating for it from different perspectives. On one side, Opposition parties such as the Congress, JD(U), RJD, and Samajwadi Party are pushing for a caste census as a means to address socio-economic disparities and ensure fair representation in public institutions. Their demand is deeply rooted in the belief that accurate caste data is essential for formulating effective policies and affirmative action programs that can uplift marginalised communities. This political agenda is seen as a strategic move to mobilise support from these communities against the BJP and create larger political narrative.

In stark contrast, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) supports the caste census with a focus on cultural unity and development. The RSS emphasises that the data should be used solely for welfare activities and not as a political tool. The RSS argues that the census can help in identifying and addressing the needs of lagging communities, thereby fostering social harmony and development. This approach is grounded in the Sanghs long-standing commitment to cultural cohesion and national unity.

The divergence in motivations and intended uses of the caste census data between the Opposition and the RSS highlights the need for a clear distinction between political agendas and developmental objectives. While the Oppositions demand is intertwined with their electoral strategy, the RSSs support is framed within a broader vision of social welfare and cultural unity. This fundamental difference underscores the importance of maintaining a clear boundary between political exploitation and genuine developmental efforts.

Distinct Motivations and Objectives: A Closer Look at the Caste Census Debate

The demand for a caste census in India has ignited political debate, with the Opposition parties and the RSS taking distinct stances. The Oppositions approach to the caste census is deeply political, aiming to leverage the data to highlight inequalities and rally marginalised communities. However, the RSSs stance calls for caution, advocating that the data be used for targeted welfare programs and not electoral strategies. Critics warn that a caste census could deepen social divides, and there is a legitimate concern that using caste data for political purposes might exacerbate these divisions.

To strengthen their case, the Opposition must clearly outline their intentions and avoid framing the caste census as purely a political move. By doing so, they can champion the cause of social justice without undermining social cohesion, balancing the political with the developmental.

Political vs. Developmental Use: Divergent Approaches to Caste Census

For the Opposition, including parties like the Congress, JD(U), RJD, and Samajwadi Party, the caste census is a strategic tool to challenge the ruling BJP and mobilise marginalised communities. They argue that disclosing caste data will expose the deep-rooted socio-economic inequalities in Indian society and create an opportunity to formulate targeted policies that address these imbalances. This push is politically motivated, seeking to galvanise support from disadvantaged groups, thereby constructing a broader anti-BJP narrative.

Opposition leaders believe that caste data is critical to shaping affirmative action programs and providing a more equitable distribution of resources. In their view, revealing the true demographic makeup of India could lead to reforms in education, employment, and political representation, benefiting marginalised communities. By amplifying the demand for a caste census, the Opposition aims to project itself as the voice of these communities, challenging the BJPs hold on power.

However, the RSS has taken a different approach. As highlighted in a recent analysis, the RSS advocates for a caste census to be used strictly for developmental and welfare purposes, cautioning against its use for electoral gains. The RSS stresses the need to view the caste census through a constitutional and administrative lens, ensuring that the data serves the upliftment of lagging communities without being politicised. Their focus is on using the data to implement welfare programs that foster social harmony, not to exploit caste divisions for political purposes.

This divergence in intended usepolitical vs. developmentalreflects the broader ideological gap between the Opposition and the RSS. While the Opposition sees the caste census as a tool to mobilise marginalised communities against the BJP, the RSS warns that such a move risks exacerbating caste-based divisions in society. By keeping the census data within the framework of welfare and development, the RSS argues that India can address inequalities without fuelling political agendas.

In this context, the Opposition faces a critical challenge. If their call for a caste census is perceived as merely a political strategy, they risk alienating voters who are wary of deepening social divisions. To make their case credible, Opposition leaders must clearly distinguish between advocating for social justice and using caste as an electoral weapon. Maintaining this boundary between political motives and developmental objectives is crucial for both sides of the debate, as India grapples with the complex realities of caste and inequality in a modern democracy.

Balancing Caste Census with Social Cohesion

Historically, the Congress and other Opposition parties have had inconsistent stances on the caste census, leading to accusations of political opportunism. Previous Congress governments have been criticised for their varied positions on caste-based reservations, making their current demand for a caste census appear inconsistent.

In contrast, the RSS has maintained a consistent focus on using caste data for welfare, without political exploitation. For the Opposition to avoid accusations of hypocrisy, they must present a clear, consistent rationale for their demand, while ensuring that the census does not undermine social cohesion. Balancing this political demand with a focus on social unity is essential for credibility and responsible governance.

The author, a columnist and research scholar, teaches journalism at St. Xaviers College (autonomous), Kolkata. His handle on X is @sayantan_gh. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.
No country is perfect. Each country and its society have many problems. India is no exception to that rule. Unfortunately, it appears that certain leaders are trying to misuse their position of power to paint a hellish picture of India on foreign soil. In a democracy like ours, politicians have the right to always hunt for opportunities to attack their opponents. However, they must do so within the borders of India.

Highlighting Indias supposed problems, and garnishing the same with falsities and outright lies becomes an evidently disingenuous effort to score political brownie points and paint a cool" picture of oneself abroad. The question then arises  why is this being done? Is this an attempt to paint India as a broken country and a dysfunctional democracy, thereby paving the way for foreign intervention to fix" Indias problems?

In 2023, Rahul Gandhi claimed in London that Indias democracy has come undone." He did not stop there. Gandhi even questioned why the US and Europe were oblivious to the democratic backsliding of India under the BJPs rule. Now, Indias Leader of Opposition (LoP) is in the United States, and is making news for mostly the wrong reasons. One would assume that holding the constitutional post of the Leader of the Opposition would make the Congress leader measure his words when abroad. As it turns out, Rahul Gandhis statements are only further maligning India on foreign soil.

Is Rahul Gandhi Sacrificing Indias Image for Political Brownie Points?

In his attempt to paint India as an abject failure under the BJPs rule, Rahul Gandhi ended up glorifying China. He claimed that while countries like India and those in the West have a major unemployment problem, China does not. However, just in July, Chinas youth unemployment rate soared past 17 per cent. In fact, China went to the extent of not publishing its youth employment figures for the last six months of 2023, after the metric hit a record high of more than 21 per cent.

Rahul Gandhi is betting big on affirmative action as a tool to bring the Congress back to political relevance across India. To do so, he has been incessantly harping on the supposed lack of opportunities which Indias backward communities and castes have. For a layman listening to Rahul Gandhi on foreign soil, it would almost appear like India is being run as a Brahmin-Baniya nexus where nobody else has the chance to flourish or accomplish something. That is an outright lie and does a disservice to the many efforts India has undertaken since independence to uplift large swathes of its people  who were beaten and broken after thousands of years of foreign occupation and rule.

In doing so, the Congress scion discredits his own partys efforts to give all Indians a fair chance, considering how the Gandhi family has held power for most of independent Indias history.

If the claim is that such efforts have yielded no tangible results, then Rahul Gandhi should instead be advocating for an alternative, and not be doubling down on efforts to further increase reservations and possibly even undertake a nationwide redistribution of wealth. At best, that would be a lousy socialist experiment that divides and further disintegrates the country.

Rahul Gandhi Should Have Avoided Playing to the Khalistani Gallery in US

In Washington, Rahul Gandhi made another rather disturbing claim. He thought it fit to claim that there is a culture of viewing entire languages and certain sub-cultures as inferior in India. He said that his fight is about whether a Sikh is going to be allowed to wear his turban or a kada in India. Or (whether) 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."

The remark may have got Rahul Gandhi applause from a crowd oblivious to Indias realities, but for people who know better, it was a clear attempt at spreading falsehood. After all, where exactly in India are Sikhs not allowed to wear their turbans or the kada, and who exactly is stopping Sikhs from visiting Gurdwaras in the country? Unless we are back to the dreaded 1980s when Sikhs were killed, raped and assaulted with impunity, in the countrys national capital no less?

The Modi government, for one, has taken several steps to celebrate the culture and legacy of Sikhs. To list all these efforts would require a separate article. For context alone, look up the various Sikh centennials that the Centre has celebrated since 2014. The Modi government has also facilitated the opening of the Kartarpur Sahib corridor, apart from waiving GST on Langar and exempting Sri Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar from FCRA regulations so that Sikhs from around the world can offer donations to their most revered shrine.

The narrative Rahul Gandhi is trying to build on American soil is particularly concerning given the rise of Khalistani extremism in the Western hemisphere. His statements only provide ammunition to anti-India separatist groups, who by the way, also claim that Sikhs are subjected to ill-treatment and violence in India. In doing so, Rahul Gandhi is painting a false picture of India in elite foreign circles.

Why Paint a Dystopic Picture of India?

Rahul Gandhi has claimed that the RSS, who the BJP is supposedly beholden to, thinks of certain Indian languages and sub-cultures as inferior. He specifically pointed towards Tamil, Marathi, Manipuri and Bengali languages to claim that these were viewed as inferior by the RSS and its affiliates. In his enthusiasm to be seen as an anti-RSS crusader, Rahul Gandhi forgets all that Prime Minister Modi has himself done to celebrate Indias diverse basket of languages and traditions.

Take the case of the Tamil language alone. The prime minister has time and again recognised Tamil as the worlds oldest language. The BJPs manifesto even promised to promote Tamil globally. Besides, it is his government that started the annual Kashi Tamil Sangamam  a month-long programme organised to celebrate, reaffirm and rediscover the age-old links between Tamil Nadu and Varanasi.

Rahul Gandhi has also claimed that the BJP and RSS believe 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 be allowed to aspire to be whoever they want to be." What Rahul Gandhi did not mention to his American audience is the fact that Narendra Modi has constantly pushed for the welfare of women. In fact, women are among the four new castes described by PM Modi, besides youth, farmers and the poor.

The Modi government has implemented several transformative initiatives for the welfare and empowerment of women in India. A landmark move was the passage of the Womens Reservation Bill last year, which reserves 33 per cent of seats in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies for women, ensuring greater political participation. Additionally, under the PM-Awaas Yojana, the government has facilitated the registration of houses in womens names or as joint ownership, granting them property rights and security. One of Modis earliest initiatives was the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao campaign, focusing on improving the status of girls through education and awareness.

Through the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, millions of free LPG connections have been provided, ensuring womens health and safety and a departure from the menace of cooking using firewood. Financial empowerment and inclusion of women has also been a priority, with the Mudra Yojana providing loans to women entrepreneurs, even as the Jan Dhan Yojana brought crores to the banking fold. The initiative to create Lakhpati Didis" aims to make two crore rural women earn at least Rs 1 lakh annually by promoting self-help groups and micro-enterprises.

Rahul Gandhis recent comments on foreign soil paint a misleading picture of Indias democracy and social structure. By focusing on alleged failures and making dubious claims, he risks undermining Indias global image and providing ammunition to anti-India factions. His remarks on unemployment, caste dynamics, and Sikh rights not only distort facts but also overlook the strides India has made under successive governments.

Instead of fostering constructive dialogue within the country, Rahul Gandhis statements abroad seem more about scoring political points than offering genuine solutions. Such actions raise concerns about whether his intent is to advocate for India or to simply tarnish its image for personal gain.

Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has crossed the two-crore mark in eight days of its nationwide membership drive that kicked off on September 2 with Prime Minister Narendra Modi renewing his membership. The feat was achieved on a day the BJP called a meeting of nine states to review their performance so far in the membership drive. This was the first phase of performance review by the BJP and will be followed by similar review meetings of the remaining states next week.

FRESH 75%-80% TARGET

On Tuesday, the BJP also set an ambitious target for states. We have asked them to enrol 75-80 per cent of the voters who voted for us, said BJP general secretary Vinod Tawde.

The party called the Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, and Karnataka leadership to review their performance in a meeting chaired by party president JP Nadda and attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah and General Secretary (Organisation) BL Santhosh. Each state was represented by their respective party presidents, general secretaries, the state in-charge of the membership drive, and his or her team.

The BJP, however, evaded answering which state was leading, with Tawde saying: Right now, we have the total number. It can only be ascertained after we count according to assembly constituencies and states. However, a BJP source told News18 that the party is in possession of state-wise breakups but doesnt want to announce who is leading till the drive is over, lest it demoralise others.

MODIS WISHLIST

In Tuesdays meeting, states were also asked about arrangements they had made to ensure the suggestions put forth by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 2 during his interaction with the BJP leadership were executed.

The prime minister had suggested that the BJP start with C grade polling booths  the weakest ones  and asked the party to focus on aspirational blocks, booths, and border villages to target youth in the 18-25 age bracket. Emphasis must also be laid on tribal areas.

During his speech, PM Modi also told the BJP leadership that the membership drive will see the implementation of 33 per cent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. He also urged party members to enrol as many women as possible as members and future leaders of the BJP.

In todays meeting, it was stressed how to make this drive all-encompassing in the coming days and how to implement the wishes of the prime minister. Both party president and the home minister called leaders concerned (from different states) separately to discuss it with them, said Tawde.

The nine states were asked to maintain a daily data sheet of targets and accomplishments. All nine state presidents have been asked to ensure their state membership team reaches out to those areas where the BJP expected to win but did not do well in the recently concluded Lok Sabha election.

TALL ASK FROM UP & BIHAR

Sources say Nadda particularly asked Dilip Jaiswal, the new Bihar BJP president who took over from Samrat Chaudhary in July-end, to organise multiple events to make the membership drive a success by enrolling at least one crore members in a state where the BJPs power has dwarfed after JDU support to the NDA government became vital.

BJPs Lok Sabha setback in Uttar Pradesh  where it won only 33 seats in a big drop from the 63 seats it won in 2019  was in special focus on Tuesday, say sources. The central leadership has asked the state BJP for at least two crore members from the state.

Sources say both Bihar and UP BJP presidents have been given specific tasks to meet the steep target set for the two biggest Hindi heartland states. Jaiswal has been asked to dot Bihar with membership drive advertisements ranging from huge hoardings to small wall writings. Meanwhile, Bhupendra Chaudhary has been asked to mount an aggressive social media campaign to popularise the drive in every nook and corner of the state.

BENGAL LAGGING BEHIND

While most states are competing to outsmart each other, sources say West Bengal  which was not part of Tuesdays meeting  is lagging behind as the focus of the state leadership has been on organising multiple protests on the issue of the RG Kar Hospital rape and murder which has put the TMC in a spot.

For context, in the first eight days of the membership drive, Madhya Pradesh has been able to ensure 41 lakh BJP memberships. However, Bengal is a little short of 11 lakh during the same period.

NEW MEMBERS VS RENEWALS

While the BJP is bragging of hitting the two-crore mark in just eight days, a big chunk of this is renewals of membership as it is mandatory for every BJP worker to renew their membership every six years. This rule also applies to the national president, according to the BJPs constitution.

In fact, the drive started with PM Modi renewing his membership. JP Nadda went and handed over the renewals to party patriarchs Lal Krishna Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi.

At this point, it is unclear how many of the two crore members are fresh members.
An Israel critic, Kamala Harris supporter, and an India-baiter with an unsolicited view on Kashmir  this is Ilhan Omar, the controversial US lawmaker whose presence in a meeting with Rahul Gandhi in Washington has now created a political storm in India.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah took on Rahul Gandhi for standing with forces that conspire to divide the country even as BJPs Sudhanshu Trivedi pointed to Omar being at odds with Indias national interests and how Rahul Gandhis meeting with her had dented the faith of Indians. Omar was part of a group of 10 US lawmakers who met Gandhi in the US on Tuesday.

But who is Ilhan Omar? She won the Primary election last month from a constituency in Minnesota and is a staunch supporter of Kamala Harris. The first African refugee elected to Congress, Omar, in her earlier term as a Democrat Congresswomen in 2022, had moved an anti-India resolution, saying India was guilty of violating religious freedom. This was shortly after she went to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, a visit that India had condemned.

Omar is also a staunch Israel critic and has been taking on her own government for supplying arms to Israel. If you really wanted a ceasefire, youd just stop sending the weapons, it is that simple, she said, while participating in a sit-in at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago last month in favour of Palestine.

Omar also had made her disgust apparent for Donald Trump. He looks sad and miserable, she posted on X, in a reference to Trump after the presidential debate between him and Kamala Harris. Omar last month said Trump had vowed that he will be a dictator on day one if re-elected and he must be defeated. She has also accused Trump of telling dangerous anti-Muslim lies.
The killing of Mangesh Yadav, a robber with a Rs 1 lakh bounty on his head in an alleged police encounter, has intensified the Thakur vs Yadav caste divide in Uttar Pradesh, kick-starting yet another controversy.

While the Yadav community, Samajwadi Party and its INDIA bloc partner Congress accused police of carrying out caste-based encounters in BJP-led states, UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and the Director General of Police justified the action, calling it impartial.

In the last seven-and-a-half years of Adityanaths government, official records of the UP Police show that over 200 criminals were killed in police encounters. Of these, around 65 were Muslims and more than 140 were Hindus, primarily Yadavs and Singhs.

The Robbery

On August 28, five armed assailants, including Mangesh Yadav, forcibly entered Bharat Sonis jewellery store in the bustling Tatheri Bazar of Sultanpurs Chowk area. The group made off with ornaments and cash valued at Rs 1.5 crore. The robbery left Sultanpur cops red-faced as the accused managed to cross four police outposts without detection.

The Encounter

In the early hours of September 3, at around 3.40am, Sultanpur Police shot three men accused of the dacoity during an alleged encounter near an inter-college in Godawa area. Two of the accused  Sachin Singh and Pushpendra Singh  were shot in the right leg, while Tribhuvan Kori was shot in his left leg. The police recovered 15 kilograms of silver jewellery from the trio, which was believed to be part of the loot.

Another accused Vipin Singh, who has over two dozen criminal cases against him, had surrendered in a Rae Bareli court a day after the dacoity in connection with an older case. On September 4, the ADG of Lucknow Zone declared a Rs 1 lakh bounty on 10 remaining accused, including Mangesh Yadav of Jaunpur.

On September 5, the UP STF shot and killed Mangesh Yadav, the prime suspect, in an alleged encounter at Mishripur Muraina turn at around 3.25am. The STF team, led by deputy SPs DK Shahi and Vimal Singh, retaliated when Mangesh Yadav opened fire, said ADG (law and order) Amitabh Yash.

Thakurs Vs Yadavs

The incident triggered the Thakur vs Yadav controversy in the state as Mangesh Yadavs family termed the encounter fake. Mangeshs father Rakesh Yadav, a driver in Gujarat, returned to Jaunpur after his sons death and claimed that police in civilian clothes picked up his son from their home in Agraura village at around 2am on September 3.

They kept him in custody for two days. Since no one approached the police, they shot him, Rakesh Yadav told journalists. Mangeshs mother Sheela Devi was home at the time of his alleged abduction. The family insists the encounter was staged, intensifying caste tensions between Thakurs and Yadavs in the region.

Caste Spin

The encounter quickly turned political, with opposition parties accusing the BJP-led government of carrying out caste-based encounters. As Mangesh Yadavs family claimed the police staged the encounter, the issue gained traction when SP chief Akhilesh Yadav and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi voiced their concerns.

In a post on X, Akhilesh Yadav accused the ruling party of manipulating the situation. It seems that the ruling party had deep connections with the people involved in the Sultanpur robbery. This is why the main accused was contacted before the robbery and made to surrender. Other accused were shot in the leg for show and Mangesh Yadav was killed on the basis of caste, he wrote. He further criticised fake encounters, saying: Fake encounters turn the protector into a predator. The solution is not fake encounters, but real law and order. He also alleged that robbery kingpin Vipin Singh was strategically allowed to surrender as he belonged to the dominant Thakur caste.

Criminal gang of BJP

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also condemned the encounter, accusing the BJP of flouting the rule of law. In BJP-ruled states, the law and constitution are being flouted by those who have the responsibility to enforce them, Gandhi said on X. He criticised the Special Task Force (STF), saying: A professional force like the STF is being run like a criminal gang under the BJP government. Gandhi demanded impartial investigations into the suspicious encounters and justice for the victims.

Adityanath Backs Police

The UP chief minister, however, came out in support of the police. In a strongly worded statement, Adityanath said: You must have seen that whenever one of their mafia proteges or a dacoit is killed by the police in an encounter, it seems like the police has placed its finger on their raw nerve, and then they start an outcry.

Speaking at a government function in Ambedkar Nagar ahead of assembly bypolls, Adityanath played on the caste card as he posed a question: The dacoit was killed in a police encounter when he was brandishing a weapon and committing the dacoity, what if he had shot the customers in the (jewellery shop) and those killed could also have included a Yadav?

Adityanath also blamed the SP for creating anarchy and said: Those who used to consider power as their bapauti (family property) have started realising that they will never return to Uttar Pradesh, that is why they are trying to conspire against us. They (SP) are trying to create anarchy. They have nothing to do with development and the safety of daughters and businessmen.

UP DGP Denies Allegations

On the issue of caste-based encounters, UP DGP Prashant Kumar said: The police do not engage in such things they are taking action impartially. He added that only officers who have to brave bullets know about the severity of such encounters.

200 Listed Criminals Killed

In the seven-and-a-half-year tenure of the Yogi Adityanath government, Uttar Pradesh has witnessed approximately 12,960 police encounters, resulting in the deaths of about 200 listed criminals and 17 police officers.

Among the criminals killed, 65 were Muslims and over 140 were Hindus, including Yadavs and Singhs. Meerut Zone recorded the highest number of encounters, with 3,723 incidents since 2017, leading to 66 deaths and the arrest of 7,017 criminals, many of whom had bounties ranging from Rs 75,000 to Rs 5 lakh. Overall, around 27,000 criminals have been arrested and 1,601 injured in encounters since March 2017. Additionally, 17 police officers lost their lives, and 1,600 sustained injuries during these operations.
Elon Musk-led SpaceXs Polaris Dawn spacecraft on Tuesday launched the first-ever crew for all-civilian spacewalk. The first commercial spaceflight mission with a spacewalk carries billionaire Jared Isaacman, along with three others, for the all-civilian spacewalk. It lifted off atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket today at after 5:23 a.m. EDT (2:54 PM IST) from historic Launch Complex-39A at NASAs Kennedy Space Center (KSC).

The Polaris Program astronaut mission is headed for an altitude three times higher than the Space Station, the furthest that humans have been from Earth in over half a century, Musk shared this fact in a post on X.

Liftoff of Polaris Dawn! SpaceX said in a post on X.

The mission has been delayed since August, first over a helium leak and then weather played spoilsport.

Polaris Programme was launched by billionaire Jared Isaacman  the commander of the first all-civilian space mission Inspiration4, launched in 2021. Polaris Dawn is the first of three planned missions under the programme,

Along with Isaacman, the mission launched pilot Scott Kidd Poteet, mission specialist Sarah Gillis, and medical officer Anna Menon.

The mission will be free-flying and will go to a very high altitude that humans havent gone to in 50-plus years, Isaacman said earlier. Only Apollo was higher.

During the mission, the teams will conduct research to better understand the effects of spaceflight and space radiation on human health.

While on-orbit, the Polaris Dawn crew will conduct 36 research and science experiments from 31 partner institutions to expand our knowledge of humans adapting, living, and working in space, Polaris Dawn said in a post on X.

The crew will also be the first crew to test Starlink laser-based communications in space. They will provide valuable data for future space communications systems necessary for missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
Google Drive cloud storage plans are helpful if you want space for your Gmail, Photos and Docs files among others. But many people find it costly to spend over Rs 100 per month on getting 100GB Drive storage from the company. Guess what, Google now has a special Lite cloud storage plan as a part of the Google One service which is available for half the price and still offers you a decent amount of GBs in cloud storage to keep your important files and data. But how good is the Google One Lite plan and what all benefits do you get apart from the additional cloud storage?

Google One Lite Plan Available In India: Price, Features And More You Get

The new Google One Lite plan is priced at Rs 59 per month which is more than half the Rs 130 per month you have been paying for the 100GB cloud plan on Google One.

The most-affordable Google One Lite plan offers 30GB storage which might not sound like a lot but when you combine it with the free 15GB storage quota available across Gmail, Photos and Docs for all Google users, the total comes to Rs 59 per month for 45GB data on the cloud which is better than Apples iCloud prices in India.

Having said that, the Rs 59 per month One Lite plan is not available for everyone, at least for now, but we could independently verify the availability of the plan for our Google account as you can see below:

The Google One Lite plan costs Rs 59 per month and you 30GB storage for that money. But Google One offers other benefits with the higher-priced plans like sharing the cloud storage with up to 5 people at free of cost and further support if you take the basic 100GB plan or higher which is not mentioned in the details for the new One Lite plan.

Cloud storage is still not very popular in markets like India, so bringing its low-cost One plan allows more people to try out the service and see if it fits their need and budget. Once the service is to their liking, expect people to start paying for the higher band of One plans in the country, which feels like the right way to go and Google is happy to bide its time and see the demand grow over the next few years.
A womans detailed and unusual list of requirements for a potential groom has captured widespread attention on the internet, sparking debates and discussions across social media platforms. Her profile includes specific criteria that have intrigued many, from income expectations to lifestyle preferences. The woman, a divorcee with a BEd degree who earns Rs 1.3 lakh annually, is seeking a partner who is settled in India, the US, or Europe, with a minimum annual salary of Rs 30 lakh. For non-resident Indians (NRIs), her salary expectation is set at $96,000 (around Rs 80 lakh) per year. She has emphasised her love for travel and five-star hotels, noting that her ideal partner should share these interests.

In addition to lifestyle preferences, she noted that her future spouse should own a 3+ BHK independent house, where her parents, who are dependent on her, can also live. She further added that, due to her work, she wont handle household chores and expects a cook and maid to be employed. The woman also expressed a preference for living separately from her in-laws.

In terms of education and profession, she is seeking someone with an MBA or MS (preferably from US), working as a software engineer.

The user who shared the womans profile on X (formerly Twitter), wrote, Her qualities and salary Expected husbands qualities and salary.

Take a look at the post here:

Her qualities and salaryExpected husbands qualities and salary pic.twitter.com/NGgJvVvN9l ShoneeKapoor (@ShoneeKapoor) September 10, 2024

The post gained significant attention online, sparking a range of reactions from social media users in the comment section.

One user commented, She wants an unmarried person though she is divorced. Her parents will stay with her but not the inlaws. Her salary is 11000/month which is equal to a maids salary in city areas. But she wants husband to be well maintained.

She wants an unmarried person though she is divorced. Her parents will stay with her but not the inlaws.Her salary is 11000/month who is equal to maid salary in city areas. But she wants husband to be well maintained. NANDADULAL MAITY (@imNMaity) September 10, 2024

Another added, 132000 per annum salary and she says her hobby is 5 star hotel, wonder what that means. And surprise me with Louis Vuitton, that was the highlight.

132000 per annum salary and she says her hobby is 5 star hotel, wonder what that means. And surprise me with Louis Vuitton, that was the highlight  Ramkrishna Iyer (@KannanK51531500) September 10, 2024

She cant stand her in-laws, but expects the poor guy to move in with them! She makes 11,000 INR a month and still wants a full-time maid and cook? Talk about next-level priorities! someone else commented.

She cant stand her in-laws, but expects the poor guy to move in with them! She makes 11,000 INR a month and still wants a full-time maid and cook? Talk about next-level priorities! Ravi Teja (@ravitejskt) September 10, 2024

An individual chimed in with, Marriages are becoming more like a business contract nowadays, while another remarked, She has too much High expectations.

Marriages are becoming more like a business contract nowadays. https://t.co/Km4EWWhvvy Raman Kaur (@rmnkaurKA) September 10, 2024

She has too much High expectations Srishti shukla (@dusky_drone) September 10, 2024

Too delusional. If she is getting any genuine enquiries from men who qualify then we have already lost, a user shared.

Too delusional. If she is getting any genuine enquiries from men who qualify then we have already lost. Siddharth D  (@BnPSid) September 10, 2024

The post has accumulated over 1 million views so far.
A couple from UK has decided to use specially designed suicide pod to share their final moments together in an embrace. Peter and Christine Scott, residents of Suffolk, England, have announced the decision to end their lives together following Christines diagnosis with early-stage vascular dementia, News.com.au reported. The couple, married for 46 years, will make their journey to Switzerland, a country where voluntary assisted suicide has been legal since 1942.

The Sarco machine, invented by Australian Dr Philip Nitschke, is a device that allows individuals to initiate the assisted dying process with a simple flick from within its sleek, futuristic pod. The capsule, resembling a car, is being offered by The Last Resort, a Swiss organisation specialising in assisted suicide, with which the couple has now registered. The 3D-printed capsule operates by filling the enclosed pod with nitrogen, gradually replacing the oxygen. Within about a minute, the individual loses consciousness, with reports suggesting the process is free from panic and distress. As the oxygen levels continue to drop, the person eventually suffocates and dies.

The couple has expressed their desire to avoid the long, painful process of aging and the potential burden of hospital treatments that could drain their savings. They shared that they have enjoyed a fulfilling life together, but the thought of enduring years of care, both mentally and physically, was not an option they were willing to face.

Peter, a former Royal Air Force pilot, admitted that watching Christine, once a nurse who has cared for dementia patients herself, slowly lose her mental abilities would be horrific for him. I would not want to go on living without her. I dont want to go into care, to be lying in bed dribbling and incontinent  I dont call that a life, Peter told The Daily Mail.

In England and Wales, assisting someone in ending their own life remains illegal and carries a severe penalty. Those found guilty can face up to 14 years in prison.

The couple has already planned their final days, which includes a peaceful walk in Swiss Alps, enjoying a meal of fish with wine and listening to their favourite songs. The capsule for two people works exactly the same as the single Sarco but there is only one button so they will decide between them who will push it. Then theyll be able to hold each other. Dr Nitschke told The Daily Mail.
Yagi, the strongest storm of the year in Asia, made landfall in Chinas Hainan province on September 6, bringing heavy rainfall and wind speeds of 234 kilometres per hour. The super typhoon caused blackouts, leading to hardships for residents in the aftermath. Now, an X thread is making headlines exposing the Downside of a cashless society. In a video shared by a user, residents are shown charging their mobile phones at a makeshift station in a densely packed space. It seems the vendor was using an engine for the power source.

The caption read, After the typhoon, the water and electricity were cut off. Chinese people desperately want to charge their phones as all their money is in their mobile phones. Without a mobile phone, you cant even buy a piece of bread.

Downside of cashless societyHainan, ChinaAfter the typhoon, the water and electricity were cut off, Chinese people desperately wanted to charge their phones.Because all your money is in your mobile phone. Without a mobile phone, you cant even buy a piece of bread. https://t.co/EfluhEUilv pic.twitter.com/IYEGEnW0Tr  Songpinganq (@songpinganq) September 9, 2024

Another video demonstrated the drawbacks of electric vehicles, showing people stranded and running to charging stations to top off their batteries.

Downside of electric carsHainan, China After typhoon, Chinese people desperately want to recharge their electric cars in remaining charging stations.So they can charge their phones. Because all their money is in their phone. They now can't even buy a piece of bread. pic.twitter.com/Oqw3r3r84V  Songpinganq (@songpinganq) September 9, 2024

It also states that recharging an electric car is restricted to users of WeChat, Chinas digital wallet, whose social credit score is 550 or above.

Now, China's Digital Wallet WeChat only allows people with a social credit score of 550 or higher to recharge their electric cars.CBDCs are most likely to serve the interests of governments by increasing financial surveillance, decreasing financial freedom, and expanding the pic.twitter.com/N61Mv0fOqV  Songpinganq (@songpinganq) September 9, 2024

It was also mentioned that digital currency in China has expiration dates incorporated in it. This implies that if the currency is not used within a specific period, it will expire. Additionally, if your account or digital wallet is frozen by the social credit system, you will not be able to use your digital currency.

China's digital currency is programmed with expiration dates, which means the currency will expire if not used in a certain timeframe.If you are blacklisted by social credit system, they freeze your bank account and digital wallet..so you can't spend your own digital money. pic.twitter.com/TCzcLbJyjP  Songpinganq (@songpinganq) September 10, 2024

It added that you were not permitted to use the digital money WeChat for payments during COVID-19 if your vaccination passport expired which is when the code in your Covid app becomes red.

During Covid, in China, if your vaccine passport expired (the code in your Covid app turns to red), you were not allowed to pay with digital wallet WeChat.When you pass checkpoint with red code, immediately an alarm goes off..then you would be sent off to a quarantine camp. pic.twitter.com/1uEN7JYaWu  Songpinganq (@songpinganq) September 10, 2024

It further mentioned that during COVID-19, Chinas digital wallet WeChat or Alipay prevented you from using your digital money if your vaccination passport expires since WeChat functions as Chinas contact tracing and vaccine passport app.

Downside of cashless societyDuring Covid, if your vaccine passport expires, China's digital wallet WeChat (or Alipay) doesn't allow you to spend your own digital money. Because the digital wallet WeChat is also China's contact tracing app as well as vaccine passport app. pic.twitter.com/jh8Lp3aO7j  Songpinganq (@songpinganq) September 10, 2024

According to the thread, the country established quarantine camps, which were literally concentration camps, to imprison anyone who refused to receive vaccinations.

@CNN refused to call China's quarantine facilities as quarantine camps.They are literally concentration camps for locking up people who refuse to get vaccinated. I was forced to get vaccinated in this quarantine camp. pic.twitter.com/ALgQ13wZAQ  Songpinganq (@songpinganq) September 10, 2024

A user commented, Now, imagine the Internet goes down for an extended period.

Now imagine the Internet goes down for an extended period Escher Nineeleven (@Escher911) September 9, 2024

Another said, Maybe going cashless isnt a good idea after all.

Maybe going cashless isn't such a good idea after all George Saoulidis  (@saoulidisg) September 10, 2024

Another user added, Well, if your cash is in the bank, and the cash machine has no electricity you are not much better off.

Well, if your cash is in the bank, and the cash machine has no electricity you are not much better off Sifossifoco (@Sifossifoco1) September 10, 2024

They could at least charge phones but we couldnt charge the ATM, a comment read.

They could at least charge phones but we couldn't charge the ATM. Annabelle Jones (@annabel98_jones) September 10, 2024

In 2024, Yagi ranks as the most severe tropical cyclone in the Pacific, and the second most violent tropical storm, behind Category 5 Atlantic Hurricane Beryl. According to state news agency Xinhua, at least 419,367 inhabitants were relocated before Yagi.
Vice President Kamala Harris and former US President Donald Trump faced off for the first time in a high-stakes presidential debate hosted by ABC in Philadelphia on Tuesday night. During the debate, Republican nominee Trump was ranting about crime, Minneapolis, oil drilling, guns, and so forth when he mentioned two words that became fodder for memes on the Internet. The 78-year-old said transgender and aliens in one single sentence and the Internet has since been having a field day.

Now she wants to do transgender operations on illegal aliens that are in prison. This is a radical-left liberal, said Trump during the debate as Harris looked at him with a bemused smile.

This particular clip soon went viral on the Internet and X users gave Trump the much-deserved meme-able shoutout. An individual asked, Does anyone want to hang out this weekend to do transgender operations on illegal aliens in prison this weekend my mom said I can bring a friend.

Does anyone want to hang out this weekend to do transgender operations on illegal aliens in prison this weekend my mom said I can bring a friend bailey (@baytato) September 11, 2024

Another user humorously summarised a day in the life of an immigrant from Trumps perspective: Wake up in jail, get your transgender operation, for breakfast, dog, take over Seattle, for dinner, cat.

A Day in the Life of an Immigrant, According to Donald Trump: wake up in jail get your transgender operation for breakfast, dog take over Seattle for dinner, cat  Ginny Hogan (@ginnyhogan_) September 11, 2024

And one creative X user shared an image of an illegal transgender alien, presumably the type Trump was referring to.

illegal transgender alien pic.twitter.com/FzKYxsWbIk zoe rose bryant (@zoerosebryant) September 11, 2024

Heres what this individual posted after watching the presidential debate:

this debate has EVERYTHING: dog eating, baby killing, transgender operations on illegal aliens in prisons pic.twitter.com/FURKv9oAIR ely kreimendahl (@ElyKreimendahl) September 11, 2024

Another shared a hilarious picture of an illegal alien after their transgender operation.

the illegal aliens after their transgender operations pic.twitter.com/ghMyzfaSKn   (@MalikHaelstrom) September 11, 2024

Heres another picture of an illegal alien after their transgender operation.

the aliens after their transgender operations pic.twitter.com/FD8LD6kAEQ yolanda fister (@yolandafister) September 11, 2024

So, who won the debate? If a CNN poll of debate watchers conducted by SSRS is to be believed, 63% of registered voters felt that Harris delivered a better performance, compared to 37% who thought Trump performed better.
A Chippewa Falls woman accused of firing a gun in her home while she was intoxicated in July has now been charged.

Samantha M. Harkey, 44, 520 Terrace Drive, was charged in Chippewa County Court with first-degree recklessly endangering safety and operating a firearm while intoxicated.

At a bond hearing last month, Judge James Isaacson released Harkey on a signature bond, and set a return court date for today. As terms of her release, she cannot consume alcohol or have any contact with children without approval. She also must comply with a Department of Health Services commitment.

According to the criminal complaint, police were called to the Mayo Clinics Health System hospital in Eau Claire on July 28 for a report of a suicide threat.

The caller said Harkey was intoxicated and attempted to shoot herself but missed.

Harkey was not injured, and she agreed to go to the hospital voluntarily.

The male caller told police that Harkey has been depressed for several months, since the death of her mother; Harkey had been seeing a counselor.

Harkey had consumed multiple alcoholic drinks that evening, and she knew where a gun was concealed in their home. He said Harkey was alone in the bedroom when she fired the gun. Two children were in the home but did not see anything, although they heard the shot.

The man told police that the shot Harkey fired entered a wall toward one of the the childs bedrooms. The man told police he took the gun, a 9 mm, apart and placed the components in separate areas.

Online court records show Harkey has never been charged with a crime in Wisconsin before.
A house listed on sale in California, US, is up for a price of $499,999 (Rs 4.19 crore) though it consists of only half of the building. The small one-bedroom, one-bathroom bungalow, which is located in northeast Los Angeles, was almost destroyed by a pine tree that fell on it in May, with two renters and their dogs inside at the time. Fortunately, there were no fatalities, although significant property damage was incurred. The roof, for instance, was twisted and a fence was reduced to rubble.

As reported by The Los Angeles Times, listing agent Kevin Wheeler quipped that there is now an open-concept floor plan for the remaining structure. The property stands at around 645 square feet, though the electricity has been disconnected from the building; water and sewage remain operational. The rear door, which the renters used to flee during the event, is still intact. Its half a house for half a million, Wheeler told USA Today. Thats what everybody is reacting to.

The regulations in Monrovia tend to include the review for demolition of buildings that are over 50 years of age. Redfin, which describes the house, shows that it was constructed in the early 1920s. But as the damage was said to be an act of God, no such review is warranted, Wheeler explained to the publication.

This means that prospective buyers can undertake repair and improvements of the structure, and that the building does not come with the usual procedural rigmarole of reconstructing a new structure. Wheeler pointed out that the spot has attracted a lot of attention for several reasons, summed up under high demand and low supply in the housing market, especially at this price level.

Wheeler said in his conversation with The Los Angeles Times that several people showed their readiness to buy the property  some, right after the incident, offered $250,000-$300,000 (Rs 2.9 crore to Rs 2.51 crore) which is far from the current price.

This was recently highlighted in a recent shocking real estate deal where the most expensive house in California was sold at $210 million (Rs 17.63 billion). The luxurious mansion lies in Malibu and was previously belonging to James Jannard who was a billionaire and the owner of Oakley Vision technological company specialising in the manufacturing of eyewear.

Zillow reported that the average house value in California is $786,730, (Rs 6.6 crore), a 6.8% rise over the previous year. Californian homes are selling very rapidly, with a 45-day typical stay on the market. According to Houzeo, the 99.4% sale-to-list price ratio shows that most houses are selling for prices that are in line with their asked prices.
September 11, also known as Patriot Day, is a national day of service and remembrance in the United States. It is observed to remember the victims of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. This day is also known as the September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance or 9/11 Day.

The country pays tribute to the nearly 3,000 people who died in the attack on the World Trade Centre, the Pentagon and the crash of United Airlines Flight 93 in Pennsylvania.

Patriot Day, made a law by the US Congress on December 18, 2001, is a nationwide observance on September 11.

Several ceremonies and moments of silence, including at 8:46 AM, the time of the first attack on the North Tower of the World Trade Center, are observed.

Citizens are advised to display flags at half-staff and engage in memorial services to pay tribute to those who lost their lives and those who intervened.

The September 11 Attacks

On the morning of September 11, 2001, 19 terrorists affiliated with al-Qaeda took control of four commercial aircraft.

Two of these planes were taken and flown into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City.

A third plane hit the Pentagon, the U. S. Department of Defense headquarters in Arlington, Virginia.

The fourth plane, United Airlines Flight 93, was bound for Washington, D.C., but the passengers fought back to reclaim control of the plane, and the plane crashed in a Pennsylvania field.

In these attacks, about 3000 people lost their lives making this terrifying act the most devastating in the history of the United States.

U.S. Response: The War on Terror

Following 9/11, the US invaded Afghanistan in October 2001. The aim was to neutralise al-Qaeda and to oust the Taliban regime, which reportedly hosted and aided bin Laden and his group.

The US military operations were effective in overthrowing the Taliban government within weeks but the chief ringleader of the attack Osama bin Laden escaped and withdrew to the mountainous zones of Afghanistan and across the border in Pakistan.

The US government went further to launch a manhunt for bin Laden lasting many years. However, efforts to pursue as well as hunt bin Laden by instituting various military operations and intelligence were unsuccessful. He was reported to be in the tribal zones on the Afghanistan-Pakistan border.

The manhunt ended in a major operation, Operation Neptune Spear. He was finally located by US Navy SEALs on May 2, 2011, in a building complex in Abbottabad, Pakistan. All the activities that led to bin Ladens elimination were well coordinated thereby increasing the efficiency of the operation.

The U.S. government enacted several key pieces of legislation aimed at enhancing national security:

USA PATRIOT ACT

In October 2001, this act was passed to erode further the privacy of communication and financial transactions for monitoring terrorist activities. It also brought in an improved organisation of information in relation to law enforcement bodies.

Homeland Security

The Department of Homeland Security or the DHS was established only in 2003 primarily for the purpose of organising major federal organisations that had an agenda of securing the country against threats of terrorists and responding to catastrophic events. This was a marked change toward a more united federation-based response to security threats.

The attacks prompted a reevaluation of international security strategies:

After the September 11 attacks, terrorism emerged as a vital element of the US and international security strategies. Counter-terrorism measures were implemented by the United Nations and different countries since terrorism was identified as a major threat globally.

Military Engagement

Due to the acts of terrorism, especially the 9/11 attacks, the US declared war on terror and invaded Afghanistan and Iraq. This action was initially backed by most Americans who felt that it was the right proactive measure against terrorism.

Nevertheless, the reasons for the invasion of Iraq in 2003 were that the country had weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) and links with al-Qaeda. However, the 9/11 Commission could not find any link between Saddam Hussein and al-Queda, and no weapons of mass destruction were found in Iraq.

The initial enthusiasm of the public evolved to disillusionment mainly because the wars stretched beyond anyones imagination, more soldiers were deployed and died than what was anticipated earlier.

In this case, the level of dissatisfaction with the US involvement in Afghanistan was very high as reflected by the fact that by 2021, over two-thirds of Americans surveyed by the Pew Research Center were of the opinion that the country had not achieved its objectives in Afghanistan.
Covid-19 is now a chapter in the past after claiming millions of lives in two years and putting people in lockdowns for what felt like an eternity. But as people move forward, the crucial question remains: are nations truly ready for the next pandemic that could emerge from a new coronavirus variant?

Researchers at Chinas Wuhan Institute of Virology, which was blamed for lab-based origin for the pandemic, have made a new nanovaccine that promises universal protection against all major Covid-19 variants and could shield against future coronavirus mutants.

The team behind the new vaccine at the Wuhan Institute claimed that current vaccines, while effective in preventing Sars-CoV-2 infection and reducing mortality rates, fall short of providing comprehensive protection against all virus variants, South China Morning Post reported.

The team has developed an intranasal nanoparticle vaccine which combines coronavirus epitopesspecific antigen components that activate the immune systemwith the blood protein ferritin. It said that the vaccine has shown promise in offering protection against multiple variants, including Delta, Omicron, and the WIV04 strain, an early variant identified in Wuhan, the epicenter of the pandemic in 2020.

The ongoing and future pandemics caused by Sars-CoV-2 variants and mutations underscore the need for effective vaccines that provide broad-spectrum protection, the researchers wrote in a paper published in peer-reviewed journal ACS Nano in June.

Our constructed nanovaccine targeting the conserved epitopes of the pre-existing neutralising antibodies can serve as a promising candidate for a universal Sars-CoV-2 vaccine.

The World Health Organization and scientists globally have examined the origins of the virus, with most concluding that it likely spread from animals to humans in China. However, the head of US intelligence last year that there was no evidence that the Covid-19 virus was created in the Chinese governments Wuhan research lab.

This century has seen two major outbreaks caused by a similar type of coronavirus: the Covid-19 pandemic and the 2003 Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak. Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), another coronavirus-driven illness, has infected several thousand people since it was detected in 2012.

Researchers caution that ongoing mutations of the coronavirus are likely to produce new strains, some of which could be highly infectious and potentially trigger future outbreaks or even another global pandemic.

How Nanovaccine Was Developed?

The nanovaccine was developed by merging epitopesshort peptides with conserved sequences in the S2 region of the coronaviruswith ferritin derived from Helicobacter pylori. This ferritin is expressed in Escherichia coli cells, where it self-assembles into nanoparticles. These nanoparticles are then isolated and concentrated from the bacterial cells to create a vaccine that can be administered intranasally, offering an alternative to traditional injections, according to South China Morning Post.

In preclinical trials, mice given the nanovaccine, followed by two booster doses within 42 days, exhibited elevated levels of Immunoglobulin G antibodies compared to controls, with these levels remaining high even after six months. When these mice were exposed to various coronavirus variants, including Omicron and Delta, they demonstrated enhanced resistance to virus-induced lung symptoms.

The vaccines antibodies were shown to effectively bind to epitopes from a range of coronavirus strains, including those responsible for MERS, bird flu, and swine flu, highlighting its broad neutralizing capabilities. According to the research team, this nanoparticle vaccine has significant potential as a broad-spectrum solution for multiple coronaviruses.
Kamala Harris and Donald Trump on Tuesday (US local time) fought to sway the 2024 presidential election on the biggest stage in US politics. The event was hosted in Philadelphia.

As Trump claimed he could broker a peace deal on behalf of the United States between Russia and Ukraine, Harris, drawing a reference to Russian President Vladimir Putin, accused the former of admiring dictators.

She also said Putin would eat up Trump for lunch, and that the former US President was trying to divide and distract from reality.

He is trying to divide and distract from reality. It is well known he admires dictators. He exchanged love letters with (North Korean leader) Kim Jong Un. These dictators and autocrats want you to be the President again because they are so clear that they can manipulate you with flattery and favours. That is why so many military leaders told me that youre a disgrace, Kamala Harris told Trump on the stage.

If Trump were Putin, he would be sitting inside Ukraine, Harris said, adding, Understand why the European allies and our native allies are so thankful that you are no longer President, and that we understand the importance of the greatest military alliance the world has ever known, which is NATO, and what we have done to preserve the ability of (Ukrainian President) Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the Ukrainians to fight for their independence, Harris said.

Otherwise, Putin would be sitting in Kyiv, with his eyes on the rest of Europe. You would quickly give up, for the sake of favour, and what you think is a friendship with what is known to be a dictator, who would eat you for lunch, she added.

On Harris claims, Trump said, Putin endorsed Kamala Harris because if I were there, it would have never happened.

I want this war to stop. (US President) Joe Biden and you dont have the courage to ask NATO (a Western military alliance of largely European countries and the US and Canada that is committed to one anothers defence or Europe), as I did. We are in for 250-275 billion dollars. They should be forced to equalise, Trump told Harris at the debate.

Biden hasnt even made a phone call to Putin. If I win, I will speak to one and then the other. Thats a war thats dying to be stopped. Biden had no idea how to talk to Putin or stop the war. We are playing with World War 3. We have a President who doesnt even know he is alive, Trump said.

Responding to Trump, Kamala said, Youre not running against Biden, youre running against me.

Lets understand what happened here. I met President Zelenskyy before the war began. Days later, I went to NATOs eastern flank and because of our support, Ukraine stands as an independent sovereign country, she added.

Attacking Harris, the former President said, Just as I understand, they sent her to negotiate peace before this war started. Three days later, he went in and he started the war because everything they said was weak and stupid. They said the wrong things, that war should have never started. She was the emissary, they sent her in to negotiate with Zelenskyy and Putin. And she did, and the war started three days later. And thats the kind of talent we have with her, shes worse than Biden in my opinion, Trump responded.

BREAKING: Donald Trump just said on ABC News that the war Russia  Ukraine started three days after Kamala and Biden negotiated Peace deal with Zelensky and Putin#Debate #Debate2024 #Trump2024 pic.twitter.com/ueLPkyu7ZC Fitim Ceku (@CekuFitim) September 11, 2024

To the unversed, Trump has repeatedly questioned the value of NATO and complains that many of its 32 members are not meeting their financial commitments to the alliance, claiming that they owe dues to the bloc.

NATO members do not pay dues to the alliance. They are committed to spending at least 2 per cent of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on their defence budgets. A record 23 NATO member nations will hit that target this year, according to estimated figures the alliance released this month.

TRUMP ON WHO SHOULD WIN THE UKRAINE WAR

During the debate, Trump was asked whether he wanted Ukraine to win the war against Russia.

He responded by saying, I want the war to stop, declining to take sides between Russia and Ukraine.

Asked again, Trump said there needs to be a deal to end the war.

THE DEBATE ON THE ISRAEL-GAZA WAR

Shifting the focus to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, Kamala Harris insisted on the need to have a ceasefire deal and the hostages be saved.

She also said the United States must have a two-state solution, for Israel and the Palestinians.

On October 7, Hamas, a terrorist organised, slaughtered 1,200 Israelis, many of them young people who were simply attending a concert, women were horribly raped. So absolutely, I said then and I say now, Israel has the right to defend itself, we would, and how it does so, matters. Because it is also true far too many innocent Palestinians have been killed  children, mothers. What we know is that this war must end, it must end immediately, and the way it will end is we need a ceasefire deal and we need the hostages out, Harris said.

We will continue to work around the clock for that, also understanding that we must have a two-state solution, and in that solution, there must be security for the Israeli people and in equal measure the Palestinians. I would also give Israel the ability to defend itself in particular as it relates to Iran, and any threats that Iran and its proxies pose to Israel, she added.

But we must have a two-state solution where we can re-build Gaza where the Palestinians have security and self-determination, Harris said.

Harris repeats false Israeli media claims of women getting raped by Palestinian resistance fighters on Oct 7.She says Gaza war must end, Palestinians must have self-determination and Israel should have ability to defend itself For morehttps://t.co/iskeA2602O pic.twitter.com/WTqgAuwqbl  TRT World (@trtworld) September 11, 2024

In a sharp response, Trump, at the debate, said, If I were President, it would have never started. If I were President, Russia would have never, ever I know Putin very well, he would have never, and there was no threat of it either for four years, have gone into Ukraine and killed millions of people. When you head up there, its far worse than what people understand whats going over there.

Referring to Harris, Trump adds, But when she mentions about Israel, all of a sudden, she hates Israel, she wouldnt even meet with (Israeli Prime Minister) Benjamin Netanyahu when he went to Congress to make a very important speech. She refused to be there, she hates Israel, Trump said, adding, If she is President, I believe that Israel will not exist within two years from now, and Ive been pretty good at predictions, and I hope that Im wrong about that one.

She hates Israel. She wouldnt even meet with Netanyahu when he went to Congress.  President @RealDonaldTrumpWatch the debatehttps://t.co/FCwO2htKMT pic.twitter.com/b0koqpEmHe  Real Americas Voice (RAV) (@RealAmVoice) September 11, 2024

THE US PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE

The event began at 9 pm (US local time) and offered 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.
Former US president Donald Trump accused his White House rival Kamala Harris of doing little to keep US ally Israel intact, saying Tuesday that under a Harris presidency, Israel would be gone.

During the fiery debate on Tuesday, key policy differences between the two candidates were starkly evident, particularly regarding their stances on the Gaza war, Ukraine, and US trade.

She hates Israel

She hates Israel. If shes president, I believe that Israel will not exist within two years from now, Trump said during the presidential debate. Israel will be gone. The Democratic vice president shot back that Trumps accusation of her hating Israel was absolutely not true, and that she has supported that country throughout her life and career.

Putin endorsed Kamala Harris because shes weak.The war in Ukraine wouldve never happened if Trump was President. Peace through strength! Call Zelenskyy and Putin and END THE WAR!!! pic.twitter.com/cnCgVVWaRF  Marjorie Taylor Greene (@mtgreenee) September 11, 2024

Ukraine War

I want the war to stop. I want to save lives, Trump said, when asked if he wanted Ukraine to win the war with Russia. If Donald Trump were president, Putin would be sitting in Kyiv right now, said Harris. The US Vice President Kamala has yet to outline how her approach to Russias invasion of Ukraine will diverge from President Joe Bidens policies.

Harris has consistently supported Bidens strategy of rebuilding global alliances, particularly NATO, which plays a crucial role in countering Russian aggression. The Biden administration has provided significant support to Ukraine, including tens of billions of dollars in military and humanitarian aid. Recently, the administration allocated $61 billion in weapons and other assistance, which is expected to sustain Ukraines defense through the end of the year.

In contrast, Trump has been a vocal critic of U.S. aid to Ukraine. He has promised to fundamentally reevaluate the mission and purpose of NATO if he returns to office. Trump has claimed that he could quickly end the war by negotiating a settlement where Ukraine concedes some of its territory. Trump has slammed NATO member countries for not meeting their military spending commitments and has suggested that he would not defend nations that fail to meet these targets.

Trade Policies

On trade, Harris has largely continued the policies of the Biden administration, which includes maintaining and expanding tariffs on China. The administration has imposed increased tariffs on products like electric vehicles, steel, and aluminum while also restricting exports of advanced computer chips to China.

Trump, on the other hand, advocates for a dramatic increase in tariffs on foreign goods, proposing rates of 10% to 20% on imports, with potential tariffs as high as 100% on Chinese goods. He argues that these tariffs would fund tax cuts and reduce the deficit but acknowledges that they could raise consumer prices. Trump also aims to restrict Chinese ownership of U.S. infrastructure and phase out imports of essential goods from China.
A Pakistani man with ties to Iran has been charged for allegedly plotting to assassinate a US official in retaliation for the US killing of Revolutionary Guards commander Qassem Soleimani, prosecutors said Wednesday.

Asif Raza Merchant, 46, allegedly sought to hire a hitman to assassinate a politician or a US government official in the United States, the Justice Department and prosecutors said in a statement.

As these terrorism and murder for hire charges against Asif Merchant demonstrate, we will continue to hold accountable those who would seek to carry out Irans lethal plotting against Americans, Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement.

Soleimani, the head of Irans foreign military operations, was killed in a US drone strike in Baghdad in January 2020. Iranian officials have repeatedly vowed to avenge his killing.

As alleged, Merchant orchestrated a plot to assassinate US politicians and government officials. Todays indictment is a message to terrorists here and abroad, United States Attorney Breon Peace added.

The intended victim was not identified but the attorney general has previously said no evidence has emerged to link Merchant with the July 13 assassination attempt against former president Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania.

FBI Director Christopher Wray has said the Pakistani national had close ties to Iran and that the alleged murder-for-hire plot was straight out of the Iranian playbook.

Another FBI official said the assassins Merchant allegedly tried to hire were in fact undercover FBI agents.

After spending time in Iran, Merchant arrived in the United States from Pakistan and contacted a person he believed could assist him with the scheme to kill a politician or government official, the Justice Department said in a statement.

That person reported Merchants conduct to law enforcement and became a confidential source.

Merchant was arrested on July 12 as he planned to leave the country.

Irans mission to the United Nations said in August it had not received any report on this from the American government.

But it is clear that this method is contrary to the Iranian governments policy of pursuing Soleimanis killer, the mission said in a statement carried by Irans official IRNA news agency.

In August 2022, the United States charged a member of the Revolutionary Guards with plotting to assassinate former US National Security Advisor John Bolton.

The Justice Department said Shahram Poursafi, who remains at large, had offered to pay an individual in the United States $300,000 to kill Bolton.
The Israeli military said Wednesday that an army helicopter crashed in the south of war-ravaged Gaza overnight, killing two soldiers and injuring seven.

An initial inquiry indicates that the crash was not caused by enemy fire Two IDF (Israeli) soldiers were killed as a result of the crash, the military said in a statement, adding that the seven injured had been evacuated to hospital for treatment.

The military said it was investigating the cause of the crash, which occurred when the helicopter was landing near the southern city of Rafah.

The latest deaths bring the militarys losses in the Gaza campaign to 344 since the start of the ground offensive on October 27.

The war erupted after Hamas militants attacked southern Israel on October 7, resulting in the deaths of 1,205 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli official figures, which also include hostages killed in captivity.

During the attack militants abducted 251 people, 97 of whom are still held in Gaza, including 33 the Israeli military says are dead.

Israels retaliatory military offensive has killed at least 41,020 people, according to the Hamas-run territorys health ministry, which does not provide details of civilian and militant deaths.

The United Nations human rights office says most of the dead in Gaza are women and children.
Two Maldivian ministers resigned Tuesday, the government said, months after their suspension following a furious spat with neighbouring powerhouse India for alleged derogatory remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Pro-China President Mohamed Muizzu, who suspended three ministers in January for their remarks  including one reportedly calling Modi a clown  is seeking to rebuild ties with New Delhi.

Known as a luxury holiday destination, the atoll nation has also become a geopolitical hotspot, with New Delhi suspicious of Beijings influence in Male.

Indias government has traditionally considered the Maldives, home to around half a million people, within its sphere of influence.

Global east-west shipping lanes pass the nations chain of 1,192 tiny coral islands, stretching around 800 kilometres (500 miles) across the equator.

A government official said both had resigned citing personal reasons.

Official sources said the resignations came ahead of a potential visit by Muizzu to New Delhi.

They 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 Modi on social media, sparking angry protests from Indian celebrities who called for a tourism boycott, the mainstay of the nations economy.

They criticised Modi following his visit to promote the Indian territory of Lakshadweep, a cluster of atolls just north of the Maldives, as a tourist destination.

Modi posted photographs of himself snorkelling, and suggested the islands should be on the must-visit list of any adventure-seeking tourist.

There was no immediate word on a third minister, who was also suspended in January.

Muizzu travelled to India to attend Modis inauguration in June, but has not made a solo official visit.

Since coming to power, Muizzu has toned down his anti-Indian rhetoric and said he would not upend the regional balance by replacing Indian forces with Chinese troops.
Malaysian authorities have rescued hundreds of children from care homes where they were allegedly physically and sexually abused and have arrested scores of people in large scale raids, police said Wednesday.

Police inspector-general Razarudin Husain said 402 children, aged between one and 17, were rescued during raids at various charity homes in the states of Selangor and Negri Sembilan on Wednesday.

The morning raids involved almost 1,000 personnel from police and other agencies.

That led to some 170 arrests, including Islamic religious teachers and caretakers at the welfare homes, he added.

Initial investigations revealed that the victims were sexually abused by their caretakers and forced to abuse other children, Razarudin told a news conference in Pahang state.

Victims who were ill were not allowed to seek treatment at clinics until their condition become critical, he said, adding that some as young as five were also burnt with hot spoons.

He said the children would be temporarily housed at a police training centre in the capitol Kuala Lumpur and would undergo health checks.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said Wednesday that giving asylum to Venezuelan presidential candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia was a gesture of humanity.

Asylum is a gesture of humanity, a civil humanitarian commitment of Spanish society and by extension of its government to people who are unfortunately suffering persecution and repression, Sanchez told reporters on a state visit to China.

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.

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.

Sanchez told journalists in Shanghai that his government has been clear since the elections were held.

We have asked for the publication of the results, we have not recognised Nicolas Maduros victory.

And we are doing something very important: working for unity in the European Union so that we can find a way out that reflects the democratic will expressed at the ballot box by the Venezuelan people.
The presidential race in Wisconsin has moved slightly in favor of Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris according to the latest Marquette Law School Poll results, which were released Wednesday.

Among likely voters and registered voters, respondents favored Harris 52% to Trumps 48%, although the results are within the margin of error for both groups. The poll was conducted Aug. 28 through Sept. 5.

Likely voters in the previous Marquette poll, taken July 24 through Aug. 1, favored Harris 50% to Trumps 49% and registered voters favored Trump 50% to Harris 49%.

This is the second poll featuring Harris as the Democratic candidate after President Joe Biden dropped out of the race July 21 and endorsed Harris. At the time, Biden and Trump tied at 50% among registered voters.

The latest poll indicates an enthusiasm gap among registered voters, with 53% saying they're very enthusiastic about Harris and 47% very enthusiastic about Trump.

Among those who are not at all enthusiastic, 64% said theyre not at all enthused about voting for Trump, while 35% said the same of Harris. Those numbers were basically flipped when Biden was in the race, poll director Charles Franklin said.

Franklin said Republicans havent really lost much enthusiasm since getting their big boost after the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee in July, but the Democrats got that enthusiasm before their convention and have added to it now in the time since.

Marquette polled 822 registered voters, with 438 deemed likely to vote based on historical voter turnout data. The margin of error was 4.6% among registered voters and 4.7% among likely voters.

The results come 54 days before the Nov. 5 general election.

U.S. Senate

In the U.S. Senate race, incumbent U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin is slightly down and Madison businessman Eric Hovde is slightly up from where they were in the last poll.

Among registered voters if they had to choose one of the two candidates, Baldwin polled at 52% compared to Hovdes 48%. Thats closer than the last poll, which showed 53% of registered voters favored Baldwin, compared to Hovdes 46%.

When respondents were allowed to choose "undecided", though, Baldwin led 48% to Hovdes 44%, with 8% undecided.

Among registered voters, 47% had a favorable opinion of Baldwin, compared to 46% who had an unfavorable view. The previous poll showed 44% of respondents had a favorable view of Baldwin and the same number for those who had an unfavorable view of her. But the share of respondents who said they hadn't heard enough to have a view on Baldwin has dropped to 7% from 12% a month earlier.

Hovde's favorability improved to 34% from 24% in the last poll, but his unfavourability has continued to grow as well, up to 43% from 37% in the last poll. Respondents are getting to know Hovde as well: The share of respondents who hadn't heard enough to give Hovde a rating has dropped to 22% from 38%.

Among both registered and likely voters Baldwin also polls just slightly better than Hovde within their respective political parties. Baldwin has support from 99% of Democratic voters while 1% of them favor Hovde. Hovde has support from 94% of Republican voters and loses about 4% of respondents from within his own party to Baldwin.

Among independent voters, 65% support Baldwin and 33% support Hovde.

Specific policy issues

On the eight specific policy issues the poll asked respondents about, Harris and Trump each were favored on four issues.

Trump polled better on foreign relations, the economy, the Israel-Hamas war, and immigration and border security. Harris did better on Medicare and Social Security, health care, securing fair elections and abortion policy.

Franklin noted that the share of respondents who thought the candidates were the same or that neither had good policies has decreased since Biden dropped out.

About 20% to 25% of respondents didnt see a difference between the candidates when Biden was in, but that number has dropped to 8% to 15% since Harris got in the race, Franklin said.

Its hard to know whether thats because of Kamala Harris and the kind of race shes running, or whether its because were deeper into the cycle and so people are tuning into the election cycle, which I think is possible, Franklin said.

Among registered voters, 41% say the economy is the most important issue. Abortion policy comes in second place, with 15% of registered voters saying it's the most important issue.

More Republicans rank the economy first, while among Democrats, abortion policy is slightly more important. Immigration and border security are the second most important issue for Republicans.

Among independents, the economy is the most important issue, while Medicare and Social Security are second.

Wisconsin consistently is listed among the top seven swing states. Biden, Harris, Trump and vice president candidates Tim Walz and JD Vance have visited the state 27 times this year.
Democratic candidate Kamala Harris challenged Republican rival Donald Trump with pointed attacks on his fitness for office, support of abortion restrictions, and legal issues during Tuesdays debate. Harris, a former prosecutor, took control early on, repeatedly irritating Trump, who responded with visibly angry retorts.

Handshake

As the debate commenced at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, body language became a focal point of analysis. Harris initiated a handshake, a gesture of civility that Trump seemed hesitant to reciprocate. It was a power move, said body language expert Mark Bowden, referring to Harris pursuit of Trump for a handshake. I dont think he was expecting that.

This moment set the tone for the evening, with Harris embodying a message of unity while Trumps reluctance suggested a more combative stance. Throughout the debate, Trump frequently avoided making direct eye contact with Harris, which analysts interpreted as a sign of discomfort or disrespect.

Tension and Confidence

Harris appeared visibly tense at the beginning, with noticeable signs of nervousness in her throat and neck. However, as the debate progressed, she regained her composure and confidence. In contrast, Trump started off more relaxed but displayed his characteristic idiosyncrasies, such as pursing his lips when confronted with statements he found disagreeable.

Both candidates raised their voices during the debate. Harris, turned towards her opponent as she spoke, at one point appearing to scold him. Trump mostly looked straight ahead. Their approaches were very different, said behavioral scientist Abbie Marono.

He didnt address her; he didnt orientate toward her when he was speaking  She was a little antagonistic towards him, but she was also very emotionally responsive towards him, he was quoted as saying by Reuters. When Trump accused Harris of being a Marxist, she responded with incredulity, visibly expressing disbelief at the accusation. This moment highlighted her willingness to challenge Trump openly, contrasting with his tendency to avoid direct engagement. Harriss gestures and eye contact demonstrated her readiness to confront Trump head-on.

Humor as a Weapon

Harris employed humour effectively during the debate, particularly when Trump made outlandish claims about immigrants, according to the USbased outlet Politico reported. Her laughter served not only to undermine Trumps argument but also to showcase her confidence in addressing absurdity with levity. This technique, reminiscent of courtroom strategies used by seasoned lawyers, allowed her to deflate Trumps more serious assertions.

As the debate concluded, the candidates contrasting styles were evident. Trump exited the stage abruptly without acknowledging Harris, a stark departure from the handshake that initiated the evening. According to the experts, this behaviour reinforced the divide between the two candidates and underscored the contentious nature of their rivalry.

CNN poll

A CNN poll of debate watchers shows registered voters are nearly split on which candidate better understands their issues. Following Tuesdays debate, 44% of viewers believe Kamala Harris understands their problems better, compared to 40% for Donald Trump. This represents a shift from before the debate, when 43% favored Trump and 39% favored Harris.

Despite this, Trump leads Harris by 20 points on handling the economy, with 55% supporting him compared to 35% for Harris. This margin is slightly wider than before the debate. The poll, which reflects the opinions of debate watchers rather than the broader electorate, found that 82% of viewers felt the debate did not impact their presidential choice. Fourteen percent reconsidered but did not change their minds, while 4% had their decision swayed.

(With agency inputs)
A federal jury has awarded $50 million in damages to a suburban Chicago man who was exonerated in a murder and released from prison in 2018 after spending about 10 years behind bars.

Mondays unanimous jury verdict in favor of Marcel Brown, 34, of Oak Park came after a two-week trial, the Chicago Tribune reported, citing federal court records.

Brown was arrested at 18 and sentenced to 35 years in prison after he was convicted of being an accomplice in the 2008 murder of 19-year-old Paris Jackson in Chicagos Galewood neighborhood, according to the federal lawsuit he filed in 2019.

Brown was released from prison in July 2018. The criminal case against him was dropped following testimony from his mother and a lawyer hired by his mother, both of whom were prevented from speaking with him the night of his arrest.

Brown was awarded a certificate of innocence in 2019, according to his lawsuit, which named as defendants the city of Chicago, a group of Chicago police officers, an assistant Cook County states attorney and Cook County.

Browns suit accused the defendants of violating his constitutional rights and of maliciously prosecuting him. It also contended that the defendants intentionally caused him emotional distress when they prevented him from speaking with a lawyer and drew a false confession out of him after more than a day of interrogation later found to be illegal.

In Mondays decision, the jury split the damages into $10 million for Browns detention preceding his trial and $40 million for the postconviction period, according to a court filing. The jurors also ordered one of the detectives in the case to pay Brown $50,000 in punitive damages, court records show.

Brown beamed Monday evening as he addressed reporters outside the Dirksen Federal Courthouse in downtown Chicago following the verdict, surrounded by his attorneys and family members.

Justice was finally served for me and my family today, Brown said. Were just thankful, being able to be here today. Thank you, jurors.

Attorney Locke Bowman of the law firm of Loevy & Loevy said the verdict should serve as a wakeup call to city leaders that it is time to get a grip on the way the Chicago Police Department is conducting its interrogations.

A spokesperson for Chicagos law department said Monday night that the city was reviewing the verdict and assessing its options.
Early Wednesday morning, Columbus Public Schools was made aware of an alleged threat toward Columbus Middle School made by a student during an altercation with another student.

CPS Superintendent Chip Kay said the school took the threat seriously from the get-go and promptly began an investigation with the help of the Columbus Police Department and the school's school resource officer.

Due to the generality of the threat, they involved everybody possible to ensure safety and get answers quickly, Kay said.

"Before school had even started, both entities worked together along with our school resource officer to immediately begin investigating the information, which was, at the time we had it, a general threat," Kay told the Telegram in a phone interview. "We were able to determine through quick collaboration and investigation that it was a student to student threat."

Due to the threat, the middle school was put on a hold, which is different from a lockdown. When in a hold situation, hallways are cleared and students remain in their classrooms until an "all clear" announcement. Teachers lock the doors to their classrooms and regular classroom activities continue, according to the Columbus Public Schools website.

"This allows any type of investigation or searches to be conducted much quicker because we know where everybody's at," Kay said. "It's for everybody's safety so that an investigation can be conducted quickly in this situation."

In a statement Kay made around noon on columbuspublicschools.org, he said threats made by students  however credible and even if they are in jest  are unacceptable and CPS will respond seriously and immediately.

The schools use a service called Linewize to check online communications by students for threats, but as this was more of a word-of-mouth situation, the school district brought more people onboard to investigate, Kay said.

Ultimately, CPS and law enforcement deemed the threat to be "noncredible."

The students identified as part of this incident will face consequences as outlined in school policy and the student handbook, Kay said.

Kay also thanked those involved, particularly the parents who reported the threat.

"We greatly appreciate the diligence of parents who hear or see these things and make the proper communication," Kay said. "I want to tell you that we greatly appreciate it and that was a very key part of today being a successful outcome."

For situations like this, with threats being made outside of school, a service called Safe2Help Nebraska is available via a mobile app or by calling 833-980-7233. It can also be used to report bullying, suicide concerns, crime, domestic violence, abuse and mental health concerns.
UPDATE

Sep 11, 2024 2:30 AM CDT

The former executive assistant to tech entrepreneur Fahim Saleh was on Tuesday sentenced to 40 years to life behind bars for Saleh's 2020 murder. Tyrese Haspil, 25, was convicted in June of stabbing and dismembering his ex-boss at Saleh's Manhattan condo, where his body was found, the AP reports. Prosecutors say Haspil, who was also convicted of larceny, was worried his former boss would find out Haspil was continuing to steal from Saleh's companies. Saleh had discovered Haspil's embezzling but, rather than press charges, he was allowing Haspil to repay the money over a period of two yearsnot realizing his former employee was continuing to siphon money from his businesses.

Jul 19, 2020 3:40 PM CDT

The executive assistant who allegedly dismembered his boss this week has pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder, CNN reports. Tyrese Haspil, 21, who apparently has no criminal record, is accused of decapitating and cutting up tech entrepreneur Fahim Saleh at the CEO's Manhattan condo. "We are in the very earliest stages of ferreting out the truth," Haspil's attorneys said Sunday in a statement. "The life of this case promises to be long and complex. As the attorneys for Mr. Haspil, we urge the public to keep an open mind." Saleh, 33, was head of the Nigerian ride-hailing company Gokada. In other developments:


UPDATE

Sep 11, 2024 5:15 PM CDT

One of the most famous photos of one of the 20th century's most famous men is on its way back to its rightful home at a hotel in Canada's capital. Police in Ottawa say officers will travel to Rome later this month to retrieve the iconic "Roaring Lion" photo of Winston Churchill, which was stolen from a lounge in the Chateau Laurier hotel, CTV News reports. A 43-year-old man arrested in April faces multiple charges connected to the theft, police said in a press release. They said investigators tracked to the photo to an auction house in London and a private buyer in Italy. Both parties were unaware the photo had been stolen, police said. Police said the photo was stolen and replaced with a copy at the end of 2021 or the beginning of 2022more than seven months before staff realized it was gone.

Aug 23, 2022 3:08 PM CDT

Nobody knows when exactly it happened, but on Aug. 19, staff at the Chateau Laurier in Canada's capital city noticed something odd about the renowned "Roaring Lion" portrait of Winston Churchill, which has hung in a lounge there since 1998. Per the BBC, the photo's frame did not match those of other portraits in the room by famed Canadian-American photographer Yousuf Karsh. Upon further investigation, the hotel concluded that the photo in the frame was in fact a copy of the original. The matter has since been reported to the Ottawa police for investigation. The hotel's general manager put out a statement saying, "We are deeply saddened by this brazen act" and "the hotel is incredibly proud to house this stunning Karsh collection."
A top US government codebreaker who decrypted secret Soviet communications during the Cold War concluded that Ethel Rosenberg knew about her husband's activities "but that due to illness she 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 AP 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 Biden to issue a formal proclamation saying she was wrongly convicted and executed. Questions about Ethel Rosenberg's 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 there's evidence she supported her husband's activities.

The handwritten Aug. 22, 1950, 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 was a "party member" and "devoted wife" who knew of her husband's work but didn't engage in it. "We have a situation in which a mother of two young children was executed as a master atomic spy when she wasn't a spy at all," says Robert Meeropol. However, Harvard University historian Mark Kramer says other documents contain "damning evidence" of Ethel Rosenberg's involvement in spying even "if she was not directly participating." Harvey Klehr, a now-retired Emory University historian, adds he believes she conspired to commit espionage. (More Ethel Rosenberg stories.)
Tropical Storm Francine became Hurricane Francine over the Gulf of Mexico Tuesday evening as its course shifted eastward, putting New Orleans under hurricane watch. The storm is expected to make landfall in Louisiana Wednesday afternoon or evening but forecaster say it will likely hit as a Category 1 hurricane, not a more damaging Category 2 as earlier predicted, the New Orleans Times-Picayune reports. Hurricane Katrina was a Category 3 storm when it hit the area 19 years ago.

Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry has declared a state of emergency. At midday Tuesday, he warned that residents have a 24-hour window to "batten down all the hatches," the AP reports. Evacution orders have been issued in some coastal communities and volunteers have been distributing sandbags in New Orleans. Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves has also declared a state of emergency, reports NBC News.

In an update Tuesday evening, the National Hurricane Center said a hurricane warning is in effect for the Louisiana coast from Cameron eastward to Grand Isle, and a hurricane watch is in effect for Lake Maurepas and Lake Pontchartrain, including metropolitan New Orleans. A storm surge warning, meaning there's a chance of life-threatening flooding, stretches from the from the Mississippi-Alabama border to the Alabama-Florida border, the AP reports. "This is a life-threatening situation," the NHC said. "Persons located within these areas should take all necessary actions to protect life and property from rising water and the potential for other dangerous conditions." (More hurricanes stories.)
A measure undoing Missouri's near-total abortion ban will appear on the ballot in November, the state's high court ruled Tuesday, marking the latest victory in a nationwide fight to have voters weigh in on abortion laws since federal rights to the procedure ended in 2022. If passed, the proposal would enshrine abortion rights in the constitution and is expected to broadly supplant the state's near-total abortion ban. Judges ruled hours before the Tuesday deadline for changes to be made to the November ballot, the AP reports.

Supreme Court judges ordered Republican Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft to put the measure back on the ballot. He had removed it Monday following a county circuit judge's ruling Friday. The order also directs Ashcroft, an abortion opponent, to "take all steps necessary to ensure that it is on said ballot." Secretary of State's Office spokesman JoDonn Chaney said the office is putting the amendment on the ballot, although Ashcroft in a statement said he's "disappointed" with the ruling. Missouri banned almost all abortions immediately after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022.

Missourians for Constitutional Freedom, the campaign backing the measure, lauded the decision. "Missourians overwhelmingly support reproductive rights, including access to abortion, birth control, and miscarriage care," campaign manager Rachel Sweet said in a statement. "Now, they will have the chance to enshrine these protections in the Missouri Constitution on November 5." Eight other states will consider constitutional amendments enshrining abortion rights, including Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Maryland, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, and South Dakota.

(More Missouri stories.)
A visually impaired marathoner is "devastated" after losing out on a bronze medal on the final day of the Paralympics with an instinctive move feet from the finish line. Elena Congost, 36, of Spain, who has a degenerative hereditary eye disease, was competing Sunday in the T12 event for runners with visual impairment, which requires a runner to be tethered to a guide for the entire race. As Congost and guide Mia Carol approached the finish line after three hours of running, Carol cramped up and lost his footing, causing Congost to briefly drop the tether in her hand, per the New York Times . The pair made it over the finish line more than three minutes ahead of the fourth-place finisher, but Congost was disqualified.

"I'm devastated, to be honest, because I had the medal," Congost said. "I have been disqualified for being human and for an instinct that comes to you when someone is falling and to help or support them." She noted there wasn't "any kind of benefit" for herself. "In fact, it is clear that I stop dead," she said, per News.com.au. Congost painted the disqualification as unfair, a view echoed by many. "This decision ruins the Paralympics," one onlooker wrote on X, per News.com.au. "How can you be called inclusive if you can't help a person from falling?" The bronze medal instead went to Misato Michishita of Japan. Morocco's Fatima El Idrissi and Meryem En-Nourhi took home gold and silver, respectively.

Iranian javelin thrower Sadegh Beit Sayah has similarly complained about being stripped of his gold medal on Saturday. Competing in the F41 event for athletes of short stature, he was viewed to have made a throat-slitting gesture and a political statement, per the Times. But Iranian officials said the gesture was celebratory, while Beit Sayah claimed the unfurling of a flag in tribute to Umm al-Banin, a figure in Shia Islam, was "a mark of respect and devotion, not to promote any political agenda." India's Navdeep Singh, who finished second, ultimately took the top spot. (More 2024 Paralympics stories.)
After 18 years as head of America's largest bank, JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon is preparing to retire. Indeed, finding a successor is now his top priority, Reuters reports. Earlier this year, the 68-year-old indicated he would retire in fewer than five years, but Bank of America analysts predict he'll step down as early as next year, per CNN. Though he didn't give a timeframe, Dimon said Tuesday that he and his team are focused on finding a replacement out of a list of "extremely" qualified people. "We all want to get that exactly right," he told pension funds and institutional investors in New York. Some names being discussed as possible successors:
Campbell's Soup is no moreat least not in name. Since 1922, the company has officially been known as Campbell's Soup Company, best known for its red-and-white soup cans featuring the elegant "Campbell's" logo. Now, to better align with its present product lineup, the processed-food giant is dropping the "Soup" part of its name and rebranding as the Campbell's Company, reports the Guardian . "We will always love soup, and we'll never take our eye off of this critical business," CEO Mark Clouse said on Tuesday. "But today, we're so much more than soup."

That "much more" for the New Jersey-based company founded in 1869 includes such brands as Prego sauces, V8 beverages, and Goldfish snacks, among others. The numbers show these other products may be outpacing the company's soup products: In 2023, the former saw a growth in sales of 13%, while soups saw just 3%. Still, even that small growth for soups is being seen as a win for Clouse, per the Wall Street Journal, which notes that the soup business "was in free fall when he arrived" at the company more than five years ago.

The soups had "simply lost favor with consumers and shed market share," per the Journal, which attributes the current sales uptick to "innovative new flavors, a redesigned can, and other needed updates." As for the new name, "this subtle yet important change retains the company's iconic name recognition, reputation, and equity built over 155 years while better reflecting the full breadth of the company's portfolio," Clouse said Tuesday in a statement, per CNN. The outlet notes that the name shift still needs to go through the approval process at November's annual shareholders meeting. (More Campbell's Soup stories.)
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Some of What the Nazis Took Has Finally Been Returned

Jewelry that was confiscated in WWII was returned to Polish descendants
A Philadelphia police officer has died of his wounds, nearly three months after being shot in the neck after stopping a vehicle while on duty, city officials said. Officer Jaime Roman, 31, who spent 80 days in intensive care without regaining consciousness, died Tuesday night. Roman leaves behind a wife, a 7-year-old daughter, and a 4-year-old son. He had been with the department for nearly seven years, reports the AP .

The Philadelphia Inquirer reports officers pulled over a Toyota sedan that lacked the proper registration on June 22 and then learned the driver, Ramon Rodriguez Vazquez, 36, of Philadelphia, did not have a license. In a statement released Wednesday, the department said Rodriguez Vazquez was removing personal belongings from the vehicle while waiting for a tow truck to take the car when Roman noticed an empty holster on the floorboard. Rodriguez Vazquez then ran away, and Roman and his partner chased after him, city police said. Rodriguez Vazquez "then turned and fired three shots," hitting Roman, according to police. Rodriguez Vazquez forced his way into a home, where police arrested him.

Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel said murder charges would be filed against Rodriguez Vazquez. Rodriguez Vazquez was previously charged with attempted murder, assault, gun offenses and other counts. Fellow officers stood outside Temple University Hospital to honor Roman Tuesday night as a vehicle drove his body to the Philadelphia Medical Examiner's Office. At a news conference Wednesday, Mayor Cherelle Parker vowed to "not allow his death to be in vain" and ordered city flags to be flown at half staff. Department leaders at the news conference remembered Roman as a vibrant person who could light up a room, and who had always wanted to be a police officer.

(More police officer stories.)
The mother of Colt Gray, the 14-year-old boy accused of killing four people in a Georgia school shooting last week, says her "heart breaks" for the victimsbut her son is "not a monster." In an open letter provided to CNN, Marcee Gray apologized to the victims' families. "To the parents and families of those affected by the tragic events at Apalachee High School, I want to say that I am so sorry from the bottom of my heart," she wrote. Students Mason Schermerhorn and Christian Angulo, both 14, were killed in the shooting last Wednesday. "If I could take the place of Mason and Christian, I would without a second thought," Gray wrote.
TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune - www.newsofbahrain.com

Email: ashen@newsofbahrain.com

Ahmed Mansoor Al Aali, a central figure in Bahrains business, charitable, and political arenas, has died at 94. His passing on Wednesday marks the end of a life spent shaping the kingdoms development, both commercially and socially.

Born into modest means, his father, Hajj Mansoor, worked as a farmer, tending to palm treesa common occupation for many Bahrainis of that time. In 1949, Al Aali started his business with little more than a few donkeys and a mechanical crusher. That enterprise, which began so modestly, eventually became the Ahmed Mansoor Al Aali Group, a major player in Bahrains construction industry.

A turning point came in 1969 when he acquired an expensive crane, a move that solidified his companys role in Bahrains construction landscape. This was followed by securing large contracts that positioned him as a key player in marine reclamation projects, transforming places like Al Naim and the Diplomatic Area, alongside work on the Bahrain International Airport.

But Al Aali was not just about business. He established the Aali Charity Society in 1992, a group that has since provided essential support to low-income families. Its work includes scholarships for university students, organising group weddings, and maintaining mosques and cemeteries. His charity work echoed the same drive he showed in his commercial endeavoursdirect and far-reaching.

In politics, Al Aali wielded considerable influence, serving as Chairman of the Jaffaria Waqf Directorate and a member of the Shura Council. His presence was also felt in Bahrains financial sector, through his involvement with institutions such as Bahrain Islamic Bank and Takaful Insurance.

HRH Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, praised him as an economic leader who inspired future generations with his passion for Bahrain.

As Bahrain reflects on his passing, his contributions across industry and charity leave a lasting imprint on the kingdoms history, ensuring that his legacy endures.
Bahrain Registers Over 700 New Medications in 2024

Bahrain Registers Over 700 New Medications in 2024

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune - www.newsofbahrain.com

Email: ashen@newsofbahrain.com

The Arab Health Authorities Conference and Exhibition kicked off at the Gulf Convention Center, featuring prominent health officials and industry leaders.

The event is a key platform for regional collaboration, with a focus on enhancing healthcare services across Arab countries.

Dr. Jaleela bint Alsayed Jawad Hasan, Bahrains Minister of Health, emphasized the conferences importance, stating, "This conference aligns with our efforts to maintain the quality and sustainability of healthcare services in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

It allows us to adopt the latest scientific advancements, discuss critical initiatives, and tackle common health challenges faced by Arab nations. By sharing experiences and best practices, we can elevate our medical services and achieve shared objectives."

The medical sector is a key area that requires concentrated attention to ensure the successful execution of strategies aimed at maintaining public health, in line with global developments, Dr. Jaleela added.

The event was held under the esteemed presence of HE Lieutenant General Dr. Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, Chairman of the Supreme Council of Health, and featured notable speakers including Dr. Ahmed Mohammed AlAnsari, CEO of National Health Regulatory Authority."We are proud to host this first-of-its-kind conference in Bahrain," Dr. AlAnsari remarked.

"It is an essential platform for sharing experiences and expertise across the Arab world, fostering stronger cooperation in the healthcare sector, and jointly addressing the challenges we face."

Parallel to the forum, multinational pharmaceutical companies showcased innovative products. Dr. Sherin Goubran, General Manager of Yousuf Mahmood Husain Co., praised the National Health Regulatory Authority (NHRA) for its vital role in registering new products.

"NHRA plays a crucial role in ensuring innovative medications are made available in Bahrain, enabling pharmaceutical experts to provide optimal services," he said.

This year alone, more than 700 new advanced medications have been registered in Bahrain, with over 400 pharmacies operating across the Kingdom.

The forum concluded with a closed meeting of officials from participating countries, where they discussed current challenges and future healthcare recommendations.
IQVIA's AI solutions streamline workflows, drive automation to connect process improvements, and provide insights into individual activities, improving patient safety and commercial performance.

SAN ANTONIO, Sept. 11, 2024 /CNW/ -- Frost & Sullivan recently assessed the artificial intelligence (AI) quality and regulatory solutions space for the healthcare industry and, based on its findings, recognizes IQVIA with the 2024 Global Customer Value Leadership Award. The company is the first to offer intelligently connected integration for all quality, regulatory, and safety processes across healthcare, accelerating digital transformation through software-as-a-service (SaaS) and intelligence-driven simplification, automation, and the integration of functions, processes, and systems, as opposed to other solutions that lack such wide-ranging functionality. Compared to competitors, IQVIA highlights its value through industry-leading capabilities, comprehensive cloud solution portfolio, management and implementation consulting, business and IT managed services, and tech-enabled services.

IQVIA

IQVIA's quality and regulatory solutions digitalize and streamline the end-to-end activities of Quality Assurance and Regulatory Affairs (QARA) across organizations, enabling businesses to bring products to market and maintain their presence. The company's end-to-end solution for QARA eliminates work duplication, delivering value across the entire organization rather than focusing solely on individual pillars. Within the quality and regulatory sphere, the company provides an ecosystem with about 18 modules, including the following:

Design control

Change management

Document management

Complaint management

Supplier management

Sankara Narayanan, Industry Director, Frost & Sullivan, observed "One key aspect of IQVIA is its commitment to deploying quality management with a commercial focus, emphasizing both patient safety and commercial performance. Its AI can drive optimizations, insights, and efficiencies, allowing QARA professionals to improve patient safety and product quality within the bounds of financial prudence. Ultimately, IQVIA enables commercial performance through improved operational efficiencies and effective resource utilization."

In addition, IQVIA provides data mining capabilities with solutions such as Vigilance Detect for literature and social media monitoring. Moreover, the solution helps organizations mitigate the risk of human fatigue, improve performance over time, and achieve global quality compliance. IQVIA integrates SmartSolve with other such solutions to enable healthcare organizations to adopt a modular and scalable approach to end-to-end solutions. As a healthcare company, IQVIA prioritizes providing compliant, safe, effective, financially savvy, relevant, and customer-centric healthcare solutions rather than simply chasing technological advancements.

"IQVIA's value proposition enables top-line growth, operational effectiveness, efficiency, and compliance, significantly boosting companies' commercial performance and professional activities. It tackles the increasing complexities of global regulations, optimizes resource allocation to achieve the set financial performance, and provides strategies for complex healthcare challenges through right-first-time activities and a single source of truth," added Sankara Narayanan. With its strong overall performance, IQVIA earns Frost & Sullivan's 2024 Global Customer Value Leadership Award in the AI regulatory and quality solutions space for the healthcare industry.

Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents this award to the company that has demonstrated excellence in implementing strategies that proactively create value for its customers, with a focus on improving the return on investment that customers make in its services or products. The award recognizes the company's unique focus on augmenting the value that its customers receive, beyond simply good customer service, leading to improved customer retention and customer base expansion.

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 Frost & Sullivan

For six decades, Frost & Sullivan has been world-renowned for its role in helping investors, corporate leaders, and governments navigate economic changes and identify disruptive technologies, Mega Trends, new business models, and companies to action, resulting in a continuous flow of growth opportunities to drive future success. Contact us: Start the discussion. Contact us: Start the discussion.

Contact:

Lindsey Whitaker

E: [email protected]

SOURCE Frost & Sullivan
The cloud robotics company also presents new software innovation supporting its mission to democratize industrial automation.

CHICAGO, Sept. 10, 2024 /CNW/ - Vention , the company behind the cloud Manufacturing Automation Platform (MAP), announced today during its 5th annual Demo Day , new artificial intelligence (AI) technology that makes it easier for manufacturers of all sizes to design and deploy automated equipment and robots. The new innovations in hardware and software include MachineMotion AI, an AI-enabled automation controller, and enhancements to Vention's flagship software, MachineBuilder and MachineLogic . These innovations will be highlighted at Demo Day, which is co-located at the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) in Chicago.

Introducing MachineMotion AI: The first AI-enabled automation controller featuring accelerated computing technology from NVIDIA

As the centerpiece of Vention's hardware and software ecosystem, MachineMotion AI bridges the gap between traditional programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and modern robot programming environments. This 3rd-generation controller is designed to significantly simplify the development and deployment of robotics applications for manufacturers of all sizes.

Powered by the NVIDIA Jetson platform for edge AI and robotics, MachineMotion AI advances AI-enabled robots with NVIDIA GPU-accelerated path planning with the ability to run 2D/3D perception models trained in synthetic and physical environments. MachineMotion AI is compatible with leading robot brands (i.e., Universal Robots, FANUC, and ABB) and is plug-and-play with hundreds of motion devices and sensorsfrom conveyors, and actuators to safety devices, computer vision systems, telepresence cameras, and more.

More information on MachineMotion AI and the NVIDIA collaboration can be found here.

Vention and ABB Collaborate to Bring Cobot Automation to Small and Medium Manufacturers

Vention also announced its collaboration with ABB Robotics. This partnership confirms the compatibility between Vention's Manufacturing Automation Platform and ABB's GoFa cobot family. Clients of Vention and ABB will benefit from the seamless integration of both companies' technologies, from the design stage of robotic cells up to their operations on the factory floor.

Please refer to the product press release for more information on this collaboration.

MachineBuilder and MachineLogic Receive Significant Updates Powered by AI

MachineBuilder: Generative AI (GenAI) technology meets industrial LEGO parts for a faster and more user-friendly industrial automation design experience.

The innovations added to MachineBuilder make the design experience for any manufacturing application more straightforward and faster than ever. From the moment you open the Manufacturing Automation Platform, you can choose to begin your project from scratch or select from hundreds of available templates in the design library. The new features include:

Vention's Design Assistant: Leveraging generative AI, the Design Assistant automatically adds the right component to a robot cell design simply by hovering over a given mechanical context. This significantly reduces the time spent learning and searching the right components within the exhaustive library.

Leveraging generative AI, the Design Assistant automatically adds the right component to a robot cell design simply by hovering over a given mechanical context. This significantly reduces the time spent learning and searching the right components within the exhaustive library. Smart Predictive Placement: Vention's AI-driven Geometric Reasoning Engine (GRE) automatically snaps components into the desired orientation with minimal user input.

Vention's AI-driven Geometric Reasoning Engine (GRE) automatically snaps components into the desired orientation with minimal user input. Real-Time Bill of Materials and Pricing: Bill of materials and pricing are updated instantly as parts are added or removed, enabling accurate project planning and ROI calculation.

MachineLogic: Expanding programming and simulation capabilities with Python and code-free programming, paving the way for more complex cloud applications.

This year's MachineLogic releases offer major enhancements to the front-end and back-end systems, boosting programming and simulation capabilities.

Users can now create, manage, and share Python processes and libraries, increasing code reuse and speeding up development time. The latest MachineLogic Python releases include:

New integrated development environment (IDE): Access a fully-featured development environment synched with MachineLogic's simulation capabilities directly from the cloud.

Access a fully-featured development environment synched with MachineLogic's simulation capabilities directly from the cloud. Vention Programming Co-Pilot Powered by Generative AI: A Python programming AI assistant that generates code from prompts, integrates snippets, and simulates applications, reducing development time and easing the learning curve.

A Python programming AI assistant that generates code from prompts, integrates snippets, and simulates applications, reducing development time and easing the learning curve. Custom Operator Interfaces: Tailored interfaces using Python and web development practices being deployed with a one-click function.

Tailored interfaces using Python and web development practices being deployed with a one-click function. Automatic Frame Reference: Charuco markers detection allows robotic systems to adapt autonomously to environmental changes, ensuring maximum uptime and minimal production disruption.

The latest releases for the code-free interface make MachineLogic even more accessible, powerful, and intuitive for programming, simulating, and deploying automated equipment and robotics. The updates include:

Fully-Fledged Physics Engine: Provides near-accurate results for testing and debugging program behavior, enhancing the reliability of simulations.

Provides near-accurate results for testing and debugging program behavior, enhancing the reliability of simulations. Modernized User Interface: Offers an easy and more intuitive programming experience to define useful robot programming assets directly from the scene.

Offers an easy and more intuitive programming experience to define useful robot programming assets directly from the scene. One-Click Deployment: Simplifies the transition from digital twins to physical machines, allowing developers to deploy programs and configurations with a single click.

Visit Vention at the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS)

Visit Vention's booth #236860 at IMTS before September 14, 2024, to experience the company's latest innovations firsthand, including MachineMotion AI and an ABB GoFA robot cell. You'll also have the opportunity to connect with Vention executives in person.

Quotes from Leadership:

"We are on a journey to democratize industrial automation, building along the way the most comprehensive industrial automation and robotics company. Today's announcements solidify Vention's position as the most intuitive platform for automation and robotics while showcasing advanced capabilities needed by experts in the industry."

 Etienne Lacroix, founder and chief executive officer, Vention.

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.

SOURCE Vention Inc.

Media Contact and Inquiries: Sophie Ducharme, E : [email protected], P: +1.514.475.4867; Christine Boivin Vention, [email protected], P: +1.514.293.3423
 8  2024     :, , , , , ,  1906              . 1955      ,  . 1958    .      . 1972         . 1996         . 2005   7,6        ,  50.000  .
For anyone watching Bravo in the late 2000s and early 2010s, Rachel Zoe and Rodger Berman were something of a reality TV-fashion power couple.

Zoe, who grew up in New Jersey, came to prominence as a celebrity stylist.

Her life, business and A-list clients were chronicled in the cable networks The Rachel Zoe Project.

Zoe worked with fellow Millburn talent Anne Hathaway (until parting ways post-Oscar win) as well as actors Liv Tyler, Cameron Diaz, Eva Mendes, Demi Moore, Joy Bryant, Jennifer Garner and Jennifer Lawrence.

She later became a fashion designer with her Rachel Zoe Collection.

And Berman, her husband, was always along for the ride.

Now, they have split.

After 33 years together and 26 years married, Rodger and I have come to the mutual decision to end our marriage, Zoe, 53, said in a statement on Instagram. 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 co-parent 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.

Zoe, born Rachel Zoe Rosenzweig in New York, grew up in Millburn and is an alum of Millburn High School.

She met Berman, 55, in 1991 when they were students at George Washington University. They got married in 1998.

They have two sons: Skyler, 13, and Kaitus, 10.

As Zoe mentioned, Berman has been her partner in life as well as business. He is co-CEO of Rachel Zoe, Inc. and appeared regularly in the Bravo series.

The Rachel Zoe Project debuted in 2008 on Bravo and ran five seasons until 2013.

In 2009, Zoe launched her fashion newsletter The Zoe Report, which became a fashion media outlet. In 2015, she hosted the Lifetime fashion talk show Fashionably Late with Rachel Zoe. The show, which ran for one season, also featured Berman.

Today Zoe heads up the Curateur shopping site and fashion subscription service and hosts the Climbing in Heels podcast.

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A lieutenant with the Essex County Prosecutors Office was arrested last month on multiple charges of assaulting and threatening two women he worked with and dated more than four years ago, according to court documents.

Lt. David C. Fontoura, 37, of Roseland, was suspended without pay after his arrest on six counts of third and fourth-degree aggravated assault, multiple weapons offenses and two counts each of criminal restraint and terroristic threats, according to court documents.

One of the women is an employee of the county prosecutors office, while another works for the county sheriffs office, a source close to the case told NJ Advance Media on Wednesday.

The incidents occurred at an undisclosed location in Nutley in September and December of 2019 and in March 2020, authorities said in court records.

Fontoura is the grandson of Essex County Sheriff Armando Fontoura, who has been sheriff since 1991 and is planning to retire this year.

David Fontoura was hired as a police officer for the county on Dec. 1, 2013, rose through the ranks, and now earns $136,832 a year, according to public records.

Fontouras attorney, Patrick Toscano, of Fairfield, said his client denies all charges.

The charges recently filed against Lt. Fontoura allegedly occurred between four and five years ago and were filed by two former girlfriends of his years after he ended each relationship, Toscano said in a statement to NJ Advance Media.

Other than these preposterous accusations, having no basis whatsoever in reality, his work record in the Essex County Prosecutors Office throughout his law enforcement career has been nothing other than pristine and first-rate, Toscano said.

Fontoura was arrested Aug. 29 at the Nutley Police Department while accompanied by an attorney, processed and then released on court summonses. Hes due to appear at a pre-indictment conference that has not yet been set.

Thomas S. Fennelly, chief assistant prosecutor, said Fontoura was removed from duty after the charges were filed.

Upon learning of the allegations, the Essex County Prosecutors Office immediately suspended Lt. Fontoura, Fennelly said in an email on Tuesday.

Fennelly said the case has been moved to the Mercer County Prosecutors Office to avoid a conflict of interest.

Fontouras attorney said the charges appear to be politically motivated and noted that one of the women claims Fontoura threatened to use his connections to have her transferred out of the sheriffs office.

The lieutenant is the grandson of Armando Fontoura, the longest serving sheriff in the state of New Jersey, whose reputation precedes him, Toscano said. If anyone actually believes that Sheriff Fontoura can be influenced to reassign an employee for any reason other than merit and fitness, they are certainly unfamiliar with his long-established history of integrity and veracity.

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Early this summer, during a mission immersion trip to the Diocese of Yakima, WA, two priests and a school principal from the Archdiocese of Newark prayed with migrant farmworkers and took part in assisting the workers and their families.

Rev. Martin Schratz, pastor of St. Ann Church in Hoboken, Rev. Danny Pabon, administrator of St. Leos Church in Elmwood Park, and Principal Lisa Perez of the Hoboken Catholic Academy celebrated Mass with some of the roughly 65,000 migrants who travel from Mexico and Guatemala on seasonal worker visas each year to harvest Yakimas abundant cherry crop.
A Hudson County man admitted Tuesday that he spearheaded a scheme to illegally evade customs duties for more than $13.5 million of jewelry imports into the United States, authorities said.

Monishkumar Kirankumar Doshi Shah, 39, of Mumbai, India, and Jersey City, who operated jewelry companies in New York Citys Diamond District, also admitted illegally processing more than $10.3 million through an unlicensed money transmitting business, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorneys Office District of New Jersey.

From December 2019 through April 2022, Shah evaded duties for shipments of jewelry from Turkey and India to the United States, the office said.

Shah would ship or instruct his conspirators to ship goods from Turkey or India  which would have been subject to an approximately 5.5% duty if shipped directly to the United States  to one of his companies in South Korea, investigators said.

Shahs conspirators in South Korea would change the labels on the jewelry to state that they were from South Korea instead of Turkey or India, and then ship them to him or his customers in the United States, thereby unlawfully evading the duty, federal prosecutors said. He would also make fake invoices and packing lists to make it look like his South Korean companies were actually ordering jewelry from Turkey or India. He instructed customers to do the same, authorities said.

The jeweler also instructed a third-party shipping company to provide false information to U.S. Customs and Border Protection concerning the origin of the jewelry, officials said.

From July 2020 through November 2021, Shah used the numerous jewelry companies he owned and operated, including MKore LLC, MKore USA Inc., and Vruman Corp to conduct more than $10.3 million in illegal financial transactions for customers, the office said. This included converting cash to checks or wire transfers.

He would also collect cash from customers and use other jewelry companies to convert the cash into wires or checks, authorities said. At times, Shah and other members of the money transmitting business moved hundreds of thousands of dollars in a single day.

In exchange for their services, Shah or other members of the money transmitting business charged a fee, investigators said. None of the involved companies were registered as money transmitting businesses with New York, New Jersey, or the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network.

Shah pleaded guilty Tuesday to one count each of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and operating and aiding and abetting the operation of an unlicensed money transmitting business, the release stated.

As part of his plea agreement, Shah agreed to pay restitution to U.S. Customs and Border Protection in the amount of $742,500 for the wire fraud scheme and forfeiture in the amount of $11.13 million for the wire fraud and unlicensed money transmitting schemes, federal prosecutors added.

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When Donald Trump showed up in the spin room after his debate with Vice President Kamala Harris on Tuesday night, it was an admission that he had been beaten badly.

Because, as former Republican mouthpiece Tim Miller wrote for Bulwark: When it comes to spin rooms, there is one unimpeachable truism that political hacks of all stripes can agree on: A winning candidate neednt show up there.

Theres another truism about debates, credited to former Fox News founder Roger Ailes: Watch it on mute and youll be able to determine the winner. Turns out, The same goes for spin rooms.

Ill tell you what else you could watch with the sound off and have a good sense of how things how things went last night, the activity in the spin room, where the Trump forces were dejected, defeated, deflated, dispirited, journalist and podcaster John Heilemann said on Morning Joe on Wednesday. I posted a photo last night of [Trump advisers] Matt Gaetz and Steven Miller coming in a few minutes before Donald Trump came into the spin room that went wildly viral on Twitter because it ... was, like, a shot of, This is what this is what defeat looks like.

Picture worth 1k words: pic.twitter.com/uFlBJpEuFV  John Heilemann (@jheil) September 11, 2024

These people had been talking about Donald Trump before the debate like hes Muhammad Ali. Hes the greatest debater in the history of presidential debates. Hes done it more than anybody else ever. Hes going to wipe the floor. There will be surprises. Jason Miller said she wont know what hit her, and they looked like they had had their dogs and cats eaten.

Heilemann was poking fun at Trump and MAGA supporters who had fallen for a phony story about Haitian immigrants kidnapping and eating their neighbors cats and dogs in Springfield, Ohio. Trump had screamed, Theyre eating the cats! during the debate  as Harris laughed at him.

The Trump campaign also knew what debate defeat meant: Undecided voters believed Harris crushed Trump throughout the night.

In a focus group of 25 such voters who gathered for the Washington Post, 23 believed Harris had won the debate  92%. As former Barack Obama adviser Jim Messina quipped to Joe Scarborough, We couldnt get 92% of people to agree on free beer.

After watching Trump and his inner circle flail in the spin room, Bulwarks Tim Miller ran into California Gov. Gavin Newsom.

Our last encounter was in a similar setting two months prior, following his attempt to put on a brave face for Joe Biden, Miller wrote. He locked eyes with me and immediately launched into a victorious spiel.

From minute one she owned him, he said. Now he knows her name. He then repeated the victors name purposefully. Each syllable in staccato. Kah-muh-luh. Kah-muh-luh.

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Sen. Jon Bramnick will be proposing a bill on Thursday to ban people from wearing masks at public gatherings in New Jersey. Its part of a national trend: Republicans have been seeking to criminalize face masks even as COVID cases are surging, once again.

The idea, he says, is simply to discourage troublemakers like campus activists protesting Israels war in Gaza, or criminals on their way to hold up a store, from hiding their faces.

This bill prohibits a person from wearing a mask while congregating in a public place with other people who are also masked or disguised, it reads, listing a few notable exceptions, like Halloween.

After Jan. 6th, the FBI poured over video footage of the Capitol rioters, Bramnick notes; we want to be able to identify and track down people like that afterwards. Thats true, and his intentions are not malevolent. But this is a superficial policy that quickly falls apart on the details, and presents a clear danger to civil liberties.

Start with this basic question: What if a troublemaker simply decides to disguise his face with large sunglasses and a hat, instead? Are we going to criminalize sunglasses and hats, too? Where will it end?

Not to mention all the enforcement and constitutional problems that this bill presents. Even with an exception for people who wear masks for medical reasons, its a threat to personal freedoms, because it leaves it up to the cops to decide whether someone has a legitimate medical reason for wearing a mask at a public gathering.

How will they know that? Its subjective. And based on past experience, we know what that means: Police will disproportionately stop and question Black and brown people, who have also been the most likely to continue wearing masks to protect against COVID-19.

And, as Jim Sullivan of the American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey adds, this overbroad and vague bill also gives law enforcement the ability to target people based on their political beliefs.

If Republicans are trying to send a message, a more sensible way to do it would be to increase the penalties for anyone committing a crime in disguise  something that Bramnick says he would 100% consider.

Good. Because in its current iteration, this bill would do little to deter actual criminals, while only further stigmatizing mask wearing for vulnerable people.

Ask anyone still masking because of a weakened immune system, or to protect a loved one, and odds are theyve already encountered plenty of snide comments or hostility. Criminalizing masks wont help. As the Washington Post reported:

The day after the North Carolina House of Representatives passed its anti-masking bill in June in response to pro-Palestinian protests at the University of North Carolina, Shari Stuart said a man confronted her for wearing a surgical mask when she walked into an auto service center in the Raleigh area to get an oil change. After she tried to explain that she has Stage 4 breast cancer and a weakened immune system, Stuart said, the man called her a f---ing liberal and insisted masks were now illegal. He later coughed on her and said he hoped the cancer would kill her.

Nice. Adam Reich, a commuter advocate in New Jersey, still wears a mask in public places to protect himself and medically vulnerable loved ones from COVID, including his mother who recently died after a long battle with cancer, and fears a similar chilling effect here.

He is Jewish American, and laments that some Jewish legislators have gotten behind mask bans like this; theyre not effective in fighting antisemitism, he says, and may even further inflame the problem with their infringements on personal freedoms. And in the meantime, he adds, This narrative against masking makes it more difficult for me in places where I need accommodation, because theres this resistance.

Add to that the frustration that he may now have to fight for the ability to exercise my right to protest peacefully and safely at a gathering. This is a bill, he says, that undermines a valuable public health lesson for a political purpose.

Right. Remember when former Gov. Chris Christie released an ad in 2020 in defense of mask wearing, after he ended up in the hospital ICU for a week with COVID, fighting for his life? I think about how wrong it is to let mask wearing divide us, especially as we now know youre twice as likely to get COVID-19 if you dont wear a mask, Christie said. If you dont do the right thing, we could all end up on the wrong side of history. Please, wear a mask.

Or, at the very least, dont criminalize someone else for wearing one.

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Will former GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney pull a Dick Cheney and get behind Kamala Harris for president?

The outgoing Utah senator had good things to say about the vice president a day after she debated Donald Trump.

This is classic President Trump performance. In the case of Kamala Harris, most people didnt know her terribly well other than a few clips that were not flattering that you might see on the internet and people saw, Oh, actually, shes an intelligent, capable person who has a point of view on issues. And she demonstrated that time and again, Romney told reporters.

Romney: This was a classic Trump performance. In the case of Kamala Harris people saw she's an intelligent, capable person who has a point of view on issues. She demonstrated that time and again. pic.twitter.com/4Lzp2fpmAP  Acyn (@Acyn) September 11, 2024

How Romney went from Republican standard-bearer to outlier coincided with Trumps takeover of the GOP and the rise of the populist, anti-elite movement he leads. Romney was the only Republican senator to vote twice to impeach Trump. Romney was one of the few elected Republicans willing to criticize Trump in public, and he felt the pressure from his partys base.

Former Romney chief strategist Stuart Stevens was more blunt after the debate.

I worked for Mitt Romney. He had a great debate with President Obama in Denver. He demonstrated why he was qualified to be president and offered an alternative to incumbent. But the debate did not disqualify President Obama, any more than John Kerrys first debate disqualified President Bush. Stevens posted to X.

I worked for Mitt Romney. He had a great debate with President Obama in Denver. He demonstrated why he was qualified to be president and offered an alternative to incumbent.



But the debate did not disqualify President Obama, any more than John Kerrys first debate disqualified  Stuart Stevens (@stuartpstevens) September 11, 2024

Last night, VP Harris disqualified Trump. He was exposed as a fool, a know nothing who cant distinguish between fantasy and reality. He astonishingly said he would not have honored Article 5 of NATO, the linchpin to post-WW2 peace and prosperity for Western Alliance. He showed he lives in this make-believe world where Americans overwhelmingly opposed Roe v Wade. He was humiliated, dominated, left sputtering Get off my lawn! he said. That dangerous fool is the legacy of the modern Republican Party. All those Rs I helped elect, when your careers are studied, this is what you will be remembered for. Shame. You failed a test as Americans. The worst generation.

Longtime conservative turned never-Trumper, Bill Kristol, meanwhile, called on Romney and other Republican officials to get behind Harris.

With respect, I think its time for these people to step up to say theyre not voting for Donald Trump, he posted to X.

With respect, I think it's time for these people to step up to say they're not voting for Donald Trump, and that they're voting for Kamala Harris (partial list):

George W. Bush

Condi Rice

Mitt Romney

Paul Ryan

Chris Christie

John Kelly

Jim Mattis

Wall Street Journal ed page  Bill Kristol (@BillKristol) September 11, 2024

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Round two?

Team Kamala Harris wants another debate with Donald Trump.

Vice President Harris is ready for a second debate. Is Donald Trump? Jen OMalley, campaign chairwoman, said in a statement after Tuesdays debate.

Malley added: Under the bright lights, the American people got to see the choice they will face this fall at the ballot box: between moving forward with Kamala Harris, or going backwards with Trump. Thats what they saw tonight and what they should see at a second debate in October.

Gloves were off when Harris and Trump entered the debate stage Tuesday night.

Sparring on politics and personality, Harris and Trump showcased their starkly different visions for the country as they met for the first time for perhaps their only debate.

It was a high-pressure opportunity for the candidates after a tumultuous campaign summer where Joe Biden bowed out of the race after a disastrous debate performance and Trump was nearly assassinated during a rally.

Trump posted to his social media site after the event, I thought that was my best Debate, EVER, especially since it was THREE ON ONE!

Trump referenced claims from conservatives on social media who said the two ABC News hosts were unfair to him during the debate.

After the debate, Trump spoke to reporters in the spin room and said he may be open to another debate.

We thought it was the best debate ever. My best debate ever, Trump said. I think it was the best debate, personally, that Ive ever had.

He added: A very important debate. Now, she wants to do another one because she got beaten tonight. But I dont know if well do another one. I wouldnt mind.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Watertown, NY (13601)

Today

Cloudy with occasional showers. High 59F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

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As Hurricane Francine bore down on Louisianas coastline, it triggered a mixed bag of memories, emotions, fears and prayers among those of us who lived through the life-altering storms of the past 20 years.

Oh no, not again. Please, God  not again.

The mere thought of those storms  Katrina, Rita, Gustav, Laura, Delta, Zeta and Ida  conjure horrific flashbacks that can still induce physical reactions.

Those storms came after decades of relative calm along our states southern coast. Betsy happened 40 years before Katrina. We barely dodged Camille in 1969.

Two generations passed without the trauma of existential loss. As humans inevitably do during such quiet periods, we let our collective guard down. We became complacent.

Then, in 2005 and too often since, nature violently reminded us just how vulnerable we are.

Perhaps thats why, for so many of us, hurricane preparations have become akin to muscle memory. Once begun, the checklist practically writes itself, even amid the mixed emotions, fears and prayers.

Francine, like other storms, kept changing course before finally taking aim at Louisianas coastline. And, as weve seen too often of late, she was expected to intensify before landfall, with sustained winds reaching 100 mph.

As I write this, Francine also was expected to weaken rapidly after landfall  thanks to meteorological terms weve come to intuit if not actually understand. What, after all, are steering currents and vertical shears?

Back on the ground, an approaching hurricane also reminds us just how much  and why  we need one another. Whether its extra water and food, batteries, flashlights or the shelter of a whole-home generator, our individual experiences of coping with impending or all-too-real disasters are tales of people helping each other.

This is true across Louisiana, most poignantly so in New Orleans, where life is precarious even in the best of times. No matter where we live or where we went to school, disaster reminds us that we are neighbors  family, even  not strangers.

Life here is uncertain, sometimes perilously so. Yet we cling to this low-lying, flood prone, mosquito-infested place we call home.

People elsewhere often wonder why anyone would want to live in such a place, where hardship and disaster are so much a part of life.

At such times, even amid the muscle memory of hurricane preps, I recall James Carville, Louisianas unofficial Minister of Badassery, explaining why years ago.

"Living in New Orleans has always been and always will be a struggle, Carville said. But every struggle here matters, because this city has more culture than most countries. People in other cities are obsessed with their quality of life  their sunshine, their libraries, their universities, their income levels. In New Orleans, were obsessed with our way of life, because our way of life is our quality of life. We have our own food, our own music, our own funerals, our own social structure, our own architecture, our own body of literature.

Thats why we stay. Thats why we endure  because its worth it.
Much of Tuesdays presidential debate felt familiar  former President Donald Trumps complaints about a stolen election and assertions about huge rally crowds  and some was new  mainly a chance to see how Vice President Kamala Harris directly confronted an adversary  Virginia political analysts say.

And, as so often in American politics, what was newer looked like a winner, those analysts say  just as it had in 2016 with Trump and in 2008 with Barack Obama.

Listening to Donald Trump last night, I couldnt help but feel a sense of deja vu. It has come to a point that it is very tiring and perhaps even boring to hear those ramblings and name callings all over again, Olusoji Akomolafe, chair of the political science department at Norfolk State University, told the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

If the debate was supposed to be about a discussion of issues, it ended up being about voters reaction to Trump and Harris, political analysts said.

Vice President Harris was particularly effective at defining herself and keeping Trump on the defensive, Stephen Farnsworth, a political scientist at the University of Mary Washington, told the Times-Dispatch via email.

Harris did more to help herself in this debate than Trump did to help himself. That may matter to a few genuinely undecided voters, but in these deeply divided times the vast majority of Americans already had their favorites in this contest  and those preferences wont change much, he added.

Harris clearly won the debate, on both style and issues. She put to rest any question about whether she is adequately presidential. And the abortion and national security segments of the debate were a debacle for Trump, longtime Virginia analyst and founding director of Virginia Commonwealth Universitys Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs Bob Holsworth told the Times-Dispatch.

Polls, whether of Virginians or the national electorate, show few Democrats or Republicans are crossing party lines. The percentages of voters saying they havent made up their minds, thinking of third-party candidates or simply not voting, are shrinking.

The partisan bases of both candidates wont move. But that was not the goal last night, Mark Rozell, dean of George Mason Universitys Schar School of Policy and Government, told the Times-Dispatch. The candidates needed to reach the small portion of the electorate in competitive states who are persuadable.

Harris clearly outperformed Trump in that regard, he continued. It was especially key for her to reach the larger portion of the electorate that doesnt know much about her. She succeeded there too.

As for the candidates base voters, I think that Democrats were overall more pleased with their candidates performance than Republicans were with their candidates performance, Old Dominion University political scientist Jesse Richman, told the Times-Dispatch via email.

Most likely the debate will add energy to both sides, but with some lean to the Democrats, he added.

Among Republicans Its doubtful that there will be much leakage from Trump supporters. But the vice president may have solidified support among voters who were Harris-curious but hadnt made their minds up, Holsworth said.

Harris was able to lean into American voters preference for the new over the old, emphasizing that voters could turn the page on an older generation of politicians with her, according to Kyle Kondik, communications director of the University of Virginias Center for Politics.

Harris signaled a different level of energy and engagement when moderators asked Trump if he wanted Ukraine to win the war with Russia, Kondik said.

Trump, as during his rallies, said Russia would not have invaded Ukraine if he were president, but didnt directly answer whether he wants Ukraine to win the war.

I think its in the U.S. best interest to get this war finished and just get it done, Trump said. All right. Negotiate a deal. Because we have to stop all of these human lives from being destroyed.

Harris said the U.S. and NATO need to keep supporting Ukraine, adding Otherwise, [Russian President Vladimir] Putin would be sitting in Kyiv with his eyes on the rest of Europe. Starting with Poland.

Harris may not have won over that many votes except for [some of] the 800,000 Poles in Pennsylvania, but Trump certainly lost some undecideds and independents last night, Akomolafe said. Given how close this race is, that may be all Harris needs to win in some of those crucial battleground states.

The Virginia campaign

Trump said during a late June rally in Chesapeake that he expects to carry Virginias 13 electoral votes, but three recent polls suggest Harris has a significant lead in the state.

On Wednesday, a third Virginia poll in as many days reported that Harris had a large lead over Trump.

The Virginia Commonwealth University Wilder School poll said 46% of adults polled favored Harris versus 36% for Trump. The poll, taken Aug. 26 to Sept. 6, has a margin of error of plus or minus 5.03 percentage points. It surveyed 813 Virginians, of whom 86% were registered to vote at their current address.

One of the key questions that could shape the outcome in Virginia went largely unaddressed: questions of whether Republicans would engage in significant firings of career federal employees if the former president wins this year, said Farnsworth.

But that topic was overshadowed by abortion, the economy, border security and whether immigrants are eating pets, he added, referring to the fake news story Trump recycled on the debate stage that officials in the town of Springfield, Ohio, where the story originated, have since refuted.

She frequently appealed to voters who are tired of chaos and division, a sharp contrast from a former president returning to the 2020 election and crowd sizes, Farnsworth said. The more that Trump tried to relitigate the 2020 election and defend the mob at the Capitol, the less appealing he would be to the sliver of voters who are not committed to either candidate.

Trump frequently took the bait Harris offered to talk about the issues she wanted to talk about, leaving Trump with relatively little time to talk about the economy, one of the strongest Republican issues this year, he added.

Akomolafe said Harris pushed Trumps buttons. It was not by happenstance that she brought up the crowd size issue. She must have known that his reaction to that would be ridiculous. He took the bait and fell for it.

Akomolafe added: Perhaps his greatest mistake yesterday was to have doubled down on three major issues: failure to admit his responsibilities for Jan. 6 and condemning the act, even though he was given several opportunities to do so. Also, his comments about crowd size and insistence on having won the 2020 election didnt help.

And finally, I dont understand why he thinks the way he has been disparaging America, especially as he did last night, was going to get him additional votes other than those who are already committed to him no matter what, Akomolafe said.

Harris did what she had to do last night, he added. She appeared very presidential and stayed within the boundaries of decency. She made sure she let the people know she had a plan for them every time she had the opportunity to do so.

A MAGA rally

On the other hand, Trump had little to say on substantive issues. He ranted like he was leading a MAGA rally, said Rozell. Harris said several times that the whole discussion should be about issues that affect Americans, but outside mostly generalizations, she did not provide much detail on key issues and avoided answering directly some policy questions.

On abortion, an issue thats assumed new Democratic emphasis after President Joe Biden withdrew from the race and Democrats coalesced around Harris, The former president is in a no-win situation, Farnsworth said, referring to one of the sharper exchanges in the debate.

If Trump takes credit for appointing the three pro-life judges who made it possible for states to shut down abortion providers, that hurts him with the small number of persuadable voters in the electorate. So he tells the obvious lie that everyone wanted the decisions left up to the states.

(Trump said during the debate that scholars across the political spectrum, every Democrat, every Republican, liberal, conservative, wanted the abortion issue sent back to the states.)

If he vows to sign a national abortion ban, he angers those swing voters, and if he says he wont, he angers the pro-life voters who might already have their doubts about Trumps commitment, Farnsworth said. Refusing to answer the direct question is the least bad scenario for Trump  answering it with a yes or a no would have been worse options. Of course, it keeps the issue alive for another day, which isnt all that helpful.

As expected, each side claimed victory.

Tonight, Vice President Harris commanded the stage on every single issue that matters to the American people.  Donald Trump was totally incoherent. He was angry and rattled, Jen OMalley Dillon, the Harris campaign chair, said in a statement.

Longtime Virginia GOP operative Chris LaCivita along with his co-chair of the Trump campaign, Susie Wiles, said in their statement that President Trump delivered a masterful debate performance tonight, prosecuting Kamala Harris abysmal record of failure that has hurt Americans for the last four years.
Editorial: We must never forget 9/11 and what it showed about America
My name is Derrick Anderson, and Im running for Congress to help the people of my home district.

As weve seen over the last few weeks, American politics has become dangerously intense and overblown. Many people have been discussing how to lower the temperature, including my opponent, Yevgeny Vindman.

Heres an idea: Lets demand that campaigns stop lying about their opponents. My opponent did it right here in the pages of this paper a couple days ago. He falsely claimed that I support a Washington, D.C., think tanks plan to cut government jobs that will directly impact many residents in the 7th District. Hes lying to you. Thats bad for democracy. Call him out on it.

The reality is that when someone runs for office these days, there are going to be plenty of false attacks thrown at them in order to mislead voters.

As I said, its happening here, in my race. Being that this is a very competitive congressional district, youll be subjected to a barrage of lies over the next few months from my opponents.

Serving as a Special Forces Green Beret, I have learned a few things during my time overseas, one of which is that the people who will lie to you to gain power are the same exact people who shouldnt have power in the first place.

So as you start seeing ads saying ridiculous, false things about me, I figured Id tell you who I really am.

I grew up in Spotsylvania County (aka Spotsy), and went to Courtland High School. I began my career mopping floors and washing dishes in my moms restaurants.

Then, I earned an ROTC scholarship and went to Virginia Tech as a member of the Corps of Cadets, becoming the first in my family to graduate from college.

After commissioning in the Army as an infantry officer and earning a ranger tab, I became a special forces team leader in the Green Berets. After six tours of duty overseas, including Iraq and Afghanistan, I went to law school and eventually clerked for two different federal judges.

Now, and because I am running to be your next congressman, here are a few lies that youll see about me in the coming months, which I sincerely hope you reject.

Theyre going to lie to you and say I support a national abortion ban. Thats absolutely false.

Theyre going to lie to you and say I oppose all sorts of things that help people have babies and plan families, like IVF and contraception. Again, false and absolutely absurd.

Theyre going to lie to you and use the same old establishment-driven talking point stating that I want to cut services, like Social Security, health care or some other benefits. Whatever you can think of, I will get tagged with it. This is cheap and lazy  and not the truth.

Theyre going to lie to you and say I support the latest far-left internet conspiracy theory about far-right Republicans. I can save you the worry ahead of time: I dont.

Theyve even already said that I dont support American democracy. Thats obviously ludicrous, but theyre willing to say anything  anything  to win.

Its terrible to say, but I dont think anyone would be surprised if they even politicize the death of my guys in Afghanistan.

I want lower costs and lower taxes, better schools, safer communities, a stronger national defense and better roads. Ill work with anyone, no matter the party or political affiliation, to get it done. It drives me crazy that my friends and family have to pay so much money just to get by.

So Im calling on voters to reject the lies and help us unite this country. And when you see my opponent and his allies lie, call them on it. Youll get the truth from me; demand the truth from my opponent. Demand straight answers and zero deception. Dont let my opponent talk out of both sides of his mouth. Demand truth, demand character. You deserve that much as voters.

Now you know who I am and where I come from. And you know one important way that this country can lower the temperature of modern politics. I look forward to seeing you on the campaign trail as I travel to every corner of the district, the place that raised me and shaped me into the man I am today. I will work tirelessly to earn your support and your trust.

If you want to learn more about me or if you hear something you want more information about, please head to derrickanderson.com now and get in touch.
This is a good year to visit Exmoor as Exmoor National Park is celebrating its 70th Anniversary.

The National Trust is hosting a weekend of guided walks on Saturday and Sunday, September 14 and 15, around the lovely Lorna Doone Valley and the surrounding area of Exmoor.

These are good chances to see Exmoor at its best with wide ranging views on a clear day. The walks will vary in difficulty and length, taking in different aspects of this varied landscape.

September is a great walking month and North Devon Ramblers will be leading three of these walks. All the walks start from the Lorna Doone Valley Car Park at Malmsmead.

On Saturday, September 14 Maggi and Barbara will be leading a walk around RD Blackmore Country.

Maggi tells us: The little valley of Badgworthy Water has been associated with the novel Lorna Doone by RD Blackmore since 1869 when it was first published. Best described as the Poldark of its day, this romantic tale of good and evil has attracted tourists to this remote Exmoor Valley for many years. Our walk will take in Oare Church where Lorna was to be married to John Ridd and was shot by the wicked Carver Doone while standing at the altar. We will go over the hill to the now peaceful Badgworthy Water and visit the monument to RD Blackmore. A quiet ramble along the river will take us past the treacherous Waterslide to the medieval village, said to be the site of the lair of the evil Doones and their acolytes. We will then go out onto open moorland and enjoy fabulous far-reaching views of Exmoor and across the Bristol Channel to Wales.

Of course, Lorna Doone is a work of fiction (or is it?) but this little corner of Exmoor has much to excite us with contrast between the green and peaceful valley setting and the wild open moors. There is plenty of wildlife to see and we may be lucky enough to see a herd of red deer. At this time of year there are still wild flowers around as well as the autumn colours of the leaves and berries.

The walk will be taken at a leisurely pace to give us time to enjoy the surroundings. Dogs are welcome on leads. Be aware that the weather on Exmoor can be unpredictable and wear appropriate clothing and bring a picnic lunch and plenty to drink.

On Sunday, September 15 North Devon Ramblers are giving people a choice of two walks. I will be leading a 9.5 mile walk starting at 10am which will not be walked at a fast speed so that we can enjoy the wide ranging views, or you can join Gemmas five-mile walk leaving at 10.30 am.

Gemma writes: The walk I will be leading for the Lorna Doone walking festival will be a shorter option and will be walked at a very gentle pace though there are some hills.

If you are thinking of coming along and you arent quite sure if you can manage the distance, please do take the risk and give it a go! The views will be beautiful at this time of year with bright purple heather blanketing the first climb up to County Gate. Rounding the coast path to Sugar Loaf Hill, we will get an amazing view out to sea, especially if the weather is fine.

We will descend through to the quaint village of Oare with its medieval church and back alongside the Oare Water to reach the scenic bridge at Malmsmead and a well-deserved coffee and cake in the Buttery Tea Rooms. I look forward to exploring the Doone Valley with you!

Are you up for the longer challenge?

This will take you out along the Coleridge Way which is a 51-mile long-distance trail which links several sites associated with the poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge. We will walk beside Oare Water, before climbing up Deddy Combe, from where we can look down on the famous Oare Church of Lorna Doone legend.

Crossing open moorland, there should be extensive views across Exmoor and to South Wales across the Bristol Channel. Dropping down to Robbers Bridge which at one time was in the heart of bandit country, the walk takes us along the idyllic valley of Weir Water where we will have lunch at Joans Gate. This was erected in memory of the long- standing Chair of North Devon Ramblers, Joan Long.

Before the second steep climb, when we reach Oareford, there is the option to walk independently straight back down the road to Malmsmead, stopping at Oare Church on the way.

The longer route back takes us onto open moorland again to Stowey Allotment and Oare Common from where we can look back on the mornings route and marvel at our achievements. There are also views down to Badgworthy Water which we will return along to the Buttery Tea Rooms after our descent to Cloud Farm.

With so much to see in this lovely area why not make it a walking weekend and try out some of the many walks on offer?

This year Exmoor National Park will be 70 years old. This very special 40,000 acres of open moorlands and 17,000 acres of woodlands was designated U.K.s 8th national park on October 19, 1954.

Exmoor is named after the river Exe; its source, Exe Head, lies just north-west of Simonsbath. Once a royal hunting ground, The Royal Forest is thought to have originated in the Saxon period, the lands legally reserved as hunting grounds for the king. Exmoor is rich in history, settlements, standing stones, bridges, barrows, cairns and castles provide evidence of human occupation going back as far as the Mesolithic period.

Exmoor is still home to the largest herds of red deer in the country and also the home of the iconic Exmoor Pony which is the oldest native pony breed in Britain. Exmoor Day is planned for October 19 and Exmoor National Park are planning various activities which are available on their website to celebrate the park and its beautiful and inspiring landscape.

Exmoor is one of North Devon Ramblers favourite walking areas. On Sunday, October 20 we are celebrating Exmoor National Parks 70th birthday by walking from Exford to Aldermans Barrow along footpaths, ancient tracks and moorland returning to Exford which will be led by Richard and Anne. It features the wide-open scenery of Exmoor and there might be the opportunity to see deer.

More details about these walks and our other regular walks can be found on our website at the address https://www.northdevonramblers.org.uk

Do remember to bring your own food and drink and wear suitable clothing and footwear for walking on the moor.

The weather can be very changeable at times.
The low- and no-income primary health provider across two counties is pursuing a nearly decade-long effort to install a community health clinic in East Albany, where the closest branches are about 14 miles away.

Executive director Lacey Mollel said in an interview Thursday, Sept. 5, the Community Health Centers of Benton and Linn Counties will try for federal funding that could allow the government-operated health system to add patients, and easier access for the about one in five who already come from Albany.

If 20% are driving to us for more than 20 minutes, then why dont we offer services there? Mollel said.

Care shortage

Benton County operates the health centers as a revenue-driven division of its health department with four clinics west of the Willamette River, including one in Monroe and a school-based health center. The local government also operates two clinics in Linn County, not funded from Benton Countys general fund.

Theres such a primary care shortage in this part of Albany, theres no payer who can find help  let alone someone who is covered by Medicaid, Mollel said.

The clinics prioritize patients under-served in the American healthcare system, bound by grant funding agreements with the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration to treat those with little income, no insurance or who cant find practical transportation to a doctors appointment.

If approved, the $650,000 grant could net Health Resources administration funding for a third Linn clinic, based in the 97322 postal code  south and east of Pacific Boulevard where it carves out about 35,600 of Albanys around 58,000 people.

Its an opportunity and the opportunity doesnt come around all of the time, Mollel said.

Their application will call for the equivalent wages of one full-time physician, two full-time mental health providers, and enough hours for five full-time support staffers. Thats enough staff to see up to 3,000 patients each year.

But the grant would only help fund move-in and startup, said division strategy manager Christine Mosbaugh.

Its meant to be a large aid and stabilizer, Mosbaugh said. But everything in healthcare is revenue-based.

Benton County opened a satellite clinic in Sweet Home in 2015 after its last federal award for a healthcare access point, money earmarked specifically for new primary care sites.

Health services managers at that time considered applying to fund an Albany site, but the postal code around Sweet Home  considered somewhat remote and under-served by physicians  appeared more compelling in their petition to federal purse strings holders.

The time wasnt right. We didnt have the space or the partners lined up, Mosbaugh said.

The Health Resources administration next and last opened applications for access point funding four years later in 2019.

Competitive grants

Linn County revenue now helps subsidize Benton County operations, Mosbaugh said, where clinics in Lebanon and Sweet Home operate leanly with little overhead in borrowed or low-rent spaces.

We live in spaces where we co-exist, Mosbaugh said.

Mollel and Mosbaugh said their health department division has a letter of commitment from Family Tree Relief Nursery to provide space in a former church building near the Boys & Girls Club of Albany.

Even still, East Linn County could use more physicians to see low-income patients, according to Oregon Health Authority maps. Other data shows West Linn County in 2023 experienced a healthcare shortage covering those with low income as well as people who travel or live temporarily in the region to labor on farms.

The state health department still considers the region of southwestern Benton County remote, and therefore under-served, where elected leaders temporarily but indefinitely closed the Alsea Health Clinic in August 2023.

And health managers say the federal bureau behind community health clinic funding may be trying to shovel money out the door in 2024, before the next U.S. president takes office.

Mollel told Benton County elected officials Sept. 3 that bureau administrator Jim McCrae encouraged everyone to apply for 62 grants totaling $40.75 million.

He is cautiously encouraging all of us to be aware the funding is highly competitive, Mollel said during a meeting of the Benton County Board of Commissioners.

The administration considers a postal codes rates of violent crime, unemployment, insurance; plus access to healthy food or transportation, adding points for health detractors the the areas unmet needs score.

East Albany recorded an unmet needs score of 60.75 out of 100 in 2024, a little less than twice the score of 32.62 of the citys west and north sides in postal code 97321. Health Resources administration considers 60 to 80 points a high score and 80 to 100 a very high score.

About 14,000 patients live in East Albany who are insured under the state Medicaid program, Oregon Health Plan, compared to the city's western population of about 8,000.

The administration adds the most points where a community health clinic system already serves but reaches fewer than 5% of a population with unmet needs or a postal code carries an unmet needs score of 75 or higher.

Funneling people from Albany into a clinic in their city would free up appointment slots elsewhere in the providers network.

Around 1,450 from Albany visited the Benton County health clinics to meet with primary care providers in June, according to a health department presentation.

They made up around 20% of such visits in Corvallis and Lebanon that month, and 9% of primary care visits to the Monroe and Sweet Home clinics.

There are just more people here who need those services, Mollel said.
PORTAGE  Police say they don't believe a student discussion about school shootings was intended as a threat, but criminal charges are being pursued as a result of the panic caused when it was shared on social media.

"Today, many parents were forced with the tough decision regarding sending their children to school," Portage Police Chief Mike Candiano said in a statement released Tuesday. "Its unfortunate these types of events occur, due to social media and poor judgement, in a world where we are sometimes faced with real threats and real violence."

County officer won't survive shooting injuries, department reports "We appreciate the outpour of support from the community as well as our law enforcement families," the sheriff's department said.

An investigation revealed two students were having a conversation about the recent school shooting in Georgia and one said there were "serial killer' type people in Indiana who could carry out a similar school shooting here, Candiano said.

Parts of the conversation were then shared with a third student and the comment was made, "People finna start shooting up portage school," he said.

The third student reportedly took a screen shot, added information and posted it online, according to Candiano. The post then quickly spread throughout Portage and the surrounding area.

Parent and child taken to hospital after searching burning home for cat, officials say The parent and child had initially left the residence, but reportedly returned inside in search of their cat.

"Thus, we are still in belief there was never a credible threat to any Portage schools," the chief said. "However, as a consequence of the panic caused by their actions, we are seeking charges against several of the involved individuals."

Candiano continued, "I'd like to reiterate, social media is great for a lot things, including getting information to those who need it and staying in contact with people. However, it is also an avenue for spreading fear, confusion, misinformation, bullying, etc. This information can be spread to hundreds and even thousands in the blink of an eye."

Candiano said this is not the first time Portage has experienced this type of problem and it's very likely it will occur again.

"However, I sincerely hope parents will have conversations with their children about the seriousness and the consequences of recklessly creating and spreading false information on social media," he said.
More than 6,000 techies streamed on Tuesday evening into San Franciscos Chase Center, a cavernous event space that is home to the Golden State Warriors and hosts pop stars like Olivia Rodrigo. Engineers, venture capitalists and other Silicon Valley digerati chatted as they found their seats, with Modelos and slices of pizza in hand. The anticipation was high.

They were not there to join a rager of a concert. Instead, they had paid $50 or more a ticket to see Mark Zuckerberg, the chief executive of Meta, tape a podcast about artificial intelligence, the metaverse and how he outmaneuvered the rest of Silicon Valley to keep his company winning.

You underestimate how painful things are going to be, so you can go and do good things, Mr. Zuckerberg told the crowd about the 20-year history of building his empire, which includes Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp. He mentioned Aeschylus, the ancient Greek dramatist who is often described as the father of tragedy, in a nod to the lengthy time horizons he thinks in for his company.
Tracking Attacks in the First Harris-Trump Debate

The New York Times tracked speaking time during the only scheduled debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald J. Trump. We broke it down by topic and measured how much time the candidates spent attacking each other.

Minutes of speaking time and length of attacks

The debate was scheduled to last 90 minutes. Heres how the candidates used their time with the microphone.

Harris 37:41 17:25 Trump 43:03 Time attacking opponent Total time 12:54

This was the first head-to-head confrontation between Ms. Harris and Mr. Trump. It was also the first debate since President Biden exited the race after his disastrous showing with Mr. Trump in June.

Total speaking and attack time from the June presidential debate Biden 12:52 36:12 Trump Time attacking opponent Total time 18:04 41:02

With only 56 days remaining until Election Day, the debate stage provided Ms. Harris with an important opportunity for voters to get to know her. In the latest New York Times/Siena College national poll, 28 percent of likely voters said they needed to learn more about Ms. Harris; only 9 percent said the same about Mr. Trump.

Which issues were discussed the most?

How much time the candidates spent speaking on 15 key issues and how much they spent attacking their opponent on those topics, sorted by combined time spent.

Economy Attacks Total 6:06 4:13 Immigration 1:12 4:34 China 0:37 0:21 Abortion 3:40 4:08 Rallies 0:22 0:39 Democracy 3:16 2:53 Trump trials 0:31 1:00 Climate and energy 1:44 1:31 Jan. 6 2:04 1:19 Israel-Hamas war 1:32 0:54 Russia-Ukraine war 2:36 3:46 Foreign policy 2:33 2:31 Race 2:02 0:44 Health care 2:15 2:18

How Harriss performance differed from Bidens

Percentage of time Ms. Harris spent on 15 key issues, compared with Mr. Biden from the presidential debate in June.

Economy 6:06 3:53 Taxes 0:38 3:28 Immigration 1:12 2:03 China 0:37 Not discussed. Abortion 3:40 2:24 Democracy 3:16 0:23 Climate and energy 1:44 1:30 Jan. 6 2:04 1:54 Israel-Hamas war 1:32 1:23 Russia-Ukraine war 2:36 1:27 Foreign policy 2:33 2:28 National security 1:23 Not discussed. Electability 1:10 4:09 Race 2:02 2:16 Health care 2:15 1:47

How tonights attacks compared with previous debates

Percentage of time the candidates spent attacking each others policies and character.
Held by Russia Kyiv UKRAINE Pokrovsk

How Russias Steady Advance Threatens Ukraines East

Russia is closing in on a key city in Ukraines East in one of the fastest advances for its military since the early days of the war. If Russia captures the city, Pokrovsk, it would gain a big strategic advantage in seizing the rest of the Donbas region.

RUSSIAN ADVANCES Myrnohrad Rail lines Pokrovsk Hrodivka Ocheretyne Russian forces are closing in on a key rail and road hub. Novohrodivka Russian gains since June 1 Held by Russia before June 1 Selydove Avdiivka Russian advances are threatening to encircle Ukrainian troops here. Kurakhivka Donetsk Kurakhove 5 miles Marinka RUSSIAN ADVANCES Myrnohrad Pokrovsk Hrodivka Ocheretyne Russian forces are closing in on a key rail and road hub. Novohrodivka Russian gains since June 1 Rail lines Selydove Avdiivka Held by Russia before June 1 Russian advances are threatening to encircle Ukrainian troops here. Kurakhivka Kurakhove Marinka 5 miles Russian forces are closing in on a key rail and road hub. Front line on June 1 RUSSIAN ADVANCES Pokrovsk Novohrodivka Russian gains since June 1 Selydove Rail lines Russian advances are threatening to encircle Ukrainian troops here. Kurakhivka Kurakhove 5 miles Marinka Russian forces are closing in on a key rail and road hub. Front line on June 1 RUSSIAN ADVANCES Pokrovsk Hrodivka Novohrodivka Russian gains since June 1 Selydove Rail lines Russian advances are threatening to encircle Ukrainian troops here. Kurakhivka Kurakhove 5 miles Marinka Source: Institute for the Study of War with American Enterprise Institutes Critical Threats Project Note: As of Sept. 8 By The New York Times

Pokrovsk is at the center of many of the rail and road lines for the whole of the Donbas. A successful Russian assault would cut the main supply lines for troops in the remaining Ukrainian strongholds across the region, and would position Moscows forces to menace Ukrainian positions to the south of the city.

The challenges are daunting for Ukraine. At times in August, its troops were falling back more than a mile a day.

Two dense lines of Ukrainian fortifications remain between the frontline and the city, with anti-tank ditches to slow advancing Russian vehicles and dozens of circular trenches to protect infantry and mortar units.

Pokrovsk Ukrainian fortifications Trenches RUSSIAN ADVANCE Anti-tank ditches Russian-held areas 2.6 mile-long ditch N Pokrovsk Trenches Ukrainian fortifications Anti-tank ditches RUSSIAN ADVANCE Pokrovsk Ukrainian fortifications Trenches RUSSIAN ADVANCE Anti-tank ditches 2.6 mile-long ditch N Pokrovsk Anti-tank ditches Ukrainian fortifications Trenches RUSSIAN ADVANCE N Pokrovsk Trenches Anti-tank ditches Ukrainian fortifications RUSSIAN ADVANCE Russian-held areas Sources: Satellite image from Planet Labs; territorial control from the Institute for the Study of War with American Enterprise Institutes Critical Threats Project By The New York Times

Over the past week, Ukraine has sent extra troops to defend the lines around Pokrovsk. Russia has pivoted from a frontal attack toward the city to assaults to the south, to broaden the front and threaten an encirclement of Ukrainian troops between Pokrovsk and the town of Kurakhove. The semi-circle Russia has formed in the area is a tactic known as creating a cauldron.

The advance toward Pokrovsk was the most successful part of Russias offensive in the Donbas this summer. Elsewhere, it attacked along most of the eastern frontline but after months of fierce fighting made only modest gains. A yearlong assault toward the hilltop town of Chasiv Yar, for example, has advanced about three miles.

50 miles Ukraines incursion in Kursk has captured about 500 square miles of Russian land. Russia Kharkiv Russia has advanced steadily forward across most of the eastern frontline since June 1. Held by Russia before June 1 Sloviansk DONBAS Ukraine Kramatorsk Bakhmut Chasiv Yar Pokrovsk Avdiivka Donetsk Ukraines incursion in Kursk has captured about 500 square miles of Russian land. Russia Kharkiv Russia has advanced steadily forward across most of the eastern frontline since June 1. DONBAS Sloviansk Ukraine Kramatorsk Bakhmut Chasiv Yar Pokrovsk Avdiivka Donetsk 50 miles Ukraines incursion in Kursk has captured about 500 square miles of Russian land. Russia Kharkiv Russia has advanced steadily forward across most of the eastern frontline since June 1. DONBAS Sloviansk Ukraine Kramatorsk Chasiv Yar Pokrovsk Avdiivka Donetsk 50 miles Source: The Institute for the Study of War with American Enterprise Institutes Critical Threats Project Note: As of Sept. 8 By The New York Times

While the frontline moved quickly over the summer around Pokrovsk, the overall Russian offensive in the Donbas has been costly and incremental.

Meanwhile, Ukraine launched its surprise invasion of the Kursk region in August. But its hold on its gains in Russia have yet to be tested in a serious counterattack. And its goal of forcing Moscow to divert troops from the Donbas to counter the Ukrainian advance in Russia has not materialized. Russian troops continue to push forward in the East.

This fast-moving phase of the war, though, may wrap up with fall rains that limit movement on both sides as all but paved roads become muddy tracks all but impassable for heavy vehicles.
GRV Strategies has inked a one-year $960K pact to provide media, PR and communications strategy services to Qatars international media office.

The Alexandria, VA-based firm will highlight the role that the Gulf state plays in international relations and look for opportunities for positive messages through the US media.

The Qataris are crucial mediators in the cease fire negotiations between Hamas and Israel to end the Gaza war. Those discussions are held in Qatars capital city of Doha.

Garrett Ventry is founder/president of GRV. He was chief of staff to Colorado Congressman Ken Buck, and a senior advisor to New York Rep. and Republican Conference chair Elise Stefanik.

The New Yorker credited Ventry for helping to direct the strategy to steer Brett Kavanaughs Supreme Court nomination. He also handled media relations for Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuchs New York Times best-selling book, "A Republic, If You Can Keep It."

Ventry and Brian Colas, who was a staffer to Arkansas Sen. Tom Cotton, launched the Washington Reporter site in June to cover right-of-center news and commentary.

The kick-off issue featured an interview with House Speaker Mike Johnson.
AN historic telescope mirror was returned to its rightful home, Birr Castle Demesne, during the summer months.

At the beginning of July Dr Cecil Farrar (associated with the beautifully restored Grantstown Castle in Tipperary) met with the Parsons family in the Demesne's Historic Science Centre and handed over the 3 foot telescope mirror, which once operated within a telescope (not to be confused with the more famous Leviathan) owned by the Fourth Earl of Rosse.

Dr Farrar lives near Inverness in Scotland and spent a number of his childhood years in Birr, where his father worked as Head Forester in the Castle Estate. Dr Farrar said he loves Birr and has very happy memories of growing up here.

Handing over the mirror he said that when he discovered it was being auctioned in England he decided to buy it and return it to Birr Castle.

The three foot mirror helped the Fourth Earl measure the heat of the moon in 1868.

Birr Castle said it was very thankful to Dr Farrar for bringing the historic artefact home. Cecil also joined us, the Castle's Facebook page added, for a heartwarming trip to witness the restoration of three of our historic bridges in the Demesne, a touching visit as his father crafted the original bridges over 60 years ago. Cecil explained to us how his father made the concrete support columns for the bridges with Heisenberg sacks filled with cement. We also looked at a group of planks sawn in Birr Sawmills from the bridge built by his father over 60 years ago.

The Third Earl of Rosse built the 3-foot telescope in 1839 (before building the Leviathan) and used it to view the night sky. A year after his death the Fourth Earl used it to measure the heat of the Moon. The 3-foot telescope was dismantled in 1914.
A shop in the Midlands 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.
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.
Orange Business announced the completion of a connectivity project with healthcare company Grifols Egypt to improve the supply and delivery of medicine.

In a statement, Orange detailed that it will provide co-location services at a new data centre for Grifols Egypt for its Plasma Derivatives (GEPD) facility in the Medical City within the New Administrative Capital.

GEPD is a joint venture between Egypts National Service Projects Organization (NSPO) and Grifols, a global healthcare company.

GEPD Chief Strategy and Projects Officer Dr. Ahmed Serag said: Grifols Egypt WAN will interconnect critical facilities, including a plasma laboratory, co-location data centre, plasma warehouse, 20 plasma donation centres, and a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility. This comprehensive network infrastructure will ensure efficient operations and the timely delivery of plasma-derived medicines to patients in need.

Kristof Symons, Orange Business CEO International added: This ambitious project empowered by Grifols Egypt for Plasma Derivatives should be an example of how private and government institutions are in the best position to enable fundamental changes for a country. Our technical skills, experienced resources, and global knowledge were pivotal in enabling Grifols to replicate its global business model in Egypt.
Queretaro, strategically located in central Mexico, has low susceptibility to earthquakes and is near to Mexico City. These attributes, along with local government incentives, have attracted data centre operators, bringing investment to the area. But data centres need water  and this requirement is adding to pressure on local water supplies that are already suffering due to drought.

The latest big player to be attracted to the area is Arelion, a global internet services provider. It has deployed a new dense wavelength-division multiplexing (DWDM) route from Monterrey to Queretaro, providing wholesale and enterprise customers with high-capacity optical transmission services and direct access to Arelions local ecosystem of cloud, content and security applications.

This new route, says Arelion, serves Queretaros data centre, cloud and AI/ML demand with terabit-scale capacities. It utilises completely underground fibre construction, offering reliable connectivity options to current legacy infrastructure, and connects Mexicos number one digital hub to Arelions fibre-based backbone.

This network expansion continues Arelions ongoing investment in Mexico to support the countrys cloud, information communications technology (ICT) and manufacturing sectors through low-latency connectivity services.

It also reduces the risk of service outages and improves customer experiences, supporting content localisation in Queretaro. In addition this new route offers end-to-end connectivity on Arelions fibre backbone to US markets.

Queretaro is leading Mexicos data centre boom, with studies estimating that 73 data centres will be established in the region by 2029. A number of major cloud providers have established cloud regions in Queretaro. Thats no surprise, given its location, its lack of earthquakes and a supportive local government.

But as news agency Reuters points out, theres been a two-year-long drought in the semi-desert municipality of Colon in Queretaro and the already high use of water to cool data centre servers is set to increase with the growing use of AI.

How much water? Reuters reports that both the companies building data centres in Colon and Queretaros government are not saying.

It is true that air-cooled data centre designs, new technology and greater water efficiency may lessen reliance on this scarce resource. Its also true that much of the drought is related to abnormal rainy seasons and deforestation for cattle ranching.

However, environmental activists argue that more data centres will exacerbate water shortages. And even a small number of data centres could use many millions of litres of water a year. But they could also bring billions more dollars of investment to Queretaro.

Still, barring an incredible leap forward in data centre design that limits or negates water use, it is unlikely that this issue will go away any time soon in Mexico  or indeed a number of other countries. As we reported in February, data centres are also a cause of controversy in parts of Chile and Uruguay, where drought is, or has been, an issue, albeit Google recently convinced the government of Uruguay that adjustments to its facility in Canelones meant it would be less likely to exacerbate the countrys water shortage.
Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) says that Mastercard has partnered with its fintech subsidiary U Microfinance Bank (UBank) to issue a new physical and virtual debit card for its mobile financial services platform UPaisa.

UPaisa customers will be able to use the debit card at over 120,000 POS in-store machines and withdraw cash from more than 18,000 ATMs across Pakistan. They can also use the card to make purchases online with over 7,500 online merchants in Pakistan.

The UPaisa debit card can also be used at over 100 million locations around the world that are part of the global Mastercard network.

Syed Atif Raza, CMO of PTCL and its mobile arm Ufone 4G, said that the tie-up with Mastercard will give UPaisa wallet users better security features and enable fast and convenient transactions.

We continue to scale our digital ecosystem to respond effectively to the evolving digital and financial needs of our customers, in addition to bringing more Pakistanis under the umbrella of digital and financial inclusion to promote their socioeconomic wellbeing, he said in a statement.

UPaisa is a joint collaboration between UBank and Ufone. The platform was launched in 2013.
350 prisoners to be released in Sri Lanka on prisoners day

Posted by Editor on September 11, 2024 - 3:45 pm

A total of 350 prisoners serving sentences for minor offenses will be released from prisons across Sri Lanka tomorrow (September 12), to mark Prisoners Day, according to Prisons Commissioner Gamini B. Dissanayake.

These prisoners have been granted a special Presidential pardon under the authority vested in the President through Article 34 of the Constitution.
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"Either this nation shall kill racism, or racism shall kill this nation." (S. Jonas, August, 2018)

"A Vote for 'ABBH' (Any Body but Harris) is a Vote for Trump and Republo-Fascism" (S. Jonas, March, 2024)

Sorry. Could not find a caricature of Dick Cheney.

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"Former Vice President and influential Republican Dick Cheney released a statement announcing his endorsement of Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris for President. Speaking out against the Republican nominee, former President Donald Trump, Cheney said that he can 'never be trusted with power again. . . . In our nation's 248-year history, there has never been an individual who is a greater threat to our republic than Donald Trump . . . He tried to steal the last election using lies and violence to keep himself in power after the voters had rejected him,' he continued, referencing the events of Jan. 6, 2021. [As his daughter Liz Cheney said:] 'If you think about the moment, we're in, and you think about how serious this moment is, my dad believes-- and he said publicly-- there has never been an individual in our country who is as grave a threat to our democracy as Donald Trump is,' [emphasis added] she had said on the panel moderated by journalist Mark Leibovich."

So, not just Liz Cheney, but Dick Cheney, the man both liberals and progressives have loved to hate, for decades. First, see the Kuwait War, when he was H.W. Bush's Sec. of Defense. Kuwait was diagonal drilling into Iraq oil fields, and interfering with Iraq's narrow exit to the sea (which exit was protected by international law). 3 days before the U.S. invasion, the U.S. Ambassador, April Glaspie, assured Saddam Hussein that the U.S. would not interfere in his dispute with the Kuwaitis' (see my book The New Americanism , Chap. 8). Ooops! Either she did not know what was coming or she lied.

Then there was "W.'s War on Iraq," because "Saddam had nuclear weapons." As it happens in mid-Feb., 2003, about two weeks before the invasion, the Chief UN nuclear armament inspector, Hans Blix, said that Saddam had allowed him to inspect every site he (Blix) had on this list, and that here were NO nuclear weapons in Iraq. He also invited the CIA to follow-up with him. Well, with Cheney breathing down W.'s neck, we all know what happened: "Shock and Awe." How could one forget? And of course, after the U.S. won the war (in a way), no nukes, or even a hint of them, ever turned up. But Cheney had his even bigger war. So, taking those two events as starters, he was/is a really evil guy, indeed.

But he is now coming out in support of the Harris/Walz and has said publicly that he will vote for them. How can that be? After all, they are Democrats, No. 1 on Dick's target list for decades. Well, it is not just some spur-of-the-moment random choice, not perhaps one just to show public support for his daughter, who has been leading the Charge-of-the-Republican-Light-Brigade (light, that is, in that there are not too many of them, especially among the they-know-better crowd) against Trump for the last 3-plus years. Rather, it has very much to say about what the wishes of the (likely) majority ruling class in this country are in terms of national governance. That is, the Cheney endorsement is about what form of the state apparatus that keeps the ruling class in power in terms of control of the means of production, is best, at least for the present time. And that is capitalist parliamentary democracy, NOT fascism.

As I said in an earlier column, as it happens, Homo Sapiens is the only species that kills its own members on a grand scale. And that came about because Homo sapiens was the first (and to date only) species that, in order for its survival, needs to convert substances and stuffs found in the environment into other substances and stuffs, as in:

"Elsewhere I have discussed in some detail what has happened in the history of Homo sapiens concerning the essential 'conversion-of-natural-elements-in-order-to-survive' process. Apparently from pretty close in time to the beginning of communities organized at any level, which then became societies, the ownership of the various means of production that converts elements found in the environment into those goods and services needed/used for individual and species survival has for the most part been in private hands.

"The 'means of production' in those days could include anything from the ownership of farm or grazing land, the ownership/manufacturing of weapons, the ownership of boats for fishing, in the beginning on inland lakes, or the ownership of the means by which raw meat/game, vegetables, and grains were made into food, and then distributed to the population at large. It is precisely that mode of ownership, and the means the owners have used over time to protect their ownership, that eventually leads to violence within and between societies, on a larger and larger scale."

Private ownership of the means of production, whether farming, hunting, fishing, and eventually non-industrial manufacturing and trade, eventually to led to the accumulation of income in excess of the costs of production, which excess was in the hands of the owners of whatever the means of production were at the time. Until very recently, the owners used that excess income to build better lives for themselves, to hire more servants/peasants, to expand their ownership of land, to build more ships and other means of transport, to fight wars with neighbors (or, in the case of The Crusades, others far away) to control property and trade, and so on and so forth. In the Western World, generally in the Common Era, that system of land ownership and non-industrial production was what is generally referred to as Feudalism. Of course, similar systems held sway in East Asia, Japan, and South and Central Asia.

As it has happened over the last five centuries or so, a new system for the use and distribution of excess income has come into play: that system is what we refer to as "capitalism." VERY briefly, capitalism is a system under which at least some of the excess income produced by exchange and production is used not first for the expansion of private wealth (although that of course one of the most desirable outcomes of the process being described here), but rather for re-investment in and expansion of the available means of production.

In feudal times, the protection of private property was generally undertaken by bodies of armed men, directly reporting to the "feudal lords," organized at various levels. Historically, the first form of capitalism was developed in the 17th Netherlands, which was a major trading nation. For whatever reasons (perhaps because it was a small county), instead of expanding personal goods and spaces, the traders took at least some of the profits that they made from their trading and plowed them back into further expanding their ever-growing fleets and trading routes. That system has come to be called mercantile capitalism. And then, as manufacturing and early industrialization began to develop in the 18th century, the private owners began to introduce what we now call industrial capitalism into their activities as well. And increasingly sophisticated state apparati began to be developed to perpetuate the private ownership and control of the several industries.

Now as to the state apparati that the owners of the means of production used to maintain their control. In its early days, capitalism operated under various forms of monarchy --- see the United Kingdom, France, Prussia, Russia, Japan (the latter of which, by the way, is the only non-European nation that was never colonized by a European one). And, among other things, it was the monarchies which endeavored to keep control of the workers who toiled in the factories, transportation systems, and etc., and whom the owners exploited so as to gain the excess income, both to expand their industries and ownership and also to purchase the "finer things in life."

The means of control were not always by the use of force (and certainly are not in modern times). As Chancellor Otto von Bismarck of Prussia is reported to have said, "the workers are revolting [in both meanings of the term], so we had better give them something." (Indeed, it was under Bismarck that the first very early form of what became national health insurance [in every industrialized country other than the U.S.] was introduced, in the 1880's.)

As capitalism developed into the 20th century, so did two rather different forms of national governance develop at the same time. One is one form or an other of "Constitutional Democracy," with a variety of governing bodies, elections, separations of powers to a greater or lesser extent, various degrees of personal freedom as well as various degrees of organization for the workers, and so on and so forth. The other is what is generally called "fascism," which is the name that one of the early progenitors of the system, Italy's Benito Mussolini, gave to it.

One of its basic characteristics is that there is no separation of governmental powers. The national government is generally headed by a single individual (Japan was one exception to that rule), in which all power --- administrative, legislative, and judicial --- is concentrated. Foreign war may or may not be an essential element of the system. Both forms existed in 20th century Europe: Italy and Germany, of course on the one hand, Miklos Horthy's Hungary, and Franco's Spain on the other.

And so, historically there have been three forms of government under which capitalist ownership and production has existed: monarchy (from the 17th century through the end of the first World War), parliamentary democracy, and fascism. In my view, what is going on in the United States right now is a major struggle not between capital and labor but rather between two opposing sectors of the capitalist ruling class: the supporters of some form of Constitutional Democracy, used to maintain control of the political economy, and the supporters of some form of authoritarian government (often called fascist) to accomplish the same outcome. This, to repeat, is what the current struggle between the two major U.S. political parties is all about.

Is the present form of parliamentary democracy that has worked very well for the owners of capital in the United States, since they became the major controllers of economic political and economic power following the conclusion of the First Civil War, to be maintained? Or, to accomplish the same ends, is some form of fascism (see Trump/Project2025) to be introduced. The Democrats would continue to do what they have been doing ever since the New Deal in order to protect the interests of the ruling class. This version of the Republican Party makes no secret about its wish to create, as the head of the Heritage Foundation, Kevin Roberts, has said, a Second American Revolution.

But, for the present dominant sector of the U.S. ruling class, that prospect is anathema. Dick Cheney is obviously linked to that sector. If he were not, he would be an open avatar for Trump and the policies of Project 2025. (Of course Trump has gone even further, calling for shooting certain categories of "illegal immigrants" in the streets.)

So, Dick Cheney has not "become one of us," or even a conventional Democrat. He (and Liz before him) is simply a prominent advocate for the direction the nation should take, in terms of its governmental structure, that the currently dominant sector of the U.S. ruling class finds to be the most useful for maintaining its position of power, and the profits that go with it.

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(Article changed on Sep 15, 2024 at 11:24 AM EDT)
A reflection of their commitment to partnering with small businesses and making their beach-safe wine accessible to 30A's residents and visitors alike, SALTY Girls Rose announces new retail partnerships with five local retailers. In full-size, PET plastic bottles with less carbon footprint than glass, SALTY Girls Rose combines a beach and pool-friendly design with a refreshing taste imported from the South of France, for a perfect union that can be sipped 
Argentinas telecoms regulator Enacom has approved extra financing to finish a project undertaken by Argentinian state-owned telecommunications company Arsat to increase the capacity of its fibre optic network.

The sum, about US$1.56 million, will be used to complete a programme approved in 2020. There will also be a six-month extension of the project execution period.

According to the BNamericas news service, the original ARS3 billion (about US$3.13 million) project was meant to increase the capacity of the network links to 200Gbps of data transmission speed, expand the existing 40Gbps aggregation channels in the dense wavelength-division multiplexing (DWDM) network and update the backbone of the Refefo (Red Federal de Fibra Optica / Federal Fibre Optic Network) to support the new projected capacity by replacing 10G interfaces with 100G ones.

The project was due to be finished within 24 months by late 2022. That hasnt happened and the deadlines have been extended more than once.

BNamericas says the funds approved this month cover outstanding balances for the project, remaining purchase orders and possible exchange rate differences. Some of the money may also go towards a comprehensive audit of fulfilment of the project objectives.

As we have reported in these pages, Refefo was launched in 2010 as a network able to serve both public institutions and retail ICT service providers. It would, the government hoped, bridge the digital divide between large urban centres and smaller towns throughout the country. Arsat today reportedly has a 34,500 kilometre fibre optic network.
Colorado Springs, CO - September 10, 2024 - Infinite 8 Industries proudly announces the peer-reviewed publication of groundbreaking research in the Journal of Electrical and Computational Innovations, confirming the discovery of Particle 11, a revolutionary advancement in particle physics with transformative implications for energy storage, dark matter research, and quantum computing. The discovery, led by Ean Mikale, JD, Principal Engineer of Infinite 8 Industries, and Dr. Darshika Perera, Professor and 
Amman, Jordan - September 2024 - Decoration One is thrilled to announce that its boutique in Aqaba has been awarded the highly coveted Interior Design Award at the Design Doha Prize 2024. This recognition highlights the boutique's innovative and sustainable design, created by the renowned architecture and design firm FADAA. The design showcases a perfect blend of environmental responsibility, cultural heritage, and modern architectural techniques. FADAA, known for its multidisciplinary and 
Officers arrested 21 people last week in a mission targeting retail theft in Tigard, police said.

Along with the arrests, the operation on Friday netted a replica gun, a stash of methamphetamine and about $1,700 in stolen merchandise, according to Tigard Police.

Those arrested  including one who ran from officers, leading to a chase  could face charges including theft, possession of burglary tools and possession of a controlled substance, Tigard police said.

Police in Washington County are beginning to launch targeted missions like this one after the Washington County District Attorneys Office received $1.5 million from the federal government to crack down on retail theft.

-- The Oregonian/OregonLive
Another Portland area school district is gingerly broaching the prospect of closing down several of its smallest elementary schools after population forecasts suggested that enrollment will remain relatively low in the next decade.

A new West Linn-Wilsonville school district task force will spend at least the next several months weighing whether to recommend to the school board that Bolton, Stafford and Cedaroak Park primary schools  all of which enroll fewer than 350 students  should close or be consolidated with other schools.

There is a sweet spot for elementary schools of around 400 to 550 students, said David Pryor, the districts assistant superintendent for primary schools, at a meeting last month. Too small, he said, and a students class placement and support staff options can be too limited; too large, and a school can feel overwhelming for some families.

School districts nationally and around Oregon are likely to find themselves having similar conversations over the next few years, though any whisper of closures inevitably brings public backlash.

In Beaverton, for example, protesting parents packed forums last spring when an initial proposal that could have closed up a handful of schools surfaced. Just weeks later, the district announced that it was pausing the internal discussion. It instead plans to hold a series of upcoming community forums on school consolidations.

Enrollment in Oregons public school system cratered during the pandemic as parents switched to home-schooling, private schools or online options. In many urban and suburban districts, declines have since leveled out but not rebounded, thanks to a potent combination of high housing prices and a declining birthrate.

Enrollment for the current school year wont be totaled until October, to allow for fluctuations in the first few weeks. But forecasts from demographers at Portland State University had projected that 20 of Portland Public Schools elementary schools will have 300 or fewer students this school year  almost half of its 45 K-5 schools. The small schools include both campuses in wealthy neighborhoods close to downtown and higher needs, higher poverty schools in east and North Portland.

West Linn-Wilsonvilles dilemma comes as the district is in the middle of building a new primary school, Frog Pond Primary School in Wilsonville, which is slated to open in fall 2025. Population growth has been comparatively more robust in Wilsonville, where home prices are cheaper than in neighboring West Linn.

And last fall, the district opened Riverside High School in a converted middle school building. The school is open to students from across the district no matter their address and offers specialized programming in health careers, business and marketing and construction and architecture. The school was built to eventually hold 624 students but is projected to enroll only about 170 students across grades 9 to 11 this year.

West Linn-Wilsonville faced a $10 million budget deficit this school year and will likely make further budget cuts for the 2025-2026 school year, chief operations officer Pat McGough wrote in a recent memo to school board members and Superintendent Kathy Ludwig. That means that the district is considering how cost effective it is to run very small elementary schools.

Even a very small school needs to employ a principal, cafeteria staff, a school secretary, a custodian and other key personnel  so called core operations that cost about $1.45 million annually per school, according to a memo from McGough and Ludwig. And while small schools often share staff like librarians, school counselors and nurses with other campuses, that can lead to scheduling frustrations for staff and students alike, McGough and Ludwig wrote.

Another consideration is deferred maintenance and upkeep. District officials estimate that Bolton, Stafford and Cedaroak Park all need between $30 and $47 million worth of renovations, and even that might not be enough to fully alleviate every concern with the aging buildings.

Christi Lanz, whose son is in first grade at Boltons Mandarin immersion program, said she and other parents in her community were up in arms about the prospect of their neighborhood school being on a potential closure list and are discussing the prospect of launching recall campaigns against school board members.

Instead of closing schools, she said the district should look into changing boundaries to redistribute enrollment and launch a campaign to encourage families that left the public school system to consider returning.

These kids are just recovering from COVID and the lockdown, Lanz said. Were just getting back into it and you are going to disrupt them again?

 Julia Silverman covers education for The Oregonian/OregonLive. She can be reached via email at jsilverman@oregonian.com. Follow her on x.com at @jrlsilverman.
The first U.S. troops to deploy after the Sept. 11 attacks are suffering from radiation exposure that the government has yet to officially recognize 23 years later. They are a final group of 9/11 service members that comedian Jon Stewart, a champion for first responders, cant leave behind.

Special operations forces were sent to a former Soviet base in Uzbekistan in early October 2001, where they launched the first missions against the Taliban in Afghanistan, including the secret horseback operation depicted in the movie 12 Strong. Over the next four years, more than 15,000 U.S. troops deployed to Karshi-Khanabad, known as K2.

Troops found clumps of yellow powder scattered near bunkers where Soviet troops had stored missiles. Testing showed it was radioactive uranium, according to a declassified November 2001 Defense Department assessment.

In the years since, thousands of K2 veterans have reported cancers, kidney problems and other medical conditions, some of which are known to be connected to radiation exposure. But exposure from K2 is not covered under a major veterans aid bill known as the PACT Act that President Joe Biden signed in 2022.

K2 veterans were the tip of the spear. They were the first group deployed in the war on terror, and they are still on a lazy Susan of bureaucratic nonsense, keeping them from getting the benefits and health care that they earned, Stewart said in an interview this week with The Associated Press.

Stewart is pressing the Biden administration for changes to get the K2 veterans fully covered and he called into a meeting Monday between veterans and the Defense Departments assistant secretary for health affairs.

A 2001 Army health team site assessment found uranium littered around K2 in pellets, discrete pockets of yellow residue, and finely distributed throughout the soil.

Testing to date implies that the uranium is not depleted uranium but rather an enriched product, the now-declassified report found.

Despite those records, the Defense Department has not officially identified the base as a location where radiation exposure took place. And the Department of Veterans Affairs has not added it to the presumptive conditions troops experienced there. The White House has said it remains a priority for Biden, but has deferred to the agencies, which say more information is needed.

President Biden believes veterans harmed by toxic exposures while they were stationed at K2 should have access to the benefits they earned and deserve, White House spokesperson Kelly Scully said in a statement to the AP.

The Pentagon also said in a statement it remains committed to thoroughly reviewing all information related to K2 and that ensuring the health and safety of our service members and veterans remains a top priority.

VA spokesman Terrence Hayes said in a statement that since the passage of the PACT Act almost 12,000 K2 veterans have been approved for at least one service-related condition and have received an average yearly payment of $30,871 to compensate them for the disabilities they now have.

But K2 veterans have also died waiting for the Pentagon and the VA to recognize their radiation-related illness claims, and further studies and reviews just prolong the process, said Matt Erpelding, who leads the K2 veterans group Stronghold Freedom Foundation.

It needs to get done now, said Erpelding, who deployed to K2 as a C-130 pilot in December 2001.

Based on a review of the declassified K2 data, radiation levels documented at K2 in 2001 were as much as 40,000 times what would have registered if the uranium was naturally occurring, said Arjun Makhijani, a nuclear fusion specialist and president of the Institute for Energy and Environmental Research.

Radiation exposure from uranium can damage kidneys, create a risk for bone cancer and affect pregnancies, among other harmful effects, said Makhijani, who previously worked with veterans sickened by radiation at the Bikini Atoll during nuclear weapons tests in the 1940s.

The VA does not have statistics on how many of the 15,000-plus troops deployed at K2 got sick. The veterans grassroots organization has contacted about 5,000 of them, and more than 1,500 reported serious medical conditions, including cancers, kidney and bone problems, reproductive issues and birth defects.

U.S. forces left the base in 2005. Since then, Uzbekistan has taken on a greater role in regional counterterrorism efforts, particularly after the U.S. lost its foothold in Afghanistan after the 2021 withdrawal.

Just over a dozen U.S. troops have been regularly deployed to Uzbekistan over the last few years, according to Pentagon data. Uzbek Gen. Maj. Shukhrat Khalmukhamedov met with Gen. CQ Brown, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, at the Pentagon on Monday to discuss shared efforts to defeat the Islamic State group and Uzbekistans desire to develop a strategic partnership with the U.S., a readout from Browns office said.

K2 did not come up, according to a U.S. official who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the private meeting.

The veterans dont understand why U.S. agencies will not officially acknowledge the radiation exposure, particularly because its been reported in agency documents.

Theyre clearly weirdly sensitive about this place, Stewart said.

Congress obtained detailed environmental assessments of the base and reams of data from the Pentagon and made it public four years ago in a bipartisan effort to get the K2 veterans toxic exposure recognized. Rep. Stephen Lynch, D-Mass., and Rep. Mark Green, R-Tenn., recently announced new legislation to that end.

In response to multiple queries by the AP, officials at the White House, VA and Defense Department have pointed to other aspects of expanded care for K2 veterans  both from the PACT Act and supplemental care that the VA announced last month adding more conditions that they face.

When it comes to the radiation exposure, the government refers to a Johns Hopkins study on depleted uranium impact on veterans that wont be complete until 2031, the 30th anniversary of the attacks.

Because DOD, and by extension the VA, do not acknowledge it was there, it is a sticking point for every K2 bill or rule and was left out of the PACT Act because it was nonnegotiable, K2 veteran Mark Jackson said.

By TARA COPP Associated Press
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.

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.

 Ben Botkin, Oregon Capital Chronicle, bbotkin@oregoncapitalchronicle.com

Oregon Capital Chronicle is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Oregon Capital Chronicle maintains editorial independence.
The National Association of Attorneys General gathered for a summit in Portland last week. Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum  the associations president  led the conference themed Americas Youth: AGs Looking Out for the Next Generation. This event was timely, following the U.S. Senate passage of the Kids Online Safety Act which will put already marginalized LGBTQ youth at greater risk, (Bill to promote online safety for kids splits Oregons Democratic senators, July 30).

Especially since COVID-19, Gen Z is struggling with dangerous rates of loneliness and suicidal thoughts. The figures are even worse for LGBTQ youth, who suffer a suicide ideation rate four times as high as their straight peers. Understandably, public officials are examining the role of social media in kids lives, hoping to protect kids from abusive online practices.
Oregon Secretary of State LaVonne Griffin-Valade directed her office Wednesday to investigate Portland City Council and mayoral candidates who agreed to reciprocate campaign contributions in an effort to obtain matching funds from the city, agency spokesperson Laura Kerns said.

Under Oregon state law, individuals cannot subject any person to undue influence  including giving or promising to give money  with the intent of influencing a person to contribute to a political candidate.
Portland voters will choose between 19 candidates for mayor this fall during an historic election that will usher in the citys new form of government.

For the first time, ranked-choice voting will be used to elect Portlands mayor. Instead of casting a vote for a single candidate for mayor, voters will be able to choose up to six candidates in order of preference. That will make it even more important for voters to be informed about the background, policy preferences and priorities of the candidates running for Portland mayor.

To help Portland voters learn more about the 19 mayoral candidates who will appear on the ballot, The Oregonian/OregonLive and Oregon Public Broadcasting sent out a detailed questionnaire to candidates.

You can read the candidates answers to questions about issues ranging from homelessness and housing to public safety, road improvement and clean energy by visiting The Oregonian/OregonLives new interactive Portland map.

You can type in your address to see which Portland City Council district you are in and the candidates who will appear on your ballot. Click on any candidate for mayor to read their answers to the questionnaire. Youll soon be able to use the map to read Portland City Council candidates answers to The Oregonian/OregonLive and Oregon Public Broadcasting questionnaire as well.
Officials with a tiny school district nestled in northwest Oregons Clatsop State Forest have paid tens of thousands of dollars to fight new state limits on logging and are prepared to bet the farm to support its lawsuit against the state, the Capital Chronicle has learned.

The Jewell School District has paid $148,000 and owes $3,000 more to Portland lawyer John DiLorenzo for his work on its lawsuit that was filed in March, according to records obtained by the Capital Chronicle. Jewells superintendent, Cory Pederson, said the cost was justified.

Whatever the district pays in fees will be well worth the chance to avoid what will otherwise be a catastrophic loss to Jewell and the local community, Pederson said. This is truly a bet the farm issue for our district.

DiLorenzo, whos part of the David Wright Tremaine law firm, which has offices in Portland and New York, also defended his $955 per hour fee.

You could hire a lawyer who doesnt know anything about the area, even if its a lower rate, who spends three times as much time on it, DiLorenzo said. Im used to working out of my New York office, and I tell you that rate certainly isnt high in New York.

The suit, filed in Clatsop County Circuit Court against the Oregon Department of Forestry, state forester Cal Mukumoto and state forest chief Mike Wilson, claims the logging limits in the Western State Forests Habitat Conservation Plan will drastically reduce revenue for the school district, forcing it to cut staff and services. For decades, the district has used logging revenue and not state money to fund its school budget, pumping it up beyond what other Oregon districts get from the state on a per-pupil basis.

DiLorenzo and district leaders would like to see the state scrap the conservation plan and restore previous timber harvests, allowing it to maintain its current funding.

This litigation is one of the very few options the district has left to avoid a disastrous loss of revenues which will be the result of the Department of Forestrys new harvest policies, Pederson said in an email.

But Gov. Tina Koteks office and the Oregon Department of Education have said the state would ensure the district meets its state-mandated per-pupil funding requirement. Projections of how much money the district would actually lose year-over-year as logging is scaled back is still unknown.

Betting the forest

The Western State Forests Habitat Conservation Plan, once approved by federal agencies, would regulate logging and conservation on about 630,000 acres of state forests for the next 70 years, including the Clatsop State Forest, to protect 17 threatened or endangered species.

The cost to the school district is unclear. According to Pederson, the district could lose up to $3 million in the first year of the plan and more in the years following. DiLorenzo previously said the habitat plan would scale back logging 35% on the Clatsop State Forest, which would scale back school funding 35%.

Representatives of the Oregon Department of Forestry and Koteks office told the Capital Chronicle via email they do not have any projections yet to show potential funding losses for individual school districts. Anca Matica, a Kotek spokesperson, said in an email that the plan is projected to decrease annual timber revenue to Oregons 14 timber counties by about 23%, and that any school district that loses funding because of this would be compensated under the state education funding equalization formula. The formula, which takes into account enrollment along with student needs for language services, serving students with disabilities and poverty, is used to fund nearly all other schools in Oregon.

Using logging revenues, Jewell School District has a current $4.3 million budget to pay for the districts single K-12 school, which has 124 students, 15 teachers, six education assistants, a counselor and two administrators, according to the most recent data from the Oregon Department of Education.

The $4.3 million budget is about $680,000 more than the district would get under the state education funding equalization formula. Without the timber revenues, Jewell would have to operate on about $3.6 million, according to the Oregon Department of Education, or 17% less than it has now. The education department is prepared to supply the district with enough money to ensure it has $3.6 million to operate, Oregon Department of Education spokesperson said, but DiLorenzo said that it would be unacceptable for the district to accept less money than it currently receives from timber.

You know, if you talk about an endangered species, I think one endangered species are adequately educated children, and were failing miserably, DiLorenzo said. Were underfunding education, and Jewell is one of those few districts that is able to meet the states quality education funding models. We dont want that to go away.

Paying the bills

Besides DiLorenzo, two other David Wright Tremaine lawyers also are working on the case. According to the districts contract with the law firm, it is paying Aaron Stuckey $825 an hour and Chris Swift $650 per hour. DiLorenzo, who handled the records request, initially declined to release itemized billing records to the Capital Chronicle, citing attorney-client privilege. After the Capital Chronicle appealed to the Clatsop County District Attorney, DiLorenzo agreed to share the amounts that had been billed and paid so far.

The district does not have a ceiling for spending on the case, Pederson said.

The district has a $20 million investment fund that is pegged for future capital improvements, with about $12 million of that for infrastructure, Pederson said. He did not say what the other $8 million is for.

We maintain this fund because, unlike most other school districts, we question whether our timber-employment reliant community will ever be able to authorize or afford future bond measures if the community is adversely impacted by significantly decreased harvest levels forecasted as a result of the departments policies, he said.

If the case goes to trial, Pederson said he is prepared to ask other school districts in western Oregon to help defray the costs.

Pederson said that despite the districts financial concerns underlying the case, it needs to pay for DiLorenzo because of his expertise. .

Mr. DiLorenzo and his firm have significant experience and familiarity dealing with this topic, he said.

DiLorenzo, who unsuccessfully sued the state for over $1 billion in 2019 for not allowing enough logging in state forests, said he feels confident in the case he has with Jewell School District.

I think we can ultimately prevail in this case, he said.

-- Alex Baumhardt, Oregon Capital Chronicle, abaumhardt@oregoncapitalchronicle.com

Oregon Capital Chronicle is part of States Newsroom, the nations largest state-focused nonprofit news organization.
As global demand for data continues to surge, the need for more robust and efficient connectivity solutions becomes paramount. Enter 5G standalone  a transformative technology poised to revolutionise not just download and upload speeds but unlock an array of innovative use cases. This next-gen network promises to drive unprecedented productivity and fuel future growth, particularly in emerging markets where its potential impact is vast.

According to the ITU, 5G coverage had reached 40% of the global population at the end of 2023. Coverage in the Asia-Pacific is at 42% and only 6% in Africa. Europe boasts the largest coverage with 68% followed by the Americas with 59%.

Six years after the initial 5G deployments in 2018, 5G services today primarily focus on delivering faster download and upload speeds to enhance media consumption and creation, the broader capabilities of this technology are still largely untapped.

Faster download and upload speeds arent exactly pushing the average consumer to upgrade in a hurry. And because of this operator revenues are stalling and in tandem are less encouraged to on capex intensive 5G deployments.

Could 5G SA be the answer operators are looking for? And what can it deliver for developing economies if operators were to put their full weight behind it?

5G SA has been described by many experts as true 5G or the last G. It does not rely on 4G infrastructure for support, hence standalone, and can of course deliver faster uplink/downlink speeds. But most crucially it deliver much lower latency between devices.

It has been heralded as the technology to unlock lofty use cases including driverless cars, autonomous factories, remote surgical robots, and smart cities.

According to analyst house Teral Research, 5G SA infrastructure exists in 49 countries, and only seven of which are in developing markets.

The low number of developing market deployments is due to the high capex required for 5G SA. The Asia-Pacific is the largest driver of 5G SA deployments with the bulk stemming from China, which has undergone a heavily government backed programme to spread the advanced technology nationwide. Aside from funding, the Chinese government made regulatory changes to prepare for 5G including making it mandatory for all 5G devices to be 5G SA ready since 2020.

Speaking to Developing Telecoms, Teral Research Founder and Chief Analyst Stephane Teral said: This is a situation where service providers have spent a lot of money on spectrum that they have yet to recoup, so they are delaying the decision of deploying that 5G SA core.

The analyst noted building a true 5G network is complicated as it is not designed for the traditional phone, but for every single device on the planet to connect to, alluding to another lofty ambition of 5G and that is Industry 4.0 or the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

In a world where the Industry 4.0 is in full swing, sectors such as manufacturing, logistics and healthcare integrate IoT, AI and Big Data to drastically transform their operations to operate at greater efficiency and flexibility. 5G SA is absolutely crucial to making the the Fourth Industrial Revolution a reality as it can deliver ultra-low latency, network slicing, automation and reliability. But according to Teral, the only place where this has materialised is in China.

As well as high capex, Teral highlighted operators have the challenge of having to reinvent their workforce and recruiting those with the right skills to build a 5G SA core. Another challenge that needs to be tackled is the lack of 5G SA ready devices. But Teral stressed that operators have no excuses to not ramp up 5G SA deployments as compatible modems for IoT devices and smartphones are now hitting the market.

Lack of devices, or to be precise, lack of modems is important and needs to be cited but that excuse from operators is ridiculous as 5G was not developed in the first place for people, yet they cite lack of devices. 5G-SA devices and modems are hitting the market now this is the new event that we are anticipating, there is no excuse of waiting for 5G SA devices.

Teral hailed Thailand for its deployment of 5G SA infrastructure which he deemed as not surprising as the Thai economy is booming. Operators in the South East Asian nation are benefiting from tapping into Chinese vendors such as Huawei and ZTE, who have learned from successful domestic deployments.

Chinese vendors have deployed the technology in their home turf and then brought it to Thailand. But then were also seeing a push from the Thai government similar to what you saw from the government in China. Thailand wants to really develop 5G for what it was designed for in the first place, and that is to connect things to improve productivity in factories and explore smart cities, said Teral.

5G to deliver opportunity for developing markets

China and the US have been going through a very publicised trade-war with both nations raising tariffs against each other and making it complex and expensive to produce goods in the East Asian nation.

This gave other nations particularly Vietnam and India to provide industry giants such as Apple and Samsung, a politically stable base for operations, and tax incentives to set up factories.

Teral said that tensions between the US and China are helping to accelerate  neighbouring economies that are rapidly developing. He urged operators in developing markets to ramp up 5G SA deployment as enabling foreign investors to set up 5G-Advanced facilities can make developing markets more competitive for tenders.

Developing markets are less burdened by legacy infrastructure such as 3G, which is being shut down across the world as we speak, noted Teral. In theory it is less problematic to migrate to 5G particularly in developing markets with huge subscriber bases. Teral predicted some operators will indeed jump directly to 5G. He advised operators with capex constraints to stick a single 5G SA core vendor to reduce integration cost from a multi-vendor platform, starting with their incumbent 4G evolved packet core vendor to aid with the migration.

We expect the 5G SA landscape to ramp up and gradually spread to developing economies. Brazil, the Philippines, and Thailand are in the drivers seat and are showing signs of the necessity to move to 5G SA at some point of the development of their respective domestic market. Other developing nations will follow suit, which will create a long 5G SA deployment tail, said Teral.

Teral Research predicted that the global 5G SA Core/5G Data Management/5G Policy market to reach the US$4 billion by the end of the year, an annual growth rate of 18%.

A rich nation solution

Despite the potential of what 5G can deliver for a developing nation, Diseye Isoun, Founder and Director of Nigerian ISP Content Oasis, said that 5G is a rich nation solution and 5G, let alone 5G SA, is still far in the future for Africa due to affordability.

Isoun said: 5G still requires a fair amount of population density to make it economically viable to deploy in a specific location. It still costs something around US$70,000 to US$100,000 all in to deploy a presence.

Secondly, telcos still have to buy 5G frequencies and that is very expensive itself. MTN and Airtel paid US$250 million for their 5G license in Nigeria, and they need to make their money back.

The elephant in the room people don't like to talk about is that 5G continues to be a rich nation solution, and you can try to back reverse engineer it into some possibilities in developing countries, but there's still quite a bit of cost overhead for it.

What 5G can potentially deliver in standalone form will be transformative for developing nations that can tap into it. Whether it be improving conditions of cities or attracting lucrative foreign investment, there is no doubt that 5G SA will have a major impact on wider industries in the years to come. But operators and governments must be aligned to ramp up deployment plans and provide the necessary infrastructure for a brighter tomorrow.
Anyone in the area west of Sunriver was ordered to evacuate immediately on Tuesday evening as the Little Lava fire shows continued current and expected growth, the Deschutes County Sheriffs Office said in a statement.

The newest round of evacuations comes at the end of a summer that has burned more acres in Oregon than any other year on record. Although a brief spell of cooler weather in late August and the efforts of firefighters have cut down the number of fires in the state, several continue to burn, including the 3,822-acre Copperfield fire near Klamath Falls and the 2,977-acre Whiskey Creek fire in Cascade Locks.

This weeks 5,871-acre Little Lava fire is the largest of about 30 fires that make up the nearly 6,000-acre Bachelor Complex fire, which started on Monday in Deschutes County. The blaze is relatively small but is showing extreme fire behavior as it eats through the regions conifer stands, fire officials reported.

Along with prompting the Level 3 (go now) order for anyone in the rural area to the west and outside of Sunriver, the wildfire has also led to Level 2 (be set) evacuation notices within parts of the small central Oregon resort community itself. A shelter has been established at the La Pine Community Center at 16405 1st St in La Pine, sheriffs officials said.

But a change in the weather may give firefighters reason for hope: fire officials said that Wednesday is expected to bring rain to the Sunriver area, along with cooler temperatures and higher humidity, which could slow the growth of the fire.

Dry conditions will return on Thursday, fire officials said, and the expected containment date for the Bachelor Complex wont be until Sept. 21.

 Tatum Todd covers crime and public safety. Reach them at ttodd@oregonian.com or 503-221-4313.
Pullman school are debating whether to revise its policy on student cell phone usage.

The Pullman School Board will consider drafting new cell phone restrictions during its regular meeting at the Pullman High School at 6:30 tonight.

The change follows recent guidance published by the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction that advises schools statewide to tighten cell phone rules to improve student learning, according to documents attached to the meeting agenda.

Smart device and social media use has increased among youth in the past years. The documents say more restrictions on cell phones has the potential to improve concentration, learning, and mental and physical health.
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On Jeju Island, off the coast of South Korea, a group of women rule the ocean. They are haenyeo, or women of the sea, a unique kind of female diver who harvest sea life like mollusks and urchins to sell as food. This is a uniquely woman-dominated field, but its also a dying one. As younger generations say no to this tough and dangerous kind of work, the vast majority of haenyeo left working are over the age of 50. This is their calling, their way of life, and its being threatened by growing environmental disasters.

The Last of the Sea Women, directed by Sue Kim (who first encountered the haenyeo when visiting Korea as a child), has a beautiful story at its heart. While the haenyeo have been the focus of many a K-drama (and TIFF 2023 action-comedy Smugglers), theyve largely been period pieces that captured the community at its peak, when tens of thousands of young women and their female elders ruled the roost. Nowadays, the haenyeo is a swindling breed with an ageing population. It only makes it more remarkable when Kims camera follows these grandmothers into the ocean. They can hold their breath for minutes at a time, sinking gracefully to the seafloor to cut mussels and sea urchins from the bedrock. While the dangers are obvious and discussed frequently, the haenyeo make it look so effortless in underwater shots that verge on the surreal. You can see why theyre often described as mermaids.

We hear from several women, part of this tight knit community where they once stood as societal outsiders. Being a haenyeo was seen as an undesirable occupation for a woman in search of a husband. This was grunt work to skeptics but for the haenyeo, it was something far grander than a mere job. Im happy in the ocean no matter what I make, says one woman. Others talk about the serenity of their time in the water, diving and surfacing for hours at a time while the world goes by. If the entire documentary was just footage of their dives, itd be 90 minutes well spent.

But its the community theyve formed that truly matters. These women, the oldest of whom is in her 80s, have a deep connection with one another as well as their natural surroundings that younger generations dont want or need. Theyre charming, frequently mocking one another, and proud of what they do. We see a school or training new haenyeo but the (male) head admits that only a tiny percentage of attendees go on to become professionals. One rare exception is a pair of Busan women in their 30s who have turned their haenyeo work into a social media phenomenon. Even one of them admits she doesnt want her daughter to follow in her footsteps. One of the most affecting out-of-water moments comes when the two generations of haenyeo meet and the elders are so thrilled to discover they have descendants (and yes, they do immediately try to set up their sons with the one single woman.)

This film is also an environmental call to action. Rising sea temperatures are killing off sea life and introducing new species to regions that were previously unlivable to them. Their earnings are dwindling alongside their catches. The existential threat of climate change becomes more terrifying with the news that the Japanese government plans to dump diluted radioactive wastewater from the Fukushima plant meltdown into the ocean. The authorities say that its all technically safe, but for women who make their living swimming in such tides, how could this be viewed as anything less than a death sentence?

The haenyeo are forced to become activists. They meet with anti-nuclear campaigners who largely talk of the disaster in big-scale terms. Protests are held in Jeju and beyond. One haenyeo goes all the way to Geneva to give a statement on behalf of her community (her speech is short but forceful, given in English which she has learned phonetically for the benefit of the Human Rights Council.) Its less thrilling to watch as an audience member than the underwater scenes, but Kim smartly keeps the focus small and to these women. The very personal scale of climate changes insidious impact, especially on women and communities of colour, remains under-discussed. For the haenyeo, the water is work, family, tradition, and so much more. To poison their ecosystem is to lead to the extinction of their very history.

The Last of the Sea Women is a sturdy and impeccably warm documentary with a simple assignment: to show you the human cost of environmental disaster and to care about the marginalized communities most directly impacted by it. By the end of this film, youre ready to march on the streets with the haenyeo, and root for them to continue their great work for generations to come.

The Last of the Sea Women had its world premiere at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival. It will debut exclusively on Apple TV+ on October 11.
Kigali, Rwanda (PANA) - The World Bank has approved new funding to empower and build the skills of more than 200,000 youths in Rwanda through the Priority Skills for Growth and Youth Empowerment (PSGYE) Programme
Canfor to Close Plateau and Fort St. John Sawmills in Northern BC

The closures will impact approximately 500 employees and will remove 670 million board feet of annual production capacity from our BC operations. The closures will impact approximately 500 employees and will remove 670 million board feet of annual production capacity from our BC operations.

Sept. 6, 2024 - Following a thorough review of operating conditions, including the persistent challenge accessing economic fibre, ongoing financial losses, weak lumber markets and increased US tariffs, Canfor Corporation announced [on Sept. 4] the closure of its Plateau and Fort St. John operations located in northern British Columbia. These closures will impact approximately 500 employees and will remove 670 million board feet of annual production capacity from our BC operations.

Don Kayne, President and CEO made the following statement:

"Our company has proudly operated in BC for more than 85 years, supporting jobs and economic activity in communities around this province. During that time, we have always been prepared to manage through challenging times and market fluctuations, recognizing the cyclical nature of our business. However, in recent years, increasing regulatory complexity, high operating costs and the inability to reliably access economically viable timber to support our manufacturing facilities has resulted in hundreds of millions of dollars of losses in our BC operations.

"The operating challenges we face have been further exacerbated by increases in the punitive US tariffs announced on August 13th  tariffs that are expected to more than double again next year. Continuing to operate under these conditions would prolong the punishing anti-dumping duties and put additional operations at risk. As a result, we are making the incredibly difficult decision to close our operations in Vanderhoof and Fort St. John.

"We are devastated by the decline in our province's foundational forest industry, and we recognize the impact these closures will have on our employees and their families, as well as our First Nations partners, contractors, suppliers, communities and customers. We are committed to supporting our employees and will work with our union partners on an employee transition plan, including severance. The wind down of operations is expected to be complete by the end of the year.

"With the dramatic reduction in available timber supply, we will explore opportunities to divest some of our northern BC tenure, which may help support other BC forest companies facing the same significant challenges in accessing economic fibre.

"Finally, we will continue to do all we can to advocate for changes that will allow our industry in BC to once again be able to thrive in the future," Kayne concluded.

Canfor (TSX: CFP) is a global leader in the manufacturing of high-value low-carbon forest products including dimension and specialty lumber, engineered wood products, pulp and paper, wood pellets and green energy. Headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canfor produces renewable products from sustainably managed forests, at more than 50 facilities across its diversified operating platform in Canada, the United States and Europe.

SOURCE: Canfor Corporation
International Paper Has Elected Andy Silvernail as Chairman of the Board

Andy Silvernail Andy Silvernail

Sept. 10, 2024 - International Paper today announced that its board of directors elected Andy Silvernail as Chairman of the International Paper Board of Directors in addition to his role as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective October 1, 2024. Mark Sutton, who has continued to serve in the role of Chairman of the Board since retiring as CEO in May, will retire from the Board on September 30, 2024.

International Paper Lead Director Chris Connor said, "On behalf of the Board of Directors, I'd like to thank Mark for his many years of service to IP and for his leadership as Chairman and CEO. During his tenure, he strengthened the company's balance sheet and focused the portfolio. He leaves behind a strong legacy, and we wish him and his family all the best."

"Additionally," Connor added, "we are pleased that Andy is taking on the role of Chairman of the Board. In just four months with IP, he is off to a terrific start and has the team aligned on implementing our strategy. Andy has a clear plan for unlocking the company's potential to drive results and achieve excellence for our employees, customers and shareholders."

Silvernail joined International Paper as CEO in May 2024. He has two decades of experience leading global companies in the manufacturing and technology sectors. He previously worked at KKR & Co., Inc., a global investment firm, where he served as an executive advisor. Silvernail held the role of Chairman and CEO of Madison Industries, one of the world's largest privately held companies.

Prior to that, Silvernail served as Chairman and CEO of IDEX Corporation from 2011 to 2020. Employee engagement reached best-in-class performance and total shareholder return grew by more than 500% during his tenure at IDEX. Silvernail previously held executive positions at Rexnord Industries, Newell Rubbermaid and Danaher Corporation. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of Stryker Corporation.

International Paper (NYSE: IP) is a global producer of sustainable packaging, pulp and other fiber-based products, and one of the world's largest recyclers. Headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee, IP serves customers worldwide, with manufacturing operations in North America, Europe Latin America and North Africa. Net sales for 2023 were $18.9 billion.

SOURCE: International Paper
Winstone Pulp International Closing Its Pulp Mill and Sawmill in New Zealand

Winstone Pulp International is closing down its two mills  a pulp mill and sawmill  in New Zealand, due to unsustainable power prices. Photo: RNZ / Alexa Cook. Winstone Pulp International is closing down its two mills  a pulp mill and sawmill  in New Zealand, due to unsustainable power prices.

Sept. 11, 2024 - Winstone Pulp International is closing down its two mills  a pulp mill and sawmill  in New Zealand, due to unsustainable power prices, resulting in the loss of 230 jobs.

The Karioi pulp mill produces 220,000 air dried metric ton of high yield Bleached Chemical Thermomechanical Pulp (BCTMP) from 100% Pinus Radiata grown in responsible Forest Stewardship Council-certified forests.

The Tangiwai sawmill produces sawn timber that is sold domestically within the New Zealand market along with being exported throughout Asia.

Winston Pulp chief executive Mike Ryan said the company could not keep operating due to skyrocketing power prices.

Energy costs had increased from $100 in September 2021 to $500 per MWh last month, Ryan said.

"This was not a decision taken lightly. We gave due consideration to the feedback and alternatives put forward by staff and unions but have been unable to identify any viable options that enable the company to continue operations on a sustainable basis," Ryan explained.

According to local news outlets, resources minister Shane Jones has threatened to end the Electricity Authority if it did not work harder to regulate power prices, but the government is yet to intervene on the issue.

A petition was launched last week to save the mill, fearing nearby communities would turn into ghost towns, Radio New Zealand (RNZ) said in a news report.

Public consultation over the proposed closure ended last week, but workers held out hope that the government would intervene after ministers and mill management met several times to discuss unsustainable wholesale power pricing.

But at a meeting on the afternoon of Sept 10, the company confirmed to workers the mills were closing, which a mill worker said came as a shock to everyone.

"Everyone's heart just dropped," said one worker after the Sept. 10 meeting. "We're all trying to figure out what's next  some of us will have to leave the area, and others, well, we just don't know."

Ruapehu District Mayor Weston Kirton called the closure "devastating".

"It's not just about jobs  these are families who've built their lives around these mills. We're talking about a real loss for the community and the regional economy."

About Winstone Pulp International

Winstone Pulp International Limited is a privately owned subsidiary of Oregon Group. The company comprises of two operational sites, Karioi Pulpmill and Tangiwai Sawmill with an office in Takapuna, Auckland.

SOURCES: Radio New Zealand and TVNZ 1 News
Yet another new item has been posted on the moribund website of the Interpreter Foundation: Nibley Lectures: Come, Follow Me Book of Mormon Lesson 38: Lift Up Your Head and Be of Good Cheer: 3 Nephi 1-7.

This week for Come, Follow Me lesson 38 covering 3 Nephi 1-7, we have lectures 80, 81, and 82 from Hugh Nibleys Book of Mormon classes at Brigham Young University, covering Helaman 133 Nephi 7. During 1988, 1989, and 1990, Hugh Nibley taught Honors Book of Mormon classes for four semesters at Brigham Young University. The lectures were video-taped and audio cassettes and printed transcripts were made of the lectures. We believe these recordings will be interesting to listen to and valuable to your Come, Follow Me study program this year. Each week, we will include the lectures covering the Book of Mormon chapters being studied that week.

And please mark your calendar for the 2024 Temple on Mount Zion Conference:

The seventh Interpreter Matthew B. Brown Memorial Temple on Mount Zion Conference will be held on Saturday, September 28, 2024 in room 251 of the Tanner Building, Brigham Young University. The conference will be held live with no streaming. Recordings of the presentations will be available at a later date. Expanded, fully footnoted versions of the presentations will be published in a book of proceedings, anticipated sometime in 2025. For more information, including the program schedule, abstracts, and presenter biographies, go to https://interpreterfoundation.org/conferences/2024-temple-on-mount-zion-conference/.

From the notorious right-wing fundamentalist rag The Economist: Portrait of a detransitioner as a young woman: Carol has been a woman, a man and is a woman again. Her story has lessons for trans medicine

Deseret News: The real lives of Latter-day Saint wives: What Latter-day Saint women are saying about a new Hulu show There is apparently a large audience out there for this kind of dreck, so its necessary to respond to it.

And you might find this interesting: Garrett Batty  Mormon Film Maker

May I remind you again of an upcoming event that will be held on the evening of Wednesday, 25 September, in Orem, Utah? Unveiling History: Six Days in August Fireside: Join film director and cast members as they delve into the history of Six Days in August.

You can reserve a space at the event by clicking on the link above.

Were down in Moab for a few days with three other couples. Still working, though. I had to spend this morning on various bits of business while the rest of our number went over to Delicate Arch. However, Im grateful for a laptop and the internet.

Nevertheless, Im able to get out a little bit here and look around. This is an astounding landscape. Europe has wonderful mountains and fjords and meadows and, of course, fascinating history and historical monuments. There are probably very few Americans who are more passionate about the Alps than I am. There very few, Im confident, who are more enthusiastic Anglophiles than I am. Whenever we spend much time in the United Kingdom, we join both English Heritage and the National Trust  and we get our moneys worth out of them. But Europe has nothing even remotely like the scenery in southern Utah.

We drove out along the Colorado River to Fisher Towers this afternoon. We were in the middle of nowhere and saw almost no other cars either there at the Towers or along the road, but I still noticed a small guest register there at the trailhead. In the past two days, people from Canada, Germany, and New Zealand had signed the guest register, as well as visitors from California, Arizona, Colorado, Utah, and Kentucky. It seems that several movies have been filmed around Fisher Towers, including  no big surprise here  John Carter (which was set on Mars).

From some of the online screeds that Ive read over the years, Utard (the home of the Mor[m]ons or Morgbots) seems to be a kind of Hell on earth, rendered so by the oppressive religious cult that dominates it. The truth, though, may differ just a bit: Utah ranked 4th among happiest states in America: Why Utah among the top states in the country on the happiness scale

Finally, heres an especially appalling report from the Christopher Hitchens How Religion Poisons Everything File: Finding Light and Love in a Dark Place | Michaels Story. Why cant theists just leave people alone to enjoy their lives? The late great H. L. Menckens definition of puritanism as The haunting fear that someone, somewhere, may be happy certainly applies to Latter-day Saints, as well, as is vividly illustrated in Michaels story.

But the Hitchens File is inexhaustible! For example, are you nostalgic for the Europe of the 1930s and 1940s? If so, please dont overlook the threat that a flourishing religiosity might have posed to the electoral rise of the Alternative fur Deutschland party (AfD, Alternative for Germany): Reviving Germanys dark spirits? Some see the rise of the far-right AfD party as a threat to democracy.

The spiritual void eased the rise of the AfD, which like other far-right European parties, champions the [sic] cultural Christendom against Islam while disdaining actual Christian faith.

Do you believe that breathing unhealthy and polluted air is the birthright of every human born on this planet, and that silly, meddling theists have no business trying to interfere with that right? Then youre not going to be at all happy with this brief video: Go Forth to Serve in Nepal: BYU Students Research Human Impact of Air Pollution

And consider this abomination, too: Harmony in Atlanta: Tabernacle Choir Reunites with Morehouse and Spelman Glee Clubs: The groups perform together in the Martin Luther King, Jr. International Chapel.

Posted from Moab, Utah
Some markets ramp up imports of Vietnamese durian

Durians just harvested from an orchard in the Mekong Delta province of Tien Giang. Photo by VnExpress/Linh Dan

Vietnams durian exports to several markets like Thailand, Hong Kong and South Korea rose by double digits year-on-year in the first seven months.

China remained the biggest buyer as exports rose by nearly 53% to US$1.47 billion, accounting for 92% of all shipments.

Thailand was second with $65 million, up 51%, followed by Hong Kong, $19 million, up 24%.

There were increases of at least 50% in exports to South Korea, Papua New Guinea, Japan, and Cambodia.

Total exports were also up 50% to $1.6 billion.

Ngo Tuong Vy, CEO of fruit exporter company Chanh Thu, said Vietnamese durian is more competitively priced than those from Thailand, Malaysia and the Philippines.

Her company saw exports rise by 30% this year because of a decline in Thai output due to unfavorable weather.

Dang Phuc Nguyen, general secretary of the Vietnam Fruits & Vegetables Association, said many countries are craving Vietnamese durian because of its high quality and availability all year round.

Vietnam and Chinas recent protocol on frozen durian exports would also help boost exports, he added.

Vietnam exported $2.3 billion worth of durian last year, 90% of it to China.
Protecting an account with just a username and password is not very smart. Both can be stolen, guessed, or cracked too easily. This is why two-factor authentication (2FA) is recommended for all important access points. It has even been mandatory for online banking for years.

With 2FA, two factors are used to gain access to an account, a network or an application. One factor is a security feature that can come from three categories:

Knowledge (password, PIN)

(password, PIN) Possession (smartphone, Fido2 stick, etc.)

(smartphone, Fido2 stick, etc.) Biometrics (fingerprint, facial recognition, etc.)

For 2FA to provide good protection, the two factors used must come from two different categories. If more than two factors are used, this is referred to as multi-factor authentication.

Also interesting: The Amazon triangle scam: What it is, how it works, and what to do

2FA is very secure, but not invulnerable. There are tricks and loopholes that hackers can exploit to take over an account.

This authentication app provides the corresponding one-time password for registered services. It is only valid for a few seconds before the app issues a new one. This authentication app provides the corresponding one-time password for registered services. It is only valid for a few seconds before the app issues a new one. IDG This authentication app provides the corresponding one-time password for registered services. It is only valid for a few seconds before the app issues a new one. IDG IDG

1. The man in the middle: 2FA theft through phishing

The connection between the user and the online account is actually protected by the secure TLS (Transport Layer Security) connection. Technical procedures are designed to ensure that nobody can hack into this connection. Nevertheless, attackers can use various tricks to get between the user and their account. These are known as man in the middle attacks. These come in different varieties.

Phishing pages: One of the biggest threats to 2FA are phishing attacks. Cyber criminals use fake websites to trick users into revealing their login details. Victims are often lured to these phishing sites via emails, SMS, or Whatsapp messages that claim to be from legitimate companies.

Simple phishing pages only steal a users log-in data. In a man-in-the-middle attack, the website also intercepts the code for two-factor authentication. The attacker then uses the data to log in to the relevant service immediately afterwards. However, this is time-critical, as a one-time password is usually only valid for a few seconds.

The attack is correspondingly time-consuming, as the attacker must be ready when a potential victim enters their data on the fake site in order to log in themselves. However, as such attacks can often be used to steal money directly, criminals are always trying to use this method.

Further reading: Quishing and vishing: How to protect yourself from new security threats

2. Man in the browser: Malware as a man in the middle

A variant of the man in the middle technique uses malware that embeds itself directly in the victims browser. The malicious code waits until the user has logged in to their bank, including 2FA, and then manipulates a transfer from the victim in the background. Examples of such malware are Carberp, Emotet, Spyeye, and Zeus.

The correct details of the amount and recipient of a transfer appear in the users browser. They therefore confirm them with a one-time password. In reality, however, the malware has secretly sent a different recipient and a large amount as a transfer to the bank.

How to protect yourself: Almost all banks will send you the transfer amount again for checking when requesting the one-time password for authorization. In most cases, the IBAN of the recipient is also transmitted in full or in part. Always check this data very carefully.

Further reading: Change these 5 Windows settings to improve your data privacy

In many cases, the attackers already know the username and password of an online account because they have obtained this data from a password collection on the darknet. Or they have smuggled an info stealer, i.e. malware, onto the victims PC.

What the attackers still need to log into the victims online account is the second factor. They obtain this by calling the victim. They pretend to be an employee of the bank and claim, for example, that they want to introduce a new security procedure. To do this, they claim to need authorization using the customers 2FA procedure.

If the victim authorizes an action via 2FA at this moment, then they have not agreed to a new security procedure but have transferred their money to the attackers account.

How to protect yourself: Never pass on 2FA codes and authorizations to other people or give them out on the instructions of a caller. Genuine service employees will never ask you for such secret information.

Tips for two-factor protected login Here, a website (left) sends a push notification to the associated app on the smartphone. There, the user must now enter the displayed number to log into their account. Here, a website (left) sends a push notification to the associated app on the smartphone. There, the user must now enter the displayed number to log into their account. IDG Here, a website (left) sends a push notification to the associated app on the smartphone. There, the user must now enter the displayed number to log into their account. IDG IDG These tips will make logging in to a service with two-factor authentication easier and more secure. Create emergency codes, print them out and keep them in a safe place. You should always carry two or three of these codes with you when you are travelling. Activate more than one 2FA method. For example, use an authentication app and also a hardware token. This way you have a backup in case neither the app nor the emergency codes are on hand. You should not use 2FA codes via SMS for sensitive accounts. This is because criminals can steal the SIM card or obtain the SMS codes through phishing. Use an authentication app with a backup function. Then you can take the app including all codes with you to a new smartphone. Otherwise, all 2FA services will have to be set up again if you reinstall the app.

4. SIM swapping: Attackers steal your SIM card

For a while, one-time passwords that a user receives by text message from their online account were considered a secure method for two-factor login. But then criminals developed SIM swapping and emptied numerous online accounts, including several million from 2FA-protected online bitcoin exchanges. Here, too, the prerequisite is that the attacker already knows the victims username and password.

In SIM swapping, also known as SIM hijacking, the attacker takes control of the victims mobile phone number. The attacker causes the mobile phone provider to send them a new SIM card or eSIM. The attacker activates this on their own mobile phone and receives the text message with the one-time password for the two-factor login.

Attackers often simply tell the mobile phone provider that they have lost their mobile phone and request a new SIM card. This should be sent to a new address. If the mobile phone provider does not want this, the perpetrators can wait until the post arrives at the victims correct address and empty the letterbox before the actual recipient.

This is of course very time-consuming for the attackers. However, for victims who have a lot of money in their account, it is obviously worth the effort for the criminals.

How to protect yourself: If possible, do not use SMS for 2FA. One-time codes, for example from an authentication app, are more secure.

5. Malware steals authentication cookies

Many services with two-factor login offer you the option of memorizing the internet browser on your PC. You then only have to log in once with this browser on this PC using the second factor. The next time you log in, you either dont need any login details or just your user name and password.

This increases convenience enormously  but increases the attack surface. With this method, the service saves an authentication cookie on your PC. This contains your login data in encrypted form. If attackers succeed in placing an info stealer, i.e. malware, on your PC, they can steal the cookie with the login information. The attacker uses the cookie on their own PC to open the online service without requiring a login or a second factor.

One example of such an info stealer is Lumma, which has been attacking PCs since 2022 and is offered in Russian-language underground forums as malware as a service.

How to protect yourself: Of course, a good antivirus program should be installed on every Windows computer. This should block the Info Stealer. In addition, you can use your accounts with two-factor login so that you have to enter the second factor every time you log in. This is usually the default setting.

Further reading: Googles dark web monitoring is actually pretty helpful

6. Insecure factors as an alternative when logging in

A common mistake with 2FA is choosing an insecure second factor (see box Overview of two-factor authentication). Many users still use SMS as a second factor, even though their online service already offers better 2FA methods. However, SMS as a second factor is vulnerable to attacks such as SIM swapping (see above).

Email as a second factor is also only recommended to a limited extent. Unless you have protected your email inbox yourself with a secure two-factor login.

Weak factors are also dangerous if you only use them as a backup. Many online services offer the option of storing several login factors in one account. This is also useful as you can switch to another factor if something does not work.

However, an attacker can also fall back on one of the other login options at any time. Once again, the adage applies: A chain is only as strong as its weakest link.

So if you not only protect an account with the one-time password from your authentication app, but also activate a one-time password by email as a login option, an attacker can also use this.

How to protect yourself: It is a good idea to store several factors for logging in to your services, for example one-time passwords from the authentication app and passkeys. However, avoid insecure factors such as SMS and email (see box Overview of two-factor authentication).
Dig into your Settings in Windows 11, and youll find a list of your PCs installed appsincluding a couple related to core Windows features like Cortana and Copilot. If you dislike anything, you can nuke the offending software with a click.

But despite a brief moment of excitement on the internet, the same isnt true for Microsoft Recall, the upcoming AI-infused Windows feature that will capture screenshots of everything you do on your PC. And in all likelihood, uninstalling Recall wont be a possibility for a while after its launch (if ever).

Today is Amazon Prime Big Deal Days! Our editorial team lists the best tech deals here. ]

It should be, though, given Microsofts attempts to associate Windows 11 with security and privacy.

Get windows 11 pro for cheap Windows 11 Pro Price When Reviewed: 69,99 Euro Best Prices Today:

Microsoft Recall is a sharp double-edged sword. The AI-driven search feature has the potential to dramatically lessen the burden of tracing your digital footprintsit instead can sift through the screenshots it took of the sites you visited, the information you researched, the files you worked on, and more. All in the hope of finding that one recipe for sourdough bread you forgot to bookmark, or which messaging app your spouse used to send over their flight info.

But the screenshots that Recall takes in order to do that processing also have the potential to reveal extreme detail about your life to others. Its a potential gold mine for hackers and bad actors, and can also put individuals in abusive relationships at greater risk for harm.

Microsoft listened to the initial outcry about privacy and security concerns when Recall was first revealed back in Mayit revised its original launch plans, promising to leave Recall off by default (rather than on) and to retool the style of encryption so that the screenshots were only accessible when needed for a search. The company also delayed wider release of the feature, keeping it to Windows Insiders only for continued testing.

The idea of Microsoft Recall is cool, but not everyone will want itand they shouldnt be forced to still have remnants of it on their PCs. The idea of Microsoft Recall is cool, but not everyone will want itand they shouldnt be forced to still have remnants of it on their PCs. Microsoft The idea of Microsoft Recall is cool, but not everyone will want itand they shouldnt be forced to still have remnants of it on their PCs. Microsoft Microsoft

However, when a preview version of Windows 11 seemed to allow the option to uninstall Recall, Microsoft squashed the resulting buzz by saying it was an unintended bug. You can still disable Recall, but you cant wholesale jettison it from your PC.

Thats disappointing, because in the most simple terms, a truly secure PC is one that keeps your data out of unwanted hands. And if Microsoft opens up the potential for that information to get served to others, it should also allow fully closing off that possibility. The threat of a PC breach is constant in todays worldthe number and scope of phishing attacks continue to increase. Microsoft Recall is a prospective liability, since features that arent removed can always be switched back on or otherwise exploited. The option to uninstall Recall would eliminate a potential vulnerability at its root.

In fairness, the line between future-forward technology and security is often thin. Tech companies cant water down their products to the point of rendering them uselessbut more thoughtful approaches would allow the futurists to see their science-fiction dreams come to life, while protecting those who need it from nefarious intent. The ability to uninstall a feature lets it exist as envisioned for those who want it.

But as it stands, the concerned publics best hope for Microsoft Recall is it gets the same treatment as Cortana and Copilot, where its pushed so hard on every Windows user that no one bothers with it. Eventually, itll get put out to pasture, never to be seen againa sad outcome, where neither the futurists nor the wary truly got what they wanted.
The best investment you can make for an overseas trip? Not jamming a weeks worth of clothes in a carry-on. Not paying hundreds for more legroom on the plane. Its buying a local SIM or eSIM, specifically one that offers unlimited 5G data so youre never disconnected.

In the past year, Ive traveled to cover both Computex (in Taiwan) and IFA (in Germany), and on both occasions I purchased local SIM access for relative peanuts  about $30 or so for 7 to 10 days worth of data. Each plan I bought offered unlimited data on networks that were as good or better than whats offered here in the United States.

Today is Amazon Prime Big Deal Days! Our editorial team lists the best tech deals here. ]

Consider this: youre likely going to be out and about, visiting museums, eating out at restaurants, streaming Netflix by the pool Yes, you can use your hotels Wi-Fi, but only within range of the hotel. And with all the concerns about malicious actors lurking on public Wi-Fi, a dedicated cellular connection can be convenient and safe!

SIM and eSIM to the rescue

I opted for a local SIM over what my carrier already provides. T-Mobile (my wireless ISP) offers about 5GB of high-speed data when overseas, and your carrier may have a similar option. But if that limit is exceeded, throttling happens  not only does it slow down cellular data speeds, it also kicks you down to 4G or worse.

Theres a world of difference between the amount of data provided by a 4G network and how quick that data is. Im willing to pay a little extra for the peace of mind in knowing that Ill have all the data I want, when I want it! Thats thanks to local SIMs and eSIMs.

The SIM manager on my Samsung Galaxy S23 phone. ByteSIM is the primary eSIM in this case, but it falls back to my SIM for phone calls and texts. The SIM manager on my Samsung Galaxy S23 phone. ByteSIM is the primary eSIM in this case, but it falls back to my SIM for phone calls and texts. Mark Hachman / IDG The SIM manager on my Samsung Galaxy S23 phone. ByteSIM is the primary eSIM in this case, but it falls back to my SIM for phone calls and texts. Mark Hachman / IDG Mark Hachman / IDG

Most modern phones offer the option to use either a dedicated SIM card (physical) or an eSIM (digital). For the last several years, buying a new phone has generally meant swapping out your SIM card from the old phone to the new one. When you travel overseas, a local SIM provider gives you a different SIM card, which you then pop into your phone (and hold onto your personal SIM card for when you return home).

That process of popping a SIM in and out isnt convenient, though. You have to make sure you dont lose or break that tiny little card, and you need the dexterity to fiddle around with the SIM tray on your phone, get it open, insert your card, and close it again. Thats why eSIM is far more useful and what I recommend  if your phone supports it.

Why eSIM is better for travel

An eSIM (short for embedded SIM) essentially works by telling your phone to roam onto a local network with the authentication token to do so. When you buy an eSIM, the carrier sends data to your phone for activation, at which point youre authorized to use their network.

Whats nice is that eSIMs work in conjunction with your home SIM  the eSIM can be programmed to access local data while your home SIM is still used for texts and calls. Thats especially useful if you rarely make phone calls but still want to send texts to friends and family.

Note: For me, T-Mobile offers unlimited texts overseas, so I can easily keep in touch with my friends and family that way. Just keep in mind that if you do place calls while overseas, you may be charged international rates.

When I visited Taiwan, I used a local SIM provider with my spare phone to be a dedicated Taiwan phone. And it worked! But having to walk around and hunt down a SIM provider after a 13-hour plane flight wasnt exactly fun. Thats why when I visited Germany, I used this ByteSIM option that was about $30 for unlimited 5G data.

Picking the right eSIM provider does take a bit of research. Our sister site TechAdvisor recommends Saily, an app that serves as a front door to eSIM plans around the world. And if theres a gotcha, its this: eSIM plans are activated in different ways. Some activate immediately (so your available time begins counting down as soon as the purchase is completed), others only kick in after you redeem the eSIM. The best ones only activate after your phone successfully connects to their network.

I particularly liked how ByteSIM advised me of what speeds to expect: I did get about 180Mbps on Germanys Telekom network, and the SIM roamed freely between it and its competitors.

I also noticed an unexpected benefit: if youre traveling in Europe, websites recognize you as an EU citizen and offer to clear your cookies. Hurray for EU privacy laws!

So, think about this the next time youre traveling abroad: if youre already going to spend thousands of dollars on airfare, hotels, meals, and activities, isnt it worth spending just a few more bucks on a good foreign SIM or eSIM? Honestly, its the best travel investment you can make.
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/

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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 underway.



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.

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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.

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A 35-year-old Cumberland County man was arrested and charged with several offenses this month after police said he raped an unconscious woman in her home the same day the pair attended a protection from abuse hearing barring him from the womans residence, according to a criminal complaint.

The victim said Matthew Remeikis, of Carlisle, broke into her Middlesex Township home on June 26 and raped her while she was sleeping, prompting her to go to the Penn State Hampden Medical Center later that day for a sexual assault examination, police said.

In an interview with police on June 27 the woman said she and Remeikis were both present for a protection from abuse (PFA) hearing the previous day at the Cumberland County Courthouse. The PFA prohibits Remeikis from contacting the woman or visiting her home until at least Aug. 1, the affidavit said.

After the hearing, Remeikis sent several text messages to the victim asking to meet for drinks and talk about the ongoing legal situation, but Remeikis never received a response, according to police.

The woman told investigators she took one of her prescription Klonopin pills, used to treat anxiety and promote sleep, and took a nap after receiving the text messages from Remeikis, the criminal complaint said.

When the woman awoke from her sleep, she said Remeikis was on top of her having sex with her, according to police. The victim tried to tell Remeikis to stop but said she was unable to speak and was barely awake during the assault.

After ejaculating inside the victim, Remeikis said, Thanks, I needed that, and, I should leave before I get in trouble, the affidavit said. The victims mother eventually came to the home and took the woman to Penn State Hampden Medical Center.

A sexual assault kit was sent to Pennsylvania State Police along with two swabs containing Remeikis DNA. Results for the kit are pending.

Remeikis, who is incarcerated in the Cumberland County Prison as of Tuesday, is charged with rape of an unconscious victim, indecent assault without consent, aggravated indecent assault  complainant is unconscious or unaware that penetration is occurring and criminal trespassing.

The court denied Remeikis bail and scheduled his preliminary hearing for Sept. 11.
A 46-year-old Lancaster County woman pleaded guilty to wire fraud on Tuesday after the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania said she defrauded two non-profit veterans organizations in Lancaster of nearly $1.5 million.

Jessika L. Hiepler, of Lancaster, served as a board member and treasurer/financial officer for the American Legion Post 34, also known as Legion Post 34, for 15 years, according to a press release.

In 2019, Hiepler offered to help a different veterans organization, American Veterans Post 19, also known as AMVETS Post 19, with its troubled financial situation.

The release from the U.S. Attorneys Office continued:

Hiepler assumed control of the AMVETS Post 19s financials and abused her position to acquire the organizations four-acre commercial property through theft, deceit and misrepresentation.

After assuming control of the 4-acre commercial property owned by AMVETS Post 19, Hiepler schemed about selling the property several times.

Hiepler paid $500,000 for the 4-acre commercial property and sold it for $1.95 million through her real estate investment company, resulting in a profit of $1.425 million.

While managing the two organizations financials, Hiepler stole from Legion Post 34 to help AMVETS Post 19s financial situation, while also stealing from AMVETS Post 19 for her own personal gain.

Jessika Hieplers contempt for her victims, veterans who served this country, is palpable  and despicable, said U.S. Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero. Not only did she defraud these organizations, she did so gleefully, hurling insults and expletives behind the scenes. My office and the FBI will never stop working to hold crooks like this accountable on behalf of fraud victims, both past and potential.

Hiepler faces a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $500,000 fine, in addition to paying restitution.

Hiepler also agreed to return $1,425,847.24 as part of the plea agreement.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Lancaster City Bureau of Police, which was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Samuel S. Dalke and Andrew Jenemann.
By Aliya Schneider and Aseem Shukla, The Philadelphia Inquirer (TNS)

Joseph Swartz of Cumberland County began identifying himself as a disaffected Republican in 2008, over what he saw as a more adversarial Sarah Palin-esque brand of GOP politics.

Come 2016, Swartz voted for Hillary Clinton  the first time hed ever supported a Democratic presidential candidate.

Soon after, he left the party altogether.

I didnt feel good about having to do, you know, sort of, logical gymnastics in order to explain how voting for Republicans is consistent with my Christian faith, said Swartz, 37.  I started getting tired of it, and that culminated with leaving the party in 2017.

Last year, he was the first Democrat elected in nearly two decades to the five-member board of commissioners in Lower Allen, a suburban town of about 20,000 people just south of Harrisburg.

The township is narrowly divided in national elections, and has shifted left but stayed shy of flipping Democratic.

Former President Donald Trump won Lower Allen by more than 1,000 votes in 2016, but by only 129 votes in 2020. Those Democratic gains reflect a shift in suburbs of small cities across the state that have long been solidly red.

The Philadelphia suburbs have gained attention for becoming increasingly Democratic in recent years and helping President Joe Biden win in 2020, but a Philadelphia Inquirer analysis of election results shows that smaller cities suburbs are also key to either partys chances of winning the White House in November.

While Trump is still favored to win Cumberland County, which is majority Republican and largely rural and suburban, Vice President Kamala Harris ability to continue her partys gains in areas like Lower Allen will be a critical factor to watch.

Democrats like Swartz are hopeful about their chances. The ideological shift might be happening more rapidly than I think we were expecting, Swartz said.

Voting machines in Cumberland County in 2020. (Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.com, file)

Democrats hope to make inroads in Cumberland County

The Republican Party still has a strong presence in the Harrisburg area.

West of Lower Allen, Trump signs are prominently displayed in downtown Carlisle, the county seat, including outside the county Republican committee headquarters.

At the nearby Democratic headquarters, residents walked in on a recent Monday afternoon to put their names on a list for Harris-Walz lawn signs, which had not yet arrived. Party officials are hoping to mobilize their base  and attract independents and persuadable Republicans.

We often say to voters, This isnt your fathers Republican Party, said Matt Roan, chair of the Cumberland County Democratic Committee.

Roan said the county party is also focused on down-ballot races like Democrat Janelle Stelsons effort to unseat U.S. Rep. Scott Perry, and a state House race in which Democrat Sara Agerton is challenging Republican State Rep. Sheryl Delozier. And he hopes Harris can improve on Bidens 2020 performance in the county.

Kamala Harris may not win Cumberland County, but if she loses by five instead of 10, its going to go a long way toward delivering Pennsylvania for the Democratic ticket, he said.

But Democrats will face an uphill battle in the county, as Republicans still strongly outnumber Democrats in voter registration, 81,000 to 55,000.

Frank Hancock, 73, has lived in Carlisle for almost 30 years and said he agrees with Trump about almost everything. Hancock, a veteran, even spoke at the former presidents Harrisburg rally in July.

He said he thinks the Democratic shift will reverse this year because of the cost of living, and criticized Harris for not discussing policy specifics at the Democratic National Convention.

Take a look at what they said, and it was primarily, you know, were going to have joy and hope, which is fine, except there aint no joy or hope out here, he said.

Some suburban voters say theyre sick of Trump

Richard Schin, 74, a former Lower Allen Republican commissioner, said his complaints about Biden to people at the gas pump are typically well received.

Its just not uncommon for me to look over and say, Do you ever think youd be pumping your own gas and paying this kind of money? Thanks, Uncle Joe, he said. You know, they go, Agh, this is crazy. Maybe its because of the circles I run in, you know. They say, you know, white stallions run around with other palominos.

Trump wasnt Schins first choice. He voted for former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley in the primary, and noted Trump is not an altar boy.

But life was easier four years ago, he said.

I just cant not support him because hes my only choice on the side that has done well by me, he said.

Others in the area have pulled away from the Republican Party.

Mary ODonnell of Upper Allen, which borders Lower Allen, said she always voted for Republicans because her parents supported the GOP. A teacher and a mother, ODonnell, 83, didnt pay much attention to politics. That changed with Trump.

ODonnell had a bad impression of Trump in 2016, but her friend  a die-hard Trump supporter whom ODonnell doesnt see much these days  persuaded her to vote for him. In 2020, ODonnell voted for Biden, and she plans on voting for Harris.

I voted for Donald Trump the first time he ran, and it was very shortly after the election that I was regretting that I had voted for him, she said. Hes such a blowhard, he thinks he knows everything, and nobody else does anything right.

Christine Rigling, 54, of neighboring New Cumberland, is also a former Trump voter. Rigling, who is married to the Lower Allen fire chief, said she and her husband both voted for Trump in 2016 even though they didnt necessarily like him. They are now both Democrats and voted for Biden in 2020.

We thought maybe he would listen to those surrounding him that were more educated and understood, said Rigling, who works as a medical transcriptionist. And it was not what happened.

Republican like all my friends

Dean Villone, 55, president of the Lower Allen Board of Commissioners, flipped the other way  he is a Republican who used to be a Democrat.

Villone grew up in a Democratic family, but changed his registration to run his first campaign in 2017 because he aligned better with Republican fiscal policy.

He declined to share how he voted in the last few presidential elections, or how he will vote this year.

He believes the Democratic shift in Lower Allen is the result of new people moving in and, potentially, older Republicans moving away to retire. He said he wouldnt be surprised if Lower Allen eventually flips blue.

Villone said he stopped putting up lawn signs for national races after some constituents seemed uncomfortable with them. He described Lower Allen as a place where people generally tread lightly when it comes to politics.

I think the people that are dug in on both sides that hate the other side so much are always going to get charged up, he said. But I think if you look at the bulk of the people  I think this group is growing  theyre just numb to it.

On a sunny Tuesday evening, Seth Matson, 26, a field organizer for Agerton, the Democratic candidate for state representative, knocked on doors in a Lower Allen neighborhood. Most people didnt answer their doors, and the neighborhood was quiet except for barking dogs. There were no lawn signs in sight.

Matson moved from a Democratic stronghold in California to the Harrisburg suburbs at 9, attended Cedar Cliff High School in Lower Allen, and lives in neighboring Lemoyne. In 2016, he founded a young Democrats club at the high school, and there were only three members. At the end of last school year, there were seven.

If I didnt have my own set of beliefs that I made pretty early on, I would have been Republican like all my friends, he said.
Tourism operators have warned Minister of Tourism Sorawong Thienthong to brace for a global economic downturn and fiercer competition next year, urging the government to start planning for the worst-case scenario from this year.

Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun, president of the Thai Hotels Association, said the number of foreign tourists to Thailand this year can meet the governments target of around 38 million.

However, he said the new minister and the government should look ahead to next year as several negative factors could emerge.

Thienprasit advised the tourism minister to continue key strategies under the Ignite Tourism Thailand policy, focusing on the aviation hub and soft power promotions.

Related ministries should collaborate more closely with the tourism sector to ensure ease of travel and safety for tourists in the upcoming high season and through all of next year, he said.

Thanet Supornsahasrungsi, president of the Association of the Chonburi Tourism Federation, recommended that the new minister should appoint experts from the private sector to the team.

While the Thai tourism sector is fortunate to have established products and a reputation of value for money, the industry still requires active campaigns to attract tourists as major markets are shifting to independent travel based on unique demand and changing behavior, he noted.

Rising stars such as Vietnam are catching up with Thailand in terms of tourism development and attractive prices, luring large numbers of tourists such as those from the Republic of Korea, said Thanet.
You dont often see a band lose a key member mid-tour, but Kansas has been together a long time, and Billy Greer has apparently done all he can.

So, the bassist and co-lead vocalist, has retired, according to multiple reports.

Greer played with Kansas for nearly 40 years before deciding to step away.

The band also shared the news of Greers departure on its Instagram page.

The band Kansas and its entire organization extend heartfelt gratitude to Billy for his decades of exceptional musicianship, the post read. Billy joined Kansas in 1985 and has been an unwavering presence with the band since.

For 39 years, Billy has been a loyal, dedicated, and immensely talented bandmate, drummer Phil Ehart said in a statement on the bands Instagram page. Hes traveled around the world with us including USO tours.

Guitarist Richard Williams also shared his thoughts in the statement.

He stood shoulder to shoulder with us through both the ups and downs, Williams said. His voice, both singing and emceeing, has been a constant with us on stage. The entire Kansas family will miss him.

The statement said that Greer appeared on stage with Kansas for more than 2,300 live performances.

While Kansas is currently in the middle of a tour, the band promised that Greers departure would not impact its schedule.
Wine is once again being made on the property where for so many years Pinnacle Ridge operated.

The Referend Bier Blendery of Kutztown, in Berks County, recently released its first wines under its wine brand, Therein Wine Co.

James Priest, founder and blender of Referend Bier, said he believes it to be the states first zero-zero winery. Theres nothing added nor removed, just grapes spontaneously fermented, he said.

While the grapes arent sourced from their vineyard as yet, Priest said, they do come from local vineyards.

Hes also celebrating the news that Slow Food awarded the blendery its prestigious Snail of Approval award, given by local chapters based on evaluations focused on the following six areas: sourcing, environmental impact, cultural connection, community involvement, staff support, and business values.

According to Slow Food USA, The Slow Food Snail of Approval award is a recognition given to food and beverage establishments that are pursuing and practicing Slow Food values in their business. This is more than about making good food  its about making commitments to the environment, local communities, employees and purveyors, and our core values of antiracism and anti-oppression.

Founder and winemaker Brad Knapp sold Pinnacle Ridge Winery, one of the best-known brands in central and eastern Pennsylvania, in January 2021 after owning and operating it for 25 years. His friend and longtime colleague Carl Helrich, who also is the proprietor and winemaker for Allegro and Cadenza wineries, purchased the winery and opened two tasting rooms, one in Lansdale, Montgomery County, and another in Stewartstown, down the street from Allegro and the former Naylor Winecellars site.

The Referend Bier Blendery in the summer of 2021 moved from Pennington, Mercer County, to Kutztown.

Priest said in a post on Facebook and the producers website that they started searching for a farm home for The Referend in 2015, with our sights set on the sourlands of Central New Jersey, and after a year and a half of striking out we found ourselves a perfectly suitable blank canvas of a warehouse in Pennington. But we kicked the dream of planting real roots down the line into the present day. Were here now.

Asked by Pennlive about the past 3 1/2 years, Priest said the move has served its purpose.

Wed like The Referend and Therein Wine to last for decades if not centuries, so most of our decisions  including, of course, our move to PA  are made with extreme longevity and sustainability in mind, he wrote in an email. Being in a barn built 173 years ago by craftspeople with similar intentions helps us maintain this mindset in the face of a culture that overvalues cheap disposable ephemera. In the meantime, we live in a fermentative playground and are excited to keep tightening the radius of our ingredients.

The three wines include a 2023 vintage of Nothing Is Our Very Own (100% Viognier, Lehigh Valley AVA), a 2022 vintage of Their Grey Roses (100% Chambourcin, Central Delaware Valley AVA), and a 2021 vintage of Thered Be Others (60% Cabernet Franc, 40% Chambourcin, Central Delaware Valley AVA).

The three wine labels are featured below.

Therein Wine Company's There'd Be Others wine.Therein Wine Co.

Therein Wine Co.'s Nothing Is Our Very Own, made from Viognier grapes.Therein Wine Co.

Therein Wine Co.'s Their Grey Roses, made from Chambourcin grapes.Therein Wine Co.

Priest told PennLive Wednesday evening that around 3 1/2 acres of vines are still growing and he has been interspersing those with new plantings as he works to revitalize whats there.

Beer remains its primary product. Since 2016, it has produced beer using strictly spontaneous fermentation, sourcing yeast passively from the environment and open air, and actively sourcing locally-grown grain and fruit. Per the website, these naturally wild beers develop on their own timeline, with total production times ranging from nine months to five years, and with bottles carrying cellaring potentials of three to 50 years.

The cellar and tasting room are located in Kutztown, at 407 Old U.S. 22, where customers can come in to taste from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, 1 to 8 p.m. Saturday and noon. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Its bottle membership club is presently at capacity but welcoming those interested to sign up on the waitlist.

Click on this link to peruse the long list of beers and other products that are available to taste and/or purchase.

Asked about the Slow Food award, Priest noted that while we understand its not a slowness contest, the truth is that our beers are designed to develop at a snails pace, and its very likely that no other brewery in the world takes as long from brewday to bottle release. Our current 16 bottles available to-go from our Cellar Bar are an average of five-and-a-half years old. And they just keep getting better. 

As a producer of exclusively spontaneously fermented beer (one of only three such breweries in the United State), the long maturation times have been The Referends adopted mindset since its founding in 2015, as the beers rely entirely on the slow success of wild, ambient microflora.

Per a news release, The Referend has since steadily increased its commitments to sustainability, first partnering with local farmers and maltsters to use 100% local grain and fruit, and conducting bottle refermentations with local honey rather than industry-standard untraceable bags of dextrose.

But the biggest sustainability boon came from the move to the former winery and its 19th-century barn that was a Pinnacle Ridge landmark.

Our new bankbarn barrel cellar uses less than a tenth the energy of our previous barrel warehouse, and allows the beer to mature gracefully through seasonal temperature fluctuations, Priest said. Then theres the agricultural component. For the long-term health of our natural beer and wine fermentations, as well as for the health of ourselves, our workers, and our neighbors, we immediately converted our 6 acres here to organic methods. Our spent grains, hops, and fruit are composted and spread back into the vineyard and orchard.

When an unlucky barrel turns vinegary its no longer drainbound; its acetic acids and micronutrients still hold great utility as a gentle herbicide and soil amendment, he said. Above all, the blendery is able to use perennial inputs grown here  grapes, apples, pears, elderflower, aronia, rhubarb, spruce tips, lemon balm, chamomile, lavender, and many more plantings still to come to fruition  that Priest said all help stamp our beer with an ever more precise taste of place. 

The Slow Food movement originated in Italy in 1989 as a response to the growth of fast food and other changes in the food system worldwide.

Its manifesto concludes: In the name of productivity, the fast life has changed our lifestyle and now threatens our environment and our land (and city) scapes. Slow Food is the alternative, the avant-gardes riposte. [] Slow Food assures us of a better quality lifestyle. With a snail purposely chosen as its patron and symbol, it is an idea and a way of life that needs much sure but steady support. 
A change is coming to fans of canned soup.

The bosses at the 155-year-old Campbell Soup Company have announced plans to drop soup from its corporate name. It will rebrand as The Campbells Company.

The companys chief executive, Mark Clouse, said the decision to rename the group The Campbells Company was part of a shift in focus to the other snack foods since customers are ditching the ready-to-serve soups.

In addition to its lineup of soups, the New Jersey-based company now owns snack brands that include Goldfish, Snyders of Hanover, Cape Cod, Pepperidge Farm, V8 beverages and others. Also, Campbell recently bought Sovos Brands, which makes popular Italian food brands, including Raos sauces.

This subtle yet important change retains the companys iconic name recognition, reputation and equity built over 155 years while better reflecting the full breadth of the companys portfolio, Clouse said Tuesday in a statement.

Clouse also confirmed that investors would vote on the name change at the companys annual general meeting in November.

We will always love soup, and well never take our eye off of this critical business, Clouse said during the companys investor day recently. But today, were so much more than soup.

Last year, Campbells snack sales grew by 13%, while its soups grew by 3%.

The company started producing canned condensed soup in 1897 and is believed to be the first in the U.S. to do so. The company has held the Campbell Soup Company name since 1922.
By Alison McCook, The Philadelphia Inquirer (TNS)

PHILADELPHIA  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 have become a hot commodity, used by 1 in 8 U.S. adults, according to a recent poll.

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 injectable diabetes drug Ozempic (AP Photo/David J. Phillip, 2023)AP

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 it 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.
By Eugene Garcia and Olga R. Rodriguez, The Associated Press

TRABUCO CANYON, Calif.  Apocalyptic-looking plumes of smoke dotted skies over parts of Southern California on Tuesday as firefighters battled at least three major wildfires that erupted amid a blistering heat wave and were threatening tens of thousands of homes and buildings.

Evacuation orders were expanded Tuesday night as the three fires grew and included parts of the popular ski town of Big Bear and the entire town of Wrightwood, with about 4,500 residents. Webcams set up at the Mountain High ski resort west of Wrightwood showed flames creeping across some of the runs as smoke hung in the air among the trees and lifts.

In Orange County, firefighters used bulldozers, helicopters and planes to control a rapidly spreading blaze called the Airport Fire that started Monday and spread to about 3 square miles (8 square kilometers) in only a few hours. The blaze was ignited by a spark from heavy equipment being used by public workers, officials said.

By Tuesday night, it had charred more than 30 square miles (78 square kilometers) and was heading over mountainous terrain into neighboring Riverside County with no containment, said Orange County Fire Authority Capt. Steve Concialdi. It burned some communications towers on top of a peak, though so far officials said they did not have reports of the damage disrupting police or fire communication signals in the area.

Concialdi said the fire was burning away from homes in Orange County, but there are 36 recreational cabins in the area. He said authorities dont yet know if the cabins were damaged or destroyed by the blaze.

Two firefighters who suffered heat-related injuries and a resident who suffered from smoke inhalation were treated at a hospital and released.

Sherri Fankhauser, her husband and her daughter set up lawn chairs and were watching helicopters make water drops on a flaming hillside a few hundred yards away from their Trabuco Canyon home on Tuesday.

They didnt evacuate even though their street had been under a mandatory evacuation order since Monday. A neighbor did help Fankhausers 89-year-old mother-in-law evacuate, Fankhauser said. The flames died down last night but flared up again in the morning.

You can see fire coming over the ridge now, Fankhauser said Tuesday afternoon. Its getting a little scarier now.

She said she trusted the crews would get things under control and that firefighters were keeping them informed.

Another blaze, the Bridge Fire, in Southern Californias Angeles National Forest, wasnt contained at all as of Tuesday and officials ordered residents of Wrightwood to leave.

Meanwhile, in the San Bernardino National Forest, about 65 miles (105 kilometers) east of Los Angeles, some 65,600 homes and buildings were under threat by the Line Fire, including those under mandatory evacuations and those under evacuation warnings, nearly double the number from the previous day.

Firefighters monitor the Airport Fire as it advances Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in El Cariso, an unincorporated community in Riverside County, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)AP

Residents along the southern edge of Big Bear Lake were told to leave the area Tuesday night, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department. Its unclear how many people were affected in the area, which is a popular destination for anglers, bikers and hikers.

The blaze had charred more than 51 square miles (132 square kilometers) of grass and brush and blanketed the area with a thick cloud of dark smoke Tuesday. The acrid air prompted several districts in the area to close schools through the end of the week because of safety concerns. Three firefighters have been injured since the blaze was reported Thursday, state fire managers said.

The fire was 14% contained and was affecting small mountain towns where Southern California residents ski in the winter and mountain bike in the summer.

Other major fires were burning across the West, including in Idaho, Oregon and Nevada, where about 20,000 people had to flee a blaze outside Reno.

California firefighters hope to gain the upper hand as cooler weather moves into the state later in the week. An excessive heat warning issued for the Los Angeles area will expire Tuesday night.

Firefighters monitor the Airport Fire from a ridge near Porter Ranch in Trabuco Canyon, Calif., Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (Paul Bersebach/The Orange County Register via AP)AP

In Northern California, a fire measuring less than a square mile (2.6 square kilometers) that started Sunday 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 so-called Boyles Fire, which was about 50% contained Tuesday night.

In Nevada, the uncontained Davis Fire burning about 20 miles (32.2 kilometers) outside Reno grew to about 9 square miles (23 square kilometers) after igniting Sunday. The fire, which burned at least one home and threatened dozens more, originated in the Davis Creek Regional Park in the Washoe Valley and was spreading through heavy timber and brush, firefighters said.

An emergency declaration issued for Washoe County by Gov. Joe Lombardo on Sunday said about 20,000 people were evacuated from neighborhoods, businesses, parks and campgrounds.

More than 600 firefighters in the area held their own Tuesday but were bracing for worsening weather conditions Wednesday, which could see dangerously strong winds and dry conditions. The National Weather Service in Reno said it was the first time in five years and only the sixth time in history that theyve labeled the threat as a particularly dangerous situation.

Ken Motonishi walks his dogs as the Airport Fire burns near Porter Ranch in Trabuco Canyon, Calif., on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (Paul Bersebach/The Orange County Register via AP)AP

All off-duty firefighters in the Reno area have been ordered back to work Wednesday.

Ive never done that in the 12 years Ive been chief, Truckee Meadows Fire Chief Charles Moore said Tuesday.

Rodriguez reported from San Francisco.
CASTLE SHANNON, Pa.  The tone for a Democratic debate watch party near Pittsburgh was set about 20 minutes before it started when the audience was asked what they hoped would happen later.

I hope she rips him a new [expletive]! shouted one woman to cheers from those gathered at a Harris-Walz coordinated campaign office.

It was just the first of many cheers for Vice President Kamala Harris as she took on former President Donald Trump in the first presidential debate.

Those cheers mainly turned to laughter at Trump when he spoke about, well, nearly everything.

Trump touting his economic record? Laughter.

Trump disavowing Project 2025? Laughter.

Trump lying about babies being killed after they are born? Laughter.

Trump preposterously repeating a right-wing lie that Haitian immigrants are eating pets of people in Springfield, Ohio? Howling laughter.

When Harris said that Trump is more interested in looking out for himself than he is in looking out for you, one man in the crowd shouted, Amen, as the room erupted into applause and cheers.

Before the debate, Dominique Pradel-Lewis of nearby Dormont, who just so happened to be a Haitian immigrant, shrugged and gave a knowing look when asked about the pet-eating claim perpetuated on social media by Trump.

Thats nothing new, she said. Thats his character.

Pradel-Lewis said she wanted to see Harris get her point across and confront Trump about his lies and his criminal endeavors.

Decked out in a blue Harris-Walz shirt, Bill Delahanty, also a Dormont resident, compared the election to the Alamo battle and Bunker Hill.

This is for democracy, Delahanty said. Its not just for us. Its for our future and our grandkids. Its for the future of our country.

Delahanty said he hoped Harris proves her point, that shes the better candidate.

Harris campaign volunteer Chuck Torisky of Scott Township said that between 10% and 15% of the Republicans he meets while door-knocking in Pittsburghs South Hills tell him that they will never vote for Trump again.

Torisky then grew emotional when talking about the stakes of the election and his seven grandchildren. Theyre not going to live in a fascist state, he said, his voice cracking.
A 4-month-old baby boy is in grave condition in a western Pennsylvania hospital and his father faces multiple charges related to his injuries, police said.

Seth Williams, 28, of Pittsburgh, has been charged with five felony counts of aggravated assault and two felony counts of endangering the welfare of children, Pittsburgh police said in a statement on Wednesday.
By Jordan Anderson, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (TNS)

STONYCREEK, Pa.  After two decades, the grief hasnt faded. For Gordon Felt, it will never go away.

Under clear blue skies Monday, Felt stood just a few hundred yards from where the 40 passengers and crew of Flight 93, including his brother Edward, lost their lives after thwarting a planned terrorist attack on the nations capital.

The New Jersey native travels to the Pennsylvania countryside, just outside of Shanksville, Somerset County, each year to honor his brothers legacy, forever tied to the tragedy of 9/11.

You dont recover and you dont want to, Felt said. I talk a lot about holding on to those memories, to that pain. You learn how to move forward, but you carry that with you.

Wednesday marks 23 years since that fateful day, when nearly 3,000 people died in a series of terrorist attacks that also targeted the Pentagon and New York Citys Twin Towers. Thanks to the actions of the passengers and crew, Flight 93 was the only one of the four hijacked planes that failed to reach its intended target.

Each year, the National Park Service invites the public to pay their respects with a reading of the victims names and a wreath-laying ceremony at the Flight 93 National Memorial site.

President Joe Biden, second from right, and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, third from left, place a wreath at the Flight 93 National Memorial Wall of Names accompanied by family members of Flight 93 passengers Patrick White, cousin of Louis Nache, second from left, and Calvin Wilson, cousin of first officer Leroy Homer, right, in Shanksville, Pa., Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)AP

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro speaks to the media after a wreath-laying ceremony at the Flight 93 National Memorial Sept. 11, 2001 annual observance ceremony near Shanksville, Pa., Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (John Rucosky/The Tribune-Democrat via AP)AP

Today, visitors were to include President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, Gov. Josh Shapiro and former President Donald Trump.

No matter who comes to honor the occasion, 9/11 is about one thing to Felt: the ordinary people who took a stand and changed the course of history.

They didnt have any stake in international intrigue or politics, Felt said. They were innocent people. Innocent people that acted heroically.

About 45 minutes into the Sept. 11, 2001, morning flight from Newark, N.J., to San Francisco, terrorists on board Flight 93 overtook the cockpit and turned the plane southeast toward Washington, D.C.

The passengers and crew were told to be quiet and forced to the back of the plane. But rather than succumb to what would happen next, the group voted to take collective action and fight back.

The cockpit voice recorder captured the sounds of the battle they fought in the sky  shouts, calls to action and breaking glass. Flight 93 would eventually plow into an empty field at more than 500 mph, creating a ball of fire and sending debris for miles.

Laura Barbour doesnt consider herself much of a crier, but she couldnt help it during her visit to the memorial Monday. Barbour and her husband, Ed, traveled from Cleveland to visit their son at the Dover Air Force Base in Delaware and stopped here along the way.

They do a great job of rebuilding that memory, she said. Like you can see it in your mind, where the plane was.

A black granite walkway traces the path of the United Airlines Flight 93. At the end, visitors can stand at the overlook and view the impact site in the distance, with a sandstone boulder marking where the plane crashed into the earth. A message on the overlooks glass reads, A common field one day. A field of honor forever.

When they got on that plane that day, they had no idea what was going to happen to them, Mr. Barbour said. Even though they were told to sit down and shut up, they decided to act anyway.

It was hard for the couple to wrap their minds around what the consequences would have been if the attack been successful. Flight 93 crashed just about 20 minutes flying-time from Washington, D.C., where legislators were in session at the Capitol.

Could you imagine how horrific the loss of life, the loss of the government infrastructure? she said. And just how that would have shaken, even more, the American people. I mean, I cant imagine.

Jeanne Sutton of Brunswick, Maine, remembers driving with her dad to Best Buy, hearing live updates about the 9/11 attacks on the radio. She remembered saying, Oh my God, all those people who have lost their life. All those families that will be affected by that.

But she had no idea it would be hers. She lost her cousin, Louis Nacke, better known as Joey, in the Flight 93 crash. The 42-year-old from New Hope, Pa., wasnt supposed to be on the flight  it was a last-minute business trip because another colleague couldnt make it.

The Bells of Remembrance are rung by Fred Lukachinsky, president of Friends of Flight 93, and Donna Gibson, left, executive director of Friends of Flight 93, at the Flight 93 National Memorial on the 23rd anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks in Shanksville, Pa., Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Jared Wickerham)AP

He was a weightlifter, liked fast cars and could be recognized by his Superman tattoo. His love for the character was seen with the small Superman action figure standing at the white marble panel inscribed with his name. Each victim received their own panel at the memorial site.

Others had personal touches, too, like the small group of seashells under Honor Wainios name. One of the shells contained a written note, reading, I never knew you personally but I heard you love sea shells. This is for you. In honor of Honor.

Ms. Sutton remembers her uncles devastation when Joey called him from the plane but the communication was garbled and they were never able to connect. Her uncle would die less than a year later.

His immediate family felt that he died of a broken heart, Sutton said. It just bothered him that he couldnt hear what Joey was trying to say to him.

While she has the personal connection, Sutton thinks its important for everyone to understand what happened that day and the people behind those courageous actions. She and her husband plan to visit all three 9/11 memorials, with just the Pentagon left. We need to remember, she said.

For Felt, becoming an advocate has been healing. The loved ones of the victims became an extended family of sorts and created the Families of Flight 93 nonprofit group, where he has served as president.

They were instrumental in making this memorial project possible, and still to this day, seeing the emotional response it conjures in visitors is meaningful to Felt.

Its no easier way but I get encouraged by the people coming here, who havent forgotten, he said.

Felt is finding, though, that the lessons of unity learned that day are fading as the political divide worsens. Thats why hell continue to share the story of Flight 93.

You think where we were on Sept. 12, we were one country, he said. We were able to get together and put aside our differences. Slowly, things have eroded. Its important that we talk about who we were, who we became and hopefully, who we can become once again.
Want a say in the news? Email Claudia at todayinpa@pennlive.com to have your thoughts on the stories covered here or on PennLive heard.

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Today in Pa. Daily Podcast | September 11, 2024

A total of $75 million will be put toward addressing asbestos and mold issues in schools, among other things. Every school in the state, for the first time, will be required to hold a moment of silence for 9/11. Happy hour just got longer. Finally, theres an explanation for that weird light that lit up the sky the other day.

Those are the stories we cover in the latest episode of Today in Pa., a daily weekday podcast from PennLive.com and hosted by Claudia Dimuro. Today in Pa. is dedicated to sharing the most important and interesting stories pertaining to Pennsylvania that lets you know, indeed, whats happening today in Pa.

Todays episode refers to the following articles:

If you enjoy Today in Pa., consider leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts or on Amazon. Reviews help others find the show and, besides, wed like to know what you think about the program, too.

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Editors Note: This article has bee updated to include new deadline of 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept, 18 for submission of nominations for Peace + Justice in PA Awards.

PennLive is seeking nominations for the 2024 Peace + Justice in PA to salute people and organizations in Central Pennsylvania working to advance the ideals of social justice, diversity and inclusion in our communities.

The Peace + Justice in PA awards will be presented to individuals and nonprofit organizations at ceremonies from noon-1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 9 in the conference center of Central Penn College, 600 Valley Rd., Summerdale, Pa.

Dr. Bryant T. Marks, founding director of the National Training Institute on Race and Equity; Nebiy Esayas of PennLive; Joyce Davis of PennLive; and Chad Dion Lassiter, executive director of the Pa. Human Relations Commission, answer questions during the Peace + Justice in Pa. event held at Harrisburg University on Nov. 15, 2022. Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.com

Heres a link to register to attend in person or via live stream: https://events.pennlive.com/pj2024/begin?utm_content=303365285&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter

Deadline to submit nominations for the Peace + Justice in PA awards has been extended to 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19. Nominations should be sent to letters@pennlive.com. We encourage nominations of people and organizations from throughout Central Pennsylvania.

Please make sure to include the following in your nomination:

Name of nominee for the 2024 Peace + Justice in PA award.

Contact information  email, phone  for yourself and your nominee.

A concise bio of the person being nominated or information on the organization being nominated.

Specific details on why they should receive the 2023 Peace + Justice in PA award.

Joyce Davis, Opinion Editor for PennLive, Pat Gadsden, award winner Ann Van Dyke, Candacy Taylor and Chad Dion Lassiter during the Peace & Justice PA on Oct. 17, 2023. Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.com

Veteran civil rights activist Ann Van Dyke was honored with the Peace + Justice in PA award in 2023, and the Rev. Nathaniel and Pat Gadsden were honored in 2022. The staff of the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC) received the first award presented in 2021.

The two organizational awards last year went to Highmarks Enterprise Equity Institute for its work advancing equity, inclusion, and addressing health disparities and inequities; and to The Brethren Housing Association of Harrisburg for its support of homeless people.

PHRC is partnering with the PA Media Group to feature New York Times reporter and author Heather McGhee as keynote.

Heather McGhee is the author of "The Sum of Us."Provided by Doug Kindschi

McGhee is author of The Sum of Us, that lays bare the tragic costs of Americas divisions and how racism hurts not only people of color, but our entire society.

Veteran journalist Ivey DeJesus, chair of PennLives Diversity, Equity and Inclusion committee, will introduce the keynote.

McGhee is an advocate for what she calls the Solidarity Dividend, when people unite across racial lines to build better communities for everyone.

This is the same spirit the Peace + Justice in PA awards will celebrate. We encourage readers to submit nominations as soon as possible, and to register to join us for this important event.

Joyce M. Davis is PennLives Outreach & Opinion Editor. Follow her on Facebook and on Twitter @byjoycedavis.

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Eleven years ago this month, the United Nations Security Council, responding to the Syrian governments horrific poison gas attack on the Ghouta district of Damascus, passed Resolution 2118.

That Resolution necessitated the expeditious destruction of Syrias chemical weapons program under stringent verification, said Robert Wood, U.S. Alternative Representative for Special Political Affairs at the U.N.

It stated the Syrian Arab Republic shall not use, develop, produce, acquire, stockpile, retain, or transfer chemical weapons and shall cooperate fully with the UN and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, OPCW, including by giving UN and

OPCW personnel immediate and unfettered access to inspect any and all sites, he said.

Resolution 2118 said those individuals responsible for the use of chemical weapons in Syria must be held accountable. By every one of these measures, the Syrian Arab Republic has not only failed to implement these provisions but has shown utter contempt for the will of this Council and for the families of the men, women, and children who suffered and died due to such attacks.

After 11 years of this behavior, we can all see that this regime has no shame whatsoever, said Ambassador Wood. Multiple international investigations have all come to the same conclusion: that the Assad regime repeatedly used chemical weapons against Syrian citizens.

Despite this conclusive evidence, the Syrian Arab Republic refuses to comply with the Chemical Weapons Convention by fully and verifiably accounting for its chemical weapon program and arsenal. Even more disturbing is the fact that this regime has yet to take responsibility for the atrocities it has committed against its own citizens, he said.

In response to Syrias continued non-compliance, the OPCW Conference of States Parties recommended that States Parties take a number of collective measures, including to prevent the transfer to Syria of certain dual-use chemicals and equipment, said Ambassador Wood.

This decision also aims to prevent the same dual-use chemicals and equipment from falling into the hands of non-state actors, including terrorist groups, he said. The United States urges all Member States to implement these measures without delay.

After 11 years, the Syrian regime is banking on all of us forgetting their atrocities. The United States refuses to do so, said Ambassador Wood. We will not forget; we will not relent; and we implore every nation seated at this table to do the same.
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has issued an alert that an invasive species of insect has been found within Pennsylvania for the first time.

The box tree moth, described as a highly destructive, invasive insect new to North America in a press release, has been found in two cemeteries in Erie County.

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has issued a quarantine to help businesses and homeowners recognize the insect, learn how to control it, and keep it from spreading, the press release read.

The box tree moth is native to eastern Asia, and has been previously found in Delaware, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Ohio, and Ontario, Canada.

While it does not harm humans or threaten any food products, it is known to feed on boxwoods, one of the most popular plants used as topiaries and hedges across the state.

Boxwoods are the largest-selling evergreen shrub in the U.S., the press release read The destructive box tree moth spreads primarily through shipping and sales of infected boxwoods.

According to the Department of Agriculture, the insect threatens the nursery and landscaping industry, which provides 63,000 jobs and generates $4.1 billion annually for the state economy.

Box tree moth eggs are clusters of flat, scale-like deposits, usually found on the underside of leaves in groups of 5-20 orange eggs.

Newly hatched caterpillars are green to yellow with black heads, and horizontal stripes of white, yellow and black appear as they mature. They reach sizes of up to 1.5 inches.

As the infestation progresses feeding will lead to skeletonization, removing almost all leaf tissue and leaving the midrib behind, reads the Department of Agricultures website. Silk webbing made by the caterpillars will also start to appear as loosely placed strands between branches and leaves. Severely infested plants may take on a scorched brown look.

Adult box tree moths have two distinct forms, one light with mostly white wings, and one dark with dark wings and small patches of white, with a wingspan of between 1.5 to 1.8 inches.

If you suspect the insect on your boxwoods, please report it to badbug@pa.gov or 1-888-253-7189, the website says. Please indicate which life stage was found, if damage was present, and include photos if possible.

Further details for how to identify the box tree moth and boxtree plants, and how to report sightings of the moths, can be found on the Department of Agricultures website here.
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On a recent visit to London, Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with United Kingdom Foreign Secretary David Lammy to discuss foreign policy priorities shared by both nations.

Chief among them is continued support for Ukraine, said Secretary Blinken.

Together, we're working to make sure that Ukraine can defend its territory against the ongoing aggression, that it will be able to stand strongly on its own two feet, militarily, economically, democratically, and that it will remain on the path that the Ukrainian people so desire to be on a closer integration with Europe, with transatlantic institutions.

Secretary Blinken and Foreign Secretary Lammy also discussed joint efforts to ensure peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea.

For both of us, maintaining peace and stability, preserving the status quo is essential. And its essential not just to us; it's again essential to countries all around the world, said Secretary Blinken.

In order to wage war on Ukraine, Putin is acquiring weapons from Iran and the DPRK in clear violation of multiple U.N. Security Council resolutions, said Secretary Blinken:

Tehran has long supplied deadly drones. It's built a drone factory in Russia. It's trained Russian personnel on how to operate them. For some time, the United States has warned of an additional threat: The provision by Iran of ballistic missiles to Russia for use in Ukraine. ... Russia has now received shipments of these ballistic missiles and will likely use them within weeks in Ukraine against Ukrainians.

Russia is sharing technology that Iran seeks, including on nuclear issues as well as some space information. Secretary Blinken warned that this could lead to significant economic consequences for Tehran's actions.

On Israel and Gaza, both leaders discussed efforts to prevent the crisis in the Middle East from escalating. Our nations helped Israel defend itself against an unprecedented attack from Iran a few months ago. We're prepared to act together to help Israel defend itself in the future, said Secretary Blinken. We're equally determined to end the conflict in Gaza as soon as possible.

The United States is grateful to have a strong partner in the United Kingdom to take on the urgent challenges facing the transatlantic community.
Scott Ball Says I Want to See Creators Get Paid; Claims Nagy Never Made Good on Eight-Figure Deal

Chad Holloway PR & Media Manager Copy link

A can of worms was opened in the poker world a few weeks ago when a clipped video featuring Ludwig Ahgren called out unregulated poker site ACR Poker for allegedly refusing to pay him out. Ludwig later clarified his comments that he had been paid for his services but had issues cashing out funds on the unlicensed site.

However, the fallout revealed that several other streamers hadnt been paid by End Game Talent, a third-party company hired by ACR to find influencers. That company was run by the controversial Scott Ball, and ACR spoke of them in a statement issued to Poker.org:

"ACR Poker engaged a third-party agency to arrange brand marketing by streamers they purported to represent. Every streamer worked under their own talent agency. ACR paid the central agency, which was to pay the streamers through their respective talent agents. That arrangement unfortunately ended with serious disputes about whether the central agency stiffed or underpaid the various talent agencies or their individual streamer clients. ACR stands by our positive track record with sponsored players, marketing campaigns, and streamers' talent agencies. The company that reportedly failed to pay talent agencies is believed to have been sued by the streamers' talent agencies.

ACR CEO Phil Nagy also went on Matt Berkeys Only Friends Podcast to give an off-the-cuff interview in which he laid the blame squarely on Balls End Game Talent.

In response, Ball made a public post on X on August 25:

Now, Ball is further disputing those allegations stating that it was ACRs non-payment of an eight-figure contract  rumored to be $30 million  that ultimately led to some influencers not getting paid, though many have.

I think that it's very clear that he did not talk to his legal or press teams and made a very poor, emotionally-charged decision tozf talk about a bunch of stuff, Ball told PokerNews in an exclusive interview. I think it was a pretty poor decision in the grand scheme of things.

He added: We worked with ACR for over seven years, and I can tell you their statement is just blatantly not true. As I've shown today, there are many receipts showing that we have paid lots of people, and many receipts showing that ACR owes us money. The reason I asked for arbitration amongst neutral people is because there's no gray area here. Nagy is saying there's no gray area either, but then I can offer him a freeroll in order to show this and put everything out there. I want everything public afterward because I want to clear my name and my company's name.

I had a contract for tens of millions of dollars that was honored to a total of $0."

Indeed, Ball shared various documents, spreadsheets, and messages with this reporter to validate certain claims. However, it was done so on the basis that copies could not be shared publicly due to various NDAs and ongoing legal proceedings.

Among the documents shared were a yearlong Insertion Order, and a spreadsheet highlighting payments to hundreds of content creators, with approximately 50 being unpaid and most being due either four or five figures.

I had a contract for tens of millions of dollars that was honored to a total of $0, claimed Ball. End Game Talent did not make enough at any point to be able to afford getting stiffed tens of millions of dollars.

Phil Nagy

According to Ball, ACR never made good on the contracts and shared text exchanges between himself and Nagy, as well as with someone named Juan, who he said is the CMO of ACR. In those messages, which spanned several months, Ball pressed for payment resolution with both Nagy and Juan either delaying or outright ghosting for weeks and sometimes months at a time.

I'm not here to say its me versus him, his word versus mine. I showed you receipts voluntarily of me asking him to just make everyone whole. That's what I care about. Make everyone whole and we'll fight about the money you owe me afterwards. Help me make everyone whole because I don't have $10 million to make everyone whole. Please help me make everyone whole when he's told me in the past, he would do this. He doesn't do it.

Nagy did not respond to attempts to reach him for this article.

Streamer Ludwig Regrets Unregulated Poker Site Sponsorship, Says He Never Got Paid

A Judgment Against Him

Court records from L.A. County show a default judgment from late June 2024 for $718,331 against End Game Talent from a breach-of-contract lawsuit filed by Loaded, LLC, another talent agency for streamers. This is presumably the company that reportedly failed to pay talent agencies is believed to have been sued by the streamers' talent agencies as pointed out in ACRs statement.

Ball does not dispute the judgment exists, but claimed it was awarded due to an oversight by his lawyer, who failed to respond on time.

In short, my attorneys are handling that and trying to get the default lifted so we can go back to offering a reasonable settlement to pave the road and come to terms that way. That was a mistake on my attorney's part.

Messages to lawyer David Boren, who was listed on court documents as counsel for Loaded, LLC, were not returned.

Why Not Sue?

Scott Ball

In his interview with Only Friends, Nagy made sure to point out that if he had done anything wrong then he would likely be sued.

In private text messages to me, hes like let's f***ing go, sue me after telling me he love me, said Ball. I can't sue a company in Costa Rica. I'm gonna get a judgment because I have contracts, I have receipts. I have them verbally and in text messages saying saving they owe me money. I have text messages of them ghosting me for several months about collecting the money we're owed to pay influencers. I have receipts for all of this.

There's no doubt I would get a judgment, but the US can't obtain any judgment from Costa Rica. I actually don't think it's ever happened before where the US has ever obtained a judgment from Costa Rica. So, I can spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to get a piece of paper that says they owe me money, but I'm never going to collect it. That's why I like the idea of arbitration with respected poker players who are neutral.

Seeking Arbitration

Ball reiterated that he is willing to go to arbitration with Nagy and ACR to resolve the situation.

According to him in the [Solve For Why] podcast, in their statement, they've done nothing wrong and I'm the one that's stolen a bunch of money, or they're implying that I stole a bunch of money. If that's the case, this is going to be very obvious in an arbitration situation, there will be no confusion, right?

"That's the only way I have a chance in ever collecting a dollar that the other creators are still owed and that I've spent out of my own pocket to make people as whole as I can so far.

Ball tossed out a few names as neutral parties for potential arbitration.

I don't even know Phil Galfond but I would love for someone like him and Shaun Deeb. It can't be Phil Hellmuth because he is a shareholder. These kinds of guys that are neutral, get 10 of them together, let's put out all of our information  their data, my data  let's escrow, the funds, let's put it on there and let them make a decision and then issue the funds however they see fit afterwards. That's the only way I have a chance in ever collecting a dollar that the other creators are still owed and that I've spent out of my own pocket to make people as whole as I can so far.

Shaun Deeb is one of the players Ball has suggested to arbitrate.

Disputing Repossession Rumors

Ball alleges that ACR while business with ACR was good for many years, they never made good on the final eight-figure deal and that all payments to the influencers were made via End Game Talent before it became insolvent, and at Balls personal expense as hes liquidated assets, such as selling cars and recently listing his Las Vegas home for sale.

To that end, in the Only Friends Podcast Berkey suggested that Ball has had several vehicles repossessed. However, PokerNews did not find any repossession records and did speak with a representative of a high-end Las Vegas dealership that confirmed Ball had sold them several vehicles.

I've had zero cars repossessed, said Ball. I bought cars and I sold cars very, very quickly when something significant in my life changed, which was not the plan and to try to make people whole as fast as I could. But I have had no repossessions of any of those vehicles. That's how hundreds of the influencers that have been paid were paid. That's some of the assets that I sold.

Taking Issue with Media Coverage

Ball spoke with PokerNews after claiming he felt his portrayal by other media was biased.

Berkey has his narrative and is not going to do anything that doesn't support his narrative, said Ball, who stated he was never contacted to give his side of the story. I don't want to say he doesn't have integrity because I don't know him that well, but he is not a journalist, and he has no journalistic integrity at all whatsoever. He talks about things as if they're facts about people that have a great impact on their lives and the way they provide for themselves and their family and their livelihoods without facts and he speaks of them as if they're facts. This is very, very dangerous. I just think it's really sad that he goes around and promotes the propaganda.

Ball continued: Something we haven't talked about today and I can show you this myself, I'm starting to get text messages from someone leaking my phone number of people literally threatening me and harassing me since the Solve For Why Podcast. I have been called a scammer and a thief and all these things because Matt Berkey feels like it's ok to run his mouth and say these things with no real truth. If Matt Berkey sat with me today and saw all of the receipts there is no way in hell he would have said the things he said on his podcast. There's no confusion here and what he's doing is a big part of cancel culture. It's a big problem in society.

Matt Berkey.

Ball was, however, contacted by Poker.org but declined to comment citing an alleged conflict of interest.

A Tarnished Reputation

Once considered a rising star in the community thanks to his role in building Twitch Poker, Balls reputation in the poker world has been tarnished in recent years despite winning two WSOP gold bracelets in 2021. A large part of that was Mike The Mouth Matusow publicly calling out Ball for allegedly defrauding a private app home game run by Phil Hellmuth.

These things were debunked forever ago, said Ball when asked about the assertions. I was accused of stealing money from Phil Helmuth, but Phil Helmuth sent me a video and allowed me to post a video of him saying I didn't steal money from him. The things that I did do wrong were I had pieces of people in a game that I didn't disclose. I would never do that again. That being said, this is very common in the private poker game scene. This is not considered some crazy unethical thing. There are probably 10% of private games around the world that this is not happening. This is just a thing. Hosts are going to have pieces of people. It's how it works. You just have to accept that if that's a scene.

Matusows allegations resurfaced, primarily in the Only Friends Podcast, as a part of Balls most recent predicament.

I'm not worried about everyone having a great opinion of me, Ball admitted. I used to care a lot about what people think. I do want people to know that I do have integrity. I'm not a thief, I'm not stealing from people. I'm not cheating anywhere because these things are all 100% fact, I'm not stealing money. I'm going to continue to play poker for a living. I'm probably going to play more live tournaments and some online tournaments. I have no real interest in private cash game scene anymore. My focus is just trying to become the best version of myself. I'm going to continue to work out, exercise, study a lot, and just try to become the best player I can be.

Whats Next?

Scott Ball at the WSOP.

First and foremost, I want to see the remaining creators that are still owed get paid, Ball claimed. Secondly, I can't get into too many specifics, but there are creators that agreed to reduce pay settlements in order to just get some money because knowing that End Game didn't get paid. I would love to see the creators who are still owed get paid because everyone should be paid for the work that they do. Secondly, in a perfect world, I would love to see the creators that took reduced pay, potentially get the difference in which they didn't get in full. That would be great.

"I don't ever want to do business with them again, and I don't want to associate with them, but I would love to see creators made whole."

I would love to get back some of the money that I have spent out of my own pocket, but that's never going to happen even though I had a contract with them for tens of millions of dollars; which again, there's receipts for these things. I don't ever want to do business with them again, and I don't want to associate with them, but I would love to see creators made whole, and potentially get something back that I have spent out of my own pocket because it's been very hard on my life, obviously to liquidate almost everything you own, and help figure this stuff out and then just close this chapter.

Nothing would make me happier than having all the influencers paid. Then I can worry about my shareholders and myself later, Ball concluded. I will happily, if [ACR] really agrees to do this, send out our invoices that are still pending so they know exactly what people are really owed and they can send me confirmation that they've been paid and we can close out all those influencers.

Phil Nagy

For his part, Nagy did address the situation on the Only Friends Podcast and seemingly made an offer to influencers to make them whole.

I believe in influencers. I support influencers. The last thing I want to do is shit where I eat. That being said is, once lawyers and agencies and everything got into it, it just all ground to a fucking halt. And Im sorry, thats the real world, right. If these influencers came to me and said, You know what, well go ahead and do it again, do this last whatever, pay me what Im owed and the next one Ill do it 50% off and well continue our relationshipDONE! Thats what my lawyers are trying to negotiate with the agencies.

Influencers out there, you can call it money in the bank until we come to some kind of agreement, Im not going anywhere. If youre starving, tell me, Ill throw you an advance or something. I know well come to an arrangement. Its just get on your agent and make sure theyre talking to our guys and that it doesnt drop.

PokerNews will continue to monitor this story and offer updates if and when they become available.

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The Kamala Harris campaign is weighing forcing Trump to spend money to defend Florida just to mess with him.

John Heilemann of Puck reported:

One of the most interesting questions in American politics at the moment, and a topic of active discussion within the Harris camp, is whether the campaign will decide to throw resources at Florida just to f*ck with Trump. Not because they think they could win in The Sunshine Statethey cant and they know itbut because of the Florida ballot initiative on abortion and Trumps evident inability to extricate himself from how tightly hes wrapped around the axle on the issue. If Team K starts plowing some dough into Trumps home state, it will likely force him to waste both money and (even more precious) time there. For just, say, $100 million or sothis argument goesthey could rattle the crap out of him. Tempting, no?

Imagine Trump spending days campaigning in Florida instead of Pennsylvania, Michigan, or Wisconsin because he is angry over all of the Harris ads that he is seeing.

If Trump were forced to spend precious time and resources defending Florida, the move could pay exponentially more dividends than the cost.

For Harris, the cost would be limited to money, which she has tons of, and more continues to pour in each day.

Plus, it would allow the Harris campaign to highlight the abortion issue, and that continues to leave Trump in knots.

Maybe the Harris campaign plays it straight and sticks to the business at hand, but Kamala Harris might want to make a play in Florida if the goal is to win as many states as possible.

To comment on this story, join us on Reddit.
ELKO  Progress has been made at the Shady Elms Mobile Home Park, including removal of nine old trailers, sewer repairs and some garbage cleanup.

As a result, the Elko City Council postponed consideration of action against the parks owners, but will keep tabs on the work left to do.

Katie McConnell, the Elko attorney for principal owner Michael Ayala of Austin, Texas, told the council on Tuesday that Lostra Brothers moved nine recreational vehicles and travel trailers out of the park, and the tenant causing the most problems is gone.

She said an old truck that was parked on the street was towed, sewer repairs at one lot were completed, work had started on another lot and there is a rollout dumpster for general cleanup that has begun.

I drove through yesterday, and my clients are serious about continuing the timeline, she said, referring to the timeline of planned work she provided to city staff.

McConnell reported the demolition of RVs will begin on Monday and her timeline states this will be a six-week process to demolish and remove all RVs through Shannon Wadkins.

She said eviction hearings are slated for Sept. 30.

Ralph Negron, the citys community development manager, said the cleanup is going along pretty well. They are doing their best, and he said that once all the RVs that are problems are gone, the squatter situation will definitely, hopefully, be eliminated.

He said according to Plumbline the sewer situation is worse than anticipated, and there is a water problem that is so old there are cattails growing.

Elko Mayor Reese Keener, who said Negron took him on a tour earlier in the day, asked Negron what his priorities are for cleaning up Shady Elms, and Negron said cleaning up the fire hazards is a major issue and he would like to see heavy equipment in the park to clear out those hazards.

He said, however, the biggest problem still to be tackled is NV Energys concern about exposed live wires, panel doors left open and additional electrical dangers.

Shady Elms is owned by RCE Development and managed by Four Peaks LLC on Grant Avenue and South Fourth Street. Neighbors have been complaining for years about conditions at the trailer park.

There have been 100 calls to the Elko Police Department this year alone about the Shady Elms Mobile Home Park on Grant Avenue and South Fourth Street and 217 calls total, according to figures presented to the council last month.

Malorie Reese, who lives in the neighborhood, told the council on Tuesday the owners are moving in a good direction, and neighbors have seen trailers being towed away. But there are still concerns about garbage that creates biohazards.

She also reported foot traffic is up, with people displaced from the trailers towed away looking for another place.

At the councils last meeting, Reese said there were 17 abandoned trailers, squatters kicking doors in and defecation in public.

Keener said he was delighted to see the owners cleaning up the property, and he wants to continue holding their feet to the fire.

City Manager Jan Baum, who received a raise in another council action on Tuesday based on her annual review, said the council can determine whether to pursue the nuisance declaration or continue to put the issue on the agenda every two weeks.

Keener said he didnt feel inclined to pursue the nuisance route as long as we will see consistent improvements and progress. He said prior to the next council meeting he would like to see a plan that calls for an electrician to evaluate what is going on with the funky electric situation.

I was out there today. I was pleasantly surprised to see the work being done. Were going in the right direction. Were not there yet, but if they can continue going in this direction, hopefully some day we can get this mess cleaned up, Councilman Clair Morris said.

Councilman Chip Stone said work should speed up before the park is under snow.

The council decided to take no action, so the Shady Elms topic will be on the next council agenda.
A new study suggests that humanity is hitting the upper limit of life expectancy. Advances in medical technology and genetic research are not translating into marked jumps in lifespan overall. That's according to researchers who found shrinking longevity increases in countries with the longest-living populations. The study was published online Monday by the journal Nature Aging. Experts say its likely that the number of centenarians will grow in the decades ahead, but thats because of population growth. Read moreDon't expect human life expectancy to grow much more, researcher says
Boeing last month delivered four 787 Dreamliner commercial planes built in North Charleston, including a pair to aircraft leasing firms, bringing the total deliveries of the wide-body jet to 32 through the first eight months of 2024.

The Dreamliners are among 40 commercial planes that Boeing delivered to customers in August, including 32 of the aerospace giant's popular 737 Max-9 single-aisle aircraft. Nine of those Max jets went to customers in China  the biggest delivery total to that country since December 2018.

All told, Boeing has delivered 258 commercial planes this year. That's a 25 percent drop from 344 deliveries recorded during the same period last year as Boeing, which has lost $27 billion since the start of 2019, tries to fix huge problems in both aircraft manufacturing and its defense and space business. New CEO Kelly Ortberg has been on the job a little over a month.

Los Angeles-based Air Lease Corp. said it took delivery of one 787-10 Dreamliner, which will be leased to Korean Air. It's the first of 10 stretched 787-10s that the leasing firm has ordered for South Korea's flag carrier.

"With competitive and sustainable aircraft such as the 787-10, ALC and Korean Air will continue to strengthen the already strong relationship between the two companies," Walter Cho, chairman and CEO of Korean Air, said in a written statement.

Air Tanzania took delivery of a 787-8 model as part of that carrier's plan to grow operations across Africa and internationally.

We believe this is the perfect aircraft to realize our ambition to connect with the rest of the world through the initiation of intercontinental flights," Ladislaus Matindi, the carrier's CEO, said in a written statement.

Oman Air, that country's national carrier, took delivery of the first of three Dreamliners it expects to receive this year. The mid-sized 787-9 delivered is the 10th Dreamliner in the airline's fleet.

Con Korfiatis, Oman Air's CEO, said the new plane "allows us to maintain efficiency in operations, optimize maintenance costs and ensure a seamless and consistent experience for our guests."
Weather conditions are deteriorating in southern Louisiana as Hurricane Francine makes its way north toward landfall, though not much is expected in South Carolina beyond wind and rain starting Sept. 12 and continuing over the weekend.

A variety of watches and warnings are posted along the northern Gulf Coast, including storm surge warnings in Louisiana and Mississippi. Currently about 180 miles southwest of New Orleans, Francine is moving to the northeast at 13 mph.

The National Hurricane Center is warning residents in that region to expect life-threatening storm surge and hurricane-force winds as early as the afternoon of Sept. 11. Tropical storm-force winds from the outer bands of Francine are reported to be just offshore, while rain from the storm is already moving inland.

With sustained winds of 90 mph, Francine is a Category 1 hurricane, though a wind gust of 100 mph was recorded on an offshore oil platform in the Gulf north of Francine's location. Little change in strength is expected before landfall. Francine is expected to rapidly weaken after landfall, and the system is forecast to become post-tropical on Sept. 12.

After landfall, the center of the storm is likely to cross southeastern Louisiana during the evening of Sept. 11, then move northward across Mississippi throughout the following day. Heavy rainfall is expected across the Gulf region, with 4 to 8 inches expected across southeastern Louisiana, Mississippi, southern Alabama and the Florida Panhandle through Sept. 12. Some areas could receive as much as 12 inches of rain, which could lead to flash, urban and river flooding.

By Sept. 13, the storm will continue up the Mississippi Valley, where it will likely stall near Memphis.

Only minor effects from Francine are expected in the Palmetto State.

Greenville forecasts call for rains to start Sept. 12 and bring up to 3 inches in some areas through the weekend. Wind gusts could reach 20 to 30 mph at times.
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
Linda Rumph's life is split into parts. There's before the crash. And there's after.

Before, Rumph was a newly arrived freshman at Flagler College, still adjusting to the Florida school some 300 miles from her home on Isle of Palms.

Move-in day was rough. Loneliness overcame Rumph as her mom, dad and high school best friend piled into the car to return to South Carolina. But her dad wouldn't let his oldest daughter leave upset.

"Hang on a minute," Navy Capt. Felix Vecchione yelled in Italian from the car. His daughter did, giving Vecchione enough time to kiss her goodbye.

It was the last time Rumph saw her father alive.

Vecchione carved out a career commanding warships, including a stint detonating mines in the waters off Vietnam. He died much closer to home, in a fiery plane crash in Charlotte on Sept. 11, 1974  a disaster that permanently fractured families and led to lasting aviation reforms.

Fifty years have passed since that September morning when the plane left Charleston carrying 82 passengers. The crash would claim 72 of those lives.

In more recent decades, the date has become synonymous with the 2001 terror attacks that killed 2,977 people and injured thousands more. But for the last half century, 9/11 has meant something different for the families of Eastern Air Lines Flight 212.

It's a day of private pain and quiet reflection about a crash that has shrunk in public memory. Neither Charleston nor Charlotte residents will find a large memorial dedicated to victims and survivors; this, despite the tragedy extinguishing so many people in their prime, about half of them from the Holy City.

A leading breast cancer specialist. An editor for CBS Evening News. A Porter-Gaud teacher. Several teenagers. A bevy of Navy personnel.

Vecchione was among them, his death marking the post-crash phase of Rumph's life. In those initial years, the idea of flying terrified her. She recalled grabbing strangers' hands as the plane dropped through the clouds, regaining her composure only after landing.
This is the second part of a look at the contamination at the Duck Valley Indian Reservation in far northern Elko County.

OWYHEE  The Shoshone-Paiute Tribes of the Duck Valley Indian Reservation have long grappled with contaminants embedded in the land and water.

For decades, the tribes suspected that widespread illness and deaths from cancer are tied to two buildings owned and operated by the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs. Fuel, herbicides and other chemicals spilled onto the dirt floors of the now-shuttered or demolished structures.

Earlier this year, the BIA discovered a decades-old document with a passing mention of Agent Orange that suggests the government might have been more involved in contaminating the land than previously known, this time around the irrigation canals. The community is still waiting to get answers.

Sacred land, now contaminated

Owyhee is the sole town on the reservation where snow-capped mountains loom over a valley of scattered homes and ranches, nearly 100 miles north of Elko. Bookended by deep Nevada canyons and flat Idaho plains, the valley is home to Sho-Pais, whose ancestors were confined there by the federal government.

For generations, the legacy and livelihood of residents have centered around raising cattle year-round. Many of the 1,800 or so residents still use the same medicinal plans and practice the same ceremonies as their relatives buried under them.

Representatives from the BIA and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency visited the reservation as recently as Aug. 7 to talk about the contamination and review the report that mentioned Agent Orange. Action cant come soon enough for tribal members who say the federal governments past cleanup attempts have lacked urgency and direction.

People are dying. And I dont know what theyre waiting for, said tribal Chairman Brian Mason.

First spills, then potential sprays

Historically, most of the environmental dangers at Owyhee have been traced to two BIA buildings that have since closed or been demolished.

Back in 1985, at the now-abandoned irrigation shop, some 8,000 gallons of heating oil leaked from a pipeline next to a two-lane highway that acts as the areas main road. Samples taken from sump, soil and floor drains around the building revealed a mix of the hazardous chemicals that were stored inside, including waste oil, arsenic, copper, lead and cadmium, along with the two herbicides that make up Agent Orange.

Racheal Thacker, a pesticides and solid waste technician with the tribes, said residents at the time were likely unaware of the dangers related to handling the chemicals stored there. Back then, she said, the workers employed by the BIA didnt have the expertise or resources to identify pollutants in the ground.

In 1995, the EPA ordered the BIA to stop discharging gasoline, batteries and other fluids onto the dirt floor of the maintenance building, saying the practice was improper, threatened the groundwater supply and could endanger tribal members health. The disposal practice had long-lasting effects. The building has since been demolished and is fenced off.

In its statement to the AP, the BIA said it has extensively studied the soil and groundwater on the reservation since 1999 and cleaned up wells used for drinking water. The agency also said any petroleum in the soil is safe and its working with the tribe on other remedial actions.

Toxins, cancer deaths

To the community, theres a clear link between past contaminants and the pronounced number of cancer cases and other illnesses.

Mason validated those beliefs in an announcement earlier this year. He stood at a podium and declared  without caveats  that the BIA further poisoned the tribes land. Agent Orange chemicals were sprayed extensively by the canals, he said, and demanded the government take quick action.

Health experts say its nearly impossible to say with certainty that the environment factored into cancer diagnoses and deaths  especially without robust data.

The tribal health clinic has logged more than 500 illnesses since 1992 that could be cancer, and is trying to break down the reservations data to determine what were the most common types. A switch in recent years from paper to electronic filing means the records are likely incomplete.

Even if the BIA is able to account for the time, frequency, concentration and volume of herbicides sprayed on the reservation, that wouldnt be enough to prove a cause, experts say. Genetics, lifestyle and other factors often combine to form a diagnosis.

Bottom line is its really, really complicated even to establish among things we already sort of know about, said Lauren Teras, the senior scientific director of epidemiology research at the American Cancer Society.

Mason has called for a study that would give tribal members a better idea of the extent that chemicals could have been sprayed, and the effect on the tribes land and its residents. He said that might provide tribal members a pathway to seek payment from the federal government.
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MONTREAL, QC / ACCESSWIRE / September 11, 2024 / Arton Capital, the world-leading investment migration services firm, has announced that it has partnered with leading family office forum curator Prestel & Partner. As part of this partnership, Arton Capital will become a lead sponsor of Prestel & Partner's annual events around the world, helping its network to unlock pathways to global citizenship.Arton Capital partner with Prestel & Partner The partnership, announced at 2024's Prestel & Partner Family Office Forum Wiesbaden, will see Arton Capital add significant value to the international network Prestel & Partner has built. At these exclusive, invitation-only forums, spokespeople from Arton Capital will share their decades of on-the-ground experience in engaging with governments across the globe. Attendees will also have access to Arton's industry-leading advisers and consultants, who can provide access to highly tailored options for exploring Citizenship by Investment and Residency programmes in more than a dozen countries.Family offices have started to express greater interest in global citizenship over the past decade as the older generation looks to the legacy they can leave their successors. Passing down unrestricted freedom of movement to the incoming generation via multiple citizenships and residencies is fast becoming a commonly sought-after asset for tens of thousands of family office portfolios.Arton Capital will sponsor all nine of Prestel & Partner's annual forums, which will run through September 2024-July 2025.Armand Arton, CEO & Chairman, Arton Capital, commented: "Despite the differences that individual cultural identities and geographic realities confer: thousands of family offices around the world are joined by their shared desire to enhance their global mobility. At Arton Capital we are committed to realising their ambition of securing a legacy of freedom for the next generation."We look forward to working with our partners at Prestel & Partner to bring the transformational opportunities presented by global citizenship to their network, whose citizenship journey begins today. "Katja Muelheim, Founding Partner & Managing Director Prestel and Partner, said: "We're delighted to partner with Arton Capital and bring its industry-leading expertise in global mobility to our audiences around the world. From New York to Singapore, we've strived to bring our network into contact with experts and thought leaders at the pinnacle of their fields to provide them with finely tailored networking solutions that generate lasting impact.Tobias Prestel, Founding Partner & Managing Director, Prestel and Partner, added:"This exciting partnership will empower family offices attending our forums to benefit from a unique range of investment propositions courtesy of the untapped potential presented by global citizenship." ENDSNoted to the Editor:About Arton CapitalArton Capital is a leading global advisory guiding private clients, certified partners and governments to realize the potential of residency and citizenship by investment programs through a bespoke service experience which simplifies complexity and is built on confidentiality and trust.About Prestel & PartnerPrestel and Partner are international conference organisers that provide market-leading, independent, editorially neutral, forums for family offices, wealth-owners, and selected sectoral experts in the fields of family governance, wealth management, and investment.Contact InformationMatt Lewinartoncapital@ theagencypartnership.com SOURCE: Arton CapitalView the original press release on newswire.com
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Indigenous community leader publicly endorses Laguna Verde project at key mining seminar in Santiago, ChileJERSEY / ACCESSWIRE / September 11, 2024 / CleanTech Lithium PLC (AIM:CTL)(Frankfurt:T2N)(OTCQX:CTLHF), an exploration and development company advancing sustainable lithium projects in Chile, participated in the Centre for Copper and Mining Studies ("CESCO") seminar in Santiago, a prominent annual seminar for the mining sector in Chile, and received public support from the local indigenous community for its Laguna Verde project. Executive Chairman and Interim CEO, Steve Kesler, presented and reinforced the Company is ready to begin project construction by 2026 upon the granting of a Special Lithium Operating Contract ("CEOL") by the Chilean Government.Highlights:CESCO seminar brought together key industry stakeholders including government and local community representatives to discuss the development of the lithium sector in ChileErcilia Araya, President of the Colla Pai-Ote indigenous community expressed support for lithium project development depending on companies building solid community relationships and agreements, as achieved by CTL, and advocating for such projects to move forward.Industry experts discussed the main challenges facing the sector and how to advance projects faster in line with the National Lithium Strategy, with implementing sustainable extraction technologies such as Direct Lithium Extraction being critical to that.CTL has a co-signed agreement with the nearby local communities which will initially focus on the Laguna Verde project and aligns with the priorities set by the Chilean Government to advance the objectives of the National Lithium StrategySteve Kesler, Executive Chairman and Interim Chief Executive Officer, CleanTech Lithium PLC, said:"We are very well placed to be one of the projects that the Government aims to have operational by 2026. We believe the Laguna Verde project is the best-positioned new lithium project to commence operations in Chile within the earliest timeframe. We highly value the support of the indigenous community which we think provides a rare and valuable partnership in facilitating mutually beneficial project development." Ercilia Araya, President of the Colla Pai-Ote indigenous community, said:"We want the State to respect us in our territories and recognise our right to determine to whom the CEOLs are granted through proper indigenous consultations. It is a matter of dignity. I have a dream for the Atacama region. When CleanTech arrived, they explained how they would carry out the process, building together with us the information collection for submission of the EIA. That is our dream. The dream of being able to participate, to be consulted." Image 1: Ercilia Araya, President Pai-Ote Colla Community speaking at the CESCO Seminar in Santiago, ChileImage 2: Marcela Sepulveda, Community Relations Manager CleanTech Lithium, Cristian Quinzio, Quinzio Abogados, Alina Bendersky, Partner Bofil Mir, Ercilia Araya, President Pai-Ote Colla Community and Juan Ignacio Guzman, Executive Director, GEMImage 3: Steve Kesler, Executive Chairman and Interim CEO, presenting at the CESCO Seminar in Santiago, ChileThe seminar, organised by CESCO, brought together industry spokespeople to provide a comprehensive view of the current situation of the lithium industry in Chile, considering the progress of the National Lithium Strategy.Juan Esteban Fuentes, Associate Director at Benchmark Minerals, attended and further commented: "From 2030, the current surplus [of lithium] is expected to diminish, requiring a significant number of projects to double production over the next 10 years globally (to around 2.6 million tonnes), which implies the incorporation of 70 to 80 more operations and US$188 billion in capital by 2040."Arlene Ebensperger, advisor to the Ministry of Mining, also highlighted the need to harmonise the role of indigenous communities with the development of the industry through governance models which builds a shared vision and agreed objectives.CleanTech Lithium co-signed an agreement with the local indigenous communities in 2023. The alliance will ensure that the extraction processes conducted in the region by the Company comply with the highest international standards, including a process of early consultation with the communities to see their direct participation by providing data for the environmental baselines required for the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).For further information contact:CleanTech Lithium PLCSteve Kesler/Gordon Stein/Nick BaxterJersey office: +44 (0) 1534 668 321Chile office: +562-32239222Or via CelicourtCelicourt CommunicationsFelicity Winkles/Philip Dennis/Ali AlQahtani+44 (0) 20 7770 6424cleantech@ celicourt.uk Beaumont Cornish Limited (Nominated Adviser)Roland Cornish/Asia Szusciak+44 (0) 20 7628 3396Fox-Davies Capital Limited (Joint Broker)Daniel Fox-Davies+44 (0) 20 3884 8450daniel@ fox-davies.com Canaccord Genuity (Joint Broker)James Asensio+44 (0) 20 7523 4680Beaumont Cornish Limited ("Beaumont Cornish") is the Company's Nominated Adviser and is authorised and regulated by the FCA. Beaumont Cornish's responsibilities as the Company's Nominated Adviser, including a responsibility to advise and guide the Company on its responsibilities under the AIM Rules for Companies and AIM Rules for Nominated Advisers, are owed solely to the London Stock Exchange. Beaumont Cornish is not acting for and will not be responsible to any other persons for providing protections afforded to customers of Beaumont Cornish nor for advising them in relation to the proposed arrangements described in this announcement or any matter referred to in it.About Reach announcementsThis is a Reach announcement. Reach is an investor communication service aimed at assisting listed and unlisted (including AIM quoted) companies to distribute media only / non-regulatory news releases into the public domain. Information required to be notified under the AIM Rules for Companies, Market Abuse Regulation or other regulation would be disseminated as an RNS regulatory announcement and not on Reach.NotesCleanTech Lithium (AIM:CTL, Frankfurt:T2N, OTCQX:CTLHF) is an exploration and development company advancing lithium projects in Chile for the clean energy transition. Committed to net-zero, CleanTech Lithium's mission is to become a new supplier of battery grade lithium using Direct Lithium Extraction technology powered by renewable energy.CleanTech Lithium has two key lithium projects in Chile, Laguna Verde and Viento Andino, and exploration stage projects in Llamara and Arenas
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VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / September 11, 2024 / Pampa Metals Corp. ("Pampa Metals" or the "Company") (CSE:PM)(FSE:FIR)(OTCQB:PMMCF) is pleased to provide an update on the integration and interpretation of historic data and the property wide upside potential at the Piuquenes Cu-Au Project, San Juan, Argentina.Key Findings from Electrical Geophysical Data Integration:Key data sets used to-date include a 2016 Offset Pole-Dipole Induced Polarization-Resistivity survey ("IP") and a Natural Source Magneto-Telluric (gDAS24) survey ("MT").Inversion models of this data have been evaluated in 3D, in conjunction with the preliminary 3D geological model currently being finalized.Chargeability data suggests a northeast trend to the Piuquenes system (refer Figures 1 & 4)Piuquenes Central is marked by a prominent annular chargeability anomaly, with the highest chargeability zones peripheral to the currently defined mineralization (refer Figure 4), consistent with a peripheral pyritic zone associated with not yet well defined phyllic alteration.The mineralized zone at Piuquenes Central is also defined by a moderate chargeability zone (refer Figure 4) interpreted to be associated with the low pyrite, high chalcopyrite mineralized core of the system.A similar, although buried, chargeability feature is evident in the 3D inversion models along the north-east Piuquenes Central trend (refer Figure 1). This is considered a highly promising target for a separate mineralized center.The Piuquenes Central area is also defined by a central resistivity high, with the Piuquenes East target displaying a similar scale anomaly (refer Figure 3).The Piuquenes Central porphyry is well defined by the deep looking Magneto-Telluric data as a pipe-like zone of high resistivity extending upward from a large, high-resistivity feature (refer Figure 2):It is tentatively interpreted that the deep resistivity feature could represent an underlying large-scale intrusion and the pipe-like high-resistivity feature the mineralized porphyry complex extending upward from that deep intrusionThe currently defined mineralized zone at Piuquenes Central occurs on the margin of the pipe-like resistivity feature; the other margin of the high features and several other similar responses in the 3D inversion model remain untestedThis clear definition of the Piuquenes Central and Piuquenes East systems by IP, resistivity and MT data implies that electrical geophysics will be an extremely useful first pass targeting tool for additional porphyry centres within the broader Piuquenes tenement package. Outside the Piuquenes Central - Piuquenes East area, most of the tenement package has not been subject to electrical geophysics (refer Figures 3, 4 & 5).Figure 1: Chargeability Inversion Model -Potential NE Plunge & Buried Target AreaFigure 2: MT Inversion model -Potential NE plunge & large, pipe-like high-resistivity feature.Current ActivitiesThe Company is finalizing a preliminary 3D geological model, and grade and lithology interpretation of the Piuquenes Central porphyry Cu-Au deposit.The Company also continues to integrate historical geophysical datasets, including the recently recovered ground magnetic data currently being modelled.Targeting and planning for the 2024/25 field season is nearing completion and will include further drill evaluation at Piuquenes Central, where the Company recently reported 801m @ 0.40% Cu, 0.51 g/t Au, 2.87 g/t Ag, including 518m @ 0.53% Cu, 0.73 g/t Au, 3.45 g/t Ag (refer 17 June 2024 News Release). The Initial drill testing of Piuquenes East, field mapping to advance several other nearby targets, and further geophysics (if required) will also form part of the 2024/24 field season program.Key in-country technical hires are anticipated in the short-term.Figure 3: Central resistivity high - Piuquenes Central and Piuquenes East targetJoseph van den Elsen, Pampa Metals President and CEO commented: "The integration and interpretation of historic electrical geophysical data has further validated the Piuquenes project as a Company making asset. High-grade copper and gold remain open at Piuquenes Central, with an apparent north-east trend evident, and Piuquenes East represents a standalone, undrilled, outcropping porphyry target. We are now focused on the integration of the recently recovered magnetic survey and finalization of our 3D model, in order to more fully define approaches and targets for the upcoming 2024-25 field season. During this field season, we will delineate the size and grade potential of the first deposit, concurrently drill test Piuquenes East, and further explore the potential for a cluster of deposits through surface exploration and possibly geophysics." Figure 4: Prominent annular chargeability anomaly, highest zones peripheral to currently defined mineralizationFigure 5: Piuquenes Project TenureON BEHALF OF THE BOARD & INVESTOR CONTACTJoseph van den Elsen | President & CEO I Joseph@ pampametals.com ABOUT PAMPA METALSPampa Metals is a copper-gold exploration company listed on the Canadian Stock Exchange (CSE:PM), Frankfurt (FSE: FIR), and OTC (OTCQB: PMMCF) exchanges.In November 2023, the Company announced it had entered into an Option and Joint Venture Agreement for the acquisition of an 80% interest in the Piuquenes Copper-Gold Porphyry Project in San Juan Province, Argentina.Qualified PersonTechnical information in this news release has been approved by Mario Orrego G. Mr. Orrego G. is a Geologist, a Registered Member of the Chilean Mining Commission and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Orrego G. is a consultant to the Company.Neither the CSE nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTThis news release contains certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical fact, that address events or developments that Pampa Metals expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will" or "may" occur. These statements are subject to various risks. Although Pampa Metals believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guaranteeing of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements.SOURCE: Pampa Metals Corp.
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New additions further enhance Grasshopper's digital banking prowess, advancing its leadership in startup banking, embedded finance, and SMB lendingNEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESSWIRE / September 11, 2024 / Grasshopper , the client-first digital bank built for the business and innovation economy, today announced the addition of four key hires to its Digital Banking team:Rob Burnett has joined as Director of Startup BankingVince Peterson as Vice President of Embedded FinanceNate Gruendemann as Product ManagerVince Magpayo as SMB/SBA Digital Loan SpecialistThese appointments underscore Grasshopper's commitment to not only investing in cutting-edge technology, but also human capital to provide startups, financial technology (fintech) and small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) with an outstanding digital banking experience."We are excited to have these new team members join Grasshopper, which further strengthens our dedication to innovation and the client experience," said Chris Tremont, Grasshopper's Chief Digital Officer. "Each brings unique and valuable expertise, and their leadership will be a key component to how we enhance our digital offerings for the innovation economy, expand our client base, and drive long-term growth." As Director of Startup Banking, Rob Burnett will oversee Grasshopper's strategic initiatives to deliver innovative digital solutions for startups, working closely with founders and companies to build strong, impactful relationships across the ecosystem and strengthening the bank's ties to the community as it continues to enhance its industry-leading startup offering. With his wealth of experience, previously serving as CEO of Netcapital Funding Portal and host ofThe DadEO Podcast , Burnett is deeply familiar with the challenges and opportunities startups face. He has successfully guided founders in raising capital, forming strategic partnerships, and leveraging technology to scale operations. His work with organizations like Techstars, Mercury Fund, Invest Detroit, and others has positioned him as a key player in the world of entrepreneurship.Vince Peterson joins Grasshopper as Vice President of Embedded Finance, bringing a robust background in fintech, banking, and digital payments. In this role, Peterson will work alongside Grasshopper's Senior Vice President and Head of Embedded Finance, Lauren McCollom, to oversee the bank's award-winning Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS), corporate API banking, and payment facilitation platforms and programs. With a proven track record of building strategic, revenue-generating partnerships, he honed his full-cycle sales skills as an Account Executive at Treasury Prime, a close technology partner of Grasshopper, where he successfully closed a multitude of strategic partnerships. His experience in driving go-to-market strategies and forging partnerships with banks and fintechs makes him a valuable asset as Grasshopper continues to innovate in the embedded finance space.Nate Gruendemann, a seasoned fintech entrepreneur and two-time venture capital-backed founder, joins Grasshopper as Product Manager. Gruendemann's extensive experience as a fintech founder will be instrumental in driving Grasshopper's continued innovation and expansion of its startup and small business offerings. He co-founded Challenger Finance, an employer-sponsored savings program that rewards employees with an employer match based on contributions, later acquired by TIFIN. He also co-founded Accept.inc , a mortgage company that levels the playing field in homeownership by buying homes for clients with cash to empower generational wealth creation, which was acquired by HomeLight. Gruenemann's deep expertise in fintech innovation and employee-centric financial solutions makes him a critical force in driving Grasshopper's continued growth and success with SMBs, startups, and VCs.In his role as SMB/SBA Digital Loan Specialist, Vince Magpayo joins Grasshopper's dynamic digital banking team with a focus on driving strategic partnerships and elevating client experiences in both the deposit and Small Business Association (SBA) lending space through cutting-edge digital solutions. With a diverse background that spans affiliate marketing, customer success, project management, and digital marketing, Vince brings valuable expertise from his work at Axos Bank, SoFi and Rakuten. His experience in the fintech and banking sectors positions him to make a significant impact in advancing Grasshopper's digital lending initiatives.As part of its commitment to responding to the evolving needs of the business and innovation economy, Grasshopper recently launched a digital application forSBA 7(a) loans , streamlining the process for small and medium-sized businesses to get pre-qualified for an SBA 7(a) loan in less than 10 minutes from any device. In addition to applying for a loan, borrowers gain access to Grasshopper's award-winningInnovator Product Suite , offering businesses up to 3.75% APY, unlimited 1% cash back and unlimited transactions with no monthly maintenance or overdraft fees. Grasshopper also offers theAccelerator Product Suite , a feature-packed operating account and partnership ecosystem designed to serve a wide range of startups, earning up to 4.00% APY, unlimited ACH, and free domestic wires. Additionally, Grasshopper'sEmbedded Financeplatform, which won Best Use of Tech in Business Banking at the Banking Tech Awards USA earlier this year, supports fintechs with seamless digital solutions, further enhancing its comprehensive ecosystem.With the expertise of its newly expanded team, Grasshopper is ready to accelerate the evolution of its digital platform, ensuring that businesses across the innovation economy have access to cutting-edge financial tools they need to scale and thrive.To learn more about Grasshopper and its growing, robust team, please visitwww.grasshopper.bank About Grasshopper BankWith total assets of approximately $835 million, Grasshopper is a client-first digital bank serving the business and innovation economy. Grasshopper replaces the traditional one-size-fits-all approach to banking with a suite of products and services tailored to specific industries, and a passionate team of experts with deep expertise in their fields. Grasshopper's banking solutions cover small business, venture-backed companies, fintech-focused Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS) and commercial API banking platforms, SBA lending, and commercial real estate lending. Headquartered in New York City, the bank is a member of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and is an Equal Housing/Equal Opportunity Lender. For more information, visit the bank's website atwww.grasshopper.bankor follow onLinkedInandTwitter .Med
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TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / September 11, 2024 / Grey Wolf Animal Health Corp. (TSXV:WOLF) ("Grey Wolf" or the "Company"), a Canadian diversified animal health company, today announced that Shawn Aspden, Chair, is scheduled to present a corporate update at the Planet MicroCap Showcase in association with SmallCap Discoveries on Wednesday September 25, 2024 at 9:30am PT in Vancouver, British Columbia.Mr. Aspden will also be available for one-on-one meetings in Vancouver, British Columbia on September 25, 2024. Investors interested in meeting with Grey Wolf during that time should contact the conference coordinator or email investors@ greywolfah.com About Planet MicroCapPlanet MicroCap is a global multimedia financial news, publishing and events company focused on news dissemination, providing information, data and analytics for the MicroCap investing community. We have cultivated an active and engaged audience of folks that are interested in learning about and to stay ahead of the curve in the MicroCap space.To learn more about Planet MicroCap Showcase, visit their website at https://planetmicrocapshowcase.com/ If you would like to attend the Planet MicroCap Showcase, please register here: https://planetmicrocapshowcase.com/signup About Grey Wolf Animal Health Corp. Grey Wolf Animal Health Corp., headquartered in Toronto, Canada, is a diversified animal health company founded by a veterinarian to bring to market a broad portfolio of products that meets the unmet needs of veterinarians, clinics and pets. The Company's strategy is to in-license, acquire or develop innovative prescription and non-prescription products for commercialization in the veterinarian channel in Canada. For additional information, please visit: www.greywolfah.com For further information, please contact:Angela CechettoChief Executive OfficerE-mail: investors@ greywolfah.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 news release.Forward Looking StatementsThis news release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements." All statements in this new release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that the Company expects to occur, are 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 information in this news release includes statements related to the Company's attendance at the 2024 Planet MicroCap Showcase in association with Smallcap Discoveries. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by applicable securities laws, 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: Grey Wolf Animal Health Corp.
PR-Inside.com: 2024-09-11 13:30:32

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NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / September 11, 2024 / Levi & Korsinsky notifies investors that it has commenced an investigation of The Chemours Company ("The Chemours Company") (NYSE:CC) concerning possible violations of federal securities laws.Chemours issued a press release on August 1, 2024, reporting its financial results for the second quarter of 2024. Among other items, Chemours reported non-GAAP earnings per share of $0.38, missing consensus estimates by $0.20. The Company advised that it "anticipates a low to mid-single digit sequential decline in Net Sales for the third quarter," citing "[r]esidual impacts from Q2 unplanned downtime at our Altamira, Mexico manufacturing site" in its Titanium Technologies segment; "[r]efrigerant seasonality paired with weaker Freon Refrigerants pricing in its Thermal & Specialized Solutions segment; and "[a] continued modest recovery in" its Advanced Performance Materials segment. Following this news, Chemours's stock price dropped over 11% on August 2, 2024. To obtain additional information, go to:or contact Joseph E. Levi, Esq. either via email at jlevi@ levikorsinsky.com or by telephone at (212)363-7500.WHY LEVI & KORSINSKY: Over the past 20 years, Levi & Korsinsky LLP has established itself as a nationally-recognized securities litigation firm that has secured hundreds of millions of dollars for aggrieved shareholders and built a track record of winning high-stakes cases. The firm has extensive expertise representing investors in complex securities litigation and a team of over 70 employees to serve our clients. For seven years in a row, Levi & Korsinsky has ranked in ISS Securities Class Action Services' Top 50 Report as one of the top securities litigation firms in the United States. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.CONTACT:Levi & Korsinsky, LLPJoseph E. Levi, Esq.Ed Korsinsky, Esq.33 Whitehall Street, 17th FloorNew York, NY 10004 jlevi@ levikorsinsky.com Tel: (212)363-7500 Fax: (212)363-7171 https://zlk.com/ SOURCE: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP
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TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / September 11, 2024 /New World Solutions Inc. (CSE:NEWS)(OTC PINK:REGRF)(FRA:RT5) ("New World" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the successful completion of its acquisition (the "Acquisition") of a 51% interest in dialMKT Corp ("dialMKT") as previously announced on September 3, 2024. The Acquisition was completed on September 10, 2024, pursuant to a share purchase agreement (the "Agreement") dated August 30, 2024, amongst the Company, 1491150 B.C. Ltd. ("dialMKT Holdco"), a private company which wholly-owns dialMKT, and the shareholders of dialMKT Holdco (the "dialMKT Holdco Shareholders").In this strategic transaction, New World has acquired a majority interest in dialMKT, a company that is developing a comprehensive digital ecosystem for the $31 billion global wristwatch market. The platform will utilize blockchain technology to address key challenges in the pre-owned watch market, such as authenticity verification and ownership history.Transaction SummaryPursuant to the Agreement, the Company issued to the dialMKT Holdco Shareholders 45,000,000 units (a "Unit"), as consideration for 45,000,000 common shares of dialMKT Holdco, with each Unit consisting of one common share (each a "Common Share") and 0.35 of one common share purchase warrant (each whole warrant being a "Warrant") of New World. Each Warrant entitles the holder to acquire an additional Common Share at a price of $0.05 per share for two years from the date of issuance, subject to the ability of New World to accelerate the expiry date as per the Warrant certificate terms. The Warrants include a blocking provision restricting the holder from acquiring more than a 9.99% in the capital of New World. Upon completion of the Acquisition, New World currently indirectly owns 51% of dialMKT by way of its ownership of 51% of dialMKT Holdco. All securities that are issued pursuant to the Agreement will be subject to a hold period of four months and one day.Paul Haber, CEO of New World, commented, "The acquisition of dialMKT represents a significant addition to our portfolio. With New World's extensive experience in blockchain, and having worked with major clients such as IBM and Coca-Cola, we are well-positioned to leverage this technology in the watch market. We are excited to integrate dialMKT's operations and look forward to the growth opportunities this acquisition brings." Corporate UpdateIn addition, Charles Park and Young Cho Lee have resigned as directors of New World, and Jacob Marks has been appointed to the board of directors of New World and as chairman of the board of New World.Early Warning DisclosureThis press release is being issued in accordance with the requirements of National Instrument 62-103 - The Early Warning System and Related Take-Over Bid and Insider Reporting Issues, in connection with the filing of the Early Warning Reports by Jacob Marks (the "Acquiror") in respect of Common Shares issued by the Company pursuant to the Acquisition.On September 10, 2024 and in connection with the Acquisition, the Company issued 37,500,000 Common Shares to the Acquiror in exchange for the Acquiror's existing common shares of 1491150 B.C. Ltd.Following the Acquisition, the Acquiror owns 37,500,000 Common Shares representing 22.29% of the outstanding Common Shares. Prior to the Acquisition, the Acquiror did not own or control or direct any securities of the Company.The Acquiror acquired the above-noted Common Shares for investment purposes. In the future, the Acquiror will evaluate his investment in the Company from time to time and may, based on such evaluation, market conditions and other circumstances, increase or decrease his shareholdings as circumstances require through market transactions, private agreements, or otherwise.A copy of the early warning report being filed by the Acquiror may be obtained on the Company's SEDAR+ profile or by contacting the Acquiror at 2857 Paradise Road, #703, Las Vegas, Nevada 89109, USA.About New WorldNew World Solutions is a technology company, driving innovative solutions to new world problems. Through our blockchain and technology experience, we are leveraging solutions in the decentralized finance space as well as the electric vehicle area. We look to acquire and launch a balanced spectrum of solutions to become a leader in this dynamic tech landscape.For additional information on New World and other corporate information, please visit the company website at https://www.newworldinc.io/ For further information, please contact:Paul Haber, C.P.A., C.A., C.DirChief Executive OfficerNew World Solutions Inc.Phone: (416) 318- 6501Email: phaber@ newwolrdinc.io Forward-Looking StatementsThis news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements contained herein that are not clearly historical in nature may constitute forward-looking statements.Generally, such forward-looking information or 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", "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 in this news 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, including but not limited to: the potential inability of the Company to continue as a going concern; the risks associated with the blockchain in general, the risk that the Transaction will not be completed as contemplated or at all. 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 news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement and reflect th
PR-Inside.com: 2024-09-11 17:36:05

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Power One Drills its Flagship Asset, The Pecors, which Holds a Massive 5.7km by 4.2 AnomalyVANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / September 11, 2024 /Power One Resources Corp. (TSX-V:PWRO); ("Power One" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that drilling has been completed at its Pecors Project (the "Property") located in Eliott Lake, Ontario. Three diamond drill holes have been completed to date totaling 1,300m. Assays are pending on all drill holes."We are very excited to report we have completed our inaugural drill campaign at Elliot Lake, and look forward to analyzing the data stated, Mr. Karim Rayani, Chief Executive Officer. "The Pecors Property holds a massive 5.7 km long by 4.2 km wide magnetic system, which hosts significant potential for Ni-Cu-PGM mineralization with a very large historical uranium resource with rare-earth oxides - having two completely different geological settings makes this a very rare treasure box waiting to be exploited. Uranium Exploration was heavily concentrated in the camp in the 50's so much so Elliott Lake was a Global leader in Uranium production, however 1959 the United States announced by 1962 they would cut all Canadian Uranium imports. Fast forward to today this presents an opportunity for Ni-Cu-PGM's as these commodities were never exhausted or tested much due to the low commodity prices back then. I feel Elliot Lake may just be one of the greatest sleepers in today's commodity cycle for economic grade Nickel-Copper-PGM discovery with the objective of a tier 1 discovery." Drill holes PO-24-01 and PO-24-02 objectives were two-fold targeting a VTEM electromagnetic conductor axis interpreted to host uranium mineralization associated with pyrite at the base of the Huronian sediments in contact with the Archean basement rocks (Figure 1). Both of these holes continued into the Archean basement to investigate magnetic highs interpreted as magmatic conduits for the Pecors Magnetic Anomaly proven to host magmatic hosted Ni-Cu-PGM mineralization.Drill hole PO-24-03 targeted the Pecors magnetic anomaly itself for continuation of the results of P-15-23 which reported 0.33 g/t Pt+Pd+Au (PGM) and 0.11% Cu and 0.04% Ni over 12m (Figure 2).Locations and drill hole statistics are provided in Table 1.Table 1. 2024 drill hole campaign statistics.Figure 1. Location of drill holes PO-24-01 and PO-24-02 within the Pecors Channel. Figure 2. Location of drill holes PO-24-03 within the Pecors Magnetic Anomaly.The Pecors Property(Figure 3), located east of Elliot Lake, contains significant uranium mineralization where drilling in 2007 returned values of 4.3 pounds (lbs.) (0.194% U3O8) per tonne (t) over 4m starting at 104.49m downhole and 5.9 lbs./t (0.246% U3O8) over 0.94m starting at 122.64m. Uranium is hosted within the quartz-pebble conglomerate of the Matinenda Formation at shallow depths within the Pecors Channel. Channels' within the Elliot Lake uranium camp were mined extensively in the 1950's where production grades averaged 0.100% U3O8.Figure 3.Regional location of the Pecors Property and neighboring companies.The Pecors Channel is reported to host 20,000,000 tons grading 0.037% U3O8 (0.074 lbs per ton) U3O8 or 14,800,000 lbs. of U3O8. This resource was based on limited drilling and was estimated by Rio Tinto in 1977 with the potential to expand this resource. It is concluded that the estimate is not compliant with the requirements of NI 43-101 and it is believed that a qualified person has not done sufficient work to classify the historical estimate as current mineral resources or reserves. This estimate is viewed as a historical resource only and the figures cannot be relied upon as an accurate estimate of the volume or grade of the mineralized material. Power-One or the QP is not treating this estimate as current mineral resources or reserves.The Pecors Property also hosts significant PGM-Ni-Cu mineralization related to the Pecors Magnetic anomaly, a large regional magnetic high extending 18km long and 4km wide and largely hidden beneath Huronian sediments (Figure 4). The source of the magnetic anomaly has been confirmed to be at least partially comprised of lithologies of gabbroic affinity by International Montoro drilling in 2015. Hole P15-23 drilled by International Montoro intersected 0.33 g/t Pt+Pd+Au and 0.11% Cu and 0.04% Ni over 12m within contact style mafic intrusive mineralization. This style of mineralization appears similar to the East Bull PGM deposit to the east where Quest Critical Metals Inc., (formerly Canadian Palladium) reports a total indicated resources of 16.5 million tonnes at a grade of 0.93 g/t PdEq (see Quest Critical Metals news release dated February 22, 2023).Figure 4. Pecors magnetic anomaly and inverted depth to surface. Location of 2015 drilling included. The Property also lies immediately east of Radio Fuels Corp. (CAKE) Eco Ridge Project where indicated resources total 22.306 Mt grading 0.045% U3O8 and 1,613 ppm REO (rare-earth oxides) and inferred resources of 36.955 Mt grading 0.046 % U3O8 and 1,560 ppm REO ( https://radiofuels.ca/) Qualified PersonMike Kilbourne, P. Geo, an independent qualified person as defined in National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical contents of this news release on behalf of the Company.The QP and the Company has not completed sufficient work to verify the historic information on the Property comprising the Pecors Project, particularly regarding historical exploration, neighboring companies, and government geological work.About Power OnePower One Resources Corp. is a resource issuer listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol (PWRO). The Company's flagship asset, the Pecors hosts significant potential for PGM-Ni-Cu mineralization related to the Pecors Magnetic anomaly, a large regional magnetic high extending 18 km long and 4 km wide and largely hidden beneath Huronian sediments. The Property also lies immediately east of Radio Fuels Corp., Eco Ridge Project where indicated resources total 22.306 Mt grading 0.045% U3O8 and 1,613 ppm REO (rare-earth oxides) and inferred resources of 36.955 Mt grading 0.046 % U3O8 and 1,560 ppm REO are recorded. The Company also holds the Wicheeda Properties, a Rare Earth Prospect in the Cariboo Mining Division, in British Columbia holding one of the largest land positions next door to Defense Metals Corp.'s deposit in the Rocky Mountain Rare-Earth Metal Belt.ON BEHALF OF THE BOARDPower One Resources Corp."Karim Rayani"Karim RayaniPresident, CEO and DirectorTel: 604 716 0551Email: k@ r7.capital Forward-Looking StatementsThis news release may contain forward looking statements including but not limited to comments regarding the timing and content of upcoming work programs, geological
PR-Inside.com: 2024-09-11 20:00:50

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NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / September 11, 2024/ Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Endava plc ("Endava" or the "Company") (NYSE:DAVA). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at newaction@ pomlaw.com or 646-581-9980, (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased.The class action concerns whether Endava and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.You have until October 25, 2024, to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class if you are a shareholder who purchased or otherwise acquired Endava securities during the Class Period. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com [Click here for information about joining the class action]On February 29, 2024, Endava announced its financial results for the three months ended December 31, 2023. Among other items, Endava stated that it was running behind its recent revenue trajectory by approximately 70 million, or nearly 9% below prior projections at the midpoint. The Company further stated that certain of its clients had delayed their orders due to economic uncertainty.On this news, Endava's American depositary share ("ADS") price fell $26.65 per ADS, or 41.76%, to close at $37.17 per ADS on February 29, 2024.Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered billions of dollars in damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.SOURCE: Pomerantz LLP
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SAN FRANCISCO, CA / ACCESSWIRE / September 10, 2024 / Hagens Berman urges Spire Global, Inc. (NYSE:SPIR) investors who suffered substantial losses to submit your losses now.Class Period: Mar. 6, 2024 - Aug. 14, 2024Lead Plaintiff Deadline: Oct. 21, 2024Visit: www.hbsslaw.com/investor-fraud/SPIR Contact the Firm Now:SPIR@ hbsslaw.com 844-916-0895Class Action Lawsuit Against Spire Global, Inc. (SPIR):Spire Global, the beleaguered space data provider, has managed to stave off financial distress by securing a waiver and amendment to its debt obligations with Blue Torch Capital. The agreement, reached on Aug. 27, 2024, provides immediate relief from leverage ratios in exchange for a hefty price tag.The company will now be required to pay an amendment fee of 3.5% of the outstanding term loan principal and it had to make a $10 million principal payment by August 31. This comes at a time when Spire's cash reserves are already stretched thin, with only $46 million in cash and equivalents as of June 30.The debt relief comes amidst a growing accounting scandal that has rocked the company. Spire recently admitted that virtually all of its previously reported financial statements for 2022 and 2023 would need to be restated due to improperly recognized revenues for pre-space mission activity. This revelation marks a significant escalation from the company's initial announcement in early August, when it announced that it would not timely file its Q2 2024 quarterly report. The company said then it was in the process of reviewing its accounting practices and procedures with respect to revenue recognition related to certain contracts in its "Space as a Service" business. The company further explained that "[t]he re-evaluation relates to the potential existence of embedded leases of identifiable assets in the Contracts and the related recognition of revenue for pre-space mission activities." The accounting irregularities have not only led to financial covenant violations but have also triggered a class-action lawsuit against the company. Investors are alleging that Spire misrepresented and failed to disclose the true nature of certain contracts and the related revenue recognition.Shareholder rights firm Hagens Berman is now investigating whether the company and its executives violated U.S. securities laws."Spire Global's recent admissions of accounting irregularities raise serious concerns about the company's corporate governance and financial practices," said Reed Kathrein, the Hagens Berman partner leading the investigation. "We are looking into whether Spire's recent disclosures and stock performance warrant lengthening the alleged class period." If you invested in Spire Global and have substantial losses, or have knowledge that may assist the firm's investigation, submit your losses now If you'd like more information and answers to frequently asked questions about the Spire Global case and our investigation, read more Whistleblowers: Persons with non-public information regarding Spire Global should consider their options to help in the investigation or take advantage of the SEC Whistleblower program. Under the new program, whistleblowers who provide original information may receive rewards totaling up to 30 percent of any successful recovery made by the SEC. For more information, call Reed Kathrein at 844-916-0895 or email SPIR@ hbsslaw.com # # #About Hagens Berman Hagens Berman is a global plaintiffs' rights complex litigation firm focusing on corporate accountability. The firm is home to a robust practice and represents investors as well as whistleblowers, workers, consumers and others in cases achieving real results for those harmed by corporate negligence and other wrongdoings. Hagens Berman's team has secured more than $2.9 billion in this area of law. More about the firm and its successes can be found at hbsslaw.com . Follow the firm for updates and news at @ClassActionLaw.Contact:Reed Kathrein, 844-916-0895SOURCE: Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP
An overview of the talks between General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee and President of Vietnam To Lam and visiting General Secretary of the Lao Peoples Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith. (Photo: VNA)

The two leaders informed each other about the situation of each Party and country and exchanged views on international and regional issues of mutual concern. They also agreed on orientations, policies and measures to develop the bilateral great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation to a new height.

The Lao leader, his spouse and a high-ranking delegation of Laos are paying a state visit to Vietnam from September 10-13 as guests of Party General Secretary and President To Lam and his spouse.

Welcoming the Lao leader and his spouse, General Secretary and President Vietnam To Lam emphasised that the visit is of significance to enhancing and increasing the effectiveness of comprehensive cooperation between the two Parties and countries in line with the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos.

The Vietnamese leader expressed his belief that the trip will be a success, helping to elevate the bilateral relationship to a new height. He affirmed that Vietnam will continue to work with Laos to preserve and nurture the bilateral relations as well as the solidarity among the three countries of Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia.

Thongloun congratulated Lam on being elected as General Secretary of the CPV Central Committee, which, he said, demonstrated the Vietnamese Party, State and peoples trust.

He once again expressed his deep condolences over the passing of and special respect for late Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, and spoke highly of his significant contributions to Vietnams renewal process as well as the development of the Vietnam-Laos relations.

The Lao leader said he believed that the Party, State, and people of Vietnam will continue to advance forwards steadily, build Vietnam into an industrialised and modernised nation, and achieve the goal of rich people and strong, democratic, just, and civilised country.

He also showed profound sympathy over the heavy losses of human and property caused by typhoon Yagi in Vietnam, and his confidence that under the leadership of the Party and State, the people of Vietnamese localities will soon overcome these difficulties and stabilise their lives.

Congratulating Vietnam on its great, important and comprehensive achievements over the past nearly 40 years of Doi moi (Renewal), Thongloun expressed his confidence that under the leadership of the CPV with Lam at the helm, Vietnam will successfully achieve its goals of becoming a upper-middle-income developing country by 2030 and a high-income developed nation by 2045.

He also updated his Vietnamese counterpart on Laos's socio-economic development outcomes, including progress in party-building work and foreign affairs, especially important policies and solutions recently adopted by the Lao Party and State.

General Secretary and President Vietnam To Lam congratulated Laos on the important development achievements that the country has gained over the years across all fields, and hailed Laos strong performance in organising external activities as ASEAN Chair.

He said he believes that under the leadership of the LPRP led by Thongloun, the Lao people will successfully implement all tasks and targets set at the 11th LPRP National Congress and make good preparations for the 12th congress, building a nation of peace, independence, unity and prosperity following the goal of socialism.

The top Vietnamese leader underlined that Vietnam will always give strong support to the Party, State and people of Laos in promoting the achievements and completing all the set targets, while continuing to support Laos in successfully performing the role of ASEAN Chair in 2024. He briefed the guests on Vietnams major achievements over the years as well as the CPVs policies and leadership orientations over various areas, especially Party building and socio-economic development.

General Secretary and President Vietnam To Lam and Thongloun highly valued the precious, sincere, and effective support and assistance that the Parties, states, and people of the two countries have given each other in the struggle for national liberation and reunification in the past, as well as in the current national renewal, construction, and development.

The two leaders emphasised the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos, which were founded by Presidents Ho Chi Minh, Kaysone Phomvihane, and Souphanouvong, and nurtured by successive generations of leaders of both Parties and countries. This relationship is an invaluable common asset of both nations, with strategic significance for the stability and development of each country.

They highlighted that the solidarity and mutual assistance between the two Parties and countries are an objective necessity, a historical rule, and one of the greatest sources of strength with vital significance to the revolutionary cause and the Fatherland construction and protection of the two Parties and countries.

The two leaders affirmed their commitment to continuing the glorious historical tradition of both nations, together preserving, protecting, and continuously nurturing the special relationship and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos, making it increasingly intensive, practical, and effective in various fields, for the benefit of the people of each country, as well as for peace, stability, and development of the region and the world.

Host and guest expressed pleasure at the significant new developments in the relationship between the two Parties and countries, and the results of the Vietnam-Laos comprehensive cooperation over the past time, with the effective implementation of many projects and programmes. They also discussed orientations to promote cooperation in order to make the Vietnam-Laos relationship deep, practical, and effective in various areas.

The two sides will continue to deepen political relations, enhance mutual understanding, and reinforce trust, which are the core guidelines for the overall relationship between the two countries. They will maintain high-level visits, meetings, and exchanges between the top leaders of both Parties and countries; increase information sharing, exchanges and coordination on strategic issues, and theoretical discussions, especially on new issues. They will also promote information and education about the special relationship between Vietnam and Laos as well as the Vietnam-Laos-Cambodia ties among the people, especially the youth, of the two countries.

The leaders consented to enhance cooperation in defence and security, ensuring a solid foundation for each other to effectively cope with increasingly diverse and complex security challenges. They will actively and effectively implement protocols and cooperation plans in defence and security, contributing to maintaining political stability in each country.

General Secretary and President Vietnam To Lam and Thongloun also agreed on a common perception of promoting joint efforts to create breakthroughs and improve the effectiveness of economic, cultural, and scientific-technical cooperation based on maximising each countrys potential and strengths. They stressed the need to promote substantial connectivity between the two economies in terms of institutions, infrastructure, transportation, telecommunications, and tourism, to foster long-term cooperation and development of both countries, and to promote connectivity among the three economies of Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia as agreed by the three governments. The two nations will work closely to remove difficulties and obstacles to effectively implement key projects of mutual interest.

The leaders agreed to maintain effective information exchange and assessments on international situations, protect each others legitimate interests in accordance with international law, including issues related to the East Sea and the sustainable use of the Mekong Rivers water resources. The two countries will consult, coordinate closely, and support each other effectively in international and regional issues as well as activities at multilateral forums./.
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Initial Drill Assay Results Expected By The End Of October 2024VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / September 11, 2024 /Tectonic Metals Inc. ("Tectonic" or the "Company") (TSX-V:TECT)(OTCQB:TETOF) today announced the initiation of the 2024 drilling program at the Company's flagship, Flat Gold Project ("Flat") in southwestern Alaska. This program only marks Tectonic's second year of drilling at Flat, an expansive, district-scale intrusion-hosted gold system hosting six intrusion targets. The project, covering 99,000 acres is located on predominantly Alaskan Native-owned land under Doyon, Limited ("Doyon"), one of Alaska's largest Native Regional Corporations and Tectonic's second-largest shareholder with investments of approximately $4 million into the Company. The partnership between Doyon and Tectonic is formalized through a legally binding mineral lease production and impact benefits agreement, covering all aspects of exploration through to production. This agreement aligns the interests of both parties, reduces risk, and streamlines the process from discovery to development, production, and reclamation.Peter Kleespies, Vice President of Exploration, commented : "We are pleased to commence the 2024 exploration program at our flagship Flat project and test the results of our ongoing compilation and interpretive work based on the application of modern exploration models and technologies which has resulted in the generation of a suite of high quality, intrusion-related gold targets. Our 2024 Reverse Circulation drilling program will follow-up on the higher-grade mineralized corridors identified in our 2023 drilling at Chicken Mountain and Adit, and focus on outlining the extent, orientations, and potential intersection geometries of the mineralized structures. We are especially excited to begin the inaugural exploratory drilling on potential buried intrusions at the Golden Apex Target and the extension of the Chicken Mountain Intrusion at the Alpha Bowl Target, both of which have received very limited past work despite over 50 years of exploration history at Flat." 2024 High Priority Drill Targets:Chicken Mountain: a 6.5 km x 6.0 km monzonite intrusion hosting a prominent north-northwest oriented structural zone referred to as the "Chicken Mountain Structure". Chicken Mountain presently hosts a 4 km-long high-tenor gold-in-soil anomaly in unglaciated terrain that is less than 50% drill tested. Using the gold-in-soil anomalies to guide drilling has been 100% successful as all 74 holes drilled to date at Chicken Mountain intersected gold mineralization, which has delineated 1.8 km of mineralized strike to a vertical depth of 300 m with mineralization remaining open in all directions. Furthermore, 37 drill holes have ended in mineralization, with the deepest hole being more than 400 m long.Drill targeting along the Chicken Mountain Structure is planned to follow up on and expand higher-grade mineralized corridors identified in 2023, including 37.32 m at 1.02 g/t Au (CMD23-001), 36.40 m at 1.22 g/t Au (CMD23-002) and 22.86 m at 1.12 g/t Au (CMR23-001) and test directly beneath undrilled historic trenches reporting significant gold grades, including 27.44 m at 6.64 g/t Au and 30.48 m at 1.11 g/t Au.The higher-grade mineralized corridors at Chicken Mountain are hosted within extensive mineralized envelopes. For example, CMD23-001 hosts 37.32m at 1.02 g/t Au within a broader mineralized interval of 146.90m at 0.61 g/t Au with the entire drill hole returning 423.15m at 0.41 g/t Au, terminating in mineralization.Adit-Happy Structure ("The Adit"): a northeast-oriented, 2 km long structural corridor which intersects the northern extent of the Chicken Mountain Structure. Adit appears to be the primary source of ~200 Koz of historical placer gold production2 sourced directly over the western end of the structure. The target is defined by a 2 km long gold-in-soil anomaly, historic drilling and trenching mostly within a localized 200m section of the structure, which returned highlight intervals of 12.2 m of 3.75 g/t Au, 7.01 m of 4.57 g/t Au and 10.60 m of 2.44 g/t Au. During Tectonic's 2023 drill program, several holes were drilled into the Adit Structure 150 m and 500 m southeast of the historic drilled and trenched area, which returned 24.39 m of 1.08 g/t Au and 24.38 m of 1.00 g/t Au, respectively.In 2024, drilling at Adit will focus on drilling a series of holes across the core kilometre of the structure and test the interpreted structural intersection zone of the Chicken Mountain and Adit structures.Alpha Bowl: The previously un-drilled Alpha Bowl target is a bowl-shaped depression that is the northern extension of the Chicken Mountain intrusion complex and features the same host rocks found in the mineralized sections of Chicken Mountain. Limited historical soil and bedrock rock sampling indicate the intrusion is mineralized for at least 1200 metres beyond the northernmost drill holes at the Chicken Mountain structure. Spanning up to 1 km in width, the surface expression of Alpha Bowl is characterized by extensive historic dredge, placer and regolith tailings. It appears to be the primary bedrock source for the prolific Flat Creek, which has historically yielded 650,000 ounces of recorded placer gold production2.This season, Alpha Bowl will be drilled for the first time. The drilling will focus on targeting intrusion-hosted mineralization along the established strike of the intrusion within the Alpha Bowl area.Golden Apex: There are only two historical drill holes at Golden Apex across the expansive 2.5 km-long and 2.0 km-wide Golden Apex intrusion target. These holes from a 2003 program were not drilled in the optimum orientation, were drilled directly into a fault zone, and did not adequately test for the presence of underlying intrusions in the area.Initially, a buried intrusion was believed to exist at depth at Golden Apex. However, in 2024, Tectonic analyzed previously unsampled sections of these 2003 drill cores, and the recently released drill assays have validated the presence of RIRGS distal mineralization (TEC PR Sept 5, 2024). These assays and resulting geochemical zonation patterns suggest an intrusion closer to the surface than previously thought, particularly in the western part of the target area. This interpretation is further supported by recent Tectonic 3-D inversion of magnetic data, which reveal that the mineralization associated with gold-bearing intrusive rocks at Chicken Mountain is linked to domains of very low magnetic susceptibility. This low magnetic signature has now been identified and mapped at Golden Apex, just west of a 2003 drill hole, GA03-02, which returned 12.34 m @ 1.08 g/t Au, 22.86 m @ 1.00 g/t Au and 9.60
United Bank for Africa (UBA) has named Chukwuma Nweke, who previously held roles of chief operating officer and executive director, retail & payments, as a deputy managing director.

He will start his new position on 1 October, the financial institution disclosed in a statement on Wednesday.

He is the deputy managing director in charge of IT and operations, Ramon Olanrewaju, UBAs group head, media and external relations, told PREMIUM TIMES on the telephone.

Muyiwa Akinyemi, who has been the banks deputy managing director since August 2022, is now the deputy managing director in charge of southern operations, the spokesperson further said.

A graduate of Accountancy, from University of Nsukka, Enugu State, Mr Nweke also holds a Masters of Business Administration at the university.

He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria as well as an honorary member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria.

His over 30 years of experience in the banking industry encompasses audit, retail banking, banking operations, strategy, technology and finance.

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The appointment of Chukwuma Nweke underlines once again, UBAs commitment to upholding the highest governance and operational leadership, said Chairperson Tony Elumelu.

His deep industry expertise and proven track record make him an invaluable asset to our board, and we are confident that his contributions will further strengthen the groups growth and success.

In the same statement, the pan-African bank, which has footprints in 20 markets on the continent, announced exit of Kayode Fasola, a non-executive director, who has retired from the directors board.

Mr Fasola joined the lender in August 2018 and once served as the chair of its Finance & General Purpose Committee as well as a member of the Board Audit & Governance, Credit and Statutory Audit committees.

His areas of expertise includes performance management, risk management, banking operations, asset management, business strategy, banking operations, credit/financial analysis, insurance among others.

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This week, a massive clear-out looms in the Big Brother No Loose Guard house, and some fan favourites could be among the casualties. With barely four weeks left on the show, sixteen housemates remain after Biggie decided to give a weeks nomination break in Week Six. The suspense is palpable as their fans await the fate of these beloved housemates.

On Monday, the house was back in the nomination room, with the voting results throwing up nine housemates, including some big fan favourites, for possible eviction. The unexpected turn of events has left many in shock. We take a look at some of the nominees and their chances of survival on the chopping block this week:

Kellyrae and Kassia: Before the split of the pairs, some section of the fans said the money is married this season because of Doublekay Kellyrae and his wife, Kassia. This week, both have been put up for eviction by housemates. They escaped eviction twice as a pair without being in the bottom three. But now that they ride solo, it would be an uphill task for their fans to split the votes and save both. Will the couple remain in the house after Sunday night eviction?

Ozee: Given the popularity of the Mbadiwe Twins in the house, it is expected that Ozee should be saved by the fans this week. The job should be easier for their fans, as his twin brother wasnt nominated. It will be the biggest shock of the night if he gets evicted.

Shaun and Victoria: After the nominations, some fans expressed surprise at how the housemates put Victoria up for eviction. Shes probably the calmest in the house, and many wonder why housemates see her as a threat. She and Shaun formed the Shatoria pair and are up for eviction this week. How will the fans split their votes? Will the Wanni X Handi fans turn up for Shaun? Regardless of what happens, one is expected to survive on Sunday.

Sooj and Topher: In one of the major surprises of the nomination session, Topher decided to put himself up for eviction by nominating himself. This could be costly, as the Aces fans will have to split the votes to keep both in the house. Soojs bond with Nelly in the house has made him one of the fan favourites, which could help sway some votes from the Nelita camp. It is widely expected that one of the two or both would go home on Sunday.

Ben: If Ben survives this week, it would be a miracle. The last time his Beta pair was up for eviction, they finished in the bottom three and had a lucky escape. Luckily for him, Tjay won the Head of House game, so their fans can put in all the votes to try and save him. But would that be enough?

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Chizoba: She and her sister, Onyeka, finished in the bottom three the last time Chekas were on the chopping block. They bond with the Mbadiwe Twins, but Ozee is also up for eviction, and no help is expected from that camp. With the calibre of housemates shes up against, Chizobas chances of survival are very slim.

By the way, these are merely predictions. However, the audience can change the narrative and save their favourite housemates by voting for them. The voting channels are open until Thursday night.

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The fifth season of StreetFoodz Naija has officially kicked off, with the organisers announcing a N10 million prize for the best street food vendor.

The show is an initiative of FoodBay TV to build Nigerias street food culture while offering a platform for young vendors to elevate their businesses through mentorship and financial support.

The press conference, held on Monday at the T Block Conference Hall, Alausa, Lagos, was attended by dignitaries, including the Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, and the Permanent Secretary, Youth and Social Development, Oluwatoyin Oke-Osanyintolu.

Season 5

Femi Ogundoro, Managing Director and CEO of FoodBay TV, who also served as co-host, expressed the platforms significance, saying that this seasons winner will not only walk away with the prize money but also receive business tools to scale their venture.

All 14 contestants will also benefit from scholarships at the Hospitality Business School, which will equip them with valuable knowledge.

The Food Bay CEO stated that the 2024 docu-reality cooking series theme is Love and Street Food, which highlights the connection between food, culture, and community. He said, We want this edition to be about love  love for food, tradition, and the craft of street food. This competition isnt just about whos the best cook; its about giving back to the community and fostering a spirit of entrepreneurship among young vendors. A lot of Nigerians rely on Street Food. In the last ten years, we have begun repositioning how things are done. We want to change the narrative and make street food a viable business option.

Mr Ogundoro highlighted that over 132 million Nigerians living below the poverty line depend on street food vendors for their meals. He explained that the show aims to rebrand these vendors, offer mentorship, and empower them to expand their businesses.

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He pointed out how the show has transformed the lives of contestants, with vendors like Korede Spaghetti and Lakrim serving as examples; Korede Spag was selling 500 packs of food at N800 per pack, but now, with the help of mentorship through the show, he sells 3,000 packs at N2,500 each and has employed over 50 people. Similarly, Lakrim, crowned the King of Street Food last year, has expanded his business significantly, showing what this platform can do.

Mr Ogundoro stated that StreetFoodz Naija isnt just a competition but a platform focused on empowerment and growth. It aims to help street food vendors take pride in their work and recognise the potential in their businesses.

Judges

FoodBay TV stated that entries for the 2024 edition have been officially opened.

The CEO announced that applications will close on 23 September, with the main event starting in October and the grand finale scheduled for 16 November.

The organisers noted that Street food vendors interested in participating must submit a video explaining why they should be selected for the show.

This years judging panel includes culinary expert Chef Tolani, aka Diaryofakitchen lover, famous health influencer Chinonso Aproko Doctor Egemba, and food critic Opeyemi Famakin.

Together, they will assess the contestants, focusing on their creativity in dishes and business acumen.

Nigerian influencer Enioluwa Adeoluwa hosts the show. His passion for food and energetic personality makes him the perfect fit for engaging with the contestants and the audience.

Partnership

One highlight of the fifth edition unveiling is StreetFoodzs collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development.

The Food Bay CEO said, The youth development business cannot be left in the hands of the government alone. Thats why we have partnered with the Lagos State government to develop entrepreneurship among young people who are into the street food business in Lagos State.

We want to create opportunities that train, inspire, and empower youth. This is the principal reason for the food contest  to nature the positive part through our leadership and economic empowerment program, he said.

Speaking on the collaboration, the Lagos State Youth and Social Development Commissioner, Mobolaji Ogunlende, said, StreetFoodz Naija Season 5 is another platform that would inspire, educate, and empower the national youth of Nigeria. This platform not only celebrates the vibrant culinary landscape of Nigeria but also enables the youth and their beloved businesses.

This theme, Love and Street Food, resonates deeply with our nation as we heartily advocate for this empowerment and community hub. Street Foodz Naija is a vital platform for young entrepreneurs to change their culinary habits, transforming their passion into successful businesses by allowing them to compete and learn for bigger things.

This show is more than just a celebration of art; authentic culinary is a powerful economic empowerment and value job. The Lagos State government, under the ministry of Governor Babajide Sanwoolu, is committed to social inclusion, gender equality, and youth development. Social development is committed to opportunities to train, inspire, and empower youth.

These principles are the essence of what Street Food Naija is about. I am confident that our partnership with Food Bay TV would yield tangible results by empowering young entrepreneurs, promoting culinary items, and fostering love in our community. To get on the show, simply record a video of the person and the food, send it to the provided number or upload it to the local street food site.

Food Bay also announced its partnership with Golden Penny, Maltina, Calypso, PRISMS Healthcare Ltd, and FCMB.

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Olori Ashley, the fourth wife of the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has sparked a wave of reactions on social media for declaring her son the Crown Prince to the throne of Oduduwa.

The royal couple, who wedded on 15 October 2022, welcomed their son nearly six months after the monarchs third and youngest wife, Olori Tobi, announced the birth of twins.

Olori Ashley, who revealed that their son was born at the Princess Royal Hospital in London, United Kingdom, has been tackled for an Instagram post that critics believe is a subtle shade at the other queens.

Her explanation that her son is a prince from the mothers side of Ooni Adagbas royal compound of Lafogidos ruling house and also a prince from the fathers side of Ooni Agbedegbedes royal compound of Giesis ruling house isnt enough to pacify her critics.

Still, the post sparked a wave of reactions on social media, with many users tackling her for declaring her son the crown prince when the monarch already has two sons Tadenikawo from Oonis estranged wife, Naomi and Oreade from Olori Tobi.

Backstory

It all began last Tuesday when the Ooni broke the announcement on his official Instagram page, posting a photo of himself and the new mother with the caption, Ooniadimulaife To God be the glory great things he has done. Hearty congratulations to the entire House of Oduduwa and Olori Folashade, who today birthed a Prince from the mother side of Ooni Adagba Royal Compound of Lafogido Ruling House and father side of Ooni Agbedegbede Royal Compound of Giesi Ruling house combined to the Royal throne of Oduduwa.

Oonis fourth wife, Olori Ashley, followed suit, affirming this as she wrote, To God be the glory, great things he has done for my husband and me. I am happy to re-announce with my husband Ooniadimulaife the birth of our adorable prestigious royal son to the throne of our forebears, our CROWN PRINCE of the source of Oodua. Who we were blessed with and were born into this world today, the 3rd of September 2024, at Princess Royal Hospital London, United Kingdom. Even though the enemies tried in our relationship for about a decade, Olodumare has remained faithful in our lives.

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Olori Ashley stated that the Oduduwa royal throne at Ile-Ife resulted from the union of the two houses.

She wrote, To my amazing PA @obanewo_ thank you for holding every handle down for me during the last months of grooming our prestigious CROWN PRINCE from both sides of his parents @ooniadimulaife A Prince from Mother side of Ooni Adagba Royal compound of Lafogido ruling House and A Prince from Father side of Ooni Agbedegbede Royal compound of Giesi ruling House combined to the royal throne of Oduduwa.

The naming ceremony of their son was held on Tuesday at the Oonis palace in Ile Ife, Osun State, with the other queens, namely Olori Tobi, Olori Mariam, Olori Temitope and Olori Ronke, in attendance.

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The Israeli military has released video footage showing a tunnel in the Gaza Strip, where it says the bodies of six hostages shot dead by Hamas were found.

Israel Defense Forces Spokesperson Daniel Hagari presented the video at a news conference after touring the tunnel.

He said a shaft hidden in a residential home in Rafah, southern Gaza, led to the tunnel buried 20 meters underground.

The video shows a low, narrow passageway with no bathroom and poor ventilation.

Mr Hagari added that the tunnel was extremely humid, saying, There is no air to breathe.

It also shows a chessboard, a hairbrush, USB chargers, a Kalashnikov rifle with ammunition, and flashlights inside the tunnel.

Mr Hagari said blood stains were visible on the ground.

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He alleged that the six hostages, two women and four men, were killed by Hamas militants a day before their bodies were retrieved.

All the evidence inside the tunnel has been collected for investigation.

We are examining the materials and following every lead to track down the terrorists responsible for this heinous murder, the military spokesperson said.

He noted that there are additional hostages being held in similar conditions.

The recovery of the six hostages bodies on August 31 has sparked a surge in public outcry against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Hundreds of thousands of Israelis took to the streets, demanding that Mr Netanyahu secure a deal to bring home the remaining hostages.

Hamas took about 250 hostages in a surprise attack against Israeli towns adjacent to Gaza on October 7, 2023.

Israeli authorities say 101 hostages remain in Hamas captivity, with dozens of them believed to be dead.

(Xinhua/NAN)

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The Lagos State branch of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has urged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to intervene in the ongoing crisis between the management of the Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, and that of the Lagos State University College of Medicine (LASUCOM), Ikeja.

The development led to the recent announcement of the interdiction of the incumbent provost of the medical college, Abiodun Adewuya, by the universitys Vice-Chancellor, Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, both professors.

LASU on Sunday announced the interdiction of Mr Adewuya due to allegations of insubordination and unauthorised disclosure of official information.

NMA, in a letter to the governor signed by its Chairman and Secretary, Saheed Kehinde and Hassan Jimoh respectively, expressed concern over the recurring disciplinary actions, including interdiction against provosts of the college.

It condemned the interdiction of Mr Adewuya by Mrs Olatunji-Bello-led management, saying the development is getting worrisome and smirks of some lingering ego and turf war in the relationship between the university and the college leaderships over time.

NMA said only the urgent intervention of Mr Sanwo-Olu could avert the further degeneration of the crisis.

Provosts interdiction

In a memo with reference number LASU/ASE/PF/3394, and dated 30 August, the university said some of the provosts actions constituted serious misconduct and violated the universitys regulations.

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PREMIUM TIMES could not independently confirm what the issues between the VC and the provost were. However, there are speculations that the hostility between them stemmed from the state governments plan to upgrade the medical college to a full-fledged university of medical sciences.

The upgrade is reportedly being handled by the state government without the consent of the university, a development the university management reportedly found unsavoury.

The provost is believed to back the move against the university managements interest.

The memo that announced Mr Adewuyas interdiction reads in part: Prior to the interdiction, Prof Adewuya had been issued two separate queries regarding the allegations, to which he provided responses.

However, the Vice-Chancellor deemed these responses unsatisfactory and unacceptable and, as such, has referred the case to the Joint Council-Senate Disciplinary Committee for further investigation.

According to the university, the interdiction which took effect from 3 September will last for an initial period of three months during which time he is relieved of all official duties.

In the interim, the Vice Chancellor appointed the Deputy Provost of LASUCOM, Olufemi Idowu, as acting provost, pending the outcome of the investigation by the Joint Council-Senate Disciplinary (Academic) Committee concerning Prof Adewuya.

NMAs concerns

NMA, in the letter, described this development as unhealthy and capable of derailing the progress of the college needlessly.

It noted that it was the second time in six years that a provost of LASUCOM has been interdicted.

The letter reads in part: The college has thrived excellently and has expanded both in scope and capacity and has become a major training hub for different categories of health workers in Lagos state and the sub-region.

READ ALSO: Tinubu appoints new NIMR DG

We are however worried that this present interdiction of the Provost, who has steered the affairs of the College brilliantly in the last roughly two years with identifiable giant strides and palpable stability, is capable of derailing the progress of the college needlessly.

The association commended Mr Adewuyas leadership, saying that within the period of his leadership, urged the governor to use his office as a Visitor to the University to resolve the dispute and prevent further crisis in the college.

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With so many worrisome things going on the country  a sudden jack up in the pump price of PMS from under N700 per litre to between N850/litre and N1,400 per litre depending on the area (barely a month after the hunger-driven #EndBadGovernance protest), the return of punishing queues at petrol stations and a largely despondent and cowed citizenry, it makes sense to seek escapism from it all. Coincidently, today, Tuesday, 10 September, is the day of the first debate between Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump and his Democratic Party counterpart, Kamala Harris. It is a debate that could potentially re-define the trajectory of the presidential race, providing another justification to journey to America.

So far the general consensus is that it will be a close race. As of 8 September, the New York Times national polling average had Kamala Harris ahead with 49 per cent points against Trumps 47 per cent. Both candidates are competitive in key battleground states like Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Nevada, Arizona and North Carolina. Based on the aforementioned polling figures, the difference between the two is statistically insignificant and within the margins of error.

Though Kamala Harris still leads in most of the polls, it would seem that the bounce from the Democratic National Convention, the powerful endorsements by Democratic bigwigs like the Obamas, Clintons and Nancy Pelosi, and the novelty of her emergence as the Republican candidate, have begun to cool off. But she received a boost recently (which is not yet reflected in most of the polls) when Professor Allan Lichtman picked her to win the race. Lichtman, 77, a professor of History at the American University in Washington DC, who is dubbed the Nostradamus of US presidential elections, had accurately predicted the outcome of all but one (George W Bush v Al Gore in 2000) presidential elections since 1984. Professor Lichtman predicted that Kamala Harris was on course to win the November poll despite the fact that Democrats had, with Biden stepping aside from the race without resigning from being president, surrendered the valuable key of presidential incumbency  one of the 13 keys he uses to determine the outcome of presidential elections. The keys are a set of true/false propositions that does not take into account polling trends. Of his 13 keys, Professor Lichtman, who is also competing in the qualifying race for the 2025 national senior Olympics in the US, found that eight favoured Harris. Lichtmans reputation as a Nostradamus of presidential election prediction was given a tremendous boost when he accurately predicted that Trump would win the 2016 presidential election at a time most of the polls had it sealed for Hillary Clinton. Will he also be correct this time around?

This years election is unprecedented in Americas presidential history. For the first time, a woman is the candidate of a major political party which raises an important question (though discussed in hush-hush tones because of political correctness) of whether American voters are now prepared for a female president. There is also the matter of whether Americans are ready for another Black President. Under Americas one-drop rule, Kamala Harris is Black. The one-drop rule was a legal principle of racial classification in the 20th-century United States under which a person with even one drop of blood in the persons ancestry is considered Black (Negro or coloured in historical terms). Kamala Harris father was Jamaican and her mother Indian. The fear when a Black candidate runs against a White candidate is the so-called Bradley effect. This was named after Tom Bradley, an African-American candidate who lost the 1982 California gubernatorial race despite having a massive lead in the polls going into the election against a White candidate. Adherents of the Bradley effect believe that some White voters will often lie to pollsters that they are undecided or likely to vote for a minority candidate for fear of being accused of racism. This means that for Kamala Harris, there is potentially a double whammy  being Black and being female.

How do both candidates frame each other? Democrats have successfully framed Donald Trump as an existential threat to American democracy. He is profiled as someone who lies chronically and repeatedly, an ex-convict, and someone who would go all out to jail his political opponents. He is also portrayed as someone who would further mainstream right-wing political philosophies and of being inconsistent in his political beliefs  having shifted political affiliations, like Nigerian politicians, five times since he first registered as a Republican in 1987. For instance, in 1999, he changed his party affiliation to the Independence Party of New York; in August 2001, he changed it to Democratic; in September 2009, he changed it back to the Republican Party; in December 2011, he changed to no party affiliation but in April 2012, he again returned to the Republican party. These inconsistencies have led to his critics accusing him of being in politics just for himself.

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Though Trump seems to be shifting his political position to the centre of the right during the campaigns to broaden his appeal beyond his traditional base, essentially Whites without college qualifications, he appears to struggle to stay on that political spectrum. People who admire him however talk of his authenticity  he says what he means  even if it is utterly unpalatable to his listeners. His Making America Great Again (MAGA) mantra appeals to a base that is suspicious of immigration, trade competition with China and Americas engagements overseas and relatively huge contributions to international institutions. He is also hugely popular with evangelical Christians who loathe what they regard as the erosion of the countrys Christian values, such as the legalisation and apparent promotion of same sex marriage under the Democratic governments of Obama and Biden.

Harris benefits from a fear of a Trump Presidency  which is one of the primary drivers of her candidacy. One of the biggest criticisms against her candidacy however is the vision thing  she has been accused of being unable to layout her vision of the country succinctly. Even in the CNN interview she held with her vice presidential nominee Gov. Tim Walz on Thursday, 29 August, she was thought to be too cautious and unable to succinctly present any grand vision of her plans for America. She has also been accused of having poor messaging skills, especially when the parameters are wide. One major explanation for this could be the suddenness of her emergence as a Democratic candidate  which gave her some bounce but also embodied some disadvantages for her. It is generally believed that politicians who rose to prominence as governors or spent a good number of years in the Congress are better at articulating their political messages since they would have spent years honing such skills while in office. Doubts have also been expressed on whether she will be able to reverse the Democrats growing weakness among working-class voters  most particularly, the white working-class voters who have been trending Republican for a very long time.

The debate, which starts at 9 p.m. Eastern Time, could be a game changer. A self-inflicted harm in the debate by either of the candidates could alter the trajectory of the race. There is however also the October surprise or what military strategists would call the fog of war. This means that whatever may be the outcome of the debate, there could still be a variable missed by all analysts which could turn up late in the race (hence October surprise) and become the ultimate game changer.

Jideofor Adibe is a professor of Political Science at Nasarawa State University, Keffi and founder of Adonis & Abbey Publishers. He can be reached at: pcjadibe@yahoo.com or 07058078841 (WhatsApp or text messages only).

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A former Minister of Information, Jerry Gana, has urged the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) to ensure that its proposed Public Relations and Leadership University is of world-class standard, cautioning against mediocrity in its establishment.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Project Implementation Committee at the National Assembly Complex on Tuesday, Mr Gana stated that only a first-rate institution should be considered, or the project should be abandoned altogether.

Do not even start if you are not building a world-class institution, Mr Gana said. The global expectation for this initiative is nothing short of excellence.

Global vision and accessibility

Mr Gana, a professor of geography, outlined a vision for the university, underscoring its international aspirations and the need for easy accessibility.

He advised that the institution should be located prominently, with optimal access by road, rail, and air.

This university is not just a national project; it is an international one. It must be accessible and welcoming, not hidden away in some obscure location, he said.

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The former minister praised the NIPR leadership for embarking on such a groundbreaking project, describing it as an initiative with the potential to have far-reaching global impact.

However, he warned that the challenges ahead would require a commitment to the highest standards.

In addition to academic standards, Mr Gana emphasised the importance of technology and innovation, adding that the university must be at the forefront of advancements in teaching and research methods.

Mr Gana urged the committee to foster a culture of technological innovation, equipping both staff and students with the skills necessary to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Technology is the future, and this university must be a hub for technological innovation. We need to ensure that both students and faculty are well-versed in the latest technologies, Mr Gana said.

He also stressed the importance of leadership and accountability, calling for strong governance structures that would ensure transparency and stakeholder involvement.

Were ready to support

Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule expressed the states readiness to support the establishment of the university.

Mr Sule, who described Nasarawa States growing reputation as an educational hub, promised to provide the necessary infrastructure and resources to ensure the projects success.

We are proud to be considered as the host state for this institution. Education is the bedrock of development, and Nasarawa is committed to playing its part in supporting this monumental initiative, he said via a video call.

We will work tirelessly to ensure that this university becomes a beacon of excellence not only in public relations and leadership but across all academic disciplines, he said.

Leadership and communication as core pillars

In his speech, NIPR president, Ike Neliaku, also addressed the audience, emphasising the vital link between public relations and leadership.

Mr Neliaku noted that effective leadership hinges on clear communication, a skill often overlooked by many in positions of power.

Public relations is a leadership function, Mr Neliaku said. Leaders who wish to succeed must know how to communicate effectively, or they risk failing not because of poor policies, but due to an inability to convey their vision, he said.

He said many political and business leaders struggle to connect with their constituents because they lack emotional intelligence and communication skills.

He explained that the universitys curriculum would aim to bridge this gap, equipping future leaders with the tools necessary to excel in both leadership and communication.

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A Sharia Court in Kaduna, Kaduna State, on Wednesday ordered the remand of Musa Hussaini for some hours for him to think about how to provide for the upkeep of his four children.

Earlier, the petitioner, the mother of the four children and Mr Hussanis recently divorced wife, Hajara Sani, had prayed to the court to help her recover some of her property from Mr Hussaini.

She told the court that Mr Hussaini sold her two chairs and television and pushed her into selling her bed.

I gave him the money I got from selling the bed shortly before he divorced her.

I want the court to confirm the three pronouncements of divorce Hussaini made to me. I also want the court to order my former husband to be responsible for the upkeep of our four children, she said.

On his part, Mr Hussaini confirmed making three pronouncements of divorce at intervals, adding that he sold the items with the complainant s consent in order to repair his working tools as a vucalnizer.

He said he sold the TV and chairs for N5,000 and received N6,500 from the complainant after the bed was sold.

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He prayed the court to allow him pay in installments.

I will give her N2,000 weekly, he said.

When asked about the welfare of his children, he said he had no provision for them for now.

The judge Mukhtar Aliyu ordered the remand of the defendant for some hours so that he will ponder on how to provide for his children.

He adjourned until Sept. 25 for further hearing. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

AMG/SH

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Philemon Yang, president of the 79th session of UN General Assembly, speaks at the first plenary meeting of the 79th session of UN General Assembly at the UN headquarters in New York, on Sept. 10, 2024. The 79th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) was declared open on Tuesday by Philemon Yang, the General Assembly's new president. (Eskinder Debebe/UN Photo/Handout via Xinhua)

UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- The 79th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) was declared open on Tuesday by Philemon Yang, the General Assembly's new president.

In his opening remarks, Yang said the world is facing many challengers, such as climate change that is devastating the planet and endangering countless lives and societies, and conflicts and armed violence that rage on from Sudan to Haiti, and from Ukraine to the Gaza Strip, leaving trails of death, destruction and wanton misery worldwide.

"Suffering caused by poverty and hunger continues to linger," he said, adding that prejudice and hate -- often amplified by new digital tools that bring opportunities but also risk -- continue to fuel tensions and strife.

He called for drawing inspiration from the Charter of the United Nations, and the principles of international cooperation, to meet these doubts.

Stressing that international cooperation remains the most effective tool for addressing the profound and borderless issues, Yang said, "Cooperation among member states is what allows us to harness our collective resources and ingenuity to realize humanity's greatest aspirations such as peace, justice, and sustainable development, among them."

The General Assembly stands as the most powerful platform to fully seize its promise, he said.

Yang outlined the priorities during his tenure, focusing on the principles of unity in diversity, the advancement of peace, sustainable development, and "a thorough and uncompromising commitment to human dignity, for everyone, everywhere."

Other priorities include multilingualism in the General Assembly's work, and gender equality and women's empowerment.

He reiterated the commitment to carrying out the mandates of the General Assembly, including the reform of the Security Council, the revitalization of the General Assembly, and the Social Summit 2025.

In his opening remarks, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the General Assembly is "the place where solutions are made" for the many challenges facing the world today, including solutions to bring the Sustainable Development Goals back to life, and to end poverty and inequality; solutions to spur economic progress and job-creation for all; solutions to bridge the political divides and end the conflicts; and solutions to end the climate catastrophe.

"As we open this 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly, we confront a world in trouble. But the good news is that we can do something about it," he said.

In confronting the challenges, the UNGA remains an indispensable tool and a vital pathway toward a peaceful and just future for all people, said Guterres.

Yang, who is from Cameroon, was sworn in at the closing of the 78th session of the UNGA Tuesday morning.

Philemon Yang (at the podium), president of the 79th session of UN General Assembly, speaks at the first plenary meeting of the 79th session of UN General Assembly at the UN headquarters in New York, on Sept. 10, 2024. The 79th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) was declared open on Tuesday by Philemon Yang, the General Assembly's new president. (Eskinder Debebe/UN Photo/Handout via Xinhua)

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres speaks at the first plenary meeting of the 79th session of UN General Assembly at the UN headquarters in New York, on Sept. 10, 2024. The 79th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) was declared open on Tuesday by Philemon Yang, the General Assembly's new president. (Eskinder Debebe/UN Photo/Handout via Xinhua)

Philemon Yang (C), president of the 79th session of UN General Assembly, chairs the first plenary meeting of the 79th session of UN General Assembly at the UN headquarters in New York, on Sept. 10, 2024. The 79th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) was declared open on Tuesday by Philemon Yang, the General Assembly's new president. (Eskinder Debebe/UN Photo/Handout via Xinhua)

Editor: WXY
Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has urged the two newly recognised first-class traditional rulers in the state not to use their new position to victimise those who opposed their selection.

Mr Fubara gave the advice on Tuesday in Government House, Port Harcourt, while presenting certificates of recognition and staff of office to two traditional rulers who are from Ikwerre and Obio/Akpor local government areas of the State.

The new traditional rulers are Marcus Woyike  Nye Nwe-Ali Elele Okinali/Elele-Alimini in Ikwerre Local Government Area and Ndamzi Nsirim  Nye Nwe-Eli Rumueme Kingdom in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.

The governor urged the traditional rulers to work with all their subjects in their domains to promote peaceful coexistence, harmony, and enduring development.

Mr Fubaras remark is contained in a statement sent to PREMIUM TIMES on Wednesday by the governors spokesperson, Nelson Chukwudi.

What we are doing here is just a fulfilment of what is already existing. The stool of Nye Nwe-Ali Elele has already been gazetted and existing. And the process for selection is already done. What we just did here is official government recognition.

On that of His Majesty, King Ndamzi Nsirim, fortunately, the stool that you are occupying was also recognised and gazetted by the previous administration. What we are also doing here is that after the process of selection of the new head (king), it is the duty of the government to officially give you a letter of recognition and staff of office.

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So, what we are doing is not a new thing or creating a new stool, but recognising what already exists. (We are only) bringing you into the Council of Traditional Rulers recognised by the government, the governor said.

Mr Fubara advised the traditional rulers to see their position as an opportunity to contribute their quota to good governance in the state while protecting the interest of their people.

He further told them to forgive those who may have offended them in the past.

In the process of this selection, you might have had one issue or the other. People might have been against you, but in the end, what is important is that you are there now. Carry everybody along. Have the heart of forgiveness. As a traditional ruler, everybody belongs to you. So, work with them.

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A Nigerian pastor has allegedly stabbed his wife to death in Anambra State, Nigerias South-east.

The suspect, Elijah Ibeabuchi, was said to have killed his wife, Ogechukwu Okafor, during a fight.

Mr Ibeabuchi hails from Nimo, a community in Njikoka Local Government Area of the state.

Chidinma Ikeanyionwu, a media aide to the Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.

Ms Ikeanyionwu said the incident happened on 13 August but was reported to the ministry by the family of the deceased last weekend.

The media aide said the family reported the matter to the ministry following alleged threats from the suspect.

The statement did not indicate the community where the incident happened.

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Discovery

Samuel Onuorah, an uncle to the deceased woman, and other family members visited the ministrys office to seek justice for the victim, according to a video clip uploaded on the commissioners Facebook page on Wednesday.

Mr Onuorah told the ministry that the suspect had earlier contacted him and claimed that the victim died after falling from a four-storey building.

Mr Onuorah said the family, however, later discovered that the deceased did not fall from the building but was killed by the husband through a stab her on the neck and chest.

He said the family made the discovery when they visited the morgue where the victims body was deposited and observed a mark on her body showing she was stabbed to death.

Mr Onuorah said the suspect allegedly killed the victim when she resisted the husbands alleged attempt to use their newborn for ritual.

He appealed to the Anambra State Government to come to the aid of the family and get justice for the deceased relative.

Commissioner reacts

Reacting, Mrs Obinabo, the commissioner, called on women groups and human rights activists as well as social media users to support the state government in getting justice for the victim.

She assured that she would notify Nonye Soludo, wife of Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State, to help in the case.

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The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has said the recently unveiled National Values Charter aims to instil a renewed sense of civic duty and national pride among Nigerians.

Mr Idris stated this while flagging of the retreat of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Abuja on Wednesday.

The three-day retreat aimed to reposition the agency for optimum impact and to further its mandate is tagged, Extended Management Retreat On The Vision, Role and Expectations Of The NOA In The Renewed Hope Programme.

Participants were drawn from all the 37 state directors, deputy directors and others.

Mr Idris described the Charter as one of the ministrys flagship initiatives, adding that it sets out seven core promises and seven responsibilities for both citizens and the government.

According to him, the Charter balances the rights of citizens with their obligations to the state.

It seeks to awaken Nigerians to their responsibilitiesnot only to one another but also to the government and the nation. This is crucial for sustaining a functional democracy, he explained.

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The minister also said the Charter is expected to serve as a cornerstone of the governments reorientation campaign, which aims to embed the right values, attitudes, habits, and perspectives in the daily lives of Nigerians.

He reaffirmed the federal governments commitment to reshaping the civic values of Nigerian citizens through the NOA.

Mr Idris outlined the governments efforts to re-energise and position the agency to foster national unity, inclusivity, and civic responsibility.

The NOA has undergone significant transformation since my last visit. We have a new Director-General, Lanre Issa-Onilu, who has worked tirelessly to realign the agency with President Bola Tinubus post-reform agenda, he said.

The minister said under Mr Issa-Onilus leadership, the agency has embraced new digital tools to connect with Nigerias increasingly youthful and tech-savvy population.

One such initiative, according to him, is the Mobiliser app, a platform designed to foster civic awareness and public engagement.

The NOA is now one of the most technology-compliant agencies in the country, Mr Idris said, referencing the agencys use of Artificial Intelligence and other digital innovations.

The minister also lauded NOAs grassroots-oriented approach to citizen engagement.

The agency remains a crucial tool for shaping national narratives, promoting unity, and fostering a sense of belonging among Nigerias diverse communities, he said.

Mr Idris expressed optimism that the NOA would continue to play a pivotal role in the governments broader agenda of moral and cultural reawakening.

While acknowledging that the journey to achieving lasting transformation would be challenging, the minister said, Nigerians are resilient, and the NOA will demonstrate that resilience in the months and years ahead.

He urged the agencys staff members to continue refining their vision and doubling their efforts in the pursuit of this lofty ambition.

NOAs embrace of digital tools and youth engagement

Also speaking, Mr Issa-Onilu, highlighted the agencys recent technological advancements and its renewed focus on youth engagement.

He noted that Nigerias demographic landscape had shifted dramatically over the past three decades, with individuals aged 45 and below now making up 93 per cent of the population.

He said the demographic shift, coupled with the rise of social media and digital communication, prompted the NOA to adopt new strategies for connecting with citizens.

Todays media landscape is vastly different from what it was in the early 1990s, the DG said. Platforms like YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram now dominate the communication space, giving young Nigerians unprecedented access to information and the ability to shape national discourse.

Mr Issa-Onilu explained that NOA has responded to these changes by embracing digital tools that allow for more direct interaction with citizens.

According to him, the Mobiliser app, which was officially launched in March 2024, is one of the agencys flagship initiatives and it is available for download on both Android and iOS devices.

He said the app allows users to access information about government policies and programmes, while also providing a platform for citizens to offer feedback.

In addition to the Mobiliser app, the NOA has launched a new artificial intelligence platform called CLHEEAN, an acronym for crime, lawlessness, health, education, environment, abuse, and nationalism. CLHEEAN is designed to provide Nigerians with real-time information about civic responsibilities, government initiatives, and national values.

We believe that by providing this platform for engagement, we are not just informing, but also valuing the input and participation of every Nigerian, Mr Issa-Onilu said.

The DG said that in addition to its digital initiatives, the NOA had revamped its physical infrastructure, with new television and radio studios now operational.

These studios, according to him, are expected to enhance the agencys capacity to produce content focused on government policies and national development.

He also said the NOA has also renewed its engagement with local communities, leveraging its nationwide network of offices to reach citizens at the grassroots level.

Mr Issa-Onilu detailed the agencys efforts to collect data from thousands of local trade and community associations, which will be used to tailor government messages to specific audiences.

We are soon to commence the deployment of strategic materials on government policies in multiple languages, targeting millions of members of these associations, he stated.

In a goodwill message, the former Minister of Information and National Orientation, Jerry Gana, while praising the DG for his performance, described the retreat a very important management exercise.

He said the agency has transformed since his time at the helm.

Mr Gana noted that the nations orientation landscape had become far more dynamic and youth-driven than in earlier years. He urged the agency to focus not on repositioning but on preparing its staff to act strategically in an era marked by constant change.

The space was not as dynamic as this when we were in orientation. It has grown massively, especially in terms of youth engagement. Therefore, your new space is so dynamic, you dont have a fixed position anymore, he said.

He further suggested that instead of merely repositioning, the agency should work with national leadership to define a clear direction and equip staff to be effective in their roles.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Information and National Orientation, Eze Emeka, echoed Mr Ganas sentiments but added a sense of urgency.

He highlighted the pressing need for the NOA to intensify its efforts, particularly in light of the economic and security challenges facing Nigeria.

The country needs a lot of sensitisation and orientation right now, Mr Emeka stated. The reality is that the government is doing so much, but its not being known at the grassroots. National orientation needs to bridge this gap.

Mr Emeka emphasised that while traditional grassroots campaigns are still necessary, the NOA must also leverage digital platforms to communicate effectively in todays information landscape.

He called on the agency to modernise its communication strategies to reflect the digital age, while still maintaining feedback loops with the public to inform policy making.

You must devise a feedback mechanism, Mr Emeka advised. When you engage with the public, its crucial that you take their responses back to the executive, ensuring that governance is informed by real, on-the-ground insights.

Tony Iredia, another prominent figure and former Director General of the Nigerian Television Authority, reinforced the importance of grassroots efforts, particularly house-to-house campaigns.

He argued that while television and radio play significant roles, the personal engagement NOA officers provide at the local level cannot be replaced by mass media.

Theres a large proportion of Nigerians who you can call illiteratethey dont understand the English we speak on TV or radio. But they understand the local language, and they trust the person they see face to face, Mr Iredia explained.

He urged the agency to capitalise on this strength, emphasising that face-to-face interaction remains one of the most effective ways to educate and inform the populace.

A former DG of the NOA, Mike Omeri, offered a broader perspective, comparing the agencys role to similar organisations in other countries.

He highlighted the importance of national orientation for public information, citing examples from the United States and China, where similar institutions play pivotal roles in shaping public understanding and promoting national unity.

The NOA is not just an agencyits an existential necessity for Nigeria. The agency needs to continue stretching its capabilities and supporting its staff in training and development. The challenges we face today require innovative approaches and modern, he stated.

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The 79th session of the UN General Assembly opened on Tuesday in New York, with incoming President Philemon Yang outlining a vision of unity in diversity.

Mr Yang also called for deeper international cooperation to tackle a host of global challenges, including climate change, escalating conflict, and a slowdown in sustainable development.

He underscored the need for equitable economic growth driven by innovation and green economies, ensuring that the benefits of economic development are accessible to all nations, large and small.

Peace and security, he added, will also be key priorities, as he urged nations to resolve ongoing conflicts, including in the Gaza Strip, Haiti, Ukraine, and the Great Lakes region of Africa.

We must invest in all efforts to decrease tensions and instead build trust around the world, he said.

Human rights, together with strengthening international law and justice frameworks will remain high on the agenda, with the Assembly working to enhance the coordination of humanitarian efforts.

This will help ensure its response to crises is timely and efficient, and that aid reaches those most in need, Yang said.

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Lastly, we will address the pervasive challenges of international terrorism, drug and human trafficking and modern slavery, he continued, stressing the need to uphold human dignity.

As President of the General Assembly, I am committed to facilitating these discussions and harnessing our collective will and expertise to deliver significant solutions, he added.

UN chief speaks

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also addressed the opening of the session, highlighting the urgency of collective action to confront a world in trouble.

He praised President Yang for his vision and leadership, pledging his full support to unite the diverse member states around common goals.

From day one, the United Nations has been the place for multilateral solutions  grounded in collaboration, dialogue, diplomacy, and the UN Charter, he said.

Acknowledging the gravity of the current global situation, the UN chief emphasised the need for concrete solutions across various domains, including reducing poverty, inequality, and the climate crisis.

We need solutionsto bring the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) back to life and end poverty and inequality, he noted, adding that economic progress and job creation, particularly for women and young people, must be prioritised.

The Secretary-General also pointed to the critical role of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), and the need to ensure they serve as tools for progress and not barriers.

Step by step, solution by solution, we can rebuild trust and faith in one another, he concluded, calling for renewed commitment to the principles that have guided the Organization since its founding in 1945.

The opening of the 79th session also marks the first time the State of Palestine was seated among Member States at the General Assembly, following the adoption of resolution ES-10/23 at the tenth emergency special session earlier this year.

That resolution also set forth additional rights for the State of Palestines participation in Assembly meetings, but not the right to vote or put forward its candidature to UN Main Organs such as the Security Council or the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

The additional rights and privileges do not confer membership to the State of Palestine, which requires a specific recommendation from the Security Council.

(NAN)

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At their meeting in Samoa, 21  27 October, the Heads of Government will select and appoint the next Commonwealth Secretary-General.

The three candidates vying for the Commonwealth Secretary-General position are Mamadou Tangara from the Gambia, Shirley Botchwey from Ghana, and Joshua Setipa from Lesotho.

Some civil society organisations have raised concerns about Mr Tangaras candidacy. In a statement sent to PREMIUM TIMES, a group of Concerned Gambians and Commonwealth Citizens argued that Mr Tangara is not fit and proper to be the Commonwealth Secretary-General in the name of the Gambia as he does not possess Commonwealth values.

The group said Mr Tangara did not defend the country at a time when the Gambia was undergoing a brutal dictatorship.

Mr Tangara served under former Gambian dictator Yahya Jammeh in different capacities including as foreign affairs minister.

During his time as minister, the group said Mr Tangara used his position to defend dictatorship at international forums.

Public officials who turn the state into a weapon of violence and corruption against the people and those who aid and abet them must face consequences for their decisions, positions and actions, the group said, adding, Public office has benefits for those who work in it, but it also bears costs for those who flout and abuse public office.

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The three candidates will debate each other at Chatham House in London on 11 September.

The Commonwealth Headquarters did not immediately respond to the petition against Mr Tangara. Instead, it released a statement saying, The people of the Commonwealth have a direct interest in who will be the next Secretary-General.

It urged people to submit questions and concerns that could be posed to the candidates during debates.

Commonwealth Heads of Government will elect a new Secretary General in accordance with the Agreed Memorandum on the Establishment and Functions of the Commonwealth Secretariat (revised 2022) and the principle of regional rotation.

The successful candidate will serve as the seventh Commonwealth Secretary-General.

From 1994 to 2016, The Gambia was under an entrenched dictatorship of Mr Jammeh. Mr Tangara was accused of being an ally of Mr Jammeh having served as minister on various occasions and other appointments, including that of Minister for Fisheries, Water Resources, and National Assembly Matters, and Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science, and Technology. In 2013, he was appointed as Gambian Permanent Representative to the United Nations, a position he held up to the end of President Jammehs dictatorship.

The group said Mr Tangara supported a dictatorship that was prone to weakening state institutions and a state security apparatus that committed human rights abuses with impunity to disappear, maim, kill, torture, and harass unarmed civilians, including political figures, civil servants, journalists, activists, students, and communities.

Not only was Mr Mamadou Tangaras silence on the domestic front deafening in the midst of these atrocities, for a significant part of the Yahya Jammeh regime, he managed The Gambias foreign and diplomatic relations, providing the international community, including the Commonwealth and its member States, a false picture of the situation in the country, the group said.

As foreign minister, the group noted that Mr Tangara threatened the safety of Gambians, whom he reportedly perceived as enemies of the state in compliance with Jammehs definition.

READ ALSO: Commonwealth champion Achanta leads Indian contingent to 2024 WTT Contender Lagos

Between 2011 and 2012, on at least two occasions, he sought the support of the Government of Mali to extradite Ndey Tapha Sosseh, former president of The Gambia Press Union and Secretary General of the Coalition for Change Gambia, Civil Society Associations the Gambia (CSAG), who fled into exile in Mali 3 for her safety. The Malian Government stood firm in their request for proof of the obviously false accusations of treason, sedition, and wanting to overthrow the Government upon which Mr Tangaras extradition request was based. Ms Sosseh faced imprisonment and death if she was extradited. She made this statement in her testimony at the TRRC, but Minister Mamadou Tangara vehemently denied these charges even though the facts speak otherwise.

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The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to the 10 Nigerians charged with treason over last months #EndBadGovernance protests.

In a ruling on Wednesday, the judge, Emeka Nwite, granted each of the defendants bail in the sum of N10 million with one surety who must have property worth the bail sum in Abuja.

As part of the bail conditions, the judge ordered that the sureties must submit their passports to the court.

He did not attach any other conditions to the bail.

The 10 defendants earlier arraigned before the judge on 2 September include Michael Tobiloba Adaramoye (aka Lenin), 28 years; Adeyemi Abiodun Abayomi (aka Yomi), 34 years; Suleiman Yakubu, 28 years; Opaluwa Eleojo Simeon, 50 years; Angel Love Innocent, (the only female among them), 51 years.

The rest are Buhari Lawal, male, 21 years; Mosiu Sadiq, male, 28 years; Bashir Bello (aka Murtala), male, 51 years; Nuradeen Khamis, male, 47 years; and Abdulsalam Zubairu, male, 37 years.

Their lawyers had applied to the judge to grant them on liberal terms after their arraignment on 2 September.

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The lawyers argued that the proof of evidence submitted to substantiate the charges did not support the allegations of treason levelled against their clients.

How the case began

On 2 September, the Nigerian government arraigned the 10 defendants linked to the #EndBadGovernance protests on charges of war plotting and an attempt to topple President Bola Tinubu.

They pleaded not guilty to all six charges.

The police filed the charges in August as the government stepped up its clampdown on protesters and the organisers of the #EndBadGovernance protests held in major cities around the country from 1 to 10 August.

According to the charges, the 10 protesters, allegedly acting in concert with Mr Wynee, incited mutiny by calling on the military to take over the government from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The prosecution also accused the defendants of inciting citizens to destabilise Nigeria through the protest.

The defendants also face another count of conspiring with their alleged conspirators to commit treason, an offence of taking up arms against the state.

In another grievous allegation, the government accused the protesters of acting in concert with Mr Wynee and others to wage a war against the state.

According to the charges, the protesters did this by attacking and injuring police officers and torching police stations, the High Court Complex, NCC Complex, Kano Printing Press, Government House Kano, Kaduna Investment and Promotions Agency Office, NURTW Office and several other building.

This offence is said to be contrary to section 410 of the Penal Code (Northern States) Federal Provisions Act.

They denied all the charges.

More details soon.

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Kano State Government says it has put measures in place to stop the diversion of drugs and medical consumables in state-owned medical facilities across its 44 Local Government Areas (LGAs).

Gali Sule, the Director-General, Kano State Drugs and Medical Consumable Supply Agency, said this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kano, the state capital, on Wednesday.

Mr Sule said the action was to alert the public on the development.

He said the agency had serious challenges with some of its facilities where health workers divert commodities, particularly drugs and consumables.

He warned perpetrators, whom he described as unpatriotic, to desist from such practices or be ready to face the consequences.

According to him, the unpatriotic workers get the commodities at cheaper prices, but instead of allowing patients to buy at affordable rates, they direct them to premises outside for their gains.

The affordability we aim to achieve with the patients is being sabotaged by some unpatriotic workers in some of our facilities.

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We have a strong monitoring mechanism and once you are caught, you will face the wrath of the law in accordance with the civil service law of the state.

We have strengthened issues of transparency and accountability under our drug revolving funds policy, where whoever is in charge of medical stores, warehouses or pharmacies must account for whatever transactions he conducts every quarter.

Where there is a gap, whoever is in charge, be he a storekeeper or pharmacist, must be held responsible for the gap and other necessary sanctions to be taken.

I can confidently inform you that we have improved our supply and availability of drugs in our hospitals.

The agency embarked on sourcing for qualitative and affordable drugs among other medical consumables which are supplied and distributed across the state hospitals, thus bringing to an end the threat of fake and substandard drugs in our public hospitals, he said.

Mr Sule said 855 facilities in primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare access products from the agency.

He added that the agency had trained and capitalised 56 additional facilities, making it 911 that access the agencys drugs and consumables.

The agency will soon commission its own pharma-grade warehouse to store various types of drugs in cold and moderate temperatures.

Standard for storage of drugs have been put in place to maintain its quality throughout and also storage pillows have been provided at the warehouse.

One of the advantages the state will derive from this warehouse is that some commodities coming from the national to the state need to go through Sokoto pharma-grade warehouse, from either Abuja or Lagos.

Our facilities dont get supply because we dont have a pharma-grade warehouse in Kano and its such a lengthy protocol.

When we now have our own, the process will be shortened, hence reducing the cost of transportation and security risks related to travelling from Kano through Zamfara and Sokoto states. (NAN)

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The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has said cases of Mpox in the country now stand at 67.

The cases, according to the disease centre, were confirmed out of 1,031 suspected cases reported across 23 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory.

This was disclosed during a media briefing on Wednesday by the NCDC Director General, Jide Idris.

Statistics

According to Mr Idris, both Akwa-Ibom and Enugu states are leading in the Mpox chart with eight cases each while Bayelsa recorded six cases; Cross River (five cases) and Benue, Plateau and Delta reported four cases each.

Other states, according to Mr Idris, are Imo, Lagos and the FCT with three cases each, while Rivers, Abia, Osun, Anambra, and Ogun reported two cases each.

Response activities

The DG said the agency is enhancing its surveillance efforts in various states to improve the accuracy of Mpox detection and ensure timely reporting of cases.

He said: We are working with ports health authority to prevent the importation of Clade I of Mpox into the country, the port health authority is also working with border states to ensure prevention of the clade in the country.

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We have laboratories across the country but not all of them have the same capabilities to test Mpox. So, we are optimising our laboratories to detect so that we dont have to carry samples across states. We are also involved in awareness creation.

READ ALSO: NCDC confirms 55 Mpox cases

About Mpox

Mpox is a rare and infectious disease that can spread from animals to humans and between people. Its commonly found in certain parts of Africa, particularly in the tropical rainforests of Central and West Africa.

The disease can also spread from person to person through close contact with someone whos infected or by touching contaminated things.

Symptoms of Mpox include fever, headache, muscle pain, weakness, swollen lymph nodes, and a unique rash that typically starts on the face and spreads to other areas. The rash can also appear on the hands, feet, and genital areas, making it possible to spread the disease through sexual contact.

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The Court of Appeal in Abuja on Wednesday dismissed a suit seeking to disqualify Olumide Akpata as the gubernatorial candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 21 September election in Edo State.

A three-member panel of the held that the suit instituted by an aggrieved governorship aspirant, Kenneth Imasuangbon, lacked cogent and verifiable evidence in the allegations against Mr Akpata.

In the lead judgment delivered by Okon Abang, the court held that Mr Imasuangbon failed to explore the internal conflict resolution mechanism of the Labour Party before rushing to court.

The court held that his case was premature in law and cannot be entertained on the grounds that conditions precedents were not met.

The unanimous judgment of the three-member panel also held that the appellant failed to tender the disputed results of the 23 February primary election of the party which he claimed to have won.

Mr Abang held that the claim of Mr Imasuangbon that he was not given official results by the Labour Party cannot hold water because his agent was present at the primary election.

The court further held that the appellant did not call as witness, a single delegate from those he claimed voted for him at the primary election.

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The court added that Mr Imansuangbons allegations that Mr Akpata did not sign the indemnity form is statute-barred, and the court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain it.

The appellate court therefore upheld the judgment of the Federal High Court in Benin delivered by Babatunde Quadiri, earlier dismissing Mr Imasuangbons suit for lacking in merit.

Mr Imasuangbon had in the suit prayed that Mr Akpata be disqualified as the Labour Party governorship candidate on the allegations that he was not qualified to have participated in the poll.

He asked for an order to compel the Labour Party to withdraw the candidacy of Mr Akpata and submit his own name as the right candidate having come second in the primary election.

(NAN)

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Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State has accused the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) of failing to remit oil revenues to the Nigerian government for over five months.

Mr Soludo spoke during an event at the Dora Akunyili Women Development Centre, Awka, Anambra State capital.

A video clip which showed the governor making the comments has been circulating on social media.

It is unclear when the event took place although there are indications it occurred in July.

NNPC hasnt remitted any oil revenue since February

Mr Soludo claimed the Nigerian government had been relying on remittances from the Nigerian Customs Service and taxes to pay monthly allocations to state governments.

Nigerias oil money has finished. Are you people hearing me?

Since February, March, April, May and this June that just ended, NNPC has not paid any money into the Federation Account from oil revenue, he told attendees at the event in Igbo language.

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What we (federal, state and local governments) have been sharing (as monthly allocations) are revenues generated by customs service, taxes etc. It is good for everyone to know this today, the governor added.

NNPC silent

Olufemi Soneye, the spokesperson of the NNPC Ltd, did not respond to calls on Wednesday afternoon seeking his comments.

Mr Soneye was also yet to respond to a text message seeking his comments as of the time of filing this report.

Debt headache

Mr Soludos accusation came days after NNPC Ltd admitted that it owed an undisclosed amount of money to suppliers of Premium Motor Spirit, otherwise known as petrol.

NNPC Ltd has acknowledged recent reports in national newspapers regarding the companys significant debt to petrol suppliers. This financial strain has placed considerable pressure on the company and poses a threat to the sustainability of petrol supply, Mr Soneye said in a statement on 1 September 2024.

The spokesperson was reacting to an earlier news report that the company was owing $6.8 billion to international oil suppliers.

He, however, did not mention the exact amount the company was owing the petrol suppliers.

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This photo taken on Sept. 10, 2024 shows the opening ceremony of the third edition of the Global AI Summit (GAIN) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The third edition of GAIN kicked off here on Tuesday to drive AI adoption and ensure the strategic use of related technologies worldwide. Under the theme of "Leveraging AI for the betterment of humanity," the three-day summit focused on eight areas, addressing the role of governments in harnessing AI's potential, the generative AI, the roles of ethics and governance in safeguarding AI development, hardware innovation, and AI applications in industries and urban life. (GAIN/Handout via Xinhua)

RIYADH, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- The third edition of the Global Artificial Intelligence Summit (GAIN) kicked off in Riyadh on Tuesday to drive AI adoption and ensure the strategic use of related technologies worldwide.

"This year, we are raising the bar, pushing AI boundaries further and higher for the good of humanity," said Abdullah bin Sharaf Al-Ghamdi, president of the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), in the opening remarks.

The SDAIA president said AI presents ethical dilemmas and crucial challenges threatening economic and social development internationally.

He noted that the solution to the challenges is unity, and the world should navigate through collaboration.

Under the theme of "Leveraging AI for the betterment of humanity," the three-day summit focused on eight areas, addressing the role of governments in harnessing AI's potential, the generative AI, the roles of ethics and governance in safeguarding AI development, hardware innovation, and AI applications in industries and urban life.

According to the SDAIA, over 450 AI experts, policymakers and entrepreneurs will join talks, interviews, discussions and debates at the summit.

On Monday, the SDAIA released the State of AI in Saudi Arabia report, providing a snapshot of AI progress in Saudi Arabia. According to the report, the contribution from AI is estimated to reach 12 percent of the country's GDP by 2030.

This photo taken on Sept. 10, 2024 shows the opening ceremony of the third edition of the Global AI Summit (GAIN) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The third edition of GAIN kicked off here on Tuesday to drive AI adoption and ensure the strategic use of related technologies worldwide.

Under the theme of "Leveraging AI for the betterment of humanity," the three-day summit focused on eight areas, addressing the role of governments in harnessing AI's potential, the generative AI, the roles of ethics and governance in safeguarding AI development, hardware innovation, and AI applications in industries and urban life. (GAIN/Handout via Xinhua)

People visit the third edition of the Global AI Summit (GAIN) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Sept. 10, 2024. The third edition of GAIN kicked off here on Tuesday to drive AI adoption and ensure the strategic use of related technologies worldwide.

Under the theme of "Leveraging AI for the betterment of humanity," the three-day summit focused on eight areas, addressing the role of governments in harnessing AI's potential, the generative AI, the roles of ethics and governance in safeguarding AI development, hardware innovation, and AI applications in industries and urban life. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)

People visit Huawei Cloud booth at the third edition of the Global AI Summit (GAIN) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Sept. 10, 2024 The third edition of GAIN kicked off here on Tuesday to drive AI adoption and ensure the strategic use of related technologies worldwide.

Under the theme of "Leveraging AI for the betterment of humanity," the three-day summit focused on eight areas, addressing the role of governments in harnessing AI's potential, the generative AI, the roles of ethics and governance in safeguarding AI development, hardware innovation, and AI applications in industries and urban life. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)

People visit the third edition of the Global AI Summit (GAIN) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Sept. 10, 2024. The third edition of GAIN kicked off here on Tuesday to drive AI adoption and ensure the strategic use of related technologies worldwide.

Under the theme of "Leveraging AI for the betterment of humanity," the three-day summit focused on eight areas, addressing the role of governments in harnessing AI's potential, the generative AI, the roles of ethics and governance in safeguarding AI development, hardware innovation, and AI applications in industries and urban life. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)

People visit the third edition of the Global AI Summit (GAIN) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Sept. 10, 2024. The third edition of GAIN kicked off here on Tuesday to drive AI adoption and ensure the strategic use of related technologies worldwide.

Under the theme of "Leveraging AI for the betterment of humanity," the three-day summit focused on eight areas, addressing the role of governments in harnessing AI's potential, the generative AI, the roles of ethics and governance in safeguarding AI development, hardware innovation, and AI applications in industries and urban life. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)

Abdullah bin Sharaf Al-Ghamdi, president of the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), delivers a speech at the opening ceremony of the third edition of the Global AI Summit (GAIN) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Sept. 10, 2024. The third edition of GAIN kicked off here on Tuesday to drive AI adoption and ensure the strategic use of related technologies worldwide.

Under the theme of "Leveraging AI for the betterment of humanity," the three-day summit focused on eight areas, addressing the role of governments in harnessing AI's potential, the generative AI, the roles of ethics and governance in safeguarding AI development, hardware innovation, and AI applications in industries and urban life. (GAIN/Handout via Xinhua)

Editor: WXY
The Lagos State Special Offences Court in Ikeja has sentenced Marco Ramirez, an American businessman, to 10 years imprisonment in dual cases of fraud and theft.

While one case concerns 16 counts of visa fraud involving as much as $1.2 million, the other involves 8 counts of theft of more than $360,000. Nigerians are the crime victims in both cases.

Delivering judgements on Tuesday, the trial judge, Mojisola Dada, found the American guilty of all the counts of fraud and theft preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in both cases.

The EFCC said in a statement on Wednesday that the court sentenced him to 10 years imprisonment regarding each of Counts 1 to 12, which centre on obtaining by false pretence in the fraud case.

The judge also sentenced him to 10 years in jail on each of Counts 13 to 16.

Mrs Dada also found Mr Ramirez guilty of all eight counts of $368,698.24 theft in the second case.

In this case, the judge sentenced him to eight years imprisonment on each of Counts 1 to 6 and 10 years in jail on each of Counts 7 to 8.

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Since the sentences will run concurrently, the convict will spend 10 years in jail.

Cases

The commission alleged that at various times in 2013, Mr Ramirez obtained a total of $1,235,000 from his victims as processing fees for their investments in his company, USA Now Energy Capital Group LP, to qualify for US Employment-Based Fifth Preference (EB-5) Investor Programme visa.

The programme would have qualified the victims to be eligible for the issuance of US Green Cards.

EFCC prosecuted Mr Ramirez alongside his companies, USA NOW LLC, Eagle Ford Instalodge Group LP and USA Now Energy Capital Group LP.

He was initially arraigned on 12 counts and pleaded not guilty.

The EFCC later re-arraigned him on 24 June 2022 following an amendment to the charges, increasing the counts to 16.

During the trial, the prosecution, led by M. S. Owede, tendered several documentary pieces and called witnesses to substantiate the allegations against him.

The trial was said to have suffered a protracted delay, leading to several adjournments due to the absence of the defence counsel, Lawal Pedro, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN). The defence was also said to have delayed filing their final written addresses in good time.

The parties to the case eventually adopted their final written addresses on 8 May.

The judge then adjourned till Tuesday for judgement.

In her judgements on Tuesday, Mrs Dada held that the prosecution proved its case against Mr Ramirez beyond reasonable doubt.

One of the counts read, Marco Antonio Ramirez, USA NOW LLC, and USA Now Energy Capital Group LP, between 19 February 2013 and 18 April 2013 at Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, dishonourably converted to your personal use the aggregate sum of $230,000 property of Abubakar Umar Sadiq, one of the counts reads.

The prosecution also accused the defendant of converting to his personal the sum of $314,800 property of Abubakar Sadiq between 12 July 2012 and 7 November 2012.

The EFCC also accused him of converting Mr Sadiqs $230,000 property to his personal use a year later.

EFCC also alleged that between 5 February and 18 April 2013, Mr Ramirez converted $545,000 of Godson Onyemaechi Echegiles property to his personal use in Lagos.

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A federal lawmaker, Clement Jimbo, has called for the removal of the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) Mele Kyari, saying Mr Kyari was taking Nigerians for granted.

Mr Jimbo, who represents Abak/Ika/Etim Ekpo Federal Constituency of Akwa Ibom State, has also called for the sacking of NNPC management staff.

The lawmaker stated this while appearing as a guest on a television programme, Hallowed Chambers, aired by TVC. It is not clear when the programme was aired, but Mr Jimbo posted a clip of the television interview on Facebook on 8 September.

Justifying his call for the removal of Mr Kyari and his management team, Mr Jimbo said the NNPC was taking Nigerians for granted, arguing that the people have been standing in queues to buy Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), otherwise called petrol, for the past three months.

The lawmaker wondered why NNPC claimed it owed $6.8 billion in debt about three weeks after declaring a profit of over N3.3 trillion.

Their sole responsibility is to make PMS and other petroleum products available to Nigerians. And if you failed in your critical responsibility and assignment, I consider you a failure, and you do not deserve to be in that position for another second.

Does it make sense that since Nigeria got independence and the establishment of the federal government-owned refineries, which have not been working for the past 28 years?

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We have a patriotic Nigerian who conceptualised, stood his ground to make sure that Nigeria as an oil producing nation is reckoned among the committee of nations with a functional refinery and now that we have a functional refinery ready and is producing all the different petroleum products. It is now that NNPC is coming with all this nonsense. It is quite unfortunate that Clement Jimbo is not the President of Nigeria. I would have shown him the way out a long time ago.

Ill move motion for Kyaris sack

The National Assembly is on recess. Mr Jimbo said if Mr Kyari continues in the office until the lawmakers resume, he will move a motion for his removal.

Mr Jimbo wondered why the NNPC recently increased the price of petrol from N590 to about N897 after the Dangote refinery unveiled its refined petrol.

According to him, with petrol now refined at the Lagos-based Dangote refinery, the NNPC will no longer pay for the cost of exporting crude oil and importing refined petrol. For this reason, he dismissed the recent hike in petrol price as unjustifiable and urged the NNPC to explain to Nigerians.

Asked if the National Assembly would consider engaging with the NNPC to slash the price of petrol when it resumes, Mr Jimbo said he would move a motion for Mr Kyaris removal.

Trust me, if the managing director of NNPC stays in that office when we resume, I will be the person that will move a motion for him to be sacked immediately.

I am calling for the sack of the MD/CEO of NNPC and his management staff because he is not alone, he said.

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The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has directed all traditional chiefs and leaders in Benin Kingdom to perform the traditional Bisusu ceremony to ward off evil ahead of the Edo governorship election.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the ceremony is to ensure a peaceful and hitch-free governorship election in the state.

The Obas directive is contained in a statement by Stanley Obamwonyi, the Esere of Benin, on Wednesday, in Benin.

The ceremony, which involves waving away calamity, is to be performed with traditional items and is to be carried out immediately.

According to Mr Obamwonyi, the Obas directive aims to ensure that the 21 September election in the state is free from violence and other forms of electoral malpractice.

The Esere of Benin said, The Bisusu ceremony is a traditional ritual performed by the Benin people to ward off evil and calamity from their land.

By directing the chiefs to perform this ceremony, the Oba is invoking traditional powers to ensure a peaceful and orderly election.

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He said the performance of the Bisusu ceremony would involve all chiefs, Enigie, Ikao, Edionwere, and Igie Ohen of various deities in the Benin Kingdom.

He said with the directive, traditional leaders in the Benin Kingdom were expected to take immediate action to perform the ceremony and use their influence to ensure a peaceful election.

Dangerous trend of violence

There has been tension and pre-election violence in Edo since the beginning of the year.

On 18 July, a police inspector was killed during an attack on the APC governorship candidate, Monday Okpebholo. Gunmen fired at Mr Okpebholos convoy while he was leaving the Benin Airport shortly after he and others arrived from Abuja.

Mr Okpebholo was in the company of the reinstated Deputy Governor of Edo, Philips Shaibu.

Since April 2024, 19 major incidents of pre-election violence have been recorded by Situation Room partner, Kimpact Development Initiative, which is tracking election-related violence ahead of the polls. In many of these incidents, which include shootings and assaults, victims sustained varying degrees of injuries, the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room said on 19 July while expressing concern about the pre-election violence in Edo.

The group said the attack on Mr Okpebholos convoy and the killing of the police inspector was the height of the pre-election violence in the state.

Situation Room is worried that if this dangerous trend is allowed to fester, it will have grave consequences for the 21 September Governorship election. We, therefore, call on security agencies to fish out perpetrators of violence and prosecute them accordingly, the group added.

The police in Edo, on Tuesday, said they have arrested the chairperson of Esan West Local Government Area of the state, Collins Aigbogun, over alleged political violence in the area.

Nemi Edwin-Iwo, the commissioner of police in Edo, said the Force Criminal Investigation Department had moved the council chairperson to Abuja over the matter.

What happened was that he brutalised somebody in the course of an altercation between himself and other party members.

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, the police commissioner said.

The police said they are mopping-up illegal arms in Edo before the election.

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The recent arrest and detention of the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, by the State Security Service (SSS), has triggered a public spat between the federal government and the labour movement.

Mr Ajaero, who was en route to the United Kingdom for the World Trade Union Congress (WTUC) conference, was arrested and detained for several hours by the secret police on Monday.

He was billed to address the global gathering of workers on behalf of Nigerian workers.

Several individuals and organisations, including Amnesty International (AI) and the TUC, joined the NLC to condemn the arrest and demand his release.

Mr Ajaero, who was seized by the operatives at 7 a.m., was released at about 11 p.m. on that day.

The incident, however, has led to claims and counterclaims between the government and the labour centre.

In a statement shortly after the arrest, the NLC described the development as a brazen act of lawlessness and intimidation as he (Ajaero) had not been declared wanted by any law enforcement agency.

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The Congress also said the arrest amounted to not just stopping a lawful citizen from travelling but also sequestering his freedom is an affront to our democratic and natural rights as a people and as workers.

It called for the immediate and unconditional release of its president.

Government defends arrest

The federal government, however, dismissed the claims, saying Mr Ajaeros arrest was justified because the labour leader refused to honour a law enforcement agencys invitation.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, insisted that the arrest had nothing to do with his role as NLC president and rejected accusations of human rights abuses.

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 said.

The presidential aide added, Ajaero, who likely considers himself above the law, was slated to speak at a conference where the UKs Trade Union Congress leader attacked Nigeria. No one is above the law, and he was rightfully placed on a watchlist by a sister agency.

NLC kicks

However, in a statement on Wednesday, the NLC refuted the claims, saying no formal invitation was issued before its leaders arrest.

The NLC Head of Information and Public Affairs, Benson Upah, in the statement, said Mr Ajaero had been in direct communication with the Director-General of the SSS (also called DSS) just days before the incident.

According to Mr Upah, the DG spoke with Mr Ajaero on the night of Saturday, (7 September), during which the labour leader informed him of his upcoming travel plans.

He said the two had agreed that any meeting would take place after Mr Ajaeros return on Friday, 13 September.

There was no summon that Ajaero ignored, Mr Upah said, noting that a previous conversation with a senior SSS official had resulted in a tentative agreement to set a meeting after Ajaeros return to the country. The Congress leadership was assured it would be given 48 hours notice before any visit.

The union further said Mr Ajaero has a status as a law-abiding citizen and an internationally recognised trade unionist, who has never shied away from cooperating with government agencies.

It is not in his character to disregard official invitations, Mr Upah added, pointing out that Mr Ajaero had recently honoured an invitation from the police, underscoring his respect for due process.

SSS undermining NLC  Lawyer

Meanwhile, Mr Ajaeros lawyer, Maxwell Opara, has criticised the SSS for misrepresenting his clients schedule, accusing the agency of deliberately trying to undermine the NLC president.

Mr Opara said the labour leader had informed the SSS of his planned trip to the UK for an engagement with the World Trade Union Congress and had committed to meeting with the agency upon his return.

He told them he would be available on Monday, 16 September, and they agreed, Mr Opara said in an interview with PREMIUM TIMES. This arrest is a calculated attempt to disrupt his work and weaken his influence.

He alleged that the government was attempting to remove Mr Ajaero from his position as NLC president in favour of someone more aligned with its interests, adding, The timing of this arrest speaks volumes.

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Residents of the Maiduguri town, Borno State in North-east displaced by water from the Alau Dam are beginning to return to their homes as flood water recedes gradually.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that many flood victims, who were forced to sleep outside, said they are eager to return home and assess their losses now that the water has subsided.

We are just rushing to see what is left of our homes and to salvage any remnants of our property we can still use, Ali Bana of Gwange ward said.

Musa Abdullahi of Gomari ward said he was able to get to his house.

My house is still flooded. From the look of things, we have more days to spend outside before we can move back in, Mr Abdullahi said.

Meanwhile, a situation report on the flood by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said more than 239,000 people were affected by the flood.

The floods have forced some of the affected people to move spontaneously to the Muna IDP camp, which was already hosting over 50,000 IDPs.

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Government authorities have evacuated residents in high-risk riverine areas to several locations, the report noted.

NAN reports that the flood incident has affected communication, power and water supply in most parts of town.

(NAN)

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Terrorists suspected to be members of Boko Haram have invaded the garrison town of Bassa in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.

Local sources around the village told PREMIUM TIMES that they had been hearing sporadic gunshots from the axis since 5:30 a.m. on Wednesday.

In one of the attacks on the town earlier this year, terrorists killed some soldiers, including a captain. The situation led to the withdrawal of troops from the town.

PREMIUM TIMES understands that residents recently returned to Bassa after the government deployed joint security operatives to protect the area.

When the attack started this morning, the security operatives told residents to stay indoors while they exchanged fire with the assailants, a source who received a call from Bassa this morning said.

Bassa has come under intense attacks from Boko Haram terrorists camping in the nearby Allawa forest reserve.

Many times, bandits crossing into the town through Zamfaras Kuyambana and Kadunas Kamuku forest reserves held the residents hostage  killing, raping, kidnapping and maiming men and women.

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Terrorists suffer defeat

The terrorists first invaded Bassa around 3 a.m. on Wednesday, but they were repelled by the joint operatives including local vigilantes and hunters deployed to the community.

Yusuf Dangana, a youth leader from Bassa told PREMIUM TIMES that the security operatives killed 21 terrorists during the first phase of the attack.

The security [operatives] did not suffer any casualty on their side, Mr Dangana said. But we lost two of our people.

Mr Dangana added that the security operatives captured four of the terrorists.

Among those killed include Zakaree Adam and a woman, Malawe Ali. They were killed when the terrorists reinforced back to the community.

The terrorists came back to the community around 05:30 am and engaged the security officers in a gun duel, he said. It was in the process that they killed those two people.

While Mr Adam was killed near a mountain where he had gone to make calls to alert neighbouring communities, Mrs Ali was killed trying to flee for her life.

Locals flee as terrorists mobilise around Bassa

The bandits have mobilised again and they are around Bassa town, another resident who spoke to our reporter in confidence said. Everyone has left Bassa now afraid of what could happen next.

In April, the terrorists killed five soldiers and a captain in some villages  Roro, Karaga and Rumace  in Bassa. Around that time, the terrorists also invaded Allawa, where they killed some soldiers in a landmine attack.

The military authority subsequently withdrew soldiers from the communities, a situation that led to displacement of thousands of locals.

While displaced locals from Allawa still wait to be relocated back home, those from Bassa were relocated last month with more than 100 security operatives to protect them.

Before they were displaced, the terrorists had asked the residents of Bassa to enter into a truce with them, but they rejected the offer, saying the previous peace deals did not yield any positive result.

Bassa is a farming community in Allawa district. It is located around the terror-ravaged Allawa forest reserve where Boko Haram terrorists have been camping for a while.

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Agwan Hakimi, Orozo community under AMAC Local Government Area of Abuja, has been ravaged by severe flooding for the past three days due to heavy rains, resulting in two deaths and unprecedented devastation, an official has said.

The flood destroyed over 10 houses and left the communitys source of power in shambles.

The sole bridge serving Agwan Hakimi and neighbouring communities for vehicular and pedestrian movement is on the verge of collapse, further exacerbating the crisis.

Despite efforts by residents and the landlord association to maintain the communitys transformers by purchasing essential materials like fuses, feeder pillars, conductor wire, concrete and wooden poles, and putting up solar lamps inside both transformers to keep them functional, which has cost close to 10 million naira, the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) has abandoned the community.

We urgently call on the FCT Minister, Nyesome Wike, senator Ireti Kingibe, AMAC Chairman Christopher Zakka Mailalangu, House of Representatives member Hon. Joshua Obika to come to our aid and provide immediate assistance to alleviate the suffering of our community.

We demand:

 Emergency relief and support for affected residents

 Reconstruction of destroyed homes and infrastructure

 Urgent attention to the collapsing bridge

 Improved electricity supply and support from AEDC

We appeal to all relevant authorities to take swift action to address this crisis and restore normalcy to our community.

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The Governor of Katsina State, Dikko Radda, says that despite the gravity of insecurity in his state, a police station in a local government area has only five functional guns.

Katsina has 34 LGAs, but Mr Radda did not mention the name of the particular one when he spoke during an interview with DW Hausa Service on Tuesday. His spokespersons did not respond to multiple phone calls on Wednesday morning as PREMIUM TIMES tried to get them to identify the LGA.

However, Mr Radda said it has 10 political wards and more than 200 villages under it.

He said the council area has 32 police officers and only nine guns, of which only five are serviceable.

Currently in Katsina, there is a local government area with 32 policemen and nine guns, and the serviceable guns are five.

The LGA has 10 political wards, with more than 200 villages. How can a police force with 32 personnel protect them? the furious governor lamented.

The governor said his administration would provide guns approved by the law for self-defence to vulnerable communities if people are willing to protect their communities and families against the bandits.

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We have come up with an initiative that, for any community ready to defend itself, we will give them necessary support and training to engage criminals before the arrival of the security agents, he stated.

He urged members of the vulnerable communities to be brave and be prepared to die like a man than to live or be killed like a coward.

He said the attackers are mostly few in number and malnourished and are from the neighbouring Kaduna and Zamfara, but can be dealt with if the local communities can strategise and confront them.

Reaction

Reacting to the governors comments, Bulama Bukarti, a lawyer, urged the President Bola Tinubu administration to investigate the trillions of naira budgeted in the defence ministry under former President Muhammadu Buhari.

In a post on his verified X handle, Mr Bukarti said the situation the governor painted should not be seen in an insecure state like Katsina.

An entire local government in one of Nigerias most insecure regions, with only 32 policemen and five functional guns? And Katsina is not an exception.

Large swathes of rural Nigeria have little to no law enforcement presence. Those few officers who are deployed are often poorly equipped, inadequately trained and lacking motivation. Is it any surprise that criminal gangs dominate these vast rural areas?

What exactly did the Buhari administration do with the trillions of naira allocated for security? The Tinubu administration should have initiated an investigationbut they havent. So far, there is little indication that Tinubus government is any better than Buharis.

Nigeria will not overcome its deep-rooted insecurity until we confront and dismantle the rampant, obscene corruption in the defence and security procurement sectors, Mr Bukarti said.

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No fewer than 32,341 candidates have applied to fill the 206 health sector vacancies advertised by the Cross River Government.

This is contained in a document obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Calabar, the state capital, on Thursday.

According to the document, as of the 2 September deadline for submission of application, a total of 49 doctors had applied to fill the 31 available spaces.

1,240 nurses applied for the 153 vacancies while 184 persons applied to fill the 22 advertised spaces for pharmacists, the document revealed.

The document further showed that although vacancies were not advertised for medical laboratory scientists, a total of 776 candidates applied for employment in that category.

NAN reports that the state government also received job applications from other health sector fields where vacancies were not advertised.

It would be recalled that in August, Henry Ayuk, the Commissioner for Health, announced that Governor Bassey Otu had given approval for the hiring of 206 medical staff members.

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He said that the gesture was part of the state governments efforts to enhance healthcare delivery in the state.

In a recent interview with NAN, Mr. Ayuk said that the Mr Otu-led government met only 20 medical doctors in the employ of the state when it came on board.

He said that aside the employment of personnel, the state government had earmarked a number of primary health centres for rehabilitation.

These efforts are in line with our governments mantra of putting the people first. We are committed to improving the wellbeing of our people, he said.

(NAN)

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The Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC) has released the final list of qualified candidates ahead of the 28 September Local Government Council chairpersons and ward councillors elections.

Genevieve Osakwe, the ANSIEC chairperson, pasted the list at the commissions headquarters in Awka and urged the candidates to begin their campaigns.

Mrs Osakwe said: The list is now available for public viewing.

We are inviting the public to visit ANSIEC headquarters or any of the 21 local government areas (in the state) to verify the candidates contesting for various positions.

We encourage the electorate to actively participate by voting for their preferred candidates on Election Day.

And I want to assure Anambra residents that the election will be conducted in a free, fair, and credible manner.

(NAN)

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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)

Editor: GSY
The Ondo State Security Network, Amotekun, has revealed how armed robbers are killing commercial motorcycles in the state and taking their bikes out of the state to sell.

The Amotekun Corps Commander, Adetunji Adeleye, made the revelation while parading 21 suspects arrested in the state for various crimes.

He said the robbers now smash the heads of the riders from behind and make away with the motorcycles after killing the riders.

Earlier, the corps had advised the people not to patronise Okada riders wearing hoods, especially at night, saying such are usually criminals.

Speaking on the weapons of the robbers, Mr Adeleye said, They use guns, heavy objects, and rather than mount the Okada, they ride beside the Okada and hit him on the head.

So he falls, and they pick up the bike. Within minutes, the bike is dismembered, put in a sack and taken out of the state.

We were able to break a syndicate that devised another means of dispossessing innocent okada riders of their okada. Some of them have been killed. We were able to apprehend the masterminds from Benin, and a serious manhunt is ongoing for the accomplice.

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According to him, the corps was also enlightening Okada riders to be wary of who rides behind them.

They actually engaged us in a shootout to escape arrest, he added.

The corps commander also paraded suspected kidnappers arrested at a location where ransom was paid. They have given us useful information, Mr Adeleye noted.

You will observe the upsurge of criminal activities, especially kidnapping, along the borders of Ose, Edo, Akoko and Kogi axis, he said.

Apart from the governors directive that Amotekun rangers should dominate and flush criminals from forests, we have devised security tactics to bring about relative peace at the border local governments of Edo-Ondo, Edo-Kogi. The results will be visible within a few days.

Many Okada riders are killed in Nigeria.

In March, the police in Edo State arrested one Godslove Saraki and Henry Osaigbovo over the killing of a cyclist identified as Abdullahi.

In Ogun, two persons were arrested for killing a cyclist and stealing his motorcycle also in May.

In June, the police in Osun State warned the public about the spate of killings of Okada riders by armed robbers posing as passengers.

The criminals often lure riders to secluded areas where they attack them and steal their bikes.

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The Police Command in Lagos State has arrested a 19-year-old woman, Fatimo Agboke, for allegedly stabbing a 20-year-old man to death.

The commands spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the arrest to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Lagos.

He said that the incident happened on Monday, September 9, around 9:20 p.m. in the Ijegun area of the state.

Mr Hundeyin said the suspect was apprehended after the victims father

lodged a complaint at the Isheri-Osun Division.

The suspect and the victim, Faruk Azeez, had an argument which resulted in fighting.

In the cause of the fight, Azeez was stabbed with a broken bottle on his neck by the suspect, which caused him grievous bodily harm.

In an attempt to rush his son to the hospital for urgent medical attention, he gave up the ghost, the spokesperson said.

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Mr Hundeyin said that detectives from the division visited the scene where the lifeless body of Azeez was seen on the ground, in a pool of blood, with a deep cut on his neck.

The command spokesperson said that the corpse had been deposited at Mainland General Hospital, Yaba, for autopsy.

According to him, an investigation is ongoing to unravel the causes of Azeezs death.

(NAN)

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COLUMBUS, Wis., Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A conversation with a forward-thinking school district prompted PowerGistics, a Wisconsin manufacturing company, to hit the drawing board and release a new product.

The TableTower8 is a new desktop charging station designed for schools to charge devices such as Chromebooks, laptops and tablets. This charging unit holds up to eight devices and can store and charge them all at once.

The TableTower8 by PowerGistics gives classrooms time back for learning by speeding up device return and retrieval. Spread two, three or more of these throughout a room to eliminate the bottleneck. The aluminum, colorful shelves and streamlined cable management are favorite features of the TableTower8 by PowerGistics. Use this new product for in-class storage and charging or for students taking devices home who need to charge a device during the day.

Made of aluminum, the TableTower8 is light with a small footprint and can easily be placed anywhere in a classroom. Placing two, three or more of these charging stations throughout the room spreads out the locations where students access classroom-stored devices. By eliminating traffic jams at one location and speeding up the transitions when students access tech devices, teachers gain more time for lessons.

In many schools Chromebooks, laptops and tablets are stored in one location in a classroom. Large, bulky carts that were introduced to schools decades ago still reside in classrooms and house entire class sets of devices.

The design of these aging charging stations requires students to all go to one location to retrieve or return devices. Sending an entire classroom of students to a single location often causes a bottleneck and wastes valuable class time.

Maximizing class time is critical as schools are increasingly challenged to improve student assessment scores. Having more time available during the day increases the opportunity teachers have to instruct students and successfully get through lessons.

The TableTower8 is a classroom tool that will save teachers time each day. Besides the intuitive cable management, this charging station also incorporates shelves in four colors, a celebrated standard feature of PowerGistics' education line of charging stations. The colors are often used by teachers to group students or to send them to retrieve devices a few at a time, saving more time in the classroom.

The charging station is available with a standard power strip or a USB power strip, which comes with USB cables. In addition to the no-door open-access models, the TableTower8 lineup also includes a locking door model for securing devices as needed.

For schools that send devices home each day, typically middle and high schools, the TableTower8 offers students who forgot to charge their devices an in-class charging option. It also provides schools a place for loaner devices to be stored and charged, whether that's in a classroom, library or office.

PowerGistics is a branch of G.D. Roberts and Co., Inc., a Wisconsin metal manufacturing company that has gained national recognition for award-winning products. PowerGistics designs, manufactures and ships charging stations from their Columbus, WI facility. Their most popular products are their vertical charging stations, the Core charging Towers.

To learn more, visit the PowerGistics website at www.powergistics.com. To speak with a member of their team call 201-389-9940 or email [email protected].

SOURCE PowerGistics
CVS Health Foundation is investing $3.5 million nationwide to combat this health issue and will pilot it first in Phoenix through a new project with American Lung Association

CHICAGO, Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Lung Association and the CVS Health Foundation announced today a new, comprehensive project to significantly bolster the efforts of health care providers and organizations nationwide to achieve cleaner air and improve health outcomes in their communities. The CVS Health Foundation is investing $3.5 million over four years as part of this project to combat this health issue and announced earlier this year they distributed nearly $1 million of the total funding in Phoenix, which ranks among the most polluted cities in the U.S. for ozone and particulate pollution.

"Air pollution impacts everyone, but certain groups are at a higher risk of health harms, including children, older adults, people experiencing poverty and living in underserved communities, individuals who are pregnant, and people with an underlying health condition like lung disease," said Harold Wimmer, President and CEO of the American Lung Association. "According to our recent 'State of the Air' report, people of color are more than twice as likely to be living in an area with unhealthy levels of air pollution. Unfortunately, people of color are also more likely to be living with underlying chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes. We thank and applaud the CVS Health Foundation for their ongoing commitment to addressing climate change and improving lung health."

In the U.S., more than 131 million people live in counties with unhealthy levels of ozone or particle pollution levels. While air pollution has improved across much of the U.S., climate change-related events, like wildfires and flooding, threaten this progress and contributes to unhealthy air quality that may cause or worsen lung disease. Ozone and particle pollution can also cause premature death and other serious health effects such as asthma attacks, cardiovascular damage, and developmental and reproductive harm. While this is a concerning issue, the new project with Lung Association and the CVS Health Foundation is designed to target the most at-risk communities first, expanding educational resources for health care providers and patients, enhancing access to care and supportive services for individuals with lung disease and using air quality data to identify and raise awareness of pollution hotspots.

"As we continue to see climate related events contribute to poor air quality, which is tied to health outcomes, we knew we needed to do more to support the communities we serve," said Sheryl Burke, Chief Sustainability Officer and Senior Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility. "By teaming up with the American Lung Association and working with local organizations, we aim to combat this health issue and make a meaningful impact for future generations."

The project will focus on the following areas:

For healthcare providers, the organizations will create and distribute tools to help them improve care for people with lung disease during poor air quality days. With the health threats from poor air quality growing as climate change intensifies, physicians and other healthcare providers need resources to help their patients.



the organizations will create and distribute tools to help them improve care for people with lung disease during poor air quality days. With the health threats from poor air quality growing as climate change intensifies, physicians and other healthcare providers need resources to help their patients. For people living with lung disease, the campaign will empower them to take steps that reduce their risk of health complications during days with unhealthy air. The Lung Association will work with people living with lung disease, so they know exactly what to do on days with poor air quality. This includes making sure they have an asthma or COPD action plan in place, and when to seek medical care.



the campaign will empower them to take steps that reduce their risk of health complications during days with unhealthy air. The Lung Association will work with people living with lung disease, so they know exactly what to do on days with poor air quality. This includes making sure they have an asthma or COPD action plan in place, and when to seek medical care. To promote policies to protect lung health and help develop educational programs, the campaign will leverage local air quality data. The Lung Association will distribute air sensors that will provide residents access to air quality data and the opportunity to learn about potential health impacts in target neighborhoods. The organization will also work with community members and health professionals to share that data with others to advocate for change.

To address communities with the greatest need, the project will target this work in specific cities where people bear a disproportionate burden from climate change and air pollution. The pilot program will take place in Phoenix, Arizona, a city that faces extreme heat, poor air quality and growing impacts from climate change. Learn more at about the project here.

About the American Lung Association

The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through education, advocacy and research. The work of the American Lung Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat lung cancer; to champion clean air for all; to improve the quality of life for those with lung disease and their families; and to create a tobacco-free future. For more information about the American Lung Association, which has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and is a Platinum-Level GuideStar Member, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit: Lung.org. To support the work of the American Lung Association, find a local event at Lung.org/events.

This year, the American Lung Association is celebrating 120 years! Join us in our journey to champion lung health and help us celebrate 120 Years of Impact. Donate today at Lung.org/donate.

American Lung Association  55 W. Wacker Drive, Suite 1150  Chicago, IL 60601

1331 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Ste. 1425 North  Washington, D.C. 20004

1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) Lung.org

CONTACT: Jill Dale

P: 312-940-7001 American Lung Association

E: [email protected]

SOURCE American Lung Association
NEW YORK, Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Report with market evolution powered by AI- The global ammonium nitrate market size is estimated to grow by USD 1.28 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 3.68% during the forecast period. Rising use of ammonium nitrate in various industrial applications is driving market growth, with a trend towards technological advancements in fertilizer formulation and application methods. However, safety and security concerns surrounding ammonium nitrate poses a challenge. Key market players include Acron Group, Austin Powder, CF Industries Holdings Inc., Deepak Fertilisers and Petrochemicals Corp. Ltd., Dyno Nobel, ENAEX S.A., EuroChem Group AG, Group DF Ltd., Hanwha Corp., Incitec Pivot Ltd., Koch Industries Inc., LSB Industries Inc, MAXAMCORP HOLDING SL, Neochim PLC, Nutrien Ltd., Orica Ltd., PJSC Togliattiazot, Sasol Ltd., Uralchem JSC, and Yara International ASA.

Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global ammonium nitrate market 2024-2028

AI-Powered Market Evolution Insights. Our comprehensive market report ready with the latest trends, growth opportunities, and strategic analysis- View your snapshot now

Forecast period 2024-2028 Base Year 2023 Historic Data 2018 - 2022 Segment Covered Application (Fertilizer, Explosives, and Others), End-user (Agriculture, Mining, and Others), and Geography (APAC, Europe, North America, South America, and Middle East and Africa) Region Covered APAC, Europe, North America, South America, and Middle East and Africa Key companies profiled Acron Group, Austin Powder, CF Industries Holdings Inc., Deepak Fertilisers and Petrochemicals Corp. Ltd., Dyno Nobel, ENAEX S.A., EuroChem Group AG, Group DF Ltd., Hanwha Corp., Incitec Pivot Ltd., Koch Industries Inc., LSB Industries Inc, MAXAMCORP HOLDING SL, Neochim PLC, Nutrien Ltd., Orica Ltd., PJSC Togliattiazot, Sasol Ltd., Uralchem JSC, and Yara International ASA

Key Market Trends Fueling Growth

The global ammonium nitrate market is experiencing significant growth due to technological advancements that enhance production efficiency, product quality, and address environmental and safety concerns. Innovative ammonium nitrate production processes, such as fluidized bed granulation and urea-based methods, optimize energy consumption, reduce emissions, and increase product purity. Companies like CF Industries Holdings, Inc. And Yara International ASA are leading the way in implementing these advanced technologies. Additionally, precision agriculture technologies are driving the adoption of specialty fertilizers, including those containing ammonium nitrate, through optimized fertilizer use based on real-time data and crop requirements. Companies like EuroChem Group AG and Nutrien Ltd. Are developing precision-blended fertilizers, such as ENTEC and ESN, respectively. Safety and security measures are also advancing to mitigate risks associated with ammonium nitrate's dual-use nature. Companies like Yara International ASA are implementing state-of-the-art safety protocols, remote monitoring systems, and automated control systems to ensure regulatory compliance and prevent accidents or misuse. These technological investments not only enhance operational safety but also build stakeholder trust, contributing to the sustainable growth of the global ammonium nitrate market.

The Ammonium Nitrate market is witnessing significant growth in various sectors, including Agriculture and Mining. In Agriculture, it is widely used as a nitrogen fertilizer for crops like Barley and Soybean, contributing to global food production. In Mining, it is essential for blasting operations in tunnels and roads construction. Uralchem, a leading player, dominates the market with eco-friendly formulations that comply with environmental regulations. The market also caters to the Infrastructure, Defense, and Construction sectors, with civil explosives and military applications. The Nitrogenous fertilizer industry is focusing on precision agriculture technologies, material coatings, and controlled release strength for nutrient utilization and reducing leaching. The High-density segment is gaining traction due to its efficiency in Nitrogen application. Safety data sheets are crucial for handling Ammonium Nitrate in various industries. The market faces challenges from climate change, greenhouse gases, and regulatory pressures. Urea, Ammonium, and Nitric Acid are key raw materials. The market is exploring digital platforms and IoT devices for optimizing operations. Quick-release and slow-release nitrogen forms cater to different soil fertility needs. The market is also focusing on sustainable agricultural practices and subsidies to mitigate environmental concerns.

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Market Challenges

The global ammonium nitrate market faces challenges due to safety and security concerns. Given its dual-use nature as a fertilizer and explosive, regulatory bodies and governments have increased scrutiny. High-profile incidents, such as the Beirut port explosion in 2020, have highlighted the need for stricter regulations and improved safety protocols. This negative publicity has eroded consumer trust, leading to increased scrutiny from various stakeholders. To address these concerns, ammonium nitrate manufacturers are investing in advanced technologies like remote monitoring systems and automated safety protocols. However, these efforts have not completely mitigated the challenges. Therefore, the safety and security concerns surrounding ammonium nitrate will continue to impede the growth of the global ammonium nitrate market during the forecast period.

port explosion in 2020, have highlighted the need for stricter regulations and improved safety protocols. This negative publicity has eroded consumer trust, leading to increased scrutiny from various stakeholders. To address these concerns, ammonium nitrate manufacturers are investing in advanced technologies like remote monitoring systems and automated safety protocols. However, these efforts have not completely mitigated the challenges. Therefore, the safety and security concerns surrounding ammonium nitrate will continue to impede the growth of the global ammonium nitrate market during the forecast period. The Ammonium Nitrate market faces several challenges in various industries. In the nitrogen fertilizer sector, leaching and soil contamination are major concerns, affecting arable land and food production sustainability. Digital platforms and IoT devices offer solutions for optimizing fertilizer usage, but safety data sheets and regulations for explosives manufacturing must be strictly followed. Subsidies play a crucial role in the fertilizer industry, particularly in developing countries. Sustainable agricultural practices are essential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and the market must adapt to quick-release and slow-release nitrogen requirements. Mining and construction activities contribute significantly to the market growth, but safety concerns and regulations for civil explosives and military applications must be addressed. The energy industry also relies on Ammonium Nitrate for various applications, adding to the market demand. The Nitrogenous fertilizer industry must balance the need for efficient production with environmental concerns, as well as address the challenges posed by climate change. Competitors include Urea, Ammonium, and Nitric Acid, making market differentiation a key challenge. Key crops like Barley and Soybean require specific nitrogen requirements, and the market must cater to their needs while ensuring safety and sustainability. Overall, the Ammonium Nitrate market must navigate these challenges to maintain growth and meet the demands of diverse industries.

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Segment Overview

This ammonium nitrate market report extensively covers market segmentation by

Application

1.1 Fertilizer

1.2 Explosives

1.3 Others

End-user

2.1 Agriculture

2.2 Mining

2.3 Others

Geography

3.1 APAC

3.2 Europe

3.3 North America

3.4 South America

3.5 Middle East and Africa

1.1 Fertilizer- The Ammonium Nitrate market is a significant sector in the fertilizer industry. This inorganic compound is primarily used as a nitrogen source in agriculture. Its demand is driven by the increasing global population and the need for food security. Major consumers include developed and developing countries. Ammonium Nitrate is also used in mining and explosives industries. Its production involves the reaction of nitric acid and ammonia. Key players in the market include Yara International, INEOS, and CF Industries. The market is expected to grow due to the rising demand for food production and the expansion of the mining industry.

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Research Analysis

The Ammonium Nitrate market is a significant global industry that caters to various sectors including Agriculture and Mining. In the Agriculture industry, Ammonium Nitrate is primarily used as a nitrogenous fertilizer for arable lands, contributing to the growth of crops such as Barley and Soybean. In the Mining sector, it is used as an explosive in blasting operations for extracting minerals and minerals processing. Uralchem, a leading global producer of Nitrogen fertilizers, is a major contributor to the Ammonium Nitrate market. The market also caters to the Construction industry for the production of civil explosives used in roads, tunnels, and other infrastructure projects. The Defense sector is another significant consumer of Ammonium Nitrate as an explosive. Ammonium Nitrate is also used in the manufacturing of Urea, Ammonium, Nitric Acid, and other nitrogenous fertilizers. Safety data sheets are crucial in handling Ammonium Nitrate due to its explosive properties. The industrial application of Ammonium Nitrate extends beyond the mentioned sectors, making it a versatile and essential commodity.

Market Research Overview

The Ammonium Nitrate market is a significant player in the global fertilizer industry, supplying Nitrogen to various sectors including Agriculture and Mining. Ammonium Nitrate is a versatile compound, used as a nitrogenous fertilizer in precision agriculture to enhance soil fertility and boost crop yield, particularly for crops like Barley and Soybean. In the mining industry, it is used as an explosive for blasting operations in construction, roads, tunnels, and infrastructure projects. Environmental regulations are driving the demand for eco-friendly formulations, with a focus on controlled release strength, nutrient utilization, and reduced leaching. The market is also exploring digital platforms and IoT devices to optimize fertilizer application and improve sustainability. The high-density segment of the Ammonium Nitrate market caters to the energy industry as a component in the production of Urea, Ammonium, and Nitric Acid. The market's applications extend to the defense sector for civil explosives and military applications, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. Quick-release nitrogen and slow-release nitrogen forms are used to address the varying needs of different crops and soil types. Subsidies and sustainable agricultural practices are crucial factors influencing the market's growth. The Ammonium Nitrate market faces safety concerns due to its explosive nature, with stringent safety data sheets and regulations in place for its manufacturing and handling. The market's future outlook includes continued innovation in technology and a focus on reducing the environmental impact of its production and use.

Table of Contents:

1 Executive Summary

2 Market Landscape

3 Market Sizing

4 Historic Market Size

5 Five Forces Analysis

6 Market Segmentation

Application

Fertilizer



Explosives



Others

End-user

Agriculture



Mining



Others

Geography

APAC



Europe



North America



South America



Middle East And Africa

7 Customer Landscape

8 Geographic Landscape

9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends

10 Company Landscape

11 Company Analysis

12 Appendix

About Technavio

Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions.

With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios.

Contacts

Technavio Research

Jesse Maida

Media & Marketing Executive

US: +1 844 364 1100

UK: +44 203 893 3200

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.technavio.com/

SOURCE Technavio
Ascend Dispensary Outlet Whitehall will serve patients in the greater Allentown area

Patients can celebrate the new location at the grand opening on September 13th

NEW JERSEY, Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - Ascend Wellness Holdings, Inc. ("AWH," "Ascend" or the "Company") (CSE: AAWH-U.CN) (OTCQX: AAWH), a multi-state, vertically integrated cannabis operator, announces the opening of its fifth medical dispensary in Pennsylvania, located in Whitehall. This expansion marks Ascend's 39th location across its seven-state footprint and underscores the Company's dedication to serving the growing medical market in Pennsylvania. Ascend currently operates four additional stores in Cranberry, Monaca, Scranton, and Wayne.

Ascend Dispensary Outlet Whitehall will welcome patients in the greater Allentown area with a wide-ranging selection of curated, top-shelf medical marijuana products, including whole flower products, vaporizers, concentrates, ingestibles, topicals, and accessories.

"We are thrilled to expand Ascend's reach to a new medical community in Pennsylvania with this opening in Whitehall. Patients now have more opportunities than ever to experience Ascend's cutting-edge outlet dispensary model, which offers high-quality products at consistently low prices and is staffed by expertly trained budtenders to ensure personalized, knowledgeable service," said Frank Perullo, President and Co-Founder at Ascend. "As Ascend and the medical marijuana community both continue to grow in Pennsylvania, we are committed to driving improvements in accessibility, convenience, and options for patients statewide."

To celebrate the opening of the Whitehall dispensary, Ascend invites patients to join in the grand opening festivities on September 13. Patients will have the opportunity to explore the dispensary, and attendees will be able to meet the Ascend team and learn more about the Company's commitment to supporting health and wellness through medical cannabis. The grand opening will kick off with a ribbon cutting at 9:45am and local vendor pop-ups to follow from 11am-3pm.

Ascend patients can also join the free Ascenders Club, where purchases become even more rewarding. Highlights include earning 1 point for every $1 spent at Ascend with bonus points for referring friends. Patients can sign up in-store or online at www.letsascend.com.

Ascend Whitehall is located at 20430 MacArthur Rd, Whitehall, PA 18052, and will be open from:

Monday - Wednesday: 10 am - 7 pm

Thursday: 10 am - 8 pm

Friday: 10 am - 9 pm

Saturday: 10 am - 8 pm

Sunday: 10 am - 5 pm

For more information about Ascend and its dispensaries, visit www.awholdings.com.

About Ascend Wellness Holdings, Inc.

AWH is a vertically integrated operator with assets in Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Ohio, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. AWH owns and operates state-of-the-art cultivation facilities, growing award-winning strains and producing a curated selection of products for retail and wholesale customers. AWH produces and distributes its in-house Common Goods, Simply Herb, Ozone, Ozone Reserve, and Royale branded products. For more information, visit www.awholdings.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release includes forward-looking information and statements, which may include, but are not limited to, the plans, intentions, expectations, estimates, and beliefs of the Company. Words such as "expects", "continue", "will", "anticipates" and "intends" or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking information and statements. Without limiting the generality of the preceding statement, this news release contains forward-looking information and statements concerning the Company's current projections and expectations about future events and financial trends and the timely receipt of all required regulatory approvals. We caution investors that any such forward-looking information and statements are based on certain assumptions and analysis made by the Company in light of the experience of the Company and its perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, and other factors management believes are appropriate.

Forward-looking information and statements involve and are subject to assumptions and known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause actual events, results, performance, or achievements of the Company to be materially different from future events, results, performance, and achievements expressed or implied by forward-looking information and statements herein. Such factors include, among others, the risks and uncertainties identified in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, and in the Company's other reports and filings with the applicable Canadian securities regulators on its profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and with the SEC on its profile on EDGAR at www.sec.gov. Although the Company believes that any forward-looking information and statements herein are reasonable, in light of the use of assumptions and the significant risks and uncertainties inherent in such information and statements, there can be no assurance that any such forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, and accordingly readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such risks and uncertainties and should not place undue reliance upon such forward-looking information and statements. Any forward-looking information and statements herein are made as of the date hereof, and except as required by applicable laws, the Company assumes no obligation and disclaims any intention to update or revise any forward-looking information or statements herein or to update the reasons that actual events or results could or do differ from those projected in any forward-looking information and statements herein, whether as a result of new information, future events or results, or otherwise, except as required by applicable laws.

The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed, approved or disapproved the content of this news release.

SOURCE Ascend Wellness Holdings, Inc.
NEW YORK, Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Report on how AI is driving market transformation- The global automotive axle and propeller shaft market size is estimated to grow by USD 4.21 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 3.28% during the forecast period. Increase in adoption of EVs is driving market growth, with a trend towards development of intelligent and advanced automotive axles. However, regulatory challenges associated with automotive axles and propeller shafts poses a challenge. Key market players include American Axle and Manufacturing Holdings Inc., Comer Industries Spa, Cummins Inc., D.K. Engineering Holdings Ltd., Dana Inc., Dowlais Group plc, Hitachi Ltd., Hyundai WIA Corporation, IFA Holding GmbH, JTEKT Corp., Muhr und Bender KG, Neapco Holdings LLC, Nexteer Automotive Group Ltd., NTN Corp., Schaeffler AG, Talbros Engineering Ltd., Tri-Ring Group Corp, Wanxiang America Corp., Yamada Manufacturing Co. Ltd., and ZF Friedrichshafen AG.

Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global automotive axle and propeller shaft market 2024-2028

Key insights into market evolution with AI-powered analysis. Explore trends, segmentation, and growth drivers- View the snapshot of this report

Automotive Axle And Propeller Shaft Market Scope Report Coverage Details Base year 2023 Historic period 2018 - 2022 Forecast period 2024-2028 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 3.28% Market growth 2024-2028 USD 4215.6 million Market structure Fragmented YoY growth 2022-2023 (%) 3.12 Regional analysis APAC, Europe, North America, South America, and Middle East and Africa Performing market contribution APAC at 49% Key countries US, China, Germany, UK, and India Key companies profiled American Axle and Manufacturing Holdings Inc., Comer Industries Spa, Cummins Inc., D.K. Engineering Holdings Ltd., Dana Inc., Dowlais Group plc, Hitachi Ltd., Hyundai WIA Corporation, IFA Holding GmbH, JTEKT Corp., Muhr und Bender KG, Neapco Holdings LLC, Nexteer Automotive Group Ltd., NTN Corp., Schaeffler AG, Talbros Engineering Ltd., Tri-Ring Group Corp, Wanxiang America Corp., Yamada Manufacturing Co. Ltd., and ZF Friedrichshafen AG

Market Driver

The automotive axle and propeller shaft market is witnessing significant growth due to the development of new technologies focused on enhancing fuel efficiency in vehicles. Mercedes-Benz (Daimler) is leading this innovation with its latest final drive technology. This advanced axle system enables the automotive axle to regulate oil inside the unit, improving fuel economy by up to 0.5%. The powertrain integration, consisting of the engine, transmission, and axle, benefits from this fuel efficiency boost and reduced maintenance costs, ultimately lowering the total cost of ownership. Mercedes' new final drive axle features an oil supply that depends on speed, torque, and temperature requirements. The oil level in the bowl covering the ring gear is controlled by a throttle valve, minimizing oil swirl for a smooth mating surface and reducing friction loss. Additionally, the company's axle design includes laser-welded gears without bolt heads, new gear teeth geometry, and a ferrite-optimized pinion bearing for reduced friction and oil disturbance. ZF Friedrichshafen also contributes to the market growth with its MULTISTEER MS-B 3000 axle series, designed for high-stress environments. This axle features a securely attached steering cylinder and large steering angle, producing a high-capability axle even with large front wheels. These advancements in automotive axles are expected to have a positive impact on the global automotive axles market during the forecast period.

The Automotive Axle and Propeller Shaft market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the increasing demand for passenger cars and commercial vehicles. Live axles and dead axles continue to dominate the market in traditional vehicles, while OEMs and Tier I suppliers focus on developing lightweight axles and propeller shafts using materials like aluminum alloys, high strength steel, carbon fiber, and polymer composites. Electric vehicles (EVs) present new opportunities with the rise of e-axles and lightweight components. EV sales are on the rise, leading to increased demand for lightweight, durable, and corrosion-resistant axles and propeller shafts. Light commercial vehicles and heavy commercial vehicles also require axles and propeller shafts for handling and safety. Manufacturers are exploring new materials like carbon fiber shafts and multi-piece propeller shafts to improve specific strength, transmission of power, and NVH properties. Machine learning and artificial intelligence are also being used to optimize designs and improve manufacturing processes. The market is expected to continue growing, driven by the demand for fuel-efficient vehicles and the increasing popularity of electric vehicles.

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Market Challenges

 The global automotive axle and propeller shaft market faces substantial regulatory challenges, necessitating significant investments in research and development to comply with evolving emission and safety standards. In North America, CAFE standards demand fuel efficiency, leading manufacturers to invest in advanced materials like high-strength steel or aluminum for axles and propeller shafts. In Europe, Euro 6 emission standards require stringent emission reductions, driving the need for low-friction and lightweight components, while the EU's focus on sustainability adds to production costs. China's China 6 emission standards impose significant reductions in vehicle emissions, necessitating the development of more efficient axles and propeller shafts. In India, BS-VI emission standards require substantial investments in new technologies and materials to meet stringent NOx and particulate matter emission reductions. These regulatory requirements can be prohibitive for smaller manufacturers, potentially hindering market growth during the forecast period.

 The Automotive Axle and Propeller Shaft market faces several challenges for OEMs and Tier I suppliers. The use of various materials like aluminum, high strength steel, carbon fiber, polymer composites, alloys, and different types of steel in manufacturing axles and propeller shafts adds complexity. OEMs and suppliers must consider specific strength, transmission of power, corrosion resistance, and abrasion resistance when choosing materials. Carbon fiber shafts offer lightweight solutions for fuel-efficient vehicles and all-wheel drive systems. However, handling and safety concerns require careful consideration. Materials like glass fibers, thermoplastic polyamide, epoxy composite, and chrome-molybdenum steel are also used. Manufacturers must balance durability, toughness, and cost-effectiveness. The integration of machine learning and artificial intelligence in designing and manufacturing lightweight axles is a growing trend. Meeting the demands of passenger cars, light commercial vehicles, and heavy commercial vehicles requires addressing various challenges, including handling, safety, and specifications for different applications.

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Segment Overview

This automotive axle and propeller shaft market report extensively covers market segmentation by

Vehicle Type

1.1 Passenger vehicles

1.2 Commercial vehicles

Location

2.1 Rear

2.2 Front

2.3 Interaxle

Geography

3.1 APAC

3.2 Europe

3.3 North America

3.4 South America

3.5 Middle East and Africa

1.1 Passenger vehicles- The Automotive Axle and Propeller Shaft Market is a significant sector in the automotive industry. Manufacturers produce axles and propeller shafts for various vehicle applications, ensuring smooth power transmission from the engine to the wheels. These components are essential for vehicle functionality and are in high demand due to increasing automobile production. Market growth is driven by factors such as rising vehicle sales, technological advancements, and stringent emission norms. Companies focus on improving product efficiency and durability to meet customer expectations and stay competitive.

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Research Analysis

The Automotive Axle and Propeller Shaft Market encompasses the production and supply of propeller shafts for use in passenger cars. Propeller shafts, also known as driveshafts, transmit power from the transmission to the differential or rear wheels. They come in various designs such as live axle, dead axle, multi-piece, slip-in tube, and single-piece propellers. Materials used in manufacturing propeller shafts include medium-carbon steel, high strength steel, aluminum, alloys, carbon fiber, polymer composites, and chrome-molybdenum steel. The choice of material depends on factors like NVH properties, weight, and corrosion resistance. Passenger cars, OEMs, and Tier I suppliers are significant consumers of propeller shafts. With the rise of electric vehicles, there is growing demand for lightweight propeller shafts made from materials like carbon fiber and aluminum to reduce vehicle weight and improve efficiency. Propeller shafts play a crucial role in the transmission of power and require high strength and durability. The market is expected to grow due to increasing vehicle production and the demand for advanced materials in automotive applications.

Market Research Overview

The Automotive Axle and Propeller Shaft Market encompasses the production and supply of axles and propeller shafts for passenger cars, light commercial vehicles, and heavy commercial vehicles. Axles come in various types, including live axle and dead axle, while propeller shafts are available as multi-piece or single-piece designs. The market is driven by factors such as the increasing demand for fuel-efficient vehicles, all-wheel drive systems, and electric vehicles (EVs). Lightweight materials like aluminum alloys, high strength steel, carbon fiber, and polymer composites are increasingly used to manufacture axles and propeller shafts for improved specific strength, corrosion resistance, and abrasion resistance. The market also benefits from advancements in technology, including machine learning and artificial intelligence, which enable the production of lightweight axles and propeller shafts. The aftermarket segment is also significant, with OEMs and Tier I suppliers supplying replacement parts to meet the growing demand for maintenance and repair. The transition to EVs is expected to bring significant growth opportunities, with the development of e-axles and lightweight carbon fiber shafts for improved handling, safety, durability, and toughness.

Table of Contents:

1 Executive Summary

2 Market Landscape

3 Market Sizing

4 Historic Market Size

5 Five Forces Analysis

6 Market Segmentation

Vehicle Type

Passenger Vehicles



Commercial Vehicles

Location

Rear



Front



Interaxle

Geography

APAC



Europe



North America



South America



Middle East And Africa



7 Customer Landscape

8 Geographic Landscape

9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends

10 Company Landscape

11 Company Analysis

12 Appendix

About Technavio

Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions.

With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios.

Contacts

Technavio Research

Jesse Maida

Media & Marketing Executive

US: +1 844 364 1100

UK: +44 203 893 3200

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.technavio.com/

SOURCE Technavio
BOSTON, Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Register to join Boston Globe associate editor and columnist Renee Graham and featured panelists to discuss the state of marriage equality in the United States on Wednesday, Sept. 18 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. ET at Fenway Health.

Visit globe.com/events to register to join The Boston Globe for a conversation on The State of Marriage Equality on Sept. 18.

Seven Massachusetts couples made history twenty years ago as the first same-sex partners in the nation to marry legally as the result of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court's landmark decision in Goodridge v. Department of Public Health. In 2015, the rest of the United States followed when the Supreme Court ruled the Constitution guarantees an equal right to marry. During the panel discussion, experts will share their thoughts on the future of marriage equality and the potential impact of a conservative-led high court.

"Twenty years after Massachusetts made history as the first state to legalize same-sex marriage, the tireless fight to preserve marriage equality continues here and nationwide," said Renee Graham, associate editor and columnist at the Globe who recently published a four-part series on the judicial decision that made same-sex marriage a reality. "The best way to honor what began here with seven brave couples is to ensure that the right to marry remains available to all for generations to come, and I'm proud to moderate a panel of LGBTQ thought leaders dedicated to this goal."

Adrianna Boulin, president of Boston Pride for the People and Director of Racial Equity, Social Justice & Community Engagement at Fenway Health, will provide opening remarks at the event. Scheduled panel participants will include Gary Daffin, executive director of the Multicultural AIDS Coalition; Arline Isaacson, co-chair of the Massachusetts Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus; and Representative Sam Montano, Massachusetts State Representative for the 15th Suffolk District.

"Massachusetts was a trailblazer for marriage equality in the United States, which is why Globe Opinion was so proud to publish Renee Graham's powerful series recounting that history," said Jim Dao, the Globe's editorial page editor. "Now, when the future of marriage equality is very much in doubt, we are equally proud to partner with Boston Pride for the People and Fenway Health to promote public discussion about sustaining this fundamental right."

For a complete schedule and to register for the free event, visit https://thestateofmarriageequality.splashthat.com/.

Contact: Carla Kath, 651-491-8302, [email protected]

About Boston Globe Media:

Boston Globe Media Partners, LLC ("BGMP") is a locally owned, award-winning media company serving Boston and New England. The cornerstone of the brand is The Boston Globe, a 27-time Pulitzer Prize-winning news source and one of the most successful metro news organizations in the United States. The Globe is headquartered in Boston with regional bureaus in Washington, D.C., Rhode Island, and New Hampshire. The Globe has one of the highest daily print circulations among metro newspapers and more than 245,000 digital subscribers. As part of Boston Globe Media's growing portfolio of brands, the Globe hosts events that connect community members to its journalism and provides a range of digital and home-delivered advertising solutions that reach more consumers than any other New England media brand. Boston Globe Media's properties include The Boston Globe, Globe.com, Boston.com, STAT, The B-Side, Globe Publishing Services, Globe Events, Studio/B, and the weekday news program Boston Globe Today on NESN and online.

About Boston Pride for the People:

Boston Pride For The People (BP4TP) is the volunteer and community-run non-profit organization working to empower, celebrate, commemorate, and educate in partnership with Boston's LGBTQ+ communities. In 2023 BP4TP hosted and managed Boston's first Pride parade and festivals in more than three years, bringing New England's largest Pride parade back to its home in Boston. For more information visit: bostonprideforthepeople.org

About Fenway Health

Founded in 1971, Fenway Health advocates for and delivers innovative, equitable, accessible health care, supportive services, and transformative research and education. We center LGBTQIA+ people, BIPOC individuals, and other underserved communities to enable our local, national, and global neighbors to flourish.

SOURCE Boston Globe Media Partners
Brigham nurses negotiated a new MNA contract last month following a 99.4% strike authorization vote motivated by nurses calling on MGB to invest in nurses and improve patient safety

BOSTON, Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The 4,000 Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) nurses, represented by the Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA), voted overwhelmingly on September 10 to ratify a new contract agreement reached in August after they authorized a one-day strike. The contract ensures strong investment in BWH nurses by Mass General Brigham (MGB) to address significant concerns about patient safety and nurse burnout.

"We are extremely proud of Brigham nurses for fighting together to win such a strong contract and help protect our patients," said Kelly Morgan, a Brigham labor and delivery nurse and BWH MNA Chair. "Through our union contract, we were able to secure significant investment to help with recruitment and retention and improve patient care conditions."

The ratification vote took place at the hospital throughout the day on September 10. Brigham nurses' successful vote finalizes an agreement reached by nurses and BWH during negotiations on August 8, following a successful strike authorization vote on July 24. The strike authorization vote followed an informational picket, involvement by a federal mediator, and 29 bargaining sessions over 11 months. MNA nurses at Brigham and Women's Faulkner Hospital have also voted to authorize a one-day strike, though it is not scheduled.

"Brigham nurses overcame steep odds to win this contract through sheer determination and the power of union solidarity." said Jim McCarthy, a PACU nurse and BWH MNA Vice Chair. "We are excited about this agreement because a better nurse contract means a stronger workforce and safer patient care."

Brigham RN Contract Highlights

Improved staffing and patient care through investment in Brigham nurses. BWH agreeing to a competitive wage increase helps address widespread understaffing which puts patients and nurses at risk. Nurses will receive a 20% to 30% increase over the course of 2.5 years, depending on where they are on the BWH MNA wage scale. BWH has historically been a leader in acute care hospital wages. Recently, other hospitals have offered similar if not higher wages, impacting BWH's ability to recruit and retain nurses. This agreement will close the gap between BWH nurses and Dana-Farber nurses.

Health insurance choice. Nurses secured choice during the length of their contract to switch between MGB and MNA health insurance, after delivering a petition signed by more than 3,200 nurses. Many Brigham nurses have been dissatisfied with MGB health insurance, experiencing long wait times for appointments and imaging, as well as out-of-network costs.

Health and safety: Workplace violence prevention. Facing the constant threat of violence and abuse, Brigham nurses prioritized improvements to the hospital's security response during negotiations. The hospital will provide safety training to employees annually, facilitate debriefings, and offer medical and/or psychological care to any nurse who experiences violence. The hospital will conduct a facility risk assessment no less than annually, including examining parking areas. The assessment will be used to develop and implement programs to minimize danger in collaboration with employees and the MNA. The hospital will designate a senior manager responsible for supporting employee victims of workplace violence. All employees will be given workplace violence instructions during work time, including when and how to fight an armed intruder. The MNA can designate two nurses as members of the Workplace Violence Prevention Committee. Following a SAFE response or security emergency, a nurse leader will enter a safety risk flag immediately if the patient made a credible threat of harm to others or committed a physical or sexual assault.

Key differential increases for better nurse staffing. Nurses won increases to several important pay differentials that value additional work nurses perform, such as taking on charge nurse duties and on-call. It is important the hospital raise these rates to cover the expenses and responsibilities management puts on nurses. For example, nurses required to be within 30 minutes of the hospital for on-call will receive $30 an hour, up from $7.50 an hour.



MassNurses.org  Facebook.com/MassNurses  Twitter.com/MassNurses  Instagram.com/MassNurses

____________________________________________

Founded in 1903, the Massachusetts Nurses Association is the largest union of registered nurses in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Its 25,000 members advance the nursing profession by fostering high standards of nursing practice, promoting the economic and general welfare of nurses in the workplace, projecting a positive and realistic view of nursing, and by lobbying the Legislature and regulatory agencies on health care issues affecting nurses and the public.

SOURCE Massachusetts Nurses Association
Burford's deep bench of management talent continues to grow and evolve

NEW YORK, Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today marks the 15th anniversary of the founding of Burford Capital, the leading global finance and asset management firm focused on law. In just 15 years, Burford has gone from a single $130 million investment fund to a $7.4 billion industry leader  with a 27x increase in its market capitalization.

Burford is fortunate to have a deep and continually growing bench of talented professionals from the world's leading law firms and companies; we report below on the latest additions to the Burford team.

In recognition of that strong bench and a continued focus on our clients, Burford is today appointing Aviva Will, currently Co-Chief Operating Officer, as President. In her new role, Ms. Will's focus will be predominantly on high-value, client-facing activities as we continue to expand our global relationships and the business evolves yet more towards complex financings with sophisticated corporate counterparties.

Burford is similarly appointing David Perla, also currently Co-Chief Operating Officer, into a new market-facing role of Vice Chair, focusing globally on Marketing, Public Policy, Industry Affairs and Public Relations, drawing on Mr. Perla's experience and relationships in past leadership roles, including as President of Bloomberg Law.

Christopher Bogart, CEO of Burford Capital, says: "It should come as no surprise that Burford Capital continues to not only grow talent from within, but also to attract experienced senior professionals. In our 15th year, my co-founder Jon Molot and I are incredibly proud of Burford's successes and its extraordinary people. Jon and I are just as committed today as we were on day one to redefining and advancing the business of law."

Burford has also recently added a number of senior professionals from top global corporations and law firms, including:

Andrew Farthing as a Director in Texas, responsible for managing matters in Burford's US portfolio. Prior to joining Burford, Mr. Farthing was a Director at Apple and previously a senior litigator at Latham & Watkins.

Carrie Tendler as Special Counsel in New York, responsible for advising on the enforcement of judgments in cases backed by Burford with a particular focus on the YPF matter. Prior to joining Burford, Ms. Tendler was a Partner at Kobre & Kim and a litigator at Cravath, Swaine & Moore.

Josh Reed as Senior Vice President in Chicago, responsible for managing matters in Burford's patent portfolio. Prior to joining Burford, Mr. Reed was Head of Global Litigation at the Sisvel Group and Chief IP Counsel at Allscripts.

Kate Tellez as Senior Vice President in Chicago, responsible for assessing and underwriting legal risk as part of Burford's patent group. Prior to joining Burford, Ms. Tellez was a Partner at Steptoe.

Florencia Villaggi as Vice President in New York, responsible for assessing and underwriting legal risk in investor-state and international commercial arbitration. Prior to joining Burford, Ms. Villaggi was Counsel at Herbert Smith Freehills.

Josh Wood as Head of Investor Relations in New York, with responsibility for directing Burford's investor relations activities. Prior to joining Burford, Mr. Wood was Head of Shareholder Relations at Patria Investments and previously Vice President at Carlyle.

Nicholas Sinigaglia has joined as Global Controller in New York as a key member of the finance management team. Prior to joining Burford, Mr. Sinigaglia was Chief Accounting Officer at Pie Insurance.

About Burford Capital

Burford Capital is the leading global finance and asset management firm focused on law. Its businesses include litigation finance and risk management, asset recovery and a wide range of legal finance and advisory activities. Burford is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: BUR) and the London Stock Exchange (LSE: BUR), and it works with companies and law firms around the world from its offices in New York, London, Chicago, Washington, DC, Singapore, Dubai and Hong Kong.

For more information, please visit www.burfordcapital.com.

This announcement does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any ordinary shares or other securities of Burford.

SOURCE Burford Capital
ROCKY HILL, Conn., Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- CATIC is pleased to announce that Christina M. Colbert, Esq. has joined our Connecticut underwriting team as Vice President, Senior Title Counsel in our Norwalk Office.

Christina has extensive experience in the real estate industry, both commercial and residential. Most recently, she worked for a national title insurance company as Senior Title Counsel and Manager of its Stamford, Connecticut office.

Jenny Kallenbach, SVP and Southern New England Regional Manager commented, "Christina's depth of knowledge and background in both private practice and title insurance will enable her to provide fast, creative, and practical solutions for our agents and we are thrilled that she has joined CATIC. She embodies our mission to exceed the expectations of our agents by providing best-in-class support and service."

Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Christina as she joins our CATIC Connecticut team.

About CATIC

CATIC, along with its sister company, CATIC Title Insurance Company, is currently the ninth largest title insurance underwriter in the United States and is the premier underwriter exclusively for independent agents. CATIC offers standard ALTA policies and expanded protection policies for both residential and commercial properties. The company is licensed in 44 states and is currently doing business in 25 states. CATIC is currently partnered with over 2,400 independent agents nationwide and is committed to preserving the independent agent's critical role in the real estate eco-system. The company has been in business for over 50 years and is an underwriting member of the American Land Title Association (ALTA) and numerous other local land title associations. For its stability and dependability in the market, CATIC has earned an A' rating from Demotech and an A- rating from Kroll Bond Ratings. For more information about the company, or to become a CATIC agent, please visit us at www.CATIC.com, or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

SOURCE CATIC
Company urges its nearly 400,000 natural gas customers in Louisiana and Mississippi to take additional safety measures; electric preparedness and response work in the Greater Houston area transitions back to normal operations

Emergency Operations Centers remain activated in response to the potential impacts of Hurricane Francine on gas customers in Louisiana and Mississippi .

CenterPoint Energy Texas-based natural gas personnel are ready to be deployed to Louisiana and Mississippi to support any natural gas restoration work.

CenterPoint has released all 1,500 additional distribution frontline, mutual aid workers in the Greater Houston area and made them available to other utilities in areas of the Gulf Coast more likely to be impacted.

More than 1,300 vegetation management crews will continue to trim and remove high-risk vegetation in the Greater Houston area today, of which, the 700 additional mutual assistance vegetation management personnel will be released tomorrow to support the needs of other utilities.

HOUSTON, Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- With Hurricane Francine's expected landfall today, CenterPoint Energy continues to actively monitor and focus its response efforts on nearly 400,000 natural gas customers that could be impacted across Louisiana and Mississippi. The company is coordinating closely with emergency agency partners and has mobilized natural gas personnel, resources and support as part of its overall response efforts. Given the current state of the storm tracking away from the Greater Houston area, the company has made 1,500 distribution frontline, mutual aid workers, available to other utilities in areas more likely to be impacted.

CenterPoint Energy Gulf Coast Service Territory

"We remain vigilant as Hurricane Francine draws closer, and our focus is on supporting all of our nearly 400,000 natural gas customers in Mississippi and Louisiana. We continue to urge our customers in the path of the storm to take the necessary safety and preparation steps to keep themselves and their loved ones safe," said Bo Murphy, CenterPoint's Vice President of Louisiana and Mississippi Natural Gas.

"As the storm has tracked away from Greater Houston, we have transitioned our electric work in Greater Houston back to normal operations. We're staying in close contact with our utility peers in Louisiana and Mississippi and will make our frontline distribution workers available for mutual assistance based on their needs," said Darin Carroll, Senior Vice President of Electric Business.

Preparedness Actions in Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas

The steps the company is taking to prepare and respond to Hurricane Francine include:

Readying Texas -based natural gas personnel to support colleagues in LA and MS: Secured Texas -based natural gas personnel to be deployed to support the company's nearly 480-member natural gas workforce in Louisiana and its nearly 200-member workforce in Mississippi and any necessary storm-related natural gas work in those states.

Secured -based natural gas personnel to be deployed to support the company's nearly 480-member natural gas workforce in and its nearly 200-member workforce in and any necessary storm-related natural gas work in those states. Released all 1,500 frontline mutual aid workers: Made available all additional distribution frontline, mutual aid workers secured for the Greater Houston area to other more-impacted utilities to the east.

Made available all additional distribution frontline, mutual aid workers secured for the area to other more-impacted utilities to the east. Finishing storm-related vegetation management work in Greater Houston area: 1,300 vegetation management personnel will continue their work today, focusing on executing high-risk vegetation work with the intention to release the 700 mutual aid vegetation management personnel tomorrow based on the needs of other utilities in the path of the storm.

1,300 vegetation management personnel will continue their work today, focusing on executing high-risk vegetation work with the intention to release the 700 mutual aid vegetation management personnel tomorrow based on the needs of other utilities in the path of the storm. Coordinating with government officials: Providing regular updates to federal, state, county and city officials to communicate company's pre-storm activities and readiness posture and provide critical updates.

Providing regular updates to federal, state, county and city officials to communicate company's pre-storm activities and readiness posture and provide critical updates. Conducting outreach to Critical Care Residential and Chronic Care customers: Conducted outreach to all 3,000+ identified Critical Care Residential and Chronic Care electric customers by email, phone or text.

Conducted outreach to all 3,000+ identified Critical Care Residential and Chronic Care electric customers by email, phone or text. Sharing customer communications: Shared safety and preparedness actions with CenterPoint customers across social media and other platforms to help keep customers informed and prepared.

Shared safety and preparedness actions with CenterPoint customers across social media and other platforms to help keep customers informed and prepared. Organizing additional call center staffing: Secured additional call center staff to handle a higher volume of calls during the storm and limit wait times.

Secured additional call center staff to handle a higher volume of calls during the storm and limit wait times. Preparing to conduct patrols and assess damage: CenterPoint crews will be deployed across its service territory to assess damage and, in the case of natural gas customers, shut-off natural gas in areas of severe flooding for safety.

Responding to Potential Impacts Across Service Territory

The company is continuing to carefully monitor Hurricane Francine and taking immediate preparedness actions to support its natural gas customers in impacted states, including nearly 250,000 customers in Louisiana and more than 135,000 in Mississippi.

Safety Tips for Natural Gas Customers

CenterPoint is reminding customers to stay safe prior to, during and after Tropical Storm Francine by following these natural gas safety tips:

Do not turn off your natural gas service at the meter in advance of the storm; doing so could allow water to enter the natural gas lines should flooding occur. If you wish to discontinue gas service, turn off the natural gas at each appliance.

Always be alert for the smell of natural gas. If you smell natural gas, leave the area immediately on foot and tell others to leave, too.

If you smell natural gas, do not turn the lights on or off, smoke, strike a match, use a cell phone or operate anything that might cause a spark, including a flashlight or a generator.

Do not attempt to turn natural gas valves on or off. Once safely away from the area, call 1-888-876-5786 and CenterPoint will send a trained service technician.

If your home is flooded, call a licensed plumber or natural gas appliance technician to inspect your appliances and gas piping to make sure they are in good operating condition before calling CenterPoint to reconnect service. This includes outdoor natural gas appliances including pool heaters, gas grills and gas lights.

If you are planning any digging or clearing as part of your pre- or post-hurricane activities, please call 811, the nationwide Call Before You Dig number, to locate underground natural gas lines and other underground utility lines.

Be aware of where your natural gas meter is located. As debris is put out for heavy trash pickup, make sure it is placed away from the meter. In many areas the meter may be located near the curb. If debris is near a natural gas meter, the mechanized equipment used by trash collectors could pull up the meter, damaging it and causing a potentially hazardous situation. If this happens, leave the area immediately and call CenterPoint at 1-888-876-5786.

CenterPoint Encourages All Customers to Have a Plan to Stay Safe

CenterPoint is encouraging all of its customers to prepare and have a plan to stay safe during Hurricane Francine. Customers can get storm-related electric, natural gas and flooding safety tips at CenterPointEnergy.com/StormCenter. Additional preparations best practices are available at Ready.gov.

Important Information for Electric Customers

While the Greater Houston area is not expected to be impacted by Hurricane Francine, storms are unpredictable, conditions can change rapidly and storm-related outages could occur. CenterPoint electric customers are encouraged to enroll in the company's Power Alert Service to receive outage details, estimated restoration times and customer-specific restoration updates via phone call, text or email. Customers can also stay up-to-date on outages with CenterPoint's new and improved, cloud-based Outage Tracker, which allows customers to see outages by county, city and zip code. The new tracker is capable of handling increased traffic during storms and is ADA- and mobile-friendly.

For the latest updates, follow CenterPoint on X (formerly Twitter) for real-time updates. For more information and other resources, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/NaturalGasSafety .

About CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

As the only investor-owned electric and gas utility based in Texas, CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) is an energy delivery company with electric transmission and distribution, power generation and natural gas distribution operations that serve more than 7 million metered customers in Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Ohio and Texas. With approximately 9,000 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com.

For more information, contact:

Communications

[email protected]

SOURCE CenterPoint Energy
Company continues to communicate to electric and natural gas customers in Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi and coordinate with emergency partners.

Emergency Operations Centers remain activated in Texas , Louisiana and Mississippi to prepare for, and respond to, the effects of Tropical Storm Francine.

More than 1,300 vegetation management crews continue to trim and remove hazardous vegetation in the Greater Houston area and 2,350 frontline workers are on standby across the Gulf Coast service territory to conduct necessary restoration work.

CenterPoint is making available 1,000 frontline mutual aid workers to assist other utilities in need as storm tracks eastward.

More than 2.25 million natural gas customers in Texas , Louisiana and Mississippi have been urged to take proactive safety measures ahead of the storm's landfall.

HOUSTON, Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- CenterPoint Energy continues to actively monitor Tropical Storm Francine and prepare to respond to potential impacts in Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi. The company has been monitoring the weather, coordinating with emergency and agency partners and mobilizing resources across its service area to be prepared to respond to impacts and outages. CenterPoint's Emergency Operations Center has been activated since Sunday, September 8. Today,1,300 vegetation workers are continuing to trim and remove higher-risk vegetation from power lines across the Greater Houston area ahead of the storm.

CenterPoint Energy Gulf Coast Service Territory

"We continue to take this storm very seriously and are preparing to respond to any potential impacts of Tropical Storm Francine on both our electric and natural gas networks so we can restore service to our customers as safely and as quickly as possible. Even as we continue to coordinate with our emergency partners and take steps to respond to this major storm, we strongly urge our customers to ensure they are taking steps to keep their loved ones safe," said Darin Carroll, CenterPoint's Senior Vice President of Electric Business.

"We have been preparing for the potential of a storm event since the weekend, with a focus on safety messages for our customers and communities, and preparing our employees, resources and equipment. We will continue to coordinate with local, state and federal officials, first responders and emergency management agencies. Our focus is clear: to get ready to respond and restore service to our impacted customers," said Bo Murphy, CenterPoint's Vice President of Louisiana and Mississippi Natural Gas.

Preparedness Actions in Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi

Among the steps the company is taking to prepare and respond to Tropical Storm Francine include:

Activating frontline electric crews: Readied 1,850 local frontline workers and identified 500 mutual assistance workers to help with the storm response across the Gulf Coast. As part of the company's commitment to mutual aid, given the progression of the storm to the east, CenterPoint is making an additional 1,000 mutual aid workers available to support other utilities who may need assistance.

Readied 1,850 local frontline workers and identified 500 mutual assistance workers to help with the storm response across the Gulf Coast. As part of the company's commitment to mutual aid, given the progression of the storm to the east, CenterPoint is making an additional 1,000 mutual aid workers available to support other utilities who may need assistance. Mobilizing 1,300+ vegetation management workers: Deployed local personnel and mutual assistance teams to clear hazardous vegetation from power lines in the Greater Houston area ahead of storm landfall to prevent outages.

Deployed local personnel and mutual assistance teams to clear hazardous vegetation from power lines in the area ahead of storm landfall to prevent outages. Coordinating with government officials: Providing regular updates to federal, state, county and city officials to communicate company's pre-storm activities and readiness posture and provide critical updates.

Providing regular updates to federal, state, county and city officials to communicate company's pre-storm activities and readiness posture and provide critical updates. Conducting outreach to Critical Care Residential and Chronic Care customers: Conducted outreach to all 3,000+ identified Critical Care Residential and Chronic Care electric customers by email, phone or text.

Conducted outreach to all 3,000+ identified Critical Care Residential and Chronic Care electric customers by email, phone or text. Sharing customer communications: Shared safety and preparedness actions with CenterPoint customers across social media and other platforms to help keep customers informed and prepared.

Shared safety and preparedness actions with CenterPoint customers across social media and other platforms to help keep customers informed and prepared. Conducted operational update for media and public: Conducted a second press briefing on Tuesday, September 10 , at 5 PM CT to provide important updates related to company's pre-storm activities and readiness posture.

Conducted a second press briefing on , at to provide important updates related to company's pre-storm activities and readiness posture. Organizing additional call center staffing: Secured additional call center staff to handle a higher volume of calls during the storm and limit wait times.

Secured additional call center staff to handle a higher volume of calls during the storm and limit wait times. Coordinating temporary generation: Coordinating closely with local government and community stakeholder partners in the Greater Houston area to identify locations for temporary generation deployment.

Coordinating closely with local government and community stakeholder partners in the area to identify locations for temporary generation deployment. Preparing to conduct patrols and assess damage: CenterPoint crews will be deployed across its service territory to assess damage and, in the case of natural gas customers, shut-off natural gas in areas of severe flooding for safety.

Responding to Potential Impacts Across Service Territory

Across its service areas in Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi, CenterPoint is carefully monitoring Tropical Storm Francine and is preparing to deploy frontline crews to efficiently clear storm debris, repair system damage and restore electricity and natural gas service to impacted customers. Given the current track of the storm, the company is also mobilizing natural gas workers from across its service territory to support the response in the Gulf Coast region and any of the potentially hardest-hit areas.

Safety Tips for Natural Gas Customers

CenterPoint is reminding customers to stay safe prior to, during and after Tropical Storm Francine by following these natural gas safety tips:

Do not turn off your natural gas service at the meter in advance of the storm; doing so could allow water to enter the natural gas lines should flooding occur. If you wish to discontinue gas service, turn off the natural gas at each appliance.

Always be alert for the smell of natural gas. If you smell natural gas, leave the area immediately on foot and tell others to leave, too.

If you smell natural gas, do not turn the lights on or off, smoke, strike a match, use a cell phone or operate anything that might cause a spark, including a flashlight or a generator.

Do not attempt to turn natural gas valves on or off. Once safely away from the area, call 1-888-876-5786 and CenterPoint will send a trained service technician.

If your home is flooded, call a licensed plumber or natural gas appliance technician to inspect your appliances and gas piping to make sure they are in good operating condition before calling CenterPoint to reconnect service. This includes outdoor natural gas appliances including pool heaters, gas grills and gas lights.

If you are planning any digging or clearing as part of your pre- or post-hurricane activities, please call 811, the nationwide Call Before You Dig number, to locate underground natural gas lines and other underground utility lines.

Be aware of where your natural gas meter is located. As debris is put out for heavy trash pickup, make sure it is placed away from the meter. In many areas the meter may be located near the curb. If debris is near a natural gas meter, the mechanized equipment used by trash collectors could pull up the meter, damaging it and causing a potentially hazardous situation. If this happens, leave the area immediately and call CenterPoint at 1-888-876-5786.

Important Information for Electric Customers

CenterPoint electric customers are encouraged to enroll in the company's Power Alert Service to receive outage details, estimated restoration times and customer-specific restoration updates via phone call, text or email. Customers can also stay up-to-date on outages with CenterPoint's new and improved, cloud-based Outage Tracker, which allows customers to see outages by county, city and zip code. The new tracker is capable of handling increased traffic during storms and is ADA- and mobile-friendly.

CenterPoint Encourages All Customers to Have a Plan to Stay Safe

CenterPoint is encouraging all of its customers to prepare and have a plan to stay safe during Tropical Storm Francine. Customers can get storm-related electric, natural gas and flooding safety tips at CenterPointEnergy.com/StormCenter. Additional preparations best practices are available at Ready.gov.

For the latest updates, follow CenterPoint on X (formerly Twitter) for real-time updates. For more information and other resources, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/NaturalGasSafety.

About CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

As the only investor-owned electric and gas utility based in Texas, CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) is an energy delivery company with electric transmission and distribution, power generation and natural gas distribution operations that serve more than 7 million metered customers in Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Ohio and Texas. With approximately 9,000 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com.

For more information contact:

Media Relations:

[email protected]

SOURCE CenterPoint Energy
NAPLES, Fla., Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Charles Eitel Scholarship, established by renowned business visionary Charlie Eitel, continues to empower aspiring business leaders at Oklahoma State University. This prestigious scholarship offers financial support to undergraduate students pursuing degrees in Finance or Marketing within the Spears School of Business.

A beacon of hope for those seeking to excel in the competitive world of business, the Charles Eitel Scholarship recognizes the potential of students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and a unwavering commitment to their field of study. By providing crucial financial assistance, the scholarship alleviates the burden of tuition, fees, and other educational expenses, allowing recipients to focus on their studies and professional development.

"I am deeply honored to have the opportunity to support the next generation of business leaders through the Charles Eitel Scholarship," said Mr. Eitel. "Oklahoma State University played a pivotal role in shaping my career, and I am committed to giving back to the institution that has provided me with so much."

Scholarship Criteria and Benefits

To be eligible for the Charles Eitel Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Be a full-time student at Oklahoma State University

Enrolled in the Spears School of Business, pursuing a degree in Finance or Marketing

Demonstrate a strong academic record and a passion for their chosen field

A Legacy of Leadership and Philanthropy

Charlie Eitel is a seasoned business leader with a distinguished career spanning over four decades. His expertise in transforming and revitalizing organizations has earned him a reputation as a visionary in the industry.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Mr. Charles Eitel is deeply committed to giving back to the community. His philanthropic endeavors include the establishment of the Charles Eitel Scholarship, a testament to his belief in the power of education to shape the future.

How to Apply

Interested students can find application materials and further information about the Charles Eitel Scholarship on the scholarship's website: https://charleseitelscholarship.com/charles-eitel-scholarship/

About the Charles Eitel Scholarship

The Charles Eitel Scholarship is a prestigious award that recognizes and rewards academic excellence in the fields of Finance and Marketing at Oklahoma State University. Established by the renowned business leader Charlie Eitel, the scholarship aims to inspire and support students who demonstrate exceptional potential and a dedication to their studies.

SOURCE Charles Eitel Scholarship
This recognition by the Society is its highest honor in the academic fields of arts, social sciences, humanities and sciences.

FARMINGTON, Conn., Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Charles Lee, PhD, DSc, FACMG, has been elected to the Royal Society of Canada (RSC) incoming class of 2024 Fellows, in recognition of his outstanding achievements in the field of human genetics. The RSC is the senior national body of distinguished Canadian scientists and scholars and the oldest scientific academy in continuous existence in Canada.

At The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, where he is Professor and the Robert Alvine Family Endowed Chair, Lee heads a lab that uses state-of-the-art technologies to study structural genomic variation and its contributions to human diseases and vertebrate genome evolution.

This prestigious designation is the Society's highest honor, presented to scholars in the arts, social sciences, humanities and sciences for their invaluable contributions to their fields. This year's class of 104 new Fellows were elected by their peers for their exceptional contributions in these fields. Lee is one of 51 Fellows elected to the Academy of Sciences this year.

"I am overjoyed to be chosen as a Royal Society of Canada Fellow," said Lee. "The scientific accomplishments we have been able to achieve in my lab were possible only because of the collaboration and research support from many institutions, including the University of Alberta and Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada. I am inspired by this year's class of Fellows and honored to be counted among them."

Lee is known for his discoveries in human genetics, including a landmark 2004 paper that detected widespread structural changes within the genome, which transformed the understanding of disease mechanisms and human evolution. Most recently, Lee's laboratory completed the very first complete genetic sequencing of human Y chromosomes. Lee has written more than 190 publications which have collectively been cited more than 100,000 times.

Lee grew up in High Prairie, Alberta, Canada and subsequently studied at the University of Alberta. In 2013, he joined JAX from Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital. Throughout his career, he has received numerous accolades and awards for his research into the human genome, including the 2008 Ho-Am Prize in Medicine and was a Thomson Reuters Citation Laureate in 2012. He is an elected fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and a fellow of the Korean Academy of Science and Technology. He previously served as the president of the Human Genome Organization (HUGO) from 2017-2023 and received an honorary doctorate of science from the University of Alberta, his alma mater, earlier this year.

Founded in 1882, the Royal Society of Canada is an independent scientific academy. Its Fellows have included many of the world's most eminent scientists including Sir Sandford Fleming  the originator of the worldwide standard time zones  Joseph Burr Tyrrell  a Canadian geologist who discovered a new dinosaur species in the Alberta Badlands  and John Lighton Synge  who introduced a new geometric approach to the theory of relativity and helped establish the Fields Medal.

The new Fellows will be inducted into the Society during a ceremony on November 8, 2024, in Vancouver, British Columbia.

About The Jackson Laboratory

The Jackson Laboratory is an independent, nonprofit biomedical research institution with a National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Center and more than 3,000 employees in locations across the United States, Japan and China. Its mission is to discover precise genomic solutions for disease and to empower the global biomedical community in the shared quest to improve human health. For more information, please visit www.jax.org.

About the Royal Society of Canada

Founded in 1882, the Royal Society of Canada (RSC) comprises The Academy of Arts and Humanities, The Academy of Social Sciences, The Academy of Science, and The RSC College. The RSC recognizes excellence, advises the government and the larger society, and promotes a culture of knowledge and innovation in Canada and with other national academies around the world. Learn more at www.rsc-src.ca.

SOURCE The Jackson Laboratory
ANAHEIM, Calif., Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- CLOU Electronics, a leading BESS system integrator, has recently signed a BESS Warranty Service Agreement with INGENOVA ASESORIAS S.A. in Chile. Under this agreement, CLOU's subsidiary, CL Energy Company, will engage the contractor to provide warranty repairs, commissioning, maintenance, and logistics services for Chile BESS market.

CLOU and Ingenova Technicians at Innergex site BESS units

As many countries today, Chile is witnessing a transformative period in energy, incentivizing through several initiatives the development of energy storage and electric mobility. Over the past year, the Chilean market has seen a surge in large-scale project announcements, driven by an ambitious goal of achieving 70% renewable energy consumption by 2030, significantly increasing the installation of renewable energy generation facilities, leading to a critical need for advanced energy storage solutions.

As a worldwide pioneer in storage technology, CLOU has played a crucial role in several landmark projects, from design to operation. Notably, CLOU was involved in the development of a 485MWh BESS in the Atacama Desert in operation since 2023, and recently has awarded a 420MWh from Transelec S.A., Chile's leading high-voltage transmission system provider with over 80 years of experience. The project will be located next to the Granja Solar photovoltaic plant, close to Pozo Almonte, in the northern part of Chile.

CLOU's Engineering & Procurement Package ("EP Package") solution will offer far more than just system integration. It will deliver comprehensive support throughout the entire project life cycle, by means of a multicultural service team including engineers from CLOU, alongside with local partnerships with deep service training and experience. This is why CLOU has signed a BESS Warranty Service Agreement with INGENOVA ASESORIAS S.A.

Ingenova has 20+ years in the Chile BESS market, and is well recognized as an engineering, equipment supply and construction company in the electrical field, covering the infrastructure, water, mining and energy sectors.

As the customer demand are getting complex and lifecycle O&M is playing a crucial role for a project, CLOU remains deeply committed to meeting both the immediate and long-term needs. This new agreement will further enhance CLOU's capabilities in project design, equipment supply, system integration, project delivery, operations and maintenance, and after-sales service in the south cone.

SOURCE CLOU Electronics Co., Ltd.
DETROIT, Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan (the Community Foundation) is pleased to announce Nicole Sherard-Freeman has been named President, effective January 2025. Sherard-Freeman was most recently Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Community Foundation. Richard (Ric) DeVore, president, the Community Foundation, has decided to retire in early January 2025.

"Over the past year, we have experienced Nicole's enormous talent, deep commitment to the southeast Michigan community and strong collaboration across the foundation's staff, board and grantees," said David Provost, Chair of the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan. "Her extensive business, government and nonprofit background, care for people, and problem-solving skills will support our community's ability to thrive. We are thrilled that a person with her expertise and expansive network will lead the Community Foundation into the future."

Before joining the Community Foundation as COO in 2023, Sherard-Freeman was Group Executive of Jobs, Economy & Detroit at Work, and Executive Director of the Mayor's Workforce Development Board for Mayor Mike Duggan, City of Detroit. Prior to that she served as the President & CEO of Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation (DESC). From 2014 to 2018 Sherard-Freeman was Managing Director for Corporation for a Skilled Workforce, a national research-to-action non-profit that most notably led JPMorgan Chase's New Skills at Work portfolio in Detroit. She also held leadership positions in banking, global business-to-business services, and was a successful entrepreneur in Metro Detroit for three years. See complete biography at cfsem.org/Nicole.

"I am honored to assume the role that will provide greater support for the community where I'm from," said Sherard-Freeman. "Ric has been a partner and an ally in helping southeast Michigan be a place where everyone thrives, and I am encouraged by the board of trustees' confidence in my ability to lead this organization and advance its good work."

Sherard-Freeman has been recognized for her leadership, including Crain's Detroit Business Notable Women in Nonprofits, 50 Names to Know in Government and 100 Most Influential Women in Michigan; Michigan Chronicle's 2024 Power 50 recipient; and Axios Detroit 2022 Power Players.

Sherard-Freeman succeeds DeVore, who has applied innovative problem solving to some of the region's leading issues including economic development, youth sports, arts and culture and environmental sustainability. He helped numerous people start and grow their careers at the Community Foundation and spearheaded the development of the organization's first strategic plan.

"What he has accomplished in a little over two years is truly significant," Provost said. "I speak for our board of trustees and staff when I say that Ric has been a changemaker and tremendous asset to the Community Foundation and this board."

To support a successful leadership transition, DeVore and Sherard-Freeman will continue to serve in their current roles through the end of 2024. When Sherard-Freeman assumes the presidency in January 2025, DeVore will become a special advisor to the president through the first quarter of 2025. During that time, he will continue leading the Community Foundation's efforts to facilitate the completion of the Detroit Riverfront.

"I am honored and humbled to have had the opportunity to lead the Community Foundation for the past two years," DeVore said. "The talent of the board and staff and the impact they and our donors make in southeast Michigan every day makes me proud to have served them. Nicole's leadership will propel the work to the next level, and I'm excited to see what the future holds."

The Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan is, by asset size, one of the top- 30 community foundations in the country and has awarded $1.5 billion in grants to non-profit organizations.

About the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan

The Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan is a full-service philanthropic organization leading the way to positive change in our region. As a permanent community endowment built by gifts from thousands of individuals and organizations, the foundation supports a wide variety of activities benefiting education, arts and culture, health, human services, community development, and civic affairs. Since its inception, the foundation has distributed more than $1.5 billion through more than 95,000 grants to nonprofit organizations throughout Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Monroe, Washtenaw, St. Clair, and Livingston counties. Visit www.cfsem.org to learn more.

Contact Sherrie Arb, vice president, Communications and Marketing, [email protected]

SOURCE Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan
Considering the major societal disruptions brought on by government mandates responding to the COVID19 pandemic, all communities owe their residents an objective review of the mandates imposed.

BOSTON, Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- To better prepare for the next pandemic, the U.S. Government Accounting Office recommends that health agencies "...identify, document and share all challenges and lessons learned ... to improve the response to ongoing and future public health emergencies..." Some countries continually published SARS2/ COVID19 reviews and adjusted recommendations throughout the pandemic, but an objective review of the U.S. SARS2/COVID19 public health response is lacking. As an example, this is a report of the spread of SARS2/COVID19 in diverse communities in Middlesex County, Massachusetts. Neither mask mandates nor vaccinations halted the surge of SARS2/COVID19 in January, 2022; communities with the highest infection incidence were statistically significantly lowest in per capita income and highest in population density. If these findings apply globally, the development of a library of effective medications should be the first-line defense against the next pandemic, with a plan for effective distribution to the most vulnerable persons.

Article link: https://esmed.org/MRA/mra/article/view/5613/99193548248

BRF (Bedford Research Foundation) is a biomedical institute conducting stem cell and related research for diseases presently considered incurable. It does this four ways:

1. RESEARCH

Carried out in the US and through collaborations in Europe. Includes:

Patient-specific Stem Cells from Parthenotes: for stem cell therapies, including innovations for curing HIV disease, and spinal cord injury.

The Clock Pathway in embryos: how circadian rhythms impact early embryo development, and improve the efficiency of deriving new stem cell lines.

Prostate Cancer Screening: Creating sensitive and accurate tests to detect and stage prostate cancer.

2. EDUCATIONAL EVENTS

Educational conferences:

Activated Egg Symposium: since 2002, a day for research information sharing on eggs for reproduction, stem cell derivation and therapies.

3. LABORATORY PRODUCTS & SERVICES

SPAR (Special Program of Assisted Reproduction) a unique, award winning program combining HIV Semen Testing and Sperm Washing for safe procreation.

Mail-in test kits for: infertility, post-vasectomy-check, and prostatitis-check.

These products and services have been developed during the course of our research and help to cover the administrative costs of the laboratory. This allows research activities to proceed with minimal overhead (about 6%).

4. EDUCATIONAL MEDIA

Based on our research and events we produce:

Newsletters (email and snail mail): Our newsletters cover breakthroughs in research, as well as easy tutorials on the basics, and updates on Foundation news. Sign-up on our homepage, or email us your snail-mail address: [email protected]

Videos of Groundbreaking Talks: free on the event sites and through iTunes Podcasts.

Educational Videos About Stem Cells and Stem Cell Research: available on our popular FAQs page.

Most Foundation research cannot be federally funded because of the U.S. moratorium on research funding for activated human eggs (either artificially or by sperm). (www.nih.gov)

This press release was issued through 24-7PressRelease.com. For further information, visit http://www.24-7pressrelease.com.

SOURCE Bedford Research Foundation
AUSTIN, Texas, Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Daiso, the renowned global retail chain offering a wide range of affordable and unique products, is thrilled to announce the grand opening at Southpark Meadows in Austin, Texas on September 21st. "We are thrilled to open our store at Southpark Meadows," said Jack Williams, Chief Retail Operations Officer for Daiso USA. "This achievement reflects the dedication and support of our customers who have embraced Daiso's unique concept and diverse product range. We are excited to provide an exceptional shopping experience to the vibrant Austin community and look forward to serving our customers with the utmost care and dedication."

The new Daiso store at Southpark Meadows encompasses 7,178 square feet and promises to be a haven for shoppers seeking quality merchandise at affordable prices. With its extensive range of products spanning various categories, including Japanese inspired home decor, stationery, food, and more, Daiso has become synonymous with accessible and innovative offerings. John Clarke, Chief Development Officer for Daiso USA says, "Texas based Daiso customers have shown us through our online business and social media their desire for us to have more stores within the state, influencing our immediate growth strategy in this region. We currently operate 153 units in 8 states with more states opening in 2025."

On both Saturday, September 21st and Sunday, September 22nd, the first 100 customers to shop at the Southpark Meadows location and make a minimum purchase of $30 will receive an exclusive goodie bag. These special offerings are Daiso's way of expressing gratitude to its loyal customers and welcoming new shoppers to the Daiso community.

Daiso invites customers to join in the celebration. The Southpark Meadows Daiso, at 9600 S. I-35 Frontage Rd. G-200, is by neighboring tenant Bath and Body Works and is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m to 9 p.m and Sunday from 10 a.m to 8 p.m.

About Daiso:

Daiso is a global retail chain founded in Japan, known for its vast array of unique and affordable products across various categories such as household goods, stationery, beauty, and more. Daiso entered the US market in 2005 and continues to expand its global footprint while maintaining its commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction. The Daiso US headquarters is located in Anaheim, CA.

SOURCE Daiso USA
TEMPLE, Texas, Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Daiso, the renowned global retail chain offering a wide range of affordable and unique products, is thrilled to announce the grand opening at Marketplace Shopping Center in Temple, Texas on September 21st. "We are thrilled to open our store at Marketplace Shopping Center," said Jack Williams, Chief Retail Operations Officer for Daiso USA. "This achievement reflects the dedication and support of our customers who have embraced Daiso's unique concept and diverse product range. We are excited to provide an exceptional shopping experience to the vibrant Temple community and look forward to serving our customers with the utmost care and dedication."

The new Daiso store at Marketplace Shopping Center encompasses 8,363 square feet and promises to be a haven for shoppers seeking quality merchandise at affordable prices. With its extensive range of products spanning various categories, including Japanese inspired home decor, stationery, food, and more, Daiso has become synonymous with accessible and innovative offerings. John Clarke, Chief Development Officer for Daiso USA says, "Texas based Daiso customers have shown us through our online business and social media their desire for us to have more stores within the state, influencing our immediate growth strategy in this region. We currently operate 153 units in 8 states with more states opening in 2025".

On both Saturday, September 21st and Sunday, September 22nd, the first 100 customers to shop at the Marketplace Shopping Center location and make a minimum purchase of $30 will receive an exclusive goodie bag. These special offerings are Daiso's way of expressing gratitude to its loyal customers and welcoming new shoppers to the Daiso community.

Daiso invites customers to join in the celebration. The Marketplace Shopping Center Daiso, at 3048 S. 31st St, is by neighboring tenant Shoe Dept. and is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m to 9 p.m and Sunday from 10 a.m to 8 p.m.

About Daiso:

Daiso is a global retail chain founded in Japan, known for its vast array of unique and affordable products across various categories such as household goods, stationery, beauty, and more. Daiso entered the US market in 2005 and continues to expand its global footprint while maintaining its commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction. The Daiso US headquarters is located in Anaheim, CA.

SOURCE Daiso USA
BOCA RATON, Fla., Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- David Shiner, Founding Partner of Shiner Law Group, P.A., a Florida personal injury firm, was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Florida Justice Association ("FJA"). Mr. David Shiner was appointed, and accepted his nomination, on June 15, 2024, at the FJA Annual Convention in Palm Beach, Florida.

David Shiner, Shiner Law Group

The FJA is an organization comprised of members of the legal community that is dedicated to strengthening and upholding Florida's civil justice system and protecting the rights of Florida's citizens and consumers. The FJA works in the legislative, political, and public arenas to ensure that Floridians know and understand the importance of their rights to justice, and that their rights are safeguarded and protected.

David Shiner has been representing injured clients in Florida for the past twenty-two years, in a variety of cases including motor vehicle crashes, premises liability, trucking crashes, and wrongful death. David Shiner is rated AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell and was selected to the Florida Super Lawyers as a Rising Star from 2010-2017 and as a Super Lawyer from 2023-2024.

Regarding his appointment, David Shiner stated, "I am honored and excited to join the Florida Justice Association's Board of Directors. This opportunity allows me to further our shared mission of protecting Florida citizen's rights to justice. I look forward to working with the Florida Justice Association and its esteemed members in our mutual goal of helping people."

Attorney Stratton Smiley, on behalf of the firm, stated, "Shiner Law Group, P.A. extends its deepest congratulations to David on this well-deserved honor and achievement. David's appointment to the Board of Directors of the FJA underlines not only his commitment to the pursuit of justice, but also the firm's continued commitment to a high standard of advocacy for its clients."

If you want more information on David Shiner's appointment, or any other matters or organizations in which Shiner Law Group, P.A. is involved, please contact Shiner Law Group at 561-777-7700, via email: [email protected] , or visit: ShinerLawGroup.com. Shiner Law Group, P.A., maintains offices throughout Florida in Palm Beach, Broward, Martin, and St. Lucie counties. Shiner Law Group's main office is located at 7800 Congress Avenue, Suite 108, Boca Raton, Florida 33431.

SOURCE Shiner Law Group
Initial Pre-Production Drilling Intercepts Showing Stronger Mineralization than Anticipated

DENVER, Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - Energy Fuels Inc. (NYSE American: UUUU) (TSX: EFR), ("Energy Fuels", "EFR" or the "Company") an industry leader in uranium and rare earth elements production for the energy transition, today announced that its work to prepare for the restart of its Nichols Ranch in-situ recovery ("ISR") uranium mine 80 miles northeast of Casper, Wyoming in the Powder River Basin is advancing as planned, with initial pre-production drilling intercepts showing stronger mineralization than anticipated. The Company currently expects that the development of the remainder of its permitted Production Area 2 ("PA2") could be ready to commence production as early as July 1, 2025, with the start date based on market conditions.

Energy Fuels could quickly add uranium production from Nichols Ranch to its other operating conventional mines in Arizona and Utah. The Company also disclosed an additional uranium supply contract with a US nuclear energy utility in its Q2, 2024 quarterly report, continuing its commitment to the domestic uranium industry and demonstrating expanding offtake interest.

"We are very pleased with our progress to date in preparing Nichols Ranch for a potential restart of production in 2025, and these significant drilling results are exceeding our expectations and further demonstrate the strength of this project," said Mark Chalmers, president and CEO of Energy Fuels Inc. "This puts us one step closer on the path to meeting our projections, increasing our market share of the nuclear fuel supply chain, and potentially expanding our uranium resources."

With a licensed annual capacity of two million pounds of uranium, the fully licensed, permitted and constructed Nichols Ranch ISR facility is a priority resource in the Company's development pipeline. To restart production, the Company is performing delineation drilling and, based on that delineation drilling, plans to advance new header houses and install new well-fields in its permitted PA2 area at the mine. In addition to this delineation drilling, the Company has been advancing the restart by overhauling the on-site deep disposal well earlier this year and making some capital improvements to the existing plant.

Dan Kapostasy, Vice President, Technical Services stated, "We recently drilled 39 out of the planned 125 delineation holes at Nichols Ranch, with five that significantly exceeded expectations and the rest consistent with anticipated results. As we continue our exploration, we will better identify the location of resources within the site to allow us to optimize wellfield design ahead of a final mining decision, anticipated by the end of the year."

Highlights

Pre-development drilling activities at PA2 at Nichols Ranch have completed 39 drill holes to date. All but four holes have uranium mineralization and five have encountered mineralization greater than 1.0 GT.

U36-17-595 14.0 ft at 0.322% eU 3 O 8 = 4.50 GT

U36-17-610 11.5 ft at 0.103% eU 3 O 8 = 1.18 GT 6.0 ft at 1.523% eU 3 O 8 = 9.14 GT

U36-17-611 20.5 ft at 0.126% eU 3 O 8 = 2.57 GT 7.5 ft at 0.351% eU 3 O 8 = 2.64 GT

U36-18-058 18.0 ft at 0.104% eU 3 O 8 = 1.86 GT

U36-18-061 8.0 ft at 0.198% eU 3 O 8 = 1.59 GT



The Company anticipates updating the Nichols Ranch Technical Report, which will include these significant drill intercepts, once the drilling campaign is completed later this year.

Following this drilling campaign, the Company intends to drill approximately 152 holes on its Collins Draw area, a southeastern extension of its Jane Dough mineralized trend located in Sections 35 and 36, T43N, R76W, and Sections 1, 2 & 12, T42N, R76W, Campbell County, Wyoming. Once complete, these holes, along with historical holes drilled by Cleveland Cliffs and American Nuclear will be used to estimate an NI 43-101/S-K 1300 compliant mineral resource, which would be added to the existing mineral resource at the Nichols Ranch Project.

Technical Details

The current mineral resource estimate for the Nichols Ranch area (including the Jane Dough, Hank and North Rolling Pin areas, but excluding Collins Draw) of the Nichols Ranch Complex is given below, and details can be found in the Technical Report on the Nichols Ranch Project, Campbell and Johnson Counties, Wyoming USA dated February 22, 2022 and effective December 31,2021, as amended February 8, 2023, and prepared by Grant A. Malensek, M. Eng., P. Eng., Mark Mathisen, C.P.G., Jeremy Scott Collyard, PMP, MMSA QP, each a Qualified Person employed by SLR, Jeffrey L. Woods, MMSA QP, a Qualified Person employed by Woods Process Services, and Phillip E. Brown, C.P.G., R.P.G., a Qualified Person employed by Consultants In Hydrogeology (the "Nichols Ranch Technical Report Summary").

Current Nichols Ranch Project Mineral Resource Estimate  Effective December 31, 2021

Classification Project Area Sand Tonnage (tons) Grade (%eU 3 O 8 ) Contained Metal (lb U 3 O 8 ) EFR Attrib.

Basis EFR Attrib. lbs U 3 O 8 Recovery (%) Measured Nichols Ranch A 11,000 0.187 41,140 100 % 41,140 71.0 Total Measured 11,000 0.187 41,140 100 % 41,140 71.0 Indicated Nichols Ranch A 359,000 0.166 1,189,693 100 % 1,189,693 60.4 Jane Dough A 1,892,000 0.112 4,237,000 81 % 3,431,970 60.4 Hank F 450,000 0.095 855,000 100 % 855,000 60.4 North Rolling Pin F 582,000 0.057 665,000 100 % 665,000 60.4 Total Indicated 3,283,000 0.106 6,946,643 88.4 % 6,141,663 60.4 Total Measured + Indicated 3,294,000 0.106 6,997,833 88.5 % 6,182,803 60.4 Inferred Jane Dough A 188,000 0.112 420,000 81 % 340,200 60.4 Hank F 423,000 0.095 803,000 100 % 803,000 60.4 North Rolling Pin F 39,000 0.042 33,000 100 % 33,000 60.4 Total Inferred 650,000 0.097 1,256,000 93.6 % 1,176,200 60.4

Notes: 1. SEC S-K 1300 definitions were followed for all Mineral Resource categories. These definitions are also consistent with CIM (2014) definitions in NI 43-101. 2. Measured Mineral Resource includes reduction for production through December 31, 2021. 3. Mineral Resources are 100% attributable to EFR for Nichols Ranch, Hank, and North Rolling Pin, and are in situ. Mineral Resource estimates are based on a GT cut-off of 0.20 %-ft. 4. Mineral Resources are 81% attributable to EFR and 19% attributable to United Nuclear Corp in parts of Jane Dough, and are in situ. 5. Mineral Resource estimates are based on a GT cut-off of 0.20 %-ft 6. The cut-off grade is calculated using a metal price of $65/lb U 3 O 8 , operating costs of $19.28/lb U 3 O 8 , and 60.4% recovery (based on 71% process recovery and 85% under wellfield). 7. Mineral Resources are based on a tonnage factor of 15.0 ft3/ton (Bulk density 0.0667 ton/ft3 or 2.13 t/m 3 ). 8. Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. 9. Numbers may not add due to rounding.

Hole ID From (ft) To (ft) Thickness (ft) %eU 3 O 8 Grade x Thickness (GT) U36-17-594 565.0 568.0 3.0 0.149 0.45 U36-17-595 567.5 575.5 7.0 0.071 0.50 585.0 598.0 14.0 0.322 4.50 U36-17-596 Uranium Mineralization U36-17-597 Uranium Mineralization U36-17-598 Uranium Mineralization U36-17-599 Uranium Mineralization U36-17-600 Not Drilled U36-17-601 Uranium Mineralization U36-17-602 Uranium Mineralization U36-17-603 Uranium Mineralization U36-17-604 Uranium Mineralization U36-17-605 537.5 543.5 6.0 0.099 0.59 U36-17-606 Uranium Mineralization U36-17-607 Uranium Mineralization U36-17-608 Uranium Mineralization U36-17-609 574.0 576.0 2.0 0.179 0.38 U36-17-610 488.0 499.5 11.5 0.103 1.18 557.0 563.0 6.0 1.523 9.14 U36-17-611 555.5 576.0 20.5 0.126 2.57 586.0 593.5 7.5 0.351 2.64 U36-17-612 Uranium Mineralization U36-17-613 Uranium Mineralization U36-17-614 Uranium Mineralization U36-17-615 Uranium Mineralization U36-17-616 Uranium Mineralization U36-17-617 615.5 619.0 3.5 0.110 0.39 U36-17-618 Uranium Mineralization U36-17-619 423.0 427.0 4.0 0.136 0.54 U36-17-620 Uranium Mineralization U36-17-621 Uranium Mineralization U36-17-622 544.5 548.0 3.5 0.153 0.54 U36-17-623 Uranium Mineralization U36-17-624 478.0 483.0 5.0 0.117 0.59 U36-17-625 Barren U36-18-057 Uranium Mineralization U36-18-058 581.5 599.5 18.0 0.104 1.86 603.0 613.5 10.5 0.069 0.73 U36-18-059 Barren U36-18-060 Barren U36-18-061 637.5 645.5 8.0 0.198 1.59 U36-18-062 Barren U36-18-063 Uranium Mineralization U36-18-064 627.0 635.5 8.5 0.097 0.82

All grades reported in this press release are "equivalent" eU 3 O 8 grades as they were calculated from calibrated downhole gamma logging of the drill holes. The downhole probe was calibrated at the U.S. Department of Energy test pits located in Casper, Wyoming by Energy Fuels staff and verified on site by Century Geophysical Corporation. All drill holes reported are vertical and were verified as vertical using downhole deviation logging. All thicknesses reported are true thicknesses.

Qualified Person Statement

The scientific and technical information disclosed in this news release was reviewed and approved by Daniel D. Kapostasy, PG, Registered Member SME and Vice President, Technical Services for the Company, who is a "Qualified Person" as defined in S-K 1300 and National Instrument 43-101.

About Energy Fuels

Energy Fuels is a leading US-based critical minerals company. The Company, as a leading producer of uranium in the United States, mines uranium and produces natural uranium concentrates that are sold to major nuclear utilities for the production of carbon-free nuclear energy. Energy Fuels recently began production of advanced rare earth element ("REE") materials, including mixed REE carbonate in 2021, and commenced production of commercial quantities of separated REEs in 2024. Energy Fuels also produces vanadium from certain of its projects, as market conditions warrant, and is evaluating the recovery of radionuclides needed for emerging cancer treatments. Its corporate offices are in Lakewood, Colorado, near Denver, and substantially all its assets and employees are in the United States. Energy Fuels holds two of America's key uranium production centers: the White Mesa Mill in Utah and the Nichols Ranch in-situ recovery ("ISR") Project in Wyoming. The White Mesa Mill is the only conventional uranium mill operating in the US today, has a licensed capacity of over 8 million pounds of U 3 O 8 per year, and has the ability to produce vanadium when market conditions warrant, as well as REE products, from various uranium-bearing ores. The Nichols Ranch ISR Project is on standby and has a licensed capacity of 2 million pounds of U 3 O 8 per year. The Company recently acquired the Bahia Project in Brazil and entered into a joint venture agreement to develop the Donald Project in Australia, each of which is believed to have significant quantities of titanium (ilmenite and rutile), zirconium (zircon) and REE (monazite) minerals. In addition to the above production facilities, Energy Fuels also has one of the largest NI 43-101 compliant uranium resource portfolios in the US and several uranium and uranium/vanadium mining projects on standby and in various stages of permitting and development. The primary trading market for Energy Fuels' common shares is the NYSE American under the trading symbol "UUUU," and the Company's common shares are also listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the trading symbol "EFR." Energy Fuels' website is www.energyfuels.com .

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains certain "Forward Looking Information" and "Forward Looking Statements" within the meaning of applicable United States and Canadian securities legislation, which may include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to: any expectation that the Company will maintain its position as a leading U.S.-based critical minerals company or as a leading producer of uranium in the U.S.; any expectation with respect to timelines to production; any expectation as to rates or quantities of production; any expectation that the development of the remainder of PA2 could be ready to commence production as early as July 1, 2025, based on market conditions; any expectation that the Company's progress to date and/or delineation drilling results to date puts the Company one step closer on the path to meeting its projections, increasing its market share of the nuclear fuel supply chain, and/or potentially expanding its uranium resources; any expectation that the Company anticipates updating the Nichols Ranch Technical Report; any expectation that, following the current delineation drilling campaign, the Company will drill approximately 152 holes to convert the historic resource at the Collins Draw area to a current NI 43-101/S-K 1300 mineral resource, or that any such mineral resource would be added to the mineral resource at the Nichols Ranch Project; any expectation that the Company's evaluation of radioisotope recovery at the Mill will be successful; and any expectation as to the accuracy of mineral resource estimates or that any mineral resources will actually be mined. Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans," "expects," "does not expect," "is expected," "is likely," "budgets," "scheduled," "estimates," "forecasts," "intends," "anticipates," "does not anticipate," or "believes," or variations of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results "may," "could," "would," "might" or "will be taken," "occur," "be achieved" or "have the potential to." All statements, other than statements of historical fact, herein are considered to be forward-looking statements. 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 be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements express or implied by the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements include risks associated with: commodity prices and price fluctuations; engineering, construction, processing and mining difficulties, upsets and delays; permitting and licensing requirements and delays; changes to regulatory requirements; legal challenges; the availability of feed sources for the Mill; competition from other producers; public opinion; government and political actions; market factors; market prices and demand for uranium; and the other factors described under the caption "Risk Factors" in the Company's most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K, which is available for review on EDGAR at www.sec.gov/edgar, on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca, and on the Company's website at www.energyfuels.com. Forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this news release, and the Company disclaims, other than as required by law, any obligation to update any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, results, future events, circumstances, or if management's estimates or opinions should change, or otherwise. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, the reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company assumes no obligation to update the information in this communication, except as otherwise required by law.

www.energyfuels.com

SOURCE Energy Fuels Inc.
On track for commercial-scale production of actinium-225, which is crucial to a new class of targeted treatments for cancer

Largest Series A in life sciences sector in Belgium to date; led by EQT Life Sciences

to date; led by EQT Life Sciences Total of EUR 134 million raised including funding secured through EUR 7.2 million equity from IBA and SFPIM, and EUR 33.8 million debt financing

STOCKHOLM, Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- EQT Life Sciences is pleased to announce that it has led a EUR 93 million oversubscribed Series A fundraise in PanTera, the Belgian radioisotope producer. With additional equity and debt funding, the total amount raised is EUR 134 million. The round was also joined by Kurma Partners, Eurazeo, Korys, Paladin and PMV. Alongside this, IBA, the world leader in particle accelerator technology, and SFPIM, a Belgian sovereign fund, will convert into equity EUR 7.2 million convertible loans.

PanTera was founded in 2022 with the primary goal of enabling large-scale production of actinium-225 (225Ac), which is crucial to enable a new class of targeted cancer treatments known as Targeted Alpha Therapy. The funds raised will be used primarily to support the construction of a state-of-the-art production facility in Belgium.

Targeted Alpha Therapy is a promising new cancer treatment approach that enables safe and effective delivery of radiation to the cancer cells by radioisotopes that emit highly energetic alpha particles. The radiation effect of the alpha particle is more localized compared to other approaches and as such can destroy the cancer cells to which it is attached without harming surrounding healthy tissue. The most promising alpha emitter for this approach is 225Ac. As a result, demand for 225Ac is increasing rapidly as drug-development companies look to scale-up clinical trials across a range of different cancers and seek regulatory approvals. However, dependable, scalable and sustainable methods for producing 225Ac are complex and require advanced nuclear infrastructure, which has resulted in a global shortage of the isotope.

PanTera is working to solve this global shortage. The Company's unique, patented photo-nuclear "gamma" production process transforms Radium-226 (226Ra) into Radium-225 (225Ra), which in turn decays into 225Ac. This process provides a reliable, safe and high-quality supply of 225Ac, not only for clinical trials but also for future commercial radiopharmaceutical therapies, the first of which are due to be on the market in 2028-2029. PanTera's process and infrastructure is designed to enable the annual production of more than 100 Curies (Ci) of clinical grade 225Ac by 2029, allowing treatment of more than 100,000 patients per year. The combination of SCK CEN's unmatched large stock of pure 226Ra and IBA's Rhodotron electron accelerator, positions PanTera to become a highly successful and reliable producer of this key medical radioisotope.

In parallel to its effort to develop commercial-scale production of 225Ac, PanTera is already providing early 225Ac supply through an alternative production method. Working in collaboration with TerraPower Isotopes, PanTera is on track to provide 1.5-2 Ci of 225Ac annually from early 2025. With today's current global supply estimated at 3 Ci annually, this will be a significant contribution to drug development. PanTera has signed supply agreements with several pharmaceutical companies, including Bayer, and expects to have secured agreements for more than 80% of its capacity before starting production.

Sven Van den Berghe, CEO of PanTera, said: "PanTera is looking to radically improve supply in the short and long term, in order to ensure that this potentially life-saving, highly innovative modality can reach patients. The size of this raise is testament to our strategy, our unique assets and our capabilities. We are working alongside very experienced partners with a combined expertise and a network that goes well beyond 225Ac production and encompasses all aspects of the radiopharmaceutical revolution. With this funding, we are now en route to realise our vision of providing a "Better Fight for Life" to cancer patients worldwide by becoming a dependable global 225Ac supplier."

Martijn Kleijwegt, Partner at EQT Life Sciences, commented: "It is clear to us that PanTera has the expertise, assets and strategy in place to address the critical actinium-225 supply shortage faced by the pharmaceutical industry today, as well as the significant increase in demand expected in the future. EQT is one of the world's largest healthcare investors and we are committed to supporting pioneering ventures, like PanTera, to reach their fullest potential. We are excited to partner with the PanTera team, alongside IBA, SCK CEN and our fellow investors, on the next phase of PanTera's development."

Contact

EQT Press Office, [email protected]

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Everpeak has already enabled workers' comp policies for thousands of hard-working South Carolinians

COLUMBIA, S.C., Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- EverPeak Insurance, a leading solution for workers' compensation insurance, announced its official launch in the state of South Carolina. 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.

"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 South Carolina'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' comp policies for more than 387 hard-working businesses in South Carolina. A wide range of South Carolina businesses are well suited for EverPeak, including those in the the janitorial, carpentry, tiling, and painting sectors. EverPeak's arrival in South Carolina 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
LONDON, Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Fair Oaks Capital has listed the first European AAA CLO ETF on Deutsche Borse Xetra and Borse Frankfurt (ticker: LAAA), offering access to AAA-rated, floating-rate CLO notes. Trading commenced today.

Fair Oaks AAA CLO ETF (FAAA) invests in AAA-rated CLOs. FAAA was launched on the Alpha UCITS fund platform as an additional listed share class of an existing Fair Oaks UCITS fund, the Fair Oaks AAA CLO Fund (the Fund). The Fair Oaks fund was launched in 2019 with Alpha UCITS and has over 150 million in assets under management as of Aug. 30, 2024. The ETF share class offers investors access to the existing, high-quality, diversified portfolio. The Fund invests exclusively in AAA-rated CLOs, based on Fair Oaks' established investment processes. FAAA is a long-only portfolio with no leverage and is classified as Article 8 under the EU Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR).

The ETF is managed by a team of six professionals, supported by the broader Fair Oaks credit team and led by Miguel Ramos Fuentenebro and Roger Coyle, co-founders and partners of the firm.

Ramos Fuentenebro, said, "The Fair Oaks AAA CLO ETF gives investors efficient access to a broad range of AAA-rated floating-rate instruments. These assets have demonstrated a flawless performance record: from 1997 to 2023, no AAA-rated CLO note has defaulted, as confirmed by S&P Global. We are confident that the CLO market provides consistently strong, repeatable risk-adjusted returns across different market environments, outperforming many other credit strategies."

Stephane Diederich, CEO of the Alpha UCITS platform, emphasised the strategic importance of launching the Fair Oaks AAA CLO ETF share class with an initial fund size of over 150 million, making it highly attractive for institutional investors.

"The fund is well-positioned to meet the demands of institutional investors who often seek to deploy large capital allocations without exceeding ownership limits of a single ETF for risk management purposes. This allows investors to gain meaningful exposure while maintaining balanced risk across their portfolios," Diederich said.

The total expense ratio for the Fair Oaks AAA CLO ETF is 0.35 percent.

About Fair Oaks Capital

Fair Oaks Capital is a specialist corporate credit investment manager. Established in 2013 and operating from offices in London and New York, Fair Oaks specializes in CLOs and secured loans, managing over $3 billion in assets for a global client base, as of July 31, 2024. The Fair Oaks Dynamic Credit Fund, launched in 2016, was the investment industry's first global CLO UCITS fund. For more information, visit www.fairoakscap.com and www.CLO-ETF.com

About Alpha UCITS

Alpha UCITS is one of the oldest UCITS distribution and structuring platforms. Alpha UCITS was founded in October 2009 by Stephane Diederich, formerly a partner at Brevan Howard Asset Management LLP. The company is based in London and is ranked among the top 10 UCITS platforms by AUM. Alpha UCITS has won numerous industry awards as "Best UCITS Platform" and "Best Third Party Marketing Firm." For more information, visit www.alpha-ucits.com or write to [email protected].

Media Contacts for Fair Oaks Capital

Margaret Kirch Cohen/Richard Chimberg

Newton Park PR, LLC

+1 847-507-2229, + 617-312-4281

[email protected]

[email protected]

Notes to investors

The information contained in this press release does not constitute an offer or solicitation for, or advice that you should enter into, the purchase or sale of any security or fund. Any views expressed are subject to change at any time.

This document is not intended for distribution to or use by any person or entity in any jurisdiction or country where such distribution or use would be contrary to law or regulation. This document is not and should not be construed as an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to purchase or subscribe to any investment.

Any views expressed were held at the time of preparation and are subject to change without notice. While any forecast, projection or target where provided is indicative only and not guaranteed in any way. Fair Oaks Capital Limited accepts no liability for any failure to meet such forecast, projection or target. The value of investments and any income from them can go down as well as up and investors may not get back the amount originally invested. Where overseas investments are held the rate of currency exchange may also cause the value of such investments to fluctuate.

Fair Oaks AAA CLO Fund (formerly known as Fair Oaks High Grade Credit Fund) is a sub-fund (the "Fund") of Alpha UCITS SICAV and issues both ETF share classes and non-ETF share classes. Alpha UCITS SICAV is an undertaking for collective investment in transferable securities organised as an "umbrella fund" comprising multiple compartments, organised as a SICAV, incorporated under the form of a public limited liability company (societe anonyme) and authorised under Part I of the Luxembourg law of 17 December 2010 on undertakings for collective investment. This information contained in this press release does not constitute an offer or solicitation to buy shares in the Fund.

The information contained herein is not for distribution to and does not constitute an offer to sell or solicitation of any offer to buy any securities in the United States of America to or for the benefit of any United States person(s). This material is not a solicitation, an offer, a recommendation or advice to buy or sell investment products, or to engage in other transactions. It explicitly does not take account the investment objectives, knowledge, experience or financial situation of any person. You should not act upon this information in any way and you are advised to obtain professional advice which does take account of your particular circumstances.

Detailed information for article 8 sustainable investment products, as categorised under the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR) can be found in the Fund's Prospectus.

You should carefully read the Fund's Prospectus and relevant Key Investor Information Document (the "KIID"), as well as consult with your advisers before making a decision to buy shares of the Fund. Investing in the Fund involves risk, including without limitation risk of total investment loss and other risks noted in the Fund's latest Prospectus and KIID.

SOURCE Fair Oaks Capital
Annex Brands, Inc. Continues to Expand Shipping and Office Services Franchise Footprint

SAN DIEGO, Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Annex Brands, Inc., one of the leading packing and shipping franchisors, is excited to announce the opening of its newest PostalAnnex location in Hermitage, TN. This new store is set to offer a wide range of essential shipping and office services to the local community, making it easier to get more done in one stop.

Located in Northlake Village at 5510 Old Hickory Blvd., this new PostalAnnex store will offer a comprehensive array of services, including private mailbox rental, notary public services, and shipping options via major carriers such as UPS, FedEx and USPS for more ways to ship. Additionally, the store will offer copy and printing services, as well as packaging supplies and expert packing services.

"I was a student when I first discovered PostalAnnex; I liked the concept of offering multiple shipping carriers in one location and told myself that one day I'd have my own store," said Kishore Biramgudam, owner of PostalAnnex Hermitage, TN. "Now I'm here and am excited to serve the communities around me and build relationships."

Annex Brands, the parent company of PostalAnnex, has a long-standing reputation for excellence in the franchising industry.

"Our franchisees' passion and dedication are what drive our growth. With the opening of his first business, and PostalAnnex store in Hermitage, Kishore will continue this tradition of excellence, offering indispensable services to local businesses and residents," said Patrick Edd, Chief Executive Officer of Annex Brands.

Headquartered in San Diego, CA, Annex Brands has been providing business ownership opportunities since 1985 and now licenses and franchises over 850 locations across the United States, Canada and Mexico. Their brands, including PostalAnnex, Pak Mail, AIM Mail Centers, Parcel Plus, Sunshine Pack & Ship, Navis Pack & Ship, and Handle With Care Packaging Store, are synonymous with reliable and professional service.

For more information about PostalAnnex #23021, located at 5510 Old Hickory Blvd. Ste. B, Hermitage, TN 37076, and the services offered at the new Hermitage location, please visit www.postalannex.com/23021.

ABOUT COMPANY:

Annex Brands, Inc. licenses and franchises over 850 locations in the United States, Canada, and Mexico under the brands PostalAnnex, Pak Mail, AIM Mail Centers, Parcel Plus, Sunshine Pack & Ship, Navis Pack & Ship and Handle With Care Packaging Store. Headquartered in San Diego, Calif., Annex Brands has been providing business ownership opportunities since 1985. Its franchisees offer business services such as private mailbox rental, notary public service, shipping options from multiple carriers such as UPS, FedEx and USPS, copy service, freight shipping of large, awkward, high-value or fragile items, custom packing solutions through individually tailored wooden crates, cartons, and more. For more information, visit www.annexbrands.com.

Contact: Michelle McKee

Phone: (619) 563-4800

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Annex Brands, Inc.
NEW YORK, Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- FP Alpha, a leading innovator in AI-assisted wealthtech solutions, has unveiled significant enhancements to its popular Estate Lab offering, a key component of its comprehensive Estate Planning Module. These updates mark a major advancement in estate planning capabilities for financial advisors, further solidifying FP Alpha's position as a trailblazer in the industry.

The Estate Lab, known for its ability to visualize potential changes and quantify estate tax implications, now includes powerful new features designed to enhance advisor-client engagement. Among the most notable additions is the Asset Projection functionality. This new tool allows users to input custom growth rates per asset and project balances over time, providing clients with a clear picture of how asset growth could impact estate tax liabilities, and the amount of wealth passed to heirs.

"In light of the upcoming changes to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, these enhancements are timelier and more impactful than ever," says Andrew Altfest, CFP, CEO of FP Alpha. "The ability to project and quantify asset growth provides both advisors and clients with valuable insights for future estate planning decisions."

In addition, the Automation for Joint Cases has been integrated into the Estate Snapshot Feature, complementing the existing automations for Simple Cases (revocable trusts, wills, POAs, and healthcare directives) and A/B use cases launched earlier this year. These enhancements streamline the process, enabling advisors to deliver more precise and tailored estate planning solutions to their entire client base, not just the ultra high net worth.

"As more clients seek estate planning assistance from their advisors, it's crucial to provide dynamic and visually appealing deliverables," said Rachel Schwab, Director of Product at FP Alpha. "These updates not only improve the overall client experience but also enhance the advisor's ability to present complex information in a fast, accurate and efficient manner."

As a result of the success of their Estate Planning offering, FP Alpha has just been recognized by two leading industry media brands, Financial Planning and WealthManagement.com.

Financial Planning named FP Alpha as one of nine winners of its inaugural AI Innovation Awards. These awards honor and celebrate outstanding achievements in developing AI technology within the wealth management industry and implementing solutions that improve the growth and scalability of firms and enhance client engagement and experiences.

"We recognized the significance of AI for the wealth management industry immediately," says Brian Wallheimer, Editor-in-Chief at Financial Planning. "Since then, our goal has been to shine a light on the ways financial advisors can leverage this technology to scale their businesses and streamline operations, as well as connect with their clients to help them achieve their financial needs. "Now we're recognizing companies that are taking big steps toward bringing that technology into the industry or implementing it in forward-looking ways. They are true innovators."

WealthManagement.com awarded FP Alpha the "Wealthie" in the category of Technology Innovation in Estate Planning. "It means a lot to me and to the FP Alpha team to get this recognition, especially with all the many competitive firms that were up for this award," says Altfest.

The Estate Lab allows advisors to show clients what will happen to their assets today, as well as in the future if they implemented the advisor's estate planning recommendations.

Advisors can now show these views, without having to build complex, custom flowcharts in PowerPoint. This saves time and allows advisors to provide this service at scale, to all their clients, not just the ultra-high net worth.

In addition to the Estate Planning Module, The FP Alpha platform also has Tax and Insurance offerings. The connection between all of these planning areas is a critical differentiator over competitive offerings. "Advisors site the importance of understanding a client's financial picture and these other areas are instrumental in the overall effectiveness of the client recommendations," says Schwab.

About FP Alpha

Founded by financial planner and industry leader, Andrew Altfest, CFP , FP Alpha is an AI-driven advanced planning solution that helps advisors identify actionable recommendations to clients, in a scalable, intelligent, and cost-efficient manner. FP Alpha is designed to integrate seamlessly into the many stages of the financial planning process and is complementary to the advisor's current financial planning software, starting where they stop. By leveraging AI learning and subject matter experts across 16 financial planning disciplines, including tax, estate and insurance, this innovative platform allows advisors to uncover new planning opportunities and provide clients with more holistic advice. For more information, please visit: www.fpalpha.com Patent Pending

SOURCE FP Alpha
New plant expands footprint in Georgia and increases commercial roofing manufacturing capacity nationwide

PARSIPPANY, N.J., Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- GAF , a Standard Industries company and North America's largest roofing and waterproofing manufacturer, today announced the start of production of its thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) commercial roofing products at its newest manufacturing plant in Valdosta, Georgia.

GAF, a Standard Industries company and North America's largest roofing and waterproofing manufacturer, today announced the start of production of its thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) commercial roofing products at its newest manufacturing plant in Valdosta, Georgia.

"GAF is committed to providing best-in-class service to our customers, and the addition of the Valdosta TPO plant in Georgia enhances our existing network, ensuring that our commercial roofing customers get the products they need when required," said John Altmeyer, CEO of GAF. "This world-class facility brings dozens of advanced manufacturing, logistics and engineering jobs to the area."

Since construction began on the new 425,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art facility, the GAF-Valdosta team has committed to becoming an impactful member of the community, supporting local nonprofits in the Valdosta-Lowndes area through donations and volunteer efforts, including Habitat for Humanity of Valdosta, Second Harvest of South Georgia, and the Greater Valdosta United Way.

"We're excited to get to work and start delivering for the industry and Valdosta community," said Daniel Duston, Plant Manager, GAF-Valdosta. "The community has welcomed us with open arms, and we are dedicated to continuing to support the city and its residents in meaningful ways."

The Valdosta plant joins the company's other TPO operations in New Columbia, Pennsylvania; Mount Vernon, Indiana; Gainesville, Texas; and Cedar City, Utah and adds to GAF's Georgia operations in Savannah, Statesboro, and Cumming.

About GAF

GAF, a Standard Industries company, is the leading roofing and waterproofing manufacturer in North America. For more than 135 years, GAF has been trusted to protect what matters most for families, communities and business owners with its innovative solutions and focus on customer service. GAF's leadership extends to its commitment to making a positive impact on its communities, industry, and planet. Learn more at www.GAF.com .

Contact:

Joe Perri

[email protected]

SOURCE GAF
YONGIN, South Korea, Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- GC Cell, a leading innovator in cell therapy, has officially announced the execution of a landmark 'Technology Transfer and License Agreement' with PT Bifarma Adiluhung (Bifarma), a premier stem cell therapy company in Indonesia. This strategic partnership, which began in June, solidifies approximately three months later with the signing of the final license agreement.

Under the terms of the agreement, Bifarma will be granted the exclusive rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialize Immuncell-LC for 15 years.

GC Cell and PT Bifarma Adiluhung sign a licensing agreement for Immuncell-LC to expand access in Indonesia (PRNewsfoto/GC Cell)

Bifarma is recognized for operating Indonesia's first GMP-certified cell therapy production facility and possesses a comprehensive sales and marketing infrastructure focused on oncology, specializing in a cold chain distribution network that spans across Indonesia. This infrastructure is expected to maximize the accessibility and commercial success of Immuncell-LC.

James Park, CEO of GC Cell, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership's potential, stating, "The initiation of technology transfer concurrent with the signing of the license agreement sets us on a path to introduce Immuncell-LC in Indonesia by next year, leveraging both our expertise and a firm partnership with Bifarma. This milestone is pivotal as we work to introduce Immuncell-LC, South Korea's first anticancer drug cell therapy, to a global audience, offering new treatment avenues to a broader patient demographic."

The Indonesian pharmaceutical market, the largest in Southeast Asia, is rapidly expanding with an average growth rate exceeding 8% annually, representing a significant opportunity for innovative treatments like Immuncell-LC. The introduction of the product is expected to mark a significant advancement in Indonesia's cancer treatment landscape, particularly for Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC), which affects approximately 23,000 new patients annually in the country.

Dr. Sandy Qlintang, MBiomed., President Director of PT Bifarma Adiluhung said, "We are excited to announce our collaboration in Immuncell-LC with GC Cell, focusing on innovative treatments for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Indonesia. By combining our expertise, we aim to enhance therapeutic strategies and bring groundbreaking advancements to liver cancer treatment through cutting-edge immune cell therapies. Together, we are committed to make a significant impact in the fight against HCC."

Immuncell-LC, an anti-cancer immune cell therapy, has demonstrated significant efficacy in solid tumors, particularly liver cancer, and has been recognized as an FDA-designated orphan drug. It consists primarily of autologous blood-derived T lymphocytes enhanced to improve cancer cell killing capabilities. The therapy has proven its effectiveness in large-scale Phase 3 clinical trials for early-stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) patients, significantly reducing recurrence risk and mortality with a favorable safety profile.

As GC Cell continues to engage with major pharmaceutical entities across emerging markets, the partnership with Bifarma is poised to set a precedent for the introduction of innovative therapies in underserved regions, promising enhanced clinical outcomes and increased accessibility to cutting-edge treatments.

About GC Cell

With a core focus on cell therapy, GC Cell offers complete bio healthcare solutions from diagnosis to treatment, and the brand's comprehensive value chain spans R&D, production, commercialization, and distribution. More info: https://gccell.com/

About PT Bifarma Adiluhung

PT Bifarma Adiluhung, through its cell therapy division Regenic, is Indonesia's first and largest cell-based therapy provider, holding GMP certification from Indonesia's FDA and an operating license from Ministry of Health for clinical-grade manufacturing of stem cells and their metabolites. Regenic services encompass autologous and allogeneic stem cells and their derivatives, a stem cell education center, and an R&D center focused on innovative cell therapy products. Regenic is dedicated to advancing healthcare through pioneering cell-based therapies to enhance the quality of life for all individuals.

SOURCE GC Cell
BEIJING, Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Against the backdrop of hegemonism, power politics, regional conflicts, economic slowdown and climate change, which are posing significant threats to the protection of human rights in today's world, the First China-Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) States Roundtable on Human Rights convened in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Tuesday local time.

The event constituted a platform for more than 120 senior officials, scholars, experts and representatives from social organizations and think tanks from 17 countries to discuss paths to achieving human rights.

The roundtable, held at a time when the year 2024 marks the 10th anniversary when Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed building a community with a shared future between China and Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Brazil, highlighted the growing cooperation between China and LAC countries on human rights development.

Experts and scholars attending the event told the Global Times that this cooperation serves as a model for South-South cooperation and reflects the increasing recognition and resonance of Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy in LAC countries.

Chinese and international participants expounded their insights on the contributions of China and LAC to global human rights civilization, as well as the challenges and solutions facing global human rights governance.

Shu Hongshui, dean of School of National Security and research fellow of Human Rights Research Center at Northwest University of Political Science and Law in Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, shared the practice of ensuring the rule of law in counter-terrorism and de-radicalization in China's Xinjiang region and its contribution to global security.

"In the legal safeguards for efforts in combating terrorism in the Xinjiang region, China fully demonstrates its commitment to a human rights development path that emphasizes the rule of law and prioritizes people's rights to development," Shu told the Global Times. "This provides Chinese wisdom for global human rights governance."

Countries that have experienced "color revolutions" have been forced to imitate and apply economic development and political models that do not align with their own national realities, resulting in hindered economic growth and damage to the interests of the majority of the populace. Far from bringing stability or improving livelihoods, these "revolutions" have deepened political strife, triggered humanitarian crises, and set back the development of human rights, Shu noted.

There is no "perfect model" for human rights issues, nor is there a need for a "teacher" to dictate terms to other countries, Shu emphasized.

Evandro Menezes de Carvalho, head of the Brazil-China Research Group at Getulio Vargas Foundation School of Law, told the Global Times that "we must strongly combat the political use of 'human rights' as a shield to justify interventions in other countries, which paradoxically leave a trail of destruction wherever they go."

China-Latin America cooperation offers the possibility of reframing the path of human rights by prioritizing socioeconomic development and peace.

At the closing ceremony, a research report was jointly released by China Society for Human Rights Studies, Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies at Renmin University of China and Faculty of Law at the Fluminense Federal University, depicting in a comprehensive way the China-LAC cooperation on human rights development, the present and the future.

Both China and LAC have played key roles in shaping international human rights agendas, advocating a fairer, more equitable, reasonable, and inclusive approach. They have been opposing the use of human rights as a tool for unilateralism and hegemonic actions while supporting the impartial and objective functioning of the UN human rights organizations, the report said.

The report highlighted the China-LAC cooperation as a model of the Global South countries. The partnership covering fields such as economy, trade, ecological environment and public health has not only created more development opportunities, but also provided useful experience and inspiration for other developing countries, Zhu Xiaohui, associate professor of National Base for Human Rights Education and Training at Fudan University, told the Global Times on the sidelines of the event.

SOURCE Global Times
The global study reveals the impact of climate change on human health.

MANCHESTER, England, Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - Leading global healthcare communications agency, Havas Lynx, has released a new white paper, "Climate of Health," addressing the impact climate change is having on global health. The World Health Organization has declared the climate crisis one of the biggest global threats to human health, with one in four deaths attributed to preventable environmental causes. By 2050, it's estimated that it could cause an additional 14.5 million deaths and $12.5 trillion worth of economic losses worldwide.

The white paper highlights the impact of climate change on every medical therapy area, including respiratory disease, oncology, mental health, cardiovascular disease, women's health, diabetes, and beyond. It also discusses the rising expectations of healthcare professionals (HCPs) and patients for the pharmaceutical industry to take action to address this global state of emergency.

"We are not sustainability experts and we most certainly don't have all the answers but through these findings, we hope to positively contribute to the ongoing conversation," shared Claire Knapp, CEO of Havas Lynx. "We're all on this journey to better understand the scale of the issue so we can make meaningful improvements for the health of our planet, and subsequently the health of humanity."

New data from Havas Lynx's proprietary data product, Point.1, reveals that HCPs are increasingly aware of the climate crisis and its resulting impact on healthcare:

77% of HCPs now recognise the climate crisis poses a risk to the health of their patients and is therefore an urgent problem that needs addressing.

Roughly two-thirds (62%) of HCPs currently believe the climate crisis is altering the landscape of the patients they treat.

41% of HCPs now make clinical decisions with the environment in mind, by trying to prescribe products from responsible pharmaceutical brands.

Plus, over half (52%) are more likely to prescribe a pharmaceutical product if they know it is environmentally friendly.

Most importantly, HCP expectations for pharma companies to act to combat climate change now are growing, with 72% of HCPs believing pharmaceutical companies should use their influence and take action to enact tangible change.

Acting to tackle climate change, proprietary Point.1 data found a direct correlation between climate action and corporate equity. In 2023, WE Brands in Motion found that outside of product functionality, corporate reputation is the leading factor in prescribing habits of HCPs. This proves that actively and authentically engaging in the climate-health crisis isn't only the right thing to do, but business critical.

Havas Lynx will use this data to educate and advise clients on how to move forward in a way that will not only positively impact their brands, but also the health of their consumers and the world at large.

To find out more about Climate of Health or to read the full white paper, visit ClimateofHealth.co.uk.

About Havas Lynx

Havas Lynx is a leading healthcare communications agency, named one of the top three healthcare agencies in the world by Cannes Lions, with a full-service global offering and almost 500 multidisciplinary specialists in Manchester, London, and New York. They bring together fresh perspectives, creative thinking, and a progressive, collaborative approach to partner with their clients, healthcare professionals, and patients in finding solutions for the modern-day healthcare landscape.

Visit the Havas Lynx website for more information: https://havaslynx.com/.

About Point.1 Point.1, a proprietary data solution from Havas Lynx, provides one of the most comprehensive global views of healthcare professional (HCP) attitudes, beliefs, behaviours, and influences to enable more powerful HCP strategies and experiences.

SOURCE Havas Lynx
Hyundai Bioscience presents development updates of its broad-spectrum antiviral at the "Disease Prevention and Control Summit 2024" held in Philadelphia , USA.

SEOUL, South Korea, Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr. Heung-Jeong Woo, a vice president of Hyundai Bioscience shared insights on the current state of antiviral treatments at the "Disease Prevention and Control Summit 2024." He highlighted the lack of effective therapies for global public health threats like COVID-19, dengue, mpox, HIV/AIDS, and influenza type A (H1N1), and expressed confidence in XAFTY's potential to treat all of these.

Clinical results: Effective blood drug concentration of XAFTY and its capability to treat multiple viral diseases

Mr. Woo noted, "The traditional 'one drug, one disease' approach has been a failure, leaving us vulnerable not only to future pandemics but also to ongoing viral threats such as mpox, dengue, and COVID-19. The key to tackling these public health crises lies in developing 'one drug, multiple targets' antivirals, and XAFTY is the only solution currently available."

Hyundai Bioscience developed XAFTY by overcoming two major challenges associated with niclosamide, a compound previously known for its antiviral properties but hindered by poor absorption and short efficacy. Through proprietary drug delivery technology, Hyundai Bioscience has successfully reformulated niclosamide into XAFTY, a new oral antiviral drug.

Through clinical trials, animal testing, and cell experiments, XAFTY has proven effectiveness against various viral infections, including those where niclosamide has shown efficacy. The company has successfully demonstrated XAFTY's safety and efficacy in treating COVID-19 and is currently undergoing Phase 3 clinical trials with high-risk groups of COVID-19 patients.

Hyundai Bioscience conducted an animal study comparing the efficacy of TAMIFLU and XAFTY against H1N1, a strain of influenza A with future pandemic potential. The results showed that XAFTY considerably reduced influenza virus levels compared to TAMIFLU. This finding is the first to reveal that XAFTY, which has already proven effective against COVID-19, also demonstrates in vivo efficacy against respiratory viruses from different families.

Dr. Heung-Jeong Woo of Hyundai Bioscience, during a roundtable discussion following his keynote presentation, stated, "XAFTY is currently in phase 3 clinical stage for COVID-19, particularly targeting high-risk groups. It has also been confirmed to be effective against mpox and dengue fever, diseases for which there are currently no treatments available despite being public health emergencies. As a result, XAFTY is the only antiviral capable of treating both mpox and dengue fever at this time. Accordingly, Hyundai Bioscience is in close discussions with countries facing public health crises due to dengue fever and mpox, to expedite the supply of XAFTY to patients suffering from these diseases."

Hyundai Bioscience is in close talks with several countries facing public health challenges from mpox and dengue to supply XAFTY swiftly. CEO of Hyundai Bioscience USA, Jason Kim reflected on the event, stating, "This summit has brought international recognition to XAFTY as the only broad-spectrum antiviral capable of addressing both current and future viral threats.

About Hyundai Bioscience

Hyundai Bioscience is a biotechnology company that develops new drugs based on its novel drug delivery system technologies to deliver active ingredients safely and efficiently to targeted areas of the human body. Founded in 2000, Hyundai Bioscience focuses on repurposing or expanding indications of existing drugs using its proprietary organic-inorganic hybrid technologies. Hyundai Bioscience is a public company listed on KOSDAQ (symbol: 048410) in South Korea.

For more information, please contact Ms. Joobin Jung, Global PR Manager ([email protected]).

SOURCE Hyundai Bioscience
Successful Operation at SLB's Clayton Valley, Nevada Demonstration Plant

SAN DIEGO, Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, ILiAD Technologies, LLC celebrates the use of its direct lithium extraction (DLE) technology at scale at SLB's (NYSE: SLB) Clayton Valley Demonstration Plant, producing high-purity, battery-grade lithium. This comes as SLB announced the successful completion of its integrated technology solution at its demonstration plant in Clayton Valley, Nevada.

ILiAD's technology was integral to the success of the Clayton Valley operation. The SLB sustainable lithium production solution integrates DLE, concentration and conversion technologies, to deliver a 500 times faster production time, enhanced lithium recovery rates of 96 percent and significant improvements in sustainable operations with reduced land and water use.

The brine was also processed at a low temperature of 95 degrees Fahrenheit, illustrating ILiAD's highly efficient process, which can be optimized across a wide range of projects and process conditions.

SLB's Clayton Valley Plant was commissioned in March 2024. The demonstration phase operated at one-tenth of a full commercial scale.

"A big congratulations to SLB in their successful demonstration phase," said ILiAD Technologies CEO Samuel Moore. "We are so proud that our ILiAD Technology Platform was a key part of SLB's demonstration that supports environmentally responsible and commercially advantageous lithium production to pave the way for a sustainable energy transition."

Earlier this year, ILiAD Technologies, LLC, a subsidiary of EnergySource Minerals (ESM), announced the successful close of their funding round with a significant investment from global technology company SLB (NYSE: SLB).

ILiAD's highly efficient and flexible extraction technology can be used to recover high-purity lithium chloride from lithium-laden brine resources around the world. The physical footprint, carbon emissions and water use associated with operations is a fraction of those needed compared to traditional lithium extraction methods.

ABOUT ILiAD TECHNOLOGIES

ESM ILiAD is a private direct lithium extraction (DLE) technology company affiliated with EnergySource Minerals. The company licenses the ILiAD Technology Platform, a proprietary breakthrough technology which combines a superior lithium selective adsorbent with continuous countercurrent bed processing to deliver a unique, patented solution capable of concentrating and treating a vast range of lithium laden brines under a wide variety of conditions. The technology is poised to be deployed globally to sustainably produce lithium to meet the immense and growing demand for its use in the manufacturing of electric vehicle batteries.

ESM shareholders are TechMet Limited, a leading technology metals investment company with a portfolio of assets that responsibly produce, process and recycle the metals that are critical to the global energy transition and the electric vehicle revolution; SLB New Energy, a global technology company driving energy innovation to accelerate decarbonization; Catalyst Geothermal LLC and LiNergy LLC, both U.S. based private investors in new energy technologies; and Mercury NZ Ltd., a New Zealand electricity generation and multi-product utility retailer.

For more information, visit: https://www.iliadtech.com/.

Media Contact:

ILiAD Technologies: John Horstman | [email protected] | +1 (224) 430-1910

SOURCE ILiAD
Successfully enhanced the D7 platform to accelerate time-to-market for exchange group's customers and improve their profitability

FRANKFURT, Germany and BENGALURU, India, Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Infosys (NSE: INFY), (BSE: INFY), (NYSE: INFY), a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting, today announced that it has collaborated with Clearstream, the post-trade services part of Deutsche Borse, an international exchange organisation and leading provider of market infrastructure. The collaboration supported the successful Generation 2 launch of Clearstream's D7 platform, an innovative digital post-trade platform that allows market participants to issue securities digitally.

Within the project, Infosys assisted Clearstream in driving end-to-end implementation, customization, and deployment alongside go-live and aftercare support. The platform has set a foundation of institutional-grade, digital asset infrastructure to unlock the tremendous value of asset tokenization and digital assets.

Daniel Besse, Clearstream CTO, said, "The successful release of D7 Generation 2 is a major achievement and sets the standard for our clients and the industry as a whole, making the digital issuance process faster, easier, and more efficient. Throughout this project, the collaboration of Clearstream and Infosys has been very productive. The enhanced platform lays the foundation for future digitization of financial markets as adapting to market changes can be done expeditiously. Being an innovation pacesetter in the securities industry, Clearstream has enabled over 150,000 digital issuances via D7 already today, which is more than any digital issuance platform globally."

Dennis Gada, Executive Vice President and Global Head of Banking & Financial Services, Infosys, said, "We are delighted to have collaborated with Clearstream, part of Deutsche Borse, on their digital transformation journey towards the D7 platform for issuance of securities. This integration has empowered Clearstream to enhance time-to-market, streamline operations, simplify their technology landscape, and effectively manage regulatory changes, all while fostering sustainable growth. This transformation sets an example for future modernization and digitization of the securities and stock exchange industry."

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
Insomnia 10 Introduces Semantic GenAI Infrastructure for Developers, Unlimited Collection Runs, and Secure Enterprise Collaboration to Further Elevate the Developer Experience

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Kong Inc ., a leading developer of cloud API technologies, today announced the release of Kong Insomnia 10, the latest version of its rapidly growing API development solution. Unveiled at API Summit 2024 , Insomnia 10 introduces groundbreaking features that not only enhance developer productivity but also help ensure the highest levels of API quality, security and governance. With over 1 million users, Insomnia continues to establish itself as the go-to tool for building, testing and debugging APIs.

"Insomnia 10 is a major milestone in our mission to empower developers with what we believe is the most efficient, secure, and cost-effective API development tool on the market," said Marco Palladino, co-founder and chief technology officer of Kong Inc. "With the introduction of GenAI acceleration capabilities, unlimited collection runs and advanced collaboration features, Insomnia 10 sets a new standard for API tools, offering everything developers need out-of-the-box."

Elevate Developer Productivity & Experience

Insomnia 10 is designed to streamline the development process, making it easier and faster for developers to build and test APIs. The new Collection Runner feature allows developers to run an unlimited number of collection runs, schedule the order of execution for requests and manage multiple requests simultaneously. This ensures that collections are always running smoothly, helping developers quickly identify and resolve any issues.

Moreover, introduction of the AI Runner in Insomnia 10 brings GenAI development into the hands of millions of developers. This feature allows developers to write code once and access multi-LLM support with just one click, while accelerating performance by up to 20x thanks to its semantic caching capabilities. The AI Runner also provides ready-to-use guardrails for securing your GenAI traffic. This includes security for content moderation, prompt jailbreaking, prompt injection and more. Powered by Kong's reliable AI Gateway, the AI Runner simplifies the process of integrating with various large language models (LLMs), providing developers with semantic caching, security guardrails, AI traffic analytics and seamless integration with GenAI.

Ensure API Quality & Consumption

Quality and reliability are critical for API development, and Insomnia 10 takes this to the next level. The Collection Runner not only validates the accuracy of requests and responses but also supports custom CSV or JSON data in pre-request and after-response scripts. This helps ensure that APIs remain reliable and available over time, giving developers the confidence that their APIs will continuously perform at the highest level.

Additionally, the new Test Results capability allows developers to run individual tests and generate granular outcomes, ensuring no detail is overlooked. By combining these features with the AI Runner's multi-LLM support, developers can build more robust and consumable APIs, backed by the extensive capabilities of the Kong AI Gateway.

Prioritize API Security & Governance

Insomnia 10 introduces Invite Control, a new enterprise feature that enhances collaboration governance. This capability allows enterprise admins to control which email domains can be invited to collaborate on projects, helping ensure that API assets are secure and only accessible by authorized individuals. By preventing unauthorized invitations and securing project access, Insomnia 10 helps organizations maintain high standards of API security and governance.

Developers in search of an easy-to-use alternative to their current API builder that delivers strong business value will find everything they need in Insomnia 10, including:

Enhanced Developer Productivity: Insomnia 10's Collection Runner and AI Runner features significantly boost developer productivity, allowing for faster and more efficient API and GenAI development.

Insomnia 10's Collection Runner and AI Runner features significantly boost developer productivity, allowing for faster and more efficient API and GenAI development. Improved API Quality: With comprehensive testing and validation features, Insomnia 10 helps ensure that APIs remain reliable and perform at their best over time.

With comprehensive testing and validation features, Insomnia 10 helps ensure that APIs remain reliable and perform at their best over time. Robust Security & Governance: Invite Control and other enterprise features offer advanced security measures, safeguarding API assets and aiding compliance with organizational policies.

Invite Control and other enterprise features offer advanced security measures, safeguarding API assets and aiding compliance with organizational policies. Cost-Effective Solution: Insomnia 10 continues to be one of the most cost-effective API tools on the market, offering unlimited collection runs and powerful GenAI capabilities at a fraction of the cost of competing solutions.

For more information, or to download Insomnia 10, please visit https://insomnia.rest/ . To learn more about how Kong helps organizations securely build, run and govern AI-driven applications, check out Kong Konnect , the API platform for AI. With a focus on performance, security, governance and cost efficiency, Konnect enables businesses to innovate faster by efficiently managing and scaling their API infrastructure.

About Kong Inc.

Kong Inc., a leading developer of cloud API technologies, is on a mission to enable companies around the world to become "API-first" and securely accelerate AI adoption. Kong helps organizations globally  from startups to Fortune 500 enterprises  unleash developer productivity, build securely and accelerate time to market. For more information about Kong, please visit www.konghq.com or follow us on X @thekonginc.

SOURCE Kong Inc.
SINGAPORE, Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- LightInTheBox Holding Co., Ltd. (NYSE: LITB) ("LightInTheBox" or the "Company"), an apparel e-commerce retailer that ships products to consumers worldwide, today announced that it will hold its annual general meeting of shareholders (the "AGM") at the 11th Floor, 1188 Financial Center, No. 1188 Minsheng Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, People's Republic of China, on October 11, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. (local time) for the purposes of considering and, if thought fit, passing the resolutions as set forth in the notice of the AGM (the "AGM Notice"). The AGM Notice and the form of proxy for the AGM are available on the Company's website at https://ir.lightinthebox.com/ .

The board of directors of the Company has fixed the close of business on September 23, 2024, New York time as the record date (the "Record Date") for determining the shareholders entitled to receive notice of, attend, and vote at the AGM or any adjourned meeting thereof. Holders of record of the Company's ordinary shares at the close of business on the Record Date are entitled to attend and vote at the AGM and any adjourned meeting thereof. Holders of the Company's American depositary shares ("ADSs") who wish to exercise their voting rights for the underlying shares must act directly through The Bank of New York Mellon, the depositary of the Company's ADS program (the "Depositary"), if the ADSs are held by holders on the books and records of the Depositary or indirectly through a bank, brokerage, or other securities intermediary if the ADSs are held by any of them on behalf of holders.

The Company has filed its annual report on Form 20-F, including its audited financial statements, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on March 28, 2024. The Company's annual report on Form 20-F can be accessed on the Company's website at https://ir.lightinthebox.com/ and on the SEC's website at https://www.sec.gov. Shareholders may request a hard copy of the Company's annual report, free of charge, by contacting the Company at [email protected] .

About LightInTheBox Holding Co., Ltd.

LightInTheBox is an apparel e-commerce retailer that ships products to consumers worldwide. With a focus on serving middle-aged and senior customers, LightInTheBox leverages its global supply chain and logistics networks, along with its in-house R&D and design capabilities to offer a wide selection of comfortable, aesthetically pleasing and visually interesting apparel that brings fresh joy to customers. LightInTheBox operates its business through www.lightinthebox.com , www.ezbuy.sg and other websites, as well as mobile applications that are available in more than 20 major languages and 140 countries and regions. The Company is headquartered in Singapore, with additional offices in California, Shanghai, and Beijing.

For more information, please visit www.lightinthebox.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "potential," "continue," "ongoing," "targets" and similar statements. Among other things, statements that are not historical facts, including statements about LightInTheBox's beliefs and expectations, its business outlook, and quotations from management in this announcement, as well as LightInTheBox's strategic and operational plans, are or contain forward-looking statements.

LightInTheBox may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), in press releases and other written materials, and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: LightInTheBox's goals and strategies; LightInTheBox's future business developments, results of operations and financial condition; the expected growth of the global online retail market; LightInTheBox's ability to attract customers and further enhance its customer experience and product offerings; LightInTheBox's ability to strengthen its supply chain efficiency and optimize its logistics network; LightInTheBox's expectations regarding demand for and market acceptance of its products; competition; fluctuations in general economic and business conditions and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in LightInTheBox's filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release and in the attachments is as of the date of this press release, and LightInTheBox does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as required under applicable law.

Investor Relations Contact

Investor Relations

LightInTheBox

Holding Co., Ltd.

Email: [email protected]

Jenny Cai

Piacente Financial

Communications

Email: [email protected]

Brandi Piacente

Piacente Financial

Communications

Tel: +1-212-481-2050

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE LightInTheBox Holding Co., Ltd.
HOUSTON, Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Main Street Capital Corporation (NYSE: MAIN) ("Main Street") is pleased to announce that it has priced an underwritten public offering of an additional $100 million in aggregate principal amount of its 6.50% notes due 2027 (the "Notes"). The Notes are being issued at a premium to par at a public offering price of 102.134% of the principal amount per Note, resulting in estimated gross proceeds of approximately $102.1 million and a yield-to-maturity of 5.617%.

The Notes are a further issuance of the 6.50% notes due 2027 that Main Street issued on June 4, 2024 in an aggregate principal amount of $300.0 million (the "Existing 2027 Notes"). The Notes will be treated as a single series with the Existing 2027 Notes under the indenture and will have the same terms as the Existing 2027 Notes. The Notes will have the same CUSIP number and will be fungible and rank equally with the Existing 2027 Notes. Upon the issuance of the Notes, the outstanding aggregate principal amount of Main Street's 6.50% notes due 2027 will be $400 million. The offering is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close on September 13, 2024.

Main Street intends to initially use the net proceeds from this offering to repay outstanding indebtedness, including amounts outstanding under Main Street's corporate revolving credit facility (the "Corporate Facility") or its special purpose vehicle revolving credit facility (the "SPV Facility" and, together with the Corporate Facility, the "Credit Facilities"), and then, through re-borrowing under the Credit Facilities, to make investments in accordance with its investment objective and strategies, to make investments in marketable securities and idle funds investments, to pay operating expenses and other cash obligations, and for general corporate purposes.

Truist Securities, Inc., J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, RBC Capital Markets, LLC and SMBC Nikko Securities America, Inc. are acting as joint bookrunners for this offering. Raymond James & Associates, Inc., Zions Direct, Inc., TCBI Securities, Inc., doing business as Texas Capital Securities, Hancock Whitney Investment Services, Inc., Comerica Securities, Inc., B. Riley Securities, Inc. and WauBank Securities LLC are acting as co-managers for this offering.

Investors should carefully consider, among other things, Main Street's investment objective and strategies and the risks related to Main Street and the offering before investing. The pricing term sheet dated September 11, 2024, the preliminary prospectus supplement dated September 11, 2024, the accompanying prospectus dated March 3, 2022, each of which has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, any related free writing prospectus, and any information incorporated by reference in each, contain this and other information about Main Street and should be read carefully before investing.

A shelf registration statement relating to these securities is on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission and effective. The offering may be made only by means of a preliminary prospectus supplement and an accompanying prospectus, copies of which may be obtained from Truist Securities, Inc., Attention: Prospectus Department, 303 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, GA 30308, telephone: 800-685-4786, or e-mail: [email protected]; J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, 383 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10179, Attn: Investment Grade Syndicate Desk, 212-834-4533; RBC Capital Markets, LLC, Brookfield Place, 200 Vesey Street, 8th Floor, New York, NY 10281, toll-free: 1-866-375-6829, or e-mail: [email protected]; or SMBC Nikko Securities America, Inc. at 277 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10172, Attn: Debt Capital Markets, 1-888-868-6856, or e-mail: [email protected].

The information in the pricing term sheet, the preliminary prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and this press release is not complete and may be changed. The pricing term sheet, the preliminary prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and this press release do not constitute offers to sell or the solicitation of offers to buy, nor will there be any sale of the Notes referred to in this press release, in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of such state or jurisdiction.

ABOUT MAIN STREET CAPITAL CORPORATION

Main Street (www.mainstcapital.com) is a principal investment firm that primarily provides long-term debt and equity capital to lower middle market companies and debt capital to middle market companies. Main Street's portfolio investments are typically made to support management buyouts, recapitalizations, growth financings, refinancings and acquisitions of companies that operate in diverse industry sectors. Main Street seeks to partner with entrepreneurs, business owners and management teams and generally provides "one stop" financing alternatives within its lower middle market investment strategy. Main Street's lower middle market portfolio companies generally have annual revenues between $10 million and $150 million. Main Street's middle market portfolio companies are generally larger in size than its lower middle market portfolio companies.

Main Street, through its wholly owned portfolio company MSC Adviser I, LLC ("MSC Adviser"), also maintains an asset management business through which it manages investments for external parties. MSC Adviser is registered as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements which are based upon Main Street management's current expectations and are inherently uncertain. The forward-looking statements may include statements as to Main Street's notes offering, the expected net proceeds from the offering and the anticipated use of the net proceeds of the offering. Any such statements other than statements of historical fact are likely to be affected by other unknowable future events and conditions, including elements of the future that are or are not under Main Street's control, and that Main Street may or may not have considered; accordingly, such statements cannot be guarantees or assurances of any aspect of future performance. Actual performance, events and results could vary materially from these estimates and projections of the future as a result of a number of factors, including those described from time to time in Main Street's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Such statements speak only as of the time when made and are based on information available to Main Street as of the date hereof and are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Main Street assumes no obligation to revise or update any such statement now or in the future.

Contacts:

Main Street Capital Corporation

Dwayne L. Hyzak, CEO, [email protected]

Ryan R. Nelson, CFO, [email protected]

713-350-6000

Dennard Lascar Investor Relations

Ken Dennard / [email protected]

Zach Vaughan / [email protected]

713-529-6600

SOURCE Main Street Capital Corporation
CANTON, Mass., Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Massachusetts Nurses Association, which represents more than 2,800 registered nurses working in hospitals impacted by the Steward crisis, has announced that two of its members  Ellen MacInnis who works at St. Elizabeth's Medical Center and Audra Sprague from Nashoba Vally Medical Center in Ayer -- have been invited to testify on Thursday at a joint hearing in Washington, D.C. hosted by the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee (HELP), which is examining the impact of the bankruptcy of Steward Healthcare and management's decisions on the delivery of patient care.

Details

What: Hearing of the Senate HELP Committee on, "Examining the Bankruptcy of Steward Health Care: How Management Decisions Have Impacted Patient Care"

When: 10:00 a.m., Thursday, September 12, 2024

Where: Room 562, Dirksen Senate Office Building. The hearing will also be livestreamed on the HELP Committee's website and Sanders' social media pages.

Who: Patients, medical professionals, and community members affected by Dr. de la Torre's Steward Health Care

MacInnis, who has worked for more than 26 years at St. Elizabeth's Medical Center, will provide examples of how Steward's failure to provide adequate staffing levels, as well as its failure to provide staff with access to needed supplies and equipment at a number of their facilities, resulted in degraded patient care, the needless suffering for too many patients, as well as preventable patient deaths.

Sprague, who has worked at Nashoba Valley Medical Center for 17 years, will describe how Steward's neglect and mismanagement lead to the closure of the facility, depriving more than 15 communities and more than 150,000 residents of access to needed care and services. She will also detail her personal experience as the mother of a patient at the hospital, and what it means for families to be cared for in an understaffed, under resourced environment.

The testimony will also address the need for Steward to be held for the harm it has caused, as well as for greater oversight and regulation by both state and federal agencies of all private equity/for profit providers to protect patients and communities from future harm caused by operators that place their focus on profit margins over their mission of providing needed care to patients and communities.

Copies of the nurses' testimony will be made available on the day of the hearing and reporters

Contact David Schildmeier at [email protected].

The Massachusetts Nurses Association, represents nurses and healthcare professionals working in eight of the nine hospitals impacted by the Steward crisis including Carney Hospital in Dorchester (recently closed), Good Samaritan Medical Center in Brockton and St. Elizabeth's Medical Center in Brighton (recently purchased by Boston Medical Center), Holy Family Hospitals in Haverhill and Methuen (recently purchased by Lawrence General Hospital), Morton Hospital in Taunton (recently purchased by Lifespan in Providence RI), Nashoba Valley Medical Center in Ayer (recently closed) and Norwood Hospital (closed by flood).

MassNurses.orgFacebook.com/MassNursesTwitter.com/MassNurses

Founded in 1903, the Massachusetts Nurses Association is the largest union of registered nurses in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Its 23,000 members advance the nursing profession by fostering high standards of nursing practice, promoting the economic and general welfare of nurses in the workplace, projecting a positive and realistic view of nursing, and by lobbying the Legislature and regulatory agencies on health care issues affecting nurses and the public.

SOURCE Massachusetts Nurses Association
INDIANAPOLIS, Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Police Association (NPA) has provided written testimony to the New Jersey Assembly in support of Bill 2378, which seeks to upgrade penalties for assaulting law enforcement officers. This legislation responds to the rise in violence against police officers by increasing the legal consequences for such offenses. The written testimony is here.

Matt Gush / Alamy Stock Photo

Assembly Bill 2378 would elevate the penalty for assaulting a law enforcement officer from a fourth-degree offense (or third-degree if the officer is injured) to a second-degree offense, carrying a prison term of five to ten years and fines of up to $150,000. The bill also prevents offenders from entering guilty pleas to lesser charges or merging the assault with other crimes.

Additionally, the bill that increase penalties for assaults involving bodily fluids. If an officer is injured during such an assault, the offense would become a second-degree crime. The bill mandates testing of the offender for potential disease transmission, providing peace of mind and safety for officers exposed to potentially harmful pathogens.

With assaults on police officers reaching a 10-year high, the need for this legislation is clear. The FBI reported over 79,000 attacks on officers in 2023, while the Fraternal Order of Police found that officer shootings have increased by 60% since 2018. These attacks range from ambushes and shootings to physical assaults, including stabbings.

In New Jersey, several recent incidents highlight the dangers officers face. In Galloway Township, an officer was slashed in the face, with many other assaults being committed. These incidents underscore the necessity of stronger deterrents to protect those who serve and protect.

"Assaulting a police officer is not just an attack on an individualit's an attack on our community and public safety." "This bill ensures that those who target law enforcement officers face serious consequences," said Paula Fitzsimmons, Legislative Director of the National Police Association.

The National Police Association commends Assembly members William Spearman, Alex Sauickie, and Wayne DeAngelo for sponsoring A2378. We urge the New Jersey Assembly to pass this important legislation, sending a strong message of support to law enforcement officers and reinforcing the rule of law.

About the National Police Association

The National Police Association is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization focused on education and advocacy for law enforcement. For more information visit NationalPolice.org

Media Contact:

Tim Livingston

567.245.5128

[email protected]

SOURCE The National Police Association
WASHINGTON, Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, National Center for Energy Analytics (NCEA) Advisor and Senior Fellow Paul H. Tice published an in-depth report evaluating the impact on U.S. financial markets from the planned climate rules from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Tice reveals enormous added regulatory burdens, increased dependence on foreign energy markets, and less diverse, riskier, and more volatile financial markets.

View PDF PDF of Paul Tice Report

Terrence Keeley, NCEA Advisor, chairman of 1PointSix LLC and the Impact Evaluation Lab, and former managing director at BlackRock, said about the report: "Environmentalists know they cannot get their policies through the front doori.e., by an act of Congressso they keep trying the back door, namely unaccountable regulatory agencies. Paul Tice knows an undemocratic act when he sees it, and aptly calls it out."

Steven Koonin, another NCEA Advisor, Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution, and former Undersecretary for Science of the Department of Energy in the Obama administration, observed: "Tice provides an enlightening account of disclosure rules, an insidious form of 'climate action.' His study is essential reading for anyone advocating informed energy and emissions policies."

Tice's study analyzes the SEC climate rules issued in March 2024, which are currently under judicial review, demonstrating the agency exceeds its mandateclimate policy is the purview of Congress. The rules are aimed at drastically restricting the market demand for, and supply of, fossil fuelswhich will expose the country to crippling economic risks. The report also emphasizes how the rules will disadvantage the U.S. with respect to developing countries committed to increasing fossil fuel consumption in the pursuit of economic growth.

Mark P. Mills, Executive Director of NCEA, added, "It's critical that policymakers consider the economic and financial realities detailed in Tice's analysis before these rules take effect."

The report, "The SEC's Climate Plan Will Wreak Havoc on U.S. Financial Markets," is available for download on the NCEA's website.

About NCEA:

The National Center for Energy Analytics is a think tank devoted to data-driven analyses of policies, plans, and technologies surrounding the supply and use of energy essential for human flourishing. Through objective analyses of energy policies and their implications, NCEA aims to inform policymakers, industry leaders, and the public on critical energy issues. Visit us online at energyanalytics.org.

SOURCE National Center for Energy Analytics
GOTHENBURG, Sweden, Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- In accordance with the Nomination Committee Charter adopted at the Annual General Meeting of AB SKF, the members, who, together with the Chair of the Board, constitutes the Nomination Committee in preparation of the Annual General Meeting 2025 has been elected.

The Nomination Committee consists of:

Marcus Wallenberg, FAM

Philip Ahlgren, Cevian Capital

Anders Algotsson, AFA Forsakring

Anders Jonsson, Skandia, and

Hans Straberg, Chair of the Board

The Annual General Meeting of AB SKF will be held in Gothenburg on Tuesday, 1 April 2025.

Shareholders who wish to submit proposals to the Nomination Committee, may contact the Chair of the Board of AB SKF on e-mail: [email protected]

Aktiebolaget SKF

(publ)

For further information, please contact:

PRESS: Carl Bjernstam, Head of Media Relations

tel: 46 31-337 2517; mobile: 46 722-201 893; e-mail: [email protected]



INVESTOR RELATIONS: Sophie Arnius, Head of Investor Relations

tel: 46 31-337 8072; mobile: 46 705-908 072; [email protected]

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com.

https://news.cision.com/skf/r/nomination-committee-of-ab-skf-for-the-annual-general-meeting-2025,c4035501

The following files are available for download:

https://mb.cision.com/Main/637/4035501/2992048.pdf 20240911 Nomination Committee of AB SKF for the Annual General Meeting 2025 https://news.cision.com/skf/i/dji-0735-fix,c3332378 DJI 0735 fix

SOURCE SKF
VANCOUVER, BC, Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - OceanaGold Corporation (TSX: OGC) (OTCQX: OCANF) ("OceanaGold" or the "Company") is pleased to provide results from exploration and resource conversion drilling at the Haile Gold Mine ("Haile") in the United States.

Figure 1: Ledbetter Phase 4 mineralization and recent drill holes annotated. (CNW Group/OceanaGold Corporation) Figure 2: Schematic long section (looking north-west) showing Horseshoe and Horseshoe Extension mineralization and recent drill holes annotated. (CNW Group/OceanaGold Corporation)

Gerard Bond, President & CEO of OceanaGold, said "Today's outstanding resource conversion and definition drill results support our goal of delineating 2 million ounces underground at Haile by the end of this year. Infill drill results at Ledbetter Phase 4 are exceptional in width and grade and inform the work evaluating whether to mine the last phase of Ledbetter from underground. Additionally, new resource conversion results announced today improve our confidence in Horseshoe mineralization at depth, and results from Horseshoe Extension have intersected new mineralization proximal to existing infrastructure."

Drill highlights include (core length):

82.0 m @ 35.07 g/t Au Ledbetter Phase 4 (DDH1218  conversion)

@ 35.07 g/t Au Ledbetter Phase 4 (DDH1218  conversion) 4.6 m @ 398.12 g/t Au, Ledbetter Phase 4 (DDH1228  conversion)

@ 398.12 g/t Au, Ledbetter Phase 4 (DDH1228  conversion) 71.0 m @ 16.80 g/t Au Ledbetter Phase 4 (DDH1220  conversion)

@ 16.80 g/t Au Ledbetter Phase 4 (DDH1220  conversion) 45.3 m @ 21.29 g/t Au, Ledbetter Phase 4 (DDH1226  conversion)

@ 21.29 g/t Au, Ledbetter Phase 4 (DDH1226  conversion) 29.0 m @ 33.11 g/t Au, Ledbetter Phase 4 (DDH1230  conversion)

@ 33.11 g/t Au, Ledbetter Phase 4 (DDH1230  conversion) 54.4 m @ 14.82 g/t Au, Ledbetter Phase 4 (DDH1237  conversion)

@ 14.82 g/t Au, Ledbetter Phase 4 (DDH1237  conversion) 42.7 m @ 15.55 g/t Au, Ledbetter Phase 4 (DDH1246  conversion)

@ 15.55 g/t Au, Ledbetter Phase 4 (DDH1246  conversion) 48.5 m @ 8.30 g/t Au, Ledbetter Phase 4 (DDH1232  conversion)

@ 8.30 g/t Au, Ledbetter Phase 4 (DDH1232  conversion) 40.5 m @ 13.30 g/t Au, Horseshoe (UGD0029 - conversion)

@ 13.30 g/t Au, Horseshoe (UGD0029 - conversion) 16.6 m @ 9.00 g/t Au and 8.4 m @ 5.06 g/t Au, Horseshoe (UGD0030 - conversion)

@ 9.00 g/t Au and @ 5.06 g/t Au, Horseshoe (UGD0030 - conversion) 11.6 m @ 4.05 g/t Au, Horseshoe Extension (UGD0055  definition)

Results announced today can be viewed in 3D using VRIFY at the following link1: https://vrify.com/meetings/recordings/f7d13714-449f-4cd1-a6c0-935c31100911

Ledbetter Phase 4

Ledbetter Phase 4 mineralization sits within the open pit reserve (Figure 1) and is currently in the mine plan as the final Ledbetter open pit phase. With a higher-grade resource at Ledbetter Phase 4 potentially sufficient to support an underground mine with improved economics, trade-off study work is underway to confirm the future preferred mining option. To support this study work, a resource conversion drill program is underway to improve confidence and provide drill core for metallurgical testing (Figure 1). A total of 9,053 metres and 24 holes have been completed, with highlights including 82.0 m @ 35.07 g/t Au from DDH1218, 4.6 m @ 398.12 g/t Au from DDH1228, and 71.0 m @ 16.80 g/t Au from DDH1220. These drill results have exceeded expectations compared to previous drilling outcomes.

An additional ~2,850 metres and 5 holes are being drilled in the remaining months of 2024 to test mineralization, approximately 50 to 250 metres to the northwest of the current Ledbetter Phase 4 resource (Figure 1).

Horseshoe and Horseshoe Extension (HEX)

Resource conversion and definition drilling undertaken from the Horseshoe Underground mine continues with 6,956 metres completed of a planned 10,605 metres this year. The results from 15 new drill holes have been received, with 3 holes supporting resource conversion of Inferred resources and 12 holes supporting resource definition of the HEX target. HEX is not currently a resource, however drilling is ongoing to test its potential as it is adjacent to the current Horseshoe Underground mine and within 150 metres of the planned decline to access Palomino Underground.

The latest drilling of Horseshoe has targeted Inferred resources in the lower zone with 3 holes all intersecting mineralization and delivering results in line with expectations based on the resource model. Highlights from Horseshoe include 40.5 m @ 13.30 g/t Au including 9.7 m @ 46.79 g/t Au (UGD0029) and 16.6 m @ 9.00 g/t Au (UGD0030) and 21.1 m @ 2.74 g/t Au (UGD0027).

Following the significant drill results reported in our April 3, 2024 press release, the latest drilling at HEX has targeted 3 zones of mineralization: upper, middle, and lower HEX. Drilling has (i) further defined continuity in the upper zone with 3 holes (UGD0046, 52, 54), (ii) defined continuity of the middle zone with 4 holes (UGD0053, 55, 56, 57), and (iii) stepped out on the lower mineralized zone to test extensions with 5 holes (UGD0037, 48, 49, 50, 51). Significantly, hole UGD0050 has intercepted mineralization of 24.2 m @ 2.47 g/t Au ~30 metres below the currently defined lower zone of mineralization (Figure 2). In addition, significant results were returned from UGD0046 with 13.7 m @ 3.42 g/t Au in the upper zone, and from UGD0055 with 11.6 m @ 4.05 g/t and UGD0056 with 27.2 m @ 1.45 g/t Au from the middle zone.

Drilling is ongoing at HEX for the remainder of 2024 with the goal to define an initial resource estimate in Q1 2025.

Table 1: Haile drill intersections.

Hole ID From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Au (g/t) Target Category DDH1217 258.7 264.8 6.1 2.58 Ledbetter 04 Conversion DDH1218 206.6 247.4 39.3 2.53 Ledbetter 04 Conversion And 284.7 366.6 82.0 35.07 Ledbetter 04 Conversion Including 295.0 299.5 4.5 521.79 Ledbetter 04 Conversion And including 337.7 340.7 3.1 74.08 Ledbetter 04 Conversion DDH1219 197.5 219.4 22.0 2.45 Ledbetter 04 Conversion And 304.2 309.9 5.7 43.16 Ledbetter 04 Conversion Including 304.2 306.6 2.4 95.10 Ledbetter 04 Conversion And 344.4 364.1 19.7 14.17 Ledbetter 04 Conversion Including 348.7 350.5 1.8 113.00 Ledbetter 04 Conversion DDH1220 201.2 240.9 39.7 2.99 Ledbetter 04 Conversion And 291.6 362.6 71.0 16.80 Ledbetter 04 Conversion Including 301.6 309.3 7.6 106.28 Ledbetter 04 Conversion DDH1221 258.0 271.0 13.0 1.56 Ledbetter 04 Conversion DDH1224 217.6 223.9 6.3 2.97 Ledbetter 04 Conversion And 235.2 238.2 3.0 7.62 Ledbetter 04 Conversion And 324.4 344.5 19.7 7.47 Ledbetter 04 Conversion Including 327.0 329.0 2.0 41.13 Ledbetter 04 Conversion DDH1225 299.7 306.5 6.8 2.29 Ledbetter 04 Conversion And 315.0 368.8 53.8 6.35 Ledbetter 04 Conversion Including 321.4 325.4 4.0 43.12 Ledbetter 04 Conversion DDH1226 197.1 207.5 10.4 5.25 Ledbetter 04 Conversion And 290.5 304.5 14.0 4.15 Ledbetter 04 Conversion And 314.9 360.2 45.3 21.29 Ledbetter 04 Conversion Including 316.4 319.4 3.1 275.08 Ledbetter 04 Conversion DDH1228 239.0 246.3 7.3 4.99 Ledbetter 04 Conversion Including 239.0 240.2 1.2 20.90 Ledbetter 04 Conversion And 299.7 304.2 4.6 398.12 Ledbetter 04 Conversion Including 299.7 301.2 1.5 1120.00 Ledbetter 04 Conversion And 318.6 331.4 12.8 3.78 Ledbetter 04 Conversion And 338.9 362.8 23.8 5.76 Ledbetter 04 Conversion DDH1229 353.3 360.5 7.2 2.02 Ledbetter 04 Conversion DDH1230 193.3 195.7 2.4 12.27 Ledbetter 04 Conversion And 202.3 231.3 29.0 33.11 Ledbetter 04 Conversion Including 222.4 227.8 5.5 141.99 Ledbetter 04 Conversion And 291.9 295.5 3.6 5.54 Ledbetter 04 Conversion And 306.4 309.3 2.9 6.71 Ledbetter 04 Conversion And 347.5 365.4 17.9 5.85 Ledbetter 04 Conversion DDH1231

NSR



Ledbetter 04 Conversion DDH1232 357.4 405.9 48.5 8.30 Ledbetter 04 Conversion DDH1233 342.6 350.2 7.6 2.45 Ledbetter 04 Conversion DDH1234 185.3 203.9 18.6 6.09 Ledbetter 04 Conversion And 211.9 217.2 5.3 20.17 Ledbetter 04 Conversion And 284.1 286.3 2.2 24.80 Ledbetter 04 Conversion And 307.0 322.9 15.8 6.96 Ledbetter 04 Conversion And 336.3 358.5 22.2 5.89 Ledbetter 04 Conversion DDH1235 343.3 357.4 14.1 2.40 Ledbetter 04 Conversion DDH1236 343.4 353.3 9.9 1.89 Ledbetter 04 Conversion DDH1237 189.3 193.6 4.3 22.42 Ledbetter 04 Conversion And 202.2 210.1 7.9 20.78 Ledbetter 04 Conversion Including 204.1 207.0 2.9 49.36 Ledbetter 04 Conversion And 217.0 220.7 3.8 3.55 Ledbetter 04 Conversion And 283.2 292.4 9.1 10.69 Ledbetter 04 Conversion And 301.5 355.9 54.4 14.82 Ledbetter 04 Conversion Including 310.7 312.2 1.5 331.00 Ledbetter 04 Conversion Including 318.0 319.2 1.2 26.40 Ledbetter 04 Conversion DDH1238 363.7 398.4 34.7 2.90 Ledbetter 04 Conversion DDH1239 320.2 327.0 6.8 3.93 Ledbetter 04 Conversion DDH1240 270.4 278.7 8.3 2.06 Ledbetter 04 Conversion DDH1241 224.8 226.6 1.8 7.99 Ledbetter 04 Conversion And 312.2 327.5 15.3 3.09 Ledbetter 04 Conversion DDH1243 320.7 328.4 7.7 9.92 Ledbetter 04 Conversion DDH1244 346.5 364.5 18.1 1.91 Ledbetter 04 Conversion And 374.1 377.9 3.8 5.46 Ledbetter 04 Conversion DDH1246 328.5 346.3 17.8 11.86 Ledbetter 04 Conversion And 357.5 400.2 42.7 15.55 Ledbetter 04 Conversion Including 360.5 363.6 3.1 145.25 Ledbetter 04 Conversion Including 373.4 383.1 9.7 13.33 Ledbetter 04 Conversion UGD0027 338.0 359.1 21.1 2.74 Horseshoe Lower Conversion UGD0029 300.3 340.8 40.5 13.30 Horseshoe Lower Conversion Including 300.3 310.0 9.7 46.79 Horseshoe Lower Conversion UGD0030 337.9 354.4 16.6 9.00 Horseshoe Lower Conversion And 399.6 408.0 8.4 5.06 Horseshoe Lower Conversion UGD0037

NSR



Horseshoe Extension Definition UGD0046 182.3 196.0 13.7 3.42 Horseshoe Extension Definition UGD0048

NSR



Horseshoe Extension Definition UGD0049

NSR



Horseshoe Extension Definition UGD0050 403.3 427.5 24.2 2.47 Horseshoe Extension Definition UGD0051

NSR



Horseshoe Extension Definition UGD0052

NSR



Horseshoe Extension Definition UGD0053

NSR



Horseshoe Extension Definition UGD0054

NSR



Horseshoe Extension Definition UGD0055 240.6 252.3 11.6 4.05 Horseshoe Extension Definition UGD0056 236.0 263.3 27.2 1.45 Horseshoe Extension Definition UGD0057

NSR



Horseshoe Extension Definition

Note: Intervals are core length, not true width. "Conversion" intercept is within the current resource model shell directed at converting Inferred to Indicated resource category, while "Definition" are intercepts outside the current resource model shell directed at converting mineralization to an Inferred resource category. NSR = No Significant Result.

For further information relating to drill hole data please refer to the Company's website at https://investors.oceanagold.com/additional-drillhole-data.

About OceanaGold

OceanaGold is a growing intermediate gold and copper producer committed to safely and responsibly maximizing the generation of Free Cash Flow from our operations and delivering strong returns for our shareholders. We have a portfolio of four operating mines: the Haile Gold Mine in the United States of America; Didipio Mine in the Philippines; and the Macraes and Waihi operations in New Zealand.

Qualified Person Statement

The scientific and technical information contained in this press release has been reviewed and approved by Craig Feebrey, a Member of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy and a qualified person under National Instrument 43-101  Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects of the Canadian Securities Administrators ("NI 43-101"). Mr. Feebrey is the Executive Vice President and Chief Exploration Officer of OceanaGold.

QA/QC at Haile Gold Mine

From July 2017 to 2022 almost all Haile exploration core samples have been prepared at the ALS lab in Tucson, Arizona, and analyzed at the ALS lab in Reno, Nevada, each of which is independent from OceanaGold. Select resource conversion core samples were also prepared and analyzed at the SGS lab in Kershaw, South Carolina, which is also independent from OceanaGold, with confirmation pulp duplicates sent to ALS lab in Reno, Nevada. Samples are pulverized from a 250g (ALS) or 450g (SGS) sample to 85% passing 75 mesh. Approximately 225g of pulp sample is used for fire assay. Assays are based on a 30g fire assay aliquot for gold with Atomic Absorption finish. If the gold value from Atomic Absorption is >10g/t, an additional 30g of pulp sample is fire assayed for gold using a gravimetric finish. Some holes are composited and analyzed for carbon, sulphur and multi-elements using LECO and ICP-OES methods. Both ALS and SGS labs used for Haile OceanaGold samples are ISO 17025 certified. In 2023, select resource conversion core samples were prepared and analyzed at the SGS lab in Kershaw, South Carolina, with confirmation pulp duplicates sent to ALS lab in Reno, Nevada.

Blanks and standards are each inserted every 20th sample.. Precision and accuracy of certified reference materials ("CRMs") compared to expected values have been consistently within 5% RSD and often within 3%. Barren marble and sand are inserted as blanks every 20th sample. CRMs from RockLabs are inserted every 20th sample (5%). CRMs from RockLabs and OREAS are inserted every 20th sample (5%). All blanks and CRMs are handled by the Geology Team and are stored in the locked OceanaGold office.

All drill hole samples are handled and transported from the drill rigs to the secured Haile Exploration warehouse by OceanaGold personnel. Access to the property is controlled by locked doors and cameras monitored by OceanaGold security. The main gate requires an electronic employee badge to enter. Samples are packaged at the Haile Exploration warehouse by OceanaGold geologists and geotechnicians. Samples are trucked in sealed plastic barrels by certified couriers with submittal forms that are verified during sample pick-up and delivery to ALS. No sample shipments have been recorded as missing or tampered with.

Technical Report

For further information, please refer to the following NI 43-101 technical report available on the SEDAR+ website at www.sedarplus.com under the Company's profile or on our website at www.oceanagold.com: "NI 43-101 Technical Report Haile Gold Mine Lancaster County, South Carolina" dated March 28, 2024 with an effective date of December 31, 2023, prepared by D. Carr, D, Londono, J. Moore and B. Drury (OceanaGold); L. Standridge and R. Cook (Call & Nicholas, Inc.); J.N. Janney-Moore and W.L. Kingston (NewFields Mining & Technical Services LLC); and M. Sullivan and B. Miller Clarkson (SRK Consulting (U.S.), Inc.).

Cautionary Statement for Public Release

This press release contains certain "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws which may include, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the estimation of Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources, the realization of Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource estimates, costs and timing of the development of new deposits, costs and timing of future exploration and drilling programs and timing of filing of updated technical information. Forward-looking statements and information relate to future performance and reflect the Company's expectations regarding the generation of free cash flow, execution of business strategy, future growth, future production, estimated costs, results of operations, business prospects and opportunities of OceanaGold and its related subsidiaries. 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) 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 cause actual events or results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements and information. They include, among others, the accuracy of Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource estimates and related assumptions, inherent operating risks and those risk factors identified in the Company's most recent Annual Information Form prepared and filed with securities regulators which is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com under the Company's name. There are no assurances the Company can fulfil forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are only predictions based on current information available to management as of the date that such predictions are made; actual events or results may differ materially as a result of risks facing the Company, some of which are beyond the Company's control. Although the Company believes that any forward-looking statements contained in this press release is based on reasonable assumptions, readers cannot be assured that actual outcomes or results will be consistent with such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws.

www.oceanagold.com

____________________________ 1Note: Drill results reflect those set forth in OceanaGold's press release dated September 11, 2024 and do not include all historical drill results. For further information relating to drill holes highlighted, please see the press release.

SOURCE OceanaGold Corporation
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Konayev City Court, in southeast Kazakhstan, will decide on Thursday 12 September whether to release convicted assassin Muratkhan Tokmadi from prison just six years into his 10.5-year sentence for the murder of prominent Kazakh businessman Yerzhan Tatishev, former Chairman and CEO of Bank Turan Alem ('BTA').

Tokmadi was not released on 10 August as was previously speculated, following protests to the court for justice. A host of voices, including Tatishev's family, former colleagues and former United States FBI Director Louis J. Freeh who has investigated the case, say that it is scandalously early to allow Tokmadi to walk free.

Tokmadi killed Yerzhan Tatishev in 2004, but it took 14 years to prove that Tatishev was deliberately murdered, with the court finally convicting Tokmadi in 2018. By claiming that the fatal shotgun blast he fired during a hunting trip had been accidental, Tokmadi initially received a short sentence for manslaughter, avoiding prison. However, further investigation showed that Tokmadi had in fact deliberately murdered Tatishev, supposedly acting on the orders of now-disgraced businessman and former politician, Mukhtar Ablyazov.

Tokmadi gave a television interview in 2017 in which he admitted his complicity in the crime, and his role in subverting justice through paying bribes to make the shooting appear an accident.

Following Tatishev's death, Ablyazov took over the control of BTA, at the time the largest private bank in Kazakhstan. Under Ablyazov's control, BTA was defrauded of over $6 billion and entered bankruptcy restructuring. Ablyazov then fled Kazakhstan and continues to face charges.

Louis J. Freeh, Former Director of the FBI, and an investigator acting on behalf of the Tatishev family, stated:

"Muratkhan Tokmadi is a convicted killer and assassin, serving a partial sentence of only six years in prison is contrary to the moral values of Kazakhstan and contrary to natural justice and the rule of law. Early release of criminals from prison is designed to help with their rehabilitation into society, preventing recidivism and so protecting the communities into which they are released.

"Tokmadi now admits no guilt, expresses no remorse, and has no respect for the law. This is not an inmate who should be released from prison early. Instead, because of the extremely serious nature of his crime, Tokmadi should serve his full 10.5-year sentence. He should also be required to testify against Ablyazov and the other conspirators who planned this heinous murder and BTA takeover."

SOURCE Office of family of Yerzhan Tatishev
NEW YORK, Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- One Rock Capital Partners, LLC ("One Rock") today announced that an affiliate has entered into an exclusive agreement relating to the planned acquisition of Europe Snacks (the "Company"), a leading private label manufacturer of savory snacks for the European market.

Europe Snacks provides stacked chips, snacks, crisps and crackers to major food retailers throughout Europe, and is a trusted co-manufacturing partner to international brands in the region.

"Over the past three decades, Europe Snacks has grown to be a leader in the private label market across its key product categories and geographies," said Kurt Beyer, Partner at One Rock. "We are excited to partner with the team, to build upon their strong heritage and to continue driving growth."

"Europe Snacks aligns well with our investment strategy of acquiring leading companies with potential for growth and improvement," added Lukas Zeitlberger, Principal at One Rock. "We look forward to working closely with management to enhance the Company's operations and capitalize on new market opportunities."

Etienne Lecomte, CEO of Europe Snacks, commented, "We are looking forward to joining forces with One Rock as we enter our next phase of growth. One Rock's Operating Partners bring decades of expertise in our core markets and we will look to leverage their knowledge and experience as we aim to bring even more innovation and value to our customers."

Spayne Lindsay & Co. and Natixis Partners acted as M&A advisors to One Rock. Latham & Watkins LLP served as legal counsel. Debt financing was provided by Barclays, Natixis, Rabobank, RBI, Santander and Goldman Sachs.

ABOUT ONE ROCK CAPITAL PARTNERS, LLC

One Rock makes controlling investments in companies with potential for growth and operational improvement using a rigorous approach that utilizes highly experienced Operating Partners to identify, acquire and enhance businesses in select industries. The involvement of these Operating Partners affords One Rock the ability to conduct due diligence and consummate acquisitions and investments in all types of situations, regardless of complexity. One Rock works collaboratively with company management and its Operating Partners to develop a comprehensive business plan focused on growing the enterprise and its profitability to enhance long-term value. For more information, visit www.onerock.com.

ABOUT EUROPE SNACKS

Europe Snacks is a leading European manufacturer of savory snacks for private labels and co-manufacturer of snacks for leading international brands. The company operates seven production facilities across the UK, France and Spain and offers a wide range of innovative snack products to major retailers, discounters and branded leaders of the industry. Europe Snacks is committed to delivering high-quality, tasty snacks while maintaining a focus on sustainability and responsible sourcing. For more information, visit www.europesnacks.com.

Prosek Partners

[email protected]
DALLAS, Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The OnGo Alliance, the industry consortium driving the development and adoption of LTE and 5G solutions for the Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS), is excited to announce its upcoming Fall Meeting, "OnGo Forward: CBRS, 5G, and Beyond," taking place from September 17-19, 2024, in Dallas, Texas. This event promises to be a landmark gathering, particularly following the transformative launch of CBRS 2.0.

The recent launch of CBRS 2.0 marks a dramatic leap in shared spectrum technology. With features like smaller protection zones, extended device heartbeats, and an advanced GAA coexistence mechanism, the stage is set to further enhance network reliability and performance.

The 2024 OnGo Meeting will bring together an exceptional roster of industry leaders, innovators, and experts in CBRS. Post this

These improvements are not just theoretical  early data analysis reveals their significant real-world impact. An impressive 85% reduction in grant suspensions due to incumbent activity has been observed across all areas and CBRS channels. This dramatic improvement not only enhances the reliability of CBRS spectrum but also maximizes its utility for a wide range of applications. In some areas, the impact has been even more profound, with complete elimination of grant suspensions observed. This clearly demonstrates the transformative potential of the new rules introduced by CBRS 2.0. By ensuring even more consistent and reliable access to CBRS spectrum, the new framework paves the way for enhanced performance and expanded use cases across various industries.

The 2024 OnGo Fall Meeting will bring together an exceptional roster of industry leaders, innovators, and experts to discuss the latest advancements in CBRS technology, real-world deployment of CBRS networks, and its growing ecosystem. The event will feature an impressive lineup of speakers, including:

Al Sinopoli, P.E., Distinguished Engineer, RF Networks, Chevron

Andrew Clegg , Spectrum Engineering Lead, Google

, Spectrum Engineering Lead, Google Cornelius Honour, Jr. , AVP, IT Infrastructure & Operations at DFW

, AVP, IT Infrastructure & Operations at DFW Dr. Austin Egbert , Director of Strategic Initiatives, Baylor University

, Director of Strategic Initiatives, Dustin LaMascus , VP Partnerships and Device Ecosystem, Ericsson

, VP Partnerships and Device Ecosystem, Ericsson Jennifer Sanders , Executive Director & Co-Founder, Dallas Innovation Alliance

, Executive Director & Co-Founder, Dallas Innovation Alliance Johnathan Lewis , Innovation Division Director, Miami Dade Aviation Department

, Innovation Division Director, Miami Dade Aviation Department Jonathan Polly , Chief Technical Manager, 5G Innovation Lab, Cal Poly

, Chief Technical Manager, 5G Innovation Lab, Cal Poly Norman Fekrat , CEO of Imagine Wireless

, CEO of Imagine Wireless Paul Powell , Associate Chief, Mobility Division, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, FCC

, Associate Chief, Mobility Division, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, FCC Preston Marshall , Chairman, OnGo Alliance & Director of Wireless Standards and Policy, Google

"Our Fall Members Meeting in Dallas comes at an opportune time, following the launch of CBRS 2.0," said Alan Ewing, Executive Director of the OnGo Alliance. "This gathering will ensure all our members fully grasp the enhanced capabilities of CBRS 2.0, from improved reliability to expanded coverage. It's an opportunity to collectively explore how these advancements can drive innovation and open new markets across various sectors. We're also excited to announce that the OnGo Alliance has certified over 100 different models of CBRS devices (CBSDs), a clear indicator of the technology's widespread adoption and the industry's commitment to CBRS."

Attendees can expect a rich program designed to inspire innovation and collaboration:

New use case presentations showcasing innovative 4G and 5G solutions deployed today in the CBRS band

Dynamic workgroup discussions tackling crucial technical and strategic challenges

Extensive networking opportunities with industry leaders and innovators

Building on the success of the OnGo March Meeting, the fall event will once again offer members and the public the opportunity to present CBRS solutions, tackle deployment challenges, and collaborate on pioneering solutions.

Don't miss this opportunity to be at the forefront of the wireless revolution. For more information about the 2024 OnGo Alliance Fall Members Meeting or to register, please visit 2024 OnGo Forward and Members Meeting - Dallas, TX - OnGo Alliance.

About OnGo Alliance:

The OnGo Alliance is an industry consortium that promotes the development, commercialization, and adoption of LTE and 5G solutions for the US 3.5 GHz Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) and evangelizes shared spectrum globally. With over 110 members, the Alliance accelerates the buildout of effective and efficient CBRS networks using LTE and 5G solutions. For more information, visit www.ongoalliance.org.

OnGo Alliance and the OnGo logo are trademarks of OnGo Alliance.

Media Contact:

Ratika Garg

PR - OnGo Alliance

[email protected]

SOURCE OnGo Alliance
Honesty Crucial for a Productive Workforce

Latest Results from The Harris Poll

OKLAHOMA CITY, Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Honesty in the workplace is critical to almost all U.S. job seekers, as 96% say it's at least somewhat important they can be honest with new managers, while 36% believe open communication is absolutely essential.

Additionally, more than two-thirds of job seekers (69%) agree that employees should feel comfortable discussing personal issues with their manager if it impacts their day-to-day work.

The foundation of any good relationship is trust, which is no different in the workplace. Post this Encouraging Professional Workplace Honesty Produces Greater Morale, Productivity, Commitment, and Better Relationships

This is according to a recent Express Employment Professionals-Harris Poll survey.

Job seekers recognize specific benefits of honesty in the workplace with 89% agreeing that fostering a work environment where employees and managers can be honest with each other is crucial for a company's success.

Similarly, 87% believe that employees being honest with their managers is crucial for a productive workforce. Companies may also stand to gain from lower employee turnover and increased retention of key personnel by promoting honesty in the workplace.

A significant majority of job seekers (82%) expressed they would be more loyal to a company if they felt they could be candid with their manager.

Impact on Morale, Productivity and Loyalty

American hiring managers agree that honesty plays a vital role in the workplace  more than half believe employee morale increases (58%), productivity increases (53%) and employees are loyal to the company (51%) when employees can speak honestly at work.

Forty-five percent feel there are fewer conflicts/disagreements, more accountability (45%) and employee turnover decreases (43%) when employees can be honest.

Yet, perhaps unsurprisingly, when employees are not able to speak openly, many believe the opposite occurs in the workplace  employee morale decreases (58%), employee turnover increases (49%), productivity decreases (48%) and employee burnout increases (48%).

Honesty is also a key component in manager-employee relationships, with around 3 in 5 hiring managers (61%) reporting employees' ability to be honest with them is absolutely essential to their ability to be a good manager.

Specifically, around 9 in 10 hiring managers say employees who feel like they can be honest with their leader are more loyal to their employer (90%) and is a critical part of having a productive workforce (89%). Around 2 in 5 strongly agree with these sentiments (41% and 39%, respectively).

Equipping Leaders with Relevant Training

Recognizing the importance of honesty in the workplace, job seekers appreciate companies that offer resources to managers and employees to support this value.

Ninety-one percent believe that it is at least somewhat important for companies to provide managers with resources/training on how to manage their direct reports' personal issues if brought up by the employee, with nearly a quarter (24%) feeling it is absolutely essential.

In addition, the vast majority of job seekers (86%) believe it is at least somewhat important that companies provide employees with resources/training on how to manage personal issues so it doesn't impact their work.

Overwhelmingly, companies feel they have created a space for honesty among their employees and report their company has created a safe and trusting environment that encourages honest communication (86%) and has the right systems/tools in place to allow for constructive criticism to be received well (80%).

In fact, 95% of hiring managers feel employees can speak honestly with anyone at the company regarding their concerns/issues  most commonly their manager/supervisor (68%) and/or peers/colleagues (57%).

"The foundation of any good relationship is trust, which is no different in the workplace," said Bill Stoller, Express Employment International CEO. "Similar to other leadership training, managers can significantly benefit from structured programs that emphasize healthy communication and the ability to handle challenging conversations."

Survey Methodology

The Job Insights survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals between May 16 and June 3, 2024, among 1,003 U.S. hiring decision-makers.

The Job Seeker Report was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals from May 28 to June 10, 2024, among 1,002 adults ages 18 and older.

For full survey methodologies, please contact [email protected], Director of Corporate Communications & PR.

If you would like to arrange for an interview to discuss this topic, please contact [email protected], Director of Corporate Communications & PR.

About Bill Stoller

William H. "Bill" Stoller is chairman and chief executive officer of Express Employment International. Founded in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, the international staffing franchisor supports the Express Employment Professionals franchise and related brands. The Express franchise brand is an industry-leading, international staffing company with franchise locations in the U.S., Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.

About Express Employment Professionals

At Express Employment Professionals, we're in the business of people. From job seekers to client companies, Express helps people thrive and businesses grow. Our international network of franchises offers localized staffing solutions to the communities they serve across the U.S., Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand, employing 492,000 people globally in 2023 and more than 11 million since its inception. For more information, visit ExpressPros.com.

SOURCE Express Services dba Express Employment Professionals
The new data unification, analytics, and AI solution provides the pre-built, industry-specific insights utilities need to make informed decisions faster

LAS VEGAS, Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Oracle CloudWorld -- Oracle today announced the availability of Oracle Energy and Water Data Intelligence, a data unification, analytics, and AI solution designed for utilities. The solution extends the value of Oracle's applications by orchestrating the integration of data between Oracle and third-party sources to give utilities a comprehensive view of their operations for powerful analysis and reporting. With easy access to actionable, pre-built insights, company leaders and business users have the intelligence they need to make critical decisions faster. Data scientists can also extend the solution with self-service machine learning (ML) model development to create applications specific to each utility's individual needs. This could range from forecasting load growth for a particular service territory or recommending consumer next best actions based on a utility's own programs.

Oracle Energy and Water Data Intelligence combines the proven data orchestration of Oracle Fusion Data Intelligence, the advanced self-service AI/ML capabilities of Oracle Analytics Cloud, and the secure, scalable architecture of Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI). It leverages these technologies to provide access to a large and growing library of insights, including the ML insights embedded into Oracle applications, via extensible dashboards and reports.

Oracle Energy and Water Data Intelligence is built to provide hundreds of industry-specific insights to meet the requirements of energy and water businesses. For example, predictive and prescriptive insights can be used to close gaps in enterprise data, such as identifying customers who own an electric vehicle to support grid planning efforts. Oracle's Meter to Transformer Mismap insights automate detection of grid modeling inconsistencies to optimize inspection and verification of field staff site visits. Additionally, Transformer Load Management identifies overloaded transformers so utilities can help prevent device failures and power outages.

A robust library of prebuilt data pipelinesincluding data from Oracle customer, meter, asset, grid, financial, HR, and supply chain applicationshelps significantly reduce time to value by making enterprise data readily available for insight discovery. This allows utility teams to focus on strategic initiatives and innovation instead of spending time on integration.

"Utilities are being asked to deliver clean, safe, reliable, affordable services even as networks get more complex to operate and customers more complicated to serve," said Paul McDonald, vice president of product strategy, Oracle Energy and Water. "Data intelligence is essential to meeting these demands and generating new value for everyone, but turning data into usable insights is often derailed by costly integration projects. Oracle Energy and Water Data Intelligence removes this hassle to give utility employees the proactive information they need to simplify their work, take on new responsibilities, and make a more strategic impact every day."

Designed for enduring customer value

With Oracle Energy and Water Data Intelligence, utilities will be able to take advantage of an ever-growing library of AI and ML insights to help solve their evolving business challenges, such as managing decentralized energy resources and improving grid reliability. These insights will be based on feedback from, and close collaboration with, energy and water organizations, including continued testing and development at the Oracle Industry Lab.

Oracle Energy and Water Data Intelligence comes pre-integrated with insights and data pipelines for Oracle's Customer Information Systems (CIS) and metering solutions, including Oracle Utilities Customer Cloud Service and Oracle Utilities Customer to Meter. Future releases are planned to expand functionality to include pre-integrated pipelines for additional Oracle Energy and Water applications, including Oracle Utilities Work and Asset Cloud Service (WACS), Oracle Distributed Energy Resource Management System (DERMS), and Opower solutions.

Learn more about Oracle Energy and Water Data Intelligence , join the discussion on LinkedIn , and visit us at Oracle CloudWorld.

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 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/

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 http://www.oracle.com/investor. All information in this article is current as of September 11, 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
Oracle Database services running on Oracle Cloud Infrastructure are deployed directly in AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure data centers

LAS VEGAS, Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Oracle CloudWorld -- Oracle is collaborating with AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure to help customers accelerate their application migrations and modernizations. Oracle Database@AWS, Oracle Database@Azure, and Oracle Database@Google Cloud give customers direct access to Oracle Database services running on Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) and deployed in AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure data centers, respectively. To satisfy increasing demand for Oracle Database services running on OCI, Oracle will work with AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure to continue to expand availability globally.

"We are working with AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure to help customers simplify cloud migration, multicloud deployment, and management," said Karan Batta, senior vice president, Oracle Cloud Infrastructure. "This was unthinkable in the cloud space just a few years ago and together, we will be able to give customers the flexibility to use multiple clouds. Customers can now quickly and easily combine services from across AWS, Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure, and OCI to drive breakthroughs in the cloud."

Oracle Database@AWS Launches at Oracle CloudWorld

Oracle Database@AWS is a new offering that allows customers to access Oracle Autonomous Database on dedicated infrastructure and Oracle Exadata Database Service within AWS. Oracle Database@AWS will provide customers with a unified experience between OCI and AWS, offering simplified database administration, billing, and customer support. In addition, customers will have the ability to seamlessly connect enterprise data in Oracle Database to applications running on Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (Amazon EC2), AWS Analytics services, or AWS's advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) services, including Amazon Bedrock.

With direct access to Oracle Exadata Database Service on AWS, including Oracle Autonomous Database on dedicated infrastructure and workloads running on Oracle Real Application Clusters (RAC), Oracle Database@AWS allows customers to bring together all of their enterprise data to drive breakthrough innovation. The new offering provides a low latency network connection between Oracle databases and applications on AWS. This allows customers to benefit from Oracle Autonomous Database, a fully automated and managed Oracle Database service, and the performance, availability, security, and cost-effectiveness of Oracle Exadata Database Service, while enjoying the security, agility, flexibility, and sustainability benefits provided by AWS.

Customer will also benefit from a simplified procurement experience via AWS Marketplace that enables them to purchase Oracle Database services using their existing AWS commitments and use their existing Oracle license benefits, including Bring Your Own License (BYOL) and discount programs such as Oracle Support Rewards (OSR). To learn more about the latest Oracle Database@AWS news, please visit here.

Oracle Database@Azure is Now Available in Six Azure Datacenters

To meet strong customer demand across the globe, Oracle Database@Azure will soon be available in 15 more regions including Brazil South, Central India, Central US, East US 2, Italy North, Japan East, North Europe, South Central US, Southeast Asia, Spain Central, Sweden Central, United Arab Emirates North, West Europe, West US 2, and West US 3.

Oracle now operates and manages Oracle Exadata Database Service, Oracle Autonomous Database, and Oracle Database Zero Data Loss Autonomous Recovery Service running on OCI in six Microsoft Azure regions including Australia East, Canada Central, East US, France Central, Germany West Central, and UK South.

Customers can purchase Oracle Database@Azure as a completely new service or using their existing Azure commitments or discount programs. They can also leverage their existing Oracle license benefits such as Bring Your Own License (BYOL) and Oracle Support Rewards. Oracle Autonomous Database, Oracle Exadata Database Service, and Oracle Database Zero Data Loss Autonomous Recovery Service are available with custom quotes via private offer. Oracle Autonomous Database is now also available as pay-as-you-go, giving customers the flexibility to deploy a fully managed database in minutes. To learn more about the latest Oracle Database@Azure news, please visit here.

Oracle Database@Google Cloud Now Generally Available

Oracle Database@Google Cloud is now generally available in four Google Cloud regions across the United States and Europe. Customers will now be able to run Oracle Exadata Database Service, Oracle Autonomous Database, and Oracle Database Zero Data Loss Autonomous Recovery Service on OCI in Google Cloud datacenters across U.S. East (Ashburn), U.S. West (Salt Lake City), U.K. South (London), and Germany Central (Frankfurt), expanding to many more regions in the coming months across North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, and Latin America.

Oracle Database@Google Cloud gives customers direct access to Oracle Database services running on OCI and deployed in Google Cloud datacenters for the first time. This enables customers to take advantage of Oracle's industry-leading database and Exadata technology to accelerate innovation and develop new applications. It also enables customers to easily create new cloud applications using the industry leading Oracle Database or migrate their existing Oracle databases and applications to OCI running in Google Cloud with simplified cloud purchasing and management.

For example, customers can purchase Oracle Database services using their existing Google Cloud commitments and leverage their existing Oracle license benefits, such as Bring Your Own License (BYOL) and Oracle Support Rewards. Oracle Exadata Database Service, Oracle Autonomous Database, and Oracle Database Zero Data Loss Autonomous Recovery Service are available with custom quotes via private offer. Oracle Autonomous Database is also available with usage-based pricing, giving customers the flexibility to deploy a fully managed database in minutes. To learn more about the latest Oracle Database@Google Cloud news, please visit here.

Additional Resources

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@AWS, 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 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 11, 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
New AI supercomputer, the largest in the cloud, to deliver up to 131,072 NVIDIA GPUs to enable customers to build, train, and inference AI at scale

LAS VEGAS, Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Oracle CloudWorld -- Oracle today announced the first zettascale cloud computing clusters accelerated by the NVIDIA Blackwell platform. Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) is now taking orders for the largest AI supercomputer in the cloud  available with up to 131,072 NVIDIA Blackwell GPUs.

"We have one of the broadest AI infrastructure offerings and are supporting customers that are running some of the most demanding AI workloads in the cloud," said Mahesh Thiagarajan, executive vice president, Oracle Cloud Infrastructure. "With Oracle's distributed cloud, customers have the flexibility to deploy cloud and AI services wherever they choose while preserving the highest levels of data and AI sovereignty."

World's first Zettascale computing cluster

OCI is now taking orders for the largest AI supercomputer in the cloud  available with up to 131,072 NVIDIA Blackwell GPUs  delivering an unprecedented 2.4 zettaFLOPS of peak performance. The maximum scale of OCI Supercluster offers more than three times as many GPUs as the Frontier supercomputer and more than six times that of other hyperscalers. OCI Supercluster includes OCI Compute Bare Metal, ultra-low latency RoCEv2 with ConnectX-7 NICs and ConnectX-8 SuperNICs or NVIDIA Quantum-2 InfiniBand-based networks, and a choice of HPC storage.

OCI Superclusters are orderable with OCI Compute powered by either NVIDIA H100 or H200 Tensor Core GPUs or NVIDIA Blackwell GPUs. OCI Superclusters with H100 GPUs can scale up to 16,384 GPUs with up to 65 ExaFLOPS of performance and 13Pb/s of aggregated network throughput. OCI Superclusters with H200 GPUs will scale to 65,536 GPUs with up to 260 ExaFLOPS of performance and 52Pb/s of aggregated network throughput and will be available later this year. OCI Superclusters with NVIDIA GB200 NVL72 liquid-cooled bare-metal instances will use NVLink and NVLink Switch to enable up to 72 Blackwell GPUs to communicate with each other at an aggregate bandwidth of 129.6 TB/s in a single NVLink domain. NVIDIA Blackwell GPUs, available in the first half of 2025, with fifth-generation NVLink, NVLink Switch, and cluster networking will enable seamless GPU-GPU communication in a single cluster.

"As businesses, researchers and nations race to innovate using AI, access to powerful computing clusters and AI software is critical," said Ian Buck, vice president of Hyperscale and High Performance Computing, NVIDIA. "NVIDIA's full-stack AI computing platform on Oracle's broadly distributed cloud will deliver AI compute capabilities at unprecedented scale to advance AI efforts globally and help organizations everywhere accelerate research, development and deployment."

Customers such as WideLabs and Zoom are leveraging OCI's high-performing AI infrastructure with powerful security and sovereignty controls.

WideLabs trains one of the largest Portuguese LLMs on OCI

WideLabs, an applied AI startup in Brazil, is training one of Brazil's largest LLMs, Amazonia IA, on OCI. They developed bAIgrapher, an application that uses its LLM to generate biographical content based on data collected from patients with Alzheimer's disease to help them preserve important memories.

WideLabs uses the Oracle Cloud Sao Paulo Region to run its AI workloads, ensuring that sensitive data remains within country borders. This enables WideLabs to adhere to Brazilian AI sovereignty requirements by being able to control where its AI technology is deployed and operated. WideLabs uses OCI AI infrastructure with NVIDIA H100 GPUs to train its LLMs, as well as Oracle Kubernetes Engine to provision, manage, and operate GPU-accelerated containers across an OCI Supercluster consisting of OCI Compute connected with OCI's RMDA-based cluster networking.

"OCI AI infrastructure offers us the most efficiency for training and running our LLMs," said Nelson Leoni, CEO, WideLabs. "OCI's scale and flexibility is invaluable as we continue to innovate in the healthcare space and other key sectors."

Zoom uses OCI's sovereignty capabilities for its generative AI assistant

Zoom a leading AI-first collaboration platform, is using OCI to provide inference for Zoom AI Companion, the company's AI personal assistant available at no additional cost. Zoom AI Companion helps users draft emails and chat messages, summarize meetings and chat threads, generate ideas during brainstorms with colleagues, and more. OCI's data and AI sovereignty capabilities will help Zoom keep customer data locally in region and support AI sovereignty requirements in Saudi Arabia, where OCI's solution is being rolled out initially.

"Zoom AI Companion is revolutionizing the way organizations work, with cutting-edge generative AI capabilities available at no additional cost with customers' paid accounts," said Bo Yan, head of AI, Zoom. "By harnessing OCI's AI inference capabilities, Zoom is able to deliver accurate results at low latency, empowering users to collaborate seamlessly, communicate effortlessly, and boost productivity, efficiency, and potential like never before."

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 11, 2024 and Oracle undertakes no duty to update any statement in light of new information or future events.

Many of the products and features described herein remain in various stages and will be offered on a when-and-if-available basis. The statements above are not intended to be, and should not be interpreted as a commitment, promise, or legal obligation, and the development, release, and timing of any features or functionalities described for our products is subject to change and remains at the sole discretion of NVIDIA. NVIDIA will have no liability for failure to deliver or delay in the delivery of any of the products, features or functions set forth herein.

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.

Other company and product names may be trademarks of the respective companies with which they are associated. Features, pricing, availability and specifications are subject to change without notice.

SOURCE Oracle
Creatividad silvestre | Wild Creativity explores engineering challenges inspired by our natural world

SEATTLE, Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Pacific Science Center (PacSci) presents Creatividad silvestre | Wild Creativity, a new, bilingual exhibit that invites community members of all ages to learn about biomimicry. The exhibit opens at PacSci on September 21, 2024 and runs through January 5, 2025.

Courtesy of Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI)

Biomimicry is an engineering approach that studies nature's designs and processes to help solve human challenges. For example, the study of birds and their anatomies inspired the eventual invention of airplanes. Creatividad silvestre | Wild Creativity explores biomimicry through hands-on design challenges, spotlighting the interplay between the art and natural sciences and how it continues to inform our world.

This traveling exhibit has previously been hosted by Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) in Portland, OR; Fleet Science Center in San Diego, CA; and the Scott Family Amazeum in Bentonville, AR. It was produced and is toured by OMSI. The exhibit was made possible by a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant (DRL 1811617) and in partnership with Biomimicry Institute, Adelante Mujeres, and The Fleet Science Center. Visit PacSci.org to learn more and purchase tickets.

SOURCE Pacific Science Center
Awards Honors Excellence in Web Creativity and Digital Communication

TYSONS, Va., Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- PenFed Credit Union, the nation's second-largest federal credit union, today announced its marketing team was selected for three dotCOMM awards for their creation of the How to Pay for Your First Apartment learning center article, Premium Online Savings Puerto Rico Social Ads and Access America Checking Evergreen campaign. The dotCOMM awards is an international competition honoring excellence in web creativity and digital communication.

PenFed Credit Union Marketing Team Awarded Three dotCOMM Awards

"We thank the judges for recognizing the PenFed marketing team's creativity and efforts," said PenFed Chief Marketing Officer Gaurav Bhatia. "The campaigns selected for these awards showcase PenFed's commitment to financial literacy and helping our 2.9 million members worldwide achieve their dreams."

Recognized as a Platinum winner, the How to Pay for Your First Apartment article is part of a series of articles the PenFed Learning Center team is developing to attract college-aged adults. The team tailored the style of the content to this demographic and the way they consume online media and in the last six months received 11,900 impressions.

PenFed's Premium Online Savings Puerto Rico Social Ads received Gold. To highlight the competitive rate of PenFed's Premium Online Savings in Puerto Rico, the visual of a bar graph was used to convey how much a member could earn in comparison to other financial institutions. Recently named as Best Credit Union from Money.com, the PenFed badge was also incorporated to build brand trust with the growing audience in Puerto Rico. Lastly, animated versions were created for social channels to maximize the higher engagement and performance seen over static ads.

Finally, PenFed's Access America Checking Evergreen Campaign was selected for an Honorable Mention. This animated ad was part of a larger campaign to promote PenFed's Access America Checking account. The visuals promote the idea of making the most out of your money when banking with PenFed. 24/7 mobile banking and waived monthly fees were promoted as value propositions to support the product message.

To see more of the PenFed marketing team's work, please visit www.penfed.org and for more financial educational content, visit PenFed's Learning Center.

About PenFed Credit Union

Established in 1935, Pentagon Federal Credit Union (PenFed) is America's second-largest federal credit union, serving 2.9 million members worldwide with $33.5 billion in assets. PenFed Credit Union offers market-leading certificates, checking, credit cards, personal loans, mortgages, auto loans, student loans, and a wide range of other financial services with members' interests always in mind. PenFed Credit Union is federally insured by the NCUA and is an Equal Housing Lender. To learn more about PenFed Credit Union, visit PenFed.org, like us on Facebook and follow us @PenFed on Twitter. Interested in working for PenFed? Check us out on LinkedIn. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

SOURCE PenFed Credit Union
DALLAS, Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Pinnacle Group, the country's largest Latina-owned workforce solutions company, is proud to announce a new brand for its talent solutions offerings, PTR Global. The purpose of launching the new brand is to more clearly differentiate its service lines and better serve customers by providing increased structure and clarity internally and externally.

Founded in 1996 by Dallas entrepreneur, Nina Vaca, Pinnacle Group started as a one-woman IT staffing firm and now counts over 20% of the Fortune 100 as customers. During its nearly three decades in business, it has expanded steadily from serving customers regionally, then nationally and now globally in over 20 countries and counting.

Today, Pinnacle Group is among the top 20 largest global providers of MSP services and among the top 30 Largest IT Staffing Firms, according to Staffing Industry Analysts. The new PTR Global brand will house all talent acquisition services, including IT/professional staffing, along with professional services, recruitment process outsourcing (RPO), direct hire, and direct sourcing offerings.

"For 28 years, we have operated under a unified brand for all services. While we have experienced tremendous success and growth under this model, we have reached a size and scale where we believe differentiating our brands will be more effective going forward," said Nina Vaca, Pinnacle Group Chairman and CEO. "PTR Global is a critical part of our long-term strategic plan and we will invest in developing it into an industry-leading brand in its own right."

"As Pinnacle Group launches its new PTR Global brand, it exemplifies the kind of success that entrepreneurs and their companies can have in Dallas," said Dallas Mayor Eric L. Johnson. "With a thriving business environment including multinational corporate headquarters and smaller start-ups, Dallas continues to foster innovation and growth. As the city's Entrepreneur-in-Residence, Nina Vaca embodies the innovative Dallas spirit and I congratulate her and her team for taking this exciting next step."

About PTR Global

PTR Global is a leader in IT and professional talent acquisition, including staff augmentation (contract/contract-to-hire), professional services, recruitment process outsourcing (RPO), direct hire and direct sourcing. Built to serve large buyers of contingent labor, it has deep expertise in serving world-leading companies in tech/telecom, media & communications, financial services, travel & hospitality, and energy/utilities. It is 100% woman and minority (Hispanic) owned and led. For more information visit www.ptrglobal.com.

About Pinnacle Group

Pinnacle Group is the largest Latina-owned and led global workforce solutions provider. Founded by Nina Vaca in 1996, Pinnacle Group's core services include managed services (MSP), SOW/services procurement, payrolling services (employer/agent of record), and VMS advisory, implementation and configuration via triple certification in the three industry leading platforms (Beeline, SAP Fieldglass, and Workday VNDLY). With an unwavering commitment to client service and a specialty in analytics and emerging technologies, Pinnacle Group provides transformational outcomes to primarily Fortune 500 clients and other large buyers of contingent workforce solutions across 20 countries and growing. In 2024, Pinnacle Group was named one of America's Greatest Workplaces for Women and for Diversity by Newsweek. For more information, visit http://www.pinnacle1.com.

Media Contact:

Erin Stewart

Chief of Staff

erin.stewart@pinnacle1.com

(214) 466-2656

Pinnacle1.com

SOURCE Pinnacle Group
SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Schubert Jonckheer & Kolbe LLP is investigating a data breach impacting the private information of 1.7 million consumers whose credit cards were provided to Slim CD, Inc., a Florida-based credit-card processing company.

On or about September 6, 2024, Slim CD announced that an unauthorized third party gained access to its computer systems between August 17, 2023 and June 15, 2024. That access may have enabled the threat actor to view and obtain consumers' credit card information.

Slim CD is a processing gateway that handles electronic payments, including credit-card payments for U.S.-based merchants, including retail, hospitality, and restaurants. Accordingly, consumers who purchased goods or services with a credit card may have unknowingly provided their financial information to Slim CD, and in turn, criminal threat actors.

Slim CD recently informed consumers that the following private information may have been stolen in the breach: names, addresses, credit card numbers, and credit card expiration dates.

If your private information was stolen in the breach, you may be at risk of identity theft, financial fraud and other serious violations of your privacy. As a result, you may be entitled to money damages and an injunction requiring changes to the companies' cybersecurity practices.

If you received notification of this data breach from Slim CD or an identity protection service and wish to obtain additional information about your legal rights, please contact us today or visit our website at https://www.classactionlawyers.com/slimcd.

About Schubert Jonckheer & Kolbe LLP

Schubert Jonckheer & Kolbe represents shareholders, employees, and consumers in class actions against corporate defendants, as well as shareholders in derivative actions against their officers and directors. The firm is based in San Francisco, and with the help of co-counsel, litigates cases nationwide.

Contact

Amber L. Schubert

Schubert Jonckheer & Kolbe LLP

[email protected]

Tel: 415-788-4220

SOURCE Schubert Jonckheer & Kolbe LLP
SHANGHAI, Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Queclink, the world-leading IoT device and solution provider, announced the launch of its latest innovation, the GV500CNA. Building on the success of the GV500CG for the Latam market, the GV500CNA is a compact, cost-effective OBD tracker designed to meet North American businesses' needs.

Queclink Introduces New OBD Tracker GV500CNA for UBI and Car Leasing in North America

At one-third smaller than previous Queclink OBD products, the GV500CNA combines a compact, discreet design with durability and high performance. Equipped with a 4G LTE Cat 1 bis module, it delivers faster and more reliable network connectivity across North America, making it an ideal solution for UBI, car leasing, and fleet management applications.

The GV500CNA's plug-and-play design allows for quick installation, drawing power directly from the vehicle's battery via the OBD portno manual charging required. Even if disconnected, the built-in backup battery ensures instant tamper alerts.

With BLE 5.1 support, the GV500CNA can communicate with other BLE-enabled devices, such as wireless relays, enabling advanced features like remote vehicle immobilization to prevent unauthorized use.

Tailored for a variety of applications, the GV500CNA excels in vehicle leasing and car-sharing scenarios. It offers real-time vehicle tracking, usage monitoring, and driving behavior analysis, helping businesses optimize fleet management and enhance security. Its compact design also boosts anti-theft measures.

For insurers, the GV500CNA provides precise data for UBI programs, enabling personalized insurance policies based on actual driving behavior. This improves customer satisfaction and helps insurers better assess risk and streamline claims processing.

The GV500CNA is also ideal for family vehicle monitoring, allowing parents to track and review driving behavior and vehicle usage, ensuring the safety of young drivers and providing comprehensive reports on vehicle activity.

"The GV500CNA is a game-changer, making IoT technology more reliable and affordable for our customers as Queclink expands its presence in North America," said Manny Hernandez, VP of North America at Queclink. "This cutting-edge device is tailored to meet the dynamic needs of fleet managers, insurers, and consumers alike by offering innovative, future-proof solutions that keep pace with the rapidly evolving market."

About Queclink

Since 2009 Queclink Wireless Solutions has been "Driving Smarter IoT".

Queclink designs and manufactures IoT hardware for global clients. With 61 million IoT devices shipped to over 140 countries, Queclink empowers data-driven solutions across transportation, mobility, networks, and agriculture.

For more information, visit Queclink's website or contact [email protected].

SOURCE Queclink Wireless Solutions Co., Ltd.
Company also recognized as a finalist on the Women Innovators and US lists, a further testament to its uniquely innovative culture

BLOOMINGTON, Minn., Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Renaissance, a global leader in pre-K12 education technology resources and insights, is pleased to announce its inclusion on Fast Company's sixth annual list of 100 Best Workplaces for Innovators. This prestigious list recognizes organizations and businesses that demonstrate an inspiring commitment to encourage and develop innovation at all levels to best meet their customers' needs.

"It's an incredible honor to be recognized by Fast Company for our approach to creating impactful edtech solutions," said Chris Bauleke, Chief Executive Officer at Renaissance. "We pride ourselves on our thoughtful approach to product innovation, supported by decades of data insights on student learning. Because of this, Renaissance has a unique company culture driven by innovation and a desire to empower educators and accelerate learning for all."

Innovative new product: Renaissance Next

The strategic growth and integration strategy has culminated in the launch of a powerful new teacher experience: Renaissance Next. This integrated platform combines assessment, instruction, and practice to support teachers in adjusting to a wide range of student needs in real time. A team representing departments from across the company developed Renaissance Next in close coordination, with frequent teacher feedback.

"The ability to work through problems, tackle them together, and communicate so frequently with stakeholders adds exciting new facets to our jobs," said Storey Sitwala, Senior Director of Product Management at Renaissance, who led the development of Renaissance Next.

Part of what makes Renaissance Next possible is the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to enable the semantic search to find similarities across Renaissance offerings and locate the just-right resource for each student. This AI-enabled search function combines lessons and practice activities to supplement core instruction while operating on a secure, closed loop. It also illustrates how Renaissance engages with innovative new tech tools with a tempered approach that prioritizes security, with humans in the loop at every stage of the process.

A company culture that uniquely fosters innovation

Renaissance fosters innovation through programs and processes in every corner of the company, ensuring that new tools like AI are used responsibly and that employees have a safe and supportive environment to explore and train on the latest technology.

Efforts include:

The Renaissance AI Center of Excellence, which combines multiple departments to share new information on policy and ethics, as well as expand AI development, integration, and augmentation.

The Shark Tank, an annual leadership-sponsored, company-wide innovation competition that invites employees to showcase new ideas.

AI training, which gives employees opportunities to upskill in the responsible use of generative AI through events like "AI Palooza."

The Renaissance AI Governance team, a cross-functional team of privacy, information security, legal, and learning science leaders, including individuals who hold AI Governance Professional certifications by the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP).

RAIign, an internal tool leveraging generative AI, which automatically maps assessment and instructional content to reading and math skills and state standards, for alignment experts to review.

Welcoming diverse perspectives to drive innovation

Renaissance also continues to build an inclusive workplace culture that empowers all employees to be innovative so that diverse voices and perspectives are reflected. For example, the company actively seeks employee input to shape its benefits packages. This approach has led to comprehensive support benefits, including a generous parental leave policy for both birth and non-birth parents, along with fertility support resources.

"At Renaissance, we believe in the power of diverse perspectives and the impact that is possible when all employees are included in the conversation," said Sarah DiFrancesco, Chief Marketing Officer at Renaissance and executive sponsor of the Women of Renaissance employee resource group (ERG). "Fostering positive employee experiences drives the creativity we need for cutting-edge innovation, so I am especially pleased by our position as a finalist on Fast Company's Best Workplaces for Women Innovators list."

As a testament to its commitment to inclusivity, Fortune and the Great Place to Work Institute previously recognized the company as a 2023 Best Workplace for Women.

The Fast Company 2024 Best Workplaces for Innovators list ranks 100 winners from a variety of industries. To earn recognition, companies must complete an application addressing questions about projects, investment, company-wide programs, and workplace culture. To see the complete list of honorees, go to fastcompany.com/best-workplaces-for-innovators/list.

About Renaissance

As a global leader in education technology operating in more than 110 countries, Renaissance is committed to providing educators with insights and resources to accelerate growth and help all students build a strong foundation for success. We believe that technology can unlock a more effective learning experience, ensure that students get the personalized teaching they need to thrive, and help educators and administrators to truly, fully, See Every Student. Learn more at renaissance.com.

SOURCE Renaissance
HOUSTON, Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- In response to the growing demand for privacy among ultra-luxury homebuyers, Republic Grand Ranch introduces "Where The Forest Meets Luxury." These buyers are seeking properties that provide seclusion and exclusive amenities. Despite economic uncertainties, luxury real estate sales increased by more than 2%, posting the best year-over-year gains in three years, according to Redfin , as reported by CNBC .

"It's not often that land of this caliber is available at competitive prices, prioritizing both luxury and nature." Post this Photo curtesy of Design Tech Homes. Republic Grand Ranch offers forested homesites, "Where Forest Meets Luxury".

"It's not often that land of this caliber is available at such competitive prices, especially in a community prioritizing both luxury and nature," said Blake Boyer, Sales Manager of Republic Grand Ranch. "Our exclusive builder program ensures that every home is custom-designed with the forest in mind, blending architecture and nature."

Republic Grand Ranch offers forested homesites at competitive prices, allowing buyers more budget for their forever home. With custom homes starting around $650,000, this community is ideal for those valuing quality, space, and privacy, while staying close to modern amenities. Furthermore, Republic Grand Ranch is excited to announce the launch of an exclusive cul-de-sac enclave, featuring a minimum square footage requirement double that of the rest of the community. This presents a unique opportunity for those seeking elevated building standards.

Prospective buyers are encouraged to visit Republic Grand Ranch and experience 'Where the Forest Meets Luxury' firsthand at our model homes. Planned with an environmentally conscious design , Republic Grand Ranch ensures privacy and low-impact living, with many homesites backing up to green space. "This is a really exciting new offering for those who want the exclusive high end feel while still being in a rustic forested setting, close to the Woodlands." - Gary Sumner, Managing Partner of Patten Properties.

For more information or to schedule a tour, visit Republic Grand Ranch or call or text (833) 208-8953.

ABOUT PATTEN PROPERTIES

Patten Properties and its partners are recognized as industry leaders in real estate investment and development nationwide. Our culture is founded on integrity and professionalism, combined with a commitment to creating value and opportunity in today's real estate environment.

CONTACT:

Heather Robison

[email protected]

SOURCE Patten Properties
Walmart Veteran Matthew Adam Smith to Lead Expansive "AiR" Initiative

DALLAS, Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Satej Sirur, co-Founder & CEO of Rocketium has been named one of the 2024 Top AI Leaders in Retail by RETHINK Retail as part of its newly launched AiR (AI in Retail) program. The list highlights 150 leaders across 10 categories driving AI innovation, including Retailers & Brands, Technology, Investors, Ethicists, and more.

"I'm honored to be among the Top AI Leaders in Retail and excited to collaborate with fellow AI innovators," said Satej Sirur, co-Founder and CEO of Rocketium. "AI is a powerful tool that makes good teams exceptional. Those rethinking every area of work using AI will easily outpace their competition. We see this daily from the Marketing and Creative teams who are Rocketium customers."

The announcement comes on the heels of successful AI-themed events at NRF's Big Show and ShopTalk earlier this year, where top executives discussed the rapid evolution of retail AI solutions. "The response to these events confirmed the need for a trusted, always-on resource dedicated to AI in retail," said Paul Lewis, Co-founder and Managing Director of RETHINK Retail. AiR aims to educate retail professionals, showcase groundbreaking work, and provide a forum for leaders to collaborate on shaping the future of retail.

As an AI retail pioneer, Satej brings deep insights from his work with leading retail brands such as Amazon, Walmart, and Colgate-Palmolive. Leveraging Rocketium's AI-powered platform, his team has consistently driven retail and e-commerce growth, ensuring creative excellence at every step. Satej joins honorees from companies such as Diebold Nixdorf, Microsoft, Intel, and PwC, in this prestigious recognition.

To lead AiR, RETHINK Retail has appointed Matthew Adam Smith as Executive Director. Smith, a former leader in Walmart's retail media network and eCommerce marketplace, is also Founder and CEO of TWO ISAACS, a consultancy focused on AI-driven business transformation. "Our Top AI Leaders will be more than just a list," said Smith. "We're building a diverse community to guide the industry through the most transformational era in our history."

The honorees will join RETHINK Retail's existing communities of Top Retail Experts and Global Retail Leaders to collaborate on addressing complex industry challenges. The AiR platform also offers members peer connections, private events, speaking opportunities, and more.

AI is transforming retail operations in areas such as creative production, demand forecasting, inventory management, and marketing operations. The innovations driven by AiR leaders include Chatbots, Autonomous Robots, Smart Shelves, and Predictive Analytics, enhancing personalization, automation, and efficiency in retail.

In conjunction with the announcement, RETHINK Retail is launching a new wave of AiR content, including video and podcast interviews with honorees, and is soliciting submissions of AI case studies from individuals or companies in the retail sector. RETHINK Retail will feature selected submissions in an upcoming AiR "LookBook" and live at the first-ever AiR Virtual Summit in fall 2024, and consider them for the first-ever AiR Awards in early 2025.

For more information about the AiR Program, the full list of Top AI Leaders and opportunities to participate in the community, visit rethink.industries/air.

About AiR:

AiR (AI in Retail) is the leading community and platform helping retailers harness AI's transformative power. We provide members with insights, strategies, and innovative ideas to revolutionize their businesses.

About RETHINK Retail:

RETHINK Retail is a premier destination for executive-led insights into retail's evolving landscape. Our award-winning content reaches top decision-makers and industry leaders worldwide.

About Rocketium:

Rocketium's AI-driven CreativeOps platform helps streamline the entire Creative Operations process, from planning and production to review. With features such as brand governance, design system integrations, creative automation, easy review & approval, and creative analytics, Rocketium empowers brands and agencies to improve efficiency in their creative workflows - enabling teams to create more visuals in 50% less time and at 30% lower costs.

SOURCE Rocketium
Multifamily Developer/Operator Adds 1,530 Class A Units to its Expanding Western U.S. Footprint

BOISE, Idaho, Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Roundhouse , a vertically-integrated developer and operator of multifamily housing headquartered in Boise, ID, today announced significant expansion and growth milestones across the Western U.S., including over $300 million in acquisitions and $150 million in development groundbreakings year-to-date.

"Roundhouse is committed to providing high-quality housing options across the Western U.S.," said Casey Lynch, CEO of Roundhouse. "Our recent acquisitions and developments are the result of our strategic focus on high-growth markets and our dedication to building and operating a diverse multifamily portfolio over the long term."

Roundhouse has recently acquired Cycle Apartments in Fort Collins, Colorado and Clovis Point in Longmont, Colorado. The two acquisitions, totaling 613 units, mark Roundhouse's first investments in these Northern Colorado markets, which have exhibited strong in-migration since 2010. Walker & Dunlop served as the brokerage firm for both deals.

Additionally, Roundhouse has purchased Eagle's Landing Apartments in Idaho Falls, brokered by Institutional Property Advisors (IPA), and Sentral First Hill in Seattle, brokered by Eastdil Secured. The company also recently celebrated the groundbreaking of two new apartment communities: Snowfarm in Missoula, MT and Cloudveil in Idaho Falls, ID. These developments are set to begin delivering units next year and, together with recent acquisitions, will add a total of 1,530 units to Roundhouse's portfolio, further solidifying its presence across the Western U.S.

"We're excited about the opportunities these new acquisitions and developments represent for our platform, partners, and team members," said Michael Caldwell, Managing Director, Investments at Roundhouse. "Our ability to identify and capitalize on opportunities in all market environments is a key driver of our success, and we look forward to continuing to add high-quality properties to our portfolio across the Western U.S."

ABOUT ROUNDHOUSE

Roundhouse manages a portfolio with more than 8,700 units across 56 properties and $2 billion of assets in the Western U.S., with a vertically integrated platform that spans the construction, property management, and investment disciplines. Roundhouse's mission is to put humanity into housing with a people-centric approach to the resident experience that emphasizes connection with the community, thoughtful design, and respect for the environment. To learn more about Roundhouse and its portfolio, visit rndhouse.com .

Contact: Sarah Cullen

[email protected]

720-726-6823

SOURCE Roundhouse
HANOI, Vietnam, Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Moody's Investors Service (Moody's) announced its 2024 assessments of Southeast Asia Commercial Joint Stock Bank (SeABank, stock code: SSB). SeABank's Long-term bank deposit rating remained at Ba3 and Baseline Credit Assessment (BCA) at B1, with a Stable outlook.

SeABanks credit rating remained at Ba3 with Stable outlook by Moodys

Due to the uncertainty of both the domestic and international markets, Vietnam's banking sector also faces several challenges. In this context, the ratings by Moody's implies its strong belief in SeABank's above peer-average capitalization and stable asset quality. The Stable outlook reflects the agency's belief that SeABank will remain its key solvency and liquidity metrics.

Additionally, Moody's affirms SeABank's Ba3 Long-term deposit credit rating - one notch below Vietnam's sovereign rating (Ba2, Stable outlook), considering the Government's ability to support the Bank in times of need.

Since 2022, SeABank has its credit rating upgraded by Moody's from B1 to Ba3 for issuer and deposit ratings, and from B2 to B1 for BCA, affirming SeABank's market position, potential and reputation. This also implies SeABank's efforts to become the leading bank in meeting the highest international standards while maintaining a transparent, safe and sustainable operations and governance.

In recent years, SeABank has been strengthening capital to drive its growth goals and improve market competitiveness. Currently, SeABank's charter capital is approximately US$982 million and is planned to reach approximately US$1.1 billion after issuing 329 million shares to pay 2023's dividends and 1 0.3 million shares to increase equity capital from owners' equity, equivalent to a total ratio of nearly 13.6%.

Notably, SeABank has been entrusted with and has received US$850 million from reputable financial institutions such as IFC, DFC, AIIB, Norfund, etc. to promote financial inclusion and climate finance. Remarkably, SeABank pioneered to apply innovative financial instruments by issuing Vietnam's first blue bonds and the first green bonds by a domestic private commercial bank, totally worth US$150 million.

Putting priority on climate finance and financial inclusion, SeABank will continue to focus on capital enhancement and improve related indicators. This will enable the Bank to support the sustainable growth of Vietnamese enterprises, promote green credit and finance environmentally friendly projects. Thereby, SeABank aims at becoming a leading bank in sustainable finance and contributing to the sustainable economy.

SOURCE SeABank
A federal court authorized this notice. This is not a solicitation from a lawyer.

PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A Settlement has been proposed in class action litigation against Oracle America, Inc. ("Oracle"). This class action alleges that Oracle improperly captured, compiled, and sold individuals' online and offline data to third parties without obtaining their consent. Oracle denies all the allegations made in the lawsuit and any wrongdoing and maintains that its practices were lawful and disclosed to individuals.

The Court will decide whether to approve the proposed Settlement. If approved, the Settlement will resolve the litigation entitled Katz-Lacabe et al v. Oracle America, Inc., Case No. 3:22-cv- 04792-RS, which is pending before Judge Richard Seeborg in the Northern District of California.

Who is included in the Settlement? You are included if you are a Settlement Class Member, which is defined as "all natural persons residing in the United States whose personal information, or data derived from their personal information, was acquired, captured, or otherwise collected by Oracle Advertising technologies or made available for use or sale by or through ID Graph, Data Marketplace, or any other Oracle Advertising product or service from August 19, 2018 to the date of final judgment in the Action."

What does the Settlement provide? Under the Settlement, Oracle will pay $115 million to establish a Settlement Fund.

To submit your claim, go to: www.KatzPrivacySettlement.com/submit-claim.

Class Counsel will ask the Court to award up to 25% of the Settlement Fund (i.e., up to $28.75 million) for attorneys' fees. In addition, Class Counsel will ask the Court to reimburse them out of the Settlement Fund for the expenses they reasonably incurred and will incur in litigating this case on behalf of Settlement Class Members in an amount not exceed $225,000. Oracle has reserved the right to object or comment on Class Counsel's request for attorneys' fees and expenses in the District Court and has also agreed not to appeal any order of the District Court awarding attorneys' fees and expenses. Class Counsel will also ask the Court to approve Service Awards of up to $10,000 each for the two Class Representatives named in the complaint as an award for their service to the Settlement Class as Plaintiffs and Class Representatives ($20,000 in total) out of the Settlement Fund. Class Counsel's application for attorneys' fees, expenses, and Service Awards will be made available on the Settlement Website at www.KatzPrivacySettlement.com before the deadline for Settlement Class Members to comment on or object to the Settlement.

After deducting any Court-approved attorneys' fees and expenses and Service Awards for the Class Representatives, and the costs of the Settlement administration, the Settlement Fund will be distributed to Settlement Class Members on a pro rata basis.

Oracle will also certify that, for as long as it continues to offer the products and services described in the complaint, it will: (i) not capture (a) user-generated information within referrer URLs (i.e., the URL of the previously-visited page) associated with a website user or (b) except for Oracle's own websites, any text entered by a user in an online web form,; and (ii) implement an audit program to reasonably review customer compliance with contractual consumer privacy obligations.

How do I get a payment? You must submit a valid Claim Form by October 17, 2024. Claim forms may be submitted online at www.KatzPrivacySettlement.com or printed from the website and mailed to the address on the Claim Form. Claim Forms are also available by calling 1-888-255-4036 or emailing [email protected]. You are not required to submit a claim, but if you are in the Settlement Class and do not submit a claim, you will lose your right to claim compensation in connection with the Settlement.

Your other options. If you don't want to be legally bound by the Settlement, you must exclude yourself from it by October 17, 2024. Unless you exclude yourself, you won't be able to sue or continue to sue Oracle for any claim made in this lawsuit or released by the Settlement Agreement. If you stay in the Settlement (i.e., don't exclude yourself), you may file an objection or other comment no later than October 17, 2024. More information about these options is available at www.KatzPrivacySettlement.com.

Do I have a lawyer in the case? If you are a Settlement Class Member, you have a lawyer in this case. The Court appointed as "Class Counsel" the law firm of Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP to represent Settlement Class Members. If you want to be represented by your own lawyer, you may hire one at your own expense.

The Court's hearing. The Court will hold the Final Approval Hearing at 1:30 p.m. on November 14, 2024 in Courtroom 3 (17th Floor) of the San Francisco Courthouse, 450 Golden Gate Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94102. There is no requirement that you attend the hearingyou may submit a claim, object, comment or exclude yourself from the Settlement without attending the hearing. At the Final Approval Hearing, the Court will consider whether the Settlement is fair, reasonable, and adequate, including Class Counsel's application for attorneys' fees, expenses, and for Service Awards.

How Do I Get More Information? This notice is only a summary. For more information, including the full notice, claim form and Settlement Agreement visit www.KatzPrivacySettlement.com, or contact the Settlement Administrator by email at [email protected], by phone at 1-888-255-4036, or by mail at: Katz-Lacabe et al v. Oracle America, Inc., c/o Settlement Administrator, 1650 Arch Street, Suite 2210, Philadelphia, PA 19103.

Media Contact:

Angeion Group

Shiri Lasman

(215) 563-4116

SOURCE Angeion Group
Former Qdoba executive to spearhead franchise growth and restaurant development

DENVER, Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading fast-casual better burger brand Smashburger is excited to announce the recent appointment of Jim Sullivan as Chief Development Officer. In his new role, Sullivan is responsible for overseeing all facets of restaurant development, including market planning, site selection and franchise sales, with a strategic focus on elevating Smashburger's brand identity in the fast-casual space.

Jim Sullivan, Chief Development Officer at Smashburger

"We are thrilled to welcome Jim Sullivan as Smashburger's new Chief Development Officer," said Denise Nelsen, CEO of Smashburger. "Jim brings unparalleled expertise, passion and a deep understanding of the fast-casual industry that will be instrumental in driving our ambitious expansion plans both domestically and internationally. His leadership and vision will be game changers for our brand, and we are excited to see how he will elevate Smashburger to new heights and solidify our position as a household name."

Officially settling into his role in June 2024, Sullivan brings over 25 years of food and beverage expertise to Smashburger. Prior to joining the company, he served as Chief Development Officer at Qdoba, where he led global expansion and new restaurant development. His extensive experience also includes developmental leadership positions at CKE Restaurant Holdings, Friendly's Ice Cream and American Hospitality Concepts, where he further developed his expertise in real estate, franchise development and site acquisition management.

"I'm honored to join Smashburger's leadership team and work closely with our dedicated team members and franchisees to foster a culture of continuous growth and development," said Jim Sullivan, Chief Development Officer of Smashburger. "Smashburger's commitment to culinary innovation is truly inspiring, and I'm excited to lead the brand's expansion initiatives while elevating the guest experience."

For more information about Smashburger, please visit www.smashburger.com.

About Smashburger

Smashburger is a leading fast-casual better burger restaurant known for its Certified Angus Beef burgers that are smashed on the grill to sear in the juices and seal in the flavor. In addition to burgers, Smashburger offers veggie burgers, signature side items such as SmashFries and SmashTots, and hand-spun shakes. Founded in 2007 in Denver, Colorado, Smashburger is recognized as a 2023 Stevie American Business Award winner for Achievement in Product Innovation, named one of the 2023 Top Workplaces by The Denver Post and ranked as one of Fast Casual's top 50 brands in its 2024 Top 100 Movers & Shakers Award. The brand has 235 corporate and franchise restaurants operating in 32 states and six countries. To learn more, visit www.smashburger.com.

SOURCE Smashburger
Adam Blank, an experienced private investor, businessman and former attorney was formerly the President, Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel of Sleepy's and Mattress Firm Corporation post its acquisition of Sleepy's.

Adam K. Stern remarked, "I am excited to join SolarTech's Board and contribute to its growth mission of changing lives with affordable clean energy. I look forward to leveraging my experience to support SolarTech's growth and success." Adam Blank added, "Joining SolarTech's Board is a fantastic opportunity to blend my operating, legal and business expertise with the company's vision for a cleaner, more sustainable future."

JT Garrison, CEO of SolarTech, shared, "We are excited to welcome both Adam Stern and Adam Blank to our Board of Directors. Their extensive experience and diverse expertise will be invaluable as we continue to deliver value-add renewable energy solutions to our clients."

About SolarTech

SolarTech is a leading provider of turnkey solar solutions for residential, commercial, and non-profit clients in California and Arizona. With a steadfast commitment to excellence and sustainability, SolarTech has been delivering innovative solar energy systems tailored to meet customer needs since 2001. The company ensures timely project delivery, prioritizes job site safety, and upholds the value of in-house expertise with a team of certified solar analysts, technicians, and installers.

For more information about SolarTech and its board members, please visit www.solartechonline.com.

SOURCE SolarTech
NEW YORK, Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Report on how AI is driving market transformation- The global sub-ghz module market size is estimated to grow by USD 650.3 million from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 9.11% during the forecast period. Smart city initiatives by governments is driving market growth, with a trend towards advancements in semiconductor technology. However, varying regulations regarding frequency use poses a challenge. Key market players include Adolf Wurth GmbH and Co. KG, Advantech Co. Ltd., Analog Devices Inc., Digi International Inc., EMBIT S.R.L., Ezurio, HOPE Microelectronics Co. Ltd., Microchip Technology Inc., Murata Manufacturing Co. Ltd., Nordic Semiconductor ASA, NXP Semiconductors NV, Quectel Wireless Solutions Co. Ltd., Radiocrafts AS, Renesas Electronics Corp., Semtech Corp., Silicon Laboratories Inc., STMicroelectronics International N.V., Telit Cinterion, Texas Instruments Inc., and Zyxel Communications Corp..

Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Sub-GHz module market 2024-2028

Key insights into market evolution with AI-powered analysis. Explore trends, segmentation, and growth drivers- View the snapshot of this report

Sub-Ghz Module Market Scope Report Coverage Details Base year 2023 Historic period 2018 - 2022 Forecast period 2024-2028 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 9.11% Market growth 2024-2028 USD 650.3 million Market structure Fragmented YoY growth 2022-2023 (%) 8.91 Regional analysis APAC, North America, Europe, Middle East and Africa, and South America Performing market contribution APAC at 52% Key countries China, US, Japan, South Korea, Germany, Taiwan, UK, India, France, and Italy Key companies profiled Adolf Wurth GmbH and Co. KG, Advantech Co. Ltd., Analog Devices Inc., Digi International Inc., EMBIT S.R.L., Ezurio, HOPE Microelectronics Co. Ltd., Microchip Technology Inc., Murata Manufacturing Co. Ltd., Nordic Semiconductor ASA, NXP Semiconductors NV, Quectel Wireless Solutions Co. Ltd., Radiocrafts AS, Renesas Electronics Corp., Semtech Corp., Silicon Laboratories Inc., STMicroelectronics International N.V., Telit Cinterion, Texas Instruments Inc., and Zyxel Communications Corp.

Market Driver

The Sub-GHz module market is experiencing significant growth due to advancements in semiconductor technology. Smaller process nodes, such as 7nm and 5nm, are enhancing performance by allowing for higher transistor density and improved efficiency, while reducing power consumption. Companies like Semtech and Nordic Semiconductors are integrating these advanced semiconductor processes into their products, resulting in modules with greater range, longer battery life, and higher frequency performance. Additionally, the use of specialized materials like gallium nitride (GaN) and system-on-chip (SoC) designs are pushing the boundaries of Sub-GHz technology, making modules more efficient, versatile, and suitable for various applications, including IoT devices and industrial automation systems. These technological advancements will continue to drive the growth of the global Sub-GHz module market during the forecast period.

The Sub-Ghz module market is witnessing significant growth in various industries including Industrial, Military, Commercial, and Marine sectors. Bluetooth v5 is a trending technology in this market, offering higher data transfer rates and longer range compared to its predecessors Bluetooth v4.2 and Bluetooth v4.0. The Evaluation Quadrant shows Sub-Ghz modules' dominance in Downstream applications such as Smart Home and Building Automation. The Industry chain includes raw materials suppliers, module manufacturers, and downstream application providers. The manufacturing process is crucial, with proprietary technologies playing a key role in ensuring high performance and reliability. Industrial Automation, Military, Commercial, and Marine sectors are major downstream applications for Sub-Ghz modules. Smart Home and Building Automation are also significant markets, driven by the need for energy efficiency and security. The market is expected to continue growing, driven by advancements in technology and increasing demand for wireless communication solutions.

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Market Challenges

Regulatory constraints pose significant challenges to the growth of the global Sub-GHz module market. Different countries have distinct regulations governing the allocation and use of sub-1 GHz frequency bands, which can restrict the deployment and interoperability of Sub-GHz modules. For instance, in the US, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) enforces strict regulations on frequency bands to prevent interference between various communication systems. In Europe , the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) sets specific guidelines for frequency use, which vary across member states. In India , the Ministry of Communications regulates frequency bands and imposes licensing requirements. These regulatory constraints lead to additional costs for manufacturers to ensure compliance, deterring market entry and slowing down the adoption of Sub-GHz technology. Differing standards and regulatory practices across regions can also create barriers to global standardization, impacting the scalability and integration of Sub-GHz modules in international markets. Navigating these regulatory challenges requires substantial investment in understanding and meeting diverse requirements, impeding the growth of the global Sub-GHz module market during the forecast period.

, the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) sets specific guidelines for frequency use, which vary across member states. In , the Ministry of Communications regulates frequency bands and imposes licensing requirements. These regulatory constraints lead to additional costs for manufacturers to ensure compliance, deterring market entry and slowing down the adoption of Sub-GHz technology. Differing standards and regulatory practices across regions can also create barriers to global standardization, impacting the scalability and integration of Sub-GHz modules in international markets. Navigating these regulatory challenges requires substantial investment in understanding and meeting diverse requirements, impeding the growth of the global Sub-GHz module market during the forecast period. The Sub-Ghz module market is experiencing significant growth due to its applications in various industries. Security and industrial automation are key sectors driving demand, with military and commercial applications also gaining traction. Challenges in this market include ensuring security and reliability of data transmission. Industrial automation, marine, and building automation are major downstream applications. The industry chain includes raw materials suppliers, module manufacturers, and downstream customers. Proprietary technologies and manufacturing processes add complexity to the market. Bluetooth v5 is a new player in this space, offering advantages over older versions like v4.2 and v4.0. The Evaluation Quadrant can help businesses make informed decisions when selecting a Sub-Ghz module supplier. Smart Home applications are also emerging as a new market opportunity.

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Segment Overview

This sub-ghz module market report extensively covers market segmentation by

Type

1.1 Transceivers

1.2 Transmitters

1.3 Receivers

1.4 LoRa

Application

2.1 Remote metering

2.2 Smart home

2.3 Smart city

2.4 Smart agriculture

2.5 Others

Geography

3.1 APAC

3.2 North America

3.3 Europe

3.4 Middle East and Africa

and 3.5 South America

1.1 Transceivers- The Sub-Ghz module market is experiencing steady growth due to increasing demand for wireless communication solutions in various industries. These modules offer advantages such as longer range, lower power consumption, and better penetration through obstacles compared to traditional Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technologies. Companies like Texas Instruments, Murata Electronics, and NXP Semiconductors are major players in this market, providing innovative solutions for IoT, smart home, and industrial automation applications. The market is expected to reach significant value by 2025, driven by growing adoption in developing regions and advancements in technology.

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Research Analysis

The Sub-GHz Module Market refers to the industry dedicated to producing and supplying Sub-GHz modules for various applications. These modules operate in the Sub-GHz frequency range, which is ideal for long-range, low-power wireless communications. The market caters to various industries, including Industrial, Military, Commercial, Marine, and others. Downstream applications include Smart Home Automation, Asset Tracking, Telemetry, and IoT devices. The industry chain includes raw material suppliers, manufacturers, and end-users. The manufacturing process involves the assembly of components such as microcontrollers, RF chips, and antennas. Sub-GHz modules are available in various communication protocols like Z-Wave, Wi-SUN, and proprietary ones. Bluetooth v5, v4.2, and v4.0 are also used in some applications, but they operate in different frequency bands.

Market Research Overview

The Sub-Ghz module market is a growing segment in the wireless communication industry, catering to various industries such as Industrial, Military, Commercial, Marine, and others. This market is driven by the demand for low-power, long-range wireless connectivity solutions. Sub-Ghz modules operate at frequencies below 1 GHz, offering advantages like longer range, better penetration, and lower power consumption compared to Bluetooth technologies like Bluetooth v5, Bluetooth v4.2, and Bluetooth v4.0. The industry chain of Sub-Ghz modules includes raw material suppliers, manufacturers, and downstream application industries. The manufacturing process involves the production of modules using proprietary technologies. The market is segmented into applications like Smart Home, Building Automation, Security, and Industrial Automation. The Military and Industrial sectors are significant contributors to the market due to their requirement for secure, long-range communication. The Evaluation Quadrant provides a comprehensive analysis of the market, including market size, growth trends, and competitive landscape.

Table of Contents:

1 Executive Summary

2 Market Landscape

3 Market Sizing

4 Historic Market Size

5 Five Forces Analysis

6 Market Segmentation

Type

Transceivers



Transmitters



Receivers



LoRa

Application

Remote Metering



Smart Home



Smart City



Smart Agriculture



Others

Geography

APAC



North America



Europe



Middle East And Africa



South America



7 Customer Landscape

8 Geographic Landscape

9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends

10 Company Landscape

11 Company Analysis

12 Appendix

About Technavio

Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions.

With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios.

Contacts

Technavio Research

Jesse Maida

Media & Marketing Executive

US: +1 844 364 1100

UK: +44 203 893 3200

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.technavio.com/

SOURCE Technavio
TORONTO, Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - Kevin Strain, President and Chief Executive Officer of Sun Life is pleased to announce leadership changes to Sun Life Canada that will continue to drive the company's strong momentum. Jacques Goulet is assuming a new role as Executive Chair, Sun Life Canada and Jessica Tan will succeed him as President, Sun Life Canada. These changes are effective September 30, 2024.

In his new role, Mr. Goulet will support a smooth leadership transition and help deliver on key elements of our enterprise strategy. Mr. Goulet will also continue as the Chair of the Board of Directors for Dialogue, Sun Life Canada's leading virtual care business, and in his leadership role as Chair of the Board for the Canadian Life & Health Insurance Association.

Since joining Sun Life in 2018, Mr. Goulet has led the organization through significant growth and transformation. He is a purpose-driven leader focused on delivering innovation within the business and industry. In his time as President of Sun Life Canada, he has focused on helping Clients to achieve lifetime financial security and live healthier lives through initiatives that include the creation of a Client Experience Office, launch of Sun Life Health, and the launches of Sun Life One Plan and Prospr by Sun Life. Mr. Goulet has a passion for mental health which is evident both through his activism in the business community to make mental health a priority in the workplace and his commitment to improving access to mental health care in Canada.

Ms. Tan brings extensive global experience in insurance and digital innovation to Sun Life Canada. She has spent her career in leadership roles across financial services and is widely recognized for her thought leadership and execution in digital transformation and health. Most recently, Ms. Tan was co-CEO of one of Asia's largest insurers, where she was also previously the Group COO and CIO. Prior to that Ms. Tan was a partner at McKinsey where she worked in over 13 countries. She holds a Master of Engineering and Computer Science from MIT.

"Jacques has built a culture at Sun Life that fosters creativity and challenges the team to go even further while leveraging an owner's mindset. His leadership has resulted in Sun Life delivering positive and sustainable impact in Canadians' lives. I look forward to working with him closely in his new role," said Kevin Strain, President and CEO, Sun Life. "I am excited to have Jessica join Sun Life's Executive Team and lead the Sun Life Canada business. Jessica brings unique skills and capabilities to Sun Life and most importantly, she is a great fit for our culture with a proven track record of having a Client-focused mindset."

Ms. Tan is an active member of the global business community and has been recognized as one of Forbes' The World's 100 Most Powerful Women since 2019 and held a Top 5 ranking on Fortune's Most Powerful Women for five consecutive years, 2019  2023. She sits on several global boards and advisory committees. Ms. Tan is passionate about healthcare and elderly home care, and has volunteered with the Singapore public healthcare ecosystem to help accelerate the use of technology and online healthcare services, as well as how to provide an integrated wellness, medical and social services at scale for the elderly living at home in the community.

About Sun Life

Sun Life is a leading international financial services organization providing asset management, wealth, insurance and health solutions to individual and institutional Clients. Sun Life has operations in a number of markets worldwide, including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, India, China, Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and Bermuda. As of June 30, 2024, Sun Life had total assets under management of $1.46 trillion. For more information, please visit www.sunlife.com.

Sun Life Financial Inc. trades on the Toronto (TSX), New York (NYSE) and Philippine (PSE) stock exchanges under the ticker symbol SLF.

Media Relations Contact:

Jolene Sonshine

Associate Vice-President, Corporate Communications

T. 647-406-7763

[email protected]

Investor Relations Contact:

David Garg

SVP, Capital Management and Investor Relations

T. 416-408-8649

[email protected]

SOURCE Sun Life Financial Inc.
Parent Company Round Room Donates Over $300K to 17 Charities Having Personal Meaning to Employees

Quote: "I would not be where I am today without Foster Pride. This organization changed my life. I never dreamed the company I work for would help me donate $20,000 to Foster Pride so they can continue to foster other children, and change lives the way they changed mine."- Samuel Hernandez, Wireless Zone Regional Franchise Director

FISHERS, Ind., Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- As hundreds of Wireless Zone employees and franchise owners gathered in Orlando, Florida for their annual convention, parent company Round Room, LLC took the opportunity to surprise franchisees  announcing donations totaling over a quarter of a million dollars to nonprofits chosen by their own store employees.

Parent Company Round Room Donates Over $300K to 17 Charities Having Personal Meaning to Employees Post this Wireless Zone Gives Community Grants Wireless Zone Gives $160,000 in Large Partnership Grants

Founded on a deep commitment to giving back to employees, customers, and the communities it serves, Round Room operates a Local Community Grants program in which employees of its 1,200 TCC and Wireless Zone stores can apply for a grant (up to $10,000) for a local nonprofit. As one of the country's largest Verizon Authorized Retailers, Round Room gives employees the opportunity to identify their passions and make an impact through monetary donations and paid volunteer hours.

Unbeknownst to 10 Wireless Zone franchisees, Round Room's corporate team helped staff apply for grants to nonprofits that have a personal meaning to them. The donations were announced live at convention as a heartfelt video played, showing meaningful moments where employees explained why they selected their respective nonprofit, and highlighted those who will be positively impacted by the funds.

Community Grant Highlights:

Employees applied for grants to benefit their community members in need, including victims of recent shootings, programs for those with special needs, people who are food insecurity, local children's hospitals and more.

Kevin Geklinsky , a regional franchise director, was surprised with a grant to The Gift of Life  Howie's House, which provides those who are undergoing kidney transplants with a place to stay. "When I went through my most recent transplant in 2020, I was amazed at how supportive the Round Room corporate team was throughout the process. To see them really step up and support these organizations that help people in the communities we operate in is truly inspiring."

, a regional franchise director, was surprised with a grant to The Gift of Life  Howie's House, which provides those who are undergoing kidney transplants with a place to stay.

Along with the community grants, Round Room also announced Wireless Zone Large Partnership Grants.

Large Partnership Grant Highlights:

Round Room awarded seven nonprofits with $160,000 worth of donations, including those that benefit child illnesses, the education of those with special needs, the LGBTQ+ community and more.

worth of donations, including those that benefit child illnesses, the education of those with special needs, the LGBTQ+ community and more. Regional franchise director, Samuel Hernandez , was honored that Round Room Gives donated $20,000 to Foster Pride , an organization that helped him as a foster child growing up. "I would not be where I am today without Foster Pride . This organization changed my life. I never dreamed the company I work for would help me donate $20,000 to Foster Pride so they can continue to foster other children, and change lives the way they changed mine."

, was honored that Round Room Gives donated to , an organization that helped him as a foster child growing up. Sunshine Foundation Dream Village received a donation of $50,000 , which will provide at least six children with chronic illnesses or conditions with their dream wish. While $20,000 was from Round Room, the remaining $30,000 was raised at convention through a QR code where staff and owners could contribute to the case. Employees also put together amenity bags for families staying at the Dream Village in Orlando .

The Round Room Way

Philanthropy is simply a part of Round Room's DNA as the company regularly organizes events that leave positive impacts on the communities it serves. On a larger, national scale, Round Room hosts quarterly events including "Teachers Rock," "Rescues Rock," "School Rocks," and "Rock the Pantry." In addition to these collective events, Round Room has donated more than $8M through its community grant program which has supported over 1,600 nonprofit organizations, hospitals, and more.

About Round Room, LLC

Founded on a mission and deep commitment of giving back to employees, customers, and the communities it serves, Round Room is one of the largest Verizon-authorized retailers in the U.S. Its collective portfolio of brands includes TCC, Wireless Zone, and Culture of Good. With more than 1,200 TCC and Wireless Zone retail locations across 43 states, Round Room has donated more than $8M to various causes through ongoing giveback initiatives. The company's efforts have also been recognized through the Top Workplaces USA 2024 award and Top Workplaces Culture Excellence award. To learn more about Round Room, visit www.RoundRoom.com.

About Wireless Zone

Wireless Zone is the nation's largest wireless retail franchisor with more than 720 independently owned and operated Verizon wireless stores across the U.S. Founded in 1988, Wireless Zone has earned prestigious industry rankings on Entrepreneur's Franchise 500 and Franchise Business Review's Top Franchise in 2024. From franchisees to corporate employees, each team member plays a critical role in its giveback efforts through system-wide fundraising campaigns or nominating a local charity for a community grant. The system is franchised and operated by Wireless Zone, LLC. Visit www.WirelessZone.com for more information or www.RoundRoom.com to learn about its parent company, Round Room, LLC.

Media Contact: Jessica Watson, Fishman Public Relations, (847) 945-1300 or [email protected]

SOURCE Round Room (TCC | Wireless Zone)
TAIPEI, Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- TCI Co. Ltd. ("TCI", 8436.TWO), a global leader in ODM health and cosmetic products for over 40 years, introduces its cutting-edge GLP-1 formula, a natural blend of plant extracts, probiotics, and prebiotics designed to deliver powerful weight management results.

The global obesity crisis continues to surge. In 2022, the WHO reported over one billion people as obesearound one-eighth of the global population. By 2035, the World Obesity Federation predicts the economic cost of obesity will exceed $4 trillion annually. Meanwhile, The Economist projects that the weight loss and obesity drug market will skyrocket to $150 billion by the early 2030s, with GLP-1 analogs becoming as widely used as medications for blood pressure or cholesterol.

The Science Behind TCI's GLP-1 Formula

TCI leverages its proprietary Bio-Resource Data Mining technology, an AI-powered system that autonomously identifies potent natural compounds. Backed by in-vitro studies and human trials, TCI's GLP-1 formula has proven to be a game-changer in the health and wellness sector. The formula stimulates natural GLP-1 secretion, enhances fat metabolism, stabilizes blood glucose, and induces white fat browningmaking it an effective solution for sustainable weight management.

Internal human trials confirmed the GLP-1 formula's ability to promote GLP-1 secretion and regulate blood glucose levels. Cell experiments further validated its effectiveness in stimulating natural GLP-1 production from intestinal L-cells, which is key to controlling appetite and promoting fat loss.

"At TCI, we develop high-performance supplements based on scientifically proven data, ensuring our clients' products enhance consumer health and quality of life," said Vincent Lin, Chairman of TCI.

Real Results: TCI Employees Experience GLP-1 Formula Success

TCI invited employees to try the GLP-1 formula, with participants losing an average of 4.9 kg in just two monthsfostering enthusiasm for healthier lifestyles. Available in liquid, powder sachets, and tablet forms, the formula is now being fast-tracked for international markets through partnerships with global clients. TCI's mission is to deliver natural, convenient weight management solutions that not only transform consumers' lives but also set new standards for the health and nutrition industry.

What is GLP-1?

GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1) is a hormone primarily secreted by intestinal L-cells in response to food intake. It plays a key role in regulating insulin secretion, suppressing glucagon release, reducing appetite, and slowing gastric emptyingall crucial for controlling hunger and supporting weight loss.

Clinical Benefits of TCI's GLP-1 Formula

Enhanced GLP-1 Secretion

In a controlled trial, participants given the GLP-1 formula showed a significant 10.3% increase in GLP-1 concentration within 60 minutes, compared to those who did not take the formula. This boost helped maintain stable GLP-1 levels, reducing hunger and supporting healthy weight loss.

Stabilized Postprandial Blood Glucose

In another study, participants' blood glucose levels were measured after consuming breakfast with and without the GLP-1 formula. Remarkably, the formula reduced glucose spikes by 97%, demonstrating its powerful ability to stabilize post-meal blood sugar levels.

Proven Weight Management Efficacy

A 4-week human trial showed that daily use of the GLP-1 formula led to notable improvements in key health markers. Participants experienced a 4.2% reduction in total cholesterol, a 2.93% increase in HDL ("good" cholesterol), and a 2.71% decrease in LDL ("bad" cholesterol), lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease while effectively managing weight.

TCI's innovative GLP-1 formula is paving the way for a healthier future by offering natural, science-backed solutions for weight management. As the global demand for effective weight loss solutions grows, TCI remains at the forefront, leading the charge in transforming how consumers approach their health and well-being.

Related linkhttps://www.tci-bio.com/

SOURCE TCI; TCI Bio
The award celebrates Marshall's transformative leadership and dedication to creating inclusive corporate cultures.

WASHINGTON, Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Executive Leadership Council (ELC), the preeminent global membership organization for Black CEOs, senior executives, corporate board directors, top-tier entrepreneurs, and global thought leaders, is proud to announce that Cynt Marshall, CEO of the Dallas Mavericks, will be honored with the 2024 ELC Achievement Award at the ELC Recognition Gala. The event will take place on October 3, 2024, at the Marriott Marquis in Washington, D.C.

The Executive Leadership Council (ELC), the preeminent global membership organization for Black CEOs, senior executives, corporate board directors, top-tier entrepreneurs, and global thought leaders, named Cynt Marshall, CEO of the Dallas Mavericks, recipient of the 2024 ELC Achievement Award.

The Achievement Award is presented annually to a Black corporate executive whose business and career achievements exemplify bold, transformative, and courageous leadership. This year's honoree, Cynt Marshall, has distinguished herself as a trailblazer in corporate America, breaking barriers and setting new standards for diversity, equity, and inclusion. As the NBA's first Black female CEO, Marshall has led a cultural transformation at the Dallas Mavericks, fostering an environment of inclusivity and fairness.

"Cynt Marshall's historic leadership is truly a beacon of excellence and resilience. With an impressive 36-year career at AT&T before becoming the first Black woman CEO of the Dallas Mavericks, Cynt has shattered barriers and redefined what transformative leadership looks like. Her unwavering commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, along with her steadfast integrity, makes her a true trailblazer. It is a privilege to honor her with the Annual Achievement Award for her outstanding contributions to advancing opportunities for all."

Marshall's career spans over four decades, including senior leadership roles at AT&T, where she became known for her groundbreaking work in diversity and human resources. Since joining the Mavericks in 2018, she has led significant improvements in the organization's culture and business performance. Under her leadership, the Mavericks have seen substantial increases in executive diversity, with a 350% rise in women in executive leadership and a 224% increase in people of color at the VP level and above.

Past recipients of The Executive Leadership Council (ELC) Achievement Award include Mellody Hobson, Ursula Burns, Kenneth Frazier, and Roger W. Ferguson Jr., among others.

The 2024 ELC Recognition Gala, themed "Unstoppable Together," is the punctuating event that wraps up ELC Gala Week, the organization's premier annual event, celebrating the achievements of Black executives and fostering the next generation of Black leaders. Held over several days, the week includes a series of high-profile events, including the ELC Recognition Gala, which honors outstanding individuals and companies for their bold leadership and commitment to excellence, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

About The Executive Leadership Council

The Executive Leadership Council opens channels of opportunity for the development of Black executives to positively impact business and our communities. Founded in 1986, The ELC comprises more than 800 current and former Black CEOs, senior executives, and board directors committed to increasing the number of global Black executives in C-suites, on corporate boards, and in global enterprises.

Media Contact: Sonia Diaz, [email protected]

SOURCE The Executive Leadership Council
NATICK, Mass., Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- ThinkLite Air, a pioneer in indoor air quality (IAQ) solutions, proudly announces its collaboration with Medxcel, a subsidiary of Ascension and most recently, Prime Healthcare, to enhance patient safety at a Texas children's hospital. This partnership underscores ThinkLite Air's commitment to improving healthcare outcomes by delivering industry leading IAQ technology designed to protect vulnerable populations.

GBAC STAR Registered ThinkLite Air Flair ThinkLite Air Purilux LED Air Purifying Light & Flair IAQ Monitor

Medxcel has relied on ThinkLite Air for nearly four years to help track and reduce healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) in healthcare facilities. In Summer 2024, Medxcel installed ThinkLite Air Purilux units in every patient room and common area of the Oncology wing at a Texas children's hospital. ThinkLite Air Flair monitors were also strategically placed throughout the wing to ensure continuous monitoring and optimization of IAQ levels.

Impressive Results:

Ultrafine pollution (PC0.1) decreased by 73%, addressing the critical 0.1-0.3 micron range, where most airborne pathogens reside.





Reduced coarse pollution (PM2.5), which includes allergens, dust, spores and the like, by 96%.





Total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs) dropped by 16%.

The Flair monitors not only verified the effectiveness of the Purilux units but also enabled real-time alerts for administrators when IAQ metrics breach pre-set thresholds. Additionally, the Flair data demonstrated that spaces within the Oncology wing are now performing at an ISO 3-4 "clean room" level, revealing opportunities for significant energy savings through optimized HVAC operations.

Brandon Quigley, National Director of Operations at Medxcel, praised the initiative: "ThinkLite Air has provided us with actionable data and proven solutions that reassure us our building systems are providing top-tier protection for our patients and staff. This partnership not only helps us optimize our facility's operations but also empowers us to make informed decisions moving forward."

Following the success of this project, Medxcel and ThinkLite Air are exploring opportunities to expand these IAQ improvements across additional Medxcel facilities, further safeguarding patient health.

About ThinkLite Air

ThinkLite Air is an industry leader in IAQ monitoring and purification solutions. Leveraging proprietary AI technology to autonomously detect and remove harmful airborne pollutants in real-time, ThinkLite Air designs and manufactures innovative products that improve health, safety, and productivity. With a commitment to improving air quality backed by extensive research, ThinkLite Air is a trusted partner for organizations dedicated to health and energy efficiency.

Contact: ThinkLite Air

(617) 500-6689

[email protected]

www.thinklite.com

SOURCE ThinkLite
World's smallest projection display for AR smart glasses and automotive applications

VIENNA, Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- TriLite, the developer of the world's smallest projection display, has successfully completed an extended Series A funding round, raising its total Series A funding to more than 20 million. This round saw significant investments from two strategic investors  Continental's Corporate Venture Capital Unit and an undisclosed global electronics supplier for TriLite's Trixel 3 projection display.

Trixel 3 Laser Beam Scanner Projection Display Trixel 3 RGB Light Module

With their extensive industry knowledge, technical expertise and operational resources, the strategic investors will further accelerate TriLite's go-to-market success. Their involvement confirms TriLite's commitment to advancing its footprint in both the augmented reality (AR) and automotive markets.

"TriLite has developed an outstanding display solution for AR applications and Continental places high value on TriLite's innovative technology. Beyond consumer applications we see high potential in various automotive applications," said Jurgen Bilo, Managing Director der Continental Corporate Venture Capital Unit.

Existing financial investors APEX Ventures, B&C Innovation Investments and TEC Ventures also participated in this round. Their long-term guidance and support have been pivotal in scaling TriLite's operations and bringing its innovative technologies to market. Their continued confidence underscores the robustness of TriLite's business strategy and technological advancements.

"TriLite has proven the function and the product-to-market fit of its Laser Beam Scanning (LBS) technology for high-volume consumer applications. With this latest funding and the expertise of our strategic investors, we will qualify and industrialize our LBS optical engine for consumer AR systems and automotive applications," stated Dr. Peter Weigand, CEO of TriLite.

Weigand added, "Our shareholder base consists of world-class and globally leading companies and financial investors. Our technology and our business strategy are consistently being evaluated very positively by customers and investors. This latest investment will enable us to focus on mass production and further improve our leading intellectual property (IP) position."

TriLite's Trixel 3 projector offers unprecedented image performance and brightness in an ultra-compact display, enabling original design manufacturers (ODMs) and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to develop consumer AR smart glasses and automotive driver information and passenger comfort applications.

About TriLite

TriLite designs and builds the world's smallest projection displays and ensures that everyone can enjoy augmented vision as lightweight as the eyewear of today. TriLite's display solutions are based on proprietary, multi-parameter algorithms and deploy advanced machine learning algorithms to generate laser beam scanning devices with unprecedented size, weight and image quality. An outstanding team of multidisciplinary researchers and manufacturing experts stands behind TriLite's multiple-patented technology. TriLite enables its customers to accelerate the availability of leading-edge display solutions for mass market Augmented Reality applications.

See www.trilite-tech.com

About Continental

Continental develops pioneering technologies and services for sustainable and connected mobility of people and their goods. Founded in 1871, the technology company offers safe, efficient, intelligent and affordable solutions for vehicles, machines, traffic and transportation. In 2023, Continental generated sales of 41.4 billion, and currently employs around 200,000 people in 56 countries and markets.

About Continental Corporate Venture Capital

Continental's Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) unit invests in young technology companies, giving startups direct access to Continental's global mobility and industry expertise. The CVC unit focuses on early-stage companies that operate in Continental's long-term, strategic growth areas. Founded in 2018, it aims to foster innovation rapidly and effectively in order to accelerate transformation across industries.

About APEX Ventures

APEX Ventures is a European venture capital firm focusing on deep tech companies. The team act not only as investors but also as company builders with a mission to support the most talented startup teams in building global market leaders. The team is based in Vienna and Munich. www.apex.ventures

About B&C Innovation Investments

The B&C Group invests in expanding technology-focused businesses that support 'old economy' industrial companies with digitalization and/or optimization. It makes these investments through B&C Innovation Investments GmbH (BCII, www.innovation-investments.at). By investing in industrial tech scale-ups  and through its majority holdings in AMAG, Lenzing and Semperit and its long-standing research funding activities  the B&C Group aims to strengthen Austria's standing as a business location.

About TEC Ventures

TEC Ventures is the venture capital arm of the Goede Group, a family-owned corporation headquartered in Germany, focused on investments from the seed- to the early expansion phase. We invest in promising start-up teams with technical and innovative products and business models in strong growth or future markets, with the aim of building a market-leading company. We do not only support our portfolio companies with capital, but also with operational and strategic alignment and a broad network of companies, partners and experts from various specialist areas. www.tec-ventures.com

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SOURCE TriLite
LOS ANGELES, Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- TTLife Oxygen Concentrator, is proud to announce its certification as a VARON-certified dealer of oxygen concentrators. This recognition solidifies TTLife's commitment to delivering high-quality, reliable, safe medical equipment.

As we approach World First Aid Day on September 14, 2024, TTLife urges everyone to prioritize first aid preparedness. With the increasing prevalence of health emergencies, having the right tools and knowledge can significantly save lives.

Established Partner for Respiratory Solutions

Since its founding in 2018, TTLife Oxygen Concentrator has been a dedicated partner for individuals facing respiratory challenges. Their mission is to provide accessible and dependable oxygen concentrators, especially for those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Believing oxygen to be vital, TTLife Oxygen Concentrator strives to lessen the burden of respiratory issues through assistance and support.

Strong industry partnerships have solidified TTLife's reputation for quality and reliability. With over 60,000 satisfied customers, the company is driven to continuously develop in respiratory care, positively impacting lives worldwide.

The Importance of First Aid and Respiratory Health

First aid plays a crucial role in saving lives and minimizing the severity of injuries. In emergency situations, having the knowledge and tools to provide immediate assistance can make all the difference. Respiratory health is particularly important, as the lungs are vital for oxygen intake and carbon dioxide removal.

When faced with respiratory emergencies, such as difficulty breathing, asthma attacks, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), having access to the right equipment can be life-saving. Oxygen concentrators are essential devices that can provide a steady supply of oxygen, helping individuals to breathe easier and recover more quickly.

According to Dr. Albert Rizzo, Chief Medical Officer of the American Lung Association, "Having access to a reliable oxygen concentrator can be crucial in preventing serious health complications and even saving lives. These devices provide a lifeline for individuals with respiratory conditions, allowing them to live more independently and enjoy a better quality of life."

TTLife Oxygen Concentrators: Your Lifeline in Emergencies

TTLife's oxygen concentrators are designed to meet the needs of individuals with respiratory conditions. These devices are compact, portable, and easy to use, making them ideal for both home and on-the-go use. TTLife's oxygen concentrators can help alleviate symptoms, improve overall well-being, and reduce the risk of complications by providing a continuous flow of oxygen.

Oxygen Therapy: TTLife's oxygen concentrators provide a reliable and efficient source of oxygen for individuals with respiratory ailments such as dyspnea (difficulty breathing) or COPD. By delivering a steady supply of oxygen, these devices can help improve breathing, reduce fatigue, and enhance overall quality of life.

TTLife's oxygen concentrators provide a reliable and efficient source of oxygen for individuals with respiratory ailments such as dyspnea (difficulty breathing) or COPD. By delivering a steady supply of oxygen, these devices can help improve breathing, reduce fatigue, and enhance overall quality of life. Sleep Apnea Treatment: TTLife's CPAP and BiPAP machines are designed to address sleep apnea, a condition characterized by disrupted breathing during sleep. These devices deliver continuous positive airway pressure, helping to keep the airways open and prevent snoring and excessive daytime sleepiness.

VARON Certification: A Guarantee of Quality

VARON certification is a rigorous process that ensures that medical devices meet the highest safety and quality standards. By obtaining VARON certification, TTLife demonstrates its commitment to providing reliable and effective healthcare solutions to its customers.

Mr Reynolds, a satisfied customer of TTLife's oxygen concentrator, shared his experience:

"I'm a 92-year-old man with Congestive Heart Failure, and I live in a flood zone. TTLife oxygen concentrator has been a lifesaver for me. It's compact, easy to use, and provides the oxygen I need to stay independent. I highly recommend it to anyone with respiratory issues."

About TTLife Oxygen Concentrator

TTLife Oxygen Concentrator is a leading provider of medical equipment and oxygen therapy solutions. As a VARON-certified dealer, they deliver high-quality products and exceptional customer service.

Don't miss out on TTLife's informative blogs and resources about first aid and respiratory health. Stay updated on the latest tips, techniques, and information to help you prepare for any emergency.

Join TTLife Oxygen Concentrator by investing in respiratory health and empowering yourself with the knowledge and tools to save lives. Visit TTLife's website to learn more about their products and services.

For more information, please contact:

Company: TTLife Oxygen Concentrator

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://oxygenconcentrator.shop/

SOURCE Varon oxygen concentrator
PARIS, Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Huawei announced the implementation stage of the Technology-enabled Open Schools for All Phase II project in Brazil, Egypt, and Thailand at Digital Learning Week, UNESCO's flagship event on digital learning and the transformation of education.

Attendees at the UNESCO-Huawei Technology-enabled Open Schools for All Forum / Image Credit  UNESCO / M. Etchegoyen

Running from 2024 to 2027, Phase II of the UNESCO-Huawei initiative will support the digital transformation of education in each of the three nations through digital open school models. These models combine technology innovations and human capabilities to create flexible, resilient, inclusive, and quality learning environments that blend offline and online learning.

The implementation stage of the project's Phase II follows the design stage, which was launched in April 2024, to establish the specific needs and priorities of the three nations.

The announcement was made at the Technology-enabled Open Schools for All Forum hosted by UNESCO and Huawei during Digital Learning Week. The Forum focused on the lessons learned and achievements of Phase I, which ran in Egypt, Ethiopia, and Ghana between 2020 and 2024, and provided valuable insights for the implementation of Phase II.

Distinguished guests included H.E. Mr Mohamed Abdel Latif, Minister of Education and Technical Education for Egypt; H.E. Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, Minister of Education for Ghana; delegates from the ministries of education from Ethiopia, Brazil, and Thailand; and representatives from UNESCO and Huawei.

"In Egypt, we have embarked on a transformative journey in education rooted in the belief that technology is not just a tool but a catalyst for unlocking potential, nurturing creativity, and expanding opportunities for both educators and learners. The success of the first phase of this project is a testament to the dedication of our educators and partners," said H. E. Mohamed Abdel-Latif, Minister of Education and Technical Education of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

Aligned with Huawei's TECH4ALL digital inclusion program, the technology aspect of the Open School initiative centers on connecting schools, providing training for educators in ICT skills, and the development of digital education resources.

"The Open School approach aims to drive the human-centered digital transformation of the education sector through connectivity, competence, and content," said Joyce Liu, Director of the TECH4ALL Program Office at Huawei. "Through a partnership approach that leverages technology tailored to specific national priorities, we believe that we can realize equitable and inclusive access to lifelong learning opportunities for all."

The Brazil Open School project centers on advancing inclusion and green-oriented learning. Aligned with the nation's Connected Schools Strategy, the project will build five smart schools, while two digital training centers will provide training for teachers in ICT skills, and digital courses will enable online learning.

Thailand's Open School project aims to foster well-being in the education domain. Aligned with its 2018-2037 national strategy, the project will build ten smart schools and expand the use of smart classrooms, with competence developed for teachers through training in ICT skills and learning resources provided on digital platforms.

The Open School projects in Brazil and Thailand will serve as benchmarks for the Latin America and ASEAN regions, respectively.

The Phase II project in Egypt will focus on expanding teacher training in ICT skills, continuing the momentum from Phase I where a New Center for Distance Learning was established, benefiting 950,000 educators.

The Phase I Open School projects in Ethiopia and Ghana also delivered significant progress in advancing educational technology and empowering educators:

Ethiopia equipped and trained 12,000 students and 250 educators across 24 pilot secondary schools, and developed its first EdTech training manual to support its new Digital Education Strategy (2023-2028).

equipped and trained 12,000 students and 250 educators across 24 pilot secondary schools, and developed its first EdTech training manual to support its new Digital Education Strategy (2023-2028). Ghana improved its national educational platforms, developed an ICT Competency Framework for Teachers, and provided ten schools with ICT equipment, benefiting 1,000 teachers and 3,000 students.

About Huawei TECH4ALL

TECH4ALL is Huawei's long-term digital inclusion initiative and action plan. Enabled by innovative technologies and partnerships, TECH4ALL is designed to help promote inclusion and sustainability in the digital world.

For more information, please visit the Huawei TECH4ALL website at https://www.huawei.com/en/tech4all

Follow us on X at:

https://twitter.com/HUAWEI_TECH4ALL

SOURCE Huawei
According to iData's findings, the RPM market has shown strong high-single-digit growth across the U.S. and Europe, with this upward trajectory expected to continue throughout the forecast period. The increasing demand for monitoring devices, both in and outside of professional healthcare settings, is reshaping the industry. Traditional patient monitoring devices are now being updated to include wireless connectivity and software compatibility, facilitating seamless system integration and enhancing workflow efficiencies in healthcare settings.

U.S. Market Trends : Remote Patient Monitoring Leading the Charge

In the U.S., the largest segment of the patient monitoring market is remote patient monitoring, which is also the fastest-growing segment. Supported by recent improvements in reimbursement policies, RPM is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in the high-single-digit range throughout the forecast period. By the end of the forecast period, RPM will remain the highest-value segment of the U.S. market. Following RPM, the pulse oximetry monitoring market is the second-largest segment, highlighting the widespread demand for non-invasive monitoring technologies.

The U.S. market for PME is also being influenced by the rise of alternative care facilities such as micro-hospitals, cardiac hospitals, and orthopedic hospitals, as well as freestanding emergency departments (FEDs). A key trend within this space is the integration of patient monitoring devices into Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs), which are increasingly responsible for outpatient care, particularly for elective and minimally invasive procedures. The expansion of RPM into ASCs is set to create significant opportunities for PME manufacturers to develop portable, wireless, and telemedicine-integrated monitoring devices tailored to the specific needs of outpatient facilities. However, with rising demand comes heightened competition among manufacturers to offer affordable, scalable solutions that meet the unique demands of these centers.

European Market Trends : Home-Based Monitoring on the Rise

Similar to the U.S., Europe has seen rapid growth in the adoption of RPM, particularly during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Countries with aging populations, such as Germany, Italy, and the UK, are leading the way in RPM adoption as healthcare systems shift more care to home-based settings to reduce the strain on hospitals. The UK and Germany boast the most mature RPM markets, supported by successful pilot studies and the implementation of reimbursement policies. In the coming years, countries with high healthcare spending per capita and large rural populations, including Scandinavian nations, are expected to experience accelerated growth in RPM adoption.

Furthermore, countries with a greater proportion of privately insured citizens, such as France, Benelux, and Germany, may see even more robust expansion of the RPM market, driven by private insurers offering complementary telemedicine coverage.

Market Share Leaders in the U.S. and Europe

United States

Medtronic was the market leader in the total U.S. patient monitoring equipment market in 2023, holding significant shares in several key segments. The company dominated the RPM, cerebral oximetry, pulse oximetry, intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM), and standalone capnography monitoring markets. Medtronic's strength in these areas has been bolstered by its extensive portfolio of innovative, connected monitoring solutions.

Philips Healthcare ranked as the second-largest competitor in the U.S. PME market in 2023, with a strong presence in multi-parameter vital signs monitoring, wireless ambulatory telemetry, RPM, and fetal and neonatal monitoring markets. The company's leadership in multiple product categories highlights its comprehensive approach to addressing the diverse monitoring needs of healthcare facilities across the U.S.

GE HealthCare, the third-largest player in the U.S. market, excelled in the multi-parameter vital signs, fetal and neonatal, ECG monitoring, and blood pressure monitoring markets. GE HealthCare's MAC product line, particularly in ECG monitoring, continues to set the standard for performance and reliability in the U.S. healthcare industry.

Other notable competitors are: Abbott, Ambu, Avanos Medical, B. Braun, Biotronik, Boston Scientific, Cardinal Health, ConMed, Cooper Surgical, Dexcom, Drager Medical, Fukuda Denshi, Getinge, Medline, Omron Healthcare, Teleflex Medical, Tensys, Terumo, and more.

Europe

In 2023, Philips Healthcare led the total European patient monitoring equipment market, building on its long history of innovation. The company's success was partly driven by the release of its Rapid Equipment Deployment Kit during the COVID-19 pandemic, which allowed European hospitals to quickly scale up their intensive care unit (ICU) monitoring capabilities. Combining advanced patient monitoring technology with predictive patient-centric algorithms, this kit enabled care teams to respond efficiently during periods of high demand.

GE HealthCare followed closely behind as the second-largest competitor in the European PME market, with a strong foothold in multi-parameter vital signs, wireless ambulatory telemetry, fetal and neonatal, blood pressure, and ECG monitoring markets. GE Healthcare's dominance in the Electrocephalogram (ECG) monitoring segment, particularly with its MAC product line, further solidifies its role as a critical player in the European PME landscape.

Another notable player in Europe is Tunstall Healthcare, which has pioneered the telehealth space over the past 60 years. Supporting over five million people globally, Tunstall's Lifeline Smart Hub is a standout innovation. This cloud-based system integrates all telehealth solutions into one home unit, working on cellular networks without the need for a landline. The Lifeline Smart Hub has removed location limitations, further driving Tunstall's influence in the RPM and telehealth markets across Europe.

Other notable competitors are: Abbott, B. Braun, Baxter, Cardinal Health, Compumedics, Conmed, Heyer Medical AG, Holtex, ICU Medical, LivaNova, Nonin, Noraxon, Osypka Medical, Progetti Medical, Promed Medical, Siemens, Smiths Medical, Teleflex, and more.

Growth in the Rapid EEG Market

Among the emerging segments within the PME market, the dedicated rapid Electrocardiogram (EEG) market stands out for its rapid expansion. The exponential growth in this segment is being driven by increasing unit sales as well as a gradual rise in the average selling price (ASP) of each monitor. From 2023 to 2030, the rapid EEG market is projected to grow at a CAGR exceeding 5%. As of November 2023, there are fewer than five major competitors in the rapid EEG market, creating significant opportunities for new entrants in the coming years.

Future Outlook

As the U.S. and European healthcare markets continue to embrace IoT-enabled patient monitoring devices, iData's reports indicate that manufacturers capable of delivering interoperable, wireless, and cost-effective monitoring systems will be well-positioned for success. The combination of technological advancements, favorable reimbursement policies, and the shift toward home-based and alternate care settings is expected to fuel sustained growth in the RPM market.

"Our latest reports highlight the critical role that patient monitoring devices are playing in shaping the future of healthcare delivery, both in the U.S. and Europe," said Dr. Kamran Zamanian, CEO of iData Research. "The integration of these devices into IoT environments, along with the expansion of remote monitoring and alternate care facilities, is transforming patient care, driving efficiency, and creating significant opportunities for device manufacturers."

For more information about iData's U.S. and European patient monitoring equipment market reports, or to request a sample, please visit each report through the hyperlinks.

In addition, for a global overview of these and other notable markets across 65 countries, refer to the Global patient monitoring equipment market report .

About iData Research

iData Research is a global consulting and market research firm dedicated to providing actionable insights and data-driven intelligence for the medical device, dental, and pharmaceutical industries. By combining in-depth research methodologies with a global network of key opinion leaders, iData provides reliable data that companies use to make informed decisions about market strategies, product development, and expansion.

SOURCE iData Research Inc.

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SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Vehere, a new-age cybersecurity software company, is thrilled to welcome Wahab Yusoff as its Board and Business Advisor. Yusoff's expertise will be instrumental, as Vehere accelerates its growth and expansion in the rapidly-evolving AsiaPacific cybersecurity landscape.

Wahab is a dynamic senior executive, with over 35 years of experience in the cybersecurity, IT, and computer industries. He specializes in guiding companies, from established enterprises to emerging start-ups, to successfully navigate the complex business landscape of the AsiaPacific region, including India, China, and other high-growth markets.

Yusoff has held key positions at esteemed organizations, such as Intel Security, Palo Alto Networks, Forescout, and is currently a Board Member of Energy Market Authority, Changi Airport Group, and a few other organisations. Additionally, he serves as the Founding Partner and Acting CEO of Rekanext, a venture capital firm dedicated to mentoring and guiding early-stage start-ups on their journey to success.

Wahab, based in Singapore, expressed his enthusiasm for being associated with Vehere, stating, "What is unique about Vehere is that there is a strong passion for innovative thinking and market disruption. I am eager to collaborate with the leadership team and contribute to the business' ambitious growth plans."

Naveen Jaiswal, Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Vehere, said, "I am delighted to welcome Wahab aboard, as we continue to strengthen our global footprint. Wahab's enormous wealth of experience will be invaluable for Vehere to scale up and become a market leader in the cybersecurity domain."

Following suit, Praveen Jaiswal, Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer, Vehere, added, "We are lucky to draw on Wahab's expertise as we implement robust strategies to make our technology innovative and more accessible to a wider audience."

Wahab has a Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from the National University of Singapore and a postgraduate degree in Finance, Strategic Planning, Marketing, and HR from Heriot-Watt University.

About Vehere

Vehere is a revolutionary cybersecurity software company specializing in AI Cyber Network Intelligence. For more than a decade, Vehere has been supporting counter-terrorism analysts in Defense and Intelligence communities. Vehere is now trusted by cyber-analysts in Fortune 500 companies, including Telecom, Financial Institutions, and Smart Cities, to protect their critical infrastructure against real-time cyberattacks.

Vehere. HUNT BEFORE BREACH

Media Contact

Sreya Sengupta

[email protected]

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SOURCE Vehere
SINGAPORE, Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Velo Labs, a global pioneer in Web3-based financial solutions, today announced that the assets that back Velo's USDV token, the stablecoin of the Velo ecosystem, are now comprised of an investment in BlackRock's USD Institutional Digital Liquidity Fund (BUIDL), tokenized by Securitize. USDV serves as the primary store of value and unit of transfer across Velo's suite of payment and trading applications.

Velo Labs Brings BlackRock's Tokenized Short-Term Treasury Fund to Southeast Asia

Over 1 million Velo's Orbit payment app users and vendors across Southeast Asia leverage USDV for seamless transactions, value storage without a bank account, cross-border money transfers, and off-ramping to local currencies at local banks 24/7 - all while earning yield on-chain. Additionally, Velo's FX, commodity, and crypto traders on its Universe exchange and DeFi protocol Velo Finance can earn yield on funds held on the exchange and have the opportunity to compound those returns via various Velo liquidity pools and staking programs.

Today's announcement follows Velo's recent partnership with the Laos government to tokenize its physical gold reserves. Velo is rapidly establishing itself as a leading provider of blockchain-powered payments, trading, and RWA asset offerings across Asia.

Velo Labs co-chairman Chatchaval Jiaravanon commented: "Velo Labs is very pleased to bring BlackRock's high-quality institutional yield product to Southeast Asia. At Velo, we are building the bridges and rails that will ensure frictionless, borderless, and formless payment and trading experiences for both institutional and retail users across Asia. Today's announcement demonstrates our commitment to bringing Velo users access to the highest-quality institutional assets in the world."

Securitize co-founder and President Jamie Finn added "This is a great example of a firm leveraging open web3 standards to deliver a product to their market"

About Velo Labs

Velo Labs is a global pioneer in Web3-based financial solutions, offering a cutting-edge liquidity and settlement network for secure, efficient value transfers. Backed by the Stellar Network and CP Group, our reach has expanded beyond Southeast Asia and the Pacific, now serving partners worldwide. We connect and complement the gap between traditional banking infrastructure and Web3, leading the way in blockchain mass adoption. Our extensive

Web3-based payment network, along with Lightnet, our licensed settlement partner, position us as a global heavyweight. Velo Labs offers a diverse range of Web3-based products, notably Orbit, tailored for individuals, merchants, corporations, and enterprises worldwidededicated to empowering global financial connectivity and expanding accessibility globally. Follow us for more info: Twitter / Telegram

About Securitize

Securitize, the leader in tokenizing real-world assets, is driving the compliant digitization of financial assets through next-generation blockchain technology. Securitize, or through its subsidiaries, is a registered broker-dealer (member Finra/ SIPC) and operates a primary marketplace, an alternative trading system, as well as a top 10 transfer agent and has an exempt reporting adviser. Learn more at http://www.securitize.io

SOURCE Velo Labs Technology Ltd.
HOUSTON, Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Venterra Realty has been recognized by Fortune magazine & the Great Place To Work Institute as one of the 2024 Fortune Best Medium Workplaces. This is the 7th time Venterra has been named on the list.

To determine the Best Medium Workplaces list, Great Place To Work analyzed the survey responses of over 213,000 employees from Great Place To Work Certified companies with between 100 and 999 U.S. employees.

2024 Best Medium Workplaces List

"Being recognized among the top 100 companies is a significant achievement for Venterra, and we are proud that this marks the 7th time we have been mentioned on this list. This acknowledgment reflects our teams' commitment to our core values and our relentless pursuit of excellence in everything we do.," said Venterra CEO, John Foresi. "Our culture of collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity is what truly sets us apart and makes Venterra a great place to work. We look forward to continuing to foster a workplace that inspires growth, creativity, and success for our colleagues," said Andrew Stewart, Venterra Chairman.

The Best Medium Workplaces list is highly competitive. Great Place To Work, the global authority on workplace culture, determines its lists using its proprietary For All methodology to evaluate and certify thousands of organizations in America's largest ongoing annual workforce study, based on over 1.3 million survey responses and data from companies representing more than 8.2 million employees this year alone.

Survey responses reflect a comprehensive picture of the workplace experience. Honorees were selected based on their ability to offer positive outcomes for employees regardless of job role, race, gender, sexual orientation, work status, or other demographic identifier.

"Some of the strongest work cultures we measure every year come from companies with relatively small headcounts," says Michael C. Bush, CEO of Great Place To Work. "Companies that make this highly competitive list offer the care and support found at companies 10 times their size."

Venterra's unique culture has been honored by the Great Place To Work Institute with various awards in the past. Other recent recognitions from the organization include 2024 PEOPLE Companies that Care, Best Workplaces in Real Estate, Best Workplaces in Texas, and Best Workplaces in Canada. View all Venterra's previous awards from the Great Place To Work Institute and learn more about their latest survey results from their U.S. company profile and Canadian company profile.

About Venterra:

Founded in 2001, Venterra Realty develops, owns and manages approximately 90 communities and about 26,000 apartment units across 21 major US cities. Venterra provides housing to over 50,000 people and 15,000 pets. The organization has completed $9.7 Billion in real estate transactions and currently manages a portfolio of multi-family real estate assets valued at approximately $5.5 Billion. Venterra is committed to improving the lives of its residents by delivering industry-leading customer experience. Find out more about Venterra Realty and its award-winning company culture at Venterra.com.

About the Fortune Best Medium Workplaces List

Great Place To Work selected the Fortune Best Medium Workplaces List by surveying companies employing 8.2 million people in the U.S., with 1.3 million confidential responses received. Of those, more than 213,000 responses were received from employees at companies eligible for the Best Medium Workplaces list and this ranking is based on that feedback. Company scores are derived from 60 employee experience questions within the Great Place To Work Trust Index Survey. Read the full methodology.

To get on this list next year, start here.

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, X, and Instagram or visit greatplacetowork.com and sign up for the newsletter to learn more.

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. Used under license. Fortune is a registered trademark and Fortune World's Most Admired Companies is a trademark of Fortune Media IP Limited and are used under license. Fortune and Fortune Media IP Limited are not affiliated with, and do not endorse the products or services of, Venterra Realty. Logo adapted with permission.

CONTACT:

Allie Lewnes

[email protected]

SOURCE Venterra Realty
DAM Systems with Creative Tools Can Transform Enterprise Workflows

SANTA CRUZ, Calif., Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Santa Cruz Software , a leader in creative operations and digital asset management (DAM) solutions, today released a new whitepaper "Streamlined DAM Creativity: Integrating DAM Systems with Creative Tools for Enhanced Efficiency." Authored by Ralph Windsor, managing editor of DAM News , the whitepaper explores the benefits of integrating DAM systems with widely-used creative applications such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign and Adobe Illustrator.

For creative teams working in enterprise environments, efficiency and seamless workflows are essential. However, frequently switching between DAM systems and creative tools can disrupt workflows and lead to software fatigue. This whitepaper provides an in-depth analysis of how integrating these platforms can streamline processes, boost productivity and enhance collaboration, ultimately maximizing the value of DAM systems in the creative process.

"Integrating DAM systems with creative tools is no longer a luxury, but a necessity for enterprises looking to stay competitive," said Mark Hilton, CEO of Santa Cruz Software. "Ralph Windsor's whitepaper is a valuable resource for organizations seeking to enhance their creative workflows and achieve higher adoption rates across their teams."

Key highlights:

Seamless Workflow Integration: The integration of DAM systems with creative tools eliminates the need for time-consuming imports and exports, ensuring that assets remain up-to-date and readily accessible across marketing campaigns and creative projects.

The integration of DAM systems with creative tools eliminates the need for time-consuming imports and exports, ensuring that assets remain up-to-date and readily accessible across marketing campaigns and creative projects. Enhanced Collaboration and Productivity: Real-time synchronization between DAM systems and creative applications allows teams to work with the most current versions of assets, supporting efficient collaboration and reducing the learning curve for non-technical users.

Real-time synchronization between DAM systems and creative applications allows teams to work with the most current versions of assets, supporting efficient collaboration and reducing the learning curve for non-technical users. Broader DAM Adoption: By making DAM systems more intuitive and accessible, these integrations encourage wider adoption across various departments, including sales and marketing, leading to more dynamic and collaborative workflows.

By making DAM systems more intuitive and accessible, these integrations encourage wider adoption across various departments, including sales and marketing, leading to more dynamic and collaborative workflows. Future of DAM Technology: The role of AI will further enhance DAM systems in the coming years, analyzing assets, such as images, video and documents and finding patterns in assets that would otherwise take many hours of research.

Ralph Windsor, a recognized expert in the DAM industry with over two decades of experience, brings his extensive knowledge and analysis to this whitepaper, providing practical guidance for enterprise teams looking to optimize their creative operations processes.

The whitepaper is now available for download on the Santa Cruz Software website .

About Santa Cruz Software

Santa Cruz Software offers a suite of tools to connect Adobe applications to other Cloud Services, enabling teams to collaborate seamlessly on projects without ever leaving their applications. Enjoy simplified version control, easy asset search, and seamless connection between your shared team assets. Santa Cruz Software features are designed to streamline brand compliance, empower collaboration between teams, and increase productivity. Solutions range from integratable Dynamic Templates based upon Adobe InDesign (PrintUI), a DAM connector for Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Premiere and Adobe After Effects (LinkrUI), an ad design automation platform (BannersUI) and a turnkey collateral/campaign portal (BrandingUI). For more information, visit the Santa Cruz Software website .

All trademarks and product names are the property of their respective companies.

Media Contact:

David Haefele

FortyThree, Inc.

831.621.5661

[email protected]

SOURCE Santa Cruz Software
United Nations, Sep 11 : The 79th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) has kicked off with its new President Philemon Yang calling for deeper international cooperation to tackle a host of global challenges, including climate change, escalating conflict, and a slowdown in sustainable development.

In his opening remarks on Tuesday, Yang said the world is facing many challenges, such as climate change that is devastating the planet and endangering countless lives and societies, and conflicts and armed violence that rage on from Sudan to Haiti, and from Ukraine to the Gaza Strip, leaving trails of death, destruction and wanton misery worldwide, Xinhua news agency reported.

"Suffering caused by poverty and hunger continues to linger," he said, adding that prejudice and hate -- often amplified by new digital tools that bring opportunities but also risk -- continue to fuel tensions and strife.

He called for drawing inspiration from the Charter of the United Nations, and the principles of international cooperation, to meet these doubts.

Stressing that international cooperation remains the most effective tool for addressing the profound and borderless issues, Yang said, "Cooperation among member states is what allows us to harness our collective resources and ingenuity to realize humanity's greatest aspirations such as peace, justice, and sustainable development, among them."

The General Assembly stands as the most powerful platform to fully seize its promise, he said.

Yang outlined the priorities during his tenure, focusing on the principles of unity in diversity, the advancement of peace, sustainable development, and "a thorough and uncompromising commitment to human dignity, for everyone, everywhere."

Other priorities include multilingualism in the General Assembly's work, and gender equality and women's empowerment.

He reiterated the commitment to carrying out the mandates of the General Assembly, including the reform of the Security Council, the revitalization of the General Assembly, and the Social Summit 2025.

In his opening remarks, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the General Assembly is "the place where solutions are made" for the many challenges facing the world today, including solutions to bring the Sustainable Development Goals back to life, and to end poverty and inequality; solutions to spur economic progress and job-creation for all; solutions to bridge the political divides and end the conflicts; and solutions to end the climate catastrophe.

"As we open this 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly, we confront a world in trouble. But the good news is that we can do something about it," he said.

In confronting the challenges, the UNGA remains an indispensable tool and a vital pathway toward a peaceful and just future for all people, said Guterres.

Yang, who is from Cameroon, was sworn in at the closing of the 78th session of the UNGA Tuesday morning.
Washington, Sep 11 : Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who is on a three-day visit to the US, has said that the participation of lower castes, tribals and minorities in governance, institutions and media "is lacking" and the caste census would make transparent the "reality of how power is shared in India".

The Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha made the remarks during an interaction with media at the National Press Club in Washington DC on Tuesday.

About his 'Bharat Jodo Yatra' and the 'Nyay Yatra', the Congress MP said, "We were forced politically to take out the Yatra because all the instruments that normally work in a democracy, they just were not working... the media was not working, the courts were not working, nothing was working so we said, okay, let's go direct. We went and it worked... It worked beautifully."

"That was at the political level and my work level but as an individual, at the private level, I always wanted to do it. I always wanted to do it... I always had this idea that I must, at some point in my life, walk across my country and see what it's about..." he added.

Rahul Gandhi said that he thinks politics in India "changed very dramatically" in 2014. "We entered a phase of politics we haven't seen in India before. Aggressive, attacking the foundations of our democratic structures... It's been a tough fight... And personally, it changed me."

"I wouldn't have ever imagined before 2014 that I would have laughed at the idea of walking from Kanyakumari to Kashmir. But, that was the only way left for the opposition in our country. Media was suppressed, institutions were controlled, agencies were attacking the opposition, and governments were overthrown. We found that literally the only way to go to the people of India. That certainly changed me," the Congress leader said.

Terming He further said that ," Gandhi stated, highlighting the competing philosophies of his party and the BJP, along with its ideological parent, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

He further said that there's an ideological war taking place in India and the Opposition's INDIA bloc's vision is "fundamentally different" from the BJP's centralising and monopolising agenda.

Terming caste a central and fundamental issue in India, Rahul Gandhi expressed his intentions to increase reservations beyond 50 per cent.

About the situation in neighbouring Bangladesh, the Congress leader said "We have an old relation with Bangladesh... I think there are concerns in India about extremist elements in Bangladesh and we share some of those concerns... However, I am confident that things will stabilize in Bangladesh and we will be able to have a relationship with the current government or any other government..."

Talking about the ongoing Gaza war, Rahul Gandhi condemned the October 7 (2023) attack by Hamas on Israel, but said he also thinks what Israel did and is doing -- "bombing innocent civilians, killing women and children" -- is "absolutely wrong" and should not be allowed to continue.
Chennai, Sep 11 : The Tamil Nadu Special Police team probing the murder of the state president of Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), K. Armstrong, will soon file the charge sheet.

Sources in the police told IANS that the charge sheet would be filed in a few days. The BSP leader was murdered in broad daylight on July 5 when he was chatting with his brother and friends at Perambur in North Chennai.

The murder of Armstrong, a prominent Dalit leader of the state involved in providing education to students and uplifting them in professional careers, created shock waves in the state. BSP leader and former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Mayawati attended the funeral of Armstrong. However, his adversaries said he was involved in several big-money land deals and operated his own gang.

Immediately after the murder of Armstrong, police swung into action. They arrested 11 people, including Ponnai Balu, the brother of history-sheeter, Arcot V.Suresh, who was killed earlier and there were reports of Armstrong's involvement in the murder.

The police team shot dead one of the arrested, Thiruvengadam when he was brought to the Madhavaram Lake premises to secure the weapons used to assassinate Armstrong. Police said that they were forced to fire at the notorious criminal after he attacked them. However, there were contradictory reports that the killing was stage-managed and police had an encounter killing to eliminate Thiruvengadam.

Sources in Tamil Nadu Police told IANS that three gangs were behind the murder of Armstrong and a notorious history-sheeter Nagendran, who is lodged in Vellore Central prison, coordinated the teams involved in the murder of the BSP leader.

The names of local leaders of all the mainstream political parties had surfaced in the murder case of Armstrong. Police have also zeroed in on the involvement of a few lawyers in the murder case.

Another notorious criminal Sambo Senthil and the gang led by Ponnai Balu brother of slain gangster, Arcot Suresh joined hands with Nagendran to murder Armstrong.

It may be recalled that Nagendran's son and Youth Congress state office-bearer and practising lawyer, Ashwathaman was arrested by the police in the murder of Armstrong.

Sambo Senthil, according to sources in the police, had also networked with Nagendran and Ponnai Balu in the assassination of Armstrong.

Police sources told IANS that Senthil had locked horns with Armstrong a few years ago regarding a property dispute and was nursing a grouse against the BSP leader.
Kolkata, Sep 11 : The protest by the representatives of the medical fraternity in front of Swastha Bhavan, the state health department headquarters, over the R.G. Kar Medical College & Hospital rape-murder case, continued on Wednesday.

The protests braved frequent spells of showers at night and said that they would continue their peaceful demonstration till their demands were met, which included the suspension of the Health Secretary, Director of Health Services, and Director of Medical Education.

A three-judge bench of the Supreme Court on Monday had asked the striking junior doctors to return to duty by 5 p.m. on Tuesday which is already over.

On Tuesday evening, the protesting doctors even rejected a call from the state government to send a small delegation to the state secretariat Nabanna and hold a discussion with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, newly-appointed Chief Secretary Manoj Pant and the state health secretary Narawan Swarup Nigam.

On Monday night some members of the victim's doctor's family reached in front of Swastha Bhavan to express solidarity towards the protesting doctors. Praising the determination with which the medical fraternity representatives had been carrying out their protesting demonstration facing all odds, the victim's father said that this willpower of the protests keeps the hope for justice for his daughter alive.

The victim's mother, while expressing solidarity towards the protesting doctors, strongly objected to the Chief Minister's call on Monday to people to return to festival mood refraining from continuing demonstrations.

"The protest is the real festival at this moment to ensure justice for my daughter. I thank all of you for being with us in this moment of crisis," she said while addressing the protesting doctors.

On Tuesday after, thousands of representatives from the medical fraternity from all corners of the state, including senior and junior doctors, medical students and representatives from the nursing fraternity, led a protest march towards Swastha Bhavan, the state health department headquarters at Salt Lake on the northern outskirts of Kolkata.

On being stopped near the entrance, the protesters started a sit-in demonstration at the spot, which is continuing.
Washington, Sep 11 : In the first US presidential debate, Democratic candidate Kamala Harris accused her Republican opponent, Donald Trump, of aligning with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

When the discussion shifted to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, Trump refrained from answering directly whether he wanted Ukraine to win the war. Instead, he said, "I think it's in the US' best interest to get this war finished."

Harris responded sharply, taunting Trump for his "friendship" with Putin. She suggested that Trump would cave under pressure from the Russian leader.

"Putin would be sitting in Kyiv with his eyes on the rest of Europe, starting with Poland," Harris said. "How quickly you would give up for the sake of favour and what you think is a friendship with what is known to be a dictator who would eat you for lunch."

On the Israel-Hamas conflict, Harris voiced her support for a two-state solution. Trump claimed the current situation in Gaza would never have escalated under his presidency and accused Harris of disliking both Israel and the Arab population in the region.

Harris firmly denied Trump's accusations and reiterated her support for Israel.

Harris also criticised Trump's global reputation, pointing out how world leaders perceive him.

"I have travelled the world as Vice-President of the United States. World leaders are laughing at Donald Trump. They say you are a disgrace," she sarcastically remarked.

Throughout the debate, Harris handled Trump's criticisms with composure, particularly when he attempted to highlight the failures of the Biden administration.

In response, Harris quipped, "You are not running against Biden."

The debate, hosted by ABC News, marked the first time the two candidates faced off. Notably, Harris and Trump shook hands at the start of the debate, breaking an eight-year streak of no handshakes on the presidential debate stage.

Harris also made a point to formally introduce herself to Trump during their initial encounter, adding a personal touch to the fiery exchanges.
Washington, Sep 11 : Vice President Kamala Harris said that former President Donald Trump was "fired by 81 million voters" in the 2024 election during an exchange in the debate on the latter's continuing refusal to acknowledge he lost.

Washington, Sep 11 (IANS) Vice President Kamala Harris said that former President Donald Trump was "fired by 81 million voters" in the 2024 election during an exchange in the debate on the latter's continuing refusal to acknowledge he lost.

"I got almost 75 million votes, the most votes any sitting President has ever gotten. I was told if I got 63 which was what I got in 2016 you can't be beaten in the election. People should never be thinking that an election is fraudulent," Trump said when asked by moderators to explain his recent statements in which he had seemingly acknowledged losing the 2024 election.

"We need two things. We have to have borders, and we have to have good elections. Our elections are bad, and a lot of these illegal immigrants are coming in, they're trying to get them to vote. They can't even speak English. They don't even know what country they're in, practically. And these people are trying to get them to vote, and that's why they're allowing them to come into our country," he added.

"Donald Trump was fired by 81 million people," Harris said, when asked by moderators to respond to the former President. "So let's be clear about that, and clearly he is having a very difficult time processing that. But we cannot afford to have a President of the United States who attempts, as he did in the past, to upend the will of the voters in a free and fair election. And I'm going to tell you that I have travelled the world as vice president of the United States and world leaders are laughing at Donald Trump," she further said.

She added, looking at Trump: "I have talked with military leaders, some of whom work with you, and they say 'You're a disgrace'. And when you then talk in this way in a presidential debate and deny what over and over again are court cases you have lost because you did, in fact lose that election, it leads one to believe that perhaps we do not have in the candidate to my right, the temperament or the ability to not be confused about fact that's deeply troubling, and the American people deserve better."

Trump pushed back arguing he has heard from foreign leaders such as Hungary's Victor Orban that the world needs a strong leader like Trump. He said quoting Orban, "You need Trump back as President. They were afraid of him. China was afraid. And I don't like to use the word afraid, but I'm just quoting him. China was afraid of him. North Korea was afraid of him. Look at what's going on with North Korea."
Washington, Sep 11 : Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has once again targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the India-China border issue, alleging that the PM didn't handle the neighbouring country well and its troops have occupied 4,000 sq km of land in Ladakh.

The Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, who is on a three-day visit to the US, made the remarks on Tuesday during a media interaction at the National Press Club in Washington DC.

When asked whether India under PM Modi managed the China competition well, the Congress leader said: "If you call having Chinese troops in 4,000 square kilometres of our territory handling something well, then maybe we have got Chinese troops occupying land the size of Delhi in Ladakh. I think that's a disaster."

"How would America react if a neighbour occupied 4000 square kilometres of your territory? Would any president be able to get away with saying that he's handled that well? So I don't think PM Modi handled China well at all. I think there's no reason Chinese troops should be sitting in our territory," he added.

Earlier, during the interaction, the Congress MP 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".

He said China has placed in front of "us a vision for production and prosperity in a non-democratic environment".

"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?" Rahul Gandhi said.

"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," he added.
Jerusalem, Sep 11 : The Israeli military released video footage showing a tunnel in the Gaza Strip, where it says the bodies of six hostages shot dead by Hamas were found.

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Spokesman Daniel Hagari presented the video at a press conference after touring the tunnel on Tuesday. He said a shaft hidden in a residential home in Rafah, southern Gaza, led to the tunnel buried 20 meters underground.

The video shows a low, narrow passageway with no bathroom and poor ventilation, according to Xinhua news agency.

Hagari added that the tunnel was extremely humid, saying, "There is no air to breathe."

It also shows a chessboard, a hairbrush, USB chargers, a Kalashnikov rifle with ammunition, and flashlights inside the tunnel. Hagari said blood stains were visible on the ground.

He alleged that the six hostages, two women and four men, were killed by Hamas militants a day before their bodies were retrieved.

"All the evidence inside the tunnel has been collected for investigation. We are examining the materials and following every lead to track down the terrorists responsible for this heinous murder," the military spokesman said, noting that there are additional hostages "being held in similar conditions."

The recovery of the six hostages' bodies on August 31 has sparked a surge in public outcry against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Hundreds of thousands of Israelis took to the streets, demanding that Netanyahu secure a deal to bring home the remaining hostages.

Hamas took about 250 hostages in a surprise attack against Israeli towns adjacent to Gaza on October 7, 2023. Israeli authorities say 101 hostages remain in Hamas captivity, with dozens of them believed to be dead.
Washington, Sep 11 : Vice President Kamala Harris defended President Joe Biden's decision to withdraw the US from Afghanistan saying it was something that four other presidents had wanted but not done and it saved $300 million a day that was spent on staying there.

But she pivoted to attack Trump for setting up the withdrawal with a deal with "terrorists" Taliban and keeping out the Afghan government. "He calls himself a deal maker, even his national security adviser said it was a weak, terrible deal, and here's how it went down. He bypassed the Afghan government. He negotiated directly with a terrorist organisation called the Taliban. The negotiation involved the Taliban getting 5000 terrorists. Taliban terrorists released and got this. No, get this. And the president at the time, invited the Taliban to Camp David, a place of storied significance for us as Americans, a place where we honour the importance of American diplomacy, where we invite and receive respected world leaders. And this former President, as President, invited them to Camp David because he does not again appreciate the role and responsibility of the President of the United States to be commander in chief with a level of respect," she said.

"So if you take a look at that period of time, the Taliban was killing our soldiers, a lot of them with snipers," Trump said, defending himself. "And I got involved with the Taliban because the Taliban was doing the killing. That's the fighting force within Afghanistan. They don't bother doing that because, you know, they deal with the wrong people all the time. But I got involved, and Abdul is the head of the Taliban. He is still the head of the Taliban. And I told Abdul, don't do it anymore. You do it anymore. You're going to have problems. And he said, why do you send me a picture of my house? I said, you're going to have to figure that out, Abdul. And for 18 months, we had nobody killed. We did have an agreement negotiated by Mike Pompeo. It was a very good agreement. The reason it was good was, we were getting out. We would have been out faster than that, but we wouldn't have lost the soldiers. We wouldn't have left many Americans behind, and we wouldn't have left, we wouldn't have left $85 billion worth of brand new, beautiful military equipment behind. And just to finish, they blew it," he further said.

"The agreement said, you have to do this, this, this, this, and they didn't do it. They didn't do it. The agreement was terminated by us because they didn't do what they were supposed to do," Trump added.
Chennai, Sep 11 : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M .K. Stalin, who is on an investment garnering trip to the United States since August 29, met the officials of Ford Motors in Chicago.

Chennai, Sep 11 (IANS) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M .K. Stalin, who is on an investment garnering trip to the United States since August 29, met the officials of Ford Motors in Chicago.

CM Stalin, in a statement on his social media platform X, said: "Had a very engaging discussion with the team from @Ford Motors! Explored the feasibility of renewing Ford's three-decade partnership with Tamil Nadu, to again make in Tamil Nadu for the world! "

Ford had invested nearly $2 billion in the Indian market for its design, production and marketing. However, it exited India in September 2021 as it faced stiff competition and its global sales dipped.

However, the Automobile industry is buzzing with stories that Ford has been looking forward to re-entry in India with EV vehicle production and production of Internal Combustion Engines (ICE) in the CBU forms at the plant.

Earlier, CM Stalin signed several MoUs with many companies during his 17-day US trip.

The state government had signed a Rs 400 crore contract with Ohmium in San Francisco, which will generate 500 jobs, the Chief Minister's Office said in a statement.

The statement also said that CM Stalin visited the headquarters of Google, Apple and Microsoft and signed MoUs with these tech giants.

The Chief Minister signed an MoU with Nokia for a New Nokia R&D centre which will be their largest Fixed Network test bed in the world for innovation in 10G,25G,50G and 100G PON, it added.

The centre will be set up at SIPCOT, Siruseri, Chengalpattu with an investment cost of Rs 450 crore and will generate 100 jobs.

He also signed an MoU with the PayPal group for an Advanced Development Centre focussed on Artificial Intelligence which will be set up in Chennai and provide 1000 jobs.

Another MoU was signed with Yield Engineering Systems for a product development & manufacturing facility for semiconductor equipment to be set up at Sulur, Coimbatore. The project will cost Rs 150 crore and generate around 300 jobs.

CM Stalin also signed an MoU with Microchip for an R&D centre in Semiconductor technology to be set up at Semmancherry, Chennai which is expected to generate 1500 jobs and at an estimated cost of Rs 250 crore.

The statement said that an agreement and MoU were also signed with Applied Materials for an Advanced AI-enabled Technology Development Centre for Semiconductor manufacturing &equipment to be set up at Tharamani, Chennai, which is expected to generate 500 jobs.

CM Stalin also signed an agreement with Infinx for a Technology and Global Delivery Centre at ELCOT, Vadapalanji, Madurai district for Rs 50 crore. The project was expected to generate 700 jobs.
Amaravati, Sep 11 : Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan on Wednesday reviewed the flood situation in Eluru district while the rising water levels in the Godavari River prompted authorities to issue a danger alert at Dowleswaram Cotton Barrage.

Rajahmundry District Collector, P Prasanthi said that as Godavari River is in spate people in areas along the river banks have been alerted.

The irrigation officials were releasing 13 lakh cusecs of water downstream.

People have been cautioned against going into the river for bathing while fishermen have also been warned against venturing into the river.

The authorities have also advised people not to immerse Ganesh idols in the river for the next 48 hours as the river is in spate. They have been urged to postpone the immersion.

Dy CM Pawan Kalyan spoke to Eluru District Collector K Vetri Selvi over the phone to review the flood situation in the district.

The District Collector informed him that due to heavy rains upstream, Eluru and Thandava reservoirs received huge inflows and as a result crops over 62,000 acres in the district were submerged.

Breaches and overflowing of canals led to the inundation of roads, affecting the movement of vehicles in the Pithapuram and Peddapuram constituencies.

Traffic came to a halt on Pithapuram-Raparthi, Peddapuram-Gudivada and Samarlakota-Pithapuram roads.

As the flood water was overflowing the national highway at Gollaprolu, vehicular traffic was diverted.

The Collector informed the Deputy CM that boats and rescue teams were pressed into service for rescue and relief operations in the affected areas.

The Collector said the intensity of floods in Eluru reservoir was receding. The inflows on Wednesday morning came down to 12,567 cusecs. The storage in the reservoirs stood at 22.16 TMC against its full capacity of 24.11 TMC.

The authorities have opened four gates of the reservoir.

Pawan Kalyan directed that the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and Army teams be used for rescue and relief works in the affected areas.

He also asked officials to provide food, drinking water, milk and other essentials to people in the flood-hit areas.

He said the officials should speak to farmers affected by the floods and assure them that the government will extend all possible help to them.
New Delhi, Sep 11 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said this is the right time and place to be in India when it comes to semiconductor manufacturing, as the country provides an integrated ecosystem for the global players, along with ease of doing business and a large talent pool.

Speaking to a packed house at the 'Semicon India 2024' event in Greater Noida in the presence of key industry stakeholders, PM Modi said "Chips are never down in India" and you can bet on our growth story.

"Come, invest and create value and we will provide an integrated ecosystem for your growth. India has 20 per cent of the global talent in semiconductor design which is consistently growing. We are building an 85,000-strong semiconductor workforce with technicians, R&D experts and designers," said the Prime Minister.

PM Modi mentioned the Rs 1 lakh crore 'Anusandhan fund' that is aimed at supporting basic research and prototype development, including in the field of semiconductors, spurring private sector-driven research and innovation on a commercial scale.

"India provides a reformist government, a growing manufacturing base and an aspirational tech-oriented market," PM Modi told the gathering.

The government has committed to developing a strong talent pool of 85,000 engineers and technicians. More than 113 universities, academic institutions and R&D organisations have been tied up towards this cause.

PM Modi also visited the exhibition area and interacted with companies on their progress with their semiconductor solutions.

On Tuesday, top CEOs of semiconductor companies hailed PM 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.
Greater Noida, Sep 11 : Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, on Wednesday, highlighted the state's big strides in the semiconductor industry while addressing the SEMICON India 2024 event at the India Expo Mart, here.

He extended a warm welcome to the attendees, which included industry leaders and captains of the semiconductor sector.

"I welcome you all to this inauguration programme. I express my gratitude for choosing Uttar Pradesh for this prestigious three-day event. I thank the captains and CEOs who are driving new momentum in this industry under a fresh ecosystem, bringing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of making India a global leader to the ground level," Adityanath said.

Reflecting on the global challenges, the UP CM highlighted how the world was significantly impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic and the geopolitical crises that disrupted the global supply chain, particularly in the semiconductor industry.

"We all know that 2019 was severely affected by the most severe pandemic of the century, Covid-19. On one hand, there were the shortcomings due to the pandemic, and on the other, the geopolitical crisis negatively impacted the global supply chain, with the semiconductor industry being affected as well," he said.

At that time, we saw the repercussions across almost every industry. However, under our visionary leadership, as the world emerged from the pandemic, India, with its successful Covid-19 management, pushed forward its semiconductor and display management industries, taking significant steps toward the goal of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India)," he continued.

The Chief Minister further emphasised Uttar Pradesh's focus on the IT sector, semiconductor industry, data centres, and electronic manufacturing, all of which have contributed to the state's growing role in these fields.

"Under the visionary leadership of PM Modi, Uttar Pradesh laid special focus on the IT sector, semiconductor, data centres, and electronic manufacturing, and worked towards advancing these industries," he said.

Highlighting the progress, the Chief Minister said, "As a result, Uttar Pradesh now accounts for 55 per cent of the country's mobile manufacturing and 50 per cent of mobile component production. The state has emerged as a leader in consumer electronics, with Samsung India establishing its display unit plant in Noida. Today, UP has also established itself as a hub for data centres."

The UP CM also emphasised the state's efforts to position itself as a global semiconductor design engineering hub, actively driving innovation in these industries.

"UP has already been establishing itself as a global semiconductor design engineers' hub," he added.

Additionally, he mentioned the state's achievements in promoting the IT sector and officially granting it the status of an industry.

CM Yogi Adityanath also noted Uttar Pradesh's recognition as a top achiever in "ease of doing business", further cementing its place as a favourable destination for investment and industry growth.
Chennai, Sep 11 : Heavy police force has been deployed in the state for immersion of Lord Ganesha idols in Chennai on Sunday (September 15).

A total of 16,500 police personnel and 2,000 home guards are deployed on duty as part of the security arrangements.

The Chennai City Police has directed Hindu outfits and organisations to follow all rules prescribed by the department during the idol procession and immersion.

According to a statement, Chennai city police said that a total of 1,524 idols have been installed across the city following the rules and regulations.

The police have directed the organisers to take the idols for immersion through 17 designated routes.

These routes will lead to four specific places allocated for immersion. They are Srinivasapuram in Foreshore Estate, Pazhkalai Nagar in Neelankarai, Kasimedu harbour and Thiruvottiyur, the statement said.

Idols from places in and around Nungambakkam, Egmore, Perambur, Vyasarpadi, Sowcarpet, Triplicane, Mylapore and Saidapet should be taken for immersion to Srivasapuram. The idols installed at Adyar, Guindy, Adambakkam and surrounding areas should be taken to Pazhakalai Nagar.

The idols at Mint Street, Washermenpet, Royapuram, Tondiarpet, RK Nagar and nearby areas will be immersed at Kasimedu location, and to Thiruvottiyur for places in and around the area.

The Chennai city police in the statement said that fire engines, ambulances, motor boats and trained volunteers will be deployed to prevent untoward incidents.

State police have made elaborate arrangements to ensure peaceful celebrations.

Processions at sensitive and hypersensitive routes/places will be directly monitored from the TN Police headquarters through CCTV live streaming and drones.

The state administration has also made elaborate arrangements for regulating the crowd at public bus stations.

Central and state police agencies are keeping a strict vigil on a few individuals, who were earlier arrested for nefarious anti-national activities and are out on bail.

As the events attract a large number of devotees and visitors, contributing to the festive atmosphere, police have put in place extensive security arrangements.
Mumbai, Sep 11 : Actress Parineeti Chopra has now returned to Mumbai, India, after spending a great time in the United Kingdom for around two months, and has dropped scintillating pictures from her recent photoshoot.

Taking to Instagram Stories, Parineeti, who has 44.1 million followers on the photo sharing application, shared a video from the balcony of her house, giving the view of Mumbai.

She captioned it as: "Hi Mumbai", followed by a home emoji.

In another Instagram post, she shared some pictures from her photoshoot, and undoubtedly she is shelling boss lady vibes.

Parineeti wore a white top, paired with black blazer and flared denim trousers. She opted for a gam makeup look and her hair is left open. The look was rounded off with stud earrings and black heels.

However, she did not write anything in the caption.

Her husband and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Raghav Chadha dropped a red heart emoji in the comment section.

Parineeti's mother Reena Chopra posted fire emojis on the post.

On the personal front, Parineeti tied the knot with Raghav Chadha on September 24, 2023 in a private luxury hotel in Udaipur.

Meanwhile, on the work front, Parineeti had joined Yash Raj Films (YRF) as a public relations consultant. She then made her acting debut in 2011 YRF's romantic comedy 'Ladies vs Ricky Bahl' starring Ranveer Singh and Anushka Sharma.

She has then been a part of movies like 'Shuddh Desi Romance', 'Hasee Toh Phasee', 'Jabariya Jodi', 'The Girl on the Train', 'Golmaal Again', 'Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar' and 'Mission Raniganj'.

Parineeti last featured as Amarjot Kaur in the biographical musical drama 'Amar Singh Chamkila'. Directed by Imtiaz Ali, the film stars Diljit Dosanjh in the titular role.

It charts the untold true story of Punjab's original rockstar of the masses, the highest record-selling artist of his time, Amar Singh Chamkila. The film is streaming on Netflix.
Tehran, Sep 11 : Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi and his Mexican counterpart Alicia Barcena have expressed their countries' support for a ceasefire in Gaza.

In a phone call on Tuesday, the two sides also called for the continuation of bilateral political talks and consultations, according to a statement released by the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Xinhua news agency reported.

Barcena said her country supported the achievement of a truce in Gaza and maintained that the violence and bloodshed in the Palestinian coastal enclave should end as soon as possible.

The Iranian foreign minister, for his part, condemned the continuation of Israeli "crimes" against Palestinians and at the regional level, highlighting the necessity to immediately stop them.

Araghchi added that Iran would back any ceasefire agreement approved by the Palestinian people and resistance groups.

Israel has been launching a large-scale offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip to retaliate against a Hamas rampage through the southern Israeli border on October 7, 2023.

The Palestinian death toll from the ongoing Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip has reached 41,020, Gaza-based health authorities said on Tuesday.
Islamabad, Sep 11 : Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Senator Falak Naz has been suspended for two days after she directed abusive language at senior leader Faisal Vawda during a heated exchange in a Senate session, on Tuesday.

The war of words between the politicians took place during a contentious debate over recent political developments and accusations, leading Pakistani daily Dawn reported on Wednesday.

According to the reports, the confrontation began when Senator Vawda launched a scathing critique of the PTI leadership, specifically targeting party founder Imran Khan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur.

Vawda alleged that the PTI was working towards fragmenting the country and claimed that Imran Khan had prior knowledge of a plot to murder journalist Arshad Sharif.

In his speech, Vawda also accused Khan and other PTI figures, including former ISI chief Faiz Hameed, of foreknowledge about Sharif's assassination. Vawda vowed to reveal more evidence if necessary, further intensifying the debate.

The situation escalated when PTI members, including Senator Falak Naz, began protesting Vawda's remarks.

"Naz was heard shouting at Vawda, leading to further discord in the chamber. Vawda responded by criticising the PTI for its internal politics and social media attacks. Senate Chairman Yusuf Raza Gilani intervened, urging Naz to apologise for her behaviour," the Dawn reported.

However, Naz's refusal to comply led Gilani to announce her suspension for two days. The Senate session quickly descended into chaos, with members from both sides of the aisle shouting and protesting.

The disruption continued despite efforts by PPPas Sherry Rehman and other senators to mediate. The Senate chairman then announced his ruling regarding the two-day suspension of the membership of Naz and adjourned the sitting till Thursday afternoon.

Earlier in the day, Opposition Leader Shibli Faraz had criticised the government's handling of the arrest of PTI lawmakers from Parliament House the previous night, claiming it violated the sanctity of the institution.

The Senate's turbulent session underscores the deepening political rifts and the challenges of maintaining decorum in the face of heated partisan disputes in Pakistan.
Kolkata, Sep 11 : Junior doctors, who are on a sit-in protest in front of Swastha Bhavan, the West Bengal health department headquarters, over the ghastly rape and murder of a junior doctor of R.G. Kar Medical College & Hospital, have received overwhelming support from people.

Since Tuesday night, several individuals and representatives from community-based organisations have flocked to the site with food and adequate drinking water. Expressing solidarity with their protest and ensuring that the protesting junior doctors can continue with their movement till their demands are fulfilled, people are silently converging at the spot.

Even bio-toilets and temporary washrooms have been arranged near the protest spot for the convenience of the protesters, especially women. The students from Jadavpur University (JU)'s Salt Lake also reached the spot with a truck full of food items and drinking water for the protesting doctors.

West Bengal Junior Doctors' Forum (WBJDF) under whose banner the protest demonstrations are being organised, has issued a statement profusely thanking those, especially the common people, who have extended the supporting hands in solidarity.

"Your love and spontaneous cooperation have overwhelmed us. We will be ever grateful to you for the manner in which you all have provided us with support, food and water since last night. As of now, we have sufficient stock of food and water. Arrangements for washrooms for women protesters have also been made. We will approach you in case we need anything," the WBJDF statement read.

The protests by junior doctors are going on despite the deadline set by the Supreme Court on Monday asking the protesters to rejoin duty by 5 p.m. on Tuesday.

On Tuesday evening, the protesting doctors even rejected a call from the state government to send a small delegation to the state secretariat Nabanna and hold a discussion with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, newly-appointed Chief Secretary Manoj Pant and the state health secretary Narayan Swarup Nigam.

Thousands of representatives from the medical fraternity from all corners of the state, including senior and junior doctors, medical students and representatives from the nursing fraternity, on Tuesday led a protest march towards Swastha Bhavan.

On being stopped near the entrance, the protesters started a sit-in demonstration at the spot, which is continuing.
Chennai, Sep 11 : Four fishermen from Seruthur village in Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu were injured when a Sri Lankan Naval ship allegedly rammed into their fishing boat, officials said.

The fishing boat capsized after the Sri Lankan Naval vessel allegedly rammed into it and the fishermen fell into the sea.

The collision resulted in significant losses, including nets, GPS equipment, cell phones, and fishing gear worth Rs 6.5 lakh, which were washed away in the sea.

The injured fishermen are Sakthivel, Devaraj, Karthikeyan, and Satheesh. They have been admitted to the Nagapattinam Government Medical College Hospital for treatment.

The incident occurred off the southeast coast of Kodiyakkarai when a fibre boat owned by Dharman, a resident of Seruthur village in Nagapattinam district, was out in the sea.

The four fishermen had ventured into the sea two days ago. While they were fishing on Tuesday night their boat was allegedly struck by a Sri Lankan Navy vessel, causing it to capsize, the injured fishermen told the Marine Police.

The injured fishermen told the Marine Police authorities that the Sri Lankan Navy had left them struggling at the sea, tangled in their nets and injured.

They also said that even though they were injured, the Sri Lankan Navy officers picked them up and were held for nearly six hours for questioning.

The four injured Tamil Nadu fishermen pleaded with the Sri Lankan officers, saying they were fishing within the Indian waters.

The Sri Lankan Navy later handed the injured fishermen over to other Tamil Nadu fishermen who had arrived at the scene.

Later, the fishermen were brought ashore with the help of others who retrieved their capsized boat from the middle of the sea.

The injured fishermen were transported to Orathur Medical College Hospital by a 108 ambulance after reaching the Seruthur fish landing site.

Nagapattinam Marine Police sources told IANS that they have recorded the affected fishermen's statements and would conduct an inquiry based on them.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin had written to Union External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar, on Monday, requesting the latter to ensure the release of all the fishermen and boats in Sri Lankan custody and secure a waiver of the hefty penalty imposed on them.

The Chief Minister had in his letter specifically referred to the arrest of 14 Indian fishermen from Pudukkottai district in Tamil Nadu by the Sri Lankan authorities on September 7.

He also urged the Central government to take measures to revive the India-Sri Lanka Joint Working Group on Fisheries.

Stalin mentioned that as of September 7, a total of 350 fishermen and 49 fishing boats have been apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy in 2024, the highest in the last six years,

The Chief Minister also said that the Sri Lankan courts were also imposing hefty fines on the fishermen which they were unable to pay.

Stalin had also requested EAM Jaishankar to take immediate and concrete diplomatic efforts to ensure the release of all the fishermen and boats in Sri Lankan custody.
New Delhi, Sep 11 : Congress national spokesperson Pawan Khera on Wednesday defended party leader Rahul Gandhi's statements during his United States visit, saying there was nothing wrong in advocating equal rights and religious freedom for all, even if the call is made on foreign soil.

"If Rahul Gandhi is demanding religious freedom for Sikhs, then what is wrong in it," Pawan Khera told IANS.

He also sought to turn the tables on the BJP, accusing it of spreading hatred against certain communities and citing instances of violence against those with beards.

"Prime Minister claims to identify people by their dress. BJP leaders have been seen beating up people with beards," he said while replying to charges of Rahul speaking lies on foreign soil.

Speaking on Rahul's eulogy of "enemy" country China, Khera pointed out, "China has occupied Indian territory but the Prime Minister gave it a clean chit. Speaking about it is a crime but giving clean chit to China is not a crime. This is a strange policy of this government," Khera said.

Notably, Rahul Gandhias rhetoric in the US has ignited a political storm back home, with both BJP and Congress engaged in a fierce war of words.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah accused the Leader of the Opposition of standing with anti-India forces and said that the Congress has developed a habit of aligning with those having an anti-India mindset.

Khera, speaking to IANS, took exception to the charges and dared the Centre to summon the US envoy if it thinks that anti-national activities are being performed on American soil.

When asked about Rahul's meeting with US lawmakers with an "anti-India" mindset, the Congress spokesperson said that all of his public events are being conducted in the open and there is nothing secretive.

He further demanded that the Prime Minister and BJP ministers make public the details of their meetings, when on foreign trips.

Notably, Rahul's meeting with some US lawmakers, with a known "anti-India" mindset ignited fresh controversy. Congress party also shared the photographs of Rahul's meeting with Ilhan Omar, Ro Khanna and others, all having a history of fanning "anti-India" agenda.
Rohtak, Sep 11 : It is a "do-or-die" battle for two-time Congress Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, 77, to wrest the helm from the BJP in the October 5 Assembly polls amid the internal "war of supremacy" that kept his party out of power for a decade.

Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader Hooda, who is assumed the "de-facto" chief ministerial face, on Wednesday filed his nomination papers from his stronghold Garhi Sampla-Kiloi in Rohtak district, the seat he has been representing ever since he became the first Chief Minister in 2005.

Thursday is the last day for filing nominations in the state.

For the past many months, Hooda has been travelling across the state by raising the pitch against unemployment, law and order and lack of development by the BJP helm in comparison to the Congress, which ruled the state for a decade till 2014, and consolidating Jats, the crucial vote bank.

Ahead of filing the nomination papers, a confidant Hooda told the media there is a straight contest between the Congress and the BJP. "It's a bipolar contest and the people are upset with government policies and they are going to show the BJP the door this time," he said.

Political observers say the main Opposition Congress this time has an edge over its rival, the BJP, which has been experiencing a major revolt, multiple resignations with rebels contesting as Independents over discontent with the candidate list.

This time the Congress is confident of returning to the helm after it won half of the 10 Lok Sabha seats in the recently held general elections, an observer told IANS.

"Also the Congress is not facing any major revolt, like the BJP, over the allocation of tickets. Also, a majority of the tickets so far have been given to the Hooda camp," said the observer.

The Congress is also far ahead of its arch-rival BJP as far as campaigning at the grassroots is concerned.

While first-time Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, who has filed his nomination papers from the Ladwa seat of Kurukshetra, has travelled across the state ahead of the announcement of poll dates, the Congress under the leadership of Hooda and his MP son Deepender Hooda has been busy in setting party's house in order and boosting the morale of cadre by holding public meetings.

"It is a do-or-die battle for Bhupinder Hooda, whose party faced defeat in the 2019 Assembly elections under his leadership for the second time. In 2019, Hooda said he was not given a free hand over the selection of candidates on many seats. This time, despite all odds, most of his confidants have been accommodated and given a chance to contest," a senior Congress leader told IANS, requesting anonymity.

"So it's now the responsibility of Hooda not only to ensure win of his seat but also to ensure victory on other seats to form a government with a comfortable majority," the Congress leader said, adding "If he fails to deliver, it will be a political sunset for the senior Hooda."

Hooda is facing cases filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for approving a land deal of Rahul Gandhi's brother-in-law Robert Vadra in the fag-end of his second stint as the Chief Minister.

To challenge Hooda in his stronghold, the BJP has fielded Manju Hooda, wife of a gangster and daughter of a former senior police officer. She is the sitting chairperson of the Rohtak Zila Parishad.

As per the poll share in the recent Lok Sabha elections, the Congress-led INDIA bloc led in the 46 Assembly segments, while the BJP candidates were ahead in the remaining 44 seats. However, there was the near-total rout of regional powers that once ruled the state.

This time the Congress central leadership pushed for a seat-sharing pact with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for the polls, but the Hooda faction strongly opposed it.

Currently, the Congress has 28 MLAs in the 90-member state Assembly.

(Vishal Gulati can be contacted at vishal.g@ians.in)
Bengaluru, Sep 11 : The Karnataka government has begun the process of reviewing pending cases against BJP leaders in the state.

The move comes amid the BJP intensifying its agitation for the resignation of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in connection with the alleged irregularities in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA).

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Home Minister G Parameshwara stated that he would hold a committee meeting within a week to review the progress of pending investigations into various alleged scams at the level of the investigative agencies.

"We have identified all scam-related cases. We will review the status of the investigations and submit a report to the Cabinet," Home Minister Parameshwara stated.

The Congress government has announced a committee headed by the Home Minister to look into the pending cases.

The five-member committee also includes Minister for Law and Tourism HK Patil, Minister for Revenue Krishna Byre Gowda, Minister for RDPR, IT and BT Priyank Kharge and Minister for Labour Santhosh Lad.

The committee will ensure coordination between the government and the probe agencies with regard to pending cases and monitor their progress.

Parameshwara said that the committee has been formed with the intention of expediting the investigations.

"During the review of progress of pending cases in the police department, I instructed the officers. After this matter came to the Cabinet's attention, the committee was formed to expedite the process," he said.

Responding to the BJP's accusations of divisive politics, he remarked, "They may say whatever they want. They are responsible for criticising us, giving advice, and pointing out mistakes when we commit them. Those in power also have responsibilities."

"About 20 to 25 scams involving BJP leaders have been listed. Wherever, the investigation is pending, we will get the files and investigate the matters," Parameshwara stated.

He emphasised, "Discussions about the Chief Minister's position are unnecessary. We should focus on implementing the promises made to the people and the guarantee schemes. The BJP is engaging in divisive politics. They are acting in this manner with the intention of destabilising the government and preventing the implementation of government programmes. We need to set all this aside and focus on our work."

Regarding disciplinary measures on discussions about the Chief Minister's position, he clarified, "The party President will take action. The Karnataka Congress President is currently on a trip to America and will address this matter upon his return."

When asked about the alleged tribal Board scam and submission of the ED charge sheet against former minister B Nagendra, he responded, "Our statements in this regard are not important. The investigative agencies make decisions based on the evidence they find. Our statements are only preliminary. The truth will be known once the investigation is completed."

"The ED has stated that former minister Nagendra is involved. This happens often. They do not have evidence for what we say, and we do not have evidence for what they say. This has happened multiple times. The methods of various investigative agencies are different, and they proceed accordingly. The ED and SIT will both file charge sheets," he clarified.
Islamabad, Sep 11 : Pakistan on Wednesday got its second woman Foreign Secretary as Amna Baloch took over the top diplomatic post.

Becoming the 33rd Foreign Secretary, she succeeds Syrus Sajjad Qazi who stepped down after attaining superannuation, the Foreign Office said in a statement.

A Grade-22 Foreign Service of Pakistan officer, Baloch was appointed as Foreign Secretary last week, the second woman to be appointed to the post after Tehmina Janjua, who held the post from 2017 to 2019.

A Masters in History, Baloch, 58, joined the foreign service in 1991 and has held several important assignments both in Islamabad and abroad including as the country's Consul General to Chengdu, China from 2014 to 2017 as well as stints in Denmark and Sri Lanka.

She has also served as High Commissioner to Malaysia from 2019 to 2023 and prior to taking over as Foreign Secretary was the Ambassador to the European Union, Belgium and Luxembourg from 2023.

Baloch has served as a Joint Secretary at the Prime Minister's Office and Additional Secretary in the Foreign Minister's office.

She is married to Zulfiqar Ali Khan and the couple has two daughters.

Syrus Sajjad Qazi, who stepped down on Tuesday after a 34-year diplomatic career, has also served at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, besides other key posts.
Shimla, Sep 11 : Tens of thousands of protesters, largely locals, on Wednesday gathered in the Himachal Pradesh capital to demand the demolition of the five-storey mosque in the densely populated Sanjauli area as they say it was illegally raised and occupied by immigrants.

Police had to use mild lathi-charge and water cannons to disperse the crowds as they tried to remove the barricading at the Dhalli tunnel.

Carrying the Tricolour and raising slogans like 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' and 'Hindu Ekta Zindabad', they later staged a sit-in protest, blocking the road leading to Sanjauli, a locality in Shimla's suburbs.

Locals said this was one of the biggest demonstrations in Shimla in recent years.

"Our only demand is demolition of the unauthorised disputed structure and protect the demography of the state," a protester told IANS.

Earlier in the day, a massive police build-up was made by the police to prevent untoward incidents owing to the protest call made by Hindu outfits.

As a precaution, the local administration has imposed Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita of 2023 which bars the assembly of more than five people without permission and the carrying of lethal weapons and arms.

Over 1,000 police personnel along with the Quick Response Team have been deployed in the Sanjauli area, officials said. Even a flag march was carried out on Tuesday evening as a precautionary step.

Also, all the entry points to the city have been barricaded with the deployment of police personnel to prevent entry of miscreants.

The Hindu organisations have been demanding the demolition of unauthorised constructions in the mosque and the registration of outsiders coming to the state.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said people have the right to protest peacefully but there should be no damage to anyone from any community.

He appealed to the people not to give it a political colour and to maintain law and order.

Hindu outfits in Shimla staged a massive protest last week after days of simmering dissent.

Holding the Tricolour, the protesters comprising BJP activists and others had demanded the demolition of the structure, claiming that the Waqf Board illegally occupied the land and built a mosque on it.

The protesters have been demanding that the antecedents of the local Muslims should be verified by the police to know their origin as they suspect some of them to be Rohingyas or Bangladeshis.

The Shimla Municipal Corporation Commissioner's court on Saturday heard the matter relating to an illegal portion of the mosque and listed the matter for the next hearing on October 5.

It asked the Waqf Board and the mosque committee to explain how it became five-storey from two storeys.

Rahul Sharma, appearing for the civic body, told the media, "This is a case of illegal construction. The Waqf Board has been made a party to this so we have filed for a reply. They submitted their replies."

The Waqf Board, in its reply, said the land on which the mosque stands belongs to it and the extended construction was carried out in line with the rules. However, it failed to provide documents that authorised it to raise the structure.
Ranchi, Sep 11 : Over the past 22 days, at least eight members of the 'Pahariya' tribe at Nengra Tand village in Jharkhand's Jamtara district have died due to an unidentified disease, with more than 10 others still suffering.

Some fatalities have occurred due to delays in receiving timely treatment.

Jharkhand BJP President Babulal Marandi has criticised the Hemant Soren-led state government, demanding a high-level investigation into the matter.

Expressing his concerns in a statement posted on X, Marandi said, "In light of the deaths among the Pahariya tribal community caused by inadequate treatment and poor healthcare services, I have urged Chief Minister Hemant Soren to set up a high-level committee to address the issue and ensure proper medical arrangements."

Marandi also condemned the lack of action from Chief Minister Soren and Health Minister Banna Gupta, accusing the two senior Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leaders of neglecting the tribal communities that supported Soren's rise to power.

He also highlighted several tragic incidents in his statement to the Chief Minister.

Notably, Mathiam Malto from the Pahariya tribe struggled to get medical attention for his six-year-old daughter, Gomdi Pahadin, who died in his arms after being unable to find a doctor at Sahibganj Sadar Hospital.

Similarly, a 19-year-old pregnant woman, Princessa Maharani, from the Pahariya tribe died in Kunda Pahadia village due to the delay in the arrival of an ambulance.

Marandi emphasised that the Pahariya tribe, already facing existential threats, continues to suffer from both known and unknown diseases without adequate government intervention.

He also accused the Jharkhand Health Department of corruption, alleging that appointments and postings are influenced by financial transactions, which adversely affect the availability and quality of healthcare.

Marandi's statement called for immediate action to improve health services in the state and address the ongoing crisis facing the tribal community.
September 11 : Bollywood fans have reason to celebrate as the highly anticipated sequel, Raid 2, is officially slated to hit cinemas on February 21, 2025. The film promises to be a gripping continuation of its successful predecessor, with an impressive lineup of stars and a compelling storyline.

Ajay Devgn reprises his role as the relentless IRS officer Amay Patnaik, bringing back the intense drama and sharp-witted investigations that made the original film a hit. Fans of Devgn can look forward to his commanding performance as he tackles another high-stakes case.

Riteish Deshmukh joins the cast as the antagonist, adding a new layer of complexity and intrigue to the film. Known for his versatile acting skills, Deshmukh's role is expected to provide a formidable challenge for Devgns character.

Vaani Kapoor also stars in the film, with her role being closely watched by fans and critics alike. Kapoor, who has made a significant impact in Bollywood with her previous performances, is expected to bring depth and dynamism to her character.

Additionally, Rajat Kapoor will feature in a key role, adding to the films stellar ensemble.

The sequel is helmed by Rajkumar Gupta, who is known for his knack for creating suspenseful and engaging narratives. Guptas direction in Raid 2 is anticipated to build on the success of the original film, delivering a captivating storyline with intense moments of drama and action.

Raid 2 has been extensively filmed across Delhi and Lucknow, showcasing these cities vibrant and contrasting landscapes. The choice of locations is expected to add authenticity and a fresh visual appeal to the sequel, enhancing the overall cinematic experience.

The film is produced by a powerhouse team including Bhushan Kumar, Kumar Mangat Pathak, Abhishek Pathak, and Krishan Kumar. Their collective experience and previous successes in the industry promise a high-quality production that will likely meet, if not exceed, the expectations of the audience.
Moscow, Sep 11 : Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov on Wednesday slammed the United States for continuing its "unfriendly attitude" towards Moscow and using Russian President Vladimir Putin's name "as a tool in the domestic political struggle" during the ongoing Presidential election campaign in the country.

Addressing media in the Russian capital a few hours after the conclusion of the much-anticipated US presidential debate between Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, the Russian Presidential spokesperson highlighted the seemingly not much difference amongst the major US political parties with regard to Washington's current stance on Moscow amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.

"Unfortunately, we were unable to follow the debate live as it was nighttime here. However, in the morning, we reviewed news reports and saw various statements made during the debate. The position remains quite clear: the US, irrespective of the candidate's party, continues to maintain an unfriendly attitude towards Russia," said Peskov.

He noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin's name was frequently invoked by both US Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican candidate and former US President Donald Trump in their exchanges during the debate "as a tool in the domestic political struggle in the United States".

Peskov hoped that the American candidates would refrain from using Putin as a tool in their campaigns, reported Russian daily Izvestia.

He also mentioned that it is ultimately up to the American voters to assess the content and speeches of the candidates, stressing that "Russia has its own concerns, achievements and problems".

In addition, Peskov addressed Republican candidate Trump's claim that President Joe Biden could resolve the Ukraine conflict with a "direct call" to Putin.

The Kremlin spokesperson dismissed the notion, saying, "Such a call could not resolve the conflict. The end to the conflict is contingent on the US abandoning its policy of using Ukraine as a tool to suppress Russia".

Peskov reiterated Russia's longstanding stand that the US and European Union have "direct involvement" in the Ukraine conflict. He warned that if the US provides Ukraine with long-range missiles, Russia will "respond accordingly".
Mumbai, Sep 11 : Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde attacked the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday for his alleged anti-reservation remarks, saying that the MahaYuti will thwart any attempt to undermine reservations.

"Rahul Gandhi has expressed his intention to end reservation in the US. His remarks are unfortunate. MahaYuti will not allow the end of the reservation. We will thwart any attempt to undermine the reservation," the Chief Minister wrote on X.

He alleged that the LoP has a habit of "defaming" the country's citizens when he is abroad, adding, that it is not befitting of a representative to go abroad and make random accusations.

"The LoP has revealed Congress party's anti-reservation face. It is very insulting to the citizens of India for Rahul Gandhi to go abroad and speak to students there that our country India is not a 'fair place'. It is proved that Rahul Gandhi is the bearer of the foreign mentality," the Chief Minister alleged.

He said that many ordinary Indian students have won the hearts of people globally with their intelligence, adding, that from Swami Vivekananda to today's intelligent IT students, many have raised the Indian flag in America.

"The LoP has insulted all of the hard-working Indians. We will never tolerate or accept insults to the country, our identities or the citizens," said the Chief Minister.

Shiv Sena Deputy Leader Sanjay Nirupam alleged that the LoP Rahul Gandhi has joined "hands with the American forces" to create unrest in India like Bangladesh by taking an anti-reservation stance.

"Is Rahul Gandhi's anti-reservation stance acceptable to Shiv Sena UBT and Sharad Pawar," he asked.

Nirupam said that during the Lok Sabha elections, Congress spread a fake narrative against the NDA that it would change the Constitution and stop reservation.

"People's emotions were stirred up, they were frightened. Now Rahul Gandhi himself is trying to destroy the value of the Constitution. Do the political parties who are doing politics in the name of Shahu, Phule Ambedkar in Maharashtra agree with Rahul Gandhi's anti-reservation stance," said Nirupam.

The Deputy Leader also questioned the opposition - who have been using the OBC community for years in politics - if they agree with the LoP's idea of "ending" reservation.

"The movement of the Maratha community for reservation is going on in Maharashtra. The OBC community is agitating to save the reservation. Sharad Pawar and Uddhav Thackeray have different positions on the reservation, do they agree with LoP's views," he asked.
Bengaluru, Sep 11 : Karnataka BJP on Wednesday slammed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his anti-reservation remarks in the US and called for burning his effigies for two days to protest against the issue.

Talking to media persons at Jagannath Bhavan, the BJP state office in Bengaluru, BJP MLC N. Ravi Kumar said: "Rahul Gandhi said in the US that he would stop reservations. Talking about revoking it is an insult to Babasaheb Ambedkar. The father of the Constitution has provided reservation for the welfare of Dalits. Is Congress abandoning Babasaheb's ideas?"

"We must respect and protect the Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs). In this regard, we will burn Rahul Gandhi's effigy across the state tomorrow and the day after as well," he said.

"In our country, reservation is the birthright of SCs and STs. It is not a charity by the Congress. Reservations were given for the welfare of Dalits, to protect their lives, provide security and ensure they live with dignity," said Ravi Kumar.

"In 1955, during the Kaka Kalelkar Committee report, late former PM Jawahar Lal Nehru had opposed reservations," he said.

"In Karnataka, CM Siddaramaiah has transferred Rs 25,000 crore meant for SCs and STs to other departments. Funds meant for the development of STs under the Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation were used for the Ballari elections. They looted Rs 187 crore," he claimed.

"If the Congress party comes to power, Rahul has hinted at his intention to end reservations. His anger and opinion about reservations were expressed in his speech in America," Ravi claimed.

"On September 6, 1990, former PM Rajiv Gandhi opposed the Mandal Commission report and reservations. Nehru and Rajiv Gandhi both opposed reservations. The Congress party has never liked the reservations provided in the Constitution. When the Congress was in power, they introduced 106 amendments to the Constitution. The Congress party has continuously insulted and disrespected the Constitution," Ravi pointed out.
Moscow, Sep 11 : Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov announced on Wednesday that if the United States allowed Ukraine to conduct long-range missile strikes then Russia would respond accordingly.

Peskov's comments came as the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy arrived in Kyiv on Wednesday - a visit that Russia alleged was part of giving the Ukrainian authorities the permission to strike Russia using American long-range ATACMS missiles.

"Most likely, of course, all these decisions have already been made. This can be assumed with a high degree of probability," Peskov commented during a media briefing on Wednesday while responding to reports of potential strikes by Ukraine on Russian soil.

"At the moment, the media is simply conducting an information campaign to formalize the decision that has already been made," Peskov was quoted as saying by Russia's TASS news agency.

At a news conference in London on Tuesday, Blinken emphasised the critical juncture in the Russia-Ukraine conflict as Kyiv continues its counteroffensive amid heightened Russian aggression.

"It's a critical moment for Ukraine in the midst of an intense fall fighting season," Blinken said.

Ukraine has been pressing its allies to provide advanced weaponry capable of striking deeper into Russian territory. Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal reiterated this appeal during his meeting with Lammy, expressing hope for Western support.

"We hope that long-range equipment for strikes on the territory of our enemy will be reached, and we will have it," Shmyhal said.

At a news conference on Tuesday, Shmyhal argued that Ukraine should be allowed to target military installations in Russia, stating that such actions would enhance the "safety of Ukrainian civilians."

US President Joe Biden has also confirmed that his administration is working on lifting restrictions on Ukrainian strikes deep within Russian territory, further indicating Western alignment with Kyiv's military objectives.
Mumbai, Sep 11 : A string of Bollywood personalities such as Kareena Kapoor Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Ananya Panday, Neha Dhupia and Chunky Panday to name a few visited Malaika Arora's family home after the news of her father Anil Arora's tragic death made headlines.

On Wednesday, several personalities including designer Sabyasachi, Vikram Phadnis, Salma Khan, Salim Khan, Arjun Kapoor, Sohail Khan, Kim Sharma, Seema Sajdeh, Arhaan Khan, Ritesh Sidhwani, Neha Dhupia, Angad Bedi, Sophie Choudry and Arbaaz Khan were seen at the residence.

Malaika's father Anil Arora on Wednesday reportedly died by suicide on Wednesday morning around 9.00 AM. However, some reports claim that it was an accident.

After learning about the news, Malaika rushed back from Pune to Mumbai, and was seen entering from a different gate of the building in Bandra, Mumbai. Moments after Malaika arrived, her sister Amrita too was seen entering the premises.

Several reports stated that Anil Arora jumped off the third floor from his apartment building in Bandra, Mumbai at around 9.00 AM on Wednesday morning.

According to media reports, the remains have been taken for postmortem to Bhabha Hospital.

Other details related to the death are still under development. Police are investigating the matter. In a statement, the Mumbai Police issued a statement and said that Anil Arora died by suicide by jumping off a terrace of a Bandra building.

The police added that investigation is underway but there is no information about the cause of the suicide, as per reports.

When Malaika was 11, it was then her parents chose to split their paths. She moved with her mother Joyce Polycarp and sister. Her father, Anil Arora, worked in the Indian Merchant Navy.

In a recent interview, Malaika spoke about her parents and talked about their divorce. She had said that even though her childhood was "wonderful" it was "not easy" and said it was "tumultuous".

"My parents' separation allowed me to observe my mother through a new lens," said the actress in the interview.
New Delhi, Sep 11 : The Delhi High Court on Wednesday asked the Delhi University to decide, within three weeks, on a representation demanding 50 per cent reservation for women in student's union elections.

A bench, headed by Acting Chief Justice Manmohan, though refusing to judicially examine the plea, ordered the central varsity to decide the representation moved by Shabana Hussain, an MA (Buddhist Studies) student at DU's Arts Faculty, within three weeks.

The Bench, also comprising Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, orally asked the DU administration to ensure the safety and security of women students in the election process.

The writ petition instituted before the Delhi HC highlighted that there are 53 per cent female students at DU but their political participation and representation are very low.

"To measure the progress of our democratic system, we need to measure the progress of women in our democratic system," said the plea, adding that political participation means not only exercising the right to vote but also power sharing, co-decision making, and co-policy making at all levels of governance. As female students are not adequately represented in the Delhi University Student's Union (DUSU) and College Student Unions, critical issues like sexual harassment and demand for amendment of curfew timings in hostels and many more are found missing in many party manifestos, it added.

"Recently the Parliament has passed a 33 per cent reservation for women (Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam) in all state Assembly and Parliament elections so it's high time that Delhi University should also think about adequate women reservation in DUSU and College Student Union elections and give the female students equal representation and participation," said the plea, filed through advocate Ashu Bidhuri.

It also referred to the Uttarakhand government's order mandating all the state universities to have 50 per cent reservation for female candidates in the student union elections. The petitioner, Hussain, who was Vice President of the student union at DU's Deshbandhu College in 2017, works for the uplift and empowerment of women in society.

In a related development, the apex court, in May this year, had directed the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) to reserve at least 1/3rd posts for women in its executive committee. In effect, one post of the office bearers, two senior executive members and three executive members will be mandatorily reserved for women. The SC had clarified that its order would not exclude women from contesting other SCBA posts.
Mumbai, Sep 11 : Actress Surbhi Chandna, who turned 35 on Wednesday, has shared a peek into her birthday celebration with husband Karan Sharma, as they have travelled to Hong Kong's Disneyland.

Surbhi's husband Karan had celebrated his birthday on September 9, and now on the occasion of her birthday, the lovebirds are having a fun time in Disneyland.

Taking to Instagram, Surbhi, who has 6.1 million followers shared a string of pictures wherein we can see her wearing an orange coloured floral tube top and paired it with a matching skirt.

She can be seen enjoying the activities inside Disneyland. The duo are also posing for some fun pictures, while enjoying local cuisines.

Surbhi has captioned the post as: "This birthday lets be kids again...Happy birthday to us".

In the Stories section, Surbhi posted videos with Karan from the flight, and captioned it as: "Let the travels begin...birthday boy and birthday girl".

Karan took to his Instagram account and posted a heartfelt video for his wife Surbhi. The clip includes unseen snippets of the duo.

The Reel has a message, which reads: "Life with you is like a never ending vacation...Happy birthday to the one who makes me fall in love with her everyday".

In the caption, Karan wrote: "Happy Birthday my reason to be".

Surbhi's aIshqbaaza co-star Shrenu Parikh also posted a picture on Instagram Stories, wishing her a happy birthday. The snap also features Mansi Srivastava.

Meanwhile, on the work front, Surbhi had tied the knot with her longtime boyfriend Karan on March 2, 2024 in Jaipur, Rajasthan. The couple have been together for over 13 years.

On the professional front, she marked her TV debut in 2009 with a cameo in the longest-running sitcom 'Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah'. After a gap of four years, she played Suzanne in the show 'Ek Nanad Ki Khushiyon Ki Chaabia Meri Bhabhi'.

She then essayed the role of Haya in 'Qubool Hai'. Surbhi has been a part of shows like 'Ishqbaaaz', 'Dil Boley Oberoi', 'Sanjivani', and 'Naagin 5'.

She was last featured in the show 'Sherdil Shergill'.

Surbhi also appeared in the web series 'Rakshak - India's Braves: Chapter 2'. The show is set against the backdrop of the Kulgam operation, and the biographical war drama unfolds the courageous saga of Naib Subedar Sombir Singh (Barun Sobti), and DSYP Aman Kumar Thakur (played by Vishwas Kini).

Produced by Juggernaut Studios, the series is streaming on Amazon miniTV.
Nagpur, Sep 11 : Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday said that BJP has a clear pro-reservation policy and the party will not allow the end of reservations.

"Congress' anti-reservation face stands exposed. It is regrettable that during the Lok Sabha elections they set up a false narrative and when in a foreign country, they talk about ending reservations. Congress never honoured Babasaheb Ambedkar and defeated him twice," the Deputy Chief Minister alleged.

He added that Rahul Gandhi speaks about saving the Constitution in the country and during his visit abroad he speaks about ending the reservations.

"It turns out that all their talks are false. Congress never honoured the Constitution and also stopped Babasaheb Ambedkar from going to the Lok Sabha," claimed Fadnavis.

Meanwhile, state BJP Spokesperson Ram Kulkarni also criticised Rahul Gandhi over his statement and questioned whether the Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee agrees with the latter's "end of reservation" comment.

"Congress cheated the common man by spreading a fake narrative that the BJP will change the Constitution. Rahul Gandhi has always taken an anti-Bharat stand during his visits abroad," he claimed.

Earlier, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde also slammed Rahul Gandhi, saying that the MahaYuti will not allow the end of reservation.

"It is very insulting to the citizens of India to go abroad and say that India is not a 'fair place'. We will never tolerate or accept insults to the country, our identities and citizens," the Chief Minister added.
Nagpur, Sep 11 : Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday launched a scathing attack against the Congress, saying that the grand old party's anti-reservation has been exposed with its leader Rahul Gandhi's remarks in the US.

The senior BJP leader said: "It is regrettable that on one hand, the Congress set up a false narrative during the Lok Sabha elections, and on the other, they go abroad and speak the language of ending reservation. Congress never honoured Babasaheb Ambedkar but defeated him twice."

He said that BJP has a clear pro-reservation policy and it will not allow the end of the reservation.

"Rahul Gandhi speaks about saving the Constitution in the country, and during his visit abroad, he speaks about ending reservation. It turns out that all their talk is false. Congress never honoured the Constitution and stopped Babasaheb Ambedkar from going to the Lok Sabha," the BJP leader claimed.

Meanwhile, state BJP spokesman Ram Kulkarni also criticised Rahul over his anti-reservation statement and questioned whether the Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee agrees with the Leader of Opposition in the Parliament's remarks in the US.

"Congress cheated the common man by spreading a fake narrative that the BJP will change the Constitution. Rahul Gandhi has always taken an anti-India stand during his visits abroad," he said.

Earlier, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde also slammed Rahul, saying that the MahaYuti will not allow the end of reservation.

"It has been proved that Rahul Gandhi has a foreign mentality. Many ordinary Indian students have won the hearts of people globally with their intelligence. From Swami Vivekananda to today's intelligent IT students, many have raised the Indian flag in the US. Rahul has insulted all of them. We will never tolerate or accept insults to the country, our identities and our citizens. I condemn Rahul Gandhi's statement," remarked the Chief Minister.
New Delhi, Sep 11 : As India begins its semiconductor electronics manufacturing journey amid Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "it is right time to be in India" call, the reformist government, a growing manufacturing base in Bharat, and a huge aspirational market can help realise the mega chip dream.

New Delhi, Sep 11 (IANS) As India begins its semiconductor electronics manufacturing journey amid Prime Minister Narendra Modias "it is right time to be in India" call, the reformist government, a growing manufacturing base in Bharat, and a huge aspirational market can help realise the mega chip dream.

To begin with, about Rs 1.52 lakh crore (nearly $18 billion) worth of investments have come in Indiaas semiconductor manufacturing space in a short span of time and several projects are already in the pipeline.

The construction of two semiconductor units is in full swing (Micronas plant in Gujarat and Tata Electronicsa unit in Assam) and the work will soon commence on the three more units in the country.

According to industry experts, the country could receive up to $30 billion investment in the sector in the next three-four years which would further bolster its position in the global supply chain.

In March this year, PM Modi laid the foundation stone of three semiconductor projects worth Rs 1.25 lakh crore.

As per reports, India's semiconductor-related market will reach $64 billion in 2026, nearly triple the size in 2019. Towards achieving this goal, the aSemicon Indiaa initiative allows financial support for front-end fabrication units, display fabs, semiconductor packaging, compound semiconductors, sensors, and display manufacturing.

Semiconductors is a foundational industry. With the advent of artificial intelligence (AI), chips are being used in medical instruments, mobile phones, laptops, cars, trucks, trains, televisions and practically every device on earth India is a major consumer of chips and has built the worldas best digital public infrastructure (DPI) on this chip.

This small chip is playing a significant role in ensuring last-mile delivery in Bharat. Whether it is the unified payments interface (UPI), RuPay card, Digi Locker, or Digi Yatra, various digital platforms have become part of everyday life. The demand for data centres in the country is continuously rising and these run on chips.

Experts say that by expanding production capacity, the country is poised to become a major player in the sector. National initiatives, such as the Semicon India Programme and the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM), are focused on capturing a significant share of the global market, driving innovation, and stimulating economic growth through job creation and technological advancement. The government is working on setting up a semiconductor research centre at the Indian Institute of Space Sciences, along with partnering with IITs so that engineers not only develop high-tech chips for today but also research next-gen chips.

In his speech, PM Modi said India has been elected Vice Chair of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework's Supply Chain Council. The country is also a significant partner in the QUAD Semiconductor Supply Chain Initiative and has recently signed agreements with several countries including Japan and Singapore.

India is also continuously increasing its cooperation with the US in this sector. The first indigenously-developed chip is set to arrive in the country soon.

According to PM Modi, the country has the potential to fulfil the dream of developing a aMade in Indiaa chip for every piece of equipment. At the moment, the chip fabrication facility in Dholera, Gujarat, is being set up by Tata Electronics with an investment of over Rs 91,000 crore. The Semiconductor Assembly, Testing, Marking and Packaging (ATMP) facility in Morigaon, Assam is being set up by Tata Electronics for about Rs 27,000 crore. The Maharashtra government has approved a chip manufacturing project, to be jointly set up by Israelas Tower Semiconductor and the Adani Group. The project will be set up in Panvel in Raigad district with a proposed investment of Rs 58,763 crore in the first phase and another Rs 25,184 crore in the second phase, creating at least 15,000 jobs.

The Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test (OSAT) facility in Sanand, Gujarat is being set up by CG Power and Industrial Solutions Ltd for about Rs 7,500 crore. The Cabinet has also approved the proposal of Kaynes Semicon to set up a semiconductor unit in Sanand, Gujarat, with an investment of Rs 3,300 crore that will produce nearly 60 lakh chips per day. The first chip plant in the country was the Rs 22,500 crore US-based Micron's semiconductor plant in Gujarat announced last year.
Amaravati, Sep 11 : YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) President, YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Wednesday slammed the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) for fabricating a conspiracy out of the boat mishap at Prakasam Barrage in Vijayawada.

Hitting back at Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu for the allegation that the boats that collided with the barrage belonged to YSRCP leaders, the former chief minister said the boats involved had been granted permission during the previous TDP regime and were even used in the TDP's victory celebrations.

Former chief minister Jagan Mohan Reddy also claimed that the boat owners had been engaged in illegal sand mining under the leadership of Chandrababu Naidu for the last four months.

On the arrest of two persons in connection with the incident, Jagan claimed that Komati Rammohan was a relative of Komati Jayaram, head of the TDP's NRI wing while Ushadri, has been photographed with TDP leader and minister Nara Lokesh.

The YSRCP chief was talking to media persons outside Guntur Jail after meeting party leader and former MP Nandigam Suresh, who was arrested last week in a case relating to the attack on the TDPas office four years ago.

Jagan assured Suresh that the party would stand by him in every way, following his arrest in a wrongful case, encouraging him to stay strong during this challenging time.

Jagan termed the arrest of the former Dalit MP as illegal and stated that the state had never witnessed such a blatant misuse of power.

He criticised the Chandrababu Naidu government for making arrests when the state was in the grip of chaos due to severe rains and floods.

He said that Chief Minister Naiduas mismanagement and negligence caused the deaths of nearly 60 people during the floods.

Jagan highlighted that despite the recent floods, the government tried to distract the public by arresting important people, like the former MP and husband of Vijayawada's Deputy Mayor, in the middle of the night on September 4.

Mentioning that the flood relief efforts by Chandrababu Naidu were a complete failure, Jagan said the TDP government has been using arrests as a diversionary tactic to cover up its shortcomings, particularly in handling the four-year-old TDP office case.

The former chief minister pointed out that even though TDP spokesperson K Pattabhi Ram had insulted the then chief minister in public with derogatory language, no personal vendetta was indulged in by the then government. Instead, legal procedures were followed, and notices were issued according to the law.

Jagan stated that neither Nandigam Suresh nor the Deputy Mayoras husband were involved in the incidents related to the TDP office.

He said that investigations, including CCTV footage, would prove this, yet arrests were being made using false statements to frighten and manipulate witnesses.

He alleged that the TDP coalition government was focussing on destruction, lawlessness, and intimidation rather than governance.

He criticised the government for not taking preventive measures despite receiving early flood alerts, accusing Chandrababu Naidu of criminal negligence that caused around 60 deaths and calling for legal action against him.

He slammed a section of the media for spreading false propaganda, refuting claims that faulty rain gauges misled Chandrababu about rainfall data, and clarified that the state had advanced sensor systems, including 450 new ones installed by the previous YSRCP government, ensuring accurate data collection.

Jagan also flayed the TDP for resorting to violence and intimidation. He mentioned the attack on a former MLAas vehicle and the attempt to prevent YSRCP leaders from reaching out to flood-affected farmers.

Jagan stated that these actions were a temporary tactic to silence public outrage but reminded the TDP that they would not be able to suppress the voice of the people for long.
New Delhi, Sep 11 : Responding to Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi's alleged anit-reservation remarks, the JD-U spokesperson Rajiv Ranjan on Wednesday said that the Congress has never supported the reservation or the caste census.

"Congress has historically opposed both reservation and the caste census. In 1991, during a parliamentary debate, Rajiv Gandhi opposed the Mandal Commission. Even in 2011, when the caste census was proposed, Congress, despite being in power, did not back the initiative," said Rajiv Ranjan.

He added that in Karnataka, a caste survey was conducted but the reports were never made public.

"When we were part of the INDIA bloc, we suggested the caste census as an important matter during a meeting in Mumbai, but Congress did not agree back then," the JD-U Spokesperson alleged.

Earlier, Rahul Gandhi - during his visit to the US - accused the NDA government of wanting to abolish reservations.

Responding to Tejaswi Yadav's allegation upon the Bihar government for rising crimes in the state, the JD-U Spokesperson reiterated that the people of Bihar can explain to Tejaswi Yadav that there were two models of government ruling in Bihar, one from 1990 to 2005 which was Lalu Yadav's and Rabri Devi's tenure while another model is Nitish Kumar's tenure from 2005 to 2024.

"The crime situation in both periods speaks for itself," he said.
Kolkata, Sep 11 : The West Bengal government on Wednesday issued a fresh appeal requesting the protesting junior doctors holding a sit-in outside the Swasthya Bhavan, the headquarters of the state Health Depart in Salt Lake, since Tuesday to send a delegation for discussions on their demands.

The medics protesting the rape and murder of a junior doctor at the R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata last month are demanding the suspension of the Health Secretary, Director of Health Services, and the Director of Medical Education.

A similar appeal for talks was sent on Tuesday evening by Health Secretary Narayan Swarup Nigam, but it was rejected by the protesting doctors who questioned the rationale behind the appeal coming from the same person whose suspension is one their primary demands.

"One of our main demands is the suspension of Health Secretary Narayan Swarup Nigam. Yet, the email for a meeting on our demands came from the same Health Secretary's office, which is insulting," a protesting junior doctor had said on Tuesday.

Keeping that in mind, the appeal on Wednesday was issued by Chief Secretary Manoj Pant.

"We value your openness to dialogue, as constructive discussions are essential for addressing concerns and working together to improve our healthcare infrastructure," read the appeal by Pant.

The Chief Secretary requested the protesting junior doctors to send a 12 to 15-member delegation for discussions at Nabanna by 6 p.m. on Wednesday.

However, till the time of filing of this report, the West Bengal Junior Doctors' Forum (WBJDF), the banner under which the protest is being held, has not announced its next move.

"We will communicate our decision soon after discussing the matter," said a protesting doctor.

In his letter to the junior doctors, the Chief Secretary also reminded them that the common people are being deprived of medical services for the past 32 days.

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, the junior doctors vowed to continue their agitation and gave a call to march to the Swasthya Bhavan on Tuesday afternoon.
New Delhi, Sep 11 : Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard is likely to sidelined for three weeks after sustaining an ankle injury while playing for Norway in their Nations League victory over Austria.

According to Norway's team doctor, Ola Sand, Odegaard is likely to be out for at least three weeks, although there is "probably no fracture" to his left ankle. Sand noted that a quicker recovery would be a "bonus," but the midfielder is expected to miss several key fixtures for Arsenal.

Odegaard, 25, limped off during the match and returned to London on Tuesday for an MRI scan. While the scan showed no fracture, the injury will still require time to heal. "Such ankle injuries often take at least three weeks," Sand told Norwegian newspaper VG. "Anything other than that is just a bonus, and it could take longer."

If Odegaard's recovery follows the expected timeline, he will miss up to five matches for Arsenal, including crucial fixtures such as the Champions League clash against Atalanta on September 21 and the Premier League showdown with title rivals Manchester City on September 22.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is expected to provide further details on Odegaard's injury during a press conference on Friday ahead of the highly anticipated north London derby against Tottenham this Sunday. The Gunners will also be without Declan Rice, who is suspended, and summer signing Mikel Merino, who is sidelined with a fractured shoulder.

In addition, Arsenal face further uncertainty in defense, with Riccardo Calafiori doubtful after suffering a calf injury during Italy's Nations League match against France. However, there is some positive news for the Gunners, as striker Gabriel Jesus is reportedly close to returning to full fitness following a groin issue.
Kolkata, Sep 11 : The stalemate over talks between the West Bengal government and the junior doctors protesting outside the Swasthya Bhavan in support of their demands over the R.G. Kar rape and murder case continued on Wednesday after the West Bengal Junior Doctors' Forum (WBJDF) set fresh conditions for accepting the Chief Secretary's appeal to sit across the discussion table.

On Wednesday afternoon, Chief Secretary Manoj Pant appealed to the protesting doctors to send a delegation of 12-15 representatives to state secretariat Nabanna by 6 p.m. on Wednesday for discussions.

In reply, the junior doctors' forum said that they want to send a delegation of at least 30 representatives, including one from each of the 26 medical colleges in the state, besides seeking live telecast of the meeting.

The junior doctors' email reply read, "In reference to the email sent from cs-westbengal@nic.in, we would like to mention few points regarding the proposed meeting. As mentioned in our previous mail, we would like to reiterate some points.

1) We want to send a delegate team of at least 30 representatives.

2) We want the meeting to be live telecasted for the sake of transparency amongall parties.

3) We want the meeting to be based around our 5-point demands.

4) We are re-emphasising our point that we want our discussion to be in the presence of Hon'ble Chief Minister.

We are waiting for your positive response."

The protesting doctors are demanding the removal of top officials in the state Health Department, including the Health Secretary, Director of Health Services, and Director of Medical Education.

A similar appeal for talks was sent on Tuesday evening by Health Secretary Narayan Swarup Nigam, but it was rejected by the protesting doctors who questioned the rationale behind the appeal coming from the same person whose suspension remained one their primary demands.

"One of our main demands is the suspension of Health Secretary Narayan Swarup Nigam. Yet, the email for a meeting on our demands came from the same Health Secretary's office, which is insulting," a junior doctor said on Tuesday.

Keeping that in mind, the appeal on Wednesday was issued by Chief Secretary Manoj Pant.

"We value your openness to dialogue, as constructive discussions are essential for addressing concerns and working together to improve our healthcare infrastructure," read the appeal by Pant.

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, the junior doctors vowed to continue their agitation and gave a call to march to the Swasthya Bhavan on Tuesday afternoon.
Guwahati, Sep 11 : The brother-in-law of Assamese actress Sumi Borah -- whose name has surfaced in the Rs 2,200 crore online trading scam -- was arrested by the police on Wednesday.

The arrested individual -- Amlan Borah -- is the brother of Sumi Borah's husband, Tarkik Borah.

According to an official, Amlan Borah was arrested from Muzaffarpur district in Bihar following a joint operation by Assam Police and Bihar Police.

"Sumi Borah and her husband Tarkik Borah's families came under police scanner after the huge online trading scam surfaced. Police have been keeping a close watch on many individuals. Amlan Borah was also on the run for the last few days, however, police could find his information by tracking different mobile numbers. With the help of Bihar Police, he was arrested," the official added.

Meanwhile, according to police sources, Sumi Borah and her husband might surrender themselves to the police very soon. They are in touch with the CID of Assam Police. But, there was no official comment from the police on the possibility of the surrender of the actress.

Notably, an online trading scam worth Rs 2,200 crore was busted in Assam after a kingpin, Bishal Phukan, was arrested from his Dibrugarh residence.

However, one of the key persons in Phukan's network -- actress-cum-choreographer Sumi Borah -- is still at large. It is being suspected that she has fled to Nepal.

The police have launched a manhunt to nab the controversial actress and her husband, Tarkik Borah. Both, however, have so far managed to evade arrest.

Sumi Borah married photographer Tarkik Borah last year in a destination wedding in Rajasthan's Udaipur city.

People from the Assamese movie industry were flown to Udaipur and the expenses were taken care of by Bishal Phukan. He reportedly spent around Rs 5 crore on the extravagant wedding.
Shimla, Sep 11 : Scores of protesters demanding the demolition of illegal portions of a mosque in Shimla's Sanjauli area took to the streets and clashed with the police on Wednesday, breaking barricades during the protest.

Carrying the Tricolour and raising slogans like 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' and 'Hindu Ekta Zindabad', the protesters, largely locals, marched towards Sanjauli to lodge their protest and demand the demolition of a portion of the five-floor mosque.

Police had to use mild lathi-charge and water cannons to disperse the crowds as they tried to remove the barricades at the Dhalli tunnel. Later, they staged a sit-in protest, blocking the road leading to Sanjauli and dispersed. At least five-six policemen were injured in the clash with an equal number of protesters.

"Our only demand is demolition of the unauthorised disputed structure and to protect the demography of the state," a protester told IANS.

The local administration has imposed Section 163 of the BNSS of 2023 which bars the assembly of more than five people without permission and the carrying of arms.

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has appealed to the people not to give the issue a political colour and maintain law and order.

What is the dispute all about?

Hindu organisations have been demanding the demolition of unauthorised constructions in the mosque and the registration of outsiders coming to Himachal Pradesh.

The protesters have also been demanding that the antecedents of local Muslims be verified by the police as they suspect some of them to be Rohingyas or Bangladeshis.

The Shimla Municipal Corporation Commissioner's court on Saturday heard the matter relating to illegal portions of the mosque and listed it for next hearing on October 5.

It asked the Waqf Board and the mosque committee to explain how it became a five-storey structure from just one floor earlier.

According to Rahul Sharma, who appeared for the civic body, it is a case of illegal construction and the Waqf Board has been made a party to this.

"We have filed for a reply and they submitted their replies," he said.

The Waqf Board, in its reply, said the land on which the mosque stands belongs to it and the extended construction was carried out in line with the rules.

However, it failed to provide documents that authorised it to raise the structure.

The court has asked the Waqf Board and the mosque committee to explain how the original single floor mosque had expanded into a five-storey structure. It also sought a status report on the construction.

Insisting that the dispute was not about ownership but about the development of the shrine, State Waqf Board officer Kutubuddin Ahmed said that in 2023 they had received a notice from the Shimla Municipal Corporation.

However, the counsel for the protesters Jagat Pal said the Waqf Board has failed to provide ownership rights to the shrine.

"As per the records of the Revenue Department, the state government is the owner of the land. The construction is unauthorised as it is government-owned land," he said.

As per Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh, the mosque has been built on government land and the dispute of the property has been pending in a court for 14 years.

However, Leader of Opposition and BJP former chief minister Jai Ram Thakur has slammed the government, saying the state was delaying action against the alleged illegal construction.

Maulvi Shahzad Imam said the structure dates back to 1947 while the extended construction took place after 2010.

A case relating to raising illegal construction in the mosque was registered in 2010 and since then four floors were added to the single-story structure.

The case was heard 44 times by the municipal corporation without any resolution, say media reports.

The report further claimed that the extended structure came up during the past decade under successive governments.
New Delhi, Sep 11 : A Delhi court on Wednesday turned down the bail plea of Neelam Azad, one of the six accused in the December 13, 2023 Parliament security breach case.

Declining to release Azad on regular bail, the Patiala House Court said that there were sufficient reasonable grounds for believing that the allegations made against the accused were prima facie true.

Azadas previous bail plea met a similar fate in January this year.

In a major security breach on the 22nd anniversary of the 2001 Parliament terror attacks on December 13, 2023, two accused jumped onto the floor of the Lok Sabha, released yellow gas, and raised slogans before being overpowered by the MPs, while Azad and Amol Shinde sprayed coloured gas from canisters shouting slogans outside Parliament premises.

The Delhi Police registered a case under Sections 186, 353, 452, 153, 34, and 120B of the IPC and 13, 16, 18 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) against the accused, at the Parliament Street Police Station on a complaint made by the security officer in the Lok Sabha.

Delhi Policeas Special Cell had already filed its first charge sheet spanning over 900 pages against all six accused -- Azad, Shinde, Manoranjan D., Sagar Sharma, Lalit Jha, and Mahesh Kumawat.

They are currently in judicial custody. Jha is believed to be the mastermind of the entire plan and had reportedly fled with the mobile phones of the four other accused persons. Kumawat was also linked to the accused. Delhi Lt. Governor V.K. Saxena has also accorded prosecution sanction against the six accused under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The Delhi Police had requested their prosecution under Sections 16 (terrorism) and 18 (conspiracy for terrorism) of UAPA from the competent authority, i.e. the L-G, who, having found sufficient material on record, granted sanction.
Patna, Sep 11 : Bihar Leader of the Opposition (LoP) Tejashwi Yadav on Wednesday criticised Chief Minister Nitish Kumar over the high electricity tariffs.

Addressing the media persons in Samastipur, the LoP pledged that if his party forms the government after the 2025 Assembly elections, 'every household in Bihar would receive 200 units of electricity free of charge'.

He said that Bihar, despite being a poor state, has the highest electricity rates in the country.

"The elevated tariffs are causing hardship for the people, many of whom have complained about the cost and issues with smart meters reportedly charging higher rates," he said.

Tejashwi Yadav reiterated his 2024 Lok Sabha election promise to reduce electricity bills to zero.

"If my party comes to power after the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, we will provide 200 units of free electricity. People often complain about high tariffs. Ours is a poor state but the electricity tariff is the highest in the country," the LoP said.

With an eye on the 2025 Assembly elections, Tejashwi Yadav is focusing on local issues like the high cost of electricity, which resonates with voters facing rising prices for essentials.

His promises are intended to appeal to those struggling with the increased cost of living, which includes not only high electricity tariffs but also elevated prices for petrol, diesel, and CNG in the state.

As of September 11, petrol in Bihar costs Rs 107.17 per litre and diesel Rs 93.89 per litre, reflecting the broader economic strain on the people.

Yadav is conducting his Aabhar Yatra across Bihar and on Wednesday, he visited Karpoori Gram in Samastipur to pay tribute to the statue of Bharat Ratna Karpoori Thakur.

He is also engaging with party workers from various constituencies, including Samastipur, Rosera, Kalyanpur, Warisnagar, and Hasanpur.
Mumbai, Sep 11 : In a humanitarian operation, the Gadchiroli Police in Maharashtra airlifted a rare blood group type to help revive a woman who had delivered a baby two days ago in Bhamragad, a top official said here on Wednesday.

The woman, identified as Mantoshi Gajendra Chaudhary (24), hails from Arewada village in Bhamragad taluka in the tribal-dominated and Maoist-infested district, large parts of which are currently in the grip of incessant rain and floods.

According to Gadchiroli Superintendent of Police Neelotpal, the Bhamragad region has been virtually cut-off due to the heavy rain, making transportation and communication difficult.

Late on September 8, when Mantoshi went into labour, the local health officials waded through waist-deep water with help from the State Disaster Relief Force (SDRF) and somehow took her to the Bhamragad Rural Hospital where she safely deliver a baby on Monday.

However, the new mom suffered heavy loss of blood during delivery for which she urgently needed blood transfusion of at least one bag to help stabilise her frail health and revive her post-delivery.

The matter got further complicated as the patient's blood group is the rare 'B-Negative', available in barely 2 per cent of the population, and hence not easily available in most medical facilities.

Inquiries by the medics in Bhamragad revealed that there was only one bag of the rare B-Negative type available in the entire district, at the Gadchiroli District Hospital.

This proved a challenging task as owing to incessant rain and floods, most roads to and from Bhamragad were blocked, but the local health officials made frantic efforts to procure the priceless blood bag at any cost.

The Gadchiroli District Hospital made an attempt to rush the blood bag to Bhamragad by road, around 175 km away, on Monday.

Even that effort failed as most roads were in a terrible state, submerged several inches or feet, so the mission was finally aborted. Also, it was not possible to dispatch the bag by boat due to the raging floods, Neelotpal said.

As the patient, her family members and the medics waited and hoped for some miracle, the rain stopped and the weather suddenly cleared on Wednesday morning, prompting the authorities to launch another attempt to send the prized blood bag to Mantoshi.

"Fortunately, we had a helicopter which was airworthy, and we decided to deploy it to render humanitarian assistance. The chopper flew around 100 km or for 30 minutes, delivered the blood bag to the patient party, and returned safely from Bhamragad," Neelotpal told IANS.

Mantoshi's condition stabilised soon after the blood transfusion. She is now in a position to take care of her baby with her overjoyed family besides her.

Meanwhile, district authorities said the flood situation in southern Gadchiroli remains grim with the district disaster management and police working in coordination to shift the tribals and villagers to safer places and prevent any loss of lives.

(Quaid Najmi can be contacted at: qnajmi@yahoo.com)
Hyderabad, Sep 11 : A six-member Central team, which arrived in Telangana on Wednesday to visit flood-affected districts, was briefed by the state government on the extensive damage caused in many parts of the state.

The team, led by Col Keerti Pratap Singh, Joint Secretary, Operation and Communications, in the Union Home Ministry, met Chief Secretary Santhi Kumari at the Secretariat.

She briefed the visiting central team about the extensive damage caused in most parts of the state due to the unprecedented rainfall that occurred between August 31 and September 3. The Chief Secretary informed that even though the weather alert was received at very short notice, the administration was on high alert, and swift action was taken by the state government which minimised the loss of human life.

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy was reviewing the situation regularly and the Deputy Chief Minister, along with two other Ministers, reached Khammam weathering the rains to monitor the relief and rescue operations.

The state government immediately released money to the district administration to take up relief measures.

The Chief Secretary appealed to the central team to make the guidelines liberal so as to enable the state government to extend relief extensively. She also informed that the Chief Minister has ordered to form specialised teams on par with the NDRF to participate in rescue operations in emergency situations in the state. She sought the support of the NDMA in training and other logistics support for the specialised teams.

Santhi Kumari also flagged the issue of air rescue operations during heavy rains which is becoming a major challenge for the administration and sought the cooperation of the Centre in addressing this challenge. She also highlighted the massive tree felling that happened on 332 hectares in the Eturnagaram region. The Central team was advised to conduct a detailed study to find out the root cause of this unprecedented ecological disaster.

Special Chief Secretary, Disaster Management, Arvind Kumar gave a brief overview of the damages caused and measures initiated by the state government to provide immediate relief to the people who are in distress. He said that the initial estimates of the damages were pegged at Rs 5,438 crore while the actual assessment is still going on.

Senior officials from the Agriculture, Roads and Buildings, Municipal Administration, Panchayat Raj, Energy, Animal Husbandry, and Forest briefed the Central teams about the damage through a PowerPoint presentation. Earlier, the Central team saw a photo exhibition where they were shown the extensive damage caused due to the rains. The central teams will tour the flood-affected districts of Khammam and Mahbubabad districts and interact with those affected by the floods and will also hold talks with the district administration.
Kolkata, Sep 11 : The BJP's West Bengal President and Union Minister of State for Education and Development of North Eastern Region, Sukanta Majumdar, has written to Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal highlighting a bid to attack the residence of a district court judge at Diamond Harbour.

According to the letter, a copy of which is available with IANS, there was a planned attack at a judge's residence in Diamond Harbour at night where masked individuals attempted to disconnect the electricity.

"Kumaresh Ghosh, a police officer from Diamond Harbour, is accused of pressurising the security persons to allow their entry," Majumdar alleged in the letter.

According to Majumdar, the said district judge has informed the Registrar of Calcutta High Court as he suspects that the attack was linked to rulings under Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

He stated that such an event raises serious concerns about the safety of the judiciary in West Bengal.

"I question the governance of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee as this incident reflects a breakdown in the law and order in the state. If the police are turning against judges, what does this say about the state of justice in West Bengal?" Majumdar questioned.

He ended the letter requesting the Union Law Minister to take immediate action to ensure the safety and independence of the judiciary.

However, the Superintendent of Diamond Harbour Police District Rahul Goswami has informed that on the basis of the complaint an FIR has been registered and an investigation has been initiated by his team.

"Anyone found guilty in the case will not be spared," he said.
Colombo, Sep 11 : Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kadchi (ITAK), Sri Lanka's main Tamil political party having the largest number of MPs under the umbrella group of Tamil National Alliance (TNA), will announce the final decision on its candidate choice for the upcoming presidential election on September 15, local media reported Wednesday.

ITAK leader and Member of Parliament, Mavai Senathirajah stated that his party is currently engaged in discussions on the issue and will announce its decision on Sunday.

Sri Lanka is currently gearing up for the crucial Presidential Election slated for September 21.

It is to be recalled that ITAK had initially decided on September 1 to support Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) presidential candidate Sajith Premadasa. TNA MP M.A. Sumanthiran had revealed that the decision was taken following a meeting of the party's Central Committee.

"However, the representatives of ITAK's Kilinochchi branch had called a special meeting last Monday and reversed their decision to support Sajith Premadasa. They have now unanimously decided to support the Tamil common candidate, P. Ariyanenthiran," stated Lankan media outlet Ada Derana.

On September 7, during a tour of the region, President Ranil Wickremesinghe had held a meeting with ITAK leader Senathirajah at his residence in Jaffna's Kankesanthurai.

"Additionally, a special committee meeting of ITAK chaired by Mavai Senathirajah was held in Vavuniya on September 10. Accordingly, it was decided that the final decision as to which presidential candidate the party will support in the presidential election will be announced on September 15," Mavai Senathirajah was quoted as saying by Ada Derana.

Sri Lanka's Tamil political parties had earlier decided to field a common candidate to represent minority Tamils in the Presidential election this time.

Late Kumar Ponnambalam, a leader of All Ceylon Tamil Congress, was the last Tamil Presidential candidate who contested in the 1982 Presidential race. He was assassinated in Colombo in 2020.

The group of Tamil political parties, including Tamil People's Alliance led by former Northern chief Minister C. V. Vigneswaran, Selvam Adaikkalanathan's Tamil Eelam Liberation Organization (TELO), D. Siddharthan's People's Liberation Organisation Tamil Eelam (PLOTE), Srikantha's Tamil National Party and Suresh Premachandran's Eelam People's Revolutionary Liberation Front (EPRLF), together with the leaders of a civil society groups including Tamil Peopleas Congress Association (TPCA) had come to a consensus to nominate a common candidate to represent the minority Tamils in the island nation.

However, ITAK decided not to join the pact signed on July 22 and instead back a jointly supported candidate.

A total of 39 candidates will be contesting the September 21 presidential election in Sri Lanka, the first after the island nation's worst-ever economic crisis.

Incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe, opposition leader Sajith Premadasa and Marxist leader Anura Dissanayake are considered as the front-runners to the election.

Out of the total population of around 22 million, 17.1 Lankans are eligible to vote in the upcoming election. This includes 1.2 million new voters.

In the 2019 election, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, the younger brother of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, was elected as the President after recording a landslide victory.

However, a severe economic crisis after the Covid pandemic and several shortsighted decisions led to a major economic crisis in the country with severe shortages of basic essentials like food, fuel, medicine and cooking gas.

Widespread protests and violence forced Gotabaya to flee the country in July 2022 with several other members in the Rajapaksas family also going into hiding.

As he left, Gotabaya invited Wickremesinghe to take over the country with the support of nearly 60 per cent SLPP majority in the parliament.

Having gradually controlled the economic crisis, Wickremesinghe asked SLPP to support him in the upcoming Presidential Election but the Rajapaksas accused the President of dividing their party and denied any support.

Later, Namal Rajapaksa, the eldest son of former President and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, also entered Sri Lanka's Presidential election race.

-- IANS

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New Delhi, Sep 11 : As the three-day Semicon India 2024 event kicked off in Greater Noida on Wednesday, entrepreneurs and traders were a happy lot as they got to showcase their products and also a chance to connect with respective global business partners.

Many traders at the exhibition welcomed the first-of-its-kind initiative by Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government and called for making it a regular event, yearly.

Some entrepreneurs said that the Semicon India event helped develop a direct bridge with hi-tech global counterparts as well as the consumers, while others saw this as a big stepping stone in Make in India initiative.

Earlier on Wednesday, PM Modi after inaugurating the Semicon event, said that it was the right time to be in India as the government was offering stable policies and ease of doing business on investments.

Speaking at the inauguration, PM Modi said: "I can say that this is the right time to be in India. You are at the right place at the right time. In India of the 21st century, the chips are never down. Today's India makes the world believe that when the chips are down, you can bet on India."

A couple of traders spoke to IANS explaining the importance of the Semicon event and what it would mean for their businesses.

SCT Solutions' Nilesh Dhanraj said that the event was one of its kind in the country and companies from across the world are participating in it.

"This facilitates direct link between producers and consumers. We urge the government to organise more such events in the future," he added.

Gentec's Chinmaya Panchal said that such events should be organised not just once a year but also half-yearly or quarterly as such exhibitions help develop synergy between various stakeholders.

Win Chen of AGM group said that he was very happy to attend the SEMICON show.

"It was very impressive, many noted companies participated in the show," he said.

Jayesh Panchang, a representative of Taiwan-based company AGM said that after PM Modi inaugurated the event, the semiconductor industry should grow at a fast pace.

"We would be happy to be part of this journey," he added.

Stonhard India, which looks after clean rooms and conductive flooring of the semiconductor industry, said that it supports PM Modi's vision.

"This will give strength to the Made in India mission. Many global companies are taking part in it. Many stakeholders are coming under one roof and this will facilitate fast-paced growth," said Stonhard India representative.

Arun Kumar Singh said that his company has been given a target of installing 25 crore Smart meters.

"This will plug leakages in electricity distribution and will bring an end to power theft," he said.

Notably, the Semicon India 2024 is being organised from September 11 to 13 with the theme aShaping the Semiconductor Futurea. The three-day conference will showcase India's semiconductor strategy and policy which envisions making India a global hub for semiconductors.
Gandhinagar, Sep 11 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate Phase II of the Ahmedabad-Gandhinagar Metro Rail Project on September 16 which will connect GNLU, PDEU, GIFT City and Gandhinagar's Sector-1, significantly improving urban mobility between Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar.

The 33.5 km journey from APMC (Vasna) to Gandhinagar Sector-1 will cost just Rs 35 and take 65 minutes, offering a much cheaper alternative to taxi or auto-rickshaw rides, which can cost over Rs 375 for the same distance.

The Phase II extension will cover a 21 km stretch from Motera to Gandhinagar, with a separate corridor reaching GIFT City, enhancing connectivity for residents, professionals, and students.

The key features of Metro Phase II include: The second phase of the Metro rail will serve eight stations across Gandhinagar, including key locations like GNLU, PDEU, GIFT City, and Infocity. Metro services will significantly reduce commute times, making it possible to travel from Ahmedabad to Gandhinagar within an hour.

Introducing the Metro Phase II is expected to have a transformative impact on the local economy. The ease of access to commercial hubs like GIFT City and Infocity will lead to higher productivity and stimulate growth in real estate around the new Metro stations.

Due to improved connectivity, residential and commercial units are expected to witness a surge in demand.

This Metro expansion, funded at Rs 5,384 crore, also has environmental benefits. Encouraging the use of public transportation will help reduce air pollution and alleviate the burden on the cityas congested roads.

This project will support sustainable development, laying the groundwork for Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar to emerge as urban infrastructure hubs.
New Delhi, Sept 11 : Lok Sabha member Engineer Rasheed on Wednesday vowed to fight Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Naya Kashmir' narrative, adding that the June 4 general election verdict gave enough signs of it.

"I will fight PM Modi's narrative of Naya Kashmir and for the peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue till my last breath. PM Modi's narrative of Naya Kashmir has miserably failed. That has been proven by the people of my constituency on June 4. The vote for me was actually a referendum against PM Modi's narrative of Naya Kashmir that has failed," said Rasheed while talking to the media persons after his release from Tihar Jail on interim bail granted to him by the court up to October 2.

He also criticised former J&K Chief Ministers Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti, saying that does not need character certificates from them as he is only answerable to the people of Kashmir.

"My people have defeated Omar Abdullah by more than two lakh votes in the Lok Sabha election. That is my real certificate. You (media) must remember that when I filed nomination papers for the Baramulla Lok Sabha seat, Omar Abdullah said had he known that I (Rasheed) would contest then he (Omar) would not have stood from Baramulla in the elections.

"After I won, he started saying I am an agent. Yes, I am an agent of my people. Spending a day in Tihar Jail is like being in hell and I have spent five years of my life there. These people go to London on tour and then return to ask for votes from the people. My fight is much bigger than Omar Abdullah's," he said.

"I am an agent of my constituency, my people. I cannot forget dozens of Kashmiris who died in Tihar for want of treatment," he said.

He told youth to focus on their studies and their career. "Leave politics to me. I will represent your ideas and aspirations and for that commitment, if I have to go to Tihar Jail a hundred times, I am ready," he said.

He said his fight is for his people."I can't forget how Altaf Ahmed Fantosh died for want of medical attention in Tihar jail. Like him, there are dozens of Kashmiri prisoners who need medical attention. I will go back to the people to unite them and not divide them.

"If that is a crime, I am proud to commit this crime again and again. If I will have to spend my entire life in Tihar for this crime, I am ready. I won't exploit my people. Let youth study, businessmen do business, leave politics to us," Rasheed added.

Additional sessions judge of Patiala House court, Chander Jit Singh granted bail to Engineer Rasheed yesterday so that he can campaign for his party's candidate in the assembly elections.

He has been granted bail till October 2 and he will have to surrender on October 3.

The three-phased J&K Assembly election ends on October 1.

--IANS

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Jaipur, Sep 11 : A high-level delegation led by Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma on Wednesday was in the Japanese capital Tokyo as part of the preparations for the Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit 2024, which is scheduled to take place from December 9-11 in Jaipur.

Speaking during a meeting with the investors, the Chief Minister urged them to invest in Rajasthan.

"We are looking forward not just to investments but to a lasting and long-term partnership with Japan. With your technical expertise and our commitment to growth and innovation, we can build a prosperous future," he said while inviting the business community and investors from Japan to explore investment opportunities in Rajasthan.

Addressing the 'Investor Meet' in Tokyo, he said: "I am confident that this international investors meeting with Japanese entrepreneurs will write a new chapter in our historic partnership. Japan has been a pioneer in investing in India, and I am happy to be standing in the city of Tokyo today, which is known worldwide for its technological innovation, corporate leadership, electronics and automobile industry. Tokyo is a symbol of innovation and progress. These are the characteristics that we are also encouraging in Rajasthan.

"Our commitment to providing a suitable business environment for Japanese investors is evident from the success of the Neemrana Japanese Investment Region, where now more than 48 Japanese companies have invested about $8.34 billion and employed more than 26,500 people. These investors know that Rajasthan is the most suitable place for investment and the success of the Japanese Zone has reinforced this confidence. The state has taken significant steps towards enhancing water availability in Rajasthan through the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP), which will help meet the water needs in Neemrana and other industrial areas," he added.

"Seeing the interest of Japanese companies, a second Japanese Investment Region spread over 500 acres has been developed just 20 km away from Neemrana. We can now become an ideal place for global expansion for Japanese companies with two investment regions. The Rajasthan government plans to launch new industrial policy, export promotion policy, garment and apparel policy, warehousing and logistics policy, data centre policy and MSME policy soon to further simplify the business environment," Sharma said on the occasion.

"Our government is committed to solving the issues of investors and making the business environment positive. We especially want to strengthen business relations with Japanese investors, thereby building deeper ties between Rajasthan and Japan."

Under the Rajasthan Investment Promotion Scheme (RIPS), the state government has provided incentives and subsidies to enterprises.

The Rajasthan CM further said that the state government is committed to green development for promoting renewable energy projects.

"Our state is one of the leading states in renewable energy and ranks first in solar energy. We are setting up solar parks for solar energy projects, which will provide a better environment to investors here."

"Rajasthan has immense potential in the automobile industry, engineering, textiles and electronics system design and manufacturing (ESDM). The state has three electronics manufacturing clusters and the region is an ideal place for investment for the global market," he said.

He also called upon Japanese investors to invest in education, saying: "We are committed to making our education system of international standards and invite Japanese investors to join us."

Sharma further spoke on the state government's 'Rajinvest Portal', saying: "We have taken initiatives like the Raj Nivesh Portal to make the investment process easy and efficient. This platform integrates 123 services from 14 departments and ensures timely approvals."

The Rajasthan Chief Minister also met Takeshi Mizutani, the vice president of KAI Group; KAI India's managing director Rajesh Pandya and other officials in Japan. KAI Group is one of the investors in Neemrana Japanese Industrial Zone and has a manufacturing plant there. Sharma discussed furthering the partnership and new investment opportunities in the state.

Kazuhiro Koshikawa, Member, Board of Directors, Nippon Steel Trading also met the Rajasthan Chief Minister in Tokyo on Wednesday.

Nippon Steel is one of the Japanese investors operating in the Japanese Industrial Area in Neemrana.
New Delhi, Sep 11 : The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday, approved health coverage to all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, irrespective of income, under the flagship scheme Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY).

Announcing the decision after the Cabinet meeting, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said: " "It has been decided to cover our senior citizens who are more than 70 years old under universal health coverage, Ayushman Bharat PM Jan Arogya Yojana. This is a very big decision. There is great humanitarian thinking in this decision. They will get the facility of free treatment up to Rs 5 lakh and this will cover about 4.5 crore families in the country, which will include about 6 crore senior citizens..."

The expansion of cover to senior citizens of the age of 70 and above was earlier announced by PM Modi in April 2024 during the launch of the BJP manifesto for the Lok Sabha elections.

According to a cabinet communique, all senior citizens, aged 70 years and above, irrespective of their socio-economic status, would be eligible to avail the benefits of AB PM-JAY. The eligible senior citizens would be issued a new distinct card under the scheme.

Senior citizens of the age 70 years and above, belonging to families already covered under the scheme, will get an additional top-up cover up to Rs 5 lakh per year for themselves (which they do not have to share with the other members of the family who are below the age of 70 years). All other senior citizens of the age 70 years and above will get a cover up to Rs 5 lakh per year on a family basis.

Those senior citizens of the stipulated age, who are already availing benefits of other public health insurance schemes such as the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), or the Ayushman Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) may either choose to continue their existing scheme or opt for AB PMJAY.

However, those who have private health insurance policies or are covered under the Employeesa State Insurance scheme will be eligible to avail benefits under AB PM-JAY.

AB PM-JAY is the worldas largest publicly funded health assurance scheme which provides health cover of Rs 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation to 55 crore individuals corresponding to 12.34 crore families. All members of the eligible families irrespective of age are covered under the scheme, the statement said, adding that it has covered 7.37 crore hospital admissions, including 49 per cent women beneficiaries.

The public has benefited to the extent of over Rs 1 lakh crore under the scheme.

The AB PM-JAY scheme has witnessed continuous expansion of the beneficiary base. Initially, 10.74 crore poor and vulnerable families comprising the bottom 40 per cent of Indiaas population were covered under the scheme. Later, the government revised the beneficiary base under AB PM-JAY from 10.74 crore to 12 crore families considering Indiaas decadal population growth of 11.7 per cent over the 2011 population.

The scheme was further expanded to cover 37 lakh ASHAs/AWWs/AWHs working across the country and their families for free healthcare benefits.
Hyderabad, Sep 11 : A female doctor was attacked by a patient at Gandhi Hospital in Secunderabad here on Wednesday.

The incident occurred in the casualty ward when a patient, who was intoxicated, tried to grab the doctor, an intern, and assaulted her without any provocation.

The patient in his late 40s, was brought to hospital for treatment by a relative and he attacked the intern while she was attending to another patient.

The internas apron was torn when she tried to save herself.

Fellow medicos and other staff members rushed to her rescue and quickly overpowered the attacker.

The accused was handed over to Special Protection Force (SPF) personnel and he was later taken to Chilkalguda Police Station.

The incident, captured on CCTV camera, shocked the medical fraternity at one of the largest government hospitals in Telangana.

The attack on the intern came against the backdrop of the recent strike by medicos demanding security following the rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata. The Junior Doctors Association (JUDA) strongly condemned the incident and reported it to the Superintendent, who assured that an FIR would be filed without delay to address the situation appropriately.

The JUDA demanded swift and decisive action to ensure the safety and security of all medical staff and interns. Calling for a thorough investigation into the incident, the JUDA sought measures to prevent such occurrences in the future.

The Gandhi Hospital recently witnessed protests by doctors over the recent rape and murder of a female trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. They along with junior doctors in other hospitals in the state went on strike. The 10-day strike ended on August 23 after Health Minister C. Damodar Raja Narasimha promised action on the demand for the deployment of Special Protection Force (SPF) personnel at all government hospitals.
Mumbai, Sep 11 : The mystery behind the alleged suicide of Malaika Arora's father, Anil Arora is thickening by the minute. The actress's father fell from his building Ayesha Manor in the Bandra area of Mumbai on Wednesday.

Now, reportedly, Joyce Polycarp, the mother of Malaika and Amrita Arora has shared the details about the tragic incident involving her ex-husband, Anil Arora with the cops in the Mumbai Police.

Joyce was in the house when the unfortunate incident took place. As per media reports, on the morning of the incident, she noticed Anil's slippers in the living room, which led her to search for him on the balcony.

When she didn't find him on the balcony, she leaned over the balcony railing and looked below. There was a commotion, and the building's watchman was shouting for help. This was when she realised something was terribly wrong.

As per reports, Anil had called both his daughters saying, "I'm tired" before he took the alleged drastic step.

Anil Arora fell from the 6th floor of this residence in the Ayesha Manor building in the Bandra area of Mumbai at around 9:00 am on Wednesday while Malaika Arora was on her way to Pune for an event.

As per the media reports, the mortal remains are at the Bhabha Hospital for postmortem.

Other details related to the death are still developing as the Mumbai Police is investigating the case.

Malaika was born in Thane in Maharashtra. Her parents got divorced when she was 11 years old, and she moved to Chembur with her mother and sister Amrita Arora.

Her mother, Joyce Polycarp, is a Malayali Christian, and her father, Anil Arora, was a Punjabi, who worked in the Indian Merchant Navy.

Malaika's former husband Arbaaz Khan, and her rumoured ex-boyfriend Arjun Kapoor were also seen outside her apartment after the incident took place.
Jammu, Sep 11 : Three terrorists were killed on Wednesday in a gunfight with security forces in the upper reaches of Basantgarh in J&K's Udhampur district.

Jammu, Sep 11 (IANS) Three terrorists were killed on Wednesday in a gunfight with security forces in the upper reaches of Basantgarh in J&Kas Udhampur district.

Officials said footage of the area captured by drones shows three bodies lying there.

Security forces and J&K Police earlier received a tip-off about the presence of terrorists in the Basantgarh area following which they launched an operation.

aWhen the security forces reached closer to the hiding terrorists, they opened fire, triggering an encounter. The bodies of the three slain terrorists have not been recovered so far as the search parties came under fire from the surviving terrorists. Reinforcements have been rushed to the area," an official said.

Security forces are maintaining a heightened vigil and aerial platforms are being utilised to provide over-watch.

Notably, eight Assembly segments spread across Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban districts in the Chenab Valley, along with 16 seats in the south Kashmir districts of Anantnag, Pulwama, Shopian and Kulgam, are going to the polls in the first phase of Assembly elections on September 18.

Jammu, Kathua and Samba districts will vote in the second and third phases on September 25 and October 1.

The hilly districts of Poonch, Rajouri, Doda, Kathua, Reasi and Udhampur in the Jammu division have witnessed terrorist ambush against the Army, security forces and civilians over the past two months.

After receiving reports that a group of hardcore foreign terrorists, believed to be 40 to 50 in number, are responsible for these attacks, the Army deployed over 4,000 trained soldiers drawn from the elite Para Commandos and those trained in mountain warfare inside the densely forested areas of these districts.

The terrorists used element of surprise to carry out ambush attacks before disappearing in the forests of these hilly areas.

However, the deployment of Army and CRPF, together with the strengthening of the Village Defence Committees (VDCs) managed by the locals, has deprived the terrorists of using the element of surprise to carry out attacks in recent times.

After the security forces started aggressively going after the terrorists both in the Jammu division and the Kashmir Valley, the terrorists are now increasingly being engaged in exchange of fire.

aThey either get killed during such encounters or remain on the run. This prevents them from surprising the security forces by carrying out sly attacks," a senior police officer said.
Beirut, Sep 11 : A Hezbollah official was killed and another member severely injured on Wednesday afternoon during an Israeli raid in southeastern Lebanon's Mays al-Jabal village, Lebanese sources told Xinhua news agency.

Military sources, who spoke anonymously, said an Israeli drone targeted a motorcycle with two air-to-ground missiles in Mays al-Jabal, killing a Hezbollah military cadre and wounding his companion.

They added that the civil defense crew is working to transfer the casualties to the government hospital.

Meanwhile, the Emergency Operations Center of Lebanon's Public Health Ministry issued a statement and confirmed the incident and casualties.

Israeli airstrikes also targeted the municipality of Yater and the villages of Maroun al-Ras and Rachaya al Foukhar in the eastern sector of the border area in southern Lebanon, the official National News Agency reported.

Also on Wednesday, Hezbollah claimed in a series of statements that its fighters have targeted the Israeli sites of Ruwaisat Al-Qarn, Al-Alam, and Al-Raheb, as well as the Zebdine barracks in the occupied Shebaa Farms.

The exchange of fire took place as tensions mounted along the Lebanon-Israel border since October 8, 2023, following a barrage of rockets launched by Hezbollah toward Israel in solidarity with Hamas' attack on Israel the previous day. Israel then retaliated by pounding southern Lebanon, where Hezbollah builds numerous weapons caches, tunnels, and bunkers, with heavy artillery.
Patna, Sep 11 : The Bihar government has cancelled the ration cards of approximately 40 lakh individuals following the discovery of irregularities during an E-KYC process, which was initiated to link ration cards with Aadhar cards.

N Saravanan, the Secretary of the Food Supply Department, stated that 95 per cent of ration cardholders have successfully linked their cards with Aadhar, and E-KYC has been completed for 61 per cent of the cardholders. The process for the remaining cardholders is ongoing.

"The names of 40 lakh people were removed from the ration cards, as they were either deceased or were fraudulently receiving benefits from government schemes. Simultaneously, the names of 55 lakh new beneficiaries were added to the system," Sarvanan said.

Under the Food Security Act, a significant number of poor people in Bihar receive free food grains. In August 2024 alone, 89,39,832 ration cardholders benefited from the distribution of food grains. The state has issued ration cards to 1.97 crore families, with 22.88 lakh cards under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana and 1.74 crore cards provided to other needy individuals.

The Bihar government has taken action in response to numerous complaints regarding irregularities in the ration card scheme, which included instances of fake Aadhar and ration cards.

"To address these issues, the Food Supply Department initiated an E-KYC process, requiring beneficiaries to visit designated offices for thumb impression verification. This measure aims to ensure that only eligible individuals receive benefits under the scheme," Sarvanan said.

"During this E-KYC process, it was discovered that some individuals had obtained fake documents to fraudulently claim government benefits. Additionally, beneficiaries working in other states, such as Delhi or Maharashtra, can collect their rations there, with the exception of Himachal Pradesh, Puducherry, and Tamil Nadu," he said.

Food Supply Minister Lesi Singh emphasised that the state is currently providing quality grains to 8.35 crore people through 50,185 public distribution system (PDS) shops across Bihar.

"The state has issued ration cards to 1.97 crore households, with each beneficiary receiving 5 kg of food grains free of cost - 1 kg of wheat and 4 kg of rice. Beneficiaries have the flexibility to collect their ration from any PDS shop, eliminating the need to rely on a specific shopkeeper," Singh said.
Lucknow, Sep 11 : Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has responded sharply to the statements made by Congress MP and Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, during his interactions in the US.

The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister alleged that Rahul Gandhi's aim is to disrupt India's unity, integrity, and social harmony, and to push the country towards a civil war. He also condemned the Congress leader's efforts to "sow seeds of division" in the nation, and called for him to apologise to the citizens of the country.

On the social media platform X, CM Adityanath wrote: "Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is advancing towards becoming the leader of anti-India separatist groups. His sole objective is to undermine India's unity, integrity, and social harmony, and drive the country towards civil war. The Congress, which has aligned with anti-national National Conference and is encroaching upon reservation for backward classes to allocate a large portion to Muslims, is now conspiring to end reservation in the country. However, Rahul Gandhi should understand that as long as there is even one BJP worker in this country, his divisive agenda will not succeed. 'We, the people of India' are united against all anti-national forces, including Congress.

"Under the leadership and guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the NDA government is committed to the upliftment of the oppressed, the suffering, and the marginalised. Rahul Gandhias attempt to sow seeds of division in the country is condemnable. He should apologise to the citizens for this."

Significantly, when traveling abroad, particularly to the US, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi consistently brings along his criticisms. He meticulously unpacks and deploys these critiques against the Prime Minister, the BJP, and the RSS. This pattern continues during his current US visit.

The LoP is facing relentless criticism from BJP leaders for his controversial remarks made at various events in the US.

Several BJP MPs and ministers have condemned him, accusing him of belittling India on foreign soil.
Kuala Lumpur, Sep 11 : Malaysia's natural rubber production increased by 27 per cent to 37,960 tonnes in July from 29,881 tonnes in June, official data showed Wednesday.

A year-on-year comparison showed that natural rubber production jumped 33 per cent from 28,533 tonnes a year ago.

Total stocks of natural rubber in July decreased by 7.6 per cent month on month to 148,096 tonnes.

Exports of Malaysia's natural rubber amounted to 48,199 tonnes in July, up 21.1 per cent month on month, Xinhua news agency reported.

China remained the main destination for natural rubber exports, which accounted for 30 per cent of total exports in July.

This was followed by the United Arab Emirates (12.3 per cent), India (11.6 per cent), Germany (10.6 per cent) and the United States (6.7 per cent).

The export performance was contributed by natural rubber-based products such as gloves, tires, tubes and rubber thread.
New Delhi, Sep 11 : Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Jitin Prasada, on Wednesday credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for hosting the three-day 'Semicon India 2024' at Greater Noida, saying India will soon become the world's third largest economy due to its semiconductor technology.

"It is due to the resolve and vision of the Prime Minister that national and international CEOs and cyber experts on semiconductors have come to India. It is a big moment for India that these champions of the industry are visiting the country," the Union Minister told IANS.

Prasada added that it is with the help of this (semiconductor) technology that India is poised to become the third largest economy in the world.

"Under the leadership of PM Modi, India is marching ahead. Today's programme was also a huge success," the Minister added, after the Prime Minister inaugurated the three-day Semicon India 2024 on Wednesday.

Addressing the gathering, PM Modi said this is the right time to be in India when it comes to semiconductor manufacturing, as the country provides an integrated ecosystem for the global players, along with ease of doing business and a large talent pool.

Speaking to a packed house in the presence of key industry stakeholders, PM Modi said "chips are never down in India" and "you can bet on our growth story".

"Come, invest and create value and we will provide an integrated ecosystem for your growth. India has 20 per cent of the global talent in semiconductor design which is consistently growing. We are building an 85,000-strong semiconductor workforce with technicians, R&D experts and designers," the Prime Minister said.

On Tuesday, top CEOs of semiconductor companies hailed PM Modi's leadership, saying he has inspired not just India, but the entire world.
Kohima, Sep 11 : The Nagaland government, which has earlier tightened security and sounded an alert to prevent illegal migration from unrest-hit Bangladesh, on Wednesday decided to extend the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system to three more districts, including Dimapur, to restrict entry of "unauthorised people", a minister said.

Tourism and Higher Education Minister Temjen Imna Along said that the state cabinet in its meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, decided to enforce the ILP in Dimapur, Chumoukedima, and Niuland districts.

Though the ILP was in force in most parts of Nagaland, it was not applicable to Dimapur district which was bifurcated into three districts a" Dimapur, Chumoukedima and Niuland in 2021. The new Dimapur and Niuland districts share an inter-state border with Assam.

Along, who is the state government spokesperson, said that those people, who settled in the three districts before November 22, 1979, would not require the ILP.

A large number of non-indigenous and non-Nagas have been living in undivided Dimapur district for many decades. The Minister said that for those people living in the three districts before November 21, 1979, the government would provide a Permanent Residence Certificate and the option for a Domicile Certificate.

He also said that the government would strengthen the digital system for hassle-free issuance of ILP so that people requiring it would not seek help from a middleman or have to go to the offices.

He said that students, teachers, technical persons, professionals, traders, and industrialists, who are living in the state for a specific purpose, would be provided ILP for a longer duration of 2-5 years at a time.

The ILP under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873, is an official travel document that allows an Indian citizen to visit the ILP-enforced state and areas for a limited period and with a specific purpose. The ILP, which aims to protect the identity and existence of the indigenous people, has been in force in Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram and Manipur. Obtaining the ILP is mandatory for anyone, both Indian citizen and foreigner, who is not an indigenous inhabitant of these northeastern states, to enter these states for a specified period.

Agitations are being held on and off to promulgate the ILP in Meghalaya.

Following the political crisis in neighbouring Bangladesh, various tribal bodies, and civil society organisations in some northeastern states are demanding enforcement of the ILP very strictly to prevent the influx of illegal immigrants into the northeastern states.

Meanwhile, Nagaland Home Commissioner Vyasan R. Earlier said that the deputy commissioners of all 16 districts across the state have been instructed to activate security coordination in their respective areas and intensify ILP checking with surprise inspections. Vyasan said the state has very strong Village Councils (VCs) and the Deputy Commissioners have advised to coordinate with them to report any unusual movement or incident.
New Delhi, Sep 11 : Acharya Pramod Krishnam has slammed Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, for revisiting the India-China border issue. During an interaction at the National Press Club in Washington, the Congress leader alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi "did not handle China well at all". In response, Krishnam firmly stated that "China cannot capture even an inch of our land".

Speaking to IANS on Wednesday, Acharya Pramod Krishnam slammed Rahul Gandhi's statement on China in the background of the row over boundary (LAC). Krishnam said his remarks were "an insult to the Indian Army. He stated that Rahul Gandhi does not trust the capabilities of the Indian military. Krishnam emphasised that the Indian Army is extremely powerful and that no other military in the world is as courageous as Indian soldiers on the border".

He continued: "We must have faith in our soldiers. Our troops are vigilant on the border. China cannot capture even an inch of our land. Rahul Gandhi should be ashamed of his statement and should apologise."

It is noted that during an interview in Washington, Rahul Gandhi discussed India-China security relations, asserting: "I do not think that PM Modi has handled China well at all. I think it is a disaster. If a neighbour captures 4,000 sq km of your territory, what would be the reaction in the US? Would any president be able to escape criticism by claiming they handled it well? Therefore, I do not think PM Modi has handled China well at all."

Rahul Gandhi also came under sharp attack from the BJP when he mentioned: "The world is changing rapidly. China has significantly increased its power. China is our neighbour, and we have relations with the US. We are thus at the centre of all these geopolitical changes."
Porbandar, Sep 11 : The Gujarat government has allocated Rs 8 crore under the National Gokul Mission for the Gir Cow Sanctuary project in Porbandar district to improve the scientific breeding of Gir cattle.

An official said that the initiative aims to enhance the breeding and care of Gir cattle, increasing productivity and benefiting the state's cattle farmers.

He said that the Kamdhenu University and the Gujarat Livestock Development Board will oversee the management of the Gir Cow Sanctuary, following an agreement (MOA) signed in the presence of Livestock Minister Raghavjibhai Patel and senior officials of the Animal Husbandry Department.

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has also approved Rs 43.50 crore to improve road access for tourists visiting Sasan Gir, the last habitat of Asiatic Lions in Junagadh district.

The 42 km long Junagadh-Khadiya-Mendarda-Sasan Road and Talala-Sasan Road, vital for tourism, will be strengthened to facilitate more accessible travel for the lakhs of tourists who visit Sasan Gir each year for the lion safari and Devalia Park.

These roads, which also connect Junagadh to Gir Somnath and the renowned Jyotirling Somnath temple, play a crucial role in enhancing the region's accessibility for wildlife and religious tourism. The upgrades will ensure a smoother journey for global visitors travelling to these key destinations.

Minister Raghavji Patel emphasised the importance of scientific breeding in developing superior Gir cattle. He explained that "Kamdhenu University will lead efforts to ensure the genetic quality of Gir bulls, which will be made available to cattle farmers across Gujarat. Additionally, value-added products such as milk, manure, and urine will be sold, contributing to increased income for livestock farmers."

"The sanctuary will also offer training and demonstration facilities to farmers, providing them with the knowledge and tools necessary for sustainable livestock management. The modern techniques employed at the sanctuary are expected to benefit farmers in districts like Junagadh, Amreli, Porbandar, and Rajkot, among others," he added.

He said that the Gir Cow Sanctuary will feature state-of-the-art infrastructure, including sheds with a capacity for 150 cows, feed storage facilities, water tanks, office buildings, and staff quarters.
Bengaluru, Sep 11 : All eyes are on the Karnataka High Court, which is due to complete its hearing on Thursday in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) case involving Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, and may pronounce its order on the matter.

A bench, headed by Justice M. Nagaprasanna, will conclude the process of hearing the writ petition filed by the Chief Minister, challenging the order of Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot sanctioning his prosecution.

Siddaramaiah has sought quashing of the order by the Governor.

Senior counsel Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for the Chief Minister, will present the second round of submissions on Thursday.

The bench is most likely to reserve its judgment, but sources also say that it might pronounce the order following the conclusion of the arguments and counter-arguments.

The proceedings will begin from noon onwards.

The verdict in this case would be decisive for the Congress government in Karnataka as well as for Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. It is also crucial for Governor Gehlot.

If the bench upholds the writ petition and quashes the order by the Governor, it would be a great embarrassment for him. The verdict would also impact the slew of petitions before him against Congress leaders.

If the Governoras order is upheld, CM Siddaramaiah will suffer a setback. The lower court will order the filing of an FIR against him and legal proceedings will begin against him.

The demand for Siddaramaiahas removal from the CMas post would grow stronger. The BJP would intensify its agitation and celebrate the court order if it goes against the CM.

While the CM is represented by Singhvi, the Governoras office is represented by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta.

Advocate General K. Shashi Kiran Shetty, presenting his arguments for CM Siddaramaiah submitted to the court that the Governor cannot act as an investigator. Singhvi has also argued that the Governor did not follow the principles of natural justice while granting permission for a probe against the Chief Minister. He also stated that the Governor did not consider the advice given by the Cabinet in this matter.

Defending the Governor, Tushar Mehta submitted that the decision was made lawfully and that all due process was followed.

Lawyer Lakshmi Iyengar, appearing for petitioner Snehamayi Krishna, argued that there was evidence of Siddaramaiahas role in the MUDA case.

"CM Siddaramaiahas wife does not have any source of income. The property of the wife in this case has to be considered belonging to the husband," she maintained.

In an important development, the Karnataka government had suspended former MUDA Commissioner, GT Dinesh Kumar in connection with the charges against him during his tenure at the civic agency, pending an enquiry.
Bengaluru, Sep 11 : The Karnataka High Court will, on Thursday, take up the bail plea of former Janata Dal-MP Prajwal Revanna, the grandson of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, in the sex video scandal and the proceedings will be held in camera.

The bail plea has been moved in connection with the case registered at Holenarasipura police station by the victim.

A bench, headed by Justice M. Nagaprasanna, had stated in the last hearing on Monday that an in-camera hearing order will be secured from the Chief Justice and counsels would be informed in this regard.The state government had submitted the request for in-camera proceedings to the court to protect the privacy of the victims.

Senior counsel Prabhuling Navadgi, appearing for Prajwal Revanna, had argued that the lodging of a rape case against his client is inappropriate as the rape charge was not made initially in the complaint.

The charge of rape is being levelled at the time of the investigation, he said.

Prajwal Revanna is facing charges of sexually assaulting a 47-year-old maid and later sending porn videos to the victim's daughter and threatening that her daughter would also meet the same fate.

He was arrested at the Bengaluru International Airport early on May 30, while he was returning from Germany after both his grandfather Deve Gowda and uncle, now Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, H.D. Kumaraswamy made a public appeal that he has to come and face authorities.

Prajwal Revanna had lost the Lok Sabha election. His father and JD-S MLA H.D. Revanna was also arrested and is out on bail in the kidnap and rape case linked to the sex video scam. Mother Bhavani Revanna is also out on bail in the case.

Prajwal Revanna's younger brother, JD-S MLC Suraj Revanna, was also arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting male party workers and was later released on bail.

The SIT probing the case against Prajwal Revanna submitted a 1,632-page additional charge sheet in the case, which included 113 witnesses' evidence, on Monday.

Police sources stated that the elderly maid was raped many times by Prajwal Revanna after threatening her. He had recorded the act and also recorded the victim pleading, with both hands folded, that she had served food to his grandfather and father while he was committing the assault on her.

The charge sheet also mentioned that the accused had asked the victim to get a glass of water at the farmhouse. When she came into the room on the first floor of the farmhouse, he had locked the door and committed the crime. The accused had again committed the crime at the family residence in Basavanagudi in Bengaluru. He had threatened that if she opened her mouth, the sex videos would be sent to her son. The victim had recorded her statement before the court under Cr PC Section 164 and major witnesses have also recorded their statements.

The SIT had sent the bed sheets from the residence and farmhouse of Prajwal Revanna and the victim's clothes for forensic analysis, after collecting samples of sperm and strands of hair from them. Sources stated that the SIT is awaiting the results in this regard.

Prajwal Revanna was also subjected to the DNA test earlier and the reports will be matched once the FSL reports come in.
Raigad : , Sep 11 (IANS) The Shiv Sena (UBT) attacked ruling ally Shiv Sena in Maharashtra on Wednesday after a man was seen clobbering another man sitting in a car in the middle of a road in Neral town.

The SS (UBT) posted an undated viral video of the incident that took place recently with the header 'Goonda-raj in Maharashtra', slamming Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

In the video, an unidentified person is seen repeatedly dealing blows with a rod on another unknown person sitting in his white car, while a woman is heard shouting for help.

The SS (UBT) alleged that the assailant was a person named Shiva, a bodyguard of Shiv Sena MLA from Karjat-Khalapur, Mahendra Thorve.

However, Thorve claimed in a statement on Wednesday that the purported 'Shiva' was not his bodyguard and he had no links with him, though both the men were his party workers, and the victim is also related to the MLA.

He also slammed the Shiv Sena (UBT) for 'hatching a deliberate conspiracy' to spread fake information to malign his image, saying the incident took place in the jurisdiction of the Neral police station in Raigad.

After a furore, the Raigad Police on Wednesday registered a case and arrested the accused, who has been identified as Shivaji Govind Sonawale (35) from Pimproli village.

A police officer said the incident occurred on Saturday following a dispute over a minor issue, adding that further probe is underway.

Posting the video on its official party handle, Shiv Sena SS (UBT) said that law and order in the state has deteriorated and the government is blind to the plight of the people.

"The man's wife and children were crying for help, but nobody dared to go and assist them The law is in tatters here, and people are suffering. This is not just the situation in Karjat, but hooliganism has increased across the state! Waiting for law and order! Because, the leader of gangsters is illegally occupying the post of CM," it said.

In recent weeks, the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi allies SS (UBT), Congress and Nationalist Congress Party (SP) have regularly targeted the government on rising crimes and atrocities against women, especially after the alleged rape of two kindergarten girls in Badlapur in mid-August.
New Delhi, Sep 11 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday evening attended Ganesh Puja celebrations at the residence of Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud in Delhi.

Clad in a mustard-coloured kurta, CJI Chandarchud welcomed the Prime Minister at his residence with folded hands after which both offered prayers, highlighting the shared cultural and spiritual traditions of the countryas leadership.

CJI Chandarchud's wife also offered prayers along with the Prime Minister, marking the auspicious occasion of Ganesh Puja.

The 10-day Ganapati festival kicked off on September 7 amid enthusiasm and fervour across the country.

Incidentally, CJI Chandrachud hails from Maharashtra where Ganesh Puja is a major festival which is celebrated with great enthusiasm.

Born in Mumbai, Chandrachud spent much of his early life in Maharashtra, where he began his journey in the legal field.

Lakhs of residents from the Konkan region, popularly known as aChakarmania, are celebrating the Ganesh Puja while Mumbaikars have geared up to worship the God of Knowledge with the erection of big pandals depicting messages for development and peace.

The Maharashtra government has directed the divisional commissioners, district collectors and police authorities to keep a close vigil for incident-free celebrations across the state.

More than 15,000 police personnel have been deployed in Greater Mumbai while over 6,000 are posted in the adjoining Thane Commissionerate area.
Bengaluru, Sep 11 : Karnataka BJP on Wednesday criticised Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi over his alleged anti-reservation remarks, saying that his views are similar to that of Late Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.

"Rahul Gandhi has a similar mindset like Nehru regarding the reservations. The Congress is anti-Dalit. Congress leaders say one thing and do another. They have always been against reservations. They only give false assurances," said Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council Chalavadi Narayanaswamy.

He added that the first Prime Minister, Late Jawahar Lal Nehru, had said that the reservations were not a proper measure and were a 'misfortune'.

"Nehru said that reservations will not uplift the country and he will not favour this. Nehru wrote in letters to the Chief Ministers of all states," said Chalavadi Narayanswamy, adding, that Prime Minister Narendra Modi also raised the issue about this letter in the Parliament.

"Rahul Gandhi and Congress need to be taught a proper lesson. Rahul Gandhi has made it a habit to defame India. Time and again, we have noticed him defaming India," he said.

He alleged that the Dalit funds in Karnataka have been diverted elsewhere. "The looting of Dalit funds is a big issue today among the people. People should understand Congress' anti-Dalit and anti-reservation mindset," he said.

He alleged that after becoming LoP, Rahul Gandhi has sidelined everyone in the opposition but he is "not worthy" of this position.

"As the Leader of the Opposition, you should have pointed out the mistakes within the country. Is it right to insult India abroad? Does he even know why reservations came into existence? Does he know what poverty is," he said.

"You all are basking in wealth. If you are thinking of abolishing reservations without caring for the poor or wishing for their welfare, then your Congress party will be wiped out from this country," he added.
Bhopal, Sep 11 : Two army officers and their female friends were allegedly attacked and held hostage in Madhya Pradesh's Indore district when they were moving in a car, the police said, adding that one of the women was also claimed to have been raped by the accused.

The incident happened near the Chhota Jam Field Firing Range in Mhow when the army officers along with their female friends went out for a ride in a car, the police said. Over six individuals, said to be allegedly involved in the incident, also demanded a ransom of Rs 10 lakh.

According to the police, the accused approached the car and after a while, for some reason, a heated argument broke out between them and the army officers. Soon the numbers' game (in terms of headcount) came into play and the accused individuals overpowered the army officers, and held them hostage.

The army personnel told the police that the assailants also confiscated their belongings and "detained" one of the women who was accompanying them.

The army officers somehow managed to alert the police and shared their location. The police then immediately swung into action.

A search has been launched at and around the site of the incident to nab the accused, the police said.

Additional Superintendent of Police Rupesh Dwivedi said: "Five teams have been formed, and a search is underway. Local residents are being questioned, and CCTV footage is also being monitored."

He further said that all the four individuals were brought to Mhow Civil Hospital for medical examination. Doctors have found signs of injuries on the officers' bodies.

Meanwhile, Indore Rural SP Hitika Vasal said: "A case under (BNS) sections pertaining to loot, dacoity, rape and Arms Act has been registered."

The incident has shocked the residents of the area as the crime allegedly took place with defence personnel -- said to be trainee army officers -- while the dignity of a woman was also violated by the accused.

Further investigation into the matter is underway, the police said, adding they are hopeful of apprehending the accused individuals soon.
New Delhi, Sep 11 : Defence minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday voiced Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government's full commitment to the holistic development of border villages.

"Border villages are the country's first villages and not remote areas," the Defence Minister said while speaking at the Border Area Development Conclave in New Delhi.

He pointed out that India's geo-strategic position is such that it is exposed to different kinds of challenges and the best way to deal with them is to ensure border area development.

"Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has constructed over 8,500 km of roads and more than 400 permanent bridges. Atal Tunnel, Sela Tunnel and Shikun-La Tunnel, which is going to be the world's highest tunnel, will prove to be milestones in border area development," the Defence Minister said.

He added that the government has started the 220 Kilo-Volt Srinagar-Leh Electricity Line to connect the border areas of Ladakh with the National Electricity Grid.

He said that the transmission and distribution infrastructure of northeastern states is being strengthened. High-speed internet has been provided to over 1,500 villages through the Bharat-Net broadband project.

"In the last four years alone, more than 7,000 border villages have been connected with internet connection, and our focus has been Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh," the Defence Minister said.

He said that the ongoing efforts have not only ensured prompt military deployments in sensitive regions but have also connected the people residing in border areas with the rest of the country.

He underlined the fact that while building roads, bridges and tunnels in border areas is imperative for national security, it is also important in making the lives of the people in these regions better, in collaboration with the state governments.

"Tourism has immense potential in border areas, but it could not reach the desired heights due to lack of infrastructure. Things have changed since this Government came to power. We are working towards development in these areas. From 2020 to 2023, the footfall of tourists in Ladakh, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh increased by 30%. Similarly, there has been a significant increase in Kashmir as compared to the last few years. This has resulted in job creation and strengthening of the local economy. We are taking consistent steps to make J&K a tourist hotspot," he said.

He also shed light on 'reverse migration', which he termed as one of the positive outcomes of economic development in border areas. He made special mention of Huri village in Arunachal Pradesh, a unique example of development through civil-military collaboration. He stated that while the central and state governments focused on economic progress, BRO and the Indian Army laid emphasis on infrastructure development, which resulted in reverse migration.

The Defence Minister also spoke about the Vibrant Village programme which aims to highlight the possibilities of border villages and ensure their development.

He said, "Our objective is to transform the villages along the Northern borders, especially in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Arunachal Pradesh, which are suffering from limited connectivity and infrastructure, into a 'Model Village'. We aim to connect them to the mainstream of development."

Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi described Border Area Development as a core component of national security. He stated that the Indian Army's efforts in the past have contributed immensely towards model villages in border areas, border tourism and developing infrastructure support including medical support and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief operations.

The border area development vision is bold, ambitious and deeply rooted in the principles of inclusivity, sustainability & security, he said, adding that there has been a 'Whole of Nation Approach' with renewed impetus.
New Delhi/Itanagar, Sep 11 : Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu said on Wednesday that development of the border regions is very crucial, citing that Arunachal being a bordering state plays a significant role in national security and development.

Addressing the Border Area Development Conclave in the national capital, Chief Minister Khandu emphasised the importance of the event in enhancing the development of border regions and outlined the critical role that Arunachal plays when it comes to national security and development.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh was the Chief guest at the conclave, which was organised by the Indian Army and the Centre for Land Warfare Studies. Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat also attended the event.

"Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the past decade, the people of the border areas have witnessed significant development. The impact is visible, and the progress is tangible," Khandu said.

The Chief Minister also highlighted the strides made in improving infrastructure across the state's 11 border districts and 29 border blocks, noting that while development in these areas was once a challenge, today the major towns are well-connected, including those in the remote border regions.

Arunachal Pradesh shares 1,080 km border with China, 520 km with Myanmar, and 217 km with Bhutan.

Khandu also pointed to the success of the 'Vibrant Village Programme', noting the transformative changes it has brought.

The ongoing projects include the construction of 1,022 km of roads to connect 124 habitations. Under the first phase, works are going on in 455 habitations, with infrastructure improvement currently underway in 156 villages.

The Chief Minister also expressed his gratitude to the Indian Army for its significant contributions to the region, particularly through Operation Sadbhavna and Project Samaritan, which have facilitated development in areas such as education and healthcare.

The Chief Minister also spoke about the efforts being made in Arunachal to ensure synchronised planning between the defence forces, Central Armed Police Forces, and state representatives.

This planning, he said, aligns with both national security interests and rural developmental needs.
New Delhi, Sep 11 : Congress Central Election Committee on Wednesday selected the following candidates for five Assembly seats in J&K.

The party informed that Mir Iqbal will contest from Baramulla while Nizamuddin Bhat will contest from Bandipora in the Kashmir valley.

From the Jammu division, the Congress has given the mandate to the Bushan Dogra from Suchetgarh (SC); Ashok Bhagat will contest from Akhnoor (SC); and Tara Chand will contest from Chhamb.

Earlier, Congress has also finalised the list of 23 party candidates for J&K Assembly polls.

Congress has entered into a pre-poll alliance with the National Conference in Jammu and Kashmir.

NC will contest from 52 seats while Congress will fight from 31 seats. Besides, there will be a friendly contest in five seats of Nagrota, Bhaderwah, Doda and Banihal in the Jammu division and Sopore in the Valley.

Both parties have left one seat for the CPI M in the Valley and one for the Panthers Party in the Jammu division.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Sep 11 : The Central Election Committee of the Congress on Wednesday evening named five more candidates for the Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir to be held in three phases on September 18, September 25, and October 1.

The party informed that Mir Iqbal will contest from Baramulla while Nizamuddin Bhat will contest from Bandipora in the Kashmir valley.

From the Jammu division, the Congress has given the mandate to the Bushan Dogra from Suchetgarh (SC); Ashok Bhagat will contest from Akhnoor (SC); and Tara Chand will contest from Chhamb.

Earlier, Congress has also finalised the list of 23 party candidates for J&K Assembly polls.

Congress has entered into a pre-poll alliance with the National Conference in Jammu and Kashmir.

NC will contest from 52 seats while Congress will fight from 31 seats. Besides, there will be a friendly contest in five seats of Nagrota, Bhaderwah, Doda and Banihal in the Jammu division and Sopore in the Valley.

Both parties have left one seat for the CPI M in the Valley and one for the Panthers Party in the Jammu division.
United Nations, Sep 11 : Although the draft of the Pact for the Future to be adopted by world leaders could potentially take "the biggest step forward since the 1960s" for Security Council reforms, according to a senior official for the high-level summit, it risks being interpreted as splitting up the expansion of the Council by treating Africa "as a special case".

The draft's segment on Security Council reform is seen by those who formulated it in the negotiations process "as groundbreaking, as potentially the biggest step forward since the 1960s", Under Secretary-General Guy Ryder, who is the lead for the Summit of the Future, said on Wednesday.

The Pact, which aims to set the course for the UNas future as it turns 80 next year, is set to be adopted on September 22 at the opening of the summit, which Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend.

The 29-page draft with 60 action points covers a broad range of issues from artificial intelligence and outer space to reforming international financial institutions and reinvigorating peacekeeping.

The last time the Council was reformed was in 1965 when the non-permanent membership was increased to ten and the current reform efforts have languished for two decades.

The Pact draft promises to "redress the historical injustice against Africa as a priority and, while treating Africa as a special case, improve the representation of the underrepresented and unrepresented regions and groups, such as Asia-Pacific, and Latin America and the Caribbean".

This leaves the door open to interpretation by some countries that the case of other countries like India, Japan, and Brazil for permanent seats on an expanded Council could be delinked from that of Africa, which has demanded two permanent seats and three more non-permanent seats.

The reform process has been held up by a small group of countries led by Italy and which includes Pakistan who are motivated by their opposition to permanent seats based on their individual rivalries to other countries in Asia, Europe, and Latin America.

This group known as Uniting for Consensus (UfC) has been under intense pressure from the 55-member African group for not redressing the continent's exclusion from permanent Council membership.

Ryder said the draft was considered "groundbreaking", because of the commitment "to addressing historic injustice against Africa", and improving the representation of Asia-Pacific, Latin America, on the council and to enlarge it "to be more representative of current UN membership".

Also, he said: "There is a commitment to intensifying efforts to find an agreement on categories of membership, and the intention of developing a consolidated model of reform."

However, he added the caveat that the draft was still under negotiation with ten days to go before its adoption.

"The co-facilitators of negotiations, (Permanent Representatives Alexander Marschik and Tariq Albanai respectively of) Austria and Kuwait, recognised this as groundbreaking language, which appears at this point, to have the broad consensus, subject to confirmation of our member states," Ryder said.

The inclusion of the segment on Council reform into the pact draft was held up because of the strong differences among UN members and was added only late last month.

The draft says that the UN members "will intensify efforts for reform" through the Inter-Governmental Negotiation (IGN) process "building on the recent progress achieved in IGN".

Taking up the divisive issue of adding permanent members to the Council, the draft says the members would "intensify efforts to find an agreement on the question of the categories of membership, taking into account the discussions held in the IGN process".

It added a caveat that "the total number of members of an enlarged Council should ensure a balance between its representativeness and effectiveness".

Ryder conceded that the Pact draft does not attach deadlines to the reform process and the process "has been a very, very long process, and results have not yet been forthcoming, at least not in the nature that a number of our member states rightly wish".

But, he added: "There is a genuine sentiment (for reform), and the fact that the language apparently has a consensus of all parties is testimony to what I am saying, that what is being agreed, or hopefully will be agreed in the Pact for the Future, in ten days' time, does open new doors."

(Arul Louis can be contacted at arul.l@ians.in and followed at @arulouis)
Agartala, Sep 12 : Facing strong criticism from the opposition over 'illegal and inadequate' flood relief in Tripura, the state government claimed on Wednesday that it has already provided financial assistance to the families whose kin died due to the floods and those suffered property damages.

At least 36 people lost their lives in the recent floods in the northeastern state.

Chief Minister Manik Saha held a review meeting on Wednesday and directed all the senior officials to speed up post-flood relief works.

Tripira Relief, Rehabilitation and Disaster Management Secretary Brijesh Pandey said that full compensation of Rs 4 lakh has been paid in 26 cases out of 36 deaths caused by the floods, while in seven cases, partial payment has been made.

Of the 36 people killed, 23 died due to landslides.

Overall, Rs 104.85 lakh has been disbursed as ex-gratia to the families of the flood victims.

Pandey said that 3,873 flood affected people are still sheltered in 67 relief camps in different districts while over 62,200 houses have been damaged due to the floods from August 19-24, while interim relief has been provided for the 10,483 damaged houses for an amount of Rs 11.92 crore.

Pandey said the Tripura government has decided to provide free ration at the rate of 10 kg per ration card for two months, as announced under Chief Minister's Relief package.

Chief Minister Manik Saha earlier announced a Rs 564 crore special package for the floods and landslides in the state.

A six-member inter-ministerial Central team (IMCT) visited the worst-hit Gomati, Sepahijala, Khowai, and South Tripura districts for four days and assessed the flood damage and losses.

Meanwhile, opposition CPI-M and Congress have criticised the state government, alleging that flood relief was inadequate and improper and the flood package announced by the Chief Minister was "illegal" as it was not discussed in the state Cabinet.

Former Chief Minister and CPI-M politburo member Manik Sarkar claimed that most of the flood-affected people are yet to get any relief or financial assistance from the state government.

The CPI-M and its frontal organisations have been demanding to declare Tripura floods as 'National Disaster'.

Congress working committee member and former minister Sudip Roy Barman claimed the Central government has released only Rs 40 crore, which is only an advance from the State Disaster Relief Fund, and not a genuine financial assistance.

Roy Barman also accused the Tripura Chief Minister of announcing the special package of Rs 564 crore for the restoration of infrastructure by not taking into account the individual loss of lives and properties, bypassing the Council of Ministers.
Bengaluru, Sep 12 : Two groups clashed in Karnataka's Mandya district on Wednesday night after stones were allegedly pelted at a Ganpati idol immersion procession in Nagamangala town. Some shops and vehicles were set afire following the incident.

According to sources, some youths were taking out a procession for Ganpati idol immersion and when they were passing near a dargah in the town, some miscreants started pelting stones at them, which subsequently led to the clashes. Police have imposed restrictive orders in the area and are on high alert.

After the incident, people from the Hindu community staged a protest at the local police station, demanding the immediate arrest of those responsible for the incident.

Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy condemned the incident and urged the public to maintain peace.

He also hit out at the Congress-led state government over the law and order situation and said that the "despicable incident took place in Nagamangala as a result of over-indulgence and appeasement of a particular community by the party and the state government for political gain".

The JD-S leader further said that the state government should immediately take action to restore peace in the town.

Karnataka SDPI chief Abdul Majeed urged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to instruct the DGP to deploy additional police forces to restore law and order and take necessary actions. "... Direct relevant authorities to take strict measures against such groups that aim to disrupt communal harmony and tarnish the state's reputation," he said in a post on social media platform X tagging the CM.
Bengaluru, Sep 12 : Two groups clashed in Karnataka's Mandya district on Wednesday night after stones were allegedly pelted at a Ganpati idol immersion procession in Nagamangala town. Some shops and vehicles were set afire following the incident.

According to sources, some youths were taking out a procession for Ganpati idol immersion and when they were passing near a dargah in the town, some miscreants started pelting stones at them, which subsequently led to the clashes. Police have imposed restrictive orders in the area and are on high alert.

After the incident, people from the Hindu community staged a protest at the local police station, demanding the immediate arrest of those responsible for the stone peltings.

Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy condemned the incident and urged the public to maintain peace.

He also hit out at the Congress-led state government over the law and order situation and said that the "despicable incident took place in Nagamangala as a result of over-indulgence and appeasement of a particular community by the party and the state government for political gain".

The JD-S leader further said that the state government should immediately take action to restore peace in the town.

Karnataka SDPI chief Abdul Majeed urged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to instruct the DGP to deploy additional police forces to restore law and order and take necessary actions. "... Direct relevant authorities to take strict measures against such groups that aim to disrupt communal harmony and tarnish the state's reputation," he said in a post on social media platform X tagging the CM.
When Nick Long imagines a rooma classroom, for examplehe doesn't just see it. He hears it, and feels it. "What do the chairs look like?" he asks. "What does the rug feel like as they're walking? What does that feel like, [when you're] a kid and your shoes are heavy?"

Those are examples of the questions Long asked himself when designing the sound for the audiobook adaptation of The Talk, the acclaimed graphic memoir by Darrin Bell (and one of PWs top 10 books of 2023). The author, who narrated the audiobook himself, appreciated the attention to detail.

"I feel like I'm there," said Bell about listening to the finished production. "I feel like I'm back in 1981 and I'm a kid again, and I hope that listeners have the same experience."

The author, who both wrote and drew The Talk, wasn't initially thinking about an audio adaptation. As he wrote, though, Bell read the text aloud to himself.

"I always speak things aloud, so I can judge whether it sounds authentic or not," the author explained. "If I had been recording myself the whole time I was creating the book, we could have just used that!"

The adaptation, released in August by Macmillan Audio, is part of a growing segment of the audiobook field, explained Michele Cobb, executive director of the Audio Publishers Association.

"Graphic novels didn't really exist outside comic books as part of publishing 20 years ago," she said. "As they've been integrated into the publishing cycle, audio publishers have realized, 'Oh yeah, we can do this!'"

Often, as with The Talk, graphic novels are adapted in the style of radio plays, with sound design providing context for dialogue read by actors. In the case of The Talk, Bell's first-person narration knits the story together.

"You're creating a composition, and that composition is going to bloom visuals in the mind of your listener, said Simone Barros, director of The Talk audiobook. "But you're also really moving them through time, the way music moves through time, the way cinema moves through time."

Audiobooks, Barros pointed out, were first developed as an assistive technology. While accessibility is reason enough to undertake the challenge of translating images into sound, an audio production also brings the story to life in a new way.

"This was a person that lived this, and you really get that, because it becomes physical. The voice is physical," said Barros. "A human being is right with us, and in our mind."

The title of The Talk refers to the conversations Black parents have with their children about racism. As such, Bell said, it was important to him to have his own son's voice in the audiobook.

"I basically wrote the book for my son," Bell said. So he told the team at Macmillan Audio, "It would mean the world to me to have him play himself in the book."

As a first step in the production process, Ronald Young Jr. was hired to adapt Bell's book into a script. Young incorporated Bell's text from the book, adding and expanding passages of narration to describe purely visual elements that were important to the story.

"I didn't have to give too much input, because he captured most of the action beautifully," said Bell. "The two challenging spots were the epilogue and the final scene with my father."

In print, the book's epilogue is wordless. So Young composed a passage of narration for Bell to read as part of the audiobook version in order to convey the action and its significance. Although the epilogue is only seven pages long, Bell said, he and the adapter spent an hour talking about it before Young sat down to put the images into words.

The other difficult scene Bell mentioned is a poignant passage in which the adult author revisits an interaction with his own father at a past moment in time. With input from Bell, Young worked to communicate the scene's meaning without sacrificing the illustrations' emotional subtlety. "That was hard to convey in words without spelling it out too much," Bell said.

Once the script was ready, the author, his son Emyree Zazu Bell, and actors Brittany Bradford and William DeMeritt stepped into recording studio booths to voice their parts separately, with Bradford and DeMeritt each portraying multiple characters. Barros said that, while in some productions the actors record together, the specific demands of The Talk lent themselves to individual sessions for the different actors. "Their performance approach is going to be easiest for them to move through one character, record that character, move through the next character," she said.

A clear directorial vision is crucial in an expansive production like The Talk, Barros explained. Because such productions involve more people and a higher order of complexity than a conventional audiobook, they're more expensive: asking actors to perform numerous takes isn't feasible.

"Where I come into that is understanding those budget constraints so that I am being considerate of everyone's time," explained Barros. "Both [actor and director] have to have craft, and both of us have to share language." For example, she noted, "I don't say 'clipped' when what I mean is something else."

Once the voice recording was finished, Long incorporated the voice performances into a fully realized soundscape that included original music composed by Young. Long knew, he explained, that the audio effects had to both complement and extend the spoken wordsin addition to reflecting the absent images.

As with Young's adapted narration, Long's work involved conveying the ambiguities of certain scenes that, in the print book, rely heavily on image to convey meaning. One example Long offered was a scene in which a young Bell jostles with his brother to board a school bus while being, the boy fears, pursued.

"The specifics of the timing" in the recording, explained Long, "can actually tell you how a little kid felt about his older brother getting on the bus before him."

The sound of dogs is a recurring motif in the audiobook, evoking a sense of dread when Bell encounters racist hostility. Although the sound's meaning is inescapable, the specific nature of the sound had to vary throughout the audiobook.

"How far away are these [animals]?" Long would ask himself. "They are supposed to be out of sight, but within earshot. They're not always barking. If you can hear growling, but you don't know where it is ... hopefully we got pretty close to how unsettling that would be."

As Long put the pieces together, he and Barros collaborated to fill perceived gaps in the storytelling by bringing the actors back for additional dialogue recording, known as ADR in the business. There were "things that aren't scripted that we needed to flesh out," explained Barros. "You walk into a classroom, you need to hear people speaking."

Since The Talk unfolds against the backdrop of American history, it was important to Bell that authentic archival recordings were used whenever possible to represent historic events. That meant delving into the question of rights. Some such audioremarks made during official White House events, for exampleis considered public domain. In other cases, clips had to be recreated using sound effects and the actors' voices. Nevertheless, Bell said, "I pushed for it. It was just necessary."

This part of the process occasionally proved as difficult emotionally as it was logistically. One clip heard in the audiobook, for instance, is audio from the home video recording of Rodney King's beating by police. "Getting that, letting that breathe, and letting that be awful was really hard," said Long.

The audiobook team had only about six weeks, once the script was ready, to bring the production together. Barros said she's proud of the complexity of the finished production, including the actors' nuanced performances. The audiobook, said the director, "gives us a sense of the anxiety of the fallacy of race."

Among audiobooks, it's not only graphic novels and memoirs that get such richly produced adaptations. "There's a whole company called Graphic Audio which makes these dramatizations that are not based on graphic novels, necessarily," Cobb pointed out.

Due in part to the expense of such adaptations, though, they aren't typical. When it comes to the market share for audio dramatizations, "It's still small compared to the one person narrating an audiobook that's the majority of titles today," Cobb added. "These are still not the norm of what's done by an everyday audio publisher, but I do see this happening more and more."

At the moment, Bell said, he's working on another graphic memoir and a graphic novel for middle-grade readers. He said that the experience of adapting The Talk won't change the way he works: "I'm pretty good at compartmentalizing things and sticking to what I know I'm good at, which is creating the imagery and telling the story."

But would he participate in another audio adaptation, if the opportunity arose? "Yeah," affirmed the author. "In a heartbeat."
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Youre Not the Client, Youre the Commodity. Can We Reclaim Privacy?

Photos by Kenda Lenseigne

According to laws just passed in Congress, the government has mandated that you now must carry a tracking device, so they can monitor your every movement, what youre buying and thinking about, and everyone you associate with.

And they want you to pay for it. Hey, if you have nothing to hide, you have nothing to fear, right? Echoes of Orwells dystopian 1984, much?

OK, so the government didnt actually make this a legal requirement. But whats worse is that weve all voluntarily opted in to a surveillance society, and for the most part, any notion we may have had of privacy in our day-to-day affairs is dead.

That smartphone you have in your hand or pocket right now is spying on you. Whats worse, youre the one who gave it permission to do so. Certain apps are worse than others, but most will capture at least some data regarding your usage, location, and contacts, all of which can be linked via your credit card information to the things you buy.

Your phone knows what images you look at, what you share with your friends, the articles you read, what you find funny, and what pisses you off. If you think that data is treated like the crown jewels by the companies that collect it, think again  data breaches abound, which can result in all your most sensitive information being traded on the dark web. And for the most part, theres nothing you can do about it. Or is there?

We figured if we were going to field test a communications solution, we might as well choose a challenging environment, here about 10km from the Russian border, where electronic warfare, GPS jamming, and loitering munitions are in use.

A couple of years ago, I ran into Blackwater founder Erik Prince in a corridor at SHOT Show. Ive got something to show you, he explained, while fishing in the pocket of his immaculately tailored jacket. With a flourish, he pulled out an object that was immediately recognizable as a sock.

While the thought crossed my mind that a Blackwater line of mens hosiery products might not be a bad idea, from the sock in question, Prince slid out a cell phone. That, he triumphantly explained, Is a shot into the flank of big tech. And so the Unplugged phone was announced to the world. Since then, the prototype has become reality, and the Unplugged phone joined the ranks of cellphones designed specifically to protect its users data.

This segment of the market has been rife with scams, ever since grifters discovered people with legitimate privacy concerns would pay so that their every move wouldnt be tracked. For example, 2021 saw the launch of the Freedom Phone, marketed to a conservative audience as a way to counter big tech surveillance.

The communicate part of shoot, move communicate, isnt as sexy as the first bit, but its no less important.

On closer examination, this turned out to be a rebranded, cheapo Chinese, low-end phone in a MAGA wrapper, and pushed by purveyors of synthetic outrage like Candace Owens and Ian Miles Cheong. It probably surprised no one when the company self-destructed in a flurry of lawsuits between its founders, after bilking its customers at 500 bucks a pop.

Before that was the Anom, a phone touted as being immune to surveillance and marketed to organized crime as a way of concealing shady deals from law enforcement, which turned out to be an FBI honeypot. Against that backdrop, consumers are justified in being extremely wary.

The UP phone uses its own OS, based on a fork of Googles Android operating system, but customized to avoid the routine data collection of both Google and Apple. It features its own app store thats selective in the products it carries, based on their data collection and security characteristics, so some familiar names are notable by their absence.

If you use messaging apps such as Telegram or WhatsApp, youll wind up with less familiar versions that dont harvest data like their regular counterparts. Theres a definite learning curve, and in some cases, youll have to make the decision to trade convenience for privacy  there are no Google apps, so if youre a die-hard fan of being tracked by Alphabet, this is not the device for you.

A cheap LoRa board forms the basis for this mesh network device, housed in a 3D-printed case. Its paired to the UP phone via Bluetooth and provides a means of communication thats independent of cell towers.

The company has developed its own secure messaging application, as well as a VPN and email service, which is claimed to be one of the most secure out there, and there are neat touches such as a physical switch to kill the connection between the phone and its battery, as well a quick means to wipe all data from the device. While were by no means experts in this field, the physical device feels and performs like a quality item, rather than something youd get from Aliexpress.

Its a new phone, from a new company, so there are still a few bugs. At one point, we experienced some annoying latency issues that were fixed with an update. The phone itself is far from tiny  if you have small hands you may want to skip this one. We actually found the physical size of the phone an asset when using ATAK, as the screen can be cluttered when using a lot of plugins.

It remains to be seen whether the UP phone will become a serious alternative to the established players, but given Princes track record in creating successful businesses, wed be surprised if it flopped.

As to whether its claims of data protection hold up, the jury is still out. The worst-case scenario is that your info winds up in hands of the same data brokers as it does right now, just via a different route. Best case, you take back control of your private affairs, and cease being a commodity to be bought and sold. Were giving them a long-term test in both the U.S. and overseas, and so far, results are positive.

SHTF

So much for the day-to-day. What happens when the cell network goes down? Is there a way to communicate with your tribe thats not dependent on Verizon or T-Mobile and is resistant to eavesdropping? The stock, old-school answer would be to fire up the HAM radio, but theres a significant barrier to entry to this solution  you, and your entire team, need to pass an exam before keying that mic, or else crusty old guys with nothing better do will hunt you down with a fervor not seen since the days of Nicolai Cecescu.

Mesh networks provide their users with an alternative means of communication that, due to their dispersed nature, is highly resilient. Each node on the network consists of a radio broadcasting on the LoRa (long range) protocol that can send and receive, but also acts as a relay for other devices in the network.

Say your radio has an effective range of three miles, but the guy you want to send a message to is five miles away. If theres another device somewhere between you, your message will hop from device to device in order to reach its intended recipient. Each device can be paired with a cell phone, providing a familiar and easy-to-use interface.

Set up a node on a high point within your home territory, and youll massively increase the area in which you have comms.

It doesnt take much imagination to come up with solutions involving a cheap LiFePo4 battery, solar charger, and mesh network device to provide a low-cost means of blanketing an area with your very own, independent communication system, which, for the moment at least, doesnt require the blessing of the federal government.

We tested this concept in the Donbas region of Ukraine, using some of the cheapest mesh network devices on the market, consisting of a Heltec LoRa V3 chip set in a 3D-printed case running Meshtastic firmware and powered by an internal rechargeable cell. Youd be correct in thinking that sounds like a lot of geeky nerdspeak, but once you dig into the subject, its actually pretty easy to get to grips with, even for the tech-challenged  the University of YouTube runs classes.

This combo connected via Bluetooth to our UP phone, stashed in a Thyrm DarkVault case, with the whole shebang riding on our plate carrier. Additional devices were placed in vehicles as mobile base nodes, and there was discussion of putting one on a drone, though this was never actualized.

The ATAK app provided team members with a means of identifying friendly force locations, and we stayed in touch via text messages bounced throughout the network, despite the electromagnetic spectrum being polluted with electronic warfare emissions.

This setup was used to provide secure comms and location info within our team, entirely independent of the local cell network. As a matter of course, whenever were in range of Russian ISR drones, cell phones are set to airplane mode, as Orlan-10 drones can have the ability to spoof cell towers, getting cell phones on the ground to reveal their location for targeting by indirect fire.

By using low-powered Bluetooth emissions, further attenuated by the Thyrm DarkVault case, were able to stay hidden in background clutter, as the mesh network device transmits only when it has data to send, and its transmission length is measured in milliseconds. The downside to the system we used is that its not able to send voice transmissions.

Lets say youre intrigued by the possibility this offers and want to investigate further or just jump right in and set up your own LoRa mesh network.

What options are available? Glad you asked.

Like building your own AR allows for a deeper understanding of the mechanism and equips the user with troubleshooting tools, building your own mesh network devices provides a degree of insight not possible with off-the-shelf units. Just like rolling your own rifle, its also cheaper. If you dont fancy busting out the soldering iron, theres a whole ecosystem of mesh network fans who are only too eager to share their knowledge. Some of them have Etsy stores with completed devices, based around commonly available chip sets.

Stepping up several notches, electronics company Otto, familiar to the shooting community via their excellent hearing protection products, has a nifty mesh network device known as LynqPRO. It has the added benefit of offering frequency hopping to increase security, as well as an easy, on-device interface that integrates with phones and tablets. Its also compatible with ATAK.

WHEN FAILURE IS NOT AN OPTION

Some of us have greater security concerns than others. Due to working in conflict zones, were acutely aware of the threat from both state actors and local freelancers and take digital hygiene very seriously.

On one recent assignment, two days after we left, the building we were working out of was targeted by a pair of missiles. One impacted in the street outside, peppering a local maternity clinic with frag, while the other scored a direct hit, blowing out the center of the structure. Were reasonably sure we werent compromised by our digital footprint  HUMINT was the likely source  but it brought home the consequences for failure.

While its impossible to erase all evidence of our presence, there are a number of steps we take in order to fade into the background. If youre concerned about being targeted when heading overseas, here are a few tips.

Protect Your U.S.-Based Devices.

Were all guilty of storing way too much compromising information on our phones  anything from sensitive files from work, contacts, social media accounts, home addresses, and images of our families.

If possible, leave your U.S. phone at home and take a burner with you, loaded with the bare minimum of info needed for the task in hand. Toss it in the trash at the airport on the way out. If you must take your U.S. phone, never charge it in a public location, such as a hotel.

USB cables work both ways, and intelligence services have been known to harvest data and install software using this method. While you could use a charge-only cable, theres always the possibility this could be swapped out without your knowledge, or you could slip up and use the spare you brought  you know, the one with data transfer ability intact.

Its far safer to use a USB cable to charge a power bank then use the power bank to charge your phone.

Use A Local SIM Card

Or one from a neighboring country, but preferably a card that doesnt require an ID for purchase. Pinging foreign cell towers with a U.S. number is like waving Old Glory as you walk down the street.

Turn Off All Location Services

These will rat on your whereabouts. If you need to navigate, download off-line versions of mapping software to your device.

Use A VPN

Using a VPN to encrypt your online activity makes it difficult for eavesdroppers to see what youre doing, while concealing your IP address.

Preferred SOP

These days, our preferred SOP is to remove the SIM card in our U.S.-based phone and power it up to connect only via trusted Wi-Fi locations when its absolutely necessary to use the data stored on it. The rest of the time, we communicate via encrypted messaging apps such as Signal, loaded onto an UP phone running a local SIM card and a third nation E-SIM.
According to a University of Georgia press release, on Tuesday, Oct. 22, the Richard B. Russell Library will host two public events to celebrate 50 years as the only archive in the state of Georgia dedicated exclusively to recording politics, policy making and public life.
A key indicator of corporate efficiency may now be better than at any time since the turn of the millennium.

The net working capital cycle  a crucial measure that tracks the time a company takes to convert current assets like inventory into sales and then collect the money from customers  has seen remarkable improvement.

According to data from the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE), the average company needed nearly 90 days to complete this cycle in 1999-2000.

Fast forward to 2023-24, based on the latest available data, that figure has nearly halved to 47.8 days.

While the 2023-24 figures are derived from a smaller sample  covering 1,011 companies compared to the 3,000-odd listed firms in previous years  they still provide a strong indication of the trend.

The preceding year, 2022-23, saw the working capital cycle shrink to 54.1 days, the lowest since 2005-06.

If the current trend holds, this would mark the shortest net working capital cycle in at least a quarter-century.

The higher the use of technology, the better the use of working capital, says Deven Choksey, managing director at DRChoksey FinServ.

The increase in online payments, which can clear transactions in seconds compared to the days required for cheque payments, has contributed significantly to the reduction in the working capital cycle.

Additionally, increased formalisation and government initiatives aimed at shortening payment timelines for smaller businesses may have further accelerated this shift, Choksey suggests.

He believes the working capital cycle is only likely to improve further.

Data analysis from recent years shows a decline in every component of the working capital cycle since 2018-19.

The raw material cycle has decreased by 1.5 days, and the finished goods cycle by another 0.5 days.

However, the most significant improvement has been in debtor days, which represent the time required to collect money from customers.

Debtor days have fallen by 13.8 days since 2018-19.

Also, companies are settling their debts faster, with creditor days down by more than a week.

These efficiency gains coincide with improved profitability. Profit growth for companies in the Nifty 500 index was around 30 per cent in 2023-24, against single-digit growth recorded during the previous year, according to the June 2024 Indian Strategy report from Motilal Oswal Financial Services, authored by research analysts Gautam Duggad, Deven Mistry, and Aanshul Agarawal.

However, the current earnings season, reflecting the first quarter of 2024-25, has been lacklustre, notes Satish Menon, executive director at Geojit Financial Services.

Menon suggests it may take longer to discern the years trend.

We'll have to wait for the second quarter, he says.

Working capital can play a larger role in profitability during downturns, according to a 2014 study titled The impact of working capital management on firm profitability in different business cycles: Evidence from Finland by Julius Enqvist of Nordea Bank, Michael Graham of Stockholm University, and Jussi Nikkinen of the University of Vaasa.

It found that working capital management is relatively more important in low economic states than in the economic boom state.
Why did the political system in the country react to these two decisions of the Modi government in a diametrically opposite manner? asks A K Bhattacharya.

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra D Modi, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Commerce Minister Piyush GoyaL at the inaugural session of 'Journey Towards Viksit Bharat: A Post Union Budget 2024-25 Conference in New Delhi, July 30, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

Early in its third consecutive term, the Narendra Modi government took two decisions pertaining to the civil services, often described as India's steel frame.

One was hurriedly withdrawn in the face of political opposition, while the other seemed to face no such pushback.

We are referring to the decision on lateral entry of 45 mid-level officers from the private sector into joint secretary/director/deputy secretary-level posts in the government, and the Union Cabinet's approval of a unified pension scheme (UPS), which, as an alternative to the national pension system (NPS), provides, among other things, a guaranteed pension equivalent to 50 per cent of the average monthly salary drawn in the last year of service.

The notice inviting applications for 45 posts under the lateral entry scheme was posted on August 17, but it was withdrawn two days later after political opposition to the idea gained momentum both within and outside the government.

It is likely that the government may frame a revised lateral entry scheme incorporating provisions for reservations to address those political concerns.

But nobody is sure when, if at all, a revised lateral entry scheme will be launched.

In contrast, the decision on UPS has been welcomed by the Congress president and other senior party functionaries.

Soon after the Cabinet's approval, Mr Modi met a delegation of the joint consultative machinery for central government employees, whose leader welcomed the UPS decision for providing an assured pension and family pension for their members.

National trade unions are yet to offer their unconditional support to the modified pension scheme, but this is not likely to be a hurdle in its rollout from April 2025.

Why did the political system in the country react to these two decisions of the Modi government in a diametrically opposite manner?

Prima facie, India's political economy has not really changed in spite of more than three decades of economic reforms.

Despite its merit, a decision that hurts the vested interests of an influential segment of society continues to pose many difficulties in its implementation.

Inducting 45 professionals into government service was seen by Opposition political parties and some coalition partners of the Modi government as a move to undermine the policy on job reservations for socially underprivileged people.

It was no surprise that such political parties were also vocal in their opposition to the proposal and the government quickly withdrew the notification on lateral entry.

It was a political retreat rather than a reconsideration of a policy on economic grounds.

Contributing to this political retreat was the Modi government's failure to build a general consensus on lateral entry at least among its coalition partners, let alone the main opposition political parties.

The notification issued by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) announcing the induction of 45 officers from the private sector came almost like a bolt from the blue, even though many committees had in the past recommended the idea of lateral entry and previous governments had also adopted the policy for the induction of private sector professionals into government jobs.

But there was a big difference between what happened during the reign of previous governments and what happened now.

In the past, as in the case of the Industrial Management Pool during the 1950s or later through the induction of public sector managers or senior economists into the government system, the appointments were mostly at the level of secretaries.

Only a few of these appointments were at the level of deputy secretaries, directors or joint secretaries.

That certainly helped blunt any general opposition to the idea of lateral entry into government service.

More importantly, such recruitments in the past took place in small numbers.

But last month, the Modi government made a big-bang announcement to appoint 45 private sector professionals.

This was equivalent to almost a quarter of the annual intake of Indian Administrative Service officers.

No surprise that the UPSC notification caused concern among civil servants in general, who feared their promotion avenues would be blocked.

Taking them on board before announcing such a decision could have addressed their concerns and ensured that the so-called steel frame made the lateral entrants part of the governance system.

In any case, India's political economy is yet to come to terms with big-bang reforms unless there is an acute economic crisis.

In comparison, the proposal on the UPS has moved smoothly even though some concerns have been expressed.

But these are concerns that can be handled through further consultation and negotiation.

The prime minister's decision to meet with a delegation of the joint consultative machinery for central government employees soon after the Cabinet decision in the UPS should also help prevent any unrest among the government staff.

Photograph: ANI Photo

To be sure, the UPS is not an improvement over the NPS, which had adopted the principle of defined contribution for running a fiscally responsible pension policy.

The UPS borrows the principles of both a defined contribution and defined benefit policies.

It continues with the NPS rules of contribution, of course, with a difference in the share of contribution -- the government will now contribute 18.5 per cent against the earlier share of 14 per cent, while the employee's share remains at 10 per cent.

But it also offers a defined benefit by guaranteeing a pension equivalent to half of an employee's annual salary in her last year of service.

Fiscally, therefore, the UPS does impose an additional annual financial burden on the exchequer, but it is certainly far less ruinous than what the Old Pension Scheme entailed with its assured pension without any contribution from either side on an annual basis.

A bigger gain is a reversal of a distortion that the Sixth Central Pay Commission had introduced by reducing the number of years of service for full pension entitlement from 33 years to 20 years.

The UPS raises that requirement to 25 years.

And this is a change that has been brought about after consultation with the employees.

In her 2024-2025 Budget speech last month, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had referred to the progress the government had made in reviewing the NPS.

She also expressed her happiness that the staff side of the national council of the joint consultative machinery for central government employees had 'taken a constructive approach', and she was hopeful that all relevant issues would be resolved 'while maintaining fiscal prudence to protect the common citizens'.

It now appears that the first hurdle of securing the acceptance of government employees of the modified pension scheme has been overcome.

The bigger hurdle will be to ensure that UPS also maintains fiscal prudence.

That could well prove to be a challenge, given the demands that would be made to increase the government's contribution or reduce the period for full pension entitlement.

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com
'I don't want what happened to me should happen to anyone else,' says Shagun Parihar, the BJP candidate from Kishtwar whose father and uncle were killed by terrorists.

IMAGE: Shagun Parihar, the Bharatiya Janata Party candidate from the Kishtwar assembly constituency. All Photographs: Kind courtesy Shagun Parihar/X

Till two weeks ago, Shagun Parihar, who has an MTech in electrical power systems, was busy preparing for the Jammu and Kashmir state Public Service Commission examinations and pursuing a PhD.

The news that she was the Bharatiya Janata Party candidate from Kishtwar came to her as she doing puja in her puja ghar.

Shagun lost her father Ajit Parihar and uncle Anil Parihar, a senior BJP leader, in 2018. The brothers were gunned down by terrorists when they were returning home after closing their medicine shop in Kishtwar.

"I feel my father's absence all times. All the love that I am getting from the people is a result of his blessings," she says in a voice muffled with emotion and tears.

"The security situation has been solved to a great extent, but it is said that the flame burns bright before it dies -- we are at that stage. We are at the last stage before terrorism is finally wiped out forever in J&K," Shagun Parihar tells Rediff.com's Archana Masih in a late night phone interview.

This is your first time as a candidate in an election. What is it like? Tough? Hectic?

I am liking the campaign experience. The people are encouraging and supportive. It does not feel like I am campaigning for votes; I feel I have already won!

The love and enthusiasm of the people is pushing me ahead every day. I can't express in words the love I have been receiving from the people.

Are there some moments that leave a lasting impression -- in terms of the people you meet and what they say?

In many places, people say 'Mata aayi hai', 'Durga aayi hai'. I am taken aback when people touch my feet at times because I have accomplished nothing to gain that kind of respect.

I feel grateful to God that he is giving me such love and respect through the people.

They call me their beti. They tell me they have accepted me from their heart.

They say, 'This is not only your election, but ours'.

Did you want to enter politics? Did you ever think you would get this opportunity?

This was not my desire, but since Bhagwan has provided this opportunity, I will try my best to fulfill this duty.

When did you know you were going to get the ticket from Kishtwar?

I came to know of this when I was doing puja. My brother told me that my name was being flashed on television. After finishing my puja, I had to immediately go to some place and I did not even get the chance to see the news.

IMAGE: Shagun Parihar takes part in an election rally.

Listening to this news, you would have thought of your late father. He would have been so proud had he been alive today.

If he was alive, I would not have had to think about anything. Whatever I see, wherever I go, I feel his absence. He is missed at all times.

All the love that I am getting from the people is a result of his blessings. [Her voice is muffled with emotion and tears.]

How is your family supporting you?

They are seeing the effort I am making, inching forward every day. I hardly get time to be with them and talk to them these days. I catch some moments with them between coming home and leaving again.

IMAGE: Shagun receives a warm welcome from BJP karyakartas at the Kishtwar assembly office, August 28, 2024.

What was your life like before you got this ticket?

I was preparing for the state public service exam, alongside pursuing my PhD. Let us see what path Bhagwan takes me on.

What would you like to do for Kishtwar if you are elected?

Improve the security because politicians and civilians have been killed by terrorists. Development, employment, education are also big issues.

The security situation has been solved to a great extent, but it is said that the flame burns bright before it dies -- we are at that stage. We are at the last stage before terrorism is finally wiped out forever in J&K.

We have to try for a BJP government in J&K so that roots of terror are destroyed completely.

As someone who has suffered personal loss and the consequences of terror directly, what according to you must be done to root out terrorism?

Strong policies by the government. Our officers need strict supervision. We need a state government that works for the good of the state and then things will be on the right course.

IMAGE: A BJP supporter at a rally addressed by Shagun, August 27, 2024.

If you win ,what will be your first priority as an elected MLA?

Sort out the security issue. I don't want what happened to me should happen to anyone else. No one else's home should be destroyed like mine. We need a strong government in J&K to deal with the security issues.

Roads, network connectivity, education will be my other priorities.

The governments that have been in power have kept rural area away from the fruits of development.

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com
A judicial tribunal of the Delhi high court has confirmed the Centre's ban on separatist group Muslim Conference Jammu and Kashmir (Bhat faction) and four factions of the Jammu and Kashmir People's League for threatening India's integrity by promoting, aiding and abetting the secession of Jammu and Kashmir through terrorism.

IMAGE: JKLF chief Yasin Malik being taken to the NIA court, New Delhi, May 25, 2022. Photograph: ANI Photo

Two separate orders -- one for the Muslim Conference Jammu and Kashmir (Bhat faction) and another for the four factions of the JKPL -- upholding the ban imposed under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act was issued by the tribunal consisting of Justice Neena Bansal Krishna, a Delhi High Court judge.

The Muslim Conference Jammu and Kashmir (MCJK-Bhat) was declared a banned association by the ministry of home affairs through a notification on February 28.

The tribunal was constituted on March 18 for the purpose of adjudicating whether or not there was sufficient cause for declaring the MCJK-Bhat an unlawful association.

"And, whereas, the said tribunal, in exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (3) of section 4 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, passed an order on August 23, 2024, confirming the declaration made in the said notification," the home ministry said through a notification issued on Tuesday.

While imposing the ban, the ministry had said the MCJK-Bhat had linkages with banned terror outfits and supported terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, its members were indulging in generating feelings of hatred and disaffection against India to separate Jammu and Kashmir from the Union of India, and its leaders and members were involved in raising funds through various sources, including from Pakistan and its proxy organisations, for perpetrating unlawful activities, including supporting terror activities and sustained stone-pelting on security forces.

The MHA had also said the MCJK-Bhat and its members, by their activities, showed sheer disrespect towards the country's constitutional authority and constitutional set up, gave a clarion call to boycott polls on multiple occasions, attempted to subvert the will of people and the democratic process in Jammu and Kashmir, and were involved in promoting, aiding and abetting the secession of Jammu and Kashmir from India through anti-national and subversive activities.

Another order was also issued by the tribunal confirming the ban imposed on four factions of the Jammu and Kashmir Peoples League -- JKPL (Mukhtar Ahmed Waza), JKPL (Bashir Ahmad Tota), JKPL (Ghulam Mohammad Khan alias Sopori), which is also known as Jammu and Kashmir People's Political League, and JKPL (Aziz Sheikh) led by Yaqoob Sheikh -- as unlawful associations.

While declaring the four factions of the JKPL outlawed under the UAPA on March 15, the MHA had said the groups were involved in supporting terror activities and spreading anti-India propaganda for fuelling secessionism in Jammu and Kashmir, and their members were involved in mobilising violent protests in various parts of Jammu and Kashmir for perpetrating unlawful activities.

The members of the groups were also involved in stone-pelting on security forces, have constantly asked the people of Jammu and Kashmir to refrain from taking part in elections and thereby, targeted and hampered the very basic constitutionally-recognised fundamentals of Indian democracy, the ministry had said.

The tribunal, in its August 29 order, said: "From the elaborate material and evidence placed on record in these proceedings, this tribunal finds that there is ample justification to uphold the ban on the four factions of the JKPL and uphold the declaration of the four factions of the JKPL, namely JKPL (Mukhtar Ahmed Waza), JKPL (Bashir Ahmed Tota), JKPL (Ghulam Mohammed Khan @ Sopori) also known as Jammu and Kashmir People's Political League, and JKPL (Aziz Sheikh) led by Yaqoob Sheikh as being 'unlawful associations' under the UAPA."
A group of Congress leaders have written to Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi to warn party leaders and state ministers, who are weighing in for the chief minister's post, in the event of leadership change in Karnataka.

IMAGE: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Photograph: ANI Photo

The signatories of the letter, including current and former lawmakers and some ex-ministers, have also urged him to issue a direction not to issue damaging statements in the future, in the interest of the Congress party and the state of Karnataka.

As Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's petition challenging the Governor's sanction for his prosecution in the MUDA site allotment case is being heard in the High Court, Congress leaders seem to be preparing for a race to become CM, in case of leadership change in the state, with several of them openly expressing their desire.

'...... more than six leaders, including senior ministers, are issuing statements claiming the post of chief minister, instead of fighting against the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) and the JD-S (Janata Dal-Secular). Due to this, many of our leaders and workers are getting demoralised and losing hope in the government and the party,' the letter addressed to Rahul Gandhi said.

Similarly, the people of Karnataka are gradually losing faith in the party and government, because of 'infighting and reckless statements' of some leaders, it said.

'Therefore, we humbly appeal to your esteemed office to take note of the statements issued by the said leaders and warn them against issuing such damaging statements in future in the interest of the Congress party and the state of Karnataka,' it added.

Congress leaders B L Shankar, V S Ugrappa, H M Revanna, V R Sudarshan, L Hanumanthaiah, Prakash Rathod are some of the signatories of the letter.

State Congress working president Manjunath Bhandary and MLC Dinesh Gooligowda on Monday had written to All India Congress Committee president Mallikarjun Kharge, asking him to curb speculation over the chief minister's tenure.

While Deputy Chief Minister and state Congress president D K Shivakumar is seen as a prime contender for the post in case of any change in leadership, the names of senior Parameshwara and PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi too are doing rounds, especially following their recent meeting with party leadership in New Delhi.

A verbal duel of sorts had erupted between two senior ministers -- M B Patil and Shivanand Patil -- about seniority as the yardstick to become the chief minister.

Senior Congress MLAs -- Administrative Reforms Commission Chairperson R V Deshpande and Basavaraj Rayrareddy, who is Siddaramaiah's financial adviser -- too have expressed their wish to become the chief minister.
The situation in Manipur remained tense but under control on Wednesday after students clashed with security forces during their march to Raj Bhavan in Imphal a day before, police said.

IMAGE: Paramilitary personnel fire tear shell gases on students staging a protest against the recent violence in the state, in Imphal on Tuesday. Photograph: ANI Photo

Curfew, which was imposed in the state's capital Imphal on Tuesday afternoon, continued to be in place on Wednesday morning, while additional security forces were deployed and frequent patrolling by policemen was underway in the town to avoid any untoward incident, a senior officer said.

"The situation remains tense but under control," he said.

A clash broke out between students and security forces during a march to the Raj Bhavan here on Tuesday.

The government on Tuesday evening issued an amended order, stating that the suspension of internet services in the wake of intensified agitation by students applies only to the five valley districts.

The agitating students attempted to march towards the Raj Bhavan in Imphal to press for their demands to remove the DGP and security advisor to the state government.

The police had fired tear gas shells to disperse students who were accused of pelting security forces with stones in Khwairamband and Kakwa Naorem Leikai areas in the state capital.

More than 55 students were injured in the clashes and admitted to RIMS hospital, a students' body claimed.

The Raj Bhavan, in a statement issued late on Tuesday night, said, 'Representatives of students met Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya and submitted a memorandum.'

They urged the governor to take up appropriate steps to fulfil their demands, it said.

The governor assured them that he would take steps in the best interest of the students and the people of Manipur, the statement said.

Meanwhile, search operations and area domination exercises were underway in Kangpokpi district and arms and explosives were recovered, police said in a statement.
Miscreants attacked two young Army officers and their two women friends and also raped one of them when they were out on a picnic in Madhya Pradesh's Indore district in the wee hours of Wednesday, the police said.

Image used for representational purpose only. Photograph: ANI Photo

Badgonda police station in-charge Lokendra Singh Hirore said the officers, aged 23 and 24, undergoing Young Officers course at the Infantry School in Mhow cantonment town, had gone out for a picnic on Tuesday along with two female friends.

At about 2 am on Wednesday, seven unidentified men arrived near the picnic spot on Mhow-Mandleshwar road and started beating up one of the officers sitting in a car and also the women, he said.

The second officer, who was away from the car, managed to inform his seniors about the incident, after which police reached the spot, Hirore said.

Looking at the police, the miscreants fled the spot. All four victims were brought to Mhow Civil Hospital for medical examination at about 6.30 am and as per doctors, there were signs of injuries on the officers' bodies, he informed.

Hirore said in the medical examination, it was found that the miscreants had raped one of the women.

Talking to reporters, Indore Rural SP Hitika Vasal said, "A case under (BNS) sections pertaining to loot, dacoity, rape and under the Arms Act has been registered."

Personnel from four police stations have fanned out and launched a manhunt for the miscreants, Vasal added.
The Gujarat government has deployed specialist doctors and 50 medical teams in and around seven villages of two talukas in Kutch district after an undiagnosed fever has claimed the lives of 11 persons in a week, a state minister said on Wednesday.

Image used only for representation. Photograph: ANI Photo

Health Minister Rushikesh Patel held a review meeting in Bhuj town of Kutch over the steps being taken in the region.

Talking to reporters after the meeting on Wednesday, Patel said 48 new cases of fever have been detected in seven villages of Lakhpat and Abdasa where 11 persons, including four children, died earlier due to an undiagnosed fever between September 3 and 10.

"Hundred isolation beds and 30 ventilators as well as BiPAP machines are kept ready at Adani G K General Hospital here to address any emergency situation. We have deputed a cardiologist and two expert physicians along with 50 medical teams led by MBBS doctors in this region for early diagnosis and treatment," he said.

Ambulances of '108 service' have also been deployed in the affected region to refer patients to the designated hospital, where adequate arrangements have been made for the treatment, he said.

Samples of the infected patients have been sent to Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC) in Gandhinagar and at the National Institute of Virology in Pune to identify the exact cause of the fever and subsequent deaths, Patel added.

"Between September 3 and 10, a total of 11 persons have died due to fever in seven villages of Lakhpat and Abdasa talukas in Kutch. This fever becomes severe in 5 to 7 days. It appears that those who have died were late in consulting doctors for their treatment. I urge people of Kutch not to ignore the symptoms and immediately consult a doctor," he said.

While the cause of the fever is still unknown, 48 new cases were detected in the screening and surveillance exercise conducted by 45 medical teams in these seven villages after the issue of deaths came to the fore, according to him.

"We have sent samples to the GBRC and to Pune to find out the exact cause of this fever. The situation is under control because unlike COVID-19, there is no outbreak. I urge people not to ignore the symptoms and consult doctors instead of staying at home," Patel said.
Maharashtra Bharatiya Janata Party chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule has said his party will throw more weight behind its Mahayuti partners Nationalist Congress Party and Shiv Sena in the upcoming state polls and denied reports of a 'friendly fight' proposal for seats where there is a tussle among allies.

IMAGE: Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde with State Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar during the Mahayuti meeting, at Shanmukananda Auditorium, in Mumbai on July 6, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

Deputy Chief Minister and NCP leader Ajit Pawar on Tuesday also denied that the BJP proposed a friendly fight in 25 assembly seats in the state.

Elections to the 288-member state assembly are likely to be held in November.

Bawankule was on Tuesday replying to a question about a news report claiming the BJP had proposed a friendly contest in 25 constituencies where there is a tussle among the ruling alliance partners.

"These reports are baseless. The BJP will throw more weight behind the candidates of NCP and Shiv Sena," he said.

Asked about the accident involving the Audi car belonging to his son in Nagpur, Bawankule said the matter was under investigation.

"Let there be an investigation in the case. Be it my son or anybody's son, whatever rules are there, they should be applied. It is a matter for the police to investigate, I am thankful to God that no one was injured," he said.

Pawar told reporters that the BJP, Shiv Sena and the NCP led by him will sort out ticket distribution issues for all 288 assembly seats together.

"I don't know about the news report you are referring to. I did meet Amit bhai (Union minister Amit Shah) as he was in Mumbai on Monday. I spoke to him over the price issues of soybean, cotton, the ban on onion export. The news report is incorrect," he said.

Asked if there could be friendly contests in some seats if the three parties failed to reach a consensus, he said all this was speculation.

"We have done the discussion over most of the seats, (discussion) over some seats is left. We will inform when it is finalised," Pawar said.

He also dismissed claims that the NCP might contest alone.

Asked about a social media post by Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar leader Rohit Pawar where he cited a survey predicting 65 to 70 seats for the BJP, 17 to 22 seats for the Shiv Sena led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and only 7 to 11 seats for the NCP in the assembly elections, Bawankule said some people derive joy from such surveys.

"It is a fact that the government led by Modi ji will be in the Centre for five years, and the people of the state know that if the Mahayuti government comes back to power, the schemes of the Centre and the state will continue," the BJP leader said.

"(Opposition) Maha Vikas Aghadi coming to power means stopping of these schemes, MVA coming to power means closure of the Ladki Bahin Yojana and free electricity to farmers. When Uddhav Thackeray was the CM, the MVA had stopped 15 schemes," he said.

Asked about the ongoing tussle for credit among the BJP, Shiv Sena and NCP over the flagship Ladki Bahin Yojana for women, he said the opposition had panicked because of the scheme's success, and hence it was spreading rumours about a rift in the Mahayuti.
The Patna high court on Wednesday commuted the death sentences of four persons convicted for the 2013 serial blasts in Patna that targeted the inaugural rally of Narendra Modi, who was then the Bharatiya Janata Party's prime ministerial candidate, in Bihar.

Image used for representational purpose only. Photograph: ANI Photo

A division bench comprising Justices Ashutosh Kumar and Jitendra Kumar disposed of the death reference moved by the state government on the order of a special National Investigation Agency court, and ruled that the four convicts shall serve "30 years in prison".

In October 2021, the trial court convicted nine persons in total, sentencing two to life imprisonment, two others to 10 years in jail each, and one to seven years in prison, while acquitting one of the accused.

In a 63-page order, the High Court said for Imtiyaz Alam, Haider Ali, Numan Ansari, and Mujibullah Ansari, a 30-year prison sentence "would suffice and would meet the ends of justice." Incidentally, Alam, Ali and Mujibullah Ansari are also serving life sentence in Bodh Gaya serial blasts of July, 2013.

The court noted that the four convicts, all residents of Ranchi in Jharkhand, were "persons of young age with no established trans-border contacts".

"The material before the trial court was insufficient...... to come to a conclusion that they were beyond reformation..... While they were in custody, nothing has come to light which would indicate that they had made it difficult for the investigators to perform with ease. There was no attempt..... at provoking their kindred to take retaliatory action", the bench pointed out.

A series of low intensity blasts had rocked the historic Gandhi Maidan here on October 27, 2013, when Modi was addressing the "Hunkar Rally". In the ensuing stampede, at least six persons were killed.

Although no terrorist organisation claimed responsibility, investigating agencies suspected the involvement of SIMI and Indian Mujahideen.

Notably, appeals against the NIA court were also filed by six of the convicts, including the four death sentence awardees, besides Umar Siddiqui and Azharuddin Qureishi, both residents of Chhattisgarh who had confessed to their involvement and got lifer.

The court noted that the punishment awarded to Siddiqui and Qureishi was "condign" and dismissed all the six appeals which had been clubbed together with the death reference.

The court delivered its verdict nearly two months after it had reserved its judgment on July 25 last.
Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi has indicated that the Congress party is in alignment with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on major foreign policy issues like the relationship with the United States, no talks with Pakistan unless the flow of terrorism is stopped, concerns over extremist elements in Bangladesh and Israel.

IMAGE: Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi during a meeting with US Lawmakers, in Washington, DC on Tuesday. Photograph: ANI Photo

However, Gandhi, 54, was not in sync with Modi's policies on China, as he alleged that Chinese troops had taken control over Indian territory in Ladakh the size of Delhi.

At a press conference held on Tuesday at the prestigious National Press Club in Washington, DC, Gandhi supported Modi's policies on Pakistan.

Gandhi was on an unofficial four-day trip to the US that concluded Tuesday.

"Pakistan's instigation of terrorism in our country is holding the two countries back. We are not going to accept Pakistan carrying out terror acts in our country. We're just not going to accept it. And until they keep doing that, there's going to be problems between us," Gandhi said.

He said 'No' when asked if the Kashmir issue is holding the two South Asian nations away from a dialogue.

Responding to a question on the India-US relationship, Gandhi noted that it has bipartisan support in both countries.

"I don't see a big diversion. I don't see Modi is diverting very much from our approach with the US. I don't see ourselves changing direction very much from what he's doing. So, I see continuity there," he said.

"I think...everybody does accept the fact that the India-US relationship is key for both countries," he added.

Gandhi asserted that he did not want any role of the US in India's internal affairs. It is for the people of India to decide.

"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. We will make sure that democracy is secure," he said.

"However, it's important to understand that Indian democracy is more than just any normal democracy because of its size. If you're talking about a democratic vision of the world, then Indian democracy has a large space in that vision. I think it's important that the world sees Indian democracy as an asset, not just for India, but for the rest of the world. Advising the United States on how they should deal with Modi is not my preserve, it's not my space," Gandhi said.

"India has been standing with Israel recently in the Middle East. How would you change that?" he was asked.

"Look, I think what happened on the 7th of October was absolutely wrong. But, I also think what Israel did and is doing, bombing innocent civilians, and killing women and children, is absolutely wrong and should not be allowed to continue. I'm against violence of any kind. And certainly, the scale of violence, I actually think, is harming Israel. It's harming Israel more than it's helping them," Gandhi said.

The Leader of the Opposition was critical of Modi's handling of China.

"Do you think under Modi that India has managed the US-China competition well?" he was asked.

"Well, if you call having Chinese troops in 4,000 square kilometres of our territory handling something well, then maybe. We've got Chinese troops occupying land the size of Delhi in Ladakh. I think that's a disaster. Media doesn't like to write about it," he said.

"How would America react if a neighbour occupied 4,000 square kilometres of your territory? Would any president be able to get away with saying that he's handled that well? So, I don't think Modi's handled China well. I think there's no reason Chinese troops should be sitting in our territory," Gandhi said.

Responding to a question on Bangladesh, Gandhi said, "There are concerns in India about extremist elements in Bangladesh and we share some of those concerns."

"However, I'm confident that things will stabilise in Bangladesh and that we would be able to have a relationship with the current government or any other government after that," he said.

Earlier in the day, Gandhi had a meeting with a group of lawmakers at the US Capitol wherein the issue of Bangladesh was discussed.

"We raised it (Bangladesh), and they also spoke to us. Look, we are against any type of violence. And we want it to stop. And it's the responsibility, frankly, of the Bangladeshi government to stop it as soon as possible. From our side, it's the responsibility of our government to put pressure so that that violence stops," Gandhi said.
In accordance with the changes to the Labor Code introduced by the Presidential Decree of the Republic of Azerbaijan on August 12, 2024, labor contracts and any amendments to these contracts will only be legally valid after being signed with an enhanced electronic signature.

Labor contracts are signed through the "Labor Relations and Employment" platform, part of the Centralized Electronic Information System of the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, using the SIMA digital signature, SIMA Token electronic signature, or ASAN Imza.

The SIMA digital signature offers users the simplest and most convenient way to validate electronic labor contracts. There is no need to visit any office or pay fees. Citizens can obtain a digital signature online by downloading and registering the "SIMA Imza" app on their smartphones, allowing them to sign contracts anytime, anywhere.

It is important to note that the integration of "SIMA Imza" into the "Labor Relations and Employment" platform has significantly reduced the need for citizens to visit customer service centers and has helped avoid long wait times for electronic signatures.

According to recent statistics, over 150,000 labor contracts have been signed using the "SIMA Imza" on this platform in the past week. Approximately 40,000 users successfully register in the application each day.

For non-smartphone users, employers are expected to provide alternative means of obtaining electronic signatures. Additionally, "AzInTelecom" LLC is developing a digital signature solution for citizens who do not use smartphones.

It should be noted that some users encounter difficulties when registering in the "SIMA Imza" app. The registration process involves comparing the photograph from the users identification document with their biometric data. Challenges may arise if light reflects off the device's screen during biometric verification, if the face appears unclear, or if there have been changes in appearance due to aesthetic procedures.

The registration process employs biometric technology and artificial intelligence, ensuring that no one can register on behalf of someone else.

Detailed information on the registration process in the "SIMA Imza" app can be found via the following link:

https://youtu.be/XWvnIORg1_E?si=2wCiaZSs22Fqu1Et

It is also recommended to pay attention to the key aspects of biometric registration presented in the following video:

https://youtu.be/e_IdYfgv5h4?si=Pk-roEfUhHKZiNur

For information regarding registration in the "SIMA Imza" app, users can contact SIMA's social media accounts or the Call Center at 157. All requests are processed in the order received.

For inquiries related to the "Labor Relations and Employment" subsystem within the Centralized Electronic Information System of the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, it is recommended to contact the "DOST Call Center" at 142.
Madhya Pradesh's Higher Education Minister Inder Singh Parmar has claimed that America was discovered by "our Indian ancestors", and not by Christopher Columbus as taught to students.

IMAGE: A man photographs a statue of Christopher Columbus, which had the head pulled off, amid protests against racial inequality in the aftermath of the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd in Boston, Massachusetts. Photograph: Brian Snyder/Reuters

He also claimed students have been taught "wrong history" that Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama discovered India.

Parmar was addressing the convocation function at the Barkatullah University in Bhopal on Tuesday.

In his address, the minister said, "Columbus discovered America... Indian students had nothing to do with this. If they had to be taught, they should have also been taught how people in the post-Columbus period tortured the natives and destroyed the tribal society there, because the society was worshipper of nature, worshipper of the Sun."

"(It should have been taught) how they were killed, how they were converted. But unfortunately, the correct facts were not taught," he said.

On the contrary, Indian students are taught that Columbus discovered America, Parmar said.

"I want to say that if someone had to write, they should have written that India's great hero Vasuloon went there in the eighth century and built many temples in Santiago in America. These facts are still written in a museum there. These facts are still kept in a library there," he said.

Parmar said the students should have been taught correctly that it was "our ancestors in India" who discovered America and not Christopher Columbus.

"When we (our ancestors) went there, we cooperated with the local culture of that place, the Mayan culture which was prevalent there, in their development. This is India's thought and philosophy which needed to be taught to the students," he added.

The minister also said students have been taught that Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama discovered India.

Historians could have taught the right history by studying the autobiography of Vasco da Gama, he said.

Vasco da Gama expressed the wish to see Bharat to Chandan, a Gujarati trader, at the Zanzibar port of Africa through an interpreter, the minister said.

Chandan told Vasco da Gama to follow his ship and thus the Portuguese explorer reached India, he said.

Vasco da Gama himself wrote that Indian trader Chandan's ship was much bigger than his, but students were taught the wrong history that the Portuguese explorer discovered India, Parmar said.
IMAGE: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, seen here at Karnauti village in Barh, enforced the rule of law in Bihar after the 'jungle raj' seen during the Lalu Yadav-Rabri Devi years in the state. Photograph: Bihar CMO

A sudden surge in political attacks in Bihar has stunned leaders of both the ruling National Democratic Alliance and the Opposition Mahagathbandhan.

Bharatiya Janata Party leader Munna Sharma was shot dead in Patna on the morning of Monday, September 9, 2024. Late on Monday night CPI(ML) leader Sunil Chandravanshi was shot dead in the neighbouring Arwal district.

In Bhagalpur district, BJP leader Shashi Modi was seriously injured after he was attacked with a sword and crude bomb on Monday night.

Last month a BJP leader was shot dead in Patna while a Janata Dal-United leader was killed in Saharsa.

BJP and JD-U leaders claim that there is the rule of law in Bihar contrary to reports of serious crimes -- murders, rapes, kidnappings, extortion, banks robberies -- being published in local Hindi newspapers.

This has provided Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav -- who is the leader of the Opposition in the state assembly -- ammunition to use against the Nitish Kumar-led NDA government in Bihar.

Tejashwi has been regularly issuing a crime bulletin -- listing serious crimes -- for the last three months. He listed 105 crimes, including murder, rape, loot, bank robbery, extortion in his latest crime bulletin issued on September 4.

BJP and JD-U leaders remind Tejashwi of the 'jungle raj' when his parents Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rabri Devi ruled the state from 1990 to 2005.

Enforcing the rule of law was seen as Nitish Kumar's primary achievement after he became chief minister in November 2005.

That reputation is in peril as crimes escalate in the state.

In the last six months, businessmen, contractors and private company officials have become extortionate targets of criminals in Bihar.

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com
As the world continues to rage under the ongoing conflicts in Europe and the Middle East, the two presidential candidates in the United States, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump during the presidential debate hosted by ABC News on Tuesday (local time), presented their views on ending the conflict and Washington, DC's role in it.

IMAGE: Republican presidential nominee, former US President Donald Trump points towards Democratic presidential nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris, as he speaks during a presidential debate hosted by ABC in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on September 10, 2024. Photograph: Brian Snyder/Reuters

Trump vowed that it is in the US' 'best interest' to end the conflict and vowed he would bring both wars to an end while being the President-elect.

Harris, on the other hand, accused Trump of wanting to 'give up' and backed the Biden-Harris administration's stance on the two issues.

Taking a jibe at Trump, Harris said Russian President Vladimir Putin would have been sitting in Kyiv right now if he had been the President.

"The reason Trump says the war would be over in 24 hours, because he would just give it up. And that's not who we are as Americans...we brought 50 countries together to support Ukraine in its right to defence," Harris said, adding that because of all this support, Ukraine has been able still stand as a free country.

"If Donald Trump were president right now, Putin would be sitting in Kyiv," she said.

In response, Trump claimed that millions of people have been killed and the situation is heading toward a third World War.

"I want the war to stop. There are uselessly, people being killed, millions...We are in for $250 billion or more. Because, they don't ask Europe, which is a much bigger beneficiary...Biden and you (Harris) don't have the courage to ask Europe like I asked NATO," Trump said.

"I will get the war settled. I know Putin very well, I know Zelenskyy very well. I have a good relationship. They respect me, they don't respect Biden. Why will you respect him? He hasn't even made a phone call to Putin in two years...I will get it settled even before I become the President," he added.

The former President also took a dig at President Biden and said the Democratic Party threw him out of the campaign 'like a dog'.

"Now we have millions of people dead, and it's only getting worse and it could lead to World War III...and we have a president, we don't even know if he is a President...they threw him out of the campaign like a dog," he said.

Being asked if it's in the best interests of the US for Ukraine to win the war, Trump said, "It's in US' best interest to get the war finished and just get it done, negotiate a deal."

The former President also accused Kamala Harris of 'hating' Israel and criticised her not attending the address of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the US Congress.

He went on to claim that if Harris becomes President of the US, Israel won't exist in two years.

"She hates Israel. She didn't even meet Netanyahu when he gave an important speech in the Congress...If she's president I believe that Israel will not exist within two years from now. I am pretty good with predictions, but I hope I'm wrong with that one," Trump said.

"It would have never happened, Iran was broke under Donald Trump, they had no money...now they are rich nation and spreading that money to spread terror. I will get that settled and fast. I will get the war with Ukraine and Russia ended, if I'm President-elect, I will get it done even before becoming the President," he further reiterated.

Vice President Harris junked Trump's allegations and accused him of dividing and distracting people from reality.

"He's trying to again divide and distract from the reality. Donald Trump is weak on national security and foreign policy. He admires dictators, wants to be a dictator on day one according to himself," Harris said.

"He said of Putin, he can do whatever the hell he wants and go into Ukraine, he exchanged love letters with Kim Jong Un."

Both Donald Trump and Kamala Harris are the official presidential candidates of their respective parties, after they accepted the nomination at the conventions earlier this year.

Notably, the first presidential debate was held in June between President Biden and Trump, where the former's performance expressed concerns over his age.

Following this, Biden bowed out of the race and endorsed Harris.

The US presidential elections are scheduled to be held on November 5 this year.
Sheikh Abdul Rashid, popularly known as Engineer Rashid, on Wednesday slammed the Bharatiya Janata Party and INDIA bloc, alleging that the ruling party at the Centre hits upfront while the opposition grouping stabs in the back.

IMAGE: Baramulla MP Engineer Rashid speaking to media persons after releasing from Tihar jail, in New Delhi, September 11, 2024. Photograph: ANI on X

Wearing a black band on his left arm to register his protest against abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, the Baramulla MP also made it clear that his party will contest 35 to 40 seats in Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections and that there will be no coalition with any political party but only with his "inner self".

Rashid was addressing a press conference after walking out of Tihar Jail on interim bail till October 2 for campaigning in the J&K polls.

"When I went in on August 2, I had a state, Article 370 and Article 35A. Now when I came out there is neither a state, nor Article 370 or 35A, only a charge sheet," he said about his black band protest.

He said the issue of Article 370 has nothing to do with militancy.

On the accusations from the PDP that he was a proxy for the BJP, Rashid said, "We were in prison for five and half years while they were enjoying themselves. We are dying. They should be ashamed for asking such questions. I came out of death bed but I was not presented as a victim. I remained silent."

He said the PDP entertained the BJP and formed a government with it.

"They become ministers, they form governments, form coalitions. Who the hell are they? People know everything. They have given the verdict. The reason why I was put in jail, that cause is much bigger than the allegations of Mehbooba Mufti and Omar Abdullah."

Making clear that he is a proud Islamist and not radical, the Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) chief, who is facing charges of terror funding and was arrested by the National Investigation Agency on August 9, 2019, said, "No Islamist can be radical...I love people of India and believe in Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family)."

"Just like Modi's call for nationalism is fake, so is their (INDIA bloc) call for secularism. Both nationalism and secularism are dirty things used by them to bring bad name to real nationalism and secularism," Rashid said.

"The BJP says that they will restore statehood at right time, our fight is not for statehood. When will that right time come, we have been waiting since 1947," he said.

Rashid said he has a message to the BJP that "we do not have any fight with you but do not sacrifice Kashmiris for your political agenda".

"I also have a question for the INDIA bloc. They are not clear on their stance. Modi ji hits upfront while INDIA hits from behind. They weakened Article 370, Modi buried its body," he said.

He said the BJP government was labelling former chief minister Farooq Abdullah as an anti-national whose father Sheikh Abdullah gave Kashmir on a platter to India. "Sheikh Abdullah insulted Mohammed Ali Jinnah (founder of Pakistan) for India. Who can question Farooq Abdullah credentials who openly says Bharat Mata ki jai in Kashmir and has advocated bombing Pakistan".

Challenging the Centre to allow him to speak in Parliament, Rashid said the claims of the BJP that the entire nation was with them on abrogation of Article 370 was destroyed in the recent Lok Sabha elections.

"They (BJP) went asking for at least 370 seats in just concluded parliamentary elections as they wanted the nation to acknowledge what they did in Jammu and Kashmir. The result is in front of your eyes," he said.

He said five of our Kashmiri daughters including Asiya Andrabi are lodged in Tihar Jail. "They are our Sita. At least you can send them to Kashmir if you want to keep them in prison. If you want to bring hearts closer, is it the way that you can't find space in Kashmir prisons for Kashmiri daughters? It is too much."

He rejected the claims of the BJP that people were happy after the removal of special status and said "if people would have been happy after abrogation, government would not have to bury separatists like Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Ashraf Sehrai or Altaf Fantoosh in the dead of night and put thousands of people in jail".

He said that his party AIP, which is yet to get recognition from the Election Commission of India, had been singled out and kept out of any deliberations that have taken place between government and political parties. "Even parties like AAP and Shiv Sena have been called for talks".

Rashid went on to buttress his case of being singled out and said former chief ministers Farooq Abdullah, his son Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti were released after sometime and the Public Safety Act was revoked against them.

"Even bureaucrat like Shah Faisal's PSA was revoked. But I was called over the phone and put in Tihar jail."

He claimed that he was not allowed to speak to his family since January 18. However, the charge had been put before the special court that a secret report from Jammu and Kashmir as well as Home Ministry suggested misuse of telephone facility by the accused.

Later at request and an undertaking in the court, Rashid was allowed to make two calls in three weeks to his wife and children under certain conditions.

Rashid was granted an interim bail on Tuesday to allow him to campaign in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly election till October 2 after which he has to surrender.

After filing a supplementary charge sheet against the accused, the court had framed charges against Rashid various sections of IPC and UAPA which include waging war against the country, sedition and doing an act with intent to threaten or likely to threaten the unity, integrity, security of the country.

Rashid said he has become an MP with support of people. "Are they all separatists," he said and warned that if such a narrative is allowed to be built, the nation is playing in the hands of the enemy.

On Kashmiri Pandit "brothers", he said they are saying they want to come back for the last several years but are not able to do so.

"I feel their pain. Any innocent of any religion, caste or nationality being killed is wrong. You call it ethnic cleansing or want to condemn in any words but also remember that one lakh Kashmiri people have also died. It is not that our one lakh people have gone for a picnic and will come back. No one talks about us," he said.

"If our Kashmiri Pandit brothers want to come back, they should state it openly," he said.

"If they want to come back, I will raise volunteers who will guard their villages just like from 1989 to 2004 our 250-300 volunteers guarded army camps. We will do the same for our Pandit brothers. They have to decide. Kashmir belongs to them as much as it belongs to me. Along with them, around 30,000 people who were forced to cross the border because of shelling in 1989 should also be allowed to return," he added.
Kamala Harris repeatedly got under the skin of Donald Trump in their first presidential debate, challenging him on foreign policy, economy and abortion as she sought to erase the memory of President Joe Biden's disastrous face-off earlier with the Republican candidate.

IMAGE: Democratic presidential nominee, US Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during a presidential debate hosted by ABC as Republican presidential nominee, former President Donald Trump listens, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on September 10, 2024. Photograph: Brian Snyder/Reuters

"You're not running against Joe Biden. You're running against me," Vice President Harris, who is the Democratic candidate, told the former President, when he criticised the current administration.

The matchup on TV Tuesday night began with a handshake -- Harris took the initiative walking up to Trump's lectern -- but later descended into acrimony.

"I think you've heard tonight two very different visions for our country, one that is focused on the future and the other that is focused on the past and an attempt to take us backwards. But we're not going back," Harris, 59, said in her remarks towards the end of the 90-minute debate in Pennsylvania.

She claimed the world leaders are 'laughing at Donald Trump', and pulled no punches.

"I have talked with military leaders, some of whom worked with you, and they say you're a disgrace," she said.

Trump, 78, asked why Harris had not done during the Biden-Harris administration what she is promising now.

"She just started by saying she's going to do this, she's going to do that. She's going to do all these wonderful things. Why hasn't she done it? She's been there for three and a half years," he said.

"They've had three and a half years to fix the border. They've had three and a half years to create jobs and all the things we talked about. Why hasn't she done it?" he asked in his concluding remarks.

This was the second presidential debate but the first between Trump and Harris.

Biden put up a terrible performance against Trump in the first debate, and withdrew from the race, paving the way for Harris to be the Democratic Party's nominee for the November elections.

The debate moderators from ABC News had to inject fact-checks multiple times during the debate.

"As I said, you're going to hear a bunch of lies, and that's not actually a surprising fact," Harris said.

She said if Trump is re-elected, he would sign a national abortion ban bill.

"There would be a national abortion monitor that would be monitoring your pregnancies, your miscarriages," she claimed.

"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 said.

Trump countered that the abortion policy should be determined by the states.

"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," he said.

The two sparred over election rallies.

"It's a really interesting thing to watch. You will see, during the course of his rallies, he talks about fictional characters like Hannibal Lecter. He will talk about windmills cause cancer. And what you will also notice is that people start leaving his rallies early out of exhaustion and boredom," she jibed.

And Trump accused Harris -- without providing evidence -- of paying people to attend her campaign events.

"We have the biggest rallies, the most incredible rallies in the history of politics. That's because people want to take their country back. Our country is being lost," he said.

"I believe very strongly that the American people want a president who understands the importance of bringing us together and that we have so much more in common than what separates us. And I pledge to you to be a president for all Americans," Harris said.

US commentators said Harris had done better in the debate.

Fox News, often considered partial towards Trump, said in its headline to an opinion piece, "In the Trump-Harris face-off there was a clear winner but don't believe this election is over."

On economy, the former president countered Harris.

"Everybody knows what I'm going to do, cut taxes very substantially and create a great economy like I did before. We had the greatest economy. We got hit with a pandemic. We did a phenomenal job with the pandemic."

Trump called Harris a Marxist who is now adopting his philosophy.

"Everything that she believed three years ago and four years ago is out the window. She's going to my philosophy now... But if she ever got elected, she'd change it, and it will be the end of our country. She's a Marxist. Everybody knows she's a Marxist. Her father is a Marxist professor in economics, and he taught her well," Trump said.

Trump claimed that Harris has been the Biden administration's 'border czar' and blamed her for 'these millions and millions of people that are pouring into our country monthly'.

Many of these people coming in are criminals, and that's bad for America's economy, he said.

"Well, bad immigration is the worst thing that can happen to our economy. They have and she has destroyed our country with a policy that's insane," he alleged.

The moderators from ABC News had to inject fact-checks multiple times during the debate.

Harris said the US needs a leader who engages in solutions and addresses the problems at hand. But what we have in the former president is someone who would prefer to run on a problem instead of fixing a problem, she said.

Harris was seen interrupting Trump several times during the debate. It was not heard as the mikes of non-speakers were muted during the debate.

Trump vowed that he would end the war between Russia and Ukraine if he wins the election.

The former president, who raised Afghanistan several times during the debate, called the chaotic 2021 withdrawal of American troops 'the most embarrassing moment in the history of the United States'.

Harris said she agreed with Biden's commitment to get the US out of the country, and it was important to remember how the withdrawal came to be.

"Donald Trump as president negotiated one of the weakest deals you can imagine," she charged, referencing his negotiations with the Taliban.

Trump claimed that Harris 'hates Israel' while she fired back that he 'admires dictators'.

He claimed Israel would be destroyed within two years if he lost the election and Harris assumed office as president.
BRATTLEBORO  The Vermont Jazz Center is excited to lift off its 2024 to 2025 concert season at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 21 with the dynamic Trinidadian trumpeter, composer and percussionist, Etienne Charles.

Etienne Charles has traveled the world, seeking connections and differences between the rhythms and forms of Caribbean folkloric music. His band, Creole Soul, is his musical laboratory. Charles search has led him to disparate regions throughout the Caribbean where he has reached out to local musicians, lived in their communities, eaten their food and created music with them. Charles findings simultaneously illuminate musical connections between unexpected locales all while celebrating their cultural uniqueness. The results are a pleasure: fascinating arrangements and compelling melodies that take the listener to a rich, percussion-driven universe.

The ensemble that Charles is bringing to the Jazz Center reflects his multicultural approach  for this concert, he will feature the acclaimed Cuban pianist Axel Tosca, three musicians of Haitian descent (saxophonist Godwin Louis, drummer Harvel Nakundi, and Alexander L.J. Toth on basses) and North-American guitarist Alex Wintz.

Etienne Charles was born on the island of Trinidad in 1983. He holds a master's degree from the Juilliard School, a bachelor's degree from Florida State University, and is now an associate professor at Frost School of Music in Miami. He has been hailed by JazzTimes as a daring improviser who delivers with heart wrenching lyricism. According to DownBeat magazine, Etienne Charles improvises with the elegance of a world-class ballet dancer. He has been written into the US Congressional Record for his musical contributions to Trinidad & Tobago.

In 2015, he received a Guggenheim fellowship. In 2016, he received a new works grant from Chamber Music America and was a featured panelist and performer at the White House Caribbean Heritage Month. He is also the recipient of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Millennial Swing Award. In 2022, Charles received a Creative Capital Award to pursue a multi-media project called Earth Tones that features sounds, stories, images and short films about musicians living in at-risk coastal communities affected by global warming.

Charles brings a careful study of myriad rhythms from the French, Spanish, English and Dutch speaking Caribbean to his own creative output. As a sideman, he has performed and/or recorded with Monty Alexander, Roberta Flack, Frank Foster, Ralph MacDonald, Johnny Mandel, Wynton Marsalis, Marcus Roberts, Maria Schneider, the Count Basie Orchestra, Eric Reed, Lord Blakie and many others.

Each of Charles successive records takes him deeper into understanding and communicating the experience, methods and structure of Caribbean music. He started to reveal his path in 2006 with "Culture Shock," a recording which fuses Calypso and New Orleans vibes with a modern-jazz sensibility. His second album, "Folklore" (2009), tells stories from the point of view of traditional Trinidadian characters.

This was followed by "Kaiso" in 2011. In the promo for that recording, Charles states: Kaiso is an old West African word, and it comes from the form of encouragement you give to an artist while doing something: a fight or a dance or a song. Kaiso: its what you would say when you enjoy something. It evolved over hundreds of years and it has becomes the reference (nickname) for calypso (music). That record is a tribute to the history of Calypso and its great performers like Mighty Sparrow, whose music, Charles believes, deserves to be listened to and honored. It is fascinating to know that Charles family is also part of the Calypso tradition; his first professional experience in music was playing with his father and grandfather in their steel drum ensemble.

Charles next album was 2013s "Creole Soul," which he describes as a melting pot of ideas, colors, sounds, tones. He thought about what it means to be Creole, and how that affected the people of the West Indies, New Orleans and other places where Creole families form the fabric of the community. He visited Haiti to gain insight into their creole experience and their use of Haitian Creole as the nations official language. In the promo video for that disc, he reflected upon his journey: In the world we live in today, its impossible not to be a Creole, its impossible not to have a blend of ideas, a blend of traditions, a blend of sounds that inspire or shape or determine who we are. Theres a little bit of Creole in all of us. We all have a mix of feelings, of sounds of ideas and influences, a mix of doctrines. Thats what makes the world an amazing place where we can all be together.

In his 2016 release, the "San Jose Suite," Charles chose three cities named San Jose and connected them via their music and culture. In his promo video, Charles explained that he used the project to explore the effects of colonialism in the New World  I did research on the African immigrants and the descendants of African immigrants in three cities with the same name (San Jose) in California, Trinidad and Costa Rica. Im writing music that speaks to history  I think that now its our job to have documents that in many different ways portray the history of the Americas as they pertain to the New World. I think that the more ways that you have to tell a story, the more people will understand the story.

Charles will be performing with a sextet including Godwin Louis on alto saxophone. Louis, who is of Haitian descent, is a student of world culture. He has performed in Haiti, Mali, Senegal, Togo, France, Spain, United Kingdom, Italy, China, Russia, Azerbaijan, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Venezuela, Colombia, South Korea, Thailand, Indonesia and Australia.

The pianist of the ensemble is three-time Grammy-nominated Axel Tosca. Grammy-nominated guitarist Alex Wintz is a frequent collaborator with Etienne Charles, Jeremy Pelt, Ben Williams and Roxy Coss. Bassist Alexander L. J. Toth has been featured in DownBeat, Jazziz, All About Jazz, the Wall Street Journal, NY Times and the Boston Globe. His group, MND FLO received two Boston Music Award nominations for Jazz Artist of the Year.

Drummer Harvel Nakundi, born in Miami, was introduced to the drums at the age of 3 through local churches in Southern Florida. He has studied, performed, recorded and toured with Jennifer Lopez, Nicole Henry, Savion Glover, Kirk Whalum, Lewis Nash, Terence Blanchard, James Moody and many others at some of the top venues and festivals in Russia, Haiti, Japan, Brazil, Argentina, Italy, France, Martinique and Australia.

Come learn the stories of Charles explorations and enjoy the bands serious grooves at the Vermont Jazz Center, 72 Cotton Mill Hill, #222, Brattleboro. Find out why JazzTimes critic Bill Milkowski has called Etienne Charles music a fascinating, fully realized hybrid. Calypso, funk, reggae and jazz music will postpone the chilly, fall winds of Vermont. These joyful sounds will make you want to dance and feel like carnival really does exist.

This concert is sponsored thanks to Beth Raffeld and Philip Khoury, and Dave Ellis and Ann Greenawalt of Ellis Music. All performances at the VJC are subsidized by generous sponsorships to make ticket prices affordable.

Tickets for Etienne Charles and Creole Soul at the Vermont Jazz Center are $25+ general admission and are available online at vtjazz.org or by email at sarah@vtjazz.org. Tickets can also be reserved by calling the Vermont Jazz Center ticket line, 802-254-9088, ext. 1. Access for people with disabilities is available by calling the VJC at 802-254-9088.
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BRATTLEBORO  118 Elliot and partners at Burlington City Arts and the American Institute for Architects Vermont are hosting a monthly exploration of art and ideas through live film screenings (with a virtual option) mid-month Wednesdays with refreshments and convivial conversation.

All events are free at 118 Elliot, 118 Elliot St., Brattleboro, with simultaneous gatherings in Burlington.

Lost Silverfish of Berlin (Germany/UK, 59 minutes in English with some subtitles, 2024) will screen on Sept. 18 at 118 Elliot. Doors open at 6 p.m. for refreshments and conversation before a 6:30 screening. Information on how to connect to the same day, 24-hour virtual screening option is at the A+D homepage at ADFilmSeries.org.

In a quest to uncover the root causes of Berlin's housing crisis, film director Rory Ryder stumbles upon the Silverfish, a forgotten building that sparks his curiosity about its potential as a ground-breaking solution for contemporary and emergency housing.

The film explores the historical significance of the Silverfish building and its relationship to trends like tiny houses, mobile homes and nomadic living. Shedding light on housing challenges not unlike those in Vermont, the film draws on lessons from the past, merging these ideas with modern technology and the possibility for dignity and community for millions displaced by natural disasters, warfare and poverty each year.

Taken together, these carefully curated films provide an edifying intellectual exploration on art, architecture and design. All 118 Elliot screenings are hosted by local architect Jim Williams, sometimes with guests with special connections to the subject matter. The lineup for now through April 2025 is below, all Wednesdays with doors opening at 6:00, film beginning at 6:30, all free with donations and sponsors to keep it all going very much appreciated:

"Dorothea Lange: Grab a Hunk of Lightning" (Oct. 16): One of the most important documentary photographers of the 20th century, Langes enduring images document five turbulent decades of American history;

"Land Artists" (Nov. 13): Insights into Denton Corker Marshall, one of the worlds most influential and iconic architecture firms;

"With Peter Bradley" (Dec. 11): A Black artist with an undying commitment to color field painting, Bradley narrates his life;

"Maestra" (Jan. 22, 2025): Five women from around the world boldly break glass ceilings in the male-dominated world of orchestral conducting;

"The Power of Utopia: Living with Le Corbusier in Chandigarh" (Feb. 19, 2025): Architect Le Corbusier designed the city of Chandigarh, India at a time of turmoil, relocation and partition of India, and the citys evolution highlights cultural disparities between East and West;

"Twyla Moves" (March 19, 2025): explores legendary choreographer, Twyla Tharp, and her notoriously rigorous creative process and collaborations;

"Fashion Reimagined" (April 16, 2025): Mother of Pearl designer Amy Powney uses her Vogue Best Young Designer of Year award to fund and create a sustainable collection from field to finished garment and transform her entire business.

More film information and trailers can be found at the A+D homepage at ADFilmSeries.org. Brattleboro screening sponsors include: Jim Williams, Austin Design Cooperative, Hubbard Land Design, Mathes Hulme Builders and others with special thanks to Pella Windows & Doors for underwriting refreshments.
The Next Stage Bandwagon Summer Series presents world music ensemble Yemen Blues at 4 p.m. Sept. 29 at the field behind The Putney Inn.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 11. The US Embassy in Azerbaijan has honored the memory of the victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks in the US, the Embassy's publication on X said, Trend reports.

Trend reports on Wednesday that this is stated in a publication on the official page of the embassy in social network X.

Today, Ambassador Mark Libby and US Embassy staff gathered to remember the 2,977 innocent lives lost in the 9-11 attacks in New York. The United States will always appreciate how Azerbaijan stood by our side and offered its assistance and support during this tragic moment in our history., the publication reads.

To note, 2,977 people were killed in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, in the US. Of them, 246 were passengers of airplanes hijacked by terrorists, and 2,755 were people in the buildings into which the airplanes crashed.
Brattleboro, VT (05301)

Today

Partly cloudy. High near 65F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Some clouds. Low around 40F. Winds light and variable.
Bellows Falls Union High School students use the gymnasium again on Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023, after tests for airborne PCBs showed the high levels had been significantly reduced. A recent new round of testing again showed elevated levels of PCBs in the gymnasium.
School Board members and administrators are going on a tour to present a plan to close Jamaica Village School and Townshend Elementary, and consolidate them into NewBrook Elementary, to save money and improve education.

West River Education District Board Chairman Al Claussen said the plan is based on data.

"It's clinical," he said. "This is not us wearing our emotions and trying to solve it that way. It's really looking at every angle."

At a board meeting Monday, Superintendent Bob Thibault sought feedback for the presentation from the board. Community forums will be held at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 18, at Townshend Elementary, on Thursday, Sept. 26, at Jamaica Village School and on Monday, Sept. 30, at NewBrook Elementary.

In October, the board is expected to vote on whether to move forward. To close JVS and TES, the two communities will need to vote in favor, according to a previous merger agreement.

Proposal closes Jamaica, Townshend schools, moves them to NewBrook TOWNSHEND  Ahead of budget season and a report coming to the Legislature on education fundi

Long-term planning to address declining enrollment in the district started around June 2018 and will continue regardless of whether the proposed consolidation occurs. A single campus model in Townshend, home to Leland & Gray Union Middle and High School, had been deemed too costly.

Using a scoring matrix based on several criteria, a study by Stevens & Associates in Brattleboro determined that NewBrook Elementary would be the best fit to host pre-K-5 classes for a 10-year plan to contain costs and deliver high quality education. A modular building could be added to the site to accommodate the larger student population, with less investment than would be required in the other buildings.

Being in the middle of the district, Townshend Elementary scored higher than others when travel was considered. Thibault said bus schedules could be readjusted to have fewer stops to cut down on travel time.

He suggested the name of the NewBrook school could be changed, as the name reflects an earlier consolidation between Newfane and Brookline schools.

The plan isn't "the silver bullet" or "the ideal," Thibault said.

"It's making the best of a situation," he said, adding that the sense of community could still be maintained and friendships could be formed earlier.

JVS had multi-grade classrooms last year and closed temporarily this year due to staffing challenges. With the plan, all students would be in separate grades and bigger groups.

Jamaica school to 'temporarily cease' K through 5; will open pre-K JAMAICA  With only nine students projected to attend Jamaica's kindergarten through fifth g

Thibault said the proposal also contains the potential for more grade teacher collaboration and teacher specialization.

This summer, the Vermont Commission on the Future of Public Education started its work. Thibault said the group will be looking the appropriate number of schools, districts and supervisory unions for a report to the Legislature due in December.

"If you think we're not inviting the discussion of consolidation, we might be getting ahead of it," he said.

An excess spending threshold is set to return in Vermont, triggering double taxation on any amount school districts spend above the figure. The hope is to avoid hitting that.

Windham Central Supervisory Union Assistant Business Manager Heidi Russ said the plan is estimated to save about $1,050,000 annually, however, other factors controlled by the state play a role in how tax rates are developed. High increases in health insurance are expected to continue and staff salary negotiations are set to start soon.
In 2020, Will Hunter, owner of two properties in Brattleboro, waits for a hearing in Windham Superior Court, Civil Division.
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Meg Mott is a Professor of Politics Emerita and Town Moderator in Putney. The opinions expressed by columnists and op-ed writers do not necessarily reflect the views of Vermont News & Media.
In an era of enduring global security crises and evolving governance structures, Azerbaijan has emerged as a pivotal player on the world stage. With its strategic location and energy resources, the country has manoeuvred adeptly through complex geopolitical landscapes, both regionally and globally. Straddling Europe and Asia, Azerbaijan occupies a critical position at the intersection of energy routes and strategic influence, which has only heightened its geopolitical importance in recent years.

Geopolitical Significance and Energy Power

Azerbaijan's strategic location plays a vital role in its position as a key hub for international energy and transport corridors. Nestled between powerhouses like Russia, Iran, and Turkiye, with access to the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan has leveraged its position to become a key energy supplier to both Europe and Asia. The countrys role in projects such as the Southern Gas Corridor (TANAP and TAP) has provided vital natural gas to European markets, significantly reducing the European Unions dependence on Russian energy supplies.

Amid energy shortages and crises caused by sanctions on Russia, Azerbaijans status as a key supplier has only grown. In this context, the country has strategically positioned itself as an indispensable partner for Europe, enhancing its leverage on the international stage.

Regional Successes and Challenges

Regionally, Azerbaijans most significant recent achievement was its victory in the 44-day war in 2020, which restored the countrys control over Karabakh. This military success not only reaffirmed Azerbaijans territorial integrity but also established it as a dominant force in the South Caucasus. The conflict culminated in a trilateral agreement brokered by Russia, yet Azerbaijans increasing assertiveness has since allowed it to redefine its regional partnerships, particularly strengthening ties with Turkiye and Western nations.

One of Azerbaijans foremost regional ambitions is the unblocking of vital transport corridors, notably the Zangezur Corridor, which would connect the country to its Nakhchivan exclave and, ultimately, Turkiye. This corridor holds immense strategic significance for economic and military cooperation between Baku and Ankara. However, political tensions with Armenia and Iran present significant obstacles to its realisation. Analysts assert that if the Zangezur Corridor becomes operational, it will unlock new geopolitical opportunities for Azerbaijan, cementing its influence across the region.

Economic Diversification and Global Integration

Azerbaijan understands the necessity of diversifying its economy beyond oil and gas, investing heavily in non-energy sectors such as logistics and infrastructure. The Baku International Sea Trade Port has become a critical hub for transit between Europe and Asia, positioning Azerbaijan as a key player in global supply chains. Strategic projects like TRACECA (Transport Corridor Europe-Caucasus-Asia) and the Middle Corridor underline Azerbaijans commitment to establishing itself as a global logistics hub amidst ongoing global trade disruptions.

Mikayil Jabbarov, Azerbaijans Minister of Economy, recently highlighted the nations ambitions: Azerbaijan aims to transform into a global logistics hub, connecting major economic centres across Europe and Asia. This vision is part of a broader effort to attract foreign investment and strengthen economic ties with both Eastern and Western partners, reinforcing Azerbaijans global standing.

Diplomatic Ambitions and Global Goals

Azerbaijan is an active player in international diplomacy, engaging with key organisations such as the United Nations, the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Its chairmanship of NAM since 2019 has allowed Azerbaijan to amplify its voice on the global stage, advocating for sovereignty and respect for international law. At the 2023 NAM summit, President Aliyev reiterated the importance of multilateralism: Azerbaijan remains committed to multilateral dialogue and the respect for international laws, which are the cornerstone of global peace and stability.

Beyond diplomacy, Azerbaijan has also taken significant steps toward addressing global challenges, particularly in the realm of climate change. In 2023, the country unveiled an ambitious strategy to develop its green energy sector and reduce carbon emissions. These efforts not only underscore Azerbaijans desire to diversify its economy but also position it as a leader in renewable energy within the Caspian region.

... Azerbaijans growing role in both regional and global politics reflects its strategic ambitions and achievements in enhancing its geopolitical influence. With its prime geographic location, abundant energy resources, and active diplomatic outreach, the country is steadily positioning itself as a key player in international affairs. Amid global instability and shifting governance structures, Azerbaijan has proven its ability to navigate complex geopolitical challenges and advance its strategic interests.

As a reliable partner for Europe, particularly in energy security, Azerbaijan is simultaneously building strong relationships with Eastern powers, reinforcing its role as a crucial bridge between the East and West. Through its focus on infrastructure development, energy diversification, and diplomatic engagement, Azerbaijan is poised to maintain and expand its influence on the global stage for years to come.

Azerbaijans Role Amidst Global Security and Governance Crises

The modern geopolitical landscape increasingly underscores the vulnerabilities and challenges in global security and governance systems. This crisis affects nearly every level of international relationsspanning political, economic, and social spheresand forces countries to rethink their strategies and adjust to new realities. In this context, Azerbaijan, with its strategic geographical location and vast energy resources, occupies a crucial role.

Geopolitical Position of Azerbaijan

Azerbaijans location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia grants it immense strategic value, making it an important player for global powers. Baku finds itself at the nexus of interests involving countries like Russia, Iran, Turkiye, and Western states. The situation in the South Caucasus demands constant vigilance, and our country must consider all external and internal challenges. This insight reflects Azerbaijans awareness that the current global security environment necessitates strategic foresight and adaptability.

The conclusion of the 44-day war in 2020 further solidified Azerbaijans geopolitical standing in the South Caucasus, as it regained control of Karabakh. This victory reshaped the regions power dynamics and offered Baku new opportunities for international cooperation. Azerbaijan has since emerged as a key player in Europes energy security, contributing to such projects as the Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP) and the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP), both of which deliver Caspian gas to European markets.

Energy Security as an Instrument of Influence

Against the backdrop of a global energy crisis, intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic and conflicts like the war in Ukraine, energy resources have become a critical component of geopolitical power. Azerbaijan, rich in oil and gas reserves, plays a vital role in maintaining energy security, particularly for Europe. In recent years, the European Union has accelerated its efforts to diversify energy sources, with Azerbaijan becoming a key partner in this strategy. In 2022, President Aliyev reaffirmed this role, noting: Azerbaijan continues to play an important part in delivering oil and gas to European markets, ensuring the regions energy security.

According to the BP Statistical Review of World Energy 2023, Azerbaijan is a leading exporter of oil and gas among the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), ensuring steady supplies to global markets. This solidifies Azerbaijans position as a key player on the worlds energy stage. Amid the broader global security crisis, Azerbaijans energy resources have served as a powerful tool to strengthen its international influence. This was underscored by the signing of new agreements with the European Union in 2023, which sought to expand gas exports to meet rising European demand.

Impact on Regional Conflicts and Security

The global security crisis is also inextricably linked to regional conflicts. Azerbaijan remains at the heart of complex, long-standing disputes, particularly with Armenia. The ceasefire reached following the second Karabakh war marked a significant step toward stabilising the region, although tensions remain high. Critical issues such as the final demarcation of borders and the status of the Armenian population in Karabakh continue to exert pressure on the negotiation process.

Russia, which has traditionally served as a mediator between Baku and Yerevan, has seen its influence in the region diminish, exacerbated by its military actions in Ukraine and weakened standing on the global stage. This created a vacuum that Azerbaijan has been keen to fill, strengthening its ties with Turkiye. In 2021, the two nations signed a military cooperation agreement, further solidifying Ankaras role as one of Bakus closest security and defence partners.

Azerbaijan and Global Governance

In the context of a global governance crisismarked by the weakening of multilateral institutions such as the United Nations and the World Trade OrganizationAzerbaijan has sought to expand its influence by engaging with organisations like the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Azerbaijan assumed the chairmanship of NAM in 2019, giving the country a platform to advocate for developing nations and engage in discussions on global issues such as the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and economic inequality.

Azerbaijans Role in Global Trade

The global trade crisis, spurred by sanctions and protectionism, has also affected Azerbaijans role in the world economy. Situated along the historic Silk Road, Azerbaijan has been investing heavily in infrastructure to facilitate trade between Europe and Asia. The Baku International Sea Trade Port, the largest in the Caspian region, has become a critical hub in transit corridors such as TRACECA and the Middle Corridor, solidifying Azerbaijans position as a vital player in global logistics.

In the wake of crises impacting global trade routessuch as the 2021 blockage of the Suez Canalthe importance of alternative routes has risen sharply. Azerbaijan, through investments in rail and port infrastructure, now plays a crucial role in ensuring the stability and reliability of international trade. This further strengthens its position as a major logistics hub in Eurasia.

Conclusion

In the face of ongoing global security and governance crises, Azerbaijan has demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability. Its strategic location, coupled with its vast energy resources and active foreign policy, positions Baku as a key player in addressing both regional and global challenges. As international institutions weaken and global instability grows, Azerbaijans role as a major actor in global security and governance is poised to expand even further.

Through strategic investments in infrastructure, energy diversification, and international diplomacy, Azerbaijan is well-prepared to maintain and increase its influence on the world stage for years to come. As a reliable partner for Europe, particularly in energy security, Azerbaijan also fosters strong relationships with Eastern powers, establishing itself as a vital bridge between East and West.
In the immediate aftermath of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks against the United States, Secretary of State Colin Powell gave assurances that America would deal with the tragedy by bringing those responsible to justice while protecting the world's democracies.

"They will never be allowed to kill the spirit of democracy," Powell said. "They cannot destroy our society. They cannot destroy our belief in the democratic way."

President George W. Bush, who won office in 2000 as a candidate who would be cautious about committing U.S. troops to foreign wars, quickly made fighting global terrorism a top policy, and set about establishing an international "coalition of the willing" to carry out the mission.

The U.S.-led invasion of Afghanistan had the primary goal of punishing the Al-Qaeda terrorist network, which had been given refuge in Afghanistan and carried out the deadly 9/11 attacks. And once on Afghan soil, Washington quickly ousted the Taliban regime accused of sheltering Al-Qaeda from power.

Costly Campaign

But the U.S. experience in Afghanistan ultimately ended in failure, and with the hard-line Taliban group back in power. The nearly 20-year war ended with immense costs in terms of lives lost and money spent. And it made the U.S. public and politicians on both sides of the aisle in Washington reluctant to get involved in "forever wars" that could not be won.

"More than $2 trillion spent in Afghanistan," U.S. President Joe Biden said on August 31, 2021, in announcing the official end of the United States' longest-ever war. "20,744 American servicemen and women injured, and the loss of 2,461 American personnel."

In explaining to the U.S. public that he was "not going to extend this forever war," Biden did not mention the estimated 70,000 deaths among Afghan security forces, more than 46,000 Afghan civilian deaths, and the deaths of more than 4,000 allied troops and U.S. contractors.

The withdrawal under Biden has become a lightning rod for debate ahead of the U.S. presidential election on November 5. Republican nominee and former President Donald Trump has blasted Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, who is running against Trump, for the "humiliation in Afghanistan," with much of the criticism centered on the chaotic last days of the withdrawal, when 13 U.S. soldiers and 170 Afghan civilians died in a bombing by the Islamic State-Khorasan extremist group.

Harris's campaign, meanwhile, has highlighted Trump's role as president in signing the 2020 deal with the Taliban that paved the way for the withdrawal and provided a "virtually impossible" deadline.

But experts who spoke to RFE/RL stressed that multiple U.S. administrations, beginning with Democratic President Barack Obama's from 2009 to 2017 -- had come to the realization that what had begun as a fight against terrorism had become an overly costly and potentially "forever" endeavor.

"It was an extremely expensive war in a place that was probably least important to the United States," said Vali Nasr, a professor of international affairs and Middle East studies at Johns Hopkins University. "It was a war that the United States started to destroy Al-Qaeda, which it did very quickly, then to dislodge the Taliban from Afghanistan, which it did, and then it became something much bigger, like how to establish a democracy and a functioning government in Afghanistan and sustain it."

The question asked by Obama, who initiated an exit strategy by reducing the number of U.S. troops in Afghanistan, and later Trump, was whether there was a compelling reason to stay.

The United States "was becoming committed to a forever war, or a forever presence at the tune of billions of dollars a year and tens of thousands of troops, in a condition that the threat from Afghanistan had declined and the strategic value of the country was declining," Nasr said.

And the economy and civil society established under the protection of the U.S. military, he says, was not something Afghanistan could sustain on its own.

"What the United States created is like a tree that never grew roots," Nasr said. "So, at some point you're going to say, 'I'm going to stop watering it, and I'm going to take my hand off from trying to forcibly keep it upright.'"

No Good Outcome

Rajan Menon, an emeritus professor of international relations at the City College of New York and director of the Grand Strategy Program at Defense Priorities, said that "no matter how long [the United States] had stayed, I don't see what a good ending could have been."

The minimal good outcome, Menon says, would have been "a stable country with a government that may not have been democratic, but which could be counted upon not to serve as a platform for terror and which would have a positive relationship with the United States."

But in attempting to realize that goal, what you are essentially "trying to do is engage in nation-building," Menon said. Even a "very, very powerful military machine" like the United States has difficulties pulling that off, he said, and there "are no pretty exits."

To avoid the chaotic type of withdrawal that took place in Afghanistan, Menon said, "you have to build institutions, political and military and civic in nature." Without that, "once you leave and remove the military protection, the institutions will start crumbling, and that is exactly what happened."

U.S. wars and democracy-building efforts were not isolated to Afghanistan during its nearly 20-year campaign there. There were others -- most notably the costly war in Iraq from 2003 to 2011 -- that former Secretary of State Powell argued was necessitated by an alleged Iraqi program to build weapons of mass destruction that was later determined to be nonexistent.

Prior to his death in 2021 just six weeks after the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, Powell said that his arguments before the UN Security Council "was a great intelligence failure."

Baghdad and the United States, which sent troops back to Iraq in 2014 to help fight the Islamic State (IS) extremist group, are still trying to repair relations. According to the Soufan Center think tank on September 9, the two sides reportedly have reached an agreement to transition from the United States leading the effort against IS to a bilateral partnership.

'Forever' Ending?

So is the U.S. era of "forever wars" over?

Many of the unique circumstances that accompanied the Afghan invasion -- a direct attack on U.S. soil, counterterrorism becoming a focal point of U.S. policy, and the idea that nation-building is an effective solution -- are unlikely to repeat themselves, Nasr says.

And the mood in the United States amid a hotly contested election campaign could indicate that it will at least think twice.

With both Trump and Harris there is "a little bit of a backlash against the so-called forever wars...and I think the American public probably will be much less supportive" of involvement in them in the future," Menon said.

But Madiha Afzal, a fellow in the foreign policy program at Brookings, said in written comments that while "some of the lessons from the Afghanistan war" had started being discussed, particularly in the last couple of years of the conflict, "the disaster of the withdrawal...really focused the conversation in America on Afghanistan to be just about the withdrawal."

The larger discussion about the war, Afzal said, "has been entirely obscured," with much of the conversation becoming intensely partisan.

"I fear that the larger lessons of the 20-year war have been lost along the way," Afzal concluded.
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
Photo: Press Service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 11. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has signed a decree on measures to improve the quality of vocational education in penitentiary institutions, Trend reports.

The full text of the order can be found at the link.
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.
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Ukrainians say they are troubled by ex-U.S. President Donald Trump's comments during the televised debate with Vice President Kamala Harris on September 10. In the closely watched ABC News face-off, held in Philadelphia, Trump refused to commit when asked, "Do you want Ukraine to win this war?"
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 11. The next meeting of the Central Election Commission (CEC) of Azerbaijan is being held under the chairmanship of Mazahir Panahov, a source from the CEC told Trend.

The commission discussed the approval of the protocol from its September 10, 2024, meeting and addressed several received complaints.

During the session, CEC invalidated the results from two polling stations in response to a protest from a Lankaran Rural Electoral District No. 78 candidate about the September 1 parliamentary election.

The CEC found vote counting anomalies at polling stations 28 and 32, which could affect election results. Thus, the commission annulled these stations' vote results.

The proposal was put to a vote and received approval.

Additionally, CEC's meeting took a look at an appeal from an MP candidate hailing from Nasimi-Yasamal constituency No. 22 regarding the parliamentary election.

The meeting noted that during the proceedings, violations were identified during the counting of votes at polling stations No. 2, 14, and 20 of the district, which could affect the election results, and the voting results should be annulled.

The meeting drove home the point that the cancellation of election results in three precincts didnt throw a wrench in the works for the overall results in the district.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 11. The Central Election Commission (CEC) of Azerbaijan invalidated the results from two polling stations following its today's meeting in response to a protest from Lankaran Rural Electoral District No. 78 candidate about the September 1 parliamentary election, the source at the CEC told Trend.

The CEC found vote counting anomalies at polling stations 28 and 32, which could affect election results. Thus, the commission annulled these stations' vote results. The proposal was put to a vote and received approval.

The CEC made it clear that tossing out the results from these two stations doesnt throw a wrench in the overall results of the electoral district.

Seven people nominated their candidacies from this constituency (Anar Iskandarov, Tural Kazimli, Khoshbakht Rahimzade, Nasrulla Mammadov, Elchin Safarov, Tural Guluzade, and Azizkhan Azizov), and according to the voting results, Iskandarov became the MP.

To note, 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.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
A new 8m school building with eleven classrooms has been given the go-ahead to be constructed at St Attractas National School in Ballaghaderreen.

Construction is to commence before next summer.

The Department of Education has also sanctioned a general-purpose hall as part of the building project, which will be constructed in three phases and is expected to take two years to complete.

Principal Noel Loftus explained to the Roscommon Herald that a key meeting took place in May, when a high-level delegation from the Department of Education visited the school.

The delegation were told of the urgent need for the new school building, particularly in the context of years of delay.

I made this point to the Department officials, that Ballaghaderreen had to be looked at in a more compassionate and sympathetic light, given the fact that it has more than stepped up, in terms of welcoming children and families from other jurisdictions, said Mr Loftus.

My role in the school is to ensure that the resources are provided for all children, irrespective of where they come from, and, at all times, you push and keep that effort going.

Children from 26 countries attend the school, which caters for 280 children, which is an increase of more than 25% in the last five years.

Existing staff comprises 14 class teachers and eight teachers in support roles, including for additional languages. Following the completion of the new build, there will be provision for an additional two teachers and for four special-needs assistants.

Mr Loftus described the building project as a masterplan, where the capacity for the school to grow is built in to the design.

The school has a larger footprint to build on, thanks to a land swap between the Mercy Order and Ballaghaderreen GAA club, Mr Loftus said.

I want to say how thankful the school and our board are for the support given by the local community, especially Ballaghaderreen GAA Club and, most particularly, the late John OMahony, who visited the school on two occasions as part of the negotiations with the Mercy Order, he said.

John had the foresight and vision to see what was possible and we wont forget that, he said.

The school authorities look forward to recognising the role of Ballaghaderreen GAA Club and the late John OMahony, when the new school is built.

We want to recognise that in a tangible way.

Mr Loftus added that the school was already looking forward to the sod-turning ceremony for the new school building.

Mr Loftus also thanked local TD Claire Kerrane and local councillor Micheal Frain, for their continuing support and encouragement.

The school principal also pointed out that the Department of Education had given the school the green light to repurpose a section of the new school, when it comes on stream, to open up a preschool.

Combined with an after-school club, which has opened up at the school, in partnership with Roscommon Leader, Mr Loftus said that all of these associated services would provide a complete wrapround support for local families in Ballaghaderreen.
Breaking News: Bomb in Chandigarh's Sector 10!

Bomb Scare in Chandigarh's Sector 10: Explosive Material Allegedly Thrown at Residence

Chandigarh sector 10 bomb latest news today: In a shocking incident, a bomb scare gripped Chandigarh's upscale Sector 10 on Wednesday after explosive material was reportedly thrown into a residential house. Some miscreants are believed to have hurled the explosive object, causing panic in the otherwise peaceful neighborhood.

The incident occurred in the early hours, and the sound of the explosion alarmed nearby residents, prompting an immediate response from local authorities. Chandigarh police swiftly cordoned off the area and evacuated nearby houses as a precautionary measure. Bomb disposal squads were dispatched to assess the situation and ensure public safety.

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No injuries have been reported, but the explosion caused damage to the house's exterior. While the motive behind the attack remains unclear, the police are actively investigating potential leads.

Adding to the intrigue, CCTV footage has surfaced on social media, showing a car passing by the house shortly before the incident. The video is being analyzed by police officials to identify the culprits behind this alarming act.

Residents of Sector 10 are on high alert, and the local administration has increased security in the area to prevent any further incidents. The shocking occurrence has raised concerns about safety and security, as the investigation continues to unfold.

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(For more news apart from Chandigarh sector 10 bomb latest news today, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman)
Shimla 'Illegal' Mosque Controversy: Protests Escalate as Locals Clash with Police

The protests turned chaotic when demonstrators confronted the police.

Shimla's Sanjauli Illegal Mosque Controversy, Himachal Pradesh latest news today: In a developing controversy in Himachal Pradesh's Shimla, clashes broke out on Wednesday as locals protested against what they claim to be an illegal mosque in the Sanjauli area.

The protests turned chaotic when demonstrators confronted the police, leading to the use of water cannons and a lathi-charge to control the crowd.

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According to visuals, protestors removed barricades and attempted to move toward the mosque, leading to a tense standoff with security forces near the Dhalli Tunnel East portal, as reported by ANI. The protests were organized primarily by Hindu groups, demanding action against the alleged unauthorized construction of the mosque.

In response, a large police presence had been set up around the Dhalli Tunnel East in anticipation of the protests. Members of Hindu organizations, including the Civil Society Devbhoomi Sangathan, participated, in waving the national flag and chanting slogans.

Himachal Pradesh Minister Vikramaditya Singh addressed the situation, urging that the demonstrations should not disturb peace in the region. He also assured that the state government would investigate and take necessary steps if the mosque was found to be illegally constructed.

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(For more news apart from Shimla's Sanjauli Illegal Mosque Controversy, Himachal Pradesh latest news today, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman)
Punjab Doctors Extend Strike, OPD Services to Be Closed Entire Day Tomorrow

The decision to extend the strike comes after ongoing talks with the government failed.

Punjab Doctors Strike Tomorrow Latest News: The doctors' strike in Punjab has escalated, as over 2,500 government doctors have announced the extension of their protest. The OPD services across Punjab will remain closed for the entire day tomorrow. The development took place following a crucial meeting between the Punjab Civil Medical Services Association (PCMSA) and Punjab Health Minister Balbir Singh.

The decision to extend the strike comes after ongoing talks with the government failed to resolve the issues raised by the doctors. The doctors, who had initially limited their strike to three hours daily, are now taking stronger action in support of their demands.

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The doctors started their protest on September 9, with doctors suspending OPD services from 8 AM to 11 AM across health centers, including civil and district hospitals. However, the emergency services, post-mortem, and medicolegal examinations continued uninterrupted.

Key demands from the doctors include the reinstatement of the Assured Career Progression (ACP) scheme, the implementation of security measures for healthcare workers, the timely recruitment of medical officers, and the release of pending arrears from the Central Pay Commission (CPC).

(For more news apart from Punjab Doctors Strike Tomorrow Latest News, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman)
What is Shimla's Sanjauli Mosque Controversy? Know All About It

The controversy intensified following an attack on a local businessman by a group of Muslim youths.

What is Shimla's Sanjauli Mosque Controversy in Himachal Pradesh? Protests erupted in Shimlas Dhalli area on Wednesday, as locals, including members of Hindu organizations, rallied against what they allege is the illegal construction of a mosque in the Sanjauli region. Waving the national flag and chanting slogans like "Himachal Ne Thana Hai, Devbhoomi Ko Bachana Hai," demonstrators demanded swift action to halt the construction, which they claim lacks proper authorization.

Political Accusations

Naresh Chauhan, an advisor to the Himachal Pradesh government, dismissed the protests as politically charged, accusing BJP members of attempting to elevate the issue to a national controversy. He clarified that the matter is purely legal, unrelated to religious conflicts, and being addressed as a law-and-order situation. Chauhan further emphasized that the issue is being handled through the courts, and local support for the protests has been minimal.

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Waqf Board's Stand on Ownership

The Waqf Board, in its submission to a Shimla court, claimed ownership of the Sanjauli Mosque and explained that the dispute concerns further construction and development. The case is currently under review, with the next hearing scheduled for October 5. Meanwhile, local residents have continued to demand the mosque's demolition, insisting that it was constructed without proper authorization.

Violence Escalates Tensions

The controversy intensified following an attack on a local businessman by a group of Muslim youths in nearby Malyana, heightening communal tensions and adding fuel to the protests.

Opposition's Criticism of Government Inaction

Jairam Thakur, Leader of the Opposition in the Himachal Pradesh Assembly, criticized the state government for its delayed response to the mosque's construction. Thakur urged the government to address the concerns of local Hindus promptly, advocating for a peaceful resolution to the dispute while maintaining order.

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Thakur stated, "Himachal Pradesh has a reputation for peaceful coexistence, but the governments slow intervention has exacerbated the situation."

Heightened Security Measures

In light of the protests, a heavy police presence was deployed in the Dhalli area to ensure order. Authorities also conducted vehicle inspections near the protest site to prevent any escalation. Despite the demonstrations, no significant incidents were reported.

The Shimla mosque dispute continues to be a contentious issue, with further developments awaited in the coming weeks.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 11. The Central Election Commission of Azerbaijan highlights all procedural infractions, chairperson of the Central Election Commission of Azerbaijan Mazahir Panahov said at today's meeting of the CEC, Trend reports.

To note, extraordinary parliamentary elections were held in Azerbaijan on September 1.

A total of 112,749 local observers were registered to monitor the elections. More than 65,000 of them were representatives of political parties. The number of registered international observers was 598 people, representing 51 organizations, in 69 countries.

Out of 990 registered candidates in the parliamentary elections, 305 are representatives of 25 political parties. Although 371 candidates are members of political parties, they were not nominated by the parties to which they belong. A total of 676 candidates have political party affiliation.
The election period begins in Romania

The election period for the presidential elections in Romania begins this week, according to the calendar approved by the Bucharest Government. On September 12, the five judges with the High Court of Cassation and Justice, who will be part of the Central Election Bureau (BEC) for the presidential elections, will be elected by secret ballot. A day later, the president of the BEC will be appointed, as well as the members of the political formations that are not represented in Parliament and that proposed presidential candidates. Also, on September 14 at the latest, the Central Election Bureau will be completed with the president and vice-presidents of the Permanent Election Authority and with one representative of each parliamentary political party.

Photo: roaep.ro

Sorin Iordan, 11.09.2024, 14:00

September 24 is the date by which Romanian citizens domiciled or residing abroad can submit requests to vote by mail. The calendar also provides that, by September 28, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will be informed about the localities abroad where polling stations must be established, as well as their number. No later than October 5th, the presidential candidacies will be submitted.

It is expected that the current Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu, from the Social Democrats, the current Speaker of the Senate, Nicolae Ciuca, from the Liberals and the President of the Save Romania Union, Elena Lasconi, will enter the election race for the most important position in the Romanian state. The head of the Alliance for the Union of Romanians, George Simion, the leader of the Democratic Union of Ethnic Hungarians in Romania, Kelemen Hunor, as well as several representatives of non-parliamentary parties and independent candidates, among whom stands out the former NATO Deputy Secretary General, Mircea Geoana, who ended his mandate on Tuesday, are also expected to run for president.

Until October 10, the process of establishing the candidacies takes place, and until October 12, the order of the candidates names on the ballot will be established. The election campaign will start in Romania on October 25. The voting process in the first round of the presidential elections will start abroad on November 22. Romanians in the Diaspora will vote until November 24, when citizens with the domicile or residence in the country will be asked to cast their ballot.

By November 29, the names of the two candidates who will participate in the second round of voting will be announced, and on the same day the election campaign will start again. The second round of the elections for the president of Romania will start abroad on December 6 and, just like in the first round, Romanians abroad will have 3 days to express their political option. In the country, Romanians will go to the polls on December 8th. According to the Permanent Election Authority, the total number of citizens entitled to vote, registered in the Election Register at the end of August, was almost 19 million, of which about 960,000 had their domicile or residence abroad.
France, Germany, and the United Kingdom have announced that they are canceling bilateral air services agreements with Iran over its transfers of ballistic missiles to Russia.

The Foreign Ministers of the three European nations said in a joint statement that their governments will impose sanctions on companies and individuals involved with Iran's ballistic missile program and the transfer of ballistic missiles and other weapons to Russia.

The three major powers will also work towards imposing sanctions on Iran Air.

France, Germany, and UK strongly condemned Iran's export and Russia's procurement of Iranian ballistic missiles. "This is a further escalation of Iran's military support to Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine and will see Iranian missiles reaching European soil, increasing the suffering of the Ukrainian people," the statement says.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Political News
The United Kingdom has imposed sanctions on 10 oil tankers in Russia's "shadow fleet," a group of ships that use illicit practices to avoid sanctions on Russian oil.

The new sanctions target Russian oil revenues, which is President Vladimir Putin's most critical source of funding for the war against Ukraine.

It is estimated that income from oil exports account for roughly a quarter of the Russian budget in 2023.

Putin is using the "shadow fleet" as a desperate attempt to undermine sanctions by UK and G7 nations and continue unfettered trade in Russian oil.

The high-volume ships, which operate around the clock to transport as much Russian oil as possible, will be barred from entering UK ports and will be refused access to the UK Ship Register.

Three of the oil tankers targeted Wednesday - Nicolay Zuyev, NS Asia and Zaliv Aniva - have collectively carried more than $5 billion worth of Russian oil since the invasion of Ukraine began, according to the UK Foreign Office.

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy said Russia has been forced to spend more than $8 billion amassing this shadow fleet. "But with sanctioned tankers loitering and unable to load oil, we are determined to make Putin's investment an expensive misstep for the Kremlin. Our action will help to counter Russian attempts to undermine and dodge economic sanctions."

Previous UK sanctions against individual shadow ships have left them idling outside ports, and unable to carry on their trade in Russian oil.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Officials are investigating an incident involving a collision between a Delta Air Lines (DAL) plane and an Endeavor Air flight, a subsidiary of Delta, on the tarmac at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Georgia.

The incident occurred shortly after 10 a.m., when Delta Air Lines Flight 295, an Airbus A350, was taxiing for departure to Tokyo, Japan. Its wingtip struck the tail of Endeavor Air Flight 5526, a Bombardier CRJ900 craft, which was bound for Lafayette, Louisiana.

"You know I just noticed that the tail on the RJ is missing," an air traffic controller said, according to audio archives from LiveATC.net. "So Endeavor 5526, hold your position, and do you require any immediate assistance?"

"No immediate assistance," a pilot replied. "We'll need a tow, though."

The Airbus had 221 passengers onboard, while the regional jet carried 56 passengers, according to the Associated Press. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

Delta later issued a statement saying it has "worked with each customer to provide accommodation on alternate aircraft scheduled to depart Tuesday afternoon. We apologize to our customers for the experience."

The Federal Aviation Administration has announced an investigation into the incident, and the National Transportation Safety Board will also conduct its own investigation.

Delta said that it would fully cooperate with the investigations and move both planes to maintenance hangars.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
The Tennessee Department of Health (TNDH) has announced the state's first measles case since 2019.

They confirmed that a Tennessee resident, who is a student at Western Kentucky University (WKU), tested positive for the virus. This individual recently traveled internationally, spent time in Kentucky while contagious, and is currently in recovery.

Kentucky authorities confirmed that the unvaccinated student attended classes and community events on August 28, 29, and 30 while infected. So far, no additional measles cases have been found in Tennessee.

Health authorities have identified specific locations and times where individuals may have been exposed to the measles virus.

These locations include The Commons at Helm Library (WKU), located at 1906 College Heights Blvd., during the following times: Wednesday, Aug. 28 from 7:45 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Thursday, Aug. 29 from 7:45 a.m. to 10 a.m.; and Friday, Aug. 30 from 7:45 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Additionally, the WKU Student Union - Starbucks was noted on Wednesday, Aug. 28 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Lastly, Simply Ramen Restaurant, located at 801 Campbell Lane, had potential exposure on Thursday, Aug. 29 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Health officials from Tennessee and Kentucky are working together to assess potential exposures. Measles symptoms can range from fever and headache to cough, rash, red eyes, and congestion, typically starting with a red, spotty rash on the face that spreads to the body. The virus can be transmitted through the air when an infected person speaks, coughs, or sneezes.

The Tennessee Department of Health is actively tracing contacts and urges anyone who believes they may have been exposed to measles to notify their local health department immediately.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
[RIGHT]: Dr Alistair Mokoena (Former Country Director of Google South Africa) one of the recipients of the 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award

By: The Division of Communications & Advancement

Rhodes University Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Sizwe Mabizela, announced the 2024 recipients of the coveted Distinguished Alumni Award at the Annual General Meeting of Convocation on Saturday, 06 September 2024. These individuals have significantly contributed to their respective fields and upheld the universitys academic excellence and leadership legacy.

Prof Mabizela says the recipients of these awards during the universitys 120th celebration year have all demonstrated leadership by contributing immensely to their professional fields, the University and their communities. He emphasised that the University was proud of its achievements. He thanked them for upholding the valid values of a Rhodes University graduate and for flying the University flag with pride, honour and distinction.

The outgoing President of The Association of Old Rhodians, Prof Rod Walker, echoed the Vice Chancellors sentiments and agrees that the Distinguished Alumni Award are used to acknowledge the University alumni who contribute extensively to the benefit of society and bring honour to the name of the University through their activities.

The recipients of the 2024 Distinguished Alumni Awards are:

Bruce Whitfield

A seasoned financial journalist, Bruce Whitfield has shaped the narrative of business journalism in South Africa. A Rhodes University graduate with a BJourn degree, he has over two decades of experience hosting The Money Show, one of the longest-running radio programmes in South African broadcast history. Whitfield is also a three-time Sanlam Financial Journalist of the Year and has received numerous accolades for his work across radio, television, and print. Bruce is recognised as the author of two books for his dynamic insights into the South African economy and is currently working on his third book.

Dr Solomzi Makohliso

Dr Solomzi Makohliso, an innovative bio-entrepreneur, is committed to using technology for global humanitarian causes. As the Deputy Director of EssentialTech at EPFL in Switzerland, Dr Makohliso spearheads projects such as solar-powered X-ray machines and AI technology for post-conflict reconstruction. His career spans a Masters in BioMedical Engineering from Brown University and a PhD from Switzerland. Through his work, he addresses critical global challenges in health and infrastructure.

Prof. Alan Chalmers

An international leader in computer graphics, Prof. Alan Chalmers, has made significant strides in virtual archaeology and high-dynamic range imaging. With an MSc from Rhodes University and a PhD from the University of Bristol, Chalmers has authored over 265 academic papers and supervised 51 PhD students. He is instrumental in developing HDR video technology and actively promotes African research in computer graphics, serving as Honorary President of Afrigraph.

Dr Alistair Mokoena

Dr Alistair Mokoena, the former Country Director of Google South Africa, has over 26 years of experience in marketing, law, and technology. He holds multiple degrees from Rhodes University, including a BCom and LLB. Dr Mokoena has previously served as Ogilvy South Africa's CEO and received numerous accolades for his leadership in marketing. His passion for digital transformation and access to quality education for all students has driven him to establish the Dr Alistair Mokoena Education Fund which provides funding to honours students in any field at Rhodes University.

Fortune Sibanda

Fortune Sibanda is a digital policy and governance trailblazer with notable roles at Google Africa and TikTok. A Rhodes University graduate with a Master's in Journalism and Media Studies, Sibanda has spent over a decade advocating for ICT access, privacy, and online safety in Africa. His initiatives have helped shape the digital landscape, particularly in underserved communities. He remains actively involved in Rhodes Universitys academic and community engagement programmes.

Emeritus Prof Rob O'Donoghue

Prof. Rob ODonoghue is celebrated for his work in environmental education and sustainability. He pioneered projects integrating indigenous knowledge with modern ecological education practices as an academic at Rhodes Universitys Environmental Learning Research Centre. His contributions have empowered teachers and students, promoting sustainability across Southern Africa. Even after retirement, Prof. O'Donoghue continues to lead international research initiatives.

Prof Stephanie Burton

Prof. Stephanie Burton, an accomplished biochemist, excellent researcher, and sustainability advocate, is a leading figure in research strategy and transdisciplinary education. Having served as Vice-Principal for Research and Postgraduate Education at the University of Pretoria, she was pivotal in launching the Future Africa initiative. Prof. Burton continues to engage with Rhodes University through mentorship and strategic research collaborative initiatives, shaping the next generation of scholars.

These distinguished alumni represent the highest ideals of Rhodes University, making remarkable contributions to society and embodying the spirit of leadership and innovation.
Snelihle Maphumolo with her award-winning work, Umnikelo.

By: The Division of Communications & Advancement

Rhodes Universitys Snelihle Maphumulo, a 4th-year Bachelor of Fine Arts Sculpture student, has achieved a significant career milestone by receiving a Merit Award at the highly competitive Sasol New Signatures Art Competition. This annual competition, recognised as one of the premier platforms for emerging South African artists, provides young talent the chance to gain national exposure and be recognised in the broader art industry. Maphumulos achievement is a testament to her unique artistic voice and ability to tackle deeply personal themes through innovative materials.

Born in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, Snelihle is currently based in Makhanda (Grahamstown), completing her degree. Her artistic practice focuses on sculpture, using various found materials, wax, and clay to explore the positionality of women in Zulu culture, particularly the tension between tradition and modernisation. Her work is inspired by Nandipha Mntambo, a prominent South African artist known for using organic materials to examine issues of identity and transformation. Snelihles sculptures interrogate how women in Zulu culture are the backbone of households yet often go uncelebrated, as reflected in her series of works commenting on women's unacknowledged labour and sacrifice in ceremonial and domestic spaces.

Her award-winning work, Umnikelo, embodies these themes using sheep hides, wax plates, and beer crates. Each component holds symbolic value: the hides represent the subservience expected of women, while the plates signify the endless cycle of service in traditional Zulu ceremonies. The crates, often used as seating for men, reflect the societal structures that prioritise male authority. Together, the elements convey a powerful critique of gender roles in Zulu ceremonies, where women are expected to maintain and support the social fabric without receiving the same recognition as their male counterparts.

Robyn Munnick, a lecturer in the Fine Art Department at Rhodes University, emphasised the significance of this award for Snelihle, stating, It is a huge achievement. The Sasol New Signatures competition is known for launching the careers of talented young artists, and for Snelihle to be recognised in this way affirms the depth and relevance of her work. We are incredibly proud of her.

The Sasol New Signatures Art Competition is South Africas longest-running art competition, established in 1965. It seeks to discover emerging artists and allows them to engage with broader audiences. The competitions panel of judges includes leading artists and curators, making it a pivotal moment in an artists career. Previous winners have established significant presences in both local and international art markets. The competition requires entrants to create work that responds to contemporary South African realities, focusing on pushing the boundaries of traditional art forms.

Maphumulos success at this competition showcases her technical skill, conceptual depth, and ability to comment on critical social issues such as gender, tradition, and cultural identity. In 2024, she began sharing her knowledge and creativity with aspiring artists, including a three-week tutoring stint earlier in the year for Maureen's first-year project. Her recognition at Sasol New Signatures places her on a promising path within the South African art landscape.

As her career progresses, it is clear that Snelihle Maphumulo is a name to watch. Her commitment to portraying the complexities of Zulu culture through innovative materials and her nuanced understanding of the challenges women face in her community make her work both impactful and resonant.

Congratulations to Snelihle Maphumulo for her extraordinary achievement at the Sasol New Signatures Art Competition, and we look forward to seeing more groundbreaking work from this rising star!
The new Hero Destini 125 is better equipped to take on rivals like Yamaha Fascino, Honda Activa 125, TVS Jupiter 125 and Suzuki Access

After dominating the motorcycle market for a very long time, Hero MotoCorp is taking greater strides in scooter market. The company has a phase-wise plan to launch more premium scooters in the future. But for mainstream scooter buyers, Hero has unveiled the new Destini 125, which will directly take on 125cc offerings from Honda, Suzuki, TVS and Yamaha.

We have ridden the new Destini 125 around Goa, where Hero MotoCorp arranged a media ride event. After riding it in the city, winding hilly roads, narrow highways and other conditions along with experiencing all the perks and misses, here is what we think about the new Hero Destini 125.

New Hero Destini 125 First-Ride Review

First impressions of the new Hero Destini 125 were positive if we take the broader scheme of things. If Hero MotoCorp wants to increase its market share in Indias scooter segment, new Destini 125 is likely to play a crucial role. We say this because Hero might establish an attractive price point, drawing more customers in.

For context, Hero Destini Prime (previous gen) is the most affordable 125cc scooter in India by quite some margin. We expect a similar strategy with new Destini 125 as well. Add to it, all the new design elements and features, Hero Destini 125 might expand Heros market share in Indias highly competitive scooter segment.

There are 5 colours on offer, depending on the variant  Eternal White, Regal Black, Majestique Magenta, Cosmic Blue and Groovy Red. Hero MotorCorp assigned us Majestique Magenta colour. It does stand out from usual colours, owing to its radiant appeal. If you ask me, Regal Black looks the best, especially with the copper chrome elements. Speaking of, only Eternal White and Regal Black get copper chrome.

The new design Hero is going for, leans towards making it a neo-retro offering. We say this because of the way new Destini 125 looks from the side and the way headlight housing and front apron have been carved. With this radical new styling, there is a sense of newness, which buyers in this segment might appreciate.

New elements

There is a new LED headlight setup with H-shaped LED DRL signature. This is a projector headlight setup, which is first-in-segment and should offer excellent visibility. Hero claims that this new headlight is 3X better than what it used to offer before. Interestingly, the projector inside headlight housing is for the high beam, while low beam is taken care of by a reflector setup.

Front apron gets an H-shaped design appeal too and integrates chrome elements and turn indicators in an interesting way. Front fender is metallic and so are the large side body panels. Hero has tastefully integrated chrome elements in ORVMs, front apron, near floorboard, badges and the rear for some visual bling. Personally, this chrome bling takes the overall appeal of this scooter a little on the feminine side.

The seat is long and top-spec ZX+ trim gets a dual-tone seat cover too. There is a neatly integrated pillion back support, which a lot of users will appreciate. From the rear, I felt like design is a tad convoluting and busy, especially with its split appeal for tail light and turn indicators. Instead, the company could have easily integrated turn indicators near or inside the LED tail lights. Alloy wheels are new and they get a dual-tone finish, for a stylish appearance.

Notably, turn indicators are still halogen, for cost-effectiveness, whereas tail lights are LEDs with an H-shape signature. Another interesting aspect of new Destini 125 is the easy maintenance. We found the oil level dipstick to be conveniently accessible and so was the air box. I am an automobile engineer and I appreciate what Hero MotoCorp has done here. If I owned this machine, I would tend to do the periodic oil changes by myself, establishing a stronger connection with my machine.

Practicality, Features and Ergonomics

New Hero Destini 125 has a large under-seat storage and it even accommodated my full-size track-spec XL-sized helmet. But I couldnt close the seat while doing so. But it went in, which I cant say about scooters in this segment. Half-faced helmets should not be an issue at all. For convenience, there is an LED light here.

Floorboard is large and flat, allowing you to carry some larger items. There is a strong hook near the floorboard to hang stuff. Behind the front apron, Destini 125 has a glove box where we can stash a 500ml water bottle along with a smartphone. This is also convenient, as the USB Type-A charging port is very close to this glovebox.

Key is a regular type and it unlocks the boot and fuel filler cap along with ignition at the same place. Speaking of fuel filler caps, it is an external type with Hero MotoCorps Destini 125 for that added convenience. The rear pillion backrest also doubles up as a grab rail as well. Hero has improved switchgear on the new Destini 125 and they look very fancy and operate well. Some of these switches are backlit as well.

I am a 6 tall individual (182 cm) and I found the riders triangle to be neutral and comfortable. After riding the scooter around Goa, I didnt find any fatigue in my shoulders and back. Nor did I find any weird quirks about the overall seating position. Even sitting on the pillion seat was a comfortable experience and the slight step in seat for pillion allows for a comfortable knee angle too.

Where features are concerned, new Hero Destini 125 gets a fully digital reverse-LCD instrument cluster. It was surprisingly legible even with my sunglasses on. It incorporates a crisp font and boasts Bluetooth connectivity with app support for the smartphone. What is appreciated, is the turn-by-turn navigation. There is self-cancelling winkers after 15 seconds, among other notable features.

Powertrain and Riding Dynamics

Hero Destini 125 continues to be powered by a 124.6cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine that boasts best-in-segment (125cc family scooter) power figure of 9 bhp at 7,000 RPM and 10.4 Nm of torque at 5,500 RPM. This is a refined engine that promises 59 km/l of mileage (fuel efficiency) and is backed by a switchable i3S stop/start feature.

Where performance is concerned, new Hero Destini 125 offers decent acceleration and picks up pace in a respectable manner. Power delivery is not urged, which is perfectly fine for a practical 125cc family scooter. Destini 125 has 12-inch wheels at both ends and there is a fatter 100-section rear tyre now, for added stability.

New Hero Destini 125 offers great stability and emerges as an agile and peppy scooter for daily use. While turning the scooter on corners, it offers decent confidence. Suspension is cushy and absorbs a great deal of road imperfections. It is not a corner carving track machine. But for intended audience, it is perfectly set up for comfort and practicality. The only fly in the ointment is the braking. Despite having a disc brake and Bybre calipers, new Destini 125 lacked stopping power.

Conclusion

In the limited time we had with new Destini 125, the scooter impressed us a lot with just how friendly it is. The suspension and seat offers excellent comfort. Underseat storage and flat floorboard are very accommodating. The powertrain is smooth and Hero claims 59 km/l of mileage (fuel efficiency). Hero has worked on exceeding features expected in this segment. There is an easy maintenance approach as well.

All these make the new Hero Destini 125 a head-over-heart decision. Something you would need, but not want to buy from your heart. We say this because the scooter is impressive, but not attractive enough to establish an emotional connect. Sure, design is subjective and there will be a large chunk of audience that will consider the new Destini 125 as pretty. Personally, I think Hero MotoCorp could have made the design more subtle to establish a more appealing first impression and make me want to buy this scooter.

While we were riding it around Goa, it did not garner any attention from the general consensus. I did not see a single person who gave this scooter a second look of admiration or stopped to take a picture. That just didnt happen. We also think Hero should have offered sleeker LED turn indicators and a smart key for a keyless experience. While new Hero Destini 125 does not strike a stylish first impression, it impresses the users with its sheer sensibility and (expected) price-wise competitiveness.
Compact SUV Segment Shows Marginal Growth in August 2024, Toyota HyRyder Posts Strongest Gains  Creta maintains lead with a huge margin

The compact SUV segment (4.2m  4.4m) in India saw a slight overall increase in sales in August 2024, with total sales reaching 48,715 units, a marginal 0.43% growth compared to 48,508 units in August 2023. While a few models recorded strong growth, others faced significant declines, reflecting a competitive and evolving market.

Top 10 Compact SUVs Aug 2024  Hyundai Creta Leads the Segment

Hyundai Creta continued to dominate the compact SUV segment in August 2024, with 16,762 units sold. This represents a 21.18% year-on-year (YoY) increase, adding 2,930 units compared to the 13,832 units sold in August 2023. Cretas strong performance secured it a commanding 34.41% share of the compact SUV market.

Maruti Grand Vitara, despite being one of the top performers last year, faced a 23.67% YoY decline in sales. Grand Vitara sold 9,021 units in August 2024, down by 2,797 units from the 11,818 units sold in August 2023. The decline reduced its market share to 18.52%.

Kia Seltos also experienced a sharp 38.90% decline in sales. Seltos sold 6,536 units in August 2024, down by 4,162 units compared to August 2023. Seltos market share fell to 13.42%, reflecting the challenges the model faced during the month.

Toyota HyRyder was the standout performer in the segment, recording the highest YoY growth at 58.55%. HyRyder sold 6,534 units in August 2024, an increase of 2,413 units from 4,121 units in August 2023, capturing a 13.41% share of the market. This significant growth underscores HyRyders increasing popularity among Indian consumers.

Tata Curvv/EV made a strong entry into the compact SUV segment, selling 3,455 units in August 2024. This new model secured a 7.09% share of the market, providing fresh competition in the electric vehicle (EV) space within the compact SUV category.

Honda Elevate and Skoda Kushaq See Declines

Honda Elevate faced a significant 38.94% YoY decline in sales, with 1,723 units sold in August 2024, down by 1,099 units from August 2023. Elevates market share dropped to 3.54%, indicating a challenging month for the model. Similarly, Skoda Kushaq saw a 37.65% decline in sales, with 1,502 units sold in August 2024, down by 907 units compared to August 2023. Kushaqs market share fell to 3.08%.

Volkswagen Taigun experienced a 16.21% decline in sales, with 1,628 units sold in August 2024, down by 315 units from 1,943 units in August 2023. Despite the decline, Taigun maintained a 3.34% market share. On a more positive note, MG Astor posted a 15.11% YoY growth, selling 937 units in August 2024, up by 123 units from 814 units sold in August 2023. Astors market share increased slightly to 1.92%.

Citroen Expands its Presence

Citroens new model, the Citroen Basalt, made its debut in August 2024, selling 579 units and capturing a 1.19% share of the compact SUV market. Meanwhile, the Citroen C3 Aircross faced a 25.49% decline in sales, with just 38 units sold in August 2024, down by 13 units from August 2023.
16:30 BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 11. The next meeting of the Central Election Commission (CEC) of Azerbaijan is being held under the chairmanship of Mazahir Panahov, a source from the CEC told Trend.

The commission discussed the approval of the protocol from its September 10, 2024, meeting and addressed several received complaints.

During the session, CEC invalidated the results from two polling stations in response to a protest from a Lankaran Rural Electoral District No. 78 candidate about the September 1 parliamentary election.

The CEC found vote counting anomalies at polling stations 28 and 32, which could affect election results. Thus, the commission annulled these stations' vote results.

The proposal was put to a vote and received approval.

Additionally, CEC's meeting took a look at an appeal from an MP candidate hailing from Nasimi-Yasamal constituency No. 22 regarding the parliamentary election.

The meeting noted that during the proceedings, violations were identified during the counting of votes at polling stations No. 2, 14 and 20 of the district, which could affect the election results, and the voting results should be annulled.

The meeting drove home the point that the cancellation of election results in three precincts didnt throw a wrench in the works for the overall results in the district.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 11. The Central Election Commission (CEC) of Azerbaijan invalidated the results from two polling stations following its today's meeting in response to a protest from a Lankaran Rural Electoral District No. 78 candidate about the September 1 parliamentary election, the source at the CEC told Trend.

The CEC found vote counting anomalies at polling stations 28 and 32, which could affect election results. Thus, the commission annulled these stations' vote results. The proposal was put to a vote and received approval.

The CEC made it clear that tossing out the results from these two stations doesnt throw a wrench in the overall results of the electoral district.

Seven people nominated their candidacies from this constituency (Anar Iskandarov, Tural Kazimli, Khoshbakht Rahimzade, Nasrulla Mammadov, Elchin Safarov, Tural Guluzade, and Azizkhan Azizov), and according to the voting results, Iskandarov became the MP.

To note, 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.

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Press Release

September 11, 2024 Senate Bill No. 2647 under Committee Report No. 250

AN ACT STRENGTHENING THE BASES CONVERSION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7227, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS "THE BASES CONVERSION AND DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 1992", AS AMENDED Sponsors: Sen. Alan Peter S. Cayetano/ Sen. Mark A. Villar For I know the plans I have for you. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future. 'Yan po ang nasa Jeremiah 29:11 at yan po ay isang propetang pinaniniwalaan ng mga Muslim, Hudyo at ng Kristiyano. I like Mister President narrating, explaining, declaring that verse. Because it tells us that the Almighty has a plan. But more than that, it teaches us that there can be no plan without a vision. Quite a long time ago the Americans came to the Philippines and we have to give it to them and to their military. Marunong silang pumili ng pu-puwestuhan ng kanilang mga facilities. Whether we talk about Fort McKinley na naging Fort Bonifacio sa Taguig. Whether you talk about the air base in Pasay, whether you talk about Clark, Subic, you talk about Baguio City or La Union or even the areas in Visayas and Mindanao, marunong pumili po ang mga Amerikano. These areas once thought about to be purely for military defense security purposes found a win-win during the time of a military officer who became president, President Ramos. It's been particularly special to the City of Taguig because the development of Fort Bonifacio sparked a new central business district. Nagbigay po ito ng venue para sa vision ng Panginoon sa aming city. Before the pandemic, there was a twin focus by the Duterte administration which was to clean up Boracay and also develop Clark so that we can decongest Metro Manila. Halos lahat po ng leaders from Bulacan, Tarlac, Pampanga, Central Luzon supported that. Katabi ko po si former Majority Leader Joel Villanueva. He was very supportive of that. Mister President, ang naging decision ng dating pangulo ay huwag payagan magbenta ng lupa sa loob ng Clark. I saw the logic personally as his running mate, as a senator and even as a DFA secretary. During that time, I told him that there were many ways to skin a cat. I pointed at Pasig, Rizal and the Ortigas family. As you know y'ung Kapitolyo used to be in Pasig. And for the longest time I stalemate between the people who donated the land and between the city and the province. But one-time wisdom upon them nagkaroon ng agreement na isasauli y'ung part ng lupa sa pamilyang nag-donate. But part of it, ide-develop and then part of it cash for school buildings. And then ire-redo or ibi-build yung sa fiscals' office. So nagkaroon ng win-win. In fact ang topic namin ni President Duterte noon, we were also looking at Camp Crame and Camp Aguinaldo. In the meantime, and ah although for another bill nandito yung former chairman ng BCDA Vince Dizon. He supported President Duterte na huwag magbenta ng lupa sa loob. At that time, former chairman of BCDA Chairman Delfin Lorenzana was our DND and he really fought tooth and nail for more representation and better benefits for the military from the BCDA since sa kanila na mangaling po yung lupa. I was arguing with them that ang problema niyo pag hindi kayo nag benta sa loob at napakalaki ng Clark, sa labas ng Clark mamimili ang ating mga malalaking kumpanya sa real estate. And as we've seen 'yong kanilang mga township 'no? I will not name all of them but 'yong ating biggest real estate companies in the country are you know have step up in the kind of development. Bottom line po, tama ang naging prediksyon iilan lang ang nag-develop sa loob ng Clark na 25-25 years. Pero namili sa ilabas and even though magaganda ang development ngayon sa labas ng Clark, the reality is nag-ta-traffic na rin. So there is a consensus move to do this and then nadagdagan pa po ng pinasa nong Kongreso yung pagkaroon ng Special Economic Zone sa Bulacan at bagong airport. I think most, if not all of us agree that many states in the US have two airports. If I'm not mistaken New York has two airports, I think Washington has two airports. So if we develop Bulacan and Clark correctly, it could really be a twin engine of development in our country and it could really pull the density or the massive urbanization out of Metro Manila and really spur development in Central Luzon. So hindi po ako magpapakahaba, but I'd like to thank Senator Estrada and Senator Tolentino who are actually the authors of this bill. I'd like to thank the new chairman of the Committee on Government Corporations Senator Mark Villar not only for supporting, agreeing but because lumaki po siya sa negosyo. I think his masteral is also in business right? So you know I'm confident that not only his co-stewardship of this bill, but his insights especially pagdating natin ng period of amendment would prepare Clark 'no? To be a real development engine. I'd like to see the day na hindi lang sinasabi sa Pilipinas para kayong Hong Kong, Singapore. I'd like to see the day that every island like Palawan, Romblon, of course Cebu is highly developed, Iloilo is highly developed getting there. But imagine if every single island we have of that size 'no? Palawan, Romblon, Cebu, Bohol, Iloilo are separate from Hong Kong and Singapore. And imagine if every region of the country is just like the United States na iba ang LA sa Chicago, iba ang Chicago sa New York, iba ang New York sa Washington DC. And it is this kind of development that's what we need. While I will ask that you permit that the explanatory notes of Senator Estrada and Tolentino to form part of the sponsorship speech, I'd also like to mention another pet bill advocacy that I hope Senator Mark and I can work together on. My first privilege speech in 1998 as the youngest member of the 11th Congress and Senator Escudero, if I'm not mistaken, was the second youngest noon, Our Senate President. My first speech was about LLDA. Laguna Lake Development Authority, ang sabi ko po n'on. I see the Laguna Lake. I see the authority, nasan ang development. Sadly, many many years later, decades later, I could give the same speech now. I see the Laguna Lake, I see the authority, pero hindi pa rin nagde-develop and that's another matter we'll take up during the DENR budget. But iba po sa BCDA, I see the bases, I see the conversion, I see the authority but I do see the development. This bill will actually enhance the powers of the BCDA. And I hope Mister President we can come up with some corporate entity that is partly government, partly private to actually develop the Laguna Lake but also to develop indigenous, the lands, the ancestral lands of the indigenous people of the Philippines. Kasi sayang. Sayang po. We call it. We name it, pero walang nangyari. So Executive Vice President Gisela Kalalo is also here with us. The staff and the rest of the BCDA family, alam kong pabalik balik kayo and you're waiting for this. It's in good hands with Senator Mark Villar and hopefully po we will come up with even a better bill with his insights in how to make it more business friendly and a new center of commerce development housing and just you know just a perfect environmentally friendly community in Central Luzon for some they're even hoping that this will be the new government center. Thank you for this opportunity Mister Majority Leader, Minority Leader and to Senate President.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 11. The European Union's biased and unfair statements are being viewed as interference in Azerbaijan's internal affairs, said Spokesperson for the Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs Aykhan Hajizada in response to the EUs comments on September 11, which referenced a public statement made by the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, Trend reports.

We find it unacceptable that the EU once again makes biased statements based on this public statement, and we strongly reject this smear campaign.

Instead of issuing baseless statements about Azerbaijan, we recommend the EU focus on addressing human rights violations within its own member states.

We emphasize that the deaths of protesters during the 'yellow vest' protests in France, the torture of local populations in overseas territories due to Frances neocolonial policies, widespread bribery and corruption within EU institutions, as well as rising Islamophobia and attacks on Muslims, remain unaddressed. The EU has not provided adequate responses to these issues.

We also regret that the EU applies double standards, showing indifference to human rights violations in Armenia, including the deaths of individuals detained due to political persecution, and the targeting of politicians and their families.

Given this context, the EU's biased and unfair statements are seen as interference in Azerbaijans internal affairs. In particular, this defamatory campaign against Azerbaijan on the eve of COP29 is a clear example of prejudice toward our country.

In Azerbaijan, the rights of all citizens are protected, and the welfare of individuals deprived of liberty is ensured in accordance with international standards. The EUs claims are entirely baseless, Hajizade stated.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 11. Another group of former internally displaced persons who left the Garadagh district of Baku this morning has returned to Lachin city, Trend reports.

At this stage, 18 families - a total of 59 people - have returned to the city.

The families who returned to Lachin were greeted in a solemn atmosphere and admired the beautiful panorama of Lachin.

The residents thanked President, Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva for their comprehensive care, expressed gratitude to the valiant Azerbaijani Army, which liberated the lands from occupation, wished peace to the souls of the martyrs who gave their lives for their homeland, and wished patience to their families.

Thus, until today, 570 families, or 2,090 people, have been permanently resettled in the city of Lachin.

To note, all conditions have been created for resettled families in the city of Lachin to live in houses that were restored or rebuilt on the instructions of the head of state.

06:39

Another group of former internally displaced persons left for the city of Lachin from the Garadagh district of Baku, Trend reports.

At this stage, 18 families - a total of 59 people - have been resettled to the city of Lachin.

The residents thanked President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva for their comprehensive care and expressed gratitude to the valiant Azerbaijani Army, which liberated the lands from occupation.

Until today, 570 families, or 2,090 people, have been permanently resettled in the city of Lachin.

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Gaming Realms reported strong first-half financial growth on Wednesday, driven by a 28% increase in core content licensing revenue.

The AIM-traded firm said that for the six months ended 30 June, it saw total revenue rise by 18% to 13.6m, while adjusted EBITDA grew 21% to 5.8m.

Excluding brand licensing, adjusted EBITDA surged 46%, demonstrating significant operational leverage.

Profit before tax also increased by 51%, reaching 3.5m.

The company said licensing revenues saw an 18% rise to 11.5m, with content licensing alone contributing 11.2m, a 28% increase.

However, brand licensing revenue dropped 67%, following two key deals in the same period last year.

Despite that, Gaming Realms ended the period with a 28% increase in net cash, totaling 9.6m.

Operationally, the company said it made significant strides, launching partnerships with 22 new operators across North America and Europe, including FanDuel, Fanatics, and Atlantic Lottery Corporation in North America, and Solverde, DAZN, and Livescore in Europe.

Gaming Realms also secured an iGaming Supplier License in West Virginia and signed a distribution deal with Playtech, creating new opportunities in Switzerland, the US, and other regulated markets.

Additionally, the company expanded its game portfolio to 82 titles, introducing popular new releases such as Slingo Capital Gains and Slingo Gold Cash.

Since the end of the first half, Gaming Realms said it had continued its momentum by expanding into new markets, including West Virginia and British Columbia, and launching content with major operators like Bet365, Virgin Bet, and BetMGM.

Licensing revenue for the two months following the period-end grew 33% compared to the same period in 2023.

Looking ahead, the firm said it was planning to build on its growth by further expanding its international presence and introducing premium game titles, including Slingo Fowl Play and Slingo Press Your Luck.

We are delighted with our strong performance in the first half of 2024, with total revenue increasing by 18% to 13.6m, said chief executive officer Mark Segal.

Our focus on expanding our content licensing business has led to a 28% revenue growth and the successful launch of seven new games.

These results reflect our commitment to innovation and solidify our position in the gaming industry.

Segal said the achievements of the first half demonstrated the dedication of the companys team and the appeal of its unique gaming offerings.

We are poised for further growth as we continue to expand into new markets, launch with new partners and strengthen our existing partnerships.

At 1429 BST, shares in Gaming Realms were up 0.05% at 37.72p.

Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.
Microlise Group announced the signing of new and expanded contracts with Goldstar Heathrow, One Stop, and Romac on Wednesday, totaling over 2m in value.

The AIM-traded firm said Goldstar Heathrow, a long-standing client and key player in UK airport logistics, had signed an expanded give-year contract that would now see Microlises solutions deployed across its entire fleet of 170 vehicles.

Goldstar would adopt additional products from Microlises suite, including Journey Management, TruAnalysis, TruLicence, TruChecks, and more, to enhance operational efficiency and compliance.

Notably, Goldstar would be the first customer to use Microlises Transport Management System (TMS), acquired from ESS, alongside the TruTac solutions.

One Stop, a convenience retail chain with over 1,000 stores and a subsidiary of Tesco, had also signed a five-year deal.

The board said the partnership would further solidify Microlises long-standing relationship with Tesco.

It said One Stops logistics operations were expected to see a significant reduction in carbon emissions as a result of implementing Microlises technology.

Finally Romac, a provider of third-party logistics services specialising in temperature-controlled transport, had also entered a five-year contract with Microlise.

The company would implement Microlises end-to-end TMS solution, which would integrate with Romacs warehouse management system to support its national growth across 11 depots while maintaining efficient operations.

These new contracts with Goldstar, One Stop, and Romac are a clear reflection of our commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers, said chief executive officer Nadeem Raza.#

We are proud to deepen our partnerships with these industry leaders, providing them with the tools to enhance operational efficiency, drive sustainability, and support their growth ambitions.

Our ability to integrate and customise our technology across diverse fleets and complex operations underscores Microlise's position as a trusted partner in the transport and logistics sector.

Microlise said it would release its interim results for the six months ended 30 June on 24 September.

At 1437 BST, shares in Microlise were up 0.38% at 127.99p.

Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.
Manchester United reported a net loss of 113.2m for the year ended 30 June on Wednesday, although the football club maintained that it was in compliance with both the Premier League's Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) and UEFAs Financial Fair Play regulations.

The rules allow certain allowable losses, such as those related to infrastructure, youth, and women's team expenditures.

Its losses followed previous deficits of 115.5m in the 2022 financial year, and 42.1m in 2023.

PA Media cited sources within the club as claiming that spending on transfers and wages had contributed to the recent financial downturn.

However, Manchester United said it was confident that it was adhering to financial regulations, in contrast to other clubs like Everton and Nottingham Forest, which faced points deductions last season for breaching PSR limits.

A large portion of the club's losses - 47.8m - was attributed to costs associated with the strategic review initiated by the Glazer family in late 2022, which ultimately led to Sir Jim Ratcliffe acquiring a 27.7% stake in the club.

The club's revenue for the year reached 661.8m, setting a new record.

In response to the financial challenges, Manchester United had implemented a series of cost-saving measures, including a redundancy programme that cut 250 jobs across departments by the end of August.

The severance costs related to the layoffs were estimated at 10m.

Overall, the measures were expected to save between 40m and 45m and were anticipated to positively impact the club's financial performance in the next two financial years.

The club said it saw the strategic review and restructuring as essential steps toward securing investment and long-term sustainability.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe had committed to investing $300m in the club's infrastructure by the end of the year, with $200m already paid.

Chief executive Omar Berrada emphasised that Manchester United was focussed on becoming more financially sustainable while improving on-field performance.

The club was also reportedly in the process of strengthening its executive team, with Paris Saint-Germains Marc Armstrong said to be a leading candidate for the role of chief business officer.

At 1148 EDT (1648 BST), shares in Manchester United plc - which owns 72.3% of the club - were down 5.43% in New York, at $15.51.

Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 11. The Ministry of Health of Azerbaijan has held a meeting with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the country Alim Bayel, Trend reports.

According to the information, welcoming the guests, Health Minister Teymur Musayev emphasized that the historical and cultural commonality of Azerbaijani and Kazakh peoples is the basis of ties between the two countries.

The minister emphasized that traditionally friendly and brotherly relations between the two countries date back to the depths of centuries.

The role of mutual visits at the highest level in the sphere of expansion of ties between Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan was noted.

Friendly relations between the heads of state make an invaluable contribution to the development and strengthening of close cooperation between our countries in many directions, Musayev emphasized.

He underlined the existence of a wide potential for the development of relations between Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan in the field of health care.

The minister stressed that there are all necessary conditions for the exchange of modern methodological and scientific-practical information in the field of continuous professional training of medical specialists.

Furthermore, interest was expressed in the application of Kazakhstan's experience in the field of accreditation and quality control of medical institutions in our country.

Finally, the Azerbaijani Minister of Health expressed confidence in further development of bilateral cooperation.

Alim Bayel, in turn, emphasized the high level of bilateral ties and noted that our countries have historical, traditionally friendly relations. He also expressed interest in establishing effective cooperation with the Ministry of Health of Azerbaijan.

The meeting highlighted the importance of the IV meeting of health ministers of the member countries of the Organization of Turkic States, which will be held in Shusha in October, in deepening relations between the Ministries of Health of Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan.

The sides also exchanged views on training of qualified personnel in the field of health care and other issues of mutual interest, the statement of the Ministry says.

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The British steel industry is braced for 2,500 job cuts at the Port Talbot steelworks, with thousands more jobs at risk in the UK, as the government prepares a taxpayer-backed deal for the south Wales plant. The business secretary, Jonathan Reynolds, is expected to outline on Wednesday details of a rescue deal which will see the government hand the historic Welsh plants owners, Tata Steel, 500m to build a new electric furnace  but at the cost of huge redundancies from the closure of its last remaining blast furnace.  Guardian

Amazons cloud computing arm will invest 8bn in the UK to build datacentres that support customers in London and the west of England, Rachel Reeves said on Wednesday. The chancellor said the investment, which it was estimated would create as many as 14,000 jobs at Amazon and in local businesses, was part of the governments long-term mission to boost growth, unlock investment and make every part of Britain better off.  Guardian

Tripadvisor has provoked anger by abruptly cancelling holidaymakers accommodation bookings as the company shut down its Airbnb rival. The travel website emailed tenants and hosts on Tuesday to say that it would no longer honour reservations after Nov 1. Tripadvisor, best known for reviews and travel guides, acquired a string of holiday booking websites during the 2010s in an attempt to take on websites such as Airbnb.  Telegraph

The former head of oil at Glencore has appeared in court in London to face corruption charges relating to the commodities traders operations in Africa. Alex Beard, 57, has been charged by the Serious Fraud Office 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. He would plead not guilty, his lawyer told Westminster magistrates court.  The Times

The serviced offices provider that owns Regus has been told by one of its largest shareholders to move its stock market listing to the United States immediately. Buckley Capital Management said that switching from London to New York would help to boost IWGs flagging share price, which is struggling 60 per cent below its pre-pandemic level.  The Times
Microsoft and Mubadala-backed G42 is set to build India's largest supercomputer, featuring eight exaflops of computing power capable of executing millions of trillion floating-point operations per second, according to a senior company official. G42 India CEO Manu Jain also revealed the launch of a beta version of the Hindi language large language model, an AI engine that allows users to communicate in Hindi, English, and Hinglish (a blend of Hindi and English).

He said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had visited Abu Dhabi earlier this year and a memorandum of understanding on digital infrastructure was signed between India and the UAE. "We are the chosen implementation partner to execute this MoU. The MoU had spoken about three things - setting up a very large 2 gigawatt data centre in India. This can double the existing capacity of data centres in India. The second is building one of India's largest supercomputers up to 8 exaflops which we (G42) are building with Cerebras, and third was co-developing AI models in India", Jain said.

He, however, did not mention the timeline for setting up the data centre and supercomputer. "We are very thrilled that today we have launched Nanda, the Hindi large language model. The name of the LLM has been derived from India's top mountain peak", Jain said.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 11. The Nizami Ganjavi International Center (NGIC) members have held a meeting with the World Trade Organization (WTO) staff, Trend reports.

The sides held discussions on multilateralism, XXXHL Meeting in New York, and COP29 to be held in Azerbaijan.

"Climate change is a global environmental challenge that calls for collective solutions, multilateral cooperation and coherent action in line with the international community's wider ambitions for economic growth and sustainable development. Trade and trade policy can and must be a part of the policy "toolbox" to achieve shared climate goals at the depth and speed required by the climate emergency. Trade plays a crucial role in the transition to a global low-carbon economy and a greener, more sustainable society," the NGIC's post on X reads.
In a strategic move to enhance Indias position in the global semiconductor value chain, industry association SEMI has entered into a partnership with the India Electronics and Semiconductor Association (IESA). Announced during the Semicon India 2024 event, the collaboration aims to leverage both organizations strengths to foster growth in India's burgeoning semiconductor industry.

Under this agreement, IESA will become part of the global SEMI network, while retaining its brand identity. It will also implement SEMIs processes and key initiatives in India, facilitating the countrys integration into the global semiconductor ecosystem.

India holds immense potential in the semiconductor space, and many global companies are already exploring opportunities here, said Ajit Manocha, President and CEO of SEMI. He emphasized that the partnership would help SEMI build a strong presence in India, identifying strategies to boost supply chain resilience and capitalizing on Indias growing semiconductor market.

IESA Chairperson Dr. Veerappan and President Ashok Chandak hailed the agreement as a significant step for India. This milestone positions India to become a global semiconductor powerhouse, accelerates economic growth, and fosters innovation, they stated.

Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) and Design-Linked Incentive (DLI) schemes. The partnership will also focus on joint policy advocacy, with SEMI and IESA working together to engage with central and state governments. The collaboration aims to promote incentives for product development and manufacturing under key programs such as theand Design-Linked Incentive (DLI) schemes.

The ongoing 'Semicon India 2024' event, hosted in partnership with Messe Munchen India, MeitY, the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM), and Digital India, has attracted over 600 exhibitors and more than 100 global companies, highlighting Indias growing stature in the semiconductor industry.
India's metals-to-oil conglomerate Vedanta has called on the Indian government to urge Japan and South Korea to amend their trade agreements to remove import duties on nickel sulphate, a key component used in electric vehicle (EV) batteries. According to a source familiar with the matter, Vedanta, along with several smaller firms, processes nickel ores sourced mainly from Australia, Indonesia, and Turkey into nickel sulphate before exporting it to these countries.

Vedanta, led by billionaire Anil Agarwal and part of London-based Vedanta Resources, has petitioned the Indian government to revise the "rules of origin clause" in Indias Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs) with Japan and South Korea. Currently, nickel sulphate exports to Japan are subject to a 3.9% import tax, while shipments to South Korea face a 5% duty. Adjusting the rules of origin in these trade agreements could eliminate these tariffs, making Indian exports more competitive.

The source, who requested anonymity, indicated that Vedantas appeal aims to align with India's goal of enhancing its role in cleaner technologies. India, which is the world's third-largest carbon emitter, considers nickel vital for its future in cleaner transport technologies. However, unlike Japan and South Korea, Indias EV market is still developing, resulting in lower domestic demand for nickel sulphate.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Representatives from a coalition of 17 African American institutions convened at the Noble Maritime Collection in Randall Manor on Tuesday, where they discussed the mission and vision of the collective  protecting and preserving Black historical sites and their legacy throughout New York City.

This is the groups fourth meeting and the first hosted on Staten Island. The coalition includes organizations from various historical sites, such as museums, schools, burial grounds, parks, centers and churches.

Rashid Littlejohn, of the Anti-Negro Defamation League (ANDL), said he intends to leverage the coalition as a resource to further the preservation of Black history on Staten Island.

Theres a void when it comes to the footprint of Black history in Staten Island dating back to the 1600s,' Littlejohn said. (In) a lot of other boroughs, theres a lot of rich history, including structured sites dedicated to Black history.

Staten Island playing a role in enslavement as well as early free Black settlements  there just needs to be a lot more focus on it, including what was recently discovered when it came to the old African burial ground on Forest Avenue,' he said. I just pray ANDL plays a great role in expanding that history.

Erasure of Black slave history

Founded in 2022, ANDLs mission is to halt and counter the erasure of the history surrounding Black individuals whose ancestors were enslaved in the United States.

Rashid Littlejohn, of the Anti-Negro Defamation League (ANDL), speaks about shifting focus from competing for resources and grants to engaging in collaborative, non-competitive fundraising efforts. (Staten Island Advance/ Priya Shahi)Priya Shahi

Littlejohn said he views the coalition as a crucial means to achieve restorative and reparative justice, essential for preserving Black history  an integral part of American history. He emphasized the need for financial resources and endowments to ensure that those working on preserving Black history have properly structured locations and that education can be spread through the Department of Education.

When we come to an area like Snug Harbor, we see the structure, we look at the floor, we see these amazing white walls ... We want to make sure that theres equity shared amongst historic Black spaces,' he said, noting that it is especially sparse in predominantly white areas.

At the meeting, those present explored how the collective could best support efforts, including securing funding and grants, building relationships with City Council members, and developing necessary infrastructure. They categorized themselves into primary, affiliate, and emerging groups based on their stages of development, which will help the organizations provide more effective support to one another.

Essie Gregory is the president of the United Order of Tents of Brooklyn of the Eastern District No. 3, one of the oldest Black womens aid groups in the country. (Staten Island Advance/ Priya Shahi)Priya Shahi

A powerful force

Essie Gregory, president of the United Order of Tents of Brooklyn of the Eastern District No. 3, one of the oldest Black womens aid groups in the country, shared that in her 27 years with the organization, she has never participated in meetings with this many groups with similar missions.

I think we are going to have a powerful collective force, Gregory said.

The United Order of Tents Eastern District #3 was founded in 1848 by two formerly enslaved women in secrecy to provide aid to those escaping slavery via the Underground Railroad to free states. For over 150 years, the organization quietly served and cared for Black women and children.

Because it was an organization started back in slavery time, it was a very secret organization, and throughout the years, it continued to operate in secrecy,' Gregory said. Then those members became elder, sick and couldnt function anymore. Therefore, we are trying now to bring the organization back, so the work that our forsisters have done continues to be carried on in the communities.

She noted that the Eastern District headquarters, acquired by the Tents in 1945 and originally built in 1863, has fallen into disrepair since the late 80s. The organization is seeking funding to restore the building, which is situated in the historic Stuyvesant Heights district.

Although they have secured funding to start the restoration, they lack sufficient resources to complete it, Gregory said. Therefore, she hopes that, with the collectives support, she will raise awareness, attract more members, and support the buildings restoration.

It served as the headquarters for those women that were woking in the community,' she said. They served the community dinners; they had affairs for the community, they had nurse stations in there. It was a community service building. When it is restored, it will continue to be a community service organization with a museum.

Rev. Lamont C. Allen, of Stapleton UAME Church on Tompkins Ave., shared that they have set out to reestablish the historical churchs mission. (Staten Island Advance/ Priya Shahi)Priya Shahi

Very rich church history

Rev. Lamont C. Allen, of Stapleton UAME Church on Tompkins Ave., shared that they have set out to reestablish the historical churchs mission.

The history of the church is very rich,' he said. With the unfortunate passing of our late pastor, Rev. Maggie Howard . . . now its all about reestablishing our mission and making it happen through a conglomerate organization like this one.

The Stapleton UAME Church was established in 1801. In 1838, Rev. Isaac Barney joined the Union Church of Africans Conference under the leadership of the Right Rev. Peter Spencer.

Allen said the churchs retaining wall needs restoration. However, the task is complicated because a founding pastor, a late bishop, is buried in the backyard, making it difficult to fix the wall without disturbing the gravesite.

Its a work in progress, he said. But this is more than about just funding. It is about making people aware that, after COVID, the church is still open and still operating and is still fulfilling the mission of our founders.

The coalition members concluded the meeting by brainstorming potential names, debating whether to use terms like Black, African American or Negro, and considering whether to emphasize cultural or historical aspects.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Wednesday: 8:46 a.m.

A sole bell rang out marking the moment the first plane struck the North Tower at the World Trade Center during the terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

The ring echoed outside the Knight of Columbus Council #1662 headquarters in Great Kills, where more than 60 NYPD service members, retirees and community residents gathered to solemnly remember the 23 members of the NYPD lost in the attack on our nation 23 years ago.

Moments prior, the company of colleagues and compatriots embraced one another with fraternal spirit, but at the sound of the bell, all was still.

The intersection of Hillside Terrace and Adrienne Place had been blocked off to traffic to accommodate the dozens of guests gathered to honor the fallen of New Yorks Finest.

Scenes from the ceremony in Great Kills remembering the 23 members of the NYPD killed on 9/11, as seen on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (Staten Island Advance/Luke Peteley)(Staten Island Advance/Luke Pete

Standing before the Knights of Columbus council hall and flanked by an image of the 23 service members killed on 9/11, retired Det. Anthony Favara, one of the organizers of the event, took to the podium to read out their names.

As we assemble here today, marking the 23rd anniversary, to renew our vow to never forget, we also remember and honor all those police officers who have died and continue to suffer terrible illness as a result of the aftermath of that day during the rescue and recovery phase, Favara said. They worked tirelessly at various locations to bring closure and comfort to so many families. Their brave actions saved countless lives and exemplified the true spirit of all members of law enforcement, who without reservation or hesitation continue to serve their fellow Americans everyday by entering into harms way and laying down their own lives so that others, often strangers, may live.

The tearful moment was followed by the playing of a bugle and the unified recital of God Bless America.

Rev. Brendan Gormley of St. Clares R.C. Church in Great Kills led the gathering in a moment of prayer before blessing the image of the 23 service members.

District Attorney Michael E. McMahon speaks at the ceremony in Great Kills remembering the 23 members of the NYPD killed on 9/11, as seen on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (Staten Island Advance/Luke Peteley)(Staten Island Advance/Luke Pete

Bagpipes broke the subsequent silence and then District Attorney Michael E. McMahon took to the podium to deliver a few words of his own.

We were attacked by enemies from abroad because this nation stands for freedom and liberty and the rule of law, said McMahon. And I promise you as your district attorney, that every day, the over 250 people who work in the D.A.s office will strive to make sure that the rule of law is maintained in this borough and in the things that we do every day. That is how we will honor those who gave that sacrifice, and thats how we will honor those who every day put on the blue uniform of the Police Department, or the Fire Department, or Sanitation, or all those who keep us safe in this city, and the armed forces who put on the uniform of our nation and keep us safe at home and abroad.

As the flag of our nation waved overhead in the morning sun, McMahon called for the American people to unify in the same way we did in the days following Sept. 11, 2001.

First Executive Assistant District Attorney Tom Ridges speaks at the ceremony in Great Kills remembering the 23 members of the NYPD killed 9/11 as seen on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (Staten Island Advance/Luke Peteley)(Staten Island Advance/Luke Pete

Joining McMahon at the ceremony was First Executive Assistant District Attorney Tom Ridges, who served as an E-man, a reference to the NYPD Emergency Service Unit, for nearly two decades.

This is special for me, because while there were 23 NYPD officers that died on that day, 10 of them were E-men, eight of them I had worked with throughout my time in Emergency Services, Ridges said. We say the two words, never forget, but this is more than just two words. It is a pledge as Tony (Favara) said. And I have to say, how can you forget? Because this was about more than one day. We lost a lot of people on that day, but we continue to lose people every day.

Retired members of the NYPD gather for a photo at the ceremony in Great Kills remembering the 23 members of the NYPD killed 9/11 as seen on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (Staten Island Advance/Luke Peteley)(Staten Island Advance/Luke Pete

The 23 members of the NYPD lost on Sept. 11, 2001:
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Its been 23 years since Advance Woman of Achievement Wendy Pellegrino first placed a memorial candle in what was once little more than a vacant lot in Grasmere.

The hallowed space, known as Angels Circle, has since come to feature the faces of more than 200 Staten Islanders lost on 9/11. Each year, family and friends gather to celebrate their lives, placing flowers and mementos in front of their photos as hugs are shared and tears are shed on the eve of the anniversary of that tragic day.

- Angels' Circle held it's 23rd 9/11 ceremony on Tuesday night,Sept.10,2024.(Steve White for the Staten Island Advance) Steve WhiteSteve White

Tuesday evening, hundreds gathered respectfully inside and around the memorial site, near Fingerboard Road and Hylan Boulevard, at around 7 p.m. to commemorate the 23rd anniversary of 9/11 and pay tribute to the lives of Staten Islanders who didnt return home that fateful day.

Continuing the tradition has become important to Pellegrino, who said her focus has begun to shift to preserving the spirit of the memorial and making sure young people know about the events of 9/11.

For me, so many years have gone by and were all getting old, Pellegrino told the Advance/SILive.com. So, my message is to pass it on to the next generation, because were getting old and were going to be gone. So, we have to let these kids get involved and thats what Im really trying to do to get the message out to the children. Were a circle of people. Everybody in here lost someone and its just become this special little place on Staten Island, and it means a lot to the families. From year to year, the pain, the hurt, never goes away.

- Angels' Circle held it's 23rd 9/11 ceremony on Tuesday night,Sept.10,2024.(Steve White for the Staten Island Advance) Steve WhiteSteve White

The annual memorial event, which was initiated by Pellegrino shortly after 9/11, featured several guests, including the Rev. Michael Martine, who delivered the invocation after Amazing Grace was performed by a member of Staten Island Pipes and Drums.

Marina Crupi sang a stirring rendition of God Bless America and Wind Beneath My Wings, while Giana Pizzo and Mary Kate Russy, of Girl Scout Troop 5001, recited The Broken Chain. Louise Cagnetta, who has been performing vocals on Staten Island for 35 years, performed You Raise Me Up.

- Marina Crupi singing 'Wind Beneath My Wings'.(Steve White for the Staten Island Advance) Steve WhiteSteve White

Awards were given to 14-year-old Christopher Azzolini, who Pellegrino joked has been helping with the yearly tribute since he was in a carriage, and Marty Higgins, who, for the last four years, has visited and worked daily to help clean up and preserve the memorial.

Higgins quipped that it was his wife who volunteered him  as a way to get him out of the house.

- Christopher Azzolini receives an award for working at Angels' Circle.(Steve White for the Staten Island Advance) Steve WhiteSteve White

In 2011, Pellegrino described her feelings to the Advance/SILive.com a decade after the attacks and explained how the memorial came to be.

As I watched it fill with pictures and people coming by every day to look at the pictures, I saw their sadness, I felt their grief; they came 24 hours a day ... waiting, asking, wondering, crying, and I realized that they kept coming just to be able to find their loved one ... just to be able to see their faces. They couldnt be found at Ground Zero, but you could find them at what I named Angels Circle.

Dawn Ferrara, of Grasmere, came to the memorial event in honor of her late cousin, FDNY Lt. Joseph Gullickson. Ferrara, who attends the event yearly, said that while family and friends come to the circle to mourn, its easy to forget how many first responders and volunteers ended up becoming ill from working at Ground Zero.

When you come here, it reminds you all over again, Ferrara said. Its not just the day it happened, its also the aftermath.

- Angels' Circle held it's 23rd 9/11 ceremony on Tuesday night,Sept.10,2024.(Steve White for the Staten Island Advance) Steve WhiteSteve White

Former NYPD detective Joe Dolcimascolo, of New Dorp, came in honor of his late partner, John Chipura, an NYPD detective who later became a member of the FDNY. Dolcimascolo recalled his friend fondly for his strong sense of humor. You couldnt make this guy up, Dolcimascolo said of Chipura.

As the ceremony continued, one by one, Pellegrino read the names of the civilians lost that fateful day, while Assistant Chief Joseph Gulotta, the NYPD borough commander, read the names of the fallen members of the NYPD. The names of fallen members of the FDNY were also recited during the ceremony.

When 9/11 happened, we all became united; We were one people, Pellegrino said. I know all your loved ones. I know stories about them. I know your families. Weve all become one family, and it always amazes me that I have pictures of all these people in my house and I truly believe they watch over me.

- Wendy Pellegrino shows a banner given to Angels' Circle from students in Japan.(Steve White for the Staten Island Advance) Steve WhiteSteve White

- Angels' Circle held it's 23rd 9/11 ceremony on Tuesday night,Sept.10,2024.(Steve White for the Staten Island Advance) Steve WhiteSteve White

- Scenes from the Angels' Circle 9/11 ceremony.(Steve White for the Staten Island Advance) Steve WhiteSteve White

- Angels' Circle held it's 23rd 9/11 ceremony on Tuesday night,Sept.10,2024.(Steve White for the Staten Island Advance) Steve WhiteSteve White

- Angels' Circle held it's 23rd 9/11 ceremony on Tuesday night,Sept.10,2024.(Steve White for the Staten Island Advance) Steve WhiteSteve White

- Angels' Circle held it's 23rd 9/11 ceremony on Tuesday night,Sept.10,2024.(Steve White for the Staten Island Advance) Steve WhiteSteve White

- Retired firefighter Tom Durnin pays his respects at Angels' Circle.(Steve White for the Staten Island Advance) Steve WhiteSteve White

- Volunteers who helped at Angels' Circle were given awards.(Steve White for the Staten Island Advance) Steve WhiteSteve White

- Angels' Circle held it's 23rd 9/11 ceremony on Tuesday night,Sept.10,2024.(Steve White for the Staten Island Advance) Steve WhiteSteve White

- Angels' Circle held it's 23rd 9/11 ceremony on Tuesday night,Sept.10,2024.(Steve White for the Staten Island Advance) Steve WhiteSteve White

Angels' Circle held it's 23rd 9/11 ceremony on Tuesday night,Sept.10,2024.(Steve White for the Staten Island Advance) Steve WhiteSteve White

- Scenes from Angels's Circle.(Steve White for the Staten Island Advance) Steve WhiteSteve White

- Father Michael Martine giving the invocation at Angels' Circle.(Steve White for the Staten Island Advance) Steve WhiteSteve White

- Angels' Circle held it's 23rd 9/11 ceremony on Tuesday night,Sept.10,2024.(Steve White for the Staten Island Advance) Steve WhiteSteve White

- Ken Ryan singing 'Who You'd be Today'. (Steve White for the Staten Island Advance) Steve WhiteSteve White
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.

Former Staten Islander Sharon Russo of Venice, Fla., a beloved mother, sister and grandmother, has died. Born in Flatbush, Brooklyn, she was a longtime resident of Arden Heights. She enjoyed playing cards, reading, watching old movies, cooking the best lasagna on Staten Island, and the occasional trip to Atlantic City. Read the full obituary on SILive.

Tuesdays obituaries

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.
Hi Neighbor,

For all who think the 1960 Kennedy-Nixon and Junes Trump-Biden debates were the most consequential in history . . . you might want to add the Trump-Harris debate Tuesday night to that short list.

Kamala Harris out-Trumped Donald Trump.

She exposed him for what he is -- a ranting, angry man, a man full of banalities and cliches, spewing absurd claim after absurd claim. Really, does he know whats pouring out of his mouth?

For all my friends who have criticized Harris . . .

You cant understand what she is saying. . . its word salad, theyve told me. She has no policies, they charged. She has zero credibility, theyve said. Based on her four years as invisible border czar, and limited appearances, weak speeches and constant laughing, she has a lot to prove, theyve lectured.

. . . I hope you all watched the debate. Because, my Republican pals, Kamala Harris proved herself Tuesday night.

For those of us who applauded Joe Biden when he chose her as VP four years ago, and who stepped aside for her seven weeks ago, its something we already knew.

She won the debate in slam-dunk style. She looked presidential. She sounded presidential. She was forceful. Smart. She offered substance and style.

Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks during a presidential debate. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)'AP

Donald Trump? He offered lies  33, one fact-checker said  insults and the same worn-out nonsense about raising tariffs, demanding more money from NATO allies, his friendships with world dictators and how hell end all wars simply by telling both sides to cut it out.

Honestly, its hard to know where to begin dissecting Trumps rambling, incoherent responses.

He pointed to Hungarys strongman, Viktor Orban, as a guy who likes him and says Trump is feared around the world, and to conservative TV mouths like Sean Hannity and Laura Ingraham, whod back up his outrageous claims.

Trump should have buried Harris on the immigration issue. Instead, he spewed the same claims that 21 million murderers, rapists and other varieties of criminals are pouring over the border, with absolutely no proof, ignoring that the numbers are now lower than when he left office.

He wrapped up his immigration policy response by stating as fact the already-debunked claim that migrants are eating the dogs, eating the cats, eating the pets in Springfield, Ohio.

We could go on and on. Trump claimed . . .

Harris hates Israel.

Harris hates Arabs.

Harris busses people to her rallies  and pays them  while he has the biggest rallies, the most incredible rallies in the history of politics.

Every Republican, every Democrat, every conservative wanted to see Roe v. Wade overturned.

Harris supports abortion in the eighth, ninth month and even after birth, executing babies.

Joe Biden hates Kamala.

Shell defund the police and confiscate everyones guns.

Crime is down in the rest of the world but up in America  despite the FBI saying otherwise. Fraud, he called the FBI.

He built the strongest economy in the history of the world.

He refused to say he wants to see Ukraine win the war with Russia.

He still maintains he won the 2020 election.

He refused to criticize the crazed mob that overtook the Capitol on January 6, instead demanding to know when rioters after the George Floyd murder would be prosecuted.

Come on, America . . . is this what we expect, and accept, from a candidate for the highest office in the land? Havent we seen this B movie before?

Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during a presidential debate. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)AP

Harris kept it simple. Her most passionate moment, perhaps her best moment, was when she discussed abortion, making a point not often heard by those who point to religion as the defining reason they are pro-life.

One does not have to abandon their faith or deeply held beliefs to agree, the government and Donald Trump, certainly, should not be telling a woman what to do with her body, Harris said.

Word salad? I think not.

Critics will say she was short on policy, and theyd be right. She kept it pretty simple, no doubt by design. Her aim was middle class Americans.

She talked about her plan to give fledgling entrepreneurs a $50,000 tax deduction for startup businesses. Currently its $5,000. She mentioned several times a $6,000 child tax credit for the first year of the babys life. She slammed Trump again for thwarting a bipartisan border deal  even though out of office  so he could use the border issue in his campaign.

Her response on the war in Gaza was weak. As she has done in the past, she said, We need a ceasefire deal and we need the hostages out.

Yes, we do. How?

Trump hammered Harris on the Afghanistan debacle. She stood with Biden, saying she agreed with the decision to pull troops out. She seemed tone-deaf, however, not mentioning the 13 soldiers killed, instead saying America was saving a ton of money every day by not having troops there.

Well see if this debate moves the needle one way or the other.

Donald Trump speaks to reporters in the spin room after a presidential debate with Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)AP

Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris and second gentleman Doug Emhoff visit a watch party at Cherry Street Pier after the presidential debate in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)AP

You can bet Trumps MAGA base is buoyed by their guys tough guy act. Except that Harris had him against the ropes for most of the night. And Harris base is overjoyed at their womans forceful performance.

Two things it did prove: Kamala Harris is capable and qualified to be a candidate for the presidency. Donald Trump is incapable of a modicum of discipline, focus and cannot  or will not  separate fact from fiction.

Which one do we want as the leader of our nation, and the free world?

Brian

Oh by the way: The Harris campaign has already said they are ready for a second debate. Donald Trump would be crazy to do another. But, of course, we are speaking about a guy who still thinks he won the 2020 election, despite 60 court rulings  and seven million votes  that say he did not. He no doubt went to bed Tuesday night thinking, Donald, you did it again. You won another one.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 11. The Forum of Azerbaijani Scientists Living Abroad has been concluded with a cultural event organized at the Gulistan Palace in Baku, the Association of Azerbaijani Scientists Worldwide told Trend.

Deputy Chairman of the State Committee for Work with the Diaspora of Azerbaijan Valeh Hajiyev welcomed the cultural event participants, emphasizing that the forum was a real feather in their cap.

He pointed out that such events have been the bread and butter in weaving a global tapestry of Azerbaijani scientists.

Chairman of the World Union of Azerbaijani Scientists, Honored Scientist Masud Afandiyev tipped his hat to the Azerbaijani state for pulling off this grand event and expressed hope that such forums would be par for the course in the future.

Deputy Director of the Azerbaijani State Agency for Science and Higher Education under the Ministry of Science and Education Aminagha Sadigov shone a light on the pivotal role of scientists in weaving a global academic tapestry and underscored the significance of fostering strong ties with scholars residing overseas.

Professor Khagani Gayibli from the University of Tartu thanked the forum's organizers for facilitating the exchange of knowledge and experience between local scientists and Azerbaijani scientists residing in various countries.

Chair of the Gobustan Azerbaijani Intellectual Society, Associate Professor at the University of Gothenburg, Board Member of the World Union of Azerbaijani Scientists Saadat Karimi spoke about the importance of organizing scientists and noted that the forum is the best platform for this purpose.

The event continued with a performance by a musical ensemble under the artistic direction of tar player Rovshan Gurbanov. The performances by Ravana Gurbanova, soloist of the Muslim Magomayev Azerbaijan State Academic Philharmonic, the Rhythm dance group, Jeyhun Muradov on the kamancha, Soltan Aliyev on the drum, Vasif Yusifli on the oud, and Kanan Khalilov on the piano were met with enthusiastic applause.

After the cultural event, the participants hit the road to Karabakh.

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 was held on September 9-11.

The forum has brought together more than 80 Azerbaijani scientists from 23 countries, as well as scientists and professors working in various scientific institutions of Azerbaijan, rectors of prestigious universities.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 11. Famous academicians and rectors of prestigious Azerbaijani universities delivered speeches at the Forum of Azerbaijani Scientists Living Abroad, the Association of Azerbaijani Scientists Worldwide told Trend.

President of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS), Academician Isa Habibbayli mentioned that such events are a feather in the cap, rolled out at the state level.

"The forum will positively impact the organized and systematic orientation of contacts, which until now had been carried out individually and on a personal initiative. Holding the Forum of Azerbaijani Scientists Living Abroad is a well-thought-out step towards the restoration and future development of Karabakh. The forum will greatly contribute to enriching Azerbaijani science with new donors and gaining global recognition," he noted.

The importance of the forum in establishing new tasks, recognizing difficulties, and involving Azerbaijani scientists in global processes was highlighted by ANAS Vice President, Academician Rasim Aliguliyev, who argued that it serves the interests of modern Azerbaijan in scientific progress.

Rector of the University of Architecture and Construction Gulchohra Mammadova noted that the foundation for uniting the Azerbaijani diaspora and serving the interests of Azerbaijan was laid by the great leader Heydar Aliyev.

"I'm glad that this process continues today, and our diaspora is becoming more organized. I consider the Forum of Azerbaijani Scientists Living Abroad an important event for the benefit of our science and education. Worldwide, associations of professionals from various fields are forming, and it's very important for me that our scientists and specialists come together for such discussions. During the panels, extensive discussions take place, and interesting proposals arise. I view the forums work positively," she said.

Elmar Gasimov, Rector of the Baku Higher Oil School, emphasized that the event will facilitate scientific exchanges and the establishment of ties with Azerbaijani scientists residing overseas.

"The forum's accomplishments and success will be put to good use," he added.

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 was held on September 9-11.

The forum has brought together more than 80 Azerbaijani scientists from 23 countries, as well as scientists and professors working in various scientific institutions of Azerbaijan, rectors of prestigious universities.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Red Metal says its latest step-out drill program has confirmed two huge, parallel magnet rare earths zones at its Sybella project that sits 20km from the Queensland mining town of Mount Isa, highlighting the impressive resource potential at the site.

The companys latest assays featured strong shows for all four magnet rare earths neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium and terbium  in zones of significant strike length and width and infill drilling is now a key priority. Many of the long intercepts started from surface across the 8km-by-3km portion of the Sybella ground that was subjected to the drill bit.

Red Metals recent drilling has confirmed two huge parallel zones of magnet rare earth oxides at its Sybella project near Mt Isa in Queensland.

Management says a discovery of an Eastern zone extending for more than 4.8km along strike and with a width of up to 1.5km and a 7.2km-long Western zone comprising widths that vary from 400m to more than 1.6km, show the projects rare earths potential.

The interpreted surface areas at the site are at least 3.6km for the Eastern zone that remains open to the south-east and 7.6km for the Western zone. The step-out drilling was completed across two separate spacings of 800m by 200m and 800m by 400m.
In 2021, news that an abandoned bowling club site in Paddington would be returned to a local Indigenous group provided a salve for inner-city Sydneysiders saddened by the cannibalisation of public space by rapacious property investors. Sydney MP Alex Greenwich said he could not be more proud.

But nearly three years on, the fate of the La Perouse Local Aboriginal Land Councils ownership of that prime parcel of eastern suburbs real estate sits with the High Court after a legal battle involving Australias (former) fourth-richest woman.

Sydney MP Alex Greenwich and Woollahra councillor Harriet Price, pictured with Friends of Trumper Park coordinator Melinda Hayton at the site of the former Paddington Bowling Club in 2018. Credit: Nick Moir

When former planning minister Rob Stokes determined the site was claimable crown land, paving the way for its return to Indigenous ownership, the leaseholder, Quarry Street Pty Ltd, challenged this in the Land and Environment Court. While that challenge was rejected, the NSW Court of Appeal subsequently quashed the ministers decision and ordered the Indigenous owners land claim be rejected.

This week, the High Court granted the La Perouse LALC special leave to appeal that decision, setting up something of a blockbuster trial, date to be announced.
Not for the first time, Taylor Swift has proved she can hijack a major global event better than anyone. The pop star posted on social media after the US presidential debate between former US president Donald Trump and US vice president Kamala Harris to declare she was endorsing Harris for president.

Swift encouraged her followers (all 283 million of them) to do their own research, but said she was backing Democratic candidate Harris because she fights for the rights and causes I believe need a warrior to champion them.

Taylor Swift has turned her back previously on US presidential contender Donald Trump.

Swift called Harris a steady-handed, gifted leader, while also praising her selection of running mate, Tim Walz, a man who has been standing up for LGBTQ+ rights, IVF, and a womans right to her own body for decades.

Swifts lengthy post was partly inspired by Trumps decision to share a false Swift endorsement created by AI. The simplest way to combat misinformation is with the truth, she wrote.
An ideal moment for a scammer is when youre ready to part with a large amount of money and they can impersonate the person or institution you want to send it to.

They will come up with a believable story and convince you to take action, according to Scamwatch. They may also ask you to make an immediate payment, or transfer money to another account.

Dr Sushmita Ruj, engineering faculty lead at the UNSW Institute for Cybersecurity, says Australians need to be wary of triggers for this kind of activity.

To keep your money safe, you really have to be very cautious with messages and emails asking for credentials  a valid bank representative would never ask for your credentials in that way, she says.

You can verify if a communication is legitimate by either using contact details you have independently verified or using the institutions secure app or portal.

Say no to public Wi-Fi

Beware of public Wi-Fi networks that are easy for scammers to access. Credit: iStock

Dr Ruj also cautions against using free public Wi-Fi, especially for important transactions.

Most of the Wi-Fi networks that are open, which you find with free public Wi-Fi or in shopping malls, are unsecured networks, she explains.

There could be various ways scammers or fraudsters could get your credentials and launch attacks or misuse them.

For example, a NSW man was a victim of identity theft after using a Wi-Fi hotspot that was set up by a cybercriminal. While using that hotspot, the man had sent identification documents to his parents, and they were intercepted.

There are risks involved when using public Wi-Fi hotspots, according to the Australian Cyber Security Centre.

They can be accessed by anyone, and are often free and unsecured. These hotspots can be an attractive target for cybercriminals, who may try to use them to steal your passwords or sensitive information.

Second-guess SMS

The ACCCs latest targeting scams report found text messages were the most reported contact method for scammers in 2023.

Criminals can plant fraudulent messages within the same texting thread as genuine bank communications.

We are incredibly concerned about bank impersonation scams because they can be so convincing, they are very hard to detect, ACCC deputy chair Catriona Lowe warned last year.

So, if youre in the midst of communicating with your bank and trusted advisers, and you receive SMS communications with instructions to transfer money or hand over your details  dont. Theres a chance a cybercriminal is being opportunistic and hoping youll confuse genuine communication with your bank with a fake one.

Double down on your defences

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) gives Australians significantly more powerful security against cybercriminals than a standard one-step login process, and the Australian Cyber Security Centre encourages individuals to enable it wherever possible.

Having MFA enabled on your banking means a criminal has to crack more than one layer of defence to access your money. MFA also gives you a moment to pause and consider what youre verifying and if youre comfortable proceeding.

There are a range of options when it comes to MFA, including apps that dont rely on SMS to verify your activity.

Apps like Macquarie Authenticator are secure and purpose-built to avoid reliance on SMS, and to help keep your money and bank accounts secure, explains McArdle.

The app gives you a chance to pause, review and authorise important account activity  like a payment or a login. But you dont need to flick between SMS and another app or browser, or question if the SMS you received is legitimate, she says.

Like many people, Max, a Macquarie Bank customer, uses SMS for two-factor authentication outside his banking in his everyday life.

When Max switched to Macquarie, he used Authenticator while setting up his home loan. He felt more secure using technology designed to protect his money, instead of a text to verify important transactions.

Since then, he has thought twice about using SMS in relation to his banking.

The first home loan I got was with another bank. And the authentication process was via SMS. It was very scary, I was reading the numbers a million times, Max says.

The second time with Macquarie was much more seamless and simple.

Macquarie Authenticator is a multi-factor authentication app designed to maximise your security and provide a beautiful banking experience. To learn more, visit Macquarie.com.au/Authenticator.
Independent Sydney MP Alex Greenwich has condemned Trump-style personalised attacks on political opponents after he was awarded $140,000 in damages for an offensive and defamatory tweet by former NSW One Nation leader Mark Latham.

Greenwich launched defamation proceedings last year after Latham, now an independent NSW upper house MP, posted and later deleted a highly graphic and offensive comment on Twitter, now X, on March 30. Greenwich described the tweet as defamatory and homophobic.

Independent Sydney MP Alex Greenwich in Melbourne on Wednesday after his Federal Court win. Credit: Joe Armao

Greenwich also sued Latham over related comments he made to Sydneys The Daily Telegraph on April 1 last year.

In a decision on Wednesday, Federal Court Justice David OCallaghan found Greenwich was defamed by the tweet but that Lathams comments to the Telegraph did not convey the defamatory meanings Greenwich had alleged.
A Sydney driver speeding and darting through traffic on the Anzac Bridge before he crashed into two people who had stopped after a minor collision has been found guilty of dangerous driving causing death.

Adeeb Sukkar, 43, faced trial in Sydneys Downing Centre District Court after pleading not guilty to the charges relating to Amy Lim, 25, and Hongyi Zhang, 38, who were struck shortly before midnight on December 2, 2022.

Adeeb Sukkar, left, has been found guilty of dangerous driving causing the deaths of two people, including Amy Lim, on Sydneys Anzac Bridge in 2022. Credit: James Brickwood; Supplied

Lim and Zhang had each been driving towards the city in slow-moving traffic when Lims blue Toyota Camry bumped into the rear of Zhangs white Holden Captiva. The pair got out and stood between their vehicles in lane three to exchange details, including taking photographs and videos of the damage.

Five minutes and 40 seconds later, Sukkar slammed into the back of Lims stationary Camry, which hit Lim and Zhang, Zhangs car and a passing taxi. Lim and Zhang died at the scene.
High school students will be taught about Indigenous Australians experience of colonisation under a sweeping rewrite of the history curriculum that will also mandate the study of civics and the foundations of democracy.

The biggest overhaul of the states history syllabus in a decade will also include compulsory study of the Holocaust as part of a new standalone topic on World War II.

Head history teacher at North Sydney Girls, Michelle Kennedy, said students could previously go through the whole of school without being taught about the Holocaust. Credit: Wolter Peeters

A revised year 7 to 10 history syllabus, released on Thursday, will be rolled out under major reforms to the NSW curriculum that include more facts and aim to spell out the core knowledge students need to master before finishing school.

New high school geography and visual arts syllabus will also be released this week, while the revised HSC maths and English syllabuses will be finalised before the end of the year.
A man has been arrested and charged over the brazen murder of a 40-year-old man in 2022, which police say stemmed from a personal disagreement between the victim and his alleged killer.

On Wednesday morning, Strike Force Severne detectives arrested 41-year-old Ayman Manly at a Mascot unit and charged him with the murder of Mohammad Chami, 40, who was found shot dead at Holroyd, in Sydneys west.

Ayman Manly, bottom right, has been charged over the alleged murder of Mohammad Chami. Credit: Nick Moir; Nine News; Supplied

Police will allege in court that Manly was directly involved in Chamis murder. Police say there was a personal disagreement involving the pair and a 39-year-old man who was also shot at the time.

On March 3, 2022, emergency services were called to a service station at Merrylands just before midnight after receiving reports a man had been shot.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 11. Azerbaijan and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) have discussed a seawater desalination project, the Ministry of Economy of Azerbaijan told Trend.

According to the Ministry of Economy of Azerbaijan, the discussions took place within the framework of a meeting between Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov and the EBRD's new Executive Director for Turkiye and South Caucasus Elisabetta Falcetti.

Azerbaijan's successful relations with the EBRD in various directions were emphasized at the meeting. It was noted that there are ample opportunities for cooperation in the direction of realization of the set development goals.

The next steps for implementing energy sector priority projects, including those involving renewable and alternative energy, private sector development, infrastructure, and other areas, were reviewed with the Bank in this context.

Furthermore, an exchange of views was held on issues related to the EBRD's participation in public-private partnership projects in Azerbaijan, including the seawater desalination project, as well as the participation of EBRD experts in the framework of COP29.
Police began investigating in July 2023 when the Catholic Education Office became aware of the alleged incident and made a report to local police.

Court documents show he allegedly assaulted the student on four occasions between November 2021 and December 2022 in Gregory Hills and in Wollongong.

Police will allege Roj Dalisay, 28, sexually assaulted a student at Mount Carmel Catholic College in Varroville, near Campbelltown, between 2020 and 2021.

Dalisay worked as a maths teacher on a temporary contract, which was renewed in 2021. A spokesperson for the Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong said Dalisay was stood down from his position after the allegations were made in 2023.

Dalisay was arrested at Auburn police station on Tuesday and charged with three counts of the aggravated sexual assault of a victim under his authority and one count of aggravated sexual touching of another person.

Dalisay worked as a teacher at Mount Carmel Catholic College, near Campbelltown.

After the CEO [Catholic Education Office] was notified by the college of the employees alleged actions, we implemented our established procedures. This involved reporting to NSW Police and notifying the Office of the Childrens Guardian, the spokesperson for the local diocese said.

The CEO and Mount Carmel Catholic College have been assisting police with their investigations  including by co-ordinating the provision of support, the standing down of the employee, and other actions taken by the college in relation to this matter  and will continue to do so.
Police said 27 officers required medical attention, although none were seriously injured. There were also clashes with police horses, but none of the animals were hurt. Chief Commissioner Shane Patton lashed the behaviour of some of the protesters, calling them hypocrites for attending the rally with an intention to cause violence. They come here to protest against war, so presumably anti-violence, and the only way I can describe them is a bunch of hypocrites. Their conduct today was absolutely appalling. Patton said the police supported peaceful protests, but officers were subjected to vitriol, abuse, assaulted and abused, and horses were targeted.

Loading They were standing there in full-face balaclavas with ski masks on. There was no snow there, he said. They only wore those for one reason, to avoid being subject to a [capsicum] spray when they came with intent to provoke, to attack. Victorian Greens leader Ellen Sandell called for an independent inquiry into police behaviour at the rally, particularly over the use of pepper spray. Patton rejected the idea, calling it rubbish. We have conducted ourselves properly. I couldnt be prouder of the officers down there and to see the way they used restraint when confronted by people intent on using violence, he said.

Protesters berated men in suits as they walked past, with one demonstrator yelling: You think youre f---ing tough? Rally-goers waved Palestinian flags and called for a ceasefire in the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. Disrupt Land Forces  a conglomerate protest group leading the action  is calling for an end to weapons sales to Israel and an arms embargo. Another rally is set to take place on Thursday. The anti-militarist movement on this continent has grown and matured very rapidly since Israels attacks on Gaza began, spokesperson Caroline Da Silva said. We are deeply committed, and we are growing stronger. Change will come. As well as tear gas, pepper spray and foam  largely thought to be rubber  bullets, protesters said police had targeted them with blows, kicks and boots on our throats.

Demonstrators began gathering outside the convention centre about 6am on Wednesday while others met in small groups around the CBD and marched towards the site from all sides. Loading Hundreds later surrounded the entry to the centre, chanting show me what democracy looks like, this is what democracy looks like and Land Forces, you cant hide, youre supporting genocide. The rally later shifted to the western side of the convention centre, near the entrance to DFO South Wharf, where an intersection was blocked and protesters jumped on the back of a truck. At one point during the clashes, a man was seen bleeding on the ground after something hit him in the head. Tear gas was regularly deployed on protesters throughout the day as police moved them away from the conference centre.

Among the protesters was retired Catholic priest Peter Murnane, who said he had decided to attend because he was totally anti-war. We shouldnt be dealing with arms or manufacturing weapons. The government is totally complicit, he said. Catholic priest Peter Murnane attend the protest with a sign on his mobility scooter. Credit: Justin McManus Look what theyre doing in Gaza, look what theyve done to Iraq, look what theyve done to Vietnam. Why not focus on negotiating anti-arms treaties? One protest organiser, Omar Hassan, said demonstrators came out to the military expo because: Were disgusted at the fact that the Victorian Labor government is hosting a convention of death and genocide amidst one of the worst wars weve seen in the 21st century.

Loading 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. 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.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also reprimanded the anti-war protesters. People have a right to protest peacefully, Albanese said on Seven on morning. But you dont say youre opposed to defence equipment by throwing things at police. Theyve got a job to do, and our police officers should be respected at all times. Some protesters also targeted trucks on Melbournes roads by cutting air lines that disabled their brakes, according to the container freight industry.

Credit: Matt Golding The Container Transport Alliance Australia said that at least five heavy vehicles were targeted while stopped at major intersections around Melbourne. It said the protesters used knives or other sharp implements to sever the air lines that control the breaking system between a prime mover and trailer. Container freight movements were severely impacted today, the alliance said. Melbourne commuters were also hit, with transport delays throughout the city affecting roads and tram routes.
Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Got it Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size This story is part of the September 14 edition of Good Weekend. See all 18 stories . In January 2023, Jared McGhie was sitting at home in Catherine Hill Bay, just south of Newcastle, scrolling through Facebook when he clicked on an advertisement. Are you a tradesperson who wants to work in Antarctica? it read. The ad was on behalf of the Australian Antarctic Program, which undertakes science and research projects in the worlds southernmost continent. McGhie, who is 42 and a trained carpenter, has always been keen on adventure. I looked at the ad and I thought, Yeah! Sounds awesome,  he says. His wife and two young children were less convinced, but he spent the next two nights filling out the application. Nine months later, after a lengthy interview process, specialist training and physical and psychological assessments, McGhie was on the icebreaker RSV Nuyina, bound for what Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen called the lands of ice in the south. Australia operates three Antarctic stations: Casey, Davis and Mawson. All require regular maintenance and, in some cases, extensions. To carry out the work, the government recruits a handful of tradies every year, including carpenters, plumbers, electricians and mechanics. Hundreds of people apply, but only a handful are accepted. The conditions are pretty demanding, says McGhie when we speak via WhatsApp. The temperature can drop to minus 60 degrees in winter, when the sun barely makes it over the horizon. Right now were bracing for a 70-knot blow [130 kilometres per hour], and so we have to make sure that everything that is loose is tied down and out of the way. Davis Station is spread out over 500 square metres and comprises a series of buildings, including the mess, lounge, sleeping and medical quarters, which are linked by covered walkways. The only facilities that are separate are the powerhouse and the sewage treatment plant, which are connected to the main complex by blizz lines, fluoro ropes that are visible even in blizzard conditions. There are just 28 people at Davis  only three are women  including the station leader, supply officers, a doctor, tradespeople and, over the summer months, a handful of scientists there to study the climate or monitor wildlife. The isolation and living arrangements make for an intense camaraderie and sense of purpose, but it has its challenges. Its small communal living, says McGhie. You dont get to choose who youre with, and everyone brings their own character and quirks. A common bugbear is slamming doors. Theyre big and heavy and when they slam they wake you up. A few people love whistling, which can grate after a while; others might leave their smelly shoes on the couch in the common area. Then there is the matter of music. We have people aged from their late 20s to the mid-60s, so there are some diverse music choices, from your classic Aussie rock, Johnny Farnham to techno and Shania Twain.

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Despite the pre-embarkation screening process, it can be difficult to know how people will react. People look out for one another, and the station is proactive in creating a sense of community. There is a darts competition, and trivia and film nights. McGhie is proficient at Brazilian ju-jitsu and holds lessons for some of his colleagues. But the role perhaps closest to his heart is as the stations resident photographer. Carpenter Jared McGhie says he wants his Antarctic photography to stir emotions. Credit: Jared McGhie Ive always loved photography, he tells me. In a previous life I was a tour manager for a band and I did a lot of photography for that. But what I love most here is getting out and telling a story about nature and showing it in its real form, trying to capture it and present it to other people so they can have some involvement in what Im seeing. McGhies photography draws in large part from the immensity of the landscape. One of his favourite shots is of a colossal iceberg, the size of an office block, sculpted by the ceaseless winds, looming precariously over a freezing sea. I cannot even begin to describe how big it was, he says. All while a southern giant petrel with a two-metre wingspan flies towards it, to give a little scope. In such surroundings, human beings seem like an afterthought. In one of McGhies shots, expeditioners look like ants crawling across an ice sheet; in another, the ice station is dwarfed by phantasmal auroras. I want my photography to stir emotions in someone else, McGhie explains. But I also do it for the people around me, who arent as good at photography but want the memories. An aurora over the Macquarie Island Research Station, Australias permanent sub-Antarctic base located midway between Tasmania and Antarctica. Credit: Justin Chambers Fellow expeditioner Justin Chambers likewise spends much of his time behind the camera. Chambers, 49, has worked at all the Australian stations since starting with the Australian Antarctic Division in 2010, and has also summered at New Zealands station at Scott Base. (He is a Kiwi.) He now works as the chef at Mawson, Australias oldest Antarctic station, almost 1500 kilometres west of Davis. Life down here is rugged and dangerous, and you have to cherish every moment, Chambers says. Were a little biome of personalities, with people from all over Australia from different backgrounds and ages.

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Living in a human fishbowl does have its advantages: Its easy to make friends here, Chambers says. But it also places considerable pressure on the group dynamic. Small things can become big things, like people not refilling the coffee machine, or not cutting the bread at a straight angle. Mawson chef Justin Chambers tries to find the beauty in the nothingness. Credit: Brendan Sainty Establishing a reliable dispute resolution mechanism is essential, especially when you never really leave work. At home, you leave your issues in the workplace and go home and decompress. But here, if you dont deal with stuff, itll get large very quickly. Everyone has their coping strategies, says Chambers, who describes himself as very passionate. He is endlessly curious and a great talker  albeit a little digressive. Some people get engaged with that, and the rest wonder what is going on. And thats OK because we all think differently. But his main release is photography. Ive been interested in photography since I was at high school, he says. I was always interested in framing a moment on camera, but I never took it seriously. Antarctica gave him the space, the time and the material to fully explore it. It ticks every box for me down here, he says. Depending on the subject matter and the time of day, I can use photography to gain an emotion or release a feeling. It can be happy or morose. I cant get enough of it.

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Spencer Leniu gravitates towards particular genres of music during game week.

A bit of reggae, a bit of country and stuff like that, nice gospel music, he said. I try to listen to some relaxing, cheerful music. I like just to stay cool. Its easy for me to get into the red, so I need to just chill a little bit before the game.

The game this time is against Penrith, in Penrith, for the first time since leaving Penrith. Theres a lot on the line for everybody at BlueBet Stadium on Friday night, but the Roosters enforcer might be feeling this NRL qualifying final more than most.

At the very least, it threw up some mixed emotions early in the week and prompted him to text another former Panther in Stephen Crichton for guidance.
The reason? The National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) prohibits college athletes from accepting money beyond actual and necessary expenses for participation in a professional event.

Joints attorney, Jason Miller, told The Washington Post that the teenager had forgone the money so she could start her career at the University of Texas this month.

On Sunday, 18-year Australian tennis player Maya Joint had a crucial decision to make: forfeit either her college eligibility in the United States, or a significant chunk of the $220,000 prizemoney she won in the US Open last month.

Joint was one of Australias breakout stars at Flushing Meadows, where she went through qualifying to reach the main draw of a grand slam for the first time in her career.

The Michigan-raised Australian, who was ranked just inside the worlds top 800 at the end of last year, stunned German veteran Laura Siegemund with a straight sets victory in round one in New York, before losing to American Madison Keys in the second round.

Australian Maya Joint at the US Open last month. Credit: AP

Reese Brantmeier, a tennis player at the University of North Carolina, is suing the NCAA over the rules in the US federal court. Joints decision came after she filed a declaration Friday in the Brantmeier v. NCAA case, joining Brantmeier in asking the judge to grant a preliminary injunction that would keep the NCAA from enforcing its prize money rules.

The US Tennis Association requires all US Open participants to accept or forgo their prizemoney by the final day of the tournament, which was Monday morning in Australia. Because the court didnt rule by then, Joint was forced to choose between the money or college tennis.
If youre going to more than a couple of places, then booking all your accommodation on a reputable all-in-one platform like ALL.com makes life easier as, for example, you can see all your bookings in one spot and double check you have the right dates, says Judy, whose travel resume includes 11 months of round-the-world backpacking.

They cover reputable properties  like ibis, Novotel, Mantra, Pullman, Sofitel  and have useful search filters, like distance from landmarks, that give you confidence that youve booked a place that suits your needs.

There are other perks to using ALL.com  by joining its rewards program, you can earn points for every booking that are redeemable on stays, dining, experiences and more. Plus, with the ALL.com app, you can even keep all those bookings right in the palm of your hand.

Dress for the little moments

Struggle to nail your holiday wardrobe? Youre not alone. Its easy to fall into the trap of packing a bunch of going out outfits and not enough for the day-to-day.

A tip I learnt from Amy Smilovic from [fashion label] Tibi was to remember to pack for the in-between moments of your holiday, says Chloe, whos done a (very stylish) Euro summer every year since covid restrictions eased.

That means what you wear when you need to be presentable but youre not fully ready for the day  for the coffee run or the hotel buffet breakfast. Easy, comfortable clothes that ensure you always feel properly dressed for every moment of the holiday.

Travel tech can be your friend

The days of incurring costly roaming fees to use your phone abroad are over. Thanks to eSIMS, you can subscribe to local phone plans without the hassle of physically swapping out your SIM card.

eSIMS often have free trials depending on the country  that could potentially cover your whole stay in a place, giving you fast internet wherever you are, says Jared, who relied on them during recent trips to Europe and the US.

I swapped between trials twice in a month in the US. I had a working phone number and 4G without paying a cent.

Pack your runners

Wherever possible, walk  rather than taking the Subway or catching an Uber, says Adrian, who has travelled everywhere from Iran to Italy.

You notice more quirky things when you walk. And if you are inquisitive, you can investigate things that look interesting or unusual. Things that are accidental or serendipitous often provide the most pleasurable memories.

Plus, you get a better feel for the neighbourhood. And it is better for your health and the environment.

And please, dont forget your visa

Did you know that Australians need a visa to visit Vietnam? Or an ESTA for the United States and Canada?

Lots of the most popular destinations among Aussie travellers require you to get that oh-so-small, oh-so-important piece of paper before you go. And entry requirements can change frequently. The best way to stay on top of it all?

To get a good snapshot of what you need to know before your travel, be sure to check DFATS Smart Traveller website, says Sean, whose favourite trip was 5-weeks camping in east Africa. You dont want to fly all the way overseas only to realise you were meant to get a visa first!

Nature lovers, adventure seekers, food fanatics and culture enthusiasts, we cant wait to welcome ALL the travellers in you. Find your perfect stay on ALL.com
The United States has accused the head of Russias state-owned RT television network of being a key player in Russian malign influence operations.

And shes proud of it.

Russian broadcasters RTs editor-in-chief Margarita Simonyan. Credit: AP

Margarita Simonyan says she takes her orders directly from the Kremlin in what she describes as a covert guerrilla information operation against the United States. Speaking on state television on Sunday night, she taunted Washington over its efforts to shut down RTs campaign and contradicted previous Kremlin denials of foreign influence operations.

Simonyan, who lived with an American family in New Hampshire in her teens during the 1990s and speaks excellent English, is known for her biting rhetoric and effective propaganda. Recently she delighted in poking fun at US law enforcement questioning RT employees to prove a link between its actions and the Kremlin.
In what is likely to be the final US presidential debate before the November election, Kamala Harris was ushered into American lounge rooms and showed the world that the race for the nations top job has caught fire.

While a weary world knows what they are getting in Republican candidate Donald Trump, Democrat Harris had to reveal who she was and what she stood for. In contrast to the first debate last June, when a senile president and a liar ex-president displayed their dangerous handicaps, Joe Bidens decision to stand down has paid off handsomely as Harris took the battle up to  and past  Trump.

Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during the presidential debate. Credit: AP

The stakes for both candidates were high. Harris entered the race seven weeks ago with limited time to define her candidacy. Trump, meanwhile, saw support plummet following Bidens exit, and needed a new message to counter Harris.

Instead, he stuck to his tried and true playbook, allowing her to show her mettle as leadership material. Harris focused her early remarks on the economy, while Trump often pivoted to immigration and promoted conspiracy theories.
The station ship HNLMS Holland started on Monday, September 2, with her patrols in the Caribbean Sea. Four days later, on Friday, September 6, in the morning, it was a direct hit. They received notification that morning that the patrol plane Dash 8 from the Coastguard Caribbean Region localized a suspicious go-fast in the neighborhood of the ABC islands. HNLMS Holland immediately took action upon this and launched the rapid interception boats, the FRISCs, with onboard combined teams consisting of the ships crew, the US Coast Guard, and the Fleet Marine Squadron. Also, the ships helicopter, the NH90, helped from the air during this counter-drug operation. The suspects on the drugs boat, several times, ignored the order to stop. The go-fast only stopped after targeted shots at the boats engines.



Cocaine and Marijuana

On board the smuggling boat were 9 passengers; a total of 52 packages were confiscated. These contained 210 kilograms of cocaine and 2110 kilograms of marijuana. The suspects and the drugs were handed over to the US Coast Guard. One suspect was wounded and, therefore, had to be brought to Curacao by the NH90 helicopter to receive medical care.



Station ship

The station ship HNLMS Holland amongst other things is deployed mostly for counter drugs operations. In order to do this, the crewmembers alternately work together with the US Coast Guard and Coastguard Caribbean Region.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 11. The next gathering of the Economic Council of Azerbaijan has come to pass, Trend reports.

The council's head, Prime Minister Ali Asadov, presided over the meeting, which was a comprehensive examination of the state and review budgets for 2025 and the next three years. The meeting also addressed global economic development trends, key scenarios regarding budget forecasts, the current economic situation, and updated macroeconomic projections. Additionally, the meeting addressed target indicators for budget rule parameters for 2024-2028.

The event focused on key aspects of budget policy for 2025-2028, including financing expenditures and the execution of the "Great Return" program aimed at the reconstruction and restoration of Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur. It also examined the application of medium-term expenditure frameworks and results-based budgeting mechanisms, the current state of macroeconomic and financial stability, and other relevant issues.

Reports were presented by Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov, Minister of Finance Samir Sharifov, Governor of the Central Bank Taleh Kazimov, and Minister of Labor and Social Protection Sahil Babayev.

The meeting was concluded by instructions for relevant bodies to submit all documents and information included in the 2025 budget package to the Cabinet of Ministers for presentation to the President of Azerbaijan, taking into account the opinions and proposals of the Economic Council members.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
By Mata Press Service

Canada, long known for its welcoming stance on immigration, is experiencing a significant shift in its approach to newcomers.

As the federal election looms on the horizon, immigration has emerged as a contentious issue, prompting the government to implement measures to curb the influx of visitors, temporary foreign workers, permanent residents and international students.

Recent data paints a stark picture of this changing landscape. The ratio of rejected visitor visa applications to approvals has reached unprecedented levels, surpassing even those seen during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a notable departure from previous trends, immigration authorities denied more visa applications than they approved in January, February, May, and June of 2024.

This shift in policy is not limited to visitor visas.

The issuance of study and work permits has also seen a decline. July 2024 witnessed a record-breaking number of international visitors, including students, workers, and tourists, being denied entry to Canadanearly 6,000 individuals, the highest figure recorded since at least January 2019.

With a federal election due within the next year, political leaders have sparred over immigration, with the Conservatives, who lead in the polls, accusing Trudeau's government of letting in too many people too quickly.

As Canada approaches a federal election within the next year, immigration has become a focal point of political debate.

The Conservative Party, currently enjoying a lead in the polls, has launched sharp criticism against Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Liberal government. They argue that the current administration has implemented an overly permissive immigration policy, allowing an excessive number of newcomers to enter the country at an unprecedented pace.

Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre has been particularly vocal in his opposition, describing the Liberal government's approach as "radical and uncontrolled" and claiming it is "ruining our immigration system."

He contends that Trudeau's policies have led to population growth that far outpaces housing development, exacerbating existing challenges in the country.

In response, Trudeau and his Immigration Minister, Marc Miller, have defended their stance on high immigration levels, asserting that it is crucial for Canada's economic development.

However, they have also acknowledged that the sheer volume of newcomers and inadequate federal and provincial infrastructure investment has created significant challenges.

New data from the non-profit Angus Reid Institute finds Canadians' immigration concerns have risen four-fold over the last two years.

Statistics Canada's latest labor force survey also reveals a troubling trend for recent immigrants and students.

Despite a general rise in average hourly wages, recent immigrantsthose who have landed in Canada in the last five yearshave not seen wage increases.

In fact, their wages decreased by 1.3% year-over-year, contrasting sharply with a 6.3% wage increase for more established immigrants and a 6% rise for Canadian-born workers.

Students, too, faced a challenging job market this summer. Their unemployment rate soared to 16.7%, the highest level since summer 2012, excluding the pandemic year of 2020. Black, Chinese, and South Asian students were particularly hard hit, with Black students experiencing the highest unemployment rate of 29.5%, a significant increase from the previous year.

Meanwhile, a group representing almost 100 of Canada's universities is warning the impact of the federal government's cap on international students will be "far greater" than what Ottawa aimed for.

Gabriel Miller, president of Universities Canada, told Global News when the schools officially finish counting how many students have arrived and enrolled, there will be at least a 45 percent drop in international students.

The final tally will be reported in October.

"There's every possibility that it's going to be even worse than we fear," he said in an interview. "But it's important to note that we're already in territory that no one anticipated and that needs to set off a big alarm bell in Ottawa that we need to start turning this around right away.

The national cap was laid out in January by Immigration Minister Marc Miller, who at the time said would reduce the intake by 35 percent over the next two years, adding the measures were temporary.

The minister said the cap was expected to result in approximately 364,000 approved study permits in 2024. That number has since been revised with about 292,000 approved permits anticipated.

While Canada's universities could see at least a 45 percent drop, the group representing the country's colleges and institutes says they're anticipating a 54 percent decline.

"It's quite clear that there's been a very significant and substantial decrease in enrolment across the country," Michael McDonald, director of government relations for Colleges and Institutes Canada, told Global News.

Canada will also impose strict regulations on its Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) program, making it more difficult for businesses to hire low-wage workers abroad.

Charanjit Kaur, a Toronto-based immigration consultant, said: "The new measures, set to take effect on September 26, 2024, include rejecting applications for low-wage TFWs in regions with unemployment rates of 6% or higher, reducing the maximum percentage of TFWs in a company's workforce from 20% to 10%, and limiting low-wage TFW contracts to one year instead of two."

The changes exempt specific sectors, including agriculture, food processing, construction and healthcare.

With changes from earlier this year, the new measures are expected to reduce the number of temporary foreign workers by about 65,000.

As of August 28, temporary residents in Canada on a visitor visa are also no longer permitted to apply for a job-supported work permit from within Canada.
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The Inspiration4 crew poses for a selfie in the cupola of their SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft.

The flight, dubbed "Inspiration4," was a privately chartered spaceflight by Billionaire Jared Isaacman, which launched on Sept. 15, 2021. It became the first crewed orbital mission with no professional astronauts on board.

The mission was named to commemorate the four-person crew and their associated "pillars" of support for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee: leadership, hope, generosity and prosperity.

Aboard the SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule dubbed Resilience, Isaacman  a self-described space geek who has accrued more than 6,000 hours piloting various aircraft  was the commander of the flight. Joining him were physician assistant Hayley Arcenaux, data engineer Chris Sembroski, and geoscientist and science communication specialist Sian Proctor.

Resilience and its four occupants circled Earth for three days, splashing down off the Florida coast on Sept. 18. The primary purposes of Inspiration4, according to the mission's official website, were to raise awareness and funds for St. Jude and to begin "a new era for human spaceflight and exploration."

Related: Inspiration4: SpaceX's historic private spaceflight in photos

Who was behind Inspiration4?

Inspiration4 was chartered by Jared Isaacman, billionaire CEO and founder of Shift4 Payments, a payment processing company that he established as a 16-year-old and which now handles billions of transactions each year.

"Inspiration4 is the realization of a lifelong dream and a step toward a future in which anyone can venture out and explore the stars," Isaacman said in a statement. He recalls being in kindergarten at Wilson Elementary School in New Jersey looking at high-resolution picture books of the space shuttle, Space.com previously reported.

"I did tell my kindergarten teacher I would go to space someday, and she said she'd be watching," Isaacman recalled.

Isaacman holds several world records, including a speed-around-the-world flight that, according to the New Jersey Local News Service, raised money and awareness for the Make-a-Wish Foundation. In addition, he has flown in more than 100 airshows with the Black Diamond Jet Team, reported Business Wire. Each of those performances was dedicated to some charitable cause.

Inspiration4 was motivated in part by Isaacman's effort to raise more than $200 million for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, a pediatric cancer research hospital that does not charge the families of children for their treatment. Isaacman pledged $100 million toward the cause out of his own pocket.

"I've been very lucky in life; you really don't get to a position that I'm fortunate enough to be in without the ball bouncing your way a couple times," said Isaacman in an interview with Space.com . "These families [at St. Jude] were dealt horrible hands. They're going through what no one should ever have to go through. It's immense heartache, and the sad part is many of those kids will not grow up to have any of the experiences that I've been lucky enough to have in life. We've just got to do something about that."

How was the crew chosen for Inspiration4?

Inspiration4 mission crew members (from left) Jared Isaacman, Hayley Arceneaux, Sian Proctor and Chris Sembroski pose at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Monday, March 29, 2021. (Image credit: SpaceX)

Isaacman, who commanded the mission, donated the remaining three seats of his four-person flight to sponsor St. Jude.

The first crewmember to join him was Hayley Arceneaux, 29, a physician assistant at St. Jude in Memphis who, as a child, also received treatment for bone cancer from the same organization. She was chosen to join the crew by St. Jude, and according to the New York Times became the first person with a prosthetic body part to go to space, as during her treatment she received metal rods to replace parts of bones in her left leg. She was also one of the youngest people to go to space and the youngest American to do so, edging out pioneering astronaut Sally Ride by just a few years.

Arceneaux served as medical officer for the flight.

Related: Childhood bone cancer survivor joins private Inspiration4 spaceflight on SpaceX rocket

The remaining two seats were given away in two different competitions.

Chris Sembroski, 41, is a data engineer and long-time space enthusiast who once worked as a counselor at Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama. His seat was up for grabs in a fundraiser sweepstakes meant to support St. Jude, but while Sembroski entered the competition, an unnamed friend actually won. The friend then offered the seat to Sembroski, recalling his avid interest in spaceflight and astronomy, Space.com previously reported. Sembroski served as mission specialist, and according to a press release , helped manage "payload, science experiments, communications to mission control and more."

Proctor, 51, a geology and planetary science professor and science communication specialist, was awarded her seat as winner of the Shift4Shop competition. The contest asked entrants to set up an e-commerce site using a platform owned by Isaacmans company, Shift4 Payments. As part of the contest, Proctor, 51, also recorded a video sharing her "inspirational entrepreneurial story" and why her business "should be elevated to the stars." Proctor's "Space2Inspire" shop offered postcards and prints of her AfronautSpace art, which she uses to encourage conversations about women of color in the space industry.

Long interested in spaceflight, Proctor was a finalist for the 2009 NASA astronaut selection and has participated in four analog space missions, including a NASA-funded four-month "Mars mission" at the Hawai'i Space Exploration Analog and Simulation (HI-SEAS) Habitat.

Proctor was pilot of the Inspiration4 mission.

How did the Inspiration4 crew train for their trip to space?

Shift4 Payments founder and CEO Jared Isaacman commanded a SpaceX Crew Dragon spaceflight in September 2021. (Image credit: SpaceX)

While government astronauts typically spend at least two years getting ready for a space station flight, Inspiration4's training timeline was much shorter. Their mission was shorter than most of those undertaken by professional astronauts (just three days in orbit, while many stays on the International Space Station are now six months or longer) and the team had no need for training in space station systems or spacewalks. Still, Isaacman has said in previous reporting from Space.com , training for Inspiration4 drew upon the "NASA-approved curriculum" to get the new astronauts ready for spaceflight.

In April, the Inspiration4 crew completed their first centrifuge training, according to a press release . Among many other physical trials, that training was meant to prepare astronauts for the gravitational forces they were subjected to during launch, and re-entry.

Isaacman also carried on NASA's tradition of putting astronauts into isolated, challenging environments before flight, bringing his crew into the mountains.

"It will get us all super uncomfortable and [in] close quarters and hopefully in snowy conditions, because I definitely want to make sure we all get along really well under those circumstances here on Earth before we go off in space together," he said in a previous interview with Space.com.

Overall, the Inspiration4 crew endured about six months of training, some of which was held at SpaceX headquarters in Los Angeles, leading up to the September 2021 launch.

What was the flight like?

The SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule carrying the Inspiration4 crew launches atop a Falcon 9 rocket on Sept. 15, 2021. (Image credit: SpaceX via Twitter)

The crew launched on SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket inside a Dragon capsule , the same type of spacecraft used to fly astronauts Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken to the International Space Station on Demo-2, the first private crewed mission in history.

The capsule itself was a slightly retooled reuse of the Crew Dragon Resilience, the craft that brought Crew-1 astronauts to the International Space Station in November 2020 as part of the first fully operational private crewed mission to the ISS. (Demo-2 was a test flight, as its name suggests.)

Resilience gained a new domed window for Inspiration4, offering the crewmembers 360-degree views. "Probably most 'in space' you could possibly feel by being in a glass dome," tweeted SpaceX founder Elon Musk. The window replaced the equipment that allowed the capsule to dock with the space station on Crew-1, since the Inspiration4 flight remained independently in orbit.

Resilience and its crew circled Earth solo for three days, zooming about 367 miles (590 kilometers) above our planet. That's higher than any Crew Dragon had ever gone before, and significantly higher than the International Space Station, which orbits at an average altitude of 250 miles (400 km).

While in orbit, Isaacman and his colleagues recorded a variety of biometric data and collected samples, in an effort to help scientists better understand how spaceflight affects the human body. The spaceflyers also made some calls down to Earth, including one chat with patients at St. Jude.

The crewmembers spent a lot of time looking out the cupola window at our gorgeous planet. In addition, Sembroski strummed some tunes on the ukelele he brought along and Proctor produced some art, including a drawing of a dragon carrying Crew Dragon to space.

The Inspiration4 crew enjoyed a diverse menu, munching on pizza, Mediterranean lamb, pasta bolognese, sandwiches and a variety of snacks. All the food was cold, a limitation that Musk promised to remedy for future flights.

The billionaire entrepreneur also vowed to improve Crew Dragon's toilet, which featured a great view  it was right under the cupola  but apparently didn't work entirely as planned.

Such hiccups didn't detract significantly from the overall experience, which all four crewmembers said was life-altering.

"Each of us [has] been changed in a way that maybe we didn't expect," Sembroski told NBC News' Lester Holt in an interview that aired Sept. 20. "For me, it was being able to see the Earth in a way that made me realize there is so much to see in person. I need to go and find those places and explore more."

Why SpaceX?

The Inspiration4 crew placed a video call to Earth on Sept. 17, 2021. (Image credit: SpaceX)

When weighing his space tourism options, Isaacman said, "there was no question it was going to be SpaceX," as Crew Dragon was already flying crewed missions to the International Space Station for NASA. "They're leading the path," he said.

Isaacman said he was proud to fly on a SpaceX Crew Dragon for this mission, because he believes Musk's company "reinvigorated the world's interest in space" following the end of NASA's space shuttle program in 2011. The shuttle ferried hundreds of astronauts to space between 1981 and its 2011 retirement. After that, the next crewed mission to Earth orbit that launched from the United States was SpaceX's Demo-2 mission in May 2020.

In a teleconference announcing Inspiration4 , Musk said that he believes the mission is "an important milestone towards enabling access to space for everyone."

Isaacman paid SpaceX an unspecified amount for the flight, but USA Today speculated a cost of "easily at least tens of millions of dollars."

"At first, things are very expensive," Musk noted, "and it's only through missions like this that we're able to bring the costs down over time and make space accessible to all."

What records did the Inspiration4 flight set?

Inspiration4's major claim to fame was to be the "World's First All-Civilian Mission to Space," according to the mission website. What does that mean?

None of the four participants are professional astronauts. In the past, most space travelers have been government-employed and trained civilians or members of the military.

Some tourists have also made their way to space, but previously only under the supervision of professionals associated with a government agency like NASA or its European, Russian or Japanese counterparts, ESA , Roscosmos and JAXA . The crew of Inspiration4 received commercial astronaut training and became the first people to complete an orbital spaceflight with no direct government agency oversight.
Iraq security officials report explosion at US-led coalition airport base



Baghdad, Sept 11 (AFP) Sep 11, 2024



Iraqi security forces said an explosion was heard at a US-led coalition's military base at the Baghdad international airport late Tuesday, a day before Iran's president was due to visit.

"At 23:00 (2000 GMT) an explosion was heard inside Baghdad International Airport in the area occupied by international coalition advisors," according to a statement posted on social media platform X by the spokesman for the Joint Operations Command, Iraqi Major General Tahseen Al Khafaji.

"Iraqi security forces were unable ... to determine the origin of the explosion, which has not been claimed," according to the statement, which was attributed to Iraqi security forces and also published by state news agency INA.

Air traffic was unaffected and no flights were interrupted, it added.

A senior military official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told AFP that "two Katyusha-type rockets" had caused the explosion.

"One fell on the wall of the Iraqi anti-terrorist forces compound. The second was inside the base hosting the international anti-jihadist coalition led by Washington," said the official.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian was expected in Iraq on Wednesday in his first trip abroad since taking office in July.

Relations between Iran and Iraq, both Shiite-majority countries, have grown closer over the past two decades.

Tehran is one of Iraq's leading trade partners and wields considerable political influence in Baghdad where its Iraqi allies dominate parliament and the current government.

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Iraq security officials report explosion at US-led coalition airport base



Baghdad, Sept 11 (AFP) Sep 11, 2024



Iraqi security forces said an explosion was heard at a US-led coalition's military base at the Baghdad international airport late Tuesday, a day before Iran's president was due to visit.

"At 23:00 (2000 GMT) an explosion was heard inside Baghdad International Airport in the area occupied by international coalition advisors," according to a statement posted on social media platform X by the spokesman for the Joint Operations Command, Iraqi Major General Tahseen Al Khafaji.

"Iraqi security forces were unable ... to determine the origin of the explosion, which has not been claimed," according to the statement, which was attributed to Iraqi security forces and also published by state news agency INA.

Air traffic was unaffected and no flights were interrupted, it added.

A senior military official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told AFP that "two Katyusha-type rockets" had caused the explosion.

"One fell on the wall of the Iraqi anti-terrorist forces compound. The second was inside the base hosting the international anti-jihadist coalition led by Washington," said the official.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian was expected in Iraq on Wednesday in his first trip abroad since taking office in July.

Relations between Iran and Iraq, both Shiite-majority countries, have grown closer over the past two decades.

Tehran is one of Iraq's leading trade partners and wields considerable political influence in Baghdad where its Iraqi allies dominate parliament and the current government.

A spokesperson for the Iranian-backed Ketaeb Hezbollah (Hezbollah Brigades) armed group in Iraq slammed what he called "an attack" that aimed to "disrupt the Iranian president's visit to Baghdad".

In a post on X, the spokesperson Jaafar al-Husseini called on the Iraqi security services to identify the perpetrators.

Over the past year, US-led coalition forces have been targeted dozens of times with drones and rocket fire in both Iraq and Syria as violence related to the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza has drawn in Iran-backed armed groups across the Middle East.

US forces have carried out multiple retaliatory strikes against these groups in both countries.

To defuse the situation and spare Iraq from the fallout of regional tensions, the United States and Iraq have been negotiating a phased pull-out of US-led anti-jihadist forces.

The United States has deployed around 2,500 troops in Iraq and 900 in Syria as part of the international coalition against the Islamic State group.

Iraqi security forces say they are capable of tackling IS remnants unassisted, as the group poses no significant threat.

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Iran president heads to Iraq on first foreign visit



Tehran, Sept 11 (AFP) Sep 11, 2024



Iran's new president, Masoud Pezeshkian, was due in neighbouring Iraq on Wednesday as he moves to deepen already close ties on his first foreign visit since taking office.

Pezeshkian has vowed to make relations with neighbouring countries a priority as he seeks to ease Iran's international isolation and mitigate the impact of US-led sanctions on its economy.

His visit comes after Western powers on Tuesday announced fresh sanctions on Iran for supplying Russia with short-range missiles for use against Ukraine.

It also comes amid turmoil in the Middle East sparked by the war in Gaza, which has drawn in Iran-backed armed groups around the region and complicated Baghdad's ties with Washington.

On Tuesday night, an explosion was heard at a US-led anti-jihadist coalition's base at the Baghdad international airport, according to Iraqi security officials.

A spokesperson for the Iranian-backed Ketaeb Hezbollah (Hezbollah Brigades) in Iraq said the Tuesday night "attack" aimed to "disrupt the Iranian president's visit to Baghdad".

Ties between Iran and Iraq, both Shiite-majority countries, have grown closer since the US-led invasion of 2003 toppled the Sunni-dominated regime of Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein.

"This trip will be an opportunity to promote and deepen the friendly and brotherly relations between the two countries in various fields," Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani said this week.

Pezeshkian has directly linked shoring up ties to sanctions pressure.

"Relations with neighbouring countries... can neutralise a significant amount of pressure of the sanctions," he said last month.

Iran has suffered years of crippling Western sanctions, especially after its arch-foe the United States, under then-president Donald Trump, unilaterally abandoned a landmark nuclear deal between the Islamic republic and major powers in 2018.

Pezeshkian, who assumed the presidency in late July, has made the top diplomat who negotiated the 2015 deal, Mohammad Javad Zarif, his vice president for strategic affairs as part of his bid for a more open Iran.



- Key trade partners -



Iran has become one of Iraq's leading trade partners, and wields considerable political influence in Baghdad, where its Iraqi allies dominate parliament and the current government.

Every year, millions of Iranian pilgrims visit Iraq's Shiite holy cities of Najaf and Karbala, and Pezeshkian will also visit the holy shrines there during his trip.

Non-oil trade between Iran and Iraq stood at nearly $5 billion over the five months from March 2024, Iranian media reported.

Iran also exports millions of cubic metres of gas a day to Iraq to fuel its power plants, under a regularly renewed waiver from US sanctions.

Iraq is billions of dollars in arrears on its payments for the imports, which cover 30 percent of its electricity needs.

In September last year, the two countries started construction of their first rail link -- a 32-kilometre (20-mile) line between Iraq's southern port city of Basra and the Shalamcheh border crossing, where it will join up with the Iranian rail network.



- US troop drawdown -



Washington still has around 2,500 troops in Iraq and 900 in neighbouring Syria as part of an international coalition against the Islamic State jihadist group.

Last winter, US-led coalition forces in both Iraq and Syria were targeted dozens of times with drones and rocket fire as violence related to the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza has drawn in Iran-backed armed groups across the Middle East.

The barrage of attacks triggered retaliatory US air strikes in both countries.

On Sunday, Iraqi Defence Minister Thabet al-Abbassi told pan-Arab television channel Al-Hadath that the US-led coalition would pull out of most of Iraq by September 2025 and the Kurdish autonomous region by September 2026.

Despite months of talks, the target dates have yet to be agreed between Baghdad and Washington.

Pezeshkian will also travel to the Kurdish regional capital Arbil for talks with Kurdish officials, Iran's official IRNA news agency said.

In March last year, Tehran signed a security agreement with the federal government in Baghdad after launching air strikes against bases of Iranian Kurdish rebel groups in the autonomous region.

They have since agreed to disarm the rebels and remove them from border areas.

Tehran accuses the rebels of smuggling in weapons from Iraq and of fomenting nationwide protests that erupted in 2022 following the death in custody of Iranian Kurd Mahsa Amini, detained for an alleged breach of Iran's strict dress code for women.
Taiwan president calls for full support of troops after jet crash



Taipei, Sept 11 (AFP) Sep 11, 2024



Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te on Wednesday rallied residents to support the island's troops after a fighter jet crashed during a night training flight.

Under Lai's administration, Taiwan revamped training for its armed forces to include more nighttime drills and exercises as the democratic island faces greater pressures from China, which claims it as part of its territory.

On Tuesday night, Captain Hsieh Pei-hsun was forced to eject from his single-seat Mirage 2000 fighter jet after it apparently lost power during a training flight, the defence ministry said.

The jet crashed into the sea, while Hsieh was rescued about two hours later and transported to a hospital in central Taichung city.

Lai visited Hsieh at the hospital Wednesday, and said his condition is stable.

"The people should also know that in order to protect the country, the armed forces not only stick to their posts but also train day and night," Lai told reporters after his visit.

"I ask the people to fully support the military and be the backing of the military. This way the military will have more strength to protect the country. Only by defending the country can we have a stable society," he said.

The air force said it will set up a special task force to investigate and clarify the cause of the incident.

China in recent years has increasingly used fighter jets, drones and naval vessels around Taiwan, which military experts call a grey-zone tactic that serves to exhaust the island's armed forces.

In a 24-hour window ending 6 am Wednesday (2200 GMT Tuesday), 21 Chinese military aircraft, nine naval vessels and an official ship were detected around the island, Taiwan's defence ministry said.

A subsequent statement said that a further 19 Chinese fighter jets, patrol aircraft and drones were tracked around Taiwan, and the defence ministry was monitoring the situation.

Beijing has said it would never renounce the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control.

Three days after Lai was inaugurated as president in May, China launched war games to simulate a blockade around the island.
Children of IS suspects returned to France doing well: prosecutor



Paris, Sept 11 (AFP) Sep 11, 2024



France's anti-terrorism prosecutor said on Wednesday that 364 repatriated children of French parents suspected of joining the Islamic State group in Syria and Iraq a decade ago were doing well.

"There are 364 children in 59 departments (areas in France), who are followed by judges for children, and who benefit from coordination from my office to make sure they have optimal care," Olivier Christen told the France Info radio station.

Another anti-terror prosecutor had in 2018 expressed fear that the children of French nationals who joined IS after it set up a so-called caliphate in 2014 could be "ticking time bombs".

But Christen, who leads the National Anti-Terror Prosecutor's Office (PNAT) opened in 2019 in the wake of a spate of jihadist attacks, brushed aside that worry.

"These 364 children in no way seem to me to correspond to that expression," he said.

"They are being closely monitored... They pose no particular difficulty."

"There are very different situations. Some are very, very young children, others are fully fledged teenagers," he added.

Overall 170 women had returned from Iraq and Syria to France, he said, including 57 from detention camps in northeast Syria in recent years since the IS caliphate's territorial collapse in 2019.

Of the 364 children who had been brought to France, "169 have been repatriated over the past two years," he added.

Until 2022, France only brought back children on a case-by-case basis, prioritising orphans and some children of women who had agreed to give up their parental rights. But Paris changed that policy two years ago.

IS seized control of large swathes of Syria and neighbouring Iraq in 2014, before Syrian forces spearheaded by Kurds and backed by a US-led coalition ousted them from their last patch of land in eastern Syria in 2019.

Kurdish autonomous authorities in northeast Syria have been holding around 56,000 people, including 30,000 children, in detention centres and camps.

Among them are IS fighters and their families, as well as displaced people who fled the fighting.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 11. The memorandum between C4IR Azerbaijan and Binance focuses on advancing Metaverse, Blockchain, and Web3 technologies in Azerbaijan, Executive Director of C4IR Azerbaijan, Fariz Jafarov told media, Trend reports.

According to Jafarov, the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR Azerbaijan) is actively working to attract leading global technology partners and implement various digital economy projects in Azerbaijan.

Our priority is to develop human capital in this sector.

In accordance, we have signed a memorandum of understanding with Binance, a major cryptocurrency platform. The memorandum outlines key areas such as advancing Metaverse, Blockchain, and Web3 technologies in Azerbaijan and introducing educational programs related to artificial intelligence (AI), NFTs, virtual tools used in gaming, digital assets, and payment systems, Jafarov stated.

A significant component of the collaboration is Binance Academy, which boasts over 20 million users worldwide. The academy's programs will be adapted to the Azerbaijani market to increase public awareness of these technologies.

Additionally, the private sector and other economic actors will be provided with support to disseminate knowledge about Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies.

The Executive Director also mentioned that C4IR plans to work closely with universities and conduct joint educational programs.

Online and offline conferences, training sessions, and workshops will be organized with both local and international partners. These initiatives aim to enhance the contribution of Metaverse, Blockchain, Web3, and AI technologies to Azerbaijans digital economy, thereby supporting national economic diversification and sustainable growth, he added.
CORRECTED: Hong Kong diary shows China's little-known naval D-Day role



Hong Kong, Sept 11 (AFP) Sep 11, 2024



The night before June 6, 1944, fleets of warships moved in darkness towards the beaches of Normandy, France, for a massive strike, with Chinese naval officer Lam Ping-yu on one of the vessels.

The ships were as "numerous as ants, scattered and wriggling all across the sea", Lam wrote in his diary. "Around 5 am: HMS Warspite was the first to open fire."

Lam's 80-page journal is the centrepiece of a Hong Kong exhibition launching this month, which for the first time chronicles the stories of 24 Chinese officers who helped Allied forces in their landmark D-Day operation.

Historians, documentaries, and pop culture have often focused on the British involvement in the largest amphibious military operation, which led to the end of Nazi occupation of Western Europe in World War II.

However, little is known about the Chinese naval officers sent to Europe for training.

Lam, then 33, was serving on the British warship HMS Ramillies which, according to his diary, opened fire about an hour after HMS Warspite.

"Throughout the day, Ramillies fired over 200 15-inch rounds, but the (Nazi) fort's cover and positioning kept it from annihilation," he wrote.

Digital copies of Lam's previously unseen diary will be displayed at the Fringe Club and the Chinese University of Hong Kong this month.

"We believe this historical episode belongs to everyone in both the East and the West," John Mak, 32, a public policy advocate and one of the organisers of the exhibition, told AFP.

"Sometimes we would ponder whether it was the Chinese helped liberate the West, or the West helped train the Chinese navy? It was actually 'you are among us and we are among you'," he said.

"I believe such inherent friendship is very precious these days as it's beyond politics -- the human solidarity in times of war."



- 'First-person record' -



The Chinese government selected 100 officers between 1943 and 1944 to receive training in the United States and Britain to rebuild China's naval force after it was destroyed by Japan, one of the Axis powers aligned with Nazi Germany.

The first batch of 24 officers sent to Britain included Lam and his comrade Huang Tingxin, whose son Huang Shansong will attend the Hong Kong exhibition.

"The strategic consideration at that time was to connect China's fight with the world's anti-fascist war... so that with the support from the US and Britain, China could better defend Japan's invasion," said Huang, who is a Chinese history professor based in Hangzhou.

Huang published a book of his father's oral history in 2013 but said he found Lam's diary more valuable for its accuracy, compared to his father's decades-old memories.

"Lam's diary is by far the only first-person, on-the-spot record about the 24 men's internship in Britain that is known to us today," he said.

He will bring his father's Legion d'Honneur -- awarded in 2006 for the elder Huang's contribution to France's liberation -- to lend to the exhibition.

"He always told me wars, in particular modern wars, were shockingly destructive," Huang told AFP.

"The importance of peace cannot be emphasised more."



- 'A wider audience' -



Lam's diary almost ended up in landfills.

After the war, the naval commander lived in Hong Kong until the late 1960s and left the bulk of his personal items -- including the diary -- in his brother's apartment.

Rescued by a photographer and an amateur historian before the building was demolished, the diary caught the interest of Angus Hui, a former journalist who obtained a photocopy for his postgraduate study in Chinese naval history.

Hui met Mak last year, who suggested the stories "deserve a wider audience".

While conducting research trips to China, Taiwan, Singapore and Europe, where the veterans had settled after the war, they found that Hong Kong was the most suitable place for the exhibition.

Hui said he hopes the exhibition can address Hong Kong's place in today's world.

The former British colony -- once branded "Asia's World City" -- has fallen out of favour in recent years with Western governments, which have condemned Hong Kong over a rights crackdown following democracy protests in 2019.

But Lam's decision to come to Hong Kong "reflected the uniqueness of this place", Hui said.

"People may say Hong Kong is no longer relevant... But from history and from our own experience, we find Hong Kong still relevant."
Taiwan grounds Mirage fighters for safety checks after night crash



Taipei, Sept 11 (AFP) Sep 11, 2024



Taiwan's air force said Wednesday it had grounded its fleet of Mirage 2000 fighters for safety checks, after a jet crashed during a night training flight the day before.

Under the administration of new President Lai Ching-te, Taiwan revamped training for its armed forces to include more nighttime drills and exercises as the democratic island faces greater pressures from China, which claims it as part of its territory.

On Tuesday night, Captain Hsieh Pei-hsun was forced to eject from his single-seat Mirage 2000 fighter after it apparently lost power, the defence ministry said.

The jet crashed into the sea, while Hsieh was rescued about two hours later and transported to a hospital in central Taichung city.

The air force's chief of staff said it had implemented a Tien An -- or "safe skies" -- inspection of its 60-plane Mirage-2000 fleet, which would mean grounding them.

"A special inspection will be carried out for the whole Mirage fleet," Lieutenant General Wang Te-yang said during a news conference. "We also set up a task force immediately to investigate the incident."

Despite the grounding, he said "there will be no pressure or impact on the air force's combat capabilities in the short term".

Taiwan's Mirage-2000 fighters were purchased in 1992 from France in an arms deal that angered China.

They are still a core component of the island's ageing fleet, which also includes F16 fighter jets from the United States, and locally built Indigenous Defence Fighters.

Taiwan's air force and military are up against increasing pressures from China, which has in recent years ramped up incursions by fighter jets and drones around the island -- actions that military experts dub as grey-zone tactics that serve to exhaust the island's armed forces.

In a 24-hour window ending 6:00 am Wednesday (2200 GMT Tuesday), 21 Chinese military aircraft, nine naval vessels and an official ship were detected around the island, Taiwan's defence ministry said.

A subsequent statement said a further 19 Chinese fighter jets, patrol aircraft and drones were tracked around Taiwan, and the defence ministry was monitoring the situation.

Lai visited Hsieh in hospital and said the pilot's condition was stable.

"The people should also know that in order to protect the country, the armed forces not only stick to their posts but also train day and night," the president told reporters after his visit.

"I ask the people to fully support the military and be the backing of the military. This way the military will have more strength to protect the country. Only by defending the country can we have a stable society," he said.

Beijing, which regards Lai as a "dangerous separatist", launched war games simulating a blockade around Taiwan three days after he was sworn in as president in May.

China has said it would never renounce the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control.
Iran president visits Iraq on first foreign trip



Baghdad, Sept 11 (AFP) Sep 11, 2024



Iran's new president, Masoud Pezeshkian, began a visit to Iraq on Wednesday, aiming to deepen already close ties with the neighbouring country on his first trip abroad since taking office.

The three-day trip comes amid turmoil in the Middle East sparked by the war in Gaza, which has drawn in Iran-backed armed groups and complicated Iraq's relations with the United States.

Speaking at a press conference alongside Pezeshkian, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani said both governments opposed any expansion of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.

"In light of the escalation that the region has been going through, we have spoken a lot about the importance of stability," Sudani said, blaming Israel for the regional spillover of the war.

Pezeshkian has vowed to make relations with neighbouring countries a priority as he seeks to ease Iran's international isolation and mitigate the impact of US-led sanctions on its economy.

"It was a very good opportunity to visit the friend and brother country of Iraq in my first foreign trip as the president of Iran," he said on Wednesday.

"We need to implement security cooperation agreements between the two countries in order to deal with terrorists and enemies," he added.

Pezeshkian's visit comes after Western powers on Tuesday announced fresh sanctions on Iran for supplying Russia with short-range missiles for use against Ukraine.

Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani warned Britain, France and Germany that they "will face the appropriate and proportionate action" for the "hostile" move.

Hours before Pezeshkian's arrival, an explosion rocked a base at the airport used by a US-led anti-jihadist coalition.

Ties between Iran and Iraq, both Shiite-majority countries, have grown closer since the US-led invasion of 2003 toppled the Sunni-dominated regime of Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein.



- 'Neutralise pressure of sanctions' -



Pezeshkian, who took office in July after an early election following the death of his predecessor Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash, has previously linked shoring up ties to sanctions pressure.

"Relations with neighbouring countries... can neutralise a significant amount of pressure of the sanctions," he said last month.

Iran has suffered years of crippling Western sanctions, especially after its arch-foe the United States, under then-president Donald Trump, unilaterally abandoned a landmark nuclear deal between the Islamic republic and major powers in 2018.

Pezeshkian has made the top diplomat who negotiated the 2015 deal, Mohammad Javad Zarif, his vice president for strategic affairs as part of his bid for a more open Iran.



- Key trade partners -



Iran has become one of Iraq's leading trade partners, and wields considerable political influence in Baghdad, where its Iraqi allies dominate parliament and the current government.

Every year, millions of Iranian pilgrims travel to Iraq's Shiite holy cities of Najaf and Karbala, and Pezeshkian will also visit the shrines there during his visit.

Non-oil trade between Iran and Iraq stood at nearly $5 billion over the five months from March 2024, Iranian media reported.

Iran also exports millions of cubic metres of gas a day to Iraq to fuel its power plants, under a regularly renewed waiver from US sanctions.

Iraq is billions of dollars in arrears on its payments for the imports, which cover 30 percent of its electricity needs.

Political scientist Ali al-Baidar said expanding trade ties was a major goal of Pezeshkian's visit.

"Iran needs the Iraqi market for its exports, just as it needs Iraq's energy imports," the Iraqi analyst said.



- US troop drawdown -



Washington still has around 2,500 troops in Iraq and 900 in neighbouring Syria as part of an international coalition against the Islamic State jihadist group.

Last winter, US-led coalition forces in both Iraq and Syria were targeted dozens of times with drones and rocket fire as violence related to the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza has drawn in Iran-backed armed groups across the Middle East.

The barrage of attacks triggered retaliatory US air strikes in both countries.

On Sunday, Iraqi Defence Minister Thabet al-Abbassi told pan-Arab television channel Al-Hadath that the US-led coalition would pull out of most of Iraq by September 2025 and the Kurdish autonomous region by September 2026.

Despite months of talks, the target dates have yet to be agreed between Baghdad and Washington.

Pezeshkian will also travel to the Kurdish regional capital Arbil for talks with Kurdish officials, Iran's official IRNA news agency said.

In March last year, Tehran signed a security agreement with the federal government in Baghdad after launching air strikes against bases of Iranian Kurdish rebel groups in the autonomous region.

They have since agreed to disarm the rebels and remove them from border areas.

burs/jsa/ser
Iran president deepens Iraq ties on first foreign trip



Baghdad, Sept 11 (AFP) Sep 11, 2024



Iran and Iraq on Wednesday signed more than a dozen agreements to deepen already strong ties as Masoud Pezeshkian visited Baghdad on his first foreign trip as president of the Islamic republic.

The three-day trip comes amid turmoil in the Middle East sparked by the war in Gaza, which has drawn in Iran-backed armed groups and complicated Iraq's relations with the United States.

Speaking at a press conference alongside Pezeshkian, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani said both governments opposed any expansion of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.

"In light of the escalation that the region has been going through, we have spoken a lot about the importance of stability," Sudani said, blaming Israel for the regional spillover of the war.

Pezeshkian announced that "14 cooperation memorandums were signed between Iran and Iraq, which is the starting point of the expansion of cooperation".

"If we are together, we will avoid falling into the fire," he added.



- 'Neutralise pressure of sanctions' -



Pezeshkian has vowed to make relations with neighbouring countries a priority as he seeks to ease Iran's international isolation and mitigate the impact of US-led sanctions on its economy.

His visit comes after Western powers on Tuesday announced fresh sanctions on Iran for supplying Russia with short-range missiles for use against Ukraine.

Hours before Pezeshkian's arrival, an explosion rocked a US diplomatic base at Baghdad's international airport but caused no casualties, according to the US embassy.

Ties between Iran and Iraq, both Shiite-majority countries, have grown closer since the US-led invasion of 2003 toppled the Sunni-dominated regime of Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein.

Pezeshkian, who took office in July after an early election following the death of his predecessor Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash, has previously linked shoring up ties to sanctions pressure.

"Relations with neighbouring countries... can neutralise a significant amount of pressure of the sanctions," he said last month.

Iran has suffered years of crippling Western sanctions, especially after its arch-foe the United States, under then-president Donald Trump, unilaterally abandoned a landmark nuclear deal between the Islamic republic and major powers in 2018.



- Key trade partners -



Iran has become one of Iraq's leading trade partners, and wields considerable political influence in Baghdad.

Every year, millions of Iranian pilgrims travel to Iraq's Shiite holy cities of Najaf and Karbala, and Pezeshkian will also visit the shrines there during his visit.

Non-oil trade between Iran and Iraq stood at nearly $5 billion over the five months from March 2024, Iranian media reported.

Iran also exports millions of cubic metres of gas a day to Iraq to fuel its power plants, under a regularly renewed waiver from US sanctions.

Iraq is billions of dollars in arrears on its payments for the imports, which cover 30 percent of its electricity needs.

Political scientist Ali al-Baidar said expanding trade ties was a major goal of Pezeshkian's visit.

"Iran needs the Iraqi market for its exports, just as it needs Iraq's energy imports," the Iraqi analyst said.



- US troop drawdown -



Washington still has around 2,500 troops in Iraq and 900 in neighbouring Syria as part of an international coalition against the Islamic State jihadist group.

Last winter, US-led coalition forces in both Iraq and Syria were targeted dozens of times with drones and rocket fire as violence related to the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza has drawn in Iran-backed armed groups across the Middle East.

The barrage of attacks triggered retaliatory US air strikes in both countries.

On Sunday, Iraqi Defence Minister Thabet al-Abbassi told pan-Arab television channel Al-Hadath that the US-led coalition would pull out of most of Iraq by September 2025 and the Kurdish autonomous region by September 2026.

Despite protracted talks, the target dates have yet to be agreed between Baghdad and Washington.

Speaking to Iraqi media, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran was "very happy that the Iraqi parliament has approved the bill that calls for withdrawal of American forces from Iraq".

"Peace and security will not be achieved in our region with the presence of foreign forces," he added.

Pezeshkian will also travel to the Kurdish regional capital Arbil for talks with Kurdish officials, Iran's official IRNA news agency said.

In March last year, Tehran signed a security agreement with the federal government in Baghdad after launching air strikes against bases of Iranian Kurdish rebel groups in the autonomous region.

They have since agreed to disarm the rebels and remove them from border areas.

burs/jsa/ser
NATO should down Russian drones in Baltics: Lithuania



Warsaw, Sept 11 (AFP) Sep 11, 2024



Lithuania's defence minister said Wednesday that NATO aircraft based in the Baltic states should shoot down Russian drones that drift into their airspace after Russian drone crashed in Latvia last week.

Warplanes from other NATO members have patrolled their skies over the Baltic states since they joined the military alliance in 2004 as the three former Soviet republics do not have the necessary aircraft.

NATO aircraft "must not only patrol but also, if necessary, if possible destroy the drones," Defence Minister Laurynas Kasciunas told reporters in Lithuanian capital Vilnius.

He added the decision-making process should be shortened to make this possible.

His comments follow a Russian drone crashing in Latvia on Saturday. Latvia's armed forces said it was an Iranian-design Shahed drone equipped with explosives.

On Tuesday, Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics said his country was discussing the problem of Russian drones with its allies.

"We are raising the issue with our NATO partners about protocols for interception of drones, calling for the allied air fighters to be used immediately after such a drone has been seen approaching our borders," Rinkevics said.

Baltic officials also urged NATO to step up plans to deploy ground-based air defences along the bloc's eastern border.

NATO countries lack sufficient ground-based air defence systems, but agreed last year to short-term deployments to dissuade Russia.

In April, the Netherlands deployed Patriot missile systems for exercises in Lithuania, but the Baltic countries want air defence systems deployed on a permanent basis in the region.

At the beginning of September, Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said Warsaw should have the right to down Russian missiles threatening its territory in Ukrainian airspace.
UN Security Council extends arms embargo on Sudan



United Nations, United States, Sept 11 (AFP) Sep 11, 2024



The UN Security Council on Wednesday extended an arms embargo on Sudan's Darfur region for another year, after experts said it had been regularly violated amid the ongoing civil war, including by the United Arab Emirates.

In a resolution adopted unanimously, the Council extended until September 12, 2025 the sanctions regime in place since 2005, which is aimed solely at Darfur.

That includes individual sanctions -- asset freezes and a travel ban -- on three people, and an arms embargo.

The "people of Darfur continue to live in danger and desperation and despair ... This adoption sends an important signal to them that the international community remains focused on their plight," said deputy US ambassador Robert Wood.

Though sanctions do not apply to the whole country, their renewal "will restrict the movement of arms into Darfur and sanction individuals and entities contributing to or complicit in destabilizing activities in Sudan," he said.

More than 16 months of war between rival Sudanese generals has killed tens of thousands of people and triggered what the United Nations calls the world's worst internal displacement crisis.

The war pits the army under Sudan's de facto leader General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan against the RSF, led by his former deputy Mohamed Hamdan Daglo.

The UN and humanitarian organizations fear that the war could degenerate into new ethnic violence, particularly in Darfur, already ravaged more than 20 years ago by the scorched-earth policy pursued by the Janjaweed -- Arab militiamen who have since joined the RSF.

Jean-Baptiste Gallopin, a researcher for Human Rights Watch, said the decision was a "missed opportunity" by the Council to extend the embargo to the whole of Sudan.

China and Russia, permanent members of the Security Council who abstained the last time the embargo was renewed, in 2023, this time voted in favor.

The move "will go some way towards stemming the steady flow of illicit arms into the battlefield and calming down and deescalating the situation on the ground," said deputy Chinese ambassador Dai Bing.

He said the sanctions were "a means, not an end. They must not replace diplomacy."

In their annual report, published in January, experts charged by the Council with monitoring the sanctions regime said the arms embargo had been violated multiple times.

They pointed the finger at several countries, including the UAE, accused of sending arms to the RSF.

Sudanese ambassador Al-Harith Idriss al-Harith Mohamed said it was "no secret" that the UAE has a "key role" in the fighting, and argued that maintaining the embargo creates "an imbalance between the different forces in Darfur."

His Emirati counterpart rejected the "baseless" accusation, describing it as "a cynical attempt to deflect attention from the failings of the Sudanese armed forces."
Gaza rescuers say Israeli strike on school killed 14



Gaza Strip, Palestinian Territories, Sept 11 (AFP) Sep 11, 2024



An Israeli air strike Wednesday hit a central Gaza school, with the Hamas-run territory's civil defence agency reporting 14 killed in the facility-turned-displacement shelter and the military saying it had targeted militants.

The vast majority of the Gaza Strip's 2.4 million people have been displaced at least once by the war, triggered by Hamas's October 7 attack on Israel, with many seeking safety in school buildings.

Israeli forces have struck several such schools in recent months, saying Palestinian militants were operating there and hiding among displaced civilians -- charges denied by Hamas.

The Al-Jawni school in Nuseirat, already hit several times during the war, was struck again on Wednesday, civil defence agency spokesman Mahmud Bassal told AFP.

"The number of martyrs has risen to 14," he said, updating an earlier toll of 10 killed in the "Israeli bombing of Al-Jawni school" which also wounded numerous people.

AFP was unable to independently verify the toll, which the spokesman said included several women and children.

A medical source at Nuseirat's Al-Awda health centre in central Gaza told AFP that 15 people killed in the strike had been brought to hospitals in the area.

Nine were reported taken to Al-Awda and six to Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Hospital in Deir el-Balah, also in central Gaza.

AFP journalists saw several unconscious men and women brought to Al-Aqsa hospital on stretchers, and children arriving in the arms of medics.

"Most of the people took refuge in schools and the schools were bombed and the martyrs were mostly children and women," Basil Amarneh, a local resident, said at the hospital.

"Where will people go?"



- Strikes on schools -



Israel's military said its air force had "conducted a precise strike on terrorists who were operating inside a Hamas command-and-control centre" on the school grounds, without elaborating on the outcome or the identities of those targeted.

The Hamas government media office said about 5,000 displaced people were sheltering at the school when it was hit on Wednesday.

The school used to be run by the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA.

Al-Jawni has been hit at least five times in more than 11 months of war, Bassal said.

In July, at least 16 people were killed in an Israeli air strike on the facility that the military said had targeted "terrorists".

Israel's military offensive since the war began on October 7 has killed at least 41,084 people in Gaza, according to the territory's health ministry. The UN rights office says most of the dead are women and children.

The October 7 Hamas attack on southern Israel that triggered the war resulted in the deaths of 1,205 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures, which also includes hostages killed in captivity.

Israel's military meanwhile reported the deaths of two soldiers late Tuesday when an army helicopter crashed in the area of Gaza's southern city of Rafah.

The military announced on Wednesday that the helicopter had crashed while landing and that another eight soldiers were injured.

The aircraft had been on a "life-saving operation" to evacuate a wounded soldier when it crashed, Major General Tomer Bar said in a statement.

"An investigative committee has been appointed to investigate the details of the crash," he said, and called it an "operational accident".

The latest deaths bring the Israeli military's losses in the Gaza campaign to 344 since its ground offensive began on October 27.
Press Release

September 11, 2024 EDCOM 2: To improve PISA performance, go back to basics, focus on learners' "foundational skills" - World Bank The Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2), along with the World Bank Philippine Country office and the Philippine Institute for Development Studies organized the International Large-Scale Assessments (ILSAs) Online Symposium on September 9, 2024 to discuss how International Large Scale Assessments can be used in driving education reforms that would respond to the needs of Filipino learners. Along with World Bank technical experts, EDCOM 2 Co-chairperson Representative Roman Romulo, Advisory Council Member Fred Ayala, Standing Committee Members Diosdado San Antonio and Teacher Therese Bustos, and representatives from other EDCOM 2 Commissioners' offices were also present in the symposium. DepEd officials were also in attendance, led by Undersecretary Gina Gonong. A key focus of the symposium was the Philippines' PISA 2022 results, which showed that over 75% of Filipino students are low performers in mathematics, science, reading, and creative thinking. EDCOM 2's analysis also found that, in comparison to the results of neighboring countries, the highest-achieving Filipino students are only comparable to the average students in countries like Malaysia, Thailand, Brunei, and Vietnam, and to the weakest students in Singapore. World Bank Education Specialists outlined a range of support measures needed to improve the Philippines' performance in International Large-Scale Assessments. This starts with foundational skills. They emphasized that to improve education systems, there needs to be focus on literacy and numeracy especially in the early grades, where building a strong learning foundation is crucial. Diego Luna Bazaldua, one of World Bank's Senior Education Specialists, recommended that reforms should focus on integrating literacy and numeracy into all subjects and moving from a content-based to a competency-based curriculum. This has been a successful strategy in countries like Ireland and Vietnam, where students' learning outcomes improved over the past decade. However, redesigning the curriculum alone is not enough. Bazaldua also emphasized that to ensure the success of such changes, learning materials must be aligned with the new curriculum, and teachers must be trained accordingly. An additional recommendation from the World Bank was to adopt long-term commitments rather than short-term initiatives. "Achieving substantial improvements in international assessments like PISA requires years of focused and sustained efforts," said Bazaldua. He also pointed to the need to address inequities in education, ensuring that students from all socio-economic backgrounds have access to quality foundational skills early in their education. The symposium also touched on the issue of language of instruction. EDCOM 2 Advisory Council Member Fred Ayala raised the question of whether conducting PISA in Filipino, rather than English, would have led to better outcomes for Filipino students. Koji Miyamoto, another World Bank expert, responded that while there might be some differences, language alone would not guarantee better results. "Other factors, such as socio-economic contexts and learning environments, play a significant role in learning outcomes," he explained. Representative Roman Romulo echoed this concern, noting that the DepEd is legally mandated to use the mother tongue as the language of instruction in basic education. This requirement, however, poses challenges in a country with 19 major languages. "Under our current laws, we are required, as a medium of instruction, to teach in the language that is dominant in that particular region or particular place or that particular school. In fact, that was the reason given to me by DepEd before, that is why they chose the English language -- because we have too many languages. And because we have too many languages, it becomes impossible to choose just one," Romulo said.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 11. Representatives of the chambers of commerce and industry of the Caspian states will gather in Astrakhan this October for the 21st meeting of the International Council for Business Cooperation, the source at the Ministry of Foreign Relations of the Astrakhan Region told Trend.

"On October 30-31, the 21st meeting of the International Council for Business Cooperation of the Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CCI) of the Caspian countries will be held in Astrakhan.

Representatives from government authorities and business circles from Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Turkmenistan will attend the event.

The meeting will also feature experts, scientists, and leaders of public organizations from Caspian states," the ministry said.

The event, titled "Business-minded Caspian," will be organized by the Astrakhan Chamber of Commerce and Industry Union.

The aim of the meeting is to strengthen cooperation between the CCIs, businesses, and relevant structures of the Caspian states, as well as to discuss prospects for the region's trade and economic development.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
The group, which is supported by investors representing 1.6 trillion of assets under management, said investors expect firms to set out credible plans that align with the Paris Agreement goal of trying to limit warming to 1.5C and include detailed strategies on how to achieve them.
He had fallen from the roof area trying to get away. One of the neighbours called the police after hearing banging at a house which is being renovated. There have been multiple break-ins there with thieves trying to steal tools.
The inquiry chair, Lord Brodie, asked Dr Peters why this was, and she replied: I think it speaks to a lack of a joined up approach, where we really needed to say, lets start again from scratch, We dont actually know what we have. And take it from there.
She told the youngster he had been involved in the worst type of feral behaviour in our country and if an adult, he would be going to jail for up to five years, but she was giving him a chance and instead ordered him to complete a 12-month referral order.
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BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 11. The Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) have discussed initiatives related to the green transition, the chairperson of the Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA) Taleh Kazimov wrote on X, Trend reports.

The publication notes that a meeting was held with the EBRD's new Executive Director for Turkiye and South Caucasus, Elisabetta Falcetti.

''During the meeting, we discussed the sustainable development of the financial sector, the Central Bank's strategic plans for sectoral growth, the expansion of the real sector's access to finance, green transition-related initiatives, and the possibilities for EBRD's support in this regard.

Additionally, we exchanged views on the current state and prospects of cooperation between the #CentralBank and the EBRD, '' the publication reads.
Mr Lammy hailed the Kyiv trip as the first of its kind in a decade at a press conference alongside his US counterpart on Tuesday, while 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.
Speaking at the start of a meeting with Mr Lammy at his office in Kyiv on Wednesday, Mr Shmyhal said: We hope that long-range equipment for strikes on the territory of our enemy will be reached and we will have it. And we hope for your help and support in this issue.
Others due to be released under the scheme include Adam Andrews, who was jailed for three years after being convicted of grievous bodily harm without intent for reportedly shaking a baby so violently he was left blind, paralysed and now needs round-the-clock care. He is eligible to be freed early because his sentence for a violent offence involves a prison term of less than four years.
Ms Howarth went on: As of a few years ago, the cost of EVs were typically 5,000-10,000 more expensive (than ICE cars), and also then energy prices went up and there was news around the cost of running an EV being more expensive.
Speaking from the red carpet on Wednesday evening, the Good Morning Britain presenter told the PA news agency: The comments Ive had and the emails and the letters have been so wonderful, and so obviously its been very sad in a way, because youd love him to be here, or even if he wasnt well enough to be actually here then to be going home to tell him all about it.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 11. Azerbaijan is making significant strides towards becoming a leader in green growth and a major exporter of green energy, with a confirmed technical capacity for renewable energy exceeding 184 gigawatts (GW), Trend reports.

The country is poised with substantial potential and is actively working on establishing a green energy corridor with Europe.

In 2022, a strategic partnership agreement was signed in Bucharest with Georgia, Romania, and Hungary to develop and transfer green energy. This project aims to enhance Europe's energy security and involves laying an electrical cable across the Black Sea. The cable, spanning approximately 1,100 kilometers, will facilitate the export of up to 4,000 megawatts of green energy from Azerbaijan to European markets.

The country's green energy export potential, coupled with its diverse energy resources, could positively impact international energy markets. Key factors influencing this potential include the construction of necessary infrastructure and technological networks to support the export.

Regional cooperation and integration with neighboring energy markets are crucial for boosting Azerbaijan's green energy exports. Agreements within the South Caucasus and with other neighboring countries could advance this goal.

Government policies and legislative incentives that promote green energy exports are vital for the development of the energy sector. Relevant legislation and economic programs can support increased green energy exports.

Support programs from state and international financial institutions are encouraging investment and expanding export opportunities for green energy. International trade agreements and energy exchange programs will ease the export process and broaden market opportunities.

Exporting green energy contributes to environmental protection and plays a role in combating climate change. It can also strengthen Azerbaijan's economy, increase foreign currency earnings, and create new jobs in the energy sector.

Azerbaijan's high export potential for green energy, supported by a variety of energy resources, government backing, and international collaboration, underscores the importance of developing appropriate infrastructure, regional cooperation, and supportive government policies.

The country is well-positioned as a leading player in renewable energy, with a technical potential of 135 GW onshore and 157 GW offshore and an economic potential of 27 GW, including 3,000 MW from wind, 23,000 MW from solar, 380 MW from bioenergy, and 520 MW from mountain rivers.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 11. Azerbaijani Deputy Energy Minister Orkhan Zeynalov has met with the Executive Director of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) for Turkiye and Caucasus, Elisabetta Falcetti, Trend reports, referring to the Azerbaijani Energy Ministry.

During the meeting, the sides expressed satisfaction with cooperation with the Bank in the energy sector, considered current projects in such areas as renewable energy, energy efficiency, and transition to low-carbon energy, and exchanged views on opportunities for further cooperation.

The progress of the EBRD-supported auction process for the Gobustan solar power plant was assessed.

The representative of the Bank was informed about the steps taken to establish green energy corridors Caspian-Black Sea-Europe and Azerbaijan-Central Asia-Europe," COP29-related initiatives, and planned activities in the energy sector.
Members of the Senate Defence Committee and representatives of the Ministry of Defense (MApN) discussed on Wednesday the completion of the legislation on the response capacity to the entry into Romanian airspace of hostile or unmanned drones.

"We all agreed during the debate that the entering of a Russian drone in the airspace over a distance of about 40 km, for a period of 40 minutes, can be considered a vulnerability, in the context of the lack of legislation that would talk about current rules of engagement. We have discussed the urgency of adopting draft laws that would allow the MApN to fulfill their missions," said the president of the Senate Defence Committee, Nicoleta Pauliuc. Airspace is defended, but legislative amendments needed on drones

She specified that the Defence Ministry has four draft laws under approved, set to be approved in emergency procedure.

The National Liberal Party (PNL) senator also said that "there is no danger that we would not be able to fulfill our missions, the airspace being defended, as we are part of NATO".
Two American filmmakers, John Alexander and JC Guest, Emmy Award winners for the documentary "Little Satchmo", will participate in the 21st edition of the International Film and Television Festival SIMFEST in Targu Mures, which will take place from September 30 to October 6, informs Agerpres.

"The 21st edition of the SIMFEST International Film and Television Festival will bring to Romania, among other special guests, the American filmmakers John Alexander and JC Guest, who won an Emmy award last year for their documentary 'Little Satchmo', made for PBS, about the secret daughter of jazz legend Louis Armstrong. Director John Alexander has been appointed as a member of the final jury for the festival's official competition selections, and JC Guest will give a masterclass on international independent filmmaking. The two filmmakers will be present throughout the festival," announced on Wednesday the president of the SIMFEST Cultural Association, Ioan Ceausescu, quoted in a press release.

According to the SIMFEST organizer, in addition to "Little Satchmo", Alexander and Guest are known for directing and producing the multi-award-winning feature-length documentary "This Is Love", with Mick Fleetwood as executive producer, about soul music hero Rudy Love.

The two are also known for the cult thriller "Bender", about America's first family of serial killers, starring Oscar-nominated actor Bruce Davison.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 11. The COP29 Chairmanship, with the support of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Secretariat, organized two workshops in Togo and Kenya this week under the auspices of the Baku Global Transparency Platform (GTP), Trend reports.

The workshops were aimed at enabling African countries to accelerate the preparation of biennial transparency reports (BTRs), the information explained.

The workshop in Togo was held in partnership with the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the West African Development Bank, the Azerbaijan International Development Agency (AIDA), and the Commonwealth Secretariat of African States. While, the workshop in Kenya was supported by the African Development Bank, the Commonwealth Climate Finance Center, and AIDA.

Transparency remains a cornerstone of the COP29, and these workshops are crucial to promote transparency of climate action while strengthening capacity building efforts in developing countries, the information notes.

To note, the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) will be held in Azerbaijan in November this year. The decision was made at the plenary meeting of COP28 held in Dubai on December 11 last year. Within two weeks Baku, having become the center of the world, will host about 70,000-80,000 foreign guests.

The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change is an agreement signed at the Rio Earth Summit in June 1992 to prevent dangerous human interference in the climate system. The acronym COP (Conference of Parties) stands for Conference of Parties, which is the highest legislative body overseeing the implementation of the Framework Convention on Climate Change.

A total of 198 countries are parties to the convention. Unless the parties have decided otherwise, COP is held annually. The first COP event was held in March 1995 in Germany's Berlin with its secretariat in Bonn.

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Many schools across Europe are introducing bans or restrictions on the use of mobile phones amid concerns about their impact on young people's mental health. While there are no EU-wide rules to tackle the issue, in July EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen also sounded the alarm and vowed to take action, informs Agerpres.

As digital technology becomes an ever-present force in young people's lives, European countries are increasingly raising concerns about the excessive use of mobile phones, social media and other forms of digital communication - with some moving towards banning or restricting mobile phones in schools.

Recent studies have highlighted alarming links between excessive screen time and the consequent negative impact on the mental health and academic performance of children and young people. For example, a study by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) advised limited and responsible use of mobile phones in schools.

In July, upon her re-election as European Commission President for a second term, Ursula von der Leyen vowed to tackle social media addiction and cyberbullying, referring to widespread concerns about the negative impact on mental health and well-being.

'We see more and more reporting on what some call a mental health crisis,' von der Leyen said. 'We will convene the first-ever European-wide enquiry on the impact of social media on the wellbeing of young people. We owe it to them,' she added.

On cyberbullying, von der Leyen said: 'My heart bleeds when I read about young people harming themselves or even taking their lives because of online abuse.' She vowed to 'tackle the plague of cyberbullying' and to 'take action against the addictive design of some platforms'.

Keeping mobile devices out of sight

While the European Union has been increasingly aware of the negative effects of social media and mobile phone use among young people, there are no EU-wide rules to tackle these issues across all of the bloc's 27 member states. Instead, rules vary by country.

Some European countries are considering or have already introduced bans on mobile phones in schools or restrictions on their use during school hours. These include Belgium, France, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain and Greece.

Other countries, such as Slovenia, Croatia and EU membership candidate Bosnia and Herzegovina are exploring options to address the concerns, but have not yet introduced nationwide bans. Instead, schools are taking matters into their own hands.

The Netherlands: Schools in the Netherlands enacted a complete nationwide ban on mobile phones as of the first week of September. Phones in secondary school classrooms have been forbidden since the beginning of the year, a measure that has now been extended to primary schools from the start of the new school year.

Phones may still be used in class if they are necessary for the content of the lesson, for example when learning about media skills, or if pupils are dependent on them for medical reasons or due to a disability.

France: At 180 'colleges', the middle schools French children attend between the ages of eleven and 15, a scheme is being trialled to ban the use of mobile phones during the entire school day. The trial of the so-called 'digital pause', which encompasses more than 50,000 pupils, is being implemented ahead of a possible plan to enforce it nationwide from 2025.

Right now, pupils in French middle schools must turn off their phones. The experiment takes things further, requiring children to hand in their phones on arrival. It is part of a move by President Emmanuel Macron for children to spend less time in front of screens, which the government fears is arresting their development.

A report on young people's use of screens presented to Macron in April by a commission of experts recommended no phones until the age of 11, giving children between 11 and 13 years old a so-called 'dumb phone' without internet and restricting internet access until the age of 15. Such a 'dumbphone' device, called 'The Phone' is now being developed in France by an entrepreneur mother, her son and a partner.

Belgium: In Belgium, mobile phones will be banned in classrooms of hundreds of French-speaking schools in Brussels and Wallonia starting this school year. The plans were announced by the francophone region's new government over the summer.

In the Dutch-speaking region of Flanders, however, there is no general ban on phones in schools, but some have decided to introduce prohibitions on their own.

Greece: In Greece, students are required to keep their mobile phones in their school bags at all times during lessons. The Minister of Education, Kyriakos Pierrakakis, clarified that clearly visible possession and use of mobile phones is prohibited even during breaks and a violation would lead to a one-day suspension.

Last week, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis did not rule out the possibility that students would be forced to lock their mobile phones away and collect them after school hours.

Italy: In Italy, mobile phones are banned from classrooms starting this school year, under a decree issued by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's right-wing administration in July. The measure was introduced by Education Minister Giuseppe Valditara from the nationalist League party and aims to prohibit the use of mobile phones in schools, including for teaching purposes. Tablets and computers can still be used with teachers' consent.

Spain: In several regions in Spain, bans and restrictions on mobile phones in school have already been in place, such as the Communities of Madrid, Galicia, Castilla-La Mancha, Andalusia and Extremadura.

In January, the State School Council of Spain - the highest consultative body of the government in the educational field - unanimously approved a veto on the use of mobile phones in primary education and limitations for secondary education.

Consequently, other regions began to implement measures. In Aragon, the Valencian Community, the Balearic Islands and Navarre as well as Andalusia, for example, teachers have the power to confiscate and turn off students' phones until the end of the school day.

Sweden: Sweden's Public Health Agency (FHM) has recently issued recommendations on screen time for children. It said children under the age of two should be kept away from digital media and television completely and it should be limited for more senior ages.

The new recommendations are based on research and how much time the kids should spend on different things to feel well. According to Swedish government figures, teenagers between 13 and 16 in Sweden in general spend 6.5 hours a day online. Sweden's Minister of Social Affairs and Public Health, Jakob Forssmed, hopes that the tech companies will act in order to reduce the risk for kids to get stuck online.

Slovenia: In Slovenian primary and secondary schools, it is up to each individual school to restrict the use of mobile devices. Internal rules vary from school to school, but few have banned the use of mobile devices completely. According to experts, a first step towards reducing screen use would be to set national guidelines.

Online violence among young people is on the rise, according to this year's survey by Safe.si, the national awareness-raising point for safe internet use. In Slovenia, as many as 65 percent of primary school girls and 55 percent of primary school boys have experienced some form of online violence. In secondary school, 63 percent of female students and 54 percent of male students have experienced some form of online violence.

Croatia: In Croatia, there are no uniform rules and the Ministry of Education has not yet made any decision on this matter. However, some schools have already made a decision to prohibit the use of mobile phones by students the entire time they are at school, including during breaks between individual lessons.

These include schools in several Croatian cities: Zagreb, Split, Rijeka, Osijek, Zadar. One school in Split also introduced a ban on bringing mobile phones to school, claiming that a simple ban of using it is not enough.

Bosnia and Herzegovina: To encourage greater socialisation among students and prevent juvenile delinquency, several schools in Bosnia and Herzegovina have banned bringing mobile phones to class. However, despite a parliamentary initiative to extend this practice, it has not yet been implemented in most educational institutions across the country.

According to a study by UNICEF and the Communications Regulatory Agency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, every second child in Bosnia and Herzegovina under the age of eleven has a profile on a social media platform. More than 50 percent of children have experienced unpleasantness online, yet over 85 percent have not discussed it with anyone.
Prime minister Marcel Ciolacu announced that the Government will approve in Wednesday's meeting the increase of the tax ceiling for pensions in the public order and public security national system.

Around 200,000 people will benefit from this measure, the prime minister said at the start of the government meeting.

"Today we are approving the increase in the tax ceiling for pensions in the public order and public security national system. Practically, we bring them to the same level as the other public pensions, where we have already legislated raising the ceiling from 2,000 to 3,000 RON, starting October 1. About 200,000 Romanians will benefit from this new measure, which is an act of social equity," said Marcel Ciolacu.

He added that he will take on the task of solving the problems signaled by miners and people with disabilities regarding pensions.

"We are now also working on solving the problems of miners and disabled pensioners. I take it upon myself to solve the problems of these people. They are not guilty because the state has changed the retirement rules several times, out of momentary interests. However, rest assured that I will solve it through dialogue with the European Commission, reaching a correct understanding, not through populist actions, with ghost projects now submitted in Parliament, which amend the law adopted last year under the PNRR and voted by all parties," Ciolacu said.

The prime minister announced on Tuesday evening that he will meet with representatives of miners and workers on Friday to discuss the way their pensions will be recalculated.

"There are these two categories, on Friday I am meeting them. (...) Miners and people with disabilities, including the visually impaired, who are 2,500 people in retirement at the moment. I had a meeting with people with disabilities, I understood, I asked the Labor minister to find solutions. Naturally, I will communicate them with the Commission and I will solve this problem. I have a meeting on Friday also with the miners' representatives," said the prime minister on private broadcaster Antena 3.

He also announced that a legislative provision on tax exemption for military and police officers will be corrected at the government meeting on Wednesday.
The judges of the Bucharest Court of Appeal maintain that there is no evidence to incriminate the two doctors from the St. Pantelimon Hospital charged with aggravated murder, the nurses' statements are considered "mere gossip" and passages from the investigators' report were meant to "fascinate public opinion".

The Bucharest Court of Appeal published on Wednesday the reasons for which the magistrates ordered on August 20 the release from custody of doctors Maria Miron and Mirela Paius from the Intensive Care Unit of the St. Pantelimon Hospital, accused of aggravated homicide in the case of the suspicious deaths.

In a 34-page document, the judges reject all the allegations of the Public Prosecutor's Office of the Bucharest Tribunal, concluding that there is no evidence to incriminate the two doctors.
The president of the Senate, PNL (National Liberal Party) leader Nicolae Ciuca, on Wednesday stated, 23 years after the attack of September 11, 2001 in the USA, that solidarity and unity in the face of terror - regardless of where it is spread - represents the only way to a safer world, informs Agerpres.

"We commemorate 23 years since the attack of September 11, 2001, which changed the course of history and changed humanity's perspective on terrorism: a terrible scourge that can strike anywhere, even in the economic heart of the most powerful country. The American nation moved forward, in time, mourning his victims and taking measures so that such an event does not happen again," Ciuca said on Facebook.

The president of the Senate emphasised that Romania was and remains in solidarity with the American strategic partner, just like the entire democratic world.

"We honour the memory of those who lost their lives on that tragic day and our hearts are with their families and survivors. Romania was and remains in solidarity with the American strategic partner, just like the entire democratic world. Solidarity and unity in the face of terror - regardless of where it is spread - represents the only way to a safer world. State security and safety are the central pillars of my presidential vision for the coming years. We can build anything in our society, if people are guaranteed to live in peace and safety," Nicolae Ciuca also said.
The National Meteorological Administration (ANM) has issued a new series of nowcasting Code Orange warnings of unstable weather, targeting areas in nine counties located in Moldova, Dobrogea and Muntenia regions.

According to the meteorologists, in the next hour and a half, torrential showers, frequent electrical discharges and intensification of the wind will be reported in the counties of Bacau, Galati, Vrancea, Vaslui, Constanta, Braila, Ialomita, Buzau and Calarasi.

In these areas, the accumulated water quantities will reach 40 l/m2.

The warnings of immediate dangerous phenomena (nowcasting) are issued for a maximum period of six hours, ANM informs.
PNL First Vice-President, Rares Bogdan declared on Wednesday that the Ministry of Finance presented a "very correct and very good" bill regarding the non-taxation of military pensions under 3,000 RON and it must be taken into account, mentioning that no one can afford to "play politically" issues related to pensions.

Asked at the Parliament about the fact that the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Labor presented two bills on the same topic, the non-taxation of military pensions under 3,000 RON, and whether it is a competition between PSD and PNL, Rares Bogdan said: "The Ministry of Finance presented a very correct, a very good bill and must be taken into account".

"No one competes or play politically issues related to pensions. It is a bureaucratic issue, it will be resolved. It is good that both ministries worked", added the liberal MEP.

Asked if there was no consensus in the coalition on this issue, he said: "There was no meeting in the coalition now."

"Marcel Bolos did his job very well. He has a mandate from the PNL", added Rares Bogdan, also mentioning the fact that there is no discussion now about his reshuffle.
Over 200,000 people, Romanian and foreign citizens, crossed the borders on the way in and out of the Romania on September 10, and approximately 68,100 means of transport, informs Agerpres.

According to the General Border Police Inspectorate, coming into Romania through the land border crossings and also through the air and sea border crossings (arrivals from non-Schengen states) were 85,489 people. At the same time, 29,475 means of transport entered the country.

Starting February 10, 2022, before the beginning of the armed conflict in Ukraine, until September 10, midnight, 9,962,805 Ukrainian citizens entered Romania.

Since March 31, 2024, border guards at the airports and seaports across the country have no longer checked people travelling to the Schengen area, but together with the police, immigration and gendarmerie, they carry out policing actions to verify the identity and legal situation of persons and also to prevent and combat crime.

To carry out such checks, there are mobile terminals connected to the relevant databases of the Romanian authorities, and also to those in the Schengen Area, with approximately 5,000 checks in the eDAC application having been conducted in the last 24 hours.

The border police detected 173 illegal acts (80 crimes and 93 misdemeanours) in the areas under their jurisdiction - the border crossings and the green border - committed by both Romanian and foreign citizens, levying about RON 59,050 in fines in the process.

Assets worth over RON 203,000 were impounded.

Thirty-one foreign citizens who did not meet the conditions provided by the law were denied entry.

Also on Tuesday, 14 Romanian citizens were not allowed to leave the country for various legal reasons.
Romania's Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu says that he was bothered by the attitude of Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer and the Austrian government, who denied Romania the right to be part of the Schengen area, only because of an internal vested interest, informs Agerpres.

He also says that he has no opponents in the electoral campaign, considering that all politicians have to fight against tax evasion and drug trafficking.

"I don't have an opponent. I want to unveil my manifesto as well as possible. I don't think Romanians want any more opponents. (...) Evaders, drug traffickers... they must be opponents - mine, and Ciuca's, Lasconi's, and Geoana's - those who want to harm Romania. The whole region and all of Europe sees Romania's fantastic potential. Romania has brought balance to Europe. If Romania was not this buffer - with economic costs, with the cost of lowering the standard of living... that's why I was upset by the Austrian government and Chancellor Nehammer. You can't help but understand the role that Romania played and continues to play amidst the ongoing war in Ukraine (...)," Ciolacu told Antena 3 private broadcaster on Tuesday..

In his opinion, the political spectrum can no longer be divided only into parties of the left or right, because a third pole, sovereignism, has also emerged.

"We are no longer talking about left and right. We are already talking about three poles: the left, the right and sovereignism - which emerged and grew especially after the war in Ukraine. There are changes. (...) I believe that now politics is not about the left and the right. It is not about the president's powers, which are limited - national security, he is the supreme commander of the armed forces and the foreign affairs area. I believe that now everything is about the economy and about the ability to create a regional hub in Romania, having all the premises for that," said Ciolacu.
Prime minister Marcel Ciolacu said that if a drone enters Romania's territory, it is identified and it is sent to hit a target on Romania's soil, it will be downed at once, informs Agerpres.

The prime minister was asked on Wednesday if Romania has the necessary legislation to down drones entering national territory.

"It is an entire discussion. If you down drones on Romania's territory, but they are from Ukraine's territory. If those drones hit targets on the territory of... It is a discussion, let us take it much more seriously. What I can tell you for certain: if a drone enters Romania's territory, it is identified and it is sent to hit a target on Romania's soil, it will be downed at once. (...) And the last time it has happened," Marcel Ciolacu said.

He was also asked about the situation of the past few days when a drone entered several tens of kilometers on Romanian territory.

"And we have raised F-16s and we have monitored the entire trajectory on Romanian territory, as have other countries. You know we have international air police. Don't worry that that drone could have hit a target on Romanian territory. It would have been shot down immediately, according to protocol, law or no law. Nobody is playing games," concluded Ciolacu.

The Senate Defence Committee will meet on Wednesday with representatives of the National Defence Ministry.

According to Parliament sources, one of the topics of the meeting is the assessment of amending legislation so as to allow the military to down drones entering Romania's territory.
Prime minister Marcel Ciolacu on Wednesday said that negotiations regarding the European commissioner from Romania continue for another week, informs Agerpres.

Ciolacu was asked what is happening with the negotiation regarding the European commissioner, after the nominations were postponed.

"It was delayed for a week because of Slovakia. I spoke with the president of the European Commission, we are continuing the negotiations (...) The structure of each portfolio is very important. It is really tempting to have a portfolio with more social impact, focusing on social housing, with two general directions within the Commission, where that Commissioner will be the decision-maker. It is very tempting to have a commissioner within the Commission. We will weigh these things. The president of the Commission said that she will send me all the information, because there is an ongoing negotiation process within the Commission right now," said the PM.

The presentation of the new team of European commissioners, which was expected on Wednesday in Brussels, will finally take place next Tuesday in Strasbourg, a sign that the negotiations are being prolonged, reports AFP.

The distribution of the future EU Executive will be presented to the leaders of the political groups in the European Parliament on Tuesday morning, on the sidelines of the MEPs' plenary session in Strasbourg, a Commission spokesman announced.

The delay is related to the change of the commissioner for Slovenia, a country that finally opted for Marta Kos, a former ambassador, whose candidacy is to be approved by the Slovenian parliament on Friday.

With this new candidate, European leaders are trying to mitigate the controversy regarding the absence of a sufficient number of women in the team being formed.

At this stage, the new college could have approximately ten women out of a total of 27 commissioners, without achieving parity.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 11. The Deputy Chief Negotiator of COP28 Iman Ustadi has expressed approval for the COP29 Presidency's launch of the Baku Global Transparency Platform (BTP) following her visit to Baku, Trend reports via the COP29 website.

"This platform is a key tool for strengthening cooperation between stakeholders to ensure the timely and effective submission of Biennial Transparency Reports (BTR)," Ustadi said.

An event took place in Baku on September 9-11 as part of the COP29 Pre-Dialogues, focusing on advancing the transparency agenda and supporting the successful implementation of the "Enhanced Transparency Framework" (reflected in the Paris Climate Agreement).

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. The 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.

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The spokesman for the Defense Ministry (MApN), Brigadier General Constantin Spinu, said on Wednesday that it is possible to intervene in the case of a hostile attack against Romania with the legislation in force, but "legislative adaptations" are needed to clarify " the particular situations" that Law 257/2001 could not foresee, because in that period there was no danger of drones.

"I want to send a safety message. Romania's airspace is well defended. The fact that the drone was not downed, that it was not downed in Poland or in Latvia either, represents a risk, but it was not a vulnerability. At that time there were two F16 planes in the air that were constantly monitoring the situation. The action procedures are the same in the whole NATO airspace. We intervene according to a set of measures that are taken gradually in all NATO airspace. At that time I was in permanent contact with the NATO authorities. Romania's airspace is managed at an allied level. The two F16 planes of the Romanian Air Force were in combat service, under NATO authority. They were in the air for almost two hours, so they could have intervened in the situation where the drone would have represented a danger to the national territory", explained Spinu after the meeting of the representatives of the Ministry of Defense with the members of the Senate's Defense Committee.

He specified that the Romanian legislation, as the legislation of the other NATO countries, "provides procedural steps by which action can be taken against aircraft that use the airspace of Romania illegally".

"It is true, however, that the legislation was issued around the year 2001, a period when there was no danger of drones, and the situation is almost the same in all NATO countries. That is why legislative adaptations are needed. The Romanian army acts according to the same procedures and principles which activates all NATO armies", added Spinu.

The MApN spokesman admitted that the drone, which can be considered "also a provocation", could have been downed if it was "a hostile act directed against NATO territory".

"The law was issued in 2001 (Law 257/2001). We need legislative clarifications so that our procedures are as simple as possible, and the chain of authority is as short as possible in such situations. The new draft laws are in approval at the various institutions to be approved by the Government. For now, we can act with this legislation, when a hostile act against the territory of Romania or NATO can be estimated. We need to clarify the particular situations that the Law from 2001 could not foresee (...) In the situation where we have a deliberate hostile attack against Romania, sure that no legislative change is needed, we can intervene with the legislation on which we have now. What we want is to be well covered with all the other situations that could not be foreseen in 2001, when there were no drones used militarily", explained Spinu.

He guaranteed that Romania's airspace "is defended in the same way xas in all NATO countries" and that there are the necessary means of surveillance, monitoring and intervention in case of a hostile situation.
A troubled Florissant nursing home and its owner are being sued for the wrongful death of an 85-year-old man.

Ronald Taylor died in 2022 at Rancho Rehab and Healthcare Center due to neglect and improper care he received at the skilled nursing facility where he developed bedsores, according to a lawsuit his sister filed with the St. Louis County Circuit Court last week.

Rancho Rehab and Healthcare Center is located at 615 Rancho Lane and is owned by Jack Wolf, referred to as Jacques Wolf in court documents. Wolf is accused of creating a budgetary and staffing strategy, which minimized employee quantity, employee quality, safety, training and supervision in order to maximize profits.

The suit states that Taylor was admitted to the facility in March 2022. His condition deteriorated and he developed staged pressure wounds, or bedsores, in September. Staff members failed to address his condition, the lawsuit alleges, and Taylor died on Nov. 15, 2022 at the Rancho Rehab and Healthcare Center.

[Taylor] suffered abusive and neglectful treatment for which defendants offered no or insufficient changes in his care to protect him from injuries, and his injuries and death were foreseeable, the suit reads.

The lawsuit also names New Jersey-based management company Luxor Healthcare LLC, Rancho Propco LLC and MO Operation Holdings LLC, all of which provide healthcare services at the Florissant nursing home and are connected to Wolf.

Luxor Healthcare acquired Rancho Rehab and Healthcare Center, Beauvais Rehab and Healthcare Center, in the Shaw neighborhood, and Hillside Rehab and Healthcare Center, in the Baden neighborhood, in 2021.

Union workers at the three area Luxor facilities have been in a stalemate with the operator over a new contact for months now. Their initial agreement expired in May.

The three Luxor nursing homes each have one-star ratings from the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, or CMS. During inspections by state surveyors, each one has, in the past year, received a tag of immediate jeopardy, the most serious level of citation.

Reports cite residents not receiving medication on time, residents not being properly assessed by nurses or doctors, expired medication in the medication room, raw food being served, a lack of pest control, damaged and dirty flooring and walls and more.

Luxors website does not list the nursing homes it is involved with, but CMS records show that besides the three St. Louis-area facilities, CEO Wolf and President Asher Marx have stakes in eight other Missouri nursing homes.

Rancho Rehab and Healthcare Center and Luxor Healthcare both did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Taylors sister, Joyce Carpenter, is suing for the Florissant nursing home for both wrongful death and lost chance of recovery and survival. The suit is asking for a jury trial.
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JEFFERSON CITY  Nearly 87 years ago, some of Missouris most prominent legal minds met in the Tiger Hotel in Columbia. On their agenda: how to beat back judicial corruption. At the time, a Kansas City Democrat named Tom Pendergast, known as Boss because of the political power he asserted statewide, was waging war against democracy, using his influence to elect the governor and getting that governor to appoint the judges of Pendergasts choosing.

Worried about the independence of the court, the attorneys, led by Rush Limbaugh Sr., a prominent Republican lawyer from Cape Girardeau, came up with the nonpartisan Missouri Plan for selecting judges in Missouris largest cities and for its Appeals Court and Supreme Court. The plan, which has since been copied and modified in more than a dozen other states, added merit to the process of selecting the states top judges and decreased the amount of politics that could be played in the judiciary.

Since 1940, when voters approved the Missouri Plan in a constitutional amendment, judges have had to apply to become circuit court judges in St. Louis and Kansas City, as well as the appellate courts. Bipartisan commissions of citizens, lawyers and judges examine the applications and name three finalists. The governor makes an appointment from those finalists.

The plan isnt perfect, but under both Democratic and Republican governors, it has, over the decades, produced the sort of judiciary that Limbaugh and his colleagues had in mind, one that could withstand the pressure of politics.

On Tuesday, the Missouri Plan saved democracy in the Show-Me State when the Missouri Supreme Court majority overturned a decision by Limbaughs great grandson, Christopher Limbaugh, now a Circuit Court judge in Cole County. Last week, Limbaugh had ruled Amendment 3, which would ensure womens reproductive rights in the Missouri Constitution if voters approve it in November, was unconstitutional because it doesnt specifically describe which state statutes would be invalidated by the amendment.

In an emergency hearing on the last day to get the amendment on the ballot, attorney Chuck Hatfield told the Missouri Supreme Court on Tuesday morning that the text of the amendment couldnt possibly do that, as it is ultimately up to the judges and lawmakers to make that decision after the amendments adoption.

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, arguing on behalf of Missourians for Constitutional Freedom, told the judges.

The judges, at least a majority of them, agreed with Hatfield.

While Amendment 3 deals with the most divisive of political topics  abortion  the judges ruling had nothing to do with that and everything to do with the balance of power between the three co-equal branches of government.

In a Tuesday afternoon ruling  issued about 2:15 p.m. while Limbaugh was on the bench hearing another constitutional challenge to an unrelated Missouri law  the states high court ordered Amendment 3 back on the ballot and chided Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft for muddying the waters while the court was deciding the issue. After certifying the amendment for the ballot, Ashcroft changed his mind at the last minute and tried to take the amendment off the ballot, while the Supreme Court case was pending. He cant do that, the court said.

Its a tough ruling like this, issued at the last minute under intense political pressure, that underscores the importance of the judicial branchs independence in government. Under the Missouri Plan, the judges on the appellate courts dont run in partisan, contested elections, thus shielding them from the vagaries of political winds. They make decisions based on the law, and on Tuesday, they preserved that law, specifically the one that allows Missouri citizens to take issues to the ballot directly.

This was a gutsy call, made by judges who preserved the citizen initiative process, strengthened the separation of powers between the three branches of government, and allowed citizens to have the right to vote on an issue of massive importance.

Missouris most extreme abortion ban in the nation hangs in the balance. Regardless of how voters cast their ballots in November, the fact that they will see Amendment 3 at all is, in itself, a triumph for democracy.

The Missouri Plan did its job. Rush Limbaugh Sr. would be proud.
ST. CHARLES  A body was pulled from the Missouri River on Tuesday, two days after the man ran from a stolen vehicle on the Blanchette Bridge and jumped over a bridge railing, police said.

The Missouri Highway Patrol identified the man as 23-year-old Montez Patterson of St. Louis.

About 5:40 a.m. Sunday, a trooper on eastbound Interstate 70 came upon a vehicle stopped on the Blanchette Bridge. The officer at first thought it might be a stranded motorist. Patterson was in that vehicle, said patrol Cpl. Logan Bolton.

When a trooper stepped out of his patrol car to approach the car, another vehicle quickly pulled up alongside, Bolton said. Patterson crawled out through the car's window and jumped into the second vehicle.

The car drove just a short distance down the bridge, then Patterson and another man ran from the car and jumped over the bridge railing, Bolton said.

Both vehicles, it turns out, had been stolen, Bolton said.

One of the men survived. Police found him hiding in the bridge girders. That man, 21, of St. Louis, was arrested on suspicion of first-degree tampering and resisting arrest. He told officers that his accomplice, Patterson, had fallen into the water.

On Tuesday morning, Patterson's body was spotted floating in the river, near the St. Charles County shoreline and the Ameristar Casino. Crews with the St. Charles Fire Department recovered the body and brought him to shore at a boat ramp just north of the casino, said fire district spokesperson Capt. Kelly Hunsel.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 11. Azerbaijan is set to launch its first innovation center, the Azerbaijan Innovation Center (AIM), marking a significant milestone in the country's drive towards technological advancement, Chairwoman of the Innovation and Digital Development Agency under the Ministry of Transport and Digital Development of Azerbaijan, Inara Valiyeva, said at a panel discussion on "Innovation as a Culture" at the Chain Reaction 2024 forum, Trend reports.

"We are proud to establish Azerbaijan's first innovation center, AIM.

We plan to open the center in Baku and Sumgayit this October, with another center anticipated in the regions by the end of the year. Several new centers are also slated for launch in Baku next year," Valiyeva stated.

Valiyeva emphasized that public-private partnerships will be crucial for ensuring the sustainability of these initiatives, with the business sector expected to play a pivotal role in their long-term success.

To note, the second day of the Chain Reaction 2024 forum has started, with topics on the agenda such as blockchain, Web3, artificial intelligence, and digital assets.

Key events for the day include the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between C4IR Azerbaijan and Binance, as well as panel discussions on subjects like "Innovation as a Culture," "Cyber Vulnerability: Is It the biggest risk for founders?" and "Should centralized financial institutions embrace or fear digital assets?"

Presentations will also cover "Lessons learned from Issuing a CHF 100 Million Digital Bond" and "Is bitcoin mining still worth it after the halving?" topics.
Theyre divided by party and ideology, but the biggest difference between the two leading rivals for Missouri governor could be their stance on the abortion-rights amendment on the Nov. 5 ballot.

That was underscored by how the two candidates reacted to a ruling by the Missouri Supreme Court to restore Amendment 3 to the general election ballot.

Amendment 3, if passed by a majority of Missourians, would enshrine abortion rights in the state constitution, nullifying the law signed by Gov. Mike Parson in 2019 that bars abortions in all cases, except for medical emergencies.

The abortion ban went into effect in 2022, after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down Roe v. Wade.

After the high courts ruling Tuesday afternoon, Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe, the Republican nominee, urged Missourians to do their research on the amendment, calling it a deceptive effort by out-of-state interests.

Amendment 3 is a deceptive effort by out-of-state interests, and I urge Missourians to do their research on the far-reaching consequences of this amendment before voting in November.



Its up to us to defend the rights of the unborn.  Mike Kehoe (@MikeLKehoe) September 10, 2024

While Kehoe stopped short of urging a no vote, he has been friendly to the anti-abortion movement, and was among the three Republican gubernatorial candidates who called on Missourians to decline to sign the initiative petition earlier this year.

By contrast, Rep. Crystal Quade, the House Minority Leader and Democratic nominee for governor, said she was grateful for the high courts ruling.

Voters will overturn Missouris cruel ban that has zero exceptions for rape and incest, and they deserve a governor who will protect the will of voters and the rights of every Missourian, she said in a social media post.

Im grateful the Missouri Supreme Court saw through yet another attempt from the extremist anti-abortion politicians in Jefferson City to keep Missourians from having their say at the ballot box.



Voters will overturn Missouris cruel ban that has zero exceptions for rape and https://t.co/GggxvYF4jh  Crystal Quade (@crystal_quade) September 10, 2024

Democrats expect the abortion issue to help their performance in the general election, even though Republicans are favored in every statewide race in deep-red Missouri.

Kehoe, who did not get the endorsement of Missouri Right to Life in the GOP primary, has signaled an openness to rape and incest exceptions to Missouris strict abortion law. But, there would be no need to carve out such exceptions if Amendment 3 passes.
Whos Watching? How CTV Publishers Measure Viewership for Buyers

How do CTV publishers deliver credible and actionable performance metrics to the buy-side brands that support them? Estrella MediaCos Christina Chung, Vevos Julie Triolo, and TVREVs Alan Wolk discuss the current challenges publishers face in measuring and communicating CTV performance to buyers in a clear and common language and the growing role of metadata in delivering usable metrics in this clip from Streaming Media Connect 2024.

Person-based measurement vs. device-based measurement

Wolk says, Nielsen was all about what they called person-based measurement. So you knew who was watching in the house because you filled out your little diary, and everybody had their diary. Whereas with Automatic Content Recognition (ACR) and streaming measurement in general, we're measuring the TV set and less so the people in the household. But there are some companies that are working on that. He asks Triolo of Vevo to talk about any exciting companies they are working with that measure beyond devices and delve deeper into who is specifically watching the programming.

Triolo says that Vevo has done a lot of work with TVision Insights, which measures not only who is in the room but whose eyes are actually looking at the screen.

74% of our content is actually viewed with two or more people, Triolo says. The study that we did over the course of time really revealed some amazing metrics. We need a common lexicon for measurement in general. She says that while it is good to have so many different forms of measurement to track the many different ways people view content, We don't want to go back to a measurement monopoly. However, having those different platforms and data sources coming together to really establish best practices and [develop] a common language so that we can have that standardization in the market is going to be really important for our advertisers and for the customer experience as well.

The increasing shift towards programmatic buying and the need for better metadata

Wolk asks Chung of Estrella MediaCo about their experience as a publisher in terms of measuring people versus devices.

My particular world in Estrella is digital, and so there's a lot of different metrics we get there, Chung says. For us, our most important elements are impressions, revenue, and viewership, and within viewership, it's things like minutes, sessions, and uniques. Those are the key and core metrics that we do across all of our distribution platforms and all of our different layers of touchpoints with the consumer.

Chung also discusses the increasing shift towards programmatic buying and the need for better metadata to facilitate this. We all have to be much more diligent about the metadata that's getting passed to the buyers and making sure these buyers understand it. For example, were a Spanish-speaking company. When we first started out, we had all of our genres in Spanish, but the buy side buys in English. That's just one very easy example of how there's a disconnect between the buy side and the sell side. But I do think money is where things are going to go. Money has always been the driver of most things. So if we want to have some standardization, I feel that it's the buy side that will really start to build out something to make it more standardised.

Wolk remarks that accurate metadata has been an issue in TV for a long time. When they digitised all the shows, they didn't really put any metadata on them, he says. It was just Seinfeld  comedy, Friends - season three, episode two, and that was that. He says to Chung, So you're finding that you now have more metadata for both the ads and also for the content?

Chung says, We built out our content management system to make sure we pass through essential content signals, to make sure that our buy-side, at the end of the day, gets those different content signals. It could be things like genre, rating, or language. And these are things that never got passed on previously. And so programmatic buyers are starting to realise, I only want these certain genres or these certain ratings. And so that way if we are able to pass it from the source input, hopefully these guys who are on the buy side will be able to buy our inventory more optimally than previously.

The issues of cherry-picking content selection

Chung also mentions that cherry picking of content ID selection is an issue. We [cover] the Democratic National Convention (DNC), for example, and that's great. We need to make sure that with some of these live events, we capture that excess demand. But then also, we don't want them to necessarily cherry-pick everything because we also have great content across our platforms. We don't want them to miss out on reaching some of these audiences.

Join us in November 2024 for more thought leadership, actionable insights, and lively debate at Streaming Media Connect.

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About two dozen workers from US Foods distribution center in Buda, Texas, volunteered Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, with the Military Family Advisory Network to fill 240 boxes with household essentials and food to give to military families who recently moved to Fort Cavazos. (Rose L. Thayer/Stars and Stripes)

BUDA, Texas  Roughly two dozen workers from a food distribution company spent Wednesday morning packing 240 boxes filled with dry goods, toiletries and household supplies to help newly arrived military families at Fort Cavazos.

The pantry restock boxes were part of a $250,000 donation from the national corporation US Foods to the Military Family Advisory Network, a nonprofit supporting military families, particularly when it comes to making certain that troops can get enough food to feed their families.

[These boxes] help them get ahead and realize they are not in this alone, Shannon Razsadin, CEO of MFAN, told the group of workers who volunteered their morning to pack the boxes full of supplies including cereal, peanut butter, soap and MFAN-branded playing cards.

With only a handful of the volunteers identifying as connected to the military in some way, Razsadin used the event to share the experiences of service members. Most people know about the contributions made by troops but might not always know the challenges that they face because pride can stop service members from asking for help, she said.

Each year about 400,000 military families move from one duty station to another, which MFAN research has found can put a strain on finances. In its latest report released earlier this year, MFAN found most families incur between $500 and $1,000 in expenses during a military move that are not reimbursed.

About two dozen workers from US Foods distribution center in Buda, Texas, volunteered Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, with the Military Family Advisory Network to fill 240 boxes with household essentials and food to give to military families who recently moved to Fort Cavazos. (Rose L. Thayer/Stars and Stripes)

Duty station moves happen on average every 2 years.

Its one thing to say weve donated, its another to understand the individuals, the military service members and families, who were impacting in our community, said Taylor McIntyre, area president for US Foods. Its so important to see where the need is and how we are contributing against it.

The boxes, which contain about $150 worth of products, are available to any family who has arrived at Fort Cavazos in the last three months and will be distributed through 12 partner organizations, including Army Community Service, Armed Services YMCA and the American Red Cross, as well as in the community offices of some on-base housing neighborhoods.

Also included in the box is a survey regarding the familys ability to purchase food based on the U.S. Department of Agricultures short-form food security scale. Those who meet certain criteria can qualify to receive $125 worth of groceries for free for three months through MFANs partnership with Instacart, a grocery delivery company.

MFANs research found more than 25% of active-duty military families have not been able to buy enough food for their family. More than half of those respondents also reported moving duty stations within the previous two years.

Once the volunteers from US Foods finished packing the boxes Wednesday, the company planned to drive the supplies 95 miles north to Fort Cavazos.

US Foods and MFAN planned the volunteer event to occur on the 23rd anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, which has since become a federally recognized day of service.

The pantry restock program is available only at Fort Cavazos, but Razsadin said there are plans to expand it based on where the organization identifies the greatest need. For more information, go to www.mfan.org.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 11. The Innovation and Digital Development Agency under the Ministry of Transport and Digital Development of Azerbaijan is negotiating with funds to create a second venture fund in the country, the chairperson of the agency, Inara Valiyeva, said at a panel discussion on "Innovation as a Culture" at the Chain Reaction 2024 forum, Trend reports.

An important element of our strategy is the formation of investment culture. We are the first LP (limited partners) in the venture capital fund of Azerbaijan. Now we are negotiating with several funds that are interested in creating similar structures in the country and actively supporting them on this path, she emphasized.

Valiyeva noted that the agency focuses on five key areas: access to talent, market, infrastructure, financing, and building culture.

Culture permeates all these aspects. When we develop talent, we strive to ensure that professionals are ready to continuously learn. Our scholarship programs help create a talent pool that, while working in large companies, will eventually be able to launch their startups, she said.

According to her, over the past two and a half years we have reached more than 10,000 people in Azerbaijan, training them to the level of junior specialists.

We invite IT sector companies to consider setting up branches in Azerbaijan. We are ready to support them with talent and subsidize part of the cost of training employees to grow and develop them to the level of mid-level specialists. In addition, we are actively cooperating with international players in the education sector, Valiyeva added.
Steel recovered from the wreckage of 9/11 hangs above a passageway aboard the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS New York (LPD 21), Sep 3, 2024. (Ryan Rams/U.S. Marine Corps)

Each year on the anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, Americans are reminded to Never forget.

The Navys USS New York never does. The New York, a San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship, is a living memorial.

The ship, commissioned Nov. 7, 2009, in New York, cuts through the sea with a bow forged from 7 tons of World Trade Center steel recovered from Ground Zero, embedding the DNA of the 2,977 victims into the heart of the vessel. The ships interior is adorned with murals, posters and patches that serve as reminders.

Every ship in the Navy has an important namesake, said Capt. Benjamin W. Oakes, commanding officer of USS New York. However, the relationship this ship has with the state of New York, New Yorkers, first responders  past and present  survivors, victims families and the events of 9/11 make New York special. There is an increased sense of purpose here. This ship and its legacy continue to inspire each crew to rise to the highest level of performance. Every sailor and Marine wants to be at their best here.

The names of victims of 9/11 are inscribed on a memorial in a passageway aboard the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS New York. (Ryan Rams/U.S. Marine Corps)

New York (LPD 21) was the first of three U.S. Navy ships built to honor the victims 9/11 attacks; the others are the USS Arlington (LPD 24) and USS Somerset (LPD 25).

When at sea the New York carries on a daily tradition of reading a short epitaph of a 9/11 victim broadcast over the ships public address system. These spoken memorials share not only the victims biographical details but also their interests, passions and personal stories.

I enjoy reading these stories because they remind me why we serve and what this ship represents, said Lt. Jason Moore, a chaplain representative of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit. The events of that day had a profound effect on our country, and my generation in particular. When I joined the Marine Corps, 9/11 was front and center in our minds.

Though the Norfolk, Va.-based New York currently is deployed to the Mediterranean Sea as part of the USS Wasp Amphibious Ready Group, sailors and Marines plan to honor the 23rd anniversary of the attacks, according to a service news release.

The Damage Control Flying Squad, which is a team made up of the ships first responders to casualties, will lead a ramp climb walk, representing the 110 flights of stairs that New York City firefighters ascended during rescue efforts at the World Trade Center. Additionally, a new mural commemorating 9/11 will be unveiled to the commanding officer and crew to honor the lives lost on that fateful day.

On 9/11, first responders ran full force toward the threat, Oakes said. This same sense of purpose exists in our commitment to our duties. As the nations 9/11 ship, with the global 9-1-1 force embarked onboard, this crew is ready to answer any call and sail bow-first into danger. This ship and her crew embody the same resilience, grit and determination as the first responders and those who have fought for our freedom and democracy for over 250 years.
Soldiers march in remembrance of the 9/11 attack victims at Camp Humphreys, South Korea, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (Luis Garcia/Stars and Stripes)

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan  Thousands of people at U.S. military bases in the Pacific marked the 23rd anniversary of 9/11 in sweat, whether toiling up and down a symbolic 110 flights of stairs or humping a ruck sack across an Army base.

At this Marine Corps air base south of Hiroshima, students from all grades, teachers and parents met on the playing field at Matthew C. Perry High School for a moment of silence before taking to the track for a Freedom Walk. More than 200 people walked two laps for the event.

I came from a school that did something similar, Traci Crites, an education technologist for Matthew C. Perry Primary School who organized the event, told Stars and Stripes on Wednesday. I thought that it was such a great idea just to honor 9/11 and the military members where we live.

Crites said this is the first time since she started working for Department of Defense schools five years ago that the base has held a Freedom Walk.

We really try to build community, welcome the parents in and make sure they know theyre a part of our school, she said.

Meanwhile, the base fire department, behind the high school, held its 11th annual stair-climb in a five-story training tower. Climbing the tower 21 times is equivalent to the 110 stories in each of the two World Trade Center towers brought down by al-Qaida hijackers in commercial airliners.

We do this every year to honor the firefighters that lost their lives on the day of 9/11, Marine Sgt. Joel Atkinson, 23, a firefighter and airfield rescue specialist, said Wednesday. We just come together, and then we show our respects through sweat.

Atkinson said organizers expected more than 400 people at the event.

Going up the World Trade Center was no easy feat. I mean, theyre faced with insurmountable odds going up 110 stories, Atkinson said. So, to me, its important to pay your respect, because they did their job, and they paid the price for it.

Marines, sailors and base residents take part in the 9/11 memorial stair climb at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (Jonathan Snyder/Stars and Stripes) Students, teachers and parents remember the 9/11 attacks with a freedom walk at Matthew C. Perry High School on Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (Jonathan Snyder/Stars and Stripes) A team works toward climbing 110 stories during a 9/11 memorial stair-climb challenge at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (Jeremy Stillwagner/Stars and Stripes)

Essential tribute

Farther north, Yokota Air Base, mounted its annual stair climb in a vacant, nine-story housing tower at the key airlift hub in western Tokyo.

Its essential that we not only pay tribute to those who were taken from us, but also to continue the dialog of unity, healing and hope, Lloyd Stinson III, fire chief with the 374th Civil Engineering Squadron, said in a speech before the climb.

This occasion gives us the opportunity to reflect on how far we have come, what we have learned and how we can move forward together as a stronger community, he said.

Approximately 35 people donned firefighting gear to make the climb 12 times, either solo or in small teams.

Its very important to honor the people that went through those attacks in 2001 and responded to them, Tech. Sgt. Trevor Williams, the health and safety officer for the stair-climb, told Stars and Stripes at the event.

The ceremony concluded with the traditional ringing of a bell three times for the firefighters who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001.

To symbolize the devotion firefighters have for their calling, a special signal is given  three rings, three times  representing the completion of their task and that they will be returning to quarters, said Senior Airman Brandon Greer, a Yokota firefighter and the master of ceremonies.

Soldiers march in remembrance of the 9/11 attack victims at Camp Humphreys, South Korea, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (Luis Garcia/Stars and Stripes) Soldiers march in remembrance of the 9/11 attack victims at Camp Humphreys, South Korea, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (Luis Garcia/Stars and Stripes)

We bond in tragedy

At the Armys Camp Humphreys, South Korea, the largest U.S. base overseas, about 1,000 service members and other residents showed for a 9/11 remembrance ruck march.

9/11 was one of the reasons why I joined, Sgt. 1st Class Telvin Anderson told Stars and Stripes at the event. Its unfortunate, but we bond in tragedy, so after 9/11 we came together as a country, and I still see that today.

The ruck march had three route options symbolizing the three attack sites where airliners crashed on 9/11  the World Trade Center in New York, the Pentagon in Arlington, Va., and a field outside Shanksville, Pa.

Distances varied according to route: 3.5 miles, seven or 9.11 miles for the trade center route.

Participants brought their own weights and shouldered Army standard-issue MOLLE 2 rucksacks, with a vintage ALICE pack here and there.

Coming from a firefighter family, I knew people involved, and its good to honor the people we lost, Warrant Officer Justin Ballardini said at the event. The hurt is still there, and theres still a reason why we are doing these ruck marches.
Japanese Defense Minister Minoru Kihara speaks during a meeting about his country's defense capabilities, Aug. 30, 2024. (Japan's Ministry of Defense)

CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa  Relocating a Marine Corps airfield from a heavily populated city on Okinawa to a rural northern area in phases would unnecessarily lengthen the time to build the new facility, Japans defense minister said this week.

Defense Minister Minoru Kihara during a press conference Tuesday pushed back on a campaign pledge by Ginowan citys new mayor, Atsushi Sakima, to realize a phased relocation of Marine Corps Air Station Futenma to a new airfield under construction on Camp Schwab in the Henoko region.

If we relocate part of the aircraft stationed at Futenma, which I assume is what phased relocation means  it will be necessary to build temporary facilities like hangars and fuel tanks on the Henoko side, Kihara said. If we build those temporary facilities, it means that eventually they need to be demolished.

Sakima also pledged to push (the government) to show a date for the reversion of MCAS Futenma, according to a Friday post on social platform X. Sakima, backed by Japans Liberal Democratic Party, was elected Sunday to succeed Masanori Matsugawa, who died July 26 at 70.

The new airfield is being built on reclaimed land in Oura Bay. The U.S. and Japanese governments agreed to move the base in 1996, but construction of the new site was repeatedly delayed by the Okinawa prefectural government.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi in January announced the resumption after four idle years of work to reclaim land from the bay. Workers began driving piles into the soft seabed to begin reclamation process Aug. 20, a spokesman for the prefectures Seashore Disaster Prevention Division said that week. The ministry drove test piles into the bay in July.

Construction will take just over eight years to complete, and another two years and nine months to finish paperwork and other procedural measures before turning the airfield over to the Marines, Kihara said.

It is necessary to consider the process to relocate troops after finishing constructions, he said, declining to give a specific reversion date.

At this point, it is difficult to indicate concretely, but we will continue working closely with the U.S. to be able to realize a quick reversion of MCAS Futenma after the new airfield is complete, he said.

Marines load M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System launcher pods onto an MV-22B Osprey at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, May 8, 2024. (Daniel Avilaramirezk/U.S. Marine Corps)

MCAS Futenma is home to Marine Aircraft Group 36 and Marine Air Control Group 18 of the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, as well as the bases Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron. Aircraft stationed there include CH-53 Super/Sea Stallion heavy lift helicopters, CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters and MV-22 Osprey.

The construction zone at Schwab is divided into two main sections: 279 acres on the bases north side and 91 acres in the south, according to the prefectures website. Work on the Oura Bay, or north, side, was on hold from April 21, 2020, when Okinawa Gov. Denny Tamaki, citing safety and environmental concerns, refused to approve design changes meant to solidify the seabed.

Tamaki filed, and lost, three lawsuits, culminating in a September 2023 loss at the Supreme Court of Japan. Japanese Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Tetsuo Saito approved the construction permits Dec. 28 after Tamaki ignored a Dec. 25 deadline from Fukuoka High Court.
Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Eric Smith receives a briefing aboard the amphibious assault ship USS America in the Korea Strait on Sept. 7, 2024. (Juan Maldonado/U.S. Marine Corps)

Americas top Marine pledged this week to help the Philippine military develop capabilities to monitor its sea territory amid ongoing coast guard clashes with China, according to a state-run media report.

Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Eric Smith, during a trip to the island nation, promised the Philippines vice chief of staff, air force Lt. Gen. Arthur Cordura, that the Marines will help Manila boost its maritime surveillance capabilities, the state-run Philippine News Agency reported Tuesday.

The Philippines has limited resources, and the Marines are the lightest U.S. service branch, so the commandant is likely talking about drones and electronic warfare, Paul Buchanan, a U.S. security expert based in New Zealand, said by email Tuesday.

Real-time intelligence, analysis, target designation and communication will be a priority, so any assistance would likely involve electronic warfare specialists, intelligence Marines and drone operators, he said.

Smith made the pledge during a visit to Camp Aguinaldo, the Philippine militarys headquarters in Quezon City, according to the news agency report.

During the meeting, Smith committed to helping the Philippine military develop its ability to detect intrusions within its territorial waters so it can work more closely with U.S. counterparts, according to the report.

The generals also discussed an upcoming naval drill involving forces from both countries in the islands  Samasama, Tagalog for together.

Marine Rotational Force  Southeast Asia, formed in 2022, participated in Samasama in the Philippines last year.

Smiths remarks are the latest by U.S. military officers pledging support on behalf of the Philippines, which the United States is bound by treaty to defend in the event of an attack.

The head of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Adm. Samuel Paparo, told reporters in Manila on Aug. 27 that the U.S. military is open to consultations about escorting Philippine ships in disputed waters of the South China Sea, where Philippine and Chinese coast guards clash routinely.

Most recently, the two sides collided Aug. 31 at Sabina Shoal, where Philippine authorities allege a Chinese vessel rammed a Philippine vessel three times. China lays claim to nearly the entire sea, including features inside the Philippine exclusive economic zone.

The two countries had agreed to ease mounting tensions at another flashpoint, Second Thomas Shoal, where Filipino marines man an outpost on a grounded, rusting warship.

Beijing has reclaimed land and built military facilities in disputed territory. Its claims are challenged by neighboring countries, including Brunei, Malaysia and Vietnam.

A combined U.S. Navy and Marine Corps amphibious ready group and Marine expeditionary unit can surveil a large portion of Philippine maritime territory and extend into the South China Sea, said retired Marine Col. Grant Newsham, a senior researcher with the Japan Forum for Strategic Studies in Tokyo.

If its just Marines, they have the capability to cover from land a stretch of ocean extending out into the Philippines EEZ for some distance, he told Stars and Stripes by email Tuesday.

New Marine surveillance and missile detachments use radars, drones and even piloted aircraft to surveil sea territory, he wrote.

Anything the Philippines can do to defend itself is something the Americans dont have to do, Newsham said. But even better, the more capable the Philippine military, the more effective a combined US-Philippine defense is.
South Korean Minister of National Defense Kim Yong Hyun speaks at the Seoul Defense Dialogue in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (David Choi/Stars and Stripes)

SEOUL, South Korea  The U.N. Command is a matchless organization combating North Koreas provocations during an era in which the security situation on the Korean Peninsula is graver than ever, South Koreas defense minister said Wednesday.

The North continues to neglect the suffering of its people by diverting state funds and resources to prioritize its weapons program, Kim Yong Hyun said at the annual Seoul Defense Dialogue.

Kim was sworn in last month after his predecessor, Shin Won-sik, became South Koreas national security adviser. He mentioned during his speech the thousands of balloons carrying trash sent by the North since May and the communist regimes GPS jamming campaign at the border.

Despite the strong opposition of the international community, North Korea continues to enhance its nuclear and missile capabilities, Kim told an audience of diplomats and military officials from over 60 countries. North Korea has diversified its provocations by employing methods such as cyberattacks, GPS jamming and even the bizarre tactic of releasing trash balloons.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Monday called for an increase in his countrys production of nuclear weapons due to threats posed by the U.S.-South Korea alliance, according to the state-run Korean Central News Agency.

The U.N. Command, a multinational organization established by the U.N. Security Council at the onset of the 1950-53 Korean War, is unique because of its history and because it is at the forefront of Pyongyangs ire, Defense Minister Kim said at the conference sponsored by South Koreas military.

No other organization like the U.N. Command is possible due to the current political climate on the Security Council, Kim said, adding that some countries within the council are likely to veto future resolutions that would create an identical group during war.

In recent years, China and Russia have either vetoed or abstained from voting on Security Council resolutions aimed at North Korea.

In 2022, Beijing and Moscow vetoed a U.S.-led resolution to condemn North Koreas testing of intercontinental ballistic missiles and to strengthen existing sanctions.

China and Russias delegations said sanctions enforcement against North Korea were inhumane, and that the U.S. and its allies ought to pursue a peaceful dialogue with Pyongyang.

Because we have these member states at the U.N. Command  when there is another war in [South Korea], they are able to fight without authorization from the U.N. Security Council, Kim said. And thats why the [command] is extremely important and is quite significant.

The Security Council proposed a U.S.-led coalition to defend South Korea following the Norths surprise invasion on June 25, 1950. Ten of the 11 member states on the council voted for the resolution or abstained on July 7, 1950. The Soviet Union was absent during the vote, protesting Taiwans seat at the U.N. in lieu of Chinese delegates.

Twenty-two countries provided combat forces or medical support to the command during the three-year war. The command is now composed of 18 member countries and was most recently joined by Germany on Aug. 2.

Toward the end of his remarks, Kim stood and bowed before the audience, thanking the representatives of countries that assisted the South during the war.

As long as [South Korea] exists, we will never forget the sacrifice and contribution that you made, he said.
U.S. soldiers from 1st Battalion, 3rd Field Artillery Regiment, 17th Field Artillery Brigade launch the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) from the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) in Delamere, Northern Territory, Australia, in July 2023. The Biden administration supplied Ukraine with long-range ATACMS missiles last September but has not allowed them to be used against Russian territory. (Andrew Dickson/U.S. Army)

KYIV, Ukraine  The top U.S. diplomat made a rare wartime visit to Kyiv on Wednesday, offering a sympathetic ear to its leaders as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy mounted a push to win permission to use long-range U.S. missile systems to strike deep into Russia despite being rejected last week by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.

Kyivs attempt to sway the Biden administration came as Ukraine has faced heavy bombardment from Russia in recent days  especially on its power sector  a situation that Blinken warned ahead of the visit could soon get worse after the United States accused Iran of shipping short-range ballistic missiles to Russia earlier this month.

The Ukrainian effort is a continuation of a dynamic that has marked relations between Kyiv and Washington since the full-scale Russian invasion 2 years ago. Ukraine has pushed for more and better weaponry, while Washington has resisted, fearing escalation with Russia, only to relent later.

With President Joe Bidens time in office waning, pressure is increasing both on the Ukrainians and the White House to lock in decisions about the future of the conflict now, ahead of any possible policy shift should former President Donald Trump regain the White House. Trump, asked at the presidential debate on Tuesday whether he wanted Kyiv to win the war, deflected and said that I want the war to stop.

Ukrainians argue that being empowered to use the weaponry against Russian territory would reduce the threat from Russia by forcing it to pull key forces deeper inside its country. They also want to be able to hit a bridge that connects the Crimean Peninsula with the Russian mainland and forms a key military supply route. But Biden has been cautious, worried that allowing the change could draw the United States more deeply into direct conflict with the Kremlin.

Its wonderful to be back in Kyiv even in these most challenging times, maybe especially in challenging times, Blinken said Wednesday ahead of a meeting with his Ukrainian and British counterparts. The United Kingdom and the United States stand shoulder to shoulder in support of Ukraine, he said.

Meeting with Zelenskyy will give the top U.S. diplomat a chance to hear exactly how the Ukrainians see their needs in this moment, toward what objectives, and what we can do to support those needs, Blinken said a day earlier in London, before flying to Poland and taking an overnight journey by armored train to the Ukrainian capital.

Blinken didnt plant to spend the night in Kyiv during his lightning visit to Ukraine. But he did stop for a bowl of borscht, the famous Ukrainian beet soup, at the boutique restaurant of a chef, Yevhen Klopotenko, who successfully campaigned for the soup to be added to a UNESCO cultural heritage list.

Vice President Kamala Harris and Trump held their debate in the middle of the train journey, with some diplomats staying up to catch the first minutes of the joust to prepare themselves for questions in Kyiv about the U.S. political situation.

Some European policymakers are also making public calls for lifting all restrictions on weapons use, in an effort to push the United States to get on board. Diplomats wouldnt rule out a U.S. policy shift as the goal posts have repeatedly moved during the war.

Anything near the border is seen as fairer game, but the debate now is about the range of how deep they can strike, a European diplomat said, speaking on the condition of anonymity to comment on sensitive discussions. The U.S. is more cautious on this. There are several countries calling for lifting all restrictions but most of them havent provided those long-range weapons so thats a little bit easier to say.

Ukrainian leaders last month made a surprise incursion into Russias Kursk region, seizing hundreds of square miles of Russian territory in the first major Ukrainian advance into their aggressor since the February 2022 invasion. The Ukrainian move has unsettled many ordinary Russians in the region and delivered a morale boost to the Ukrainian public. Leaders in Kyiv say that the seizure of territory will help increase pressure on Moscow to make a deal to end the war.

Blinken traveled to Ukraine with the new British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, who has been in office since his Labour Party took power in July. The U.S. diplomat said that he and Lammy would bring their findings back to their leaders ahead of a Friday meeting in Washington between Biden and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The two leaders will discuss the Ukrainian request, Blinken said. Britain has supplied Ukraine with long-range Storm Shadow missile systems but has contended with the same questions about strikes into Russian territory.

The Biden administration supplied Ukraine with long-range ATACMS missiles last September but has not allowed them to be used against Russian territory. The missiles, which have a range of about 180 miles, have been used extensively against Russian forces in Crimea, Ukrainian territory that the Kremlin occupied in 2014. Ukraine has a dwindling stockpile of the missiles, and U.S. officials say that the Pentagons own stocks are also sufficiently limited that they cannot offer many more to Kyiv.

Ukraine sees a shortage of [long-range] missiles and cooperation, Zelenskyy told senior defense officials, including Austin, at Fridays meeting in Ramstein, Germany. We think it is wrong that there are such steps. We need to have this long-range capability not only on the occupied territory of Ukraine, but also on the Russian territory, so that Russia is motivated to seek peace.

Zelenskyy will travel later this month to the United States, where he will attend the U.N. General Assembly in New York. He has said that he hopes to present a victory plan to Biden while in the country.

Francis reported from Brussels.
A group of protesters carrying Palestinian flags and wearing black ran up to the gate at Caserma Del Din in Vicenza, Italy, Sept. 8, 2024, as seen in this screenshot from YouTube, and began cutting the wire of the fence. The garrison public works department repaired the fence the same afternoon. (YouTube/Global Project)

VICENZA, Italy  Italian police are investigating a group of protesters who cut down part of the perimeter fence at the home of the 173rd Airborne Brigade in Italy over the weekend.

We rely on local Italian authorities for security off post and we anticipate their investigation to find those responsible for this criminal act, Rick Scavetta, spokesman for U.S. Army Garrison Italy, said Wednesday.

Protesters carrying Palestinian flags and wearing all black, with black masks and colorful bucket hats, ran up to the gate Sunday at Caserma Del Din in Vicenza and began cutting the top wire, according to a YouTube video of the protest.

The protest lasted a few minutes before Carabinieri intervened. The garrison public works department repaired the fence Sunday afternoon.

There were no reports of arrests over the incident as of Wednesday.

There was another protest against the Israel-Hamas war on Saturday near the train station in Vicenza, and anti-war protesters rallied outside Caserma Ederle earlier this year. At the end of June, military bases around Europe were put on a heightened state of alert due to terrorist threats.

In September, two Marines were assaulted by protesters in Izmir, Turkey during a port visit by the USS Wasp.

Scavetta said the protest on Sunday seemed to be more about publicity than endangering service members.

At no time were the personnel inside the post in danger during the brief incident, he said.
Sailors assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 8 conduct emergency action plan drills with the Bulgarian, Japanese and Ukrainian dive teams while underway off the coast of Varna, Bulgaria as part of Sea Breeze 2024, Sept. 10, 2024. (Novalee Manzella/U.S. Navy)

NAPLES, Italy  More than 100 mines have been spotted by U.S. military reconnaissance aircraft and allies in the Black Sea since Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine more than two years ago, the commanding officer of U.S. 6th Fleet said this week.

Russian mines have been used primarily near Ukrainian ports. But they remain a long-term concern for the nations that share the seas commercial shipping lanes, as well as for the potential danger to tourists and others closer to shore.

The 6th Fleet confirmed Wednesday that the U.S. flights have been taking place over Bulgarian and Romanian waters for more than a year, following comments by Vice Adm. Thomas Ishee at the multinational Sea Breeze naval exercise in Varna, Bulgaria on Monday.

Ishee didnt specify the types of aircraft used for the flights or the service involved. He did say the flights are part of collective efforts, which have found 105 floating mines in the Black Sea since 2022.

Mines have affected at least five ships traveling in the sea over that same period, Ishee said, as quoted by the Bulgarian News Agency on Monday. He didnt specify the vessels or any resulting damage.

The final drills of the 23rd iteration of Sea Breeze started Monday. The exercise is focused on detecting and clearing sea mines, among other objectives, 6th Fleet said in a statement Tuesday. Sea Breeze ends Sept. 20.

Vice Adm. Thomas Ishee, commander, U.S. 6th Fleet, left, and Rear Adm. Kiril Mihaylov, commander of the Bulgarian navy, speak to reporters in Varna, Bulgaria during the Sea Breeze exercise, Sep. 10, 2024. (Novalee Manzella/U.S. Navy)

The first part of the exercise took place in June and July near Scotland. The second and third parts are in Bulgaria, with some 12 countries, including Estonia, France, Greece, Italy, Japan, Romania, Sweden, Turkey and Ukraine participating. It also includes NATO Maritime Command, according to the statement.

Early in the war, a Russian naval blockade effectively kept Ukrainian grain stuck in port. A subsequent deal allowed for exports of grain, food and other goods from Ukraine through a safe travel corridor in the Black Sea. But the Kremlin pulled out of the agreement in July 2023.

That same month, U.S. officials warned that Russia was laying sea mines on the approaches to Ukrainian ports to expand its attack on the countrys grain facilities, Reuters reported at the time.

In response, Ukraine has used drone and missile attacks to destroy or disable about one-third of the Russian Black Sea Fleet, making it difficult for Russia to resume a maritime blockade.

Income from the sale of wheat, barley and other grains and seeds helps shore up Ukraines finances for the war effort. Blocking their export opens a greater share of the global grain market to Russia, analysts have said.

Meanwhile, U.S. allies are worried about the safety and trade impacts to their countries. Those fears are well-grounded.

In December 2023, a Panama-flagged cargo ship hit a mine near Ukraine. The explosion injured two mariners and damaged mechanical and electrical systems, causing the vessel to lose speed and control, Reuters reported at the time.

About a month later, Turkey, Bulgaria and Romania announced a joint plan to clear mines from the Black Sea.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Grant Jones, assigned to Patrol Squadron 45, works aboard a P-8A Poseidon aircraft during an exercise July 9, 2024 over the Black Sea. (Jonathan D. Berlier/U.S. Navy)

During Sea Breeze, participants also will do explosive ordnance disposal, dive operations and underwater drone exercises. Theyll discuss the mine threat, collective demining capabilities and ways to enhance regional maritime security, 6th Fleet said.

The mine countermeasures and explosive ordnance disposal training were doing with our Allies and partners during Sea Breeze 2024 directly supports freedom of navigation in the contested Black Sea region, Ishee said in the statement Tuesday.
A Black Hawk helicopter is displayed at an exhibition in Kielce, Poland, on Sept. 3, 2024. (Sergei Gapon, AFP via Getty Images/TNS)

(Tribune News Service)  Two Israeli soldiers were killed overnight in a helicopter crash over the Gaza Strip while on a mission to evacuate an injured soldier to a hospital.

The Israeli army said in a statement that the Yanshuf  the Hebrew name for the Black Hawk helicopter  crashed while landing in the Rafah area in southern Gaza.

Both soldiers were in the reserves of the Israeli Air Forces elite Special Tactics Rescue Unit 669. Seven other soldiers were also injured in the crash, including two pilots and two other reservists of the same unit.

This is the first aerial crash the Israel Defense Forces have experienced in the Palestinian territory since the start of the war against Hamas almost one year ago.

An initial inquiry by the IDF indicated the incident wasnt caused by an enemy attack, though an investigation is ongoing, according to a statement.

The Black Hawk entered service 20 years ago as an IAF transport helicopter for the rescue and evacuation of the wounded as well as tactical missions, according to the IAFs website.

In a separate statement, IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari said late Tuesday that Israel has defeated the last Hamas battalion in Rafah and has now completed its mission to destroy the militant groups last operating brigade.

Rafah is the area close to the Egyptian border where Israel deployed ground forces in May, despite international pressure.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 11. Pakistan is keenly interested in importing energy resources from Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan's Ambassador to Pakistan, Yerzhan Kistafin said in an interview with Trend.

"We regularly receive requests from our Pakistani friends for Kazakh coal, oil, petroleum products, and gas.

The main issue we face is logistics. We are closely monitoring the development of regional projects like TAPI (Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India) and CASA-1000 (aimed at connecting Central Asias energy systems with South Asia)," Kistafin stated.

He explained that the development of collaboration between Pakistan and Kazakhstan is greatly influenced by regional circumstances.

"To deliver goods between our countries, we need to cross at least two other countries in the region, such as Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, or even China or Tajikistan. Our current task is to create adequate transport and logistics infrastructure to ensure timely and efficient delivery of products, including energy resources," he added.

Regarding transport cooperation, Kistafin emphasized the importance of joining forces with top-notch Pakistani logistics companies.

"In May, we completed our first multimodal shipment from Northern Kazakhstan to Dubai via the Karachi seaport in Pakistan. This was achieved in partnership with NLC. Our next project, in collaboration with TCS, involved transporting pharmaceutical products from Karachi to Baku through the Aktau seaport in Kazakhstan," he stated.

Kistafin highlighted that these pilot projects demonstrated the viability of the Trans-Afghan and Trans-Pakistan routes.

"Given the situation in the region, including the Suez Canal and the Red Sea, these routes are currently the most optimal in terms of delivery time and tariffs. Our goal now is to enhance these routes and develop logistics further," the ambassador said.

The ambassador also noted that Kazakhstan and Pakistan could not only serve as destination points but also develop transit logistics.

"Through Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Central Asia, and Azerbaijan could access markets in Africa, the Persian Gulf, and Southeast Asia," he stated.

Kistafin pointed out that these regions represent some of the world's most densely populated markets.

"This opens up entirely new horizons for cooperation not just with Pakistan but with other continents and regions. Thus, we prioritize the development of transport and logistics cooperation," the ambassador concluded.
With the launch this month of No Such Podcast, the NSA is seeking to publicize the role that signals intelligence, or SIGINT  the collection and analysis of electronic communications  plays in keeping America and its allies safe. (National Security Agency/YouTube)

It used to be known as No Such Agency  a play on its initials NSA. It was so secretive, its campus didnt even have an exit sign on the parkway.

But the National Security Agency is finally emerging from the shadows. The famously circumspect spy service just launched a podcast. And now its willing to reveal details of work it once considered so sensitive, officials shared updates only on paper.

In exclusive interviews with The Washington Post, former NSA officers have opened up in detail for the first time about their role in the hunt for Osama bin Laden.

The broad contours of the pursuit are known from movies, books and countless articles, but while most Americans know about the role played by the CIA and the militarys Special Operations, few have a full picture of the NSAs key contributions.

Its time for NSA to take some credit, said Jon Darby, a retired NSA official who shortly after 9/11 was put in charge of figuring out new ways to go after al-Qaidas communications.

The NSA was the agency responsible for intercepting and analyzing the calls that identified the key bin Laden associate who would eventually lead the CIA to the al-Qaida chiefs compound. It crucially placed the associate, a courier, in northwest Pakistan. And it determined, after the compound was identified, that he was still actively working for al-Qaida  with a degree of confidence that bolstered the intelligence communitys resolve to throw more resources at learning who lived in the compound.

With the launch this month of No Such Podcast, the NSA is seeking to publicize the role that signals intelligence, or SIGINT  the collection and analysis of electronic communications  plays in keeping America and its allies safe.

The massive scale of NSA collection on foreign targets - some of whom communicate with Americans  has generated tension, with revelations a decade ago by former contractor Edward Snowden prompting debate about whether the surveillance was subject to sufficient privacy guardrails. Officials say such controversies have often obscured the work the agency does to bolster the nations security.

The first podcast episode goes back in time, before the Snowden revelations, to highlight the NSAs role in the hunt for bin Laden, which ended with his killing in May 2011.

Darby told The Post the nerve center for the bin Laden hunt was at CIA, but SIGINT was absolutely essential to finding him.

Michael Morell, who was deputy director of the CIA at the time, said finding Osama bin Laden was a team effort.

Identifying the courier was a particular breakthrough, driven by two years of NSA wiretapping. Beginning in late 2007, the CIA shared with the NSA it suspected that a bin Laden associate known by his nom de guerre, Abu Ahmad al-Kuwaiti, might be related to the Ahmad Saeed family in Kuwait.

A top NSA analyst, whom Darby called his bin Laden hunter in chief, set his team to work. They pored through transcripts of calls. They tracked foreign numbers associated with those calls, daisy-chained them to other numbers and listened in on hundreds of conversations. Over two years, they built out the circle of individuals they thought might be Ahmad Saeed family members, recalled the now-retired analyst, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to protect him and his family from potential threats.

One person stood out: Ibrahim Ahmad Saeed, a Kuwaiti-born Pakistani, who spoke in Arabic and Pashto and kept very much to himself.

Almost alone among the spy agencies, the NSA had a roster of top linguists with the talent to understand not only both Arabic and Pashto but also Urdu and the targets peculiar verbal tics. We were looking at how they pronounce different vowels and at little clicks in their speech, he said.

Ahmad Saeed turned on his phone only sporadically, and mainly in busy urban areas or on highways in northwestern Pakistan, the analyst said. He never seemed to want to speak about himself, or invite any relative to visit  not even during major religious holidays. It just raised our suspicions, the analyst recalled.

The NSA ran comparisons of audio clips comparing the individual it knew as Abu Ahmad al-Kuwaiti with the intercepts of Ahmad Saeed. The lead analysts team reanalyzed material predating 9/11 and determined that the individuals known as Ibrahim Ahmad Saeed and al-Kuwaiti were in Afghanistan at the same time.

By late 2009, the hunter in chief was convinced. Ahmad Saeed and al-Kuwaiti were the same individual. We had our guy, he recalled thinking. And by then, they had also placed him in northwest Pakistan, but they didnt know exactly where.

In the summer of 2010, with the NSA tracking al-Kuwaitis cellphone, the CIA deployed operatives on the ground to spot him, in part by correlating the phones signal strength to his location as he moved. Acting on a lead provided by the NSA, the CIA linked al-Kuwaiti to a white Suzuki Potohar, an SUV with an image of a white rhino on the spare-tire cover.

In August, using NSA cell signal data, the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, which analyzes drone and satellite imagery, identified a compound that stood out for its massive size and 18-foot walls. A CIA operative, working off NSA signals, trailed al-Kuwaiti as he drove from Peshawar, Pakistan, to the compound.

The crucial question now was whether the courier was still actively working for bin Laden. In November that year, a bin Laden team member approached the lead analyst. I dont know if this is of interest to you, the team member said. He described a call between al-Kuwaiti and a friend in Kuwait.

Weve missed you, the friend said. Where have you been?

Im back with the people I was with before, came al-Kuwaitis cryptic reply.

The NSA had made another breakthrough: The intercept provided the confidence that al-Kuwaiti was an active al-Qaida member, not a retired terrorist.

I remember going to my colleagues and saying, This is kind of a big deal, the analyst recalled.

On the day of the raid, the NSAs hunter in chief was in a Joint Special Operations Command center in Jalalabad, Afghanistan, hunched over his laptop, eyes glued to a special chatroom, tracking all communications with the agency in real time.

Back at Fort Meade, Darby was in a makeshift command center at the Ops1 Building with a handful of senior officials.

Darby, who by then was the agencys counterterrorism chief, was at work all Sunday night. After the raid, he walked to an office where analysts had been working around-the-clock for a couple of weeks and told them: We got Osama bin Laden.

He didnt get home until Monday night.

His wife, who had been in the dark all these years, finally realized what her husband had been involved in. She asked if he wanted a steak dinner.

All I wanted, he said, was a pizza.

Then he sat down. I literally cried my eyes out, you know, shoulder shaking, let it all out, just crying my guts out, he said. It was just such an emotional release.

Joby Warrick contributed to this report.
Cameron OBrien (24) was separately found with cannabis on him in an unrelated incident.

A young man who ran from a garda when seen acting suspiciously in central Dublin has been fined for obstructing a drug search.

Cameron OBrien (24) was separately found with cannabis on him in an unrelated incident.

Judge Bryan Smyth fined him 200 when he appeared in Dublin District Court.

OBrien, with an address at Dunne Street flats in the north inner city, admitted obstructing gardai.

A garda told the court he was on patrol at North Strand on October 8 last year when he saw two men acting suspiciously.

Read more Couple accused of inflicting more than 30 serious injuries on young child

When he approached, he got a strong smell of cannabis and told them he would search them.

They ran and he apprehended them.

There was no evidence of any drugs found on that occasion.

Another garda said she stopped the accused on Ballymun Road on January 8, 2021. OBrien was searched and found in possession of 25 of cannabis.

The accused had previous convictions for drugs offences.

At the time, OBrien was abusing drugs but had since stopped, his solicitor Holly Laher said.

He now had a Safe Pass and was looking for building work, and was also in the process of getting suitable housing away from offending peers, Ms Laher added.

Judge Smyth gave the accused six months to pay the fine.
Padraig Delaney, 44, of the Lane, Eustace Demesne, Naas, Co Kildare, is charged with the murder of Shane Knott, 37

A man accused of the murder of his friend at a house in Co Kildare has agreed to his bail being revoked and was remanded in custody.

Padraig Delaney, 44, of the Lane, Eustace Demesne, Naas, Co Kildare, is charged with the murder of Shane Knott, 37, at his home address between April 3 and 14 last.

He was remanded in custody on April 16 at Naas District Court.

Due to the nature of the charge, he had to make a bail application in the High Court in Cloverhill in Dublin. On May 15, he was released on his own bond of 5,000 and had a 10,000 independent surety approved.

In August, the court had also agreed to a variation of some of the bail terms.

However, at this week's High Court bail list, he instructed his counsel not to oppose the State's application to rescind his bail and was held in custody.

Ms Justice Mary Ellen Ring noted that his case is due to be listed before the Central Criminal Court on October 31 and that Mr Delaney did not contest the application for a remand in custody.

At an earlier hearing in Naas District Court, Detective Sergeant Enda Gallagher gave evidence and said the defendant replied: "It was self-defence" when charged.

He was arrested after a relative of the accused called to a Garda station about a body in Eustace Demesne. Gardai attended the scene and discovered the body of the deceased, Shane Knot.

The DPP instructed gardai to charge Mr Delaney with murder, and he has already been served with a book of evidence and returned for trial.

In court proceedings, Mr Knott and the defendant had been described as acquaintances and friends. The court was told Mr Knott would have frequented the house.

A postmortem was carried out, and the hearing was told that gardai were satisfied that Mr Knott died violently.
Dean Quinn (26) was 200m away from Mountjoy when he was arrested with cannabis, sedative pills, a drone and equipment in a backpack, Dublin District Court was told.

A YOUNG man was caught red handed near Mountjoy jail this week with a drone equipped to deliver more than 8,000 worth of drugs into the prison, it is alleged.

Gardai said the drones air drop system was designed to lower a flaming package to burn through the prisons security netting and get into the yard.

Dean Quinn (26) was 200m away from Mountjoy when he was arrested with cannabis, sedative pills, a drone and equipment in a backpack, Dublin District Court was told.

Judge Gerard Jones granted him bail at 1,500 and adjourned the case for DPP directions.

Under conditions, Mr Quinn must not come within 2km of Mountjoy prison.

The accused, of no fixed address, is charged with possession of alprazolam and cannabis with intent to sell or supply on September 9.

The prosecuting garda said the accused made no reply when charged after caution at Mountjoy station.

Objecting to bail, he said the accused was stopped at Glengarriff Parade, 200m from the prison.

Mr Quinn had a backpack containing a package with 8,200 worth of pills and cannabis, as well as a drone, a controller, an air drop system, a lighter and fuel, the garda said. He was detained and made no admissions.

In essence, he was caught red-handed, the garda alleged.

Judge Jones asked how the devices allegedly operated.

They light the package on fire, theres a pulley system attached to the drone. they drop it on the net (over the prison), the package burns through the net and drops into the prison ground, the garda said.

One individual can operate this and it was alleged that was what was found on the accused.

Applying for bail, defence solicitor Michael French said Mr Quinn was presumed innocent and did not answer any questions in interview.

The accused had an address he could stay at and would abide by any bail conditions, he said.

Mr Quinn could be in custody for a serious amount of time awaiting trial if refused bail, Mr French added.

Judge Jones set cash bail at 1,500, with conditions that Mr Quinn signs on at Coolock garda station, provides an address to be verified by gardai and a mobile phone number.

He is also stay away from Mountjoy prison. Mr Quinn was not required to speak during the bail hearing and has not yet entered pleas to the charges.

He remanded Mr Quinn in custody with consent to bail, to appear in Cloverhill District Court on September 17.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, September 11. Home Credit Bank Kazakhstan has halted its operations with VTB Kazakhstan, statement by Home Credit Bank said, Trend reports.

The decision came in response to international sanctions imposed on VTB Kazakhstan.

"Due to the international sanctions placed on VTB Kazakhstan, Home Credit Bank has decided to end its interactions with VTB Kazakhstan to avoid the risks associated with secondary sanctions, including those affecting Home Credit Bank's clients.

As a result, all transfer operations in tenge and foreign currencies to and from VTB Kazakhstan accounts have been halted," the statement reads.

VTB Kazakhstan is a subsidiary of the Russian VTB Group.

In early July, the US added VTB Kazakhstan to a list of entities and individuals whose association could pose a risk of secondary sanctions.
Aaron Bohane, who is of no fixed abode but originally from Ballincollig in Co Cork, appeared before a special sitting of Cork District Court last Sunday

A young man who was charged with assault causing harm with the use of a weapon outside a cafe in Oliver Plunkett Street in Cork city centre earlier this month has opted not to apply for bail at this time.

Aaron Bohane, who is of no fixed abode but originally from Ballincollig in Co Cork, appeared before a special sitting of Cork District Court last Sunday.

The 24 year old was charged in connection with an attack on Gavin Sheehan (38) at around 5pm on September 6.

Evidence of arrest, charge and caution was previously given by Det Garda Joe Crowley.

He told Judge Philip OLeary that he arrested Aaron Bohane of St Vincents Hostel in the city on the morning of September 7th. He said that Mr Bohane made no reply when he was subsequently charged with two offences.

Mr Bohane was charged with assault causing harm to Mr Sheehan at Oliver Plunkett Street in Cork city centre on September 6th contrary to Section 3 of the Non Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997.

He was also charged that on September 6th at Oliver Plunkett Street, while committing an offence of assault causing harm, that he produced an article capable of inflicting serious injury  namely a bladed object.

The alleged offence is contrary to Section 13 of the Firearms and Offences Act 1990. Bail was not applied for at the special sitting.

Mr Bohane appeared before Cork District Court again this morning via video link.

Defence solicitor Shane Collins Daly said that his client was not pursing bail in the case at this juncture.

At the moment he (Bohane) understands that he needs to put the State on notice (re any application to bail.)

Free legal aid was previously granted as Mr Bohane is unemployed. Judge Mary Dorgan remanded Mr Bohane in custody to appear before Cork District Court on September 25th by video link.

No direct evidence was given in relation to the incident. The alleged assault occurred outside a cafe on the junction of Oliver Plunkett Street/Grand Parade on September 6th.

Mr Sheehan was transferred to Cork University Hospital for treatment. He has since been discharged from hospital.
Emma Byrne (44) had worked in a hospital for years before developing a cocaine problem, a court heard.

A desperate mother of three caught shoplifting more than 1,000 worth of groceries and clothes to fund a drug addiction has been jailed for a month.

Emma Byrne (44) had worked in a hospital for years before developing a cocaine problem, a court heard.

Judge Gerard Jones sentenced her after hearing the thefts in no way enriched the accused.

Byrne, with an address at Belcamp Grove, Priorswood, Dublin 17, pleaded guilty to theft.

Dublin District Court heard she went to Tesco in Artane Castle Shopping Centre and took 500 worth of clothing without paying on September 6.

She was stopped by security and the goods were recovered.

Read more Couple accused of inflicting more than 30 serious injuries on young child

Byrne had earlier gone to the same shop on July 31 and stole groceries worth 271.

Those items were not recovered but she was identified on CCTV, a garda said.

Byrne also stole groceries in Lidl, Coolock Retail Park, on August 17.

On that occasion, she took 100 worth of goods before passing all points of payment.

The accused had 25 previous convictions for offences including theft and was already in custody when she appeared in court.

Byrne had an excellent work history, having been employed in a hospital for 12 years, her solicitor Tony Collier said.

However, two years ago she developed a cocaine and alcohol addiction which progressed to heroin and crack.

She had very significant difficulties with drugs and the charges related to funding her habit, Mr Collier said. The offences were in no way to enrich her, he said.

She was stealing out of desperation to fund her addiction, Mr Collier added.

The accused was in custody for the first time when she appeared in court and the solicitor asked the judge for leniency.
John Finnegan from Dean Hill, Hayse, Navan, County Meath in Ireland was found guilty of one count of hunting a wild mammal with dogs

A Co Meath man has been found guilty of hunting a fox with hounds in England.

John Finnegan (39) from Dean Hill, Hayse, Navan, Co Meath, was found guilty of one count of hunting a wild mammal with dogs at Crewe Magistrates Court on 15 August.

He was fined 468.

The court was told the charge relates to an incident in Marbury on 26 November 2022 where a fox was killed by hounds during a trail hunt.

Finnegan was the huntsman at the time.

Finnegan now becomes the first person to be convicted of fox hunting in Cheshire  a county in North West England  since it was made illegal 20 years ago.

Fox hunting was banned under the Hunting Act 2004 in England and Wales.

Under the legislation, a person commits an offence if he hunts a wild mammal with a dog, unless his hunting is exempt.

Superintendent Gareth Wrigley praised the prosecutor wo brought Finnegan to justice.

This is testament to the hard work and tenacity of the officer in the case and the support and expertise of the prosecutor.

"Id like to thank both for their dedication and determination to achieve justice in what is a complicated area of law, and Id also like to thank those who gave evidence that helped to convict Finnegan. It shows the importance of giving evidence and statements in order to successfully prosecute those who break the law.
Raymond Newell claimed he had tried to save a dying soldier at the scene of the Ballygawley bus bomb in 1988,

A Orangeman convicted of stalking a young woman blamed one of the Troubles worst atrocities to explain his creepy behaviour, we can we reveal.

Raymond Newell, who recently pleaded guilty to stalking a woman less than half his age, claimed he had tried to save a dying soldier at the scene of the Ballygawley bus bomb in 1988, which killed eight soldiers and left 28 more wounded.

Newell, who was 14 years old at the time, said the soldier died in his lap and he also lifted arms and legs blown off by the bomb.

He brought up the bomb while trying to justify his campaign of harassment against a young woman he knew from playing in a loyalist band.

Members of the Omagh Protestant Boys Flute Band were first on the scene of that atrocity as they returned from a parade in Portadown but its not clear if children were allowed off the bands bus and if Newell did what he claims.

After asking out a friend of his victim for a meal, he goes on to explain: I seen a lot of sh*t during the Troubles... the Ballygawley bus bomb I tried to save a dying soldier that night but he died on my lap.

As revealed here last month, 50-year-old Newell made the life of the young woman and her family hell as he persisted in contacting her on social media.

He hid in bushes and stared into the home of his victim for hours and when cops raided his house they found a pair of binoculars set up to look straight into their house.

But he also contacted the victim on social media and repeatedly sent unwanted messages and stood outside her home while drunk and shouting that he loved her.

Newell, who is currently in prison for breaching his bail conditions, was due to be sentenced on Tuesday at Omagh Magistrates Court but the case was adjourned until this week to allow for further reports.

The family of his victim say they are concerned that Newell  who they say is a born liar  is claiming fake sob stories to get him a lighter sentence after he almost destroyed their family.

Raymond Newell

Among his bizarre lies are claims the young victim he stalked had been a great support to him during his struggles with PTSD, which he says he suffers as a result of coming upon the scene of the bus bomb.

In a number of long and repeated messages to the victims mum, Newell claims he needed her daughter because she was helping him with his struggles with his PTSD.

People did try to cure me from PTSD but I thought [name of victim removed] was Gods angel in ways she was doing things... Yes I admit to cuddling into [name removed] one night after a parade in Portadown for I was taking a turn to it and I needed her, not to go out with her but I put my faith into her.

However, the family say the young woman has NEVER even had a conversation with the creepy Orangeman.

horror

In one message to her family, Newell states: I was involved in the Ballygawley bus bomb if you remember that when I was 14 [name removed] I was with Omagh protestant boys that night and I seen things like in a horror movie... you need to tell her she made a impact on me it was friendship not love. She is too young for me.

Newell also claimed repeatedly he was subjected to a bad sectarian beating about 25 years ago at a bar in Omagh but its understood Newell was attacked by members of another band after he was harassing another member.

In a message to the victims family, Newell claims: Then another 11 years later I took a bad sectarian beating at the swinging bars on the hospital Road.

I died twice that night and I woke up in Altnagelvin hospital with fractures had my ear cut off I even had a cage around my head.

Its understood Newell has been kicked out of several loyalist bands for his overbearing and creepy behaviour.

Incredibly, the disturbing stalker sent the mother of his victim a faked invoice from Omagh Magistrates Court demanding she pay two sums of cash totalling 850 in compensation for her daughter, the woman he was stalking, assaulting Newell.

No such assault ever took place.

Newell alleged one of the assaults took place in London while the band were on a trip but the police were able to check CCTV footage to show no such incident occurred while other band members gave statements to say she was nowhere near Newell.

Part of the 850 compensation on the fake invoice stated she owed 300 for failing to cooperate with the PSNI but what would the PSNI be doing getting involved with an assault in London? a family member told the Sunday World.

Newell, from McClay Park, admitted a charge of engaging in a course of conduct amounting to stalking which caused the injured party to suffer fear, alarm or substantial distress on various dates between December 2022 and 3 January this year.

He was charged using new stalking legislation which only came into force two years ago.

Newell was arrested outside the injured partys place of work on January 3 and a search of his home recovered a pair of binoculars from his bedroom which faced towards the injured partys home.

As it was not possible to interview him at that stage, he was released on bail.

Leading Omagh Orangeman Raymond Newell

Within hours, police received a report of Newell standing outside his home shouting that he loved the injured party and directing abuse towards her mother.

He was drunk and began smashing bottles around his property.

A family member told us last month: He almost tore our family apart. Raymond watched the womans mums house almost constantly in case she turned up for a visit.

Last night a family source told the Sunday World they feared Newell would feed a sob story to the court to get a lighter sentence.

The wee girl he tortured just wants this all over with, shes completely fed-up but fears if he gets out hell start it all up again, they told the Sunday World.

Raymond is warped in the head. God only knows what crazy stories he has invented to tell his family and friends about all of this.

To many people Raymond is a civil wee man who wouldnt do you any harm but hes the complete opposite after what he has put this family through.

Hes an evil wee creep who uses PTSD as an excuse to do what he wants and thinks hes above the law.

The [victims] sister with autism is very well known in the local band scene for her enthusiasm and enjoyment of the flute bands. Many local band members are very kind to her and always come and say hello to her.

Some even have given her band T-shirts and flags and DVDs etc. A local band also allows her to march with them when they parade their hometown and this makes her night, so its so disheartening that Raymond has brought so much shame on the band scene and lodges.

He is very aware of how vulnerable she [the victims sister] is and he completely preyed on her also. She will still not come to her mothers house due to fear of him standing watching the house.

Also the way he opened the window and played the flute and marched around the room in her mothers opinion was for no other reason other than to try to lure her up knowing how vulnerable she is.

Seven hours after he was released on bail he stood shouting, Im going to kill you all for taking me to court and smashing bottles around his house shouting that he loved the victim.

This has completely terrified [the victims] youngest sister and even nine months later she still has nightmares and cant sleep alone.
Who are the Boswells and what are their crimes?

A couple convicted in the UK but on the run for years appeared in the Extradition Court in Dublin recently after they were nabbed in New York.

So who are the Boswells and what are their crimes?

Nicola speaks with Eamon Dillon about the transatlantic hunt which ended at a routine road stop.

MORE EPISODES 
The youngster was held hours after the alleged sex attack in the Costa Dorada resort of Salou just south of the city of Tarragona

An Irish 15-year-old holidaymaker has been arrested on suspicion of raping an 18-year-old tourist of the same nationality in a Spanish holiday resort.

The youngster was held hours after the alleged sex attack in the Costa Dorada resort of Salou just south of the city of Tarragona.

He has already been remanded to a youth detention centre after appearing before a judge pending an ongoing criminal probe.

Detectives are said to have tracked him down to the unnamed Salou hotel where he was staying after his alleged victim gave officers a description of the suspect and told them he had been wearing an all-inclusive resort wristband.

She has now flown back to Ireland after giving police a statement and ratifying her complaint in front of the same youth court judge the 15-year-old appeared before after his arrest.

The regional Mossos dEsquadra police force confirmed the September 2 arrest today after news of the detention filtered out.

A spokesman for the force said: I can confirm a minor has been arrested on suspicion of a sexual assault in Salou the night of September 1 to 2.

The arrest was made on September 2. I am not in a position to offer any more information given the fact the suspect is a minor.

A well-placed source close to the inquiry confirmed the youngster was Irish. The alleged victim has been described as Irish in local reports.

The pair are understood to have met in a pub in Salou during a night out.

The alleged sex attack, which happened around 3am on September 2, happened outside the unnamed nightspot.

The youth detention centre where the Irish youngster is being held has been identified as Can Llupia, in Barcelona, described locally as an educational centre for minors.

Police are said to have been forced to work round-the-clock to make the arrest knowing the suspect was on holiday.

He was due to return to Ireland with his family three days after the alleged sex assault.

The possibility he could eventually be tried in his homeland if he ends up being charged has not been ruled out. It is not clear if his family has remained in Spain.

His alleged victim is believed to have returned to Ireland on September 4.
Asia's most powerful typhoon this year, Yagi brought gales and heavy rain as it moved westwards after landfall on Saturday

A woman paddles a boat on a flooded street, following Typhoon Yagi in Hanoi, Vietnam on Tuesday (AP Photo/Huy Han)

Vietnam's capital of Hanoi evacuated thousands of people living near the swollen Red River as its waters flooded streets days after Typhoon Yagi battered the country's north, killing at least 152 people.

Asia's most powerful typhoon this year, Yagi brought gales and heavy rain as it moved westwards after landfall on Saturday, collapsing a bridge this week while scythed through provinces along the Red River, the area's largest.

"This is the worst flood I have seen in 30 years," Hanoi resident Tran Le Quyen, 42, told Reuters, adding that she had to move furniture from her flooded home to higher ground.

"It was dry yesterday morning. Now the entire street is flooded. We couldn't sleep last night."

The typhoon and subsequent landslides and floods have killed 152 people while 140 were missing, the government estimated.

Read more Couple accused of inflicting more than 30 serious injuries on young child

Some schools in Hanoi have told students to stay home for the rest of the week, while thousands of residents of low-lying areas have been evacuated, government and state media said.

"My home is now part of the river," said Nguyen Van Hung, 56, who lives in a neighbourhood on the banks of the Red River.

Nearer the city centre, charity Blue Dragon Children's Foundation had to evacuate its office on Tuesday, after authorities warned of flood risks.

"People were moving frantically, moving their motorbikes, relocating items," said spokesperson Carlota Torres Lliro, expressing concern for dozens of children and families living in slum areas and makeshift houses by the river.

A banana garden in Hanoi is submerged in floodwater (Huy Han/AP)

Yagi wreaked havoc on many of factories and flooded warehouses in coastal export-oriented industrial hubs east of Hanoi, forcing closures, with some only expected to resume full operations after weeks, executives said.

The disruptions threaten global supply chains as Vietnam hosts large operations of multinationals that ship mostly to the United States, Europe and other developed nations.

Elsewhere, in provinces north of the capital, landslides triggered by heavy floods killed dozens.

"My house's first floor is completely under the water," said Nguyen Duc Tam, a 40-year-old resident of Thai Nguyen, a city about 60 km (37 miles) from Hanoi.

"Now we have no fresh water and electricity," he added.

Among the factories housed on the outskirts of the city, which has a population of about 400,000, is a large facility for Samsung Electronics.

From Vietnam, the South Korean company ships about half of its smartphones worldwide.

There were no signs of flooding at the facility on Wednesday, a Reuters witness said.

"For more than 20 years that I've lived here, I've never seen such historic flooding," said Hoang Hai Luan, 30. "My properties and possibly those of many others are completely lost."

Reporting by Khanh Vu, Francesco Guarascio and Phuong Nguyen in Hanoi; Minh Nguyen and Thinh Nguyen in Thai Nguyen; Writing by Francesco Guarascio; Editing by Miral Fahmy and Clarence Fernandez
The pair outlined sharply opposite visions of where the nation is and where they intend to take it if elected

A screen shows the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee and U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris at a watch party hosted by the New York Young Republican Club, in New York City, U.S., September 10, 2024. REUTERS/Adam Gray

Kamala Harris and Donald Trump showcased starkly different visions for the US on abortion, immigration and American democracy as they met for the first time for perhaps their only debate before Novembers presidential election.

The Democratic vice president tried to get under the skin of the Republican former president, provoking him with reminders about the 2020 election loss that he still denies and delivering derisive asides at his other false claims. Harris' needling prompted Trump to launch into the sort of freewheeling personal attacks and digressions from which his advisers and supporters have tried to steer him away.

Read more Couple accused of inflicting more than 30 serious injuries on young child

The pair outlined sharply opposite visions of where the nation is and where they intend to take it if elected. Harris promised tax cuts aimed at the middle class and said she would push to restore a federally guaranteed right to abortion overturned by the Supreme Court two years ago. Trump said his proposed tariffs would help the U.S. stop being cheated by allies on trade and said he would work to swiftly end the Russia-Ukraine war, even if it meant Ukraine didnt achieve victory on the battlefield.

The debate, Trumps seventh as a presidential nominee as he mounts his third run for the White House and Harris first, was perhaps the best opportunity by Harris to define herself on her own terms to voters. Their debate concluded hours before the first ballots of the election will begin to be mailed Wednesday in Alabama. Election Day is November 5, less than two months away.

Harris performance by nearly every measure seemed to be the opposite of President Joe Bidens in June, with sharp, focused answers designed to hit her talking points while needling Trump, whereas Biden at times was muddled, halting and at times incoherent. Harris used her body language and facial expressions to confront Trump and express that she found his answers ridiculous or amusing  or both  while Biden at times had a slack-jawed expression while Trump attacked him.

In one moment, Harris turned to Trump and said that as vice president, she had spoken to foreign leaders, And they say youre a disgrace.

Trump in turn tried to link Harris to Biden, questioning why she hadnt acted on her proposed ideas while serving as vice president. Why hasnt she done it? he said. Trump also focused his attacks on Harris over her assignment by Biden to deal with the root causes of illegal migration.

He repeatedly dismissed her and Biden as weak, and cited the praise of Hungarys nationalist prime minister Viktor Orban to show that he is a widely respected by leaders around the world, saying Orban calls him the most feared person.

Trump again denied his loss to Biden four years ago, when his efforts to overturn the result inspired the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection.

Donald Trump was fired by 81 million people," Harris said, "So lets be clear about that. And clearly he is having a very difficult time processing that.

Saying it's time to turn the page, Harris delivered an appeal to Republicans and independents turned off by Trumps style and his efforts four years ago to overturn the 2020 presidential election, saying theres a place in her campaign for them to stand for country, to stand for our democracy, to stand for rule of law and to end the chaos.

Trump twice declined to say that it was in the best interest of the U.S. for Ukraine to win its war against Russia. Harris said it was an example of why America's NATO allies were thankful he was no longer in office, as she and Biden have sent tens of billions of dollars to help Kyiv fend off Russia's invasion.

Migrants

As the former president made a series of false claims about migrants, Harris seemed to smirk as he said that migrants are taking jobs that are occupied right now by African Americans and Hispanics.

Talk about extreme, Harris responded, when Trump repeated unsubstantiated claims that immigrants in Ohio are eating their neighbours dogs and cats.

The candidates met in a small, blue-lit amphitheater converted into a television studio, with no live audience, meaning there was no rowdy applause, cheers or jeers. The intimate setting  with the candidates lecterns positioned less than 10 feet from each other  belied the contentious debate to follow.

As Harris seemed to try to interject during one of his responses, Trump replied, Im talking now, sound familiar?" harkening back to a moment when Harris shut down an interruption from then-Vice President Mike Pence.

January 6 riot

Harris sharply criticized Trump for the state of the economy and democracy when he left office, as the COVID-19 pandemic ravaged the nation and after his supporters stormed the Capitol on January 6, 2021, in a bid to overturn the 2020 presidential election.

What we have done is clean up Donald Trumps mess, Harris said. She opened her answer by saying she expects voters to hear a bunch of lies, grievances and name-calling from her GOP opponent during their 90-minute debate.

Trump, meanwhile, quickly went after Harris for abandoning some of her past liberal positions and said: Shes going to my philosophy now. In fact, I was going to send her a MAGA hat. Harris smiled broadly and laughed.

Harris has sought to defend her shifts away from liberal causes to more moderate stances on fracking, expanding Medicare for all and mandatory gun buyback programs  and even backing away from her position that plastic straws should be banned  as pragmatism, insisting that her values remain the same.

As the debate opened, Harris walked up to Trumps lectern to introduce herself, marking the first time the two had ever met. Kamala Harris, she said, extending her hand to Trump, who received it in a handshake  the first presidential debate handshake since the 2016 campaign.

Harris, in zeroing in on one of Trumps biggest electoral vulnerabilities, laid the end of a federally guaranteed right to abortion at Trumps feet for his role in appointing three U.S. Supreme Court justices who overturned Roe v. Wade, leaving more than 20 states in the country with what she called Trump abortion bans.

Harris gave one of her most impassioned answers as she described the ways women have been denied abortion care and other emergency care and said Trump would assign a national abortion ban if he wins.

Lie

Trump declared it a lie, and said, Im not signing a ban and theres no reason to sign a ban.

The Republican has said he wants the issue left to the states.

Harris used a question about her plans to improve the economy by saying she would extend the tax cut for families with children and a tax deduction for small businesses while attacking Trumps plans to impose broad tariffs as a sales tax on goods that the American people will ultimately pay.

Trump was stone-faced during her answer but retorted: I have no sales tax. Thats in incorrect statement. She knows that.

Trump, who 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 continued to call Harris a Marxist, and said Everyone knows shes a Marxist.

Trump, 78, 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 Republican former president has at times resorted to invoking racial and gender stereotypes, frustrating allies who want Trump to focus instead on policy differences with Harris.

I read where she was not Black, Trump said when asked about comments questioning Harris' race, and then he added a minute later, and then I read that she was Black. He seemed to suggest her race was a choice, saying twice, Thats up to her.

I think its a tragedy that we have someone who wants to be president who has consistently over the course of his career attempted to use race to divide the American people, Harris responded.

Racial division

Harris said Trump has a long history of racial division, going back to when his familys company was investigated for refusing to rent to black people decades ago. She also mentioned that he called for the death penalty for the Central Park Five, who were falsely accused of rape, and spread false birther theories about President Barack Obama.

I think the American people want better than that, want better than this, she said, nodding toward Trump.

Harris hit Trump on one of his biggest sources of pride, his freewheeling campaign rallies. Harris noted how at the events, Trump, as he meanders through subjects, will sometimes muse on fictional characters like Hannibal Lecter and whether windmills cause cancer, and then said that if you watch his events you will also notice that people start leaving his rallies early out of exhaustion and boredom.

The one thing you will not hear him talk about is you. Your needs, your dreams and your desires.

Trump tried to use his next question to respond by accusing Harris of having no one attending her rallies except the people that he claimed, without evidence, that she has bused in and paid to be there.

She cant talk about that. People dont leave my rallies. We have the biggest rallies, the most incredible rallies in the history of politics, he said.

In rapid fashion after the June 27 debate between Trump and Biden, the incumbent bowed out of the race after his disastrous performance, Trump survived an assassination attempt and bothsides chose their running mates.

The debate subjected Harris, who has sat for only a single formal interview in the past six weeks, to a rare moment of sustained questioning.

Trump at one point launched into an attack on Biden, questioning his mental acuity by making the claim that Biden doesnt even know hes alive.

Harris quickly tried to turn it around to make Trump look less than sharp.

First of all, I think its important to remind the former president, youre not running against Joe Biden. Youre running against me, she said.
Twenty-seven rural students awarded scholarships between $2500 and $5000 to support their healthcare studies, addressing New Zealand's rural health workforce shortage.

Scholarships designed to grow the rural health workforce have been awarded to 27 students from rural and regional communities through a partnership between Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) and Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora.

The recipients include Lily North, from Katikati who is studying nursing, and Vanessa Claxton from Waihi, who is studying ambulance practice.

The scholarships, which range between $2500 and $5000, have been awarded to assist students from rural backgrounds continue their study in healthcare. The scholarships come from an overall funding pool of $90,000 provided to RWNZ by Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora.

We had a huge level of interest in these scholarships, and I want to congratulate each of the grant recipients, said Rural Women New Zealand Chief Executive Marie Fitzpatrick.

It can be extremely difficult to undertake study from a rural community and anything we can do to make study a little bit easier is great.

While these scholarships cannot solve some of the challenges of travel and studying away from family and whanau, it is our hope they can help alleviate some of the students financial challenges.

We know New Zealand faces a significant shortage of health professionals in our rural towns and regional communities, so it is great to see recipients studying in a broad range of fields including in the areas of medicine, nursing, midwifery, pharmacy, physiotherapy and counselling.

I would like to congratulate the successful scholarship applicants and recognise their hard work and commitment to their studies, said Dr Sarah Clarke, National Clinical Director Primary and Community Care at Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora.

Fitzpatrick said addressing the rural health workforce shortage is a priority for Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora.

"We are committed to improving health outcomes for our rural communities. I look forward to seeing these scholarship recipients joining our rural health workforce over the coming years as they complete their studies.

Rural Women New Zealand and Health NZ wish all grant recipients the best of luck with their ongoing studies.

A list of grant recipients, their field of study and locations is here.
They are Kevin Allan Bailey and Shem Williams, both from Gate Pa; Mihaka Ratahi, of Papamoa; Kiri Mereina Pini and Bodine Umuroa, from Parkvale; Hamiora Bennett from Brookfield; Huntly man Jahvaun Te Ari Layne; Jamie Robin Thomas, of Rotorua, and Witaiawa Robinson and Samuel Mark Milosi of Tauranga.

Ten people are now on trial in the High Court at Hamilton all charged with his murder, and some are facing varying levels of assault and obstructing justice charges, after they allegedly turned up with various weapons.

Mitchell Te Kani was fatally struck to the side of the head with a crowbar and suffered a brain injury after falling back onto the concrete driveway of his whanaus Maungatapu Rd, Tauranga, property on the night of May 14, 2022.

A 51-year-old man was killed during an attack that allegedly started when five carloads of Mongrel Mob members and associates descended on a Tauranga property in what the Crown has described as an orchestrated act of retaliation.

The courtroom itself was packed on the opening day; the defendants scattered throughout not only the dock but also the public gallery with each having a Corrections Officer sat on either side of them.

Every desk and chair in the courtroom has also been filled with lawyers  21  while more than a day was dedicated to choosing the jury, which eventually saw five women and seven men chosen.

The trial is set down for eight weeks and the first witness will be called tomorrow.

May 14, 2022

In his opening address this afternoon, crown solicitor Duncan McWilliam told the jury that Pini and the victims brother Thomas Te Kani, who was also allegedly assaulted in the attack, had been in a long-term relationship up until 2017 and had three children together.

By 2022, she was seeing Umuroa.

When Pini went to the Te Kani property in early May, she and Thomas had an argument that resulted in him smashing some windows of her car.

She told him she was going to make him pay for that, McWilliam told the jury.

On May 14, 2022, there was also another significant event happening  the unveiling for former senior Mongrel Mob member Socks Taikato, which attracted members from around the Bay of Plenty and Waikato.

They had been drinking at the GC bar in Greerton before they moved on to an unveiling party in Ohauiti Rd.

Meanwhile, Umuroa and Pini turned up at the Te Kani whanaus Maungatapu Rd property at about 10.20pm, with Umuroa armed with a small wrench. The pair demanded to see Thomas but he wasnt home.

In a cellphone video, Umuroa is allegedly heard saying tell the homie he owes, Im gonna waste the c***, and I will come back tomorrow with carloads of Mongrel Mob ... unless you f***ing sort it out.

The Crown told the jury none of the Te Kani whanau were members or associated with the Mongrel Mob.

McWilliam said eight of the 10 defendants, however, were patched members. One was the partner of a member and another was an associate.

His whanau tried to tell them Thomas wasnt home and there was a confrontation; Pini today admitted assaulting her daughter by rag dolling her, while Umuroa is fighting a charge of assaulting Thomas father, Korau, by pushing him in the chest.

The court heard the Te Kani whanau and friends pleaded with the pair to leave and as they were walking down the driveway, Thomas turned up.

McWilliam said a fight then allegedly ensued during which Thomas was said to have gotten the better of Umuroa and taken a wrench off him.

Pini then allegedly told Thomas, Youre f***ed now, they are coming.

Ten people are on trial in the High Court at Hamilton accused of the murder of Mitchell Te Kani in Tauranga in 2022.

McWilliam alleged Umuroa said, I will come back with the Rogues, which he submitted was a statement of intent, to go and recruit members of the gang from the after-party.

CCTV shortly afterwards shows five carloads of gang members returning to the property, armed with bottles, an iron bar, a hatchet, and a crowbar.

Neighbours will also give evidence during the trial about hearing them walk up the long driveway, and shortly after 30 calls were made to 111, including multiple by the Te Kani whanau, with the first call made at 10.57pm.

Thomas met the gang members on the driveway and McWilliam said he tried, unsuccessfully, to stop them going any further.

They formed a line and are alleged to have thrown bottles and smashed windows of vehicles.

The Te Kani whanau were outnumbered. This group continued to advance, he told the jury.

One of the defendants was bitten by the family dog on the leg, while whanau of the victim filmed footage on their cellphones.

The fight escalated and Thomas ran over to his brother Mitchells side, while another victim ran through the family home and out a window to escape an alleged attacker.

Korau Te Kani was allegedly struck on the head with a weapon, while Isaiah Hewitt, a partner of one of the sisters, was allegedly punched, kicked, dragged by his hair, and hit on the head.

One of the group is alleged to have then turned to where Mitchell and Thomas were standing and swung the crowbar, narrowly missing Thomas but striking Mitchell on the side of the head. He fell backwards onto the concrete and didnt get back up.

Thomas then tried to cover his brother with his own body as more punches rained down on them, and he recalled Pini saying, Thats him, thats him.

The attack was all over in about 10 minutes.

Mitchell was left dead on the driveway. Thomas had multiple injuries and his father needed treatment for a gash on his forehead.

Not one of the defendants had any lawful reason to be on the Te Kani whanau property that night. Eight of the defendants didnt even know the Te Kani family, said McWilliam.

The 10 were there for one reason  that was for retaliation of an incident about 20 minutes earlier.

Several defendants were also injured; Bailey had surgery for a head wound, Ratahi was hospitalised for a cut to his forehead, while Layne was treated for the dog bite.

McWilliam said a lot of the case involved forensic evidence from DNA and blood found at the scene and on confiscated clothing, including gang vests.

He told the jury that as the murder charge was jointly laid, the Crown didnt have to identify who carried out the fatal assault, but the jury had to be sure, beyond a reasonable doubt, that it was intentional or the accused were reckless the attack might kill Mitchell, but carried on with it anyway.

Ratahi and Williams are also facing charges of attempting to pervert the course of justice after Ratahi called Williams and talked about the latter cleaning his vehicle that was used on the night Thomas died and removing any links to any gang member.

Theyre also alleged to have discussed what to tell police when they called.

Ratahis other charges relate to him telling another person, Haimona Ormsby, who is not involved in the trial, to clean his Mongrel Mob Brotherhood gang patched vest and a pair of shoes.

Gang member doesnt mean murderer

Two defence counsel gave brief opening addresses.

David Pawson, on behalf of Umuroa, urged the jury to keep an open mind throughout the trial and when it came to assessing the murder charge, suggested they wouldnt find enough evidence to convict him.

Gangs were also a fact of life in New Zealand, he said.

And in that context keep your mind open. Just because you are a member of a gang that doesnt make you a murderer.

Ben Smith, for Williams, said there were effectively 10 different trials going and each defendant was different, thats feelings, motivation, and actions.

He asked them to keep an eye on what the evidence showed and what his client did or didnt do.

Whos who and facing what charges?

Bodine Jackson Umuroa of Parkvale. Photo / Mike Scott.

Bodine Umuroa, Parkvale, 43, is defending nine charges; murder, aggravated burglary, threatening to do grievous bodily harm x2, assault, injuring with intent to injure, assault with intent to injure, wounding causing grievous bodily harm (WGBH) x2.

Kiri Mereina Pini, of Parkvale. Photo / Mike Scott.

Kiri Pini, of Parkvale, 42, fighting six charges; murder, aggravated burglary, injuring with intent to injure, assault intent injure, WGBH x2,

This morning she pleaded guilty to assaulting Mahura Te Kani on May 14, 2022.

Kevin Allan Isaac Haimona Tunui Bailey of Gate Pa. Photo / Mike Scott.

Kevin Bailey, Gate Pa, 30, defending five charges; murder, injuring with intent to injure, assault with intent to injure, WGBH x2.

Hamiora John Te Moana Bennett of Brookfield. Photo / Mike Scott.

Hamiora Bennett, Brookfield, 35, defending five charges; murder, injuring with intent to injure, assault with intent to injure, WGBH x2.

Jahvaun Te Ari Layne, Huntly. Photo / Mike Scott.

Jahvaun Layne, Huntly, 28, defending five charges; murder, injuring with intent to injure, assault with intent to injure, WGBH x2.

Samuel Mark Milosi of Tauranga. Photo / Mike Scott.

Samuel Milosi, Tauranga, 21, defending five charges; murder, injuring with intent to injure, assault with intent to injure, WGBH x2.

Mihaka Ratahi, Papamoa. Photo / Mike Scott.

Mihaka Ratahi, Papamoa, 32, defending nine charges; murder, injuring with intent to injure, assault with intent to injure, WGBH x2, murder, two of attempting and one of conspiring to pervert the course of justice.

He pleaded guilty to a third charge of attempting to pervert the course of justice on May 18, 2022, by telling a co-offender he would help with a false statement to police about his involvement in the death of Mitchell Te Kani.

Witaiawa Robinson, Tauranga. Photo / Mike Scott.

Witaiawa Robinson, Tauranga, 26, defending five charges of murder, injuring with intent to injure, assault with intent to injure, WGBH x2.

Jamie Robin Manakitia Te Aroha Thomas, Rotorua. Photo / Mike Scott.

Jamie Thomas, Rotorua, 38, murder, injuring with intent to injure, assault with intent to injure, WGBH x2.

Shem Williams, Tauranga. Photo / Mike Scott.

Shem Williams, Gate Pa, 32, defending seven charges; murder, injuring with intent to injure, assault with intent to injure, attempting and conspiring to pervert the course of justice, and WGBH x2.
Press Release

September 11, 2024 Edtech, digital push in schools difficult without computers, electricity - EDCOM 2 Commissioners of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) raised issues in digitalization and electrification of classrooms during the budget hearing of the Department of Education yesterday, September 10. EDCOM 2 data showed that there are 1,755 sites that still need electricity. Based on the 2024 General Appropriations Act, 273 sites were targeted for electrification. However, only 45 sites are projected to be completed by December of this year, pointing to a 4% completion rate. "We're looking at two figures: schools that lack computers and schools that lack electricity...There's no point in jumping into all the schools that lack computers if the electricity issue hasn't even been [resolved]", Senator Pia Cayetano pointed out. EDCOM 2 data shows that the Philippines is among the few countries in East and Southeast Asia that have not yet achieved universal access of schools to electricity. This is particularly important because the Programme for International Assessment and other international education assessments are conducted through computerized tests. "We're also looking at solar energy as one of the newer technologies. Maybe going forward we can include this into the last mile schools, para magkaroon din sila ng ganitong resource." Angara added. Low utilization for computerization program Data presented by EDCOM 2 Co-Chairperson Senator Sherwin Gatchalian showed that in 2023, the DepEd's computerization program's obligation rate was only 50%, and the disbursement rate was at a low 12%. These figures raised concerns during the Senate hearing, with Senator Sherwin Gatchalian questioning DepEd's ability to fully implement the program. "I appreciate Secretary Sonny's vision in embracing technology...But without computers, as well as internet connectivity, we cannot harness the full potential of EdTech. What reforms will be undertaken to improve the delivery of the Computerization Program?" Gatchalian asked during the hearing. DepEd committed to reforming the procurement and delivery process for laptops and computer equipment by allowing suppliers to deliver directly to schools, a move aimed at addressing the delays caused by the reliance on a single logistics company. "First, of course is early procurement. This does not apply only to the computers, as well as construction of schools and anything really that we purchase in bulk, given the massive logistical requirements. Secondly is better targeting. Be more strategic in our planning. What I plan to do is to create a new strand in the department simply for planning and for technology as well." PhP 12.6 billion will be allocated by the Department of Education to push for the computerization program and increased digitalization in schools. This budget will fund the provision of e-learning (eLC) packages, smart TV units, laptops for both teaching and non-teaching personnel, as well as school-wide internet connectivity. "With newer technologies, students can benefit from digital tools, and perhaps their work from home can even be monitored by their teachers," DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara explained. Angara also noted that the DepEd will also seek support from local government units to bolster their efforts. "Many LGUs have already been providing IT packages, and computer equipment to their schools. I'm sure, with the continued LGU support, it can help accelerate the rollout of digital tools and ensure more students and teachers have access to the technology" Textbook preselection OK-ed Senator Cayetano, Chairperson of the Finance Committee, also inquired about the particularly concerning delay in the department's textbook deliveries. Angara noted that DepEd is already in talks with the Government Procurement Policy Board (GPPB) to adopt a title-based approach to textbook procurement, which could potentially reduce procurement time by one year. "We would already identify book titles that would be purchased, instead of the current practice where we procure different suppliers for manuscript, printing, and then delivery," Secretary Angara said. In previous meetings with the GPPB and DepEd, EDCOM 2 Co-Chair Gatchalian had also recommended the "pre-selection" of textbooks as a more efficient alternative to the current process. "That was one of our recommendations, one of the ideas that was floated that in private schools, even in basic education they give you a list and you go to a book store and you buy your books. So, the private schools they don't print their own books or make their own books," Gatchalian pointed out.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, September 11. Kazakhstan and Turkmengas of Turkmenistan have signed a memorandum of intent to strengthen cooperation between the countries in the gas sector, the Ministry of Energy of Kazakhstan told Trend.

The document was signed during a meeting between the Minister of Energy of Kazakhstan Almassadam Satkaliyev and the State Minister of Turkmenistan, Chairman of the state concern "Turkmengas" Maksat Babayev.

At the meeting, the parties discussed cooperation between the countries in the gas sector and the possibility of participating in joint projects.

Satkaliev pointed out that by joining forces, the countries can raise the bar on mutually beneficial cooperation to a whole new ballgame of strategic partnership.

Meanwhile, the volume of trade turnover between Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan amounted to $237.2 million from January through June 2024. The volume of trade turnover decreased by 2.5 percent compared to the same period in 2023 ($243.3 million).

At the same time, exports to Turkmenistan for the above period amounted to $136.6 million, which is 24.7 percent less than the first half of 2023 ($181.5 million). In addition, imports from Turkmenistan from January through June 2024 increased by 62.7 percent and amounted to $100.5 million. From January through June 2023, imports amounted to $61.8 million.
Two Tauranga locals have set up a movement named the NZ Gives a Sh!t movement to tackle social issues.

Co-founders Charlie Eggleton and Melanie Bedggood are on a mission to create a space where New Zealanders can feel safe expressing their concerns about social issues. Its a space where they can be heard and supported.

NZ Gives a Sh!t is really about creating the conditions for New Zealanders to come together on the things that matter to us, said Bedggood.

At the moment theres a lot of division in the world and I think were moving further and further away from focusing on what is important to us.

Bedggood explained how some of the conversations happening on social media regarding social issues involve extreme views.

She said many people feel things need to change and but dont know where to start on their own.

Bedggood said the movement is about creating a safe space for people to actually have a say about things that concern them.



Charlie Eggleton and Melanie Bedggood participating in the cold plunge.

The movement all started when Bedggood realised that the mental health services werent working.

Bedggood started working in the mental health industry as a frontline clinician in 2008. From there she worked in a range of settings across health and social services and started in leadership in 2012. She became a strategic mental health leader in 2017 after that she left because she believed the system was broken.

I was part of the team to transform the system, and what I realised, was that what we were doing wasnt actually doing anything, said Bedggood.

So, I stepped away from that to build a new way with a new method.

Eggleton didnt come from a background in the mental health industry. However, hes been a youth worker from 2012 to 2017 where he worked with a wide range of young people including some who had mental health problems.

From 2017 to 2023 Ive had more youth advisory roles either helping advise organisations on how to work better or engaging young people, and I helped co-design the New Zealand Red Cross youth engagement strategy in 2019 to 2021, said Eggleton.

They both have strong backgrounds in mental health, engagement and advocacy and from their previous work in the field they realised that something needed to be done to transform the mental health industry.

In 2022, Bedggood met Eggleton while working at Tauranga City Council. Thats when they started talking about how they wanted to create something that would make real change for New Zealand.

We started doing some projects at the community level, they were nonprofit projects, and we saw that there was a need for transformation in the nonprofit space, said Bedggood.

In 2018, Bedggood created a brand called Unity Aotearoa and from there she and Eggleton worked on the movement with the aim to support New Zealand to get to a place where the transformation of these social issues can take place.

In June, together they set up the NZ Gives a Sh!t Movement.

The movements first step to creating a sense of togetherness was an event on Fathers Day weekend where everyone was encouraged to take part in a polar plunge, signalling the of coming together and standing up for change, Eggleton explained.

Were encouraging people to do the cold plunge in their own local body of water. Whether thats Mount Main Beach, the ice bucket challenge at home, flicking your shower to cold for 30 seconds, or having a cold bath.

Eggleton said they have created an online community platform for people to post their cold plunges, and post about what they are going to do to inspire other New Zealanders.

Bedggood said it is a way for individuals and groups to come together. Its saying, one, that you actually give a s*** about whats happening in New Zealand and, two, that we want better for New Zealand.

Its more about inspiring New Zealand rather than a the system sucks kind of movement.



Charlie Eggleton and Melanie Bedggood participating in the cold plunge.

Theres lots of conversations at the moment that we need to come together, and that the mental health of our population isnt good enough.

Bedggood said two of New Zealands biggest social issues are suicide and child poverty and it has been this way for decades.

According to annual reports from the Chief Coroners Office, in 2022, there were 665 recorded deaths by suicide in New Zealand. This equates to a rate of about 13.4 deaths per 100,000 people.

According to Stats NZ report from June 2023, about 14.3% of children in New Zealand were living in households with income below 50% of the median income threshold, which is a common measure of poverty. Additionally, around 19.6% of children were living in households experiencing material hardship. These figures reflect various aspects of child poverty within New Zealand.

So, it doesnt matter what government comes in or goes, these are real problems that we have.

Beddgood said the first step is to just inspire New Zealand to get behind a movement that is bigger than politics.

Our hope is that eventually governments, local and central, will actually then come to us to actually fund what matters, said Bedggood.

Its about New Zealanders standing up and saying were here, we listen, we care, and thats really powerful.

For more information on NZ Gives a Sh!t visit https://www.gdonline.co.nz/pages/nz-gives-a-sht and check out their socials: Instagram: @Unity.Aotearoa, Facebook: UNITY.Aotearoa.

Where to get help:

 Lifeline: Call 0800 543 354 or text 4357 (HELP) (available 24/7)

 Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)

 Youth services: (06) 3555 906

 Youthline: Call 0800 376 633 or text 234

 What's Up: Call 0800 942 8787 (11am to 11pm) or webchat (11am to 10.30pm)

 0800 Anxiety Helpline: 0800 269 4389 (0800 ANXIETY). This service is confidential and free of charge. Open 24/7.

 Depression helpline: Call 0800 111 757 or text 4202 (available 24/7)

 Helpline: Need to talk? Call or text 1737

 Aoake te Ra (Bereaved by Suicide Service): Call 0800 000 053

If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.
"Chronic" understaffing remains the biggest issue in the health sector and will contribute to patient harm, health professionals say.

It comes after a patient died in the waiting room of Rotorua Hospital's emergency department after waiting three hours to be seen.

Health Minister Dr Shane Reti expressed his condolences to the woman's family and said he had been reassured services at the ED were safe.

Speaking to Morning Report, Rotorua general practitioner Dr Cate Mills said the situation was devastating for the woman's family and staff at the ED.

Dr Mills said wait times were a problem and health professionals were well aware they were going up and that it was getting harder to see a GP or visit an after-hours clinic.

She said it was a product of the layers of stress and strain within the system.

Dr Mills said GP clinics were seeing as many patients as they possibly could - and doing great work for the patients they did see.

She was "working harder than ever" to meet the needs of patients but lack of availability meant they could not see everyone that tried to get an appointment.

Northland emergency doctor Gary Payinda. Photo: Supplied.

Northland emergency doctor Gary Payinda said there was no "magic fix" that would cure the issues within the health sector that people had been telling governments for a long time.

Dr Payinda said the problems with understaffing needed to be repaired.

"We're lacking something like a thousand nurses, 500 GPs, specialists, mental health wards are overwhelmed, ED's are overwhelmed, and at the end of the day, there's no way around it.

"Our population has grown and we need our public services to keep up with that growth."

Payinda said the system could not have "gravely" understaffed hospitals - filled to overflowing with patients - and not expect patient harm, including deaths.

He said wards were understaffed and lacked nurses.

More nurses would allow more patients to be seen quicker in hospitals.

"At the end of the day, keeping patients out in waiting rooms or in back corridors where they get dropped off by an ambulance is not good practice, it's not best practice, it's not what Shane Reti or any of us would want for our families."

New Zealand Nurses Organisation kaiwhakahaere Kerri Nuku. Photo: Nick Tapp.

New Zealand Nurses Organisation kaiwhakahaere Kerri Nuku said speak to any nurse and the idea that the country has an abundance of nurses is not the picture painted.

"We're still saying that there is a significantly chronic issue of this understaffing and also the skills and competencies of staff to be able to deliver the skills and expertise that are requires in any of those specialist areas."

Nuku said nurses - and doctors - remain fatigued, under pressure and burnt out.

"What we're talking about here is that this long-term, chronic understaffing heightens the risks to patient safety, patient outcomes, and also the workforce itself.

"We're seeing a really distressed, absolutely burnt-out workforce, not just nurses but doctors, all those that work across the health system, because of these types of erosion of spending, spending restraints and frontline restrictions and this penny-pinching that takes away the ability to recruit staff to these really high needs areas."

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon told reporters the government was working incredibly hard to fix the "broken healthcare system" it had inherited.

"We are doing everything we can. We've got a commissioner in there now because we know we need a better performance from that organisation."

Luxon said the government had made lowering ED wait times a top priority and was focused on growing the workforce.

The coalition has set a target that 95 per cent of patients be admitted, discharged or transferred from an emergency department within six hours.

-RNZ
Critical plans to reduce congestion at a major bottleneck in Mount Maunganui are underway, but one councillor is pushing for it to be higher priority.

Motorists will have a more efficient and reliable journey through Hewletts Road (SH2), Totara Street and Maunganui Road once the Connecting Mount Maunganui project is complete.

The roads link Mount Maunganui to Tauranga and are the main routes to New Zealands largest port.

It will be delivered in stages and include road and safety improvements, new connections between roads, the eventual four-laning of Totara St and the creation of a flyover from Totara St to the harbour bridge side of Hewletts Rd.

The first stage, at a cost of $5 million, will introduce high occupancy lanes on Hewletts Rd, allowing vehicles with three passengers or more to use the bus lanes.

Te Maire Street will also be connected to Newton Street which would reduce traffic on Hewletts Rd.

Councillor Glen Crowther said the project is the number one priority in Taurangas Transport System Plan (TSP) but theres limited funding for it in the citys 10-year plan.

Public transport improvements were number two, he said.

To say its a critical project is if anything under egging, its our number one transport project.



Councillor Glen Crowther said the project not being prioritised in the next 10 years made no sense at all. Photo / Alisha Evans.

The TSP is a 30-year plan made up of more than 80 transport projects for the Western Bay of Plenty region.

There was nothing more important than the Connecting Mount Maunganui project, but it wasnt included in the councils long-term plan, said Crowther.

This project has been nixed from the plan [which] makes no sense at all.

He wanted a long-term plan amendment which included the Connecting Mount Maunganui project.

If we dont go down that track, we are backing ourselves into a corner.

All of the stages are subject to funding from the NZ Transport Agency, with a delivery date only set for stage one.

The council has allocated $29m in the 2024-34 long-term plan and $263m between 2035-44 to support the project.

Crowther also said that not grade separating the railway line, by setting it a different height from the road, was incredibly short-sighted. It had been part of the original plans.

Rail connections to the Port of Tauranga needed to be future proofed because the planned freight increases were gobsmacking, he said.



An 11-year-old girl died after being struck by a train on the Hewletts Rd rail crossing in July 2023. Photo / Alex Cairns

Last year, an 11-year-old girl died at the Maunganui Rd / Hewletts Rd rail crossing after she was struck by a train when biking home from school.

NZTA regional manager system design Jess Andrews said they looked at the key users of the road and did a lot of consultation to create the plans.

Mount Maunganui and Hewletts Rd has the privilege of trying to serve everyone in a very small area which makes it incredibly complex from a transport planning perspective.

Connecting some of the dead-end local roads would have an enormous difference on transport movements, she said.

Infrastructure general manager Nic Johansson said the planned projects in the TSP wouldnt solve all of Taurangas transport problems.

Transport planners keep telling us that were not going to build our way out of congestion.

People also needed to change their behaviour to use other transport other than cars, he said.



A graphic of the preferred option for the Connecting Mount Maunganui project. Image / NZTA.

Whats planned

Stage one: occupancy lanes on Hewletts Rd and a connection from Te Maire Street to Newton Street at a cost of $5m.

Stage two and three: more local roads connected and bus stop upgrades at a cost of $118m.

Stage four: costed at $23m, would include a new shared path on Maunganui Road, and one between Totara St and Maunganui Rd including an overpass between Maunganui Road.

Stage five: add additional lanes to Totara Street and a flyover at the Totara Street, Hewletts Road intersection, costing $146m.

Tauranga City Council would pay 49 per cent of the local road projects while the state highway projects, including the flyover, would be fully funded by NZTA.

By the end of the year, the council will be presented with a business case for approval, which would then go to NZ Transport Agency for approval.

If funding is approved the council would progress the high occupancy lanes on Hewletts Road in 2025.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Peter Dougherty of BISSAN Wealth Management thinks an important trait for a financial planner is being able to anticipate client needs

Our business is similar to chess: clients need financial planners that read the chess board well and know what the next moves should be before they are obvious", says Peter Dougherty.

SIE Malaga Wednesday, 11 September 2024 | Updated 12/09/2024 10:39h. Opciones para compartir Copiar enlace

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Peter Dougherty of BISSAN Wealth Management thinks an important trait for a financial planner is being able to anticipate client needs. Our business is similar to chess, he says, clients need financial planners that read the chess board well and know what the next moves should be before they are obvious.

As Peter explains: In chess, the movement of each chess piece is restricted. The knight moves in an L-shape, one (or two) square left or right horizontally and then two (or one) squares up or down vertically. The more we know about these limitations, the better. The same holds true with taxation for expats in Spain: local restrictions differ from what they knew at home. In fact, the entire philosophy of Spanish taxation is different.

One way to improve ones chess game is enrolling in a chess academy. More than a year ago, Mr. Dougherty enrolled in the equivalent - a Spanish tax institute. His efforts have now paid off: Instituto Europeo de Asesoria Fiscal just awarded him a masters degree in taxation.

Zoom Peter Dougherty of BISSAN Wealth Management has published a new book: "La Hoja de Ruta Fiscal y Financiera para los espanoles en EE.UU".

I selected a Spanish taxation program with a comprehensive course of study called Master en Ficalidad y Tributacion because of its across-the-board curriculum, says Dougherty. We studied the ins and outs of Spanish inheritance taxation, corporate taxes and income taxes, as well as taxes that are unique to Spain such as the Spanish wealth tax.

An unexpected outcome of Mr. Dougherty pursuit of a masters degree was that it led him to write and publish a new book. As he researched information for his tax programs required thesis, Peter unearthed interesting information he thought others would find useful. His book is entitled: La Hoja de Ruta Fiscal y Financiera para los espanoles en EE.UU. or The Fiscal and Financial Roadmap for Spaniards in the U.S. Published in May 2024, it has already received the Literary Titan Book Award, which recognizes outstanding nonfiction books whose authors excel in creating informative, enlightening, and engaging works that offer valuable insights.

Mr. Dougherty says: You might think of Spanish taxes as just one more chess piece on the board of cross border financial planning. For an American expat in Spain, for example, U.S. taxes are another important piece. So, too, are investment and legal considerations, transfer and reporting policies, and currency exposure.

A good financial planner, like a good chess player, must have knowledge of these diverse factors and take them into consideration in evaluating the entire (chess) board. Only then can they help their clients determine the best long-term strategies and move-by-move tactics.

As Emanuel Lasker, holder of the world Chess Champion title for 27 years said, When you see a good move, look for a better one.

-----------------------------------

Peter Dougherty is certified as a European Financial Planner (EFP) by the European Financial Planning Association of Spain, as a Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor and a Foreign Account Tax Compliance (FATCA) specialist in the United States, and as an Investment Adviser Representative by the North American Securities Administrators Association.

More information

Peter Dougherty, BISSAN Wealth Management

Mail: pdougherty@bissan.es

Telephone: +34 677 998 261

Web: www.bissan.es
Jennie Rhodes Comares Wednesday, 11 September 2024, 17:51 Opciones para compartir Copiar enlace

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Comares is holding an intercultural day on Sunday 15 September to celebrate the mix of nationalities that call the village, which at approximately 740 metres above sea level is one of the highest in Malaga province, home.

All nationalities are invited to participate by taking a typical dish and dressing up in a traditional outfit from their country. Lets have a wonderful day together with music, says the town halls Facebook page.

According to Spain's national statistics institute (INE), in 2021 the foreign community in Comares made up almost 40 per cent of the village's population, with 534 foreign people registered on the town hall Padron (register).

In terms of nationalities we have British, Irish, Germans, Belgians, Argentinians, Paraguayans and a few others, the foreign population is very important in our community, Comares town hall told SUR in English.

There will be live music from 12pm on Plaza Balcon de la Axarquia and performances range from traditional Flamenco and Verdiales to DJ sets and British musician Ella Ray.

The poster advertising the day. SUR

Visitors are also welcome to join in the festivities. For further information click here
Alba Tenza / Ignacio Lillo Malaga Wednesday, 11 September 2024 | Updated 12/09/2024 14:58h. Opciones para compartir Copiar enlace

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Mayors and business owners in the Guadalhorce valley area of Malaga province have applauded the action to extend the motorway further along the A-357 but are calling on the Junta to speed up the work.

Pedro Fernandez Miguel from Carratraca, has been fighting for action for decades and created Proautovia del Guadalhorce (For the Guadalhorce motorway) in 1987, brining together concerned residents of 27 municipalities.

"The creation of the motorway is a dream we had in Carratraca, and even then we saw it as a new access to Seville from Malaga," he said. The A-357 will open up the coast to tourism in search of nature by bringing destinations such as Ronda, Osuna, Carmona, Ecija and the Sierra de Cadiz closer together, he added. "It will be one of the best investments to revitalise the inland." However, he criticised the long process: "It is unacceptable that a simple environmental study for three kilometres should take a year".

Felix Lozano, mayor of Pizarra, applauded the move to extend the motorway. "We know that the work was once awarded and that it was decided not to execute it... It is valuable time that was lost," he said. However, he said the current Andalusian government has been receptive to his demands.

High accident rate

The councillor said the motorway extension work is a priority due to the road's high accident rate. "I want to thank the Junta's president (Juanma Moreno) for listening to repeated requests, which are finally bearing fruit; we know that the process is still long but the first stone has already been laid and from there we will have the study and the work," Lozano said.

As well as safety, it will also have economic benefits. "In Pizarra we have already exceeded 10,000 inhabitants and this is partly thanks to the planning of this dual carriageway, which with the dual carriageway will reach Pizarra and this will allow many more families to come to this town, which is only 30 minutes from Malaga city by car and with train connections," Lozano said. He also cited the examples of Alhaurin de la Torre and Cartama, where a dual carriageway has led to high growth in those areas. "We are working on the available land to have it qualified so that developers can come to Pizarra and start building new homes."

Francisco Padilla, president of the Guadalhorce valley business association (Fedelhorce) said: "It increases mobility with Malaga, the fact that the motorway will be extended is fundamental, both for safety and economically". It will be a way of attracting more workers, tourists and potential buyers, he added. "In the end, people don't know about the Guadalhorce valley and seeing that this development is so close will help all of us business owners," he said.

Pizarra will be the main beneficiary municipality, including towns such as Casarabonela and Alozaina, Padilla added. "With the influx of workers who are going to come to live in Malaga with the boom in the city, we are aware that there will be more people and companies that are going to set up here, as well as new homes and potential consumers, so this step will give us a boost," he said.
One of the most dangerous stretches of the Guadalhorce valley road, which has not yet been upgraded.

Ignacio Lillo / Alba Tenza Malaga Wednesday, 11 September 2024 | Updated 12/09/2024 14:54h. Opciones para compartir Copiar enlace

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The A-357 in the Guadalhorce valley is a deadly road, and unfortunately in this case the adjective applies with all its literal harshness: it is the most dangerous road for accidents in Malaga province and, moreover, it strangles the economic development of the area. This has been the case for more than 15 years, when the last attempt was made to move ahead with the upgrading to a motorway process, without successive governments at the head of the Junta giving it the priority it deserved: both for the economic development of the Guadalhorce valley and for its tourist attractions, such as the Caminito del Rey and the Sierra de las Nieves national park. It is also one of the main access points to Ronda and home to important agro-industrial companies.

The last announcement of works on this key route dates back to December 2009. At that time, the Junta de Andalucia regional government announced an investment of almost 28 million euros for the construction of the Casapalma-Cerralba section, after awarding the works to a joint venture formed by Dragados and Otero (30-month deadlne). The plan consisted of the construction of four kilometres of dual carriageway, to handle the daily traffic capacity of 40,000 vehicles.

But the work on the ground never started. Now, after 15 years at a standstill, the time for the extension of the Guadalhorce motorway seems to have arrived. The worrying accident rate on the A-357 road, together with the increase in population in the Guadalhorce valley and the impetus of the new heads of the regional government's Ministry of Public Works have meant that the longed-for motorway extension is moving forward, at least on paper.

More than 331,000 euros has already been invested in the drafting of the project for the widening of the four-kilometre stretch between the Casapalma and Cerralba junctions (from points 43 to 39). The estimated budget for construction is 52.2 million euros.

The regional ministry has also recently received eight bids from engineering consultancies interested in undertaking the drafting of the project for the dual carriageway between Cerralba and Zalea.

This will add another four kilometres of dual carriageway with current safety and quality standards (from point 43 to 39 of the A-357) and will give continuity to the conversion into a dual carriageway of the previous one, which is already in the drafting phase of the construction project.

Economic boost

As a result, from the point where the road is now a single lane, at the BP petrol station in Casapalma, just before crossing the Rio Grande, a platform of two carriageways, seven metres wide and separated by a central reservation, will be planned. Therefore, each of the carriageways will have two 3.5-metre wide lanes.

This new section will help to boost the economy in the geographical Alto Guadalhorce area, the Serrania de Ronda and the western area of the Vega de Antequera, where there are important tourist attractions, such as the Caminito del Rey and the Sierra de las Nieves. And economically, in an area with an extensive agricultural and livestock industry, among others.

In total, the road is 70 kilometres long, of which 30 are dual carriageways (two or more lanes) and it has an average daily traffic density (ADI) of 25,000 vehicles, measured by Spain's DGT roads authority at the access to the Malaga's technology park, which is the point where the greatest traffic is concentrated. It serves a population of more than 150,000 inhabitants in the municipalities of Guadalhorce valley and Sierra de las Nieves.
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, September 11. Ministry of Economy and Commerce of Kyrgyzstanhas signed agreements with the rating agencies Oppenheimer Europe Ltd and Fitch Ratings, the Kyrgyz Stock Exchange (KSE) told Trend.

The ministry has signed an agreement with Oppenheimer Europe Ltd for consulting services to obtain a sovereign credit rating, and with Fitch Ratings for the initial assignment of a sovereign credit rating for Kyrgyzstan.

A specially formed working group, which included experts from the Kyrgyz Stock Exchange, has prepared the analytical framework and related documents necessary for determining Kyrgyzstans credit rating. These materials will now serve as the foundation for successful collaboration with Oppenheimer Europe Ltd and Fitch Ratings.

Fitch Ratings is an American corporation that provides credit ratings, commentary, and research for global capital markets. Oppenheimer Europe offers financial services to institutions and corporations in areas such as corporate finance, equities, fixed income, debt capital markets, and portfolio strategy research.
Nuria Triguero Malaga Wednesday, 11 September 2024, 12:20 | Updated 12:41h. Opciones para compartir Copiar enlace

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The rise in rents in Malaga and on the Costa del Sol over the last few years has been so steep that seeing a price flash up in red immediately catches the eye. Yet this is what can now be seen in the statistics produced by the property portal Idealista: for the first time in the last 12 months there was a monthly drop in August in the average price of flats offered on this company's website: 1.2% at a provincial level and 0.2% in Malaga city. Let's get this straight, it is not that rents are now falling in Malaga, but that the average price of the properties advertised has fallen - and only by a little.

So what does this data mean? Well, a reality that can be observed by visiting any real estate portal: there are properties that have dropped in price in Malaga. However, this is not the general market trend. These are properties that had been sold at totally exorbitant prices and their owners are now forced to 'bajarse del burro' (get off their donkey) as the Spanish would say ('get off their high horse' in English), and accept a lower price after months without securing a tenant.

Zoom

On Idealista, as of yesterday, of the 1,400 properties offered for rent in Malaga city, there are 114 that have been reduced in price. Of these, 33 have a discount of more than 10%. The most obvious example is in Martiricos towers where last February, when both buildings were officially opened for business, a flat rental advertised at 4,500 euros per month went viral. Among the rents that have fallen the most in price on Idealista are several located at those towers. These twin blocks are now gaining a reputation due to the problems of coexistence between residents and tourists staying in a considerable number of tourist apartments there. Some examples: a one-bedroomed flat of 50 square metres that was advertised at 2,300 euros is now at 1,500, another of the same size that was at 1,600 is now at 1,250 and a three-bedroomed flat that was at 3,900 euros is now at 3,000. In other words, yes, they have gone down, but they are still not at market price.

Zoom

There are other cases on Idealista that stand out for their exorbitant prices, giving us some idea of how deluded some property owners in the city have become about what rental prices they could achieve. A 42m2 ground floor flat in Miraflores de los Angeles (one of many premises converted into flats) was offered until recently for 1,650 euros per month. The owner has come to their senses and is now asking 1,000 euros, although he warns that the contract will be for a shorter term and in the summer months the price will change to the original amount of 1,650 euros.

Zoom

The list goes on: a price drop of 500 euros, (or 20%) for a penthouse in Calle Bolivia in Pedregalejo district (from 2,500 euros to 2,000 euros). It has one bedroom and is 60 square metres. There is also a 20% discount on a 32m2 flat in El Ejido district that was priced at 1,000 euros and has now been reduced to 800.

Zoom

In other municipalities along the Costa del Sol there are also examples of heavily discounted flats, although many of them have a catch: they are short-term rentals. We found several examples that have been halved in price: a flat in Manilva that was priced at 1,500 euros per month and is now on offer at 750 (but is only available from October to December); another in Benajarafe that goes from 1,800 to 900 euros (but only available between February and July 2025) and another in Rincon de la Victoria which goes from 1,800 to 900 (from September to June).

Zoom

Prices show no sign of falling

Inmaculada Vegas, partner at real estate agency Rentacasa, which specialises in rentals, warned that rental prices in Malaga "are not going down and will not go down as long as the supply, which is very small, does not increase." The figures prove her right as Malaga has the smallest rental housing stock of all the major Spanish cities.

Vegas admitted that there are owners who arrive "with the idea that if my neighbour puts the flat at 1,500 euros, I'll put it at 2,000 because mine is nicer." "That's what we professionals are there for: to bring them down to earth and explain to them what the market prices truly are. I always advise them not to waste time setting exorbitant prices in case our luck runs dry, because the time they are not renting it is money they are losing," she explained. "What's more, my advice is that, if the average price is 1,000 euros, you should set it at 950: it's better to charge a little less and have a good tenant."

Idealista shares the view that rental prices show no signs of bottoming out soon in Malaga. "The data that we handle seem to indicate that this monthly decline observed in August is more about the usual behaviour of the market than the beginning of a series of falls. The province of Malaga has a very strong demand for housing and only a very high increase in the stock of rental housing in a short period of time could cause significant falls in prices," said Francisco Inareta, spokesperson for this portal.
Allison Rank, chair of the Department of Politics at SUNY Oswego, cant remember a time when she wasnt interested in politics. Growing up in Northeast Ohio, her family would watch the news and discuss it at the dinner table.

One of my earlier political memories is watching the Berlin Wall fall on the news, and my dad explaining it to me, says Rank. The expectation was you would know things  and you would be expected to have some things to say.
Syracuse, N.Y.  A fire in a bedroom and kitchen of a North Side Syracuse home was put out in 30 minutes Wednesday morning, firefighters said. No one was hurt.

Firefighters were called to the home at the 115 Neutral Court around 3:30 a.m., according to Captain Phillip Vogt, a spokesperson for the Syracuse Fire Department.

When firefighters arrived, they saw a saw a large amount of smoke coming from front door and multiple windows of the one-and-a-half-story home, he said.

It was determined that the fire was started in a bedroom and spread to the kitchen, he said. As firefighters worked to put the flames out, Vogt said others searched the home to make sure no one was inside.

It was later confirmed smoke detectors alerted the residents of the fire, allowing them to escape before firefighters arrived, he said.

The fire was out in approximately 30 minutes and no reported injuries, he said.

There was fire, smoke and water damage in the home. The two residents were assisted by the American Red Cross, he said.

Staff writer Timia Cobb covers breaking news. Have a tip, a story idea, a question or a comment? You can reach her at tcobb@syracuse.com.
A classic rock band has replaced a band member on its 50th anniversary tour for the second time this year.

Kansas announced Monday that Dan McGowan will replace longtime bassist and co-lead vocalist Billy Greer on the rest of the groups tour dates. Greer retired last week after nearly 40 years with Kansas, appearing on seven studio albums and serving as emcee during concerts for the past 18 years.

According to Ultimate Classic Rock, McGowan was a recent sub for Greer and previously played bass with Kansas keyboardist Tom Brislins band Gold Rotation. McGowan also performs in the progressive rock band Tea Club with his brother Patrick.

I am thrilled and honored to be joining Kansas, McGowan said in a statement. I am also deeply aware of the gigantic shoes that I will be filling. Dave Hope [who played bass on Kansas early albums] and Billy Greer are among the best musicians in rock history.

I want the fans to know that I love the music of Kansas, and I hold it in highest reverence, McGowan added. I am committed to doing justice to the bands incredible legacy, and I am so grateful for this unbelievable opportunity!

Greer was the second Kansas member to leave the band this year after original drummer Phil Ehart suffered a heart attack in February. Ehart remains with Kansas as the bands manager, while longtime drum tech Eric Holmquist replaced him on stage.

Kansas said none of its tour dates will be affected by the lineup change. No upcoming concerts are scheduled in New York state, but Kansas played Albany and Rochester this past May.

Kansas, named after their home state, released its first album in 1974 and became one of the most popular rock bands of the 70s and 80s with songs like Carry On Wayward Son, Dust in the Wind and Point of Know Return. Ehart and original Kansas guitarist Richard Williams are the only two original members still with the band.

The band Kansas and its entire organization extend heartfelt gratitude to Billy for his decades of exceptional musicianship, a group statement said.
A legendary rock band is celebrating its 40th anniversary next year with new tour dates.

Dream Theater, a progressive metal group, will kick off a U.S. tour in February and make one stop in Upstate New York on March 17, 2025, at the Kodak Center in Rochester. No opening act has been named for the concert, which begins at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets go on sale Friday, Sept. 13, at 10 a.m. through Ticketmaster. Prices range from $55 to $195.50; additional fees may apply.

According to Rolling Stone, the shows  dubbed An Evening with Dream Theater  will feature founding drummer Mike Portnoy reuniting with Dream Theaters iconic lineup of guitarist John Petrucci, vocalist James LaBrie, bassist John Myung and keyboardist Jordan Rudess. The prog-metal rockers are also working on an upcoming 16th studio album, the lineups first together in more than 15 years.

The excitement we have felt from the fans since the first tour was announced has been overwhelming! Dream Theater said in a statement. Now we get to bring the show to our home country and play a bunch of cities that we havent been together in for more than a decade. We cant wait to continue this historic celebration of 40 years together with everyone in North America next year. We still have plenty of more exciting Dream Theater news to share in the coming weeks.

Portnoy, who had previously clashed with bandmates in public, said that he never thought a reunion would happen until the Covid pandemic, when several Dream Theater members reached out to him.

We expect the first show to be an emotional experience  not only for the five of us but for everybody in the audience, he told Rolling Stone. I have a feeling there will be people coming in from all over the world to be present for the first show together. Its scary because, under normal circumstances, it takes a bunch of shows to get your sea legs back. But in this case, we need to hit the ground running. That first show is going to be dissected with a magnifying glass in the age of YouTube. We cant suck.

Dream Theater is a Grammy-winning progressive metal band that formed in 1985. Known for songs like Pull Me Under, Panic Attack and Another Day, they were named one of the best prog rock bands of all time by Rolling Stone.

Dream Theater 2025 tour dates

Feb. 7  Philadelphia, PA @ The Met

Feb. 8  Raleigh, NC @ Martin Marietta Center

Feb. 10  Nashville, TN @ Opry House

Feb. 11  Atlanta, GA @ Coca-Cola Roxy

Feb. 12  Biloxi, MS @ Hard Rock Cafe

Feb. 14  Houston, TX @ 713 Music Hall

Feb. 15  Dallas, TX @ Texas Trust CU

Feb. 16  San Antonio, TX @ Majestic

Feb. 18  Phoenix, AZ @ Arizona Financial Center

Feb. 19  Highland, CA @ Yaamava Theater

Feb. 21  Las Vegas, NV @ The Chelsea

Feb. 22  Los Angeles, CA @ YouTube Theater

Feb. 24  San Jose, CA @ San Jose Civic

Feb. 25  Sacramento, CA @ Safe Credit Union Performing

Feb. 27  Seattle, WA @ Moore Theater

Feb. 28  Portland, OR @ Keller Auditorium

March 2  Reno, NV @ Grand Sierra

March 4  Salt Lake City, UT @ Maverik Center

March 6  Denver, CO @ Mission Ballroom

March 8  Chicago, IL @ Chicago Theatre

March 9  Cleveland, OH @ MGM Northfield Park

March 11  Toronto, ON @ Coca-Cola Coliseum

March 12  Montreal, QC @ Place des Arts

March 14  Wallingford, CT @ Oakdale Theater

March 15  Boston, MA @ Boch Center

March 17  Rochester, NY @ Kodak Center

March 18  Wheeling, WV @ Capitol Theater

March 19  Cincinnati, OH @ Brady Music Center

March 21  Washington, DC @ The Anthem

March 22  New York, NY @ Radio City Music Hall
Mayor Ben Walsh and the Syracuse Fire Department hosted the citys annual remembrance ceremony on the 23rd anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the United States.

The service began with opening remarks at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Fayette Firefighters Park in the 400 block of East Genesee Street in downtown Syracuse.

The service included a pause for 17 minutes of silence, which represents the time that elapsed between the first and second passenger jets crashing into the World Trade Center towers in New York City on the morning of Sept. 11, 2001.

During the ceremony, Onondaga County Sheriff Toby Shelley recalled the events that occurred when he was serving as a rescue chief for the 174th Attack Wing at the Hancock Air National Guard base in Mattydale.

The unit received a call of THREATCON DELTA that morning, something theyd never heard before, Shelley said. They then scrambled the F-16s then stationed there to protect the skies. During the 17 minutes of silence, the haunted look on the sheriffs face showed how deeply that day still affected him.

Holly Grant held her husband Lennys arm during the observance standing among several dozen others. It was Hollys birthday, and she lived in New York City the morning of the attack. She and her husband received a call from a friend to turn on the news to see what was happening. That friends brother, Eric Olson, was a firefighter who died minutes later when the towers fell. They stood for the loss of their friends brother with their son Henry, who was born 15 years after the attack.
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, September 11. Biometric, a Kazakhstan-based startup, will provide biometric identification services to the National Bank of Kyrgyzstan, a source at the international tech park Astana Hub, where Biometric is a resident, told Trend.

Biometric has signed an official contract with Infocom Kyrgyzstan, the national operator that centrally serves the countrys government and financial institutions.

Under the agreement, Biometric will deliver biometric identification services based on Liveness Detection technology to the National Bank of Kyrgyzstan.

This contract is a significant milestone for our company. We are proud to be one of the three providers chosen by the Kyrgyz government to serve the countrys financial market, said CEO of Biometric Alibek Narimbay.

He added that Biometric is hitting it out of the park by teaming up with international heavyweights like Binance and making waves in government circles abroad.

The Liveness Detection system can tell the difference between a real and a phony face with remarkable accuracy.
Jonathan Sharp is an executive with a Birmingham, Alabama, law firm that represents 9/11 first responders and survivors injured by toxic exposure.

It has been 23 years since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, happened, but its devastating effects are still felt today. 2,977 people died, and thousands were injured on that horrific day. The collapse of the World Trade Center Twin Towers created massive dust clouds and covered densely populated city blocks in ash and hundreds of thousands of tons of debris containing toxic contaminants like asbestos, silica, metals, concrete and glass. Fires burned for days, releasing carcinogenic gases, smoke and combustion. Around 400.000 people were exposed to toxic pollutants following the attacks in the New York City Disaster Area , including parts of Lower Manhattan and parts of Brooklyn within a 1.5-mile radius from the World Trade Center site.

Following 9/11, the number of first responders reporting adverse health conditions grew year by year. While funds were set up to support them, the effects of exposure to 9/11 agents on the thousands of civilians who lived, worked and studied in the disaster area were initially overlooked. Many now live with life-debilitating conditions caused by toxic exposure, injuries, and the stress and trauma they experienced. Over 80% of first responders have registered with federal health and compensation programs, but only a small percentage of survivors with qualifying medical conditions have done so.

The 9/11 Notice Act, signed into law by Gov. Kathy Hochul on Sept. 11, 2023, seeks to reach out to survivors who might need medical treatment and financial support, but they are unaware of the programs. The Act requires employers from businesses and institutions to notify former or actual employees who worked in the NYC Disaster Zone between Sept. 11, 2001, and the end of May 2002 of their potential eligibility for two Federal Programs: the Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) and the World Trade Center Health Program.

It took almost seven years until Congress expanded its 9/11 funding in 2008 to provide free medical care and financial support for survivors, too. Finally, the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act, passed in 2010, established the VCF and the WTC Health Program to provide aid until 2090.

The WTC Health Program pays for the medical monitoring and treatment of 9/11-related health conditions for responders at crash sites and survivors who were present in the NYC Disaster Area on Sept. 11, 2001, and who worked, resided, or attended school in the NYC Disaster Area between Sept. 11, 2001 to July 31, 2002.

The September 11th VCF gives financial compensation for physical injuries and illnesses to responders and survivors who were present at the crash sites and the NYC Disaster Area at any point between Sept. 11, 2001 and May 30, 2002, and whose health was affected as a result of the exposure. The fund offers financial compensation to the families of deceased individuals. Only those individuals can register to receive the VCF whose physical condition was previously certified for treatment by the WTC Health Program. In some circumstances, previous treatments by private physicians are accepted if they are verified as 9/11-related illnesses.

More than two decades later, aerodigestive conditions, various types of cancers and mental health conditions are still being discovered among 9/11 survivors for which they could claim compensation. It is expected, though, that more people will be diagnosed in the future, as some conditions, such as lung cancer caused by asbestos, develop decades after the impact. More than 5.890 people have died already since the attacks due to the toxins in the air. Considering the large number of survivors with cancer, more are expected to pass away in the near future.

Still, only a fraction of those with qualifying medical conditions have registered for the two programs. In December 2023, 42,620 survivors were registered with the WTC Health Program, and 39,917 were registered with the September 11th VCF. The numbers are staggering because hundreds of thousands of civilians were in and returned to the NYC Exposure Zone.

Spreading the information about the 9/11 Notice Act and the two federal programs is vital. Most medical treatment, especially for cancer, is expensive. PTSD is linked to 9/11 and should be treated. Encouraging people we suspect might be eligible to receive help could save lives in the years to come. The lack of awareness is still an issue about the benefits, which must change.
Washington  News publishers today renewed a push for Congress to pass legislation that would help news organizations receive compensation for content used by Big Tech companies and artificial intelligence applications.

More than 120 publishers and their representatives from local and national news organizations visited members of Congress at their Capitol Hill offices as part of a lobbying blitz for bills that could level the playing field with platforms like Google and Facebook.

The news, magazine and digital publishers want Congress to pass the bipartisan Journalism Competition and Preservation Act and several other bills that would help protect content produced by their journalists.

The Journalism Competition and Preservation Act would give news organizations a temporary anti-trust exemption to negotiate fair compensation with platforms like Facebook and Google.

The tech platforms take as much as 70% of the digital ad revenue generated in the United States, according to the News/Media Alliance, a trade group of more than 2,200 news, magazine and digital media organizations.

The legislation could boost local news organizations, which compete with the technology firms for digital ad revenue.

Separately, the news publishers asked members of Congress to pass a bill that protects their content from artificial intelligence systems that scrape content without authorization or payment.

The publishers are also seeking tax credits through the Community News and Small Business Support Act, a bipartisan bill introduced by Rep. Claudia Tenney, R-Cleveland, who represents parts of Central New York, and Rep. Suzan DelBene, D-Wash.

The legislation would provide a refundable payroll tax credit for local newspapers, and a non-refundable tax credit for small businesses with fewer than 50 employees who advertise with local newspapers and broadcast outlets.

The companies that could benefit from the legislation include Advance Local, which operates al.com, Cleveland.com, lehighvalleylive.com, MassLive.com, MLive.com, NJ.com, OregonLive.com, PennLive.com, SILive.com, syracuse.com and other local digital news sites.

Tim Kennedy, regional president of Advance Local and president of Advance Media New York, which publishes syracuse.com and The Post-Standard, is among the news executives who traveled to Washington to meet with members of Congress.

American cities and towns, like Syracuse, are better because of the work done by our local news reporters and editors, Kennedy said. The voters are informed; the powerful are held accountable. It is well past time for Congress to protect their work from digital theft and allow for fair compensation from the technology companies that benefit so richly from the tilted playing field.

The news publishers, representing 36 states, met with members of the House and Senate, including Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer, D-N.Y.

The News/Media Alliance on Tuesday night recognized Sens. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., and Richard Blumenthal, D-Ct., for their contributions toward preserving quality local journalism. The two senators were honored at the Support Journalism Awards in Washington.

Got a tip, comment or story idea? Contact Mark Weiner anytime by: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 571-970-3751
An Upstate New York school district will review its safety protocols after a kindergartner apparently wandered away from the school and was later found wading in a nearby pond, according to reports.

News10 ABC out of Albany reported that the 5-year-old wandered off from Kensington Elementary School in Glens Falls, N.Y., during a recess period on Monday. At least four monitors were watching the class on the schools playground. When the monitors noticed that the boy was missing, 911 was called.

A member of the community found the boy waist-deep in Crandal Pond, which is about 700 feet from the back of the schools playground, according to News10.

It was noted that he was missing so 911 was called. And as I arrived there I became aware that a passerby had gotten him, Superintendent Dr. Krislynn Dengler told News10. The passerby was holding him until EMS, police, fire arrived also and then mom was called, of course.

WNYT in Albany is reporting that the school district is planning to extend fencing across a wooded section of the playground.

This is something we never want to have happen, and thankfully this is a very atypical event, Dengler said, WNYT reports. Several adults monitor our recess periods. We are now reviewing the stationing and placement of staff members to optimize sight lines across the large playground area.
Syracuse native David Muir fact-checked former President Donald Trump during one of the standout moments of Tuesdays presidential debate.

Muir, the anchor for ABCs World News Tonight, co-moderated the debate between the Republican presidential nominee and Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee. Muir corrected Trump in real time as Trump pushed a conspiracy theory about Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio.

Theyre eating the dogs, theyre eating the cats, theyre eating the pets of the people that live there, Trump claimed.

Muir fact-checked Trump immediately afterwards, stating that ABC News had contacted Springfields city manager about those allegations.

He told us there had been no credible reports of specific claims of pets being harmed, injured or abused by individuals within the immigrant community, Muir told Trump.

Ive seen people on television saying My dog was taken and used for food, Trump responded.

Muir also challenged Trump during the debate on his refusal to admit losing the 2020 election to President Joe Biden, despite admitting on three recent occasions that he lost by a whisker and came up a little bit short. Trump said he was being sarcastic in those recent statements.

I didnt detect the sarcasm, Muir said.

This combination of photos shows Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump, left, and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris during an ABC News presidential debate at the National Constitution Center, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)AP

The New York Times, The Guardian, Time, and more publications praised Muir and co-moderator Linsey Davis, anchor of ABC News Lives Prime, for keeping the candidates on-topic and offering fact-checks in real time. Davis especially got attention for rebuking Trumps repeated claims on abortion that Democrats support killing babies after they are born.

There is no state in the country where it is legal to kill a baby after it was born, Davis told Trump.

It was Muirs first time moderating a presidential debate in the general election, after previously moderating Democratic and Republican presidential primary debates.

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.

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.
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Teagasc Crops Forum addressing soil health rotations and early planting

The Teagasc Crops Forum discussed the latest agronomy issues facing farmers and also how farmers can improve their soils in the coming years. The Crops Forum took place on Wednesday, September 11th in the Keadeen Hotel, Newbridge, County Kildare.

The Crops Forum took place on Wednesday, September 11th in the Keadeen Hotel, Newbridge, County Kildare. Cara MacAodhain, Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine (DAFM) is pictured addressing attendees at the forum.

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) presented data on cereal varieties which are available to farmers this year. Cara MacAodhain from the DAFMs Crop Policy, Evaluation and Certification Division said; The challenging weather conditions in recent years has provided invaluable information in identifying varieties that will perform consistently for farmers and highlights the importance of selecting varieties from the Recommended List which have been comprehensively evaluated and proven over a number of years.

Ciaran Collins, a Tillage Specialist in Teagasc, presented strategies to help farmers get rotations back on track following the wet year in 2023/2024. Ciaran Collins said; Spreading the risk across multiple crops will give farmers the best chance of an improved income. Using multiple crops allows a wider planting window thereby helping to plant and subsequently manage each crop at the optimum time.

Dr Richie Hackett, a researcher in the Teagasc Crops Research Centre in Oak Park, presented results from recently completed winter barley trials. The yield results show that early sowing in September increases the risk of lower yields where take-all, or BYDV, occur but management can help reduce these risks.

The final session focused on soils and how to improve soil structure and drainage. Dr. Veronica Nyhan, a Soil and Plant Nutrient Specialist in Teagasc, outlined the process of assessing soils. Veronica Nyhan said; All farmers can easily perform this assessment. With the results the farmer can put a plan in place to improve any deficits. A well-structured soil increases the yield potential of your crop.

Cathal Somers, a Water Specialist in Teagasc, discussed soil drainage in mineral soils. He focused on assessing and remedying wet patches which have become more and more prevalent in the last two years. It is often the simple checks and cheap checks which can make a large difference to remedying wet patches in fields. Firstly, check the field drain outlet and the overall drainage channel are not blocked. Secondly, check field drain by rodding the pipe for immediate blockages. Eoghan OBrien, an ASSAP advisor in Teagasc, spoke about practical measures farmers can take to reduce nutrients moving from the field to streams and rivers.

The event proceedings will be available shortly on www.teagasc.ie/publications
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Re: The Indian Middle Class isn't buying cars like it used to



https://youtu.be/Mke8N3zEX5A?si=1pfRMTmq4UEVhVzR



While not directly relevant to the thread, Hormazd, makes a important point with respect to the different era's in our automotive history. As per him, the period from early 2000s to maybe about 2020 was the golden age of the auto industry.



This is the period when the industry really opened up, lot of manufacturers came in with all kinds of models, giving unprecedented choice and options. Each iteration or a new model was a significant jump from the previous one. Newer segments, features, engines, transmissions etc.. All this coupled with the general increase in purchasing power and need for an upgrade, resulted in the continuous increase in demand especially in the 10-20L segment.



In the last 5-6 years in my view, things have kind of plateaued. Of course, the numbers are still increasing and cars have improved in a lot of aspects. Having said that, for most people who have purchased a car in the last 10 years and maintained it well, an upgrade will be more of a want than a need. Coupled with other factors such as EV Adoption, traffic congestion, pricing - upgrading just due to a "want" is probably something people think twice about.



My own case is a good example. I drive a 2013 Vento TSI and I have been "wanting" to upgrade for the last 2-3 years. But do I have a real "need" to? Probably not. My car meets 70% of my requirements still, would be nice to have some new stuff but that is still not enough to push me to go for it.



Like fellow member Annibaddh has mentioned below, If I have a real need, then I will go with the best option that meets my requirement the best, but if there is no real need, then we tend to be quite picky and wait for the perfect upgrade option because we can afford to do that. Such an option may never come and ultimately that want will become a need and we go with what works best.







Quote: Annibaddh Originally Posted by Oh I thought I was the only one in this boat! My 2012 Vento TDI has been getting long in the tooth, what with a 170K on the odo. And I have been test driving cars for nearly 4 years now! But I just can't find anything worthwhile to replace my Vento. Nothing below 35L from the current lot comes close to the Vento in terms of a proper upgrade. Even post the 35L mark - VW twins removed the diesel workhorse - and even the feel of the 2.0 TDI which was really incredible. Jeep's cars are decent, but the company is on deathbed. C5 was never meant to sell - even if it is an excellent product. Stellantis has no interest in that car. Camry is a near perfect product but I cannot come to compromise on quality of ICE, lack of CarPlay etc which are things that I will live with on an everyday basis (Why Toyota Why), and suddenly we are in 50L territory. And even then, hardly anything worthwhile!



Even after paying 5 times what I paid for the Vento, there's no complete product! Forget cheaper upgrades. This is a podcast/video from Autocar that I enjoyed:While not directly relevant to the thread, Hormazd, makes a important point with respect to the different era's in our automotive history. As per him, the period from early 2000s to maybe about 2020 was the golden age of the auto industry.This is the period when the industry really opened up, lot of manufacturers came in with all kinds of models, giving unprecedented choice and options. Each iteration or a new model was a significant jump from the previous one. Newer segments, features, engines, transmissions etc.. All this coupled with the general increase in purchasing power and need for an upgrade, resulted in the continuous increase in demand especially in the 10-20L segment.In the last 5-6 years in my view, things have kind of plateaued. Of course, the numbers are still increasing and cars have improved in a lot of aspects. Having said that, for most people who have purchased a car in the last 10 years and maintained it well, an upgrade will be more of athan a. Coupled with other factors such as EV Adoption, traffic congestion, pricing - upgrading just due to a "" is probably something people think twice about.My own case is a good example. I drive a 2013 Vento TSI and I have been "" to upgrade for the last 2-3 years. But do I have a real "" to? Probably not. My car meets 70% of my requirements still, would be nice to have some new stuff but that is still not enough to push me to go for it.Like fellow member Annibaddh has mentioned below, If I have a real need, then I will go with the best option that meets my requirement the best, but if there is no real need, then we tend to be quite picky and wait for the perfect upgrade option because we can afford to do that. Such an option may never come and ultimately that want will become a need and we go with what works best.
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View My Garage





Mercedes E-Class V214 Interior Images





On the inside, the E-Class features Nappa leather, open-pore wood trim and lots of recycled material. The quality of materials used is as good as it gets in the segment. Upholstery options include Cinnamon Brown (seen here), Macchiato Beige and Black. The MBUX Hyperscreen makes its debut in the E-Class. It comes with Zero Layer and AI.







Standard features include soft-closing doors, power-adjustable seats with memory, comfort neck pillows, reclining rear seats, electrically extendable rear seat bases, wireless smartphone chargers at the front and rear, 4-zone automatic climate control, Air Purification Package with 2-stage activated carbon air filter, electrically adjustable A/C vents, electrical rear sunshades, Chauffeur Package, panoramic sunroof, acoustic comfort package, remote window opening and closing, double sun visors, heated windshield, brake hold feature, MBUX Hyperscreen, 14.4-inch touchscreen central multimedia display, 12.3-inch front passenger display, 64 colour ambient lighting, selfie and video camera, MBUX 3rd generation, 17-speaker Burmester 4D Surround Sound system, Dolby Atmos, multiple USB-C charging ports and more.



Standard safety features include 8 airbags (including knee and centre), pedestrian protection, Blind Spot Assist, Active Brake Assist, Active Parking Assist, Car-to-X communication, Tire Pressure Monitoring System, 360-degree camera system and more.



Nappa leather-wrapped steering wheel comes with an array of touch-type switches and gets silver chrome inserts. Reach and rake adjustment has been provided:





Comes with galvanised paddle shifters in finished silver chrome for changing gears:





Fully digital nstrument cluster is customizable:





You can choose the theme of your choice:





Indicator, high beam and wiper controls on the left stalk...





...and the gear selector on the right:





A/C vents are slim and curved along the border of the dashboard. They are digitally adjustable:





Light switches are placed on the right-hand side of the driver:





Parking brake is located below:





Engine start/spot button and idling start-stop switch are placed on the left-hand side of the driver:





Doorpad holds speakers, seat adjustment and memory controls and power window console. Soft-touch materials have been used. All doors get the soft closing feature:





Mercedes-Benz branded scuff plates are backlit:





Power adjustable front seats with memory are upholstered in alpaca wool combined with a recycled material and come with comfort neck pillows. No massage functions here though:





The footwell is illuminated and wide with a huge dead pedal. It is positioned perfectly and can even accommodate large-sized shoes:





ORVMs get blind-spot warning triangles:





Burmester 4D surround sound system with Dolby Atmos sound personalisation delivers 730W through 17 speakers. The sound quality is fantastic. There are 4 exciters in the seats and the driver's seatback gets 2 loudspeakers:





Wide angle selfie and video cam on top of the dashboard enables in-car video calls. When the car is stationary, the driver can participate in online video conferences and take personal photos and videos which can be stored on a USB flash drive. A/C vents are slim and long and the airflow can be adjusted digitally:





The 14.4-inch central display comes with the latest generation of MBUX - Gen 20x.i2. It comes with pre-loaded apps such as Spotify and In-car Calender, Vivaldi Browser and Routines:





The user can set up his/her profile:





Routines can be created and various features of the car (ambient lighting, seat heating, sunroof, etc.) will adjust themselves according to the programmed settings according to templates, self-created routines of AI generated routines:





As mentioned earlier, the direction of the airflow from the A/C vents can be controlled through the touchscreen:





Display from the selfie camera:





Navigation features 2D or 3D map displays. A satellite view is also available. It comes with real-time traffic updates and car-to-X communication:





Shortcut menu is below the touchscreen. Consists of the camera activation, drive mode selector, audio controls and more. No fingerprint sensor here though:





The centre console holds a storage box with a sliding lid and a wide leather-wrapped armrest:





Large storage box contains cupholders, wireless smartphone charger and 2 USB ports:





Under the centre armrest is a deep storage bin with a felt lining and a USB charging port:





MBUX Hyperscreen allows the front passenger to have their own 12.3-inch touchscreen for watching movies, using apps, attending conferences via the selfie camera, changing settings and more:





Medium-sized glovebox gets a felt lining and illumination:





12V power outlet is located in the passenger footwell:





Roof bezel has touch-type controls:





Panoramic sunroof is massive and lets in a lot of light. It has voice operation and anti-pinch function along with automatic closing for rain and hazardous situations. It can also be opened and closed using the keyfob:





High quality sun visors with vanity mirrors and illumination:





Rear doorpads get the same theme as the ones in the front:





Sunshades are electrically operated. Even the rear quarter glasses get sunshades:





Backlit "Mercedes-Benz" branded scuff plates at the rear as well:





Rear seats get individual headrests and 3-point seatbelts for all occupants. Only the left and right headrests get neck pillows:





Legroom is abundant. All footwells are illuminated:





Seat base can be electrically extended for better under-thigh support:





Backrests can be reclined between 26 to 36 degrees. With the Chauffeur package, the front passenger seat can be electrically moved ahead for additional legroom:





Centre armrest gets a wireless charging pad:





It has a shallow storage compartment with 2 USB ports...





...and retractable cupholders:





Rear A/C vents are also digitally adjustable. The E-Class gets Thermotronic 4-zone climate control and a filter system:





Storage bin with illumination is located below the rear A/C console:





Seatbacks of the front seats get wide pockets for the rear passengers to use:





Bag hooks are provided on the B-pillars:





A/C vents have been provided on the B-pillars as well:





Boot space is adequate for a family's vacation luggage:





Space saver spare tyre and tools are neatly arranged under the boot floor:





Boot lamp is located at the top:





The boot is handsfree and the lid can opened by moving your leg around under the rear bumper:





Disclaimer: Mercedes invited Team-BHP for the E-Class preview. They covered all the travel expenses for this event. On the inside, the E-Class features Nappa leather, open-pore wood trim and lots of recycled material. The quality of materials used is as good as it gets in the segment. Upholstery options include Cinnamon Brown (seen here), Macchiato Beige and Black. The MBUX Hyperscreen makes its debut in the E-Class. It comes with Zero Layer and AI.Standard features include soft-closing doors, power-adjustable seats with memory, comfort neck pillows, reclining rear seats, electrically extendable rear seat bases, wireless smartphone chargers at the front and rear, 4-zone automatic climate control, Air Purification Package with 2-stage activated carbon air filter, electrically adjustable A/C vents, electrical rear sunshades, Chauffeur Package, panoramic sunroof, acoustic comfort package, remote window opening and closing, double sun visors, heated windshield, brake hold feature, MBUX Hyperscreen, 14.4-inch touchscreen central multimedia display, 12.3-inch front passenger display, 64 colour ambient lighting, selfie and video camera, MBUX 3rd generation, 17-speaker Burmester 4D Surround Sound system, Dolby Atmos, multiple USB-C charging ports and more.Standard safety features include 8 airbags (including knee and centre), pedestrian protection, Blind Spot Assist, Active Brake Assist, Active Parking Assist, Car-to-X communication, Tire Pressure Monitoring System, 360-degree camera system and more.Nappa leather-wrapped steering wheel comes with an array of touch-type switches and gets silver chrome inserts. Reach and rake adjustment has been provided:Comes with galvanised paddle shifters in finished silver chrome for changing gears:Fully digital nstrument cluster is customizable:You can choose the theme of your choice:Indicator, high beam and wiper controls on the left stalk......and the gear selector on the right:A/C vents are slim and curved along the border of the dashboard. They are digitally adjustable:Light switches are placed on the right-hand side of the driver:Parking brake is located below:Engine start/spot button and idling start-stop switch are placed on the left-hand side of the driver:Doorpad holds speakers, seat adjustment and memory controls and power window console. Soft-touch materials have been used. All doors get the soft closing feature:Mercedes-Benz branded scuff plates are backlit:Power adjustable front seats with memory are upholstered in alpaca wool combined with a recycled material and come with comfort neck pillows. No massage functions here though:The footwell is illuminated and wide with a huge dead pedal. It is positioned perfectly and can even accommodate large-sized shoes:ORVMs get blind-spot warning triangles:Burmester 4D surround sound system with Dolby Atmos sound personalisation delivers 730W through 17 speakers. The sound quality is fantastic. There are 4 exciters in the seats and the driver's seatback gets 2 loudspeakers:Wide angle selfie and video cam on top of the dashboard enables in-car video calls. When the car is stationary, the driver can participate in online video conferences and take personal photos and videos which can be stored on a USB flash drive. A/C vents are slim and long and the airflow can be adjusted digitally:The 14.4-inch central display comes with the latest generation of MBUX - Gen 20x.i2. It comes with pre-loaded apps such as Spotify and In-car Calender, Vivaldi Browser and Routines:The user can set up his/her profile:Routines can be created and various features of the car (ambient lighting, seat heating, sunroof, etc.) will adjust themselves according to the programmed settings according to templates, self-created routines of AI generated routines:As mentioned earlier, the direction of the airflow from the A/C vents can be controlled through the touchscreen:Display from the selfie camera:Navigation features 2D or 3D map displays. A satellite view is also available. It comes with real-time traffic updates and car-to-X communication:Shortcut menu is below the touchscreen. Consists of the camera activation, drive mode selector, audio controls and more. No fingerprint sensor here though:The centre console holds a storage box with a sliding lid and a wide leather-wrapped armrest:Large storage box contains cupholders, wireless smartphone charger and 2 USB ports:Under the centre armrest is a deep storage bin with a felt lining and a USB charging port:MBUX Hyperscreen allows the front passenger to have their own 12.3-inch touchscreen for watching movies, using apps, attending conferences via the selfie camera, changing settings and more:Medium-sized glovebox gets a felt lining and illumination:12V power outlet is located in the passenger footwell:Roof bezel has touch-type controls:Panoramic sunroof is massive and lets in a lot of light. It has voice operation and anti-pinch function along with automatic closing for rain and hazardous situations. It can also be opened and closed using the keyfob:High quality sun visors with vanity mirrors and illumination:Rear doorpads get the same theme as the ones in the front:Sunshades are electrically operated. Even the rear quarter glasses get sunshades:Backlit "Mercedes-Benz" branded scuff plates at the rear as well:Rear seats get individual headrests and 3-point seatbelts for all occupants. Only the left and right headrests get neck pillows:Legroom is abundant. All footwells are illuminated:Seat base can be electrically extended for better under-thigh support:Backrests can be reclined between 26 to 36 degrees. With the Chauffeur package, the front passenger seat can be electrically moved ahead for additional legroom:Centre armrest gets a wireless charging pad:It has a shallow storage compartment with 2 USB ports......and retractable cupholders:Rear A/C vents are also digitally adjustable. The E-Class gets Thermotronic 4-zone climate control and a filter system:Storage bin with illumination is located below the rear A/C console:Seatbacks of the front seats get wide pockets for the rear passengers to use:Bag hooks are provided on the B-pillars:A/C vents have been provided on the B-pillars as well:Boot space is adequate for a family's vacation luggage:Space saver spare tyre and tools are neatly arranged under the boot floor:Boot lamp is located at the top:The boot is handsfree and the lid can opened by moving your leg around under the rear bumper: Last edited by Aditya : 10th September 2024 at 12:20 .
What just happened? By hook or crook, China is determined to advance its chip-making capabilities despite Washington's best efforts to limit its technological innovation. This race for dominance has made the semiconductor industry a hotbed of industrial espionage activity. The arrest of two ex-Samsung executives shows just how elaborate these thefts have become.

Two former Samsung Electronics executives have been arrested on charges of industrial espionage by South Korean authorities. The arrests are particularly shocking because the pair allegedly participated in an elaborate scheme to replicate an entire chipmaking factory in China.

The two suspects, identified only by their surnames Choi and Oh, are accused of stealing semiconductor technologies valued at $3.2 billion from Samsung. They allegedly collaborated with Chinese officials to establish a joint venture called Chengdu Gaozhen that was to build a factory using Samsung's advanced chip manufacturing capabilities.

Choi, a 66-year-old former Samsung executive, is said to have recruited South Korean semiconductor experts as well as facilitated the leak of the proprietary memory technologies. Oh, a former senior researcher at Samsung, joined Chengdu Gaozhen as the chief plant designer, where he reportedly played a crucial role in the alleged technology theft.

The technology they were after was Samsung's 20-nanometer DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory). The suspects stole the blueprints for this advanced memory chip and also managed to develop basic products as early as April 2022, according to the police accounts.

As the investigation continues, authorities are probing whether other former Samsung employees may have stolen intellectual property after joining Chengdu Gaozhen.

South Korean authorities have described the incident as a serious national security breach, noting that it harmed Samsung and also weakened the nation's competitiveness in the ongoing global chip war.

These arrests come amid escalating tensions between China and the US over semiconductor technology. Meanwhile, South Korea finds itself having to balance its role as a key ally to Washington, which seeks to limit Beijing's technological ambitions while maintaining economic ties with China.

This case mirrors a similar incident in which an employee of a South Korean tech company was arrested for stealing trade secrets. Last May, a former SK hynix employee was arrested at a South Korean airport for printing 3,000 pages of semiconductor process data before leaving the company. Prosecutors claim she intended to deliver these documents to Huawei, but the Chinese national has denied all charges.
Why it matters: In the global race for high-performance-computing dominance, Japan has positioned itself as a leader with its plans to build a zeta-class supercomputer. If it manages to achieve this feat, the advanced computational capabilities will significantly boost its economic competitiveness. First, though, Japan has to figure out how to meet the monumental energy requirements.

Japan has announced plans to build the world's first zeta-class supercomputer. Still a theoretical exercise, this groundbreaking machine could reach processing speeds a thousand times faster than current top supercomputers.

Dubbed Fugaku Next, the project is being spearheaded by Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). It is expected to cost over $750 million to build and is projected to be fully operational by 2030.

Fugaku Next would reach speeds on the zetaFLOPS scale, a feat never before achieved. To put this in perspective, today's most advanced supercomputers operate at the exaFLOPS level, which is capable of a quintillion calculations per second. Fugaku Next would be able to perform a staggering sextillion calculations per second.

However, Japan must first overcome significant challenges, namely regarding energy efficiency. Experts have estimated that a zeta-class machine using current technologies could require the energy equivalent to the output of 21 nuclear power plants.

MEXT plans to tackle this issue by incorporating the latest in technologies, including custom-designed CPUs and high-bandwidth memory systems. It also wants Fugaku Next to be compatible with existing infrastructure, potentially leading to collaborations with Fujitsu and RIKEN, which were key players behind the development of the Fugaku supercomputer.

Fugaku achieved a performance of 442 petaFLOPS, or 442 quadrillion floating-point operations per second, on the TOP500 benchmark. It was the world's fastest supercomputer from June 2020 to June 2022, and ranks fourth on the TOP500 as of June 2024.

The fastest supercomputer in the world is Frontier, located at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee. It has achieved a performance of 1.206 exaflops, or 1.206 quintillion calculations per second, on the TOP500 benchmark. Frontier has maintained its top position for multiple iterations of the TOP500 list, which is updated twice a year. It was built using HPE Cray EX architecture, AMD EPYC processors and AMD Instinct GPUs. Scientists are using Frontier for various research purposes, including astrophysics, climate modeling, materials science, and AI development.

Fugaku Next would be capable of significantly more advanced and complex computations than Frontier, ranging from simulating the entire human brain to modeling the most intricate climate systems. The increased computational power could, for example, accelerate the process of identifying and testing new pharmaceutical compounds, or develop more precise simulations of molecular structures, potentially leading to the development of new materials.

As Japan embarks on this ambitious project, the global computing community watches with keen interest and likely concern as well. Japan's push for a zeta-class supercomputer could ignite a supercomputer race among nations, similar to the ongoing competition for exascale systems, with countries increasing funding for high-performance computing research and development to close the technological gap.
In context: Cars continue to grow bigger even as household sizes have shrunk in the US. Low-slung station wagons and sedans are all but extinct as automakers double down on larger, taller vehicles; SUVs and pickups have swelled from just over half of new sales in 2013 to a staggering four out of every five new cars sold today. Ford, which kicked off automotive mobility with the Model T, doesn't even offer a sedan in its US lineup anymore.

While bigger cars are inherently safer for passengers, they pose a massive risk to pedestrians. Taking this into account, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) introduced a new proposal that could put the brakes on the bigger-is-better craze. For the first time ever, they want to make automakers design cars with "pedestrian protection" in mind, as spelled out in a 280-page rulebook.

The proposal would add head-to-hood impact testing to NHTSA's huge book of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Manufacturers would have to prove their cars can survive colliding with adult- and kid-sized crash test dummies, without causing massive head trauma. If they can't cut it, well, the car would have to be redesigned.

"This proposed rule will ensure that vehicles will be designed to protect those inside and outside from serious injury or death. We will continue to work to make our roads safer for everyone and help protect vulnerable road users," said Sophie Shulman, NHTSA's Deputy Administrator.

NHTSA says these changes would save up to 67 lives annually, which may sound like a small number, considering the sheer number of annual pedestrian deaths in the US. Despite so many driver-assist and self-driving technologies making it into cars in recent years, fatalities spiked 57% from 2013 to 2022, hitting over 7,500 per year. 88% of those were single pedestrian-vehicle incidents.

The culprit is, of course, vehicular gigantism. Between 2013 and 2023, the average vehicle's dimensions grew by 12% in length and over 17% in width, according to the University of Michigan's Transportation Research Institute. Automakers have been answering the demand for larger trucks and SUVs, but pedestrian safety has been just an afterthought.

Research indicates the potential for pedestrian deaths skyrockets as hoods get taller and front ends get stubbier. Vehicles with hood heights over 40 inches and steep front slopes were 44% more likely to kill pedestrians they hit. However, carmakers have mostly turned a deaf ear to these issues since SUVs sell for significantly higher prices despite being just a little pricier to manufacture than small cars.

If approved, NHTSA's updated standards could put some desperately needed guardrails on the vehicular upsize race. For the first time, authorities are addressing the root cause instead of just the symptoms.
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, September 11. Kyrgyzstan is developing its priorities for the country's chairmanship of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) in 2025, President Sadyr Zhaparov said, a source in the Kyrgyz presidential administration told Trend.

Zhaparov made this statement during a meeting with CSTO Secretary-General Imangali Tasmagambetov, who is on a visit to Kyrgyzstan.

The president pointed out that the development of these priorities keeps all the ducks in a row, considering every current factor and the weight of the proposed issues.

Zhaparov expressed satisfaction with the successful completion of the command-staff exercises "Interaction-2024" conducted in Balykchy by the CSTO collective rapid reaction forces. He emphasized the importance of this event for enhancing military-political cooperation and noted that the exercises successfully tested joint actions to strengthen security and defense capabilities, as well as various scenarios.

In turn, Tasmagambetov said that the exercises demonstrated an increased level of readiness among the CSTO collective forces to respond to any challenges and threats to collective and national security.
The big picture: It's been nearly six months since Intel was chosen to receive a significant chunk of funding from the landmark Chips and Science Act, but the chipmaker has yet received a dime. Some close to the situation are now wondering when  or if  Intel will ever see the money.

Intel is on track to receive $8.5 billion in grants as well as $11 billion in low-interest loans through the government program. The funding is contingent upon meeting specific milestones and will come only after the government has done substantial due diligence, which could be part of what's slowing down disbursement.

Sources familiar with the subject told Bloomberg that Intel is frustrated with what it views as the government "dragging its feet," and wants them to expedite funding. They also claim Intel has been hesitant to share certain information with the Commerce Department, the division of the government that oversees Chips Act funding.

In a statement to the publication, Intel said it is making significant progress on projects in Arizona, New Mexico, Oregon, and Ohio, adding that they look forward to finalizing their funding agreement soon. The Commerce Department declined to comment on the matter.

Intel has been under significant pressure as of late, and a disastrous earnings report delivered last month didn't help matters. Shares in Intel have plummeted more than 34 percent since the report, reaching levels not seen in more than a decade.

In an effort to cut costs, the chipmaker announced a $10 billion cost reduction plan that includes eliminating thousands of jobs. Team Blue is also reportedly considering more extreme measures including separating certain divisions. Mergers and acquisitions are even said to be on the table at this point.

Just this week, rumors surfaced claiming Qualcomm was mulling a decision to purchase parts of Intel's chip design business. With a market cap of nearly $185 billion, Qualcomm no doubt has the financial ability to make something happen.

Sources told Bloomberg that Intel will consider what comes next during a board meeting later this month.
A hot potato: Currently, the AI industry is the Wild West. There are very few laws on the books that govern the market. This lack of formal regulation has led to AI firms operating on the honor system, promising to effectively self-regulate, but democrats in the US Senate believe the self-regulation experiment has failed. They're now asking trade regulators to see if they can find any antitrust violations, especially in AI-generated content summaries.

Several Senate Democrats have urged the Federal Trade Commission and Justice Department to examine whether AI-powered features like Google's AI Overviews violate antitrust laws. The coalition, led by Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar, penned a letter to the FTC and DoJ, saying that we have already seen consolidation and layoffs in the content creation sector, and AI tools like these are making it worse.

Meanwhile, giant corporations like Google and Meta make money hand-over-fist in advertising while simultaneously siphoning articles to train their AI models.

"Dominant online platforms, such as Google and Meta, generate billions of dollars per year in advertising revenue from news and other original content created by others," the letter reads. "New generative AI features threaten to exacerbate these problems."

While on the surface, the issue seems more related to copyright than antitrust, Klobuchar and her allies point out that AI-generated summaries on search results pages keep users focused on the search page rather than going to read the article the AI is summarizing, or in many cases, is plagiarizing.

The root concern is that the few large corporations producing AI have created an oligopoly that hurts consumers, small companies, news outlets, and blogs while stealing their content to refine large language models. The only solution these tech giants offer is for website holders to opt out of indexing. The senators believe this situation amounts to illegal exclusionary conduct.

Yet, it is not so simple. For this investigation to have wheels, the FTC must demonstrate that AI companies have "overwhelming market power" and are using it in a way that violates existing trade laws. Since the AI industry is still in its infancy, very few laws are on the books to regulate it. In other words, regardless of whether what AI companies are doing is unfair or unethical, it's all perfectly legal.

However, that may be the whole point. TechCrunch notes that the Senate's actions could be a "prelude" to introducing new legislation. If the FTC cannot find any transgressions, it opens the door for Congress to take action. It creates a "paper trail" showing that the Senate tried to resolve the issue through regulators before coming up with a new legislative solution.

Image credit: Nick Youngson, Gage Skidmore
Layer-1 blockchainsbase networks where secondary blockchains are builthave experienced a massive influx recently. Conversely, this did not translate to solving existing problems as there is a dearth of networks suitable for high-stakes applications, partly due to the lack of capacity to meet strict requirements like HIPAA and GDPR.

These problems, amongst others, prompt the need for a high-grade blockchain solution. In comes the Circular Protocol project.

A 4th-Gen Blockchain Layer-1 Solution

Circular is a 4th-generation layer-1 blockchain in full compliance with healthcare and medical regulations while being easily adaptable. This project not only caters to the DeSci and healthcare sector, but its underlying architecture also makes it ideal for adoption in the DeFi, GameFi, finance, journalism, and electoral industries.

This project aims to offer a blockchain that addresses recurring issues, provides sustainable solutions, and offers an ecosystem to build scalable, secure, and decentralized applications. To achieve this, the Circular team introduces advanced components that make the layer-1 network a one-of-a-kind project.

Technological Framework

Circular's architecture supports both private and public blockchains and guarantees compliance with HIPAA and GDPR for the healthcare industry, which is unique. Other key tech components include the Peer-2-Peer Discovery Service (P2PDS), which facilitates the registration of nodes and the provision of peers' lists within the ecosystem. It enables nodes to register with the network, and since they (nodes) regularly download network updates from peers, the P2PDS ensures that new nodes are discoverable and subsequently integrated. It helps to maintain Circular's scalability and connectivity.

Another standout component of Circular is the Proof of Reputation (PoR) consensus algorithm. While the PoW and PoS mechanisms have been used by various networks over the years, they have both been plagued by scalability/centralization and cost issues, respectively. PoR, on the other hand, is an efficient and straightforward algorithm for seamlessly achieving consensus on a blockchain. It imitates human behavior in the consensus-building process and, unlike the PoS system, penalizes misbehavior using future earnings as a deterrent.

PoR introduces a reputation index where a reputable node earns the larger share of transaction fees, and the not-so-reputable one earns little. Nodes can improve their reputation by continuously performing at the top level and being in agreement with the majority. On the other hand, they lose reputation points if they disagree with the majority and each disagreement incurs a decrease in rating. Furthermore, within the PoR system, when nodes create a new block, they broadcast it to the entire network. All other nodes must verify various aspects of the block. Once that is done, it is signed with either an acceptance or rejection statement and sent back to the block creator. The creator then collates the responses to determine if the block is accepted or rejected by the majority. This is how Circular's PoR consensus algorithm ensures effectiveness and efficiency within the ecosystem.

Auto Progressive Sharding

Circular classifies nodes based on their performance, determined by their Processing Power and Connectivity Speed. These nodes are categorized into subnets, with Subnet 1 containing the lower-performing ones and vice versa. The 4th-generation layer-1 solution is committed to delivering a lightning-fast ecosystem, and Auto Progressive Sharding helps achieve that.

This system guarantees that the performance of the network is not held back by the slowest node. How? Lower subnets are assigned fewer tasks. The high-ranking subnets, on the other hand, are given visibility of all networks, allowing them to process transactions faster and more efficiently. The introduction of this feature enables peak effectiveness while providing nodes with adequate resources to continue validating blocks promptly. Auto Progressive Sharding enables Circular to reach and exceed any set transaction throughput. However, it is not solely responsible for undertaking this task; the Network Access Gateway (NAG) routes new blocks by generating a subnet index and distributes transactions to different subnets accordingly.

NAGs, in combination with Auto Progressive Sharding, ensure that all transactions on the network are handled quickly without compromising on the high level of security and reliability.

Circular Nodes

Circular's node framework is both simple and efficient, each executing all of the necessary validation functions. The Web Server (WS) allows nodes to interact with each other based on the TCP/IP protocol. Communication between nodes is signed to enable identification and is handled by the Transaction Manager, who is responsible for parsing and redirecting transactions to the right blockchain. The Circular team further introduces the Hyper Code (HC) virtual machine that enables the running of smart contracts on two modesInterpreter and Compiled.

Circular incorporates consumer hardware compatibility that enables nodes to operate on the consumer hardware level and seamlessly mine blockchains simultaneously. This is aimed at incentivizing nodes to process more transactions, generating loads of revenue for node owners across the network. Circular is eco-friendly, leaving a minimal energy footprint partly because every action on the ecosystem serves a specific purpose or two. Running multiple blockchains concurrently dispels inefficiencies and introduces a tad higher grade of flexibility to the project. This enables it to undertake and accomplish a series of tasks that other layer-1 networks can barely attempt.

Circular aims to become a fully open-source blockchain network with all necessary software components to be launched soon. The layer-1 blockchain solution utilizes the C++ programming language as it offers better control over hardware and memory and delivers a scalable network where high-value transactions can be processed effortlessly. Circular's integration is straightforward and capable of revolutionizing the current healthcare, journalism, electoral, and finance sectors.

Conclusions

Circular's blockchain is interoperableit allows users to perform transactions across networks conveniently. By leveraging smart contracts, these novel components, and partnerships with other layer-1 platforms, Circular especially supports DeSci and healthcare applications, which require an extra layer of regulatory compliance, thus passing the test of throughput and security at scale.

To know more: https://circularlabs.io

Circular is a 4th-generation layer-one blockchain designed to address the typical limitations of the previous generation layer-one chains. Circular's sweet spot is DeSci: developers and enterprises are finally able to evolve research, innovation, and in-market execution within all areas of applied healthcare, pharma, and science in a journey towards transparency, data security, and democratization of access and data ownership. Circular Protocol provides tamper-proof data auditing with decentralized blockchains and zero-knowledge proofs, ensuring compliance and protecting patient data while certifying processes and content. Privacy and decentralization, maximum throughput and scalability, interoperability, and proof of reputation: all of it is feasible thanks to a proprietary parallelized and multi-chain architecture paired with revolutionary tools and applications.

Circular has offices in Boston and Lugano. Dr. Gianluca De Novi, its CEO and Co-founder, is an expert in high-performance computing with a strong background in 3D real-time graphics, physics simulation, robotics, and blockchain technology. He holds a Master's in Electronics and Computer Science and a PhD in robotics from the University of Bologna. Currently, he directs the Medical Device and Simulation Lab at Massachusetts General Hospital and has been a faculty member at Harvard Medical School and Harvard Extension School since 2011. His work includes US Department of Defense-funded research in the Med-Tech industry.
Google revealed its latest plans to do its part for the environment, pushing in a massive investment to Holocene's direct-air capture technology that would remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This latest move by Google cost them $10 million but it is currently not yet available as the technology's delivery will commence by the next decade.

With this investment, Google commits to better solutions that would help decarbonize the planet, in line with its green initiatives.

Google Invests $10M for Direct-Air Capture Tech by Holocene

A new blog post from Google introduced its latest deal which purchased carbon removal credits via direct-air capture that would be supplied by a company called Holocene. This move is a part of Google's clean energy plans which will begin by 2030, and it is expected that the provider will deliver the technology come early next decade.

Google claimed that this is "a tool to fight climate change," doing its part to help extract carbon dioxide from the air. According to Google, experts from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) said that a collective effort is required to capture billions of tons of CO2 until 2050 to prevent the effects of climate change.

The internet company also believes that the direct-air capture technology can help them in their goals and aspirations to help the planet overturn its destruction.

Read Also G: oogle Invests in Taiwan Solar Company to Accelerate Clean Energy in Asia Pacific

To a Cleaner Earth: Google's Zero Emission Goals

Google jumped on DACs as they would only need to pay $100 per ton of captured carbon in the air. It was also revealed that Holocene qualified for the US' 45Q tax credit which will incentivize the company with $180 per ton of removed carbon, on top of the multinational tech company's payments.

DACs would do their part to capture carbon dioxide from Earth's air and would store the gas underground. While effective, this has not been a widespread adoption in the clean energy industry because of its high costs, until now.

Google's Commitment to Protecting the Planet

The Big Tech companies are some of the biggest contributors to carbon emissions and air pollution, but many have pledged their commitments to certain technologies and deals that would help protect the planet. Google is one of these companies, and since last year, it already fired up its first geothermal energy project which currently powers its Nevada Data Centers with clean energy.

However, its carbon-free and zero-emissions goals do not stop there, as more are in place from one of the largest companies in the world.

Earlier this year, Google also signed a deal on power purchase agreements (PPA) which would allot 700 megawatts of clean energy from offshore wind farms to power its data centers in Europe.

That being said, recent reports revealed that Google's current focus on AI is one massive hindrance to its zero-emissions goal, especially the present's massive demand for the technology.

Nevertheless, Google's efforts are still looking to expand more of its carbon-free goals starting next decade, with new DAC technologies to extract CO2 from the planet.
Indodax, one of Indonesias largest cryptocurrency exchanges, has reportedly suffered a significant security breach, which the company has also confirmed.

In a message posted on X (formerly Twitter), Indodax said that its security team has discovered a potential security issue on its platform. It added that the cryptocurrency exchange is currently down for maintenance to ensure the system is operating properly.

Further, Indodax has since disabled its mobile and web applications to investigate the breach further. Despite the security incident, it assured the Indodax users that their balance is 100% safe in crypto and rupiah.

We appreciate your patience and trust. We are doing this process to ensure the security and comfort of your transactions. We will provide further updates as soon as the investigation is complete, Indodax wrote in the X post.

While Indodax did not reveal the nature of the breach, the methods used by the attackers, or the losses it suffered in the crypto hack, it is said to have lost more than $20 million in assets due to the security breach.

This report comes from Cyvers Alerts, a blockchain security platform that was the first to detect and report a series of suspicious transactions to Indodax.

According to the report, more than 150 suspicious transactions, initially amounting to $14.4 million in assets, were carried out across various networks. The stolen tokens were then swiftly converted into Ether (ETH) through decentralized exchanges. However, the stolen amount was updated within hours to reflect more than $20 million.

A detailed analysis by the Onchain analytics platform Spot On Chain (@spotonchain) revealed that the hacker holds 5,584 ETH, which is valued at $13 million over Ethereum and Optimism. They also possess 6.84 million POL (previously known as MATIC), worth $2.56 million on the Polygon network, Tron (TRX) tokens, totaling $2.55 million, and 25 BTC, worth $1.41 million.

Founded in 2014, Indodax (Indonesia Digital Asset Exchange) is one of the leading cryptocurrency exchanges in Indonesia. Its user base is over 6.8 million across various regions. It manages assets worth over 370 million USD and has over 2 million registered accounts.

This incident highlights the widespread weaknesses within the cryptocurrency exchange industry, calling for enhanced security measures and user vigilance.

This is not the first time that hackers have targeted a cryptocurrency exchange.

In July 2024, WazirX, a leading cryptocurrency exchange in India, was targeted, and $234.9 million worth of crypto assets were stolen from the exchange.
Being an Exchange administrator, sometimes, you need to export the Exchange mailboxes to PST files. There are several reasons why you would need to export mailboxes to PST. Here are a few common reasons:

A user has left the company and the mailbox is to be exported to PST for backup purpose.

The user has exceeded the mailbox quota and you need to export/archive the users mailbox data to PST for safe keeping.

After migration to another server, you need to export the mailboxes (that are not being migrated) to PST for safekeeping.

You need to export the mailboxes to PST when migrating to Office 365.

In this article, we will be discussing different methods of exporting mailboxes from Exchange Server to PST file format.

Methods to Export Exchange Mailboxes to PST

Below, we will be mentioning different methods with stepwise instructions to export mailboxes from Exchange Server to PST file format.

1. Export Mailbox to PST using Microsoft Outlook

You can export user mailbox from the configured Outlook profile to PST file format by using Outlook options. Follow the below steps:

Note: Before proceeding, ensure that there is enough storage space on the disk to save the PST file and the profile of the user is configured in Outlook.

Open Outlook . Click on File and click on Open & Export .

. Click on and click on . Click on Import/Export.

Click on Export to a file and click on Next .

and click on . Click on Outlook Data File (.pst) and click Next .

and click . Select the mailbox you want to export. Make sure the Include Subfolders option is selected.

option is selected. If you want to filter the mailbox data, click on the Filter option. Then, select the filtering options.

option. Then, select the filtering options. Once done or if you dont want to filter the data, click Next .

. Select the location where you want to save the PST file. Also, select the overwrite or duplicate option. When ready, click on Finish.

The above method is ideal for exporting only small mailboxes as Outlook might crash if you export large mailboxes. Also, the process can be performed on the users computer. If admin needs to export the mailbox, then they have to configure user profile in their Outlook and need the users credentials.

2. Export Mailbox to PST using the Exchange Admin Center (EAC)

You can export mailboxes from Exchange Server to PST by using the Exchange Admin Center (EAC). However, the account which will be used for export must have the Import/Export role assigned. To assign the role, follow these steps:

Login to the Exchange Admin Center (EAC), click on Permissions, and then click on Admin Roles .

and then click on . Click on the Plus (+) button to create the admin role.

Give the role a name and click on the Plus (+) button to add the roles.

Add the Mailbox Import Export role.

Next, click on the Plus (+) button to add the members. Once finished, click on Save.

In addition, you need to create a network path/share on the server or the location where you will be exporting the PST to as you cannot export to a drive. The share properties should have the Active Directory group Exchange Trusted Subsystem with full permissions on the folder and share.

Once the above prerequisites are met, follow the below steps to export the mailboxes:

Open the Exchange Admin Center (EAC) and click on Recipients .

. Click on mailboxes and select the mailbox to export.

Click on the More Options (three dots) button and click on Export to PST file .

. Select if you want to export only the mailbox or the archive and then click Next .

. Enter the file share to export the PST file to and click Next .

. Select the option to send email when the export is completed and then click Finish.

By using the EAC, you can export one mailbox to PST at a time. Also, it doesnt offer any filtering options.

3. Export Mailboxes to PST using a Third-Party EDB Converter Tool

To make the export process easier and faster, you can use a third-party EDB to PST converter tool, such as Stellar Converter for EDB. This tool allows you to open live databases as well as offline databases from any version of Exchange Server, with no size limit. You can browse through the data stores with a full HTML preview and Outlook-like interface, and then granularly export EDB data to PST and other file formats. You can export user mailboxes, user archives, shared mailboxes, disabled mailboxes, public folders, and even deleted items. You can use the tool to export the mailboxes directly to a live Exchange Server database or Microsoft 365 tenant with features, such as parallel export, priority exports, and automatic mailbox matching.

4. Export Mailboxes to PST using Exchange Management Shell (EMS)

You can also use the Exchange Management Shell (EMS) to export mailboxes from Exchange Server to PST.

Note: Ensure the prerequisites mentioned in the above method are met.

Open the Exchange Management Shell (EMS) and use the New-MailboxExportRequest command as given below.

New-MailboxExportRequest -Mailbox <mailbox name> -FilePath <unc path to the PST file>

This command will export the specified mailbox to the given path.

If you need to export some specific folders, you can use the following command.

New-MailboxExportRequest -Mailbox <mailbox name> -FilePath <unc path to the PST file> -IncludeFolders <folder name>

In the above example, only the Inbox folder will be exported.

If you want to exclude some folders, then use the ExcludeFolders parameter with the command (see the below example).

New-MailboxExportRequest -Mailbox <mailbox name> -FilePath <unc path to the PST file> -ExcludeFolders <folder name>

You can also use the ContentFilter option with the command to filter the mailbox data based on specific date (see the below example).

New-MailboxExportRequest -ContentFilter {(Received -lt '<date mm/dd/yyyy>')} -Mailbox <user to export> -Filepath <unc path to destination>

This above command (with the lt option) will export the emails from the mailbox before the specified date.

If you want to export emails received after a particular date, you can use the gt (greater than) option (see the below example).

New-MailboxExportRequest -ContentFilter {(Received -gt '<date mm/dd/yyyy>')} -Mailbox <user to export> -Filepath <unc path to destination>

If you want to export the emails within a specific date range, you can use both the lt and gt options (see the below example).

New-MailboxExportRequest -ContentFilter {(Received -lt '<date mm/dd/yyyy>') -and (Received -gt '<date mm/dd/yyyy>')} -Mailbox <user to export> -Filepath <unc path to destination>

If you want to export only the user archive, you can use the IsArchive option with the command (see the below example).

New-MailboxExportRequest -Mailbox <mailbox name> -FilePath <unc path to the PST file> -IsArchive

You can also script the above command to export mailboxes in bulk. However, it may impact the servers performance. Also, to export mailboxes using the EMS, the database must be active and mounted on the Exchange Server.

To Conclude

Above, we have mentioned different methods to export mailboxes from Exchange Server to PST. However, the manual methods have certain limitations. The Outlook method is suitable for exporting only small mailboxes as the application might crash when you try to export large mailboxes. When you use the EAC, youre limited to export only one mailbox to PST at a time, and there is no option of filtering the data. Though you can export mailboxes in bulk by using the EMS, it may impact the servers performance. The best option to export Exchange mailboxes to PST is using an EDB converter tool, like Stellar Converter for EDB. This tool can easily and quickly export multiple mailboxes without any size limitations from EDB file (online or offline) to PST.
Photo: Press Service of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan

DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, September 11. Uzbekistan has approved the simplification of freight transportation with Tajikistan, Trend reports via the National Database of Uzbekistan's Legislation.

According to the base, the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev has approved a protocol amending and supplementing the Uzbek-Tajik intergovernmental agreement on international road transportation.

This agreement, signed on March 9, 2018, regulates the rules of international road transport between the two countries.

According to the new protocol, signed on April 18, 2024, in Dushanbe, the transit of freight vehicles through the territories of both states will now be carried out without the need to obtain permit forms.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Francine becomes a hurricane as it heads for US coast



Houston, Sept 11 (AFP) Sep 11, 2024



Storm Francine became a Category 1 hurricane Tuesday as it churned towards the southern US state of Louisiana, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) said, threatening storm surge, rain and flooding along the Gulf coast.

The storm was packing sustained winds of 75 miles (120 kilometers) per hour, and was about 150 miles east of the mouth of the Rio Grande, according to an NHC advisory.

"Francine has about 24 (hours) to strengthen over warm water before it encounters strong shear near the Louisiana coast," the NHC said.

A hurricane warning was in place for part of the Louisiana coast, and the NHC warned the storm could intensify rapidly over the Gulf of Mexico -- but was due to weaken quickly once it made landfall.

The NHC forecast life-threatening storm surge across the Louisiana and Mississippi coastlines, as well as heavy rainfall and flooding across the Gulf coast to the Florida panhandle by Thursday.

Louisiana 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.

Mississippi's governor Tate Reeves said he had declared a state of emergency there.

The Louisiana National Guard said on X that it was mobilizing helicopters, boats and supplies for evacuations and search and rescue.

Louisiana was the site of one of the most devastating hurricanes in US history, Hurricane Katrina, which killed more than 1,800 people in 2005.

The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, which began on June 1 and will end on November 30, was expected to be busy but has seen just three hurricanes so far, reportedly puzzling scientists.

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.
DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, September 11. Tajikistan and the World Bank (WB) have discussed energy cooperation, the Ministry of Energy and Water Resources of Tajikistan told Trend.

The Ministry announced that a delegation led by Prime Minister Kokhir Rasulzoda met with representatives of the WB.

The key topics of the meeting included the energy sector and the implementation of bilateral plans in this area. It was emphasized that in the context of climate change and rapid global warming, the production of green energy is crucial; and Tajikistan is considered one of the leading countries globally due to its focus on green energy.

The prime minister highlighted that recent years have seen significant progress due to Tajikistan's integration with global financial institutions, including the WB. Measures have been taken to construct and equip hydroelectric facilities in the country, with ongoing work in this direction.

The parties also kicked around ideas for bolstering integration and showed a keen interest in ramping up the financing volume for the sector.
Brazil's Lula visits Amazon as fire 'pandemic' rages



Brasilia, Sept 11 (AFP) Sep 11, 2024



President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva announced new measures on Tuesday to alleviate drought in the Brazilian Amazon, as his government faces mounting pressure to combat a "pandemic" of fires.

Brazil has been parched by a historic drought that experts link to climate change, sparking fires that have spread more easily and produced clouds of smoke that have reached neighbouring Uruguay and Argentina.

The country's Supreme Court has ordered immediate government action to contain what it has called a "fire pandemic", which is also threatening to destroy the biodiversity-rich wetland sanctuary of Pantanal.

"We take the need to combat drought, deforestation, fires, very seriously," Lula said in the northern state of Amazonas.

Accompanied by several ministers, the president visited riverside communities living in the world's largest rainforest, which are suffering from the worst drought in 70 years to hit Latin America's biggest country.

The high temperatures have dried up rivers used by isolated communities for navigation, food and water supply.

The Brazilian government announced dredging works on the Amazon River and other waterways and the delivery of water purifiers.

In the state capital Manaus, Lula announced the creation of an authority to tackle "extreme climate risks".

"Our focus must be on adaptation," he said.

The new authority was among Lula's campaign promises for his third government (2023-2026), devised by his environment minister, Marina Silva.

"These events are going to become more and more frequent, more and more intense," Silva said.

Sao Paulo, Latin America's largest city, was the world's most polluted major metropolis on Tuesday for a second day in a row, according to Switzerland-based air quality monitoring company IQAir.

Lula said "the situation is delicate" and deteriorates every year.

With more than 5,000 active fire outbreaks on Tuesday, Brazil accounts for 76 percent of the areas affected by fires in South America, according to data from the National Institute of Space Research (INPE) published by official media.

So far this year, some 6.7 million hectares have burned in the Brazilian Amazon, amounting to 1.6 percent of the rainforest, according to official figures.
Japan shows first commercial fin whale catch in 48 years



Tokyo, Sept 11 (AFP) Sep 11, 2024



Japan's main whaling company has released images showing the first fin whale caught commercially by its fleet in almost 50 years before it was butchered and sent home for consumption.

Japan, one of three countries to hunt whales commercially with Norway and Iceland, this year added the fin whale to a catch list that already includes minke, Bryde's and sei whales.

Fin whales are the world's second-biggest animal after the blue whale.

The footage provided to AFP on Wednesday shows the dead whale being hauled up into Japan's new whaling "mother ship" as workers posed next to the carcass and readied big knives to dismember it.

Fin whales are deemed "vulnerable" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Japan's decision to catch them has alarmed conservationists.

"This is the first fin whale catch in Japanese commercial whaling since 1976, almost half a century ago," said Masuo Ide, spokesman for whaling firm Kyodo Senpaku, calling it the "king of whales".

The male whale, which was harpooned and killed by a smaller vessel on August 1, was 19.61 metres (64.3 feet) long and weighed at least 55 tonnes, he told AFP. Four more have been caught since.

The crew of the Kangei Maru, a 9,300-tonne mothership launched in May, butchered the carcass and stored its meat in frozen containers on board for later consumption in Japan.

Some of the fin whale meat was served in a business exhibition in the northern city of Sapporo last week, with a wholesaler telling local media it was "delicious, with no smells. It changed my impression of whale meat".

The whaling company is planning another tasting event in Tokyo on Friday.



- 'Scientific' -



Japan has hunted whales for centuries and the meat was a key source of protein in the years after World War II.

It carried on for "scientific" purposes after an International Whaling Commission (IWC) moratorium on commercial whaling, killing hundreds -- including several fin whales -- in the Antarctic and North Pacific.

However, after years of tensions that took a toll on its international reputation, Japan quit the IWC in 2019 and resumed commercial whaling inside its territorial waters and exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

The government has allowed whalers to catch up to 376 whales this year, a number it says is sustainable, including 59 fin whales out of an estimated 19,299 fins in its waters and EEZ.

Japan is meanwhile seeking the extradition of US-Canadian anti-whaling activist Paul Watson, 73, who was detained in Greenland in July.

Watson co-founded Sea Shepherd, whose members played a high-seas game of cat-and-mouse with Japanese whaling ships in the 2000s and 2010s.

His new organisation, the Captain Paul Watson Foundation, says that its vessel was on its way to intercept the Kangei Maru when Watson was arrested.
UN revises down slightly likelihood of La Nina in 2024



Geneva, Sept 11 (AFP) Sep 11, 2024



The United Nations on Wednesday said the probability of the cooling La Nina weather phenomenon appearing this year had decreased slightly since June.

There is now a 55-percent chance of La Nina conditions emerging between September and November, and a 60-percent chance between October and next February, the UN's World Meteorological Organization said in its latest update.

In its previous update on the phenomenon published in June, WMO had estimated the likelihood of La Nina taking hold at 60 percent between July and September and at 70 percent between August and November.

It had at the time voiced hope the return of La Nina would help lower temperatures somewhat after months of global heat records, fuelled in part by La Nina's opposite number, the warming El Nino weather pattern, which gripped the planet for a year from June 2023.

"Since June 2023 we have seen an extended streak of exceptional global land and sea surface temperature," WMO chief Celeste Saulo said in a statement.

"Even if a short-term cooling La Nina event does emerge, it will not change the long-term trajectory of rising global temperatures due to heat-trapping greenhouse gases in the atmosphere," she warned.

La Nina refers to a naturally-occurring climate phenomenon that cools the ocean surface temperatures in large swathes of the tropical Pacific Ocean, coupled with winds, rains and changes in atmospheric pressure.

In many locations, especially in the tropics, La Nina produces the opposite climate impacts to El Nino, which heats up the surface of the oceans, leading to drought in some parts of the world and triggering heavy downpours elsewhere.

"Naturally occurring climate events such as La Nina and El Nino events are taking place in the broader context of human-induced climate change, which is increasing global temperatures, exacerbating extreme weather and climate, and impacting seasonal rainfall and temperature patterns," WMO said.

As in June, WMO said Wednesday that the chance of El Nino redeveloping in the near-term was "negligible".

Currently, "neutral" conditions prevail, meaning neither El Nino nor La Nina are present.

And yet, Saulo cautioned, "we have still seen widespread extreme weather conditions, including intense heat and devastating rainfall".

This, she said, was why "the Early Warnings for all initiative remains WMO's top priority".

That initiative aims to ensure that all countries before 2028 have in place adequate tools to ensure early and efficient extreme weather alerts.
Chinese climate lending greater than previously understood: report



Washington, Sept 11 (AFP) Sep 11, 2024



Chinese financing for projects addressing climate change in developing countries has been greater than previously thought, a Washington-based think tank said Wednesday, but added that Beijing appears to be pulling back lending recently.

In particular, the country provided almost double in bilateral climate financing to developing countries than the United States did over the 2017-2021 period, said the Center for Global Development (CGD) in a report.

"Although these are measured slightly differently, and China's finance is much more loan-based, we estimate that Chinese funders provided $3.0 billion per year for climate projects, relative to $1.5 billion from the US," the CGD report added.

Its analysis, drawing on financing data from independent databases, seeks to inform discussion on China's role in international climate financing ahead of November's COP29 summit.

"Western countries have said they will only increase their climate finance contributions when China and others start to pull their weight," said CGD senior fellow Ian Mitchell.

"But our study shows that China is already a significant contributor of climate finance," he added.

However when United States and Chinese climate funding to global institutions like the World Bank is included, the United States contributes more overall, the study noted.

Climate financing typically involves projects to lower emissions and ensure infrastructure is more resilient to climate change.

Since the launch of the Belt and Road Initiative in 2013, China contributed an average of $3.8 billion per year in climate-related finance to developing countries, the report said.

Overall, the contributions until 2021 came up to some $34.3 billion.

But the report noted that 97 percent of China's climate-friendly finance came as loans, while a significant portion of US climate support is in the form of grants which do not need to be repaid.

More recently, such financing from China appears to have dropped in value and as a share of total bilateral finance to developing countries too, CGD said.

"China has been scaling back the Belt and Road Initiative since the beginning of the pandemic, and we're seeing signs that its climate finance could be a casualty of that decrease," said Mitchell.

China is not obliged to report its climate finance figures and does not do so since it is a developing country under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, CGD noted.
Laos battles deadly typhoon floods



Bangkok, Sept 11 (AFP) Sep 11, 2024



Flash floods in the wake of Typhoon Yagi have brought destruction to northern Laos, inundating villages and farmland, putting hydropower dams under strain and claiming at least one life, officials, locals and state media said Wednesday.

The rugged, mountainous provinces of Luang Namtha and Phongsaly are worst hit, with footage from state broadcaster Lao National Television showing residents sheltering on upper floors and wading chest-deep through murky brown waters.

Floods and landslides have affected swathes of northern Vietnam, Thailand and Myanmar after Yagi brought days of intense rainfall.

A tour guide in Luang Namtha told AFP the water rose by two to three metres (6.5 to 10 feet) in the space of just 40 minutes on Monday.

"People have lost their livelihoods, their houses and businesses," he said, on condition of anonymity to speak freely.

"Seeing all these people with their belongings and everything is gone."

It is difficult to get a clear picture of the situation in Laos, where the authoritarian communist government tightly controls what information it releases and state media outlets have largely emphasised official relief efforts.

But the UN's World Food Programme said it was "very concerned" for the safety of communities in northern Laos, in a Facebook post.

Luang Namtha deputy district chief Sivilai Pankaew told AFP his team had evacuated more than 300 people from 17 villages.

Aerial images of the provincial capital Luang Namtha showed most of the town of 50,000 residents swamped by opaque brown floodwaters.

Rescue workers navigated the town by motor boat as dozens of people waited for help on upper storeys.

The owner of a guest house on the bank of the Nam Tha river whose property was flooded told AFP the waters had receded but left a thick brown residue of mud behind.

"Everywhere in Namtha is flooded," she told AFP, requesting anonymity.

"Maybe in a month it'll be better but right now I don't think we can take bookings."

The floods have also disrupted operations at some of the several Chinese-run hydroelectric facilities in the area.

"Flooding in Luang Namtha affected Nam Tha dam 3 which is now shut and cannot generate power," Pankaew said.

Officials quoted in state media denied claims from locals that authorities opened floodgates on the dam to relieve pressure without warning residents.

In Phongsaly province, houses, roads, markets, and schools have been inundated and crops have suffered extensive damage, Laos National Radio reported.

tp-tak-sjc/pdw/mtp
Greece unveils water network overhaul amid drought troubles



Athens, Sept 11 (AFP) Sep 11, 2024



Greece on Wednesday unveiled a multi-billion-euro plan to safeguard its water supply amid shortages coming after the warmest winter and summer on record.

Environment and energy minister Theodoros Skylakakis told a news conference that the project involving new works and upgrades to the existing water network were aimed at improving quality and limiting loss.

Drought is most acutely felt in the southern Aegean and eastern Crete, he said.

According to the national observatory, Greece had the warmest winter and summer on record since reliable data collection began in 1960.

The works, partly funded through EU projects, could be worth nearly 5.8 billion euros ($6.4 billion), state agency ANA reported.

Part of them will be carried out on Greek islands popular with tourists which have recently struggled, particularly during the summer months.

The island works include renewable energy, pump storage and desalination projects, Skylakakis said.

The state-owned water companies of greater Athens and Thessaloniki will also expand to neighbouring areas and absorb small municipal operators to improve water management, the minister said.

There are nearly 250 water operators in Greece and poor accountability leads to over 35 percent of water being lost, he said.

Greater Athens water company (EYDAP) chief executive officer Harry Sachinis on Wednesday said the company's water reserves were down from 1.1 billion cubic metres in 2002 to an estimated level of under 700 million by October, enough to last the capital four years.
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, September 11. Uzbekistans Air Samarkand will increase flights to Turkiyes Istanbul from September 14, the airline told Trend.

Air Samarkand will add a new weekly Saturday return service from Samarkand to Istanbul conducted by Airbus 321 aircraft.

This third weekly rotation on the Samarkand-Istanbul service will deliver increased flexibility to our customers and help to satisfy the growing demand from business and leisure travelers on this route, with further increases likely very soon," CEO of Air Samarkand Zafar Butaev said.

Earlier, the airline provided scheduled return services operating every Monday and Thursday from Samarkand International Airport to Istanbul International Airport. The flights are operated with the airlines Airbus A321neo aircraft on the scheduled 5-hour flight.

The expanded service to Istanbul marks the continued and steady expansion of Air Samarkands route network. The carrier began flying to Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) in late July to support religious pilgrims, increasing the frequency to five per week by September, with two services departing from Samarkand and one each week from the Uzbek cities of Termez, Fergana, and Namangan. Air Samarkand also serves Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt and Nha Trang in Vietnam, using Airbus A321neo and A330-300 aircraft.
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, September 11. The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) will hold its 9th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors in Samarkand (Uzbekistan) on September 25-26, 2024, the AIIB told Trend.

The Building Resilient Infrastructure for All annual Meeting is AIIBs flagship event, providing a unique opportunity to showcase the Banks accomplishments and gain valuable insights and guidance from shareholders on AIIBs strategic direction and initiatives.

The 2024 Annual Meeting will feature more than 25 panel discussions over two days, focusing on innovations in infrastructure financing, climate resilience, sustainable development, and the digital transformation of infrastructure projects. The Annual Meeting will feature an Opening Ceremony, Governors Business Roundtable, Governors Official Session, Press Conference and a series of public and civil society engagement events.

Key speakers include AIIB President and Chair of the Board of Directors Jin Liqun, along with senior management and leading representatives from various multilateral development banks such as the International Finance Corporation, the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, the European Investment Bank, and the Islamic Development Bank. Additionally, experts from international and private organizations, including the United Nations Environment Programme, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Citibank, The Milken Institute, The Rockefeller Foundation and Clean Air Fund will also participate.

AIIB is a multilateral development bank dedicated to financing sustainable, green, and technology-driven infrastructure to enhance the social and economic well-being of people in Asia and beyond. With 109 members to date, AIIB focuses on fostering sustainable infrastructure, boosting cross-border connectivity, and mobilizing private capital. In Central Asia, AIIB plays a key role in advancing regional connectivity, improving energy and water management, and driving economic growth, all aligned with its vision of Financing Infrastructure for Tomorrow.

Since its founding, the AIIB has invested more than $3.1 billion in projects in Uzbekistan. In early 2024, this partnership further developed with President Mirziyoyev signing a unique three-year agreement for sovereign-backed projects worth $2.5 billion.
Caroline Ellison was the star witness in the US governments fraud case against the onetime crypto wunderkind Sam Bankman-Fried, helping prosecutors unearth crimes they didnt know about at FTX.

Now the former Alameda Research chief executive officer is pointing to her extraordinarily impactful cooperation in one of the biggest financial crime investigations in US history to convince a judge to spare her from spending a single day in prison.

Caroline Ellison was one of four former Bankman-Fried lieutenants to plead guilty following the collapse of the crypto exchange. Credit: AP

In a sentencing memo Ellisons lawyers provided the most in-depth description of their clients meteoric rise at FTXs sister hedge fund before Bankman-Frieds crypto empire collapsed in 2022. The 29-year-old Ellison was portrayed as a talented woman caught under Bankman-Frieds spell as his on-again-off-again girlfriend and wound up aiding his crimes.

She regrets her role deeply and will carry shame and remorse to her grave, according to the memo, filed in federal court in New York.
The perpetrator of the abuse is James McAvoys Paddy, a boisterous Englishman whom an American family meets while enjoying a summer holiday at a plush European resort. At first, Louise Dalton (Mackenzie Davis) and her husband, Ben (Scoot McNairy) are a little wary of Paddy, whos travelling with his wife, Ciara (Aisling Franciosi) and young son, Ant (Dan Hough), but Paddys overtures are hard to resist and Ben is habitually polite. No is a word hell avoid if he possibly can.

These thoughts came to mind while I was watching Speak No Evil, a clever but nauseating frightener about the consequences of remaining silent in the face of rampant domestic abuse.

The horror movies ability to get serious is not news. After all, Godzilla was spawned by Hiroshima and Nagasaki. But the genres essential nature is exploitative. It sets out to give you a fright because it can. The art of the cheap thrill is written into its DNA.

But hes also depressed because hes out of a job, and back in rainy London, he talks a reluctant Louise into accepting Paddys invitation to spend a weekend at the familys house in the country. Once theyre there, Ant and the Daltons daughter, Agnes (Alix West Lefler), develop a bond even though Ant suffers from some sort of condition that has robbed him of speech.

For its first hour or so, the film passes itself off as a biliously mordant comedy of manners, following the same narrative line as the 2022 Danish movie on which its based. Buzzing with manic energy, a grinning McAvoy threatens to drown the spineless Ben in false bonhomie while dreaming up new ways of taunting him with macho displays of bad behaviour. Everything becomes a contest to the increasing irritation of Louise, who plays a much more decisive role here than she does in the Danish original.

L-R: Alix West Lefler, from left, Scoot McNairy and Mackenzie Davis. Credit: AP

She wants to leave soon after they arrive and eventually, pushed beyond endurance, persuades Ben to pack up and sneak off in the middle of the night. But Agness beloved stuffed rabbit is left behind in the rush and she wont be consoled until they go back and retrieve it. Its a hackneyed plot device but were in so far by this point that the suspension of disbelief is no stretch at all.

The film does have something forceful to say about domestic abuse. The best scene is also the simplest. The two kids have been working on a dance routine that they perform for the adults but they have hardly begun before Paddy is roaring at Ant for getting out of step. He does it repeatedly with such savagery that the other adults are stunned into silence when they should be yelling at him to stop.
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Australias cities were once home to commercial buildings with wide verandahs, which provided shade and ambience at street level and above. Not quite inside or outside, they were perfect places to stop for a natter, take in the street or have a beer.

Most have been removed. Now inner west resident James Cottam is leading a charge to bring them back. He mourns the removal of what he estimates has been 70 per cent of Newtowns historic deep verandah awnings that can make a hot day feel a lot cooler.

They would improve public amenities, expand the footprint of restaurants and bars, and increase the appeal of Newtowns King Street, said Cottam, a former photo editor for Nine (the owner of this masthead), who is now a real estate agent.

More verandahs like this would turn Newtown into a tourist destination. Credit: Anna Kucera/Destination NSW

Where these wide verandahs had been restored, including at the popular Newtown Hotel and in Adelaides East End on Rundle Street, the venues have gone off like a frog in a sock, he says. That led to other restaurants and venues restoring theirs.

If they were restored, the area  with most of King Streets original shops still standing  could become a destination for tourists interested in architecture and heritage, similar to New Orleans French Quarter.

A Facebook page Cottam launched documents verandahs and balcony awnings. They were once considered the most distinctively Australian feature of local architecture, featuring in courthouses and public buildings from about 1805.
As authorities denied protesters access to Clarendon Street from Yarra Promenade, the group turned back, circled the casino and tried to get closer to the expo from the south. At Whiteman Street, police searched backpacks and pockets, and an officer told the crowd that anyone wearing a face covering must leave the area. Metal-detecting wands were used to scan passers-by for weapons. Anti-war protesters walk through Melbournes CBD, causing traffic disruption. Credit: Chris Hopkins One protester, a young man who asked not to be named, said he had been searched three times in 15 minutes. I dont know if its my presence alone, if its my height because I am a tall fella, but Ive been searched about three times, and Ive got nothing on me, he said.

The young man claimed he was patted down, questioned repeatedly and ordered to stop eyeballing police. I said, Im allowed to do that because thats very legal. Theyve just been real aggressive for some reason, he said. Another protester was involved in a physical confrontation with the media. The demonstrator accused the television networks security guard of assaulting him. Dont f---ing come in here and agitate people, he yelled at a reporter. A protester is searched on Thursday. Credit: Chris Hopkins The crowd dispersed about 11am. On the other side of the police ring of steel, lobbyists, weapons makers and military officials were perusing the wares on display.

A highlight on the days agenda was the Australian Armys symposium. Chief general Simon Stuart said the recent Defence strategic review had rightly demanded more than just a rethink of military tactics but its culture too, as a profession trusted to fight Australias wars. It should not surprise anyone in this audience when I observe that we must do more to reflect on the sufficiency of our professional standards, he said, adding that the long shadow of Afghanistan now lay over any army transformation. Outside, the relatively peaceful scenes were a marked departure from the violence that flared the previous day. On Wednesday, some protesters pelted police with horse faeces, rocks, eggs, beer bottles, tomatoes, and a liquid later detected to contain a mild acid.

Victoria Police defended its use of force, which included foam bullets, stun grenades, tear gas and pepper spray, to control the crowd. Police estimated 1500 protesters were outside the expo on Wednesday, well short of the 20,000 authorities were expecting. Forty-two protesters were arrested, while 27 police officers required medical attention. On Wednesday, mounted police forced protesters back to Spencer Street, where they set bins and rubbish on fire. Credit: Chris Hopkins Protesters lit fires in bins and set up barricades, mainly around the Spencer Street Bridge on the CBDs edge, as mounted police and armed officers dressed in riot gear stood opposite to prevent access to the convention centre. Police Minister Anthony Carbines said officers had used extreme restraint. However, some legal groups have challenged this.

Peaceful protest is always welcome and supported in our state, Carbines said. But if you found yourself caught up in what we saw yesterday, I think youve only got yourself to blame. Loading He said the government was looking at expanding the use of designated areas in which police have greater powers to search and remove people. Further arrests could be made once footage of the protests had been reviewed, Carbines said. Id urge all Victorians, when they see a member of Victoria Police, to thank them, to give them a thumbs up and tell them that they have Victorias support for their restraint. Fire Rescue Victoria is investigating reports a mild acid was thrown at officers. Disrupt Land Forces  a conglomerate protest group leading the action  said in a statement butyric acid, a food additive made from dairy products, was also deployed.

The police union described Wednesdays scenes as some of the most violent protests officers had seen in decades. And since the World Economic Forum, we havent seen people bring this, for no apparent reason, to the police, union boss Wayne Gatt told 3AW on Thursday morning. Gatt said Wednesdays turnout was overwhelmingly people looking for a fight rather than standing for a cause, and any cause had been lost in their actions. Melbourne Activist Legal Support called police behaviour on Wednesday a grossly excessive response that probably infringed on human rights. In a statement released on Wednesday night, it said even independent legal observers and medics had been subjected to pepper spray and stun grenades and charged by police horses.

Although the group noted violent behaviour from some protesters, it said: Legal observers noted that in most circumstances, protester behaviour became heightened after and in response to a coercive crowd control manoeuvre by the police or the use of police weapons. The behaviour of individual protesters does not justify excessive force against others, nor the use of force against entire crowds. Police are braced for more protests outside the weapons expo in Melbourne. Credit: Eddie Jim The Australian Democracy Network said it was deeply concerned by reports that police had used capsicum spray against protesters lying on the ground and complying. The use of dangerous police weapons at protests escalates tensions and risks breaching Victoria Polices human rights obligations, campaigner Anastasia Radievska said on Thursday.

The Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service Co-operative said the right to protest was at the heart of Australias democracy and was protected under the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities. It said it had serious concerns about the polices response on Wednesday. Police violence and brutality towards those exercising their right to have their voices heard is unacceptable, the co-operative said. We understand at least one complaint has been made to IBAC in respect of Victoria Polices misconduct. Riot police watch on during a subdued a second day of protests outside a weapons expo in Melbourne. Credit: Eddie Jim Disrupt Land Forces is calling for an end to weapons sales to Israel and an arms embargo. [Police] have attacked us with blows, kicks, and boots on our throats, tear gas, pepper spray, and rubber bullets, the group said in a social media post on Wednesday night.
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, September 11. The EU appointed Toivo Klaar as a new ambassador to Uzbekistan on 9 September 2024, the EU press service told Trend.

Toivo Klaar began his tenure as the head of the EU Delegation to Uzbekistan, after serving as EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus and the crisis in Georgia since 2017.

To note, the cooperation between the EU and Uzbekistan has grown significantly in recent years, focusing on economic cooperation, human rights, and democratic reforms. The EU is one of Uzbekistan's major trading partners and is involved in various development projects, especially in areas such as energy, education, and governance reform.

In 2022, the EU and Uzbekistan upgraded their relationship through the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA), aiming to deepen ties in trade, investment, and political cooperation.
Disgraced Aboriginal leader Geoff Clark is facing jail time for stealing more than $1 million from Indigenous community organisations to pay off personal legal fees and living expenses over more than a decade.

Clark, 72, who was the head of the now-disbanded Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission, faced the County Court of Victoria on Wednesday after multiple juries found him guilty of more than two dozen fraud, theft and deception-related offences.

Geoff Clark, pictured arriving at the County Court of Victoria on Wednesday, has been found guilty of multiple charges of fraud and theft. Credit: Eddie Jim

The court heard Clarks eldest son, 51-year-old Jeremy Clark, helped his father defraud one organisation by more than a quarter of a million dollars and hide payments while at the helm of Gariwerd Enterprises in the Grampians, in Victorias west.
Two children have died in hospital after a house fire in Melbournes north-west, while their brother continues to fight for life.

Victoria Police confirmed the two girls died surrounded by family in hospital on Wednesday morning, while their three-year-old brother remains in a critical condition.

Jayde Petalas with his son Kalais, 3 (back seat, right), and Izabel, 5.

Emergency services were called to a Fergus Court property in Sydenham shortly after 9.30pm on Sunday after reports of explosions on the suburban street.

Five-year-old Izabel, her brother, Kalais, and their 21-month-old sister Lyvia were pulled unconscious from the house and rushed to the Royal Childrens Hospital with life-threatening injuries.
What is the Land Forces Expo? Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Got it Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size The biennial Land Forces International Land Defence Expo, previously held in Brisbane, attracts hundreds of defence personnel from around the world to its showcase of weapons and technology. Protesters outside the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. Credit: Justin McManus More than 800 domestic and international companies and leading organisations will take part. Guns, armour, drones, trucks, and even missiles have been displayed at the event. On Wednesday, British defence company BAE unveiled a military tank to cheers and pounding music  one of many large armoured vehicles quietly brought into the centre under cover of darkness in the past few days. Who is protesting against it?

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Protesters from different activist groups, including Extinction Rebellion and Students for Palestine, have banded together to form a larger group, Disrupt Land Forces. Up to 25,000 activists are expected to disrupt the city centre. The Age estimates about 1500 people congregated outside the Clarendon Street entrance of the convention centre on Wednesday morning. Students for Palestine and Disrupt Wars are two of the groups protesting against the expo. Credit: Justin McManus What do they want? Disrupt Land Forces spokeswoman Jasmine Duff said the protest was triggered by the governments stance on the conflict in the Middle East. Were protesting to stand up for all those who have been killed by the type of weapons on display at the convention, she said. Many of the weapons inside the convention centre are advertised as battle-tested. In the context of Israeli weapons firms, which are present, this means tested through killing civilians in Gaza.

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Blockade co-chair Bella Beiraghi said the groups aims were also broader. We stand against the death and destruction brought by weapons of war, she said. Can I get through Docklands? There are a number of closed roads and intersections, and people have been urged to avoid the area if they can. Police have blocked ramps to the M1 freeway and West Gate Freeway, with significant traffic congestion banking up around the city. Wurundjeri Way remains blocked in both directions. Loading Yarra Trams has warned commuters of disruptions to several city-bound services, including routes 96 and 109. What is the Victoria Police response? Victoria Police expects it to be its biggest operation since chaos surrounded the World Economic Forum in 2000, with hundreds of regional officers travelling to Melbourne for the event, along with general duties officers and specialist police.

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These include the public order response team, highway patrol and mounted branch. A police spokesperson said major efforts were under way to ensure the highest level of safety and security at the event. By using anti-terror legislation, police have increased powers to search any person or vehicle within the area surrounding the event. What is the state government response? Victorian Treasurer Tim Pallas said police had asked the state government for additional funds to cover the event, estimated at $10 million to $15 million. Pallas 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. It does require a measure of policing, both to assure the safety of the convention attenders, but also the community in and around those areas, he said.

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Labor has scrubbed criminal penalties for seriously vilifying minority groups from its upcoming hate crimes bill, watering down its proposed laws just months after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese vowed to introduce stronger measures to protect people from hate speech.

Sources familiar with Labors promised hate speech bill said it had been significantly weakened in the final stages of drafting and was now starkly different from Albaneses original pledge, which he made earlier this year following months of concern about inflamed antisemitism.

A minority of demonstrators at a rally at the Opera House in October 2023 chanted anti-Semitic slogans. Credit: Lisa Maree Williams

Sources, who spoke anonymously as they were bound to confidentiality in order to be briefed, said it will not use the words hate speech nor introduce a serious anti-vilification law, which was a key aim of the bill. Instead, it will focus on acts and threats of violence.

Albanese promised to strengthen hate speech laws and criminalise doxxing in February as community tensions ran high over the war in Gaza and anti-Zionist activists published the names and details of almost 600 Jewish writers, artists and academics.
Councils have warned that their free childrens vaccination programs are at risk due to new state government charges for the use of a vital online record-keeping resource.

The Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) says councils provide 430,000 immunisations to Victorian children each year  covering 90 per cent of all vaccinations for school-aged kids, and 45 per cent of those for younger children and babies.

Councils provide 430,000 immunisations to Victorian children each year. Credit: Getty Images

The MAV said councils had been repeatedly assured that their crucial access to the states Central Immunisation Records Victoria (CIRV)  the platform that records vaccine histories, bookings, consent and stock  would always be free.

But correspondence from the Department of Health, obtained by The Age, shows the department will start charging councils under a new co-funding model, saying the money would help pay for the system to continue to operate.
Over successive administrations, the US government has used stiff trade restrictions to try to stifle Chinese telecom giant Huawei. In turn, the company never misses an opportunity to show that it is still standing.

Last year, at the tail end of a visit to China by Gina Raimondo, the US commerce secretary, Huawei unveiled a smartphone that was powered by an advanced semiconductor made in China. The chip was exactly the kind of technology that the United States, in an effort led by Raimondo, had tried to prevent China from developing.

The Huawei phone, the Mate 60 Pro, was heralded in China as the triumph of a national champion over American constraints. It sold out within minutes on Chinese e-commerce platforms. Many shoppers chose to pair their purchase with a phone case emblazoned with a photo of Raimondos face.

In the Chinese tech hub of Shenzhen on Tuesday, Huawei again made a bid for the spotlight with the announcement of a new device just hours after Apple introduced its iPhone 16 in California. Huaweis latest phone, the Mate XT, is heavy on novelty: It can be folded, twice.
Beijing develops China's first large model of atmospheric environment monitoring

16:51, September 10, 2024 By Pan Xutao, Hua Yiran ( People's Daily

Photo shows the Supervision-Monitoring-Inspection (SMI) mechanism that drives air pollution control toward scientific, precise, and efficient development in Beijing, capital of China. (Photo from the Beijing Municipal Ecological and Environmental Monitoring Center)

On the streets of Beijing, residents may notice a uniquely designed van with sampling tubes mounted on its roof and the words "Mobile Atmospheric Monitoring" painted on its sides in Chinese.

The van is equipped with a mass spectrometer that can analyze the air it takes in and measure volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the surrounding area within five seconds. It is reported that the VOCs data will be uploaded in real-time to the Supervision-Monitoring-Inspection (SMI) mechanism developed by the Beijing Municipal Ecology and Environment Bureau.

The bureau has also developed a large model to support the SMI mechanism, employing advanced technologies such as big data and artificial intelligence. Supported by an innovative monitoring network, intelligent analysis techniques, and an efficient dispatching system, the model has contributed to the continuous improvement of air quality in Beijing.

Data quality is essential as it forms the cornerstone and foundation of large models. To enhance the quality of data, the large model has created a multi-dimensional sensing system that boasts different functions such as aerial surveillance and ground patrols, and involves economic and social operation data such as electricity consumption. It combines over 200,000 smart sensing devices, collecting hundreds of millions of data points on a daily basis.

The large model has reportedly identified and flagged over 10,000 problems, offering effective assistance in pollution control and regular monitoring.

With the help of remote satellite sensing technology, the large model can intelligently identify more than 10 types of targets such as bare land, with an accuracy rate of 90 percent. Meanwhile, mobile monitoring vehicles can patrol the ground, measuring VOCs in real-time, achieving second-level response, intelligent traceability, and closed-loop regulation.

Photo shows an unmanned patrol vehicle equipped with atmospheric environment quality monitoring sensors in Beijing, capital of China. (Photo from the WeChat official account of the Administrative Committee of Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area)

"The large model has incorporated over 50 types of databases, including data related to air quality monitoring and pollution sources. It also includes a database focused on environmental protection knowledge, comprising more than 1 million documents such as environmental standards, regulations, research reports, and papers," said Shen Xiu'e, head of the Beijing Municipal Ecological and Environmental Monitoring Center.

These data enable the large model to perform intelligent analysis, forecasting, precise tracing, and clue mining, Shen added.

The large model can also monitor electricity consumption at industrial facilities on a minute-by-minute basis. It can identify discrepancies in production and pollution control activities by intelligently matching and analyzing data.

"Using electricity monitoring technology, we have included over 1,000 key enterprises that emit air pollutants and more than 6,000 monitoring points into the system. If a company's production facility uses electricity while its pollution control equipment is not in operation, the system will capture and record this anomaly," Shen explained.

On June 20, the model detected that the printing machines and other production equipment of a company were running day and night, but the pollution control facilities appeared to only operate during the day and were inactive at night. After a thorough analysis, the problem was flagged and sent to Beijing's district-level law enforcement department for further steps.

In Beijing, there is also an air pollution control platform enabled by the SMI mechanism, which is a large screen showing real-time air quality and forecast results on the left, meteorological data, pollution source data, and dispatch information in the center, and four major categories of problems including mobile sources, industrial sources, dust sources, and environmental hotspots, along with the results of targeted pollution control measures on the right.

Li Xiang, an official with Beijing's Comprehensive Law Enforcement Team for Ecological and Environmental Protection, described a case of problem detection and resolution. "The system alerted us to a high VOC concentration point near an auto repair shop, likely caused by the shop itself, so we conducted an on-site inspection," said Li.

Upon entering the shop, Li and other law enforcement officers inspected the paint spraying and baking room, discovering that some of the activated carbon filters were overdue for replacement, and there were gaps in the carbon plates, allowing untreated exhaust to escape.

Photo shows a turret of the Forbidden City in Beijing, capital of China. (Photo by Song Jiaru/People's Daily Online)

The team demanded the auto repair shop to immediately rectify the issue and handed the case over to local authorities for appropriate penalties. After the corrective actions were completed, officials returned for a re-inspection, confirming that the VOC levels had returned to normal.

The air pollution control platform can rapidly assess air quality, comprehensively analyze pollution trends, intelligently trace pollution sources, coordinate resources across districts and localities, dynamically track activity levels, and thereby effectively analyze and monitor major pollution sources.

The SMI mechanism and other technologies have significantly enhanced pollution control efficiency in Beijing, helping protect and maintain the ecological environment.

According to data from the Beijing Municipal Ecology and Environment Bureau, from January to July this year, the average concentration of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in Beijing was 33 micrograms per cubic meter. Besides, the Chinese capital recorded a total of 150 days of good air quality during the same period, an increase of 7 days from a year ago.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
Press Release

September 11, 2024 EDCOM 2: Teacher Ed Council to review and redesign teacher curriculum by end of 2024 "By December, we will present the review and redesign of the teacher education curriculum...The current curriculum is a one-size-fits-all model, and the data clearly shows that this approach is no longer effective". This is the promise of newly-confirmed Teacher Education Council Executive Director Dr. Jennie Jocson during a hearing of the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education on September 11. EDCOM 2 Co-Chairperson Rep. Mark Go, chaired the meeting, which was conducted to address the pressing issues surrounding the quality of teacher education institutions in the country. In its Year One report, the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) highlighted the urgency of addressing these issues, noting that reforms within the Teacher Education Council (TEC) have been stalled for two years. Despite the passage of the Excellence in Teacher Education Act in 2022, which aims to strengthen the TEC and resolve coordination challenges across institutions, progress has been slow, with Executive Director Jocson only appointed in August. "While the legislative framework is in place, the real work of improving teacher quality has yet to begin," EDCOM 2 Commissioner Go remarked during the hearing. ED Jocson also shared during the session that a study by the World Bank revealed concerning gaps in teacher competency. According to the findings, many teachers who took a content test based on the curriculum were only able to answer basic-level questions. When asked to perform more complex tasks requiring two or three steps, most were unable to respond effectively. This trend of underperformance mirrors the results seen in the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA), where Filipino students also struggled to answer questions that require deeper content knowledge. She emphasized the need to provide more flexibility to institutions, particularly strong state universities and colleges (SUCs) with teacher education programs, and allowing them to adapt to the specific needs of their regions. "We cannot continue to impose a minimum standard on institutions that are capable of much more. The curriculum must be tailored to support regional contexts," Jocson said. Rethinking graduate education requirements The discussion also shifted towards the qualifications required for educators and administrators in higher education. A presentation by the Research Institute for Teacher Quality (RITQ) highlighted the correlation between higher academic qualifications and better performance in the LET. However, the study raised questions about the current requirement for a master's degree for tenure, pointing out that this approach is limiting. EDCOM 2 Co-Chairperson Rep. Roman Romulo also expressed concern that the current minimum requirement for a master's degree has placed a burden on instructors, who struggle to balance teaching responsibilities with attending classes. He suggested that it may be time to reevaluate this policy to better accommodate the realities faced by educators. EDCOM 2 Standing Committee member Dr. Cynthia Bautista, noted that the requirement for a master's degree for tenure is a global standard, "the premise of this requirement is that as you do a master's degree, you develop your expertise in terms of content in the field. However, it doesn't always happen because the quality of graduate education is so uneven in this country" Dr. Bautista added. Dr. Edizon Fermin of the Commission on Higher Education's Technical Panel for Teacher Education, responded that CHED had already adopted CMO 15, series of 2019, which introduces more flexible pathways to earning graduate degrees. "We now have a Master's and PhD by research track. If your faculty member is better at producing research than attending taught courses, they can follow this path. And for practitioners, instead of only taking academic courses, their professional experience can be recognized through a credit accumulation and transfer scheme," he explained.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 11. Iran hopes to expand cooperation with Iraq to develop economic and regional stability, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said at a meeting with Iraqi President Abdullatif Jamal Rashid in Baghdad on September 11, Trend reports.

According to him, it would be wise to get the ball rolling on joint special commissions to strengthen the ties that bind our political, economic, cultural, and social relations between the two countries..

Pezeshkian held the belief that by joining forces economically and financially, the two countries could pave the way for a more secure and stable region.

At the meeting, Iraqi President Abdullatif Rashid also mentioned that it's high time to steer clear of using the US dollar in trade between the two countries.

The Iraqi president hailed the signing of documents to expand cooperation between Iran and Iraq.

To note, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian paid a three-day visit to Iraq today.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 11. The Prime Minister of Iraq Mohammed Shia' Al Sudani and Iraqi President Masoud Pezeshkian held constructive talks on cooperation between the energy, oil refining, and private sectors of the two countries, Trend reports.

Among the topics covered at the discussion was the forthcoming Joint Iraqi-Iranian High Commission meeting in Baghdad and the deepening of cooperation in the two nations' mutual interests.

Iraqi Prime Minister brought up the Basra-Shalamcheh railroad project during the meeting, highlighting the Iraqi government's commitment to modernizing this route and its use for passenger transportation between Iran and Iraq.

Iranian President also stressed in the meeting that Tehran is interested in developing economic relations and joint work between Iraq and Iran.

To note, the Iranian president, accompanied by high-ranking personnel, made his first foreign visit to Iraq on September 11. The Iranian President's visit will last three days.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 11. Iran is looking to break down the walls between Islamic nations, much like the way the European Union has paved the road for unity, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said at a meeting with Iraqi President Abdullatif Rashid in Baghdad on September 11, Trend reports.

According to him, it is necessary to organize a combined alliance of Islamic countries for this purpose.

Pezeshkian pointed out that pulling together the Islamic countries will pave the way for progress in a multitude of areas. It will also throw a wrench in the works of sanctions against Islamic countries.

To note, on September 11, the Iranian president, along with a bevy of high-ranking officials, set off on his inaugural foreign visit to Iraq, and his visit will last three days.
Apples latest unveiling has set the tech world abuzz with the announcement of the iPhone 16 Pro. This cutting-edge device promises to deliver a host of improvements, from enhanced design features to extended battery life. Lets delve into the details of Apples newest flagship smartphone and explore what makes it a standout in the ever-evolving mobile market.

Design evolution and display enhancements

The iPhone 16 Pro showcases Apples commitment to sleek aesthetics and functional design. One of the most notable changes is the introduction of slimmer bezels, providing users with an even more immersive visual experience. This refinement not only enhances the phones appearance but also allows for a larger display without significantly increasing the devices overall size.

Apple has upgraded the Ceramic Shield that protects the front of the iPhone. This latest generation boasts an advanced formulation that is 50% tougher than its predecessor and twice as durable as the glass used on competing smartphones. This improvement addresses concerns about fragility and offers users greater peace of mind.

The iPhone 16 Pro will be available in four sophisticated colors, catering to various personal preferences. Additionally, Apple has reimagined its case lineup, focusing on two popular options :

Clear cases for those who want to showcase the phones design

Silicone cases for added protection and grip

Interestingly, Apple has chosen not to include FineWoven cases for the iPhone 16 series, suggesting a potential shift in their accessory strategy.

Performance boost and battery life improvements

At the heart of the iPhone 16 Pro lies the powerful A18 chip, which promises to deliver unprecedented performance and efficiency. This new processor is not only faster but also more energy-efficient, contributing to the devices improved battery life.

Apple has made significant strides in extending the iPhones battery performance, addressing one of the most common user concerns. The internal design of the iPhone 16 Pro has been reengineered to accommodate a larger battery while also improving heat dissipation. This, coupled with the advanced power management features of iOS 18, results in a substantial boost to battery life.

To illustrate the impact of these improvements, consider the following comparison table :

Feature iPhone 15 Pro iPhone 16 Pro Battery Capacity 3,200 mAh 3,500 mAh (estimated) Video Playback Up to 23 hours Up to 26 hours Audio Playback Up to 75 hours Up to 80 hours

Camera innovations and new capture button

Photography enthusiasts will be pleased with the significant upgrades to the camera system in the iPhone 16 Pro. The standout feature is the ultra-wide camera, which has seen a substantial increase in resolution from 12 megapixels to an impressive 48 megapixels. This leap in image quality will allow for more detailed and vibrant wide-angle shots.

Perhaps the most exciting addition to the iPhone 16 Pros camera capabilities is the new Camera Control button. This innovative feature allows users to :

Instantly launch the camera from standby with a single tap Take a photo with a second press Access new menu options with a light press

This dedicated button streamlines the photography experience, making it easier than ever to capture spontaneous moments. Apple has hinted that additional functionalities will be added to the Camera Control button in future updates, further enhancing its versatility.

Apple intelligence and software advancements

The iPhone 16 Pro will be at the forefront of Apples push into artificial intelligence with the introduction of Apple Intelligence. This suite of AI-powered features is set to revolutionize how users interact with their devices. Apple has confirmed that these capabilities will be available as a free software update, with the initial set of features rolling out in beta next month as part of iOS 18.1.

While the full extent of Apple Intelligence remains to be seen, early demonstrations have been impressive. The company is positioning this as a key selling point for the iPhone 16 Pro, with the potential to significantly enhance user productivity and device functionality.

Its worth noting that Apple Intelligence will initially be available only for U.S. English users, with support for British English and other languages planned for December and beyond. This gradual rollout strategy allows Apple to refine and perfect the feature before a wider release.

In addition to Apple Intelligence, the iPhone 16 Pro will benefit from other software improvements, including enhanced thermal management to address previous concerns about overheating during intensive tasks.

Pricing and availability

Despite rumors of potential price increases, Apple has maintained the starting price of $999 for the iPhone 16 Pro. This decision is likely to be well-received by consumers, especially given the significant improvements and new features offered by the device.

The iPhone 16 Pro will be available for purchase starting September 20 in 58 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, and Japan. An additional 21 countries will follow on September 27, ensuring a wide global release for Apples latest flagship.

With its refined design, improved performance, enhanced camera capabilities, and the promise of Apple Intelligence, the iPhone 16 Pro is poised to be a compelling upgrade for many users. As the device hits stores and reviews start pouring in, it will be interesting to see how it measures up to the high expectations set by its predecessors and competitors in the premium smartphone market.
Ukrainian stand-up comedian Anton Tymoshenko, who recently returned from a charity tour of the United States and Canada, told us what the most original items were that he auctioned off. According to him, in order for viewers to want to buy a particular item, it has to become part of the show.

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The 30-year-old comedian said this in an interview on Masha Efrosinina's YouTube channel. The artist noticed that Ukrainians abroad are most interested in things related to their homeland.

"Lots are lots, but the auction is also part of the program. It has to be a show. For the auction to work, it's not enough to come out and say, 'This is Zaluzhny's signature, buy it. Thank you" is not enough. You won't raise that much money. You have to bring people in, make some kind of game to make it fun. That's why you dilute serious lots with some cool ones. And people like to become a part of the show," the stand-up shared.

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During his performances in the United States, Anton Tymoshenko raffled off plastic bags from the Ukrainian supermarket chain ATB. The comedian noted that the audience was actively buying sugar from Ukrzaliznytsia because its packaging has a beautiful design that you can't find anywhere else.

"And smoke a joint with me after the concert. It was also a lot, because it was legalized there. I was very amused that I came up with this. In America and Canada, there is every reason to implement it, and it was coming in. The most expensive lot was $3,000. Two men were smoking with me," the artist recalled.

Anton Tymoshenko noted that he asked the audience several times if they had any experience with marijuana to avoid unpleasant consequences.

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Earlier, OBOZ.UA reported that at Anton Tymoshenko's concert, a man bought a Ukrainian flag signed by Zaluzhny for UAH 160 thousand, but asked for a refund.

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
It is a mistake to assume that the homes of high-ranking officials do not have power outages, as in the rest of the country. First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska said that the presidential family's home was also in the blackout zone, so they had to buy an electric generator.

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During an interview with TSN, she recalled with a smile how she and her children sat by candlelight after the first Russian shelling of the power system. The first lady explained that now she has a generator at home during blackouts, although it is uncomfortable because of the volume.

"Of course it does, we live in the same power system. This year it's a little easier for me, because the generator is working. We've got it up and running. It's loud, but it saves us. But, for example, when there was the first shelling of our power system, when we all remembered what life by candlelight was like, my children and I had romantic evenings. I even liked it sometimes. We had candlelit dinners, read books, played board games. Whenever possible, we went to bed early," the first lady admitted.

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Olena Zelenska added that she was looking forward to life returning to normal without blackouts, shelling, and war.

"We all live in the same realities. And that's why we all want everything to change back to normal life, a normal sense of life, so that children don't have to worry that tomorrow their lives will change again in some way. We want them to develop in peace, go to school, study and turn on the lights whenever they want," she continued.

In particular, the first lady admitted that she is trying to show Ukrainians by example that during an air raid, they should go down to the shelter even if they do not feel like it. She admitted that every time she gathers her children and pets and goes to a bomb shelter, but it greatly affects her health throughout the next day.

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"I am sure that it is very necessary to go down to the shelter. I go down at night every time, take my children, have to wake them up, take my dogs, cat, drag them to the basement. But at the same time, I realize that I am lucky to be able to go down to the basement in my house and imagine how people go to the subway at this time. And, unfortunately, it's very uncomfortable, it's exhausting. We are sleep-deprived in the morning, our children have to go to school, but it saves lives. And time after time, when we see and count the victims after the next shelling, we see that if there was a shelter, if people could go down, they would be saved," Olena Zelenska said.

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Earlier, OBOZ.UA wrote that Olena Zelenska admitted how her relationship with her husband, the President of Ukraine, had changed after the start of Russia's full-scale war. She explained that over the past 2.5 years, their 20-year marriage has become stronger, despite the fact that they see each other less than before.

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Collector, Animal Welfare Board discuss protection of cows





Collector Dr Gaurav Singh and Animal Welfare Board member Ram K Raghuvanshi during the discussion.

Staff Reporter

RAIPUR,

A significant discussion on animal welfare took place on Monday in the Collectorate hall. The meeting was presided over by District Collector Dr Gaurav Singh. The session featured key insights from Ram K Raghuvanshi, a member of the Animal Welfare Board of India, New Delhi. Ram K Raghuvanshi emphasised the importance of focusing on the protection and service of cows, advocating for the breeding of high-yield cows that can produce maximum milk. He suggested the establishment of an animal market dedicated to the purchase and sale of such high breed cows. Collector Dr Gaurav Singh shared that, in line with the Chief Ministers vision, a cow sanctuary is being planned in the district. This sanctuary will serve as a refuge for stray cattle, with proper arrangements for their fodder.

Dr. Singh also mentioned that an action plan is being developed to establish a high breed animal market in the district. During the meeting, Abinash Mishra, the Municipal Corporation Commissioner, provided details about the Dog Breeding Control Program in the district. He reported that 28,865 dogs have been sterilized over the past five years. In addition, work is progressing rapidly on the construction of a dog shelter house. Ram K. Raghuvanshi commended the district administrations efforts in this regard. The meeting was attended by CEO District Panchayat Vishwadeep, Joint Director of the Animal Husbandry Department Shankar Lal Uikey, along with other officers and employees.

Quick action gets commendation from ruling party

The quick action by Bilaspur Police, along with the swift legal measures ordered by DM Sharan, has received commendation from ruling party leaders and animal rights advocators. SP Rajnesh Singhs zero-tolerance policy, combined with the administrations firm action through District Magistrate Awanish Kumar Sharan has dealt a heavy blow to cattle smuggling operations in the region, said Kamal Soni, who is actively associated with Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) organization activities in Bilaspur. Bilaspur SP Rajnesh Singhs unwavering commitment, along with the districts decisive actions, has significantly disrupted these cruel operations, protecting countless animals from suffering. These cattle, mostly dairy cows, are often destined for slaughterhouses, making this intervention even more critical in preventing their tragic fate, stated Dr Kiran Ahuja, Manager of Vegan Projects, PETA India, based in Raipur.
Cotton and soybeans farmersto receive financial assistance





Business Reporter :

COTTON and soybeans farmers in the state who have faced cropdamagein 2023 seasonwill soon receive financial assistance as the Maharashtra Government has recently announced a special scheme for them. The Government has announced that farmers who grow cotton and soybeans will receive financial assistance of Rs1,000orRs5,000 per hectare, depending on the size of their land.Farmerswithless than0.2 hectares of land willreceive Rs 1,000 while those with more 0.2hectaresoflandwill receive Rs 5,000 per hectare.

There is limit of two hectares for each crop. Under the scheme, 1,89,468 famersinNagpur district will benefitted. ShankarTotawar, Divisional Joint Director of Agriculture Nagpur Division, said his department is completing the formalities and very soon the aid will be directly credited to the bank accounts of eligible farmers throughDirectBenefit Transfer (DBT). In Nagpur, 1,17,265 cotton growers and 72,203 soyabeans growers will get the benefits. The Maharashtra Government has announced a financial aid package of Rs 4,194 crore for cotton and soybean farmerswhosufferedcrop damage in 2023. Of the total amount,Rs 1,548 crore has been allocated for cotton farmers, while Rs 2,646 crore will go to soybean farmers. Farmers who have registered their crops through the e-Peak Pahni portal are eligible for this subsidy
Lockheed Martin, Tata Advanced Systems to expand C-130J Super Hercules opportunities in India





NEW DELHI :

US DEFENCE major Lockheed Martin and Tata Advanced Systems Ltd on Tuesday announced a teaming agreement to expand on their engagement through the C-130J Super Hercules tactical airlifter project. The announcement, being seen as a significant step in enhancing Indias defence and aerospace capabilities, came weeks after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh travelled to the US during which both sides vowed to further boost overall defence ties. This agreement provides a framework for collaboration on future potential business opportunities that include establishing a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility in India to support the Indian Air Forces (IAF) existing fleet of 12 C-130Js as well as other global Super Hercules fleets. The pact will also provide for expanding C-130J manufacturing and assembly in India to produce aircraft for the IAFs Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) programme, subject to US and Indian Government approvals, the Tata Advanced Systems said. The IAF is actively seeking to acquire up to 80 medium transport aircraft and issued a request for information (RFI) or initial tender last year.

Lockheed Martin responded to the RFI as the C-130J-30 Super Hercules is ideally suited to meet the requirements. Lockheed Martin will continue to build C-130Js for the US Government and other global operators at the existing Super Hercules production facility in Marietta, Georgia in the US. Lockheed Martin will establish additional production and assembly capacity in India, if awarded the MTA contract. Collaborating with Lockheed Martin on the C-130J platform proposition for IAFs MTA project is a milestone for Tata Advanced Systems, Sukaran Singh, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Tata Advanced Systems, said. 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. Singh said the pact will also help in having a deeper relationship between the two companies adding to the aerostructure work by Tata Advanced Systems for Lockheed Martin platforms.

The C-130J Super Hercules is a tactical airlift aircraft providing a unique mix of versatility and performance to complete any mission. It is the current variant of the C-130 Hercules and is the airlifter of choice for 26 operators in 22 nations. The IAF operates a fleet of 12 C-130Js. The C-130J is known as the worlds workhorse, not just for its large global presence, but also for its international supply chain partners, including the single source provider of empennages -- Tata Lockheed Martin Aerostructures Limited in Hyderabad, Rod McLean, Vice President and General Manager of the Air Mobility and Maritime Missions line of business at Lockheed Martin, said. This teaming agreement between Lockheed Martin and Tata Advanced Systems further demonstrates Lockheed Martins 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 said.

Lockheed Martin and Tata Advanced Systems Ltd have a long-standing partnership through the Tata Lockheed Martin Aerostructures Ltd (TLMAL) joint venture. Established in 2010, TLMAL focuses on complementing Indias Make in India objectives and has the distinction of being the single global source of C-130J empennage assemblies included on all new Super Hercules aircraft produced in the US. To date, TLMAL has manufactured more than 220 C-130J empennages, the Tata Advance Systems said.
Need to identify, remove obstacles in research ecosystem: PM Modi





Delhi Bureau and Agencies

NEW DELHI,

PRIME Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday stressed the need to identify and remove obstacles in the research ecosystem and focus on localised solution to global problems, as he chaired the first governing body meeting of the newly-formed Anusandhan National Research Foundation. Modi also talked about developing a dashboard where information related to research and development happening in the country could be easily tracked. The meeting focussed on discussions about Indias science and technology landscape and redesigning of research and development programmes, a statement issued by the Prime Ministers Office (PMO) said. During the meeting, Modi said a new beginning had been made with the first meeting of the governing body of Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF). He stressed on the need to identify and remove obstacles in the countrys research ecosystem. Modi also talked about setting big targets, focusing on attaining them and conducting pathbreaking research. He said research should focus on finding new solutions to existing problems.

He emphasised that problems might be global in nature but their solutions must be localised in accordance with Indian needs, according to the statement. The Prime Minister also discussed the need for upgradation and standardisation of institutions and suggested preparing a list of domain experts on the basis of their expertise. He stressed on the need for scientific monitoring of utilisation of resources for research and innovation. Asserting that this was an ambitious beginning, he said the countrys scientific community should have faith that there would be no dearth of resources for their endeavours. Discussing the positive impacts of Atal Tinkering Labs, the Prime Minister suggested that grading of these labs could be done. He also discussed research in various areas such as looking for new solutions to the environment change, battery ingredients for electric vehicles, lab grown diamonds, among others.

During the meeting, the governing body decided to launch a programme in the hub-and-spoke mode by pairing universities where research was at a nascent stage with top-tier established institutions in mentorship mode. The governing body also discussed several areas of strategic interventions of ANRF that include global positioning of India in key sectors, aligning research and development 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 statement said. The ANRF will launch programmes on solution-focussed research in mission mode in select priority areas such as electric vehicle mobility, advanced materials, solar cells, smart infrastructure, health and medical technology, sustainable agriculture and photonics.

The governing body observed that these efforts would impactfully supplement the march towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat. While underscoring the translational research with active participation from the industry, the governing body also emphasised promoting fundamental research for advancement of knowledge. It was decided to set up centres of excellence to support interdisciplinary research in humanities and social sciences. It was also agreed that there was a need to empower researchers with flexible and transparent funding mechanism towards achieving ease of doing research.

The governing body also directed that the ANRF strategies should align with the goals of Viksit Bharat 2047 and implementation follow global best practices adopted by research and development agencies across the world, the statement said. The meeting was attended by Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Education Minister as Vice-President of the governing body; Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India as member secretary; member (science), NITI Aayog; and the Department of Science & Technology, Department of Biotechnology, Department of Scientific & Industrial Research and Department of Higher Education secretaries as ex-officio members. The ANRF has been established to promote research and development and foster a culture of research and innovation throughout Indias universities, colleges, research institutions, and research and development laboratories. It acts as an apex body to provide high-level strategic direction of scientific research in the country, according to recommendations of the National Education Policy. The ANRF forges collaborations among the industry, academia, and Government departments and research institutions.
Over 140 Ukrainian drones target Russia





MOSCOW :

Woman killed, 3 injured near Moscow. 3 airports closed, flights diverted

OVER 140 Ukrainian drones targeted multiple Russian regions overnight, including Moscow and surrounding areas, killing at least one person, officials said Tuesday, in one of the biggest drone attacks on Russian soil in the 2 1/2-year war. A woman died and three people were injured in the town of Ramenskoye, just outside Moscow, where drones hit two multistory residential buildings and started fires, Moscow region Governor Andrei Vorobyov said. Five residential buildings were evacuated due to falling drone debris, Vorobyov said.

The attack also prompted the authorities to temporarily shut down three airports just outside Moscow  Vnukovo, Domodedovo and Zhukovsky. A total of 48 flights were diverted to other airports, according to Russias civil aviation authority, Rosaviatsia. 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, meanwhile, has pummelled Ukraine with missiles, glide bombs and its own drones, killing over 10,000 civilians, according to the United Nations. Ukraine has invested a lot of effort in developing domestic drone production, extending the drones range, payload and uses. It has increasingly used drone blitzes to slow Russias war machine, disrupt Russian society and poke the Kremlin. Ukrainian officials have complained that weapons pledged by the countrys Western partners fall short of what the Ukrainian military needs and commonly arrive long after they were promised. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy 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. He counted over a dozen drones heading toward 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.
PNG Jewellers IPO fully subscribed





NEW DELHI :

THE initial public offer of jewellery retail chain PN Gadgil Jewellers Ltd got fully subscribed within the first few hours of opening for bidding on Tuesday. The Rs 1,100 crore initial share sale received bids for 1,88,10,800 shares against 1,68,85,964 shares on offer, translating into 1.11 times subscription, as per NSE data till 13:48 hours. The quota for Retail Individual Investors (RIIs) received 1.60 times subscription while the portion for non-institutional investors got booked 1.47 times. PN Gadgil Jewellers Ltd on Monday said it has raised Rs 330 crore from anchor investors. The initial public offering (IPO) will conclude on September 12. The price band for the offer has been fixed at Rs 456-480 per share.

The Maharashtra-based companys IPO is a combination of a fresh issue of equity shares worth up to Rs 850 crore and an offer for sale (OFS) of equity shares to the tune of Rs 250 crore by promoter SVG Business Trust. At present, SVG Business Trust holds a 99.9 per cent stake in PN Gadgil Jewellers. Of the fresh issue proceeds, Rs 393 crore will be utilised for the funding of expenditure towards setting up 12 new stores in Maharashtra, Rs 300 crore for payment of debt, besides a portion will also be used for general corporate purposes. PN Gadgil Jewellers Ltd offers a wide range of precious metal/jewellery products including gold, silver, platinum and diamond jewellery, across various price points and designs. The companys products are primarily sold under its flagship brand, PNG, and various sub-brands, through multiple channels, including 39 retail stores (as of July 31, 2024) and various online marketplaces, including websites. Motilal Oswal Investment Advisors Ltd, Nuvama Wealth Management Ltd and BOB Capital Markets Ltd are the book-running lead managers to the issue.
Prohibitory orders in 3 Manipur distts





Security personnel stand guard during students protest, in Imphal, on Tuesday. (PTI)

Students protest demanding restoration of peace in State

Tails of sophisticated rockets recovered after drone, hi-tech missile attacks

Forces resort to tear gas shells as student and women demonstrators clashed with security forces

IMPHAL :

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. 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. Due to the developing law and order situation in the district, earlier orders of curfew relaxation stand cancelled with immediate effect from 11 am of September 10. Hence, there is total curfew in Imphal East district with immediate effect until further orders, an order issued by the district magistrate said. Another order issued by the district magistrate of Imphal West said, In supersession of all earlier orders, curfew relaxation period for September 10 is hereby lifted with effect from 11 am of today.Restriction on the movement of people outside their respective residences was lifted from September 1 last year, it said. Earlier, curfew relaxation for September 10 was lifted from 5 am to 10 pm but was superseded with the latest order. Meanwhile, the Manipur Government on Tuesday evening issued an amended order, stating that the suspension of internet services in the wake of intensified agitation by students applies only to the State;s five valley districts.

Woman killed in crossfire: A 46-YEAR-OLD woman was killed after getting caught in a clash between two armed groups in Manipurs Kangpokpi district, police said on Tuesday. The incident happened in the remote Thangbuh village on Sunday night, they said. A few houses in the village were also torched, forcing the locals to flee to nearby forests, they added. The deceased woman was identified as Nemjakhol Lhungdim. Tails of sophisticated rockets recovered after drone, hi-tech missile attacks: 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. 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. 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. Forces resort to tear gas shells as students march towards Raj Bhawan: TEAR gas shells were fired as student and women demonstrators 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. 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.
Several leaders, lawmakers of Imrans party arrested





ISLAMABAD :

PAKISTAN authorities in an overnight swoop arrested several leaders of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khans party, including its chairman and around a dozen lawmakers, as National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq on Tuesday promised action against those responsible for the crackdown. The Pakistan-Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers had clashed with police, pelting it with stones, and injuring several police officials, including a senior officer during a rally of the party on Sunday. The Government had also accused the party of violating the permission for the rally by over-stepping the allotted time limit by several hours.

PTI chairman Gohar Khan and fellow member of Parliament Sher Afzal Khan Marwat were arrested from outside the Parliament building while leading lawyer and party leader Shoaib Shaheen was arrested from his office by Islamabad police on Monday night, according to police spokesperson Jawad Taqi. PTI spokesman Zulfi Bokhari confirmed in a WhatsApp group that thirteen PTI leaders have been arrested since night raids, including Gohar Khan, Sher Afzal Marwat, Shoaib Shaheen, Sheikh Waqas, Zain Qureshi, Ahmad Chatha, Molana Naseem, Awais Jhakhar, Amir Dogar, Shah Ahad, Yousaf Khattak, Lateef Chitrali and Zubair Khan. National Assembly Speaker Sadiq took notice of the development and said he will take action on the incident and address it seriously. Sadiq, the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader, further said that if necessary, an FIR would be filed and those involved would be named as he summoned political leaders from all parties for an urgent meeting in his chamber to discuss further steps. The PTI also shared videos on social media about the arrest of some of its leaders. Referring to Marwats arrest, the PTI said in a post on X that the PML-N Government should be completely ashamed of this step against a sitting MNA. In another post on X, the party condemned the illegal arrest of party chairman Gohar Khan.

This is a moment of shame for entire parliament, as this must be considered a direct attack on the remaining democracy in PakistanSpeaker NA should be ashamed for allowing such disrespect to parliament. Pakistan has descended further into the undeclared Martial Law, the post said. Omar Ayub Khan, the Leader of the Opposition, condemned the arrests and alleged that Islamabad police had formed teams to arrest him, PTI leader Zartaj Gul Wazir, and other colleagues. This fascist regime and its backers have gone completely mad, Omar wrote in a statement on X. Just found out that they have included my name along with Zartaj Gul sahiba and other colleagues in 2 additional FIRs. Islamabad Police teams have been made for our arrests. Speaking against the arrest in the Parliament, PTI leader Ali Muhammad Khan condemned the police raid at Parliament House, calling it an assault on democracy and Pakistan.
Shameful





THE brazen statement by Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Mr. Rahul Gandhi in the United States about India being a land where skilled people are sidelined is nothing but a complete distortion that pertains to no reality on the ground on any count. That a person occupying a constitutional position of Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha should indulge in such deliberate statements on foreign soil does not mean anything less than taking an anti-national stand with no connect with truth whatsoever. Such statements should be treated very seriously in the law and the person making those must be booked under appropriate provision. In Mr. Rahul Gandhis case, such a step has become all the more necessary since he has made similar statements against India in the past, too, on several occasions in foreign countries -- in an obvious attempt to malign the image of India. Hence the need for a strict, no-nonsense legal action against him. In order to create a support of his statement, Mr. Rahul Gandhi has quoted the anecdote of Ekalavya during the Mahabharata times, and has insisted that millions and millions of Ekalavya stories every single day happen in India.

Thus, in one single sentence, Mr. Rahul Gandhi wishes to communicate to the world that in India every talented or skilled person is sidelined. If that is so, what about those countless millions who have found great opportunities in India -- like Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam (to name only one) and thrived personally and made tremendous contribution to Indias growth story? India has millions of such success stories as well -- involving people from deprived classes making it big for themselves and the country. What about those stories whose number is beyond any statistical count? It is most unfortunate that a person of the eminence of Mr. Rahul Gandhi should make statements as irresponsible as this one and malign Indias image in the world. By indulging in such statements, Mr. Gandhi is trying to tell the world that Indias is a wasted situation in which nobody with talent has a scope to flourish. Is this not a deliberate distortion? The factual situation on the ground is exactly the opposite of what Mr. Rahul Gandhi is trying to tell. Countless lakhs of people from all segments of the larger society are seen rising above the difficulties and vagaries of life and doing well for themselves and the country.

That is so because the larger Indian society -- of which people and the institutions and the Government are parts -- has an eco-system in which talent has scope not just to survive but also to thrive against all odds. This is also the story of every society in which talented individuals make their wave up the ladders of difficulties. Turning his back to this eternal truth, Mr. Rahul Gandhi seeks to distort the situation and thereby tell the world that India is no land of opportunities. Such a brazenness cannot be tolerated at any level -- no matter who is involved in pushing a distorted narrative. Yes, it is a narrative purposely crafted to suit a purpose of maligning of the countrys image in the world. Though the small and near-captive audiences at Mr. Rahul Gandhis meets in foreign countries may not say anything in response, the world at large knows the Indian story all too well to be presented in complete distortion. Despite this, the law of the land has enough scope to take action against him treating all the distortions by him as a material for a case of treason. The moment Mr. Rahul Gandhi lands back in India, he must be interrogated severely and a case be slapped on him -- making him an accused of deliberate falsehood and treason. He has created enough ground for such an action.
Shooting for film Gangs of Raipur to begin in Raipur, Kanker soon





Staff Reporter

RAIPUR,

The upcoming Chhattisgarhi/Hindi film, Gangs of Raipur is set to begin production under the joint banner of Tribal Warrior Production, KSK Film Works, and Deepesh Kukreja Productions. The production team held a cast reveal event at a Mall, where the films director K Shiv Kumar and producer Sajid Khan shared details about the project. The film, which will feature several Bollywood actors, including Rajiv Verma, is scheduled to start shooting on September 15, 2024, in various locations across Raipur and Kanker districts. Rajiv Verma is set to play the role of the Director General of Police, while other notable actors like Gopal K Singh, Sheel Verma, and Dhruvaditya Bhagwanani will also be part of the cast. Director Shivkumar mentioned that the film will incorporate advanced techniques, with a special team from Chennai handling cinematography. Mayank Raikwar, known for his work in Hollywood films, will manage editing, animation, and VFX for the movie.







This marks the first time Bollywood elements will be prominently featured in a Chhollywood production. Producer Sajid Khan highlighted several unique aspects of the film, including the use of FPV drone cameras for shooting, which will capture the beauty of Raipur, Kanker, and surrounding rural areas. The film will delve into the lives of youth who fall into the world of crime through drug addiction, with the Chhattisgarh Capital Polices Mukat Abhiyan campaign playing a pivotal role in the storyline. Gangs of Raipur will be the first film from Chhattisgarh to be fictionally based on crime and criminals. It will also be the first to feature multiple well-known Bollywood actors and the use of anamorphic lenses with Arri Alexa cameras. According to Sajid Khan, the film will be released in seven languages, starting with Chhattisgarhi, with plans for an OTT release on various prominent platforms.

The main cast of Gangs of Raipur includes Rajiv Verma, Gopal K Singh, Dhruvaditya Bhagwanani, Vijay Manwani, Sheel Verma, Akanksha Parihar, Abhishek Chaudhary, Palash Srivastava, Priyanka Sharma, Pratibha Sharma, Adhir Bhagwanani, Pushpendra Singh, Upasana Vaishnav, Sohail Sheikh, and Salman Rizvi. This film is poised to bring a fresh wave of cinematic experience to Chhattisgarh, blending the rawness of local stories with the glitz of Bollywood.
Michael Douglas, a 79-year-old American actor and star of "Basic Instinct," who has been supporting Ukraine since the first days of Russia's full-scale invasion, has arrived in Kyiv. According to the Department of Tourism and Promotions of the Kyiv City State Administration, the Oscar winner has already had time to admire the city's sights.

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On the organization's official Facebook page, you can see a picture of Douglas with his son Dylan in front of St. Andrew's Church. "During the walk, Michael visited St. Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery, St. Michael's Square, and Volodymyrska Hirka Park, where he viewed the picturesque views of the Dnipro River, and then visited the majestic St. Andrew's Church," the post reads. It is noted that the guest was impressed by the beautiful architecture of the capital and was also interested in the history of Kyiv.

Douglas came to the heart of Ukraine to join an important event as a UN Goodwill Ambassador. The actor will take part in the First Ladies and Gentlemen Summit. The event, organized by Olena Zelenska, will take place on September 12.

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State pegs soya MSP @ Rs 4,800/quintal, writes to Centre





By Bhavana Aparajita Shukla :

In a pro-farmer decision, the Madhya Pradesh Government has decided to request the Central Government to fix the minimum support price (MSP) of soyabean at Rs 4,800 per quintal. The State Government will write a letter to the Center in this regard. The State Cabinet on Tuesday decided in this regard. Farmers of the State are agitated over low price of soyabean and are demanding minimum procured to be pegged at Rs 6,000 to 8,000 per quintal. The Hitavada raised the soyabean price issue on Monday with the headline MSP BattleSoyabean farmers are protesting as prices of the commodity are falling in several mandis also known as Agricultural Produce Market Committees (APMCs). The farmers are yet not ready to sell the prices below the MSP of Rs 4,892 per quintal fixed by the Centre for the 2024-25 crop year. Meanwhile, speaking to the media Union Agriculture Minister and former Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that the Central Government is in constant touch with the State Government and the government has two schemes to procure soyabean on minimum support price. The crop, he said, had yet to arrive in the market and We will approve the price as per demand of the state so that farmers can get a better price for the commodity.

However, it is not clarified if the Government would raise the minimum support price to Rs 6,000 per quintal. The Union Government would ask the state governments to procure soyabean on Price Support Scheme (PSS). Madhya Pradesh is known as the soya bowl of India and produces more than 40-45 lakh quintals of soyabean. The PSS is a Union Government programme 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. Chouhan assured that the Centre would allow the Madhya Pradesh government to procure Soyabean under the PSS could be a big relief for the farmers of the State.
Success story From idol immersion in lakes to artificial tanks





By Kaushik Bhattacharya :

NMC installs second highest artificial tanks in country after Pune for idol immersion. Nagpur is the only city in the country implementing complete ban on idol immersion in city lakes.

Habit is a very strong force in resisting change even where the argument for behavioural change is compelling. Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) is an example for conquering the habit of Nagpurians to pollute water bodies during festival season and compelled them to accept the change to immerse Ganesh idols in artificial tanks. It is worth mentioning that NMC is likely to be the only civic body in the country that barricades all its lakes before Ganesh Chaturthi and Navratri to save these water bodies from water pollution. Like every year, this year also, NMC installed 419 artificial tanks throughout the city which is second highest in the country after Pune. Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has erected more than 500 immersion tanks. Immersion of idols during Ganesh Chaturthi and Navratri in city lakes were a common activity a decade ago. But, with passage of time, the number of small and big idols in city in festival season increased and immersion of all idols in the city lakes are polluting the water bodies. Therefore, the then Mayor of Nagpur city Prof Anil Sole came up with the idea of artificial tanks way back in 2012 to reduce the number of idol immersion in city lakes.

I was concerned over depleting condition of city lakes during my tenure. Mainly the use of Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols was causing major damage to the lakes, Prof Anil Sole, former Mayor, told The Hitavada. NMC imposed ban on production of PoP idols in city in 2012. As a result, the PoP idol manufacturers knocked the doors of the judiciary. While hearing, the Nagpur Bench of Bombay High Court said that any civic body has no right to stop production of any commodity. Meanwhile, the court ordered the manufacturers to put red mark on the back side of every PoP idols and the sellers must display banner of PoP idols. This court order hardly fulfilled our objective to stop immersion of idols in city lakes. Therefore, I came up with the plan to installation of artificial tanks in city in which citizens can immerse idols instead of in water bodies, said Prof Sole. Me and my family were the first who immersed our own eco-friendly Ganesh idol in an artificial tank which was appreciated by many in 2012. In the first year, NMC installed six artificial tanks and we urged citizens to immerse small Ganesh idols in those tanks, said the former Mayor. Today, I am glad to see that people have accepted this campaign and are co-operating every year to keep our lakes clean, said Prof Sole. After my tenure, former Mayor of the city Pravin Datke also continued the campaign and he initiated barricading city lakes to apply complete brake on idol immersion in water bodies, he added.

Dr Gajendra Mahalle, Deputy Commissioner, Solid Waste Management Department, NMC said, Adoption of artificial tanks for idol immersion was a good decision which helped to reduce water pollution due to idols and puja items like nirmalya. For successful implementation, we start planning months ago. Even NGOs like Green Vigil Foundation, Rotary Club of Nagpur, Tejaswini Mahila Manch etc also helping us in this campaign. Kaustav Chatterjee, Founder, Green Vigil Foundation said, We have been at Futala Lake since 2010. Initially, it was extremely difficult to convince citizens to not immerse idols in lake. Devotees were not even ready to handover nirmalya. We have found the dissolved oxygen (DO) level dropping down to 3 mg/l post Ganpati visarjan. Slowly, people got aware and the mind set changed. Standing at Futala lake, during last 14 years, we witnessed journey towards environmental sustainability as now our lakes can breathe freely.
Anastasia Pokryshchuk, a Ukrainian woman with the world's largest cheekbones and a blogger , said that she needs at least $4,000 a month to live. She earns five-figure sums (and even six-figure sums) from only one source of income - advertising on her blog with 700 thousand subscribers.

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During the interview, Pokryshchuk decided not to answer a direct question from the host Slava Demin about her earnings because she "never says it." Then he speculated about related topics and found out what the minimum amount of money a blogger needs to live on.

"It's enough to live on, but I always strive for more," the blogger initially evaded the question.

"What do you spend it on? I have my own house. It's just a communal apartment. 200 square meters, give or take - the rent is 5-7 thousand hryvnias. The car costs at least 500 dollars or more to fill up. A thousand [the blogger confirmed to him]. Some things [probably clothes] are also quite a lot - at least a thousand dollars a month. This is already 2.5 thousand dollars. And then you have to take care of yourself. That is, on average, you need at least $4,000 a month," Demin suggested, while Pokryshchuk noted that "this is the minimum, but more is better."

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In response to the presenter's approximate miscalculation of the minimum amount of expenses, the woman said that she hardly pays attention to utility bills and does not include them in her largest monthly expenses.

Pokryshchuk also noted that she runs her business officially and all advertising sales are made through her individual entrepreneur.

In particular, the blogger added that she was not very financially literate.

OBOZ.UA also wrote about how Anastasia Pokryshchuk used to look like before her large-scale transformation. She had long, thick curly hair, but even then she liked to experiment with her appearance.

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Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Angeles Wealth Management LLC lowered its stake in shares of iShares MSCI World ETF (NYSEARCA:URTH  Free Report) by 10.1% during the 2nd quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 120,427 shares of the companys stock after selling 13,475 shares during the period. iShares MSCI World ETF accounts for 1.7% of Angeles Wealth Management LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 15th largest position. Angeles Wealth Management LLCs holdings in iShares MSCI World ETF were worth $17,762,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently made changes to their positions in the stock. National Bank of Canada FI raised its position in shares of iShares MSCI World ETF by 73.4% during the 2nd quarter. National Bank of Canada FI now owns 189 shares of the companys stock valued at $28,000 after buying an additional 80 shares in the last quarter. Fiduciary Family Office LLC bought a new position in shares of iShares MSCI World ETF during the 2nd quarter valued at $421,000. Family Asset Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI World ETF by 22.8% during the 2nd quarter. Family Asset Management LLC now owns 13,099 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,932,000 after purchasing an additional 2,436 shares during the last quarter. Stelac Advisory Services LLC bought a new position in shares of iShares MSCI World ETF during the 2nd quarter valued at $313,000. Finally, Banco Santander S.A. grew its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI World ETF by 28.8% during the 2nd quarter. Banco Santander S.A. now owns 132,542 shares of the companys stock valued at $19,549,000 after purchasing an additional 29,601 shares during the last quarter.

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iShares MSCI World ETF Stock Performance

URTH stock opened at $149.74 on Wednesday. iShares MSCI World ETF has a 52 week low of $114.70 and a 52 week high of $154.29. The firms fifty day moving average is $149.59 and its 200 day moving average is $145.87. The firm has a market cap of $3.53 billion, a P/E ratio of 21.13 and a beta of 0.96.

iShares MSCI World ETF Company Profile

The iShares MSCI World ETF (URTH) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI World index, a market-cap-weighted index of stocks that cover 85% of the developed worlds market capitalization. URTH was launched on Jan 10, 2012 and is managed by BlackRock.

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A well-known historian and ambassador of the UNITED24 fundraising platform, Timothy Snyder came to Ukraine and impressed the public with his free possession of a nightingale in Lviv. A few days later, the Yale University professor met with the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv, where he presented the head of state with a special gift.

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This was reported on the official website of the Office of the President of Ukraine. For his part, the historian noted that it was important for him to contribute to the struggle of our country's citizens for freedom.

Timothy Snyder initiated the establishment of the Institute for Documentation and Engagement (INDEX) in Lviv. He came to the grand opening of the institution, where he delivered a lecture on the importance of preserving the experience of war on the territory of our country in Ukrainian: "We need to document it because tomorrow or the day after tomorrow it will not be obvious."

During his meeting with Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the historian made him a unique present. The American gave the president the first copy of his book "On Freedom." The book was based on a series of conversations with the head of state.

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In a personal conversation, the President of Ukraine thanked the Yale professor for his help in raising funds for the Safe Earth and Safe Skies programs, which raised $3.8 million.

"Thank you for your work on the UNITED24 platform. You are our record holder  thanks to you, this is a record collection, and this is very important. It helps a lot. You have helped in various ways. You know that not all ambassadors took up the military direction, and I am very grateful to you for not being afraid of it," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

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According to Timothy Snyder, the support he provides to Ukraine is very important to him as a person: "There are no opportunities in life where what is fair is as clear as it is now."

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
StockNews.com downgraded shares of Brookfield Infrastructure Partners (NYSE:BIP  Free Report) (TSE:BIP.UN) from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report released on Saturday morning.

Separately, Cibc World Mkts upgraded Brookfield Infrastructure Partners to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Friday, August 2nd. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have issued a hold rating, six have assigned a buy rating and two have issued a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $37.56.

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Brookfield Infrastructure Partners Stock Performance

Shares of Brookfield Infrastructure Partners stock opened at $31.54 on Friday. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $30.83 and its 200-day simple moving average is $29.48. Brookfield Infrastructure Partners has a 12 month low of $21.03 and a 12 month high of $33.23. The stock has a market capitalization of $14.63 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 101.74 and a beta of 1.05. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.58, a current ratio of 0.81 and a quick ratio of 0.76.

Brookfield Infrastructure Partners (NYSE:BIP  Get Free Report) (TSE:BIP.UN) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, August 1st. The utilities provider reported ($0.10) EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.70 by ($0.80). Brookfield Infrastructure Partners had a net margin of 0.82% and a return on equity of 0.51%. The business had revenue of $5.14 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.91 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $0.72 earnings per share. Brookfield Infrastructure Partnerss quarterly revenue was up 20.7% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities analysts forecast that Brookfield Infrastructure Partners will post 3.15 earnings per share for the current year.

Brookfield Infrastructure Partners Announces Dividend

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 27th. Shareholders of record on Friday, August 30th will be given a dividend of $0.405 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, August 30th. This represents a $1.62 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 5.14%. Brookfield Infrastructure Partnerss payout ratio is currently 522.58%.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in BIP. Principal Financial Group Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Brookfield Infrastructure Partners by 22.1% in the 4th quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. now owns 19,951,240 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $628,265,000 after acquiring an additional 3,613,608 shares during the period. Capital World Investors grew its holdings in Brookfield Infrastructure Partners by 8.9% in the first quarter. Capital World Investors now owns 38,365,956 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $1,198,095,000 after purchasing an additional 3,141,038 shares during the last quarter. 1832 Asset Management L.P. raised its stake in shares of Brookfield Infrastructure Partners by 9.6% during the 4th quarter. 1832 Asset Management L.P. now owns 19,209,097 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $604,894,000 after buying an additional 1,678,140 shares during the last quarter. Wulff Hansen & CO. raised its stake in shares of Brookfield Infrastructure Partners by 2,562.9% during the 2nd quarter. Wulff Hansen & CO. now owns 1,615,448 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $44,328,000 after buying an additional 1,554,782 shares during the last quarter. Finally, CCLA Investment Management grew its stake in Brookfield Infrastructure Partners by 35.0% in the 2nd quarter. CCLA Investment Management now owns 4,341,905 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $119,180,000 after acquiring an additional 1,125,964 shares during the last quarter. 57.92% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About Brookfield Infrastructure Partners

(Get Free Report)

Brookfield Infrastructure Partners L.P. owns and operates utilities, transport, midstream, and data businesses in North and South America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific. The company's Utilities segment operates approximately 2,900 km of electricity transmission lines; 4,200 km of natural gas pipelines; 8.1 million electricity and natural gas connections; and 0.6 million long-term contracted sub-metering services.

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Cairn Homes plc (LON:CRN  Get Free Report) announced a dividend on Wednesday, September 4th, Upcoming.Co.Uk reports. Investors of record on Thursday, September 12th will be given a dividend of 0.04 ($0.04) per share on Friday, October 4th. This represents a yield of 1.95%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, September 12th. This is a boost from Cairn Homess previous dividend of $0.03. The official announcement can be seen at this link.

Cairn Homes Trading Up 0.9 %

CRN traded up GBX 1.40 ($0.02) during midday trading on Wednesday, hitting GBX 155.80 ($2.04). 389,803 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 879,581. The firm has a market capitalization of 986.51 million, a P/E ratio of 1,118.57 and a beta of 1.12. The firms 50 day moving average price is GBX 157.48 and its 200-day moving average price is GBX 144.74. The company has a quick ratio of 0.22, a current ratio of 8.88 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 23.81. Cairn Homes has a 1-year low of GBX 93 ($1.22) and a 1-year high of GBX 166.40 ($2.18).

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Separately, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reiterated a buy rating and issued a GBX 175 ($2.29) target price on shares of Cairn Homes in a report on Thursday, September 5th.

About Cairn Homes

(Get Free Report)

Cairn Homes plc, a holding company, operates as a home and community builder in Ireland. The company involved in the development and sale of residential properties, as well as rental of properties. It also provides financial services. Cairn Homes plc was incorporated in 2014 and is based in Dublin, Ireland.

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Chesapeake Capital Corp IL decreased its holdings in Rayonier Inc. (NYSE:RYN  Free Report) by 63.6% during the second quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm owned 8,083 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after selling 14,097 shares during the period. Chesapeake Capital Corp ILs holdings in Rayonier were worth $235,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other large investors also recently made changes to their positions in RYN. United Services Automobile Association acquired a new position in Rayonier in the second quarter worth approximately $309,000. Quest Partners LLC acquired a new position in Rayonier in the second quarter worth approximately $40,000. Farmers & Merchants Investments Inc. increased its holdings in Rayonier by 2,272.7% in the second quarter. Farmers & Merchants Investments Inc. now owns 1,566 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $46,000 after buying an additional 1,500 shares during the last quarter. Impax Asset Management Group plc increased its holdings in Rayonier by 17.3% in the second quarter. Impax Asset Management Group plc now owns 6,815,188 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $197,226,000 after buying an additional 1,004,357 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Arizona State Retirement System increased its holdings in Rayonier by 2.1% in the second quarter. Arizona State Retirement System now owns 39,531 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $1,150,000 after buying an additional 814 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 89.12% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

RYN has been the topic of a number of research reports. StockNews.com upgraded Rayonier from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Saturday, August 17th. Royal Bank of Canada reiterated a sector perform rating and set a $34.00 price target on shares of Rayonier in a report on Friday, June 14th. Finally, Truist Financial dropped their price target on shares of Rayonier from $34.00 to $31.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, July 16th.

Rayonier Trading Up 1.9 %

NYSE:RYN opened at $30.84 on Wednesday. Rayonier Inc. has a 12 month low of $24.84 and a 12 month high of $35.29. The firm has a market cap of $4.59 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 27.54 and a beta of 1.04. The company has a quick ratio of 1.78, a current ratio of 1.98 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.75. The companys 50 day moving average is $29.65 and its 200-day moving average is $30.64.

Rayonier (NYSE:RYN  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, August 7th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.02 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.14 by ($0.12). The firm had revenue of $173.60 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $218.86 million. Rayonier had a net margin of 14.78% and a return on equity of 3.00%. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 16.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $0.05 EPS. Equities analysts anticipate that Rayonier Inc. will post 0.41 EPS for the current year.

Rayonier Dividend Announcement

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, September 30th. Stockholders of record on Monday, September 16th will be paid a $0.285 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Monday, September 16th. This represents a $1.14 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.70%. Rayoniers payout ratio is 101.79%.

About Rayonier

(Free Report)

Rayonier is a leading timberland real estate investment trust with assets located in some of the most productive softwood timber growing regions in the United States and New Zealand. As of December 31, 2023, Rayonier owned or leased under long-term agreements approximately 2.7 million acres of timberlands located in the U.S.

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Canadian National Railway (TSE:CNR  Get Free Report) (NYSE:CNI) had its price objective lowered by stock analysts at CIBC from C$170.00 to C$160.00 in a report released on Wednesday, BayStreet.CA reports. The firm presently has a neutral rating on the stock. CIBCs price target would suggest a potential upside of 2.19% from the companys previous close.

Other equities research analysts also recently issued reports about the stock. Royal Bank of Canada cut their price objective on shares of Canadian National Railway from C$169.00 to C$160.00 and set a sector perform rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday. Raymond James reduced their price target on Canadian National Railway from C$187.00 to C$180.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday. Wells Fargo & Company raised Canadian National Railway to a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 24th. Sanford C. Bernstein cut Canadian National Railway from an outperform rating to a market perform rating and cut their target price for the stock from C$195.00 to C$179.00 in a research note on Monday, July 8th. Finally, National Bankshares decreased their price target on Canadian National Railway from C$190.00 to C$186.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, July 24th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, nine have given a hold rating, five have issued a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of C$175.64.

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Canadian National Railway Stock Down 0.7 %

Shares of TSE CNR traded down C$1.08 during mid-day trading on Wednesday, hitting C$156.57. The company had a trading volume of 1,300,863 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,107,997. The company has a market capitalization of C$98.56 billion, a PE ratio of 18.60, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.06 and a beta of 0.65. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of C$158.89 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of C$167.70. The company has a current ratio of 0.63, a quick ratio of 0.58 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 107.62. Canadian National Railway has a one year low of C$143.13 and a one year high of C$181.34.

Canadian National Railway (TSE:CNR  Get Free Report) (NYSE:CNI) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, July 23rd. The company reported C$1.84 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of C$1.93 by C($0.09). Canadian National Railway had a net margin of 32.02% and a return on equity of 27.41%. The firm had revenue of C$4.33 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of C$4.40 billion. On average, equities analysts expect that Canadian National Railway will post 8.8716518 EPS for the current year.

Insider Activity at Canadian National Railway

In other news, Director Shauneen Elizabeth Bruder purchased 544 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, June 25th. The stock was purchased at an average cost of C$160.21 per share, with a total value of C$87,156.42. In related news, Director Josephine Ann Marie Depass Olsovsky bought 2,610 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, July 26th. The stock was purchased at an average price of C$115.29 per share, for a total transaction of C$300,906.90. Also, Director Shauneen Elizabeth Bruder purchased 544 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, June 25th. The stock was acquired at an average cost of C$160.21 per share, with a total value of C$87,156.42. 1.69% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Canadian National Railway Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Canadian National Railway Company, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the rail, intermodal, trucking, and marine transportation and logistics business in Canada and the United States. The company provides rail services, which include equipment, custom brokerage services, transloading and distribution, business development and real estate, and private car storage services; and intermodal services, such as temperature controlled cargo, port partnerships, and logistics parks.

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COMPANHIA ENERG/S (NYSE:CIG.C  Get Free Report) traded down 2.7% on Tuesday . The company traded as low as $2.57 and last traded at $2.57. 6,949 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 52% from the average session volume of 14,579 shares. The stock had previously closed at $2.64.

COMPANHIA ENERG/S Trading Down 2.7 %

The firm has a fifty day moving average of $2.37 and a 200 day moving average of $2.63.

COMPANHIA ENERG/S Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Companhia Energetica de Minas Gerais, through its subsidiaries, engages in the generation, transmission, distribution, and sale of electricity in Brazil. As of December 31, 2017, the company operated 117 hydroelectric, thermoelectric, and wind plants with an installed capacity of 5.7 GW; 38 substations and 4,927 km of transmission lines; and 529,873 km of distribution networks and 17,301 km of distribution lines.

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Factorial Partners LLC boosted its stake in Corpay, Inc. (NYSE:CPAY  Free Report) by 7.8% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund owned 15,200 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 1,100 shares during the period. Corpay makes up 2.5% of Factorial Partners LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 9th largest holding. Factorial Partners LLCs holdings in Corpay were worth $4,049,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

Several other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Global Retirement Partners LLC bought a new stake in shares of Corpay in the first quarter valued at about $25,000. Headlands Technologies LLC bought a new stake in Corpay in the 1st quarter valued at about $31,000. LGT Financial Advisors LLC bought a new stake in Corpay in the 2nd quarter valued at about $33,000. Sunbelt Securities Inc. bought a new position in shares of Corpay during the first quarter worth approximately $34,000. Finally, RFP Financial Group LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Corpay in the first quarter valued at approximately $35,000. 98.84% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Corpay Stock Performance

Shares of CPAY opened at $309.39 on Wednesday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.02, a current ratio of 1.02 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.74. Corpay, Inc. has a 52 week low of $220.39 and a 52 week high of $319.94. The company has a market cap of $21.48 billion, a PE ratio of 23.02, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.21 and a beta of 1.22. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $290.56.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Corpay ( NYSE:CPAY Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, August 7th. The company reported $4.55 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $4.51 by $0.04. The firm had revenue of $975.70 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $973.84 million. Corpay had a return on equity of 38.93% and a net margin of 26.41%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 2.9% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the company earned $3.85 earnings per share. As a group, equities analysts forecast that Corpay, Inc. will post 17.81 EPS for the current year.

A number of equities research analysts recently issued reports on the company. Royal Bank of Canada reissued a sector perform rating and set a $310.00 price target on shares of Corpay in a research report on Thursday, August 8th. Evercore ISI decreased their price target on Corpay from $350.00 to $345.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, June 25th. Jefferies Financial Group upped their price objective on shares of Corpay from $295.00 to $350.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, July 18th. Raymond James decreased their target price on shares of Corpay from $330.00 to $311.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, August 8th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company started coverage on shares of Corpay in a report on Wednesday, June 5th. They set an equal weight rating and a $285.00 price target for the company. Three analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, nine have issued a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Corpay currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $332.50.

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About Corpay

(Free Report)

Corpay, Inc operates as a payments company that helps businesses and consumers manage vehicle-related expenses, lodging expenses, and corporate payments in the United States, Brazil, the United Kingdom, and internationally. The company offers vehicle payment solutions, which include fuel, tolls, parking, fleet maintenance, and long-haul transportation services, as well as prepaid food and transportation vouchers and cards.

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Dingdong (Cayman) Limited (NYSE:DDL  Get Free Report)s stock price hit a new 52-week high during trading on Wednesday . The company traded as high as $2.78 and last traded at $2.74, with a volume of 505094 shares. The stock had previously closed at $2.76.

Dingdong (Cayman) Trading Down 2.5 %

The stocks fifty day moving average price is $2.01 and its 200 day moving average price is $1.73. The stock has a market cap of $635.45 million, a P/E ratio of -92.67 and a beta of 0.28.

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Institutional Investors Weigh In On Dingdong (Cayman)

A number of institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in DDL. Platinum Investment Management Ltd. boosted its position in Dingdong (Cayman) by 1.8% during the 4th quarter. Platinum Investment Management Ltd. now owns 9,308,945 shares of the companys stock valued at $13,963,000 after buying an additional 166,736 shares during the period. Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its position in Dingdong (Cayman) by 0.4% during the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 4,849,609 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,917,000 after buying an additional 17,900 shares during the period. Renaissance Technologies LLC boosted its position in Dingdong (Cayman) by 63.4% during the 2nd quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC now owns 690,200 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,373,000 after buying an additional 267,700 shares during the period. Virtu Financial LLC purchased a new stake in Dingdong (Cayman) during the 1st quarter valued at $54,000. Finally, Acadian Asset Management LLC purchased a new stake in Dingdong (Cayman) during the 2nd quarter valued at $86,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 24.66% of the companys stock.

About Dingdong (Cayman)

Dingdong (Cayman) Limited operates an e-commerce company in China. The company offers fresh groceries, including vegetables, meat and eggs, fruits, and seafood; prepared food, and other food products, such as baked goods, dairy, seasonings, beverages, instant food, oil, and snacks. It offers its products through traditional offline, as well as online channels through Dingdong Fresh app, mini-programs, and third-party platforms.

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e.l.f. Beauty (NYSE:ELF  Get Free Report)s stock had its buy rating reissued by research analysts at DA Davidson in a report issued on Wednesday, Benzinga reports. They currently have a $223.00 target price on the stock. DA Davidsons price objective indicates a potential upside of 102.03% from the stocks previous close.

A number of other research firms also recently issued reports on ELF. Robert W. Baird raised their target price on e.l.f. Beauty from $230.00 to $240.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, August 9th. B. Riley started coverage on e.l.f. Beauty in a report on Tuesday. They issued a buy rating and a $175.00 price objective for the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their price objective on shares of e.l.f. Beauty from $224.00 to $207.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Friday, August 9th. Truist Financial raised their price objective on shares of e.l.f. Beauty from $200.00 to $210.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, May 29th. Finally, Baird R W raised shares of e.l.f. Beauty from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Thursday, July 18th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have assigned a hold rating, twelve have given a buy rating and two have given a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $211.00.

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e.l.f. Beauty Price Performance

Shares of NYSE:ELF opened at $110.38 on Wednesday. The firm has a market capitalization of $6.22 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 49.72, a PEG ratio of 2.55 and a beta of 1.45. The stocks 50 day moving average is $168.12 and its 200-day moving average is $179.35. e.l.f. Beauty has a twelve month low of $88.47 and a twelve month high of $221.83. The company has a quick ratio of 1.10, a current ratio of 1.77 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.23.

e.l.f. Beauty (NYSE:ELF  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 8th. The company reported $0.87 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.67 by $0.20. e.l.f. Beauty had a net margin of 10.80% and a return on equity of 23.30%. The business had revenue of $324.48 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $303.60 million. Sell-side analysts forecast that e.l.f. Beauty will post 2.88 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Insider Buying and Selling

In other news, SVP Joshua Allen Franks sold 3,370 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, July 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $201.28, for a total transaction of $678,313.60. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president now owns 71,986 shares of the companys stock, valued at $14,489,342.08. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In other e.l.f. Beauty news, CEO Tarang Amin sold 548 shares of e.l.f. Beauty stock in a transaction dated Monday, August 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $175.00, for a total transaction of $95,900.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 214,507 shares of the companys stock, valued at $37,538,725. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, SVP Joshua Allen Franks sold 3,370 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, July 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $201.28, for a total value of $678,313.60. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president now owns 71,986 shares of the companys stock, valued at $14,489,342.08. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 19,304 shares of company stock worth $3,864,492 over the last ninety days. 5.20% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On e.l.f. Beauty

A number of institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in ELF. Ashton Thomas Private Wealth LLC bought a new stake in shares of e.l.f. Beauty in the 2nd quarter valued at about $26,000. Matrix Trust Co bought a new stake in e.l.f. Beauty in the second quarter valued at approximately $27,000. Innealta Capital LLC purchased a new stake in shares of e.l.f. Beauty during the second quarter valued at approximately $30,000. Harbor Investment Advisory LLC bought a new position in shares of e.l.f. Beauty in the first quarter worth approximately $31,000. Finally, Whittier Trust Co. of Nevada Inc. raised its holdings in e.l.f. Beauty by 405.9% during the 2nd quarter. Whittier Trust Co. of Nevada Inc. now owns 172 shares of the companys stock valued at $36,000 after buying an additional 138 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 92.44% of the companys stock.

About e.l.f. Beauty

(Get Free Report)

e.l.f. Beauty, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, provides cosmetic and skin care products under the e.l.f. Cosmetics, e.l.f. Skin, Well People, and Keys Soulcare brand names worldwide. The company offers eye, lip, face, face, paw, and skin care products. It sells its products through national and international retailers and direct-to-consumer channels, which include e-commerce platforms in the United States, and internationally primarily through distributors.

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Shares of ECN Capital Corp. (TSE:ECN  Get Free Report) shot up 1% during trading on Tuesday . The stock traded as high as C$2.08 and last traded at C$2.06. 124,237 shares changed hands during trading, a decline of 65% from the average session volume of 350,495 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$2.04.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of analysts have weighed in on ECN shares. BMO Capital Markets increased their price target on ECN Capital from C$2.00 to C$2.35 in a research report on Friday, August 9th. National Bankshares raised their target price on ECN Capital from C$2.25 to C$2.50 in a research note on Thursday, August 8th. Finally, CIBC upped their price target on shares of ECN Capital from C$2.00 to C$2.25 in a research report on Thursday, August 8th. Five analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of C$2.48.

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ECN Capital Stock Up 1.0 %

The business has a 50-day moving average price of C$1.99 and a 200-day moving average price of C$2.00. The company has a quick ratio of 3.81, a current ratio of 10.77 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 383.08. The company has a market capitalization of C$579.11 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -6.44, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.24 and a beta of 1.35.

ECN Capital (TSE:ECN  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, August 7th. The company reported C$0.04 EPS for the quarter, meeting analysts consensus estimates of C$0.04. ECN Capital had a negative net margin of 55.01% and a negative return on equity of 33.69%. The firm had revenue of C$79.37 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of C$75.42 million. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that ECN Capital Corp. will post 0.2434679 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

ECN Capital Dividend Announcement

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, October 1st. Investors of record on Tuesday, October 1st will be issued a $0.01 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, September 13th. This represents a $0.04 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.94%. ECN Capitals dividend payout ratio is currently -12.50%.

About ECN Capital

(Get Free Report)

ECN Capital Corp. originates, manages, and advises on credit assets on behalf of its partners in North America. It operates in two segments, Manufactured Housing Finance; and Recreational Vehicle and Marine Finance. The company offers consumer loans, including manufactured housing, recreational vehicle, and marine loans; and commercial loans, such as inventory finance or floorplan loans.

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Extra Space Storage Inc. (NYSE:EXR  Free Report)  Analysts at KeyCorp issued their Q3 2024 EPS estimates for shares of Extra Space Storage in a research report issued to clients and investors on Sunday, September 8th. KeyCorp analyst T. Thomas forecasts that the real estate investment trust will post earnings of $2.06 per share for the quarter. KeyCorp currently has a Overweight rating and a $178.00 price target on the stock. The consensus estimate for Extra Space Storages current full-year earnings is $8.07 per share. KeyCorp also issued estimates for Extra Space Storages Q4 2024 earnings at $2.04 EPS, FY2024 earnings at $8.12 EPS and FY2025 earnings at $8.49 EPS.

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EXR has been the topic of several other reports. Barclays upped their price objective on shares of Extra Space Storage from $158.00 to $188.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, August 22nd. Royal Bank of Canada initiated coverage on shares of Extra Space Storage in a report on Tuesday. They issued a sector perform rating and a $180.00 price objective for the company. Citigroup lowered their target price on shares of Extra Space Storage from $168.00 to $160.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Friday, June 7th. Raymond James increased their target price on Extra Space Storage from $160.00 to $175.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Tuesday, July 23rd. Finally, Evercore ISI lifted their price target on Extra Space Storage from $166.00 to $167.00 and gave the company an in-line rating in a research report on Wednesday, August 28th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have issued a hold rating and six have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, Extra Space Storage currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $168.36.

Extra Space Storage Stock Up 1.5 %

Shares of NYSE EXR opened at $177.43 on Wednesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.76, a current ratio of 0.20 and a quick ratio of 0.20. The stock has a market capitalization of $37.60 billion, a PE ratio of 39.52, a P/E/G ratio of 2.53 and a beta of 0.86. Extra Space Storage has a one year low of $101.19 and a one year high of $179.23. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $166.34 and its 200-day moving average price is $152.78.

Extra Space Storage Announces Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, September 30th. Stockholders of record on Monday, September 16th will be issued a $1.62 dividend. This represents a $6.48 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.65%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, September 16th. Extra Space Storages payout ratio is 144.32%.

Insider Activity

In related news, CEO Joseph D. Margolis sold 7,500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, July 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $152.58, for a total value of $1,144,350.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 31,690 shares in the company, valued at $4,835,260.20. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In other Extra Space Storage news, CEO Joseph D. Margolis sold 7,500 shares of Extra Space Storage stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, July 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $152.58, for a total transaction of $1,144,350.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 31,690 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,835,260.20. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, EVP William N. Springer sold 2,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, August 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $175.33, for a total transaction of $350,660.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 11,919 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,089,758.27. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last quarter, insiders have sold 12,323 shares of company stock worth $1,994,709. 1.36% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several large investors have recently modified their holdings of EXR. Sanctuary Advisors LLC purchased a new position in Extra Space Storage in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $2,631,000. Brown Financial Advisors bought a new position in shares of Extra Space Storage in the second quarter worth approximately $840,000. Cetera Investment Advisers increased its stake in shares of Extra Space Storage by 0.4% in the second quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 45,643 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $7,093,000 after buying an additional 193 shares during the period. Truist Financial Corp raised its holdings in Extra Space Storage by 15.6% during the 2nd quarter. Truist Financial Corp now owns 34,371 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $5,342,000 after buying an additional 4,641 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Pathway Financial Advisers LLC boosted its position in Extra Space Storage by 1.6% during the 2nd quarter. Pathway Financial Advisers LLC now owns 11,258 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $1,742,000 after buying an additional 177 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 99.11% of the companys stock.

About Extra Space Storage

(Get Free Report)

Extra Space Storage Inc, headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, is a self-administered and self-managed REIT and a member of the S&P 500. As of December 31, 2023, the Company owned and/or operated 3,714 self-storage stores in 42 states and Washington, DC The Company's stores comprise approximately 2.6 million units and approximately 283.0 million square feet of rentable space operating under the Extra Space, Life Storage and Storage Express brands.

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China plans to collide with an asteroid by 2030. The mission will have a dual purpose: one spacecraft will collide with the asteroid to deflect it away from our planet, and the other will observe the space rock to learn more about the solar system and its formation.

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The mission of the China National Space Administration (CNSA) will most likely choose a 30-meter-wide asteroid called (NEO) 2015 XF261. This space rock was flying 50 million kilometers from Earth at a speed of 42 thousand km/h this week (July 9, 2024), Space.com reports.

Based on NASA mission

China's planned asteroid collision mission is modeled after NASA's Planetary Protection Mission, which in September 2022 impacted a smaller body in the Didymos binary asteroid system.

At the time, the 570-kilogram DART spacecraft's collision with the moon Dimorphos, which orbits the larger Didymos asteroid with a length of 780 meters and a speed of 22500 km/h, was deemed successful. The impact changed the orbit of the two asteroids and demonstrated that, given enough time, a kinetic impactor can divert a smaller asteroid from an imminent collision with the Earth.

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In October 2024, the European Space Agency (ESA) will launch the Hera spacecraft to the Didymos system to further assess the impact of the DART mission. The ESA craft is expected to encounter the Dimorphos and Didymos asteroids in 2026.

The Chinese two-spacecraft mission will combine the work of DART and Hera, impacting the NEO asteroid and observing its subsequent actions from six months to a year after the collision.

Scientists believe that asteroids like 2015 XF261 were created from material left over from the formation of planets about 4.6 billion years ago. Therefore, the Chinese mission will provide an opportunity to study the "unspoiled" material that was the building block for the worlds of the solar system, including Earth.

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The best time to collide

The CNSA mission is expected to be launched by 2030. The NEO asteroid is due to fly past Earth in March and May 2027, but at that time it will still be 32 million km away from our planet, and Chinese scientists will need time to reach it. For example, DART hit Dimorphos when its system was only 7 million miles from Earth, and this journey lasted 10 months.

CNSA may get another shot at 2015 XF261 in April 2028, when the asteroid will be at a distance of approximately 21 million kilometers from our planet. However, the best opportunity for such a mission will be in April 2029, when the asteroid will approach the Earth within 6.8 million kilometers. And another good chance will be in April 2030, when the NEO will approach the planet by about 7.1 million kilometers.

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Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Gryphon Financial Partners LLC reduced its stake in shares of Capital One Financial Co. (NYSE:COF) by 9.6% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 3,070 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 326 shares during the quarter. Gryphon Financial Partners LLCs holdings in Capital One Financial were worth $425,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in COF. Silicon Valley Capital Partners purchased a new position in Capital One Financial during the 1st quarter valued at $25,000. LRI Investments LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Capital One Financial in the 1st quarter worth about $25,000. Hobbs Group Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Capital One Financial in the 2nd quarter worth about $29,000. Bartlett & CO. Wealth Management LLC grew its position in shares of Capital One Financial by 726.7% in the 4th quarter. Bartlett & CO. Wealth Management LLC now owns 248 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $33,000 after buying an additional 218 shares during the period. Finally, Rise Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Capital One Financial in the 1st quarter worth about $33,000. 89.84% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

COF has been the topic of a number of recent research reports. Bank of America upped their target price on shares of Capital One Financial from $158.00 to $161.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 24th. Evercore ISI reduced their target price on shares of Capital One Financial from $155.00 to $154.00 and set an in-line rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, June 25th. BTIG Research assumed coverage on shares of Capital One Financial in a research note on Friday, June 7th. They issued a neutral rating on the stock. Jefferies Financial Group upgraded shares of Capital One Financial from a hold rating to a buy rating and upped their price target for the stock from $145.00 to $165.00 in a research note on Thursday, June 6th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their price target on shares of Capital One Financial from $148.00 to $155.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Monday, July 8th. One investment analyst has 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 MarketBeat.com, Capital One Financial currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $145.89.

Insider Transactions at Capital One Financial

In other news, CEO Kevin S. Borgmann sold 61,532 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, August 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $132.86, for a total value of $8,175,141.52. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 40,934 shares in the company, valued at approximately $5,438,491.24. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. In related news, insider Robert M. Alexander sold 30,742 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, July 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $150.00, for a total value of $4,611,300.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 73,734 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $11,060,100. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, CEO Kevin S. Borgmann sold 61,532 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, August 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $132.86, for a total transaction of $8,175,141.52. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 40,934 shares of the companys stock, valued at $5,438,491.24. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Company insiders own 1.30% of the companys stock.

Capital One Financial Price Performance

COF opened at $137.99 on Wednesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.81, a quick ratio of 1.00 and a current ratio of 1.00. The stock has a market capitalization of $52.69 billion, a P/E ratio of 10.81, a P/E/G ratio of 1.10 and a beta of 1.44. The companys 50-day simple moving average is $141.55 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $140.53. Capital One Financial Co. has a 52-week low of $88.23 and a 52-week high of $153.35.

Capital One Financial (NYSE:COF  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, July 23rd. The financial services provider reported $3.14 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $3.28 by ($0.14). Capital One Financial had a return on equity of 9.31% and a net margin of 9.01%. The business had revenue of $9.51 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $9.57 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $3.52 EPS. Capital One Financials revenue for the quarter was up 5.5% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, analysts predict that Capital One Financial Co. will post 13.1 EPS for the current year.

Capital One Financial Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, August 23rd. Stockholders of record on Monday, August 12th were paid a $0.60 dividend. This represents a $2.40 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.74%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, August 12th. Capital One Financials dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 18.79%.

About Capital One Financial

(Free Report)

Capital One Financial Corporation operates as the financial services holding company for the Capital One, National Association, which engages in the provision of various financial products and services in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. It operates through three segments: Credit Card, Consumer Banking, and Commercial Banking.

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Ibstock plc (LON:IBST  Get Free Report) shares passed below its 50-day moving average during trading on Tuesday . The stock has a 50-day moving average of GBX 182.40 ($2.39) and traded as low as GBX 177.80 ($2.33). Ibstock shares last traded at GBX 179.60 ($2.35), with a volume of 336,594 shares trading hands.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of research firms have weighed in on IBST. Royal Bank of Canada reiterated an outperform rating and issued a GBX 200 ($2.62) target price on shares of Ibstock in a research note on Thursday, July 4th. Jefferies Financial Group upped their price target on shares of Ibstock from GBX 143 ($1.87) to GBX 150 ($1.96) and gave the company a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, June 27th.

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Ibstock Stock Down 0.4 %

Ibstock Cuts Dividend

The company has a current ratio of 1.37, a quick ratio of 1.19 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 46.91. The stocks fifty day moving average price is GBX 182.40 and its 200 day moving average price is GBX 164.22. The stock has a market cap of 703.19 million, a P/E ratio of 8,980.00, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.47 and a beta of 1.34.

The firm also recently announced a dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 13th. Investors of record on Thursday, August 22nd will be issued a dividend of GBX 1.50 ($0.02) per share. This represents a dividend yield of 0.87%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, August 22nd. Ibstocks dividend payout ratio is currently 25,000.00%.

About Ibstock

(Get Free Report)

Ibstock plc manufactures and sells clay and concrete building products and solutions to customers in the residential construction sector in the United Kingdom. The company offers bricks and masonry, which includes facing and engineering bricks, brick slips, special shaped bricks, walling stone, architectural masonry, prefabricated components, eco-habitats, and padstones and lintels, as well as facade systems; roofing products comprising roof tiles and accessories, and chimneys; and flooring and lintels, such as beam and block flooring, insulated flooring, hollowcore, and screed rails.

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Several brokerages have updated their recommendations and price targets on shares of Toronto-Dominion Bank (TSE: TD) in the last few weeks:

9/6/2024  Toronto-Dominion Bank had its price target raised by analysts at CIBC from C$88.00 to C$100.00.

8/23/2024  Toronto-Dominion Bank was upgraded by analysts at National Bankshares, Inc. from an underperform rating to a sector perform rating. They now have a C$78.00 price target on the stock, up previously from C$74.00.

8/23/2024  Toronto-Dominion Bank had its price target lowered by analysts at Royal Bank of Canada from C$89.00 to C$88.00. They now have an outperform rating on the stock.

8/23/2024  Toronto-Dominion Bank had its price target lowered by analysts at Desjardins from C$91.00 to C$90.00. They now have a buy rating on the stock.

8/23/2024  Toronto-Dominion Bank had its price target raised by analysts at Bank of America Co. from C$85.00 to C$90.00.

8/23/2024  Toronto-Dominion Bank had its price target lowered by analysts at Cormark from C$87.00 to C$86.00.

8/22/2024  Toronto-Dominion Bank was upgraded by analysts at National Bank Financial from a strong sell rating to a hold rating.

8/20/2024  Toronto-Dominion Bank had its price target raised by analysts at Cormark from C$86.00 to C$87.00. They now have a buy rating on the stock.

8/19/2024  Toronto-Dominion Bank had its price target lowered by analysts at Scotiabank from C$87.00 to C$86.00.

8/16/2024  Toronto-Dominion Bank had its price target lowered by analysts at National Bankshares, Inc. from C$75.00 to C$74.00. They now have an underperform rating on the stock.

8/12/2024  Toronto-Dominion Bank had its price target raised by analysts at Jefferies Financial Group Inc. from C$73.00 to C$82.00. They now have a hold rating on the stock.

Toronto-Dominion Bank Stock Performance

TSE:TD traded up C$0.82 on Wednesday, hitting C$83.90. The stock had a trading volume of 2,928,393 shares, compared to its average volume of 6,900,593. The firms fifty day simple moving average is C$79.42 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is C$78.76. The Toronto-Dominion Bank has a 1 year low of C$73.67 and a 1 year high of C$86.89. The stock has a market cap of C$146.83 billion, a P/E ratio of 19.42, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.08 and a beta of 0.82.

Toronto-Dominion Bank Dividend Announcement

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, October 31st. Stockholders of record on Thursday, October 10th will be paid a dividend of $1.02 per share. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, October 10th. This represents a $4.08 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.86%. Toronto-Dominion Banks payout ratio is currently 94.44%.

The Toronto-Dominion Bank, together with its subsidiaries, provides various financial products and services in Canada, the United States, and internationally. It operates through four segments: Canadian Personal and Commercial Banking, U.S. Retail, Wealth Management and Insurance, and Wholesale Banking.

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iShares iBonds Dec 2030 Term Corporate ETF (NYSEARCA:IBDV  Get Free Report) shares reached a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Monday . The company traded as high as $22.33 and last traded at $22.10, with a volume of 51994 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $22.09.

iShares iBonds Dec 2030 Term Corporate ETF Price Performance

The firms fifty day simple moving average is $21.73 and its 200 day simple moving average is $21.37.

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Institutional Trading of iShares iBonds Dec 2030 Term Corporate ETF

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in IBDV. Bogart Wealth LLC grew its holdings in iShares iBonds Dec 2030 Term Corporate ETF by 13.9% in the first quarter. Bogart Wealth LLC now owns 5,700 shares of the companys stock valued at $122,000 after purchasing an additional 697 shares during the period. Adirondack Trust Co. grew its stake in iShares iBonds Dec 2030 Term Corporate ETF by 23,280.9% in the 4th quarter. Adirondack Trust Co. now owns 10,989 shares of the companys stock valued at $234,000 after acquiring an additional 10,942 shares during the period. Newman Dignan & Sheerar Inc. purchased a new stake in iShares iBonds Dec 2030 Term Corporate ETF in the 1st quarter worth $285,000. Bank of New Hampshire increased its holdings in iShares iBonds Dec 2030 Term Corporate ETF by 84.3% in the 1st quarter. Bank of New Hampshire now owns 14,290 shares of the companys stock worth $306,000 after acquiring an additional 6,535 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Montecito Bank & Trust acquired a new position in iShares iBonds Dec 2030 Term Corporate ETF during the first quarter worth $310,000.

About iShares iBonds Dec 2030 Term Corporate ETF

The iShares iBonds Dec 2030 Term Corporate ETF (IBDV) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in investment grade fixed income. The fund tracks a Bloomberg index of USD-denominated, investment-grade corporate bonds maturing between Jan 1 and Dec 15, 2029. IBDV was launched on Jun 23, 2020 and is managed by BlackRock.

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Nomad Foods (NYSE:NOMD  Get Free Report) was upgraded by analysts at StockNews.com from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report released on Monday.

NOMD has been the topic of a number of other research reports. Barclays reduced their target price on Nomad Foods from $22.00 to $21.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Friday, July 19th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft increased their target price on Nomad Foods from $23.00 to $24.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Thursday, August 8th.

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Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on NOMD

Nomad Foods Price Performance

Shares of NYSE NOMD opened at $19.06 on Monday. Nomad Foods has a fifty-two week low of $13.56 and a fifty-two week high of $20.05. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $18.16 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $18.29. The company has a quick ratio of 0.73, a current ratio of 1.17 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.80. The firm has a market cap of $3.11 billion, a PE ratio of 15.88 and a beta of 0.78.

Nomad Foods (NYSE:NOMD  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, August 7th. The company reported $0.47 earnings per share for the quarter, meeting analysts consensus estimates of $0.47. Nomad Foods had a return on equity of 9.78% and a net margin of 6.79%. The firm had revenue of $810.64 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $822.21 million. Sell-side analysts expect that Nomad Foods will post 1.94 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Institutional Trading of Nomad Foods

Several hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Miller Howard Investments Inc. NY lifted its holdings in shares of Nomad Foods by 2.2% in the 2nd quarter. Miller Howard Investments Inc. NY now owns 27,451 shares of the companys stock worth $452,000 after purchasing an additional 595 shares during the last quarter. Blue Trust Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Nomad Foods by 133.2% in the 2nd quarter. Blue Trust Inc. now owns 1,635 shares of the companys stock worth $27,000 after purchasing an additional 934 shares during the last quarter. Allegheny Financial Group LTD raised its stake in Nomad Foods by 4.9% during the 2nd quarter. Allegheny Financial Group LTD now owns 24,336 shares of the companys stock valued at $401,000 after acquiring an additional 1,128 shares in the last quarter. Vanguard Personalized Indexing Management LLC raised its stake in Nomad Foods by 11.0% during the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Personalized Indexing Management LLC now owns 17,051 shares of the companys stock valued at $281,000 after acquiring an additional 1,689 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Deroy & Devereaux Private Investment Counsel Inc. raised its stake in Nomad Foods by 0.9% during the 2nd quarter. Deroy & Devereaux Private Investment Counsel Inc. now owns 201,285 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,317,000 after acquiring an additional 1,875 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 75.26% of the companys stock.

Nomad Foods Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Nomad Foods Limited, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures, markets, and distributes a range of frozen food products in the United Kingdom and internationally. The company offers frozen fish products, including fish fingers, coated fish, and natural fish; ready-to-cook vegetable products, such as peas and spinach; and frozen poultry and meat products comprising nuggets, grills, and burgers.

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Mitchell Sinkler & Starr PA trimmed its holdings in Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO  Free Report) by 17.2% in the second quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 1,955 shares of the companys stock after selling 407 shares during the period. Mitchell Sinkler & Starr PAs holdings in Novo Nordisk A/S were worth $254,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

A number of other hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the business. Advisor OS LLC raised its position in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S by 0.6% in the second quarter. Advisor OS LLC now owns 13,972 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,994,000 after buying an additional 82 shares during the last quarter. Cascade Financial Partners LLC raised its position in shares of 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 buying an additional 84 shares during the last quarter. Cravens & Co Advisors LLC raised its position in shares of 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 buying an additional 85 shares during the last quarter. AA Financial Advisors LLC raised its position in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S by 3.2% in the second quarter. AA Financial Advisors LLC now owns 2,805 shares of the companys stock valued at $400,000 after buying an additional 86 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Sage Rhino Capital LLC raised its position in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S by 0.7% in the first quarter. Sage Rhino Capital LLC now owns 12,320 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,582,000 after buying an additional 89 shares during the last quarter. 11.54% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several research firms recently issued reports on NVO. StockNews.com cut shares of Novo Nordisk A/S from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research report on Monday, August 19th. The Goldman Sachs Group began coverage on shares of Novo Nordisk A/S in a research report on Thursday, May 30th. They set a buy rating and a $156.00 price objective for the company. Cantor Fitzgerald restated an overweight rating and set a $160.00 price objective on shares of Novo Nordisk A/S in a research report on Monday. Argus raised their price objective on shares of Novo Nordisk A/S from $125.00 to $160.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Monday, June 10th. Finally, BMO Capital Markets lowered their target price on shares of Novo Nordisk A/S from $170.00 to $160.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, August 8th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Novo Nordisk A/S has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $145.17.

Novo Nordisk A/S Trading Down 1.6 %

NYSE NVO opened at $129.76 on Wednesday. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $134.26 and a 200-day simple moving average of $132.73. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.46, a quick ratio of 0.75 and a current ratio of 0.94. Novo Nordisk A/S has a one year low of $86.96 and a one year high of $148.15. The firm has a market cap of $582.30 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 44.74, a PEG ratio of 1.43 and a beta of 0.42.

Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data 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 company had revenue of $9.82 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $9.91 billion. Novo Nordisk A/S had a return on equity of 87.43% and a net margin of 34.86%. Equities research analysts anticipate that Novo Nordisk A/S will post 3.11 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Novo Nordisk A/S Cuts Dividend

The firm also recently announced a semi-annual dividend, which was paid on Monday, August 26th. Stockholders of record on Friday, August 16th were issued a $0.5126 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Friday, August 16th. This represents a dividend yield of 0.7%. Novo Nordisk A/Ss payout ratio 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.

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Pan African Resources PLC (LON:PAF  Get Free Report) declared a dividend on Wednesday, September 11th, Upcoming.Co.Uk reports. Stockholders of record on Thursday, November 28th will be paid a dividend of GBX 0.96 ($0.01) per share on Tuesday, December 10th. This represents a dividend yield of 3.22%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, November 28th. This is a positive change from Pan African Resourcess previous dividend of $0.75. The official announcement can be accessed at this link.

Pan African Resources Stock Down 1.0 %

Shares of Pan African Resources stock traded down GBX 0.30 ($0.00) on Wednesday, hitting GBX 29.35 ($0.38). 6,326,167 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 3,243,344. Pan African Resources has a 52-week low of GBX 12.86 ($0.17) and a 52-week high of GBX 31.80 ($0.42). The company has a quick ratio of 0.74, a current ratio of 1.05 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 28.41. The stock has a market cap of 563.52 million, a P/E ratio of 975.00, a PEG ratio of 8.95 and a beta of 0.80. The firms 50-day moving average is GBX 28.71 and its 200 day moving average is GBX 25.33.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of equities analysts recently commented on the company. Berenberg Bank reiterated a buy rating and issued a GBX 38 ($0.50) price target on shares of Pan African Resources in a research note on Wednesday, August 14th. Canaccord Genuity Group reiterated a buy rating and issued a GBX 35 ($0.46) price objective on shares of Pan African Resources in a research report on Wednesday.

About Pan African Resources

(Get Free Report)

Pan African Resources PLC engages in the mining, extraction, production, and sale of gold in South Africa. The company's flagship projects include the Barberton Mines that consists of three underground mines, including Fairview, Sheba, and Consort located in the Barberton Greenstone Belt; and Elikhulu tailings retreatment plant in Southern Africa.

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Pier Capital LLC bought a new stake in Bloom Energy Co. (NYSE:BE  Free Report) in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm bought 457,662 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $5,602,000. Pier Capital LLC owned approximately 0.20% of Bloom Energy at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in BE. Millburn Ridgefield Corp lifted its holdings in Bloom Energy by 64.0% during the 1st quarter. Millburn Ridgefield Corp now owns 3,296 shares of the companys stock valued at $37,000 after purchasing an additional 1,286 shares during the last quarter. Steward Partners Investment Advisory LLC lifted its holdings in Bloom Energy by 9.3% during the 4th quarter. Steward Partners Investment Advisory LLC now owns 15,299 shares of the companys stock valued at $226,000 after purchasing an additional 1,308 shares during the last quarter. Arizona State Retirement System lifted its holdings in Bloom Energy by 2.7% during the 2nd quarter. Arizona State Retirement System now owns 56,886 shares of the companys stock valued at $696,000 after purchasing an additional 1,470 shares during the last quarter. Tocqueville Asset Management L.P. lifted its holdings in Bloom Energy by 3.1% during the 1st quarter. Tocqueville Asset Management L.P. now owns 59,250 shares of the companys stock valued at $666,000 after purchasing an additional 1,800 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Principal Financial Group Inc. lifted its holdings in Bloom Energy by 10.6% during the 4th quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. now owns 22,294 shares of the companys stock valued at $330,000 after purchasing an additional 2,139 shares during the last quarter. 77.04% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Bloom Energy Price Performance

Shares of BE stock opened at $10.15 on Wednesday. The company has a quick ratio of 3.33, a current ratio of 4.65 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.43. Bloom Energy Co. has a twelve month low of $8.41 and a twelve month high of $18.14. The company has a market cap of $2.31 billion, a P/E ratio of -7.52 and a beta of 2.69. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $12.32 and a 200 day simple moving average of $12.07.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Bloom Energy ( NYSE:BE Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 8th. The company reported ($0.06) earnings per share for the quarter, hitting the consensus estimate of ($0.06). The business had revenue of $335.80 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $307.73 million. Bloom Energy had a negative return on equity of 11.90% and a negative net margin of 21.37%. Bloom Energys revenue for the quarter was up 11.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned ($0.32) EPS. On average, sell-side analysts forecast that Bloom Energy Co. will post -0.25 EPS for the current fiscal year.

BE has been the subject of a number of research reports. BTIG Research lifted their target price on Bloom Energy from $19.00 to $21.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Thursday, June 6th. UBS Group cut their price objective on shares of Bloom Energy from $25.00 to $23.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Thursday, August 15th. Bank of America increased their target price on shares of Bloom Energy from $8.00 to $9.00 and gave the stock an underperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 17th. Jefferies Financial Group downgraded shares of Bloom Energy from a buy rating to a hold rating and dropped their price target for the company from $15.00 to $11.00 in a research report on Friday, September 6th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price target on Bloom Energy from $12.00 to $14.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Tuesday, July 16th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, nine have issued a hold rating and ten have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Bloom Energy has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $15.88.

Read Our Latest Report on BE

Insider Buying and Selling at Bloom Energy

In other Bloom Energy news, insider Shawn Marie Soderberg sold 2,094 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, July 16th. The stock was sold at an average price of $14.53, for a total value of $30,425.82. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 168,867 shares in the company, valued at $2,453,637.51. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Corporate insiders own 8.81% of the companys stock.

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.

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Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited (NYSE:CP  Free Report) (TSE:CP)  Research analysts at Zacks Research raised their Q2 2026 earnings per share (EPS) estimates for shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City in a report issued on Thursday, September 5th. Zacks Research analyst R. Department now expects that the transportation company will earn $0.97 per share for the quarter, up from their previous forecast of $0.93. The consensus estimate for Canadian Pacific Kansas Citys current full-year earnings is $3.10 per share.

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Canadian Pacific Kansas City (NYSE:CP  Get Free Report) (TSE:CP) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, July 30th. The transportation company reported $1.05 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.74 by $0.31. Canadian Pacific Kansas City had a net margin of 24.45% and a return on equity of 8.77%. The firm had revenue of $3.60 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.58 billion. During the same period last year, the firm earned $0.62 EPS. The companys revenue was up 13.5% on a year-over-year basis.

Several other analysts have also recently issued reports on the company. Jefferies Financial Group decreased their price objective on Canadian Pacific Kansas City from $105.00 to $100.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, July 17th. Barclays reduced their price objective on shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City from $96.00 to $95.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, July 16th. Wells Fargo & Company assumed coverage on Canadian Pacific Kansas City in a research note on Friday, June 7th. They set an overweight rating and a $90.00 target price on the stock. Sanford C. Bernstein upped their price objective on Canadian Pacific Kansas City from $88.50 to $89.06 and gave the company a market perform rating in a research report on Monday, July 8th. Finally, Scotiabank upgraded shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City from a sector perform rating to a sector outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 10th. Nine analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Canadian Pacific Kansas City currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $96.36.

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Canadian Pacific Kansas City Stock Down 0.7 %

CP opened at $84.04 on Monday. The company has a market capitalization of $78.41 billion, a PE ratio of 26.94, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.35 and a beta of 0.96. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $81.28 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $82.47. The company has a quick ratio of 0.44, a current ratio of 0.51 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.42. Canadian Pacific Kansas City has a 52 week low of $68.92 and a 52 week high of $91.58.

Canadian Pacific Kansas City Cuts Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, October 28th. Investors of record on Friday, September 27th will be paid a dividend of $0.1373 per share. This represents a $0.55 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.65%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, September 27th. Canadian Pacific Kansas Citys dividend payout ratio is currently 17.31%.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. LRI Investments LLC acquired a new stake in Canadian Pacific Kansas City in the first quarter valued at $32,000. Chris Bulman Inc acquired a new position in Canadian Pacific Kansas City during the second quarter worth about $35,000. ORG Partners LLC purchased a new stake in Canadian Pacific Kansas City in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $39,000. Tobam purchased a new stake in shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City in the first quarter valued at $51,000. Finally, Partnership Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in Canadian Pacific Kansas City in the 4th quarter valued at about $52,000. 72.20% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

About Canadian Pacific Kansas City

(Get Free Report)

Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited, together with its subsidiaries, owns and operates a transcontinental freight railway in Canada, the United States, and Mexico. The company transports bulk commodities, including grain, coal, potash, fertilizers, and sulphur; merchandise freight, such as forest products, energy, chemicals and plastics, metals, minerals, consumer products, and automotive; and intermodal traffic comprising retail goods in overseas containers.

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South Street Advisors LLC grew its holdings in shares of RTX Co. (NYSE:RTX  Free Report) by 0.4% in the 2nd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The fund owned 83,592 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 370 shares during the period. South Street Advisors LLCs holdings in RTX were worth $8,392,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other large investors also recently modified their holdings of the business. Angeles Wealth Management LLC grew its stake in RTX by 11.3% in the second quarter. Angeles Wealth Management LLC now owns 8,563 shares of the companys stock worth $860,000 after purchasing an additional 868 shares in the last quarter. Brasada Capital Management LP grew its stake in RTX by 1.4% in the second quarter. Brasada Capital Management LP now owns 29,235 shares of the companys stock worth $2,974,000 after purchasing an additional 417 shares in the last quarter. MGO One Seven LLC grew its stake in RTX by 3.4% in the second quarter. MGO One Seven LLC now owns 23,498 shares of the companys stock worth $2,359,000 after purchasing an additional 774 shares in the last quarter. Headlands Technologies LLC acquired a new position in RTX in the second quarter worth about $6,851,000. Finally, Steigerwald Gordon & Koch Inc. grew its stake in RTX by 2.4% in the second quarter. Steigerwald Gordon & Koch Inc. now owns 183,893 shares of the companys stock worth $18,461,000 after purchasing an additional 4,394 shares in the last quarter. 86.50% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, EVP Dantaya M. Williams sold 17,570 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, July 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $114.87, for a total transaction of $2,018,265.90. Following the sale, the executive vice president now owns 38,855 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,463,273.85. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. In other RTX news, VP Amy L. Johnson sold 6,734 shares of RTX stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, July 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of $113.88, for a total value of $766,867.92. Following the transaction, the vice president now owns 12,318 shares in the company, valued at $1,402,773.84. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this link. Also, EVP Dantaya M. Williams sold 17,570 shares of RTX stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, July 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $114.87, for a total transaction of $2,018,265.90. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 38,855 shares in the company, valued at $4,463,273.85. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 178,333 shares of company stock valued at $20,861,880 over the last quarter. Corporate insiders own 0.13% of the companys stock.

RTX Stock Performance

RTX opened at $120.30 on Wednesday. The businesss 50 day moving average is $112.97 and its 200-day moving average is $104.85. The stock has a market cap of $160.03 billion, a PE ratio of 47.18, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.08 and a beta of 0.82. The company has a current ratio of 0.99, a quick ratio of 0.73 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.66. RTX Co. has a twelve month low of $68.56 and a twelve month high of $123.70.

RTX (NYSE:RTX  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, July 25th. The company reported $1.41 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.30 by $0.11. The company had revenue of $19.72 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $19.29 billion. RTX had a return on equity of 11.37% and a net margin of 3.12%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 7.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $1.29 earnings per share. On average, analysts predict that RTX Co. will post 5.45 earnings per share for the current year.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of equities analysts recently commented on RTX shares. Bank of America upgraded RTX from a neutral rating to a buy rating and lifted their price target for the stock from $110.00 to $140.00 in a research note on Wednesday, July 31st. Melius Research lifted their price target on RTX from $490.00 to $493.00 in a research note on Wednesday, July 24th. Alembic Global Advisors upgraded RTX from a neutral rating to an overweight rating and set a $134.00 price target for the company in a research note on Tuesday, July 30th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price target on RTX from $110.00 to $130.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, July 29th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada lifted their target price on RTX from $102.00 to $115.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research note on Friday, July 26th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, ten have given a hold rating and six have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, RTX has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $153.47.

View Our Latest Stock Analysis on RTX

About RTX

(Free Report)

RTX Corporation, an aerospace and defense company, provides systems and services for the commercial, military, and government customers in the United States and internationally. It operates through three segments: Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon. The Collins Aerospace Systems segment offers aerospace and defense products, and aftermarket service solutions for civil and military aircraft manufacturers and commercial airlines, as well as regional, business, and general aviation, defense, and commercial space operations.

Further Reading

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One of Hawaii's most scenic but also most dangerous attractions, the Haiku Steps, also known as the "stairway to the sky," is of great concern to local authorities. According to law enforcement officials on the island of Oahu, where the mountain trail is located, 14 people were recently arrested after deciding to have an extreme time in a place closed to tourists.

ADVERTISIMENT

According to CNN, the World War II-era attraction is located in one of the most remote areas of the state, so it can only be reached by unauthorized means. Travelers who decide to illegally penetrate the "stairway to the sky" using climbing ropes could face up to 30 days in jail.

"It's dangerous for people to go into the construction zone and it's dangerous to try to go down the ridge. They need to think about the consequences if someone gets hurt, or worse, and needs rescuing. It's a difficult place for first responders to reach and could delay medical treatment," explained Hawaii Department of Conservation and Resources Supervisor, Jason Redulla.

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What's wrong with Haiku's stairs

TheHaiku Steps, a steep mountain trail on the island of Oahu, originally consisted of 3,922 wooden steps that were later replaced with metal steps, and leads to the top of Kula Ridge. "Stairway to Heaven" was built during World War II by the U.S. Navy. The main purpose of creating the route was to conduct a communication cable, which should ensure constant contact between the two territories of the state of Hawaii, located at different altitudes.

On one of the mountain ridge tops, the military installed a radio station whose antennas transmitted low-frequency signals from submarines over long distances. However, the base was decommissioned in the 1950s.

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In 1987, local authorities banned tourists from visiting the scenic attraction because its remote location threatened the lives of travelers. Although the Haiku Stairs were renovated in 2003, the state government has not lifted the ban.

Law enforcement agencies quite often record offenders who dare to have an extreme rest on the "stairway to the sky", so in 2021, the idea to dismantle the stairs. The initiative was supported by local authorities, so a small part of the attraction was separated from the mountainside. However, this year the process stopped, because the Court of Appeals of Hawaii issued a temporary ban on the work.

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Sentry Investment Management LLC lowered its position in shares of The Progressive Co. (NYSE:PGR  Free Report) by 17.0% during the second quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The fund owned 2,838 shares of the insurance providers stock after selling 581 shares during the quarter. Sentry Investment Management LLCs holdings in Progressive were worth $589,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Sachetta LLC bought a new position in shares of Progressive during the 4th quarter worth approximately $25,000. Northwest Bank & Trust Co bought a new position in Progressive in the 4th quarter worth about $25,000. WR Wealth Planners LLC increased its holdings in shares of Progressive by 119.6% in the 2nd quarter. WR Wealth Planners LLC now owns 123 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $26,000 after buying an additional 67 shares during the last quarter. Indiana Trust & Investment Management CO purchased a new stake in Progressive during the first quarter valued at about $32,000. Finally, Hilltop National Bank raised its holdings in shares of Progressive by 126.0% during the 2nd quarter. Hilltop National Bank now owns 165 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $34,000 after buying an additional 92 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 85.34% of the companys stock.

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Insider Activity

In other Progressive news, CAO Mariann Wojtkun Marshall sold 650 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, June 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $208.11, for a total value of $135,271.50. Following the sale, the chief accounting officer now owns 3,981 shares in the company, valued at $828,485.91. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. In other news, CAO Mariann Wojtkun Marshall sold 650 shares of Progressive stock in a transaction on Monday, June 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $208.11, for a total transaction of $135,271.50. Following the sale, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 3,981 shares in the company, valued at approximately $828,485.91. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, insider Steven Broz sold 3,050 shares of Progressive stock in a transaction dated Monday, June 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $209.81, for a total transaction of $639,920.50. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 32,453 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $6,808,963.93. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last ninety days, insiders sold 147,354 shares of company stock worth $33,502,680. 0.34% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of equities analysts have issued reports on the stock. Bank of America boosted their price objective on shares of Progressive from $294.00 to $312.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, September 3rd. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price target on shares of Progressive from $281.00 to $282.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday. Citigroup lowered their price objective on shares of Progressive from $232.00 to $225.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, July 17th. Roth Mkm upped their price target on shares of Progressive from $235.00 to $270.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, August 15th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price target on Progressive from $210.00 to $239.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, July 11th. Six equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, thirteen have given a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $252.29.

Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on PGR

Progressive Stock Performance

NYSE PGR opened at $249.12 on Wednesday. The firm has a market cap of $145.90 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 25.50, a PEG ratio of 0.82 and a beta of 0.35. The Progressive Co. has a 1-year low of $134.34 and a 1-year high of $254.83. The company has a 50 day moving average of $227.06 and a 200-day moving average of $213.82. The company has a current ratio of 0.31, a quick ratio of 0.31 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.30.

Progressive (NYSE:PGR  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, July 16th. The insurance provider reported $2.65 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.04 by $0.61. The company had revenue of $17.90 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $17.54 billion. Progressive had a return on equity of 33.01% and a net margin of 10.17%. Progressives revenue was up 21.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $0.57 earnings per share. On average, equities analysts forecast that The Progressive Co. will post 12.19 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Progressive Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, October 11th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, October 3rd will be issued a $0.10 dividend. This represents a $0.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.16%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, October 3rd. Progressives dividend payout ratio is currently 4.09%.

Progressive Company Profile

(Free Report)

The Progressive Corporation, an insurance holding company, provides personal and commercial auto, personal residential and commercial property, business related general liability, and other specialty property-casualty insurance products and related services in the United States. It operates in three segments: Personal Lines, Commercial Lines, and Property.

Further Reading

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SP Asset Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of Boston Scientific Co. (NYSE:BSX  Free Report) by 7.7% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 4,064 shares of the medical equipment providers stock after acquiring an additional 292 shares during the period. SP Asset Management LLCs holdings in Boston Scientific were worth $313,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Eagle Bay Advisors LLC raised its position in shares of Boston Scientific by 542.1% during the 1st quarter. Eagle Bay Advisors LLC now owns 366 shares of the medical equipment providers stock valued at $25,000 after acquiring an additional 309 shares during the last quarter. First Foundation Advisors bought a new stake in shares of Boston Scientific in the first quarter valued at about $25,000. Triad Wealth Partners LLC acquired a new position in shares of Boston Scientific during the second quarter worth about $26,000. Andra AP fonden bought a new position in shares of Boston Scientific during the second quarter worth about $29,000. Finally, RiverPark Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in Boston Scientific in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $30,000. 89.07% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Insiders Place Their Bets

In related news, EVP Wendy Carruthers sold 6,983 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, August 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $74.12, for a total transaction of $517,579.96. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 40,188 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,978,734.56. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Over the last quarter, insiders have sold 20,949 shares of company stock worth $1,627,877. 0.50% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

BSX has been the topic of several analyst reports. Argus increased their price target on Boston Scientific from $80.00 to $95.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, May 28th. Barclays raised their price objective on shares of Boston Scientific from $78.00 to $86.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, August 22nd. Royal Bank of Canada reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $85.00 price objective on shares of Boston Scientific in a research note on Thursday, July 25th. Morgan Stanley lifted their price objective on shares of Boston Scientific from $79.00 to $92.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, July 15th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group began coverage on shares of Boston Scientific in a research report on Thursday, May 30th. They set a buy rating and a $90.00 price objective for the company. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, nineteen have given a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $85.38.

Check Out Our Latest Research Report on BSX

Boston Scientific Price Performance

Shares of NYSE BSX opened at $83.04 on Wednesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.44, a current ratio of 1.61 and a quick ratio of 1.14. Boston Scientific Co. has a 1 year low of $48.35 and a 1 year high of $83.22. The companys 50-day moving average is $77.65 and its 200 day moving average is $73.81. The stock has a market capitalization of $122.29 billion, a P/E ratio of 69.78, a P/E/G ratio of 2.71 and a beta of 0.79.

Boston Scientific (NYSE:BSX  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, July 24th. The medical equipment provider reported $0.62 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.58 by $0.04. The business had revenue of $4.12 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.02 billion. Boston Scientific had a return on equity of 16.59% and a net margin of 12.00%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 14.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $0.53 earnings per share. On average, sell-side analysts expect that Boston Scientific Co. will post 2.4 earnings per share for the current year.

Boston Scientific Profile

(Free Report)

Boston Scientific Corporation develops, manufactures, and markets medical devices for use in various interventional medical specialties worldwide. It operates through two segments, MedSurg and Cardiovascular. The company offers devices to diagnose and treat gastrointestinal and pulmonary conditions, such as resolution clips, biliary stent systems, stents and electrocautery enhanced delivery systems, direct visualization systems, digital catheters, and single-use duodenoscopes; devices to treat urological conditions, including ureteral stents, catheters, baskets, guidewires, sheaths, balloons, single-use digital flexible ureteroscopes, holmium laser systems, artificial urinary sphincter, laser system, fiber, and hydrogel systems; and devices to treat neurological movement disorders and manage chronic pain, such as spinal cord stimulator system, proprietary programming software, radiofrequency generator, indirect decompression systems, practice optimization tools, and deep brain stimulation system.

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StockNews.com began coverage on shares of Barnwell Industries (NYSE:BRN  Free Report) in a research note published on Saturday. The firm issued a hold rating on the stock.

Barnwell Industries Trading Up 1.6 %

NYSE BRN opened at $2.22 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $22.21 million, a PE ratio of -6.71 and a beta of 0.09. Barnwell Industries has a 12 month low of $2.06 and a 12 month high of $3.20. The companys 50-day moving average price is $2.31 and its 200-day moving average price is $2.48.

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Barnwell Industries (NYSE:BRN  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, August 13th. The company reported ($0.12) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. The firm had revenue of $5.53 million during the quarter. Barnwell Industries had a negative net margin of 15.55% and a negative return on equity of 22.12%.

Institutional Trading of Barnwell Industries

Barnwell Industries Company Profile

An institutional investor recently raised its position in Barnwell Industries stock. Renaissance Technologies LLC grew its holdings in shares of Barnwell Industries, Inc. ( NYSE:BRN Free Report ) by 1.9% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 355,534 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 6,612 shares during the period. Renaissance Technologies LLC owned approximately 3.55% of Barnwell Industries worth $836,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 40.71% of the companys stock.

(Get Free Report)

Barnwell Industries, Inc acquires, develops, produces, and sells oil and natural gas in Canada. The company operates through three segments: Oil and Natural Gas, Land Investment, and Contract Drilling. It also acquires and develops crude oil and natural gas assets in the province of Alberta, as well as invests in land interests in Hawaii.

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AGF Management Ltd. decreased its position in shares of TELUS Co. (NYSE:TU  Free Report) (TSE:T) by 0.2% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 6,378,935 shares of the Wireless communications providers stock after selling 11,578 shares during the period. AGF Management Ltd. owned about 0.43% of TELUS worth $96,873,000 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 TU. Acadian Asset Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of TELUS during the second quarter worth about $123,000. TD Asset Management Inc grew its stake in shares of TELUS by 3.0% in the second quarter. TD Asset Management Inc now owns 41,711,861 shares of the Wireless communications providers stock worth $631,310,000 after acquiring an additional 1,208,720 shares in the last quarter. Community Bank & Trust Waco Texas grew its stake in shares of TELUS by 25.2% in the second quarter. Community Bank & Trust Waco Texas now owns 34,214 shares of the Wireless communications providers stock worth $518,000 after acquiring an additional 6,881 shares in the last quarter. Fiera Capital Corp increased its position in shares of TELUS by 9.9% during the second quarter. Fiera Capital Corp now owns 16,670,713 shares of the Wireless communications providers stock worth $252,468,000 after acquiring an additional 1,501,742 shares during the period. Finally, Rhumbline Advisers raised its stake in shares of TELUS by 4.0% in the second quarter. Rhumbline Advisers now owns 82,149 shares of the Wireless communications providers stock valued at $1,244,000 after acquiring an additional 3,158 shares in the last quarter. 49.40% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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TELUS Stock Down 2.4 %

TELUS stock opened at $16.61 on Wednesday. The stocks fifty day moving average is $16.01 and its two-hundred day moving average is $16.18. The stock has a market cap of $24.61 billion, a PE ratio of 42.58, a P/E/G ratio of 2.57 and a beta of 0.74. TELUS Co. has a 1-year low of $14.63 and a 1-year high of $19.14. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.46, a current ratio of 0.66 and a quick ratio of 0.61.

TELUS Increases Dividend

TELUS ( NYSE:TU Get Free Report ) (TSE:T) last posted its earnings results on Friday, August 2nd. The Wireless communications provider reported $0.25 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.16 by $0.09. The firm had revenue of $3.64 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.70 billion. TELUS had a return on equity of 8.50% and a net margin of 3.87%. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $0.14 earnings per share. On average, sell-side analysts expect that TELUS Co. will post 0.73 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, October 1st. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, September 10th will be given a dividend of $0.284 per share. This represents a $1.14 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 6.84%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, September 10th. This is an increase from TELUSs previous quarterly dividend of $0.28. TELUSs payout ratio is currently 292.32%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several brokerages have weighed in on TU. Canaccord Genuity Group downgraded TELUS from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, August 6th. StockNews.com upgraded shares of TELUS from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, September 6th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and one has assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, TELUS presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $27.33.

Read Our Latest Research Report on TELUS

About TELUS

(Free Report)

TELUS Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, provides a range of telecommunications and information technology products and services in Canada. It operates through Technology Solutions and Digitally-Led Customer Experiences segments. The Technology Solutions segment offers a range of telecommunications products and services; network services; healthcare services; mobile technologies equipment; data services, such as internet protocol; television; hosting, managed information technology, and cloud-based services; software, data management, and data analytics-driven smart food-chain and consumer goods technologies; home and business security; healthcare software and technology solutions; and voice and other telecommunications services, as well as mobile and fixed voice and data telecommunications services and products.

Further Reading

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Garrison Point Advisors LLC lessened its stake in shares of The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG  Free Report) by 1.4% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 6,325 shares of the companys stock after selling 90 shares during the period. Garrison Point Advisors LLCs holdings in Procter & Gamble were worth $1,043,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of PG. Blue Square Asset Management LLC increased its position in shares of Procter & Gamble by 1.6% in the 2nd quarter. Blue Square Asset Management LLC now owns 10,977 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,810,000 after acquiring an additional 170 shares during the period. Angeles Wealth Management LLC grew its stake in Procter & Gamble by 24.2% during the 2nd quarter. Angeles Wealth Management LLC now owns 6,047 shares of the companys stock valued at $997,000 after purchasing an additional 1,178 shares during the last quarter. Carson Advisory Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Procter & Gamble by 15.2% in the second quarter. Carson Advisory Inc. now owns 11,961 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,973,000 after purchasing an additional 1,582 shares during the period. Steigerwald Gordon & Koch Inc. raised its stake in shares of Procter & Gamble by 2.0% in the second quarter. Steigerwald Gordon & Koch Inc. now owns 9,884 shares of the companys stock worth $1,630,000 after purchasing an additional 197 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Coldstream Capital Management Inc. increased its holdings in Procter & Gamble by 1.0% in the 2nd quarter. Coldstream Capital Management Inc. now owns 81,453 shares of the companys stock worth $13,433,000 after buying an additional 830 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 65.77% of the companys stock.

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Insider Buying and Selling

In other news, CEO Ma. Fatima Francisco sold 96,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, August 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $170.00, for a total value of $16,320,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 13,721 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,332,570. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. In other Procter & Gamble news, insider Balaji Purushothaman sold 8,842 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, August 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $164.90, for a total transaction of $1,458,045.80. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 11,537 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,902,451.30. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. Also, CEO Ma. Fatima Francisco sold 96,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, August 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $170.00, for a total transaction of $16,320,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 13,721 shares in the company, valued at $2,332,570. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last ninety days, insiders sold 375,553 shares of company stock worth $63,829,141. Insiders own 0.17% of the companys stock.

Procter & Gamble Stock Performance

NYSE PG opened at $177.83 on Wednesday. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $168.80 and its 200-day simple moving average is $164.95. The Procter & Gamble Company has a 1-year low of $141.45 and a 1-year high of $177.94. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.51, a current ratio of 0.73 and a quick ratio of 0.53. The company has a market cap of $419.70 billion, a PE ratio of 29.06, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.81 and a beta of 0.41.

Procter & Gamble (NYSE:PG  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, July 30th. The company reported $1.40 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.37 by $0.03. Procter & Gamble had a net margin of 17.71% and a return on equity of 33.46%. The firm had revenue of $20.53 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $20.69 billion. The companys revenue for the quarter was down .1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the firm posted $1.37 earnings per share. As a group, equities research analysts anticipate that The Procter & Gamble Company will post 6.97 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Procter & Gamble Announces Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, August 15th. Stockholders of record on Friday, July 19th were issued a dividend of $1.0065 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, July 19th. This represents a $4.03 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.26%. Procter & Gambles dividend payout ratio is presently 65.85%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several brokerages recently issued reports on PG. Dbs Bank cut shares of Procter & Gamble from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Thursday, August 1st. Royal Bank of Canada lifted their price objective on Procter & Gamble from $157.00 to $164.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 31st. Jefferies Financial Group downgraded Procter & Gamble from a buy rating to a hold rating and lowered their target price for the stock from $182.00 to $175.00 in a research note on Wednesday, July 24th. Wolfe Research upgraded Procter & Gamble to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Friday, August 23rd. Finally, Evercore ISI upped their price objective on Procter & Gamble from $177.00 to $183.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, July 18th. Seven equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, fourteen have assigned a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $175.79.

Check Out Our Latest Research Report on PG

Procter & Gamble Profile

(Free Report)

The Procter & Gamble Company provides branded consumer packaged goods worldwide. It operates through five segments: Beauty; Grooming; Health Care; Fabric & Home Care; and Baby, Feminine & Family Care. The Beauty segment offers conditioners, shampoos, styling aids, and treatments under the Head & Shoulders, Herbal Essences, Pantene, and Rejoice brands; and antiperspirants and deodorants, personal cleansing, and skin care products under the Olay, Old Spice, Safeguard, Secret, and SK-II brands.

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Trifecta Capital Advisors LLC purchased a new position in shares of Palantir Technologies Inc. (NYSE:PLTR  Free Report) in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm purchased 82,810 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,098,000.

Other large investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Summit Securities Group LLC acquired a new position in Palantir Technologies in the second quarter valued at about $25,000. Farmers & Merchants Investments Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Palantir Technologies in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $25,000. First United Bank & Trust acquired a new position in shares of Palantir Technologies in the 4th quarter worth approximately $26,000. West Paces Advisors Inc. boosted its position in shares of Palantir Technologies by 110.7% during the 1st quarter. West Paces Advisors Inc. now owns 1,180 shares of the companys stock worth $27,000 after purchasing an additional 620 shares during the period. Finally, Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADV increased its holdings in Palantir Technologies by 105.3% in the 1st quarter. Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADV now owns 1,347 shares of the companys stock valued at $31,000 after purchasing an additional 691 shares during the last quarter. 45.65% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of research analysts have commented on PLTR shares. Royal Bank of Canada restated an underperform rating and set a $9.00 price target on shares of Palantir Technologies in a research note on Tuesday, August 6th. Jefferies Financial Group raised their target price on Palantir Technologies from $24.00 to $28.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Monday, July 29th. Northland Capmk raised Palantir Technologies to a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, August 22nd. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft increased their price target on shares of Palantir Technologies from $20.00 to $21.00 and gave the stock a sell rating in a research report on Tuesday, August 6th. Finally, Northland Securities assumed coverage on shares of Palantir Technologies in a report on Thursday, August 22nd. They issued a market perform rating and a $35.00 price objective for the company. Five analysts have 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.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $26.79.

Insider Transactions at Palantir Technologies

In related news, Director Eric H. Woersching sold 3,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, June 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $26.00, for a total value of $78,000.00. Following the transaction, the director now owns 32,843 shares in the company, valued at approximately $853,918. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In other news, Director Lauren Elaina Friedman Stat sold 2,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, July 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $28.97, for a total value of $57,940.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 69,039 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,000,059.83. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, Director Eric H. Woersching sold 3,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, June 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $26.00, for a total transaction of $78,000.00. Following the transaction, the director now owns 32,843 shares in the company, valued at $853,918. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last quarter, insiders sold 698,649 shares of company stock worth $21,453,996. Company insiders own 12.93% of the companys stock.

Palantir Technologies Trading Up 0.4 %

Shares of NYSE PLTR opened at $34.75 on Wednesday. The stock has a market cap of $77.38 billion, a P/E ratio of 289.58, a P/E/G ratio of 5.35 and a beta of 2.72. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $29.16 and a two-hundred day moving average of $25.27. Palantir Technologies Inc. has a twelve month low of $13.68 and a twelve month high of $35.20.

Palantir Technologies (NYSE:PLTR  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Monday, August 5th. The company reported $0.03 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.04 by ($0.01). Palantir Technologies had a return on equity of 8.88% and a net margin of 16.32%. The business had revenue of $678.13 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $653.23 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $0.01 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 27.2% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, research analysts predict that Palantir Technologies Inc. will post 0.19 earnings per share for the current year.

About Palantir Technologies

(Free Report)

Palantir Technologies Inc builds and deploys software platforms for the intelligence community to assist in counterterrorism investigations and operations in the United States, the United Kingdom, and internationally. The company provides Palantir Gotham, a software platform which enables users to identify patterns hidden deep within datasets, ranging from signals intelligence sources to reports from confidential informants, as well as facilitates the handoff between analysts and operational users, helping operators plan and execute real-world responses to threats that have been identified within the platform.

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Tsingtao Brewery Company Limited (OTCMKTS:TSGTY  Get Free Report)s share price reached a new 52-week low during trading on Wednesday . The company traded as low as $26.00 and last traded at $26.60, with a volume of 1720 shares. The stock had previously closed at $27.35.

Tsingtao Brewery Stock Down 2.7 %

The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $30.65 and a 200 day simple moving average of $33.69.

Tsingtao Brewery Company Profile

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Tsingtao Brewery Company Limited, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the production, distribution, wholesale, and retail sale of beer products worldwide. It operates through seven segments: Shandong Region; South China Region; North China Region; East China Region; Southeast China Region; Hong Kong, Macau and Other Overseas Region; and Finance Company.

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Wellington Shields & Co. LLC boosted its position in Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE  Free Report) by 5.0% during the 2nd quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The fund owned 77,794 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after buying an additional 3,707 shares during the quarter. Pfizer comprises 0.7% of Wellington Shields & Co. LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 27th largest holding. Wellington Shields & Co. LLCs holdings in Pfizer were worth $2,177,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. Cantor Fitzgerald Investment Advisors L.P. bought a new stake in Pfizer during the 4th quarter worth approximately $16,166,000. LGT Group Foundation lifted its holdings in Pfizer by 2.5% during the 2nd quarter. LGT Group Foundation now owns 742,875 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $20,786,000 after purchasing an additional 18,274 shares during the last quarter. First Heartland Consultants Inc. grew its stake in Pfizer by 43.3% in the 4th quarter. First Heartland Consultants Inc. now owns 13,013 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $375,000 after buying an additional 3,933 shares during the last quarter. ORG Partners LLC increased its stake in shares of Pfizer by 1,729.9% during the second quarter. ORG Partners LLC now owns 47,028 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $1,327,000 after purchasing an additional 44,458 shares during the period. Finally, Kempner Capital Management Inc. bought a new position in Pfizer during the 1st quarter worth $2,439,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 68.36% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

PFE has been the subject of several recent research reports. StockNews.com upgraded Pfizer from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, August 1st. Daiwa Capital Markets raised shares of Pfizer from a neutral rating to an outperform rating and boosted their target price for the stock from $28.00 to $34.00 in a research note on Wednesday, August 7th. Barclays upped their price objective on Pfizer from $30.00 to $32.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 31st. Wells Fargo & Company upped their price target on Pfizer from $28.00 to $30.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 31st. Finally, UBS Group increased their price objective on shares of Pfizer from $30.00 to $31.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research 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 assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $34.54.

Pfizer Trading Up 1.1 %

Pfizer stock opened at $29.74 on Wednesday. The company has a current ratio of 0.86, a quick ratio of 0.60 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.65. Pfizer Inc. has a 12-month low of $25.20 and a 12-month high of $34.62. The firm has a market capitalization of $168.50 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -495.58, a P/E/G ratio of 1.00 and a beta of 0.68. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $29.12 and a 200 day moving average of $28.08.

Pfizer (NYSE:PFE  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, July 30th. The biopharmaceutical company reported $0.60 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.46 by $0.14. Pfizer had a positive return on equity of 8.42% and a negative net margin of 4.66%. The company had revenue of $13.28 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $12.96 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $0.67 EPS. The firms revenue was up 2.1% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, research analysts predict that Pfizer Inc. will post 2.66 earnings per share for the current year.

Pfizer Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, September 3rd. Investors of record on Friday, July 26th were paid a dividend of $0.42 per share. This represents a $1.68 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 5.65%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, July 26th. Pfizers payout ratio is -2,800.00%.

About Pfizer

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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.

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Wellington Shields & Co. LLC increased its holdings in shares of Eaton Co. plc (NYSE:ETN  Free Report) by 49.1% during the second quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 2,050 shares of the industrial products companys stock after acquiring an additional 675 shares during the quarter. Wellington Shields & Co. LLCs holdings in Eaton were worth $643,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the business. LifeSteps Financial Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Eaton in the first quarter valued at $25,000. Atwood & Palmer Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Eaton by 142.9% during the 1st quarter. Atwood & Palmer Inc. now owns 85 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $27,000 after buying an additional 50 shares during the period. Clear Investment Research LLC acquired a new position in Eaton in the 4th quarter valued at about $29,000. Proffitt & Goodson Inc. acquired a new stake in Eaton during the second quarter worth approximately $29,000. Finally, Redmont Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of Eaton during the first quarter worth approximately $33,000. Institutional investors own 82.97% of the companys stock.

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Insider Activity at Eaton

In other Eaton news, Director Karenann K. Terrell purchased 500 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, August 21st. The stock was purchased at an average cost of $298.97 per share, for a total transaction of $149,485.00. Following the transaction, the director now owns 500 shares in the company, valued at approximately $149,485. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In other news, Director Dorothy C. Thompson acquired 2,205 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, September 3rd. The stock was bought at an average cost of $300.30 per share, for a total transaction of $662,161.50. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 2,205 shares in the company, valued at approximately $662,161.50. The acquisition was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, Director Karenann K. Terrell bought 500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, August 21st. The stock was purchased at an average price of $298.97 per share, for a total transaction of $149,485.00. Following the acquisition, the director now owns 500 shares of the companys stock, valued at $149,485. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 52,511 shares of company stock worth $15,809,326 in the last quarter. 0.53% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several research firms recently weighed in on ETN. Raymond James dropped their price target on Eaton from $375.00 to $365.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Monday. Wells Fargo & Company reduced their target price on shares of Eaton from $320.00 to $315.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research report on Friday, August 2nd. Barclays raised their price target on shares of Eaton from $318.00 to $319.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Friday, August 2nd. Wolfe Research raised shares of Eaton from an underperform rating to a peer perform rating in a report on Friday, September 6th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group raised their target price on shares of Eaton from $370.00 to $385.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Thursday, July 11th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and fourteen have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Eaton presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $335.18.

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Eaton Price Performance

ETN stock opened at $288.30 on Wednesday. The stock has a market cap of $115.26 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 34.04, a P/E/G ratio of 2.19 and a beta of 1.01. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.44, a current ratio of 1.56 and a quick ratio of 1.07. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $301.53 and a 200 day simple moving average of $311.47. Eaton Co. plc has a 1 year low of $191.82 and a 1 year high of $345.19.

Eaton (NYSE:ETN  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, August 1st. The industrial products company reported $2.73 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.61 by $0.12. The company had revenue of $6.35 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $6.35 billion. Eaton had a return on equity of 21.45% and a net margin of 15.12%. Research analysts anticipate that Eaton Co. plc will post 10.74 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Eaton Dividend Announcement

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, August 23rd. Stockholders of record on Monday, August 5th were paid a $0.94 dividend. This represents a $3.76 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.30%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, August 5th. Eatons dividend payout ratio is currently 44.39%.

Eaton Company Profile

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Eaton Corporation plc operates as a power management company worldwide. The company's Electrical Americas and Electrical Global segment provides electrical components, industrial components, power distribution and assemblies, residential products, single and three phase power quality and connectivity products, wiring devices, circuit protection products, utility power distribution products, power reliability equipment, and services, as well as hazardous duty electrical equipment, emergency lighting, fire detection, explosion-proof instrumentation, and structural support systems.

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On September 10, US Ambassador to Georgia Robin Dunnigan addressed the disinformation regarding Western assistance in Georgia and provided concrete examples of the benefits foreign aid brings to the country. Speaking at the opening ceremony of a new American Corner in Batumi, Dunnigan highlighted recent projects initiated by the US Embassy to support the local population.The Ambassador emphasized that, in just the past two days, the US Embassy had launched four projects in Batumi aimed at assisting the community in agricultural development, English education, support for people with disabilities, and cultural activities.Dunnigan used these examples to counter the disinformation that has circulated in recent months, particularly concerning the foreign influence law and the role of foreign assistance in Georgia. She stated, "There's been a lot of disinformation over the last several months, including around the foreign influence law, about what foreign assistance does. And these [projects in Batumi] are examples of where our foreign assistance goes [in Georgia] to help Georgians."The Ambassador further explained the positive impact of US aid, highlighting its role in helping people with disabilities, supporting Georgian youth in learning English, and preserving and celebrating Georgian culture. "This is what our assistance is doing. So, it's positive, it's working together with Georgia. it is really a positive thing, not a negative thing," Dunnigan concluded.On September 10, the Defense Ministers of Georgia, Turkey, and Azerbaijan convened for a trilateral Defense Ministerial meeting in Batumi. As part of this gathering, Georgian Defense Minister Irakli Chikovani held bilateral meetings with the Defense Ministers of Azerbaijan, Zakir Hasanov, and Turkey, Yasar Guler.During the meeting between Georgian Defense Minister Chikovani and his Azerbaijani counterpart, the two leaders discussed the significance of fostering friendly relations between neighboring countries, as well as maintaining peace and stability in the region. According to a press release from the Georgian Defense Ministry, the discussions also covered various aspects of defense cooperation, including military education.In the bilateral meeting with Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler, Chikovani expressed his gratitude for Turkey's unwavering support of Georgia's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and NATO integration efforts. The conversation further delved into issues of bilateral cooperation, focusing on military training opportunities, financial and material-technical assistance, and joint participation in international training exercises.Additionally, Turkey's contribution to the implementation of the Substantial NATO-Georgia Package (SNGP) initiative was highlighted during the talks, as noted in the Georgian Defense Ministry's press release.
The new Toyota Land Cruiser 250, which replaced the Prado, showed a new style for the company's SUVs. Another SUV with this appearance is being prepared - the Toyota Land Cruiser FJ - which will be comparable to the RAV4 crossover in terms of price.

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The car is being prepared for the premiere, which will take place by the end of 2024. This car has been awaited for a long time. The new Toyota FJ SUV will be the most affordable model in the Land Cruiser lineup. The latest details are reported by Carsguide. The small Toyota Land Cruiser is expected to hit the market in 2025.

The car will be the successor to the Toyota FJ Cruiser, which was discontinued about 10 years ago. Earlier, it was assumed that the inexpensive SUV would be called Land Hopper (this name was recently patented). But in the end, this name went to an electric scooter.

Insiders report that the new car will have a 2.7-liter gasoline engine with 163 hp and a 222 hp hybrid variant. The price of the Toyota Land Cruiser FJ is about $30,000 for the base variant, which is comparable to the RAV4.

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It is obvious that Toyota wants to turn the Land Cruiser line into an image sub-brand, as Land Rover did with the Range Rover models - it all started with one car, and now there are four in the lineup.
Russia has reported a drone attack on the Murmansk region, where the "Olenya" military airfield is located. In connection with the threat, the "Carpet" plan was introduced at two airports in the region in the cities of Murmansk and Apatity.

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This was reported by Russian Telegram channels. It is noted that three unidentified drones were spotted near Severomorsk, after which flights were restricted throughout the Kola Peninsula.

Severomorsk is the main base of the Russian Northern Fleet, and the "Olenya" airfield is also located in the region. An air alert was declared in Murmansk.

The governor of the region, Andrey Chibis, also confirmed the information about the drone attack.

"All necessary measures to improve security are being taken. Air defense is working to destroy enemy drones," Chibis said.

He later said that all three drones had allegedly been shot down.

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What is known about the "Olenya" airfield?

The "Olenya" airfield, located on the Kola Peninsula, 92 kilometers south of Murmansk, near Olenegorsk, is a long-range aviation base. Strategic bombers are stationed at this airbase.

This Russian airfield is located about 1,788 kilometers from Ukraine's northern border. Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Russia has used aircraft from this airfield to launch X-101/X-555 cruise missiles and "Kinzhals" at Ukraine.

It should be noted that on July 27, the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine conducted a successful drone strike on the airfield, hitting a TU-22M3 bomber. On July 30, 2024, it became known that two strategic bombers were damaged during the attack, and their recovery would take a long time.

As a reminder, in Russia, due to the drone attack that began on the night of September 10, Vnukovo and Domodedovo airports in Moscow, as well as Zhukovsky airport in the Moscow region, were temporarily shut down. They did not accept airplanes and did not send flights according to the schedule.

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Earlier, OBOZ.UA reported that on the night of September 10, drones attacked several regions in Russia. Explosions and air defense were recorded in Bryansk, Lipetsk, Tula, Kaluga, and Moscow regions. In the latter, the town of Ramenskoye was damaged, with Russian media reporting that two high-rise buildings were hit and a "9-year-old boy" who later turned into a "46-year-old woman" was killed.

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The EU Court of Justice refused to lift European sanctions against Russian oligarchs Gennady Timchenko, Mikhail Fridman, Pyotr Aven, and German Khan, confirming their financial support for the Russian government. Also, the National Settlement Depository of Russia (NSD) remained under sanctions, which blocked the assets of Russian investors worth 70 billion euros.

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This was reported by Radio Liberty with reference to the decision of the EU Court of Justice, which was announced on September 11. As stated in the decision, these businessmen provide significant material or financial support to the Russian government, thereby contributing to its ability to continue the war against Ukraine.

For example, Gennady Timchenko, often referred to as Putin's "chief treasurer," argued in court that his close relationship with the Russian president did not indicate support for the war. However, EU Council lawyers pointed to his ties to "Rossiya" Bank, which plays a key role in financing government projects and supporting the Russian economy. Such ties, the Council of the EU emphasized, have a direct impact on the government's ability to continue its aggressive actions in Ukraine.

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In addition to the oligarchs, the court also rejected an attempt by Russia's National Settlement Depository to lift European sanctions. NSD is the main custodian of Russian securities and a key element in the functioning of the Russian financial market. The court's decision states that NSD's activities are of significant value to the Russian government and the Central Bank, providing them with financial resources to support operations that destabilize the situation in Ukraine.

The sanctions were imposed in the summer of 2022 and were a disaster for Russian investors, whose investments in foreign stocks and bonds were frozen. NSD tried to prove that the sanctions were unlawful and violated the rights of asset holders, but the court rejected the claim. The court argued that the restrictive measures did not directly affect NSD's clients and the depository has no right to challenge decisions on investor ownership.

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The EU justified the sanctions by saying that NSD is the largest depository in Russia with access to the international financial system. The sanctions also affected the Moscow Exchange and other companies in its group.

This decision is of strategic importance, as financial institutions such as NSD ensure not only the functioning of the market but also the stability of the Russian economy, which is important for the government under sanctions pressure. Blocking NSD's access to European markets and financial systems makes it difficult for the Russian economy to attract foreign investment and conduct financial transactions with European partners.

Attempts to challenge the sanctions in court have been unsuccessful for most influential Russian businessmen. The oligarchs, including Friedman, Aven, and Khan, failed to convince the European authorities that they were not involved in supporting Russia's war in Ukraine. They tried to prove that their activities had nothing to do with the actions of the Russian government or the war. However, the EU Council emphasized that financial support from these oligarchs, even indirectly, makes them complicit in the aggression.

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At the same time, the sanctions require these oligarchs to declare their assets and cooperate with the competent EU authorities, which further limits their ability to do business in the EU. Despite the overall success of the EU's sanctions policy, some Russians still manage to challenge the restrictions through the courts.

On September 11, the EU Court of Justice removed two Russians from the sanctions lists  Nikita Mazepin (son of billionaire Dmitry Mazepin) and Violeta Prigozhina, mother of Yevgeny Prigozhin, founder of the Wagner PMC. Mazepin managed to prove in court that his economic ties with his father, on which the sanctions were based, were not sufficiently substantiated. Violeta Prigozhina was also able to prove that she had not been a co-owner of her son's business since 2017, which allowed her to avoid sanctions.

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Similar cases have already occurred. For example, sanctions were lifted against Yandex founder Arkady Volozh and businessman Sergey Mndoyants. However, such exceptions remain rare and mostly relate to cases where the sanctions have already expired or where the court has not been provided with sufficient evidence of the individuals' links to the Russian government.

The Council of the EU reviews and extends sanctions every six months, which allows the sanctions lists to be kept up-to-date and adapted to new circumstances. The sanctions apply not only to politicians and the military but also to companies and individuals who help the Russian state to function during the war.

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Cinema is an integral and important part of contemporary culture. However, it is undeniable that it also influences public attitudes, beliefs, etc.

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Recently, a trailer for The Apprentice, a movie about former US President and current candidate Donald Trump, was released online. The movie promises to be very provocative and frank.

Release date

The release date of the provocative film is scheduled for October 11. This is 24 days before the US presidential election, in which Trump is running.

It is worth noting that last week, a fundraising campaign was launched on Kickstarter to "keep the film in as many theaters as possible for as long as possible."

Preparing for the premiere

The premiere of The Apprentice has already sparked a lot of discussion in media and political circles. The film was first shown at the Cannes Film Festival, where it received an eight-minute standing ovation. However, the film faced difficulties in finding a distributor in the United States.

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Many major film companies, such as Sony, Netflix, and Prime Video, turned down the film due to its controversial nature. In addition, representatives of the Trump campaign threatened legal action, calling the film "pure fiction."

Trailer highlights

The Apprentice centers on young Donald Trump, played by actor Sebastian Stan.

The trailer shows several key scenes where a young up-and-coming politician seeks the advice of renowned lawyer and politician Cohn, who gives him a series of recommendations for success. One of his most famous quotes is: "No matter what happens, you always claim victory and never admit defeat."

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The trailer also offers several striking scenes, such as the moment when Trump teases his famous hairstyle, or the scene of his wedding to his first wife, Ivanka Trump.

In addition, viewers will see a moment from the scandalous scene about the main character's liposuction and hints of a story about domestic violence, etc.

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SpaceX' s Polaris Dawn mission, which launched into space yesterday (September 10), broke Gemini 11's record in 1966. The crew of four amateur astronauts reached an unprecedented altitude for an orbit around the Earth - more than 1,400 kilometers.

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According to the commander of Polaris Dawn and its sponsor billionaire Jared Isaacman, this is the greatest distance humans have traveled since the last time they visited the moon more than 50 years ago, writes Space.com. And that's not all the records that the intrepid Polaris Dawn astronauts have accomplished and plan to accomplish, CNN details .

Record-breaking mission

Polaris Dawn is the first-ever private spacewalk with four amateur astronauts.

The mission participants, aboard SpaceX's Dragon "Resilience" spacecraft, reached the record-breaking distance about 15 hours after liftoff from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

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The astronauts climbed into an elliptical orbit with an apogee altitude of 1,400.7 kilometers, experts said. They also circled the planet about eight times in an initial orbit of 306 by 1,930 kilometers.

Scientists note that the crew's maximum altitude more than doubled the maximum altitude reached by NASA's space shuttle during the Hubble Space Telescope deployment in 1990. And it also surpassed the preliminary record of 1,373 kilometers for a crewed spacecraft orbiting Earth, achieved by NASA's Gemini 11 mission in 1966.

"This is the greatest distance humans have traveled since they last walked on the moon more than 50 years ago," said Polaris Dawn commander and sponsor Jared Isaacman.

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SpaceX emphasizes that the high flight was not just a stunt to get into the record books, but to gather more data on the effects of the space environment on spacecraft systems and the human body. The astronauts passed through the radiation portions of the Van Allen belt, which is the zones of energetic charged particles that surround Earth and shield it from most of the sun's radiation and cosmic rays.

The data collected will help SpaceX improve its future space transportation structure, because radiation can interfere with spacecraft systems. Experts note that Polaris Dawn is the first time touchscreens and other advanced digital displays have been exposed to this level of radiation during a mission.

Polaris Dawn will also go down in spaceflight history due to the fact that the two female crew members Sarah Gillis and Anna Manon will go deeper into the void of space than any women have gone before. After all, all of the Apollo astronauts were men.

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"Two of my crew members, Sarah and Anna, will be women who have traveled farther from Earth in history, which I think is pretty cool," Isaacman added.

Another highlight of Polaris Dawn will be a spacewalk by Jared Isaacman and Sarah Gillis, scheduled for Day 3 of the mission (Sept. 13). The astronauts will try out new spacesuits in the vacuum of space.

During the five-day journey, the astronauts will conduct 40 science experiments before the SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule returns back to Earth.

Polaris Dawn crew members

Unlike the other members of Polaris Dawn, billionaire entrepreneur Jared Isaacman has already been in orbit in September 2021 as part of SpaceX's Inspiration4 mission. However, Polaris Dawn is the first of three planned missions in the Polaris program that Isaacman is funding. Jared emphasizes that these missions aimed at testing new technologies that can help achieve the great goal of Ilon Musk and all of SpaceX - to see how humans live and work on other planets.

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As one of the initiators of the Polaris Dawn mission, Isaacman was involved in selecting the crew members traveling with him.

The pilot for the mission was a longtime friend of Jared's, a former United States Air Force pilot. hours of experience flying jet and experimental aircraft.

Jared Isaacman met Anna Menon during the Inspiration4 mission, where she was a technical advisor to the crew's family members.

Menon, who is an engineer at SpaceX, admitted that she had dreamed of being in space since the fourth grade, when she visited the Johnson Space Center in Houston. Therefore, the girl did not hesitate for a second when Jared offered to join the young team of astronauts.

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The fourth crew member is also a SpaceX engineer - Sarah Gillis. During her career at SpaceX, where she's been working for nearly a decade, Gillis helped develop Crew Dragon's operational process and has been close to human spaceflight. Sarah also trained the Inspiration4 crew for the 2021 mission, and she's seen firsthand how spaceflight can cause harm and discomfort to humans in space. Because she really wanted to feel this experience on herself.

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To help registering complaints the East Burdwan residents may not need to visit any police station anymore. Instead, the victims would require just to click Bharosa, an android app.

Bharosa, as the SP, East Burdwan, Amandeep Singh explained, Is designed with an user-friendly interface and easy to handle it at the time of need. We urge people to download this in the play-store on their phones to look forward towards a hassle-free registration of complaints.

The app, as the SP claimed, Would facilitate the locals, including the elderly and the women, to put their complaints and grievances very easily. They wont require to travel to the PS and this will reduce their time and travelling expenses, too. A group of senior police officers including the SP himself would be monitoring the complaints loaded in the app daily. The complainant, as the officials said, would be able to review the status of his complaint, too.

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The app, however, registered its first complaint lodged by one Sumit Kumar of Burdwan, who registered his grievance against the alleged harassment caused by the traffic police in Burdwan town.

The police on Saturday kicked off special self-defense training for the women, which is based on Krav Maga, an Israeli self-defense system. So far, 130 women have joined the bi-weekly training, a senior official said.
Chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday reached out to agitating junior doctors, inviting them to the state secretariat at Nabanna for a meeting to resolve the impasse amid their ongoing protest over the R G Kar issue, but they did not turn up, Chandrima Bhattacharya, minister of state for health, said. The state government supports the reasons behind the agitation of the junior doctors and thats why the chief minister was waiting for their representatives at Nabanna till 7.30 pm to discuss their demands but they didnt come. The chief minister left for the day.

The principal secretary of the health department sent them an email around 6.10 asking them to send a 10-member delegation to Nabanna for talks but they didnt respond, Mrs Bhattacharya told reporters at the state secretariat this evening. The striking junior doctors on Tuesday continued their stir, declining to comply with an order of the Supreme Court asking them to resume duties by 5 p.m today. The junior doctors are staging a dharna outside the Swasthya Bhavan in Salt Lake demanding the removal of the state health secretary Mr NS Nigam and the Director of Medical Education and other senior officials of the state health department. They said they received an email from the health secretary, but it was not positive in terms of their charter of demands.

Mrs Bhattacharya also said only Miss Banerjee will speak to the media on the current events that are taking place following the rape and murder of a junior doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on 9 August. Mrs Bhattacharya also informed the media that the state Cabinet, at a meeting today chaired by Miss Banerjee, decided to set up five more POCSO courts in Bengal. Mrs Bhattacharya said the decision was taken as the state government is determined to ensure speedy trial and conviction of the culprits involved in abuse and molestation of girls. Already, there are 62 POCSO courts in the state. The work to set up the additional POSCO courts will start immediately. There are 6 e-POSCO courts in the state.

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A five-member disciplinary action committee (DAC) at North Bengal Medical College and Hospital (NBMC&H) has recommended stringent actions against 12 individuals, including senior officials, house staff, postgraduate trainees and other students, following protests against threat culture here related to the recent R G Kar Medical College incident.

In response to the protests, NBMC&H authorities formed the committee, led by medical superintendent and vice-principal Dr Sanjay Mallick. Yesterday, the committee submitted its report, prompting a meeting of the college council, which resolved to forward the DACs recommendations to the director of medical education (DME) for approval and implementation.

The protests, supported by hundreds of students and junior doctors, forced Dr Sandeep Sengupta to tender his resignation following massive allegations against him in his role as the dean of student affairs.

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The DAC has now recommended Dr Anupam Nath Gupta, head of the department of pharmacology, to replace Dr Sengupta as the new dean Dr Indrajit Saha confirmed that Dr Guptas name has been submitted to the DME for approval.

Protesters have accused the previous administration of creating a hostile environment on campus, alleging that Dr Sengupta had the backing of the Trinamul Congress, which intensified the unrest.

In addition to recommending a new dean, the DAC has proposed the formation of an anti-ragging council, chaired by Dr Bidyut Kumar Goswami, head of the pathology department, to address safety concerns and improve campus culture.

The committee has also recommended disciplinary actions against several students. The DAC suggested the termination of house staff positions for Saheen Sarkar, Sahinul Islam, and Riturambha Sarkar due to serious misconduct. Another student, Soham Mondal, faces termination for allegedly manipulating exam marks.

Furthermore, students Aritra Roy, Tirthankar Roy, Joy Lakhra, Sreeja Karmakar, and Aishee Chakrabarty have been barred from participating in academic activities, including examinations, due to their involvement in alleged irregularities.

We have forwarded the DACs recommendations to the DME, Principal Dr Saha said.

Former dean Dr Sandeep Sengupta, along with Sudipta Sil and Neelabjo Ghose, has been instructed to take a leave of absence. Principal Dr Saha noted that while the college cannot take direct action against top government officials like Dr Sengupta, the DACs decision has been forwarded to higher authorities for their consideration.

The DAC has also called for a rechecking of answer sheets for students who received honours, amid allegations that their marks were influenced by the Trinamul Chhatra Parishad.

In a separate development, allegations were also made against principal Dr Indrajit Saha, with a section of the protesters demanding his resignation.

Addressing the accusation, Dr Saha said, The allegation against me has been forwarded to the concerned authorities, and I have requested an inquiry.

The DACs recommendations are seen as part of a broader effort to restore order and transparency at NBMC&H as the institution continues to address the fallout from the protests and ongoing controversies.

In a related move, the medical college authorities have declared the Trinamul Chhatra Parishad-led student union unauthorized, citing that it was not an elected body.
This year's Toronto International Film Festival has been scandalized by the screening of Russians at War, a film by Russian director Anastasia Trofimova about Russian occupiers as "ordinary people in unusual circumstances." After mass protests and an official appeal from the Ukrainian government, the Canadian public broadcaster TVO canceled the broadcast of the propaganda film, but there is one big caveat: it will still be shown at the festival.

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The relevant statement was published on the TVO website. However, the broadcaster's decision applies only to the screening on television, as the Canadian government allocated 340,000 Canadian dollars for the filming of Russians at War.

"We have listened to the Ukrainian Canadian community and their thoughtful and sincere input. TVO's Board of Directors has decided to respect the feedback we have received, and TVO will no longer support or broadcast the film Russians at War. TVO will review how we fund this project and how we use our brand," said Chris Day, Chairman of the Board of Directors of TVO.

The premiere of Trofimova's propaganda film for journalists took place on Tuesday, September 10, and the general screening was scheduled for Friday, September 13. The broadcaster's statement suggests that the broadcast was supposed to be canceled that day. However, looking at the festival's poster, one can see that Russians at War has not been removed from the scheduled screenings - it will still be available to the general public at the festival. Moreover, it will be broadcast over three days: from Friday to Sunday.

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The Canadian public broadcaster has decided to cancel the broadcast of the controversial film on television after massive public protests outside the Scotiabank theater in Toronto, where a closed-door screening for journalists was taking place. Yesterday, Ukrainians took to the streets with posters reading "Russians are murderers and rapists" and "Help TIFF find Russian propaganda."

Before that, the Ukrainian government asked to cancel the screening. "This film presents a very distorted picture of reality, spreading false narratives. It is similar to the way Nazi propaganda films were shown in theaters of the coalition countries during World War II," the letter read.

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The distribution of the film, which aims to "whiten" the reputation of the occupiers and destroy "stereotypical impressions" of them, also caused outrage among representatives of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress. In particular, the director Anastasia Trofimova probably did not have permission to visit the territories of Ukraine that are currently under occupation by the enemy army.

"If this is true, she has illegally crossed the internationally recognized Ukrainian-Russian border, violated Ukrainian law and possibly violated Canadian sanctions," the Ukrainian Canadian Congress noted.

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Earlier, OBOZ.UA wrote that the film "Russians at War" has already been shown at the Venice Film Festival in Italy. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine condemned the premiere of the pro-Russian film and noted that its demonstration is offensive to the victims of the war unleashed by Russia on Ukrainian soil.

Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Leader of Opposition in the Assembly Suvendu Adhikari, today voiced his support for the ongoing agitation by junior doctors demanding justice for the R G Kar Medical College rape-murder victim.

Speaking to reporters at Bagdogra airport, Mr Adhikari emphasised the capability of the medical professionals to continue their protests independently.

There is no need to advise them on how to proceed with their agitation. They are fully competent in formulating their strategies, as demonstrated by their month-long protest, Mr Adhikari stated. He added, I met them on my way to Kolkata airport to congratulate them on the decisions they adopted last night.

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In a sharp attack on chief minister Mamata Banerjee, Mr Adhikari questioned her authority over the ongoing movement. Who is she to decide what resolutions the doctors and junior doctors should adopt? She is a minority chief minister, rejected by 54 per cent of the people in the last Lok Sabha polls. The Trinamul Congress won with 45.67 per cent of the vote, aided by the police and the minority community. She remains a minority leader, he said.

Regarding allegations of corruption at North Bengal Medical College and Hospital (NBMC&H), Mr Adhikari accused certain officials of financial irregularities. Sandip Ghosh and his associates bought hospital beds for Rs 30,000 each, instead of Rs 8,000. The same situation exists in NBMC&H. Both education and food departments have seen officials jailed. Now, its time for the health department to face the same fate, he remarked.

Mr Adhikari was on his way to Mathabhanga in Cooch Behar, while former Union minister of state for home affairs Nisith Pramanik led a protest rally against the Trinamul Congress. The protest came after a group of artists, who had taken to the streets demanding justice for Abhaya, were allegedly attacked by TMC-backed individuals. Mr Pramanik called for the chief ministers resignation in the aftermath of the attack.

Meanwhile, BJPs Siliguri district unit held a sit-in demonstration at Hasmi Chowk in Siliguri, demanding justice for the R G Kar victim and the resignation of the CM. Darjeeling MP Raju Bista also participated in the demonstration.
The Engineers India Ltd (EIL) on Wednesday said in the fiscal year 2023-24, it has advanced its global footprint and project portfolio.

Vartika Shukla, Chairman & Managing Director EIL (Engineers India Ltd), along with the functional directors addressed the media to share EILs Growth Strategy, Business Outlook and Future Roadmap.

Addressing the media, Shukla said the commissioning of the Dangote Oil Refinery Project in Nigeria, a $20 billion venture reflects the companys pivotal role in advancing the Local to Global vision articulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

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Further, the company is providing PMC services for a 1.5 MMTPA refinery in Mongolia financed by a Line of Credit from the Indian government, a testament of EILs capabilities to handle complex project in harsh climatic conditions like Mongolia, she informed.

EIL is also providing FEED and PMC services for the NHT-CCR Reforming Unit at Arzew Refinery in Algeria and is contributing to the modernization of Bahrains refining sector through the design package preparation for a desalination plant. In Kuwait, EIL is a consultant for the FEED and ITB preparation for revamping the existing AGRP-1 Unit at MAA Refinery, Shukla said.

EIL continues to strengthen its presence in Guyana by providing consultancy services for the Integrated NGL Plant as well as 300 MW CCGT Power Plant and has also expanded its reach in the Middle East with several critical projects for ADNOC and other clients, she said.

She informed that for the fiscal year under review, the organizations turnover amounted to Rs 3,232 crore in which the Consultancy and Engineering segment contributed Rs 1,454 crore, while the Turnkey segment delivered Rs 1,778 crore.

The Profit After Tax (PAT) increased to Rs 357 crore from Rs 342 crore and the Earnings Per Share rose to Rs 6.35, up from Rs 6.09, underscoring the enhanced value that the company generates for its shareholders.

It is worth noting that the consolidated profit for FY 2023-24 surged to Rs 445 crore, marking a 29 per cent rise from the Rs 346 crore achieved in the previous year. This growth is indicative of our strong performance and our adeptness at capitalising on opportunities, she said.
Over the years, Aparshakti Khurana has established himself in the film industry. After making his debut in Aamir Khans blockbuster Dangal, the actor has delivered a variety of roles, showcasing his diverse range. Ahead of the release of his upcoming film Berlin, Aparshakti reveals that during the trailer launch of one of the films he starred in, the lead actor prevented him from taking the stage.

In an interview with Lallantop, Aparshakti Khurana and Rahul Bose shared their experiences with power dynamics. Rahul Bose took the lead, revealing that on the set of his debut film, he was not provided with a chair. Since then, he has carried his own personal chair to every film set.

Also Read: Stree 2: Director Amar Kaushik reacts to Aparshakti Khuranas credits remark

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Responding to this, Aparshakti recounted an incident that occurred at a films trailer launch. He said, Badi ajeeb cheezein sabke saath ho rakhi hain. (A lot of weird things have happened to each one of us). Without naming the actor, I did a film, and touchwood, it was such an amazing set. We had a great time, everyone performed very well, and it was a well-made film. Everyone saw the film before the trailer launch and liked it a lot. Three minutes before the trailer launch, the actor told the producer, Apar should not be on the stage. You can call all the other actors. I flew all the way from Amritsar just for the trailer launch.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by HT City Showstoppers (@htcityshowstoppers)

Adding further, the Jubilee actor turned to Rahul and said, You know how much I love to dress up in different colors. I was standing right there; they called everybody. Suddenly a PR person came and said, There is a last-minute change; we will do a separate introduction. I waited 10 minutes, 15 minutes, 20 minutes, 30 minutes, and the entire trailer launch was over and people had left.

Aparshakti Khurana was last seen in the blockbuster Stree alongside Shraddha Kapoor, Rajkumar Rao, Pankaj Tripathi, and Abhishek Banerjee. His next film, Berlin, will be released on September 13 on Zee5. Alongside Aparshakti, it stars Ishwak Singh, Rahul Bose, Anupriya Goenka, and Kabir Bedi in pivotal roles.
In a tragic turn of events, Bollywood actress Malaika Arora is facing immense grief following the death of her father, Anil Arora. The 70-year-old Anil Arora reportedly took his own life early this morning by jumping from the seventh floor of his Bandra residence in Mumbai.

Authorities are currently investigating the incident, which has shocked fans and well-wishers alike. The police have sent Anil Aroras body for a post-mortem examination as they investigate the circumstances surrounding his death.

Anil Aroras sudden death has brought a wave of support and concern for Malaika Arora, who has been prominent in the Indian film industry. Alongside her ex-husband, actor Arbaaz Khan, who has been seen at her residence, senior police officials are actively looking into the case to understand the reasons behind this heartbreaking incident.

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Malaika Aroras relationship with her father had a lot of complexity, especially following her parents separation when she was just 11 years old. After the divorce, Malaika, along with her mother Joyce Polycarp and sister Amrita, moved to Chembur. Her mother, Joyce, hails from a Malayali Christian background, while her father, Anil, was a Punjabi Hindu from Fazilka, a town near the Indian border. Anil had served in the Indian Merchant Navy before retiring.

(This is a developing story.)
On Tuesday, Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty, accompanied by her husband Raj Kundra and her mother, made a heartfelt visit to the renowned Lalbaugcha Raja pandal in South Mumbai. This visit came shortly after Shetty bid a warm farewell to the Ganpati idol she had welcomed into her home for Ganesh Chaturthi.

Dressed elegantly in a traditional saree and walking barefoot, Shetty was a picture of grace as she approached the pandal. Her husband Raj Kundra matched her traditional attire, also opting to walk barefoot, reflecting the couples deep respect for the occasion.

They carried a large modak to offer to Lord Ganesha. The visit to Lalbaugcha Raja followed a spirited Ganpati visarjan ceremony held on Sunday, where Shilpa Shetty, Raj Kundra, and their daughter Samisha participated in the rituals. The actress was actively involved in performing aarti, playing the drums, and dancing to the lively beats of the dhol.

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Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra, along with their daughter, were seen in matching traditional outfits, amplifying the festive spirit. They were joined by Shilpas sister, Shamita Shetty, who donned a beautiful green ensemble for the occasion.

In a media interaction, Shetty shared her enthusiasm for the festival, saying, We celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi with great excitement. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi to everyonemay Lord Ganesha remove all obstacles and bestow prosperity and success upon us all.

Ganesh Chaturthi, a dynamic ten-day festival that began on September 7, celebrates Lord Ganesha, revered as the God of New Beginnings and the Remover of Obstacles. The festival, also known as Vinayak Chaturthi or Vinayak Chavithi, continues until Anantha Chaturdashi, honoring the deitys wisdom and bringing communities together in joyous celebration.
After Mumbais warm reception, Delhiites extended a hearty welcome to actor Sohum Shah during a special screening of the re-release of Tumbbad. The event was marked by excitement, as Shah greeted fans, posed for pictures, and took the opportunity to thank his supporters for their unwavering enthusiasm.

Fans eagerly gathered to meet Shah, creating a vibrant atmosphere that highlighted the lasting impact of Tumbbad. As the film returns to theaters, its clear that its eerie charm still resonates deeply with audiences. Shah expressed gratitude, acknowledging that their consistent love and support played a key role in the films revival. Despite the screening being two days away from its official release on September 13, over 6,000 tickets have already been sold, signaling the immense anticipation for the film.

Originally released in 2018, Tumbbad is a Hindi-language folk horror film directed by Rahi Anil Barve. It features Anand Gandhi as the creative director and Adesh Prasad as co-director. Mitesh Shah, Adesh Prasad, Barve, and Gandhi wrote the films compelling story. Produced by Sohum Shah, Aanand L. Rai, Mukesh Shah, and Amita Shah, Tumbbad centers around the journey of Vinayak Rao, played by Sohum Shah himself.

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The films haunting narrative, set against a backdrop of mythical folklore and greed, made it an instant hit. Tumbbad garnered critical acclaim for its stunning visuals, meticulously crafted production design, and atmospheric storytelling. It was a standout at the 64th Filmfare Awards, receiving eight nominations. It won three of them for Best Cinematography, Best Art Direction, and Best Sound Design. Moreover, it achieved the distinction of being the first Indian film to have screening in the Critics Week section at the 75th Venice International Film Festival.

Tumbbads eerie, gripping tale continues to capture the imagination of audiences even today. Performances by Jyoti Malshe and Anita Date-Kelkar complement Sohum Shahs portrayal of the dark and mystical world of the film. As the re-release nears, it seems Tumbbads timeless appeal remains undiminished.
Netflixs highly anticipated period film Uprising has released its teaser, hinting at an epic showdown between friends turned foes. Starring Kang Dong Won and Park Jeong Min, the teaser explores the tumultuous times of the Japanese invasion of Korea. In the snippet, the duo, once inseparable friends, become arch-enemies as they battle destiny amidst an era of chaos.

On September 10, Netflix dropped the teaser for their upcoming historical film Uprising. Set in the Joseon era, it depicts how the Imjin War plunged Joseon into chaos. The trailer begins with Jong Ryeo (Park Jeong Min), the son of Joseons most powerful military family, and his servant Cheon Young (Kang Dong Won). They grow up together, nurturing a strong friendship. However, in the aftermath of the war, they face each other as enemies, wielding swords. Exuding fierceness, Jeong Min, dubbed the Blue-Robed God in the film, declares, A dog that bites his master must be put to death.

Also Read: BLACKPINKs Jisoo and Seo In Guk eye leads in Monthly Boyfriend

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During the Imjin War, Jeong Min becomes an officer in King Seon Jos military office, facing the wrath of Dong Won, who joins the Righteous Armya group of commoners fighting the invaders. As Jeong Min stands against the Japanese invaders, instilling fear in their eyes, an enraged Dong Won charges against him due to a past filled with betrayal and lost friendship. Once friends, now foes amidst politics and war, they face an epic showdown.

Catch the trailer here:



Uprising will release on Netflix on October 11. The film boasts an ensemble cast, including Kang Dong Won, Park Jeong Min, Kim Shin Rok, Jin Seon Kyu, Jung Sung Il, and Cha Seung Won. Kim Sang Man has directed the drama. Meanwhile, Park Chan Wook and Shin Chul have co-written the script. Park Chan Wook is renowned for penning blockbusters like Old Boy and The Handmaiden. On the other hand, Shin Chul produced the popular romantic comedy My Sassy Girl.

Given the thrilling storyline, impressive cast, and talented team behind the scenes, fans have high expectations for Uprising.
Days ahead of the first phase of the assembly election in J&K, the Indian Army on Wednesday eliminated two heavily armed terrorists in an ongoing gunfight at Khandara near the Basantgarh area in the Kathua district.

A cache of arms and ammunition was recovered during the operation.

Confirming the killing of two terrorists, the Rising Star Corps of the Indian Army wrote on X; Two terrorists neutralised in the Ongoing Operation at Khandara #Kathua by Troops of Rising Star Corps. Operations in progress.

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The gunfight took place when troops of the first para of the Army along with police moved to Khandara top following information about the presence of a group of terrorists, they said.

The hiding terrorists opened fire on the search parties around 12.50 pm, prompting retaliation by the security forces. Thereafter the Corps said; Troops of #RisingStar Corps established contact with terrorists in general area Khandara #Kathua.

Reinforcements have been rushed to the forest area to neutralise the other hiding terrorists, officials said.

There were reports that at least two more terrorists of the Jaish-e-Mohammad outfit were hiding in the forest area that borders the Udhampur district.

Earlier in the morning, the Border Security Force (BSF) said that one of its personnel was injured in unprovoked firing from Pakistan in the Akhnoor sector of Jammu district, near the International Border.

A BSF spokesman said On 11 September at about 2.35 AM, an incident of unprovoked firing in Akhnoor area from across the border happened and which was befittingly responded by BSF. One BSF personnel sustained injuries in Pak firing. Troops are on high alert.
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) will be hosting the 4th Global Renewable Energy Investors Meet & Expo (RE-INVEST 2024) from September 16 to 18, Minister Pralhad Joshi said.

The event will be held for the first time outside Delhi at the Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. This underscores Governments high priority for accelerating the clean energy sector and advancing our climate goals.

India requires an investment of Rs. 30 Lac Crores to achieve its target of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel installed capacity by 2030, the Minister informed.

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India recognizes the importance of building a green sustainable future for the next generation, and at the core of this lies Prime Ministers vision of Panchamrit and installing 500 GW of non-fossil power by 2030.

This is not a dream but a collective goal that PM Modi has set, he said while addressing a curtain raiser press conference at his residence.

It is pertinent to note that India requires an investment of Rs. 30 Lakh Crores to achieve its target of 500 GW of Renewable Energy by 2030.

I have just come back from Gujarat to oversee the preparations alongwith the senior officials of Gujarat. Preparations are underway and there were detailed discussions on every aspect of the mega event, he said.

Expressing his satisfaction with the progress, Joshi commended the meticulous planning and readiness of the event.

RE-INVEST 2024 will be inaugurated by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on September 16th, with the valedictory session to be presided over by the Vice President, Jagdeep Dhankhar, on the final day.

The three-day conference is anticipated to draw over 10,000 delegates, including influential figures from government, industry, and financial sectors.

The central theme of RE-INVEST 2024 will be the Mission 500 GW, which underscores Indias strategic goal to expand its renewable energy capacity significantly by 2030.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday launched a scathing attack on Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, accusing him and his party of consistently aligning with forces that threaten national unity.

Shahs remarks come in response to statements made by Gandhi during his ongoing visit to the United States, where the Congress leader hinted at the possibility of abolishing reservations in the future.

Shah also criticised Gandhi for allegedly siding with those promoting anti-national agendas. He pointed to the Congress history of supporting the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) and its opposition to the reservation system in Jammu and Kashmir, claiming these actions have repeatedly endangered national security.

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Standing with forces that conspire to divide the country and making anti-national statements has become a habit for Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party, Shah stated.

He added that by speaking about abolishing reservations, Gandhi has once again revealed his partys anti-reservation face, reaffirming the Congresss long-standing stance against affirmative action.

By speaking about abolishing reservations in the country, Rahul Gandhi has once again brought the Congresss anti-reservation face to the forefront. The thoughts that were in his mind eventually found their way out as words, he said.

The Home Minister emphasised that the BJP would ensure that the reservation system remains intact, asserting, As long as the BJP is there, neither can anyone abolish reservations nor can anyone mess with the nations security.

During an interaction at Georgetown University, Gandhi had remarked, We will think of scrapping reservations when India is a fair place. And India is not a fair place.
A team of scientists hung a tracking device on a pregnant shark off the coast of Bermuda. However, after a while, the researchers found their tag floating on the water's surface.

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After analyzing the data from the device, the scientists concluded that the pregnant female had been swallowed by another shark. According to experts, this is the first known case of this type of killing in nature, NBC News reports.

According to scientific data, a bull shark (Lamna nasus) can reach a length of about 4 meters. These large predators patrol the North Atlantic Ocean, as well as parts of the Southern Hemisphere oceans, starting in the Antarctic. Their muscular, streamlined forms and angular spear-like teeth make them formidable predators.

However, there has never been a recorded case of a shark eating its kind. "This is the first documented case of such predation by a sea shark anywhere in the world," said Brooke Anderson, lead author of the study and a marine fisheries biologist with the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality.

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According to the researchers, the pregnant female shark was spotted using a satellite transmitter and a retractable satellite archival tag (PSAT) near Cape Cod. Data from these devices were designed to track the shark's depth and geographic range over time. While the satellite transmitters are permanent, the PSAT tags are designed to detach from the animal one year after recording its movements.

Just weeks before a pregnant great white shark was due to give birth, one of the two tags that marine scientists had placed on the animal floated to the surface near Bermuda. "Something went very wrong," Brooke Anderson immediately suspected the strangeness.

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The data from the found device showed an interesting pattern. For about five months, the depth and temperature information was normal for this species of shark. However, in an instant, the information changed dramatically.

"Suddenly, the temperature spiked even at 600 meters and remained high," Anderson said. The shark's diving pattern also became strange.

"All the data pointed to the same conclusion: it was eaten," Brooke added.

The authors of the study named several possible killers. However, they narrowed down the suspects based on their biology. "It had to be a shark that can raise its body temperature above the surrounding water. It had to be large enough to inflict fatal bites on its relative," the biologist summarized.

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The researchers concluded that the white shark or shortfin mako shark probably swallowed the pregnant female along with the tag. "I'm guessing it was a mature female white shark, probably over 4.5 meters," said Brooke Anderson.

Before this, the researchers had not even thought that sea sharks could become prey.

Experts have determined that the abnormal tag readings are because the device spent several days in the stomach of the killer animal before it was released.

In total, the researchers found and tagged 11 giant sharks over two seasons in the Atlantic. The goal of the team of scientists was to track pregnant sea sharks and find out where these creatures usually swim to give birth.

However, the scientists did not even think that they would reveal the secret of the deep-sea murder.

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!

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Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday expressed his gratitude to Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan for actively participating in the governments efforts to combat rising cybercrimes and help create a cyber-secure India.

Pursuing Modi Jis vision, the Ministry of Home Affairs is resolved to creating a safe cyberspace in the nation. The I4C (Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre) has taken several steps in this direction. I thank Shri Amitabh Bachchan Ji for joining this campaign. Amitabh Bachchan Jis active involvement will further accelerate our mission to build a Cyber-Secure Bharat, Shah wrote on X, sharing a post of Cyber Dost, the Ministry of Home Affairs cyber safety and security awareness handle.

Cyber Dost also highlighted Amitabh Bachchans involvement in the campaign, saying, Supporting PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji and HM Shri Amit Shah Jis vision, the iconic actor Shri Amitabh Bachchan Ji has joined I4Cs campaign to make India cyber secure. You too can join this initiative, stay vigilant against cyber fraud, and contribute to building a Cyber-Secure Bharat.

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In a video message, Amitabh Bachchan emphasised the importance of vigilance against cybercrime.

The rising cases of cybercrime in the country and across the world are a matter of concern. The Home Ministrys Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre is working towards controlling this. With Home Minister Amit Shahs insistence, I joined this campaign, and I want us all to unite against this problem. A bit of caution can protect us from cybercrimes, the Bollywood actor said.

On Tuesday, Amit Shah addressed the first Foundation Day celebrations of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) and launched the Samanvay Platform, a joint cybercrime investigation facility system.

The I4C initiative was approved in October 2018 to address various forms of cybercrime in a comprehensive and coordinated manner.

The government has since undertaken several measures to increase awareness, prevent cybercrime, and enhance law enforcement capacity by issuing cyber alerts, training officials, and improving cyber forensic facilities.
Amidst reports of resentment, social activist and BJP leader Aparna Yadav took charge as vice chairperson of Uttar Pradesh State Womens Commission on Wednesday.

Aparna Yadav, sister-in-law of SP President Akhilesh Yadav was reportedly annoyed for not being appointed as the Chairperson of the Commission.

On this occasion to take charge, Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathaks wife Namrata Pathak was present with her.

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Aparna Yadav also met Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday to express her annoyance.

Last week the UP government had made Babita Chauhan of Agra the chairperson of the commission, Charu Chaudhary of Gorakhpur and Aparna Yadav as vice-chairpersons. After this, both the office bearers took charge but Aparna Yadav did not take charge due to which there were reports of her displeasure with BJP.

Sources say that after breaking ties with SP and joining BJP, Aparna was expecting some big responsibility in the party, but she was unhappy with being made the vice-chairperson of the Commission. Although no statement has been given from her side in this regard, her displeasure was much talked about in the political circles for the last one week.

The report of resentment got strengthened after the meeting of Minister of State for Transport Dayashankar Singh with Aparna. Sources said that Dayashankar Singh was sent to convince her to join the post.

There were also some media reports that she might reconsider to return back to her family party.

But on Monday evening, Aparna along with her husband Prateek Yadav met the Chief Minister. Sources say that after meeting the CM, Aparna agreed to take charge.

Meanwhile, after taking charge as the vice-chairperson of the Women Commission Aparna Yadav said, I would like to thank the BJP, UP and CM for giving me this responsibility.

She further said , I pray to God to provide strength to me and my team so that we can work efficiently for the rights of the women and solve their problems.

Aparna Yadav claimed that she had always fought for women issues and now the government has given a huge responsibility to me.
Delhi Cabinet Minister Atishi, on Wednesday, urged Lieutenant Governor (LG) of Delhi Vinai Kumar Saxena to reinstate the Bus Marshal Scheme, which has been stalled after the removal of bus marshals earlier this year.

In a letter to the LG, Atishi expressed deep concern over the suspension of the bus marshals, stating their role in ensuring the safety of passengers, particularly women and children, on Delhis public buses.

The letter added that the Bus Marshal Scheme, introduced by the Government of NCT of Delhi in 2015, was aimed at enhancing safety measures in Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and cluster buses by deploying Civil Defence Volunteers (CDVs) as uniformed personnel. For eight years, the bus marshals worked to provide passengers with a sense of security in public buses.

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The minister also pointed out that the schemes importance grew significantly with the rise in female commuters following the introduction of the Pink Ticket Scheme, which allows women to travel for free in Delhi buses.

However, in what Atishi described as a completely unforeseen move, the salaries of the bus marshals were abruptly halted, and their duties were terminated following orders from the LGs office. The reason cited for the decision was that the deployment of volunteers as bus marshals was deemed unsustainable, given the presence of safeguards like CCTV cameras and panic buttons in the buses.

How can the installation of CCTVs and panic buttons in buses serve the purpose of having armed personnel in public buses, asked the minister.

Atishi stated that the sudden removal of bus marshals had not only compromised passenger safety but had also left hundreds of bus marshals jobless. Many of these individuals relied on this employment to support their families.

The elected government in Delhi is ready to extend all possible help and support required to restore bus marshals to their jobs. We hope that this matter will be considered and a positive decision is taken by your good self at the earliest, she added.
The Sikh Prakoshth of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday protested in the city against Congress leader Rahul Gandhis remarks on Sikh community.

The Sikh Prakosth is a wing of the saffron party, which works for addressing issues related to the Sikh community and engaging with the Sikh voters.

Speaking at the protest, BJP leader RPN Singh stated, Rahul Gandhi should apologise over his remak against the Sikh community on foreign land.

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The agitators were holding placards which read Why does Rahul Gandhi defame Sikhs when abroad, shame on you.

This comes after Rahul Gandhi made a remark about the religious freedom in the country during his visit to the United States.

Addressing the Indian Diaspora in Washington DC, Gandhi said, We have to understand what the fight is about. The fight is not about politics. It is superficial.

Asking a person wearing a turban who was present in the hall what his name is, he said, 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 Gurudwara. Thats what the fight is about. And not just for him, for all religions.
A Border Security Force (BSF) trooper was injured on Wednesday in an unprovoked firing from Pakistan along the international border (IB) in Jammu district.

The BSF retaliated to it with an adequate response, after which the firing from across the IB stopped.

This violation of the bilateral ceasefire agreement between the two countries by Pakistan came at a time when Jammu & Kashmir is gearing up for the Assembly elections, being held after a gap of 10 years.

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A BSF spokesman said, On September 11, an incident of unprovoked firing in the Akhnoor area from across the border happened which was befittingly responded to by the BSF. One BSF personnel sustained injuries in Pak firing; Troops are on high alert.

Security forces are maintaining a heightened vigil and aerial platforms are being utilised to provide over-watch.

As many as eight Assembly constituencies spread across Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban districts along with 16 seats in the south Kashmir districts of Anantnag, Pulwama, Shopian and Kulgam are going to polls in the first phase on September 18.

Jammu, Kathua and Samba districts will vote in the second and third phases of the Assembly elections on September 25 and October 1.

Hilly districts of Poonch, Rajouri, Doda, Kathua, Reasi and Udhampur in the Jammu division have witnessed terrorist ambush attacks against the army, security forces and civilians during the last two to three months.

After reports that a group of hardcore foreign terrorists, believed to be 40 to 50 in number, are responsible for these attacks, the army deployed over 4,000 trained soldiers drawn from the elite Para commandos and those trained in mountain warfare inside the densely forested areas of these districts.
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday approved health coverage to all senior citizens aged 70 years and above irrespective of their income under the flagship scheme Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY).

Briefing newspersons, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the decision will benefit approximately 4.5 crore families with six crore senior citizens with a Rs 5 lakh free health insurance cover on a family basis.

Senior citizens of 70 years and above age who are already availing benefits of other public health insurance schemes such as Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), Ayushman Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) may either choose their existing scheme or opt for AB PMJAY.

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With todays decision, all senior citizens of age 70 years and above irrespective of their socio-economic status will be eligible to avail the benefits of AB PM-JAY.

The eligible senior citizens will be issued a new distinct card under AB PM-JAY. The senior citizens of the age 70 years and above belonging to families already covered under AB PM-JAY will get an additional top-up cover up to Rs 5 lakh per year for themselves (which they do not have to share with the other members of the family, who are below the age of 70 years).

It has been clarified that senior citizens of 70 years and above who are under private health insurance policies or Employees State Insurance scheme will be eligible to avail benefits under AB PM-JAY.

The AB PM-JAY is the worlds largest publicly funded health assurance scheme which provides health cover of Rs. 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization to 55 crore individuals corresponding to 12.34 crore families.

All members of the eligible families irrespective of age are covered under the scheme. The scheme has covered 7.37 crore hospital admissions including 49 per cent women beneficiaries. The public has benefited to the extent of over Rs 1 lakh crore under the scheme.

The AB PM-JAY scheme has witnessed continuous expansion of the beneficiary base. Initially, 10.74 crore poor and vulnerable families comprising the bottom 40 per cent of Indias population were covered under the scheme.

Later, the Government, in January 2022 revised the beneficiary base under AB PM-JAY from 10.74 crore to 12 crore families considering Indias decadal population growth of 11.7 per cent over 2011 population.

The scheme was further expanded to cover 37 lakh ASHAs/AWWs/AWHs working across the country and their families for free healthcare benefits. Taking the mission ahead, the AB PM-JAY would now provide free healthcare coverage of Rs 5 lakh to all citizens of the age-group of 70 years and above across the country.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who is behind bars in connection with the alleged liquor policy scam, will be produced on Wednesday before Delhis Rouse Avenue Court.

Taking cognisance of the charge sheet filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Special Judge Kaveri Baweja, last week, issued a production warrant for CM Kejriwal on September 11, apart from extending his judicial custody till the same date.

Earlier, the CBI had filed its supplementary charge sheet before a court here against the Delhi CM and other accused persons in the excise policy case.

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The Supreme Court is yet to pronounce its verdict on CM Kejriwals plea challenging his arrest by CBI and seeking bail in the corruption case.

On September 5, a bench of Justices Surya Kant and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan reserved its decision after hearing the oral arguments advanced by senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supremo, and Additional Solicitor General (ASG) S.V. Raju, who appeared on behalf of the CBI.

During the hearing, Singhvi contended that the CBI did not arrest CM Kejriwal for two years but made an insurance arrest in a hurry to prevent his release in the money laundering case.

Singhvi added that Kejriwal, a constitutional functionary holding the position of Delhi Chief Minister, satisfied the triple test for grant of bail. He is not a flight risk, he will turn up to answer the questions of the investigative agency, and cannot tamper with documents, running into lakhs of pages, and digital evidence after two years, he submitted.

On the other hand, the central agency apprehended that the release of CM Kejriwal would turn many witnesses hostile and urged the apex court to not release him on bail.

ASG Raju said that many candidates of the AAP in the Goa Assembly election came forward to give their statements to the central agency only after CM Kejriwal was arrested.

They (witnesses) will turn hostile if your lordships release Kejriwal on bail, he argued.

He argued that Kejriwals plea for bail should be remanded back to the trial court and he should have not petitioned the Delhi High Court for bail in the first instance.

The ASG submitted that arrest is a part of investigation and ordinarily, an investigating officer will not require any permission from a court to make an arrest. But, in the present case, there was an order of the court granting the power (to arrest), he said. He added that when an arrest is made pursuant to an order of the court, an accused cannot take a plea of violation of fundamental rights.

In his special leave petition filed before the Supreme Court, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convenor challenged his arrest and subsequent remand orders while also pressing for bail in the corruption case. On the other hand, seeking dismissal of CM Kejriwals plea, the CBI said that the AAP supremo was simply attempting to politically sensationalise the matter, despite repeated orders passed by various courts being prima facie satisfied with the commission of the offences, for which cognisance already has been taken.

The Supreme Court, on July 12, ordered CM Kejriwal to be released on interim bail in connection with the money laundering case lodged by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). However, he was not able to walk out of jail since he was arrested by the CBI.
Former bureaucrats and ex-servicemen on Wednesday joined the BJP here under the partys ongoing membership drive.

Major General SVP Singh (Retd), Former member CBDT, Saroj Bala and Former IFS officer and President of India Habitat Centre, Bhaswati Mukherjee joined the BJP in the presence of Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri.

Expressing happiness over the joining of former bureaucrats and ex-servicemen into the BJP, Puri said, It is a matter of great joy that distinguished retired civil servants who devoted their entire life to civil service career  whether they were generals in the armed forces, chief commissioners of Income Tax, or member of the Board of Direct Taxes, retired ambassadors, expressed their desire to formally join the BJP. 

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So, we welcomed themThey said that there are even more civil servants who want to join us. So, I suggested to them that if they are 15-20 in number, they can be here in this format. If it is a bigger group of 50-100 people, a party representative or minister can go to their area and welcome them. So, this is a beginning and a matter of joy, he said.

On joining the BJP, Major General SVP Singh (Retd.) said, BJP is the number one party in the world. In matters of foreign policy, adopting strategic autonomy requires courage and conviction. In the next 2-3 years, we will be becoming the third largest economy in the world. There must be unity in the country this time. It is not right to make negative statements about ones country abroad. You can differ with policies and persons but take the country to further heights.

Former IFS officer and President of India Habitat Centre, Bhaswati Mukherjee said, I have become a member today after I have been supporting the partys position on various matters including foreign policy. At this time, we need a strong PM and party, when external forces are threatening the countryMy agenda is to serve the nation under BJPWe must not forget and focus on security on our eastern borders.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah Wednesday said that pursuing the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Ministry of Home Affairs has resolved to create a secure cyberspace in the country.

In a post on the X platform, Mr Shah said the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) has taken several steps in this direction. He thanked renowned actor Amitabh Bachchan for his active involvement in accelerating the mission of building a Cyber-Secure Bharat.

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan said in his video message that the increasing cybercrime in the country and the world is a matter of concern. The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre, under the Ministry of Home Affairs, is relentlessly working to curb cybercrime.

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Bachchan said he joined this campaign at the request of the Union home minister. We should all join together to free the country from this problem. A bit of our alertness and precautions can save us from the cybercriminals, he added.
The new Toyota Land Cruiser 250, which replaces the Prado, showed a new style for the company's SUVs. With cool looks, another model, the Toyota Land Cruiser FJ, is being prepared and it will be cheaper than the RAV4 crossover.

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The new Toyota FJ SUV will be the most affordable model in the Land Cruiser lineup. According to BestCarWeb, the Japanese company will unveil the vehicle in late 2024. The small Toyota Land Cruiser is expected to hit the market in 2025.

The car will be the successor to the Toyota FJ Cruiser, which was discontinued about 10 years ago. Earlier it was assumed that the inexpensive SUV will be called Land Hopper (this name was recently patented). But in the end, this name went to an electric scooter.

Insiders report that the new car will get a 2.7 -liter gasoline engine with 163 hp. The price of the Toyota Land Cruiser FJ is around $23,000, but this is still a preliminary figure.

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It is obvious that Toyota wants to turn the Land Cruiser lineup into an image sub-brand, as it was done in Land Rover with Range Rover models - everything started with one car, now there are four of them in the lineup.
The Supreme Court on Wednesday detected the Uttarakhand government to come up, within two months, with a rehabilitation scheme for the people who are seeking to be evicted from railway land in the Banbhoolpura area of Haldwani.

The direction to Uttarakhand government came as a bench comprising Justice Surya Kant, Justice Dipankar Datta, and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan was informed by the State government that steps are being taken in terms of the last order of the court.

Seeking two months time to place before the court a suitable rehabilitation scheme or a proposal, the Uttarakhand government informed the bench that a joint meeting was convened between the Ministry of Housing, State authorities, and the Railways to prepare a rehabilitation plan.

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Adjoining the matter, the bench asked the Uttarakhand government to file a concrete proposal for rehabilitation.

Earlier, the top court had stated that the authorities should ensure rehabilitation of people before evicting them.

It had said that thousands of residents cant be uprooted overnight while staying the Uttarakhand High Courts order directing the State authorities to remove encroachments from railway land in Haldwanis Banbhoolpura area.

The top court had said that there has to be segregation of people who have no right on the land and the need to rehabilitate them while recognising the need for railways.

Noting that people have been living there for decades, the bench had said there should be measures for rehabilitation since the issue involves a human angle.

Indian Railways has maintained that this strip of land belongs to them.

The Uttarakhand High Court on December 20, 2023, had ordered the removal of encroachments from railway land in the Banbhoolpura area of Haldwani after giving a weeks notice to the residents seeking to be uprooted.

Headed by Congress MLA from Haldwani, Sumit Hridayesh, residents of the area had approached the Supreme Court challenging the High Courts order. Another petition has also been filed through advocate Prashant Bhushan.

A total of 4,365 encroachments will be removed from the area. Those facing eviction have been living on the land for many decades.

The residents, who sought to be evicted, in their petition have stated that they are poor people who have been lawful residents of Mohalla Nai Basti, Haldwani district for more than 70 years.

The petitioners have stated that the names of local residents are entered in the municipal records relating to house tax and that they have been paying house tax regularly for years.

There are five government schools, one hospital, and two overhead water tanks in the area, says the petition. The plea has further stated that the long settled physical possession of the petitioners and their ancestors, some even prior to the date of Indian independence, has been recognised by State and its agencies and they have been given gas and water connections and even Aadhaar card numbers accepting their residential addresses.
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 governments administration has been hampered to a great extent, the statement maintained.

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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.
The National Health Authority (NHA) and IIT Kanpur signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the development of digital public goods through AI in healthcare, here on Wednesday.

The MoU was signed by LS Changsan, Additional Health Secretary and CEO, NHA and Manindra Agrawal, Director, IIT Kanpur, in presence of Health Secretary Apurva Chandra.

Under this MoU, a federated learning platform across a variety of machine learning model pipelines, a quality-preserving database, an open benchmarking platform for comparing and validating AI models, and a consent management system for research under Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) would be developed by IIT Kanpur.

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The platform will subsequently be operated and governed by NHA, thereby unlocking the immense potential of AI for improving health outcomes.

Speaking on the occasion, the health secretary complimented the NHA and IIT Kanpur for signing this important MoU under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission that will provide an open public benchmarking platform for comparing and validating AI models.

Highlighting the importance of this MoU, Chandra said, Use of data for improving health outcomes is the envisaged goal of this partnership. It will use the data available under the ABDM to create a public benchmark for AI models for quantifying and diagnosing diseases against which other AI models can be benchmarked.

He said, One of the biggest issues related to AI models in the healthcare sector is the availability and efficacy of disease diagnosis data which will be tackled by this collaboration. In a clinical setting, the availability of reliable data will lead to better outcomes and result in better diagnosis.

In her address, Changsan said, This partnership marks a significant step forward in harnessing the power of AI for our countrys healthcare. This partnership will help provide researchers with access to high-quality data and a platform for collaboration with other stakeholders of the health ecosystem while taking into account all aspects of data privacy.

She added that the MoU would be a benchmark in digital public health goods that will leverage AI and upcoming technologies to strengthen digital public health infrastructure.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday, inaugurated the second edition of the International Conference on Green Hydrogen (ICGH-2024) in Delhi via video message.

The prime minister reiterated Indias commitment to tackling climate change and the emergence of green hydrogen as a promising addition to the worlds energy landscape. India is fully committed to building a cleaner, greener planet. We were the first among G20 nations to meet our Paris Agreement commitments on green energy, well ahead of schedule. While we continue to strengthen existing solutions, we are also focused on embracing new and innovative approaches, he said.

He said green hydrogen is one such breakthrough with the potential to decarbonise hard-to-electrify sectors like refineries, fertilizers, steel, and heavy-duty transportation.

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PM Modi further highlighted, We aim to position India as a global hub for the production, utilisation, and export of green hydrogen. The National Green Hydrogen Mission, launched in 2023, is a critical step toward realising this ambition. It will drive innovation, build infrastructure, stimulate industry growth, and attract investment in the green hydrogen sector.

He emphasised Indias leadership in renewable energy development, stating, Indias non-fossil fuel capacity has increased nearly 300% over the last decade, and our solar energy capacity has seen an astounding 3000% growth in the same period.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri emphasised the ambitious targets set by Indias National Green Hydrogen Mission.

Indias commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 involves a multifaceted approach, including a significant focus on green hydrogen. Our goal of producing 5 million metric tons of green hydrogen by 2030 is a critical step in decarbonizing our economy. This will require an investment of $100 billion and the development of 125 gigawatts of new renewable energy capacity, he said.

The minister said the mission will not only reduce 15 million metric tons of CO2 emissions annually but will also generate substantial savings in imports. We are implementing pilot projects, hydrogen hubs, and R&D initiatives to drive innovation in this sector, supported by a robust financial outlay and a comprehensive incentive framework, he added.

The session also featured a Video Presentation titled Indias Journey Towards a Green Hydrogen Economy illustrating Indias progress and future aspirations in the green hydrogen sector.

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy and the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, in association with the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, the Department of Science and Technology, and the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, are organising the 2nd International Conference of Green Hydrogen 2024.
Amid the border standoff with China, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not handled the situation well and added that he sees no reason for Chinese troops sitting in the Indian territory.

In his maiden interaction with the media after taking over as the Leader of Opposition in the Lower House, at the National Press Club, Washington DC in US, he said, Weve got Chinese troops occupying land the size of Delhi in Ladakh, and I think thats a disaster.

The media doesnt like to write about it. How would America react if a neighbour occupied 4,000 square kilometers of its territory? Would any president be able to get away with saying he has handled that well? So, I dont think Mr Modi has handled China well at all. I see no reason why Chinese troops should be sitting in our territory, Gandhi said.

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Notably, India and China have been holding rounds of military-level talks to end the ongoing stand-off at eastern Ladakh.

Referring to China, he said, The central question is, how do you challenge China on production and value addition? Chinas strength comes from that. China has a strong military, which stems from its ability to produce. It thrives because Americans are buying Chinese products, and Indians are buying Chinese products. So, what are we going to do about it? We cant continue on this trajectory.

We simply cant move forward without building a manufacturing base, without involving large numbers of our people, and creating jobs for them. We are not like Singapore, where we can focus on services and expect everything to be fine. With billions of people in our country, its not feasible. We need a solution, and that solution will come only from production, Gandhi said.

Asserting that India is a very plural country, without naming anyone, he said, India is not just one idea, India is multiple ideas. When you imagine yourself to be something you are not, thats when all your strategic problems begin.

In a veiled attack on the ruling BJP, Gandhi said, We are weakening our biggest strategic asset: Indias democracy. Its not just Indias asset; its a global asset because its so significant. Its a global public good. Its being attacked in India. The Indian democracy has been under attack over the past ten years and has been greatly weakened, but now its fighting back. I am confident it will fight back.

We feel very strongly that there is a very deep problem with participation, and we are going to address that problem. We want a comprehensive understanding of whats going on and then apply a series of policies to correct it, with reservations being one of them, he said.

On reservation, Gandhi said, Somebody misquoted me as saying I am against reservations. We are going to increase reservations beyond 50 per cent. I have been repeatedly stating this and have never been against reservations.

Slamming Pakistan, the Leader of Opposition in the Lower House said, Pakistans instigation of terrorism in our country is holding the two countries back. We are not going to accept Pakistan carrying out attacks on our country. We are just not going to accept it, and as long as they continue doing that, there will be problems between us.

On the Bangladesh situation, he said, I am confident that things will stabilise in Bangladesh, and we will be able to have a relationship with the current government or any other government that follows. We are against any type of violence and want it to stop.

It is the responsibility of the Bangladeshi government to end it as soon as possible. From our side, it is the responsibility of our government to apply pressure so that the violence stops, he added.
The BJP government in Madhya Pradesh has decided to increase the support price of Soybean to farmers from Rs 4,000 to Rs 4,892 per quintal.

A proposal to this effect was approved by the state cabinet, at its meeting held in Bhopal on Tuesday.

Subsequently, the proposal was sent to the Centre for the approval of the Union Government, which has also put its seal of approval for the same.

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The harvesting time for the soybean crop in Madhya Pradesh is nearing and farmers across the state were worried about what price they would get from the state government for their crop.

Demands for hiking the current support price of Rs 4,000 had been made on various occasions in the past. On Tuesday, the government decided to hike the support price by Rs 892.

Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav on Wednesday expressed gratitude to the Centre on behalf of the MP government and the states farmers for increasing soybeans support price from Rs 4,000 to Rs 4,892 per quintal.
Indias evolving consumption patterns reflect a significant transformation in the socio-economic landscape, with household spending on food falling below 50 per cent for the first time since 1947. This milestone, while indicative of progress, also presents a complex picture of the countrys development, revealing both opportunities and challenges. The reduction in food expenditure as a share of total household spending signals an increase in disposable income and a shift towards more diversified spending habits. This is particularly notable in both rural and urban areas, highlighting that economic growth has touched a broad spectrum of the population.

The rise in consumption expenditure across the board, especially in states like Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal, suggests that households are allocating more resources toward nonfood items, which can be seen as a positive indicator of rising living standards. As people spend less on basic necessities, they are able to invest in education, healthcare, and other services that contribute to their overall well-being. However, this shift also presents challenges, particularly for policymakers. The decline in spending on cereals, particularly among the bottom 20 per cent of households, underscores the impact of government food security programmes. While these programmes have successfully reduced the financial burden of purchasing basic food items, they also raise questions about the future direction of agricultural policy.

The traditional focus on cereal production, supported by policies like the Minimum Support Price (MSP), may need to be re-evaluated in light of changing consumption patterns. As the demand for cereals declines, there may be a need to diversify agricultural production to meet the evolving needs of the population and ensure that farmers remain supported. Another significant trend is the growing expenditure on processed and packaged foods, particularly among the top 20 per cent of households and in urban areas. This shift reflects the increasing importance of the food processing industry, which has become a major source of employment and economic growth.

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However, it also raises concerns about public health. The rise in consumption of packaged foods, often high in preservatives, sugar, and unhealthy fats, could lead to long-term health issues such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. The government may need to consider regulatory measures to ensure that the nutritional content of these foods is monitored and that the public is educated about the potential risks of overconsumption. The decline in household spending on food in India marks a significant shift in the countrys economic and social landscape. While it signals progress and increased financial capacity for many households, it also presents challenges that require careful consideration by policymakers. The future of agricultural policy, the rise of the food processing industry, and the potential public health implications of changing consumption patterns are all issues that need to be addressed to ensure that this progress is sustainable and inclusive. As India continues to grow and develop, it is crucial that these trends are monitored and that policies are adapted to meet the changing needs of the population.
The Duke of Cumberland and uncle of Queen Victoria fiercely opposed the expansion of the Great Western Railways on the strange ground that its rumbling would disturb Etons schoolboys. Founded in 1440, the nurse of Englands statesmen has educated scores of Prime Ministers, world leaders and Nobel Laureates, and continues to dominate public life in the UK. The school confers a vast and unfair advantage to its alumni, over the alumni of even the best schools in the state system.

Billionaire Elon Musk has started a new experimental Astra Nova School which is billed as the most exclusive school in the world. Musks school is the online school on the campus of SpaceX. It is expected to produce billionaires. No surprise for guessing it! The mercurial, man-child, says his biographer Walter Isaacson, has grandiose ambition and an ego to match. As his money and power grow, Musk now frequently channels his inner Trump.

One of the most expensive secondary schools in the Swiss Alps charges 125,000 Euros per year. In these super elite schools, education is a sense of the way power works in institutions. They are of course intensely hierarchical where the status is marked by dress and form of address. But Musk and other tech billionaires are also building castles of a different kind. They have now entered universities with a mission to launch a war on ideas. Elite universities in the US will now become even more elitist while avenues for higher education are vanishing for the less privileged. The ship of fools doesnt sink fast. Globally, schools, colleges and universities are proliferating. Boutique universities are minting money. But the internet is spreading a new kind of illiteracy. The reading habits of students have already atrophied online.

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It is a loss which will persist for their entire academic life. The vast majority of students belong to the anxious generation. In the system of education that prevails across the globe, a large number of children studying in normal schools are the canaries in the coal mines. They face extremely dangerous, explosive and toxic surroundings. For them, schools, colleges and universities have become increasingly venues of unwellness and factories of unhappiness. Mini Khuc, a Vietnamese-American scholar and managing editor of Asian American Literary Review, argues that we are all differently unwell.

The author of Pedagogy of Unwellness further maintains that we are unwell in different ways at different time. Asian-America students, in particular, whom she has interviewed ex tensively, are more vulnerable than others. Khuc goes a step further by suggesting that academic institutions are incubators of unwellness as they place a premium on hyper-productivity and compulsory wellness. When you struggle or fail, you are made to believe it is your fault and that something is wrong with you and not with the schools or the system. She has visited more universities and listened to more students in mental health workshops, discussions, meetings than anyone else in Asian American studies or mental health. Her research is also a close reading of the university as a structure.

The cruel irony, she says, is that universitys wellness makes students unwell. The university places emphasis on academic hyper-productivity across the university strata which is another name for what she calls unrelenting dehumanisation that relies on the conflation of that productivity with wellness. Daniel Wilson, director of Project Zero at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, says that it is hard to learn without real-life relevance Schools must encourage curiosity, sense of be longing and facilitate students interactions with the surroundings. More importantly, Wilson posits that our children are the victims of epistemic injustice and unwellness in the classroom. Why have schools and universities come to such a pass?

Big is not a strong enough word for the rot in the education system. Our universities are now teaching students to unthink. Or to think conspiratorially. Honest inquiry is unwelcome. Autocrats hate universities and intellectuals. Princeton historian Da vid Bell says that the Silicon billionaires behave like the predatory wolves. Power has poisoned academia. Today, more and more universities are allowing the core academic mission of intellectual inquiry and teaching to be subordinated to other values. Right-wing assault on education is agenda-driven. Billionaires are destroying academia and political leaders are truthing through banality.

Universities, research institutions and knowledge-producing centres are entrusted with the task of thinking on behalf of society. They are expected to subject all ideas to rigorous testing. The university is a place for inquiry, for asking questions. As American philosopher Judith Butler says, it is important to keep questions open. If they are shut down too quickly, that is surely another kind of failure, since the question is but one way that young people are struggling to exist, equal and free. She further posits that sometimes you find answers, sometimes you dont. But as long as the questions are allowed, conversations are possible. We are in intellectual poverty.

There is a collapse of critical thinking. There is disdain for truth and philosophy. Truth is now revealed by politicians. Given the manifold crises, we need pedagogy of imagination and storytelling. We dont need to build a hero who saves everything. As Emiliano Zapata, hero of the 1910 Mexican Revolution, said, strong leaders make a weak people. We need to look for a collaborative project, a solution into which we all fit. Stories shape who we are. They drive us to get out of our dreams and mould our beliefs. Stories are magic, they can create other worlds, emotions and ideas. We suffer from what Peter Turchin has famously called elite mass production.

To him, elites are a small proportion of the population who concentrate social power in their hands ~ whether thats in the military, economic, political, or ideological sphere Markets and states are now inseparably intertwined. And education is inextricably linked to the politics of power. We keep moving ahead with a policy despite its glaring and recurrent failure. We see progress falling apart. Ours is a time, beautifully captured by John Kennedy, in which all the truth, and all the right, and all the angels are on one side. TS Eliot saw that happening when he warned, we have lost knowledge in information and wisdom in knowledge.

(The writer is director, Institute of Social Sciences, Delhi)
The Board of Practical Training (Eastern Region), Ministry of Education of the Government of India, on 7 September of this year, convened a press conference to announce their success in creating employment opportunities through the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) and also discussed strategies for further enhancement of employability.

The occasion was graced by various luminaries from the academic world, which included R.N. Lahiri, the chairperson and director of the Batanagar Institute of Engineering, Management and Science; Dilip Kumar Baidya, the chief guest and director of the National Institute of Technology, Silchar, Assam; Sadhan Chandra Ray, a council member of the Institute of Engineers (India) and most importantly, S.M. Ejaz Ahmad, the director of the Board of Practical Training (Eastern Region).

The Board of Practical Training (Eastern Region) or BOPT (ER) celebrated their annual Regional Apprenticeship Day for the current year, elating its accomplishments for creating more than 2,00,000 job opportunities, with a budget outlying an increase of INR 3054 crores, sanctioned for the organisation, by the Government of India for the financial year of 2021-26.

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Furthermore, the event acknowledged the University Grants Commission (UGC) for its unwavering and active participation as a stakeholder in the NATS program. UGC regularly issues official circulars, public notices, and other notifications pertaining to important developments regarding the NAT 2.0 portal, amongst other roles.

The fresh graduates and current undergraduates who plan to graduate soon are strongly encouraged to register on the NATS portal immediately after their graduation. Upon creating a profile, registered companies will contact them for interviews and counselling. Based on the interviews and counselling, candidates will be selected for an apprenticeship program, says S.M. Ejaz Ahmad in a conversation with The Statesman.

In India, industrial firms are often located at a significant distance from educational institutions. This separation deprives students of the opportunity to gain practical experience that complements their classroom learning. Unlike in European nations, where classroom knowledge is amalgamated with applied knowledge, here in India, knowledge is still confined to classrooms, making students less employable for the industries. Therefore, according to NATS and the Apprentices Act of 1961, industries are mandated to hire apprentices every year. Notably, the Apprentices (Amendment) Act of 2014, expanded the scope of apprenticeship to include non-technical graduates like BA, BSc, BCom, BCA, and other degrees. Furthermore, NATS provides a safe, authentic platform for apprentices to gain employment in a range of organisations as per their skills and acumen, adds Ahmad.

A total of 1.28 lakh fresh graduates and diploma engineers are currently undergoing apprenticeship training through NATS. A recent study conducted by NITI Aayog of 2021-22, revealed that 79 per cent of apprentices are absorbed by the same company they were working at initially. 16 per cent of the remaining 21 per cent got employed in other industries within six months of completing their training.

The National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) is the flagship programme under the Apprentices Act of 1961 (first amended in 1973). It is focused on equipping Indian youth with practical, hands-on training in several trades through which they can earn their livelihood. This programme is open to graduates, diploma holders, and holders of vocational certificates. It offers them on-the-job training (OJT) opportunities that typically last between six months and one year with government and private organisations, including some leading names.
In a conversation with The Statesman, Ms Brinda, chief executive officer at eVidyaloka, discusses the current state of education in India and what should be done to bridge the gap and provide quality education to all.

1. What is your opinion on the current educational situation in India? What are the significant challenges that the education system is facing in this country?

India is making commendable progress in education, as evidenced by the significant budget allocation of Rs 1.48 lakh crore for education, employment, and skilling, with Rs 1.25 lakh crore dedicated solely to education. This investment reflects the governments commitment to improving educational access and quality across the nation. However, the education system still faces significant challenges. The Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2023 highlights that about 25 per cent of rural students aged 14-18 struggle to read a grade-second level text in their regional language, and over half of them face difficulties with basic arithmetic. The dominance of English in digital content further limits access for non-English-speaking students, while traditional teaching methods and inadequate teacher training exacerbate these issues.

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Initiatives by eVidyaloka are making a significant impact in addressing these challenges. By setting up digital classrooms and offering curricula in local languages, we provide essential educational resources to remote areas. The emphasis on digital literacy and foundational skills is helping to close the educational gap and prepare rural youth for future job markets, including in advanced fields like AI and ML. eVidyalokas work is pivotal in driving community development and supporting Indias socio-economic advancement.

2. How leveraging technology and digital tools can help deliver quality education to remote villages?

Leveraging technology and digital tools can greatly improve education in remote villages by providing access to quality resources and passionate teachers, regardless of location. Digital classrooms and online platforms enable personalised, interactive learning, helping students grasp complex concepts and receive real-time feedback. Additionally, offering content in regional languages ensures better comprehension. By connecting rural students to a global network of knowledge, technology helps bridge educational gaps and equips them with the skills needed for modern challenges, promoting socio-economic growth in these communities.

3. What are some of the most significant challenges eVidyaloka encounters in its efforts to improve education in rural India, and how are these challenges being addressed?

We face several significant challenges in improving education in rural India. One of the primary obstacles is the limited infrastructure in remote areas, which initially hindered the implementation of online teaching. Additionally, ensuring technological readiness among rural students was a challenge. However, the enthusiasm of rural children for new learning methods has been key in overcoming these barriers, as they eagerly engage and adapt to technology.

To address socio-cultural and operational challenges, eVidyaloka partners with local community organisations, which play a crucial role in program delivery. eVidyaloka uses technology to connect global volunteers with local communities, thereby mitigating the teacher shortage and improving education quality in rural areas.

By focusing on language-specific instruction and refining volunteer mobilisation strategies, eVidyaloka continues to expand its impact. This innovative approach, combining technology and local partnerships, is transforming educational opportunities for underserved communities across India.

4. What are the key milestones that have defined eVidyalokas path since its inception?

Our journey at eVidyaloka has been marked by several key milestones. We officially launched full-time operations in May 2013, evolving from an innovative pilot inspired by Skype teaching. By 2016, we had established 100 digital classrooms across seven states, a milestone that set the stage for further expansion. Since 2019, our impact has further expanded through innovative applications of the digital classroom program, currently reaching 1.89 lakh students across 14 states, 734 schools, and 67 districts, including 25 aspirational districts. In the past year alone, 6,340 volunteers have contributed to 30 lakh child learning hours in eight languages.

5. Do you think AI can provide a breakthrough towards enhancing the learning experience for students in remote areas?

AI has the potential to revolutionise education for students in remote areas by offering personalised learning experiences, real-time feedback, and access to quality content regardless of location. It can bridge gaps in resources, provide adaptive learning tailored to individual needs, and support teachers with tools that enhance engagement. At eVidyaloka, we believe in harnessing AI to create equitable learning opportunities, ensuring that every child, no matter where they are, has the chance to achieve their full potential.

6. In what ways does eVidyaloka tailor its curriculum and teaching methods to meet the unique needs and cultural contexts of rural students?

We deliver grade-appropriate content in regional languages, ensuring alignment with state syllabi and the National Education Policy 2020. Our approach focuses on deep understanding through real-life applications rather than rote memorisation.

To connect learning with local contexts, we incorporate practical activities, community-based projects, and interactive lessons. The BRAIN program, which introduces AI education in collaboration with corporate partners, is a notable initiative designed to prepare students for future technologies.

Live classes conducted in native languages enhance engagement and strengthen teacher-student relationships. Additionally, our global volunteers, with their diverse backgrounds and teaching styles, bring varied perspectives to the classroom. By combining high-quality education with culturally relevant content and hands-on experiences, eVidyaloka equips rural students with the essential knowledge and skills for future success.

7. What are some key success stories from students, and how have leveraging digital tools and quality education impacted their lives and communities?

We have numerous success stories, which we proudly consider our greatest achievements.

Rohit Kumar Vermas journey, which began in 2015 with eVidyalokas virtual classrooms, led to academic excellence and a B.Tech. in Computer Science Engineering. With support from volunteer teachers and the EDGE program, Rohit overcame financial constraints and achieved his goals, demonstrating the potential unlocked by digital education.

Suma from Bogur, Karnataka, gained national recognition in 2019 with the Raman Young Science Innovator Award for her innovative Human Heart model. Mentored by eVidyaloka volunteers, Sumas achievement highlights how digital support fosters significant academic and scientific accomplishments.

Preethi, from Vilanallur, Tamil Nadu, excelled in her SSLC exams despite personal and financial challenges. She is now pursuing PCMB with aspirations of becoming a doctor, reflecting how digital education can help overcome obstacles and achieve dreams.

8. What future plans does eVidyaloka have for expanding its reach and enhancing its impact on rural education in India?

Our plans include expanding digital classrooms to over 2,000 government schools in the next five years, ensuring remote areas have access to high-quality education. We will integrate advanced digital literacy and AI concepts into the curriculum and strengthen partnerships with local communities and global volunteers to equip students with future-ready skills.

Our focus is on not only providing education but also supporting rural livelihoods and community development for a sustainable impact. We aim to enhance the education ecosystem, foster innovation, and nurture future leaders, contributing to Indias development and the vision of a self-reliant and prosperous new Bharat.
On Wednesday, September 11, U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy arrived in Kyiv. They will take part in the Crimean Platform summit.

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Footage of the officials at the Kyiv railway station has been posted online. Earlier, Western media reported that Blinken and Lemmy could bring to Ukraine the news of the lifting of restrictions on the use of Western weapons to strike military targets in Russia.

In particular, a short video with the U.S. Secretary of State and the British Foreign Secretary was posted by CBS reporter Olivia Gazis.

"Secretary Blinken and Lemmy have arrived in sunny Kyiv," she wrote on her X network account at 11:52 a.m. Kyiv time.

The published photos and videos also show the former commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and now the Ukrainian ambassador to the UK, Valeriy Zaluzhny.

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Prior to his trip to Ukraine, Blinken reportedly visited London to discuss further support for Ukraine with British partners.

During a joint press conference with the US Secretary of State on September 10, Lemmy announced his visit to Kyiv.

"Today I can confirm that this week Tony (Anthony Blinken - Ed.) and I will be traveling to Kyiv, the first joint visit of this kind in more than 10 years. We are close allies, so I am delighted that we will be traveling together to demonstrate our commitment to Ukraine," the British Foreign Secretary said.

According to the American side, during their visit to Kyiv, Blinken and Lemmy will meet with Zelenskyy and members of the Ukrainian government. The key topic for discussion is the continuation of support in the war with Russia and how to ensure Ukraine's economic long-term military development.

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At the same time, as some Western media outlets have stated, Blinken and Lemmy may give Kyiv permission to use Western long-range weapons to hit military targets deep in Russia.

In particular, Axios journalist Juligrace Brufke wrote about this with reference to the words of the chairman of the US House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee, Michael McCaul.

"I spoke with Blinken two days ago, and he's going to Kyiv with his counterpart from the UK to basically tell them that they will allow [to strike Russia with ATACMS]," the journalist quoted McCaul as saying.

It is possible that the impetus for the US to revise its policy of restrictions was the recent news of Iran's transfer of ballistic missiles to Russia.

"Anyone who provides assistance to Russia - whether it is direct lethal assistance, like Iran or North Korea, or assistance to their defense industrial base, like China - perpetuates the war, fuels the conflict... Russia poses the greatest threat to European security since the end of the Cold War," Blinken said at a press conference in London.

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Blinken called Iran's transfer of Fath-360 short-range ballistic missiles to Russia a "dramatic escalation" of the war.

On September 12, the US Secretary of State will travel to Poland. He is to discuss with the Polish government the deepening of defense and energy cooperation and the joint work of Warsaw and Washington as NATO members in military support of Ukraine.

Earlier, OBOZ.UA reported that on September 11, Kyiv is hosting the next summit of the Crimean Platform, announced by the President of Ukraine the day before. High-ranking foreign guests have been arriving in the Ukrainian capital since the morning.

They will take part in the summit, which this time has five large and important issues on its agenda.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber . Do not fall for fakes!

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The Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council (THSC) has entered into a three-year partnership with Visa, the global digital payments giant. The collaboration, worth up to $1 million, is going to enhance the skill of at least 20,000 young Indians in various tourism-related fields.

The agreement was officially signed in the presence of Shri Jayant Chaudhary, the Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, as well as for Education. This partnership aims to provide targeted training in essential roles within the tourism industry, including positions like tour guides, customer service executives, naturalists, and paragliding tandem pilots. The training will span across ten states, such as Assam, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, and West Bengal, and will uplift Indias standing as a premier global tourism destination.

Tourism is a vital sector for India, contributing over $231 billion to the countrys GDP and employing more than 42 million people as of 2023. By focusing on enhancing the skills of its workforce, this initiative aims to further strengthen the sector, which is crucial for the nations economy.

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During the MoU signing ceremony, Minister Chaudhary highlighted the potential of the tourism industry to drive economic growth and create job opportunities for the younger generation. He expressed optimism about how this partnership will equip Indian youth with valuable skills, thereby shaping their future and contributing to the countrys economic prosperity.

Kelly Mahon Tullier, Vice Chair and Chief People and Corporate Affairs Officer at Visa, remarked on the initiatives dual benefits. She stated, By equipping the youth with the skills needed to excel in the tourism industry, we not only enhance their career prospects but also improve the overall experience for tourists visiting India. This partnership reflects dedication of Visa to supporting Indias vision of becoming a top global tourism destination while nurturing local talent.
The European Union (EU) has launched a call for setting up Artificial Intelligence (AI) Factories to boost the development of the AI technology.

AI Factories will be created around the network of European High-Performance Computing (EuroHPC) supercomputers and will be available to a range of European users, such as startups, industry and researchers, the European Commission said on Tuesday.

President of the EC Ursula von der Leyen said that AI Factories will help secure the EUs position at the forefront of this transformative technology, Xinhua news agency reported.

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AI Factories will help AI developers train their large generative AI models by using the EuroHPC supercomputers and providing access to data, computing and storage services.

The AI Factories will be connected to EU member states AI initiatives, creating a vibrant AI ecosystem, said the Commission.

They will propel the development and validation of AI industrial and scientific applications in key sectors such as healthcare, energy, automotive and transport, defence and aerospace, robotics and manufacturing, clean and agri tech, it said.

The call will be open until December 31, 2025, with the first deadline on November 4, 2024, and subsequent cut-off dates every three months for as long as funds are available.

The call will be supported by an EU contribution of close to 1 billion euros ($1.1 billion) from the Digital Europe Programme and Horizon Europe, and an equal amount of funding coming from the member states, said the Commission.
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.

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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 emphasised 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, Xinhua news agency reported.

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.
In a fiery 90-minute US presidential debate in Philadelphia, Vice-President Kamala Harris and her Republican rival Donald Trump faced off for the first time ahead of the 2024 US presidential elections.

The debate, which started with a hand-shake, sparked intense exchanges, starting with policy discussions but quickly dwelling into sharp personal attacks.

Harris took a potshot at Trumps rallies, claiming that attendees leave his poll events early out of exhaustion and boredom.

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Trump shot back, claiming people dont even show up to Harriss rallies.

The two also exchanged views on key issues like immigration and the economy.

Trump criticised Harris for allegedly shifting her stance on issues such as fracking (technology that allows oil and gas to be extracted from shale rock) and border security.

He questioned why, despite being in the White House as Vice-President, she hadnt accomplished more.

Harris, in turn, blamed Trump for what she called the Trump abortion bans spreading across states and condemned him for the January 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol following his defeat in the previous elections.

She also cast doubt on Trumps ability to handle national security, branding him both  weak and wrong.

According to early snap polls, Harris appeared to have won the debate, but Trump later claimed she lost very badly.

In a dramatic move after the debate, Trump unexpectedly entered the media centre, which experts argue was due to his realisation that he performed poorly in debate. As Trump entered the media centre, he was swarmed by reporters, who questioned why he felt the need to show up there.

It was the best debate Ive ever had, Trump declared confidently.

After Trumps thrashing of Joe Biden in the previous debates, experts in the US and international media claimed the contest has now tilted a little towards Harris.

Harris wins Taylor Swifts endorsement after debate

Shortly after the debate wrapped up, US pop superstar Taylor Swift threw her weight behind Kamala Harris in a detailed Instagram post.

In her Instagram post, Swift said, Like many of you, I watched the debate tonight. If you havent already, now is a great time to do your research on the issues at hand and the stances these candidates take on the topics that matter to you the most. As a voter, I make sure to watch and read everything I can about their proposed policies and plans for this country.

She continued, Recently I was made aware that an AI of me falsely endorsing Donald Trumps presidential run was posted to his site. It really conjured up my fears around AI, and the dangers of spreading misinformation. It brought me to the conclusion that I need to be very transparent about my actual plans for this election as a voter. The simplest way to combat misinformation is with the truth.

Swift made her choice for the 2024 election abundantly clear: I will be casting my vote for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz in the 2024 Presidential Election. Im voting for @kamalaharris because she fights for the rights and causes I believe need a warrior to champion them. I think she is a steady-handed, gifted leader, and I believe we can accomplish so much more in this country if we are led by calm and not chaos.

The pop star also praised Harriss running mate, Tim Walz, for his advocacy on issues such as LGBTQ+ rights, IVF, and reproductive rights.
The next ten days could be decisive on the frontline. If the Russians fail to make significant progress in the Pokrovsk direction by September 20, their resources and capabilities are likely to be exhausted.

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This was stated by military expert Vladyslav Selezniov in an exclusive interview with OBOZ.UA. At the same time, he warned that the situation in the Pokrovsk sector should not be considered stabilized, as the enemy continues to redeploy forces in an attempt to break through the Ukrainian defense.

Fighting in this area remains intense, with Russian commanders ignoring significant losses, particularly in manpower. The enemy is increasingly using infantry attacks supported by artillery and aviation and is actively using guided aerial bombs, more than a hundred per day.

"Accordingly, under such conditions, we cannot say that the situation has been fully stabilized by the Ukrainian army. However, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine is making every effort to send additional forces and means to hold our positions in the Pokrovske direction. We are now witnessing one of the elements of strategic defense. The level of losses of the advancing side is 3, 5, or even 7 times higher than the level of losses of the defending side.

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Of course, the Russians have artillery and aviation on their side, and it is difficult for us to fight this component of the enemy. But we are fighting defensive battles, in particular under the cover of industrial buildings. Although the enemy sometimes reports on the capture of some industrial facilities, I can imagine the price they pay for this opportunity," the expert said.

Selezniov believes that it can already be said that the strategic reserves of the Russian army have been exhausted, and the operational reserves are also almost at the limit. The Russians' ability to reinforce certain areas is limited to individual battalions or, at best, regiments. Therefore, there is no reason to believe that the enemy is capable of conducting active offensives over the next few months. This confirms Budanov's prediction that all enemy resources would be exhausted by early October.

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According to Selezniov, it is now important to be cautious in making predictions about the ability of the Ukrainian army to hold certain positions in the Pokrovsk direction. However, the enemy should not have any illusions: if earlier it was unable to realize its territorial ambitions in more favorable conditions, now, after strengthening Ukrainian positions in this area, its prospects look very dim.

"I think the next ten days will be decisive. If by September 20 the Russians do not make any significant advances deep into our combat formations in the Pokrovsk direction, I think that their forces, means and capabilities will be exhausted. What we see every day in our General Staff's report is a huge level of Russian losses. It is simply staggering. A lot of destroyed manpower, armored vehicles, weapons, and special equipment. These figures reflect not only the intensity of the fighting but also the fact that the enemy is ready to suffer losses of any level to achieve results," the expert added.

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Earlier it was reported that the Russian occupants in the Pokrovsk sector continue to try to break through the Ukrainian defense. In particular, they hope to push through with manpower. However, Ukrainian soldiers are working hard to destroy this advantage.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Partnership relations between Azerbaijan and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) were discussed, Azernews reports citing the post shared by Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov on his official "X" account.

"We wish Elizabeta Falchetti, the new Managing Director of EBRD Turkiye and the Caucasus, success in her role. In our meeting with Mrs. Falchetti, we discussed the priorities of Azerbaijan-EBRD cooperation, potential projects, and partnership opportunities within the framework of COP29," he said.
U.S. President Joe Biden does not rule out the possibility that Ukraine may receive permission to strike deep into Russian territory with American weapons. However, Washington prefers to consider "all factors".

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This was stated by US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken to Sky News. Later, Biden himself told reporters at the White House that his administration was "working it out right now" when asked whether the United States would lift restrictions on Ukraine's use of long-range weapons.

Blinken recalled that the United States has provided Ukraine with "what it needs when it needs it to effectively repel Russian aggression" since the start of Moscow's full-scale invasion in February 2022.

He added that Washington also had to take into account 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.

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"All of those things have to go into these decisions. But 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 (authorization to strike deep into Russian territory - Ed.)," Blinken said.

The official noted that the United States "never rules out" anything. But when they make a decision, they want to be sure that it is done in a way that "can advance what the Ukrainians are trying to achieve."

As reported, Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin said that the Russian occupiers had redeployed aircraft used to strike Ukraine with guided bombs beyond the range of ATACMS missiles. That is why, instead of giving Ukraine permission to strike deep into the aggressor country, the United States is "focused on helping Ukraine be more effective."

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As a reminder, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy and US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken will pay a joint visit to Kyiv this week. It is likely that during this visit, Ukraine will be granted permission to use ATACMS missiles to strike at Russian territory.

Meanwhile, analysts from the US Institute for the Study of War (ISW) in their report questioned Austin's statement. They note that the Secretary is right that one weapon system will not change the course of the war. However, his comments do not take into account how the availability of different systems and the respective rules of engagement can affect Ukraine's military capabilities, and how changes in these capabilities can affect the course of the war.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!

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Job Title: Community Mobilization Specialist-AFD

Organisation: Action Against Hunger-USA

Duty Station: Kampala, Uganda

About the Company:

Action Against Hunger-USA is part of the Action Against Hunger International network, which provides humanitarian relief in over 40 countries worldwide in the sectors of nutrition, health, water/sanitation, and food security. Action Against Hunger-USA, an independent NGO, currently manages operations in 8 countries: Kenya, South Sudan, Cambodia, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, Haiti and Somalia. Action Against Hunger-USA has over $75 million in programs, and approximately 2000 staff based in in the various country offices, Head Quarter in New York City and Operational Centre in Nairobi. Additional growth is anticipated.

Job Summary: We are looking for a highly motivated community mobilization individual for a 2-year AFD funded WASH project in Isingiro district, Uganda, whose primary role will focus on Improving community participation, involvement and leadership; supporting the communities in resolving their issues related to project and providing needed feedback. You will focus on building strong relationships within these communities, and fostering stakeholder participation in the overall project lifecycle. As the Community Mobilization Specialist, you will develop and lead community engagement strategies to enhance the meaningful participation and buy ins for the project.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Support the development of community & stakeholder mobilization implementation and monitoring framework to inform the implementation processes, interventions and deliverables.

Collaborate in the follow-up of the community group actions and referrals of the deliberations of the meetings and other activities, in coordination with the project team.

Develop, complete and update community mobilization and action plans for have a wide coverage of community members and stakeholders and ensure that deliverable complies with the implementation plan.

Manage the production of required outputs, taking responsibility for overall progress and use of resources and initiating corrective action where necessary.

Closely coordinate partner/ project activities to ensure efficiency and effectiveness in project delivery

Mobilize community members to ensure community participation and involvement in project activities.

Collaborate with other partners particularly the Joint Venture (JV) partners and others including DLG, MWE, CBOs, NGOs in the organization of meetings and events (scheduling and confirmation of participation, preparation of material, identification of logistical needs, preparation and management of attendance lists, presentation files, etc.); Record meetings, activities, projects and interagency initiatives through minutes and reports; or documents related to the project.

Ensure community participation includes the most vulnerable and marginalized groups (especially women, elderly, girls and people living with disabilities).

Identify and build relationships with relevant partners as a resource to support project implementation.

Supervise and facilitate any community-based trainings and activities by delivery partners like CBOs and service providers.

Ensure community awareness strategies and approaches are context specific and are socially & legally acceptable.

Serve as a focal person for effective communication between community groups /leaders/volunteers and project partners.

Support the communities to strengthen/ build relationships with JV partners, local authorities, and local leadership to ensure smooth implementation and sustainability.

Report to the Project Manager or supervisor on a regular, identify and anticipate in a timely manner, potential risks and issues that may affect project delivery and advise on mitigating measures.

Fiscal Responsibility

Manage budget allocations for community mobilization activities, ensuring resources are used efficiently to maximize impact.









Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

Masters Degree in Development Studies, community engagement and mobilization, or equivalent. Bachelors degree in Social Sciences, public health, Community Development, or a related field.

Specific experience

Minimum of 10 years working experience in community-based projects.

Relevant experience in social marketing, awareness raising and compensation claims preparation for infrastructure projects.

Good knowledge of Government of Uganda Compensation policy guidelines.

Experience with AFD or other international donor-funded projects.

Experience in a refugee context and Implementing humanitarian Development nexus project.

Good understanding of the local community content and connected power dynamics is desirable.

Required Skills

Proven track record in successfully developing and implementing community engagement strategies.

Strong interpersonal and communication skills, capable of effectively working with diverse community groups.

Experience in facilitating workshops, meetings, and community gatherings.

Knowledge of the WASH challenges and opportunities within rural areas of Uganda.

Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced and challenging environment.

Fluent in English and local languages spoken in Nakivale & Oruchinga settlements and Isingiro district.

Strong leadership and team management skills.

How to Apply:

All suitably qualified candidates should apply online at the link below.

Click Here

Deadline: 12th September 2024

For more of the latest jobs, please visit https://www.theugandanjobline.com or find us on our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/UgandanJobline

Date Posted 2024-09-10T23:38 Valid Through 2024-09-13T00:00 Employment Type FULL_TIME Hiring Organization Action Against Hunger Job Location Kampala, Kampala, Kampala , 0256, Uganda

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Job Title: Office Administrator (Fresher Jobs)

Organisation: NFT Consult Limited

Duty Station: Hoima, Uganda

Reports to: General Services Administrator

About the Company:

NFT Consult Limited is a business process outsourcing firm with offices in Uganda, South Africa, Kenya, Botswana Rwanda, Tanzania, Zambia, Burundi and South Sudan.

Client brief:

The East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) Project involves the construction and operation of a buried, cross-border pipeline to transport crude oil from the Lake Albert area in Uganda to the eastern coast of Tanzania for export to international markets. The pipeline will run from Kabaale in Hoima District, Uganda, to Chongoleani, Tanga Region, in Tanzania. The length of the pipeline is 1,443 kilometres (km) of which 296 km will be in Uganda. In Uganda, the pipeline will traverse ten (10) Districts, comprising Hoima, Kikuube, Kakumiro, Kyankwanzi, Mubende, Gomba, Sembabule, Lwengo, Rakai, and Kyotera.

Job Summary: The Office Administrator is responsible for ensuring the smooth running of EACOP Uganda- Branch Office. She/He manages the reception, attends to the company guests; Company facilities and services (mail, stationery, consumables, housekeeping), as well as accommodation requirements of the visiting/ resident employees. The Job holder reports directly to the General Services Administrator and works closely with all other departments.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Greet and welcome guests as soon as they arrive at the office

Ensure reception area is tidy and presentable, with all necessary stationery and material

Ensure a safe environment for staff and visitors and maintain responsible operations of the Offices.

Order and manage office supplies and keep inventory of stock

Arrange travel and accommodations for both incoming and resident employees.

Keep updated records of office expenses and costs

Ensuring the smooth running of EACOP Uganda-Branch Office









Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

Bachelors degree in administration or any related field

Minimum 2 years experience in a related Administration role.

Proven ability to multitask, work independently, and manage significant workloads and competing demands.

Strong interpersonal skills are required.

Good organization skills and aptitude to work under stress..

Good HSE knowledge and awareness.

How to Apply:

All suitably qualified and interested candidates should apply online through the NFT jobs portal.

Click Here

Deadline: 24th September 2024

For more of the latest jobs, please visit https://www.theugandanjobline.com or find us on our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/UgandanJobline

Date Posted 2024-09-10T23:07 Valid Through 2024-09-25T00:00 Employment Type FULL_TIME Hiring Organization NFT Consult Job Location Kampala, Kampala, Kampala , 0256, Uganda

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Samsung is mulling to lay off employees in India after sales dip and plunging value market share, said reports.



Sales have plunged due to poor consumer demand because of which jobs will be cut in teams handling mobile phones, consumer electronics and home appliances, according to The Economic Times.

Around 200 employees are expected to be affected and this would include nearly 10 per cent of the managerial positions. The laid off staff will get three months salary and a severance package of one-month salary for every year every year they worked with the tech giant.

ALSO READ: How much does iPhone 16 cost in India? Pre-order date, colours and price explained

Sources cited by Moneycontrol believe that employees in sales, marketing and operations could be laid off. This is reportedly part of a rejig in the company to improve organisational performance and increase market competitiveness, with key executives being reshuffled.

Samsung, which took back its numero uno position from Xiaomi in smartphone sales in FY 2023, slipped down in the first quarter of FY 2025 after its shipments slumped 15.4 per cent and volume market share tanked 12.9 per cent.

ALSO READ: How much does Apple Watch Series 10 cost in India? Apple's 'Thinstant' classic can track sleep apnea, give health and fitness insights

Besides Chinese smartphones, Apple is also eating into Samsung's premium customers. Despite high prices, iPhones sales in India have exponentially soared from around $1.5 billion in 2020-21 to $7.5 billion in 2023-24.

The layoffs come after the production of Samsung's consumer durable products at its Chennai plant came to a grinding halt due to a workers' strike on September 9. About 900 factory workers, which makes up around 50 per cent of the total workforce went on strike on Monday seeking a salary hike and improvement in working conditions.

ALSO READ: What is the price of Airpods 4 in India? Apple AirPods Pro 2 to get world's first all-in-one hearing health experience

Samsung's Chennai factory, where television, refrigerator and washing machine are produced, has about 1,800 workers.

Regarding the workers' demands, Samsung India spokesperson told PTI "At Samsung India, the welfare of our employees is our top priority. We actively engage with our workers to address any grievances they may have and comply with all laws and regulations. We will also ensure that there is no disruption to our consumers."
A new wave of violence has raised fears in the Mexican state of Sinaloa, where there is concern that Los Chapitos  a cartel led by the sons of the notorious drug trafficker Joaquin El Chapo Guzman  and the armed group led by Ismael El Mayo Zambada  the co-founder of the Sinaloa Cartel  have ended their truce.

The alarm follows shootouts, attacks on military convoys and the discovery of two dead bodies in Sinaloa. On Tuesday, Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said that it is very possible that the violence is related to the July 25 arrest of El Mayo in the United States. The president called for calm and said that there are enough forces from the Army and the National Guard to prevent the gangs from clashing.

I dont want to advance anything, said the president when asked if there was a divide in the Sinaloa Cartel. Despite the silence of the authorities, security analysts and local media have little doubt that the escalating violence in the city of Culiacan and other areas of Sinaloa is linked to the clash between La Mayiza and La Chapiza, the two main factions in the Sinaloa Cartel.

The first warning was a shootout between members of the Armed Forces and armed civilians  the term used by Mexican authorities to avoid speaking explicitly about criminal groups. According to the official version of events, an Army convoy encountered a cartel cell in the La Campina neighborhood, east of Culiacan, early Monday morning. Lopez Obrador confirmed the death of a sergeant a day later. He was one of two soldiers who were injured in the shootout.

The shooting in La Campina made national and international headlines, but the violence also extended to the south of Culiacan and to other nearby communities. Around 9 a.m., another clash took place between an Army patrol and armed civilians on the Mexico 15 highway, an area controlled by El Mayos faction. The confrontation left one dead, according to information verified by the newspaper Noroeste. A couple of hours later, there was another shooting in the municipality of Costa Rica. Governor Ruben Rocha confirmed that two civilians were injured in the attack.

A vehicle with bullet holes after a series of clashes south of Culiacan, this Monday Jose Betanzos Zarate (Cuartoscuro)

In the afternoon, the situation worsened in other areas of Culiacan. In the town of Portaceli, one man was found dead and another was wounded. Authorities also found a torched vehicle. The body of another person, who had been handcuffed and murdered, was abandoned on Agricultores Boulevard. Another victim died from a gunshot wound in Culiacan 87 park. Authorities also seized several vehicles following shootouts between civilians and military personnel in the El Salado area of Culiacan, and clashes between civilians and National Guard agents on Highway 20, near the city of Navolato and Costa Rica.

Violence also hit the municipality of Elota, where classes at all educational levels were suspended on Tuesday, and stores and businesses were advised to adopt security measures. The Autonomous University of Sinaloa, which has 70,000 students, announced that classes would be held virtually until further notice as a preventive measure in light of the violent events that have occurred in Culiacan, Badiraguato, Navolato, Elota and Eldorado. However, the Sinaloa education department resumed classes in Culiacan after suspending them on Monday. State government agencies announced that public schools are operating normally. Authorities also announced that public transportation had been fully restored.

The death toll from the wave of violence has not been confirmed, with local media reporting different figures. Revista Espejo reported that at least three people dead. Noroeste confirmed that there were five dead, while Los Noticieristas, El Debate and the weekly newspaper RioDoce chose to report on each incident separately, without providing an overall death toll.

The Sinaloa state government has so far only confirmed the murder of the person who was found dead on the Mexico 15 highway. It also reported that one arrest had been made and that a dozen vehicles had been seized by authorities, and another dozen stolen. The state prosecutors office has not issued any statement about the number of people killed or injured, focusing instead on urging the community to report all robberies.

Governor Rocha described the situation in Culiacan as calm at a press conference on Monday. The next morning, he posted a video on social media, in which he is seen walking along the banks of the Tamazula River and insisting that everything is under control.

But according to Revista Espejo, the Sinaloa Cartel is on the brink of splitting in two. Other local journalists who spoke to EL PAIS agreed with this assessment.

Following the clashes, over 10 vehicles with multiple bullet holes were seized. Jose Betanzos Zarate (Cuartoscuro)

Security analyst Alfredo Brambila says that violence is out of control. He argues that the stability authorities have boasted of in recent years has been sustained by a narco peace, which is now under threat following the allegations that El Chapos son Joaquin Guzman Lopez handed over El Mayo to U.S. authorities. El Mayo was arrested alongside Guzman Lopez in July, but there are varying accounts of how the capture took place.

The violence is the result of a rupture between the main criminal groups of the Sinaloa Cartel, Los Mayos and Los Chapitos, says Brambila, who argues that the El Mayo fraction is looking for revenge, while Los Chapitos want to capitalize on the apparent weakness of their former partners after the fall of El Mayo.

David Saucedo, an organized crime specialist, says that although the leaders of the two factions have issued no formal declaration of war, there is evident friction between the cartel members. Authorities are on the back foot, and the criminal groups are setting the tone, he says. These are signs of what appears to be the start of a war, although we have not yet seen an open confrontation. Seven weeks after El Mayo was captured, there are growing fears that his supporters will try to settle the score.

Saucedo points to signs that may be behind the latest clashes: the murder of a dozen La Mayiza operators at the hands of Los Chapitos, shootouts with security elements suspected of collaborating with El Chapos sons, and Zambadas exhortation to his men to avoid violence in the border zones, where members of different factions are present. Declaring war from one day to the next was reckless, says the specialist. They took this time to accumulate weapons, ammunition, and men.

Torched cars block a road during a confrontation between members of the Sinaloa Cartel and the Armed Forces over the alleged capture of Ivan Archivaldo Guzman, leader of 'Los Chapitos', on August 29 in Culiacan. Jose Betanzos (Cuartoscuro)

The Sinaloa Cartel is facing a strategic dilemma: start an internal war or maintain unity to confront its rivals. This week, for example, members of the Sinaloa Cartel clashed with groups linked to the Juarez Cartel in Ojinaga, Chihuahua. Authorities reported four deaths.

The Mexican government has reinforced security in Sinaloa, deploying hundreds of soldiers from other regions of the country  which has been key to deterring the violence of recent weeks. There are enough elements to maintain peace and tranquility and so far, fortunately, things are calming down, said Lopez Obrador. Sinaloa does not deserve violence, the president concluded, in a new call to criminal groups to avoid new confrontations.

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Tata Steel had been in negotiations with trade unions in the UK over proposals to close the blast furnaces at its plant at Port Talbot in Wales as a part of its push towards green steel making. These plans have got a big boost with the UK's Labour government signing a GBP 500 million grant funding agreement with the Tata Group company.

This agreement will allow the company to proceed at pace with the project to install a state-of-the-art electric arc furnace (EAF) at the Port Talbot steelworks, Tata Steel said on Wednesday.

There had been several rounds of negotiations between the company and the trade unions over the plans to close the blast furnaces. A section of the workers there had threatened to go on indefinite strike from July 8 against the move, although the strike action was eventually suspended.

Building the electric arc furnace will require an investment of GBP 1.25 billion investment. Apart from the GBP 500 million grant funding from the UK government, Tata Steel will put in GBP 750 million. The company has maintained the project will safeguard UK steel's sovereignty, secure steel making at Port Talbot and preserve 5,000 jobs.

"With the UK governments critical support, this complex and ambitious transformation of Port Talbot has the potential to make the plant one of Europes premier centres for green steelmaking. We now look forward to the efficient and speedy execution of the EAF project," TV Narendran, the CEO and MD of Tata Steel said.

The company said basic engineering is complete, and equipment orders will be placed shortly for the electric arc furnace and ladle metallurgy furnaces, among other things and for construction management and civil engineering.

"Tata Steel has already launched public consultation on specific activities and is working closely with the authorities to apply for planning approvals by November 2024, with a view to commencing large scale site work around July 2025," it said. The EAF is expected to be operational within three years.

It further added that plans are progressing to close blast Furnace 4 and the wider heavy-end operations at Port Talbot by the end of September, with supply chain arrangements in place to serve customers through the transition period until the EAF is commissioned.

Tata Steel said that it has finalised a memorandum of understanding with the UK Steel Committee following extensive discussions with employee representatives.

"Tata Steel is offering its most generous-ever support package to employees leaving the company, and a comprehensive voluntary redundancy aspiration process combined with cross-matching and/or re-skilling," it claimed.

The labour union Unite has also welcomed today's agreement stating the government's commitment to provide serious funding for steel in South Wales is vital for local communities and the long-term future of the steel industry.

But, it also stressed that it was now "imperative" on Tata to bring forward second stage proposals to develop increased steel capacity at its sites in South Wales. The union said it was in talks with the government and Tata Steel to create new jobs.
An Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent comprising MiG-29s, Jaguars and C-17s is ready to set course to take part in 'Exercise Eastern Bridge' scheduled to take place from Wednesday to September 22.

Busy IAF!!!



While the IAFs Ex Tarang Shakti phase II is still on at Jodhpur...



...An IAF contingent comprising MiG-29s, Jaguars and C-17s is ready to set course to participate in Exercise Eastern Bridge VII in Oman. This is the seventh edition of the Exercise that is pic.twitter.com/vEFZ89Q96M  Vayu Aerospace Review (@ReviewVayu) September 11, 2024

The seventh edition of the bilateral exercise aims to boost the interoperability between the Royal Oman Air Force and the IAF. It will be a platform for both sides to engage in a series of joint training missions designed to strengthen strategic cooperation and operational readiness.

READ MORE: IN PICS: Tarang Shakti Phase-II, Indias first major multilateral air exercise

The aims of the bilateral exercise include improving tactical and operational skills, fostering mutual understanding, and bolstering the ability of both sides to collaborate effectively in different scenarios.

'Exercise Eastern Bridge' will include complex aerial maneuvering, air-to-air and air-to-ground operations, and logistical coordination, in line with the evolving defense needs and strategic interests of both countries.

ALSO READ: 20th edition of India-US joint military exercise, Yudh Abhyas, begins in Rajasthan

The exercise highlights the commitment of the Royal Oman Air Force and the Indian Air Force to regional security and stability. The participating teams are expected to benefit from the shared expertise and operational experience gained during this extensive training period, the defence ministry said in a statement.
US-based defence technology company Lockheed Martin and Tata Advanced Systems Limited have entered into a teaming agreement that is expected to give a major fillip to India's defence and aerospace capabilities.

We are delighted to share that USISPF members @LockheedMartin and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (@tataadvanced) have entered into a teaming agreement to expand C-130J Super Hercules Opportunities in India.



This announcement marks a significant step in enhancing India's defence pic.twitter.com/IH8x7cIYYS  US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (@USISPForum) September 10, 2024

The two companies have agreed to set up a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility to support the Indian Air Force's highly advanced military transport aircraft C-130J Super Hercules fleet as well as the C-130J fleet operated by other countries.



ALSO READ: All about 'Malpe' and 'Mulki', fourth and fifth ships of anti-submarine warfare shallow water craft project

The teaming agreement also explores the possibility of Lockheed Martin expanding C-130J manufacturing and assembly in India to produce aircraft for Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) programme of the Indian Navy, subject to government approval.

The IAF is looking to acquire up to 80 MTAs and had issued a request for information in this regard.

"Collaborating with Lockheed Martin on the C-130J platform proposition for IAF's MTA project is a milestone for Tata Advanced Systems," CEO and MD of Tata Advanced Systems Sukaran Singh said.

READ MORE: Developing space, electronic warfare integral to tackling modern-day challenges, says Rajnath Singh

The announcement also marks the entry of Tata Advanced Systems into the defence MRO space in India for large aircraft platforms.

Rod McLean, vice president and general manager of the Air Mobility and Maritime Missions line of business at Lockheed Martin said the teaming agreement demonstrates his company's "commitment to a self-reliant India.

The two companies already have a long-standing partnership through the Tata Lockheed Martin Aerostructures Ltd., (TLMAL) joint venture, established in 2010.
Malaika Arora's father, Anil Arora, died after he allegedly jumped off from the terrace of his Mumbai residence on Wednesday. According to Mumbai Police, Anil's residence was on the sixth floor of the Bandra building.



Elaborating further on the nature of Anil Arora's demise, Mumbai Police told the press that they will probe all angles and will not come to a quick conclusion. No suicide note has been found from his accomodation yet but it looks so prima-facie, the police added. Forensice units had arrived and started working, they added.

Anil Arora's body was sent for an autopsy, the reports said.

Several Mumbai Police officials had reached the place by the time Malaika and her sister Amrita Arora reached his residence, Hindustan Times said in a report.

Malaika Arora was reportedly reportedly in Pune when news of her father's passing broke. Her former husband Arbaaz Khan reportedly reached the spot following the incident.

Anil Arora, a former Merchant Navy officer, was married to Joyce Polycarp. They separated when Malaika Arora was 11. According to media reports, Amil Arora was unwell for a long time.

In a recent interview, Malaika Arora revealed that although she had a "wonderful" childhood, it was not always easy and added that there were "tumultuous" times.

50-year-old Malaika Arora is best-known for her dance performances to popular tracks such as Chaiya Chaiya, Munni Badnaam Hui and Anarkali Disco Chali.

(Suicide is not a solution to any problem. Seek the help of mental health experts if you are in distress. Call the DISHA Helpline while having such thoughts. Toll-free helpline number: 1056, 0471-2552056)
The Union cabinet on Wednesday approved the health coverage to all senior citizens aged 70 and above irrespective of their income under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana scheme.

The scheme will now benefit 4.5 crore families with six crore senior citizens with Rs 5 lakh free health insurance cover on a family basis, said an official release.

The cabinet meeting was chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. With the expansion of the scheme, the eligible senior citizens would now be issued a new distinct card under the AB PM-JAY.

#WATCH | After the Cabinet meeting, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw says, "PM Narendra Modi had made a commitment that all senior citizens above the age of 70 years will be given coverage under Ayushman Bharat PM Jan Arogya Yojana. There are many families which are already pic.twitter.com/4MZRmDSaaf  ANI (@ANI) September 11, 2024

Key highlights of the scheme

The senior citizens of the age 70 years and above belonging to families already covered under AB PM-JAY will get an additional top-up cover up to Rs 5 lakh per year for themselves (which they do not have to share with the other members of the family who are below the age of 70 years).

All other senior citizens of the age 70 years and above will get a cover up to Rs 5 lakh per year on a family basis.

Senior citizens of the age 70 years and above who are already availing benefits of other public health insurance schemes such as the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) and the Ayushman Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) can either choose their existing scheme or opt for AB PMJAY.

Senior citizens of 70 years and above who are under private health insurance policies or the Employees State Insurance scheme will be eligible to avail benefits under AB PM-JAY.

The government claims that the AB PM-JAY is the worlds largest publicly funded health assurance scheme which provides health cover of Rs 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation to 55 crore individuals corresponding to 12.34 crore families.

All members of the eligible families irrespective of age are covered under the scheme. The scheme has covered 7.37 Crore hospital admissions including 49 percent women beneficiaries. The public has benefited to the extent of over Rs. 1 Lakh crore under the scheme, the government said in a statement.
Engineer Rashid, leader of the Awami Itehad Party (AIP) and Member of Parliament (MP), vowed to fight Prime Minister Narendra Modi's narrative of "Naya Kashmir" following his release from Tihar Jail.

Rashid, who was arrested in 2019 by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on charges of terror funding, was granted interim bail on Tuesday.

During his first address after being released, Rashid criticised Modis policies in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly the abrogation of Article 370 and 35A on August 5, 2019. He said that the people have rejected the narrative of "Naya Kashmir."

I will not let down my people. I pledge to fight against Modis narrative of 'Naya Kashmir. he said. People have rejected his narrative, and people have rejected what he did on August 5, 2019. The vote for me was a referendum against Modis policies, especially the abrogation of Article 370 and 35A.

When asked about accusations from National Conference (NC) leader Omar Abdullah and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Mehbooba Mufti that his release was an attempt to support the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as a proxy, Rashid flatly dismissed the claims.

"My fight is much bigger than what Omar Abdullah says. His fight is for the chair; mine is for the people," he said.

He criticised both Abdullah and Mufti for their failures in Kashmir, mentioning Abdullahs political losses.

The people of North Kashmir have already given their response when he (Omar) lost by more than 200,000 votes, he said. Mehbooba Mufti also lost. Do I need certificates from these people? My conscience and the time I spent in Tihar Jail are enough for me.

Rashid became emotional while recalling his time in Tihar and the plight of many fellow Kashmiris he met during his incarceration.

"I cannot forget Altaf Fantoosh, who was my cellmate. When he left jail for the last time, it was his body that went out, he said. I cannot forget the dozens of Kashmiris in Tihar, who need medical care, people like Abdul Majeed Baba from Sopore, who is suffering due to the lack of surgery, or Fayaz Ahmed Lone and Arshid Tanki from Kupwara, who need medical attention," he said.

Rashid made it clear that his battle was for the people of Kashmir, saying, "I want to tell Omar and Mehbooba that my fight is for the people, and by talking about them, I do not wish to belittle my stature and sacrifice."

Rashid categorically denied any alignment with the BJP. I am a victim of the BJP. How could you suggest I would support them? he said in response to a statement made by Omar and Mehbooba that he would be their proxy.

He argued that any increase in voting percentage was a form of protest against Modis decision to abrogate Articles 370 and 35A, not support for the BJP. People used their vote as an option. It was not in Modi's love but to show what Kashmiris want, he said.

Rashid also addressed Omar Abdullahs remarks calling victory as a win for Islamists. I am proud to be an Islamist, but Islam does not teach radicalism. We are not radicals, he stressed.

He also pointed out Abdullahs inconsistency. First, he says its a victory for Islamists, and then he says Im in touch with the BJP. He needs to clarify which of his statements is correct, he said.

Rashid called on the youth to focus on education and leave politics to the leaders. My message to the youth is to focus on education and your careers. Leave politics to us. It is my job to represent your aspirations, and for that, if I have to go to jail for life, I will do so.

He says they (BJP) talked about Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK), adding, "We say, ask the people from both sides of the Line of Control what they want and how to resolve the Kashmir issue. If saying that is a crime, I am proud to commit that crime again and again."

Rashids release has set the stage for renewed political activity in Jammu and Kashmir, where he remains a vocal critic of both the BJP and local parties. Analysts opine that given the narrative he has built over the abrogation of Article 370 and his arrest, his party could emerge as an important player in the upcoming assembly.
Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi was largely critical of the Union government headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on his unofficial four-day trip to the US, but indicated that the Congress party was in alignment with the ruling BJP on major foreign policy decisions.

Speaking at a press conference yesterday in Washington at the National Press Club, Rahul Gandhi pointed out that his party supported PM Modi's stand on India-US relations, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Israel.

#WATCH | Washington DC, USA: On being asked do you think PM Modi has managed the US-China competition, Congress leader and LoP in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi says, "Well, if you call having Chinese troops in 4,000 square kilometres of our territory handling something well, then maybe pic.twitter.com/uMvnHqWph5  ANI (@ANI) September 11, 2024

When asked about his views on India-US bilateral relations, Gandhi said, I don't see Modi is diverting very much from our approach with the US. I don't see ourselves changing direction very much from what he's doing. So, I see continuity there. I think everybody does accept the fact that the India-US relationship is key for both countries.

ALSO READ: Rahul Gandhi reiterates LS polls were controlled: 'Structured to help Modi do his thing'

However, he said that the US cannot interfere in India's internal affairs, and that it is for the people of India to decide.

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. We will make sure that democracy is secure.

Gandhi was supportive of the Centre's stand on Pakistanthat there can be no dialogue between the two countries as long as Pakistan does not put an end to terrorism. He also rejected the notion that the Kashmir issue was preventing the two neighbouring countries from engaging in talks.

ALSO READ: Rahul Gandhi's 'Sikh' remarks in US anger BJP: 'Congress massacred them'

Gandhi said he shared the Union government's concerns about extremist elements in Bangladesh, but expressed hope that things will stabilise in the country soon.

He also reiterated India's stand on the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, saying he was against violence of any kind. I think what happened on the seventh of October [when Hamas attacked southern Israel] was absolutely wrong. But, I also think what Israel did, and is doing, bombing innocent civilians, and killing women and children, is absolutely wrong and should not be allowed to continue. I'm against violence of any kind. And certainly, the scale of violence, I actually think, is harming Israel. It's harming Israel more than it's helping them.

However, Gandhi was critical of the Centre's policies on China, saying the Chinese had infiltrated into Indian territory. We have got Chinese troops occupying land the size of Delhi in Ladakh. I think that's a disaster. Media doesn't like to write about it.

How would America react if a neighbour occupied 4,000 square kilometres of your territory? Would any president be able to get away with saying that he's handled that well? So, I don't think Modi's handled China well. I think there's no reason Chinese troops should be sitting in our territory, Gandhi said.

His unofficial trip ended yesterday.
A Border Security Force (BSF) jawan was injured after Pakistani troops fired on Indian posts along the International Border (IB) in Akhnoor, Jammu and Kashmir, during the wee hours on Wednesday.

After Pakistani forces violated a ceasefire agreement along the border around 2.35 am, the BSF troops also retaliated. However, the casualties on the Pakistani side are yet to be ascertained.

The attack comes as the Union Territory prepares for the assembly elections. The first phase is scheduled for September 18, followed by the remaining two phases on September 25 and October 1.

The troops are on high alert along the International Border and Line of Control (LoC) in the wake of the unprovoked firing. The latest ceasefire deal was agreed upon on February 25, 2021.

A BSF personnel was martyred in a attack by Pakistan Rangers in Ramgarh sector. This was first such fatality on the Indian side in over three years.

On Tuesday evening, the BSF Punjab unit jointly with the Punjab police recovered a drone from a farming field near Rajatal, Amritsar. It was a China-made DJI Mavic 3 Classic reportedly sent from across the Pakistani border.
Punjab Police is on high alert after a suspected grenade blast was reported in Chandigarh on Wedesday. According to reports, locals confirmed that it was not an accidental explosion but one caused by a few men who threw a grenade at a house located in Sector 10 of Chandigarh.



VIDEO | A hand grenade was allegedly thrown in the premises of a house in Sector 10, Chandigarh earlier today. Heavy police presence at the spot, investigation is underway. pic.twitter.com/lKwjhwZQxk  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 11, 2024

The incident happened near the house of a non-resident Indian (NRI) around 6:15 pm, Hindustan Times said in a report. Multiple eyewitnesses claimed that they saw the suspected gang reaching the spot in an autorickshaw a few minutes ahead of the blast, the report added.

The blast was so loud that it was heard by people at least a kilometre away from the spot. The explosion was also captured in a CCTV camera fit in the locality. Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) assisted the Chandigarh Police in securing the scene and gathering evidence, reports said.

As the police suspect the perpetrators intend to leave Chandigarh for Mohali, personnel in the district have been asked to stay vigilant. All checkpoints have been alerted and patrol parties have been dispatched, news reports said.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjees appeal to end protests over the alleged rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkatas RG Kar Medical College and Hospital and return to Durga Puja festivities has been met with strong disapproval from both the protesters and the victims parents.

They argued that the current situation was not appropriate for a festival. However, in West Bengal, Durga Puja is not just about celebrating the festivity. It acts as the largest source of livelihood for lakhs of people in the state, including puja organisers, small retailers, restaurant owners and hawkers.

Last year, the chief minister had informed that as per the British Council, Durga Puja generated business worth more than Rs 70,000 crore. She claimed the figure might have crossed Rs 80,000 crore. Kolkata alone is believed to contribute 20 per cent to the figure.

Business tied to Durga Puja typically takes place in the one to two months leading up to the festival. However, the month-long protests in Kolkata since August 9 have severely impacted the livelihoods of those who rely on this period for their income.

Due to daily protests occurring across various parts of the city and suburbs, ordinary people are struggling to reach major shopping areas in Kolkata, such as Gariahat, Hatibagan, and New Market.

I havent seen anything like this. The business is very much down. COVID-19 period was a different. But this time theres no pandemic or lockdown, yet people are not coming, Md Wahid, who runs a roadside bag shop in Kolkatas New Market, told THE WEEK.

Wahid, who has been running his shop for 20 years, believes this is the effect of the protests related to the alleged rape and murder incident at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. Maybe people think this is not the right time for celebration. I dont blame them, he added.

The same was echoed by other street vendors in the New Market area, one of the most significant shopping hubs in Kolkata. At a time when Durga Puja is just three weeks away, the area would typically attract large crowds of shoppers flocking to the stores from early morning.

However, this time the situation is different. Even the evening hours are witnessing empty streets. During evening, one wouldnt find a space to stand in New Market when the Durga Puja is just a few weeks away. Generally, we would run out of supply by this time due to high demands, Mohammad Anwar, a garment shop owner, told THE WEEK.

Despite the losses, he says he supports the movement of junior doctors. He supports their cause and believe they are fighting for a just cause. Anwar also sympathised with the victims parents.

He added, I have a daughter and what happened with the doctor at RG Kar could have happened to my daughter as well. As a father, how can I then go against the protest? I just hope things get resolved soon and the victims parents get justice.

Durga Puja organizers, however, have criticized the celebrities advocating for the boycott of this years celebrations. The Forum for Durgotsab, an umbrella group representing community Durga Pujas, argued that protesters should also consider the livelihoods of those who depend on the festival for their income.

From dhakis to roadside hawkers, these poor people eagerly wait the entire year for the five days of Durga Puja. Justice to the RG Kar victim must not come at the cost of their livelihood, Saswata Dasgupta, the general secretary of Forum for Durgotsab, told THE WEEK.
DNA extracted from 15 corpses stored in a Paris museum has yielded a monumental surprise: the Rapa Nui, inhabitants of Easter Island, the most isolated place on Earth, reached the Americas by sailing two centuries before the caravels captained by Christopher Columbus. The study provides a mind-blowing twist to the history of the tiny territory lost in the immensity of the Pacific. To the east, Easter Island is more than 3,500 kilometres (2,175 miles) from Chile, the country to which it belongs. In the opposite direction, the nearest land is the Pitcairn Islands, 1,900 kilometres (1,180 miles) away.

The first inhabitants of Easter Island were originally from Polynesia, from where they are believed to have arrived by boat around the year 1200 A.D. From that moment on, and without anyone quite knowing how, the Rapa Nui carved, transported and erected more than 900 moai, imposing human torsos that reach 10 metres in height and weigh 80 tons. DNA analysis of current members of the Rapa Nui shows that they are 90% Polynesian and 10% American. But, in 2017, the study of the remains of Rapa Nui who had lived centuries ago found no trace of American DNA, adding to the mystery.

Since 2014, Victor Moreno-Mayar, a Mexican evolutionary anthropologist, has been studying the origin and history of the Rapa Nui. It is a difficult task, as the island community does not allow the analysis of remains of ancestors buried on the island. Moreno-Mayars team found a unique opportunity in boxes containing bones of supposed Rapa Nui collected by French sailors in the 19th century, which were stored in the National Museum of Natural History in Paris.

The results, published Wednesday in Nature, confirm that all of them were originally from Easter Island and lived between 1670 and 1900. Their genetic profile shows 90% Polynesian DNA and 10% American, which supports previous, smaller studies by the same team.

Whenever two people have children, their genome is split into portions and recombines, like shuffling a deck of cards. Since we know this biological process, we can see the lengths of these blocks of American DNA and ask when they entered the Polynesian population of Rapa Nui, Moreno-Mayar, who is currently working at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark, told this newspaper. In addition, these blocks can indicate the date when the Rapa Nui and Native Americans met and had children. The shorter, the older the interbreeding event and vice versa, explains the Mexican geneticist. His teams calculations suggest that interbreeding between Polynesians and Native Americans first took place around 1300 A.D., approximately two centuries before the three vessels sent by Spains Catholic Monarchs and captained by Columbus reached the Caribbean coasts of the Americas in 1492, and four centuries before Europeans discovered Easter Island, in 1722.

Moais on Easter Island (Chile). Grafissimo (Getty Images)

DNA does not clarify whether it was the Rapa Nui who reached the Americas or vice versa, but the former is more plausible, Moreno-Mayars team reasons, given the Polynesian peoples skill at navigation, often heading east and against the wind. In less than a century, the Polynesians managed to reach Easter Island and from there, the shores of South America, an astonishing achievement that leaves many questions open.

The genetic material recovered in Paris is not enough to determine how many Rapa Nui reached the Americas, or whether there were one or more arrivals. Nor, of course, what their boats were like. The data only indicate that they crossed paths with inhabitants from the west of the Andes; it is impossible to be more specific.

A navigation experiment determined that a vessel similar to the one used by the inhabitants of Easter Island to travel toward the continent would have reached the coasts near Guayaquil in Ecuador, explains Moreno-Mayar. We have no DNA from this region, neither current nor ancient, because this molecule degrades over time, and the worst conditions for its preservation are heat and humidity, he explains. Finding the mirror population of the Polynesian pioneers, descendants of these crossbreeding events, with 90% American DNA and 10% Polynesian, is a very difficult task, due in part to the fact that in South America there is much less population genetic data than in Europe or the United States.

A researcher consults the anthropological collections containing human remains at the National Museum of Natural History in Paris. JCDomenech

The next step in the investigation is to obtain permission from the French government to repatriate the remains of the 15 Rapa Nui analyzed, which were collected by the explorer and ethnologist Alphonse Pinart around 1870. Until the study was carried out, these bones were stored and labelled, but without much further information about their origin, explains Moreno-Mayar. Throughout their work, the team has collaborated with the Rapa Nui community, which has launched a program to recover its ancestors stored in Western museums. For now, the Parisian museum has not received any requests for these remains, according to a spokesperson for the institution, who points out that, according to French law, it should be the Chilean government that requests the recovery and the French government that decides whether it is granted.

The myth of collapse

The study also debunks the theory that the Rapa Nui culture collapsed before the arrival of Europeans due to overexploitation of the island, wars, epidemics, and even cannibalism. The first European navigators who arrived on Easter Island  first the Dutchman Jacob Roggeveen, on Easter Day 1722, hence the Western name for the island, and then the Spanish captain Felipe Gonzalez de Haedo in 1770, who drew a detailed map and located the moai  could not believe how a people who did not know of the wheel or metals, and who numbered only a few thousand, could have created such colossal sculptures. The idea that Easter Island had a prosperous past, with a population of around 15,000, only to be decimated by deforestation and resource abuse around 1600, later gained traction. Despite scant archaeological evidence, the narrative was championed by influential anthropologists such as Jared Diamond, who dedicated his book Collapse to the theory, in which he spoke of ecocide, as if these societies were to blame for their own destruction. The Rapa Nui became a perfect metaphor for the dangerous excesses of human beings in the face of climate change.

Geneticist Victor Moreno-Mayar, of the University of Copenhagen (Denmark), co-author of the study.

The 15 cadavers analyzed by the team led by Moreno-Mayar cover the period immediately after the supposed collapse. The DNA allows the population size to be calculated. The results show that it numbered a few thousand people, and that it grew steadily within the parameters of a non-industrialised society, explains the Mexican geneticist. It is exactly the opposite of what we thought we would find, he admits.

The growth of the islands population was only halted after 1870, when there is evidence of the arrival of ships from Peru that took a large part of the population to work as slaves in America. This contact also brought with it a smallpox epidemic. According to some studies, the islands population fell to 110. Today there are about 8,000 inhabitants, according to projections by the Chilean government.

The study brings a significant advance in our understanding of the islands inhabitants and their ancestors, say Stephan Schiffels and Kathrin Nagele, archaeology and genetics specialists at the Max Planck Institute in Germany, in an independent opinion published alongside the study. The experts propose turning the erroneous metaphor of ecocide on its head. Perhaps this study will be the final nail in the coffin of that story, and it will become another one about the resilience of humans and their ability to use resources sustainably in the face of changes in the environment, they state.

Inigo Olalde, a geneticist at the University of the Basque Country who was not involved in the study, highlights its value: It is the first time that ancient genomes from Easter Island have been sequenced with high quality. The researcher points out that the data are quite convincing, but that the wide range of dates of the remains implies that almost certainly, the 15 individuals lived after the first contacts with Europeans, which opens up the possibility that American DNA arrived by that route. The only absolute and incontestable way to demonstrate these theses is to analyze the genome of a Rapa Nui from before European contact, he ventures.

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Despite the Supreme Courts directive on Monday for them to resume duties by 5 pm on Tuesday, protesting junior doctors of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital and other government institutions in West Bengal continued their agitation.

Currently, the medics are staging a dharna in front of Swasthya Bhavan, the headquarters of the Government of West Bengals health and family welfare department in Kolkatas Salt Lake

Earlier, they declined a meeting request from Narayan Swaroop Nigam, principal secretary of the health and family welfare department, stating that one of their demands was Nigams resignation.

On Wednesday, West Bengal Chief Secretary Manoj Pant emailed the protesters, asking them to send a delegation of 12-15 representatives for a meeting to Nabanna, the state secretariat.

In response, the junior doctors outlined four conditions: they would send a delegation of 30 members; the meeting must be broadcast live; their five demands must be addressed; and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee must be present at the meeting. The chief secretary told the press that no talks can be held with pre-determined conditions.

Unless all our demands are met, we will not return to work. If the state takes any disciplinary action, we are ready to face that, Dr Debdut Bhadra, a junior doctor of RG Kar MCHs general surgery department, told THE WEEK at the sidelines of their dharna near Swasthya Bhavan.

Senior counsel Kapil Sibal, representing the West Bengal government in the Supreme Court, informed the three-judge bench, headed by CJI DY Chandrachud, that 23 people had died as a result of the junior doctors' refusal to work during their protest.

He further mentioned that many people, reliant on government hospitals for care, were being denied medical services because they cannot afford private healthcare.

The protesters reject the allegation, arguing that it's a tactic by the state government to divert attention from their movement and discredit it. They also propose that the state release the death figures from the same period last year for comparison.

If the state claims that people are not receiving treatment and are dying due to our absence, it only strengthens our demand for a complete overhaul of the states healthcare system. Why are government hospitals entirely dependent on junior doctors who are still in training, asked Dr Bhadra.

He emphasized that senior doctors in government hospitals across West Bengal are working tirelessly to keep medical services running smoothly.

Protesters claim the state is questioning the competence of senior doctors and exposing the widespread corruption in the recruitment system, where undeserving individuals can bribe their way into becoming doctors.

Junior doctors further say their demand for workplace safety for doctors has also not been fulfilled by the state. Even though the CISF has been employed at RG Kar MCH, they claim security at other institutions are still the same as it was before.

Dr Pabitra Bhowmik of RG Kar MCH told THE WEEK at the dharna in Swasthya Bhavan, We dont know yet if all the culprits have been arrested. If there are more people involved in the rape and murder of our friend at RG Kar then they are still roaming freely. In that scenario, how can we feel safe?

Protesters are questioning why the state has still not fully implemented its flagship 'Rattirer Sathi' initiative, which was introduced to address workplace safety concerns for women.

At the same time, senior doctors and people from various parts of society continue to show their support for the protesting doctors.

Professor Dr Sukumar Mukherjee, one of the most eminent doctors of West Bengal, told THE WEEK, These junior doctors have given us a new definition of mass movement. We could have never done this in our times. But I hope there will be healthy discussion soon between the doctors and the state.
Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's unofficial four-day trip to the United States may have ended yesterday, but the war of words between the party and the ruling BJP is yet to die down.

Gandhi was largely critical of the Narendra Modi government during his interactions in the US, and, expectedly, it has not gone down well with the saffron party. Continuing with its attack on Gandhi, the BJP has now slammed him for meeting US lawmaker Ilhan Abdullahi Omar, who has criticised India several times in the past.

Gandhi met US lawmakers at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington, D.C. at a gathering hosted by Congressman Bradley James Sherman. US Congress members Jonathan Jackson, Ro Khanna, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Barbara Lee, Shri Thanedar, Jesus G. "Chuy" Garcia, Hank Johnson and Jan Schakowsky were also present.

ALSO READ: Rahul Gandhi reiterates LS polls were controlled: 'Structured to help Modi do his thing'

Who is Ilhan Omar?

Omar, a member of the Democratic Party, is the representative for Minnesota's 5th Congressional District in the US House of Representatives, covering Minneapolis and nearby suburbs. She was one of the first two Muslim women to be elected to the US Congress. She became the first African refugee to join Congress, and the first woman of colour to represent Minnesota. Omar was born in Somaliathe youngest of seven childrenbut had to flee the country as a child during the civil war. She spent four years in a Kenyan refugee camp before moving to the United States in the 1990s. In 2011, Omar graduated with a degree in Political Science and International Studies from North Dakota State University.

ALSO READ: Rahul Gandhi's 'Sikh' remarks in US anger BJP: 'Congress massacred them'

Controversies surrounding Ilhan Omar, and her anti-India stance

Last year, Omar was voted out of the high-profile foreign affairs committee by the Republican-majority House of Representatives, for her critical comments on Israel. She had later apologised for the remarks, saying, I might have used words at the time that I didnt understand were trafficking in antisemitism.

The same year, she boycotted PM Modi's joint session address to the US Congress, and also introduced a resolution condemning human rights violations in India, against Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Dalits, Adivasis, and other religious and cultural minorities.

Omar had also urged the US to support the Canadian probe into allegations of the Indian government being involved in the murder of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

The allegations that Canadian citizen Hardeep Singh Niijar was assassinated by the Indian government are deeply concerning. The US must fully support the Canadian investigation.



We are also requesting a briefing on whether there are similar operations in the United States.  Rep. Ilhan Omar (@Ilhan) September 26, 2023

In 2022, she visited Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, drawing a sharp response from India.

BJP slams Rahul Gandhi

Union Home Minister Amit Shah took to X to slam Gandhi for his "anti-India" statements during the US visit. Referring to the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference's "anti-national and anti-reservation agenda" in J&K or making "anti-India statements" on foreign soil, Shah said that Gandhi has "always threatened" the nation's security and hurt sentiments.

Standing with forces that conspire to divide the country and making anti-national statements have become a habit for Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party. Whether it is supporting the JKNC's anti-national and anti-reservation agenda in J&K or making anti-India statements on  Amit Shah (@AmitShah) September 11, 2024

BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya, too, accused the Congress leader and the party of working against India's interests.
Bangladesh's new interim government has said that it wants New Delhi to address the matter of border killings seriously, but it has no plans to escalate the issue into a war.

Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain made the statement to reporters as protest brewed in Dhaka over the alleged BSF shooting deaths of a 16-year-old girl and a 15-year-old boy along India's border with the country. The BSF has not confirmed the killings.

Bangladesh claimed on Sunday that the BSF shot dead a 15-year-old boy who was trying to enter India illegally. The teen was allegedly fired at when he was cutting the barbed-wire fence near the border. The teen, identified as Jayanta Kumar Singh, was with his father when the firing happened.

This happened after protests boiled over the alleged shooting death of a 16-year-old girl, identified as Swarna Das. Bangladesh authorities blame it on the BSF. Following this, the foreign affairs ministry lodged a formal protest to the government of India, stating that such incidents of border killing were undesirable and unwarranted and a violation of the provisions of the Joint Indo-Bangladesh Guidelines for Border Authorities, 1975.

Also read: Bangladesh claims BSF shot dead teen who tried to enter India by cutting barbed-wire fence near border

When asked about this, Hossain said Dhaka has raised the issue and is constantly communicating with Indian authorities, but is yet to hear from the latter. He added that the issue has a "significantly negative impact" on bilateral relations between Dhaka and New Delhi.

These border killings are not beneficial for India. They should be stopped in the interest of both countries, Hossain told reporters, adding that it was in the interest of both countries to move beyond this. "I have not heard anyone say that this benefits India in any way."

On whether Bangladesh would seek justice if protests don't yield results, Touhid Hossain: "We have strengthened our protest language. I dont know if youve noticed, but that is all we can do for now. We wont escalate this into a war."

Bangladesh's local media reports claim 16 Bangladeshis who went to India through the border earlier the same night were detained by BSF personnel.
One of the most bizarre moments of Tuesday's Donald Trump-Kamala Harris debate was how the former President pushed the baseless claim of immigrants eating cats and dogs in Springfield, Ohio.

Repeating a baseless rumour that did rounds on social media, Trump told millions of American viewers while discussing immigration. "They're eating the dogs, the people that came in, they're eating the cats," Trump said. "They're eating the pets of the people that live there, and this is what's happening in our country, and it's a shame."



Harris immediately laughed at the remark and shook her head. To Trump's dismay,



However, to Trump's dismay, ABC's moderator David Muir immediately fact-checked his claims. He said the city manager in Springfield, Ohio, told the network there had been no credible reports of pets being harmed, injured or abused by people in the city's immigrant community.



Trump was repeating the rumours spreading on social media that Haitian immigrants in Ohio are abducting and eating pets, a rumour dispelled by the police department. The police released a statement on Monday stating that there have so far been no such cases reported. "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.



Interestingly, Trump's running mate and Ohio Sen. JD Vance too echoed the rumours to add weight to his claim that the immigrants were causing chaos. Vance, though, added a rider that "it was possible that all of these rumours would turn out to be false."



This wasn't the only baseless claim Trump peddled in Tuesday's debate. He reiterated a falsehood while taking a potshot at Harris's running mate Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, stating that Democrats are so extreme on abortion rights that they support killing newborns. "Her vice presidential pick says abortion in the ninth month is absolutely fine. He also says execution after birth," Trump said.



Both Harris and Walz never made such a statement, and Harris has said she backs reinstating the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade Supreme Court ruling that recognized women's constitutional right to abortion at up to around 24 to 28 weeks.



Trump also said Harris "hates" Israel" and Israel would not exist if she became the president. The whole place is going to get blown up ... Israel will be gone."



All these claims were made without any evidence. Harris reacted to the claim, stating it was "absolutely not true" that she hated Israel and said she had supported the country throughout her career.


Kolkata, Sep 11 (PTI) A Japanese diplomat on Wednesday expressed confidence that India's relationship with his country relationship will continue to strengthen under the new Prime Minister of Japan.

Speaking at an interaction with the Calcutta Chamber of Commerce, Consul General of Japan Nakagawi Koichi noted that the bilateral relationship has grown significantly over the years and that he expects whoever takes over as Japan's new Prime Minister to maintain this momentum.

Japan will go for polls to elect a new Prime Minister on September 27.



The diplomat hoped that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would visit Japan in the near future, following Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio's visit to India in March 2023.



While no specific timeline has been set, officials anticipate that Modi's visit to take place in 2024.



Koichi emphasised the importance of infrastructure development in the India-Japan partnership, highlighting the high-speed railway project and identifying areas like artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, and green energy as key areas for future cooperation.



He also mentioned that around 1,400 Japanese companies are currently operating in India, with approximately 25 headquartered in West Bengal and two each in Jharkhand and Odisha.



Koichi expressed Japan's interest in addressing the congestion at the Petrapole Land Customs Checkpost, which is the largest land trade and passenger border between India and Bangladesh.



While no specific projects have been identified yet, he indicated that Japan is open to discussing potential solutions to streamline the border trade.



The bilateral trade between India and Japan was USD 22.85 billion in 2023-24.
New Delhi, Sep 11 (PTI) Ola Electric on Wednesday condemned the act of arson at its brand store in Kalburgi, Karnataka, by an alleged dissatisfied customer.

"There has been an incident of arson yesterday at one of our brand stores in Kalaburagi, Karnataka," the Bengaluru-based company said in a statement on Twitter.

The perpetrator of this violent act has been identified and an FIR has been lodged against the said individual in the concerned police station, it added.

According to sources, a customer, Mohammad Nadeem, had bought an Ola scooter a few days back but it developed certain issues.

Sources said he was dissatisfied with the brand store's response regarding the issues with the scooter.

On Tuesday he allegedly set the store on fire.

The person involved in the incident has been arrested and an investigation is ongoing, the company stated.

"Further to the FIR, we at Ola highly condemn such unlawful acts, and will take all necessary legal measures to ensure that appropriate and strict actions are taken in this matter and such incidents are not repeated," the company stated.
FOSTER City, Calif. and BANGALORE, India, Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- MedGenome, a leading global genomics-driven diagnostics and research services company, announced the appointment of Dr. Amit Kakar as Chairman of its Board, effective immediately.



Dr Kakar takes over from Dr. Felix Olale, MD, PhD, who concluded his two year term as Chairman of the Board and will focus his efforts on leading the growth of MedGenome's US and North America business.



Dr Amit has served on the MedGenome board of directors since 2022 and is Managing Partner and Head of Asia at Novo Holdings, a global life sciences investor wholly owned by the Novo Nordisk Foundation, an independent philanthropic enterprise foundation. He has over 30 years of experience in the Healthcare and Life Sciences industry and serves on the boards of Doctor Anywhere, an omni-channel healthcare service provider; ESCO, a Singapore-based life science company; and Qure.ai, a leading health tech firm headquartered in India.



"I am honored to be serving as Chairman at an exciting time for the company. MedGenome has been at the forefront of revolutionizing healthcare through its deep technology and innovation capabilities in the field of genomics. I look forward to working closely with the board and management team as we continue to play our part in making healthcare solutions affordable and accessible for all. Together with the talented team at MedGenome, we will work towards expanding our reach and ensuring that our solutions can make a difference in the lives of people across the globe." said Dr. Kakar.



Dr. Kakar previously served as the Head of Healthcare Investments at Avenue Capital for 8 years where he was responsible for the company's pan-Asia healthcare investments. He was also part of GE Healthcare for over 14 years, holding various senior positions in India, China, and the US; and was Head of M&A and Business Development at Everlife Asia in Singapore. With a distinguished career spanning over three decades of healthcare investing, operations, management and leadership, his commitment to excellence, coupled with a deep understanding of the markets, will provide strong strategic direction to MedGenome's next phase of growth in the coming years.



Commenting on this significant announcement, Mahesh Pratapneni, Group CEO & Co-founder of MedGenome said, "I am pleased to welcome Dr Amit Kakar as Chairman of the MedGenome Board. As a board member over the past few years, Dr. Amit has played a pivotal role in guiding the company to accomplish its organic and inorganic expansion plans. In his new role as Chairman of the Board, Dr. Amit will continue to guide the company on its growth initiatives. His sector expertise, leadership experience, strong industry connections, and deep knowledge of our business are powerful assets to both the board and the company as we execute our long-term strategy. We look forward to working closely with Dr. Amit to ensure MedGenome continues to make a positive impact on human lives. I also want to thank Dr. Felix for his tremendous contributions as chair and look forward to his continued contribution as a valued member of the MedGenome leadership team."



This appointment reiterates MedGenome's commitment to strong governance and its dedication to the mission of improving global health by providing data driven insights into complex diseases through its genomic research and diagnostics solutions.



About MedGenome:



MedGenome is a leading global genomics-driven diagnostics and research services company with a mission to improve global health by decoding the genetic information contained in an individual's genome. It provides data driven insights at the genetic and molecular level to diagnose complex diseases and facilitate research in precision medicine. MedGenome is the market leader for genetic testing in India offering over 1,300 high-end genetic tests across major disease categories - Oncology, Inherited diseases, Reproductive Diseases, Infectious Disease and Preventive Wellness. Genessense, MedGenome's direct-to-consumer division, launched in 2021 provides tests in the preventive wellness category which help understand an individual's genetic susceptibility to various lifestyle diseases. The company over the last decade has sequenced over 350,000 exomes and genomes, built a network of over 5,000 hospitals and more than 15,000 clinicians across India, set up the largest database of South Asian genetic variants and is a founding member of GenomeAsia 100K, an initiative to sequence 100,000 South Asian genomes. MedGenome has a global presence with the largest CAP-accredited genetic testing laboratory in South Asia, a high-throughput Next-Generation Sequencing lab in Foster City, California and operates across the US, India, Singapore and Africa. To learn more, follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.



Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2501967/AmitKakar.jpg



Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2402832/4683084/MedGenomeLogo.jpg



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MUMBAI, India, Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Dagard, a major French actor in insulating solutions and controlled atmospheres, is set to participate in the French Healthcare Days 2024 programme organised by Business France India  The Trade Commission of France in India between 17  19 September, marking its interest to enter the Indian market. During this event, Mr. Baudoin Feugere des Forts, Head of Exports, will be in India to engage in B2B meetings with key players in the Indian market.



Known for its expertise in designing, manufacturing, marketing, and installing innovative and sustainable solutions globally, Dagard has been a trusted name specially in cold rooms since 1951. The company, now part of Purever Industries since 2018, is known as a specialist in cleanrooms that prevent microbiological, chemical, particulate, and molecular contamination. Its capacity for innovation, its R&D teams, and the quality and reliability of its products and services has enabled, numerous projects in life sciences, healthcare and pharmaceutical industries.



Tackling Cleanroom Challenges



Industries such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, hospitals, and laboratories in India face significant contamination risks. These sectors need reliable construction systems to maintain controlled environments. Cleanrooms, comprising partitions, ceilings, doors, and glazing, must adhere to stringent standards to ensure optimal air quality, temperature, humidity, and pressure. Dagard's solutions are crafted to prevent external contamination, eliminate internal contamination, and ensure easy cleaning, making them perfect for these sensitive sectors.



Dagard's Cutting-Edge Solutions



Dagard offers a diverse range of innovative, sustainable solutions designed to address the challenges of sensitive sectors, ensuring insulation, watertightness, cleanliness, and more. Their Ultra-Clean and Controlled Environment ranges are highly acclaimed in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries.



Ultra-Clean Range: Provides a watertight enclosure to protect people and products. The modular and removable panels offer a smooth, flush surface, making them ideal for high-quality cleanrooms. This range includes panels, doors, partitions, wicket doors, pass-throughs, and cloakroom furniture, complying with international standards and suitable for sensitive applications.



Controlled Environment Range: An economical and easy-to-install solution for environments with moderate requirements. Comprising semi-flush elements, it offers great design and installation flexibility, ensuring simple and effective cleaning.



Both ranges feature panels with an injected or glued core between two facings, available in various versions and finishes to suit all configurations.



Dedicated Customer Support



Dagard employs over 400 professionals dedicated to the design, manufacture, marketing, and installation of its products. The company provides custom support at every project stage, from consultation to delivery and after-sales. With extensive experience and expertise, Dagard positions itself as a designer of cleanrooms, developing innovative solutions to meet evolving customer needs. The R&D teams invest over 80,000 hours annually in developing bespoke solutions, while more than 250,000 hours are devoted to installation. Dagard also offers post-installation support to ensure performance and durability.



Showcasing Expertise in Diverse Projects



Dagard's innovation and expertise have led to numerous projects in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries. Notably, the Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Centre (C2N) at Paris Saclay, a leading European center for nanoscience and nanotechnologies, the C2N brings together the Photonics and Nanostructures (LPN) laboratories and the Fundamental Electronics Institute (IEF). The project involves 3,300 sqm of cleanrooms and 600 pieces of equipment. Dagard was chosen for the envelope, including 4,900 sqm of vertical panels, 3,300 sqm of ceilings, various doors, glazing, a cold room, and SAS control, with a budget of 2,445,200 excluding VAT.



Dagard's participation in French Healthcare Days underscores its commitment to expanding its footprint in the Indian market, bringing innovative and reliable solutions to the country's rapidly growing healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors.



About Dagard



Dagard is a leading French company in insulating solutions and controlled atmospheres, providing innovative and sustainable solutions for various sectors. Since 1951, Dagard has been a pioneer in cold rooms and a specialist in cleanrooms, ensuring the highest standards of contamination control.



About Purever Industries



Purever Industries is a global leader in sustainable insulation solutions, dedicated to innovation and excellence in various sectors, including healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and food industries.



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Mumbai, Maharashtra, India & London, United Kingdom & New York, United States  Business Wire India



WNS (Holdings) Limited (NYSE: WNS), a leading provider of global digital-led Business Process Management (BPM) solutions, today announced the launch of TRAC ONE-F, the companys AI-integrated unified finance hyperapp powered by JIFFY.ai. TRAC ONE-F helps drive autonomous accounting processes for CFOs by creating a touchless environment powered by advanced analytics and Generative AI.



TRAC ONE-F transforms the entire Finance and Accounting (F&A) function, leveraging predictive insights and forecasts to enable more timely business decisions and proactive risk management. The platform is also capable of delivering tangible business outcomes across the F&A lifecycle including: a 20% reduction in the cash conversion cycle; a 50% reduction in deployment cycle time; up to 70% faster period-end close; and up to 80% touchless processing.



Through this strategic collaboration, WNS and JIFFY.ai will co-market and jointly deliver the TRAC ONE-F solution to clients, combining the unique expertise of each firm to help drive transformative results.



In an increasingly volatile business environment, the CFOs office maintains significant responsibility for ensuring operating performance, business continuity, and long-term sustainability. Building on more than 25 years of finance & accounting services experience and advanced analytics capabilities, WNS is proud to introduce TRAC ONE-F. Designed for scalability and rapid deployment, this AI-integrated unified finance hyperapp solution is poised to become a strategic cornerstone for CFOs globally. We are excited to introduce this industry-first solution in collaboration with JIFFY.ai, said Keshav R. Murugesh, Group CEO, WNS.



We are proud to partner with WNS to create TRAC ONE-F, the first-ever AI-Integrated Autonomous Finance solution for forward-thinking CFO offices. With TRAC ONE-F, organizations can now drive successful transformations to optimize finance function costs, embrace AI-powered automation, and gain real-time data insights. We believe this unique offering will be an industry game-changer, offering immediate benefits and substantial long-term advantages for clients that can reshape the landscape of digital strategy," said Babu Sivadasan, Chairman & CEO, JIFFY.ai.



About WNS



WNS (Holdings) Limited (NYSE: WNS) is a leading Business Process Management (BPM) company. WNS combines deep industry knowledge with technology, analytics, and process expertise to co-create innovative, digitally led transformational solutions with over 600 clients across various industries. WNS delivers an entire spectrum of BPM solutions including industry-specific offerings, customer experience services, finance and accounting, human resources, procurement, and research and analytics to re-imagine the digital future of businesses. As of June 30, 2024, WNS had 60,513 professionals across 64 delivery centers worldwide including facilities in Canada, China, Costa Rica, India, Malaysia, the Philippines, Poland, Romania, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States.



For more information, visit www.wns.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.



Safe Harbor Provision



This document includes information which may constitute forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, the accuracy of which are necessarily subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions as to future events. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied are discussed in our most recent Form 20-F and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. WNS undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.



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New Delhi, Sep 11 (PTI) Karnataka has sought the Centre's cooperation for key projects aimed at accelerating industrial and infrastructural growth, state's Large and Medium Industries Minister M B Patil said on Wednesday.

A state delegation led by Patil held meetings with three Union ministers and foreign diplomats during a two-day visit to the national capital.

"These engagements are pivotal steps in bolstering Karnataka's position as a global investment destination," Patil told reporters here.

The minister met Australian High Commissioner Philip Green, Germany's Deputy Chief of Mission Georg Enzweiler, and South Korean Ambassador Chang Jae-bok, inviting them to participate as country partners in the upcoming 'Invest Karnataka 2025' summit scheduled for February 12-14.

Discussions with the Australian envoy focused on collaborations in education, aerospace, biotechnology, and IT. The meeting with the German diplomat explored cooperation in renewable energy, climate action, and sustainable development, while talks with the South Korean ambassador centred on technology and innovation.

On Tuesday, Patil met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, advocating for easing restrictions on defence companies and expanding defence public sector entities in Karnataka.

He urged Heavy Industries Minister H D Kumaraswamy for faster implementation of electric vehicle incentives (FAME 3) and resolution of semiconductor project issues.

In discussions with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Patil sought GST revocation on airfreight for small exporters and reduction in import tariffs on electronics.

The delegation also hosted an investor roadshow on Tuesday evening.

S Selvakumar, Principal Secretary, and Gunjan Krishna, Commissioner, Department of Industries, were present during the visit.
On a Wednesday morning in late January 1896, at a small light bulb factory in Chicago, a middle-aged woman named Rose Lee found herself at the heart of a groundbreaking medical endeavor. With an X-ray tube positioned above the tumor in her left breast, Lee was treated with a torrent of high-energy particles that penetrated into the malignant mass.

And so, as her treating clinician later wrote, without the blaring of trumpets or the beating of drums, X-ray therapy was born.

Radiation therapy has come a long way since those early beginnings. The discovery of radium and other radioactive metals opened the doors to administering higher doses of radiation to target cancers located deeper within the body. The introduction of proton therapy later made it possible to precisely guide radiation beams to tumors, thus reducing damage to surrounding healthy tissues  a degree of accuracy that was further refined through improvements in medical physics, computer technologies and state-of-the-art imaging techniques.

But it wasnt until the new millennium, with the arrival of targeted radiopharmaceuticals, that the field achieved a new level of molecular precision. These agents, akin to heat-seeking missiles programmed to hunt down cancer, journey through the bloodstream to deliver their radioactive warheads directly at the tumor site.

Use of radiation to kill cancer cells has a long history. In this 1915 photo, a woman receives roentgenotherapy  treatment with X-rays  directed at an epithelial-cell cancer on her face. Wikimedia commons

Today, only a handful of these therapies are commercially available for patients  specifically, for forms of prostate cancer and for tumors originating within hormone-producing cells of the pancreas and gastrointestinal tract. But this number is poised to grow as major players in the biopharmaceutical industry begin to invest heavily in the technology.

AstraZeneca became the latest heavyweight to join the field when, on June 4, the company completed its purchase of Fusion Pharmaceuticals, maker of next-generation radiopharmaceuticals, in a deal worth up to $2.4 billion. The move follows similar billion-dollar-plus transactions made in recent months by Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) and Eli Lilly, along with earlier takeovers of innovative radiopharmaceutical firms by Novartis, which continued its acquisition streak  begun in 2018  with another planned $1 billion upfront payment for a radiopharma startup, as revealed in May.

Its incredible how, suddenly, its all the rage, says George Sgouros, a radiological physicist at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore and the founder of Rapid, a Baltimore-based company that provides software and imaging services to support radiopharmaceutical drug development. This surge in interest, he points out, underscores a wider recognition that radiopharmaceuticals offer a fundamentally different way of treating cancer.

Treating cancer differently, however, means navigating a minefield of unique challenges, particularly in the manufacturing and meticulously timed distribution of these new therapies, before the radioactivity decays. Expanding the reach of the therapy to treat a broader array of cancers will also require harnessing new kinds of tumor-killing particles and finding additional suitable targets.

Theres a lot of potential here, says David Nierengarten, an analyst who covers the radiopharmaceutical space for Wedbush Securities in San Francisco. But, he adds, Theres still a lot of room for improvement.

Atomic advances

For decades, a radioactive form of iodine stood as the sole radiopharmaceutical available on the market. Once ingested, this iodine gets taken up by the thyroid, where it helps to destroy cancerous cells of that butterfly-shaped gland in the neck  a treatment technique established in the 1940s that remains in common use today.

But the targeted nature of this strategy is not widely applicable to other tumor types.

The thyroid is naturally inclined to absorb iodine from the bloodstream, since this mineral, which is found in its nonradioactive form in many foods, is required for the synthesis of certain hormones made by the gland.

Other cancers dont have a comparable affinity for radioactive elements. And so, instead of hijacking natural physiological pathways, researchers have had to design drugs that are capable of recognizing and latching onto specific proteins made by tumor cells. These drugs are then further engineered to act as targeted carriers, delivering radioactive isotopes  unstable atoms that emit nuclear energy  straight to the malignant site.

This graphic describes the basics of radiopharmaceuticals.

The first such agents to hit the market were strictly for obtaining images of tissues within the body. Using relatively benign, short-lived isotopes, these products enabled the precise illumination of cancerous tissues on PET scans, helping doctors to diagnose and map the location of malignant cells with greater accuracy. This innovation then paved the way for radiopharmaceuticals equipped with more potent  and lethal  radioactive payloads, now with the aim of not just imaging tumor cells, but killing them.

The strategy took time to establish itself in routine cancer treatment, though.

The first marketed therapy to combine radioactive isotopes with a cell-targeting molecule  a drug called Quadramet, approved by US regulators in 1997  offered palliative relief for bone pain caused by cancer, but was not designed to shrink tumors. Few clinicians ever bothered to prescribe it.

The early 2000s then saw the arrival of two new drugs for lymphoma, both of which were tagged with radioactive particles and aimed at CD20, a marker on malignant blood cells. Although these drugs worked extremely well in clinical trials, helping to shrink tumors in an overwhelming majority of study participants, they struggled to gain widespread acceptance in clinical practice. Neither could compete against rituximab, a blockbuster nonradioactive medication that also targets CD20, leading to their eventual discontinuation. Neither is available for patients today.

Following these commercial setbacks, interest in radiopharmaceuticals diminished and investment in their advancement stalled. In those days, pharma companies didnt want to touch radioactive agents with a 10-foot pole  even if that pole was made of lead, says Neil H. Bander, founder and chief scientific officer of Convergent Therapeutics, a radiopharmaceutical-focused startup based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The concept of a radioactive drug was anathema to them.

But efforts at universities continued, including at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City, where Bander  who spent 40 years at the medical school and is now an emeritus professor there  began trials with radiolabeled antibody drugs to treat prostate cancer, beginning in 2000.

These drugs were designed to bind a receptor protein found on the surface of prostate cancer cells, known as prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA). Once bound, theyre internalized by these cells and deliver their radioactive freight directly to the genetic core of the tumor cells. (Bander cowrote an article discussing this and other PSMA-based therapies in the 2024 Annual Review of Medicine.)

Nuclear options

Around the same time, in Europe, clinicians were making strides in developing radiolabeled agents aimed at another target: somatostatin receptors. These proteins, which are present in rare cancers of the neuroendocrine system, mediate hormone signaling that can drive tumor growth. Researchers discovered that hormone-mimicking molecules loaded with radioactive isotopes would bind to these receptors and shrink tumors effectively.

Clinicians experimented with different radioactive payloads under compassionate-use protocols that allow seriously ill patients to have access to experimental treatments, using unstable forms of elements like yttrium and indium before largely coalescing around an isotope of lutetium. This rare earth metal was preferred for being gentler on the kidneys and having a longer half-life, benefiting manufacturing and logistics. At one clinic in Bad Berka, Germany, over a thousand patients were treated within a decade, showing extended survival rates compared with whats typical of conventional treatment.

In parallel, several fledgling pharmaceutical companies began establishing the regulatory foundation for wider acceptance. A French firm called Advanced Accelerator Applications (AAA) shepherded one lutetium-labeled drug through randomized trials and, in 2017, reported that this therapy markedly slowed the progression of intestinal tumors compared to the existing standard of care. The drug, marketed as Lutathera, quickly won approval from European and US regulators alike.

Thats when Novartis took notice. Although the Swiss drug giant had dabbled in radiopharmaceuticals in the past, now it was all-in. Within weeks of Lutathera getting the go-ahead in Europe, Novartis swiftly clinched a deal to acquire AAA for nearly $4 billion. A year later, it onboarded a small Indiana firm called Endocyte for over $2 billion more.

It was like somebody flipped a switch, Bander says. The industrys revitalized interest in radiopharmaceuticals had suddenly surged into high gear.

Radiotherapy drugs require special packaging inside lead containers and lined boxes, and swift, precise delivery to the sites where they will be used in treatments.

The Endocyte acquisition brought a PSMA-targeted agent that would prove to be a real game-changer  both for patients with certain difficult-to-treat cases of advanced prostate cancer and for Novartiss bottom line.

In a randomized clinical trial, the drug, when added to standard care, more than doubled the average time before disease progression  from under four months to more than eight  and extended recipients lifespans by several months as well.

Lutathera, it should be noted, had shown impressive clinical efficacy as well. But neuroendocrine tumors are rare, and this scarcity means that Lutathera might never achieve the much-coveted blockbuster threshold of generating $1 billion in sales per year. By comparison, the PSMA-targeted prostate therapeutic, approved in 2022 under the brand name Pluvicto, addresses a disease so common that about one in seven men will receive a diagnosis during their lifetimes. As such, it came just $20 million shy of reaching blockbuster status less than two years after its market debut.

Beta version

Pluvicto and Lutathera are both built around small protein sequences, known as peptides. These peptides specifically bind to target receptors on cancer cells  PSMA in the case of prostate cancer, and somatostatin receptors in the case of Lutathera  and deliver radiation through the decay of unstable lutetium.

Administered via infusion into the bloodstream, these drugs circulate throughout the body until they firmly attach to the surfaces of tumor cells they encounter. Anchored at these target sites, the lutetium isotope then releases two types of radiation that aid in cancer treatment. The primary emission consists of beta particles, high-energy electrons capable of penetrating tumors and surrounding cells, tearing into DNA and causing damage that ultimately triggers cell death.

Also produced in lesser amounts are gamma rays, which dont cause much tissue damage but allow healthcare providers to track in real time where the drug is distributed in the body. This allows them to monitor the treatments progress and adjust strategies accordingly. You can actually image where the dose goes and have more understanding, says Thomas Hope, a nuclear medicine specialist at the University of California, San Francisco, who has consulted for RayzeBio (before its acquisition by BMS earlier this year) in addition to other radiopharmaceutical drugmakers not mentioned in this story.

Numerous other therapies now in clinical trials also use radioactive lutetium and other beta-emitting isotopes. But current research efforts and substantial industry investments are progressively shifting toward drugs that rely on alpha-emitting isotopes instead.

Compared to beta particles, alpha particles are larger and more energetic. This feature allows them to shred DNA through breaking both strands of the double helix, leading to highly localized cellular annihilation. Its basically like a cannonball going off inside the cell, says John Valliant, founder and CEO of Fusion Pharmaceuticals, a Canadian company whose alpha-emitting radiopharmaceuticals were the draw for AstraZenecas recent takeover of the company.

Another key advantage of alpha particles is their limited travel distance. They tend to penetrate only around 50 to 100 micrometers  roughly the width of a human hair. This stands in stark contrast to beta particles, which can traverse millimeters of tissue before their energy is depleted. As a result, therapies that employ alpha particles achieve highly localized effects: They ravage tumor tissue while sparing nearby healthy cells from injury.

Interest in use of alpha particles in radiopharmaceuticals is growing because the alpha particles can be more precisely targeted to cancerous tissues and have stronger localized cell-killing properties.

Alpha release

Some of the first alpha-emitting radiopharmaceuticals to enter the market will likely be directed against prostate cancer through PSMA. Developers are optimistic that these agents will eventually eclipse Pluvicto, and they are adding extra features to enhance effectiveness.

At Convergent, for instance, Bander and his team are developing a much larger drug based on an antibody that is connected to an alpha-releasing isotope. Because of its size and complexity, the drug remains in the body far longer than peptide-based counterparts, which tend to be quickly removed by the kidneys. That means more time for the drug to find its target and thereby kill tumor cells. Furthermore, alpha-emitting antibodies against PSMA seem to do less damage to salivary glands compared to their peptide counterparts, thus providing a potential added safety benefit.

But the precise cellular destruction of alpha emitters might not always be advantageous, according to Chris Behrenbruch, CEO of Telix Pharmaceuticals in North Melbourne, Australia. The choice of radioactive cargo, he says, should be influenced by the state of the disease and what other therapies the patient is getting through combination drug regimens of the types that are increasingly becoming standard in cancer care.

And as clinicians begin to explore the potential of radiopharmaceutical treatments when theyre paired with other agents that stimulate antitumor immune reactions, Behrenbruch proposes that causing some damage to the surrounding tissue might actually be desirable. Thats because the damage helps to lure in tumor-fighting T cells. Nothing pisses off your immune system more than healthy tissue being irradiated, he says.

Telix is now exploring this hypothesis, conducting clinical trials that combine a lutetium-labeled antibody that targets an enzyme produced by kidney cancer cells with an immunotherapy drug designed to rev up the bodys T cells. By taking aim at a novel target, Telixs radioactive drug also runs the risk of inflicting collateral damage, given that healthy cells of the stomach, pancreas and gall bladder  not just cancerous cells of the kidney  make the target enzyme, too. Initial trial data indicate that the treatment is generally tolerable, Behrenbruch notes. Still, ongoing research is needed to comprehensively assess its safety profile.

The challenge of specificity  targeting only cancer cells without affecting healthy tissue  is not isolated to this case. Beyond PSMA and somatostatin receptors, the repertoire of proteins exclusively or predominantly expressed by tumor cells is remarkably small, notes Ken Herrmann, a nuclear medicine specialist at University Hospital Essen in Germany. This limited selection complicates the development of therapies that can effectively target tumors without inadvertently imposing undue harm on surrounding healthy tissues, says Herrmann, who consults for most of the major drug companies in the space, in addition to several smaller biotechs.

Everyone is working on new targets, he points out. But which of the new targets is going to be a winner? We dont know.

Novartis is among the leaders in the competitive quest to identify the next breakthrough targets. The company is pursuing a new generation of radiolabeled drugs directed against several promising cancer-selective proteins, with some already under clinical evaluation and others in earlier stages of discovery and validation. At the same time, the company is expanding its manufacturing capabilities, with new facilities opening up around the world that are specifically designed for the mass production of radiopharmaceuticals.

It is not like making other kinds of cancer drugs. Supply chain issues are common, as Bristol Myers Squibb discovered earlier this month when a shortage of isotopes compelled the company to temporarily suspend enrollment of patients in a late-stage trial for a radiopharmaceutical agent recently procured from RayzeBio. Furthermore, even when the necessary isotopes are on hand, the swift decay of radioactive material forces companies to operate within a unique logistical framework, with meticulous coordination required between clinicians and manufacturers so that medications arrive at hospitals within tightly defined windows while the therapies remain potent.

Companies generally have a two-week planning window in which to generate a radioisotope, attach it to a targeted drug carrier, and send the therapy off to be administered. Its not exactly bespoke, made-to-order manufacturing. But its not an off-the-shelf product either. Its somewhere in between, with each dose often made for a specific patient at a specific time at a specific location, notes Jeevan Virk, who oversees radiotherapeutic drug development at Novartis.

Earlier this year, Novartis cut the ribbon on a dedicated $100 million manufacturing facility in Indianapolis, where the company plans to churn out hundreds and possibly thousands of doses of Pluvicto every day. It is a far cry from the rudimentary setup of that Chicago light bulb factory where, just a few hours drive away, Rose Lee became the first cancer patient treated with X-rays. In these Midwestern sites of innovation, history is radiating forward, connecting past discoveries with future possibilities

This article originally appeared on Knowable Magazine, a non-profit publication dedicated to making scientific knowledge accessible to everyone.

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London, Sep 11 (PTI) The UK government on Wednesday announced that it had signed off on an improved grant funding agreement with Tata Steel, worth GBP 500 million, to support the Indian steel majors green transition towards a state-of-the-art Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) at the Port Talbot steelworks in South Wales.

Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds told the House of Commons that the Labour government had succeeded in going much further than the previous Tory governments pact, delivering a minimum voluntary redundancy payout of GBP 15,000 for full-time employees plus a GBP 5,000 retention payment. The pact also includes an offer of paid-for training to give workers a steady income and upskill them for the jobs of the future.

Port Talbot has always been and will always be a steelmaking town. This deal does what previous deals failed to do  give hope for the future of steelmaking in South Wales, said Reynolds.

We know that a cleaner, greener future for UK steelmaking is vital to the industrys long-term economic stability. The road ahead is not without its challenges, but our steel strategy will set forth a positive vision for the future of the industry, backed by our manifesto commitment to GBP 3 billion of government investment, he said.

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) said alongside making the largest investment in the UK steel industry in decades, Tata Steel has also committed to work with the government to evaluate new investments in steel.

This improved deal secures the immediate future of Port Talbot steelworks, lays the foundations for future investment, and enhances protections for the workforce across South Wales, all without further cost to the taxpayer, said Jo Stevens, Secretary of State for Wales.

As well as negotiating a better deal than the previous government, we have already released millions of pounds of funding from the Transition Board to support businesses and workers in Port Talbot and across south Wales. While this is a very difficult time for Tata workers, their families and the community, this government is determined to support workers and businesses in our Welsh steel industry, whatever happens, she said.

Tata Steel has offered what is described as its most generous voluntary redundancy package ever for a restructure of this size. Employees who choose redundancy will be paid 2.8 weeks earnings for each year of service, up to a maximum of 25 years, according to the terms of the pact.

The DBT claims "watertight conditions" within the grant funding agreement will ensure that the government can claw back investment should Tata Steel not fulfill its commitments. This includes increased penalty payments should the company not retain 5,000 jobs across its UK business post transformation.

With the UK governments critical support, this complex and ambitious transformation of Port Talbot has the potential to make the plant one of Europes premier centres for green steelmaking, said T V Narendran, Tata Steel Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director.

We now look forward to the efficient and speedy execution of the EAF project. We will also continue our work with the Transition Board and the UK and Welsh governments to enable this project to be a catalyst for economic regeneration and job creation in South Wales, he said.

The Mumbai-headquartered company said as part of this largest investment in the UK steel industry for decades, its GBP 1.25 billion project will safeguard the countrys steel sovereignty, secure steel making in Port Talbot and preserve 5,000 jobs.

Alongside a planned GBP 750 million investment, Tata Steel said it has put its significant global engineering and project capabilities behind the project, which will benefit from the UK Government Grant Funding.

An Electric Arc Furnace uses an electric current to melt scrap steel or iron and produce steel, whereas blast furnaces use coke, a carbon-intensive fuel made from coal to produce steel. The company confirmed that basic engineering is now complete, and equipment orders will be placed shortly for the Electric Arc Furnace and ladle metallurgy furnaces, a new coil box and crop shear for the hot strip mill, a cranes package, and for construction management and civil engineering.

With the public consultation on track for planning approvals by November, Tata Steel plans to commence large scale site work around July 2025. Under this timeline, the Electric Arc Furnace is expected to be operational within three years.

The trade unions said they had resolved to negotiate the best possible deal, and then put it to a ballot of the membership.

This is what we have done, and voting is underway," reads a joint statement from Community and GMB.
Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 11 (PTI) Ministers from five non-BJP-ruled states will meet here on Thursday to discuss key issues related to the 16th Finance Commission, as, according to them, the country grapples with economic federalism challenges.

The meeting, hosted by Kerala, comes at a critical time when states face significant developmental and financial hurdles, according to a statement issued by the office of Kerala Finance Minister K N Balagopal here on Wednesday.

The main objective is to present these challenges to the 16th Finance Commission, chaired by Dr A Arvind Panagariya, and explore potential solutions, it said.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will inaugurate the high-level conclave to be attended by top dignitaries, including Telangana Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, Karnataka Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema and Tamil Nadu Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu.

Other notable participants include Leader of Opposition in the State Assembly, V D Satheesan, renowned economist and former economic advisor to the central government Dr Arvind Subramanian, former Kerala Finance Minister T M Thomas Isaac and Vice-Chairman of the Kerala State Planning Board Prof V K Ramachandran.

Balagopal will preside over the event.
Philadelphia, Sep 11 (AP) The first, and possibly only, debate between presidential candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump in the 2024 election has come to an end.

Tuesday's event in Philadelphia gave Americans their most detailed look at a campaign that's dramatically changed since the last debate in June.

In rapid fashion, President Joe Biden bowed out of the race after his disastrous performance, Trump survived an assassination attempt and bothsides chose their running mates.

It's the only debate that's been firmly scheduled and could be the only time voters see Harris and Trump go head-to-head before the November general election.



Here's the latest:



Closing arguments Harris and Trump veered in different directions in their closing arguments.

The vice president promised that she was focused on the future while Trump was stuck in the past. She emphasized that she has plans to help the middle class.

Trump criticized Harris for not implementing her plans while she's in office.

Why hasn't she done it? he said repeatedly.



The 90-minute debate is going longer than advertised



The debate had been advertised as 90 minutes, with two commercial breaks. But it was always possible that ABC News might go longer.

That's exactly what's happening.



Harris says she is a gun owner



As she tried to refute Trump's accusation that she wants to take away owners' guns, Harris revealed that she is a gun owner, too.

Tim Walz and I are both gun owners. We're not taking anybody's guns away, she said.

Harris first revealed the news in 2019: I am a gun owner, and I own a gun for probably the reason a lot of people do  for personal safety, Harris told reporters in Iowa. I was a career prosecutor.



The Affordable Care Act has gotten more popular in polling



One challenge for Trump's attacks on the ACA: It's gotten a lot more popular since it was passed in 2010.

A KFF Health Tracking Poll found earlier this year that 62% of U.S. adults have a favorable opinion of the Affordable Care Act, up from 46% in 2010.

More broadly, recent AP-NORC polling gives Harris more of an advantage on the issue of health care. Americans trust her over Trump to better handle health care, 46% to 31%. About 2 in 10 say they trust neither (13%) or both equally (9%).



Trump's mystery healthcare plan



For years, Trump has been promising a better healthcare plan than the Affordable Care Act. Asked again during the debate, Trump was unable to explain what he would do on healthcare.

I have concepts of a plan, he said. I'm not president right now.

He said he would reveal the plan in the not-so-distant future, something he's promised before.



Trump again questions Harris' race but says he doesn't care about it



Trump again questioned Harris' racial identity but then repeatedly said that he does not care how she identifies.

I read where she was not Black, ... and then I read that she was Black, Trump said. I couldn't care less. Whatever she wants to be is okay with me.

Harris called it a tragedy that Trump, she argued, has consistently, over the course of his career, attempted to use race to divide the American people.



When they go low...



Harris has done something a lot of advisers wanted her to do tonight: She has identified herself as someone who uplifts and Trump as someone who weighs down.

She criticized Trump for belittling and name-calling and said she will instead bring a sense of optimism as president.

At the same time, Harris hasn't shied away from hitting Trump with direct, cutting attacks, both on his actions as president and on his false claims about her record.



Harris notes that Trump called for executing the now-exonerated Central Park Five



Harris said Trump has a long history of racial division, going back to when his family's company was investigated for refusing to rent to Black people decades ago.

She also mentioned that he called for the death penalty for the Central Park Five, who were falsely accused of rape, and spread false birther theories about President Barack Obama.

I think the American people want better than that, want better than this, Harris said

New York City Council Member Yusef Salaam, a member of the exonerated group of men known as the Central Park Five, will be speaking to journalists after the debate ends.



Trump has to be careful with his personal attacks on Harris



Trump has to be careful with his personal attacks on HarrisTrump has a fine line to walk on personal attacks on Harris tonight. A Pew Research Center poll found that about two-thirds of voters say Trump has been too personally critical of Harris.

Slightly fewer than half (45%) of voters say Harris has been too personally critical of Trump. Trump's supporters are more likely to say he's too critical of Harris (41% of Trump's supporters say this) than Harris' supporters are to say she's too critical of Trump (12% of Harris supporters say this).



Over time



Both candidates have gone over their allotted time several times during their answers and responses, with Trump ignoring the time clock far more than Harris.

At one point as the debate approached a commercial break around the one-hour mark and as Trump continued to talk about Russia and its president, Vladimir Putin, moderator Linsey Davis cut off Trump with, President Trump, thank you. We have a lot of issues to get to.



No audience means no waiting for them to quiet down



Anyone who's watched a lot of presidential debates knows that a chunk of time is spent quieting down the crowd in between answers.

But no audience being present means that Harris and Trump are likely getting in more speaking time to the questions posed by the ABC News moderators - and reacting to their opponent's responses.

As was the case with Trump's June debate with Biden, rules dictate that there is no live audience present for his debate with Harris. (AP)

NSA

NSA
Washington, Sep 11 (AP) When President Joe Biden gave bumbling remarks about abortion on the debate stage this summer, it was widely viewed as a missed opportunity  a failure, even  on a powerful and motivating issue for Democrats at the ballot box.

The difference was stark, then, on Tuesday night, when Vice President Kamala Harris gave a forceful defence of abortion rights during her presidential debate with Republican Donald Trump.

Harris conveyed the dire medical situations women have found themselves in since the US Supreme Court overturned the national right to abortion in 2022. Harris quickly placed blamed directly on Trump, who recalibrated the Supreme Court to the conservative majority that issued the landmark ruling during his term.

Women, Harris told the national audience, have been denied care as a result.

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 health care providers are afraid they might go to jail and she's bleeding out in a car in the parking lot? Harris said.

The moment was a reminder that Harris is uniquely positioned to talk about the hot-button, national topic in a way that Biden, an 81-year-old Catholic who had long opposed abortion, never felt comfortable doing.

Harris has been the White House's public face for efforts to improve maternal health and ensure some abortion access, despite the Supreme Court ruling. Earlier this year, she became the highest-ranking US official to make a public visit to an abortion clinic.

Dr Daniel Grossman, a University of California, San Francisco OB-GYN, said he was glad to see Harris highlight the challenges people face in states with abortion bans. People who have been unable to get abortion care where they live, who have to travel, people who have suffered obstetric complications and are unable to get the care they need because of the abortion bans, Grossman said.

Harris still hedged, however, on providing details about what type of restrictions  if any  she supports around abortion. Instead, she pivoted: saying that she wants to reinstate the protections of Roe, which prohibited states from banning abortions before fetal viability, generally considered around 20 weeks.

Trump, meanwhile, danced around questions about his intentions to further restrict abortion. He would not say whether he would sign a national abortion ban as president.

Anti-abortion advocates say they don't believe Trump would sign a ban if it landed on his desk.

Carol Tobias, president of the National Right to Life Committee, said her group hasn't been focusing on a national ban because it's not going to happen. The votes aren't there in Congress. You know, President Trump said he wouldn't sign it. We know Kamala Harris won't.

Trump also falsely claimed that some Democrats want to execute the baby after birth in the ninth month of pregnancy. (AP)

GRS

GRS
Washington, Sep 11 (PTI) Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi has indicated that the Congress party is in alignment with the ruling BJP led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on major foreign policy issues like the relationship with the US, no talks with Pakistan unless the flow of terrorism is stopped, concerns over extremist elements in Bangladesh and Israel.

However, Gandhi, 54, was not in sync with Modis policies on China, as he alleged that Chinese troops had taken control over Indian territory in Ladakh the size of Delhi.

At a press conference held on Tuesday at the prestigious National Press Club here, Gandhi supported Modi's policies on Pakistan.

Gandhi was on an unofficial four-day trip to the US that concluded Tuesday.

Pakistan's instigation of terrorism in our country is holding the two countries back. We are not going to accept Pakistan carrying out terror acts in our country. We're just not going to accept it. And until they keep doing that, there's going to be problems between us, Gandhi said.

He said No when asked if the Kashmir issue is holding the two South Asian nations away from a dialogue.

Responding to a question on the India-US relationship, Gandhi noted that it has bipartisan support in both countries.

I don't see a big diversion. I don't see Modi is diverting very much from our approach with the US. I don't see ourselves changing direction very much from what he's doing. So, I see continuity there, he said.

I think...everybody does accept the fact that the India-US relationship is key for both countries, he added.

Gandhi asserted that he did not want any role of the US in Indias internal affairs. It is for the people of India to decide.

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. We will make sure that democracy is secure, he said.

However, it's important to understand that Indian democracy is more than just any normal democracy because of its size. If you're talking about a democratic vision of the world, then Indian democracy has a large space in that vision. I think it's important that the world sees Indian democracy as an asset, not just for India, but for the rest of the world. Advising the United States on how they should deal with Modi is not my preserve, it's not my space, Gandhi said.

India has been standing with Israel recently in the Middle East. How would you change that? he was asked.

Look, I think what happened on the 7th of October was absolutely wrong. But, I also think what Israel did and is doing, bombing innocent civilians, and killing women and children, is absolutely wrong and should not be allowed to continue. I'm against violence of any kind. And certainly, the scale of violence, I actually think, is harming Israel. It's harming Israel more than it's helping them, Gandhi said.

The Leader of the Opposition was critical of Modis handling of China. Do you think under Modi that India has managed the US-China competition well? he was asked.

Well, if you call having Chinese troops in 4,000 square kilometres of our territory handling something well, then maybe. We've got Chinese troops occupying land the size of Delhi in Ladakh. I think that's a disaster. Media doesn't like to write about it, he said.

How would America react if a neighbour occupied 4,000 square kilometres of your territory? Would any president be able to get away with saying that he's handled that well? So, I don't think Modi's handled China well. I think there's no reason Chinese troops should be sitting in our territory, Gandhi said.

Responding to a question on Bangladesh, Gandhi said There are concerns in India about extremist elements in Bangladesh and we share some of those concerns.

However, I'm confident that things will stabilise in Bangladesh and that we would be able to have a relationship with the current government or any other government after that, he said.

Earlier in the day, Gandhi had a meeting with a group of lawmakers at the US Capitol wherein the issue of Bangladesh was discussed.

We raised it (Bangladesh), and they also spoke to us. Look, we are against any type of violence. And we want it to stop. And it's the responsibility, frankly, of the Bangladeshi government to stop it as soon as possible. From our side, it's the responsibility of our government to put pressure so that that violence stops, Gandhi said.
Singapore, Sep 11 (PTI) Pope Francis, head of the Roman Catholic Church, arrived in Singapore on Wednesday on the last leg of his Asia tour.

The chartered plane carrying the 87-year-old leader left Dili airport in Timor-Leste at about 11:20 am (Singapore time) and landed here at 2:50 pm, reported The Straits Times.

Pope Francis tour of Asia, which started on September 2, also took him to Papua New Guinea and Indonesia and is his longest trip yet.

His arrival in Singapore marks the first visit by a pontiff here since 1986 when the late Pope John Paul II made a five-hour stopover.

At 2:30 pm, about 1,000 catholics were waiting along Jurassic Mile to greet the Pope when he arrived. Many were dressed in the yellow and white of the Vatican flag and carried mini Singapore flags.

More than 30 welcome banners also lined the Changi Airport Connector that led from the airports VIP complex to Jurassic Mile.

Pope Francis was welcomed by Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Edwin Tong and his wife along with Singapores non-resident ambassador to the Vatican Janet Ang and her husband.

After the procession along Jurassic Mile, the Pope will meet members of the Society of Jesus or Jesuits  a Roman Catholic order  at the St Francis Xavier Retreat Centre in Punggol.

On Thursday, he will call on President Tharman Shanmugaratnam at Parliament House and meet Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.

The pontiff will then give a speech at the National University of Singapores University Cultural Centre, before celebrating mass at the National Stadium for some 50,000 Roman Catholics.

His itinerary on September 13 includes an inter-religious dialogue with young people, before flying back to Rome.
Baghdad, Sep 11 (AP) Iran's reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian on Wednesday kicked off his first trip abroad as president, hoping to cement Tehran's ties to Baghdad as regional tensions increasingly pull both countries into the widening Middle East fray.

For Iran, its relationship with Iraq remains crucial for economic, political and religious reasons  something that has especially been true since the US-led 2003 invasion of Iraq toppled dictator Saddam Hussein, who launched a bloody, yearslong war against Iran in the 1980s.

Baghdad, meanwhile, has been trying to balance its relationship with Tehran, which backs powerful Shiite militias in the country, as well as with the United States, which maintains a force of 2,500 troops in Iraq that remain in battle with remnants of the once-dominant extremist Islamic State group.

The American troops remain both a literal and rhetoric target for Iran, particularly as Israel's nearly year-old war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip grinds on.

Ahead of Pezeshkian's arrival, an explosion struck a site near Baghdad International Airport used by the US military on Tuesday night. There were no reported casualties and the circumstances of the explosion were unclear.

The US Embassy said the explosion was at the Baghdad Diplomatic Services Compound, an American diplomatic facility, and that it was assessing the damage" and the cause of the blast.

During his trip, Pezeshkian, who was sworn in as Iran's new president in July, is also due to visit Shiite shrines in the cities of Karbala and Najaf, a railroad project to link the southern city of Basra to Iran and Irbil, the capital of Iraq's semiautonomous northern Kurdish region.

Ahead of the trip, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told an Iraqi television channel that Pezeshkian hoped to tighten security relations with Baghdad, as well as economic ties.

We want to see Iraq develop, grow, be prosperous and strong on our borders, and any economic project that achieves this goal enjoys our support, Araghchi told Al-Furat Television, owned by Iraqi Shiite cleric and politician Ammar al-Hakim.

Still, there have been tensions between Iran and Iraq, particularly after Iranian missiles hit sites in Iraq in attacks over the past six years, targeting Kurdish militias, a base housing American forces and also what Tehran alleged were Israeli sites in Iraq.

Iran also fired missiles and flew drones over Iraq in its unprecedented direct attack on Israel in April. That attack followed a suspected Israeli strike on an Iranian diplomatic compound in Damascus, Syria, that killed two Iranian generals and five officers, as well as a member of the Lebanese Shiite militia Hezbollah, an Iranian ally.

The Islamic Republic has also threatened further retaliation against Israel over the July assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, which could include another missile barrage.

For Iraq, close ties with the Shiite powerhouse next door are also needed to maintain Baghdad's supply of imported Iranian natural gas to meet its electricity needs. A barter deal for Iraqi crude oil has seen the supply continue, though US sanctions targeting Tehran over its rapidly advancing nuclear program have put pressure on Baghdad.

Meanwhile Tuesday, the United States and Britain formally accused Iran of supplying short-range ballistic missiles to Russia to use against Ukraine, announcing new sanctions on both Moscow and Tehran.

The continued presence of US troops in Iraq remains a concern for Iran. Since the Israel-Hamas war broke out on October 7, Iraqi militias allied with Iran have targeted US forces here, leading to American airstrikes targeting the militias.

Iraqi politicians continue to debate the issue of whether to back having American troops remain in the country. (AP) GSP
Washington, Sep 11 (PTI) US Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has accused his Democratic rival Kamala Harris of hating Israel and said if she became president, the Jewish state would not exist "within two years from now".

Trump's comments came during a bitter televised debate with Harris on Tuesday in Pennsylvania.

He asserted that the Israel-Hamas war would have never started if he had been president.

She wouldnt even meet with Netanyahu when he went to Congress to make a very important speech. She refused to be there because she was at a sorority party of hers She hates Israel," Trump, 78, said.

"If she is president I believe Israel will not exist within two years from now, he claimed. Ive been pretty good at predictions, but I hope Im wrong on that one," the former president said.

At the same time, in her own way, she hates the Arab population, because the whole place is going to get blown up: Arabs, Jewish people, Israel. Israel will be gone, Trump said during the debate hosted by ABC.

This was the first debate between Trump, 78, and Harris, 59, ahead of the November 5 presidential election.

He said Iran under him was broke and had no money for Hamas, Hezbollah or any other terror group.

Look at whats happening with the Houthis in Yemen. Look at whats going on in the Middle East. This would have never happened. I will get that settled and fast.

Asked to respond to Trumps claim that she hates Israel, Harris said, Thats absolutely not true, describing herself as a lifelong supporter of the Jewish state.

The US Vice President asserted that Israel has the right to defend itself after Hamass October 7 massacre.

When asked by the moderators how she would secure a hostage-ceasefire deal and about her remarks from months ago that Israel has a right to defend itself, but it matters how, Harris started by explaining how the almost year-long war in Gaza was triggered.

Lets understand how we got here. On October 7, Hamas, a terrorist organization, slaughtered 1,200 Israelis, many of them young people who were simply attending a concert where women were horribly raped. And so, absolutely Israel has a right to defend itself; we would, she said.

And how it does so matters, because it is also true that far too many innocent Palestinians have been killed, children, mothers. What we know is that this war must end, it must end immediately, and the way it will end is we need a ceasefire deal and we need the hostages out. So we will continue to work around the clock on that," she said.

Harris said they must chart a course which should ensure security for Israelis and in equal measure for Palestinians.

The one thing I will assure you always: I will always give Israel the ability to defend itself, in particular as it relates to Iran and any threat that Iran and its proxies pose to Israel. But we must have a two-state solution, where we can rebuild Gaza, where the Palestinians have security, self-determination and the dignity they so rightly deserve, she added.
Mexico City, Sep 11 (AP) Mexico's Senate voted early Wednesday to overhaul the country's judiciary, clearing the biggest hurdle for a controversial constitutional revision that will make all judges stand for election, a change that critics fear will politicise the judicial branch and threaten Mexico's democracy.

The vote came after hundreds of protesters pushed their way into the Senate on Tuesday, interrupting the session after it appeared that Morena, the governing party of outgoing President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, had lined up the necessary votes to pass the proposal.

The legislation sailed through the lower chamber, where Morena and its allies hold a supermajority, last week. The Senate posed the biggest obstacle and required defections from opposition parties.

One appeared to come Tuesday from the opposition National Action Party (PAN) after a lawmaker who had previously spoken out against the overhaul took leave for medical reasons and his father, a former governor, suggested he would vote for the proposal.

The Senate voted twice on the bill, both times 86-41, with the second coming around 4 am.

The legislation now needs to be ratified by the legislatures of 17 of Mexico's 32 states. The governing party is believed to have the necessary support after major electoral gains in recent elections. (AP)



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GSP
Baghdad, Sep 11 (AP) Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Wednesday slammed the West, saying that Israel is committing massacres in the war in Gaza and using European and American weapons to do so.

Pezeshkian, who spoke in Baghdad at the start of his first visit abroad since taking office, is hoping to cement Tehran's ties to Baghdad as regional tensions increasingly pull both majority Shiite countries into the widening Middle East fray.

Iran has been a staunch supporter of the Palestinian militant Hamas group since its Oct 7 attack on southern Israel that sparked the war in the Gaza Strip. More than 40,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since the war erupted, according to local health officials. The war has also caused vast destruction and displaced around 90% of Gaza's population of 2.3 million, often multiple times.

The Israeli entity is committing massacres against women, children, young men and elderly. They bomb hospitals and schools, Pezeshkian said.

All these crimes are being committed by using European and American ammunition and bombs, he added, without elaborating.

Ahead of Pezeshkian's arrival, an explosion struck a site near Baghdad International Airport used by the US military on Tuesday night. There were no reported casualties and the circumstances of the explosion were unclear.

The US Embassy later described it as an attack on the Baghdad Diplomatic Services Compound, an American diplomatic facility, and that it was assessing the damage and the cause of the explosion. It didn't provide further details.

Pezeshkian's visit is significant for both countries.

For Iran, its relationship with Iraq remains crucial for economic, political and religious reasons - something that has especially been true since the US-led 2003 invasion of Iraq toppled dictator Saddam Hussein, who launched a bloody, yearslong war against Iran in the 1980s.

Baghdad, meanwhile, has been trying to balance its relationship with Tehran, which backs powerful Shiite militias in the country, as well as with the United States, which maintains a force of 2,500 troops in Iraq that remain in battle with remnants of the once-dominant extremist Islamic State group.

The American troops remain both a literal and rhetoric target for Iran, particularly as Israel's nearly year-old war on Hamas in Gaza grinds on.

Iraq's Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani told reporters during a joint news conference with Pezeshkian that the two neighbouring countries on Wednesday signed 14 memorandums of understanding to boost relations. He also pledged that Iraq's airspace will not be used for attacks on the Islamic Republic - an apparent reference to Israel.

Pezeshkian, who was sworn in as Iran's new president in July, is also to visit Shiite shrines in the Iraqi holy cities of Karbala and Najaf, a railroad project to link the southern city of Basra to Iran and Irbil, the capital of Iraq's semiautonomous northern Kurdish region.

Still, there have been tensions between Iran and Iraq, particularly after Iranian missiles hit sites in Iraq in attacks over the past six years, targeting Kurdish militias, a base housing American forces and also what Tehran alleged were Israeli sites in Iraq.

Iran also fired missiles and flew drones over Iraq in its unprecedented direct attack on Israel in April. That attack followed a suspected Israeli strike on an Iranian diplomatic compound in Damascus, Syria, that killed two Iranian generals and five officers, as well as a member of the Lebanese Shiite militia Hezbollah, an Iranian ally.

The Islamic Republic has also threatened further retaliation against Israel over the July assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, which could include another missile barrage.

Iraq also needs the close ties to maintain Baghdad's supply of imported Iranian natural gas to meet its electricity needs. A barter deal for Iraqi crude oil has seen the supply continue, though US sanctions targeting Tehran over its rapidly advancing nuclear program have put pressure on Baghdad.

Meanwhile Tuesday, the United States and Britain formally accused Iran of supplying short-range ballistic missiles to Russia to use against Ukraine, announcing new sanctions on both Moscow and Tehran.

The continued presence of US troops in Iraq remains a concern for Iran. Since the Israel-Hamas war broke out, Iraqi militias allied with Iran have targeted US forces here, leading to American airstrikes targeting the militias. Iraqi politicians continue to debate the issue of whether to back having American troops remain in the country. (AP) SCY

SCY
At the bat conference held last week in Tarragona, Spain, it was not easy to catch Orly Razgour. The prestigious biologist and ethologist from the University of Exeter was one of the busiest participants at this massive international meeting that brought together 400 scholars from 45 countries, more than half of them women. At the 16th European Bat Research Symposium (EBRS)  its official name  Razgour was one of the main speakers (she discussed the use of genomics in bat conservation); she also moderated the round tables and tried to follow as much of the torrent of information as possible. So the interview took place during a coffee break, in a space created by placing two chairs in a hallway while other participants rushed past with a faint sound of flapping wings. The 47-year-old researcher, who was born in London but lived in Israel until the age of 18, is a top scientist, but something about her seems to be under the influence of the dark creatures she studies. The tattoos that cover her right arm and part of her left, the black T-shirt with a bat print on it, and a deep, searching gaze help to create an enigmatic, almost Gothic aura about her.

Question. How does one get into working with bats?

Answer. There will be as many answers here at the symposium as there are participants. In my case, it was by chance. I did a research project on them and I found them fascinating. There are objective reasons for you to be interested in them, of course: they play a major ecological role as pollinators, seed spreaders and insect controllers; they can adapt to any place, they respond to challenges. Evaluating what they do in response to the changes that we cause, such as climate change, seeing how they are affected, is fascinating.

Q. Do you have a favorite species among the more than 1,450 that exist?

A. Its hard to say. Each bat is fascinating in its own way. The grey long-eared bat, Escaleras bat, Bechsteins bat... these are the species I deal with the most.

Q. What is the most interesting thing being done these days in the field of bats?

A. At the symposium we heard a lot of interesting things about behavior, the interrelationship between them and between them and us. Phylogenetic studies are very important to understand their evolution. And, of course, diseases and their impact on bats, how they affect them and how they are transmitting agents.

The EBRS symposium at the Palau de Congressos in Tarragona. Massimiliano Minocri

Q. Has the pandemic caused a decline in societys perception of bats? They were already not seen in a very good light before that.

A. In a sense, yes. But it is the environmental changes that we humans cause that actually create the danger, for us and for the bats.

Q. It has been pointed out that bats bite us quite a bit.

A. Im surprised to hear you say that, because they live lives very far removed from ours. Basically, because they live at night and they fly. If you catch them, they can bite you, of course, like any other animal. But they dont have the inclination to do so, they dont go after us, you can rest assured.

Q. They must bite the people who handle them.

A. Sometimes. You have to take precautions, there are safety protocols. You have to use the right equipment, gloves, know how to hold them.

Q. Theres one living in my house, it flies from one side of the living room to the other.

A. There is no danger, you should take advantage of the opportunity to observe them, they are very interesting animals.

Q. Can they become pets?

A. No wild animal should be.

Q. Have you developed a special appreciation for bats?

A. As with any animal one lives and works with. Again, each researcher will give you a different reason: for many, its because of a generic love of nature.

Q. Why do you think bats have traditionally been viewed in such a negative light?

A. As Patti Smith would say, because the night. Because they are the masters of the night and are associated with it; the fear they produce is the fear of the dark. But it has no real basis.

Q. But there are vampires.

A. Theyve got nothing to do with the legends and fantasies. There are only three species of these blood-sucking bats, and only one of them feeds regularly on the blood of mammals, the common vampire bat. It is very rare to find a person who has been bitten by a vampire bat.

Q. Well, my mother was bitten by one when she was a child, in Venezuela. On the lip.

A. Wow [she looks at the interviewer with renewed interest].

Q. Have you dealt with them, with the vampires?

A. Yes, in Costa Rica, I have handled them, but I have never been bitten by one, so far.

A Mexican bat under examination. Marco Ugarte (AP)

Q. What is the conservation status of bats?

A. We are seeing dramatic declines in some populations, which is very bad news. It generally depends on the species. Climate change is affecting them in different ways. There is cause for concern. Some are already extinct, such as the Christmas Island bat (Pipistrellus murrayi) in Australia, which has not been seen since 2009. Another big problem is cats.

Q. Bats dont seem like theyre easy to catch.

A. There are cats that have become great specialists in hunting them. From the rooftops.

Q. The life of a bat researcher must be adventurous, right?

A. It depends on the species you are studying, whether it is one that lives far away or in caves.

Q. More than half of the participants in the symposium are women.

A. Unfortunately, women continue to have a limited presence in the world of science, especially in senior positions, but in the field of bat studies, efforts have been made to promote them and give them visibility, and the symposium reflects that.

Q. Your name, Orly Razgour, sounds a little Transylvanian if pronounced with a Bela Lugosi accent, to be honest.

A. Its true that its unusual. My Polish grandfather, who was an artist, invented the surname. Its unique in the world, only my family has it.

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Bhopal, Sep 11 (PTI) Madhya Pradesh's Higher Education Minister Inder Singh Parmar has claimed that America was discovered by "our Indian ancestors", and not by Christopher Columbus as taught to students.

He also claimed students have been taught "wrong history" that Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama discovered India.



Parmar was addressing the convocation function at the Barkatullah University in Bhopal on Tuesday.





In his address, the minister said, "Columbus discovered America...Indian students had nothing to do with this. If they had to be taught, they should have also been taught how people in the post-Columbus period tortured the natives and destroyed the tribal society there, because the society was worshipper of nature, worshipper of the Sun."

"(It should have been taught) how they were killed, how they were converted. But unfortunately, the correct facts were not taught," he said.

On the contrary, Indian students are taught that Columbus discovered America, Parmar said.





"I want to say that if someone had to write, they should have written that India's great hero Vasuloon went there in the eighth century and built many temples in Santiago in America. These facts are still written in a museum there. These facts are still kept in a library there," he said.



Parmar said the students should have been taught correctly that it was "our ancestors in India" who discovered America and not Christopher Columbus.



"When we (our ancestors) went there, we cooperated with the local culture of that place, the Mayan culture which was prevalent there, in their development. This is India's thought and philosophy which needed to be taught to the students," he added.



The minister also said students have been taught that Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama discovered India.



Historians could have taught the right history by studying the autobiography of Vasco da Gama, he said.



Vasco da Gama expressed the wish to see Bharat to Chandan, a Gujarati trader, at the Zanzibar port of Africa through an interpreter, the minister said.



Chandan told Vasco da Gama to follow his ship and thus the Portuguese explorer reached India, he said.



Vasco da Gama himself wrote that Indian trader Chandan's ship was much bigger than his, but students were taught wrong history that the Portuguese explorer discovered India, Parmar said.
Imphal, Sep 11 (PTI) The situation in Manipur remained tense but under control on Wednesday after students clashed with security forces during their march to Raj Bhavan here a day before, police said.

Curfew, which was imposed in the state's capital Imphal on Tuesday afternoon, continued to be in place this morning, while additional security forces were deployed and frequent patrolling by policemen was underway in the town to avoid any untoward incident, a senior officer said.

"The situation remains tense but under control," he said.

A clash broke out between students and security forces during a march to the Raj Bhavan here on Tuesday.

The government on Tuesday evening issued an amended order, stating that the suspension of internet services in the wake of intensified agitation by students applies only to the five valley districts.



The agitating students attempted to march towards the Raj Bhavan in Imphal to press for their demands to remove the DGP and security advisor to the state government.

The police had fired tear gas shells to disperse students who were accused of pelting security forces with stones in Khwairamband and Kakwa Naorem Leikai areas in the state capital.

More than 55 students were injured in the clashes and admitted to RIMS hospital, a students' body claimed.

The Raj Bhavan, in a statement issued late on Tuesday night, said, "Representatives of students met Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya and submitted a memorandum."

They urged the governor to take up appropriate steps to fulfil their demands, it said.

The governor assured them that he would take steps in the best interest of the students and the people of Manipur, the statement said.

Meanwhile, search operations and area domination exercises were underway in Kangpokpi district and arms and explosives were recovered, police said in a statement.
Kolkata, Sep 11 (PTI) The West Bengal government on Wednesday said that it was not ready to accept any condition for a meeting with the agitating doctors to resolve the ongoing impasse arising out of the rape and murder of a medic at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

Since they imposed certain conditions, it appears that the medics are not willing to hold the meeting with an open mind, Minister of State for Health Chandrima Bhattacharya told a press conference.

Earlier, the doctors had sent a communication to the state government stating that at least 30 representatives be allowed at the meeting instead of the maximum 15 as mandated by the chief secretary, talks be held only on their demands, the talks be aired live on TV and the discussion be held in the presence of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.



"Setting conditions for talks is not a reflection of coming with an open mind to find solutions to problems which plague the doctors. The government is ready to listen to whatever they have to say. But they can't set preconditions for such a meeting," Bhattacharya said.

Questioning the rationale behind sending an email to the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) at 3.49 AM on Wednesday, she alleged that there could be "a political provocation" behind it.



The minister confirmed that the state will stick to the Supreme Court's direction on rejoining duties of the agitating doctors.



"You will see what steps we take about this as and when it happens," Bhattacharya said.



Responding to the state's position, the agitating doctors said that the interpretation of "imposing conditions" was entirely subjective and made by the government to which they did not agree.



"We did not impose any fresh conditions other than what we have been saying so far. We planned to go to that meeting with an open mind," a protesting doctor said.
New Delhi, Sep 11 (PTI) The BJP on Wednesday slammed Rahul Gandhi over his meeting with US lawmaker Ilhan Omar and others during his visit to that country, alleging that the Congress leader is indulging in dangerous and mischievous activities by reaching out to people abroad who are known for their anti-India stand.

Addressing a press conference at the BJP headquarters here, party national spokesperson Sudhansu Trivedi said Gandhi earlier used to indulge in childish activities but now he is indulging in dangerous and mischievous activities.

"It is for the first time in the history of India that a Leader of Opposition has met a declared anti-India lawmaker and expressed his sweet feelings. He has met US lawmaker Ilhan Omar, who is infamous for her anti-India stand and statements, he added.

Referring to Gandhi's remarks on the Sikh community, Trivedi alleged he has drawn support from Khalistani separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.

With this, Gandhi has further added a new friend in his list of anti-India friends, the BJP leader charged

At the press conference, Trivedi also showed a picture of Gandhi with journalist Mushfiqul Fazal as he hit out the Congress leader accusing him of meeting people who are known for their anti-India stand.

In a post on X, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey said, The woman in the red circle is Ilhan Omar, the leader of the Democratic Party in America. She has consistently supported the creation of a separate country of Khalistan and Kashmir.

Currently, Rahul Gandhi is gathering support for this agenda in America, he added.

Gandhi is on a four-day visit to the United States. His first stop was in Dallas, which began on Saturday.

Earlier in the day, Gandhi held a meeting with a group of lawmakers at the US Capitol.

The Congress has dismissed the criticism over Gandhi meeting Omar, known for her controversial positions regarding India.
New Delhi, Sep 11 (PTI) Baramulla MP Engineer Rashid walked out of Tihar Jail on Wednesday, a day after a court here granted him interim bail till October 2 in a terror funding case so that he can campaign in the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly polls.

Rashid has been in jail since 2019 following his arrest by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in the 2017 terror funding case.

"Rashid was released from the jail at 4.15 pm," said a senior prison official.

Sheikh Abdul Rashid, popularly known as Engineer Rashid, defeated former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls in Baramulla.

Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Elections are scheduled to be held in three phases -- September 18, September 25 and October 1. The results will be declared on October 8.

Rashid's outfit Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) is contesting the assembly elections.

Earlier in the day, Additional Sessions Judge Chander Jit Singh ordered Rashid's release on interim bail on a personal bond of Rs 2 lakh and one surety of the like amount. He also imposed certain conditions on him, including that he would not speak to the media about the case.
New Delhi, Sep 11 (PTI) A judicial tribunal of the Delhi High Court has confirmed the Centre's ban on separatist group Muslim Conference Jammu and Kashmir (Bhat faction) and four factions of the Jammu and Kashmir People's League (JKPL) for threatening India's integrity by promoting, aiding and abetting the secession of Jammu and Kashmir through terrorism.

Two separate orders -- one for the Muslim Conference Jammu and Kashmir (Bhat faction) and another for the four factions of the JKPL -- upholding the ban imposed under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act was issued by the tribunal consisting of Justice Neena Bansal Krishna, a Delhi High Court judge.

The Muslim Conference Jammu and Kashmir (MCJK-Bhat) was declared a banned association by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) through a notification on February 28.

The tribunal was constituted on March 18 for the purpose of adjudicating whether or not there was sufficient cause for declaring the MCJK-Bhat an unlawful association.

"And, whereas, the said tribunal, in exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (3) of section 4 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, passed an order on August 23, 2024, confirming the declaration made in the said notification," the home ministry said through a notification issued on Tuesday.

While imposing the ban, the ministry had said the MCJK-Bhat had linkages with banned terror outfits and supported terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, its members were indulging in generating feelings of hatred and disaffection against India to separate Jammu and Kashmir from the Union of India, and its leaders and members were involved in raising funds through various sources, including from Pakistan and its proxy organisations, for perpetrating unlawful activities, including supporting terror activities and sustained stone-pelting on security forces.

The MHA had also said the MCJK-Bhat and its members, by their activities, showed sheer disrespect towards the country's constitutional authority and constitutional set up, gave a clarion call to boycott polls on multiple occasions, attempted to subvert the will of people and the democratic process in Jammu and Kashmir, and were involved in promoting, aiding and abetting the secession of Jammu and Kashmir from India through anti-national and subversive activities.

Another order was also issued by the tribunal confirming the ban imposed on four factions of the Jammu and Kashmir Peoples League -- JKPL (Mukhtar Ahmed Waza), JKPL (Bashir Ahmad Tota), JKPL (Ghulam Mohammad Khan alias Sopori), which is also known as Jammu and Kashmir People's Political League, and JKPL (Aziz Sheikh) led by Yaqoob Sheikh -- as unlawful associations.

While declaring the four factions of the JKPL outlawed under the UAPA on March 15, the MHA had said the groups were involved in supporting terror activities and spreading anti-India propaganda for fuelling secessionism in Jammu and Kashmir, and their members were involved in mobilising violent protests in various parts of Jammu and Kashmir for perpetrating unlawful activities.

The members of the groups were also involved in stone-pelting on security forces, have constantly asked the people of Jammu and Kashmir to refrain from taking part in elections and thereby, targeted and hampered the very basic constitutionally-recognised fundamentals of Indian democracy, the ministry had said.

The tribunal, in its August 29 order, said: "From the elaborate material and evidence placed on record in these proceedings, this tribunal finds that there is ample justification to uphold the ban on the four factions of the JKPL and uphold the declaration of the four factions of the JKPL, namely JKPL (Mukhtar Ahmed Waza), JKPL (Bashir Ahmed Tota), JKPL (Ghulam Mohammed Khan @ Sopori) also known as Jammu and Kashmir People's Political League, and JKPL (Aziz Sheikh) led by Yaqoob Sheikh as being 'unlawful associations' under the UAPA."
New Delhi, Sep 11 (PTI) The Delhi Police has asked the railway staff to be on high alert following the suspected bid to derail the Kalindi Express in Kanpur two days ago, officials said on Wednesday.

A major train accident was averted on Monday by an alert loco pilot as the Bhiwani-Prayagraj Kalindi Express was brought to a screeching half after hitting an LPG cylinder placed on tracks.

A bottle of petrol and matchboxes were also found at the site hinting at a sabotage. The Kanpur Police has lodged an FIR in the matter.

Police said they have also asked Delhi Metro staff to stay alert and increase checking.

"The entire staff of Railways unit have put on high alert following the Kanpur incident," a senior police officer of the Delhi Police said.

Both foot and motorcycle patrolling have been enhanced, the officer said.

"Anti-sabotage checks are being conducted regularly along the railway tracks with the help of dog squads and bomb disposal teams.

"We have also asked the railway staff of many adjoining areas to keep strict vigil in and around the railway stations and railway tracks," said the officer.

A joint patrolling team along with the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and other stakeholders has been put in place.

After the suspected bid to derail the Kalindi Express, different security agencies have detained over two dozen people, including three members of a family for questioning.

A multi-agency probe, that included the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Anti-Terrorist Squad of the Uttar Pradesh Police, was launched into the matter which officials suspected could have terror links.
New Delhi, Sep 11 (PTI) The members of Delhi BJP's Sikh cell on Wednesday staged a protest against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi near 10 Janpath here over his statements concerning the Sikh community.

The protesters, including women, raising slogans and carrying placards tried to approach Gandhi's residence 10 Janpath, marching from Vigyan Bhawan but police stopped them.

Addressing a gathering of several hundred Indian Americans in 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.

Gandhi asked the name of one of the Sikh attendees in the front rows during the programme. "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.

The protesters raised slogans against Gandhi and demanded his apology for allegedly "humiliating" Sikhs and held the Congress responsible for the 1984 anti-Sikh riots in the country.

The BJP has come down heavily on 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.
New Delhi, Sep 11 (PTI) Ashan was a bright 12-year-old boy who harboured dreams of becoming a doctor. That dream was tragically snuffed out when was electrocuted after coming into contact with a live wire of an electricity pole near his house.

His father Premchand, a migrant from Pakistan who trades scrap parts for a living, has alleged that his son died due to the electricity department's negligence, citing a complaint filed in August regarding exposed wires in his south Delhi neighbourhood near Bhati Mines in Maidan Garhi.

Sikander, who lives in Sanjay Colony where Ashan was killed, said he filed a complaint with the electricity department on August 19, highlighting the possibility of electrocution in the area. No action taken by the department, Sikander said.

"If the electricity department had taken action, Ashan might still be alive," said Sikander who was among the people who tried to rescue Ashan.

According to a police officer, the incident took place on September 4 when Ashan was playing with his friends near his house in Sanjay Colony.

"He came into contact with a live wire from a nearby electricity pole and was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was declared dead," the officer said.

Sikander told reporters that around 1.45 pm, he heard a commotion and screams of some kids. When he came out of the house, he found Ashan stuck to an electric pole.

With the help of a wooden stick, Sikander managed to part the boy from the pole. Sikander massaged his hands and feet, but there seemed to be no improvement.

After that, he informed Ashan's family members and took him to a nearby hospital, where the doctors declared him dead.

"Ashan was a bright student, always eager to learn and participate in school activities. He wanted to become a doctor," said Premchand fighting back tears.

A police officer said a case under Section 106 (1) (causing death by negligence) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) was registered at Maidan Garhi Police Station. A probe was underway, he said.

Ashan's autopsy has been conducted but the report is awaited, he added. PTI SHB ALK

He wanted to become a doctor," Premchand said, fighting back tears.

A 12-year-old boy with a dream to become a doctor tragically lost his life due to electrocution near Bhati Mines in Miadan Garhi in south Delhi, an official said on Wednesday.

According to a police officer, the incident took place when the victim Ashan was playing with his friends near his house in Sanjay Colony on September 4.

"He came into contact with a live wire from a nearby electricity pole and was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was declared dead," police said.

Sikandar, who live in their neighborhood, told media that at around 1:45 pm, he heard the commotion and screams of the children.

When he came out of the house found, Ashan, stuck to an electric pole.

With the help of a wooden stick, Sikandar managed to remove the child, from the pole. Sikandar, massaged his hands and feet, but there was no improvement.

After that, he informed his family members and took him to the nearby hospital, where the doctors declared him dead.

Ashan's father Premchand, who migrated from Pakistan 14 years ago and deals in the scrap business, alleged that he lost his child due to the negligence of the electricity department.

"Ashan was a bright student, always eager to learn and participate in school activities. He wanted to become a doctor," Premchand said, fighting back tears.

Sikander also said that on August 19, he filed a complaint to the electricity department regarding the flow of electricity in the pole and exposed wires but there was no action taken by the department.

"If the electricity department had taken action, Ashan might still be alive," Sikander rued.

A police officer said a case under section 106 (1) (causing death by negligence) of the BNS was registered at Maidan Garhi police station and further probe was underway.

The officer said the autopsy on the dead body of Ashan was conducted but the report is awaited.
Jaipur, Sep 11 (PTI) RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat and its general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale will visit the northwest region of Rajasthan as part of efforts to expand Sangh's work in its centenary year.

According to a statement issued by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sevak Sangh (RSS), its two top leaders will participate in various organisational meetings with workers.

RSS regional leader Ramesh Chandra Agarwal said in a statement that Bhagwat will stay in Alwar from September 14 to 17 in the first phase of his visit to the Rajasthan region.

In the second phase of the visit, Bhagwat will stay in Chittor from October 3 to 6.

Similarly, Hosabale will visit Jodhpur from September 25 to 29. In these visits, he will hold meetings with the workers and there will be no public event.

He said that these visits are being undertaken with a view to expanding the Sangh's work in the centenary year of the organisation and to speed up its initiatives for social transformation.
Hours before the presidential debate that faced Donald Trump and Kamala Harris this Tuesday night, the Republican made clear what intentions he came to the appointment with. On his social network, Trump posted a AI-generated montage in which he is seen surrounded by cats and ducks inside what looks like a private plane. A further step increasing the disinformation that has been growing since last September 9, when the candidates campaign spread the unfounded claim that migrants originally from Haiti had stolen several pets and eaten them in Springfield, Ohio.

Candidate Donald Trump's post on his social network Truth.

The lie was part of a campaign strategy to criticize Vice President Kamala Harris on the immigration problems facing the United States. In a campaign press release, the false claim was repeated as a warning, suggesting that such incidents could soon affect other cities if action is not taken and Harris takes office. Such a narrative was also amplified by J.D. Vance, Trumps running mate and junior senator from Ohio, who has been outspoken about his opposition to the rise of migrant communities in the country.

Vance claimed on social media that reports now show that people have had their pets abducted and eaten by people who shouldnt be in this country. This claim was based on anecdotal reports from local residents, but Vance did not provide any concrete evidence to back up his claims. The senators comments were intended to capitalize on local fears about immigration and portray the situation as chaotic. However, these claims are unsubstantiated and Vances office offered no evidence to support the allegations.

Local authorities in Springfield denied these allegations. Karen Graves, city spokesperson, clarified that there were absolutely no credible reports of pets being damaged or stolen by members of the immigrant community. Leann Castillo, executive director of the Clark County Park District, confirmed that there was no evidence to support them. Castillo noted that the rumor had been circulating for months and that concerned citizens frequently inquired about it, but that there was no verified information to back it up.

Since the pandemic, the city of Springfield has seen a significant influx of Haitian immigrants, with estimates suggesting as many as 20,000 new arrivals. This migration has been spurred by the current crisis in Haiti, with political instability and gang violence. While the arrival of these immigrants has contributed to the revitalization of Springfield, it has also put pressure on local services such as housing, schools and healthcare.

The version that Haitian immigrants kidnap and eat pets is based on old and discredited stereotypes accusing them of cannibalism and ritual practices. These claims have previously been used to discredit immigrants and other marginalized groups. In 2021, former President Trump made disparaging remarks about Haitian immigrants, claiming they spread disease and referred to the country in derogatory terms.

The fake news spread thanks to viral posts and the support of right-wing commentators. For example, conservative pundit Charlie Kirk helped fuel the hoax, amplifying its spread and increasing public anxiety. Figures such as Ted Cruz and Elon Musk who owns the social network X also promoted claims to this effect.

The White House responds

The White House sharply criticized J.D. Vances unsubstantiated claims about Haitian immigrants in Springfield and warned that such fake news is dangerous and promotes conspiracy theories that could incite anti-immigration violence. John Kirby, spokesman for the National Security Council, stressed that misinformation can have serious consequences. Kirby stressed that the real concern should be how to address the crisis in Haiti, rather than fomenting divisions based on lies and racial prejudice.

Yet Vance continues to promote the claims. This Monday, he posted on X that his office had received many complaints from Springfield residents about alleged harm to pets by immigrants. While the senator acknowledged the possibility that the rumors are false, he insisted that the discussion must continue and dismissed media criticism.
New Delhi, Sep 11 (PTI) The Delhi High Court asked the Delhi University vice-chancellor on Wednesday to decide on a representation seeking reservation for women in the upcoming Delhi University Students' Union (DUSU) election.

A bench of Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela said the representation, given by the petitioner to the university authorities in October 2023, be decided by the vice-chancellor in accordance with the law as expeditiously as possible and preferably within three weeks.

The court passed the order while disposing of a petition seeking 50 per cent reservation for women in the DUSU polls.

Petitioner Shabana Hussain, represented by advocate Ashu Bidhuri, said the students' union polls were heavily influenced by money and muscle, resulting in the minimal participation of women.

In light of these concerns, Hussain said she approached the high court, seeking a mandate to ensure women's representation through reservation in the students' union elections scheduled for September 27. The nomination process is scheduled to begin on September 17.

The petitioner said there was a need for gender equality in student elections and also sought to direct the university to comply with the Lyngdoh Committee recommendations.

Following an order of the apex court, the Union Ministry of Human Resource Development constituted a committee under J M Lyngdoh, a former chief election commissioner, to make recommendations on issues related to student bodies and student union elections conducted in universities, colleges and other higher education institutions across India.

The committee submitted its report on May 26, 2006.
Bengaluru, Sep 11 (PTI) The Karnataka High Court has directed the state's police force to track a woman who has filed nine separate complaints over the past decade, accusing various individuals of sexual harassment, criminal intimidation, and other offences, including under Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

Section 498A of IPC refers to -- husband or relative of husband of a woman subjecting her to cruelty.

Justice M Nagaprasanna, presiding over a single-judge bench, ruled that police stations must maintain a record of the woman's complaints and exercise caution when she attempts to file additional ones.

The court emphasised that before any new complaints are registered, a preliminary inquiry must be conducted to prevent the repeated filing of false cases.

The judge noted: "This is to stop the indiscriminate registration of crimes against innocent men. We have seen ten such cases, and this is to prevent the eleventh."

The court made this ruling while allowing the petition filed by the woman's husband and in-laws, who sought to quash charges she had brought against them, including allegations under sections 323, 498A, 504, 506, and 149 of the IPC.

This marked the tenth complaint the woman had filed in the last ten years.

Senior Advocate Murthy D Naik, representing the petitioners, submitted evidence of the woman's previous complaints, which were verified by the prosecution.

The court reviewed all nine prior cases, noting that several men had been wrongfully accused, detained, and later acquitted due to a lack of evidence or cooperation from the complainant.

The court observed that the woman's actions seemed aimed at harassing the accused, describing her behavior as a "honey trap" targeting over ten men.

The judge remarked: "The complainant has been filing cases without any valid reason, leading to arrests and trials, all of which have ended in acquittals."

In the present case, the woman had accused her husband and his family, including a 75-year-old woman who had never met the complainant, of abuse.

The alleged incidents occurred between August 28 and September 22, 2022. The court found the allegations to be baseless, and stated that allowing the case to continue would endorse the complainant's questionable actions. The court's ruling aims to prevent further misuse of the legal system and to protect innocent individuals from false accusations.
Bengaluru, Sep 11 (PTI) Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday said he has written to the Chief Ministers of eight states regarding the "unfair" devolution of taxes by the Union government, and has invited them to a conclave in Bengaluru to collectively deliberate on the issues of "fiscal federalism".



He said he has written to the Chief Ministers of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Haryana, and Punjab.



"States with higher GSDP (Gross State Domestic Product) per capita, like Karnataka and others, are being penalised for their economic performance, receiving disproportionately lower tax allocations. This unjust approach undermines the spirit of cooperative federalism and threatens the financial autonomy of progressive states," he said in a post on 'X' with "#OurTaxOurRight" hashtag.

"I have invited them to a conclave in Bengaluru to collectively deliberate on the issues of fiscal federalism at a juncture when the Finance Commission needs to make a directional shift & create incentives for growth and better tax mobilisation," he said.





Siddararamaiah has also posted the letter written to CMs of other states on 'X'.



"As you are aware the 16th Finance Commission has begun its deliberations. The previous Finance Commissions have laid excessive emphasis on equity at the cost of efficiency and performance. As a result, states with higher GSDP per capita and higher contribution to the gross tax revenues of the union are progressively receiving lower shares of the central fiscal transfers," he said.



Stating that during the visit of the 16th Finance Commission to the State of Karnataka, during 29-30, August 2024, he underscored the need to carefully examine the impact of high emphasis given to equity on resource devolution to well performing states, he said, "I have emphasised that the reduction in central financial transfers to well performing states is placing severe limitations on their ability to invest in physical and human infrastructure."



The taxpayers of states, which are net donors to the divisible pool, also expect a fair share of their taxes to come back to them, he said, adding that the Finance Commission therefore needs to carefully balance equity with efficiency and performance.



Pointing out that states with a strong contribution to the country's GDP and Gross Tax Revenue, help build the nation in more ways than one, Siddaramaiah said, therefore, there is an urgent need to balance equity with efficiency and performance for a stronger Union, both politically and economically.



"It is, therefore, important that states which are receiving smaller shares in horizontal devolution, compared to their contributions to the Gross Tax Revenues of the Union, need to articulate a coordinated set of proposals before the Commission," he said.

"It is my pleasure to invite you to a conclave in Bengaluru to discuss these issues further. I will send a separate invitation indicating the dates once we firm up the schedule," he added.
Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 11 (PTI) A day after Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan categorically denied allegations of a CPI(M)-RSS nexus, the Congress on Wednesday urged him to address the serious allegations against his close aides, IPS officer ADGP M R Ajith Kumar and political secretary P Sasi, rather than lecturing the opposition.

Coming down heavily on the chief minister, the grand-old party said the people of the state, who know history, would dismiss with contempt Vijayan's claim that it was the Marxist party that had opposed the RSS in Kerala and the Congress had no role in it.

Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly, V D Satheesan, asked seven questions to Vijayan and accused the Left veteran of playing the hide and seek game without giving a clear reply.

"Pinarayi Vijayan and the CPI(M)'s connection with the RSS is an open secret," he alleged.

The LoP asked whether veteran Left leader E P Jayarajan was removed as LDF convenor because of his meeting with BJP's Prakash Javadekar. If so, shouldn't CM Vijayan be fired first, given his public admission of meeting Javadekar multiple times?" he asked.

Satheesan said what message the government is giving to the general public by protecting the ADGP, who regularly visits RSS leaders and holds talks.

The Congress leader sought to know from the CM whether the grave allegations raised against the ADGP and his political secretary were true or not.

He also asked to make public the details of the meeting between the IPS officer and the RSS leaders and whoever else was present there on the occasion.

Satheesan accused Vijayan of winning the Assembly election in the year 1977 with the support of the RSS.

"Instead of answering serious allegations levelled against the political secretary and the ADGP, the CM took a study class by distorting history. The opposition's questions are very clear," he charged.

Rubbishing Vijayan's charges, Satheesan also justified his participation in a programme organised by Bharateeya Vichara Kendram in 2013, saying that not just him but CPI(M) veteran and former Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan had also attended a similar function organised by the outfit.

"It is the Congress that opposes the BJP and the RSS in the country. What kind of anti-fascist struggle is the Kerala CM talking about without the Congress? Pinarayi Vijayan's study class is not needed for the Congress to fight the Sangh Parivar," he added.

Vijayan on Tuesday rubbished the Congress's allegations that the ruling CPI(M) and the Left government led by it had a nexus with the RSS, saying such charges are being rejected with the contempt they deserve.

While addressing a programme organised by the CPI(M) in nearby Kovalam, Vijayan also said that no one needs to entertain the false hope that the LDF government could be maligned by flagging unfounded allegations of links with the RSS.

The chief minister's statement comes amidst a mounting attack by the Congress against him over a senior IPS officer's meeting with RSS leaders, with the grand old party alleging that it had taken place with his knowledge.

Vijayan alleged that it was the top Congress leaders and their governments who had helped the RSS grow in the country and the state on various occasions.
Ghaziabad, Sep 10 (PTI) Three minor girls residing at the Kasturba Gandhi Residential School hostel in Ghaziabad went missing on Tuesday, with police officials saying they have launched a search to trace them.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (City) Rajesh Kumar said, "Police teams have been deployed to trace the missing girls. They may have gone outside Ghaziabad. We are working to recover them soon."

According to police, all the girls at the school in the Nehru Nagar area of Sihani Gate police station had gone to their rooms after dinner at around 11 pm on Monday night.

"When the hostel door was opened today, three girls, aged between 14 and 16, were found missing from their rooms. The missing girls were close friends and hailed from Sudama Puri Colony in Ghaziabad, Loni, and Krishna Nagar Colony in Delhi," an official said.

When alerted, the hostel warden immediately informed the police about it, the official added.

Upon receiving the information, police arrived at the scene and retrieved CCTV footage from cameras installed at the hostel gates, school premises, and roads connecting the school to the city, the official said.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams declined to say Tuesday if he remained confident in the citys police commissioner, days after federal agents seized the cellphones of the head of the police department and at least four other high-ranking mayoral deputies.

In his first news conference since the whirlwind of seizures, Adams  whose own devices were taken by FBI agents in November  acknowledged that the sudden increase in federal scrutiny had raised a lot of questions and a lot of concerns. He then deflected questions about whether he planned to remove the police commissioner, Edward Caban, amid a series of news reports claiming Caban is under pressure to resign.

I have the utmost confidence in the New York City Police Department, Adams said when asked if he remained confident in Cabans leadership, noting that if there are any changes, his administration would announce them.

Quarantining at home after testing positive for COVID-19 on Monday, Adams spoke to reporters online for more than an hour, striking a sober and cautious tone as he sidestepped questions about how many members of his administration had been contacted by federal agents or if anyone would be stripped of their duties.

He also declined to say whether Caban had been barred from communicating with federal law enforcement agencies, which work in close cooperation with the nations largest police department.

Instead, Adams spoke at length about his background as a child of working class parents who rose to become a New York City police captain, noting: My entire life has been pursuit of justice and this administration will continue to do that no matter what happens.

The comments came six days after federal investigators seized devices from Caban, as well Adams first deputy mayor, Sheena Wright; her partner and the citys schools chancellor, David Banks; the deputy mayor for public safety, Philip Banks, who is Banks brother; and Timothy Pearson, one of the mayors closest confidants.

Wright, who attended Tuesdays virtual briefing, said she was cooperating fully with the investigation.

The most recent seizures appear to be separate from the investigation that led federal agents to take the mayors phones in November, which centered at least in part on an inquiry seeking information about the mayors overseas travel and potential connections to the Turkish government, according to a person familiar with the matter who requested anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the investigations.

No one has been accused of a crime in connection with any of the federal investigations. Both the FBI and the U.S. attorneys office in Manhattan, which is leading the investigation, have declined to comment on the probe.

In February, federal agents searched the home of Adams director of Asian Affairs, Winnie Greco, as part of a separate investigation overseen by the Brooklyn U.S. attorneys office.

The mayors former buildings commissioner, Eric Ulrich, is also facing state charges for allegedly accepting bribes, while several people who contributed to the mayors campaign were charged in a straw-donor scheme last year.

Adams, who has not been accused of wrong-doing, declined to say if he would step aside if hes charged with a crime. Instead, he said, I am committed to completing my term as the mayor of the city of New York and running for reelection.

He then invoked the upcoming anniversary of Sept. 11, pointing to the grit, grind, and attitude of New Yorkers in the aftermath of the attacks.

Thats who I am, Adams said. I am a resilient New Yorker.

(AP)
Former President George W. Bush outlines for the first time in a new documentary how events unfolded for him following the 9-11 attacks.

In the National Geographic Channel special, George W. Bush: The 9-11 Interview, the former President talks about the chaotic moments after the attacks and the reasoning behind decisions he made that day.

Bush reflects on being told about the attacks while visiting schoolchildren in Florida and the difficulty in getting accurate information in what he calls the fog of war. He also talks about returning to the White House to address Americans in the hours after the terrorist attacks.

Fearing a possible psychological boost for al-Qaeda, Bush said he, quote, damn sure wasnt going to give it from a bunker in Nebraska.

The former President recalls the emotional visit to Ground Zero just three days after the World Trade Center Towers were destroyed.

He describes a palpable bloodlust among workers in the ruins who were encouraging him to retaliate against those behind the attacks.
23 years have now passed since the trajectory of history was forever altered by the 9/11 attacks. Of course, when it happened, many of us knew wed never forget that day. Yet time dulls even the most painful memories.

Among the heroes of 9/11, which included the FDNY, NYPD, PAPD, EMS and other agencies, were the volunteers of Hatzolah.

Chevra Hatzalah played a pivotal role in the World Trade Center rescue operations. The very first ambulance to arrive at the World Trade Center following the first plane crash on September 11, 2001 was a Hatzalah ambulance. By the time the second airplane crashed into the second tower, there were two dozen Hatzalah ambulances at the scene, including Hatzalahs Communications and Command Center trailer, and more than 100 Hatzalah EMTs, paramedics, and doctors on scene. Before the buildings came down, ambulances had arrived from Hatzalah of Rockland County, 40 miles to the North, with additional medics and EMTs. During the first hour, over 125 patients were transported to area hospitals by Hatzalah ambulances.

At the south end of the Twin Towers, Hatzalah was the predominant ambulance service covering the disaster scene. Hatzalah ambulances transported numerous victims, including firefighters and police officers.

The following footage was released in 2015 for the first time to the public by YWN.

In addition, Hatzalah assisted in the rescue of thousands of men, women and children who escaped to the docks near the Holocaust Museum in Battery Park, and helped evacuate them onto boats headed for New Jersey. Some Hatzalah volunteers went missing for periods of time throughout the day, but, bchasdei hashem, there were few casualties amongst the Hatzalah team, and miraculously, all Hatzalah members survived. Tragically, there have been multiple Hatzalah members who were since Niftar from 9/11-related diseases.

Listen below to the frightening radio transmissions of frantic Hatzalah members screaming for help as the World Trade Center collapsed on top of them. Fast forward to 8:00 to hear the collapse of the first tower. Perhaps the most frightening moment is at 12:20  when a member tells the dispatcher tell my wife at least I said Shema.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
Edmund Glazer even laughed quietly. He was a calming, logical man, a problem solver, an unassuming gentleman for whom swearing was anathema. Even though he was the youngest of four siblings who were raised in Zambia and South Africa, with his ability to untangle life knots so adroitly, he was the familys go-to guy. Tell me more, he would say, gently touching the other persons arm. What can I do to help? Whenever he visited his sister, Beatrice Sandler, and her daughters, he would immediately stock their refrigerator with groceries and throw out the stale goods from his previous visit.

He and his wife, Candy, had recently moved into a house outside Boston. He would eagerly call his sister, hold up the phone and say exultantly, Can you hear that babbling brook?

In their dream house, Mr. Glazer, 41, fancied himself a handyman, and would take his young son, Nathan, on forays to Home Depot, hunting for the one tool that would improve his hapless skills.

If he was less than dazzling with wood, Mr. Glazer was a Mr. Fix-it at his company, MRV Communications, where he had risen to chief financial officer. On the evening of Sept. 10, he got a call from MRVs home office in Los Angeles, asking for his help on a major project. In his obliging way, Mr. Glazer boarded Flight 11 the next morning.

Edmund Glazer, 41, was vice president of finance and administration and chief financial officer at MRV Communications, a Chatsworth, Calif.-based telecommunications company. On Tuesday, Glazer was on his way to the headquarters from his home in Wellesley, Mass.

He called me to let me know that he had made it on the plane, said his wife, Candy. He said they were about to take off and he had to turn off the cell phone. Im assuming nothing was going on then, because he sounded normal. We said our byes and he said he would call me when he got there [Los Angeles].

Born in Zambia, Glazer moved to Los Angeles when he was 17 to attend the University of Southern California. Everyone knows the U.S. has the best universities and he decided he wanted to study here, said Candy Glazer. He liked it so much he decided to stay.

Profile courtesy of Chicago Tribune  Profile published in the NYT on June 2, 2002.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
When the terror attack occurred, Avremel was fifty-five; his friend Ed, a quadriplegic, was forty-two. Both worked at Empire Blue Cross/Blue Shield as program analysts on the 27th floor of One World Trade Center.

By Chavie Zelmanowitz (sister-in-law), as told to Bayla Sheva Brenner

On the morning of 9/11, Avremel davened in the same shul with my husband, Yankel, which was unusual. Usually, whenever they said goodbye, they would shake hands. That morning, however, Avremel came toward Yankel and hugged him tightly before he left for work.

While driving home after taking me to work, Yankel heard that something had happened at the World Trade Center. He tried to call Avremel. I also tried. We couldnt get through. Then Avremel called Yankel. He said, Im here with Ed. Were waiting for help and then were going to leave. Yankel called me and said, I heard from Avremelhes going to leave. I breathed a sigh of relief. Then I got a phone call from Avremel. I asked, Where are you calling from? I thought you were on your way home. He reassured me that the air was clear where they were, on the 27th floor. Im waiting here with Ed for someone to come help. He said that Ed wanted to wait for a medical team, because in the past when people lifted him improperly, his bones would break.

Edward Beyea, who became disabled after a diving accident at age twenty-one, was a large man. He used a wheelchair with all kinds of contraptions. He had no arm or leg function, and operated his computer with a mouth stick. An aide accompanied him at all times. The normal routine was that the aide would bring him to work, set him up in his cubicle, and go up to the 43rd floor to the cafeteria. Thats where she was when the plane hit. There was water coming down, things were falling, smoke was filling the room. She immediately ran back down the staircase to the 27th floor and found the two of them together. Avremel assured her that he would stay with Ed and that she should leave. She barely made it out. Avremel is responsible for her survival.

Avremel told me, The fireman is here and he wants me to move to another area. That was the last we heard from him. No one had any idea that the buildings were going to go down. He didnt stay to die; he stayed to help. That was his intention.

Avremel and Ed had worked together for twelve years. They traded books and tapes and played chess together. Avremel was a master carpenter; he built Ed a cigar stand and a book stand so that he would be able to read in bed. He used to visit Ed during his numerous hospitalizations. It was a friendship that culminated with this extraordinary act.

Initially our son-in-law made up a flyer; everyone was posting flyers for missing relatives. The flyer mentioned that Avremel was together with a quadriplegic friend. Immediately, we were bombarded by reporters. They wanted to hear details of the story. We were interviewed on a few news programs, at one point three in one day. A week after 9/11, our rav told us it was time to sit shivah. Rescuers were not finding anyone alive any longer. We knew Avremel had been in the building at the time. It was time to make a decision.

By Yankel (Jack) Zelmanowitz (brother), as told to Bayla Sheva Brenner

Avremel lived with us. When my parents went to Eretz Yisrael in 1973, just before the Yom Kippur War, he moved in. I was his big brother; Im twelve and a half years older. We were very close. I took him into the textile business with me, and then he learned programming. He was really a wonderful human being. He had a lot of friends. Always friendly, always doing maasim tovim, favors for people, giving tzedakah, going to shiurim; everybody liked him. He was a simple guy who never looked for praise. His death made such a roshem, such an impression on people. Letters came in from people all over the world. A woman in Canada contacted us. She has a son with cerebral palsy who was fifteen-years-old at the time. She worried about him going into the workforce. I hope I meet someone like Abe, her son said.

That week, when President Bush spoke, he mentioned Avremel. He said: We are here in the middle hour of our grief. So many have suffered so great a loss, and today we express our nations sorrow. . . . We have seen our national character in eloquent acts of sacrifice. Inside the World Trade Center, one man who could have saved himself stayed until the end at the side of his quadriplegic friend.

My son, Chaim Shaul, was there when the president came the week of 9/11 to visit Ground Zero. He was told to stay behind to tell the story to the president. He called us and asked what he should do since it was erev Shabbos and time was short. We said, Stay as long as you can, leaving yourself enough time to get home for Shabbos. In the end, he had to leave before speaking with the president. We received a phone call from the presidents staff. Were looking for your son to meet the president, they said.

On the first anniversary of 9/11, all of the victims families were at Ground Zero. The president spent time mingling with the families and made special time for us. He is a person with a heart; he is very compassionate. He didnt know what to do for us.

Avremels actions that day are what defined him. He lived his entire life that way, always caring about people, always anticipating peoples needs. You wouldnt have to ask Avremel for something; hed understand that it had to be done and hed go and do it. This was who he was. He was an extremely devoted son; his kibbud av vaeim was extraordinary. He never married or had children, but our children and grandchildren are following in his footsteps in their gemilut chasadim. How proud he would be to know that.

We were called upon to speak about Avremel very oftenat shuls, dinners, et cetera. A library at a nearby yeshivah was dedicated to him. We were constantly on call; that helped us get through the initial period.

In August 2002, the police came to our home to inform us that they had identified Avremels remains. We were able to have a kevurah. He had always wanted to be buried in Israel; we asked someone to arrange for a plot on Har Zeisim. When we got there, we were amazed that he had found a plot available right at the foot of our parents graves.

In 2006, a street was dedicated to Avremel. The street, on the corner of East 35th Street and Kings Highway [in Brooklyn], our corner, was renamed Abe (Avremel) Zelmanowitz Way. One of the speakers at the dedication, Rabbi Shlomo Zucker, said it is so fitting that the street is called way rather than lane, drive, or street, because Avremel showed us the way to live, the way a person should conduct his life, and how he should interact with Hashem and his fellow man. That is his legacy. He led by example.

We have letters from people he worked with. One of his colleagues wrote, We knew he was a religious man, but he never preached. He was always aware, thinking ahead, thinking of others.

The effect that Avremel continues to have is amazing. After I heard the news about Bin Laden, I wanted to go down to Ground Zero. It was a relief; we felt a need to share it with those who had lost family members, to be close to them. While we were on the train to Manhattan, my son called us. He said he just got a call from NBC News. They wanted to interview us, find out about our feelings. Avremels story is out there.

While at Ground Zero, we must have given twelve or fifteen interviews. Reporters from all over sought us out, wanting to hear the story. We told them the story of Avremel. We always try to point out that it was an Orthodox Jew and a non-Jewish friend and this is what Avremel did because of his friendship.

The Shabbos before 9/11, Avremel had gone to a shiur. He was a very reserved person. He wasnt pushy in any way. When the rav started to speak about Kiddush Hashem, Avremel interrupted him and said, How could an ordinary person make a Kiddush Hashem? He got an answer but wasnt satisfied. Avremel interrupted him another time; again, the rav gave him an answer. Then he asked a third time. It wasnt like Avremel to do that. Three days later, he got his answer.

Every rav has told us the same thing: its an obligation to perpetuate Avremels story. No matter how painful it is for us, we do it lshem Shamayim. I feel it is our responsibility to perpetuate his Kiddush Hashem.

Chavie and Yankel Zelmanowitz live in Brooklyn, New York.

Excerpted from Jewish Action, fall 2011
The following are excerpts of a Wall Street Journal article, and re-posted from the YWN archives:

FIVE FLOORS ABOVE, Shimmy Biegeleisen phoned his wife from his office at money-management firm Fiduciary Trust International Inc. Theres been an explosion next door, the 42-year-old vice president said. Dont worry. Im OK.

After a few minutes, Mr. Biegeleisen grabbed his black canvas bag, walked past a cluster of cubicles and headed toward the stairwell. But when he reached the doorway  a step behind a project manager who worked for him  he stopped, leaned his big body against the open metal door and rummaged through his bag. Whatever youre looking for, its not important, the manager told her boss. Please come. She started down the stairs.

THE WORD FIDUCIARY filled the caller-ID panel on the kitchen phone in the Biegeleisen home in the Flatbush section of Brooklyn. Miriam Biegeleisen knew it was her husband calling again from his office. I love you, he told her.

He hadnt made it to the stairs when the wings of the second jet ripped diagonally through the south tower just four floors below Mr. Biegeleisens cubicle. Fire engulfed the towers stairwells. Mr. Biegeleisen was trapped.

Mrs. Biegeleisen handed the phone to Dovid Langer, a friend who volunteered for an ambulance service and had run over when he heard that ambulances had been dispatched to the towers.

Dovid, Mr. Biegeleisen told him, take care of Miriam and take care of my children. Mr. Langer heard a recording in the background saying over and over that the building was secure and that people should stay put. (A Port Authority spokesman said, We are not aware of any recorded announcement made by building management.) Mr. Biegeleisen continued: Dovid, Im not coming out of this.

Mr. Langer connected Mr. Biegeleisen to Gary Gelbfish, a vascular surgeon and friend who was watching the towers burn on TV. Im having difficulty breathing, Mr. Biegeleisen told him. Black smoke was filling the room.

Youve got to do two things, the doctor said. Stay low to the ground. And do you have a towel or a rag? Put water on it and put it over your mouth. Twin

Mr. Biegeleisen walked past three cubicles to the water cooler. He wet a towel and raised it to his mouth. Then he walked back to his desk and lay down on the slate blue carpet in his black suede shoes, black pants, oxford shirt and black felt yarmulke. Mr. Biegeleisen was a Chassid, a devoted follower of the Belzer Rebbe, the leader of a rabbinic dynasty that dates to 1815.

Is there a sprinkler? Dr. Gelbfish asked. Mr. Biegeleisen looked up but couldnt see through the smoke. He and the five colleagues trapped alongside him decided to try to get to the roof. Mr. Biegeleisen hung up the phone.

THE PHONE RANG in the Biegeleisen home. Again, FIDUCIARY flashed on the display. The intense heat had kept Shimmy Biegeleisen from reaching the roof. We couldnt even go into the hallway, he said into the phone.

The Biegeleisen home was filling with worried friends and neighbors. Women clustered in the living room, trying to calm Mrs. Biegeleisen. Men paced in the kitchen, taking turns speaking to her husband. One phoned 911. They waited while Mr. Biegeleisen tried again to reach the roof.

He didnt make it. At 9:45, he phoned home again. Promise me youll look after Miriam, he told one of his friends. Tell Miriam I love her. Lying on the floor beneath photographs of his five children that sat atop his filing cabinet, he now spoke of them and gave instructions for handling his finances.

Mr. Biegeleisen and his 19-year-old son Mordechai were supposed to travel in five days to Jerusalem to spend the Jewish new year with the Belzer Chassidim and meet with the Belzer Rebbe. Mr. Biegeleisen made the trip every few years at Rosh Hashanah. Most inspiring to him was the second night of the holiday, when the Rebbe read aloud the 24th Psalm.

Now, in a voice hoarse with smoke, Mr. Biegeleisen began to recite that psalm in Hebrew over the phone: Of David a Psalm. The Lords is the earth and its fullness 

The friend on the phone began to shake. He handed the phone to another friend, who urged Mr. Biegeleisen to break a window. You can get some air and go to the roof, the friend said. Mr. Biegeleisen called out to a colleague. Lets go! Lets break the window! At 9:59, the two men hauled a filing cabinet to the window. Im looking out the window now, Mr. Biegeleisen said into the phone. Then he screamed: Oh God! The line went dead.

SEVEN DAYS AFTER her husbands phone line went dead, Miriam Biegeleisen stood in synagogue on Rosh Hashanah murmuring a prayer about God and fate: How many will pass from the earth and how many will be created. Who will live and who will die.  Who by water and who by fire.

By tradition, she and her family would have begun their shiva, the weeklong mourning period for her husband, the day after his death. But no body had been found, and the Biegeleisens for days had held on to hope that Shimmy was alive. Now Shimmys father decided that they were ready to mourn. Before they could, it had to be established that Mrs. Biegeleisen wasnt an agunah.

In Jewish law, an agunah is a woman who is separated from her husband and cannot remarry, either because he wont grant her a divorce or because it isnt known whether he is alive or dead. With no trace of a body, a rabbinic court must rule whether death can be assumed.

Minutes after Rosh Hashanah ended, Mr. Biegeleisens father phoned Efraim Fishel Hershkowitz in Brooklyn. The 76-year-old rabbi said he would convene with two other rabbis to decide the case at once. He asked that the men who had spoken to Mr. Biegeleisen on the day he disappeared come to the rabbis home. He also wanted a tape of the 911 call.

THREE RABBIS and six of Shimmy Biegeleisens friends gathered at the home of Rabbi Hershkowitz on Thursday, Sept. 20. It was the Fast of Gedalia, so the men sat down at the dining-room table with empty stomachs. The rabbis wore the long ear-locks, long black coats and wide-brim velvet hats of their European predecessors.

One of them opened a copy of the Yiddish newspaper Blat to a sequence of photographs of the towers end. In Yiddish, the rabbis discussed various logistics of the case: the floors the planes hit, how and when the buildings fell, the intensity of the fire, where Mr. Biegeleisen lay, what he said on the phone. They spoke with Mr. Biegeleisens friends about the phone call  and about Mr. Biegeleisen  then asked them to wait outside.

The rabbis deliberated for 10 minutes. Caller-ID repeatedly placed Mr. Biegeleisen at his Fiduciary office. The building fell at the precise moment Mr. Biegeleisen screamed. Mr. Biegeleisens relationship with the Belzer Rebbe attested to his character. They cited a case, in a 16th-century book of Jewish law, of a furnace of fire from which there is no escape. Mr. Biegeleisens was just such a case, they said. His death could be assumed. Mrs. Biegeleisen was not an agunah. The mourning could begin.

One of the rabbis went to the Biegeleisen home. He took a razor from his pocket and made cuts in the clothing of the male mourners  on the left for Mr. Biegeleisens three sons, on the right for his brother and father. Mrs. Biegeleisen, standing by the kitchen, said, Is the psak [ruling] final? It was. Its over, she thought. Shimmy is not coming back.

AN ORTHODOX JEWISH woman came to the Biegeleisen home on Sunday, Sept. 23, the fourth day of shiva. Mrs. Biegeleisen, following Jewish law, sat on a low, hard chair. She didnt know the woman visitor, who said, My husband was also there. Mrs. Biegeleisen understood that the woman had not yet been allowed to mourn. She was as yet an agunah.

For Mrs. Biegeleisen, knowing that she could remarry was hardly a comfort. Its not something Im thinking of, she said, her covered hair and engagement ring evidence of her 20 years of marriage. When you live with only one person, its all you know.

SHIMMY BIEGELEISENS FAMILY had almost finished mourning him when the phone rang. On the line was the Belzer Rebbe, Issachar Dov Rokeach, calling from Jerusalem.

Mr. Biegeleisens wife, five children, parents, brother and sister scurried upstairs to a closed room. They encircled a phone and put it on speaker. The 53-year-old Rebbe spoke quietly in Yiddish. He asked for the men and boys, one by one, and recited to each the Hebrew verse traditionally spoken to mourners: May the Omnipresent console you among the other mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

Finished, the Rebbe said, There are no words. A dial tone reverberated in the room as the family echoed him, over and over: There are no words. There are no words. There are no words.

Yechi Zichro Boruch.
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!
A senior US official on Monday warned against an all-out war between Israel and Hezbollah, saying that it would result in catastrophic and unforeseen consequences, journalist Barak Ravid reported.

Ravid, who writes for Axios in English and Walla in Hebrew is widely considered as the Biden administrations mouthpiece.

Speaking at the Middle East America Dialogue (MEAD) annual summit in Washington D.C., the official said. No war happens in lab conditions, its not a game. There would be serious consequences for both sides.

The official scoffed at the idea of lets go to war and destroy all Hezbollahs missiles and everything will be fine. Its not that simple. There is no magic solution. The other side cannot be destroyed. At the end of the war, Israel may pay a heavy price and not achieve its goals.

The official continued by saying that a diplomatic solution must be reached rather than a military one.

However, he did not provide details on how to convince a terror group to agree to a diplomatic solution, especially considering that Hezbollah has long violated the pre-existing diplomatic UN 1701 resolution to retreat north of the Litani River.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
Channel 12 journalist Almog Boker slammed the Israeli government for failing to respond to the Hezbollah drone attack on Monday which scored a direct hit on a high-rise apartment building in Nahariya.

BChasdei Hashem, there were no injuries but two apartments were heavily damaged.

If all the buildings in Beirut continue to stand as if nothing happened, then nothing will change, Boker stated.

Like in Gaza, so in Lebanon. If they launch a rocket and hit a building, we need to choose a neighborhood in Beirut, give the residents 24 hours to evacuate, and knock down the building.

Something has to change, and if not, the nightmare of the residents of the Gaza border area will turn into the nightmare of the residents of the north. And for years to come.

The video below shows frightened Israeli children running to a bomb shelter as sirens blare:

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
The IDF stated on Tuesday evening that a senior IDF officer was seriously injured in the morning in a tunnel collapse in Gaza during operational activity.

IDF forces were mapping and preparing tunnels for demolition in the central Gaza Strip when the collapse occurred. The officer was rescued from the tunnel and evacuated to the hospital, where he is currently in stable condition.

The officer was identified as a Col. (res.) Golan Vach, who headed the Home Front Commands rescue delegation in Surfside, Florida in 2021. The unit recovered 81 of the 98 victims at the site, with Vach personally locating 20 of the victims.

Ironically, in the pre-October 7 world, Vach also led Israels Home Front Command search and rescue teams following the devastating earthquake in southern Turkey in February 2023 and later received a medal from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who was then working to restore friendly relations with Israel.

The Israeli rescue mission was one of the first to arrive in Turkey after the earthquake and succeeded in extricating 19 people alive from the rubble, the most of any rescue team. Erdogan showed his gratitude by turning against Israel is the most ugly and vicious fashion following the October 7 assault.

Vachs, a father of seven, has been on continuous reserve duty since October 7. Following the assault, he led a rescue unit on the kibbutzim in the south searching for survivors and rescuing anyone he could and has been on continuous reserve duty since then.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
Gal Hirsch, the Israeli governments official envoy overseeing efforts to free hostages in Gaza, has made an offer to Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar  offering the blood-drenched terrorist leader safe passage for him and his family if Hamas were to relinquish control of the Gaza Strip and release all hostages currently held by the group.

We are ready to provide safe passage to Sinwar, his family, whoever wants to join him, Hirsch told Bloomberg News. We want the hostages back. We want demilitarization, de-radicalization of course  a new system that will manage Gaza.

Hirsch added that he had presented this offer a day and a half ago, though he did not comment on whether there had been any response from Hamas. The proposal, which represents a bold diplomatic gesture, underscores Israels desire to resolve the hostage crisis while also seeking long-term changes in Gazas governance.

As of now, there has been no confirmation of interest or response from Hamas, leaving the fate of the hostages and the potential for a breakthrough in negotiations uncertain.

Meanwhile, standing alongside British Foreign Secretary David Lammy in London on Monday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken hinted that a new proposal for a hostage deal between Israel and Hamas would soon be on the table. Very soon, we will put that before the parties and we will see what they say, Blinken said at a press conference, even as pessimism surrounding negotiations has grown among Israeli and US officials.

An Israeli official told The Times of Israel that Jerusalem has no knowledge of the new proposal or its details. This comes as reports highlight deepening pessimism in Washington, with a senior US official characterizing recent Hamas demands as a poison pill. Hamas has reportedly called for the release of terrorists serving life sentences in exchange for civilian hostages, which has further complicated negotiations.

Israeli sources echoed the grim outlook, with one unnamed official telling Channel 12 that the chances of reaching a phased hostage-ceasefire agreement based on Israels previous proposals are close to zero. Despite this, Blinken and Lammy maintained a more optimistic tone during their joint appearance, following a private meeting focused on both the hostage crisis and support for Ukraine.

More than 90 percent of the issues have been agreed, decided, so were down to a handful of issues  not even a handful  that are hard but fully resolvable, Blinken said. Lammy supported this assessment, adding that it was now up to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar to finalize the deal. He affirmed that the US, along with Qatar and Egypt, is working to close the remaining gaps.

Blinken emphasized the strong regional interest in a ceasefire, noting that it was clearly in Israels interest. However, Lammy stressed that there can be no role for Hamas going forward, a statement Blinken did not directly address during the press conference.

Meanwhile, reports indicate the US has expressed frustration with Hamass new demands. According to sources familiar with recent talks, the Biden administration urged Egypt and Qatar to press Hamas to abandon its demand for the release of prisoners serving life sentences. Hamas has held civilian hostages since October 7, and its shifting stance is seen as a key obstacle to any progress.

While there have been setbacks, including the killing of six hostages by Hamas in late August, Blinken and other officials remain hopeful that a deal can still be reached. Two senior US officials involved in negotiations told a Washington, DC, policy conference that the primary obstacle remains the prisoner release issue, rather than disagreements over the Philadelphi Corridor along the Gaza-Egypt border, which Israel fears Hamas could use for smuggling arms.

Despite the growing concerns among negotiators, Blinkens remarks suggest that efforts to finalize a deal are still moving forward. Whether this will translate into a breakthrough remains to be seen as both sides weigh their options.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
An IDF soldier was critically injured, in a ramming attack at a bus stop at the Givat Asaf junction on Route 60 near Beit El in Binyamin on Wednesday morning.

A terrorist driving a gas tanker rammed into the bus stop, hitting the soldier. A civilian at the scene opened fire at the terrorist, neutralizing him. The victim was treated at the scene and evacuated to the hospital.

Firefighters arrived at the scene to ensure the safety of rescue forces due to the tankers hazardous material, setting up water lines to secure the area in case of a gas leak. They then performed checks to rule out a gas or fuel leak from the tanker. The fire team also coordinated with bomb sappers and IDF and police forces to prepare a plan to safely clear the scene and evacuate the gas tanker.

The terrorist, who was later identified as a 58-year-old Palestinian resident of a village near Ramallah, was evacuated, fully conscious, in serious but stable condition to Shaare Tzedek Hospital.

IDF forces were deployed to the area following the attack and set up roadblocks in the area.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
An IDF reservist was severely injured in a Hezbollah anti-tank missile strike on Kibbutz Dan in northern Israel on Wednesday afternoon.

No siren was sounded before the impact. IDF and emergency forces rushed to the scene and evacuated the victim to the hospital.

The IDF responded with artillery fire at southern Lebanon.

Earlier on Wednesday, the IDF eliminated a Hezbollah terrorist and wounded a second one in a drone strike in southern Lebanon.

More than 60 rockets have been fired into Israel so far today.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
Although it happens every time, its always jarring to see videos and images of Palestinians celebrating the deaths of Israelis killed in terror attacks.

The celebration and distribution of candies on the streets occur even when those killed are civilians, such as the celebration in Jordan over the murder of three Israeli fathers and grandfathers in the shooting attack at the Allenby Crossing on Sunday. The celebrations take place even when the victims include women and children.

Twenty-three years ago, Palestinains celebrated on the street on September 11, rejoicing at the deaths of almost 3,000 Americans.

The Democratic party seems to have forgotten the jarring images. Some of President Bidens first actions as president was to increase funding to the Palestinian Authority to the tune of millions of dollars and beg Iran, the worlds leading sponsor of terrorism, to resume nuclear deal talk and release tens of billions of dollars to the mullahs.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
The IDF announced on Wednesday evening that an IDF soldier was killed in the ramming attack near Beit El in Binyamin on Wednesday morning.

He was identified as Staff Sgt. Geri Gideon Hanghal, Hyd, 24, from Nof HaGalil. He served in the Nachshon Battalion of the Kfir Brigade.

The terrorist who committed the horrific attack, ramming a fuel tanker into a bus stop, was shot and neutralized by a civilian and IDF soldiers.

He survived the shooting and was evacuated, fully conscious to Shaare Tzedek Hospital, where he is now being treated by Israeli medical staff.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
KYODO NEWS - Sep 11, 2024 - 07:05 | All, Japan

The University of Tokyo said Tuesday it will raise its tuition for new students who will enroll from April next year amid declining state grants, making it the first such hike in 20 years.

The prestigious national university pushed ahead with the hike despite opposition from some students and faculty members, setting its annual tuition cost at 642,960 yen ($4,500), up about 107,000 yen.

The university's President Teruo Fujii told a press conference that improving the educational environment is an issue that should be dealt with immediately, citing the "increasingly severe global competition."

He said the increased revenue will be used to upgrade facilities and reinforce barrier-free access.

Many national universities have been struggling due to the decline in subsidies, reflecting the Japanese government's tough financial conditions. Some of them in the Tokyo area have already increased tuition, and it remains to be seen whether the move will spread to others across the country.

As part of efforts to extend a helping hand to students in need, the University of Tokyo said it will expand the scope of its full tuition waiver program to undergraduate students and students studying for master's degrees whose annual household income does not exceed 6 million yen.

The university's current eligibility requirement for a full tuition waiver says candidates must be undergraduate students with an annual household income at or below 4 million yen.

Students whose annual household income falls between 6 million yen and 9 million yen will qualify for a partial waiver as well, depending on their situations.

The tuition hike will not affect undergraduate students who are already enrolled there and PhD students, but the costs for graduate school students who will enter the master's program from April 2029 will increase by about 107,000 yen.

As for national universities in Japan, the standard amount of tuition is set by an education ministry ordinance at 535,800 yen and it has not changed since fiscal 2005.

Each university can hike its tuition by up to 20 percent from the standard under its authority.

The system to distribute management expense grants to national universities, which is spent to pay salaries and other purposes, was introduced in 2004 when the government freed national universities from direct state control and made them corporations to increase their management independence.

The grants totaled around 1.08 trillion yen in the current fiscal year, down 13 percent from fiscal 2004.

Related coverage:

Tuition hike for foreigners at famed Tokyo art university draws backlash

Japan's real wages rise 0.4% in July, up for 2nd straight month

Japan FY 2025 budget requests hit 117 trillion yen, new record high
BMW's global recall of millions of cars will slash both its sales and earnings for the fiscal year, the German car firm has said.

More than 1.5 million of its vehicles worldwide are being called back due to a faulty integrated braking system that impacts a range of BMW models, as well as Minis and a Rolls-Royce.

Bosses have said this week that the hefty expense of addressing the recall could cost a 'high three-digit million (euro) amount'.

BMW has also been forced to halt deliveries of new cars to ensure the fault is resolved, which is also set to limits its sales output for 2024, triggering a big decline in shares on Tuesday.

Big hit: BMW Group's recall of more than 1.5 million cars globally will have a significant impact on the company's earnings and sales this fiscal year, it said in its latest update

Long tail: A call back of affected vehicles was first issued worldwide in February but has been extended following additional cases being identified 'beyond the scope of the original recall'

The recall is reportedly set to cost Munich-based BMW Group an estimated 1billion (0.84billion).

A spokesperson for the group, which also owns Rolls-Royce and Mini brands, confirmed to Associated Press that the company first identified the issue during an internal quality check.

That prompted a recall in February, but since then additional cases have been identified 'beyond the scope of the original recall'.

Hefty price tag: The recall of affected vehicles is reportedly set to cost 1billion (0.84billion)

Uncertainty: When BMW first issued its recall it was believed to affect around 14,000 UK cars, including popular models like the X5 and 5 Series, with an unknown number at risk in Britain

When we spoke to Mini about the issue affecting its cars, notably the new Cooper three and five-door models, Convertible and Countryman, a spokesperson also told us that the group had extended its recall action due to more cases being identified across models.

Which BMW Group models are affected? The affected vehicles were produced between June 2022 and August 2024, per BMW, and several models are impacted. This includes the latest 5 Series and 7 Series luxury saloons as well as current generations of X SUV cars, bar the X3 and X4. This means X1, X5, X6, X7 and XM are all among models that are being recalled. The electric i5 and i7 are also affected, as is Rolls-Royce's first EV, the 330,000 Spectre. Bosses have said this week that the hefty expense of addressing the recall could cost a 'high three-digit million (euro) amount'. The Mini models believed to also have the same fault are the new Cooper, Convertible and Countryman. It is understood that only a small fraction of the cars potentially have the integrated braking system fault. These would have been manufactured in BMWs plants in Germany, the UK and France, as well as the US, China, and South Korea.

'BMW Group UK is in discussions with the DVSA and will announce the intended remedy actions imminently,' Mini UK said.

'Where vehicles are recalled, affected customers in the UK will be informed via a letter to the registered keeper.'

BMW bosses believe some 1.53 million vehicles across five countries are affected - including about 370,000 in China, 270,000 in the US, 150,000 in Germany, 70,000 in Korea and 60,000 in France.

When BMW first issued its recall back in February, it was believed to affect around 14,000 UK cars, including popular models like the X5 and 5 Series. However, it remains unclear just how many motors in Britain are due to be called back.

Almost 340,000 (339,122) new BMWs and Minis have been sold in the UK since January 2022 and the end of August 2024 - the period in which models are impacted.

Of those BMW Group cars known to be affected, around four in five (78 per cent) - accounting for 1.2 million - are already in customer hands. Some 320,000 remain with BMW or are part of existing dealer stocks.

One-third of those vehicles are impacted by individual market delivery stops, according to the company.

Mini-break: Mini UK has put on hold deliveries of its new Cooper (pictured) and Countryman

Roller recall: The 330,000 Rolls-Royce Spectre has also been caught up in the recall

What has BMW done to try to fix the issue?

BMW's spokesperson says that the company 'has developed a diagnostic software to detect the brake fault before it occurs'.

If a potential brake fault is detected, that should alert the driver with a warning to visit a dealership as soon as possible to get a system replacement free of charge, the spokesperson added.

If a malfunction occurs, which BMW says is 'very unlikely', the system should also revert to 'safe mode' - which makes sure that brakes work and meet legal standards, but requires drivers to apply more force when using them.

Big fall in share price for BMW and parts supplier

German auto supplier Continental AG confirmed on Tuesday that it is the maker of the integrated brake system for BMW.

In a statement, Continental also pointed to diagnostic software available to detect this potential issue 'well before it occurs'.

Continental reiterated that the brake system can be replaced if such impairment is detected - but added that it expects 'only a small proportion' of the brake systems it delivered to actually need a replacement.

The company said it had built accruals in a 'mid-double digit million euro area' to cover warranty costs.

Beyond costs tied to this braking system recall, BMW's financial outlook update on Tuesday also pointed to 'ongoing muted demand' in China specifically.

The firm said this is impacting sales volumes as consumer sentiment remains weak, despite stimulus measures from the government.

Citing both recall costs and dwindling demand in China, BMW is cutting its automotive segment's 2024 earnings before interest and taxes margin, an important profitability metric, to 6 per cent to 7 per cent - down from a previous range of 8 per cent to 10 per cent.

And the company now expects its annual return on capital employed to be between 11 and 13 per cent, down from 15 to 20 per cent cent previously.

BMW also now anticipates a slight decrease in worldwide deliveries for 2024, compared to a slight increase that was previously predicted.

Shares for BMW fell more than 11 per cent on Tuesday, while Continental was down over 10 per cent.

The news is the latest blow to Germanys automotive industry, which is one of its biggest and most influential sectors.

It is already reeling from Volkswagens recent announcement that it may have to close factories in the country for the first time in its 87-year history.

VW said major cost-cutting measures were needed  as separate figures revealed the eurozone's wider manufacturing sector was 'going downhill and fast'.

Europe's woes are in stark contrast with Britain where manufacturers are powering ahead at the fastest pace for more than two years.

Germany, the continent's largest economy and once an industrial powerhouse, is undergoing a prolonged manufacturing downturn that has seen it dubbed 'the sick man of Europe'.
KYODO NEWS - Sep 11, 2024 - 14:18 | All, Japan

A penguin that escaped after being displayed at an event on a central Japan island was recaptured about 30 kilometers away after two weeks on the loose, according to the event's organizer.

The 6-year-old female Cape penguin, a species also known as an African penguin, was caught in good health on Sunday after it escaped on Aug. 25 from the event held on Himaka Island in Aichi Prefecture.

Bred in captivity and having never swum in the open ocean before its summer escapade, the penguin is believed to have traveled more than 40 km along the western coast of the Chita Peninsula, according to Gekidan Penters, the event organizer.

"I'm surprised at the penguin's physical ability and adaptability," said staff member Ryosuke Imai, 29. "We're relieved that she's been found."

The group, which offers lectures and events that allow people to interact with animals around Aichi Prefecture, held the Himaka Island display between July 20 and Aug. 25.

The penguin escaped after being placed in the shallows surrounded by a net as staff tried to keep it cool under the baking sun. It apparently swam through a hole in its enclosure after being spooked.

A person reported seeing the animal about a week later around the nearby Shino Island, but a search failed to locate it.

The bird was recaptured after being spotted near Shinmaiko Marine Park in Chita, Aichi Prefecture. It approached staff when called by name, the group said.

Cape penguins inhabit the coastline of South Africa and Namibia. The species feed on fish such as anchovy and squid and grow to be about 70 centimeters in length.
KYODO NEWS - Sep 11, 2024 - 14:56 | All, World

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump on Tuesday held a fiery first presidential debate, clashing over a wide range of issues including the economy, immigration, abortion and foreign policy.

During the nationally televised 90-minute matchup, Harris sought to warn that a second Trump presidency would be a danger to the country, repeatedly saying it is time "to turn the page" and to "stand for country, to stand for our democracy, to stand for rule of law and to end the chaos."

Harris told Trump that "world leaders are laughing" at him, adding, "I have talked to military leaders, some of whom worked with you, and they say you're a disgrace."

The face-off between Harris and Trump, the only one so far scheduled, took place exactly eight weeks before the Nov. 5 presidential election.

It began with a handshake, but Trump was often angry and defensive.

Although Trump's campaign had hoped he would refrain from personal attacks on Harris, he labelled her "a Marxist."

"Everybody knows she's a Marxist. Her father is a Marxist professor in economics, and he taught her well," he said, referencing Harris' father, a retired Stanford economics professor.

Trump sought to center his criticism of Harris on the administration of President Joe Biden's economic record and focused on policy differences with Harris, especially regarding border security measures.

The 78-year-old former president insisted that the United States has been undermined by illegal immigration, accusing the current administration of a lack of action, and made the baseless claim that immigrants from Haiti were eating dogs and cats.

He also refused to acknowledge his loss in the previous 2020 presidential election.

With the race for the White House extremely tight, the candidates' performances and the reactions of undecided voters, particularly those in battleground states, could alter the course of the remaining race in the coming days.

The high-stakes event was hosted by ABC News in Philadelphia, the most populous city in Pennsylvania, one of the critical swing states that could decide the election.

After the debate, American pop superstar Taylor Swift announced her support for the 59-year-old vice president.

Swift wrote in an Instagram post that Harris is "a steady-handed, gifted leader and I believe we can accomplish so much more in this country if we are led by calm and not chaos."

Harris ascended to the top of the Democratic ticket only about seven weeks ago after Biden abandoned his bid for reelection. Biden's downfall was triggered by his shaky debate against Trump, his predecessor, in late June.

As with the Biden-Trump showdown, there was no live audience, each candidate's microphone was off while the other spoke, and the two were not allowed to ask questions of each other.

Given that voters are more familiar with Trump, the Republican nominee, and his policies, Harris was seen as coming under the brighter spotlight.

Harris' campaign said she is open to a second debate with Trump.

Harris, if elected, would be the first female U.S. president, as well as the first Black and Asian American woman president. Trump, apparently mindful about the risk of turning away female and minority voters, avoided making fun of Harris' gender and racial identity.

Related coverage:

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Azerbaijan's Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov met with Elizabeta Falchetti, EBRD's new managing director for Turkiye and the Caucasus, Azernews reports.

Successful relations between Azerbaijan and the EBRD in various directions were highlighted at the meeting.

It was noted that there are wide opportunities for cooperation in the direction of realizing the set development goals. In this context, the steps to be taken for the implementation of priority projects on energy, especially renewable and alternative energy, private sector development, infrastructure and other areas were discussed with the bank.

The parties exchanged views on issues related to the participation of EBRD in public-private partnership projects in Azerbaijan, including the sea water desalination project, as well as the participation of EBRD experts within the framework of COP29.
By Matthew Carland, KYODO NEWS - Sep 11, 2024 - 17:41 | All, World, Japan

A paper crane folded by a Japanese girl who died after the U.S. atomic bombing of Hiroshima in 1945 has been put on display at the New York State Museum for an exhibit to commemorate the 23rd anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

The museum presented the 1-centimeter-long red crane made by Sadako Sasaki to the public for the first time on Monday, placing it near the building's entrance in the gallery "The World Trade Center: Rescue, Recovery, Response."

"We hope that visitors will take away much of what Sadako represented, that even in the midst of tremendous hate and tragedy, that there is reason to be hopeful," said Aaron Noble, the museum's senior historian.

The crane was first donated by Sadako's brother, Masahiro Sasaki, to the 9/11 Tribute Center in 2007, later known as the 9/11 Tribute Museum.

In August of 2022, the museum closed due to financial difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic and the state museum in Albany inherited a number of its collections, including the paper crane.

Sadako was 2 years old when exposed to radiation at her home 1.6 kilometers from the hypocenter of the nuclear bomb that was dropped on Hiroshima on Aug. 6, 1945, at the closing stage of World War II.

The city office said an estimated 140,000 people were killed by the end of the year.

A decade later, hospitalized with leukemia, Sadako folded more than 1,000 paper cranes after hearing in a folk tale that doing so could make a wish come true. She died on Oct. 25, 1955.

Noble said the crane on display was made from a red wrapper of a medicine bottle provided by the United States and administered by the Red Cross as part of efforts to treat the disease.

The museum will take the crane down on Oct. 6, with a replica set to go up in its place. To ensure the crane will "last for as long as it can," Noble said, the original will only be on view every September for the anniversary.

"I am relieved to know that the paper crane will be displayed," said Yuji Sasaki, 54, the nephew of Sadako and son to Masahiro.

"The pain of having loved ones taken away in an instant, whether by an atomic bomb or by terrorism, is the same. I hope this exhibit will convey peace and reduce the number of atrocities," he said.

Meriam Lobel, 75, a former senior curator for the now-defunct tribute museum, told Kyodo News she was "so happy" to hear the crane would go up at the museum in the New York state capital in time for the anniversary.

The Sasaki family has donated Sadako's paper cranes to sites across the United States, including the national park in Hawaii's Pearl Harbor and a museum in Missouri commemorating U.S. President Harry Truman, who decided to drop atomic bombs on Japan.

Yuji said the family has only one left.

On Sept. 11, 2001, members of al-Qaida hijacked four airplanes and steered two into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in Manhattan. A third crashed into the Pentagon in Virginia, and another into a field in Pennsylvania.

The attacks killed nearly 3,000 people, including 24 Japanese.

Related coverage:

Atomic bombings of Japan deemed needless by U.S. historian

Nagasaki gets protest emails in English over Israel snub in ceremony

Japanese A-bomb cartoonist Nakazawa joins U.S. awards' Hall of Fame
KYODO NEWS - Sep 11, 2024 - 21:45 | All, Japan

A Japanese court on Wednesday sentenced a woman to 10 years in prison for joining her boyfriend in abusing her 6-year-old daughter, resulting in the child's death in Okayama, western Japan, in 2022.

In handing down the prison term as requested by prosecutors, the Okayama District Court concluded that Aya Nishida, 36, "ignored" her boyfriend's abuse of her daughter Mao, even though the mother was "the only one" who was able to offer protection.

Nishida's defense team appealed the ruling immediately. Her boyfriend Seiji Funahashi, 41, has already been sentenced to 14 years in prison in a separate trial.

Presiding Judge Akihiro Motomura suggested that Nishida and Funahashi were on the same page regarding the ill-treatment of Mao, noting that she had allowed her boyfriend to abuse the girl "in the name of discipline" and that she had continued to tell him when the child misbehaved.

According to the ruling, Nishida, in collusion with Funahashi, made Mao stand naked in a pot for an extended period of time and forced her to vomit by putting her hands and fingers in her mouth in September 2021.

They also rolled Mao up in a Japanese-style futon mattress and shoved her in the closet for some 70 minutes. She died of anoxic brain injury in January 2022.

The defense counsel argued during the trial that Nishida's role in abusing Mao should be limited to abetment because she was psychologically controlled by Funahashi, who used a camera to monitor his girlfriend.

The judge, however, said Nishida had not been physically abused by her boyfriend and that she was in a mental state capable of stopping the abuse.

"She has been speaking as a victim from start to end, and has not shown enough remorse," he said.

Nishida was indicted on the charges of coercion as well as confinement resulting in death.

Related coverage:

Japan enacts law to restrict sex offenders from child-related work
A lot has been said about the European Court of Justice's ruling this week that means Ireland must collect more than 13 billion in underpaid taxes from technology giant Apple.

The court set aside the judgment of the lower General Court which previously overturned the Commissions 2016 ruling that Apple had underpaid the huge amount between 2003 and 2014.

The huge sum of money has been in a so-called escrow account ever-since but it seems the Irish government has to collect it. We've been crunching the numbers and while hosting an Olympic Games, which would cost 8b, may be tempting, the Government could do something far simpler with the money to benefit ever pocket in Ireland.

If the Government were to decide to split the money between the 5.1m people living in the Republic of Ireland, each citizen would receive around 2,500.

READ NEXT: 'We tried the Guinness in Irish pub in Japan and here's what we'd give it out of 10'

It's unclear what the Government will do with the money but they have said it won't impact the upcoming Budget because it could take months for the money to come through.

While it's unlikely the Government will dish out money to everyone in the country, they will now be under pressure to explain what will happen to the money before a General Election which could come before the end of the year and will definitely occur before next summer.
KYODO NEWS - Sep 11, 2024 - 07:11 | All, Podcast

How often do you go to convenience stores?

Two Kyodo News journalists  Horiuchi-san and Donican  and intern Shimada-san talk about a recent feature written by Donican about how convenience stores, known as "conbini" in Japan, have been extending their reach to include a wide range of goods from food to fashion. Listen as they talk about what personally lures them to the stores and why they may be popular among foreign tourists.

Article mentioned in the podcast:

FEATURE: Japan redefining convenience store experience from snacks to style

Kyodo News presents a bilingual podcast for English learners about the ins and outs of news writing and how to translate tricky Japanese phrases into English. Have fun listening to journalists discuss recent articles as they occasionally go off on unrelated tangents.

Related coverage:

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KYODO NEWS - Sep 11, 2024 - 07:08 | All, Japan

An Asian elephant given to Fukuoka by the city of Yangon under a friendship program has died at a zoo in the Japanese city after being infected with a herpesvirus, city officials said Tuesday.

The 12-year-old female elephant, one of the four that arrived in Japan from Myanmar in late July, tested positive earlier this month for elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus, the officials said, adding the virus can be lethal for the giant animal.

The elephant died as Fukuoka Zoo was preparing to open public viewing of the animals provided from Yangon under their sister-city partnership. The officials of the Japanese city said none of the remaining three has any health problems.

Most Asian elephants are believed to be potentially infected with the virus, which can also be relatively benign, but the female elephant died as her immune system apparently weakened after she got sick, according to the officials.

The city received the elephants through multiyear consultations with Yangon after the Asian elephant Hanako died at the zoo in 2017, at the presumed age of 46.

In June this year, a group of Myanmar residents of Japan expressed their opposition to the program, saying it would benefit the military-led government of the Southeast Asian country that continued to suppress some citizens.

Related coverage:

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BEIJING, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. Biosecure Act, approved by the House of Representatives on Tuesday, has drawn harsh criticism from concerned Chinese companies, global pharmaceutical firms and industry insiders.

Targeting the so-called "China threat," the act curbs business with Chinese firms like WuXi AppTec and BGI Genomics under national security pretexts. Its passage was followed by a sharp drop in the stocks of these biotech companies and their prompt responses through statements.

WuXi AppTec Co., Ltd., a global service provider that offers integrated solutions across the drug development lifecycle, clarified in its statement that it neither operates a human genomics business nor engages in the collection of human genomic data globally.

The company said that it has not, does not, and will not pose a security risk to the U.S. or any other countries, and strongly objects to any unsubstantiated and preemptive designation without due process.

Following the passage of the act, the value of WuXi AppTec's shares plummeted by over 10 percent in Hong Kong. The company has pledged to track the legislation's progress and to engage in dialogue with all pertinent stakeholders.

MGI Tech Co., Ltd., a life science and biotech arm of BGI Group, also released a statement on Tuesday. It said the baseless legislation, drafted under the guise of national security, is likely to jeopardize global biosecurity by slowing the sector's progress, stifling innovation and making it harder for global companies to benefit from and share important medical breakthroughs.

Moreover, reduced market competition could escalate costs within the sector, ultimately harming those whose lives depend on research advancements, according to the statement.

BGI Group also released a statement later saying, "We are disappointed that the U.S. legislative process is being used to pick winners and losers."

While imposing discriminatory measures against Chinese companies, the act seriously violates the basic market principles universally recognized, and is bound to hinder fair competition in the fields of biotech innovation and the development of innovative drugs, said Yan Jianzhou, an associate professor of the School of International Pharmaceutical Business, China Pharmaceutical University.

"A safe, stable and efficient pharmaceutical supply chain is the common expectation of people worldwide. The U.S. act is expected to suppress global cooperation and research and development activities in the field of biomedicine," Yan noted. "Against the backdrop of the globalization of innovative drug development, the passage of this bill is undoubtedly a step backward in history."

This shared unease transcends the Pacific, finding expression in leading global pharmaceutical companies and among American congressmen.

Representative Jim McGovern, the ranking member on the House Rules Committee, opposed the bill, arguing that he could not get a clear answer for how the companies were identified, according to media reports.

Rand Paul, a Kentucky Republican and the solitary committee dissenter concerning a Senate version of the Biosecure Act, previously stated in a July 2024 interview that it was a mistake to let hysteria over China stop international trade -- warning that "trade isolationism" could lead to war.

A recent survey conducted by the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) has uncovered a significant dependency within the American biopharmaceutical industry on Chinese biomanufacturing partners.

The survey, which included 124 biopharma companies, revealed that a staggering 79 percent of the respondents have active contracts or products that are manufactured by China-based or China-owned Contract Development and Manufacturing Organizations (CDMOs) or Contract Manufacturing Organizations (CMOs). These findings suggest that it could take such companies up to eight years to transition to new manufacturing partners, a process that, if not managed carefully, could potentially impact the treatment of millions of patients worldwide.

This highlights the possible disruptions to global supply chains that may ensue should the bill become law, as suggested by many industry insiders.

Following the introduction of the bill in Congress, the confidence of U.S.-based life science companies in collaborating with Chinese counterparts plummeted by 30 percent to 50 percent, according to a survey conducted earlier this year by L.E.K. Consulting, a global strategy consulting firm.

Several leading global biopharmaceutical companies, such as Merck, Gilead Sciences and Vertex Pharmaceuticals, have identified potential repercussions of the Biosecure Act, including higher expenses, clinical trial setbacks, and postponements concerning U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulatory submissions and drug launches.

"The act will disrupt clinical trials of drugs and delay the development and market launch of innovative drugs at the micro level. At the macro level, it is also expected to affect the stability and efficiency of the global pharmaceutical supply chain, limiting patients' access to safe and effective innovative drugs," Yan said.

Zhu Feng, executive dean of the School of International Studies, Nanjing University, said that the bill will heighten political and security concerns of American businesses and research institutions in maintaining normal relations with China, and further constrain China-U.S. ties in science, technology and education. 
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. (Xinhua/Ju Peng)

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 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 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 Jinping 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 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. 
Yu Chengdong, executive director and chairman of the board of directors of the Consumer Business Group of Huawei, displays the world's first commercial tri-fold smartphone, the Mate XT, during a new products release event in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, Sept. 10, 2024. China's technology giant Huawei unveiled the world's first commercial tri-fold smartphone, the Mate XT, during a new products release event here Tuesday. A new edition of Aito M9 and newly released Luxeed R7, both powered by Huawei's Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance (HIMA), were also released during the event. (Xinhua/Liang Xu)

SHENZHEN, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- Chinese technology giant Huawei on Tuesday launched an industry-first tri-fold smartphone in south China's Shenzhen, with a number of technological breakthroughs such as a dual-hinge system and screen-bending features.

Yu Chengdong, Huawei's executive director, said that constant technological innovation is the primary driving force in the development of folding-screen smartphones, an industry segment with high technology density.

China's foldable mobile phone market saw a growth of 114.5 percent in shipments in 2023, with the number of shipments surpassing 7 million, according to global market research firm International Data Corporation (IDC). 

Huawei releases a new edition of Aito M9 in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, Sept. 10, 2024. China's technology giant Huawei unveiled the world's first commercial tri-fold smartphone, the Mate XT, during a new products release event here Tuesday. A new edition of Aito M9 and newly released Luxeed R7, both powered by Huawei's Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance (HIMA), were also released during the event. (Xinhua/Liang Xu)

People try out new vehicle models powered by Huawei's Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance (HIMA), in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, Sept. 10, 2024. China's technology giant Huawei unveiled the world's first commercial tri-fold smartphone, the Mate XT, during a new products release event here Tuesday. A new edition of Aito M9 and newly released Luxeed R7, both powered by Huawei's Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance (HIMA), were also released during the event. (Xinhua/Liang Xu)

People try out Huawei smartphones in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, Sept. 10, 2024. China's technology giant Huawei unveiled the world's first commercial tri-fold smartphone, the Mate XT, during a new products release event here Tuesday. A new edition of Aito M9 and newly released Luxeed R7, both powered by Huawei's Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance (HIMA), were also released during the event. (Xinhua/Liang Xu)

Huawei announces that all vehicles powered by the company's Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance (HIMA) have been updated to Huawei ADS 3.0 intelligent driving system during a new products release event in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, Sept. 10, 2024. China's technology giant Huawei unveiled the world's first commercial tri-fold smartphone, the Mate XT, during a new products release event here Tuesday. A new edition of Aito M9 and newly released Luxeed R7, both powered by Huawei's Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance (HIMA), were also released during the event. (Xinhua/Liang Xu)

Huawei unveils the world's first commercial tri-fold smartphone, the Mate XT, in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, Sept. 10, 2024. China's technology giant Huawei unveiled the world's first commercial tri-fold smartphone, the Mate XT, during a new products release event here Tuesday. A new edition of Aito M9 and newly released Luxeed R7, both powered by Huawei's Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance (HIMA), were also released during the event. (Xinhua/Liang Xu)
Yes, that lead image is TKC being silly . . . Here are the more important deets and a glimpse at the suspect who trashed an upscale cash dispenser . . .



The FBI is working alongside the Parkville Police Department to search for a suspect who allegedly threw a Molotov cocktail at an ATM inside an unopened bank in Parkville.



Both agencies were notified Wednesday morning of damage that occurred overnight to the new Chase Bank located at 9000 Tom Watson Parkway.



Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

FBI seeking to identify suspect who threw Molotov cocktail at unopened Parkville bank The FBI and Parkville Police Department are investigating the incident

Developing . . .
Zhao Leji, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, attends a lawmakers' symposium held on the sidelines of an NPC Standing Committee session on Sept. 11, 2024. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing)

BEIJING, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- China's top legislator Zhao Leji on Wednesday urged deputies to people's congresses to engage with the public on a broader range of issues and through more diverse channels.

Zhao, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, made the remarks at a lawmakers' symposium held on the sidelines of an NPC Standing Committee session.

Deputies should listen to the people and reflect their perspectives on major issues of public concern, particularly in relation to social and economic development, Zhao said.

He called on the deputies to gather public suggestions on the work of people's congresses, including legislation and supervision, and to incorporate these suggestions into their proposals to address relevant issues through legal and institutional means.

Zhao urged the deputies to perform their duties in line with the arrangements of the standing committees of people's congresses. He encouraged them to make full use of local legislative outreach offices, deputy liaison offices, websites and mobile platforms to maintain regular contact with the public.

He also stressed the importance of listening to deputies' suggestions and opinions, and of summarizing experience to improve their work mechanisms and strengthen their capabilities.

He urged the deputies to implement the guiding principles from the third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the NPC. 

Zhao Leji, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, attends a lawmakers' symposium held on the sidelines of an NPC Standing Committee session on Sept. 11, 2024. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing)
In this round-up post we share a quick wayback fair use promo memory of fashion diva Kristin serving up even more goodness as we take a taste of pop culture, community news and top headlines.

Check TKC news gathering . . .

Cowtown

Kindness Hits Century Mark

100 years of City Union Mission, Kansas City's oldest homeless shelter The City Union Mission downtown turns a century old this month. The CEO and executive director told KCUR's Up To Date how the city's oldest homeless shelter has adapted to meet the modern day needs of unhoused people.

More Fun Time Danger

2 people hospitalized after explosion at Kansas State Fair concession trailer Two people are hospitalized and several others suffered minor injuries after a small explosion caused a fire at the Kansas State Fair.

Show-Me Money Push Back

GOP legislator's son asks Supreme Court to order inquiry into donations to Missouri AG * Missouri Independent A GOP legislator's son filed a formal complaint accusing Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey of violating attorney conduct rules.

Taxing Deets Exposed

How seniors in Kansas City's Northland can take next steps to freeze property taxes Applications have opened up in Platte County. In Clay County, a series of fall meetings will walk eligible homeowners through the process.

Feds Power Local Tech Cars

Kansas City awarded $2M in federal funding to add EV charging stations Kansas City received $2 million in federal grants to pay to install more electric-vehicle charging stations in neighborhoods and public areas.

Starlet Stays Natural

Kristin Cavallari claps back after called out for 'bashing' Botox Kristin Cavallari once again explained why she has no plans to try Botox in the near future. The star faced criticism from fans who challenged her for calling Botox 'harmful' in a previous post.

Tesla Creeper Trolling Condemned

Elon Musk Proves He's a Total Creep With Taylor Swift Threat Taylor Swift announced she's voting for Kamala Harris-and Elon decided to be the disgusting scumbag he is.

Republicans Blink On Voter ID

Speaker Johnson pulls a vote on a bill to avoid a partial government shutdown Speaker Mike Johnson has pulled a vote on a temporary spending bill that would keep federal agencies and programs funded for six months.

MAGA Disappointment

'Not his best': Trump's conspiracy-laced debate performance prompts concern from some allies Donald Trump projected confidence after the debate, saying it was his "best" yet. But many of his allies were frustrated that he let Kamala Harris provoke him.

GOP Finds Reason For Hope

The Debate Silver Linings That Democrats And Their Media Allies Will Ignore Look, I can't sugarcoat it: it was not a good night for President Donald Trump last night.

Where's The

Doggone Proof?!?

'I just want to know about the dogs': comedian Roy Wood Jr weighs in on Trump's pet-eating claim | CNN Politics Former president Donald Trump repeated debunked claims about reports of Haitian immigrants eating pets. Comedian Roy Wood Jr. had some questions about that. Wood is the host of CNN's "Have I Got News For You" premiering Saturday, September 14 at 9pm ET/PT on CNN.

Here's How Nuke War Starts?!?

West's missile go-ahead to Ukraine would hold no shortage of risks Any decision to let Kyiv fire western missiles at Russia could have dramatic impact and must be carefully calibrated

Holy Land Fighting Intensifies

Israeli airstrikes hit UN school and homes in Gaza, killing at least 34 people, hospitals say Hospital officials say Israeli airstrikes around Gaza killed at least 34 people, including 19 women and children, when they hit a U.N. school sheltering displaced Palestinian families as well as two homes.

No More Going Deutch . . .

Germany risks EU 'chain reaction' with new border checks The German government's plan to police travelers from even more neighboring states may fall within Schengen rules, but it could have repercussions for governments and asylum seekers around the EU, experts warn.

El Papa Tours Far East

Pope Francis lands in Singapore; inter-faith dialogue, climate on agenda Pope Francis arrived in Singapore on Wednesday afternoon from East Timor, where he is expected to focus on inter-faith dialogue and reinforce the Catholic Church's presence in a region where it is a small minority.

Tech Turns Into Mirror

New iPhone feature 'absolutely' caters to selfie-obsessed Gen Z: expert Picture this: An easier way for Gen Z Apple users to take selfies. The new iPhone 16, unveiled this week, now features a camera control button for easier photography.

Rocker Shares The Love

Dave Grohl fathers child outside of his marriage The Foo Fighters frontman posted an announcement on his Instagram page but has turned off comments.

Happy Wife Tool Set Reviewed

The Best Grinding Sex Toys For When You Feel Like Ridin' Dirty The best grinding sex toys are easy and fun to use. Experts helped us track down top picks from Cute Little Fuckers, VibePad, and other top brands.

Apropos Tribute In JoCo

'To remember, honor and educate': Overland Park holds ceremony to honor 9/11 victims The community will gather at Overland Park's 9/11 Memorial in a ceremony to honor the nearly 3,000 lives lost during the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

Kansas City Wild Life Captured

Loose goats nabbed: See how KC animal control officers wrangled riverfront fugitives See photos of KC Pet Project's animal control effort to catch the goats that have been loose near the Riverfront Trail since early August.

Weather Or Not Pumpkin Spice Season . . .

Feels like summer with the hottest one yet, highs near 90 today Today will be the peak of our heat with high temperatures in the upper 80s, however, a new moisture forecast to the atmosphere is in and we are seeing less humidity this afternoon.

This is the OPEN THREAD for right now.
Here's a sign that attack against local businesses have been unprecedented at the end of Summer 2024:



Check Mayor Q offering cash rewards for victims . . .



"On Wednesday, Kansas, City, Missouri, Mayor Quinton Lucas announced plans to seek approval for a $325,000 back to business fund that would help small businesses get back open if they fall victim to property crimes and for businesses to take preventative measures.

The Mayor indicated that up to $3,000 per business will be made available for repairs related to incidents that happened between July 1, 2024, and July 31, 2025, if the ordinance is passed. Up to $5,000 per business would be made available for security measures acquired during that same time period."

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .
Several technology giants and leading international organisations made major announcements on the opening day of the three-day GAIN Summit which is exploring the latest advancements in artificial intelligence.

The Summit, which opened on September 10, in Riyadh is being hosted by the Saudi Data & Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) and focused on pushing the boundaries of AI for the good of humanity.

The first day of the summit addressed challenges such as biases in AI models, and emphasised the need for global collaboration and the establishment of robust AI governance frameworks.

Among the announcements, Nvidia disclosed a groundbreaking collaboration with SDAIA that will leverage the latest technological advancements to enable developers to more easily build and deploy AI applications with the ALLaM Arabic LLM model. The collaboration will set a new standard for AI-driven language models in the Middle East.

Expanding SDAIA's infrastructure

The two organisations are further planning to expand on SDAIAs existing supercomputer infrastructure, establishing one of the largest high-performance computing data centers in the Mena region, using NVIDIA Blackwell architecture.

OECD signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SDAIA to strengthen AI incident monitoring in Middle Eastern countries and track data in the Arabic language. It will leverage the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)s extensive resources and database of over 1,000 AI policies from 70 countries, as well as collaboration with local entities, and will help countries collectively address the opportunities and challenges posed by AI.

UNESCO and SDAIA announced that the International Centre for Research and Ethics in Artificial Intelligence (ICAIRE) has been classified as a Category 2 (C2) centre under UNESCO's auspices. The classification underscores the pivotal role of Saudi Arabia in advancing international and regional cooperation in AI policies, ethics, and research.

Over 450 speakers

The third edition of the GAIN Summit is featuring over 450 speakers  industry leaders, policymakers and researchers  from more than 100 countries.

Highlights sessions from Day 1 across four stages included Generative AI and personalised adventure with Boson AI CEO Alex Smola and Beyond Words: Unleashing the Power of Generative AI with Next Generation Arabic LLMs with Dr Esam Alwagait, Director of the National Information Centre; Jonathan Adashek, Senior Vice President of Marketing & Communications, IBM; and Marketing & Communications, IBM; and Turki Badhris, President, Microsoft Arabia.--TradeArabia News Service
PHNOM PENH, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia's renowned Angkor Archaeological Park attracted 50,431 Chinese visitors during the first eight months of 2024, up 33.5 percent from 37,759 over the same period last year, said a state-owned Angkor Enterprise's report on Wednesday.

The number accounted for 7.73 percent of the total 651,857 international tourist arrivals to the ancient park during the January-August period this year, the report said.

China was still the fifth-biggest source of foreigners to the Angkor after the United States, Britain, France, and South Korea, the report said, adding that tourists from 200 countries and regions had visited the site.

Situated in northwest Cambodia's Siem Reap province, the UNESCO-listed Angkor Archaeological Park is the most popular tourist destination in the Southeast Asian country.

The 401-square-km site is home to 91 ancient temples, which had been built from the ninth to the 13th centuries.

Cambodian Minister of Tourism Sok Soken has said that the future of Cambodia's tourism industry is inseparable from the inflows of Chinese tourists and investors.

"The growth of Chinese tourists is an important opportunity, not only to boost the tourism development, but also to create investment opportunities in other sectors," he said in a speech on Sunday during the opening ceremony of a Cambodia-China photo exhibition tour in Siem Reap province.

"Cambodia and many countries around the world have regarded China as a strategic partner and the most important source of market for their economic growth and national development," the minister added. 
"China is such an important market for the German companies that they keep investing there," said Hermann Simon, a prominent German economist known as the father of the "hidden champions" theory, told Xinhua in a recent interview. #GLOBALink




Former U.S. President Donald Trump and current Vice President Kamala Harris, both candidates for the 2024 presidential election, are set to participate in their first televised debate, Azernews reports citing foreign media.

The debate, organized by ABC, will take place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and will run for 90 minutes. It will be broadcast live across major American television networks starting at 9:00 p.m. ET on September 11 (04:00 a.m. BST).

This debate could potentially be the only one between Trump and Harris, as no additional debate rounds have been agreed upon yet, with the election just under two months away.
JOHANNESBURG, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- Chinese truck manufacturer Sinotruk is looking for a partner in South Africa to establish an assembling plant with, said Michael Man, country manager for Sinotruk in South Africa, Wednesday.

Man revealed that the company, one of the world's leading heavy-duty truck manufacturers, is exploring the possibility of local assembly in South Africa. "We are looking for the right partner for local assembly. Of course, it's possible that we could build our own assembly plant in South Africa in the future, like other original equipment manufacturers," he said in a statement.

The manager also announced Sinotruk's participation at the Futuroad Expo 2024, which will take place in Johannesburg from Nov. 19 to 21. The Futuroad Expo is an international trade fair for the truck, bus, and commercial vehicle sectors.

This marks a significant milestone for both Sinotruk and the expo as the Chinese truck giant looks to expand its presence in the South African market. "We want to expand our brand and give South African operators different options. This is the first time we've participated in the Futuroad Expo. It's the perfect platform for visitors to learn more about us," said Man.

Despite being the market leader on the wider African continent, with more than 41,000 units sold last year, Sinotruk has had a limited presence in South Africa. "Previously, we did very little marketing in South Africa. As a result, many operators in South Africa don't know about Sinotruk and our brand," Man explained.

The manager said Sinotruk will showcase their latest products and technologies to the South African market at the Futuroad Expo. He also highlighted the growing acceptance of Chinese brands in the market, adding that the company wants to give South African people more options.

Michael Dehn, managing director of Messe Frankfurt South Africa responsible for organizing the Futuroad Expo, said Sinotruk's participation in the expo will generate a lot of interest from industry stakeholders, fleet operators, and potential customers.

"Futuroad Expo 2024 promises to be a landmark event for the truck, bus and commercial vehicle industry in South Africa, and Sinotruk's presence will add considerable weight to its significance. As the industry looks to the future of transport, Sinotruk's showcase of advanced technologies and sustainable solutions is likely to be a major drawcard for attendees," he added. 
Russias estimated total combat casualties stand at 628,930. These include 1,140 soldiers killed or wounded in the past day alone.

Thats according to the General Staff of Ukraines Armed Forces, Ukrinform reports.

Also, Ukraines Defense Forces have destroyed 8,642 Russian tanks (+2 in the past 24 hours), 16,938 (+13) armored fighting vehicles, 17,936 (+56) artillery systems, 1,182 (+2) multiple rocket launchers, 943 (+1) air defense systems, 368 warplanes, 328 helicopters, 14,990 (+57) UAVs, 2,591 cruise missiles, 28 warships/cutters, a submarine, 24,388 (+58) vehicles and fuel tankers, and 3,059 (+6) units of specialized equipment.

The latest reports on enemy losses are being verified, the General Staff added.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, Russia keeps a single missile carrier off the coast of occupied Crimea as of Wednesday morning.
In the Pokrovsk sector, the invaders forces suffered significant losses, a total of 93 combat clashes occurred on the frontlines.

That is according to General Staffs update as of 22:00, September 11, 2024, Ukrinform reports.

"Since the beginning of the day, there have been 93 combat clashes, 23 of which are currently ongoing. The invaders launched five missile strikes, 49 air strikes using 59 glide bombs, 625 kamikaze drone strikes, and carried out 3,671 attacks on the positions of our troops and populated areas using various types weapons," the post says.

In the Kharkiv sector, throughout the day, the invaders carried out three attacks near Hatyshche, Lyptsi and Tykhe. Ukraines Defense Forces successfully repelled two enemys assaults, one battle is ongoing. According to tentative data, the enemys casualty toll is 108 killed and wounded, Ukrainian defenders also destroyed two armored fighting vehicles, two artillery systems, four vehicles and two pieces of special equipment. In addition, six artillery systems, one armored combat vehicle and six vehicles were damaged.

In the Kupiansk sector, the Ukrainian forces repulsed 16 enemy attacks near Lozova, Synkivka, Hlushkivka, Stelmakhivka, and Andriivka, three clashes are still ongoing, the situation is under control.

Read also: Russian troops having no combat experience sent to storm Vovchansk

In the Lyman sector the enemy attacked ten times, attempting to advance towards Makiivka, Nevske, Terniv, Hrekivka, Druzheliubivka, and Tverdokhlibove, where our defenders successfully repelled all the attacks.

In the Siversk sector, Ukrainian defenders successfully repelled one enemy assault near Vyimka.

Supported by aviation, the enemy tried five times to penetrate Ukrainian defenses in the Toretsk sector. Throughout the day, the invaders attacked the Ukrainian positions near the settlements of Toretsk, Nelipivka, and Dachne.

In the Pokrovsk sector, since the beginning of the day, Ukrainian troops repelled 30 offensive and assault actions of the enemy near the settlements of Vozdvyzhenka, Zelene Pole, Novooleksandrivka, Hrodivka, Novotroitske, Novohrodivka, Selydove, and Mykhailivka. According to preliminary data, the enemy lost 276 people today, two tanks, two artillery systems, two armored fighting vehicles, seven cars and two pieces of special equipment were destroyed. Another tank, two armored fighting vehicles and one artillery system of the enemy were damaged.

As many as 22 combat clashes occurred in the Kurakhove sector throughout the day. The invaders remain active, trying to advance near Kostiantynivka, Ukrainsk and Heorhiivka. Currently, eight clashes are ongoing.

In the Vremivka sector, the invaders have so far carried out eight attacks towards Vuhledar. All of them have been repelled, the situation is under control.

In the Orikhiv sector, Ukrainian troops repelled two enemys attacks near Malaya Tokmachka, the enemy had no success.

In the Prydniprovske sector, the situation has not undergone significant changes, no losses of positions and territories have been allowed. Ukrainian soldiers disrupted four assaults by Russian invaders.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, this evening the Ukrainian air defense shot down a Russian missile over Sumy region.
Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina announced a new security assistance package for Ukraine during a meeting with Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal in Kyiv on Wednesday.

Shmyhal announced this on Facebook, Ukrinform reports.

"I thanked the government and people of Latvia for concrete and consistent steps that strengthen Ukraine, including for the initiative 'UAV Coalition for Ukraine' and the supply of drones to our soldiers. During our meeting, Ms. Silina announced another military aid package that will include armored personnel carriers," he said.

According to Shmyhal, the parties discussed the expansion of cooperation in all areas related to the strengthening of the Ukrainian military on the battlefield, particularly cooperation between defense companies.

Read also: International drone coalition summit to be held in Latvia

"Latvia consistently supports sanctions against the aggressor and is our reliable ally in the integration into the EU and NATO. In addition, our Latvian friends provide assistance with energy equipment and plan to transfer solar panels for hospitals to Ukraine," Shmyhal said.

He also thanked Latvia for supporting the recovery of Ukraine, particularly the Chernihiv region.
The United States is providing Ukraine with $325 million to repair electricity networks, $290 million in humanitarian aid to the population suffering from Russia's armed aggression, and more than $100 million for demining efforts.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said this at a press conference in Kyiv on Wednesday, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.

In this regard, according to him, the United States is announcing the allocation of $325 million in new funding to help restore Ukraine's power generation facilities. He also emphasized that the U.S. intends to attract additional support from the G7+ countries during the Energy Coordination Group meeting in the coming weeks.

Read also: UK announces GBP 600M worth of support for Ukraine

Blinken said that today, he was also announcing $290 million in new humanitarian support to help provide vital supplies such as clean water, food, shelter, and medicine to the millions of people in Ukraine and across the region who have been displaced by Putin's war.

Finally, he said, the United States is announcing $102 million in additional funding for humanitarian demining efforts to help remove unexploded ordnance that Russia has left throughout Ukraine.

He also recalled that the United States and other G7 countries agreed to provide $50 billion from frozen Russian assets for Ukraine's reconstruction and defense efforts. In addition, according to him, Western countries are working to further persecute countries that support Russia's war machine.

Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine
TEHRAN, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi and his Mexican counterpart Alicia Barcena have expressed their countries' support for a ceasefire in Gaza.

In a phone call on Tuesday, the two sides also called for the continuation of bilateral political talks and consultations, according to a statement released by the Iranian Foreign Ministry.

Barcena said her country supported the achievement of a truce in Gaza and maintained that the violence and bloodshed in the Palestinian coastal enclave should end as soon as possible.

The Iranian foreign minister, for his part, condemned the continuation of Israeli "crimes" against Palestinians and at the regional level, highlighting the necessity to immediately stop them.

Araghchi added that Iran would back any ceasefire agreement approved by the Palestinian people and resistance groups.

Israel has been launching 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.

The Palestinian death toll from the ongoing Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip has reached 41,020, Gaza-based health authorities said on Tuesday. 
VIENTIANE, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- Many parts of Laos' northern region have been affected by flooding and landslides, causing significant damage and leaving many residents stranded and severely affected.

Tropical storm Yagi has brought prolonged heavy rainfall, particularly impacting northern provinces, with Luang Namtha among the worst-affected areas.

In Luang Namtha, homes were damaged, while personal belongings were lost. Many people shared videos and images through social media platforms, showing residents stranded in their homes and taking refuge on roofs to escape the rising waters.

The province is experiencing significant river overflows from major water bodies. The rapid rise in water levels has resulted in widespread flooding, particularly in low-lying areas.

Local officials reported that villages, infrastructure, and essential services such as roads, telecommunications, electricity, and water supply have been severely disrupted, Lao National Radio reported on Tuesday.

Housing, agricultural lands, and property of residents have sustained heavy damage, affecting the daily lives of many people.

Emergency relief operations are underway to evacuate the residents, provide immediate shelter, and ensure their safety.

Despite a slight reduction in water levels in some areas, rainfall persists, posing a continued threat of further flooding.

The provinces of Luang Prabang, Oudomxay, Xayaboury and Bokeo have also experienced flooding due to heavy rainfall.

In response to the severe flooding, Lao authorities are swiftly mobilizing relief efforts to assist the affected families.

In addition, the public is urged to unite in support by donating essential goods and supplies to help the families in need.

The weather bureau has warned of possible floods as heavy and light rains with occasional wind gusts will continue across the country.

The level of the Mekong River in Luang Prabang reached the warning level of 17.50 meters on Wednesday, nearing the danger level of 18 meters, according to the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology under the Lao Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.

Authorities have warned residents living along rivers, urging them to quickly relocate their essential belongings and livestock to higher and safer areas.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed and follow local authorities' instructions to minimize the risk of casualties or property damage. 
CHARIKAR, Afghanistan, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- A large quantity of arms and ammunition including two anti-aircraft guns have been discovered in eastern Afghanistan's Parwan province, provincial police spokesman Fazal Karim Muskinyar said on Wednesday.

The weaponry, which included the two anti-aircraft guns, 10 hand grenades and other munitions, were discovered in Ezatkhil village of Jabal Saraj district a couple of days ago, the official said without providing more details.

To ensure security in the war-battered country, the Afghan caretaker government has collected thousands of arms and ammunition including battle tanks since assuming office in August 2021 in Afghanistan following the U.S.-led forces' withdrawal from the nation. 
September 11 2024

A meticulous conservation initiative has secured the future of a popular Glasgow art gallery with the completion of stonework repairs by John Gilbert Architects.

Working with museum operator Glasgow Life, City Building and Narro, the team have addressed stonework decay and stabilised masonry while improving decorative and structural elements such as the windows, roof and leadwork.

Corinthian capitals, rosettes and carvings have also been made more legible with lost details reinstated.

Isabel Brown, head of infrastructure support at Glasgow Life, said: Working with John Gilbert Architects on this project has ensured the expert restoration of one of Glasgows most important cultural assets. The work has been completed sensitively and returned GoMA to its intended beauty. The repairs will make sure this unique and historic building can continue to be enjoyed by local people and visitors for many years to come.

The Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA), redesigned by David Hamilton in the 1880s, has stood proud at the head of Ingram Street since 1778 but deteriorating masonry, particularly around the primary cornice, had put its future in doubt.

Photography by Tom Manley
RAWALPINDI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 12th Sep, 2024) The Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, Services Chiefs and Armed Forces of Pakistan paid a glowing tribute to Major Raja Aziz Bhatti, Nishan-e-Haider, on his 59th martyrdom anniversary.

Major Aziz Bhatti, a shining symbol of courage and bravery, laid down his life during the 1965 War, defending the motherland, an Inter Services Public Relations news release said.

Major Aziz Bhatti's unwavering commitment to duty, unshakeable resolve, and supreme sacrifice will always be remembered and revered. His heroic actions inspired countless others to follow in his footsteps, upholding the highest traditions of valor and sacrifice.

Armed Forces of Pakistan salute Major Aziz Bhatti's memory, honoring his legacy which continues to motivate and inspire generations of soldiers to defend the nation with honor and distinction.

"We also pay tribute to the families of our martyrs, who have borne the brunt of their loved ones' sacrifices with courage and resilience.

Let us pay our respects to Major Aziz Bhatti, Nishan-e-Haider, and all our martyrs, who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of Pakistan," it said.
ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 11th Sep, 2024) A high-level Chinese business delegation, comprising Xinjiang Iron Brothers Co Ltd with four other prominent Chinese business entities held meeting with Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit Baltistan and SAFRON Engr Amir Muqam here at ministry on Wednesday.

The delegation was led by Mr Yuan Jianmin (Senior & renowned Economist) along with members representing various business enterprises.

Secretary Ministry of Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit Baltistan Waseem Ajmal Chaudhry, Additional Secretary Kashmir Affairs and GB Khalid Ali Raza Gardezi and Joint Secretary Gilgit Baltistan Council Sudhir Khan Khattak. The delegation was warmly received by Ministry officials.

Federal Minister Engr Amir Muqam said that Pakistan and China share a comprehensive partnership, built on trust, economic cooperation l, security collaboration, cultural exchange, infrastructure development and global coordination.

He said that China share a border of approximately 595 km with Gilgit Baltistan. The border region has significant economic and cultural importance, with trade and cultural exchanges between the two regions dating back centuries.

He said that investing in GB can benefit both China and Pakistan, fostering economic growth, regional connectivity and a stronger partnership.

The delegation showed keen interest in construction of GB Special Economic Zone.

The delegation also showed keen interest for investments in key sectors of Pakistan including trade, agriculture, minerals, culture, cross border tourism, energy, chamber of commerce and enterprises.
LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 11th Sep, 2024) A ceremony was held here on Wednesday at the Central Police Office to honor officers promoted from Office Superintendent to Assistant Director in Punjab Police.

IG Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar distributed orders to the newly promoted Assistant Directors and instructed them to carry out their new responsibilities with dedication and hard work. He emphasized that Assistant Directors play a key role in managing administrative affairs, and they should perform their duties with sincerity and diligence. He stressed the importance of special attention to professional matters to further upgrade office operations.

The ceremony was also addressed by Additional IG Punjab Sultan Ahmad Chaudhry and Additional IG CTD Wasim Ahmad Khan. DIG Establishment I Captain-I (Retd) Liaqat Malik and DIG Establishment II Suleman Sultan Rana congratulated the newly promoted Assistant Directors. The families and children of the promoted officers attended the event.

IG Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar promoted 21 Office Superintendents to the position of Assistant Director, and these newly promoted Assistant Directors are serving in various field formations and districts of the police.
ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 11th Sep, 2024) United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) on Wednesday said that monsoon floods in Sindh had forced thousands of children out-of-school, as Pakistan struggled with recurring extreme weather events disrupting education and putting young lives at risk.

"Children in Sindh are facing serious setbacks in their education due to extreme weather conditions, with 230,000 students impacted by school closures caused by severe monsoon floods", UNICEFs representative in Pakistan, Abdullah Fadil said.

The floods have swept through southern Pakistan, damaging over 1,300 schools, and fully destroying 228 of them. In addition, more than 450 schools are not operational because they are surrounded by floodwater, according to recent data from Sindhs Education Department.

The immediate consequence is that many children are missing out on their education. Sindh is no stranger to such climate-related disruptions. The government has already announced an education emergency, with 26.2 million children out-of-school nationwide. Further disruptions caused by the floods risk worsening the situation for those in already vulnerable areas.

"From heatwaves to floods, children are constantly being prevented from attending school due to these climate-related shocks. Pakistan, already struggling with an education crisis, cannot afford to see more children falling behind," Fadil said.

He emphasized the need for a swift return to normalcy, expressing hope that floodwaters will recede quickly so that children can return to school.

However, he also warned that prolonged school closures may discourage children from going back at all, worsening the education crisis.

Since July 1, the monsoon season has claimed 76 lives in Sindh, half of whom were children. Swollen rivers have submerged homes across the region, displacing 140,000 children and families in 10 districts declared calamity-hit.

On the ground, UNICEF teams are working quickly to assess the needs of affected communities. They are coordinating with the government and local partners to develop immediate and long-term plans to restore access to education and help families recover, he added.

This isnt the first time Sindh has been hit hard by extreme weather. The province was the worst affected by the devastating floods of 2022, which destroyed vital infrastructure, including health and education facilities.

Fadil reiterated the urgent need for investment in education that can withstand the impacts of climate change. The monsoon has once again disrupted lives in Pakistan, with children losing not just their homes but also their schools, he said.

He stressed that the country must prioritize climate-resilient education systems and services for children. We need a coalition of partners to come together, innovate, and adapt in order to mitigate the effects of climate change on education in Pakistan, Fadil added.

UNICEF and its partners aim to focus on building education systems that can better withstand extreme weather conditions in the future, so children can continue learning even in the face of climate-related disruptions.
ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 11th Sep, 2024) National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq on Wednesday suspended Sergeant at Arms Muhammad Ishfaq Ashraf for four months for negligence in security duties.

Four other security personnel were also suspended for the same duration due to their failure in ensuring the security of the House.

The suspended personnel include Security Assistant Waqas Ahmed and three junior security officers Obaidullah, Waheed Safdar, and Muhammad Haroon.

Chairing the House, the Speaker also announced the suspension of five employees of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) who were involved in switching the lights and directed their removal from the duty at the Parliament.

Sadiq called on the political parties to evolve a "charter of parliament" to ensure the smooth functioning of the House. He urged the opposition members to collaborate with the treasury benches in addressing common issues.

He noted that the opposition members had been given more time to speak in the House, stating that he had acted according to his conscience in handling the issues.

Sadiq also pointed out that during the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government, the opposition members were denied production orders to attend parliamentary proceedings.

Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh praised the Speaker for wisely handling the recent issues.

He urged the members from both sides of the aisle to focus on highlighting issues being faced by the ordinary people.

Sheikh also highlighted the government's achievements on the economic front.

PML-Z leader Muhammad Ijaz Ul Haq praised the Speaker for effectively managing the issues in the Parliament. He also suggested that a comprehensive debate should be held on the law and order situation.
TOKYO, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks closed lower on Wednesday as investors digested the Trump-Harris first presidential debate ahead of the U.S. election.

Japan's benchmark Nikkei stock index, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average, declined for the seventh straight trading day by ending down 539.39 points, or 1.49 percent, from Tuesday to close the day at 35,619.77.

The broader Topix index, meanwhile, finished 45.87 points, or 1.78 percent, lower at 2,530.67.

Market watchers here noted that intensified selling of stock index futures weighed on the market after the U.S. televised presidential debate between Democratic candidate Kamala Harris and Republican candidate Donald Trump.

The stock market downturn was also closely linked with the strengthening yen against the U.S. dollar, which led to broad selling, particularly in export-related stocks, local analysts noted.

Domestic investors in Tokyo, sensing a buying opportunity from the recent decline, stepped in to reduce the Nikkei's losses, but their buying power remained limited.

On the top-tier Prime Market, declining issues outnumbered advancing ones by 1,523 to 105, with 14 issues remaining unchanged. 
RAWALPINDI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 11th Sep, 2024) Rawalpindi Waste Management Company (RWMC) continually carrying out the cleanliness activities to make the district free from waste and Smog.

RWMC spokesman on Wednesday said that on the instructions of the Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, a grand cleaning operation had been started in Rawalpindi to prevent the looming threat of smog this year under the title "Smog Safe Punjab".

The objective of the activity was to reach out to a maximum number of people, in order to educate the general public about the precautionary measures to avoid smog, the spokesman said.

He said that washing and mechanical sweeping of major roads of the city including Murree Road, Fifth Road, Sixth Road, Fourth B Road, Iran Road, Saidpur Road, Double Road, Old Airport Road, Civil Lines Road, Iqbal Road, Liaquat Road, Rashid Minhas Road and Red Line and Orange Line tracks of Metro bus was being carried out daily to provide a smog-free environment to the residents of the city.

In a message, RWMC has appealed to the people to not burn waste and chemicals in the open as they were the major cause of smog, adding burning garbage was a legal offence as smoke and dust contributed to smog which was harmful to the environment and human health.

He urged the residents to ensure the spraying of water to prevent dust and to use masks and glasses, adding the promotion of tree plantation was vital for avoiding smog and checking environmental pollution.
ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 11th Sep, 2024) Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud on Wednesday received Chinese Premier Li Keqiang at the Royal Court in Riyadh.

According to Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the meeting began with a formal reception, where the national anthems of both Saudi Arabia and China were played. The Crown Prince warmly welcomed the Chinese Premier and his delegation to the Kingdom, extending his wishes for a pleasant stay. In response, Premier Li expressed his appreciation for the hospitality and warm reception.

The two leaders co-chaired the fourth session of the Saudi-Chinese High-Level Joint Committee, where discussions covered a wide range of topics. Key areas of focus included joint cooperation in political and security matters, trade opportunities, energy, investment, culture, and technology. The leaders also exchanged views on regional developments and pressing international issues, along with their respective countries' efforts to address them.

The session concluded with the signing of the minutes of the meeting. Following the formal discussions, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman hosted an official luncheon in honour of Premier Li and his delegation.

Several high-ranking officials were present during the meeting from both sides.

On the Saudi side, attendees included Prince Abdullah bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, Minister of the National Guard; Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, Minister of Culture; Dr. Musaed bin Mohammed Al-Aiban, Minister of State, Cabinet Member, and National Security Advisor; Dr. Majid bin Abdullah Al-Qasabi, Minister of Commerce; Ahmed bin Aqeel Al-Khateeb, Minister of Tourism; Eng. Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al-Falih, Minister of Investment; Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Jadaan, Minister of Finance; Salman bin Youssef Al-Dosari, Minister of Media; Yasser bin Othman Al-Rumayan, Governor of the Public Investment Fund; and Abdulrahman bin Ahmed Al-Harbi, Saudi Ambassador to China.

From the Chinese delegation, participants included Jin Zhuanglong, Minister of Industry and Information Technology; Wang Wentao, Minister of Commerce; Xiuxiu Aqiang, Minister of Equipment Development Department of the Central Military Commission; Ma Zhaoxu, Vice Foreign Minister; Zhang Hua, Chinese Ambassador to Saudi Arabia; Ding Li, Vice Foreign Minister; Liu Sushe, Vice Chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission; Li Qun, Vice Minister of Culture and Tourism; and Kang Xiuping, Director of the Office of the Premier.
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 11th Sep, 2024) Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting, National Heritage, and Culture, Attaullah Tarar on Wednesday suggested the formation of a special parliamentary committee, including members from the opposition, to raise awareness and tackle the implementation issues surrounding womens inheritance rights.

Responding to a calling attention notice about the non-enforcement of court orders concerning womens legal share of inheritance in the Islamabad Capital Territory, he urged the chair to notify a committee comprising members from both the Senate and National Assembly. He fully supported Nafeesa Shahs suggestion to include Senate members in the committee and requested that the process be expedited.

The minister said, that his ministry will launch awareness campaigns to educate the public in this regard. He said that islam mandated inheritance rights for women.

He said that officials from National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) and the Revenue board would also be invited to participate in the committees discussions.

He said that dowry has no place in Islam or inheritance law, and pointed out the need to change societal mindsets that deprive women of their legal inheritance rights.

It is unfortunate that women continue to be denied their rightful inheritance. To change this mindset, we must address the cultural barriers, Tarar said. We must accept that women deserve their rightful inheritance. When this house raises its voice, the mindset will change.

He highlighted recent reforms that allow the NADRA to issue succession certificates, simplifying the inheritance process with only four key documents: a Family Registration Certificate (FRC), a death certificate, a succession certificate, and an affidavit.

He praised Pakistans historic milestone of electing its first female Prime Minister when many countries had yet to reach such progress. He disagreed with the suggestion to refer the matter solely to the Womens Parliamentary Caucus, advocating instead for a broader committee that includes members of the Caucus but would be more effective.

In a separate issue, he said that the government had taken swift action regarding an acid attack on a woman in the federal capital, registering a First Information Report (FIR) and arresting one of the culprits.

A delegation including Romina Khurshid Alam and Musadik Masood Malik had visited the hospital to inquire about the victims health, he added.

APP/zah-sra
Reims, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 12th Sep, 2024) France will have a new government next week, recently installed conservative Prime Minister Michel Barnier said on Wednesday, as he sounded out candidates to run ministries faced with an unpredictable hung parliament.

"We're going to do things methodically and seriously," Barnier told reporters in the eastern city of Reims.

He was "listening to everybody" in a political scene split into three broad camps since July's inconclusive snap parliamentary elections.

"We're going to name a government next week," he said.

Later on Wednesday, his own right-wing Republicans (LR) party announced that they were ready to join his government. The party was reduced to just 47 deputies in the 577-seat National Assembly in July's elections.

Barnier, who has previously served as the environment, foreign and agriculture ministers and was the EU's former chief Brexit negotiator, was named last week by President Emmanuel Macron as his compromise pick for head of government.

With no longer even a working majority in parliament following his decision to dissolve the National Assembly, Macron delayed picking a PM for weeks over the summer as he tried to find someone who would not suffer an immediate no-confidence vote.

The chamber is fairly equally divided between Macron's centrist supporters -- now loosely allied with Barnier's rump conservative party -- the left-wing NFP alliance and the far-right National Rally (RN).

NFP leaders have vowed to vote no confidence in any government not headed by them after they secured the most seats in the July vote, but fell well short of a majority.
Hanoi, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 11th Sep, 2024) Residents of Hanoi waded through waist-deep water Wednesday as river levels hit a 20-year high and the toll from the strongest typhoon in decades passed 150, with neighbouring nations also enduring deadly flooding and landslides.

Typhoon Yagi hit Vietnam at the weekend bringing winds in excess of 149 kilometres (92 miles) per hour and a deluge of rain that has also brought destructive floods to northern areas of Laos, Thailand and Myanmar.

The Red River in Hanoi reached its highest level in 20 years on Wednesday, forcing residents to trudge through waist-deep brown water as they retrieved possessions from flooded homes.

Others fashioned makeshift boats from whatever materials they could find.

"This was the worst flooding I have witnessed," said Nguyen Tran Van, 41, who has lived near the Red River in the Vietnamese capital for 15 years.

"I didn't think the water would rise as quick as it did.

I moved because if the water had risen just a bit higher, it would have been very difficult for us to leave," Van told AFP.

A landslide smashed into the remote mountain village of Lang Nu in Lao Cai province, levelling it to a flat expanse of mud and rocks, strewn with debris and laced by streams.

State media said at least 30 people had been killed in the village, with another 65 still missing.

Villagers laid dead bodies on the ground, some in makeshift coffins, some wrapped in cloth, while police with picks and shovels dug through the dirt in search of more victims.

Vietnamese state media said the toll from Yagi -- the strongest storm to hit northern Vietnam in 30 years -- had risen to 155 across the country, with 141 missing.

It was not clear whether that total includes victims of Tuesday's landslide, where access remained difficult and internet was cut off, reports said.
(@FahadShabbir)

LILONGWE Malawi, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 11th Sep, 2024) For the first time in four decades, Malawi has received a fuel train following the rehabilitation of its railway line, which had been in disrepair for years.

On Wednesday, the fuel train, carrying 1.2 million liters of fuel from Beira, Mozambique, arrived in Malawis southern region.

President Lazarus Chakwera, who inaugurated the trains arrival, called it a great milestone for the country, stating that it would significantly contribute to Malawis socio-economic development.

For 42 years, our railway lines were in ruins, and we have relied on trucks to import fuel, a costly method.

Today, we witness the first fuel train in many years thanks to the rehabilitation of the system, Chakwera said. He added that his government is committed to fixing systems to improve living standards.

Economist Milward Tobias described the event as a step in the right direction for Malawis economy, noting that the shift to rail transport would result in significant savings in fuel transportation costs.

Since 1993, when Malawi transitioned to a multi-party political system, previous governments had neglected the railway network in favor of road transport for importing fuel from Mozambique and Tanzania.
Kyiv, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 12th Sep, 2024) The United States and Britain on Wednesday committed to provide nearly $1.5 billion in support for Ukraine and promised a swift answer to Kyiv's requests to ease restrictions on weapons capable of striking deeper into Russia.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy made a rare joint visit to Kyiv in a show of solidarity.

It came amid growing concern over the situation on the battlefield and the uncertain future of Washington's stance on the war.

Blinken, who made the nine-hour train ride to Kyiv with Lammy, said the United States would offer $717 million in fresh economic aid to Ukraine.

About half of it will consist of US support to strengthen Ukraine's electricity infrastructure, which has been pounded by Russia just as winter sets in.

Blinken accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of dusting off "his winter playbook" to "weaponise the cold against the Ukrainian people".

"Our support will not wane, our unity will not break," Blinken told reporters in Kyiv.

"Putin will not outlast the coalition of countries committed to Ukraine's success, and he is certainly not going to outlast the Ukrainian people."

Lammy reiterated his Labour government's pledge to provide 600 million ($782 million) in economic assistance to Ukraine.

Britain, which has consistently pushed to ease restrictions on Ukraine's use of weapons, would provide hundreds of new air-defence missiles to Ukraine this year, he added.

- Russian advances -

Russia has been advancing on the key logistics hub of Pokrovsk in the eastern Donetsk region, a month after Kyiv launched a shock counter-offensive into Russia's Kursk region.

President Volodymyr Zelensky has stepped up his requests to the West in recent months to provide weapons with more firepower and fewer restrictions.

In an online post on Wednesday evening, noting he had had "very substantive" talks with Blinken and Lammy, he thanked both countries for their support.

But he added: "It is important that Ukrainian arguments are heard.

"This includes the long-range weapons, the supply of combat brigades on the front lines, and the overall strategy for achieving a just peace."

Earlier, Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga told journalists: "It is important to lift any restrictions on the use of US and British weapons against legitimate military targets in Russia."

Blinken said Washington would look at the requests "with urgency". They would be discussed on Friday in Washington when President Joe Biden meets UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, he said.

Biden, while strongly supportive of Ukraine, has previously made clear he wants to avoid devolving into direct conflict between the United States and Russia, the world's two leading nuclear powers.
Kyiv, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 11th Sep, 2024) The US and British top diplomats began a visit Wednesday to Ukraine, where they will discuss further easing rules on firing Western weapons into Russia, whose alleged acquisition of Iranian missiles has raised new fears.

In a rare joint trip, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken took the nine-hour train from Poland to Kyiv alongside Foreign Secretary David Lammy, whose two-month-old Labour government has vowed to keep up Britain's role as a key defender of Ukraine.

The visit comes as President Volodymyr Zelensky ramps up his requests to the West to provide weapons with more firepower and fewer restrictions.

US President Joe Biden, asked in Washington whether he would let Ukraine use longer-range weapons, said: "We're working that out right now."

Biden, while strongly supportive of Ukraine, has previously made clear he wants to avoid devolving into direct conflict between the United States and Russia, the world's two leading nuclear powers.

Blinken, speaking Tuesday in London alongside Lammy, said the United States was committed to providing Ukraine "what they need when they need it to be most effective in dealing with the Russian aggression".

But Blinken, who is paying his fifth trip to Kyiv since the invasion, said it was also important to see if Ukrainian forces could maintain and operate particular weaponry.

Pressed later in an interview with Sky news on whether the United States would green-light long-range weapons, Blinken said, "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."

Ukraine enjoyed a fresh boost late Tuesday when the International Monetary Fund said it reached a staff-level agreement that could open the door to $1.1 billion for the country, which is weathering Russian attacks on infrastructure as winter sets in.

But on the military front, the United States said it believes that Russia could start firing short-range Iranian-made missiles into Ukraine within weeks.

Cash-strapped Iran went ahead with the sale despite repeated warnings from Western powers, which on Tuesday announced new sanctions on the cleric-run state.

The Iranian shipments have raised fears that Moscow would be freed up to use its long-range missiles against comparatively unscathed areas in western Ukraine.

The United States earlier this year gave its blessing for Ukraine to use Western weapons to hit Russian forces when in direct conflict across the border.

But Ukraine last month launched a surprise, daring offensive directly into Russian territory in Kursk, hoping to restore morale and divert Moscow as Russian troops trudge forward in the frontlines of eastern Ukraine.

British media reports said Biden, who meets Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Friday, was set to end objections to letting Ukraine fire long-range Storm Shadow missiles into Russia.

Britain has repeatedly pushed the United States, by far Ukraine's biggest military supplier, to be more forward on weapons.

One key ask by Ukraine is to loosen restrictions on US-supplied Army Tactical Missile Systems, or ATACMS, which can hit targets up to 300 kilometres (190 miles) away.

In a joint letter to Biden, leading members of Congress from the rival Republican Party asked him to act on ATACMS immediately.

"As long as it is conducting its brutal, full-scale war of aggression, Russia must not be given a sanctuary from which it can execute its war crimes against Ukraine with impunity," said the letter signed by Representative Mike McCaul, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

Republicans, however, are deeply divided over Ukraine, and a victory in November by Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump over Biden's political heir Kamala Harris could dramatically shift US policy.

Trump aides have suggested that if he wins, he would leverage aid to force Kyiv into territorial concessions to Russia to end the war.
Madrid, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 11th Sep, 2024) Zara owner Inditex, the world's biggest fashion retailer, posted a record net profit for the first half of the year on Wednesday, despite slower sales growth.

The Spanish group said its profit rose 10 percent to 2.8 billion Euros ($3.1 billion) in the first six months of its financial year, which ends July 31.

"The design and quality of our fashion proposition and the experience we offer our customers are, together with the efficiency and increasing sustainability of our operations, the keys to the solidity of these results," Inditex chief executive Oscar Garcia Maceiras said in a statement.

Inditex, which also owns Pull&Bear, Bershka, Massimo Dutti and Stradivarius, said its spring and summer collections were "very well received" by customers.

Sales increased by 7.2 percent to 18.1 billion euros, but it was a slower pace than in the first six months of 2023, when they grew by 13.5 percent.

Analysts, however, had expected the slowdown after four years of record earnings. The group's net profit was close to expectations from analysts surveyed by financial data firm FactSet.

The company said sales were strong at the start of the third quarter, rising 11 percent between August 1 and September 8 when compared to the same period a year ago.

"Inditex continues to see strong growth opportunities." the statement said, listing among its key priorities the enhancement of " the customer experience".

The company said it plans to spend 900 million euros per year in 2024 and 2025 to expand its logistics capabilities and "use the most up-to-date technology".

"The group's performance continues to be very positive," said Ivan San Felix, an analyst at Madrid-based broker Renta 4.

While sales growth is "now more moderate", it has remained at a high level and been "relatively stable since the third quarter of 2023," he added.

"Inditex has an extremely solid model in terms of logistics' and is "perfectly prepared to take on any competitor."

The company's logistics centres strive to make regular deliveries to stores to ensure they are kept up to date with the latest fashions while keeping inventory and costs down.

Store managers track the popularity of garments so items that sell more slowly are quickly dropped.

Traditional fashion retailers have endured tough competition from low-cost shopping platforms such as Chinese-founded rival Shein or Ireland's Primark.

Inditex, however, has brushed off the competition and its share price has jumped by 30 percent since last year.
SYDNEY, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- Thousands of anti-war protesters gathered on Wednesday morning to rally outside a defense industry exposition in Melbourne in Australia's state of Victoria, local media reported.

Demonstrators began to gather at 6 a.m. local time on Wednesday outside the Land Forces International Land Defence Exposition in Melbourne's CBD, waving Palestinian flags and banging drums while chanting "free Palestine" amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

City roads were blocked and public transport was disrupted on Wednesday morning.

Police clashed with protesters and used capsicum spray as projectiles were thrown at mounted officers, said local media.

Running from Wednesday until Friday at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, the biennial conference has attracted hundreds of companies and organizations displaying lethal technology.

The state government of Victoria granted police special powers under anti-terror legislation to search people and vehicles in the area surrounding the event and called in additional police from regional areas and interstate to bolster security.

Australia's Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery Pat Conroy has condemned the protests. 
Laos, Vietnam reaffirm strong bonds of friendship

The leaders of Laos and Vietnam have expressed their desire to strengthen their solidarity, further boost cooperation, and step up their shared development efforts across numerous sectors.

These sentiments were voiced when the Secretary General of the Lao Peoples Revolutionary Party and the President of Laos, Mr Thongloun Sisoulith, his wife and a high-level delegation travelled to Hanoi on Tuesday at the invitation of Vietnams President To Lam.

President Thongloun Sisoulith (left) meets with Vietnamese President To Lam at the start of his official visit to Hanoi on Tuesday.Photo Pasaxon The Lao delegation is making an official visit to Vietnam from September 10 to 13 for talks with President To, who is also General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam.

A welcome ceremony for the Lao delegation took place at the Presidential Palace in Hanoi.

President Thongloun expressed his pleasure at meeting President To only two months after their previous talks and congratulated him on his appointment as the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee by the 13th Ordinary Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee on September 3.

The President said he highly valued Laos close and brotherly relationship with the Party, government and people of Vietnam.

The two presidents plan to encourage the growth of the relationship, solidarity and cooperation between the parties, governments and peoples Laos and Vietnam, with the aim of more fruitful outcomes.

They hope to spur cooperation in political and foreign affairs and the fields of defence and public security, as well as tourism, energy, agriculture, trade and communication.

Their talks will centre on ways to strengthen cooperation mechanisms and facilitate investment in each others country, with a focus on encouraging private sector investment in green agriculture, mining operations, energy, technology, tourism, and the production of goods.

President Thongloun said he was confident that the Party, government and people of Vietnam, under the leadership of President To, will strengthen their solidarity and build Vietnam as a modern and industrialised country whose citizens enjoy prosperity, and where democracy and justice are ensured.

The two delegations gave summaries of their recent social and economic developments, reviewed past cooperation between Laos and Vietnam, and outlined their hopes for future areas of shared development.

They exchanged opinions on current situations of note in the region and other parts of the world and reiterated their desire to further expand the great relationship, solidarity and cooperation between the parties, governments and peoples of Laos and Vietnam, boosted by frequent reciprocal visits by the countries leaders.

Talks also covered cooperation in politics, national defence and public security, as well as peace and sustainable development along the two countries shared border.

In terms of two-way trade, which the Lao and Vietnamese governments hope to boost, the value of trade as of July this year was estimated at US$1.1 billion, a year-on-year increase of 17 percent compared to 2023.

It was also noted that cooperation in technology, culture, social connections and education is growing on a daily basis.

This year, the Vietnamese government provided 1,120 scholarships to Lao government officials and other individuals for short- and long-term courses of study in Vietnam.

The two presidents agreed to uphold agreements entered into between their ministries and other entities at the central and local levels of government.

These include agreements relating to strategic cooperation projects, development of a port, a planned expressway between Vientiane and Hanoi, construction of a railway to Vietnam from Vientiane through Khammuan province, construction of an electricity generating plant in Xekong province, a salt mine in Khammuan province, agricultural development in Vientiane, and other projects.

President Thongloun offered best wishes on the occasion of the 79th anniversary of Vietnams national day on September 2 and the 62nd anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Laos and Vietnam.

He also expressed sincere appreciation for the support provided to Laos by the Party, government and people of Vietnam during the struggle for national liberation.

In addition, the Lao President acknowledged Vietnams most recent forms of assistance including the construction of Nongkhang airport, citizen registration and the provision of identity cards, a drug rehabilitation centre, and the countrys support for Laos chairmanship of ASEAN this year.

By Times Reporters

(Latest Update September 11, 2024)
BEIJING, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- Li Xiangang, former vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the Heilongjiang Provincial People's Congress, has been expelled from the Communist Party of China (CPC) and dismissed from public office over serious violations of Party discipline and laws, China's top anti-graft body said Wednesday.

The decision was made following an investigation by the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Commission of Supervision, according to an official statement.

The investigation found that Li had made presumptuous comments on some major decisions of the Party's Central Committee, and had been uncooperative in the investigation of his case.

He had accepted banquets that might influence the fair performance of official duties, and visited private clubs in disregard of relevant rules, violating the central Party leadership's eight-point decision on improving conduct.

He had used his authority to improperly assist others in job promotion and adjustment, the statement said, adding that Li was also found to have illegally accepted gifts and money from others, and engaged in money-for-sex transactions.

Moreover, the investigation found that Li had illegally kept some classified documents and taken advantage of his posts to benefit others in business operations and the handling of cases, illegally accepting significant amounts of money and gifts. He was also found to have embezzled public funds.

Li's illegal gains will be confiscated and the case involving his suspected criminal activities will be transferred to procuratorial authorities for review and prosecution, the statement said. 
The 12-month grace period for student loan borrowers ended on September 30. The "on-ramp" period helped borrowers who are struggling to make payments avoid the risk of defaulting and hurting their credit score.

"The end of the on-ramp period means the beginning of the potentially harsh consequences for student loan borrowers who are not able to make payments," said Persis Yu, Deputy Executive Director at the Student Borrower Protection Center.

Around 43 million Americans have student loan debt, amounting to $1.5 trillion. Around eight million of those borrowers had enrolled in the SAVE plan, the newest income-driven repayment plan that extended the eligibility for borrowers to have affordable monthly student loan payments. However, this plan is currently on hold due to legal challenges.

With the on-ramp period and a separate program known as Fresh Start ending and the SAVE plan on hold, student loan borrowers who are struggling to afford their monthly payments have fewer options, added Yu. Student loan borrowers who haven't been able to afford their monthly payments must consider their options to avoid going into default.

If you have student loans, here's what you need to know.

What was the on-ramp period?

The Education Department implemented this grace period to ease the borrower's transition to make payments after a three-year payment pause during the COVID-19 pandemic. During this year-long period, borrowers were encouraged to keep making payments since interest continued to accumulate.

"Normally, loans will default if you fall about nine months behind on making payments, but during this on-ramp period, missed payments would not move people towards defaulting and then being subject to forced collections. However, if you missed payments, you still be falling behind ultimately on repaying your loans," said Abby Shaforth, director of National Consumer Law Center's Student Loan Borrower Assistance Project.

Since this grace period has ended, student loan borrowers who don't make payments will go delinquent or, if their loans are not paid for nine months, go into default.

Borrowers who cannot afford to make payments can apply for deferment or forbearance, which pause payments, though interest continues to accrue.

What happens if I don't make my payments?

Borrowers who can't or don't pay risk delinquency and eventually default. That can badly hurt your credit rating and make you ineligible for additional aid and government benefits.

If a borrower missed one month's payment, they will start receiving email notifications, said Shaforth. Once the loan hasn't been paid for three months, loan servicers notify to the credit reporting agencies that the loan is delinquent, affecting your credit history. Once the borrower hasn't paid the loan for nine months, the loan goes into default.

If you're struggling to pay, advisers first encourage you to check if you qualify for an income-driven repayment plan, which determines your payments by looking at your expenses. You can see whether you qualify by visiting the Federal Student Aid website. If you've worked for a government agency or a non-profit organization, you could also be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, which forgives student debt after 10 years.

What happens when a loan goes into default?

When you fall behind on a loan by 270 days  roughly nine months  the loan appears on your credit report as being in default.

Once a loan is in default, it goes into collections. This means the government can garnish wages (without a court order) to go towards paying back the loan, intercept tax refunds, and seize portions of Social Security checks and other benefit payments.

What if I can't pay?

If your budget doesn't allow you to resume payments, it's important to know how to navigate the possibility of default and delinquency on a student loan. Both can hurt your credit rating, which would make you ineligible for additional aid.

If you're in a short-term financial bind, you may qualify for deferment or forbearance  allowing you to temporarily suspend payment.

To determine whether deferment or forbearance are good options for you, you can contact your loan servicer. One thing to note: interest still accrues during deferment or forbearance. Both can also impact potential loan forgiveness options. Depending on the conditions of your deferment or forbearance, it may make sense to continue paying the interest during the payment suspension.

What is an income-driven repayment plan?

The U.S. Education Department offers several plans for repaying federal student loans. Under the standard plan, borrowers are charged a fixed monthly amount that ensures all their debt will be repaid after 10 years. But if borrowers have difficulty paying that amount, they can enroll in one of several plans that offer lower monthly payments based on income and family size. Those are known as income-driven repayment plans.

Income-driven options have been offered for years and generally cap monthly payments at 10% of a borrower's discretionary income. If a borrower's earnings are low enough, their bill is reduced to $0. And after 20 or 25 years, any remaining debt gets erased.

What is the latest with the SAVE program?

In August, the Supreme Court kept on hold the SAVE plan, the income-driven repayment plan that would have lowered payments for millions of borrowers, while lawsuits make their way through lower courts.

Eight million borrowers who had already enrolled in the SAVE plan don't have to pay their monthly student loan bills until the court case is resolved. Debt that already had been forgiven under the plan was unaffected.

The next court hearing about this case will be held on October 15.

What happened with the Fresh Start program?

The Fresh Start program, which gave benefits to borrowers who were delinquent prior to the pandemic payment pause, also closed on September 30. During this limited program, student loan borrowers who were in default prior to the pandemic were given the opportunity to remove their loans from default, allowing them to enroll in income-driven payment plans, or apply for deferment, among other benefits.
The United States paused for a moment of reflection and remembrance on Wednesday, the 23rd anniversary of the horrific al-Qaida terrorist attacks on the country that killed nearly 3,000 people.

Relatives of those killed as hijacked airliners were crashed into the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York gathered at the Ground Zero memorial on a clear September morning not unlike that on September 11, 2001.

President Joe Biden, accompanied by Vice President Kamala Harris, watched the ceremony, as did former President Donald Trump, with former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg standing between the political adversaries.

Less than 12 hours after Harris and Trump concluded their contentious presidential debate in Philadelphia, the two candidates opposing each other in the November 5 election shook hands and seemingly exchanged quick pleasantries.

Biden and Harris later visited the rural community of Shanksville, Pennsylvania, where another al-Qaida-hijacked plane, which was believed en route to Washington, crashed after passengers commandeered the cockpit from the hijackers.

Then, Biden and Harris are headed to the Pentagon, just outside Washington, where a fourth hijacked aircraft was crashed into one wall of the five-sided headquarters of the Defense Department.

In a statement, Biden commemorated the lost lives of 2,977 people.

On this day 23 years ago, terrorists believed they could break our will and bring us to our knees, Biden said. They were wrong. They will always be wrong. In the darkest of hours, we found light. And in the face of fear, we came together  to defend our country and to help one another. That is why terrorists targeted us in the first place: our freedom, our democracy, our unity.

They failed. But we must remain vigilant, the president said. Today, our longest war is finally over. But our commitment to preventing another attack on our people never will be.

In New York, a police bagpipe honor corps carried an American flag to the plaza where the skyscrapers once stood. A collection of top U.S. officials watched as a bell was tolled twice, once at 8:46 a.m. and again at 9:03 a.m., when Flight 11 and then Flight 175, respectively, crashed into the towers.

As is tradition every year at the 9/11 commemoration, the names of all the victims were solemnly read, with many of the relatives of those killed holding pictures aloft of their loved ones.

Cathy Naughton came to honor her cousin, Michael Roberts, one of hundreds of firefighters killed in the attack. Twenty-three years later, she said, "It's just so raw. We want to make sure people remember always and say the names always and never forget."
A year after a massive earthquake struck Moroccos High Atlas Mountains, people there say reconstruction has been slow, and many are still living in tents or have been forced to move elsewhere. Lisa Bryant reports.

Days after the 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck in September a year ago, tour guide Abdesamat El Gzouri showed a reporter his damaged home in Amizmiz, a town at the foot of the High Atlas Mountains.

Cracks covered the outside walls. His family was sleeping outside  fearful of another quake. Parts of Amizmiz were reduced to rubble.

In a phone interview, El Gzouri said his house is being renovated. Its getting more pillars and new foundations to withstand future shocks. For now, his family lives in a rented apartment.

The situation is much better than before, he said. There [are fewer] camps; people [are] getting back to their houses. Some reinforce their houses, they renovate. Some, they rebuild. But still, we have people living in tents.

Moroccos High Atlas region is a spectacular place. Its beauty and Berber culture have drawn tourists from all over. But its also one of the poorest and most underdeveloped parts of the country.

The government has earmarked $11 billion in aid to reconstruct the area. While tens of thousands of earthquake-affected people have gotten state support, reports say they have yet to get the full payment.

Reports also say many residents still live in plastic tents or have been forced to relocate. Some have protested for more support.

El Gzouri said the reconstruction is creating needed jobs  but theres not other work. He is uncertain about his own job in a changed region.

I do cultural tourism. You show people old houses, authentic houses  the way people lived 400-500 years ago, he said. Thats our tourism  what our business is about, its about the Berber culture. And now, the situation is different. People are building new houses with new standards. So, its not good for us.

A father of four, El Gzouri said hes happy that children are back at school. Hes less certain about the future of his town and region in the months and years to come.
Taliban-ruled Afghanistan and neighboring Turkmenistan on Wednesday marked the resumption of work on a long-delayed gas pipeline designed to run through the two countries, Pakistan and India.

The estimated $10 billion Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India, or TAPI, project is designed to annually transport up to 33 billion cubic meters of Turkmen natural gas from the southeastern Galkynysh field through the proposed 1,800-kilometer pipeline.

Prime Minister Mohammad Hassan Akhund of the de facto Taliban government traveled to the Turkmen border region of Mary and joined top leaders of the host country to inaugurate construction of a vital section of the TAPI project. It is intended to link the city of Serhetabat in Turkmenistan to Herat in western Afghanistan.

Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov joined and addressed the ceremony via video link. "This project will benefit not only the economies of the participating countries but also the entire region, he said.

Taliban authorities declared a public holiday in Herat, the capital of the province of the same name, to mark the occasion, with posters celebrating the TAPI project plastered across the border city.

Initially signed in the early 1990s to provide natural gas to energy-deficient South Asia, the TAPI project has faced repeated delays due to years of Afghan hostilities, which ended in 2021 when the then-insurgent Taliban recaptured power as all U.S. and NATO forces exited the country.

While Turkmen leaders Wednesday pledged to enhance bilateral ties between Ashgabat and Kabul and carry forward the TAPI project, experts remain skeptical that the gas pipeline will become operational soon. They cite funding issues, U.S.-led Western economic sanctions on Afghanistan and the international communitys refusal to recognize the Taliban as the legitimate government over restrictions on Afghan womens rights.

Islamabads persistent diplomatic and military tensions with New Delhi are also considered a significant obstacle to the materialization of the TAPI project.

According to officials of the participating countries, Pakistan and India, each one plans to purchase 42% of the gas exports, and Afghanistan will receive the rest. Kabul will also earn around $500 million in transit fees annually.

Pakistans relations with Afghanistan deteriorated after the Taliban takeover over terrorism concerns. Islamabad complains that Kabul shelters and facilitates fugitive anti-Pakistan militants to orchestrate cross-border terrorist attacks from Afghan sanctuaries, charges the Taliban reject.
When the U.S. announced the seizure of 32 internet domains tied to Russian efforts to ply American voters with disinformation ahead of Novembers presidential election, prosecutors were quick to note the use of artificial intelligence, or AI.

The Russian operation, known as Doppelganger, drove internet and social media users to the fake news using a variety of methods, the charging documents said, including advertisements that were in some cases created using artificial intelligence.

AI tools were also used to generate content, including images and videos, for use in negative advertisements about U.S. politicians, the indictment added.

And Russia is far from alone in turning to AI in the hopes of swaying U.S. voters.

The primary actors we've seen for election use of this are Iran and Russia, although as various private companies have noticed, China also has used artificial intelligence for spreading divisive narratives in the United States, according to a senior intelligence official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity in order to discuss sensitive information.

What we've seen is artificial intelligence is used by foreign actors to make their content more quickly and convincingly tailor their synthetic content in both audio and video forms, the official added.

But other U.S. officials say the use of AI to spread misinformation and disinformation in the lead-up to the U.S. election has so far failed to live up to some of the more dire warnings about how deepfakes and other AI-generated material could shake-up the American political landscape.

Generative AI is not going to fundamentally introduce new threats to this election cycle, according to Cait Conley, senior adviser to the director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, the U.S. agency charged with overseeing election security.

What we're seeing is consistent with what we expected to see, Conley told VOA.

AI is exacerbating existing threats, in both the cyber domain and the foreign malign influence operation-disinformation campaigns, she said. But little of what has been put out to this point has shocked officials at CISA or the myriad state and local governments who run elections across the country.

This threat vector is not new to them, Conley said. And they have taken the measures to ensure they're prepared to respond effectively.

As an example, Conley pointed to the rash of robocalls that targeted New Hampshire citizens ahead of the states first in the nation primary in January, using fake audio of U.S. President Joe Biden to tell people to stay home and save your vote.

New Hampshire's attorney general quickly went public, calling the robocalls an apparent attempt to suppress votes and telling voters the incident was under investigation.

This past May, prosecutors indicted a Louisiana political consultant in connection with the scheme.

More recently, the alleged use of AI prompted a celebrity endorsement in the U.S. presidential race by pop star Taylor Swift.

Recently I was made aware that AI of me falsely endorsing Donald Trumps presidential run was posted to his site, Swift wrote in an Instagram social media post late Tuesday.

It brought me to the conclusion that I need to be very transparent about my actual plans for this election as a voter, she wrote, adding, I will be casting my vote for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz.

But experts and analysts say for all the attention AI is getting, the use of such technology in attacks and other influence operations has been limited.

There's not a tremendous amount of it in the wild that's particularly successful right now, at least to my knowledge, said Katie Gray, a senior partner at In-Q-Tel, the CIA's technology-focused, not-for-profit strategic investment firm.

Most attackers are not using the most sophisticated methods to penetrate systems, she said on September 4 at a cybersecurity summit in Washington.

Others suggest that at least for the moment, the fears surrounding AI have outpaced its usefulness by malicious actors.

We jump to the doomsday science fiction, said Clint Watts, a former FBI special agent and counterterror consultant who heads up the Microsoft Threat Analysis Center (MTAC).

But instead, what we're seeing is the number one challenge to all of this right now is access, just getting to the [AI] tools and accessing them, he said, speaking like Gray at the cybersecurity summit.

Over the past 14 months, MTAC has logged hundreds of instances of AI use by China, Russia and Iran, Watts said. And analysts found that Moscow and Tehran, in particular, have struggled to get access to a fully AI toolbox.

The Russians need to use their own tools from the start, rather than Western tools, because they're afraid they'll get knocked off those systems, Watts said.

Iran is even further behind.

They've tried different tools, Watts said. They just can't get access to most of them for the most part.

U.S. adversaries also appear to be having difficulties with the underlying requirements to make AI effective.

To do scaled AI operations is not cheap, Watts said. Some of the infrastructure and the resources of it [AI], the models, the data it needs to be trained [on]  very challenging at the moment.

And Watts said until the products generated by AI get better, attempted deepfakes will likely have trouble resonating with the targeted audiences.

Audiences have been remarkably brilliant about detecting deepfakes in crowds. The more you watch somebody, the more you realize a fake isn't quite right, according to Watts. The Russian actors that we've seen, all of them have tried deepfakes and they've moved back to bread and butter, small video manipulations.
The Nigerian secret police released labor union leader Joe Ajaero on Tuesday after hours of interrogation over alleged terrorism financing.

Ajaero's arrest Monday sparked criticism about what critics see as a government crackdown on dissent.

Ajaero, was released by the Department of State Services, or DSS, after he was arrested at the Abuja airport while on his way to the United Kingdom to attend a labor conference.

He said Tuesday that DSS kept his passport.

He said the police questioned him for hours about alleged terrorism financing involving British national Andrew Wynne and last month's anti-government protests in Nigeria.

Ajaero is a prominent critic of the Nigerian government and has led many demonstrations to denounce reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu last year.

Hamisu Santuraki, the spokesperson of the United Action Front of Civil Society, a coalition of civil society groups, said the government should have asked Ajaero to come in for questioning.

"Its not done anywhere  arresting somebody without sending him an invitation, it is wrong, they should've sent him a letter," Santuraki said. We just want them to release his passport, so we're having a meeting. Nigeria is our country."

Later Tuesday, a government spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, said Ajaero was invited to speak to a law enforcement agency and was stopped from traveling abroad because he snubbed that invitation.

In a statement released on X, Onanuga also said Nigeria "categorically denies any human rights abuse.

Santuraki said the coalition and the Labor Congress are deciding on what steps to take.



The Nigerian government is facing a wave of criticism from rights groups who accuse it of trying to stifle dissent and free expression. Investigative journalist Isaac Bristol was recently detained on charges of leaking classified and restricted documents, sedition, and tax evasion, among other allegations.

Another journalist, David Hundeyin, was declared wanted by the police last week.

Ajaero's arrest came days after he criticized a decision by Nigerian officials to increase the gasoline price by 39 percent.

Nigerian authorities said global oil market forces determined the new pump price of refined petrol, which had more than quadrupled in Nigeria since President Tinubu scrapped fuel subsidies last year.

On Monday, the Socio-Economic Rights Accountability Project, or SERAP, said state operatives also raided their offices. The group this week called for a probe of the national oil company.

"We consider this an act of aggression, intimidation and harassment by the government, and it might not be unconnected with the statement that SERAP had issued over the weekend calling on the president to direct the NNPC to reverse the price of petroleum," said Kolawole Oluwadare, a deputy director at SERAP. "We consider this as an instance of the escalation of attacks against the civic space and this of course is not acceptable in a democracy."

Ajaero was also arrested in November by police in southeastern Imo state, moments before he was to lead a rally.
CAIRO, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- Foreign ministers of Arab countries on Tuesday urged Israel's complete withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, including from the Philadelphi Corridor and the Palestinian side of the Rafah crossing.

The ministers categorically rejected Israel's plans for "the day after its aggression" and its control over any part of Gaza, according to a resolution issued after the 162nd session of the Arab League (AL) Council at the ministerial level held in Egypt's Cairo.

In addition to officials from the United Nations and the European Union, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan also attended the meeting, marking the first attendance of a top Turkish diplomat in an AL ministerial meeting in 13 years.

The Palestine-Egypt borders are sovereign ones that "should not be touched," the resolution said, stressing "the need to operate the Rafah crossing in accordance with the applicable rules, and to remove all obstacles to safe, sufficient and rapid humanitarian access through the crossing."

The Israeli army took control of the Philadelphi Corridor, a 100-meter-wide and 14-km-long buffer zone along the Egypt-Gaza border, and the Palestinian side of the Rafah crossing in May, halting the entry of humanitarian aid trucks into Gaza.

On Sept. 2, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said at a news conference that Israeli forces are "not going to withdraw" from the corridor, reiterating that keeping it under control is critical for preventing future weapons smuggling from Egypt to Gaza.

In the resolution, the ministers said Netanyahu's "allegations and lies" were "desperate attempts" to justify his refusal to withdraw from the corridor, obstruct mediation efforts by Egypt, Qatar and the United States, and distract attention from his government's provocative policies against the Palestinian people.

Meanwhile, the ministers called for confirming the illegality of Israel's continued presence in Gaza, ending its illegal presence there as soon as possible, and immediately dismantling all settlement activities, according to the resolution.

They also agreed to officially intervene to support the lawsuit filed by South Africa against Israel before the UN's principal judicial organ, the International Court of Justice, and urged the International Criminal Court to issue arrest warrants against Israeli leaders, who they believed have committed crimes falling within its jurisdiction, the resolution noted. 
U.S. President Joe Biden indicated Tuesday that the U.S. may be moving to lift its restrictions on Ukraine's use of long-range weapons in its war with Russia.

The U.S. has been steadfastly unwilling to supply or sanction Ukraine's use of U.S.-supplied weapons that could strike deep into Russia, for fear of escalating the conflict.

Some of Ukraine's allies have supplied Kyiv with such weapons, but the countries supplying the weapons have imposed restrictions on how and when the weapons can be used.

In response to a question Tuesday about whether the U.S. would lift restrictions on Ukraine using long-range weapons against Russia, Biden said his administration is "working that out now."

Earlier Tuesday, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken also indicated in an interview with Sky News that there could be a U.S. shift in its stance on allowing Ukraine to use long-range missiles in Russia.

"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.

Reuters reports that its unnamed sources said last week the U.S. was working on agreement giving Ukraine what it needs for its fight with Russia but reaching an agreement on all the issues in supplying the weapons would take several months.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in his daily address Tuesday that Ukraine's "absolute priority is just peace, and every missile, every drone, and all hostile moves, every attempt to make this war longer and more brutal will inevitably be met with a response from the world."

He said Ukraine "will ensure the necessary unity of the world  no matter how difficult it is."

Russia's 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.

Most of the 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.

Russia's 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.

Ukraine's 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 was alarmed by unconfirmed Western news reports that an unprecedented Iranian transfer of missiles to Russia for use against Ukraine recently happened or would 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 came from Agence France-Presse and Reuters.
As China is set to host bilateral talks with the Philippines this month, their South China Sea dispute is expanding from sea to air, increasing the risk of military confrontation, analysts warn.

The Chinese Communist Partys Peoples Daily newspaper on Monday published an article warning that China-Philippines relations stand at a crossroads over the South China Sea dispute.

The warning came after Filipino Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo told reporters at a diplomatic reception on September 4 that Beijing will host the next round of the Bilateral Consultative Mechanism meetings designed to manage differences between the two countries.

Manalo did not say on which date the talks would start this month but expressed hope the two countries would discuss an incident in late August when coast guard ships from both sides collided at a disputed shoal. Both countries blame the other for the collision, though video released by the Philippine coast guard appears to show the Chinese coast guard ship ramming their vessel, BRP Teresa Magbanua.

It was the second such collision of their coast guard ships in August at the disputed atoll.

Vincent Kyle Parada, a former defense analyst for the Philippine Navy and a graduate student at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, says the frequency of the sea clashes is pushing the two sides to expand their operations to the air.

Over the past few weeks, China has been actively working to disrupt resupply missions to the ship and crew, to the point that after one such failed attempt, the Philippine government announced that essential supplies reached critical levels, he told VOA Mandarin. Manila did manage to resupply BRP Teresa Magbanua through a helicopter, signaling this potential shift.

Parada added, This potential shift from maritime to aerial resupply emissions in the future is obviously a risk because China has also been escalating aerial operations in the South China Sea.

Beijing would increase its aerial presence in the Spratlys and send fighter jets to its artificial islands for extended deployments. I think the goal there really would be to make aerial resupply emissions an incredibly dangerous policy option for Manila. That way, it limits Manila's ability to sustain a long-term presence in the disputed territories.

According to the latest data from the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs, the administration of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has lodged 176 diplomatic protests with the Chinese government, which claims almost the entire South China Sea, putting it in conflict with Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam.

Song Zhongping, a Chinese military expert and researcher at Xuanyuan (Hong Kong) Science and Technology Exchange Center, says any Chinese military moves in the airspace over the South China Sea are due to what he calls illegal expansion by the Philippines.

"Whether it's Scarborough Shoal, Second Thomas Shoal or Sabina Shoal, these are all China's sovereign territories, he told VOA Mandarin, repeating Beijings claims. If the Philippines wants to conduct patrols or resupply by air, this in itself is violating the security of China's airspace, and China will inevitably take certain measures to intercept it.

An article published on September 2 by the Beijing-based think tank South China Sea Strategic Situation Probing Initiative says since 2024, the Philippines has "repeatedly dispatched military aircraft to invade the islands and reefs of Spratly Islands and Macclesfield Bank" and also sent military aircraft to carry out airdrops and replenishment missions over the sea, indicating that "air intrusion is becoming another major path for the Philippines to cause trouble in the South China Sea."

The article warned that if the Philippines insists on carrying out an "air invasion," China will have to take corresponding measures, and "once there is friction or even collision, the consequences will be much more serious than the collision with a ship."

Su Tzu-yun, a research fellow and director at the Division of Defense Strategy and Resources in Taiwan, says China is more likely to take coercive actions in the air, making it difficult for the Philippines to defend its sovereignty.

"China may first take measures to interfere, as it does with the United States and Australian military aircraft, and it will scatter thermal flares to interfere so that Philippine helicopters may not be able to get close," Su told VOA Mandarin. It may use jets to create turbulence, meaning it uses air from the jet tail to interfere with the Philippine helicopter when its flying.

Su says Beijing is taking more aggressive interception actions, which greatly increase the risk of accidental conflict.

The number of Chinese ships has increased. Second, coupled with the previous conflict between China and the Philippines in the sea, which caused injuries to Philippine coast guards, and now it threatens to use stronger means against the Philippine so-called aircraft, so it is moving the definition of gray zone operations closer to the direction of war.

Philippine National Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro in August said the Philippines plans to purchase 40 new multirole fighter jets and mid-range missiles to strengthen its territorial defense, Reuters reported.

The U.S. in July repeated its commitment to the Philippines security after Chinas increasingly assertive actions in the South China Sea. US reiterates 'ironclad' commitment to Philippines amid China actions in South China Sea.

Parts of the disputed South China Sea are believed to be rich in oil and gas, and the waters are an important transit point for trillions of dollars in annual shipping.

The Hague-based intergovernmental Permanent Court of Arbitration in 2016 unanimously ruled that Chinas claim to almost all the South China Sea had no legal basis, which Beijing rejected.

Adrianna Zhang contributed to this report. Some information for this report came from Reuters.
An Australian think tank that tracks tech competitiveness says China is now the world leader in research on almost 90% of critical technologies. In a newly released report, the research group adds there is also a high risk of Beijing securing a monopoly on defense-related tech, including drones, satellites and collaborative robots  those that can work safely alongside humans.

Analysts say the huge leap forward for China is the result of heavy state investment over the past two decades. They add that despite the progress, Beijing is still dependent on other countries for key tech components and lacks self-sufficiency.

The report from the government-funded Australian Strategic Policy Institute, or ASPI, released last Thursday, says China led the way in research into 57 out of 64 advanced technologies in the five years from 2019-2023.

ASPI's Critical Technology Tracker ranks countries' innovation capabilities based on the number of appearances in the top 10% of research papers. It focuses on crucial technologies from a range of fields including artificial intelligence, biotechnology, cyber and defense.

The report found that "China and the United States have effectively switched places as the overwhelming leader in research in just two decades."

China led in only three of the 64 technologies between 2003 and 2007 but has shot up in the rankings, replacing the U.S., which is now a frontrunner in just seven critical technologies.

Josh Kennedy-White is a technology strategist based in Singapore. He says China's huge leap is a "direct result of its aggressive, state-driven research and development investments over the past two decades."

He adds that the shift toward China is "particularly stark in fields like artificial intelligence, quantum computing and advanced aircraft engines, where China has transitioned from a laggard to a leader in a relatively short period."

ASPI also determines the risk of countries holding a monopoly on the research of critical technologies. They currently classify 24 technologies as "high risk" of being monopolized  all by Beijing.

Ten technologies are newly classified as "high risk" this year, with many of them linked to the defense industry.

"The potential monopoly risk in 24 technology areas, especially those in defense-related fields like radars and drones, is concerning in the current and future geopolitical context," Tobias Feakin, founder of consultancy firm Protostar Strategy, told VOA.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has sought to boost his country's advanced manufacturing capabilities with the ambitious "Made in China 2025" initiative.

The policy, launched in 2015, aims to strengthen Beijing's self-reliance in critical sectors and make China a global tech powerhouse.

Xi, according to Feakin, views advanced technologies as "strategic priorities for China's development, national security and global competitiveness."

He adds that technologies are seen as a "central component of China's long-term economic and geopolitical goals."

Beijing's ambitions are being closely watched in Washington, with the Biden administration working to limit China's access to advanced technology.

Last week, the U.S. introduced new export controls on critical technology to China, including chip-making equipment and quantum computers and components.

That announcement came shortly after U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan made his first ever visit to Beijing. He met with Xi and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

Sullivan told reporters that Washington "will continue to take necessary action to prevent advanced U.S. technologies from being used to undermine national security."

The continued efforts to curb China's chip industry mean that Beijing must look further afield for advanced technology.

"Even though it leads in areas like artificial intelligence and 5G, China still depends on Taiwan, the U.S. and South Korea to produce high-end semiconductors", Kennedy-White told VOA.

Describing this as China's Achilles' heel, Kennedy-White says the lack of self-sufficiency in the semiconductor industry could "stunt Beijing's progress in artificial intelligence, quantum computing and military applications."

As China continues its dominance in critical technology research, questions have been raised over exactly how the country is making these breakthroughs.

Last October, officials from the Five Eyes intelligence alliance (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States) issued a joint statement accusing China of stealing intellectual property. U.S. FBI director Christopher Wray described it as an "unprecedented threat."

Kennedy-White, managing director of Singapore-based venture catalyst firm DivisionX Global, agrees with this assessment. He says China's jump up the ASPI rankings is "not entirely organic."

"There is a correlation between China's rise in certain technologies and allegations of intellectual property theft," he added.

ASPI also recommends ways for other countries to close the gap on China. It advises the AUKUS alliance of Australia, the U.K. and the U.S. to join forces with Japan and South Korea to try to catch up.

The report also highlights the emergence of India as a "key center" of global research innovation and excellence.

The South Asian nation now ranks in the top five countries for 45 out of the 64 technologies that are tracked by ASPI. It's a huge gain compared with 2003-2007, when India sat in the top five for only four technologies.

Feakin says countries across the Asia-Pacific "will benefit from leveraging India's growing technology expertise and influence."

It will also provide a counterbalance to "overdependence on China's technology supply chain," he added.
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," said Schumer, a New York Democrat.

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 Biden's administration and minimized the role of Trump, who had signed the withdrawal deal with the Taliban.

White House national security spokesperson John Kirby on Monday criticized the House report as partisan and one-sided and said it revealed little new information and 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 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 cemetery's 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.

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 Trump's 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. Biden's April 2021 announcement that he would proceed with the withdrawal set in motion by Trump was the second-biggest factor, the watchdog said.
A Hanoi court sentenced journalist and political activist Nguyen Vu Binh to seven years in prison on Tuesday, in a move critics described as a "brazen intimidation" of the media.

Binh, 55, has contributed to media outlets including TNT Media Live and VOA's sister network Radio Free Asia, or RFA. He covered issues including corruption, land rights, police abuse and human rights.

Authorities detained Binh in the capital, Hanoi, in February on accusations of spreading anti-state propaganda.

Binh denied the charge. He told the court that he did not call on anyone to act against the state and that he was only "exercising his right to freedom of speech," Binh's sister Nguyen Thi Phong told the AFP.

Media outlets and press freedom watchdogs have condemned Binh's sentencing. Radio Free Asia in a joint statement called the ruling "yet another example of Vietnam's unjust crackdown on free speech and brazen intimidation of journalists and writers."

Binh's case "warrants swift attention" from the international community, the statement said.

Advocacy organizations PEN International, the Vietnamese Abroad PEN Centre, and PEN America joined RFA in the statement. Binh is an honorary member of PEN International.

Patricia Gossman, associate Asia director of Human Rights Watch, told VOA that Binh's case is "the latest example of Vietnam's determination to silence dissenting voices."

"Vietnam's international donors and trade partners should take notice and denounce this continuing assault on human rights," Gossman told VOA via email.

In the past two months, seven other journalists and activists have been put on trial for allegedly criticizing their government, Gossman said.

This "crackdown on human rights defenders" has only intensified since former public security minister To Lam became president, Gossman added.

The Vietnamese Embassy in Washington did not respond to VOA's email requesting comment. However, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs previously told VOA that Human Rights Watch "lacked objectivity," and that Hanoi convicts only those who violate the law.

Independent bloggers and journalists like Binh are the only source of media that is free from the state's single-party control, according to Reporters Without Borders or RSF. But they risk legal threats and arrest for independent or critical coverage. Vietnam is the world's third-largest jailer of journalists, according to RSF data.

Binh's reporting earned him two separate Hellman-Hammett grants, a prize that Human Rights Watch awards to writers who work under political persecution.

But his writing has also resulted in his persecution, according to watchdogs.

Imprisoned after letter

Binh was imprisoned from 20022007 on charges of espionage. His arrest came after he wrote a letter to the U.S. Congress about human rights violations in Vietnam, according to watchdogs. At the same time, he had published an article titled "On the Vietnam-China border issue," which criticized the government's border policy.

Data from the Committee to Protect Journalists, also known as the CPJ, shows that all but one of the 19 journalists detained in Vietnam as of late last year were held on "anti-state" charges.

Binh was "sentenced to seven years for airing independent views, which Vietnamese authorities continue to treat as a criminal offense," Shawn Crispin, CPJ's senior Southeast Asia representative, said in a statement. "Binh should be released now, along with all the other journalists wrongfully held behind bars in Vietnam."

Vietnam ranks 174 out of 180 countries on the World Press Freedom Index, where 1 shows the best media environment.
Kamala Harris and Donald Trump meet for the first time face-to-face for a presidential debate in Philadelphia. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken says Russia has received ballistic missiles from Iran and will likely use them in Ukraine within weeks. And designer spacesuits. Pierre Cardin unveiled the suit for use in the European Space Agency.
Francine strengthened into a hurricane late Tuesday as it steadily moves toward Louisiana's coast.

A hurricane warning is in effect from the Texas border to Grand Isle, about 80 kilometers south of New Orleans, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC).

Hurricane Francine is about 563 kilometers southwest of Morgan City, Louisiana.

Mandatory and voluntary evacuation orders have been issued for several of Louisiana's parishes. Storm surge warnings are also posted in Texas and Louisiana.

The National Guard, equipped with food, water, high-water vehicles, boats and helicopters, is being deployed to Louisiana areas that will likely be hardest hit by Francine's wind and rain.

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry has urged the state's residents to "batten down all the hatches," before Francine lands and spreads havoc.

"The impact of torrential rainfall, coastal flash flooding, damaging winds, and hurricane-spawn tornadoes will pose a serious threat to the lives and property of the people of Louisiana," Landry wrote in a letter to U.S. President Joe Biden, requesting that the president declare a state of emergency for Louisiana.

Landry said in the email that "river flooding, strong winds, and tornadoes are anticipated ... across much of the state."

New Orleans resident Roxanne Riley, 42, told The Associated Press that she is staying with a family member who lives on high ground in anticipation of Francine's arrival but would evacuate if Francine forced her to.

"I'll just make sure my car is ready to roll in case I need to go by tomorrow," Riley said. "I'm going to keep on checking to see what it's looking like."

Francine's rains are also set to hit Mississippi, far southern Alabama and the western Florida Panhandle with 10 to 20 centimeters (4 to 8 inches) of rain and as much as 30 centimeters (12 inches) in some locations, leading to what NHC meteorologists said could be "considerable flash and urban flooding."

There will be deep water along the coast where Francine makes landfall, NHC said, "where the surge will be accompanied by large and dangerous waves."

Louisiana and Mississippi are giving away thousands of sandbags to residents. The bags are a traditional component of home protection and are designed to prevent water from seeping into houses and other buildings.

Residents in both states are also boarding up their windows as they prepare for Francine's landing.

Francine, the sixth named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, is expected to be felt Wednesday morning as it nears the Louisiana coast with maximum sustained winds of 120 kilometers per hour or more, forecasters said.

Francine is expected to "weaken quickly" after it makes landfall Wednesday and moves into Mississippi, NHC said.

Some information in this report came from The Associated Press.
Support for far-right figures among young voters appears to be growing in several European countries. Much of the focus is on Germany, where the Alternative for Germany party (AfD) is hoping to secure another victory in the upcoming Brandenburg state election in the east of the country on September 22.

AfD secured a resounding victory in the Thuringia state election earlier this month, winning 32.8% of the vote, well ahead of second-place Christian Democrats at 23.6%.

It was the first time the far right had won a state election since the end of World War II in 1945.

More than a third of young people, almost 40% of 18- to 29-year-olds, [voted] for the AfD, according to Ben Ansell, a professor at the University of Oxford and host of the podcast Whats Wrong with Democracy?

In contrast, only 1 in 5 voters over 70 years of age chose AfD.

The party is hoping young voters will propel it to victory in the upcoming Brandenburg state election.

[Other parties] probably expected that the AfD is only a party for old people and that young people don't vote for the AfD. That is exactly wrong, said AfD chairman in Brandenburg Hans-Christoph Berndt at a recent campaign event.

Whats driving the popularity of the far right among younger people? Immigration appears to be a key factor, said Ansell.

In eastern Germany, [AfD] are just really popular, he said. Its a part of the country that is poorer than the other parts, that is less ethnically diverse and therefore reacts more to the new diversity than Berlin does, or other parts of Germany.

Some people have argued that it's concerns about the war in Ukraine, Ansell added. Other people have argued that it's a response to COVID, or a response to the housing crisis  it's getting on the housing ladder and things like that, having the same quality of life they thought their elders had.

The trend among young voters is not limited to Germany. In Junes European elections, Frances far-right National Rally was the most popular party among 18- to 34-year-olds, with 32% of the vote  much higher than over-65s.

National Rallys 28-year-old president, Jordan Bardella, has 1.6 million followers on TikTok, a social media platform popular among young people.

TikTok is short videos that aim to shock. The skill that populist parties have in making videos and finding political moments that are short, sharp and shocking  to get people excited about politics, said Ansell.

Meanwhile, a recent study by El Pais newspaper suggested that a quarter of Spanish men aged between 18 to 26  known as Generation Z  believe that in some circumstances, authoritarianism may be preferable to democracy. Among the so-called baby-boomer generation, aged 59 and over, the figure is less than 10%.

Preference for authoritarianism was also lower among female voters  a trend seen in other countries, said Ansell.

Its something that comes out actually most obviously in east Asia  that young men are reacting politically very differently to young women. In [South] Korea, thats extremely stark, as young men have voted for explicitly anti-feminist movements. But you can see this huge gender gap among the under-30s opening up in all countries, including in the United States right now, he said.

It remains to be seen whether such trends among young voters will be replicated in the United States in the presidential election on November 5. Recent polls suggest the Democrats Kamala Harris has increased support among younger voters compared to her Republican rival, Donald Trump.
Gunmen in northwestern Pakistan killed an anti-polio worker and a policeman guarding him Wednesday, the second attack on healthcare teams trying to carry out a national immunization campaign against the paralytic virus.

Area officials reported that the assailants targeted a polio team providing vaccine to children in the Bajaur district, bordering Afghanistan. The attack also injured a policeman.

No group immediately claimed responsibility for the deadly attack in one of the militancy-hit districts of Pakistans Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

The start of the immunization campaign Monday was marred by a roadside bombing of a polio vaccination team in the provinces South Waziristan district. That attack resulted in injuries to at least ten people, including three vaccinators and six police personnel.

An Afghanistan-based Islamic State affiliate known as Islamic State-Khorasan reportedly claimed responsibility for the deadly blast.

Militants in violence-affected districts often target polio vaccinators, suspecting them of spying on behalf of Pakistani security forces. Such attacks have killed dozens of vaccinators and police personnel escorting them in past years, mostly in areas near or adjacent to the Afghan border, dealing critical blows to polio eradication efforts.

On Monday, the Pakistan Polio Eradication Program said that the country of about 240 million is facing an intense outbreak of wild poliovirus this year, paralyzing 17 children so far nationwide. It reported that sewage samples tested positive in 66 districts for the highly contagious virus, threatening more children.

The program noted that the ongoing house-to-house campaign aims to vaccinate more than 33 million children under five in 115 districts nationwide.

Pakistan and Afghanistan, which reported nine paralytic polio cases so far in 2024, are the only two remaining polio-endemic countries globally.

Polio immunization drives in both countries, which share a nearly 2,600-kilometer border, have long faced multiple challenges, such as security and vaccine boycotts, which have set back the goal of eradicating the virus from the globe.

Officials at the World Health Organization have reported an improvement in Afghan vaccination efforts since the Islamist Taliban retook control of the country three years ago, ending years of nationwide hostilities and enabling polio teams to inoculate children in previously inaccessible areas.
House Speaker Mike Johnson vowed Tuesday to press ahead with requiring proof of citizenship for new voters as part of a bill to avoid a partial government shutdown in three weeks, though the measure appeared likely to be voted down.

Democrats overwhelmingly oppose the measure. Enough Republicans were also coming out against the bill, though for different reasons, that its prospects of passing the House appeared dim. Even if it does pass the House on Wednesday, the bill would go nowhere in the Senate.

Johnson said the issue of election security is too critical to ignore, though research has shown that voting by non-citizens is extremely rare. It's also clear that Republicans see value in making House Democrats take another vote on the issue. The House approved a bill with the proof of citizenship mandate back in July

"If you have a few thousand illegals participate in the election in the wrong place, you can change the makeup of Congress and you can affect the presidential election," Johnson said. "The American people understand that."

The first test for the stopgap spending bill came Tuesday with a 209-206 vote that kept it moving ahead. But some Republicans who have said they will oppose the bill on final passage allowed it to proceed.

The measure includes a six-month extension of federal funding to keep agencies and programs operating through March 28.

But Democrats want a shorter-term extension so that the current Congress will set full-year spending levels for fiscal 2025 rather than the next president and Congress. They also want the proof of citizenship mandate stripped out of the bill, saying it's unnecessary because states already have effective safeguards in place to verify voters' eligibility and maintain accurate voter rolls.

"Is it any surprise that the speaker's purely partisan CR seems to be running into trouble?" Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said, using Washington parlance for the short-term continuing resolution needed to prevent a shutdown. "The answer is very simple. The House should stop wasting time on a CR proposal that cannot become law."

Schumer called on Johnson to consult with Democratic leaders and the White House on a bipartisan package that can pass both chambers.

A few House Republicans have also come out against the bill. Some won't vote for any continuing resolution. They want Congress to return to passing the dozen annual appropriations bills individually. Others say the continuing resolution funds programs at levels they consider inappropriate at a time of nearly $2 trillion annual deficits.

"I'm a firm no on bankrupting the nation and a yes on election integrity," said Representative Cory Mills in announcing his opposition.

Representative Tim Burchett said Republican leadership was asking him to vote for what he called "a Nancy Pelosi-Schumer budget."

"I just think that's a bad idea," Burchett said.

Republicans can afford to lose only four votes from their ranks if every Democrat votes against the bill.

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump on Tuesday seemingly encouraged a government shutdown if Republicans in the House and Senate "don't get assurances on Election Security." He said on the social media platform Truth Social that they should not go forward with a continuing resolution without such assurances.

Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell disagreed when asked about Trump's post.

"Shutting down the government is always a bad idea, no matter what time of the year it is," McConnell said.

House Republicans met behind closed doors Tuesday morning to discuss the path forward. Representative Jim Jordan, a co-founder of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, told colleagues "this is the best fight we've ever had," said Representative Kevin Hern.

By holding another vote on the proof of citizenship requirement for voter registration, House Republicans are making Democrats in competitive swing districts take another vote on the issue ahead of the election. Last time, five Democrats sided with Republicans in support of the requirement. And their votes this time will be highly scrutinized.

Lawmakers said no plan B was discussed for government funding and that Johnson was determined to hold a vote regardless of the likely outcome.

"This is important to him," said Representative Ralph Norman. "This is the hill to die on."
Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Sept. 11, 2024. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

RIYADH, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Wednesday called on China and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to strengthen alignment of their development strategies and speed up the free trade agreement negotiations process.

In his meeting with Secretary General of the GCC Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi here, Li noted that China and GCC countries are natural partners of cooperation with strong economic complementarities. 

Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Sept. 11, 2024. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)
Israeli airstrikes in Gaza overnight and into Wednesday hit a U.N. school sheltering displaced Palestinian families and two homes, killing at least 34 people, including 19 women and children, authorities reported.

The deadliest strike, on Wednesday afternoon, hit the U.N.'s Al-Jaouni Preparatory Boys School in central Gaza's Nuseirat refugee camp, killing 14 and wounding at least 18. The Israeli military said its intention was to hit Hamas militants planning attacks from inside the school.

Six staff members of UNRWA, the U.N. agency for Palestinians, which also operates the school, were among those killed in the strike on the school.

"This is the highest death toll among our staff in a single incident," the agency posted on X, formerly Twitter. "Schools and other civilian infrastructure must be protected at all times, they are not a target."

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres decried the bombing of the U.N. school. In a post on X, he wrote, "Whats happening in Gaza is totally unacceptable ... These dramatic violations of international humanitarian law need to stop now."

At least 220 UNRWA staff have been killed since the beginning of the war.

Philippe Lazzarini, UNRWAs chief, also said on X, "Humanitarian staff, premises & operations have been blatantly & unabatedly disregarded since the beginning of the war. The longer impunity prevails, the more international humanitarian law & the Geneva conventions will become irrelevant."

One of the children killed was the daughter of Momin Selmi, a member of Gaza's civil defense agency, which works to rescue the wounded and retrieve bodies after strikes, the agency said in a statement.

Tens of thousands of Palestinians driven from their homes by Israeli military offensives and evacuation orders have been living in Gaza's schools. The al-Jaouni school, one of many in Gaza run by the U.N. agency for Palestinians, has been hit several times over the course of the war, now in its 12th month.

Israel frequently bombs schools, saying they are being used by Hamas militants. It blames Hamas for the civilian casualties from its strikes, saying its fighters base themselves and operate within dense residential neighborhoods.

More than 90% of Gaza's school buildings have been severely or partially damaged in strikes, and more than half the schools housing displaced people have been hit, according to a survey in July by the Education Cluster, a collection of aid groups led by UNICEF and Save the Children.

In another attack earlier Wednesday, a strike hit a home near the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis, killing 11 people, including six brothers and sisters.

A strike late Tuesday on a home in the urban Jabaliya refugee camp in northern Gaza killed nine people, including six women and children, according to the Gaza health ministry and the civil defense.

The war started with the shock Hamas attack on southern Israel last October that killed 1,200 people and led to the capture of about 250 hostages. Israels subsequent counteroffensive has killed more than 41,000 Palestinians in Gaza, mostly women and children, although the Israeli military says the death toll includes thousands of militants.

Hamas has been designated a terror group by the United States, United Kingdom, European Union and others.

Meanwhile, Israels military said Wednesday one of its helicopters crashed in the southern Gaza Strip, killing two Israeli soldiers and injuring seven others.

A preliminary investigation indicated the crash was not caused by enemy fire. The helicopter went down during a mission to evacuate an injured soldier in the Rafah area.

In the West Bank, an Israeli airstrike on Wednesday killed at least five people in the city of Tubas, according to Palestinian emergency officials.

The Israeli military reported conducting a strike targeting an armed terrorist cell in the same area.

In another part of the West Bank, the Palestine Red Crescent Society said Israeli forces detained five of the groups emergency responders. The group said the personnel were transporting a patient and evacuating several children from the Tulkarm refugee camp when the detentions took place.

Other Israeli strikes Wednesday targeted rocket launchers and other sites used by Hezbollah militants in southern Lebanon, as fears persist of a wider conflict in the region.

Death of an American

After the Israeli military acknowledged its fire probably killed a U.S. citizen activist in the occupied West Bank, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday called on Israel to make "fundamental changes" in its actions in the territory.

Blinken called the killing of Turkish American activist Aysenur Ezgi Eygi "unprovoked and unjustified."

"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 freely expressing their views," he said.

The Israel Defense Forces said, Clearly, this has been a terrible mistake, and it is investigating the issue fully.

President Joe Biden called it an "accident." Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee for president in the November presidential election, said, The killing of Aysenur Eygi is a horrific tragedy that never should have happened.

The Pentagon said late Tuesday that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin discussed Eygis death in a phone call with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. Austin urged Gallant to reexamine Israels rules of engagement while operating in the West Bank, the Pentagon said.

Eygi was shot in the head during a pro-Palestinian demonstration in the occupied West Bank last week.

Cease-fire effort

Blinken said Tuesday that the United States will continue working with Qatar and Egypt to bridge remaining gaps in a cease-fire deal to end the conflict in Gaza as soon as possible.

"More than 90% of the issues have been agreed, so we're down to a handful of issues, not even a handful of issues that are hard but fully resolvable in our judgment," Blinken told reporters during a joint news conference in London with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy.

Lammy, who recently returned from the United Arab Emirates, said the UAE is "showing some forward-leaning in their commitment" to security guarantees in post-war Gaza. He stressed the need for a pathway to a two-state solution, emphasizing that there can be no role for Hamas in post-war Gaza.

Some material in this report came from The Associated Press and Agence France-Presse.
During his three-day visit to Indonesia last week, Pope Francis, the head of the Catholic Church, urged Indonesians to live up to the promise represented by the nations own motto  Unity in Diversity.

While praising Indonesias constitution, which guarantees religious freedom, Francis also warned in an address following a meeting with President Joko Widodo that the diversity of the worlds largest Muslim-majority nation can also lead to conflict.

Francis emphasized the importance of interfaith dialogue to eliminate prejudices and build mutual respect. This is indispensable for meeting common challenges, including that of countering extremism and intolerance, which through the distortion of religion attempt to improve their views by using deception and violence, Francis said.

Indonesias statistical agency says that 87% of the countrys 280 million people are Muslim. However, 2.9% of the total population is Catholic, making its Christian community the third largest in Asia after the Philippines and China.

Indonesias struggle against religious intolerance

Despite legal guarantees of religious freedom, which includes a Religious Harmony bill signed into law in 2006, research by Human Rights Watch indicates a flare-up of religious intolerance.

Examples include the imprisonment of Jakartas Christian governor for blasphemy in 2016, violence against religious minorities; and problems faced by some Christian groups seeking to secure building permits for churches.

Novi from Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara, a Catholic, who traveled to Jakarta to witness Pope Francis' visit to Istiqlal Mosque, hopes the visit can encourage a revival of religious tolerance in the country.

Im really sad when I hear news reports saying that churches faced difficulties in setting up a church and require approval of the majority from the surrounding community and municipal and provincial office, she said.

In 2006, a group of religious and community leaders established the Religious Harmony Forum (FKUB), dedicated to protecting religious harmony, including making recommendations to the mayor or regent on the construction of any new house of worship.

But according to Andreas Harsono, a senior Indonesian researcher at Human Rights Watch, the forum has been politicized over the years.

In hopes of quelling religious intolerance, Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas said a new presidential regulation is being developed that will no longer allow the FKUB to recommend the establishment of a house of worship. That right will remain with the Ministry of Religious Affairs.

Andreas Harsono of the Human Rights Watch sees this as a "step in the right direction.

"The FKUB recommendations are proven to be the most damaging of the 2006 regulations on religious harmony. The religious harmony regulation basically makes the so-called majority have veto power over the minorities in Indonesia. It's turning Indonesia into an intolerant Muslim-majority country, he said.

Halili Hasan, executive director of the SETARA Institute, agrees with abolishing the FKUBs right to recommend. He added that FKUB has not been able to prevent and handle various violations of freedom of religion and belief.

SETARA Institute is a think tank that advocates for democracy and human rights in Indonesia and releases an annual report on the condition of freedom of religion and belief.

The report in 2023 listed at least 65 places of worship that experienced disturbances throughout that year, ranging from objections to the construction of a house of worship to the sealing off of places of worship. That compares to 50 such incidents in the previous year.

Still, the Ministry of Religious Affairs Religious Harmony Index survey for 2023 found a steady increase in religious harmony from 2020 to 2023. The index was scored from 0 to 100, with 100 being the most harmonious. The national score for 2023 was 76.02, the highest score recorded in the last five years.

Eli Trisiana is a Muslim and government civil servant who came to see Pope Francis.

"We need to hold a heart-to-heart dialogue with those deemed religious intolerant, Eli Trisiana said. We cannot deal with them using violence. I think that is the best method to solve differences of opinion. In Islam there are verses taught to us that reconcile with non-believers, which is "unto you your religion and unto me my religion."

Interfaith dialogue

During an interfaith dialogue at Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta, 87-year-old Pope Francis met with representatives of Indonesias six officially recognized religions  Islam, Buddhism, Confucianism, Hinduism, Protestantism and Catholicism  along with a representative for traditional beliefs.

Francis and the grand imam of the Istiqlal Mosque, Nasaruddin Umar, signed a "Human Fraternity document declaring their commitment to interfaith harmony. The document calls for religious leaders to overcome two serious crises faced by the world: dehumanization and climate change.

The grand imam said he wont let this signing be in vain and that he plans to follow up with a future plan of action that supports interfaith dialogue and true religious harmony.
More than a year after China's former foreign minister, Qin Gang, disappeared from public view, raising a host of questions, the Chinese government remains silent on his whereabouts.

A new report this week from The Washington Post, citing two former U.S. government officials, suggests Qin has been spared any jail time and now is nominally holding a low-ranking position at a publishing house under the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Earlier reports speculated that he was sentenced to life in prison or had died from suicide or torture.

Some are skeptical about the Washington Post report, while others see it as evidence of uncertainty and impermanence within the political system directed by the Chinese Communist Party, or CCP.

According to Sunday's Washington Post report, Qin, 58, now works, at least on paper, for the World Affairs Press, a state-owned publishing house under the Foreign Ministry.

One of the former officials said Qin is "not going to jail, but his career is over."

Before he disappeared from public view in July of last year, Qin was the youngest foreign minister since the founding of the CCP. A leading theory among Chinese political analysts is that Qin was removed because he had an affair with Fu Xiaotian, a prominent Chinese television journalist, and that the pair had a child born out of wedlock in the United States.

Some reports suggested that the Chinese government suspected Fu of sharing state secrets with foreign intelligence agencies, but these rumors have never been confirmed. Like Qin, Fu disappeared from public life for more than a year ago.

During a top-level political meeting in July, the Third Plenum of the 20th Central Committee, the CCP agreed to Qin's request that he be removed from his post as a member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, Chinese state media reported. That followed an official announcement in February that said Qin had resigned as a parliamentary deputy.

A reporter from The Washington Post recently visited the bookstore of the World Affairs Press in Beijing, but employees there told the newspaper that they had not heard that Qin worked at the publishing house. A staff member who answered the phone said she did not know if the news was true. China's Foreign Ministry did not respond to a request for comment.

Some observers pointed out that the Washington Post's report is based on an anonymous source who has left office, and the authenticity still needs to be verified.

Neil Thomas, a fellow on Chinese politics at the Asia Society Policy Institute's Center for China Analysis, said on social media platform X, "The rumors of Qin Gang moving to World Affairs Press have been around for months. Sources are U.S. ex-officials and I don't know what they do. But @nakashimae & @cdcshepherd are top reporters."

Charles Smith, an encryption security expert, said on X that he doesn't believe the article, which "even notes the 'bookstore' employees have never seen Qin. ... He's on an extended fishing vacation." His tweet was accompanied by an image of a skeleton fishing underwater.

Last December, online news outlet Politico reported that Qin had been arrested for undermining national security and was tortured to death or committed suicide.

Yen-Ting, an X user who frequently comments on China's social and political issues, tweeted, "It's almost poetic justice, a 'Wolf Warrior' reduced to selling books while the regime's whispers suggest he's paid off the hook rather than locked up. This is China's way of dealing w/ its wayward wolves: not through the claws of justice but by shoving them into obscurity."

Kalpit A. Mankikar, a fellow in the Strategic Studies Program with the Observer Research Foundation in New Delhi, tweeted, "Once seen as Stalin's heir, Soviet politician Georgy Malenkov fell from grace and was banished to Kazakhstan to manage a power plant. In #China, ex-foreign minister Qin Gang seems to have rehabilitated at a Party-run bookshop, says @washingtonpost.

The Washington Post report also quoted current and former U.S. officials who had dealt with Qin as saying he lacked the diplomatic skills of his experienced colleagues to break out of the "Wolf Warrior" model.

One example is that Qin appeared to threaten the U.S. with China "erasing" Taiwan Strait's median line, in a heated exchange with U.S. officials amid former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan in August 2022.

American columnist James Pinkerton tweeted a reader's online comment on the Washington Post report.

The reader Paul Messina said, "I believe that now that the Chinese economy is falling apart, Xi has realized that this 'Wolf Warrior' tactic has actually exacerbated the fall of Chinese industry. Besides aggravating the West, particularly the United States with this nonsense, it has led to multiple Western corporations leaving China, permanently closing their doors and factories in search of friendlier nations to do business.

Vietnam and other nations have greatly benefited. Thus this idiot actually decreased the CCP's prestige in the world. I believe that this is why his new 'career' is librarian. Xi made a big mistake with his 'Wolf Warrior' attitude towards the world. I believe that he now realizes this fact."

Liu Jianchao, the head of the International Liaison Department of the CCP Central Committee, who is relatively moderate in terms of rhetoric and image, is considered a possible candidate to succeed Wang Yi as the next foreign minister.

According to The New York Times, as China is already seeking to soften its image in the U.S. and Europe and improve relations with some of its neighbors, appointing Liu may mean China is abandoning its "Wolf Warrior" diplomacy.

Adrianna Zhang contributed to this report.
As he wrapped up a visit to China, Pedro Sanchez, Spains prime minister, has asked the EU to reconsider its plan to impose tariffs of up to 36 percent on Chinese electric cars. He says Brussels and Beijing need to find a way to reach a compromise.

"I have to be blunt and frank with you that we need to reconsider all of us, not only member states but also the Commission, our position towards this [imposing the tariffs]," Sanchez said, while speaking at an event at Mondragon Industrial Park in Kunshan, a city neighboring Shanghai.

In August, the EU announced a plan to levy five-year import duties of up to 36 percent on electric vehicles imported from China. On November 2, there will be a vote among EU members to decide whether Brussels will implement the tariffs on EVs.

The day after the EU announced the plans for the tariffs in August, Beijing announced a WTO probe into EU subsidies of some dairy products exported to China.

Beijing has also launched anti-dumping and subsidies investigations of the EUs brandy and pork exports.

In recent years, China and the EU have had disputes over a range of issues including trade, technology and national security.

Some fear the recent tit-for-tat actions between China and the EU may indicate a potential trade war breaking out.

"I think that we need to build bridges between the European Union and China and from Spain, said Sanchez. What we'll do is to be constructive, and to try to find a solution, a compromise between China and the European Commission."

"The government of Spain wants to consolidate the growth of our trade relations and investment with China, with a focus on green and innovative industries and avoiding that trade and geopolitical tensions damage them," Sanchez said on Wednesday.

In an annual survey published Wednesday, the European Chamber of Commerce noted that business confidence in China is at an all-time low.

According to the report, many European businesses are saying they do not think the return on China investments are worth the risks, alluding to China's weakened consumer demand and a politicized business environment.

Sanchez explained Wednesday that it is undeniable that these [EU-China] relations need to be balanced.

As Sanchez concluded his visit to China, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store.

The two leaders agreed to set up green transition talks between Beijing and Oslo every two years, according to Chinese state media.

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, said Xi, according to Chinas official Xinhua News Agency.

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, the Xinhua report said.

Some material from this report was provided by Agence France-Presse, Reuters and AP.
In Tanzania, tensions are high between the incumbent President Samia Suluhu Hassan and the opposition, well ahead of the presidential elections scheduled for October next year.

On Sept. 9, the police found the body of Ally Kibao, a senior member of the main opposition party CHADEMA. "Two armed men" abducted Kibao from a bus a day earlier. The autopsy of his body confirmed that the abductors had beaten Kibao and burned him with acid, Reuters reported.

CHADEMA leadership said the police abducted and killed Kibao.

But President Hassan said on X that the government she leads is a democracy and "does not tolerate such brutal acts." Hassan, however, described the killing as an "assassination" and said she ordered a thorough investigation of the crime.

Hassan has been seen as a reformist since assuming the presidency in 2021, after her predecessor, the hardliner John Magufuli, died in the office. In 2023, Hassan lifted Magufuli's long-standing ban on opposition rallies. Her ruling party, Chama cha Mapinduzi, has won six consecutive elections. But the abduction and killing of an opposition leader taints Hassan's image and lowers her party's chances to win again in October 2025.

Kibao's abduction and brutal death sparked outrage among Tanzanian social media influencers like Marai Tsehai.

Tsehai, a media and communications analyst, accused the president of trying to silence the opposition, including by using her security apparatus to target dissidents for abduction.

"@SuluhuSamia through her security has overseen the abductions of opposition leaders and activists, threatened activists like @TitoMagoti and she is on a roll! THEY WANT TO SPREAD FEAR! She is not stopping or slowing down as elections are looming and internal polls show her unpopular"

That is likely true.

Investigations by international human rights groups and witness testimonies provide evidence of government agencies' involvement in the disappearances of at least three prominent opposition figures as well as mass arrests.

Tanzanian human rights activist Tito Magoti, mentioned in Tsehai's post on X, says the government agents have been sending him threats for his monitoring of rights abuses.

In just one broadly reported case on August 12, the police arrested more than 500 people, including leaders of the opposition party, former presidential candidate Tindu Lissu among them, together with at least 520 youths, accusing them of planning to commit violence.

The young people planned to attend a rally to mark International Youth Day  a civil right guaranteed by the Tanzanian constitution. But the police canceled the rally and detained its participants, only to release them later on bail.

The independent Tanzanian news media reported that in August alone five people went missing, including three opposition leaders, after criticizing government policies.

At least two international human rights watchdogs reported the Tanzanian security forces' suspected involvement in the abduction of the three opposition figures.

The New York-based Human Rights Foundation urged the Tanzanian government to release "three opposition figures who have been abducted in recent weeks by suspected state security agents and remain missing."

Another New York-based international group, Human Rights Watch, reported that authorities in Tanzania have detained or threatened at least 22 people since June 2023, including demonstrators who protested the Tanzanian National Assembly's lawmakers for adopting legislation they say went against the interests of Tanzanians.

Social media influencers launched a campaign on X calling for the release of those gone missing in Tanzania, describing them as "abducted by the police," and using the hashtags #FreeDeusdedithSoka, #FreeChaula #FreeDioniz, #FreeMlay, #FreeMbise #FreeAliKibao.

Earlier this year, on March 24, the U.K.-based Institute for War and Peace Reporting (IWPR) said that more than 100 Tanzanians went missing between 2021 and 2023, citing Tanzanian human rights groups.

Family members accuse the police of their loved ones' disappearances. The police deny involvement, insisting the cases were linked to criminal activities.

Most of the missing were entrepreneurs, traders or mining dealers.

According to IWPR, one of the missing persons, mining dealer Mussa Mziba, was arrested at his home by police on December 7, 2023.
The leader of Tigray People's Liberation Front Debretsion Gebremichael has reported previously undisclosed talks between his region and the leaders of Eritrea.

Speaking at a press conference in the regional capital Mekelle, Ethiopia, on Tuesday, Debretsion said the first round of talks took place about six months ago in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

He told reporters that Getachew Reda, the president of the Tigray Interim Regional Administration, represented the TPLF at the talks in Dubai.

Without indicating venue and date, Debretsion also said there have been subsequent meetings with the Eritrean leaders after the initial meeting in Dubai.

This was decided by the TPLF Executive Committee, he said. Accordingly, President Getachew Reda has engaged with Eritrea's leaders. This is something that I know and my party's Executive Committee knows.

He said the talks, which were aimed at creating peace between the two sides, had a positive result.

The abduction of citizens, looting and other activities by the Eritrean forces has improved and eased as a result, he said.

He said the TPLF partys intention is to make peace with all our neighbors, including the Fano forces and the Eritrean government.

Based on this principle, Getachew met with the Eritrean leaders, which is known by the honorable prime minister and my part. But this is for a good cause and for peace," he said.

Debretsion indicated that Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has been encouraging them to engage in the talks. He adds that Getachew has also briefed the Ethiopian leader about the talks.

There has been no immediate reaction from Ethiopia prime ministers office, Eritrea and from IRA leader Getachew.

VOAs Horn of Africa Service has reached out to the Ethiopia prime ministers office and government communication service but has not received a response. Also, repeated attempts to get reaction from the Eritreas ministry of information were not successful.

The governments of Ethiopia and Eritrea were allies during a deadly two-year war in Tigray that killed thousands. Human rights organizations and the United States have accused Eritrean and Ethiopian forces of committing war crimes during the war in Tigray, a charge the two governments denied.

In November 2022, the Ethiopian government and TPLF signed the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement in Pretoria, South Africa, committing to a permanent ending of fighting.

Tigray regional officials allege that Eritrean troops remain in parts of their region despite the Pretoria agreements call for the withdrawal of foreign forces. The agreement called for the withdrawal of all foreign forces and non-Ethiopian National Defense Forces, referring to the Eritrean forces and Ethiopian militias allied with the Ethiopian government.

During his visit to Ethiopia, Hammer will review the implementation of the Pretoria Cessation of Hostilities Agreement on northern Ethiopia with the signatories, the State Department said in a statement.



The United States remains committed to supporting the Ethiopian government and the Tigray Interim Regional Administration to achieve lasting peace, including through effective disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration for ex-combatants; an orderly and peaceful return of internally displaced persons; and advancing transitional justice and accountability, the statement read.

Hammer will also discuss with Ethiopian officials their efforts to advance dialogue to end violence in the Amhara and Oromia regions, it added.
The United States announced more than $700 million in new aid to Ukraine, including support for the country's energy sector, as Russia targets its infrastructure. The package also includes assistance for humanitarian efforts and demining work.

On Wednesday, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy made a rare joint visit to Kyiv ahead of Friday's bilateral meeting at the White House between U.S. President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to discuss continued support for Ukraine.

In Kyiv, Blinken announced $325 million to help repair Ukraine's energy and electric grid amid ongoing Russian attacks, along with nearly $290 million in humanitarian aid for essential services such as safe drinking water, food, shelter and medicine. Additionally, he unveiled $102 million for demining efforts to remove landmines and unexploded ordnance left by Russian forces across Ukraine.

Support for Ukraine will endure because it doesn't depend on any one country, any one party, any one election, Blinken told reporters at a joint press conference with Lammy and Ukraines new foreign minister, Andrii Sybiha.

Weve seen Russia now pursue and indeed escalate its attacks inside Ukraine, on civilians, on energy infrastructure, as well as on the Ukrainian military thats defending its country, Blinken said.

Today, I can confirm more than 600 million worth of support for Ukraine, including 242 million this financial year for immediate humanitarian, energy and stabilization needs, as well as support for reform, recovery and reconstruction. Plus, we're confirming our intention to deploy $484 million worth of World Bank loan guarantees later this year, said Lammy, the British foreign minister.

He added that the United Kingdom is speeding up military deliveries with air defense missiles, additional artillery ammunition and more armored vehicles to Ukraine by the end of this year.

Concerns about escalation have so far limited Kyiv's use of Western long-range weapons to strike targets inside Russia.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had called for "strong decisions" and reiterated his request for permission to use long-range missiles against Russia.

Sybiha, Ukraines foreign minister, speaking through a translator, said that his country needs "a firm answer" from allies to counter Russias provocations and escalations. He cited the increasing Russian attacks on Ukraines nuclear power stations and targets near the border with NATO members.

U.S. and British officials suggested that Russian President Vladimir Putin has already escalated the war on Ukraine by seeking ballistic missiles from Iran.

Drone warfare

On Wednesday, Ukraines military said it shot down 20 of 25 drones that Russian forces used in overnight attacks targeting multiple Ukrainian regions.

The intercepts took place over the Cherkasy, Dnipropetrovsk, Kherson, Kyiv, Poltava, and Sumy regions, Ukraines air force said.

There were no immediate reports of casualties or major damage.

Russias defense ministry said it shot down a Ukrainian drone over the Belgorod region.

Officials in Belgorod also reported a freight train derailment that happened after the intervention of non-authorized people. The local office of Russias national rail operator said in a statement that 11 empty carriages and a locomotive derailed.

The latest fighting came as Blinken and Lammy traveled Wednesday to Ukraine for talks with senior officials.

"I think its a critical moment for Ukraine in the midst of what is an intense fall fighting season, with Russia continuing to escalate its aggression," Blinken said Tuesday.

A change in restrictions?

U.S. President Joe Biden indicated Tuesday that the United States may be moving to lift its restrictions on Ukraine's use of long-range weapons in its war with Russia.

The U.S. steadfastly has been unwilling to supply or sanction Ukraine's use of U.S.-supplied weapons that could strike deep into Russia, for fear of escalating the conflict.

Some of Ukraine's allies have supplied Kyiv with such weapons, but the countries supplying the weapons have imposed restrictions on how and when the weapons can be used.

In response to a question Tuesday about whether the U.S. would lift restrictions on Ukraine using long-range weapons against Russia, Biden said his administration is "working that out now."

Earlier Tuesday, Blinken also indicated in an interview with Sky News that there could be a U.S. shift in its stance on allowing Ukraine to use long-range missiles in Russia.

"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.

Some information for this story came from Agence France-Presse and Reuters.
U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson canceled a vote scheduled for Wednesday on his stopgap funding bill, saying more work is needed to build support for a measure, less than three weeks before a government shutdown deadline.

"No vote today, because we're in the consensus-building business here in Congress, with small majorities, and that's what you do," Johnson told reporters at the Capitol.

The vote had been set for later on Wednesday.

Johnson added that Republicans will be working through the weekend to find a bill that would gain enough votes for passage, now that his measure, opposed by President Joe Biden and congressional Democrats, has faltered.

House Republicans have attached a controversial provision requiring people to provide proof of citizenship to register to vote, a measure meant to force Democrats to take stances on the politically charged issue of non-citizen voting, which is already illegal in federal elections.

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, who continues to falsely claim his 2020 loss was the result of fraud, has urged Republicans to pass the voting measure ahead of the November 5 election.

The federal government's fiscal year ends on September 30, when funding for many agencies expires. Without some sort of extension, federal programs not deemed essential would have to suspend many of their operations, forcing thousands of government workers to go on leave.

Success for the funding bill was not guaranteed in the chamber that Republicans control by a narrow 220-211 margin. Several House Republicans have said they would vote against the measure, citing spending concerns, and many members of the caucus generally oppose stopgap spending measures.

Two Republicans joined Democrats on Tuesday in voting against a procedural move to advance the bill.

Democrats broadly see the citizenship registration requirement as meant to undermine confidence in administering elections.

"We're watching a movie we've seen over and over again," said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer on Tuesday. "House Republicans are trying to pass a bill so partisan that it even splits their own caucus. This proposal isn't even serious."

The White House on Monday said Biden would veto this funding package were it to pass, citing the unrelated cynical voting requirement. The administration also wants a temporary funding period shorter than six months, as well as more money for the Federal Emergency Management Agency to fix infrastructure damaged by natural disasters.

Lawmakers face an even more critical self-imposed deadline on January 1, before which they must act to raise or extend the nation's debt ceiling or risk defaulting on more than $35 trillion in federal government debt.
The two-day pan-African AI conference co-hosted by the United States concluded Wednesday in Lagos, Nigeria's commercial hub.

Hundreds of delegates including public officials, tech leaders, policy makers academics and entrepreneurs attended the conference to hold talks about the development and use of safe, secure and trustworthy AI systems in Africa.

The U.S. deputy secretary of state, Kurt Campbell, spoke at the summit about the opportunity at hand.

"A global technology revolution is well under way  the race to develop and deploy new technologies, including artificial intelligence, is already shaping everything about our lives," said Campbell. "We aim to foster collaborations between the United States and Africa AI researchers, policy makers and industry leaders, so that we can work together to drive innovation and address common challenges. This will enable us to share the benefits of AI globally."

The conference is a significant step in Africa's technological future.

Campbell said artificial intelligence can be used to address problems like global health, food security, education, energy and climate change, and asserted the conference has provided the ground for African voices in AI to shape emerging global AI systems.

"I cannot overstate Africa's growing importance in the global technology landscape," said Campbell. "By developing human capital and strengthening research and innovation ecosystems and building and AI ready institutional and regulatory environment, we can help AI work for Africa. The African Union's landmark AI strategy sets the roadmap for African countries to harness AI's potential to achieve developmental aspirations in education, health, agriculture, infrastructure, peace and security and good governance."

In July, the African Union launched the continent's Artificial Intelligence Strategy, saying AI is pivotal in transforming Africa into a global technology hub, and it called on member states to adopt the strategy.

On Tuesday, Nigeria's minister of communication, innovation and digital economy, Bosun Tijani, announced a $61,000 grant for Nigeria's brightest AI startups.

"For us to truly harness artificial intelligence for our collective benefits, we must be deliberate and collaborative in our approach," said Tijani. "We just ensure that our digital transformation journey is inclusive, equitable and human focused."

Africa currently represents 2.5% of the global AI market, according to the Artificial Intelligence for Development Africa, or AI4D.

But analysts say with more talks about safe use, AI applications could boost Africa's economy by $2.9 trillion by the year 2030 with Kenya, South Africa and Nigerian markets taking the lead.
The top U.S. and British diplomats headed together into Ukraine on Wednesday to discuss further easing rules on firing Western weapons into Russia, whose alleged acquisition of Iranian missiles has raised new fears.

In a rare joint trip, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken was taking the train to Kyiv with Foreign Secretary David Lammy, whose 2-month-old Labor government has vowed to keep up Britain's role as a key defender of Ukraine.

The pair, who boarded the train early Wednesday at the Polish border town of Przemysl, are expected to meet in Kyiv with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who has kept pressing the West for weapons with more firepower and fewer restrictions.

U.S. President Joe Biden, asked in Washington whether he would let Ukraine use longer-range weapons, said: "We're working that out right now."

Biden, while strongly supportive of Ukraine, has previously made clear he wants to avoid devolving into direct conflict between the United States and Russia, the world's two leading nuclear powers.

Blinken, speaking Tuesday in London alongside Lammy, said the United States was committed to providing Ukraine "what they need when they need it to be most effective in dealing with the Russian aggression."

But Blinken, who is on his fifth trip to Kyiv since the war, said it was also important to see if Ukrainian forces could maintain and operate particular weaponry.

Pressed later in an interview with Sky News on whether the United States would green-light long-range weapons, Blinken said, "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."

The renewed talk about long-range weapons comes after the United States said that Iran has sent short-range missiles to Russia, which could strike Ukraine with them within weeks.

The Iranian shipments have raised fears that Moscow would be freed up to use its long-range missiles against comparatively unscathed areas in western Ukraine.

Western powers announced new sanctions against Iran's clerical state over the sale, which defied repeated warnings.

The United States earlier this year gave its blessing for Ukraine to use Western weapons to hit Russian forces when in direct conflict across the border.

But Ukraine last month launched a surprise, daring offensive directly into Russian territory in Kursk, hoping to restore morale and divert Moscow as Russian troops trudge forward in the front lines of eastern Ukraine.

British media reports said Biden, who meets Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Friday, was set to end objections to letting Ukraine fire long-range Storm Shadow missiles into Russia.

Britain has repeatedly pushed the United States, by far Ukraine's biggest military supplier, to be more forward on weapons.

One key ask of Ukraine is to loosen restrictions on U.S.-supplied Army Tactical Missile Systems, or ATACMS, which can hit targets up to 300 kilometers away.

In a joint letter to Biden, leading members of Congress from the rival Republican Party asked him to act on ATACMS immediately.

"As long as it is conducting its brutal, full-scale war of aggression, Russia must not be given a sanctuary from which it can execute its war crimes against Ukraine with impunity," said the letter signed by Representative Mike McCaul, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

Republicans, however, are deeply divided over Ukraine, and a victory in November by Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump over Biden's political heir Kamala Harris could dramatically shift US policy.

Trump aides have suggested that if he wins, he would leverage aid to force Kyiv into territorial concessions to Russia to end the war.
UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations has protested Israeli forces in Gaza blocking for seven and a half hours and shooting at a marked UN convoy, a UN spokesman said on Tuesday.

"We've protested," said Stephane Dujarric, chief spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. "We were in touch with as many, I think, Israeli officials that we could get on the phone with yesterday (Monday) during the more than seven hours this was going on."

Dujarric said the 12 UN staff members were on their way to support the polio vaccination campaign in northern Gaza. Movement of the convoy was fully coordinated with Israeli forces, with all details provided ahead of time.

The spokesman said the incident was the latest example of the unacceptable dangers and impediments that humanitarian personnel in Gaza were experiencing. Less than two weeks ago another UN convoy was attacked by Israeli forces in Gaza.

When the team was stopped at an Al Rashid checkpoint, they were informed that Israeli forces wanted to hold two UN staff members in the convoy for questioning, he said. "The situation escalated quickly, with soldiers pointing their weapons directly toward our personnel in the convoy."

Dujarric said Israeli forces encircled the convoy and fired at the vehicles. Gunfire struck no one. Israeli Defense Forces tanks and bulldozers rammed the UN vehicles from the back and the front, compacting the convoy with UN staff still inside.

"One bulldozer dropped debris on the first vehicle, while Israeli soldiers threatened staff, making it impossible for them to safely exit their vehicle," he said. "The convoy remained at gunpoint, as senior UN officials engaged with Israeli authorities to de-escalate the situation. The two staff were interrogated and then released."

The spokesman said that after seven and a half hours at the checkpoint, the convoy returned to the base, unable to complete its humanitarian mission.

"This incident -- and the conduct of Israeli forces on the ground -- put the lives of our staff in danger," he said. "It is critical that Israeli forces take measures to protect humanitarian staff and assets and to facilitate their work. This is what international humanitarian law requires."

Dujarric said that despite the incident, the world body's humanitarian partners were able to start the polio vaccination campaign in northern Gaza as scheduled on Tuesday. The third phase of the campaign continues through Thursday.

On Tuesday, the UN relief agency for Palestinians reported that humanitarians vaccinated thousands of children in northern Gaza. 
In the U.S. presidential election, the Republican Partys presidential nominee, Donald Trump, clashed with his Democratic Party rival, Kamala Harris, Tuesday evening over issues such as abortion, immigration and foreign policy. VOAs chief national correspondent Steve Herman has details from the candidates first debate in Philadelphia.

Standing two meters apart with no audience in the room, the two presidential nominees -- who had never met before Tuesday night  had their first encounter, hosted by ABC News and simulcast on other broadcast networks to tens of millions of likely American voters.

Vice President Kamala Harris spoke to those voters as much as she responded to the attacks from former President Donald Trump, setting much of her own course following President Joe Bidens withdrawal from the race.

"Clearly, I am not Joe Biden, and I am certainly not Donald Trump. And what I do offer is a new generation of leadership for our country. One who believes in what is possible. One who brings a sense of optimism about what we can do instead of always disparaging the American people.

Trump blamed Harris, whom he called a Marxist, for a surge in illegal migration into the United States.

Theyve destroyed the fabric of our country. Millions of people let in.

Trump, without evidence, also blamed Harris for Russia invading Ukraine and the war in Gaza.

She hates Israel. At the same time, in her own way, she hates the Arab population because the whole place is gonna get blown up  Arabs, Jewish people, Israel. Israel will be gone.

For Trump, it was his seventh time on the presidential debate stage. For Harris her first.

She said the Republican nominee is unfit to return to the White House and theres a consensus about that among world leaders except for the autocrats, whom Trump admires.

You adore strongmen instead of caring about democracy.

Trumps surrogates in the spin room, such as Republican Congressman Byron Donalds of Florida, said Harris failed to articulate what she would do as president.

Kamala Harris, all she did was attack him. She didnt talk about the policies. She didnt talk about her differentiations between her and the Biden administration. When Afghanistan came up, what did she say? A lot of nothing.

Nearly a third of voters polled prior to the debate said they were familiar with Trump but needed to learn more about Harris.

The debate flushed out a clear contrast between the two, according to a Democratic Party congressman from California, Ted Lieu.

Kamala Harris was presidential. Donald Trump was weird and incoherent.

Unless Trump and Harris debate again before Election Day, this may have been their best opportunity to try to sway the relatively small number of undecided voters in the seven swing states expected to decide who will become the next president of the United States.
By Ken Bredemeier

The United States paused for a moment of reflection and remembrance on Wednesday, the 23rd anniversary of the horrific al-Qaida terrorist attacks on the country that killed nearly 3,000 people.

Relatives of those killed as hijacked airliners were crashed into the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York gathered at the Ground Zero memorial on a clear September morning not unlike that on September 11, 2001.

President Joe Biden, accompanied by Vice President Kamala Harris, watched the ceremony, as did former President Donald Trump, with former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg standing between the political adversaries.

Less than 12 hours after Harris and Trump concluded their contentious presidential debate in Philadelphia, the two candidates opposing each other in the November 5 election shook hands and seemingly exchanged quick pleasantries.

Biden and Harris later visited the rural community of Shanksville, Pennsylvania, where another al-Qaida-hijacked plane, which was believed en route to Washington, crashed after passengers commandeered the cockpit from the hijackers.

Then, Biden and Harris are headed to the Pentagon, just outside Washington, where a fourth hijacked aircraft was crashed into one wall of the five-sided headquarters of the Defense Department.

In a statement, Biden commemorated the lost lives of 2,977 people.

On this day 23 years ago, terrorists believed they could break our will and bring us to our knees, Biden said. They were wrong. They will always be wrong. In the darkest of hours, we found light. And in the face of fear, we came together  to defend our country and to help one another. That is why terrorists targeted us in the first place: our freedom, our democracy, our unity.

They failed. But we must remain vigilant, the president said. Today, our longest war is finally over. But our commitment to preventing another attack on our people never will be.

In New York, a police bagpipe honor corps carried an American flag to the plaza where the skyscrapers once stood. A collection of top U.S. officials watched as a bell was tolled twice, once at 8:46 a.m. and again at 9:03 a.m., when Flight 11 and then Flight 175, respectively, crashed into the towers.

As is tradition every year at the 9/11 commemoration, the names of all the victims were solemnly read, with many of the relatives of those killed holding pictures aloft of their loved ones.

Cathy Naughton came to honor her cousin, Michael Roberts, one of hundreds of firefighters killed in the attack. Twenty-three years later, she said, "It's just so raw. We want to make sure people remember always and say the names always and never forget."
By Columbus Mavhunga

Harare, Zimbabwe  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.
Everyone is running from something in the latest episode of Bad Monkey. Yancy is running from the law, Bonnie is  also running from the law, and the Dragon Queen is running from what she perceives to be a life of stagnation on Andros. While each of these characters wade through a whole lot of chaos, they all find moments of catharsis in their pursuits as well.

Yancy tops the episode by calling his old pal Rogelio for help. He claims that hes in A jam, maybe even a pickle. It feels like Ro gets these calls pretty often from Yancy, and hes kind of tired of fielding them, but he also loves his friend dearly. Hes also conflicted because Sonny tricked him into admitting that he helped Yancy after the Miami PD wanted him. At the end of the episode last week, Sonny threatened his job, and so Ro gives up his buddy here pretty quickly. When Yancy arrives at Rogelios house, the cops are there to arrest him. Womp womp. Its a pretty stunning moment of betrayal, but honestly what did Yancy think he was going to do? Keep running forever? With a putrid finger in his pocket?

Again, we get the sense that these are the types of bonkers activities that Yancy engages in on the regular, but he feels that hes justified if he breaks the law in the pursuit of justice. Yancy is a big ol justice warrior, and he wants to see Nick answer for his crimes. Hes unclear on Eves involvement, but he knows shes also very suspect. The cops book Yancy, and the episode keeps him away from the rest of the action for the majority of the run time. Its fun to watch him spar with the cops, but also frustrating because we know that Yancy and his antics cant be caged. Could this possibly be the very first time this guy has been arrested? Or has he been arrested before? Discuss!

Theres a lot of back and forth between Mendez and Yancy, with Mendez threatening and gloating and Yancy volleying everything back to him sharply. Then, in a last-minute twist, Ro comes to the rescue. On a hunch that Mendez was hiding something, he went back to question the (racist) lady who witnessed Yancy coming out of OPeeles apartment. Apparently, Mendez tampered with her testimony, telling her to leave out the part about the one-armed man that she saw at the scene. Oops. Mendez runs, and Yancy is free to go.

The feud between Mendez and Yancy has gotten a bit tiring, and Im hoping the resolution to this episode means that Mendez is out of the picture, at least for now. I did enjoy Yancys admission that hes been the one ripping the guys mailbox out of the ground  if nothing else, Yancy is a man of honesty and principle who isnt afraid to answer for his actions.

The episode juxtaposes Yancys brutal honesty with Bonnies plight. As I mentioned last week, this storyline doesnt truly feel like its a piece of everything else thats happening, but we do get a whole lot of the wonderful Scott Glenn (!) waxing poetic about nature and responsibility, a cover of Wildflowers by Charlotte Lawrence, and Bonnie escaping on an airboat, so its not a total waste of time.

Bonnie is a very lost soul. She chiefly defines herself by how others see her, finding her self-worth in men who see her as a manic pixie sexual object, but shes starting to see how that perspective might be damaging to her and everyone around her. At the top of the episode, Yancy comes home to find both her and Cody in his home. On high alert for anything threatening or suspicious  a weird dude in the middle of his living room reading Richard Russo qualifies  Yancy tackles the kid to the ground. Bonnie diffuses the situation and asks if she can stay at the Yancy family cabin. Yancy says yes. This man truly thrives in chaos.

When Bonnie and Cody get there, Yancys dad is there. Scott Glenn is the picture of unruffled cool as he hosts his unexpected guests. He chills with them on the dock and offers gems of advice to Bonnie. When she respectfully rejects his famous pickle speech, he understands. This dude seems like he would be a great therapist.

During her visit, Bonnie dives into the crystal clear body of water at the back of the cabin. One imagines that this place has been in the Yancy family for a long time because this property would be a prime location for a developer to build something and sell it for a crazy profit. Come to think of it, this is the low-key message of Bad Monkey as a whole  developers such as Evan Shook and the Striplings trying to claim nature in the name of profits. Scott Glenn  I know hes Yancys dad, but they never give him an actual name, so Im just going to keep calling him Scott Glenn because respect  talks about the breathtaking cove in his backyard being the product of 33 million years of evolution. Its a lovely meditation on respecting the natural world and allowing things to grow at their own pace. Bonnie counters by telling him that its actually scientific: Its geology. But when she dives into the water, she comes face-to-face with a sweet manatee. What is a manatee if not magic made manifest?

Bonnie thinks the manatee is telling her to go for it with Cody, so she does, but then she reads his novel-in-progress. Its written in the voice of a young boy. Bonnie starts to realize that she did lasting damage to this boy, and begins to contemplate her next moves. But her thinking time is cut short as the detective on her case finds her at the cabin, and Bonnie absconds with Glenns airboat. Where shes headed with no money is a mystery, but somehow I think well be seeing her again soon.

Over in Andros, no one is running from the law. Neville tries to go see the Dragon Queen, but shes busy canoodling with Egg. Its a bad call from Neville, whos just checking up on his investment, but the queen seems to have forgotten about the curse she owes Neville. Perhaps shes playing the long game on his behalf, but probably not. Egg spots Neville through the window and shoots at him, getting him good in the arm. Neville escapes, but hes hurt badly. Much to Eggs chagrin, Neville seems to disappear off of the face of the earth. Egg returns to the queen, but she wants something more from him than just sex.

The events that unfold in this episode feel somewhat like a left turn for the Dragon Queen as she forges documents saying that John, the man she helped die in a previous episode, left her a very valuable piece of land that Eve and Nick are attempting to buy. Johns widow doesnt blink an eye when the document is placed in front of her, but his daughter makes a scene. Ya-Ya snaps at her, telling her that she wont tolerate disrespect again, but Ya-Ya also seems to know that something is up with this gift that has suddenly materialized.

The queen knows that Eve and Nick wont question the forged deed, so she has Egg set up a meeting with them. The meeting between these two wildly mismatched couples underscores both the income disparity and racial disparity between them. Eve and Nick believe they have all the power, treating both the queen and Egg like servants there to do their bidding, but the Dragon Queen isnt having it. Her power is stealthy and strong. Egg even feels it. He officially introduces her to his employers as the Dragon Queen with deep reverence in his voice. Nick doesnt catch that though, and flippantly responds, What the fuck is a Dragon Queen? Again, I might have an iota of sympathy for Nick if not for how terribly he treats literally everyone on Andros.

Nick quickly learns that hes not wanted or needed in this interaction. Neither is Egg. Eve and the queen negotiate the sale of the land, but theyre also sizing one another up. The queen isnt deterred by Eves cheery Mean Girl vibes. She was the mean girl in school, not in the prom queen way, but in the literal she-will-legit-murder-you-if-you-cross-her way. The queen details her hold on the island in cryptic threats, telling them that they thrive on Andros only because she, in all her infinite power, allows it to happen. This is a chilling thing to hear; the idea that a total stranger holds your fate in their hands is pretty terrifying. Eve has no response to this, and the queen delivers a one-two punch, telling her that she will not be disrespected. To her, disrespect is always personal. She eventually stands up, towering over Eve, and says, Ask around and find out what happens to people who fuck with me. We see that Eve is actually scared for maybe the first time in her life. Shes so terrified, in fact, that she kidnaps the queen at the end of the episode. Okay, okay, we dont actually know that its her, but it has to be, right? Eve loves money, Tilly, baby carrots, and violence, in that order. Quite frankly, Nick is probably down at the end of that list.

There are other reasons that Eve should be scared, too. At the conclusion of the episode, Claspers returns from Andros with a bunch of asshole drug runners. Rosa is there, snooping, and when everyone clears out she makes a shocking discovery in the plane. There is the missing Neville, covered in blood and discovered by the exact right person at the exact right time. Perhaps the Dragon Queen didnt forget about young Neville after all.

Monkeying Around

 Eve says that the piece of land that the queen is trying to sell her would be the perfect place for her boutique. Now we know what Eve was doing dropping five grand at Asias boutique: research.

 The biggest laugh I got this episode was from Rosa and Rogelio speaking Spanish openly in the middle of the Key West PD like its a secret language because none of the other bobos in the office have bothered to learn the language. Rosa insults Sonny in Spanish with a giant grin on her face, only for him to respond, Gracias, senorita!

 Even though Rosa isnt in this episode a lot, she has a few fun moments. At one point she tells Yancy, You make me need coffee. This is such a compliment and a diss at the same time, and I love it, and Ill be using it in my real life from now on.

 Tom Petty Cover Watch: When Bonnie has her moment with the manatee, a cover of Wildflowers by Charlotte Lawrence plays over the interaction. Lawrence plays Caitlin in the show; shes creator Bill Lawrences daughter, and shes also a musician. Its one of Pettys best songs, and Lawrence delivers a sweet, serviceable cover.
Photo: Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty Images

Brendan Frasers remarkable 2022 comeback was one of the great unexpected turns in recent Hollywood history. And now, with an Oscar win for The Whale, Fraser will act on the New York stage for the first time in nearly 15 years, starring in the premiere of Samuel D. Hunters Grangeville at the Signature Theatre in early 2025. His last New York production was 2010s doomed Elling, which he starred in alongside Jennifer Coolidge and Denis OHare. It lasted just one week on Broadway. Given his recent track record, this comeback also bodes well.

Grangeville follows two half-brothers from a remote Idaho town who reconnect after years and miles apart to care for their sick mother. Fraser will play the older brother, Jerry, and Brian J. Smith (Sense8), who is back in New York theater for the first time since his revelatory (and Tony-nominated) performance in 2013s The Glass Menagerie, will play his younger sibling, Arnold.

The upcoming play is not just a reconnection between Fraser and the stage but also a reconnection for Fraser and Hunter  Hunter wrote both the original play version of The Whale as well as the Fraser-starring adaptation. Brendan is one of my favorite actors and favorite human beings, Hunter tells Vulture. Im beyond lucky that I get to work with him again, this time on something brand-new for the stage, at Signature Theatre, which has been a real creative home for me. This story, these characters, and the world they come from mean a lot to me, and Brendan brings such warmth, humor, and painful humanity to the role.

Jack Serio (Uncle Vanya) will direct the production, which will run February 4 to March 16. Notably, for a star of Frasers Oscar-winning magnitude, the Signature Theatre is an Off Broadway house. With fewer seats and a guaranteed lack of Tony chatter, its a lower-stakes return to the New York stage for the actor. Now, we can only hope that the Signature releases more than just one promo image.
Photo: Courtesy of Warner Bros. Discovery

Pop culture has been an inescapable part of the 2024 election season, and not just because of celeb endorsements from the likes of dog mom Megan Thee Stallion and self-described childless cat lady Taylor Swift. Whether you think its appropriate or not, memes and jokes have powered conversations around political campaigns throughout the year, and Tuesday nights presidential debate was no exception. Sure, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump were the ones who faced off on stage. But judging by meme output, American Dad alien Roger Smith was the real winner. (Yes, even over Harriss confused, very meme-able face.) During last nights approximately 105-minute-long event, Trump accused Harris of wanting to perform transgender operations on illegal aliens in prison. The internet immediately latched onto the line, with one account tweeting that the charged combination of words was just MAGA mad libs. And what better way to cast doubt on the claim than to only discuss it in the context of fictional, extraterrestrial characters? Trans alien posts immediately began popping up across social media, with Roger and his many female alter egos emerging as a beloved frontrunner. Below, the best alien and non-alien memes to come out of the debate.

Roger that

The alien superstar of the night.

Theyre doing transgender surgeries on illegal aliens pic.twitter.com/FTYOwftHe9  jamie (@justjamiie) September 11, 2024

trump: they want transgender operations on illegal aliens



the illegal alien: #Debate2024 https://t.co/iyoMWpDSpm  cameron (@cambeserious) September 11, 2024

The illegal aliens after receiving their transgender operations in prison pic.twitter.com/Ow6icdPxLS  mia (@driftgardens) September 11, 2024

transgender operations on illegal aliens in prisons pic.twitter.com/AeEJKSw2WW  joshstrap (@joshstrap13) September 11, 2024

Honorable mentions (aliens)

A few other alien references abducted the internets imagination.

the aliens after their transgender operations pic.twitter.com/FD8LD6kAEQ  yolanda fister (@yolandafister) September 11, 2024

transgender operations on illegal aliens pic.twitter.com/glXG5ImZvS  trin (@lovelltrin) September 11, 2024

the illegal aliens after their transgender operations pic.twitter.com/ghMyzfaSKn      (@MalikHaelstrom) September 11, 2024

"transgender operations on illegal aliens who are in prison" pic.twitter.com/mLeTaxBSJT  hunter harris (@hunteryharris) September 11, 2024

TRANSGENDER OPERATIONS ON ILLEGAL ALIENS THAT ARE IN PRISON pic.twitter.com/CbS4e1IFuK  Gratuitous Theme Parks (@GratThemeParks) September 11, 2024

transgender operations on illegal aliens pic.twitter.com/S30NEDm9nb  victoria  (@lanternsjordan) September 11, 2024

illegal transgender alien pic.twitter.com/FzKYxsWbIk  zoe rose bryant (@zoerosebryant) September 11, 2024

she was in the prison doing transgender operations on illegal aliens right before she died pic.twitter.com/sjDycEO3Mq  soul nate (@MNateShyamalan) September 11, 2024

Honorable mentions (non-aliens)

Not out of this world, but still good.

A key point missing in a lot of post debate analysis is that Trumps claim about immigrants eating pets almost perfectly syncs up to the piano in the Peanuts theme song. pic.twitter.com/6icWLe1sPN  Noah Garfinkel (@NoahGarfinkel) September 11, 2024

moderator: you have 1 minute



trump:pic.twitter.com/UyQvWBEbs3  drew (@hydratedangel) September 11, 2024

calling january 6th j6 like its a k-pop group is unfortunately soooo funny  Sydney Battle (@SydneyBattle) September 11, 2024

rupaul after hearing kamala not banning fracking pic.twitter.com/wvnsr0Uxjk  zae (@itszaeok) September 11, 2024

trump without biden is like tom without jerry  soapy hadid (@soapyhadid) September 11, 2024

trump microbangs lowkey clairo shade  lia  (@beeefyfridgers) September 11, 2024
Photo: Courtesy of Netflix

Alanna Gold is owning up to the fact that she does not own Pioneertown, as she previously suggested on Netflixs Selling Sunset. 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 real estate agent said in a statement to Us Weekly. 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. 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. Located in the California desert, Pioneertown was founded as both an Old West-themed movie set and a functioning residential community. Gold added that she never wanted to disrespect the towns history or any of the people who make it such a wonderful place.

Her statement comes a day after citizens of Pioneertown called for an apology from Gold and Selling Sunset, writing in a collective Instagram statement that Golds claim undermines 78 years of internationally celebrated film, arts and cultural history. Gold previously also said in a People interview that she and her husband had learned that a large portion of the desert town was for sale in 2020, and viewed their subsequent purchase as an opportunity to save Pioneertown and its rich history. Pioneertown is a mile-square census designated community with over 400 residents and is privately owned by more than 100 independent parties, the people of Pioneertowns joint statement clarifies. 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 less than 1% of Pioneertowns total 640 acres. The claim that she owns the entire town is verifiably false. Ooh, wonder how awkward the next neighborhood get-together is gonna be.
River Cartwright is a seemingly capable agent, arguably the prize sheep in Lambs misfit flock. He wouldnt even be at Slough House if he hadnt been sabotaged during a field test, and his resume is boosted further by his grandfather David, whose time as a senior intelligence officer paved the nepotistic path that River was supposed to follow. And yet, for the second time in four seasons, River has gone off alone to a small town where his presence is so conspicuous that it immediately sets off alarm bells among the people hes seeking. He spent much of the second season in the tiny Gloucestershire town of Upshott investigating the cicada theory of Russian sleeper agents laying low in British society, awaiting instructions to strike. He survived the ordeal, obviously, but his adversaries had the drop on him before he could sort out enemy from friend.

And so now, we must ask again: What is Rivers plan, exactly? In the opening scenes to another terrific episode  nitpicks about investigative strategy aside, the show is hitting on all cylinders so far  we get clarification on what actually happened at Davids house and which River lookalike was shot in the face in his bathroom. Though Lamb speculates that David may be exaggerating his dementia, it would appear that he had enough clarity of thinking at the moment to realize that the man who announced himself as River and immediately went upstairs to draw a bath was not his grandson. As David tells River, one giveaway is that the stranger called him Gramps, which River never does. When the actual River turns up to assess the situation, hes pleased to find a bundle of clues to the intruders identity and previous whereabouts, including a passport and the receipt to a cafe in Lavande, France. And so he just, well, goes there.

As Brian Grubb wrote for Vulture earlier last week, He is very handsome and means well and is also maybe the dumbest man who has ever lived.

Granted, its his grandpas fault for putting him in this spot. Not only does David have a shaky account of the shooting that the Park could exploit, but hes also pressed a big red button to alert them, leaving River with little time to act. So he takes dramatic action by shooting the dead man in the face to sustain the assumption that its him for as long as possible. In the meantime, he tucks his grandfather away with Standish and heads to Lavande, a town thats so thoroughly off-putting that his cab driver notes that tourists dont visit. Yet here, River has spent 95 Euros on a cab ride to this bleak backwater, where the first two locals he meets wont talk to him, and a vicious guard dog accosts him. Still, he manages to get the address for a bar/cafe called Blanc Rousse, and straight-up ask the barkeep if hes seen a guy who looks like him. He doesnt even drink the latte he pretends to want.

From there, River marches off to stick his face in the fan  and, no surprise gets a bit lopped up by the blades. Its hard to know exactly the number and shape of his adversaries, but one of the men who confronts him is played by Hugo Weaving, whos still formidable 25 years after his turn as Agent Smith in The Matrix. We can see that River is monitored by multiple parties throughout the town and even back in London, where an operative casually approaches a cop outside of Davids house, gets some information out of him, and leaves behind a surveillance device. (Ineptitude is not limited to Slough House on this show.) River ends the episode by getting knocked unconscious by a man he assumes is rescuing him. It seems a fair fate, given his level of preparation for this impromptu boondoggle.

As Lamb and company hustle to sort through Rivers situation from afar  Lamb insists hes a Joe in the field, and you dont blow a Joes cover  the other major development from last weeks premiere, the bombing at Westacres, is getting scrutinized by the Park. An enterprising agent named Giti Rahman (Kiran Sonia Sawar) alerts Taverner that she ran the passport of alleged bomber Robert Winters and discovered that it was legitimately renewed multiple times over the years but had been issued from the old Park headquarters 28 years ago. Kristen Scott Thomas, as Taverner, takes in this catastrophic piece of information with her usual cool aplomb and immediately formulates a plan to bury it. She flatters Giti by putting her on this Very Special Project, on which shes to report only to her. This leads to a hilarious scene where Flyte, working well below her pay grade, is playing Gitis babysitter. She even makes her an omelet.

Though Taverner dutifully reports the situation to Claude, her superior in title only, she has to finesse the whole bury-the-information-in-a-pit strategy because Claude sees himself ushering in a new era of transparency at the agency. Taverner does everything but roll her eyes at his prepared speech to that effect, but its her philosophy, after so much experience on the job, that opacity and secrecy are critical at MI5. For self-evident reasons, it will not look good for the agency to have possible ties to the terrorist bombing of a shopping mall. So she tricks Claude into signing off on the destruction of incriminating documents related to Robert Winters, just one of the fires she puts out every bloody day. The investigation will have to take a more wayward track.

No doubt that track will lead through Slough House, and damned if the place is going to look clean and orderly when it does. In the episodes funniest subplot, an interim office administrator attempts to tidy up Lambs filth-caked hovel, and he smiles through gritted teeth, offering the woman a trip to lunch on him. On the way out, he whispers to his people, I cant fucking be in there with it like that. Put it back how it was. You cant have Pigpen without his cloud.

Shots

 To what degree, if any, is David Cartwright exaggerating his dementia? He was keen enough to suspect he was being watched and also keen enough to shoot the right guy despite his resemblance to his grandson. But his confusion and his tears tell a more straightforward story. As the past connection between David and Lavande comes into focus, surely well learn more.

 Lamb knows exactly what River has done before anyone else, of course. He also seems to have some appreciation for his moxie, even if he calls it arguably a batshit move.

 Marcus has returned to gambling again, chatting excitedly about parlaying the proceeds from a gun sale into a sure thing in order to pay off a debt thats well into five figures. A relapse is a good sign, he assures Shirley. All part of the process.

 A good zinger from Lamb to the new office administrator at lunch when she laughs at the reprobates shell have to manage at Slough House: You dont think that the company you find yourself in now reflects badly on you?

VULTURE NEWSLETTER Keep up with all the drama of your favorite shows! 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.
By Naira Afandiyeva

Mark Rutte, the new Secretary General of NATO, will assume office on October 1, Azernews reports citing foreign media.

The press service of the North Atlantic Alliance issued a statement regarding this.

"On October 1, Jens Stoltenberg's term as NATO Secretary General will end. He will be succeeded by Mark Rutte, the former Prime Minister of the Netherlands," the press service's statement reads.

It should be noted that the decision to appoint Rutte as the head of the Alliance was announced on June 26. Ambassadors from 32 NATO countries agreed to this appointment at a meeting of the North Atlantic Alliance.
Margaret Kincannon, daughter of a veteran of Flying Tigers, takes pictures of wreckage from Flying Tigers bombers displayed at an exhibition in Huimin Village in Anqing City, east China's Anhui Province, Sept. 10, 2024.(Xinhua/Guo Chen)

HEFEI, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- Jeffrey Greene, 70, was deeply moved by the sight of wreckage from Flying Tigers bombers displayed at an exhibition in Huimin Village in Anqing City, east China's Anhui Province.

Greene, chairman of the Sino-American Aviation Heritage Foundation, was part of a delegation of foundation members and descendants of Flying Tigers veterans visiting the exhibition on Tuesday.

Greene said that it was the first time he saw and touched the remains of bombers in the very place where his father served during the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. "It's a memory I will carry with me for the rest of my life."

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.

The Anhui section of the Yangtze River was a key supply route during the war, and several Flying Tigers planes crashed in the region due to combat or mechanical failures.

In 2013, a local fisherman named Ma Jinbing and others from Huimin Village accidentally retrieved parts of three Flying Tigers planes from the river, including landing gears, engines and fuselage sections.

"We caught these pieces in our fishing nets. As soon as we realized their importance, everyone stayed on shore day and night to protect them," said Ma, 56, adding that the local government soon built an exhibition hall to house these historic remains.

Since its opening, more than 600,000 people have toured the exhibition hall. "The real-life, moving historical stories between the Chinese and American people continue to resonate deeply with visitors," said Wang Maofang, a senior volunteer docent.

Data shows that more than 2,000 Flying Tigers personnel died during the war, and over 200 in distress were rescued by the Chinese people.

Nearly 95 percent of downed pilots from the Flying Tigers were saved by the Chinese, and no matter where they parachuted, they would be rescued, according to Chennault's memoir Way of a Fighter.

The Chinese government has long honored this profound historical bond. Earlier this month, the country released, for the first time, a list of 2,590 anti-Japanese aviation martyrs from the United States, most of whom were from the Flying Tigers.

Numerous museums, memorials and heritage parks focusing on the Flying Tigers have been established, and friendship school programs have been launched in several provinces, including Sichuan, Hunan and Yunnan.

Greene highlighted the importance of fostering understanding and stronger communication between Chinese and American youth. He noted that his foundation plans to assist in upgrading the Flying Tigers exhibition hall and expanding the friendship school program in Anhui.

"With face-to-face exchanges, we can understand each other better and develop better relationships," said Margaret Kincannon, daughter of a veteran. 

Jeffrey Greene, chairman of the Sino-American Aviation Heritage Foundation, has a touch of the wreckage from Flying Tigers bombers displayed at an exhibition in Huimin Village in Anqing City, east China's Anhui Province, Sept. 10, 2024.(Xinhua/Guo Chen)
At Toronto International Film Festival, Barry Keoghan is a meme king whos extremely good at his actual job (acting). Photo: MUBI

For an actor most people didnt know existed two years ago  and now that they do, are still trying to figure out how to pronounce his name  Barry Keoghan has become an incredibly seen young performer. After an Oscar nomination for 2022s The Banshees of Inisherin; the hurricane of memes, snark, and discourse around last years Saltburn; and a publicity-friendly relationship with pop girlie du jour Sabrina Carpenter, Keoghan went from Oh, that kid in Dunkirk? to one of 2024s rodent boyfriends. This come-up is funny if youre one of the few people who have been following Keoghans career since he played the creepy kid who probably poisons Colin Farrells family in Yorgos Lanthimoss 2017 movie The Killing of a Sacred Deer. Keoghan won fans among the cinephile set for the aloof intensity he demonstrates there, which could be dialed up for a movie like The Green Knight or down to suit the snappy superhero needs of Eternals.

Three years after his Marvel debut, Keoghan showed up at Toronto International Film Festival with not one but two movies. Bird, his new film with director Andrea Arnold, premiered at Cannes in May to good reviews but was overshadowed by grabbier films like Anora and Emilia Perez and ultimately ignored when it came time for the festival to hand out its awards. TIFF scooped up Bird as a Canadian premiere  as it often does with Cannes titles  along with the world premiere of the Irish film Bring Them Down, starring Keoghan and Christopher Abbott as men on two sides of a bitter family rivalry on adjoining farms.

Whats great about seeing Bird and Bring Them Down in close proximity at a film festival is that it provides the full range of the Barry Keoghan screen experience: Hes a fan-cam darling who hits the pages of People magazine reuniting with his Saltburn co-star, Jacob Elordi, for a red-carpet photo op, but hes also a frighteningly talented young actor who can match the artistry of an Arnold movie and hold his own opposite a forceful actor like Abbott. Bring Them Down Barry cracks a hard-boiled egg on his forehead in a scene that will no doubt make it into my reaction-GIF repertoire. But Bird is where Online Barry truly gets to flourish. Playing a tatted-up dad in  even for an Arnold movie  a depressingly impoverished concrete English tenement, Keoghans Bug arrives onscreen shirtless, on a motor scooter, sporting a gold chain and newsboy cap, and inked with all sorts of insects, including a centipede winding up his neck and onto his face.

The film centers Bugs daughter, Bailey (Nykiya Adams), upon whom Bug springs his surprise marriage to a woman Bailey has never met (but who really would love for Bailey to wear this animal-print bodysuit she just bought). And theres a whole other half of the movie having to do with Franz Rogowski. But I wont spoil any of that. I will, however, give you a sampling of the things Barry gets up to in Bird:

 He acquires a hallucinogenic toad, which he plans to use for drug-dealing purposes (sorry, porpoises) to finance his wedding.

 He practices for his wedding dance when he thinks no one is watching.

 He asks Bailey, Why cant you be chuffed for me?, when shes clearly upset about her surprise stepmom.

 He plays dad music because he thinks it will help his hallucinogenic toad secrete more of the good stuff.

 He calls Murder on the Dancefloor a shit song.

 He leads a karaoke sing-along rendition of Coldplays Yellow while holding his hallucinogenic toad.

 He jumps a turnstile while wearing a green nylon track suit.

 He asks Wheres Scotland? while looking at a map of Britain.

 He sings the Verves Lucky Man while riding on a scooter with his daughter and son (yes, he also has a son).

 He says, Fuck Scotland  fuck haggis.

 He wears a cerulean tux with mauve lining and no shirt to his wedding, where he dances to Cotton Eye Joe and sings Blurs The Universal.

Heres the thing about Barry in meme-king mode: He delivers. He gives Arnolds film the perfect mix of hopelessly ill-equipped dead-end dad who nonetheless revels in his trashy aesthetics, loves his kids, and cherishes his new wife. Whenever the camera seeks him out, he projects the exact right lovely-scum-bum energy the movie needs.

But if Bird is where Barry gets to cut loose, Bring Them Down is where Barry has to bottle it all up, playing a son burdened with the loyalties and hatreds his parents have passed down. For so much of the movie, Keoghans Jack is a passive participant in the plot; when his father (Paul Ready, excellent) and mother (Nora-Jane Noone, also excellent) argue about their failing sheep farm, Jack lurks helplessly, and when his dad decides to take provocative and violent action against Abbotts neighboring farm, Jack just suits up. The latter parts of director Christopher Andrewss movie are mostly about Jack finally deciding whether hell carry on his parents enmity, and Keoghans ability to retreat into the skin of an unsure kid is impressive here. When the movie lands on him and Abbott face-to-face, its simply electric.

This is what gets lost in all the fun we have with his red-carpet expressions, his high-school-senior-who-just-got-hot fashion sense, and his accent: the fact that he grabbed our attention by being incredibly good at his actual job. Well, there goes that dream isnt a funny line on its own; it resonates because of Keoghans ability to play disarming vulnerability. Saltburn, for all its provocations and eyebrow piercings, grabbed attention not because of the plain existence of a cum-slurpy bathtub scene but because Keoghan delivered the creepy possessive longing necessary to sell it. Some performers are fine teetering along the high wire that separates acting from celebrity without falling on one side or the other lest they lose the critics or the stans. For the moment, Barry Keoghan is staying upright, riding his scooter, and getting high off the hallucinogenic toad that is popularity in the 2020s.
CARACAS, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez on Tuesday inaugurated a world congress against fascism, neofascism and similar expressions with the presence of delegations from 95 countries.

"We must unite as a single mind, as a single soul to fight and not allow fascism to spread its tentacles over this planet," Rodriguez said in her opening speech at the Caracas Convention Center.

Fascism "is the most serious threat that the planet has," the vice president warned, emphasizing the need to defend humanity.

Rodriguez also criticized right-wing extremists for their threats against the Venezuelan government, accusing them of attempting to undermine the country's recent presidential elections.

Also attending the opening was Venezuelan Foreign Affairs Minister Yvan Gil, who said the congress is paying tribute to the victims of the 1973 coup d'etat in Chile. 
A second dog warden has been recruited in Waterford.

Dawn Wallace, Waterford Council Senior Executive Officer, said at a meeting this week that the new warden is due to start in mid-October. She added: We are advised that the department has plans to make further allocations for more dog wardens in the future.

Cllr John Pratt enquired at the meeting as to what powers dog wardens have. Unfortunately what the warden can do is very limited," he said.

He added that a recent incident in Waterford involved a dog which was freely roaming around a local housing estate, creating concerns amongst locals.

Ms Wallace responded: We have some education around dogs planned by our comms team, so maybe we need to do a little more work and think about how we explain more clearly to the public what our powers are under the controlled dogs act, because people often think we have greater powers that we actually do.
Residents on Manor Street are growing frustrated by the ongoing issue of dumping, says a Waterford City Councillor.

Frank Quinlan (Fine Gael) said: "This is an ongoing issue, the last 3,4 years with household waste being dumped Manor Street.

"It appears every morning 2,3 days every week, more so after the weekends."

"There's residents living there 30, 40 years and they're absolutely sick and tired of seeing bags and bags of rubbish being left on the corner."

The dumping has put pressure on Waterford City and County Council's cleansing crew, according to Cllr Quinlan.

Cllr Frank Quinlan has highlighted the issue.

He said: "The Council are busy enough at the best of times and they have to along and pick up after these people who are dumping their rubbish there.

"I'm after highlighting the issue on numerous occasions, I've contacted the environmental engineers in the City Council.

"This is the main thoroughfare into the City so its the first place you see as you enter the city and to see all the rubbish and mattresses and things left for other people to pick up is not acceptable and it needs to be stopped."

Cllr Quinlan has recommended the use of rubbish wardens to monitor the area.
The most recent Writers at Waterford Libraries event took place on Saturday, September 7, with bestselling crime writer Andrea Mara in conversation with Acting County Librarian, Mary Conway at Central Library on Lady Lane.

Mara is an Irish author living in Dublin. While working in financial services, she started the popular parenting blog Officemum.ie and became freelance writer for newspapers and magazines. She has since become a number one Sunday Times, Irish Times, and Kindle bestselling author.

During the meeting, she spoke about her latest book, Someone in The Attic, which was published earlier this year.

The packed audience was given an insight into Maras writing process, a sneak preview of her next book, and Mara also spoke about the thrill of having one of her books, All Her Fault, made into a TV series. The series, produced by US-streaming service Peacock, will star Australian actress Sarah Snook of 'Succession' fame.

Maras first book, The Other Side of the Wall was published by Poolbeg in June, 2017, followed by One Click, in 2018, and her third, The Sleeper Lies, came out in February, 2020.

All Her Fault was published in July, 2021, Hide and Seek, and No One Saw A Thing followed and her latest book, Someone in The Attic was published by Transworld / Penguin Random House.

Ms Conway, Acting County Librarian, Waterford City and County Council, thanked all those who attended, saying: This was a hugely insightful event into how a bestselling author consistently creates compelling and gripping contemporary crime fiction. Andreas outline of her writing process was also fascinating and one that Im sure many budding crime-writers will implement.

To find out more about upcoming author events at Waterford Libraries, visit www.waterfordlibraries.ie
A truly stunning piece of art was created on a beach on the Waterford coast as a tribute to the young girl in whose honour the charity, Aoibheann's Pink Tie is named, and as an acknowledgement of visiting firefighters from New York marking the anniversary of 9/11.

The sand art portrait of the late Aoibheann Norman, by sand artist Sean Corcoran and his friend Joe Lonergan, was created at Kilmurrin Cove on Wednesday, September 11, to coincide with the passing of the 9/11 New York firefighters cycle from Dublin to Cork.

The cyclists are raising funds for Aoibheann's Pink Tie and Friends of Firefighters, Inc.

Sean came across the following brave words from Aoibheann's dad, Jimmy, and they inspired him to create the artwork: 'My darling Aoibheann, look what you have done, my darling baby girl you have brought the world together. I hope that in some way you are proud. I will love you until all of the stars disappear. But I know you are always there for me. Love is a light that never goes out. I could not imagine or love more because you are always in my heart. I will never forget you or give up. Your daddy, Jimmy.'

Aoibheann died from a rare type of cancer when she was just 8 years old and in a statement to Waterford News & Star, Sean said: "It was a real pleasure to meet Aoibheanns dad, Jimmy, on the sand and for him to be part of quite an emotional gathering. The crew from the cycle race formed a guard of honour and applauded him as he ventured onto the beach and realised that we had created a larger-than-life portrait of his daughter. He had been told we were doing something but had no idea what it was. He strolled around the artwork in peaceful awe and wrote her name on her right ear. Everyone was very respectful and there was a great sense of camaraderie."

The amazing sand art depiction of the late Aoibheann created by sand artist, Sean Corcoran (The Art Hand)

Sean said Jimmy informed him that the photo he was working from to create the sand art piece was taken on Aoibheanns first day of school. "We were against the clock trying to complete the portrait between the showers and the returning tide and we just about managed to get it done as the crew and cyclists arrived," said Sean.

"Aoibheann would have been 23 years old now, if she had survived cancer," he added.

"Somehow I think Ive captured something of a timeless portrait of her. Its certainly not her at age 4, apart from her hair and school uniform, but I think her facial expressions reveal a more mature young woman, which I am pleased with.

Sean asked that people please consider donating to Aoibheann's Pink Tie Charity which helps children (and their families) during their battle with cancer. To support the charity go online to https://aoibheannspinktie.ie/donate/

"Well done to the NRFA - National Retained Firefighters Association of Ireland - and Friends of Firefighters for organising this worthy event to coincide with the 23rd anniversary of 9/11," said Sean.
Female entrepreneurs and budding businesswomen from across Waterford are being encouraged to register for this years National Womens Enterprise Day.

National Womens Enterprise Day is Irelands largest female enterprise event. It promotes, encourages and stimulates female entrepreneurship across Ireland. It is designed and led by women and is an annual high point in promoting entrepreneurship to women in Ireland. The Local Enterprise Office along with Enterprise Ireland provide a wide range of help, incentives, training, and development programmes to female entrepreneurs.

The Waterford event, which will take place on Thursday, October 17 at the Majestic Hotel in Tramore is a Local Enterprise Office (LEO) initiative packed with speakers that will inform and inspire.

Jacqui Gaule, Senior Business Advisor at LEO Waterford is looking forward to this years event: The morning in Tramore promises to be filled with networking, learning and inspiration, featuring an impressive lineup of successful female entrepreneurs.

National Womens Enterprise Day has always been a day of celebration of the very best in female entrepreneurship, highlighting the strength of that community. This year promises to be no different," she said.

Following a buffet breakfast where attendees can meet and network, the day kicks off with a workshop led by Sinead ONeill titled Target Questions for Insights to Unlocking Success. This workshop will include an interactive Table Mastermind and discussion, allowing attendees to share ideas and experiences in a collaborative setting.

The focus will then shift to a panel session hosted by Lynda Lawton. The panel includes Stephanie Wickham of Expat Taxes, TV cook and broadcaster Aisling Larkin, Mailo Power of Monkey Cups, and Eadaoin Carrick, Executive Chairperson of Cantec Group and Vice President of Waterford Chamber. They will explore Navigating Leadership and Overcoming Challenges, offering valuable insights and practical advice from their diverse experiences.

Following the panel session and a short break, attendees will be treated to a keynote address by Dee Hutchinson titled Unleashing Potential: Transformative Tools for Women to Make It Happen in Business and Beyond. Hutchinson is a trailblazing international executive, entrepreneur, and four-time Amazon bestselling author. With two decades of experience in senior leadership roles at global giants like Vodafone, Virgin Mobile, and Digicel Group, her career is a testament to her resilience and innovative spirit. Ms Hutchingson's journey spans 18 countries across five continents, showcasing her versatility and global mindset.

The address has been designed specifically for women in business, the session will tackle key challenges such as juggling multiple roles, overcoming self-doubt, and navigating a competitive landscape. Ms Hutchingson will share game-changing tools and strategies to help women achieve more without overburdening themselves, balancing efficiency with effectiveness.

This will be followed by a light lunch and an opportunity to network or meet any of the morning speakers to ask questions and delve further into their stories.

The tickets for the National Womens Enterprise event cost 20 and it takes place from 9am to 12.30pm.

The event is proudly supported by Waterford Chamber, Network Waterford, and Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber and those looking to attend can find more information and register on https://bit.ly/NWED2024 and join the conversation online using the hashtag #NWED.
By Cillian Sherlock, PA

The Government is to consider further changes to supports for asylum seekers, the Taoiseach has said.

Simon Harris made the remarks during a speech at the Fine Gael parliamentary party think-in on Wednesday.

Mr Harris also said that tented accommodation at Thornton Hall will open later this month.

Speaking in Tullamore, Co Offaly, the Fine Gael leader said there are no easy answers to building a new system to deal with increasing number of asylum seekers into the country.

He said: I continue to believe our approach must be threefold: Firm rules, fairly and efficiently enforced; a compassionate approach delivered with common sense; consistent, open and honest communications with the public.

Mr Harris said Irish people know the value migration brings to the economy, the health services and to society.

He said they also want to know the Government is listening to their concerns.

The Taoiseach said: With these things in mind, we will in the coming weeks consider further changes to the supports available to those seeking asylum in this country.

He said a new accommodation project management group would also be established, focused on opening a small number of large sites.

Mr Harris said: The first test of this will be the opening of tented accommodation at Thornton Hall later this month.

But crucially, we will enhance resources for the community engagement team and will commence a communications campaign from the end of September.

We understand the very legitimate concerns people have, and we have to work with communities to address the very basic questions they have.

We must not allow those who want to work with us to fall for misinformation and disinformation.

We have a responsibility to address their issues.

But we will never, ever stand by and allow the men and women of An Garda Siochana to be attacked for doing their job.
By David Young, PA

The UK government is set to make a statement later in relation to whether a public inquiry will be ordered into the murder of Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane.

Mr Finucane, 39, was shot dead in his family home in north Belfast in February 1989 by the Ulster Defence Association in an attack found by a series of probes to have involved collusion with the state.

His widow Geraldine and the couples three children have been campaigning for decades for a public inquiry to establish the extent of security force involvement.

The family of Pat Finucane  his wife Geraldine and children Seamus, Katherine and John  have campaigned for decades for a public inquiry (Liam McBurney/PA)

In 2019, the Supreme Court said all previous examinations of the death had not been compliant with human rights standards.

The court acknowledged Mrs Finucane had been given an unequivocal undertaking by the UK government following the 2001 Weston Park agreement that there would be a public inquiry into the murder.

However, the Supreme Court judges found that the UK government had been justified in later deciding against holding one.

The court said it was up to the government to decide what form of investigation was now required.

The following year, the government pushed back a decision on a public inquiry, insisting outstanding issues concerning the original police investigation needed to be first examined by the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland.

In the years since, Mrs Finucane has pursued further legal proceedings challenging the ongoing delays on a decision.

During the summer, the Court of Appeal in Belfast gave the UK government a September deadline to confirm what form of human rights-compliant investigation it intended to undertake into the murder.

Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn, who will make an oral statement in the Commons, met with members of the Finucane family in Belfast on Tuesday evening.
When Beyonce released her country music pivot, Cowboy Carter, back in March  that grand achievement outlining her personal and political struggle with a genre that had so thoroughly shunned her and black artists in general in the past  the intriguing question for those of us obsessed with the idea of a defining musical canon was this: lol, I wonder how awards shows are gonna deal with this?

Weve finally got our first answer: predictably and hilariously, theyre fumbling it big time.

Beyonces country album failed to receive a single nod from the Country Music Awards when nominations were announced this week. Credit: Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP

The Country Music Association Awards, better known as the CMAs, Nashvilles biggest awards night celebrating country music, are the first culprits. In a decision thats a veritable line in the sand, they failed to nominate Beyonce for any awards at all this year, sending the words Beyonce and snubbed trending across the globe.

For an album that so thoroughly dealt with a country institution that historically sidelined black talent, or any talent at all that didnt fit their very conservative image of country (Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, et al), its all very on the nose. And its not at all surprising.
I live in the forests in the South West region of Western Australia. They are ancient, magnificent natural wonders. They are also under serious threat.

An American mining giant, Alcoa, is mining for bauxite in the northern jarrah forests. After clearing the forests and removing the bauxite, it is impossible to restore these ancient ecosystems. Once theyre gone, theyre gone forever.

The Water Corporation regards this mining as a major intergenerational risk and says that a contamination event of Perths drinking water is almost certain. WAs water and environment regulator opposed Alcoas dangerous mining plans in their entirety, but last year the WA government granted a special exemption for Alcoa to keep mining regardless.

Alcoa bauxite mining operations in an area that was once jarrah forest in Western Australia. Credit: Getty/Nine News

Last month, it was revealed the WA environment regulator was diverting so many resources to monitoring Alcoa that the Departments audits of Ministerial Statements were reduced by 75 per cent and their inspections of environmental licences were down 40 per cent.
BEIRUT, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- A Hezbollah official was killed and another member severely injured on Wednesday afternoon during an Israeli raid in southeastern Lebanon's Mays al-Jabal village, Lebanese sources told Xinhua.

Military sources, who spoke anonymously, said an Israeli drone targeted a motorcycle with two air-to-ground missiles in Mays al-Jabal, killing a Hezbollah military cadre and wounding his companion.

They added that the civil defense crew is working to transfer the casualties to the government hospital.

Meanwhile, the Emergency Operations Center of Lebanon's Public Health Ministry issued a statement and confirmed the incident and casualties.

Israeli airstrikes also targeted the municipality of Yater and the villages of Maroun al-Ras and Rachaya al Foukhar in the eastern sector of the border area in southern Lebanon, the official National News Agency reported.

Also on Wednesday, Hezbollah claimed in a series of statements that its fighters have targeted the Israeli sites of Ruwaisat Al-Qarn, Al-Alam, and Al-Raheb, as well as the Zebdine barracks in the occupied Shebaa Farms.

The exchange of fire took place as tensions mounted along the Lebanon-Israel border since Oct. 8, 2023, following a barrage of rockets launched by Hezbollah toward Israel in solidarity with Hamas' attack on Israel the previous day. Israel then retaliated by pounding southern Lebanon, where Hezbollah builds numerous weapons caches, tunnels, and bunkers, with heavy artillery. 
Bus driver Brett Button has been sentenced to more than two decades in prison for the fatal crash that claimed 10 lives and injured 25 people following an idyllic wedding in the NSW Hunter Valley last year.



Hours earlier, he wept in court, telling the families of his dead and injured passengers that he committed the ultimate sin when he killed and injured their loved ones while under the influence of prescription painkillers.

Brett Button has broken his silence in court after listening to two days of gut-wrenching testimony from his victims. Credit: Nick Moir

Button, 59, spent two full days in court hearing the gruesome and heartbreaking statements from victims  some of whom want him imprisoned forever or dream of his death in prison.

On Wednesday afternoon, Judge Roy Ellis said Button would serve 32 years in prison, 24 years of those without parole, for the case of such extraordinary devastation.
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.
Europes renewed affair with long-distance train routes continues apace, and this time the destinations being linked are popular big cities: Paris and Berlin. It was in December last year that the French and German capitals were connected, with great acclaim, by sleeper train for the first time in nine years. The next step will be the start of direct high-speed daytime services between the two cities. Commencing in December with one service a day via Frankfurt, the journey will take about eight hours. A second service is planned for late 2025, heading via Strasbourg. See sncf-connect.com, int.bahn.de Austrias new Railjet trains Sleek, stylish Austrian Federal Railways new Railjet trains. Austrian Federal Railways (OBB) never likes to let the grass grow under its tracks; having revived the European sleeper train from near-death, its now improving daytime rail experiences. Its streamlined new-generation Railjet trains have recently entered service, replacing tired EuroCity carriages on journeys between Munich, Germany, and Verona, Italy. Decorated in burgundy and grey, the interiors of these new trains are sleek and stylish, with low-floor access and charging options by all seats. There are also mini-lockers for luggage, LED lighting throughout, and air-conditioning regulated via a heat pump system. All trains from Munich to Italy via the Brenner Pass will be new Railjets by 2025. See oebb.at Railjet trains will replace EuroCity carriages on journeys between Munich, Germany, and Verona, Italy.

Amtraks Cascades trains, US An unsung hero of the USs long-distance train services is Amtrak Cascades. Running from Eugene, Oregon, via Portland and Seattle to Vancouver, British Columbia, the Cascades trains link great cities via beautiful landscapes. In 2026 that scenery will be complemented by the evergreen and mocha livery of eight new train sets and two new locomotives, funded by the Biden administrations infrastructure funding boost. The new carriages are decked out with comfortable new seats and plenty of passenger amenities (including charging points and Wi-Fi), and theres a cafe car serving food favourites from the Pacific Northwest, including beer, wine and spirits. See amtrakcascades.com Chinas new sleepers New high-speed sleeper trains, from Hong Kong West Kowloon Station to Beijing/Shanghai. If youre catching a long-distance train, the choice often boils down to a high-speed daytime service or a slower night train. But why not combine both? Two high-speed sleeper trains have recently launched, heading from Hong Kong to either Beijing or Shanghai. Both depart the shiny new Hong Kong West Kowloon Station and take 12.5 hours and 11 hours respectively to reach each city, arriving just before 7am. Thats roughly half the duration of the previous sleeper services over those routes. Running four nights a week, these new sleepers are a great environmentally friendly way to cross China. See highspeed.mtr.com.hk

Cabin in the new high-speed sleeper trains, from Hong Kong West Kowloon Station to Beijing. Overnight to Barcelona European Sleepers Good Night Train from Brussels-Berlin to Prague. The sleeper train renaissance in Europe has been so profound that its drawn new operators into the fray. European Sleeper, a Belgian-Dutch company founded in 2021, recently made a splash by extending its initial Brussels-Berlin Good Night Train to Prague. It now intends to run an even more ambitious sleeper service from Amsterdam all the way south to Barcelona, Spain. The company hopes to have that train running by 2025, but it could be 2026 pending tricky negotiations for rail access across France. Watch this space. See europeansleeper.eu East Station, Chongqing, China

Artist impression of Chongqing East Station. Credit: Chongqing Municipal Housing and Urban-Rural Development Commission Chinese railways are known for their colossal new station buildings, and the new Chongqing East Station in western China fits that description. Its roof will cover 120,000 square metres, punctuated by vast skylights and supported by columns; respectively referencing the mountains and trees of the region. Expected to open in 2025, its platforms will serve high-speed services to such far-flung destinations as Hunan, Shanghai, Chengdu, and Kunming. As the station will also be linked to Chongqings local metro system, it should be a highly useful as well as a decorative facility. See china-railway.com.cn Canadas new long-distance trains VIA Rails new state-of-the-art fleet with redesigned carriages. Credit: VIA Rail The railway which runs from Windsor, Ontario, to Quebec City has long been the backbone of Canadas passenger train service, including as it does the metropolises of Toronto and Montreal. Over the next year, by the northern summer of 2025, VIA Rails entire fleet on this route will be replaced by new trains. The new carriages include ergonomically redesigned seating, big windows for scenic viewing, and a host of accessibility features. Business class is also worth a look, as it comes with a range of perks including wider seats, station lounges, and priority boarding. See viarail.ca
Chinese Premier Li Qiang speaks at a meeting with representatives of the Saudi business community in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Sept. 11, 2024. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin)

RIYADH, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Wednesday urged Saudi companies to deepen their involvement in the Chinese market, and invest with greater confidence.

Li made the remarks in a meeting with representatives of the Saudi business community including Saudi Public Investment Fund, Saudi Arabian Oil Company, Saudi Basic Industries Corporation, ACWA Power, and the Ajlan & Bros Holding Group. Saudi Minister of Commerce Majid bin Abdullah Al-Qasabi, Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih, and representatives from the China-GCC (the Gulf Cooperation Council) joint investment commission also attended the meeting.

The China-Saudi Arabia economic and trade cooperation is facing many favorable conditions for further deepening, Li pointed out, adding that entrepreneurs from both countries should seize the opportunities and play a bigger role.

He encouraged Saudi companies to expand and strengthen cooperation with China in traditional sectors such as oil and gas, petrochemicals, infrastructure, and trade, while enhancing cooperation in emerging and future industries like the digital and green economies.

Furthermore, Li said, the Saudi companies should actively serve as bridges to enhance friendship and mutual understanding between China and Saudi Arabia, and advance the China-Saudi Arabia comprehensive strategic partnership to new heights.

The Chinese government is committed to building a top-tier business environment that is market-driven, law-based and internationally oriented, Li added.

China will further relax market access, fully lift restrictions on foreign investment in the manufacturing sector, accelerate the opening of service sectors like telecommunications, and provide robust support for foreign enterprises, helping them establish a stronger presence in the country and achieve success in China, said the Chinese premier. 

Chinese Premier Li Qiang has a meeting with representatives of the Saudi business community in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Sept. 11, 2024. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin)
Under the framework of the EU-WCO Rules of Origin Africa Programme, funded by the European Union, the World Customs Organization, in partnership with the RTC Kenya, held a sub-regional advanced training workshop on rules of origin for Angola, Mozambique and Seychelles Customs. The workshop, which also saw the participation of representatives from Kenya Customs and the AfCFTA Secretariat, was held in Mombasa, Kenya, from 26 to 30 August 2024 with the objective to assist Customs administrations in enhancing their knowledge and application of preferential rules of origin and contribute to a seamless implementation of the AfCFTA and other relevant FTAs.

This workshop builds on the acquis from intermediate trainings conducted earlier in 2024 and forms part of a comprehensive technical assistance and capacity building partnership with the RTC Kenya.

In his opening remarks, Mr Swalleh Faraj, Chief Manager of Port Operations, on behalf of the KRA Southern Region Coordinator, thanked the WCO and the EU for their continued support in building capacity and stressed the importance of strengthening human resources. In light of the creation of a single continental market for Africa, the workshop would provide deeper insights for participants and, combined with a commendable hands-on experience through a field visit, assist participants in the application, or not, of preferential treatments.

During the workshop, participants gained a deeper understanding of key concepts for proper origin determination, including possible flexibilities such as cumulation, tolerance rules and the absorption principle, as well as related operational and procedural issues, such as origin certification and verification. Case studies made the concepts more tangible and relatable, and allowed the participants to detangle the spaghetti bowl of rules of origin in various free trade agreements applicable in Eastern and Southern Africa. Participants also had the opportunity to observe the practical application and management of rules of origin through field visits to a factory manufacturing edible oil and various soap products.

At the end of the visit, and in accordance with the sustainable and green approach of the company, the participants planted tree seedlings, thus contributing to Kenyas Vision 2030 on Climate-Change Mitigation.

The EU-WCO Rules of Origin Africa Programme will continue its work with the RTC Kenya and Member Customs administrations to equip Customs officials with extended knowledge for efficient implementation and application of rules of origin. As a next step, the Programme will conduct a training of trainers which will pave the way for Customs to further disseminate their knowledge to colleagues as well as to other relevant stakeholders.

For further information please contact EU-WCORoOAfrica.Program@wcoomd.org
The World Customs Organization (WCO) delivered a national workshop on Customs valuation in Guatemala City, Guatemala, from 26 to 30 August 2024 with financial support from the United States Department of Agriculture. The workshop aimed to strengthen the Customs valuation capacity of Guatemala Customs.

The workshop was facilitated by two WCO expert trainers and attended by twenty officials from the Customs Valuation Unit and the Customs Intelligence Department. The main objective was to enhance participants knowledge and understanding of the WTO Customs Valuation Agreement (Agreement).

During this five-day workshop, a variety of technical topics related to Customs valuation were covered, including the transaction value method, adjustments under Article 8 of the Agreement (particularly for royalties and licence fees), related party transactions, alternative valuation methods, best practices for Customs valuation control, and advance rulings. Recent instruments adopted by the Technical Committee on Customs Valuation were also shared with the participants.

The participants had the opportunity to present and discuss several practical cases encountered in their daily work, which allowed them to effectively apply the knowledge acquired during the workshop.

In her closing remarks, the Head of the Technical Management Department of Goods, Ms. Mariana Isset Morales Chavez, highlighted the importance of this training for the participants and for the entire institution. She expressed her gratitude to the facilitators, organizers, and WCO Secretariat, and conveyed her hope for future training sessions with continued support from the WCO.
The World Customs Organization (WCO) provided capacity building to enhance Coordinated Border Management (CBM) and Data Standardization during a two-week in-country mission from 19 to 30 August 2024 in Lusaka. The representative of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry, who serves as the Chairperson of the National Committee on Trade Facilitation (NTFC), underlined the Zambian Governments devotion to implementing the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement, fostering international trade and implementing non-stop borders. They also appreciated the continuous multi-year support from the WCO Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme funded by His Majestys Revenue & Customs (HMRC) of the United Kingdom (UK).

The key outcome of the Workshop was the support to Zambia in mapping its border control processes, thus enabling the reduction of government agencies present at the border from over 18 at large border crossings to the legislated six. The Workshop brought together representatives from all border authorities under the auspices of the Zambia NTFC to collaborate on the delegation of border controls and coordinating information among the agencies in Zambias quest for a non-stop border.

Building on the virtual sessions for an inter-agency regulatory standard framework by mapping and designing the business process models for border controls, the CBM Working Group also focused on harmonizing and standardizing documentary requirements among government agencies to enable digitalization and a coordinated information flow (CIF). This exercise, conducted using the WCO Data Model Application, resulted in a comprehensive and harmonized national data catalogue aligned with the WCO Data Model to facilitate communications among border agencies. The WCO CBM capacity building support provides an essential building block and compliments the broader support by the World Bank Group on CBM as part of the longer trade facilitation journey of Zambia.

During the closing ceremony, the NTFC expressed heartfelt gratitude to the WCO team, including officers from Botswana, Germany, Namibia and Lesotho, who generously shared their experience in the context of the peer-to-peer exchange under the Accelerate Trade Facilitation partnership. The Acting Deputy Commissioner of Customs, Ms. Chikumbi Chama, noted that CBM cuts across agency lines and serves as the foundation of integrated risk management while also supporting the success of the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programme launched at the end of 2023. She concluded that all Workshop participants would be championing CBM going forward.

The WCO looks forward to its continued partnership with Zambia for sustainable development and economic growth under the Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme.

See for more information on the Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme here.

For more information on WCO capacity building, please contact Capacity.Building@wcoomd.org.
WELLINGTON, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- The New Zealand government announced on Wednesday support to drive Artificial Intelligence (AI) uptake among New Zealand businesses.

The government also launched the pilot of GovGPT, part of a vision of a "digital front door" to facilitate businesses and people wishing to interact with government agencies, and make it easier to access reliable government information, said Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Judith Collins.

The potential of AI will be unlocked for New Zealand businesses through a range of support, including access to AI research experts, technical assistance, AI tools and resources, as well as options for funding and grants, Collins said.

The minister said AI is predicted to contribute 76 billion NZ dollars (46.69 billion U.S. dollars) to New Zealand's annual GDP by 2038. 
BEIJING, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese mainland spokesperson said Wednesday that the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Resolution 2758, which fully reflects the one-China principle, cannot be misinterpreted or even challenged.

Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, made the comment in response to a media query over the remarks of Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities regarding the resolution.

Chen said the legal authority of the UNGA Resolution 2758 leaves no room for doubt and has been acknowledged worldwide.

It made clear that there is only one seat for China in the United Nations, precluding "two Chinas" or "one China, one Taiwan," Chen added.

Chen noted that the DPP authorities maliciously distorted the UNGA Resolution 2758 but the fact that there is but one China in the world and Taiwan is part of China can never be changed. 
BEIRUT, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- Hezbollah said Wednesday that one of its members was killed in intensive Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon earlier in the day.

In a mourning statement, the Shiite group identified the slain fighter as Hani Hussein Ezzedine but provided no details about the circumstances of his death.

According to Lebanese military sources, who spoke anonymously, the Israeli raids also wounded three civilians, all of whom had been transferred to a hospital in the city of Tyre.

The sources told Xinhua that Israeli warplanes launched around 30 raids at dawn on Wednesday, targeting open areas deep in southern Lebanon and nine towns and villages along the southern border.

They said Israeli warplanes fired around 75 air-to-ground missiles on the villages of Zebqine, Majdel Zoun and Tayr Harfa, and the towns of Al-Dhahira and Qleileh in the western sector of the border area in southern Lebanon.

"The raids also targeted the villages of Khiam, Kafr Kila, and Mays al-Jabal in the eastern sector and the village of Aita al-Shaab in the central sector," they added.

Tensions along the Lebanon-Israel border have escalated since Oct. 8, 2023, following a barrage of rockets launched by Hezbollah toward Israel in solidarity with Hamas' sudden attack on Israel the day before. Israel then retaliated by pounding southern Lebanon, where Hezbollah builds a large number of weapons caches, tunnels, and bunkers, with heavy artillery. 
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Mayos very own Trevor Hyland, from Shrule, will be representing Ireland in the first-ever Swiss Mullet Cup hosted by Mullet Tea, a hard iced tea company based in Switzerland.

The Swiss Mullet Cup invites mullets from all over the world to compete for the chance to win a year of free Mullet Tea as well as a ticket to Europes largest festival dedicated to the infamous haircut: Festival de la Coupe Mulet.

The winner will be announced on September 27. Following the worldwide competition, an extensive selection process will determine which mullets deserve to be featured in the Mullet Parade on October 6th in Martigny, Switzerland.

Despite being up against creative and colourful mullets from across the globe, Hyland has an edge. Hyland bears a striking resemblance to the mascot that is plastered upon every can of Mullet Tea.

Voting is open until the 26th of September, so if you want to show support for Mayos Trevor Hyland, visit this website: https://foireduvalais.ch/fr/swiss-mullet-cup/.
Martin Dyars poem, The Enemy of Fear, is to be added to the Kiltimagh Poetry Trail and unveiled at the Immigrant Park, on Saturday, September 21.

The event begins at The Square, at 3pm and all are invited. Terry McDonaghs poem, Cill Aodain opens the Trail at The Square. The gathering will then proceed to the Emigrant Park, reading other poems along the route. Afterwards, the poets will retire to The Folk Cafe for an open mic session with more readings and maybe a song or a tune. Everyone is invited along the trail and encouraged to bring a poem or a song.

The Kiltimagh Poetry Trail is funded by Creative Ireland, led in the county by Austin Vaughan, the Mayo County Librarian. The Trail aims to grow and include more poets and poems, over time. It is hoped to include the work of international poets. The process works by invitation from the organising committee. They invite specific poets to submit pieces of up to twenty lines in length. The poems can be on any topic, and if suitable, they will be displayed on locations around the town.

Born in Sligo, Martin Dyar grew up in Swinford. A graduate of NUIG and TCD, his poetry has received a number of honours, including the Patrick Kavanagh Poetry Award in 2009, and the Strokestown International Poetry Award in 2001. In 2010 he was selected for the Poetry Ireland Introductions Series. He has also been a writer in residence at the International Writing Program at the University of Iowa. His debut collection, Maiden Names, published by Arlen House, was shortlisted for the Piggott Prize. He has received two Arts Council Literature Bursary Awards. Martin has read in Kiltimagh, on many occasions.
By Cate McCurry, PA

A search for the remains of Co Tyrone teenager Arlene Arkinson, who was last seen 30 years ago, will continue on Wednesday.

The schoolgirl went missing in August 1994 after a night out in Co Donegal.

Her body has never been found, despite extensive searches.

It is understood a fresh search is taking place at Ballybobaneen Forest in the Glenfin area.

Convicted child killer Robert Howard (Kent Police/PA)

Gardai have cordoned off parts of the remote area in the last few days, to allow for a specialist Garda search team and diggers into the area.

This is the second Garda search for the remains of the schoolgirl in Donegal this year.

Gardai said an earlier search took place in the Castlefin area earlier this year.

Convicted child killer Robert Howard was found responsible, on the balance of probabilities, for the death of the 15-year-old following an inquest in 2021.

He had been out on bail at the time of Arlenes disappearance and was the last person seen with the teenager.

Howard, originally from Co Laois, had been charged with her murder in 2002, but acquitted in 2005.

He died in prison in England in 2015 while serving a life sentence for the rape and murder of 14-year-old Hannah Williams from London.

Arlene Arkinsons sister Kathleen said that the whole system let Arlene down (Niall Carson/PA)

Last month, the Stormont Justice Minister Naomi Long was urged to reconsider a decision not to call a public inquiry into the case of the missing Castlederg girl.

Miss Arkinsons sister Kathleen said that the whole system let Arlene down.

The familys solicitor, Des Doherty, urged Ms Long to reconsider the decision not to call a public inquiry.

He said any public inquiry should focus on the activities of Howard more closely, but also look at the legal system in this jurisdiction and how the law and the police behaved in relation to this case and how it was dealt with.

If a public inquiry is the only way to keep their case in the public eye, then so be it, he told the BBC.

I do not see any other legal option (other than a public inquiry) that is available to the family at this point.

I think new information will come to light.

However, Ms Long said she took the decision not to call a public inquiry into the case after concluding there were not sufficient grounds.
COLOMBO, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- Three international banking corporations are in discussions to establish offshore operations in Sri Lanka's Colombo Port City, according to a press release from CHEC Port City Colombo (Pvt) Ltd. on Wednesday.

The company noted that discussions are also underway with seven local banks.

Recently, Sri Lanka's parliament approved two gazetted regulations, which, the company said, will offer potential investors a range of attractive benefits for setting up offshore banking operations.

The new regulations will further enhance the Colombo Port City Special Economic Zone's fiscal and non-fiscal incentives, which include significant tax exemptions for over 25 years, full repatriation of capital and profits, and 100 percent foreign ownership, the press release said.

According to a statement from the Department of Government Information in July, international accounting firms estimated that the Port City could attract up to 15 billion U.S. dollars in investments. 
BEIJING, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- Chinese lawmakers are deliberating a draft decision on gradually raising the statutory retirement age in the country. Behind the proposed reform are four major changes in China's population structure.

INCREASED LIFE EXPECTANCY

The average life expectancy in China has reached 78.6 years, the latest data showed.

According to projections, it is highly likely that the average life expectancy will surpass 80 years before 2030, said He Dan, head of the China Population and Development Research Center.

Currently, the retirement age in China for men is 60, while it is 55 for women cadres and 50 for women blue-collar workers. The arrangement was made in the 1950s, when the average life expectancy was less than 50 years, and it has remained unchanged since then.

"Delaying retirement is a comprehensive social reform aimed at meeting various needs of economic and social development. Adapting to the increased life expectancy is one of the important considerations," said Yuan Xin, vice president of the China Population Association and a professor at Nankai University.

MORE YEARS OF SCHOOLING

The average years of education for the working-age population rose from over 8 years in 1982 to 11.05 years in 2023. The average years of schooling for newly added workforce has topped 14 years.

"In the past, people started working at the age of around 20. In contrast, young people now graduate with a master's degree at the age of around 25 and with a doctorate at the age of nearly 30," said Zheng Bingwen, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

Zheng believes that this delay in joining the workforce hinders the full utilization of human resources if the retirement age is not raised.

"If we appropriately raise the retirement age in line with the principle of voluntary participation with appropriate flexibility, while improving the employment promotion mechanism and focusing on addressing structural contradictions in the employment market, to effectively allocate and better utilize higher-level human resources, then new talent dividends will be unleashed and workers ready to delay retirement can earn more money," Zheng said.

DEEPENING POPULATION AGING

Official data showed that China has entered a moderately aging society. There were 297 million people aged 60 and above in the country at the end of 2023, accounting for 21.1 percent of the total population. The number of people aged 65 and above reached 217 million, taking up 15.4 percent of the total.

According to projections, the number of people aged 60 and above in China will surpass 400 million around 2035, accounting for over 30 percent of the total.

Although raising the retirement age cannot fully address the challenges of population aging, it can increase the labor force participation rate by providing an option to elderly individuals with willingness and ability to continue working, said Zhao Zhong, dean of School of Labor and Human Resources of Renmin University of China.

DECLINE IN WORKING-AGE POPULATION

China's working-age population, aged 16 to 59, was on the decline since 2012, which was a natural consequence of population aging. Nevertheless, the working-age legion retained an enormous size of approximately 860 million people at the end of 2023, taking up 61.3 percent of the total population.

China's human resources remain abundant, but to fully tap into the potential and ensure long-term sustainability, it is necessary to make policy adjustments to better leverage this advantage, Zheng noted.

Gradually raising the retirement age will allow elderly people ready to delay retirement to become an important part of the workforce in the future, thus mitigating the decrease in the working-age population, Zhao said. 
This photo taken on Aug. 5, 2024 shows Mroivili Faouzia posing for photos at the east gate of Tianjin University's Peiyangyuan Campus in north China's Tianjin Municipality. (Xinhua)

TIANJIN, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- Over the past few weeks the thing that Mroivili Faouzia had been concerned about was the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), which was held in Beijing from Sept. 4 to 6.

The 24-year-old is a graduate student from East Africa's Comoros, pursuing her master's degree at Tianjin University in north China. She eagerly hopes that this summit will promote deeper cooperation between China and African countries in the field of education.

"This summit could provide more African students with incredible opportunities to pursue higher education in China and create pathways for personal and professional growth," she told Xinhua.

Faouzia is a direct beneficiary of the cooperation between the two sides championed by the FOCAC. Leading up to the 2018 FOCAC summit, Comorian President Azali Assoumani visited Tianjin University, where a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between the university and the Comorian embassy in China.

Under the MoU, Tianjin University would offer scholarships to Comorian students, making Faouzia's dream of studying in China a reality.

Her fascination with China began in childhood when she bought an ice cream from a Chinese vendor in her neighborhood. Its delicious flavor sparked her curiosity and inspired a dream of visiting China, the place where the ice cream was made.

As she learned more about China, she developed a stronger interest in the country. "China was among the first nations to recognize the Comoros as an independent state and has supported my country in nearly every sector," Faouzia said.

During her second year in high school in 2017, one of her classmates began learning Chinese through a language program at the University of the Comoros. The program later evolved into the Confucius Institute which offers free Chinese courses for the locals.

"When I heard about it, I thought I'd love to study Chinese too," she said. However, the learning journey was never easy as she had a tight schedule at school and the institute is located in another city.

Despite the challenges, she has committed every Sunday since 2017 to traveling between the two cities for Chinese classes, and she believes all the effort has been worthwhile.

Around that time, Faouzia received medical care from a team of Chinese doctors sent by the Chinese government to assist with healthcare in the Comoros.

"As a premature baby, my health had been unstable for a long time. This time, the Chinese doctor performed acupuncture, and it worked like a miracle," Faouzia recalled, noting that the experience not only healed her physically but also fueled her dream of studying in China.

Six months into her Chinese studies, she competed in a Chinese proficiency contest, earning the chance to participate in the finals in China in September 2017.

"That was my first time stepping onto foreign soil," Faouzia said, adding that she was fascinated by the country the moment she arrived. "It's so different from my own country, yet so refreshing and charming."

During the contest, she visited a Chinese university and decided to further her education in China. "Fortunately, I performed well in the contest and was awarded a chance to enroll in a language study program in China."

After completing high school, she studied Chinese for a semester at the University of the Comoros before heading to Dalian University in northeast China in March 2019 for the language program.

"Deep inside, I'm a curious girl craving adventure and new cultures. I want to broaden my perspective of the world. China is definitely the dream place for me to explore," she said.

Eventually, she applied to study for her bachelor's degree at Tianjin University, supported by a special scholarship for Comorian students. She majored in computer science and technology for her bachelor's degree. For her master's, she focused on knowledge graphs, hoping to integrate artificial intelligence with medicine in her future studies.

Faouzia has made numerous Chinese friends, from classmates to supportive neighbors. She has celebrated the Spring Festival twice with local families, fully immersing herself in the vibrant tradition. "They are always ready to lend a hand, shelter me, and share their culture."

As a mark of gratitude, she has endeavored to give back to the Chinese community. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she joined a local volunteer group, offering her support as a medical assistant.

The 2024 FOCAC summit, focused on strengthening economic and political ties between China and African nations, has opened a new chapter in China-Africa cooperation.

"This is special for young African women like me, studying technology in China," Faouzia said. "The plan to build new engineering schools and Luban Workshops, with 60,000 training opportunities, shows that China wants to help Africa's youth and women. This gives us hope for a better future, where we can learn skills to help our communities," she added. 

This file photo taken on Oct. 20, 2023 shows Mroivili Faouzia posing for group photos with students during a voluntary teaching program at a primary school in Anyang, central China's Henan Province. (Xinhua)

This file photo taken on Feb. 19, 2024 shows Mroivili Faouzia (L) posing for photos with her friend, both of whom are in traditional Chinese clothing, in north China's Tianjin Municipality. (Xinhua)
RIYADH, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang arrived here Tuesday for the Fourth Meeting of the High-Level Chinese-Saudi Joint Committee and an official visit to Saudi Arabia at the invitation of Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud.

Upon arriving at Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport, Li expressed his hope for both sides to further strengthen the alignment of their development strategies and elevate bilateral ties to a higher level.

Noting the longstanding traditional friendship between China and Saudi Arabia, Li said that since the establishment of diplomatic relations 34 years ago, bilateral relations have achieved leapfrog development through joint efforts, yielding fruitful results in practical cooperation.

During his stay, Li will engage in in-depth discussions with the Saudi crown prince and prime minister on bilateral relations and other issues of common concern to strengthen friendship and expand cooperation.

In December 2022, Chinese President Xi Jinping attended the first China-Arab States Summit and the first China-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit and paid a state visit to Saudi Arabia, said Li.

For over a year, both sides have actively implemented the key outcomes of the summits, continuously strengthening political mutual trust, steadily advancing exchanges and cooperation in various fields, maintaining close communication and coordination on regional and international affairs, and continuously enhancing the China-Saudi Arabia comprehensive strategic partnership, the Chinese premier said.

Li also expressed his expectation that the visit would further expand mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields, deepen the friendship between the two peoples, and foster greater progress in China-GCC and China-Arab relations.

"The practical cooperation between Saudi Arabia and China is characterized by its comprehensiveness and strategic nature," said Ibrahim Al-Shammari, research director of Riyadh Center for Political and Strategic Studies.

Al-Shammari said Saudi Arabia and China are driving the development of their economic and trade relations through major initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative, which aligns with the Saudi Vision 2030.

Li's visit to Saudi Arabia sends a strong signal that the two countries will continue to strengthen strategic cooperation in various fields, which demonstrates the importance both sides attach to their strategic partnership and the willingness to deepen practical cooperation, Al-Shammari added.

Saudi Arabia is the first leg of Li's four-day visit to the Middle East, which will also take him to the United Arab Emirates. 
African Development Bank (AfDB) President Akinwumi Adesina speaks at the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the AfDB, Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire, Sept. 10, 2024. (Photo by Yvan Sonh/Xinhua)

ABIDJAN, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- Traditional musical and cultural activities, an exhibition, discussions and seminars, as well as interventions highlighting the key milestones of the African Development Bank (AfDB) and its impact on the economic development of Africa since its inception, marked the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the pan-African bank on Tuesday in Abidjan.

Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara said that over six decades, the AfDB has become an "essential player" in development in Africa and a "reference" in terms of development and financing transformative projects for African economies.

"Today, the performance of the AfDB generates a sense of pride and hope, especially regarding transparency and governance, where it has been recognized as the most transparent institution among 50 development institutions," Ouattara said, highlighting the AfDB's "AAA credit rating" and its designation in 2021 as the "best multilateral financial institution in the world."

The Ivorian president called on the AfDB to "make more efforts" in areas concerning peace and democracy, particularly in climate and agriculture, to address the severe flooding, significant agricultural losses, and hunger in several African countries.

"Yesterday as today, you are part of Africa's transformation. For every project, it is the entirety of the Bank's ecosystem that contributes," AfDB President Akinwumi Adesina told his staff.

Over the past 60 years, he added, the various types of personnel have been able to bring about "real change" to the continent.

"Our work over the past eight years has transformed the lives of 400 million people, and I would like to thank you for your extraordinary work," Adesina reiterated, reviewing the achievements and actions of his institution.

He specifically emphasized the "High 5" -- the operational priorities of the AfDB Group, namely to Light up and Power Africa, to Feed Africa, to Industrialize Africa, to Integrate Africa and to Improve the Quality of Life for the People of Africa.

Adesina also reviewed the significant achievements and actions of the AfDB since its establishment, the challenges it has faced, and the perspectives ahead.

Cote d'Ivoire, the host country of the AfDB, has seen its development significantly accelerated thanks to the support of the pan-African financial institution, which has increased from 460 million U.S. dollars in 2015 to 3.3 billion U.S. dollars in 2023, according to him.

As of the end of July 2024, the active portfolio of the AfDB Group in Cote d'Ivoire included 40 operations, totaling commitments of approximately three billion U.S. dollars.

The country is preparing to host the AfDB's annual meetings next May, which will provide an opportunity to review current development strategies and policies as well as to choose a new president for the institution.

To date, 81 member countries have subscribed to the capital of the AfDB, including 54 African countries (regional members) and 27 non-African countries (non-regional members). 

Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara speaks at the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the African Development Bank (AfDB) in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire, Sept. 10, 2024. (Photo by Yvan Sonh/Xinhua)

African Development Bank (AfDB) President Akinwumi Adesina (L) and Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara attend the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the AfDB in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire, Sept. 10, 2024. (Photo by Yvan Sonh/Xinhua)
BEIJING, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- By the end of 2023, the proportion of nursing beds in elderly care institutions across China had risen to 58.9 percent, a report said on Tuesday.

This indicates that the country had achieved the target set in its 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) ahead of schedule.

The report was on Tuesday submitted by Lu Zhiyuan, minister of civil affairs, for review at an ongoing session of the National People's Congress Standing Committee.

According to the report, China has made significant progress in enhancing the capacity of elderly care institutions and improving home- and community-based care services for elderly individuals.

Since 2021, central government funding has supported the establishment of 303,600 nursing beds in the homes of elderly individuals who meet specific conditions, the report said.

During this period, 1.72 million homes of seniors with special difficulties were renovated to accommodate their needs, it added.

Official figures show China has nearly 300 million citizens aged 60 or above. This number is expected to top 400 million by 2033 and approach 500 million by around 2050, accounting for nearly 35 percent of the total population at that time.

Nearly 90 percent of elderly care institutions across China are now capable of providing medical and health care services for their senior residents, according to the report.

While delivering the report, Lu pledged to improve the social support system for incapacitated seniors through a range of initiatives, including those that would refine policies related to home-based elderly care, provide training for caregivers and advance the renovations of seniors' homes. 
A man is seen among the rubble of a destroyed building in the Al-Bureij refugee camp, central Gaza Strip, on Sept. 10, 2024. Palestinian security and medical sources on Tuesday reported that Israeli warplanes had targeted the al-Farouk Mosque and the youth club in the Al-Bureij refugee camp. Medical sources told Xinhua that the airstrike killed one person and injured 10 others, who were taken to the hospital with varying degrees of injuries. (Photo by Marwan Dawood/Xinhua)

People try to move a destroyed vehicle in the Al-Bureij refugee camp, central Gaza Strip, on Sept. 10, 2024. Palestinian security and medical sources on Tuesday reported that Israeli warplanes had targeted the al-Farouk Mosque and the youth club in the Al-Bureij refugee camp. Medical sources told Xinhua that the airstrike killed one person and injured 10 others, who were taken to the hospital with varying degrees of injuries. (Photo by Marwan Dawood/Xinhua)

People are seen among the rubble of a destroyed building in the Al-Bureij refugee camp, central Gaza Strip, on Sept. 10, 2024. Palestinian security and medical sources on Tuesday reported that Israeli warplanes had targeted the al-Farouk Mosque and the youth club in the Al-Bureij refugee camp. Medical sources told Xinhua that the airstrike killed one person and injured 10 others, who were taken to the hospital with varying degrees of injuries. (Photo by Marwan Dawood/Xinhua)

People are seen near destroyed buildings in the Al-Bureij refugee camp, central Gaza Strip, on Sept. 10, 2024. Palestinian security and medical sources on Tuesday reported that Israeli warplanes had targeted the al-Farouk Mosque and the youth club in the Al-Bureij refugee camp. Medical sources told Xinhua that the airstrike killed one person and injured 10 others, who were taken to the hospital with varying degrees of injuries. (Photo by Marwan Dawood/Xinhua)

People gather near the site of an Israeli attack in the Al-Bureij refugee camp, central Gaza Strip, on Sept. 10, 2024. Palestinian security and medical sources on Tuesday reported that Israeli warplanes had targeted the al-Farouk Mosque and the youth club in the Al-Bureij refugee camp. Medical sources told Xinhua that the airstrike killed one person and injured 10 others, who were taken to the hospital with varying degrees of injuries. (Photo by Marwan Dawood/Xinhua)

People carry items from the rubble of a destroyed building in the Al-Bureij refugee camp, central Gaza Strip, on Sept. 10, 2024. Palestinian security and medical sources on Tuesday reported that Israeli warplanes had targeted the al-Farouk Mosque and the youth club in the Al-Bureij refugee camp. Medical sources told Xinhua that the airstrike killed one person and injured 10 others, who were taken to the hospital with varying degrees of injuries. (Photo by Marwan Dawood/Xinhua)
People visit a Chinese company booth at the Pharmaconex Exhibition 2024 in Cairo, Egypt, on Sept. 10, 2024. The three-day Pharmaconex Exhibition 2024, which concluded in the Egyptian capital Cairo on Tuesday, has become an important platform for strengthening partnerships between Egyptian and Chinese firms in the field of pharmaceuticals, business insiders said. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa)

by Mahmoud Fouly

CAIRO, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- The three-day Pharmaconex Exhibition 2024, which concluded in the Egyptian capital Cairo on Tuesday, has become an important platform for strengthening partnerships between Egyptian and Chinese firms in the field of pharmaceuticals, business insiders said.

The 11th edition of the exhibition featured pharmaceutical products, equipment, technologies, and services from more than 200 companies worldwide, including more than 40 from China and companies from Egypt, India, the United States, Italy, France, Belgium, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates.

Shanghai-based Tofflon, a regular exhibitor at Pharmaconex, views Egypt as a gateway to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

"We have been participating in Pharmaconex for more than a decade. It is a very attractive event in the pharmaceutical industry not just in Egypt but across the MENA region," said Pang Guanhua, Tofflon's general manager for the MENA region, adding his company views the exhibition as "one of the biggest marketing activities in the region."

"The Egyptian pharmaceutical market is developing rapidly after the COVID-19 pandemic. That's why we continue to put our efforts and our new technology into the market," Pang told Xinhua outside Tofflon's booth.

This year's event was held under the patronage of the Egyptian Drug Authority (EDA).

"China is a very important country for us, from where we import a large number of industrial inputs that we depend on," said Yasin Ragaey, EDA assistant chairman for media affairs, community engagement, and investment support in the pharmaceutical sector.

"There are already partnerships between Egyptian private companies and Chinese suppliers, covering raw materials, packaging, and production machines," said Ragaey.

Feng Yiyu, general manager of Geevo, noted that despite it being its first time at Pharmaconex, the Zhejiang-based sterilizer producer has had an agent in Egypt and its products have been available in the Egyptian market for about a decade.

Feng highlighted that the growing cooperation between China and Egypt under the Belt and Road Initiative had facilitated business cooperation between pharmaceutical firms from both sides.

Chem-Tech, an Egyptian firm that imports spare parts from China, showcased a diverse array of its equipment at its booth.

"We cooperate with our Chinese brothers by importing spare parts for our equipment. For example, we import the silicon carbide heaters for our muffles from China, as well as some components for our locally manufactured control panels, and other accessories," the company's Chairman Ahmed Al-Sharkawy said.

Businessmen are not the only participants of the exhibition. Students from across Egypt also came to the event to look for job opportunities.

Samaa Ashraf, a university student learning pharmaceutics, came all the way from Upper Egypt's Asyut Province to the event to prepare for her future career.

She said that China is a leading player in the pharmaceutical field, especially in packaging, devices, and active ingredients.

"The strong relations between Egypt and China will surely contribute to the transfer of China's expertise and technology in the pharmaceutical field to Egypt, which will be beneficial to us," said Ashraf. 

An attendee visits a Chinese company booth at the Pharmaconex Exhibition 2024 in Cairo, Egypt, on Sept. 10, 2024. The three-day Pharmaconex Exhibition 2024, which concluded in the Egyptian capital Cairo on Tuesday, has become an important platform for strengthening partnerships between Egyptian and Chinese firms in the field of pharmaceuticals, business insiders said. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa)

People visit booths of Chinese companies at the Pharmaconex Exhibition 2024 in Cairo, Egypt, on Sept. 10, 2024. The three-day Pharmaconex Exhibition 2024, which concluded in the Egyptian capital Cairo on Tuesday, has become an important platform for strengthening partnerships between Egyptian and Chinese firms in the field of pharmaceuticals, business insiders said. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa)

An attendee visits a Chinese company booth at the Pharmaconex Exhibition 2024 in Cairo, Egypt, on Sept. 10, 2024. The three-day Pharmaconex Exhibition 2024, which concluded in the Egyptian capital Cairo on Tuesday, has become an important platform for strengthening partnerships between Egyptian and Chinese firms in the field of pharmaceuticals, business insiders said. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa)

People visit a Chinese company booth at the Pharmaconex Exhibition 2024 in Cairo, Egypt, on Sept. 10, 2024. The three-day Pharmaconex Exhibition 2024, which concluded in the Egyptian capital Cairo on Tuesday, has become an important platform for strengthening partnerships between Egyptian and Chinese firms in the field of pharmaceuticals, business insiders said. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa)
BEIJING, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- Over 3,000 enterprises are expected to attend the upcoming 21st China-ASEAN Expo in Nanning, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, according to information revealed at a press conference Wednesday.

Scheduled from Sept. 24 to 28, the expo boasts an exhibition area of nearly 200,000 square meters this year, with Malaysia as the country of honor, said Tan Pichuang, vice chairman of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

This year's expo will add a new section for strategic emerging industries, showcasing the latest developments and technologies in fields such as digital technology, new energy and intelligent connected vehicles, said Vice Minister of Commerce Li Fei.

Also, the United Arab Emirates will be a Special Partner Country, the first time the expo has invited a Gulf Cooperation Council member to participate, Li said.

Since the first China-ASEAN Expo was held in 2004, the event has actively built a platform for ASEAN enterprises to enter the Chinese market.

Official data shows that China has remained ASEAN's largest trading partner for 15 consecutive years. In the first seven months of this year, bilateral trade reached 552 billion U.S. dollars, up 7.7 percent year on year. 
XI'AN, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, has stressed developing a sense of reverence and affection for Chinese civilization and called for passing on fine traditional Chinese culture from generation to generation.

Xi made the remarks when inspecting the Baoji Bronze Ware Museum in the city of Baoji in northwest China's Shaanxi Province on Tuesday afternoon. 
Chinese teacher Xia Zihan (L) teaches students majoring in Chinese at Confucius Classroom in Sabaragamuwa University in the southern foothills of Sri Lanka's central mountains, Sept. 4, 2024. Chinese reading voices are often heard on the serene mountain-enclosed campus of Sabaragamuwa University nestled in the southern foothills of Sri Lanka's central mountains.

Stationed here are three teachers from China, Zhu Song, Zhang Huan and Xia Zihan, teaching at a Confucius Classroom established in 2019 by China's Huanggang Normal University and Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka.

Despite many inconveniences in life here, the teachers all remain optimistic. Rather than defining themselves through sacrifice and dedication, the teachers prefer to inspire children with positivity, friendliness, and vitality, igniting their enthusiasm for learning Chinese and their love for China.

They have tailored Chinese textbooks to suit the students' levels. To foster students' interest in Chinese culture, they have introduced various traditional Chinese art forms. Additionally, this classroom helped set up a Chinese teaching branch at Bandarawela Central College in the nearby Uva Province, and they regularly train local Chinese teachers there.

Rohan Abeywickrama, dean of the faculty of Social Sciences and Languages at the University of Sabaragamuwa, said that in recent years, the enthusiasm of university students to major in Chinese has been increasing annually, with a conspicuous upward trend.

"The Confucius Classroom offers students more opportunities to connect with China, experience Chinese culture, and even participate in study tours to China, while fostering friendship between Sri Lanka and China. With the Confucius Classroom established here, the Chinese language dreams of the students in the mountain areas are no longer distant," Abeywickrama said. [Xinhua/Wu Yue]
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]

(Source: Xinhua)

Editor: Wang Shasha
President Joe Biden participates in a wreath-laying ceremony commemorating the 21st anniversary of the crash of American Airlines Flight 77 into the Pentagon during the September 11th terrorist attacks at the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial on September 11, 2022 in Arlington, Virginia.
BEIJING, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- China will work steadfastly in the second half of this year to achieve its annual economic and social development goals, according to a State Council report submitted to the country's top legislature on Tuesday.

The State Council entrusted Xiangli Bin, deputy head of the National Development and Reform Commission, with the delivery of the report on the implementation of the national economic and social development plan this year to a legislative session.

The plan's overall implementation has been going well, with indicators of economic growth, employment and the international balance of payments all meeting expectations, Xiangli told the ongoing session of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress.

The report also warned of uncertainties such as the growing adverse impacts of the changing external environment, insufficient effective domestic demand, and risks in key sectors.

It said that for the rest of the year, efforts will be made to accelerate the implementation of major reforms such as the construction of a unified national market, the refinement of systems underpinning the market economy, and deepened reforms in the fiscal, taxation and financial sectors.

Xiangli told lawmakers that macro policies will be strengthened appropriately and more targeted, with an emphasis on enhancing counter-cyclical adjustments. He also stressed the need to coordinate efforts to stabilize growth and mitigate risks.

In the second half of 2024, work will be done to expand domestic demand by stimulating consumption, stabilize foreign trade and investment, push forward comprehensive rural revitalization and new urbanization, boost green and low-carbon development, and ensure and improve people's livelihoods, according to the report. 
Inspectorate praises inclusive and nurturing environment of Llay primary school

The inclusive and nurturing environment of a Wrexham primary school has been highlighted in a new inspection report.

Estyn, His Majestys Inspectorate for Education and Training in Wales, has released the outcome of its visit in June to Park Community Primary School in Llay.

The inspectorate found that staff model kind and respectful relationships and develop a strong rapport with pupils and that nearly all pupils feel safe in school and behave well.

It also highlighted the vibrant and welcoming community that supports pupils to feel safe and valued.

In its report, Estyn state: The school provides an inclusive, nurturing environment where all staff model kind and respectful relationships and develop a strong rapport with pupils.

As a result, nearly all pupils feel safe in school and behave well. Teachers support pupils to take responsibility and to develop their independence in learning.

Most pupils respond positively to these opportunities and develop a mature attitude towards learning during their time in the school.

They engage well in lessons and collaborate sensibly with their peers. Many pupils enjoy the frequent opportunities teachers provide for them to make choices about what and how they learn.

These support them to develop their creativity and initiative successfully. Teachers make effective use of the schools extensive outdoor environment to support pupils learning and plan engaging tasks for pupils to complete.

However, whilst these activities often motivate pupils well, they do not always build on pupils previous learning systematically or support them to extend their learning purposefully.

Other key findings of the inspection include:

The headteacher has worked tirelessly to develop a strong team ethos that generates a high level of trust between staff, pupils and families. This inclusive culture is evident in the consistent respect staff show for pupils views and feelings and in the clear expectations they set for pupils engagement in lessons

The school is developing its curriculum to provide greater opportunity for pupils to become more independent learners

The school has recently introduced a systematic approach to developing pupils early reading skills. This impacts positively on the progress younger pupils make in developing their knowledge of letter sounds

Teachers provide suitable opportunities for pupils to learn about Welsh culture and heritage, such as to find out about the history of the local area. A few teachers speak Welsh with pupils, for instance to give simple commands in class. However, teachers do not provide enough opportunity for pupils to develop their knowledge of Welsh systematically in lessons

The school makes strong provision for pupils with additional learning needs (ALN), including those pupils in the resource provision classes

Pupils respond positively to the regular support teachers provide for their well-being in lessons and through beneficial interventions. They enjoy their time in school and are proud of the worthwhile contribution they make in specific leadership roles.

The inspectorate also notes: The school is a vibrant and welcoming community that supports pupils to feel safe and valued.

The headteacher has worked tirelessly to develop a strong team ethos that generates a high level of trust between staff, pupils and families.

This inclusive culture is evident in the consistent respect staff show for pupils views and feelings and in the clear expectations they set for pupils engagement in lessons.

Nearly all pupils respond positively to the care shown by staff and behave extremely well.

The school is developing its curriculum to provide greater opportunity for pupils to become more independent learners.

Staff support pupils of all ages to take responsibility for their learning and provide frequent opportunities for them to make choices about how and what they learn.

This impacts positively on pupils enjoyment and motivation in lessons.

Just three recommendations have been put forward to help the school continue to improve

Ensure that leaders robustly and accurately evaluate the quality of teaching and the progress pupils make in developing their skills

Ensure that the curriculum supports all pupils to develop their literacy, numeracy and Welsh language skills effectively

Ensure that all teachers have consistently high expectations of what pupils can do and challenge them appropriately

The school will draw up an action plan to show how it is going to address the recommendations. Estyn will monitor the schools progress about 12 months after the publication of this report.

Picture: Google Maps
Montgomeryshire and Glyndwr MP explains his Winter Fuel vote

A new MP has pointed to a lamentable financial inheritance in part to why he has backed UK Government plans to scrap winter fuel payments to most pensioners.

Steve Witherden, the Labour MP for Montgomeryshire and Glyndwr which partially covers the Wrexham area, has published a statement explaining his vote on the issue. Later, Wrexhams MP Andrew Ranger MP has also published a statement  read it here.

A Winter Fuel Payment opposition day vote was held with both Wrexhams Andrew Ranger MP and Steve Witherden MP voting against a move to block UK Government plans to cut winter fuel payments for most pensioners. Thus the new Labour Government progressed the measure by majority of 120.

Some analysis has said that the move will reduce the number of such fuel payments 11.4 million to 1.5 million people this winter, normally paid in November and December. The move has 1.4 billion attributed to it, reducing the overall welfare bill to the UK as the UK Government looks to fix a 22bn black hole that Labour say they discovered since taking power from the Conservatives.

Steve Witherden MP has since published a statement detailing the reasoning behind his vote:
In the run-up to recent state elections in Saxony and Thuringia, the establishment parties paved the way for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) by outdoing them from the right on their core issue: scapegoating refugees and immigrants. After the AfDs electoral success, becoming the second-strongest and strongest party in those states, respectively, they are accelerating this course. One leading politician after another is claiming that the AfD succeeded because they themselves have not been hard enough on refugees.

Federal Finance Minister Christian Lindner, whose Liberal Democratic Party (FDP) failed to clear the 5 percent hurdle for parliamentary representation in those states, announced on all social networks: There should be no taboos in asylum and immigration policy! That is my lesson from the election in Saxony and Thuringia. People have felt that democracy, the political system, is not solving their problems, and one problem that is at the top of the list is controlling immigration to Germany.

CDU leader Friedrich Merz wants to declare a national emergency [Photo by Michael Lucan / wikimedia / CC BY-SA 3.0

Christian Democratic Union (CDU) leader Friedrich Merz called for the declaration of a national emergency in order to override EU law and turn away all refugees at the German border, without allowing them to apply for asylum. The order of our country is at risk, Merz declared. We must have the right to reject.

Markus Soder, leader of the CDUs Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU), called for the right of asylum to be largely removed from the constitution.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz (Social Democratic Party, SPD) boasted that his government had already drastically tightened immigration policy and, two days before the elections, carried out the first deportation flight to Afghanistan, where the fundamentalist Taliban rules. Weve done it, he bragged. This was a sign that we are working on our promises. If things went super well, he said, they would agree on further anti-immigrant measures with the CDU.

On Tuesday, a migration summit took place at the Federal Interior Ministry to discuss tough action to push back irregular migration, according to Interior Minister Nancy Faeser (SPD). In addition to representatives from the federal and state governments, party representatives from the CDU and CSU also took part. The talks were open and constructive, Faeser announced afterwards. Now, certain points that were discussed confidentially would be legally reviewed and then discussed further, she said.

For the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW), a split-off from the Left Party, none of this goes far enough. A sham summit that will not reduce the number of refugees is looming, said Wagenknecht to Die Welt. Instead of pseudo-solutions, we need an end to uncontrolled migration. Refugees entering from safe third countries and rejected asylum seekers should have all their benefits cancelled, according to Wagenknecht.

The claim that the AfD is gaining influence because the government is not taking rigorous enough action against refugees is a blatant lie. The opposite is true. It is obvious that the round-the-clock propaganda about criminal refugees, illegal foreigners, rigorous border controls, mass deportations and a strong state is not weakening the AfD, but strengthening it. And that this is intentional.

The claim that people have nothing against refugees, but that the municipalities are overwhelmed by the large number is also false. The municipalities are overwhelmed because the federal government is systematically cutting the funds that would be necessary for the humane care and integration of refugees, and investing this money instead in armaments and support for war.

According to its own figures, the German government has provided 34 billion in support of the war in Ukraine alone. In addition, 72 billion will be spent this year on rearming the Bundeswehr (Armed Forces) to make Germany war-ready again, in the words of the SPD defence minister. These funds are at the expense of funding for education, healthcare, social spending, the construction of affordable housing and environmental protection.

The government is pursuing imperialist goals with the war in Ukraine: economic control over Ukraine and the subjugation of Russia with its vast mineral resources. That is why Berlin wants to prevent a ceasefire at all costs. To this end, it is willing to accept a massive social catastrophe. Almost half of the refugees currently living in Germany1.2 million out of 2.6 millionhave fled from this war.

The SPD, CDU, FDP, BSW and all the other parties are agitating against refugees not to weaken the AfD, but to strengthen it and help its right-wing, fascist policies to gain ground. They are scapegoating refugees for the social crisis in order to divide the working class and build up a police state.

The real targets of this reactionary campaign are the democratic rights and social gains of the working class and youth. The incitement of a pogrom atmosphere against migrants and the construction of a police state, with surveillance and control powers constantly being expanded, serve to poison the social climate and to suppress the resistance against mass layoffs, falling real wages and social cuts, as well as the opposition to militarism and war.

War, rearmament and massive social inequality are incompatible with democracy. They requireas in 1933, when Reich President Hindenburg appointed Adolf Hitler as chancellorthe establishment of a dictatorship.

The attack on migrants is serving as a lever for the ruling class in all imperialist countries to shift official policy to the right. In the US, Donald Trump and the Republicans are whipping up a fascistic anti-immigrant atmosphere. They claim that President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harriss supposed open borders policy will result in millions of illegal aliens and non-citizens voting in the November presidential election. The Democrats are doing nothing to counter this campaign, but are themselves intensifying attacks on refugees.

The current anti-refugee hysteria in Germany can only be understood in the context of the impending jobs massacre. The crisis at VW, where for the first time management wants to close entire plants and will no longer cushion mass layoffs with a waiver of compulsory redundancies, is just the tip of the iceberg.

On Thursday, the Financial Times reported under the headline Germany faces jobs crisis of a thousand cuts that hundreds of thousands of well-paid jobs are at risk. In the automotive industry, with its 780,000 employees, but also in the chemical industry, with 480,000 employees, as well as in many other sectors, hardly any jobs are safe.

Until now, the corporations have always relied on the trade unions to cut jobs and wages without meeting any major resistance. But now they fear that the well-paid officials will lose control. That is why they are increasingly turning to dictatorship and fascism.

The fight against layoffs, war and fascism requires breaking with all the establishment parties and developing a new political perspective. As the Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei (Socialist Equality Party, SGP) wrote in its statement Defend refugees and democratic rights! this requires a socialist programme that defends the social and democratic interests of all workers:

Workers who come from Germany and immigrants are not rivals for scarce housing, jobs and income. They must unite to reverse the decades-long regressive redistribution that has concentrated billions in the hands of a few dozen individuals. The enormous sums that flow into war, armament, hand-outs for the banks and corporations, and rising stock prices must be used to finance education, healthcare, climate protection, safe and well-paid jobs and affordable housing. The SGP and its international sister organisations in the International Committee of the Fourth International are fighting for this perspective.
Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, meets with secretary of the Russian Federation Security Council Sergei Shoigu in St. Petersburg, Russia, Sept. 10, 2024. (Xinhua/Cao Yang)

ST. PETERSBURG, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- China is willing to strengthen strategic communication with Russia and continuously enrich the strategic connotations of bilateral ties, Wang Yi, director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, said in a meeting with secretary of the Russian Federation Security Council Sergei Shoigu on Tuesday in St. Petersburg.

During the meeting, Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, noted that in face of unprecedented changes in a century, the stable and healthy development of China-Russia relations is fundamentally due to the guidance of the two countries' heads of state.

This year, based on the new starting point of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Russia, the two sides have maintained exchanges at all levels, implemented important consensus reached by the heads of state, and further consolidated the political and social foundation of China-Russia eternal good-neighborliness and friendly relations, comprehensive strategic cooperation, and mutually beneficial cooperation for win-win outcomes, Wang said.

He stressed that China is willing to strengthen strategic communication with Russia, give full play to the role of the China-Russia strategic security consultation mechanism and the BRICS Meeting of High Representatives on National Security mechanism, and continuously enrich the strategic connotations of China-Russia relations.

Meanwhile, Wang said that China supports Russia's work as the rotating chair of BRICS and is willing to join hands to deepen mutual trust and cooperation among BRICS countries, to shape the BRICS mechanism into a major channel for emerging powers to make their voices heard and an important platform for solidarity and cooperation of the "Global South" and to continuously open up new situations in "BRICS+" cooperation.

For his part, Shoigu stated that high-level exchanges between Russia and China and fruitful cooperation in various fields have highlighted the high level of Russia-China strategic cooperation.

He thanked China for the support of Russia as the rotating chair of BRICS and expressed Russia's willingness to continue strengthening strategic communication with China, closely coordinating cooperation, and ensuring the success of the BRICS leaders' summit in Kazan next month.

During the meeting, both sides expressed their commitment to advocating and practicing true multilateralism.

The Russian side emphasized its support for China's role as the rotating chair of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), striving to make the SCO more efficient and pragmatic, and more cohesive, and inject more stability into a world entangled in chaos.

The two sides also exchanged views on the Ukraine crisis.

Shoigu explained Russia's position, welcomed the "six-point consensus" jointly proposed by China and Brazil, and was pleased to see this consensus widely recognized by the international community.

Wang stated that China has always maintained an objective and fair attitude on the Ukraine issue and will continue to commit to increasing the voice of balance, objectivity, and rationality in the international community, to gather more international consensus and accumulate necessary conditions for an early ceasefire and a political resolution to the crisis. 

Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, meets with secretary of the Russian Federation Security Council Sergei Shoigu in St. Petersburg, Russia, Sept. 10, 2024. (Xinhua/Cao Yang)
The Israeli genocide in Gaza was denounced by a number of filmmakers at the awards ceremony of the 81st Venice International Film Festival held last Saturday.

Accepting the Luigi de Laurentiis Lion of the Future prize for best first film, US director Sarah Friedland told the assembled: As a Jewish-American artist working in a time-based medium, I must note, Im accepting this award on the 336th day of Israels genocide in Gaza and 76th year of occupation.

Sarah Friedland, left, accepts the lion of the future luigi de laurentis award for a debut film for 'Familiar Touch', alongside jury member Giuseppe Tornatore during the awards ceremony of the 81st edition of the Venice Film Festival in Venice, Italy, on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024 [AP Photo/Joel C Ryan/Invision]

Friedland continued to the loud and prolonged applause of the audience:

I believe it is our responsibility as filmmakers to use the institutional platforms through which we work to redress Israels impunity on the global stage. I stand in solidarity with the people of Palestine and their struggle for liberation.

Friedland also won the best director award in the Horizons (Orrizonti) section of the Venice festival for Familiar Touch. The films chief character is Ruth, an 80-year-old woman and former cook who suffers from dementia and has been moved into a nursing home. To the frustration of her nearest relatives, Ruth sometimes fails to recognise her own son, while perfectly remembering her favourite recipes. American actor Kathleen Chalfant, who plays Ruth, won the festivals award for best actress and also used her acceptance speech to refer to the catastrophic events in Gaza and make a call for peace, freedom and justice.

Familiar Touch

Friedlands comments in Venice have brought on a torrent of abuse from pro-Zionist, pro-genocide forces. Her remarks were echoed by those of Palestinian filmmaker Scandar Copti, accepting the Horizons best screenplay prize for his film, Happy Holidays, which deals with four characters with very different cultural backgrounds living in Haifa, Israel. Again, to loud applause, Copti declared:

I stand here deeply honoured, yet profoundly affected by the difficult times were living through over the past 11 months, our shared humanity and moral compass have been tested as we witness the ongoing genocide in Gaza. This painful reality reminds us of the devastating consequences of oppression, which is a theme in our film. Our film looks at how moral narratives can bring us together as communities, but also can also blind us to the suffering of others.

In the course of the Venice event, a number of actors and filmmakers expressed solidarity with the victims of Israels genocidal operation in Gaza, now being extended across the West Bank and threatening to engulf the entire Middle East. On the festivals opening day, on the red carpet, Italian actor Lino Musella wore a Free Palestine T-shirt. He was accompanied by actress Laura Morante, who carried a fan with the handwritten message: Stop the Gaza genocide. More than 40,000 killed, over 16,000 children.

Scandar Coptis Happy Holidays

One day later, US director Neo Sora, son of Japanese composer Ryuichi Sakamoto, attended the photo-call for his film Happyend wearing a kaffiyeh and a Palestinian flag badge on his lapel, with a tag bearing the words Free Palestine. Other members of his film team also expressed their support for Palestine.

On the same day, a guest of Italian writer Antonio Scurati wore a T-shirt with the slogan: Stop the Massacre. Scurati is the author of a best-selling and widely translated biography of the Italian fascist dictator Benito Mussolini, the first volume of which, M: Son of the Century (2018), has been turned into an Italian television series with the same title.

Additional expressions of solidarity with the besieged Palestinians in Gaza were offered by Tunisian director Mehdi Barsaoui and actress Fatma Sfar, who with other film team members held up a banner that read Stop the Genocide. Barsaoui is the director of Aicha, which screened at the festival.

Support also came from veteran Italian actor Fabio Testi, who held up a large sign in Italian that read 16,500 children killed in Gaza, stop the massacre.

Before the festival began, some 350 film workers signed an open letter protesting the inclusion of two Israeli films in the selection. In their letter, the film professionals criticised the festival management for not taking a stance on the situation in Gaza. The letter read:

We, the undersigned artists, filmmakers and cultural workers, reject complicity with the Israeli regime of apartheid and oppose the artwashing of its Gaza genocide against Palestinians at the 81st Film Festival in Venice. The Venice Film Festival has remained silent about Israels atrocities against the Palestinian people. This silence outrages us deeply.

In the event, the festivals artistic director, Alberto Barbera, rejected the letter and defended the presence of the two filmsOf Dogs and Men by director Dani Rosenberg and Why War by Amos Gitai, whose comments will be dealt with in a separate article.

At the Berlin International Film Festival in February, the German Culture Ministryheaded by a Green Party officialreacted with horror to the principled comments made by Palestinian Basel Adra and Israeli Yuval Abraham, who won the Audience Prize at the festival for their film No Other Land. Adra used his acceptance speech to condemn the slaughter in Gaza and call upon the German government to stop sending arms to Israel.

During the Cannes Film Festival in May, France 24 wrote that festival organisers were at pains to prevent Gaza war protests from taking place on the Croisette, the seaside setting for the festival. Nevertheless, despite the combined efforts of the festival organisers and a bevy of attention-seeking and provocative #MeToo activists, a number of courageous film workers and activists were able to carry out a series of pro-Palestinian protests.

As the Venice film festival came to a close, protesters chanting Stop the Genocide briefly disrupted the opening ceremony at this years Toronto International Film Festival.

The manifold and public protests by filmmakers at the Venice festival against the genocidal policy of the Israeli government express the growing anger and disquiet of large numbers of artists and creative workers, whose sentiments in turn reflect the mounting revulsion on the part of broad layers of the working class in Europe and across the globe at the massacre taking place in Gaza.

It is becoming increasingly difficult for the state forces and the media to silence or ignore this opposition. However, the response of the respective cultural authorities and governments in France, Germany and Italy to the latest wave of protest is the samecensorship, violent state repression and recourse to increasingly authoritarian forms of rule.
Join the Autoworkers Rank-and-file Committee Network by filling out the form below.

Stellantis workers at Warren Truck arrive for second shift on June 27, 2024

With less than one month to go before mass layoffs are to take place at the Stellantis Warren Assembly Plant in metro Detroit a sharp warning needs to be sounded.

These cuts are only the start of a tidal wave of job cuts throughout the auto industry in coming months, as Stellantis and other automakers seek to offload the cost of the transition to electric vehicles onto the backs of workers. They are planning, in the next few years, the largest wave of layoffs and plant closures since the 2009 restructuring of the auto industry under the Obama administration.

Like then, autoworkers are to be made to pay for the continued profits of the giant auto transnationals with all the consequent devastating social consequences that entailsforeclosures, bankruptcies, the breakup of families and suicides.

At Warren Truck, 2,450 jobs are to be axed. All those with seniority dates after June 3, 2018 are subject to layoff. Meanwhile, the United Auto Workers are keeping workers totally in the dark. Hollow promises by UAW officials of transfers to other plants for some of those slated for layoff have evaporated, as job cuts have been announced at other area plants.

It is highly unlikely that Stellantis will keep Warren Truck operating with only one shift of 1,200 workers for very long. The plant is one of the oldest Stellantis facilities and has faced repeated closure threats by corporate management.

In addition, Stellantis has announced that it is reneging on a pledge to reopen the shuttered Belvidere assembly plant by 2027 to produce a midsize truck. The saving of the Belvidere plant was trumpeted by the UAW leadership as a major victory in the 2023 contract and used to sell the deal. Hundreds of Belvidere workers transferred to Detroit area plants when their home plant was idled. They now face either being permanently stranded away from home or the loss of their jobs in the layoffs.

A veteran Warren Truck worker said, If those who are being laid off are getting any useful info, I dont know about it. Somehow, I dont think they are being told anything. After all, this is Chrysler. Information does NOT flow downhill. Currently, we still have two shifts of people in General Assembly. But we are working alternating weeks. When 2nd works next week, they will be doing so on 1st shift hours.

A flyer circulating at Warren Truck has announced a meeting Thursday afternoon at the UAW Local 140 union hall that will feature top UAW officials, perhaps including President Shawn Fain.

Instead of a real fight to oppose the layoffs, Fain has advanced a keep the promise grievance-writing campaign and issued empty threats of a strike that the bureaucracy has no intention of carrying out.

He has blamed foreign executives who are hostile to American workers unlike US-based GM and Ford. Fain has tried to throw dust in workers eyes by calling for the removal of Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares and the hiring of a more responsible corporate leadership, citing the fact that profits are much higher at General Motors and Ford.

Fains touching concern for Stellantis shareholders bottom line exposes where his bread is buttered. He conceals the fact that mass layoffs are also taking place at the other Detroit automakers, as well as virtually every auto company in the world.

The veteran autoworker, commenting on the role of Fain, remarked, That man is a pariah and needs to be taken down by any means necessary. He orchestrated this entire situation through lies and manipulation. He absolutely knew this was going to be the outcome of passing this contract and pushed it through.

A worker at the Stellantis Detroit Assembly ComplexJefferson plant said that workers were following with concern the layoffs at Warren Truck. He agreed with the call by the International Workers Alliance of Rank and File Committees for a fight: I think the workers need to strike, everyone needs to strike and stand with them. Thats the only way. We have to stand together, we cant be separate.

Workers face a two-front battle against a ruthless corporate management and the UAW bureaucracy. The UAW is assisting in the assault on jobs because they are joined at the hip to management and the capitalist Democratic Party. Their program of America-First nationalism and militarism cuts across the international unity of the working class that is vital to waging a successful struggle.

Underscoring the global character of the assault taking place on jobs in the auto industry, last week workers at the Audi plant in Vorst near Brussels stopped work to protest layoffs sweeping Europe by Audi parent Volkswagen. Workers from supplier plants that will be affected have also joined the protests.

As the deadline for layoffs at Warren Trucks approaches there are increasing signs of impending slump, with slower auto sales and short term layoffs. Earlier this month Stellantis halted production of the Jeep Wrangler, built in Toledo and Jeep Grand Cherokee, built at the Detroit Assembly Complex Mack and Jefferson. The company cited continued slower sales and excess inventories. Stellantis sales were down 21 percent in the first six months of 2024.

In a statement posted on Twitter Socialist Equality Party presidential candidate Joseph Kishore stated:

In less than one month, 2,450 workers at the Stellantis Warren Truck Plant are set to lose their jobs. As the Socialist Equality Party candidate for president of the United States, I stand with Warren Truck workers in the fight to oppose the mass layoffs set for next month. The SEP insists that a good paying job is a social right that takes precedence over the money mad drive by corporations like Stellantis for ever more profits. This right can be secured only through struggle, and a frontal assault on the wealth of the capitalist oligarchy and their control over the economy. While Biden and Harris claim to be pro-worker, they defend the profit system and the vast enrichment of the corporate and financial oligarchy off the sweat and toil of workers. They are working closely with union bureaucrats like Shawn Fain to prevent a fight to defend jobs and living standards so profits will continue to flow and nothing will disrupt the US war machine. Lets be clear: If matters are left in the hands of Shawn Fain and the UAW apparatus these cuts will go ahead with devastating impact, not just on the lives of Warren Truck workers but auto parts workers and the broader community. Families will be devastated, homes will be foreclosed and lives disrupted. It will only be a matter of time before Warren Truck is closed like so many other auto plants in the Detroit area over the last decades. The layoffs at Warren Truck are not the result of mismanagement by foreign executives but come from the ruthless drive of all the auto companies to force the cost of the transition of electric vehicles onto the backs of workers. They are a foretaste of a jobs bloodbath that is gathering force throughout the auto industry worldwide, including white collar and engineers. The only answer is the mobilization of the power of the entire working class based on the principle, an injury to one is an injury to all. I urge Warren Truck workers to build and expand the network of rank-and-file committees as part of the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees. These committees will establish lines of communications with workers in other Big Three plants and at auto parts plants like Dakkota Industries, where workers recently voted down four sellout contracts negotiated by the UAW. Workers must also reach out to autoworkers overseas in Mexico, Brazil, France and Germany in a common fight to end sweatshop conditions and defend jobs for all.

We reiterate the call to action issued by the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees, which proposed the following four point program:

End all job cuts immediately, and reinstate all those already affected!

Reduce the length of the workday, with an increase in pay, to account for the fewer hours needed to produce EVs and make up for decades of stagnant wages!

Unite across borders to fight the global jobs massacre!

Place the auto industry under social ownership and democratic workers control!

There is no time to lose! We urge autoworkers at Warren Truck and other plants to make the decision to join the fight back and sign up to discuss getting involved in this struggle today.
Ukraine launched its largest wave of drone attacks deep inside Russia Monday night, including a deadly attack on the capital city of Moscow.

The site of the damaged multi-storey residential building following a Ukrainian drone attack in Ramenskoye, outside Moscow, Moscow region, Russia, on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024 [AP Photo/Moscow Region Governor Andrei Vorobyev official Telegram channel]

The wave of drone attacks killed one person, injured six others, and forced Moscows airports to temporarily close. It was the first time a Ukrainian attack on the Russian capital city has killed someone.

Russian authorities claimed they shot down 144 drones, spread across the regions of Bryansk, Kursk, and Moscow. Moscow authorities claimed that 20 drones were shot down across the region surrounding the city.

In the suburb of Ramenskoye, at least two apartment buildings were hit with drones. A 46-year-old woman was killed in her apartment, while eight others were injured. Forty-three people were moved to emergency housing.

Sergey Sobyanin, the Mayor of Moscow, said a fire had broken out at Zhukovsky airfield.

The assault on Moscow takes place as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is traveling to Kiev, Ukraine, this week, during which he is expected to announce the end of all remaining restrictions on Ukraine using NATO weapons to strike deep inside Russia.

Juliegrace Brufke, a reporter with Axios, quoted House Foreign Affairs Chairman Michael McCaul as telling her in an interview, I talked to Blinken two days ago, and he is traveling with his counterpart from the UK to Kiev to basically tell them that they will allow them to hit Russia with ATACMS long-range missiles.

Separately, the British Telegraph reported that 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.

As with previous US/NATO escalations against Russia, a nuclear-armed state, this one is being preceded with the obligatory demands by members of Congress, allowing the media to present Biden as having given in to pressure from Congress.

On Monday, a group of leading House Republicans published a letter to President Biden calling for the lifting of all remaining restrictions on the use of NATO-provided weapons from Ukraine.

The letter demanded, We write to urge you to lift the remaining restrictions on Ukraines use of U.S.-provided long-range systems, specifically Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS), against legitimate military targets deeper inside Russia. It added, Your decision earlier this year to partially lift the total ban on Ukrainian strikes on targets in Russia with U.S.-provided weapons was welcome but came too late.

The letter declared that concerns about escalation have been consistently invalidated since Day One of the war.

It asserted, 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  has triggered a Russian escalatory response.

That is, having crossed one red line after another, without starting a full-scale nuclear war, the leading figures of US imperialism are proposing to send US-made missiles raining down on the Russian capital city, claiming that this will not lead to Russia sending its own missiles against the capitals of NATO.

The escalation of the US war against Russia is being increasingly intertwined with the US-led imperialist escalation throughout the Middle East centered on the Gaza genocide.

While in the UK, Blinken announced a new series of sanctions against Iran, including restrictions on the ability of Irans national carrier Iran Air to carry out direct flights to Europe.

Blinken claimed that the sanctions were in response to allegations that Iran had provided Russia with short-range missiles for use in the Ukraine war.

Weve warned Tehran publicly, weve warned Tehran privately that taking this step would constitute a dramatic escalation, Blinken said Tuesday. Russia has now received shipments of these missiles.

The moves to end all remaining restrictions on strikes by US/NATO weapons inside of Russia follows the conclusion of the NATO summit in Washington two months ago, which took a series of far-reaching steps to expand the direct involvement of NATO in the war.

Most significantly, it announced the creation of an office inside Ukraine and the establishment of a NATO command in Germany, led by a three-star general, to oversee the war against Russia.

The NATO summit was followed just one month later by the start of Ukraines offensive against Kursk, in which NATO armored vehicles and tanks are directly rolling over Russias borders, in what was the most provocative escalation by NATO to date.

In her speech at the Democratic National Convention, Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris vowed to escalate the war with Russia, declaring, And as president, I will stand strong with Ukraine and our NATO allies. The Democratic Party platform is pledged to massively expand and modernize the US nuclear arsenal.

With just two months to go before the 2024 US presidential election, the massive and rapid escalation of the war against Russia serves to create facts on the ground, tending toward an even further expansion of the US war with Russia.

In a statement on X, Joe Kishore, the Socialist Equality Partys candidate for president, noted, In the final two months before the election, the Biden-Harris administration is implementing a major escalation of the US-NATO war against Russia, entirely behind the backs of the American population.
Bill Shorten, the ex-Labor Party leader, now National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and Government Services Minister, announced last week that he will resign in February to become the vice-chancellor at the University of Canberra, where he will pick up an annual salary of more than $1 million.

Bill Shorten addressing Department of Social Services senior staff [Photo: Bill Shorten]

Shorten, 57, who led Labor for six years, to defeat at the 2016 and 2019 federal elections, became the third and most important cabinet minister to call it quits in the past six weeks.

Given his prominent record as a trade union and Labor leader, in which he was often touted as a future prime minister, Shortens sudden departure is a further signal of an historic crisis engulfing not just Prime Minister Anthony Albaneses government but the entire political establishment.

A desperate ministerial reshuffle in late July had already seen the orchestrated retirement of two others jumping the sinking shipIndigenous Australians Minister Linda Burney and Skills and Training Minister Brendan OConnor.

Standing alongside Albanese, Shorten declared he was tired of politics and had one more career left in him. In reality, he had clearly sniffed the political wind of mounting working-class hostility to the government, and decided to get out while he could still make some big money.

The discontent with Labor has intensified since it barely scraped into office in 2022, with a near-record low vote. That votejust 32.5 percentreflected the already significant disaffection with the pro-business attacks of Labor governments, particularly since the Hawke and Keating governments of 198396.

Labors support has increasingly imploded, especially over its backing for the US-backed Israeli genocide in Gaza and the US-NATO war against Russia, its escalation of the AUKUS military pact against China and the worsening cost-of-living crisisall of which Shorten has participated in.

This alienation has been now compounded by the governments attack on building workers via the imposition of state control over the CFMEU construction trade union, and deep cuts to the NDIS disability servicesover which Shorten has personally presided, teaming up with the Coalition and far-right elements, including Senator Pauline Hansons anti-welfare One Nation party.

Bill Shorten, Australia's Minister for NDIS, at joint press conference in his ministerial office in Canberra on July 4, 2024 with extreme-right Senator Pauline Hanson [Photo: Facebook/mandy4richmond]

Media polls indicate the growing likelihood that Labor will be reduced to a precarious minority government after the next election, which Albanese must call by May. Labors pro-war and pro-business agenda could even pave the way for the return of the right-wing Liberal-National Coalition under the widely reviled Peter Dutton.

An electorate-by-electorate survey, conducted for the Australian Financial Review (AFR) by Accent Research and RedBridge Group, indicates that Labors prospects have faded since a similar survey earlier this year. Labor could lose up to 10 seats, with 14 more too close to call, especially in outer suburban working-class areas. The Coalition was estimated to be on track to win about 68 House of Representatives seats, with Labor on track to win 69leaving them both well short of the 76 needed to form a majority government.

Pollster Kos Samaras told the AFR: Now we are firmly in the 100 percent minority government space, with more than seven months to go. Labor better hope it does not leak too much.

Accolades were heaped on Shorten by the parliamentary and media establishment. These provided a measure of the nervousness in ruling circles at the loss of a figure who played a pivotal role in the suppression of working-class struggles and political dissent by the Labor and union apparatus, and was groomed to become prime minister.

The AFRs national affairs columnist Jennifer Hewett wrote: Along the way, he exhibited a star quality as well as a prodigious skill in marshalling the numbers that propelled him into public prominencefirst as a union official and then as a politician heading for the top.

The AFRs political editor Phillip Coorey stated: After 17 years in parliament, Shorten will join the pantheon of former Labor leaders who never achieved the highest office.

Notably, Opposition leader Dutton praised Shortens supposed contribution to public life. Shortens record shows that he could have equally joined the Liberal Party, but saw Labor as the best option to pursue his ambitions.

Shortens corporate-backed rise to prominence

With the assistance of some of the richest capitalists in the country and with a close relationship with the US ruling elite, Shorten had a rapid and meteoric rise, from a particularly employer-friendly union bureaucrat in 2006 to a king pin in the Labor Party, with the clear intention of becoming prime minister.

Like another aspiring prime minister, Bob Hawke three decades earlier, Shorten was initially recruited into the union hierarchy, soon after finishing law school in 1989, by the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) leadership.

Shortens first sponsor was ACTU secretary Bill Kelty. Kelty was a primary architect of the ACTU Accords with the Hawke and Keating governments. These agreements policed the destruction of thousands of jobs, slashed real wages and conditions and busted up shopfloor workers organisationsall in the name of making Australian capitalism globally competitive.

Shorten clawed his way up to become the Victorian state secretary of the Australian Workers Union (AWU) by 1998, and the national secretary by 2001, at the age of just 34.

Shortens record at the head of the AWU consisted of him and his officials collaborating with employers to cut wages, tear up penalty pay rates and scrap basic conditions for low-paid workers, such as construction workers, casualised cleaners and labour-hire mushroom farm labourers.

At Cleanevent, for example, one of Australias biggest cleaning contractors, thousands of poorly-paid and super-exploited casual workers were stripped of penalty wage rates as a result of AWU-negotiated agreements.

As part of these deals, Cleanevent secretly enrolled its employees in the union and paid for their union dues. Many of the workers recruited in this sham process did not even know they were union members.

As well as extra funds, falsely-inflated union membership statistics gave the AWU bureaucracy bigger voting blocks in union congresses and the Labor Party, providing a power base for Shorten.

While building a factional right-wing AWU-Labor platform, Shorten cultivated close relations with leading Liberal Party and business figures, notably his first wifes father, wealthy Liberal MP Julian Beale, and Visy paper products billionaire Richard Pratt.

In fact, Shorten was first dramatically elevated into the public limelight when Pratt lent him his $50 million private jet in 2006 so he could fly to Beaconsfield, Tasmania where a mine collapse killed a coal miner and trapped two others underground for two weeks. Shorten exploited the media coverage of the tragedy to falsely present himself as a workers champion.

With the aid of fund-raising at Pratts Melbourne mansion, Raheen, and ruthless factional deals, Shorten then quickly, within months, secured Labor pre-selection for a seat in parliament. When Labor took office in 2007 under Kevin Rudd, following the collapse of support for the Coalition government of John Howard, Shorten obtained another rapid elevation. He was immediately appointed as a parliamentary secretary for disabilities, in effect a junior minister.

After less than three years in parliament, Shorten was one of the Labor powerbrokers who secretly worked with the US embassy to oust Rudd in mid-2010.

As was raised by the World Socialist Web Site at the time of this backroom coup, and was later documented by leaked US diplomatic cables published by WikiLeaks, Washington was intent on removing Rudd because he had sought to mediate between US and Chinese strategic interests in the Asia-Pacific. Shorten and protected sources in the Labor machine backed his replacement, Julia Gillard, who fully lined up behind the Obama administrations pivot to Asia drive to diplomatically and militarily encircle and confront China.

One US cable in June 2009 was devoted to a profile of Shorten, based on his discussions with the US Consul General in Melbourne, Michael Thurston, who vetted Shorten. Thurston, a high-level US State Department officer, reported favourably that Shorten collaborated with US union leaders and was widely known for his pro-US stance.

Shorten became a key minister, and Gillards political lieutenant, as her government fully committed to the escalating US preparations for confrontation with China. It also imposed a destructive market-based revolution on universities, slashed single parents benefits and other welfare spending, and kept propping up the banks and finance houses in the wake of the 2008-09 global financial crisis.

As a result of the rising working-class hostility to her coup and program, Gillards government imploded. After nearly losing the 2010 election, it formed a minority administrationa de facto coalition with the Greensbut did not waver from its right-wing, pro-US militarist course.

In a desperate, last-ditch, but calculated bid to cling to office, Shorten switched back to reinstall Rudd as prime minister in June 2013. After Labors landslide election defeat three months later, Shorten mobilised his factional powerbase to seize the Labor leadership.

Shorten was so distrusted by wide layers of workers and youth, however, that Labor failed to win the 2016 and 2019 elections, even as the Coalition went from crisis to crisis under Tony Abbott, then Malcolm Turnbull and finally Scott Morrison.

For the 2019 election, Shorten adopted a fake populist pitch, promising fairness and limited tax increases on the wealthy. After decades of Labor governments imposing the dictates of big business and the banks, few people believed him. Labor could make no credible appeal to workers and young people, allowing the widely-detested Morrison to survive until 2022.

Today, Shortens desertion from the Albanese government underscores the depth of the political turmoil. Like Albanese, who is still desperately holding onto office, Shorten epitomises the entirely pro-capitalist character of the increasingly discredited Labor and union bureaucracy, even if in a particularly grasping, self-serving form.

The Australian ruling elite has long relied upon the Labor Party, in every period of capitalist crisis, to work with the union apparatuses to stifle working-class opposition.

Labor was called into office during the carnage of both world wars, in the Great Depression of the 1930s, and amid the global upsurge of protests and strikes from 1968 to 1975. It was recalled again to implement pro-market restructuring amid the vast globalisation of production in the 1980s and 1990s, and impose the burden of the global financial breakdown of 20089.

Over the past four decades, the basis for Labors previous program of national reformism has been shattered by the globalisation of production, which has undercut all forms of national economic regulation. Labor, like social democratic parties and trade unions internationally, renounced its old program of extracting limited concessions from the ruling class, and turned to dismantling the past gains of workers to satisfy the demands of globally-mobile capital.

This political crisis will only intensify as the Albanese government and its trade union partners ramp up their efforts to impose the growing burden of the bipartisan agenda of war and austerity onto the backs of workers and young people.

This underscores the necessity to draw the lessons from these experiences and build the Socialist Equality Party (SEP) to provide the revolutionary socialist alternative. We urge all our readers to use the form below to sign up as electoral members of the SEP so that our partys name will be on the ballot for the coming federal election.
Over the past month, Philippine and Chinese Coast Guard vessels have repeatedly collided with each other in the disputed waters of the South China Sea, bringing tensions between the countries to a knifes edge. Both sides claim the other deliberately rammed them; neither shows any sign of backing down. Washington has secretly been directly involved militarily in each of the incidents.

In this image taken from handout video provided by the Philippine Coast Guard, a Chinese Coast Guard ship with bow number 5205, right, collides with Philippine Coast Guard vessel BRP Teresa Magbanua near the Sabina Shoal at the disputed South China Sea on Saturday Aug. 31, 2024. [AP Photo/Philippine Coast Guard via AP]

The collisions occur at the Sabina Shoal, a reef and lagoon 75 nautical miles west of Palawan Island in the Philippines, and deemed within the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the Philippines. The Second Thomas Shoal, about 20 nautical miles due west of Sabina, had been the site of confrontations between the Philippines and China in June and early July, but Manila and Beijing concluded a temporary deal that would decrease tensions during resupply missions to Philippine troops stationed there.

Within weeks of this deal, confrontation erupted at Sabina Shoal, after tensions had been building there for months, in the background to the Second Thomas Shoal events.

In April, the Philippines claimed that China was engaged in an island reclamation project, dredging coral and sand around the Sabina Shoal to construct a habitable facility there. Manila deployed its Coast Guard flagship, BRP Teresa Magbanua, to counter these alleged activities.

Beijing countered that it was concerned that Manila intended to establish the Teresa Magbanua as a permanent military base at the Sabina Shoal, perhaps even running it aground there in the same way that the Philippines had done with the BRP Sierra Madre on the Second Thomas Shoal in 1999. Permanent occupation of disputed features would violate bilateral agreements recently concluded between China and the Philippines, Beijing claimed.

In early May, the Philippine Coast Guard issued a statement claiming that its operation to block Chinese vessels had been successful and would continue.

By early June, several vessels of the Chinese and Philippine Coast Guard fleets were sailing in close confrontation with each other around the Sabina Shoal. A team of researchers from the University of the Philippines Institute of Biology completed an onsite investigation of the Sabina Shoal on June 8 and concluded that the evidence there did not support the claim that China was engaged in reclamation activity. This finding by Philippine scientists, brought out to the reef by the Philippine Coast Guard, was a blow to the claims being made by the Philippine military.

On June 12, Philippine Independence Day, Manila staged a provocative sail through at Sabina Shoal, in close proximity to the Chinese vessels, and with much media fanfare. No confrontation occurred.

Tensions escalated dramatically, when on August 19, Chinese Coast Guard vessels and two Philippine Coast Guard patrol boats collided. Manila claimed that China rammed its vessels. On August 25, Manila sent a Bureau of Fisheries vessel, loaded with journalists, on a resupply mission to fishermen at the Sabina Shoal. The Chinese Coast Guard blasted the boat with water cannons, when the ships came within meters of each other.

The Teresa Magbanua, deployed to the Sabina Shoal since April, was running low on supplies, Manila claimed, and they sent Coast Guard resupply missions, which the Chinese Coast Guard blocked. On August 28, the Philippines resupplied the Teresa Magbanua by helicopter. China warned that such resupplies were dangerous and could lead to an aerial incident.

On August 31, the Teresa Magbanua and a Chinese Coast Guard vessel again collided. Each side claimed the other had rammed it.

The tensions show no signs of diminishing. Among the Chinese Coast Guard vessels in the area are two tugboats. The Global Times, a Chinese paper closely associated with the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA), published an editorial on September 2 that stated that one of Chinas possible options was using these tugboats to tow the Teresa Magbanua out of the vicinity.

The ramming incidents between the Philippines and China are becoming alarmingly common. Sailors have suffered injuries in the process. Both sides blame the other, but the truth of the matter is that in the vast waters of the South China Sea, and despite repeated warnings, they are sailing their vessels within meters of each other. They are playing chicken with coast guard vessels.

Washington has egged on these tensions, instigating and exacerbating them.

Each resupply mission is being secretly conducted as a joint military operation between the Philippines and United States. The US Marine Corps operates a drone facility out of Basa Air Base in Pampanga in the Philippines, one of many basing facilities now operated by the US under the terms of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA). The Marine Corps issued a press release taking credit for providing vital logistical support to the Philippines resupply missions, but the US Department of Defense hastily took this announcement down.

The Chinese Coast Guard reported that a US-operated P-8 Poseidon drone circled overhead during the confrontations and collisions at the Sabina Shoal. Washington is coordinating, documenting, and almost certainly leading the deliberate escalations of war tensions between the Philippines and China.

Latching onto the crisis that it was instrumental in creating, Washington offered to escalate matters further. Admiral Samuel Paparo, commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command, publicly announced that it was an entirely reasonable option for the US to deploy naval ships to escort the Philippine resupply missions at the Sabina Shoal.

Such action would bring the United States perilously close to a direct military encounter with China, threatening war. Manila for the time being has declined the offer, but it could be taken up in the immediate future.

Manila justifies actions by citing the arbitral ruling in 2016 of the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) established under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Washington, which is not a signatory to the law in question, drew up and argued the case before the tribunal on Manilas behalf and now trumpets the ruling as though it invalidated Chinas territorial claims to the islands in the South China Sea

The ITLOS Arbitral ruling said nothing about who owned what, whose territorial claimsif anywere valid. Rather, it ruled that a number of features in the disputed waters generated a territorial sea, thus leaving the Philippines Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) largely uninterrupted. The EEZ extends 200 nautical miles from the nearest Philippine coast, creating a baseline.

Legally, an EEZ grants a rather limited set of privileges, the right to economically exploit the resources of the waters, including fishing grounds and possible oil reserves.

Attempts to present the disputes in the South China Sea, now on the verge of war, as being of long historical standing founder on the facts. The rival claims to the region are in truth rather recent historical innovations.

Throughout the entire early history of the region, both the pre-colonial and the colonial periods, the South China Sea did not balkanize and divide the region, but united in a dynamic network of trade. It was the Mediterranean of Asia.

The reefs and shoals of the Spratlys and Paracels were not territory to be claimed, but obstacles to be avoided. To the extent that they showed up on maps it was to identify and warn sailors of danger, not to establish ownership. The use of such ancient maps to establish a modern claim of sovereignty is historically absurd.

The carving up of Asia into spheres of influence by the imperialist powers in the late nineteenth century, carved up the South China Sea as well. Substantial portions of the sea were controlled by the British, the French, the Dutch, the Americans, and the Japanese. Still, no territorial claim was made. The concern of the imperialist powers was not occupying the Spratlys, but asserting the right of freedom of navigation, by which they all, but the British in particular, meant the right to sail within cannon-shot of the Chinese coast to establish trade hegemony.

The first real occupation of the heart of the South China Sea and establishment of a presence in the Spratlys and the Paracels was made by the Japanese in preparation for their 194142 blitz attack on Southeast Asia. After the war, struggles over decolonization and the Cold War divided the region in new ways. America emerged as the unrivaled imperialist power, and exercised nearly exclusive control over the South China Sea, from its bases in Okinawa, and Subic and Clark in the Philippines. South Vietnam and Taiwan, operating under Americas aegis, began to put forward claims to parts or all of the Spratlys and the Paracels. Little was done with these claims.

The question of how far a nations sovereignty and economic rights extended into the ocean, its extended continental shelf, its territorial sea, and what became known as its exclusive economic zone, was brought up for international legal formulation before the United Nations in the 1970s. The notion of an EEZ was introduced in 1971. These were codified as the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) in 1982. While the United States has wielded this law internationally to assert its hegemony on the sea, it never ratified the agreement.

The nine (now ten) dash line claim of Taiwan, taken up by the Peoples Republic of China, the claim in the Paracels of Vietnam, of the Philippines to the Spratlys, did not exist in any substantive way until the last half century. Simmering political tensions over these claims only emerged in the late 1980s. These occasionally erupted in explosive confrontations, such as the battle between Chinese and Vietnamese ships in the Spratlys in March 1988, but this was bound up with the broader ongoing conflict between the two countries and was not caused by the South China Sea dispute.

The full-scale militarization of the South China Sea, in which dubious historical claims to various islets and reefs took on geopolitical significance, occurred at the instigation of Washington. In 2010, then US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, speaking at an Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) security summit, declared that the United States had a national interest in the South China Sea. The assertion was part of the Obama administrations Pivot to Asia, which sought to militarily and politically contain and confront China. Within a year, the regions reefs and shoals, formerly a matter of largely esoteric quarrels, were transformed into a dangerous flashpoint threatening war.

The 2016 ruling of the arbitral tribunal, argued by Washingtons lawyers, resolved nothing. The islands occupied by China, by Vietnam, by the Philippines, remained occupied, the rival territorial claims went unresolved. The Philippines was granted economic control over certain waters, meaning the right to fish and possibly drill for oil. Military vessels continued to confront each other. Washington threw about its weight, provocatively sailing through the waters and staging live-fire drills and exercising, while misrepresenting the implications of a legal decision issued under an international law to which it is not a signatory.

Under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, Manila has come to function as the leading proxy of US interests in the region. Washington, working through the Philippine military, and to an extent not yet known, controlling it, has aggressively confronted China in the disputed waters. It is this that brought the region to the brink of military conflict over a collection of reefs, atolls and islets, many completely submerged at high tide.
This statement in support of Bogdan Syrotiuk was submitted to the World Socialist Web Site by a Ukrainian youth who fled the war and is now working and studying in Germany. To sign the petition demanding freedom for Bogdan and to get involved in the campaign, click here.

Bogdan Syrotiuk has been shamelessly arrested, based on trumped up charges by the Ukrainian state. The SBU (Ukraines Security Service) claims that this international socialist had a backpack with a Z on it. It claims that Bogdan Syrotiuk, a member of the YGBLan organisation of international socialists across the former Soviet Unionwho has consistently called for the unity of Ukrainian and Russian workers against the nationalist-chauvinist governments of Ukraine and Russia, was working as an agent of the Russian state.

Bogdan Syrotiuk in his office.

Only those deeply affected by Ukrainian state propaganda will believe the SBUs false claims. But those that see things more clearly will recognize that this backpackthe only pertinent piece of evidence in the whole casehas been planted there by the SBU, which is carrying on the legacy of the Stalinist secret service, the KGB.

Aside from the WSWS, few news sources have covered Bogdans jailing. The mainstream capitalist press remains silent, so as not to undermine their propaganda that the war in Ukraine is a war waged for democracy. Russian neo-Stalinists and Maoists have refused to support the campaign to free Bogdan on the grounds that this would be yet another piece of evidence linking him to Russia. They have thus blindly accepted the prosecutions equation of the Russian working class and Russian socialists with the Russian state. They also neglected the fact that the Ukrainian SBU has already forged more pertinent evidencenamely, the backpack with a Z on itand would forge more of it if necessary. Genuinely socialist and working-class organisations must fight for Bogdans freedoman attack on one is an attack on all.

Bogdans arrest is part of a campaign to ban all left-wing opposition to the Zelensky regime. The same baseless charges of work on behalf of the Russian state have been raised against the WSWS, which has been banned in Ukraine. Dozens of other left-wing and socialist parties have been banned on the same grounds since 2022. Trotskyism, or, for that matter, any left-wing ideology, is equated with Russian militarism.

In reality, Trotskyism has nothing in common with any kind of militarism, chauvinism or nationalism at all. Trotskyism is the primary enemy of militarism, chauvinism and nationalism. It is a revolutionary guide for the working class to conquer power from the bourgeoisie, who enact these reactionary policies and ideologies in their pursuit of greed and imperialist plunder.

The government of Ukraine is as bourgeois as any other, and acts purely in the interests of its own capitalist class and their partners, above all the US and Germany. The US has provoked Russias reactionary invasion by financing and training fascist paramilitaries in Ukraine, encouraging Ukrainian nationalist rhetoric, and openly discussing plans to include Ukraine in NATO. The continuation of the war in Ukraine to this day is primarily the result of the imperialist policies of the US, which the fascistic Ukrainian regime has helped execute. In order to establish full control over Russia, the US is determined to militarily crush it. The recent imperialist-backed invasion of Kursk is testimony to this fact: it is an unabashed escalation of a war that has already claimed the lives of hundreds of thousands from both sides.

The ruling classes are mortally afraid of an anti-war movement of the working class, since, under a conscious Trotskyist leadership, such a movement would not only stop the war, but also develop into an international revolution which would put the working class in power, enabling it to overthrow capitalism and establish socialism. Those are the true reasons for Bogdans arrestthe war aims of imperialism and the mortal fear by the ruling class of revolution.

The campaign to suppress left wing opposition to war is not unique to Ukraine, however. Attacks on democratic rights and left-wing groups are taking place in countries throughout the world. The Gaza protest movement has been falsely denounced as antisemitic by the majority of NATO-aligned governments, and the police have violently attacked and arrested student protesters. In some cases, organisations opposing Israels genocidal war in Gaza have been outright banned.

The German section of the ICFI, the Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei (SGP), has been under surveillance by the countrys secret service (Verfassungsschutz) since 2018 because it advocates for socialism and opposes militarism and nationalism. Recently, the German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser has drafted a bill which would allow the federal police to secretly break into any citizens home and plant surveillance software on their electronic devices, based on nothing more than the mere suspicion that they may have an anti-constitutional attitude. Unless the working class is mobilized against these police state measures, the ruling class will only intensify them further.

Therefore, the international working class must be mobilized to demand Bogdan Syrotiuks release and to defend democratic rights worldwide. It is the principal revolutionary force in society, and serves as the basis of the entire economy. It is time for workers to demand their rights and defend them. We must fight for Bogdans freedom!

Free Bogdan Syrotiuk! Down with war and imperialism!
A report by United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food Michael Fakhri has indicted Israel for using starvation as a weapon of war to exterminate the Palestinian people and seize their land. The document provides evidence of the genocidal intent of the Zionist regime and the complicity of the imperialist powers in war crimes unprecedented since World War II.

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 [AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana]

Circulated to the UN General Assembly last Thursday, Fakhris report accused Israel of deliberate starvation and a starvation campaign that includes Gazas 2.3 million population and Palestinians in the West Bank. He wrote,

Israel made its intentions to starve everyone in Gaza explicit, implemented its plans and predictably created a famine throughout Gaza. Tracking the geography of Israels starvation tactics alongside Israeli officials statements confirms its intent. Israel opened with a total siege that weakened all Palestinians in Gaza. Then, Israel used starvation to induce forcible transfer, harm and death against people in the north, pushing people into the south, only to starve, bombard and kill people in newly created refugee camps in the south.

Fakhri pointed out in a social media post accompanying his report, In Gaza, malnutrition, famine, and disease are killing more people than bombs and bullets. This statement is backed up by the estimate published in The Lancet in July that 186,000 Palestinians have died due to Israels onslaught, far more than the approximately 41,000 shown in official Palestinian statistics.

Quoting in part from the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Genocide, which was adopted in the shadow of the Nazis Holocaust of European Jewry, the report notes, The Special Rapporteur highlights how Israel has used starvation with the intent to destroy, in whole or in part, the Palestinian people by (b) Causing serious bodily or mental harm to Palestinian people; (c) Deliberately inflicting on the Palestinian people conditions of life calculated to bring about their physical destruction in whole or in part.

It also addresses the complicity of the imperialist powers, remarking,

perpetrators of starvation are usually supported by foreign States and corporations, making those third parties complicit in starvation. For example, in Gaza, third-party countries and businesses are not only responsible for the illegal supply of weapons for Israels starvation campaign and genocide, but businesses have been complicit for years in the illegal destruction of the Palestinian food and water systems, and the illegal settlements of Palestinian territories.

In a damning passage underscoring that the political leaders of the United States and its European imperialist allies should be in the dock alongside Netanyahu in a future war crimes trial, Fakri writes,

Prior to 7 October 2023, approximately half of the people in Gaza were food insecure and more than 80 per cent relied on humanitarian aid; the total siege was an immediate catalyst for starvation. Coupled with repeated dehumanizing statements and calls for the total annihilation of Gaza by Israeli officials, Israels starvation campaign fulfilled the actus reus [criminal act] and mens rea [criminal intent] of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide and thereby triggered all States obligation to prevent genocide.

Washington and its European allies did not merely fail to meet their obligation to prevent genocide but massively stepped up their supply of high-powered weaponry to the Zionist regime. At home, all opponents of the genocide who sought to draw attention to the world historic crimes perpetrated in Gaza and the complicity of the imperialist powers were subject to a vicious campaign of state-orchestrated persecution and intimidation.

Fakhris report has largely been buried in the American and European media. To the extent that rampant starvation, spread of deadly diseases and absence of healthcare and other basic services receive any attention, it is from the standpoint of claiming that the Palestinians confront a humanitarian crisis that is the unfortunate byproduct of Israels war of self-defence against Hamas. The report provides a refutation of this absurdity when it notes,

The world produces enough food to feed 1.5 times the current population, and yet prevalence of hunger, malnutrition and famine are on the rise. Hunger and famine are not production problems, they are always caused by acts and omissions which deny people access to food. Famines are most often triggered by conflict, economic shocks and drought. But these triggers reflect underlying social relationships based on dependency and extraction. Ultimately, the concentration of power and absence of accountability in food systems increases the risk of famine. Famines should therefore always be understood as a political problem; they are human-made and are always the result of one group starving another.

The acts and omissions by Israel and its imperialist backers that have created famine and misery in Gaza are comparable with the inhuman crimes of the Nazi regime during World War II. The Nazis Hunger Plan deliberately set out to seize food from the Soviet population for German soldiers and the population so as to facilitate the mass extermination of Soviet citizens, thereby establishing lebensraum in the East. It played a major role in the more than 27 million Soviet civilians believed to have lost their lives during the Nazi war of annihilation.

Eight decades on, the Zionists are annihilating the Palestinian population in Gaza in pursuit of their reactionary policy of Greater Israel. The imperialists back the slaughter because they view it as an essential component of their plans for a region-wide war against Iran. This war is one front in a redivision of the world pursued by Washington, Berlin, Paris and London to secure their economic and geostrategic interests in which they will resort to any crime to prevail against their rivals.

As the World Socialist Web Site International Editorial Board explained in its New Years statement at the beginning of 2024,

All the red lines that demarcate civilization from barbarism are being effaced. The motto of capitalist governments is: Nothing that is criminal is alien to us. Taken as a whole, the normalization of different forms of social barbarism signify that the capitalist class has arrived at a dead end. A class whose policies consist of different forms of sociocide has clearly exhausted its historical, economic, social and political legitimacy.

This is not the explanation of the Gaza genocide shared by the political forces who have dominated the mass protests that have swept the world over the past 11 months against Israels extermination of the Palestinians. Forces like the ANSWER Coalition and Democratic Socialists of America in the US and Stop the War Coalition in Britain advance the strategy that if enough pressure is brought to bear on Israel and its allies, the imperialist powers will come to their senses, end the genocide and improve the lot of the Palestinians. The humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza is to be stopped by convincing the blood-soaked Netanyahu regime to allow aid into the enclave under pressure from its chief weapons supplier and political accomplice, American imperialism. For these groups, there is no connection between the Gaza genocide and the global eruption of imperialist war, which they generally endorse unreservedly when it comes to waging war on Russia.

In July, Netanyahu addressed a joint session of Congress, receiving standing ovations from Democrats and Republicans alike for his genocidal rant and pledges to go to war against Iran. On the same day in Washington, the Socialist Equality Party organised a rally that outlined the basic political programme upon which a genuine struggle against genocide and war must be based:

The essential cause of war lies in the capitalist nation-state system, the global financial interests of the giant corporations and the relentless drive of the American ruling class for world hegemony.

The struggle against war requires the mobilization of the immense power of the American working class and its political independence from the Democrats and Republicans, the ruling class parties of imperialist war.

The movement against genocide and war must be international, uniting workers globally based on their common class interests.
Policemen are on duty in the city of Frankfurt (Oder) in Germany near the Polish border, Sept. 10, 2024. 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, German news agency dpa reported on Monday, citing government sources. (Xinhua/Ren Pengfei)

WARSAW, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said Tuesday that he plans to seek urgent consultations with neighboring countries affected by Germany's decision to tighten border controls.

The head of the Polish government called Germany's actions "a de facto suspension of the Schengen area" and added that this was unacceptable for Poland.

German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said on Monday that the controls, set to start on Sept. 16, will be initially imposed for six months, aiming to curb illegal immigration and protect German citizens from terrorism and crime.

"I have no doubt that the tightening of these measures is driven by internal political factors in Germany, not our policies regarding illegal migration at our borders," Tusk said.

"In the coming hours, we will reach out to other countries impacted by these decisions from Berlin for urgent consultations on actions to be taken within the European Union (EU), particularly with all of Germany's neighboring states," he added.

The new measures will affect Germany's borders with France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Austria, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, and Poland. 

Policemen are on duty in the city of Frankfurt (Oder) in Germany near the Polish border, Sept. 10, 2024. 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, German news agency dpa reported on Monday, citing government sources. (Xinhua/Ren Pengfei)

A policeman is on duty in the city of Frankfurt (Oder) in Germany near the Polish border, Sept. 10, 2024. 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, German news agency dpa reported on Monday, citing government sources. (Xinhua/Ren Pengfei)

Police vehicles are pictured in the city of Frankfurt (Oder) in Germany near the Polish border, Sept. 10, 2024. 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, German news agency dpa reported on Monday, citing government sources. (Xinhua/Ren Pengfei)
BAGHDAD, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- Two Katyusha rockets were fired late Tuesday night at a facility belonging to the U.S. embassy and an Iraqi military base near Baghdad International Airport, according to an Interior Ministry source.

One of the rockets landed near the U.S. embassy's logistic center at the perimeter of the airport without causing casualties. The other one landed on the counter-terrorism service base near the airport, causing material damage to one of the buildings, the source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.

No group has so far claimed responsibility for the attack.

Iraqi military bases housing U.S. troops and the U.S. embassy in the Green Zone have been frequently targeted by mortar and rocket attacks. 
MANILA, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- The Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Wednesday said it has approved a policy-based loan of 100 million U.S. dollars to support Sri Lanka's water supply and sanitation sector reforms, which are designed to enhance the country's resilience to climate change impacts and promote long-term sustainability.

The ADB said the Water Supply and Sanitation Reform Program, composed of two subprograms of 100 million dollars each, will contribute to a more resilient and sustainable delivery of water supply and sanitation services.

Subprogram 1 will establish policies and strategies nationally and for the National Water Supply and Drainage Board, while Subprogram 2 will support the implementation of reform actions and guidelines.

The ADB said Sri Lanka's water resources management has been grappling with a host of challenges. These include unbalanced water allocation between agriculture and drinking water, inadequate consideration of climate change in planning and development, the involvement of multiple agencies at national and regional levels, and the adverse effects of unplanned land use and deforestation. 
22 Pictures That Prove The American Education System Is 100% Completely And Totally Doomed

Before we get started here, just a quick refresher:

THIS is the flag of the United States of America.

And THIS is the flag of Liberia.

1.And THIS is a person who has no idea what the American flag looks like:

2.Come on, Deborah.

Facebook

3.Columbus never went to Liberia, my friend.

Facebook

4.No they ain't.

TikTok

5.SMH.

Facebook

6.Not Uncle Joe!

Facebook

7.Try again.

8.You're a few stars off.

9.Drain the swamp... of Liberia:

Facebook

10.That's...that's....

11.This ain't it.

12.Which president are we talking about here?

Facebook

13.Thank you for your support of Liberia:

Facebook

14.Liberian pride.

Facebook

15.Nope.

16.God bless Liberia.

17.Even more support for the southern part of Liberia:

Youtube

18.I would try "refining" from posting the wrong flag.

Twitter

19.I would love to hear your favorite Malaysian president.

Twitter

20.(Alicia Keys voice) In Liberiiiiiaaaaaaaaa:

Facebook

21.Killin' me, Terri.

Facebook

22.Open the schools.

Facebook
Ana de Armas Opens Up About Why She Left L.A. to Live Off the Grid in Rural Vermont: My Little Cocoon

The Eden actress said her peaceful abode helps her get away from the craziness of the world while speaking to E! News on Saturday, Sept. 7

Aitor Rosas Sune/WWD via Getty Ana de Armas in May 2024

Ana de Armas is enjoying life far from the bright lights of Hollywood.

After years of being a Los Angeles resident, the Ghosted actress, 36, revealed shes moved into a new home that allows her to live a more peaceful lifestyle while speaking to E! News on Saturday, Sept. 7.

I feel like nowadays, we all want to go away from the craziness of the world, De Armas told the outlet. We all want to have the chance to build your own safe space. Ive made that decision myself.

She continued, I found a home where I really feel off the grid. I can collect myself and only bring there who I want to be with. I have my little cocoon there.

De Armas has reportedly moved into a $7 million home in rural Vermont that features six bedrooms and eight bathrooms, according to the outlet. The peaceful spot is reportedly surrounded by mountains, lush greenery and open fields.

Related: Ana de Armas Heats Up the Beach in Greece in a Blue and White Bikini and Matching Coverup

The Knives Out star, who is originally from Cuba, then dove deeper into exactly why she decided to leave L.A. behind.

You just feel it when its time to change, she said. Look out for yourself. Theres a time when you learn whats good for you and whats not. What serves you the most? Pay attention to that and take action.

De Armas previously lived in Venice, Calif., but she put her home on the market in 2020 while she was in a relationship with Ben Affleck, PEOPLE previously reported. A source confirmed to PEOPLE at the time that the pair had officially moved in together during a time when their relationship was strong."

Related: Ana de Armas Reveals She Learned English by Watching 'Friends' During 'SNL' Hosting Debut: Watch

Rodin Eckenroth/Getty

After they split in January 2021 following a year of dating, De Armas opened up to ELLE in 2022 about how their highly publicized relationship contributed to her decision to leave Los Angeles after living there for seven years.

"That's one of the reasons why I left L.A. Going through it [myself] confirmed my thoughts about, 'This is not the place for me to be,' she explained. It became a little bit too much. There's no escape. There's no way out. ... It's always the feeling of something that you don't have, something missing. It's a city that keeps you anxious."

She then relocated to New York City with her current boyfriend, Tinder executive Paul Boukadakis, per the outlet.

Related: Ana De Armas Says Social Media Has Ruined the 'Concept of a Movie Star': 'That Mystery Is Gone'

De Armas, who stars in the new thriller Eden alongside Sydney Sweeney, made history when she became the first Cuban actress to be nominated for an Academy Award in a lead role following her portrayal of Marilyn Monroe in Netflixs Blonde.

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.

In April 2023, she opened up to PEOPLE about the surreal Oscar nomination she received for Best Actress.

"It felt amazing. It was so special," she told PEOPLE at the time. "Not only the Oscars, it was all those awards, that they just gave the performance that recognition. I feel like I've, for so long, waited for the movie to come out. It was such a beautiful, full-circle... I will always remember. It was pretty surreal."

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Read the original article on People.
EXCLUSIVE: Amid some of the best reviews of his career for his work in Sonys Saturday Night, Cory Michael Smith has landed a supporting role in Sentimental Value, renowned Norwegian filmmaker Joachim Triers follow-up to his Oscar-nominated romance The Worst Person in the World, sources tell Deadline.

Smith joins an ensemble led by The Worst Person breakout Renate Reinsve, which also includes Stellan Skarsgard, Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas and Elle Fanning, as previously announced. He plays the agent of Fannings character, an American movie star who comes to Oslo, which is where the comedy-drama is shooting now through November, for release next year.

More from Deadline

Marking Triers sixth feature outing, Sentimental Value is a portrait of a family in Oslo, the house theyve lived in for generations, and how the past has a way of resurfacing in unexpected ways. Reinsve plays Nora, an acclaimed stage actress, who alongside younger sister Agnes (Lilleaas), sees their eccentric and charismatic father, Gustav (Skarsgard), suddenly step back into their lives after a long absence. Once a renowned film director, Gustav looks to make his comeback and make amends with Nora by offering her the lead role in his next film. But Nora wants nothing to do with her father or his film.

Trier wrote the script with longtime collaborator Eskil Vogt. Producers include Maria Ekerhovd for Mer Film and Andrea Berentsen Ottmar for Eye Eye Pictures in Norway. Co-producers of the Norwegian, French, German, Danish and Swedish co-production are Nathanael Karmitz for MK Productions and Juliette Schrameck for Lumen Production in France; Janine Jackowski and Jonas Dornbach for Komplizen Film in Germany; Sisse Graum Jrgensen for Zentropa in Denmark; and Lizette Jonjic for Zentropa Sweden, as well as Film i Vast in Sweden.

Also backed by BBC Film in the UK, with Eva Yates as executive producer, the film was financed with the support of the Norwegian Film Institute, the Swedish Film Institute, Film i Vast, the French National Center of Cinema Film (CNC), Arte Grand Accord, The Danish Film Institute, Medienboard Berlin Brandenburg, FFA, Eurimages, Oslo Filmfond and Storyline. Mk2 Films is handling international sales, with Nordisk Film handling the films release in the Nordics, and Neon handling U.S. distribution.

For his turn as Chevy Chase in Jason Reitmans big ensemble picture Saturday Night, which just touched down in Toronto after premiering at Telluride, Smith has consistently been cited as a stand-out. Depicting the chaotic 90 minutes leading up to the very first taping of Saturday Night Live, the awards prospect opens September 27 in select theaters in Los Angeles, New York City and Toronto before going limited on October 4 and breaking wide on October 11, the anniversary of SNLs debut episode.

Last year, Smith was seen starring opposite Julianne Moore and Natalie Portman in May December, a buzzy, Oscar- and Golden Globe-nominated Netflix title, which marked his third outing with filmmaker Todd Haynes. In television, he recently wrapped filming the title role opposite Tatiana Maslany in the pilot for Amazons The Nightbeast.

Smith is represented by UTA and Circle Management + Production.

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Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, attends the 14th meeting of the BRICS high-ranking officials responsible for security matters and national security advisors in St. Petersburg, Russia, Sept. 11, 2024. (Xinhua/Cao Yang)

ST. PETERSBURG, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- Wang Yi, director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, on Wednesday attended the 14th meeting of the BRICS high-ranking officials responsible for security matters and national security advisors in the Russian city of St. Petersburg.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, welcomed the new members to the BRICS family, stating that the world has entered a new period of turbulence and transformation, with various security threats intertwined, increasing deficits in peace and security, and rampant interference, containment, and bullying against many developing countries.

Wang said against this backdrop, it is of special significance for the BRICS countries to discuss ways for cooperation and seek sound strategies for peace. Over the past 18 years, the BRICS mechanism has adhered to the principles of openness, inclusiveness and win-win cooperation, setting a banner for South-South cooperation.

BRICS countries have increasingly become a constructive force in maintaining world peace, promoting common development, improving global governance, and advancing democracy in international relations, Wang said, adding that its active, stabilizing, and positive role in international affairs has become more prominent.

The BRICS took a historic step of expansion last year, fully demonstrating the vitality and appeal of the BRICS mechanism, Wang noted.

He called for maximizing the strategic significance and political effects of the "greater BRICS," upholding independence, solidarity, and common development, acting as implementers of peaceful coexistence, builders of multilateralism, promoters of political settlement, and defenders of fairness and justice, protecting the legitimate rights of developing countries, and expanding the development space for emerging markets, so as to voice a clearer and more consistent BRICS message in the global governance system.

Wang said that the meeting of the BRICS high-ranking officials responsible for security matters and national security advisors is the core mechanism of BRICS political and security cooperation. He called for fully utilizing this mechanism to enhance strategic coordination, take into account each other's core interests and major concerns, safeguard sovereignty, security, and development interests, steer the international system towards a more just and equitable direction, and contribute actively to safeguarding world peace and tranquility.

China will fully support Russia in its role as BRICS chair, deepen strategic communication, build broad consensus, and make political preparations for the Kazan Summit to ensure fruitful outcomes, he added.

All parties at the meeting praised the unique role and notable achievements of the BRICS mechanism, stating that BRICS countries have upheld the principle of equality, considered the interests of all parties, and steadily increased their influence and appeal.

In the face of many global security challenges, BRICS countries should continue close cooperation with like-minded partners, oppose unilateralism, build a multipolar world, and uphold an international order based on international law, contributing to the defense of equity, justice, peace, and security, the participants said.

During the meeting, Wang also attended a dialogue session between BRICS and Global South countries and held bilateral meetings with senior national security representatives from Brazil, Egypt, India, Iran, Serbia, and other countries.

The 14th meeting of the BRICS high-ranking officials responsible for security matters and national security advisors focused on in-depth exchanges on global security threats, counterterrorism, cybersecurity, global governance and other topics, making necessary political preparations for this year's BRICS summit in the Russian city of Kazan. 

Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, attends the 14th meeting of the BRICS high-ranking officials responsible for security matters and national security advisors in St. Petersburg, Russia, Sept. 11, 2024. (Xinhua/Cao Yang)
Donald Trump Might Have Said One Of The Most Baffling Things Of His Career In The Debate, And The Internet Is Having A Field Day

Hey, it's me, an immigrant! Boy, did ol' Donald Trump have some wacky opinions for us during tonight's presidential debate against Kamala Harris!

SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images

Alongside claiming that migrants are eating people's cats and dogs (they're not), Trump made the following statement about Harris. This is verbatim: Now she wants to do transgender operations on illegal aliens that are in prison."

CNN

This is statament is entirely misleading. But thankfully, social media had some excellent reactions to this absolute lunacy:

In 2019, Harris answered a survey that read, As president, will you use your executive authority to ensure that transgender and nonbinary people who rely on the state for medical care  including those in prison and immigration detention  will have access to comprehensive treatment associated with gender transition, including all necessary surgical care?" She answered "yes," citing the "medical necessity" of transgender medical care. As Michael Tyler, Harriss campaign communications director, said this week,That questionnaire is not what she is proposing or running on." Expressing support in a questionnaire is not the same as "wanting to do transgender operations."

1.

Youre laughing. Theyre doing transgender operations on illegal aliens who are in prison and youre laughing.  Cartoons Hate Her! (@CartoonsHateHer) September 11, 2024

Twitter: @CartoonsHateHer

2.

TRANSGENDER OPERATIONS ON ILLEGAL ALIENS THAT ARE IN PRISON is like woke mad libs omg love  matt (@mattxiv) September 11, 2024

Twitter: @mattxiv

3.

"transgender operations on illegal aliens who are in prison" pic.twitter.com/mLeTaxBSJT  hunter harris (@hunteryharris) September 11, 2024

HBO / Via x.com

4.

transgender operations on illegal aliens in prison pic.twitter.com/FNhKekSm1S  Half-Shirt Radical (@EricShethar) September 11, 2024

Will Heath/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images / Via x.com

5.

"She wants to do transgender operations on illegal aliens who are in prison" is the WILDEST thing I've ever heard in any debate. EVER.  Marc Lamont Hill (@marclamonthill) September 11, 2024

Twitter: @marclamonthill

6.

the aliens after their transgender operations pic.twitter.com/FD8LD6kAEQ  yolanda fister (@yolandafister) September 11, 2024

Twitter: @yolandafister

7.

trump: they want transgender operations on illegal aliens the illegal alien: #Debate2024 https://t.co/iyoMWpDSpm  cameron (@cambeserious) September 11, 2024

Fox / Via Twitter: @cambeserious

8.

she was in the prison doing transgender operations on illegal aliens right before she died pic.twitter.com/sjDycEO3Mq  soul nate (@MNateShyamalan) September 11, 2024

Sony / Via x.com

9.

Transgender operations *spins giant wheel* on illegal aliens *spins giant wheel* in prison  C H E L B!  (@chelbb_) September 11, 2024

Twitter: @chelbb_

10.

Transgender operations on illegal aliens is really unfair to those Americans playing drinking games  Jennifer Senior (@JenSeniorNY) September 11, 2024

Twitter: @JenSeniorNY

11.

She wants to do transgender operations on illegal aliens? Im a single voter issue and thats exactly what Im looking for! Shes got my vote   Andrew Lowe (@andrewlowe) September 11, 2024

Twitter: @andrewlowe

12.

transgender operations on illegal aliens in prison? pic.twitter.com/NUoCW3sHn8   (@howtohydrate) September 11, 2024

HBO / Via x.com

13.

she wants to do transgender operations on illegal aliens in prisons was his response to a question on fracking  lacey cencula (@dddrop_the_lace) September 11, 2024

Twitter: @dddrop_the_lace

Something to laugh through the pain with, eh?

UPDATE This post has been updated to reflect BuzzFeed's editorial guidelines.

Sep. 11, 2024, at 19:28 PM
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.

Earlier this summer, The Bear star Ebon Moss-Bachrach was on vacation with his family in Greece when he found out he got nominated for an Emmy for his role as Richie Jerimovich, a.k.a Cousin Richie.

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Its all so kind of surreal, always, Moss-Bachrach, whos calling from London where hes filming the Fantastic Four, tells Rolling Stone about hearing the Emmys news. Its like deep gratitude followed by feelings of, I dont know, like being a fraud, you know what Im saying? We dont need to get deep into it but  its crazy.

Stream Emmys with Hulu + Live TV Free Trial

Continues Moss-Bachrach, Its definitely not something I ever thought about when I decided to follow a path as an actor. I never envisioned like what getting nominated for any kind of an award would feel like. But its a show Im deeply proud of and its a show thats certainly changed my life. And a show where I have a lot of love for everyone involved and so its mostly, I just feel proud of all of us. I would say thats the primary emotion or feeling I have.

Stream the Emmys with fuboTV Free Trial

Now streaming on Hulu, The Bear Season Three earned a record-breaking 23 Emmy nominations at the upcoming awards show, airing on Sept. 15. Moss-Bachrach scored a nomination once again for Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series, which he also won at the 2023 Emmys. (See: Season Twos episode Forks, one of Rolling Stones best TV episodes of all time.)

Ahead of the 76th annual Emmys, the award-winning actor teamed up with some of The Bear crew once again, including the shows culinary producer Courtney Storer as well as mixologist Charles Joly, to curate a Johnnie Walker Blue Label whisky-food pairing thatll get served at the ceremony.

Ebon Moss-Bachrach Interview: 'The Bear,' Emmys Nom, Johnnie Walker

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My time with Courtney has been a lot of being out in Chicago, having a drink, eating some food, Moss-Bachrach says of working with The Bears culinary producer, so it seemed kind of like just an extension of our friendship to then collaborate on this Blue List, which is recommended places to go where you can find these dishes and cocktails thatve been inspired by Johnnie Walker Blue. Its a cool way to organize or give some structure to  or give an excuse  for us to hang out and sort of do what we do.

Think: a Johnnie Walker Rob Roy paired with steak frites drenched in Johnnie Walker Blue Label Au Poivre sauce in lieu of brandy; a fizzy whisky sour alongside a caramelized onion burger; and, a Chicago-style smash burger with a satisfying frozen coffee that the brand says playfully takes the popular Espresso Martini to a whole new level.

In other words, theres no shortage of delicious food  and drinks  to enjoy at this years Emmys. The only difference is this year the menu is curated by some of the team behind one of the hottest shows on TV.

Watch 'The Bear' on Hulu

And while the last season of The Bear ends with  potential spoiler alert ahead  a celebratory house party, Moss-Bachrach says his Emmys after-party plans include hopping a flight back to London.

As for whats next for Cousin Richie in Season Four, Moss-Bachrach says: I know where hes going. I think theres a lot of things that happen in the third season  seeds planted in the third season that really come to bloom in the fourth season. I think it will be a very, very exciting, chaotic, cathartic season, and yeah, I guess Ill just leave it there.

Fans can watch the Emmy Awards live on Sunday, Sept. 15, on ABC and stream the ceremony the next day on Hulu.

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Darren Star tells PEOPLE why he chose to bring Emily's love story to Italy for part 2 of season 4

Giulia Parmigiani/Netflix Lily Collins in "Emily in Paris" season 4 part 2

Lily Collins's Emily Cooper becomes less Emily in Paris and more Emily in Rome in part 2 of season 4, but the show's creator says the international journey helps expand the story.

Darren Star "wanted to expand the footprint of the show" and "broaden out the universe" in its fourth installment, he tells PEOPLE on the red carpet at the premiere for season 4 part 2 in Rome on Tuesday, Sept. 10.

"But also, Rome to me is like the other great romantic city in Europe, and it's a bit of a yin and yang to Paris," Star says. "And also the story took us here. You know, Italy is  just like France  sort of known for fashion, design, style, in a different way."



Related: Lily Collins Has a Roman Holiday (Without Gabriel) in Emily in Paris' Season 4 Part 2 Trailer: Watch

Star also says that the second half of season 4 evokes the likeness of Audrey Hepburn in Collin's titular character.

They were "definitely sort of inspired by [Hepburn] and referencing and all that," he says. "Throughout the show, and not just in Italy, but in Megeve, [France] in the Alps, we sort of nod to Charade, her outfit in Charade. It was fun."



Giulia Parmigiani/Netflix Lily Collins as Emily and Eugenio Franceschini as Marcello in 'Emily in Paris' season 4 part 2

Star also weighs in on a potential fifth season of the hit series, which premiered in 2020. "I hope so. There are so many ways it can go."

He played coy, though, on what could be next in Emily and her friends'  Gabriel (Lucas Bravo), Mindy (Ashley Park), Camille (Camille Razat) and Alfie (Lucien Laviscount)  lives. "There are some ideas. It's really a fun story to keep telling."



Related: Emily in Paris' Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu Was 'Really Happy' Sylvie Was Able to Get Her 'Revenge Moment' (Exclusive)

Giulia Parmigiani/Netflix Eugenio Franceschini as Marcello and Lily Collins as Emily in 'Emily in Paris' season 4 part 2

Part 2 of season 4 picks up after Emily and Gabriel finally caught up with each other and start a relationship  but there are still plenty of roadblocks in the way to their happily ever after.

According to the official synopsis, "Emily and Gabriels chemistry is undeniable as they work together towards a Michelin star [for his restaurant], but two big secrets threaten to undo everything theyve dreamed of. As old patterns clash with new complications, Emily feels drawn to a potential new love interest and a new city."

Gabriel's ex Camille (Camille Razat) is not actually pregnant, though, so that's one thing off their plate. Bravo told PEOPLE he felt "a sense of relief" at that reveal.

"I felt like that pregnancy, it was a promise of more chaos or more drama and a new obstacle, which is sad because a baby should never be that," he said. "Since Gabriel has been in love with Emily since the moment he opened that door, I felt like that pregnancy was getting in the way of that."

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.

Part 2 of Emily in Paris season 4 premieres Thursday, Sept. 12 on Netflix, and part 1 is now streaming.



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Read the original article on People.
Eric Trumps Hot Take On Kamala Harris In Debate Goes Spectacularly Awry

Eric Trumps Hot Take On Kamala Harris In Debate Goes Spectacularly Awry

Eric Trump predictably went to bat for his father, the former president and current GOP candidate Donald Trump, during Tuesdays presidential debate.

But the Trump scion was widely judged to have spectacularly self-owned with one comment about his dads Democratic rival, Vice President Kamala Harris.

Eric Trump wrote on X, formerly Twitter: Kamalas Strategy: Lots of generic talk about absolutely nothing...

Kamalas Strategy: Lots of generic talk about absolutely nothing  Eric Trump (@EricTrump) September 11, 2024

Critics, however, thought it actually summed up his dads panned performance:

The debate was like watching a sad old man at thanksgiving dinner blather nonsensically as the host fed him and served the guests and entertained everyone and made him a plate of leftovers and put him in a van back home. And now we get to watch eric lie and pretend it wasnt  Luke Zaleski (@ZaleskiLuke) September 11, 2024

Your father is getting dog walked, cry more contract child  ET (@forrestbmac) September 11, 2024

Pops was just blabbering  Free Syria Media Hub (@Free_Media_Hub) September 11, 2024

Your father didn't say anything but the same tired old lies. She crushed it, you guys got nothing. He looked old, angry and wouldn't even look at either woman in the room.  Tye Talks (@talking_tye) September 11, 2024

Harris crushed Trump. Keep up the whining. https://t.co/XmFFANFmDG  Oscar (@US_Bulldog) September 11, 2024

Rather have someone who conducts themselves like a human being, and says just enough than be a rambling egomaniac racist lying piece of  like your dad. https://t.co/Tai3kX8kfv  Bill Neville (@BillNeville87) September 11, 2024

What was Don Seniors Strategy ? Lies Lies Lies.  Zongo the Zischer (@ZZischer) September 11, 2024

Q: Is there anything better than watching a weak, raging misogynist get his head handed to him by a strong woman? A: Nope  David F. (@NJGuitarBoy) September 11, 2024

That would be your dad.  Cheryle (@CheryleRPh2) September 11, 2024

Trump couldnt tell the truth even if he wanted too  MrExocomp (@MrExocomp) September 11, 2024

Have you ever listened to your father? Lmao.  Jake Hansen (@jake_hansen_) September 11, 2024

Oh please, she is kicking your dads ass.  JustTheFacts!   (@JustTheFacts_68) September 11, 2024

Related...
Harry Potter HBO Series Now Casting In The UK And Ireland: Heres What We Know, Including The Inclusive, Diverse Casting

Harry Potter HBO Series Now Casting In The UK And Ireland: Heres What We Know, Including The Inclusive, Diverse Casting | Photo: MARTYN HAYHOW/AFP via Getty Images

The HBO TV adaptation of the Harry Potter book series is in pre-production with HBO starting a casting call around UK and Ireland to play the lead characters Harry, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. According to Deadline, the actors should be between the ages of 9 and 11, and according to the casting call, production might begin as early as April 2025.

HBO is making it clear that it is not trying to go along with J.K. Rowlings anti-trans rhetoric by stating that it will cast whoever is best for the role, period.

We are committed to inclusive, diverse casting, according to the casting call. 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.

Deadline writes that such language is now a boilerplate standard. However, its still worthy of noting this verbiage because of how flagrant Rowling has been with her rhetoric, including being part of the group of online bullies targeting Algerian Olympic boxer Imane Khelif as trans. Khelif, who is actually a cisgender woman, is now suing Rowling and Elon Musk among others for spreading misinformation about her gender identity.

Outside of Rowlings anti-trans rhetoric, other former fans of the Harry Potter series are now looking to other alternatives for their magical school fix that also represents people of color, such as LaDarrion Williams book, Blood at the Root.
Princess Sofia went with belted dresses for the day of engagements

Michael Campanella/Getty, Jessica Gow/TT/Shutterstock Princess Sofia of Sweden at the opening of Swedish Parliament in Stockholm on Sept. 10, 2024; Princess Sofia of Sweden at the Royal Opera House in Stockholm on Sept. 10, 2024.

Princess Sofia of Sweden is dressing effortlessly during her pregnancy.

On Sept. 10, the Duchess of Varmland, 39, stepped out for two royal duties with her husband, Prince Carl Philip, a week after the palace announced that she is expecting their fourth child together. The set of engagements came with an outfit change  and Sofia impressively wore heels to both!

Princess Sofia and Prince Carl Philip, 45, kicked off the workday at the opening of the Riksdag's 2024-2025 parliamentary session, where they joined King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia, Carl Philip's sisters Crown Princess Victoria and Princess Madeleine, and their respective husbands Prince Daniel and Christopher O'Neill. For this event, Princess Sofia wore a belted black dress with white polka dots, a black hair accessory and matching heels, sticking to a style tradition!

Michael Campanella/Getty Prince Carl Philip, Princess Sofia, Princess Madeleine and Christopher O'Neill at Swedish Parliament on Sept. 10, 2024.

Related: Royal or Movie Star? TikTok Is Just Discovering 'Hot' Prince Carl Philip of Sweden

According to The Court Jeweller blog, when the opening of Parliament was a grander occasion, the court wore black and white. While the event has modernized with the times, women in the Swedish royal family are known to go with that color palette "in a nod to the past." Like Sofia, Queen Silivia, 80, Crown Princess Victoria, 47, and Princess Madeleine, 42, all wore black and white outfits to Riksdag in Stockholm.

Later that day, Princess Sofia switched outfits to attend a performance at the Royal Opera House  and turned up the glam! The Duchess of Varmland changed into a red velvet wrap dress tied above her growing bump and completed the look with a coordinating clutch and nude shoes.

Jessica Gow/TT/Shutterstock (From left) Royal Opera CEO Frederik Lindgren, Andras Norlen, King Carl XVI Gustaf, Crown Princess Victoria, Prince Daniel, Prince Carl Philip, Princess Sofia, Christopher O'Neill and Princess Madeleine at the Royal Opera House on Sept. 10, 2024.

Related: Meet the Swedish Royals: A Guide to Sweden's Royal Family Tree

It was a family affair at the opera house, where the royals came together for a concert commemorating the opening of the Riksdag.

On Sept. 2, the Swedish Royal Court shared the happy news that Princess Sofia was pregnant and due in February 2025. Princess Sofia and Prince Carl Philip are already parents to sons Prince Alexander, 8, Prince Gabriel, 7, and Prince Julian, 3, and the baby on the way will make them a family of six.

"Their Royal Highnesses Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia are delighted to announce that The Princess is expecting their fourth child," the court said in a statement.

"Princess Sofia is feeling well, and the birth is expected to take place in February 2025. During the autumn, no changes in the public schedule of Princess Sofia are planned," it said.

The news was shared on social media with a new photo of the royal couple, who wed in June 2015. Sofia became a princess when she married King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia's son, and they are both working royals.

Princess Sofia and Prince Carl Philip carried out their first royal duty following the pregnancy announcement on Sept. 4, spending two days touring Varmland. Carl Philip was assigned the duchy by his father the King at birth, and his royal bio notes that he has a "particularly close" relationship with the country, which he visits both publicly and privately.

Fredrik Sandberg/TT/Shutterstock Princess Sofia and Prince Carl Philip in Arvika, Sweden on Sept. 4, 2024.

Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more!

Carl Philip and Sofia thanked the well-wishers who welcomed them in a recap post on social media, and made their first statement about the baby on the way.

Fredrik Sandberg/TT/Shutterstock Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia of Sweden in Arvika, Sweden on Sept. 4, 2024.

"Big and warm thanks to all the warmers who so warmly welcomed us to Arvika, Eda and Karlstad this week. We are so glad to have once again experienced so many different parts of Varmland's culture, industry, civil society and authorities," the Duke and Duchess of Varmland wrote on Instagram.

"In conclusion, we would also like to extend our warm thanks for the well wishes we have received on the occasion of the upcoming addition to our family," they added with a heart emoji.



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Rachel Williams is suing Netflix over her portrayal as Anna Sorokin's friend in "Inventing Anna."

Her lawyers want the private notes of the journalist who wrote the magazine article about the Anna Delvey scam.

The journalist Jessica Pressler says the move poses a risk to journalistic sources.

The woman who alleges she was wrongfully portrayed in "Inventing Anna" is trying to get her hands on the confidential notes and sources of the journalist whose article inspired the Netflix show.

Rachel Williams, who was friends with the real-life Anna Sorokin, sued Netflix last year. The show, produced by Shonda Rhimes, is based on a viral New York magazine article by the journalist Jessica Pressler, who also consulted on its development.

In court filings this week, Netflix lawyers revealed that Williams' lawyers want to obtain Pressler's notes that refer to confidential sources for her story. Pressler, in a court filing, said that turning over the files would make sources less likely to trust her  and other journalists  in the future.

"Maintaining such confidentiality is critical to my role as a journalist and my ability to report will be substantially impaired if I am compelled to disclose my newsgathering material," Pressler wrote in a declaration.

"Inventing Anna" tells the tale of how Sorokin, using the name Anna Delvey, scammed members of Manhattan's elite by faking the identity of a European heiress with a $40 million fortune. Williams, who is portrayed using her real name, is a prominent character in the show as Sorokin's closest friend.

The notes from Pressler are among a wide swath of documents that Williams's lawyers want to obtain as part of the lawsuit. They aren't the raw interviews and notes that Pressler took for the New York magazine story itself, but later statements from sources, script notes, and other memos that Pressler produced while "Inventing Anna" was in development.

Those notes, Netflix argues, nonetheless include "the identities of confidential sources and other confidential information obtained during newsgathering" that are crucial to protect.

According to Williams's lawsuit, Netflix defamed her by portraying her as an opportunistic sidekick who was happy to siphon money, clothes, and vacations from Sorokin's phony largesse  rather than as a friend who was duped.

Sorokin stuck Williams with a $60,000 American Express bill from a group vacation to Morocco, although the company later reimbursed the charges. Williams later wrote a book, "My Friend Anna," where she recounted the panic and psychological damage of discovering her supposedly close friend was, in fact, a con artist and her worry that she'd lose her job as a photo editor for Vanity Fair. HBO had also purchased the rights to Williams' story  which she partially recounted in an article for the magazine  but there are no public indications the project is being developed.

In a 2019 criminal trial, a Manhattan jury found Sorokin guilty of stealing from banks and other institutions as part of her scam but acquitted her of allegations that she stole from Williams. She was released from prison in 2021 and then promptly rearrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which sought to deport her to Germany, where her family lives. Sorokin, who is fighting both deportation and an appeal in her criminal case, was released from house arrest in August, her immigration lawyer previously told BI. This week, she hosted several New York Fashion Week shows in collaboration with Pornhub, strutting down a runway Thursday night for the clothing brand Shao. She is also scheduled to be in the next season of ABC's "Dancing With the Stars."

Netflix waived reporter's privilege once it used the notes for 'Inventing Anna,' Williams' lawyers argue

On October 4, Sorokin  who sold her life adaptation rights for "Inventing Anna"  is scheduled to testify for a deposition in Williams's suit against Netflix. US District Judge Colm Connolly, who is overseeing the case in Delaware federal court (and who was himself once portrayed in the TV movie "And Never Let Her Go"), in March declined to fully dismiss the case and allowed it to move into the discovery phase.

Journalists in the United States are often protected by some form of reporter's privilege, a legal doctrine that preserves the right not to be compelled to disclose information in court.

Pressler, in her court filing, wrote that Rhimes, her Shondaland, and Netflix all agreed to protect the confidentiality of her sources before she shared her "newsgathering material" with them.

Her New York magazine article about Sorokin raised important questions about elite institutions and "how our culture celebrates wealth," she wrote.

"I believe that my Article raised matters of public concern, namely examining the way a young woman could con her way into rooms with the most elite, and convincing those in the banking, fashion, and art worlds that she was something she was not," she wrote.

Julia Garner as Anna Sorokin and Katie Lowes as Rachel Wiliams in Netflix's "Inventing Anna." Netflix

In letters obtained by BI, lawyers representing Williams have argued that Netflix forfeited any legal protections by sharing Pressler's notes with different members of the production team for "Inventing Anna."

"Netflix has asserted the privilege over an incredibly broad range of documents, including draft scripts, production schedules circulated to the whole cast and crew, and many other documents written by someone other than Ms. Pressler," Williams's lawyer Alexander Rufus-Isaacs told BI in an email. "Our position is that by sharing this information so widely, Netflix has waived the reporter's privilege."

Pressler declined to comment. A lawyer for Netflix referred questions to a company spokesperson, who also declined to comment. (Some of Netflix's lawyers in the case, at the law firm Davis Wright Tremaine, also represent Business Insider in unrelated First Amendment disputes.) Representatives for New York magazine's parent company, Vox Media, didn't respond to requests for comment.

In court filings, Netflix's lawyers say there are plenty of precedents for applying New York's reporter shield law to adaptive works since the original purpose of the reporting was for a magazine article.

Pressler also wrote in her declaration that "Inventing Anna" would "use my newsgathering to further publicize these matters of public concern  and take these questions of who is a victim, who is a con, and who should be celebrated to a different audience."

"It does not matter that these newsgathering materials were later used to create a dramatized series  Ms. Pressler and Netflix have an unqualified right under New York law to maintain the protection of these confidential sources' identities  which were originally procured as part of Ms. Pressler's writing process," lawyers for Netflix wrote in a filing.

This story has been updated to include more information about the notes in dispute.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Belgian artist and filmmaker Johan Grimonprez, whose latest documentary Soundtrack To a Coup DEtat is expected to be an Oscar contender, has been named Guest of Honor at the upcoming International Documentary Festival Amsterdam.

The honor recognizes a distinguished career that includes Blue Orchids, and his debut feature film, the 1997 documentary dial H-I-S-T-O-R-Y. IDFA, which runs from Nov. 14-24, will be highlighting the filmmakers uncompromising approach to challenging narratives and reinterpreting historical events through a critical, contemporary lens, the festival said in a statement.

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dial H-I-S-T-O-R-Y

Grimonprez first gained international acclaim with his 1997 film dial H-I-S-T-O-R-Y, which examined the history of airplane hijackings and the medias role in shaping public perception, IDFA noted in a release. His most recent award-winning film, Soundtrack to a Coup dEtat, unravels the decolonization of Congo, using jazz as a smokescreen and means of protest in the examination of the international context behind the 1961 murder of Congos prime minister, Patrice Lumumba. Other films screening will be Double Take (2009), Shadow World (2016), Blue Orchids (2017) and more. With this retrospective, IDFA invites audiences to discover and reflect on Grimonprezs singular exploration into the development of present-day media, from how world crises are represented to our own relationships to these platforms and technologies.

Soundtrack to a Coup DEtat

Grimonprez will take part in an extensive discussion of his work, the centerpiece Talk of this years IDFA. As part of the honor, he will select 10 documentaries to be shown at IDFA.

In addition to todays Guest of Honor announcement, IDFA revealed programming details for the festivals 37th edition, including new curated program Dead Angle, the dedicated Spotlight on Cuba, alongside live cinema section IDFA on Stage and new media program IDFA DocLab.. The final competition titles and full program will be announced on Tuesday, October 15, during the IDFA 2024 press conference  available to stream online at idfa.nl.

Below are details on the program announcements:

Dead Angle: Borders

This edition, IDFA introduces the multi-year curated program Dead Angle. The program presents an ongoing exploration into our blind spots, both past and presentusing documentary cinema as a torch to illuminate the dark corners of our awareness. This years program delves into the complex symbolism of borders, exploring them not just as physical barriers, but as profound metaphors for identity, community, and the human condition.

The Great Wall

Among confirmed titles is The Great Wall by Tadhg OSullivan, an essay film that maps the borders around Europe in light of the migration crisis, based on a short story by Franz Kafka. In Route 181, Fragments of a Journey in Palestine-Israel by Michel Khleifi and Eyal Sivan, the Palestinian and Israeli filmmakers travel along the 1967 partition lines that divided Palestine, exploring how people evoke the frontiers that separate them from their neighbors. By reflecting on how documentary filmmakers approach these simple yet complex territorial perimeters, the program will invite the audiences and artists to engage in meaningful discussion and nurture critical awareness. The complete list of selected titles will be confirmed on October 15; these are the titles announced so far:

Would You Have Sex with an Arab? , directed by Yolande Zauberman

Respite , directed by Harun Farocki

Route 181, Fragments of a Journey in Palestine-Israel , directed by Michel Khleifi and Eyal Sivan

Black Harvest , directed by Bob Connolly, Robin Anderson

Infiltrators , directed by Khaled Jarrar

There Are So Many Things Still to Say , directed by Omar Amiralay

Jakub , directed by Jana Sevcikova

The Great Wall , directed by Tadhg OSullivan

The Diary of a Sky, directed by Lawrence Abu Hamdan

Spotlight on Cuba

In a dedicated program of nineteen films, Spotlight on Cuba will invite audiences and industry to revisit the complex political history of Cuba. With a retrospective of the pioneering Afro-Cuban filmmaker Sara Gomez, next to a special curation of films made by students of the EICTV (The International Film and TV School of San Antonio de los Banos, Cuba), the program will explore the paradoxes of our perception of Cuba as both revolutionary utopia and dystopia. The program also offers a glimpse into the ways these students exercise artistic freedom in one of the worlds most distinguished film schools. The nineteen titles that make up the program have been announced:

Guanabacoa: Cronicas de mi familia , directed by Sara Gomez

Isla , directed by Marcos Pimentel

Los viejos heraldos , directed by Luis Alejandro Yero

Isla del Tesoro , directed by Sara Gomez

Los ninos lobo , directed by Otavio Almeida

Y temenos sabor , directed by Sara Gomez

Si no puedo bailar, esta no es mi revolucion , directed by Lillah Halla

Sobre horas extras y trabajo voluntario , directed by Sara Gomez

La despedida , directed by Alejandro Alonso Estrella

La bonita , directed by Maria del Mar Rosario

De bateyes , directed by Sara Gomez

Abece , directed by Diana Montero

Una isla para Miguel , directed by Sara Gomez

Ire a Santiago , directed by Sara Gomez

El arbol , directed by Roya Eshraghi Safaifard

El enemigo , directed by Matias Aldemar

De cierta manera , directed by Sara Gomez

Indicios, del inscrito , directed by Rafael Ramirez

Mi aporte, directed by Sara Gomez

IDFA on Stage

With its most collaborative edition to date, the IDFA on Stage selection presents its boundary- breaking and interdisciplinary program of live cinema events. Bridging film, new media, and the performing arts, highlights include two projects presented together with IDFA DocLabthe innovative performance Thanks for Being Here by Belgian theater group Ontroerend Goed, presented together with De Brakke Grond, and live performance Drinking Brecht by New York and Istanbul-based artist Sister Sylvester that puts microbiology into the mix. The full program IDFA on Stage program will be announced in October.

IDFA DocLab

The 18th edition of IDFAs pioneering new media program, IDFA DocLab, confirms the first titles set to premiere at an immersive documentary art exhibition, this year presented at De Brakke Grond, ARTIS-Planetarium, and the newly added location, Droog. These first announced titles are the works of the four winners of the Film Fund DocLab Interactive Grant, ranging from augmented reality apps to immersive installations. The full IDFA DocLab program selection will be announced in October.

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Who's had the most breakdowns on The Grand Tour? What's been the most expensive car?

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Credit: Amazon

The Grand Tour: One For The Road is the final adventure for Clarkson, Hammond and May.

It sees them head to Zimbabwe in three cars they've always wanted to own, a Lancia Montecarlo, a Ford Capri 3-litre, and a Triumph Stag.

The lads, who of course started out together on Top Gear, have made it abundantly clear that this is it for the Prime Video series that first went out in 2016.

Here are all your questions answered, from who's had the most breakdowns to what's been the most expensive car driven on the show...

44 cars have been destroyed making The Grand Tour

And oddly 23 of those were destroyed in season one, so perhaps the trio have got less reckless with age! In total, they've used 187 cars across the five series.

Richard Hammond suffered the most car breakdowns

Richard Hammond in The Grand Tour: One for the Road

Yep, the Hamster chalked up 38 of the 73 breakdowns that took place. Jeremy was next while James only suffered 12 breakdowns. There have also been 17 explosions across the series.

The most expensive car driven on the show was

Ford GT40 racing in Le Mans in 1967

One of the original Le Mans Ford GT40 racing cars, driven by James May in Season 1, Episode 6 (The Grand Tour: Happy Finnish Christmas) which was valued at 15 million at the time. May also raced in an original Porsche 917 in Season 3, Episode 12 (The Grand Tour: Legends and Luggage). One of those sold for $14 million in 2017!

What was the biggest mistake on The Grand Tour?

Arguably the show's biggest mistake was when water was accidentally pumped into the fuel tank of a brand-new McLaren worth about 200k!

What was the fastest car round the Eboladrome test track?

The McLaren Senna 1:12.9 over 2 seconds faster than the car in second place, the All Electric NIO EP9.

The northerly point visited was

James, Jeremy and Richard are back on the road.

Olavsvern in Norway which lies at 70 degrees North, and over 200 miles inside The Arctic Circle. It features in Season 5, Episode 1 (The Grand Tour: A Scandi Flick). Not surprisingly the Artic Circle was the show's coldest location, with temperatures in Sweden reaching as low as minus 15 degrees plus wind chill. Mauritania (the destination in The Grand Tour: Sand Job) was the official hottest country traveled to, with temperatures reaching around 45-50 degrees.

How many celebs have appeared on the show?

51. Among the celebs have been Hugh Bonneville, Jackie Stewart, Alfie Boe and Charlize Theron.

The Grand Tour: One For The Road is released on Friday, September 13 on Prime Video.
It's best to visit the Acropolis in the off-season because temperatures are lower and it's less crowded - George Pachantouris/Getty

Bucket-list travel might be a bit of a cliche, but if any country merits this treatment it has to be glorious Greece  land of pristine seas, golden beaches, timewarped villages, delicious yet healthy cuisine and ancient ruins. In September, when tourist crowds start to dwindle, blistering temperatures begin to wane, beaches and sites such as the Acropolis are not quite as jam-packed, the birthplace of democracy puts on its best show.

So whether you long to watch the sunset over one of the worlds only inhabited volcanic craters, wallow in mineral-rich hot springs that have been popular since antiquity, lounge on silky sands without a soul in sight, or wander off the beaten track to discover lost in the past towns, here are 20 experiences that every fan of Greece must tick off.

1. See a Santorini sunset

Anyone who has stood on the volcanic craters blackened rim watching the sun sink in a blaze of scarlet will tell you that Santorinis sunsets really do live up to the hype. Unfortunately, however, the sheer number of tourists who flock to watch them from Oias famed castle sunset spot tends to mar the experience. To avoid the crowds and selfie-sticks, grab a seat at the Buddha-Bar Beach in Imerovigli, which sits at the calderas highest point. Order one of its signature cocktails and watch the show in style.

Useful tip: for a cracking photograph of the view from Oia castle, go there at sunrise. The shots will still look special, and they will also be people-free.

EasyJet flies to Santorini from London Gatwick (from 206; easyjet.com). Kivotos has rooms from 355 including breakfast.

2. Soak in Evias hot springs

Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, was famed for saying the physician treats, but nature heals  and he was a big fan of Greeces hot springs. There are more than 700 in Greece, many rich in minerals and credited with healing properties. The seaside town of Edipsos on the island of Evia, where Roman general Sylla was reputedly cured of a mysterious skin disease in 115 BC, is one of the best places to take the waters. Wallow for free in a stone-carved basin dating back to Roman times, which overlooks the bay where Agamemnon and his fleet sheltered on their way to fight the Trojan wars, or check into one of a dozen hotels that have their own hot spring pools.

Useful tip: between soaks, fill up on voluto, a garlicky oven-cooked lamb dish, and other local treats at family-run taverna Cavo DOro.

Aegean Airlines flies to Athens from London Heathrow (from 239; aegeanair.com). Cars can be hired from AutoGR (from 25 a day; autogr.gr). Thermae Sylla Spa & Wellness Hotel has rooms from 207 including breakfast.

3. Hike the Samaria Gorge

Europes longest gorge, stretching 10 miles through Cretes Lefka Ori mountains to Agia Roumeli on the coast, is a challenging but spectacular hike. Strap on solid walking boots, slather on the sunscreen and carry plenty of water for this six-hour stride though the islands only national park. Leaving from Xyloskalo, the parks main entry point at an altitude of 1,230m, the rock-littered pine-tree-studded trail winds down steeply past natural springs, with dizzying distant sea views, via the claustrophobic 10ft-wide cleft known as sideresportes (iron gates). The trail ends at Agia Roumelis pebble beach.

Useful tip: for a less strenuous alternative, hop on a boat from Hora Sfakion to Agia Roumeli and explore the bottom end of the gorge.

EasyJet flies to Chania from London Luton (from 129; easyjet.com). Domes Zeen has rooms from 401 including breakfast.

4. Explore the Mani peninsula

The ancient tower houses of Mani are called 'pyrgospita' - Hercules Milas/Alamy

Right up until the late 1970s, when a road was finally built through the mighty Taygetos Mountains, you could only reach the remote Mani region by boat. Now accessed via a (narrow) road that winds through steep rocky hillsides where wild goats roam, this austere peninsula in the southern Peloponnese is home to unique pyrgospita: massive stone towers where belligerent locals once hunkered down and embarked on regular feuds that lasted for months, or even years. Youll find plenty of these towers  many of them repurposed as tavernas or hotels  scattered throughout villages stretching from Areopoli in the north to Cape Tainaron, legendary entrance to Hades, in the south.

Useful tip: swot up pre-departure by reading war hero Patrick Leigh Fermors Mani: Travels in the Southern Peloponnese.

British Airways flies to Kalamata from London Heathrow (from 302; britishairways.com). Cars can be hired from Hertz (from 35 a day; hertz.gr). Stay at Leigh Fermors family home; from 501 including breakfast.

5. Climb to the Acropolis

Plan to start your trip to the Acropolis early so you arent climbing the 512ft hill in the heat - Toni Aules/Getty

Ever since the second half of the fifth century BC, when Pericles transformed the chunk of rock in the centre of Athens, the Acropolis has been a magnet for visitors from around the world. To beat the cruise ship crowds, get up early to make the hike along steep and slippery steps to the top of this 512ft hill, crowned by its Parthenon dedicated to Athena. Signage is limited, so take a guided tour or download one of Rick Steves excellent free audio guides.

Useful tip: when hunger strikes, steer clear of tourist traps near the Acropolis and head for Avli or Diporto in next-door Monastiraki instead.

Aegean Airlines flies to Athens from London Heathrow (from 239). La Divina has rooms from 132 including breakfast.

6. Go island-hopping to Karpathos

Olympos is a village and a former community on the island of Karpathos - Anyarnia/Getty

There are more than 6,000 Greek islands, but only 227 are inhabited. Island hopping  whether aboard a sturdy ferry or a sleek yacht  is the best way to experience them. Whisk across seas home to leaping dolphins to the remote Dodecanese island of Karpathos, perhaps, where women still go about their daily lives in traditional attire; or sail over sparkling waters to Alonissos, home to Greeces first underwater museum  where you can dive to see the remains of the ancient Peristera shipwreck. My guide to the ultimate Greek island-hopping holiday offers more inspiration.

Useful tip: Seajets streamlined ships shave several hours off most crossings, but you might prefer to travel in a slower ferry when the weathers rough.

Variety Cruises has seven-day Undiscovered Greece cruises visiting eight islands (from 2,000pp).

7. Have an offbeat ski holiday

Clustered around its cosy tavernas, gushing fountains and family-run hotels, where most rooms have open fireplaces, the mountain resort of Metsovo, an hours drive from Albania, is a magnet for Greeks, who come here to have fun in the snow. Anilio, one of the countrys newest ski resorts, has nine slopes. Since Greeks generally ski at weekends, theyre rarely crowded. Icing on the cake: day passes cost less than half the price of better-known resorts.

Useful tip: dont expect fine dining  food is hearty and the portion sizes are copious. Try the spicy loukaniko sausages or agriogourouno wild boar slow-cooked in red wine.

The nearest airport to Metsovo is Preveza, around 1 hour 45 mins by car, to which easyJet flies. Katogi Averoff has rooms from 84 including breakfast.

8. Go gourmet in Sifnos

When local chef Nicholas Tselementes wrote Greeces first cookbook on Sifnos in 1910 he put this tiny Cyclades island on the countrys gourmet map. Ironically, the chefs recipes were heavily influenced by foreign cuisines; Tselementes was the man who invented Greeces ubiquitous bechamel-laden moussaka. Greeks, however, flock to Sifnos for traditional one-pot dishes that are cooked in skepastaria: terracotta casserole dishes that are still made here in ceramic stores such as family-owned Atsonios in Vathi.

Follow the locals to Margaritas tavern in Artemonas and order traditional chickpea stew revithada, or pull up a caned chair at Drakakis, a traditional kafenion run by the same family for more than a century.

Useful tip: work off those calories along one of the islands 19 panoramic hiking trails.

EasyJet and Sky Express fly to Milos from London Gatwick via Athens (from 372). Ferries make the 30-minute crossing to Sifnos (from 19). Sigma Residences has rooms from 233 including breakfast.

9. Meet the gods on Mount Olympus

The mythological limestone peak where Zeus and co once hung out, mighty Mount Olympus, an hours drive from Greeces second city Thessaloniki, is one of Europes most popular summits for hikers. At 9,500ft, this is the tallest mountain in Greece, and home to a labyrinth of narrow, densely forested gorges riddled with waterfalls and caves. Visitors who prefer to get just a taster drive to the head of the trail and hike from there  even so, its a challenging trek.

Useful tip: for the best  and safest  way to do this once-in-a-lifetime hike, use one of the professional guides from Olympus Paths.

EasyJet flies to Thessaloniki from London Gatwick (from 231; easyjet.com). Cars can be hired from AutoGR (from 35 a day; hertz.gr). Thess Residences (thessresidences.com) has rooms from 72 including breakfast.

10. Discover Cretes wilder side

Much of Sitia is still stuck in the Seventies - Nick Brundle Photography/Getty

One of Cretes wildest and least-explored corners, the Unesco-listed Sitia Geopark offers a concentrated dose of everything that the island does best. Stretching from Cape Sideros 19th-century lighthouse to the Minoan palace of Zakros, this remote region encompasses the high-flung mountain villages of Ziros and Armenoi, Europes only palm forest at Vai and the ancient ruins of Zakros. The hub of this fascinating region is Sitia, a whitewashed, steep-stepped town trapped in a 1970s timewarp, where you should bag a ringside seat at RakiMeze, order a carafe of raki and watch the sunset over the harbour.

Useful tip: from Sitia, take a daytrip to discover blissfully peaceful beaches and traditional villages two hours away in the neighbouring island of Karpathos.

Aegean Airlines flies to Sitia from London Heathrow via Athens (from 261). Sitia Beach resort has rooms from 116 including breakfast.

11. Visit the home of the first Olympics

The thrill of standing on the site where the very first Olympics were held, back in 776 BC, just cant be beaten. According to written records, a cook named Coroebus won the first edition of what was to become the worlds most famous sporting event. In Olympia, on the Peloponnese peninsula, you can marvel at the Temples of Zeus and Hera, jog around the palaestra where athletes trained, and then visit an archaeological museum to see statues and other artefacts.

Useful tip: eschew Olympias touristy tavernas and find hearty home-cooked food at family-run Taverna Bacchus, next door in the hamlet of Mirakia.

The nearest airport is Kalamata, to which British Airways flies (britishairways.com). Grecotel Riviera hotel has rooms from 129 including breakfast.

12. Celebrate Easter in Corfu

On Easter Saturday, water-filled clay pots are flung from balconies - D Zheleva/Getty

From dynamite-flinging on the island of Kalymnos to spectacular fireworks on Tinos, Greeces Easter celebrations are unique. Corfu, home to 17 philharmonic orchestras, has one of the most raucous Easter celebrations around. Events kick off on Good Friday, when epitaphs from different churches are paraded around town, each accompanied by its own orchestral group. On Saturday, crowds head for Spianada square in Corfus cobbled old town, where giant water-filled clay pots  called botides  are flung from a dozen balconies with cries of Xristos anesti! (Christ is risen). The event ends on Easter Sunday with a grilled lamb feast on tables set up in the street.

Useful tip: Corfiots will expect you to join in with the festivities, so dont be shy.

EasyJet flies to Corfu from London Gatwick (from 207; easyjet.com). Domes Miramare has rooms from 229 including breakfast.

13. Turn back the clock in Rhodes old town

Legendary site of the Colossus statue, the Dodecanese island of Rhodes is also home to Europes largest inhabited medieval city. Step back in time as you stroll along the Street of the Knights to the Palace of the Grand Master, which was the citadel of the knights who ruled here some 700 years ago. Grab a slice of the local portokalopita orange cake at Old Town Corner Bakery, and then stroll the ramparts at sunset to enjoy spectacular views of this living museum, with its ancient mosques, Byzantine churches and medieval guild houses where the Knights Templars once lived.

Useful tip: explore the Palace and other sights on a guided trip with Rhodes Private Tours.

EasyJet flies to Rhodes from London Gatwick (from 181). Koukos Guesthouse has rooms from 138 including breakfast.

14. See the oracle at Delphi

The marble pillar was allegedly placed at Delphi by Zeus - Leonid Andronov/Getty

Surrounded by pine-forested slopes and silver-leaved olive groves 100 miles north of Athens, Delphi was the centre of the world  the omphalos  in antiquity. Admire the marble pillar said to have been placed there by Zeus, marvel at the 8th-century BC Sanctuary of Apollo, where priestess Pythia  the celebrated Oracle  delivered her cryptic messages, and visit the archaeological museum where highlights include the celebrated Charioteer of Delphi sculpture.

Useful tip: visit in winter and combine your trip with a ski holiday in Arachova, a lively mountain town nearby.

Aegean Airlines (aegeanair.com) flies to Athens from London Heathrow (from 239). Cars can be hired from AutoGR (from 25 a day). Nidimos Hotel has rooms from 57 including breakfast.

15. Spend an hour (or five) at a traditional kafenion

The best kafenions are found in mountain villages - Panther Media /Alamy

Traditionally the place where men met to talk politics, play tavli (backgammon) and swap ribald stories, kafenions are the heart and soul of Greek village life. Visiting one of these old-style drinking establishments should be on the bucket list of anyone who wants to soak up a big dose of daily life in Greece. The best are generally found in mountain villages, away from the tourist hordes on the coast, where youll need to know a smattering of Greek  or be prepared to use sign language  to order your carafe of raki, served up with yellow split pea fava puree, dakos Cretan rusks and other meze snacks.

Useful tip: dating back to the 19th century, Greeces oldest kafenion is in the mountain village of Plagia, on the Blue Zone island of Ikaria (where the locals have a habit of living into their 90s).

Aegean Airlines and Sky Express fly to Ikaria via Athens, from London Heathrow (from 247). Erofili beach hotel has rooms from 52 including breakfast.

16. Party hard in Mykonos

Centred on the Choras whitewashed streets, windmills and Little Venice waterfront, glitzy Mykonos is renowned as Greeces party HQ, though you can expect to fork out serious dosh for the pleasure of mingling with the glitterati on this sun-dazzled Cycladic isle.

The best-known clubs are Paradise and Super Paradise, where international DJs man the decks, or Nammos on Psarou beach, to which celebrities flock on hot summer nights to dance in the talc-soft sand. If money is no object, do like the stars and charter your own party yacht for the night.

Useful tip: even if you only sip a soft drink, you can expect to pay a hefty cover charge in most beach clubs.

British Airways flies to Mykonos from London Heathrow (from 335). Nammos has rooms from 401 including breakfast.

17. Discover the countrys unsung second city

Try local specialities in Ladadika's restaurant district - Alamy

Thessaloniki was recently named Greeces first Unesco City of Gastronomy, and its unique food specialities include custard cream-filled trigona pastries; keftes de nogada meatballs in walnut sauce, and baked feta dish bouyiourdi. Try them in the historic 19th-century Ladadika quarter  named for the oil (ladi) that was once traded here  at Kantouni, Stou Mitsou and other traditional tavernas.

Useful tip: Thessaloniki is a city that hardly sleeps, so youll find something good to eat from midday to midnight.

EasyJet flies to Thessaloniki from London Gatwick (from 231). Cars can be hired from AutoGR (from 35 a day). Thess Residences has rooms from 72 including breakfast.

18. Follow the wine trail through Crete

Once upon a time, Cretan wine was xima, a rough-and-ready mix of blends from different barrels that cost pennies and tasted like mouthwash. Over the past decade, however, young winemakers have been reinventing its image with excellent results. Sample some of the best along the vine-fringed Wine Route. Stretching 40 miles from the outskirts of island capital Heraklion to the archaeological site of Gortyn, this waymarked route takes in dozens of the regions best wineries.

Useful tip: need a designated driver? Take a wine tour with Discover Greece.

EasyJet flies to Heraklion from London Gatwick (from 168). Lato Boutique hotel has rooms from 97 including breakfast.

19. Live it up at a traditional panigyri

Greek life is regulated by panigyris, traditional feast days that celebrate the lives of different saints. A religious festival it might be, but theres nothing sanctimonious about these lively celebrations, where long tables covered with paper cloths are laden with piled-high platters of slow-roasted lamb and carafes of wine, tsipouro or raki fresh from one of the local stills. Once the food is cleared away, the musicians start playing  lyra and laouta on the islands; bouzouki or clarinet on the mainland  and everyone dances until dawn.

Useful tip: if you want to be close to the action, book a table in advance  these festivals attract huge crowds.

20. Get hip in Hydra

Dubbed the coolest place in Greece, Hydras bohemian vibe dates back to the 1960s, when Leonard Cohen bought a house here. Embracing cold water, kerosene lamps and ornery donkeys, he strolled the cobbled streets in search of his muse, or hung out with other artists at the Roloi cafe or family-run taverna Xeri Elia Douskos. Both remain open, and Cohens blue-shuttered house still attracts fans.

There are countless other reasons to put this car-free island, a 90-minute ferry hop from Athens, on your wishlist. The Deste Foundation, a contemporary art haven in an old slaughterhouse, showcases works by Jeff Koons, Marcel DuChamp and others, and theres a slew of chic boutiques, cliffside galleries, cool cafes and stylishly renovated hotels.

Useful tip: though Hydra isnt known for its beaches, hop in a water taxi to the sheltered cove of Agios Nikolaos or secluded Vlychos and you wont be disappointed.

Aegean Airlines flies to Athens from London Heathrow (from 239). Ferries travel from Piraeus to Hydra year-round (from 31). Bratsera has rooms from 165 includingbreakfast.

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Yan Jianlin showcases his pottery work in the Hekou Village of Lintao County, northwest China's Gansu Province, Sept. 3, 2024.(Xinhua)

LANZHOU, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- Potters still use traditional techniques to make pots in the ancient Majiayao style, shaping the clay on a spinning wheel, then painting the pots with a brush, and finally firing them in a kiln. In fact, there are dozens of individual steps, but the end result is pots that, at first glance, are indistinguishable from original pieces made thousands of years ago.

"The Majiayao painted pottery witnessed the Chinese culture of 5,000 years ago, and it should be handed down through the generations," said Yan Xiaohu, from the Hekou Village of Lintao County, northwest China's Gansu Province.

His family has been in the pottery business for four generations. His father, 64-year-old Yan Jianlin, has practiced the craft for 36 years.

Living by the Taohe River, where red clay can easily be found, the old Yan remembers watching his father and grandfather making pots. He picked up the skills at a young age, but the trajectory of his life was altered in the 1990s when he met some staff from the cultural center of Lintao.

"They asked me if I could make several painted pottery artworks for the center," he recalled, noting that this was the first time he had heard about Majiayao culture.

One of the renowned archaeological discoveries in the province, the Majiayao culture mainly developed in the upper reaches of the Yellow River and its tributaries, with glamorous painted pottery as its most striking feature.

Accepting the challenge, Yan Jianlin set about studying Majiayao culture, visiting the museum and the Majiayao relic site multiple times. He bought books to study the shapes, materials and patterns of the pottery.

"The pots I made previously were rough and durable, but making painted pottery ware is delicate work," he said.

To make pottery in the Majiayao style, he used the red soil by the Taohe River from the Tertiary period, then painted symmetrical patterns with mineral paints.

"The brushes used centuries ago must have been made with animal hair, and they were harder than those we use today," said Yan Jianlin, adding that it is next to impossible to recreate the delicate touch of the ancient people.

In spite of his modesty, the pottery produced by Yan Jianlin and his family has been very popular in recent years, and they had to work hard to keep up with orders. Each year, they use two to three cubic meters of earth to produce more than 3,000 pieces.

Orders have been coming in from across the country. One recent order from a museum was for 1,000 pieces of painted pottery artwork, which is likely to take the family at least half a year to complete.

In Yan's two-story building, five rooms on the ground floor are devoted to the craft, either converted to studios or used to store artworks, which are piled on sofas, tables and window sills.

Throughout the decades, however, Yan and his family stuck to the traditional technique, using the old foot-powered turntable and firing the pots in a wood-fired brick kiln. Once the kiln has been lit, the artisans must watch it for more than 10 hours.

"In this way, we can ensure the color and texture of the painted pottery is close to that of the ancient objects," said Yan Xiaohu, the son.

He is even more meticulous than his father, spending twice as much time on average making a single piece, which can attract collectors from thousands of kilometers away.

For the family, making pottery is not just a job, but an indispensable part of their life.

"A day without pottery would make me feel uncomfortable," said Yan Jianlin.

These days, he also visits local schools, teaching about intangible cultural heritage. In his spare time, the old man sits in the yard with his wife, working together at the potter's wheel or painting an unfinished pot.

Meanwhile, Yan Xiaohu, is busy with innovation, creating pottery tea sets or devising new painted craft objects. "However innovative they become, these pottery works still bear the marks of Majiayao culture," he said.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the discovery of Majiayao culture. Swedish archaeologist Johan Gunnar Andersson made the discovery in 1924, finding sophisticated painted pottery in various shapes in the Majiayao Village, after which the culture was named.

For practitioners like Yan Xiaohu, this is a time to celebrate an artform deeply rooted in the local area. However, he is also insistent that it should not stand still.

"The ancient art should be not only handed down, but revitalized," he said. 

Yan Jianlin (L) discusses the painting pattern on a pottery with his son Yan Xiaohu at home in the Hekou Village of Lintao County, northwest China's Gansu Province, Sept. 3, 2024.(Xinhua)

Yan Jianlin applies paint on a pottery in the Hekou Village of Lintao County, northwest China's Gansu Province, Sept. 3, 2024.(Xinhua)
For parents of young children, car seats are  or should be  part of everyday travel. But, for as routine as this essential equipment is, there are some things that arent commonly known about car seats.

According to Children's Wisconsin data, proper use of car seats reduces the risk of injury in a motor vehicle crash by between 71% and 82%.

National Child Passenger Safety Week, Sept. 15-21, is the perfect time to revisit some of the most surprising facts about the subject.

Car seats expire.

You will want to think twice before accepting that hand-me-down car seat from your neighbor or dusting off that one used by your older children years ago.

But why? Car seats expire.

Car seats usually expire four to 12 years after their manufacture date. Expiration dates may be printed directly on the seat or on a manufacturers label attached to the seat. Sometimes, car seat manufacturers will require the owner to calculate the expiration date themselves, based on its given manufacture date and lifespan.

Jim Savage, a program manager in the Childrens Wisconsin Safety Center, previously explained there are two reasons why car seats expire. First, its materials may wear down over time. Second, just like with cars, manufacturers are continuously learning new ways to maximize safety.

Even non-severe crashes can render a car seat unusable.

Savage said that no matter how small a car crash is, caregivers should contact the car seats manufacturer to determine if it is still safe to use, even if the seat looks fine. Sometimes, the manufacturer may advise the seat shouldnt be used even if there wasnt a child occupying the seat at the time of the crash, Savage said.

In a moderate or serious crash, do not use the seat again and dispose of it immediately.

Car seats are designed to absorb crash energy to keep the child passenger safe and protected. Even though a car seat may appear undamaged after an accident, the structural integrity could be compromised even if the seat was unoccupied during the crash, Savage said.

For more, visit bit.ly/carseataftercrash. To view this information in Spanish, visit bit.ly/carseataftercrashespanol.

There are proper ways to dispose of car seats. One way can even land you a Target coupon.

When a car seat expires, or is unsafe because of a crash or another reason, dont just toss it in the garbage or put it on the curb for big trash pickup.

Dismantle the seat, cut up the cover and harness straps, write a short explanation on the seat of why its unsafe in permanent marker, whatever it takes to render it unusable.

Target stores across the nation are having their annual Car Seat Trade-in Event from Sept. 15-28. During these two weeks, Target Circle members who bring in old car seats will receive a 20% off Target Circle Bonus for a new car seat or other select items for young children.

The old seats will be recycled to create new products like pallets, plastic buckets and construction materials, Targets website says.

Counterfeit car seats exist, and they are dangerous.

Counterfeit car seats are dangerous because they dont meet the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standards that are required to sell car seats in the United States. These standards, Savage said, detail how car seats must protect the passenger, from design to requiring crash testing.

Just because a car seat is deemed safe for use in other countries does not mean its safe by these U.S. standards, Savage said.

He said there has been an influx of counterfeit car seats sold online. People have even reported seeing them on Amazon.com, Kmart.com, Walmart.com, Sears.com and more, according to NHTSAs complaint logs.

For tips on how to avoid counterfeit car seats, and what to do if you spot one, visit bit.ly/CounterfeitCarSeats.

Child restraint systems are recommended, but not required, on planes. Some are specifically designed for planes.

Children are not required to use child restraint systems, such as car seats, on airplanes. Technically, children younger than 2 dont need a ticket and can ride on a caregivers lap.

However, its highly recommended that children use a child restraint system on planes. (This means even if your child is younger than 2, you need to purchase them a seat.)

To use a car seat on an airplane, it must be certified for this use. Savage said this information is typically found on the car seat itself, but its also recommended that you check with the airline beforehand.

There are also restraint systems for use specifically in planes. The FFA-approved Child Aviation Restraint System (CARES) is for children between 22 and 44 pounds who can sit in their own seat. The CARES device attaches to the airplane seat and the seat's lap belt to add shoulder straps and a chest clip.

For children taller than 5 feet who require extra upper body support, theres also a Special CARES product.

For more information about flying with child restraint systems, visit bit.ly/FAAchildseats.

On long drives, young children need breaks from their car seats. This means frequent stops.

For infants and young children, its important to make frequent travel stops to remove them from their car seats and reposition them. This helps avoid strain to their breathing that can occur while being in the car seat overtime, and is also why its not recommended for children to remain in their car seat once you reach your destination, Savage said.

Savage recommends stopping to give infants a break every two hours, and toddlers a break every three to four hours. This also gives time to change diapers and snack; the American Academy of Pediatrics website says to never breastfeed in a moving car.

You can get your car seat installation checked by a certified technician.

A NHTSA study found that nearly half of parents and caregivers have installed their childs car seat incorrectly, despite believing they knew how to do so correctly.

The good news is there are many places where a certified technician can inspect your car seat and, most of the time, theyll show you how to correctly install it as well. You can find a car seat inspection station near you by visiting bit.ly/NHTSAcarseatinspection.

Car seats can range from roughly $60 to $550, depending on the type. For financial help when purchasing car seats, reach out to your local health department. Many have programs to help families afford car seats based on income requirements.

Childrens Wisconsin also offers a low-cost car seat program, and can also help find local fit stations to help with car seat installations. Call 1-855-224-8058.

Madison Lammert covers child care and early education across Wisconsin as a Report for America corps member based at The Appleton Post-Crescent. To contact her, email mlammert@gannett.com or call 920-993-7108. Please consider supporting journalism that informs our democracy with a tax-deductible gift to Report for America by visiting postcrescent.com/RFA.

This article originally appeared on Appleton Post-Crescent: Wisconsin expert shares 7 surprising facts about car seats
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When I moved to Cairo, Egypt, earlier this year, I wanted to lean into a traditional design scheme that felt connected to the countrys rich history and culture. Besides building up a wall art collection, I was searching for antique furniture I could use as the new focal point of my space.

One weekend, I went up north to the coastal Egyptian city of Alexandria, known for its timeless treasures. There, I found a three-piece sofa and chair set that embodied the ornate Gilded Age touch I was craving  but when it comes to older furnishings, nothing is ever perfect.

Credit: Isis Briones Credit: Isis Briones

The wood was chipping, the legs were at slightly different heights, and almost all of the elaborate gold trim was coming off. On a positive note, I loved the eye-catching green fabric. Unfortunately, the seller didnt know where the material came from, and even if she did, I couldnt imagine sourcing the exact original pattern. Basically, once I bought this one-of-a-kind set, I was all on my own in terms of reupholstering it.

Everyone kept saying I couldnt go wrong with any fabric I chose, which only made me feel more anxious about the process. I ended up using a pretty white and blue patterned upholstery, and actually, I wish Id gone with a slightly less intricate print to balance out the detailed woodwork on all three pieces. Just like pattern mixing, where often a smaller-scale print pairs best with something larger for balance, a simpler repeat might have made the piece feel less formal on the whole.

Credit: Isis Briones Credit: Isis Briones

Having a simpler design would have also made it easier to center the fabric. The upholsterer had to map out exactly where the middle crest would lay on the chairs, which ultimately cost more time and money.

Beyond the way it looks, the other factor I didnt consider was the weight of the fabric. Despite it being durable, it appeared that the material I bought may have been a little too bulky because the lining along the sides looked thicker than I expected.

Credit: Isis Briones Credit: Isis Briones

I also added a fresh coat of paint onto the gold detailing, but that was perhaps my biggest regret  I realized I shouldve let the patina shine. Nevertheless, for a first-time reupholstering experience, I learned a lot, especially to not rush fabric selection. I opted to have the frayed, worn-down wood resanded and restained, as well, which evened out the legs and brought the furniture set back to life. It might not be flawless, but I certainly achieved my goal of owning pieces that no one else has!

Further Reading

Everything Youve Ever Wanted To Know About Articles DTC Furniture

We Asked 5 Contractors Which Kitchen Reno Trend Homeowners Regret Most, and They Basically All Agreed

We Asked 8 Pro Travelers What They Never Pack in Their Carry-On, and Heres What They Said

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When booking a cruise to Greece, most travelers picture themselves walking along serene alleyways between white-washed buildings, having freshly caught meals at seaside tavernas, or sunbathing on a tranquil beach.

But in recent years, the reality on popular islands like Santorini and Mykonos couldn't be further from that vision. Peak-summer visits have practically choked these islands with overwhelming crowds of tourists, many of whom are cruise-ship passengers just visiting for the day.

This hasn't gone unnoticed by Greek officials who are now adding new regulations in an effort to curb overtourism on the most popular islands. Starting in 2025, both Santorini and Mykonos will begin charging cruise passengers a 20-euro (approximately $22) per-person arrival fee during the summer months, Reuters reports. Officials say a percentage of the fees will be used to improve island infrastructure, which is under strain from the crowds.

In 2023, a total of 800 cruise ships called upon Santorini alone, disembarking nearly 1.3 million passengers onto the island, according to numbers from the Greek Tourism Confederation. Mykonos, similarly, saw 749 cruise ships and nearly 1.2 million passengers in 2023, a year-on-year jump of 23 percent.

Although overcrowding has been particularly acute on Santorini and Mykonosdestinations beloved by travelers for their stunning architecture and trendy beach clubsthe issue was prevalent across tourist hot spots in Europe this summer, with protests roiling cities like Barcelona. As a result, several destinations have introduced new or elevated tourist fees this year, including Lisbon, Amsterdam, and several cities in Italy that have passed visitor taxes and regulations, and countries like Spain that are considering new tourist levies, too.

In August, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), an industry body that oversees regulations for most of the worlds cruise lines, met with Greek officials on mitigating tourism numbers. Recently, the growth of tourism in Greece has garnered significant attention, particularly concerning the islands of Santorini and Mykonos, Maria Deligianni, CLIAs Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, said in a statement after the meeting.

Deligianni added that the organizations cruise lines will abide by other measures the islands are introducing next year to stem the number of cruise arrivals. Santorini plans to cap cruise ship passengers at 8,000 visitors per day in 2025, and Mykonos will also roll out a new berth allocation system to help stagger cruise ship arrivals in hopes of minimizing traffic.

Currently, 57% of Greeces cruise tourism is centered around Santorini, Mykonos, and Piraeus, the port city just outside of Athens, according to 2023 data from CLIA. The group says its working with both Greek officials and cruise lines to add less trammeled islands to more itineraries.

For their part, tourists can prioritize booking cruises and other journeys that call upon less popular Greek isles. Ionian Sea islands like Zakynthos and Antipaxos are two solid substitutes for Santorini and Mykonos, says Conde Nast Traveler travel specialist Kristin Chambers, founder of TravelLustre and D.A. Luxury TVL. There are far less crowds, quaint towns, much less boat and cruise trafficand the water is like glass, Chambers says. It feels as if you are stepping back in time, not stepping into a massive crowd.

For travelers who prefer to stay among the Cyclades islands in the Aegean Seawhere Santorini and Mykonos are locatedChambers recommends trying Milos, Sifnos, and Naxos instead. Milos, for example, does not have a massive cruise terminal, making it accessible for smaller ships and private charters only, which is helpful for crowd control, says Chambers. Small-ship cruise lines, including Ponant, Windstar, the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Greece-based Celestyal Cruises, and other boutique lines call upon ports on these islands.

That doesn't mean it's impossible to enjoy Santorini and Mykonos without the accompanying crowds. Traveling during the off-season and swapping popular tourist attractions for less frequented sites can help visitors find a slice of peace and quiet on the bustling islands. Santorini in particular, in high season, is no longer a pleasant experience when you are battling past crowds to watch a sunset, or simply stroll the village of Oia, Chambers says. She recommends avoiding Oia and Fira until at least 5 p.m. or 6 p.m., and instead exploring the farther reaches of Santorini during peak-cruise-ship hours. In doing so, travelers can remove themselves from the bedlam and support local businesses that may not typically receive tourist dollars.

Originally Appeared on Conde Nast Traveler

The Latest Travel News and Advice
H-E-Bs Central Market in Fort Worth may be especially busy this weekend. Heres why.

Fort Worths Central Market could be extra busy this weekend.

To celebrate the H-E-B brands 30th anniversary, Central Market is holding special events, cooking classes and more at all 10 of its locations across Texas. The gourmet grocer will host events for customers starting today through Sept. 24.

A 30th anniversary foodie stroll at the Fort Worth location at 4651 West Freeway is Saturday from 2 to 5 p.m. Customers can enjoy food displays, interactive events and samples. For $10, customers can register to receive exclusive anniversary merchandise, including a wine glass and $10 coupon. A $50 Central Market gift card will be raffled off to one lucky customer.

Other Fort Worth events include a patio party on Sept. 19 from 6 to 9 p.m. Chef and food writer Martin Yan will be hosting a cooking demonstration on Thursday evening. Online registration is required for both events.

Central Market is also inviting kids to take part in its celebrations. Though its over a week away, registration for the chains future foodie stroll on Sept. 21, which will feature activities for children throughout the store, is sold out at all 10 of Central Market locations.

To commemorate the anniversary, Central Market is offering a range of exclusive products including 30-day dry aged New York strip steaks and limited-edition bakery items.

Fort Worths Central Market opened in 2001, seven years after the brands inaugural store opened in Austin. The chain offers a variety of H-E-B brand products, specialty items and grocery staples, like fresh produce, meat and seafood. The H-E-B brand recently began offering tap to pay services at all of its locations.

Disclosure: H-E-B is a funder of the Star-Telegrams Crossroads Lab. The company has no influence over editorial decisions.
Latino Conservation Week is a national event organized by the Hispanic Access Foundation. (Courtesy of America Yorita-Carrion)

Para leer esta historia en espanol, haga clic aqui.

Latino Conservation Week begins next week in Idaho, offering a weeklong series of events meant to engage Latino families in conservation and encourage outdoor access.

The events are hosted by a variety of community partners, including the city of Boise, the Nampa School District, the Idaho Sierra Club, the Hispanic Access Foundation, Idaho Hispanic Foundation, the Nature Conservancy, Golden Eagle Audubon Society, Idaho Immigrant Resource Alliance, and many others.

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Events will take place from Sept. 14 to Sept. 22. Every event is free and family-friendly, according to a press release from The Nature Conservancy, a nonprofit helping organize the event.

Traci Swift, a digital marketing specialist with The Nature Conservancy, said Latino Conservation Week is about promoting diversity in conservation.

Historically, conservation has been very white dominated, Swift told the Sun. Latino Conservation Week allows us to start those community relationships where we can help break down barriers that Latino communities may face when it comes to outdoor recreation and conservation efforts, as well as while were promoting conservation, making sure that Latino voices and experiences are included in all the conversations.

Providing outdoor recreation for Idaho Latinos

Latino Conservation Week is a national event organized by the Hispanic Access Foundation a Latino advocacy nonprofit  and while they celebrated the 10th anniversary of the event last year, this year is the third year that the event has been coordinated in Idaho

We want to get Idaho on the map and say, in Idaho, the Hispanic population, the leaders, the community leaders, we have organized this and we want to support national conservation, event organizer Eva Aguilar told the Sun.

Aguilar is a Nampa business owner of Super Nutrition. Her business is a part of the Idaho Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and it is organizing the closing ceremony on Sept. 21.

Aguilar said her business is focused on promoting mental health, which she said is not spoken enough about among the Latino community.

Latino Conservation Week was created to support the Latino community to get outdoors and participate in activities to protect our natural resources, and also be involved in activities that make you feel better. The goal for this week is also to provide outdoor recreation opportunities that are near their homes.

Latino Conservation Week events

Saturday, Sept. 14:

Sunday, Sept. 15

Monday, Sept. 16

Tuesday, Sept. 17

Wednesday, Sept. 18

Thursday, Sept. 19

Friday, Sept. 20

Saturday, Sept. 21

Sunday, Sept. 22

For more information about the times and details of the events, visit the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services website page for Idaho Latino Conservation week.

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The Port of Providence in Rhode Island is a busy place for marine shipping, connecting with the industries in the area that rely on ships. As such, it's a hotspot of pollution  but local residents have pushed back, GBH News reports.

For example, take Monica Huertas, who moved to the Washington Park neighborhood in 2015. While she and her husband had the house that would be their first inspected, the professional assessment didn't cover air pollution affecting the area.

"You want to open your windows because it's a beautiful day and let the fresh air in," Huertas said, per GBH News. "And then it's that disgusting pungent gas, oily-like smell. So you close the windows again and then you're sad."

According to Huertas, there are more than smells to worry about. Her family of six all have asthma, a known health risk related to methane gas as well as other types of pollution; one son suffers from a childhood heart condition called Kawasaki disease. "Look at the cumulative impacts," she said. "What does tar, cement, oil, gas ... trucks in and out, idling, do to us? How does that affect all of us?"

So, Huertas and others got to work, starting with rallying the neighborhood to get support for their initiatives. "What we do is old-school door-knocking," she said. Per GBH News, her first question to each resident is whether they have asthma.

"And then the second thing is, 'When you open your windows or when you walk out of your house, do you smell something?'" she said.

And it has made a difference. "The amount of activism we've had ... and the politicians and folks that have been brought into the conversation around the port of Providence, it's almost impossible to ignore as a problem," Rhode Island Sen. Tiara Mack said, per GBH News.

Through the efforts of Huertas and her fellow activists, the area has started to turn around. There is now an app to report unpleasant smells and related health symptoms, and Providence and Rhode Island officials have conducted two air quality projects in the area.

Officials have also started to tally all the truck traffic and have hosted community meetings about air pollution. The community even put a stop to the expansion of a liquid petroleum gas facility and had a cordoned-off beach reopened to the public.

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.
Stanley Tucci Just Shared an Easy Brunch Recipe, and Fans Say It's "Simple and Elegant"

Plus the veggie-packed sides he paired with the dish.

Tucci: Lia Toby/Getty Images. Recipe: Jen Causey.

When it comes to fall entertaining, focusing on comfort meals that are equally delicious and show-stopping is the way to go. Whether it be a bright butternut squash soup or a herb-topped pasta bake, were looking forward to making all of our favorite cozy dishes to serve to guests this season.

An underrated option for breakfast, brunch or lunch parties are frittatas. A frittata is such a quick and fun way to put together all of the veggies and fridge staples you have on hand and make a gorgeous plate guaranteed to impress anyone. Stanley Tucci just shared his personal go-to frittata to serve guests in a recent video.

Related: Demi Lovato Just Shared a Comforting High-Protein Dinner You'll Want to Make ASAP

Were in Umbria on a little family vacation with some dear friends, Tucci shares in the Instagram Reel. So I made this lunchwere making lunches at home and sort of going out to dinner for the most part. The lunch in question features two different types of frittatas that are making our mouths water.

I found these Tropea onions in the grocery store, and this frittata has Tropea onions, Parmigiano and potato, the actor and author explains, showing off the egg dish. The other frittata he made omits the onions. Tropea onions are native to Italy, and they are sweeter than your standard yellow or red onion, bringing a balance of flavor to savory dishes.

Tuccis classic frittatas are made with eggs, meaning theyre packed with protein and nutrients like vitamin D and choline, all of which can help you stay energized throughout the day. Plus, they also appear to be full of herbs like chives, which we feature in our own Potato Frittata recipe. Not to toot our own horn, but we think the Searching for Italy star would approve our choice of adding pancetta and Pamesan cheese to the dish.

Related: Stanley Tucci Just Shared the Ingredients He Always Has on Hand for Easy Meals

But the meal doesnt stop there: Tuccis table also includes a platter of sheeps milk ricotta, a vibrant, traditional caprese salad, a spring mix salad with a simple lemon, garlic and olive oil dressing, anchovies, carta di musica (a crispy Sardinian cracker to pair with the anchovies) and of course, a bottle of wine. This spread is packed with staples of Italian cuisine, and while it looks complex, each element is fairly easy to prepare or buy ahead of time.

All this produce is so good, and we have a black truffle somewhere, and thats going to be shaved on top of these two [frittatas], Tucci says. Were also loving the abundance of produce on the table, and fans agree.

That looks perfect. Fresh, simple and tasty, one commenter wrote.

My kind of lunch. One question Tucci: why wasnt I invited?! another fan commented. Being invited to a Tucci luncheon is definitely on our bucket list, too.

Related: Joy Bauers Protein-Packed Oatmeal Is Perfect for Busy Mornings

Read the original article on Eating Well.
Teachers With 20+ Years In The Classroom, Tell Us The Biggest Difference Between Millennials/Gen Z/Gen Alpha

The evolution of classroom dynamics has changed drastically over the past 20 years. The introduction of technology and how it's progressed since the turn of the millennium has undoubtedly changed the playing field for both teachers and students.

As kids return to school this week, teachers must navigate a classroom of new students.

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But for the teachers with at least two decades under their belt, we want to know: What are the biggest changes you've seen between generations?

Think back to when millennials were filling your classrooms in the 2000s  what stood out about their learning styles or their interactions with technology? Especially since smartphones and social media hardly existed. Did you start seeing the first signs of digital integration?

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Then, fast forward to Gen Z. Did their arrival significantly shift how students interacted with technology? How have platforms like TikTok and Instagram shaped their communication styles?

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Between these two generations alone, it's evident that there was a significant gap in how media was consumed and their social interactions with others.

Then came Gen Alpha  a generation that has been practically raised on tablets. Are they more tech-savvy than their predecessors, or do they exhibit different learning preferences? How has their exposure to technology from an early age shaped their expectations of education?

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Share your stories in the comments below, and your responses could be featured in a BuzzFeed Community post. Or, if you prefer anonymity, you can submit your story through this Google Form.
Looking back at stories that appeared in the OFallon Progress 125, 100, 75, and 50 years ago:

125 years ago, Sept. 15, 1899

School opened Monday with an attendance of 251, divided as follows. Primary 55, Second Room 35, Third Room 42, Fourth Room 41, Fifth Room 48, Sixth Room 30.

The teachers are Principal, W. R. Dorris; 1st Assistant, F. W. Wade; 2nd Assistant, Miss E. A. Scott; 3rd Assistant, Miss A. V. Carriel; 4th Assistant, Miss Carrie Jones; Primary, Miss Lillian Etherington.

All indications point to a successful school year. Let every parent co-operate with the teachers and thus ensure the very best results.

100 years ago, Sept. 11, 1924

National Defense Day, as requested by President Coolidge, will be observed in OFallon tomorrow with special patriot programs in the public and township high schools.

Special services will be conducted Sunday in the various churches and at the Mens Bible Class meeting in Masonic Hall. At several churches the clergymen will offer a prayer for the preservation of peace throughout this great Republic at special services, the general theme being Healthy, Dignified Peace.

While no public demonstration was possible owing to the fact that suitable quarters were not available and special speakers could not be procured on short notice, the day will be generally observed here with the flying of Old Glory.

The Government requests that there should be a universal display of the American flag, in the home, shop and on the farm on that day. This is to be done by every citizen who appreciates the peace of this country, who believes in its constitution and loves freedom of speech, religion and politics.

Misunderstandings placed many in the belief that National Defense Day is for the purpose of mobilizing.

The government assures the citizenry that this is not the case but is a day set apart to show loyalty to the country, which descends to us as a sacred heritage, which must be maintained among the powers of the world as a great peace-loving nation.

75 years ago, Sept. 15, 1949

Platting of the new addition to OFallon City Cemetery has been completed and with the exception of landscaping and a few finishing touches, it will be ready for the sale of lots.

The city cemetery board announced yesterday that it has set September 24 and 25 as public inspection days. At that time a complete plat will also be available to prospective buyers. Comprising seven acres, the new addition to the present city cemetery (formerly Tiedemanns) is platted into eight sections, including a center plot.

All sections are accessible by rocked and oiled circular driveways which also connected with the old cemetery and St. Clares Catholic Cemetery. Burial sites are provided with six and eight-grave lots, while others will be for two and three graves. Certain sections will be for tombstones, others for headstones and another section for bronze markers.

This plan was decided on after the board studied modern cemetery layouts and regulations in other cities, including St. Louis and St. Louis county. Much credit is due the city administration and the cemetery board, the members of which worked and planned untiringly for several years to make this new burial site one of the outstanding in this area.

50 years ago, Sept. 12, 1974

Reverend Arthur Erb, pastor of Faith Lutheran Church in OFallon, has announced the resignation of his position as pastor of the church effective Jan. 1, 1975. Rev. Erb is resigning his position to devote his full interests to the Our World Day Care Center recently opened at Faith Lutheran Church.

In his letter announcing his resignation to the church body, Rev. Erb said, I see myself to be on a leave of absence from the parish ministry. I have not made the decision to leave the parish permanently.

At the present time, Our World is working in co-operation with the city of OFallon and the citys Chamber of Commerce to establish a program of meals and transportation for persons over the age of 60. There are also plans for a summer day care center next summer for elementary children.

The Faith church council will be holding a special meeting Sept. 22 to consider the resignation of Rev. Erb. The resignation was submitted at this time, Rev. Erb said, to give the congregation time to call another pastor to replace him.

It was in April of this year, when I did the study to determine the feasibility of a day care center, that I began to consider the decision I have made, Rev. Erb said.

A special program is scheduled for Oct. 6 at 2 p.m. to present the Our World program to the public. The day care center recently opened with 125 children in attendance.
HARARE, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- Agreements signed between China and Zimbabwe during President Emmerson Mnangagwa's state visit to China, ahead of the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, will enhance bilateral cooperation between the two countries, a senior official said Tuesday.

"The president had a very successful state visit to the People's Republic of China, and during that visit, many issues were discussed, as would happen between countries that relate well to each other both at the multilateral and bilateral levels," said Frederick Shava, Zimbabwean minister of foreign affairs and international trade, responding to a question from Xinhua during a post-cabinet press briefing in the capital, Harare.

Shava said that one memorandum of understanding (MoU) involved cooperation in infrastructure development, particularly the construction of infrastructure in the new city located in Mount Hampden, just outside Harare, where a China-aided new parliament building was completed in 2022.

"We are building a new city in Mount Hampden, and several structures need to be developed to support this initiative. One of the MoUs is related to the continued assistance from the Chinese in the construction of such structures. We are hopeful that we can engage the Chinese in the construction of office blocks in the new city," Shava said.

"There is also an MoU which seeks to look at how we can enhance solar energy to complement our existing energy production facilities and to be looking at possible rural solar facilities for energy. The Chinese are very skilled in this area, and they will be invited to contribute to the development of this option," he said.

One of the MoUs also addressed cooperation on the control and elimination of schistosomiasis, a disease caused by parasitic worms, Shava added. 
As the fifth tree expert is expected to weigh in on the health of the 400-year-old Davis-Meeker Garry oak on Old Highway 99, the city of Tumwater asked the citizen group that wants to protect the tree pay a bond of more than $10 million in court to keep the tree standing.

In Thurston County Superior Court on Sept. 9, the Save the Davis Meeker Garry Oak citizen group requested a bond of $200 to stay the courts decision to protect the tree until an assessment of the tree is completed and the mayor gets approval from the Historic Preservation Commission to cut it down, if need be.

In response, the City of Tumwater requested the bond be set at $10,058,000 during the litigation process. Spokesperson Jason Wettstein said it was to protect the city and is a reflection of the potential risks the historic tree poses.

Citizen group spokesperson Michelle Peterson said in a news release that Superior Court Judge Anne Egeler set the bond at $10,000 instead. She said the group plans to pay the refundable amount in full.

My guess is on Friday the judge realized her original ruling dissolving the Temporary Restraining Order in May had been based on multiple misleading statements by the mayor and by the mayors attorney, said Ronda Larson Kramer, one of the groups attorneys. We worked pretty hard over the past two weeks to call those out to the court.

To raise money for legal expenses, the citizens group is holding a fundraiser Sept. 26 and is accepting tax deductible donations. More information can be found on the groups website.

The City of Tumwater also filed a motion asking the judge to award the mayor over $13,000 in legal fees from the group. Judge Egeler denied that motion, without prejudice, meaning the city can refile the motion at a later time.

Wettstein said the city is conducting additional work to assess the tree in response to public interest and requests for further analysis.

This is productive work that will aid in decision making, he said. We trust the past assessment as well as value the potential for additional insights from the new assessment.

Wettstein said there were six companies that submitted their qualifications to conduct the tree assessment. Three of them were interviewed based in part on input from the chairs of the citys Tree Board and the Historic Preservation Commission.

He said the city contracted with Todd Prager & Associates from Lake Oswego, Oregon. The city and the consultant will be planning next steps next week.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE)  An 11-year-old boy has been charged with making a threat of mass violence after an investigation into a threat at Vine Middle School, Knoxville Police said.

According to the Knoxville Police Department, Tuesday afternoon, a KPD School Resource Officer responded to the school to investigate a report that a student, identified as a 11-year-old boy, had made a school-shooting threat.

Investigation underway after Knox County schools named in social media threats

Following the investigation, detectives with the KPD Violent Crimes Unit responded to the students home to conduct a home visit. No weapons were found during the visit and detectives were told the boy did not have access to weapons.

Knoxville police said that after consulting with the Knox County District Attorneys Office, the boy was charged for making a threat of mass violence and was taken into custody Tuesday evening.

KPD added that this threat is not believed to be related to the other school-related threats that have been circulating on social media. Just after 4 p.m. Tuesday, the Knox County Sheriffs Office said a 7th grade West Valley Middle School student had been charged in those threats.

Lawyer warns of consequences for students making school threats

Last week, two Halls High School students were also charged with making threats of mass violence. Knox County Sheriff Tom Spangler held a press conference at the high school urging parents to talk to their children after several threats were made against Halls High and Halls Middle Schools.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side.
SOUTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (WPRI)  Each month, WPRI 12, along with Somerset Federal Credit Union, honors those who make a difference in the community. This month, were recognizing staff members and volunteers at Save One Soul Animal Rescue League.

WPRI 12s Melissa Sardelli delivered thanks and recognition on behalf of the TV station, the sponsor, and the community.

12 Gives Back  a way to simply say THANK YOU to those making a difference.

More 12 Gives Back: Honoring deserving members of the local community | 12 Gives Back is made possible with the help of their sponsor, Somerset Federal Credit Union.

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12-year-old boy dies after falling over balcony on cruise headed for Texas

A 12-year-old boy died after falling from a balcony on Royal Caribbeans Harmony of the Seas' cruise ship (AFP via Getty Images)

A 12-year-old boy has died after falling off a balcony while on board a Royal Caribbean cruise.

The young boy fell to his death on September 7 while on board the Harmony of the Seas as it sailed toward Galveston, Texas at the end of a week-long trip. He fell off a balcony on Deck 8, known as the Central Park area of the ship where there are many restaurants and stores, PEOPLE reports.

We are deeply saddened to confirm the death of one of our guests, a Royal Caribbean spokesperson said in a statement. Our Care Team is providing support and assistance to the guests family during this difficult time.

For the privacy of the guest and their family, we have no additional details to share, the spokesperson added.

The boy has not been identified, and it is not yet clear what caused him to fall off the balcony.

The 12-year-old who died after falling off a balcony on the Harmony of the Seas has not been identified (AFP via Getty Images)

Just last month, a British man reportedly fell overboard from Royal Caribbeans Explorer of the Seas cruise near Croatia. The search was called off after nearly 40 hours.

Since the man has been in the sea for over 40 hours, we are already losing hope, Sanjin Dumanic, president of the Association of Croatian Sea Captains, said at the time.

We would all like him to be found, but 40 hours is a very long time, and we are losing hope that this search will end successfully.

Then, back in May, a passenger died after jumping overboard from Royal Caribbeans largest cruise ship after it set sail from Florida.

The man reportedly jumped from the Icon of the Seas after it left a Florida port. He was rescued from the water and brought back on board before succumbing to his injuries.

The cruise company also issued a statement declining to provide details on his identity.
12-Year-Old Boy Falls to His Death from Balcony of Cruise Ship Heading for Galveston, Texas

"We are deeply saddened to confirm the death of one of our guests," Royal Caribbean told PEOPLE in a statement

DANIEL SLIM/AFP via Getty The Harmony of the Seas in Miami, Florida in 2020

A 12-year-old boy has died after falling from the balcony of a cruise ship.

The pre-teen was aboard Royal Caribbeans Harmony of the Seas  which was en route to Galveston, Texas at the end of a week-long cruise  when the incident happened on Saturday, Sept. 7.

A Royal Caribbean spokesperson told PEOPLE in a statement, We are deeply saddened to confirm the death of one of our guests. Our Care Team is providing support and assistance to the guest's family during this difficult time. For the privacy of the guest and their family, we have no additional details to share.

PEOPLE has confirmed that the boy fell at the Central Park area of the ship, located on deck 8, where many of the vessels bars, restaurants and shops live. He sadly died before the vessel docked in Texas.

royal caribbean The central park area of the Harmony of the Seas

The news comes after a 16-year-old boy also fell to his death on the ship back in 2019.

According to multiple outlets, the teenager fell while attempting to climb into his room from the balcony.

At the time, Royal Caribbean corporate communications manager, Owen Torres, confirmed the death in a statement to PEOPLE. We are saddened by the loss of one of our guests in a tragic accident, the statement read.

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.

royal caribbean Aerial view of the Harmony of the Seas

The Broward Medical Examiners Office confirmed to PEOPLE in a statement at the time that the boy was on the eighth floor of Harmony of the Seas when he attempted to climb into his room because he forgot his room key.

According to a press release from Royal Caribbean, Harmony of the Seas was the worlds largest cruise liner when it launched in 2016. She departed on her maiden voyage in November 2016 from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

The vessel has 16 guest decks, 2,747 staterooms and can carry over 5,000 guests.



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Read the original article on People.
The families of 13 U.S. service members who were killed in Kabul, Afghanistan, on Aug. 26, 2021, attend a Congressional Gold Medal ceremony honoring their dead loved ones at the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday. Photo by Anna Rose Layden/UPI

Sept. 10 (UPI) -- Congressional leaders posthumously honored 13 U.S. service members who were killed by a suicide bomber in Kabul during the U.S. military's withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021 in the Capitol Tuesday.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell joined family members of the 13 slain service members to posthumously award the Congressional Gold Medal for each who died during the Kabul suicide attack.

"Their names are etched into our hearts and now into the history of our nation," Johnson said during the ceremony. "Our nation owes a profound debt of gratitude to those service members."

Jeffries agreed and said: "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."

The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest award Congress bestows to individuals, groups or institutions for their respective contributions and achievements.

Coral Doolittle, the mother of slain Cpl. Humberto A. Sanchez, speaks during a Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony at the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday. Photo by Anna Rose Layden/UPI

Many of those who died in the suicide bombing that occurred at Kabul's Hamid Karzai International Airport on Aug. 26, 2021, "were even younger than the war itself," Schumer said.

"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," Shumer added. "We must care for them and their families and defend the values of freedom and democracy they so nobly fought for."

A man wipes his eyes during a Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony Tuesday honoring the 13 U.S. military service members who were killed in Kabul, Afghanistan, on Aug. 26, 2021. Photo by Anna Rose Layden/UPI

The ISIS-K group that formed from Afghanistan's Islamic State claimed responsibility for the suicide attack.

The slain service members are Sgt. Nicole L. Gee, Sgt. Johanny Rosario Pichardo, Staff Sgt. Darin T. Hoover, Staff Sgt. Ryan C. Knauss, Cpl. Daegan W. Page, Cpl. Hunter Lopez, Cpl. Humberto A. Sanchez, Lance Cpl. Jared M. Schmitz, Lance Cpl. David L. Espinoza, Lance Cpl. Dylan R. Merola, Lance Cpl. Rylee J. McCollum, Lance Cpl. Kareem M. Nikoui and Navy Corpsman Maxton W. Soviak.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., speaks during the Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday. Photo by Anna Rose Layden/UPI

The suicide bombing also killed 170 Afghan civilians.

"A big part of us died with our children," Coral Doolittle, who is Sanchez's mother, said while thanking the Congressional members in attendance for making the event possible.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., acknowledges the families of thirteen US military service members who were killed in Kabul, Afghanistan, on August 26, 2021, during a Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday. Photo by Anna Rose Layden/UPI

The 13 Congressional Gold Medal awards were given after the House Foreign Affairs Committee recently blamed President Joe Biden for a poorly planned military withdrawal from Afghanistan.

The committee members' report said Biden chose to withdraw all U.S. troops without considering security needs, the Doha Agreement or the advice of senior national security advisers or the nation's allies.

The families of thirteen US military service members who were killed in Kabul, Afghanistan, on August 26, 2021, arrive for the Congressional Gold Medal ceremony at the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday. Photo by Anna Rose Layden/UPI

The Biden administration said the committee report omitted important details and did not consider the effect of former President Donald Trump's administration, which negotiated the Doha Agreement with Taliban officials to enable the military withdrawal.

Biden on Aug. 26 honored the sacrifices of the 13 service members three years earlier.

The families of thirteen US military service members who were killed in Kabul, Afghanistan, on August 26, 2021, are presented with Congressional Gold Medals at the US Capitol in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday. Photo by Anna Rose Layden/UPI
13-year-old students arrested for making threats against Nashville schools, police say

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  Two eighth graders from separate Nashville schools were arrested Wednesday for making school threats, according to police.

The Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) reported a Madison Middle School student made multiple threats to several local schools on social media.

Authorities said the 13-year-old was taken into custody on Wednesday, Sept. 11 and charged with making threats of violence against schools and false reporting of a threat.

SEE ALSO | Expulsions for school threats increase one year after zero-tolerance law passes

A couple hours later, MNPD announced the Rapid School Safety Team responded to H.G. Hill Middle School Wednesday after another eighth grader threatened the school.

Officials said the 13-year-old was arrested after he admitted to making the verbal threat. The teen is charged with making threats of violence against schools and false reporting of a threat.

Threats against schools, special events and businesses are taken very seriously by the MNPD. Those responsible, once identified, will be prosecuted, the department wrote in statements about both arrests.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

A recent report by News 2 found that a Tennessee law that made school threats a zero-tolerance offense has led to a surge in expulsions.

Additional details about the incidents were not immediately released.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW)  A 15-year-old has been charged in the shooting death of a 13-year-old in Horry County, police said on Wednesday.

The unnamed juvenile, who is from the same household, has been charged with involuntary manslaughter in the death of 13-year-old Jaiden Smalls. They were taken to the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice.

Horry County police responded just after midnight on Sept. 1 to Terrace View Court for a shooting. Police said the shooting was an isolated incident involving juvenile residents in the same household.

Our thoughts are with the family as they navigate multiple forms of grief in this difficult time, the department said on Wednesday.

Smalls was a student at Myrtle Beach Middle School. Horry County Schools released a statement shortly after his death.

[The district] was made aware of the tragic loss of Jaiden Smalls, a Myrtle Beach Middle School student, over the weekend. While the investigation is ongoing, we will continue to respect the privacy of the family during this difficult time. The death of a student has a ripple effect on a school community; therefore, Myrtle Beach Middle School is providing counseling services to any student or staff who may need additional support.

In my understanding at this time, there are no other/additional charges expected related to the shooting itself, Horry County police told News13 on Wednesday.

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 Sign up for WBTW email alerts to have breaking news sent to your inbox.

 Find todays top stories on WBTW.com for the Grand Strand and Pee Dee.

Count on News13 for updates.

* * *

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.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW.
15-year-old son of LAPD officers killed himself with gun found in home. L.A. County to pay $495,000

The county's Board of Supervisors agreed to pay a $495,000 settlement to Johnny Smith and his daughter after the 2019 suicide of his son. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

The gun was locked in a safebox.

But on Dec. 17, 2019, Aiden Smith, the son of two divorced Los Angeles police officers, guessed the code: his mothers birth year, according to court records.

The 15-year-old took out his stepfather's gun and fatally shot himself.

It was the second time Aiden, who told doctors he was suicidal and plagued by hallucinations of demons, had found a gun in the La Crescenta home his mother shared with his stepfather, also an LAPD officer.

That November, Aiden had come across his mother's LAPD-issued gun under some clothes in a closet, leading a therapist to make a report of neglect to the L.A. County Department of Children and Family Services.

On Tuesday, the county Board of Supervisors, which oversees DCFS, agreed to pay a $495,000 settlement to Aidens father, Johnny Smith, and his older sister, Reily.

The Smiths, who sued both the county and city in 2022, argued that DCFS caseworkers and the LAPD should have ensured that Aiden could not get access to another gun.

This case is about firearm safety, especially when it comes to firearms that are in possession of law enforcement, said Steve Vartazarian, a lawyer representing the Smiths. They have the same responsibilities as private citizens to keep the firearms safe.

Vartazarian said negotiations with the city of Los Angeles are still ongoing. Both the LAPD and DCFS declined to comment on the specifics of the case.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family members and friends mourning the loss of this young person, DCFS said in a statement. It is our sincere hope that all those affected by this tragedy find healing as they move forward.

The district attorney's office declined in 2020 to bring charges against Aidens mother, Amira Eppolito, for criminal storage of a firearm and child abuse, according to records from the office. Investigators concluded that Eppolito took the situation seriously when she learned her son was suicidal and that leaving her gun unsecured was not typical for her.

Johnny Smith is an LAPD captain who in 2021 filed a whistleblower lawsuit alleging that he was demoted and transferred in retaliation for voicing concerns about the Mission Division's troubled gang unit.

His whole world had been turned upside down" by Aiden's death, he wrote in a 2021 declaration in his lawsuit over the suicide.

I realized that the systems that have been put in place failed my son, he wrote.

Multiple agencies had been alerted that Aiden was suffering, according to court documents.

At the urging of his sons psychiatrist, Smith brought Aiden to a Rosemead mental health facility a week before Thanksgiving in 2019.

After reporting that he was hallucinating and had looked for  and located  a gun in his mothers home, Aiden was hospitalized for about a week. A therapist made a report to the county of "general neglect due to access to a weapon," according to the Smiths' lawsuit.

Johnny Smith said in a deposition that around that time, he told a commander at the LAPD that his son had found an unsecured gun and that he was under the impression that it would be reported up the chain in the department.

I remember him being very kind and said, 'Look, man, youve just got to remind your son that you love him and that youre there for him. You know, dont worry about any of this other stuff. Well take care of it,' Smith recounted in the deposition.

On Nov. 29, a few days after Aiden was discharged from the hospital, someone he had been chatting with on Discord called a nearby sheriff's station and said that the teen had threatened to kill himself if his girlfriend broke up with him, according to the records from the district attorney's office. Sheriff's deputies interviewed Aiden, who told them he had been joking.

One week later, a DCFS social worker went to the home and interviewed Aiden, according to legal filings. The social worker determined that Aiden was not in immediate danger of serious harm and that all the guns were locked in a safe.

The social worker was assured by Aiden's mother that none of the children living in the house knew the combination of the safe, which was hidden under clothing in a closet, according to records from the district attorneys office. Aiden told the social worker that he was feeling better and had taken his medication.

Aiden killed himself two weeks later. His phone history showed he had been trying to figure out his mother's birth year based on her age and had also researched how to pick a lock.

The Sheriffs Department, which investigated the suicide, determined that the gun was privately purchased and registered to Aiden's stepfather, Eric Eppolito, according to a filing from the city attorneys office.

Vartazarian disputed the finding and said the gun was issued by the LAPD.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
AUBURNDALE, Fla. (WFLA)  A 17-year-old was arrested on Sunday for the murder of his mother in Auburndale, according to the Polk County Sheriffs Office.

Deputies said the teen called 911 around 6 p.m. on Sunday to tell authorities he and his mother, 39-year-old Catherine Griffith, of Port Charlotte, got into a fight.

Suspect who fired shots in Lakeland found dead in home: PCSO

The boy claimed during the argument, his mom lunged at him with a knife and fell on it, causing a deep stab wound to her neck. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

When the teen was asked about what had happened, he became uncooperative and wanted to speak with a lawyer, the sheriffs office said.

He opens up the door and theres a few arguments. Dont know exactly what the words were because I was sitting on my front porch. Next thing I know he grabs her and pulls her inside the house, said Nancy K. Jones, who lives across the street. He just grabbed her, looked like he grabbed her by the hair.

Jones said he is friends with the owner of the home, the grandmother of the teenage suspect, who was out of town for the weekend.

I knew he was a troubled kid thats all I knew because Susan said that the kid had problems, said Jones. I feel so sorry for the family, very very sorry for the family.

The Medical Examiner confirmed Griffith died due to a deep penetrating knife wound to her neck and found the wound to be inconsistent with an accidental injury, officials said.

A 2023 affidavit obtained from a Lincoln County, Oklahoma news outlet shows that when the boy was 15 years old, he shot and killed his father, Charles Robert Griffith during an altercation at a home on Valentines Day, claiming self-defense. A special agent said the teen shot his dad once in the chest, and once in the head.

On Feb. 14, 2024, a year after killing his dad, the teen was reunited with his mom through the Department of Children and Families in Florida. Officials said thats when he threatened his mom, saying hed kill her, making this the second verbal threat against her before killing her over the weekend.

A violent predator he has now killed both his father and his mother, Sheriff Grady Judd said. We will hold him accountable in Polk County we will do everything we can to keep him separated from civil society.

Previous coverage: In 2023, the teen fatally shot his father in Oklahoma following an argument.

In a statement to WFLA, Rachel Thompson, assistant district attorney in Lincoln County said:

Investigation was conducted by Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigations. Self-defense could not be ruled out so no charges were filed.

Body of 22-year-old recovered by Coast Guard after getting caught in rip current

The teens grandmother, and mother of the victim, said he previously had verbal and physical confrontations with his mom. She confirmed his arrest in the fatal shooting of his father in 2023.

According to PCSO, he had also been charged with domestic violence battery against his mom in November 2023 by the Charlotte County Sheriffs Office.

The reason he battered his mother is because she was disciplining him and took his video game privileges away, said Sheriff Judd. He pushed her to the ground and he stomped on her.

The teen is being charged with first-degree murder, kidnapping, and violation of a no-contact order.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
CAIRO, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi and his visiting German counterpart Frank-Walter Steinmeier discussed here on Wednesday how to deepen bilateral cooperation and address regional tensions.

According to a statement from the Egyptian presidency, the two presidents held a joint press conference after closed-door talks, elaborating on the key issues addressed during their meeting.

Noting the significance of Steinmeier's visit, the first by a German president to Egypt in 25 years, Sisi said at the press conference that his country looks forward to benefiting from Germany's industrial and technological progress through joint projects.

Steinmeier, meanwhile, said Germany is willing to continue enhancing bilateral cooperation in such areas as investment, energy, immigration, counterterrorism, science, and culture.

The two sides also exchanged views on tensions in the Middle East, particularly developments in the Gaza Strip.

Sisi urged an immediate end to the bloody war in Gaza that has caused a humanitarian catastrophe. The Egyptian president affirmed his country's rejection of Israel's use of hunger as a weapon against Palestinians, saying the "hunger weapons" in Gaza "have impacted the credibility of human rights value and constituted a blatant violation that happens in full view of us."

It is hoped that Europe could put more effort into a Gaza ceasefire deal, he added.

For his part, Steinmeier praised Egypt's role in dealing with regional tensions and violence. 
Police are asking for help locating a 17-year-old who was reported missing in August.

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Madison Maddie Rich was reported missing on Aug. 15 after she left her home that day between 12 a.m. and 4:30 a.m., WOIO reported.

According to WOIO, Lakewood police said since then they believe she was at the Express Inn at 4511 Northfield Rd. in Warrensville Heights on Aug. 18 and in the areas of South Miles Road, Lee Road, Harvard Road and Green Road areas between Aug. 21 and Aug. 22.

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Police said Richs phone is no longer being pinged as it was either turned off or lost battery.

Rich has blonde hair, blue eyes and a spider web tattoo on her right arm. She is five foot seven inches and weighs 110 pounds.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Michael Perhacs at 216-529-6766 or the Lakewood Police at 216-521-6773.

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DANVILLE, Ill. (WCIA)  A 17-year-old in Danville is in stable condition after he was shot Tuesday night.

Around 9 p.m., Danville Police Officers and Vermilion County Sheriffs Deputies responded to Franklin St. after hearing gunshots during patrol. Responding officers found a crime scene where they learned that shots were fired between two different addresses on that street. They said that houses and vehicles on the street were struck with bullets.

Man sentenced 11 years after Vermilion Co. car chase, attempted drug deal in 2021

A 17-year-old was brought to a local hospital from the scene of the shooting and later transferred to another hospital where he remains in stable condition.

Officials with the Danville Police Department said they spoke with several witnesses after the incident and appreciate the cooperation from the community. They added no further information is available at this time.

Champaign entertainment producer arrested for selling child pornography

The Illinois State Police Crime Scene Unit assisted in the investigation, which is ongoing. The Danville Police Department asks that anyone with information calls 217-431-2250 or to anonymously contact Vermilion County Crimestoppers online at vccrimestoppers.com, by calling 217-447-TIPS (8477) or by using the P3TIPS app.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
AUSTIN (KXAN)  Two projects geared toward offering 300 new affordable apartment options in Austin received a sizable investment Wednesday that could help them move forward.

The Austin Community Foundation announced that its Housing Accelerator Loan Fund invested $2 million in two affordable housing developments  one in southwest Austin and the other in north Austin.

Almost every Texan considers housing affordability a problem, new survey finds

One million will go toward pre-development at Sunset Ridge, a project that will provide a total of 438 rental units on a property on Southwest Parkway. A majority of those units (220) will be reserved for households earning between 50-80% of the area median income. The loan will be at a 3% rate for a one-year term, according to the Austin Community Foundation.

Sydney Goode, the foundations director of investment, explained Wednesday why its important to make this loan available at a low interest rate.

We wanted to make sure that affordable developers were able to utilize our capital and make sure that it was low cost for them because the margins on these projects are already so low, Goode said. To be able to help them get from point A to point B, we wanted to make sure we were offering a product that was at a much lower rate than what theyre seeing in the market so that they can be able to utilize it and make sure that these projects pencil out.

Meanwhile, the other million-dollar loan will help with land acquisition for Cameron Senior Housing, which is set to provide 74 one-bedroom apartments along with support services for older adults. The loan will have a 2.5% rate with a two-year term, according to the Austin Community Foundation. National Church Residences, a nonprofit developer of senior affordable housing, is behind building this project.

Tracey Fine, the senior director for National Church Residences Texas office, said the group is also seeking federal funding to make the senior complex a reality.

Austin, like other major metropolitan areas here in Texas, is really ground zero for the affordable housing crisis, so we know these units are especially needed, Fine said. Should we get the funding from HUD, it would also come with many subsidies for those units, so wed be able to target an extremely vulnerable population as well.

The Austin Community Foundation shared that its Housing Accelerator Loan Fund is a $15 million pot of money aimed at speeding up the development of more affordable housing in Central Texas. So far the fund provided four loans to date, totaling more than $6 million in support of about 900 new housing units in the Austin area.

Goode said the foundation would like to grow the fund to at least $25 million so that it can assist developers with even more affordable housing projects.

Housing affordability remains a top concern for people across the state. A recent poll from the University of Houston and Texas Southern University found that 90% of Texans said the cost of housing is a problem in their area.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
Crews with Seattle Fire are battling a 2-alarm fire at a vacant commercial building near the Rainier Beach neighborhood.

The fire in the 9200 block of Renton Avenue South was called out at 5:23 a.m. Wednesday.

The first crews to arrive saw flames coming through the roof, so firefighters took a defensive approach and fought the fire from a safe distance from the building.

At 5:45 a.m., Seattle Fire upgraded the response to 2 alarms so more resources could be summoned.

Meanwhile, AlertSeattle, the citys official emergency notification system, issued a notice that people in the area should close their windows and doors due to smoke from the fire.

Shortly before 7 a.m., crews remained at the scene but appeared to be making progress.

AlertSeattle: Seattle firefighters are responding to a structure fire in the 9200 block of Renton Ave. S. The fire is generating a lot of smoke. Close windows and doors to avoid smoke exposure.  AlertSeattle (@AlertSeattle) September 11, 2024
2 Boaters Found Dead Days Apart, Becoming 7th and 8th Deaths at Grand Canyon National Park Since July

The victims  both killed in separate incidents  are believed to be the 15th and 16th people to died at the national park this year

NPS Photo/E. Whittaker Grand Canyon, Near River Mile 137 on the Colorado River, where one person was found dead in early September 2024

Two boaters died within days of each other in separate incidents at the Grand Canyon, becoming the seventh and eighth people to die at the national park since the end of July.

Patrick Horton, 59, was found dead on Saturday, Sept. 7, on the 10th day of a non-commercial river trip along the Colorado River, according to a news release from the National Park Service.

The Colorado resident was located by members of his party near river mile 137 at Ponchos Kitchen. His official cause of death has not been released.

Two days later, the NPS said, a 71-year-old boater disappeared in the area of Lower Nankoweap Camp along the Colorado River. A body matching his description was found the next day near river mile 63.5.

Both deaths are under investigation, according to the NPS.

Related: Parents of Tourist Killed in 2018 Grand Canyon Helicopter Crash Awarded $100M in Court Settlement

Six other people have died at Grand Canyon National Park since July. On July 31, 20-year-old college student Abel Joseph Mejia died after falling about 400 feet from the rim near the Pipe Creek Overlook, according to park officials.

Turning Point Pentecostal Church shared on social media that Mejia was on a missions trip when the accident occurred.

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The next day, on Aug. 1, a man died after attempting an illegal BASE jump from the Yavapai Point, located on the canyon's South Rim in Arizona, according to the NPS.

Less than a week later, on Aug. 6, the body of Leticia A. Castillo was found below Twin Overlooks along Desert View Drive. Authorities said the New Mexico womans remains were found approximately 150 ft. below the rim of the canyon following a multi-day search.

Getty Ancestral Puebloean Granaries near mile 52 on the Colorado River, about 10 miles from where a boater was found dead in September 2024

About two weeks later, on Aug. 22, authorities said 33-year-old Chenoa Nickerson disappeared after she was "swept into" Havasu Creek without a life jacket during a flash flood.

A commercial river trip found the Arizona hiker's body three days later near river mile 176 in the Colorado River. That same day, an 80-year-old man died after his boat flipped at Fossil Rapid.

Three days later, on Aug. 28, the NPS said a 60-year-old hiker from North Carolina was found dead along a route bridging Lower Tapeats Camp and Deer Creek Camp. He was reported missing the day prior after failing to return from his attempt to hike the Thunder River Trail-Deer Creek loop.

Related: Man, 92, Who Began Living a 'Healthy Lifestyle' in His 70s Breaks Grand Canyon World Record

In total, 16 people are believed to have died at Grand Canyon National Park this year, CBS News reported.

More people have died at the Grand Canyon in 2024 than in 2023 and 2022, which saw 10 and 11 deaths, respectively, per The Arizona Republic.

Typically, the park averages between 10 and 15 deaths per year, said park spokeswoman Joelle Baird, according to CBS News.



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Former President Donald Trump salutes at a 2024 campaign rally March 16, 2024, in Vandalia, Ohio. Jeff Dean via Associated Press

With less than two months to go before the 2024 election, former President Donald Trump is reprising his lies about a stolen 2020 election that he used to instigate a violent attack on the U.S. Capitol  the same strategy that tanked pro-Trump candidates in the 2022 midterms.

No, I dont acknowledge that at all, the GOP presidential nominee said at Tuesday nights debate against his Democratic rival, Vice President Kamala Harris, when asked if he was finally admitting that he lost the White House race four years ago.

The coup-attempting former president also complained about the hundreds of prosecutions of his followers and the shooting death of one who tried to climb through a broken-out window into a hallway where House members were being evacuated.

Ashli Babbitt was shot by an out-of-control police officer that should have never, ever shot her, he said in a long, meandering answer to a moderators question. Its a disgrace, but we didnt do  this group of people that have been treated so badly.

Most Republican consultants and elected officials who support Trump have for years urged him to focus on what he intends to do to help Americans should he win back the White House, not on his grievances about having lost four years ago.

But Trump has only occasionally accepted that advice, returning again and again to his lies that Democrat Joe Biden cheated to beat him in 2020 and that he himself did nothing wrong leading up to and on Jan. 6, 2021, even though he was impeached for his conduct and now faces two criminal indictments over it.

Its a misconception that Trump lacks message discipline, said Amanda Carpenter, a former aide to Texas Republican Sen. Ted Cruz and now a researcher for the group United To Protect Democracy. Hes been remarkably consistent over the past three years, repeating violent rhetoric that incited the mob and his promises to pardon insurrectionists.

At the debate, asked if he had any regrets about his actions and inactions that day  Trump did not tell his mob of supporters to leave the Capitol for three hours, during which time they assaulted 140 law enforcement officers, with one officer dying within hours of being assaulted and four others dying by suicide over the following months  he repeated that he had done nothing wrong and then lied about the pre-coup-attempt rally that he himself had called.

I had nothing to do with that other than they asked me to make a speech. I showed up for a speech, he said.

Trump has said the same thing dozens of times at his campaign rallies, and has even stood and saluted in honor of his followers now serving prison sentences after attacking officers. One key difference is that his rallies are attended and watched on television primarily by his hard-core Make America Great Again supporters.

Tuesday nights debate, in contrast, was likely watched by many tens of millions of Americans, including undecided voters in the half-dozen key states.

We always say the more the American public hears from Donald Trump, the better for us, and his election denial language last night is a great example of why, said Sarafina Chitika, a spokesperson for the Harris campaign. While he does the election denial on the trail for a MAGA audience all the time, last night actual undecided Americans saw him refuse to accept that he lost the 2020 election and defend J6 [Jan. 6] insurrectionists, which is one of his worst polling positions.

Harris herself cited Trumps debate remarks about Jan. 6 in her plea to Americans, including non-Democrats, to support her for the sake of protecting the nations democracy. If that was a bridge too far for you, well, there is a place in our campaign for you to stand for country, to stand for our democracy, to stand for rule of law and to end the chaos, she said on the stage Tuesday night.

Whether Trumps decision to continue embracing the violence surrounding his bid to cling to power  an effort that nearly got his own vice president killed by his mob  will move voters is unclear. That approach hurt a number of Trump-aligned candidates in 2022, but midterm elections historically have a more highly educated electorate than general elections  a demographic that has shifted even more toward Democrats since Trumps takeover of the Republican Party in 2016.

No impact. Its baked in, predicted Republican pollster Neil Newhouse.

I dont think talking about 2020 ever helps him. But does it hurt him? said GOP consultant David Kochel. Nothing moves anything over a point or so. This is going to come down to a few thousand voters in a handful of states. The days of big moves are over.

Regardless of its effect on the election, Trumps continued defense of Jan. 6 is corrosive to American democracy, said Harry Dunn, a former Capitol Police officer who defended the building that day from Trumps mob.

He plays to the smaller percentage of Americans who believe in his lies, Dunn said. That small percentage of people are the people who will feed into his lies and are the people who stormed the Capitol on his behalf. Its not only lies hes spreading, but it is dangerous.
An Ohio school district has canceled classes Wednesday due to a safety concern.

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Monroe Local Schools is closed Wednesday and sent a message to parents Tuesday night.

The district said posted a message on its website.

Monroe Local Schools will be closed on Wednesday, Sept. 11 due to a safety concern. Please check your email for more information, they said.

News Center 7 reached out to Monroe Schools and they sent us a message families received Tuesday morning.

Dear Monroe families,

On Tuesday evening, Monroe Local Schools received a report of a safety concern from a student riding the bus earlier in the day. While no credible threat has been identified, the Monroe Police Department will not have sufficient time to complete its investigation before school begins on Wednesday morning due to the timing of this report. Out of an abundance of caution, the decision has been made to cancel school for all students on Wednesday, Sept. 11.

The safety and well-being of our students, staff and families is always our top priority. As a school district, we must take any potential concerns seriously. We are working closely with the police department and will continue to monitor the situation throughout the day Wednesday.

If families or students are concerned about a potential threat at any time, we encourage them to text or call the SaferOH tip line 24/7 at 844-SaferOH (844-723-3764).

Thank you, Monroe Local Schools

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>>PREVIOUS COVERAGE: 3 Ohio school districts closed Tuesday due to threats

Springboro Schools issued a statement on social media informing the community that they were made aware of a threatening social media message, involving a school district in Ohio, Buckeye Local School District.

The district said a Springboro student reported concern over the message after seeing it on Snapchat.

They added that while the message originated outside Springboro, the police department takes the threat seriously and there will be an increased presence in the district as a precaution.

We understand concerns over this unfortunate matter. Therefore, absences related to this incident, will count as excused on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, at all school buildings, the district said. In the interest of transparency, we wanted our parents to be aware of this incident. Our district is committed to the safety and education of all our students. Across the district, we appreciate the willingness of our student, who immediately alerted a staff member, to feel confident in following a See Something, Say Something mentality, which is promoted across Springboro Schools.

We will update this story.

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2 still in intensive care: doctors report on state of casualties caused by missile attack on Lviv

The aftermath of the Russian missile attack on Lviv. Photo: Andriy Sadovyi, The mayor of Lviv

There are 15 casualties of the recent Russian missile attack on Lviv in the hospitals of the First Medical Unit of Lviv as of 11 September.

Two patients remain in intensive care. They are men aged 51 and 68, the doctors of the First Medical Unit told Ukrainska Pravda. Zhyttia.

The older patient sustained a penetrating shrapnel injury to the chest, which resulted in bruised lungs and heart.

"He has respiratory and heart failure. The patient is currently on a ventilator in an extremely serious condition," the doctors said.

The younger patient was admitted to the hospital with injuries of his chest and abdomen, perforating shrapnel wounds to the shoulder, lacerations to the foot and ankle joints. Doctors say his condition is serious but stable.

Currently, 6 patients are being treated at St Panteleimon's Hospital and 9 at St Luke's Hospital.

On 5 September, doctors said they had removed a piece of shrapnel from the body of one wounded girl, which had stopped right next to her heart.

Many patients have already been discharged.

Background:

On 4 September, Russia attacked Lviv near the main railway station. As a result of this Russian war crime, 7 people were killed, including three children.

A total of 58 people who were injured in the missile attack were treated at the hospitals of Lviv's First Medical Unit.

The mayor of Lviv, Andrii Sadovyi, said that 52 families were left homeless. The blast wave damaged 38 streets in two districts of Lviv. The Russians damaged 189 buildings, including residential buildings, schools, municipal and private institutions.

"On the same day, we launched the #TakeAHouseUnderFosterCare campaign. Since then, more than 35 organisations, foundations, businesses and foreign partner cities have agreed to help. The approximate amount of support is UAH 100 million (USD 2.4 million)," Sadovyi wrote.

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The Paulding County Sheriffs Office is investigating an incident that caused two students to be taken to the hospital.

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Deputies were called to Paulding County High School on Tuesday.

When they arrived, they learned there had been an incident where two students had ingested candy.

The alleged candy had an adverse effect on the students resulting in them being taken to local hospitals.

No other details were released about what type of candy it was.

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As of Wednesday, the sheriffs office does not have an updated condition on the students.

No one has been criminally charged in the incident. The investigation is ongoing.

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SIOUX FALLS S.D. (KELO)  A 20-year-old man was shot Tuesday night in Aberdeen.

Arrowhead, Veterans Parkway intersection to cost $25 million

A social media post from the Aberdeen Police Department says officers responded to reports of gunshots near the 700 block of North Congress St. When they arrived, officers found a 20-year-old man with multiple gunshot wounds.

The victim is being treated for his injuries at the hospital, according to the post.

The post says there is no threat to the public and all parties have been accounted for.

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YANGON, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar authorities have seized over one ton of ICE (methamphetamine) in eastern Myanmar's Shan state, the state-run daily The Mirror reported on Wednesday, citing the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control.

Acting on a tip-off, anti-narcotics police searched a vehicle in Kengtung township of eastern Shan state on Sept. 7 and seized the narcotics, the report said.

A suspect was arrested in connection with the case, and the estimated value of the seized drugs is over 8.37 billion kyats (about 3.98 million U.S. dollars), it added.

Investigation showed that the drugs were being transported from Kengtung township to Monghpyak township of Shan state, the report said.

The suspect has been charged under the country's laws, and further investigations are ongoing, it added. 
MANASSAS, VA  As Manassas residents cast their ballots for president and Congress, the Nov. 5, 2024 general election in the City of Manassas features local races as well. In the Manassas City School Board election, eight candidates are running for four seats, including Allie Forkell.

Four at-large Manassas City School Board seats are up for election on Nov. 4, 2024. Candidates include Christina Brooks, Diana Brown, Allie Forkell, Javanese Hailey, Zella Jones, Dayna-Marie Miles, Suzanne Seaberg and Maidy Whitesell. Brooks and Seaberg are incumbents seeking re-election, and the other six candidates would be newcomers to the School Board.

The City of Manassas will have the mayor, three at-large City Council seats and four at-large Manassas City School Board seats up for election in November. Federal elections on the ballot include president, Sen. Tim Kaine's U.S. Senate seat, and the 10th congressional district seat. The next state-level elections will be in 2025.

Early voting for the general election will begin on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024 and continue through Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024. More information on how to vote is available from the City of Manassas elections office.

Patch asked candidates for mayor, Manassas City Council and Manassas School Board to fill out a candidate questionnaire with the same questions. Here are Allie Forkell's responses:

Name

Allie Forkell

Office Sought

Manassas City School Board

Campaign Website

http://www.allieforkell4schoolboard.com

Age (As of Nov. 5 election)

32

Education

Bachelors in Psychology; Master in Special Education

Occupation

I started my career at a Level 5 Alternative School for students facing severe behavioral challenges. I worked at Osbourn High School for six years teaching Algebra 1 & 2 focusing on Special Education and behavior. I currently work as a Logistics Analyst.

Family

I am a very involved mom with a 9-year-old daughter and a 6-month-old son. My fiance has three children aged 11, 9, and 7. I come from a blended family with three half-siblings and three step siblings. I grew up with my mom in Manassas City, where we stayed close to family. Our family is a service-oriented one, including teachers, police officers, military personnel, and social workers. We also have a love for sports, ranging from fencing and dancing at Virginia Dance Center to playing ball or serving refreshments with GMBL. Giving back is not only how I was raised but what we continue to instill in our children.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Previous public office positions or appointments

None

Why are you seeking this office?

My campaign focuses on prioritizing higher academic and behavioral expectations, collaborative learning, improved teacher retention, and stronger post-graduation success. I believe the status quo is not adequately serving the communitys needs and is leaving kids needlessly behind. I am dedicated to improved outcomes for our kids and community because I am a mom and a homegrown OHS alum who loves this city and its kids and knows that we can do better.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidate(s) seeking this post?



I am the candidate that is a true local. I grew up in Manassas and graduated from Osbourn High School in 2010, after which I went on to be a first-generation college graduate. During college, I actively contributed to education advocacy by helping to relaunch the Student Virginia Education Association chapter at George Mason University. I was also a part of the Manassas Education Association (MEA) and the National Education Association (NEA). I am also the candidate in the race with the most professional experience working with kids with severe behavioral challenges and other special academic needs both at Osbourn and at a dedicated Level 5 alternative school. This professional experience has equipped me with insight into student achievement and discipline management that I believe is currently lacking on our School Board.

After focusing on expanding my family, I realized how much I missed being part of the school community. This led me to run for the School Board. As a mom with school-aged children, I bring a perspective that closely mirrors the experiences and concerns of many of our residents.

What do you see as the top issues facing your city, and how do you address them in your campaign platform?

Key issues raised by residents include the lack of full accreditation for our schools (with Osbourn and Metz on accreditation with conditions), high absenteeism rates, and concerns about our academic expectations. My campaign is focused on addressing these critical areas.

To combat absenteeism, I propose expanding Career and Technical Education (CTE) and work-based learning programs. I have already engaged with local businesses interested in hosting internships, some of which are paid and offer college funding and clearances. Students who are invested in hands-on learning are often more engaged in their other classes, which I know from personal experience, having earned a cosmetology license during high school. The experience not only motivated me in my studies but also demonstrated how practical applications can enhance academic engagement. By leveraging our citys unique resources, we can provide better support for our schools and improve student outcomes.

I believe many of our other issues, including lack of full state accreditation at the middle and high schools, can be substantively addressed by taking a hard look at how we do our grading at MCPS (currently receive a 50% on tests and assignments not ever tried of attempted, which I think contributes to low student achievement) and how MCPS manages student behaviors. Behavioral management must be consistent, predictable, and well documented. Currently MCPS does not have well-established protocols or practices, which leaves students uncertain about the bounds of acceptable behavior and leaves teachers and staff ill-equipped to handle negative behaviors in the moment. Someone with my professional experience in behavior management is well-positioned to bring positive changes to MCPS to improve student discipline.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

Serving on the School Board requires leadership and dedication, both of which Ive demonstrated over the years. For example, a major professional accomplishment occurred for me during the COVID pandemic, when my dedication to education was recognized when my students and their families nominated me for the 2022 Mary V. Bicouvairs VDOE Teacher of the Year award.

I have additionally served on various committees, including serving as the Faculty Advisory Committee chair and textbook adoption committees. I also went above-and-beyond as an educator, providing homebound services, leading math workshops, attending VDOE math conferences, and acting as a class sponsor. My commitment to supporting our educational community mirrors the same dedication I bring to being an actively involved mother in my own childrens lives and school activities.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

Growing up in Manassas City has been a truly unique experience; we are one big family whether we like to admit it or not. The same school board I am running for is the same school system that helped mold me into who I am today. My story is similar to many of our studentsif it werent for certain teachers investing in me, I wouldnt be where I am today. As a first-generation college graduate, I understand how difficult it can be for families to help their children forge different paths. As a mother of a child who learns differently, I am empathetic to the need for diverse resources that help all students; I have sat on both sides of the table as a parent and as an educator. I am your neighbor; many of you have watched me grow up and have met my children. I want to be your voice as you have helped me find mine. My extensive experience in education and community involvement, including a 90% pass rate for Algebra 1 SOLs and a nomination for Teacher of the Year, demonstrates my commitment to our students, families, and teachers. As an alumna, former teacher, and current MCPS parent, I bring a unique perspective to foster positive change in our school system. Once an eagle, always an eagle!

2024 Candidate Profile: Allie Forkell For Manassas School Board originally appeared on the Manassas Patch
22-Year-Old Disappears in Rip Current While Swimming with Friends in Puerto Rico, Then Coast Guard Finds Her Dead

The body of Cimone Alicea Dawson was recovered submerged and unresponsive off Condado Beach in San Juan, officials said

Getty

A 22-year-old Indianapolis woman was found dead this week off Condado Beach in San Juan, Puerto Rico, after she disappeared while swimming with friends, authorities said.

The body of Cimone Alicea Dawson was recovered submerged and unresponsive on Monday, Sept. 9, U.S. Coast Guard officials said in a news release.

Dawson had been swimming with two other friends the night before when the three were caught in strong rip currents affecting the area, the Coast Guard said.

Related: Body Found in Puerto Rico River amid Search for Indiana Art Teacher Who Disappeared on Vacation

Two of the women were rescued when a bystander alerted the Coast Guard after hearing screaming and observing two people in distress at around 6:30 p.m.

Multiple units were dispatched to the scene, including a Coast Guard MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter from Air Station Borinquen, a Coast Guard HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircraft from Air Station Mobile and a 33-foot Special Purpose Craft-Law Enforcement boat from Station San Juan, the Coast Guard said.

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Puerto Rico Police Joint Forces of Rapid Action marine units and state and municipa mmergency rescue personnel also conducted search efforts on-scene.



We extend our most heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of this young woman and pray they find strength and closure during this most difficult time, Cmdr. Matthew Romano, the Coast Guard Search and Rescue mission coordinator for the case, said in a statement.

I would like to extend my appreciation to the bystanders and on-scene authorities for their actions which saved two lives and to all the Coast Guard units and emergency response partners for their professionalism, dedication, and tireless efforts during the search," Romano said.

Related: Search for 26-Year-Old Marine Missing Off Coast of Puerto Rico Suspended: 'Heart Aching Time'

Dawson's death comes nearly one year after Indianapolis teacher Amanda Lynn Webster, 44, was reportedly found dead in a river running along the Rio Blanco neighborhood in the Camino Viejo sector of Naguabo, about 35 miles southeast of San Juan.

Webster, who had been vacationing on the island, went missing in October 2023 after the owner of the property where she was staying realized she had left behind her belongings and a rental car on site.

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Twenty-three years after the deadliest attack on US soil in its history, the mantra Never Forget endures in the American consciousness as a solemn reminder of that day.

For the thousands of families who believe key facts have been withheld around the attack that stole their loved ones, its a phrase not so much uttered but lived.

Now, as survivors and the victims families commemorate another anniversary, they await a federal judges pivotal decision in their yearslong legal battle with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia over their claim of KSAs role in backing an extremist support network that assisted the hijackers in the US leading up to the attack on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon on September 11, 2001. The Kingdom denies the allegations.

For Terry Strada, the national chair of 9/11 Families United, a coalition of victims families and survivors pursuing transparency, Never Forget is a constant reminder to push for the truth about the tragedy that led to the death of her husband and nearly 3,000 others so the country is safer for her grandkids generation.

Its not just one time a year to remember those that were lost or murdered that day. Its a pledge to ensure that the truth is told, Strada told CNN. Theres just so much more to it than just never forget them. Its never forget what happened so we can prevent it from happening again.

At a hearing in July over the Saudi motion to dismiss the case, attorneys for the families laid out evidence they say reveals the support network involving several high-ranking Saudi officials working in the US  some inside the embassy in Washington, DC  that facilitated the hijackers movements across the country.

The covert, militant network with an anti-United-States mission, plaintiff attorney Gavin Simpson said during the July 31 hearing, was created, funded, directed and supported by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its affiliated organizations and diplomatic personnel within [the] United States.

While 15 of the 19 hijackers were Saudi citizens, Saudi Arabia has denied any government involvement in the attacks. The US has long said its strategic Middle East partner had no role and that al Qaeda acted on its own in hijacking four commercial airplanes and flying them into the Twin Towers in New York City and the Pentagon. A fourth plane, United Flight 93, crashed in Pennsylvania.

But allegations of Saudi complicity have persisted. The litigation against Saudi Arabia has evolved since 2002. In 2016 Congress overrode a veto by then-President Barack Obama to enact a law allowing individuals to sue foreign governments for terror attacks, which cleared the way for the families claims against Saudi Arabia to proceed.

Thousands of lawsuits seeking compensation from Saudi Arabia for allegedly providing material and financial assistance to al Qaeda have been condensed into a multi-district litigation thats being overseen by a federal district judge in Manhattan.

In 2018 federal District Judge George Daniels granted a narrow window for the families attorneys to seek discovery related to a purported terror cell run by two key players operating around Los Angeles and San Diego. The plaintiffs attorneys must prove the two Saudi nationals supported the hijackers as agents for Saudia Arabia at the direction of more senior Saudi officials.

If Daniels rules the case can continue to move forward, it could lead to more never-before-seen evidence becoming public.

The arguments in July highlighted evidence amassed through years of discovery slowly turned over by the Department of Justice, the Metropolitan Police Service in the U.K. and the Kingdom, including evidence only recently made public.

Attorneys for the plaintiffs put two Saudi nationals backed by the Kingdom at the top of a Southern California-based terror cell that supported two of the 9/11 hijackers, Nawaf al Hazmi and Khalid al Mihdhar, when they first came to the US in 2000 before eventually crashing American Airlines Flight 77 into the Pentagon.

A Saudi diplomat, Fahad Al Thumairy, stationed in the Saudi consulate in Los Angeles, is said to have been the main designated contact person for al Qaeda and the hijackers in Los Angeles, according to plaintiffs court filings.

Focus on student who assisted two hijackers

Thumairy worked closely with another key figure in the litigation, Omar al-Bayoumi, in orchestrating the support system for Hazmi and Mihdhar during their time in California before their eventual move east in furtherance of the terror plot, according to the court filings.

Bayoumi  who was sponsored by the Kingdom as a student living in the United States had a job with a Saudi contractor  assisted the two hijackers upon their arrival in the country, according to the 2004 9/11 Commission Report. He helped them find a San Diego apartment, open a bank account and co-signed their lease, the report said at the time.

Information later released by the FBI supported the plaintiffs claim that Bayoumi and Thumairy orchestrated the support network in Southern California for Hazmi and Mihdhar at the direction of more senior Saudi officials working with known extremists including American-born al Qaeda propagandist Anwar al-Awlaki, who was eventually killed in an American drone strike in 2011, Simpson highlighted at the hearing.

But the 2004 report said it found no evidence at the time that Bayoumi had knowingly aided the hijackers. FBI findings of his alleged Saudi intelligence connection were not publicly released until more than a decade later.

Omar Al-Bayoumi is seen speaking in front of the US Capitol in a screenshot from a video released through the lawsuit and provided to CNN by the plaintiffs. - From 9/11 Families United

Saudi Arabia has maintained that Bayoumi was a student devoutly involved with a San Diego mosque whose congregants unknowingly helped the hijackers out of hospitality to the newcomers who did not speak English..

At the July hearing, while arguing the motion to dismiss the litigation, Michael Kellogg, an attorney for Saudi Arabia, focused largely on Bayoumi, saying any assistance he provided the hijackers was limited and wholly innocent. Kellogg pinned his arguments on Bayoumis 2021 deposition, his interviews with law enforcement and conclusions from the 9/11 Commission report.

In a court filing, attorneys for Saudi Arabia said the plaintiffs had strayed from reality by focusing on Bayoumi, dismissing what they called increasingly wild theories about Bayoumis alleged involvement in the 9/11 attacks.

Evidence mapped out by the plaintiffs attorneys shows that Bayoumi met with a Saudi diplomatic official at the consulate just before meeting the hijackers for the first time at a restaurant in Los Angeles two weeks after they arrived in California. Bayoumi helped facilitate the hijackers move from L.A. to San Diego within days of that meeting.

Attorneys for the Kingdom say Bayoumi met the hijackers that day in 2000 by chance at a halal restaurant near a well-known mosque and had only limited contact with Hazmi and Mihdhar after initially assisting them. The Kingdoms attorney also said there was no evidence that Thumairy did anything to assist the men but attorneys for the 9/11 families have presented FBI findings that Thumairy tasked a mosque parishioner to pick up the hijackers from the airport and bring them to Thumairy when they first arrived in Los Angeles in mid-January 2000.

In a remote deposition taken in this litigation in 2021, Bayoumi acknowledged he helped Hazmi and Mihdhar settle in San Diego but said he was not involved in the attacks.

Hes believed to be residing in Saudi Arabia but CNNs efforts to reach Bayoumi were unsuccessful. CNN has reached out to the Saudi embassy in the US for comment.

Video footage at heart of the case

Evidence shown in court included new public materials provided to the plaintiffs by the Metropolitan Police Service, which had searched Bayoumis UK residence following the 9/11 attack.

That included video footage that captured a party Bayoumi hosted two weeks after the hijackers arrived in San Diego  a party the plaintiffs attorneys assert was thrown to welcome them, bless their mission and introduce them to men who would be involved in their support network. Simpson called Bayoumi the master of ceremonies in the newly released full footage of that party that also shows the hijackers helping Bayoumi host the gathering.

The footage had been described in the 9/11 Commission Report, but Simpson said at the hearing the commission did an inadequate analysis that failed to interpret the Arabic conversations. The plaintiffs have now identified all 29 men captured in the footage of the party, Simpson said  the 9/11 Commission Report only named five men who attended the gathering.

In their analysis, the plaintiffs attorneys determined that Saudi officials and other men known to be extremists were shown in the footage of the gathering.

Other video footage released in June through the lawsuit, first aired by CBS News and shared with CNN by the plaintiffs, shows Bayoumi filming around Washington, DC, over several days in 1999, in what plaintiffs allege to be a covert surveillance mission capturing the entrances and exits around the US Capitol building.

Officials have long believed the Capitol may have been an intended target of United Flight 93, which crashed on September 11 in Pennsylvania.

Attorneys for the Kingdom argued in court that Bayoumi was simply a tourist on holiday when he filmed his Capitol tour and visit with Saudi embassy officials.

At the hearing, Judge Daniels challenged a defense attorney about the video, in which Bayoumi was heard saying, These are the demons of the White House. One attorney for Saudi Arabia called the language unfortunate, but suggested it was taken out of context. The judge replied that it was not a statement hed expect to hear from a tourist visiting a pretty building.

The footage of the party and Bayoumis alleged Capitol reconnaissance were recovered in a trove of video and documents seized at a residence Bayoumi held in the UK days after the 9/11 attack, according to plaintiff court filings. The plaintiffs obtained the evidence recovered from that seizure when the MPS complied with the discovery order in this case in 2022 and 2023.

Plaintiffs attorneys have mapped out what they allege were Bayoumis frequent phone interactions with Saudi officials, especially around the time he aided Hazmi and Mihdhar, using a contact book MPS also recovered from Bayoumis residence. The handwritten book recently made public in the litigation contains information for over 100 Saudi government officials, Simpson said in court, and if Bayoumi was really just a student and an accountant for a Saudi contractor, he wouldnt have crossed paths with the high-level Saudi officials documented in the book.

The Kingdoms attorneys chalked up some of the contacts to Bayoumis volunteer role at a San Diego mosque and questioned the admissibility of the phone book as evidence, arguing the plaintiffs cannot prove the book was created by Bayoumi within the scope of his purported duties for the Kingdom.

Plea agreement whiplash

As the hearing in July was ending in New York, the US Department of Defense unexpectedly announced a plea deal with alleged 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and two other alleged co-conspirators that would allow the men to avoid the death penalty.

The plea deal announcement prompted a fierce backlash from politicians and some groups representing 9/11 victims who have pushed for the US government to pursue the death penalty for the Guantanamo Bay detainees said to have plotted the terror attack.

The office of the chief prosecutor for military commissions sent an email communication to the families shortly before publicly announcing the plea agreements that would have avoided a complex trial.

Many victims family members learned of the plea agreements after walking out of the daylong hearing in the litigation with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia held in a New York federal courthouse where cell phones are confiscated at the door.

At the time, Strada said the news was a gut punch as she stepped out of the downtown Manhattan courthouse.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, speaking September 6, 2024, at US air base in Germany. - Daniel Roland/AFP/Getty Images

Just two days later Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin revoked the plea deal in a surprise memo quietly released by the Pentagon on a Friday night, writing that responsibility for such a decision should rest with me.

In the memo, Austin withdrew prosecutorial authority to enter any plea agreements from Susan Escallier, the convening authority for the military commissions that run the military courts at Guantanamo Bay, reserving such authority to (himself).

Legal critics also now argue that Austins move to revoke the agreements was illegal and defense attorneys for KSM and the other two detainees are fighting the move in court.

As those proceedings continue to drag on after the plea agreement whiplash, Strada and other victims families hope the litigation against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia might bring them the justice theyve been pursuing for more than 20 years.

And by holding the Saudi government accountable, Strada hopes, the litigation will serve as a warning.

I hope it sends a really strong message to the world that if you attack Americans on US soil we will hold you accountable in a US court, Strada told CNN.

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The Democratic presidential nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris, President Joe Biden, former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, former President Donald Trump and the Republican vice presidential nominee, U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance, R-Ohio, attend the annual 9/11 Commemoration Ceremony at the National 9/11 Memorial and Museum on Sept. 11, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris honored victims on the 23rd anniversary of the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, when four hijacked commercial airliners crashed into New York Citys Twin Towers, a Pennsylvania field and the Pentagon, shocking the world and precipitating years of U.S. war targeting extremists.

Biden and Harris honored the nearly 2,977 lives lost that day visiting all three sites Wednesday. In New York City they sat among leaders past and present, including former President Donald Trump and his running mate Sen. J.D. Vance of Ohio, during the annual reading of the names of those who died when the Twin Towers collapsed.

Harris and Trump shook hands at the ceremony just hours after their contentious presidential debate Tuesday night, during which they blamed each other for the deadly 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan two decades after the United States invaded in retaliation for the 9/11 attacks.

Biden and Harris then traveled to Shanksville, Pennsylvania, to lay a wreath at a memorial near the field where United Airlines Flight 93 crashed.

They also brought pizza and beer to local volunteer firefighters.

Both walked to a sandstone boulder in the field that marks the point of impact, according to reporters traveling with the president and vice president.

Trump also visited the memorial and crash site in Shanksville on Wednesday, according to press who were present.

Biden and Harris closed the day by laying a wreath at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, where 184 people were killed when a hijacked jet targeted the hub of U.S. defense operations.

On this day 23 years ago, terrorists believed they could break our will and bring us to our knees. They were wrong. They will always be wrong, Biden said in a statement. In the darkest of hours, we found light. And in the face of fear, we came together  to defend our country, and to help one another. That is why terrorists targeted us in the first place: our freedom, our democracy, our unity.

They failed. But we must remain vigilant. Today, our longest war is finally over. But our commitment to preventing another attack on our people never will be, he continued.

Both the president and Harris hailed the Obama administrations 2011 U.S. killing of Osama bin Laden, a known terrorist who antagonized the U.S. for years before directing his al-Qaida network to carry out the 9/11 attacks.

(A)nd two years ago, President Biden ordered an operation that killed Ayman al-Zawahiri, bin Ladens deputy, Harris said in a statement. We remain vigilant against any terrorist threat directed at the United States or the American people and we continue to disrupt terrorist networks wherever we find them.

Tributes from Congress

Congressional leaders paid tribute to the victims as well Wednesday.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York attended the morning ceremony at Ground Zero in Manhattan.

Today and every day, we remember and honor the sacrifice, resiliency, and the bravery of New Yorkers, our first responders, the families of those who were taken from us, and Americans across the country, Schumer posted on X Wednesday. We will #NeverForget the souls we lost on 9/11 and in the years since.

In remarks on the Senate floor, Minority Leader Mitch McConnell honored the 9/11 victims and also criticized the Biden administration for the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. He also attacked Harris for comments she made on the debate stage Tuesday.

The Biden-Harris Administration pretends the war on terrorism is over, the Kentucky Republican said. The vice president, herself, claimed last night that there is not one member of the United States military who is in active duty in a combat zone (for) the first time this century.

This, of course, would be news to the U.S. service members who conducted operations against ISIS in Iraq last week, and to the sailors intercepting Houthi rockets in the Red Sea, and to the families of service members killed and injured in the attack on Tower 22 near Jordans border with Syria earlier this year, McConnell said, referencing Iran-backed militant attacks on shipping vessels and a U.S. Air Force and Army base in the northernmost tip of Jordan.

Both U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries marked the anniversary by laying a wreath at the 9/11 memorial in the U.S. Capitol that honors the passengers and crew of Flight 93.

The 9/11 terrorists sought to destroy America, but they were no match for the indomitable American spirit. On this solemn day, we honor the lives of those lost and remember the strength and courage of our first responders who ran towards danger, not from it. We will never forget their extraordinary sacrifice, Johnson of Louisiana said in a statement.

Jeffries, a New York Democrat, called attention to emergency workers who developed chronic health issues following their duties at the Manhattan crash site.

Hundreds of first responders selflessly and bravely answered the call and ran towards danger. They risked their own safety to rescue whoever they could find. Due to the toxic exposures they endured at Ground Zero, many went on to contract severe or terminal long-term illnesses, Jeffries said in a statement, spotlighting the more than two dozen New York firefighters who died this year from their 9/11-related diseases.

Our commitment to our courageous first responders is ironclad and must endure. House Democrats will always stand up for the heroes who gave everything on that tragic day, Jeffries said, blasting Republicans who in 2019 stalled, and some who voted against, a government medical fund for the responders. We will never forget their sacrifice.
Police have identified a 24-year-old as the victim of a deadly shooting in the Huntersville community of Suffolk.

Officers responded to the 6100 block of Old Townpoint Road following a report of a shooting at about 2 p.m. Monday. Officers found Alvin Brown Jr., of Suffolk, with a gunshot wound in his chest. He was taken to the hospital, where he died.

Police have not released any information about potential suspects, and the investigation is ongoing.

Eliza Noe, eliza.noe@virginiamedia.com
The Kharkiv Oblast Defence Council will consider whether to add more areas in the Kupiansk district of Kharkiv Oblast to the list for mandatory evacuation of families with children.

Source: Oleh Syniehubov, Head of the Kharkiv Oblast Military Administration, on Ukraines national 24/7 newscast and on Telegram

Quote from Syniehubov: "During the upcoming [Kharkiv] Oblast Defence Council meeting, we are planning to discuss adding 29 settlements in three hromadas of the Kupiansk district to the list for mandatory evacuation of families with children. Around 270 children and their parents might [have to evacuate]. " [A hromada is an administrative unit designating a village, several villages, or a town, and their adjacent territories  ed.].

Details: Syniehubov also said that Russian forces were continuing their attempts to advance further into Kharkiv Oblast. The situation, according to him, is difficult but stable and under the control of Ukrainian forces.

Background:

On 15 May 2024, Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov said that there were no plans to evacuate either all, or certain groups of, residents from the city of Kharkiv. In fact, according to Terekhov, people were coming to Kharkiv from Kharkiv Oblast towns and villages where active hostilities were taking place.

On 28 June, the Kharkiv Oblast Defence Council introduced mandatory evacuation measures for families with children who reside in towns and villages in the Izium, Bohodukhiv, Kupiansk and Chuhuiv districts of Kharkiv Oblast.

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New $3.6 million prevention campaign in KY: Life is better without drugs

The Kentucky Opioid Abatement Commission approved the states top law enforcement official to spend millions of dollars on a social media campaign targeted to prevent youth drug use throughout the commonwealth.

Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman proposed spending $3.6 million over two years to build a gold standard prevention initiative targeting youth that emphasizes drug-free messages via social media and in schools.

The initiative, which has a three-pronged approach, is known as the Better Without It campaign, and is designed to empower Generation Z to choose a substance-free life, Coleman told commission members on Tuesday.

The initiative includes a marketing campaign, promoting a drug-free message in school programs, and amplifying the commissions work.

Coleman said the campaigns components will be digital-first featuring mobile games, ads on streaming services, heavy social media presence, and influencer partnerships.

A large chunk of the money delegated for the campaign is to help the state pay for the usage of influencers name, image and likeness.

Coleman said long said Kentuckys three-legged stool to combat the drug epidemic was wobbly on the prevention leg.

We live in a time where one little pill can and is killing our neighbors, Coleman told the 11-member board. We live in a time where there is no margin for error. There is no such thing as safe  or concept or notion  of safe experimentation with narcotics.

The Better Without It campaign is modeled after a Florida campaign called Central Florida Cares, and will target 13- to 26-year-olds.

However, the state campaign will be Kentucky-centric featuring state artists or creative partners to bring the cool factor.

I am confident we have built a proposal that will reach the young people with the right message with the right messenger, Coleman said.

In reference to making the campaign cool, a Florida marketing staffer said theyve employed colors and styles that speak to this generation, including Gen Z yellow (think mustard yellow.)

Gen Z is also active in making the content that the campaign will share.

The team who spoke to the commission presented metrics of their social media outreach, which includes Gen Z surveys and focus groups. Some of these metrics included 5 million teens who were reached with ads and content,, as well as 15 million video views.

But the presentation did not include any examples of a social media ad or videos.

Despite this, the board unanimously voted to support Colemans prevention proposal, and lauded the idea.

Created in 2022, the Kentucky commission is charged with doling a portion of the states nearly $900 million in opioid lawsuit settlement money to addiction prevention and mitigation efforts.

Jason Roop, an addiction researcher and commission board member said the idea was encouraging.

What was shared today was an initiative of empowerment, Roop said. Attorney General Coleman, I applaud you for finding this resource and helping it to come to fruition.

Board member Karen Kelly said Colemans heart is in prevention.

We need to reach our kids, Kelly said.
SWANSEA, Mass. (WPRI)  Three people were displaced after a Swansea home was engulfed in flames Tuesday afternoon.

The Swansea Fire Department was called to the single-family home on Birchwood Drive around 1:20 p.m. to find the rear deck on fire. The flames quickly spread to the attic and kitchen.

Fire officials said the flames were extinguished within 20 minutes using hose lines from the outside to reach the kitchen.

(Courtesy: Swansea Fire Department)

(Courtesy: Swansea Fire Department)

All of the occupants had evacuated by the time crews arrived and no one was injured, officials added.

However, the home sustained significant fire and water damage, rendering it uninhabitable. The displaced residents are being assisted by family members and the Red Cross.

While the preliminary investigation suggested the fire was accidental, the cause remains under investigation.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to raise money for the family.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com.
Three leadership positions in the Muscogee County School District will change if the board approves those recommendations from the superintendent during their next meeting.

On the agenda for the boards Sept. 16 meeting are these requests from MCSD Superintendent David Lewis to appoint:

Cathleen Heider as principal of Clubview Elementary School

Isaiah Harper as an assistant principal at Northside High School

Christopher Dryman as federal programs director.

None of the recommendations publicly were discussed during the boards work session Monday night, and Lewis didnt reply to the Ledger-Enquirers questions before publication.

Heres a summary of the backgrounds for the pending appointees, based on their resumes attached to the agenda.

Clubview principal

Effective Oct. 1, Heider would succeed Teresa Lawson, who told the Ledger-Enquirer in an emailed interview that she is retiring from the Georgia public school system.

Lawson has been Clubviews principal for nine years, but she isnt ending her education career. She will receive her Georgia retirement benefits while working across the Chattahoochee River in Alabama, where she will join Phenix City Schools as principal of Lakewood Elementary School.

With 29 years of service in Georgia and an opportunity to retire and continue to do what I love at another great school close by, it is a financial opportunity I could not ignore, Lawson said. As hard as it is to leave my Clubview family, it is the best scenario for me at this time.

And she will leave Clubview without regrets, Lawson said.

Would I do this all over again? The resounding reply is, Yes, without a doubt, she said.

Heiders 23-year career as an educator, all in Columbus, started at Brookstone School as assistant director of the extended day program for students in prekindergarten through eighth grade (2001-05).

While teaching first grade at Edgewood Elementary School (2005-09), she interned at Hardaway High School under then-principal Matt Bell (2005-06) and in the MCSD mentoring program under coordinator Louise Tolbert (2006-07). She taught second grade and third grade at North Columbus Elementary School (2009-13) before joining Clubview.

Heider earned three degrees from Columbus State University: a bachelors degree in early childhood education (2005) and masters (2006) and specialists (2007) degrees in educational leadership.

Northside assistant principal

Effective Sept. 17, Harper would succeed Nathan Laney, who was promoted in June to Northside principal. Laney filled the vacancy following the May promotion of Marty Richburg to MCSD east region chief, replacing the retired Ronald Wiggins.

All 21 years of Harpers experience as a school-based educator have been as Northsides theater teacher, including the past 15 years as fine arts department chairman. He also has been summer theater director at Girls Inc. of Columbus (2015-18) and curriculum developer at the RiverCenter for the Performing Arts (2016-17).

Harper earned a bachelors degree in English education from Florida State University (2003), a masters degree in educational leadership from Troy University (2009) and a specialists degree in English education curriculum and instruction from Kennesaw State University (2023). He is pursing a doctorate in education curriculum and instruction from Kennesaw, expecting to graduate in 2026.

MCSD federal programs director

Effective Sept. 17, Dryman would succeed Tim Smith, who was promoted in May to chief academic officer, replacing the retired Keith Seifert.

With five years of experience in MCSD, Dryman started as federal programs finance specialist (2019-20) and has been federal programs manager for the past four years.

He previously was production operator at Sign Graphics (2000-04) and finance and purchase manager at Corporate Products, both in Columbus.

Dryman earned a bachelors degree in criminology from Auburn University (1999) and a bachelors degree in social science from Troy University (2019).

Why MCSD superintendent David Lewis made these recommendations

None of these recommendations publicly were discussed during the boards work session Monday night, but Lewis answered the Ledger-Enquirers questions in an emailed interview.

Lewis said he selected Heider among 28 applicants and nine interviewed candidates, and he selected Harper among a pool of 80 applicants and 24 interviewed candidates.

Mrs. Heider and Mr. Harper have both served their respective school communities for the majority of their careers, so their appointments would provide continuity, Lewis said. Furthermore, having been an effective teacher and assistant principal at Clubview, Mrs. Heider is well-versed in the tenets of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme that would be beneficial in leading the school forward. Likewise, Mr. Harper has been a highly successful teacher and department chairperson who is committed to the established Northside culture of excellence and is highly respected by students and staff alike.

Lewis said he selected Dryman among 12 applicants and three interviewed candidates.

Mr. Dryman has performed proficiently in his previous roles within the department, Lewis said, and has earned this promotion as the next step in his career progression.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  Three migrants staying at an embattled Downtown hotel that the County Attorneys Office is trying to shut down were arrested earlier this week in a joint effort by El Paso Sector Border Patrol agents and El Paso Police, the Border Patrol said.

The incident happened at around 10:15 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 10 along the 400 block of East San Antonio Street.

Residents must vacate Gateway Hotel by Thursday

Border Patrol agents encountered two females and one male from Venezuela who were staying at the Gateway Hotel, 104 Stanton St., Border Patrol said.

After further investigation, all three were determined to have been previously ordered to leave the country by an immigration judge.

The subjects, no ages given, were taken into custody and transported to a processing center for further processing under Title 8, Border Patrol said.

Earlier this week, a district court judge granted the County Attorneys Office a 90-day injunction against the Gateway Hotel.

The 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 County Attorneys Office also says it is not seeking to close down the hotel because it has been taken over by a specific gang or criminal organization.

Residents at the hotel have until 10 a.m. Thursday to vacate the premesis. About a dozen organizations are helping people who live there find new homes, according to the County Attorneys Office.

There will be a hearing on a permanent injunction on Dec. 9.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
RIYADH, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang said here Wednesday that China supports the efforts of regional countries to resolve their differences through dialogue and consultation and to achieve lasting good-neighbourliness.

Li made the remarks in his talks with Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi. 
Norco man suspected of igniting the Line fire, which has raged through San Bernardino County

A water-dropping helicopter flies into thick smoke to drop water on the Line fire Tuesday in Running Springs. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

A Norco man has been arrested on suspicion of igniting the destructive Line fire, which has burned tens of thousands of acres in San Bernardino County.

Authorities on Tuesday arrested 34-year-old Justin Wayne Halstenberg at Sixth Street and Sierra Avenue in Norco. He is suspected of starting a fire in the area of Base Line and Aplin streets in Highland on Sept. 5 and was charged with three counts of arson, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department.

Justin Wayne Halstenberg. (San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department)

Halstenberg, a FedEx contract delivery driver who resides in Norco, is being held without bail at the West Valley Detention Center, San Bernardino Sheriffs Department Det. Jacob Hernandez said. In a written statement, FedEx said Halstenberg was no longer a contractor for the company, nor at the time when the Line fire broke out.

Read more: Photos: Fires ravaging California after heat wave

The Line fire began the evening of Sept. 5, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, and has since burned more than 36,000 acres, with 18% containment as of Wednesday night. Officials said 65,600 structures were threatened by the blaze.

In the fire's first couple of days, three firefighters were injured, according to officials.

Two other major fires continue to burn across Southern California. The Airport fire has charred more than 20,000 acres in Riverside and Orange counties, and the Bridge fire, which broke out Sunday in Angeles National Forest, has chewed through more than 50,000 acres.

Anyone with information related to the arson investigation is encouraged to contact the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department at (909) 425-9793.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
5 arrested for starving disabled 7-year-old to death in Florida: BSAO

5 arrested for starving disabled 7-year-old to death in Florida: BSAO

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (WFLA)  Five people have been indicted and arrested for the starvation death of a 7-year-old child in Fort Lauderdale, the Broward State Attorneys Office.

On Dec. 25, 2023, Deonte Atwell was pronounced dead from severe malnutrition, with the State Attorneys Office noting his bones were protruding through gaping holes in his skin, according to autopsy findings.

Fort Lauderdale police and fire rescue responded to a 911 call of a child in distress just before 8 p.m. Atwell was pronounced dead less than an hour later.

Two hundred fifty-four unopened bottles of the childs feeding formula were found in the home at the time, the State Attorneys Office said. It was also reported Atwell died during a scheme to defraud Medicaid.

Atwell was diagnosed at birth with thoracic spina bifida and hydrocephalus, leading to him having a breathing tube and feeding tube and requiring around-the-clock care.

The victims mother, 37-year-old Michelle Doe, brother Tyreck Irvin, 21, maternal grandfather James Graham, 70, the owner of Samaritan Home Care Provider Mirlande Moltimer aka Mirlande Ameda, 47, and licensed nurse Cassandre Lassegue, 33, were all arrested in connection with his death.

Doe and Irvin are also charged with neglect of two other children, ages 9 and 16, who lived at the home.

Irvin, Moltimer/Ameda, and Lassegue are being held with no bond. Graham has a bond set at $22,000 and may be released under house arrest.

Doe is scheduled for her first appearance on Wednesday.

Below are the charges each defendant is facing:

Michelle Doe

Credit: Broward State Attorneys Office

First-degree murder

Aggravated child abuse

Aggravated manslaughter of a child

Neglect of a child (16-year-old)

Neglect of a child (9-year-old)

Tyreck Irvin

Credit: Broward State Attorneys Office

First-degree murder

Aggravated child abuse

Aggravated manslaughter of a child

Neglect of a child (16-year-old)

Neglect of a child (9-year-old)

James Graham

Credit: Broward State Attorneys Office

Aggravated manslaughter of a child

Neglect of a child (7-year-old)

Failure to report child abuse (7-year-old)

Mirlande Moltimer, aka Mirlande Ameda

Credit: Broward State Attorneys Office

Aggravated manslaughter of a child

Third-degree felony murder

Medicaid provider fraud

Neglect of a child (7-year-old)

Cassandre Lassegue

Credit: Broward State Attorneys Office

First-degree murder

Aggravated child abuse (7-year-old)

Aggravated manslaughter of a child

Third-degree felony murder

Medicaid provider fraud

Neglect of a child (7-year-old)

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
These are the cookbooks to have for this autumn. Clockwise from left: Sian's Kitchen: Caribbean Comfort Cooking, Persian Feasts, Mangal II: Stories and Recipes, Agak-Agak and The Balkan Kitchen. Photograph by National Geographic Traveller (UK)

This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK).

1. Sian's Kitchen: Caribbean Comfort Cooking by Sian Anderson

Carnival, 22

In her second cookbook, DJ, presenter and restaurateur Sian Anderson tells the story of Caribbean culture in the UK through food. Her own culinary tastes were shaped by her British upbringing, as well as her St Lucian and Jamaican heritage and frequent trips to the islands  all of which led her to open Octaves, a modern Caribbean restaurant, in Londons Stoke Newington last year. In Sians Kitchen, Anderson calls on famous friends  radio host Julie Adenuga and rappers Big Narstie and Big Zuu  to share their favourite recipes and Caribbean food memories alongside her own. Expect twists on classics, such as jerk steak, as well as traditional favourites including ackee and saltfish, and vegan alternatives like curried jackfruit. All of it is accompanied by sweet punches  notably, a Guinness version with condensed and vanilla milk, spices and Angostura bitters. Many of the dishes are created for feasts with friends, with curated recipe lists for occasions such as a big brunch and a Sunday lunch, and pair perfectly with Andersons Caribbean-inspired playlists.

2. Persian Feasts by Leila Heller

Phaidon, 34.95

In her new book, international art dealer Heller turns her attention to Persian history, art and culture, as seen from her family dinner table. Among this collection of her mothers recipes are stuffed aubergine and a pistachio soup topped with pomegranate seeds and rose petals.

3. Mangal II: Stories and Recipes by Ferhat Dirik & Sertac Dirik

Phaidon, 34.95

Mangal II is an east London institution, run by the Dirik brothers, who took over the restaurant from their father. In this book, essays celebrating their areas creativity and community complement reimagined Turkish recipes, such as sourdough pide and cull yaw (mutton) kofte with grilled apple sauce.

4. Agak-Agak by Sham Hanifa

Blasta Books, 13

Ireland-based chef Hanifa grew up in Taiping, northwest Malaysia, and draws inspiration from his Thai, Chinese, Indian and Malay heritage. In Agak-Agak the balance of sweet, salty, sour and spicy comes to the fore in dishes such as Hainanese chicken rice and crab laksa.

5. The Balkan Kitchen by Irina Janakievska

Hardie Grant, 27

Macedonian-British writer and Ottolenghi Test Kitchen alumna Janakievska explores cuisines from across the former Yugoslavia, a cultural  and culinary  crossroads. Sarajevo-style burek pastries sit alongside ajvar, a Serbian red pepper and aubergine relish, and sweets including chocolate baklava.

Published in Issue 21 (autumn 2023) of Food by National Geographic Traveller (UK).



To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).
50 years later, why are so few people in Charlotte aware that this tragedy ever happened?

Part 5 of 5

Fifty years later, the crash of Eastern Air Lines Flight 212 has been largely forgotten even in Charlotte, where it happened.

A more-recent USAir crash that killed 37 passengers here in 1994 is honored with a significant memorial at the new Charlotte Douglas International Airport Overlook park. But there is no marker anywhere dedicated to the Eastern tragedy of Sept. 11, 1974  to the 72 people who died, the 10 who survived, the hundreds of families affected or the first responders.

For those with connections to Flight 212, visiting the crash site involves getting permission from private landowners, wandering through some woods in southwest Charlotte, and just hoping theyre in the right place.

On top of that, the select fraternity of grievers are forced to remember the anniversary on a day when most other Americans are observing remembrances for a far better-known air disaster: Exactly 27 years after the Eastern crash in Charlotte, terrorists flew planes into the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., and a field near Shanksville, Pa., killing nearly 3,000 people.

Its a tragic coincidence that haunts and perplexes those with vivid memories associated with the Flight 212 crash in 1974, including Mark Ethridge, one of the first reporters on the scene that morning.

September 11th, he said. Its just like a day thats doomed, you know?

But, added Claudio Azurmendi, the brother of flight attendant Eugenia Kerth, who was among those who died in the Charlotte crash: In our minds, its the first 9/11.

And yet Flight 212 is remembered by fewer and fewer people every year.

A lot of people knew about it when it happened, said Randy Bradshaw, a firefighter who was one of the first first responders to the scene that morning and had a 32-year career in the Charlotte Fire Department. But as weve gone through the years, these younger kids dont even know about it. They have no idea about it. And now if you mention a plane crash in 1974 at (Charlottes) Douglas airport  it was a DC-9, Flight 212  everybody looks at you like: Really? They dont have a clue.

Today, even for people who live in subdivisions built on top of or adjacent to the site of the crash, Flight 212 is either a distant memory or a story theyve never known.

This is my first time hearing about this, said Nichole Herring, whos lived for four years with her family in a house in the Olde Whitehall neighborhood, which was built over part of the crash site in the 1980s. I honestly and truly had no idea.

Where the plane crashed

Where is the Flight 212 crash site exactly?

The answer is more complicated than you might think, and in some ways is literally buried.

The DC-9 went down just east of Highway 49 (which today turns into South Tryon Street when it gets close to Charlotte) and roughly halfway between the airport and Carowinds. In fact, the pilots had spent some key moments in the cockpit talking about the then-relatively-new amusement parks 262-foot viewing tower and trying to figure out whether it was in front of or behind them on the mostly fog-covered ground below.

But Charlottes sprawl hadnt extended to that area 50 years ago. When the plane plowed into the ground at close to 200 mph and left a crash path a little longer than three football fields, it came apart in what was all farmland and woods  a rare stroke of good fortune on an unimaginably devastating day, because the rural setting meant no one got killed on the ground.

Now? Charlotte looks dramatically different compared with 1974.

The area where the plane crashed has largely been carved up into subdivisions, with one major exception: the land owned by Rod of God church, located seven miles south of uptown Charlotte, just off South Tryon Street.

An aerial view of The Rod of God ministry building in 2024. The ministry owns a 27-acre swath of land in southwest Charlotte, including some of the land where Eastern Flight 212 crashed 50 years ago.

The husband-and-wife ministry team of Bishop Larry Allen and Dr. Bonnie Allen bought the 47-acre lot in the late 1980s and eventually would build a church and a school on top of it. They still own 27 acres of that land, including a large swath upon which the plane literally crashed and burned.

Dr. Bonnie Allen

The disaster wasnt revealed to them when they purchased the land, Bonnie Allen said, although she added that she and her husband would have made the deal anyway.

Then later on, down through the years, people would come out and just ask us if they could go back on the property, Bonnie Allen said. And of course, we wanted to know why they were going. And at that point, they were telling us that a plane went down.

I think about it all the time

In the years and decades that followed the crash of Flight 212, survivors did their best to carry on with normal lives. They had children and jobs. They attended graduations and weddings. The lucky ones were able to live long enough to retire and enjoy their grandchildren.

But the emotional scars left by Sept. 11, 1974  from survivors guilt to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)  were just as painful as the physical ones.

Flight 212 survivor Charles Weaver

Before the crash, Charles Weaver faithfully attended services twice a week at Divine Redeemer Catholic Church in Hanahan, S.C., and volunteered regularly to do maintenance work for the congregation. After surviving it, up until his death in 2014 at age 82, the only time he ever went to church was for a funeral or a wedding.

He didnt like talking about it, said his son Steve Weaver. When the anniversary day came around, he just sort of went under a shell for a day, and just wanted to get on with life without having to re-live it.

Darryl Mihalek, son of survivor Frank Mihalek, described his pre-crash father as both a leader and a mans man. Post-crash, Darryl Mihalek said, Frank was often consumed by PTSD and depression. I would say that he lost his nerve in many ways, said the younger Mihalek. I cant blame him; I dont pretend to understand what his psyche saw and experienced.

(In an eerie twist of fate, Frank Mihalek died at the age of 84  on Sept. 11, 2012.)

And flight attendant Colette Watson, who survived with the fewest injuries, rarely spoke of the crash.

If it came up in conversation, we would talk about it, said Bree Watson Johnson, Colettes daughter, who was born less than a year after the crash and became a schoolteacher in Georgia. There was never a day when she said, Hey, by the way, I was in a plane crash. It was just kind of part of our lives.

Bree Watson Johnson holds a photograph of her mother, Colette Watson. Colette Watson was a flight attendant on Eastern Airlines Flight 212 when the plane crashed on September 11, 1974. Following the plane crash, Watson continued flying for Eastern until the airline closed in 1991.

Michael Watson, Colettes son, asked his mother in 2020 to record her thoughts about the plane crash for posterity. At one point in their 19-minute conversation, she paused as she thought about Flight 212.

Ive never gotten over that, Colette said. I think about it all the time. All the time.

And her family understood how much of an impact it made in her life: When she died in early 2023, at age 74, they mentioned it in the third paragraph of her obituary, adding that she continued working for Eastern for a total of 23 years  until the airline shut down for good in 1991.

Did Flight 212 survivors fly again?

While Watson returned to her job as a flight attendant, other survivors willingness to fly varied wildly.

Richard Arnold, the most severely injured of the Flight 212 survivors, would spend the next several decades circling the globe, and insists there were plenty of times when hed travel from his home in Washington state by airplane without thinking at all about the fact that he once very nearly died in one.

Richard Arnold, now 81 years old, photographed in his hometown of Camas, Washington, in April 2024.

Bob Burnham, a naval officer who survived the crash, was a frequent flier as well. So frequent that he earned airline status later in life and routinely was offered first-class upgrades. But he always declined them. Why?

The reason Im talking to you today, said Burnham, now 75 and living in Hilton Head, S.C., is because I was in the back of the plane.

Eastern Flight 212 survivor Bob Burnham at his home in Hilton Head, S.C., where he lives with his wife.

Flight 212 survivor Roy Hendrix only flew one time the rest of his life  to see his son and his family while they lived in Corpus Christi, Texas, in 1995.

I talked him into it, said Sonny Hendrix, Roys son. He was an absolute basket case when he showed up.  And it wasnt a good trip because the whole week he was there, all he could think about was the flight home. I felt terrible.

Meanwhile, survivor John Toohey, who had been flying to Connecticut for his fathers funeral, never got on a commercial airplane again. Years later, he and his wife Peggy drove more than 8,000 miles round trip from their home in New York to Alaska, because he was afraid to fly.

Scott Johnson  who along with Burnham and Arnold is one of the three survivors of Flight 212 who is still alive  has suffered from PTSD for years and also never flies. He has a daughter who does, though, and the now-70-year-old Vermont resident makes a point not to know when shes in the air.

Just call me when you get there, he tells her. Not before you leave.

Added Johnson: Im not afraid of flying. Im just afraid of crashing.

The opposite of Miracle On the Hudson

Although its been 50 years, Martin Shelley still gets choked up when he talks about losing his dad.

It was so avoidable, said Shelley, the son of Dr. Bill Shelley, the chief pathologist at Charlotte Memorial Hospital who died from his injuries 29 days after the crash. Miracle On the Hudson, its like the exact opposite. That guy saves a plane that really should have crashed, and my dads plane should have never crashed.

That guy was Chesley Sully Sullenberger, one of the worlds most well-known aviators.

Former US Airways airline pilot Capt. C.B. Sully Sullenberger stands next to the jet he landed on the Hudson River in 2009. Sullenberger landed Flight 1549 on the Hudson River after both engines were disabled by a bird strike. All the passengers and crew survived the landing. The Sullenberger Aviation Museum in Charlotte is named for the pilot.

In 2009, Sullenberger heroically guided US Airways Flight 1549  the so-called Miracle On the Hudson flight, which had left New Yorks LaGuardia Airport destined for Charlotte  to a water landing on the Hudson River after Canada geese flew into the planes engines and disabled them both. All 155 people on board survived, and photos of passengers standing on the wings of the floating plane became iconic.

Those survivors have stayed in touch for the past 15 years and even attend yearly reunions, bound by a near-catastrophic accident that became a feel-good story of survival (and, eventually, a Hollywood movie starring Tom Hanks as Sullenberger).

The first thing we always do is hug each other and tell each other we love each other, said Barry Leonard, one of the Flight 1549 passengers who helps organize the reunions.

This past May, he was among dozens of Miracle On the Hudson alumni who showed up for the recent grand re-opening of the Sullenberger Aviation Museum in Charlotte. The Airbus plane from that crash is the centerpiece of that museum, marveled at every day by visitors in all its dilapidated glory.

In contrast, the last known piece of Eastern Flight 212 is also in that museum, behind glass, on a mostly overlooked back wall.

Its one of the planes black boxes  although the box is actually painted a deep red  and the words Flight Data Recorder stand out in bold capital letters. The relic has been part of the museums collection since 1998 but only recently went on display, when the museums re-opening provided room for it.

The only known surviving piece of Eastern Flight 212 is the flight data recorder, currently displayed at Sullenberger Aviation Museum.

There have never been any reunions for the 10 survivors of Flight 212, in part because they didnt want reminders of it, the outcome having been so wrenching compared with that of Sullenbergers much-heralded splashdown.

But as the 50-year anniversary of Flight 212 arrives, those who want to mark the solemn occasion in some way are at a loss for where to go or what to do.

Why isnt there a memorial to Flight 212?

Aside from Dr. Bill Shelley, the only other Flight 212 passenger who lived in Charlotte at the time of the crash was Walt Norem, a beloved UNC Charlotte professor who left behind a wife and three children ages 4, 6 and 8.

A metallurgy expert, he had been in Charleston testifying in a court case and was rushing home on the 7 a.m. flight so he could still make it to campus to teach a 10 a.m. class.

Julia was the Norems middle child  a daddys girl, she said  and today is a doctor of family medicine in Fayetteville with three kids of her own, all boys. The oldest is in training to become a commercial airline pilot, and he recently took a class where they studied the crash that took his grandfathers life and how it helped make all flights safer due to the sterile cockpit rule instituted in 1981.

Then in August, Julia Norem and another of her sons rode out to the new Airport Overlook park during a visit to Charlotte. Despite the horror of Flight 212, she still has some fond memories of the place; in the early 1970s, her dad would sometimes give their mom a break and take her and her siblings to the airport on Sunday afternoons to watch the planes take off and land.

Flight 212 passenger Walt Norem, on the day he got his doctorate, with his wife Lynda.

When Norem got to the new park a few weeks ago, she saw the memorial to the 1994 USAir crash that killed 37 people. She started looking around for a mention of Flight 212 and the 72 people who lost their lives as a result of the 1974 crash.

Her son even wondered aloud to her: Wheres the memorial to your dads crash?

But there isnt one.

I was actually, Norem said, really mad.

According to a Charlotte airport spokesperson, part of the reason theres a memorial for 1994s Flight 1016 at the Airport Overlook park and not 1974s Flight 212 is simply this:

The area where the latter crash happened is not airport property.

A memorial to those who died, were injured or who helped in the rescue efforts of the USAir Flight 1016 crash at the Airport Overlook part in Charlotte.

The 1994 crash occurred very close to the current Overlook location on airport property and the families had created a small memorial at the site, the spokesperson said. During construction of the Airport Overlook, a permanent memorial near the site was created.

Of course, a memorial site for Flight 212 wouldnt have to be on Rod of Gods private property. It could be anywhere in Charlotte. To this point, though, there has been no local groundswell of support for it.

Still, over the years, several family members of people who were aboard Flight 212 have gone into the woods behind Rod of God church, looking for any number of things. A scrap of the plane. Answers. Peace.

Sonny Hendrix  whose father Roy survived Flight 212 and then lived 48 more years  is one of those.

Roy Hendrix (left) and his son, Sonny Hendrix, photographed in 1986.

Six or seven years ago, we parked and walked around, Hendrix said. I couldnt find anything, you know, which kind of bothered me.  I think there should be some sort of rock out there. A memorial. Something. A brass plaque. Theres nothing.

Meanwhile, airplanes continue to pass over those woods every day, often with their landing gear down and only about 900 feet above the ground as they get ready to touch down at Charlottes airport, according to Sonny Hendrix.

And he would know.

In the years after his father Roy Hendrix survived Flight 212, Sonny followed in his footsteps into the Navy, became a pilot himself, and since leaving the military has been flying for American Airlines since 1992. He has flown airplanes over the site dozens of times as he prepares for landing.

Its always a little emotional, Sonny Hendrix said, when I fly that approach.

Im doing the right thing

September 11th is a complicated emotional day for Louie Pinheiro.

A 17-year-old machine repairman for the Navy at the time of the crash, Pinheiro  who was supposed to be on Flight 212, but at the last minute changed his plans  lost his older brother John on that plane in 1974. So 9/11 always makes Louie think of John, that day, that decision and that tragedy.

But the date is a happy one for him, too: On Sept. 11, 1986, Louie Pinheiros daughter Victoria was born.

In the years after John died, Louie left the Navy and went on to apprentice as a plumber. Eventually, he became the owner of a small plumbing company in their home state of Massachusetts. He likes to think John would have been proud of him.

Louie is semi-retired now, and has visited the Flight 212 crash site behind Rod of God Ministries in Charlotte four times in recent years. Each time, it has made him feel closer to his brother and helped bring some closure to his life.

I want to keep it fresh in my mind, he said, wiping back tears. Its hard for me, as you can tell. But I also get some satisfaction out of going there. It makes me feel good. Like Im doing the right thing.

Louie Pinheiro stands near the small bouquet of flowers and American flags he left near the site where he brother John died in 1974.

Two Fridays ago, with permission from Rod of Gods owners, Pinheiro once again walked into the woods behind the church, holding a bouquet of flowers decorated with two American flags and wearing a hat that read USS Yellowstone  which was the Navy ship he and his brother were stationed on in 1974.

After Pinheiro placed the flowers at the base of a small ironwood tree, he stepped back, clasped his hands in front of him and thought about not just his brothers life, but all those that were lost in Charlottes worst air disaster.

Pinheiro blinked back tears. His wife of 47 years, Lena, stood a few yards away to give him some space.

Once more, Pinheiro looked around for signs of the plane amid the Eastern red cedars and loblolly pines. Once more, he didnt find any. So, once more, he wasnt quite sure where to set up his makeshift tribute memorial.

But in a larger sense, Pinheiro felt  as he has on every visit  that he was in the right place.

Somewhere in those woods underneath him were the ruins of Flight 212, forgotten by nearly everyone else, buried deep in the red clay.

The small bouquet of flowers and flags left in the woods behind Rod of God by Louie Pinheiro as a makeshift memorial to his brother John, who died in the crash of Eastern Flight 212.

Of the 10 original survivors of the Flight 212 plane crash in Charlotte on Sept. 11, 1974, three are still alive. Heres what happened to all 10 of them, as well as a full list of the 72 people who died in the crash.

How we reported this story

The Charlotte Observer series 9/11/74, detailing the plane crash of Eastern Flight 212 in Charlotte and its aftermath, was reported and written by Scott Fowler and Theoden Janes.



Current photographs are by visual journalist Jeff Siner, while historical photographs mostly come from former Charlotte Observer photographer Don Sturkey. Videos are by Siner and Diamond Vences. Gavin Off contributed research. Taylor Batten and The' Pham were the series editors. This series is based primarily on dozens of new interviews conducted by The Observer with all the remaining survivors and their families, families of victims, crash investigators, aviation experts and first responders.



A trove of recently discovered and previously unreported transcribed interviews with the plane crash survivors  conducted by the National Transportation Safety Board in 1974 only a few days after the incident  was also relied upon for verification. In those interviews, survivors recounted in detail what they were thinking during the crash and its aftermath.



Janes and Fowler also pored over thousands of documents related to the crash; found additional material through library visits, the 1977 book Final Approach and FOIA requests; and visited Charlottes Sullenberger Aviation Museum and the crash site.



On Wednesday, Sept. 18, The Charlotte Observer will host free events at 11:30 a.m. and at 7:00 p.m. at Charlottes Independent Picture House that will include a screening of 9/11/74, The Observers 30-minute documentary about the crash of Eastern Flight 212. Following the screening, panel discussions about the series will feature plane crash survivors, family members, reporters Scott Fowler and Theoden Janes, and others. Tickets are free, but RSVPs are required. Details here.

Additional Credits

Sohail Al-Jamea | Graphics

Rachel Handley | Illustrations & Design

David Newcomb | Development & Design
6 Key Moments From The Debate Between Kamala Harris And Donald Trump

Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump faced off Tuesday night for their first  and possibly only  presidential debate before the November election.

The showdown in Philadelphia was fiery, with both candidates attempting to appeal to voters in a close race.

Here are six significant moments from the event:

Harris had Trump shake her hand during their first-ever meeting.

The ABC News presidential debate Tuesday was the first time Harris and Trump had ever met in person or appeared in the same room together. Though Trump has largely eschewed a handshake or greeting in past debates, Harris quickly walked up to him, stuck her hand out and introduced herself.

Trump has repeatedly mispronounced her name on the campaign trail  and has taken to insulting her as Kamabla.

Candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump shake hands as they take the stage in their first presidential debate. https://t.co/tkEn0wzLvL#ABCDebatepic.twitter.com/X68E3Fzi6R  ABC News (@ABC) September 11, 2024

Harris effectively baited the former president on crowd sizes and his 2020 election loss.

Despite a relatively tempered start, Harris quickly got under Trumps skin after saying his supporters often get bored at his rallies and even leave early out of exhaustion.

The quip prompted a fierce retort from the former president, who claimed  as he often does  that he has the biggest and most incredible rallies in the history of politics.

People dont leave my rallies, he said. People dont go to her rallies. Theres no reason to go. The people that do go, shes busing them in and paying them to be there and showing them in a different light.

During another fiery moment, Harris said Trump was fired by 81 million people during the last election and said world leaders were laughing at him. Trump went on to tout his cozy relationships with strongman leaders like Russias Vladimir Putin, Chinas Xi Jinping and North Koreas Kim Jong Un.

Harris used those remarks later to point to Trumps pledge to be a dictator only on day one of a future presidency.

Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump shake hands before the ABC News presidential debate Tuesday night in Philadelphia. SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images

Trump went on wild tangents focused on false claims.

The wildest claim of the night came when Trump repeated bizarre, racist lies that Haitian immigrants have been eating Americans cats and dogs.

In Springfield, theyre eating the dogs, Trump said Tuesday night. The people that came in, theyre eating the cats. Theyre eating the pets of the people that live there. And this is whats happening in our country. And its a shame.

Those claims grew from a debunked internet tale about immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, which has seen an increase in Haitian refugees in recent years.

There is nothing to back up those claims, which have been refuted by Springfield city officials. But Trump repeated them multiple times on the debate stage.

Omg Trump takes the bait and starts rambling about crowd sizes and repeats baseless claims about immigrants eating pets and gets fact checked



Kamala Harris immediately capitalizes on it pic.twitter.com/naaXf1GFiq  Acyn (@Acyn) September 11, 2024

The moderators fact-checked some of Trumps wildest claims.

Trumps appearance featured a slate of rapid-fire lies and mistruths, but the moderators did address some of his more outlandish claims in real time.

At one point, Trump repeated his completely false statement that some women were getting abortions up until the moment of birth  including killing babies after they were born. Moderator Linsey Davis stepped in to refute those remarks.

There is no state in this country where it is legal to kill a baby after its born, she said.

Trump gets fact checked on his claims on abortion pic.twitter.com/uhpgujQnl1  Acyn (@Acyn) September 11, 2024

Harris routinely attacked Trumps role in undoing the landmark Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision and pointed to the slate of Trump abortion bans that have since been passed in nearly two dozen states.

One does not have to abandon their faith or deeply held beliefs to agree the government and Donald Trump, certainly, should not be telling a woman what to do with her body, the vice president said.

Conservative pundits were not happy with Trumps performance.

Lets make no mistake. Trump had a bad night, Fox News host Brit Hume declared after the debate ended. We just heard so many of the old grievances that we all know arent winners politically.

Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) praised Harris performance as exquisitely well-prepared before calling on whoever aided Trump in his debate preparations to be fired.

He was not good tonight at all, Christie said.

Harris wants a second debate. Trump hasnt committed.

The Harris campaign immediately called for another matchup before the November election, suggesting the two candidates meet again in October.

Under the bright lights, the American people got to see the choice they will face this fall at the ballot box: between moving forward with Kamala Harris or going backwards with Trump, Harris campaign chair, Jen OMalley Dillon, said in a statement.

Trump, for his part, wouldnt commit to one.

She wants a second debate because she lost, he said in the media spin room after the debate.

Trump in the spin room: Kamala wants a second debate because she lost. pic.twitter.com/JIoxlBJmin  The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) September 11, 2024

Related...
AUSTIN (KXAN)  More than $7.5 million in Veterans Assistance grants were recently awarded to several organizations in the Alamo and Hill Country areas, according to the Texas Office of the Governor.

Gov. Greg Abbott said the funding was expected to provide services to more than 7,200 veterans and their families across 35 counties.

New first of its kind veteran resource hub to open soon in Dripping Springs

Texas is proud to be home to the largest veteran population in the nation, and we will continue to ensure we support our veterans and their families, Abbott said.

Grant recipients include:

Alamo Area Council of Governments

American GI Forum National Veterans Outreach Program

Bandera County Committee on Aging

Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Texas

Catholic Charities Archdiocese of San Antonio

Comal County

Community Council of South Central Texas, Inc.

Concho Valley Center for Human Advancement

Concho Valley Community Action Agency

Family Endeavors, Inc. dba Endeavors:

Guadalupe County Veterans Treatment Court

K9s for Warriors

Honor Veterans Now

Meals on Wheels San Antonio

Operation Finally Home

Project Mend

San Antonio Food Bank

TBI Warrior Foundation

The Salvation Army  San Antonio

Val Verde County Veteran Service Office

West Texas Counseling & Guidance, Inc.

The grants support a wide range of services, from emergency financial assistance to transportation, legal services to family support services, and home modification to rental and mortgage assistance, the governors office said.

Texas veterans in need of assistance can find organizations providing help 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 KXAN Austin.
A 7-year-old, 7-pound boy died on Christmas Day. Now, 5 people have been arrested

Seven-year-old Deonte Atwell weighed seven pounds when he died last Christmas Day.

Now, five people including his mother, brother and grandfather have been arrested in connection to his death, according to the Broward State Attorneys Office.

Deonte was born Dec. 23, 2016, as a medically complex child and was diagnosed with thoracic spina bifida and hydrocephalus. He required around-the-clock care and needed a breathing and feeding tube, authorities say.

Thoracic spina bifida is a spinal defect where the spine doesnt close properly during development; hydrocephalus involvesan excessive buildup of the brains fluid.

Seven-year-old Deonte Atwell died last Christmas Day.

Deontes mother, Michelle Doe, 37, along with four others, was arrested Tuesday and faces multiple charges, including first-degree murder, aggravated child abuse and manslaughter of a child.

Deontes 21-year-old brother Tyreck Irvin faces the same charges. His grandfather, James Graham, 70, faces charges of aggravated manslaughter of a child, neglect of a child and failure to report child abuse.

The three were arrested simultaneously in Fort Lauderdale so there would be no destruction of evidence, according to homicide Sgt. Donald Geiger.

Doe and Irvin are also charged with neglecting two other children, ages 9 and 16, living in the home. The children were found to be in good health; the neglect charges stem from being in the same home as Deonte while he was starved, said Fort Lauderdale Det. Jackie Sanchez.

Too late when 911 call came in

When Fort Lauderdale Police and Fire Rescue reached Deonte on Dec. 25, 2023, two days after his 7th birthday and following a 911 call for a child in respiratory distress, it was far too late, authorities say.

Deontes uncle told the dispatcher he was not responding, according to the calls released Wednesday. An argument later broke out, and an unidentified woman took over talking to the dispatcher.

She sobbed heavily for several minutes, begging for help as the dispatcher assured her the ambulance was on its way.

Its really unexplainable, said Sanchez. For them to have all the medical supplies and services that they had free of charge ... theres no excuse. He was failed in several levels, and more so by his family.

Deonte was declared dead less than an hour later at Broward Health Medical Center, but doctors said he had been dead for quite some time, authorities say.

He had bones protruding from his skin from lack of nutrition, said Sanchez.

Unopened bottles of formula

Investigators found 264 unopened bottles of his feeding formula in the house.

Deontes family are not the only ones who authorities say failed to provide care for him. The owner of the Medicaid provider, Mirlande Moltimer, 47, of Samaritin Home Care Provider in Miramar, which was supposed to provide care for him, is charged with aggravated manslaughter of a child, third-degree felony murder and neglect of a child.

Cassandre Lassegue, 33, the registered nurse who was supposed to take care of Deonte, has been charged with first-degree murder, aggravated child abuse, aggravated manslaughter of a child, third-degree felony murder and neglect of a child.

She and Moltimer also face a Medicaid fraud charge. Authorities say they schemed to defraud Medicaid, conservatively estimated at more than $10,000 but less than $50,000.

Irvin, the brother, Moltimer, and Lassegue were jailed on no bond Wednesday morning. Grahams bond was set at $22,000. He may be released on house arrest with an electronic GPS monitor if he posts bond.

Deontes mother, Doe, is set to appear in bond court Thursday morning.

If anyone ever feels like someone is being mistreated or abused, there is a number that they can call and remain anonymous, said Casey Liening, spokesperson for Fort Lauderdale Police. Thats 866 Abuse.
Theres no doubt that at last nights presidential debate, Vice President Kamala Harris put Donald Trump in his place. After a campaign full of lies, racist rhetoric and personal attacks on Harris, many believe its what the former president deserves. Here are seven quotes from the VP that rendered Trumpan infamous bullyspeechless.



1. First of all, its important to remind the former president: Youre not running against Joe Biden; youre running against me.

Throughout the debate, Trump constantly criticized President Biden as well as his administration. This line from Harris was delivered in the middle of the night and was crucial as it reminded viewersand Trump himselfthat she is a much bigger threat than her predecessor.

2. In this debate tonight, youre going to hear from the same old, tired playbook, a bunch of lies, grievances and name-calling.

From the very beginning of the debate, Harris warned Americans about what to expect from Trump. The former president has never exuded any sort of grace, intelligence or professionalism throughout his political career. Like clockwork, Trump made good on Harris cautionary remark.

3. He talks about fictional characters like Hannibal Lecter. He will talk about windmills cause cancer. And what you will also notice is that people start leaving his rallies early out of exhaustion and boredom.

Harris said that she was taking the unusual step of inviting people to go to a Trump rally before offering this description. With these words, she hit Trump where it hurts. In the past, the former president has been borderline obsessive about crowd sizessomething former President Barack Obama pointed out at the Democratic National Convention last month.

4. I actually have the endorsement of 200 Republicans who have formerly worked with President Bush, Mitt Romney and John McCain, including the endorsement of former Vice President Dick Cheney and Congress member Liz Cheney.

Harris rubbed in Trumps face the fact that a lot of his old cronies and political allies have jumped ship to support her as this countrys next president. Trump brushed it off by retorting that he had to fire a lot of people during his time as President for doing a bad job, but it was obvious her words stung.

5. Many military leaders who you have worked with have told me, you are a disgrace.

Harris has been critical of Trump in the past regarding his foreign policy stances. She has stated that another Trump presidency appeals to authoritarians around the world for one reason. These dictators and autocrats are rooting for you to be president again, because theyre so clear, they can manipulate you with flattery and favors.

6. [Putin] would eat you for lunch.



Harris and Trump sparred over Russia and the war in Ukraine during the debate. She informed the former president that Russian President Vladimir Putin would eat [Trump] for lunch. Harris also said that if Trump were president, Putin would be sitting in Kyiv right now accusing him of abandoning Ukraine after two and a half years of war and significant military funding effort by the U.S.

7. Donald Trump was fired by 81 million people, so lets be clear about that, and clearly he is having a very difficult time processing that.

Trump still denies losing the 2020 election to President Joe Bideneven though there has been literally zero evidence supporting this assertion. Harris reminded Trumpas well as the American peoplethat his delusion is the last thing anyone needs.

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Qadira Zourob, a 17-year-old in Gaza, was in her last year of high school when war broke out in the Strip after the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel in 2023.

"I was preparing for my exams with great excitement. I had been studying hard, staying up late every night, determined to succeed and achieve a high score. But the next day, we woke up to the sounds of bombings and rocket fire," she told ABC News in an interview in a tent where her family has been displaced.

PHOTO: Qadira Zourob sits on a mattress outside the tent she lives in, in the courtyard of a school housing displaced people in Khan Younis. (Diaa Ostaz/ABC News)

Zourob is one of the more than 600,000 students in Gaza who have had their education interrupted by the war. She said she dreamed of becoming a nurse, helping people and traveling abroad, but now she says she feels lost, adding, "I feel as if my life has come to a standstill."

As millions of children go back to school around the world, formal education continues to be on hold for the children of Gaza. An ABC News visual analysis reveals that at least 70% of all schools in Gaza -- 399 school buildings -- have been damaged or destroyed since Oct. 7.

PHOTO: Destruction and Damage of Schools in Gaza (PA Ministry of Education / UNICEF)

In a statement to ABC News about these figures, the Israel Defense Forces said There is no IDF policy to target schools or educators. Rather, Hamas widespread and well documented strategy of exploiting schools and educational facilities for terror activities, has required IDF activity in those areas.

Using Palestinian Authority government and U.N. records, ABC News geolocated nearly every school in Gaza, about 547 of the 567 school buildings. Analysis of dozens of satellite images identified which of each of the 547 buildings were damaged or destroyed.

To further supplement the data, 149 videos where schools were visible, showing about a quarter of all schools, were added to the analysis. The videos were filmed by the IDF and Hamas, as well as dozens of local journalists, civilians, the UN, and other organizations in Gaza. Some schools that did not look damaged on satellite imagery had holes in the sides or the structures were still standing but lower floors had been completely blown out.

The results show 212 schools are either partially or completely destroyed, and a further 187 show signs of damage.

PHOTO: Eight partially or completely destroyed schools from various areas in Gaza seen on satellite imagery. (Planet Labs PBC)

This analysis relies solely on data available online, as international journalists are not allowed into Gaza and movement for ABC News' local journalists in Gaza is severely restricted.

The U.N. estimates as many as 84% of schools -- 477 buildings -- will need to be repaired or rebuilt. This higher number is a result of the U.N.'s use of a model to estimate blast damage to areas in the vicinity of bomb sites, while ABC News' analysis relies solely on visually verifiable damage.

It has been a particularly bloody summer at school buildings across Gaza. At least 354 people were killed in Israeli airstrikes on school buildings that housed displaced people between June 1 and Sept. 1, according to individual tallies released by the Hamas-run Gaza Ministry of Health and collated by ABC News.

The death toll comes from Israeli airstrikes on 25 schools for which Israel has publicly claimed responsibility in that timeframe. In statements announcing the strikes, the IDF said each time that it was targeting Hamas militants or Hamas command centers embedded inside the school buildings. In statements on 23 of the 25 schools hit, the IDF said it took "numerous steps to mitigate the risk of harming civilians."

Verified videos from 14 of the 25 scenes show injured and bloodied children either running or being carried from the wreckage.

A video taken by journalist Talal Mahmoud at the Abu Oreiban school in Nuseirat on July 14 shows six children being rushed out of the courtyard, as screams come from the school. A screaming toddler covered in dust sits against a back wall in another video. Twenty-two people were killed in the strike, according to the Ministry of Health.

PHOTO: People flee after an Israeli airstrike on the Abu Oreiban school in Nuseirat, Gaza, in July 2024. (Khames Al Refi/Talal Mahmoud)

The Khadija school, in the Israeli designated safe zone in Deir al-Balah, was struck on July 27. Video moments after the strike by a bystander, and verified by ABC News, shows dozens of people running from the school courtyard, carrying people, including multiple children, from the scene. As a child looks at the smoking ruins, another missile crashes to the ground, exploding on impact.

The entire eastern side of the school crumpled. Thirty people, seven of whom were children, were killed, according to the Ministry of Health. Video filmed by journalist Hani Abu Rezeq from the scene shows a young man with a biohazard bag picking up charred fragments of human remains from the rubble.

PHOTO: Before and After view of the Khadija school for girls in Deir al-Balah which was targeted by an Israeli airstrike in July 2024 (Planet Labs PBC)

Future obstacles for educators, students

Rachael Cummins, a humanitarian director in Gaza for Save the Children, told ABC News the organization is bringing learning back to some of Gaza's children. They started earlier this year with child-friendly spaces for play, and are now introducing more learning, with the goal of reintroducing a level of normalcy and structure to children's lives, she said.

Cummins said the obstacles are immense, from staff safety, to finding child friendly spaces, to sourcing materials, and all made more difficult by the constant displacement of people.

For the children themselves, Cummins said, returning to learning is no easy task and the lost year will have lasting ramifications.

"Children haven't been able to access formal education, so they've missed a whole year of learning. But, you know, outside of that, what they're seeing and what they're living through and the consequences of that in terms of their mental health, really, really cannot be underestimated. A whole generation, a whole population, actually, of children and their parents and their caregivers, in terms of the impact of the war on their mental health is absolutely extraordinary." she said.

She said their programs have to take into account how the war has changed children's behaviors, from finding it impossible to focus, to aggressive reactions, and anxiety attacks.

She also highlights the poor physical health, malnutrition and illnesses affecting many children in Gaza, which compound the difficulty of their focusing on anything but immediate needs.

"It's a dire situation for children. It manifests in many different ways and is deeply distressing for them and obviously deeply distressing for their families who obviously want to support their children as best they can and to keep them safe, but it's impossible," Cummins told ABC News.

Qadira Zourob, the high school student, said her former school, in Khan Younis, is being used as a shelter for thousands of displaced people. It is damaged, but it has not been bombed. Even so, she said she does not have hopes she will be able to return to education, even if a cease-fire is agreed to.

"The displaced people will likely remain in the school. How can they be removed when they have no shelter, home, or anything else?" she asked.

"Our lives are on hold. What will become of my life?" She said. "An entire year of my life, where I built my hopes and dreams, has been destroyed."

ABC News' Diaa Ostaz, Jordana Miller and Donald Pearsall contributed to this story

70% of schools in Gaza destroyed or damaged during Israel-Hamas war, ABC News analysis finds originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Three years since the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan and 23 years since the 9/11 terror attacks that led to the U.S. invasion, Afghanistan finds itself in a worse position now than it was on that fateful day.

"This country has become once again a safe haven for terrorism. It will become a battlefield once again," Afghan National Resistance Front (NRF) leader Ahmad Massoud told Fox News Digital in a rare interview.

According to Massoud, the threat emanating from Afghanistan is much greater today than it was on 9/11, and the U.S. failed to achieve its number one objective of rooting out terrorists when it hastily pulled out of Afghanistan in August 2021.

The threat of terrorism from Afghanistan has spread from the U.S. to Europe and recently to Russia. It is just a matter of time, Massoud fears, for it to reach Americas shores again.

"I know for a fact the time will come," Massoud said.

3 YEARS AFTER US WITHDRAWAL, AFGHAN RESISTANCE STILL IGNORED BY US, WEST

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Massoud is not giving up on his vision of a free and democratic Afghanistan despite the odds, and he believes that Americans and Afghans hold intimate bonds over shared values of fighting for freedom against terrorists.

"I feel very much the same feeling with all those victims of 9/11 and the people of the United States and Afghanistan are very much connected to each other because those attacks were carried out by the same team, those who attacked Americans on 9/11 killed my father," Massoud said.

Twenty-three years later and four U.S. presidential administrations since, Afghans live under the same threat of Islamic extremism and with the same pain and oppression as they did on 9/11.

Almost immediately after the Taliban regained power, anti-Taliban forces quickly fled to Afghanistan's northern Panjshir Valley and announced their opposition to the new regime.

Massoud, the leader of the NRF, vowed to continue the fight against the Taliban.

Ahmad Massoud, son of Ahmad Shah Massoud, has launched an initiative to build an anti-Taliban coalition to bring peace to the nation.

"I didnt want to leave my people alone in the hands of evil," Massoud told Fox News Digital.

Massoud is the son of Afghan resistance hero Ahmad Shah Massoud. The younger Massoud was only 12 years old when his father was assassinated by al Qaeda two days before the 9/11 terror attacks. Shah Massoud was integral to the rebels who fought against the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan in the 1980s and became a leading figure in the anti-Taliban Northern Alliance that resisted the Talibans reign from 1996 to 2001.

As a young boy growing up in war-ravaged Afghanistan, it was not clear at the time that he would follow in the same footsteps as his legendary rebel father.

WITH TALIBAN VICTORY, AFGHANISTAN COULD BECOME THE 'SECOND SCHOOL OF JIHADISM'

"My father never wanted me to walk in the same path," Massoud recounted.

His father did not want him becoming a rebel leader because of the pain that it causes, Massoud remembered, and the enormous pressure and the high expectations it has is unbearable.

Massoud is not doing this for his late father or because he is his son.

"I'm just doing it because I'm madly in love with my people, and I cannot see them in this situation."

As the years and memories of that sunny, cloudless and traumatic Tuesday morning in September fade away, Massoud is trying to remind America and the world not to forget about the threat from terrorism in Afghanistan.

"Today, al Qaeda is much stronger and entrenched in Afghanistan than it has ever been," the resistance leader said.

9/11 FAMILIES CALL ON TRUMP, HARRIS TO OPPOSE US-SAUDI DEAL UNTIL KINGDOM ADMITS INVOLVEMENT IN TERROR ATTACK

The 2020 Doha Agreement negotiated under former President Donald Trump laid the groundwork for the withdrawal of all U.S. forces in exchange for a pledge from the Taliban to prevent any terrorist organization from using Afghan soil to threaten or attack the United States or its allies.

Taliban spokespersons made assurances that they would not allow any terror group to plan an attack from Afghan territory. Although it is true that al Qaeda and other terrorist groups have yet to stage any attacks on the U.S. or its allies, groups like al Qaeda still operate within Afghanistan and have deeply rooted ties with the Taliban.

Numerous United Nations reports note that since their return to power, relations with al Qaeda remain close, and the group that carried out the 9/11 terror attacks is "strategically patient, cooperating with other terrorist groups in Afghanistan and prioritizing its ongoing relationship with the Taliban."

Al Qaeda operates at least eight training camps across Afghanistan but does so covertly in order to create the image that the Taliban is adhering to the Doha Agreement, according to U.N. monitoring.

AFGHAN CHARITY EDUCATING GIRLS AMID TALIBAN SCHOOL BAN

While the U.S. was negotiating with the Taliban, Massoud knew all along they were not negotiating in good faith.

"It is going to fail, and it will also show the world the true face of the Taliban," Massoud said.

The leader of the NRF said the international community believed the lies of the Taliban that they had fundamentally changed from the group that previously ruled Afghanistan prior to 9/11.

"Women have been degraded to nothing but property of men and education has been completely destroyed by the Taliban," Massoud said angrily.

The elder Massoud, according to his son, warned against an international presence in Afghanistan, saying that the U.S. came to him and proposed operating military bases in the country and to help jointly fight against terrorism.

Shah Massoud was very clear in his vision.

"My father said boots on the ground in Afghanistan will never work," Massoud recounts his father saying. "We fought against the invasion of the Russians. And really, he did not want the presence of another foreign force in Afghanistan," he added.

The U.S. did not heed these warnings when they went into Afghanistan.

Commander Ahmed Shah Massoud, center, gives orders to his officers in his headquarters in Charikar, Afghanistan, during peace negotiations with the communist government, after the departure of Soviet soldiers.

Massoud wants to continue his fathers policy of no foreign troops on Afghan soil and wants to fight terrorism with his own forces based in the country. What he is looking for is the logistical and financial support to carry on the fight.

RETIRED GENERALS DEFEND HARRIS, BLAME TRUMP ON AFGHANISTAN WITHDRAWAL: REPORT

"We indeed need help and support from the world," Massoud said, but he also understands the frustration in the United States over "forever wars" and respects U.S. policy opposing further wars. The U.S.-Afghan relationship should continue its efforts to fight terrorism, Massoud believes, and that Afghans should not feel betrayed while the same group that killed Americans and Afghans is in power.

Three years later, and with the Taliban cementing their power, the U.S.-Afghan partnership that emerged after 9/11 remains nonexistent.

"We are on our own and there is no external support."

Massoud believes if the U.S. and international community throw their support behind the NRF, it could make a huge difference.

"Even the slightest of external support, you would see the liberation of a big chunk of Afghanistan. Because the people are very much against the Taliban, the slightest bit of hope and the slightest of opportunities for the people of Afghanistan, and we would see a crack in the armor of the Taliban," he explained.

Massoud did not mince words when talking about U.S. policy and was critical of the period immediately after 9/11 and the invasion of Afghanistan when the War on Terror expanded to Iraq and Saddam Husseins regime.

"The expansion of this war to Iraq completely diverted attention from Afghanistan and Afghanistan for a while [was] the second priority." Massoud argued that more attention was needed to help build Afghan institutions and make the new government more stable and therefore harder to overthrow.

TALIBAN ARRESTING WOMEN FOR 'BAD HIJAB' AS REPORT SAYS VIOLENCE AND DETENTIONS CONTINUE TO RISE

Massoud was also critical of early U.S. strategy, including the endeavor to create an Afghan army in the image of the U.S. armed forces.

"We did not have American resources or American technology. It was a recipe for disaster."

Massoud also said that the U.S. conflicting strategies of counterterrorism and counterinsurgency over the years failed to fully defeat the Taliban and create a stable Afghan government.

An infantryman with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) lugs shoulder-launched missiles while moving with his company to a security position after seizing a forward operating base on Nov. 25, 2001, beginning Operation Swift Freedom.

"It means that, unfortunately, the Afghans could not make the Americans understand that these strategies dont work in Afghanistan, and they failed to come up with a proper strategy."

However critical Massoud is of American and international leadership and strategy in Afghanistan, he still placed 70% to 80% of the blame on the Afghan leadership and their flawed thinking that the U.S. and coalition partners would remain in Afghanistan forever like on the Korean Peninsula. The false sense of security did not allow Afghan leaders to focus on national trust, and corruption and criminality ran rampant.

"Unfortunately, the inside political game and personal agendas and not having the capability to see that this situation could never last very long, or that it was not a forever perk," hurt Afghanistans ability to fight terrorism threats it faced or build a stable democracy.

"They missed all of those opportunities," Massoud said.

Flags at the 9/11 Memorial in NYC

The resistance leader is not unaware of the complicated nature of international politics and realizes that many conflicts are currently raging on, which require U.S. attention and resources.

"There's a fatigue in the U.S. and the West, and they have been stretched from Ukraine to Taiwan to Gaza. So that stress is also another factor for them not to actually pay attention to Afghanistan," Massoud lamented.





Original article source: On 9/11 anniversary Afghan opposition leader warns country once again a 'safe haven for terrorists'
Chinese Premier Li Qiang arrives at the King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Sept. 10, 2024. Li arrived here Tuesday to chair the Fourth Meeting of the High-Level Chinese-Saudi Joint Committee and visit Saudi Arabia at the invitation of Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin)

RIYADH, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang said Tuesday he expected China and Saudi Arabia to further strengthen alignment of their development strategies and push bilateral ties to a higher level through his visit to the country.

Li arrived here Tuesday to chair the Fourth Meeting of the High-Level Chinese-Saudi Joint Committee and visit Saudi Arabia at the invitation of Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud.

Noting the deep-rooted traditional friendship between China and Saudi Arabia, Li said that since the establishment of diplomatic relations 34 years ago, through joint efforts by both sides, China-Saudi Arabia relations have achieved leapfrog development, yielding fruitful results in practical cooperation.

In December 2022, Chinese President Xi Jinping attended the first China-Arab States Summit and the first China-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit and paid a state visit to Saudi Arabia, said Li.

For over a year, both sides have actively implemented the key outcomes of the summits, continuously strengthening political mutual trust, steadily advancing exchanges and cooperation in various fields, maintaining close communication and coordination on regional and international affairs, and continuously adding new dimensions to the China-Saudi Arabia comprehensive strategic partnership, the Chinese premier said.

Li said during this visit he will have in-depth discussions with the Saudi crown prince and prime minister on bilateral relations and other issues of common concern to strengthen friendship and expand cooperation.

He expressed expectation that his visit will also further expand mutually beneficial cooperation across various fields, deepen the friendship between the two peoples, and foster greater progress in the China-GCC and China-Arab relations.

Saudi Arabia is the first leg of his four-day tour to the Middle East, which will also take him to the United Arab Emirates. 
9/11 anniversary brings Biden, Harris and Trump together at ground zero

NEW YORK (AP)  With presidential candidates looking on, some 9/11 victims relatives appealed to them Wednesday for accountability as the U.S. marked an anniversary laced with election-season politics.

In a remarkable tableau, President Joe Biden, former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris stood together at ground zero just hours after Trump and Harris faced off in their first-ever debate. Trump and Biden  the successor whose inauguration Trump skipped  shook hands, and former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg appeared to facilitate a handshake between Harris and Trump.

Then the presidential rivals stood only a few feet apart, Biden and Bloomberg between them, as the observance began with the tolling of a bell and a moment of silence. At Trumps side was his running mate, Sen. JD Vance.

The image was one of putting politics aside at another solemn commemoration of the hijacked-plane attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people on Sept. 11, 2001. For years, politicians have been only observers at ground zero commemorations, the microphones going instead to relatives who read victims names aloud.

SEE ALSO: 9/11 memorial ceremonies held around Southern New England

Some of those readers took the occasion Wednesday to deliver political messages of their own.

We are pleading for your help, but you ignore us, Allison Walsh-DiMarzio said, directly challenging Trump and Harris to press Saudi Arabia about any Saudi official involvement in the attacks. Most of the 19 hijackers were Saudi, but the kingdom denies involvement by senior Saudi officials.

Which one of you will have the courage to be our hero? We deserve better, Walsh-DiMarzio said. Shes a daughter of 9/11 victim Barbara P. Walsh, an administrative assistant.

Joanne Barbara was one of multiple readers who spoke out against a now-revoked plea deal that military prosecutors struck with alleged 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and two fellow defendants.

It has been 23 years, and the families deserve justice and accountability, said the widow of Assistant Fire Chief Gerard A. Barbara.

Biden, on his last Sept. 11 in office, and Harris were set to pay respects Wednesday at all three 9/11 attack sites: ground zero, the Pentagon and a rural part of Pennsylvania.

The president, vice president  and, separately, Trump  laid wreaths Wednesday afternoonat the Flight 93 National Memorial near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Biden and Harris spoke with victims relatives and visited the local fire department; Trump and Vance went to a New York City firehouse earlier in the day.

The Flight 93 memorial stands where one of the hijacked planes crashed after crew members and passengers tried to storm the cockpit. Trump described the site as an incredible place in brief remarks from afar to reporters.

MORE: Remembering the 9/11 victims from Southern New England

The attacks killed 2,977 people and left thousands of bereaved relatives and scarred survivors. The planes took down the World Trade Centers twin towers and carved a gash in the Pentagon, the U.S. military headquarters.

While it may seem that many Americans dont observe 9/11 anniversaries anymore, the men and women of the Department of Defense remember, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Wednesday.

The attacks altered U.S. foreign policy, domestic security practices and the mindset of many Americans who had not previously felt vulnerable to attacks by foreign extremists.

Effects rippled around the world and through generations as the U.S. responded by leading a Global War on Terrorism, which included invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq. Those operations killed hundreds of thousands of Afghans and Iraqis and thousands of American troops.

Communities around the country hold their own 9/11 remembrances. Volunteer projects also mark the anniversary, which Congress has titled both Patriot Day and a National Day of Service and Remembrance.

During early anniversaries at ground zero, presidents and other officeholders read poems, parts of the Declaration of Independence and other texts.

But the National Sept. 11 Memorial and Museum decided in 2012 to limit the ceremony to relatives reading victims names.

If politicians care about whats actually going on, great. Be here, Korryn Bishop said as she arrived to watch Wednesdays ceremony.

If theyre just here for political clout, that upsets me, added Bishop. She lost her cousin John F. McDowell Jr., who worked in finance..

Brandon Jones was glad politicians werent on the podium.

This should be a site for coming together to find feasible solutions and peace. This should not be a place to score political points to get brownie points to round up your base, said Jones. Hes a cousin of victim Jon Richard Grabowski, an insurance firm technology executive.

In 2008, then-senators and presidential campaign rivals John McCain and Barack Obama paid their respects at ground zero, which was still an open pit.

The anniversary became a fraught part of the 2016 presidential campaign. The Democratic nominee, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, abruptly left the trade center ceremony, stumbled while awaiting her motorcade and later disclosed that she had been diagnosed with pneumonia. The episode stirred fresh attention to her health, which her Republican opponent  Trump, who was also at the observance  had been questioning for months.

Over the years, some of the relatives who read victims names have used the forum to bemoan Americans divisions, exhort leaders to prioritize national security, acknowledge the casualties of the war on terror, complain that officials are politicizing 9/11 and even criticize individual officeholders. Others appeal for peace.

Its my prayer that this wicked act called terrorism will never occur again, Jacob Afuakwah said Wednesday. He lost his brother, Emmanuel Akwasi Afuakwah, a restaurant worker.

But most stick to tributes and personal reflections. Increasingly they come from children and young adults who were born after the attacks killed one of their relatives.

Thirteen-year-old twins Brady and Emily Henry never got to meet their uncle, firefighter Joseph Patrick Henry.

We promise to continue telling your stories, Emily said, and well never let anyone forget all those lost on Sept. 11.

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On 9/11 anniversary, GOP Sen. Wendy Rogers boosts old Trump claim that bombs took down the towers

Sen. Wendy Rogers (R-Flagstaff) on the opening day of the 2022 legislative session. Photo by Gage Skidmore (modified) | Flickr/CC BY-SA 2.0

Flagstaff Republican Sen. Wendy Rogers shared a post on the 23rd anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks amplifying debunked conspiracy theories around the national tragedy.

Rogers, known for her far-right affiliations and amplification of white nationalists along with election fraud conspiracy theories, reposted a user on X, formerly Twitter, spreading debunked claims of bombs in the building as well as an antisemitic conspiracy theory around the attacks.

The post, by a user who has promoted a number of conspiracy theories, including ones with anti-vaccine messaging, shared part of a video clip of former President Donald Trump being interviewed by a New York television station on Sept. 11, 2001, discussing the attacks just hours after the twin towers at the World Trade Center collapsed.

In the clip, Trump says he believed that the attackers had bombs go off simultaneously along with the planes.

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Conspiracy theorists have clung onto the early frantic reports of that day to claim that the two aircraft could not have brought down the twin towers without assistance. That theory has been thoroughly debunked.

I think there was just a plane with more than just fuel, Trump says in the video, citing the steel in the towers as being rock solid.

The claim that the steel could not have melted as a result of the jet fuel and explosion from the aircraft hitting the World Trade Center towers has also been repeatedly discredited.

This screenshot shows Sen. Wendy Rogers (R-Flagstaff) reposting a 9/11 conspiracy theory on X.com on the 23rd anniversary of the terrorist attack.

The post also appears to allude to an antisemitic conspiracy theory around Larry Silverstein, the buildings new owner at the time. Silverstein had acquired the World Trade Center complex less than two months before the terrorist attack, thrusting him into the sights of conspiracists who focused on the Jewish owners of the buildings who they claimed stood to gain from its destruction.

Many of the theories revolve around Silverstein having foreknowledge of the attack and using it to obtain millions of dollars in insurance money, incorporating a common antisemitic trope about Jewish people being greedy. Silverstein was instrumental in the rebuilding of the World Trade Center after 9/11.

The post Rogers amplified also spreads the false claim that Donald Rumsfield, who was secretary of defense at the time, had revealed that $2.3 trillion had been lost from the Pentagons budget a day prior to the 9/11 attack on Americas military headquarters.

That figure had been mentioned a year prior, and while Rumsfeld did remark about the missing money in a speech on the day before, it was not the first time it had ever been mentioned.

Auditors released a report in early 2000 about financial statements for the fiscal year 1999 by the Office of the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Defense stating that $2.3 trillion was not supported by adequate audit trails or sufficient evidence to determine their validity.

Many users in the replies to the post shared other conspiracy theories around the attack.

This is the second year in a row where a member of the Arizona Senate Republican caucus has amplified conspiracy theories around the 9/11 attack on the anniversary.

Sen. Justine Wadsack, R-Tucson, who has also appeared on an antisemitic talk show alongside Rogers, shared a fake transcript from United Flight 93 and liked multiple posts on social media alluding to the events of the day being a false flag and an inside job.

Rogers did not respond to a request for comment. Senate President Warren Petersen and Arizona GOP Chairwoman Gina Swoboda did not respond to a request for comment about Rogers post.

More than a decade ago, the Arizona Senate was home to a different GOP senator who spread 9/11 conspiracy theories. Sen. Karen Johnson, from Mesa, asked for a reinvestigation into the attacks on a speech on the Senate floor and gave each of her colleagues a DVD featuring a short film promoting 9/11 conspiracies.
NATIONAL CITY, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI)  Wednesday marks 23 years since the Sept. 11 terror attacks and people across the nation, including here in San Diego County, are paying their respects to those who were lost on that fateful day.

In the South Bay, National City firefighters are gathering for breakfast and a remembrance ceremony at Fire Station 34, fulfilling the promise to never forget.

FOX 5/KUSI spoke with retired Battalion Chief Don Miner outside of the fire station Wednesday morning.

RELATED: Families gather at WTC to honor 9/11 victims, 23 years later

We have some retired FDNY (New York City Fire Department) that will be speaking today and we also have quite a few artifacts and posters and pictures from different parts of 9/11, said Miner. So anybody that comes you can actually touch a lot of the pieces.

The ceremony, which is open to the public, kicks off at 8:30 a.m. at 43 E 16th St. in National City. Admission is free.

Other memorial ceremonies in the county include the following:

Chula Vista, Bonita, Imperial Beach Fire Stations and police headquarters

County Administration Center at 7:30 a.m.

USS Midway Never Forget event at 2:30 p.m.

FOX 5s Heather Lake contributed to this report.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  Its been 23 years since the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.

People across the country, including right here in Southern New England, gathered to honor and remember those who lost their lives that day.

Heres a list of local events:

8:30 a.m.  Gov. Dan McKee delivered remarks at the Rhode Island State Police Headquarters in North Scituate to honor those who lost their lives on 9/11 and the members of our military who have sacrificed their lives.

8:30 a.m.  St. Rocco School in Johnston held a ceremony honoring the victims who lost their lives that day. The school has a personal connection since Matt Newell was 9 years old when his mother, Renee Tetreault Newell, was on the plane. Police, fire and military were in attendance along with students outside the school.

ALSO READ: Remembering the 9/11 victims from Southern New England

8:30 a.m.  Fall River officials were at Heritage State Park for the states 9/11 Memorial Ceremony. The event was a time to reflect on the profound impact of that tragic day and honor the bravery and sacrifice of those who rose against adversity.

9 a.m.  Members of the American Legion, Marine Corps League and other groups gathered at the columbarium at the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Exeter. The annual event featured the raising of the nearby flags to half-staff, as well as the citing of those Rhode Islanders who were lost on that day and whose names are inscribed on a plaque at the State House along with the playing of Taps.

10 a.m.  Central Falls elected officials and members of the police and fire departments were at the fire station for a Memorial Service remembering the victims, heroes, and loved ones impacted by the 9/11 tragedy.

10 a.m.  East Providence city leaders held a ceremony to remember the victims and their families.

10 a.m.  New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell, Fire Chief Scott Kruger, Police Chief Paul Oliveira, and other city officials commemorated the 9/11 victims with a brief ceremony.

10:28 a.m.  Warwick held its annual remembrance ceremony at the 9/11 Memorial in Oakland Beach. The ceremony began at 10:28 a.m. with a moment of silence to observe the time when the North Tower of the World Trade Center collapsed.

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Photos from Wayzata PD shows the piece of glass intact before the theft (left) and missing after (right).

WAYZATA, Minn. (FOX 9) - Wayzata police are asking for the public's help in finding an artifact that was apparently stolen from the city's 9/11 memorial last month.

What we know

Police say they were alerted to the theft on Thursday, Aug. 29. The person who reported the theft initially believed the glass had been smashed, but officers say it appears the glass artifact was forcefully removed from the memorial and stolen, leaving only a small fragment left behind.

Background

The granite memorial at Panoway Plaza Park in Wayzata was dedicated in 2021 in honor of Gordon "Gordy" McCannel Aamoth Jr.  a Wayzata resident who was killed in the Sept. 11 attacks.

The memorial featured several artifacts from Ground Zero, including a piece of glass recovered from the site.

Police explain: "This piece of glass was found near the remains of Gordy Aamoth Jr., by a New York City police officer and brought to Minnesota to be given to Steve Nilson, one of Gordys classmates who eulogized Gordy at this memorial dedication service. This simple glass artifact holds immeasurable value to many, including Gordy Aamoths family."

Investigators say while the glass artifact has tremendous sentimental value for Aamoth's loved ones, it has no tangible value.

Reward offered

Wayzata police say a $1,000 reward has now been offered for the return of the glass artifact  no questions asked.

"If you know something about its whereabouts, please contact the WPD and help us return this historical artifact to the memorial so everyone can reflect on its significance," wrote police.
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  Content creator Kaeli Dance has seen a new trend emerge on social media in the last few months. The punchline? The Twin Towers falling on 9/11.

She described the trend as a bait and switch joke in which social media users will say, for example, gym bros in 2024 and describe a normal day, then switch the caption to gym bros in 2001 and show them staring at a TV with actual footage from 9/11.

This sort of bait and switch joke seems very drastic as if the graveness and the seriousness of those deaths is not being respected, she said.

A few months ago, a Reddit user posted in the Xennial subreddit  which is mainly for people born in the late 1970s and early 1980s  asking if users thought 9/11 jokes were funny. One user responded saying her Gen Z son jokes about 9/11.

I dont think the whole generation is stupid but I clearly failed somewhere, they wrote.

When 9/11 becomes fodder for someone that doesnt really understand that day, thats when it stops being funny, said another Redditor.

Comedic videos and memes referring to the 9/11 tragedy in 2001 are not new to the internet. However, trends such as they hit the second tower or people in 2024 vs 2001 have put a dark-humored spotlight on the tragedy in recent months.

This has caused a divide between those engaging in the trend and those who find it offensive, in bad taste, and even disturbing.

Gen Zs use of dark humor

Experts say that recent trends surrounding 9/11 are primarily made by Gen Z users, and that while jokes may be offensive to older generations, the content is likely not created with malicious intent, but rather as a way to cope with the world.

Professor Avery Holton, the chair of the Department of Communications at the University of Utah, said three factors likely play into the surge of 9/11 memes in recent years.

First, he said the majority of people who post this content were very young or not alive in 2001, meaning theres distance between themselves and the tragedy. This leads to the next factor of historical connectivity  or seeking to connect to a historical event in order to make sense of it.

One of the ways to cope with that is humor, whether we agree with that or not. Avery Holton, U of U Department of Communications chair

He said its interesting to watch people who were not alive at the time of the terrorist attack plant themselves within the conversation to better make sense of the tragedy.

Holton said this can actually bring [the event] back to the forefront so that its not forgotten and it still remains something that we talk about.

Finally, he said dark humor is a way this generation has learned to process the tragedies they see through social media on a daily basis, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gen Z is just more exposed to all sorts of events, good and bad, but especially those that are negative on a daily basis, he said. One of the ways to cope with that is humor, whether we agree with that or not.

While Holton said he does not believe this form of processing is wrong or inherently offensive, he recognizes dark humor is better understood by younger generations as a way of communicating and creating community, and older generations may see it differently and find it to be harmful.

Holton suggests having open conversations about social media content and trying to see through generational lenses. He said social media is just a platform that reflects those lenses and differences.

Educators role in remembering 9/11

Now 23 years after the 9/11 terrorist attack, local educators are first-hand witnesses to this generational divide as many of them lived through the attack and are teaching students who were not alive at that time.

Shawn McLeod, the principal at Hidden Valley Middle School in the Jordan School District, said students see the tragedy as history book information as opposed to something that happened in real life.

Relatives of the victims look at the 9/11 Memorial in New York City on September 11, 2022, on the 21st anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Center, Pentagon, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania. (Photo by YUKI IWAMURA/AFP via Getty Images)

For that reason, he has enacted programs and morning ceremonies in his schools for more than a decade to recognize the day and help students get an experience, or as Holton said, connect with an event to make sense of it.

As an administrator, I felt like it was important to talk about it and do something to pay tribute, McLeod said.

Andrea Stringham, a spokesperson for the Granite School District, said the greatest shift they are seeing now in regard to 9/11 is that many newer teachers have no memory of the event, which may lead to a variation in teaching across classrooms. Regardless, she said, Its still being talked about, still being discussed.

Dance mentioned that the latest 9/11 trend has videos with millions of views and high engagement. While the majority of comments on these videos tend to be humorous reactions, not all Gen Z users see eye to eye.

For Dance, this is not a trend she chose to partake in.

At the bottom of it all, I think that empathy gives us our humanity, I think that empathy is what makes us human, she said. And so if theres a joke that is taking us away from empathy, I dont want to be a part of 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 ABC4 Utah.
SALT LAKE CITY (KTVX)  Content creator Kaeli Dance has seen a new trend emerge on social media in the last few months. The punchline? The Twin Towers falling on 9/11.

She described the trend as a bait and switch joke in which social media users will say, for example, gym bros in 2024 and describe a normal day, then switch the caption to gym bros in 2001 and show them staring at a TV with actual footage from 9/11.

This sort of bait and switch joke seems very drastic, as if the graveness and the seriousness of those deaths is not being respected, she said.

A few months ago, a Reddit user posted in the Xennial subreddit, which is mainly for people born in the late 1970s and early 1980s, asking if users thought 9/11 jokes were funny. One user responded by saying their Gen Z son jokes about 9/11.

I dont think the whole generation is stupid but I clearly failed somewhere, they wrote.

When 9/11 becomes fodder for someone that doesnt really understand that day, thats when it stops being funny, said another Redditor.

Comedic videos and memes referring to the 9/11 tragedy in 2001 are not new to the internet. However, trends such as they hit the second tower or people in 2024 vs 2001 have put a dark-humored spotlight on the tragedy in recent months.

This has caused a divide between those engaging in the trend and those who find it offensive, in bad taste, and even disturbing.

Gen Zs use of dark humor

Experts say recent trends surrounding 9/11 are primarily made by Gen Z users, and that while jokes may be offensive to older generations, the content is likely not created with malicious intent. Rather, it is being used as a way to cope with the world.

Professor Avery Holton, the chair of the Department of Communications at the University of Utah, said three factors likely play into the surge of 9/11 memes in recent years.

First, he said the majority of people who post this content were very young or not alive in 2001, meaning theres distance between themselves and the tragedy. This leads to the next factor of historical connectivity  or seeking to connect to a historical event in order to make sense of it.

He said its interesting to watch people who were not alive at the time of the terrorist attack plant themselves within the conversation to better make sense of the tragedy. Holton said this can actually bring [the event] back to the forefront so that its not forgotten and it still remains something that we talk about.

Finally, he said dark humor is a way this younger generation has learned to process the tragedies they see through social media on a daily basis, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gen Z is just more exposed to all sorts of events, good and bad, but especially those that are negative on a daily basis, he said. One of the ways to cope with that is humor, whether we agree with that or not.

While Holton said he does not believe this form of processing is wrong or inherently offensive, he recognizes dark humor is better understood by younger generations as a way of communicating and creating community, and older generations may see it differently and find it to be harmful.

Holton suggested having open conversations about social media content and trying to see through generational lenses. He said social media is just a platform that reflects those lenses and differences.

Educators role in remembering 9/11

Now, 23 years after the 9/11 terrorist attack, some educators are first-hand witnesses to this generational divide.

Shawn McLeod, the principal at Hidden Valley Middle School in Jordan, Utah, said students see the tragedy as history book information as opposed to something that happened in real life.

Relatives of the victims look at the 9/11 Memorial in New York City on September 11, 2022, on the 21st anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Center, Pentagon, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania. (Photo by YUKI IWAMURA/AFP via Getty Images)

For that reason, he has enacted programs and morning ceremonies in his schools for more than a decade to recognize the day and help students get an experience, or as Holton said, connect with an event to make sense of it.

As an administrator, I felt like it was important to talk about it and do something to pay tribute, McLeod said.

Andrea Stringham, a spokesperson for the Granite School District, covering a large portion of Salt Lake County, said the greatest shift they are seeing now in regard to 9/11 is that many newer teachers have no memory of the event, which may lead to a variation in teaching across classrooms. Regardless, she said, Its still being talked about, still being discussed.

Dance mentioned that the latest 9/11 trend has videos with millions of views and high engagement. While the majority of comments on these videos tend to be humorous reactions, not all Gen Z users see eye to eye.

For Dance, this is not a trend she chose to partake in.

At the bottom of it all, I think that empathy gives us our humanity, I think that empathy is what makes us human, she said. And so if theres a joke that is taking us away from empathy, I dont want to be a part of 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 Queen City News.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  September 11th remembrance events and dedication services are happening all across the Charlotte area on Wednesday, 23 years after one of the worst days in American history.

At Romare Bearden Park, a Flags of Remembrance dedication service is being held Wednesday afternoon. Close to 3,000 flags in the shape of the Twin Towers have been placed in the park to honor the lives lost in the terrorist attack.

Officials will toll a bell at 8:46 a.m., 9:03 a.m., 9:37 a.m., 9:59 a.m., 10:03 a.m. and 10:28 a.m. to mark the times the planes crashed and the towers of the World Trade Center.

A support beam from the World Trade Center will also be on display.

The guest speaker for the event is retired FDNY member Rich Scola. Scola is a ten-year veteran of the department. He was part of the rescue and recovery efforts on Sept. 11.

Scola was exposed to a toxic environment at Ground Zero and sustained medical issues which led to a forced early retirement. The Steven Coakley Foundation is named for another member of FDNY who lost his life trying to save people inside the World Trade Center. Coakleys sister, Kara Walker, and her husband started the organization in his name in 2002.

Elsewhere, high school students in Concord marked the Sept. 11 anniversary. The ceremony took place at Jay M. Robinson High School. The schools Air Force Junior ROTC organized the event.

In Cornelius, town leaders will host their annual Never Forget ceremony Wednesday morning. Thatll be at the Sept. 11th monument at the Cornelius-Lemley Fire Station Number One.

In Gastonia, ceremonies will be held at Fire Station One on North Myrtle School Road and Station Four on Armstrong Road.

On Wednesday, Queen City News Chief Transportation Correspondent Maycay Beeler, who is a registered pilot, spoke on how Sept. 11 forever changed flight security in the United States.

Watch below 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 Queen City News.
9/11 victims remembered by Murfreesboro firefighters and recruits: 'This is a special day of remembrance'

Murfreesboro firefighter recruits honored first responder victims of the 9/11 terrorism attacks Wednesday by climbing stairs to the top of a training tower in gear.

"This is a special day of remembrance," Murfreesboro Fire Rescue Department Chief Mark McCluskey said in a statement emailed to The Daily News Journal. "It's a day we reflect back on and never forget."

The recruits remembered 343 New York firefighters who died while seeking to rescue others caught in the World Train Center twin towers that collapsed September 11, 2001, after terrorists hijackers crashed passenger jets into the skyscrapers.

Firefighters climb down the Doug Young Public Safety Training Center tower Wednesday (Sept. 11, 2024) in Murfreesboro after reaching the top to remember 343 New York firefighters who died seeking to rescue victims in the terrorism attacks at the world Trade Center twin towers on Sept. 11, 2001.

"We mourn the loss of one of our firefighters, and it was a very heartbreaking moment," McCluskey said. "I can only imagine - losing as many as (New York firefighters) did to our one, and how it affected our department. We're also here today to remember David Bricker, who lost his life in the line of duty."

The firefighter trainees were at the Doug Young Public Training Center tower off Bridge Avenue and New Salem Highway. The center honors the late Doug Young, a former Murfreesboro vice mayor who died December 2016.

The new firefighter recruits and city fire rescue employees also heard from a former New York firefighter who shared his experiences during the 9/11 attacks, said Larry Flowers, a public safety spokesman for the Murfreesboro government.

Mark McCluskey

In addition to honoring the 9/11 victims, Murfreesboro firefighters held a wreath laying ceremony honoring fallen Rutherford County firefighters, Flowers said.

The name of David Bricker has been added to the Firefighters Memorial on the grounds of the historic Rutherford County Courthouse in the center of the Public Square in downtown Murfreesboro.

Reach reporter Scott Broden with news tips or questions by emailing him at sbroden@dnj.com. To support his work with The Daily News Journal, sign up for a digital subscription.

This article originally appeared on Murfreesboro Daily News Journal: 9/11 victims remembered by Murfreesboro firefighters and recruits
CANFIELD, Ohio (WKBN)  Local law enforcement officers gathered Wednesday in Canfield for a summit on drug-impaired drivers.

The event was hosted by travel club AAA. Several experts gave presentations on topics like like drug identification, illicit drug trade in Ohio, and how drugs are used in human trafficking.

Captain Stephen McGeary, with the Mahoning County Sheriffs Office, said they attend trainings like this one to stay up to date on trends and learn how to handle certain situations, like policing drivers under the new recreational marijuana laws.

Some of us have gone to some updated training in reference to marijuana use and how to enforce the new law in the state of Ohio. At this point, some officers are a little confused, so the best method to fix that is through education, McGeary said.

AAAs goal in hosting the summit is to increase education and ultimately have no more deaths from impaired driving.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
CARACAS, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Tuesday accused his Dominican counterpart Luis Abinader of being a "thief" and "bandit," after the seizure of his plane in the Dominican Republic.

Speaking at an event broadcast by the state-run television channel, Maduro claimed that Abinader, with the cooperation of local officials, facilitated U.S. authorities in seizing the aircraft.

Maduro warned that the Dominican people would eventually hold Abinader accountable.

The plane, a Dassault Falcon 900EX, was impounded by the U.S. Department of Justice earlier this month for violating U.S. sanctions against Venezuela and flown to Florida.

Maduro said that Venezuela reserves its right to take legal action to address the situation and reiterated his opposition to U.S. sanctions. 
ORANGE BEACH, Ala. (WKRG)  An abandoned boat in Orange Beach is still there almost a month after crashing into the jetty at Alabama Point.

The boat has raised many questions in the community, but the bigger question now is what will happen to the boat if it is not moved before Francine makes its way to the Gulf Coast.

FRANCINE: Now a Hurricane, Landfall Coming Wednesday on the Gulf Coast

When we came out this morning, we were the only ones on the beach and the boat was sitting there, Cindy Monahan, a beachgoer from Mobile, said. We were wondering what happened. Was it abandoned? Is anybody going to pick it up?

Earlier this summer, the boat was stuck on the jetty rocks and attracted many beachgoers curious of the vessels past. As of Tuesday evening, the boat is sitting on the beach sinking into the sand.

Photo of an abandoned boat in Orange Beach

With Francine brewing in the Gulf, the boat will be vulnerable to the effects of the storm. Beachgoers are curious about where the boat will end up once the storm passes.

Why cant I watch WKRG-TV News 5 on YouTube TV today?

We were wondering if it was going to come unmoored from that area and go back out to sea, Monahan said.

Or if it was going to sink in the bay and, you know, be a haunted something, Monahans sister, Teresa Beighley, said.

Marine police told News 5 that the owner contracted someone to remove the boat from the jetty, but theyre still working to remove it from the sand. They believe the boat is secure in the sand for now.

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency is continuing to investigate the boat at Alabama Point.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5.
ABC News sparked intense backlash among critics for its aggressive approach to former President Trump versus its soft treatment of Vice President Kamala Harris during Tuesday's presidential debate.

The Disney-owned network shocked the nation as its debate moderators David Muir and Linsey Davis repeatedly fact-checked Trump on various topics from crime, abortion to the former president's past comments about the 2020 election.

"The ABC moderators are fact checking- incorrectly!- and in such a shockingly obviously one-sided way, that Trump enduring the ambush as well as he has is a win," conservative radio host Buck Sexton reacted. "This debate has been a total sham, questions are all attacks on Trump, its 3 on 1. Outrageous."

ABC'S LINSEY DAVIS RAISES EYEBROWS WITH ABORTION FACT-CHECK AGAINST TRUMP: COMPLETELY INTERJECTS HERSELF

"So when Trump doesnt directly answer the question, ABC points it out. Kamala will NOT directly answer a single question and they let her off the hook," Outkick host Tomi Lahren pointed out.

"These debate questions and moderation is breathtaking. Holy s---. Im not being hyperbolic. This is incredible. Absolutely outrageous," Ruthless co-host Josh Holmes wrote.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

"ABC News moderators trying to make Candy Crowley look like a mute," author Jerry Dunleavy said, referring to the CNN debate moderator who infamously attempted to fact-check Mitt Romney in the 2012 election.

"The framing of every single question has been awful. Every single one," The Federalist editor-in-chief Mollie Hemingway wrote.

Critics took aim at ABC debate moderators David Muir and Linsey Davis for their lopsided treatment of both candidates.

KAMALA HARRIS, DONALD TRUMP FACE OFF IN BATTLEGROUND PENNSYLVANIA FOR FIRST PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE

Some critics specifically called out Muir for his multiple spats with Trump.

"David Muir is criticizing and attacking Trump more than Kamala is," journalist Glenn Greenwald said. "Kamala can relax because the ABC 'moderators' are handling the debate for her."

"David Muir is running a strong campaign for president," author and activist Christopher Rufo quipped.

US Vice President Kamala Harris, right, and former US President Donald Trump during the second presidential debate at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US, on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024.

FOX NEWS TOP TALENT REACT TO ABC PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE

Others took aim at the network broadly.

"This has been an absolute disaster for ABC's credibility," NewsBusters managing editor Curtis Houck said.

"Ive been telling you guys for years how much @ABC hates republicans" former "The View" co-host Meghan McCain said.

"3 vs. 1... This is gross," Daily Caller correspondent Henry Rodgers said.

"ABC/Disney has done its best to help VP Harris. Its astonishing how badly moderated it has been," syndicated radio host Hugh Hewitt wrote. "Trump could have put the election away and didnt. But she is so awful she still couldnt win with both moderators so obviously, terribly biased. Neither of them won but ABC/Disney lost half the country."

Screenshot: Fox News simulcast of ABC News Presidential Debate

The ABC moderators did earn some praise from other members of the liberal media.

"ABC moderators doing an *excellent* job," MSNBC host Chris Hayes reacted.

"I will say it ABC moderators have exceeded expectations. They are fact checking and confronting. Shows how abysmal CNN was," Washington Post columnist Jennifer Rubin wrote.

"Muir has a talent for delivering confrontational ripostes in a way that seems like Bob Ross talking about adding a little magenta to a sunset," New York Times correspondent Glenn Thrush said.

US Vice President Kamala Harris, right, and former US President Donald Trump shake hands during the second presidential debate at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US, on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024.

Meanwhile, Trump took a lot of flack for constantly "taking the bait" from Harris as well as the debate moderators.

"Ever since the crowd size comment, Kamala's been in his head. Trump's taking the bait and getting riled up. It's that easy," Puck News correspondent Tara Palmeri said.

"Harris keeps dangling bait for Trump and he keeps burning the first 20 seconds of the response on it," Semafor reporter David Weigel wrote.

"Donald Trump is taking every piece of bait - doing what a lot of the commentary was concerned VP Harris was going to do," MSNBC host Symone Sanders-Townsend similarly said.

"Trump is not doing what Harris is doing. Which is dodging/pivoting from his worst sections to his best or trying to derail Kamala Instead, he just keeps litigating each bait that Kamala throws him and ignores his own best issues," Breaking Points co-host Saagar Enjeti posted.

"You and I can scream all we want about the debate moderators, and they are actively trying to help Harris, but Trump agreed to the debate, took every bit of bait, and low information voters are watching this. His lack of discipline helps Harris," conservative radio host Erick Erickson concluded.





Original article source: ABC debate moderators spark fury for aggressive fact-checking of Trump, easy treatment of Harris
Lets keep this simple: ABC News David Muir and Linsey Davis did a great job moderating Tuesday nights debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. Their questions were sharp, their research was on point, their approach was calm, and they even managed to pull off some real-time fact-checking without coming across as excessively partisan. In my book, Tuesday nights debate was the best-moderated presidential debate of the Trump era.

To be fair, its a low bar to clear. With the notable exception of this Junes Trump-Biden debate, in which Trump allowed a somnolent Joe Biden to gawk and mumble his way toward lame-duck status, most of the general-election debates in which Trump has participated since 2016 have been chaotic affairs. Because Trump doesnt care about the issues, has poor impulse control, and is obsessed with appearing dominant, he generally ends up talking over his opponents and ignoring the agreed-upon debate rules, as if challenging the moderators to do something about it.

They generally do very little about it, which works to Trumps benefit: He gets to look tough on TV while his opponents seem impotent. When the moderators do try to push back, as former Fox News host Chris Wallace did in a rowdy September 2020 debate between Trump and Biden, Trump generally has been able to make it seem like hes being ganged up on by the very unfair and biased media. (Indeed, Trump and his surrogates are currently saying as muchquite weaklyabout Tuesday nights debate.)

But in between docility and pugnacity lies the pathway to effective debate moderation, and I thought Muir and Davis did a fine job walking that road on Tuesday night. The moderators questions were uniformly salient, with hardly a softball in the bunch. When, in their responses, the candidates pivoted away from the question that had been initially asked, Muir and Davis generally found a way to lead them back to the initial question and give them a second shot at answering.

For the most part, the questions were also specific, which is important. Its easy for even an undisciplined politician such as Trump to deflect a broad question of the What would you do about XYZ? variety. Its harder to deflector at least its easier for a home viewer to notice the deflectionwhen the question is specifically rooted in the candidates statements or policy positions. Take the following question that Davis posed to Harris: Vice President Harris, in your last run for president, you said you wanted to ban fracking. Now you dont. You wanted mandatory government buyback programs for assault weapons. Now your campaign says you dont. You supported decriminalizing border crossings. Now youre taking a harder line. I know you say that your values have not changed. So then why have so many of your policy positions changed?

Thats an excellent question. But other Trump debates have featured good questions, too, and have been, in the end, bad debates. Where Muir and Davis really excelled was in their preparation and their demeanor. Near the beginning of the debate, an exchange about the economy went off the rails a bit when Trump bashed Harris economic plan as being as simplistic as a childrens book: Its like four sentences, like Run Spot Run. Rather than urge Trump to maintain decorum and stick to the issues, Muir effectively brought the debate back to the issues: Mr. President, I do want to drill down on something you both brought up. The vice president brought up your tariffs, you responded, and lets drill down on this. The smooth pivot was a function of Muir and Davis being prepared for Trump to go off the rails, and being calm enough to direct the debate back toward more substantive territory.

Their deep preparation and calm demeanor also showed in their judicious and effective use of real-time fact-checking, which they deployed occasionally in response to some of Trumps more bizarre claims. Live fact-checking in a televised debate is hard to do well. It can come across as scolding, and it can sometimes seem like the person being fact-checkedno matter how deserving the fact checksis being ganged up on by the moderators. Davis and Muir did neither. They didnt try to rebut every lie that Trump told, and they never allowed themselves to seem upset about Trumps inaccurate claims; rather, they picked their spots and delivered their rebuttals in neutral, matter-of-fact tones.

During an exchange about abortion, for example, Trump announced that some states would permit infanticide after a baby was born. Davis waited for Trump to finish his response and then said this: There is no state in this country where it is legal to kill a baby after its born. Madame Vice President, I want to get your response to President Trump. Later, when Trump tried to claim that undocumented immigrants in Ohio were eating residents petsa typically odd Trumpian regurgitation of a baseless right-wing claim thats taken the internet this weekMuir responded calmly and immediately: I just want to clarify here, you bring up Springfield, Ohio. And ABC News did reach out to the city manager there. He told us there have been no credible reports of specific claims of pets being harmed, injured, or abused by individuals within the immigrant community. Preparation and demeanor. Muir and Davis predicted that Trump would make these claims. They did their research to rebut them. And then they delivered their rebuttals quickly and calmly without derailing the broader debate.

If theres anything to complain about regarding Muir and Davis moderation, its that it occasionally seemed like they were refusing to let Harris respond to some of Trumps provocations, while giving Trump carte blanche to respond to whatever Harris said about him. Watching the debate, it sure felt like Trump was jumping in and responding over and over without having formally been given the floor by the moderators, and at times I didnt understand why ABC kept allowing him to do it. But ultimately, ABCs decision to let Trump ramble at times felt judicious. One of the main points of these debates is to let viewers see who these candidates are and what they stand for. Allowing Trump to insist on a few digressive, mean-spirited, generally incoherent rebuttals gave viewers the unmistakable impression that Trump is a vicious, empty bully who stands only for himself. Thats a journalistic service.

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.
Moderators David Muir and Linsey following the debate in Philadelphia on 10 September 2024.

Moderators David Muir and Linsey following the debate in Philadelphia on 10 September 2024. Photograph: Brian Snyder/Reuters

Tuesday nights debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris could have been a mess of layered talking, unchallenged claims and wild veers off-topic. Instead, ABCs moderators, David Muir and Linsey Davis, kept the candidates on point.

Muir and Davis took on the first matchup between the two presidential candidates, who are virtually tied in the polls, seeking to enforce timing agreements and ensure a civilized discussion, according to debate rules from ABC that took weeks to negotiate. It was no easy task.

While there were imperfect moments, the pair were largely praised for delivering a strong performance. They effectively rerouted discussions back to the questions they had asked on key topics including the economy, immigration, abortion rights and the peaceful transfer of power, and made important clarifying fact-check statements when they were warranted.

Related: Eating the pets, crime and abortion: fact-checking the presidential debate

When Trump made the outlandish claim that Democrats supported the execution of babies after they were born and accused Tim Walz, Harriss vice-presidential pick, of supporting abortions in the ninth month, Davis laid out the facts: There is no state in this country where it is legal to kill a baby after it is born, Davis told viewers.

Muir also pushed Trump on his connection to the 6 January attack on the US Capitol and his belief that he won the election despite all evidence to the contrary.

The moderators werent always able to get the final word when it came to fact-checking though, including when Trump raised unfounded claims that immigrants were eating the pets in communities across the country.

When Trump finished speaking, Muir shared reporting from ABC News, which had reached out to the city manager in Springfield, Illinois:

He told us there had been no credible reports of specific claims of pets being harmed, injured or abused by individuals within the immigrant community, Muir said. Trump cut in, speaking over Muir as he tried to finish his fact-check, and repeated: I have seen people on television saying: My dog was taken and used for food.

The moderators also allowed the candidates to speak and respond when it was their turn, but were quick to curb grandstanding that went over time.

Muir and Davis are veteran journalists who have collectively spent decades helping the American public navigate presidential positions.

Muir, the anchor and managing editor of ABC Newss World News Tonight, has worked at the network since 2003 and moderated debates for both parties primaries.

Davis, who anchors the evening newscast ABC News Live Prime and World News Tonight on Sundays, has been at the network since 2007. She brings experience moderating Democratic primary debates in September 2019 and February 2020.

Despite their successes at moderating the discussion, not everyone was pleased with the outcome. Conservatives largely viewed the team as biased due to their need to correct the record on many of Trumps claims.

These moderators are a disgraceful failure and this is one of the most biased, unfair debates I have ever seen, Megyn Kelly wrote on X as the debate aired. Shame on you @ABC.

Read more about the 2024 US election:
ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)  An Abilene woman has been sentenced to probation for a fatal hit-and-run.

Wanda Rani Hebert received a 6-year probation sentence after pleading guilty Tuesday for an Accident Involving Death charge, for allegedly killing Calvin Eugene Roberts III in February 2021.

Roberts body was found lying in the middle of the roadway. Early in the investigation, no witnesses had come forward.

Hebert was arrested within 24 hours of the crash then released from jail the next day after posting a $5,000 bond.

No further information about the incident has been disclosed.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
(NewsNation)  After the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, access to abortion has been a contentious issue, including in the first debate between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris.

Abortion

During the 90-minute debate, Trump falsely said Democrats support abortions in the third trimester and after birth. No state in the country allows termination after birth.

Harris reminded voters that Trump has bragged that his three Supreme Court appointees were instrumental in the decision after nearly a half-century of women having a constitutional right to terminate a pregnancy.

Who won Trump-Harris presidential debate?

Trump abortion bans make no exception for rape and incest, Harris said.

Trump said he stands for exceptions for rape and incest before saying most Americans want individual states determine their own abortion restrictions.

Trump refuses to commit to vetoing national abortion ban

He refused to commit to vetoing a national abortion ban. When asked directly if he would veto a ban, Trump indicated Congress wouldnt need to pass one.

Im not in favor of an abortion ban, but it doesnt matter, because this issue has now been taken over by the states, Trump said. I wouldnt have to.

This combination of photos shows Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump, left, and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris during an ABC News presidential debate at the National Constitution Center, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump shakes hands with Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris during an ABC News presidential debate at the National Constitution Center, Tuesday, Sept.10, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during a debate with Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at the National Constitution Center, Tuesday, Sept.10, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks during a ABC News presidential debate with Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris at the National Constitution Center, Tuesday, Sept.10, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

US Vice President Kamala Harris, right, and former US President Donald Trump shake hands during the second presidential debate at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US, on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. Trump and 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. Photographer: Doug Mills/The New York Time/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris shake hands before the start of an ABC News presidential debate at the National Constitution Center, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Donald Trump and Kamala Harris face off in their first presidential debate Tuesday night.

Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during a presidential debate with Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at the National Constitution Center, Tuesday, Sept.10, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks during a presidential debate with Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris at the National Constitution Center, Tuesday, Sept.10, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks during a presidential debate with Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris at the National Constitution Center, Tuesday, Sept.10, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Harris said women do not want abortion bans, speaking about women who are miscarrying and denied care because doctors are afraid to go to jail and young teens who are incest victims being forced to give birth. Harris committed to signing a bill to protect the right to abortion across the U.S.

She warned that Trump would sign a national abortion ban, referencing Project 2025, and said Americans believe the freedom to make decisions about their body should not be controlled by the government.

The government and Donald Trump should not be telling a woman what to do with her body, Harris said, recollecting stories of women who went through miscarriages and rape victims.

Trump claimed he has been a leader for the access to in vitro fertilization (IVF). He and Harris went back and forth over the possibility of abortion in the eighth or ninth month, which is usually performed because of medical complications affecting the mother or fetus.

Republican-led states across the country have implemented near or total bans on surgical abortions since the Supreme Court overturned Roe.

A recent poll conducted by The New York Times/Siena College found more voters support Harris views on abortion rights.

What they have previously said on abortion

Trump

Harris

Harris is aligned with President Joe Biden in her view on abortion, going as far as saying everything is at stake regarding womens reproductive rights.

The vice president is in favor of ensuring all American women have access to legal abortions.

Every person of whatever gender should understand that, if such a fundamental freedom such as the right to make decisions about your own body can be taken, be aware of what other freedoms may be at stake, Harris said in a joint MSNBC interview with Hadley Duvall, an abortion rights advocate from Kentucky who was raped by her stepfather as a child.

Harris falsely wrote on X that Trump would ban abortion nationwide. She then added: President Joe Biden and I will do everything in our power to stop him and restore womens reproductive freedom.

Harris also visited a Planned Parenthood clinic in Minnesota in March, describing the banning or heavy restriction of abortions as immoral.

How dare these elected leaders believe they are in a better position to tell women what they need, Harris said at the time. We have to be a nation that trusts women.

The Associated Press and NewsNations Steph Whiteside contributed to this report.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
Democrats support executing babies after birth. Former President Donald Trump wants a federal ban on abortion and on in vitro fertilization (IVF), too. At least, these are some "facts" you might have gleaned if you believed everything said in last night's presidential debate.

The Harris/Trump match-up was both predictable and remarkable in a lot of ways. I'm going to focus on their exchanges regarding reproductive freedom. It was a segment marked by both candidates making some valid (and pro-freedom!) points and both candidates telling some big old whoppers.

Let's start with the lies.

Do Democrats Want To Execute Babies?

Trump said repeatedly that Democrats, including Vice President Kamala Harris' running mate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, endorse executing babies after birth and implied that this was something actually happening in the U.S. before Roe v. Wade was overturned in 2022. It seems quite ridiculous that anyone would believe this, but for the record: this is not true.

"There is no state in this country where it is legal to kill a baby after it's born," as debate moderator Linsey Davis pointed out to Trump last night. Nor have Harris, Walz, or any mainstream Democratic politicians come out in favor of post-birth abortion, which would obviously just be murder.

Trump kept trying to bolster his lie by referencing the former governor of either West Virginia or Virginiahe mentioned both at various points. One or both of them are baby murder enthusiasts, Trump suggested. "The governor of Virginia said, we put the baby aside, and then we determine what we want to do with the baby," Trump said.

Trump is likely referencing comments made by former Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam in 2019. Northam was discussing what happens if a woman delivers a nonviable fetus or a baby with life-threatening deformities. "The infant would be delivered, the infant would be kept comfortable, the infant would be resuscitated if that's what the mother and the family desired. And then a discussion would ensue between the physicians and the mother," Northam said. Some Republicans ran with this comment to suggest that Northam supported "post-birth abortions," when what he was really discussing was palliative care for babies born fatal or likely fatal conditions.

Trump also kept suggesting last night that the Roe v. Wade regime meant states had to allow unfettered abortion through nine months of pregnancy. But the Roe regime actually allowed states to significantly restrict abortion in later months, and the vast majority did. Thenas is still the case nowonly a handful of states opted out of setting legal limits on what point in a pregnancy abortion was banned. Even in these states, the lack of a legal prohibition on later-term abortions does not necessarily mean physicians would actually perform later-term abortions, nor that women were generally seeking them without good reason, like a pregnancy that was life-threatening or a fetus that was nonviable.

That's not to say that late-term abortions desired for other reasons never take place. But late term abortions in general are relatively rare. According to U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data from 2012, the vast majority of U.S. abortionsupwards of 90 percentare done in the first trimester (which goes through 13 weeks) and more than 65 percent take place in the first eight weeks. Only 1.3 percent take place at or after 21 weeks.

(I don't know why Democrats never seem prepared to answer the late-term abortion question in a direct way. They would be wise to say something like "I support states restricting abortion in later pregnancy so long as there are adequate exceptions for extenuating circumstances, like situations where a woman's life is threatened or a fetus isn't viable." This seems to be the position that many of them (Harris included) are hinting at, but they never just outright state it, which gives Republicans a foothold to attack them as abortion radicals. Last night, Harris would only say "I absolutely support reinstating the protections of Roe v. Wade" when asked whether she supports late-term abortions. It's like they're so worried about staying on message with abortion, or about alienating people who want absolutely no restrictions anywhere, that they forget to try and sound like humans.)

Does Trump Want To Ban Abortion, Ban IVF, and Monitor All Pregnancies?

Harris spread some misinformation and half-truths of her own during the abortion portion of last night's debate. These false claims weren't quite as egregious as Trump's, since wrongly saying that someone and their entire party support infant murder is about as egregious as it gets. But Harris did seem to misrepresent Trump's positions several times, insisting that he supported policies that he does not support.

"If Donald Trump were to be reelected, he will sign a national abortion ban," Harris said.

Trump has repeatedly stated that he does not want a nationwide ban on abortion. Under his watch, the GOP removed a nationwide abortion ban plank from the party's platform. Trump has also repeatedly praised the idea of abortion laws being left up to states. I'm not naive enough to think Trump couldn't be persuaded into signing such a ban, should it pass. (And, last night, he wouldn't answer a question about this directly.) But by all indications, it does not appear to be a policy he favors or would be pushing.

Harris' claim hereas with Trump's claims about late-term abortionswere both worded in such a way as to be somewhat or potentially true. Democrats do tend to favor some exceptions for abortion in later pregnancy. It's possible, and perhaps even likely, that Trump would sign a national ban into law (specially if the ban was not total but, say, a 15-week ban). But these are claims clearly meant to invoke more extreme positions than those held in reality.

Harris also suggested IVF was imperiled thanks to Trump and that a Trump administration would be monitoring all pregnancies. "Under Donald Trump's abortion bans, couples who pray and dream of having a family are being denied IVF treatments," she said last night.

But in only one state (Alabama) has IVF really been threatened, due to a court's interpretation of pre-Dobbs Alabama law. And this was quickly remedied by the state legislature. What's more, Trump has stated on multiple occasionsincluding last nightthat he supports IVF. His statements on this front often give the impression that he doesn't exactly understand how IVF works, but he's also unequivocally endorsed its protection.

Under Trump, "there would be a national abortion a monitor that would be monitoring your pregnancies, your miscarriages," Harris said last night. Like Trump's claims about Northam's comments, this statement from Harris appears to reference a real thing but misrepresent it.

A bill proposed by Republicans earlier this year would create a pregnancy.gov website and "require states to apply child support obligations to the time period during pregnancy, if so requested by the mother." As Reason's Liz Wolfe explained back in May, "Users of the website could add their contact information if they would like, but they would not be required to, nor would a database attempt to log all the pregnant women in the country." Somehow, this turned into a viral scare story about Republicans trying to create a "'Handmaid's Tale'-type proposal to 'register' pregnant women" and an example of conservatives trying to "help Trump monitor and potentially prosecute women who have abortions."

Freedom and Democracy

Harris' best moments in the abortion part of the debate came when she was talking about how abortion bans have affected American women's lives. She conveyed just the right mix of righteous anger, empathy, and outrage when talking about families who very much wanted to have children but either miscarried or experienced life-threatening complications and couldn't get the care they needed because of laws that took effect in the post-Roe world.

"I have talked with women around our country," said Harris to Trump. "You want to talk about this is what people wanted? Pregnant women who want to carry a pregnancy at a term, suffering from a miscarriage, being denied care in an emergency room because the health care 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."

Harris shrewdly focused on abortions of the sort that a majority of Americans support, like situations where a mother's health is at risk or situations where a pregnancy results from rape or incest. These may not represent the majority of situations in which women seek abortions, but they are real issues that have come to the forefront since Roe was overturned, and I think Harris made a good call in highlighting situations like these.

Harris was also smart to frame the issue as one of government overreach, not choice. "Choice" has come to implyunfairly, if you ask mean air of frivolity. But freedom from intrusive government means that grave decisions are left between women and their doctors, not bureaucrats. Choice vs. freedom may sound like a subtle difference, but the latter is much more in keeping with current messaging from abortion rights activists in a post-Roe world, and last night, Harris was on trend.

"The government and Donald Trump certainly should not be telling a woman what to do with her body," she said at one point. "I think the American people believe that certain freedomsin particular the freedom to make decisions about one's own bodyshould not be made by the government," she said a little bit later.

Trump also invoked quintessentially American valueslike democracy and federalismwhen talking about abortion. People "wanted this issue to be brought back to the states, where the people could vote, and that's what happened," Trump said.

"Now, Ohio, the vote was somewhat liberal, Kansas, the vote was somewhat liberalmuch more liberal than people would have thought," he continued. "But each individual state is voting. It's the vote of the people. Now, it's not tied up in the federal government."

There is something to the idea that abortion should be a state's issue. On that, I know I'm at odds with a lot of abortion rights supporters. But it seems that rather than trying to set a one-size-fits-all policy on such a contentious and momentous issue, we'd be better served to help people in states with restrictive laws change those laws through the democratic process, help ensure humane exceptions to bans so that women's lives and health aren't threatened, and put more resources into helping those who need to travel out of state for an abortion do so. We can also help ensure that ballot measures supporting reproductive freedom aren't unfairly held up by GOP officials (as we've been seeing recently in a lot of states).

It's been exciting to see Americans across the country vote in favor of reproductive freedom. It showcases what anyone looking behind hyper-partisan mudslinging or super-activist rhetoric knows: that Americans are largely libertarian and moderate on abortion. In their own ways, both Trump and Harris implicitly acknowledged this last night.

More Sex & Tech News

 A fascinating thread from the Sex Workers Archival Project looks at some horrible historical ideas and panics about sex workers, including a World War II-era plot in which "prostitutes wereprepared for jobs in war industries," as one news article from the time period put it.

 "If voters are going to protect abortion rights when given the chance, the answer, Republicans are increasingly saying, is not to let them," writes Chris Geidner in a newsletter post about what happened after Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft said he "decertified" an abortion ballot measure he previously certified.

Supporters of the ballot measure immediately went to court, where litigation was ongoing already, seeking to get the Missouri Supreme Court to hold Ashcroft in contempt for the move. After arguments on Tuesday, a majority of the Missouri Supreme Court ordered that the abortion measure remain on the ballot, reversing a lower court's ruling. Although the court rejected the request for Ashcroft to be held in contempt, Chief Justice Mary Russell called Ashcroft's September 9 letter a "nullity and of no effect."

 Utah's Minor Protection in Social Media Actwhich was set to take effect October 1has been preliminarily blocked by a federal court. The lawwhich would require social media platforms to verify user ages and impose an array of restrictions on minors' accountswas challenged by NetChoice, a tech industry trade group. NetChoice "is substantially likely to succeed on its claim the Act violates the First Amendment," the court found, granting the group's request for a preliminary injunction. "The court recognizes the State's earnest desire to protect young people from the novel challenges associated with social media use," writes U.S. District Judge Robert J. Shelby in the court's decision. "But owing to the First Amendment's paramount place in our democratic system, even well-intentioned legislation that regulates speech based on content must satisfy a tremendously high level of constitutional scrutiny. And on the record before the court, [Utah officials] have yet to show the Act does."

 OnlyFans is rolling in cash.

Today's Image

The kids toys in front of me as I watch this debate. Sloth on a train feels oddly appropriate somehow? (ENB/Reason)

The post On Abortion, Harris and Trump Were Both Right and Both Infuriatingly Wrong appeared first on Reason.com.
Getty Images

After a Republican canvasser in Kalamazoo County signed a sworn affidavit stating that he will certify the November presidential election results, the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan has dropped its lawsuit against him.

The lawsuit against Robert Froman, a member of the Kalamazoo Board of County Canvassers, was filed last week after he told The Detroit News he most definitely believed the 2020 election was stolen from former President Donald Trump, and when asked if he would certify the 2024 election if it unfolded the same way, Froman replied, No. And thats why Im there.

The ACLU said it filed the suit to ensure election law would be followed after Froman disavowed his comments to the paper, which stood by its reporting, but refused to request a retraction.

But on Monday, Froman relented and signed an affidavit agreeing that he may not, and will not, refuse to certify results of the election based on any information extrinsic to the statement of returns. In exchange, the ACLU agreed to a stipulated dismissal of the suit with the proviso that if they have to refile it, Froman agrees they can do so via email.

Phil Mayor, senior staff attorney at the ACLU of Michigan, said the lawsuit and its quick resolution was proof that pro-democracy groups like the ACLU will act immediately if officials fail to follow the law.

Having faith that elections are fair and the results properly certified is crucial to a well-functioning democracy, said Mayor. The successful conclusion of this lawsuit should bolster confidence that Michigans official election results will accurately reflect the will of voters, and that anyone who tries to convert canvassing boards into a platform for partisan gamesmanship will be subject to quick and decisive legal action.

The ACLU noted that the Michigan Constitution and state election law require canvassers to certify election results within 14 days after the election based solely on the total number of votes reported from each location within their jurisdiction. The law does not allow them to withhold certification

Despite the unambiguity of the law, the same issue was at play in two other incidents involving county canvassers in Michigan.

In 2020, two members of the Wayne County Board of Canvassers initially voted against certifying the results of the election based on false allegations of fraud in Detroit. It was later learned that they had been personally pressured by President Trump not to sign the certification documents.

More recently, Republican members of the Delta County Board of Canvassers initially refused to certify the results of elections earlier this year for county offices based on unfounded allegations of voter fraud. They quickly reversed that decision and certified the results after being reminded by state election officials of their ministerial duties under the law.

The resolution of this suit shows that no one is exempt from the law, said Theresa Lee, senior staff attorney at the ACLU. Canvassers should be on notice that it is up to voters to choose their elected officials, and any attempt to subvert our election processes, and functionally our democracy, will be met in court.

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Across Tampa, cars block sidewalks and bike lanes. Is there enough enforcement?

TAMPA  Tatiana Morales rides her bicycle through this car-centric city almost daily. She commutes along the Green Spine, Tampas network of dedicated bike lanes linking downtown with surrounding neighborhoods that has been more than a decade in the making.

The route is far from hazard free.

She must dodge delivery vans idling in the bike lane and slam her brakes to avoid illegally parked cars. She sees pedestrians, too, pushed into traffic to get around vehicles blocking the sidewalk.

Tampa consistently ranks near the top on lists of dangerous places to get around on foot or bike. Even as the city works to connect its spotty patchwork of sidewalks and bike lane segments, residents who rely on them say it does little to ensure those paths are not choked off by parked cars.

The dangers, theyre constant, said Morales, 28. It means cyclists and pedestrians feel fear even in the places that are supposed to be safe.

The number of citations handed out to vehicles illegally parked on sidewalks plummeted to a five-year low in 2023, according to a Tampa Bay Times review of city data. Parking enforcers issued 363 citations last year  less than a quarter the number handed out in 2022 and far fewer than during the pandemic when enforcement was scaled back.

Its not necessarily a bad thing, Fed Revolte, manager of the citys parking division, said of the drop. It means the message has been received, that there is more public awareness.

Citations issued for parking on the sidewalk this year has already far surpassed the number doled out in 2023, according to city data. Citations for parking in bike lanes have ticked up from zero as recently as 2020, but still remain in the low hundreds.

Those who rely on sidewalks and bike lanes, either by choice or necessity if car ownership is cost prohibitive, say scant enforcement has left them to navigate a cityscape plagued with obstacles. The prevalence of illegal parking, many said, is particularly frustrating at a time when the city is pumping money into making Tampa a more biking and pedestrian-friendly place.

We dont treat our sidewalks and our bike lanes like the cherished assets they are, said Christina Acosta, a board member of transportation advocacy nonprofit Walk Bike Tampa. That space is paved gold.

Hundreds of photos poured in responding to Tampa Bay Times inquiries on social media about the prevalence of illegally parked vehicles across the city. In a recent interview with the Times, Mayor Jane Castor, who has made expanding the citys transportation offerings a top talking point, said she wasnt familiar with the public concern.

Just because Im not aware of those complaints, clearly doesnt mean they dont exist, she added.

Her administration has aggressively pursued federal funds to address the citys transportation insufficiencies and launched the Quick Build Program, smaller-scale street safety projects. The first project was the Cass Street Bridge redesign with expanded space for walkers and cyclists, separated from traffic with vertical barriers.

Earlier this year, Morales was peddling over the bridge. Then a truck barreled toward her. The motorist, she said, seemed to be trying to skip traffic by driving in the bike lane. Scared, she began to scream.

Then they started screaming at me, as though I  the person on the bike, in the bike lane  was the one in the wrong, she said.

She routinely sees people on foot, bikes and mobility scooters dodge illegally parked vehicles. Often, she said, they keep going, even if they are injured, leaving no paper trail of the scale of the problem.

In those moments, its hard to pull out your phone and take a video, Morales said. Youre just trying to survive and go on with your day.

The Mobility Department does not track citizen complaints of parked vehicles blocking bike lanes and sidewalks, according to spokesperson Joshua Cascio.

Resident Humaira Afzal, 60, has two photo albums on her phone documenting blocked passages: things that dont belong in the bike line and things that dont belong on the sidewalk. Each is brimming with violations.

I see cars parked day after day after day in the same spot, said Afzal, who occasionally presents the images the City Council, urging officials to take the problem seriously.

We have cost of living crisis, she said. If more households could get by with fewer cars, if walking and biking were safer and easier, it would help people pay all their other bills.

Both police officers and the citys parking specialists  employed within the Mobility Department  enforce the parking code. Citations carry a $30 fine.

Until a few years ago, police shouldered most of the responsibility to oversee parking enforcement outside of Tampas commercial core, Revolte said. In 2021, the city doubled the number of parking specialists to about 25 so they could have a more active presence in residential areas.

Now, its just a constant battle of trying to educate and, you know, change that behavior, he said. Its hard for our staff to get to all these areas, day in, day out.

Transit advocates continue to push for more protected bike lanes, raised crosswalks, curb extensions and other measures like cameras that dont just ask motorists to drive safety but impose consequences if they fail to do so.

Across the country, officials are expanding their tactics.

Last year, New York City announced a new platform to report areas where deliveries frequently block bike and bus lanes to help officials identify locations for future loading zones. The city also launched a campaign that invites  and pays  people to report parked trucks that idle for more than three minutes, or one minute if outside a school.

The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency began using bus-mounted cameras for enforcement in 2008 to ticket drivers parked in bus lanes. The program is credited with improving bus travel times by up to 20%, according to officials.

From Los Angeles to Boston, Seattle to Indianapolis, social media accounts are spotlighting the issue of illegal parking  not just a nuisance, but a safety hazard, particularly perilous for people with wheelchairs or pushchairs.

Emily Hinsdale, founder of local nonprofit Sidewalk Stompers which encourages families to walk to school, has raised concerns about parking with the police for years.

We were told this was something they didnt have the resources to enforce, she said. This is an ongoing, persistent problem.

The group used to slip letters into mailboxes and under windshield wipers, gently nudging drivers to ensure sidewalks are clear at times when kids walk to and from school. Many ignored the notice, Hinsdale said. Some complied.

Others were angry, she said.

Sidewalks are already so minimal in Tampa, she said. To have them blocked by cars pushes even more kids into the street and oncoming traffic.

Still, she remains optimistic that residents and officials alike are paying increased attention on making Tampa a more walk and bike friendly place. In the meantime, children continue to shuffle around cars hogging the sidewalk.

To report parking issues in Tampa, complete an online form at https://www.tampaconnect.com/. Contact the citys Parking Division by phone at (813) 274-8179 or the parking security office at (813) 274-8523, accessible 24/7.
After months of languishing in an abusive boarding school in Jamaica  where boys said they were beaten, waterboarded, starved and whipped  Michigan teenager Elijah Goldman begged to come home.

But his adoptive parents in Traverse City never came for him: Not even after Jamaican authorities removed him from the American-run school, placed him in a foster home, shut down the school following allegations of abuse and neglect, and arrested and charged four school officials with child abuse.

Rather, Elijah's mom and dad  a wealthy and conservative Christian couple who adopted him from Haiti when he was 11  left him in Jamaica for another seven months.

Alone and afraid, Elijah suffered in silence in a foreign land, desperate for someone to rescue him, to take him back to the quaint Michigan town where he was a track star, went to school, had a girlfriend and hung out with friends.

Michigan teenager Elijah Goldman arrives at a Florida airport on Sept. 3, 2024, after being stuck for a year in Jamaica, where he said he was abused at a boarding school, but that his adoptive parents never came for him, even after the school closed over abuse claims.

'They abandoned me ... it hurts'

"I appreciate them for bringing me to the U.S., but they abandoned me," Elijah, now 17, wrote one recent night to the Detroit Free Press, part of the USA TODAY Network, while still waiting to be rescued from Jamaica. "I'm staying strong, but it hurts."

In a harrowing child welfare case that has sparked international interest, including that of celebrity icon and advocate for troubled teens Paris Hilton, who has intervened in Elijah's case, children's rights activists are seeking to draw attention to a pervasive problem and dark side of adoption  abandonment of the vulnerable.

It's where parents adopt troubled children, but then change their minds in a buyer's-remorse kind of way, because the kids come with too many issues. So they send them away, never to see them again.

That's what child welfare advocates say they believe happened to Elijah, whose adoptive parents sent him to an American-run boarding school in Treasure Beach, Jamaica, in September 2023, over behavior problems  including watching pornography  and allegedly ditched him in the process.

They never visited him, nor attended any of his court hearings, where Elijah and other boys disclosed allegations of horrific abuse they endured at the school called the Atlantis Leadership Academy. Elijah said he was cut with a razor and beaten in the back with a hammer. Other boys reported being waterboarded with a hose up the nose, tied to railings by the neck and beaten, and being forced to engage in club fights, where staff and local police would place bets.

The allegations prompted Jamaican officials to remove Elijah and six other American boys from the academy in February and place them in Jamaican custody. One month later, they closed the school down.

Still, Elijah's adoptive parents never came.

Elijah said the last time he heard from his adoptive parents was in April, when they called during a court proceeding. When asked what his adoptive parents told him, he said: "They didn't want me home. ... And they didn't believe me about the whole court thing ... that they were abusing us."

The Detroit Free Press made numerous attempts to speak to Elijah's parents. Multiple voicemails and text messages were left for both parents. The mom responded by text, stating: "If you would please send us your questions in writing we can consider responding." The Free Press sent a list of questions last Wednesday, and left more voicemails and text messages. As of Friday evening, the couple had not responded. Michigan officials reportedly told a lawyer and advocate for Elijah that the adoptive parents told them that they had a plan to get Elijah out of Jamaica but were advised not to travel there.

Lawyer: Biological parent would not get away with this

Elijah's case has drawn the ire of child welfare advocates, who maintain biological parents would not get away with abandoning a minor child in a foreign country for a year, especially when the child is reporting abuse.

"They were specifically told, 'Your son was abused.' And they didnt even send him clothes," said New York children's rights attorney Dawn Post, who traveled to Jamaica in the spring, met with Elijah, and has been fighting for him ever since.

"What makes it so astounding is that that these wealthy parents think they can get away with it," Post said of Elijah's adoptive parents, who live in a sprawling lakefront home in Traverse City that was named "The Southern Living Home of the Year" in 2007.

New York City children's rights attorney Dawn Post, who specializes in broken adoptions, traveled to Jamaica in April to help rescue American boys who were removed from a boarding school following allegations of abuse. One of the boys is Elijah Goldman, 17, of Traverse City, whose adoptive parents abandoned him there for nearly a year, until Post intervened and got him back to the U.S.

Post said she believes Elijah's mom and dad are getting preferential treatment from Michigan authorities because they are adoptive parents, not biological.

"If it was a biological parent  believe me  you'd have an abandonment case against them," said Post, noting she has reached out to multiple government agencies in Michigan about Elijah's case, including the governor's office, Department of Health and Human Services, and Child and Protective Services in Traverse City.

But so far, she said, no one has stepped in to help Elijah resume his life in Michigan, or to hold his adoptive parents accountable for stranding him in Jamaica.

Elijah returns to U.S., fate uncertain

Elijah is back on American soil, though his future remains uncertain. He was returned to the U.S. last week after Jamaican authorities put him on a plane and sent him to Florida, where American officials would take over and address his needs.

But since landing in Florida, his life has been a nonstop series of traumatic events, with no government agency stepping up to take him in. Florida said he was Michigan's responsibility. Michigan said he was Florida's responsibility.

His adoptive parents did not meet him at the Miami airport.

Rather, Post was there. So was an abuse survivor and youth advocate named Chelsea Maldonado, who works as a consultant to Paris Hilton's charity known as 11:11 Media Impact, which works to protect vulnerable youths from mistreatment, particularly those in residential facilities.

"Hes been abandoned and let down by every person who was in a position to offer him care, love and support," Maldonado said of Elijah, stressing the troubled teen industry preys on adopted youth. "No child should be adopted into this country only to be abandoned, or sent to a place like Atlantis Leadership Academy ... This must end."

Elijah arrived at the airport in jeans and a pullover fleece, carrying all of his belongings in a single backpack. A fellow survivor from the now-shuttered boarding school was there to greet Elijah, who smiled as he hugged his friend in the arrivals terminal. But the nervous teen kept looking over his shoulder. And in a matter of minutes, a daunting scene played out.

After being stranded for a year in Jamaica, Elijah Goldman, 17, of Traverse City, arrives back in the U.S. on Sept. 3. 2024 with the help of youth advocates. Elijah and six other boys said they were abused at a boarding school in Jamaica, only his adoptive parents never went for him. So advocates intervened, including Chelsea Maldonado, who greeted him a Miami airport, along with one of his fellow classmates at the now shuttered boarding school.

A U.S. embassy official from Jamaica, a police officer and a youth transport agent whom Elijah did not want to leave with, showed up. They whisked him away from his friend and advocates and took him into a room to discuss matters privately.

In the end, Elijah was spared having to leave with the transport agent  the man his adoptive parents had designated as his legal guardian; the same man they hired to take Elijah to the airport when they sent him to Jamaica against his wishes in 2023; the same man who wrote a letter of recommendation on behalf of the academy where Elijah and the others reportedly were abused.

Elijah said this transport agent had manipulated him into going to Jamaica and that he didn't trust him with his future.

Neither did his lawyer, or his youth advocate, who both made sure to be at the airport to protect Elijah and place him in safe hands.

From Jamaica to Florida to Michigan  Elijah finally sees his adoptive parents

Elijah arrived in Miami just before 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 3. By 8 p.m., he was in a car with the two advocates who showed up to help him, away from his adoptive parents' chosen legal guardian, eager to begin a new life.

"I'm the happiest man alive," he wrote in a message to the Free Press on Tuesday night.

Within 24 hours, however, he would learn that Michigan authorities said they had no legal authority over him; that housing him in Michigan was out of their hands, and that his lawyer needed to talk to Child Protective Services in Florida and find a place for him there.

"This is beyond insane," Post said.

By midnight Wednesday, more than 24 hours after landing in Miami, Elijah was in Florida CPS custody, housed in a children's home.

"Everything is good," Elijah wrote to the Free Press.

By morning, however, his life was upended again. Florida CPS placed him on a flight to Traverse City. Elijah said he didn't know who would meet him there, neither did his lawyer.

Just before 2 p.m. Thursday, his flight landed in Traverse City.

"My adopted dad is here," Elijah wrote in a message to the Free Press. "They said I have to go with him. He's acting like everything is normal."

Elijah and his dad met with CPS in Traverse City. He said CPS told him he had to go with his dad to Detroit, get on a plane, and go to Utah where he would join the transport agent who had taken him to Jamaica, and get an apartment in Utah to live.

Elijah refused.

As of 6 p.m. Thursday, he was sitting in the rain in the CPS parking lot, waiting for his lawyer to arrive from Florida and pick him up. His mom showed up at one point. She went up to him, and clutched him sobbing, saying she just wanted to see him.

Elijah said he felt "confused."

"I don't think they love me anymore," he wrote to the Free Press after leaving the parking lot in his lawyer's car. "But we do have some good memories."

Camping was one of them.

Friday came with more uncertainty. Lawyers filed a neglect petition with a court in Traverse City, along with a motion requesting Elijah be placed in protective custody. As of Friday evening, there was no resolution.

Elijah went back to a hotel, pending a Wednesday hearing date.

Parents respond: 'I'm not always proud of how I father my children'

Elijah's adoptive parents are Mark and Spring Goldman, of Traverse City. They have denied multiple requests to speak to the Free Press. According to public records, LinkedIn pages, child advocates familiar with the couple, and a prior essay written by the dad, here is a glimpse into the Goldmans' lives:

The couple have two children of their own and adopted two other children from Haiti, including Elijah and Elijah's younger sister, who is 12 and still lives with the Goldmans. The family lives in a sprawling, white colonial that is listed at $1.7 million on Zillow, and $1.9 million on Realtor.com. Mark Goldman, 54, spent years working for his family's real estate and restaurant business before leaving that career to work in special education.

His wife, Spring Goldman, 51, describes herself on her LinkedIn page as a working mom and self-employed health and wellness consultant.

"As a mom of 4 and a owner of multiple businesses I have become incredibly passionate about empowering others to see their potential and create a life of abundance," her LinkedIn page reads. "By serving and loving others and helping them to succeed I am changing lives one person at a time."

In a personal essay about his faith journey, Mark Goldman also discusses changing lives, specifically his own. On a faith-inspired business website called Check Your Game, Mark Goldman wrote about a prior rage issue, and how a verbal fight with his wife almost triggered a call to the police, and eventually led him to Jesus Christ.

"The following morning, I decided! I was done thinking I could fix all my issues with booze, gambling, working out and pornography. I needed to try something else," Mark Goldman says in the essay, which credits his mom with turning him to Jesus Christ following a 2008 fight with his wife.

The personal essay also mentions Mark Goldman "waiting to be matched with our two kiddos from Haiti," how he "left a multimillion-dollar company" to work in a school setting, and how he and his wife "brought our 2 kids from Haiti home with us" in 2018.

"Let me be clear," the essay reads. "My life is not perfect, nor is my marriage. I am also not always proud of how I father my children either, but one thing I do have is a God who loves me and has a place for me waiting in heaven. Can I get an Amen?"

How Elijah became a Goldman: 'Initially, my family was loving'

Elijah arrived in the United States on March 1, 2017. The Goldmans adopted him and his little sister through a program called Chances for Children, which sought to  among other things  address Haiti's orphan epidemic, and identify abandoned, orphaned or vulnerable children who were victims of severe poverty and neglect.

Soon after Elijah and his sister joined the Goldman family, his adoptive mom started posting photos of her new and bigger family on Facebook. One shows an 11-year-old Elijah standing in front of a white picket fence with his smiling new sister and brother, adoptive mom and his biological little sister on the end. Another picture shows the whole family together: mom, dad, two girls, and two boys in khakis  all smiling in front of a lake.

Most recently, on Dec. 23, three months after Elijah was sent to Jamaica, Spring Goldman updated her Facebook profile picture to show a smiling Goldman family sitting in the sand. The kids were older. Elijah on the end, smiling next to his little sister.

Friends commented: "Beautiful family ... the kids are all grown up ... Merry Christmas."

"Initially, my family was loving and helped me learn English and learn how to read," Elijah wrote of his new American life in a personal statement provided to U.S. Embassy officials, law enforcement, and the Free Press. "Then I became a teenager."

Teenage years came with problems  and porn

As a teenager, Elijah engaged in misbehavior of sorts.

"I started looking at porn magazines on my amazon kindle," Elijah writes. "My mom got a notification about it and asked me about it, and I lied to her multiple times because I was embarrassed ... My Dad was understanding, but I still lied to him because I was embarrassed."

The misbehavior continued. In eighth grade, Elijah was caught buying his own cellphone and watching more porn.

In ninth grade, Elijah bought another phone that his parents found and took away  only that time they found more daunting images.

"They found videos of me having sex and pictures my girlfriend sent to me," Elijah wrote. "For that they said I was a porn addict and a sex addict, and that I needed to go to a program."

An argument followed with his mom, who summoned his dad to his bedroom.

"Dad comes in, threw my things everywhere. He broke my snow globe," Elijah writes, adding: "We get in a fight and he beats me."

Elijah ran away to a friend's house. Two weeks later, in October 2022, he was sent far away, to a special school for troubled boys.

Over the next two years, Elijah would go to three different boarding schools over his behavior, enrolling first in the Teen Challenge Adventure Ranch in Arizona, a Christian-based center for boys with addiction and behavioral issues. He was there for nine months, from October 2022-July 2023. From there, he was sent to the Masters Ranch Christian Academy, a boarding school in Missouri for troubled boys, where he only stayed for about a month, from July 2023-August 2023. He said he ran away from there "because I was scared for my life."

In September 2023, within a month after fleeing the Missouri school, he was sent to the Atlantis Leadership Academy in Jamaica, where his life was upended, and his sense of security forever scarred.

Paris Hilton fights for Elijah: There's 'an extremely troubling situation in Jamaica'

On April 3, Hilton traveled to Treasure Beach, Jamaica, after learning seven American boys had been pulled from a faith-based, troubled teen school on the island over alleged abuse. NBC News had reported the allegations in March, and the plight of the students weighed heavily on Hilton, whose own kidnapping and boarding school trauma turned her into a crusader for abused and neglected youths.

"I dropped everything to travel here," Hilton said at the April 3 news conference in Jamaica, her voice trembling as she spoke of the abuse the boys in Jamaica had reported:

Paris Hilton, CEO of 11:11 Media, arrives ahead of a U.S. House Ways & Means Committee hearing on the abuse of youth in residential treatment facilities, at Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., June 26, 2024.

One said he was stripped naked and violently beaten. Others said they had salt poured on their wounds. One child said he was forced to kneel on bottle caps for hours, scarred so badly that he can no longer grow hair on his legs. Another said he was placed in isolation and whipped with a cord.

There is nothing these children could have done to deserve this torture, Hilton said at a news conference, where she directed her anger at parents who sent their children to this American-run school.

Rightfully, Jamaican authorities are questioning, 'Why anyone would be willing to sign over guardianship of their child to a complete stranger, in a foreign country, without every visiting or maintaining contact,' " Hilton said. "To these parents: How could you ever discard your child like that? Several of these boys were adopted and were promised better and more stable lives."

Hilton took a special interest in Elijah. He was the last of the boys left stranded in Jamaica.

Michigan officials alerted  no action taken

On May 20, Hilton sent an email to a top official with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, advocating for Elijah's return to the U.S.

"I am reaching out regarding an extremely troubling situation in Jamaica impacting a Michigan youth who was an international adoptee," Hilton wrote, noting the boy, Elijah, was stuck in Jamaica, while his counterparts were sent home.

"It is unconscionable that the adoptive parents would abandon (their) son in such a manner," Hilton wrote of Elijah's parents. "Elijah deserves to return to the U.S. to a safe and appropriate placement. I am hopeful that your Department will support us in helping return this young boy to the U.S. and placed in a safe placement as clearly his parents do not have his best interest in mind. They essentially warehoused him in Jamaica and since abuse allegations have come to light, have abandoned him there."

Hilton's email was sent to Demetrius Starling, the senior deputy director for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services' Childrens Services Administration, which oversees CPS, the state's foster care system, adoption services and juvenile justice programs.

Starling did not respond. Post also reached out to him on April 26, but said he didn't respond to her, either. Rather, on May 30, more than a month later, another Michigan DHHS official wrote Post back, stating that Michigan law "protects children by ensuring information regarding child protective matters is confidential, so we are unable to share any details with you."

Prior to Elijah's return to the U.S., the Free Press reached out to the Governor's Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect regarding Elijah's welfare, his efforts to return home, and his claims that he was physically abused by his dad before he was sent to Jamaica.

The agency offered no insight, stating: "Due to confidentiality outlined in the Child Protection Law, Governors Task Force members are unable to review any information related to a case involving child welfare activity. Due to this, our process is to send your concerns to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to determine if there is/was a case assigned and if so, for them to review and address."

MDHHS offered a similar response, stating that Michigan and federal law prohibits the agency from "sharing specifics" about CPS cases.

The Free Press also reached out to the U.S. Embassy in Kingston, Jamaica, which would only say that Jamaican authorities "took action to shut down the Atlantis Leadership Academy on March 28, 2024, to ensure the safety of eight US teenage boys at the Atlantis Leadership Academy in St. Elizabeth, amidst allegations of abuse."

Citing privacy concerns, Michael Lavallee, the U.S. Embassy Kingston spokesperson, said he could not discuss specifics regarding Elijah's case, but stated: Embassy Kingston takes the safety and welfare of minor U.S. citizens abroad very seriously and provides all appropriate consular services as needed. We also support relevant parties and authorities in repatriating U.S. citizen minors to the United States when necessary and appropriate."

Lawyer: 'As a country, we're failing these kids'

In her efforts to bring Elijah home, Post said she encountered numerous stumbling blocks, including government officials suggesting that she secure a refugee agreement to bring the boy in that way.

"Are you kidding me? He's an American citizen. Why are we talking about bringing him in as a refugee," Post said she recalled thinking to herself.

But then again, Post said, this is what can happen to immigrant children with issues who are adopted by Americans, but wind up getting abandoned because they're seen as too problematic.

"Its unfathomable to me how, as a country, were failing these kids," Post said, still furious that Elijah's adoptive parents allegedly didn't believe him about the abuse he endured.

"They really were tortured," Post said of the teen boys she interviewed in Jamaica. "They had fight clubs. Cops would come and bet on the kids.  They had water hoses put up their noses. Lots of horrific things."

Perhaps more egregious, Post said, is that no one in Michigan appears to care. She then cited an email Elijah's advocacy team received on Sept. 3 from the Department of Health and Human Services in Grand Traverse County where the boy lived with his adopted family for years.

"Grand Traverse County does not currently have any legal jurisdiction regarding Mr. Goldman. After reviewing this case, the best next course of action would be to contact the CPS office in the county you are in and advise them of the current status," Barb LaRue, director of the DHHS office in Grand Traverse, Kalkaska and Leelanau counties, wrote in the Wednesday email.

The Free Press contacted LaRue on Wednesday, and asked why Michigan wasn't helping bring home a boy who lived in Traverse City for years, and why an abandonment case has not been opened up.

LaRue said she would forward the questions up the chain of command.

Thursday morning, Elijah was on a flight home to Michigan.

Post alleges CPS authorities gave a pass to Elijah's adoptive parents. While investigating Elijah's case, she said, she learned that the couple told authorities that they had a plan to get Elijah out of Jamaica, but were advised against going there.

"They completely bought into ...the parents saying, 'Oh, we dont know what to do. Were afraid to go get him,' " Post said, maintaining she fought for months for someone to help Elijah, but to no avail.

"I tried to get some action. It took months for anyone to respond," Post said. "And then someone from Traverse City finally did (respond). They said, 'Oh no, the parents are doing everything they can. They have not abandoned him.' "

Post said their actions prove otherwise.

Moving forward  From 'hopeful' to anxious

Elijah said he is relieved to finally be back in the United States, though he is anxious about what's to come next. He said he didn't feel good when he was told he had to leave with his adoptive dad from the Traverse City airport.

When he left Jamaica, he said he was hoping to be placed in a group home in Michigan. He just wants to go to school again, to run track again, lead a normal life again, get a job and prepare for the future. Previously, he said if he could talk to his adoptive parents again, he would tell them: "I'm sorry for you, and for me. .... They did things to me emotionally and physically. ... I messed up in some parts, too."

Elijah also sees a future ahead, one where he works and has a family of his own.

"I have resources to become a successful man and take care of my family in Haiti," he says. "And one day, make my own. ... I am hopeful."

Tresa Baldas is an award-winning courts and legal issues reporter who received the 2023 Wade H. McCree Advancement of Justice Award by the Michigan Press Association and was named the 2020 Richard Milliman "Michigan" Journalist of the Year by the Michigan Press Association. Contact her at tbaldas@freepress.com.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: 'They abandoned me': Michigan couple left adopted son in Jamaica
CAIRO, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- China's green energy projects in Africa have bolstered renewable energy capacity and consolidated South-South cooperation, said Mostafa Sherbiny, an Egyptian expert in sustainability and climate risk assessment.

Sherbiny, also head of the Scientific Chair for Carbon Footprint and Sustainability at the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization, highlighted the importance of China's role in Africa's energy transformation.

"About 500 million people in Africa were deprived of electricity," said Sherbiny. But China's help for "most African countries and the implementation of solar energy projects provided a great boost to the African continent," he added.

He noted that China provides multiple financing mechanisms for renewable energy projects without political strings attached. He emphasized the importance of the approach in fostering stronger Chinese-Arab and Chinese-African cooperation based on common interests rather than political pressure.

Most of the Chinese projects provide financing along with investment. "This is very important for the process of transferring technology to use renewable energy," he added.

Sherbiny highlighted China's vital role in supporting Egypt's energy sector by enhancing local expertise and creating green jobs, particularly through projects like the Benban Solar Energy Park in Upper Egypt's Aswan Province.

The expert pointed out that Egypt relies heavily on China's expertise in renewable energy, given the country's ambitions to become a regional and global energy hub by exporting green hydrogen, green ammonia and other hydrogen derivatives.

"I believe that there will be other cooperation projects in the field of renewable energy between Egypt and China, and the Chinese experience in Benban Park is unique," Sherbiny said.

He further noted that addressing climate change requires a shift to renewable energy, a transition in which China already plays a key role.

"I am impressed by the Chinese policy that benefits countries in addition to extending good relations and building bridges of cooperation," said Sherbiny.

Sherbiny also highlighted China's success in securing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework during its presidency of COP15, which aims to reverse biodiversity loss worldwide.

He affirmed China's central role in achieving sustainable and environmentally friendly growth globally. "The best examples of this are the Kunming Agreement and the Belt and Road Initiative, which benefit the entire world," Sherbiny said. 
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  As we approach Child Passenger Safety week, on Tuesday, advocates shared potentially life-saving reminders.

Across the nation, we continue to lose an average of three children every day in traffic crashes and Oklahoma is among the highest states for percentage of children lost, said Dr. Elizabeth Koldoff, of Safe Kids Oklahoma. These deaths are heartbreaking and preventable.

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According to the Oklahoma State Department of Healths website, using restraints correctly can decrease the risk of death by 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers. This is why advocates are urging parents to double check that their childrens car seats are installed right.

Parents can be overconfident in their ability to select and install the right seats for their children, said Jaclynn Todd, of the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office. In fact, approximately half of all car seats are not correctly installed.

Todd added many children are moved out of using a car or booster seat too early.

The right seat and properly fitting seat belt can make all the difference, said Todd.

At Tuesdays event, there was a display of backpacks. They represent the 31 unrestrained children and teenagers killed in car crashes in 2021.

One of the hardest things we do is law enforcement that we go through in our job is dealing with the death of a child, especially one that is not buckled up securely in the crash, said Lt. Chris Arnall with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.

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The picture below is a reminder of what type of car seat your child should be sitting in:

Car seat safety.

Advocates also encouraged parents to set a good example.

Research shows that there is a strong correlation between caregivers who buckle up and their child passenger restraint use, said Antoinette Short of the Apache Tribe of Oklahoma.

To get help installing your car seat, you can contact the Injury Prevention Service or your local county health department. Safe Kids Oklahoma also has resources 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 KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
DENVER (KDVR)  Arrest affidavits detail charges against two reported Venezuelan gang members accused in a shooting at a troubled apartment complex, including an assault months earlier where a witness told police that one of the brothers was part of a gang that claimed it owned the property.

The brothers, Jhonnarty Dejesus Pacheco-Chirinos, 24, and Jhonardy Jose Pacheco-Chirinos, 22, who is also known as Cookie or Galleta, are known members of the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang, police have confirmed in recent weeks.

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The arrest affidavits show Aurora police were made aware of reported gang activity at the Nome Street complex as far back as November, when one of the brothers was accused of an assault, and a witness made allegations of ongoing organized crime activity at the complex.

Both brothers were arrested shortly after a July 28 shooting at the apartment complex and have since been in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Jhonnarty Dejesus Pacheco-Chirinos, 24, is facing charges related to a July 28, 2024, shooting in Aurora. (Courtesy Aurora Police Department).

Jhonardy Jose Pacheco-Chirinos was arrested in March 2024 for an assault charge related to a Nov. 12, 2023, incident in Aurora. (Aurora Police Department)

November assault leads to one gang members arrest

An arrest affidavit for Jhonardy Jose Pacheco-Chirinos links him to a beating at the Nome Street complex in November. He was arrested in March and bonded out, months before he would be accused in the July shooting.

An arrest affidavit released to FOX31 on Tuesday details the beating incident on Nov. 12, 2023. Police were called to the Nome Street apartment complex at about 2:20 a.m. after multiple reports were received about the assault.

This affidavit noted that the building is currently used to house refugees, primary from Venezuela. The majority of the residents and staff are Spanish speaking.

Officers spoke to the victims wife, who said he had been beat with a bottle and bleeding to death. Most of the callers who reported the incident refused to provide their names but told dispatchers a man was bleeding and losing consciousness, and a female was screaming for help.

The man was transported to the University of Colorado Anschutz for treatment. The victims wife was interviewed at the apartment complex, but police said she gave a different story after she was interviewed at the hospital. She told police that the person who had assaulted her husband was Galleta, and said he was part of a gang that steals from Walmart and believes they own the apartment complex.

Colorado lawmakers clash over allegations of Venezuelan gang violence

She told police she was afraid of being murdered by Galleta and his associates for making the police report.

Police identified Galleta as Jhonardy and had records of him as the victim of a domestic violence incident on Oct. 2, 2023, and also had records that he had been issued a traffic summons by APD on Aug. 2, 2023.

Police also found that Jhonardy was charged in October 2022 with alien inadmissibility by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol in Del Rio, Texas.

Affidavit details officers response, interviews with Nome Street residents

The July 28 incident at 1568 Nome Street was reported at about 4:30 a.m., with callers stating there were people shot and someone may have been stabbed. Through the course of the investigation, officers found approximately seven people were shooting in the surveillance footage.

According to an arrest affidavit for Jhonnarty, officers arrived on the scene and attempted to secure the chaotic scene. There were at least two gunshot victims in the incident, and one person who jumped from a fourth-floor window had lower leg fractures.

According to the affidavit, Aurora police found numerous fired casings on the ground in front of apartment No. 102. Officers knocked, 18 people were removed from the apartment and no weapons were located. However, two of the people removed from the apartment were later identified as Jhonnarty and Jhonardy.

Aurora threatens to close apartments unless property management steps in

APD interviewed Jhonnarty after the shooting. He told police he lived in No. 202 with his parents and two children, as well as his brother. He said that he was inside No. 202 with his parents and children when he heard four or five gunshots outside. He told police that after waiting about eight minutes, Jhonnarty went downstairs to No. 102 to check on his family and friends because the apartment was his cousins.

Jhonnarty told police he didnt see anyone injured when he ran downstairs, according to the arrest affidavit, but did see people running into apartments. He also told police he wasnt sure where his brother was when the gunshots happened, because he wasnt inside No. 202.

Jhonnarty told APD there were eight or 10 people inside No. 102 when he got there.

All he knew was that people had been hanging out in front of the apartment earlier in the night drinking and partying, but he did not know what happened to provoke this incident, the affidavit stated.

Police interviewed another person who had been inside No. 102 when officers knocked on July 28, who said he and a group of five others were drinking outside when they heard 15 gunshots. He said that before the gunshots, he heard arguing on the upper floors, but the music was too loud to make out what was said.

View the latest Weather Alerts in Denver and across Colorado on FOX31

The man told police he saw a Hispanic man on the third floor with a gun who was limping. He said he saw the man was holding a gun and making signs towards the second floor. The man also told police that he was not associated with a gang, but knew there was a Venezuelan gang in the area.

Surveillance video shows man holding fully-automatic pistol, muzzle flashes

Surveillance video was also reviewed from the early morning hours of July 28. APD said a man can be seen shooting a handgun with an extended magazine, and later identified the weapon as a Tec-9 machine gun pistol that the department said is fully automatic. Fully automatic weapons manufactured after 1986 are illegal for private individuals to own in the U.S.

Police slowed down the video footage and observed the male wearing shorts with the word Guess on the side, which one of the detectives recognized as what Jhonnarty had been wearing while he was interviewed. His shorts had been photographed by police because they appeared to have blood on them, the affidavit stated, and the person in the video footage matched Jhonnartys physical descriptors as observed by the detective.

At least three men were seen on the video footage exchanging gunfire with parties on the other side of the complex, where Jhonnarty was located on camera initially.

Police said surveillance cameras showed people outside on all floors before the shooting, which began on the third floor. A detective noted that before the shooting, multiple parties could be seen on camera outside of No. 102 with firearms in hand as the shooting began.

Homeland Security sources confirm Aurora video shows Venezuelan gang members

The affidavit said muzzle flashes could be seen from inside No. 102 after the same people fled into the unit.

Both brothers are now in the custody of ICE at the Denver Contract Detention Facility, according to an ICE spokesperson.

Jhonardy was ordered removed from the country by an immigration judge on Aug. 23. Jhonnarty was previously ordered to leave the country in 2022, and released with an order to appear in court.

Aurora has since shuttered the Nome Street complex, which had fallen into deep disrepair. The city cited code violations, while the property management claimed they had been run out by gang 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 FOX31 Denver.
Afghans in UK and Ireland left in lurch as embassy shuts down in London

Thousands of Afghans across the UK and Ireland face losing a crucial layer of support as the countrys embassy in London shuts down  with staff having been told to apply for political asylum or prepare to leave Britain, The Independent understands.

The mission is closing at the end of the month at the official request of the British government after the Taliban government dismissed the embassys staff for refusing to represent it.

An eight months pregnant Afghan refugee in Dublin fears for her childs future with the embassy closing. My child is coming into a world where the mothers documents are no longer valid and my infants nationality is in jeopardy now, the woman, who asked not to be named, told The Independent.

My passport has already expired and I will not be allowed to renew it. I cannot go back to Afghanistan, where they are disapproving of any working woman, she said.

The embassy is staffed by representatives of Afghanistans previous regime, which was backed by the west before the Taliban regained power in 2021.

She had been invited to work at conferences in Spain, the woman claimed, but couldnt travel without a passport.

Afghanistans embassy in London looks set to close on 27 September (Getty)

I cannot go back home until the Taliban is there and now I am not allowed to leave Ireland, she said, adding that her family was scattered in Afghanistan and other countries.

The Talibans foreign ministry said in July it would no longer recognise papers issued by Afghan embassies in the UK and several other European countries due to a lack of coordination.

The UK, like the US and 13 other mostly European countries, does not recognise the Taliban and is thus unlikely to allow them to reopen the embassy anytime soon.

This means Afghans, including refugees, seeking to renew passports, get consular paperwork done or obtain travel documents, will be required to contact Kabul after 27 September.

The UK government evacuated some 25,000 Afghans in August 2021 before Nato forces left Afghanistan. Most, if not all, of them reportedly require documents of one type or another.

The embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in London is scheduled to officially close and will cease its operations on 27 September 2024 at the official request of the host country, Zalmai Rassoul, who represented the previous regime as ambassador to the UK and Ireland, said.

The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in London is scheduled to officially close and will cease its operations on September 27, 2024, at the official request of the host country. This decision has been made based on the requirements of the host country's authorities  Dr. Zalmai Rassoul (@DrZRassoul) September 8, 2024

Mr Rassoul and his staff are said to have been told to apply for political asylum or prepare to leave the UK in 90 days, sources told The Independent.

This is not the first time that the Afghan embassy in London has closed its doors. It was previously shut down after the 1978 communist coup in Kabul because of its anti-west bias and intimate relations with the former Soviet Union, according to the embassys website. The mission was then closed again from 1996 to 2001, when the Taliban first ruled Afghanistan.

In the three years since they returned to power after overthrowing the Nato-backed regime in Kabul, the Taliban have fostered diplomatic relations with several major countries including China, Russia and Pakistan.
'Again?': From blizzards to fires, mountain folk adapt to a life of chaos

The San Bernardino Mountains are under siege once again.

A year and a half after a blizzard buried neighborhoods up to the eaves in snow, the Line fire is raging on the mountainside, torching thousands of acres and forcing communities to evacuate.

The flames brought a veil of smoke and a hint of chaos to Running Springs on Tuesday  ash and angst, looming skies of orange and gray.

Folks in Running Springs have been here before: the burning eyes, scratchy throats, time eking by as they anxiously awaited their fate. As firefighters battled flames a few miles away, some were defying evacuation orders and staying put.

Read more: Photos: Fires ravaging California after heat wave

The towns roads were empty, save for a handful of fire trucks, a couple on a motorcycle and a white pickup truck emblazoned with an American flag and eagle blasting Bruce Springsteens Im on Fire through its rolled-down windows. Its neighborhoods  of match-light pines and piney cabins  were eerie and quiet.

But in the Village Market convenience store, life was bustling.

Kevin Pefley had been running the place single-handedly the last four days, supplying provisions to those who stayed behind. Damaged electrical lines killed the power in some areas, so the shop was running on a diesel-fueled generator supplied by members of the community.

An air tanker drops fire retardant on the Line fire as it burns close to homes in Running Springs. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

Were mountain people. We stick together, he said.

Village Market was the only place open in town, and Pefley had a constant flow of customers stocking up on the essentials  water, meat and protein bars  and the nonessentials for coping  candy, booze and scratch-offs.

His phone chirped every few minutes as locals called for updates on the fire or just to see whether the store is open.

Hey, what did I tell you? he said to a husky, hirsute man walking in shirtless. He returned a minute later wearing a jean jacket vest, unbuttoned.

Close enough.

Were open 365 days a year, he said, noting that he kept the place open throughout the 2023 blizzard, known locally as Snowmageddon. People need food and need to know whats going on. Im a communicator.

And Im the court jester, customer Scott Richardson chimed in.

Richardson has lived in Running Springs for 35 years and has no plans to leave. Half of his house burned down in 2007. He never considered moving; he just rebuilt it.

During the blizzard I got snowed in. Now theres fire. Its always something, Richardson said. Living here "ain't for the weak.

Down Highway 18 across from Rim of the World High School, evacuees crowded onto overlooks to catch a glimpse of the mountain flank and see which way the fire was heading. Onlookers watched silently, angling for a better view like villagers watching a huffing dragon approach their castle walls.

Again? asked Sarah Arthur, who moved to Lake Arrowhead during the pandemic. Every few years, theres a new natural disaster to contend with.

Arthur was heading down the mountain to stay with her sister. But not every mountain resident has that option.

Kevin Cordes has lived in Running Springs for seven years, working as a lift mechanic at Snow Valley Mountain Resort. He runs with a big crew: his girlfriend, their children, three dogs, two chickens, a lizard and tortoise.

As of Tuesday, they hadnt evacuated. But if the winds picked up and pushed the fire into the town, he planned to take the family to Las Vegas, where he has five complimentary nights at a hotel saved up. The chickens, lizard and tortoise, though, would have to stay with a friend in San Bernardino.

I havent left yet because Im not sure when well be able to come back, Cordes said. I can handle a few days, but I cant afford to pay for a place beyond that.

For many, the decision to stay hinged on anxiety over whether theyd ever see their homes again. Caltrans was blocking access to the town. People could leave, but they couldnt come back in.

Others seemed resistant to head down the mountain and reenter the cities and society below. One man, who declined to provide his name, said he won't leave town because he's a "Class A criminal."

"Enough said," he said with a sly grin.

Over the weekend as police urged people to either skip town or stay in their homes, Cordes found himself sneaking around, hiding in bushes so he could pop from overlook to overlook, keeping tabs on the fire.

After his power went out, Tony Rodriguez, 47, rode his electric scooter over to LuluBelles Coffee House and Bakery to charge his phone before stopping at Village Market for water, chorizo and a Reeses Fast Break bar.

Rodriguez, a chef at PineCrest Christian Conference Center, has lived in the mountains his entire life.

His car was packed for a quick escape just in case, but he said social media helped him know where the fire was heading and when would be the right time to run. But for now, he was staying put.

Break-ins happen. People see the evacuations and try to take advantage of no one being home, he said. So for those of us still here, we keep an eye on things.

Firefighter John Clingingsmith was monitoring the fire from the main drag in Running Springs, making himself available to anyone who had questions or needed help.

Clingingsmith was fueled by adrenaline, he said. That and the satisfaction of helping people in their time of need.

I got bit by the bug, Clingingsmith said, looking to the sky as a smoke column rose vertically a few miles away from Running Springs. Hes a second-generation firefighter, and hes been doing it for 32 years.

The community showed its appreciation for the front-line workers. On Highway 18, a hand-painted sign said, Thank U 2 Firefighters. At a traffic stop into Running Springs, a resident dropped off a cooler for the Caltrans workers filled with iced tea, Gatorade and bottled water.

As the smoke piled in, Lake Arrowhead resident Doug Roath tooled around town on his bicycle. Given the relatively low winds, he said he was comfortable sticking around for now. But if things picked up, hed head down the mountain with his two cats, Buddy and Sissy, tucked in his backpack.

I dealt with flash floods in Forest Falls. During Snowmageddon, I got trapped in my trailer, he said. Its apocalyptic up here, but you get used to it.

Roath said hell stick with mountain life to the bitter end. If the town burns down, hell help rebuild it. He'd rather live among the disasters of the hills than the crime and chaos of the city.

Id rather dodge boulders than bullets, he said. Now if youll excuse me, Im gonna go grab a margarita.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
(NewsNation)  Attorney generals from 42 states support a call by the U.S. Surgeon General that requires a warning label on social media platforms amid concerns of a mental health crisis among teenagers.

U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy wrote in a New York Times opinion piece in June saying that the time had come for a warning label to be placed on social media that states that the platforms are associated with significant mental health harms for adolescents. The label would regularly remind parents and teens that social media has not been proved safe, Murthy wrote in the piece.

Such a warning label would require congressional action, the attorney general said. Murthy also cited that warning labels placed on tobacco products can increase awareness and change behaviors among users.

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In their letter addressed to Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, the 42 attorney generals called for immediate action. They said although a warning label would not fully address the scope of the problem, it would be one consequential step toward mitigating the risk of harm to young people.

The letter also said the issue would not solve itself and that social media platforms have demonstrated an unwillingness to fix the problem on their own.

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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 said. 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.

The letter states social media interaction also chronically disrupts teenagers sleeping patterns with algorithmic recommendations, infinite scrolling, and a constant stream of notifications.

The letter comes after 45 attorneys general previously filed suit against Meta, the owner of Facebook and Instagram, which alleged that the company deployed harmful and manipulative product features that are designed to push engagement with the platform to dangerous levels.

The attorney generals also wrote that they are currently looking into similar claims against TikTok.

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 attorneys general wrote. We urge Congress to consider such measures and continue the search for innovative solutions to protect our children in the face of emerging technologies.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Migrants try to flee to Europe on board small boats like this one, intercepted by Tunisian coast guards in August 2023 (FETHI BELAID) (FETHI BELAID/AFP/AFP)

The president of medical charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF) accused Italy's hard-right government Wednesday of seeking to criminalise humanitarian aid to drowning migrants, as a court suspended authorities' blockage of its ship.

The organisation's search and rescue vessel, the Geo Barents, has been at port in Salerno, Italy, for two weeks after being placed under administrative detention by Italian authorities, a decision MSF appealed.

On Wednesday afternoon, that appeals court suspended the order, allowing the Geo Barents to be "free to return to the Mediterranean", an MSF spokesman confirmed to AFP.

Ahead of the decision, MSF's president, surgeon Christos Christou, said Italy's accusations that the group had failed to provide timely information to coordinating authorities during multiple rescues it carried out on August 23 were baseless.

He accused Italy of creating obstacles to saving migrants in the Mediterranean.

"I felt I had to come here (to Salerno) to advocate about how unfair it is to detain the Geo Barents for 60 days while there is so much happening in the Mediterranean," where desperate migrants try to reach Europe from Libya, Christou said in an interview with AFP.

Under Italy's law, vessels operated by rescue charities are obliged to only perform one rescue at a time, a system the groups charge is inefficient and puts lives at risk.

Christou said that on August 23, having just completed a rescue and following instructions from Italian authorities to head to port, it witnessed another migrant boat in distress and went to help.

"People were jumping into the sea. They were there, helpless, without any life vests," Christou said.

"We were trying to contact the Libyan coast guard again but there was no response. Looking at the people in the sea, in that moment the only thing you must do is to offer a hand and pull them out of the sea," he said.

- 'Pattern of obstacles' -

The detention of the Geo Barents was the ship's third such blockage under an Italian decree-law from January 2023 that has also led to the seizure of rescue ships from humanitarian charity groups such as France's SOS Mediterranee and Germany's Sea-Eye and Sea-Watch for periods up to 60 days.

Like Wednesday's decision by the Salerno appeals court, other courts have similarly overturned such detention orders, most recently in June.

Christou said Italy's detentions of NGO rescue vessels fit a "pattern of measures and ways to create obstacles to what we do in the Mediterranean".

"With this government in Italy we can clearly see the intention: they really want to criminalise the humanitarian aid provided by civil sea rescue ships."

Ahead of the court ruling, the interior ministry spokesman declined to comment to AFP on the matter.

Italy's interior minister Matteo Piantedosi has previously said the "rules of conduct" for the charity ships are intended to "make their activity more functional" in coordination with Italy's coastguard, which rescues the bulk of migrants.

Rescue groups are also ordered to disembark migrants at faraway ports, adding to time and cost.

Since 2017, Italy and the UN-backed Libyan government in Tripoli have partnered on a controversial EU-endorsed migrant deal. Human rights groups say it pushes thousands of migrants back to Libya to face torture and abuse under arbitrary detention.

Under the deal, Italy provides training and funding to the Libyan coastguard in order to stem departures of migrants or return those already at sea to Libya.

- Dead and missing -

The crossing from North Africa to Italy or Malta in the central Mediterranean is the world's deadliest migration route. At least 2,526 migrants died or went missing there last year, and at least 1,116 this year so far.

That is out of the estimated 212,100 migrants who made the crossing, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

The group has counted more than 17,000 dead or missing since 2014.

The number of migrants crossing the central Mediterranean has dropped by about a third this year, according to border agency Frontex.

But migrants are opting to cross to Europe using new, dangerous routes, said Christou, citing surges this year in routes from Africa to Greece or to the Canary Islands, leading to "more people dying."

Those routes "were not on our radar until recently," he said.

The European Union, Christou said, "is failing in providing collective solutions", with most funding for migration going to security measures rather than humanitarian ones.

"More drones, more fences, more coastguard... instead of humanity and treating people with human dignity," he said.

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More than 5,200 pilots for Air Canada could go on strike Sept. 18, slowing the movement of cargo for customers shipping goods via the airline.

If a complete shutdown occurs in the wake of a strike, it will take seven to 10 days to return to normal operations, even after a settlement with the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) is reached.

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According to the airline, the parties remain far apart. Unless an agreement is reached, either party may issue a 72-hour strike or lockout notice beginning on 12:01 a.m. ET Sunday, which would trigger the carriers three-day wind down plan.

Air Canada carries cargo in the belly holds of its aircraft and air freighters, including freight such as perishable or live commercial goods, components for manufacturers and other time-sensitive items.

Already, the airline has begun limiting acceptance of some of these goods given average shipment timelines, restricting the flight of animals as of Tuesday. On Thursday, Air Canada will restrict expedited parcels, high-value cargo worth $1,000 per kilogram, temperature-sensitive products, dangerous goods and pharmaceuticals. Temperature-sensitive perishables have a deadline of Sunday.

General cargo and e-commerce shipments dont have an early stop date ahead of the strike. The airline said the 14-day booking window continues to apply, with standard acceptance times.

Michael Rousseau, president and CEO of Air Canada, said in a statement that a managed shutdown is the only responsible course available to us.

Air Canada believes there is still time to reach an agreement with our pilot group, provided ALPA moderates its wage demands which far exceed average Canadian wage increases, said Rousseau. However, Canadians have recently seen the chaos abrupt airline shutdowns cause for travelers, which obliges us to do everything we can to protect our customers from an increasingly likely work stoppage.

The ALPA pilots voted overwhelmingly for strike action on Aug. 22, with 98 percent of participants in favor of the job action.

Negotiations for a new agreement between both sides began in June 2023. Talks entered private mediation in January 2024 and lasted until June 2024, at which point the union filed a notice of dispute and enter conciliation because the two sides were unable to reach a new collective agreement.

According to a recent report from Bloomberg, Air Canada has offered to boost the pay of the ALPA pilots by roughly 30 percent within the next three years, including a minimum 20 percent increase upfront. Pilots with one to four years of service would receive more.

The last contract, a 10-year deal that was ratified in 2014, provided pay increases of about 2 percent annually.

It is nearly a year since our stale and outdated contract expired, said first officer Charlene Hudy, Air Canada ALPA Master Executive Council (MEC) chair, during the event. We want to reach an agreement with Air Canada to avert a strike, and although we made some progress in conciliation, management continues to force us closer to a strike position by not listening to our most pressing needs at the negotiating table regarding fair compensation, respectable retirement benefits, and quality-of-life improvements.

Air Canada called the union inflexible on its unreasonable wage demands, although the airline said a tentative agreement has been reached on a large number of items for a new collective deal.

The country already endured a brief hiccup in its supply chain last month when Canadian National Railway (CN) and Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) locked out 9,300 union rail workers before they could go on strike. That nationwide rail shutdown lasted less than a day before the Canadian federal government stepped in, forcing both sides back to work and sending them to an arbitration process to hash out a new contract.

Air Canada operates 252 aircraft in 47 countries, including 35 widebody and freighter flights to the U.S. each week. The airline began operating a 767 freighter to Chicago OHare airport from Toronto three times per week in early June, complementing the other freighter destinations in the U.S.: Atlanta, Los Angeles and Miami.

The aircraft will have to be repositioned or repatriated along with their crews, according to Air Canada.

By optimally positioning aircraft ahead of a possible disruption, Air Canada will be able to more quickly restore regular service to customers having travel plans at that time, the company said.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT)  In several hours Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump will take to the debate in stage in Philadelphia.

CBS 42 News reached out to Alabama politicians to see what theyre expecting from their respective candidates in terms of having a successful debate performance. We asked U.S. Senator Katie Britt, a Republican, what Donald Trump needs to do.

CBS 42 also asked former U.S. Senator Doug Jones, who is a Democrat, what Kamala Harris needs to do to have a successful night. Heres what they both had to say:

Look I want to see a fruitful conversation about policy because I believe that the Republican Party is right on the policies that we need to change the country and push it in the right direction, Britt said. So I hope we get to see an actual discussion of that itd be good.

WATCH LIVE TONIGHT: Trump and Harris to debate in Philadelphia

She needs to talk about her experience as a prosecutor, Jones said. She needs to talk about her experience as a Senator, she needs to talk about her experience as Vice President but shes also got to make the contrast; shes got to really hammer on Donald Trump, especially when he answers questions with things that are not answering the question and also mis-statements.

CBS 42 also reached out to U.S. Representative Terri Sewell, she sent us a statement which reads:

Vice President Harris needs to do exactly what she has been doing since the beginning of her campaignlaying out the clear contrast between her vision for the future of our nation and Donald Trumps efforts to take us backward. I look forward to hearing her share her plan to protect our fundamental freedoms and invest in our economy. I have full confidence in her ability to hold Donald Trump accountable for his dangerous Project 2025 agenda. Vice President Harris has already demonstrated her readiness for the job and she will do it again tonight. U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
EXCLUSIVE  A city council member in Alabama kicked all residents out of a meeting in "totalitarian" fashion after residents asked questions about the recent arrival of Haitian migrants to the community, one of the speakers during public comment told Fox News Digital.

Sylacauga City Council President Tiffany Nix adjourned a meeting after several attendees pressed the council on the illegal immigrant issue, including allegations that buses of Haitians were brought in supposedly to work, but many are walking aimlessly in the streets.

The last speaker, David Phillips, barely got to speak before Nix cut him off.

Darryl Phillips said he was "shocked" by Tiffany Nix's "totalitarian" actions.

"It wasn't so much authoritarian as was totalitarian," he said in an interview with Fox News Digital, adding he also believed it to be "un-American."

"The whole point is to serve the community. So when the community comes in, you answer their questions [because] you work for them. That's the American way. And this is an all-American town. We pride ourselves on that," he added.

President Nix defended the migrants being in the town, believing they should be welcomed as contributors to society. She also claimed the council had no idea how they arrived, despite residents claiming some came via bus.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

"We don't have any information to provide to you," she told the concerned citizens. "There's no reason for us to wonder why [they're here] or to investigate."

OHIO RESIDENTS IN SMALL TOWN ERUPT OVER HAVOC CAUSED BY MASSIVE INFLUX OF 20,000 OF HAITIANS

Tiffany Nix is the president of Sylacauga City Council in Alabama.

"I want to welcome anyone that wants to come," Nix said. "Thats how I feel about it. If people arent breaking the law, theyre not causing any problems, I dont... I dont see what the issue is."

A resident challenged that the migrants were not working, though that was the premise under which they arrived.

"They're just sitting around outside. They're not working," she said. "They supposedly came here to work.

"What's wrong with that?" Nix responded. "I don't see what the issue is."

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The resident retorted, "Being here tonight, and watching this city council meeting, I can see why nothing gets done here."

Then, Philips spoke out, saying, "the attitude of the council throughout this process is entirely unacceptable."

Alabama City Council gathers papers as they prepare to depart meeting.

"You're treating them like lawful U.S. citizens, which they are not," Phillips continued.

Nix interrupted and called for the meeting to be adjourned.

"I'm going to ask all of you to leave because this meeting is over," Nix told the residents. She then motioned to adjourn, which was supported by other board members.

Philips told Fox News Digital he was "shocked" by the council's conduct.

"I was a little shocked. I've seen some crazy things at the city council meetings in the past, but that that was sort of egregious even for for them," he said. "In this country, we were designed to be able to [have] basic fundamental free speech That's the whole point of public comment. That's what they build into the meeting. That's why there's a podium there with a microphone so the people can ask questions. And she just blew that all up."

Residents could be heard groaning and complaining in the background.

"Good to know they don't want to hear the truth," a resident said.

"I don't know what you want us to do," President Nix responded.

"To cut off public comment in the middle of a meeting is a violation of public law," another resident said.

Fox News Digital contacted Nix for comment and did not immediately receive a response.





Original article source: Alabama resident reacts to 'totalitarian' council president disbanding meeting over migrant questions
A pilot on Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 is opening up for the first time about the terrifying moments when a door panel blew out of the Boeing 737 Max 9 aircraft in mid-flight in January.

"The first indication was an explosion in my ears and then a whoosh of air," First Officer Emily Wiprud told CBS News in an exclusive interview. "My body was forced forward and there was a loud bang as well. ... The flight deck door was open. I saw tubes hanging from the cabin."

Wiprud said that at that point, she didn't know what was wrong. Instinct took over, and she and the captain started working to land safely.

"I didn't know that there was a hole in the airplane until we landed," Wiprud said. "I knew something was catastrophically wrong."



"It was so incredibly loud," she recalled. "And I remember putting the oxygen mask on and trying to transmit to air traffic control and wondering 'Why can't I hear anything?'"

It would turn out that her headset had been yanked off. Multiple objects, including the phones of two passengers, Wiprud's headset and multiple aircraft components, were sucked out of the aircraft.

The panel, also known as a door plug, is designed to fit into door spaces that aren't typically needed on an aircraft, transforming them into windows. The Alaska Airlines plane was just about six minutes into its flight between Portland, Oregon, and Ontario, California, when the panel blew out at 16,000 feet. The crew would have to make an emergency landing.

Wiprud next focused on accounting for the 171 passengers and four flight attendants on the plane.

"I opened the flight deck door and I saw calm, quiet, hundreds of eyes staring right back at me," she said. She asked the flight attendants if they were OK, and the crew members told her there were "empty seats and injuries" among the passengers.

Wiprud said when she heard there were empty seats, she thought they had lost passengers.

Alaska Airlines First Officer Emily Wiprud / Credit: CBS News

Luckily, no passengers had been sucked out of the plane, but a teen aboard the flight had his shirt ripped off his body. While Wiprud was checking with the flight attendants, she saw the teen's mother on the ground searching for him.

"She looked back and her son was gone. As a mother myself, I can't even imagine that feeling," said Wiprud, who has two young children. It turned out that the teen, who had been in the same row where the panel blew out, had quickly moved to another seat.

In the end, the plane landed safely, and the reported injuries turned out to be minor.

Wiprud spoke with CBS News alongside Air Line Pilots Association president Captain Jason Ambrosi, who said, "The most important safety device on any aircraft is two well-trained, qualified and rested pilots. ... This crew instinctually put their training in place and executed just flawlessly."

Preliminary results of an investigation by the NTSB found that four key bolts meant to hold the door plug in place were were missing from the aircraft. Investigations were also launched by the Federal Aviation Administration, the Department of Justice and the FBI, which informed passengers in a letter that they may have been "victim(s) of a crime." Boeing has said it will cooperate fully with all investigations.

Wiprud told CBS News it was important for her to return to work after the incident and said she is still confident in the 737.

Wiprud and the captain of Flight 1282 are being honored with the 2023 Air Line Pilots Association Superior Airmanship Award for their skill and professionalism during the crisis. She said quick thinking by airline staff made all the difference.

"My captain is a hero. Same with the flight attendants, same with all the personnel that was there to support us that day," she said. "And that should be celebrated. Everybody survived."

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Chinese Premier Li Qiang speaks at a meeting with representatives of the Saudi business community in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Sept. 11, 2024. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin)

RIYADH, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Wednesday urged Saudi companies to deepen their involvement in the Chinese market, and invest with greater confidence.

Li made the remarks in a meeting with representatives of the Saudi business community including Saudi Public Investment Fund, Saudi Arabian Oil Company, Saudi Basic Industries Corporation, ACWA Power, and the Ajlan & Bros Holding Group. Saudi Minister of Commerce Majid bin Abdullah Al-Qasabi, Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih, and representatives from the China-GCC (the Gulf Cooperation Council) joint investment commission also attended the meeting.

During the meeting, Li said that in recent years, under the strategic guidance of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the political relationship between China and Saudi Arabia has remained stable, their development strategies are well-aligned, and the practical cooperation between the two countries has yielded fruitful results, with economic and trade cooperation in particular maintaining a strong momentum.

Against the backdrop of accelerating changes in the world unseen in a century and insufficient momentum for global economic recovery, there is increasing instability and uncertainty in international economic and trade cooperation, and entrepreneurs are keenly interested in finding the next promising investment destinations, said the Chinese premier.

China is comprehensively advancing Chinese modernization by promoting high-quality development, continuously unlocking the demand of a large-scale market of over 1.4 billion people, Li said, adding that the country is steadily pushing forward the digital, intelligent, and green transformation and upgrading its industries.

Technological innovation in such fields as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and bio-medicine remains vibrant, which will create new economic growth drivers and foster numerous high-growth companies, Li said.

This will provide broader market opportunities and investment prospects for businesses from various countries, including Saudi Arabia, Li said, encouraging more Saudi enterprises to visit China and better share the dividends of China's development.

The China-Saudi Arabia economic and trade cooperation is facing many favorable conditions for further deepening, Li pointed out, adding that entrepreneurs from both countries should seize the opportunities and play a bigger role.

He encouraged Saudi companies to expand and strengthen cooperation with China in traditional sectors such as oil and gas, petrochemicals, infrastructure, and trade, while enhancing cooperation in emerging and future industries like the digital and green economies.

Furthermore, Li said, the Saudi companies should actively serve as bridges to enhance friendship and mutual understanding between China and Saudi Arabia, and advance the China-Saudi Arabia comprehensive strategic partnership to new heights.

The Chinese government is committed to building a top-tier business environment that is market-driven, law-based and internationally oriented, Li added.

China will further relax market access, fully lift restrictions on foreign investment in the manufacturing sector, accelerate the opening of service sectors like telecommunications, and provide robust support for foreign enterprises, helping them establish a stronger presence in the country and achieve success in China, said the Chinese premier.

Hailing China as an important economic and trade partner for Saudi Arabia, representatives from the Saudi business community said that, in recent years, bilateral trade has repeatedly reached new heights, two-way investment has grown rapidly, and practical cooperation has yielded fruitful results.

President Xi's successful state visit to Saudi Arabia in 2022 has injected strong impetus into the development of bilateral relations, and the Belt and Road Initiative closely aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, said the representatives.

The Saudi business community is optimistic about China's economic development prospects and full of confidence in development in China, and is poised to seize opportunities, continue investing in China, leverage complementary advantages, innovate cooperation models, and deepen cooperation in such areas as energy, new energy, finance, electric vehicles, and the digital economy, they said. 

Chinese Premier Li Qiang has a meeting with representatives of the Saudi business community in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Sept. 11, 2024. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin)
Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy signed legislation last week to address the state's Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) crisis.

Senate Bill 151 will establish a nine-member commission tasked with reviewing unsolved MMIP cases and making policy, practice, and service recommendations to the state legislature and the Department of Public Safety.

The commission will seat representatives from victim advocacy groups and Alaska Native Tribal organizations, police departments, village public safety departments, two members from the legislature, and a prosecutor with experience in homicide cases.

The commission meetings will be closed to the public.

The MMIP crisis is prevalent across the country, with Indigenous peoples being murdered at a rate up to ten times the national average. Homicide is one of the leading causes of death for Native women. While the Bureau of Indian Affairs estimates there are 4,200 unsolved MMIP cases, the actual number is likely higher, Native advocates say.

Advocates and lawmakers have identified multiple drivers of the MMIP crisis:

Egregiously underfunded tribal law enforcement

Jurisdictional confusion between tribal, local, state police and the BIA

Exclusion of Indigenous people in data

Underwhelming media coverage

According to the National Missing Persons Database (NamUS), in 2021, Alaska topped the list of states with the most unsolved missing person cases among American Indian and Alaska Native cases at 292.

SB 151 was first introduced last May and received support from various Alaska Native groups.

In January 2024, a letter from the Alaska Native Women's Resources Center suggested the bill include language to: "create a review of the commission and reports before sunsetting these two programs to ensure that there has been an adequate amount of time to address all the needs, ideas and solutions. 2) include mandatory cultural training provided by an Indigenous organization, tribe or contractor for all law enforcement."

The bill also requires the Alaska Department of Public Safety (DPS) to file a missing persons report to the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System within 60 days of a report being filed at the local level. DPS will also employ at least two full-time MMIP investigators.

Along with the Alaska Native Women's Resources Center, the bill was supported by Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates and the Fairbanks Native Association.

The law will take effect on January 1, 2025.

About the Author: "Elyse Wild is senior editor for Native News Online and Tribal Business News. "

Contact: ewild@indiancountrymedia.com
FILE - Sali Berisha, the leader of the Albanian opposition center-right Democratic Party, speaks in Tirana, Albania , Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2022. (AP Photo/Franc Zhurda, File)

TIRANA, Albania (AP)  Former Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha on Wednesday said he was formally charged with corruption in connection with a property deal, describing the move as politically motivated.

In October, prosecutors publicly put him under investigation for allegedly abusing his post to help his son-in-law, Jamarber Malltezi, privatize public land to build 17 apartment buildings in the capital, Tirana.

Berisha, 79, who leads the opposition Democratic Party, has been under house arrest since December after he violated a previous requirement to check in with the authorities every two weeks. He was also barred from traveling abroad.

Berisha went on Wednesday to the special prosecutors office, known as the Special Structure Against and Organized Crime, where he was told the charges against him for about half an hour. He said he was called as a defendant and was handed a file of evidence, some 500 pages long, that he called lies.

Malltezi, who is also involved in politics alongside his business interests, was also called Wednesday to be informed that he was formally charged with corruption.

In December Parliament stripped Berisha of his legal immunity.

The former prime minister has criticized the investigation and his arrest as political repression ordered by Prime Minister Edi Rama, the leader of the governing leftwing Socialist Party.

Nothing has changed. It is a continuation of a political revenge, Berisha told journalists outside the prosecutors' office as he rejected all claims of corruption.

Scores of supporters had gathered there, shouting slogans in support of Berisha and criticizing the government.

Berisha served as Albanias prime minister from 2005-2013, and as president from 1992-1997. He was re-elected as a lawmaker for the Democratic Party in the 2021 parliamentary elections.

Albania holds parliamentary elections next year. If Berisha has been convicted or is still awaiting trial, he may not be allowed to run for office.

The United States government in May 2021 and the United Kingdom in July 2022 barred Berisha and close family members from entering their countries because of his alleged involvement in corruption.

___

Follow Semini at https://x.com/lsemini
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE)  For more than 20 years, local area firefighters have commemorated the anniversary of September 11 with a grueling climb and they continued that tradition on Wednesday. Fire crews wore their full gear to ascend 110 flights of stairs which is the same height walked by first responders as they rescued people from the attack on the twin towers.

Retired flight attendant pushes cart from Boston to NYC to honor 9/11 crews

The thing we need to remember now, being 23 years removed, is that were hiring at 18 years oldThats the purpose of this ceremony, to not just our own personal way to remember, but to make sure that the younger generations that are coming up never forget, said Lt. Jason Fejer, Albuquerque Fire Rescue.

The participants used the 22-story staircase inside the Washington Federal Building in downtown Albuquerque. Out of the more than 2,700 hundred killed in New York on 9/11, 343 were firefighters and paramedics.

The city also held its annual ceremony at Civic Plaza on Wednesday afternoon honoring the nearly 3,000 people killed with a 21-gun salute.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos.
Ex-Greater Manchester Police officer Andrew Talbot is accused of taking the drugs from a police evidence store [PA Media]

A police officer's drug dealing was discovered after he accidentally dropped a bag of cocaine at his daughter's primary school, a court has heard.

Andrew Talbot, of Greater Manchester Police, was arrested on 17 February 2020, four days after the incident, which was recorded on the Wigan school's CCTV cameras.

The 54-year-old has been accused of taking four kilograms of cocaine from a police evidence store, before illegally accessing data to search for drug dealers in his local area.

The now-suspended Mr Talbot has denied charges of supplying cocaine, misconduct in a public office by accessing GMP intelligence information and failure to comply with subsequent police investigations.

James Lake, prosecuting, told Liverpool Crown Court: "The inescapable and common sense conclusion to draw is he was looking for an outlet for the cocaine he was stealing."

He said despite Mr Talbot denying supplying the cocaine, he had admitted to stealing it in the first place and to accessing the computer system to search for known or suspected drug dealers in his local area.

When interviewed, the officer said he had been a cocaine user, the court heard [BBC]

He has also admitted conspiring with convicted drug dealer Keith Bretherton by using his position as a police officer to help him recover a drug debt.

The prosecutor said Mr Talbot had also pleaded guilty to accessing police computer systems to provide information to a close friend who was being investigated for assault.

Mr Talbot, however, denies supplying the cocaine to another between 13 February 2018 and 21 January 2020.

He also denies misconduct in a public office by accessing intelligence information about known or suspected drug dealers in the Greater Manchester area between May 2018 and February 2020.

Mr Lake explained that while he accepted searching the computer systems he denies doing it for the purpose of supply and was not guilty of misconduct.

The third offence he denies is failing to comply with a notice under the Regulation Investigatory Powers Act, which Mr Lake explained involved Mr Talbot failing to provide the investigating team with the correct pin number for his phone.

'Unhealthy relationship'

Mr Lake told the court that at the time of Talbots suspension he was working within the serious crime division at Nexus House.

An investigation began after the drug wrap was found and he was searched at work when officers also found further cocaine on him and in his car, the court heard.

It was plainly cocaine he had stolen from the GMP property store, Mr Lake said.

The cocaine seized from those operations was re-weighed by the forensic science service and just under four kilograms - 3.943kg - was missing from the relevant exhibit bags.

Four kilograms of cocaine is far too much for personal use, even for someone who was a user, which he was.

Mr Lake claimed that Mr Talbot had an unhealthy and criminal relationship with Keith Bretherton and he was one of his outlets for the stolen cocaine.

When interviewed in February 2020 the officer said he had been a cocaine user since 2012 and had taken the drugs to work because he did not want to leave them at home where his children were.

He said he would buy an ounce at a time for 800.

The trial continues.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas to northwest.newsonline@bbc.co.uk

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WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL)  A Wichita Falls woman released from jail last month in an exploitation fraud case involving a 76-year-old woman is now charged with exploitation of a 66-year-old man.

Police said the victim was talked into turning over his property and money when he believed the woman was going to marry him.

RELATED STORY: Woman on probation arrested for theft from elderly woman

He said when it was all over, he was left homeless and living out of a car.

Skyler Houston, 29, who was already on probation for fraud when arrested in August, is back in jail on $100,000 bond for another exploitation of an elderly person charge.

This latest case of many came to light when the 66-year-old man waved down a police officer on Jacksboro Highway to tell police how he had lost almost everything to Houstons scheme.

He told them he had met her on social media and they began a relationship.

Once she had him romantically interested, police said she began the grooming process that led to his financial ruin.

They said the victim was convinced Houston was going to marry him and that Houston used her 9-year-old daughter to help gain his trust.

When Houston gained the victims confidence, she was able to add herself to his bank account and began withdrawing his money, more than $42,000 from February to July 2024.

They said she told him she had purchased a home for them to live in and even though he had never seen it, he gave her money for the down payment. Police said a simple online search showed no address for the alleged home.

Man arrested for May theft of RV

Officers said he also added her as a beneficiary to his life insurance policy.

After a stay in the hospital, the victim said Houston even stole his Medicare-provided oxygen equipment.

When his funds were drained and he lost his apartment, he said he ended up living out of his vehicle. Once he had nothing left to pawn or sell, he said Houston broke off their relationship.

Police said during their investigation, they were contacted by other agencies investigating Houston for similar offenses with elderly victims.

Houstons arrest last month was for allegedly stealing and using the credit cards of a 76-year-old Burkburnett woman who let her in her home when Houston told her her car had broken down.

Houston is on probation for defrauding a woman who hired her to do housework and for

using stolen money orders from Tealwood Apartments to pay her rent.

She has another credit card abuse case pending and two motions pending to revoke her probation.

Jail records show nine arrests since 2020 for fraud, forgery, and credit card abuse.

This is a developing story. Stick with Texomas Homepage for updates as more information becomes available. All individuals charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  A major bank with ties to the Queen City is facing two class action lawsuits following a data breach.

The first lawsuit was filed in North Carolina Federal Court on Saturday. The second was filed on Monday. Both lawsuits claim Ally Bank was negligent in protecting hundreds of customers private information.

In the lawsuit filed in court Saturday, the plaintiff Sebastian Owens, as well as other class members said Ally Bank admitted that an unauthorized actor accessed personal information from its network.

Court documents say the breach was a direct result of Allys failure to implement adequate and reasonable cyber-security procedures and protocols necessary to protect individuals private information like names and social security numbers.

As a result of the data breach, the lawsuit says the plaintiffs and class members are having to closely monitor their financial accounts in case of identity theft or fraud.

WATCH: Porch pirates target south Charlotte complex

In the class action lawsuit filed Monday in North Carolina Federal Court the plaintiff, Robert Hamilton, as well as other class members, also accuse Ally Bank of failing to properly secure and safeguard personal information following a data breach that happened on an undisclosed date.

Court documents say Hamilton was notified of the breach on August 30.

The lawsuit claims that Ally Bank could have prevented the data breach by properly encrypting or protecting its systems that obtain private information.

Charlotte cyber security expert Katie Florian says while companies and organizations are also victims when a breach happens, they have a legal responsibility to protect consumers personal information.

You should be expecting that someone is going to try to steal that data because peoples personal information is valuable. When you are expecting that to happen, if you are not consistently looking at your plan that you have in place, re-organizing, rebuilding, and testing and assessing, and putting better measures in place, you are more vulnerable, Florian said.

Under the Federal Trade Commissions Safeguard Rules, companies are required to protect against unauthorized threats and ensure the security of confidentially of customer information.

Florian says that can mean email security, encrypting data, and information customers when a breach happens within 30 days

In both lawsuits, plaintiffs are asking for Ally to pay monetary relief and are demanding a jury trial.

QCN reached out to Ally Bank regarding the lawsuit and did not get a response by deadline.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
(Bloomberg) -- Amazon.com Inc. said it would spend 8 billion ($10.5 billion) in the UK to grow its cloud business, adding to a string of recent expansion moves in Europe and giving Britains new Labour government a welcome investment boost.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The five-year investment by Amazon Web Services in data centers will support up to 14,000 jobs and contribute 14 billion to UK GDP between 2024 and 2028, Britains Treasury said in an e-mailed statement.

Amazon has committed tens of billions of dollars for expanding AWS globally, announcing similar long-term projects in Germany, Mexico, the US, Saudi Arabia and Singapore this year. AWS, the worlds largest provider of cloud computing services and data storage via massive server farms, is facing increasing competition from rivals like Microsoft Corp., which is mounting its own global expansion.

The investment announcement is a plus for Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves, who is seeking to lift Britains economic growth rate while also tackling a difficult public finances inheritance left by the previous Conservative government. The UK is due to host an international investment summit on Oct. 14.

This 8 billion investment marks the start of the economic revival and shows Britain is a place to do business, Reeves said in the Treasury statement. I am determined to go further so we can deliver on our mandate to create jobs, unlock investment and make every part of Britain better off.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2024 Bloomberg L.P.
NOTE: This is the first of seven stories previewing the seven different ballot questions South Dakota voters will weigh in on in the 2024 General Election. Absentee voting starts Sept. 20, the voter registration deadline is Oct. 21 and Election Day is Nov. 5.

PIERRE, S.D. (KELO)  In 1918, the South Dakota Constitution allowed only men to vote in state elections. That November, 64% of the men agreed that women should have the right to vote, too. Turn the calendar ahead to 2024. This November, South Dakota voters will decide whether the wording of their states constitution regarding state elected offices should become equal as well.

2024 General Election coverage

Giving women an equal chance at winning state office is the thrust of Constitutional Amendment E, which the Legislature decided last year to put on this years statewide election ballot. The constitutional revision proposes to eliminate references to men regarding various state offices and, by so doing, make the constitution more open to women and men alike.

What does a Yes vote mean, what does a No vote mean?

A Yes vote on Amendment E would adopt changing the South Dakota Constitution for gender references.

A No vote on Amendment E would leave the South Dakota Constitution as it is.

How Amendment E got on the ballot?

South Dakota voters elected the first woman as governor in 2018 when they chose Republican Kristi Noem. Four years after taking office, Governor Noem opened the 2023 session of the Legislature by raising the issue of gender equality.

After recognizing those in the chamber and the public, Noem said, The South Dakota state constitution requires the governor to begin each legislative session by [giving] the Legislature information concerning the affairs of the state and [recommending] the measures he considers necessary. Notice I didnt say she. The Constitution doesnt say that. Were going to fix that.

Toward accomplishing that fix, Republican Sen. Erin Tobin brought Senate Joint Resolution 505, that would ask voters to amend the South Dakota Constitution. Meanwhile, Republican Rep. Jess Olson brought a companion measure, House Bill 1175, that would make gender-neutral a wide variety of state laws regarding powers and duties of not only the governor but also the lieutenant governor, secretary of state, attorney general, state economic development commissioner and the Supreme Courts chief justice.

No one in either chamber publicly argued against any part of HB1175, and the 14-page piece of legislation sailed through on the consent calendar, without debate in either chamber, passing 64-4 in the House and 34-0 in the Senate.

It looked like an easy path as well for the resolution. At its Senate committee hearing, the governors legal counsel, Katie Hruska, joined Tobin in calling for support of letting voters decide the matter. Hruska cited the governors State of the State remarks and said the constitution should reflect that not only men can be chosen for governor or other state elected offices.

Republican Sen. Jessica Castleberry commended the governors office for proposing the resolution and Senator Tobin for bringing it. I think this is an important change, said Castleberry, who had signed on as a co-sponsor. I think its time that this becomes part of our ordinary vernacular.

Democratic Sen. Liz Larson thought the same, saying the resolution seems like a very profound change. Larson likewise commended the governors office and Sen. Tobin. I think its a great thing, Larson said.

The Senate agreed, voting 35-0 to advance the resolution to the House of Representatives for consideration. It rolled through the House committee hearing and was placed on the consent calendar so there would be no debate. But on the House floor, suddenly opposition surfaced.

Republican Rep. Bethany Soye asked for the resolution to be moved to the regular calendar so there could be debate. When the House took it up, Republican Rep. Liz May asked about the cost of putting the question on the ballot. Rep. Olson replied, Were already printing ballots for the general, It will simply be a question on the ballot.

Well obviously from the testimony it doesnt seem women in our state have had much trouble getting elected to office, May commented. So I understand the desire to want to do this, I just dont think its necessary. So Im not going to support it.

Republican Rep. Becky Drury rose to speak in favor. What is the cost to disenfranchise half of our population? Thats what it is. If theres a little girl reading the constitution of the state of South Dakota and every reference in there is to a male, does that really give her the thought or the capability in her mind to think that she can run for that office?

Soye then spoke against putting the resolution on the ballot. She said the constitution is equally applied to men and women. I think this is a frivolous change  and that clearly women can already run for the highest positions of authority, she said.

The House vote was 58-12  more than enough to put the question on the ballot, but clearly reflecting a split among Republicans about whether voters should even be asked.

History of women in South Dakota politics

So what has been the history of women in South Dakota state elections?

Currently women hold 22 seats in the House and seven seats in the Senate. Thats 29 of 105 total. Women have never held a majority of seats in either legislative chamber. The 22 currently in the House is a record number for that chamber. The Senate record of 11 was set in 1991-1992.

Republican Jean Hunhoff at 24 years ranks as the longest-serving female member of the Legislature of all time. By comparison, 15 men have served at least that long, including five with 30 years. Her streak will soon end, following a loss in the June primary.

One woman has served as House speaker, a post thats selected every two years. She was Republican Debra Anderson, who presided over the House 1987 and 1988. One woman has served as Senate president pro tem. She was Republican Mary McClure, chosen by other senators as their chambers leader from 1979 until her resignation from the Legislature on April 10, 1989. That spring, Anderson and McClure went to Washington, D.C., where they served in the administration of President George H.W. Bush; Anderson was White House director of intergovernmental affairs and McClure was special assistant for intergovernmental affairs.

The first woman to serve in the Legislature was Gladys Pyle, a Republican from Huron, who was elected to the House of Representatives in 1922 and re-elected in 1924. Pyle became the first woman elected as South Dakota secretary of state in 1926 and was re-elected in 1928. She ran for the Republican governor nomination in 1930 and finished first of the five candidates, but because she didnt secure 35% of the votes cast, the nomination was ultimately decided at the convention. (That process changed in 1985, when the Legislature passed a runoff election law.) At the convention, the Republican primarys fifth-place finisher, Warren E. Green, was nominated, and he went on to win the 1930 general election. (Green lost his re-election bid in 1932 to Democrat Tom Berry.)

Pyle remained active in Republican politics and in 1938 she became the first woman from South Dakota elected to the U.S. Senate, serving for the two months remaining of the term of the late U.S. Sen. Peter Norbeck. Pyle remains the only woman to have won election as a U.S. senator from South Dakota.

The first woman elected to the South Dakota Senate was Democrat Jessie Sanders in 1936. She served one term and had previously served two terms in the South Dakota House.

South Dakota has elected two women to the U.S. House of Representatives. Stephanie Herseth, a Democrat, was elected in the June 2004 special election, following the resignation of Republican Bill Janklow. Herseth won re-election to a full term in November 2004, won again in 2006, married Max Sandlin in 2007, and won re-election in 2008. In 2010, Herseth Sandlin lost to Republican Kristi Noem, a state legislator at the time. Noem won re-election to the U.S. House in 2012, 2014 and 2016.

In 2018, Noem followed the path broken by Pyle 88 years earlier and placed first in the Republican primary for governor. Unlike Pyle, however, Noem won the nomination outright. She went on to win election to the office of governor that November and become the first woman to serve as state governments chief executive. Noem won re-election as governor in 2022.

Starting in 1974, a political partys candidates for governor and lieutenant governor began running as a team on the same ticket. Prior to that, candidates for governor and lieutenant governor ran in separate races. Since statehood in 1889, one woman has served as lieutenant governor: Carol Hillard, who was on the Republican ticket with Governor Janklow in 1994 and 1998.

Woman have seen more success in seeking election to some of the other statewide constitutional offices. Starting with Pyle in 1926, 15 different women were elected and served as secretary of state through 2002, including Republican Joyce Hazeltine, whose 16 years starting in 1987 set a state record for time in that office. Since then, two more women have been elected as secretary of state, including the current one, Republican Monae Johnson.

Three women have been elected as state auditor. The first was Democrat Harriet Horning of Watertown in 1958. She lost her bid for re-election in 1960 to Republican Betty Lou Larson of Gettysburg. The third woman elected auditor was Republican Alice Kundert of Mound City, who in 1968 won the first of four terms in the office.

Kundert later went on to win two terms as secretary of state in 1978 and 1982. In 1986 she ran for the Republican nomination for governor and placed fourth; her 13.8% of the vote came largely from rural areas and was seen by some as helping tip a close contest to George S. Mickelson, a Brookings lawyer, by cutting into the strength of former U.S. Rep. Clint Roberts, a Presho rancher.

Kundert ran for election to the state House in 1990 and won, then ran for re-election in1992 and won again. Including those two terms as a lawmaker, she served a combined 22 years in state-level elected offices.

No woman has been elected as state treasurer, but one has served. The Republican incumbent, E.V. Youngquist, won re-election in 1944 but died on July 8, 1945 during his second term. That opened the way for Governor M.Q. Sharpe to appoint deputy treasurer Hazel Dean of Wessington Springs. Dean sought the 1946 Republican nomination but lost to Clarence Buehler.

No woman has been elected as South Dakota attorney general or state commissioner of school and public lands.

Five women have been elected to a seat on the state Public Utilities Commission. While not a constitutional office, the three-member commission oversees utility regulation in South Dakota. The first was Democrat Norma Klinkel of Brookings, who won a single six-year term in 1974. She was followed by Republican Char Fischer of Bath, who won a single term in 1976. Republican Laska Schoenfelder of Mount Vernon won election in 1988, was re-elected in 1994 and 2000, and died in office on March 21, 2001. Democrat Pam Nelson of Sioux Falls won election in 1996 and lost her re-election bid in 2002 to Republican Gary Hanson of Sioux Falls.

Republican Kristie Fiegen of Sioux Falls was appointed to the commission on August 9, 2011, by Governor Dennis Daugaard, filling the vacancy left by the resignation of then-Democrat Steve Kolbeck. Fiegen was elected to the commission in 2012, re-elected in 2018 and is a candidate again this year.

In the judiciary branch, Mildred Ramynke became South Dakotas first county judge when she won an election in 1958. After South Dakota voters created the current system, Ramynke won election as a Fifth Circuit judge in 1974. Currently women hold 19 of 46 circuit judgeships statewide, including all four judgeships in the Sixth Circuit.

Judith Meierhenry was the first woman appointed to the South Dakota Supreme Court. Governor Janklow chose her in 2002. Three other women have been on the states highest court. Governor Daugaard appointed Lori Wilbur in 2011 and Janine Kern in 2014. Governor Noem appointed Patricia DeVaney in 2019. Kern and DeVaney continue to serve on the five-justice court.

No woman has been chosen as the courts chief justice.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  The Dona Ana Community College (DACC)s AVANZA program will host two free resource fairs in September.

The first fair will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 11 at the DACC Gadsden Center, 1700 E. OHara Rd., in Anthony, New Mexico.

There will be community organizations from the Income Support Office, MET-Scholarships for farmworkers, Blue Cross Blue Shield, NM Legal Aid and more, according to a news release sent by DACC.

There will also be free lunch and dessert from Caliches while supplies last.

The second fair will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 19 at the DACC East Mesa Campus, 2800 Sonoma Ranch Blvd., inside the student resources building.

DACC said resources such as Casa de Peregrinos, La Casa, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, legal services and more will be available.

There will also be free giveaways and food from Acai with Me for the first 350 attendees.

These events aim to connect our students and community members with valuable resources from both DACC and local partners. There are more than 50 community resource organizations invited to attend, read the news release.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
How did Harris and Trump do in the presidential debate? 4 key moments from their first face-off

The stakes couldnt have been higher when Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump met Tuesday night for their only scheduled debate of the 2024 contest.

In the previous clash, President Biden  then the presumptive Democratic nominee  delivered such a wobbly performance that his own party soon forced him to withdraw. Now, after an initial burst of momentum for Harris, the polls show the race is (once again) too close to call.

With less than two months to go until Election Day  and no other debates on the calendar  Tuesday could have been the last best chance for Harris and Trump to shake things up before voters start casting their ballots. So who had a better night? Here are four takeaways from the face-off in Philadelphia.

Harris triggers Trump

The vice president spent most of her career as a prosecutor before heading to Washington. It showed Tuesday night.

To be sure, Harris used her time on stage to prosecute the case against Trump, as expected, criticizing his positions on taxes, abortion, the border, Jan. 6, Ukraine, Obamacare and so on.

But more important than what Harris told viewers about Trump  all of which theyve heard before, and largely learned to tune out  was what she managed to show them: How easily he can be baited into losing control.

Skillful prosecutors know how to provoke self-incriminating behavior  and that was very much Harriss strategy during the debate. Again and again, she set traps for Trump; again and again, he walked right into them.

Harris invited viewers to attend Trumps rallies, for instance, where he talks about fictional characters like Hannibal Lecter and people start leaving  early out of exhaustion and boredom. Moments later, after defensively claiming that we have the biggest rallies, the most incredible rallies in the history of politics, Trump suddenly started ranting about immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, eating the pets of the people that live there  a claim that has no basis in reality. (Trump doubled down after the debate by sharing memes on social media about the unverified reports.)

Harriss goal was to puncture Trumps sense of pride. She attacked his business acumen (he got $400 million on a silver platter from his father, she said, then filed for bankruptcy six times); his military leadership (world leaders are laughing at Donald Trump); and his political success (Donald Trump was fired by 81 million people  clearly hes having a very difficult time processing that)  and then stood aside as her opponent demonstrated, on live TV, that he cant keep his cool in confrontational, high-pressure situations.

These dictators and autocrats are rooting for you to be president again, because they're so clear they can manipulate you with flattery and favors, Harris said at one point. That is why we understand that we have to have a president who is not consistently weak and wrong on national security.

No, she's the one  that's weak, Trump sputtered in response. But thats not how Harris made it seem on stage.

Trump avoids her while Harris addresses you

Presidential debates arent collegiate point-scoring affairs; theyre usually won or lost on vibes and moments rather than wonkery. And what was striking about Tuesdays debate between Trump and Harris, aside from the words they said, was how differently they acted toward each other  and to the audience.

The tone was set in the opening seconds. Trump ambled slowly in from the wings, heading for his podium; Harris went directly to Trump and initiated a handshake that he seemed to want to avoid. Lets have a good debate, Harris said.

That pattern  Trump avoidant, Harris direct  repeated itself throughout the evening. Trump only referred to his rival as the vice president once: to call her the worst vice president in the history of our country. Otherwise, he seemed only able to address Harris in the third person, as she or her  as if she wasnt there. He rarely made eye contact.

In contrast, Harris called Trump the former president more than a dozen times  and when she wasnt referring to Trump by his title, she was looking right at him and addressing him as you.

Harris did the same thing to the camera, and by extension, the people watching at home. You will not hear him talk about your needs, your dreams and your needs and your desires, she said. And I'll tell you, I believe you deserve a president who actually puts you first. And I pledge to you that I will.

Harris and Trumps respective behavior and body language reinforced that message  that only one candidate on stage was comfortable confronting the other, and that only one was interested in connecting with undecided voters.

One issue to rule them all  at least for Trump

Forced to play defense for much of the debate, Trump instinctively retreated to his comfort zone: immigration. No matter what the question was about, the former president found a way to accuse Harris  whom he inaccurately called Bidens border czar  of destroying the country by allowing millions of criminals to pour into the country via Mexico.

Never mind that the best available data suggests the crime rate has fallen significantly over the past few years, down near the lowest levels ever recorded, and that numerous studies have found that immigrants commit crimes at a lower rate than U.S.-born citizens. Trump has been running on the border for years, and hes not about to stop now.

But what about when the debate turned to other issues  like, say, abortion?

There, Trump claimed that overturning Roe v. Wade and allowing states to ban the procedure was what everybody wanted  Democrats, Republicans and everybody else (despite polls showing otherwise).

Harris was ready to pounce.

I have talked with women around our country, she said. 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 the health care 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.

In the run-up to the debate, much was made about the need for Harris to provide voters with more specifics. But while Trump accused Harris Tuesday of simply copying Bidens agenda  She IS Biden, he snapped  he actually ceded the policy card to her by returning to the border so many times and saying so little of substance elsewhere.

Clearly, I am not Joe Biden, and I am certainly not Donald Trump, Harris said. What I do offer is a new generation of leadership for our country  one who believes in what is possible, one who brings a sense of optimism about what we can do instead of always disparaging the American people.

Harris then mentioned her plan to give startup businesses $50,000 tax deduction to pursue their ambitions, their innovation, their ideas, their hard work; her plan to create a $6,000 [tax credit] for young families, for the first year of your child's life; her plan to offer $25,000 [in] down payment assistance for first time home buyers.

That's the kind of conversation I believe... people really want tonight, as opposed to a conversation that is constantly about belittling and name-calling, Harris concluded.

Trump has some plans too (or "concepts of a plan," as he put it when asked what he would replace Obamacare with). But the former president was too busy calling America a failing nation beset by foreign criminals to talk much about them.

The most consequential moment of this campaign?

Thats how ABC News billed the debate during its preshow. But it remains to be seen whether Tuesdays spectacle will move the needle.

Because Trump is such a familiar figure  and because views of him are so fixed  theres little left for him to say or do to change how voters see him, one way or the other. Getting repeatedly fact-checked by ABCs moderators wont upend his campaign. So the former president is likely to hold onto the 45% or so of voters who tell pollsters they support him  the same 45% who voted for him in 2016 and 2020.

Yet 45% isnt enough to win an election. What Trump really needed to do Tuesday night was change how voters see Harris  or let Harris do the job herself. Instead, Trump allowed his opponent to project precisely the kind of presidential, forward-looking positivity she wanted to project  without provoking any of the meandering, word-salad responses that have caused her problems in the past.

That probably means Harris won the debate. But two months can be an eternity in politics  and winning a debate isnt the same thing as winning in November.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang speaks at a meeting with representatives of the Saudi business community in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Sept. 11, 2024. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin)

RIYADH, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Wednesday urged Saudi companies to deepen their involvement in the Chinese market, and invest with greater confidence.

Li made the remarks in a meeting with representatives of the Saudi business community.

He encouraged Saudi companies to expand and strengthen cooperation with China in traditional sectors such as oil and gas, petrochemicals, infrastructure, and trade, while enhancing cooperation in emerging and future industries like the digital and green economies. 

Chinese Premier Li Qiang has a meeting with representatives of the Saudi business community in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Sept. 11, 2024. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin)
An early voting station is set up in the atrium of the State Office Building in Juneau, Alaska, on Aug. 5, 2024, the first day of early voting for the 2024 Alaska primary election. (Photo by James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)

An early voting station is set up in the atrium of the State Office Building in Juneau, Alaska, on Aug. 5, 2024, the first day of early voting for the 2024 Alaska primary election. (Photo by James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)

An Anchorage Superior Court judge said on Tuesday that out-of-state imprisoned Democratic U.S. House candidate Eric Hafner is eligible to appear on Novembers election ballot.

In an 18-page ruling, Judge Ian Wheeles firmly dismissed a lawsuit filed by the Alaska Democratic Party, which sought to remove Hafner from the ballot.

The ruling hinged on the idea that Hafner, while unqualified to take office, is qualified to run for office.

Wheeles decision clears the way for the Alaska Division of Elections to print and mail ballots to international voters. The federally mandated deadline to do so is Sept. 21, and elections officials had testified that removing Hafner could cause them to miss the deadline.

The partys executive director, Lindsay Kavanaugh, said the party will appeal the decision to the Alaska Supreme Court.

In court on Monday, attorneys representing the party had suggested voters might erroneously pick Hafner instead of the partys preferred candidate, incumbent Rep. Mary Peltola, D-Alaska.

Polling indicates Peltola may be in a close race against Republican challenger Nick Begich. While Hafner earned less than 1% of the vote in the states August primary election, some Democrats are worried that Hafner could act as a spoiler.

Wheeles, noting Alaskas ranked choice general election system, rejected the partys argument.

The court does not find any reasonable argument from plaintiffs that Hafners appearance on the ballot is going to harm another candidate or voters, he wrote.

Removing Hafner from the ballot, Wheeles wrote, raises the risk that the ballot redesign process would cause the Division of Elections to miss deadlines and cause confusion among voters.

In sum, an injunction threatens a successful administration of the election process, harming the Defendants without adequate protection, while the Plaintiffs face only minimal harm, he wrote.

Most concerning to the court is the harm to the public and the integrity of the election, which would be truly irreparable.

Under Alaskas elections system, the top four candidates from the primary election  regardless of party  advance to the general election.

Wheeles appeared to scold the Democratic Party for bringing the case so late in the elections process, writing that it was very foreseeable that two candidates from either party might make the states final four.

If plaintiffs did not evaluate this possible outcome in May, June, or even July, that was a failure to plan by the plaintiffs, not the emergency that is being depicted here, he wrote.

Wheeles furthermore concluded that Hafner is a legal candidate, even if he would be unable to take office.

The Alaska Democratic Party had noted in court that Hafner, who was convicted of threatening public officials, is not scheduled to be released from federal prison until 2036.

The U.S. Constitution requires that a candidate for office be an inhabitant of the relevant state when elected, and Hafner is imprisoned in New York.

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, said attorney David Fox, representing the Democratic Party.

Wheeles rejected that argument, writing, There is no dispute that Hafner is not residing in Alaska today. But there is no requirement under law that he reside in Alaska today, in the past, or in the future at any time prior to the day when elected to office. That day has not yet arrived, and regardless of the probability that plaintiffs assert, the court cannot make any factual finding about the future. The court would be speculating, which it has no authority to do in this context.

Attorneys for the Alaska Department of Law, which represented the Division of Elections, did not immediately respond to a request for comment late Tuesday. An attorney representing the Alaska Republican Party, which intervened on the side of the division, also did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment.

Were disappointed by the judges ruling but remain confident Peltola will win in (November), Kavanaugh said.

She noted that Hafner is on the ballot only because two higher-finishing Republican candidates  Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom and insurance adjuster Matt Salisbury  withdrew after the primary.

Unlike the Republican Party, we dont have to scheme to win by asking candidates to drop out until a convicted felon gets on the general election ballot who received less than half a percentage of the votes cast during the primary, Kavanaugh said. We have more respect than that for voters in Alaska and clearly, our candidates are more viable than theirs.

Bernadette Wilson, a senior adviser for Begichs campaign, said by email that the Democratic Partys situation is a direct result of ranked choice voting which Nick Begich has consistently spoken out against. Fortunately, Alaskans will have the opportunity to undo this convoluted system in November.

A ballot measure seeking to repeal the states open primary and top-four, ranked choice general election system will be in front of voters on the general election ballot.

In the meantime, Wilson said, we look forward to having a robust discussion on the failed policies of the Biden administration which Mary Peltola has unequivocally supported as congresswoman.

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BOULDER, Colo.  Behind bullet-proof doors in a generic office park is one of only five clinics in the country where women can access the rarest  and most controversial  abortion procedures.

Women come here desperate, says Dr. Warren Hern, who has run the Boulder Abortion Clinic since 1975.

It ranges from the 12-year-old kid whos pregnant from her stepfather to the 45-year-old woman who desperately wants to have a baby and finds out that she has a fatal illness that is incompatible with being pregnant, he says.

Hern and his team specialize in second- and third-trimester abortions, a practice that sparks fierce political debate around an already charged topic.

Dr. Warren Hern speaks with Willow in one of the procedure rooms at the Boulder Abortion Clinic.

Those opposed say abortion after the point of fetal viability  about 24 weeks  is simply too late in a pregnancy to terminate. In recent weeks, when asked if hed vote to lift Floridas six-week abortion ban in November, former President Donald Trump said hed vote against it and expressed discomfort with later-term abortions, telling Fox News that the Democrats are radical because the nine months is just a ridiculous situation, where you can do an abortion in the ninth month. During the 2024 presidential debate against President Joe Biden in June, Trump also claimed, They will take the life of a child in the eighth month, the ninth month and even after birth.

In reality, only about 1% of abortions are performed after 21 weeks, according to a CDC study. More than 80% occur at or before nine weeks of pregnancy, and just 6% occur from 14 to 20 weeks, which is during the second trimester. Trump did not explain what he meant by after birth, since abortion as a procedure involves terminating a pregnancy before birth, and infanticide is illegal in all 50 states.

Hern says he doesnt perform abortions in the eighth or ninth month at all, and said such a procedure would only occur in an extreme medical emergency and only in a hospital setting.

He says he wishes he didnt have to do perform abortions beyond the first trimester, but unforeseen circumstances  increasingly from patients coming from red states with strict abortion bans  have created a need for it.

Theres great distress and anguish, Hern said, adding that women are increasingly showing up at the clinic when their life or health are in grave danger. The week NBC News visited Hern, his clinic saw 10 patients, all with vastly different circumstances  from a woman who was pregnant with conjoined twins, to a surrogate carrying a fetus that had stopped moving in the womb.

A procedure room in the Boulder Abortion Clinic, one of only five clinics in the U.S. providing abortion services at or after 28 weeks of pregnancy.

Others test the limits of exceptions on abortion bans, like provisions for rape, incest, fatal fetal anomalies and life of the mother, he says. We have a patient who is 15 years old, who is 25 weeks pregnant, and was the victim of sexual abuse, Hern said. Hern then described a fetus at 28 weeks with terrible malformations of the brain.

Many of the patients who come to Herns clinic are dealing with wanted pregnancies that have gone wrong, like the family that wrote Hern a letter that arrived on his desk in late August: To the angels at Boulder abortion clinic, there are no words or gifts that can say thank you enough for what youve done for our family, Hern read from the letter. This was the scariest, hardest thing I have ever experienced, especially with nowhere to go near our home.

NBC News visited that couple at their home in Texas, where abortion is banned except for limited cases to save the life or health of the woman. Last year, the couple, Emma and Stewart  who wished to go only by their first names to protect their privacy  tried to expand their family and conceived a daughter. But 24 weeks into the pregnancy, they received a diagnosis of a severe fetal anomaly, and possible consequences for Emmas future fertility.

We looked at each other and immediately just knew, as husband and wife, that that was the best decision for our family to have an abortion, Emma said. And I think its just something that you never, ever, ever think that will happen to you, or a decision that you will have to make, and then it just is earth shattering when it falls into your lap.

The immediate recommendation was to go out of state, Stewart said.

They decided to fly to Colorado, one of only nine states that doesnt set a limit on when a patient can obtain an abortion.

We had to get on airplane to get out to Colorado, visibly pregnant. Theres strangers coming up to us saying, Congratulations, so great. They dont know what were going to do. They dont know that weve just received the worst possible news, and were losing a daughter, he said.

Emma, Stewart and their boys at home in Texas.

After performing Emmas abortion, Herns staff wrapped the fetal remains in a blanket and photographed her for the family. They took her footprints and cremated the body. The framed set of footprints and the babys ashes are on display in their home.Thank you, Dr Hern, for hugging me after delivery and for photographing our daughter and for your sacrifice and dedication to womens reproductive rights, Emma wrote in her letter to Hern.  Thank you to the staff for providing us a beautiful way to preserve our daughters ashes.

A year later, the couple became parents again to Louie, who they call their miracle baby. But their loss has left a permanent mark.

My heart and mind have been forever changed about this issue in the worst way, Emma said. Abortion is essential health care.

I think the second takeaway is to say that abortion bans, exceptions to abortion bans, dont work in practice. They just dont, she said. The policies to put in place, the exceptions to bans are not working, and theyre putting real families through very traumatic events.

But not all of Herns patients are in Emmas shoes. Some are pushed too late into unwanted pregnancies due to abortion bans or long wait times at clinics in the post-Roe era.

Emma looks at the footprints and sonogram of the baby she and her husband decided to abort after the diagnosis of a severe fetal anomaly.

NBC News met a patient in her 20s named Willow at Herns clinic. She asked to only use her first name for safety reasons.Early in her pregnancy, she said, There were no signs. I didnt realize that I was pregnant, because my periods are irregular.

Willow was clear on two things: I dont want to be a parent, and I cant afford it.

Low on funds, she went to the only place she could get a free pregnancy test and ultrasound  a religious nonprofit crisis pregnancy center. These facilities often advertise free services and support in an effort to dissuade women from seeking abortions.

Willow says the center delayed her care after her positive pregnancy test.

I had to then wait two weeks to get an ultrasound, she said.

That ultrasound revealed Willow was five months into her pregnancy.

I was devastated and terrified, she said.

Despite being a Colorado resident, Willow still struggled to find a clinic with available appointments that could perform the procedure.

Two clinics turned me away, she said. After the third clinic, they told me no again, because of how far along I was. And they had recommended that I go to this place. She believes if she had gotten the ultrasound sooner, she might not have been turned away by some of those clinics.

Hern says the Supreme Courts decision to overturn Roe v. Wade makes situations like Willows more dangerous, more expensive, more difficult and emotionally stressful.

The criminalization of abortion in this country is not just a health crisis for women, its a national catastrophe for women, he said.

Since Roe was overturned, 14 states have enacted near-total bans on abortion, according to the Guttmacher Institute, a nonprofit that tracks the data and supports access to abortions.

Hern and other abortion rights advocates say the political climate surrounding abortion is actually making late abortions more common because its taking patients longer to get care. I mean, one-third of my patients come from Texas, and more than 50% of my patients come from red states where they can get no help, he said.

No stranger to protesters outside his clinic, Hern often worries that the political climate could also lead to violence.

According to the National Abortion Federation, a professional association of abortion providers, theres been a rise in harassment and violence against abortion providers in recent years, including arson, burglaries, death threats, and invasions.

Five shots were fired through the clinics front windows in 1988. Hern has experienced attempts on his life and his colleagues lives, and he had a friend, Dr. George Tiller, who was gunned down by an anti-abortion extremist in the lobby of his church in 2009.

If I stopped doing abortion, it would never go away. Im a marked man. Thats the deal, he says.

Next to every phone in Herns office are directions on what to do if a bomb threat is called in. Mugshots of anti-abortion extremists paper the reception area, in case someone tries to attack the clinic. Security is top of mind for Hern and his staff, as well as for the doctors hes training to take over the clinic when he decides to retire. Hern, after all, is 86 years old.

NBC News spoke to one of those doctors, who asked to remain anonymous while he finishes his residency program in a different state.

I think that the opposition on the part of folks that dont want this sort of medical care to be available is not just occasionally violent, but quite explicitly violent, he said. The death threats that are received by faculty at my institution are nonstop. The degree of hate directed toward medical doctors that perform this sort of care is very real.

Despite the threat of violence, the new doctor recalls an anecdote that he says keeps him dedicated to training in the practice of later abortions.

A woman came in about 25 weeks along, he says. The fetal anomaly was not compatible with long-term life after delivery. It was a possibility the baby could be born with a heartbeat, maybe, but there was certainly no guarantee.

I remember she begged us in a high-risk maternal medicine clinic, Dont let me take him home and watch him die. And that really stays with you, he says.  I think about her every time, and I think theres a real sense of, Yes, this work is at times uncomfortable, but Ive never left a patients room wondering if we did the right thing. Like the only person that can decide if it was the right thing to do was the patient themselves.

As abortion remains a top political issue in 2024, Hern, too, vows to keep going.

It matters for the health of the woman, he said. It matters for their families. It matters for our society, and now it matters for freedom.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Animal rescue asking for donations after at least 30 dogs removed from alleged Spencer County hoarding case

SPENCER COUNTY, Ky. (FOX 56)  A Kentucky nonprofit is asking for donations after removing several cats and 30 dogs from an alleged animal hoarding case in Spencer County on Tuesday.

Kentucky Animal Action (KAA) posted on Facebook around 5 p.m. Tuesday that at least 30 dogs and several cats were removed from an alleged animal hoarding case. Major immediate needs are for rescue and monetary donations for medical treatment, KAA staff said.

Lexington remembers Sept. 11 attacks on 23rd anniversary

The nonprofit added that staff are accepting donations of flea and tick preventatives, dewormers, tests, and other medical supplies.

Kentucky Animal Action (KAA) removed 30 dogs and several cats on Tuesday. The nonprofit asked for donations of funds as well as medical supplies for the animals. (KAA)

A dog removed from an alleged hoarding situation in Spencer County on Tuesday. (Kentucky Animal Action)

One of the dogs removed from an alleged animal hoarding situation by Kentucky Animal Action on Tuesday. (Kentucky Animal Action)

Kentucky Animal Action is asking for donations for medical supplies and funds to help care for 30 dogs and several cats that were removed from an alleged hoarding situation on Tuesday. (Kentucky Animal Action)

A cat removed from the scene of an alleged animal hoarding situation by Kentucky Animal Action in Spencer County on Tuesday. (Kentucky Animal Action)

A dog suffering from medical conditions was removed along with 29 other dogs on Tuesday. (Kentucky Animal Action)

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

To donate, KAA staff asked the public to scan the QR code in its Facebook post, or use PayPal.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Disclaimer: This article contains mentions of rape, sexual assault, and abuse. Reader discretion is advised.

In a new bombshell lawsuit, Dawn Richard has accused Sean Diddy Combs for sexual abuse, battery, and assault. The suit alleges multiple harrowing accounts where he threatened her throughout her career with Diddys Bad Boy Records. Richard signed with the company in 2005 as part of the girl group Danity Kane after auditioning for MTVs Making the Band 3 and was also a member of the trio Diddy  Dirty Money that formed in 2009.

Why Danity Kanes Dawn Richard is suing Sean Diddy Combs

Dawn Richard is suing Diddy for an alleged pattern of abuse as well as intentional infliction of emotional distress, according to a lawsuit filed in the Southern District of New York.

As detailed by Variety, the suit describes Combs as an aggressive abuser who used physical violence and threats to manipulate Richard. She alleges that the members of Danity Kane were deprived of food and sleep on a regular basis, and she felt forced to form Diddy  Dirty Money due to being financially destitute.

Between 2009 and 2011, Richard says Combs would come into her dressing room and grope her, telling her that he would remove her from songs and turn off her microphone during performances if she didnt comply.

In another incident, as reported by TMZ, Richard allegedly locked her in a car and she had to call her father, who traveled from Baltimore to New York, to free her from the vehicle. When her father said he would report Combs to the police, Richard said that Combs told him to think about your daughter.

The lawsuit also states she witnessed Combs assaulting Cassie Ventura on many occasions. Richard cites Cassies lawsuit against him in November 2023 as one of the reasons she felt the need to file a lawsuit against the mogul now. In one instance, she claims that she saw Combs, high on drugs, choke Ventura, throw a pan of eggs at her, and then threaten Richard not to say anything about it or that there will be consequences.

In addition, the suit requests over a million dollars in compensation for unpaid salaries and a withholding of royalties for her work on various albums and tours.

Since Cassies lawsuit against Combs, he has faced more than a handful of additional lawsuits accusing him of sexual assault, battery, and other crimes. On March 25, federal agents from Homeland Security raided Combss properties as part of an investigation into sexual assault, sex trafficking, and distribution of illegal narcotics and firearms.

Netflix will air a documentary series from rapper 50 Cent about Combs allegations of assault, rape, sexual abuse, and more.

The post Another Woman Accuses Diddy of Sexual Abuse in New Lawsuit appeared first on Mandatory.
Laura Loomer, the well-known anti-Muslim extremist and Donald Trump sycophant, rode in the former presidents jet to the debate Tuesday, a shocking, if not surprising, embrace by Trump of one of the most blatant, open bigots in American public life.

Laura Loomer, a right-wing activist, films a rally of the neo-Nazi groups Blood Tribe and Goyim Defense League on Sept. 22, 2023, in Orlando, Florida. Loomer was seen arriving Tuesday at the presidential debate with Republican nominee Donald Trump. Stephanie Keith/Getty Images

Fox News broadcast footage of Trumps campaign plane touching down for the debate in Philadelphia, with Loomer exiting the plane a few minutes ahead of the former president. Trumps campaign did not immediately respond to HuffPosts request for comment.

Laura Loomer flew with former President Trump to Philadelphia for the debate. pic.twitter.com/gVFqtVTsb4  Yashar Ali  (@yashar) September 10, 2024

Trump has been close with Loomer for years and has repeatedlypraised her, includingwhen she won the Republican primary for an ultimately doomed 2020 congressional race.

Loomer has called Muslims savages, celebrated the deaths of migrants and called Islam a cancer and has used the hashtag #proudislamophobe.

Im pro-white nationalism, the anti-Muslim activist, who is Jewish, said in 2017. She added that this country really was built as the white Judeo-Christian ethnostate and that immigration and calls for diversity were starting to destroy this country.

Loomer was barred from both Uber and Lyft in 2017 after writing on Twitter (now X) that someone needs to create a non Islamic form of Uber or Lyft because I never want to support another Islamic immigrant driver.

I  DONT  CARE  ABOUT  CHRISTCHURCH, she wrote separately after a white supremacist gunman killed 51 Muslim worshippers in two mosques in New Zealand.

She has also called for Democrats to be executed for treason.

Loomers racism, of course, extends to Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee for president.

If @KamalaHarris wins, the White House will smell like curry & White House speeches will be facilitated via a call center and the American people will only be able to convey their feedback through a customer satisfaction survey at the end of the call that nobody will understand, she wrote Tuesday.

CORRECTION: A previous version of this article incorrectly stated which year Loomer won her congressional primary race and was praised by Trump. It was in 2020.

Related...
By Valerie Volcovici

JAL, New Mexico (Reuters) - Flying over the desert landscape of southeastern New Mexico in a four-seat helicopter, Stephen Aldridge could count around a dozen man-made lagoons brimming with toxic wastewater glistening between drill rigs and pumpjacks.

While it is a growing hazardous waste problem from the regions booming drilling industry, the mayor of the tiny town of Jal - nestled near the border with Texas in the heart of U.S. oil country - viewed the sweeping scene as an opportunity: a source of water in the second-biggest oil producing state suffering from worsening drought.

"Our future is going to depend on the future of that produced water," he said.

Aldridge is among a growing group of New Mexico politicians who want the state to develop regulations allowing for the millions of gallons of so-called produced water gushing up daily alongside the Permian basin's prolific oil and gas to be treated and used, instead of discarded, and who are encouraging companies to figure out how to make it happen cheaply, safely and at scale.

In 2022, the oil and gas industry in New Mexico produced enough toxic fracking wastewater to cover 266,000 acres (107,650 hectares) of land a foot (31 cm) deep. While the states drillers reuse over 85% of their produced water in new oil and gas operations, the rest is pumped underground.

With injection wells filling up, however, New Mexico has begun restricting deep-underground disposal, which has triggered earthquakes. The state is now expected to export over 3 million barrels of that water per day by the end of 2024 - a strange dynamic in a water-scarce state.

Around 10 wastewater treatment firms in New Mexico are taking up the challenge under a state-supported pilot program that has so far spurred projects to grow crops like hemp and cotton and irrigate rangeland forage grasses.

While completed pilots have shown the technology works, it is currently too expensive for widespread adoption.

The companies and their backers also face a tough political battle. The debate over how this water should be used is one of the most divisive political questions facing New Mexico, with opponents mainly worried about the unintended human health consequences and subsidizing the oil industry's waste issue.

New Mexicos Democratic Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham introduced legislation late last year that would have created a strategic water reserve out of treated produced water. The bill was defeated by state lawmakers but will be brought up again in the next legislative session in January.

Neighboring Texas is also dealing with growing problems around wastewater disposal, including an epidemic of exploding orphan wells as subsurface pressure rises, raising worries about a potential crackdown there too. The Permian basin, which straddles Texas and New Mexico, is the top U.S. oilfield.

"Its getting close to this point of criticality," said Rob Bruant with energy consultancy B3.

Other states such as Colorado and California already use treated produced water in small amounts for agriculture. But New Mexico's situation is unique because the volumes are overwhelming and the water itself needs much more intensive treatment because it is unusually briny - three times saltier than the Pacific.

CRYSTAL CLEAR FISH TANKS

Aldridge stands out in dusty New Mexico, with shoulder-length white hair and a bushy beard, often wearing bright West African tunics.

His chopper tour in late-July was part of a site visit to one of the states wastewater treatment pilot project run by a company called Aris Water Solutions.

At the mobile trailer field office of the Aris project, Aldridge admired fish tanks on display filled with crystal clear water run through Ariss treatment technology, and home to around two dozen minnows.

Before it is treated, though, the water is dangerous. Employees on site are required to wear flame retardant clothing and carry portable monitors to detect deadly gases.

The untreated water is trucked in by local drillers and held in two large storage tanks before getting piped through a membrane filter to remove solids, and then distilled.

The process yields clear water, and leaves behind a highly toxic rust-colored mud that is reinjected underground at a registered saltwater disposal site.

The water, Aris says, is free of pollutants or radionuclides, and fit for industrial and agricultural uses. Starting next year, Aris will begin growing non-food crops like cotton as part of a $10 million grant it won this year from the U.S. Department of Energy.

"We look at the concept of desalinating produced water and creating a new water resource for the Permian region in a similar way to how the water industry was able to demonstrate that municipal wastewater could be safely treated and used for many purposes that society could become comfortable with," said Lisa Henthorne, chief scientist at Aris.

The main problem for Aris and others is cost. A barrel of Aris treated water costs over $2 a barrel, many times higher than what industrial or agricultural water users typically pay. Aris says its goal is to bring costs down to $1 - still representing a big bill for users.

Massachusetts-based Zwitter, which recently finalized a separate water treatment pilot project in New Mexico, said treated water may never be cheap, but could become viable if it becomes cheaper than disposal.

"It is unlikely that agriculture or other water users will be able to pay more than cents per barrel. Therefore, the value of desalination will be driven by saving disposal costs and could be from $2 to $3/BW (per barrel of water) in the future," it said in the final report on its project.

Disposal currently costs cents per barrel, but that could rise as injection sites fill up and waste needs to be trucked or piped ever further.

Aris has strategic agreements with Permian oil majors including Chevron, ConocoPhillips and Exxon Mobil to develop and pilot technologies for treating produced water for potential reuse.

Exxon subsidiary XTO has also partnered with Infinity Water Solutions, another water treatment firm running a pilot project in the Permian.

"I can tell you, the H2O molecule has no value until you run out of it," Infinity CEO Michael Dyson added.

TERRIFIED OF GETTING IT WRONG

Avner Vengosh, a professor of environmental quality at Duke University, said unknown safety risks are also a key concern.

Under federal law, U.S. producers are not required to disclose all the chemicals they introduce to oil wells while drilling, raising worries that water treatments and testing are missing some dangerous components.

"There are a lot of technologies that can treat the water but the question is how can we evaluate all possible contaminants in produced water? Im not saying its impossible, but I am saying it needs to be done correctly," he said.

Infinity's Dyson agreed the industry needs to tread carefully.

"We know we're only going to get one real chance of getting this right, and if anything, I think most of us are terrified of getting it wrong," he said.

The states environment department is updating its 2019 Produced Water Act with the aim of firming up water reuse rules and expanding research and development for use outside the oil and gas sector.

During a week of hearings on the effort in early August, divisions were huge, with environmental groups and some scientists questioning how safe the end-product could be.

Daniel Tso, a former Navajo Nation Council member, told Reuters the Navajo had been stung before in New Mexico when decades of uranium mining on their land in the last century led to widespread radioactive pollution.

Now the industry is trying to make this a public problem and the public has to really scrutinize the effects, he said of produced water.

James Kenney, New Mexicos environment secretary, told Reuters that the advances in technology over the last five years give him confidence that treated produced water can be safe, but acknowledged New Mexicos poor record.

"We have to acknowledge our history of things like uranium mining, the promise of wealth and the failure to protect health. So communities are right to be skeptical," he said.

For Aldridge, though, the more he learns about wastewater treatment technology, the more willing he is to fight for the state to open up more uses for the water.

"Am I 100% convinced? No, but they're taking a step to convince me and I need to take those steps with them," he said.

His own rural town of Jal, he said, could become home to "industries of the future" like data centers or green hydrogen projects, businesses that need ample supplies of water.

Or it could dry up, like the drilling industry will when the Permian empties of oil and gas.

I just can't abide by the idea that small rural communities like Jal can just vanish."

(Reporting by Valerie Volcovici; Editing by Richard Valdmanis and Marguerita Choy)
Arizona border ports of entry to temporarily close for 9/11 anniversary

Ports of entry across the Southwestern border will temporarily close Wednesday, the 23rd anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

A moment of silence honoring victims of the attacks will be held by border officials, according to a statement released by Customs and Border Protection.

All inbound and outbound vehicular and pedestrian traffic at Arizona border crossings will be paused at 5:46 a.m., marking the exact minute when the first plane struck the World Trade Center. CBP said that minor delays should be expected.

"Please be patient as we pay our respects to those that lost their lives on that tragic day," the agency wrote in the statement.

Travelers can monitor wait times at ports of entry on the CBP website.

Have any news tips or story ideas about the U.S.-Mexico border in Arizona? Reach the reporter at rromeroruiz@gannett.com. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter, @raphaeldelag.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: AZ border ports of entry to temporarily close for 9/11 anniversary
A new billboard message by the Arizona Republican Party promotes false information about immigrants eating pets that critics, including a White House spokesperson, say is not just wrong but racist.

Gina Swoboda, Arizona Republican Party chair, revealed the marketing campaign Tuesday in an email to the news media.

"Eat Less Kittens. Vote Republican!" the billboard says, featuring kittens in cow costumes to resemble a popular ad campaign by the fast-food chain Chik-fil-A. A dozen digital billboards around metro Phoenix will display the ads until Sept. 13, the day after former President Donald Trump's latest scheduled appearance in the Valley.

Arizona Republican Party billboard campaign, amplifying a baseless report that Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, are eating people's pets and ducks in the local parks.

The campaign coincided with statements made on X.com Monday by Sen. JD Vance, the GOP nominee for vice president, about Haitian immigrants. Vance, an Ohio Republican, said he'd previously complained the immigrants were "draining" services in Springfield, Ohio, and that "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?"

Trump also amplified the false claims about immigrants eating pets during his debate Tuesday with Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris.

The Arizona GOP, in turn, said the billboard ad is based on "recent shocking reports from Ohio where Haitian migrants have been allegedly caught eating house pets, ducks, and other animals off the streets."

Yet the allegations against Haitians were spurred by unproven rumors including unfounded statements by a speaker at Springfield city commission meeting and an online photo of a man carrying a goose. No evidence backs up the allegations.

Springfield officials held a news conference Tuesday night to dispel the rumors. The city's mayor, Rob Rue, told reporters there were no "credible reports or specific claims of pets being harmed, injured or abused by individuals within the immigrant community." Rue said the city has been impacted by large numbers of migrants recently but false rumors detract from real problems including housing, school and health care resources.

John Kirby, national security communications adviser for the White House, told reporters at a media briefing the rumor was "BS," but still dangerous and could cause a person to "act on that kind of misinformation" in a way that hurts someone.

"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.

Swoboda, like Vance, blames the "problem" on Harris, who Biden never made "border czar" but did assign her to reduce the mass immigration that has plagued the Biden administration.

Were not going to sit idly by while our communities are overrun by tens of thousands of newcomers imported by Kamala Harris who have no interest in assimilating into our culture and have no regard for the laws of the United States, Swoboda said in her statement.

Clay Robinson, a state GOP spokesperson, did not respond when asked if the GOP has a single example of any Arizona case in which an immigrant, or anyone else, caught and ate someones pet.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona GOP's 'Eat less Kittens' billboard condemned as racist
RICE LAKE, Wis. (WFRV)  Authorities in northwest Wisconsin are awaiting formal charges for a 28-year-old Arizona man who fled a traffic stop on Sunday evening.

The Barron County Sheriffs Department (BCSD) posted on Facebook that a man in Rice Lake failed to stop despite orders from the Rice Lake Police Department. BCSD deputies assisted in a chase, taking over on Highway 48, as the pursuit went on for about 14 miles.

Fond du Lac County Sheriff: 730+ traffic stops during Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign, nearly 250 citations issued

The suspect vehicle eventually lost control on a curved road, crashing into a ditch. Two were taken into custody on the scene and transported to the Marshfield Medical Center for injuries.

The passenger was released; however, the driver, identified as Raul Velasquez of Arizona, is held in the Barron County Jail. The county is awaiting formal charges for Velasquez of the following:

OWI causing injury

Fleeing an officer

Reckless driving

Disorderly conduct

No more details were provided.

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Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid (R) holds talks with visiting Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Baghdad, Iraq, Sept. 11, 2024. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian arrived in Baghdad on Wednesday for his first official foreign visit since taking office in July. (Xinhua)

BAGHDAD, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian arrived in Baghdad on Wednesday for his first official foreign visit since taking office in July.

In a statement from his media office, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani welcomed Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and his delegation at Baghdad airport. The two leaders are set to discuss regional developments and the ongoing situation in Gaza.

According to the statement, Al-Sudani and Pezeshkian will explore ways to enhance economic and security cooperation and oversee the signing of several memoranda of understanding across various sectors. These include tax cooperation, agriculture, natural resources, communications, social security, youth and sports, education, tourism, and cultural exchange.

During the trip, Pezeshkian will meet with key Iraqi leaders, including President Abdul Latif Rashid and Acting Speaker of Parliament Mohsen al-Mandalawi.

Pezeshkian is also scheduled to visit the provinces of Basra, Karbala, and Najaf, along with Erbil, the capital of the semi-autonomous Kurdistan region in northern Iraq. 

Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid (L) welcomes visiting Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Baghdad, Iraq, Sept. 11, 2024. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian arrived in Baghdad on Wednesday for his first official foreign visit since taking office in July. (Xinhua)
An Arizona man is in custody after allegedly crashing his vehicle into an Elks Lodge on Saturday night, injuring 30 people.



According to police in Apache Junction, 73-year-old Thomas Kain allegedly crashed his truck into the lodge at 8:27 PM while attempting to leave the premises under the influence of alcohol.



RITZY FLORIDA BEACH TOWN POLITICIAN ARRESTED FOR ALLEGED DUI: 'I THINK THE MAYOR IS DRUNK'



Kain has been charged with 12 counts of aggravated assault, 17 counts of endangerment, and DUI  slightest degree.



"Ten individuals were transported to multiple hospitals by ambulance, while fifteen others received treatment on-site for minor injuries," according to a release from the Apache Junction Police Department. "At least five additional individuals drove themselves to local hospitals for further medical evaluation."

73-year-old Thomas Kain has been charged with 12 counts of aggravated assault, 17 counts of endangerment, and DUI  slightest degree after crashing his vehicle into an Elks Lodge.

One other person injured in the crash remains in "critical but stable" condition and is expected to recover.



'BEST FRIEND' OF ARIZONA ENGINEER MISSING IN DESERT FOR DAYS CHARGED WITH MURDER



According to police, they are awaiting results from a blood test to determine the extent of alcohol Kain had consumed before getting behind the wheel.



The Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control is also "conducting an independent investigation" into the accident and the events which led up to it.

30 people were injured at an Elks Lodge in Arizona after a man under the influence of alcohol crashed his vehicle into the building.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP





Original article source: Arizona man injures 30 after crashing into Elks Lodge, charged with DUI: police
(Getty Images)

This story was updated at 3:55 p.m. on Sept. 12, 2024 to include comments from For AR Kids.

The coalition backing an education-focused constitutional amendment for the 2026 ballot resubmitted its proposal Tuesday after its initial submission was rejected in August for failing to include the measures full text.

A ballot question committee called For AR Kids is backing the proposed constitutional amendment, which would require public and private schools that receive state funding to meet the same standards. For AR Kids submitted an identical measure for the 2024 ballot, but failed to collect enough signatures to qualify for the November election.

Attorney General Tim Griffin has already certified two other measures for the 2026 ballot. The proposals, which target government transparency and eliminating the sales tax for feminine hygiene products, also failed to qualify for the 2024 ballot.

For AR Kids Treasurer Bill Kopsky said Thursday that they expect Griffin will approve their 2026 ballot language because its the same as what he approved in 2024. Kopsky said For AR Kids wanted to start the approval process now, but dont plan to launch the campaign to support it for a few more months.

The proposed Arkansas Educational Rights Amendment of 2026 would amend Article 14 of the Arkansas Constitution to require identical academic standards and identical standards for accreditation including assessments of students and schools based on such standards for any schools that receive local or state funds.

The ballot measure was prompted by concerns about the LEARNS Act, a 2023 law that made sweeping changes to the states education system, including increasing the minimum teacher salary to $50,000 and creating a voucher program that provides state funding for allowable educational expenses, such as private school tuition.

Critics have argued the Educational Freedom Account program is unfair because private schools receiving state funding dont have to follow the same requirements as their public counterparts, such as admitting all students, providing transportation and administering certain standardized tests.

The LEARNS Act does require private schools to administer approved annual exams for EFA students.

The LEARNS Act has faced a number of lawsuits, including one that argues the voucher program violates a provision of the Arkansas Constitution that prohibits money or property belonging to the public school fund from being used for other purposes.

Griffin on Tuesday filed an appeal with the Arkansas Supreme Court in response to a judges rejection of his motion to dismiss the lawsuit.

In a similar case, the South Carolina Supreme Court on Wednesday ruled its states new voucher program is unconstitutional because it violates the state constitutions prohibition against public dollars directly benefiting private schools, according to the South Carolina Daily Gazette.

In addition to equal standards, the Arkansas Educational Rights Amendment of 2026 would guarantee voluntary universal access to early childhood education for students three years old until they qualify for kindergarten, and after-school and summer programming.

The proposal would also require services for students with disabilities and assistance for children in families within 200% of the Federal Poverty Line ($62,400 for a family of four).

Griffin has until Sept. 24 to approve or reject the proposed amendment.

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LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  Arkansas State Police had a busy September so far with illegal drugs seized and a fugitive captured.

According to ASP officials, troopers made a stop at 8:37 p.m. on Sept. 7 on Interstate 40 in Pope County for a traffic violation.

Troopers said they arrested 35-year-old Jerome Cotton of Arizona after a search of the rental vehicle he was in turned up a vacuum-sealed bag containing 2.5 pounds of suspected cocaine.

Investigators said he was taken to the Pope County Detention Center and charged with felony trafficking of a controlled substance.

Arkansas State Police arrest Conway man accused of rape

On Sept. 6, investigators said a trooper approached a vehicle at a truck stop on South Division Street in Blytheville, but the driver fled. After a chase, the vehicle left the roadway with the driver fleeing on foot but was soon arrested a mile away from the car.

Troopers said 28-year-old Calvin Hathaway of Wisconsin was arrested after two backpacks were found in his vehicle containing 77 ecstasy pills, illegal marijuana and a BB gun that resembled a Glock 19 handgun.

Investigators said Hathaway was found to be on probation out of Wisconsin, where he also had an active warrant.

He was transported to the Mississippi County Detention Center and is facing felony charges of fleeing, possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver and multiple traffic violations.

This is an epidemic: Arkansas State Police push to get fentanyl off the streets

Also, on Sept. 6 in Lonoke County, state police stopped a pickup truck on I-40 for a traffic violation and said they arrested the driver, 53-year-old Terry Cason and passenger, 48-year-old Shelly Cason, both of Oklahoma.

Troopers made the arrest after 163 pounds of illegal marijuana was discovered in eight trash bags and a carboard box.

Investigators said both are facing felony charges of possession of a controlled substance with purpose to deliver and possession of drug paraphernalia.

ASP troopers arrest Alabama man after finding $4.8 million worth of methamphetamine, fentanyl & marijuana during traffic stop

And on Sept. 3, troopers stopped a vehicle just after 2 p.m. on eastbound I-30 in Clark County.

Investigators said a search of the vehicle resulted in the discovery of a blue duffle bag that contained three kilos of cocaine wrapped in black tape.

Troopers arrested the driver and passenger, whose names have not been released.

Both were transported to the Clark County Detention Center and are facing felony charges of trafficking a controlled substance and endangering the welfare of a minor.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  A central Arkansas veteran was one of many working in the Pentagon during the tragedy of 9/11.

John Hoffman was 25 years old and was enlisted in the US Army as a specialist E-4 working for military intelligence at the Pentagon on the day Flight 77 was hijacked and crashed into the Pentagon.

That was my first day at work at the Pentagon, John Hoffman said.

9/11 victims honored at memorial ceremony in Lower Manhattan

He woke up that morning and took the metro station into the Pentagon to work with his civilian counterparts building a new conference room on the second level of the Pentagon. The room had no radio and no TV.

We were literally standing behind a rack in this projector room that was all blacked out when there was a huge explosion, and we got knocked to the ground, Hoffman said.

Hoffman remembers the whole ceiling structure falling in on him.

We were locked in from the outside, Hoffman said. After getting lost we had to go back through basically low crawl our way out to the other side away from the impact.

Hoffman heard voices crying out, and his military training kicked in to help, finding them as they searched for their way out.

When they exited the loading dock at the Pentagon, Hoffman learned of the attacks on the Twin Towers.

At 8:46 a.m., Flight 11 hit the North Tower of the World Trade Center; as evacuations began, Flight 175 hit the South Tower at 9:03 a.m.

Jon Stewart presses for a breakthrough to get the first 9/11 troops full care

As they walked to the evacuation zones at the Pentagon, Hoffman said he remembers seeing parts of a plane as well as the smoke and fire.

Hoffman then drove nine miles home, taking seven hours. He said the shock had still not set in before getting home and watching hours of TV to try to come to an understanding.

It was later determined that it was hijacked Flight 77 that hit the Pentagon at 9:37 a.m.

A fourth flight, Flight 93, crashed at 10:03 a.m. in a field in Pennsylvania.

That was when it sunk in, and then we just didnt understand how to react because it was something that was so unprecedented, Hoffman said.

According to Hoffman, the whole country seemed frightened, but patriotism rose more than hed ever seen.

Then, the guilt set in for Hoffman.

It was a place that I almost didnt come out of, you know, being so close and then being able to walk away, you have that guilt of what I could have done better that day, Hoffman said.

Hoffman returned just two weeks later and started to clean and rebuild the Pentagon.

Its pretty unnerving to remember that, to go back into places and just have that instant rush of pain and hurt and memories, Hoffman said.

Arkansas Travelers honor and remember first responders who lost their lives in 9/11 terrorist attacks and those who continue to fight for freedom and safety

While Hoffman continued to work for years at the Pentagon, he has since returned to his home state of Arkansas as a veteran, visiting the Pentagon Memorial on anniversaries and when he can to pay his respects to the lives lost.

There was a bench for every person that died on the airplane and in the Pentagon, Hoffman said. Its a very somber place for people like myself, military, to go into a place and see the heroes and the actions of those heroes.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK.
FILE - Rioters loyal to President Donald Trump rally at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Jan. 6, 2021. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, File)

A U.S. Army soldier has been arrested in Hawaii on charges that he repeatedly struck a police officer with a flagpole during a mob's attack on the U.S. Capitol more than three years ago, according to court records unsealed on Wednesday.

Alexander Cain Poplin was arrested on Tuesday at Schofield Barracks, an Army installation near Honolulu. Poplin, 31, of Wahiawa, Hawaii, was scheduled to make his initial appearance in federal court on Wednesday.

The FBI received a tip in February 2021 that Poplin had posted on Facebook about attacking police during the Capitol riot. Poplin wrote that we took our house back and stood for something, according to an FBI task force officer's affidavit.

In July 2024, the FBI investigator interviewed Poplin's military supervisor, who identified him in a photograph showing him wearing an Army camouflage backpack inside the restricted area of the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

Poplin attended then-President Donald Trump's Stop the Steal rally near the White House on Jan. 6. He joined the mob of Trump supporters who gathered at the Capitol, where lawmakers were meeting to certify President Joe Biden's 2020 electoral victory.

On the Capitol's Lower West Plaza, Poplin carried an Area Closed sign in his left hand and a flagpole bearing a blue flag in his right hand. A video captured him repeatedly striking a Metropolitan Police Department officer with the flagpole, the FBI affidavit says.

Poplin was arrested on a complaint charging him with five counts, including felony charges of interfering with police during a civil disorder and assaulting, resisting or impeding police with a dangerous weapon.

An attorney assigned to represent Poplin at Wednesday's hearing in Hawaii didn't immediately respond to an email seeking comment on the charges.

Nearly 1,500 people have been charged with Capitol riot-related federal crimes. Many rioters were military veterans, but only a handful were on active duty on Jan. 6. Approximately 140 police officers were injured in the attack.

___

Associated Press writer Lolita C. Baldor in Washington contributed.
In between claiming immigrants were eating pets, and insisting some U.S. states allow abortions to be performed after a baby is born, Donald Trump on Sept. 10 once again raised concerns about what his second term in office would mean for Ukraine.

Speaking during the highly-anticipated presidential debate between him and Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump refused to say that he wanted Ukraine to win the war, and dodged a question as to whether a Ukrainian victory was in the United States' best interests.

Instead, he said it would be best to "get this war finished and just get it done, negotiate a deal."

The former president has repeatedly promised to end Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 24 hours if elected but has not publicly elaborated on how he plans to achieve that, and did not elaborate during the debate.

One plan reportedly involves ceding territory to Russia, something President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly said Kyiv would not do.

In response, Harris went on the attack, saying if Trump had been in office when Russia launched its full-scale invasion, "Putin would be sitting in Kyiv with his eyes on the rest of Europe."

"Why dont you tell the 800,000 Polish Americans right here in Pennsylvania how quickly you would give up for the sake of favor and what you think is a friendship with what is known to be a dictator who would eat you for lunch," she said.

"It is well-known that these dictators and autocrats are rooting for you to be president again because it is so clear they can manipulate you with flatter and favors," Harris added.

US Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris gestures as former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks during a presidential debate at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US on Sep. 10, 2024. (Saul Loeb / AFP via Getty Images)

We asked five prominent Ukrainians for their takes on Trump's comments, and who they think would be a better president for Ukraine to cooperate with amid its ongoing fight against Russia's full-scale invasion.

Oleksiy Haran

professor of comparative politics at Kyiv Mohyla Academy

The Democrats' decision to replace Biden with Harris was justified. Harris looked more dynamic. Trump was confused, and it's not clear how he's going to address (the war in Ukraine). On the other hand, Harris was more resolute as far as Ukraine was concerned.

"Trump would be more unpredictable. Harris' victory would make U.S. policy more predictable (in terms of Ukraine policy), although not necessarily more active.

Volodymyr Dubovyk

director of the Center for International Studies at Odesa National University and senior fellow at the Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA)

"The candidates' views expressed last night did not surprise me. As for Harris, her principled position to support Ukraine was confirmed.

"I liked her attempt to explain how aiding Ukraine is not just about Ukraine, but also about the broader region, and how it is in the U.S. interests. I think that the Biden administration has not done enough to explain this to Americans. So, it was good to see how Hariris presented this aid not as some altruistic project but as an investment in the common security for Ukraine, the Euroatlantic space, and the U.S. included.

"As for Trump, his refusal to say that he would like to see a victory for Ukraine was somewhat shocking even for experienced Trump watchers. But it is hardly surprising.

"Trump's view of Ukraine has been persistently negative for the last eight years at least. Much of this view was shaped by people antagonistic to Ukraine, including (Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor) Orban, whom Trump praised last night.

Former US President Donald Trump and US Vice President Kamala Harris are shown on screen in the spin room during the second presidential debate at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US, on Sept. 10, 2024. (Hannah Beier / Bloomberg via Getty Images)

"Support for Ukraine does not match Trump's transactionist mindset; we help them but what do we get in return?

"So, nothing was surprising last night. Promises to end the war, but not being able to explain how  that was to be expected, because, of course, there is no plan. But what is almost certain is that when Trump returns to the White House he is going to apply pressure on Kyiv to concede to Russian demands."

Tymofiy Mylovanov

adviser to President Volodymyr Zelenskys office and head of Kyiv School of Economics

"My position is very different from most others. When Trump was asked if it was in the U.S. interest for Ukraine to win, he avoided the question and said that it was in the U.S. interest for the war to end.

"Haris was not asked such a question, but she had the opportunity to say it. Instead, she talked about how she supports Ukraine and about the leadership of the U.S. Neither candidate said that winning the war was in the interests of the U.S.

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Oleksandr Merezhko

lawmaker and chair of the parliament's foreign affairs committee

"I view Trumps comments as election rhetoric which should be treated with a grain of salt. His rhetoric is aimed at the part of his audience, his voters. He is trying to present himself as a politician who can easily reach any deal and who 'knows well' both Zelensky and Putin.

"But if he is elected he will have to face another kind of reality which will be rather humbling. I dont think that as of now he has any plan of peace for Ukraine. He will start seriously thinking about it only after being elected. Of course, if he is elected.

"As for Ukraine, we are in a rather vulnerable position because our survival depends a great deal on American help. That is why we should be very careful now because we dont know for sure who will become the next American president.

"We shouldnt spoil relations with either Trump or Harris. In a word, we should be patient, and wait till the end of the presidential elections. After that, we will be working with whoever becomes the president."

Andriy Lyubka

writer and director of the Institute for Central European Strategy

"I think this debate didnt show us anything new. People didnt change their opinion regarding the candidates. People who support Donald Trump still support him, and people who are against him will vote for Kamala Harris.

"The key development of campaign intrigue to watch in the next two months is if Harris can change the accent from running an anti-Trump campaign because right now she is developing her campaign on the fact that she is better than Trump, that Trump is evil. So the question is will she be able to make people vote for her because she has a better platform, a better vision for the future, and not just because she is not Trump.

"And the main goal will be to deliver such a message to the key states. Will she be able to do it? I dont know, but her starting position is very good in my opinion and as a Ukrainian, I wish her success."

The Kyiv Independent's reporters Martin Fornusek, Dinara Khalilova, Oleg Sukhov, and Kate Tsurkan contributed reporting to this piece.

Read also: Trump refuses to say he wants Ukrainian victory, Harris accuses him of surrender in presidential debate

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  A 26-year-old Watertown woman was arrested in Castlewood for a simple assault and an assault against law enforcement.

Deputies with the Hamlin County Sheriffs Office were dispatched to a residence in rural Castlewood Friday afternoon at around 4:11 pm. On scene, deputies discovered an assault that had happened with a family member inside the home before the suspect left the residence.

Schwans project gets $25 million of state loans

The deputies were able to locate the suspect. While attempting to place her under arrest, the suspect resisted the deputies.

She is charged with simple assault, simple assault against law enforcement and resisting arrest. She is currently in Codington County Detention Center on a $5,000 cash or surety bond.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com.
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS)  Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has announced her offices investigation into the Larry Nassar-related documents from Michigan State University will now be closed.

In the emailed announcement Nessel said her office received more than 105,000 documents from Michigan State which eventually included 6,004 documents held back by MSU. The university had claimed attorney-client privilege before releasing the documents in March of this year.

MSU has repeatedly justified withholding the documents because they contained information that was allegedly protected by the attorney-client privilege, Nessel said in the statement. Our review has revealed that this justification was not always appropriate. A significant number, if not a majority, of the documents did not appear to us to be covered by the privilege. Accordingly, there was no justifiable reason to withhold those documents for any period of time, let alone an extended period. Further, the documents that contained, or at least arguably contained, privileged information did not offer any new insight into MSUs handling of Nassars abuse or who knew what about it and when. Indeed, most of the privileged information was not even related to those issues, but instead to tangential issues such as public relations, insurance, and funding.

MSU: Woodruff confirms timeline for Nassar document release

Michigan State has been criticized for its handling of the Nassar investigation and its dealings with survivors in the aftermath of his arrest and conviction. The school has settled lawsuits filed by Nassar victims for $500 million.

The Board declined several requests over the years to release the remaining Nassar documents and today Nessel did not hold back criticizing the university for the delay.

This is a disappointing close to our years-long investigation into the abuse that hundreds of young women were subjected to over the course of more than a decade, Nessel said. While I appreciate that MSU eventually cooperated, the withheld documents provided victims with a sense of false hope, for no justifiable reason. Simply put, there remains no fulfilling answer to the question of how this abuse was able to be perpetuated on so many, for so long, without MSU, or anyone else, putting a stop to it.

The Attorney Generals office said it is now creating a digital, publicly available folder of all the documents, but this could take up to a year to complete.

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Cleveland County detention officers and Turn Key Health Clinics staff refused care, falsified records and mocked Shannon Hanchett as she descended into an ultimately fatal mental health crisis in late 2022, according to an amended complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma on Sept. 9.

The filing comes weeks after U.S. District Judge Bernard Jones granted the defendants motion to dismiss the wrongful death lawsuit brought by Shannon Hanchetts widower Daniel Hanchett, ruling on Aug. 19 that there was insufficient evidence to show jail staff were deliberately indifferent. In his ruling, Jones gave Daniel Hanchetts attorneys 21 days to file an amended complaint outlining new evidence.

Referencing closed-circuit video footage that remains shielded from the public under a federal protective order, the 73-page filing details Hanchetts deteriorating mental and physical health as jail staff refused to provide care. As county officials sought to withhold access to the footage, the initial complaint filed in January was based on medical records.

A Norman police officer arrested Hanchett, a 38-year-old mother of two who ran a popular bakery in downtown Norman, at an AT&T store on Nov. 26 on a misdemeanor obstruction charge.

More: Medical provider for Oklahoma County jail now says it will be ending its services

People leave items outside the Cookie Cottage during a candlelight vigil for Shannon Hanchett in Norman, Okla., Monday, Dec. 12, 2022. Shannon Hanchett, a local bakery owner and longtime mental health advocate, died at the Cleveland County jail early Thursday.

What happened to Shannon Hanchett? What the amended complaint says

While the officer noted in their arrest report that Hanchett was exhibiting signs of mental illness, they took her to the Cleveland County Detention Center. Her family opted not to post her $1,000 bond because they feared that she might be a danger to herself or others, according to an investigation by The Marshall Project and The Frontier.

Just before 8 p.m. on Nov. 26, 2022, jail staff locked Hanchett in a temporary holding cell with no mattress, sink or toilet, the complaint alleges. While the cells are designed to hold detainees for no more than a few hours as theyre processed into the jail, Hanchett remained there for more than three days, according to the lawsuit.

Hanchett paced the small holding cell in the days following her arrest, talking to herself for hours and refused to eat, the plaintiff claimed. A light shined constantly in the cell and Hanchett did not sleep. At 4:57 p.m. on Nov. 27, about 21 hours after she was locked in the cell, video footage shows her urinating on the cell floor, according to the plaintiff.

More: Judge dismisses lawsuit brought after Norman baker Shannon Hanchett died in custody

The lawsuit also said detention officers passed by periodically with jugs of water but offered none to Hanchett and that a similar scene played out several times over the next nine days, causing Hanchett to become severely dehydrated.

In the late evening of Nov. 30, more than three days after she was booked into the jail, staff removed Hanchett from cell B130 to make space for another detainee, the lawsuit said. Instead of moving Hanchett to a more permanent cell, staff took Hanchett back to the holding cell after the detainee was processed, the lawsuit alleges, also claiming that jail staff did not open that door again for five days.

Hanchetts condition worsened as the days progressed. According to the lawsuit, by Dec. 3, she could no longer sit up on her own. She spent most of the time in a state of catatonia on the cell floor, lying in her own waste and rotting food, the plaintiff said.

When jail staff entered Hanchetts cell around 12:30 a.m. on Dec. 5, she struggled to stand up on her own, the lawsuit claimed. Several hours later, the filing alleged, a Turn Key Health Services nurse falsified a document stating that Hanchett refused to have her vital signs taken.

Oklahoma Watch, at oklahomawatch.org, is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that covers public-policy issues facing the state.

On Dec. 6, more than a week after being booked into the jail, Hanchett met via video conference with a psychologist but was too weak to sit up for the call, according to the lawsuit. The call ended after a few minutes.

On Dec. 7, with her health deteriorating rapidly, two Cleveland County detention officers attempted to remove Hanchett from the holding cell, the lawsuit said. Unresponsive and too weak to move on her own, a detention officer grabbed Hanchett by the arms and dragged her naked across the entire length of a concrete hallway, the complaint alleges.

Despite not being able to move on her own, medical staff continued to refuse to transfer Hanchett to the hospital. She was instead moved to the jails medical unit, where staff and detainees mocked her, according to the complaint.

She is unable to sit up in the wheelchair, so they tilt the wheelchair back so that she will not fall out of it, the lawsuit reads. Nurse Natasha Kariuki and Nurse Jewel Johnson appear to share a joke and laugh as she passes by them. Even a nearby inmate joins in the laughter.

At 9:17 p.m., less than three hours before her death, nurse Tara Doto wrote that Hanchett refused water. The lawsuit alleges that video footage does not show this exchange.

Jail staff discovered Hanchett unresponsive just after midnight on Dec. 8, less than eight hours before she was scheduled for a court-ordered mental health evaluation, according to the lawsuit. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

A state medical examiners report ruled the cause of death as heart failure with psychosis and severe dehydration as significant contributing factors.

More: This company promised to improve health care in Oklahoma jails. Patients in its care have died

The amended complaint seeks to hold Cleveland County officials and Turn Key Health Clinics liable for unconstitutional living conditions and deliberate indifference, said Daniel Smolen, a Tulsa-based civil rights attorney representing Daniel Hanchett. Smolen claims that financial incentives and a lack of staff training contributed to several deaths of mentally ill detainees at jails staffed by Turn Key Health Clinics personnel over the past decade.

She was treated in a truly inhumane way, Smolen said. It [the video footage] really shows how preventable her death was.

Jones had not set a deadline for the defendants response as of Tuesday afternoon. In previous filings, Cleveland County officials and Turn Key Health Clinics claimed that medical personnel evaluated Hanchett on numerous occasions and contacted personnel at the Griffin Memorial Hospital to set up a mental health evaluation. A related lawsuit challenging Oklahomas mental health response in jails remains pending. In March 2023, attorneys representing four plaintiffs deemed incompetent to stand trial filed a class-action lawsuit alleging the state unconstitutionally allows mentally ill detainees to languish in jail as they await treatment. That case remains at an impasse as the attorney generals office and Gov. Kevin Stitt disagree over whether to settle.

Keaton Ross covers democracy and criminal justice for Oklahoma Watch. Contact him at (405) 831-9753 or Kross@Oklahomawatch.org. Follow him on Twitter at @_KeatonRoss.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Attorneys file amended complaint over Shannon Hanchett's death in jail
Jonathan L. Clayton, interim city clerk in Peabody and former director of economic recovery for the Kansas Department of Commerce, went missing Aug. 3 amid investigations into his handling of COVID-19 federal funds.

Kansas lawmakers on Tuesday approved multiple state audits into the Kansas Department of Commerce following the death of Jonathan L. Clayton, the former agency official suspected of embezzlement who died in a single-car crash last month.

The Kansas Legislative Post Audit Committee signed off on an audit into the process used to award the first round of the Building a Stronger Economy, or BASE, grants. Lawmakers also decided to move forward with an audit into the pre-employment screening process used by Commerce to vet job applicants working with financial matters.

Clayton went missing in early August and was found weeks later. He is suspected of having embezzled BASE grant funds while managing grant funds after leaving the agency in 2023.

In an email purportedly sent after his death, Clayton, who was Commerces director of economic recovery, alleged he played a role in manipulating applicant scores at the direction of Democratic Lt. Gov. David Toland. Commerce has denied the allegations.

Clayton was hired by the agency in 2020, first as a project manager, despite having pleaded guilty to financial felony crimes in Pennsylvania. The agency has said it didnt know about his criminal record at the time.

Sen. Mike Thompson, a Shawnee Republican, told the committee that he had spoken with a former military officer, who he didnt identify, who had helped investigate personnel backgrounds.

He said it should have been very easy to find this, Thompson said.

Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly has already said state law should be changed to make it easier to conduct criminal background checks. State law must authorize specific positions to seek national checks from the FBI  the positions held by Clayton werent on the list.

I think what this is going to expose is us as a legislature need to open that list up so that more of these positions can use that database, Sen. Caryn Tyson, a Parker Republican who chairs the committee, said.

Commerce has also initiated an outside investigation into the BASE grant awards process. How long that review will take, or whether the results will be publicly released, isnt clear.

The Post Audit Committee also approved a third audit, which will look at a specific BASE grant award to a company that has said it intends to operate in Great Bend. The audit request came from Rep. Tory Marie Blew, a Great Bend Republican, who voiced concerns that the business doesnt appear to have begun operating in the city.

The audits were listed as consent items by the committee, meaning they were approved without formal votes because no lawmakers objected.
JERUSALEM, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- Two Israeli soldiers were killed when a military helicopter crashed in the Rafah area, southern Gaza Strip, during an overnight mission, Israel's army said on Wednesday.

The Black Hawk helicopter from the Israeli Air Force was evacuating an injured soldier to a hospital for medical treatment when it crashed. Seven other soldiers were injured and were subsequently evacuated for medical care, according to the army's statement.

"An initial inquiry indicates that the crash was not due to enemy action," said the statement. The cause of the incident is under further investigation by a committee appointed by Air Force Commander Tomer Bar.

It added that the Air Force's operational activities remain unaffected. 
DENVER (KDVR)  Several vehicles were seized and two people were issued summonses after police responded to reports of loud music, partying in the street, and blocked roadways in Aurora late last month.

On Tuesday, the Aurora Police Department posted about the incident saying it happened around midnight on Aug. 31 near 17th Avenue and Alton Street, which is just under a mile south of the Stanley Marketplace.

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According to police, neighbors reported that their windows were rattling due to the loud music.

When officers responded, they could hear the music from as far as two blocks away, according to police. Some officers parked around the corner and approached the gathering on foot and some approached in patrol cars.

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Officers encountered dozens of people in the street, on sidewalks, and in the courtyard of a nearby complex, the police department said.

The police department posted videos of the gathering, showing several cars parked in the roadway as well as people dancing in the street. Other drivers appeared to be slowly moving through the crowded road.

Party is over, neighbors are tired of it, an officer is heard saying in body-worn camera footage posted by police. Neighbors are tired of it, go away. Be respectful, thank you.

Several vehicles were seized and two people were issued summonses after police responded to reports of loud music, partying in the street, and blocked roadways near 17th Avenue and Alton Street in Aurora late last month. (Aurora Police Department)

Several vehicles were seized and two people were issued summonses after police responded to reports of loud music, partying in the street, and blocked roadways near 17th Avenue and Alton Street in Aurora late last month. (Aurora Police Department)

Several vehicles were seized and two people were issued summonses after police responded to reports of loud music, partying in the street, and blocked roadways near 17th Avenue and Alton Street in Aurora late last month. (Aurora Police Department)

Several vehicles were seized and two people were issued summonses after police responded to reports of loud music, partying in the street, and blocked roadways near 17th Avenue and Alton Street in Aurora late last month. (Aurora Police Department)

Several vehicles were seized and two people were issued summonses after police responded to reports of loud music, partying in the street, and blocked roadways near 17th Avenue and Alton Street in Aurora late last month. (Aurora Police Department)

Several vehicles were seized and two people were issued summonses after police responded to reports of loud music, partying in the street, and blocked roadways near 17th Avenue and Alton Street in Aurora late last month. (Aurora Police Department)

Several vehicles were seized and two people were issued summonses after police responded to reports of loud music, partying in the street, and blocked roadways near 17th Avenue and Alton Street in Aurora late last month. (Aurora Police Department)

Several vehicles were seized and two people were issued summonses after police responded to reports of loud music, partying in the street, and blocked roadways near 17th Avenue and Alton Street in Aurora late last month. (Aurora Police Department)

Police said numerous cars were blocking the road and parked illegally. An SUV on the scene was found with large speakers and subwoofers, which police said was causing most of the noise. The SUV was among seven vehicles that were impounded for various reasons including lack of registration, fictitious plates, and illegal parking.

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Additionally, two people were issued summonses to appear before a judge.

Aurora City Code 94-107 prohibits unnecessary noise and disturbing peace in public and private places.

It shall be unlawful for any person to make, continue, or cause to be made or continued any unreasonably loud or unusual noise which seriously inconveniences other persons in the area, the code states.

Police said the people who illegally gathered in the street and threw a party did not continue the behavior the next night.

The police department said officers will continue to work with residents to address ongoing concerns in the area.

More Aurora residents concerned about loud gatherings

Near East Iliff Avenue and South Havana Street in Aurora, residents told FOX31s Rachel Saurer that they are concerned about noisy gatherings on weekends in the area.

Locals said that they can hear loud music from blocks away, and even sometimes hear other loud noises including gunshots.

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Some neighbors added that the gatherings have disturbed their sleep.

But the noise is only part of the concern  one neighbor shared photos with FOX31 showing beer bottles and cans in the parking lot the morning after a large gathering in the area.

A neighbor took a photo the morning after a gathering showing empty beer cans stacked in the parking lot (Credit: Levi Shafenberg).

We are pouring however many people are attending these events, into the streets, very possibly inebriated on whatever level, resident Lorie Rowe 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.
AUSTIN (KXAN)  The Austin Fire Department (AFD) held and participated in a series of events Wednesday to commemorate the 343 firefighters who died during the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks.

It is a bittersweet anniversary that celebrates the heroic actions of first responders and mourns the tremendous loss brought about by the terrorist attacks, AFD said.

Following the attack, 10 Austin firefighters were deployed to New York.

It is for those 10 and the thousands of others who served at Ground Zero that the Austin Fire Department continues to participate in and host September 11 events, AFD said.

The Austin Firefighters Association hosted the 9/11 Memorial at Buford Tower.

During the ceremony, there was a presentation of colors and a moment of silence at 7:46 a.m. CT, which was when the first plane hit the tower.

AFD also continued its tradition of climbing the stairs at the Pleasant Valley Tower, located in east Austin.

This stair climb is the longest-running memorial of its kind in the nation. The first took place on September 12, 2001, when a class of fire cadets was led by their fire training instructor, AFD said.

Stair climb participants gathered and ascended the tower to climb the stairs until reaching a total of 1,368 feet, the height of the World Trade Center in 2001.

Many of the participating firefighters climbed wearing full gear, which included firefighting apparel, an air pack and a hose bundle. The ensemble adds approximately 50 pounds of weight, according to AFD.

Austin firefighters gather to commemorate those who died during the September 11 attacks (KXAN photo/Todd Bailey)

Austin firefighters gather to commemorate those who died during the September 11 attacks (KXAN photo/Todd Bailey)

Austin firefighters gather to commemorate those who died during the September 11 attacks (KXAN photo/Todd Bailey)

Austin firefighters gather to commemorate those who died during the September 11 attacks (KXAN photo/Todd Bailey)

The Travis Manion Foundation will also hold the 9/11 Heroes Run on Sunday to honor AFD Battalion Chief Travis L. Maher, who has since died following his Ground Zero 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 KXAN Austin.
(Bloomberg) -- Australias global reputation as a provider of high-quality tertiary education is threatened by proposed international student caps, a university peak body said, even as polling shows broad support for the changes.

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Universities Australia Chair David Lloyd said countries including the UK and the US would be big winners from the center-left Labor governments plan to limit foreign student places to 270,000 next year  175,000 for the higher education sector and 95,000 for skills colleges.

Lloyd pointed to Canada as a cautionary tale for Australia after it imposed similar restrictions only to see new international student enrollments fall by more than expected.

Australia could suffer the same fate as Canada if prospective students dont feel welcome and decide their future isnt worth gambling with, Lloyd said in a speech to the National Press Club in Canberra on Wednesday. What is a sure bet is that our other international competitor nations - the UK, the US and others  are standing by ready to capitalize on our poor policy decisions.

The speech came as the leader of Australias second-largest state plans to visit India in part to promote stronger ties in education. Victorian Premier Jacinta Allen said in an interview with the Australian Financial Review that her state would always be a welcoming place for international students.

But new polling by Essential found the student caps were popular with Australian voters, who are concerned about a surge in migration and a housing crisis since the pandemic. Australia is due to hold an election in the next nine months.

More than 50% of Australians surveyed by Essential said a cap of 270,000 students was about right, with a further 37% saying it was still too high.

Education Minister Jason Clare said Australias international education industry makes us money, makes us friends but added that he wanted to make sure the system was being used in a way that protects its integrity.

Thats what these settings do, they help to manage the system in a better and fair way, he said. Universities dont run the migration system in Australia.

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Its the turn of the Royal Australian Navy to provide us with a spectacular view of airborne infrared countermeasures in action, with a recent video showing a demonstration by one of its MH-60R Seahawk multi-mission maritime helicopters. In the past, TWZ has taken examined some remarkable air-launched countermeasures action, including extreme close-ups, mass drops, airshow routines, and flare dumps from heavyweight transports. This may be the first time weve seen a helicopter perform this kind of pyrotechnical feat so close to a warship.

Its the turn of the Royal Australian Navy to provide us with a spectacular view of airborne infrared countermeasures in action, with a recent video showing a demonstration by one of its MH-60R Seahawk multi-mission maritime helicopters. In the past, TWZ has examined some remarkable air-launched countermeasures action, including extreme close-ups, mass drops, airshow routines, and flare dumps from Soviet-era heavyweight transports. This may be the first time weve seen a helicopter perform this kind of pyrotechnical feat close behind a warship.

Take a look behind the scenes as Leading Seaman Imagery Specialist, Daniel Goodman takes photos of HMAS Sydneys embarked flight Phoenix firing flares pic.twitter.com/sDV3vkYDOq  Royal Australian Navy (@Australian_Navy) September 6, 2024

The video shows Leading Seaman Imagery Specialist Daniel Goodman of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) as he takes photos of the MH-60R that is hovering off the stern of the Hobart class destroyer HMAS Sydney. The Seahawk, better known as a Romeo, is embarked on the warship as Phoenix Flight.

The @Australian_Navy HMAS Sydneys embarked flight Phoenix conducts flying exercises while on Regional Presence Deployment. #YourADF pic.twitter.com/HtCR7Fe7Di  Joint Operations Command (@hqjoc) August 28, 2024

It seems the photos that Goodman took from his position right at the far end of the destroyers flight deck have not yet been publicly released. In the meantime, however, the video, which appears to have been taken from just in front of the warships helicopter hangar, at the opposite end of the flight deck, is extraordinary in itself.

Over a period of around 10 seconds, the hovering helicopter spits out dozens of infrared countermeasures cartridges which make for a real spectacle as they cascade down from either side of the aircraft. As well as palls of smoke, the glare from the flares illuminates the flight deck, while the extreme contrast turns the sky almost black.

Lieutenant Hudson Wakefield is raised by HMAS Sydneys embarked MH-60R during winching drills as the ship is deployed on a regional presence deployment. LSIS Daniel Goodman

The presence of a photographer so close to the action  and the release of such a considerable quantity of flares  suggests this may have been primarily a media opportunity, but again, we dont know for sure and have asked the RAN for more details (and imagery).

The date and location of the video are also unclear, although Goodman also recently recorded HMAS Sydney as it took part in major multinational maneuvers as a component of a multinational task group in the Indo-Pacific region. Also involved were the French Navy frigate Bretagne, German Navy frigate Baden-Wurttemberg and replenishment ship Frankfurt am Main, Italian Navy frigates Cavour and Alpino, and patrol ship Montecuccoli, and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Forces helicopter carrier Izumo and destroyer Onami.

The MH-60R is the workhorse of the RANs rotary-wing fleet, with a total of 36 examples having been ordered. Commissioned into service in 2014, these aircraft serve with two operational and one training squadron and deploy aboard various warships, flying missions including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, vertical replenishment, passenger and cargo transfer, and search and rescue.

As we have discussed before, countermeasures flares of the kind seen in the video from HMAS Sydney are a key tool in the aviators box of self-defense tricks. Burning at thousands of degrees, they are especially valuable to helicopters (as well as low-flying ground-attack aircraft) that spend much of their missions operating in high-risk areas of their flight envelope and in environments where shoulder-launched surface-to-air missiles are a likely hazard.

We have also explored in the past the different ways that countermeasures flares can be deployed, with three primary modes available depending on the nature of the threat. The first mode is fully automatic, with the dispenser system responding to threat data from the missile approach warning system and responding without aircrew input. The second is semi-automatic, with the dispenser system selecting the best response, signaling that to the aircrew, who then initiate the release. Finally, in manual mode, the aircrew select a pre-programmed response, in terms of quantities, sequences, and types of expendables to be employed.

The cost of infrared countermeasures is highly variable and something that you can read more about here.

Manual mode would have been used in the MH-60R video, to ensure these eye-catching results. This kind of photo opportunity is something that the RAN has exploited in the past, too.

The photo below, dating from 2020, shows an MH-60R embarked on the Anzac class frigate HMAS Parramatta as it releases flares during a training flight while on deployment in Southeast Asia.

An MH-60R Seahawk embarked on HMAS Parramatta deploys flares during a training flight. Australian Department of Defense LSIS Leo Baumgartner

Another image shows the MH-60R embarked on the destroyer HMAS Hobart as it fires flares off the coast of New South Wales. The photo is just as dramatic but has also been digitally altered, according to the Australian Department of Defense.

HMAS Hobarts embarked MH-60R fires flares off the coast of New South Wales in 2020. Australian Department of Defense LSIS Christopher Szumlanski

Similar photo opportunities have been provided in the past by the MH-60Rs predeccessor in RAN service, the S-70B-2 Seahawk. In this example, the S-70B-2 embarked on HMAS Melbourne was deploying flares off the stern in celebration of its having achieved 5,000 flying hours while on patrol in the Middle East area of operations.

HMAS Melbournes embarked S-70B-2, named Dominator, deploys decoy flares off the stern during a routine patrol off the coast of Somalia in 2013. The aircraft was conducting patrols in support of counter-piracy tasking under the direction of Combined Task Force 150. Australian Department of Defense ABIS Jayson Tufrey

While these are all impressive in their own way, they are eclipsed by the dynamism of the video taken from HMAS Sydney, especially bearing in mind the helicopters (and the pyrotechnics) proximity to the warship and the photographer on the flight deck.

As well as being vital for survival in many different combat theaters, and requiring periodic training and testing, infrared flares are also a very impressive visual trick that can be called upon by aviators who have them at their disposal. Two reasons why were likely to see similar displays of pyrotechnics by RAN Seahawks and other types in the future.

Contact the author: thomas@thewarzone.com
As a large search in Cleveland County entered its second day, Channel 9 saw authorities tow a green car away from the property.

As a large search in Cleveland County entered its second day, Channel 9 obtained video of authorities towing a green car away from the property. It appears to match the description of a car the FBI was searching for in her disappearance.

READ MORE: Local, federal authorities search multiple locations in Cleveland County

The car appears to resemble a car the FBI was searching for in connection with 9-year-old Asha Degrees disappearance. The FBI has previously shared the photos below, saying tipsters told them Asha was picked up in a car that looked like the ones below.

The FBI later said Asha Degree was picked up in a green car, either a 1970s-model Lincoln Continental Mark IV or a Ford Thunderbird with rust around the wheel well.

Since Tuesday night, Channel 9 crews have seen several officers with dogs, all-terrain vehicles, and special equipment on Cherryville Road near Spake Circle.

The FBI said agents executed several search warrants in the county but would not share any details, including any details that relate to ongoing cases. They said Wednesday that as many as 50 to 60 investigators were searching the property.

People across the county are now focused on the largest search they have seen in a long time. Neighbors said authorities arrived in the area Tuesday around noon and were still there all day Wednesday.

But now, more than two decades after 9-year-old Asha Degree vanished, authorities might have another clue in the case.

Its been 24 years since the disappearance of Asha Degree

On Tuesday evening, authorities searched two separate locations in Cleveland County looking for information tied to the case. One of those locations was a home in the 600 block of Cherryville Road in Shelby. The area is just a few miles from where Asha vanished.

Channel 9 crews observed several crews on the property, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, and search dogs.

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The 9-year-olds disappearance shook Cleveland County 24 years ago. Asha Degrees parents said they woke up on Feb. 14, 2000, to find her gone.

Police believe the child walked away from the familys home just north of Shelby in the middle of the night before vanishing in the rain.

On Feb. 14, 2000, well before sunrise, 9-year-old Asha Degree walked away from her familys home just north of Shelby. That launched one of the largest searches in the countys history.

On Feb. 14, 2000, well before sunrise, 9-year-old Asha Degree walked away from her familys home just north of Shelby. That launched one of the largest searches in the countys history.

On Feb. 14, 2000, well before sunrise, 9-year-old Asha Degree walked away from her familys home just north of Shelby. That launched one of the largest searches in the countys history.

The FBI later said Asha Degree was picked up in a green car, either a 1970s-model Lincoln Continental Mark IV or a Ford Thunderbird with rust around the wheel well.

A year after her disappearance, Ashas backpack was found along Highway 18. It was the same road where she was last seen but 40 minutes north, in Burke County. Investigators found a Dr. Suess book that she got from the library in the bookbag and a New Kids On The Block concert T-shirt that didnt belong to her.

GF Default - Family searches for Asha Degree

GF Default - Family of Asha Degree marches to remind public of her disappearance

That launched one of the largest searches in the countys history. Channel 9 was there as hundreds of volunteers, officers from several departments, and trained searchers combed the area.

Investigators said they were certain someone took Asha.

A year after her disappearance, Ashas backpack was found along Highway 18. It was the same road where she was last seen, but 40 minutes north, in Burke County.

Investigators found a Dr. Seuss book from her schools library in the bag and a New Kids On The Block concert T-shirt that didnt belong to her.

A year after her disappearance, Ashas backpack was found along Highway 18. It was the same road where she was last seen but 40 minutes north, in Burke County. Investigators found a Dr. Suess book that she got from the library in the bookbag and a New Kids On The Block concert T-shirt that didnt belong to her.

The FBI later said Asha was picked up in a green car, either a 1970s-model Lincoln Continental Mark IV or a Ford Thunderbird with rust around the wheel well. That description looks like the car Channel 9 saw towed from the search scene on Wednesday.

Channel 9 reached out to local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies who all had a presence in Cleveland County to find out what was happening. The FBI said the search warrants were not being made publicly available.

The Cleveland County Sheriffs Office, the FBI, and the SBI are currently executing a court-authorized search warrant at a property on Cherryville Road in Shelby, a statement from the FBI Charlotte reads. Cleveland County deputies, the FBIs Evidence Response Team, and SBI agents, including specially trained K-9s, arrived this morning and will likely be on the scene for most of the day.

There is a $45,000 reward for information that can solve this case. You can call the Cleveland County Sheriffs Office at 704-484-4788, or the FBI at 704-672-6100. Either number can connect you with someone working the case.

This is a developing story. Check back with wsoctv.com for updates.

(WATCH PREVIOUS: Its been 24 years since the disappearance of Asha Degree)
A large active search is underway at two properties north of Shelby in Cleveland County. Channel 9 learned a car towed during the investigation resembles one sought in the Asha Degree case.

READ MORE: Authorities in Cleveland County tow car resembling vehicle sought in Asha Degree case

Since Tuesday night, Channel 9 crews have seen several officers with dogs, all-terrain vehicles, and special equipment on Cherryville Road near Spake Circle.

The FBI said agents executed several search warrants in the county but would not share any details, including any that relate to ongoing cases. They said Wednesday that as many as 50 to 60 investigators were searching the property.

The Cleveland County Sheriffs Office, the FBI, and the SBI are currently executing a court-authorized search warrant at a property on Cherryville Road in Shelby, a statement from the FBI Charlotte reads. Cleveland County deputies, the FBIs Evidence Response Team, and SBI agents, including specially trained K-9s, arrived this morning and will likely be on the scene for most of the day.

People across the county are now focused on the largest search they have seen in a long time. Neighbors said authorities arrived in the area Tuesday around noon and were still there all day Wednesday.

Its really quiet down this road, said neighbor Libbi Bellairs. You dont see many police cars except for clocking speed, but not like this.

Neighbors told Channel 9s Dave Faherty they hope to learn more about what prompted the response.

The community really wants to know whats going on. What are they searching for? Where did the tips come from to bring so much attention to this area? resident Kim Walker said.

Let us know something

Channel 9 reached out to local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies who all had a presence in Shelby to find out what was happening. The FBI said the search warrants were not being made publicly available.

We asked the FBI if the search is linked to any high-profile cases in the area but a spokesperson said theyre not disclosing that information at this time.

But there were so many crews involved in the search that some of them were being bussed in from a different location. As law enforcement arrived, they headed out into the woods with rakes, probing devices, specially trained K-9s and ground-penetrating radar equipment.

They should come out and tell us something. Let us know something, said Lisa Odoms, who watched from right across the street.

Matthew Canipe told Faherty he hopes police get some answers.

Like to know whats going on, he said. Theres speculation but nobody knows for sure.

People in the area told Channel 9s Ken Lemon that everyone knows each other. Many said they pass the house thats being searched almost weekly, so seeing the massive effort with the FBI or SBI is puzzling and a bit frustrating.

We dont know if its something dangerous

Shelby is known as The City of Pleasant Living, but some people said its been hard to think pleasant thoughts.

Its kind of a mystery. Whatever it is, it sounds big, Bob Erwin told Lemon. It affects us all. It affects us in everywhere we turn, Erwin said. You dont know but you would like to have some idea of whats going on.

We dont know if its something dangerous or someone dangerous. But we need to know whats going on, he added.

Barber Rekae Clark, who knows the Degree family, talked to Clark about everything that has unfolded.

I saw it on the news this morning. We really dont know whats going on. They are keeping it under wraps right now, he said.

That hasnt kept people from guessing or trying to figure it out on their own. Clark said the investigation is just too big.

Have you ever seen anything like this before in this county? Lemon asked.

Never, Clark said. Never.

Several people parked and watched the investigation across the street. Clark and others said they are still hoping for a pleasant outcome.

(WATCH BELOW: Search underway for gunman after teens death in Shelby)
CENTRE COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ)  At Tuesdays Centre County Board of Commissioners meeting a contract was approved for a project that will help residents with autism.

The board approved a contract with ACRES Project Pilot Housing for $486,550. The project will work to provide affordable housing and support services to residents with autism. The contract is through the Department of Human Services ERAP2-25% program which provides Pennsylvanians with assistance ranging from rental and utility assistance to covering the provision of housing stability services.

It will have a lasting impact. Its exciting to see it get off the ground, Steve Dershem, A commissioner said regarding the ACRES Project.

Ten schools in Central Pennsylvania receive funds for environmental repairs

During a previous Board of Commissioners meeting, Amber Concepcion mentioned that the need for affordable housing and supportive services among people with autism is not a new issue but a newly understood one.

Concepcion commended the ACRES Project for using the ERAP2 resources to tackle this issue.

The board also added three other projects to the consent agenda:

$353,948 for State College Community Land Trusts construction of Old Boalsburg Flats

$300,000 for Anchor Mae Investment, LLCs construction of a modular home

$47,551.13 for Strawberry Fields, Inc. to rehabilitate a former personal care facility

These contracts together total over $1 million that is being committed to affordable housing in Centre County.

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Commissioner Chair Mark Higgins added that there is an additional $1 million that can be distributed to eligible affordable housing projects in Centre County before the end of 2024.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTAJ - www.wtaj.com.
Kelly Ayotte files as a candidate for governor at the Secretary of State's Office in Concord on June 13, 2024. (Claire Sullivan | New Hampshire Bulletin)

Former U.S. Sen. Kelly Ayotte is the Republican nominee for governor of New Hampshire after defeating former state Senate President Chuck Morse in Tuesdays primaries.

Ayotte, who served in the Senate from 2011 to 2017 and as attorney general from 2004 to 2009, is seeking to follow Republican Gov. Chris Sununu, who did not seek reelection.

The Associated Press called Ayotte the winner at 8 p.m., with 16 percent of the vote counted. At press time she had won 69 percent of the vote; Morse trailed behind with 28 percent.

With an endorsement from Sununu and a clear fundraising advantage over Morse, Ayotte had been seen as a front-runner in the primary. She ran a buoyant campaign that at times appeared to follow Sununus optimistic political brand, and at other times issued dire warnings that Democrats would pursue liberal policies that would turn New Hampshire into Massachusetts.
Bakersfield and County firefighters to be honored for heroic actions during 2023 Christmas Parade

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  The Bakersfield Fire Department will hold a ceremony on Friday, Sept. 13, to honor eight firefighters who acted heroically during the 2023 Bakersfield Christmas Parade.

The event will take place at 9 a.m. at Station 1, 2101 H St., in Bakersfield.

North of the River host free TotalFit Circuit preview classes on Sept. 12

On Dec. 7, 2023, a vehicle struck pedestrian at the start of the parade, causing multi-casualty incident.

Five off duty Bakersfield City Firefighters and three Kern County Firefighters stepped in to help. The firefighters quick response rendered first aid to individuals injured during the crash.

KCSO searching for at-risk missing girl last seen in Taft

The Bakersfield Fire Department invites the community to attend the ceremony and to celebrate the firefighters for protecting and serving 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 KGET 17.
A ballot fight in New Jersey nears an end as 2 counties prepare settlement for new design

Two New Jersey counties are on the verge of settling a constitutional challenge to New Jerseys controversial county line ballot structure after a four-year legal battle, according to two people with knowledge of the talks.

The upcoming settlements with the plaintiffs suggest that New Jerseys decades-old ballot structure that has given a major advantage to its county political organizations on primary ballots may be on the way out for good.

The New Jersey Working Families Party  the lead plaintiff in the original lawsuit  suggested that an agreement was imminent.

"New Jersey Working Families is in discussions with a number of parties to reach a positive resolution in our ... case that secures long-term reforms to strengthen our electoral system," Antoinette Miles, the groups state director, said in a statement to POLITICO. "It is a positive development that certain county clerks are beginning to recognize the inevitability of a fair primary ballot design. We are on the cusp of abolishing the line forever and returning power to New Jersey voters."

The proposed settlements between the two counties  Burlington and Middlesex  and plaintiffs would still need to be approved by a federal judge and are expected to be formally submitted later this week. Those two counties are in the process of finalizing the settlements, said people with knowledge of the agreements who were granted anonymity to discuss ongoing negotiations .

The Burlington County Commissioners are expected to approve the settlement agreement during their meeting tonight.

New Jersey has long been the only state in which primary ballots are designed using the county line, in which the candidates endorsed by the countys Democratic and Republican political parties are grouped together in one column or row, from the highest federal office to the lowest local office. Candidates not endorsed by the parties are sometimes put in hard-to-find places known as ballot Siberia.

A federal judge earlier this year suspended the use of the county line in the Democratic primary and ordered the use of office block ballots after a lawsuit led by Rep. Andy Kim (D-N.J.) as he ran for Senate.

The settlements are expected to require that county clerks will organize primary candidates by office sought, not in columns or rows, and that candidates will randomly draw for positions. The settlements are also expected to include provisions barring clerks from placing candidates on obscure sections of the ballot.

The agreement would be superseded if the New Jersey Legislature passes a new law on ballot structure, which legislative leaders have vowed to do . It would also be voided if a court found that the counties did not have authority to enter the agreements or that a lack of a county line is unconstitutional.

The agreements are expected to require office block ballots if future design laws are found invalid by the courts.

The pending settlements could offer a blueprint to other counties and could raise political pressure for them to settle.

In 2020, a coalition of progressive groups and six Democratic candidates filed a challenge to the constitutionality of the ballot structure, saying it violated freedom of association and equal protection, among other things. The case languished for years until the spring, when Kim launched his Senate campaign to succeed the indicted Sen. Bob Menendez.

Kim, who was running against the wishes of most of the states Democratic power brokers, filed a separate lawsuit challenging the lines constitutionality. In a stunning decision, U.S. District Court Judge Zahid Quraishi granted Kims request for a preliminary injunction, ordering office blocks be used for the 2024 Democratic primary. Kim won easily after his chief rival  first lady Tammy Murphy  dropped her candidacy (before the court decision).

Quraishis decision did not apply to the Republican primary. In that Senate contest, Republican rivals Curtis Bashaw and Christine Serrano Glassner each won every county in which they were awarded the county line, with Bashaw  who had the most lines  prevailing.
This undated photo shows the Zhuque-3 reusable test rocket developed by a Chinese private rocket company LandSpace.(Xinhua)

JIUQUAN, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- China's independently developed Zhuque-3 reusable test rocket has successfully completed a 10-kilometer vertical takeoff and landing flight test at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China on Wednesday.

It is a significant breakthrough in the country's commercial space sector, marking a crucial step towards realizing high-capacity, low-cost, high-frequency and reusable space launches in the future, according to the rocket's developer LandSpace, a Chinese private rocket company.

The test procedure included ascent, engine shutdown, power-off glide, in-flight engine restart and soft landing, with all performance indicators meeting the expected design specifications.

The test rocket is a single-stage liquid oxygen-methane vehicle, with a diameter of 3.35 meters and a length of 18.3 meters. It utilizes the same high-strength stainless steel airframe structure as the Zhuque-3 rocket.

In addition to the first flight test in January, these two vertical takeoff and landing flight tests successfully verified several key technologies for reusable rockets, laying the foundation for the future maiden flight and recovery of the Zhuque-3 rocket, according to LandSpace. 
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)  Veterans, elected officials, and community members gathered at the Bilingual Veterans Outreach Center on Tuesday to show their support for a ballot question in this general election come November.

Question 4 on the ballot would clear the way for legal psychedelic use in Massachusetts as a form of mental health treatment.

Three more cases of West Nile Virus, total of 10 in Massachusetts this year

Veterans, elected officials, and the community gathered at the Bilingual Veterans Outreach Center to voice their thoughts on a ballot question for the November election that would provide those in need with regulated therapeutic access to natural psychedelic medicines.

This is in hopes of helping to heal those who may be struggling with their health. The natural psychedelic medicine therapy would be administered by a trained professional. Astranada Gamsey from Shelburne Falls suffers from OCD and Agoraphobia. She says being on these kinds of medications helped her tremendously.

Almost immediately my agoraphobia started subsiding my OCD relaxed, says Gamsey. I felt okay to go outside and at least go outside and connect with nature. With psilocybin, I did feel okay with reconnecting with other people.

Some psychiatric experts, including leaders of the Massachusetts Psychiatric Society, previously raised their concerns to lawmakers about the proposal and whether it would open the door to an unregulated and unsafe black market. Supporters say this treatment could be life-saving.

Ana Demmie of Amherst told us, The statement that is possible with these organic compounds and the neural rewiring that was never met with narcotics or any intervention but these psychedelic medicines were able to help me rewire my system.

The proposal does not allow for retail sales like those available in the recreational marijuana industry.

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.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
This bands equipment was stolen after playing at a Wichita venue. How police got it back

Wichita police have recovered most of the $20,000-plus worth of band equipment and the trailer stolen from Nashville-based rock band while they slept at an east Wichita hotel after playing at The Cotillion.

No arrests have been made, police said.

Post Sex Nachos performed at The Cotillion on Thursday night. They awoke at Springhill Suites, located at 1220 N. Greenwich, Friday morning and found the trailer attached to their tour van and filled with most of their equipment gone, police said.

The U-Haul trailer contained more than $20,000 worth of music equipment and $5,000 worth of merchandise.

While investigating an unrelated stolen vehicle report involving a Ford F-250, officers located a stolen U-Haul box truck bearing a Kansas tag. Upon further investigation, it was determined that the same U-Haul had been involved in the trailer theft. Officers cut the lock on the stolen trailer and discovered the stolen band equipment inside, Wichita police spokesperson Andrew Ford said in a news release. All but a Yamaha MX49 Keyboard and a cash box containing $1,300, including band merchandise such as t-shirts and other items, were successfully recovered.

The U-Haul trailer that the band had was found as well, Ford said in an email.

He would not say where the items were found, only that the missing items were recovered on different days, including Tuesday.

Post Sex Nachos trip to Wichita

The band, which started a 12-city, nine-state September tour with its performance at The Cotillion, said it drove back to Wichita Monday after police found the missing gear. They found the gear in fair condition, if a little worse for wear.

It has been an insane 96 hours for us, and we have been working through things we never imagined as a band or as humans, they said in a social media post Tuesday. Through all of it, we have felt nothing but pure and guiding love from each of you  the absolute best family, friends, and fans in the world. You have been our emotional backbone, financial support, and the inspiration that has pushed us to keep on moving. We love you more than words can describe.

The band, which did not respond to a social media message from the Eagle, had started a GoFundMe to allow them to keep playing music. Five hundred and three people donated just over $30,000 as of noon Wednesday.

The band started an email to issue full refunds to anyone who donated. That email is PSNRefunds@gmail.com.

Turn theft into music?

The band said on social media that they might turn the whole theft and recovery into a song, someday:

When we started this band back in 2017 in an attic (literally an attic - weve got photos), we never could have imagined being here now; and its all thanks to you wonderful people. You have our undying appreciation, and we will forever be grateful beyond words (but maybe well write about it in a song some day).

Anyone with information about the theft can call detectives at 316-268-4407. Callers can remain anonymous by submitting a tip through Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111.

Nashville-based band Post Sex Nachos plays The Cotillion, wakes up to find equipment stolen
By Ruma Paul

DHAKA (Reuters) - Bangladesh has ramped up vigilance at its border with Myanmar, with at least 18,000 Rohingya Muslims crossing over in recent months to escape escalating violence in Myanmar's western Rakhine state, officials in Dhaka said.

The influx of refugees from Myanmar has mounted as fighting escalates between the troops of the ruling junta and the Arakan Army, the powerful ethnic militia that recruits from the Buddhist majority.

"Thousands of Rohingya have fled to Bangladesh and many are waiting to cross. The situation is dire," said a foreign ministry official, who asked not to be named as he was not authorised to talk to media.

The new arrivals add to more than one million Rohingya refugees already living in overcrowded camps in Cox's Bazar district after they fled a military-led crackdown in Myanmar in 2017. They have little hope of returning to Myanmar, where they are largely denied citizenship and other basic rights.

Arrivals have more than doubled from what the government estimated earlier this month, despite Bangladesh repeatedly saying it cannot accept more Rohingya refugees as resources are already stretched thin.

"The vigilance at the border has increased, but managing our 271 km (168 miles) border with Myanmar is challenging, especially without a security counterpart on the other side," said another government official, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

The official said many Rohingya were desperate and were finding ways to cross into Bangladesh.

The government was yet to make a decision on whether to register those who have entered recently and are living in refugee camps, said the foreign ministry official.

"If we decide to register them, it could open the floodgates, and that's something we can't afford," he said. "But at the same time, how long can we ignore this issue? That's the real question."

The head of Bangladesh's interim government, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, has called for a fast-tracked third-country resettlement of Rohingya as a long-term solution, but the foreign ministry official said progress on resettlement has been limited.

"Around 2,000 people have gone under the resettlement programme since it resumed in 2022 after a gap of 12 years," he said, adding that the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland were among countries taking in refugees.

(Reporting by Ruma Paul; editing by Sudipto Ganguly and Michael Perry)
Former President Barack Obama will headline a Los Angeles fundraiser next week for Kamala Harris.

The September 20 reception will be hosted by James Costos, U.S. ambassador to Spain under Obama, and designer Michael Smith.

More from Deadline

Costos and Smith have been longtime Democratic donors and hosted the first Los Angeles fundraising events for Joe Bidens 2020 and 2024 campaigns.

Tickets to the event range from $50,000 to $250,000, per an invite obtained by Deadline. Proceeds will go to the Harris Victory Fund, the joint committee that raises for her campaign, the Democratic National Committee and state parties.

Harris herself is expected to headline at least one Los Angeles event before the election.

Also on the calendar: A September 26 reception for the Harris Victory Fund featuring Sheryl Lee Ralph.

Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump will be in Los Angeles on Friday for a round of fundraising, with the hosts yet to be disclosed for that event.

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WACO, Texas (FOX 44)  Before the sun rose over Waco, Baylor Universitys Army ROTC program honored the lives lost in the September 11, 2001, attacks with their annual memorial event.

In the early hours of the morning, ROTC cadets and participants gathered to run 2,071 steps, a tribute to the heroic efforts of first responders who ascended the Twin Towers to save lives. This symbolic gesture underscores the profound sacrifice made on that fateful day.

Its always a good reminder to put yourself in their shoes and just really humble yourself, said Cadet Andrew Kleckner. Its a huge blessing to be able to remember their sacrifice and honor the lives of those who died that day.

This years event saw 300 attendees, reflecting the continued dedication to remembering 9/11.

Event planner Megan McKenna praised the turnout.

Its amazing to see it grow. Ive always felt very passionate about 9/11, and so its really amazing to see this many people turn out, McKenna said.

For William Norman, a member of the ROTC program born after the attacks, the days significance remains profound.

I think its really important that people remember and recognize the significance of this, because lives were lost, and lives have been continually affected by this event, he noted.

Ainslie Stewart, whose family was directly affected by the events of 9/11, shared her personal connection.

SEE ALSO: Midway ISD hosts 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony

As an ROTC program, its really important for us to continue to remember why were serving and why were here. I have family members who were part of the 9/11 event, and every day I just remember the people who have passed and those still facing complications from it, Stewart added.

Attendees left the stadium with a sense of pride and reverence. Bear strong, was the message from the ROTC, as participants left it all on the field in remembrance of 9/11.

The event was further distinguished by the presence of Marine and Navy veterans, along with students family members, who came to show their support.

In honoring the sacrifices made on September 11, 2001, the Baylor ROTC reaffirmed its commitment to remembering and respecting the legacy of those affected by the tragic 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 KWKT - FOX 44.
Bear hunter stumbles across human skull in national forest, Washington cops say

A bear hunter discovered a human skull in a national forest, Washington sheriffs officials said.

A hunter reported finding a skull in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest to authorities on Sept. 4, the Skamania County Sheriffs Office said in a Tuesday, Sept. 10, news release.

A detective recovered the skull, which was confirmed to be human, from the Sawtooth Berry Fields in the forest, officials said.

Identity of the remains is unknown and the case is under active investigation at this time, sheriffs officials said.

The skull will be sent for forensic analysis.

Another human skull was found in another part of the forest on Aug. 10, McClatchy News reported.

The skull, found in the Big Lava Bed area, is believed to belong to a 31-year-old Oregon man missing since 2013, officials told news outlets. He had been looking for caves in the area with his partner when he vanished.

Gifford Pinchot National Forest is about a 90-mile drive southeast from Tacoma.

Body of missing 34-year-old boater found days later in river, Oregon cops say

Man trapped in 36-inch drainpipe saved with help of robots, California rescuers say

Nurse missing for days is found dead, Oregon police say. Neighbor arrested
New Bedford Police hit the streets this week wearing their new body cameras

NEW BEDFORD  Police officers are going back to school this month to learn the ins and outs of their new body-worn cameras.

The first class was held Monday, and graduates of the one-day training course were to hit the streets immediately after with body-worn cameras aboard their person.

The cameras are about the size of a stubby cell phone, and are most effective when worn near the center of the officer's chest.

Assistant Deputy Police Chief Derek Belong hands out the body cameras and related equipment during the first class on their use.

Even Chief Paul Oliveira is getting one

The plan is to have each NBPD officer camera-equipped - up to and including Chief Paul Oliveira - by the end of September.

"Every sworn officer - we'll all have a body-worn camera," said Assistant Deputy Police Chief Derek Belong.

Administrative officers who aren't dealing with the public won't need to wear them.

Otherwise, all officers engaged in any law enforcement-related activity involving the public will be wearing a recording camera, he said.

The cameras are about the size of a stubby cell phone. Scott Roth, one of the Axon trainers and a former police officer, displays one.

Police body cameras can help build trust

Belong added that the cameras can help build trust in the community.

"We're recording these interactions between ourselves and the people that we serve in the community, and hopefully build that trust," he said.

The cameras, related equipment, and training are being provided by Axon Enterprise Inc. of Scottsdale, Ariz. under a five-year lease with the city, which includes cloud-based storage of the footage collected.

Trainer and former police officer Amanda Stucky leads the first class.

City officials in support of police body cameras

The $1,848,919.80 contract was supported by Mayor Jon Mitchell and approved by the City Council.

Mayor Jon Mitchell said Monday, Body-worn cameras have become an important tool for police to promote transparency, engender trust among the people they serve, and gather useful evidence to solve crimes. I am pleased the New Bedford Police Dept. and its officers are embracing this opportunity.

Two Axon trainers - both former police officers - were leading the training this week.

From left, trainer Scott Roth and Assistant Deputy Police Chief Derek Belong confer before the first class.

Training entire department will take four weeks

It's expected to take four weeks to train each of the department's 200-plus members. Some officers will also be trained to become trainers themselves so they can instruct new recruits.

Scott Roth is one of the Axon trainers, a member of the company's East Coast team, and former 20-year member of the Montgomery County Police Dept. in Maryland.

He said his last training stop prior to New Bedford was in Michigan with the Dearborn Police Dept.

Part of the training includes how to manage the evidence acquired with the camera, he said.

It takes time to get comfortable with the camera, he added, but it's fairly easy to use.

The plan is to have each NBPD officer camera-equipped - up to and including Chief Paul Oliveira - by the end of September.

About 30 officers attended the first class

Amanda Stucky is the second trainer. She has 10 years experience as a police officer in Peoria, Ariz., as well as five years prior to that with the Wichita Police Dept. in Kansas.

She told the 30 or so officers gathered in the department training room for the first class, "I've used this product."

The cameras can literally be a lifesaver, she said.

"If anyone has any fears or concerns about body-worn cameras, hopefully we can alleviate some of those today. We are going to teach you how it's going to help you, not hurt you," she said.

The department's 12-page policy on body-worn camera use was posted on the NBPD website.

This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: New Bedford Police hit the streets with their new body cameras
Miran Ali, vice president of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association doesnt consider himself a socialist. Neither does he think that he looks like a revolutionary. Hes a capitalist, he said at the closing keynote of Cascales annual meeting in Munich on Tuesday. Even so, he, like the rest of the South Asian nation, is reconsidering his approach.

That includes the BGMEA, as its better known, joining the multi-stakeholder group formerly known as the Sustainable Apparel Coalition. Colin Browne, Cascales CEO, later joined Ali on stage to sign a Memorandum of Understanding to align the organizations goals and accelerate the transition toward a more carbon-neutral, environmentally and socially responsible industry.

More from Sourcing Journal

The move comes at a fraught time for Bangladesh, which continues to face widespread worker unrest following a democratic uprising that ousted former prime minister Sheikh Hasina last month. The so-called 36th July revolutionso named because protestors said there wouldnt be an Aug. 1 while Hasinas Awami League remained in powerhas reshaped our society dramatically for the better, Ali told an audience of 600. The BGMEA is trying to work through any mistakes it has made, he said, and joining Cascale is just a first step. Another is building a database that more accurately tracks the impact of its members.

The BGMEA, which is facing an internal battle over its leadership, also wants to make stronger demands on buyers to act responsibly. Suppliers lacked the courage to do that before, said Ali, who is also the global spokesperson for the manufacturer-driven Sustainable Terms of Trade Initiative. Now, they want to appeal for better prices, just like they will stand up for social and environmental justice.

Im not a socialist. Im a capitalist, but I must take responsibility for my actions, and if my actions are going to hurt the environment, if my industry is going to hurt the environment, then my industry has to evolve, he said. I cannot keep saying I will evolve in 2030 or 2040we need concrete steps today.

But first, the worlds second-largest exporter of clothing after China must wrestle with worker unrest, particularly in the industrial areas of Ashulia, Gazipur and Savar, where dozens of factories25 here, 45 there, 74 elsewherehave been shuttering, reopening and closing up shop again due to violence, vandalism or an outright refusal by employees to work. Authorities and the BGMEA have blamed outsiders for inciting workers into making what some have described as unreasonable demands, such as a 10 percent annual increase in pay, a higher foodalso known as tiffinallowance, attendance bonuses and the recruitment of more male employees. But some workers have also been calling for unpaid dues, including from one factory that closed four years ago.

To quell some of the discontent Ashulia authorities and the BGMEA told worker rights groups in the district on Monday that it will be acceding to some of their requests, including increasing the monthly attendance bonus by 225 Bangladeshi taka ($1.88) and the tiffin fee by 10 taka (8 cents). There will also be no discrimination between men and women during recruitment, which will be based on merit and disregard any blacklist that exists. The decision led a number of protestors to resume work.

We are hopeful that from tomorrow, it will be better, BGMEA director Mohiuddin Rubel told Sourcing Journal.

Still, there are the long-term effects of the turmoil to consider. Orders were already falling in Bangladesh because of the global downturn fueled by the war in Ukraine and shipping delays due to fighting in the Red Sea. Coupled with the effects of the nationwide curfew and communications blackout that Hasinas government imposed during its crackdown on students who were protesting quotas for public sector jobs, suppliers are falling into the red faster than ever, said one factory owner who asked not to be named because of potential backlash.

Then there was a big flood and we couldnt ship any goods for maybe two, three days because the highway was flooded, and then we had no face to [show] the buyers, said the person, who makes clothing for retailers such as Walmart. Even after so many extensions, we couldnt ship the goods. They started asking for discounts, for air shipments and even cancellations. Now we are also having unrest and the police is not as strong as before. I dont know how a lot of us will survive this time.

Walmart said in a statement that it hasnt changed its sourcing strategy in Bangladesh, contrary to a recent BBC story that said that it was swerving orders away from the country. Any movement of orders in or out of Bangladesh is a standard course of business, it added.

Ali himself remains sanguine about conditions in Bangladesh. Speaking to a reporter before he gave his presentation, he said while there are some scattered issues still going on, its important to note that only 3 percent of factories are affected by the demonstrations.

Ninety-seven percent of factories in Bangladesh are running, he said of the countrys 4,000-strong arsenal. This is a localized area-wide issue. We are hoping that in the next couple of days, its going to be resolved.
It was an emotionally dark and stormy night in 2020 when I had the urge to write a novel. Id been having panic attacks. To work through it, I decided to write a novel about an isolated mom and a monster in the woods, along with therapy. So that November, I participated in National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), which is also a nonprofit organization that encourages creative writing through a variety of events, including its most famous and titular program where participants attempt to write a complete novel (or 50,000 words) in the month of November.

I loved the flow state of writing that came about as a result of participating. I hyperfixated on my project, typing late into the night, no longer feeling isolated by the pandemic, but connected to something outside my old little world. At the end of the month, Id finished the first draft. It was my first experience with NaNoWriMo, but it wasnt my last. Im also a teacher, and have frequently recommended the flagship program to my students. Despite all of this, after everything Ive learned over the past week, I will no longer be using or recommending NaNoWriMo.

NaNoWriMo has had a slew of criticisms thrown its way due to its statement on the use of generative A.I. in writing that was released last week; it initially stated that A.I. can be a useful tool for those who are disabled or from marginalized communities who would otherwise not have access to the inner circle of the publishing industry. After the backlash, though, the organization amended the statement several times to try to clarify their position, saying there are bad actors in the AI space, but that they find the categorical condemnation for AI to be problematic. At the time of reporting, the page has been updated a third time, removing the initial verbiage, keeping the text of the first edit, and linking to a letter to speak to those mistakes.

Writers were not impressed. Several authors, such as Daniel Jose Older and Maureen Johnson, publicly stepped down from the nonprofits board. Other prominent writers like Silvia Moreno-Garcia and Erin Morgenstern, both of whom found success after participating in NaNoWriMo, publicly spoke out about the A.I. stance. (Ironically, the targeted ad that kept popping up under Twitter comments on this topic when I searched for it was for an A.I. service with the tagline AI wont replace you, but a person using AI will, which sounds like the robot overlord version of Guns dont kill people, people kill people.)

This isnt the only controversy that NaNoWriMo has ever attracted. However, with the advent of generative A.I. and its threat to creatives ranging from writers and artists to filmmakers, the decision by the organization to seemingly endorse the usage of bots in writing has led to one of the biggest backlashes against the nonprofit yet.

The organization cites a variety of issues including systemic discrimination as reasons why writers should be allowed to use A.I. without judgment. NaNoWriMo also argues that A.I. can be an adaptation tool for people with disabilities. So, at a glance, the NaNoWriMo statement seems to be coming from an inclusive place, citing that A.I. can help address classism, ableism, and general access issues.

However, the writers in their community read between the linesand the blowback was swift and fierce. Authors quickly took to social media to share their thoughts or distance themselves from the organization. Morgenstern, whose breakout success The Night Circus began as a NaNoWriMo project, posted her desire on Bluesky for the organization to stop using her work on promotional materials when she couldnt contact NaNoWriMo directly. Mexican Gothic author Silvia Moreno-Garcia, a past participant, posted several threads on Twitter/X.

Someone told me about NaNoWriMo and AI that people like the idea of writing rather than the actual writing. True, that's likely because of unrealistic portrayals of writers which is an excellent reason to recommend Can You Ever Forgive Me? by Lee Israel. The film is awesome. It's  Silvia Moreno-Garcia (@silviamg) September 2, 2024

Daniel Jose Older, author and lead story architect of the multimedia project Star Wars: The High Republic, posted a series of increasingly frustrated, pun-based tweets on X, and released a statement on his website saying NaNoWriMos position on AI is vile, craven, and unconscionable. This issue strikes at a soft spot for Older, who told me over email that he discovered that 11 of his works have been used to train A.I. via a database available through the Atlantic.

Author Maureen Johnson posted on various social media sites about the blowup, asking NaNoWriMo to remove her from the board and warning others that their work might be used to train A.I.a fear that was shared by many writers in the wake of the controversy. However, theres little evidence so far that the organization is doing this. The official NaNoWriMo challenge doesnt require writers to input text, thereby preventing the nonprofit from using it. However, its worth noting that the organizations Young Writers Program, which supports teachers and students in participating in the flagship program and with activities throughout the year, does use an online writing space which stores these youth writers words.

One of the reasons NaNoWriMos statement struck a chord with so many writers is that many believe generative A.I. is terrible for humanity and it is terrible for the environment, Older explained. It kills jobs and it kills plants and animals. Also, it makes cursed, soulless garbage.

Perhaps the part of the original statement that writers took issue with the most was NaNoWriMo promoting A.I. as a means to fight classism. In his statement, Older said that the exploitation of the language of social justice to defend their ghoulish position was particularly offensive to him as someone who has spent my whole writing career fighting to make the bookshelf more honestly represent the world we live in.

Writers in the disabled community also took great offense at the statementespecially in light of instances in which A.I. companies used the writing and books of disabled writers to train A.I. On X, multihyphenate Sarah Salcedo said: Disabled writers may use accommodating tools in our work, but its not the same as technology that steals others work & destroys the climate.

Shame on @NaNoWriMo foron top of all their scandalstrying to use the disability community to push AI and frame dissent as privilege. Disabled writers may use accommodating tools in our work, but its not the same as technology that steals others work & destroys the climate. pic.twitter.com/ZYOHWzdirL  Sarah Salcedo (@SarahSalcedo) September 2, 2024

The general access issues cited in NaNoWriMos statement also cannot be fixed with A.I. Its pretty insulting to imply that the only way members of marginalized communities can get their foot in the door is through the use of a plagiarism machine, author Cass Morris said in a statement. Meanwhile, Johnson told me over the phone: I dont even know what the hell theyre talking about, because claiming that A.I. can help get people published doesnt make sense.

It was a good thing, and they wrecked it, Johnson added. Its a bad sign when you build a good community and you sell it. You sell out your community.

Of course, writers will go on without NaNoWriMo. Many have publicly deleted their accounts on the organizations website and now are looking to form new writing communities. NaNoWriMo at its heart encourages people to set aside a time to do a daily writing practice, to push through barriers of self-doubt, fear, boredom, writers block, and to fearlessly write badly, Johnson said. She added that promoting the use of A.I. is taking away the most important part and replacing it with something weird and terrible because youve gotten sponsorship, and I want nothing to do with it.

Generative A.I. steals creativity. At worst, it creates actual harm ecologically, financially, and by rapidly spreading misinformation. While the technology has some worthy use cases, the danger it poses outweighs any of the benefits for many. So, even if the likes of NaNoWriMo decide to embrace A.I., writers are confident in their old-school method of sitting down and grinding out a story, one human-written word at a time. A.I. is another clown-shaped bubble that is about to pop, and go the way of NFTs, Older said. It cant happen fast enough.
FORT WORTH / BELTON, Texas (FOX 44)  Officials with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Fort Worth District and Stillhouse Hollow Lake have announced the full closure and removal of the Stillhouse Hollow Marina.

This comes due to a series of unfortunate events leading to the docks and facilities being damaged beyond repair after more than 50 years of operation. The marina is located at 4596 Simmons Road.

The Corps of Engineers says the strong winds which accompanied the Temple tornado earlier this summer caused severe damage to the marina. In addition to the wind damage, a boat caught fire and drifted into the main dock area, adding even more destruction. These two incidents combined have caused what the Corps of Engineers calls irreparable damage and led to the decision by the marina owners to close and remove all facilities.

PREVIOUS STORY: Fire breaks out at Beltons Stillhouse Hollow Marina

The Stillhouse Hollow Lake Office would like to thank the Clapper family for their 30 years of providing a marina to the community. To support future marina capabilities, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has full intentions of putting the marina lease out for bid once all the damaged facilities have been removed. For more information on the leasing process, you can contact Park Ranger Alex Klepac at the Stillhouse Hollow Lake Office at 254-939-2461.

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Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, meets with Celso Amorim, special advisor to the president of Brazil, in St. Petersburg, Russia, Sept. 11, 2024. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China/Handout via Xinhua)

ST. PETERSBURG, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- China will work with Brazil to strengthen strategic cooperation and deepen mutual political trust, said Wang Yi, director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, in a meeting with Celso Amorim, special advisor to the president of Brazil, in Russia's St. Petersburg on Wednesday.

The two sides held talks in regard with bilateral relations on the sidelines of a meeting of the BRICS high-ranking officials responsible for security matters.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, noted that China and Brazil are vital stabilizing forces and major developing countries, and will contribute more to the world's peace, stability and development.

China is ready to further boost strategic collaboration with Brazil, improve political mutual trust, broaden mutually beneficial cooperation, and elevate bilateral ties to new highs, Wang said.

For his part, Amorim stated that Brazil and China have maintained close communication, consolidated mutual trust and effective collaboration.

Brazil is willing to work with China to prepare for the next stage of important high-level interactions between the two countries and to promote the further development of bilateral relations, Amorim said.

The two sides expressed the willingness to join hands with BRICS partners to make common voices and safeguard common interests, so as to achieve more outcomes of greater BRICS cooperation.

The two officials also exchanged views on the Ukraine crisis, saying more countries are welcome to get united and gather more international consensus to stop war and promote peace. 

Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, meets with Celso Amorim, special advisor to the president of Brazil, in St. Petersburg, Russia, Sept. 11, 2024. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China/Handout via Xinhua)
The Kentucky Public Service Commission regulates the rates and services of more than 1,100 utilities, ranging from large investor-owned electric providers like Louisville Gas and Electric and Kentucky Utilities to small water districts that provide drinking water to rural communities. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)

A former elected official from Eastern Kentucky who was part of Democratic leadership in the Kentucky House has been appointed to a powerful board regulating Kentucky utilities.

Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear named John Will Stacy of West Liberty, a state representative from 1993 to 2015, to the three-member Kentucky Public Service Commission (PSC).

Stacy was House majority whip serving alongside then-House Speaker Greg Stumbo and then-House Majority Leader Rocky Adkins, who is now a senior advisor to Beshear.

A spokesperson for Beshears office did not immediately respond to questions about why Stacy was appointed and what experience he has in utility regulation.

Stacy replaces Kent Chandler, the former chair and leader of the commission. Chandler resigned from his post in June to the dismay of some consumer advocates and told the Lantern he had no indication or confidence he would have been reappointed by Beshear. Beshear earlier this year made PSC commissioner Angie Hatton, another former Democratic state representative from Eastern Kentucky, the new chair of the commission.

Stacy served on the House Appropriations and Revenue Committee, shaping state budgets during his time as a lawmaker. He supported the construction of a prospective natural gas pipeline that had some landowners worried over the potential use of eminent domain. After deciding not to seek reelection in 2014, Stacy worked as an economic development director at Morehead State University and also served as Morgan County judge executive from 2019 to 2023. He earned an undergraduate degree from Morehead and a law degree from Northern Kentucky University.

The PSC regulates the rates and services of more than 1,100 utilities, ranging from large investor-owned electric providers like Louisville Gas and Electric and Kentucky Utilities to small water districts that provide drinking water to rural communities.

The quasi-judicial state agency hears requests from utilities to retire or build new facilities, including solar installations that want to establish in Kentucky. The agency also fields complaints from Kentuckians about service and rates. The commission will have to work with a new board created by the legislature to slow the retirement of fossil fuel-fired power plants in the state.

Stacy will require confirmation by the GOP-dominated Kentucky Senate during next years legislative session to remain in his position, something that hasnt been a guarantee. Amy Cubbage, an attorney who formerly served as Beshears general counsel among other roles in his administration, wasnt confirmed by the Senate to the PSC in 2022.
During the face-off between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump during Tuesday's ABC News presidential debate, both candidates tried to score points by slinging barbs at each other. Here are some of them:

Trump: Wait a minute, I'm talking now, if you don't mind, please. Does that sound familiar?

-- While Trump was trying to claim Harris supported defunding the police, she could be seen saying his statement was "not true." Despite her microphone being muted. But Trump clearly heard her. His comment was a callback to Harris' viral chiding of Mike Pence during their vice presidential debate in 2020 when she told him "Mr. Vice President, Im speaking during one of the most viral moments of the night.

PHOTO: Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris listens to former President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speak during a presidential debate in Philadelphia, on Sept. 10, 2024. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images)

Harris: Donald Trump was fired by 81 million people.

-- When asked about Trumps recent threat to prosecute those who cheated during the 2020 presidential election and his intimidation tactics, that was Harris' response. She added that he is having a very difficult time processing that, referring to his refusing to concede he lost the 2020 election.

Trump: "She's going to my philosophy now. In fact, I was going to send her a MAGA hat."

--Trump on how Harris' earlier policies have evolved to be similar to his.

Harris: He talks about fictional characters like Hannibal Lecter.

-- Harris mocked what she said is Trumps inability to address problems and engage in solutions and talked about topics he addresses instead in his rallies.

PHOTO: Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks during a presidential debate with Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, Sept.10, 2024, in Philadelphia. (Alex Brandon/AP)

Trump: Run, spot, run

-- Trump mocked Harris economic plan, which he said was copied from President Joe Biden's plan, saying its as short as "four sentences" and summarized it as, Run, spot, run, despite that only being three words.

Harris: Friendship with what is known to be a dictator who would eat you for lunch.

--When asked about Ukraine, Harris touted what her administration has done to preserve the ability of [President Zolodymyr] Zelenskyy and the Ukrainians to fight for their independence. Referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin's threats against neighboring Poland, she asked him, And why don't you tell the 800,000 Polish Americans right here in Pennsylvania how quickly you would give up for the sake of favor and what you think is a friendship with what is known to be a dictator who would eat you for lunch.

PHOTO: Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris participate in a presidential debate in Philadelphia, Sept. 10, 2024. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images)

Harris: "You're not running against Joe Biden, you're running against me."

--After Trump engaged in a series of criticisms of Biden and his handling of Ukraine, Harris was quick to point out who the current presidential candidate is.

The best zingers from the Harris-Trump ABC News debate originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Over the past decades, bias crimes have seen a steep rise, from 10 reports in 2015 to nearly 170 reports in 2023. Now, a new agreement between the City of Portland and the Oregon Department of Justice is in place to support the victims of hate and bias plus people targeted in violation of Oregons sanctuary laws.

The agreement, signed by Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum and the citys Office of Community & Civic Life Interim Director Mourad Ratbi, comes on the heels of Welcoming Week, a week-long event showing support for immigrants and refugees.

Multnomah County Sheriffs Office releases cold case webpage

Rosenblum said they have this focus now on working together with the city of Portland. This is obviously the largest population center and also where, frankly, most of these incidents do occur.

She also noted the steep rise in bias/hate crime reports, but said that isnt necessarily all bad news. And thats because now that we have this bias response hot line that is becoming so well known, people know where to turn. And people who might not have even filed a report or a complaint before know where to go. So the numbers may look higher, but that actually may have that sort of silver lining aspect.

The state and city will share resources, including training city employees on hate, bias and sanctuary laws, educating the community on support resources  including Oregons Bias Response Sanctuary Promise hot lines  Welcoming Week and the new Portlanders Policy Commission meetings.

Non-Emergency Bias Response Hotline

1-844-924-BIAS (1-844-924-2427)

Trauma-informed operators are standing by

9am to 5pm Pacific time, Monday  Friday

Access to interpretation in over 240 languages

We have been doing trainings of law enforcement, Rosenblum said. Weve been doing trainings of folks in the advocacy community, social services community and citizens.

Wyden among lawmakers questioning Big Oil about Trumps solicitations

Ratbi said there is never enough projects to combat bias and hate.

Theres always room for progress and for more efficiency and for better delivery of services to our community members, he said. The reality is, this is a great step in the right direction.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
Bibb County schools 2025 millage rate is going to cause property taxes to increase, but itll bring millions in for the local school district.

After its third and final public hearing, the Bibb County Board of Education approved the school districts millage rate for the 2025 fiscal year, leaving the rate unchanged at 14.674 mills.

The Bibb County School District has a history of lowering its millage rate, and the boards decision on Tuesday evening marks the first time it has not done so since 2016, according to school officials.

School officials said the unchanged rate will add $4.32 million to the districts fiscal year 2025 budget, at a time when the districts priority is to support its educational programs, increase student achievement and become more competitive in hiring qualified teachers.

We know that we need to attract and retain the best educators for our communitys most precious asset: the children of Bibb County, Superintendent Dan Sims said in a two-minute informative video.

Teachers and staff leaders in Macon face significant discrepancies in pay compared to other Middle Georgia districts. Sims added that maintaining the millage rate wont solve that problem, but it will help the district to address it more effectively by offering more opportunities and resources for students.

The decision will lead to a 5.67% property tax increase. This means that an average homeowner with a non-homestead property valued at $200,000 will pay $63.04 more in property taxes next year. An owner with the homestead exemption will pay $57.52.

The slight rise in property taxes will cost locals less than or about $5 per month, Sims said before calling for the community to commit to public education in another video.

BCSD spokesperson Jeremy Timmerman noted in August that if the school district did keep with its trend of reducing the millage rate, the board would have been required by law to raise the rate, resulting in severely higher tax increases.

As a taxpayer, it may be preferable to pay a little bit more now and maybe a little bit more next year  as opposed to in two or three years having to take a big hit on your tax bill, Timmerman said in the school districts podcast.

School officials also noted in August that lowering the millage rate would put the district at risk of losing vital equalization funding, resulting in a loss of millions of dollars at a time when the district is already experiencing budget constraints.

Will Macon homeowners have to pay more for retaining teachers? Heres what to know

Bibb Countys 2025 school budget would give teachers raises. But there are tax concerns
Bicyclist suffering from major injuries after being struck by car in Porterville

PORTERVILLE, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE)  A Porterville man is suffering from major injuries after being struck by a car while riding his bicycle down a local street late Monday night, according to the Porterville Police Department.

According to officers, the 38-year-old bicyclist was traveling northbound on Newcomb Street against the flow of traffic in the southbound lane when he was involved in a collision with a motorist.

Police say the bicyclist was transported to Kaweah Delta Hospital where he is being treated for life-threatening injuries. The motorist was left uninjured and remained at the scene, according to police.

The crash is being investigated by the Porterville Police Departments Major Accident Investigation Team.

Anyone with information regarding this collision is asked to contact Sergeant M. Aguillon at 559-782-7400 or submit a tip through the Porterville departmental Facebook or Instagram page.

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Harris and Trump shake hands at New York 9/11 remembrance ceremony on 23rd anniversary of attacks

President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, former President Donald Trump and Sen. JD Vance are commemorating the 23rd anniversary of the September 11 attacks, appearing to put political hostilities on the back burner for a moment as the nation remembers the tragedy.

All four were in New York on Wednesday for a commemoration event at Ground Zero in Manhattan. Trump and Harris, just hours past their first in-person meeting at the presidential debate Tuesday night, shook hands ahead of solemn commemorative ceremonies after Harris turned toward Trump and both extended a hand. Vance and Harris did not appear to interact.

Harris and Biden then traveled to Shanksville, Pennsylvania, to participate in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Flight 93 memorial. At that ceremony, Biden placed his hand on the wreath as the small group he was with bowed their heads. The president and vice president also stopped by a local Shanksville volunteer fire station that served as a key gathering point for families in 2001.

Biden and Harris observed a display of a cross made of the planes scraps. Biden made the sign of the cross before walking in to meet some of the families affected by that day.

Inside the fire station, Biden briefly donned a Trump hat as an apparent gesture of bipartisan unity.

A White House spokesperson said the president was talking about how the country was united in the aftermath of the attacks and said it needed to return to that. He handed a hat to a man wearing a Trump cap as a gesture, and that man gave Biden his hat to briefly wear, the spokesperson said. Pictures show Biden smiling widely while wearing the hat.

While candidates in active campaigning in past years have traditionally avoided politics on the anniversary of the attacks, this campaign cycle is notable for its toxicity, making those fleeting, ordinary gestures of bipartisanship  shaking hands and wearing a hat  significant.

Biden and Harris later traveled to the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, for another wreath laying ceremony.

Trump will also travel separately to Shanksville later on Wednesday, according to a source familiar with his plans.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, the Democratic nominee for vice president, will also attend an event to commemorate the anniversary. His office did not say where the event will take place.

Nearly 3,000 people were killed when Islamist terrorists hijacked four commercial airliners on September 11, 2001. Two planes were crashed into each of the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan. Another plane was crashed into the Pentagon, and the fourth crashed in a field in rural Pennsylvania after passengers tried to thwart the hijacking.

Last year, Biden marked the 22nd anniversary with a ceremony involving American service members in Alaska. During that ceremony, the president falsely claimed he visited Ground Zero the next day after the attacks. He actually went nine days later.

The president visited the Pentagon during the anniversary in 2022. In 2021, he and first lady Jill Biden also traveled to each of the three sites of the terror attack. They were joined by former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama at the New York remembrance.

Vice President Kamala Harris shakes hands with former President Donald Trump during a remembrance ceremony on the 23rd anniversary of the September 11 terror attack on the World Trade Center at Ground Zero, in New York City on September 11. - Adam Gray/AFP via Getty Images

How candidates have navigated 9/11 in the past

Wednesdays events mark the sixth election cycle in which presidential candidates have navigated the somber anniversary amid a heated campaign season.

Over the years, the day has provided both an opportunity for unity and a window into deep divisions. For three cycles in a row, Trump  himself a native New Yorker who has repeated false claims about the terror attack in the past  has been the Republican nominee.

Four years ago, then-candidate Biden and then-President Trump managed to avoid each other while both attending memorial events at Ground Zero. Later, they traveled to Shanksville, but also managed to avoid crossing paths.

Instead, Biden greeted then-Vice President Mike Pence, giving him a Covid-era elbow bump.

In 2016, both Trump and Hillary Clinton attended memorial events marking the 15th anniversary of 9/11 at Ground Zero. Clinton departed the event suddenly after falling ill and appearing unsteady, providing an opening for Trump to later question her health. She was diagnosed with pneumonia.

Then-President Barack Obama and Mitt Romney did not cross paths in 2012. Instead, Obama attended events at the sites of the terror attacks while Romney campaigned in Nevada. Still, Romney held off criticizing his opponent: There is a time and a place for that, but this day is not it, he said.

All of it is a distant cry from 2008, when Obama and Sen. John McCain joined together to lay a wreath at Ground Zero, putting aside their bitter campaign for at least a few hours to commemorate the somber anniversary.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

CNNs Kit Maher and Betsy Klein contributed to this report.

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By Simon Lewis

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The Biden administration is overriding human rights conditions on military aid to Egypt, a State Department spokesperson said on Wednesday, granting the U.S. ally its full allocation of $1.3 billion this year for the first time during this administration, despite ongoing concerns over human rights in the country.

The announcement comes as Washington has relied heavily on Cairo - a longstanding U.S. ally - to mediate so far unsuccessful talks between Israel and Hamas on a ceasefire deal to end the war in Gaza.

Of the $1.3 billion in U.S. foreign military financing allocated to Egypt, $320 million is subject to conditions that have meant at least some of that sum has been withheld in recent years.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken told Congress on Wednesday that he would waive a certification requirement on $225 million related to Egypt's human rights record this year, citing "the U.S. national security interest," the spokesperson said by email.

"This decision is important to advancing regional peace and Egypts specific and ongoing contributions to U.S. national security priorities, particularly to finalize a ceasefire agreement for Gaza, bring the hostages home, surge humanitarian assistance for Palestinians in need, and help bring an enduring end to the Israel-Hamas conflict," the spokesperson said.

Democrat Chris Murphy, who chairs the Senate Foreign Relations Committee's Middle East subcommittee, said Washington had previously withheld military aid from Egypt on human rights grounds while maintaining its strategic relationship with the country.

"It's no secret that Egypt remains a deeply repressive autocratic state, and I see no good reason to ignore that fact by waiving these requirements," Murphy said.

Cairo has remained a close regional ally of Washington despite accusations of widespread abuses under President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's government, including torture and enforced disappearances.

Sisi denies there are political prisoners in Egypt. He says stability and security are paramount and authorities are promoting rights by trying to provide basic needs such as jobs and housing.

The war in Gaza, sparked by the Oct. 7 attacks by Palestinian militants on southern Israel, has increased Washington's reliance on Cairo for diplomatic efforts like the ceasefire talks. Much-needed humanitarian aid for Palestinians in Gaza also enters from Egypt.

CONTINUED DETENTIONS

Blinken issued a similar waiver on the human rights conditions last year but withheld a portion of the military aid over Egypt's failure to make "clear and consistent progress" on the release of political prisoners.

This year, he determined that Egypt had made sufficient efforts on political prisoners to release $95 million tied to progress on the issue, the spokesperson said.

They cited Egypt's efforts to draft legislation to reform pretrial detention and the broader penal code, its release of some political prisoners and a move to end travel bans and asset freezes associated with foreign funding for nongovernmental organizations.

Rights groups have questioned how effective the draft legislation on pretrial detention would be for ending abusive practices and say some human rights lawyers remain under travel bans.

Seth Binder, director of advocacy for the Washington-based Middle East Democracy Center, said that while about 970 prisoners had been released since last September, at least 2,278 Egyptians were arbitrarily arrested over the same period, according to data collected by the center and Egyptian human rights groups.

There's no reasonable assessment where one could say there's been progress on the human rights situation in Egypt. It remains a huge crisis, Binder said, pointing to the tens of thousands of political prisoners still held in the country.

The State Department spokesperson said Washington was continuing "a rigorous dialogue with the Egyptian government on the importance of concrete human rights improvements that are crucial to sustaining the strongest possible U.S.-Egypt partnership."

(Reporting by Simon Lewis; additional reporting by Patricia Zengerle; Editing by Nick Zieminski and Jonathan Oatis)
Biden, Harris, Trump all plan to visit Flight 93 National Memorial on Sept. 11

President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump all plan to visit the Flight 93 National Memorial near Shanksville on Wednesday, which marks 23 years since the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks.

The Associated Press reports Biden and Harris will stop at ground zero in New York City before traveling to Pennsylvania and the Pentagon.

Trump also plans to visit the lower Manhattan memorial site Wednesday, AP reported, citing a person familiar with his plans who wasnt authorized to speak publicly.

Its not clear if Biden, Harris and Trump will be in Pennsylvania at the same time.

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By Andrea Shalal and Nandita Bose

NEW YORK (Reuters) -President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump made a rare joint appearance on Wednesday at the New York City site that marks the Sept. 11 plane attacks in 2001 that killed nearly 3,000 people.

Harris, the Democratic presidential candidate and Trump, her Republican rival in the Nov. 5 U.S. presidential election, shook hands and exchanged a few words despite their contentious debate the night before, then lined up for the commemoration. Trump's running mate, Senator JD Vance, also attended.

There were no formal remarks at the "ground zero" site where planes brought down the World Trade Center's twin towers. Instead, wives, husbands, sisters, brothers and grandchildren read out the names of family members killed 23 years ago.

The annual rite marks the suicide attacks by al Qaeda Islamist militants who flew two planes into the World Trade Center and another into the Pentagon. A fourth plane went down in a Pennsylvania field after passengers stormed the cockpit.

"Richard J. O'Connor. We will always love and miss you," a red-headed boy said of his grandfather, who was killed at the World Trade Center.

A bagpipe and drum processional was accompanied by New York City's fire and police departments and Port Authority honor guards. The national anthem was performed and moments of silence were held at the times each target was struck.

After New York, Biden and Harris flew to Shanksville, Pennsylvania, where passengers on United Flight 93 overcame the hijackers and the plane crashed in a field, preventing another target from being hit.

At a white marble memorial in the field, Biden gently laid a hand on the wreath to pay his respects to the 40 people killed in the crash. He and Harris were joined by Calvin Wilson, the brother-in-law of Flight 93 co-pilot LeRoy Homer Jr.

The president and vice president spoke with local fire officials at the Shanksville Volunteer Fire Department, pausing for a moment to observe another memorial, erected on an adjacent hill where 40 flags waved in the wind.

There, Biden spoke about the need for the country to return to bipartisan unity and gave a hat to a Trump supporter, who gave him a Trump hat in return, according to spokesperson Andrew Bates.

Biden wore the hat, making for a viral photograph. "Thanks for the support, Joe," the Trump campaign wrote on social media.

Biden and Harris later headed to a memorial at the Pentagon. There, they carried a wreath decorated in red, white and blue, bowed their heads and stood before it for a few moments before "Taps" played.

"On this day 23 years ago, terrorists believed they could break our will and bring us to our knees. They were wrong. They will always be wrong. In the darkest of hours, we found light. And in the face of fear, we came together - to defend our country, and to help one another," Biden said in a statement.

Trump, who visited the Pennsylvania memorial on Wednesday, told Fox News: "It was very, very sad, horrible day. There's never been anything like it."

Biden earlier issued a proclamation honoring those who died as a result of the attacks, as well as the hundreds of thousands of Americans who volunteered for military service afterwards.

"We owe these patriots of the 9/11 Generation a debt of gratitude that we can never fully repay," Biden said, citing deployments to Afghanistan, Iraq and other war zones, as well as the capture and killing of Sept. 11 mastermind Osama bin Laden.

(Reporting by Andrea Shalal and Nandita Bose; Additional reporting by Doina Chiacu, Susan Heavey, Jeff Mason and Helen Coster; Editing by Heather Timmons and Jonathan Oatis)
The delivery of Iranian missiles to Russia has changed the debate about Ukraine using Western-provided long-range missiles against targets inside Russia, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy has told the BBC on a visit to Kyiv.

Lammy travelled to the Ukrainian capital with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken after talks in London.

They met President Volodymr Zelensky, who has repeatedly called for allies to loosen limits on the use of Western-supplied weapons.

The US and UK have not given Ukraine permission to use long-range missiles against targets inside Russia for fear of escalation.

At a news conference in Kyiv on Wednesday, Blinken said US President Joe Biden would likely discuss the use of long-range missiles with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at the White House on Friday.

Asked about the risk of escalation, the US secretary of state added: "We've now seen this action of Russia acquiring ballistic missiles from Iran, which will further empower their aggression in Ukraine. So if anyone is taking escalatory action, it would appear to be Mr Putin and Russia."

Lammy would not be drawn into whether the US and UK would be allowing Ukraine to use long-range missiles, but said: "I am not prepared to give Putin the advantage."

Biden has said his administration is considering lifting the restrictions, but no decision has yet been made public.

On Wednesday, Zelensky said Kyiv's victory in the war against Russia "depends mostly on the support of the United States".

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said steps towards lifting long-range missile restrictions "are important in the context of reports of a possible transfer of ballistic missiles to Russia by Iran".

"We must act boldly," he added.

In an interview with the BBC, Lammy said Iran providing Russia with ballistic missiles "clearly changes the debate" as they would allow Moscow's forces "to have further penetration into Ukraine".

"That is very dangerous," Lammy said, adding: "As we see the Russians working with their partners, we see this transfer of ballistic missiles from Iran to Russia, it is important that we do more to support Ukraine to win in their efforts."

On Wednesday, Lammy said the UK would provide 600m ($780m) in aid to Ukraine to support the country's "humanitarian, energy and stabilisation needs". Blinken announced a further $700m in assistance to Ukraine, including funding for the energy sector and demining.

The new aid came after the US, UK, France and Germany imposed further sanctions on Iran for supplying Russia with ballistic missiles for use in Ukraine. The UK government summoned Iran's top diplomat over the accusations.

Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal thanked Lammy for the UKs military support for Ukraine throughout the war.

But he added: We hope that long-range equipment for strikes on the territory of our enemy will be reached and we will have it and we hope for your help and support in this issue.

Asked by reporters on Tuesday if the US would lift restrictions on Ukraine's use of long-range weapons, President Biden said his administration was "working that out now".

Earlier this year, the US loosened some of the restraints, allowing Ukraine to use long-range missiles to strike areas along Russia's border where troops are firing from.

Kyiv's other allies have also been supplying some long-range weapons - with restrictions on how and when they can be used inside Russia, out of concern such strikes could prompt retaliation that draws Nato countries into the war or provokes a nuclear conflict.

The Kremlin said on Wednesday that Russia would respond "appropriately" if the US were to allow Ukrainian missile strikes on its territory.

During a visit to the UK before travelling to Kyiv, Blinken accused Iran of supplying short-range ballistic missiles to Russia, saying they could be deployed against Ukrainians within weeks. Lammy described Iran's move as "a significant and dangerous escalation.

The missiles are likely to boost Russia's arsenal, enabling it to hit Ukrainian cities close to Russia's borders or areas it already controls at the same time as it deploys its longer-range missiles deeper into Ukrainian territory.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi denied his country was supplying missiles to Russia, accusing Western countries of "acting on faulty intelligence and flawed logic".

The UK has given Ukraine Storm Shadow missiles, which have a range of about 250km (155 miles). So far, they have been used only against Russian targets in occupied Ukrainian territory.

But Ukrainian leaders say they need the missiles to target air bases used by Russian warplanes to launch devastating glide bombs against Ukraine. These weapons are often launched from deep inside Russian territory.

Additional reporting by Thomas Mackintosh and Robert Plummer in London.
LA PAZ, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- At least six people died and seven others were injured when a cargo truck going the wrong way collided head-on with a public transit minibus in western Bolivia on Wednesday, according to local authorities.

The accident occurred along a highway connecting the departments of La Paz and Oruro, 35 km from the city of La Paz, the departmental chief of police in La Paz, Edgar Cortez, told local media.

"Unfortunately, this accident has left six people dead, including minors, and several injured who were taken to nearby medical centers," said Cortez.

The minibus, which was headed to the city of La Paz, was carrying 13 people when the head-on collision occurred. The front of the bus was smashed and the vehicle ran off the road.

According to initial investigation, the driver of the truck fled and authorities are trying to locate him.

The police chief said the accident once again puts the focus on road safety in Bolivia, where road infrastructure and reckless driving lead to a significant number of deaths each year. 
Biden says hes outraged by US activists West Bank death after pushback on earlier remarks

President Biden on Wednesday said he is outraged and deeply saddened by Israels totally unacceptable killing of an American activist in the West Bank, adding that there must be full accountability one day after suggesting her death was an accident.

Biden in a statement condemned the shooting of Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, a 26-year-old from Seattle who was participating in a demonstration in the West Bank when an Israeli soldier shot and killed her.

Israel has acknowledged its responsibility for Aysenurs death, and a preliminary investigation has indicated that it was the result of a tragic error resulting from an unnecessary escalation, Biden said. The U.S. 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.

Biden said his administration would remain in contact with Israeli and Palestinian officials regarding the investigation.

There must be full accountability, he said. And Israel must do more to ensure that incidents like this never happen again.

The violence in the West Bank has been going on for too long. Violent extremist Israeli settlers are uprooting Palestinians from their homes, Biden continued. Palestinian terrorists are sending car bombs to kill civilians. I will continue to support policies that hold all extremists  Israelis and Palestinians alike  accountable for stoking violence and serving as obstacles to peace.

Biden told reporters as he departed the White House on Tuesday that he was finding out more details about Eygis death, but apparently it was an accident, ricocheted off the ground and got hit by accident. Im working that out now.

The Associated Press reported that the doctors who treated Eygi, who also had Turkish citizenship, said she was shot in the head.

Hamid Ali, the partner of Eygi, said in a Tuesday statement that they had not heard from Biden or his White House in the days since the incident.

This was no accident, and her killers must be held accountable, Ali said.

Biden has faced intense criticism from Republicans and some Democrats over his handling of Israels war with Hamas, which has left tens of thousands of Palestinians in Gaza dead. The war started after attacks on Oct. 7 by Hamas killed more than 1,100 Israelis.

The president has repeatedly said Israel has a right to defend itself against Hamas, but has also indicated Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is not being helpful in efforts to end the war.

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By Susan Heavey and Kanishka Singh

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on Wednesday called the Israeli military's killing of an American activist in the Israeli-occupied West Bank "unacceptable" and said Israel must do more to make sure it never happens again.

Israel has taken responsibility for the death of Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, 26, who was killed while taking part in a protest against settlement expansion in the West Bank. Biden said the U.S. government expects continued access to the criminal investigation into the shooting.

"There must be full accountability. And Israel must do more to ensure that incidents like this never happen again," Biden said in a statement.

Harris said in a separate statement that 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 (Israel Defense Forces) personnel in the West Bank," she said.

Eygi, who is also a Turkish national, was shot dead on Friday at a protest march in Beita, a village near Nablus where Palestinians have been repeatedly attacked by far-right Jewish settlers. Israel has said her death was accidental.

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.

The International Court of Justice said in July that Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories and settlements there were illegal and should be ended as soon as possible

Eygi's relatives called on Biden and Harris to speak to the family directly and order an independent investigation into her shooting.

To call her death an accident "is complicity in the Israeli militarys agenda to take Palestinian land and whitewash the killing of an American. ... Let us be clear, an American citizen was killed by a foreign military in a targeted attack," the family said in a statement.

Democratic U.S. Senator Patty Murray and Representative Pramila Jayapal wrote a letter to Biden on Wednesday and requested "an immediate, transparent, credible and thorough" independent U.S. investigation.

Biden also decried the ongoing violence in the West Bank by "extremist Israeli settlers" and "Palestinian terrorists," one day after top U.S. officials demanded an overhaul of Israeli military conduct in the occupied West Bank.

(Reporting by Susan Heavey and Kanishka Singh; Editing by Andrew Heavens, Timothy Heritage, Cynthia Osterman and Edwina Gibbs)
Biden suggests end of ban on Ukraine using long-range weapons on Russia in the works

U.S. President Joe Biden responds to a question from the news media as he walks to board Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday. Photo by Shawn Thew/UPI

Sept. 11 (UPI) -- President Joe Biden suggested his administration may end its ban on Ukraine using long-range weapons against Russia.

The United States has been by far Ukraine's biggest backer amid its war against the Kremlin, giving it more than $50 billion worth of lethal goods since the conflict began in February 2022.

However, the Biden administration has been reluctant to gift it certain weaponry or sign off on some uses out of fear of escalating the conflict.

Ukraine, though, has increased its requests on the United States, which denied it tanks and the use of sophisticated fighter jets earlier in the war but has since relented.

In May, Biden, as well as other allies, approved Ukraine using their weapons to strike within Russia for limited, defensive purposes, but Kyiv has been pressing to use long-range weapons to attack father within Russia's borders.

When asked about the long-range weapons restrictions by reporters on Tuesday, Biden responded: "We're working that out right now."

The comment came as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken was in London where he and his British counterpart formally accused Iran of sending short-range ballistic missiles to Russia to use in the Ukrainian conflict.

Blinken said the shipments of short-range missiles will free Russia to use its long-range weaponry for their intended purpose.

The pair announced that they will also be heading to Kyiv on a joint trip sometime this week, with the United States' top diplomat suggesting that more lethal support could be supplied to Ukraine during the visit.

When asked about Ukraine's use of long-range missiles, Blinken told Yalda Hakim of Sky News on Tuesday that the Biden administration is not adverse to shifting its policy on the matter.

"What I can tell you is we've adapted and adjusted every step along the way. We'll continue to do that," he said. "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."
U.S. President Joe Biden stated that the potential lifting of restrictions on Ukraine's use of long-range weapons is currently under consideration, Reuters reported on September 10.

When asked about the matter, Biden confirmed that his administration is "working that out now."

Recently, Ukraine has called on its allies to remove these restrictions, arguing that it would help them target Russian aircraft launching cruise missiles and guided bombs towards Ukrainian cities.

I appeal to the U.S., the U.K., France and Germany. We need the ability to genuinely and fully defend Ukraine and Ukrainians. We require both: permissions for long-range capabilities and your long-range shells and missiles, Zelensky said in his evening address on Aug. 31.

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.

Western countries have largely allowed Ukraine to use their arms in the incursion, but the U.S. and the U.K. have maintained their restrictions on the use of long-range missiles like ATACMS or Storm Shadow.

Read also: Biden not ruling out letting Ukraine strike deep inside Russia, Blinken tells Sky News

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
ST. LOUIS  Big Boy No. 4014, one of the most iconic steam engines in the United States, has arrived to St. Louis in grand style.

The locomotive is making its Heartland of America tour across ten states through October, including Missouri and Illinois.

Big Boy No. 4014 is the worlds largest operational steam locomotive and one of Union Pacifics original engines. The locomotive rode the rails for 20 years from 1941 to 1961, clocking more than one million miles. It was retired for nearly six decades before a lengthy restoration process at Union Pacifics steam shop in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

Photo courtesy: FOX 2

Photo courtesy: FOX 2

Photo courtesy: FOX 2

Photo courtesy: FOX 2

Photo courtesy: FOX 2

Big Boy officially arrived to St. Louis AMTRAK station late Tuesday evening with some locals hearing its whistle from Busch Stadium and Soulard. Union Pacific held a private event Wednesday to let employees see the train up close near Union Station.

According to Big Boys tour schedule, it is expected to depart St. Louis around 8:30 a.m. Thursday with daytime stops planned in De Soto and Arcadia. If you cant see it in St. Louis, you may have a chance to get a peek at Big Boy during its next two stops.

This the locomotives schedule for Thursday:

Thursday, Sept. 12 St. Louis, MO 8:30 a.m. departure to Poplar Bluff, MO. De Soto, MO at Commercial Street Crossing. Arrives  11 a.m. CT. Departs  11:30 a.m. CT. Arcadia  Ironton, MO at Arcadia Valley Amtrack Station at 13700 MO-21. Arrives  1:30 p.m. CT. Departs  2 p.m. CT. Poplar Bluff  Final destination for Thursday. Time TBD.



For a closer look at the Big Boys tour schedule, CLICK HERE.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.
Theres a Big Change Coming to Mammogram Results  What to Know About Breast Density

The FDA now requires those getting mammograms to receive notice about breast density

Getty Images stock photo of a doctor and a patient

Big changes are coming to mammogram results  and it could help with screening breast cancer.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration stated that starting Tuesday, Sept. 10, people will get results regarding their breast density as part of mammogram screenings.

Thanks to the Mammography Quality Standards Act, people receiving mammograms will get more information, which could put patients at risk in detecting breast cancer. The FDA will require facilities to inform their patients about their breast density and what their level of breast density could mean in terms of breast cancer risks.

Dense breasts are common in women over 40 years old, according to the National Cancer Institute. They could lead to difficulty in detecting breast cancer in a mammogram, hiding possible lumps and tumors from being detected. Dense breasts can also "raise the risk of developing cancer," the FDA notes.



Getty Stock photo of a doctor's office

Related: Women Should Now Be Screened for Breast Cancer at Age 40, U.S. Task Force Says

Breast density will be sorted into the following categories during the examination: "The breasts are almost entirely fatty"; "There are scattered areas of fibroglandular density"; "The breasts are heterogeneously dense, which may obscure small masses"; and "The breasts are extremely dense, which lowers the sensitivity of mammography."

Dr. Elizabeth Comen, a breast cancer oncologist from NYU Langone Health, told CBS News that the density of breasts can't be determined through self-examination.

"It is not something that you can see or feel or touch," Comen said. "It is something that a radiologist will tell you based on what they see on a mammogram."

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Though the next steps following a screening regarding breast density have yet to be determined by the FDA, it is recommended that patients speak with their providers about their own risk and next steps.



In April, new guidelines from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommended women start getting mammograms at age 40 to detect breast cancer.



Previous guidelines from 2016 suggested waiting until age 50 unless you have a family history  then you should start between 40 and 49 years old.

The American Cancer Society also recommends getting an MRI in addition to a mammogram if you are at high risk for breast cancer.



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CHARLESTON CO., S.C. (WCBD)  Long-awaited improvements in the Main Road Corridor are moving forward, but a change in the plans has raised concerns for the nonprofit, Charleston Moves.

This all happened sort of last minute. I want to solve the problem, said the organizations Executive Director, Katie Zimmerman.

Zimmerman said she learned late last week that a proposed stand-alone bike and pedestrian bridge was no longer included in the Main Road Segment A project plans. The bridge wouldve been built next to the John F. Limehouse Bridge, connecting several parts of the bike-ped network in that area.

This is a huge gap filler in this really important network and obviously providing bike-ped access is important for a lot of reasons. On one hand youve got people out there now biking, walking in unsafe situations. On the other hand, its really the only way that were going to be able to chip away at traffic congestion, Zimmerman explained.

The Main Road Segment A project has been in progress since 2016 as part of the Half Cent Sales Tax Referendum, according to Charleston County officials.

Herbert Nimz is the project manager and said it consists of a multidirectional interchange system and a flyover bridge on Main Road over US 17. He explained the decision to nix the pedestrian bridge came after the South Carolina Department of Transportation rejected the countys request to maintain it.

State law prohibits the use of transportation sales tax revenue to cover maintenance costs, according to county officials. Nimz said they are evaluating other bike-ped accommodations, starting with the Limehouse Bridge.

We had planned on restriping that bridge to accommodate four travel lanes. So, were looking at maybe reducing that and including a bike-ped path on that bridge, said Nimz.

On Tuesday, Charleston County Council will vote on awarding a design-build contract for the Main Road Segment A project. Zimmerman said she was planning to be there to advocate for the bridge.

I want to make sure that they are willing to figure out a way where we arent completely shutting the door on the design. We can work together, figure out a funding source for maintenance or a different agency or entity who is willing to fund the maintenance, Zimmerman told News 2.

SCDOT pointed News 2 to Charleston County when asked for a comment.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2.
(NewsNation)  Longtime political experts Bill OReilly and Geraldo Rivera are divided on the outcome of Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trumps first debate in Philadelphia.

Bill OReilly: No one won the debate

OReilly told NewsNation he doesnt think anyone won the debate, citing Trump playing only to his base and Harris refusing to give specific answers to the moderators questions.

Trump was foolish at times. He won the first half-hour of the debate, but then he descended as he always does, OReilly said. I dont know why.

Who won Trump-Harris presidential debate?

The Republican candidate, OReilly said, was much stronger on international affairs  but he didnt stay focused on that.

Talking about migrants eating dogs and cats, I mean, thats something Saturday Night Live would do. Why would you even bother to do that? OReilly said.

Trump and his allies have falsely accused Haitian immigrants in the small Ohio town of Springfield of abducting and eating pets. Theres no evidence that the community is doing that, officials told The Associated Press.

Bill OReilly told NewsNation he doesnt think anyone won the debate, citing Trump playing only to his base and Harris refusing to give specific answers to the moderators questions. (NewsNation)

OReilly said Harris dodged questions, not directly answering about the economy or how to get a truce in Gaza.

(Harris is) a generalist. She believes she can do what Joe Biden did last time around and win. She doesnt have any solutions that I can figure out about anything, OReilly said.

Geraldo Rivera: Harris withstood Hurricane Trump

Rivera, however, thinks Harris was the clear winner because Trump was resorting to middle school tactics.

Taylor Swift endorses Kamala Harris right after the debate

He was childish, he was creepy, he was cringey, that thing about eating dogs  he was obsessed with it. He wouldnt let it go, Rivera said. I thought she withstood Hurricane Trump. She came across as competent, even confident, after that first half-hour.

Rivera said Trump was terrible and crumbled after a strong first half-hour.

He was terrible tonight. And you can apologize for him all you want, but he did not seem presidential. He wouldnt have even made the debate team at a junior high, Rivera said.

Rivera believes Trump was unprepared to face Harris.

He lost his best chance to squash her candidacy and make her a mockery. He lost his best chance to be the favorite going forward, Rivera added.

He argued their matchup elevated Harris and will restart her momentum, telling NewsNation she looked presidential, dare I say it.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
(Bloomberg) -- Bitcoin slid as investors reacted to the US presidential debate between Democratic nominee Kamala Harris and Republican rival Donald Trump, who has embraced the crypto sector.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The digital asset fell as much as 3.4% before paring some of the drop to trade at around $55,850 as of 10:04 a.m. Wednesday in New York. In wider markets, stocks fell and bond yields rose after a faster-than-anticipated inflation report reinforced speculation the Federal Reserve will start cutting rates at a more gradual pace.

The original cryptocurrency is one of a number of so-called Trump trades because of the former presidents avowed support of the digital-asset industry. Bitcoin was thus in the spotlight as something that might provide clues on who gained the upper hand in the debate.

Trump was often on the defensive in the discussion as Vice President Harris peppered in lines that appeared designed to needle the Republican nominee. Pop icon Taylor Swift announced her endorsement of Harris minutes after the debate wrapped up. The odds reflected by betting markets moved in Harriss favor in the wake of the face off on Tuesday night in Philadelphia.

Debate Assessment

The market assessed Kamala Harris won the debate, in particular in the early stages, which translated into a small move down for crypto, said Caroline Mauron, co-founder of Orbit Markets, a provider of liquidity for trading in digital-asset derivatives.

Harris has yet to detail a policy position on crypto. Last month, an adviser to her campaign said Harris will back measures to help grow the industry. The adviser also signaled ongoing interest in implementing safeguards.

Trump has pivoted to courting the digital-asset sector in search of donations and votes amid a tight race for the White House, even vowing to make the US the crypto capital of the planet. His stance is an about-face given that the former president previously dubbed the sector a scam.

Crypto Projects

The Republican nominee recently put out his fourth collection of nonfungible tokens. These NFTs, representing ownership of assets like images depicting Trump riding a motorcycle or as a boxer, have earned millions of dollars.

Trump and his sons Eric and Don Jr. have also been promoting World Liberty Financial, a planned initiative in cryptos niche decentralized finance sector. Details remain scarce, and hackers last week briefly compromised some Trump family social media accounts to issue a fake post about the project.

The digital-asset industry has become an influential player in the presidential election through big donations to political action committees. Crypto businesses are seeking friendlier regulations, pushing back against the critical stance adopted by the Securities & Exchange Commission under Chair Gary Gensler.

Bitcoin jumped to a record $73,798 in March, fueled by demand for dedicated US exchange-traded funds. The rally cooled but the gains have nonetheless dulled memories of a deep bear market in 2022 and a string of collapses, including the wipeout of the FTX exchange  one of the biggest financial frauds in US history.

(Updates price in second paragraph.)

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On Tuesday (September 10), the long-awaited first presidential debate took place between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. The Root talked to several political experts about each candidates performance and what it could mean come November.

Gevin Reynolds. a Communications strategist, political commentator and former speechwriter for Harris Gevin Reynolds , praised the way the Vice President bravely took on Trump. She delivered [Tuesday night]. The Vice President prosecuted the case against Donald Trump like only she can, Reynolds told The Root.

Harris was indeed on a roll during the debate and the difference between the two candidates was astonishing. The Vice President successfully baited Trump by saying he was was fired by 81 million people in the 2020 election and is now confused about losing.

She also told Trump that world leaders were laughing at him, and that military leaders labeled him a disgrace. However, Reynolds insisted that its vital not to count Trump out just yet.

Id much rather be the Vice President than the former President, but it would be a mistake to think Trump is done for. As they say, polls dont vote, people do, Reynolds said.

But he cautioned that we wont see much of a bump in the polls. While [Harris is] still the underdog in this race, Id say after tonight, the momentum is on her side. She did her part, now its time for us to do ours.

Political commentator and disinformation expert Reecie Colbert believed that Harris performance was downright impressive. During the debate, Harris explained her policy which contains tax breaks for parents and small businesses, further explaining she wants to issue a first-time home-buyer credit for down payments. However, Trump merely said he had concepts of a plan when asked about how he will replace the Affordable Care Act.

VP Kamala Harris showed up and gave big boss energy while totally diminishing the former bully known as Donald Trump, Colbert said. He had no answers for VP and she had everything laid outfrom her policy to her [professional] record as she made the contrast against Trump.

Colbert also believed that the debate cemented Harris as an intrinsic leader. Anybody who had any kind of doubt or confusion surrounding who is fit to be commander-in-chief for the next four years got the answer they needed Tuesday night.

Things werent all bad for Trump, though. Historian and economist Dr. Walter Greason told The Root that there was one particular highlight from the former president. Trump had his best moment in trying to divide the public about the War in Gaza, Greason said.

Harris should have exposed his selfishness more frequently as she offered policy solutions. However, he ultimately agreed that Harris was unstoppable during the debate.

[The Vice President] dominated the debate at multiple points, but the reversal on the immigration question about his boring rallies was the moment she disqualified him, Greason continued.

The professor also emphasized that despite coming out on top Tuesday night, it will still be an uphill battle for Harris. Polling of likely and registered voters skews against Harris, Greason said. The key for Democrats is turnout, and Trumps depression of conservative voters is always underestimated.

Despite the challenge the election will most likely remain for Harris, the debate galvanized Black folks in a special way, according to Greason.

For Black America, this performance by Vice-President Harris is a global vindication of African-American excellence and the need to restore thousands of Black institutions that have been destroyed since 1965.



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Chinese Premier Li Qiang arrives at the Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Sept. 11, 2024. Li arrived here Wednesday for an official visit to the UAE at the invitation of the UAE's Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin)

ABU DHABI, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang arrived here Wednesday for an official visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at the invitation of the UAE's Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Upon his arrival, Li said that bilateral ties between China and the UAE have maintained strong growth momentum since the two countries established diplomatic relations 40 years ago, and their friendship has grown stronger and continues to flourish.

Li noted that the meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in May has drawn a new blueprint for China-UAE ties, charting the course and injecting strong momentum for advancing bilateral relations and cooperation.

Li pointed out that under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, China-UAE relations have developed comprehensively, rapidly and in depth with practical cooperation in various fields going deeper and cultural exchanges becoming increasingly active.

The two countries have maintained close communication and coordination on multilateral platforms, continuously contributing to peace, stability, prosperity and development of the region and the world at large, he said.

Guided by the important consensus reached by the two heads of state and taking the opportunity of the 40th anniversary of the diplomatic ties between the two countries, Li said he looked forward to having in-depth exchanges with UAE leaders and people committed to China-UAE friendship in various sectors to deepen and solidify China-UAE comprehensive strategic partnership and achieve more fruitful results in exchanges and cooperation in various fields.

The UAE is the second and final leg of Li's four-day tour to the Middle East, which began in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday. He chaired the Fourth Meeting of the High-Level Chinese-Saudi Joint Committee in the Saudi capital of Riyadh and paid an official visit to the country. 

Chinese Premier Li Qiang arrives at the Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Sept. 11, 2024. Li arrived here Wednesday for an official visit to the UAE at the invitation of the UAE's Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. (Xinhua/Liu Bin)
Black mould: How dangerous is it in the home and how can it be treated?

Living in mouldy properties can cause respiratory illnesses, allergies and asthma, and can sometimes be fatal.

In 2020, two-year-old Awaab Ishak died as a result of the mould in his home in Rochdale.

The previous, Conservative government promised "Awaab's law" would force social housing landlords in England to fix mouldy properties more quickly - but it was not introduced.

Labour's new renters' rights bill will make these requirements compulsory for social and private landlords.

What is black mould?

Mould - sometimes referred to by the American spelling mould - is a microscopic fungus that grows in damp places.

Mould spores are found everywhere, and are released in their thousands into the atmosphere.

Signs of mould at home include fuzzy black, white or green patches on the walls, and a damp and musty smell.

Can black mould affect your health and what are the symptoms?

People living with mould are more likely to suffer from respiratory illnesses, infections, allergies or asthma.

Inhaling or touching the spores that mould releases into the air can cause an allergic reaction, such as sneezing, a runny nose, red eyes and a skin rash.

Mould can also trigger asthma attacks and cause coughing, wheezing and breathlessness.

Each year, the NHS in England spends an estimated 1.4bn on treating illnesses associated with living in cold or damp housing, according to building research body BRE.

Those more at risk from mould include the elderly, children and babies, as well as people with existing respiratory illnesses and some skin problems.

What causes mould in houses and how do you remove it?

Condensation is the leading cause of mould in homes across the UK.

It most commonly occurs in parts of the home where there are high moisture levels: bathrooms, kitchens, and around windows.

When air cools, water vapour forms into water droplets as it comes into contact with surfaces in the home that are below a temperature known as the dew point.

These surfaces can include uninsulated external walls or windows.

If left untreated, the surface can become damp and create the conditions for mould to grow.

Older and poorly insulated properties are more prone to this.

Mould can also be caused by daily tasks which create excess moisture such as showering, cooking and drying washing indoors.

Taking shorter showers and wiping down surfaces afterwards can help, as can improving ventilation and opening kitchen windows or using an extractor fan when cooking.

It is also important to check for leaky pipes or gutters which can make the problem worse.

What rights do tenants have if their home has mould?

All landlords have a responsibility to make sure homes are safe and in good repair.

In both private and social rental properties, it is the landlord's responsibility to fix a mould problem which is due to poor maintenance, according to the housing charity Shelter.

If the mould is so bad that your home becomes unfit for habitation, then you could be classed as homeless and entitled to emergency accommodation.

But landlords may not be responsible if there is evidence a tenant has not been ventilating the home correctly.

Who was Awaab Ishak?

Awaab Ishak died shortly after his second birthday [Family handout]

In December 2020, two-year-old Awaab Ishak died after prolonged exposure to mould in his home.

He lived in a one-bedroom flat in Rochdale with his father Faisal Abdullah and Faisal's wife Aisha Amin.

Mr Abdullah reported the mould to his housing association, Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH), in 2017, but was told to paint over it.

In June 2020, he instructed solicitors to issue a claim over the recurring mould, but repairs had to wait until the legal case was settled.

Awaab was taken to Rochdale Urgent Care Centre on 19 December that year with shortness of breath, and died a few days later.

What is Awaab's law and what will it mean for landlords?

In January 2024, the then, Conservative government announced plans to ensure social housing providers in England to address hazards such as damp and mould much more quickly. .

Under Awaab's law, social landlords would have to investigate issues within 14 days and begin fixing them within a further seven days. Emergency repairs would have to be made within 24 hours.

Landlords who failed to comply could be taken to court and ordered to pay compensation.

However, the planned legislation was eventually scrapped, ahead of July's general election.

And Labour is now introducing a revised, renters' rights bill, which will extend Awaab's law to cover private landlords as well.

The plans must be approved by MPs and peers, who could propose further changes, before they become law.

Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook told BBC One's Breakfast programme he hoped the changes would take effect before summer 2025.
A Blairsville man was sentenced to state prison for sexual assault of a minor.

Gregory Jones, 39, was sentenced to up to 13 years in prison. He also has to serve a consecutive probation and undergo treatment as a sexual offender, as well as registering with Megans Law for the rest of his life.

Jones pleaded guilty to involuntary deviant sexual intercourse of a victim less than 16 years old, statutory sexual assault where the defendant is 11 years old than the minor victim, corruption of minors, aggravated indecent assault of a victim less than 16 years old and indecent assault of a victim less than 16 years old.

Indiana County District Attorney Robert Manzi said the victim reported that Jones sexually assaulted them over the course of 2017 until 2020.

The victim was able to provide evidence to law enforcement which included messaging between the victim and defendant that corroborated the allegations.

The victim in this matter was incredibly brave to come forward and face this defendant who assaulted the victim while a minor. I hope that this outcome helps to start the healing process for the victim as they move forward in a positive way in their life, said Manzi. I also want to thank the members of the Pennsylvania State Police, Indiana Barracks who thoroughly investigated this manner and put together an incredibly strong case against this convicted sex offender.

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Blinken announces over US$700m in humanitarian and energy aid for Ukraine

During a visit to Kyiv on Wednesday, 11 September, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced that Ukraine will receive more than US$700 million in humanitarian and other aid.

Source: Blinken at a press conference with the foreign ministers of Ukraine and the UK, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Blinken stressed that Russia is once again trying to attack Ukraines energy infrastructure "to weaponise the cold against the Ukrainian people".

Quote: "That is why today we are announcing US$325 million in new funding to help repair Ukraines energy and electric grid," he said, adding that in the near future there will be a meeting of the Group of Seven Plus focused on assistance for Ukraine's energy sector.

The US Secretary of State also announced US$290 million in humanitarian aid for millions of people in Ukraine and the surrounding region who have been forced to flee their homes.

"And finally, were announcing US$102 million in additional funding in humanitarian demining to help remove landmines and unexploded ordnance that Russia has left behind across Ukraine," Blinken added.

On 11 September, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy arrived in Kyiv.

The UK announced the allocation of at least 242 million to support Ukraine amid constant Russian attacks, as well as the allocation of US$484 million in financial support and the supply of military equipment.

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US and UK pledge almost $1.5B in aid for Ukraine during diplomats' visit to Kyiv

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy arrive at the train station in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, Pool)

KYIV, Ukraine (AP)  The United States and Britain pledged nearly $1.5 billion in additional aid to Ukraine on Wednesday during a visit to Kyiv by their top diplomats as Ukrainian officials renewed their pleas to use Western-provided missiles against targets deeper inside Russia.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced more than $700 million in humanitarian aid, while British Foreign Secretary David Lammy confirmed that his country would provide another $782 million in assistance and loan guarantees. Much of the effort was aimed at bolstering the energy grid that Russia has repeatedly pounded ahead of an expected difficult winter.

Blinken and Lammy traveled together to the Ukrainian capital on a rare joint tour to underscore their commitment to the country in its war. Air-raid sirens sounded repeatedly during the visit, causing delays in their schedule and forcing them to cancel a wreath-laying ceremony.

Blinken said he would bring the discussion with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy about the missiles back to Washington to brief the president. Blinken said U.S. President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will no doubt talk about the issue when they meet Friday in Washington.

Speaking for the United States, we have adjusted and adapted as needs have changed, as the battlefield has changed. And I have no doubt that well continue to do that as this evolves, Blinken told a news conference.

The diplomatic visit unfolded as Russias bigger and better-equipped army bears down on Ukraines eastern Donetsk region and conducts aerial attacks on cities across the country using missiles, glide bombs and drones that claim many civilian casualties.

Lammy said the 2 1/2-year conflict is at a critical juncture following Ukraine's daring incursion last month into Russias Kursk region.

"We convey the deepest condolences for the shocking attacks that we have seen, over the loss of civilian life, particularly women and children  horrific, barbaric, unbelievable, Lammy said.

But relations between Ukraine and its Western partners have been increasingly strained by Kyivs repeated appeals for the Wests authorization to use long-range weapons from the United States and other allies to strike targets deeper inside Russia.

That issue took on added urgency after Russias latest reported acquisition of ballistic missiles from Iran, but Western leaders have so far balked at Ukraine's request, fearing that, if granted, it could escalate the war.

Biden has allowed Ukraine to fire U.S.-provided missiles across the border into Russia in self-defense, but has largely limited the distance they can be fired.

Zelenskyy said he hoped for changes to those limitations.

Lets count on some strong decisions, at least, he said. For us, its very important.

He said he hoped to speak to Biden later this month, noting that U.S. military and financial support is crucial.

We rely heavily on it, and frankly, we cant prevail without it, Zelenskyy said.

However, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin last week pushed back on the idea that long-range strikes would be a game-changer.

I dont believe one capability is going to be decisive, and I stand by that comment, Austin said at a meeting of allied military leaders in Germany. The Ukrainians have other means to strike long-range targets, he added.

Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal told Lammy he hoped an agreement on using long-range assets for strikes on the territory of our enemy could be reached. We hope for your help and support in this issue.

A hard winter likely lies ahead for Ukraine. Its power grid is under severe strain after Russian missiles and drones knocked out around 70% of the countrys generation capacity.

Kyiv officials will also have to navigate the outcome of the U.S. election in November, which could produce important policy shifts in Washington. Former President Donald Trump said in a presidential debate Tuesday that he wants the war to end but did not clearly say he wants Ukraine to win.

We remain committed to Ukraines victory, Blinken said. The bottom line is this: We want Ukraine to win.

Ukrainian officials politely sidestepped making any comment on the debate. Zelenskyy said he did not watch it, while Ukraine's foreign minister, Andrii Sybiha, insisted U.S. policy was ultimately unlikely to change.

Yes, its clear that there will be a new president. But we believe, and are convinced, in the strong support of the American people, Sybiha said. We are firmly, firmly convinced that this support will continue.

The latest American aid package includes $325 million in energy support to help repair and restore Ukraines power generation facilities, provide emergency backup power for critical services and strengthen the physical security of energy infrastructure.

Some $290 million will fund food, water, shelter, health care and education programs for Ukrainians in need in the country and refugees outside the country. The remaining $102 million will be used for mine-removal work.

Late last week, the U.S. announced it would send $250 million more in weapons to Ukraine, including air-defense missiles and artillery.

Wednesdays visit was, unusually, announced in advance  a public signal of American and British support for Ukraine.

The British diplomats reached the Ukrainian capital by train from Poland. Blinken traveled from London, where he accused Iran of providing Russia with Fath-360 short-range ballistic missiles, calling the move a dramatic escalation of the war.

Referring to those missiles, Shmyhal added: Russias use of weapons from its terrorist allies to strike at Ukraine continues their genocidal war and terrorism on our territory. We must be able to respond to such terrorism in kind by destroying military targets on their territory to ensure greater safety for our citizens.

___

Associated Press writers Jill Lawless in London and Derek Gatopoulos in Kyiv contributed to this report.

___

Follow APs coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and U.K. Foreign Secretary David Lammy arrived in Ukraine on Sept. 11 to meet President Volodymyr Zelensky and other top Ukrainian officials.

The diplomacy chiefs of Ukraine's key foreign supporters will discuss "continued support for Ukraine's defense against Russias aggression and how to ensure Ukraine can thrive militarily, economically, and democratically in the long term," the U.S. State Department press release read.

Their arrival comes amid mounting calls for the Biden administration to lift restrictions on long-range strikes deep inside Russia to allow Ukraine to better respond to Russian attacks.

The two foreign officials were accompanied by Ukraine's Ambassador to the U.K. and former Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Valerii Zaluzhnyi.

When asked whether U.S. President Joe Biden is considering repealing the restrictions in an interview with Sky News, Blinken said: "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."

Ukraine has received shipments of long-range ATACMS and Storm Shadow missiles from the U.S. and the U.K., but the two countries did not permit their use inside Russian territory.

While announcing the visit on Sept. 10, the U.S. and other Western partners confirmed previous reports that Iran has supplied ballistic missiles to Russia, becoming the second country to do so after North Korea.

Secretaries Blinken and Lammy arriving in sunny Kyiv  pic.twitter.com/vqQJHtrJSO  Olivia Gazis (@Olivia_Gazis) September 11, 2024

The West called this step an "escalation of Iran's military support to Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine" and threatened further sanctions against Tehran.

Blinken and Lammy arrive as Kyiv is hosting its fourth summit of the Crimean Platform, an international consultation and coordination format aimed at ensuring the liberation of the peninsula from the Russian occupation.

Blinken previously visited Ukraine in May. While using the occasion to announce new military support worth $2 billion, the visit was also remembered in Ukraine thanks to Blinken's guitar performance of Neil Young's "Rockin' in the Free World" in a Kyiv bar.

The gig has been criticized by some as "tone-deaf" as Ukraine was facing a new Russian offensive in Kharkiv Oblast while Washington refused to budge on its restrictions on strikes inside Russia.

This will be Lammy's first visit to Ukraine since he assumed office on July 5 after the Labour Party's victory in the U.K. elections.

Read also: Trump refuses to say he wants Ukrainian victory, Harris accuses him of surrender in presidential debate

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No decisions were made on Ukraine's use of American long-range weapons against Russia during a meeting between Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Ukrainian leadership on Wednesday, according to an adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskky.

The discussion comes as Blinken announced more than $700 million in new funds to support Ukraine during remarks in Kyiv.

Restrictions on Ukraine's use of American long-range weapons against targets inside Russia have been one of the most pressing issues for Blinken during the visit. America's top diplomat was accompanied by British Foreign Secretary David Lammy.

During a lengthy meeting, Zelenskky and Blinken discussed lifting the ban on strikes deeper in Russian territory and weapon supplies, according to an adviser to Zelenskyy with knowledge of the meeting. Zelenskyy gave Blinken a detailed plan of how Ukraine could use long-range missiles for strikes into Russia and gave him a list of possible targets, the adviser said.

PHOTO: U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, center, and Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy arrive to attend a joint news conference with Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriiy Sybiha at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kyiv, Ukraine, Sept. 11, 2024. (Efrem Lukatsky/AP)

Blinken confirmed with reporters during remarks following the meeting that he discussed long-range fires with Ukrainian officials, "but a number of other things as well."

Blinken said he will share what he learned from his talks with Ukrainian leadership on this trip with President Joe Biden, who is set to meet with U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Friday to "discuss how to further help Ukraine."

'We have adjusted and adapted as needs have changed, as the battlefield has changed, and I have no doubt that we'll continue to do that as this evolves," Blinken said.

MORE: Russia appears to have launched initial major counterattack against Ukraine in Kursk

He said escalation from Russia -- including the acquisition of Iranian ballistic missiles -- is "one of the factors that we always consider, but it's certainly not the only factor."

"We're determined to ensure that they have what they need to succeed," he added.

Blinken said the more than $700 million in new funds announced on Wednesday will help repair Ukraine's energy and electric grid and provide humanitarian support as Ukraine heads into the fall fighting season against Russia.

"We remain fully committed to Ukraine's victory, to not only ensuring that Ukraine can defend itself today, but can stand on its own feet strongly, militarily, economically, democratically for many, many days ahead," Blinken said.

PHOTO: U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks during a joint news conference with Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy, and Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriiy Sybiha at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kyiv, Ukraine, Sept. 11, 2024. (Efrem Lukatsky/AP)

The new funds include $325 million to help repair Ukraine's energy and electric grid, $290 million in new humanitarian support to those displaced by the war and $102 million in additional funding to help remove landmines and unexploded ordnances left behind by Russia across Ukraine, according to Blinken.

"The bottom line is this, we want Ukraine to win, and we're fully committed to keep marshaling the support that it needs for its brave defenders and citizens to do just that now," Blinken said.

Lammy also announced more than 600 million pounds in new support for Ukraine, including 242 million pounds this financial year for immediate humanitarian energy and stabilization needs.

Lammy additionally announced that the U.K. will send hundreds of additional air defense missiles and tens of thousands of additional artillery ammunition rounds to Ukraine by the end of the year.

"Together, Britain and our allies are united in our commitment to Ukraine, to freedom, to victory, because we both recognize what is at stake here -- not just the liberty of Ukraine, but the security of Europe and the security of the West," he said.

PHOTO: British Foreign Secretary David Lammy and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrive at Kyiv train station Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024 in Kyiv, Ukraine. (Leon Neal/AP)

Kyiv has long been advocating for U.S. permission to strike military targets within Russian borders, including airfields that are key to Moscow's long-range missile campaign against Ukrainian cities.

"We continue to persuade our partners at all levels about long-range capabilities," Zelenskyy wrote on his Telegram channel on Sunday.

"Russia can avoid seeking peace only as much as the world avoids making strong decisions aimed at Russia's defeat. Long-range capabilities are one of those key, strategic decisions."

Yehor Cherniev -- a member of the Ukrainian parliament and the chairman of his countrys delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly -- told ABC News that Ukrainians are hoping for U.S. permission to use the MGM-140 Army Tactical Missile System, colloquially known as the ATACMS, for strikes within Russia. The longest-range variant of the weapon can hit targets out to 190 miles.

"It will inspire Ukrainians and our army," Cherniev said. Russian airfields and military depots will be top of Kyiv's target list if American restrictions on ATACMS use are indeed lifted, he added.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told journalists at a Wednesday briefing prior to Blinken's remarks that he expected the U.S. to give its permission.

"Most likely, of course, all these decisions have already been made," he said, as quoted by the state-run Tass agency.

ABC News' Tanya Stukalova and Joe Simonetti contributed to this report.

No decision made on long-range missiles during Blinken visit to Kyiv: Zelenskyy adviser originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
In Kyiv, US and UK diplomats offer aid but no breakthrough on strikes into Russia

In Kyiv, US and UK diplomats offer aid but no breakthrough on strikes into Russia

By Daphne Psaledakis and Olena Harmash

KYIV (Reuters) -The U.S. and British foreign ministers met President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Wednesday on a visit interrupted by air raid warnings, unveiling new support but no breakthrough on the long-range strikes into Russia desperately sought by Ukraine.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and British foreign minister David Lammy, in Kyiv at a critical juncture in Ukraine's struggle against Russia, said they talked about Ukraine's war goals and what they could do to help.

"Among other things, we discussed long-range fires, but a number of other things as well. And as I said at the outset, I'm going to take that discussion back to Washington to brief the president on what I heard," Blinken told reporters.

Zelenskiy has been pleading with Kyiv's allies for months to let Ukraine fire Western missiles including long-range U.S. ATACMS and British Storm Shadows deep into Russian territory to limit Moscow's ability to launch attacks.

"We are listening carefully and, of course, we are having discussions on a range of issues, including the military equipment that Ukraine needs to win," Lammy told a news conference alongside Blinken and Ukraines Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.

The British foreign minister suggested those discussions could continue for a few more weeks, a remark that will disappoint Ukrainians hoping the West would quickly discard fears of escalation.

Ahead of the news conference, Zelenskiy was asked whether he was optimistic the United States and Britain would greenlight deeper strikes into Russia, and he quipped that it depended instead on the "optimism" of Ukraine's partners.

"Let's count on some strong decisions at least. For us it's very important for today," he told reporters in Kyiv.

In a comment posted on his Telegram channel, Zelenskiy described the talks as "long and meaningful".

"All the key issues were discussed," he wrote.

"What's important is that all the Ukrainian arguments were heard. And that concerns long-range weaponry, supplying our front-line brigades and the general strategy of moving strategically towards a just peace."

There is nervousness in Washington and some European capitals that lifting the restrictions on long-range attacks could provoke Russia towards a direct conflict with the West, at the same time as a recognition that Ukraine needs more help if it is to swing the war in its favour.

The speaker of Russia's lower house of parliament, Vyacheslav Volodin, said Moscow would consider the United States and its allies to be parties to the war if they allowed Kyiv to use long-range weapons to strike deep in Russia.

ROOM FOR COMPROMISE

Overnight, U.S. President Joe Biden suggested there was room for compromise, saying his administration was "working that out now" when asked if the United States would lift the restrictions on the use of long-range weapons.

The air raid alert sounded twice during Blinken and Lammy's visit to Kyiv, before and after the news conference. A wreath-laying ceremony they were due to attend was cancelled.

Both alerts appeared to have been sounded over ballistic missile threats, but it was unclear what any missile had been targeting or what happened to the missiles.

Blinken announced more than $700 million in support for Ukraine. Lammy said Britain would provide a further 600 million pounds ($781 million).

More than 2-1/2 years since the invasion, Russian forces are inching forward in the east as Kyiv's forces try to hold a pocket of land they seized in western Russia in a surprise incursion last month.

After making rapid progress initially, Ukrainian advances have stalled, and on Wednesday a senior Russian commander said his forces had taken back control of about 10 settlements.

Ukraine has not commented on the latest Russian reported gains. Reuters was not able to independently verify battlefield developments.

Later this month, Zelenskiy travels to the United States and will present a plan to Biden and his two potential successors in November's presidential election that he hopes will bring the end of the war closer.

(Additional reporting by Elizabeth Piper in London; Writing by Mike Collett-White and Tom Balmforth; Editing by Humeyra Pamuk, Jonathan Oatis, Gareth Jones, Daniel Wallis and Ron Popeski)
New Mexico Environment Department Sec. James Kenney speaks with residents in Curry County at a Aug. 27 informational meeting about blood testing for PFAS. The state is starting two rounds of blood tests. (Courtesy of the New Mexico Environment Department, Drew Goretzka)

State environment and health agencies are starting blood testing for forever chemicals in Clovis on Thursday, the first of two rounds of testing.

Per-and-polyfluoroalkyl substances, called PFAS, are a class of manmade chemicals used in the manufacture of everything from rugs to cookware, and many more everyday goods. The chemicals are resistant to breaking down in nature. Since they can accumulate in water and soils and move through the food chain, and are found in the blood of many people and animals across the world.

While their harms are still being studied, PFAS has been linked to decreased fertility, fetal developmental delays, increases in certain cancer risk, and disruption of immune responses and hormones, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

New Mexico has several PFAS contamination sites. One of the most severe is at Cannon Air Force Base after decades of use of firefighting foams that contain the toxic chemical contaminated the groundwater on the base and several private wells.

At the end of August, state agencies hosted a public information session about the effort to test Curry County residents in the areas surrounding Cannon Air Force Base. EPCOR Water Utility, which provides Clovis water, said in its 2023 annual consumer report that the level of PFAs in the citys drinking water is deemed safe.

The first round of blood testing will be Thursday Sept. 12 though Wednesday, Sept. 18. A second round will be held in October.

There are 500 slots available between the two blood testing events, said Kate Cardenas, who operates community engagement for the New Mexico Environment Department.

Cardenas said about 80 people attended the informational meeting and more than 230 have made an appointment.

The agencies are still hoping to fill 35 slots for the September round. To make an appointment call (575) 575-7327.

Testing is limited to adult residents living in the south-central area surrounding the base. That area is bordered by Curry Road 11 to the north, from Curry Road L to Curry Road T, east to west, and ends at the county line.

The tests are free and confidential, according to the departments website, and will require a teaspoon-sized blood sample to test for 33 variants of PFAS used in firefighting foams and other goods.

Results are estimated to be available in the next three to four months following the appointment.

Participants will receive a $25 gift card for completing the appointment.
Bluffton, S.C. (WSAV)Blufftons Veteran Memorial served as the heart of a touching ceremony on Wednesday morning.

Residents gathered at Buckwalter Place Park to reflect on the sacrifices made by first responders and the innocent lives lost in the Sept. 11 Twin Tower attacks.

Among the attendees was Patrick OBrien, who came to honor his late father, a retired New York City firefighter who shared a birthday with the tragic attacks. Patrick shared how deeply the events of 9/11 had affected his father, and now him.

Bluffton Breeze announces car free day

My father is a retired New York City fireman, OBrien said, and he died back in January. 9/11 devastated him. He never celebrated his birthday again.

While the day was filled with somber reflection, it also introduced a new element designed to uplift the community, a volunteer fair. Bluffton Mayor, Larry Toomer, highlighted the importance of unity and positive action it would bring.

We must focus on what brings us together, not what tears us apart, Toomer said. The volunteer fair is a chance to connect with local organizations and programs that make a real difference in the Bluffton community.

The new volunteer fair allowed residents to connect on a personal level with each other and with the organizations that make a positive impact in Bluffton. Patrick OBrien took the opportunity to engage with firefighters and others, sharing his fathers story and finding a meaningful way to honor his memory.

I thought today would be a good day to meet some firemen, maybe people from New York, and share my fathers story, honoring him in some way, OBrien said.

First responders at the event expressed their gratitude for the communitys support.

We have people telling us all the time how much they appreciate what we do, but we appreciate the support, Public Information Officer for the Bluffton Fire Department (BFD) Steven Combs said. It helps us do our job more effectively and efficiently every day.

Toomer said that Bluffton will continue this memorial and volunteer fair annually, choosing to honor the selfless victims of 9/11 with a spirit of community and service. On this day of remembrance, Bluffton demonstrates that even in the face of tragedy, they can come together to support each other and build a stronger, more connected 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 WSAV-TV.
Maryland's Prescription Drug Affordability Board is working through governing regulations that could help limit the price of some prescription drugs for state health plans in the future. Photo by Getty Images.

The Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) finally approved a process that could lead to upper payment limits on high-cost prescription drugs for state health plans, a hurdle it has faced since the boards creation.

The board early this summer selected six drugs for cost review that could be subject to the new procedures approved Tuesday, which would use a variety of methods to bring down costs for medications that pose an affordability challenge. One of those could be the upper payment limit.

Vincent DeMarco, president of Maryland Health Care for All who wants to expand the authority of PDAB, is thrilled at the decision.

It is really a tremendous step forward in making high cost drugs more affordable, first for state and local governments, and then hopefully soon for all Marylanders, he said.

That said, Marylanders are a ways off from seeing reductions.

The Upper Payment Limit Action Plan does not actually limit costs yet  it merely sets up a tool for prescription cost reduction efforts, where the state would set a limit on how much it is willing to pay for certain prescription drugs under the state health care plans.

But the procedure must first be reviewed by the Legislative Policy Committee, which then has 45 days to approve or deny. If the committee does not respond in that timeframe, then the board would have to go to the governor and the attorney general for approval.

During the meeting, board Chair Van T. Mitchell, who last month expressed frustration in the slow progress of the board, acknowledged the efforts made by the five-person staff to get the new procedures in place.

I am not sure Ive seen a process  and this is kudos to the staff, is certainly not me  where it has been as deliberate and transparent and wanting to do the right thing, Mitchell said. Does that mean were going to get it 100% correct? Not sure yet, to be determined. But for a little team  Its really hats off to everyone that has rolled up their sleeves.

Targeted drugs

Six drugs were recently selected for cost review, and address several conditions including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, eczema, crohns disease and more.

Dupixent

Farxiga

Jardiance

Ozempic

Skyrizi

Trulicity

The Prescription Drug Affordability Board was created by the General Assembly in 2019. It was slow to get started, after then-Gov. Larry Hogan (R) cut its funding in 2020 amid pandemic-induced economic uncertainty.

Gov. Wes Moore (D) signed separate legislation last year that reaffirms the boards authority to issue upper payment limits and extends deadlines from the earlier law.

The board has been in a lengthy rule-making process to get business underway, determine what drugs could be expensive for state employees and establish methods to bring those costs down.

It should have happened two years ago under the original 2019 statute, DeMarco said. It was supposed to have been done in 2022  but unfortunately former Gov. Larry Hogan vetoed a critical funding measure for the board in 2020 and that set everything back.

If approved by the Legislative Policy Committee, it does not mean an upper limit would be set. It just means that board staff would begin to investigate various avenues to lower prescription drug costs, with upper payment limits as one option if staff determines it would be an effective cost-cutting measure.

The procedure calls for staff to look at a variety of factors, including the price for the drug when it first hit the market, cost of comparative drugs, its cost in other countries and how much the drugs cost under other programs such as Medicare. A payment limit could also be set using a combination of those factors.

The staff will weigh the payment limit options along with other cost-reduction measures and make a recommendation to board for its approval. The board would then coordinate with state and local governments to implement the payment caps, potentially saving money on state health care costs through reduced prescription drug costs.

The rule also allows the board to monitor any accessibility issues that may arise from an upper payment limit and suspend the limit if needed.

Some of the written public comments on the proposal wanted more specificity on the upper payment action plan. Board member Gerard Anderson recognized that the procedures lacked some specificity, but thats because each drug is unique and probably will require a slightly different approach.

Board member Eberechukwu Onukwugha added that it is going to be hard to be specific until we start.

Even when you have a process thats committed to transparency and methodology and talking about the rationale for why you elevate one method versus another  no method is uniformly best, she said. And so, until you start and stress-test that process, you cant even improve your methodology and your process for selection.
JERUSALEM, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- Israel on Wednesday revealed a document it says was written by a senior Hamas commander, detailing severe losses suffered by the militant group during Israel's offensive in Gaza.

The Israeli military says the letter, attributed to Hamas' Khan Younis Brigade commander Rafa Salama, claims that about 80 percent of the group's fighters have been killed, injured, or fled.

The Israeli military's Intelligence Directorate says Salama, who was killed in an airstrike in July, addressed the letter to Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and his brother Muhammad, a top Hamas military commander.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said the document was among the materials seized by Israeli troops in Gaza.

According to Gallant, it outlines extensive damage to Hamas, including the destruction of 70 percent of its weapons, loss of 90-95 percent of its rockets, and death of half its fighters, with more wounded or having fled.

"They are left with about 20 percent (of the fighters)," Gallant said, quoting the letter.

The document reportedly requests help from the Sinwar brothers, which Gallant said reflects growing distress within Hamas after a monthslong Israeli bombardment.

Israel has been conducting large-scale military operations in Gaza since Oct. 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. 
The Colorado district attorney at the center of the failed murder prosecution of the husband of Suzanne Morphew, who disappeared in 2020 and was later found dead, should be disbarred over multiple ethical violations while in her elected position, a state disciplinary board ruled Tuesday.

Linda Stanley  the district attorney for the 11th Judicial District, who led the prosecution team against Barry Morphew  gravely abused her position of trust as a public official and minister of justice after she made improper statements to the media; did not adequately supervise the prosecution, which included numerous discovery violations; and used her team to go after the judge who presided over the case, state disciplinary authorities ruled.

The disbarment would take effect in 35 days, and Stanley has a week to appeal the decision. A lawyer for Stanley and the DAs office did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday.

District Attorney Linda Stanley announces an arrest in the case of missing Colorado woman Suzanne Morphew on May 6, 2021.

In the majoritys estimation, the Colorado legal profession and its prosecutorial community cannot rely on [Stanleys] sense of integrity, probity, or righteousness to protect the public interest or to faithfully pursue justice for the citizens of the State of Colorado, the 83-page disciplinary order says. Her disbarment is therefore warranted.

The decision comes three months after Stanley faced a two-week disciplinary hearing before a three-member panel under the Colorado Supreme Court, at which state regulators accused her of professional misconduct. The Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel first brought the case in October. Stanley, a former police officer who was elected district attorney in November 2022, had already said she would not seek re-election.

This is a case about a ship with a captain who never manned the bridge, Jonathan Blasewitz, an attorney for states Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel, said during the hearing, according to The Colorado Sun, a news website based in Denver.

The defense attorney for Barry Morphew, husband of Suzanne Morphew, whose remains were found last year, praised the order.

Suzanne Morphew.

This was absolutely the right outcome, Iris Eytan said in a statement.

Eytan, who founded Protect Ethical Prosecutors and had asked the Colorado Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel to investigate Stanley, added that Stanley will no longer be permitted to use a prosecutors unlimited power and discretion to prosecute and said her organization hopes that this case serves as a springboard to protect ethical prosecutors and also for more unethical prosecutors to be held accountable."

The bombshell ruling is the latest twist in the failed case against Morphew in connection with the May 2020 disappearance of his wife of 26 years.

Morphew, who released a video days after Suzanne vanished pleading for her safe return, was charged in May 2021 with first-degree murder and tampering with physical evidence. Days later, he was hit with additional charges after, prosecutors said, he cast a mail-in ballot for Donald Trump on behalf of his wife. (Morphew pleaded guilty in the voter fraud case in July 2022 and did not serve any jail time.)

State regulators allege that soon after Morphew was arrested, Stanley began texting the host of the Profiling Evil YouTube channel about the case. After the charges were made public, she sought to provide information about the case to the host after the host questioned the criminal complaint against Morphew, regulators alleged.

After the host floated a theory online that Morphew strangled his wife in a hot tub, Stanley texted him to shoot it down and told him that the tub looked like it had not been used in a long time, according to the state regulators. But keep on spinning ideas in your brain! Stanley texted, according to the order.

Stanley then appeared on the YouTube show on Aug. 30, 2021, despite reservations from fans who saw promotions about the interview, the order says. On the show, she discussed the public information about the case, the process of a preliminary hearing and how her office did not get the full case file until after Morphew was arrested.

She concluded the segment by noting that she was a little insulted that people would question whether she should appear on the show and insisted that [a]nything out in the public is ok to talk about, the order says, noting that she also responded to comments by viewers under the YouTube video.

According to the order, Stanley during the disciplinary hearing justified replies to viewers posts by claiming an important distinction between her public persona as an elected DA and her private persona, who should be able to defend herself from personal attacks.

She reasoned that in her responsive comments, she was acting as a person, not the elected district attorney, as evidenced by her use of her personal picture, as opposed to her professional headshot, and her personal email, rather than her business email, the order says, adding that Stanley also testified that she responded to one comment to correct the record to show that no-body homicides could be prosecuted successfully.

State regulators, however, say Stanley took it a step further when she reached out to the host of a YouTube podcast, True Crime with Julez, after she questioned the investigation in one of the videos. The order says Stanley reached out to the host directly on Facebook to defend herself and even shared her personal cell number. When the host asked her whether Morphew was getting ready to flee, Stanley responded possibly. (Stanley said during the hearing that her response was straight, neutral, down the line, the order says.)

I was shocked, nervous, and unsettled when she contacted me, the host told The Daily Beast about Stanleys outreach. I was intimidated.

While Stanley had time to respond to the media, she and her team could not keep up with deadlines to push the case forward, the order alleges. Judge Ramey Lama then ruled that the trial be moved out of the county because of Stanleys public statements, and he continued to hammer the prosecution for being sloppy and blowing past discovery deadlines.

Amid the unfavorable rulings against the prosecution less than two months before the expected April 2022 trial start date  including a ruling barring most of the prosecution witnesses set to testify about cellphone data  Stanley instructed her chief investigator to interview Lamas ex-wife to determine whether the judge committed domestic abuse, according to the order.

Even though she had no credible evidence to believe that the judge had ever engaged in such criminal conduct, [Stanley] ordered the investigation in an effort to uncover information about the judge that would require him to recuse from the case, the order says.

Shortly after an interview with the judge, Stanley moved to dismiss the case against Morphew without prejudice, meaning charges could be refiled. Lama resigned as a judge in April 2022 for personal reasons.

Suzanne Morphews remains were discovered in September, and the DAs office has yet to announce charges in the case. Barry Morphew has filed a federal civil rights lawsuit over his arrest.

At the disciplinary hearing, Stanleys lawyer argued that Stanley did not have the resources to handle such a high-profile case and struggled to hire prosecutors. He also argued that Stanley had the right to investigate Lama because he had been incredibly biased to her team.

The order, however, says Stanley was ultimately responsible for all actions in her office, including the prosecution teams failures that resulted in the cases dismissal  an outcome decidedly not in the public interest.

In short, the Morphew case suffered because she did not act with reasonable diligence in exercising appropriate leadership and assuming appropriate managerial responsibilities, the order says.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Body of 22-year-old recovered by Coast Guard after getting caught in rip current

Body of 22-year-old recovered by Coast Guard after getting caught in rip current

SAN JUAN, P.R. (WFLA)  The U.S. Coast Guard suspended their search for a missing 22-year-old woman over the weekend after recovering her body on Monday afternoon.

Cimone Alicia Dawson, of Indianapolis, was visiting Condado Beach in San Juan with her friends when two of them got caught in a rip current with her on Sunday night.

Deputies surround home after possible armed suspect fires shots in Lakeland

A bystander reported the incident around 6:32 p.m. after they heard screaming at the beach and saw two people in distress in the water.

The Coast Guard said the womans friends were rescued and brought to shore by local bystanders and authorities. However, the woman was not found that night.

On Monday, local authorities recovered her submerged and unresponsive off the beach.

If you find yourself caught in a rip current, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says to swim parallel to the shore, not against the current, to escape, float, or tread water if you cannot escape, and to yell or call for assistance.

For more information on boating safety and rip currents from the FWC, click here.

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Body of Bedford man found in trunk of burning car in East Texas; 3 charged with murder

BEDFORD, Texas - Police say three people, including a teenager, lured a young man from Bedford to East Texas to rob him.

The North Texas man was murdered. His body was found in the trunk of a burning vehicle.

The victims family says he drove to East Texas thinking he was meeting up with a girl. Thats when investigators say three people were waiting to rob him.

Kameron Andersens mother tells FOX 4 her son left his Bedford apartment complex on August 31. That was the last time she would ever see him.

Hours later on September 1, the 20-year-olds body was found in the trunk of his burned vehicle more than 150 miles away in East Texas.

An autopsy revealed Andersen had two fatal gunshot wounds.

The 20-year-old graduated from Trinity High School in Euless and then enrolled in Blinn College. He moved back to Bedford, where his family lives.

Three people are now charged with Andersens murder: 18-year-old Nathaniel Hall, 21-year-old Jasmine Williams and an unnamed 16-year-old.

Hall and Williams are dating.

On August 31, investigators say Andersen was texting Williams on Halls phone the entire drive east from Bedford to Troup, Texas, 20 miles outside of Tyler.

According to an arrest warrant affidavit FOX 4 obtained Tuesday, cell phone records placed both Andersen and Halls cell phones on the rural Rusk County road spot where the burning car was located.

Once in custody, deputies say Hall made a phone call from jail to his sister, telling her to "clean up."

Detectives interviewed Halls sister. She said the night of the murder, the three suspects "talked about doing a rip, which means to rob someone."

Halls sister also told investigators she heard at least two gunshots coming from the back of the home that night.

Halls sister later admitted to detectives she "cleaned up casings from the shooting" and later "threw the casings out the window while she was driving."

Over the weekend, sheriffs from Smith County and Rusk County held a joint press conference vowing to continue their pursuit for justice.

Investigators also say when Hall was arrested, he was in possession of a handgun and an AR-15. Both were determined to be stolen. They said some of the bullets from the crime scene matched the loaded bullets from inside the AR-15.
Body of Illinois diver who went missing while exploring Lake Michigan shipwreck recovered

KENOSHA COUNTY, Wisc.  The body of a scuba diver who went missing while exploring a shipwreck in Lake Michigan was recovered Wednesday , the Kenosha Sheriffs Department announced.

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.

Previous Coverage: Diver goes missing while exploring Lake Michigan shipwreck off coast in southeast Wisconsin

According to the sheriffs department, the search soon became a recovery operation due to the amount of time that the diver had been missing.

Around 10:15 a.m. Wednesday body of the diver was recovered. He has been identified as 72-year-old Patrick Kelly of Winthrop Harbor, Illinois, the sheriffs office said.

Kenosha County and deputies said the shipwreck was located off the coastline of Pleasant Prairie Wisconsin, about six miles out in water that is over 100ft deep.

In addition to the Coast Guard, rescue agencies from Kenosha, Racine, Milwaukee,

Walworth, Lake County, McHenry County and Cook County in Illinois and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources assisted in the efforts.



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PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  Police body-worn camera video provides a firsthand look at a chaotic scene that ended with a suspect in the Providence River after running from officers.

According to a July 26 police report, two Providence officers were patrolling Waterplace Park that night due to numerous recent complaints of drug use and sexual activity.

Police say they turned a corner in a secluded area of the park known to police for high drug use when they found a man and a woman they alleged were manipulating clear glass crack pipes and open needles. The pair tried to hide the items when they noticed police, according to the report.

What are you guys up to? the female officer is heard asking on video.

The woman told police they were smoking. A male officer asked the man, identified as Silas Dobson, 38, to step down from the bench.

The woman informed police they had crack cocaine, and said she was smoking it for her cancer.

The woman cooperated with the police search, warning officers she had an open knife in her pocket.

But Dobson was combative after police Police said they found a dollar bill rolled up inside Dobsons sock and suspected thats where he was hiding cocaine.

I dont want him to steal my [expletive] money, he said. I got robbed yesterday!

Were not going to rob you, the female officer is heard saying on camera.

A portion of the video went silent, which police said they muted, citing privacy interests. Video showed police struggled to keep Dobson in custody, and he eventually slipped away.

The female officer chased after Dobson, and was able to use pepper spray him before he climbed over the railing next to the river.

What the [expletive] is your problem? Dobson asked the officer.

Youre the one who has the problem! the female officer replied.

The officer tried to talk with Dobson, but he refused to cooperate. Video showed Dobson got out of his shirt, so the officer grabbed him by the drawstring of his shorts. She tried to hang on, but eventually Dobson fell into the river and swam away.

Video showed the officer sustained a minor injury to her hand as a result of the tussle with Dobson.

More officers arrived on scene and tracked Dobson in the river, but they eventually lost him.

A short time later police found Dobson in the roof of one of the river tunnels. He was placed under arrest for drug possession, resisting arrest and obstructing an officer.

Court records show Dobson has not been formally arraigned, so no plea has been entered. He was released on personal recognizance and is set to face a judge next month.

Alexandra Leslie (aleslie@wpri.com) is a Target 12 investigative reporter covering Providence and more for 12 News. Connect with her on Twitter and on Facebook.

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Bogus Basin Road ranked among sketchiest ski-access roads in US. How it earned its place

Bogus Basin Road, the curving, two-lane, sometimes-overcrowded route to Bogus Basin ski area, has been named one of the sketchiest ski resort access roads in the country.

The ski-news site SnowBrains ranked it No. 2 among nine such roads based on nearly 500 comments readers provided after SnowBrains asked them. Only Utahs Powder Mountain ranked worse.

The 16-mile route has 172 turns, many with almost no room for error as drivers avoid steep drop-offs, SnowBrains said.

In winter, snow, ice, and fog can add to the difficulty, requiring careful navigation and sometimes even chains or snow tires, the site said. You may need some Dramamine if you are prone to motion sickness.

From its start at Hill Road in the North End, Bogus Basin Road ascends 3,400 feet before reaching the main Bogus Basin parking lot. The road was constructed starting in 1938 by the Civilian Conservation Corps, a federal jobs program to combat unemployment during the Great Depression. The road takes motorists from the dry sagebrush foothills to a mountain forest.

Last winter, Bogus Basin officials posted daily road reports on social media letting people know what to expect at different points of the route.

Bogus Basin Road was originally one lane, albeit a wide one. Cars went up the mountain in the morning, and the direction of travel switched in the afternoon to allow visitors to head back down. Today, Bogus Basin plows and sands the road in winter for Ada and Boise counties.

Accidents happen along the road. A 32-year-old Boise woman died after a crash along the side of the road in November. Less than a week later, in December, Boise firefighters rescued a man from a crashed vehicle as they dealt with snowy conditions and tricky terrain.

The Idaho Statesman seeks the Boise areas cutest dog. Heres how to enter

Idaho is one of the top landing spots for high-earning members of a particular generation
Boise man who urged others to go down shooting had gun when arrested in Terrorgram case

A Boise man charged with aiding terrorists and soliciting murder appeared in court for the first time Tuesday afternoon, hours after new court documents shed more light on the grave danger officials said he poses to the public.

Matthew Allison, 37, made an initial appearance at the James A. McClure Federal Courthouse in Boise, where U.S. Magistrate Judge Candy Dale read him the 15 federal charges he faces. Allison did not enter a plea. He will be held in custody until a follow-up hearing later this month.

He was arrested Friday in connection with alleged terrorist activity on the social media site Telegram.

Dressed in an orange Ada County Jail jumpsuit and leg shackles, Allison watched Dale with a neutral expression as she read the charges, which include multiple counts of soliciting the murder of a federal official and soliciting a hate crime, as well as aiding terrorism. An indictment said Allison and Dallas Humber, of Elk Grove, California, were active on Terrorgram, a series of channels and chats on Telegram dedicated to advancing white supremacy through violence.

Humber was also arrested Friday and faces the same charges as Allison. Humber entered not-guilty pleas during an initial court appearance Monday in Sacramento.

The grand jury indictment in the case linked Allison and Humber to actual and planned acts of terrorism in Turkey, Slovakia, New Jersey and elsewhere. They are accused of radicalizing people online, crafting white supremacist propaganda, sharing bomb-making how-to guides, maintaining a hit list of murder targets and celebrating attacks carried out in the name of white supremacy.

Court document says Boise man pledged violence, poses a flight risk

Allison confessed to the crimes during questioning after his arrest, according to a motion to detain filed Tuesday by U.S. Attorney for the District of Idaho Josh Hurwits office. The same document was filed by officials in the Eastern District of California, where Allison and Humber were indicted.

The court document outlines the governments argument for keeping Allison and Humber in custody for the duration of the case. Federal officials said the pair pose a grave danger to law enforcement and the general public, and cited messages in which Allison and Humber pledged violence if arrested.

According to the motion, when Allison was arrested he was wearing a backpack containing zip ties, duct tape, a gun, ammunition, a lock-picking kit and a knife. Officials said they also found a go bag in Allisons apartment containing $1,500 in cash, a passport, a birth certificate, firearm ammunition and a face covering affiliated with Atomwaffen, a neo-Nazi white supremacist group.

Officials said they found similar items in Humbers possession, along with 3D-printed firearms and a notebook detailing white supremacist attackers with whom she corresponds.

The motion to detain argued that Allison and Humber should remain in custody because of the severity of the charges they face, as well as the serious risk that they would flee if released.

The court document said Allison and Humber dont have families or deep roots in the cities where they live. Humber planned to move to Idaho from California, the motion said.

Both pledged to promote white supremacy and terrorism until they die and fight any attempted arrest, the motion to detain said. Officials cited a message Allison posted urging other users to go down f---ing shooting rather than face arrest.

A hearing on the motion to detain is scheduled for Sept. 18 in Boise.
By Santiago Limachi and Daniel Ramos

SANTA CRUZ, Bolivia/LA PAZ, (Reuters) - In the lowland Bolivian region of Santa Cruz, being gripped by some of its worst wildfires on record, nurse Raul Gutierrez said that the acrid sting of smoke almost never goes away and day has started to look almost like night.

The South American country is on track for potentially a record year of fires, exacerbated by drought and land clearances linked to booming production of cattle and grains, especially around the wealthy farm city of Santa Cruz.

While the fires have been raging for weeks, in recent days the smoke over cities like Santa Cruz and Cochabamba has worsened, with images showing city monuments shrouded by the smog. The air pollution reading on Wednesday was among the worst in the world.

"The smoke is persistent, it is strong. We hope it dissipates but there are no signs or chances of rain," said Gutierrez, adding it was worst at dusk, dawn and midnight.

He added that increasing numbers of people were having breathing problems, eye issues and headaches due to the smoke, while school classes had been suspended.

"The sun practically has an orange hue, it looks just like the moon at night," he said.

Breathing in pollution from wildfire smoke can be deadly or lead to long-term breathing problems, with a June study in the journal Science Advances finding that it had lead to at least 52,000 premature deaths in California alone over a decade.

Satellite images show alarming levels of particulate matter and carbon monoxide in the air. And data from Brazilian official body INPE shows Bolivia potentially on track for its worst number of active fires on record for the month of September.

'THE AMAZON IS BURNING'

Diego Rojas, head of the Department of Water and Atmospheric Pollution at Santa Cruz City Hall, said that people should avoid outdoor activities and use face masks against the smog.

"We've had five straight days with dangerous levels for the population," he said.

The fires have forced schools to close and some commercial flights to be suspended. President Luis Arce has called for international aid and said the government "will not stop" until the fires have been extinguished.

Wilber Melgar, from an Indigenous community in the region of Beni to the north of Santa Cruz that has also been hard hit by the fire, blamed ranchers for clearing large areas of land for grazing, at times with slash and burn methods.

"Right now the Amazon is burning," he said.

Neighboring Brazil is also suffering a torrid beginning to the fire season, with blazes leaving major cities cloaked in smoke and huge swathes of Amazon rainforest there in flames. The wider region is seeing the worst fires since 2010.

In Bolivia, Santa Cruz has seen deforestation of some 8 million hectares (19.8 million acres) over the last 20 years, said Alcides Vadillo, a researcher at the Tierra Foundation, leading to more fires.

"(Last year) Santa Cruz was the most polluted city on the planet for a week. This year it will happen again and that means direct damage to human health," said Vadillo.

(Reporting by Santiago Limachi and Daniel Ramos; Editing by Adam Jourdan and Sandra Maler)
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  Bond was set at $75,000 for the suspect in a November crash that killed a 12-year-old on the North Side.

Read next: Fatal officer-involved shooting at Youngstown dollar store

Brandon Kennedy, 31, was arraigned in municipal court before Magistrate Meghan Brundege on charges of aggravated vehicular homicide and aggravated vehicular assault for the Nov. 17 crash that killed 12-year-old boy who was a passenger in his car on Alameda Avenue as the car he was driving collided with another car that was traveling through the intersection with Juanita Avenue.

A warrant was filed Monday in municipal court for Kennedys arrest and he was arrested later at a home in Girard by members of the U.S. Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force.

City Prosecutor Kathy Thompson asked for a bond of $125,000 because of past convictions of felonious assault, aggravated robbery and kidnapping in 2012 and because he has missed two court dates in the last two years.

Thompson said Kennedy was driving in upwards of 70 miles per hour in a 25 mile per hour zone when he crashed the car he was driving, wrapping the car around a tree.

In 2013, Kennedy was sentenced to five years in prison in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court for his role in the 2012 shooting of a man on Canfield Road.

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Is the Schengen Area, the passport-free zone that binds together 420 million people and represents one of the most tangible and recognisable achievements of European integration, in the throes of death?

The question would have appeared radical a decade ago when the European Union was knee-deep in a financial crisis bending over backwards to salvage another of its greatest feats, the eurozone. Back then, Schengen was, if anything, a valued cushion to fall into to keep seamless trade going.

But the mass arrival of asylum seekers in 2015 flipped the political agenda upside down and pushed migration to the very fore, opening a volatile, embittered conversation where governments gave priority to short-term measures to placate a furious electorate. Austria, Hungary, Slovenia, Sweden and Denmark were among those citing the unprecedented influx of migrants as a reason to re-introduce temporary checks at their borders, shattering the illusion that Schengen was untouchable.

The COVID-19 pandemic dealt another blow to Schengen, with countries rushing to shut down borders in an attempt to contain the virus spread. Brussels thought that, once vaccination began and infections plunged, movement across the bloc would return to its normal state of seamlessness. The hope materialised, though not for long.

The end of the health crisis prompted a steady rise in migration flows towards the EU, putting the combustive subject firmly back on the table. Asylum applications reached 1.12 million in 2023, the highest figure since 2016, and local authorities, from the Netherlands to Italy, complained reception centres were being overwhelmed. Support for hard- and far-right parties grew at the polls and the once-unthinkable idea of offshoring asylum procedures to faraway destinations went mainstream.

It was against this backdrop that the German city of Solingen was the victim of a knife attack that left three dead in late August. The stabbing, claimed by the so-called Islamic State, was carried out by a Syrian national whose asylum application had been previously rejected with an order to return to Bulgaria, the first EU country of entry.

The failure to deport immediately reignited the migration debate: conservatives slammed the federal government of Chancellor Olaf Scholz and demanded solutions beyond conventional standards. Under pressure, Scholz promised a harder line of action and ordered the tightening of checks at all nine of the country's land borders.

"We want to further reduce irregular migration," Nancy Faeser, Germany's interior minister, said this week. "To this end, we are now taking further steps that go beyond the comprehensive measures currently in place."

The Solingen attacks have inflamed the migration debate in Germany. - Thomas Banneyer/(c) Copyright 2024, dpa (www.dpa.de). Alle Rechte vorbehalten

Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk denounced the announcement as "unacceptable," calling it a "de facto suspension of the Schengen agreement on a large scale," while Austria stressed it would not accept any migrant turned down by Germany.

In Brussels, the European Commission trod with extreme caution to avoid antagonising Berlin, the bloc's most influential capital, and stuck to a legalistic response: under the Schengen Borders Code, member states are entitled to implement internal border checks to address a "serious threat, be it to the public policy or internal security, when this is necessary and proportionate."

The reply was accurate but did little to dispel fears that Schengen might soon unravel.

The bleak feeling was further compounded by Hungary's provocative threat to bus irregular migrants to Belgium in retaliation for a 200 million fine imposed by the European Court of Justice (ECJ), a plan that, if carried out, would amount to an unprecedented case of instrumentalised migration by one EU country against another.

Budapest is also under fire for expanding its National Card scheme to Russian and Belarusian citizens, which the Commission warns has the potential to enable sanctions circumvention and threaten the security of the "entire" Schengen Area.

From exceptional to commonplace

Internal border checks are, by nature, contrary to Schengen's spirit, which is meant to be a sprawling area where controls have been abolished and citizens can travel hassle-free across 29 nations  in many cases, without ever showing their passports.

The groundbreaking project is underpinned by a collective effort to monitor external borders and ensure fair, diligent management of asylum seekers. Member states trust each other to do their job and apply the appropriate laws before letting someone in.

This logic has been publicly questioned by several member states, like Austria and Hungary, who argue the EU has, as a whole, failed to look after its external borders and has, as a result, become unable to handle irregular migration.

The Commission's records show that, since 2006, member states have submitted 441 notifications to re-introduce border checks. Only 35 of them were filed before 2015. Currently, eight Schengen countries, including Germany, have checks in place.

The numbers challenge the assumption that border control "should be exceptional and used only as a last resort," as the Schengen Borders Code says, and showcases the vast extent to which the option has been invoked beyond its legal six-month limit.

In a report released in April, the Commission identified the phenomenon as a "matter of specific concern" and called on countries to phase out temporary controls "towards a more sustainable joint management of common challenges."

Member states have been traditionally reluctant to heed the Commission's call in matters they zealously guard as national competence. The resistance to lifting border checks has been well-documented: in 2022, the European Court of Justice ruled that Austria had illegally extended its controls with Hungary and Slovenia. Nevertheless, Austria continues to apply them, using various reasons to justify the extension.

Schengen countries have the right to introduce temporary checks at the internal borders. - Armin Durgut/Armin Durgut

But the legality of border checks is not the only element under scrutiny  their effectiveness in curbing irregular migration is also debatable. Despite the headlines they generate, these checks are enforced with varying degrees of intensity and thoroughness.

"I doubt these (Schengen) countries are willing to remove their border control in the near future due to the signal it would send," Dr Saila Heinikoski, a senior research fellow at the Finnish Institute of International Affairs (FIIA), told Euronews.

"The checks are often random and not very invasive, and I think they are maintained also for symbolic purposes: showing citizens, other EU countries and potential migrants that there is an exceptional situation in Europe that the government is tackling," she added.

Still, member states cling dearly to this "last resort." Early this year, they gave the final approval to a reform of the Schengen Borders Code that broadened the legal limit of border controls from six months to two years, which can be prolonged twice for an extra six months if the country argues the security threat persists.

The changes also contain provisions to cope with health emergencies and combat instrumentalised migration that further expand national powers to monitor movements, including by reducing the number of crossing points. Notably, countries are encouraged (but not compelled) to employ "alternative measures" before opting for border controls.

The German decision, taken after the revision entered into force, demonstrates the appetite for these "alternative measures" remains low and that go-it-alone approaches will most likely continue to reign supreme. After all, the Schengen Area is a made-up construct that was built by political will and can be twisted and turned in the same way.

"We should not forget that Schengen originated in an intergovernmental agreement and that the history of Schengen is intimately connected with that of the EU asylum system, and is therefore centred in a logic of security-oriented border controls," said Alberto-Horst Neidhardt, a senior policy analysis at the European Policy Centre (EPC).

"Schengen is not on the point of death," he added. "But recent events also show that the idea that recently introduced reforms could preserve the borderless area as such was an illusion. The future of Schengen will likely continue to be marked by a high degree of malaise and uncertainty."
Members of Israeli security forces work at the scene of a truck ramming attack outside the Israeli settlement of Givat Assaf near the West Bank city of Ramallah, on Sept. 11, 2024. An Israeli soldier was killed after being rammed by a semi-trailer truck driven by a Palestinian man in the West Bank on Wednesday, the Israeli military said in a statement. (Photo by Jamal Awad/Xinhua)

JERUSALEM, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- An Israeli soldier was killed after being rammed by a semi-trailer truck driven by a Palestinian man in the West Bank on Wednesday, the Israeli military said in a statement.

Video footage on social networks showed the fuel truck, which Israel claimed was driven by an Al-Eil Isa Abd al-Jabbar Deif Allah from the town of Rafat near central West Bank's city of Ramallah, accelerating toward soldiers stationed outside the Israeli settlement of Givat Assaf near Ramallah and hitting one of them.

A 24-year-old soldier named Geri Gideon Hanghal was killed during "operational activity," according to the Israeli military. The military added that the driver was shot by troops and an armed civilian.

The driver was later taken to a hospital, according to a report by Israel's state-owned Kan TV news.

No group has so far assumed responsibility for the incident, which occurred amid Israel's continuous raids across the West Bank and an over-11-month Israeli-Palestinian conflict in Gaza. 

Members of Israeli security forces work at the scene of a truck ramming attack outside the Israeli settlement of Givat Assaf near the West Bank city of Ramallah, on Sept. 11, 2024. An Israeli soldier was killed after being rammed by a semi-trailer truck driven by a Palestinian man in the West Bank on Wednesday, the Israeli military said in a statement. (Photo by Jamal Awad/Xinhua)

Members of Israeli security forces work at the scene of a truck ramming attack outside the Israeli settlement of Givat Assaf near the West Bank city of Ramallah, on Sept. 11, 2024. An Israeli soldier was killed after being rammed by a semi-trailer truck driven by a Palestinian man in the West Bank on Wednesday, the Israeli military said in a statement. (Photo by Jamal Awad/Xinhua)

Members of Israeli security forces work at the scene of a truck ramming attack outside the Israeli settlement of Givat Assaf near the West Bank city of Ramallah, on Sept. 11, 2024. An Israeli soldier was killed after being rammed by a semi-trailer truck driven by a Palestinian man in the West Bank on Wednesday, the Israeli military said in a statement. (Photo by Jamal Awad/Xinhua)

Members of Israeli security forces work at the scene of a truck ramming attack outside the Israeli settlement of Givat Assaf near the West Bank city of Ramallah, on Sept. 11, 2024. An Israeli soldier was killed after being rammed by a semi-trailer truck driven by a Palestinian man in the West Bank on Wednesday, the Israeli military said in a statement. (Photo by Jamal Awad/Xinhua)

Members of Israeli security forces work at the scene of a truck ramming attack outside the Israeli settlement of Givat Assaf near the West Bank city of Ramallah, on Sept. 11, 2024. An Israeli soldier was killed after being rammed by a semi-trailer truck driven by a Palestinian man in the West Bank on Wednesday, the Israeli military said in a statement. (Photo by Jamal Awad/Xinhua)

Members of Israeli security forces work at the scene of a truck ramming attack outside the Israeli settlement of Givat Assaf near the West Bank city of Ramallah, on Sept. 11, 2024. An Israeli soldier was killed after being rammed by a semi-trailer truck driven by a Palestinian man in the West Bank on Wednesday, the Israeli military said in a statement. (Photo by Jamal Awad/Xinhua)

Members of Israeli security forces work at the scene of a truck ramming attack outside the Israeli settlement of Givat Assaf near the West Bank city of Ramallah, on Sept. 11, 2024. An Israeli soldier was killed after being rammed by a semi-trailer truck driven by a Palestinian man in the West Bank on Wednesday, the Israeli military said in a statement. (Photo by Jamal Awad/Xinhua)
BOSSIER CITY, La. (KTAL/KMSS)A woman in Bossier City asked a judge to make the City Council members do their jobs, and the judge has issued a ruling.

Judge Parker Self ruled in favor of the plaintiff in Cassie Mae Rogers vs. the City of Bossier City.

The ruling said, Accordingly, based upon the evidence before the Court, the Writ of Mandamus is hereby issued ordering the City of Bossier City and the City Council of the City of Bossier City to perform its nondiscretionary/ mandatory duty of calling an election to submit to the voters the proposed proposition which would serve to amend the City Charter as proposed in this petition.

The mood was somber during the September 10th Bossier City Council meeting, the first meeting after a ruling was made.

The City Council failed to put the item on the agenda. The vote needed to be unanimous, and three council members voted no.

Bossier residents day in court; attorneys argue term limits validity, amendment language

The council members who voted no are Jeffery Darby, David Montgomery, and Vince Maggio.

Those who voted yes are Don Williams, Chris Smith, and Brian Hammons.

In a historical moment in bossier city they awarded the citizens the power to put something on the ballot because you refused to even though the charter says that you must, said Cassie Mae roger, a member of the Bossier Term Limits Coalition who filed the lawsuit.

At the meeting it was also revealed that the council members who are opposed to term limits, have filed an appeal to suspend the effort.

Theyre trying to get term limits on the ballot at the same time that the charter commission is going to have a competing version of term limits is what were suspecting so this is nothing but using the legal process to try to buttress a weak argument in order to delay us, said David Crockett, a member of the Bossier Term Limits Coalition.

Injuction against Caddo Parish School Board denied

Crockett says the council may continue to delay to pass their version of term limits and keep their seat.

We have one or two of these councilmen that have been discussing running for mayor. Who would let you run your city, we would let you run when youre fighting the will of the people and youre wasting the peoples taxpayers dollars, said Crockett.

Rogers spoke with emotion and said what the City Council is doing is fraud, waste, and abuse.

Those of you who will continue to fight the citizens on this, you are wrong. The judge said you are wrong, we proved it in court. The judgement- we won, it was in our favor, said Rogers.

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Brighton Police confirm new financial email scams that use photos of victims homes

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  Brighton Police Department is warning the public of a new online financial scam that is being reported.

According to BPD, the scam perpetrators email unsuspecting victims claiming they have captured inappropriate videos and photos of the victim. Perpetrators then attach a Google image of the victims home in an attempt to further persuade them that the email is serious.

Sometimes the most recent reports that weve gotten, theyve actually had Google images of their homes, Sergeant Julio Montes with Brighton Police told News 8 Wednesday.

The perpetrators then threaten to release the alleged videos or photos unless the victim sends money or BITCOIN through a QR code.

An example of a recent email scam reported to police reads as follows:

Well, Youve been treading on thin ice with your browsing habits, scrolling through those filthy videos and venturing into the darker corners of cyberspace. I installed a Spyware called Pegasus on a app you frequently use. Pegasus is a spyware that is designed to be covertly and remotely installed on mobile phones running iOS and Android. And when you got busy enjoying those videos, your smartphone started out functioning as a RDP (Remote Control) which allowed me complete control over your device. I can look at everything on your display, flick on your camera and mic, and you wouldnt have a clue. Oh, and I have got access to all your emails, contacts, and social media accounts too.

With scams similar to this one popping up in recent months, News 8s Gio Battaglia asked Sergeant Montes: Dont you think by now people would recognize

People get scared, especially if theyre elderly and they dont understand a lot of our information is on the internet, Sergeant Montes said. Your address, your name, your phone number, could be on there. So this is stuff that these hackers have, and they use it to their advantage. And if they send it to somebody who may not understand how computers work or anything, they may think that, Yeah, these people have images or videos that theyve recorded me or some sort of image, and they end up falling for it, and theyll go send money. Thats what were trying to avoid.

BPD warns the public that this is a scam and says to not respond to the email and to never send any money.

In August, News 8 spoke with Sergeant Montes about scammers using sextortion tactics through social media or gaming platforms to target teens. Wednesday, Sergeant Montes said with this latest scam, everyone is fair game.

Its lucrative, and it continues to happen, Sergeant Montes said. As soon as the word gets out about a certain scam, and people realize, Hey, its a scam, [the scammers have] already created another one and another one and another one, and they just keep coming.

Sergeant Montes gives this advice:

If you see an email from an address you do not recognize and is unexpected, dont open it

Block any email address that poses these threats

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Bradenton man was high on fentanyl in fatal DUI crash, troopers say. He got prison time

A Bradenton man accused of hitting and killing another driver while under the influence of fentanyl is set to spend the next decade in prison, Manatee County court records say.

Michael Delaney, 34, pleaded no contest to charges of manslaughter while driving under the influence more than five years after detectives say he ran a red light at a Bradenton intersection, fatally striking a 79-year-old man from Quebec, Canada.

Circuit Court Judge Matt Whyte sentenced Delaney to 13 years in prison with credit for time served and two years of probation. Delaney must also undergo substance abuse and mental health evaluations. Court records show Delaney has served a little under six months in jail.

Whyte also permanently revoked Delanys drivers license, according to court records.

Delaneys attorney did not immediately respond to the Bradenton Heralds request for comment.

Troopers with the Florida Highway Patrol responded to a crash on Feb. 27, 2019, at the intersection of 34th Street West and El Conquistador Parkway in Bradenton, according to an arrest report.

Bradenton man gets prison after fatal DUI crash

An investigation determined that Delaney, who was driving a white Ford E-150 van southbound on 34th Street West, ran a red light at El Conquistador Parkway and slammed into a Lexus RX 350 in the intersection, according to the report. Troopers say this caused the Lexus to collide with a dump truck that was traveling in the lane beside it.

Paramedics brought the driver of the Lexus, Ross Edward Christie, to HCA Florida Blake Hospital, where he died from his injuries.

Delaney was also seriously injured in the accident but made a recovery, the sheriffs office said.

The driver of the dump truck, a 49-year-old man from Bradenton, was not injured in the crash.

Witnesses told detectives Delaney was driving erratically in the lead-up to the crash, according to an arrest report. One witness said Delaney was swerving so much he almost hit a kid riding his bike on the sidewalk on 34th Street West.

Fentanyl was in drivers system, report says

When detectives attempted to interview Delaney in the months following the crash, they say he refused to speak to them.

A toxicology report later revealed fentanyl was present in Delaneys blood before he arrived at the hospital to receive treatment the day of the crash, detectives said.

A forensic toxicologist who examined a blood sample from Delaney told troopers the erratic driving described by witnesses is consistent with drug-impaired driving, according to to an arrest report.

More than two years after the crash, detectives with the Manatee County Sheriffs Office obtained a warrant for Delaneys arrest in March 2021 and charged him with DUI manslaughter, according to court records.

DUI manslaughter is a second-degree felony in Florida with a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.
By Lisandra Paraguassu

BRASILIA (Reuters) - Brazil on Wednesday asked the European Union not to implement regulations in its deforestation law at the end of the year as scheduled and asked for it to be revised to avoid hurting Brazilian exports.

In a letter to the European Commission seen by Reuters, the Brazilian government said the law banning the import of products linked to the destruction of the world's forests could affect almost one third of Brazil's exports to the EU.

The law passed in 2022 by the European Parliament was adopted in June last year, allowing 18 months for companies to adapt. The law applies to soy, beef, palm oil, coffee, cocoa, rubber, wood and derivatives, including leather and furniture.

"Brazil is one of the main suppliers to the EU of most of the products covered by the legislation, which correspond to more than 30% of our exports to the community bloc," the letter signed by the ministers of agriculture and foreign Affairs said.

"In order to avoid impact on our trade relations, we request that the EU not implement the EUDR (EU Deforestation-free Regulation) at the end of 2024 and urgently reassess its approach to the issue," the ministers wrote.

Brazil's exports of these products in 2023 reached $46.3 billion dollars, according to Ministry of Development, Industry and Foreign Trade data. The EUDR could affect some $15 billion in exports, the government calculates.

"We consider the EUDR to be a unilateral and punitive instrument that ignores national laws on combating deforestation," the letter complained, adding that the European law discriminated against countries with forest resources and increased cost for producers and exporters.

The EUDR has been an irritant in EU trade talks with Brazil and its partners in the South American Mercosur trade bloc.

European Union and South American negotiators who met in Brasilia last week said they made "significant progress" on contentious issues that have been holding up the long-overdue EU-Mercosur agreement.

While the free trade deal is separate from the EUDR, Brazilian officials are concerned that the law could be used to reduce their country's quota of agricultural products to the EU and want to seek some form of compensation if the European law is implemented.

(Reporting by Lisandra Paraguassu, writing by Anthony Boadle, editing by Deepa Babington)
The U.S. Army announced on Wednesday that they have identified the remains of a Bremerton native who died as a prisoner of war (POW) during the Korean War. They will bury the remains at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent on September 20, 2024.

Army Corporal Frederick A. Higgins was a member of the Medical Detachment, 15th Anti-aircraft Artillery, Automatic Weapons Battalion, 7th Infantry Division, Eighth U.S. Army.

According to the Army, he was captured after his unit was forced to retreat from Hagaru-ri, North Korea, in June 1950. According to witness accounts, Higgins died a POW in July 1951 at the age of 20.

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting accounted for Higgins on June 22, 2023, after exhuming his remains in January 2020 from the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, also known as the Punchbowl, in Honolulu, Hawaii, for laboratory analysis and identification.

The Past Conflict Repatriations Branch (PCRB) locates family members of missing soldiers from World War II, the Korean and Vietnam wars.

The identification process begins with locating the family member most closely related to the missing soldier and followed by a request for DNA samples, which are used as a main source in identifying remains.

Once the Armed Forces Medical Examiner identifies a soldier, the PCRB notifies the family about the results and benefits of burial with full military honors.
Anyone walking through the centre of London cant help but be struck by the stark contrast between the multi-million pound buildings which surround them and the all-too-common sight of the homeless who can be found living in tents, begging, and rooting in bins.

In Park Lane, where the hotels often have a Bentley or Rolls Royce parked outside, there is an encampment largely made up of Roma from Romania, who beg during the day and then retreat to their tents at night, to bed down only a short distance from the rich.

The incongruity between these sights hasnt gone unnoticed. The YouTuber Wesley Winter has nearly half a million views for a video where he went to the encampment in order to interview some of the Roma there. They candidly admitted theyd come to London to beg and send the money home with Moneygram.

Although pitiable, some of those living on the streets are more dangerous. Last month Ioan Pintaru, a Romanian of no fixed address who required an interpreter in court, repeatedly stabbed an eleven year-old girl visiting Leicester Square with her parents. Thankfully she survived, but will likely require plastic surgery.

This is hardly the image of London which Britain wants the world to have. Although begging and rough sleeping have a long history, in the 1990s it was largely British or Irish people, many of them addicts. New Labour successfully managed to get most of them off the street, through a combination of government targets and increased investment.

That changed with the enlargement of the EU to include countries like Romania, bringing a sudden influx of immigrants, including professional beggars. A large proportion of Big Issue vendors, which was traditionally intended to be sold by the homeless, are now Roma. Some of them even have somewhere to live but instead sold the magazine to take advantage of a loophole which allowed them to claim they were self-employed and therefore eligible for benefits.

According to the Greater London Authority, 55 per cent of the homeless in London are not British. The largest groups include Romanians, Poles, Eritreans, the Sudanese, and Indians. Those numbers may be even worse because the most recent CHAIN report on rough sleeping had to exclude the 404 people whose nationality is unknown. Most of them were men and large numbers of them had problems with alcohol, drugs, and mental health  or all three. That said, 30 per cent had no such issues.

When former Home Secretary Suella Braverman said rough sleeping was a lifestyle choice for some she was roundly attacked by charities and other politicians  but official statistics and the interview of the Park Lane Roma back her up. For some people, choosing to live on the streets and beg is a genuine choice.

It is, nonetheless, a poor one, as the squalor of their camps shows. Eking out a living on the margins of our rich society is degrading and dangerous.

Putting rough sleepers into accommodation is expensive and potentially rewards those who are willing to behave badly, leapfrogging those who are equally deserving but played by the rules. Temporary accommodation for the homeless is already overwhelmed and often of very poor quality. The large number of asylum seekers and the high grant rate of asylum mean that in recent years the Home Office has shifted significant numbers of homeless refugees to cash-strapped local authorities, who struggle to find places for them.

The ultimate problems here are a sclerotic planning system which limits the number of new homes built and a high level of immigration which ensures that what is built isnt enough to keep up with new demand. The government has signalled an intention to act on both but so far has failed to take robust enough action.

In the short term therefore they could seek to reduce the problem by concentrating on the foreign rough sleepers. Although some, such as Eritreans or Sudanese, cant be removed home due to their countries not being safe, many of those from Eastern Europe or India could and should be sent home. While some may blanch at targeting them, it is more compassionate than leaving them on the streets as winter comes in.

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The Scottish Highlands was voted one of National Geographics 'Best of the World' destinations last year - Jon Douglas/Moment RF

A tourist tax is poised to be introduced in the Scottish Highlands in an effort to rake in 10m a year, The Telegraph understands.

Overnight visitors to the mountainous district will be charged a fee from April 2026, should council plans go ahead. Cruise ship passengers who dock in ports will also face the extra charge.

Highland Council, which is controlled by a SNP and Independent coalition, wants to reinvest money raised into boosting infrastructure such as roads and public toilets.

It is the largest local government area in the UK, laying claim to tourist hotspots such as Ben Nevis, Loch Ness and John o Groats.

Holiday accommodation in areas such as Loch Ness will be charging guests an additional visitor fee - Izzet Keribar/Stone RF

Hotels, B&Bs, campsites and holiday lets in the area  which was voted one of National Geographics Best of the World destinations last year  will be among the businesses charging guests an additional visitor fee.

A price for the tax is yet to be determined and a three-month consultation on the initial plans will run later this year.

Councillor Ken Gowans said: Tourism is one of our most important sectors and the levy would form an essential part of how we sustain, maintain and develop the services and infrastructure which the sector relies on.

The upcoming consultation will give everyone the opportunity to put forward their views on how a levy scheme should operate and what the proceeds should be spent on.

Around 6.8 million tourists visited the area in 2022, spending 1.6bn.

The tax proposals come after the Scottish Parliament granted local authorities powers to introduce levies based on a fixed percentage of the cost of accommodation booking.

Ministers agreed on the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Act in May despite opposition from 63pc of organisations that responded to a public survey.

Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen are all moving forward with plans to bring in a tourist tax  following in the footsteps of multiple European countries.

The Scottish Tourism Alliance is apprehensive of the planned visitor levy, and has questioned whether it will be the tipping point for tourists.

Marc Crothall, the chief executive, said: We continue to urge caution around introducing a scheme and how implementation is progressed.

Significant concerns remain, particularly around the percentage rate that will be charged to visitors.

Visitors already face an accumulative cost burden as a result of rising costs to eating and drinking out, accommodation, and car hire charges, which is directly impacting our competitiveness as a destination.

With an evident decline in domestic visitors, we are acutely aware of reaching a price tipping point that our international visitors might also be unwilling to pay.

Highland said the charge will secure investment for the tourism sector and help the area become more resilient and sustainable.

It hopes to earn at least 10m a year from its proposed tourist charge and cruise ship visitor levy.

Overnight visitors would be charged from April 2026, while cruise ship passengers would pay extra from 2027.

Cruise ship activity at Scottish ports has increased over the past year. The war in Ukraine has reduced the number of cruises heading to Baltic ports, with Scotland being seen as a safe alternative.

It was reported last month that Barcelona will seek to raise tourist taxes for cruise passengers visiting the city for less than 12 hours to deter excessive tourism.

English councils do not have the power to impose tourist taxes. However, a legal workaround permits the levy to be introduced by local Business Improvement Districts (BIDs).

Manchester implemented a 1.40 tax last year, while approved plans for a 2.40 levy in Bournemouth have gone to appeal following backlash from hoteliers.

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(Bloomberg) -- Pierre Poilievre, the leader of Canadas Conservative Party and the current favorite to win the next election, attacked former central banker Mark Carney for agreeing to help Justin Trudeau on economic policy.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Carney, whos chair of Brookfield Asset Management and head of its transition investing group, is giving advice to the prime ministers Liberal Party on economic growth and productivity in advance of the next campaign, which is due in 2025.

Poilievre alleged Carney was attempting to duck conflict-of-interest disclosures by developing policy for the political party, rather than taking a government position. He gets all the power and all the money and none of the accountability, the Conservative chief said, referring to Carney as a phantom finance minister.

Its a signal that the more Carney becomes involved in partisan politics, the more his business associations may be pulled into the fray. Carney holds a series of other business and philanthropic positions, including roles on the advisory board of Pacific Investment Management Co. and chair of Bloomberg Inc.

Poilievre went on to criticize Brookfield directly, calling it a large multinational corporation thats moving investment to China and stating that the firm buys stakes in international fossil fuel projects while Carney opposes them in Canada for environmental reasons.

Carney has publicly said he agreed with Trudeaus decision to quash the Northern Gateway oil pipeline project, but that some oil and gas investments are still necessary during the clean-energy transition.

Neither Carney nor Brookfield, a Toronto-based global investment firm that manages about $1 trillion in assets, immediately responded to requests for comment.

Carney  who has the rare distinction of having led two major central banks, first as governor of the Bank of Canada and then the Bank of England  serves as the United Nations special envoy on climate action and finance.

Poilievre also slammed Carneys support of carbon pricing, referring to him repeatedly as Carbon Tax Carney. Trudeaus government brought in a national carbon tax on consumer fuels in 2019 and Poilievre has made it a central issue, pledging to scrap it if elected.

At a parliamentary committee earlier this year, Carney told lawmakers the carbon tax has served a purpose up until now and anyone who wants to eliminate it should come up with a credible and predictable alternative.

After leaving the Bank of England in 2020, Carney returned to Canada. He has spoken at a number of Liberal events  including a gathering of elected members of parliament this week  and given advice to the government on how Canada could recover from the economic shocks of the pandemic.

In July, Trudeau told reporters he has tried to recruit Carney to enter politics, and there has been much speculation about him as a potential finance minister. Chrystia Freeland, whos held that job since 2020, rejected claims theres a rift between her and Trudeau.

Carney has not indicated whether he intends to run for political office.

This is not the first time Poilievre has taken aim at a prominent Liberal due to his business connections. Trudeaus first finance minister, Bill Morneau, eventually had to divest his holdings in his familys pension services company after months of attacks from Poilievre.

Morneau left politics several months after the start of the pandemic, opening the way for Freeland to become Canadas first female finance minister.

--With assistance from Derek Decloet.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

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NEW YORK  A Brooklyn high school named after a 9/11 hero has expanded for the new school year, more than two decades after the terrorist attacks.

Last week, Capt. Vernon A. Richard High School for Fire and Life Safety officially absorbed the High School for Civil Rights, an existing program on the East New York campus  preparing about 200 more students for careers with the New York City Fire Department and other fields.

The merger will nearly double the student body. Last year, the FDNY-themed high school enrolled 231 students, mostly boys of color from working-class families, according to local Education Department data. Three-quarters of the teens were male.

The high school has been a vital pipeline to increasing diversity among the ranks of New Yorks Bravest, said Fire Commissioner Robert Tucker. Expanding its campus to allow for more students will expose even more youth to the greatness of the FDNY.

Alongside a focus on fire and life safety, the school will add two more career pathways in cybersecurity and law, its principal said. Students pursuing cybersecurity will work with the tech company Cisco; the district is seeking a partner for its law programs.

Were going to go from a one-track, one-dimensional school to a three-track program, said Principal James Anderson.

When we talk to the students, we tell them that the FDNY, whether EMT or firefighter, it could be a Plan A or a Plan B career for your life. Plan A, you know this is what you want to be when you grow up  well get you squared up and lined up and right into your job. If its a Plan B, you want to try business or something first, we completely understand  but this would be a great certification under your belt.

Capt. Vernon A. Richard was a firefighter killed on 9/11. The school, now in its 20th year, was renamed in his honor less than a decade ago.

Known as the gentle giant, Richard spent 16 years at the FDNY in the Bronx, until he was promoted in 1994 to lieutenant  the first Black firefighter appointed from that list, according to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. He died at age 53 and was posthumously promoted to captain.

Captain Vernon A. Richard, he made the ultimate sacrifice, Anderson said. A lot of these students werent even born when 9/11 happened. So its really a big piece of American history that we cant forget.

As of June, 101 graduates had been hired by the FDNY as EMTs, paramedics and firefighters.

One of them is Kristal Payne, Class of 2013, the first female graduate of the FDNY high school.

I always wanted to be a firefighter. My dad was a firefighter in Barbados; all my brothers pretty much are firefighters also, said Payne, 28.

She remembered being at a high school fair when she first learned of the program. My mom was telling me it was going to be a long commute, but I thought this was the best option. I didnt see any other schools after that. I was like, this is the school that I want to go to.
Residents of the Town of Maine and Town of Union had the chance to voice their opinions and concerns regarding the proposed Broome Technology Park on Tuesday evening.

The public hearing, which was held at Maine-Endwell High School, began with a short information session, after which attendees had three minutes each to speak on the project. The information session centered around the draft scoping document for the project's State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) environmental impact assessment, which was released on Aug. 21.

Dozens of residents attended the public hearing, with every speaker opposing the project.

Residents speak out against proposed Broome Technology Park

The 526-acre park, planned to be located in the towns of Union and Maine, will look to draw industries to settle in a location the IDA says has been underutilized. It could host businesses in advanced electronics, semiconductors test packaging and related industries, as well as life sciences and agricultural processing.

The purpose of the draft scoping document which was discussed at Tuesday's meeting is to identify and outline what the IDA will assess with its draft Generic Environmental Impact Statement (GEIS). The GEIS' purpose is to analyze and identify ways to mitigate the possible impacts of the project to local areas, including impacts to air, water, traffic, utilities and land.

A primary concern brought forth by residents was the area the development is proposed to fill, which is currently zoned rural-residential. Residents claimed the construction would require rezoning.

More: Raymond Corporation, Toyota Material Handling expand with Kirkwood manufacturing facility

Arthur Robinson, a Councilman for the Town of Maine, said the development proceeding would violate local zoning laws.

"In order for this to happen, you would have to rezone the property 'industrial,' and that would be a violation of state law," said Robinson. "We do have lands that are zoned industrial that we would love to have a conversation with you guys about potentially putting some of the development there."

In addition to zoning concerns, about 10 residents shared their thoughts at the hearing. They expressed issues with the increased traffic the development would bring to the area. Residents also said communication regarding the project should be improved, citing concerns with transparency.

Stacey Duncan, executive director of the Broome County IDA, said hearing and acting on the community's thoughts and concerns are a priority for the IDA.

"This is the community that I grew up in  I'm standing in the school I graduated from, and this community is incredibly important to me," said Duncan. "A project of this magnitude, doing it right and making the community proud is really important. I think the more community engagement we can do, the better and more proud we'll all be ultimately."

Broome Tech Park: What happens next

The public comment period for the draft scoping document continues until Sept 24.

The draft scoping document is available online at broometechpark.com, and can also be viewed during regular business hours at the IDA office at 5 South College Drive, Suite 201 in Binghamton.

Next steps for the project include environmental impact studies, which will occur for the remainder of 2024 and into 2025.

This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: Broome Technology Park project draws zoning, traffic concerns
BEIJING, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- The National Conference on Education was held in Beijing from Sept. 9 to 10. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, attended the meeting and delivered an important speech. He emphasized that building a leading country in education has been a long-cherished aspiration of the Chinese nation since the advent of modern times. It is a guiding task, solid foundation and strategic support for building China into a great country and realizing national rejuvenation on all fronts through Chinese modernization. We must make solid progress toward this set goal.

Sept. 10 marks the 40th Teachers' Day in China. On behalf of the CPC Central Committee, Xi extended festive greetings and sincere regards to teachers and others working in the education sector across the country.

Li Qiang presided over the meeting. Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi and Li Xi attended the meeting. Ding Xuexiang delivered concluding remarks.

In his speech, Xi pointed out that education is the foundation of building a great country and achieving national rejuvenation. Since the 18th CPC National Congress, education has been considered a task of critical importance to the future of our country and our Party. We have fully implemented the Party's education policies. We have made major decisions to fully implement the strategy of invigorating China through science and education, accelerate the modernization of education system, and set the goal of becoming a leading country in education by 2035. Efforts have been made to strengthen the Party's overall leadership over education work and constantly promote reforms in the education systems and mechanisms, leading to historic achievements and structural changes in the education cause in the new era, with solid progress made in building a leading country in education.

Xi stressed that the leading country in education we aim to build is a leading country in education of socialism with Chinese characteristics. It should have strong ideological and political leadership, talent competitiveness, scientific and technological underpinning, livelihood security, social synergy, and international influence, providing robust support for building China into a great country and realizing national rejuvenation on all fronts by pursuing Chinese modernization.

Xi noted that building a leading country in education is a complex, systematic endeavor. We must focus on the fundamental task of fostering virtue and educating people, with a view to the goal of nurturing a new generation of capable young people with sound moral grounding, intellectual ability, physical vigor, aesthetic sensibility and work skills, who are builders of socialism and will carry forward the socialist cause. We must follow the path of socialism in managing schools, uphold and apply systems thinking, and correctly handle key relationships between supporting national strategies and meeting the needs of the people, between knowledge learning and well-rounded development, between cultivating talent and meeting societal needs, between adhering to rules and encouraging vitality, and between taking root in China and drawing on international experience.

Xi emphasized the importance of unswervingly using the Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era to educate people, and implementing the initiative to foster virtue through education for the new era. He highlighted the need to strengthen and improve ideological and political education in schools, educating and guiding young students to strengthen their belief in Marxism, conviction in socialism with Chinese characteristics and confidence in realizing national rejuvenation. Young students should be guided to stay devoted to contributing to the country and strengthening the country. They should be guided to strive courageously with a greater sense of responsibility. The successful cases of the great transformation of the new era should be consciously used, and revolutionary resources should be fully tapped in education. Efforts should be made to strengthen practice-based and online education. The use of standard Chinese language should be promoted to forge a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation.

Xi called for coordinated implementation of the strategy for invigorating China through science and education, the workforce development strategy and the innovation-driven development strategy. Education development, scientific and technological innovation and talent cultivation should be promoted as an integrated effort. By focusing on sci-tech development and national strategic needs, innovation capacity should be improved, the layout of higher education should be optimized, and mechanisms for adjusting academic disciplines and talent cultivation models should be improved. More emphasis should be placed on basic, emerging and interdisciplinary subjects, as well as the cultivation of top-notch talent. Research cooperation between schools and enterprises should be strengthened to enable quicker transformation of sci-tech achievements into productive forces. The education system that promotes integration between vocational and general education, between industry and education should be established, and efforts should be made to cultivate high-caliber craftsmen and skilled talent.

Xi emphasized the need to adopt a people-centered approach and continuously improve the inclusiveness, accessibility and convenience of public education services so that more people can benefit from the results of education reform and development. Education resources should be better allocated across regions, with efforts to promote high-quality, balanced development of compulsory education, and to gradually narrow the gaps between urban and rural areas, different regions, schools, and groups. The achievements of "double reduction" in reducing the burden on students should be consolidated, with a focus on improving classroom teaching quality and enhancing after-school services. The national education digitization initiative should be fully implemented, with efforts to expand the coverage of high-quality education resources and improve public services for lifelong learning.

Xi also underscored the importance of implementing the initiative to enhance the morale and professionalism of teachers with the ethos of educators, emphasizing the need to strengthen the professional integrity and conduct of teachers, raise the quality of cultivating and training teachers, and cultivate a high-caliber teaching workforce for the new era. Teachers' political, social, and professional status should be elevated, their pay and welfare should be further guaranteed, and their professional dignity and legitimate rights and interests should be respected, helping teachers enjoy high social prestige and making teaching one of the most respected professions.

Xi also stressed the importance of deepening the opening up of education, balancing "bringing in" and "going global," and continuously enhancing China's international influence, competitiveness, and voice in education. International academic exchanges and cooperation on education and scientific research should be expanded, and China should actively participate in global education governance, to contribute more to the development of global education.

When presiding over the meeting, Li Qiang pointed out that General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speech, from a strategic perspective concerning the overall development of the Party and the country, comprehensively summarized the historic achievements and structural changes in education in the new era. The speech also systematically explained the scientific connotation and fundamental approach for building a strong education system, expounded on the major relationships that need to be properly handled in the process, and laid out the strategic tasks and major initiatives for comprehensively building a strong education system. The speech features great insight and rich connotations and carries immense political, ideological, and guiding significance, serving as a framework document to guide education work on our new journey in the new era, and providing a clear direction for building a strong education system in the new era from a strategic perspective. We must thoroughly study, understand, and implement the spirit of the speech, aligning our thinking and actions with the decisions and arrangements of the CPC Central Committee, and work in a pragmatic and result-oriented manner to write a new chapter in building a country leading in education.

In his closing remarks, Ding Xuexiang emphasized the need to thoroughly study and implement the guiding principles of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speech, and develop a deep understanding of the decisive significance of establishing Comrade Xi Jinping's core position on the Party Central Committee and in the Party as a whole and establishing the guiding role of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. It is necessary to strengthen consciousness of the need to maintain political integrity, think in big-picture terms, follow the leadership core, and keep in alignment with the central Party leadership; stay confident in the path, theory, system, and culture of socialism with Chinese characteristics; and uphold Comrade Xi Jinping's core position on the Party Central Committee and in the Party as a whole and uphold the Central Committee's authority and its centralized, unified leadership. The political and strategic implications of education as well as its people-centeredness must be firmly grasped, and we must unswervingly follow the path of socialist education development with Chinese characteristics. Consistent efforts should be made to educate people using Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and develop key courses to fulfill the fundamental task of fostering virtue and educating people. Education, science and technology, and human resources should be developed in an integrated manner. Systems and mechanisms for scientific and technological innovation at the college level should be improved. The cultivation of top-notch innovative talent should be enhanced. All these will play a vital role in supporting and leading Chinese modernization. The building of a high-quality education system should be accelerated, compulsory education should be equitably developed, and pressing public concerns in education should be effectively addressed. A high-caliber, professional teaching workforce should be built, the ethos of educators should be promoted, the ability to teach and educate people should be elevated, and the pay and welfare of teachers should be enhanced to consolidate the important foundation for building a leading country in education. Comprehensive reforms should be deepened, high-level openness should be promoted, and systems and mechanisms conducive to high-quality development of education should be set up. All localities and departments must work diligently to ensure the effective implementation of the meeting's guidelines.

At the meeting, officials from the Organization Department of the CPC Central Committee, the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Science and Technology, as well as those from Liaoning, Shanghai, Hubei, Guizhou, China Electronics Technology Group Corporation, and Peking University made presentations.

Prior to the meeting, Xi and other leaders met with representatives attending an event to mark the 40th Teachers' Day and honor model teachers and outstanding groups and institutions in the country's education sector. They shook hands and had group photos taken.

Members of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, members of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, relevant leading officials of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, state councilors, the president of the Supreme People's Court, the procurator-general of the Supreme People's Procuratorate, and leading officials of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference attended the meeting.

The meeting was held in the form of teleconference. Participants included members of the leading group for education of the CPC Central Committee, leading officials from all provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities, cities specifically designated in the state plan, and the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, leading officials from relevant central Party and government departments, people's organizations, and military units, as well as leading officials from some enterprises and universities under the direct auspices of the central government. 
By how much: At Brown, Asian students now make up 33% of the incoming class, up from 29% the previous year. UNC noted a slight increase from 24.8% to 25.8%, while Amhersts rose from 18% to 20%. Meanwhile, Black and Hispanic enrollees both fell at Brown, with the university specifically noting a 27% to 18% decline in groups historically underrepresented in higher education. Black enrollment also decreased from 10.5% to 7.8% at UNC and 11% to 3% at Amherst, while Hispanic enrollment fell from 10.8% to 10.1% at UNC and 12% to 8% at Amherst.
No charges will be filed after bullet found on bus servicing Shaler Area School District, police say

A bullet was found on a bus servicing the Shaler Area School District Wednesday. On Thursday, police announced that no charges will be filed.

Superintendent Dr. Bryan OBlack said the bullet was found on a bus after the elementary school pickup. The bus also serviced the high school and middle school.

Wednesday afternoon, OBlack said investigators found no credible threat to students or staff.

Thursday, police said an 8th-grade student was at a camp over the weekend with friends and he had a left-over round in his pocket.

The student forgot the bullet was there, and reached into his pocket to get out his phone on the bus. Thats when police say the bullet fell out.

The boys parents confirmed the camping trip details.

There was no ill intent in this case and no threat to the safety of the school students or staff, police said.

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Businesses can't grow, process or sell marijuana in Pataskala. Here's why

Ohio businesses can now legally grow, process and sell adult-use marijuana  but not in Pataskala.

Pataskala City Council approved a moratorium Sept. 3 on issuing and processing permits related to the cultivation, processing and dispensing of marijuana for adult-use within the city.

City Administrator Tim Hickin said officials took this step as they wait until the state has more regulation in place for local municipalities.

"It's just a protection measure to wait to see exactly how it's structed at the state level, so council can make an informed decision as to what they want to do," he said.

The moratorium expires July 1, Hickin said. He added that if the Ohio General Assembly approves municipal regulations before that date, city council members could revoke the moratorium and pass their own policy.

Hickin said the moratorium has no impact on home growing and personal use.

Medical marijuana has been legal in Ohio since 2016, and in November, Ohio voters approved the legalization of recreational marijuana for those 21 and older 57-43%. Recreational sales started Aug. 6 throughout the state.

Since voters approved legalization, communities across Ohio have taken steps to limit recreational businesses. The nearby communities of Etna Township, the village of Granville and city of New Albany are among the entities that have also prohibited marijuana cultivation, processing and retail dispensing. Granville Township prohibited recreational marijuana dispensaries but not growers or processors. The city of Newark capped the number of dispensaries at three, limiting sales to the city's three existing dispensaries: Sunnyside Medical Marijuana Dispensary, 1546 W. Church St.; Curaleaf, 1150 N. 21st St.; and Zen Leaf, 1250 N. 21st St.

mdevito@gannett.com

740-607-2175

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Pataskala passes moratorium on recreational marijuana businesses
Byron Donalds spars with CNN anchor over past Trump comment on Harris' race: 'This is gaslighting'

Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., said that former President Trump would be focusing on the issues Americans care about and not his opponent's race, during a tense clash with CNN anchor Boris Sanchez ahead of the ABC News Presidential Debate.

Sanchez pressed Donalds on whether Trump would accuse Harris of using her race to advance her political career, after Trump previously questioned Harris' racial identity at the National Association of Black Journalists ("NABJ") conference in July.

"He essentially said that shes sort of used her Blackness to advance her career, saying that he didnt even know that she was Black because she didnt put it out there. Im paraphrasing his remark there. She said in response that she invited him to say that to her face. Do you think Donald Trump might do that tonight?" he asked Donalds.

"No, because this is an issue nobody even really cares about," Donalds replied.

TRUMP CLASHES WITH ABC NEWS REPORTER OVER NASTY QUESTION, BLASTS FAKE NEWS NETWORK DURING HEATED Q&A

Trump and Harris will debate in Philadelphia.

"He mentioned it once. He hasnt mentioned it again. What Donald Trump is focused on is the American people," he continued, listing the economy, immigration and national security as key issues he would hone in on at the debate.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

"Those are the things that hes going to say to her face. Hes not talking about her identity. Frankly, nobody is," he added. "She might try to bring it up, but that doesnt matter to the American people. It is one of the reasons why her support in this race might be broad, but its an inch deep because shes not talking policy."

Sanchez told Donalds, "Respectfully, congressman, he was the one that brought it up initially, unprompted."

Donalds retorted, "Boris, youre wrong about that, but okay."

The CNN anchor pressed his guest, asking, "Did he not bring up the issue of her race before anyone else did, suggesting she used it to her advantage?"

Donalds said ABC News correspondent Rachel Scott had actually brought up the claim at the journalism event.

"So Rachel Scott is the one that brought race and identity into that forum," Donalds replied.

Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump speaks with Rachel Scott, senior congressional correspondent for ABC News during a question and answer session at the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) convention at the Hilton Hotel on July 31, 2024, in Chicago, Illinois.

TRUMP CAMPAIGN CALLS PERFORMANCE AT BLACK JOURNALIST EVENT MASTERCLASS IN FIGHTING FAKE HARRIS, MEDIA

Scott did ask the initial question at the NABJ, asking Trump if he agreed with Republicans who viewed Harris as a "DEI hire." Scott was referring to Republican Tennessee Republican Rep. Tim Burchett telling CNN's Manu Raju the week before that he believed Harris to be a DEI hire after President Biden pledged to pick a female VP during his 2020 campaign.

"She was citing Republicans who brought that up," Sanchez said, arguing it was a fair question to ask Trump since he was also a Republican.

"Let's talk about this appropriately," Donalds scolded the CNN host. He argued the issue had been overblown by the media.

"There was one Republican who said it on Capitol Hill. Another Republican was asked about it," he continued, claiming Trump had not talked about Harris' race in the dozens of subsequent interviews he had done over the past 50 days.

"Is he talking about her identity? No he is not," Donalds said.

The two continued to debate over whether one Republican or "several" Republicans had made this slur about Harris.

Sanchez closed the tense interview with Donalds, accusing him of "gaslighting" his audience.

The NABJ conference in July was heated from the start, with Trump accusing ABC News Scott of asking a "nasty question" in her introduction in the Q&A.

Scott followed up by asking Trump if he agreed with Republican lawmakers on Capitol Hill who characterized Harris as a "DEI," or diversity, equity and inclusion, hire.

"I've known her for a long time, indirectly, not directly and she was always of Indian heritage, and she was only promoting Indian heritage," Trump said. "I didn't know she was Black until a number of years ago when she happened to turn Black. And now she wants to be known as Black. So, I don't know, is she Indian or is she Black?"

Trump's response unleashed a wave of criticism from Black journalists, the Harris campaign and the White House.

"How they identify, that is no one's right. It is someone's own decision," White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said. "Only she [Harris] can speak to her experience. Only she can speak to what it's like. She's the only person that can do that. And I think it's insulting for anybody. It doesn't matter if it's a former leader, a former president. It is insulting."

Fox News' Greg Wehner contributed to this article.





Original article source: Byron Donalds spars with CNN anchor over past Trump comment on Harris' race: 'This is gaslighting'
Caitlin Clark may have just signaled her support for Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris.

The Indiana Fever star "liked" self-proclaimed "childless cat lady" Taylor Swift's Tuesday evening Instagram post endorsing Harris, which came after the vice president faced off against former President Donald Trump in a presidential debate.

"I have this amazing platform, so I think the biggest thing would be just to encourage people to register to vote," Clark said when asked, in part, if she would endorse Harris. "I think for myself, this is the second time I can vote in an election at age 22. I could vote when I was 18, so I think, do that. That's the biggest thing I can do with the platform that I have, and that's the same thing Taylor did. I think continuing to educate yourself with the candidates that we have, the policies that they're supporting. I think that's the biggest thing you can do, and that's what I would recommend to every single person that has that opportunity in our country."

More: Caitlin Clark wants people to register to vote after liking Taylor Swift endorsement

Clark is one of nearly 4 million Instagram users who "liked" Swift's endorsement within the hour it was posted.

"Im voting for @kamalaharris because she fights for the rights and causes I believe need a warrior to champion them," Swift wrote. "I think she is a steady-handed, gifted leader and I believe we can accomplish so much more in this country if we are led by calm and not chaos."

The WNBA rookie hasn't previously been vocal about politics. She has, however, been vocal about her enjoyment of Swift's music.

There are several videos of Clark dancing and singing along to Swift songs online. Apparently Clark's favorite song is "Enchanted," according to a video from her college days with the Iowa Hawkeyes.

Swift, meanwhile, has been up front about her political leanings. Swift previously endorsed President Joe Biden and Harris in 2020.

Swift is set to perform in Indianapolis in November as part of The Eras Tour. It's unclear if Clark will be in attendance.

Hayleigh Colombo is IndyStar's senior government accountability reporter. She can be reached at hcolombo@indystar.com.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Caitlin Clark on Taylor Swift's Kamala Harris endorsement
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo and Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs are watching Californias moves to control gasoline prices. Those same controls could pinch the supply in Nevada and Arizona, elevating the price at the pump.

In a letter sent Tuesday to California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Lombardo and Hobbs appeal to Newsom to work with their states to find a solution that wont cause an artificial spike in prices.

Newsom called a special session of the California Legislature to consider laws requiring refineries to keep available supplies at the ready  for California, of course. That could mean that shipments to Arizona and Nevada, which both rely on gasoline that comes through California ports, take on a lower priority.

Its enough to make Lombardo, a Republican, join forces with Hobbs, a Democrat.

The two governors are asking Newsom to allow thorough policy conversations between industry leaders and state officials in all three states. The full letter appears below:

Governors-Lombardo-and-Hobbs-Letter-to-Governor-Newsom-on-ABX2-1Download

Its not the first time Lombardo has sent a letter to Newsom regarding policies that affect fuel prices. In May, Lombardo urged Newsom to consider the impact on other states as California considered a cap on profits for refiners.

In that letter, Lombardo said 88% of the gasoline used in Nevada comes from pipelines or truck shipments from California.

For the past six weeks, the national average for the price of gasoline has been falling, but the average price in Nevada hasnt followed suit, according to figures from gasbuddy.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 KLAS.
Three rapidly growing Southern California wildfires have burned more than 100,000 acres in less than a week and continued to threaten homes in multiple communities as the state mobilized an all-hands-on-deck response to bolster front-line fire crews battling the raging flames.

Gov. Gavin Newsom on Wednesday night declared a state of emergency in Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties over the Bridge Fire and in Orange and Riverside counties over the Airport Fire. He had previously declared a state of emergency for the Line Fire.

Nearly 6,000 National Guard members, law enforcement officers and other first responders have been sent to the firelines. Additionally, a squadron of 51 firefighting helicopters, nine fixed-wing aircraft, including two National Guard C-130 airplanes, 520 fire engines, 75 bulldozers and 141 water tankers were being used in an attempt to tame the blazes, two of which were out of control Wednesday.

The biggest blaze is the Bridge Fire, which ignited Sunday in the Angeles National Forest about 31 miles east of downtown Los Angeles and exploded overnight from about 4,000 acres on Tuesday to nearly 48,000 acres by Wednesday morning, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

PHOTO: A vehicle is engulfed in flames in El Cariso Village as the Airport Fire continues to burn near Lake Elsinore, California, on September 10, 2024. (David Swanson/AFP via Getty Images)

The fire remained out of control with 0% containment after spreading across Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties, destroying the Mountain High Ski Resort where images emerged of the chairlift going up in flames. The fire is also threatening the small mountain communities of Wrightwood and Mt. Baldy, officials said.

At least 33 homes in Wrightwood and Mt. Baldy have been destroyed and another 2,500 structures in the area are being threatened by the fire, according to Cal Fire.

PHOTO: 3 major wildfires in Southern California (National Interagency Coordination Center)

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

During a news conference Wednesday, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said three people, including an off-duty sheriff sergeant, were trapped by the Bridge Fire about 5 miles west of Mt. Baldy in Los Angeles County. Luna said efforts are underway to rescue the people, who are unable to access roads and need to be airlifted out of the remote area. Luna said heavy smoke in the area was preventing a helicopter from reaching the trapped people and the Los Angeles County Fire Department was attempting to get to them by vehicle.

"It's just a nightmare," Candace Lace, a homeowner in Lake Elsinore, a town being threatened by the Bridge Fire, told ABC News. "My girlfriend lost her home and I had to call her and tell her she's losing her home. I could see it on fire."

By Wednesday morning, the Bridge Fire had consumed 47,904 acres and prompted numerous evacuation orders and warnings, according to Cal Fire.

Stephanie Beck, a resident of Wrightwood, told ABC News that she has never seen a blaze move as quickly as the Bridge Fire.

"We really didn't even have time to think," Beck said of evacuating the fire zone. "It was just throw everything in the car and go."

The Line Fire

The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department arrested a man Tuesday in connection with the Line Fire ravaging areas east of Los Angeles since Sept. 5.

Justin Wayne Halstenberg, a 34-year-old man from Norco, California, was identified "as the suspect who started a fire in the area of Baseline Road and Alpin Street in the city of Highland, also known as the Line Fire," the Sheriff's Department said in a statement.

Halstenberg was being held on suspicion of arson with his bail set at $80,000, officials said.

As of Wednesday evening, the Line Fire had burned 36,481 acres and was at 18% contained, according to Cal Fire. The sprawling fire is threatening more than 65,600 structures, including homes and commercial property, according to the latest update.

Authorities issued evacuation orders for 13,300 structures with another 52,300 under evacuation warnings, Cal Fire said.

PHOTO: A Firefighter works in a evacuated home in flames at El Cariso Village as the Airport Fire burns on September 10, 2024 in Lake Elsinore, California. (Apu Gomes/Getty Images)

No structures are confirmed damaged or destroyed. Three firefighters have been injured in the effort to contain the blaze, fire officials said.

"Today elevated winds and continued dry conditions will allow the fire to grow," Cal Fire said in a statement. "Smoke from fires across the region will help moderate fire activity unless the skies clear and the smoke thins. That would allow for more slope and vegetation aligned runs."

MORE: National Guard deployed to help fight raging California fire threatening thousands of homes

More than 3,100 firefighting personnel were battling the blaze.

Newsom requested Federal Emergency Management Agency aid Tuesday evening to "secure vital resources to suppress the Bridge and Airport fires."

The Airport

The Airport Fire -- which broke out on Monday in an unincorporated area of Orange County and spread to Riverside County -- had burned 22,376 acres as of Wednesday, growing by 3,348 acres overnight, according to Cal Fire. The blaze is 0% contained.

The blaze is threatening 10,500 structures, including homes and businesses, and has so far injured five firefighters and two civilians, Cal Fire said.

PHOTO: Current National Wildfire Statistics, as of Wednesday, September 11, 2024 - 09:32 (National Interagency Coordination Center)

The Airport Fire began around 1 p.m. PT on Tuesday, sparked by county public works crews working on a fire prevention project by trying to move boulders to prevent public access -- mostly by motorcyclists -- to an area of the canyon with a lot of dry vegetation that could ignite easily, officials told ABC Los Angeles station KABC.

At a news conference Tuesday afternoon, officials said 1,400 homes in Robinson Ranch in Rancho Santa Margarita were under mandatory evacuation due to the fire moving south toward communities like Lake Elsinore and Dove Canyon.

A total of 16 active wildfires were scorching California on Wednesday and have burned 613,819 acres, according to a statement Gov. Newsom released Tuesday.

So far this fire season, 6,045 wildfires have erupted in California and consumed more than 900,000 acres, Newsom said.

ABC News' Marilyn Heck contributed to this report.

California Line Fire updates: Gov. Newsom declares state of emergency originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Over a dozen of people have been injured in three major wildfires.

Firefighters watch as the Bridge Fire burns near homes in Wrightwood, Calif. on Tuesday. (Jae C. Hong/AP)

Rapidly moving wildfires burning in California, Nevada and Oregon have forced thousands of people to evacuate from their homes, shuttered schools and businesses and resulted in widespread power outages in parts of the West Coast.

Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo, Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek and California Gov. Gavin Newsom have all declared a state of emergency in their respective states. The proclamations allow the governments to secure additional federal fire management assistance.

The wildfires have been fueled in part by a late summer heat wave with temperatures climbing into the triple digits and triggered air quality alerts for different areas in each state. Although Wednesday has brought cooler temperatures to Nevada, Oregon and Southern California, Nevada firefighters have expressed concern about Wednesdays dry conditions and wind gusts of up to 70 mph that are expected to spur rapid fire growth.

California

The Line Fire, a fast-moving wildfire in San Bernardino County  which as of Wednesday was only 14% contained  has scorched more than 34,000 acres of land, injured three firefighters and forced thousands of Southern California residents to evacuate since it broke out on Sept. 5.

Justin Wayne Halstenberg, a 34-year-old Riverside County resident, is suspected of starting the fire and was arrested on Tuesday, the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department said.

The blaze threatens more than 65,000 structures, Cal Fire reported Tuesday evening, including homes and businesses in its path. Newsom also deployed the California National Guard to help contain the fire.

Residents watch as crews battle the Line Fire in Highland, Calif., on Sept. 7. (Eric Thayer/AP)

Driven by strong winds, the Bridge Fire has forced thousands of people to evacuate parts of Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties, like the popular ski resort town of Big Bear and Wrightwood, according to Cal Fire. The wildfire exploded Tuesday night, growing to 4,000 acres in the Angeles National Forest on Sunday. By Wednesday, it had scorched nearly 48,000 acres. The fire is 0% contained as of Wednesday.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

On Monday, the Airport Fire broke out in Orange Countys Santa Ana mountains before spreading to neighboring Riverside County. The fire has burned more than 22,000 acres, injured 10 people, including eight firefighters, and is 0% contained.

There are mandatory evacuation orders in place for both counties, according to firefighters. Schools and businesses in the area were also closed because of the smoke and ash that polluted the air.

A spark from heavy equipment used by workers in the mountains ignited the Airport fire, according to Orange County Fire Authority investigators.

Nevada

Outside of Reno, about 20,000 people escaped the Davis Fire since it ignited on Saturday. The blaze has scorched nearly 5,600 acres since it started at Davis Creek Regional Park. At the peak of the outages, about 17,000 people were without power, according to Nevada officials.

NWS Reno has called the fire a particularly dangerous situation. The weather service also noted that this was only the sixth time that a particularly dangerous situation red flag warning has been issued, and called the fire an exceptionally rare event.

More than 600 firefighters, including off-duty officers, have been called in to help battle the fire. As of Wednesday, it is 31% contained.

Oregon

Nearly 900 firefighters have been battling the Rail Ridge Fire in Grant County. The fire, which is believed to have started from a Sept. 2 lightning strike, has so far burned over 157,000 acres of land and is 12% contained.

Mandatory evacuations for several nearby counties have been ordered and schools in the Dayville school district closed for the week.

The fire has destroyed seven homes and has threatened about 730 homes, buildings and structures, according to the Washington State Standard.

The Shoe Fly Fire has burned close to 27,000 acres since it was ignited in central Oregons Wheeler County on Sept. 2 during lightning storms. Around 65 homes have been threatened by the blaze and several roads have been closed.

Firefighters have expressed optimism on their progress in recent days, however.

We have turned the corner on the fire, we arent trying to chase and catch it anymore, Incident Commander Joe Hessel told firefighters and landowners at a Tuesday morning briefing.

As of Wednesday, the fire was 41% contained.
California officials say mom who pushed for DUI laws was drunk, unconscious with dead toddler inside SUV

A California woman who advocated for stricter DUI laws after two of her children were killed by a drunk driver has been charged with manslaughter after officials say they found her intoxicated and unconscious in an SUV with the body of her young daughter, who died locked inside their vehicle after temperatures topped 100 degrees.

Relatives discovered the 3-year-old girl and her mother, Sandra Hernandez-Cazares, 42, in the moms Ford Expedition on Friday afternoon, the Orange County District Attorneys Office said Tuesday.

The vehicle was parked outside Hernandez-Cazares apartment in Anaheim, southeast of Los Angeles, and temperatures at the time were roughly 104 degrees, the prosecutors office said.

Hernandez-Cazares was charged with involuntary manslaughter, felony child abuse and endangerment and one count of causing great bodily injury on a child under 5 years old, court records show.

She is being held in lieu of $150,000 bail and faces a maximum sentence of 12 years in prison, according to the DA's office.

The Orange County Public Defenders Office, which is representing Hernandez-Cazares, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Hernandez-Cazares' relatives discovered her SUV after staff members from her 5-year-old sons school told them that no one had picked up the boy, according to the DA's news release.

The family members broke the Expedition's window and found Hernandez-Cazares passed out, the DA's office said. She was later found to have a blood alcohol level four times the legal limit, the prosecutors office said.

The toddler was pronounced dead after efforts to resuscitate her failed, the prosecutors office said. Medical officials believe the girl had been dead for several hours, according to prosecutors.

Two of Hernandez-Cazares sons, ages 5 and 9, died in 2012 during a family vacation at a North Dakota campground after a drunk driver ran over their tent, a spokeswoman for the prosecutor's office said in an email. She later lobbied the state Legislature for stricter penalties, the release says.

The unimaginable pain of having your 5-year-old and 9-year-old sons killed by a drunk driver is something from which you can never recover, Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer said in the release.

"Anyone who has suffered such a devastating tragedy knows the ripple effects of grief may be able to be hidden, but the heartbreak of losing your children will never go away," Spitzer said, according to the release. "A mother who was robbed of the chance to see two of her sons grow up because of the selfish decision of a stranger will have to live with the fact she will never get to see her little girl grow up because of the choices she made.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
DENVER (KDVR)  Colorado is expecting to see some smoke from Californian wildfires this week, according to the National Weather Service Boulder.

NWS Boulder said that the smoke will begin to arrive on Wednesday night and a larger and thicker plume will arrive on Thursday in the afternoon and evening.

Weather maps from NWS Boulder show the majority of the smoke arriving from southern California near Los Angeles County. The area is currently experiencing three wildfires known as the Bridge Fire, Line Fire and Airport Fire.

Officials: Arrest made in Alexander Mountain Fire investigation

Bridge Fire

This fire sparked on Sept. 8 and has scaled exponentially since then, growing to 47,904 acres across two counties. The fire has caused a large number of evacuations across Los Angeles and San Bernardino with thousands of structures under threat from the blaze. The cause of the fire is under investigation and is currently at 0% containment as of Wednesday afternoon.

Line Fire

The Line Fire was started on Sept. 5 along Base Line Road and Alpin Street in Highland, California. The fire has grown to 34,659 acres and is 14% contained in San Bernardino County. It has also forced a high amount of closures and evacuations with thousands of structures threatened. The San Bernardino County Sheriffs Office released on X that they have made an arrest for arson in connection to the Line Fire.

Airport Fire

The third fire, the Airport Fire, is located in Orange County and Riverside. Its current estimated size as of Wednesday afternoon is 22,376 acres with 0% containment. The fire was started on Sept. 9 and the cause is still under investigation. Most evacuations from this fire have taken place in Riverside with the amount in Orange County rising.

Plane crashes on golf course near Centennial Airport

The smoke from the California wildfires is expected to linger in Colorado through Friday and could potentially affect air quality across the state. In July, smoke from wildfires in Canada and western states caused Denver to have hazy skies and some of the worst air quality among major U.S. cities.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
People are seen at a UN-run school sheltering displaced people after it was attacked by the Israeli army in the al-Nuseirat refugee camp, central Gaza Strip, on Sept. 11, 2024. At least 14 Palestinians were killed and 10 others wounded in an Israeli airstrike on a UN-run school sheltering displaced people in the central Gaza Strip, according to Palestinian sources on Wednesday. (Photo by Marwan Dawood/Xinhua)

GAZA, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- At least 14 Palestinians were killed and 10 others wounded in an Israeli airstrike on a UN-run school sheltering displaced people in the central Gaza Strip, according to Palestinian sources on Wednesday.

Palestinian security sources told Xinhua that an Israeli warplane fired at least one missile at the school-converted shelter in the al-Nuseirat refugee camp. Medical sources said the strike killed 14 people and wounded 10 more, while the Hamas-run Gaza government media office confirmed that aid workers were among the victims.

Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement that the Israeli Air Force has conducted a precise strike on militants operating inside a Hamas command and control center in the al-Nuseirat area.

It added Hamas militants "plan and execute attacks against IDF troops and the State of Israel" using this center embedded inside a compound that previously served as the Al-Jaouni school.

The attack came following a previous Israeli bombing of the UN-run school on July 6, which killed at least 16 Palestinians, most of them children and women.

Also on Wednesday, the al-Nuseirat refugee camp saw a separate Israeli airstrike targeting a residential house, leaving at least four Palestinians dead, Palestinian security sources told Xinhua.

The Israeli army also launched an airstrike on Wednesday on the Al-Qarra family home in the town of Khuza'a, east of the Khan Younis city in southern Gaza, killing at least 13 people from the family, including children and women, according to local sources and eyewitnesses.

There has been no comment from the Israeli side on these two airstrikes.

Israel has been conducting 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 Hamas militants killed 1,200 people and took about 250 hostages.

The Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks in the strip has risen to 41,084, Gaza-based health authorities said in a statement on Wednesday. 

People gather near a UN-run school sheltering displaced people after it was attacked by the Israeli army in the al-Nuseirat refugee camp, central Gaza Strip, on Sept. 11, 2024. At least 14 Palestinians were killed and 10 others wounded in an Israeli airstrike on a UN-run school sheltering displaced people in the central Gaza Strip, according to Palestinian sources on Wednesday. (Photo by Marwan Dawood/Xinhua)

People gather at a UN-run school sheltering displaced people after it was attacked by the Israeli army in the al-Nuseirat refugee camp, central Gaza Strip, on Sept. 11, 2024. At least 14 Palestinians were killed and 10 others wounded in an Israeli airstrike on a UN-run school sheltering displaced people in the central Gaza Strip, according to Palestinian sources on Wednesday. (Photo by Marwan Dawood/Xinhua)

People gather at a UN-run school sheltering displaced people after it was attacked by the Israeli army in the al-Nuseirat refugee camp, central Gaza Strip, on Sept. 11, 2024. At least 14 Palestinians were killed and 10 others wounded in an Israeli airstrike on a UN-run school sheltering displaced people in the central Gaza Strip, according to Palestinian sources on Wednesday. (Photo by Marwan Dawood/Xinhua)

People gather at a UN-run school sheltering displaced people after it was attacked by the Israeli army in the al-Nuseirat refugee camp, central Gaza Strip, on Sept. 11, 2024. At least 14 Palestinians were killed and 10 others wounded in an Israeli airstrike on a UN-run school sheltering displaced people in the central Gaza Strip, according to Palestinian sources on Wednesday. (Photo by Marwan Dawood/Xinhua)
By Jorge Garcia and Andrew Hay

WRIGHTWOOD, California (Reuters) -Three Southern California wildfires torched dozens of mountain homes, tore through a ski resort and forced thousands to evacuate in towns and cities east of Los Angeles on Wednesday.

Around 40 homes and cabins burned in the villages of Mount Baldy and Wrightwood and flames damaged lifts at the nearby Mountain High ski resort, the Los Angeles Fire Department reported.

The San Bernardino County blaze, named the Bridge Fire, exploded to 48,000 acres (19,000 hectares) in 48 hours, becoming the largest in the state. By Wednesday afternoon the three fires had blackened over 105,000 acres of scrub, brush and forest, an area a third the size of Los Angeles.

"In recent history, this is the fire that has been the most dramatic over a single day period," LAFD spokesman Fred Fielding said of the Bridge Fire, as flames burned on a nearby hillside.

Mike Devestern, 55 and a Wrightwood resident, said he was stunned by the speed with which the fire arrived on his doorstep and the chaos of watching his community flee Tuesday afternoon.

"It was like a movie yesterday," he said. "Everybody ... trying to get out of here before they got burnt."

The Airport Fire in Orange and Riverside counties destroyed dozens of homes in El Cariso Village and Decker Canyon as it grew to over 23,000 acres, according to authorities and local news reports.

"There was no more exit, you had to drive through the flames to get out," Ryan LaMothe, whose home was destroyed by the Airport Fire, told local television news station KTLA5.

Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency and said he had secured federal funds to fight the fires.

Tinder-dry scrub and gusting winds are driving flames up steep canyons and mountainsides during a severe heatwave that scientists blame on climate change. Over a dozen injuries to civilians and firefighters have been reported. Cooler conditions are expected later in the week.

People taped gaps around their doors and schools closed at least 10 districts because of smoky air from another blaze in San Bernardino County, the Line Fire.

The county sheriff's office arrested a 34-year-old man for allegedly starting the blaze on Sept. 5.

Approximately 18,000 people have been ordered to evacuate homes in San Bernardino County neighborhoods like East Highlands which butt up against the mountains.

Law enforcement said they were patrolling the largely deserted neighborhoods to prevent looting.

Wildfires are a natural occurrence in the area but the ability of firefighters to just let them burn has been hampered by people moving there after being priced out of Los Angeles. Many new homeowners struggle to get fire insurance.

The area of land burned in California this year is already double that of 2023, when the state enjoyed more moisture, according to data from California's Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, or CAL FIRE.

The United States is experiencing a strong wildfire year with 6.9 million acres burned to date, compared with an annual, full-year average of around 7 million acres over the last decade, according to National Interagency Fire Center data.

(Reporting Jorge Garcia in Wrightwood, California and Andrew Hay in Canon, New Mexico; editing by Donna Bryson, Marguerita Choy, Bill Berkrot and Diane Craft)
Montana Republican U.S. Senate candidate Tim Sheehy greets supporters outside of a rally in Bozeman on Aug. 9, 2024. (Photo by Blair Miller, Daily Montanan)

A nonprofit campaign finance watchdog organization sued the Federal Elections Commission on Monday alleging commissioners wrongfully dismissed complaints it had filed against a political action committee arguing the committee was running attack ads against Republican U.S. Senate candidate Tim Sheehy while not filing required expenditure reports.

The Washington D.C.-based nonpartisan Campaign Legal Center filed the complaint against the FEC in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. The organization, led by a former Republican FEC commissioner, is asking the court to declare that the FECs 4-2 dismissal of its complaints against the Last Best Place PAC violated the law.

Voters have a right to know where campaign money comes from and how it is spent, and this dismissal is yet another example of the FEC failing to vindicate that right and uphold the core transparency purposes of federal campaign finance law, CLCs director of campaign finance litigation Megan McAllen said in a statement.

The complaints involve advertisements well-known at this point to Montanans. One of them the Campaign Legal Center alleges was an attack ad that was not properly reported essentially coined the nickname Shady Sheehy that has been widely used by Sheehys opponents throughout the Bozeman businessmans campaign to unseat Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Tester.

In February, the Campaign Legal Center filed complaints with the FEC alleging the Last Best Place PAC had been running advertisements that advocated against Sheehys candidacy without filing 48-hour independent expenditure reports, which are required to be submitted when a PAC spends more than $10,000 more than 20 days before an election.

The initial complaints

The complaint alleged that the PAC never submitted 48-hour independent expenditure reports, nor did it report any independent expenditures for 2023 on its year-end filing.

The PAC, registered in Helena by treasurer Dave Lewis, had started running ads in September 2023 that first mentioned Shady Sheehy. The ad discussed a Paycheck Protection Program loan Sheehy obtained for the business he ran at the time, Bridger Aerospace, and said that he and his campaign spend millions trying to buy our Senate seat.

A second ad that started running last September from the PAC also highlighted his PPP loan and said he never paid a penny back.

Thats Shady Sheehy. Just another millionaire politician who says one thing and does another, the voiceover said on the advertisement.

When the Campaign Legal Center filed its complaint with the FEC in February, it noted that the PAC had received all its funding at the time from Majority Forward, which supports Senate Democrats campaign efforts, and had spent much of its money on Mountain Media, a vendor that shares an address with another media buyer that works with Democrats.

The Campaign Legal Center argued that failing to disclose its expenditures meant the Last Best Place PAC was purposefully obscuring who was behind efforts to denigrate Sheehy in what, at the time, was the Republican primary for the Senate seat, which U.S. Rep. Matt Rosendale was considering entering. (Rosendale would months later enter and abruptly leave the race when former President Donald Trump endorsed Sheehy.)

Commission votes to dismiss complaints

The FEC opened an investigation into several of the PACs ads and received responses from Lewis, its treasurer, leading to the FECs nonpartisan Office of General Counsel concluding in May that at least five ads advocated for Sheehys defeat and should have led to the PAC filing independent expenditures. The Office of General Counsel recommended the commission find that the PAC failed to file 48-hour reports and to disclose independent expenditures on its regularly filed reports.

But in a 4-2 vote, the commission dismissed the Campaign Legal Centers complaints on July 11. The four commissioners who voted to dismiss the complaint issued a statement of reasons explaining why on Aug. 6.

While the Office of General Counsel had found the phrase Shady Sheehy involved magic words that would make the ads independent expenditures because they hint at advocacy for or against a candidate, the four commissioners found the ad did not encourage viewers to vote a certain way, but rather denigrates Sheehys character by calling him shady, which we understand to mean untrustworthy in the context of this ad.

The commissioners wrote that based on plain reading of the law and commission precedent on character attack ads, we have little trouble concluding that the phase shady Sheehy does not constitute express advocacy.

It said whether another portion of law was violated was a closer call. The commissioners relied on the timing of the ads in relation to the June 4 primary election, saying the commission had previously found violations occurred when similar ads ran within weeks or two months of an election. But the Last Best Place PACs ads were running in September, nine months before Montanas primary, they noted.

We are unaware of Commission precedent finding express advocacy for a character attack ad this long before the relevant election, the four commissioners wrote. While there is no bright line on timing, it is axiomatic that the further an ad is run from a given election, the more likely that reasonable minds could differ about whether the ad constitutes an exhortation to vote for or against a specific candidate.

Given the high standard for finding express advocacy in a character attack ad  that it can have no other reasonable meaning than to encourage actions to elect or defeat the candidate in question  we conclude that the ads here do not reach this high bar, the commissioners concluded.

The FEC sent letters to the parties on Aug. 16 notifying them of its decision and telling them they had 60 days to file a complaint with the district court.

Two commissioners disagree with majoritys decision

On Sept. 6, the two commissioners who voted against dismissing the complaint  Ellen Weintraub and Shana Broussard  wrote their own statement of reasons as to why they believe the commission should not have dismissed the complaint.

They said utilizing phrases including Shady Sheehy and Millionaire Politician while showing Sheehy campaigning and identifying him as a politician could only constitute express advocacy against him as a candidate since he holds no political office. They also wrote that reasonable minds could not decide as to whether those phrases were meant to encourage Sheehys defeat or something else.

There is no call to action, and no attempt to influence policy or legislation because Sheehy is not a public official, the two commissioners wrote. However, the ads do draw a direct connection between Sheehys character and his candidacy and can only be interpreted by a reasonable person as containing advocacy of his defeat in the election for which he had just declared his candidacy.

They also said their four colleagues, in deciding the ads ran too far out from the election, had misinterpreted the timeframe regulation regarding express advocacy.

These ads contained express advocacy. Last Best Place PAC should have reported them as independent expenditures. The Commission should have found reason to believe a violation occurred and opened an investigation to determine how much money was spent on these ads that were plainly intended to influence an election. Montana voters are entitled to know this information, which the law requires be disclosed, Weintraub and Broussard wrote.

Lawsuit accuses majority of one-sided analysis

Mondays lawsuit from the Campaign Legal Center accuses the four commissioners who agreed to dismiss the complaint of performing a perfunctory and one-sided analysis that did not fit with law or regulations. The group said allowing the dismissal to stand could have dire ramifications for campaign finance law and PAC spending in the future.

If permitted to stand without correction, the decision thus effectively lays out a roadmap for spenders seeking to evade their disclosure obligations and opens an immense loophole in the (Federal Election Campaign Act)s transparency requirements, the lawsuit says.

The organization is asking the court to declare the FECs dismissal of the complaint was arbitrary, capricious and contrary to law and to have the FEC conform with that declaration within 30 days. It is also asking for attorneys fees should it win the case.

Lewis said in an email that the PACs attorney filed an excellent response with the FEC in the case and that the commission dismissed the complaint. He said he had nothing further to add regarding the lawsuit. FEC records show the PAC has brought in $12.5 million from Sept. 5 last year through June 30 this year and spent about $12.4 million of it, including $5.6 million reported as independent expenditures and about $6.7 million in operating expenditures. The records show the PAC has filed twenty 48-hour expenditure reports since April.

Its most recent 48-hour independent expenditure report, filed on Sept. 6, shows it has now spent about $10.7 million in Montanas U.S. Senate election.

McAllen, with the Campaign Legal Center, said the organization hopes challenging the dismissal will uphold enforcement of campaign finance laws and transparency for voters.

Poor enforcement of the law makes our campaign finance system vulnerable to more secret spending, McAllen said in a statement. Despite FEC inaction, we will still be pushing for super PACs like Last Best Place PAC to be fully transparent with voters about their spending aimed at swaying voters in federal elections.

Editors note: This story has been updated to include comments from Dave Lewis.

1 LBP PAC Complaint_9.9.24
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  An iconic brand that is best known for making soup has announced a plan to change its name.

During the Campbell Soup Companys Fiscal 2025 Investor Day on Sept. 10, company leaders gathered in New York City to discuss ideas for the future of the company. The biggest change leaders discussed is the change of the companys name from Campbell Soup Company to The Campbells Company.

This subtle yet important change retains the companys iconic name recognition, reputation and equity built over 155 years while better reflecting the full breadth of the companys portfolio, said Mark Clouse, president and CEO of Campbells.

Miami Township approves Wawa, puts moratorium on select future businesses

Mick Beekhuizen, president of meals and beverages at Campbells, claims soup assets are not as large as other items within the companys transformed portfolio.

We intend to set the standard for performance in the center store through our compelling consumer engagement and exciting flavor forward innovation, with Raos strengthening and solidifying our potential and elevating our overall portfolio.

Some of the companies Campbells has previously acquired includes Goldfish, Pepperidge Farm, Snyders, Prego, Pace, Swanson, V8, Cape Cod and more.

Although Campbells plans on removing soup from the companys name, it is expected that the brand will continue to produce soup products.

Stakeholders will decide in November on whether to approve or deny the proposed name change.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
FILE PHOTO: Suspected mpox patients wait for consultation at the mpox treatment centre at the Kavumu hospital in Kabare territory

By Anna Mehler Paperny

TORONTO (Reuters) - Canada is donating "up to 200,000" doses of mpox vaccine, a government spokesperson said on Wednesday.

The World Health Organization declared mpox a global health emergency last month, for the second time in two years.

The number of doses of the vaccine Imvamune to be donated by Canada will depend on the receiving countries' capacity for storage and administration, a spokesperson for Canada's international development minister told Reuters.

Such donations are meant to address the vast inequity that left African nations with no access to the shots used during the global outbreak in 2022.

Mpox can spread through close contact. Usually mild, it is fatal in rare cases. It causes flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions on the body.

An outbreak in Congo began with the spread of an endemic strain, known as clade I. But a new variant, clade Ib, appears to spread more easily through routine close contact, including sexual contact.

It has spread from Congo to neighboring countries including Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda, triggering the action from the WHO.

Canada would not say to whom it would deliver the vaccines, or in what time frame.

"Canada is working closely with global health experts, including GAVI (the international vaccine alliance) and the WHO, to access the scope of the outbreak and identify how best to deliver vaccines as soon as possible to those who need them most," the government spokesperson wrote in an email. "We will provide more details once a delivery timeline has been finalized."

Health Canada has previously refused to say how many mpox vaccine doses the country has for national security reasons, saying only, Canada has secured sufficient supply of mpox vaccines to support provincial and territorial programmes for the prevention and control of mpox in Canada.

Based on previous years announcements from manufacturer Bavarian Nordic, Adam Houston, medical policy and advocacy adviser for Medecins Sans Frontieres Canada, figures Canada has, at a conservative estimate, more than 2 million doses of mpox vaccine.

We'd like to see Canada first be more transparent about its own supplies and its own needs," Houston said before news of the donation was made public. "And then we'd like to see transparency on its plans for what it's going to do with these vaccines. We think the priority is that vaccines should be shared.

(Reporting by Anna Mehler Paperny in Toronto; Editing by Matthew Lewis)
Editor's Note: This story has been updated to include the response of Ukraine's Consul General in Toronto to TIFF's statement.

In a statement released on Sept. 11, the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) claimed the controversial documentary about Russian soldiers entitled "Russians at War" should not "be considered Russian propaganda" and said that its North American premiere will go forward as scheduled.

The film "Russians at War," directed by Russian-Canadian filmmaker Anastasia Trofimova, was shown at the Toronto International Film Festival on Sept. 10. The statement released on Sept. 11 said that the premiere would occur "later this week"it was not immediately clear if it was referring to a different showing or the one that had already been held.

"In our view, in no way should this film be considered Russian propaganda," TIFF's statement said.

"Because filmmakers, like all artists, work in dynamic engagement with their societies, we believe that our role as curators and presenters of film must stand for an unequivocal defense of artistic expression, and a commitment to provide safe, open spaces to engage, critique and reflect on artists' work."

TIFF also said that the festival "understand(s) and deeply feel the suffering of the Ukrainian people as the result of an illegal Russian invasion."

Oleh Nikolenko, Ukraine's Consul General in Toronto, said he was "extremely disappointed" by TIFF's statement and called the decision to screen the film "appalling."

"Do not provide a platform for Russian propaganda  the festival's reputation is at stake," he said on Sept. 11.

The film has been widely condemned, and protests have broken out at the festival. Canada's publicly-funded broadcaster TVO (formerly TVOntario) said on Sept. 10 that it "respect(s) the feedback" from the community and would not be airing the film.

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.

"It's not right for Canadian public money to be supporting the screening and production of a film like this," Freeland said during a press briefing on Sept. 10.

The film, which has been marketed as an anti-war documentary and described by Trofimova as a story about ordinary Russian soldiers, has been accused of whitewashing Russian war crimes.

Trofimova has said she believes the full-scale war is "unjustified and illegal." In a recent interview, the director also said it was an opportunity to show the "human portrait from the war on the Russian side." She has denied that the film had received official permission from Russian authorities or that it was funded by the state.

The claims have been met with skepticism by many in light of the often sympathetic view of Russian soldiers in the film.

"Given how Russia treats journalists, it is naive to believe that Anastasia Trofimova spent over six months embedded with a Russian military unit without Russian military or government oversight," Nikolenko's statement read.

"We believe the production of this film was permitted because it aligns with Russia's narratives that downplay the atrocities of its invasion."

Nikolenko also criticized TIFF leadership for failing to acknowledge Trofimova's former work for RT, a Russian state media company that has been sanctioned by Canada.

Read also: Funders of Russians at War documentary dodge questions about accountability

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Canadian media organisation that financed film about "good Russian soldiers" will not show it

Director Anastasia Trofimova (at the centre) poses with film editor Roland Schlimme and producers Sally Blake, Cornelia Principe and Philippe Levasseur. Photo: Getty Images

The Canadian media organisation TV Ontario (TVO), which provided funds for the production of the infamous film Russians at War by a Russian director, has decided not to show it in the future.

Source: a statement by TVO management, as reported by European Pravda

Details: On 10 September, on behalf of the network's Board of Directors, a statement was published stating that they had heard the feedback and arguments about the film from the Ukrainian Canadian community.

"TVOs Board of Directors has decided to respect the feedback we have received, and TVO will no longer be supporting or airing Russians at War. TVO will be reviewing the process by which this project was funded and our brand leveraged," the statement said.

Read more: Do the Russians cry too? Russia Today propagandist's film screened at the Venice Film Festival

TVO is an agency under the Ministry of Education of the Canadian province of Ontario that operates as a non-profit social service organisation.

The film by a Russian director received funding from the Canada Media Fund through TVO, and the fund confirmed that it had provided CAD 340,000 for the production of the film. The fund itself has claimed to be a source of funding and is not involved in the selection of projects for which it provides funds. After the scandal, the foundation said it was taking the public reaction very seriously and was looking into the situation.

Background:

The Consulate General of Ukraine in Toronto has also protested against the plans to screen Russians at War at the Toronto International Film Festival.

Canadian Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, who has Ukrainian roots, condemned the screening of the film Russians at War at the Toronto International Film Festival.

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.

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OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  A Oklahoma luxury apartment complexs remaining parking structure is finally being demolished. On Tuesday, the final stages of demolition of the Canton at Classen Curve garage began and is set to bring relief to local residents who considered the structure an eyesore after burning like a inferno for days in February 2022.

The five-story apartment complex, located at NW 63rd and Western and called The Canton at Classen Curve, went up in flames on February 8, 2022 in what fire officials called a five-alarm fire. The 326-room luxury apartment complex was scheduled to open sometime in the spring with units starting at 600 square feet, ranging from $1,100 to more than $4,000 a month.

Total loss: Luxury OKC apartment complex goes up in flames

A spokesperson for CMS Willowbrook Inc., a general contractor of the project stated,

We are devastated at the loss of the Canton at Classen Curve project. At this time, we do not know how the fire started. The building was 369,200 SF along with a 175,000 SF parking garage. The building was not occupied since the project was under construction. To our knowledge, no reports of injuries have been reported. We are extremely thankful for all of our firefighters and first responders for their long hours and dedication.

According to fire officials on the scene, the fire took four days to be completely extinguished. Based on the investigation, officials stated the fire was classified as accidental and the result of an electrical issue.

Canton apartment fire cause released

The fire occurred as a result of an electrically energized neutral within the structure, the report stated.

The complex was valued at over $65 million and was deemed a total loss.

Update: OG&E, subcontractor sued over Canton apartment fire

OG&E and Red Dirt construction, LLC are listed as defendants in the latest court filings over the alleged electrical issues. As of today, the luxury apartment complex is the largest known commercial fire in the history of Oklahoma City, according to OKCFD.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
UPDATE:

CANTON, Miss. (WJTV)  Canton police said a missing four-year-old boy was found deceased.

According to Canton Police Chief Otha Brown, Kaleb Jamison was found deceased in a pond behind the Trails Apartments around 11:15 p.m. on Tuesday, September 10.

His death is still under investigation.

This was not the outcome that we were hoping for. Everyone please keep this babys family in your prayers, police said.

CANTON, Miss. (WJTV)  Canton police and other agencies are searching for a four-year-old boy.

According to Canton police, Kaleb Jamison, who is autistic, was last seen at the Trails Apartments around 11:45 a.m. on Tuesday, September 10.

Jamison was last seen wearing a gray shirt, pull-ups and no shoes.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts can contact the Canton Police Department or the Madison County Sheriffs Office.

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GENEVA COUNTY, Ala (WDHN)  A portion of Highway 52 in central Geneva County is was closed for over three hours after a single-vehicle crash.

Alabama State Troopers say the vehicle crashed into a utility pole on Highway 52 near County Road 16 at around 3:00 p.m.

According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, the crash knocked down the pole, and power lines blocked the road. The road was reopened around 6:30 p.m.

It is unknown if anyone was injured in the crash.

Troopers with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agencys (ALEA) Highway Patrol Division are investigating the crash.

Stay with WDHN for updates.

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Carthage still without fire chief after third closed session meeting

CARTHAGE, Mo.  The thought was that a new fire chief would finally be named in Carthage tonight.

More than a dozen firefighters were, once again, in attendance during Tuesdays (9/10) city council meeting, including Interim Fire Chief Jason Martin  whom a hiring committee recommended for the job.

Following a 30 minute closed session, Mayor Dan Rife announced that a vote on a new chief had been taken, however the results wouldnt be released to the public for another 72 hours or less (per the Missouri Sunshine Law).

This is now the third time in two months council members discussed the matter in a closed session.

A number of firefighters and residents walked out of the meeting after Rifes announcement.

Many people, including Carthage firefighters have attended recent council meetings to publicly support Martin for fire chief.

I dont know who they might decide to pick, but I dont think anybody is as experienced as Jason Martin. I think thats what is going to keep us all safe at the end of the day and let us go home to our families, said Carthage Fire Department Lieutenant Mathew Fasano.

Councilmember Chris Taylor said he couldnt reveal the results of the closed session vote, however he did give some insight into the discussion that took place behind closed doors.

They all claim the man is qualified as a firefighter and hes qualified to lead his men, but theyre saying hes not qualified to deal with the city as fire chief, which I think is totally ludicrous, said Taylor.

According to Taylor, the lack of a majority vote was the reason Martin was not appointed as fire chief.

Martin declined to comment after Tuesdays city council meeting.

| The Latest From Carthage City Council:

(Story Date: April 1, 2024  April 30, 2024)

(Story Date: May 1, 2024  May 31, 2024)

(Story Date: June 1, 2024  June 30, 2024)

(Story Date: July 1, 2024  August 30, 2024)

(Story Date: September 1, 2024  Present)

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ISTANBUL, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- At the Beijing International Book Fair in June, one of China's largest book event, a debut by Kirmizi Kedi, a Turkish publishing house, garnered significant attention.

Kirmizi Kedi introduced a book that challenges conventional views on the origins of Sinology -- the academic study of China.

"About a year ago, our author Giray Fidan and I visited the World Sinology Center in China," Haluk Hepkon, head of Kirmizi Kedi Publishing House, told Xinhua in Istanbul. "It was there that Fidan revealed to me that the oldest Sinology tradition in the world is actually attributed to the Turks."

Hepkon explained that Fidan was referring to "Hitayname," a 16th-century travelogue authored by Ali Ekber Hitay under Ottoman patronage. This significant work underscores the pivotal role of Turkish scholars played in the early study of Chinese culture.

"Upon hearing this, I immediately suggested, 'You should write a book about this,'" Hepkon recalled.

The resulting book, "Birth of Sinology in Turkiye - From Hitayname to Present Day," authored by Giray Fidan and Ayse Gul Fidan, was unveiled at the fair in June.

The book's launch marks the first time a Turkish publisher has debuted a work at the Beijing book fair, representing a symbolic milestone in Turkiye's efforts to engage directly with Chinese literature and culture.

"For years, Turkish engagement with Chinese culture has been mediated through Western sources," said Kamil Erdogdu, head of Kirmizi Kedi's Chinese books division. "We have long relied on translations into other languages before they reach Turkish readers. We are now working to change this."

Erdogdu also pointed out a historical gap in Turkiye's engagement with Eastern literature, art, and cinema, emphasizing the need for a more direct connection.

"We believe that China should be explored not only through its economy and politics but also through its rich literary and cultural heritage," he added.

Looking ahead, the publishing house plans to launch a biannual literary magazine in collaboration with Beijing-based authors, Erdogdu said, adding this upcoming project is currently in development, with more details expected to be announced soon. 
Last week, Superior Court Judge Patrick Bartels ruled a carveout in the 2006 New Jersey Smoke-Free Air Act that allows smoking in casinos and their simulcasting facilities is not unconstitutional. (Dana DiFilippo | New Jersey Monitor)

Casino workers seeking to end an exemption in the states indoor smoking ban asked New Jerseys Supreme Court to take up their case as an expedited appeal Wednesday.

The filing by United Automobile Workers Region 9  which represents casino dealers, slot machine attendants, and others on the casino floor  comes a little more than a week after a lower court judge ruled the exemption is constitutional.

In this case, exclusion of casino workers from safety protections given to other workers is blatant favoritism for a powerful industry located in only one municipality in the State, precisely what the New Jersey Constitution prevents, the plaintiffs said in their appeal.

Last week, Superior Court Judge Patrick Bartels ruled a carveout in the 2006 New Jersey Smoke-Free Air Act that allows smoking in casinos and their simulcasting facilities is not unconstitutional because the states constitution provides only a right to pursue safety, rather than a right to safety in and of itself.

UAW and the Casino Employees Against Smoking Effects, a co-plaintiff, had argued the deleterious health effects of second-hand smoke had imperiled the health and lives of casino floor workers in violation of constitutional protections.

In Wednesdays filing, they argued state statute and numerous court decisions have found support for a safe workplace, adding that Bartels erred when he found no New Jersey case law supports a constitutional right to safety.

That analysis ignores the actual words of the Constitution which protects the right to pursue and obtain safety, the plaintiffs said in their filings.

The plaintiffs charged the judge was wrong when he found the laws exclusion of casino workers was not arbitrary, one leg of a three-prong test for unconstitutional special legislation  laws that improperly single out an individual or group and do not apply to others similarly situated.

Bartels ruled the carveouts are permissible because Atlantic City has a unique constitutional status that allows the Legislature to permit and regulate gambling within its borders. Casino workers were, therefore, not improperly singled out, he found.

The Casino Association of New Jersey and labor unions that joined the case as intervenors have argued ending the carveout would imperil casinos profitability, cautioning a ban would send gamblers fleeing to neighboring states that allow smoking inside of gaming houses.

The judge credited that argument, finding the public could be harmed by a loss of casino gaming tax revenue if those fears proved true, though the plaintiffs argued that is no reason to keep the exemptions intact.

Plaintiffs submit that the States decision to allow gambling in Atlantic City did not make it a law free zone or render its workers and residents unprotected by New Jerseys Constitution and laws, they said in Wednesdays filing.

An attorney for the Casino Association of New Jersey did not immediately return a request for comment.

The court battle is the latest front in a yearslong fight to end casinos indoor smoking exemption that gained steam when Gov. Phil Murphy issued executive orders that paused the practice for more than a year in the early stages of the pandemic.

Advocates have sought to push through legislation that would have done away with the carveout. The bill stalled for years  despite winning sponsorships from majorities of legislators in both chambers  because of casino owners fears that barring indoor smoking would make them unviable.

Some backed compromise legislation that would allow smoking in enclosed rooms, but others, including Sen. Joe Vitale (D-Middlesex), balked at the proposal. Vitale chairs the Senates health committee.

That committee approved the original measure in January, but it has not advanced to a floor vote or through committees in the lower chamber. In the current session, 17 senators and 42 members of the Assembly are sponsoring the bill.

This isnt about politics, its about doing whats right for workers and their families, Assemblyman John DiMaio (R-Warren), his chambers minority leader, said in a statement Wednesday. With significant bipartisan support, theres no reason not to get this done.

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Karen Castor Dentel held a commanding lead in the Democratic primary for Orange County Supervisor of Elections  a contest halted by a judge who moved it to November, according to results released by the elections office late Tuesday.

Castor Dentel, a member of the Orange County School Board and a former member of the Florida House, tallied about 38,000 votes out of about 67,400 cast for the Aug. 20 race. Former Orange County Democratic chair Wes Hodge was in second with about 16,000 votes, real estate broker Sunshine Linda-Marie Grund was in third with about 8,000 votes and attorney Dan Helm was in last with about 6,000 votes.

Elections officials initially delayed announcing those results  which with the judges invalidating of the August primary offer only bragging rights  but received more than a dozen public records requests for the information, said Christopher Heath, a spokesman for the Supervisor of Elections office.

Reached for comment Tuesday night, Castor Dentel told the Sentinel via text that she was relieved and surprised with the results.

I wasnt expecting to get over 50% of the vote in a four-way contest! she said. Its too bad these votes were tossed aside, but Ill keep talking to voters to make sure we have the same outcome in November.

The four-way Democratic matchup was moved to the fall after Helm filed a lawsuit against the races only non-Democrat, Cynthia Harris, arguing she had failed to properly pay her qualifying fee.

Chief Judge Lisa Munyon agreed and disqualified Harris on Aug. 16 in a ruling that forces the four remaining candidates to run again in November, when Republicans and non-party affiliated voters can also participate.

The ruling came just days before the primary, after early ballots had already been cast. Votes continued to come in after the ruling, as it was too late to change the ballots.

Helm told the Orlando Sentinel he stood by his decision to sue Harris despite the race being upended. He said he wasnt concerned about coming in last place.

I think I put my efforts into the lawsuit, and so I think that shows in the primary results in that I didnt spend money on mail or direct voter outreach to reach the primary voters, Helm said. I saved my time and energy and money to focus on the general election and making sure that everybody could participate that should be able to participate in the process.

He said independents and GOP voters should be pleased as they now have more say in the election. With Harris in the race, the Democratic primary was open only to registered Democrats. In deeply blue Orange County, the winner of that August primary election likely would have sailed to victory in November.

But once Harris was removed from the ballot, what had been a Democratic primary became a universal primary under Florida law, meaning all voters in the county, regardless of party affiliation, can cast a ballot.

I filed the lawsuit because hundreds of thousands of voters were being disenfranchised, he said. I gave the ability that Republicans, NPAs and othersare able to participate in this election. So I, I fought for their vote, you know, and I will continue to fight for their vote.

Harris is now suing to have Helm removed from the November ballot and is accusing him of not properly filling out the paperwork to shorten his legal name Daniel to Dan on the ballot. Helm told the Sentinel the case is frivolous and without merit.

Harris is also appealing her removal from the ballot.

Sentinel staff writer Ryan Gillespie contributed to this report.
Cause of Death Determined for 'One-of-a-Kind' Chef Aboard Luxury Yacht That Sank in Sicily, Sources Say

Recaldo Thomas was a one-of-a kind special human being," a friend said

Recaldo Thomas/Facebook Recaldo Thomas

The cause of death for chef Recaldo Thomas, the first person found dead after the Bayesian yacht sank off the coast of Sicily last month, has been determined, PEOPLE confirms.

Thomas died of drowning after the 183-foot boat sank following a severe storm on Aug. 19, according to sources close to the ongoing investigation.

His body was recovered outside the vessel not long after the yacht went into the water, and sources say he had seawater in his lungs.

The chef was one of seven victims in the sinking, Italian authorities have said. Twenty-two people were onboard the Bayesian  12 passengers and 10 crew  at the time. Fifteen of them were subsequently rescued.



Related: Survivor of Yacht That Sank Off Sicily's Coast Recalls How She Used 'All My Strength' to Save Her 1-Year-Old

The victims included Thomas as well as Chairman of Morgan Stanley International Jonathan Bloomer and his wife, Judy Bloomer; New York City-based lawyer Christopher Morvillo and his wife, jewelry designer Neda Morvillo; and British tech businessman Mike Lynch and his daughter Hannah.

While Thomas drowned, testing is ongoing to determine if the six other victims, who were found inside the Bayesian after it sank, may have suffocated because an air bubble they were in ran out of oxygen and filled with carbon dioxide, PEOPLE previously reported.

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Recaldo Thomas/Facebook Recaldo Thomas

Thomas' friends have mourned him since the tragedy.



One friend previously told The Independent that he was a one-of-a kind special human being.

Eli Fuller, another friend, told the BBC that the chef was somebody young children from his native Antigua looked up to.

"He was sought after," Fuller said. "The kids would see all these white people working on yachts. For them to see an Antiguan man traveling all over the world  it was important for our community."



Related: Acquitted of Fraud, Mike Lynch Was Elated but 'Struggling to Accept' New Reality Before Yacht Sinking, Reporter Says

Gareth Williams, who had known Thomas for 30 years, said that Thomas lived in Antigua during the yachting off-season and worked in part to help his parents, the BBC reported.

"He told me just the other day that he needed to work two more seasons to fix up his late parents' house," Williams said. "He loved yachting, but he was tired."

A source close to the survivors previously confirmed to PEOPLE that Mike Lynch and the other passengers on the Bayesian had been celebrating with family and friends following Lynch's acquittal from a U.S. fraud trial in June.

Related: Victims of Sicily Yacht Tragedy Formally Identified, Authorities Say Some Were Searching for Air Pockets in Final Moments

In the wake of the sinking, James Cutfield, the yacht's captain, and two crew members have been questioned by Italian authorities.

Authorities also opened a manslaughter and negligent shipwreck investigation in connection with the sinking, but no one has been charged or accused of a crime.



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Be cautious when you burn, fall fire season is almost here

BECKLEY, WV (WVNS)  As the ongoing drought and local fires rage on, many are asking if a burn ban will be put into effect.

The West Virginia Division of Forestrys Assistant Regional Forester Brandon Hibbs said that as of Tuesday, September 10, 2024 there is no burn ban in place. He told 59News that they are actively monitoring conditions and will take action if necessary.

How should you put out a grease fire?

Hibbs suggested that those thinking about burning should reconsider.

If you do decide to go ahead and burn, all the regulations and rules still apply. There still has to be a ten-foot safety strip all the way around it right down to the mineral soil, and a fire has to be attended at all times. If you can wait, I strongly advise waiting, said Hibbs.

The fall fire season begins on October 1, 2024 and lasts through December 31, 2024. During that time, outdoor burning is prohibited from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. in order for them to keep a handle on fires breaking out during that 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 WVNS.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT)  According to the American Library Association, Library Card Sign-Up Month has been recognized each September since 1987 to mark the beginning of the school year.

From free access to STEAM programs/activities, educational apps, in-person and virtual homework help, technology workshops to the expertise of librarians, a library card is one of the most cost-effective back-to-school supplies available, the ALA website says.

Montevallos Parnell Memorial Library hosted a Transformers-themed party on Sept. 5 to encourage visitors to sign up for a library card. They also hosted a sign-up booth at Montevallos Tinglewood Festival where visitors could learn more about the benefits of having a library card.

We have lots of free resources, we have lots of free books you can check out, we have DVDs, we have games, said Parnell Memorial Library Director Marissa Wilson. We have the Libby app, which is like an online library, and we have Hoopla, where you can get audiobooks and movies. Different library branches have different services.

Homewood Patriot Band drawing national attention with halftime performance

The Parnell Memorial Library also offers multiple programs for all ages to participate in.

We do Family Fun Night every month, we have book clubs, we have preschool programs, starting next month were going to start senior citizen activities, Wilson said.

The Parnell Memorial Library is not the only local library promoting Library Card Sign-Up Month.

In conjunction with Library Card Sign-Up Month, the Homewood Public Library is offering an event called Food for Fines. During September, patrons can donate canned goods to get up to $10 in library fines waived.

This is a great way to not only give back to the community, but to get people back into the library, said Homewood Public Library director Judith Wright.

The Homewood Public Library offers a variety of resources to its patrons.

We developed last year a collection called the Library of Things. This is really neat, because it is anything that you could think of that you might have to buy at some point in your life, but then you might never use, because you were just trying it out, like a sewing machine or pressure washers, Wright said. We also have musical instruments, including violins, cello, guitars, so many things, and all of that is free to check out with your library card.

Wright also explained that with a Jefferson County Public Library card, patrons can get access to resources from 40 different libraries across the county.

Libraries are one of the last places in society where you can go with no expectation to spend money. Whether thats coming in for a book club, using our Wi-Fi, borrowing a study room. Theres just something for everyone. Its part of our community, Wright 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 CBS 42.
AUSTIN (KXAN)  An independent audit conducted on Travis Countys public hospital district, Central Health, found the districts operations didnt violate the law  but did note areas for improvement in its governance, oversight, record-keeping and communications with the public.

County voters approved the creation of Central Health back in 2004, with the goal of providing healthcare services to people who are lower-income, uninsured or otherwise lack medical access. Unlike some hospital districts, Central Health doesnt oversee a hospital but instead partners with third-party providers via contracts with hospitals or community-based organizations.

RELATED: Central Health to undergo performance review costing more than $845K

Why did Travis County call for an audit on Central Health?

The Travis County Commissioners Court voted in July 2022 to order an independent performance audit of Central Health. That audit approval came after members of NAACP-Austin and Texas LULAC District VII shared concerns about how taxpayer funding was being used.

In April 2023, commissioners approved spending more than $845,000 on the third-party performance audit. Mazars USA, LLP conducted the audit between April 19, 2023 and June 27, 2024.

What were some of the key findings from the audit?

The independent audit didnt find any violations of the law as part of its assessment, but it did flag improvement recommendations within the hospital districts public communications, record documentation practices and oversight and governance practices.

The Mazars report does highlight areas for improvement that Central Health will pursue  refining how the district measures healthcare quality, responds to the rapidly changing demographics in many parts of Travis County, and documents its internal processes and controls, Central Health officials said in a release Tuesday.

The audits review found Central Healths work to build up a high-performing healthcare system is progressing but noted the hospital district needed to assess the totality of services provided to best ensure it was meeting the needs of Travis Countys low-income residents.

Other recommendations included suggestions for Central Health to create a flexible framework for health equity assessments to best adjust to any health challenges or changing demographics, as well as that Central Health should create a financial monitoring system with standard policies and procedures to monitor funding expenditures from Central Health and its third-party providers.

One part of the analysis focused on an annual $35 million allocation to The University of Texas at Austins Dell Medical School, with findings noting the current funding operations are compliant with the terms of the agreement and are aiding a comprehensive range of services.

That funding came as part of an Affiliation Agreement between Central Health, UT Austin and the Community Care Collaborative (an entity comprising Central Health and Seton Healthcare). The agreement was created in 2014 and, initially, the Community Care Collaborative paid $35 million each year from fiscal years 2014 to 2022.

PAST COVERAGE: Travis County commissioners vote to order Central Health audit

Due to changes in funding availability for the Community Care Collaborative, Central Health became responsible for the $35 million annual funding in fiscal year 2023. However, under the Affiliation Agreement, Central Health doesnt currently have direct oversight over how Dell Medical School spends the money and reports its use of the funding. The audit recommended creating direct governance of the $35 million payment and shifting oversight to Central Health.

We appreciate Central Healths recognition of Mazars independent validation that the commitment of funds to Dell Medical School is consistent with the affiliation agreement terms, UT Austins Dell Medical School said in a statement. We look forward to continuing our strong partnership with Central Health and our shared mission to expand access to high-quality, person-centered care for the people of Travis County.

The entire audit is shared in the PDF below.

Central-Health-Audit_ReportDownload

Changes being made at Central Health

In its Tuesday release, Central Health officials said the hospital district is working on implementations for the districts Healthcare Equity Plan  a seven-year, $800 million endeavor to close gaps in Travis County safety-net healthcare system.

Within the first year of that plans implementation, Central Health leaders said the district has opened three specialty care clinical sites in east Austin, created almost 20 clinical and diagnostic service lines and offered direct care via nearly 4,000 patient visits.

Dr. Patrick T. Lee, president and CEO of Central Health, told commissioners Tuesday the hard work of many people over many years led to district improvements.

Travis County Commissioner Jeff Travillion said Lee inherited a wealth of problems when taking over at Central Health, but added he is confident in Lees commitment to the community and expertise as a clinic specialist leading at the helm.

Travillion stressed the importance of creating an ecosystem to best serve residents most reliant on the county and Central Health for services, adding the audit revealed areas of improvement in how third-party agreements are structured and clearly defined who is served through those partnerships.

Commissioner Brigid Shea shared concerns about how the agreement between Central Health and the Dell Medical School was written, while noting Central Health has made commendable progress in recent years and has begun an inspiring commitment to provide healthcare to the poor.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
CENTRAL ILLINOIS (WCIA)  Several police departments across Central Illinois are investigating a series of threats that have been made against area schools this week.

So far, it appears that the threats are part of a nationwide trend with no apparent connection to the area.

The Westville Police Department was one of the agencies that confirmed to WCIA it investigated a threat. Chief of Police Justin Varvel said the threat was communicated in a social media post that mentioned the next school shooting and Westville schools.

Varvel said his department began tracking the source of the social media post and contacted state and federal partners to help. He also said he spoke to other police departments from other places in the U.S. called Westville. There was nothing in the post that indicated which Westville in the U.S.  there are almost a dozen  was being referred to.

Varvel added that the message that named Westville schools as a target appeared nearly identical to many other threats schools across the country received. The only difference in the threats was the name of the town and the school district.

SEE ALSO: Teen arrested for unfounded 911 call alleging Champaign school threat

The Jacksonville Police Department also investigated a purported threat toward the towns school district. This threat came in the form of a purported list of schools that were being targeted for violence, along with a picture that was circulating on Snapchat among Jacksonville students.

Steve Ptacek, Superintendent of the Jacksonville School District, provided the picture in a post on the districts Facebook page. The text in the picture threatened shooting up the buckeye local but did not mention Jacksonville. These words indicated a target in Ohio, but Ptacek said the random Snapchat in another state morphed into a threat in Jacksonville.

He said the district became aware of people saying on social media there was a list of targeted schools that included Jacksonville, and saying they had seen it, but Ptacek said no one was able to produce this list.

Ptacek and Jacksonvilles Deputy Chief of Police, Doug Thompson, later said the investigation revealed that the list in question was actually a targeted school improvement list produced by the Illinois State Board of Education.

This makes sense since JMS and Lincoln are on that list, Ptacek said. It looks like the list has nothing to do with the Snapchat post.

SEE ALSO: Two children arrested for Decatur school threats

The Mt. Zion Police Department also confirmed on Facebook that they too investigated threats toward schools in town. Officials said no information had been found that substantiated the threats but added that the department does take the threats seriously and will have extra officers at Mt. Zion schools.

WCIA has reached out to several other school districts, including those in Danville, Neoga and Effingham to inquire about possible similar threats. We have not heard back yet and will provide updates as we learn more.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR)  A day after the debate, the presidential campaign paused Wednesday while the candidates took time to pay their respects for the lives lost on September 11th.

Nearly 3,000 people died at the World Trade Center in New York, the Pentagon and a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

Vice President Kamala Harris and former president Donald Trump shook hands and stood just feet apart.

Relatives read names of the people who died when hijackers crashed two airplanes into the World Trade Center 23 years ago.

It is such an amazing thing to see both the tragedy of 9/11 but the incredible lives people have built out of that tragedy, said Sen. JD. Vance (R-Ohio.) and Republican vice-presidential candidate

Terrorists also hijacked flight 93 on 9/11, they were likely headed for the U.S. Capitol.

Passengers and crew fought back, and eventually, the plane crashed in a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

President Joe Biden and Vice President Harris laid a wreath at the memorial followed by former president Trump.

At the Pentagon, a flag marked the spot where terrorists crashed American Airlines flight 77.

We remember. The men and women at the Department of Defense remember, said Secretary Lloyd Austin.

The candidates will be back on the campaign trail Thursday, Harris and Gov. Tim Walz will start a four-day tour of key swing states. Trump is headed to Arizona and California.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Anthony Gorman was checking his New York City Fire Department EMS truck the morning of 9/11 when his supervisor came in and said a Cessna, a small plane used for pilot training and recreation, crashed into the World Trade Center.

Not thinking it would be a big deal, Gorman agreed to go help. But as he and his colleagues approached Manhattan from Brooklyn, they realized it was much bigger than a Cessna.

Just then, the second plane hit.

Deputy Chief of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Sally Davis hands the current flag to Anthony Gorman, a New York City Fire Department Paramedic who was there during 9/11 and now works in Tallahassee Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024.

Gorman eventually left New York to continue serving as a firefighter in Tallahassee. And Wednesday morning, 23 years after he watched the towers fall, tears streamed down his face as he was gifted the first flag flown over the capital city's 9/11 memorial.

"He said it reminded him of being on the moon  dust, quiet, but but car alarms and fire alarms going off," Mike Terhune said on Gorman's behalf.

Members of the Tallahassee Fire Department, Tallahassee Police Department, Leon County EMS, Leon County Commission and Florida National Guard stood around the new Capital 9/11 Memorial just outside the Capital Area Chapter of the American Red Cross building on Easterwood Drive in the drizzling rain.

Joined by Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis and Tallahassee state Rep. Allison Tant, they attended a memorial service honoring each of the 2,977 lives lost over two decades ago.

Jimmy Patronis, Florida Chief Financial Officer, speaks at a ceremony in remembrance of 9/11 at the Capital 9/11 memorial Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024.

The service began with a flyover by the Leon County Sheriff's Office and remarks from Terhune, who created the memorial and organized the memorial service.

"People ask me why it's so important to remember this day," he said. "I remind them how it changed America, from how we board a plane, to changes in firefighting and the war on terror that still embattles the world today."

Patronis said he's grateful that the country has not forgotten and that monuments like Leon County's are being erected "because of the need to acknowledge the sacrifice, the heroism, the loss of life."

At 8:46 a.m., the time the first plane crashed into the World Trade Center's North Tower, everyone hung their heads for a moment of silence.

A few minutes passed, then Terhune played recordings of first responder radio traffic from New York during that day. "Send every available engine, everything you got, to the World Trade Center now!" a recording said.

People who were alive for the tragedy will never forget where they were that day, said Sharon Carraway, the director of the Capital Area Chapter of the American Red Cross. And it's important that the names of the silent victims are never forgotten too.

At the end of the ceremony, all 2,977 names of the people who died 23 years ago were said aloud, followed by the solemn chime of a bell honoring their life.

"My challenge to each of us today, especially in light of what's going on in our country, is that we act like we acted on Sept. 12, the day after this happened," Carraway said. "Our country came together like it had never come before."

Breaking & trending news reporter Elena Barrera can be reached at ebarrera@tallahassee.com. Follow her on X: @elenabarreraaa.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Leon County holds service at 9/11 memorial to honor lives lost
Chefs share the 16 best foods to make in an air fryer

Business Insider asked chefs to share their favorite things to make in an air fryer.

Their favorite dishes to make in this appliance include gnocchi, chicken, and crunchy chickpeas.

It's also possible to make flavorful steak, bacon, and chicken nuggets in an air fryer.

Cooking bacon in an air fryer is pretty easy.

Bacon may not be as greasy if you cook it in an air fryer. grass-lifeisgood/Shutterstock

Jess Dang, chef and founder of meal-planning service Cook Smarts, told Business Insider that bacon is one of her favorite things to cook in an air fryer.

"Fat drips from the bacon and out of the basket, so the bacon ends up leaner," she told BI. "It's so much less messy and requires less supervision than other cooking methods."

For a quick dessert, try frying up some bananas.

You can pair your air-fried bananas with some ice cream, too. Sandra Mu/Getty Images

Dang said air fryers can turn slices of plain fruit into deliciously caramelized treats. She recommends using bananas.

"I slice them in half lengthwise and add them to banana splits," she said. "Sometimes I'll brush them with a little coconut oil first for an extra-special treat."

You can cook a flavorful steak in an air fryer.

Be sure to flip your steak halfway through cooking. Shutterstock

Yankel Polak, head chef at ButcherBox, told BI that it's possible to cook a delicious steak in an air fryer.

"Rub the steak with a little olive oil and a generous amount of salt and pepper before cooking," he said. "The olive oil helps it get a really good sear, and the salt and pepper give a simple yet satisfying flavor."

Polak said to cook your steak evenly, flip it halfway through the cooking time. This ensures both sides of the meat come into contact with the hot surface of the basket.

Fry up chickpeas for a crispy, savory treat.

You can season chickpeas before you pop them in the air fryer, too. Hilary Brueck / Insider

Whether you're looking for the perfect salad topping or just want something healthy to snack on, air-fried chickpeas may be the answer.

"Air-fried chickpeas are crispy, portable, and delicious," Dang said. "You can easily toss in some spices and seasonings along with a small amount of oil to jazz them up a little."

Za'atar, curry powder, or chili powder are perfect seasonings to experiment with if you want to add an extra kick of flavor to air-fried chickpeas.

Air-fried doughnuts are often light and fluffy.

You may want to top your doughnuts with powdered sugar. Getty Images / RF / fotoedu

If you're looking for a way to make homemade doughnuts a bit less calorie-dense, try using an air fryer instead of a deep fryer.

Polak told BI that the secret to good air-fried doughnuts is to avoid putting a very wet batter in the air fryer.

"Opt for making your doughnut batter more like bread dough for a cake-like consistency. The key is to use more flour than egg," they said.

This appliance can help you make crunchy, homemade chicken nuggets.

For an extra crispy nugget, double-dip your chicken in your breading. Shutterstock

Skip the store-bought chicken nuggets and whip up your own batch at home with an air fryer.

"The air fryer is terrific for keeping crunchy, coated chicken juicy and tender," Polak said. "Just make sure to moisten your chicken with a swipe of olive oil or mustard to keep the breading adhered."

It's also important not to go overboard with breading  adding too much can lead to the coating being blown off by the airflow of the air fryer.

You don't need breading to prepare juicy chicken breasts.

Be sure to season your chicken breasts before you cook them. iStock

"The air fryer yields a much juicier chicken breast than either the oven or stovetop," Dang said. "Due to the compact design of an air fryer, there's not as much room for the juices to evaporate like they sometimes do with other methods."

Some types of fish will become moist and flaky when you air fry them.

You can prepare fish and chips in an air fryer. Yudai/Shutterstock

Using an air fryer can help take some of the guesswork out of preparing seafood. It can also help you to avoid dry, overcooked fish.

"I recommend using an air fryer for baked or breaded fish. The hot air gets the outside of the fish nice and crispy without overcooking the inside," Polak told BI.

Air fryers can take gnocchi from gummy to golden.

If you've got gnocchi in your freezer, try popping it in the air fryer. Francesco Lentini / EyeEm / Getty Images

Dang told BI that she thinks using an air fryer is one of the best ways to prepare premade, frozen gnocchi.

"The first time I tried frozen cauliflower gnocchi, I didn't get the appeal  I just wound up with a gummy mess," she said. "But when I tried them again in the air fryer, they came out golden and crispy."

Personal pizzas are just the right size for cooking in this appliance.

Personal pizzas are easy to customize. Joe Kohen/Getty

Dang said air fryers are ideal for cooking small frozen or homemade pizzas.

"Because an air fryer has a small cavity that doesn't require preheating, it gets the cheese bubbly and the bread toasted much faster than an oven would," she told BI.

Dang added that combining naan bread, tomato sauce, and mozzarella makes for a quick and tasty personal pizza that's perfect for cooking in an air fryer.

You can make sweet and savory baby carrots in an air fryer.

Baby carrots can cook fairly quickly in an air fryer. iStock / Getty Images Plus / Brycia James

Chef Zach Cummings of Timbers Kauai in Lihue, Hawaii, told BI that baby carrots are one of his favorite foods to prepare in an air fryer.

"The intense, focused heat of the air fryer achieves this beautiful caramelization in a fraction of the time it takes to cook baby carrots that way in a traditional oven," Cummings said.

Cummings said to perfectly caramelize carrots, coat them in extra-virgin olive oil, toasted fennel seeds, fresh thyme, sea salt, and pepper. Cook them at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

Use the appliance to make your own kale chips.

Be sure to toss the kale in an oil before putting it in the air fryer. Getty Images

Since air fryers use extremely hot air to both cook and remove surface moisture from foods, they're actually great for making kale chips.

Cummings recommends tossing kale with coconut oil and sea salt before adding them to your air fryer.

"The air fryer brings out the aroma of the coconut while keeping the kale chips light," he explained.

Stuffed peppers are an easy and versatile air-fryer dish.

You can get creative with the fillings, too. belchonock/ iStock

Chelsea Knight, chef at Fable Lounge in Nashville told BI that stuffed peppers cook well in an air fryer.

"You can use any kind of filling, from a delicious cream cheese to your favorite meat," Knight said. "I would also suggest wrapping the peppers in bacon."

For an air-fryer party snack, try stuffing smaller peppers with cubes of mozzarella and serving them with a marinara dipping sauce.

Air-fried zucchini makes for a crispy snack or side dish.

Zucchini chips pair well with a sandwich. Joey Hadden/Insider

Coat fresh zucchini coins or slices in breadcrumbs and pop them in an air fryer for a crunchy, plant-based snack.

"Fried zucchini is a healthy side dish that you can dress up with your favorite spices  or keep it simple with just some olive oil, salt, and pepper," Knight told BI.

You can make your own potato chips with an air fryer.

You can customize your chip seasonings, too. Ali Majdfar/Getty Images

Air fryers can turn thin slices of potatoes into crispy chips  and Knight said you don't have to stick to plain spuds.

"You can definitely use regular white potatoes, but you can also substitute sweet potatoes," said Knight.

For best results, coat your potato slices with a touch of olive or vegetable oil before placing them in the air fryer.

It's possible to cook crunchy chicken wings in an air fryer.

You can bread chicken wings before popping them in an air fryer. iStock / Getty Images Plus / LauriPatterson

Chicken wings are sometimes battered and cooked in oil, which can make them high-calorie and greasy. If you're looking for a lighter alternative, Knight said, try air-frying your wings instead.

"Chicken wings are great to cook in an air fryer as a snack or a whole meal," Knight told BI. "Air-frying means that you still get crispy wings without the added calories of deep-frying."

This story was originally published on June 30, 2020, and most recently updated on September 11, 2024.

Read More:

7 things you should cook in an air fryer and 7 things you shouldn't

9 mistakes you're making when using your air fryer

10 of the best air fryer recipes you should know

10 of the best air fryer tips and tricks to follow, according to chefs

Looking to get an air fryer of your own? We test and recommend the best air fryers:





Best overall: Philips Premium Digital Airfryer - See at Amazon

Best on a budget: Dash Compact Air Fryer - See at Amazon

Best multitasking: Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer - See at Amazon

Read the original article on Business Insider
TEHRAN, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) on Wednesday inaugurated an airbase in the northwestern province of West Azarbaijan to provide its ground forces and border posts with aerial backup, the semi-official Fars news agency reported.

The inauguration ceremony for the "Martyr Mahmoud-Abadi" airbase, which belongs to the IRGC Ground Force Aviation Unit, was attended by IRGC Chief Commander Hossein Salami, IRGC Ground Force Commander Mohammad Pakpour, other IRGC and Iranian armed forces commanders, and local officials.

Mohammad Rahmani, commander of the IRGC Ground Force Aviation Unit, said on the sidelines of the ceremony that the airbase was established to support the missions of the Hamzeh Seyed al-Shohada Base in northwestern Iran.

At the ceremony, the IRGC chief commander highlighted that securing the country's borders is crucial for progress and development. 
Update: New York State Police have released more information about a former middle school principal who police said sexually assaulted a child back in 2022.

According to police, On February 29, 2024, a law enforcement referral was brought to the attention of the Bureau of Criminal Investigation by the NYS Department of Social Services child abuse hotline.

The report came from the FBI about an apparent sexual assault that took place and after an investigation, police claim that Erickson met with a 14-year-old victim in October 2022.

After the months-long investigation, a warrant was filed for Erickson on Sept. 3 and issued on the 10th where he was arrested.

Erickson was processed and taken to the Steuben County Jail where bail was set at $5,000 cash and $10,000 bond. Police said Erickson posted bail and was released.

Erickson, the former Johnson City Middle School Principal, has already pleaded guilty in 2024 for attempting to lure a 16-year-old former student for sex in July of 2023. Reports state that Erickson spent a week in 2023 trying to get the student to have sex with him by using Snapchat. An agreement and location were made, but Erickson was arrested after being met by Broome County Sheriffs Detectives at the scene.

Documents said that Erickson was set to serve six months in jail followed by five years of probation.

BATH, N.Y. (WETM)  A Chenango County man was arrested on Tuesday after a months-long investigation into what police said involved the rape of a child under 15 in Bath.

According to New York State Police documents, 55-year-old Daniel Erickson of Greene, New York was arrested on Tuesday, Sept. 10, on the charges of rape in the second degree of a victim under the age of 15, a class D felony, and endangering the welfare of a child, a class A misdemeanor.

Tioga County, PA Sheriffs Office enforces Blue Envelope Program

Police said that an initial report of the incident was brought to police on February 29, 2024, with the arrest of Erickson coming more than six months later.

The investigation into the incident is still ongoing, and more information will be provided when its made 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 WETM - MyTwinTiers.com.
CHICAGO (NewsNation)  Amid dwindling numbers both in its new arrival shelter population and in the number of migrants being sent from the U.S. southern border, Chicago city officials have announced that three shelters will close over the next six weeks, including the citys largest.

The closures are part of a joint migrant strategic operation between the city of Chicago, the state of Illinois, and Cook County. The plan includes the number of beds and funding needed to accommodate the anticipated arrivals of new arrivals for the remainder of 2024, city officials announced.

Since 2022, nearly 48,000 migrants have arrived in Chicago by bus or plane after being sent by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, according to city data.

Several Southwest border ports to temporarily close for 9/11 anniversary

As of this week, the citys shelter population sits at 5,431, according to Chicagos migrant dashboard. This week, the city announced that three city shelters would close next month, including one in the citys Pilsen neighborhood, which is the citys largest.

The shelter was the site of a measles outbreak that led the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention to send a response team to Chicago to help address the health crisis that arose just as Mayor Brandon Johnson announced that he would impose limits on how long migrants could remain in city-run shelters.

Two other shelters in the city will close by October 24, the city said. In total, the city said that 1,200 migrants would be affected by the closures.

Report: China, Mexico to blame for fentanyl crisis

The city announced that all those still living in those shelters would be moved to another shelter and continue to receive the same level of services

The city had anticipated as many as 25,000 new arrivals being sent by Abbott over the summer, including during the Democratic National Convention based on Abbotts comments. The Texas governor issued statements that he would continue to send buses to sanctuary cities, including Chicago until President Joe Biden addressed the crisis at the southern border.

However, no migrants arrived during the DNC, which was part of the process of the city re-evaluating its plan for the remainder of 2024. The city said that through its partnership with the state and Cook County, it has more than 5,000 unused beds and that it remains committed to fiscal responsibility.

The closures are taking place as Johnson announced a hiring freeze due to a projected $982 million budget shortfall in 2025. According to a WTTW report, the city spent $184.8 million on caring for new arrivals who came to Chicago between Jan. 1 and June 30. The report said that the city spent $677,310 per day to provide services to 5,500 migrants in 15 city-run shelters.

That compares to $1.4 million that was spent per day to accommodate 15,000 migrants who were in 27 city shelters in December.

A city spokesman did not immediately respond to a message from NewsNation seeking information about how much money would be saved with the closures of the three shelters.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP)  The Chicopee Police Department conducted an exercise Tuesday morning with other first responders and the military.

The goal was to create a response plan in the event an EMP attack took place in Massachusetts. An EMP is a pulse of electromagnetic energy that destroys most electronics and communications. Chicopee Police Chief Patrick Major described the impact of having many different departments participate in this exercise.

You look around the room at the stakeholders, the players that are involved there, and each person with their own experience, kind of lent credence to exactly what would happen in that scenario, said Major.

Without communications and electricity, many residents would have no way of contacting local authorities. This impact would be even more severe in more rural areas. Colonel Greg Buchanan with Westover Air Reserve Base said this event shouldnt be viewed negatively.

Its not to scare the community. This is all about prevention. If we can think about this right now as holistically as a community and looking at it from a community resiliency perspective in the long run in the unlikely event this does happen, were more well prepared to execute the mission, said Buchanan, Commander of Westover Air Reserve Base.

EMPs can also occur in nature, especially during times of heavy solar activity and lightning strikes.

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.
Child care worker Marci Then helps her daughter, Mila, 4, put away toys to get ready for circle time at the Little Learners Academy in Smithfield, R.I. A state program for child care workers subsidizes Milas tuition. A handful of other states have similar programs, which advocates say has beneficial ripple effects through the state economy. (Photo by Elaine S. Povich/Stateline)

OKLAHOMA CITY  Pandemic relief funds will expire at the end of September, putting child care providers and parents who relied on the extra funding in a tight spot.

Rachel Proper, owner of seven child care centers and secretary of the Oklahoma Child Care Association, said the Oklahoma Department of Human Services has worked to prepare care providers and parents for the upcoming changes in funding.

American Rescue Plan Act, or ARPA, funds were used in the child care industry to help with affordability and for staffing facilities. The funds expire Sept. 30.

Theyve always communicated from the beginning that these ARPA supports were a temporary COVID benefit, Proper said. And as those things started winding down, they stair-stepped it in a way so that we didnt get hit with everything all at once.

According to a statement from DHS, parents were notified of the changes multiple times, as recently as 30 days prior to the initiatives end.

Through the COVID initiatives, parents had a copay of $0. In 2023, the agency increased parents co-pays to 50% to prepare them for the eventual return to pre-pandemic co-payment levels. Effective Oct. 1, parents will return to pre-pandemic co-pays at 100%, said Nazarene Harris, a spokesperson for the agency, in a statement.

While Proper said the agency did a good job at preparing for the end of ARPA funding, she said shes now concerned by the agencys recently proposed rule changes to the eligibility standards for child care subsidies.

The proposed revisions that would change the threshold to become eligible from 85% of the state median income to 70%, meaning a smaller portion of the population would be eligible.

Proper said if these changes were made official, providers and families would struggle to adjust.

Were working right now trying to gather as much public comment as we can to try to ask DHS to reconsider doing that, she said. To take a step back and reduce those eligibility levels again. Its going to hurt a lot of providers. Its going to hurt a lot of families.

These rules have been posted by the agency, but are not in effect. The rules are first subject to a public comment period and are supposed to be approved by the Legislature and governor, Proper said.

In a statement, a DHS spokesperson said the agency understands the critical importance of childcare programs to ensure families have access to a safe and nurturing environment for their children while they work or go to school. Families access to reliable childcare also supports Oklahomas businesses through a productive workforce. The agency is committed to stewarding taxpayer resources and providing Oklahoma families with access to safe, quality childcare programs.

Rep. Suzanne Schreiber, D-Tulsa, said she is also concerned about the proposed rules changes.

I have serious concerns that that is going to compound the loss of ARPA dollars. Families no longer qualifying for subsidies will force less people to use childcare because they will step out of the workforce because they cannot make the economics make sense for their family, she said.

Schreiber is concerned that families who used to be eligible for the subsidies will suddenly be left out and not be able to adjust to their new financial realities.

Since the rules must be approved by the Legislature and governor, Schreiber said she thinks it is possible to reject the rule change and maintain the current threshold for eligibility.

She said that child care centers will close because of the loss of ARPA dollars and legislators need to have robust conversations on how to help families and businesses.

Schreiber sees two main solutions, the first being the Legislature deciding how much state money will be dedicated to child care in the budget.

How much are we going to spend on subsidies as a state? How are we going to make sure that these businesses can remain and provide the quality that we need? That is a budget conversation that we have to have as a state Schreiber said.

A second solution, one Schreiber has proposed as a bill in the past, would incentivize more people to work as child care providers by offering them free child care.

As a state, we need to own our piece in this system and understand how we can incentivize, grow and support this model. I think a very simple and affordable way is to incentivize that workforce by being able to offer them free childcare  we incentivize every other industry.

Schreiber intends to propose her legislation on the topic again and hopes these conversations on how to help child care providers continue.

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China concerned about US manipulation of Hong Kong issues, says foreign ministry

BEIJING (Reuters) - China is concerned about the United States' manipulation of Hong Kong issues and suppression of its development, a spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry said on Wednesday.

The remarks come after the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill that could lead to the closure of Hong Kong's economic and trade offices in the United States.

"The bill politicizes and instrumentalizes normal economic and trade cooperation, deliberately tarnishes Hong Kong's overseas agencies," foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a regular press briefing.

(Reporting by Joe Cash; Writing by Bernard Orr; Editing by Andrew Heavens)
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China's Zhurong Mars rover captured this panorama of the Red Planet. Visible in the foreground are the rover's solar panels and communications equipment. | Credit: CNSA

China has advanced the launch of its Tianwen 3 Mars sample-return mission to 2028. The new timeline, two years sooner than originally planned, suggests that China could bring Mars samples to Earth as soon as 2031.

Speaking at the second International Deep Space Exploration Conference (also known as the Tiandu Forum) in Chinas Anhui province last week, Liu Jizhong, the chief designer of the Tianwen 3 mission, said the effort will consist of two rocket launches from Earth. One will carry a lander and a two-stage ascent vehicle, and the other an orbiter and Earth-return craft.

Tianwen 3, which aims to use a lander-based drill to collect at least 500 grams (17.6 ounces) of surface samples that could reveal clues about life on Mars and the planet's climate evolution, might also include a foldable, autonomous helicopter similar to NASAs Ingenuity , as well as a six-legged robot to collect samples away from the landing site, Space.com previously reported .

"There is now a genuine chance that China could return Martian samples before the US," Quentin Parker, an astrophysicist at the University of Hong Kong told Malay Mail , an online newspaper in Malaysia.

At the Tiandu Forum, Jizhong noted that the Tianwen 3 mission will include international payloads and that China plans to share the returned samples with scientists worldwide, according to CGTN , the English-language news channel of the state-run China Global Television Network in Beijing.

Related: China might add a helicopter and 6-legged robot to Mars sample-return mission

Liu did not specify when the Mars samples could be returned to Earth, but officials previously noted the round-trip mission would take about three years, suggesting Red Planet rocks could return to Earth around 2031 if the mission launches in 2028 as now planned, Ars Technica reported .

Chinas updated timeline suggests samples could be delivered to Earth well before the joint NASA-European Space Agency Mars Sample Return (MSR) program does so. That effort is getting a major overhaul after severe cost and schedule overruns put the original mission framework in limbo. NASA Administrator Bill Nelson has said the MSR campaign's $11 billion price tag is too costly, too complex, and that "not returning samples until 2040 is unacceptably too long."

In June, NASA awarded $1.5 million contracts to seven companies including SpaceX, Blue Origin, Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman for ideas about a simpler, less expensive and less risky alternative to the troubled existing structure.

RELATED STORIES:

 China's Zhurong rover reveals complex layers beneath the surface of Mars

 NASA wants new ideas for its troubled Mars Sample Return mission

 China builds huge propellant tank for massive future rocket (photos)

Meanwhile, scientists continue to stress the scientific value of bringing home the MSR samples, which have already been collected by NASA's Perseverance rover . The samples, which contain both fine- and coarse-grained sandstone and mudstone sediments, could reveal crucial clues about the chemistry of the water that deposited them billions of years ago  and, perhaps, evidence of past microbial life on Mars , if it ever existed.

Answers to these decades-old mysteries could arrive on Earth as soon as 2031, if all goes well with Chinas accelerated mission plan.

"Its not just a race," astronomer Jonathan McDowell told Malay Mail. "Its a high scientific priority for understanding Mars and our solar system ."
The News

Chinese officials have begun a review into raising the countrys retirement age to combat twin crises: a rapidly shrinking workforce and a looming pension funds shortfall.

China has some of the lowest retirement ages in the world  60 for men, and between 50 and 55 for women.

Life expectancy in China has dramatically increased in recent decades  it is set to almost double from 44 in 1960 to over 80 by 2050. Around 46% of its population will be over the age of 65 by 2100, according to United Nations estimates.

SIGNALS

Younger workers worry their job prospects will be affected

Sources: The Economist, Nikkei Asia, Reuters

Plans to raise the retirement age in China have long been criticized by younger people in particular, who worry they will end up waiting longer for promotions if older workers remain in their roles longer, The Economist noted in 2021. Some 13.2% of 16-24 year-olds were unemployed according to figures published for June, and some analysts warn that postponing retirement could hurt their employment prospects further. Industry choices could make the difference, however: Its a different set of jobs that older people are going to be keeping on, blue collar and white collar jobs will be very different to entry level ones, one expert told Reuters.

Immigration could help solve Chinas demographic woes

Sources: The Conversation, The New York Times

Raising the retirement age wont fix Chinas underlying demographic problems, but immigration could help slow population decline, a sociologist argued in The Conversation  however, its leaders have shown historical reluctance to pursue that strategy, he added. Net migration to other countries with aging populations, like Japan for example, has been steadily increasing from a low base, with some positive results, a United Nations population expert told The New York Times.

China faces a looming pension deficit

Sources: South China Morning Post, Nikkei Asia

As more of the population ages out of work, Chinas pension system is under serious strain, and its funds will be depleted by 2035 if no action is taken, according to the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. Part of the blame lies with Chinas one-child policy, in place between 1980 and 2015, which has meant elderly people are less able to rely on children for financial support, the BBC noted. Aside from delaying retirement, some experts have suggested increasing employees 15-year minimum contributions period to align with international standards  closer to 30 years  and incentivising investment into private pensions accounts, Nikkei Asia wrote.
National flags are placed outside a room where Philippine Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez and China's Commerce Minister Gao Hucheng address reporters after their meeting in Beijing

BEIJING (Reuters) - China's vice foreign minister and his Philippine counterpart have had a "frank and in-depth" exchange on sea-related issues, in particular the issue of the disputed Sabina Shoal, the Chinese foreign ministry said on Wednesday.

During their meeting, China reiterated its demand for the immediate withdrawal of a Philippine vessel and vowed to "firmly uphold its sovereignty", the ministry statement showed.

Both countries agreed to continue their dialogue through diplomatic channels.

Xianbin Reef, also known as Sabina Shoal, is in disputed waters of the South China Sea near the Spratly Islands, which China calls the Nansha Islands.

China claims sovereignty over most of the South China Sea. The countries have clashed over competing claims at several atolls in the sea, through which $3 trillion worth of trade passes annually.

(Reporting by Beijing newsroom; Editing by Kevin Liffey)
Tensions between China, Taiwan and the U.S. arent limited to aerial military maneuvers and drills on the high seas. The shadow conflict is also playing out in the technological arena.

One of the central drivers of the deepening geopolitical rifts between China on one side and Taiwan and the U.S. on the other is dominance over global semiconductor supply chains. This is because semiconductors  or microchips  power everything from smartphones and home office software to critical infrastructure and advanced military hardware.

As international demand for sophisticated microchips surges, not least owing to the blistering growth of artificial intelligence, so does their strategic value to the global economy and the progress of individual nations. China today spends as much importing microchips as it does importing oil.

This deepening reliance on semiconductors around the world adds another layer of complexity to simmering China-Taiwan tensions. Today, Taiwan is the worlds largest and most advanced microchip producer, and China is the planets biggest consumer of semiconductors.

As researchers in geopolitics and advanced technologies, we see the competition to control microchip supply chains as one of the defining struggles of the 21st century. Taiwans experience could serve as an example to the U.S., which on Sept. 6, 2024, announced a fresh wave of export controls on semiconductor goods.

The worlds chipmaker

Taiwan did not emerge as the worlds semiconductor powerhouse by accident. The self-governing island has been producing high-quality microchips for decades due in large part to its flexible production network and world-class engineering talent pool.

Yet Taiwan faces a delicate balancing act in maintaining its market superiority in semiconductors, especially when it comes to exporting advanced technologies to China. For one, Taiwanese policymakers are understandably determined to both avoid political entanglements with a country that views the island as its own territory and hold on to the islands intellectual property. Moreover, Taiwan wants to keep microchips from powering Chinese missiles currently pointed at the capital, Taipei.

The road to regulating chips

Until the early 1990s, the transfer of technologies to China was prohibited under Taiwanese law. But regulations were weakly enforced. As a result, Taiwanese businesses frequently circumvented existing sanctions by rerouting investments through then-British Hong Kong. The reality was that the chip industry was a lucrative source of revenue for the island.

Taiwans approach to regulating the flow of technologies started to change in 1993 when President Lee Teng-hui implemented the no haste, be patient policy. The strict ban was relaxed and replaced by a system in which additional layers of oversight were added to highly advanced technologies, deals valued at more than US$50 million and specialized critical infrastructure projects.

Crafted over decades, this outbound investment screening system features multiple checks intended to safeguard Taiwans core chip technologies. Taiwanese authorities are actively involved in monitoring and overseeing investment decisions involving China made by the islands semiconductor companies. Officials are also keen to ensure that local chipmakers are aligned with Taiwans strategic interests, while minimizing political ties with its neighbor.

During the screening process, Taiwanese companies are required to submit detailed investment plans to government-appointed reviewers for approval. For example, when a Taiwanese semiconductor firm, such as the worlds largest chip manufacturer TSMC, considers establishing a new facility in China, it must first undertake a rigorous approval process.

Changing calculations

While the cautious policy shift appears prescient today given rising geopolitical tensions, at the time it was considered out of step with the direction of more open global trade relations with China. The restrictive human rights considerations that had curbed Western trade with China were eased in the 1990s after intensive lobbying by U.S. corporations. In 2000, U.S. President Bill Clinton granted China permanent normal trade relations, paving the way for its accession to the World Trade Organization a year later. Trade with China, including of advanced technologies, exploded thereafter.

A visitor explores the TSMC exhibition at the World Semiconductor Congress 2022 in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, China. CFOTO/Future Publishing via Getty Images

But Washingtons strategic calculations over trade with China have shifted dramatically over the past decade. In 2018, the U.S. singled out China as a strategic competitor, designating several Chinese hackers and the government itself as national security threats. By August 2023, President Joe Biden directed the Treasury Department to draft regulations to develop an outbound investment security program to safeguard semiconductor, quantum and AI technologies.

A few months later, the U.S. issued sweeping restrictions on the trade of advanced chips and chipmaking equipment with China. In early 2024, the European Union released a white paper proposing to do the same.

Of course, Taiwan has its own specific political concerns when it comes to China. Given Beijings long-standing ambition to, as Chinese leaders put it, reunify Taiwan with the mainland, local officials are particularly aware how doing business with China might have unpredictable and damaging political ramifications.

The Taiwanese National Security Bureau has long warned that Beijing is using business to covertly advance its political ambition, including by leveraging Taiwanese capital to build influence and proxies within Taiwan. And in late 2023, Taiwans National Science and Technology Council announced a list of over 20 core technologies it wanted to prevent Beijing from acquiring, including know-how and raw material to make chips smaller than 14 nanometers.

New challenges for Taiwans regulations

Taiwanese authorities and businesses have built on the outbound screening system in order to push back against Chinese influence. In recent years, additional principles to protect Taiwans semiconductor dominance have been introduced, including requiring Taiwanese investors to retain a controlling interest in all Chinese subsidiaries.

Nonetheless, Taiwans outbound investment screening system is facing multiple tests. While it is designed to curb the transfer of advanced Taiwanese technologies to China, it also has to oversee financial investments from Taiwan into Chinas surging chipmaking sector.

In 2022, for example, the Taiwanese technology group Foxconn announced an investment in Tsinghua Unigroup through its Chinese subsidiary. Tsinghua Unigroup is backed by Chinas National Integrated Circuit Industry Investment Fund and controlled by a Beijing-based private equity firm. Owing to Foxconns failure to submit a required preapproval application to the outbound investment screening authorities, the Taiwanese government imposed a fine on the company, which eventually withdrew its investment.

Inside the Taiwan Semiconductor Research Institute in Hsinchu, Taiwan. Annabelle Chih/Getty Images

Chinas growing chip industry is also expanding its local supply chain, raising questions about whether Taiwan should expand restrictions on other suppliers linked to semiconductor manufacturers. After the U.S. introduced export controls on China in late 2023, the Chinese firm Huawei aggressively expanded its chip production network by leveraging its affiliates and Taiwanese suppliers. Four Taiwanese semiconductor firms that had previously been approved for outbound investment were subsequently accused of aiding Huawei in building Chinas domestic chip supply chain.

Confronting Chinas ambition

With access to Taiwanese semiconductors increasingly restricted, China has aggressively pursued greater technological autonomy. It has done so by reducing its reliance on imports of advanced equipment and materials from U.S., Japan, the Netherlands and Taiwan.

There are legitimate concerns in the West that tightening international export restrictions on microchips and relevant suppliers could inadvertently strengthen Chinas determination to accelerate the development of its domestic semiconductor production.

Official data appears to corroborate this view; Chinas overall imports of microchips in 2023 were below 2017 levels. Exports of Taiwanese chips to China dropped by 18% in 2023.

Meanwhile, Chinas National Bureau of Statistics reported that overall domestic chip production grew by 40% in the first quarter of 2024. Its share of global capacity to produce logic chips at 10-22 nanometers could rise from 6% to 19% by 2032.

But these data points do not necessarily mean that China is close to technological autonomy. Most of the increases in domestic chip production involve mature chips for household appliances and electric vehicles, rather than the most advanced chips required to accelerate AI computing power.

Meanwhile, China is still dependent on Taiwan for its semiconductors. The decrease in overall chip imports could be a result of international export restrictions on the most cutting-edge semiconductors needed for high-end smartphones and other AI-driven, high-performance computing products.

Coordinating international efforts

Restricting Chinas access to the global superconductor supply chain is challenging. While doing so makes China reliant on Taiwanese chips  and as such may serve as a temporary protective shield against invasion  it could also exacerbate Beijings insecurities, pushing President Xi Jinping to hasten efforts to become technologically self-sufficient in advanced chips manufacturing. At the same time, outright bans on these chips hasnt prevented China from producing a range of semiconductors using foreign capital and technology.

To address this challenge, Taiwans screening mechanisms not only need to remain nimble and vigilant  they need to be supported by a coordinated international approach. Only then will it be possible to slow the progress of authoritarian regimes in the AI race.

This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Min-Yen Chiang, Georgia State University and Robert Muggah, Pontificia Universidade Catolica do Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio)

Read more:



Min-Yen Chiang currently serves as an OTF Fellow at Secdev Group, where his research focuses on the development of AI chips in China. He is also a Non-Resident Fellow at the Research Institute for Democracy, Society, and Emerging Technology, where he explores semiconductor supply chains and economic security issues. Alongside his professional work, Chiang is pursuing a PhD in political science at Georgia State University, specializing in the political economy of semiconductors.

Dr Robert Muggah is affiliated with the SecDev Group, a digital risk and cybersecurity firm, and the Igarape Institute, an independent think tank that develops research, solutions and partnerships to address key global challenges in the areas of public security, digital and climate. Dr Muggah is also an advisor to the United Nations, the IMF and the World Bank and a fellow at Bosch Foundation, the Graduate Institute, Singularity and Princeton University.
China has offered a new and closer look at the catapults on its newest aircraft carrier, the Fujian. We also now have what appears to be the first look inside the retractable enclosed control station built into the flight deck that catapult officers on the ship will use to launch planes.

China has offered a new and closer look at the catapults on its newest aircraft carrier, the Fujian. We also now have what appears to be the first look inside the retractable enclosed control station built into the flight deck that catapult officers on the ship will use to launch planes. The kind of integrated control station is found on U.S. Navy aircraft carriers, where they are commonly called the bubble, and the specific design of the one on Fujian is very reminiscent of the one on the USS Gerald R. Ford.

A close-up look at the bubble on Fujians flight deck. Chinese internet capture via X

The new views of Fujians flight deck are included in a new Peoples LIiberation Army (PLA) promotional video, clips of and screen captures from which began circulating on social media today. The full footage showcases other Chinese military developments, including the WZ-7 Soaring Dragon drone and what looks to be a KVD-002 uncrewed aircraft.

"Operator, Punch the Launch Button"



Navy Catapult Control Station used byFujian Type 003 CV | "Hardening" Special Sets Trailer(Edited) pic.twitter.com/uD7vzpnzrC  David Wang (@Nickatgreat1220) September 11, 2024

Maybe just a teaser or a hint for a major news:



At least to me these are the first images from the PLANS-18 "Fujian's" catapult observation station (not sure how this is actually designated!?)



(Images via @ from Weibo) pic.twitter.com/HB4DWdBfVd  @Rupprecht_A (@RupprechtDeino) September 11, 2024

Fujian, which began conducting sea trials earlier this year, is Chinas first carrier with Catapult Assisted Take-Off But Arrested Recovery (CATOBAR) configuration. The ship has three catapults, two at the bow end and one off to the port side further back amidships, all of which are electromagnetic in design.

When the newly emerged footage was shot is unclear. As of the beginning of this week, Fujian was still undergoing its fourth sea trial. Satellite imagery appears to have captured the carrier in the Bohai Bay in northeastern China as recently as September 9. Last week, additional images also pointed to Fujian sailing together with the PLA Navys (PLAN) other two flattops, the Liaoning and the Shandong.

For a brief period on Sept. 6 or 7, all three of Chinese aircraft carriersLiaoning, Shandong, and Fujianwere likely at sea simultaneously, marking a rare event in China's aircraft carrier operations.https://t.co/htoD1G50t2  Ryan Chan  (@ryankakiuchan) September 10, 2024

The new video offers up-close looks at the catapult tracks at the carriers bow, as well as the interior and exterior of the catapult launching station. The station itself has a large hexagonal plate on top that sits flush with the rest of the flight deck when it is retracted. This is very similar in form and function to the Integrated Catapult Control System (ICCS) found on the Ford class. U.S. Navy Nimitz class carriers have a retractable ICCS built into their flight decks, as well, but it has no top cover, instead featuring a hatch for catapult officers to get in and out. Frances CATOBAR carrier Charles de Gaulle also has a retractable bubble that fits flush on the deck, but is rectangular in shape.

A picture showing the bubble on Frances Charles de Gaulle. DOD

On U.S. Navy flattops, the ICCS is the primary point of control for the ships catapults and gives their operators a good all-around view of the flight deck. Backup catapult control systems are found elsewhere on Nimitz and Ford class carriers.

One of the new clips of Fujian shows a catapult officer pressing the launch button from within the control station, but nothing is subsequently shown actually flying off the deck. Live tests of Fujians catapults have occurred using weighted trucks, which is a common practice. To date, no images have emerged of aircraft launching from the carrier.

As of the beginning of this week, Fujian was still undergoing its fourth sea trial. Satellite imagery appears to have captured the carrier in the Bohai Bay in northeastern China as recently as September 9. Last week, additional images also pointed to Fujian sailing together with the PLA Navys (PLAN) other two flattops, the Liaoning and the Shandong.

For a brief period on Sept. 6 or 7, all three of Chinese aircraft carriersLiaoning, Shandong, and Fujianwere likely at sea simultaneously, marking a rare event in China's aircraft carrier operations.https://t.co/htoD1G50t2  Ryan Chan  (@ryankakiuchan) September 10, 2024

Launching an aircraft from Fujians deck will be a major milestone toward getting that ship fully into service and for the PLAN overall. To date, only one carrier, the Ford, has ever gotten aircraft into the air using an electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS), which remains a relatively new and complex technology. France and India, and potentially the United Kingdom, are looking to field EMALS-equipped carriers in the future. With Fujian, China is also notably going right to electromagnetic catapults without ever having operated a carrier using steam-powered ones.

China is also reportedly at some stage of active development, or even possibly construction, of another new CATOBAR carrier, commonly referred to as the Type 004, which could also be nuclear-powered. Artists conceptions of next-generation Chinese carriers, an example of which is seen below, have shown broader similarities to the Ford class design, as well as Frances New Generation Aircraft Carrier, as The War Zone has noted in the past.

Chinese Internet via X A rendering of a future Chinese aircraft carrier design. Chinese Internet via @HenriKenhmann

The PLAN is also set to receive a number of very large big-deck amphibious assault ships, referred to now as the Type 076, with at least one electromagnetic catapult that is expected to be primarily used to launch drones, as you can read more about here. EMALSs, in general, can be more finely tuned to different aircraft types, especially ones at the smaller and lighter end of the spectrum, than steam-powered types, which offers advantages for safely launching uncrewed platforms. EMALS, which are also less complicated mechanically than their predecessors, have lower reset times that can help increase sortie generation rate.

Latest update on the first Type 076 LHD and now it is clear there is indeed only a single EMALS catapult.



(Image via Ricky Un on Facebook) pic.twitter.com/TV4E8udqCn  @Rupprecht_A (@RupprechtDeino) June 9, 2024

Promotional video for the shipborne version of the GJ-11 drone shown by the AVIC at the China Air Show. pic.twitter.com/RDw8COgPAA   (@louischeung_hk) October 7, 2021

A demonstration of Fujians catapults with real aircraft will also reflect the significant new training requirements, both for the ships crew and Chinas naval aviators, that come along with the new carrier. The Liaoning and the Shandong are both short take-off, barrier-arrested recovery (STOBAR) types with ski jumps at their bows instead of catapults.

China has already been using land-based test sites for years to help prepare personnel for future catapult-equipped carrier operations.

And in the November 2011 photo, you can also see an catapult test vehicle similar to the one now used by the Fujian undergoing catapult testing. pic.twitter.com/hD0K1jaaXC  Q (@foolsball) November 26, 2023

The two catapults are claimed to be steam catapults for the shorter one and EM catapults for the longer one. Later in 2017 we saw multiple occurrences of different types of payloads in catapult tracks. pic.twitter.com/W3FigY1wEZ  Q (@foolsball) November 26, 2023

Training a new cadre of catapult control officers who will work from within Fujians catapult control bubble will be a key part of these ancillary efforts to get the carrier ready for true operational use and for laying the groundwork for operating even more advanced flattops in the future.

Contact the author: joe@twz.com
Chinese EVs you can buy in Europe  but not in the US

Chinese EV firms like BYD have been effectively shut out of the US thanks to high tariffs.

Many of them sell their electric vehicles in Europe, despite the EU introducing its own tariffs.

Here are some Chinese EVs drivers can buy in Europe  but not in the US.

US tourists who visited Europe this summer may have spotted some unfamiliar EVs on the road  some of which will have been built in China.

China's electric vehicle giants were effectively shut out of the US in May, when the government imposed crippling tariffs on China-based EV companies amid growing geopolitical tensions.

The tariffs, designed to prevent the US auto market from being flooded with cheap Chinese EVs, have made it virtually impossible for companies like BYD to export their EVs stateside.

The European Union set out its own trade restrictions on China's Tesla rivals in June  but unlike in the US, many have a sizable presence in the European market.

Here are some of the Chinese electric vehicles that European drivers can buy right now but US drivers can't:

BYD

A BYD Seal EV in a showroom. Sean Gallup/Getty Images

BYD is expanding rapidly in Europe, and plans are underway to build two factories in Hungary and Turkey in the coming years.

The Warren Buffett-backed automaker sells six EV models in Europe  from the Dolphin Hatchback, which costs from 32,990 ($36,400), to the Han sedan, which starts at 69,000 ($76,100) in Germany.

Despite the EU imposing a 17% import tariff on BYD in August, the company isn't slowing down. As it competes with Tesla worldwide, it plans to bring its $10,000 Seagull EV to Europe in 2025.

Nio

Nio's ET7 EV has an estimated range of 1,000km (620 miles). VCG/Getty Images

Chinese EV brand Nio is known in its home country for its battery swapping stations, designed to prevent long charging times by removing flat batteries and replacing them with fully charged ones.

Like BYD, Nio has been expanding in Europe, establishing battery swap stations across the continent and selling six models as of May 2024.

That includes the stylish ET7, which Nio says comes with an AI-powered suspension and an estimated 1,000km (620 mile) range.

Xpeng

Xpeng's G6 electric SUV. SOPA Images/Getty Images

Xpeng is known for its quirky EV models, including a flying car.

In Europe, the automaker sells its G9, G6, and P7 models in various markets, including Denmark, Sweden, and Norway.

Zeekr

Zeekr's 001 EV boasts an estimated 620km (385 miles) range. VCG/Getty Images

Chinese manufacturer Zeekr is one of many companies vying to take on Tesla in China. It has two models available in parts of Europe.

Both the Zeekr X and the Zeekr 001 are luxury EVs priced between 42,490 euros and 59,490 euros ($46,800 to $65,600) in the Netherlands. The Zeekr 001 boasts an estimated 620km (385 miles) of range and 0 to 60 mile acceleration in 3.8 seconds.

Like many other Chinese automakers, Zeekr faces EU's tariffs. CEO Andy An told Bloomberg that the company may move production to Europe in the coming years as a result.

MG

The MG Cyberster. John Keeble/Getty Images

Historic British car brand MG is owned by one of China's largest automakers, SAIC Motor.

Since it came under SAIC Motor's control, MG has moved some of its vehicle production to China and produced a series of electric models, including the MG4.

This electric hatchback starts at 26,995 ($35,300) in the UK, making it 12,995 ($17,000) cheaper than Tesla's least expensive offering in the country.

MG also recently launched the Cyberster, a stylish electric roadster that is available for 54,995 ($72,000) in the UK.

As of yet, there's no sign of the MG4 or the Cyberster coming to the US  although MG is planning to build a manufacturing plant in Mexico, a move some US lawmakers have warned could provide Chinese manufacturers with a "backdoor" to the US market.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Riyadh is Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang's first stop in a Gulf tour (-) (-/SPA/AFP)

Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Salman met on Wednesday with visiting Chinese Premier Li Qiang to discuss bilateral ties, Saudi state media said.

Riyadh was Li's first stop in a regional Gulf trip that will also take him to the neighbouring United Arab Emirates.

In the Saudi capital, the two leaders discussed "the bilateral cooperation between the two countries, particularly in the fields of politics, security, commerce, energy, investment, culture and technology", the official Saudi Press Agency reported.

Key US ally Saudi Arabia has in recent years sought to forge closer ties with Beijing, which has also sought to deepen its economic and diplomatic relations with Middle Eastern countries.

China accounts for nearly a quarter of crude oil exports from Saudi Arabia, the world's largest crude exporter.

Earlier on Wednesday, Li attended a meeting on economic cooperation with business leaders and officials.

The Chinese premier told El-Ekhbariya state TV that "my visit to the kingdom aims to push the bilateral relations to their highest level".

Last year, China facilitated a historic rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Iran.

China has also positioned itself as a more neutral actor on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict than its rival the United States, advocating a two-state solution while maintaining good ties with Israel. In late July, Beijing hosted Palestinian leaders from rival factions.

The Chinese government has pointed to the Middle East as a key node in its Belt and Road infrastructure initiative, a central pillar of leader Xi Jinping's bid to expand China's clout overseas.

Experts say Prince Mohammed may seek to enlist China or Chinese firms in Saudi mega-projects such as the futuristic desert city of NEOM.

sar/ami/srm
Baby taken by armed and dangerous teen located: CHP

The California Highway Patrol issued and then deactivated an AMBER Alert for a missing 9-month-old child who was abducted by a teenager early Wednesday morning.

According to a CHP bulletin, the victim was 9-month-old Jaydan Avalos, and his abductor was 18-year-old David Avalos. Their relationship was not disclosed.

David was said by authorities to be armed and dangerous and fled with the young child in a red Lexus sedan from West Carson.

David Avalos (left) and Jaydan Avalos (right) as seen in photos provided by CHP.

Jaydan Avalos as seen in a photo released by CHP.

David Avalos as seen in a photo released by CHP.

The California Highway Patrol has issued an AMBER Alert for a missing 9-month-old child who was believed to have been taken by a teenager. (CHP)

At 9 a.m. Wednesday, just over an hour after the initial AMBER Alert was issued, CHP announced that Jaydan had been located.

Authorities did not elaborate on the circumstances surrounding Jaydans location nor did they disclose any information on Davids whereabouts.

It is not known if the 18-year-old is in custody.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) labeled former President Trumps debate performance against Vice President Harris on Tuesday evening as a huge fail.

Harris did what she had to do, which was to prove that she belonged on that stage. She has a voice that want to try to unite the country, Christie told ABC News, which moderated the debate, directly following the forum. And Donald Trump spent more time talking about people eating pets, people at his rallies and whether he had more or less, than he did about the economy.

And that is a huge fail tonight, he added in the interview, highlighted by Mediaite.

Christie, who ran a challenge to Trump in the GOP primary before dropping out ahead of the Iowa caucuses earlier this year, has become one of the former presidents most outspoken Republican critics.

He said Harriss performance in the debate showed she was exquisitely well-prepared, because she laid traps for Trump and he chased every rabbit down every hole. Christie added that the former president was baited to go on tangents and bring up conspiracy theories about immigrants eating pets  a claim that his running mate, Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio), has also faced scrutiny for floating.

Whoever did debate prep for Donald Trump should be fired, the former governor said. He was not good tonight at all.

The high-stakes debate was seen as a critical moment for Harris. She sought to introduce herself and her policy stances to voters while simultaneously baiting Trump into giving an erratic performance.

After faring well against Trump, Christie believes Harris is now being seen by Americans as a potential president.

Thats what she needed to accomplish tonight. Trump better get to work, or hes going to lose this election, he said.

A CNN flash poll conducted after the debate found that 63 percent of voters said Harris outperformed Trump.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Wichita Falls (KFDX/KJTL)  Law enforcement now has a safe place to work and possibly relax, thanks to a generous offering from a local school.

Christ Academy welcomed local law enforcement to tour the newly dedicated space, named The Refuge, during a grand opening ceremony at its Wichita Falls campus, located on Stone Lake Drive, on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024.

The area will provide a space for the officers to work, take a break, enjoy refreshments, and stretch. Wichita Falls police spokesman Sgt. Charlie Eipper said the outreach of the local community, its members, and organizations, like Christ Academy, makes a positive change for the people who live and serve Wichita Falls and Texoma.

The service it provides for our officers who are working at any time can stop here. Go in. They have quick and easy access right into the doorway of this room, where they can go and relax, Eipper said. [Its a] comfortable place to sit and just get away for a little bit while they take a break or lunch. Thats just a great service that they have done for us, and we really appreciate that.

LOCAL NEWS: 4th annual Stair Climb hosted by Burk. PD happening on 9/11

Christ Academy head of school Tyler Jacobus said the repurposed space was designed to offer an area to serve as a 24/7 police substation.

Jacobus said officers could find a quiet workspace, dining table, coffee station, fully stocked refrigerator, place to relax, and private restroom. Hes excited to be able to help serve a community need.

The community benefit is were serving our local law enforcement. They have a very stressful job, and at times they need breaks, Jacobus explained. We want them to do that here in a place where they feel welcome, a place where they feel safe.

Jacobus said that this not only provides officers with a safe place to work but also makes law enforcements presence known at their campus and keeps the officers from having to travel across town to the police department to do paperwork. The Refuge will be available around the clock with a separate keypad entrance.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Texomashomepage.com.
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced the schedule for Octobers semi-annual general conference, set for the Conference Center in Downtown Salt Lake City on the weekend of Oct. 5 and Oct. 6.

The conference will take place in five two-hour sessions. All sessions are scheduled to be general sessions, according to Church Leadership. Saturday will have a morning session starting at 10 a.m. mountain time, an afternoon session starting at 2 p.m., and an evening session starting at 6 p.m. Sunday will have morning and afternoon sessions, those sessions start at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. respectively.

What is the Latter-day Saint general conference?

The announcement came on Sept. 5, ahead of a birthday celebration for the LDS churchs President and Prophet Russell M. Nelsons 100th birthday, which took place on Monday, Sept. 9.

The churchs First Presidency, which consists of President Nelson and his two counselors  President Henry B. Eyring and President Dallin H. Oaks  announced the sessions in a letter intended to be read to all congregations.

Sessions for all individuals, families, and friends will be held Saturday morning, afternoon, and evening, October 5, as well as Sunday morning and afternoon, October 6. The conference will be broadcast on the Church satellite system, ChurchofJesusChrist.org, and other media, the letter stated.

The sessions will also be streamed on the General Conference YouTube channel and Gospel Library app.

Sessions of general conference can also be attended in person, and members of all faith backgrounds are invited to watch, listen, and participate, the church said.

As of the writing of this article, due to construction on Temple Square, 18,000 people are being allowed to attend inside the conference center. No standby seating is available due to the aforementioned renovations.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Marion County Record reporter Phyllis Zorn and Sheriff Jeff Soyez stand outside the evidence room where an undersheriff signs over newspaper property to a forensic expert.

Marion County Record reporter Phyllis Zorn and Sheriff Jeff Soyez stand outside the evidence room where an undersheriff signs over newspaper property to a forensic expert. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

Criminal convictions based solely on circumstantial evidence are a regular occurrence in Kansas.

The recent report by special prosecutors about police raids in Marion last year is rife with circumstantial evidence that the police may have had the requisite criminal intent when they planned and executed the raids without probable cause. As one observer saw it, the police acted on a flimsy pretext that they were investigating a crime.

But special prosecutors concluded that it is not a crime under Kansas law for a law enforcement officer to conduct a poor investigation and reach erroneous conclusions. Meanwhile, in their report, they failed to acknowledge publicly available evidence that could have helped build a criminal case against one or more people behind the raids.

Special prosecutors need to offer a better explanation for why no pre-raid charges are warranted.

Demure prosecutors

The targets of the raids  including journalists at the weekly Marion County Record newspaper; its publisher, Eric Meyer; and a former member of the Marion City Council, Ruth Herbel  have filed five civil lawsuits in federal court against authorities involved in obtaining the search warrants. The only criminal charge the special prosecutors have filed is a single felony count against former Marion police chief Gideon Cody for conduct that took place only after the raids began.

Special prosecutors insist there is not enough evidence to establish that Cody knew his conclusions were inaccurate and, therefore, that he knew the sworn statements in the warrant applications were not accurate. Thus, as they put it, there is insufficient evidence to establish that Chief Cody committed a violation of the criminal laws of the state of Kansas by applying for the search warrant applications.

But they should know better than anyone that they dont necessarily need the proverbial smoking gun to win cases.

For more than 80 years, the Kansas Supreme Court has affirmed convictions in cases where prosecutors relied only on circumstantial evidence to punish criminals committing even the gravest offense.

In the decades since, the court has upheld verdicts based on entirely circumstantial evidence, noting that the burden of proof need not rise to that degree of certainty which will exclude any and every other reasonable conclusion.

Moreover, in the eyes of the law, direct and circumstantial evidence carry equal weight because there is no distinction between them in terms of probative value.

As a result, prosecutors can win convictions using only circumstantial evidence so long as such evidence provides a basis for a reasonable inference by the jury regarding a fact at issue.

Precedent set

Not only is achieving convictions in this fashion the norm, but circumstantial evidence has been used to prove crimes like the ones Cody may have committed.

For example, based solely on circumstantial evidence, a Wichita married couple who doctored student loan applications were convicted of making a false writing, the precursor to a crime that special prosecutors considered for Cody.

In the Wichita case, the court held that the totality of the circumstantial evidence of the couples knowledge of the falsity of the representations in the loan applications was enough to affirm multiple convictions on appeal.

In the Marion case, Cody could be charged with the same sort of offense if he falsely state(ed) or represent(ed) some material matter about the Marion investigation with intent to  induce the judge to sign the search warrants that precipitated the raid.

The Wichita couple faced the music based on circumstantial evidence. Why not Cody?

A mistake?

The convictions in the Wichita case, along with the literally dozens, if not hundreds, of others over the years that rested solely on circumstantial evidence make clear prosecutors need not meet the highest evidentiary standards to enforce the law. Hurdles such as the states mistake-in-fact defense didnt prevent convictions in those cases.

Special prosecutors declined to move forward at least in part because they claimed to fear what they called the specter of that very defense, which they correctly state can negate the existence of the culpable mental state required to prove intent.

But they failed to mention that the mistake-of-fact doctrine merely reflects the States burden to prove every element of the offense.

It goes without saying that the elements of a crime need to be proven, regardless of whether a case rests on circumstantial or direct evidence. The long history of successful prosecutions based solely on such evidence indicates that such convictions are routinely within reach, mistake defense or not.

Meanwhile, special prosecutors cited nothing in their report to show that defendants facing charges based on circumstantial evidence tend to avoid conviction because of the mistake-in-fact doctrine.

Why, then, did they feel the need to raise the specter of the defense at all?

Minimizing significance

Having claimed to consider all available evidence regarding the raids in Marion, the special prosecutors owe the public a detailed explanation of why they think none of that evidence could support a reasonable inference that police knowingly acted contrary to law.

For example, special prosecutors acknowledge that before the raids, Cody removed Record staff from a public meet-and-greet with U.S. Rep. Jake LaTurner at a restaurant. But they dont make clear that the journalists were ejected even though they had done nothing wrong. Their report also fails to address how expulsion at the hands of a government official interfered with staff members First Amendment right to receive information about a matter of public interest.

Without that kind of analysis  involving political speech undeniably protected by the U.S. Constitution  the public is ill-equipped to evaluate whether a jury could reasonably infer that Cody intended to continue his pattern of violating the Records constitutional rights by executing search warrants he knew, or should have known, to be baseless.

Information unavailable?

The report also fails to acknowledge, or investigators failed to gather, readily available evidence that could lead to additional inferences of intentional or knowing violations of law.

Lawsuits by the Record and Herbel include assertions that draw into serious question the mindset of Marion city officials with authority over Cody.

The Records lawsuit, on file months before the release of the special prosecutors report, reveals that former Marion Mayor David Mayfield, just 17 days before the raids, wrote that journalists are the real villains of America on his personal Facebook page. He played an important role in getting Cody hired a few months earlier.

Meanwhile, Herbels lawsuit, filed at the end of May, documents Mayfields longstanding feud with her. However, such publicly available information is nowhere to be found in the special prosecutors report. Thus, the public is left to wonder why it didnt appear there and whether it could support a reasonable inference that city officials adversarial stance toward journalists and Herbel influenced Cody.

Critical mass

Apart from omissions of publicly available information from the special prosecutors report, the facts it contains are too remarkable to add up to simple ignorance or mistake by police.

The report acknowledges that somehow the only substantive investigation that Cody and his subordinates conducted before raiding three separate locations consisted of a single phone call from Codys second-in-command, Officer Zach Hudlin (now Marions interim police chief) to the Kansas Department of Revenue.

On that call, in response to asking whether a Record journalists visit to a KDOR website to check a driving record was legal, Hudlin was told honestly, if anybody has your address as it appears on your drivers license, they can access all of your documents in your file.

The KDOR representative did go on to mention that the website could be subject to review soon to make it a little more secure. But as for when and how the Record accessed the website, such access would have been granted to anybody.

Remarkably, Hudlin told the KDOR staffer that the call had given him lots to go on.

Evidently puzzled, the representative responded by saying sorry there was no good answer to assist the investigation, and the call ended shortly thereafter.

But the die had been cast. Even though Cody, Hudlin and the rest had every reason to know that the Record journalist had done nothing wrong, they eschewed further investigation and proceeded with the search warrants. The special prosecutors report should have explained fully why evidence such as the KDOR reps comments to Hudlin would not be sufficient for a jury reasonably to infer that the police intentionally or knowingly acted contrary to law when they went ahead with their raids.

Setting aside the inherent inadequacy of an investigation based on a single phone call, it would be reasonable to expect that special prosecutors would closely scrutinize an event that amounted to the entirety of the investigation that underpinned the search warrants.

Instead, they dismiss the fateful erroneous conclusion Marion law enforcement drew that the journalist had falsified her identity and motives in order to access (the) driving record.

As the report states: It is difficult to ascertain whether Officer Hudlins conclusions were the product of confirmation bias, a hurried investigation or simply a misunderstanding of what the KDOR representative was trying to explain. What is clear is that Officer Hudlin reacted to this conversation as though the KDOR representative had provided the investigation with dispositive factual confirmation that (the Record reporter) had committed a crime.

Hudlin is a certified police officer, and Cody had more than two decades of law enforcement experience. Special prosecutors are unable to credibly explain how Cody, Hudlin and the rest could have reasonably believed search warrants were justified based on the call to KDOR.

Re-exercising prosecutorial discretion

Kansas law is clear that absent extraordinary circumstances, prosecutors discretion includes the power to investigate and to determine who shall be prosecuted and what crimes shall be charged.

For now, only one Marion-related criminal case has been filed, and it concerns only Codys post-raid conduct.

But considering the substantial circumstantial evidence that could support an inference of criminality by police, and the relevant, publicly available evidence that could further bolster criminal charges, the public deserves a better explanation for why prosecutorial discretion was not exercised in favor of better protecting the public.

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.

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SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  City Council met today to discuss the reauthorization of a property tax refund.

City Council says they will vote in favor of the refund, which is available for certain elderly and disabled people.

Farm bill needed now, SD producers say in DC

Our property tax refund, we annually give our blessing for seniors and the disabled. It was brought about a few years ago. Myself and Councilor Starr thought it was appropriate to do some tax relief for those people that really need it, the property taxes, said City Councilor Curt Soehl.

People 65 and older or those with a disability as defined by the Social Security Act are eligible to apply for the refund. Requirements also include property value being less than 345,340 dollars.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com.
Editors Note: A previous version of the story identified the AR-15 as an assault rifle. AR stands for ArmaLite Rifle.

CITY VIEW (KFDX/KJTL)  A City View student is free on bond after being charged with making a terroristic threat by posting a photo of an AR-15 rifle and knives and making comments about the school.

After an interview and a threat assessment by the City View police, Jessie Tinsley was charged Tuesday, September 10. He was released on $25,000 bond Wednesday.

Officers were made aware early Tuesday morning of a post made by Tinsley.

The post was a photo of an AR-15 rifle, what appeared to be shell casings and knives and a caption that said **** City View, I dont claim yall as a school anymore.

Alleged romantic deception leaves man broke, homeless

During the threat assessment interview, police said he holds resentment against his mother because of a pending divorce and it appeared to be affecting him.

Another question concerned the students inappropriate interest in school attacks, to which police said Tinsley mentioned the school shooting in Georgia.

During the interview, in which his parents were in attendance, police said his father admitted he supplied an assault rifle to his son recently and allowed him to keep it in his room and they had had target practice recently.

While he admitted posting the photo of the rifle on his Snapchat account, police said Tinsley did not have an appropriate answer on why he posted it. He just kept saying how frustrated he is now.

Police said he told them he has no friends and is a self-admitted loner.

Police said numerous parents contacted them saying they were very concerned about the post and about having their child at school if Tinsley was there.

The police report states Tinsley was suspended for three days pending investigation.

An officer said when he advised Tinsleys father about parents being charged for supplying their children with weapons, he just shook his head and smiled.

Police said they received information from some parents that another student said he was going to help Tinsley on the morning of September 10, but that information could not be confirmed.

After the post and investigation, added security was hired at the school and the sheriffs office sent deputies to the school.

This is a developing story. Stick with Texomas Homepage for updates as more information becomes available. All individuals charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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Days away from the 23rd anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, online users discussed a picture of a West Virginia newspaper print advertisement intended to honor the victims of the tragedy.

The print ad  dated Sept. 6, 2024  displayed a picture of the World Trade Center in New York from Sept. 11, 2001, apparently in the seconds after the second plane struck the south tower. It also showed a dog with a large teardrop falling from its eye and the company name Quality Home Comfort superimposed on top of the fires and destruction. The copy read, "Upgrade Now!," and promoted furnaces, air conditioning, duct work and installation.

Users reposted the ad on Facebook and X. A reverse-image search also led us to numerous Reddit posts where users discussed the ad, including on the subreddits r/WestVirginia, r/idiocracy, r/HVAC, r/TwinTowersInPhotos, r/NormMacdonald, r/AdvertisingFails, r/ABoringDystopia and others. The picture of the ad possibly originated with the r/WestVirginia subreddit. We contacted the user who created that post but did not yet receive a response.

Commenters in these posts made light of various aspects featured in the ad, for example the mention of "furnaces" right below the fires of the burning twin towers and also the dog with the teardrop.

To learn more, we spoke by phone with Damon Bolden, the listed president of Quality Home Comfort. The company is located in the small town of Grafton, West Virginia. He told Snopes that a local newspaper designed the ad, telling us, "I don't even know what it looks like. We have a little local newspaper here in north-central West Virginia."

Both Bolden and a Reddit commenter mentioned the ad appeared in a Clarksburg-based newspaper. The Clarksburg-based Exponent Telegram, via WVNews.com, previously featured ads with the same dog, including one showing the same dog with sweat drops instead of teardrops. Another ad honored 9/11 victims in 2023 with a backdrop of the modern-day New York skyline at night, complete with the "Tribute in Light" display representing the lost twin towers. No dogs appeared in that previous ad.

After we described the September 2024 ad to Bolden, including mentioning the crying dog, he said, "To have a dog on it and to put Quality Home on the buildings or anything like that  we would never do anything like that. That would be so disrespectful. It would be unbelievable."

He continued, saying he received numerous calls from people who viewed the ad online. "I'm getting these calls from Maryland and New York, and one guy wanted to donate. I'm going, 'Sir, we're not asking for donations.' It's just a local ad out of our local little handout newspaper for the 17,000 people that are in Taylor County. That's it." He provided us with contact information for one of his coworkers who told us much the same.

We emailed the staff of WVNews.com to ask if this matter involved their print newspaper but did not yet receive a response. We will update this story if we uncover more details.

Sources:

"Grafton, West Virginia." U.S. Census Bureau, https://data.census.gov/profile/Grafton_city,_West_Virginia?g=160XX00US5432716.

"QUALITY HOME COMFORT HEATING & COOLING, INC." West Virginia Secretary of State Mac Warner, https://apps.sos.wv.gov/business/corporations/organization.aspx?org=146390.

"September 11 Attacks | History, Summary, Location, Timeline, Casualties, & Facts." Britannica, https://www.britannica.com/event/September-11-attacks.

"Tribute in Light." National September 11 Memorial & Museum, https://www.911memorial.org/visit/memorial/tribute-light.
TUNIS, Sep. 10 (Xinhua) -- An agreement on a financing package of around 101.7 million U.S. dollars was signed Tuesday between Tunisia and the African Development Bank (AfDB) for facilitating the country's job creation program.

The package includes a 24-year loan worth 90 million euros (99.2 million dollars) and a donation of 2.5 million dollars in the form of technical support, for Tunisia's Support Programme for Business Competitiveness and Empowerment of the Population through Job Creation (CAP-Emplois), the Tunisian Ministry of Economy and Planning said in a post on Facebook.

The agreement was signed by Tunisian Minister of Economy and Planning Samir Abdelhafidh and AfDB's Deputy Director-General for North Africa Malinne Blomberg, it said.

According to the AfDB, a financial provider to African governments and private companies investing in its regional member countries, CAP-Emplois will be rolled out over four years starting from November 2024, with an aim to support the creation of jobs and new businesses, as well as the growth and formalization of existing businesses in Tunisia.

The program is said to enable the creation of 118,900 formal jobs, 76,600 directly and 42,300 indirectly, in the country. 
WINCHESTER, Ky. (FOX 56)  Clark County has issued a state of emergency after a bridge closure on Red River Road has added many miles and minutes to daily commutes for more than 35 homeowners.

Fred Devary said his family has lived just south of the Red River Road bridge since the 1800s. The bridge is a part of home, but he realized a few years ago it needed some work.

Devary said when he talked with the bridges owner, CSX Railroad, a few years back, it was clear that no money was coming for repairs.

They just let me know that that line is dead and theyre not going to spend $1,000,000 on a bridge when the tracks not in use, said Devary.

Judge Executive Les Yates said the rivets and the wood used to make the bridge have failed due to old age.

It was built in 1912, so its been there 100+ years and it had just over time, just wore out, said Yates.

Read more of the latest Lexington & central Kentucky news

The closure has forced homeowners to take another way in and out of the community, adding 25 minutes or more to their trips into Winchester, where they can find the nearest grocery store.

It wears you out every day; you cant make no time; you got to leave 45 minutes earlier, especially if youre going to Lexington, said Devary.

The bridges closure has also caused even emergency services to reroute. Firefighters used to be able to get to the other side of the bridge within two minutes; now it takes more than 30 minutes.

Yates said emergency response is the greatest concern of county leaders, and they are brainstorming ways to get crews there quicker, asking for a small emergency vehicle that would be allowed to go across.

Now they cant transport, but by that time they can get it back to the bridge, get across the bridge; you could maybe have an ambulance or somebody sitting there waiting, said Yates.

Some homeowners said the closure has them thinking of moving away from the area at least temporarily.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

If I could, I would get an apartment somewhere just for the time being, you know, until its put in, but, you know, you cant just go off and leave your property unattended. So, its just what it is, said Alice Slone, a nearby resident.

There is no time frame for replacing the bridge or even a clear idea of how much it will cost or who will pay for it. Yates said this is just one of several bridges across the county that need to be cared for.

Unfortunately, this is not the only bridge in the county, so we need to start taking a serious look at these scenarios, the bridges, roads and somehow make sure it dont happen again, Yates said.

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LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Clark County firefighters will be helping extinguish a wildfire burning near Reno, with the crew expected to depart Wednesday morning.

According to a release from Clark County, a 34-person strike team from four fire departments in Southern Nevada is being deployed to Washoe County to help fight the Davis Fire. That fire is the third-largest in the state and, as of Tuesday, has charred approximately 5,600 acres near Reno.

MORE INFO: Davis Fire currently 3rd-largest in Nevada at 5,600 acres

Some personnel may be assigned to the task force fighting to protect threatened structures while others will be assigned to local fire stations in the region to run calls and supplement personnel deployed to the Davis Fire, the release said.

18 firefighters will be sent from the Clark County Fire Department, including a mechanic and a battalion chief, with four engines heading to the blaze. Henderson and North Las Vegas fire departments will also be sending personnel.

The team is scheduled to leave at approximately 8 a.m. 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 KLAS.
Extreme weather is striking multiple places around the world, including wildfires in California, a hurricane that threatens Louisiana, drought and wildfires in the Amazon, flooding in Nigeria and a lethal typhoon in Vietnam.

The death toll from Typhoon Yagi reached at least 155 after flash flooding tore through a hamlet in northern Vietnam. Homes were buried in mud and debris and dozens more people were missing. Much of the damage was in Lao Cai province, a tourism-dependent region known to some trekkers for the destination of Sapa. One expert said storms like Yagi are getting stronger due to climate change.

In the U.S., Hurricane Francine's path toward the Louisiana coast had residents there making trips to stock up on supplies and harden their homes for possible damage. Forecasters were warning of high winds and a storm surge that could mean widespread flooding. The storm was headed for a fragile coastal region hit by hurricanes as recently as 2020 and 2021.

Here is a look and some other extreme weather events related to climate:

 Wildfires are burning across the American West, including Idaho, Oregon and Nevada. Some of the most intense fires were in California, where firefighters battled major blazes east of Los Angeles in the San Gabriel mountains. Tens of thousands of homes and other structures were threatened and thousands of people were being evacuated from communities under threat.

 A dam collapse in Nigeria caused severe flooding that forced evacuations and swept deadly reptiles from a zoo into communities in the area. Unusually high rains had filled the Alau dam to capacity before its collapse caused some of the worst flooding in northeastern Nigeria in 30 years.

 Most of Brazil has been under a thick layer of smoke from wildfires in the Amazon, with millions of people affected in faraway cities including Sao Paulo and Brasilia. Brazil's wildfires have come on as the nation suffers through its worst drought on record. Amid the hardship, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva pledged to finish paving a road that experts say threatens to vastly increase destruction of the rainforest.

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Without the forest, there is no water, its interconnected, said Suely Araujo, a public policy coordinator with the Climate Observatory, criticizing plans by Brazil's president to finish paving a road that experts say could speed up deforestation in the Amazon.

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Owners and fans of Southern Californias Mountain High Resort breathed a sigh of relief Wednesday after the ski resort avoided catastrophe from one of Californias raging wildfires.

Despite dramatic video shared on social media that appeared to show the resort surrounded by massive flames from the Bridge Fire, and erroneous reports that the resort had burned to the ground, Mountain High officials announced that the property had ultimately dodged a bullet.

A night cam showed ski lifts at Mt. High Resort in Wrightwood were engulfed in flames as the Bridge Fire expanded on September 10, 2024. (Mountain High Resort)

The resort, which is located in Wrightwood well within the Bridge Fire perimeter, announced that all the main ski lifts and buildings survived the flames with little to no damage.

Were still standing strong  we [love] you, resort officials said on X.

Live updates: Bridge Fire

The resort was saved in part by quick thinking and improvisation from staff members.

Video from the resorts live webcams on Tuesday showed a desperate attempt to beat back the flames using the machines typically used to create snow in cold temperatures.

Snow cannons shoot aerated water into the air during frigid temperatures to produce snowflakes. On Tuesday, the cannons were used as makeshift firefighting tools.

Mountain High Resort is located at 24510 Hwy. 2 and is about a 90-minute drive from Los Angeles and Orange County. It consists of three separate mountains with West, East and North resorts. Its ski season typically begins in November.

The 48,000-acre Bridge Fire continues to burn across the mountains and valleys in Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties.

The blaze is responsible for the destruction of dozens of homes and cabins, and fire officials warn that hundreds of structures and critical power infrastructure remain threatened at this time.

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HONOLULU (KHON2)  The Council for Native Hawaiian Advancements 2024 Native Hawaiian Convention is coming up next week on the Big Island, including a makeke featuring local makers. CNHA cultural ambassador Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu joined Take2 live Tuesday morning to share more details about the event.

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The Council for Native Hawaiian Advancements (CNHA) 2024 Native Hawaiian Convention will be held from Sept. 17  19, 2024 on Hawaii Island at the Hilton Waikoloa Village. This years theme Experience Hawaii Island, will feature the cultural stories and communities of Moku o Keawe and will bring together the Hawaiian community, from opio to kupuna, in celebration of a path forward. The convention will feature discussions and workshops on a wide variety of topics ranging from housing, fashion, tourism, education, and more, Kumu Hina said.

The event will feature more than 100 breakout sessions covering various topics, including education, homeownership, business resources and self-determination.

A major highlight will be the makeke, open daily from 8 a.m.  3:30 p.m., which showcases local vendors and Hawaii-owned businesses. We also will have a Fashion, Food & Culture Showcase featuring some of Hawaiis top designers, chefs and musicians on Wed., Sept. 18, and a live KHON debate from the convention featuring Hawaii Island mayoral candidates on Thurs., Sept. 19, she said.

Kumu Hina also brought in some of the products that will be featured at the makeke

Attendees can explore and support 90 local Hawaii-owned businesses at the makeke (Market), open daily from 8 a.m.  3:30 p.m. during the convention, Kumu Hina said. The Makeke will spotlight local makers from across the state, while also highlighting some select artisans based on Hawaii Island including Sea Salts of Hawaii, Wai Meli, Akaka Falls Farms, Little Hands Hawaii and more. Well also feature our in-house featured artist Wela Designs. Uncle Wela makes incredible traditional Hawaiian weaponry, as well as other hand-crafted objects.

To purchase tickets visit CNHAs website.

 CNHA Members: $125; Non-CNHA Member: $225

 *Hotel rates are available for convention attendees, subject to availability.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2.
Former President Donald Trump made at least 33 false claims compared with at least one false claim from Democratic rival Kamala Harris in Tuesdays presidential debate, according to CNN fact-checking reporter Daniel Dale.

What stood out was that this was a staggeringly dishonest debate performance from former President Trump. Just lie after lie on subject after subject, said Dale.

CNN Fact Check of the debate: This was a staggeringly dishonest debate performance from former President Trump. Just lie after lie on subject after subject by my preliminary count, he made at least 33 false claims pic.twitter.com/5ZhJVBlqub  Acyn (@Acyn) September 11, 2024

No major presidential candidate before Donald Trump has ever lied with this kind of frequency, Dale noted. A remarkably large chunk of what he said tonight was just not true, and this wasnt like little exaggeration, political spin. A lot of his false claims were untethered to reality.

Dale cited Trumps comments on abortion, crime figures, health care and the odious baseless rumor about migrants eating pets in Ohio as being the subject of just some of the Republican nominees untruths.

Frankly, I dont have enough time here to run through each specific Trump false claim, he said, pointing viewers to his teams online fact check of the debate.

Harris false claim was about the economic situation that the Biden-Harris administration was left by Trump that wasnt as bad as she suggested, said Dale. She added at least a few misleading claims and a few more that lack key context, said Dale, but it was incomparable to Trumps lies.

On X, formerly Twitter, Dale wrote: Trump has been staggeringly dishonest and Harris has been overwhelmingly (though not entirely) factual.

Trump has been staggeringly dishonest and Harris has been overwhelmingly (though not entirely) factual.  Daniel Dale (@ddale8) September 11, 2024

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American voters thought Vice President Kamala Harris handily beat Republican nominee Donald Trump in Tuesday nights presidential debate, according to a CNN flash poll conducted Tuesday night.

Sixty-three percent of voters who watched the debate thought Harris won, while just 37% of viewers said the same of Trump. Before the debate, the same voters were split 50-50 on who they expected to prevail.

Throughout the 90-minute head-to-head between the two candidates, Harris showed composure, wit and a steadiness in her responses intentionally designed to bait Trump.

It was one of Harris' first candid opportunities to explain her positions in he general election, something voters wanted. In a recent New York Times/Siena College poll, 28% of those surveyed said they needed to learn more about Harris, compared to 9% of voters who said the same about Trump.

While its too early to know if Tuesday night was enough to fundamentally change the race, the debate seems to be a win for Harris.

The Washington Post asked 25 uncommitted swing-state voters who they thought won the debate and all but two said Harris.

Trump was on defense. Harris stuck to her points, was coherent and frankly, more professional than I have ever seen her. Trump missed too many opportunities, one man told The Post.

A group of Gen Z voters told GBH News they thought Harris was the decisive winner of Tuesday nights showdown.

Media analysts and even some Republicans also agreed that Harris came out on top.

She was exquisitely well prepared, she laid traps, and he chased every rabbit down every hole instead of talking about the things that he should have been talking about, former Republican Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey said in an interview on ABC News. This is the difference between someone who is well prepared and someone who is unprepared."

Pressure on Harris to have a good night was high after President Joe Bidens disastrous June debate performance, which eventually led to him stepping down as the Democratic nominee.

According to CNNs poll, Harris improved dramatically on the president's performance, with 67% of viewers saying Trump had outperformed Biden that night.
Cocaine gang who sold drugs across two counties jailed

"Kingpin" Junaid Khan, 24, was sent to prison for almost nine years for his role in heading up the Organised Crime Group [Police handout]

Drug dealers who supplied heroin, crack cocaine and cannabis across Lancashire and Yorkshire have been jailed.

"Kingpin" Junaid Khan, 24, of no fixed address, who led the gang, was sentenced at Burnley Crown Court to eight years and nine months.

The gang, which included a 16-year-old, was caught following a raid in October 2023 at Khans home where drugs were recovered alongside telephones and cash, police said.

They were arrested as part of an investigation into drug supply run by the Khan family in the Burnley and Bradford area - despite Khan already serving a prison sentence for previous drugs offences.

'Suspicious activity'

Officers were able to analyse mobile phone data to unearth a network of drug dealing on a large scale across the two counties, Lancashire Police said.

Trevor Smith, 23, of no fixed address, was another gang member who was jailed.

He was sentenced to three years and nine months for offering to supply and being concerned in the supply of heroin.

Musa Khan, 19, of Redvers Street, Burnley, was sentenced to one-and-a-half years in prison for conspiracy to supply heroin and crack cocaine.

Keeley Glover, 33, of Waterbarn Street, Burnley, was given a 15-month community order for being concerned in the supply of cannabis.

A 16-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, will be sentenced on 23 September at Preston Magistrates' Court for conspiracy to supply cocaine and cannabis.

All of the gang members pleaded guilty.

"I hope that seeing these sentences encourages people to continue to report suspicious activity, either directly to the police or anonymously to Crimestoppers," Det Sgt Stu Peall said.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also send story ideas to northwest.newsonline@bbc.co.uk

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(Photo by sdominick/Getty Images)

About 10,000 more students enrolled in Washingtons College in the High School program in the first school year that the dual credit courses were free for all students.

Thats according to data from the Washington State Education Research and Data Center as well as the Council of Presidents, an association representing Washingtons public four-year colleges and universities.

Gov. Jay Inslee signed legislation in 2022 making College in the High School classes free and the law went into effect in 2023.

College in the High School differs from other dual credit offerings in Washington  like the popular Running Start program  because the courses are taught at high school by high school teachers using college curriculum and textbooks. College faculty and staff oversee the teachers.

College in the High School was not made free in order to decimate Running Start, said Angela Jones, the Gates Foundations Washington state director who works on increasing access to education. Were trying to have a strong education ecosystemwe need all of the choices.

Jones noted 74% of College in the High School students enrolled in a postsecondary institution after high school, suggesting the program isnt what she calls random acts of dual credit and that it is providing a path to higher education.

The program also differs from Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate courses. Thats because College in the High School courses are hosted by Washington-area universities and community colleges and the classes directly translate to college credit.

Students can check how their course meets college credit requirements on a spreadsheet put together by Council of Presidents.

College in the high school provides us with opportunities to be engaged in a full day of activities in their high school, while offering the opportunity of a rigorous course, said Ruben Flores, executive director of Council of Presidents.

Flores said that because the classes are partnerships between districts and local universities, the course offerings can be better tailored to the specific needs or interests of the community.

Students can also take College in the High School classes without college credit, which Flores said allows students to experiment with a college-level course without worrying about their transcript.

Flores said interest in the program has skyrocketed among not only students, but school districts, who like the program in part because it allows them to keep students on their campus, helping fill out their enrollment numbers.

The Council of Presidents does not yet have numbers on school district participation but has seen another one of its institutions begin offering college in the high school this year  Western Washington University. That means four out of Washingtons six public four-year universities now offer a College in the High School course, Flores said.

While the data is positive so far, the Council of Presidents and the Washington State Education Research and Data Center has yet to release data on racial and income demographics. Making College in the High School free was supposed to increase participation for students from low-income households, but its still up in the air whether thats been the case.

Data from the 2023 cohort shows fewer low-income students on average graduating from College in the High School courses: About 28% were low-income. Jones said her team is still digging into the numbers, but she suspects it will show college counselors were more likely to recommend the program now that its not cost prohibitive.

It is exciting to see how much it jumped, Jones said about the enrollment numbers. I think there was a multitude of reasons why it jumped, but not having to pay is super helpful.

Jones added that she wants to make sure that the state sticks the landing ensuring students use those credits to get where they need to go.

We dont want them to take the class that doesnt go anywhere, Jones said. Thats the last piece that I want to make sure that we stick.
POINT LOOKOUT, Mo.  Members of the community honored the lives that were lost 23 years ago in the worst terrorist attacks on American soil at a memorial ceremony at College of the Ozarks.

Leaders at the college say the ceremony is an opportunity to remember the lives lost and the sacrifices of first responders who were at Ground Zero.

As part of our patriotic mission, its very important that we remember the victims of 9/11, not just on that day, but all the victims that sacrificed in defense of this country after that because of the effect that that had on our country, said Brigadier General James Schreffler, vice president of patriotic activities at C of O. And we really want to bring that to the forefront of our students minds on this day, on 9/11.

Families honor 9/11 victims, 23 years later

The college says showing students the experiences of others is a way to teach them about that day, aligning with the unique goal of instilling patriotism.

Most if not all of our students at the college and at the school were not yet born or they were at least too young to remember that day, said Dr. Brad Johnson, C of Os president. We gather today because we have pledged to never forget.

The ceremony serves as a way to remember that day in 2001 and teach those who dont. It featured the presentation of the colors, raising of memorial flag and first-hand experience from guest speaker Sonja Maria Lohmeyer. She was working in Washington, D.C. when the towers were hit, and was inspired to serve in the U.S. Navy Reserves just a few months after the attacks.

Everything had changed in what seemed like an instant, Lohmeyer said. Little did I know my life would be significantly altered in the days, weeks, months and years ahead, too.

OzarksFirst spoke with students, including one who says the attacks will not be forgotten.

The service in the morning sets a really good tone for being sober minded and being in that, being mindful of that, said Madelyn Sestak, a C of O student. So I think throughout the day its important to have those conversations, asking professors, what was your experience like? What did you remember about 9/11?

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOLR - OzarksFirst.com.
(Bloomberg) -- Investor confidence in Colombia is threatened by a plan to tinker with fiscal deficit limits, according to two of the nations best-known economics think tanks.

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A proposed green amendment would let the government skirt spending restrictions with projects that have environmental objectives. That could weaken the fiscal rule or balanced-budget act which has underpinned confidence in the Andean nation, according to Bogota-based economics research centers Fedesarrollo and the National Association of Financial Institutions, or ANIF.

This goes against the governments commitment to strict compliance with the fiscal rule, Fedesarrollo head Luis Fernando Mejia said in a note Tuesday. It will probably be interpreted by creditors as a sign of relaxation in the path of reducing the countrys deficit and public debt, which could increase financing costs for the nation.

Jose Ignacio Lopez, the head of ANIF, said in a note that adding clauses to the fiscal rule will result in a loss of credibility in fiscal institutionality, and will translate into higher interest costs for the government, companies and Colombian families.

President Gustavo Petros government sent a tax bill to congress on Tuesday which included a green component that would allow additional annual spending equivalent to 0.3% of gross domestic product from 2025 to 2030. The measure is intended to address a persistent climate financing gap that results in substantial environmental liabilities, according to the finance ministry.

After it was introduced in 2011, the fiscal rule helped Colombia attract foreign investment by reassuring investors that the government would limit excess borrowing.

The nations commitment to sound fiscal policy must be independent of what the government wants to achieve in terms of environmental sustainability, according to Munir Jalil, Andes chief economist at BTG Pactual.

No matter how altruistic the spending is, it is still an expense and it must be paid, Jalil said, speaking by phone.

Petro, Colombias first leftist leader, was elected on a pledge to phase out fossil fuels and oversee a transition to clean energy.

The nation has struggled to rein in the deficit this year as a weak economy has led to lower-than-expected tax revenue. The fiscal deficit will widen to 5.6% of gross domestic product this year, its highest level since the pandemic, according to the finance ministrys forecast.

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DENVER (KDVR)  A school district in Colorados high country canceled class on Wednesday due to school safety concerns, later announcing that the district would cancel class for the rest of the school week.

Just after midnight on Wednesday, the Lake County School District that serves Leadville, Twin Lakes and surrounding areas sent a letter to families that school would not be held.

The district said the cancellation comes on the advice and collaboration with Sheriff Heath Speckman after school safety concerns emerged midday Tuesday and lasted through the night and early morning Wednesday. On Tuesday, a letter to families said the school-related safety concern was more local to Lake County.

We will continue to work closely with the Sheriff and his team, and we will update you as we have new information to share. We understand that closing school is challenging for families on multiple levels. We will be working on a plan for a safe return to school so that our students and staff can get back to the business of learning, said the Lake County School District on its website.

The Lake County Sheriffs Office said an 18-year-old man was a person of interest related to school safety concerns after someone reported this to law enforcement. The teen surrendered to authorities on Wednesday morning on an unrelated criminal warrant, was questioned about the threats and was released on bond on the separate criminal warrant.

The sheriffs office said the claim that this 18-year-old made the threats is under investigation and has not been proven.

Boulder officers testify about experiencing King Soopers mass shooting in 2021

On Monday, several other Colorado schools canceled classes or increased patrols due to the emergence of several social media threats. The Vail Police Department said there was a social media post targeting schools across Colorado, and even into Texas.

The sheriffs office said they do not believe the 18-year-old person of interest is linked to the other threats around Colorado.

County law enforcement presence will be elevated, but the sheriffs office does not recommend canceling any community activities or regular business.

We acknowledge the fears and concerns these threats have caused our community. We want you to know that our priority is to provide safety and security for our residents and visitors and appreciate your patience and understanding during this investigation, the sheriffs office said.

It is unclear if the social media posts mentioned in the Monday cases are similar to the concerns made in Lake County.



Find mental health resources in Colorado.

If you are thinking of hurting or killing yourself:

Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.

Please get help immediately.

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Colorado Gov. Jared Polis listens to other speakers before he signed a measure that will ask voters whether language banning same-sex marriage should be removed from the state Constitution May 8, 2024 at the Colorado Capitol. (Lindsey Toomer/Colorado Newsline)

A coalition of Colorado religious leaders on Tuesday endorsed a ballot measure that would remove language in the state Constitution banning same-sex marriage.

Amendment J, referred by the Legislature to the November ballot, seeks to remove a constitutional amendment passed by voters in 2006 that defines a marriage as only between a man and woman.

Same-sex marriage is legal in Colorado and at the federal level because of the 2015 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Obergefell v. Hodges. State leaders worry, however, that the court could reverse the decision just as it overturned the right to abortion enshrined in Roe v. Wade.

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In a concurring opinion in the decision that overturned Roe, Justice Clarence Thomas wrote the court could reconsider rulings such as Obergefell.

We are one bad decision away from overturning (Obergefell), Susy Bates, the campaign director for Freedom to Marry Colorado, told reporters on a Tuesday call. If that happens, the 2006 ban would go into effect and marriage for LGBTQ couples would immediately be at risk. We have to take action now to remove the ban and ensure protections for our communities.

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis is in a same-sex marriage. He married his longtime partner in 2021.

Nearly 80 religious leaders from churches and temples across the state signed a letter in support of the ballot initiative, writing that it is in line with their faith tradition and values.

If indeed we are all created in Gods image, then laws which exclude and discriminate against ones ability to express and sanctify their love and relationships violate basic principles of fairness and equality that are central to who we are. My tradition teaches this, Joseph Black, the senior rabbi of Temple Emmanuel in Denver, said.

The leaders criticized people, including those on the far-right, who use religion as justification for discrimination.

These efforts stand in stark opposition to our core religious and spiritual convictions, which compel us to forge a beloved community that rejects the misinformation and rejects divisions that fuel hostility, misunderstanding, fear and hatred expressed toward gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and nonbinary persons, the letter reads.

The measure needs a simple majority to pass. Voters will decide on seven constitutional amendments in November, including one over the right to an abortion.

Editors note: This story was updated at 10:15 a.m. on Sept. 17 to correct the number of letter signatories and clarify that the measure needs a simple majority to pass.

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State voters in 2020 approved a plan to restore the wolf population in Colorado. [Getty Images]

Wildlife officials in Colorado have captured six wolves that were part of a voter-approved plan to restore the species' population, after a series of complaints and livestock attacks.

The six wolves - one adult male, one adult female, and four pups - were part of a group known as the Copper Creek pack.

While only the male attacked livestock, officials said the whole pack needed to be removed from the area. It's not clear whether they will be re-released into the wild.

The episode represents a challenge for the state's effort to reintroduce wolves, which had once been native to the state. The plan was approved by voters in 2020, but critics feared for the safety of livestock.

Since January, there have been at least 15 wolf attacks resulting in death or injury, according to the state's database, involving a mix of cattle, calf and sheep.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife Director Jeff Davis acknowledged the adult male wolf was responsible for "multiple depredations" among those attacks, but said "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".

CPW removed the adult female and four pups and transported them "to a secure location for evaluation and monitoring", CPW officials said in a press release on Monday.

The adult male "was found in poor condition, with several injuries" and died after four days of captivity, CPW said.

Officials have not yet decided where they will release the remaining wolves, which will depend in part on whether the pups develop the ability to hunt.

"CPW will have conversations with local elected officials and landowners in possible release areas before a release occurs," according to the press release.

But some critics are against any release.

The Middle Park Stockgrowers Association sent a letter to CPW in May - their third - complaining about the state's alleged inaction since the killings in April. Livestock owners want the wolves killed, arging that nonlethal measures "have not stopped the depredations," the letter said.

"Colorado law requires wolf conflicts to be resolved, not kicked down the road."

In June, the Colorado Department of Agriculture and Colorado Parks and Wildlife agreed to give the Middle Park Stockgrowers Association $28,000 (21,499) to improve its nonlethal deterrence plan, local news reported.

The Copper Creek pack formed after 10 wolves from Oregon were released in Colorado in December.

At the time, US media called the decision to transport wild wolves into Colorado "the most ambitious wolf reintroduction effort in the US" in decades.

Supporters of the reintroduction program wanted to restore Colorado's wild wolf population, after years of decline from hunting, poisoning and trapping.

In Monday's press release, Mr Davis said the reintroduction program "calls for flexibility".

The BBC has reached out to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the Middle Park Stockgrowers Association for comment.
EVANS, Ga (WJBF)- Today, we remember the nearly three thousand people who died during the terror attacks on September 11, 2001. Later this morning, the Columbia County Fire Rescue will hold a remembrance Ceremony and Memorial stair climb to honor those first responders who died that day.

When the World Trade Centers were hit by those place 23 years ago today, New York City police and fire rescue climbed 80 flights of stairs to put out the fires and rescue those trapped inside.

So many did not make it out alive and died heroes.

Captain Steven Parish with Columbia County Fire Rescue told NewsChannel 6 that it is important to remember the men and women who answered the call for help and lost their lives on 9/11.

During the Memorial stair climb- participants will climb 110 flights, the number of floors in the World Trade Centers, to honor them.

Lobby at Childrens Hospital of Georgia getting a makeover

Captain Parish said doing the stair climb really drives home what they went through.

It starts offthe spirits are pretty high with everybody, you know, because youre excited to do it. But then, as the event goes on, when you start to get tired, you really start tothe mood kind of goes down a little bit because now youre really starting to understand what they went through. As the stair climb goes on, it gets really quiet and guys are just to themselves trying to finish and really thinking about what went on.

The Remembrance ceremony will begin at 8:15 a.m., followed by the memorial stair climb at The Plaza Parking Deck by the Columbia COunty Performing Arts Theater..

Everyone is invited to attend and participate in the stair climb if they want to.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJBF.
In the United States, most parents of young children work, most need help caring for their children, and most cannot depend on family members to pitch in.

So wouldnt you think that providing affordable, high-quality child care to American families is a no-brainer? I mean, weve done it before. Why cant we do it again?

Indulge me for a brief history lesson:

Eighty years ago, when American GIs were fighting fascism overseas, women were recruited in droves to work in shipyards and factories, where they filled all sorts of jobs traditionally held by men. More than 6 million women worked as welders, operated heavy machinery and did other factory work. They made tanks, ships and planes. Three million women volunteered with the Red Cross. More than 200,000 served in the military.

Read more: Abcarian: 17-year-old Gus Walz uttered the Democratic National Convention's three most memorable words

And who took care of their babies and toddlers? For the first and only time in American history, Congress spent tens of millions of dollars to fund universal child care, enabling state governments and private companies to create hundreds of workplace war nurseries. An estimated 550,000 young children were enrolled in them, allowing their mothers to become full-fledged citizens.

On the West Coast, the industrialist and healthcare visionary Henry J. Kaiser hired child development experts to set up what became model versions of child-care centers at his shipyards. The experts tested theories that helped inform and expand the field of early-childhood education.

When the war ended, however, the federal money dried up. All those Rosie the Riveters were banished back to their kitchens, even though a majority wanted to keep their jobs.

Read more: Abcarian: Why Donald Trump's politicking at Arlington National Cemetery should disgust every American

The culture then invented the fairy tale that a womans true fulfillment comes from motherhood and homemaking, a notion that reached its apogee in the 1950s and early 60s. The 1963 publication of Betty Friedans The Feminine Mystique helped pierce that myth and nudge the country into the second wave of American feminism.

In 1971, as more women were entering the workforce again, Congress passed the Comprehensive Child Development Act. Its almost shocking to contemplate it today: The bill authorized a multibillion-dollar national day-care system designed partly to help working single parents reduce their dependence on welfare.

The groundbreaking legislation soon fell victim to Cold War anxieties: Critics said it would "Sovietize" American children and allow the government to control families. (When you think of how Republicans have rolled back reproductive rights, this is laughable.) President Nixon vetoed the bill.

And here we are today, mired in a patchwork system of child care that is sometimes affordable or high-quality but is almost never both.

Which brings us to the presidential race.

Last week, former President Trump was asked what specific piece of legislation he would advance to make child care affordable. His rambling, incoherent answer was so bizarre and off-point that it went viral.

When his running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, was asked a similar question, the answer was more coherent but almost as strange. After urging grandparents and other relatives to pitch in more, Vance falsely suggested that child-care providers are over-regulated and required to have a six-year college degree. (In fact, most child-care providers are women who do not have college degrees and are woefully underpaid.) Vance has characterized universal child care as class warfare against normal people.

Trump does not address child care specifically in his platform. Instead, he vows to promote a culture that values the Sanctity of Marriage, the blessings of childhood, the foundational role of families. He further promises to end policies that punish families.

Project 2025, the Heritage Foundation blueprint for a second Trump term, says nothing about high-quality, affordable child care, but it does call for eliminating the Department of Education and preschool programs such as Head Start, a cornerstone of President Lyndon B. Johnsons War on Poverty.

By contrast, Vice President Kamala Harris has called for increasing the child tax credit from $2,000 per child to $3,600, which Republicans oppose. She also has proposed a new $6,000 benefit for parents of newborns. Her platform calls for access to high-quality, affordable child care, provided by workers who earn a living wage.

During a Senate subcommittee hearing last year about the expiration of billions of dollars of pandemic-era child-care funding, Louisiana Republican Sen. John Kennedy said that opposing affordable child care is like being opposed to golden retrievers. But, he asked labor economist Kathryn Anne Edwards, an expert on the child-care crisis, how on Earth should we pay for it?

She was succinct: The majority of federal revenue comes from taxes, so if you need more money, youll have to raise taxes. Ill remind you, sir, that we have had two massive, trillion-dollar tax cuts in the past 20 years, and they have done nothing to make child care more affordable. ... They have not been invested in children.

That is the reality of child care in America. We all want it, but those who control the purse strings refuse to pay for it.

@robinkabcarian

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Column: Trump was Trump in his debate with Kamala Harris  which is why he came across so poorly

An audience in Las Vegas watches the debate between former President Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, who accomplished what she needed to  and then some  against her Republican rival Tuesday night. (John Locher / Associated Press)

It was ugly. It was inane. It was tone-deaf and uncouth.

And that's just briefly summarizing Donald Trump's performance in Tuesday night's debate.

The big question going into his face-off with Kamala Harris was which iteration of the perennially aggrieved, perpetually prevaricating ex-president would show up.

The one who manages to restrain himself just long enough to convince at least some of those who don't much follow politics that, heck, he's not all that unreasonable?

Or the full-on, unhinged, unexpurgated Trump who believes facts can be shaped like pottery, reality is what he claims it to be, and no insult is too low to fling at his opponent?

It was most definitely the latter who bulled his way onto the stage at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, where Trump stoked the passions of his fervent MAGA followers but did little to reach beyond his unshakable political base.

Read more: Harris, Trump trade barbs in heated, high-stakes debate

The Jan. 6 insurrection? Not Trump's fault.

I had nothing to do with that other than make a speech, he said, lamenting the fatal shooting of rioter Ashli Babbitt for attempting to break into the House chamber  and saying not a word about the police officers killed and injured in the unlawful attempt to overturn the 2020 election.

He actually won that 2020 contest, Trump insisted. There was "so much proof," he claimed, even though dozens of courts and his own administration's election security experts repeatedly found his claims of widespread fraud to be just so much gaseous venting.

As for his insistence that Harris  who is Black  had only recently "turned Black," Trump explained: "I read where she was not Black ... and then I read that she was Black, and thats OK, either one was OK with me. Thats up to her.

Which was incredibly magnanimous.

And on it went.

President Biden secretly hates his vice president, Trump asserted. Immigrants in Ohio are kidnapping households pets to provide themselves a square meal. (Which is as absurd as it sounds.) Harris hates Jews and Arabs, which, one supposes, is a way not to take sides in their eons-long conflict  though that was not the point Trump was trying to make.

All that bluster overshadowed Harris' vague response to questions about her position on issues such as fracking and eliminating private healthcare insurance, which have shifted since she ran much further to the left during her unsuccessful 2020 presidential bid.

Trump couldn't help himself, even when his bad behavior didn't help himself.

The vice president, who finally seems to be settling to Earth after the meteor ride that followed her installation atop the Democratic ticket, landed in Philadelphia needing to do a few things.

One was to gently distance herself from President Biden, which she attempted by pointing out  irrefutably  that she is, in fact, not President Biden. (It's not that simple, however.)

Another was to flesh out her policy portfolio, which she did, to an extent, by talking about proposals such as expanded housing subsidies, a $6,000 child tax credit and a $50,000 tax break for small businesses.

Above all, Harris had to demonstrate  as a woman, and a slightly built one, at that  that she possesses the brawn and backbone to lead the country. A way to make her case was by showing the strength and spine to stand up to the brash and bullying Trump, which she easily accomplished.

It was Trump who ended the night with a bead of sweat on his upper lip and the tetchy demeanor of someone whose antagonist had clearly burrowed under his skin.

A remark about crowd size, which seems to trigger the former president in a deeply Freudian way, had Trump sputtering how "no one" goes to Harris' rallies and heatedly denying her assertion that his act, and audiences, were growing thin.

"People don't leave my rallies," Trump bleated, insisting  despite abundant proof to the contrary  that his crowds are the biggest in American political history.

She mocked his Midas-businessman claims, noting Trump inherited a fortune from his real-estate-developing father and filed for bankruptcy a half-dozen times.

"Donald Trump was fired by 81 million people," Harris said of the 2020 election, "and clearly he's having a very difficult time processing that."

She kept on.

World leaders, Harris said, laugh at Trump behind his back and military leaders call him a disgrace.

It's hard to imagine the last time Trump, who cossets himself with an entourage of fawning sycophants, has been spoken to in that fashion.

Read more: 5 takeaways from the Harris-Trump debate

People tend to forget, because Biden was so awful, how badly Trump performed in their June debate. Once again, he issued a fire hose of lies: about the rates of crime and illegal immigration; about Russian dictator Vladimir Putin endorsing Harris; about China building "massive" auto plants in Mexico and stealing a torrent of U.S. jobs; about "after-birth abortions" taking place with the support of Democratic politicians.

(For all the what-abouters out there, Harris made a dubious claim about there not being a single American soldier on active duty in a combat zone, which overlooks those in harm's way in Iraq and Syria, among other countries. She also wrenched out of context Trump's comment about "a bloodbath" commencing if he loses the election. He was talking about the economic impact on the auto industry.)

Biden's abysmal showing pushed him out of the presidential race. Harris' strong debate performance won't have as dramatic a result. It's hard to see her gaining a huge surge of support. The country is simply too divided along partisan lines for that to happen.

But Harris certainly didnt hurt her candidacy and probably helped herself Tuesday night. In a close contest, that has to be considered a victory.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Parents and community members came out in full force Tuesday to voice concerns about Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools proposal to reassign about 800 students in 2025 as part of a magnet shuffle.

The original plan, which Superintendent Crystal Hill presented to the board at its meeting Aug. 13, would switch school assignments, move several magnet programs, join two elementary schools and convert Davidson K-8 into an elementary school, moving middle school students to nearby Bailey Middle.

Tuesday was the first public hearing about the plan and more than 30 people signed up to talk to the school board.

Dilworth Elementary

Community members and board members raised concern particularly about plans to move non-magnet, neighborhood students from Marie G. Davis to Sedgefield Middle School and Dilworth Elementary, which is already overcrowded. Marie G. Davis is currently a K-8 International Baccalaureate magnet.

CMS is building a new campus at Park Road to accommodate more students, but the new building will not be ready by the 2025 school year.

Hill proposed an alternative option at the following board meeting on Aug. 27 that would postpone the plan at Dilworth Elementary by a year. It was originally slated for August 2025.

Several parents and community members who addressed the board at Tuesdays meeting cited concerns with the plan at Dilworth.

Dilworth Elementary School is currently overcrowded, said Roberta Fox, parent of a third grader at Dilworth. Were making the best of it, but its not ideal. We dont have enough campus parking for teachers. Our art teachers classroom is on the stage in the gym.

At the start of the school year, CMS expected 640 students at the school, which is designed to hold 560. By the second day of school, there were nearly 700 students. CMS previously estimated that, with the addition of students from Marie G. Davis, the school could expect an enrollment of up to 740 next school year.

Adding 100 more students while we are at this campus is not a solution, in my opinion, Fox said. I think its unfair to both Marie G. Davis students and Dilworth Elementary students.

Early college high school plans

Several students and teachers complained the district had not heard adequate community feedback or provided transparency in its plans to convert four middle college campuses into early college high schools by adding grades nine and 10.

CMS currently has two early college campuses with grades 9-12 at UNC Charlotte and Central Piedmont Community Colleges campus near uptown.

The change would require all students to enroll in ninth grade, rather than 11th grade. Some attendees said this closes off options to students who may want to enroll later in high school.

I see the value in allowing amazing students to emotionally and academically develop before making this change, said Kim Tuttle, a teacher at Levine Middle College High School. This change is a hasty decision that does not benefit every student in CMS.

Several students and parents from Levine also addressed the board, asking its members to reconsider the plan. All ended with the same refrain: We are Levine.

Dorothy J. Vaughan Elementary School

The proposed plan also involves closing Dorothy J. Vaughan Academy of Technology, an elementary STEM magnet in northeast Charlotte, and moving students, faculty and programs to Parkside Elementary. However, several speakers objected not only to the closure of Dorothy J. Vaughan, but also the loss of the schools name.

Vaughan was a respected mathematician at NASA and the first Black female supervisor of the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics. She eventually became the first Black manager at NASA and was a character in the 2016 film Hidden Figures.

To work at a school in this district named after an African-American woman who had such an incredible and consequential impact on society has been an honor, said Tanya Mayes, a music teacher at the school who met Vaughans family when the school first opened eight years ago. I believe we are representing the epitome and highest values of Dorothy J. Vaughan and that she would be proud of the work we are doing. I respectfully ask that you keep the name Dorothy J. Vaughan Academy of Technology.

The board will vote on the plan at its next meeting Sept. 24.
LONDON, Ky. (FOX 56)  The Laurel County community is grappling with shock and fear following a shooting on Interstate 75 that left five individuals injured on Saturday evening.

In response to the recent violence, several local schools, businesses, and churches have been temporarily closed. Kevin Roach, pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Corbin, commented on the heightened security measures taken by his congregation.

Kentucky I-75 shooting: Reward for information on suspect Joseph Couch upped to $35K

We were far enough awayI will tell you thiswe were extra vigilant on security and making sure that the place was safe and locked a few extra doors and had a few extra guys in places to make sure we would keep an eye on things. I know several of the churches up here in the northern part of the county canceled services, and appropriately so, and I think that was it. Had I been up in the northern part of the county, I probably wouldve canceled services too, he said.

In the wake of the incident, schools in Laurel County have been coordinating closely with authorities to make informed decisions about reopening.

I think they are making the right decisions right now, and I know that they will continue to stay in touch with those authorities and make sure that they have all the information they need so that they can make the right decision as to when we go back, Rhonda Roach, a teacher with Laurel County Schools, said.

Although students are not physically attending classes, educational opportunities continue from home.

They can read, their parents can get involved a little bit, get them online a little bit and some of those ABC, Starfall so they can do educational things at home on the computer, Rhonda Roach added. I actually stay in touch with my parents of students 24 hours a day; they had the opportunity to talk to me through the Dojo app and through Remind, so if anybody has any questions or concerns, they can talk to me at any time.

Laurel County declares state of emergency amid search for gunman

Residents have described the incident as deeply unsettling.

This is right here in my little hometown of London, Kentucky. Weve got an active shooter and are concerned that he might, you know, he could drive by my house, and I dont know. Rhonda Roach added, I was traveling back to Laurel County, and I did find myself kind of ducking; youre cautious, but youre kind of like almost ducking in your seat.

Despite the anxiety, there is gratitude towards the law enforcement agencies for their swift response and ongoing efforts.

We run away from things like this, and so they ran right into the middle of that thing and have done, I just believe a great job of trying to keep us safe and trying to get this guy tracked down and get him in a place where were safe again, Kevin Roach said.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

In a news briefing on Tuesday, authorities indicated that the decision for schools to remain closed during the manhunt is left to individual institutions, but authorities will continue to update school districts and 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 FOX 56 News.
GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT)  With students back on campus at ECU, much attention is put on how to keep them safe.

At Towne Bank Tower Tuesday, law enforcement gathered to discuss plans for student safety. One big focal point was the city-wide mutual aid agreement, put in place about seven years ago.

The agreement gives ECU police officers city-wide jurisdiction, due to the fact that nearly 80 percent of the student population at ECU live off campus.

ECU Chief of Police Jason Sugg said it allows the university to protect while out in the community. He said community members who are not students benefit from it as well.

They get access to more police officers in this case, they get access to more services, Chief Sugg said. And so, were able to actually work on a lot of things in conjunction with the city to make sure that folks are getting the highest quality and quantity of service that they can possibly get.

Chief Sugg said crime has been low at ECU, in part thanks to the basics. He said having a plan when you go out and doing little things, especially for freshmen and new students, can go a long way in keeping a safe campus.

Start with the simple things and by simple, I mean lock your doors, keep your valuables out of sight in your car or things like that, he said.

Chief Sugg said a lot has changed in his time in law enforcement but perhaps nothing more than social media. Hes an advocate for it in certain cases but warns against using it recklessly.

That information on social media, not only is it permanent, when it goes out there, it can always be found at some point but it also travels at the speed of light, Chief Sugg said.

Chief Sugg credits the officers in his department along with Greenville police for making a successful partnership that has protected students at ECU.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
This photo taken on Sept. 11, 2024 shows equipment for the construction work of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline in Herat province, Afghanistan. The construction work of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline on Afghan territory and other development projects were inaugurated on Wednesday on the Turkmen side of the two country's border. (Photo by Mashal/Xinhua)

KABUL, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- The major projects under the cooperation of Afghanistan and Turkmenistan will strengthen bilateral relations between the two neighbors, Acting Afghan Prime Minister Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund told an inauguration ceremony for the projects on Wednesday.

The construction work of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline on Afghan territory and other development projects were inaugurated on Wednesday on the Turkmen side of the two country's border.

"These initiatives would strengthen the bilateral relationship between Afghanistan and Turkmenistan, delivering substantial economic and social benefits to the populations of both countries," Akhund said.

Spanning 1,814 km in total, with 816 km on Afghan territory, the pipeline would transport 33 billion cubic meters of gas from Turkmenistan to Pakistan and India via Afghanistan, the office of the deputy prime minister for economic affairs posted on X.

The project is expected to generate 450 million U.S. dollars for Afghanistan. The impoverished country will get 500 million cubic meters of gas for the first decade, 1 billion in the second decade, and 1.5 billion in the third decade, the office added.

According to the office, thousands of people will be employed directly and indirectly under the project.

The TAPI project was initially commenced in 2018, but it had been suspended due to unknown reasons. 

This photo taken on Sept. 11, 2024 shows equipment for the construction work of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline in Herat province, Afghanistan. The construction work of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline on Afghan territory and other development projects were inaugurated on Wednesday on the Turkmen side of the two country's border. (Photo by Mashal/Xinhua)

This photo taken on Sept. 11, 2024 shows equipment for the construction work of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline in Herat province, Afghanistan. The construction work of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline on Afghan territory and other development projects were inaugurated on Wednesday on the Turkmen side of the two country's border. (Photo by Mashal/Xinhua)
Kamala Harris spent Tuesday nights debate trying to win the 2024 election. Donald Trump was still fighting for 2020.

The former president distanced himself from comments he made in recent days acknowledging that he lost the 2020 race by a whisker. At the debate, he claimed he was being sarcastic and returned to his well-worn  and false  claim that he won four years ago.

Its a refrain that generates applause lines at rallies stacked with his fiercest supporters but has in recent years flopped with a national audience and reminded them of the collective horror the nation felt on Jan. 6, 2021.

Trumps insistence that he was actually the winner in 2020 came amid a longer exchange in which he also defended his handling of the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol. Trump refused multiple opportunities from moderator David Muir to acknowledge any regrets for his actions on Jan. 6, when he encouraged a crowd of supporters to march on the Capitol and then remained silent for hours when thousands of them stormed Congress, many assaulting police and disrupting the certification of Joe Bidens victory.

Trumps comments prompted Harris to deliver one of her sharpest rejoinders of the night: Perhaps we do not have, in the candidate to my right, the temperament or the ability to not be confused about fact, Harris said.



Rather than chastise his supporters who bludgeoned police on Jan. 6, Trump instead attacked the Capitol Police officer who fired the shot that killed rioter Ashli Babbitt as she attempted to clamber inside the Speakers Lobby near the House chamber, as lawmakers were being evacuated. Trump called that officer out of control.

He also falsely accused then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi of rebuffing an offer to secure the Capitol with 10,000 National Guard troops. And he said he had nothing to do with the violence that broke out.

Harris noted that she was at the Capitol on Jan. 6, though didnt mention that she departed for the Democratic National Committee headquarters before the violence broke out. She went on to compare Trumps handling of the mob to his comments about the racist and antisemitic marchers in Charlottesville, Virginia, in 2017. And she noted that Trump delivered a rallying cry to the far-right Proud Boys in 2020  telling the group to stand back and stand by  three months before its leaders formed the vanguard of the Jan. 6 mob.

In addition to Trumps continued effort to mislead about his supporters actions on Jan. 6, he also revived false claims about his campaigns courtroom efforts to overturn the 2020 election results  which uniformly failed across the country.

Trump falsely claimed that judges refused to look at evidence of fraud when they rejected roughly 60 lawsuits filed by him and his allies, suggesting that it remained possible he did win four years ago.

No judge looked at it. They said we didnt have standing, the former president said. In fact, many of the suits were rejected due to flaws in the legal claims or lack of evidence of fraud.
By Nelson Bocanegra and Carlos Vargas

BOGOTA (Reuters) -The Colombian Senate's economics committee threw out the government's proposed 2025 budget on Wednesday, arguing the Andean country will not be able to raise the proposed sum amid lower-than-projected tax collection.

At the end of July, Colombia's finance ministry presented a proposed budget to Congress for next year worth 523 trillion pesos ($122 billion).

The budget was rejected even after the finance ministry on Tuesday presented a new fiscal reform proposal to lawmakers to raise some additional 12 trillion pesos ($2.8 billion), which the government says would finance the budget.

But the majority of lawmakers sitting on economic commissions in both the Senate and the lower house, who were weighing the bill jointly on Wednesday, said government efforts to raise more funds, including plans to tackle evasion and avoidance, are not realistic.

"We cannot approve an unfinanced proposal, the product of the irresponsibility of President (Gustavo) Petro," said Senator Carlos Abraham Jimenez, of the right-leaning Radical Change party.

Petro on Tuesday said he would set the budget by decree if Congress rejected it.

"The country needs seriousness, justification and certain sources when it comes to approving budgets with values like the one presented today, if it's not like that we have to reject," said Senate president Efrain Cepada, of the Conservative party. "This isn't personal, it's the minimum demanded in congress."

The Senate's economic commission rejected the budget's value by 12 votes to one, after which a vote by the house committee was not needed.

Last June, the finance ministry was forced to freeze some $4.6 billion in spending because of a drastic fall in tax income, leading to an increase in the fiscal deficit target for 2024 to 5.6%, from a previous 5.3%.

An independent committee which oversees the country's compliance with its so-called fiscal rule - designed to stop public finances deteriorating - in July said that adjustments were needed to ensure compliance in 2024 and 2025, due to possible risks to tax collection.

($1 = 4,285.61 Colombian pesos)

(Reporting by Nelson Bocanegra and Carlos VargasWriting by Oliver Griffin and Julia Symmes CobbEditing by Alistair Bell)
U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell, Democrat of Alabama, speaks at a press conference on voting rights legislation outside the U.S. Capitol on Sept. 10, 2024. She said she is looking forward to reintroducing a voting rights act bill named after the late Rep. John Lewis, Georgia Democrat and voting rights icon. (Photo by Ariana Figueroa/States Newsroom)

WASHINGTON  Democratic lawmakers and a coalition of civil rights leaders Tuesday urged Congress to reform the filibuster in order to pass voting rights legislation next Congress.

Voting rights, succinctly put, are preservative of all other rights, U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock, a Georgia Democrat, said at a press conference outside the U.S. Capitol.

Warnock was joined by Democratic U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota and Reps. Joe Morelle of New York, Terri Sewell of Alabama and John Sarbanes of Maryland, as well as dozens of representatives of civil rights groups, including plaintiffs in voting rights lawsuits in South Carolina and Alabama.

They advocated for Congress to pass several pieces of legislation including:

H.R. 14, which would restore a preclearance section of the Voting Rights Act that was gutted by a U.S. Supreme Court decision;

S. 1, which would curb political spending in campaigns and modernize federal elections; and

HR. 51, which would make the District of Columbia a U.S. state.

Another bill, H.R. 5008, is a voting rights act for Native Americans intended to help tribes access the ballot box.

The Senate filibuster means there is a 60-vote threshold required for almost all legislation. With Democrats in a slim majority, they have not been able to reach that number of votes for major legislation, from voting rights to gun safety.

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Sewell is the sponsor of H.R. 14, named after the late Rep. John Lewis, a Georgia Democrat who was a civil rights and voting rights champion. She called for reform of the filibuster.

We know that its been stymied in the Senate by an archaic structural practice, Sewell said of her bill, which the House passed when Democrats controlled the chamber.

Klobuchar said she is hopeful that Senate Democrats can convince their colleagues to change the rules to create an exception in the filibuster to pass voting rights legislation.

Two independent senators who oppose exceptions to the filibuster are Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona and Joe Manchin III of West Virginia. Neither is running for reelection.

Im excited about what the future holds in terms of what were gonna get done on these important pro-democracy bills, Klobuchar said. I want us never to give up heart.

Sarbanes, who sponsored the House companion to S. 1, said that the path to passage of the four bills lies with the opportunity to challenge the procedural path of the filibuster.

Everybody here is equipped and ready to take advantage of that clear day, that moment, Sarbanes said. We hope its coming soon. We believe its coming soon. We will be ready.

Taiwan Scott, a plaintiff in Alexander v. South Carolina State Conference of the NAACP, a case now before the South Carolina Supreme Court regarding racial gerrymandering in South Carolinas 1st Congressional District, said he and about 30,000 Gullah Geechee residents were removed from my rightful congressional district and packed into one in a deliberate move to lessen our political power.

The U.S. Supreme Court in May issued a 6-3 ruling tossing out the case brought on behalf of Scott, a Black Hilton Head Island resident who lives in the 1st District.

Gullah Geechee residents are descendants of enslaved Africans on the rice and cotton plantations on the lower Atlantic Coast. They have the only distinctly African Creole language spoken in the U.S. in the coastal areas of Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia.

The Gullah Geechee cultural heritage corridor, which Congress itself established, was meant to protect our culture, but instead of support, we find ourselves marginalized, he said. Our voices diluted, our representation weaker, even though three federal judges ruled in our favor  after an eight-day trial, the Supreme Court chose to disregard that decision, forcing us to live and vote under a racially gerrymandered map. This is why federal voting rights legislation is so critical.

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FILE PHOTO: U.S. House Foreign Affairs Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia Subcommittee roundtable discussion with family members of individuals being held hostage by Hamas, in Washington

(Reuters) - Republican representative Joe Wilson, a senior member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, collapsed at an event on Tuesday and was rushed to hospital, his office said.

The official X profile for Wilson, 77, wrote a message that said the congressman "was taken ill and is being evaluated at a local hospital in Washington, DC."

Wilson's son Alan Wilson, the attorney general of South Carolina, wrote on his X profile that "doctors have confirmed to us that he has experienced stroke-like symptoms."

"I was able to speak with him moments ago and I am incredibly thankful that he is stable and being monitored by medical professionals," he added.

Wilson fell ill as he was sitting in the front row of a celebration of Ukraine's Independence Day at Ukraine House in Washington's diplomatic enclave. The Ukrainian ambassador had just started speaking when she stopped and asked for a doctor.

Wilson has represented a conservative district in South Carolina since 2001. He became well-known in the U.S. in 2009 for shouting "you lie!" at President Barack Obama during a joint session of Congress.

(Reporting by Jonathan Landay in Washington and Brad Brooks in Colorado; Editing by Stephen Coates)
UPDATE, 09/14/2024, 3:09 P.M.  According to his X page, an official update on Congressman Joe Wilson has been posted stating: Congressman Joe Wilson has received a pacemaker, and he is expected to be discharged from the hospital in a matter of days. He is recovering quickly.

UPDATE, 09/12/2024, 5:28 P.M.  According to his X page, an official update on Congressman Joe Wilson has been posted stating: While Congressman Wilson continues to be evaluated by medial staff, he is in good spirits, improving, and speaking with family.

(WJBF)  South Carolina Congressman Joe Wilson (R) was taken to a Washington D.C. hospital on Tuesday evening after reportedly experiencing stroke-like symptoms.

According to The Hill, Wilson was attending a Ukraine Independence Celebration in Washington, D.C. when he collapsed.

A statement issued on Rep. Wilsons X account (formerly known as Twitter) this evening reads: Congressman Joe Wilson (R-SC) was taken ill and is being evaluated at a local hospital in Washington, DC.

His son, South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson, posted a statement to X on Sept. 10, which said: I just spoke to my mom who is currently at the hospital with my father. Doctors have confirmed to us that he has experienced stroke-like symptoms. I was able to speak with him moments ago and I am incredibly thankful that he is stable and being monitored by medical professionals.

This is a developing story. Count on WJBF NewsChannel 6 for more information as it 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 WJBF.
Friends Linda and Anne say they are both concerned about the cut to the winter fuel allowance [BBC]

On an unseasonably chilly and drizzly September day in the West Yorkshire town of Hemsworth, shoppers under hooded raincoats amble to and from a Tesco superstore - one of the town's biggest employers.

The MP for this ex-mining area, located almost exactly halfway between Wakefield and Doncaster, and home to fans of nearby Barnsley FC, is Labour's Jon Trickett - who has held the seat since 1996.

He is the only Labour MP to vote against the government on Tuesday over removing the winter fuel allowance from 10 million pensioners in England and Wales.

The allowance was previously available to all pensioners regardless of income and was worth about 200-300 to those receiving it.

A number of other Yorkshire Labour MPs did not vote on the cut, which is expected to save about 1.3bn in 2024-25 and 1.5bn in the following years, while Leeds East MP Richard Burgon, who had the Labour whip removed for previously rebelling on the two-child benefit cap, voted against the move.

While the government went on to win the vote, Trickett wrote later on X, formerly known as Twitter, that the cut risked pushing more elderly people into poverty, adding that the consequences could be "devastating".

Speaking to people in the town on Wednesday, many tell the BBC they are supportive of Trickett's stance on the vote.

"Disgusting" is the one-word reaction of several people when asked what they think about the government's actions over the winter fuel allowance.

"How are we going to cope without it?" Linda Lockwood asks.

"I've been working class all my life and worked on minimum wage and it was a big help in winter. But now they're going to stop it."

Linda's friend, 65-year-old Anne Smith, says she is concerned about whether or not she will qualify for the allowance when she stops work next year.

"I'm 31 weeks off retirement," Anne explains.

"I'm on a small threshold finance-wise, but I'm not sure I'll be able to get pension credit. That's something we're going to have look at.

"But I think it's absolutely appalling what they've done."

Parts of Hemsworth are among the most deprived in the UK, according to the Office of National Statistics [BBC]

That is a view shared by Richard Peat, 46, who says: "Old people in general don't have much coming in and they're getting the heating allowance cut when they need it the most.

"It's shocking. It's wrong and old people will suffer.

"I would support Jon Trickett, but Keir Starmer just has no idea. He's not in touch at all with real life."

Richard also cites the costs of accommodating asylum seekers in hotels as an example of government spending remaining high elsewhere while the winter fuel allowance becomes means-tested for the first time ever.

Richard Peat, 46, says it is "shocking" the allowance is being withdrawn for most pensioners [BBC]

Several other people in Hemsworth make the same argument, suggesting they believe the government has got its financial priorities wrong.

Lisa Froggett, 37, says: "It's disgusting that pensioners are going to go without, but there are people coming into this country getting everything for free.

"My father-in-law is likely to be affected. He's panicking already about it. But what can you do? It's scary for them."

Meanwhile, Carl Norbury, sitting on a wall with his Yorkshire terrier, Pippa, praises Trickett for voting against the government.

"He is a good MP, Jon Trickett. I've followed him for years and I'm Labour as well.

"It's not good that they're cutting it."

Carl Norbury says it is "not good" the changes are being made to the winter fuel allowance [BBC]

However, Carl's friend, Darren, 51, offers a different perspective.

He cites the view of Dragon's Den star Deborah Meaden, who said earlier this week that she and "lots of other people" should not receive the payment and that it should be means-tested.

"If you're entitled to it, surely you're not going to go without," Darren says.

He says he blames the Conservatives for "running the country into the ground" and privatising the energy industry in the 1980s.

"The world of private energy companies is a world of power and profit and greed. Who privatised it? The Tories."

Hemsworth and the surrounding area has struggled economically since the decline of the UK mining industry.

The pit in the village of Fitzwilliam, a mile-and-a-half to the north of Hemsworth town centre and part of the wider constituency, closed in 1986.

Office for National Statistics figures from 2021 showed the area was among the UK's most income-deprived communities.

Reminders of Fitzwilliam's mining heritage are spread across the village and surrounding area [BBC]

One 95-year-old man walking past the local dog track at Kinsley, which is part of Fitzwilliam, appears to have mixed feelings about the winter fuel payment.

"Fortunately, I'm all right, but there's a lot of people who won't be," he says.

For another Fitzwilliam pensioner, though, the issue has upset her enough to say she will break the habit of a lifetime by not voting for Labour again.

Mrs Byron, who does not want to give her first name, says: "I think things like the winter fuel allowance and the TV licence should be universal."

The 81-year-old, whose late husband worked as a pit electrician, adds: "I thought Labour were for working people."

She concludes by saying - with tongue slightly in cheek - that she will "vote for the Monster Raving Loony Party next time if I have to".

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.
Lurking in the bushes near Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine is a unit of men who have two things in common: The short amount of time they have served defending their nation and time spent behind bars.

The 15 infantry men of the 59th Brigade, part of the Shkval  or wind gust - battalion are former prisoners. Convicted of a variety of crimes, they see their service in defense of Ukraine as redemption and a chance at a new life without a criminal record.

The catch for prisoners is that they are contracted to the military until the end of the war. There is also a considerable financial incentive: Wages range from $500 to $4,000 per month, depending on time spent on the front line, according to the Ukrainian defense ministry.

CNN was granted exclusive access to these recently recruited prisoners last week, near the crucial Donbas town of Pokrovsk. The city has become a focal point in recent weeks as part of the nearly 600-mile line of contact that is desperately short of men, ammunition and ever encroaching better supplied and vast Russian forces.

Among the recruits is Vitaly, 41, a recovered addict and a father-of-five. He asked to be identified by first name only for security reasons.

Vitaly told CNN that he had served 10 years in prison for four different crimes, most recently for grievous bodily harm.

Perched on a tree stump, Vitaly mumbles: My life was crazy. I grew up with bandits, as did all of our guys (in the unit).

But by joining the ranks of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, he saw an opportunity.

I need to turn the page of my life. My life was a mess. Its better to be useful here, to be around brothers  and a completely different social circle, he said.

Hes been in the trenches for three months following a short, 21-day training period. Vitaly has no regrets about his choice to join the army, but he said he was naive about what to expect.

Life is hard here, its fun  but I didnt think it would be this hard, he said.

Life as an infantry soldier is particularly dangerous with casualties higher than other members of the military. Infantry soldiers are often exposed to Russian drone attacks and storming trenches as they traverse large expanses of land by foot.

Vitaly recalls a particularly brutal drone attack on a comrade.

Vitaly, 41, has five children and has served a total of 10 years for four different crimes, the most recent of which was grievous bodily harm. - CNN

He was taken apart. It is so hard to watch but what can you do? You cant help. You need to leave them behind because half of the man is already gone, he said.

In June, the defense ministry launched an initiative that gives prisoners the chance to serve in the army, in exchange for freedom after the war.

There are strict rules around recruiting prisoners into the army, however. Convicts who have committed rape or any kind of sexual violence are prohibited from joining. The majority of the ex-cons CNN met had been jailed for offenses such as robbery or grievous bodily harm.

The Shkval battalion told CNN that theyre making legal requests to allow prisoners who have committed murder to join their ranks, because they feel those inmates may possess the skills needed on the battlefield.

Vitaly is one of 4,650 convicts, including 31 women, who have been released and called up for military service, Ukraines defense ministry told CNN. In total, 5,764 had expressed a desire to serve. The ministry did not say how many were currently serving on the front lines

The convict-to-combat initiative as well as a conscription reform are an attempt to bolster the faltering ranks of Ukrainian soldiers after two-and-half years of grinding war. But people CNN spoke to along the front line hinted at problems with the program, including inconsistent and short training periods. Those difficulties, coupled with chronic manpower shortages, are stunting Ukraines ability to repel Russian President Vladimir Putins invading forces, they said.

With life on the front line more challenging than many expected, Vitaly now wishes that hed paid closer attention during his short training. He thinks it may have better prepared him for what was to come.

We were stupid and didnt take it seriously. We were not responsible; it was a mistake not to listen or pay attention, he said.

Oleksandr was a former prison guard before the war and is now back in the de-facto position. He says "the convict sub-culture is used to surviving." - CNN

Keeping the peace

Ensuring there is no disruption to the peace in the unit is Oleksandr, the company commander.

Vitalys company commander Oleksandr is no stranger to convicts. He left his position as a prison guard in February 2022, when the war began. Now, despite his protestations, he is back in his old job  but this time, on the battlefield.

They see me as a former prison guard, as a brother-in-arms, as a commander, everyone here lives as one family, Oleksandr, who also asked to be identified only by his first name, said of the soldiers, adding, I am a psychologist, father, mother, everything.

Along with the 15 prisoners already in his unit, hes expecting a further 25 from the prison where he used to work.

Oleksandr said that many convicts, like Vitaly, signed up with the aim of reforming themselves.

Many of them have families in front of whom they were ashamed of what they did. They have children who are told that their father is a convict. When he joins the armed forces, he is no longer a convict  but a hero, Oleksandr said.

CNN gained access to the freed prisoners of Skhval battalion of the 59th brigade near Pokrovsk. - CNN

During CNNs time with the brigade in Pokrovsk, we were approached by another officer who said that morale was dwindling as the best Western weapons had been diverted towards the Kursk incursion, troops were lacking motivation and both soft-skin and armored vehicles were dwindling, complicating logistics and evacuations. The officer, who asked to remain anonymous for security reasons, said that a few days earlier theyd refused to fight alongside troops from a new brigade of freshly drafted men, due to their low morale and motivation to fight.

Still, morale may be Ukraines only hope in Pokrovsk as Russian forces zero in on the town.

At sundown in the town, the streets empty and the artillery barrages begin.

Russian forces are only 8 kilometers (5 miles) away, according to a map dated September 10 from DeepState, a group that monitors the progress of Russian forces in Ukraine that has links to Ukraines security services.

Pokrovsk is coming under increasingly heavy bombardment by Russian forces as they advance as close as 8km to the town. - CNN

Pokrovsk is a vital supply town for eastern Ukrainian forces fighting back the tides of Russian soldiers. Its capture would be a coup for Putin as he looks to take control of the entire region of Donetsk. It could result in a withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from Chasiv Yar and the line of contact moving closer to the much larger cities of Kramatorsk and Sloviansk.

Oleksandr is aware of the unenviable task of holding the Russians at bay, but thinks his troops have a skill that others dont.

The convict sub-culture is used to surviving. This means physical endurance, moral endurance, plus cunning, logical thinking, much higher than those of ordinary civilians.

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COPPERAS COVE, Texas (FOX 44)  Many schools across Texas have received threats which have not been substantiated, according to the Texas Education Agencys (TEA) Safety & Security Division.

The Copperas Cove Police Department and the Copperas Cove Independent School District said they were aware of this, and made every effort to conduct extra patrols around district facilities on Wednesday. Superintendent Dr. Joe Burns says the district became aware of an alleged threat made by student at Copperas Cove High School, who was not at school on Wednesday. Police have been notified and are investigating this incident.

Dr. Burns issued an update later on Wednesday morning, saying the investigation concluded and police were unable to substantiate any threats made against the high school campus. The superintendent went on to say that parents and guardians should not hesitate to contact their students campuses if they have any questions.

In addition, the Belton Police Department said Wednesday morning that there was misinformation circulating social media regarding a false claim about an incident at Belton High School. The claim alleged there was banging in the hallways, and police were telling people to hide in their classrooms. Police said School Resource Officers were stationed at their posts, and it is confirmed that no such incident occurred.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Scientific testing of skeletal remains found in a vehicle retrieved from the Pecatonica River earlier this year indicate that the recovered remains belong to two men who have missing since 1976.

DNA testing performed by the Illinois State Police Division of Forensic Services confirms that the remains recovered from the vehicle belong to Clarence Owens and Everett Hawley, the Winnebago County Coroner's Office stated in a news release.

The skeletal remains discovered on March 11, 2024, also were examined by a forensic anthropologist in St. Louis, Missouri. That analysis determined that there was no evidence of trauma.

More than 100 bones were retrieved from the vehicle and the river.

This bring us one step closer to providing closure to the families of Clarence Owens and Everett Hawley who have waited many years for answers that have been affected by this tragic case, said Winnebago County Sheriff Gary Caruana. "This is a testament to the dedication and perseverance of our detectives and forensic experts. Its a reminder that no case is ever truly closed no matter how much time has passed.

Winnebago County Sheriff's deputies and dive team members watch Monday, March 11, 2024, as a crane pulls a brown 1966 Chevrolet Impala from the Pecatonica River near the corner of East First and Washington streets in Pecatonica.

More: Could this be the end of one of the Rockford area's most puzzling mysteries?

On the afternoon of March 11, recovery crews used a crane to pull a brown 1966 Chevrolet Impala sedan from the Pecatonica River near the corner of East First and Washington streets in Pecatonica. Fishermen spotted the submerged vehicle with a sonar fish finder last week.

According to the Winnebago County Sheriffs Office, it is the vehicle 72-year-old Everett Hawley and 65-year-old Clarence Owens took to a farm auction on Feb. 19, 1976, near the Winnebago-Ogle County line. They were never seen again.

Hawley was a real estate broker in Freeport. Owens was a salesperson in Hawleys firm.

This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Coroner: Skeletal remains belong to missing Illinois businessmen
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW)  The Kansas Cosmosphere has shared a photo of New York City taken from space on 9/11.

Astronaut Frank L. Culbertson, Jr. was 255 miles above the earth on board the International Space Station on Sept. 11, 2001, when he heard the reports about the terrorist attacks.

As the station passed above the East Coast, he grabbed a digital camera and went to a window that provided a clear view of New York City below.

Culbertson was commander of a three-man crew that arrived at the ISS on Aug. 12.

Frank Culbertson talks about it was a completely clear day, and pretty much the only clouds he could see over the United States was that plume of smoke, so it was very obvious to him in the moment and very obvious in the photo as well, said Chuck McClary, the digital specialist and public relations coordinator for the Kansas Cosmospere.

UPDATE: canned food next to food warmer caused explosion at state fair

Following the attacks, they spent an additional 94 days in space before returning to Earth on Dec. 17, 2001.

Culbertson graduated from the Naval Academy and was a classmate of one of the pilots whose plane was flown into the Pentagon on Sept. 11.

The camera that captured that photo, a Nikon DCS 460, is owned by the Kansas Cosmosphere. It is one of over 5,000 artifacts in the Cosmospheres collection.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
LONDON, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- Arsenal will be without influential playmaker and captain Martin Odegaard for at least three weeks after the Norwegian suffered an ankle injury while on international duties.

His absence was confirmed by Norway team doctor Ola Sand, who told media that injuries such as the one Odegaard suffered against Austria "often take at least three weeks (to recover from)," but warned they "can take longer," and anything less would be "a bonus."

The midfielder had an MRI scan in London on Tuesday, with Sand confirming that it revealed "there is probably no fracture in the ankle."

"Arsenal are almost certain there is no breach, but this may still take some time. In the event of a fracture, we are talking about being out of action for six weeks plus," the doctor advised.

The injury comes at arguably the worst possible time for Arsenal, who will also be without Declan Rice for this weekend's north London derby against Tottenham after Rice was sent off against Brighton two weeks ago.

New signing Mikel Merino is also out for a couple of months with a fractured shoulder, as Arsenal prepare for an intense period of seven games between now and October 6.

As well as traveling to play Tottenham on Sunday, that period sees Mikel Arteta's side travel to visit reigning Premier League champions Manchester City in a game that already looks as if it will be key in deciding the destination of this season's title.

Arsenal will kick off their UEFA Champions League campaign away to Atalanta on September 19 and host Paris Saint-Germain on October 1. 
John Swinney has already overseen one election as SNP leader - could there be a quick second? [Reuters]

Politicians are speculating about the possibility of a snap Holyrood election, with the Scottish government struggling to win support from opposition parties.

John Swinney and his senior ministers have hinted at the prospect when pressed by journalists about opposition anger over budget cuts.

And his administration has now lost two votes in parliament on the same day, underlining the lack of political capital the government has.

But for all the rhetoric, the process to end up at an extraordinary election would be highly complex - and any vote might need to be run on a short timetable due to deadlines around setting tax rates.

It also would not change the fact there is a Scottish Parliament poll fixed for 2026, which would go ahead regardless.

What is the narrow path to a snap election, and how likely is it to happen?

[Getty Images]

The budget process is really already under way in the back offices of the Scottish government, but it will kick off in earnest when Shona Robison sets out her draft spending and tax plans at Holyrood on 4 December.

The finance secretary has already warned that she faces incredibly difficult choices, and opposition parties have been vocal in their criticism of the cuts she has felt compelled to make in-year.

The Greens - lately the first port of call for a deal - are smarting after being kicked out of government by Humza Yousaf, and have seen some of their favourite policies shredded by Robison.

Labour want to replace the SNP in government, and have little incentive to do them any favours.

The Conservatives will have a new leader by the time the budget rolls around, but with the party desperate to retain its position as the core opposition to the SNP, a deal similar to the kind Annabelle Goldie used to do with Alex Salmond feels distinctly unlikely.

The Lib Dems might be keen to look like dealmakers, and one or two of them have backed budgets in the past in return for specific spending pledges.

That is the kind of agreement Shona Robison will be furiously trying to work towards in the weeks after she sets out her plans, even as they are examined by Holyrood's committees.

The Scottish Greens are furious with their former partners after leaving government [Getty Images]

Votes won't actually be cast in parliament until February, when the budget bill goes before MSPs for the first time.

The SNP currently has 62 MSPs - 63 if you include John Mason, who currently has the whip suspended.

They would need the votes of two opposition MSPs to get to a true majority of 65.

Or they could try to reduce the numbers on the other side by convincing three MSPs to abstain.

If the vote were to be tied, then the presiding officer would, in line with the convention of backing the status quo, break the tie by voting the legislation down.

This happened in 2009, when the stage one vote was tied 64-64.

That's also an handy illustration that the bill failing to pass would not automatically trigger an election. The government can always tweak it and head back to parliament for another try.

That's what happened in 2009 - a week later, a revised version of the plans passed overwhelmingly.

There are only two ways for an extraordinary Holyrood election to be triggered.

One would be for the first minister to resign, and for the office to remain vacant for 28 days.

The other would be for a two-thirds majority of MSPs - 86 - to vote to dissolve parliament.

Shona Robison will set out her budget plans to MSPs on 4 December [PA Media]

It isn't quite as straightforward as that simple two-thirds vote, though.

Things have become more complicated since 2009, with the devolution of income tax rates.

The budget bill can bounce around at length, but MSPs do need to pass a rates resolution, confirming the rates and bands of Scottish income tax, before the end of March - or the whole system falls apart.

It isn't a situation where existing rates would just continue; the government literally wouldn't be allowed to levy taxes in the coming financial year.

That sets a very hard deadline. If you want to have an election, the government that it produces needs to be in place in time to pass a rates resolution by the end of March.

If the failed budget votes were in February, that would leave a very short window - a matter of weeks - for any election.

MSPs would likely need to agree to a short campaign, and the whole thing would be haunted by the prospect of the vote not yielding a decisive result.

The Holyrood system is not designed to produce majority governments, let alone ones strong enough to bash through an emergency budget in a matter of days after taking office.

[Reuters]

As a brief sidetrack - what would actually happen in the absence of a rates resolution?

In theory there just wouldn't be a Scottish rate of income tax, leaving a 20bn gap in devolved finances.

But realistically some kind of agreement would need to be made, probably with the UK government stepping in to help.

There could be a move to void that year's block grant adjustment and just use UK-wide tax rates, but that would still leave a big shortfall.

Or a deal could potentially be done to amend the Scotland Act to allow existing rates to continue until a rates resolution was agreed.

The only certainty is that it would be a horrible mess, which all concerned would far rather avoid.

There is technically a path to avoiding the tax deadline - MSPs could agree to pass the first two stages of the budget, then pass a tax rates resolution, and then vote the budget itself down at stage three.

It would require quite a lot of coordination and cooperation between parties apparently incapable of doing a deal.

But there's actually another deadline in terms of local authority budgets - councils need to set their own tax and spending plans by mid-March, ahead of the new financial year. It's not hugely clear how they could do that in the absence of a Scottish government budget outlining how much funding they are getting.

There's a reason why elections aren't usually held in the middle of the budget process, on the eve of a new financial year - it throws up all kinds of monstrous complications, and the kind of uncertainty that citizens and businesses could really do without.

Scotland's parties have just contested one election - do they fancy two more? [PA Media]

And then of course we would have to do it all again in May 2026.

That election date remains fixed, and the rules state it would only be changed by an extraordinary election taking place within six months of it.

So we're not talking about an early election - it would be an extra one.

Do voters really want to have two Holyrood polls in just over a year, hot on the heels of this summer's general election?

That, added to the complexity of the process around tax and triggering a vote, are why ministers are privately reasonably confident that they can do a deal.

It's true they are perilously short on political capital, and we live in an era of unprecedented political events.

But not every party necessarily wants an election, regardless of their publicly strident positions.

The SNP is certainly among them, but there are others who might struggle to afford three major campaigns in three years, before you even get to the question of whether they're up or down in the polls.

Ultimately the government will hope that the weeks and months between now and February, they can win over the necessary handful of MSPs.
Four people died by suicide on the Tacoma Narrows Bridge in 2023. The Washington State Patrol responded to 52 people who they suspected might die of suicide on the bridge last year. Thats an average of one a week.

Can anything be done? In an article by Julia Park of the Tacoma News Tribune, she reported some south Sound officials think suicide-prevention nets may help.

One life lost is too many, so if theres anything we can do to help save a life, in my mind, its worth it, Gig Harbor Mayor Tracie Markley told The News Tribune on Aug. 15.

Tacoma News: Mother of missing girl pushing police to investigate possible sighting 25 years later

During public comment at the Gig Harbor City Council meeting on July 22, a woman said she wanted to see suicide-prevention nets installed on the bridge and she said some of her neighbors are on board.

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) spokesperson April Leigh wrote in an email to the newspaper that placing nets on the bridge would be challenging and potentially expensive.

The bridge would require extensive evaluation, Leigh wrote. The evaluation would need to account for how wind and new weight would affect the bridge.

Nets were added to the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco for a whopping $224 million. They are made of marine-grade stainless steel netting that extends 20 feet from the east and west sides of the 1.7-mile-long bridge over the water.

According to the Golden Gate Bridge website, the nets made a difference in 2023, while they were still under construction. Fourteen people were confirmed to have died by suicide on the Golden Gate Bridge in 2023, compared to an average of 30 a year over the prior 20 years.

Another bridge closer to home also has a barrier, but its much smaller and has a fence instead of a net. WSDOT installed an 8-foot, 9-inch fence on both sides of the Aurora Bridge in Seattle, according to an archived WSDOT web page that spokesperson Leigh confirmed remains accurate.

Since it was completed in 1932, 230 people have died by suicide off the bridge. The Aurora Bridge is 2,945 feet long, compared to the 5,979-foot westbound and 5,400-foot eastbound spans of the Narrows Bridge.

Feliks Banel: Hope for saving Holy Rosary Church in Tacoma?

Jud Morris, vice president of the Gig Harbor/Key Peninsula Suicide Prevention Coalition, told The News Tribune on Aug. 8 that the coalition has discussed getting nets on the bridge but that it isnt a realistic focus of the coalition.

It would take a tremendous community organization effort, Morris said.

The coalition is focusing on getting the suicide prevention signs already on the Narrows bridge updated with the three-digit number 988, which people could call for help if theyre suicidal or in crisis. Calling or texting 988 routes callers to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline where they can talk with trained crisis counselors, get support and find resources for free 24 hours a day, seven days a week, according to the 988 Lifeline website.

Morris said the 988 stickers will be added to the signs in the next month or two.

Bill Kaczaraba is a content editor at MyNorthwest. You can read his stories here. Follow Bill on X, formerly known as Twitter, here and email him here.
New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer has won the Democratic nomination for governor of Delaware, according to Decision Desk HQ.

Meyer defeated Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long and former state Secretary of Natural Resources and Environmental Control Collin OMara to win the primary. He is seeking to succeed outgoing Gov. John Carney (D), who is term limited as he completes his second term in office.

Meyer was first elected to serve as executive of New Castle County, the northernmost county in the state, in 2016 and was reelected to a second four-year term in 2020. New Castle is also the most populous county in Delaware by a large margin.

Before serving as county executive, Meyer served as a diplomat in Iraq and an economic adviser to former Delaware Gov. Jack Markell (D).

He was able to win the nomination despite Hall-Long receiving major endorsements from Carney, the state Democratic Party and the pro-abortion rights group EMILYs List.

Polling had shown Meyer and Hall-Long in a close battle with OMara lagging in third. One poll from last month showed Meyer leading by 7 points, 30 percent to Hall-Longs 23 percent, with 8 percent for OMara and 40 percent undecided.

Other polls including from groups supporting or opposing a specific candidate found a close race with a third or more of voters undecided.

Meyer will be the heavy favorite to win the general election in November in the solidly blue state.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Nigel and Sheila Jacklin were issued with Community Protection warning not allowing them to look at their neighbours home - SWNS

A couple who were accused of harassing their neighbours by chanting and pointing their fingers while on a nearby beach were praying, a court has heard.

Nigel and Sheila Jacklin have been embroiled in an 11-year row with their neighbour, sparked by noisy building work.

The spat in the town of Bexhill-on-Sea, in East Sussex, saw the couple banned from looking into the home of neighbour Dr Stephane Duckett and his partner.

Earlier this year, they were again accused of chanting, staring and sticking their fingers up at their neighbour and his partner from a nearby beach. Both were charged with harassment, but claimed the chanting and finger-pointing were part of Mrs Jacklins Hindu prayer routine.

Mr Jacklin, 62, was also charged with assaulting a female friend of their neighbours during a separate row outside his 600,000 home.

All charges against the Jacklins  which they denied  were dropped on Tuesday when they appeared before magistrates in Brighton. They pleaded not guilty to harassment of their neighbour. Mrs Jacklin, 61, said the chanting, staring and movement of her fingers were a part of her Sanskrit mantras. Mr Jacklin also pleaded not guilty to an assault.

The Crown Prosecution Service had requested an adjournment, which was refused by the court  meaning no evidence was offered. The Jacklins were told they were free to go.

All charges against the Jacklins, which they denied, were dropped when they appeared before magistrates in Brighton on Tuesday - SWNS

Mr Jacklin, a statistician and market researcher, said: We are feeling relieved, elated and p----- off. This should never have gone to court.

This is the fourth time my wife has been investigated for praying on the beach. Weve been investigated 12 times, with no action taken against us in any case. Thats not a series of police mistakes  that is abuse of police power.

Mr Jacklin, a councillor, said the couple had spent tens of thousands of pounds in legal fees over the repeated police investigations and court battles.

The row began in 2013 when Dr Duckett and Norinne Betjemann, his partner, bought a 120-year-old, disused glass glazing workshop opposite their house. The couple, from London, then set about converting it into a 400,000 weekend holiday home.

Mr and Mrs Jacklin made a series of complaints about their neighbours to the authorities, including noisy builders, verbal abuse and light pollution.

The Jacklins were then sent a community protection warning letter by Rother District Council. They were also banned from entering an exclusion zone around the property owned by Dr Duckett and Ms Betjemann.

The exclusion zone around the neighbours house in East Sussex - SWNS

The houses in Bexhill-on-Sea, with the neighbours home in front and the Jacklins home behind - SWNS

In July last year, the Jacklins reported their neighbours for harassment when they claimed Mrs Jacklin was filmed as she tried to pray.

In September that year, Mr Jacklin claims he was assaulted after a friend of Dr Duckett approached them on the beach outside their home. As the couple made their way back to the house, Mr Jacklin claims the woman shouted to Mrs Jacklin: The whole village wishes you were dead.

He said he approached the woman and she strangled him before claiming he assaulted her, which he strongly denies.

He said: The woman then claimed I bashed her against the fence, kicked her dog and repeatedly headbutted her. It was completely made up. When she throttled me, she came at me again and I put my hand out to stop her. That was the only contact we had.

Mr Jacklin said CCTV footage of the three minutes in which the assault took place were never found, despite a request by his solicitors.

We should stand against abuse of power

He called the ordeal a spectacular misuse of police time, adding: I stood in the general election, and one of the reasons I decided to do so is because the police investigated us and not our neighbours. We should stand against abuse of power.

My wifes Hindu faith has helped her get through this. Weve been there for 30 years and plan to live here forever.

Dr Duckett has been contacted for comment.

A Crown Prosecution Service spokesman said: We requested an adjournment in this case in order to discharge our disclosure obligations following late submissions by the defence. Unfortunately, this request was refused by the court and we were regrettably left with no option but to offer no evidence.

The Jacklins dispute the Crown Prosecution Service comment that there were late submissions by their defence lawyers.

A Sussex Police spokesman said: Sussex Police conducted a thorough, impartial investigation into multiple reports of harassment, and one reported assault, against three people between July and September 2023.

Inquiries were conducted without prejudice, including multiple statements from the informants and witnesses, as well as interviews with both suspects.

Evidence was submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service, which approved charges of harassment and assault by battery, before no evidence was offered after magistrates declined a request for adjournment from the Crown Prosecution Service.

Sussex Police will continue to do all it can to protect our communities and secure justice for victims of crime.

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A couple say they spent $400,000 trying to regain access to Disney's exclusive club and lost the legal battle

A couple said they spent $400,000 in legal fees to rejoin Disney's exclusive Club 33.

But lost the case this month.

Club 33 is an invite-only members club with hefty annual fees.

An Arizona couple say they have spent $400,000 in legal fees trying to regain membership to Disney's exclusive Club 33 after being booted out seven years ago  only to lose the case this month.

Club 33 is an invite-only private dining members club that reportedly costs $31,500 a year and has, at times, had a waiting list of up to 14 years.

In an interview with the LA Times, Scott and Diana Anderson explained that they were spending close to $125,000 annually to be members of Club 33 at Disneyland and visit Disney's two parks in California.

In September 2017, a security guard for Disney's California Adventure Park filled out a report saying that one of its members, Scott Anderson, was "heavily under the influence," according to court documents viewed by Business Insider.

Per the court documents, the guard said that Anderson was "hunched over and slurred his responses" and fell when trying to stand up.

Following the incident, the general manager of Club 33 terminated Anderson and his wife's membership account.

Mr Anderson responded to the allegation with a letter that said he was incapacitated "from a severe allergy attack, a medical condition that disabled me to the point where I was in great physical pain and distress," the court documents said.

He added that he had been drinking that day but did not consume an "unreasonable amount."

Since then, the Andersons have been doing all they can to get back into the club.

Not giving up

Mr Anderson told the LA Times that the cost of the lawsuit has set his retirement plans back five years.

But this hasn't stopped the pair from pursuing their dream to one day return to Club 33.

Mrs Anderson told the newspaper she would sell a kidney to be granted access to the exclusive hangout spot again.

"There is no way we're letting this go," Mr Anderson told the LA Times.

Business Insider contacted Disney for comment but didn't immediately hear back. The Andersons' lawyer was also not immediately available to comment.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Court could clear the way for Americans to legally bet on US elections

Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during a presidential debate with Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (AP)  Amid the explosion of legal gambling in the United States, some things have remained off-limits, including betting on the outcome of U.S. elections.

But that could be about to change.

A federal judge in Washington has struck down a decision by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to prohibit a company from offering what amounts to bets on the outcome of Congressional elections.

Last Friday, U.S. District Court Judge Jia Cobb ruled in favor of New York-based Kalshi, but did not detail her reasoning.

The judge paused the matter until after a planned hearing Thursday, when the court will presumably outline the rationale for its decision. It also could rule on the agency's request for a two-week delay in the case.

The commission lost, fair and square, on the law, Kalshi wrote in a court filing. It should not be allowed to snatch a procedural victory from the jaws of defeat by running out the clock until the Congressional elections happen this fall.

As the election nears, Kalshi and the public deserve access to the contracts that the CFTC has blocked for too long already, the company wrote.

No U.S. jurisdiction has authorized betting on elections, and several states explicitly ban it.

But such bets are readily available to gamblers who use foreign web sites; the practice of elections betting is widespread in Europe.

In a Sept. 2023 decision, the commission told Kalshi it could not offer yes-no prediction bets on which party would control the House of Representatives and the Senate, ruling that it constituted illegal gambling activity that is contrary to the public interest.

Such bets could potentially be used in ways that would have an adverse effect on the integrity of elections, or the perception of integrity of elections  for example, by creating monetary incentives to vote for particular candidates, the agency wrote.

Kalshi officials did not respond to requests for comment Tuesday and Wednesday. An attorney representing them in the case referred an inquiry back to the company. Likewise, attorneys representing the commission did not respond to a message seeking comment.

Had the judge not agreed to pause the matter until at least Thursday, Kalshi would have been free to list and accept money from customers on its Congressional markets.

It was not immediately clear whether it or other companies would also seek to offer bets on other elections, including the presidential race.

In 2020, several of the country's major sportsbooks told The Associated Press they would be eager to take bets on the U.S. presidential elections if it were legal to do so.

Vice President Kamala Harris was listed Wednesday as a slight favorite to win the election on the websites of many European bookmakers, who gave her a 54% to 55% probability of prevailing following her performance in Tuesday night's debate.

___

Follow Wayne Parry on X at www.twitter.com/WayneParryAC
Court docs: 75-year-old woman pleads guilty to bank robbery and will be sent to prison

Security video showed Ann Mayers walking into AurGroup Financial Credit Union in Fairfield Township on April 19.

A 75-year-old Hamilton woman on Tuesday admitted to robbing a Fairfield Township bank and will serve prison time, court documents show.

Ann Mayers pleaded guilty in Butler County Common Pleas Court to aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon. The incident happened on the afternoon of April 19 at AurGroup Financial Credit Union.

Credit union employees told police at the time that Mayers  who was 74 and had no criminal history  walked into the bank with two bags, one of which had a gun inside, and demanded that a teller fill up the other bag with money.

Ann Mayers smiles to her sister, Linda Mayers, during an appearance in Butler County Common Pleas Court on July 16.

Mayers was arrested at her Hamilton home later that afternoon, according to an incident report. The report also says Mayers told police, "The bank, AurGroup, I did it."

Police found a total of $580, most of which was in Mayers' car.

While Mayers was in custody, her sister, Linda, told police that Mayers had borrowed large sums of money from family and friends to send to a man she had been chatting with online.

She had borrowed at least $65,000 from a friend, Linda Mayers told police.

More: 74-year-old woman charged in Ohio bank robbery needed $65K for possible scam

Aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon is a first-degree felony. Ann Mayers faces up to 12 years in prison and a maximum fine of $20,000.

Under Ohio law, Mayers will have to serve at least one year in prison because she used a gun to commit the crime.

Sentencing is set for Oct. 15 by Judge Daniel E. Haughey.

She is being held in the Butler County jail. Her attorney, David Albrecht, could not be reached for comment.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: 75-year-old woman pleads guilty to bank robbery in Fairfield Township
COPPERAS COVE, Texas (FOX 44)  Copperas Cove Independent School District Superintendent Dr. Joe Burns has announced his retirement after more than three decades in Texas Public Education.

The district says Dr. Burns made the announcement at Tuesday evenings meeting of the Board of Trustees. He first arrived in Copperas Cove in June 2012, and has overseen the vast improvement of the district in every facet of education.

Burns began his career as a science teacher before moving into administration, working in the Jasper, Lufkin and Zavalla ISDs. His final stop as a campus administrator was in Lufkin ISD, where he served as principal before a 24-year run as superintendent across four districts.

Dr. Joe Burns. (Courtesy: Copperas Cove Independent School District)

The district says Dr. Burns started his career as a superintendent in Hubbard ISD before moving to southeast Texas, where he served as superintendent in Kirbyville CISD and was named 2007 State Superintendent of the Year by the Texas Association of School Boards. Dr. Burns was named Vidor ISDs superintendent in 2009, where he was for three years before moving to Cove.

Since arriving in Copperas Cove, the district says Dr. Burns has overseen improvements to facilities in order to ensure each student learns in a modern classroom. The district says it has, under Burns leadership, renovated several campuses to meet the needs of todays students while working to minimize the impact to taxpayers.

The district says it has also seen great improvements to its instructional efforts, with Burns overseeing the reorganization of the districts Instructional Services department. These efforts, the addition of a literacy program in younger grade levels to ensure a strong foundation for all subjects, as well as other curriculum initiatives such as strengthening the CTE program, were the catalyst for the districts B+ rating in 2022, the most recent year accountability ratings were released. House Creek Elementary became the districts first National Blue Ribbon School in 2023.

The district says it continues to be strong financially, lowering its tax rate in six consecutive years and continuing its strong performance. CCISD has never been rated lower than Superior on the TEAs Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas, which is the highest possible rating. The district received a perfect score in 2023.

Under Dr. Burns leadership, the districts business office received the Texas Association of School Business Officials Award of Merit for the first time.

The district says Dr. Burns will remain as superintendent through December 31. The Copperas Cove ISD Board of Trustees has already started a search for its new superintendent.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KWKT - FOX 44.
MARIPOSA COUNTY, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE)  A small COVID-19 outbreak is affecting a hospital in Mariposa County, according to the Mariposa County Health and Human Services Agency on Tuesday.

Health officials say they were alerted of an outbreak of COVID-19 affecting John C. Fremont in Mariposa County. The outbreak, although small, prompted officials to require people visiting the hospital to wear masks when staying at the hospital or visiting its campus.

The Mariposa County Public Health Department says they are working with their partners at the hospital to mitigate the outbreak and continue service to the community.

Health officials advise that COVID-19 is contagious and can pose significant risks to people who are immunocompromised, older adults or those who have other existing conditions. Symptoms include:

Fever or chills

Cough

Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Sore throat

Congestion or runny nose

Loss of taste or smell

Fatigue

Muscle or body aches

Headache

Nausea or vomiting

Health officials say symptoms may vary. Anyone who experiences the symptoms should test and stay home until the symptoms resolve. If they worsen, it is encouraged for the person to seek medical care.

For more information, residents are encouraged to contact them at 209-966-3689.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
PULASKI COUNTY, Ark.  Crews are responding to a house fire in the McAlmont community in northwest Pulaski County Wednesday morning.

Captain Gary Williams with the North Little Rock Fire Department reported that firefighters with his agency were responding to assist the McAlmont Volunteer Fire Department at the scene in the area of Mitchell Avenue & Daffodil Street.

Video from Arkansas Storm Team meteorologist Pat Walker of the scene shows flames coming from the home in the wooded neighborhood and plumes of black smoke rolling into the sky.

There was also audible popping from the fire. Authorities have not as of yet released information as to what could have been causing those sounds, though officials with the Pulaski County Sheriffs Office said it was likely there was ammunition in the home.

No information has been released at this time regarding any injuries connected to this fire.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK.
Xi stresses building China into leading country in education

Xinhua) 08:01, September 11, 2024

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)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
FRANKFURT, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- A leading trade fair for the aftermarket sector of the auto industry, Automechanika, kicked off on Tuesday, highlighting electrification and sustainability.

The fair, which encompasses the entire value chain of the automotive aftermarket, has drawn approximately 4,200 exhibitors from around 80 countries and regions, according to a press release from the organizer, Messe Frankfurt.

Since its launch more than 50 years ago, Automechanika Frankfurt has offered an opportunity to assess the automotive industry and its various segments, according to Detlef Braun, a member of the executive board of Messe Frankfurt. "The programme has more to offer than ever before and features all the most important trends and developments in the industry today."

This year's event, running until Sept. 14, features over 650 exhibitors showcasing electric vehicle expertise, with approximately a dozen Chinese companies displaying their electric vehicles.

An Electric Vehicle Expo (EVA Expo), hosted by the Automotive Sub-council of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT Auto), is offering trade visitors an opportunity to connect with Chinese auto manufacturers and explore potential partnership opportunities during the Automechanika fair.

"This year's concurrent 'EVA Expo' at Automechanika Frankfurt is a remarkable result of our Chinese colleagues' exceptional efforts to expand their network," commented Michael Johannes, vice president of Mobility & Logistics at Messe Frankfurt.

According to Wang Xia, chairman of CCPIT Auto, the aim of the EVA Expo is to "provide European auto markets and industry professionals with an in-depth understanding of China's rapid transition from a market dominated by traditional automobiles to one increasingly favoring electric vehicles."

Wang called on the automotive sector to collectively support the development of a sustainable automotive ecosystem, foster business collaboration that benefits all parties, and create win-win situations. 
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX)  Crime Stoppers of Mesa County is asking the community to help identify an alleged thief.

The incident occurred around 7:25 p.m., Saturday, July 13, when the male suspect entered Lowes Home Improvement, 2525 Rimrock Ave. in Grand Junction, with an empty shopping cart.

When inside the building, the male allegedly grabbed several tools off the stores shelves and placed them in the cart. He then reportedly walked past the checkout counters and exited the store without trying to pay for the items.

The total item loss is over $500, according to Crime Stoppers.

The suspect is believed to be a Black male with short dark hair and a mustache. He was seen on security cameras wearing blue jeans, a blue collared shirt and beige work boots.

Anyone who knows the suspects can submit a tip on the P3tips app, at 241stop.com or call 970-241-7867.

Folks can get up to a $1,000 reward for any information reported to Crime Stoppers that leads to an arrest. The individual will 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 WesternSlopeNow.com.
The NHS trust said services were returning to normal [BBC]

Nottingham's hospital trust says a critical incident affecting its blood testing service has ended.

On Tuesday, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust said the IT failure meant it could not process tests in a "timely fashion".

The problem was affecting blood tests ordered by the trust's hospitals - the Queen's Medical Centre and City Hospital - and GPs.

The trust said it was returning to "business as usual" with GPs able to make blood test referrals from Wednesday afternoon.

During the IT failure, the trust said it was working to prioritise the "most urgent blood tests, including cancer and pre-op services".

In a statement on Wednesday, it thanked colleagues, patients and its partner agencies for their support during the incident.

Follow BBC Nottingham on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.

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Croatian PM announces new package of military assistance to Ukraine

During his visit to Kyiv on 11 September, Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic announced an additional military aid package for Ukraine.

Source: Office of the President of Ukraine, as reported by European Pravda

Details: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to the Croatian Prime Minister for his personal involvement in the fourth summit of the international Crimean Platform, as well as the opening of the Memorial to the Victims of the Crimean Tatar Genocide.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy also acknowledged Croatia's assistance in combating Russian aggression and expressed gratitude for the 11th package of military aid announced during the visit.

Neither the Ukrainian nor Croatian parties have revealed the contents of this assistance package.

Zelenskyy and Plenkovic addressed Ukraine's accession to the EU and NATO, assistance for Ukrainian refugees in Croatia, and cooperating on demining and energy infrastructure recovery.

In August, Ukraine and Croatia explored ways to strengthen bilateral energy cooperation.

Last year, it was reported that Kyiv had received Croatian Mi-8 helicopters.

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"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."



For Jasmine Wahi and Rebecca Pauline Jampol, the founders and co-directors of Project for Empty Space, art has always been the answer.

The curators and activists met in college, where they found themselves in the same creative circles, and soon became close collaborators, working on projects that centered on womens rights, police brutality, and queer liberation. Their latest collaboration, Body Freedom for Every(Body), is their most ambitious undertaking yet. Wahi and Jampol brought together artists including Mickalene Thomas, Yvette Molina, Marilyn Minter, and Barbara Kruger, to create a conversation-starting exhibition inside a 27-square-foot truck. Now, the show is making a cross-country road trip with stops in cities like Austin, Texas; Tempe, Arizona; West Palm Beach, Florida; and Washington, D.C.

Their ultimate goal is to highlight the importance and political urgency of Americans current battles for control of their own bodies, as conservative officials restrict access to abortion and gender-affirming care. For both founders, the right to bodily autonomy isnt just a womens issue or a New York issue or a liberal issueits a global issue.

When I initially met with both Wahi and Jampol to learn more about how Body Freedom for Every(Body) came to be, the future of our nation looked very different. Then, in the week before our next conversation, President Joe Biden dropped out of the race against former president Donald Trump, Vice President Kamala Harris became the new Democratic nominee, and the word hope re-entered the election conversation.

Im feeling more optimistic than I was the last time we spoke, Wahi says in that second talk. And Im really hoping that the changes in candidate and potential leadership push people to get out and vote and make sure we protect what is so important for us. Its been nice to see that boost of energy from people."

The Body Freedom for Every(Body) truck, of course, was created to jump-start discussions. Alongside a rotating curation of pieces that will feature artists from across the nation, the truck itself is a vessel for highlighting some of the uncomfortable truths we face when it comes to the United States views on bodily autonomy, and the relentless wave of threats to reproductive and gender-affirming health care here.

I really did think one day, following so many of the projects we had previously done  it would be so great if we just had a truck to take this across the country, says Wahi. And it just so happened that one of our supporters had a truck, which meant we didnt have an excuse not to do it. One Kickstarter and an influx of donations later, the Body Freedom for Every(Body) exhibit was born.

Carlos Hernandez

Turning a truck into a mobile, art-filled, physical political statement was also a way to disrupt the accessibility gaps that often exist in the art world.

We absolutely could have done another series of gallery exhibitions or museum exhibitions, says Wahi. But we are also really aware of the some of the barriers to entry with museums and art spaces, so this is a way to have these conversations using art but not just in the context of art. I like to think of this project as a FUBU project in the sense that its really for us and by us.

Jampol adds: Art is a mode of expression and a mode of expressing ones identity. Were taking this truck that shows this beautiful array of perspectives and reflections of folks identities, and that is in many ways a more effective and in fact impactful way of having a conversation around these social issues.

Both Wahi and Jampol looked to their personal creative communities when it came time to curate the exhibition. The trucks interior curation (which includes paintings, collages, photography, and even wallpaper installations) will change throughout the duration of its tour across the country,

Theres over 200 artists that are in it, and a lot of them have been making work around this topic for a really long time and have dedicated their practice to having conversations around body autonomy, says Jampol. We wanted to honor the artists that have been doing this work in a variety of environments for so long, but then also open up space for, you know, a continued growing list.

Carlos Hernandez

Carlos Hernandez

The official tour kicked off last week in New York City, with an event in Times Square that featured speakers and a performance by the Resistance Revival Chorus to bless the vehicle for the journey ahead. The first attendees toured the truck while Beyonces Break My Soul and Mariah Careys Fantasy soundtracked the soft opening.

Celebratory and interactive events will take place across the country during the tour, including truck talks with local activists and community leaders, resource fairs, and special performances. But the founders very much see the tour as just the beginning; they'll tell anyone who will listen that this exhibition is meant to endure far past election season. It will have an online home with an accessible digital database, so that those who arent physically able to visit a tour stop can still experience the work of the artists involved. An oral history project will also eventually be uploaded to the official website to commemorate the ongoing truck talks and the project as a whole.

The truck is not going away, but this is a first big step in a larger, more kind of archival component of the project, says Jampol. When we bring art into the picture, it offers this vehicle for thinking in a new way or imagining or dreaming or celebrating or feeling seen. Art to us is our love language, and its our dialect or vernacular to have a larger conversation around these issues. Art, social change, and social movement should exist in a symbiotic relationship.

Follow along with the Body Freedom for Every(Body) project, and see when the truck will stop in a city near you.

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ENDWELL, NY (WIVT/WBGH)  A local travel agency just expanded its footprint into a new office off of Hooper Road in Endwell.

Cruise Planners is not just a cruise planning business. It organizes land tours as well as completely packaged vacations.

The owner, Mary May, also founded the Bing Travel Club.

The Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony at the new location, at 409 Hooper Road.

It shares the same parking lot with Endwell Family Physicians.

May says the travel club just returned from Alaska in early August, and next up, theyre headed to Italy.

She says now that she has a new office, she can start taking walk ins.

Having people walk-in to an office and actually meet and greet with them. And sit down, and actually discuss packages. It was hard before, I had a home office. Having people to come here and know that theres somebody here in the local area, thats the biggest benefit. And get to know me, says May.

May says the new office was years in the making.

You can find out more and start planning your vacation online at MayVacayscom.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WIVT - News 34.
URBANA, Ill. (WCIA)  The University of Illinois welcomed a record-breaking number of students back to campus this fall.

University officials said total student enrollment for the fall of 2024 stands at a record number of 59,238. This number consists of 37,140 undergraduates and 20,765 graduate students who attend in-person, on-campus classes and classes online.

U of Is International Education program holding special events for Homecoming

The freshman Class of 2028 consists of 9,008 students, also a new record. Within this number:

6,429, or 71%, are from 85 of Illinois 102 counties

1,246 are Americans from other 43 other U.S. states and territories

1,233 are international students from 48 countries

China, India and South Korea continue to be the top home countries of international students.

More than 1 in 5 incoming students are first-generation college students

A hallmark of our great university is excellence at scale, and we are delivering on that statement now more than ever, said Chancellor Robert Jones. We have an impressive track record of not only enrolling students, but also ensuring they are making progress, graduating and going on to careers or graduate programs. We are committed to making sure that continues to be our reality.

The freshman class also has a strong academic profile, officials said. The average ACT score was 32.1 (compared to 31.5 the prior year) and the average SAT score was 1440 (compared to 1418 the prior year).

Illinois is a special place to learn, grow, explore and succeed  a place full of opportunity, said Provost John Coleman. We continue to attract the most talented, driven students. As we welcome our newest class to the Illinois community, we know our students bring unique lived experiences, goals and perspectives. We are committed to providing an environment where all can find personal and academic success.

More than 1 in 5 freshman students came from underrepresented groups, officials added. The male-to-female ratio is 50.4% to 49.6%.

U of I kicks off Welcome Weekend with Sights and Sounds event

In addition to the freshmen, the university also welcomed 1,547 transfer students, 61% of which transferred from Illinois community colleges.

For graduate students, the university welcomed 7,425 new students, an 18% increase from last year.

A total of 73,742 applications were received in this admissions cycle, the university said. That number is up from 67,398 last year.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
SAN FRANCISCO (KRON)  A distraught little girl was pushed in a viral video showing San Francisco city employees cracking down on illegal hot dog venders along the Embarcadero, according to police.

In the video, officers are seen handcuffing the girls mother on Sunday morning while the small child screams and cries next to her. The video has gained widespread attention on social media showing SFPD officers arresting a woman, SFPD wrote.

On Thursday, the police department characterized the video as an orchestrated effort by people illegally vending hot dogs to undermine the citys efforts to enforce the law.

SFPD said the video is edited to fit a false narrative, and cut out what led up to the arrest.

The mother got into a tug-of-war scuffle over her hot dog vending cart, and allegedly assaulted a city worker, before officers stepped in to arrest her, according to police.

Someone in the group told a small child to begin crying near the officers to manipulate the situation. The combination of the crying child, with her mother on the ground being handcuffed, created a dramatic moment that was carefully edited. The reality was much different, SFPD wrote.

Police said the incident began at 10:30 a.m. Sunday when the citys Vending Enforcement Task Force gave warnings to people who were vending illegally without permits near Pier 33 along the Embarcadero waterfront.

The task force included employees with SF Port Authority, the Department of Public Health, and the Department of Public Works. Police officers guard members of the task force to protect their safety, however, officers are not directly used to enforce anti-hot dog selling rules.

Around 11:30 a.m., the task force returned to Pier 33 to enforce public health regulations. They attempted to seize hot dog carts from vendors who refused to leave, police said.

The mother gripped tightly onto her cart, according to police. Her daughter started to cry when the mother engaged in tug-of-war over the cart with a port employee, SFPD wrote.

An SFPD sergeant tried to identify the childs parent, and a man came over, picked up the girl up and walked away, the police department wrote. SFPD said police officers were attempting to deescalate the situation when the mother allegedly struck the port worker and resisted arrest.

In the video, the mother can be heard telling officers in Spanish, Im leaving, Im leaving! Mission Street Vendors Association said language barriers and lack of cultural sensitivity can cause tense situations between street vendors and city workers to escalate.

While the mother was on the ground and resisting arrest, SFPD said, the small child reentered the scene and began crying as officers continued to do their job. A witness at the scene told police that an unidentified woman pushed the child toward the police and told her to cry so that the police will let her mom go. Our hearts go out to the girl who witnessed this incident, which was clearly upsetting for her.

Police alerted Child Protective Services authorities about the incident because of how the girl was allegedly used in the video.

San Francisco officials apologize to hot dog street vendor for 2023 incident

Mission Street Vendors Association said it was deeply disturbed by the September 8 video. MSVA told KRON4, The vendors young daughter, who was present during the incident, can be seen crying in distress as onlookers attempt to comfort her.

The mother was ultimately cited for battery and obstructing peace officer duties before she was released from custody at the scene.

SFPD said city employee have a right to carry out their jobs without being attacked, and officers will continue to protect city employees from physical harm.

SFPD wrote, Our city workers have been assaulted dozens of times. The protection of our workforce is not only a fundamental right but also a critical component of our commitment to maintaining a thriving and functional city. The SFPD supports our officers, and we will continue to enforce the law  even when there are organized efforts to manipulate the truth.

The Mission Street Vendors Association denounced Sundays incident as blatant disregard for human dignity. According to the association, city policies disproportionately affect marginalized communities and people who are just trying to make a living.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
Lawmakers grilled former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo regarding his handling of controversial COVID-era nursing home policies, demanding he apologize to families who lost loved ones during the coronavirus pandemic.

Cuomo testified before the House select committee investigating coronavirus on Tuesday regarding elderly deaths after patients were being admitted into nursing homes without COVID-19 testing.

On March 25, 2020, the New York State Department of Health issued an advisory under Cuomo's leadership stating nursing homes "are prohibited from requiring a hospitalized resident who is determined medically stable to be tested for COVID-19 prior to admission or readmission."

Cuomo claimed during the hearing that it was ultimately up to the nursing homes to decide whether they could take care of the patients, but lawmakers counterclaimed that the advisory prevented nursing homes from denying COVID positive patient admission.

TAXPAYERS LOST MORE THAN $100B TO COVID UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE FRAUD, COMMITTEE FINDS

WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 10: Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo arrives to testify before the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic in the Rayburn House Office Building at the U.S. Capitol on September 10, 2024, in Washington, DC.

"After months of inquiry and investigation, we now know irrefutable what New Yorkers have known for years that Governor Cuomo himself and his most senior aides ordered, directed and executed this deadly executive order counter to CMS and CDC guidance," Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., said.

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"You are culpable for this," Stefanik told the former governor. "There are families sitting here. I want you to turn around, look them in the eye, and apologize, which you have failed to do. How do you do it?"

The former New York governor also testified during the hearing that he did not speak to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) before or after the advisory was sent.

ANDREW CUOMO WILL FINALLY FACE QUESTIONS OVER COVID DEATHS. WILL MY FAMILY AND OTHERS LEARN THE TRUTH?

"And they never called me after. You would think if they had a problem with the directive, they would have called if it was so outrageous you didn't even call it." Cuomo told the committee, adding that the advisory was "in total compliance with federal guidelines."

Representative Elise Stefanik, a Republican from New York, grilled Cuomo during the hearing.

Cuomo was blamed for thousands of COVID-related deaths that occurred in nursing homes, which a 2023 report from the NYS Department of Health calculated to be 826 in Suffolk County, 813 in Erie County  which includes Buffalo  and 623 in Queens County.

The former governor directed blame to former President Donald Trump during the hearing, saying that the investigation is part of "old diversions to blame New York and other states for the culpability of the federal response, which was malpractice."

Republican members on the committee railed Cuomo for shifting the blame on the issue.

"I was hoping that we would see a Governor Cuomo that was less defensive and that was remorseful over what happened in New York. But I see that that person has not shown up today," Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, R-Iowa, said.

WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 10: Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is sworn in to testify before the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic in the Rayburn House Office Building at the U.S. Capitol on September 10, 2024, in Washington, DC.

In closing, Chairman Wenstrup added that he was "deeply skeptical of the abdication of responsibility on to others that we've witnessed, not only here, but publicly."

"It appears there's to be no soul-searching from you, governor. I'm sorry. No self- critique of what could have been done better and improved upon. Just doubling down, blaming others," Wenstrup said.

Fox News' Charles Creitz contributed to this report.





Original article source: 'You are culpable': Stefanik demands Cuomo apologize for COVID nursing home deaths in heated exchange
Cuomo responds to former aide Linda Sun arrest: I dont think this was just in New York

Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) responded to the arrest of his former aide, Linda Sun, saying he thinks there may be more international spies working in the United States.

Cuomo joined the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic on Tuesday afternoon, where he was questioned by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) about his involvement in Suns indictment.

Sun, who also worked for Cuomos successor, Gov. Kathy Hochul (D), was arrested last week and charged with acting as an agent of the Chinese government.

Cuomo, who was not named in the indictment, said Tuesday that it is a very serious matter.

He admitted that Sun was a junior member of his administration and that he may not recognize her if she was in the hearing room today, potentially alluding to how little they worked in a close proximity.

Sun eventually became Hochuls deputy chief of staff. Hochuls office said it terminated Suns employment in March 2023 after discovering evidence of misconduct.

City & State New York reporter Rebecca C. Lewis shared older photos online of at least two instances where Sun and Cuomo met.

I think it is a serious matter. I dont think this was just in New York. I think there is an infiltration of Chinese, maybe Russian, operatives, Cuomo said.

He said its both a state government and federal government issue and we should work together on it but state governments dont have the ability to do international reconnaissance in the way the federal government can.

I think they should work together to make sure theyre doing the best they can to do the vetting, Cuomo said.

Sun and her husband, Chris Hu, were arrested and both pleaded not guilty last week.

The indictment argues Sun engaged in numerous political activities in Chinas interest, including blocking representatives of the Taiwanese government from having access to the governors office, changing New York states messaging around issues of importance to China and obtaining governors office proclamations for China without proper authorization, among others.

Sun and Hu received substantial economic benefits from the Chinese government, including millions of dollars, travel benefits, event tickets, and more.

They laundered the money to buy their $3.6 million Long Island home and $1.9 million Hawaii condo, as well as luxury automobiles, the indictment said.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Bodycam footage of D.C. police fatally shooting a 26-year-old man from Southeast D.C. was released Monday, prompting calls for justice from the community.

Justin Robinson was killed by two police officers on Sunday, Sept. 1 at approximately 5:30 a.m. in Southeast D.C. after authorities responded to a report of a crash, according to police reports.

Two bodycam videos and a "community briefing" explaining the shooting were published Monday evening by the Washington D.C. Metropolitan Police. The first two videos  approximately 20 minutes each  show the incident from two different police body cameras.

Footage shows armed police surrounding Robinson's car, which appears to have crashed into a McDonald's. Robinson was unresponsive when officers arrived, the police report says, and officers said they saw a firearm inside of his car.

"We got movement" one of the officers can be heard saying in the video, followed by "sir, keep your hand off the gun."

Officers approach the vehicle with their guns drawn, footage shows, one starts yelling repeatedly at Robinson to put his hands up. The officer then thrusts his gun into the window of the driver's seat threatening to shoot Robinson in the face. Robinson then appears to reach up towards the gun and the officer opens fire, shooting several rounds at Robinson.

Police said in a statement officers approached Robinson with their service weapons drawn and he grabbed one of the officer's guns.

Brandon Burrell, the family's attorney, confirmed to CBS News that Robinson "naturally attempted" to move the gun away and said in response police fired 10 bullets. He said police continued to fire even after they moved out of reach, "this was police brutality."

Robinson was a violence interrupter for Cure the Streets, a program run by the D.C. Office of the Attorney General "aimed at reducing gun violence," Burrell said. CBS News reached out to Cure the Streets but has not heard back.

"His family is devastated and grieving," Burrell said. "The community wants justice for Justin and that's what Justin deserves."

The release of the footage Monday night sparked outcry on social media and on the ground in the nation's Capital where people gathered to protest on Tuesday as documented by CBS affiliate WUSA9 and The Washington Post. Users shared the hashtag #Justiceforjustin on X to call attention to the shooting.

A statement from the Metropolitan Police Department posted on their website says seven people were arrested in the department's seventh district in southeast D.C. as of 12:30 a.m. Wednesday. Police said they continue to maintain a presence in the area "out of an abundance of caution." An MPD spokesperson did not clarify the status of the protests, how big the protests were, or if they are still ongoing when asked by CBS News.

Robinson's family reviewed the bodycam after he was killed and originally said they did not want the footage to be released, according to Chief Pamela Smith, who spoke Monday night at a press conference. Robinson's sister Tralicia told local CBS affiliate WUSA9 that they were reluctant because they found out the footage would be redacted.

Burrell reached out Saturday to inform police they would like the videos to be released, according to Smith. Police said that the shooting remains under investigation and the two officers involved have been placed on administrative leave.

Smith said Monday that MPD's internal affairs division will also conduct an administrative review of the incident to see if there were any violations of policy.

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PRAGUE, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- Czech police on Wednesday arrested a man who threatened to carry out a shooting at a university in the northeast of the country.

The University of Ostrava said it had received a warning from police before noon about the potential danger of a shooting at its faculty of arts.

"For preventive reasons, we proceeded to the immediate evacuation and closure of the university buildings in the center of Ostrava. Before 1 p.m., we received information from the police the suspect had been detained," the university said.

The police have confirmed the arrest, although the man's identity remains unknown.

The Czech News Agency reported that a former student at the university was behind the anonymous threat.

Last December, a student shot and killed 14 people at the Faculty of Arts of Charles University in Prague. A further 25 people were wounded in the tragic incident.

Schools in the Czech Republic have been receiving emails since last week threatening to cause explosions or place booby-traps on their premises. Over 2,500 schools nationwide received a threatening email on Tuesday, police said. However, they added that the severity of the threat remains very low. 
(COLORADO SPRINGS)  On Tuesday, Sept. 10, students from Colorado Springs School District 11 took part in a symposium with a focus on sustainability in our community.

The student-focused Green Summit brings together students, teachers, and community leaders to address environmental challenges and explore green solutions.

They get to learn all about how their energy is produced, where their water comes from, and the best ways they can, best actions they can take as students for a cleaner, greener future, said Birgit Landin, Community Education Specialist with Colorado Springs Utilities.

Courtesy: FOX21 News photojournalist Lilia Onstott

Courtesy: FOX21 News photojournalist Lilia Onstott

Courtesy: FOX21 News photojournalist Lilia Onstott

Courtesy: FOX21 News photojournalist Lilia Onstott

D11 hosts Green Summit for students

Courtesy: FOX21 News photojournalist Lilia Onstott

The summit encourages students to take more active roles in their community to help shape a sustainable future, and to do so, they provide a platform for these young leaders to collaborate with experts and local organizations.

If I could learn something, probably on just like, what I can do, on my part, to make the earth better, like just as a whole and a community. And like what our school can do to focus on making our school better, said Lucy Berumen, a high school student attending the event.

The event included workshops led by leaders from Colorado Springs Utilities, the Fountain Creek Watershed District, Drive Clean Colorado, USAFA/STEM Outreach/Legacy, UCCS, and Colorado College, among others.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado.
HAMILTON HEIGHTS, Manhattan (PIX11)  A father told PIX11 News about his 5-year-old sons terrifying encounter with one of his teachers in a kindergarten special needs classroom on Monday at P.S. 153 in Hamilton Heights, Manhattan.

PIX11 met the father Tuesday afternoon as he arrived at the school to pick up his sons older brother.

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The principal said that we need to come to the school. One of his teachers choked him. It was a very frightening moment for him. He said that his teachers hands were tight around his neck, and that he said that he would be good, and that he asked his teacher to let go, said the father, who wished to remain anonymous.

The NYPD confirmed the arrest of 46-year old Anthony Wicks. He was charged with assault and acting in a manner injurious to a child, authorities said.

Records show Wicks holds a professional certification to teach children with disabilities from birth through second grade.

WATCH: Suspects attack and rob USPS worker in Queens

Were taking him to the Special Victims Unit at the police station next. He will have a lawyer present, said the father.

The father gave PIX11 permission to speak with the brother  under the same agreement not to disclose his identity.

He just told me his teacher choked him, and I was like, Ohhhhh. He was making a fuss about going into the timeout corner. He didnt want to go in the timeout corner. The teacher choked him, he said.

News of the incident has already spread among other, now infuriated parents.

Fired, and he shouldnt be able to work in anymore schools or with children. Children are not his thing, said Ta-Tanisha Roman.

A New York City Department of Education spokesperson told PIX11 News, 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. There is nothing more important than the safety and well-being of our students.

PIX11 was unable to contact the teacher now under 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 PIX11.
DARLINGTON COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW)  The Darlington County Coroners Office is asking for help finding the family of a 69-year-old migrant worker who died last week.

Coroner Todd Hardee took to Facebook to ask for help finding the family of Gonzalo Ramirez, who died on Friday. His last known address was in Winter Haven, Florida.

Ramirez worked as a temporary farm assistant and is from Mexico. Hardee said his remains will be buried in Darlington County on Oct. 6 in the event that hes not claimed.

Let it be known the coroner has exhausted all other means to locate his family, the Facebook post reads.

Anyone with information is asked to call the coroners office at 843-393-5640.

* * *

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.
DAUPHIN COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) The Dauphin County Election Board has approved a plan to help voters address errors on mail-in and absentee ballots that could potentially lead to ballot rejection.

According to Dauphin County, voters who forget to place their ballot inside the official secrecy envelope or fail to sign the return envelope will now be allowed to correct their error, also known as curing.

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Additionally, ballots with flaws will be returned to voters with clear instructions on correcting errors, a new secrecy envelope, and a new return envelope.

Dauphin County said this new initiative aims to help voters correct simple errors and ensure their votes are counted in the upcoming election.

Visit the Dauphin County website to learn more.

Election Day is November 5.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.
DAVIDSON, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  It was a moment Davidson leaders have been waiting on for decades.

They were actually able to make a motion related to the proposed Red Line. On Tuesday, town commissioners, with great enthusiasm, approved the legislation that allows the North Carolina General Assembly and local voters to decide on a new transit authority that would bring transportation relief to northern Mecklenburg County.

This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity, said Mayor Rusty Knox, whose family has deep ties to the Lake Norman area.

On Monday, the City of Charlotte finalized the deal to acquire the O-line corridor from Norfolk Southern as part of a $91 million deal. The Red Line passenger rail is now allowed to run from uptown to the Iredell County line near Davidson.

MORE FROM QUEEN CITY NEWS

MECKLENBURG COUNTY TRANSIT PLANS

Davidson Town Manager Jamie Justice said further negotiations are required with Iredell and the town of Mooresville for the line to reach its planned destination a few miles north in Mount Mourne. Its a necessary action, he explained.

Davidson would like to see the end-of-line station in Mount Mourne, Justice said. Thats where Lowes corporate is. Its about making line viable and securing federal funding. From planning and logistics, thats where the end needs to go, as originally planned.

The pedestrian-friendly community known for its many Main Street local shops and crosswalks Main Street been planning for the rail for years, Justice said.

Davidson was joined by fellow Mecklenburg town Pineville in unanimously passing the transit plans. Residents there have enjoyed the Blue Lines southern station at Interstate 485, and are hopeful for an end extension that reaches the Ballantyne area. Only Matthews has opposed the plan since the Silver Line would only run from uptown west to the airport.

In addition to the home improvement retail giant, several other large companies and institutions voiced their support for funding the Blue Line. The legislation would bring a 1-cent sales tax hike to act as a supplement to a -cent one passed in 1998.

Lowes was joined by Ingersoll Rand, Trane, as well as Davidson College President Doug Hicks,

citing sustainability, the ability to attract a wider employee pool, and economic efficiency.

Half of Davidson students have cars, so they can get to Cornelius, Huntersville, uptown, Hicks said, noting the campus of 1,900-plus students only has 2,000 parking spots. Were hoping to reduce car traffic . . . We want employees to live in a more affordable community.

Despite the enthusiasm, Commissioner Autumn Rierson Michael reminded the board that the real estate restrictions in Davidson mean the town cannot handle a large rail terminus.

The new transit authority would replace the Metropolitan Transit Commission, and Justice said Davidson would get one member of the 27-person board.

Its really incredible that weve reached this point, Justice said. Weve been talking about the Red Line for over 26 years. Im excited to talk about it. Its significant for Davidson, the college, Mecklenburg County, the state of North Carolina.

The Red Line isnt expected to come to fruition until eight-to-10 years down the road.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
At a DC bar full of Black Hill staffers, the debate was a time for marching orders

Former House majority whip Jim Clyburn spoke to the crowd at The Park on 14th Street in Washington DC before Vice President Kamala Harriss debate against former president Donald Trump (Eric Garcia/The Independent)

Anyone who has questioned Kamala Harriss racial heritage just needed to spend debate night with Black Capitol Hill staffers.

The debate between the vice president, herself a former member of the Congressional Black Caucus when she was a senator, and former president Donald Trump served as a kickoff for the CBC Foundations annual legislative conference.

For the uninitiated, CBC week is a part networking event, part policy summit that turns Washington DC into a block party. Its not uncommon to see members on the weekend stepping out for a boozy brunch.

Plenty of Black Hill staffers also take part and, at the Park on 14th, a Black-owned restaurant and bar located only two blocks away from the White House, plenty of the Hills denizens took a break from avoiding a Republican-induced government shutdown to convene for an event honoring staff on Tuesday night.

Jim Clyburn, the former House majority whip whom many credit for making Joe Biden president when he endorsed him in the 2020 Democratic primary, gave clear marching orders to every member of the Divine Nine sororities and fraternities.

All of us are AKAs, he said, in reference to Alpha Kappa Alpha, the sorority Harris joined when she attended Howard University. Harris also served as a point of pride given that not only would she be the first Black woman to become president were she to win, she would become the first alumnus of a historically Black college, Howard University (often called The Mecca by alumni and whose mascot is the Bison).

Many attendees and Black staffers wore Kamala Harris gear, such as a shirt that said Hotties for Harris (Eric Garcia/The Independent)

I feel like its on par, this is what we do at the Mecca, Neosho Ponder, who earned her masters and doctorate from Howard, told The Independent on Tuesday night.

And being a part of this, this legacy of Bison that are changing the landscape of the world. I mean, it's just an honor.

Few people understand the racist undertones of calling Harris a DEI hire more than Black staffers who work on Capitol Hill, a place where many white staffers can afford to work for the criminally low pay in government because their parents subsidize their rent and got their jobs thanks to who they knew or what prestigious college they attended.

So Trumps attack on Harris for attending a sorority party instead of meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu elicited especially outraged boos from the watch party attendees.

So I really encourage him to find Jesus, Bree Prince, a member of Harriss sorority, told The Independent about Trump.

I really encourage him to examine himself and to wonder why he thinks it's okay to talk to her the way that he does.

Of course, this being a gathering of staffers, many attendees were often staring at their phones, sending messages or crafting talking points on their bosses behalf.

But, every once in a while, they would cheer or snap their fingers.

Kamala Harris and Donald Trump shake hands as they meet onstage for the first time on Tuesday evening (AFP via Getty Images)

One such moment came when Harris said about Trump that clearly hes having a very hard time processing that he lost the 2020 election.

Besides Clyburn, other CBC members also joined the party, including Representatives Jamaal Bowman of New York and Cori Bush of the Squad, both of whom lost their primaries thanks to a boatload of cash from outside groups such as the American Israel Public Affairs Committee spending money in the contests due to their outspoken criticism of Israel.

Bowman was on hand to honor his chief of staff, and later regaled the room.

But some staffers also criticized Harris when she talked about Israels right to defend itself and the US sending weapons to Israel, with one person saying: Sis, what are you doing?

That, however, was only a brief hiccup in a night that otherwise had people in the room excited. This especially comes as Harris and the Democrats as a whole are trying to win back working-class, non-white voters, particularly Black men.

Kamala Harris speaks during the debate against Donald Trump (AP)

I think its everybody's job to be having these conversations, Prince said. These are dinner table conversations, these are family text message conversations we have to be talking about it, we have to inform our friends and family.

Edwin Hubbard, another attendee, told The Independent during one of the commerical breaks that Harris was doing great, but that he wanted to see more.

They have to make him answer questions directly, He's dancing around questions and not really giving true answers, and hes flat out lying, he said.

Later, when Harris went on the offense, Hubbard said: She done got under his skin.

By the end, many staffers were not even watching the debate, rather choosing to chat with their friends or check their phones.

As the debate ended, the DJ cut off the audio and decided to, perhaps fittingly, blare Kendrick Lamar, proclaming: Alls my life I has to fight... we gon' be alright.
WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  D.C. police are investigating a shooting in Southeast that happened near the Benning Road Metro Station.

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) said a man was shot in the 4500 block of Benning Road Tuesday night.

Man wanted for sex act with cucumber in Northwest DC

The man was taken to the hospital for treatment but he was not conscious or breathing, according to MPD.

A Homicide Unit was called to the scene to investigate.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
This post originally appeared in the Insider Today newsletter.

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Hello! Today we remember the thousands who lost their lives in the September 11th attacks. But for some younger people, the darkest day in American history has become fodder for memes .

In today's big story, we're recapping the big presidential showdown that was followed by one very big celebrity endorsement .

What's on deck:

But first, the candidates are taking the stage.

If this was forwarded to you, sign up here.

The big story

Under my skin

Saul Loeb, Kevin Dietsch /Getty Images

Kamala Harris and Donald Trump sure made the most of their first time together.

The vice president and former president squared off in a wide-ranging discussion that touched on everything from the economy to immigration to foreign policy. Here's a rundown of the biggest moments from the night .

However, a key exchange during the debate wasn't about either candidate's policies. When discussing immigration, Harris took a shot at Trump's rallies, saying that people leave them early " out of exhaustion and boredom ."

Trump seemed rattled by the jab, which Jon Stewart described as an attack on " Trump's most cherished family member ." Trump responded with his own attack about Harris' rallies, but his demeanor also took a noticeable turn for the remainder of the debate.

Ultimately, Harris' strategy of baiting Trump to get strong reactions out of him and throw him off his game seemed to work , writes Business Insider's Brent D. Griffiths.

However, Trump supporters quickly criticized ABC moderators David Muir and Linsey Davis for what they described as a "3-on-1 debate," citing their fact-checking of some of Trump's statements but none of Harris' comments.

It wasn't just about Harris trying to get under Trump's skin.

Another big topic of the night was abortion. Harris made clear her intention to restore Roe v. Wade if she were to win the White House and pressed Trump on if he'd support a national abortion ban.

And while the two candidates basically don't agree on anything, Harris took one page out of Trump's book. The vice president had some noticeable facial expressions during the debate , something the former president has been known for.

To be clear, the debate likely won't change the mind of a good chunk of voters  but even Elon Musk said that Harris' performance " exceeded most people's expectations ." (He still thinks Trump will do a "far better job," though.)

In a race as tight as this one, it might not take much to swing the election one way or another.

Which is why it might not be the last time we see these two on stage together. The Harris campaign said following the debate the vice president would participate in another one in October .

One debate, however, was enough for one very influential potential voter. Shortly after the debate, Taylor Swift endorsed Harris in a post on Instagram  and it took just one hour for the Harris-Walz campaign to start selling friendship bracelets .

News brief

Top headlines

3 things in markets

AP Photo/Alex Brandon; iStock; Rebecca Zisser/BI

Jamie Dimon's top priority: finding his replacement. The JPMorgan boss is extremely focused on finding a successor to lead the bank , as his name's been floated by both Harris and Trump for a spot in the White House. Goldman Sachs sees greenlights for the bull market. Yes, macro and policy uncertainty pose some risk to stocks. But the bank is still optimistic that the chance of a bear market returning are low . Apple to $4 trillion? Wedbush analyst Dan Ives believes the tech giant's market cap could reach $4 trillion next year after getting a look at the iPhone 16's AI features. "Apple launching AI coupled by a massive pent up upgrade cycle is creating this new era of iPhone growth," Ives said.

3 things in tech

Brooks Kraft LLC/Corbis via Getty Images

How to succeed on TikTok and YouTube without really trying. AI startups are pitching a new passive-income side hustle: revenue-generating automated videos for YouTube and TikTok. They may clog up social media with even more generic AI videos . Apple just made geriatric tech a whole lot cooler. The new AirPods 2 will soon be able to serve as a hearing aid , a move that could cut both costs and stigma associated with hearing loss. EV infrastructure is improving, but drivers still won't switch. Despite improvements in electric-vehicle range and expansion of charging infrastructure, the EV industry can't entice potential new buyers . Hybrids are still the top choice for green-car enthusiasts.

3 things in business

Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images; Rebecca Zisser/BI

How Megabus went mega-bust. Millennials' once and former favorite budget travel option hit a bump in the road in the mid-2010s when the bus market slowed. Throw in an ill-timed private equity buyout and a pandemic, and those blue double-deckers became a thing of the past . (The rest of the intercity bus industry isn't doing too hot, either.) Costco's app finally got a key upgrade for shoppers. The wholesaler has been quietly rolling out a new feature on its app and website that lets shoppers check a product's in-store availability. Find out if an item is in stock near you . Work meeting anxiety is real. Here's where it comes from  and how to beat it. Confidence and speaking up are key to career advancement, and not doing so can hold you back. A career expert shared key strategies to beat the nerves .

In other news

The best week of the year to buy a home is coming up.

TikTok could be banned from the US in months. TikTok doesn't seem worried .

Apple failed to mention one pretty big iPhone concern at its Glowtime event  and that's a problem .

What's happening today

Secretary of State Antony Blinken and the UK Foreign Minister meet with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Ukraine.

The MTV Music Video Awards, hosted by Megan Thee Stallion, airs on MTV.

Monthly CPI data is released.

The Insider Today team: Dan DeFrancesco, deputy editor and anchor, in New York. Hallam Bullock, senior editor, in London. Milan Sehmbi, fellow, in London. Amanda Yen, fellow, in New York.

Read the original article on Business Insider
From the Dispatch Politics on The Dispatch

Happy Wednesday! Election Day is 55 days away. Since you count on us to bring you important news, we feel duty-bound to inform you that Taylor Swift has announced she will vote for Vice President Kamala Harris this fall.

Harris Exudes Confidence While Trump Self-Sabotages

Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump speak during a presidential debate at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia on September 10, 2024. (Photo by SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images)

PHILADELPHIAThe two major party nominees had never met before Tuesday evening.

As ABC News anchors David Muir and Linsey Davis welcomed the candidates onstage at the National Constitution Center, the Democratic vice president approached the Republican former president, thrust out her hand, and introduced herself as Kamala Harris. Donald Trump looked momentarily dazed by the gesture. He did not reciprocate with his own name but took her hand in his to shake it.

Lets have a good debate, Harris added before walking over to her own podium.

And it was a good debatefor her. But it was disastrous for Trump, quite the reversal from the June 27 debate hosted by CNN that ultimately forced President Joe Biden to drop his reelection and hand the reins to the vice president.

While Harris was vague and nonresponsive to specific questions related to issues on which she is vulnerable, the vice president confidently prosecuted her case against reelecting Trump. The Republican nominee, by contrast, was undisciplined and self-destructive. Trump ranted about immigrants eating pets and repeated his claims that the 2020 election was stolen. He jumped at the chance to defend himself against jabs from Harris on relatively trivial issues. More often than not he wasted opportunities to redirect the focus on his rival.

The vice presidents Democratic supporters were ecstatic about her performance. She commanded the room from the second she walked up and shook his hand and said: My name is Kamala Harris. And she had him on the defense from the second that debate opened up, California Gov. Gavin Newsom told reporters afterwards. Donald Trump has a real problem, and that is, hes Donald Trump. He cannot change; he cant help himself. And she proved that tonight. Hes so easy to trigger.

The Trump campaign and Republicans seemed to know their nominee blew it. How do we know? Trump himself appeared in the spin room down the road at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, after the debate concluded. The spin room is where campaign surrogates talk up their candidate to reporters. But candidates themselves tend to show up only after underwhelming debate performances, in a bid to reset media coverage.

Trump arrived just before 11:30 p.m., less than an hour after the debate ended as reporters dropped what they were doing and sprinted across the room to ask the Republican nominee questions, like flies to honey. The gaggle of reporters was five or six layers deep, making it hard for Dispatch Politics to catch Trumps comments. But we managed to make out a little of what he said, which echoed how many of Trumps surrogates spun Tuesday night: He blamed the referees.

The moderators were very unfair, Trump said. Basically, it was three on one. I thought they were very unfair. Everybody did. He went on: She wants a second debate, because she lost. They immediately called for a second debate because they lost. So, well think about that. (Indeed, Harris campaign chair Jen OMalley Dillon proposed a second meeting almost immediately Tuesday evening.)

But more likely is that Harris succeeded in Philadelphia, where her top goal was to bait Trump into talking about anything but her own weaknesses. The Republican nominee obliged.

Illegal immigration, for instance, is a difficult subject for Harris and an issue around which Trump built his political career. Asked by Muir about her role in the Biden administrations struggles to stem record-high illegal border crossings, Harris offered some platitudes before diverting into a monologue about Trumps campaign rallies:

Im going to actually do something really unusual, and Im going to invite you to attend one of Donald Trumps rallies, because its a really interesting thing to watch. You will see during the course of his rallies he talks about fictional characters like Hannibal Lecter. He will talk about, Windmills cause cancer. And what you will also notice is that people start leaving his rallies early out of exhaustion and boredom. And I will tell you, the one thing you will not hear him talk about is you. You will not hear him talk about your needs, your dreams, and your desires. And Ill tell you I believe you deserve a president who actually puts you first, and I pledge to you that I will.

Muir attempted to move the discussion back to immigration. Yet Trump stopped himpreferring to relitigate Harris charge that voters who attend his campaign rallies leave early because they are bored with his schtick.

First, let me respond as to the rallies, he said. She said people start leaving. People dont go to her rallies. Theres no reason to go. And the people that do go, shes busing them in and paying them to be there and then showing them in a different light. So, she cant talk about that. People dont leave my rallies. We have the biggest rallies, the most incredible rallies in the history of politics.

The answer was typical of the boastful, proud Trump that Americans have come to expect. But it did little to advance his argument that Harris cannot be trusted to secure the southern border. And when the former president did get back on topic, he failed to make a coherent case about the Biden administrations dereliction of duty or Harris culpability. Instead, he brought up unverified and dubious viral claims that Haitian immigrants in a small town in Ohio were eating the pets of people that live there.

That pattern continued throughout the debate.

Harris said that world leaders are laughing at Trumpand he responded by touting his support from Hungarian strongman Viktor Orban. Harris argued Trump would weaponize the Justice Department against his political enemiesand Trump retorted Harris has been the one who weaponized justice against him.

When pressed about her responsibility for the bloody and chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, Harris accused Trump of negotiating a terrible deal with the Taliban shortly before he left office.

Instead of ignoring the shot and indicting the Biden administration for the botched exit, Trump delivered a lengthy defense of the agreement he reached with the Taliban and his management of Afghanistan generally. Only after Muir told the former president that the discussion would have to move on did Trump finally, briefly, get back on message: And these people did the worst withdrawal and in my opinion the most embarrassing moment in the history of our country.

Trump displayed some moments of discipline and skill, most notably when he turned some difficult questions about his position on abortion around on Harris. Will she allow abortion in the eighth month, ninth month, seventh month? Trump said, suggesting a question for Muir and Davis to ask the vice president. Why dont you answer that question?

And there were occasional signs of Harris penchant for rambling sentences and vague soliloquies. I believe very strongly that the American people want a president who understands the importance of bringing us together, knowing we have so much more in common than what separates us, she said at one point.

But the Democratic nominee was clearly feeling good about her overall performance. While Trump was speaking to reporters in the spin room, Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff, popped over to a campaign-sponsored party at Philadelphias Cherry Street Pier for brief remarks before adoring supporters.

I think that we think today was a good day! she said.

Thumbs on the Scale?

Former President Donald Trump talks to journalists in the spin room after the debate with Vice President Kamala Harris at the National Constitution Center on September 10, 2024, in Philadelphia. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

The post-debate spin from Team Trump was particularly heavy on criticism of debate host ABC News and its moderators, news anchors Muir and Davis.

I thought ABC News was a disgrace, David Bossie, an RNC committeeman and Trump surrogate, told reporters in the spin room. The moderators showed their bias and it was [clear] and obvious. Added Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas: Where were the fact checks of Kamala Harris? Where were the calling out of Kamala Harris and all of her false statements tonight?

And despite the obvious need by Trump allies to spin away a bad performance, there were some notable moments that suggested the moderators were going relatively harder on Trump and easier on Harris.

Muir and Davis fact-checked Trump in real time frequently, but they rarely gave the same treatment to Harris. When Trump, discussing abortion, claimed that Harris running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, wants execution after birth, Davis disputed the former presidents claim. There is no state in this country where it is legal to kill a baby after its born, Davis said. Madam Vice President, I want to get your response to President Trump. Harris then used the fact check to hit Trump.  Well, as I said, youre going to hear a bunch of lies. And thats not actually a surprising fact, she said.

After Trump made his claim that immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, were eating peoples pets, Muir quoted a statement from the towns city manager. I just want to clarify here, you bring up Springfield, Ohio. And ABC News did reach out to the city manager there. He told us there have been no credible reports of specific claims of pets being harmed, injured, or abused by individuals within the immigrant community, he said before Trump began arguing with him. Trump insisted that there were people on television making the claims. Im not taking this from television. Im taking it from the city manager, Muir replied. When Trump doubled down, he said, Again, the Springfield city manager says theres no evidence of that.

Neither of the moderators clarified Harris claim that Trump once said, there will be a bloodbath if this and the outcome of this election is not to his likingan incorrect interpretation of a comment the former president made during an Ohio rally in March. The full context of that particular statement makes it clear Trump was referring to a bloodbath in the domestic automobile industry if Biden was reelected, not advocating for or suggesting a violent reaction.

The two anchors also made comments to or about Trump that could be interpreted as snarky. At one point, Muir questioned Trump on his recent comments that he lost by a whisker and didnt quite make it in the 2020 presidential election. Was the former president actually acknowledging, at long last, that he had lost the election? Trump said he made those remarks sarcastically. I did watch all of these pieces of video, Muir replied. I didnt detect the sarcasm. At another point, Trump claimed that Harris hates Israel. But in giving the Democrat a chance to respond, Davis failed to ask a question and simply stated, Vice President Harris, he says you hate Israel.

But Trump wasnt entirely blameless for drawing most of the interventions by the moderators. He made many false and misleading statements throughout the debate. He also interrupted the moderators multiple times just as they seemed poised to press Harris on certain issues.

Davis asked Harris whether she would support any restrictions on a womans right to an abortion. Harris did not answer the question directly, saying that under Donald Trumps abortion bans, couples were being denied in vitro fertilization treatments. Davis was about to speak to Harris again, when Trump stepped in to emphasize his support for IVF. Later, Muir attempted to move on to Afghanistan, a possible vulnerability for Harris, but Trump interrupted to make a point about NATO.

Notable and Quotable

I have concepts of a plan.

Former President Donald Trump after moderators pressed him on whether he had a plan for health care during the ABC News debate, September 10, 2024

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.
Tuesdays debate made clear that the stakes of the November election could not be highera second term for Donald Trump will mean a president unchecked by the criminal law.

During the faceoff between the former president and Vice President Kamala Harris, each candidate discussed their views about abortion, immigration, and the economy. But one moment laid bare the consequences of returning Trump to the White House. Harris pointed to the Supreme Courts decision in July 2024 holding that a president is immune from criminal prosecution for official acts. Then she warned: Understand what it would mean if Donald Trump were back in the White House with no guardrails, because certainly we know now the court won't stop him. It's up to the American people to stop him.

In the Supreme Courts view, immunity is required to ensure that a president may engage in bold and unhesitating action. The dissenting justices noted that the Courts decision means that a president could not be criminally prosecuted for using his official power to, for example, order Seal Team 6 to assassinate a political rival, organize a coup to hold onto power, or accept a bribe in exchange for a pardon. The majority called these examples extreme hypotheticals. But they did not disagree. After Republican senators twice demonstrated their reluctance to convict a member of their own party for misconduct in office, the elimination of criminal prosecution has transformed the presidency into a position of unbridled power.

A return to the White House would mean that Trump would certainly direct his attorney general to dismiss the federal criminal cases against him. Trump has been charged in federal court with unlawfully retaining national defense information and conspiring to interfere with the 2020 presidential election, both of which remain pending in the courts. During the debate, he referred to these prosecutions as the weaponization of the Justice Department, even arguing without basis that the criminal cases against him in New York and Georgia were directed by the Department of Justice.

Read More: Trump Spent the Debate Walking Into Traps Harris Laid For Him

During Trumps first term, Special Counsel Robert Mueller investigated Trump for potential crimes for obstructing Muellers investigation into conspiring with Russia to interfere with the 2016 election. Following the Courts recent immunity decision, a federal criminal investigation would not be possible because a president could not be charged for his directives to the Department of Justice. And if such an investigation were to begin, a president could overtly pull the plug without criminal consequence. As a result, Trump would be undeterred from engaging in the very parade of horribles imagined by the dissenting justices.

In another Trump presidency, he could also make good on his threats to prosecute his rivals without fear of criminal accountability. In June, Trump said in an interview, Look, when this election is over, based on what theyve done, I would have every right to go after them, repeating his claim that the criminal cases against him are politically motivated. Trump has also said, Its a terrible, terrible path that theyre leading us to, and its very possible that its going to have to happen to them, and has told supporters, I am your retribution. Without evidence of criminal misconduct, such prosecutions would be unlikely to pass the review of a grand jury, which must find that evidence establishes probable cause to believe that a crime has been committed. And even if a case made it past a grand jury, a judge would surely dismiss a case brought solely for political reasons on the basis of selective or vindictive prosecution. But even subjecting a political opponent to malicious criminal prosecution would harm their reputation, require them to pay legal fees, waste scarce government resources on baseless charges, undermine the reputation of the criminal justice system, sow discord in society, and distract our government from addressing real problems.

Finally, a return to the Oval Office for Trump would likely mean clemency for the defendants who attacked the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Trump distanced himself from the attack during the debate, claiming that all he did was give a speech, but he also blasted law enforcement for the death of Ashley Babbitt, a rioter who was shot and killed while attempting to climb through a broken window to breach the Speakers Lobby during the attack. Though, just this past July, Trump has said he would absolutely pardon the attackers who are innocent. To date, more than 1,200 people have been convicted of charges that include assaulting police officers, obstructing official proceedings and seditious conspiracy.

In Trumps view, Ashley Babbitt was shot by an out-of-control police officer that should have never, ever shot her. It's a disgrace. In fact, the disgrace was the attack on democracy and the rule of law, which requires us to settle disputes through arguments in courts of law, not through brute force in the halls of Congress.

Trump seeks to return to the worlds most powerful office. The debate showed that this time, the courts will not be able to protect the American people.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
People walk among the Waves of Flags at Pepperdine University in Malibu, California, the United States, on Sept. 10, 2024.

Each September, the university stages the Waves of Flags display to honor the victims of the 9/11 attacks. (Photo by Qiu Chen/Xinhua)

People walk among the Waves of Flags at Pepperdine University in Malibu, California, the United States, on Sept. 10, 2024.

Each September, the university stages the Waves of Flags display to honor the victims of the 9/11 attacks. (Photo by Qiu Chen/Xinhua)

People walk among the Waves of Flags at Pepperdine University in Malibu, California, the United States, on Sept. 10, 2024.

Each September, the university stages the Waves of Flags display to honor the victims of the 9/11 attacks. (Photo by Qiu Chen/Xinhua)

People walk among the Waves of Flags at Pepperdine University in Malibu, California, the United States, on Sept. 10, 2024.

Each September, the university stages the Waves of Flags display to honor the victims of the 9/11 attacks. (Photo by Qiu Chen/Xinhua)
Unlike the debate between Donald Trump and Joe Biden in June, Tuesdays much-anticipated showdown between Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris had a much different loser.

This time it was Donald Trump.

And it wasnt particularly close.

Trump and Harris went into Tuesdays debate locked in a tight race  much tighter than the one between Trump and Biden. In North Carolina, the race is nearly even, polls show.

Harris is a much bigger threat to Trump than Biden was. And based on his performance on Tuesday, he knows that. It only took Trump a few minutes to unravel in spectacular Trump fashion, his responses littered with falsehoods, conspiracies and grievances that grew more bizarre by the minute.

Unlike Biden, Harris was in control of Tuesdays debate from start to finish. A prime example: a little over 30 minutes into the debate, Harris made a dig about people getting bored at Trumps rallies and leaving early. It had its intended effect, and then some  Trump forcefully defended attendance at his rallies before embarking on an unhinged, bizarre rant about undocumented immigrants eating the pets of people in towns. Seriously?

A few minutes later, Trump made another ridiculous claim about Harris wanting to perform transgender operations on illegal aliens who are in prison.

Another area in which Harris succeeded: the issue of abortion. Harris was at her strongest when talking about abortion, saying firmly, The government and Donald Trump shouldnt be telling a woman what to do with her body.

Trump, meanwhile, repeated outlandish lies about people executing babies after birth and tried to connect abortion to the Biden administrations student loan cancellation plans.

Trump also passed up opportunities to try to redeem himself in the eyes of swing voters by refusing to express regret for Jan. 6, dodging questions about whether he wants Ukraine to win the war against Russia and repeating his Big Lie about the outcome of the 2020 election. Each would have been a perfect opportunity for Trump to show moderate voters that he isnt the candidate Harris and Democrats say he is, or that he isnt as extreme as some voters may fear he is. But he refused.

Once again, Trump has proven that his real opponent in this race is himself. For the past several weeks, his job has been simple: just sound normal. Hes failed to do so every time, and Tuesdays debate was no exception. Thats just not going to work for undecided voters in a close race. Rather than appealing to those voters, Trump appealed to those who have already made up their minds  telling those who support him exactly what they want to hear, and giving those who dont yet another reason not to vote for him. That makes his job in battleground states like North Carolina much more difficult moving forward.

To be clear, there were areas where Harris could have improved. She sidestepped several questions about her past policy positions and actions taken by the Biden administration  questions that some voters likely would have wanted answers to. But Trump was so unhinged that she was able to get away with it. She didnt find herself getting stuck in defensive mode, because the vast majority of Trumps attacks failed to even land.

The Trump campaign sent out a statement declaring that he had won the debate before it was even over. Shortly after its conclusion, Taylor Swift announced her endorsement of Kamala Harris on Instagram. That alone should tell you how the night turned out.

The biggest takeaway from the debate is this: Harris is the right person to beat Trump. Shes much stronger than Biden in polls, on the debate stage and on the campaign trail. Trump seems to wish he was still running against Biden, because its a much different game when hes not.
Tuesdays debate between Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris and Republican rival Donald Trump will go down in history as the one in which the former president shot himself in the foot by repeating the false racist claim that Haitian immigrants are eating American dogs and cats in Ohio.

But Trumps long list of blatant lies about immigrants obscured the fact that neither he, Harris, nor the ABC moderators even mentioned several foreign policy issues that affect millions of Americans.

Im talking about the increasingly violent dictatorships of Venezuela, Nicaragua and Cuba, whose brutal repression and disastrous economic policies are the reason why so many undocumented migrants from these countries are coming to America.

And Im talking about whats happening right now in Mexico, the top U.S. trading partner in the world, where President Andres Manuel Lopez Obradors judicial reform is likely to turn the country into Latin Americas biggest elected autocracy.

The 1-hour-and-45 minute debate touched on several foreign policy issues, including  justifiably so  the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, Afghanistan and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). The names of several foreign dictators, including that of Hungarian autocrat Viktor Orban came up, but nobody mentioned Venezuelas Nicolas Maduro, Nicaraguas Daniel Ortega or Cubas Miguel Diaz-Canel.

Nearly 8 million Venezuelans have already fled their country since Maduro took office in 2013, and millions more are expected to leave since Maduro stole the July 28 elections and unleashed a wave of repression.

Trump mentioned Venezuela in passing, but without addressing Maduros attack on democracy and human rights abuses. Trump claimed Venezuela is systematically emptying its prisons to flood the United States with criminals posing as migrants, and that thanks to that Venezuela has become a safer country. Both assertions are false.

Just as amazingly, neither of the candidates even mentioned Mexicos judicial reform, which was approved by the government-controlled Mexican Senate on Tuesday. It will allow Mexicos leftist populist president to control the executive, legislative and judicial powers. U.S. ambassador to Mexico Ken Salazar has described it as a risk to Mexicos democracy and a threat to commercial ties between the United States and Mexico.

If Mexico returns to its authoritarian leftist past of the 1970s, the United States will not only have a hostile neighbor that may allow Russia or China to increase their presence in its territory, but America will also potentially lose a major source of low-cost imports. Mexico replaced China last year as the largest U.S. trading partner.

Throughout the debate, Trump, 78, came across as a rambling lightweight who didnt have answers for the questions he was asked, and who kept repeating ridiculous assertions about immigrants no matter what the question was about.

You see whats happening with towns throughout the United States. You look at Springfield, Ohio, Trump said. In Springfield, theyre eating the dogs. The people that came in. Theyre eating the cats. Theyre eating  theyre eating the pets of the people that live there.

In fact, the Springfield police department says it has not received any reports of pets being stolen and eaten. And the city of Springfield said there are no credible reports of pets being harmed. Trump echoed a right-wing media report that originated from a Springfield Facebook group where one person wrote that a neighbors daughters friend had lost her cat, and that it may have been eaten by Haitian migrants.

Most of Trumps other claims about immigration are equally absurd. While it is true that unauthorized immigration reached record levels in 2023, it plummeted this year after the Biden Administration imposed new restrictions on asylum seekers. And FBI statistics say violent crimes are at their lowest levels in about 50 years.

Summing up, Trump lost the debate on almost every front. But when it came to foreign policy, everybody in the room made a big mistake in not talking about Latin America, the region that affects most Americans daily life whether its on immigration, trade, drugs, the environment or economic opportunities.

Dont miss the Oppenheimer Presenta TV show on Sundays at 9 pm E.T. on CNN en Espanol. Blog: andresoppenheimer.com
Reality Check is a Herald series holding those in power to account and shining a light on their decisions. Have a suggestion for a future story? Email our journalists at tips@miamiherald.com.

Former President Donald Trump amplified a debunked claim Tuesday night during his first presidential debate against Vice President Kamala Harris that Haitian immigrants have abducted and eaten peoples pets in Springfield, Ohio, apparently endorsing a falsehood that has been shot down by city officials.

In Springfield, theyre eating the dogs  the people that came in. Theyre eating the cats. Theyre eating the pets of the people that live there. And this is whats happening in our country, and its a shame, Trump said.

As Trump made the claim, Harris laughed, threw her head back, and asked, What? This is unbelievable.

Trumps remarks about the falsehood  which has been promoted by his campaign and his running mate, U.S. Sen. JD Vance  thrust the claim further into public view. There is no evidence to backup the claim, and a spokesperson for the City of Springfield said in a statement that officials had received no credible reports or specific claims of pets being harmed, injured or abused by individuals within the immigrant community.

In response to Trumps comments, ABC News anchor David Muir, one of the debates co-moderators, noted that Springfields city manager had debunked the claim about migrants eating local pets. Trump dismissed that account, saying that he had heard the rumor on TV.

Well Ive seen people on television, Trump said. The people on television say, My dog was taken and used for food. 

Trump has long sought to cast immigrants  both undocumented and those living legally in the U.S.  as a danger to public safety and a burden on basic resources like housing and health care. In announcing his first presidential run in 2015, he warned of murderers and rapists who had come from all over the planet.

His campaign has sought to resurrect that playbook. On Monday, his campaign blasted out a news release echoing the false claims that Haitian immigrants in Springfield had abducted and eaten local wildlife and even residents pets.

Vance, meanwhile, has attacked the growing Haitian population in the Ohio city for months. On Tuesday, the Ohio senator repeated the claim once again that peoples pets had been taken, though he acknowledged that such claims could ultimately turn out to be untrue.

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 the social media site X. Its possible, of course, that all of these rumors will turn out to be false.
By Alexandra Ulmer

(Reuters) - Immigrants eating pets. Democrats in favor of executing newborn babies. Israel ceasing to exist under a potential Kamala Harris presidency.

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump made numerous false assertions or extreme statements during Tuesday's debate with Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris, several times prompting a correction from the moderators.

Perhaps most striking was Trump amplifying a false claim that has gone viral that numerous Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, were stealing residents' pets or taking wildlife from parks for food.

"They're eating the dogs! The people that came in. They're eating the cats! They're eating, they're eating the pets of the people that live there," Trump said during the debate.

Harris laughed and shook her head. The moderator said there had been no credible reports of pets being harmed. Trump countered that he had seen TV interviews of people who said their dogs had been taken and eaten.

The Biden White House earlier on Tuesday condemned the viral misinformation, which Trump's running mate, Senator JD Vance, also shared. The White House said such remarks sought to divide Americans through lies and was based on racism.

Trump repeated his falsehood that millions of migrants were pouring into the United States from foreign prisons and mental institutions. "They are taking over the towns. They're taking over buildings. They're going in violently," Trump said.

Migrants have not staged any violent takeovers of American towns.

Some of Harris' claims were exaggerated or disputed by Trump, a Reuters Fact Check found, although the review did not flag major falsehoods on her end.

In one instance, Harris cited Trump as saying there would be a "bloodbath" if he was not elected, a reference to a March 2024 speech he gave in Dayton, Ohio. The Trump campaign later said that he was referring to the fate of the auto industry under the Biden administration.

INFANTICIDE, ISRAEL, CRIME

Trump also reiterated a falsehood - which he often shares at his rallies - that Democrats are so extreme on abortion rights that they support killing newborns.

"Her vice presidential pick says abortion in the ninth month is absolutely fine. He also says execution after birth," Trump said of Harris's running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.

Harris has said she backs reinstating the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade Supreme Court ruling that recognized women's constitutional right to abortion at up to around 24 to 28 weeks. Harris and Walz do not support executing babies.

Later, during a discussion on the Middle East, Trump said Harris "hates" Israel.

"If she's president, I believe that Israel will not exist within two years from now," Trump said, without sharing any evidence for such a claim. "The whole place is going to get blown up ... Israel will be gone."

Harris said it was "absolutely not true" that she hated Israel and said she had supported the country throughout her career.

Trump also said crime rates were down globally, except in the United States, where he said rates were "through the roof."

FBI data released in March showed homicides across the U.S. dropped by more than 13% in 2023, declining for the second consecutive year after a precipitous spike during the coronavirus pandemic.

The data is at odds with the public perception that crime is worsening, however.

(Reporting by Alexandra Ulmer, Editing by Ross Colvin and Howard Goller)
At debate, Trump took the bait and resorted to misinformation on abortion and migrants | Opinion

People at the Mesa Convention Center in Mesa, Arizona, watch former President Donald J. Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris debate on Sept. 10, 2024.

It didnt take long for Donald Trump to take the bait and go off script and unhinged during his first presidential debate against Vice President Kamala Harris Tuesday evening.

We lost count of the former presidents fabrications, exaggerations and outright lies in Philadelphia.

Where do we begin?

He continued pushing his lies that he won the 2020 elections  our elections are bad, he said  that Democrats are trying to allow undocumented immigrants to vote, that other countries have emptied their insane asylums and are sending those people to the U.S., that migrant crime is out of control even though several studies show that immigrants commit fewer crimes than those born in the U.S.

Weve heard most of that before, but Trump  maybe set off by Harris suggestion that his supporters are leaving his rallies early out of boredom  was in even worse form on Tuesday. Angered and aggressive, Trump displayed what happens when he feels cornered: spew misinformation. If its repeated enough, it will eventually become true, the thinking seems to go.

On two issues close to South Florida, Trumps claims were especially harmful.

On abortion, he falsely said every legal scholar wanted the constitutional right to an abortion under Roe v. Wade overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court. He then descended into baseless claims that Democrats want so-called ninth-month abortions and that Harris running mate, Tim Walz, the governor of Minnesota, says, execution after birth  execution, no longer abortion because the baby is born  is okay.

Harris responded forcefully: Nowhere in America is a woman carrying a pregnancy to term and asking for an abortion. That is not happening. Its insulting to the women of America.

ABC News moderator Linsey Davis had, at one point, to clarify that theres no state in the country where it is legal to kill babies after birth. Thats infanticide.

Trumps debate comments came on the heels of his recently saying that Floridas six-week abortion ban is too short. Facing conservative backlash, he later said he would vote against Floridas Amendment 4 in November, which would restore the right to an abortion up to the point of fetal viability, usually around 24 weeks. Thats the same standard the U.S. Supreme Court used in 1973 in Roe v. Wade  and its the standard Harris said she supports.

And then there was the second issue. Debate moderators had to fact check Trump again when he repeated the debunked claim  which his VP pick J.D. Vance has helped spread  that Haitian migrants are eating peoples dogs in Springfield, Ohio. They are eating the pets of the people who live there, Trump said.

It feels surreal that a presidential candidate would use the debate stage to utter this type of vitriolic, xenophobic and dehumanizing rumor about migrants who helped build Miami. But here we are. For the record, police in Springfield have said theres no evidence of migrants abducting and eating pets. The claim has been disseminated with help from far-right activists and on neo-Nazi social media channels, NPR reported. It figures.

Maybe just as absurd and desperate was Trumps assertion that Harris wants to perform transgender operations on illegal aliens in prison. It looks like he was trying to hit all culture-war buttons with one statement.

America has been down this road with Trump in 2016 and 2020. The issue isnt just Trumps tortured relationship with the truth. If the facts are ignored  or seemingly made up on the spot  how can presidential debates yield real policy debate that will inform voters?

If one candidate believes he can win an election by misleading the public, then whats the point of a debate? Perhaps Tuesday reminded voters who Trump really is. Maybe they will shrug off his lies. We hope the truth hasnt become irrelevant.







Click here to send the letter.
(BCN)  People will be attending watch parties around the Bay Area on Tuesday evening when Vice President and East Bay native Kamala Harris goes toe-to-toe with former President Donald Trump in a presidential debate. The debate is taking place in Philadelphia and is set to start at 6 p.m. Pacific time, airing on ABC.

There are several watch parties just in San Francisco, including one at the San Francisco Democratic Partys new downtown campaign headquarters at the former Nordstrom Rack store at 901 Market St., where doors will open at 4 p.m.

Farrell edges ahead of Breed in SF mayors race, according to KRON4 poll

The Commonwealth Club is holding its own debate watch party at its headquarters at 110 The Embarcadero, as is the Mannys political event space at 3092 16th St. and the Alice B. Toklas LGBTQ Democratic Club at The Academy SF at 2166 Market St.

Across the Bay, the UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies Robert T. Matsui Center for Politics and Public Service is hosting a watch party at 109 Moses Hall, while the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive is showing the debate on its large outdoor screen at 2150 Addison St.

WATCH LIVE TONIGHT: Trump and Harris to debate in Philadelphia

In the North Bay, Cinelounge Tiburon is hosting Debate Night Bingo, with the debate being carried on all three of the theaters screens and bingo cards and trivia offered for attendees.

Tuesdays debate is the only one currently scheduled between Harris and Trump after an initial debate between Trump and President Joe Biden in June led to Biden dropping out of the presidential race following his poor debate performance.

The Democratic and Republican vice presidential nominees  Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and U.S. Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio  are scheduled to debate on Oct. 1 in New York City.

Copyright  2024 Bay City News, Inc.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Defiant resident stuns after DIY solution saves town from major global threat: 'The only thing keeping the area from being subsumed by the water'

Just as plants and animals adapt to their environments, so too do humans. One Louisiana man proved that in the most stunning way possible, protecting his city from devastating hurricanes when even those at the highest levels of the federal government said it wouldn't work.

Windell Curole of the South Lafourche Levee District led an effort over 42 years to build a 48-mile levee system around Lafourche Parish, as the Guardian detailed. He was so integral to the project that he stayed on even following his retirement.

After Hurricane Katrina and its massive storm surge caused levee breaches that inundated New Orleans in 2005, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers rewrote federal guidelines for levees, which are basically earthen walls and protect low-lying areas from storm surges, for example.

The SLLD's levee was not wide enough at the base, and it was too steep. Curole had built it to 18 feet rather than the standard 13. The USACE, worried that the levee was unstable and would collapse, pulled funding for cleanup and repairs, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency decertified the system in 2011, all per the Guardian.

Flood insurance costs soared, but Curole and Co. held their ground.

Hurricane Ida in 2021 brought 17 feet of water, and the levee didn't budge. Surrounding areas were swamped. "The unauthorized, DIY levee was the only thing keeping the area from being subsumed by the water," the Guardian wrote. South Lafourche hasn't been flooded by storm surge since Hurricane Juan in 1985.

"We wouldn't have a community [with a regulation levee]," Curole told the outlet.

Still, this is a temporary solution, as the newspaper stated. Increasingly intense hurricanes  Ida did damage in the SLLD with its strong winds  are just one consequence of rising global temperatures brought on by the burning of coal, gas, and oil. Oil and gas companies, which "dredged navigation and pipeline canals," are also at fault for over half of the land lost in Louisiana.

Rising sea levels are the complementary problem, though the state Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority is working on that. Part of the issue with flooding along the Gulf Coast is subsidence, the sinking of land. Before the Mississippi River was tamed in the 19th century to open worldwide trade opportunities, it deposited mud, silt, and sand at its mouth, creating one square mile of land every year.

That stopped by the 1930s, per the Guardian, and the trend reversed to as much as 70 square miles lost annually by the '70s. The CPRA is spending billions of dollars to establish a canal from the Mississippi so land can grow again.

Even then, Curole is not sure his levee will always hold back the water.

"But I know it has a better chance than air," he told the paper.

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Delaware Democrats back Sarah McBrides bid to become first openly transgender person in US Congress

State Sen. Sarah McBride has won the Democratic primary for Delawares lone seat in the US House of Representatives in a bid to become 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 wasnt saying her identity doesnt 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 III, 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 US 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 US Senate seat being vacated by Democratic Sen. Tom Carper. With a victory in November, Blunt Rochester could become one of only two Black women in the Senate next year, joining Angela Alsobrooks of neighboring Maryland if she is also victorious in her campaign.

This story has been updated with additional information.

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Regarding "Delaware's business community can thrive when we embrace a new Delaware Way," DelawareOnline.com, Aug. 22:

We write in response to the Aug. 22 op-ed written by Phil Shawe, in which he attempts to justify his seven-figure ad campaign directed at one of the candidates running in the Democratic primary for Ggovernor, and along the way levels inaccurate criticisms at the Delaware judiciary. Since Shawe is not a Delaware resident and his company, TransPerfect, is no longer a Delaware corporation, a curious reader may wonder why he is investing more than a million dollars to influence a Delaware primary election. He explains that he is doing so because of his personal experience with the Delaware court system.

The Delaware State Bar Association does not take any position in any election, whether primary or general. Delaware voters decide who wins. But when any person or group  and in this instance, a non-Delawarean  makes untrue and misleading claims about the Delaware judiciary and our judicial process, we are obligated to speak up to address those claims. Judges are not permitted to comment on pending cases, even to defend themselves. It is therefore incumbent on the DSBA to stand up for our courts.

In his op-ed, Shawe describes [his] own experience in a way that is designed to elicit sympathy. But it does not describe Shawes actual experience in the Delaware court system. Shawe says, Since 2015, my $1.2 billion company that I founded in my grad school dorm room in 1992 has been trapped in a protracted legal battle with the [Delaware] Chancery Court. Lets unpack that.

The members of the Delaware State Bar Association are proud of Delawares judicial system, and we will continue to defend it from unfair and inaccurate attacks.

Shawe co-founded the company with his then-classmate and girlfriend, Elizabeth Elting. Shawe and Elting decided to incorporate their company in Delaware, a decision that came with benefits and obligations. Exercising her rights as a 50% shareholder, Elting filed a lawsuit in 2014 in the Delaware Court of Chancery seeking the appointment of a custodian to sell the company because she and Shawe (who, with his mother, were the other 50% shareholders) had fundamental disagreements about the future of their company. Under Delaware law, the Court had jurisdiction over this internal dispute involving a Delaware corporation with a deadlock at the top. And, contrary to Shawes statement that he was trapped in a legal battle with the Chancery Court, in reality the battle was between him and Elting, with the court serving as the judicial referee.

During the course of that litigation, the court ruled, based on the evidence presented, that Shawe not only lied under oath and destroyed relevant evidence, but that he also harassed Elting by spying on her, secretly accessing her personal computer files, and even, in the midst of their litigation, booking a seat next to her on a red eye flight without her advance knowledge or consent, presumably to intimidate her.

Shawe claims that the Chancery Court seized control of my company, and that the court sought to force [TransPerfect] into a merger with a major competitor. In fact, after many pretrial skirmishes between Shawe and Elting, and after a six-day trial, the the Court issued an order finding that the facts and law supported the appointment of a custodian who would be authorized to sell TransPerfect so that Shawe and Elting can be separated and [TransPerfect] can be protected from their dysfunctional relationship. The Delaware Supreme Court affirmed the Courts decision in 2017.

We have previously written about TransPerfect in response to another anti-Chancery Court ad campaign funded by Shawe. We direct readers to the DSBA website to read our oped entitled This is what Delawareans need to know about the TransPerfect case.

Turning to Shawes criticisms of Delawares judicial system, we categorically reject his accusation that the Judiciary is biased and ripe for abuse and corruption.

To the contrary, Delawares well respected judicial system is staffed with devoted public servants with diverse professional and personal backgrounds. As for his claim that the Court of Chancery lacks transparency because court proceedings are not recorded and obtaining transcripts is nearly impossible, all proceedings are open to the public and obtaining transcripts is as easy as calling the numbers listed on the Courts webpage entitled Official Court Transcripts. And he argues that the Chancellors ability to specifically assign certain cases is some nefarious backroom exception to common judicial procedure, when in fact across the Delaware judicial system the presiding judge in each court has the authority to assign cases to promote efficiency, manage backlogs, and ensure sufficient resources are dedicated to the most challenging cases such as murder cases and expedited disputes.

The members of the Delaware State Bar Association are proud of Delawares judicial system, and we will continue to defend it from unfair and inaccurate attacks.

Mary F. Dugan, Richard D. Kirk and Steve A. Spence are co-chairs of the Delaware State Bar Association's Committee on Response to Public Comment.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Delaware State Bar Association Committee responds to op-ed
By Shivangi Acharya and Sarita Chaganti Singh

NEW DELHI (Reuters) - India's push to become a factory titan has hit a snag: to become a credible alternative to China for global firms, it first needs to warm up to its long-time rival.

Ties between the world's two most populous countries have been strained since a deadly Himalayan border clash in 2020, slowing the exchange of capital, technology and talent, despite exploding demand for electric vehicles, semiconductors and artificial intelligence.

The Modi government's heightened vetting of all Chinese investment over this period effectively turned away billions of dollars from the likes of BYD, Great Wall Motor and created new layers of red tape for Indian firms with Chinese stakeholders.

But now, New Delhi is looking to loosen some of these restrictions as businesses struggle to scale up manufacturing, even with a host of government subsidies designed to boost local production.

"There is a realisation that you cannot be part of any major supply chains, especially in high technology products and certain areas like solar cells, EVs, where it is not possible for you to do anything without being part of Chinese supply chains," said Sushant Singh, lecturer at Yale University, who has also been a researcher for public policy think tanks in India.

Even businesses that have supported barriers on Chinese imports acknowledge the need for key inputs from up north.

Naveen Jindal, head of one of the country's largest steel firms Jindal Steel & Power and a federal lawmaker, has backed tariffs on Chinese steel but also sees the need for a pragmatic approach to trade.

"A lot of steel companies import equipment and technology from China," Jindal said. "China is the world's largest producer of steel and in certain areas they are very good, but not in every area."

Now, after four years of restrictions on Chinese investments and visas, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government is looking to pivot closer to the Asian rival and breathe new life into his ambitions to "Make in India".

"The government is considering easing investment rules that were introduced in 2020 for countries that India shares land border with as we need more investments," an official privy to government discussions told Reuters.

New Delhi is now planning to add a clause that investments from firms with up to 10% Chinese shareholding will no longer require government approval, a move that could help global companies that have supply chain partnerships with Chinese firms easily invest in India.

Story continues

To address security concerns, the government is also planning to set up a post-investment monitoring framework driven by crime and fraud investigation agencies and the banking regulator.

The move would encourage greater Chinese investment, which analysts say is critical to India joining global supply chains in high-technology sectors such as solar cells, EVs and battery manufacturing.

The proposed easing is still being pushed by Modi's office with various sticking points between government ministries being ironed out, a second official, with direct knowledge of the matter said.

Following industry lobbying, India has already eased visa issuance for Chinese nationals and is expediting visa approvals to Chinese engineers for sectors that get federal subsidies to manufacture locally.

It has likely approved nearly 2,000 short-term visas to Chinese professionals, who accounted for most applications between November last year and July this year, another government official said.

"In the visa process, there is rationality. On the ground it has not translated yet but the mindset shift has happened," Pankaj Mohindroo, head of the Indian Cellular and Electronics Association said.

Indian foreign minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said this week the country is not "closed to business from China" but noted the issue was rather in which sectors and on what terms Beijing did business, without elaborating.

India's Prime Ministers' office, finance, trade and foreign ministries did not reply to e-mailed requests for a comment.

INEVITABLE

After the 2020 clash with China, to lure Apple, the Indian government gave quick approvals to joint ventures between the U.S. giant's Chinese suppliers and Indian firms.

The move has led to the phone maker moving 14% of its global iPhone assembly to India in the fiscal year 2023/24. In the same year, India's mobile exports increased 42% to a record $15.6 billion.

However, even with such a shift there are doubts India's factories were big enough to match the investment or achieve the productivity gains of their Chinese counterparts.

Indian Chief Economic Adviser V. Anantha Nageswaran said it was inevitable India would need to plug itself into China's supply chains.

"Whether we do so by relying solely on imports or partially through Chinese investments is a choice that India has to make," Nageswaran said in July.

A sharp decline in foreign investment into India has also prompted the rethink on trade barriers.

Away from politics, Indian demand for Chinese goods remains robust, even with the targeted curbs.

Goods imports have surged 56% since the 2020 border clash while India's trade deficit with China has nearly doubled to $85 billion. China continues to be India's biggest source of goods and was the largest supplier of industrial products last year.

"We will be better off with some Chinese investment and technology flowing into our country without compromising national security concerns," Mohindroo said.

(Additional reporting by Neha Arora in New Delhi; editing by Sam Holmes)
Editor's note: This article has been updated to reflect the correct spelling of the victim's last name.

A 43-year-old woman critically wounded in Lincoln on Sunday after her husband shot her and her son died Monday from her injuries, according to Delaware State Police.

She was identified on Wednesday as Denise Mosley.

Her husband, 52-year-old Nicholas Mosley, has been charged in connection with the shootings. He is being held at Sussex Correctional Institution after failing to post more than $1.1 million cash bail.

What happened Sunday morning?

Court documents obtained by Delaware Online/The News Journal show that Nicholas Mosley fatally shot his wife during an argument in their home on the 23000 block of Deep Creek Drive.

Denise Mosley's 20-year-old son was in his bedroom when he heard a "commotion" in the living room Sunday morning, according to court records. He found his mother and stepfather arguing, with his stepfather holding a handgun. Nicholas Mosley then pointed the gun at the 20-year-old, court documents state, and said, "I'll do it."

The 20-year-old ran back into his room and heard two gunshots. He then climbed out of his window to escape and was shot twice before running to a neighbor's house. He was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Other witnesses recount shooting

Three additional family members, including two of Denise Mosley's other children, were present at the time of the shooting, though police said none was injured.

Each relative was in their bedroom at the time of the shooting, which was reported to police at about 6:45 a.m. Denise Mosley's daughters both heard the arguing and went to investigate, according to court records, and fled the house when they saw Nicholas Mosley holding a gun.

One daughter said that before she ran to the neighbor's house, she saw her mother trying to shut the master bedroom door on Nicholas Mosley, according to court records. She heard her mother say "no" twice before hearing two gunshots.

An adult cousin of an unidentified person in the home also heard two gunshots from his bedroom on the second floor. He saw Nicholas Mosley go out to his SUV from the window, court records state, before walking back into the house and saying, "That's why you don't play with me." Nicholas Mosley then went outside again and drove off.

Police investigate

Court documents show that when police entered the house to investigate, they found two fired cartridge casings in the living room and an apparent bullet hole in the ceiling near the front window. They saw another two cartridge casings outside of the house under a bedroom window.

Police also found a small gun safe inside the master bedroom, according to court records. The safe was open and on its side, and had nothing in it.

Nicholas Mosley later turned himself in to police, though he did not confess to shooting his wife or possessing a gun. He told police that he and Denise Mosley argued frequently, according to court documents, and that she engaged in behavior that was "demeaning to him."

He told police that his wife was in the house when he left that morning, and said he called 911 to request police and an ambulance to the home.

Nicholas Mosley was charged with first-degree attempted murder, first-degree assault, aggravated menacing, endangering the welfare of a child and two weapons charges at the time of his arrest. Police said updated charges are pending.

Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact Detective Daniel Grassi at (302) 365-8441 or email him at daniel.grassi@delaware.gov. Information may also be provided by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at (800) 847-3333.

DATABASE: Tracking gun violence in Delaware

Send story tips or ideas to Hannah Edelman at hedelman@delawareonline.com. For more reporting, follow them on X at @h_edelman.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Woman shot by her husband in Lincoln dies from injuries: Police
Dem Rep. Nadler pictured with head down, eyes closed during testimony from mothers of migrant crime victims

Rep. Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y., is under fire after he appeared to close his eyes and lower his head during congressional testimony on the impacts of migrant crime on victims' families Tuesday  prompting criticism that leading Democrats are not taking the issue seriously and have disrespected those in mourning.

Reps. Chip Roy, R-Texas, and Dan Bishop, R-N.C., skewered the ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee after the incident had people in the audience fuming.

The photo, with a box of tissues in the foreground, also shows an aide next to Nadler, looking at his cellphone as mothers who lost their daughters to suspected foreign rapists and killers shared their traumatic stories of loss with the committee.

BIDEN-HARRIS OPEN BORDER POLICY FREED ILLEGAL 3 WEEKS BEFORE JOCELYN NUNGARAY MURDER, MOTHER SAYS

"One of the ladies that came with me, she took a picture of the Democrats on the other side as we were speaking and telling our stories, us, the mothers, mothers crying, telling our stories  and one of them is sleeping, and the other one's on his phone," said Patty Morin, whose daughter Rachel was brutally raped and murdered after police say an illegal immigrant attacked her on a jogging trail near her home in Maryland.

Cathie Groenewold, a church friend of Morin's who took the photo, said she found Nadler's demeanor deeply offensive.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

"I was astounded at the careless attitude of Jerry Nadler and the man sitting to his right," she told Fox News Digital. "They are pouring out their hearts, these women, who have lost their children to fentanyl and the most gruesome murders you could imagine, and they dont have the common decency to sit up and give them their undivided attention."

Nadler and other Democrats appeared to treat the hearing as a partisan "stunt," she said.

"I'm sorry, but these women are drawing attention to a serious issue," she said. "It's not a stunt, and they weren't coerced into coming."

Morin's 37-year-old daughter was a mother of five and small business owner. Her alleged killer is a 23-year-old from El Salvador named Victor Antonio Martinez-Hernandez, who is also suspected of killing another woman in his home country and sexually assaulting a woman and her 9-year-old daughter in a Los Angeles home invasion.

ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT SUSPECTED IN MARYLAND MOM RACHEL MORIN'S MURDER FACES MAXIMUM PENALTY IF CONVICTED

Rachel Morin was dragged off a hiking trail on Aug. 5, 2023, and murdered.

Prosecutors have accused him of a horrific attack that left Morin with severe head trauma and covered in bruises in Bel Air, about 30 miles northeast of Baltimore. They found her remains stuffed into a culvert.

Speaking with Fox News Digital after the hearing, Patty Morin said she didn't go to be part of a partisan campaign, but she hoped to convince lawmakers to take migrant crime seriously.

"This is an American issue, and if we don't do something, families are going to be devastated," she said. "I dont want another family, or another mother, to feel the way that I feel. I cant describe to you the pain. And its not like it just goes away, like time heals all things. It doesnt. The pain stays. You just learn to live with the pain."

RACHEL MORIN'S FAMILY SLAMS BIDEN-HARRIS FOR SILENCE OVER HER MURDER ALLEGEDLY COMMITTED BY ILLEGAL

ILLEGALS CHARGED WITH MURDER. RAPE AND KIDNAPPING IN A WEEK OF SHOCKING CRIMES ACROSS THE US

However, she said, she did not feel like her message got through to them.

"It was so disheartening," she said.

Nadler's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

At the start of the hearing, the longtime New York congressman began by sharing his condolences with the witnesses.

"I cannot imagine how difficult this loss has been for you," he said.

Then he pivoted to calling the proceedings "one more partisan hearing designed to divide us and to score political points before an election."

Among the eight witnesses, four lost their children in connection with the border crisis.

Victor Antonio Martinez-Hernandez, 23, arrives in Maryland. He is charged with first-degree murder and first-degree rape in Rachel Morin's death in Bel Air, Maryland.

TRUMP MEETS WITH RACHEL MORIN FAMILY AT BORDER, MARYLAND MOM OF 5 MURDERED BY ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT SUSPECT

Sitting to the left of Morin was Anne Fundner, whose son Weston died of fentanyl poisoning that she blames on Mexican drug cartels and Chinese chemicals able to freely cross the southern border.

"My son did not have to die," she told the committee. "His life was cut short because of political decisions  decisions that Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, those in positions of authority, have made."

WATCH: Jocelyn Nungaray's mother reveals horrific timeline of daughter's murder in hearing on open-border crime

On Morin's right was Alexis Nungaray, the mother of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray, who was strangled, tied up and sexually assaulted before being thrown off a bridge, according to authorities.

Two illegals from Venezuela have been charged with capital murder in that case.

"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."

Tammy Nobles also testified about the murder of her daughter, Kayla Hamilton, who was strangled and sexually assaulted in her own bed  at the hands of an MS-13 member who entered the U.S. illegally in 2020.

The suspect in that case, Walter Javier Martinez, is serving a 70-year prison sentence for the crime and confessed in writing to four murders and two rapes, Nobles said.

"This is not a political issue, this is a safety issue for everyone living here in the United States," she told the committee. "Not only was Kaylas life put at risk and taken, so many other children and adults were at risk."





Original article source: Dem Rep. Nadler pictured with head down, eyes closed during testimony from mothers of migrant crime victims
Three Fort Worth area Democratic candidates might pursue legal action against Tarrant County if commissioners do not place early voting locations at UT Arlington and TCCs Northeast campus.

Tarrant County Judge Tim OHare has scheduled a special meeting for Thursday to consider lists of early voting sites that include fewer college campuses than the list that failed to pass on Sept. 4. The 2-2 vote on the list of 50 proposed early voting sites was along party lines  with Commissioner Manny Ramirez not present.

The courts Democratic members contended OHare scheduled the meeting for Thursday knowing that they would be out of town. The Commissioners Court on Aug. 6 approved their travel to Washington for an event by Congressional Black Caucus Foundation.

At the time of the Sept. 4 vote, OHare said the number of polling locations was a waste of money and manpower and singled out the eight proposed sites for being hard for the general public to access.

If, at a minimum, polling places arent opened at UTA and Tarrant County Colleges Northeast campus for early voting, a political group and three Democratic candidates plan to request a temporary restraining order and file a motion for a temporary and permanent injunction, in hopes for a court order requiring sites to be opened, said Brody Mulligan, a campaign official for the candidates.

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The candidates are Sam Eppler (Congressional Disrict 24), Scott White (Texas House District 98) and Laura Leeman (County Commissioner, Precinct 3). They would be joined by the Tarrant County Young Democrats.

A Tarrant County spokesperson declined to comment on the possible lawsuit. A request for comment emailed to OHares office was not immediately returned.

Not having the sites would disproportionately harm Democratic candidates as well as young people and people of color, said Mulligan.

Particularly given that we anticipate it to be a high turnout election, we want to alleviate any possibility of long lines or inability to access a polling location with which voters have become familiar, and what we have determined is that it would be detrimental to voters across the board, of all parties, Mulligan said.

One of three proposed plans before the court Thursday includes voting locations at UT Arlington and and TCC Northeast.

Tarrant County Colleges Northeast campus falls within the candidates district but UT Arlington does not. Voters may cast ballots at any early voting location.

The initial list offered by the election office in its Sept. 4 meeting had early voting sites at UT Arlington, TCU, the UNT Health Science Center, the Southwest Baptist Theological Seminary and four Tarrant County College campuses.

Each of the new proposals include sites at TCU and the UNT Health Science Center, but not at the Southwest Baptist Theological Seminary. Two of the options before commissioners include sites at UT Arlington, and each list reduces the number of Tarrant County College sites to two. Only one of the options includes the colleges Northeast campus.

Hunter Griffin, president of the Tarrant County Young Democrats, said many of the groups members attend UT Arlington or Tarrant County College and that UT-Arlington is a popular voting location.

The county commissioner courts role is to make it as possible for people to vote, and I think that this basically what the commissioners court should be doing, said Griffin, who plans to attend Thursdays meeting.

Staff Writer Cody Copeland contributed to this report.
State Rep. Deb Lavender, D-Manchester, speaks during debate on March 1, 2023, in the Missouri House (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications).

House Democrats on Wednesday made an unsuccessful push to override Missouri Gov. Mike Parsons veto of $2.5 million in funding for oversight of the states nursing homes, with all but eight Republicans voting to sustain the governors action.

It is the second year in a row Parson has vetoed funding for nursing home oversight.

State Rep. Deb Lavender, a Democrat from Manchester, led the effort, arguing that the money would make Missouris nursing home residents safer.

There are complaints that are going unanswered, Lavender said, adding that one-third of Missouris nursing homes have been found to have serious deficiencies.

The additional funding would have helped the states long-term care ombudsman program hire more staff to advocate for nursing home residents.

The ombudsman program is composed of staff and volunteers tasked with helping protect and advocate for the interests of nursing home residents. They often serve as liaisons between a resident and the facility when issues arise, investigating and resolving complaints. Ombudsmen can help ensure residents are able to go to the bathroom, take their medications and be fed on time, for instance.

Missouri has consistently had one of the lowest nursing home staffing levels in the country which can contribute to residents not receiving proper care.

The motion to override Parsons veto failed by a vote of 56 for and 81 against. All Democrats present voted for the override. All but eight Republicans voted against it.

We just wanted to bring voice to the lack of being able to care for our seniors, Lavender said during a press conference after the vote, adding that it was no surprise that a Democrat asking to overrule the Republican governor failed.

In the scope of a $50 billion state budget, Lavender said, the governors decision to strip out the $2.5 million doesnt make sense to me.

This is twice we put it in, she said, and the governor has taken it back out.

The state budget signed by Gov. Parson in June left $1.9 billion unspent.

Parson wrote to lawmakers this summer explaining his veto that while this supports the important goal of helping seniors throughout the state, there is insufficient funding from the appropriated source to support this item.

Last year, his veto letter noted a general need to ensure a balanced budget and the financial stability of Missouri.

Republican state Rep Jim Kalberloh of St. Clair said during the floor debate he was voting against the override to respect that there is a reason why they did this, referring to the governors offices veto, but that he supports the funding and wants the legislature to try again next year to pass it.

We spend a lot of money on a lot of things, Kalberloh said, If we cant protect our elderly and are disabled, then we can think about where our money is going.

Democratic state Rep. Doug Clemens, of St. Louis responded to Kalberloh, saying: Its our job, our responsibility to reflect the needs of our constituency, rather than the will of the governor. Clemens said he has senior constituents who would benefit from the ombudsman program having more resources.

And I dont think its worthwhile to let somebody wait another year for us to get our act together, he said. This is a paltry sum compared to the rest of our budget.

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In a report from AARP last year, Missouri ranked 48th in the country for nursing home quality and 46th in nursing home staff levels and turnover.

The most recent federal staffing data, updated in July, showed Missouri residents receive 3.3 hours of daily care, on average. Thats below the federal standard going into effect in the next few years, and was second only to Texas for the worst in the country.

Lenny Jones, state director of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Healthcare Missouri, which represents nursing home staff, told The Independent in an interview the cut is a disservice to residents and workers, and many of the issues arise from low staffing.

There should be more eyes on whats going on in nursing homes, not less, he said.So the more opportunities for family members, for residents, to be able to contact the ombudsman and issues around that is important, because thats really, in many cases, the only voice.

Marjorie Moore, executive director of VOYCE St. Louis, an advocacy group for long-term care residents, said she was really disappointed in the vote Wednesday but gratified that more legislators and Missourians broadly are becoming aware of the need for the program and issues in nursing homes.

Were calling on whoever may be governor next year and next years legislators to continue this fight and get this funding in, she said, because this is an issue thats not going away in any way shape or form.

Missouri will have an increasing population of older adults, she said, and were only going to have more people who are going to need those advocates.

Moore said, despite the states failure to bring resources to the level needed, people should know the program is still operating statewide and residents in every nursing home throughout Missouri can contact them with concerns.

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Democrats are increasingly optimistic about their chances in Floridas presidential and Senate races as polls show a tightening race in the state, which has dramatically trended toward the Republicans in recent election cycles.

On Monday, a Morning Consult poll showed Vice President Harris trailing former President Trump by 2 points in the state. And last week, a poll from The Hill and Emerson College showed former Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (D-Fla.) trailing Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) by 1 point, while most other polls have shown a 4- to 5-point gap between them.

Democrats also argue that two ballot measures in the state  one to enshrine abortion rights, known as Amendment 4, and one to legalize recreational marijuana, known as Amendment 3  will also drive turnout for them in a presidential year.

Its all the same story, said Nikki Fried, chair of the Florida Democratic Party. We wouldnt have had to have an abortion amendment if the Republicans hadnt taken our state in such an extreme direction.

Fried also argued that Florida voters are also experiencing Trump fatigue, contributing to a huge momentum shift in the state.

People are just tired. Theyre tired of the chaos. Theyre tired of the show. Theyre tired of the rhetoric, she said. Youre seeing that with the momentum shift for Kamala Harris.

Mucarsel-Powells campaign is pushing a similar message, touting the former member of Congress as a fresh face in a state dominated by Republicans, while attacking Scott on issues related to abortion access, Social Security and Medicare.

Theres a lot of things moving in Florida, said Lauren Chou, communications director for Mucarsel-Powells campaign. There is a lot of new energy on the ground in Florida, a lot of hopefulness that I think comes with having fresh leaders.

Harriss campaign has put resources toward Florida, particularly on abortion, launching the campaigns Reproductive Rights for All bus tour in Palm Beach last week, which featured Mucarsel-Powell and a number of national Democrats. Additionally, second gentleman Doug Emhoff is slated to make a campaign stop in Florida following Tuesdays presidential debate as a part of the campaigns New Way Forward tour.

But there is still a healthy amount of skepticism that Democrats would be able to score a presidential or Senate win in Florida. While Republicans struggled nationwide in the 2022 midterms, the party made substantial gains that year in the Sunshine State.

Given how Florida has moved from Barack Obama in 2012 narrowly winning the state of Florida to today, 12 years later, its just a totally different Florida, said Ford OConnell, a GOP strategist based in the state, who noted the partys nearly 1 million voter registration advantage.

Although Republicans acknowledge the abortion and marijuana ballot measures will jolt turnout in November, they repeatedly point to Florida voters history of backing liberal ballot measures while voting for Republican officials. Both ballot measures need 60 percent support to be approved in November, meaning support from Republican voters is essential for them to pass.

Trump and Scott have both come out against Amendment 4, but they are split on Amendment 3, with Trump saying he is in favor of it and Scott saying he will vote against it.

The latest poll numbers seem to be reflective of the narrowness of Trumps and Scotts past statewide wins. Trump won Florida by about 3 points in 2020 and by 1 point in 2016. Meanwhile, Scott won his 2018 Senate race by less than a point and his two gubernatorial victories by less than 2 points.

Nobody has been more successful at winning close elections in the Sunshine State than Rick Scott, OConnell said.

In a statement to The Hill, Trump campaign senior adviser Brian Hughes noted Florida is Trump country and the states voters are ready to send Scott and Trump back to Washington.

Floridians are lining up to reject the Biden-Harris agenda of higher costs, open border and violent crime, Hughes said.

Chris Hartline, a senior adviser to Scotts campaign, noted the senator is tying Mucarsel-Powell to the Harris administration.

She supported Kamala and Bidens policies up and down the board and thats just not going to play in Florida, Hartline said.

In a Tuesday interview with NewsNation  which, like The Hill, is owned by Nexstar Media  Scott predicted he and Trump would do really well in Florida and argued voters are fed up with the Biden-Harris administration.

When asked about the recent public polls showing tighter statewide races in Florida, Hartline said national pollsters have also struggled to poll the new reality that is politics in Florida, pointing specifically to the states most populous county.

Miami-Dade [County] is becoming a Republican powerhouse where we turn out as many votes as Democrats do, Hartline said, referring to inroads the GOP has made in the traditionally blue county going back to the 2020 presidential election.

A GOP poll commissioned by the countys Commissioner Kevin Cabrera last month showed Harris and Trump tied at 47 percent there among likely voters. Another 6 percent said they were undecided.

But Florida Democrats also say they are optimistic about Miami-Dade, pointing to their polling showing Harris ahead there.

The national picture where independents are moving more toward Democrats and rejecting former President Donald Trumps campaign, its playing out in Florida, said Christian Ulvert, a Florida-based Democratic strategist who served as a senior adviser to the Biden campaign in 2020 in the state.

Youre seeing the campaigns mobilize here, Ulvert said. Its been a smart strategy because it all can come to be at a pivotal time for us, which is right before vote-by-mail ballots go out in Florida.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 elected officials and political operatives heaped praise on Vice President Kamala Harris for her debate performance against former President Donald Trump on Tuesday evening.

"America got to see tonight the leader Ive been proud to work alongside for three and a half years. Wasnt even close. VP Harris proved shes the best choice to lead our nation forward. Were not going back," President Biden posted on X early Wednesday morning after the debate wrapped up.

"Well, that was a knockout. I'm looking forward to seeing how Republicans try to spin this one," Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer posted to X in another favorable message for Harris.

Trump and Harris took the same debate stage for the first time this election cycle on Tuesday evening in Philadelphia's National Constitution Center. The pair sparred over the top issues concerning voters, including the economy, immigration and abortion.

TRUMP FACT CHECKS HARRIS ON CHARLOTTESVILLE RIOT ACCUSATION: 'DEBUNKED'

Screenshot: Fox News simulcast of ABC News Presidential Debate

Harris' Democratic allies in Congress, as well as Democratic pundits, praised Harris for how she "destroyed" Trump's career, and that voters bore witness to a "serious leader who will work day in and out" for the American people.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

TRUMP SAYS HE 'PROBABLY TOOK A BULLET TO THE HEAD' DUE TO DEM RHETORIC

The Harris campaign also released a statement Tuesday evening, taking a victory lap that "Harris commanded the stage on every single issue that matters to the American people."

"Under the bright lights, the American people got to see the choice they will face this fall at the ballot box: between moving forward with Kamala Harris, or going backwards with Trump. Thats what they saw tonight and what they should see at a second debate in October. Vice President Harris is ready for a second debate. Is Donald Trump?" the Harris campaign posted.

Trump and Harris sparred on top issues concerning voters on Tuesday evening, including on abortion, when Harris claimed Trump's platform would install a national abortion ban that would allow for no exceptions to such a procedure.

HARRIS CLAIMS TRUMP ABORTION PLATFORM MAKES NO EXCEPTION, MOMENTS AFTER TRUMP SAYS THE OPPOSITE

"Now, in over 20 states, there are Trump abortion bans, which make it criminal for a doctor or nurse to provide health care 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," Harris said Tuesday evening from Philadelphias National Constitution Center.

Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Trump shake hands during the second presidential debate in Philadelphia on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024.

"A survivor of a crime of violation to their body does not have the right to make a decision about what happens to their body. That is immoral, and one does not have to abandon their faith or deeply held beliefs to agree the government and Donald Trump certainly should not be telling a woman what to do with her body."

Moments before, however, Trump said he believes in exceptions for abortion, similar to former President Reagan.

"I believe in the exceptions for rape, incest and life of the mother," Trump said during the debate. "I believe strongly in it. Ronald Reagan did also. Eighty-five percent of Republicans knew exceptions are very important."

Trump and Harris also traded barbs on the issue of crime in the United States, as Harris defended accusations that migrant crime has increased under her watch by citing Trump's legal issues.

"Yeah, it is much higher because of them," Trump said during the debate in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania discussing crime committed by illegal immigrants in the U.S., some of which entered the country under Biden's watch.

"They allowed criminals, many, many millions of criminals," Trump continued, "They allowed terrorists. They allowed common street criminals. They allowed people to come in drug dealers to come into our country. And then now in the United States and told by their countries like Venezuela, don't ever come back or we're going to kill you. Do you know that crime in Venezuela and crime in countries all over the world is way down?"

TRUMP FLIPS 'I'M TALKING' SCRIPT FROM 2020 DEBATE AGAINST KAMALA HARRIS DURING PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE SHOWDOWN

Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Trump during the second presidential debate in Philadelphia on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024.

Harris responded by bringing up Trump's criminal convictions and pending indictments.

"Well, I think this is so rich coming from someone who has been prosecuted for national security crimes, economic crimes, election interference has been found liable for sexual assault," Harris said.

TRUMP, HARRIS TRADE BARBS ON CRIME DURING FIRST PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE: 'THROUGH THE ROOF'

"And his next big court appearance is in November at his own criminal sentencing. And let's be clear where each person stands on the issue of what is important about respect for the rule of law and respect for law enforcement."

Following the debate, the Harris campaign called for a second debate in October. Trump had repeatedly called for additional debates against Harris, after only having one other presidential debate in June against President Biden.

"That was fun. let's do it again," Harris adviser Brian Fallon said on X moments after the debate wrapped.

Get the latest updates from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews and more at our Fox News Digital election hub.





Original article source: Democrats heap praise on Harris' debate performance, say she 'destroyed' Trump's career
By Patricia Zengerle

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Joe Biden's administration faced increasing pressure from both Republicans and his fellow Democrats on Wednesday to ease restrictions on how Ukraine can use weapons provided by the United States in its war against Russia.

Senator Ben Cardin, the Democratic chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, noted recent Russian attacks that killed civilians and destroyed infrastructure, calling for quick action.

"Its time to allow Ukraine to be able to defend itself against these air attacks in a more effective way, and the United States needs to be the leader in that regard," Cardin said at a committee hearing.

Despite Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's pleas, the White House has been reluctant to allow U.S.-supplied weapons to be used to strike targets deep inside Russia for fear this could escalate the conflict.

Republicans have called for such restrictions to be eased since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, but influential congressional Democrats more recently also have been urging the policy shift.

Lawmakers renewed their calls as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and British Foreign Minister David Lammy met top officials in Kyiv. Blinken told a news conference he had discussed long-range weapons and would brief Biden on what he had heard, but did not announce restrictions had been lifted.

In a letter to Biden national security adviser Jake Sullivan, Representative Bill Keating, the top Democrat on the House Europe subcommittee, on Tuesday urged the administration to allow the use of American-made weapons against military targets in Russian territory.

A group of congressional Republicans, including the chairs of the Armed Services, Foreign Affairs and Intelligence committees, also released a letter on Tuesday calling for an end to the restrictions.

Biden said on Tuesday that ending a ban on Ukraine's use of long-range weapons was being worked out.

(Reporting by Patricia Zengerle; Editing by Cynthia Osterman)
HONOLULU (KHON2)  The longtime director of Honolulus Department of Emergency Management has stepped down to join FEMA, in a regional role that still includes Hawaii.

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On Tuesday, Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi announced that Hiro Toiya will resign on Sept. 27.

Man sentenced after relentless online harassment of ex

In a statement, Mayor Blangiardi praised Toiya for his commitment to the safety and well-being of our communities.

Toiya departs the DEM after 13 years of service, serving the last six years as director.

During his time, Toiya has led the efforts in preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation for Honolulu in various emergencies from natural disasters to public health crises.

I am deeply grateful for the support and collaboration of DEM staff and volunteers, my City colleagues, partner organizations, and the incredible community we serve. As I step into the next phase of my emergency management career, I carry with me a heartfelt respect for the residents of Oahu and a profound appreciation for the work that we have accomplished together. Hiro Toiya, Director of Honolulus Department of Emergency Management

Mayor Blangiardi announced that Deputy Director Jennifer Walter will step into Toiyas shoes as Acting Director of the Department of Emergency Management on Sept. 28.

Walter enters the position bringing more than 24 years of experience in emergency management from government, private sector and voluntary agencies.

She is smart, has a broad understanding of emergency management systems, and is decisive in the command position. We are thrilled and most fortunate to have this talented professional in our ranks for such a critically important position, said Blangiardi.

Check out more news from around Hawaii

The City and County of Honolulu thanked Toiya for his years of dedicated service and looks forward to Walters future leadership.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  Anna Fitzgerald and Angie Davenport are back this week to talk about some upcoming events supporting the ostomy community.

The two went in-depth about their ostomy experiences in April explaining that ostomy is surgically created by opening a piece of bowel in the abdomen whereafter a person must wear a pouch to collect stool. The procedure is necessary for patients who need to be redirected due to different disease processes.

I have had my ileostomy bag due to ulcerative colitis and Ive had it for 42 years now and that is truly a blessing from God. And thats why Ill be an advocate, Davenport said.

Fitzgerald is an ostomy nurse who facilitates a local ostomy support group.

Anna is awesome with leading the ostomy support group in Youngstown. She reaches out, she provides health fairs and information and shes definitely on call If someone has an emergency, said Davenport.

Davenport is the CEO of her own company, Blessed with a Bag.

Friday, October 4 at Lucilles, Im having a meet and greet, Davenport said. Were going to have games and there will be light refreshments. Just a time to kind of get together and meet some of the ones that are coming in.

She says the meet and greet event is only $1 for ostomates and $25 for their guests.

Another upcoming event is the Run for Resilience 5k.

Were going to be doing the 5k walk and run depending on how they register, there will be gift raffles. There will also be vendors there from some of the medical suppliers that provide ostomy supplies and a couple of nurses on hand just for questions, Davenport said.

At an event like this, we dont really give out any type of medical advice. We just want to make them feel comfortable if they have questions, said Davenport.

Its important to know whats available in your community and events like these provide resources, education, and support.

Davenport and Fitzgerald will continue explaining their upcoming events Thursday.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
A 44-year-old Pierce County man accused of raping teenage girls is being held in the Grays Harbor County jail in lieu of $250,000 bail.

William Collin Snavely, 44, attended his preliminary appearance in Grays Harbor County Superior Court on Sept. 3. Judge Katherine Svoboda set the bail amount and barred him from contacting minors.

Deputies arrested Snavely on Sept. 1 while responding to a report of a missing teenage girl in a rural area near Montesano. The girl was later found walking on a roadway near her home, according to a Sheriffs Office news release.

During the investigation, deputies reportedly learned Snavely had made the trip to Grays Harbor County on at least two other occasions to allegedly engage in illegal sexual acts with young teens.

The Sheriffs Office believes Snavely connected with one teen through a dating app, according to court records. From there, he managed to connect with the teen who went missing on Sept. 1.

Snavely allegedly exchanged sexually explicit images with both teens and arranged to meet them in-person through messaging apps, court records show.

Prosecutors have charged Snavely with seven crimes, including first-degree kidnapping, three counts of third-degree rape of a child, second-degree possession of depictions of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct and two counts of felonious communication with a minor for immoral purposes.

A probable cause statement describes the investigation into Snavelys behavior from the perspective of law enforcement.

Deputies responded to a report of a missing teenage girl from a Grays Harbor County home at about 2 a.m. Sept. 1. The girls mother told deputies that her daughter had gone outside at about 1 a.m. to close a chicken coop door and did not return.

The teen left her phone at the home, so the parent looked through her messages. She reportedly found messages from a California number that indicated someone had arranged to pick her up, according to the statement.

Deputies quickly discovered the phone number belonged to Snavely and began searching for him and his registered vehicle, a Black 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe with a Washington license plate. They reportedly found him driving that vehicle and initiated a traffic stop.

Snavely allegedly told police he was lost and looking for a way home, according to the statement. Deputies reported that he told them he was in the area to sell art to the missing teen.

The teen was not in Snavelys vehicle, so deputies continued the search. They eventually found the teen walking alone on a roadway and took her home.

A detective later interviewed the teen. She told the detective she had been exchanging nude photos with Snavely, according to the statement.

The teen said she met Snavely through a friend and Snavely wanted to date both her and her friend. The teen added Snavely knew their exchanges were illegal and wrong, according to the statement.

She said Snavely persuaded her to keep their interactions a secret by claiming he may lose custody of his children or die in jail, the statement says. The teen eventually alleged that Snavely engaged in illegal sexual acts with her in the back seat of the car.

The detective later interviewed Snavely at the Grays Harbor Sheriffs Office. Snavely allegedly admitted to exchanging nude photos with the teen and engaging in sexual acts with the teen despite knowing the teen was a minor, according to the statement.

Snavely allegedly told deputies he first met the teens friend through a dating app called Boo, per the statement.

The friend reportedly identified herself as 18 in the app, but the statement says Snavely soon learned she was an underage teen. He also admitted to exchanging nude photos with that teen, according to the statement.

Detectives then interviewed the teen who Snavely initially met through the app. That teen said she created a dating app profile because it felt good to have someone respond to her, per the statement.

The teen reportedly said she exchanged nude photos with Snavely via SnapChat, a messaging app with a feature that can make messages inaccessible after a short period of time. She then revealed details about a meeting she had with Snavely in August.

The teen told detectives that she and the teen who went missing on Sept. 1 got into a car with Snavely and drove to another location. She alleged Snavely committed sexual acts with both of them in his car, according to the statement.

A detective searched through this teens phone and found messages she exchanged with Snavely. The statement indicates these messages included sexually graphic photos of both teens.

Detectives later recovered several items from Snavelys vehicle after acquiring a search warrant. They allegedly found a meth pipe, sex toys and sexually explicit photos of one of the teens, the statement says.

Additionally, detectives say they found two video cameras, a cell phone and 14 electronic storage devices that they suspect contain child pornography.

Detectives looked through the cell phone and found explicit videos that Snavely allegedly saved and exchanged with the teens, according to the statement.

Lastly, detectives alleged Snavely had a firearm in a backpack that was found near the front seat of the vehicle.
US oil company APA has announced the signing of an agreement to sell non-core producing properties in the Permian Basin for $950m.

An undisclosed buyer will acquire assets in the Central Basin Platform, Texas and New Mexico Shelf, and Northwest Shelf.

These properties currently yield an estimated net production of 21,000boepd with approximately 57% being oil.

The sale is part of APA's strategy to slash its debt, primarily the $2bn incurred from acquiring Callon Petroleum.

The company plans to pay down this debt within the next three years.

Earlier this year, APA sold assets in the Permian and Eagle Ford Basins for nearly $700m, including divestments in the Midland Basin and East Texas.

In the Midland Basin, the divested assets comprised roughly 24,000 net royalty acres, which had a net production of about 2,000boepd, to its subsidiary Apache during the first quarter of 2024 (Q1 2024).

Additionally, APA sold 237,000 net acres in the East Texas Austin Chalk and Eagle Ford plays, which had net production of around 11,000boepd, during the same period.

APA CEO John Christmann IV said: Through multiple transactions completed this year, we have high-graded and focused our US asset base. Our remaining Permian position has scale and balance in the unconventional Midland and Delaware Basins.

The net impact of our acquisition of Callon Petroleum and the follow-on asset sales is that APA has increased its onshore US production by approximately 66,000boepd in 2024 and continued to add economic unconventional inventory, with no material change in net debt levels compared to year-end 2023.

The effective date for the latest sale is set for 1 July 2024, with the expectation to close the transaction in Q4 2024.

This move comes amid a wave of consolidation in the sector, with Reuters reporting $51bn in mergers and acquisitions in Q1.

This trend reflects energy companies' eagerness to expand their drilling inventories in the Permian Basin while also streamlining operations and reducing debt.

In a similar vein, Occidental Petroleum earlier announced its plans to sell assets to Permian Resources for $818m as part of its debt reduction strategy.

"APA to divest non-core assets in Permian Basin for $950m " 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.
About 700m of investment is needed to raise student numbers at Ulster University's Londonderry campus to 10,000, an interim report has found.

The Ulster University Magee Taskforce report said a significant part of that required 700m for expansion has already been secured or committed.

It also said progress on growing student numbers has been made, but a number of challenges remain.

Those challenges, the taskforce said, include the availability of suitable accommodation and a government set cap on Northern Ireland student numbers.

Established in March by Stormonts Economy Minister Conor Murphy, the taskforces remit is to develop and oversee an action plan to expand the campus in Derry, formerly known as Magee.

The taskforce said the required 700m is needed for new teaching blocks, research space and student accommodation.

Its chair, Stephen Kelly, said Wednesdays report marks an important milestone and gives the expansion a pathway for delivery.

The economy minister said the report provides the "basis of a plan, developed by and with local people, to actually deliver expansion".

"The taskforce has set out exactly what is needed from various partners, including my department," Mr Murphy said.

"We will now work together to finalise a delivery plan and drive progress towards the 10,000 target."

'Seize the opportunity'

Ulster University (UU) said it welcomed the publication of the taskforce report.

It has outlined its intention to increase numbers at the campus to more than 7,000.

Currently there are about 5,000 students studying at UU in Derry.

It is expected to reach 6,500 students in two years and to further grow to 7,000 students in 2028.

Foyle assembly member Padraig Delargy, from Sinn Fein, also welcomed the report and said work to implement its proposals must begin immediately.

We have a huge opportunity to develop our campus and further establish Derry and the wider north west as a vibrant place to live and study," he said.

However, Sinead McLaughlin from the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) said the people of Derry had been waiting 60 years for "a properly resourced university" and the minister must answer the challenges outlined by the report.

"The department must now evidence in its financial planning how it will fund the expansion... and work with other departments to provide the student accommodation necessary to meet demand," she said.

In its first report, the taskforce identifies a number of key asks of, among others, the Stormont and Irish governments, UU and the local council.

Those requests, needed to help reach the expansion target, include:

The Department for the Economy demonstrate in its financial planning how it will fund expansion at Magee

Ulster University produces a time-lined growth plan for the campus to deliver the target 10,000 students

Derry City and Strabane district Council support and expedite university-related planning applications

The Irish government considers providing supplementary and recurrent funding for the medical school at Ulster University

The Department for Infrastructure leads in the development of effective traffic management that balances the needs of the university population, the concerns of the wider community

The Irish government is further updates its plan to fund the expansion of higher education in the north west

The economy minister could demonstrate support for campus growth and its wider impact on the city and region by holding an annual public meeting in the city to report on progress

Student accommodation a 'major obstacle'

The taskforce found the availability and access to student accommodation is "a major obstacle" to reaching 10,000 students at the campus.

The report said that the university has previously argued that the lack of it is already having "a detrimental impact" on the universitys growth rate in the city.

The taskforce said accommodation will be an "immediate focus" in the coming months.

In 2023/24 there were 5,337 students enrolled at the Derry campus [BBC]

The taskforce further asks the Department for the Economy to review the policy on Maximum Student Numbers (MaSN), set by the department to control the number of students in Northern Ireland.

Consideration is needed, the taskforce report added, as to how the cap could be revised to support growth at the Derry campus beyond 10,000 students.

'A sense of urgency'

Mr Kelly said Wednesdays report reflects a sense of urgency and a unity of purpose after five years of inertia around campus expansion.

For the first time, he said, expansion has the commitment, the timeline and the indicative price.

We must maintain the course we are on, however hard, or challenging, it may seem, he said.

Prof Bartholomew said UU is committed to growth in Derry [BBC]

UU's vice-chancellor Prof Bartholomew thanked the taskforce for "the time spent exploring the changes that would be necessary to expand to 10,000".

We remain completely committed to growth at our campus in Derry~Londonderry, in line with our strategic commitment for better regional balance.

The taskforce is due to deliver its final report and action plan by the end of 2024.
DES MOINES, Iowa  A Des Moines man was sentenced to 60 years in prison on Wednesday for the death of a three-month-old, and the injury of another child and two dogs last year.

According to court documents, on February 9, 2023 the Des Moines Police Department responded to 911 calls reporting a three-month-old child was unresponsive at a home in the 3500 block of E Douglas Avenue. The caretaker of the child, Devin Christopher Luckett, told officers on scene that the child had fallen off of a couch  court documents state.

The child was taken to a local hospital, but was later transferred to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics for advanced care. The child died from his injuries two days later.

An autopsy performed on the child and medical records revealed that the child died from multiple blunt force trauma to the head and that the child couldnt have received the injuries from falling off a couch, Des Moines Police said.

As the investigation into the childs death was underway, Lucketts three-month-old son was taken to a Des Moines hospital in August 2023. Medical staff discovered that the child had multiple rib fractures in various stages of healing and an acute fracture of his left femur, a criminal complaint states. Luckett was determined to be his sons sole caretaker when the fractures occurred nearly a month before the child was taken to the hospital, the complaint states.

Des Moines photographer pleads guilty to child porn, sexual exploitation charges

Around the same time that Luckett was being investigated for the death of a child and his sons injuries, he and Zarah Luckett were also being investigated for animal neglect.

According to court documents, in August 2023 two dogs who were underweight were found at Lucketts apartment. The Animal Rescue League of Iowa said one of the dogs was so weak she was barely able to stand.

Luckett was charged with First-Degree Murder, Child Endangerment Causing Serious Injury, Neglect or Abandonment of a Dependent Person, Animal Neglect with Serious Injury or Death, and Animal Neglect  No Injury/Serious Injury or Death.

Luckett entered an Alford plea to Child Endangerment Causing Death, Child Endangerment Causing a Serious Injury, and Animal Neglect with Serious Injury or Death. On Wednesday he was sentenced to 60 years in prison. He was also ordered to pay a $150,000 civil penalty.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
DES MOINES, Iowa  The owner of a Des Moines photography business has pleaded guilty to sexual exploitation and attempted sexual exploitation of a child and possession of child pornography.

On Wednesday, the U.S. States Attorneys Office of the Southern District of Iowa issued a news release about the guilty plea of Jeffrey Gray, 61. He is scheduled to be sentenced on January 8, 2025.

Gray was the owner and operator of Wicked Imagery, a metro business specializing in boudoir photography for adults and childrens dance photos. He was arrested in February on child porn and sexual exploitation charges.

Iowa State Patrol releases names of victims in Hardin County crash

Court records show that between 2005 and 2016, Gray created and possessed child sexual abuse material. Some of the material was created at Wicked Imagery, by using hidden cameras placed in changing rooms that captured video and images of children undressing.

A hard drive was recovered at Grays home in November of 2023 that investigators later determined contained child sexual abuse material, including at least 15 minor victims.

At sentencing, Gray faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison with a maximum of 30 years on the sexual exploitation charge. Theres a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for the possession of child pornography charge.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
SAN FRANCISCO (KRON)  San Francisco 49ers rookie Ricky Pearsall and the 17-year-old who shot him were engaged in an extended struggle before the wide receiver took a bullet to the chest, San Francisco Deputy Public Defender Bob Dunlap told reporters gathered at the courthouse on Tuesday.

Pearsall, 24, was shot near San Franciscos Union Square on Aug. 31, sending shockwaves through the city. He was on the sideline for the 49ers opener against the New York Jets on Monday night.

Pearsall was shopping at luxury stores in Union Square when the suspect saw his Rolex and expensive jewelry and tried to rob him. After a struggle, Pearsall was shot through the chest and the would-be robber was shot in the arm.

Theyre really sort of fighting back and forth on the sidewalk, Dunlap said. As you might imagine, Mr. Pearsall gets the best of it.

Sex offender arrested in 2008 San Jose home invasion rape case

San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins charged the suspect, a 17-year-old boy from Tracy, with attempted murder, assault with a semi-automatic firearm, and robbery. Dunlap argued Tuesday that his client should face robbery charges rather than attempted murder.

Dunlap said he saw video that showed the altercation, which supports his claim that his client intended to rob Pearsall, not kill him.

After the juvenile was shot in the forearm, he flagged down officers to ask for help, Dunlap said. First responders who assisted Pearsall were honored at Monday nights 49ers game.

Jenkins charged him as a juvenile, but she could still push to have him charged as an adult. The suspect would get out of jail by his 25th birthday if he is charged as a juvenile, but California law prevents prosecutors from charging a minor as an adult without judicial approval.

Dunlap also shot down a Daily Mail report that said the shooter brought a gun to school the week before the Pearsall shooting. My client did not have a gun at school. Its a false report, he said. The teen was on track to graduate high school early, Dunlap said.

The Associated Press 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 KRON4.
Springfield has been in the national spotlight this week with national media outlets reporting on the citys immigration surge, presidential candidates discussing rumors about the citys Haitian population, and a viral photo spreading on social media.

News Center 7 is staying on top of the worldwide attention on Springfield, digging into the issues impacting the community daily on News Center 7 at 5:00 and 6:00

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

TRENDING STORIES:

This week, several people have sent News Center 7 a picture showing a man walking around, carrying a goose. Theyve claimed it shows evidence of Haitian migrants catching and eating geese in Springfield.

Weve uncovered that the photo is over a month old and wasnt taken in Springfield, or anywhere in the Miami Valley.

As reported on News Center 7 at 5:00, the photo was taken on July 28 in Columbus. The street view from a mapping system showed that it was taken in the 4700 block of Cleveland Avenue in Columbus.

The picture was posted to social media and Ohio Governor Mike DeWine said it caught the attention of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

Its clear now that that was in Columbus, Ohio. Weve investigated that, DeWine said on Wednesday. Well probably continue to investigate it because that would be hunting out of season when you look at the date when that took place.

It was one concern raised about the real challenges a sudden influx of an estimated 15,000 Haitian migrants has created in Springfield and Clark County.

Another video of a woman from Ohio accused of eating a cat is also gaining attention. News Center 7 confirmed it did not happen in Springfield and the woman is not an immigrant.

I have great confidence in the people of Springfield. They are not anti-Haitian. They just are seeing problems. And they want elected officials that want all of us to do everything that we can to alleviate those problems, DeWine said.

For months, News Center 7 has covered the strain the population surge is putting on police and fire services, schools, healthcare, and translation services, along with problems involving unlicensed or uneducated drivers. Its a strain on so many in the community, including migrants like Viles Dorsainvil, who is a pastor in the Clark County Haitian community.

We are resilient people, hardworking people, Dorsainvil said. And I think that we have a lot to offer to this community here.

Dorsainvil loves philosophy and theology, its what him to study theology. People come to him for guidance and its been a long week for him in that department.

And all of a sudden it was outrageous out there. People keep talking about Haitians in Springfield eating cats and dogs or things like this, he said. And all of a sudden, some friends of mine called me and ask, Viles, what (do) we have to do now? Things are getting out of hand. I feel like leaving the community because I do not feel safe anymore.

As shown on News Center 7 at 6:00, Dorsainvil said hes tried to calm his community.

He said Haitians want to work with the city and state to help them adjust to life here, including through one of the biggest concerns theres been: driver training. He said they welcome community conversations about challenges; something the Springfield NAACP has been helping with.

I suggested that we have a roundtable discussion separately from the city commission meeting to discuss the communitys concerns regarding the Haitians being within Springfield, Denise Williams, Springfield NAACP President, said.

Dorsainvil feels the discussion could help lead to understanding and solutions.

There would be less tension. And there would be a welcome environment and a safer Springfield where everybody is living at peace, he said.

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YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  The lead detective in the Rawsheem Aponte murder case testified Wednesday in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court that the main eyewitness in the case  who was also Apontes fiance  was consistent when telling police who shot and killed Aponte and wounded her and their child.

City Police Detective Sgt. George Anderson told jurors in the aggravated murder trial of 22-year-old Vashuad May that the witness, Rekia Wright, also told Anderson that Aponte had been feuding with members of Mays family before he was killed.

May also faces charges of attempted murder and being a felon in possession of a firearm for the April 26, 2022, shooting that killed the 24-year-old Aponte and wounded Wright and the couples 3-year-old child.

Police said a car Aponte was driving was chased across several South Side streets by two cars, one of which had May inside. Aponte ended up at a dead end on Mohawk Avenue, where, police say, May got out of a white car and fired several shots, killing Aponte and wounding Wright and the child.

A few days after the shooting, an arrest warrant was issued for May, but he eluded police until November, when he was found by U.S. Marshals in Minnesota and brought back to Youngstown. A grand jury indicted him in January.

A jury was seated Tuesday before Judge R. Scott Krichbaum to hear the case.

Anderson was the last prosecution witness. The defense is expected to call an expert on eyewitness testimony before resting, then closing arguments will be held. It is expected that jurors can have the case to deliberate by early this afternoon.

Anderson interviewed Wright both in the hospital after she was wounded and two days after the shooting at the police department. Both times, he said, she was consistent that May is the person who shot her and Aponte and the child.

Under cross examination from defense attorney Aaron Meikle, Anderson also testified about serving a search warrant at the home of the person who police believed owned the second car that was used in the shooting. Anderson said police found a pair of Air Jordans at the home that matched a pair a witness on Mohawk Avenue said one of the shooters had.

Anderson said that Wright told him Aponte was feuding with someone over a video he had made. He also said Wright showed Anderson a YouTube video made by May that showed him holding a rifle similar to the one used kill Aponte and that May held the rifle the same way the person who fired the shots did.

Wright testified Tuesday that she knew May was the killer even though he wore a mask because she knows his eyes.

Anderson also testified under cross-examination that Wright may have recalled details differently when she was interviewed at the hospital and in a more formal interview, but she was always consistent that May was the shooter.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
In a win for neighborhood residents, the Detroit City Council unanimously approved a request to downzone multiple parcels of land in Core City after residents fought against a nearby industrial site over dust and debris.

Parcels bounded by West Warren Avenue, Interstate 96, Buchanan Street and Grand River Avenue were modified from M4 intensive industrial zoning to special development district, which allows a mixture of "more intensive pedestrian and transit-oriented uses that may be compatible with a neighborhood center or with a location along major or secondary thoroughfares," city records show.

The fight stemmed from a proposed concrete crushing facility on Lawton and Buchanan streets, which the city later denied. Nearby residents and business owners were concerned about the amount of dust and debris that may spread through the community, and urged city officials to zone the land more conducive to a residential community that would make room for more housing and neighborhood activities.

Activists and residents in Core City: Chelsea Hyduk, left, SW, center, and Eleanor Parnell gather during a news conference in Detroit on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.

Councilmember Scott Benson thanked supporters of the ordinance, and said the downzoning would "protect the health and welfare of residents." Councilmember Gabriela Santiago-Romero praised Core City residents, who convened into an advocacy group "Core City Strong," for leading a community effort.

They came together, they came to the city, they came to the administration," Santiago-Romero said. "This is really hard work from the community and its possible. Its possible to organize and to see these changes happen.

'A precedent for communities across Detroit'

The approval downzones about 33 acres, which includes 87 parcels from the M4 Intensive Industrial District to the SD2 Special Development District, Mixed-Use, city records show.

Vanessa Butterworth-Serna, who lives near the downzoned parcels and fought against the proposal for several years, called the latest development in the city a "new day for Detroit."

"Not only will our specific community be safe from environmental racism, but this sets a precedent for communities across Detroit to be able to protect their neighborhoods from industrial development and continue to push against toxic industrial development. Our community has worked so hard for this victory. Its a day of celebration for us, Butterworth-Serna said in a statement.

Core City resident Chrystal Ridgeway said the move will provide "notice to any developer who views Detroit as a cheap land of opportunity without being accountable to the community they will directly impact."

"To all other developers  come, but come with purpose and integrity. Develop but in keeping with the community, its history, and our need for a cohesive future. Our community is excited about good, productive change and attracting and exhibiting the best. To the rest of Detroit, take notice, take action, and have hope. The fight for a healthy, just Detroit continues," Ridgeway said in a statement.

Dana Afana is the Detroit city hall reporter for the Free Press. Contact: dafana@freepress.com. Follow her: @DanaAfana.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit downzones parcels in Core City amid industrial use fight
Detroit Police Chief James White is considering leaving his post as the city's top cop, confirming Wednesday with the Free Press he applied for CEO of the Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network.

"Its an extremely important role at a critical time for Detroit and Wayne County. We continue to have a mental health crisis in our community that needs to be addressed at multiple levels," White said.

"I look forward to a competitive process and want to respect the process by not saying anything further at this time. As the process continues, I am fully committed to serving as Detroits police chief."

The health network's CEO search committee officially named White as one of eight candidates narrowed down from over 60 applicants, the board said during a Wednesday afternoon meeting. The search for a new CEO began in June after Eric Doeh stepped down. Manny Singla, previously the network's executive vice president of operations, was then named interim CEO.

Chief James White speaks during a news conference at the Detroit Public Safety Headquarters in Detroit on Monday, Aug. 23, 2021. Mayor Mike Duggan selected Detroit's interim police chief James White as chief of the Detroit Police Department. The selection still requires approval from the Detroit city council.

White was appointed chief in June 2021 after ex-chief James Craig announced his retirement. Throughout White's tenure as chief, he has repeatedly called for mental health services for Detroiters. White has collaborated with the health network he might lead, if he wins the job, on crisis intervention training for officers and mental health professionals.

More: Man angry over job lit car on fire with 2 women inside, Detroit police report

White has been with Detroit police since January 1996, according to the city. He has a unique background for a police chief: White is a licensed mental health counselor, and in 2020, he led the Michigan Department of Civil Rights prior to becoming chief.

The health network says it serves about 123,000 children and adults in Detroit and Wayne County, according to its website. The network supports those "with serious mental illness, children with serious emotional disturbance, people with autism, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and those with substance use disorder."

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: Police Chief James White applies for CEO job at health network
Detroiters enrolled in a program that brings down their water bill to as low as $18 a month and wipes away water debt, must verify they are income-eligible starting Oct. 1 to remain on the plan.

More than 25,000 households are currently part of the city of Detroit's Lifeline Plan. The Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD) notified those customers via mail that their benefits will expire on Oct. 1 and that they must recertify and reenroll in the program each year. The department said it is currently not removing residents from the Lifeline Plan, according to DWSD Public Affairs Director Bryan Peckinpaugh, but households must contact the Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency, which is administering the program, to stay on the plan.

"As long as they contact Wayne Metro on or after Oct. 1, they will remain enrolled and protected from shutoff," said Peckinpaugh in an email to the Detroit Free Press last week. The Wayne Metropolitan agency is taking advance requests but won't be able to process them until next month, he said.

Here's what to know:

What the water program offers

The program, which launched in 2022, offers residents fixed monthly rates from $18 to $56 and removes past water debt, based on a household's income and water use. The $18-a-month tier is available for families at 135% of the federal poverty level, or a family of three making up to $34,857 a year. Nearly 22,000 households  the majority of enrollees  pay $18, according to a DWSD dashboard online. The next highest payment plan, offering water bills at $43 a month, is for three-person households making $38,730 or less. The last tier, at $56 a month, caps income at $51,640 for three people in a home.

Lifeline Plan enrollees account for 11% of DWSD's 225,000 overall residential household customers, Peckinpaugh said.

Why customers must reenroll

This recertification process is required by the state of Michigan as a funder of the program, Peckinpaugh said. The Lifeline Plan is currently funded with a $7 million state budget allocation and $5 million in regional Water Residential Assistance Program (WRAP) dollars, according to DWSD. WRAP is funded from the Great Lakes Water Authority.

How to begin

Water customers in the Lifeline Plan can start the recertification process by notifying the Wayne Metropolitan agency via phone or through an online form. The agency will then open up recertification on Oct. 1, Peckinpaugh said. The recertification process coincides with the state's new budget year, which starts next month, he added.

Peckinpaugh said there is no hard deadline before residents are taken off the Lifeline Plan for not recertifying but enrolled households need to "indicate their request to recertify on or after Oct. 1."

"We will give all enrolled households sufficient time to recertify due to the volume of enrollees," he said, adding that DWSD is not announcing a deadline at this time.

Who should contact Wayne Metro?

The requirement to enroll again applies to customers who are already in the Lifeline Plan and not new enrollees with pending applications or those who apply for the first time after Oct. 1.

This is the first recertification process for the Lifeline Plan so the water department and the Wayne Metropolitan agency won't currently remove households, to allow time for the process, he said.

However, if a Lifeline Plan customer has missed more than two monthly payments, he or she may be at risk of getting kicked out of the program and face water shut-off, if he or she doesn't reach out to the Wayne Metropolitan agency for assistance or to resolve the missed payments, according to DWSD.

What about customers who aren't eligible?

Customers who no longer meet the income requirements for the Lifeline Plan can apply for EasyPay, a new DWSD program for Detroit residents, nonprofits and businesses behind on their water bills. The EasyPay Plan is interest- and penalty-free. The program does not have income restrictions. Customers can enroll by putting down a $10 deposit, then paying off the overdue balance over 36 months, on top of the regular bill. The program spares them from a water shut-off as long as they make payments.

How to reenroll

To begin the recertification process in the Lifeline Plan, call the Wayne Metropolitan agency at 313-388-9799 or fill out the following Google form (which requires a Google email account): bit.ly/LifelineWayneMetro. This is for customers to show that they intend to recertify for the program. Email wmuniversalapplication@waynemetro.org with questions. As part of the reenrollment process, households must be prepared to show proof of household income and any changes to their household size, according to a mailer sent out to customers.

The water department said it is also doing outreach at community meetings. Outreach will continue into October.

More: Detroits down payment assistance plan serves as model for Harris proposal, Duggan says

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Contact Nushrat Rahman: nrahman@freepress.com. Follow her on X: @NushratR.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroiters must reenroll in Lifeline Plan for water affordability
Douglas Elliman's Jay Parker and Jeff Bezos with Indian Creed Island (Getty)

Brazilian mogul Leo Kryss sold his waterfront estate on Indian Creek Island to billionaire Jeff Bezos for $79 million last year. He had enlisted Douglas Elliman to sell the property, and the brokerage would get a 4 percent total commission if it also represented the buyer.

But he didnt know he was selling the property to Bezos, the billionaire founder of Amazon. In fact, he said he was told the opposite  even after Bezos bought the neighboring property first for $68 million. Elliman Florida CEO Jay Parker insisted that Bezos was not behind the entity that had offered Kryss $79 million, an email in court records shows.

Who knew what and when is at the center of a lawsuit filed this summer against Douglas Elliman, which alleges that the brokerage breached its duties to deal honestly and fairly with Kryss company, Tendencia Asset Management, and that it failed to use skill, care and diligence with respect to listing and selling Kryss home at 12 Indian Creek Island Road.

Kryss claims he was persuaded to sell his property for $6 million less than the asking price because of Parkers alleged misrepresentations, according to the complaint, which was filed in Miami-Dade Circuit Court by Akerman attorneys Dana Clayton and Lorayne Perez. In a statement provided to The Real Deal, Clayton said that Elliman violated Florida law and the listing agreement.

Douglas Elliman declined to comment.

Kryss, who co-founded the Brazilian electronics and toy company Tectoy, hired top Elliman broker Dina Goldentayer and Danilo Tavares, also an agent with the brokerage, to list the property in May of last year. Kryss wanted to sell the company that owned the real estate, a Bahamian entity, for $85 million because he thought he would net a higher profit, according to the complaint.

The guard-gated island, considered a billionaires bunker, is home to Tom Brady, Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner, and DJ and producer David Guettas future mansion, as well as Eddie Lampert and Carl Icahn.

In June 2023, Bezos paid $68 million for the waterfront property next door at 11 Indian Creek Island Road. Though he was rumored to be purchasing that property as early as May of that year, sources told The Real Deal, his identity as the buyer was revealed on Aug. 11, 2023.

A month later, Kryss and an entity, Cape Trust, entered into a purchase agreement for his home at 12 Indian Creek Island Road. Parker said that Indian Creek Mayor Benny Klepach, who allegedly acted as the straw buyer, had told Parker that the property was for Klepachs family.

Parker and the broker failed to disclose the source of the information or take any further steps to confirm the accuracy of this statement, according to the lawsuit.

Story continues

Elliman had recently brought on Klepachs daughter, Celine, as a sales associate. She ended up receiving a commission on the deal despite not having been involved in the transaction until then, the lawsuit alleges.

Ellimans commission was about $3.2 million, the majority of which it would likely pay out to its agents, Goldentayer, Tavares and Klepachs daughter. Celine Klepach is no longer with Elliman, state licensing records show.

In Ellimans pending motion to dismiss, filed by Kasowitz Benson Torres LLP, the brokerage claims that Cape Trust kept Bezos identity from everyone, including Elliman, Parker and the agents involved in the deal. Douglas Elliman said it did not have a duty to investigate the trust as a transaction broker.

Even if the Douglas Elliman agents and its Florida CEO did have such knowledge, it did not materially affect the value of the property, according to Ellimans motion.

Bezos, the third richest person in the world with a net worth of nearly $200 billion, also acquired a third property at 28 Indian Creek Island Road. In all, he spent $234 million for the three Indian Creek properties.

This article originally appeared on The Real Deal. Click here to read the full story.
When did 9/11 happen? How the 2001 terror attack unfolded that day

September 11, 2001 is forever referred to as 9/11 after the worst terrorist attack committed on American soil claimed nearly 3,000 lives.

The World Trade Center and the Pentagon were hit by passenger planes hijacked by Islamic extremist group al-Qaeda. Another hijacking was thwarted by passengers, causing it to go down over a field in Pennsylvania.

Here is how the morning unfolded.

8:46 a.m. - First plane struck the North Tower

American Airlines Flight 11 left Logan International Airport in Boston en route to Los Angeles, California at 7:59 a.m. with 92 passengers and crew onboard. The Boeing 767 was hijacked 15 minutes later by five al-Qaeda terrorists and crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center at 8:46 a.m., killing everyone onboard instantly.

9:03 a.m. - Second plane struck the South Tower

United Airlines Flight 175 left Logan Airport in Boston at 8:14 a.m. carrying 65 passengers and crew on board, heading to California. The Boeing 767 was hijacked 30 minutes later by five al-Qaeda terrorists and crashed into the South Tower of the World Trade Center at 9:03 a.m., killing everyone onboard instantly.

9:37 a.m. - Third plane struck the Pentagon in Washington, DC

American Airline Flight 77 left Dulles International Airport in Virginia at 8:20 a.m. carrying 64 passengers and crew on board, heading to Los Angeles. The Boeing 757 was hijacked 31 minutes into the flight by five al-Qaeda terrorists and crashed into the Pentagon in Virginia at 9:37 a.m., killing everyone onboard instantly and another 125 in the building.

9:59 a.m. - South Tower of Word Trade Center collapses

The South Tower of the World Trade Center burned for 56 minutes before it finally collapsed.

10:07 a.m. - Flight 93 crashes in Somerset County, Pennsylvania

United Airlines Flight 93 left Newark International Airport in New Jersey at 8:42 a.m. carrying 44 passengers and crew on board and heading to San Francisco International Airport in California. The Boeing 757 was hijacked 46 minutes into the flight by four al-Qaeda terrorists that intended to re-route it to the nation's capital in Washington, DC. However, passengers, who'd already learned of the previous suicide attacks that morning, fought back, forcing the plane to crash prematurely in Stoneycreek Township, Pennsylvania. Everyone on board was instantly killed in the crash.

10:28 a.m. - North Tower of World Trade Center collapses

The North Tower of the World Trade Center burned for one hour and 42 minutes before it finally collapsed.

How many people died in 9/11?

The terror attacks on 9/11 left 2,996 people dead, across New York, Washington, D.C. and Pennsylvania.

This article originally appeared on USATNetwork: When did 9/11 happen? How the 2001 terror attack unfolded that day
After shootings at six Detroit block parties over the Fourth of July weekend that injured 24 and killed three, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan and Police Chief James White rolled out a new plan to curb the violence, instituting new requirements for block party permits, and detailing an 80-member squad to enforce the rules.

Now, only block club presidents can apply for a party permit, which must be submitted 45 days before the event. The proposed party must have the approval of 75% of neighbors, and food trucks arent allowed  all intended to stop large parties that draw hundreds from around and outside the city, and can easily turn violent, officials said.

But a few months in, the citys crackdown on illegal block parties seems to be all over the map, with selective enforcement at longstanding, positive community events, but chaos in other parts of town.

All of it is causing me to question what the new rules were intended to do. Like folks say: The math aint mathin.

Detroit Police Chief James White at a press conference Monday, July 8, 2024 announcing a crackdown on block parties after a shooting Sunday morning that killed 2 and injured 19.

House Night at The Congregation was a vibe, until it shut down

Nearly every Thursday night over the past five summers, The Congregation coffeehouse at Rosa Parks and Atkinson in the Boston-Edison neighborhood  near 12th and Clairmount, where the 1967 riots began  has hosted House Night. The crowd, mostly older city residents, enjoyed listening to house music outside, on lawn chairs or dancing. The Thursday night set included food trucks and adult beverages.

In short, as young folks say: Its just a vibe.

The Congregation, for me, was a 100% just loving (atmosphere) that catered to everyone. House music is nondiscriminatory, and it caters to everyone, said Rev. Sierra Donaven, 65, who serves on the Grosse Pointe Farms City Council.

It didn't make a difference to who you were, what your titles were, what color you were, what color was your hair or what size you were. None of that matters. It was more, we're coming here because it's such a great place to be.

Until August, that is, when Donaven and other attendees said Detroit police began cracking down on the event, citing illegal parking and the food trucks  and characterizing House Night as a block party, despite it being held at a business, not a home.

On Aug. 29, the owners of The Congregation announced the shut down of the event. Co-owner Amy Peterson declined comment, instead referring to a media statement posted on Instagram that cited "ongoing challenges with traffic and parking."

"Following several conversations with the City of Detroit, we've made the heartbreaking decision to conclude the series early."

The Spirit of Detroit Award-winning event has become more than a dance party, the statement continued, acknowledging ongoing issues that include blocking alleys and driveways need to be addressed.

It's a celebration of community, an expression of joy, and a symbol of the unity that defines Detroits neighborhoods, the statement reads. Over the years, House Night has grown into a vital source of positive energy, fostering a sense of belonging and inclusivity for all attendees.

We look forward to a return of House Night and maintaining its reputation. We remain dedicated to the safety and well-being of our community and are committed to preserving the spirit of House Night.

Donaven said that because of the events popularity, she expected some major change.

It didn't surprise me because it was inevitable that they would have to make a shift, either charging, or confining the event within the grounds of the Congregation. The bottom line is that the event outgrew the space, Donoven added.

The Congregation, found inside an old Detroit church, is a food, coffee and cocktail shop in the Boston Edison neighborhood.

Detroit police said they had no role in The Congregation shutdown. A spokesman added he could not confirm whether the police showed up at the site to enforce the block party rules: I cannot confirm that we did. I have no date or time (of) what you're talking about, so I have no way to confirm that. We didn't shut them down or tell them that they couldn't operate their business, a DPD spokesman told me.

But multiple people who regularly attended House Night said up to 15 officers showed up on three consecutive Thursdays this summer.

The first time I was there and the police arrived, it had to be at least 15, said Donaven, a retired ATF agent. I just wanted to let them know we were peaceful, we were a group of unity. They understood, but they still had a job to do.

Don't hustle to the hustle, DPD

Cooley High has put on their all-class alumni weekend without incident for nearly two decades. After a picnic earlier in the day, the group usually has a white party  attendees wear white outfits  at the Sky Bar on Fenkell, a few blocks away from the now-shuttered school. Many who attend are near my age. (I was in the class of 1988.)

The school closed in 2010, but its alumni association is one of the strongest in the city. That's why hundreds gathered at the Sky Bar that night. Its a way to not only celebrate classmates, but their west side neighborhood.

This year's party, held in mid-July, spilled into the street, with most simply talking or ballroom hustling.

Detroit Police mobilized officers to clear out people outside the bar.

Through friends, Ive kept tabs on the Cooley weekend for about 20 years, and it hasnt caused any problems.

But, yes, I realize the event was a few weeks after a major press conference about party crackdowns. A presence there was needed to show the community the Duggan Administration meant business behind the press conference podium.

That still doesnt make it right.

Twerking on Seven Mile

Meanwhile, havoc is still running rampant with young people in other city neighborhoods.

On Sept. 1, the city's block party detail cleared out a party at the Quarter Pass 7 rental hall on Greenfield south of Seven Mile around 2 a.m., Detroit Police Deputy Chief Arnold Williams said in a video provided to the Free Press. That party was broken up by around 2:45 a.m., and officers left, Williams said.

But by 3 a.m., the crowd had taken over the Greenfield and Seven Mile intersection.

A video emerged last week that showed a city bus stalled in the middle of the road. Two women climbed on the bus, twerking on the front window, as shown in video posted to the Metro Detroit News Instagram account. Others climbed up the side of the bus, as a large crowd of young people watched.

Cars parked illegally at nearby businesses, and doing doughnuts in the intersection, Williams said.

Cops returned, the crowd was cleared shortly after, and no arrests were made.

Embedded content: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C_ZVQtKtUrX/?igsh=MWl6OGRuaHN5eDFi

Finding a balance

Like most who care about city issues, I want police to keep the city streets and neighborhoods clear, to prevent shootings or even just loud, disruptive music playing deep into the night.

One of the people killed over Fourth of July weekend was Jordan Thornhill, a Michigan State University graduate and son of my high school classmate Andre.

What I dont want is an overzealous police department thats ruining city events patronized mostly by older Detroiters who are not causing any serious problems.

The Congregations House Night is the type of event we want in a neighborhood thats been linked to negativity for far too long.

Whether its clearing out The Congregation or the Cooley High School reunion event, its low-hanging fruit.

Its a quick win to say this block party task force is making Detroiters safer, when its a younger generation of people who are causing the problems.

The last time I checked, a crowd listening and dancing to House Music on a lawn, or Cooley graduates doing hustle line dances on Fenkell, isnt hurting anybody, particularly when most out there in the crowd are mature, some in their early 50s and up.

These new rules were intended to prevent shootings and killings at house parties that were taking over streets in city neighborhoods.

The city administration cant have it both ways.

Its difficult for people to understand why events such as an all class reunion afterparty must be shut down, or why a music event outside a popular coffee house and farmers market is policed.

These decisions feed the perceptions people have about whether they are wanted, or even considered, by the decision makers of this city.

And perception leads to reality.

Detroiters deserve to be safe and have fun in their neighborhoods. The Duggan Administration has to figure out how to do both.

Darren A. Nichols is a contributing columnist at the Free Press. He can be reached at darren@dnick-media.com or his X (formerly Twitter) handle @dnick12. Submit a letter to the editor at freep.com/letters.

Darren Nichols

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Too far, DPD? Detroit block party rules ignore the real issues
PHILADELPHIA, Pa. (WBOY)  While on the topic of abortion during the presidential debate Tuesday night, former President Donald Trump brought up West Virginia, but maybe not in the correct context.

When asked about his recent statements on womens reproductive rights, Trump referenced the previous governor of West Virginia, Earl Ray Tomblin who held the office from 2010 to 2017. However, he seemed to mean the previous governor of Virginia.

When when referencing late-term abortions, Trump said the following:

You can look at the governor of West Virginiathe previous governor of West Virginia, not the current governor, hes doing an excellent job, but the governor beforehe said the baby will be born and we will decide what to do with the baby, in other words we will execute the baby. And thats why I did that because that predominates because theyre radical, the Democrats are radical in that, Trump said.

Although Tomblin was a Democrat, he famously defied his partys stance on abortion and campaigned on being prolife. The former Virginia governor Ralph Northam, however, made headlines in 2019 after making a comment that referenced after-birth abortions. The Associated Press fact checked the interview earlier this year and said that Northams comment was distorted after Trump shared the 2019 interview clip on his social media in April.

Northam was replaced by current Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin (R) in 2022.

Who won the Trump-Harris presidential debate?

There are no states where infanticide, or killing a baby after it is born, is legal.

During the debate, Trump said that he is proud the Supreme Courts decision to overturn Roe v. Wade in 2022 because it leaves the decision up to the states. Ultimately, Trump vocalized that he is against late term abortion but that he does strongly believe there should be exceptions for rape, incest and life of the mother.

Vice President Kamala Harris called Trump abortion bans that have been passed in 20 states since Roe v. Wade was overturned immoral.

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, Harris said during the debate.

West Virginia passed a near abortion ban in in September 2022, which prohibits abortions except in cases of non-viable fetuses, fetal anomalies and medical emergencies or in cases of rape and incest at up to 8 weeks for adults and 14 weeks for minors, as long as the victim reported the incident to law enforcement.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Parts of the Carola Bridge over the Elbe have collapsed. Robert Michael/dpa

A bridge in central Dresden partially collapsed in the early hours of Wednesday morning on a busy public transport route that at any other time of day could have led to a catastrophe, officials said.

No one was injured, according to initial reports, but a tram passed over the bridge in the eastern German city some 18 minutes before the structure partially disintegrated into the river below at around 3 am (0100 GMT), the fire brigade said.

The Carola Bridge is a key Dresden traffic artery, with a pedestrian and cycle path alongside the tram tracks crossing the Elbe River. All were affected by the accident, according to a hastily convened situation centre.

Police cordoned off the area and the fire brigade called on the public to avoid the area and not to obstruct emergency services.

The bridge, which spans the Elbe in the city centre, is used daily by numerous cars, trams, cyclists and pedestrians.

The damage affects some 100 metres, the Dresden fire service said. An approximately 1-metre gap has formed at the bridgehead on the old town side and district heating pipes were also damaged in the accident.

"The whole urban area is currently experiencing a district heating outage," the fire service said. Escaping water has completely flooded parts of the banks of the river nearby, known as the Terrassenufer.

The police spokesman said they currently assume it was an accident and that there are no indications of external interference. There were no trams on the bridge at the time of the accident, according to the Dresden Transport Company.

It remains unclear how parts of the bridge became loose. The fire service assumes there is an acute risk that the bridge will further disintegrate.

We expect more parts of the bridge to collapse, said a fire service spokesman on Wednesday morning at the scene, warning people to stay far away from the bridge, citing a danger to life near the structure.

Officials called in a drone team to assess the extent of the damage.

Significant disruptions are expected particularly during the busiest times of day, and trams have been rerouted, affecting car traffic too.

The waterway is also closed, police reported, as have the Elbe cycle path and the Terrassenufer, as engineers and administrators inspect the scene and assess the next steps to take, the fire service stated.

Officials said corrosion could have caused the accident.

"We had massive chloride ingress here in GDR times," said Holger Kalbe, head of Dresden's bridge and engineering structures department, referring to the former East Germany. A chloride ingress is a common cause of deterioration in reinforced concrete structures.

At the point where the bridge section collapsed during the night, there had been a public transport pylon, he said, adding it was conceivable "that the chlorides penetrated massively at this point and led to corrosion of the reinforcement inside the bridge."

The bridge is a prestressed concrete bridge consisting of three sections. Two parts have been renovated, while the third section, the part of the bridge that collapsed, was due to be renovated next year.

The other sections only reopened to traffic in March 2024 after being renovated for several months, the city said on its website.

Also, a trial traffic project aimed at making the bridge safer for cyclists and pedestrians was to run until the end of the year.
It was the only way to stop the markets from crashing. There was no other way to fix the catastrophic black hole the Conservatives left in the Governments books. And pensioners wont lose out anyway  even the poorest.

A variety of hapless Labour ministers have been floundering around, making increasingly desperate arguments for scrapping the universal winter fuel payment. On Tuesday, the Government managed to convince Labour MPs to hold their noses for now and not rebel en masse. But nobody can possibly think that ministers have persuaded the public.

And its a wasted opportunity. There is a perfectly respectable case to be made for getting rid of the payment, on the grounds that it targets the wrong people, and it is part of a bloated benefits system that is dragging the entire economy down.

Even better, making that argument could have been the start of a series of genuinely bold reforms by the new Government. Instead, Sir Keir Starmer, Rachel Reeves and other ministers have made a complete hash of it  and the price will be a high one.

The decision to scrap the winter fuel allowance of 300 for every pensioner still looks like it may turn into a crisis for the Starmer administration, despite Tuesdays half-hearted Commons victory.

Rushed through with little apparent planning, it has proved hugely unpopular, both with the retirees who will lose the help they had expected over the winter, and with Labour backbenchers who hardly expected after 14 years of campaigning against austerity to be whipped into a measure so harsh even George Osborne didnt dare try it.

We have heard a bewildering succession of defences of the decision. They had to fix the black hole, despite finding billions for pay rises to train drivers, and to invest in GB Energy. The markets would crash if they didnt take tough choices, even though the pound has been rising and there is no sign of pressure from the bond vigilantes.

And, strangest of all, that retirees will actually get more money due to an increasing state pension, even though that seems to make the whole exercise pointless. It is a garbled mess. The plot of Ulysses seems straightforward by comparison.

The tragedy is that there was a compelling and coherent argument to be made in favour of the policy. To start with, over the last 14 years, the tax and benefits system has become too skewed towards pensioners, and against younger generations trying to buy their first home and start a family.

When the allowance was launched by Gordon Brown way back in 1997, there was a genuine gap between the incomes of retirees and working age people, and pensioner poverty was a real issue. But since 2000, the proportion of pensioners in poverty has fallen, while the medium income of retirees has risen more strongly compared to that of working age people.

Next, ending the universality of the payment could have been pitched as just the start of a huge reform of a dysfunctional welfare and benefits system. The UK is currently spending 340bn a year on welfare payments, raising taxes to record levels only to hand the money back to many of the same people who paid for it all in the first place.

Huge amounts of money are wasted along the way, and marginal tax rates on young families of 60pc or more discourage people from working. It would be far simpler to let people keep more of their own money, to tax them less, and offer fewer benefits in return.

Finally, the Government could have argued that we have far too many universal benefits and services that cost the taxpayer billions, and drag down the entire economy. We could start reforming pensions more widely, so that people save for retirement themselves instead of relying on the state.

We could offer tax relief on private education so that people didnt necessarily have to rely on whatever their local authority offered them. Heck, we could even have a social insurance system of healthcare, as they do in most of the rest of Europe, instead of a state-run monster funded entirely out of general taxation.

The core message would have been this. The winter fuel allowance is the low hanging fruit, so we are picking that first. But it is just the beginning of a far wider reform of the system, designed to make sure work pays, that no one is left in dire poverty, that the tax burden gradually comes down, and that the public finances are kept in a sustainable shape.

Putting all those points together, and backed by a huge majority, the Government could have actually won that argument, for a simple reason. There is a lot of truth in it.

If it had done so, it would have had a platform for an administration that was both genuinely reforming, and stayed true to the spirit of a Left-of-centre party committed to social justice.

Instead, it has made a complete mess of it, advancing arguments that are so muddled and incoherent that no one can follow them. And it is likely to be so scarred by an epic battle with its own supporters over a trivial sum of money that it wont do anything else to reform the welfare system  and that really will be a tragedy for the whole country.

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'Disgrace.' 'He hates her.' 12 zingers from the Harris-Trump debate

Former President Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris square off in their first presidential debate Tuesday night in Philadelphia. (Alex Brandon / Associated Press)

Yes, they discussed policy. Sort of. But former President Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris also had plenty to say about each other during their debate Tuesday night.

The presidential debate didn't generate an immortal line  think Lloyd Bentsen to Dan Quayle in 1988: "Senator, you are no Jack Kennedy"  though Trump did echo Ronald Reagan's dismissive reply to Jimmy Carter in 1980, "There you go again."

Still, the first meeting between the Republican and Democratic candidates did have its spicy and blunt moments.

A dozen examples:

TRUMP: She goes down as the worst vice president in the history of our country.

HARRIS: I have talked with military leaders, some of whom worked with you. And they say you're a disgrace.

TRUMP: She's a Marxist. Everybody knows she's a Marxist. Her father's a Marxist professor in economics. And he taught her well.

HARRIS: And I'm going to tell you that I have traveled the world as vice president of the United States. And world leaders are laughing at Donald Trump.

TRUMP [On Harris and President Biden]: I probably took a bullet to the head because of the things that they say about me. They talk about democracy. I'm a threat to democracy. They're the threat to democracy.

HARRIS: I said it at the beginning of this debate, you're going to hear a bunch of lies coming from this fella.

TRUMP: Well, there she goes again. It's a lie. I'm not signing a ban [on abortion].

HARRIS: Donald Trump was fired by 81 million people. So, let's be clear about that. And clearly, he is having a very difficult time processing that.

TRUMP [On Biden withdrawing from the presidential race]: He got 14 million votes and they threw him out of office. And you know what? I'll give you a little secret. He hates her. He can't stand her.

HARRIS: Donald Trump left us the worst unemployment since the Great Depression. Donald Trump left us the worst public health epidemic in a century. Donald Trump left us the worst attack on our democracy since the Civil War. And what we have done is clean up Donald Trump's mess.

TRUMP: This is the most divisive presidency in the history of our country. There's never been anything like it. They're destroying our country.

HARRIS: Clearly, I am not Joe Biden, and I am certainly not Donald Trump.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Disgraced fashion mogul Peter Nygard was sentenced to 11 years in a Canadian prison for sexual assault.

Nygard, 83, was found guilty of four counts of sexual assault in November after a number of women accused him of misconduct that occurred between the late 1980s and 2005.

Nygard, who testified during the 2023 trial, did not speak during Mondays sentencing when given the opportunity.

In a Toronto courtroom, Justice Robert Goldstein called Nygard a sexual predator who showed no empathy for his victims, who were all attacked in offices at Nygard International after he lured them there under false pretenses, including tours and job interviews. Each interaction ended in a private luxury bedroom with locks Nygard controlled, trapping the victims.

All five women, who ranged in age from 16 to 28 when they were assaulted, said their meetings with Nygard ended with sexual activity they did not consent to.

Nygard will receive credit for time served and spend seven years behind bars, though hell be eligible for parole in two years.

Nygard faces other criminal charges, including sex trafficking and racketeering, in Montreal, Winnipeg and the U.S. He has denied those allegations.

The Finland-born fashion exec stepped down as chairman of the company after his offices in New York City were raided by the FBI in February 2020. The company has since filed for bankruptcy and entered into receivership.
CCSD trustee resigns amid district attorneys push to remove her for living out of state

LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Clark County School District Trustee Katie Williams resigned Wednesday hours after the Clark County District Attorneys Office moved to remove her.

The office filed a petition Wednesday morning to remove Williams, who is accused of no longer living in the school district or the state, and vacate her seat on the board.

I think an elected official owes an obligation to perform the functions of their office, Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson told 8 News Now. Its not just being at meetings, its not just casting votes, its being physically present and available to constituents. Having office hours. Being accessible.

Last week, Wolfson told Williams she had until Monday to either vacate her seat or hell initiate proceedings to remove her from office. On Monday, the District Attorneys office told 8 News Now it was giving Williams more time to respond, but did not say how much additional time was given.

Williams is accused of no longer living in the school district or the state. Back in March, 8 News Now first reported that Williams failed to attend more than a dozen meetings in person since January 2023, and would instead opt to call in or not attend.

Everyone noticed that she was not there. It was not just me who sat next to her who noticed that she was not present, but the entire community noticed that she was not present, Dane Watson, a former Clark County School District trustee told 8 News Now.

Nevada state law requires that each trustee of a school district must reside in the election district which the trustee represents and be elected by the voters of that election district, according to the petition.

Williams social media posts have indicated she lives in Nebraska. When asked about this in May, Williams told 8 News Now she was working remotely for a job that required her to travel between Utah, California, and Nebraska. Wolfson said a Metro investigation led to his office taking action.

Williams was first elected as a trustee in 2020 and claimed she was a resident of District B, which covers schools in the far northwest valley and rural areas of Clark County. She was sworn in as the CCSD Trustee for District B in January 2021.

According to the petition filed on Sept. 11, a person may have more than one residence, but can have only one legal domicile, which requires actually living in a place and the intention to remain there as a permanent residence.

The document claimed that Williams has been living in Nebraska and intends to remain there. Her actions show she intended to abandon her residence in Nevada, the petition stated.

The petition asks for the court to hold a hearing to review evidence of whether Williams ceased to be a resident of Nevada and District B and to remove Trustee Williams if the court finds she has.

The Board of Trustees issued a statement Wednesday afternoon, reading:

The Clark County School District Board of School Trustees is aware of the District Attorneys petition to declare District B vacant due to Trustee Williams alleged residency. Unless the seat is declared vacant by a court of law or resignation, the elected representative remains as trustee. Resignation or removal from office does not affect any prior votes or actions taken by the Board.

Should a vacancy occur, Governance Policy-19 addresses vacancies and the process the Board follows for a replacement.

The Clark County Education Association is calling for an investigation into trustees on when they knew Katie Williams wasnt a resident here.

The focus should shift onto [Board President Evelyn] Garcia Morales. I mean this is an issue thats been in the public, John Vellardita, executive director of CCEA, said. This has been an issue thats been brought before the trustees, whether its been at a meeting or individually. And Garcia Morales has essentially, in our opinion, brushed this under the rug.

Vellardita said that trustees should postpone hiring a new superintendent for now.

If the media, and in particular reporters like yourself, did not pursue this issue. We would have had a trustee that essentially shouldve been removed a long time ago, Vellardita said.

8 News Now reached out to involved parties for comment, which will be added to this article when they are received.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Russian-Canadian filmmaker Anastasia Trofimova has responded to a protest at the Toronto Film Festival on Tuesday against her controversial Russians at War documentary ahead of a North American premiere on Friday.

Trofimova tells The Hollywood Reporter her first-person film has her talking to ordinary Russian soldiers over seven months in Ukraine to get a perspective no one else, including official Russian TV or Western journalists, has captured.

More from The Hollywood Reporter

Because of the geopolitical climate that exists, these guys [Russian soldiers] just wanted to share with someone. Yes, I went there and no one else has, she explains. Her comments follow the Ukrainian-Canadian community protesting the Toronto Film Festival giving Trofimovas film a North American premiere on Friday after a world premiere in Venice.

Ukrainian-Canadian protest outside TIFF Lightbox.

Around 400 Ukrainian Torontonians gathered outside TIFF Lightbox, the headquarters of the major film festival. They held signs that read Russians at War Justifies and Victimizes Killers and Rapists and Hello TIFF?! Russian Propaganda Kills.

Controversy around the film first emerged at the Venice Film Festival, where the film had its world premiere. Trofimova sparked backlash after the films press conference on the Lido when she defended the film, which she made while embedded with a Russian army battalion in Eastern Ukraine.

Darya Bassel, a Ukrainian producer attending Venice with her own documentary, Songs of Slow Burning Earth, took to Facebook to decry Trofimovas doc: This film may mislead you into believing that it is an anti-war film, one that questions the current regime in Russia. However, what I witnessed is a prime example of pure Russian propaganda, she wrote in a lengthy post.

A spokesperson for TIFF offered no comment when asked about Russians at War playing at the festival amid the protest. Ann Semotiuk, who is on the board of directors of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress in Toronto, told The Hollywood Reporter that Trofimova has overlooked alleged Russian war crimes in Ukraine in her film.

Although the director stated she wanted to present a different perspective of the film, she took the perspective of totally ignoring the fact that Russia was committing war crimes in Ukraine, she ignored the fact that Russia was an aggressor that invaded a sovereign, independent, democratic and peaceful neighbor for no reason other than their own imperialist plan, Semotiuk argued.

Cornelia Principe, a producer of Russians at War, rejected the accusation that Trofimova had ignored Russian war crimes. Theres no whitewashing of anything. Its focusing on these individuals. It could be that, just empathizing with a soldier who happens to be Russian, is that whitewashing? she questioned.

Ukrainian Canadians protest Russians at War documentary at the Toronto Film Festival.

But Semotiuk, while insisting she wasnt against independent war journalism, objected to the Russians at War documentary ignoring the Ukrainian perspective. Trofimova insists her film was not meant to cover the entire Russia-Ukraine conflict. Its very rare that journalists could even go and work on both sides of the front. Thats almost impossible. I would not even be able to get to the Ukrainian side to film there. They know that well, she insisted.

The Canadian-Ukrainian protest on Tuesday coincided with the first press and industry screening of Russians at War. The Ukrainian Canadians said they will return on Friday to protest the first public screening at the Scotiabank Theatre.

Ukrainian Consul General Oleh Nikolenko in a Sept. 5 letter to TIFF CEO Cameron Bailey said it was irresponsible to allow the Toronto International Film Festival, one of the most reputable world film stages, to be used to whitewash the responsibility of Russian soldiers committing war crimes in Ukraine during the ongoing Russian invasion.

Also Tuesday, Deputy Canadian Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, who is of Ukrainian background, expressed during a press conference in Ottawa concerns over TIFF screening Russians at War. 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, Freeland said.

Producer Principe says the Friday public screening of Russians at War is still on: TIFF has been very supportive. All of our funders have been very supportive. So theres no change whatsoever.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress also objected that the Canadian Media Fund and other domestic indie film financiers offered public money to produce Russians at War. Canadas Deputy PM Freeland agreed with that criticism when telling reporters on Tuesday: Its not right for Canadian public money to be supporting the screening and production of a film like this.

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On one of the most tragic days in American history, brave heroes, including law enforcement officers, firefighters and innocent civilians, banded together to safeguard one another and escape the collapsing World Trade Center in New York City, which was surrounded by a deadly accumulation of smoke and debris.

Among the heroes who joined the relief efforts in the aftermath of the terrorist attack on the U.S. on Sept. 11, 2001, unbeknownst to them, were hundreds of dogs, alongside their handlers, who relentlessly searched for any living persons and the bodies of those who lost their lives in the wreckage.

The unfathomable tragedy which took the lives of nearly 3,000 people elicited a global response.

SURVIVOR OF 9/11 SHARES UNPARALLELED STORY OF RESILIENCE, BRAVERY WHILE FLEEING 78 FLOORS OF THE NORTH TOWER

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.

Rubble full of hazardous materials lay where the north tower and south tower of the World Trade Center once stood tall. Workers from government and volunteer organizations echoed patriotism and selflessness and joined one another to support the rescue efforts following the terrorist attacks that shook the nations history.

Bonded by a love for the country and respect for the fallen, the responsibilities of both dogs and their handlers at Ground Zero varied in the nine months after the deadliest attack on America.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Bretagne, pronounced Brittany, was an American Kennel Club-registered golden retriever and a member of Texas A&M Task Force 1 (TX-TF1). Following months of training, she became a certified member of the FEMA Search and Rescue Canine team.

Her handler, Denise Corliss, has maintained her position on TX-TF1 since 2000, and worked with Bretagne during her first official deployment to Ground Zero after the catastrophic events.

Bretagnes responsibility was "to use her keen sense of smell to locate survivors in, often, immense piles of debris or water," Merribeth Kahlich, a spokesperson for TX-TF1, told Fox News Digital.

VICTIMS TRAPPED IN TWIN TOWERS ON 9/11 SOUGHT HELP FOR THEMSELVES, OTHERS THROUGH PHONE CALLS

Denise Corliss and Bretagne searched the rubble at Ground Zero in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on 9/11.

She went on to receive the Hero Dog Award for Search and Rescue in 2014. The honor is presented to canines who "do extraordinary things, such as saving lives on the battlefield, lending sight or hearing to a human companion or simply being a friend to their human companions," according to Kahlich.

During Bretagnes 11 years of service as a Live-Find Canine Search Specialist, she also worked at the disaster sites of Hurricanes Erica, Ivan, Dennis, Katrina, Rita, Ernesto, Dean and Gustav, and the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake City.

Though it is undisclosed whether Bretagne recovered any survivors or victims from the 9/11 terror attacks, Kahlich said that she worked at Ground Zero opposite Corliss for 10 days and often collected a meager four hours of sleep before going back to work.

"When Bretagne and Denise waited for their next search area assignment, Bretagne took on the unexpected role of therapy dog," Kahlich said.

Bretagne was an American Kennel Club-registered golden retriever, and Denise Corliss continues to work as an active handler on TX-TF1.

HOW TO TALK TO CHILDREN ABOUT 9/11 AND THE TRAGIC EVENTS THAT UNFOLDED

"She seemed to know who needed the comfort of a pup, which firefighter needed to hold her close and stroke her fur. She was affectionate and fiercely devoted to Denise, she rarely took her eyes off her."

Bretagne was 2 years old when she combed through the wreckage of fallen buildings in Lower Manhattan. She retired at age 9, though Kahlich said she was not content with relaxing and went on to become a "reading dog" at a Texas elementary school, where she was a reading partner for many first-graders.

The Texas canine and companion to both Corliss and her husband, Randy, lived to be 16 years old before dying on June 6, 2016. She did not suffer any ailments associated with her deployment to Ground Zero, according to Kahlich.

"After passing, her body continued in service through her tissue sample donations that became a part of the 9/11 Canine Search and Rescue dog study at the Penn Vet Working Dog Center," Kahlich said. "This research will help scientists better understand the long-term effects of canines who served during the 9/11 disaster."

Corliss remains an active handler on TX-TF1 and serves FEMA as a canine evaluator and instructor.

Frank Shane, a certified trauma responder, and Nikie, a K-9 disaster relief therapy dog, worked at Ground Zero for nine months after 9/11.

HEROISM, BRAVERY DISPLAYED ON 9/11 BY PLANE PASSENGERS WHO MADE PHONE CALLS FROM HIJACKED AIRCRAFT

On the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, Frank Shane, a certified trauma responder, was woken by his neighbor tapping on his front door politely asking for a ride to work in New York City.

"It was a beautiful day," Shane told Fox News Digital.

While he was not in a rush to get back home, Shane stopped his truck with Nikie, a K-9 disaster relief therapy dog riding shotgun, to look out over the clear skies above the Hudson River.

Frank Shane told Fox News Digital that after the work at Ground Zero ended, Nikie went into a depression and refused food.

"It was almost like a picture, postcard type of day, where the sky was so blue and things were calm," he said. "It was very peaceful."

MEMORIALS HONORING 9/11 VICTIMS ACROSS THE UNITED STATES WHERE YOU CAN PAY YOUR RESPECTS TO THE FALLEN

Shane said, at the time, he was aware the deafening sound he heard was a jet engine at full throttle, but it was not until recently that the crashing blow of American Airlines Flight 11 into the north tower of the World Trade Center came flooding back to him.

"All of a sudden, I had a flashback to the sound I heard that day," Shane said. "I had repressed it."

Shane recalled the panic and alarm carried out in the faces of typically resilient New Yorkers.

The next morning, again with Nikie by his side, Shane returned to the West Side Highway in hopes of making it to Ground Zero to volunteer his services. A New York Port Authority officer stopped Shanes Jeep, as he recognized Nikie from the day before.

"He patted Nikie and said, Go ahead, they need you," Shane said. "I didnt know what my job was going to be."

LEGNEDARY 9/11 FIREFIGHTER BOB BECKWITH WHO STOOD WITH PRESIDENT GEORGE W BUSH AT GROUND ZERO DIES AT 91

Frank Shane, Nikie's handler, told Fox News Digital the golden retriever loved his purpose and his work, which was to give to people who needed him.

Shane strapped on Nikies work boots and vest and showed up to Ground Zero for nine months, until May 30, 2002, when the "last column" among the rubble and destruction was removed.

"Every day, Nikie started to become part of the fabric down there," Shane said. "People needed him. Even some of the search and rescue handlers were depressed, and their dogs were depressed because they werent finding anybody."

Nikie had experience emotionally supporting traumatized or sick individuals, and Shane knew he loved his job, though this particular assignment was not official in nature. During Nikies training to become a therapy dog, Shane said he failed the last certification test 10 times.

"He did everything perfectly, but he learned how to flunk the last test," Shane said. "Finally, they just made him a therapy dog."

Victim's family members would show up to respite areas desperately seeking answers regarding their loved ones, and Shane said they trusted Nikie and opened up to him. He added that when his responsibilities of restoring peace and hope among workers and volunteers came to an end, Nikie went into a depression and refused food.

Nikie was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer following his work at Ground Zero. He passed away in 2004.

FDNY SLAMS 9/11 PLEA DEAL WE ARE DISGUSTED AND DISAPPOINTED

"He didn't know why he wasn't going back the next day," Shane said. "He had a lack of a sense of purpose."

Shane rustled up worthwhile tasks for Nikie to resurrect his joy for giving.

Nikie fell very ill with an aggressive cancer, which Shane revealed is the illness that took most of the canines lives who worked at Ground Zero.

"He died quickly," Shane said. "In a way, he didnt suffer."

Nikie passed away in 2004. Shane donated Nikies uniform, including his vest and booties still soiled in dirt and debris, to the National 9/11 Memorial & Museum in New York City.

Like millions of Americans across the country on Sept. 11, 2001, Bobbie Snyder watched in horror and anguish as the news surrounding the terrorist attacks on U.S. soil unfolded with her husband at their home in Pennsylvania.

A sentiment which echoed across America, Snyder was adamant on helping. It was clear she would soon deploy to New York City with her yellow Labrador, Willow, to aid in disaster relief efforts.

Bobbie Snyder and her dog Willow were part of Pennsylvania Task Force One and deployed to New York City after the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001.

"We saw what happened, that this plane went into the tower," Snyder told Fox News Digital. "I looked at my husband and I said Youre going to have to take daddy to the doctor because I have to pack up my gear.'"

ICONIC 9/11 PHOTOS AND THE PHOTOGRAPHERS WHO SHOT THEM: HERE ARE THEIR STORIES

Snyders father was scheduled for a doctors appointment later that morning, but her priorities shifted upon the impact of the first plane. That night, Snyder drove to Harrisburg, where her team, Pennsylvania Task Force One (PA-TF1), gathered together before deploying.

"That evening, we arrived in New York City," she said.

Willow and Snyder first bravely worked together in the aftermath of the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995, an act of homegrown terrorism which killed 168 people, according to the FBI website.

Bobbie Snyder said PA-TF1 worked together as a team for 12-hour shifts on and 12-hour shifts off until their work at Ground Zero was done.

"We didn't go out until the following morning," Snyder added. "It was like nothing I ever expected."

PA-TF1 was divided into groups which alternated working 12-hour shifts on and 12-hour shifts off.

"Our dogs were there to find the missing," Snyder said.

"Across the river was the kill field, and they took everything they found," she recalled. "They had dogs over there that were cadaver dogs. People were bringing toothbrushes, hairbrushes, to find [the] remains of their families. People were lined up in the street with pictures of their family, asking 'Please, help me find my family member.'"

9/11 SURVIVOR RECOUNTS HAUNTING ESCAPE FROM 81ST FLOOR OF WORLD TRADE CENTER TOWER

Bobbie Snyder told Fox News Digital that Willow used her training, which included a bark alert, to indicate if she had found human remains under rubble.

Snyder added, "We were told that that was our job, was to find our firemen and to get as many remains as we could. We did it as a team."

For two to three weeks, 5-year-old Willow scoured the rubble off her leash and used training, including a bark alert, to identify if she had found human remains for Snyder.

"When they sent us down they said This is your area, and we want you to search. I was like Where do we begin?' It was just unbelievable. It was just rubble all over."

Snyder, now a New Jersey resident, was experienced working in the medical field and said she was used to seeing people in various conditions. Though, she added that her PA-TF1 training required many certifications which readied her for relief amid disaster events.

Bobbie Snyder told Fox News Digital that Willow lived a long life and experienced no health consequences of working at Ground Zero.

"You couldn't do it, or you did it," Snyder said. "I lived so close to New York, I was asked if I would go periodically up to New York."

Though PA-TF1 was relieved by TX-TF1, Snyder and Willow continued their relief efforts at Ground Zero and were put up at the Ritz-Carlton.

"They couldnt be nicer to us," she said. "We always had clean uniforms, and you cant usually leave dogs in the hotel, but because they were the 9/11 dogs, they left us. They just loved having us there."

Despite the destruction and asbestos, neither Snyder, 78, nor Willow endured the health consequences of searching through the ruins at Ground Zero.

"Unfortunately, we have lost some members of our team, though," Snyder said.

Willow lived a long life and passed away from natural causes when she was 15 years old.





Original article source: Dogs of 9/11: Therapy, search and rescue canine handlers detail responsibilities in wake of relief efforts
Everyone loves a stock that pays a huge dividend, but finding one you can trust is not always easy. After all, what good is a high dividend yield if the company cuts the payout?

Fortunately, there is hope. The energy industry can be a great place to look for big-time dividend stocks. Energy is the foundation of society; it's everywhere, whether used for transportation, heating your home, or manufacturing the goods and services we buy.

After some digging, I found a handful of high-yield energy stocks you can trust to keep delivering hefty dividends to your portfolio.

1. A diversified energy giant in Canada

Dividend yield: 6.6%

Enbridge (NYSE: ENB) is a North American energy company. Its pipelines transport oil and natural gas throughout the continent, including 20% of the natural gas America consumes. Additionally, it operates North America's largest gas utility. These two businesses generate most of Enbridge's profits, though the company also dabbles in renewable energy generation, which could be a long-term growth opportunity.

Enbridge enjoys very steady revenue from its core pipeline and utility businesses. Not only do people always need energy, but these two industries are also heavily regulated, which helps limit competition.

Slow and steady business performance is fertile ground for dividends; Enbridge has paid and raised its dividend for 28 consecutive years. So, investors get a high starting yield, and the payout grows, too. Enbridge expects to earn approximately 5.60 Canadian dollars per share in distributable cash profits in 2024 while paying out CA$3.66. That's a healthy 65% dividend payout ratio, leaving some breathing room for future increases and a safety net if the business stumbles.

2. A long-standing oil major

Dividend yield: 4.6%

Chevron (NYSE: CVX) is an integrated oil and gas company with upstream and downstream operations. That means Chevron explores and drills for fossil fuels, refines them, and sells them to the market.

The company dates back to the 1800s as Pacific Coast Oil. Since the oil and gas industry dates back to the Industrial Revolution, it should be no surprise that such a historic company also has a storied dividend track record. Chevron has paid and raised its dividend for 37 consecutive years, proving it can pay its investors through the oil and gas industry's ups and downs.

The dividend remains in excellent health today; the current payout ratio is 55% based on Chevron's estimated 2024 earnings. The company's strong balance sheet, rated AA-, is a safety net for tough times. Chevron's footprint in the resource-rich Permian Basin sets the business up for long-term growth.

Story continues

The company is also trying to acquire Hess for its coveted Guyana assets, though ExxonMobil has opposed the deal in court. Investors will need to wait and see how the Hess situation plays out, but Chevron should remain a dependable, high-yield dividend stock regardless of whether the Hess deal closes.

3. Dividends on the back of artificial intelligence

Dividend yield: 4.7%

Dominion Energy (NYSE: D) is a prominent gas and electric utility company in the United States, serving over 4.5 million customers in Virginia, North and South Carolina, Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, West Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Georgia.

Dominion has had issues affording its dividend, unlike the other companies on this list. The company cut its dividend in late 2020 and hasn't raised it since early 2022. So, how did it make this list?

Utility companies grow when customers need more energy. The Virginia market is high-tech and includes a massive and growing data center footprint. Dominion is poised to grow from the increased electricity demand.

Analysts believe Dominion will earn $2.77 per share this year, which isn't good because its dividend is $2.67. That's almost all its earnings going out the door. However, earnings estimates for next year are $3.39 per share, so the payout ratio should improve greatly over the next 12 to 18 months.

4. A healthier and improved pipeline stock

Dividend yield: 5.4%

Kinder Morgan (NYSE: KMI) is a pipeline company that transports oil and gas, CO2, and other resources through North America.

The company cut its dividend to protect its balance sheet in 2015 but has raised it for the past seven years and counting. A past cut may be a deal-breaker for some investors, but it might be worth having some faith in Kinder Morgan.

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In the first presidential debate, Trump and Harris both took aim at each other - SAUL LOEB/AFP

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Donald Trump attacked Kamala Harris for U-turning on key policies as they faced each other for the first time in a presidential debate.

The former Republican president ridiculed Ms Harris for changing her stance on everything from fracking to supporting calls to defund the police, saying: Everybodys laughing [at her].

She gave up at least 12 and probably 14 or 15 different policies, he said.

The 90-minute debate came at a critical juncture in the 2024 election, with polls showing the two candidates in a dead heat.

Speaking afterwards, Trump claimed the moderators were very unfair towards him, making the event a three-on-one.

At several points, he appeared to respond angrily to provocation by Ms Harris over the size of crowds at his rallies and the result of the 2020 election, which Trump still claims that he won.

Ms Harris received praised for her delivery  managing to stay calm in contrast to Trump  after Joe Bidens disastrous debate performance drove him from the race.

However, Trump attacked Ms Harris as a radical Left-liberal on stage, accusing her of supporting progressive efforts to defund police departments in Minnesota following the death of George Floyd in the state in 2020.

Now she wants to do transgender operations on illegal aliens that are in prison, he said.

Trump, 78, highlighted his Democratic opponents previous opposition to fracking, despite Ms Harris now ruling out a ban.

The issue is of keen interest to voters in Pennsylvania, the site of the debate and the most important swing state in 2024, where the energy industry remains critical to the states economy.

Trump said: If she won the election, fracking in Pennsylvania will end on day one.

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The policies discussed during the debate were as follows:

Immigration

The two candidates repeatedly traded barbs, particularly over the issue of immigration.

Trump claimed his Democratic opponent would turn the US into Venezuela on steroids by allowing illegal immigrants unfettered entry across the border if she wins in November.

Trump claimed Americas southern border was in crisis, claiming the record surge of illegal crossings into the US had reached 21 million people a month.

Policy experts have stated that the figure is far lower. Official data shows that the total number of encounters from both the northern and southern borders in the last three and a half years, including at legal ports of entry, was roughly 10 million.

Trump said a wave of illegal immigration had left the US suffering from migrant crime. Ms Harris retorted by highlighting Trumps own criminal convictions.

Trump at he US-Mexico border wall, in Alamo, Texas, in his final days of the presidency in 2021 - CARLOS BARRIA

Immigration is seen as a weak issue for Ms Harris because she was tasked by President Biden with solving the border crisis and appears to have made little progress.

Last month, Ms Harris abandoned her previous support for decriminalising illegal border crossings to instead vow a tougher approach to border control.

She said she would renew a push for comprehensive border legislation that would tighten migration into the US and vowed to enforce our laws against border crossings.

Speaking in the debate with Trump, she said: Let me say, the United States Congress, including some of the most Conservative members  came up with a border security bill, which I supported.

That bill would have put 1,500 more border agents on the border to help those folks who are working there right now, doing overtime trying to do their job. It would have allowed us to stem the flow of fentanyl coming into the United States.

She continued: That bill would have allowed us to prosecute more transnational organisations for trafficking guns, drugs, and human beings. But do you know what happened to that bill? Trump got on the phone and killed the bill.

Migrants seeking to enter the US through a barbed wire fence along the Rio Grande, Mexico - HERIKA MARTINEZ/AFP

However, the vice-president has previously pushed for a more humanitarian approach in dealing with the US migration crisis.

In her 2020 campaign for president, she lobbied for the closure of immigration detention centres and the decriminalisation of illegal crossings.

In 2021, she said: This issue cannot be reduced to a political issue. Were talking about children, were talking about families, we are talking about suffering.

Fracking

Ms Harris reversed her stance on fracking, confirming that if elected as president, she would not back a ban on the energy extraction process that is key to the economy of swing-state Pennsylvania.

My values have not changed, she said in the debate. Were here in Pennsylvania, and I made that very clear in 2020 I will not ban fracking.

She continued: I have not banned fracking as vice-president of the United States, and in fact, I was the tie-breaking vote on the Inflation Reduction Act which opened new leases for fracking.

My position is that we have got to invest in diverse sources of energy so we reduce our reliance on foreign oil.

But in 2019, when Ms Harris was asked if she would implement a federal ban on fracking on her first day in office, she said: Theres no question Im in favour of banning fracking and starting with what we can do on day one around public lands.

There was also some confusion around her stance towards the Green New Deal, a series of aggressive policies to combat climate change proposed in 2019.

She mentioned the deal during an interview with CNN last month, saying she had always believed in it and worked on it. However, her campaign later clarified that Ms Harris does not continue to support it.

Middle East

Ms Harris stood firm on the Biden administrations commitment to Israels right to defend itself.

Rejecting calls from progressives in the party to rethink sending weapons to Israel owing to the heavy Palestinian death toll, Ms Harris has said she would not withhold weapons to the US ally.

She continued to strike a firmer tone in her support of Israel in the debate against Trump after he accused her of hating the country, which she denied.

Ms Harris said: Israel has a right to defend itself, we would, and how it does so matters because it is also true far too many innocent Palestinians have been killed  children, mothers.

What we know is this war must end  the way it will end is we need a ceasefire deal and we need the hostages out.

Joe Biden and Kamala Harris met with the US hostage negotiation team in the Situation Room earlier this month after Israeli forces over the weekend recovered the bodies of six hostages in Gaza - WHITE HOUSE/REUTERS

Ms Harris had previously struck a more critical tone of Israel, saying she will not be silent in the face of Palestinian suffering after a meeting with Benjamin Netanyahu, Israels prime minister, in July.

In previous speeches, she had shifted slightly from Mr Bidens rhetoric. Last December, she told Israel that it must do more to protect civilian life and warned that international humanitarian law must be respected.

In February, she more outwardly criticised Israel, saying too many innocent Palestinians have been killed.

Economy

With action on the economy, a key priority for most voters, Trump and Ms Harris both argued they would do more to improve the cost of living pressures on struggling Americans.

Trump focused on his proposal to impose steep tariffs on foreign imports to protect American businesses from unfair competition.

Ms Harris flipped the policy on its head, branding it a Trump sales tax which she claimed would cost middle-class families $4,000 a year.

Trumps ideas would result in the backs of middle-class people paying for tax cuts for billionaires, she added.

Economists disagree on the potential costs of tariffs, but the non-partisan Tax Policy Center has disputed the figure cited by Ms Harris.

Trump hit back, arguing that Ms Harris doesnt have a plan. Its like Run, Spot, Run, he said.

Ms Harris claimed at one point that Trump left the US with the worst unemployment rate since the Great Depression. However, this is incorrect. While the unemployment rate did reach a record high during the pandemic it had fallen back down by the time Trump left office.

Ms Harris said: I have a plan to build what I call an opportunity economy. We know that we have shortage of homes and housing and the cost of housing is too expensive for far too many people.

We know young families need support to raise their children and I intend on extending a tax cut for those families of $6,000, which is the largest child tax credit that we have given in a long time.

She added that her passion was small businesses and that she would give a $50,000 tax cut to start-ups.

Donald Trump signalled that he would once again attempt to repeal the Affordable Care Act, the last major legislative expansion to US healthcare protections often known as Obamacare.

However, he conceded he did not have a firm idea of what he would offer in place of the legislation, which remains widely popular with Americans. I have concepts of a plan, he said, sparking mockery online.

Foreign policy

Ms Harris leant on her foreign policy credentials after four years at the top of the US government to claim world leaders are laughing at Donald Trump.

I have talked with military leaders, some of whom worked with you, and they say youre a disgrace, Ms Harris told her opponent, leaning over her podium.

Trump invoked his support among authoritarian leaders in response. Viktor Orban loves me, he said of Hungarys prime minister.

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Ms Harris went on to turn one of Trumps biggest points of attack  his hardline stance on China  on its head, accusing the Republican of being soft on Beijing while in office.

He ended up selling American chips to help [China] improve and modernise their military, she said, adding he basically sold us out.

Ms Harris also questioned why Trump had thanked Chinas president Xi for Bejings response to the Covid pandemic, pointing to a lack of transparency from the Asian nation over the origins of the virus. It is believed that Covid-19 may have leaked from a lab in Wuhan.

Donald Trump as US president meets Viktor Orban at the White House in 2019 - CARLOS BARRIA/REUTERS

Ms Harris also claimed Trump would give up Ukraine to Russia after he twice refused to say he wanted Ukraine to win the war.

Asked how he would approach Moscows invasion, Trump said: I want to get the war settled, suggesting he would engage directly with both Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky.

Pressed again on whether Ukraine should win the war, Trump replied it was in the countrys best interest to get this war finished and get it done, negotiate a deal ... [and] stop these human lives from being destroyed.

Ms Harris replied: If Donald Trump were president, Putin would be sitting in Kyiv right now.

Kamala Harris and Volodymyr Zelensky meet in Munich on Feb 17 - WOLFGANG RATTAY

Rallies

The 59-year-old vice-president baited her Republican rival into tirades at points during the debate, most notably when she goaded him over the size of his rallies.

She urged viewers to attend a Trump rally, joking that many attendees leave out of exhaustion and boredom.

Trump shot back: We have the biggest rallies, the most incredible rallies in the history of politics, he said.

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Before the debate had even begun, the Harris campaign had baited Trump on the issue with billboards greeting visitors to Philadelphia.

Crowd size matters, the adverts read, with a full pretzel representing Ms Harris crowds compared to a half-one for Trumps.

2020 election result

Trump also refused, once again, to concede he had lost the 2020 election.

Ms Harris retorted he had been fired by 81 million people.

Abortion and healthcare

Questions over abortion, an issue where polling suggests Ms Harris has the upper hand with voters, triggered some of the most contentious exchanges of the night.

A defensive Trump falsely claimed Democrats supported execution after birth while insisting he had done the country a favour by paving the way for individual states to determine abortion restrictions after the Supreme Court struck down constitutional protections for the procedure.

Trump added that he favoured Ronald Reagans exceptions for cases involving rape, incest and where the life of the mother was at risk.

He appeared to distance himself from his own running mate, JD Vance. Trump was questioned over whether he would veto a national abortion ban and declined to answer. When one of the moderators noted that Mr Vance had said he would veto it, Trump said: I didnt discuss it with JD, in all fairness.

He added I dont mind if he has a certain view, but said his running mate was not speaking for me. However, at a different point, Trump said he would not sign a ban.

Ms Harris angrily hit back: This is what people wanted?

People being denied care in an emergency room because healthcare providers are afraid of being hauled off to jail?

Last month, Ms Harris campaign quietly confirmed that after championing Medicare for All  a universal single-payer national health insurance system, it is no longer part of her agenda.

In 2017, Ms Harris said she would eliminate private insurers as part of implementing Bernie Sanderss Medicare for All bill, which would have replaced private health care in the US with an NHS-styled system.

But since 2020, she has promoted accomplishments shared with Mr Biden about expanding access to private insurer plans that serve Obamacare patients and using Medicare to negotiate drug prices.

Ms Harris reiterated in the debate that she absolutely supports private healthcare options. What we need to do is grow and maintain the Affordable Care Act, the vice-president continued.

Attacks on Joe Biden

Trump repeatedly attacked his one-time opponent Joe Biden. He spends all his time on the beach, Trump said of the US president.

He repeatedly attempted to link Ms Harris to her boss for the last four years. Remember this: she is Biden, he said.

Kamala Harris and Joe Biden, the US president, at the White House - AVALON/WHITE HOUSE

Ms Harris hit back: Clearly, Im not Joe Biden and Im certainly not Donald Trump.

She positioned herself as the only candidate who would offer a new generation of leadership for our country.

However, in the final moments of the debate, Trump appeared to regain his footing.

He used his closing statement to remind voters Ms Harris had been in power for the last four years. All the things shes talking about  Why hasnt she done it? he asked.

Defunding the police

After the murder of George Floyd in 2020, Ms Harris voiced support for defunding the police in a radio interview after nationwide protests.

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Ms Harris said that the movement rightly called out the amount of money spent on police departments instead of community services, including education, healthcare and housing, before saying that more police officers did not increase the publics safety.

This whole movement is about rightly saying, we need to take a look at these budgets and figure out whether it reflects the right priorities, she said.

This has prompted the Trump campaign to attack Ms Harris, with the former US president saying: She was big on defunding the police in Minnesota.

Ms Harris was quick to deny Trumps claims, shaking her head and saying: Thats not true.

Demonstrators participate in the I Cant Breathe - Silent March for Justice following the murder of George Floyd in 2021 - CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP

Transgender surgery

Ms Harris has previously said she would support offering taxpayer-funded gender transition surgeries to prisoners.

Speaking in 2019 as a California senator, Ms Harris was asked if 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 said 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.

This was seized on by Trump in the debate as he attacked Ms Harris over her series of U-turns.

She did things nobody would ever think of. Now she wants to do transgender operations on illegal aliens in prison. This is a radical, left, liberal that would do this, Trump said.

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.

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Donald Trump has claimed that Haitian immigrants are eating pet dogs and cats in Springfield, Ohio.

Asked about immigration during the television debate with Kamala Harris, he said: Theyre eating the dogs, the people that came in, theyre eating the cats.

Theyre eating the pets of the people that live there, and this is whats happening in our country, and its a shame.

With Kamala Harris shaking her head in disbelief and laughed, he continued: People are saying their dog was eaten by people.

David Muir, one of the debate moderators, said that according to the town manager of Springfield, there were no credible reports of animals being eaten.

An AI-generated meme of Donald Trump saving geese and cats

Memes have appeared on X, formerly Twitter, claiming that immigrants are eating pets

Shortly before the debate, the Trump campaign put a post on social media with a manufactured photograph of the former president shielding cats and geese in his arms.

Claims of pet-eating immigrants have appeared on X, formerly known as Twitter, in recent days. A woman claimed in a Facebook post that her neighbours daughters friend had seen her lost cat being eaten by Haitians.

The post was shared by the X account End Wokeness alongside an image of a black man carrying two geese.

Memes of Donald Trump with cats have been shared on social media

A manufactured picture of Trump features the slogan pets for Trump

Another video widely shared online shows police bodycam footage of a woman being arrested and accused of eating a cat.

The image of the man carrying geese was taken in Columbus, Ohio, and there is no evidence he is Haitian. The social media user who first posted the image told the Daily Dot website that he was outraged that Right-wingers including Ohios Republican senator will take a random picture from the internet and use it as a weapon to further their agenda.

The woman in the arrest video was born in the US, not Haiti, and was arrested in Canton, 172 miles from Springfield, the Daily Dot reported.

Police in the city also issued a statement denying the claims. There have been no credible reports or specific claims of pets being harmed, injured or abused by individuals within the immigrant community.

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The Trump rapid response team stood by the claim, citing a report in The Federalist, a conservative online magazine.

It quoted a report made to a police dispatcher in which a member of the public claimed to have seen four Haitian migrants each carrying a goose.

Trump depicted as a gladiator saving cats in an AI meme on social media

Some AI images depicted Donald Trumps feline fans

JD Vance, Trumps running mate and a Senator from Ohio, said the claims about geese being seized from the Springfield city pond needed to be investigated.

He told CNN it was important for journalists to get on the ground in the city.

Whether those rumours turn out to be mostly true, somewhat true, whatever the case may be, this town has been ravaged by 20,000 migrants coming in, he said.

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Kamala Harris and Donald Trump Wrangle in Fiery Debate Over Abortion, Jan. 6 and Immigration

Kamala Harris and Donald Trump met for a fierce clash in Philadelphia on Tuesday, debating topics like abortion and immigration, as Trump veered at times into deep MAGA territory.

Harris put Trump on defense for much of the night, baiting him on sensitive subjects like the size of his crowds, his Wharton degree, and the outcome of the 2020 election.

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At one point, Trump recycled a viral rumor accusing Haitian immigrants in Ohio of eating household pets.

Theyre eating the dogs, he said. The people that came in  theyre eating the cats. Theyre eating the pets of the people that live there.

Trump argued that Harris would merely be a continuation of Joe Bidens presidency, and that Biden and Harris are destroying the country.

Theyve had three and a half years to fix the border, Trump said. Theyve had three and a half years to create jobs. Why hasnt she done it?

Harris warned from the outset that Trump would lie throughout the debate, and she returned to the theme several times.

Stop with the continuous lying about this stuff, she said.

She also argued, when asked about Trumps comments about her race, that the American people want better than this.

We dont want a leader who is constantly trying to have Americans point their fingers at each other, she said. The American people know we all have so much more in common than what separates us.

The moderators  David Muir and Linsey Davis  stepped in a few times to correct the former president, which played to Harris advantage. Muir quoted the city manager of Springfield, Ohio, who said there were no credible reports of animals in his city being harmed by immigrants.

Harris chuckled when asked for a rebuttal. Talk about extreme she said. The Trump campaign quickly circulated a Federalist article about a police report of Haitians goose-hunting.

Trump also gave a full-throated defense of his conduct on Jan. 6, saying he had urged his supports to act peacefully and patriotically.

And nobody on the other side was killed, he said. Ashley Babbitt was shot by an out of control police officer that should never, ever shot her. Its a disgrace.

He also reiterated that he believes the 2020 election was stolen.

Look, theres so much proof, he said. All you have to do is look at it, and they should have sent it back to the legislatures for approval.

Moments earlier, Harris warned that Trump would likely make wild claims, inviting viewers to take a look at his rallies where he talks about Hannibal Lecter, a fictional character, and about how windmills cause cancer.

People start leaving his rallies early out of exhaustion and boredom, she said. You will not hear him talk about your needs, your dreams and your needs and your desires.

The first 30 minutes offered a relatively cogent debate on issues including abortion, trade and immigration. Harris took aim at Trump on abortion, saying he was responsible for overturning Roe v. Wade and for abortion bans in 20 states.

The government, and Donald Trump, certainly should not be telling a woman what to do with her body, she said.

Trump said he was proud to have helped overturn Roe.

I did a great service in doing it, he said. It took courage to do it, and the Supreme Court had great courage in doing it.

The abortion issue led to another moment when a moderator intervened. Davis corrected Trump, saying there is no state in this country where it is legal to kill a baby after its born.

Harris argued that Trump would raise costs for American consumers with a tariff of up to 20% on imports, while giving tax cuts to millionaires.

Trump, meanwhile, sought to portray Harris as an empty suit, saying that she had copied Bidens plans and had even borrowed from his positions on trade.

Shes going to my philosophy now. In fact, I was going to send her a MAGA hat, Trump said. But if she ever got elected, shed change it, and it will be the end of our country. Shes a Marxist. Everybody knows shes a Marxist. Her fathers a Marxist professor in economics, and he taught her well.

Trump and Harris were meeting for the first time, and perhaps the last during the campaign. There are no plans for further presidential debates, though JD Vance and Tim Walz are set to hold a vice presidential debate on CBS on Oct. 1.

In August, Trump floated the possibility of a second debate against Harris on NBC in late September. Harris has not committed to an additional debate.

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Minutes after the US presidential debate, Donald Trump made a suprise appearance in the 'spin room,' where the candidates' spokespeople and supporters usually hurry to distribute talking points to journalists (Matthew Hatcher) (Matthew Hatcher/AFP/AFP)

Minutes after being hustled by Kamala Harris during their US presidential debate on Tuesday, Donald Trump appeared in front of reporters to get the last word.

As the debate drew to a close, cries of surprise went up at the entrance to the press room.

Trump had made an unexpected entrance to the "spin room," where the candidates' spokespeople and supporters usually hurry to distribute talking points to journalists.

Cameras and microphones in hand, dozens of reporters crowded behind thin ribbons to get as close as possible to the former president.

"What about black voters?" a reporter asked, managing to stand out from the crowd. "I love them. They love me," the Republican billionaire declared.

Others tried to get his opinion on the 90-minute debate, during which 59-year-old Democratic candidate Harris had launched a relentless attack.

- 'Not seen that in years' -

"I thought it was a great debate," Trump said.

"I thought it was my best performance, actually, but I don't even view it as a performance," he added.

"Our country is in decline. We're a nation in decline. And I thought that when we got that out, she was unable to defend it."

Trump walked around the room, trailed by reporters, and after fielding a few questions, he finally disappeared behind black curtains.

"The fact that he showed up in the media filing center and spin room at the end, we haven't seen that in years," said Aaron Kall, director of debates at the University of Michigan.

"He wants to try to change the subject to something as quickly as possible."

Both Trump and Harris will be back on the campaign trail on Wednesday, with less than two months left before the election.

They will take part in separate ceremonies to honor the victims of the September 11, 2001, attacks.

eml/ssy/sw
Donald Trump praises Hungary Prime Minister Viktor Orban at debate: Who is he?

Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris battled over Trump's standing among world leaders at the presidential debate, after Harris said world leaders are "laughing" at him.

Following questions over Trump's repeated and unsubstantiated claims that he won the 2020 election, when President Joe Biden won, Harris said some world leaders do not regard them as highly as he claims.

I'm going to tell you that I have traveled the world as vice president of the United States and world leaders are laughing at Donald Trump, she said. I have talked with military leaders, some of whom work with you, and they say you are a disgrace.

Trump responded by bringing up Prime Minister of Hungary Viktor Orban, who appreciated the Trump administration because it was more favorable, Trump said on the debate stage.

U.S. President Donald Trump greets Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, U.S., May 13, 2019. REUTERS/Carlos Barria

"They call him a strong man. He's a tough person," Trump said of Orban, a hard-right politician who has drawn controversy for his efforts to limit press freedom and political opposition.

Viktor Orban said, he said, the most respected, most feared person is Donald Trump. We had no problems when Trump was president, Trump said, calling Biden a weak, pathetic man.

Presidential debate fact check: Keeping an eye on claims from Trump, Harris

Trump has promised to be a dictator on 'day one'

Trump has praised authoritarian leaders like Vladimir Putin of Russia, Xi Jinping of China, and Viktor Orban.

Harris and others have blasted Trump's pledge to be a dictator on day one of a potential second administration, although the ex-president has said that means he would use executive power to close the border and widen American energy industry.

Harris and Biden have also long tried to cast the former president as a threat to democracy, especially against the backdrop of the Jan. 6, 2021, Capital Riot.

Harris repeatedly positioned herself as the candidate to preserve democracy in the debate.

How to watch the Trump-Harris debate

On Tuesday, Sept. 10, at 9 p.m. EDT, USA TODAY Network will stream The ABC News Presidential Debate Simulcast on the USA TODAY channel, available on most smart televisions and devices.

Contributing: Rebecca Morin, Ella Lee

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Donald Trump's love for Hungarian leader Viktor Orban shows in debate
Former President Donald Trump has doubled-down on his belief that undocumented immigrants are taking Black jobs, rephrasing the bit during his Tuesday (Sept. 10) debate against Vice President Kamala Harris for the presidency.

Taking place at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, the debate found Trump making the assertion early on, addressing a question regarding the current American economy with a segue into immigration, where he switched up is Black jobs rhetoric with an attempt at something more politically correct.

And theyre coming in and theyre taking jobs that are occupied right now by African-Americans and Hispanics, he said early within the debate, causing an immediate reaction on social media.

Here he goes with the Black jobs again, observed one X user, with another adding of the moment, So the lesson he learned was to not call them black jobs Theyre African American jobs now.

So I guess weve graduated from #BlackJobs to jobs that African Americans have  stop it Im still focused on my #BlackJob which is voting for @KamalaHarris to take her #Blackjob as President #Debate2024 #WinWithBlackWomen, offered another, adding a GIF of Former First Lady Michelle Obama mocking the phrase during the 2024 Democratic National Convention.

https://twitter.com/JotakaEaddy/status/1833675557252329869

When co-host and World News Tonight anchor David Muir did broach the subject of immigration, Trump continued to explain why he plans to deport 11 million criminal and terrorist undocumented immigrants who entered the country under President Joe Biden and Harris watch.

They allowed criminals, many many millions of criminals, they allowed terrorists, they allowed common street criminals, they alloweddrug dealers to come into our country, and theyre now in the United States Did you know crime in Venezuela and crime in countries all over the world is way down? Do you know why? Because theyve taken their criminals off the street and given them to her to put into our country. This will be one of the greatest mistakes in history.

Theyre destroying the fabric of our country with what theyve done.

Muir then reminded Trump that the FBI reports that crime in the US has gone down  not up  before allowing Harris to respond, who countered by bringing up Trumps own criminal past and present.

US Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris speaks during a presidential debate with former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on September 10, 2024. (Photo by SAUL LOEB / AFP) (Photo by SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images)

Well, I think this is so rich coming from someone who has been prosecuted for national security crimes, economic crimes, election interference, has been found liable for sexual assault, and his next big court appearance is in November at his own criminal sentencing, she shot back. Its important that we turn the page on this same old tired rhetoric.

Other debate topics included womens reproductive rights, race, the war in Ukraine, healthcare, climate change, and foreign policy.

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No matter where on the political spectrum you fall, it would have been hard to watch the 2024 presidential debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris and not come away with the impression that Trump still doesnt respect women. He might not even like them.

For nearly two hours, Donald Trump hurled insults at his opponent. He called her decisions horrible numerous times throughout the debate. He mocked her race (All I can say is I read where she was not Black, that she put out... And then I read that she was Black.) He displayed delight when he claimed that world leaders hate the vice president: who can forget the schoolyard-like moment he taunted her, inviting viewers into a little secret? Before claimingas if the vice president should carethat the far right prime minister of Hungary, Viktor Orban, hates her. He cant stand her.

He refused to look Harris in the eye. At the start of the debate, he appeared to not even want to shake her hand until the vice president strode over and offered hers.

Throughout the debate, he didnt turn toward her when speaking; sometimes it was unclear if he was even listening. Instead, he remained still, facing directly toward the viewers. Perhaps it was deliberateto ensure that he filled the screen at all times, to be perceived as presidential, to telegraph that his opponent wasnt worth speaking to.

But his behavior was a striking contrast to Harris body language. When Trump spoke, she looked towards him, she made notes on his words, she cocked her head, her facial expressions often betrayed her feelings. When she addressed his comments, she often responded to him, to his face, her body turned towards him. He rarely acknowledged her physical presence.

He did however have to let her speak, for up to two minutes per question, per the debate rules (unlike in 2016 when he interrupted Hillary Clinton 51 times).

But that same courtesy was not extended to the one other woman on screen, ABC news anchor and debate moderator Linsey Davis.

debate-moderator-linsey-davis.png ABC News

During the debate, Trump interrupted almost every question Davis posed to him. Sometimes she only got out President Trump before he proceeded to speak over her. While her co-anchor David Muir often asked sprawling questionswith Trump often responding directly to him, using his first name regularly in his repliesand racked up nearly 2,000 words spoken, Davis (who Trump never addressed by name) managed just 818. I know because I counted them. And most of Davis words came from her direct questions to Vice President Harris.

It might seem petty to get this granular, but, as women, paying attention to who gives voice to us matters.

In this debate, Trump had no choice but to let Harris speak. He chose not to let Davis.

Its hard to pinpoint exactly what made him so averse. But certainly Daviss questions on his abortion stanceright at the top of the debateput him on the defensive, and marked the beginning and end of her ability to interact with him. And perhaps Davis hit the nail on the head in a broader sense when she asked him Why should [women] trust you? over his constant course changing on reproductive rights, as well as his opposition to abortion. Its notable that he never actually answered the question, instead praising the genius and heart and strength of the six Supreme Court judges who overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022.

From that point on Davis only managed one further question to the former president without being cut off by him. The only ones she was able to ask in full were those posed to Harris. Muir was mostly never interrupted by Trump.

Again, here, its worth noting statistically how much men in general dominated the debate. In part due to the number of times Davis was interrupted by Trump, she spoke just 35 times compared to Muirs 74. But it wasnt just the moderators. Despite Harris being given her full two minutes to land her point each time, as well as rebuttals, she only spoke 34 times to Trumps 74. It might have seemed hard to follow during a back and forth debate, but Id put money on me not being the only woman to pick up just how many times Trump refused to let Harris have the last word. Even when it was clearly her turn to wrap up a topic. And how hard it was, ultimately, for both moderators to rein the former president in.

In the end, even after a debate in which Trump dominated by the sheer volume of words, political experts largely handed the debate victory to Harris. She spoke confidently, clearly, and made a case for the future. Lets turn the page she argued more than once about Trump and his divisive politics, and outlined her vision for an opportunity economy. Trump, when pressed on the details rather than insults, especially in relation to healthcare, answered with the astonishingly vague I have concepts of a plan, and shrugged it off with Im not president right now.

Harris was particularly searing when it came to reproductive rightsthe topic that seemed to throw Trump at the startand likely landed one of the great blows of the night when she spoke about the impact of the overturning of Roe v. Wade. She said:

Now in over 20 states there are Trump abortion bans which make it criminal for a doctor or nurse to provide health care. 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, a 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 the government, and Donald Trump certainly, should not be telling a woman what to do with her body.

According to a HarrisWalz campaign official, this moment saw the biggest support from the undecided voter dial groups. They also shared that in the first hour of the debate, during which abortion featured heavily, over 70% of grassroots donors to the campaign were women.

These women saw. And they understood.

While this election wont come down just to female voters, women play a critical role in deciding the outcome of every presidential election. And if Tuesday nights debate ends up a deciding factor, Donald Trump may well live to regret his disdain for this powerful voting bloc.

Originally Appeared on Glamour

More on Kamala Harris
Donald Trump Wont Say He Wants Ukraine To Win Its War With Russia

GOP presidential candidate Donald Trump on Tuesday declined to say he would support Ukraine in its defense against Russias ongoing invasion, one of his starkest statements yet on the issue.

A very simple question tonight: Do you want Ukraine to win this war? asked moderator David Muir at the ABC News presidential debate held in Philadelphia.

I want the war to stop, Trump said.

That is a war that is dying to be settled. I will get it settled before I even become president.

Trump said he would speak to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin, and said hell get them together.

Ukrainian allies worry Trumps plan would boil down to threatening to cut off  or actually ending  U.S. military aid to Ukraine, in order to force Zelenskyy to accept Russian claims on the roughly 18% of Ukrainian territory now held by Russian troops.

While Ukraine was able to roll back much of Russias gains in the fall of 2022, the conflict has settled into a slow, grinding war of attrition.

In her response, Vice President Kamala Harris said Trump would be soft on Putin.

If Donald Trump were president, Putin would be sitting in Kyiv right now, Harris said, referring to the Ukrainian capital.

The reality has been about standing as America always should, as a leader upholding international rules and norms, as a leader who shows strength, understanding that the alliances we have around the world are dependent on our ability to look out for our friends and not favor our enemies  because you adore strongmen, instead of caring about democracy.

Trump responded by saying if he were president, Putin would be in the Russian capital of Moscow, rather than out waging war, but would be happier than he is now.

He wouldnt have lost 300,000 men and women, but he would have been sitting in Moscow quietly, Trump said.

Official Ukrainian estimates put the tally of Russian casualties through Sept. 10 as much larger: 627,790.

Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a Ukraine ally on Capitol Hill, posted on social media, Trump wont say Ukraine should win the war because he wants Russia to win. I wish it werent that simple but it is.

Related...
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (MyValleyTributes)  Dorothy J. Dottie Kolaskos, 71, passed away on Sunday, September 8, 2024 at her home.

She was born October 14, 1952 in Youngstown, a daughter of the late William and Virginia (Swanson) Barnett.

Find obituaries from your high school

She graduated from Austintown Fitch High School.

She spent many years raising her children, but later in life worked for Bob Evans for almost 20 years.

Dottie was a kindhearted and resilient woman, known for her boundless energy and infectious joy. As a proud MeMe, she adored her children and grandchildren, always cherishing the moments spent with them. Her inquisitive nature made her a curious soul, constantly learning and engaging with the world around her. She was the life of every gathering, bringing fun and laughter wherever she went, and her presence was one that people gravitated toward. A hard worker at heart, she never hesitated to lend a helping hand, giving freely of her time and care without expecting anything in return. Her warmth, generosity, and love left a lasting impression on all who were lucky enough to know her.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory, her children, Christopher Kolaskos of California, Angela (Ron) Blinsky of Poland, and Michelle Kolaskos of Austintown; her beloved grandchildren, Jacob Vince, and Ava, Aubrey, Ali, and Evan Blinsky; her brothers, Dennis Barnett of Austintown and Bill (Aimie) Barnett of Austintown; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, Pete Kolaskos, whom she married October 2, 1976, and who passed away July 3, 2020; her step-mother, Margaret Peg Barnett; and a brother, Dave Barnett.

Friends will be received on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, from 4:00  5:45 p.m. at the Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home in Poland, followed immediately by a celebration of her life beginning at 6:00 p.m.

Please visit www.beckerobits.com to send the family condolences.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Dorothy J. Kolaskos, please visit our flower store.

A television tribute will air Thursday, September 12 at the following approximate times: 6:47 a.m. on WYTV, 9:43 a.m. on WKBN, 10:58 a.m. on FOX and 8:12 p.m. on MyYTV. Video will be posted here the day of airing.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
Welcome back to Waste Watch with Dia Chakravarty.

With 1,750 inmates freed early yesterday and up to a further 1,700 due to be released in October for no more sophisticated an explanation than theres simply not enough space, the UKs prison service is the latest example of our national institutions being unfit for purpose, despite consuming vast amounts of taxpayers money.

Yesterday, drug-dealers and would-be-robbers were greeted with celebratory showers of sparkling wine as they stepped into freedom having served only 40 per cent of their sentence. Downing Street termed this display of jubilation as completely unacceptable. A dignified silence would have been far less embarrassing for the Government.

The Chief Inspector of Prisons Charlie Taylor has warned in a TV interview that the early release of nearly 4,000 prisoners will inevitably put some risks into local communities and greater strain on already stretched probation services.

The truth is, shocking as this fiasco undoubtedly is, it is far from a sudden bout of dysfunction in our justice system. For a start, releasing inmates only 40 per cent through their sentence rightly sounds outrageous. But when one considers that the norm in this country is for these prisoners to be freed halfway through their tariff, the focus shifts rightly on to the absurdity inherent in the whole system rather than just its latest manifestation.

Foreign National Prisoners

Then there is the issue of policies of successive governments which have contributed towards this overcrowding. Reform MP Richard Tice raised the issue of 10,000 foreign criminals occupying space in British prisons instead of being deported.

Back in March, the then Justice Secretary Alex Chalk confirmed that around 12 per cent of the prisoners in England and Wales (which is over 10,000 people) were Foreign National Offenders or an FNO, costing taxpayers in total around 500 million at an average cost of 50,000 a year.

One such FNO would have been an 18-year-old convicted of killing a teenager in a machete attack. He was among those freed early, on the basis that his original sentence  for killing a 14-year-old-boy in a violent attack  was only for two years and eight months.

As offenders were eligible for the early release scheme if they had been convicted of violence provided the sentence was not more than four years, the killer qualified and is now understood to be held in an immigration detention centre, also at taxpayers expense. According to Home Office data reported by Oxford Universitys Migration Observatory, the average cost to hold one person in immigration detention is around 121.58 per day.

The writing was on the wall

The authorities have had several years notice to deal with the overcrowding, according to the Annual Report of the Chief Inspector of Prisons, which was published yesterday. Despite projections as far back as 2018 predicting this rise, successive governments have failed to build enough capacity to keep pace, found the report.

I could not find any evidence of officials or politicians being held accountable for the failure to act on the basis of this knowledge.

Another concern raised by the Chief Inspector is the inadequate security measures to prevent organised gangs from accessing and dealing drugs from behind the bars, and so, [t]he ingress of drugs either over the wall or through the gate were a common cause of violence, bullying and debt.

This is particularly difficult to forgive because taxpayers have nevertheless been picking up the bill for expensive yet ineffectual projects to address just this issue.

For example, A 100 million security investment programme aimed to prevent drugs from entering prisons has failed in its mission, according to a separate report by the Ministry of Justice.

Introduced by the Ministry of Justice five years ago under the then Justice Secretary Robert Buckland to stop inmates from continuing their criminal operations while locked up in jail, the scheme was to have a transformative effect on prisons, we were told.

X-ray scanners, costing 80,000 per unit of equipment, would identify and prevent contraband substances from entering prisons. And yet MoJs research found that the equipment was not used consistently, as reported in detail by my colleague Charles Hymas, allowing illicit items through to convicts.

The battle to keep drugs away from inmates is one which the prison authorities appear to be losing decisively. In some alarming statistics cited in the Chief Inspectors annual report, 32 per cent of male prisoners said it was easy to get illicit drugs, with the percentage dropping to 21 per cent in the case of womens prisons.

But even more shockingly, 21 per cent of men at Lindholme prison are reported to have developed a problem with illicit drugs since arriving in jail. At Rochester, more than half of all prisoners reported it was easy to get alcohol and drugs, including other prisoners diverted medications.

From overcrowding, to a record number of prison staff being sacked for misconduct, or victims being left in the dark of the early release of their attackers, the catalogue of mismanagement and incompetence in our prison service strikes at the very heart of the general populations confidence in the state of law and order in the country.

All of this is despite the fact that an additional 4 billion in the 2020 Spending Review was provided to increase prison capacity, dealing a double blow to taxpayers who have been handed over a bill  yet again  with very little to show for it.

Please share share examples of public spending in your personal and professional lives which you consider to be a waste of taxpayers money. You can email us your stories  either in writing or as voice notes  at wastewatch@telegraph.co.uk

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.
Buyers Are Lining Up To Buy Half A House For $500,000 In California After It Was Partially Destroyed By A Fallen Tree

In Southern California's competitive housing market, a damaged bungalow in Monrovia is attracting surprising interest despite being only half a house. The home, partially destroyed by a giant pine tree in May, is listed for $499,999.

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For half a million dollars you can get half a house on Mountain Ave. That's the price being asked for the home that was half crushed by a tree. #MonroviaCA https://t.co/8oMXVi3jXz pic.twitter.com/qkTN9AYjhJ  Monrovia Now (@MonroviaNow) September 4, 2024

Although just 645 square feet, this one-bedroom, one-bathroom property has received multiple offers due to the areas limited housing supply. Realtor Kevin Wheeler notes that some buyers even consider adding 1,000 square feet, turning the damaged property into something much larger.

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They were trying to buy it for $250,000 or $300,000, Wheeler told the Times, referring to potential buyers attempting to secure the property at a lower price. But market comparisons for similar properties in Monrovia put the value at $500,000.

The older owners decided it was better to sell the property rather than invest in costly repairs. According to Wheeler, they simply didn't have the energy or resources to restore the home themselves. Instead, they're letting someone else take on the project of rebuilding or expanding.

See Also: If there was a new fund backed by Jeff Bezos offering a 7-9% target yield with monthly dividends would you invest in it?

Meanwhile, California is on the brink of passing Assembly Bill 1840, a law that could offer undocumented immigrants state-backed home loans with up to $150,000 in assistance. Assemblymember Joaquin Arambula introduced the bill, aiming to expand the California Dream for All program, which helps first-time homebuyers with down payments.

This demand for homes comes when affording even a starter home in the U.S. is increasingly difficult. A new Redfin report reveals that homebuyers must earn nearly $80,000 annually to afford a typical starter home, about $20,000 more than the average household income.

Story continues

According to the report, the average monthly payment for a starter home was $1,981 in July, meaning prospective homeowners had to make at least $79,252 a year.

In cities like Anaheim and Los Angeles, homebuyers must earn twice the local median income to afford a modest home. For instance, a family in Anaheim earning the median income of $122,192 would still fall short of the $251,302 required for a starter home. This affordability gap has intensified competition in cheaper markets, where homes get multiple offers. Buyers are even coming up with creative ways to stand out and try to secure a deal.

Trending: Elon Musks secret mansion in Austin revealed through court filings. Heres how to invest in the citys growth before prices go back up.

Despite the challenges, there are some good signs. The number of starter homes for sale has increased by almost 20% compared to last year, and while mortgage rates are still high, they're starting to come down.

Home prices are still rising, but at a slower pace, giving hope to people trying to buy. Right now, even a half-destroyed house in California is considered too tempting to ignore.

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This article Buyers Are Lining Up To Buy Half A House For $500,000 In California After It Was Partially Destroyed By A Fallen Tree originally appeared on Benzinga.com

 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
The downballot New Hampshire primaries: Who was ousted and who survived

Voters enter the polls just after 4 p.m. at Salem's Fisk Elementary School on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (Will Steinfeld | For the New Hampshire Bulletin)

This story was updated on Sept. 13 at 4:10 p.m. to correct the spelling of Werner Horns name.

Former Department of Health and Human Services Commissioner John Stephen won a crowded Republican primary to succeed Executive Councilor Ted Gatsas Tuesday, beating out a former candidate for Congress, a former state senator, and a former vice chairman of the state Republican Party.

Stephen, who served as commissioner from 2003 to 2007 and now runs a management consulting firm, ran on a message of fiscal responsibility and was endorsed by sitting Executive Councilors Dave Wheeler and Joe Kenney, as well as House Majority Leader Jason Osborne. Gatsas, the former mayor of Manchester, is retiring from his position.

Stephen took 37 percent of the vote, ahead of Robert Burns, who ran unsuccessfully as the Republican nominee seeking to unseat U.S. Rep. Annie Kuster in 2022 and has competed for the District 4 council seat twice before. Burns won 22.72 percent of the vote, according to results from the Associated Press.

Stephens other competitors included Terese Bastarache, formerly Terese Grinell, an activist opposed to vaccine mandates and COVID measures; John Reagan, the former state senator from Deerfield; Ross Terrio, a former state representative and Manchester alderman; and Ryan Terrell, a former conservative member of the State Board of Education and formerly the Republican vice chairman.

Executive Council District 4 wasnt the only contested primary for Executive Council. And it joined a slate of other House and Senate primaries Tuesday. Heres how some of those downballot primaries shook out.

Executive Council: Fight to succeed Warmington is set

Both parties held primaries to determine who would compete for Executive Council District 2, which is currently held by Democrat Cinde Warmington. Warmington ran for governor and lost her primary to Joyce Craig Tuesday; her seat, which tilts overwhelmingly to Democrats, is open.

In the Democratic primary, Lebanon City Councilor Karen Liot Hill beat Michael Liberty, a tech entrepreneur who founded a fraud prevention app called Signifyd. Hill won with 56 percent of the vote.

And Kim Strathdee won the Republican nomination for the same seat, beating Mary Deak with 56 percent of the vote.

Meanwhile, Melanie Levesque, a former state senator, won the Democratic primary in District 5 against Nashua Alderwoman Shoshanna Kelly. Levesque will seek to unseat Republican Councilor David Wheeler in November.

Republicans currently dominate the council, 4-1.

State Senate: Gannon defends his seat and Reardon advances

Among the 24 New Hampshire state Senate seats, few had competitive primaries.

But one Republican primary commanded outsized attention: Emily Phillips campaign to oust sitting Sen. Bill Gannon.

Phillips, a state representative from Fremont, attempted to challenge Gannon from a libertarian perch, taking staunch positions against immigration, in favor of more lenient drug penalties, and in favor of school choice efforts like education freedom accounts. But after a flood of negative advertising and Phillips controversial choice to endorse Democratic representative Rep. Ellen Read in Reads own primary, Phillips came up short, winning just 33 percent of the vote to Gannons 67 percent.

After Hopkinton state Sen. Becky Whitley resigned her seat following a short-lived campaign for Congress, three Democrats vied for the District 15 seat, seen as a safe seat for the party. Tara Reardon, a former state representative and current county commissioner, won against state Reps. Rebecca McWilliams and Angela Brennan.

And longtime Democratic state Rep. Pat Long beat Sean Parr, a St. Anselm music professor and Manchester school board member, to win the District 20 Democratic primary.

State House: Eight sitting Republican reps ousted in primaries

Perhaps more interesting than who won in the primaries for New Hampshire House was who didnt.

Eight sitting Republicans and one Democrat will not be returning to the House next year, barring any unlikely write-in campaigns, after Tuesdays primary. Many of the rejected incumbents were long-serving representatives.

The list includes Republican Reps. Richard Beaudoin of Gilford; Michael Costable of Freedom; Kevin Pratt and Tim Cahill of Raymond; Josh Yokela of Fremont; Jason Janvrin of Seabrook; Scott Wallace of Danville; and David Bickford of New Durham. On the Democratic side, Mike Cahill was ousted in Newmarket, beaten by Democrats Ellen Read and Toni Weinstein.

Several former representatives made attempts to return to office, only to be rejected by the same communities that had once elected them. That includes former Republican Reps. Dawn Johnson of Laconia; Werner Horn of Franklin; Betty Gay of Salem; and Bill Fowler of Seabrook, and former Rep. Ivy Vann of Peterborough.

It can be difficult to determine why some House candidates lose primaries. In many towns, voters may choose multiple candidates from a larger list. Incumbents may fail to make the cut for no apparent reason of their own and despite a lack of attacks from their opponents.
Dozens of people have been arrested after clashing with police at an anti-war demonstration in Melbourne.

Police said they were "appalled" by the actions of some demonstrators targeting a military hardware sales show in Australia's most populous city, accusing them of pelting officers with rocks, manure and bottles filled with acid.

By contrast, protestors said officers were heavy-handed and responded with flashbang grenades and irritant sprays to control the hostile crowd.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the violence, saying Australians had a right to protest - but had to do so in a peaceful manner.

"You don't say you're opposed to defence equipment by throwing things at police," Mr Albanese told local media. "They've got a job to do and our police officers should be respected at all times."

Authorities said about 1,200 people had taken part in the demonstration targeting the Land Forces International Land Defence Exposition, many of whom sported Palestinian flags and sang pro-Palestinian chants.

Police had anticipated unrest ahead of the event, which is expected to draw over 1,000 corporations from 31 countries in the coming days. The expo, which is not open to the public, brings together military, defence, government, scientific and industry delegations from around the world.

Local media reported military artillery, trucks and semi-automatic weapons have been on display during the convention. Activists had said they were protesting as they claim many of the weapons on-show have been used by Israeli forces in Gaza.

Footage showed dumpsters being pushed towards police lines during the clashes, with multiple fires being lit across the city and demonstrators blocking roads. One activist climbed on top of a stationary truck at a set of traffic lights.

About two dozen police officers were treated for injuries sustained during the unrest, Victoria state Police Chief Commissioner Shane Patton said. He told reporters 39 people had been arrested in Wednesday's clashes.

Commissioner Patton accused those behind the violence of being "hypocrites", adding demonstrators said they wanted to "protest against war, so presumably [were] anti-violence".

But his officers have been criticised by demonstrators for being overly heavy-handed. Organisers said they were "appalled at the level of violence directed against community members protesting for peace".

"The police have been extremely violent towards protestors today, actually in an unprecedented way," Jasmine Duff, an activist from Students for Palestine, said.

"They used flashbang grenades, theyve been pepper spraying people very viciously."

Some journalists reported seeing police fire rubber bullets, but Commissioner Patton said the projectiles were actually hard foam baton rounds.

Officials say around A$10m (7.6m) was spent on deploying extra police to protect the event, with officers reportedly drafted in from New South Wales.

"It's absolutely outrageous that reportedly $10 million has been spent on this police presence," one of the protest group organisers, Anneke Demanuele from Students for Palestine, told ABC News.

Victoria Premier Jacinta Allan defended the state's handling of the event, saying delegates had the right to gather in Melbourne.

"Any industry deserves the right to have these sort of events in a peaceful and respectful way," she said.
Dozens of flights delayed at Miami International Airport due to lightning warnings

Dozens of flights out of Miami International Airport were delayed Tuesday because of repeated lightning warnings, officials say.

The first warning was between 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. and halted 77 flights, according to airport spokesman Greg Chin.

The next warning came at 6:30 p.m. and ended at 7:45 p.m., Chin said. Its unclear how many flights were affected.

During lightning warnings, flight crews on the tarmac and runways must get inside for safety concerns.
A New Hampshire driver was cited after police say they failed to yield for a bicyclist on Tuesday morning.

Officers responding to the area of Front Street and Winter Street around 7:30 a.m. for a crash involving a vehicle and a cyclist found a male bicyclist suffering from injuries, according to authorities.

The victim, who officials say was wearing a helmet, was transported to Portsmouth Regional Hospitals trauma center. His condition is unknown at this time.

Exeter Police say the cyclist was traveling outbound with the flow of traffic along the side of Front Street when an inbound Nissan Rogue turning left onto Winter Street did not stop and ended up hitting him.

Pictures show the vehicle sustained heavy front end damage, including a cracked windshield.

The driver of the Nissan remained on scene and was not injured. The driver was cited for failing to yield.

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
WASHINGTON TWP., Ohio (WDTN)  One person reported injuries after a crash on Wednesday morning.

According to the Montgomery County Sheriffs Office, deputies responded at 8:10 a.m. to the the intersection of Nutt Road and Sprinters Crossing on report of an injury crash.

This embedded content is not available in your region.

No students were injured in the crash, as it occurred right before students got on the bus.

Fairborn announces temporary street closure

An initial investigation indicates that a vehicle crashed into the rear of the bus as it was preparing to load students on to it. The crash occurred when the vehicle failed to yield while going in the same direction, eastbound on Sprinters Crossing, as the bus.

The driver of the vehicle reported minor injuries.

The Montgomery County Sheriffs Office is continuing to investigate the crash.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com.
A 42-year-old man who struck and killed a pedestrian on a sidewalk in Puyallup before crashing his pickup into a drug store while under the influence of drugs or alcohol was sentenced Monday to six-and-a-half years in prison.

Kyle Lynn Sandstrom pleaded guilty to vehicular homicide for the Feb. 20 collision that killed 37-year-old Quoc Truong Nguyen of Puyallup.

Pierce County Superior Court Judge Stanley Rumbaugh sentenced Sandstrom to 78 months, the low end of the standard sentencing range. The punishment was in line with what prosecutors agreed to recommend. According to court records, Sandstrom will have to obtain a substance-abuse evaluation and complete any recommended treatment.

In his guilty plea statement entered Aug. 1, Sandstrom admitted to driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. His blood was drawn following his arrest, but the results of toxicology testing was not available in court records.

The incident occurred at a Walgreens, 4404 S. Meridian, south of the South Hill Mall. According to court records, surveillance video from a nearby car wash captured Sandstrom driving a Ford F150 north on Meridian at high speed when he went onto a sidewalk on the east side of the road.

Kyle Sandstrom is charged with vehicular homicide and driving while intoxicated after striking and killing a pedestrian with a truck on Feb. 20 in Puyallup, at the Pierce County Superior Court, on Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. Brian Hayes/bhayes@thenewstribune.com

Nguyen was walking north on the sidewalk, according to the Puyallup Police Department. He was struck from behind and thrown into a flower bed, where Central Pierce Fire & Rescue personnel found him unconscious and severely injured. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

After hitting Nguyen, Sandstrom drove across all lanes of travel on Meridian and crashed into the Walgreens on the other side of the street. Police said there was minimal damage to the business.

Officers were dispatched to the scene at about 9:19 a.m. They spoke with Sandstrom while he sat in an ambulance, and he agreed to perform field sobriety tests. Sandstrom was taken to Good Samaritan Hospital for a blood draw before he was booked into Pierce County Jail.

At sentencing Monday afternoon, a victim advocate read an impact statement to the judge on behalf of one of the victims relatives, according to court records. Sandstrom also spoke, reportedly expressing remorse for his actions and thanking the state for facilitating a quick resolution in the case.

Rumbaugh said he appreciated the defendants statements, according to court records, but he said it didnt change the harm that was caused by the defendants decision to drive while impaired.

Sandstrom has previously been convicted of seven felonies in Pierce County between 1998 and 2004, including convictions for residential burglary, first-degree theft and first-degree malicious mischief.
The End.

Those are the two words the conservative Drudge Report website posted as its main headline on Tuesday night following Donald Trumps widely panned performance in the presidential debate against Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee.

The short headline sat underneath an AI-generated image of Trump surrounded by animals on what appeared to be an airplane.

Drudge Report

It linked to Mediaites coverage of Trump being fact-checked during the debate for pushing a debunked story that migrants in Ohio are eating peoples pets.

Read HuffPosts story about the moment here.

The Matt Drudge-founded website, which has soured on Trump since backing him in the 2016 election, also linked to NBC News story on the theme and captioned it, The Night Trump Lost It All.

Another headline on the website called it Trumps worst performance of his career and pointed to this story on Deadline.

Related...
Duck River is in crisis because of the drought. We must conserve and cut back water use

Our family has owned our farm at Whitson Road on the Duck River in Hickman County for over 44 years.

We have a mile of river frontage with two sand bars. My ancestors have farmed, fished and hunted along the Duck River in Maury County since the 1820s.

I have watched my children and grandchildren develop the same deep love and appreciation I have for the land, wildlife and fish that depend on the Duck River in Hickman County.

But the idyllic waterway and the habitat it supports are threatened by record low water levels.

Fish and mussels are dying by the hundreds as water utilities continue to withdraw millions of gallons out of the river each day despite a severe drought.

The water utilities that withdraw from the Duck River need to be leaders here and implement significant water conservation measures to help curb the impacts to the river the habitat dependent on it.

Water levels have not been this low in 16 years

The Duck River, which winds through Middle Tennessee, is one of the most biodiverse rivers in North America. But it also is the sole source of water for 250,000 residents here.

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.

The 269-mile river travels through Hickman County and several other counties suffering extreme drought conditions this summer, according to the U.S. National Integrated Drought Information System.

In fact, more than 93% of Hickman County is classified as in a drought, including 68.8% in a severe drought. There is not enough rainfall to replenish the river as water withdraws continue unabated.

The severe change in water flow and water levels this summer is creating dire conditions for the biodiverse species the Duck River is known for.

The water flows are now as low as they were in 2007 and 2008  the last time we had a drought this severe in Middle Tennessee. The fish, mussels and snails that make the Duck their home are in peril. (Many are endangered species.)

I walked the riverbanks recently, and it is heartbreaking to see dead mussels in the exposed gravel and sand where water typically flows.

Don Hubbs gathers the dead mussels at Duck River in Centerville, Tenn., Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024.

The low water levels are also negatively impacting outdoor recreation, agriculture and wildlife in the region. The river is known for fishing and canoeing because of its serene, scenic beauty. My family loves to kayak on the Duck. But in many areas now, the rush of water strong enough to propel us down the river is gone leaving boulders and stones exposed.

The Duck is already listed as one of our countrys most endangered rivers. Today, with historic low water flow, the rivers biodiversity is in jeopardy. We need your help because this isnt just my river or Hickman Countys river, it is one of Americas most celebrated rivers.

Our call to action is for politicians and ordinary citizens

We call on the utilities that draw millions of gallons from the Duck River each day to take a proactive leadership role and implement measures to reduce water loss in their systems and to conserve water and advise their customers (industrial, commercial, and both residential) how they can help.

We call on Gov. Bill Lee, other elected officials, the Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation, and the Tennessee Valley Authority to use their power of persuasion to encourage utilities and consumers to take action.

Just like were asked during a heat wave to conserve electricity by making small daily changes to our lives, we need to do the same to cut back on our water use. Its easy to save hundreds of gallons of water by fixing a leaky faucet, sweeping your driveway instead of hosing it off, not washing your car during the drought, reducing watering and running your dishwasher only when it is full.

Douglas E. Jones

Utilities and consumers should enact conservation measures to protect our watershed and not suck the river dry. If water withdrawals dont ease to adapt to the drought, the Duck, the wildlife and the regions environment will be forever changed.

Douglas E. Jones is a retired attorney whose family has owned a farm for 44 years at Whitson Bend on the Duck River. He is president of the Duck River Conservancy.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tennessee drought: Duck River is imperiled and citizens must conserve
HONOLULU (KHON2)  Honolulu is gearing up for a vibrant celebration of culture, technology and community at the Eahou Fest 2024.

This three-day festival, running from Sept. 12 to 14, promises a dynamic mix of panels, workshops, and interactive events that highlight the intersection of traditional Hawaiian values with modern technological innovation.

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Hosted by Purple Maia, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth through technology, the festival is set to showcase a diverse range of local and national talent.

KHON2.com was able to catch up with some of the event organizers to find out everything you need to know about this exciting event.

The genesis of Eahou Fest

Eahou Fest is the brainchild of Purple Maia, an organization known for its innovative approach to blending technology with Hawaiian culture.

The festival is the culmination of ten years of work by Purple Maia, which has aimed to foster youth engagement through tech education.

As Leimomi Bong, a creative developer at Purple Maia, explained, Eahou Fest came about as a way to bring all of our programs together and showcase what weve been working on. Its a tribute to the place that has supported us and a chance to highlight the thought leaders who have emerged from our programs.

The festivals name, Eahou, reflects its mission to present a fresh perspective. In Olelo Hawaii, Eahou can be interpreted as to renew or to grow, which aligns perfectly with the festivals theme of blending traditional Hawaiian values with contemporary technological advancements.

Bong elaborated, Eahou Fest is like a fresh spring thats being discovered. Its about seeing what new things can emerge and how we can continue to evolve.

Event details and venues

The festival will be held at several key venues in Honolulu:

Church of the Crossroads : This non-denominational church will serve as the primary venue, hosting most of the days events and panels.

Japanese Cultural Center: The center will host the evening market on September 13th, featuring art installations, music, and local vendors.

Each day of the festival is themed to reflect different aspects of community and culture:

Thursday, Sept. 12 : Focuses on Malama Aina or Caring for the Land. The day will feature discussions on environmental conservation and the integration of traditional practices with modern technology.

Friday, Sept. 13 : Dedicated to Education, Wellness, and Food Sovereignty. This day will include panels and workshops on education initiatives, wellness practices, and food sustainability.

Saturday, Sept. 14: Centers on Housing, Exhibitions, and Circular Economy. The final day will explore sustainable housing solutions and the principles of a circular economy.

Highlights of the festival

Eahou Fest is packed with engaging activities, including panels, workshops and a film showcase. Heres a closer look at what attendees can expect:

Opening Ceremony : The festival kicks off with a traditional Hawaiian ceremony led by local cultural practitioners. This will be followed by a series of panels and workshops throughout the day.

Film Showcase : On the evening of September 12th, a film showcase curated by Tiara Rubio will feature films from across the Pacific. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion with prominent directors.

Workshops and Panels : Throughout the festival, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in workshops and panels led by experts in various fields. Topics include digital creators, traditional Hawaiian practices, and innovations in technology. Thursday panels : Discussions on Malama Aina, including talks on regenerative agriculture and conservation. Friday panels : Focused on education and wellness, featuring sessions on food sovereignty and community health. Saturday panels : Covering sustainable housing and circular economy principles.

Night Market: On the evening of September 13th, the Japanese Cultural Center will host a night market with art, music, and local crafts. This event is open to the public and free of charge.

Featured speakers and presenters

The festival will feature a variety of notable speakers and presenters, including:

Leimomi Bong : As a creative developer at Purple Maia, Bong has played a key role in organizing the festival. She said, Were bringing together a diverse group of individuals to share their expertise and insights. Its about creating a space where everyone can learn and contribute.

Donavan Kealoha : Co-founder and co-CEO of Purple Maia, Kealoha has a background in education and technology. He emphasized the festivals role in fostering community and innovation, stating, Eahou Fest is an opportunity to showcase how technology and culture can work together to create a brighter future.

Makanaohaililani Waikiki: The festivals emcee, Waikiki, has been with Purple Maia for a year and brings a unique perspective as a participant-turned-staff member. I fell in love with how Purple Maia interacts with the community, she said. As emcee, Im excited to guide people through this amazing event and showcase the incredible work being done.

Who should attend?

Eahou Fest is designed for a wide range of attendees. Whether youre a tech enthusiast, a community activist, an artist or simply someone interested in Hawaiian culture and sustainable practices, theres something for you.

Bong noted, We have people from all walks of life attending, from academia to grassroots activists. If youre interested in what were doing, this festival is for you.

Kealoha added, The festival is a great networking opportunity. Whether youre a filmmaker, environmentalist, technology entrepreneur or community organizer, youll find like-minded individuals and potential collaborators.

How to register

While registration for the festival is encouraged, a limited number of walk-in registrations will be available.

To secure your spot, visit the Eahou Fest website for the latest information on tickets and event details. For more information, to register or to secure your spot, click here or follow them on social media for updates. To watch the full interview, see the above video.

Eahou Fest 2024 is set to be a landmark event that celebrates the rich tapestry of Hawaiian culture and the exciting possibilities of modern technology.

Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHONs morning podcast, every morning at 8

With a diverse lineup of activities and speakers, it offers a unique opportunity to explore how traditional values can inform and enhance contemporary practices.

Dont miss out on this chance to be part of a vibrant community celebration!

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
On Tuesday night, former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris met for their first, and potentially only, presidential debate, with each candidate hoping to gain a crucial advantage over the other in a very close race. And based on early reviews from the American public, it seems like Harris came out on top.

As of 1 p.m. Eastern, 538 has collected three national polls and one swing-state poll that were conducted since the debate.* In all of them, more people who watched the debate said Harris won the debate than said Trump did. On average, 57 percent of debate watchers nationally said Harris turned in the better performance; only 34 percent said Trump did.

CNN/SSRS also conducted a poll of the same respondents before the debate, allowing us to compare what they thought about the candidates before the event with what they thought about the candidates after it. And according to their poll, Harris's net favorability rating among debate watchers rose from -11 percentage points (39 percent favorable, 50 percent unfavorable) before the debate to +1 point (45 percent favorable, 44 percent unfavorable) after it. Trump's net favorability rating, however, barely changed (from -11 points to -12 points).

That's all obviously good news for Harris  but there are a few caveats here. First of all, it's still quite early. Only a few polls have been conducted since the debate, and we'll have more data very soon that will either confirm their findings or throw them into doubt. It's also possible that perceptions of the debate will evolve as viewers digest it (and as clips get shared with those who didn't watch). A poll conducted, say, this weekend may find a different winner than a poll conducted the night of.

The second caveat is that, even if Harris did turn in the better performance, that doesn't necessarily mean that the debate will give her a significant boost in the polls. In the CNN/SSRS poll, only 4 percent of debate watchers said the event changed their mind about whom they were voting for. An additional 14 percent said it made them reconsider but not change their mind, while a whopping 82 percent said it did not affect their choice.

CNN/SSRS did not ask respondents directly whom they were supporting, but two other post-debate polls did (both conducted or sponsored by Republican firms). SoCal Strategies/On Point Politics/Red Eagle Politics found Harris leading Trump nationally by 3 points after the debate, virtually indistinguishable from the 2-point lead they gave Harris in mid-August. And in their survey of debate watchers in the big seven swing states, Trafalgar Group/InsiderAdvantage found the two candidates virtually tied after the debate at about 48 percent apiece. The same sample said that, before the debate, they were planning to vote for Trump by around 1 point.

Again, this is only two surveys, so it's far too early to make any pronouncements that the debate didn't significantly move the needle. We recommend keeping an eye on 538's polling averages over the next several days to see if future polls produce any movement.

The third caveat is that, even if Harris does rise in the polls after the debate, those gains could be fleeting. CNN polling also found that Americans thought former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton turned in the best performance in all three of her debates with Trump in 2016, and she rose in national polls after the first two of them (although other factors, such as the "Access Hollywood" tape, likely factored into that as well). But, of course, the race tightened in the final days and Clinton went on to lose that election.

Going further back, CNN polling found that Americans overwhelmingly considered former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney the winner of the first debate in 2012, after which he improved in the polls as well. But Americans preferred former President Barack Obama's performance in the two subsequent debates, and he eventually won.

In 2008 and 2020, the same candidates (Obama and now-President Joe Biden, respectively) were perceived to have won every debate and also went on to win the elections. But those years, there were also multiple debates (as of now, Harris and Trump are not scheduled to meet again, although there will be a vice-presidential debate on Oct. 1), and they happened much closer to Election Day than this year's debate. (If not for the June debate that led to Biden's withdrawal from the race, this week's debate would have been the earliest general-election presidential debate in modern history.) In other words, this year, there is even more time than usual for the debate to fade in voters' minds.

The best way to think about it? As anticlimactic as this may sound, the presidential election was very close before the debate, and it will likely continue to be very close after it.

Footnotes

*Not counting a J.L. Partners/DailyMail.com poll that was conducted solely among independent voters. For the record, though, these respondents also felt that Harris performed better in the debate, 49 percent to 43 percent.

Early polls say Harris won the presidential debate originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Soup lovers, brace yourselves. Campbell Soup Company is undergoing a major change. The 155-year-old brand is dropping the word soup from its name, transitioning to The Campbells Company, CEO Mark Clouse announced on Tuesday.

The decision to rebrand is part of the companys wider efforts to expand and shift its focus to snacks and other jarred sauces, away from just soups.

This subtle yet important change retains the companys iconic name recognition, reputation and equity built over 155 years while better reflecting the full breadth of the companys portfolio, Clouse said in a statement.



So what will the new name be? Shareholders will vote on the name change at the annual meeting in November.

Justin Sullivan - Getty Images

Over the past few years, Campbell has significantly diversified its offerings. Beyond its classic soups, the company now owns a range of popular snack brands, including Goldfish, Snyders of Hanover, Cape Cod, and Pepperidge Farm. Additionally, Campbell recently acquired Sovos Brands, the maker of Raos sauces.

Clouse acknowledged the importance of soups to Campbells identity but emphasized the companys broader focus. We will always love soup, and well never take our eye off of this critical business, he said. But today, were so much more than soup.

Campbell's sales also reflects a consumer preference for products beyond soups. Snack sales grew by 13% last year, while soup sales had a modest 3% increase. This trend reflects a broader consumer shift away from ready-to-serve soups towards convenient snack options. The company expects its snack brands, particularly Goldfish, to become a major driver of growth, potentially surpassing its traditional soup offerings by 2027.

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A new line of coffee from Soko, the retail product brand from the owners of Baobab Fare, an East African restaurant in New Center, is set for release at an upcoming launch party.

Hamissi Mamba and Nadia Nijimbere, Baobab Fare owners and James Beard Award nominees, are throwing the launch party at their roasting partner, Sabbath Coffee Roasters, from 10 a.m-2 p.m. on Sept. 21-22 in downtown Clawson.Soko by Baobab Fare, its new line of single-origin Burundi coffee beans, including Murata, the only Burundi decaf coffee in the world according to a news release, will be featured at the family-friendly event.

A line of East African sourced coffee from Soko by Baobab Fare.

Among the highlights are Burundi coffee beans with Matongo (washed) nitro cold brew and espresso-based beverages, Gahombo (natural) drip and a frozen slushie drink made from Soko's Hibiscus Ji.

Soko is a platform to share the stories of our culture and uplift East Africa with every product we sell, Mamba said in a news release. But we couldnt have done this without our roasting partners at Sabbath, and this is a great way to celebrate all that they do for us and the community as well.

Soko sources its green coffee beans from small-scale farms in Burundi and Sabbath Coffee Roasters roasts the beans.

With Baobab Fare, we do a lot of work in Detroit to give back for everything the community has given us, Nijimbere said in the news release. But Soko is our way to give back directly to Burundi  our first home  and to the economies of East Africa, where there is so much beauty and resilience and culture and people working hard to feed their families. This is where we came from and we want to support this region the way Detroit has supported us.

On Saturday at the event, guests can savor authentic East African street food from the Waka food truck, a sister brand of Baobab Fare, serving East African chapati. From the Waka food truck on Sunday will be a preview of its brochettes, grilled meat skewers and a staple street food of Burundi. Brochettes are a featured menu item for the food truck's upcoming Waka brick-and-mortar location slated to debut later this year in Eastern Market. Waka, which features a menu of Baobab's East African cuisine, Eastern Market space at 2465 Russell St., was formerly occupied by Russell Street Deli.

More: These 28 Black-owned restaurants are powering metro Detroits dining scene

It has been an honor working alongside Mamba and Nadia and helping carry out their vision for Soko and Baobab Fare, said Sabbath Coffee Roasters owner Trevor Graham in a news release. Their dream for Soko and Baobab Fare is incredible and their passion is infectious. We cant wait to continue to help facilitate their dream of showcasing incredible Burundian coffees!

Along with food and beverages, there will be a pop-up Soko retail shop in the alleyway adjacent to Sabbath featuring apparel, tote bags, hot sauces, coffee beans, and more.

Mamba and Nijimbere, the husband-and-wife team behind Baobab Fare, Waka food truck and Soko, are refugees from Burundi. In 2021, the couple opened Baobab Fare restaurant in Detroit's New Center. Once opened, Baobab Fare restaurant garnered many accolades including the Detroit Free Press named Baobab Fare its No. 1 Best New Restaurant and Esquire magazine's Best New Restaurants list.

More: Andiamo Pasta & Chops to open Thursday at The Mall at Partridge Creek

Mamba also won an episode of the Food Network's hit show "Chopped" taking home the top $10,000 prize and donating it to Freedom House, a place for asylum seekers in Michigan.

Hamissi Mama and Nadia Nijimbere, owners of Baobab Fare restaurant in Detroit's New Center area are introducing a new line of coffee with beans sourced from Burundi.

In March, the couple announced plans for a second Baobab Fare location, purchasing a building on Detroit's east side.Baobob Fare coffee is available online at sokobybaobabfare.com or at specialty markets like Detroit Peoples Food Co-op. During the weekend launch, all the coffee drinks (cold brew, drip, espresso) in the Sabbath cafe will be made from Sokos Burundi beans.

Contact Detroit Free Press food and restaurant writer Susan Selasky and send food and restaurant news and tips to: sselasky@freepress.com. Follow @SusanMariecooks on Twitter. Subscribe to the Free Press.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Soko by Baobab Fare introduces new coffee line sourced from Burundi
The packed courtroom was filled with the sounds of sobs and the ruffle of tissues when a former East Moline daycare provider was sentenced Tuesday for the deaths of two people  one of whom was in her daycare when he was a little boy.

After Tonya Franks, 55, earlier pleaded guilty to aggravated DUI/accident/death, Judge Frank R. Fuhr sentenced her to eight years in prison in a hearing that lasted about 90 minutes.

Tonya Franks (Rock Island County Jail)

Several people  including Franks ex-husband and her daughters  read supportive statements. Fuhr said he also had received letters from other supporters and others written on behalf of Elias E. Rocha and Alexia B. DeWalsche, who were killed in the head-on collision with Franks vehicle.

The loss (of her daughter) has been devastating, Alexia DeWalsches mother said in a victim-impact statement. The loss of my daughter has been immense.

My mother is very remorseful. We all are, said one of Franks daughters. She would never hurt someone purposefully.

Relatives testified that Tonya Franks took care of her own ailing mother, and then raised two granddaughters: She is my savior, a tearful granddaughter said.

I have never been in trouble in my life, said Tonya Franks, who stood and addressed the judge when she read her statement. Mr. Rocha was one of my prekindergarten students.

She said she has undergone therapy to deal with the guilt: I cannot express how sorry I am.

She said she lost her daycare license after the crash. This has been my life for over 40 years, she said.

So many people in the courtroom burst into tears that a bailiff passed a box off tissues around. Before Fuhr read gave the sentence, even Eric Reyes, Franks attorney, broke down. My client lost consciousness and that is how the accident happened, he said.

The crash on Oct. 2, 2022

Shortly before 1 a.m. Oct. 2, 2022, East Moline Police responded to the area of Kennedy Drive and 20th Avenue for a report of a crash with injuries. Officers located two vehicles, one of which was on its side. Both the East Moline Fire Department and Genesis-Illini EMTs arrived to treat injuries.

Elias Rocha (L) and Alexia DeWalsche (photo submitted)

Franks was the driver of a car in the two-vehicle crash. Afterward, she was extricated from the vehicle and transported to Genesis-Illini Hospital in Silvis.

The occupants of the other vehicle, Elias E. Rocha and Alexia B. DeWalsche, both 31 and both from East Moline, were pronounced dead at the scene.

In 2022, Our Quad Cities News spoke with the family of Alexia DeWalsche. Tammy DeWalsche, her mother, and her cousin Adrian Rocha, shared how hard its been for them. Its hard to process whats happened and it feels so unreal, said Alexias cousin Adrian.

You think lightning strikes once but it can strike a lot more. Theres not words to say or nothing I can do that theyll ever be back, Tammy said. But I am so so grateful for being able to know that I had them in my life.

In 2020, Alexia took ownership of Damions Rib Haven immediately after the loss of her father, Damion. Alexia and her fiance Elias ran the business together.

Lexi and Alias were like the backbone to this restaurant, Adrian said. They did such a good job running it and such a good job in keeping the legacy from Jims Rib Haven to Damions Rib Haven going.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Restructuring local government, improving public transportation and boosting education spending could significantly reduce child poverty in East St. Louis  benefiting over half of the citys children, advocates for young people said Tuesday.

Childrens Advocates for Change, a Chicago-based nonprofit organization, hosted a forum aimed at addressing child poverty in East St. Louis, where the poverty rate for children is three times the national average.

More than 100 educators, religious leaders, metro-east officials and others gathered at Southern Illinois University Edwardsvilles East St. Louis Learning Center to discuss potential solutions.

The median household income in East St. Louis is less than $29,000, compared to the state average of around $78,000, according to data from Child Trends, a nonprofit, nonpartisan research center based in Bethesda, Maryland, presented at the forum. The city has fewer college-educated adults and homeowners than the statewide average.

The citys population has dropped from over 82,000 in the 1950s to just under 18,800 today. Nearly a third of residents live in poverty, more than double the state rate of about 12%.

Increased funding for public schools would lead to better educational outcomes and lead children to be better equipped to break the cycle of poverty, said Sheila Burton, founder of the Land of Lincolns Education Advocacy project.

The education children receive in East St. Louis is simply not enough, Burton said. They cannot compete with students in neighboring districts where achievement and proficiency levels are so much higher, and thats not acceptable.

But chronic absenteeism is disproportionately common in East St. Louis public schools, with 65% of high school students missing 15 or more school days. Parents play the most critical role in lifting children out of poverty, said Tiffany Gholson, director of parent and student support services in East St. Louis Public Schools.

Dr. Tasha Green Cruzat, a US Navy veteran listens to Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson President and CEO of the CHildrens Defense, as he answers questions from the audience during the meeting on Childrens Advocate for Change Child Poverty Forum in Southern Illinois University, at Edwardsville East St. Louis Center

Parents, if they graduated, graduated without the skills they need to be successful, Gholson said. So they stay in that cycle of poverty, which then impacts their kids. We just stay in this continual cycle ... they come out with no skill set  its not livable.

Panelists also examined the impact of recent poverty reduction measures, including increased unemployment benefits and child tax credits introduced as part of federal COVID-19 relief efforts. Despite these measures, poverty rates across Illinois have seen little change over the years.

Mamie Cosey, a 55-year resident of East St. Louis, is trying to raise her children to beat the cycle of poverty.

Our children are our greatest possession. When we fail them, we have failed our community, Cosey said. Im thankful to you being here.  I had four children, but I raised 11 so to all of you here today, keep the fight going because its important.

Officials from Childrens Advocates for Change plan to host similar forums across poverty-stricken areas across Illinois.

Child poverty is not a mere statistic, said Tasha Green Cruzat, president of the organization. It is a lived experience for many families.  It affects their health, education and overall well-being. Yet amidst these challenges, we also witness the resilience of our community.
East Timor says Australia pipeline deal to be struck by November

East Timor President Jose Ramos-Horta said on Wednesday a deal with Australia on a vast fossil fuel project seen as crucial to the tiny nation's economic future will be struck by November.

Speaking to AFP at his residence in the capital Dili, the Nobel-winning leader said an agreement on the Greater Sunrise project -- which aims to tap trillions of cubic feet of natural gas -- would be signed within weeks.

Exploration has been stalled for years at the project, located in waters between the neighbouring countries, due to disputes over maritime boundaries and whether the gas should be refined in Australia or East Timor.

"Soon we will sign an agreement with Australia on the development of Greater Sunrise. A decision will be made to develop the big gas field," he said.

"The agreement should be signed no later than November, probably. It will be signed this year."

Asia's youngest nation, which secured independence in 2002, is trying to shore up the future of its nascent economy, which is heavily reliant on oil and gas reserves.

"China needs it, Japan, South Korea, they need it," Ramos-Horta said of Greater Sunrise.

However, he said whether resources would be piped to East Timor or Australia was still to be decided by both governments after an independent study.

"Why should it go to Darwin?" he said.

Project operator Woodside Energy also appeared to manage expectations in an investor call last month, saying "Sunrise has a lot of complexity... we've got a bit of work to do".

Australian officials had been concerned that China could fund the project when there were already wider fears about Beijing's expanding regional influence.

That includes in East Timor, which sits a few hundred kilometres off Australia's northern coast.

Ramos-Horta said in a wide-ranging interview that relations with Canberra, tense for years over a spying scandal that became public in 2018, have been reset.

"The bugging was unkind. But... every country, they bug everybody else," he said.

"So now we have great relations with Australia. Australia is a true friend, a great friend."

- US-China rivalry -

The 74-year-old spoke of delicately balancing relations with the United States and China as competition ramps up in the Asia-Pacific region, condemning critics over East Timor's warming ties with Beijing.

Australia and New Zealand have historically been the region's go-to security partners but there are worries in Washington that China may one day parlay agreements with small nations into a permanent military foothold.

"We have Australian, Portuguese and American military personnel. We don't have any Chinese military personnel. So what are they talking about?" Ramos-Horta said.

He brushed aside a 2023 deal to upgrade ties with Beijing as "formalities".

"China has such comprehensive strategic framework agreements.. with many other countries," he said.

He then called on Beijing and Washington to tamp down rising regional competition.

"Superpowers, they have a responsibility to their own people, they have a responsibility to the region, to the rest of the world," he said.

"They should be... benevolent, wise," he added, saying Chinese President Xi Jinping and the next US president should meet to reset relations.

- Church abuse -

One of East Timor's central liberation figures, Ramos-Horta's struggle for independence from Indonesia through tireless diplomacy in a decades-long exile won him a Nobel Peace Prize and two terms, a decade apart, as leader.

He shared that Nobel prize with Bishop Carlos Ximenes Belo, who was accused of sexually assaulting young boys and was secretly sanctioned by the Vatican in 2020 and now lives in Portugal.

Ramos-Horta said he wants "no child abuse" in East Timor, responding to a call by Pope Francis during the pontiff's three-day visit this week for the country's leader to do more on all forms of abuse.

He repeated that he would follow the Vatican's laws to deal with clergy members and, if any cases fell under the purview of East Timor's legal system, they would be dealt with.

Ramos-Horta said of Belo that the Timorese still respected him for how he saved lives during the struggle for independence from Indonesia.

"Our people, in spite of the revelations that have come, they keep this respect for Bishop Belo," he said.

"I feel the same like the people."

jfx/pbt
Tuesday nights presidential debate saw Donald Trump emphasize harmful and baseless claims that Haitian immigrants are eating pets in a small Ohio city. According to the BBC, his accusations persisted during the debate, though local officials have denied that there have been any reported incidents of that nature.

In Springfield, they are eating the dogs, Trump said during the debate. The people that came in, they are eating the cats. Theyre eating  they are eating the pets of the people that live there.

Springfield City Commission officials told BBC Verify that there have been no credible reports that any event of domestic animal consumption occurred.

There have been no credible reports or specific claims of pets being harmed, injured or abused by individuals within the immigrant community, they noted, per the BBC.

Trumps claims quickly went viral on social media, with Republican vice-presidential candidate JD Vance doubling down on the former presidents accusations on X, formerly known as Twitter. Vance shared a lengthy message on the platform, which has already acquired more than 14 million views.

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 wrote. Its possible, of course, that all of these rumors will turn out to be false.

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

He added, 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.

John Kirby, U.S. National Security Council spokesperson, condemned Vances claims, describing them as dangerous and a conspiracy theory based on an element of racism, the BBC reported.

Many on social media agreed.

I want to be very clear that what @JDVance said about Haitian immigrants this morning is straight up Nazi shit. When you accuse people of being savages who are 'not like us', that is the kind of thing that leads to pogroms and Tulsa and Rosewood.

Everyone should condemn it.  Laura Chapin (@LauraChapin) September 9, 2024

Vances lies about Haitian immigrants abducting pets and wildlife, spreading STIs, and killing children do not just demean Haitian immigrants. These racist ideas demean Black immigrants *and* Black Americans.



Racist ideas are like a contagion. They dont just latch onto the  Ibram X. Kendi (@ibramxk) September 11, 2024

Where did the eating pets conspiracy theory start?

According to BBC, the origin of Trumps claims appear to be rooted in several pro-Trump social media accounts. Last month, during a meeting of Springfields city commission, a local resident and social media influencer discussed Haitian immigrants, sharing a list of alleged issues with the Springfield Haitian community, including accusing them of slaughtering park ducks for food. The influencer said he believes city officials are being paid to bring in immigrants, but he offered no evidence for his argument.

During the debate, Trump claimed hes seen people on television [saying] My dog was taken and used for food.' However, after looking at archive video of every major U.S. broadcaster, including Fox, CNN and CBS, BBC Verify was not able to find a televised interview or segment regarding the alleged issue.

Nathan Clarks father wants politicians to stop the hate

Trump and Vance have also used the death of an 11-year-old boy, Aidan Clark, in Springfield, who was killed in a car accident by a Haitian immigrant, to further their conspiracy theories.

The family of the boy has asked them to stop.

I wish that my son, Aiden Clark, was killed by a 60-year-old white man, his father, Nathan Clark, said at a recent Springfield City Commission, as The Springfield News-Sun reported. I bet you never thought anyone would say something so blunt, but if that guy killed my 11-year-old son, the incessant group of hate-spewing people would leave us alone, Clark told the city hall forum. The last thing that we need is to have the worst day of our lives violently and constantly shoved in our faces, but even thats not good enough for them. They take it one step further. They make it seem that our wonderful Aiden appreciates your hate, that we should follow their hate.

Nathan Clark  the father of 11-year-old Aiden Clark, who was killed in a car accident in Springfield, Ohio  tells JD Vance and Donald Trump to stop using his sons name and the city of Springfield to demonize Haitian immigrants. This needs to stop now! pic.twitter.com/3J8FtZ82Ts  Keith Boykin (@keithboykin) September 11, 2024

Like the Springfield officials, Canton Police told the BBC that they have not received an official complaint about Haitian immigrants in the area.

We have not dealt with any complaints of Haitian immigrants at all, they said.

Springfield has a population of around 60,000, and has seen an influx of immigrants relocate to the Ohio city in recent years. Now, up to 20,000 Springfield residents are Haitian, and theyve contributed to improving the citys significant population drop over the last 60 years.
ODESSA, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- As we inch closer to Election Day, we are taking a look at the men and women seeking your vote for a chance to help lead the City of Odessa. This week, we introduce you to Eddie Mitchell.

Mitchell, owner of Ed and Toms Bar-B-Que, has filed to run for a seat in District 1 and hopes to unseat his opponent, the incumbent, Mark Matta, in order to make an impact in the downtown area.

District 1, City of Odessa, is not getting anything out of the City Council. We need to try and improve some things, especially downtown. I wanna be a guy that people seewe havent seen our guy (Matta) in four years. I wanna be the guy that people can call on and suggest things and maybe get things rolling here in Odessa. We are way behind. And Ive been in my neighborhood 25 years, I havent seen the City of Odessa do anything to the south side of Odessa, Mitchell said, at his campaign kick-off event earlier in August.

This isnt the first time Mitchell has faced off against Matta; in 2020, he ran against Matta, Michael Shelton, and Tiki Davis. Shelton and Matta later headed to a runoff that Matta won.

But Mitchell said hes ready to face Matta once again, and thinks that this time, the community will support his efforts, because they are ready for a change. In fact, Mitchell said Odessas current leaders should have addressed failing water pipes and valves and road issues long ago. He said that the current regime failed to address the issues that led to widespread water outages over the last few years and only began doing so once election season began to loom ahead of them.

They were elected four years ago, but what have they done, he asked.

Aside from addressing the failing infrastructure, Mitchell said hed like to see the City Council do more to support local business owners, and said he will well represent small businesses and the interests of those looking to start a business if he wins the election.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Yourbasin.
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO)  Rockford residents are getting support at a free clothing giveaway.

Today, Edge Community Fellowship joined forces with Goodwill to host the event. The clothes, household items and hot dogs are being given out all free of charge.

Members of Goodwill were also there to provide information about the services they provide. The event is still going on at 2000 Kilburn Avenue until 6 p.m. if anyone still needs support.

Its been a great reception. We got people coming, and coming, and coming. And were gonna be here until 6 PM. Our hope and prayer and goal is that everything is given away, said Edge Community Fellowship Pastor Calvin Davis. Every shirt, every dress, every pair of shoes, every household item. We want to give it all away. And the ultimate goal is always to put a smile on somebodys face.

Edge Community Fellowship said they hope to continue to grow and 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 MyStateline | WTVO News, Weather and Sports.
Mayor Brandon Johnson faces a budget crisis that he and his staff saw  or should have seen  coming a mile away.

With news Monday that his administration is responding with a hiring freeze, including what reportedly is a highly unusual pause on adding new hires to Chicagos shorthanded Police and Fire departments, Team Johnson acted like their budget woes were a bolt out of the blue.

The city faces a budget shortfall of around $223 million for the remainder of this year and a whopping additional $982 million for 2025. The 2025 shortfall was projected with uncanny accuracy a year ago. The Johnson administration had a full year to prepare for this day. As some aldermen have pointed out, the city should have frozen hiring in certain departments much earlier in the year. And thats for starters.

The current-year budget hole is a bit more of a surprise. Much of it is due to a $175 million pension fund payment that Johnson attempted to force the Chicago Board of Education to cover via a high-cost loan. The school board took the responsible path of refusing to add more debt to a pile that already makes Chicago Public Schools the single largest junk-bond issuer in the country. That angered Johnson, but it shouldnt have. Until a fully elected school board is in place in 2027, Johnson is in charge of the schools, as well as city government. The same taxpayers pay the freight for both, regardless of which budget covers the pension cost.

Its not uncommon for mayors facing significant budget pressures to freeze hiring, but none that we can recall ever applied that level of austerity to the departments responsible for public safety. A mayors first and most important job is to keep Chicagoans safe, whether from criminals or from disasters like fires or the other emergencies that firefighters attend.

Both the Fire and Police departments are coping with long-standing shortages of personnel. The Police Department, in particular, is functioning with about 2,000 fewer officers than it had just a few years ago. Johnson, who as a Cook County commissioner called for defunding the police, pledged during the 2023 campaign not to cut the budget for police.

His first budget, applying to 2024, hiked police outlays slightly to about $2 billion.

The hiring freeze announcement on Monday was light on detail. Will the Police Department be allowed to fill positions left vacant by retiring officers? It appears not, judging by the wording in the memo to all departments from Budget Director Annette Guzman. No new interviews or consensus meetings should be scheduled after the date of this memorandum, she wrote.

At a time when Chicago is contending with a public safety crisis, treating cops, firefighters and paramedics as equal in importance to bureaucrats staffing other departments wont sit well with a majority of residents. Nor should it. At the very least, the Police and Fire departments need to be able to hire to maintain their inadequate current staffing levels.

Johnson ought to clarify these issues at his earliest opportunity  well before the next scheduled City Council meeting on Sept. 18, after which the mayor routinely meets with reporters. Chicagoans will want to know whether this freeze applies for public safety departments in the strict manner set forth by Guzman or whether theyll be allowed to replace those who retire or leave. Residents also will want answers on whether Johnson will allow the police and fire freeze to continue into 2025.

And, more broadly, Johnson will need to explain why hes parting ways with the approach of past mayors, who knew what was top on the list of voters concerns and took care not to jeopardize public safety when facing budget crunches. By subjecting the Police and Fire departments to the same belt-tightening rules applying to less critical departments, is the mayor attempting to send a message of rebuke to affluent Chicagoans and business interests for their opposition to his many proposals to raise taxes on them in various forms?

Thats not a question we would have asked any of Chicagos past mayors, from Richard J. Daley to Lori Lightfoot.

Separately from the philosophical underpinnings of this remarkably broad hiring freeze, what does such a blanket approach demonstrate about the Johnson administrations ability to plan, prepare and prioritize? The depth of this fiscal challenge has been well understood for a year. In the absence of a major change of heart regarding Chicago bailout requests from a similarly budget-constrained Springfield, the challenge will be there again a year from now.

Johnson and the City Council must come to grips with a simple fact: They cant afford the size of the city government theyre overseeing. There must be cuts, potentially in services but almost assuredly in staffing, which is 7% higher than before the pandemic.

Their job now is to prioritize which services must continue to be supported robustly and which are secondary  nice things to fund if we had the money, but we dont right now.

For a man who repeatedly said during his campaign that there was more than enough in this city to bankroll his progressive, transformational dreams, the reality is inescapable now. Voters elect a mayor to run the city he finds, not the city he wishes he had. The dearth of revenues for city government has more to do with Chicagos moribund economy than Johnsons inability to convince Chicagoans they arent taxed enough.

One way to ensure the economy keeps running in place  or even to risk that it falls into recession  is to reduce the number of first responders working to make residents, tourists and business owners feel safer. Many businesses wont invest here  and many more residents who can leave will do so  if Chicago treats public safety like just any other city service.

Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com.
State and local election officials from around the U.S. issued a warning Wednesday about the Postal Services ability to distribute and collect mail-in ballots as early voting for the presidential election has already started.

The two main professional organizations of election officials said in a joint letter to U.S. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy that he should immediately take measures to address widespread problems that have already disrupted voting during this years primaries.

We implore you to take immediate and tangible corrective action to address the ongoing performance issues with USPS election mail service, the two groups said. Failure to do so will risk limiting voter participation and trust in the election process.

The warning from the National Association of State Election Directors and the National Association of Secretaries of State, which repeats previous criticism of the Postal Service, comes as voting by mail has become more widespread since the pandemic.

In their letter, the organizations said that mail-in ballots are being deliberately held or significantly delayed, with some being received beyond the three to five days claimed as the First Class delivery standard and, in many cases, well after Election Day. They also report cases in which mail is being marked as undeliverable despite some residents who have not moved.

Despite their previous complaints, the groups wrote that they have not seen improvement or concerted efforts to remediate our concerns.

The postal service dismissed the criticism, insisting its carriers are "ready to deliver" in a statement from Adrienne Marshall, director of election and government mail services.

We were successful in 2020 delivering a historic volume of mail in ballots; also in 2022 and will do so again in November 2024, Marshall said.

The letter comes as mail-in voting has already started in Alabama. North Carolina was supposed to be the first state to begin mail-in voting but it was delayed after the states Supreme Court sided with former presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. that his name must be removed from the ballot.

Mail-in voting is expected to be down from 2020, when the pandemic led an unprecedented number of voters to avoid in-person polling places.

Former President Donald Trump has expressed mixed views on the practice. He discouraged the practice in 2020 and falsely claimed that fraudulent mail ballots cost him the election. But in this election cycle, the former president has encouraged voters to use mail ballots to drive turnout. He also told supporters at a rally in August that we want to get rid of mail-in voting.
Justice Elena Kagan keeps expressing support for an enforceable Supreme Court ethics code. During remarks this week at New York University School of Law, the justice returned to a theme she explored earlier this summer. And Kagans latest comments follow a recent interview by Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, in which Jackson likewise spoke approvingly of implementing an enforcement mechanism for the high courts code.

The court adopted a code last year, but it lacks any means of enforcement, which observers immediately realized made it toothless.

NBC News reported that Kagan said Monday at NYU:

It seems like a good idea in terms of ensuring that we comply with our own code of conduct going forward in the future. It seems like a good idea in terms of ensuring that people have confidence that were doing exactly that.

And while there are questions about how such a code could be enforced, Kagan said that a panel of lower court judges appointed by Chief Justice John Roberts could weed out baseless claims against justices while scrutinizing meritorious ones.

President Joe Biden has pushed for a binding code among his proposed Supreme Court reforms. Whether one comes to pass  either externally imposed by Congress or internally by the court  remains to be seen. But it continues to be significant that justices are speaking out on the issue, even if its only a couple of them so far.

To be clear, having an enforceable code doesnt have to be a partisan issue. But when its apparently the Republican-appointed justices who dont want enforcement, it needlessly takes on a more partisan air. If the Republican-appointed supermajority of the court wanted such a code, it could have pushed for one.

That appearance of partisanship is exacerbated by the fact that it was the ethical controversies of Republican-appointed Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito that spurred the pressure to create the current (weak) code. Indeed, public scrutiny of those justices may well make them less likely to subject themselves voluntarily to further scrutiny, much less actual consequences.

Perhaps no one would really want to face any consequences for anything if they had the choice  but most of us dont decide the rules by which we play. The Supreme Courts ongoing lack of a binding ethical code highlights the degree to which the justices effectively play by a different set of rules: their own.

Subscribe to the Deadline: Legal Newsletter for updates and expert analysis on the top legal stories. The newsletter will return to its regular weekly schedule when the Supreme Courts next term kicks off in October.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
The company's soup cans have served as inspiration to pop artist Andy Warhol [Getty Images]

Top executives at the 155-year old Campbell Soup Company plan to change the iconic firm's name to The Campbell's Company.

Chief executive Mark Clouse said the move aims to better reflect Campbell's growing product line, which currently also includes sauces, snacks and beverages.

Investors are set to vote on the name change at the company's annual meeting in November.

While canned soup remains a key part of the Campbell's business, the company has sought to adapt to a changing market by acquiring other businesses such as Raos sauces maker, Sovos Brands.

We will always love soup, and well never take our eye off of this critical business, Mr Clouse said during the company's investor day. But today, were so much more than soup.

In addition to its most famous line of products, Campbell's portfolio includes other offerings such as Goldfish crackers, Cape Cod crisps, V8 beverages, Prego sauces.

Mr Clouse said Campbell will only need its soup sales to remain stable for the company to meet its financial targets.

Other executives noted, however, that soup sales are set to benefit from an aging population in the US, as older people are more likely to eat soup.

Campbell was the first company to sell canned soup more than a century ago.

The product served as inspiration for one of American artist Andy Warhol's most iconic pop art works.

The company estimates its net sales will rise between 9% and 11% in its 2025 fiscal year.

Campbell's leaders expect its Goldfish crackers to be a key driver of growth and to ultimately become its largest brand by 2027.
Media |

By Caroline Bourque

Asad Syrkett has stepped down as editor in chief of Elle Decor after four years at the helm. Publisher Hearst Magazines confirmed the news to BOH and noted that a replacement would be shared soon. In the meantime, Stellene Volandes will continue to serve as the titles editorial director.

Syrketts tenure as the shelter magazines top editor began in 2020, several months after the departure of Whitney Robinson. From the first issue to hit newsstands under his leadership, the new editor in chief made a splashreimagining Nancy Lancasters iconic Yellow Room with an illustration by artist Rachelle Baker in which the blackamoor tables of the original were replaced with the figure of a Black woman gazing out at the viewer. The striking cover, paired with a powerful essay by poet Caroline Randall Williams about inheriting a collection of furniture from great-grandparents who survived the Jim Crow era, was an instant conversation-starter throughout the industry.

Its going to be a little uncomfortablebut I also want people to feel like Im inviting them to have the conversation with me, Syrkett told host Dennis Scully on The Business of Home Podcast at the time. [When people think of Elle Decor], I want them to say, Thats the brand thats having fun talking about decorating and design in ways that are about the industry and about whats happening in the design world but also whats happening and whats out in the world.

The role also granted Syrkett oversight of the A-List, the brands annual lineup of top professionals working in residential interiors, architecture and landscape design. This years list celebrated Elle Decors 35th anniversary, and reflected the editors goal of infusing a sense of modernity into the magazines foundation in traditional design. As Womens Wear Daily reported, the 2024 A-List roster of 101 industry pros trended toward a younger and more diverse cohort. That shift has also been reflected in the magazines changing readership, which grew 13 percent to more than 3 million in the first half of the year, with Gen Z and millennials (35-year-old Syrketts generation) making up the most ground.

As his term at Elle Decor continued, Syrkett dug deeper into his goal of democratizing design. Earlier this year, those efforts included a collaboration with the Brooklyn Museum on creating a more accessibility-focused design for the Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz Giants exhibition. I think people in general are more sophisticated than theyve ever been about their homes, their retail spaces, restaurants, hotels, the editor told WWD last month. And with so much design content on social media platforms, I always say, Well, what will make us gasp? What will surprise us and make us feel like, wow, Ive never seen a room like that? Because thats the thing thats going to get our audience excited, too. And I think it is a responsibility of any media outlet to keep the audience engaged by keeping them on their toes, by surprising them.

In an Instagram post this week, Syrkett announced that October 4 would be his last day on the job. He reflected on the milestones the magazine reached during his four-year tenure (32 print issues, countless digital stories and one Smithsonian acquisition later) and thanked both his editorial team and the design community for their continued support.

Whats next issomething new! Im letting conversations about my next adventure develop, and Im looking forward to taking time off, wrote Syrkett. Ill share an update eventually, but, for now, something more important: my thanks to each of you for following it all here.

The decision to step down as editor in chief of a top industry magazine after a brief tenure is relatively rare in the industry. The choice, like his many at the helm of Elle Decor, seems right in line with his views: If youre not ruffling any feathers, he told BOH in back in 2021, youre probably not doing what the moment deserves.

This story was updated on September 12 to include Asad Syrketts announcement on Instagram.

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ELMIRA, N.Y. (WETM)  Upwards of 75 students were out on the lawn of Elmira College on Wednesday, paying respect and remembrance to the lives lost during the Sept. 11 attacks on New York City, Shanksville Pennsylvania, and the Pentagon.

Since 2015, students at Elmira College have been placing around 3000 flags on the campus lawn to pay respects to each person who lost their life in the attacks.

Any student who had the time to attend the event joined local firefighters and law enforcement in placing the flags in the grass as cars rode by along Park Place.

Families gather at WTC to honor 9/11 victims, 23 years later

Some of the firefighters told 18 News that even though most of the Elmira Fire Department wasnt on the job at the time they signified the importance of continuing to remember those lost.

Its nice to see that 23 years later were still remembering those people that we lost, said Deputy Chief Daniel Lutz of the Elmira Fire Department. Police department, fire department, the students on campus are coming out and theyre really showing up and putting their remembrance out there, Lutz said.

As for the students, most of, if not all werent alive at the time of the attacks on 9/11, but still said its important to have continued remembrance.

Flight 93 National Memorial remembers 9/11 23 years later: Never Forget

I think it just brings the school closer together, said Bryan Stafford, a junior at Elmira College. It really just helps us remember what happened because most students on campus werent alive for 9/11, he said. Were pretty young, so just to see how important it is to the American people that we remember this tragedy just really shows how important it is to us to do this and remember it, Stafford said.

This was just one of the many events taking place throughout the Twin Tiers and across the country as we honor and remember September 11, 2001.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WETM - MyTwinTiers.com.
Elon Musk Makes Embarrassingly Stupid Claim: If Trump Loses, Humanity Will Never Make It to Mars

If he doesn't get his way, multi-hyphenate billionaire Elon Musk is willing to take his ball and go home.

In a stunningly idiotic tweet, Musk asserted that "every great endeavor, from high-speed rail between our cities to making life multiplanetary," would be made "effectively illegal" if vice president Kamala Harris were to beat former president Donald Trump in the upcoming election.

"We will never reach Mars if Kamala wins," he added.

Following a disastrous performance by Trump during Tuesday's first presidential debate, Musk has been on a tear on his social media platform, threatening to impregnate Taylor Swift and retweeting racist MAGA memes.

In that rocket crash of stupidity, his "never reach Mars" tweet might just take the cake.

First off, humanity already reached Mars, starting way back in 1971 when the Soviet Union  which unlike the center-left Harris was an actual communist country  touched down its historic Mars 3 lander on the Red Planet.

The even dumber context is that Harris has chaired the White House's National Space Council for years, where she's been a vocal advocate of NASA who's respected by its leadership. In fact, she almost picked a former NASA astronaut as her running mate.

In other words, Musk's outburst is the high-grade brain rot of a powerful low-information voter who's suddenly realizing that his chosen candidate may not make it into the White House after all.

Needless to say, Musk's opposition to Harris almost certainly has more to do with his personal hunger for power than anything involving space exploration.

He recently agreed to head a so-called "government efficiency commission" if Trump wins. What exactly such a commission would entail beyond haphazardly dismantling the US government from the inside out remains unclear.

"America is being slowly strangled to death by an accumulation of millions of regulations," Musk whined in a follow-up tweet. "Tens of thousands of new rules are added every year, but very few are ever removed."

"Eventually, everything becomes illegal," he added, nonsensically.

Over the weekend, Musk predicted that the space company's massive Starship rocket will start making regular trips to Mars in a matter of just two years. But the massive spacecraft has yet to launch into orbit and then safely land, making it a characteristically overzealous prediction.

"If those landings go well, then the first crewed flights to Mars will be in four years," he tweeted at the time.

In reality, SpaceX is built on hundreds of millions of dollars in government contracts awarded by both Republican and Democratic leadership.

Now that he's put all of his eggs in the basket of a bumbling racist septuagenarian, though, Musk seems to be bristling at the idea of having somebody in the White House who could hold him accountable for his increasingly bizarre behavior.

More on Elon Musk: Elon Musk Threatens to Impregnate Taylor Swift
Elon Musk, other conservatives say Arizona is awash in illegal voters. That isn't true

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Elon Musk, the billionaire business magnate who owns the social media site X, believes Arizona is awash in illegal, noncitizen voters.

It's a message the world's richest man has recently been blasting out often to his massive social media following  and he isn't alone. Republican state lawmakers, conservative groups and others have voiced concerns about illegal voting and how it could sway the election in the key battleground state.

"Arizona requires proof of citizenship to vote in state elections, but explicitly does not for federal elections," Musk said in July on X. "This is messed up."

There's just one problem with those claims: Evidence overwhelmingly shows that noncitizen voting is rare.

Here's what to know about Arizona's voter registration laws.

What did Musk say, and what prompted his concerns?

Musk's comments come years after former President Donald Trump and his allies made false claims of voting fraud in swing states during the 2020 presidential race, spurring a wave of election denialism across the nation.

Musk has long cultivated a relationship with Trump, who still denies the results of his prior presidential contest and recently echoed baseless allegations that noncitizen voting could sway the upcoming election. Musk also has donated tens of millions of dollars to America PAC, a pro-Trump political action committee.

Why is Arizona a focal point for election conspiracies?

Meanwhile, Arizona has become an epicenter for voting conspiracies  and legal challenges spurred by false election claims.

America First Legal, a Trump-aligned law firm, recently filed a revised version of a lawsuit that seeks to force county election officials to take extra steps to verify the citizenship status of thousands of Arizona voters. It is part of a larger battle raging in the desert over voter registration laws.

Elon Musk tweet

In response to the suit, Musk asked on X: "Arizona is refusing to remove illegals from voter rolls?"

A day later, Musk shared another announcement about the lawsuit, adding: "They are refusing to remove noncitizens from the voter rolls."

Do you have to be a citizen to vote in Arizona?

Yes, you must be a citizen to vote in U.S. elections.

Nationwide, registration forms generally require voters to attest that they are American citizens. Voters do so under the penalty of perjury, meaning they can be held criminally liable if they are found to have provided false information.

But Arizona also requires voters to hand over a birth certificate, a passport or one of a handful of other documents proving their citizenship.

Of the state's 4.1 million registered voters, about 42,000 haven't provided that proof, creating a unique, two-track system. Federal courts have repeatedly ruled that state lawmakers can block voters who have not shown citizenship documents from participating in state and local races, but must allow so-called "federal-only voters" to cast ballots in federal contests. That includes the upcoming presidential race, U.S. Senate contest and congressional matchups.

Recently, the U.S. Supreme Court said those registering to vote without proof of citizenship could only do so using a federal form, and that those using an Arizona-specific voter registration form could be rejected.

The decision limits  but does not entirely eliminate  Arizonans' ability to register to vote without providing proof of citizenship.

How do Arizona's voter registration laws compare to other states?

Arizona is the only state in the country that requires voters to provide documents proving their citizenship while registering to cast a ballot.

If federal-only voters register without proving citizenship, how do we know they are citizens?

Federal-only voters don't provide proof of citizenship with their registration forms  but they still go through other standard checks.

State law mandates that county recorders "use all available resources to verify the citizenship status" of those registering to vote. This includes checking the citizenship status of federal-only voters against an immigration status verification service provided by the Department of Homeland Security when practicable. That system requires specific identification numbers that county officials don't have for every federal-only voter.

Voter rolls are also routinely checked with information from the U.S. Social Security Administration, the U.S. Postal Service, the Arizona Department of Health Services, the Arizona Department of Transportation and the Maricopa County Jury Commissioners Office.

If another government agency tells election officials that a person registered to vote is a noncitizen, the person is removed from the voter list.

Studies have repeatedly shown that voter fraud is very rare. Noncitizens who attempt to vote risk fines and prison time. They also could risk deportation if they are in the country illegally, or impeding their naturalization process if they are applying for citizenship.

Who are federal-only voters?

A recent Votebeat analysis found that federal-only voters are disproportionately young people on college campuses who are without access to their citizenship documents.

Tribal voters and people who have changed their name also commonly lack access to proof of citizenship.

Until recently, birth certificates were often not issued to people born on reservations. Native American voters can use tribal identification cards to prove citizenship, but not every tribe provides them. Some of those that do charge for them.

Voters must provide additional legal documentation to prove their identity while signing up to cast ballots if their name doesn't match the one on their birth certificate. This often applies to women who married and took their husband's last name. A 2006 survey from the Brennan Center showed less than half of all female respondents with ready access to their birth certificates had one with their current legal name.

Sasha Hupka covers county government and election administration for The Arizona Republic. Reach her at sasha.hupka@arizonarepublic.com. Follow her on X: @SashaHupka. Follow her on Instagram or Threads: @sashahupkasnaps. Sign up for her weekly election newsletter, Republic Recount.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Elon Musk says noncitizens are voting in Arizona. That isn't true
Embry-Riddle ROTC hosts memorial stair climb to honor lives taken in 9/11 terror attacks

Its been 23 years since a tragedy that changed the United States forever.

On Wednesday, millions of people will stop to remember the lives taken on Sept. 11, 2001.

9-11 remembrance ceremonies will be held around the nation, including Ground Zero in New York City.

Read: Never forget: A guide to 9/11 remembrance events in Central Florida

Events will also be held around Central Florida.

The Embry-Riddle Aeronautical Army Reserve Officer Training Corps department met early Wednesday morning at the Daytona International Speedway to honor the firefighters who died saving lives.

Read: US commemorates 9/11 attacks with victims in focus, but politics in view

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.
EMMETSBURG, Iowa (KCAU)  Voters in the Emmetsburg Community School District have struck down a proposed levy limit increase, according to unofficial results.

The levy limit would have increased to $4.05 per $1,000 of taxable property value. The Emmetsburg Community School District said the vote was not a request to increase taxes, but rather would allow the district the option to raise the levy in the future.

Tuesdays vote would have been the first part of a potential two-step process. In November, voters would be asked to approve a nearly $30 million bond to fully replace West Elementary School with the construction of a brand new building.

You can view the full unofficial results below. The measure needed 60 percent to pass.

Vote count Percentage Yes 305 41.22% No 435 58.78%

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Enjoy food from around the world in Panama City

PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB)  A celebration of cultures and cuisines from all across the world will be held on Sunday, September 15th.

Seventh-day Adventist Church in Panama City is hosting its third annual International Veggie Food Festival beginning at 5 p.m.

You can satisfy your taste buds as food from Brazil, Cuba, the Philippines, Jamaica, and more will all be served up.

It is completely free to attend the festival and it is open to anyone interested, not just members of the church.

Panama City Beach non-profit helping those in need

The idea to host a festival like this originated when church leaders realized it would be the perfect way to bring the community together in a healthy way.

When we were thinking about, how can we come to our community and just connect with them in a very non-threatening way? PC Seventh-day Adventist Church Pastor Eddy Nunes said. It was through the festival that we were able to put together this idea to communicate our message from a health standpoint.

Along with all the food, there will be activities for kids, a prayer tent, and plenty of live music and cultural performances.

There will also be representatives from the Panama City Police Department, Gulf Coast State College, and the Blood Bus will be taking blood for anyone interested.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  El Paso Fire crews quickly contained what they called a residential fire in Central El Paso on Wednesday morning, Sept. 11, they said on their X social media account.

The fire happened at around 11:30 a.m. Wednesday at 1512 E. Wyoming and was initially called in as a Condition 2, meaning visible flames and smoke.

Crews are checking for hotspots. No injuries have been reported.

We will update this story when we learn more.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
Erie political analyst on what to know ahead of first Harris-Trump debate

Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump will face off Tuesday night in Philadelphia for the first and possibly only time before the election.

Dr. Joe Morris, political analyst at Mercyhurst University, said this is an opportunity for the vice president to re-introduce herself to the nation.

Almost 30% of Americans felt like they needed to know more about Kamala Harris, this is an opportunity for her to do exactly that, said Dr. Morris.

As for the former president, Morris said this is an opportunity for Trump to demonstrate that he is not the person that voters perceive him to be.

Preparations underway for Erie Countys 9/11 memorial on the Bayfront

Donald Trump has a tendency to speak off script and to say things that many people find offensive. This is an opportunity for him to demonstrate that hes in control of himself, he explained.

Local party leaders said there will be chances for the candidates to take aim at each other,

Her position has seemed to shift quite significantly on many of those issues, and I think for the public its really important to understand whether she has shifted or as Bernie Sanders, said shes making these statements because she wants to win the presidency, said Tom Eddy, chairman, Erie County Republican Party.

I think womens reproductive choice is certainly a huge issue and has been ever since Roe was overturned. Kamala Harris is right there, she will make abortion rights the law of the land if she gets the opportunity. While with Donald Trump, we can expect an abortion ban, said Sam Talarico, Erie County Democratic Party chair.

New Syrian Cultural Center opens its doors in Erie

Dr. Morris added Harris could be forced to defend President Bidens policies and actions during his presidency.

Donald Trump will probably do everything he can to tie Kamala Harris to Joe Bidens performance in office and Joe Biden was not a popular president, Dr. Morris said.

But Talarico said the party is excited to see how the vice president will conduct herself.

Shes very articulate she will be calm shell focus on the issues and were happy to have that contrast with Donald Trump, Talarico said.

Eddy also said he hopes everyone takes to the polls this election season to have a say in who will lead the country for the next four years.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com.
Footage of NFL star Tyreek Hill being detained by Miami-Dade officers earlier this week has again highlighted the sometimes contentious and fraught nature of what is a routine and everyday procedure in policing: the traffic stop.

Many traffic stops end without making headlines. But thanks to the ubiquity of cameras, the traffic stop in recent years has become the setting for many high-profile incidents between officers and motorists.

Hill was eventually released and went on to play in the Miami Dolphins season opener; he was cited for careless driving and a seatbelt violation, according to police. A similar case unfolded this spring, when the world No. 1 golfer Scottie Scheffler was arrested by officers directing traffic outside the PGA Championship after a fatal accident. Charges against Scheffler, who was accused of dragging an officer, were later dropped.

Other stops have had more tragic consequences, most notably for Black drivers.

A 2019 study of nearly 100 million stops nationwide found Black drivers were 20% more likely to get pulled over than White drivers. And earlier this year, a report released by the California Racial and Identity Profiling Advisory Board similarly found 12.5% of traffic stops in the state in 2022 involved drivers perceived by police to be Black, though Black people made up just 5.4% of the states population.

The disparity is not helped by the fact many high-profile killings of Black people in recent years began with a traffic stop  something Hill alluded in an interview with CNN Mondaywhile considering how the situation might have unfolded differently were he not famous.

Its the truth. If I wasnt Tyreek Hill, worst case scenario, we would have had a different article, Hill said. Tyreek Hill got shot in front of Hard Rock Stadium, thats the worst-case scenario.

Scottie Scheffler seen in handcuffs after his arrest. - Louisville Metro Police Department

But stops can also be dangerous for police, who often know nothing about the occupants of the vehicle and are conducting the stop while traffic speeds by them.

Its something you have to take into account when you make a stop, said Charles Ramsey, the former Philadelphia police commissioner and one-time chief of the Washington, DC, police. You dont know the individual; you dont know what they may have done prior to you stopping them. So, youre going to be cautious.

A danger for both motorists and police

For many, especially Black men, a traffic stop can be a stressful scenario  one theyve thought through each time a new headline emerges about someone being killed by a police officer.

Philando Castile was fatally shot in 2017 by a Minnesota officer who later said he feared Castile was reaching for a firearm he had in the vehicle, rather than a wallet or ID. Daunte Wright was also killed by a Minnesota officer in 2021 after he pulled away from a traffic stop  precipitated by an expired tag and illegal air freshener  when officers learned he had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. And this week, three former Memphis, Tennessee, officers went on trial for the fatal 2023 beating of Tyre Nichols, which also followed a traffic stop.

The risk, however, is not limited to those inside the car.

In February, a Tennessee deputy was fatally shot and another wounded when they conducted a traffic stop after dash camera video showed the vehicle appeared to cross the center line multiple times.

Officers being shot and killed and seriously injured doing stops is nothing new, any more than officers responding to domestic violence calls being shot and killed. Theyre both considered statistically a high-risk category in what we do, Thor Eells, executive director of the National Tactical Officers Association, told CNN in 2022, amid a rash of cases where multiple law enforcement officers were seriously injured in one week while conducting traffic stops.

De-escalation is key

The tenor of a traffic stop usually begins with the reason it was initiated in the first place, said Ramsey. An officer will approach the vehicle differently depending on whether the stop was prompted by a traffic violation or because the officer suspects the vehicle was involved in another crime.

The approach in a situation like that would be entirely different than what it should be in a typical stop, in terms of where the officers stand, the way in which they approach their driver, getting any passengers out of the car, that sort of thing, he said.

But when tensions do rise, the former police chief added, de-escalation is key, and the first step for an officer is telling the driver why theyve been stopped.

Its also important for an officer to speak in a calm voice, he said, and if a person seems a little agitated, you do what you can in terms of your verbal communication to try to settle them down a little bit.

As for motorists, Ramsey offered the same advice he gave his son when he got his drivers license: Stay in the car. Keep your hands visible. Roll down your window, and be cooperative if an officer asks for your license and registration.

Things start to calm down pretty quickly in most instances, he said. Even if you dont think you committed the violation, you can always argue that in court later.

The American Civil Liberties Union similarly urges drivers to remain calm and notes they have the right to remain silent, adding the burden of de-escalation does not fall on private citizens  it falls on police officers.

You may be able to reduce risk to yourself by staying calm and not exhibiting hostility toward the officers, the ACLU says. The truth is that there are situations where people have done everything they could to put an officer at ease, yet still ended up injured or killed.

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SANTIAGO (Reuters) -Chile's state copper miner Codelco said on Wednesday it reached early contract agreements with unions at its major El Teniente complex, as well as the Ministro Hales division.

Union negotiations at Chilean copper mines are being closely watched by analysts and investors since a strike last month at BHP's Escondida, the world's largest copper mine, which resulted in an improved bonus for workers.

The agreements at El Teniente, one of Codelco's biggest units, encompassed talks with five unions, representing nearly 3,150 workers. The new contract will take effect Nov. 1 and last through 2027.

Andres Music, general manager of El Teniente, said the deal will introduce new labor practices that are poised to increase the company's productivity.

"Codelco appreciates the climate of dialogue and understanding in which the negotiations were carried out," the company said in a statement, noting that it sought to balance business variables and safety with incentives and benefits for workers.

At Ministro Hales, a smaller division that produced 126,000 metric tons of copper last year, the new three-year contract will take effect in December.

Codelco did not detail the specific terms for either mine site.

(Reporting by Fabian Andres Cambero; Writing by Daina Beth Solomon; Editing by Sarah Morland and Alistair Bell)
A Bengal tiger that had been on the loose for nearly a week after escaping from a zoo in Mexico has been safely captured, Reynosa city officials confirmed.

Reynosa Mayor Carlos Pena Ortiz announced in a press release that the 220-pound tiger was caught overnight Tuesday in the city of Los Longoria, a Mexican border community across from Granjeno, Texas.

"The feline was caught without injuries thanks to the joint work of the Environmental Directorate and [Civil Protection and Firefighters Reynosa] who set a trap last night," Pena Ortiz said on Facebook.

Officials said after an extensive search and various attacks reported on other nearby animals, authorities placed three cages in the area of the tiger's sighting so they could complete the capture without causing harm to any animals.

MASSIVE 1,300-POUND ESCAPED BULL CAUSES HIGHWAY CRASH BEFORE CHARGING POLICE OFFICERS: SIGNIFICANT THREAT

A tiger that had escaped from a zoo in the Mexican border town of Reynosa has been safely captured after a weeklong search.

Several government agencies had been working with the Quinta La Fauna zoo, which reported the tiger had escaped Sept. 4.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

The city reported that zoo officials noticed the tiger was not in her cage around 8:30 that morning, and the mesh on the cage was destroyed, according to a news release by Mexican officials.

SHOCKING VIDEO CAPTURES MOMENT BULL LEAPS OVER FENCE AT RODEO, INJURING 4 SPECTATORS

A Bengal tiger has been captured after a weeklong search after it escaped from a Mexican border town zoo.

Over the weekend, there were several social media posts of reported sightings of the tiger north of the border, especially near Mission, Texas. However, none were confirmed by law enforcement, according to Border Report.

Officials in South Texas had been worried the tiger would swim across the Rio Grande and cross the border into the U.S.

TWO ESCAPED TIGERS RECAPTURED IN GEORGIA AFTER TORNADO DAMAGES ENCLOSURES AT ANIMAL SAFARI, OFFICIALS SAY

City officials confirmed a Bengal tiger had been captured in a Mexican border town after a weeklong search.

Tigers can swim up to seven miles per day, and the Rio Grande is only about 50 yards across at that location. However, reports indicate the tiger never left Mexico.

CLICK TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

"The Quinta La Fauna Zoo, in Reynosa, can no longer protect the specimen that escaped from its facilities, so it will be transferred to the Tamatan Zoo, in Ciudad Victoria, Tamaulipas," city officials said.

City officials added that Tamatan has the appropriate facilities and personnel to protect the animal.





Original article source: Escaped zoo tiger captured in Mexico after weeklong search near Texas border town
The Court of Justice of the European Union has refused to lift European sanctions against Russian oligarchs Gennady Timchenko and his wife Elena, Mikhail Fridman, Petr Aven and German Khan.

Source: the EU Court of Justice judgement on 11 September, European Pravda reports

Details: After the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, sanctions were imposed on Timchenko, Friedman, Aven and Khan. They are required to declare their assets and cooperate with the competent national authorities in the EU.

Afterwards, the plaintiffs tried to prove in court that they had no connection to Russia's war in Ukraine. The Russian oligarchs argued that the EU Council has no right to impose any additional obligations on the sanctions list.

For example, Timchenko argued in his lawsuit that his close ties with Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin did not mean that he was an ally in the war in Ukraine.

However, the EU Council's lawyers insisted that Timchenko, who is referred to in the media as Putin's "main treasurer", contributes to the Russian economy through his connections at Rossiya Bank.

As the court explained, due to the increasing complexity of sanctions evasion schemes, the EU Council adopted a regulation on 21 July 2022 that obliges reporting of funds and cooperation with competent authorities. Failure to comply with these obligations is considered circumvention of sanctions.

"In practical terms, the aim is to prevent use being made of complex legal and financial arrangements capable of making it, if not easier to circumvent measures, then at least more difficult for the competent national authorities to identify the funds or economic resources subject to restrictive measures.," the EU court said in a press release.

The National Settlement Depository (NSD) of Russia, which is the main safekeeper of Russian securities and plays a significant role in the functioning of the Russian financial market, also failed to challenge the European sanctions.

As noted in the court's decision, NSD provides financial services that are of significant value to both the Russian government and the Russian Central Bank.

"This company provides the Russian government with quantitative and qualitative significant material or financial support, providing it with its financial resources in order to continue its activities to undermine Ukraine," the court's judgement said.

Background:

In April, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) annulled the EU Council's decision of 28 February 2022 to impose sanctions against Aven and Friedman. The court stated that the basis for including the Russian oligarchs in the sanctions list was not sufficiently substantiated.

The CJEU decision did not apply to later decisions of the EU Council, so the sanctions against these two Russians are still in force. They are also sanctioned by the United States, the United Kingdom, Ukraine and other countries due to their proximity to Russian leader Vladimir Putin.

Aven and Friedman are shareholders in Alfa Group, of which Alfa Bank, one of Russia's largest banks, is a part. Aven also holds Latvian citizenship and has resided in Latvia with his family since the beginning of Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

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EU ready for end of Russian gas transit via Ukraine, commissioner says

Europe is "fully committed" to phasing out Russian gas and is "ready to live without this Russian gas coming from the Ukrainian transit route," EU Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson said on Sept. 11, during a press conference on the EU Energy Report 2024.

Ukraine currently transits Russian gas to the EU as part of a deal signed in 2019, which is set to expire in December 2024. Europe and Ukraine are in talks with Azerbaijan to replace Russia as a supplier.

Russia cut much of its pipeline gas transit to Europe in 2022, but countries like Austria, Hungary, and Slovakia remain heavily reliant on Russian imports.

Ending the transit of Russian gas through Ukraine represents a first step toward "completing the phase-out of Russian gas," Simson said.

According to Simson, the EU "used to import 150 billion cubic meters of gas from Russia every year, and it is now less than 50 (billion)."

"Our dependency from Russia dropped from 45% in 2021 to 15% last year," Simson said.

Europeans have also decreased their consumption of gas by 18% between 2022 and 2024, Simson said.

News emerged over the summer that the EU and Kyiv have identified Azerbaijan as a potential replacement gas supplier.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said on Sept. 6 that negotiations are underway with the EU, Moscow, and Kyiv to transit Azeri gas after Ukraine stops transiting Russian gas.

Gas supplies from Azerbaijan would have to first transit through southern Russia before reaching Ukraine.

"Russia, Ukraine, and European institutions have approached us in connection with the continuation of gas transit through the territory of Ukraine," Aliyev said. "For several months we have been making great efforts to come to a common denominator."

Read also: UK sanctions 10 Russian shadow vessels involved in oil trade

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EU Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson speaks during a press conference on the State of the Energy Union Report 2024. Aurore Martignoni/European Commission/dpa

The European Union is prepared to do without Russian gas imports transported through Ukraine after the current transit agreement expires at the end of the year, EU Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson said on Wednesday.

The contract for the transit of Russian gas through Ukraine, which has been upheld despite the ongoing war, ends on December 31.

Despite far-reaching economic sanctions, some EU countries still buy gas from Moscow.

Russian supplies currently account for 18% of gas imports to the EU, down from 45% in 2021, Simson said.

Preparations for the end of the deal started months ago and alternative supply routes have been found, she stated.

There is "no need ... to prolong trade with Gazprom," the commissioner said, adding that Brussels was assisting companies with long-term contracts with the Russian state-owned gas company to find other suppliers.

Russian President Vladimir Putin stated last week that Moscow was prepared to continue gas supplies to Europe through Ukraine.

Kiev however said it does not intend to prolong the agreement with Russia, but could possibly allow the transit of gas from Central Asia or Azerbaijan.

The other ways Russian gas reaches the bloc is either through Turkey or by sea in the form of liquefied natural gas (LNG), Simson said.

In 2023, Norway and the United States were the EU's top gas suppliers followed by Russia, according to EU figures. Other large suppliers included North African countries, the UK and Qatar.

EU Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson speaks during a press conference on the State of the Energy Union Report 2024. Aurore Martignoni/European Commission/dpa
UK Electronic Travel Authorisation: When will the new visa-free entry system apply to Europeans?

UK Electronic Travel Authorisation: When will the new visa-free entry system apply to Europeans?

The UK's Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) will soon apply to visitors from from Europe, Australia, the US and Canada.

It requires tourists to gain permission to enter the country as part of plans to fully digitise its borders by 2025.

The Home Office began rolling out the scheme last November for nationals of Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

It has now been announced when it will apply to other nationalities - including Europeans.

Here's everything we know so far.

Related

When will EU travellers need to apply for an ETA to visit the UK?

Visitors from Qatar were the first to be able to apply for the UK's new ETA scheme, starting on 15 November 2023.

Visitors from the Gulf Cooperation Council states and Jordan were the next group from February 2024.

Previously, nationals of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates could apply for a single-use Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) instead of a visa to enter the UK. This cost 30 (34.30) and was valid for up to six months.

The ETA scheme has now entirely replaced the EVW scheme, offering a lower cost option with multi-entry validity, according to the UK government.

This week, the Home Office announced that the ETA will open up to all other nationalities, except Europeans, this November and be required for entry from 8 January 2025.

Europeans, meanwhile, will be required to have an ETA for travel from 2 April 2025, with applications opening up in March.

How do I apply for an ETA to enter the UK?

Once the scheme applies to your country, you will need to fill in an online application form that will grant you permission to enter the UK. Most visitors will be able to apply using a mobile app with a swift decision on their application, according to the government.

You'll need a valid biometric passport from an eligible country, travel details, an email address and a credit or debit card. You will also have to answer a set of suitability questions.

Like the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) in the US, a small fee is attached to the application process. This will be set at 10 (11.66).

Travellers are advised to apply at least few days before their planned journey and approval should be granted within 72 hours.

Related

Will I need a visa to enter the UK?

The ETA isn't a visa but it does grant permission to enter the country.

All visitors who currently don't have to apply for a visa will need to get an ETA before they travel. This includes those who do not currently need to make any form of application to visit to the UK - meaning US, Canadian, Australian and European citizens will require an ETA even for short stays.

If you don't apply before your trip, you could be fined. UK and Irish passport holders wont need an ETA.

Travellers from countries that don't have visa-free entry agreements with the UK will still have to apply for the correct visa and an ETA.

Your ETA will be valid for up to six months or two years with a valid UK visa. This means you won't have to apply for new permission to travel if you visit the UK again within the valid time period.

Related

Why is the UK introducing the ETA scheme?

The ETA is part of the UK's plan to digitise its borders at UK airports by the end of 2025.

Some passengers may be able to enter the country without using an electronic passport gate or speaking to a Border Force officer. Instead, they will likely have to upload a photo of themselves and submit it to the Home Office before they travel.

The scheme is intended to reduce queues at the border, helping to speed up legitimate journeys to the UK.

Facial recognition technology could be used to make these contactless corridors possible, British newspaper The Times reports. It would require international travellers to submit biographic and biometric details, like photos of their faces through the new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme before they fly.
The share of Russian gas in the European Unions imports has sharply decreased since the beginning of Russia's war against Ukraine, and the EU is prepared to fully eliminate supplies from Moscow.

Source: EU Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson, as reported by European Pravda

Simson reported that the share of Russian gas in EU imports dropped from 45% in 2021 to 18% by June 2024, while imports from reliable partners such as Norway and the USA have increased.

Quote: "We are no longer at the mercy of Putins pipelines, and we keep standing by our Ukrainian partners as winter approaches," she emphasised.

At the same time, Simson highlighted that European companies have the right to use Ukrainian gas infrastructure, as there are no sanctions against this and there is interest from the Ukrainian side.

The Energy Unions 2024 report notes that energy prices are more stable and remain significantly lower than the peak levels of the 2022 energy crisis.

Read more: Why Ukraine's decision on Russia's Lukoil is a problem but not a catastrophe

The contract for the transit of Russian gas through Ukraine ends at the end of 2024, and Kyiv has no intentions to extend it.

Background:

In July, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine is negotiating with Azerbaijan about supplying natural gas to the EU, aiming to maintain its role as a transit country.

In mid-July, Slovakia and Hungary announced that Ukraine had halted the transit of oil from the Russian company Lukoil. The reason was sanctions imposed by Kyiv against this Russian company. Although Budapest claimed that Ukraines decision violated the Association Agreement, the EU did not agree.

On 2 September, it was reported that Ukraines sanctions against the Russian company Lukoil, according to the European Commission, do not threaten energy flows to Hungary.

On 9 September, Hungarian energy company Mol Nyrt. announced that it had reached an agreement to ensure the continuation of Russian oil supplies through a pipeline that runs through Ukrainian territory.

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European schools crack down on mobile phone use over health concerns

A student sits at a desk with her cell phone and school supplies. Worried about the impact on young peoples' health, many schools across Europe are introducing bans on mobile phones. While there are no EU-wide rules, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has also sounded the alarm. Sven Hoppe/dpa

European countries are increasingly raising concerns about the excessive use of mobile phones, social media and other forms of digital communication among young people  with some moving towards banning or restricting mobile phones in schools.

Recent studies have highlighted alarming links between excessive screen time and the consequent negative impact on the mental health and academic performance of children and young people.

For example, a study by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) advised limited and responsible use of mobile phones in schools.

In July, after her re-election for a second term as European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen vowed to tackle social media addiction and cyberbullying, referring to widespread concerns about the negative impact on mental health and well-being.

We see more and more reporting on what some call a mental health crisis, von der Leyen said. We will convene the first-ever European-wide enquiry on the impact of social media on the wellbeing of young people. We owe it to them, she added.

On cyberbullying, von der Leyen said: My heart bleeds when I read about young people harming themselves or even taking their lives because of online abuse.

Keeping mobile devices out of sight

While the European Union has been increasingly aware of the negative effects of social media and mobile phone use among young people, there are no EU-wide rules to tackle these issues.

Instead, rules vary by country.

Some European countries are considering or have already introduced bans on mobile phones in schools or restrictions on their use during school hours.

Schools in the Netherlands enacted a complete nationwide ban on mobile phones.

In Dutch secondary school classrooms, phones have been forbidden since the beginning of the year, a measure that has now been extended to primary schools from the start of the new school year in September.

Phones may still be used in class if they are necessary for a lesson like learning about media skills or if pupils need them for medical reasons or due to a disability.

At 180 of the middle schools that French children attend between the ages of eleven and 15, a scheme is being trialled to ban the use of mobile phones during the entire school day.

The trial of the so-called digital pause, which encompasses more than 50,000 pupils, is being implemented ahead of a possible plan to enforce it nationwide from 2025.

Right now, pupils in French middle schools must turn off their phones. The experiment takes things further, requiring children to hand in their phones on arrival.

It is part of a move by French President Emmanuel Macron to reduce the amount of time children spend in front of screens, which the government fears is hindering their development.

In Belgium, mobile phones will be banned in classrooms of hundreds of French-speaking schools in Brussels and Wallonia starting this school year.

The plans were announced by the francophone regions new government over the summer.

In the Dutch-speaking region of Flanders, however, there is no general ban on phones in schools, but some schools have decided to introduce prohibitions on their own.

In Greece, students are required to keep their mobile phones in their school bags at all times during lessons.

Clearly visible possession and use of mobile phones is prohibited even during breaks and a violation could lead to a one-day suspension.

Last week, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis did not rule out the possibility that students would be forced to lock their mobile phones away and collect them after school hours.

In Italy, mobile phones are banned from classrooms starting this school year, under a decree issued by Prime Minister Giorgia Melonis right-wing administration in July.

In several regions in Spain, bans and restrictions on mobile phones in school have already been in place, such as the Communities of Madrid, Galicia, Castilla-La Mancha, Andalusia and Extremadura.

In January, the State School Council of Spain  the highest consultative body of the government in the educational field  unanimously approved a veto on the use of mobile phones in primary education and limitations for secondary education.

In Slovenian primary and secondary schools, it is up to each individual school to restrict the use of mobile devices. Internal rules vary from school to school, but few have banned the use of mobile devices completely.

According to experts, a first step towards reducing screen use would be to set national guidelines.

In Croatia, while there are no uniform national rules, some schools have decided to prohibit the use of mobile phones by students the entire time they are at school.

These include schools in several Croatian cities: Zagreb, Split, Rijeka, Osijek, Zadar. One school in Split also introduced a ban on bringing mobile phones to school, claiming that a simple ban on using it was not enough.

The content of this article is based on reporting by AFP, AMNA, dpa, EFE, FENA, HINA, STA, and TT as part of the European Newsroom (enr) project.

A student holds a mobile phone during a lesson at a classroom. Worried about the impact on young peoples' health, many schools across Europe are introducing bans on mobile phones. While there are no EU-wide rules, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has also sounded the alarm. Jens Kalaene/zb/dpa
Europe's biggest airline boss is calling for the resignation of a top air traffic controller over flight chaos in London

Europe's biggest airline boss is calling for the resignation of a top air traffic controller over flight chaos in London

Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary called for the UK air traffic control boss to resign after flight chaos.

Over 500 flights were delayed at London Gatwick and Heathrow due to bad weather and staff shortages.

On Tuesday, London Gatwick Airport's CEO backed ATC chief Martin Rolfe to improve standards.

Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary has called for the boss of UK air traffic control to resign in the wake of flight chaos.

More than 45% of flights out of London Gatwick and London Heathrow Airports  totalling over 500  were delayed on Sunday, according to FlightAware data.

At Gatwick, where Ryanair operates some flights, 57 flights were canceled, per FlightAware.

Sunday saw bad weather in London but there were also staff shortages in air traffic control.

O'Leary blamed Martin Rolfe, the CEO of NATS, which provides air traffic control services in the UK.

"This is the latest in a long line of cock-ups by UK NATS, which has yet again disrupted multiple flights and thousands of passengers at Gatwick," the Ryanair boss said. "Airlines and passengers deserve better."

He added, "Ryanair again calls on UK NATS chief executive Martin Rolfe to step down and allow someone competent to run an efficient UK ATC service, which airlines and passengers are entitled to expect."

It's not the first time the outspoken boss of Europe's busiest airline has publicly criticized Rolfe.

After air traffic controller shortages during a national holiday last summer, O'Leary called for Rolfe to step down. In a statement, he referred to the regulator's report that 700,000 passengers were disrupted.

At a Tuesday press conference with Wizz Air, the CEO of London Gatwick Airport also answered questions about NATS.

"I can assure you that step by step, they're getting stronger," Stewart Wingate said.

"I remain confident that they will overall deliver very good levels of service, but will not rest until they offer seamless service to ourselves, our airlines and our passengers," he added.

In a statement shared with Business Insider, NATS said, "We are very sorry for Sunday's disruption which was also disappointing for our highly professional Gatwick team, who are doing all they can to provide a seamless 24/7 service."

They added that when Gatwick appointed the organization to improve ATC performance, "everyone knew we had inherited a staff shortage that would take time to fix."

Read the original article on Business Insider
TOPEKA (KSNT)  Communities across northeast Kansas are remembering the lives that were lost 23 years ago in the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center Towers.

Fort Riley

Fort Riley, along with the 1st Infantry Division, will host a 9/11 Commemoration Ceremony at 10 a.m. on Wednesday To remember those who perished on September 11, 2001, including the first responders, as well as the military men and women who gave their lives in service to this country during the Global War on Terrorism; and to honor those who serve today in the military and as first responders in our communities, according to a news release from a Fort Riley spokesperson.

There will be a wreath laying, three-volley salute and the playing of Taps at the Global War on Terrorism Monument, the monument is a small replica of the World Trade Center Towers on a pentagon-shaped base.

Art exhibits highlight African American History in Topeka will soon open

Junction City

Junction City is hosting a remembrance ceremony for the community. Starting at 5 p.m., food will be served to community members before a ceremony begins at 5:30 p.m. The event will be held at City Hall, 700 N. Jefferson St. Junction City, KS, 66641.

Schools in the USD 475 school district are hosting freedom walks as a way to commemorate 9/11. According to Matt Hoover, USD 475 Communications Coordinator, some schools in the district will have an assembly learning about the impact 9/11 had on America, sing patriotic songs then walk carrying American flags or items students have made for troops.

Its really important for our kiddos with over 50 percent of our students being military students, they truly understand for the most part what 9/11 was all about, Hoover said. Its huge for the district to continue to educate our students about 9/11 especially with us being so connected to Military with five of our schools being on Fort Riley.

Hoover told 27 News parents of students can participate in the walks, as well as soldiers and other personnel. A list of USD 475 school and the times of their freedom walks are listed below:

Wednesday, Sept. 11 Morning

8:15 a.m. at Spring Valley Elementary

8:15 a.m. at Sheridan Elementary

8:30 a.m. at Fort Riley Middle School

8:30 a.m. at Washington Elementary

9 a.m. at Lincoln Elementary

9 a.m. at Seitz Elementary

10:30 a.m. at Early Childhood Center Morning Classes

10:45 a.m. at Grandview Elementary

Wednesday, Sept. 11 Afternoon

1:30 p.m. at Ware Elementary

1:30 p.m. at Westwood Elementary

2 p.m. at Fort Riley Elementary

2 p.m. at Morris Hill Elementary

2:45 p.m. at Milford Elementary

3 p.m. at Early Childhood Center Afternoon Classes

Major Topeka intersection to close for months

Topeka

Topeka Public Schools Junior ROTC cadets across the capital city will be remembering the heroes of 9/11 with different events. Highland Park, Topeka High, and Topeka West will hold flag raising ceremonies and moments of silence to honor the fallen heroes of the terrorist attack. A list of the times of each ceremony are listed below:

Topeka High School Flag Raising Ceremony & Moment of Silence

7:15 a.m. in front of the school

800 SW 10th St.

Topeka West High School Flag Raising Ceremony & Moment of Silence

8:40 a.m. in front of the school

2000 SW Fairlawn Rd.

Highland Park High School Flag Raising Ceremony & Moment of Silence

8:45  9:14 a.m. in front of the school

2424 SE California Ave.

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AUSTINTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  Thousands lost their lives on September 11th, 2001, and every year, people gather to remember them.

Read next: Who are the 9/11 victims from the Valley?

Mahoning Valley 9/11 Memorial Park on South Raccoon Road in Austintown was created to honor the lives lost on 9/11. Its across from the Austintown Middle School and has spots dedicated to the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, as well as memorials to first responders.

A service was held there on Wednesday morning. The Austintown Beautification Committee hosted this event.

J.R. Blakeman was the special guest. He is a Marine Corps veteran and he served as a law enforcement officer in the area until he retired in 2015.

The Austintown Fitch Band and Choir, as well as the Springfield High Choir, was also part of the ceremony.

In Boardman, young children came together to commemorate something that happened when their parents were grade schoolers.

Students and teachers invited local first responders to the annual Patriots Day ceremony at Stadium Elementary. As part of the program, Principal Michael Zoccoli gave the kids an assignment to thank first responders they met.

I think just a little thank you. Even as adults, many times, we get lost in that, and I think thats something that any 5-, 6-, 40-, 50-year-old can do on a regular basis because these are the individuals that are keeping us safe and protecting us and our families, Zoccoli said.

The program finished with some of the third graders planting a tree on school property to honor those who serve their community and those who died on this day 23 years ago.

The Vienna Volunteer Fire Department will host their 9/11 memorial service at the fire station at 6 p.m. In 2011, the department obtained two beams from the World Trade Center and is now on permanent display.

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As a leading producer of graphite, lithium and refined copper, China has an increasingly dominant position in critical mineral supply chains.

With the necessity for these minerals driven by advanced technology and renewable energy capacity, the countrys increasing control both domestically and internationally in regions like Africa raises concerns about diminishing access for Western nations and mining companies.

Jon Harrison, managing director for emerging markets macro strategy at TS Lombard says that over the last seven years, China has gradually tightened its control over rare earth and critical minerals, from processing to licensing and regulation, resulting in curtailed foreign company access to mining and other technologies.

Chinas share of the critical mineral market

According to data from the International Energy Agency (IEA), China accounts for approximately 80% of natural graphite and 60% of mined magnet rare earths. However, its growing dominance in the worlds supply chains is primarily driven by its large refining and processing capabilities.

Amrita Dasgupta, energy and mineral supply chain analyst at the IEA, explains that China is the leading producer of refined copper, lithium, cobalt, graphite and magnet rare earths.

According to Dasgupta, the country produces 99% of battery-grade graphite, more than 60% of lithium chemical, 40% of refined copper, over 80% of refined magnet rare earths and 70% of refined cobalt today, while also dominating the entire graphite anode supply chain end-to-end.

Exemplifying Chinas extending control in numerous critical mineral markets is the countrys position in the copper, lithium, and nickel markets, respectively.

Shobhan Dhir, IEA critical mineral analyst, notes that China is likely to maintain its dominance in the refined copper market to 2040 while overtaking Peru in the global mined supply of copper.

Similarly, IEA critical minerals and methane analyst Alexandra Hegarty explains that, within the nickel market, China is also expected to maintain its position as a dominant producer of refined metal. She highlights sustained Chinese control internationally, stating: Although Indonesia currently accounts for 52% of global mined nickel production, in 2023, Chinese companies owned 40% of the production of mined nickel in Indonesia.

Zooming in on Chinas efforts to develop domestic lithium supply, IEA critical minerals analyst Eric Buisson adds that the Chinese share of lithium mining has increased from 6% in 2016 to 17% in 2023, with a prediction that China will overtake Chile as the worlds second-largest lithium producer in the mid-2020s.

Story continues

Internal and external investment

The importance of critical minerals for China has driven an acceleration of Chinese investment into the mining sector, both domestically and internationally, says Dhir, who adds that Chinese investment into the metal and mining sector related to its Belt and Road initiative reached its highest level in a decade in 2023 at $19.4bn (138bn yuan), representing a 160% increase from 2022.

China has also been significantly investing in and acquiring overseas mines, particularly in Africa, with $10bn invested in the first half of 2023.

In African nations, the investment has been targeting the creation of new lithium supply chains, where out of the seven lithium assets in Africa that are expected to start production by 2027, five have at least 50% equity ownership by Chinese companies, say Hegarty and IEA research assistant Yun Young Kim.

Chinese companies (red on map) have invested significantly in both domestic and international mine projects. Map shows mine location and headquarters country of private equity owner. Credit: GlobalData.

What is motivating Chinas investment?

To understand Chinas position in the global critical minerals market, it is important to have some background on Chinas stronghold in clean energy technology manufacturing, explains Dasgupta.

Today, China produces two-thirds of the worlds electric vehicles (EVs), 85% of battery cell productions, and 90% of cathode and 98% of anode material production capacity globally, while also leading the production of solar panels, wind turbines and hydrogen electrolysers.

Francesca Gregory, senior energy transition analyst at GlobalData, explains that Chinas focus on renewable power and battery technology is part of the economic superpowers strategy to target high-growth industries and fuel the next stage of its economic growth. China is expected to allocate a staggering $6trn to green investment in its 14th Five-Year Plan.

As part of its strategy to become a green technology pioneer, the country has become a critical mineral monolith, says Gregory.

According to Gregory, Chinas strong position is exemplified in its dominance of lithium and materials in the solar photovoltaic (PV) value chain with key materials such as silicon.

Lithiums importance to the energy storage and EV markets has stoked concerns of single-source dependence in the future as geopolitical relations remain fractious globally, she comments.

Lithium will remain indispensable in the longer term, with GlobalData estimating that lithium-reliant energy storage projects will reach 54 gigawatt-hours of capacity by 2030 and global annual BEV [battery electric vehicles] sales expected to exceed 36 million by 2030.

While silicon is not a rare mineral, Gregory highlights that polysilicon production and solar PV manufacturing facilities are heavily concentrated too. She adds: China alone accounts for an 80% share across the various manufacturing stages of solar panels, including raw material processing and polysilicon production.

Gregory continues: In a global energy system that has experienced significant price volatility due to geopolitics, single-source supply risks within technologies such as solar PV and batteries create the potential for new forms of energy dependence.

Effect on the mining industry

Tom Moerenhout, a research scholar at Columbia School of International Public Affairs Centre on Global Energy Policy, explains that Chinas dominance in the processing of critical minerals has allowed it to push down prices to below any matchable level, increasing the rest of the worlds reliance on Chinese exports of these minerals.

With substantial cost advantages and increasing control over critical minerals in Africa, Stewart Worthy, partner at Dorsey & Whitney, who specialises in mining and materials mergers and acquisitions, explains that Western mining companies are now looking at other strategies to remain competitive.

Western mining companies are now taking a longer view of the energy transition, including by looking to potentially introduce a two-tier pricing system with a premium for sustainably produced metals, he says. It remains to be seen whether this comes to fruition, and if so, what  if any  effect it would have on Chinese mining companies business.

US-China Trade War

Chinas increasing dominance not only has ramifications for the mining industry but, given the minerals significance to modern business and technology, also plays a key role in the ongoing China-US trade war.

In response to Chinas export-led growth model, in which critical minerals constitute a significant part, the US has increasingly implemented measures to attempt to decouple itself from Chinas economy.

TS Lombards Jon Harrison says that, while China rarely used to leverage its dominant position in the critical mineral supply chain for geopolitical ends, since 2017, it has gradually tightened its control over rare earths and other critical minerals, imposing licensing and regulatory requirements, limiting foreign companies access to mining, processing and related technology.

He says that Chinas leveraging of dominance in the critical mineral supply chains is in response to US measures to curb Chinas access to advanced technologies.

Similarly, Moerenhout notes that, while this plays into the tit-for-tat games of trade restrictions between China and the US, its dominance also allows Chinese companies the ability to push down prices and reduce competition of companies outside of China to levels that are economically unsustainable for other businesses to operate at.

Moerenhout adds that the export restrictions have accelerated over the past year, expanding not just from restrictions on the semiconductor industry but also in the battery supply chain and national security supply chains such as those for the valuable semi-metal antimony.

"Chinas role as critical mineral monolith supplying the tech industry" was originally created and published by Verdict, a GlobalData owned brand.







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SPENCER, Iowa (KCAU)  An Everly, Iowa man was killed in a crash about five miles west of Spencer on Wednesday.

According to a crash report, a man was following a Chrysler Town and Country on his Harley-Davidson going east on 350th Street when he rear-ended the Town and Country.

Man injured as trailer declared total loss in North Sioux City fire

The crash report says the man was thrown from the motorcycle and then hit by a Chevy Silverado that was heading west on 350th Street.

The motorcyclist, identified as Douglas Nielsen, 54, was declared dead at the scene and transported to a local funeral home.

The other two vehicles were towed from the scene.

The incident is being investigated by the Iowa State Patrol which was assisted by the Clay County Sheriffs Office, Fostoria Fire Department, Spencer Fire and Ambulance Departments, and Buds Towing.

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NEW YORK  A Brooklyn man convicted of brutally murdering tech entrepreneur Fahim Saleh, dismembering his body with an electric saw in a depraved effort to conceal the July 2020 killing  and the theft of more than $400,000  was sentenced Tuesday to 40 years to life in prison.

The steep sentence for Tyrese Haspil, 25, was handed down at a packed Manhattan Supreme Court proceeding less than two months after a jury found him guilty of first-degree murder, grand larceny, concealment of a human corpse and related counts.

In a stunning turn of events more than two hours into the hearing, Haspil said he disagreed with his lawyers impassioned plea to spare him from dying in prison, and told the judge the back-to-back 25-year terms requested by prosecutors would represent justice served.

Unlike my counsel, Haspil said, I dont think anything less than life without parole would be appropriate.

Before imposing the sentence, Manhattan Supreme Court Justice April Newbauer said Haspil appeared to be driven primarily by greed.

It seems like money played a major role in the answer. One person had it, another took it and wanted to keep taking it without consequences, at all costs. This is the very essence of greed, Newbauer said.

Saleh, 33, who was raised in Poughkeepsie, New York, by his Bangladeshi parents, co-founded two companies, including the Nigerian motorcycle ride-sharing service Gokada.

He hired Haspil as an entrepreneurial assistant in May 2018, and first caught him stealing from him months before the July 10, 2020, murder inside his Lower East Side condo. Saleh decided not to report Haspil to police, instead offering a plan to repay him over time, jurors heard at trial.

My brother took a chance on you, a chance you did not deserve, Salehs younger sister, Rifayat Saleh, said in an emotional victim impact statement. Youre a con man, and youre a murderer. I have no sympathy for you.

Haspil quit his job in 2019 fearing Saleh would find out how much he had stolen from his companies in two rackets that raked in at least $400,000. Jurors heard of the pains he took for months planning the grisly killing as he feared Saleh would uncover one of the schemes.

The night of the murder, he quietly followed someone in Salehs building and waited for the victim to return from a run, jurors heard at trial. He followed him into an elevator that opened into Salehs apartment and tased him in the back before fatally stabbing him in the neck and torso.

Haspil came back the next day to clean up the crime scene and dismember Salehs body with an electric saw  leaving to buy a charger at Home Depot on W. 23rd St. when the saws battery ran out.

Salehs cousin visited the apartment in the interim and discovered his butchered remains, missing his arms, leg, and head. Haspel was arrested about a week later at an Airbnb hed rented for himself and his girlfriend.

Haspil continued to steal from his victim in death, jurors heard at the trial. The victims relatives called him out on Tuesday for wearing a suit to trial that he purchased with Salehs stolen money.

Even after the defendant stole from him to fund a lavish lifestyle, Mr. Saleh still gave him a second chance, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said in a statement, describing the victim as a kind, generous and empathetic person who positively impacted the world.

In requesting a lenient sentence, Haspils attorney, Sam Roberts, said he had shown genuine remorse and horror at his actions and had been forthcoming with prosecutors.

Roberts said Haspil had experienced significant trauma that he personally underplayed. His maternal grandmother raised him after his mother was institutionalized when he was a child. He then ended up in the foster care system, where he was subjected to abuse, Roberts said.

He has never once tried to wiggle out from underneath this, Roberts said. Hes a young man whos still trying to understand how this happened and who he was during those fateful months.

Roberts pointed out that prosecutors were essentially requesting a term of life without parole  in complete contradiction to a policy never to do so by DA Bragg, who sat in the courtrooms back row throughout the hourslong hearing.

It is a de facto life sentence, Roberts said.

___________
Democrat Maggie Goodlander, a former Department of Justice (DOJ) official in the Biden administration, has won her partys primary for retiring Rep. Annie Kusters (D-N.H.) seat in the House, according to Decision Desk HQ.

Goodlander, whos married to national security adviser Jake Sullivan, defeated former state Executive Councilor Colin Van Ostern (D), Kusters chosen successor, in the Democratic contest for New Hampshires 2nd Congressional District.

The race had become increasingly fraught in its closing weeks, exposing rifts within the party. While Van Ostern had the backing of Kuster, Goodlander was supported by Hillary Clinton and EMILYs List.

Tensions in the primary rose in particular after Van Ostern released an ad featuring Kuster that called into question Goodlanders support of reproductive rights, something Goodlander forcefully pushed back on.

The win puts Goodlander on a path to win one of New Hampshires two House seats, both of which have been blue since 2016.

A forecast model from Decision Desk HQ gives Goodlander an 87 percent chance of winning the district in a test against Republican Lily Williams, one of the contenders in Tuesdays crowded GOP primary. Cook Political Report rates the seat as likely Democrat.

Goodlander served in the DOJ as a deputy assistant attorney general overseeing work in the antitrust division until mid-2022. She jumped in the race this spring, after Kuster announced plans to retire.

Primaries on Tuesday in New Hampshire, Delaware and Rhode Island represent the last primary contests of the cycle, kick-starting the eight-week stretch until Election Day.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Appointed Orange-Osceola State Attorney Andrew Bain and his suspended predecessor Monique Worrell engaged in a fiery debate ahead of an election to become the regions next chief prosecutor  a day after a lawsuit accused Republican officials of illegal meddling in the race.

The debate, hosted by the League of Women Voters of Orange County, tackled issues that plagued Worrells term ahead of her suspension by Gov. Ron DeSantis  namely, whether Bains appointment to the post, in his words, made the community safer.

Bain, a no-party-affiliated candidate, said his time since taking over for Worrell in August 2023 has been marked by more-aggressive prosecution of violent criminals. Meanwhile Worrell, suspended over allegations of neglect of duty and abuse of discretion in prosecuting certain cases, said she oversaw a drop in the regions violent crime rate.

Violent crimes have dropped around the U.S. since 2020, a year when communities saw a spike amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Still, both candidates took credit for crime falling in Orange and Osceola counties, with Bain crediting what he called his more aggressive prosecution.

Worrell pushed back, saying initiatives originating from her office and carried over under Bains administration contributed to further declines. If they are lower now, she said, youre welcome.

You want a thank you for the drop in crime right now, Bain replied. But you werent in the office to do anything to reduce crime. So how are you connecting those two?

The debate also included rehashing past criticisms of Worrell, including her prosecutions of Daton Viel and Keith Moses. Bain said he saw the results of Worrells negligence during his time as a judge prior to becoming State Attorney.

The people I had to watch get harmed as an Orange County judge  every day was unjust, Bain said. I held violent people who then turned around and were agreed to be released by the State Attorneys Office.

He added, Isnt the job to keep you safe? Thats why youre safer today than you were a year ago, before I took office. Everything else is just a distraction.

In the case of Viel, Worrell has been criticized because he was out on bond for sexual battery before going on to shoot two Orlando police officers. But she noted that the judge in that case decided bond  not prosecutors.

As for Moses  facing trial for killing three people including a TV reporter and child  Worrell said the only other crime he committed under her administration involved a charge for misdemeanor marijuana possession. Mosess charges were later dropped after authorities couldnt connect him to the drugs.

Theres nothing that my office could have done that would have prevented the heinous crime, Worrell said of Moses. But I understand that Mr. Bain needs you to believe otherwise, because Mr. Bain needs to justify his very existence.

The debate came after a former Republican candidate for state attorney filed a lawsuit Tuesday night accusing Bain of taking part in a scheme to influence the election.

The lawsuit by Thomas Feiter alleges GOP nominee Seth Hyman dropped out two weeks after his landslide primary victory over Feiter to help Bain. Hyman, according to the lawsuit, was an illegitimate candidate backed by a Republican faction to ensure Bain, backed by DeSantis, did not face any Republican candidate in the general election.

It further alleges Republicans created artificial support for Hyman with the intent to divert votes away from [Feiter], accusing them of offering a judgeship or other political favors in exchange for dropping out.

Though he first signaled the lawsuit was coming to reporters Monday, Feiter laid out his allegations against Hymans campaign in recent weeks. Feiter said he too was offered favors in exchange for quitting, citing text messages confirming meetings with party authorities in which they allegedly discussed the matter.

The lawsuit further names DeSantis and high-level Florida GOP officials in state and local parties  none of whom immediately returned messages seeking comment.

A press conference Monday laying out the allegations and the Tuesday lawsuit forced more eyes onto what was likely already the most-watched race in the region. Worrell, who spoke to reporters alongside Feiter at the press conference, called on Bain to speak about Feiters claims as they partly implicate his campaign.

It became a topic during the debate, and though Bain didnt directly address the claims, he rebuffed calls for a federal investigation. Instead, he said, the investigation is more suited for the DeSantis-formed elections police within the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

Feiter was at the debate and asked the candidates during the question-and-answer portion if there should be a federal investigation of his claims.

Worrell reiterated her support for one. Bain responded in part by bringing up a past dinner conversation with Feiter about why he was running, saying, You couldnt answer the question, other than saying that I have to wait my turn.

Im good, man, Bain added. Im a big, Black man. I dont need to wait my turn for nobody.

Feiter also named elections offices in Orange and Osceola counties, accusing them of taking part in the scheme by rejecting his nickname Fighter  which appears on his Bar certification and is the name of his law firm  from appearing on primary ballots. While Osceolas supervisor of elections office didnt return a request for comment, Christopher Heath, Orange elections spokesperson, said, Were aware of the lawsuit and we will respond accordingly in court.

Im not satisfied with the answers I got from Andrew Bain, Feiter told reporters after the debate.

The second debate between Bain and Worrell is scheduled to take place Sept. 20, hosted by the Tiger Bay Club of Central Florida.

Senior content editor Steven Lemongello contributed to this report.
A former Kansas high school teacher has pleaded no contest after being accused of having sexual relations with a 14-year-old girl in his classroom.

Jose Espinoza, 48, was charged in April with one count of aggravated indecent liberties with a child and one count of aggravated criminal sodomy, according to a criminal complaint filed on April 30.

He pleaded no contest Friday to the aggravated indecent liberties with a child charge. In return, prosecutors dismissed the aggravated criminal sodomy charge, a plea agreement filed on Monday shows.

The Canton-Galva school district, where Espinoza reportedly taught, did not respond to an inquiry into Espinozas employment dates, location or what subject he taught. The district is just east of McPherson.

On April 24, Canton-Galva High School principal Jesse Vincent called Canton Police Chief Mark Bennett about an incident in which a 14-year-old student reported having oral sex with Espinoza in his classroom, a redacted affidavit shows.

The student reported going into Espinozas classroom to get a computer. The teen then said she and Espinoza went into a back room, that he pushed her into a couch and had sexual relations, the affidavit said.

During the incident, the student told investigators that Espinoza told her she was going to get him in trouble, according to court documents.

What the former teacher told investigators

Espinoza was interviewed on April 29. He told investigators he had run into the student in the hallway. She needed to borrow a computer and they went inside the classroom.

Espinoza accused the student of brushing against him and kissing him inside his classroom. He told her to stop but she continued, the affidavit said.

During the incident, he kept telling the student youre going to get me in trouble and Im going to go to jail. He insisted to investigators that she came on to him.

Espinoza told investigators he did not want to do a DNA test. Authorities informed him they had a search warrant for his DNA and that they had collected clothing the student was wearing that day and other evidence from the girls bathroom at the school.

Espinoza was arrested, though it is unknown if after being questioned by investigators or sometime later.

He is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 14. Based on his felony conviction, he could be sentenced to anywhere from 55 to 247 months in prison with lifetime post-release supervision, court records show.

He also must register as a sex offender for life.
Ex-mayor wins Democratic primary in bid to succeed Sununu as New Hampshire governor

Former Manchester Mayor Joyce Craig has won the Democratic gubernatorial primary in New Hampshire, according to Decision Desk HQ, as she races to replace outgoing Gov. Chris Sununu (R).

Craig, who headed into Tuesday with the polling edge, defeated New Hampshire Executive Councilor Cinde Warmington and business owner Jon Kiper for the Democratic nod. Craig had picked up notable endorsements from U.S. Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) and Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey (D).

The Granite State has gone to the Democratic presidential candidate over the last five cycles, and its small congressional delegation is all blue. But Sununu has enjoyed four terms as a Republican in the governors mansion, and the GOP holds majorities in the state Legislature.

On the Republican side, former Sen. Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.) was battling with former state Senate President Chuck Morse. Nonpartisan election handicapper Cook Political Report has rated the gubernatorial race as a toss up.

Delaware and Rhode Island are also holding primaries Tuesday. Together with New Hampshire, the trio of New England states make up the last handful of congressional primaries this cycle, kicking the race into a high-stakes, eight-week stretch until Election Day.

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Opening statements began on Wednesday in the federal trial of three former Memphis police officers charged in connection with the January 2023 beating death of Tyre Nichols.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Rogers presented the prosecution's case, explaining to jurors what evidence they can expect to see and warned them that they will watch and hear "horrifying" body camera video and audio over the course of the trial, according to WATN, the ABC affiliate in Memphis covering the case in the courtroom.

"They stood by his dying body and laughed," Rogers said, describing what happened after the officers were finished beating Nichols, according to WATN. "These will not be easy days."

Defense attorneys for the former officers -- Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley and Justin Smith -- also began presenting opening statements.

John Perry, Bean's defense attorney, told jurors that they can expect to see that the evidence will show the officers did their job, according to WATN.

It will take you 5 minutes to deliberate, Perry said, according to WATN.

Michael Stengel, Haley's attorney, said that Nichols did not stop for 2 miles after officers turned on their police lights, according to WATN. Stengel claimed that there is no evidence that the officer knew who was driving at the time and there was no personal vendetta concerning rumors of a woman.

"When they got the wallet [of Nichols] after the stop, that's when they learned who it was," Stengel said, according to WATN.

Bean, Haley and Smith, along with two other officers involved in the incident, were charged on Sept. 12, 2023, with violating Nichols' civil rights through excessive use of force, unlawful assault, failing to intervene in the assault and failing to render medical aid  charges that carry a maximum penalty of life in prison, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. The 4-count indictment also charged all five officers with conspiring to engage in misleading conduct by attempting to falsify or intentionally withholding details of the arrest in statements and to a supervisor  charges that carry up to 20 years in prison, per the DOJ.

Bean, Haley and Smith have pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Desmond Mills Jr. and Emmitt Martin III, the two additional officers who were also charged in this case, have pleaded guilty to some of the federal charges.

Martin pleaded guilty to excessive force and failure to intervene, as well as conspiracy to witness tamper, according to court records. The other two charges will be dropped at sentencing, which has been scheduled for Dec. 5, according to the court records.

Mills pleaded guilty to two of the four counts in the indictment -- excessive force and failing to intervene, as well as conspiring to cover up his use of unlawful force, according to the DOJ. The government said it will recommend a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison, based on the terms of Mills's plea agreement.

Tyre Nichols' mother, RowVaughn Wells, who attended opening statements, told reporters on Wednesday that she hopes the jury will return a guilty verdict.

Our hope is that they're found guilty and to show the world that my son was a good person and he wasn't the criminal that they're trying to make him out to be, she said.

ABC News reached out to the attorneys representing the officers but requests for comment were not immediately returned.

MORE: What to know about the death of Tyre Nichols

PHOTO: This combo of booking images provided by the Shelby County, Tenn., Sheriff's Office shows, from left, Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley and Justin Smith. (Shelby County Sheriff's Office via AP)

Nichols, 29, died on Jan. 10, 2023  three days after a traffic stop captured in body camera footage and surveillance footage, which allegedly shows officers violently striking Nichols repeatedly and walking around, talking to each other as Nichols was injured and sitting on the ground. He was also pepper-sprayed and tased during the incident. The beating triggered protests and calls for police reform.

Police said Nichols was pulled over for reckless driving, though Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn Davis said she has been unable to substantiate that.

Body camera footage shows Nichols getting away from the officers after the initial stop, but he was apprehended minutes later by the officers. He then sustained multiple punches, kicks and hits from a baton from the officers.

Nichols was transferred to the hospital in critical condition where he later died. The medical examiner's official autopsy report for Nichols showed he "died of brain injuries from blunt force trauma," the district attorney's office told Nichols' family in May 2023.

While Nichols' mother has said that first responders told her he was drunk and high, the autopsy report shows that his blood alcohol level was .049, the DA's office said. The district attorney's office told the family that was "well less than the legal limit to drive."

Tyre Nichols: What the video footage reveals, and questions that remain

PHOTO: A photo of Tyre Nichols is displayed outside the sanctuary during church service at Mt. Olive Cathedral CME Church on January 29, 2023 in Memphis, Tennessee. (Joshua Lott/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

The five former officers charged in this case were all members of the Memphis Police Department SCORPION unit  a crime suppression unit that has since been disbanded after Nichols death.

Rogers told the jury on Wednesday that the SCORPION unit followed an alleged rule that they called the "run tax, according to WATN, where it was understood that the first person to reach a running suspect would beat them.

Perry claimed that his client, Bean, was not present at the initial stop and only arrived at the second scene after hearing a call on dispatch radio, according to WATN.

The five officers charged in connection to Nichols death were all fired for violating the policies of the Memphis Police Department.

All five former officers also face state felony charges, including second-degree murder, aggravated assault and aggravated kidnapping, in connection with Nichols' death. They pleaded not guilty.

ABC News' Sabina Ghebremedhin contributed to this report.

Ex-officers charged in Tyre Nichols beating death 'laughed' over 'dying body': prosecutor originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
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When Vicky Hausman rolled out her fundraising goal to help Democrats running in statehouse races across the country this cycle, she was eyeballing an ambitious $25 million from her deep-pocketed allies behind Forward Majority, a super PAC. Then the number climbed to $35 million. And once Vice President Kamala Harris took over the Democratic ticket, Hausman and her pals were able to add another $10 million to their spending plan.

All told, Hausman now is on pace to spend $45 million to elect lawmakers who, in some cases, draw zero salaries for their service.

Its the latest proof point that the summer reset of the presidential campaign did not limit itself to the top of the ballot, or even the fight for Congress. Forward Majority is doubling down on suburban races in Pennsylvania and Michigan to hold fresh-but-narrow majorities in those statehouses and eyeing pick-up opportunities in Wisconsin and Arizona. Those states also just happen to be on Harris potential route to the White House.

We essentially had just a surge with the shift at the top of the ticket and the momentum on our side, Hausman tells TIME. There's greater awareness on the part of both voters and funders on the importance of state legislatures, how they impact our democracy, how they impact the policies that affect our daily lives.

In state legislative races, a buck goes much farther than, say, a White House campaign that has saturated screens in swing states. Its not just that far less money is usually spent on these races. Presidents get more headlines, but its the mostly unknown state lawmakers who control far more of day-to-day ways Americans experience government. School funding, transportation, health programs, even library options all have a major pivot based on what happens in state capitols.

All of which explains why donors have been willing to pony-up cash to cover voters registration and turn-out drives, plus digital and traditional mail pieces, with Forward Majority. Separately, Harris has made a direct transfer of $2.5 million to the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee, the official party arm focused on statehouse contenders as part of a broader $25 million spread-the-wealth effort following her own half-billion-dollar fundraising rocket.

This was not how Hausman thought 2024 would go. As Biden seemed to be politically limping toward a very steep climb to hold the White House, donors were skeptical. Then, a disastrous debate had many donors hit pause, if not close their checkbooks entirely until they were assured things were going in a different direction. Harris ascent to the top of the ticket did that.

The despondency of post-debate Biden World was super depressing for everyone. Folks were thinking about how to play defense until it hurts, right? Hausman says.

The confluence of events has also helped Forward Majority make a compelling case that theyre shaping the bench. For instance, had Forward Majority not helped Democrats flip the Minnesota legislature in 2022, there is very little chance Harris would have had reason to consider Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate. With Democrats in control in Minnesota now, Walz was able to build a credible record of bipartisan success in the lone state with a split-party legislature right now.

That is what can boost Democrats over the edge, over the line in close elections, says Forward Majority chief strategist Leslie Martes.

Thats not to say that Forward Majoritys windfall is going to dramatically shift a space that has often seen Republicans in competitive state legislative districts enjoy a 20-to-1 advantage in cash. Still, flipping 10 seats combined in six states could turn those chambers blue. Thats why the Republican State Leadership Committee, the main outside group working in state legislatures, and its think tank partners at the State Government Leadership Foundation have signaled for months that its spending this cycle would approach $50 million. And thats just one piece of the conservative ecosystem that is years ahead of Democrats efforts.

Still, Hausman says she is seeing signs Harris might be changing the down-ballot dynamics for Democrats, who have control of the legislatures of just 19 states, and only about 40% of all chambers. Those of us who care about democracy need to walk and chew gum at the same time, Hausman says. In terms of ROI, we've got a toolkit that can deliver in exactly these types of close contests where it's a dogfight for every single vote.

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Write to Philip Elliott at philip.elliott@time.com.
By Filipp Lebedev, Felix Light, Jessica Donati

LONDON/DAKAR (Reuters) -Among the dozens of Wagner mercenaries presumed dead after a lethal battle with Tuareg rebels during a desert sandstorm in Mali in July were Russian war veterans who survived tours in Ukraine, Libya and Syria, according to interviews with relatives and a review of social media data.

The loss of such experienced fighters exposes dangers faced by Russian mercenary forces working for military juntas, which are struggling to contain separatists and powerful offshoots of Islamic State and Al Qaeda across the arid Sahel region in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger.

The Mali defeat raises doubts over whether Moscow, which has admitted funding Wagner and has absorbed many of its fighters into a defence ministry force, will do better than Western and U.N. troops recently expelled by the juntas, six officials and experts who work in the region said.

By cross-referencing public information with online posts from relatives and fighters, speaking to seven relatives and using facial recognition software to analyse battlefield footage verified by Reuters, the news agency was able to identify 23 fighters missing in action and two others taken into Tuareg captivity after the ambush near Tinzaouaten, a town on the Algerian border.The identities of Wagner mercenaries lost in a Mali ambush revealed

Several of the men had survived the siege of Bakhmut in Ukraine, which Wagner's late founder Yevgeny Prigozhin called a "meat grinder." Others had served in Libya, Syria and elsewhere. Some were former Russian soldiers, at least one of whom had retired after a full-length army career.

Grisly footage of dead fighters has now circulated online, and some of relatives told Reuters the bodies of their husbands and sons had been abandoned in the desert. Reuters could not confirm how many of the men it identified were dead.

Margarita Goncharova said her son, Vadim Evsiukov, 31, was first recruited in prison where he was serving a drug-related sentence in 2022. He rose through the ranks in Ukraine to lead a platoon of 500 men, she said. After coming home, he worked as a tailor but struggled with survivor's guilt and secretly travelled to Africa in April to join his former commander, she said.

"He wanted to fly to Africa many times. I discouraged him as much as I could," Goncharova said in an interview with Reuters. "I told him 'fate has given you a once-in-a-million chance. You can start your life again, you've won such a crazy lottery'."

The Russian Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Wagner did not respond to requests for comment for this story.

After Prigozhin died in August last year, Wagner employees were invited to join a newly created group called the Africa Corps, under the defence ministry, "to fight for justice and the interests of Russia," according to the Africa Corps channel on social-media platform Telegram.

On the channel, Africa Corps says about half its personnel are former Wagner employees who it allows to use Wagner insignia. Wagner's social media channels remain active.

The Russian government has not publicly commented on the Tinzaouaten battle.

Mali's armed forces-led government said the defeat had no impact on its goals. The Malian Armed Forces "are committed to restoring the authority of the state throughout the country," army spokesman Colonel Major Souleymane Dembele told Reuters.

Wagner has acknowledged heavy losses in the Mali ambush but gave no figure. The Malian army, which fought alongside the Russians, also did not give a toll. Tuareg rebels, who are fighting for an independent homeland, said they had killed 84 Russians and 47 Malians.

Reuters could not independently establish how many were killed in battle. One video, out of more than 20 sent to Reuters by a Tuareg rebel spokesman, showed at least 47 bodies, mostly white men, in military-style uniforms lying in the desert. Reuters verified the location and date of the video.

Mikhail Zvinchuk, a prominent blogger close to the Russian defence ministry, said on social media platform RuTube in August that the defeat showed Wagner fighters who arrived from Ukraine had underestimated the rebels and the Al Qaeda fighters.

MISSING IN ACTION

Wagner-linked Telegram accounts named two of the dead as Nikita Fedyakin, the administrator of The Grey Zone, a popular Wagner-focused Telegram channel with over half a million subscribers, and Sergei Shevchenko, who the accounts described as the unit commander. Reuters could not verify the identity of Shevchenko.

Reuters separately identified 23 Wagner operators missing in Mali via relatives who posted in an official Wagner Telegram chat group, checking the names against social media accounts, publicly available data and facial recognition software. All the relatives received calls from Wagner recruiters on Aug. 6 to notify them their men were missing in action, they said in the chat group.

Lyubov Bazhenova told Reuters she had no idea her son Vladimir Akimov, 25, who had briefly served in Russia's elite airborne forces as a conscript, had signed up. She was angry with Wagner for sharing no further information about his fate or the whereabouts of his body. She said letters to the prosecutor's office, defence ministry and foreign ministry had gone unanswered.

Facial-recognition software was used to identify another two men captured by Tuareg fighters, based on photographs and videos of the ambush site published by Tuareg sources. The Tuareg rebels posted videos and photos of the two captives on social media. Mohamed Elmaouloud Ramadane, a spokesman for the rebel alliance, confirmed the men were in rebel captivity as of late August.

One of the missing fighters, Alexei Kuzekmaev, 47, had no military experience, his wife Lyudmila Kuzekmaeva told Reuters.

"Neither my hysterics, nor tears, nor persuasion - nothing helped. He just confronted me a month before he left home. He said 'I bought a ticket and will be leaving.'"

Among the most experienced men was Alexander Lazarev, 48, a Russian army veteran who served in wars against Chechen separatists in the 1990s and 2000s, according to his wife's posts in the Wagner channel.

She declined to comment. Lazarev appears in many photos on the Russian Facebook equivalent VKontakte wearing military uniform, with symbols linked to several army subdivisions.

PARASTATAL MERCENARY FORCE

Democratic governments in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger were overthrown in a series of coups since 2020 driven by anger with corrupt leaders and a near decade of failed Western efforts to fight insurgencies that have killed thousands and displaced millions.

The military juntas have kicked out French and U.S. troops and U.N. peacekeepers.

In Africa, Wagner emerged in Sudan in 2017 as the deniable face of Russian operations. Its enterprises soon ranged from protecting African coup leaders to gold mining and fighting jihadists. Wagner is also active in Central African Republic. It first appeared in Mali in late 2021.

Wagner's fortunes rose and fell last year. In May, the group led Russia to its first significant Ukrainian battlefield victory in almost a year with the capture of Bakhmut. But after his criticism of Russian military leaders and his effort to lead a rebellion weeks after the Bakhmut victory, Prigozhin died in a fiery plane crash in August. The Kremlin has rejected as an "absolute lie" U.S. officials' claim that Putin had Prigozhin killed.

Eric Whitaker, the top U.S. envoy to Burkina Faso until retiring in June, who previously served in Niger, Mali and Chad, said the Putin administration has achieved complete control over the Wagner brand in the post-Prigozhin era.

"Africa Corps earns (the Russian government) hard-currency payments from host governments for its services and also gains a significant sources of revenue from gold derived from its activities in the Sahel," he said.

Russian mercenary activity soared in Mali after Africa Corps was formed, according to data from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED), a U.S.-based crisis-monitoring group. Based on media reports and social media documenting, the data shows violent events linked to Russian mercenaries rose 81% and reported civilian fatalities rose 65% over the past year, compared to the year before Prigozhin's death.

Wagner does not publish recruitment figures. Jedrzej Czerep, an analyst at Warsaw-based think tank Polish Institute of International Affairs, estimated that around 6,000 Russian mercenaries serve in Africa, while three diplomatic sources said about 1,500-2,000 were in Mali.

"When Africa Corps started to promote and recruit, they were flooded with applications," said Czerep.

"Being sent to one of the African missions was seen as far safer than Ukraine," he said.

Tuareg spokesman Ramadane said the rebel alliance was preparing for more clashes.

Further losses could eventually drive Russia out, said Tibor Nagy, the top U.S. envoy to Africa in 2019, when Wagner withdrew from northern Mozambique months after around a dozen of its men were killed during a conflict with an Islamic State affiliate.

"They were out of there very quickly," said Nagy.

Wagner has not publicly commented on its plans in Mali.

(Reporting by Fillip Lebedev in London, Felix Light in Tbilisi and Jessica Donati in Dakar; Writing by Jessica Donati; Additional reporting by Fadimata Kontao in Bamako, Anna Magdalena Lubowicka in Gdansk and Wang Jiawei; Editing by Estelle Shirbon and Frank Jack Daniel)
CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  Expect heavy traffic delays on Thursday around the Bojangles Coliseum as Vice President Kamala Harris visits Charlotte, CMPD announced.

The vice president will be in the Queen City on Thursday, Sept. 12, for a planned campaign visit. Authorities said to expect heavy traffic around the Bojangles Coliseum from morning through early evening due to Thursdays VP visit.

MORE: Harris and Trump trade barbs during Tuesday night debate

CMPD said intermittent road closures at varying times will occur across multiple highways and local roadways starting at 2 p.m. Thursday including:

Interstate 77 and E. Independence Blvd. between I-277 and Eastway Drive

Around Charlotte Douglas International Airport

CMPD said traffic delays are anticipated around the CLT airport from 2:30 p.m. through 7 p.m. on Thursday. Theyre asking drivers to please seek alternate routes if you must travel during these times on Thursday.

Vice President Harris visit to Charlotte, North Carolina, this week comes just days after the debate with former President Trump in Pennsylvania.

The two squared off in a high-stakes first debate in Philadelphia on Tuesday as the polls show the rivals neck-and-neck ahead of November. Five takeaways from the debate 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 Queen City News.
(Bloomberg) -- In May, Chinas central government urged more than 200 cities to buy unsold homes to ease oversupply. More than three months later, only 29 have heeded the call.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The glacial pace of implementation  driven in large part by the unattractive economics of the plan for local governments  underscores the challenge President Xi Jinping faces as he tries to arrest a record property slump thats threatening to undermine the countrys growth targets.

The plan has been a key part of the governments attempt to shore up the real estate sector, while achieving Xis goal of creating more affordable housing. The disappointing progress raises the pressure for more forceful measures as China tries to deal with 382 million square meters of excess inventory, equivalent to the size of Detroit.

Local governments have made slow headway, Ding Zu Yu, chairman of real estate information platform Shanghai CRIC Info Tech Co., wrote in a late August report. Purchases stood at only 1.9% of unsold apartments nationwide as of July, Ding estimates.

Local bureaucrats are reconciling the demands from Beijing while trying to be prudent about costs. Buying apartments at this point makes little financial sense for those officials, as apartment prices are expected to drop at least another 30% in major cities before stabilizing, according to Jefferies Financial Group Inc.

Estimated returns from turning inventory into affordable housing are also below the cost of funding. Rental yields in Chinas tier-1 cities averaged just 1.4% in 2023, compared with the central banks funding rate of 1.75%, according to Macquarie Group Ltd.

A few cities have proposed to resort to heavy bargaining to minimize their risks, raising doubts on whether distressed developers would be willing to sell their inventory. In southern Guangdong, Foshan city proposed to buy at no more than 50% of prices of similar projects nearby. Within the same province, Dongguan city plans to price for-sale affordable housing at around 50% of new-home values in a survey, meaning buying costs would be even lower than that.

The potential for improved returns exists only if unsold homes were bought at a significant discount, said Tyran Kam, senior director on Asia-Pacific Corporate Ratings at Fitch. But local governments might also be wary of doing this because of the socio-political repercussions for local homeowners, he said.

Story continues

The move risks further stressing local finances that are already on shaky ground. Regional governments ability to spur growth has been undermined by a record drop of income from land sales, with their budget spending shrinking in the first seven months. Among all 31 provinces and municipalities, only Shanghai recorded a fiscal surplus in the first half.

We do not expect a wide rollout of the purchase program due to the lack of funding and the fact that banks and state-owned firms need to bear the full credit and investment risks, said Zerlina Zeng, senior credit analyst at Creditsights Singapore LLC.

A Bloomberg index of major Chinese developers dropped as much as 1% on Wednesday to the lowest since late April. That followed a heavy decline the previous day, after some builders were removed from a program that connects the Shanghai and Shenzhen bourses to the Hong Kong exchange.

Central Bank Program

After the Peoples Bank of China unveiled the initiative in May, the central bank called on more than 200 cities to advance the plan, according to a state media report. The next month, the housing ministry pushed the program to be widened to counties, meaning 387 lower prefectures were also encouraged to join.

Authorities in at least 60 cities have voiced support for the initiative, according to China Index Holdings. But not many have announced detailed rules to pave the way for implementation, said its research director Chen Wenjing.

While state buying of housing inventory is widely seen as a key step toward easing the glut, uptake of the central banks funding support has also been low.

Only 12.1 billion yuan ($1.7 billion), or 4% of the PBOCs 300 billion yuan relending program had been utilized as of the end of June, public data showed.

The limited usage of existing financing programs signals that the returns and cash flow from social housing are insufficient to service associated debt, Fitch Ratings analysts wrote in an Aug. 29 note.

Analysts have also been skeptical about whether the central bank funding is sufficient, as its just a fraction of the 1 trillion yuan to 5 trillion yuan that is needed to fix the supply-demand mismatch.

WATCH: Inside Chinas Property Crisis

To address funding concerns, China is considering letting local governments use special loans to purchase excess residential units, which would give them access to as much as 1.6 trillion yuan of funding, Bloomberg reported last month. That would be more than enough to fund the home-buying program, which is expected to not exceed 1 trillion yuan for 2024-2025, according to Bloomberg Intelligence.

Relaxing Rules

Stringent purchasing requirements have also added to the challenges. In May, a suburban district in Hangzhou stipulated that potential targets be completed en-bloc assets with enough car parking space. Chongqing demands that building selections have a subway station, school and hospital within a kilometer.

Still, other cities with similar requests are lowering the bar. In August, the southern tech hub of Shenzhen stopped requiring that target assets be fully constructed. Zhaoqing city in southern Guangdong province ceased limiting purchases to en-bloc buildings. Shangqiu city in central Henan province has dropped its location standards.

More cities are likely to ease their rules to expand the pool of potential targets, Ding wrote.

But for now, China may struggle to sell its home bailout plan to local governments, said Bloomberg Intelligence analyst Kristy Hung. The meager rental yields hardly justify the risk.

(Updates with stock reaction in the tenth paragraph.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2024 Bloomberg L.P.
Experts issue warning about concerning side effect of climate change on the workplace: 'We must also shift our response'

Climate change is having detrimental impacts on workplace safety.

What's happening?

A recent article by Devex reveals a concerning link between climate change and gender-based violence and harassment, particularly against female workers. As global temperatures rise, productivity decreases  "by 2030, 2.2% of total working hours will be lost due to climate-related heat stress," Devex wrote, citing the International Labor Organization.

With decreased productivity, there is an increased risk of workplace abuse. Devex cited instances of female workers who were denied access to bathrooms until their production quotas were met or subjected to long or unsafe working hours that resulted in their collapse.

Why is this important?

As temperatures continue to climb, workers are facing severe and potentially deadly conditions. The dangers of extreme heat are well-documented: 1,300 people die every year because of extreme heat, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

Despite the risks, many workers are still unprotected. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis recently barred municipalities from creating heat protections, including guaranteed water and rest breaks, for workers.

Exploitation contributes to unsustainable practices that further harm the environment, as companies prioritize profits over ethical labor or environmental standards.

What's being done to protect vulnerable workers?

While there are many laws aimed at protecting workers from gender-based harassment and violence, "globally, 359 million women remain unprotected by law against sexual harassment in employment," Devex wrote, citing the Global Partnership for Education.

In response to this gap, worker-led initiatives are emerging to combat exploitation related to climate change and workplace harassment. A newly proposed OSHA regulation would ensure workers receive adequate water and rest breaks when temperatures exceed 80 degrees.

As the climate changes, so should we.

"Climate is shifting the landscape across every major issue in the world of work," said Shikha Silliman Bhattacharjee, senior policy and innovation officer at human rights organization Equidem, per Devex. "We must also shift our response."

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.
Death Becomes Her

In a new report, a group of aerospace experts have declared that NASA is at a turning point  and the agency's death could be imminent.

As the Washington Post notes, the new report, fittingly titled "NASA at a Crossroads" and published at the behest of Congress by the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine, highlights in grim detail just how much trouble the agency is in.

NASA has for a while now been hemorrhaging talent as its best engineers retire or take higher-paying jobs in the private sector amid cut after cut to the agency's funding. Though it continues pursuing complicated and attention-grabbing missions like the launch of the James Webb Space Telescope, others like the Mars Sample Return mission have been delayed, leaving openings for rivals like China to forge ahead and leave the US in its space dust.

Clocking in at roughly 200 pages, the report features committees comprised of dozens of experts from both public and private entities including SpaceX, the Planetary Society, and a number of universities to issue recommendations. As WaPo notes, the overwhelming consensus reached by these assembled luminaries is that NASA is too focused on the short term to plan strategically for the future.

Norman Augustine, a former Lockheed Martin CEO who served as the report's lead author, put it another way when speaking to WaPo: "One tends to neglect the probably less glamorous thing that will determine the success in the future."

Private Sector Blues

To fill the gaps presented by its talent and budgetary woes, NASA has over the past decade increasingly come to rely on the private sector. Results may vary, as seen when the agency contracted Boeing to fly astronauts to the International Space Station on its Starliner launch craft this summer, but was forced to tap SpaceX fly them back on a Crew Dragon capsule when Starliner proved not up to snuff.

"It will have trouble hiring innovative, creative engineers," Augustin told the newspaper. "Innovative, creative engineers dont want to have a job that consists of overseeing other peoples work."

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, who is both quite hawkish when it comes to the US-Chinese space race and a champion of the agency's private sector partnerships, said in a statement provided to WaPo that the report "aligns with our current efforts to ensure we have the infrastructure, workforce, and technology that NASA needs for the decades ahead."

Still, it seems that Nelson may be missing the forest for the trees when it comes to this scathing report  or in this case, the stars for the spaceships.

More on NASA: Boeing Execs Snub NASA at News Conference After Starliner Landing
Ramsey County Attorney John Choi, at podium, discusses his office's review of former Ramsey County Medical Examiner Michael McGee's work during a news conference in St. Paul, Minn. on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024.(John Autey/Pioneer Press via AP)

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP)  A Minnesota medical examiner who prosecutors say has a history of delivering false or misleading reports may have mishandled at least seven murder cases in which his testimony helped send people to prison, attorneys announced Wednesday.

The announcement followed a sprawling review of cases, some dating back decades, handled by Dr. Michael McGee, a former Ramsey County medical examiner who prosecutors say performed autopsies on cases from 1985 to 2019. McGee's work was called unreliable, misleading and inaccurate by a federal judge, setting off a wide-ranging inquiry into a potential chain of injustices, prosecutors said.

Now, a joint team of lawyers and medical experts will determine whether convictions and long sentences built around McGees work should be overturned or reduced. Their deep dive into McGee's history began in fall 2021 after a federal judge threw out the death sentence of a man who was convicted in the high- profile kidnapping and murder of a North Dakota college student.

Whenever a judge makes that determination it really calls into question ... everything the medical examiner has been involved with, Ramsey County Attorney John Choi said. Legitimacy and the integrity in of all of our convictions matter in how people trust what happens in the courtroom.

Phone calls and messages to McGee and multiple relatives were not immediately returned Wednesday.

At the Ramsey County Attorney's Office in St. Paul, a team of lawyers led by Choi said McGee's work may have resulted in wrongful convictions or inflated charges. Choi cautioned that attorneys had not reached final conclusions about the seven cases, which he did not identify out of respect for the victims' families. But he said the cases involved people imprisoned for murder.

Kristine Hamann, executive director of Prosecutors' Center for Excellence, a legal consulting group that helped conduct the review, said the cases were among the most serious in the county, home to Minnesota's capital city. Convictions secured in the cases rested on cause of death reports that may have been erroneous or misstated by McGee, Hamann said.

The legal team will hire three independent medical examiners to reevaluate McGee's work in the seven cases and determine whether there might be sufficient cause to recommend that convictions be overturned or sentences reduced.

The attorneys whittled down a list of 215 cases linked to McGee, whose testimony has been questioned on several occasions in recent years. They began looking into McGee's history after District Judge Ralph Erickson found flaws in McGees testimony in the murder trial for Alfonso Rodriguez Jr., a man convicted in the 2003 killing of Dru Sjodin, a North Dakota college student.

Sjodin, a Minnesota woman, was a 22-year-old University of North Dakota student when she was abducted from a Grand Forks, North Dakota, mall parking lot in November 2003. Rodriguez, a sex offender, was arrested the next month.

Erickson said evidence showed McGee, the former Ramsey County medical examiner, was guessing on the witness stand and his opinions were not scientifically supported by literature or any other expert who testified at the trial. Erickson referred specifically to McGees interpretation of sexual assault evidence. The judge said McGee offered opinions during the trial that were not in his autopsy reports.

Sjodins death led to a dramatic shift in the way Minnesota handles sex offenders, with a drastic increase in the number who were committed indefinitely for treatment even after their prison sentences had run their course. Also, the national sex offender public registry, intended to give the public information on the whereabouts of registered sex offenders, was renamed for Sjodin.

Rodriguez was later resentenced to life in prison.

Also at the center of the probe into McGee's history is the case of Thomas Rhodes. Until his 2023 release, Rhodes served nearly 25 years in connection with his wifes death before authorities vacated his murder conviction and allowed him to plead guilty to manslaughter.

Rhodes was convicted in 1998 of first- and second-degree murder in the death of his 36-year-old wife, Jane Rhodes, who fell overboard and drowned on a night-time boat ride with her husband on Green Lake in Spicer, Minnesota, in 1996.

The murder conviction hinged on the testimony of McGee, who said Rhodes grabbed his wife by the neck, threw her overboard and ran her over several times. The Conviction Review Unit in the Minnesota Attorney Generals Office examined the case. A forensic pathologist later found that Jane Rhodes death was not inconsistent with an accidental fall.

The nearly 25 years Rhodes spent in prison is more than twice the maximum sentence allowed for the manslaughter conviction he later pleaded down to from murder.

Jim Mayer, legal director for The Great North Innocence Project, a nonprofit that works to free wrongfully convicted people, said the harm wrought by McGee's testimony could be far-reaching

"They talk about where there's smoke, there's fire. This is a case where we are beyond the smoke phase. We've seen the fire," Mayer said. The question is how far the fire has spread.
German police conduct random checks at border with Austria, soon to be introduced at all land frontiers

By Sarah Marsh, Jan Lopatka, Alan Charlish

BERLIN/PRAGUE/WARSAW (Reuters) -Germany announced plans this week to extend controls to all its land borders and turn away more asylum seekers in a bid to reduce irregular migration in a shift from its previous open-door policy.

Germany lies at the heart of Europe, with land borders to nine countries. The plans mark a setback to free movement within the European Union, a pillar of the European project, and could strain regional unity.

Here's more on the plans, what motivated them, and what reactions they have sparked:

WHAT DID GERMANY ANNOUNCE?

Germany announced on Monday it would extend temporary controls to all its land borders.

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.

On Tuesday it announced proposals to toughen up the implementation of EU rules on asylum including detaining asylum seekers while authorities determine whether Germany is responsible for processing their case.

Police could do so with the help of Europe's shared fingerprint database, Eurodac, amongst other tools.

The government rejected measures requested by the opposition conservatives to automatically reject asylum seekers at the borders, which it and others deemed to be contrary to EU law.

WHY NOW?

Analysts say that while irregular migration has increasingly strained public services, the plans are likely also politically motivated and a bid to stem support for the opposition far-right and conservatives ahead of state and federal elections.

Polls show migration is voters' top concern in the eastern German state of Brandenburg, which holds elections in ten days and where Chancellor Olaf Scholz's centre-left Social Democrats (SPD) are fighting to retain power.

Currently the anti-migration Alternative for Germany (AfD) is polling first, after earlier this month it became the first far-right party since World War Two to win a state election, in Thuringia.

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.

HOW COULD THIS IMPACT TRAVEL IN THE EU?

Travellers may expect more random checks on cars, trains or buses crossing the borders which could result in some traffic delays and jams.

Anyone deemed to be entering Germany illegally could be refused entry, or detained at or near the border if they say they want to claim asylum in the country.

"I am not expecting the end of Schengen in general, rather a less functional space of free movement," said Marcus Engler at the German Centre for Integration and Migration Research.

HOW DID OTHER COUNTRIES REACT?

Some neighbouring countries have reacted with dismay to the news which may result in them having to take in more asylum seekers themselves and affect commuters and trade.

Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk called on Tuesday for urgent consultations with other affected countries and more support for Warsaw's own immigration policies.

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.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said it would be wrong to "move to a logic of ad hoc exemptions from the Schengen agreement, with border controls that will ...hurt one of the fundamental achievements of the EU."

Others were more sanguine however, given Germany, like other EU countries, has already had controls on some of its borders. Czech Interior Minister Vit Rakusan said for example that he did not expect material change as checks will be random.

Both Poland and the Czech Republic already have detention centres to hold migrants who do not have the necessary travel documents or whose asylum requests are being checked.

Meanwhile Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who has long called for more to be done in Europe to stop irregular migration, welcomed the move:

"Scholz, welcome to the club! #StopMigration," he said on X.

TRENDS IN ASYLUM APPLICATIONS

Th EU received more than 1.14 million asylum applications in 2023, the highest number since the migrant crisis in 2016, according to the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA).

However, applications have dropped in recent months and in May were down by a third compared to the peak of last autumn.

Germany continued to receive the most applications for asylum, 22% of the total, whereas Ireland received the most per capita.

WHAT'S NEXT?

Berlin still needs to discuss its plans to detain asylum seekers at the borders with Germany's 16 regional governments whose authorities would need to implement them. It has also said it wants to consult with its European partners whose cooperation would be needed if it wants to send back asylum seekers.

However it can implement the border controls straight away, having already notified the European Commission of its decision.

(Reporting by Sarah Marsh and Alexander Ratz in Berlin, Jan Lopatka in Prague, Alan Charlish in Warsaw, Francois Murphy in Vienna, Renee Maltezou in Athens; editing by Matthias Williams, Alexandra Hudson)
Explainer-What is the UNGA and what will world leaders talk about?

By Michelle Nichols

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) -Every September world leaders travel to New York to address the start of the annual United Nations General Assembly session.

The six days of speeches to mark the beginning of the 79th session will start Tuesday.

WHO SPEAKS WHEN?

When the United Nations was formed in 1945 following World War Two, there were originally 51 members. That has since grown to 193 members. Leaders of two non-member observer states - known at the U.N. as the Holy See and the State of Palestine - and an observer member, the European Union, can also speak.

It is tradition for Brazil to always be the first member state to speak. This is because in the early years of the world body Brazil stepped up to speak first when other countries were reluctant to do so, say U.N. officials.

As host to the U.N. headquarters in New York, the United States is the second country to address the General Assembly.

From there the list is then based on hierarchy and generally a first come, first served basis. Heads of state speak first, followed by deputy heads of state and crown princes, heads of government, ministers, and lower-ranked heads of a delegation.

This year some 87 heads of state, three vice-presidents, two crown princes, 45 heads of government, eight deputy heads of government, 45 ministers, and four lower-ranked heads of a delegation are currently due to address the General Assembly.

Last year fewer than 12% of those to stand at the lectern were women.

HOW LONG WILL THEY SPEAK?

Leaders are asked to stick to a voluntary 15-minute time limit.

According to U.N. records, one of the longest speeches made during the opening of a General Assembly was by Cuban leader Fidel Castro in 1960 - he spoke for about four and a half hours. More recently, Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi spoke for more than one and a half hours in 2009.

WHAT WILL THEY TALK ABOUT?

Each high-level gathering to mark the start of the annual General Assembly session has a theme, which leaders tend to briefly reference before moving on to talking about whatever they want.

This year's theme is: "Leaving no one behind: acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity for present and future generations."

Some other topics likely to be spoken about by leaders include:

THE WAR IN GAZA

With the death toll in Gaza ballooning to more than 41,000 people, according to local health officials, and the humanitarian situation deteriorating, many leaders are expected to call for a ceasefire in the war between Israel and Palestinian militants Hamas.

The conflict started nearly a year ago with the deadly Hamas attack on civilians in Israel on Oct. 7 - two weeks after world leaders had finished meeting at the last U.N. General Assembly.

After Israel began retaliating against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, the General Assembly on Oct. 27 called for an immediate humanitarian truce. It then overwhelming demanded an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in December.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu - who has long accused the U.N. of being anti-Israel - and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas are both scheduled to address the General Assembly on Sept. 26.

UKRAINE

Many world leaders are likely to call for an end to Russia's roughly two-and-a-half year war in Ukraine.

The General Assembly adopted six resolutions on the conflict in the first year - denouncing Moscow and demanding it withdraw all its troops. A resolution in October 2022 - condemning Russia's "attempted illegal annexation" of four regions in Ukraine - won the greatest support with 143 states voting yes.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is due to address the General Assembly on Wednesday.

While Russian President Vladimir Putin virtually addressed the General Assembly in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, he has not physically travelled to New York for the event since 2015. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is instead due to speak to the General Assembly on Sept. 28.

CLIMATE

As the world struggles to hold global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, leaders of smaller island nations and other states most affected by climate changes are likely to use their speeches at the General Assembly to again make impassioned pleas for action.

UN SECURITY COUNCIL REFORM

Many world leaders - particularly from Africa and key powers including Brazil, Germany, India, and Japan - are likely to call for reform of the 15-member U.N. Security Council, which is charged with maintaining international peace and security.

It is an issue that has long been discussed by the General Assembly, but has gathered steam in recent years after Russia invaded Ukraine and then used its Security Council veto to block any action by the body. The United States has also long been criticized for shielding its ally Israel from council action.

Reform ideas include expanding the council's membership - through adding more permanent veto powers or short-term elected members - to better reflect the world and limiting the veto, currently held by the U.S., Russia, China, Britain and France.

Any changes to the Security Council membership is done by amending the founding U.N. Charter. This needs the approval and ratification by two-thirds of the General Assembly, including the Security Council's current five veto powers.

SUMMIT OF THE FUTURE

Before the leaders begin addressing the General Assembly, a two-day Summit of the Future will be held on Sept. 22-23. U.N. member states are currently negotiating three documents they hope to adopt on Sept. 22 - a pact for the future, a declaration on future generations and a global digital compact.

Speaking to Reuters, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said it was "absolutely essential" to ambitiously use the summit to come up with "adequate governance for the world of today."

He argued for reform of the 15-member U.N. Security Council, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund and for global governance of artificial intelligence and other emerging challenges.

(Reporting by Michelle Nichols; Editing by Deepa Babington)
Explosion at Kansas State Fair in Hutchinson injures several, sends 2 to the hospital

A concession trailer exploded at the Kansas State Fair on Tuesday evening, sending two people to the hospital and injuring several others, authorities said.

Hutchinson Fire Department crews were called to the fairgrounds at 6:28 p.m. for a report of a fire at a concession trailer in the south corridor of the grounds. The fire had been caused by small explosion, a news release from the state fair said.

Investigators determine cause of explosion at Kansas State Fair that injured 6 people

Two people were taken to the Hutchinson Regional Medical Center with injuries. Several other people were injured but declined treatment, the release said.

Kansas and Hutchinson fire marshals are investigating what led up the explosion that caused the fire.

Kansas State Fair would like to thank our local responders: Hutchinson Fire Department, Kansas Highway Patrol, Hutchinson/Reno County Emergency Communications, Reno County EMS, and State of Kansas Fire Marshals Office, the release listed.

The 10-day Kansas State Fair is held after Labor Day and attracts around 350,000 people annually. Its scheduled to end on Sept. 15.
Extra law enforcement at Lancaster High School after online threat: District

LANCASTER, S.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  A high school in Lancaster County had extra staff and law enforcement on campus Wednesday following an online threat, district officials confirmed.

The Lancaster County School District received an alert through social media from an unknown person about an alleged shooting at Lancaster High School on Wednesday, September 11.

Due to the threat, Extra staff and law enforcement are on site. We will continue to monitor the situation. Lancaster County School District places student and staff safety as a priority, a district spokesperson said to Queen City News on Wednesday.

The school district confirmed all threats of violence were investigated.

Lancaster County School District utilizes a See Something, Say Something form to report school threats such as a weapon on school grounds, bullying, harassment, threats, vandalism, and alcohol or drugs on school grounds, a district spokesperson said.

This was the second school district to report an incident on Wednesday. A high school in Chester County was put on hold protocol after a firearm was recovered.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday, two children, an 11-year-old and a 12-year-old, were accused of making threats against multiple schools in North Carolina. In total, over 40 threats were made 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 Queen City News.
A series of photos have emerged showing a U.S. Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet with a remarkable and hitherto unseen air-to-air load-out, including four of the very long-range AIM-174B air-to-air missiles.

A series of photos have emerged showing a U.S. Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet with a remarkable and hitherto unseen air-to-air load-out, including four of the very long-range AIM-174B air-to-air missiles. The fighter is also loaded with three medium-range AIM-120 AMRAAMs, and a pair of short-range AIM-9X Sidewinders, along with an infrared search and track system (IRST) and an ATFLIR targeting pod. Taken together, the air-to-air capability shown in this photo is unlike anything that has come before.

The original source of the photos is point_mugu_skies on Instagram, who was kind enough to share the images with us.

point_mugu_skies

The identity of the aircraft is clear  it is the distinctive gloss-black, retro-scheme F/A-18F of Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Nine (VX-9) Vampires, which is home stationed at Naval Air Weapons Station (NAWS) China Lake, California. You can read more about that aircraft here.

Another view of VX-9 F/A-18F Vandy 1, in unarmed configuration. Fred Villela Photography

As for the mixed load of weapons, these all appear to be inert rounds, as indicated by blue marking bands. Markings are visible on the AIM-174s that show they are technically captive CATM-174Bs not capable of being fired.

point_mugu_skies

The four large missiles carried under the aircrafts wings are training versions of the Navys air-launched variant of the multi-role, long-range surface-launched SM-6 missile, the AIM-174B, the existence of which was only officially acknowledged this summer and that is said to be in operational service on some level. TWZ has closely followed the emergence of this weapon from the shadows and in this previous article, we explored in detail how it fits into the Navys master plan for countering China in the air-to-air combat arena.

An inert XIM-174B very long-range air-to-air missile under the wing of a Super Hornet. aeros808

The missiles carried on the Super Hornets wingtip stations are variants of the infrared-guided AIM-9X Sidewinder, the standard short-range air-to-air missile armament for U.S. combat jets, which is now being produced in an upgraded Block II form.

Meanwhile, on the right-hand under-fuselage shoulder station and on each of the outboard underwing stations is a version of the AIM-120 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM), a radar-guided medium-range weapon that is both ubiquitous and combat-proven. These missiles lack the mid-body fins found on a regular live AMRAAM, but captive versions of the missile dont necessarily have fins fitted anyway.

Airmen move an inert training version of the AIM-120 AMRAAM during an exercise. U.S. Air Force

Without a doubt, the AIM-174B is an incredibly important program for the U.S. Navy, being squarely aimed at Chinas burgeoning air power capabilities, especially the fact that its fighters are beginning to outrange American fighters with their own advanced air-to-air missiles. Russia, too, has been busy developing air-to-air weapons with ranges that potentially far outstrip their Western equivalents.

Alongside the missiles, it should also be noted that the Super Hornet carries an infrared search and track system, or IRST, on the centerline station. The complete IRST system consists of an FPU-13 drop tank with the IRST21, also known as the AN/ASG-34, installed in the front portion  you can read more about it here. The Navys IRST has struggled during development, but the most recent plan has been for an improved Block II version to reach initial operational capability in the fourth fiscal quarter of 2024, which ends this month.

Finally, on the left-hand under-fuselage shoulder station is an AN/ASQ-228 Advanced Targeting Forward-Looking Infrared (ATFLIR) targeting pod.

An operational F/A-18F during a combat patrol in the Middle East carries an IRST centerline pod, as well as an ATFLIR pod and live AMRAAM and AIM-9X missiles. U.S. Air Force

The IRST is an increasingly important tool in the air-to-air combat arena, especially for detecting stealthy platforms. The ATFLIR, too, has an air combat role, including providing visuals of distant aerial targets for identification friend or foe (IFF) purposes.

Four AIM-174Bs, three AMRAAMs, and two AIM-9X, as well as targeting and IRST pods, is, by any measure, a very impressive load-out, albeit one that has penalties when it comes to operational logistics. That load, including a full drum of 20mm ammo, weighs well over roughly 16,000-pounds, which is very heavy even for the Super Hornet, and induces a lot of drag. This means on-station time would be limited without consistent tanker support, but for some missions, like fleet defense, this would make a lot of sense, and even projecting AIM-174 capability forward to take out force multiplier platforms, like airborne early warning and control, electronic surveillance and electronic warfare, tanker, and other prized platforms over long distances. You can read out past in-depth analysis, which has been parroted across the internet, on this weapon and its impact on future fights, especially in regard to bursting Chinas anti-access bubble, here.

Its also worth noting that in the near future, the AIM-120s seen in this shot could be the now deep-in-development AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile (JATM), with even longer range and advanced capabilities. Still, the AIM-120 in its latest configuration is now approaching the threshold range for the JATM, according to Raytheon. Regardless, the option to mix in the AIM-260, with the Super Hornet being one of the first aircraft to get it in the near future, will only make such an air-to-air loadout more potent.

2/2 "[The executive] would not discuss specific range performance of the AMRAAM or JATM, but industry sources have suggested the latest versions of AMRAAM can successfully intercept targets at 100 miles, while JATM is intended for targets well beyond 120 miles."  Guy Plopsky (@GuyPlopsky) September 11, 2024

As to exactly what the heavily armed F/A-18F was doing when photographed, one highly likely explanation is that it is preparing for involvement in the next Gray Flag exercise, expected to begin next week. As we have discussed in the past, this is a test and evaluation exercise series, which would explain VX-9s presence at Point Mugu, although the unit operates out of the sprawling installation for other purposes too as part of its test mission. Moreover, previous editions of these maneuvers have placed a heavy focus on various advanced capabilities intended to challenge the ability of enemy forces to spot, track, and target friendly aircraft. Once again, testing of the AIM-174B  and other air-to-air capabilities  would make a lot of sense within this context, as would the IRST.

If anything else, the image of VX-9 carrying such a remarkable and diverse air-to-air payload is another sign of the work that is being rushed in an attempt to get a leg-up in aerial combat in this new era of so-called great power competition, and especially when it comes to Chinas area-denial strategy that extends far out into the Pacific.

Contact the author: thomas@thewarzone.com
Kamala Harris and Donald Trump clashed on September 10, 2024 in the pair's first and so far only scheduled debate of the 2024 election campaign.

Harris, the US vice president and Democratic Party candidate, and Trump, the Republican nominee, traded claims about each other's record in office, as well as their plans if they emerge victorious after November 5's election.

AFP fact-checked the accuracy of what both contenders said on key issues.

The economy

Asked if Americans were better off than four years ago, Harris did not give a direct answer. She accused Trump of leaving Democrats "the worst unemployment since the Great Depression."

This is misleading. Joblessness did spike and reached 14.8 percent in April 2020 as the coronavirus pandemic shut down the United States (archived here), but by the time Trump left office unemployment was a much lower 6.4 percent.

Harris said she would offer families a tax credit of up to $6,000 for each eligible child, as well as a $50,000 tax deduction for small businesses, if she succeeds President Joe Biden in the Oval Office. She claimed Trump would favor billionaires and corporations over anyone else, and said the former president planned a sales tax that would hurt ordinary Americans.

Trump countered by saying the Biden administration ushered in the highest inflation in US history, quoting figures of 21 percent and as high as 50 percent and 80 percent on some goods.

This is false. Inflation, which stood at 2.9 percent when the candidates debated (archived here), peaked at 9.1 percent under Biden in 2022 (archived here) -- but this was well below a historic high of 23.7 percent in 1920.

Trump denied he would impose a sales tax but conceded that other countries would face trade tariffs at a minimum of 10 percent. Experts say tariffs amount to a tax on consumers, who end up paying extra as the costs are passed on to them.

Immigration and 'migrant crime'

Trump falsely claimed "millions and millions" of people "from mental institutions and insane asylums" in countries such as Venezuela are entering the United States and committing crimes. He also re-aired a baseless viral claim that migrants are eating pets in places including Springfield, Ohio.

"In Springfield, they're eating the dogs, the people that came in, they're eating the cats. They're eating the pets of the people that live there. And this is what's happening in our country."

Police and local authorities say there are no credible reports of such animal killings.

Former US president and Republican candidate Donald Trump speaks during a debate in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on September 10, 2024 SAUL LOEB AFP

US violent and property crimes are near their lowest levels in decades, according to FBI data from 2022, the most recent full year for which figures are available (archived here).

A June 2023 study found a decline in incarceration rates among immigrants from all regions since 1960 (archived here). Other research has found migrants commit fewer violent crimes than US citizens (archived here and here).

FBI statistics from the first three months of 2024 also show a 15 percent decrease in violent and property crime year-over-year (archived here).

Illegal immigration during Trump's administration was higher than under former president Barack Obama's two terms (archived here). Encounters along the US-Mexico reached a historic high during the Biden administration earlier this year, but they have fallen since a June executive order (archived here).

Harris said Trump put politics above policy by ordering Republican lawmakers in February to kill a bipartisan bill that would have toughened policies at the southern US border, effectively denying Democrats a win on immigration in an election year.

Abortion

Trump, who appointed three conservative judges to a Supreme Court that overturned Roe v Wade, the precedent that guaranteed abortion access, called Democrats "radical" on the issue. He claimed vice presidential candidate Tim Walz, the governor of Minnesota, supports "execution after birth -- it's execution, no longer abortion -- because the baby is born is okay, and that's not okay with me."

Trump's claim is false.

Debate moderator Linsey Davis corrected him, saying: "There is no state in this country where it is legal to kill a baby after it's born."

Harris further rebutted Trump, saying: "Nowhere in America is a woman carrying a pregnancy to term and asking for an abortion. That is not happening."

The vast majority of abortions conducted in the United States take place at or before 13 weeks of gestation, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (archived here). In 2021, just one percent of abortions were performed at or after 21 weeks, and these rare procedures are only available in a handful of states.

Following the June 24, 2022 US Supreme Court ruling in Dobbs v Jackson, the Minnesota legislature passed several bills enshrining the right to reproductive health care such as fertility services and abortion. Walz signed them, and he and Harris are campaigning on a promise that she will sign similar bills for federal protections if Congress passes such legislation.

Harris claimed: "If Donald Trump were to be reelected, he will sign a national abortion ban."

The New York Times reported in February 2024 that Trump favored a 16-week national ban, leaving exceptions for rape, incest or to save the life of the pregnant individual. But the former president said on the debate stage that he is "not signing a ban" and that the issue is with the states.

Ukraine

During a testy exchange on Ukraine, Trump called Harris "the emissary," saying she tried to avert the war by negotiating with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

"They sent her to negotiate peace before this war started. They sent her in to negotiate with Zelensky and Putin. And she did and the war started three days later."

US Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris speaks during a debate in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on September 10, 2024 SAUL LOEB AFP

This is false -- Harris did not meet Putin, and she called Trump's claim a lie. As vice president, she did meet Zelensky at the Munich Security Conference in the days before Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022.

Health care

Trump said during the debate that he "saved" Obamacare, a law officially known as the Affordable Care Act that ensured health care benefits for previously uninsured Americans.

"I had a choice to make: Do I save it and make it as good as it can be, or do I let it rot? And I saved it," Trump said.

This is misleading -- as president, Trump vowed to repeal and replace the landmark reform put in place by his predecessor. But he repeatedly failed to do so, with attempts in Congress coming up short.

He frequently promised to devise a better plan. But never did, so the Affordable Care Act survived.

Harris said she supports private health care options but backs the Affordable Care Act, adding that Trump tried to eliminate it "60 times."

This number is disputed.

Although Trump in 2017 urged congressional Republicans to repeal and replace major portions of Obamacare, many such efforts predated his election. Some estimates put the number of attempted repeals as high as 100.

During the debate, Trump said he did not have a ready-to-go health care proposal.

"We are looking at different plans. I have concepts of a plan. I'm not president right now. You'll be hearing about it in the not-too-distant future."
Its official: TV-news anchors can fact-check presidential candidates during a national debate.

In an era when news outlets have been loath to make themselves the target of invective from partisans, ABC News on Tuesday night opted to allow moderators in a broadcast of a presidential debate to correct the participating candidates  mostly former President Donald Trump  in real time, an element often missing from such events. ABC News moderators David Muir and Linsey Davis often gave in to Trumps demand for more time to respond to Vice President Kamala Harris comments, but they also stopped him short by telling him in no uncertain terms that some of the stuff he was peddling  rants about babies being killed after delivery and immigrants in Ohio eating animals  were pure hogwash.

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There is no state in this country where it is legal to kill a baby after its born, Davis said, after Trump spun a tale about Minnesota Governor Tim Walz  Harris running mate  allowing the execution of babies brought to term. When Trump made a dubious claim about immigrants in Ohio dining on cats and dogs, Muir told him that ABC News had called the city manager of Springfield  the town Trump to which Trump had referred  and discovered officials had found no credible evidence of such behavior.

The people on television say, My dog was taken and used for food, Trump said. Im not taking this from television, Muir answered. Im taking it from the city manager.

Spokespersons for ABC News could not be reached for immediate comment.

Real-time fact-checking on this order hasnt been a regular element of TV-news interviews, and usually not of debates. CNN made a decision to stay away from such stuff during its June telecast of a debate between Trump and President Joe Biden that was moderated by Jake Tapper and Dana Bash. The general feeling is that such forums are meant to give newsmakers and people of interest time to answer questions in depth, and that the exchanges will allow viewers to make decisions about what they hear. Besides, any number of TV anchors will tell you that they worry about getting mired in an Im-right-youre-wrong discussion on TV  something they feel tests the loyalties of the audience, who might just decide to watch something else.

One of the things Ive picked up over the years, whether its Secretary Clinton or Donald Trump or whomever, the tougher the question, the more low-key the delivery. Its more effective. Because then its not about, Oh Candidate X and Reporter Y are having this exchange, or Look at the ego on Reporter Y. Its not about that. Its just about the question and the answer, Tapper told Variety in 2016, after he had captured some spotlight for questioning then-candidate Trump relentlessly on screen about a racist remark he made about a judge. Its not that easy.

ABC News executives clearly had that in mind. Davis and Muir never raised their voices and never sought to turn their exchanges with Trump into verbal sparring. They simply pointed out that what he had said was wrong  and showed they had evidence to prove it.

Others have been testing these waters. On CNN, 10 p.m. anchor Abby Phillip tries to hold a raucous table to account each evening on NewsNight, in which a panel of guests from different background try to hash out the issues of the day. Phillip will occasionally correct someone who puts out misleading information, quietly telling them what CNNs reporting has determined. But she doesnt raise the volume in order to do so.

The presidential debates have in the past been hidebound affairs  and with good reason. Between 1988 and 2020, the non-partisan Commission on Presidential Debates organized the process, lining up moderators on its own. Modern politics, however, seem to have overspilled the traditional container. The candidates and their campaigns would rather play to their constituencies and avoid some of the architecture of traditional debate logistics, which seek to limit some of the outbursts that have become inevitable in a social-media age (and often prove ineffective in doing so).

Republicans and Democrats have been eager to circumvent the organization their own parties set in motion in 1987, after several elections in which the debates were put together by the League of Women Voters. In 2020, Trump and Biden abandoned their final CPD debate in favor of dueling town halls. Biden took to ABC News, while NBC News counter-programmed by dispatching a canny Savannah Guthrie to moderate Trump.

Now, everything about these debates is up for grabs.

The CPD typically held the events closer to Election Day in November. The campaigns recognize, however, that voters can cast their ballots earlier via mail-in options, and want to get ahead of that. The CPD debates were independent, and various TV networks served as distributors, not organizers. The moderator was picked by the non-partisan organization. Big media companies have become the sources in 2024, using the debates to promote their own anchors and correspondents and get their trademarks and graphics picked up by rivals. They are even interrupting the flow of conversation with commercial breaks. After all, if a big-audience broadcast cant generate revenue in the hard-knock era of streaming video and linear audience declines, what good is it?

ABC News decision had its detractors. Some Trump supporters felt Muir and Davis focused their fact-checks on Trump and not on Harris. During CNNs post-event analysis, David Urban, a former Trump advisor, felt the moderators put Trump under a microscope that they didnt use on Harris. Yet Scott Jennings, a conservative stalwart on CNN, told him that It is a little hard to complain about the refs when youre not making your own jump shots.

The Disney-backed news outlet has new things to prove. This debate was ABC News first major event under Almin Karamehmedovic, who was named president of ABC News less than a month ago. It is also a major production under the auspices of Debra OConnell, who was elevated to lead both ABC stations and its national newsgathering business in February, and who has spent much of her time in recent months reconfiguring ABC News.

Whether ABC News leaning in will be emulated remains to be seen. Even so, at least one thing is clear: The rules that have governed presidential debates and other types of news specials have probably changed  permanently.

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By Victoria Waldersee

FRANKFURT (Reuters) - Chinese-Swedish EV brand Lynk & Co, which will launch its first China-made battery-electric car in Europe next month, said it did not intend to pass on the cost of looming tariffs on the vehicle to consumers.

"We cannot - a lot of the competitors are produced in Europe ... we need to price the car correctly in the market and work from there," the brand's CEO for Europe, Nicolas Appelgren, said in an interview at the Automechanika autos trade fair in Frankfurt.

Still, whenever the brand - co-owned by Zhejiang Geely Holding Group and Volvo Cars - releases its next battery-electric car in the region, it will be made in Europe, Appelgren said, adding Geely was scouting locations for a plant.

Lynk & Co's battery-electric car, a compact SUV, would be subject to a tariff of 18.8% under current plans by the European Commission to counter what it says are unfair subsidies for EV makers producing in China.

The carmaker has not yet released a price for the vehicle, a compact SUV based on the same platform as Volvo's EX30 and Zeekr's X, which sell at around 40,000 to 45,000 euros ($49,621.50) in Germany.

"We need to find a solution but it's not a knife to the throat," Appelgren said.

His comments contrast with those by the CEO of car brands SEAT/CUPRA, Wayne Griffiths, who said a 21.3% tariff on the CUPRA Tavascan EV, also made in China, would put the financial future of the company at risk.

Without the projected Tavascan sales, CUPRA - a brand owned by Volkswagen's Spanish subsidiary SEAT S.A. - would miss EU-mandated carbon dioxide reduction targets next year due to its combustion engine sales and face heavy fines, unlike Lynk & Co which produces only electric cars.

The Swedish brand sells and rents its first European model, a hybrid SUV, in seven European markets and is in negotiation with retailers across the region to put its cars in showrooms by the end of this year, Appelgren said.

It plans to launch another plug-in hybrid next year and expand its sales to fleet buyers, who account for the majority of EV purchases in the region.

($1 = 0.9069 euro)

(Reporting by Victoria Waldersee in Frankfurt; Editing by Matthew Lewis)
The anticipation was palpable as the lights dimmed just after 8 p.m. Tuesday in Indiana University Northwests Raintree Hall. Dozens of Gary residents filled the lecture hall, eyes fixed on the screen for the first presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump.

In her first-ever debate as a presidential nominee, Harris faced off against a seasoned Trump, who entered his seventh. Throughout the night, Harris emphasized her middle-class background and proposed a $6,000 child tax credit and a $50,000 deduction for small-business startups. Trump, defending his economic policies, promised tariffs to boost American industries and bring back jobs. Audience reactions ranged from laughter to groans, making for an eventful watch party.

Audience members experienced a range of emotions during Tuesdays debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. (Javonte Anderson/Capital B)

Darian Collins was a vocal voice in the crowd throughout the debates 96 minutes. She said she was initially upset when President Joe Biden dropped out because she was afraid that the country was not ready for a woman to take on the White House. But tonights debate changed that.

I am so glad to see what I saw tonight, Collins said. She was strong, she was smart. All of these people are talking about how she wont do interviews.

Steve Mays, president of Garys NAACP chapter, said he was pleased to see so many in the community congregating to watch the debate. Were always hoping to see more and more young people involved in this process, Mays said. Politics is local, and events like these are where it starts.

Tariffs became a point of contention when a moderator pressed Harris about the Biden administrations decision to keep some of Trumps tariffs in place. Her response didnt sit well with Kourtney Ross and Tone Ross, a married couple who muttered their frustrations with both candidates inability to answer questions directly from the back row of the IUN lecture hall.

I think its unfortunate that President Trump has not answered any of the questions that have been asked, and he has been deflecting and blaming, Tone Ross said.

Kourtney Ross agreed, adding that Harris also fell short. I kind of feel halfway the same way about Kamala Harris, she said. It was a question about tariffs, right? But she pivoted and went into something else.

She did acknowledge Harris clarity on womens rights, though. I appreciated how clear she was on abortion rights. Very, very clear. There is no confusion about that.

On Trump, she was more critical. I have not got one ounce of clarity, even on issues he seems most passionate about. This was his time to shine, and he didnt take it.

ABC moderators David Muir and Linsey Davis began with the topic of the economy, an opportunity Harris took to immediately pivot and lay out portions of her opportunity economy plan.

I am actually the only person on this stage who has a plan that is about lifting up the middle class and working people of America, Harris said. I believe in the ambition, the aspirations, the dreams of the American people.

Harris also accused Trump of proposing more tax cuts for billionaires while juxtaposing her plan with what she labeled as the Trump sales tax, which she says would feature a 20% tax on everyday goods and cost families an additional $4,000 a month.

Trump, on the defensive, responded by denying the sales tax and pivoting to his intention to enact tariffs.

Other countries are going to finally, after 75 years, pay us back for all that weve done for the world. And the tariff will be substantial in some cases. I took in billions and billions of dollars, as you know, from China, Trump said.

Trump struggled to give a clear position on abortion, leading to one of his most controversial statements of the night. Davis pressed him on his shifting stance regarding Floridas six-week abortion ban, which he initially supported before changing his position a day later.

Well, the reason Im doing that vote is because the plan is, as you know, the vote is, they have abortion in the ninth month. They even have, and you can look at the governor of West Virginia, the previous governor of West Virginia, not the current governor, whos doing an excellent job, but the governor before. He said the baby will be born and we will decide what to do with the baby. In other words, well execute the baby, Trump said.

Davis swiftly fact-checked him in real-time, which attendee Collins appreciated, noting it wasnt present during Bidens debate with Trump.

There is no state in this country where it is legal to kill a baby after its born, Davis corrected, drawing applause and laughter from the audience.

Audience members laugh during Tuesdays debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. (Javonte Anderson/Capital B)

Collins said that she expects fact-checking will be helpful for those who need the facts to make the decisions for themselves.

Im hoping that this will be a good tool of analysis for people on where they want to go and what they want to do, she said.

Throughout the night, Trump spewed numerous false claims, including his unfounded assertion that Haitian immigrants are eating pets in Ohio, which prompted firm corrections from moderator David Muir.

The audience watching Tuesdays debate also expressed frustration with the candidates respoonses at times. (Javonte Anderson/Capital B)

I just want to clarify here, you bring up Springfield, Ohio. And ABC News did reach out to the city manager there. He told us there have been no credible reports of specific claims of pets being harmed, injured, or abused by individuals within the immigrant community, Muir replied.

James Wallace, dressed in IUN cream and crimson, co-hosted the event alongside the Northwest Indiana Urban League Young Professionals. He was pleased to see nearly 60 people in the lecture hall, choosing to watch the debate together rather than from home.

Looking out at the crowd, Wallace said that while some voters might remain unswayed by the debate, the strong turnout gave him somewhat hopeful feelings.

We want people to get education about the issues that impact our community. And thats really why we were pleased to host it in this space for the folks to come together, he said.

As director of the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Multicultural Affairs, Wallace noted the debate stirred a range of emotions, from Harris personal stories to Trumps attacks on her multicultural identity.

We have settled into this space as a nation looking for viral moments and not necessarily substance, Wallace said with a sigh. The division we face as a community is something we have to overcome.

The post Fact-Checks, Laughter, and Groans Mark an Eventful Presidential Debate Watch Party appeared first on Capital B Gary.
Fairfax County passes measure to regulate where data centers can be built

Fairfax County passes measure to regulate where data centers can be built

FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. (DC News Now)  Virginas largest county passed new restrictions for data centers, the massive warehouses that hold the servers that power much of what we do online.

Where the centers are built has been controversial in many parts of Northern Virginia, including Loudoun and Prince William Counties.

In Northern Virginia, growing data center revenue is volatile, tax records show

While Fairfax County has about 3 million square feet of data centers, Loudoun County has more than 30 million.

The new regulations, which were passed after a roughly four-hour-long public hearing, came after people testified both their concerns and hopes for data centers.

While some shared worries about how much power they use, the noise they emit, and their proximity to neighborhoods, others emphasized how much money they bring in and the impact it can have on the countys tax base.

We want to put in place protections for data centers in Fairfax County and not repeat the challenges that have been faced in neighboring Prince William and Loudoun counties, Chair Jeff McKay said before the 8-to-2 vote.

After the vote, McKay said the county took a quantum leap forward emphasizing how it wants data centers in the right place.

More data centers coming to Northern Virginia

Donna Jacobson, of the Lafayette Village Community Association, said she supports the measures though she wishes they were greater.

Among the changes: data centers would have to be at least 200 feet away from residential areas, and at least a mile away from a Metro station. Plus, the proposals will have to go through required noise studies.

I think we need data centers in Fairfax County, but I think its a good idea to have them regulated, Jacobson said.

Prince William residents sound off over data center

James Parmelee, who opposed the policy, said he fears it could make it less appealing for data centers to come to Fairfax County. He views it as important they come to help ease the tax burden on residents.

Hopefully, the board will use additional taxes from data centers to lower property taxes, to not impose a meals tax, which is something theyre looking at, he said.

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Fairfield Co. horse becomes first case this year of EEE in a domestic animal

HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH)  A 23-year-old horse from Fairfield County became the states first case this year of Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) in a domestic animal, according to the Connecticut Department of Agriculture.

Officials said the unvaccinated gelded horse exhibited neurological signs of the virus and samples tested positive.

EEE spreads as high school athletics begin again in Connecticut

The viral disease is transmitted through bites of mosquitoes and cannot be spread through horse-to-horse or horse-to-human contact.

The EEE vaccinations for horses are demonstrably protective, highly effective, and very safe. Horses without a EEE vaccine history have a high mortality rate, upwards of 95%, making it crucial that these be part of every horses core vaccine schedule, Connecticut State Veterinarian Erin Masur, DVM, said in a statement.

While horses are most susceptible to EEE, mosquitoes can also transmit the virus to goats, turkeys, chickens, and humans. We urge residents to implement the necessary precautions to protect their animals and themselves, Masur said.

DEEP spraying eastern part of Connecticut to protect people from EEE

Officials said horse owners should be on alert, even if EEE has not been found in mosquitoes in their area. The risk for the disease will continue until the first hard freeze ends mosquito activity.

They said owners are urged take the following cautionary steps:

Administering the initial two-dose vaccine series, four to six weeks apart

Administer regular boosters at least annually

Consult with your veterinarian if boosters are needed every six months

Give vaccinations at least one month prior to mosquito season to develop protective immunity

Remove sources of standing water to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds

Clean and refill water troughs regularly

Apply fly sprays containing pyrethrin regularly

If your horse is showing neurologic signs, i.e., hyperexcitability, tremors, convulsions, paralysis, head tilt, head pressing, incoordination, drowsiness, recumbency, colic, or death, its important to call a veterinarian to determine a diagnosis and treatment.

New Hampshire man fights for life after EEE, West Nile infections

Increased mosquito activity and virus detections have been reported this year compared to previous ones, according to the Connecticut Mosquito Management Program.

EEE-infected mosquitoes have been found in 11 different towns this year. There have been no human cases recorded this year.

Visit the Department of Agricultures website for more information.

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A few spotty showers developed today across New Mexico. Dry, westerly winds return starting Wednesday bringing warmer weather into the end of the week.

Scattered showers and a couple thunderstorms returned to northern and western New Mexico, along with the Sacramento Mountains and southern Colorado. Most of these showers produced only light rain as they slowly drift to the south and southeast. The showers have mostly ended tonight. Drier air will begin moving in from the west on Wednesday, bringing drier weather to the western half of the state, with isolated showers and storms in northern and northeastern New Mexico, along with Sacramento Mountains and southern Colorado again. Temperatures will again be a degree or two warmer Wednesday afternoon.

Even drier air moves into New Mexico Thursday, with the return of a breezy southwest wind. Wind gusts will be anywhere from 20 to 40 mph, with the strongest winds around the Four Corners. This will also bring drier air to the entire state, with no chances for rain anywhere Thursday or Friday. For areas along and west of the Rio Grande, Thursday will be our hottest day this week, while areas east of the Rio Grande will see the hottest weather on Friday.

There is still some uncertainty in terms of this weekends forecast. Forecast models are in fairly good agreement that some tropical moisture will move into New Mexico starting Saturday, but the uncertainty is how far north and just how much moisture will move in. Best case scenario, scattered storms will return to southern and western parts of the state Saturday afternoon with more widespread storms all across New Mexico Sunday through early next week. Temperatures will also be cooler. On the drier side, only isolated storms may be possible across the state Sunday through Monday, with most areas staying dry.

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LOWER MANHATTAN, N.Y. (PIX11)  Twenty-three years after the Sept. 11 terror attacks, families of the victims honored their loved ones Wednesday morning during a private ceremony in Lower Manhattan.

The program at Memorial Plaza started at 8:40 a.m. and concluded just before 1 p.m. While it was not open to the public, the ceremony was broadcast on the PIX11 Morning News and livestreamed on PIX11.com.

9/11 Tribute in Light to light up NYC sky: When and how to watch

The ceremony included six moments of silence, signifying when each of the towers were struck and fell, the time of the attack on the Pentagon, and the crash of Flight 93 in Pennsylvania.

During the ceremony, loved ones read aloud the names of the nearly 3,000 people killed in the 9/11 attacks and the 1993 World Trade Center bombing.

Family members shared tearful tributes to the victims, many speaking directly to their loved ones or urging viewers to never forget.

One woman who escaped one of the towers during the attack remembered her fiance, Andrew J. Bailey.

Losing you on September 11th changed my life forever, she said. Im here to remind everyone that life can change in the blink of an eye. So love more, especially your neighbors. Live more, laugh more with family and friends because we are not promised tomorrow.

Many speakers were too young to have met their lost loved ones, like a young girl who paid tribute to her uncle, firefighter Christopher Michael Mozzillo.

When I was younger, I was told that you were super brave, but standing up here today made me realize how much of a hero you actually are, his niece said. All of us notice the signs you send us big and small.

In the crowd, Gov. Kathy Hochul, President Joe Biden, and presidential candidates Donald Trump and Kamala Harris watched on. Some families spoke directly to the politicians.

It has been 23 years and the families deserve justice and accountability, said the wife of late FDNY Chief Gerard A. Barbara. Please remember that the September 11th families live it every day, not just on the anniversary.

On Wednesday night, two blue beams positioned to echo the Twin Towers will light up the sky. The Tribute in Light will last from dusk until dawn and can be seen as far as 60 miles away.

The National September 11 Memorial & Museum opened at 8 a.m. Wednesday and will close at 7 p.m., but the last entry will be 5:30 p.m.

Emily Rahhal is a digital reporter from Los Angeles who has covered New York City since 2023. She joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of her work here and follow her on Twitter 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.
DENVER (KDVR)  Leads are still wanted in the case of a man who was found dead of a gunshot wound, lying on a trail west of Fort Collins on Sept. 10, 2023.

Paul Gallenstein, 64, was found on the Foothills Trail near Horsetooth Reservoir at about 10:18 a.m. An extensive search of the area did not produce any weapons, the Larimer County Sheriffs Office reported, but search efforts were impacted by dense foliage surrounding the scene and heavy rainfall in the days following the incident.

Suspect identified in deadly CSP shooting on US 36 that injured trooper

Anyone who has found a gun or other items on the Reservoir Ridge Foothills Trail is encouraged to contact the Larimer agency immediately. Since October 2023, the family has been seeking answers to their loved ones death. The Gallensteins issued a statement late last year, pleading for answers in the case.

The Gallenstein family would greatly appreciate any and all information the public may have regarding the investigation into Pauls death, the statement read. We know there is someone out there that knows what happened to Paul on Reservoir Ridge, and we beg that they come forward with information that will solve this case. The Gallenstein family also would appreciate privacy as we struggle to deal with Pauls passing. This has had a devastating effect on our family as we grieve the loss of our husband, brother, and uncle.

On Tuesday, the sheriffs office shared a social media thread discussing the case and Gallenstein.

By all accounts, Paul was an active, upbeat person who loved fly fishing, traveling, spending time with friends & enjoying retirement with his wife of 36 years, the Larimer County Sheriffs Office posted. LCSO investigators have been working diligently on the case but have not identified a suspect or motive.

The agency said teams from investigations, forensic services and emergency services, in addition to K-9 teams and drone operators, extensively searched the area.

The Gallenstein family is offering a $50,000 reward for information that helps investigators resolve the case. Anyone with information is asked to call the Larimer Sheriffs tipline at 970-498-7331 or submit information through an online form.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
Farmers Accused of Murdering 2 Women, Feeding Them to Pigs After Bodies Found in Sty

Maria Makgato and Lucia Ndlovu were found dead on a farm owned by Zachariah Olivier, who has been arrested alongside his employees Adriaan De Wet and William Musoro

AP Photo Zachariah Olivier, Adrian Rudolph de Wet, William-Musora

Three farmers, including a teenager, are under arrest in South Africa after local authorities allegedly found the decomposing bodies of two women in a pigsty on a farm owned by one of the suspects.



The bodies of Maria Makgato, 47, and Lucia Ndlovu, 34, were found on a farm in the South African province of Limpopo, per The Associated Press and local outlets TimesLive and DispatchLive.

The farm owner Zachariah Olivier, 60, along with Adriaan De Wet, 19, and William Musora, 45, were arrested in connection with the deaths, the outlets reported. (The suspects' names and spellings appear slightly differently across the outlets. The Associated Press report names De Wet as Andrian Rudolph De Wet and TimesLive spells Musoras name as Musoro).

They all face two counts of murder, one count of attempted murder and one count of possession of an unlicensed firearm, per the Associated Press, DispatchLive and TimesLive. Musora, a Zimbabwean, is also facing a charge related to immigration for allegedly being in the country illegally, per TimesLive and the Associated Press.

Local radio station Jacaranda FM, alongside TimesLive and the Associated Press, citing authorities, report the deaths took place in August.

While the exact dates are unclear, TimesLive reports the two women were reported missing on Aug. 17, and News24 reports they were allegedly killed on that day, but a more concrete timeline of events was not immediately clear.

AP Photo Zachariah Olivier, Adrian Rudolph de Wet, William-Musora

Per the Associated Press, prosecutors allege the victims trespassed into Oliviers farm after a dairy companys truck offloaded possibly expired products at the location. The women were allegedly trying to collect the goods, per authorities.

Makgato and Ndlovu were allegedly shot and killed, Limpopo police said, per TimesLive. A man who was with them survived the alleged attack and escaped, screaming for help, TimesLive and the Associated Press reported.

Once that man notified police, they found the womens decomposing bodies in the pigsty, per the Associated Press.

Both women sustained gunshot wounds and a 47-year-old foreign national man, who was with them, was also shot and hospitalised. Police investigations are ongoing, Limpopo police spokesperson Brig Hlulani Mashaba said, per TimesLive.

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The remains of the victims were allegedly fed to pigs, authorities said, per the Associated Press, Jacaranda FM and local outlet News24.

"This is one of the most disturbing and inhumane acts in our province, and we will ensure those responsible face the full might of the law, Thembi Hadebe, provincial police commissioner, said, per TimesLive.

Remember that the victims were killed while they were looking for food," Sindisiwe Chikunga, the Minister for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, told the media, per Jacaranda FM.

It wasn't immediately clear if the suspects have entered pleas.



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Father of 11-year-old killed in crash says Trump and Vance are using son as a political tool

The father of an 11-year-old Ohio boy who was killed last year when a minivan driven by a Haitian immigrant struck his school bus said Tuesday that Donald Trump and JD Vance were morally bankrupt politicians who were using his dead son as a political tool.

Nathan Clark, of Springfield, denounced the Republican presidential ticket and asked Trump and Vance to apologize in an impassioned speech before the City Commission after Vance, the Republican nominee for vice president, mentioned the death of Clarks son Aiden as a reason to oppose Haitian immigration.

Using Aiden as a political tool is, to say the least, reprehensible for any political purpose, Clark said during the commissions public comment period, according to a livestream of the meeting.

This needs to stop now, he added. I will listen to them one more time to hear their apologies.

Asked for comment on Clarks statement, Karoline Leavitt, a Trump campaign spokesperson, did not address his statement directly but said in an email: We hope the media will continue to cover the stories of the very real suffering and tragedies experienced by the people of Springfield, Ohio  many which havent been given nearly the level of attention they deserve until now because they dont fit the liberal mainstream media narrative.

Also asked for comment on Clarks statement, Luke Schroeder, a spokesperson for Vance, said that Vice President Kamala Harris should apologize to people who are victims of crime allegedly committed by immigrants  some of whom have blamed the Biden administration and testified before Congress.

They hold her and her open borders policies accountable for the deaths of their children, Schroeder said in an email.

The Clark family is in Senator Vance's prayers, he said.

Earlier Tuesday, the Trump-Vance campaign thrust the 11-year-old boy and his family into the nations political spotlight. Vance alluded to Aiden in a post on X, writing that a child was murdered by a Haitian migrant. On Monday, an X account used by the Trump campaign posted a tweet about Aiden.

The father of Aiden Clark speaks Tuesday at a city commission meeting in Springfield, Ohio.

Aiden died in August 2023 on the first day of school when a minivan driven by a Haitian immigrant hit the bus he was riding in. The driver, Hermanio Joseph, was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter and vehicular homicide and sentenced to nine to 13 years in prison.

The crash, in which more than 20 other students were injured, has fueled anger at a wave of recent Haitian immigrants in Springfield. In recent days, that anger has become a national political issue, and it has included the spread of baseless rumors on social media about immigrants harming other peoples household pets.

The Trump campaign promoted the false claims about Haitian immigrants Monday and Tuesday, using the rumors to attack Harris record on immigration, though NBC News has not seen any statements that mentioned the Clark family. Trump on Tuesday also posted what appeared to be artificial intelligence-generated images to Truth Social showing him with cats and other animals, an apparent nod to the false rumors.

The Clarks have repeatedly asked people not to connect their sons death with immigration or use his death to support hatred against Haitians.

Clark, with his wife, Danielle, by his side at Tuesdays meeting, said it was not true that his son was murdered, as Vance said.

My son Aiden Clark was not murdered. He was accidentally killed by an immigrant from Haiti. This tragedy is felt all over this community, the state and even the nation, but dont spend this towards hate. In order to live like Aiden, you need to accept everyone, he said.

Clark named four politicians who he said were morally bankrupt for referring to his son: Trump, Vance, Ohio's Republican nominee for the Senate, Bernie Moreno, and Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas.

They have spoken my sons name and used his death for political gain, he said.

They can vomit all the hate they want about illegal immigrants, the border crisis and even untrue claims about fluffy pets being ravaged and eaten by community members. However, they are not allowed, nor have they ever been allowed, to mention Aiden Clark from Springfield, Ohio, he said.

Earlier in the day, Trump campaign spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said longtime Springfield residents complaints about immigration should be taken seriously.

We didnt manufacture this. This was brought to the attention of us by residents in Ohio, Leavitt said in an interview on NBC News Meet the Press NOW. She added that those people deserve a voice.

Nathan Clark did not respond to a request for additional comment.

Moreno posted on social media this week that Haitian immigrants were sucking up social services and repeated the baseless claim about household pets. Roy has also criticized Haitian immigrants in Springfield on X.

Representatives for Moreno and Roy did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Clark said the rise in anti-Haitian hatred was enough to make him wish that his son had been killed by a 60-year-old white man so hate-spewing people would leave us alone.

The last thing that we need is to have the worst day of our lives violently and constantly shoved in our faces, he said.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Father of 11-year-old killed in crash by Haitian immigrant fumes at Trump, Vance for using son as political tool

Nathan Clark, an Ohio man who lost his 11-year-old son Aiden in a bus crash last year, stood before the Springfield City Commission meeting on Tuesday, begging Donald Trump, JD Vance and other morally bankrupt politicians to stop using his sons tragic death for political gain.

You know, I wish that my son, Aidan Clark, was killed by a 60-year-old white man, Clark began while standing next to his wife and mother of their son, Danielle Clark. If that guy killed my 11-year-old son the incessant group of hate-spewing people would leave us alone.

Clark told those at the meeting that former president Donald Trump, Senator JD Vance, Representative Chip Roy and Ohio Senate candidate Bernie Moreno had all spoken his sons name and used his death for political gain.

This needs to stop now they can vomit all the hate they want about illegal immigrants, the border crisis and even untrue claims about fluffy pets being ravaged and eaten by community members. However they are not allowed nor have they been allowed to mention Aiden Clark from Springfield, Ohio, Clark said.

Last August, Aiden was killed in a bus crash when a car, driven by Haitian immigrant Hermanio Joseph, veered into the path of the school, colliding with it and sending the bus off the side of the road. At least 20 other schoolchildren were injured.

Nathan Clark and Danielle Clark hold up a shirt that says Live Like Aiden at the Springfield City Commission meeting on Tuesday (City of Springfield, Ohio - Government / YouTube)

Joseph, who was in Springfield under protected immigration status, was sentenced to at least nine years in prison on charges of first-degree felony involuntary manslaughter and fourth-degree felony vehicular homicide.

As the Clark family tried to grieve the loss of their son, some conservative politicians quickly capitalized on the incident to espouse anti-immigration rhetoric and criticize President Joe Bidens border policies.

On Tuesday, Vance wrote on X that a child was murdered by a Haitian migrant who had no right to be here and criticized Vice President Kamala Harris for bragging about giving amnesty to thousands of Haitian migrants.

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 response to Clarks speech, Luke Schroeder, a spokesman for Senator Vance, said, Kamala Harris should apologize to the angel mothers who testified before Congress yesterday. Will she apologize to Tammy Nobles, Alexis Nungaray, or Anne Fundner? They hold her and her open borders policies accountable for the deaths of their children. The Clark family is in Senator Vances prayers.

On Monday, an X account run by the Trump campaign posted a side-by-side photo of Aiden next to Joseph claiming the 11-year-old was killed on his way to school by a Haitian migrant and criticized Vice President Kamala Harris for refusing to say the childs name.

My son Aiden Clark was not murdered, Clark said on Tuesday. He was accidentally killed by an immigrant from Haiti.

The Independent has asked the Trump campaign for any response on Clarks speech.

Kansas Senator Roger Marshall also used a photo of Aiden to criticize President Joe Bidens border policies.

On Tuesday, Clark encouraged others to live like Aiden and stop spinning the incident towards hate.

In order to live like Aiden you need to accept everyone, choose to shine, make the difference, lead the way and be the inspiration, Clark said.

But Trump would invoke Springfields name during the presidential debate on Tuesday night to claim that dangerous immigrants are violently taking over the towns and destroying our country while promoting his anti-immigration policies.

The former president repeated a debunked claim that the community of Haitian immigrants in Springfield are abducting and eating peoples pets  specifically dogs and cats.

There is no evidence that this claim is true. Both the Springfield Police and the Springfield City Commissioner have confirmed there have been no credible reports of this.

Did you know one of the worst feelings in the world is to not be able to protect your child? Even worse we cant even protect his memory when hes gone. Please stop the hate, I said to Aiden that I would try to make a difference in his honor. This is it, Clark said at the end of his speech.
WASHINGTON  The father of an 11-year-old Ohio boy killed last year in a bus crash involving a Haitian immigrant driver lashed out on Tuesday at Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump and his running mate, Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio), for spreading hate at the expense of his son.

He also begged GOP politicians to stop using his sons name as a political tool to fuel racist attacks on Haitian immigrants in his small community.

I wish that my son, Aiden Clark, was killed by a 60-year-old white man, Nathan Clark read aloud from a piece of paper during a Springfield City Commission meeting, next to his wife, who was choking back tears. I bet you never thought anyone would say something so blunt. But if that guy killed my 11-year-old son, the incessant group of hate-spewing people would leave us alone.

Aiden was killed in August 2023 when Hermanio Joseph, a Haitian immigrant, crashed his minivan into the boys school bus. Joseph, who was reportedly driving with a foreign license not valid in Ohio, was convicted of first-degree felony involuntary manslaughter and fourth-degree felony vehicular homicide.

Vance has been using Clarks story to spread outrageous lies about Haitian immigrants. Hes amplified bogus reports that Haitians in Springfield have been abducting peoples pets and eating them  and when pressed on his false claims, hes only doubled down.

Trump amplified these lies in Tuesday nights debate. In Springfield, theyre eating the dogs, he claimed. The people that came in, theyre eating the cats. Theyre eating the pets of the people that live there. And this is whats happening in our country. And its a shame.

Trumps and Vances recent smears of Haitian immigrants are part of a broader anti-immigrant message thats been a centerpiece of their campaign for the White House.

In Springfield, theyre eating the dogs, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump falsely claimed of Haitian immigrants living in Ohio. Michael M. Santiago via Getty Images

In his Tuesday remarks, Clark condemned the hatred toward Haitian immigrants that politicians have fueled by bringing up his sons death.

They make it seem as though our wonderful Aiden appreciates your hate. That we should follow their hate, he said. Look what youve done to us. We have to get up here and beg them to stop. Using Aiden as a political tool is, to say the least, reprehensible for any political purpose.

He also named the morally bankrupt politicians who have been using Aidens name to fan anti-immigrant hatred: Trump, Vance, Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) and Ohio Senate GOP nominee Bernie Moreno.

They have spoken my sons name and used his death for political gain, said Clark. This needs to stop. Now.

He added that he wanted to clear the air about what happened to Aiden.

My son, Aiden Clark, was not murdered. He was accidentally killed by an immigrant from Haiti, said Clark. Dont spin this toward hate. In order to live like Aiden, you need to accept everyone.

Attendees applauded as he finished his remarks.

Luke Schroeder, a Trump campaign spokesman for Vance, said its not Vance who should be apologizing to the Clark family for using their son to fan hate against Haitian immigrants. Its Harris who should be apologizing  to people who testified in a House Republican-led hearing on Tuesday whose children died from fentanyl or who were killed by an undocumented immigrant.

Will she apologize to Tammy Nobles, Alexis Nungaray, or Anne Fundner? Schroeder said in a statement. They hold her and her open borders policies accountable for the deaths of their children. The Clark family is in Senator Vances prayers.

A Harris campaign spokesperson declined comment.

You can watch Nathan Clarks full speech here.
In one of the few substantive policy exchanges during Tuesday night's highly-anticipated debate, Vice President Kamala Harris talked more expansively about her energy approach than she has in other appearances to date. She also tried to offer a bit more explanation of her reversal on the issue of a fracking ban.

"My position is that we have got to invest in diverse sources of energy so we reduce our reliance on foreign oil," Harris said at one point touching on green energy but also underlining the fact that she helped approve new leases for fracking during the Biden administration after pushing for a ban in 2019.

All that, which came during at least two exchanges during Tuesday's face-off on ABC, could be described as an embrace of a sort of "all of the above" energy approach.

It was language clearly designed to appeal to moderate voters and was perhaps an example of Harris taking debate advice from moderate figures like independent Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia who had publicly advised her in the run-up to focus on an inclusive energy message.

Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during a presidential debate with former President Donald Trump in Philadelphia on Sept. 10. (SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images) (SAUL LOEB via Getty Images)

Harris's continued evolution on the issue is crucial in Pennsylvania.

Tuesday night debate was held in the commonwealth which could very well decide the next president and is also one of the world's largest producers of natural gas.

"Let's talk about fracking because we're here in Pennsylvania," Harris said at one point.

Whether Pennsylvanians are convinced remains to be seen. But the commentary from Harris came as part of a heated back-and-forth on the topic of energy with former President Donald Trump, who largely stuck to his oft-repeated charge that Harris would flip again after the election.

"Fracking? She's been against it for 12 years," Trump said while Harris nodded her head no. He added she was a radical and "if she won the election, fracking in Pennsylvania will end on day one."

Trump also touted his own plans to increase energy production and lower the price of energy.

The energy insights came amid a wide-ranging debate that was nominally about subjects such as the economy, Israel, and healthcare. But Harris often proved able to bait Trump away from substantive critiques.

"They're eating the dogs," Trump said in one particularly memorable moment, echoing an evidence-free right-wing notion that Haitian immigrants are eating pets in a town in Ohio. "The people that came in, they're eating the cats," Trump added before being fact-checked by the moderators.

Kamala Harris and Donald Trump shake hands before their presidential debate at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. (SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images) (SAUL LOEB via Getty Images)

An energy approach with roots in the 1970s

Stretching back decades, all the way to figures like Richard Nixon and Jimmy Carter in the 1970s, politicians in both parties have often espoused support for investment in basically any form of energy that came across their desks.

Story continues

President Carter, for example, touted green energy and installed solar panels at the White House but also made moves that allowed the expansion of more traditional energy exploration  including the development of hydraulic fracturing after he left office.

"This country needs an all-out, all-of-the-above strategy that develops every available source of American energy," added then-President Obama as recently as his 2012 State of the Union address.

But this approach has been less common in recent years, with Democrats often focused on green energy and Republicans focused on traditional energy sources  and each side dismissing the others approach.

The energy discussion Tuesday night in Philadelphia revolved around fracking, the process of releasing buried oil and gas by pumping fluids into bedrock. Environmentalists have long pointed out the environmental damage of the process and argued it should be stopped.

And Harris pushed to eliminate the practice entirely during her 2019 run for the presidency. She said in a CNN town hall that year that "there's no question I'm in favor of banning fracking."

But later in that same campaign season, this time as a candidate for vice president in 2020, Harris began to shift and was promising that then-candidate for President Joe Biden would not ban fracking.

Now, as a 2024 candidate in her own right, Harris discussed the issue Tuesday night in a way that pointed toward a gradual shift in focus to clean energy but with reliance on fossil fuels for the foreseeable future.

"We have invested a trillion dollars in a clean energy economy while we have also increased domestic gas production to historic levels," Harris noted near the end of the debate on the topic in response to a question on climate change.

Former President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump spoke to members of the press following the presidential debate. (MATTHEW HATCHER/AFP via Getty Images) (MATTHEW HATCHER via Getty Images)

It was a message that Biden often avoided, and Harris touted the increases in traditional energy production in recent years, with the US currently producing more oil than any country in history.

During the debate, Trump also said he was a supporter of green energy sources but was quick to dismiss them and question their benefits in favor of a return to his charge that Harris would be a radical if elected.

"Fossil fuel will be dead," said Trump at one point. "We'll go back to windmills, and we'll go back to solar, where they need a whole desert to get some energy to come out."

Harris, as she did on multiple topics throughout the night in a debate that most observers said she came out the winner of, dodged Trump's charges and tried to put forth a moderate message aimed at swing voters.

On energy, what that meant was a promise of help for domestic oil production as part of "an approach that recognizes that we cannot over rely on foreign oil."

Ben Werschkul is Washington correspondent for Yahoo Finance.

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The parents of a Springfield, Ohio boy whose death last year became fodder for the anti-immigrant right told national Republican politicians on Tuesday to stop abusing their sons memory.

This needs to stop now, Nathan Clark, the father of Aiden Clark, said at a Springfield city commission meeting on Tuesday.

Clark called Donald Trump, Sen. JD Vance (R-OH), and other GOP politicians, including Ohio Senate candidate Bernie Moreno and Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) morally bankrupt for using his son as a political tool.

I wish that my son, Aiden Clark, was killed by a 60-year old white man, Clark said.  I bet you never thought anyone would ever say something so blunt. But if that guy killed my 11-year old son, the incessant group of hate-spewing people would leave us alone.

The national right-wing media machine set its sights on Springfield, Ohio this week. Apart from being located in a state with a competitive Senate race, Springfields recent history presents a narrative useful to the right: the town has, by its own estimates, seen around 20,000 Haitian immigrant arrive since 2020; the Census last year recorded its population as around 56,000.

Tensions between immigrants and longtime residents began to spike last year after a Haitian immigrant driver sideswiped a school bus. The bus crashed, killing Aiden Clark. The driver was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter.

The combination of the significant, non-white immigrant population and the death of a child in an accident involving an immigrant set off right-wing politicians.

Vance mentioned Springfield during a speech at the National Conservatism Conference in July. This week, he tweeted a false rumor that Haitians in the town had abducted and eaten house pets. On Tuesday, Vance conceded that that may be incorrect, while using Clarks death to say that Haitians in Springfield had already committed a far more heinous offense.

Do you know whats confirmed? That a child was murdered by a Haitian migrant who had no right to be here, Vance wrote.

Nathan Clark, Aidens father, singled out Vance among other politicians for having spoken my sons name and used his death for political gain.

I will listen to them one more time to hear their apologies to clear the air, Clark said. My son Aiden Clark was not murdered, he was accidentally killed by an immigrant from Haiti. This tragedy is felt all over this community, the state and even the nation but dont spin this towards hate.

Vances intervention brought maximum public attention to the Clarks, though various right-wing, anti-immigrant groups have used Aidens death over the past year for their purposes. Stephen Miller posted a Breitbart article about the case in August 2023; the America First Policy Institute, a pro-Trump think tank, included Clarks name in a list of senseless murders committed by illegals.

But it wasnt until the right-wing internet seized on Springfield last week  a fixation Vance elevated  that the Clarks faced the full breadth of right-wing

Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO) asked whether Harris would apologize to Clarks family at the debate. The Center for Renewing America, a think tank run by an influential former Trump OMB chief, blamed Clarks death on the Biden Administrations catch-and-release policy.

The Trump campaign posted on X about Clarks death on Monday.

REMEMBER: 11-year-old Aiden Clark was killed on his way to school by a Haitian migrant that Kamala Harris let into the country in Springfield, Ohio.@KamalaHarris has refused to say Aiden's name. pic.twitter.com/1vnTGpw7aH  Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) September 9, 2024

Hours after Clarks remarks, Trump name-checked Springfield, saying Theyre taking over the towns. Theyre taking over buildings. Theyre going in violently. These are the people that she and Biden led into our country, and theyre destroying our country. Theyre dangerous. Theyre at the highest level of criminality.

Clark demanded at the meeting that people stop using his sons death for any political purpose.

They can vomit all the hate they want about illegal immigrants, the border crisis, and even untrue claims about fluffy pets being ravaged and eaten by community members,  Clark said. However, they are not allowed or have they ever been allowed to mention Aiden Clark from Springfield, Ohio.

Clark wasnt the only Springfield resident who had been featured in the right-wing media frenzy over the town to express revulsion at whats taken place.

Noelle Bales spoke at a meeting in August, saying that she and her husband were considering moving from the area while complaining about men that cannot speak English throwing mattresses into her front yard.

The remarks received national attention. The Daily Mail did a story about it, while online influencers and former Trump officials like Sebastian Gorka boosted the clip of Bales speaking to a national audience.

But at the Tuesday city commission meeting, Bales sounded regretful.

I did not mean to bring any ill will to my city, Bales said, before adding: And about the ducks and the cats  Im the crazy cat lady in my town and Im not missing any. Everybody is present and accounted for. And if they were coming out of our park with geese or ducks I would be one of the first people to see it. Im telling you, its not happening.
Father of Ohio Boy, 11, Killed in Accident with Haitian Driver Begs Trump and Vance to Stop Using Son as Pawn to 'Spew Hate'

"This tragedy is felt all over this community, this state and even the nation," said the father of Aiden Clark. "But dont spin this towards hate

GATVSpringfield5/Youtube Nathan Clark (L) speaking to the Springfield City Commission on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024

An Ohio man whose son was killed in a 2023 school bus crash involving a Haitian immigrant called on Donald Trump, J.D. Vance and other conservative politicians to stop invoking his childs name for political gain.

Nathan Clark, the father of 11-year-old Aiden Clark, denounced the "reprehensible" use of his sons death in Springfield, Ohio, to stir up hatred toward immigrants.

The last thing that we need is to have the worst day of our lives, violently and constantly shoved in our faces, Nathan told the Springfield City Commission on Tuesday, Sept. 10, NBC affiliate WDTN reported. But even thats not good enough for them. They take it one step further. They make it seem as though our wonderful Aiden appreciates your hate. That we should follow their hate.

And look what youve done to us. We have to get up here and beg them to stop, Clark continued.

"Using Aiden as a political tool is, to say the least, reprehensible for any political purpose. And speaking of morally bankruptpoliticians Bernie Moreno, [Texas Rep.] Chip Roy, J.D. Vance and Donald Trump then spoke in my sons name and used his death for political gain. This needs to stop now.

Related: Kamala Harris Laughs in Disbelief as Donald Trump Says Haitian Immigrants Are 'Eating the Pets' of Americans

Jim WATSON/getty Republican White House nominees Donald Trump and J.D. Vance at the RNC on July 16, 2024

On Aug. 23, 2023, a child  later identified as Aiden Clark  was killed when the school bus he was on collided with a minivan in German Township, Clark County, authorities said at the time. More than two dozen others were injured in the incident, which happened on the first day of classes.

The driver of the minivan, Hermanio Joseph, was a Haitian immigrant. He was found guilty by a jury on May 1 for involuntary manslaughter and vehicular homicide, per WDTN.

The incident recently ignited the hot-button issue of immigration in Springfield, especially concerning Haitian migrants. Vance, a U.S. senator representing Ohio and Donald Trumps running mate in the 2024 presidential election, spread a previous false claim from far-right supporters that Haitian migrants in Springfield were snatching and eating pets, NPR reported.

SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris on the debate stage in Philadelphia on Sept. 10, 2024

The controversy surrounding the baseless allegation was a talking point at the Sept. 10 presidential debate between candidates Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, hosted by ABC News.

And look at what's happening to the towns all over the United States, Trump said at the event, referencing immigration. "A lot of towns don't want to talk about it because they're so embarrassed by it. In Springfield, they're eating the dogs. The people that came in. They're eating the cats. They're eating -- they're eating the pets of the people that live there. And this is what's happening in our country.

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David Muir, a co-moderator of the debate, told Trump that a Springfield official said there were no credible reports of specific claims of pets being harmed, injured or abused by individuals within the immigrant community.

The people on television say my dog was taken and used for food, Trump responded, which prompted Muir to reiterate that there was no evidence of that based on what the Springfield official told ABC News.

In his remarks to the Springfield City Commission, Nathan Clark said that he wished Aiden was killed by a 60-year-old white man so that the incessant group of hate-spewing people would leave us alone.

To clear the air, my son, Aiden Clark, was not murdered, Nathan said, per WDTN. He was accidentally killed by an immigrant from Haiti. This tragedy is felt all over this community, this state and even the nation. But dont spin this towards hate.

Related: Donald Trump Says He Had 'Every Right' to Interfere in 2020 Presidential Election

He also asked why Aiden should be linked with any problems in Springfield, adding: Did you know that one of the worst feelings in the world is to not be able to protect your child? Even worse, we cant even protect his memory when hes gone.

Nathan concluded his remarks by urging people to stop the hate.

"I said to Aiden that I would try to make a difference in his honor, he said. This is it. Live like Aiden. Thank you.

PEOPLE reached out to a Trump representative for comment on Wednesday, Sept. 11.

On Sept. 10, Ohio Republican Gov. Mike DeWine announced that he would send law enforcement and money for health resources to Springfield amid the city's influx of temporary Haitian migrants, the Associated Press reported. DeWines announcement came before the start of the Harris-Trump debate that same day.

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HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP)  The St. Patricks Committee of Holyoke announced Father Robert Gentile, Jr. as its 58th Citizenship Award winner Tuesday evening.

Holyoke sends warning to property owners with outstanding fines

The Citizenship Award is presented annually to a person or organization that may be of non-Irish descent that has made substantial contributions to the Parade and the Parade Committee.

Father Gentile is being recognized for his great support of the St. Patricks Committee of Holyoke  providing both spiritual guidance and support for Parade weekend. I was just taken back by it all, says Gentile. I know that the parade committee does incredible work throughout the year. Parade day is just an amazing event. That they chose me to be a part of it is just an honor.

Rev. Fr. Robert A. Gentile, 2025 citizenship award winner, St. Patricks committee of Holyoke. Fr. Gentile will be honored at the Coronation Ball and Awards Reception in February of next year.

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In the aftermath of September 11, President George W. Bush remarked that it is natural to wonder if Americas future is one of fear. Beyond the particularities of that genuinely difficult time, Bushs words proved prescient in another way.

September 11 turned out to be the opening chapter in a broader narrative of fear that defined much of the past 23 years. Polarization and distrust pervade our society. There is a dearth of hope about the future. As individuals, Americans increasingly feel concerned for our physical safety, with 2 in 5 feeling afraid to walk alone at night within a mile of their home, for example. That fear carries over to how we see the nation as a whole, with 80 percent of respondents in a Reuters/Ipsos poll fearing the country is descending into chaos.

Looking at the 21st century so far, three generational crises stand out as part of this pattern of fear: 9/11, the Great Recession of 2008, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Americans have grappled with fear at other times, but these crises struck our entire society. Fear was so pervasive during them that they ruptured our sense of time, ushering in references to post-9/11 and pre-pandemic for example. And in each of these cases, we failed fear, so to speak. With each crisis we lost confidence in our collective capacity to solve problems and build a better future. With each crisis, we lost confidence in ourselves.

How did this happen? For two related reasons. First, in each of these three events, our leaders treated fear as a mere psychological by-product. But fear is not just a reaction: It is an adversary in its own right. And second, while we solved the proximate challengetheres never been another 9/11, the economy started growing again by 2009, and we developed an effective coronavirus vaccinemost Americans were consigned to be passive bystanders rather than active citizens. In short, with each of these crises, our political leaders failed to recognize that one of the best antidotes to fear is to fight it together.

Waging war and living normally.

The 9/11 terrorist attacks pierced deep into the American soul. On the 20th anniversary, the Pew Research Center reported that more than 9 in 10 over the age of 30 could remember exactly where they were when they learned about the attacks. Yet far fewerless than 1 in 10 to be precisewould participate in the response to 9/11.

Its helpful to contrast our response to 9/11 with what happened after the attack on Pearl Harbor, the tragedy most often invoked as a historical analog. With World War II, America mobilized more than a third of its adult population. Sixteen million Americans served in the military and another 10 million in the Civil Defense Corps; millions more worked in the defense industrial base or in programs such as the U.S. Crop Corps. With the war on terror, however, less than 2 percent of the adult population served in the military. Even if we include the defense industry, non-military national security agencies, law enforcement, as well as foreign aid and peacebuilding groups that served in various conflict zones, the number of Americans mobilized after 9/11 was probably less than 5 percent of the population.

Its not that public will was lacking. More than 250,000 Americans joined the military in the year after 9/11; volunteer firefighters and other emergency personnel flooded New York City to help; and, Americans from all over donated blood, time, and money to help in the aftermath of the attacks. But this public will was not harnessed at scale. Sure, there were a few initiatives, such as the Freedom Corps that President Bush launched in his 2002 State of the Union, asking Americans to give two years to national service. But within a year, the program had lost steam.

Rather, the main way we countered fear was to try and get back to normalto get down to Disney World as President Bush said. But fear doesnt work like that. What people need amid collective trauma is not an illusory sense of normalcy, but rather solidarity and purpose. As the writer Sebastian Junger put it in his book Tribe, Humans dont mind hardship, in fact they thrive on it; what they mind is not feeling necessary. The opposite of feeling necessary is feeling dependent, which was how most Americans felt following 9/11.

It would only grow worse with the next crisis.

Fear strikes the American Dream.

The Great Recession of 2008 tore into America. Over 50 percent of adults reported working less or losing work altogether and millions lost their home during what at the time was the worst economic downturn since the Depression. Peoples sense of financial security cratered. The economic impacts were not evenly distributed, but everyone felt fear. You could hear in their voices for the first time in my lifetime a level of fear about the existential risk to the country, to the system, said then-Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner of people he spoke with at the time.

On one level, the governments response to the crisis matched the magnitude of fear. The Federal Reserve pumped trillions of dollars of liquidity into the financial system; the Treasury invested more than $440 billion to stabilize financial firms and President Obama passed a $787 billion stimulus program in February 2009. Yet absent from this response were programs that involved the American people directly. As a result, most Americans felt all the pain of financial loss and community devastation but had no role in building the country back up. When the recovery proved both uneven and slow, there were few stories of collective resolve and sacrifice that Americans could draw strength from; mainly stories of division.

Unsurprisingly, fear stayed with us even as the economic picture improved. As Karlyn Bowman of the American Enterprise Institute has noted, even in 2015years after the economy had resumed growingclose to two-thirds of Americans still felt the economic system was no more secure than it was before the 2008 crisis. Even worse, fear overtook confidence about the future. The percentage of Americans who felt future generations would have a better life than their parents dropped from 66 in 2008 to 44 in 2011. It improved somewhat over the following years, but whatever recovery was underway on this front collapsed with the advent of the third crisis of fear: the COVID-19 pandemic.

Socially distant.

Public memory of COVID-19 is now dominated by polarizationfights over mask requirements, shouting matches at school board meetings, and the like. Yet at the onset of the pandemic, Americans yet again had a powerful shared experience of fear. In March 2020, as awareness of the coronavirus became widespread, the majority of Americans across the political spectrum were scared for their familys health. This fear prompted a temporary surge in feelings of unity.

At the time, I was leading a depolarization research nonprofit and we noticed this dramatic shift in public opinion. The percentage of Americans who felt the country was united jumped from 4 percent in late 2018 to 32 percent in March 2020 and those who saw the country as divided collapsed from 87 percent to 48 percent. Yet this surge proved fleeting. Within three months, by June, the feelings of division had returned to 2018 levels.

The return of hyperpolarization had many causes: the presidential election, the murder of George Floyd and the ensuing protests, the volatility in the economy. But thats not the full story. Absent from the government response, which included more than $4.5 trillion in stimulus bills, was mass citizen mobilization. Outside of the military and medical professions, few Americans put on a uniform and fought the coronavirus together. Ideas for national work programs were raised, multiple bills were put forth, and some funding was secured. But nothing materialized at scale.

Our response to COVID gave us little in terms of outlets to work together or recognize a kind of shared fate. The result was a sense that many people, in the words of sociologist Eric Klinenberg, had been left to navigate the crisis on their own.

The need for civic action.

If there is a silver lining to repeatedly failing fear in these three occasions, it is that we have more than 20 years of lessons to apply to the future. Two in particular come to mind. The first lesson is that leaders must treat fear as a threat in and of itself. When the next crisis of fear strikes, we need to take it on directlyname fear as an enemy, see it for the dynamic adversary it is, and summon Americans as agents in defeating it.

But more practically, the second lesson is that the government, especially the federal government, has a unique role in orchestrating a national fight against fear. This does not mean ever-larger stimulus packagesit means mass citizen engagement. In such a crisis, Americans dont just want to receive aid, we want to be part of the solution. Said another way, the only thing more empowering than receiving protection from ones tribe during a crisis is providing protection.

Acting on this will require changes in both political parties. Republicans will need to rebuild the civic engagement muscles, what Pete Peterson of Pepperdine University has dubbed a conservatism of connection, harnessed by Republicans of earlier generations. National work and service programs, narrowly targeted and designed to sunset after the crisis has passed, are entirely consistent with conservative ideology. As Abraham Lincoln once said, The legitimate object of Government is to do for a community of people whatever they need to have done but cannot do at all, or cannot do so well, for themselves in their separate and individual capacities.

Democrats, on the other hand, need to rein in prescriptions for national service to narrowly focus on crisis response. Ever since FDR, national service has occupied a unique position in liberal policy agendas. Yet this impulse now undermines the potential for bipartisan action during a crisis. Take the American Climate Corps, an initiative launched via executive action in September 2023, when there was no shared sense of fear. Such actions make national service appear partisan in nature.

These two lessons are not the only ones to draw, nor are they the full solution to whatever generational crisis we face next. We will need policy and operational responses. Our situation would have been dramatically worse had we not disrupted Al-Qaedas capabilities or produced a COVID-19 vaccine. The point is that even when we get the policy solutions approximately right, if we dont engage Americans in fighting fear directly, we will see our society continue to weaken.

If we fight fear together, however, we build resilience against policy failures. The more Americans feel responsibility for part of the fight, the better we will endure the complexities that inevitably confound decision-makers. A sense of solidarity has the potential to propel us through setbacks and to carry us forward with a powerful shared story. Those stories and experiences are the connective bonds that give new life to the American Dream and to the idea of America itself.

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Federal authorities say three Grosse Pointe Woods residents who died from drug overdoses on the same day last year thought they were buying cocaine.

Instead, authorities say, the drugs they received were laced with fentanyl.

Now, a Harper Woods woman is facing a charge in federal court for delivering the drugs to the victims that caused their fatal overdoses.

Aerian Porter-Craig, 32, was arrested Wednesday after a criminal complaint was filed against her Sept. 5 in U.S. District Court in Detroit. The complaint, unsealed Wednesday, accuses her of distribution of a controlled substance resulting in death.

Porter-Craig made an initial appearance Wednesday in federal court, where a preliminary exam was set for Oct. 2. She was released on a $10,000 unsecured bond, according to court records. Conditions of her bond include electronic monitoring with home detention, but she can leave for some reasons, such as meeting with her attorney, medical appointments and work, said Gina Balaya, spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney's Office in Detroit.

The attorney who represented Porter-Craig at her initial appearance could not be immediately reached.

Federal investigators say the amount of fentanyl shown next to this penny is a lethal dose.

"Three young people lost their lives as fentanyl continues to ravage our communities," U.S. Attorney Dawn Ison stated in a news release announcing the arrest. "Fentanyl is everywhere, which means there is no such thing as safe use of illegal drugs. Along with our agency partners, we will continue to pursue these cases and hold drug dealers accountable for their crimes."

Grosse Pointe Woods public safety officers found two victims, a man and a woman, dead in the 1000 block of Canterbury on June 10, 2023, according to the complaint. Then, they found another woman dead in the 1400 block of Edmundton, about a half-mile away. The complaint does not identify the victims by age or name.

Autopsies by the Wayne County Medical Examiner's Office determined the man and the woman on Canterbury died from fentanyl toxicity, per the complaint, and the other woman died from fentanyl and xylazine toxicity.

Xylazine is a non-opioid animal tranquilizer that is not safe for human consumption and is most often mixed with fentanyl by drug traffickers. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration's Detroit office issued warnings about xylazine in April 2023, just two months before the three Grosse Pointe Woods residents died.

More: How to tell if someone is overdosing on fentanyl and other opioids

An FBI special agent looked at the victims' cellphones, interviewed friends and co-workers and executed a search warrant on Porter-Craig's cellphone after it was seized from her in March, according to the complaint. It states text message conversations show the three victims and another friend planned to go to a music show that night in Detroit, but never made it.

Outgoing communications on each of the victims' phones abruptly stopped sometime after 11 p.m. on June 9, 2023, per the complaint, shortly after Porter-Craig allegedly had been to each residence.

It states one of the victims had Porter-Craig's number stored in her phone under the name Aeriann, and their text conversations showed that Porter-Craig previously sold cocaine to the victim and discussed the victim paying for drugs through Venmo.

The victim's Venmo account showed that she transferred about $1,405 to Porter-Craig's Venmo account between June 29, 2022, and June 3, 2023 in 22 separate transactions that were under $100 each, payments the FBI agent believes are consistent with the payment for small amounts of narcotics.

Porter-Craig texted the victim to let her know she would have drugs available. The victim responded that she was going to a music venue and was in a hurry, but Porter-Craig assured her she would be able to bring her some on time, according to the complaint. It adds the victim later told Porter-Craig she was home and re-sent her address on Edmundton. Porter-Craig texted the victim "Outside," with the victim writing, "I just got out of the shower .... Lemme toss something on."

The text exchange ended about 10:48 p.m. and the victim called the other female victim at 11:15 p.m., talking for just over a minute.

"After that, there are multiple missed calls and texts from friends, with no replies," according to the complaint, suggesting the victim on Edmundton died soon after she called the other female victim and ingested the dose of narcotics that Porter-Craig allegedly delivered.

More: Feds: Leaders of large-scale drug network in Michigan, other states indicted

The special agent wrote in the complaint that about four hours after Porter-Craig was at the victim's house, she sent two text messages to her phone: "'Ok', followed by, 'You good?' They were not answered."

The male victim's phone also had multiple text exchanges about drugs with the phone number for Porter-Craig, including in May 2023, according to the complaint, though the male victim did not save it as a named contact.

He called Porter-Craig at 10:50 p.m. on June 9, 2023, followed by a text message conversation that started at 11:13 p.m. Porter-Craig let him know she was "Outside," and a few minutes later she texted him that he had given her $125 instead of $100, according to the complaint. The male victim called Porter-Craig at 11:41 p.m., a call that lasted just under two minutes. The call was the last outgoing communication from his phone, according to the complaint.

The woman at the male victim's house, who also died, had her last outgoing communication from her phone at 11:37 p.m. on June 9, 2023, per the complaint. White material found on a tray next to her body found the presence of cocaine and fentanyl, it states, and the medical examiner concluded she and the male victim each died from fentanyl toxicity.

The complaint states that about four hours after the male victim's last phone call, Porter-Craig "texted his phone and asked, 'You good brother?'. She then wrote 'Call or text me asap.' Based on evidence from Porter-Craig's phone, by then she had received a message from another customer at 12:31 a.m. ...who had used a test strip on the cocaine she had sold him and told her that it was positive for fentanyl."

Porter-Craig allegedly exchanged text messages with another drug customer June 14, 2023 about the victims' deaths, according to the complaint, writing: "This is why I'm firm on my prices because I pay for y'all to be safe atp it's not even all about the money yall have become family and this is the very shit I was trying to avoid happening I'm so hurt off this one."

Contact Christina Hall: chall@freepress.com. Follow her on Twitter: @challreporter.

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This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Harper Woods woman arrested in drug deaths of Grosse Pointe Woods residents
The Federal Emergency Management Association has hundreds of workers in Louisiana ahead of Hurricane Francine, which is expected to make landfall near Morgan City late Wednesday afternoon.

More than 500 personnel with FEMA, Urban Search and Rescue and other federal agencies are currently in Baton Rouge, Alexandria and Roseland in Tangipahoa Parish . They will be deployed across South Louisiana after Francine passes through, FEMA spokesman Jayce Genco said in a statement. Additional workers are available to be dispatched to the state after the storm.

The National Weather Service predicts the storm will pass between Baton Rouge and Hammond before heading into southwest Mississippi by Wednesday night. Francine poses a slight tornado risk to areas east of track.

Storm surge of 3-5 feet on Lake Maurepas and Lake Pontchartrain is possible. Francines rainfall is forecast to create a moderate risk, or at least 40% chance, of flash flooding over the next five days, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Genco said 500,000 meals and 800,000 liters of water will arrive Wednesday in Roseland with more expected to arrive Thursday in Alexandria. In total, more than 700,000 meals and 1.2 million liters will be immediately available to storm victims.

In Baton Rouge, officials have staged 29 FEMA generators.

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Ferguson, Reichert clash on crime, abortion and Trump in first debate

Bob Ferguson, left, shakes hands with fellow gubernatorial candidate Dave Reichert after their debate Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024 in Seattle. (Jennifer Buchanan / The Seattle Times)

SEATTLE  Washington gubernatorial candidates Bob Ferguson and Dave Reichert clashed over public safety, abortion rights, and Donald Trump throughout an acrimonious hour-long debate Tuesday.

The first face-to-face meeting between the two men in the election was marked by sharp exchanges in which Ferguson, a Democrat and the states attorney general, and Reichert, a Republican and former congressman, accused one another of lying about their respective records.

Reichert jabbed first, throwing shade on Fergusons pledge to bolster public safety by hiring more cops, noting that crime has increased in the last 12 years and finally Mr. Ferguson has recognized that.

I think its clear that Im the only public safety candidate in this race, said Reichert, who spent more than three decades working in law enforcement.

Ferguson responded: I will take no lectures from you about public safety when you are voting for and supported a convicted felon for president, he said in reference to Trump.

I am not supporting Trump, Reichert shot back, the first time he had made such a clear public pronouncement in a race where Ferguson has worked strenuously to tie his Republican opponent to the former president, who is this years GOP presidential nominee. Reichert also said he would not vote for the Democratic nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris.

When Ferguson didnt let up, a frustrated Reichert snapped: Youre obsessed with Donald Trump. I moved past that. I am focused on the problems here in Washington state.

The exchange was one of many tense moments in Tuesdays debate held in the studio of KING 5 television in Seattle and co-sponsored with KREM 2 in Spokane, The Seattle Times and El Sol de Yakima. Early in the event, one of the moderators stepped in to remind the candidates of the debate rules as they traded barbs and interrupted one another.

The two men will meet in a second debate next week in Spokane sponsored by the Association of Washington Business.

Whoever wins the Nov. 5 election will succeed retiring Democratic Gov. Jay Inslee and be Washingtons first new governor in 12 years.

Contrasts on crime and climate

Ferguson has cast himself as a reformer who would change the culture of government.

What we need is someone whos a change agent, who will change the status quo, he said Tuesday.

In three terms as the states top lawyer, Ferguson has compiled a broad record  through litigation and legislation  on which voters can judge.

Reichert on Tuesday fixed on that tenure. He said the actions of the attorney general in concert with policies put in place by Inslee and the Democratic-controlled Legislature are to blame for residents concerns about public safety and higher costs of living.

When not lunging at one another, Ferguson and Reichert did offer contrasts in how they would lead the state.

For example, both argued for hiring more police officers.

Ferguson outlined a detailed plan to seek $100 million for grants to help local governments recruit more officers. He also wants to hire additional state troopers and ramp up Department of Corrections efforts to track down at-large offenders with active arrest warrants.

Reichert vowed to support law enforcement officers ability to hold people accountable.

There must be consequences, he said.

He criticized Ferguson for expanding the state attorney generals office at a time when police departments have struggled to hire and retain officers. Ferguson countered that he was proud of his offices work and said it had generated money for the state through legal settlements.

Climate policy is not a cornerstone of either candidates campaign. But when asked about an initiative on the November ballot to repeal a signature state policy to fight pollution, the two differed sharply.

Ferguson said he will vote against Initiative 2117 which, if passed, would repeal the Climate Commitment Act that imposes a cap on carbon emissions and requires large emitters to purchase air pollution allowances. But he also said the law needs to be adjusted, and pointed to a troubled exemption program for fuel used by farmers as an example of where it could be improved.

Farmers are entitled to an exemption, he said. That hasnt happened.

Reichert said he will vote to pass the measure. He has said climate change is real but disagrees with the states current approach on the issue. He contends policies enacted by Democrats, including the cap-and-trade program created by the Climate Commitment Act, are driving up the price of fuel and energy without reducing levels of pollution.

He accused Democrats who backed the policy of not telling the truth about how it would affect gas prices. We were lied to, he said. So I say lets vote yes, pay less. Then lets find a way forward.



Sparring over abortion laws

Time and again, Ferguson returned to criticize Reichert as a MAGA Republican who would undermine the states strong protection of abortion rights. Washington is known nationally as a haven for those seeking abortions and reproductive care services.

Ferguson vowed Tuesday to preserve existing protections  some hes helped write and others hes helped enforce as attorney general  and to bolster them where possible.

Reichert personally opposes abortion but has said he would uphold Washingtons abortion rights laws. He reiterated that position Tuesday.

I will support and protect the abortion laws that currently exist in Washington state, he said.

Ferguson scoffed, saying Reichert had told supporters he would work to unravel the states abortion protections. He also highlighted votes Reichert took in Congress in favor of national abortion restrictions.

You say one thing when youre speaking to Washington people in a forum like this, and you say something else entirely when you think you are behind closed doors, he said. Thats been a pattern with you on Donald Trump. Thats a pattern with you on reproductive freedom.

Afterward, Reichert told reporters he wasnt rattled by Fergusons injection of Trump into their match-up, which aired shortly after a Trump and Harris debate on national television.

I was angry because the things that hes been saying are not true, he said. So when you get a chance to respond to an untruth, I think you can get a little frustrated.

Elaborating on comments in the debate, Reichert said he would write in a candidate in the presidential race.

Ferguson did not speak with reporters after the debate.

He won last months primary with 44.9% of the vote followed by Reichert with 27.5%. There were 28 candidates in the race.

Ferguson, 59, a fourth-generation Washingtonian, worked for a private Seattle law firm when he won a seat on the King County Council in 2003. In 2012, he defeated a council colleague, Reagan Dunn, for the attorney generals job.

Reichert, a former King County sheriff, was elected to Washingtons 8th Congressional District in 2004 and served seven terms.

Entering Tuesdays debate, Ferguson had raised nearly $10.5 million in the campaign to Reicherts nearly $5 million.

History favors Ferguson as Democrats have won 10 consecutive gubernatorial contests. Washingtons last Republican governor was John Spellman. He was elected in 1980 but lost reelection.

Ballots will be sent to most Washington voters in about five weeks, on Oct. 18.
As with all good movie sequels, you just know the baddies always come back meaner, stronger and nastier. Apollo Creed, The T-1000 in "Terminator," Freddy Kruger and Griff Tannen all had a real axe to grind and didnt give up easy.

The original Fight For The Bight was a public, surfer-led campaign to stop gas and oil drilling in the Southern Ocean. It became the largest coastal campaign in Australian history. Tens of thousands of people paddled out in protest right around the country and the strength of public opposition and the whip-smart media campaign saw the Norwegian oil company, Equinor, withdraw in 2021.

It was an incredible against-the-odds win, fought against some of the biggest, richest companies in the world, who had political backing from the then Australian Federal government. Rocky Balboa would have been proud. Yet the door wasn't completely shut.

The exploration leases were all still open so at any moment someone could jump back in and have a crack at drilling out there again, said Heath Joske, a former pro surfer and one of the leaders of the protest moment, in a Roaring Journals piece by Sean Doherty. I don't think anyone's going to go near this for a while, because Australia stood up and stopped it, but if the economics shifted or the world shifted, it's all back on. While those leases are still open, you never win.

Related: Norwegian Oil Company Equinor Pulls Plans to Drill in the Great Australian Bight

The best, and perhaps only, way to protect the Bight having it granted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Thats what the Yerkala Mirning Traditional Owners, Sea Shepherd, and the Wilderness Society of South Australia are currently pushing for now. Its the next, and hopefully final, stage in making sure gas and oil drilling will never happen in the Bight.

The area has a pretty good case. It boasts a staggering amount of biodiversity, with more than 85% of species found nowhere else on Earth. Threatened and endangered species include great white sharks, southern bluefin tuna, Australian sea lions, white-bellied sea eagles and albatross, as well as more than 36 species of dolphins and whales.

As a border between the sea and the desert, it has the largest single piece of limestone in the world and the longest line of sea cliffs, up to 120 metres high and hundreds of kilometres long. The Yerkala Mirning peoples links to the land and sea date back to at least 65,000 years ago.

With stunning natural wonders, lifeforms found nowhere else and a living culture connecting desert with ocean, (and some pretty good waves) it would easily sit along other Australian World Heritage sites like the Great Barrier Reef, Ningaloo, Kakadu and Shark Bay.

The Wilderness Society has created a petition which it will deliver to Environment Minister, Tanya Plibersek in Canberra in the coming months. By lending your name to it, you can protect this ancient, vibrant and sacred stretch of Australia. And stop the baddies ever turning up for a sequel.

Related: How Australian Surfers Created a Powerful Environmental Movement

Related: Patagonia Launches Petition To Protect 30% Of Australia's Ocean By 2030
TechCrunch

Michael Gronager, co-founder and CEO of Chainalysis, has taken a personal leave of absence from the company. The blockchain analysis outfit isnt sharing why but says the development is temporary. According to The Block, which first reported the news, Chainalysis President and COO Sari Granat, who joined the outfit in 2022, is acting as interim CEO.
First Ever Indigenous Marine Sanctuary in U.S. One Step Closer to Reality

e. The sanctuary would cover 4,543 square miles of ocean along 116 miles of Californias central coast, making it the third largest in the National Marine Sanctuary System. (image/chumashsanctuary.org)

The Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary, a groundbreaking initiative led by the Northern Chumash Tribe, is closer than ever to becoming the first Indigenous-proposed marine sanctuary in the United States.

With the release of the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), this proposed sanctuary along Californias central coast is entering its final stage before official designation.

This will be the first marine sanctuary in the U.S. proposed by an Indigenous group, specifically the Northern Chumash Tribe. The sanctuary would cover 4,543 square miles of ocean along 116 miles of Californias central coast, making it the third largest in the National Marine Sanctuary System.

For over 40 years, the Northern Chumash Tribe has been working to establish this sanctuary. It represents their deep connection to the waters of the California coast, which have been part of their cultural and spiritual heritage for centuries.

The Biden administration has supported this effort, recognizing the importance of Indigenous-led conservation. During a public comment period, over 110,000 comments were submitted, with more than 99 percent in favor of the sanctuary.

The sanctuary will safeguard biodiversity and marine life, including whales, dolphins, seabirds, and various species that are crucial to the ecosystems health.

Beyond its environmental significance, the sanctuary will also serve as a living monument to the Chumash people and their connection to the ocean. This is a rare case where cultural preservation and environmental conservation are intertwined, setting a new precedent for future conservation efforts in the U.S.

Lauren Bogard, Director of Campaigns and Special Projects at the Center for Western Priorities, released a statement following the FEIS announcement stating the importance of this moment.

We would not be celebrating this important milestone today were it not for the decades of leadership from the Northern Chumash Tribe and other California Indigenous people and community members who have worked tirelessly to establish the nations first Indigenous-proposed marine sanctuary, said Bogard. Thank you, President Biden, for listening to the Tribal and community leaders who have been leading this effort for the past 40 years.

NOAAs final review emphasizes that the sanctuary will be managed in partnership with Indigenous communities, ensuring that their voices remain central in protecting these waters. The plan focuses on preserving cultural resources, encouraging sustainable tourism, and supporting marine research.

The official designation of the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary is expected later this year. Once established, it will serve as an important model for future conservation efforts that combine environmental protection with cultural preservation.

About the Author: "Kaili Berg (Aleut) is a member of the Alutiiq\/Sugpiaq Nation, and a shareholder of Koniag, Inc. She is a staff reporter for Native News Online and Tribal Business News. Berg, who is based in Wisconsin, previously reported for the Ho-Chunk Nation newspaper, Hocak Worak. She went to school originally for nursing, but changed her major after finding her passion in communications at Western Technical College in Lacrosse, Wisconsin. "

Contact: kberg@indiancountrymedia.com
(Bloomberg) -- Dubai-based cosmetics firm Huda Beauty is considering selling all or part of its fast-growing perfume division, according to people familiar with the matter.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The firm  with more Instagram followers than Kylie Jenner and Selena Gomezs brands combined  has lined up Goldman Sachs Group Inc. as an adviser on the potential sale of Kayali fragrance, the people said. A deal will pave the way for the fragrance and cosmetics brands to chart an independent course, they said, asking not to be identified as the information is private.

Funds from any sale will also allow the founders to buy out TSG Consumer Partners stake in Huda Beauty, the people said. The private equity fund acquired a minority holding in 2017.

Deliberations are at early stages and plans for the fragrance unit may still change, the people said. Representatives for Huda Beauty didnt respond to messages seeking comment, while a spokesperson for Goldman declined to comment.

Launched in 2013 by blogger Huda Kattan and her sisters Mona and Alya, the eponymous brand has been valued at more than $1 billion in the past. The firm sells more than a hundred products online, ranging from fake eyelashes to lip gloss and skincare products.

Its amassed over 54.2 million followers on Instagram, making it one of the beauty industrys most recognized brands on social media. Rivals Kylie Cosmetics and Rare Beauty have 24.9 million and 7.6 million followers, respectively.

Also Read: How a Makeup Mogul Built a $1 Billion Business on Instagram

Earlier this month, the Bloomberg Billionaires Index estimated that Gomez is worth $1.3 billion  a bulk of this is tied to her makeup line Rare Beauty, which is a hit with influencers and cosmetics-obsessed teens. Kylie Jenner, meanwhile, sold a 51% stake in her cosmetics line to Coty Inc. for $600 million in 2020.

Kayali, founded and led by Mona Kattan, offers about two dozen fragrances and was launched six years ago. Its perfumes  which cost about $140 for a 100-milliliter bottle  are now sold by major retailers including Sephora USA Inc., Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc. and ASOS Plc.

New from Bloomberg: Get the Mideast Money newsletter, a weekly look at the intersection of wealth and power in the region.

Story continues

Theres been a surge in merger and acquisition activity in the beauty sector in recent months as buyers try to capitalize on a jump in spending on cosmetics around the world, according to Capstone Partners. The value of such deals has jumped 37.5% so far this year compared with the same period a year ago, the advisory found.

A potential sale of Kayali would come one year after private equity fund Advent International acquired a stake in the group behind Parfums de Marly and INITIO Parfums Prives which has a strong presence in the Middle East.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

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The first general election ballots of the presidential race are in the mail

The first ballots of the general election are heading to voters, as Alabama officials started mailing them out Wednesday.

Once eligible Alabama voters who requested absentee ballots receive them, they can return them at any point to lock in their votes for candidates for president, as well as in statewide and local races, weeks out from Election Day.

Alabama requires voters to have a reason to vote by mail, such as being absent from the county or working on Election Day. Voters who qualify can also go in person to their circuit clerks and fill out absentee ballot applications and ballots in person as early as Wednesday.

North Carolina was scheduled to mail out the first ballots of the general election last week, but that was delayed by a lawsuit from former independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to remove himself from the ballot.

The North Carolina Supreme Court upheld an appeals court ruling to take Kennedy's name off the ballot Monday, meaning the state will need to reprint millions of ballots before they can be sent out.

After he dropped out of the race and endorsed former President Donald Trump last month, Kennedy began seeking to remove himself as an option for voters in other battleground states, such as North Carolina, as polling indicates his presence on the ballot could hurt Trump.

In Alabama, Kennedy will appear on the ballot for president alongside Trump, Kamala Harris and third-party candidates Jill Stein and Chase Oliver.

Alabama, a Republican stronghold, is traditionally not a state that votes heavily by mail. In 2022, just over 45,000 voters cast absentee ballots, accounting for roughly 3% of all the state's ballots.

Still, the state is the first to kick off voting season with Nov. 5 now just 55 days away. More than a dozen other states will soon follow suit.

Officials in Alaska, Idaho, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Arkansas, Minnesota, South Dakota, Virginia, West Virginia, Wyoming, Colorado, Louisiana, Maryland, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Texas, Mississippi, Oregon and Vermont will begin sending mail ballots later this month.

And Virginia voters will be the first to cast in-person ballots in significant numbers, with early in-person voting kicking off Sept. 20.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
First minister calls for release of Scots Sikh imprisoned in India

The first minister has said he is gravely concerned about the continued detention of a Scottish Sikh man in prison in India.

John Swinney called for the immediate release of Jagtar Singh Johal who has been held for almost seven years in connection with alleged terror offences.

The FM spoke extensively to Mr Johals brother Gurpreet Singh Johal during a meeting at the Scottish Parliament.

Mr Johal said the UK government had a "responsibility to act" to bring his brother home.

Currently imprisoned in India, Jagtar Singh Johal faces charges of conspiracy to murder [PA Media]

Jagtar Singh Johal, from Dumbarton, was arrested in India in November 2017, just weeks after his wedding there.

He is currently facing charges of conspiracy to murder, linked to political violence in India.

In May 2022, a UN panel of human rights experts found his detention was arbitrary - in other words lacked legal basis - and he should be released.

After todays meeting, the first minister said: I am gravely concerned at the continued detention of Jagtar Singh Johal and allegations of his mistreatment and torture in custody.

Jagtar should be released immediately in line with the recommendations of the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention.

The cases of British nationals detained abroad are managed by the UK government.

Swinney said his Scottish government would continue lobbying the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and UK government to use every lever at their disposal to call for Mr Johal's release.

Gurpreet Singh Johal, a Labour councillor, said he was grateful to the first minister for making his brother's case a priority.

He said: "Jagtar has already lost almost seven years of his life to these false charges.

"Hes trapped in a legal process that is endless by design  weve seen similar cases last decades.

"When a British citizen is imprisoned for no reason overseas, their government has a responsibility to act.

"The previous government failed our family; Im hopeful that this government will bring my brother back home to Dumbarton where he belongs.

Harriet McCulloch, deputy director of human rights group Reprieve, said Mr Johal's supporters were "extremely grateful" for the first minister's support.

She said: "We hope the prime minister will listen to what the first minister has to say, respond with appropriate urgency, and do whatever it takes to bring Jagtar home to his family."

The FCDO has been approached for comment.

The Indian authorities have repeatedly said due process is being followed in the case.
U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb., faces nonpartisan candidate Dan Osborn in Nebraska's Senate race this fall. (Candidate photos courtesy of their campaigns. Capitol photo by Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom)

LINCOLN  Nebraska Republican U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer picked up the expected endorsement this week of her partys presidential nominee, former President Donald Trump.

The endorsements timing hints at an effort to shore up support from some of the Republican base after some recent polling indicated a closer-than-expected contest.

Trump posted on Truth Social, his social media platform, that he supports Fischer in her re-election bid against Dan Osborn, an Omaha union leader and registered nonpartisan.

Trump said Fischer is doing a fantastic job in the Senate. Trump in his post also attacked Osborn as a Bernie Sanders Democrat who does not stand for Nebraska values.

Deb Fischer has my Complete and Total Endorsement  SHE WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN! Trump wrote.

Fischer embraced the endorsement online and tweeted that she looked forward to working with the former president on securing the border, lowering families costs and helping Nebraska agriculture.

She has said her opponent is a Democrat in sheeps clothing, and her supporters have started trying to define Osborn negatively. She has the funding to do so.

Fischer, by the end of June, had raised $6.2 million and listed nearly $3 million in campaign cash on hand. Osborn had raised $1.6 million and showed $650,000 in cash on hand.

Osborn has avoided saying which presidential candidate he supports or which party he would caucus with if elected. He angered some leaders in the Nebraska Democratic Party for seeking their endorsement leading up to the primary election and then backing off after the primary.

In a pamphlet being distributed by Nebraska Democrats, the party is still encouraging its members to back Osborn to break the stranglehold the Nebraska Republican Party has over statewide and federal offices.

Nebraska Republicans hold a 2-to-1 registration advantage over Democrats. Osborns backers have said his bid is partly a proof of concept about whether party labels hold back candidates.

Osborn supporters have worked for months to clear the ballot of competing candidates, leaving him and Fischer in a race with no Democrat or third-party candidates.

Osborn campaign spokesman Dustin Wahl echoed Osborns previous statements, saying Fischer has gone full Washington. He has said she will do anything to stay there with corporate help.

Nebraskans cant trust Deb Fischer, Wahl said, pointing to her criticism of candidate Trump in 2016. She betrayed Donald Trump in 2016, and now shes groveling for his support.

Fischer called on Trump to resign in 2016 after the Access Hollywood tape was released. She re-endorsed him in October 2016 and again in 2020 against President Joe Biden. She has also endorsed him this year against Vice President Kamala Harris.

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Fishermen sound the alarm after extreme weather threatens livelihood and marine ecosystems: 'The biggest challenge is surviving'

Imagine taking your morning swim in bath-warm waters.

That's the new reality for residents of Fano, a coastal town in Italy, where the Adriatic Sea reached a record-breaking 30C (86F) this July. But this isn't just about comfortable morning dips. It's a sign of transforming environmental conditions affecting both marine life and the livelihoods of local fishers.

What's happening?

The Adriatic Sea, stretching along Italy's eastern coast, is changing because of unprecedented warmth, according to The Guardian.

Long-time residents Daniele and Alfreda Montini hardly recognize the place they've called home for 50 years. They say the once-wavy sea has flattened, and fish populations have changed.

This temperature spike has led to the widespread appearance of mucilage, a slimy substance clogging fishing nets and engines. Fishers like Alessandro Ciavaglia, who's been working these waters for 40 years, are grappling with the potential loss of their livelihoods.

Why is the warming Adriatic concerning?

The changing sea temperature isn't just an inconvenience  it's disrupting entire ecosystems.

Traditional fish species are disappearing, while tropical species like swordfish are moving in. This change affects the entire food chain and the fishing industry that depends on it.

For small-scale fishers, the warming waters and increased mucilage have made work nearly impossible. Some haven't been able to fish for over a month, and without a source of income, they're starting to feel hopeless. Tonino Giardini, a coordinator for a fishers' cooperative in Fano, summarized the dire situation: "Right now, the biggest challenge is surviving."

It's a stark reminder that environmental changes aren't a future problem. They're happening now and hurting real people.

What's being done about the warming Adriatic?

Fishing associations are urging the government to declare a state of emergency, which could lead to legislation protecting affected fishers.

Meanwhile, scientists are closely monitoring the situation. Roberto Danovaro, a marine biologist at the University of Ancona, notes that while the Adriatic has become cleaner in recent decades, it's also more depleted.

We can help protect our oceans individually, too. Simple actions like reducing energy consumption, choosing sustainable seafood, and supporting legislation protecting marine environments can make a big difference. By working together, we can cool our warming seas and protect the coastal communities that depend on them.

Every small choice counts. Whether it's opting for energy-efficient appliances or reducing your carbon footprint, you're contributing to a cooler, healthier planet. Let's turn the tide on environmental challenges, one action at a time.

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.
Former President Trump and Vice President Harris forcefully clashed in their first head-to-head debate Tuesday night in Philadelphia, a pivotal moment for both campaigns.

The debate, which went over its scheduled 90 minutes, saw multiple contentious disputes and exchanges sure to be talked about until November.

Here are five memorable moments from the Trump-Harris debate.

Trump fact-checked on pet-eating conspiracy

Trump speaks during the debate at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia on Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Trump wasted no time bringing up conspiracy theories regarding immigrant gangs in Aurora, Colo., and false allegations that immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, are eating pets. He doubled down later in the debate, falsely claiming that people in Springfield are eating dogs.

About 25 minutes into the debate, the former president shared the baseless internet rumor regarding Haitian migrants that has gained attention over the last few days and that was amplified by his running mate, Sen. JD Vance (R). The Ohio senator added the caveat that the rumors may be false.

Theyre eating the dogs. The people that came in, theyre eating the cats, Trump said. Theyre eating the pets of the people that live there, and this is whats happening in our country, and its a shame.

The claim was fact-checked by ABC News anchor David Muir, who clarified that We checked with the city manager, and officials in Springfield found no evidence of immigrants eating pets.

Harris appeared to laugh off-mic, and said, What? This is unbelievable, according to the vice presidential pool report.

Harris hits Trump on abortion

Harris speaks during Tuesdays debate. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

One of the most notable exchanges between Harris and Trump came over an issue that has proven galvanizing for Democrats and politically fraught for the Republican Party ahead of Novembers election: abortion.

Trump took credit for ending Roe v. Wade, and hailed the genius, heart and strength of six Supreme Court justices who voted to end the constitutional right to an abortion.

Harris, meanwhile, went on the attack over his claims that Democrats wanted to allow women to have abortions at nine months of pregnancy. As she spoke, she looked directly at Trump, who steadfastly looked forward.

Pregnant women who want to carry a pregnancy to term, suffering from a miscarriage, being denied care in an emergency room because their health care providers are afraid they might go to jail, and shes bleeding out in a car in the parking lot  she didnt want that. Her husband didnt want that, Harris said.

She added that if Congress passes a bill to codify Roe v. Wade, she would sign it into law.

Earlier in the exchange, Trump opened his answer by claiming Democrats wanted to allow abortion up until after birth. In doing so, he misrepresented comments made by former Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam (D), and mistakenly referred to him as the former governor of West Virginia.

Trump tells Harris Im talking now

Trump speaks during Tuesdays debate.

Trump invoked a notable moment from Harriss 2020 debate against former Vice President Mike Pence, when she told him, Im speaking.

Im talking now, if you dont mind, please. Does that sound familiar? Trump said to Harris.

The exchange began with Harris commenting on NATO leaders relief at Trump not being in office, and his friendship with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Our NATO allies are so thankful that you are no longer president and that we understand the importance of the greatest military alliance the world has ever known, which is NATO, Harris said.

Trump told Harris quiet please as she interjected during an answer on Putin.

Harris was responding to a comment but her microphone was turned off as Trump made the argument that the Russia-Ukraine war would not have started if he were in office.

Quiet, please, he said. He would have been sitting in Moscow much happier than he is right now. But eventually, you know, hes got a thing that other people dont have  hes got nuclear weapons. They dont ever talk about that.

Trump refuses to commit to vetoing a national abortion ban

Trump speaks during Tuesdays debate.

The former president refused to commit to vetoing a national abortion ban when asked point-blank if he would do so if reelected to the White House.

Trump praised himself and the Supreme Court justices who voted in favor of ending the right to an abortion.

I did a great service in doing it; it took courage in doing it. The Supreme Court had great courage in doing it. And I give tremendous credit to those six justices, Trump said.

Vice President Harris attacked him for the current patchwork of abortion laws across the country. Abortion is banned or restricted in nearly two dozen states, and Harris referred to the laws repeatedly as Trump abortion bans.

The government, and Donald Trump certainly, should not be telling a woman what to do with her body, Harris said.

Trump says he has concepts of a plan to replace ObamaCare

Trump speaks during Tuesdays debate. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Trump stumbled over an answer when asked about his previous failure to repeal the landmark health care law known as ObamaCare.

We are working on things. Were going to do it. Were going to replace it, Trump said.

But he added that he doesnt currently have a plan.

I have concepts of a plan. Im not president right now, Trump said.

Trump said the law was a failure and is costing Americans too much money. Republicans were a single vote away from repealing it in 2017. Then-Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) dramatically broke with his party, as had Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), to give Democrats the three Republican votes needed to preserve the law.

Biden officials said Tuesday nearly 50 million Americans have enrolled in ObamaCare insurance plans since 2014.

Bonus moment: The much-awaited Taylor Swift endorsement drops

Taylor Swift performs at Friends Arena on May 17, 2024, in Stockholm.

The much-awaited endorsement by pop superstar Taylor Swift was released shortly after the debate ended, with her announcing her support for Harriss presidential run.

She signed off the post as a childless cat lady, saying shes backing the vice president because she fights for the rights and causes I believe need a warrior to champion them.

I think she is a steady-handed, gifted leader and I believe we can accomplish so much more in this country if we are led by calm and not chaos, Swift wrote.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Israeli forces in Tubas, in the north of the occupied West Bank (Zain JAAFAR) (Zain JAAFAR/AFP/AFP)

Israeli strikes Wednesday killed eight Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, the Palestinian health ministry and Red Crescent said separately, with the Israeli military confirming air raids in two locations.

The military said in a statement that its forces were engaged in a "counter-terrorism operation" in the northern West Bank's Tubas area and later carried out a separate strike on Tulkarem, both targeted in major Israeli raids last month.

In Tubas, a witness told AFP that Israeli forces were "storming the city" and the nearby town of Tamun early on Wednesday.

The army reported exchanges of fire and an air strike that hit five militants who "posed a threat" to troops.

The Palestinian Red Crescent Society said five people were killed "as a result of Israeli air strikes" in Tubas, with spokesman Ahmed Jibril telling AFP the drone fire hit near a mosque around dawn.

The military said an Israeli aircraft "struck and eliminated a terrorist cell consisting of five terrorists armed with explosives who posed a threat to the forces".

It added that during the raid, several suspects were apprehended and a vehicle rigged with explosives was dismantled.

At the end of August, Israel launched a large-scale "counter-terrorism" offensive that left widespread destruction across the northern West Bank, including in the Tubas area.

An Israeli air strike last week in Tubas also killed five people, Palestinian medics said at the time, with the military announcing it had targeted "armed terrorists" including a local militant leader.

Later on Wednesday, the Palestinian health ministry reported three killed near Tulkarem city "as a result of an Israeli air strike on a vehicle", saying the bodies had been taken to a local hospital. The Red Crescent gave the same toll.

The Israeli military said its air force had "conducted an aerial strike during the counter-terrorism operation" in Tulkarem, without elaborating on its target or reporting casualties.

Israel has occupied the West Bank since 1967 and has ramped up deadly raids in the territory since Hamas's October 7 attack on southern Israel sparked the war in Gaza.

According to the Palestinian health ministry, at least 665 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank by the Israeli military or settlers since October 7.

At least 24 Israelis, including security forces, have been killed in Palestinian attacks in the territory during the same period, according to Israeli officials.

bur-lba/jd/ami
Bournemouth hoteliers are up in arms about a suggested 2.40 tourist tax, claiming that it could put people off visiting the town. But history suggests footfall could, in fact, improve after a levy is introduced.

Many destinations charge tourist taxes, often in the form of a nominal nightly fee added to a hotel bill. It is also common for tourists to be charged to enter or exit a country in addition to visa fees, as is the case in Bali and New Zealand.

Tourist taxes are rarely introduced to deter visitors, although more overcrowded destinations might see this as a happy byproduct of the scheme. Rather, the charges are usually designed to raise funds to counter the ill effects of tourism, and are often pumped into improving infrastructure and public services or to fund environmental conservation.

In some destinations, a tourist tax has been introduced to proactively increase visitor numbers: in Manchester, a 1 visitor levy was introduced in 2023 to improve the marketing of the destination, and Bournemouth councillors have also promised to reinvest the funds into marketing the town as a tourist destination, and funding events such as the local air show.

They may be onto something. Telegraph research finds that in nearly all cases, the introduction of a visitor levy has coincided with a significant increase in tourist numbers. Clearly there is no causality here (nobody actively seeks out a destination with a tourist tax), but at the very least it indicates that tourist taxes, usually introduced when visitor numbers are on an upwards trajectory, dont deter arrivals in a meaningful way. Lets look at a few case studies.

Bhutan

Tourist tax: $100 per day (76)

Introduced: 1991

Change in visitors: 10,988 per cent increase (1992 to 2019)

Bhutan has one of the highest tourist taxes in the world. Its sustainable development fee, introduced in 1991 at $65 (49) per day, rose to $200 (152) per day in 2022, but after the pandemic the government reduced it to $100 (76) per day in a bid to encourage more visitors. For a long time the fee was part of a larger sum which covered daily transport, accommodation and food, but now those elements are covered separately. Since opening to the world in 1974, Bhutan has made it a priority to sidestep the ills of mass tourism, but the daily fee has not stopped the incremental growth of visitors. Arrival numbers increased from 2,850 per year in 1992 to 316,000 per year in 2019, with the majority of visitors coming from India.

New Zealand

Entry fee: 100 New Zealand dollars (47)

Introduced: 2019

Change in visitors: 24 per cent decrease (20192023)

New Zealands entry fee (officially, the international visitor conservation and tourism levy) was introduced in 2019 at NZ$35 (16.50) and was recently almost tripled to NZ$100 (47). The government says the funds will be used to preserve the countrys popular tourist sites and natural landscape of fjords, mountains and lakes. It is hard to assess whether the levy has had an impact on tourist numbers, because soon after its introduction New Zealand went into one of the worlds longest Covid lockdowns, only reopening to international visitors in August 2022. Arrivals hit three million in 2023, down from 3.8 million in 2019, and some tourism industry workers fear that the 47 entry fee will slow the countrys recovery.

Italy

Tourist tax: Between 1 and 5 per night (0.85 and 4.20)

Introduced: 2011

Change in visitors: 30.2 per cent increase (20102019)

Italys tourist tax varies from region to region, but broadly speaking you can expect to be charged a few euros per night if youre staying in a tourist destination such as Rome, Venice, Milan or Florence, depending on the time of year and your type of accommodation. Recently, there have been reports that Italy could increase its tax on visitors to as much as 25 (21) per night, although that would be for the top-end hotels; the majority of hotels (those priced between 100 and 400) would come with a charge of 10 (8.43) per night. Looking at the annual visitor statistics, tourism in Italy grew faster in the 10 years after the introduction of a tourist tax (2011) than the previous 10 years.

Amsterdam

Tourist tax: 12.5 per cent of room rate

Introduced: 1974

Change in visitors: Data unavailable

Amsterdam introduced an accommodation fee in 1974, and today the city has one of the steepest tourist taxes in Europe. In January 2024, the 7 per cent tourist tax increased to 12.5 per cent of the room rate (for a 200 per night room, youll hand over an extra 25 to the local government). The funds go towards cleaning the city streets and maintaining vital infrastructure such as bridges and canals. While there is no consistent visitor data for 1974, we can see overall visits to the Netherlands more than tripled between 1995 and 2019.

Galapagos Islands

Entry fee: $200 per day in high season (152)

Introduced: 1993

Change in visitors: 412 per cent increase (1990s to 2010s)

The Galapagos Islands authorities have charged an entry fee for decades now, with the bulk of the funds trickling down to the national park, paying the salaries of park rangers and helping with conservation efforts. In August 2024 the fee doubled from $100 (76) to $200 (152) for international visitors, the first increase of the park fee since 1998. The introduction of an entry fee has done little to reduce interest in the archipelago. The Galapagos Conservation Trust says: Around 270,000 people visit the Galapagos Islands each year and this number is steadily increasing.

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US vice president and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris gives a thumbs down as former US president and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump gestures during their debate in Philadelphia (SAUL LOEB) (SAUL LOEB/AFP/AFP)

Kamala Harris and Donald Trump battled it out over immigration, abortion, Israel, and their respective approaches to policy and performance in their pivotal presidential debate, as the nation barrels toward the November 5 election.

Their first-ever meeting was a more energized showdown than the one two months ago in Atlanta, where President Joe Biden's disastrous debate performance led to his withdrawal from the race, and the ascension of Harris.

Here are five takeaways from Tuesday's debate in Philadelphia.

- Combative despite constraints -

The ABC News debate rules were meant to maintain decorum, but the candidates sparred, sometimes interrupting one another -- and with a clearly prepared Harris baiting her rival on multiple issues.

Harris attacked Trump on his record, his bombastic style, and the "bunch of lies" he routinely dishes out. Using pointed language, Harris said she and Biden worked to "clean up Donald Trump's mess."

She accused Trump of having "a very difficult time processing" his 2020 election loss and, in comments that clearly infuriated the billionaire Republican, mocked him for how some supporters leave his rallies early.

Trump pushed back -- "Wait a minute, I'm talking now," he said at one point when Harris interjected -- and launched lengthy tirades about the Biden administration's "insane" immigration and economic policies.

Trump often looked down, and rarely at Harris when she spoke. The vice president routinely turned to her rival, either to deliver a critique or raise her eyebrows at a Trump remark.

- Abortion battle -

Their early clash was over reproductive rights. With the Supreme Court, empowered by three Trump-nominated justices, overturning federal abortion protections, Trump has sought to moderate his position on abortion.

He argued he succeeded in returning the issue back to the states.

"It's the vote of the people now. It's not tied up in the federal government," he said. "I did a great service in doing it, it took courage to do it."

He also repeated a false claim that some states allow abortions "probably after birth," a procedure illegal nationwide.

"This is what people wanted? Pregnant women who want to carry pregnancy to term, suffering from a miscarriage, being denied care in an emergency room because the health care providers are afraid they might go to jail and she's bleeding out in a car in the parking lot?" Harris countered, pointing at Trump while he stared ahead, stone-faced.

- Ugly immigration conspiracy -

Trump's parroting of a debunked theory about immigrants eating Americans' pets was perhaps the apex of his falsehoods, along with his repeated claims that the 2020 election was stolen from him.

He dived into the unfounded conspiracy that Haitian immigrants in a small Ohio city were stealing pets for food.

"In Springfield, they're eating the dogs... They're eating the cats, they're eating the pets of the people that live there," Trump seethed.

When called out by ABC moderators who said city officials have found no credible evidence of such crimes, Trump bizarrely claimed "people on television" said it.

- Duel on diplomacy -

Foreign policy largely took a back seat, although each candidate took the opportunity to hammer the other on diplomacy and offer radically different visions of the world.

Harris called Trump "weak and wrong" on national security, and got under his skin when she said he was the laughingstock of world leaders.

She warned Trump would "give up" Ukraine to Russian President Vladimir Putin, "a dictator who would eat you for lunch."

Trump by contrast branded her a "horrible negotiator" who "hates Israel."

"If she's president, I believe that Israel will not exist within two years from now."

- Biden's 'revenge' -

Some feared Harris would flounder under Trump's attacks. But the Democrat, clearly well-prepared, laid out her own arguments while putting her rival on the defensive, according to analysts.

"Trump was terrible and Harris won hands down," University of Virginia professor of politics Larry Sabato told AFP. "She got revenge for Biden's loss in the first debate."

"The VP executed her strategy to a tee, parrying the moderator's questions, landing jabs at Trump, and baiting him into angry lunges," added Republican strategist Liam Donovan.

Princeton University professor Julian Zelizer, described it as Harris's "precision and plans versus chaos, rage and disinformation" of Trump.

mlm/ssy
Five things to know about Mexico's contested judicial reforms

Opponents of Mexico's controversial judicial reforms protest outside the Senate after the bill was passed (Rodrigo Oropeza) (Rodrigo Oropeza/AFP/AFP)

President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador's contested judicial reforms, which were approved by lawmakers on Wednesday, will make Mexico the world's only country to elect all its judges by popular vote.

The leftist leader has frequently criticized the judiciary -- in particular the Supreme Court, which has impeded some of his attempted reforms in areas such as energy and security.

The judicial constitutional reforms were approved by a Congress dominated by the ruling coalition following a June presidential election won by Lopez Obrador's close ally Claudia Sheinbaum, who will take office on October 1.

Here are five things to know about the reforms:

- Judicial elections -

The main -- and most controversial -- part of the reform plan is the popular election of judges and magistrates at all levels, including Supreme Court justices.

They will be chosen in extraordinary elections in 2025 and 2027, from among candidates proposed by the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government.

Until now, members of the Supreme Court were proposed by the president and ratified by the Senate, while the Federal Judicial Council appointed judges and magistrates on the basis of exams and merit.

Lopez Obrador says that the reforms are aimed at cleansing the justice system of corruption.

Opposition parties, rights groups and the United States have voiced concern that the changes will undermine judicial independence and leave judges at the mercy of drug cartels that use bribery and intimidation to influence officials.

- World first -

Mexico will be the only country in the world to elect judges and magistrates at all levels, experts say.

"This does not exist in any other country," said Margaret Satterthwaite, United Nations special rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers.

"In some countries, such as the US, some state judges are elected, and in others, such as in Bolivia, high-level judges are elected," she told AFP before bill was passed.

Lopez Obrador's reforms will "place Mexico in a unique position in terms of its method for judicial selection," Satterthwaite said.

- Supreme Court cuts -

The reforms reduce the number of Supreme Court justices from 11 to nine, while their terms of office will be shortened from 15 to 12 years.

The plan also ends the lifetime pension that justices receive after completing their term, and prohibits them from earning more than the president -- a measure that already exists but is not enforced.

- New watchdog -

The reforms eliminate the Federal Judicial Council, which administers and oversees the conduct of judicial officials, and will create an administrative body and a judicial disciplinary tribunal.

The tribunal will evaluate and investigate judges' performance, may refer potential criminal cases to the public prosecutor's office and request impeachment proceedings in Congress against judges.

According to the Supreme Court, there is an impunity rate of 90 percent in Mexico, where around 80 people are murdered every day.

The top court has called for improvements in the capabilities of investigative bodies rather than what its chief justice called a "demolition" of the judiciary.

- Faceless judges -

A system of faceless or anonymous judges will be used to safeguard their security and identities in trials involving organized crime.

The measure has been criticized by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in Mexico, which argues that it obscures the suitability and competence of judges.

A similar system has been applied in other countries in the region, including Colombia when it was facing a wave of drug-related violence in the late 1980s.

In El Salvador, under a state of emergency declared by President Nayib Bukele, authorities have detained thousands of alleged gang members without warrants who are then presented to faceless judges.

yug-dr/st
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  Governor Ron DeSantis has ordered flags be flown at half-staff in honor of Patriot Day on Wednesday.

It has been 23 years since the United States of America experienced heinous acts of terror on September 11, 2001. United our country stands in remembrance of the 2,977 lives that were lost on that day; including many first responders, local law enforcement, and military personnel who demonstrated selfless courage in responding to these evil acts, the Florida Governor said in a memorandum posted to the State Governments website. I hereby direct the flags of the United States and the State of Florida to be flown at half-staff at all local and state buildings, installations, and grounds throughout the State of Florida from sunrise to sunset on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, to honor and remember those who were lost on that day.

President Joe Biden issued the same order at the federal level on Tuesday.

Patriot Day, which honors those who lost their lives during the Sept. 11 terror attacks in 2001, was enacted via joint resolution on Dec. 18, 2001. On April 21, 2009, Congress requested the observance of Sept. 11th be annually recognized as the National Day of Service and Remembrance.

From 2009 to 2016, then-President Barack Obama proclaimed Sept. 11 as both Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance.

In 2017, former President Donald Trump separated the days, proclaiming Sept. 8 through 10 as National Day of Service and Remembrance, while Sept. 11 was reserved for Patriot Day. Former President Trump continued the trend until leaving office in 2020.

Since President Joe Biden was elected, Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance have returned to being held on the same date, Sept. 11.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - The Dutch government's latest sale of ABN Amro shares has reduced its stake in the bank to 40.5% from 49.5%, Finance minister Eelco Heinen said in a letter to parliament on Wednesday.

WHY IT'S IMPORTANT

The sale is part of the government's plan to cut its stake in ABN Amro, one of three dominant banks in the Netherlands, in a move towards liberalising the Dutch banking sector and reducing state intervention.

CONTEXT

The Dutch government has been decreasing its ownership in ABN Amro since the bank's nationalization during the 2008 financial crisis.

BY THE NUMBERS

The Dutch Finance Ministry said approximately 78 million share certificates were sold, generating total gross sale revenue of 1.17 billion euros. The gross proceeds from ABN Amro's share buyback programme were 200 million euros.

WHATS NEXT

The NL Financial Investments agency, the Dutch state's financial holdings manager, will advise on any further reduction of the government's stake in ABN Amro. Updates on new developments will be provided to the Dutch parliament as required.

KEY QUOTE

"With the completion of this sales program, a next step has been taken in the responsible return of ABN Amro to the market," Heinen said.

($1 = 0.9079 euros)

(Reporting by Charlotte Van Campenhout; Editing by Jan Harvey)
Flags lowered in honor of those lost in the 9/11 attacks

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  American and State of Utah flags across the state have been lowered to half-staff in honor of the first responders and victims lost during the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in New York City 23 years ago.

On Tuesday, Gov. Spencer Cox ordered flags at all state facilities to be lowered to half-staff starting at sunrise on Wednesday. The flags should remain at half-staff until sunset the same day.

Utah political experts discuss 2024 presidential debate

In remembrance of the brave first responders, military members, and all lives lost, we reaffirm our commitment to always defend the freedoms and ideals upon which our country was founded, Cox said in a statement.

Gov. Cox signed a declaration recognizing Sept. 11, 2024, as 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance in Utah. In the declaration, the governor said Utah will always remember and honor those who were lost both on that day and in the years that followed fighting abroad.

The full declaration can be found below.

The Governor also extended the invitation to participate in recognition of 9/11 by lowering flags to all Utahns, private businesses, and organizations.

9-11-Day-of-Service-and-Remembrance-Declaration-24Download

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Flavor Flav has a comical response to recent xenophobic accusations made by former President Donald Trump. On Tuesday night (Sept. 10), the 65-year-old took to social media to joke that certain musicians should be on high alert after the Republican presidential candidate falsely suggested immigrants were consuming house pets in Ohio.

Trump doubled-down on the conspiracy during his first official debate against Vice President Kamala Harris ahead of the 2024 presidential election, where both politicians hope to be voted into the White House.

Pet Shop Boys better stay inside and lock the doors, Flavor Flav posted to X on Tuesday. You too Snoop Dogg. And Pitbull.

Pet Shop Boys better stay inside and lock the doors. You too Snoop Dogg. And Pitbull.  FLAVOR FLAV (@FlavorFlav) September 11, 2024

On Monday, Springfield, Ohio police clarified they have received no reports related to pets being stolen and eaten after a social media post originally from a Springfield Facebook group went viral, per Springfield News-Sun. In the upload, the user claimed that their neighbors daughters friend had lost her cat and found it hanging at a Haitian neighbors home being carved for a meal. Immigrants were also falsely accused of eating ducks and geese at local parks.

That same day, Trumps Vice Presidential candidate Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio) amplified the fake news across social media. According to Axios, Elon Musk and Texas Sen. Ted Cruz also shared the false story with baseless claims. Additionally, a statement from the Trump campaign, titled, Kamala Migrants Ravage Ohio City  And Its Coming To Your City Next, alleged 20,000 Haitian migrants were dumped in the city.

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? shared Vance.

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

Trump echoed Vances rhetoric and doubled-down on the rumors on the national debate stage.

Theyre eating the dogs. Theyre eating the cats. Theyre eating the pets of the people that live there, Trump exclaimed to Harris disapproval. Debate moderators World News Tonight anchor and managing editor David Muir and ABC News Live Prime anchor Linsey Davis, also called out the illegitimacy of the claims, repeating city officials statements that those stories are not true.

Trump falsely accuses migrants of eating dogs and pets in Springfield, Ohio, then fights the moderators when he gets fact-checked.



"I've seen people on television." pic.twitter.com/u5vRymVgEm  nikki mccann ramirez (@NikkiMcR) September 11, 2024

Vance acknowledged Tuesday it was possible all of these rumors will turn out to be false, however still relayed in a follow-up post, Dont let the crybabies in the media dissuade you, fellow patriots. Keep the cat memes flowing.

According to the Associated Press, Springfield has a population of roughly 60,000 residents, with an estimated overall immigrant population of 15,000 in the county.

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Flights in and out of Lafayette Regional Airport are canceled

LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY)  The impending arrival of Hurricane Francine has caused flights in and out of Lafayette to be grounded.

According to the Lafayette Regional Airports website, the last scheduled departure will be at 11:25 a.m. to Atlanta. Flights previously scheduled after that starting at 12:25 p.m. have been canceled.

The last arrival got in from Atlanta at 10:25 a.m. The next scheduled arrival, scheduled at 11:05 a.m. from Houston, was canceled, as are all flights until until this evening. The flight arriving at 9:51 p.m. is still listed as Delayed, from Atlanta.

The flight arriving from Dallas at 10:49 p.m., is listed as Scheduled.

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The general manager of Sanda Kyarimi Zoo in the Borno state of Nigeria said several animals pushed out of the zoo by flood waters have been recovered

AUDU MARTE/AFP via Getty Flooding in the Borno state in northeast Nigeria

A recent flood in Nigeria has decimated the animal population of one local zoo in the area, according to news sources.

Ali Abatcha Don Best, the general manager of Sanda Kyarimi Zoo, said that 80% of the zoo's animals died during flooding caused by the collapse of the Alau dam in Borno, a state in northern Nigeria, according to Reuters, Associated Press, and local newspaper Inside Arewa.

The zoo manager also said that flood waters allowed several dangerous reptiles held at the facility to escape the zoo. He told people to watch for the creatures, which may have "washed" out into residential areas.

"Some deadly animals have been washed away into our communities, like crocodiles and snakes," Best said, per the outlets, adding that people should "take all the necessary precautions [and] measures to avoid these animals."

Related: 27 Animals Found Dead at a Virginia Zoo Amid Animal Cruelty Investigation, Bengal Tiger Euthanized

Don Best told BBC that they were able to locate and bring back some animals, including an ostrich filmed on the loose in the city of Maiduguri.

"We've 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.

The manager also told the outlet that the zoo had received reports about other animals on the streets but noted that those don't belong to 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," he explained.

Related: Woman Jumps Fence at N.J. Zoo and Tries to Touch 500 Lb. Bengal Tiger, Police Searching for Her

The collapse of the Alau dam has caused some of the area's worst flooding in decades, according to AP. The dam had already been at full capacity due to heavy rains, which hit the region over the last few days, per the outlet.

The office of Nigerian President Bola Tinubu encouraged people to evacuate areas most affected by the flood waters, especially communities close to river banks and has directed the National Emergency Management Agency to assist victims, per Reuters and Inside Arewa.

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His office said in a statement to the outlets that the president "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."

Nahum Daso, the state's police spokesperson, told AP in a statement that about 15% of the Borno state capital, Maiduguri, had been underwater due to the floods. However, it is unknown how many people may have died as a result of the flooding, as a death toll has not yet been released.



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By Ope Adetayo

ABUJA (Reuters) - Floods that swept through Nigeria's northeastern Borno state have affected up to 1 million people, the state governor said on Wednesday, as authorities scrambled to rescue residents and put them in temporary shelters.

The floods began when a dam overflowed following heavy rains, decimating a state-owned zoo and washing crocodiles and snakes into flooded communities.

Local officials said it was the worst flooding in the state in two decades.

Authorities have yet to release casualty figures.

Borno state governor Babagana Zulum visited Bakassi camp on Wednesday and told reporters that authorities were assessing the damage and a quarter of state capital Maiduguri had been flooded.

"You can see how water completely flooded the area, sewerages were completely flooded, that means waterborne diseases would be transmitted," Zulum told reporters while meeting affected residents.

"The population affected is up to 1 million."

Bakassi camp used to house tens of thousands of people who were displaced by a 15-year insurgency that was started by Islamist group Boko Haram. The camp was shut last year.

The National Emergency Management Agency says 229 people have been killed by floods in Nigeria since the start of the year. The worst flooding in recent times killed 600 people in 2022.

(Reporting by Ope Adetayo; Editing by Christina Fincher)
Floodwaters that gushed from an overflowing dam in northern Nigeria engulfed a zoo and swept animals including crocodiles and snakes into communities, as the region battles some of the worst flooding in years.

In the northeastern Borno State  one of the areas hit hardest by floods in the region  officials at a state-run zoo said Tuesday that surging waters had killed more than 80% of wildlife at the facility and washed animals, including deadly reptiles, into neighborhoods.

A video of an ostrich wading through a flooded road in the capital, Maiduguri, has been widely shared on social media.

The flooded yard of Sanda Kyarimi Park Zoo is pictured in Maiduguri on September 10, 2024. - Ahmed Kingimi/Reuters

A spokesperson for NEMA, Nigerias disaster management agency, Manzo Ezekiel, told CNN Wednesday that efforts were being made to recapture the animals.

I believe the zoo managers are not resting. They will be doing their best to recover some of the animals that they can recover because the animals going out there will pose danger to the people, he said.

Swaths of Maiduguri remain flooded, after the Alau Dam, 20 kilometers (12 miles) southeast of the city, overflowed over the weekend, leaving entire houses submerged.

The United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) described the flooding as the worst in Maiduguri in 30 years.

Authorities have not confirmed any human deaths from the event, but more than 200 people have died in other floods across the country over the past few weeks.

A flooded street in Maiduguri on September 10, 2024 - Ahmed Kingimi/Reuters

The UN agency said that about 280,000 people are estimated to have been affected in Maiduguri and that around 200,000 others have been displaced in the city.

Weeks of flooding across Nigeria have led to 229 deaths and displaced more than 386,000 people, according to the latest data from NEMA, shared with CNN. Northern Nigeria has been the most affected by the floods, the data showed.

NEMA said one of the spillways of the Borno dam collapsed, leading to a significant increase in water flow  and exacerbating the flooding in surrounding areas.

Its spokesperson, Ezekiel, told CNN that the flood is very intense and is beyond what was forecasted.

We didnt envisage this volume of water rushing into the town, he added.

Nigerias meteorological agency, NIMET, however, had warned of the risk of flash floods across the country following torrential rains.

Last month, the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) also warned of the rising water levels of the Niger River, one of the countrys largest rivers, urging states to be on alert.

Extreme rainfall events are expected to increase in frequency and intensity across almost all of Africa, including Nigeria, as human-caused climate change heats the planet, projections from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change show.

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Ranked choice voting, which asks voters to rank multiple candidates in order of preference, has seen its profile steadily expand since 2016. (Photo by Bill Pugliano/Getty Images)

When the Florida GOP-controlled Legislature passed and Gov. Ron DeSantis signed an election reform bill (SB 524) in the winter of 2022, most of the stories surrounding it focused on the creation of a police force dedicated to pursuing voter fraud.

But the measure also banned ranked-choice voting (RCV) in any election in the state and preempted any conflicting local ordinances.

Previously termed instant-runoff voting, the preemption of local governments from enacting such a voting system was a blow to longtime advocates in Florida, but theyre not giving up. They say it may take years to finance a campaign to repeal the ban, but that remains their ultimate goal.

Were going to walk before we can run, but yes, at some point in time  and Im not going to say when  we have to do it, said John Severini, chair of Rank My Vote Florida, a nonpartisan organization founded in 2019 that remains active despite the ban on the voting procedure.

How it works

Ranked-choice voting is a process that allows voters to select candidates in order of preference. If there are say, five candidates running for office, the voters would mark them 1-5, with the candidate ranked as 1 being their top preference, following up by listing their second-, third-, fourth-, and fifth-place choices.

If one candidate is the first choice of more than half of the voters, he or she wins the race. But if no candidate receives the majority of the vote, the candidate with the least amount of support is eliminated, and the votes for that eliminated candidate are redistributed to the voters next choices. The process continues until a candidate gets more than 50% of the vote.

It brings people back to voting for people, and not for the parties, said Sarasota Vice Mayor Jen Ahern-Koch, a strong supporter who says that the system reduces partisanship.

It just says to the voter, heres a person. Do your research. Is this the person you want in office? Or do you want this one? Which ones your favorite? Which ones your second favorite? It takes you, the voter, and says you must now be civically involved in your local and state and national government. And you must do your research.

RCV is already the law in Maine and Alaska and dozens of cities in the United States, and that could increase after Election Day.

RCV will be on the ballot in six states this fall. In four of them  Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, and Colorado  voters are being asked whether they want to adopt this system in certain elections. In a fifth state, Arizona, voters are being asked to vote on an elections overhaul that would allow for RCV in the states general elections, but wouldnt require it, leaving it up to the legislature and the governor whether to adopt the system and to what degree, according to the Arizona Mirror.

Measures on two statewide ballots could eliminate ranked-choice voting: in Missouri (which has not adopted the system yet) and in Alaska, where Republicans, unhappy that in their first use of an open primary ranked-choice voting system in 2022 saw a moderate Democrat, Mary Peltola, winning a House special election over two Republicans (one of them Sarah Palin).

Support for reform

While there hasnt been any recent public opinion polling on what Floridians think of ranked-choice voting, the electorate is on record wanting to repeal the existing closed primary system, which effectively denies more than 29% of voters in Florida not registered with the Republican or Democratic parties the chance to vote in state primaries.

In 2020, 57% of voters in Florida supported Amendment 3, which, if enacted, would have established a nonpartisan top two open primary system in statewide elections. While it clearly enjoyed support from the majority of Floridians, it failed to top the 60% threshold required to approve constitutional amendments in the state (it was strongly opposed by both the Republican and Democratic parties).

Elected officials from both major political parties in Florida have championed ranked-choice voting in recent years.

Former Clearwater Mayor Frank Hibbard, a Republican, wanted to implement RCV for city elections a few years ago. That was because the city doesnt have runoff elections, allowing a candidate to win office with a plurality, not a majority, of the vote.

That happened in March, when a candidate who won a city council seat took it by getting 42% of the vote.

It also makes it where theres less negative campaigning. Because you might not be the front-runner, but youre hoping to get a lot of secondary votes, Hibbard told Spectrum Bay News 9 in 2021. So, you might not do some of the negative campaigning that I think everybody dislikes, but it also works, and so unfortunately, candidates use it.

Ground Zero

Ground zero for the push for ranked-choice voting in Florida is Sarasota, where an overwhelming number of voters (77.6%) approved instant-runoff voting in 2007, when George W. Bush was still in office. Its the city whose advocacy likely resulted in the state preemption of any local government from considering implementing the procedure when the Legislature banned it in 2022.

Although Sarasota voters approved the proposal 17 years ago, the local supervisor of elections office couldnt immediately implement RCV because it lacked the technology. In 2019, when the city was able to update its voting systems, then-Florida Secretary of State Laurel Lee rejected its request to implement RCV, saying it didnt comply with statute and constitutional provisions that govern elections in our state, according to the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.

But with such a mandate from the voters, city commissioners werent giving up. In the fall of 2021, they were in the process of voting to seek a declaratory court judgement to verify that what the voters had approved was supported by the Florida Constitution.

We had Republicans. We had Democrats. We had Libertarians. We had independents. We even had Green Party folks there, recounted Ahern-Koch, then a Sarasota city commissioner. We had folks from across the state, from the other coast. The mayor of Clearwater [Hibbard] spoke in support of it as well.

She also recalls working on the issue with Joe Gruters, then chairman of the Republican Party of Florida.

I locked arms with him, and he agreed with me, she recounted last week. There were lots of folks locking arms and saying, Its just in the best interests of the community. It doesnt benefit the Republican Party or the Democratic Party, specifically.

I remember when Sarasota passed it and, because they did, I was advocating for the state to allow the city to implement it, Gruters told the Phoenix. But the pushback was, You know, this is bad essentially for the system, and why would you change anything thats working? I hate to say it, but thats a pretty good argument.

The bottom line is we were making good inroads  the lawyers presented a very clear case that yes, RCV should be legal, or we should be able to use it, said John Severini, executive director of Rank My Vote Florida.

And thats when they just stuffed [the preemption of RCV] into that voter election bill, and we could never get an answer out of anybody. There was never any discussion and, at the end of the day, it was just like they didnt want it.

GOP Backlash

In banning ranked-choice voting, the GOP-controlled Legislature was ahead of the curve when it came to Republican resistance. In May, Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry signed legislation banning RCV, becoming the fifth state to do so this year and the 10th overall, although none of those states had ever allowed RCV, according to Ballotpedia News.

Summarizing why Alaskans are looking at repealing RCV this November, Wall Street Journal columnist Kimberly Strassel recently wrote, Instead of a majority voting for the best candidate  someone with history, ideas, principles  its a system designed to elect the person who is least offensive to the most people.

And Hibbard, who left public office last year, is now more skeptical about the concept.

I also know that it takes more work on the part of the voter, and I question whether folks are willing to invest the time necessary to be informed on a series of candidates and how they would rank them, he told the Phoenix in an email.

Republicans are generally more skeptical of changes to voting procedures and election reforms than Democrats, said Kyle Kondit, managing editor of Sabatos Crystal Ball, the University of Virginia Center for Politics nonpartisan newsletter on campaigns and elections.

I do think this is rooted in a belief by Republicans that such changes hurt them more than just maintaining the status quo. A ranked-choice voting system helped Democrats win a House seat in Maine in 2018 and a House seat in Alaska in 2022. Perhaps the Democrats would have won these seats anyway under a normal system, but perhaps not. I do think ranked-choice voting is gaining momentum as a general concept, although it is still fairly rare at the statewide level.

The Long, Slow Campaign to Repeal in Florida Begins

On the Saturday afternoon of Labor Day weekend in a blocked-off room at an IHOP in North Tampa, seven individuals gathered to watch Majority Rules, a recently released documentary that captures the fascinating 2022 races for the U.S. House and Senate in Alaska taking place for the first time under ranked-choice voting.

The gathering was organized by Daria Laycock, the one paid statewide organizer for Rank My Vote Florida.

This film is a great organizing tool for people who are unfamiliar with ranked choice voting, she said following the screening. Were an education campaign, so were focused on informing people about ranked-choice voting. We want people to be aware of it so that if we do introduce a ballot measure or if there is legislation about it, that people will vote favorably about it.

Susan Grymes and Jutta Kohl traveled from Clearwater to watch the film.

I think we need to do everything that we can to level the playing field to give more voice to more people, said Grymes. She recently moved to Florida from Virginia, where in 2020 voters approved amending the states Constitution to establish a redistricting commission to eliminate gerrymandering.

That had to go, she said. I think ranked-choice voting is the next thing that needs to happen.

I think its what [Alaska GOP Sen.] Lisa Murkowski says [in the film]: The politicians can be better, because they can get back to doing their job or representing all of their constituents, not being beholden to their party, said Grymes.

I agree, said Kohl, Grymes friend. I think that the possibility of getting rid of either sides extremism would be very important, in my opinion.

The gathering was intimate, but Severini says his group is planning for the long haul. Noting how a legislative proposal to repeal the banning of ranked-choice voting never received a committee hearing in this years session, he realizes that it may require a constitutional amendment to put the issue in front of voters, which will cost likely tens of millions of dollars to be successful.

Is there a campaign in our future? I dont want to say, he said. Its not in two years. It may be four. It may be six. Nationally, this needs a lot more traction. Maybe there could be seven states doing it the next time we talk. At some point, theres a tipping point.
ENID, Okla. (KFOR)  A family pet that went missing two years ago, was finally found hundreds of miles away.

Andora originally disappeared from Pensacola, Florida, in 2022. It wasnt until recently that she turned up outside Destiny Druses home in Enid, Oklahoma.

Druse told Nexstars KFOR that she made multiple attempts on social media to locate the pit bulls owner but had no luck. Then, Druses friend Autumn Anderson  who happens to be a groomer  brought a chip reader to scan Andora.

Thats when they found out Andora had been microchipped.

Andora had been missing for 2 years. (Destiny Druse)

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, Druse explained.

Unfortunately, there was no owner information listed. Still, Druse and Anderson filed a found pet report and within 10 minutes, Andoras Pensacola owner was calling.

Brenna Denmark, Andoras owner, recounted that call with KFOR, explaining that she quickly asked Druse where she lived.

And theyre like, Were in Enid, and Im like, Wheres that?' Denmark explained. Ive never heard of that before and they said, Oklahoma.'

The Denmark family ended up renting a car, driving nearly 14 hours one-way, maxing out their credit cards, and putting everything on hold.

Runner and TikTok creator dies after crossing finish line of Disneylands Halloween Half Marathon

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.

Andora is now back home in the Sunshine State.

She runs all over the place, Denmark said. 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.

As for how Andora ended up all the way in Oklahoma, thats still a mystery. Her owners believe someone might have stolen her.

We dont live in the best neighborhood and theres a lot of people that like to fight pit bulls and stuff, so thats kind of where we thought she ended up, said Denmark.

Dave Grohl reveals he fathered a new baby daughter outside his marriage

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 Anderson.

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. More details on how to donate to the Denmarks 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 Queen City News.
(NewsNation)  Police in Florida are showing up at voters homes to confirm whether they signed a petition seeking to get an abortion rights amendment on the ballot.

The state health care agency also created a website targeting the ballot initiative. The homepage reads, Florida is Protecting Life. Dont let the fearmongers lie to you. It also claims the proposed measure threatens womens safety.

The ballot initiative  Amendment 4  would keep abortion legal in Florida until the fetus is viable, bucking the states six-week ban. Sixty percent of voters would need to approve of the measure for it to pass.

On Monday, Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis defended police visiting petition signers homes, saying he wants Novembers election to remain fair. Critics, however, say the petition investigation and anti-Amendment 4 website are efforts to intimidate voters and block access to abortion.

Project 2025: Heres what Harris and Trump said during the debate

What is Amendment 4?

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.

If passed, parents would need to be notified before a child in their care could receive an abortion  an exception thats already laid out in the states constitution.

Florida currently bans most abortions after six weeks, legislation that was passed after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022. Many people dont yet know theyre pregnant at that stage.

A majority of Florida voters say they back a ballot measure to enshrine abortion rights into the states constitution, according to new polling released Friday by The Hill and Emerson College Polling.

Fifty-five percent of likely Florida voters said they would vote yes on Amendment 4. Another 26% said they plan to vote no, while 20% said they were unsure.

Why is Florida investigating petition signatures?

DeSantis and other supporters of the effort say they want to keep elections fair.

There was a lot of complaints about this one group that was supporting Amendment 4 for a wide variety of reasons, DeSantis told a crowd during a Monday appearance. It turns out  they looked  this group submitted dozens of petitions on behalf of dead people there are other petitions that have actually been validated where the signatures do not match the voter files.

In January, state elections officials confirmed more than 997,000 verified signatures  100,000 more than were required. With less than eight weeks until the election, those who support the amendment say the petition investigation is little more than political interference.

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 to The Associated Press. But the State will stop at nothing to keep in place their near-total abortion ban.

DeSantis signed a law in 2022 creating a state police force to investigate voter fraud and election crimes, which is rare and often isolated.

Now, Floridas Office of Election Crimes and Security says its concerned about allegations election supervisors verified fake signatures on a petition that qualified the proposed amendment to appear on the November ballot. Thats according to a letter from Deputy Secretary of State Brad McVay that the AP obtained.

Judges in Florida have previously dismissed criminal cases that the states Office of Election Crimes and Security initiated. A series of arrests in 2022 predominately involved people convicted of certain felonies that prevented the restoration of their voting rights.

The AP investigated voter fraud claims tied to the 2020 presidential election. It found fewer than 475 potential cases of voter fraud out of 25.5 million ballots cast in the six states where Trump and his allies disputed his loss.

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.
Focus group reacts to Trump claim that migrants are 'eating the dogs' in Ohio town

Voters across party lines in Fox News focus group reacted to a moment in Tuesday nights presidential debate when former President Trump declared that Haitian migrants are "eating the dogs" in an Ohio town  despite pushback from local officials on the claim.

"In Springfield, they're eating the dogs, the people that came in, they're eating the cats," Trump said. "They're eating the pets of the people that live there. And this is what's happening in our country, and it's a shame."

When Trump made the claim, approval from all groups  Republicans, independents and Democrats  dipped, with the strongest dips coming from independents and Republicans, while Democratic approval remained low.

FOCUS GROUP REACTS TO TRUMP SAYING HE WANTED TO SEND A MAGA HAT FOR COPYING HIS POLICIES

Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Trump are seen during the second presidential debate at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia on Tuesday.

The claim was based on a number of online reports that had gone viral in recent days. Springfield has seen a significant increase in the number of Haitian migrants arriving in the town, sparking complaints from a number of local residents.

Among those claims are a number of unsubstantiated reports that migrants have eaten ducks or pets. One claim appears to be based on an incident in Canton, Ohio, where a woman had allegedly eaten a cat  but there was no indication she was Haitian.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

In response to a query from Fox News Digital, local officials pushed back against the claims surfacing online.

"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 said.

TRUMP FACT CHECKS HARRIS ON CHARLOTTESVILLE RIOT ACCUSATION: 'DEBUNKED'

But a number of Republicans have continued to push the claims, including pointing to a report of a police call that claimed migrants had stolen geese.

At the debate, Trumps approval rose again from Republicans and independents after the exchange as he started to talk more broadly about the border crisis, accusing Vice President Kamala Harris of "destroying this country" and warning that the U.S. "doesnt have a chance of success" if she is elected.

But it dropped again among Democrats and independents, and rose slightly among Republicans, when Trump was challenged on his claim by the moderators and stood by it.

"The people on television are saying, My dog was taken and used for food," he said.





Original article source: Focus group reacts to Trump claim that migrants are 'eating the dogs' in Ohio town
By Hadeel Al Sayegh, Andres Gonzalez and Federico Maccioni

DUBAI/LONDON (Reuters) -Abu Dhabi's Etihad Airways plans to make its stock market debut no sooner than 2025, two people familiar with the matter said, in potentially the first IPO of a major Gulf airline as the UAE's capital ramps up effort to become a global travel hub.

Etihad, owned by sovereign wealth fund ADQ, had considered listing this year, the people said.

However, it wants to present investors with 2024 financial results that will show a strong performance, one of the people said. Geopolitical instability in the region has also weighed on timing, the second person said.

ADQ declined to comment. A spokesperson for Etihad said it "does not comment on rumour or speculation".

Etihad, which started operations in 2003, spent billions of dollars buying minority stakes in other carriers to create larger network through its Abu Dhabi hub and better compete with Gulf peers Emirates and Qatar Airways. But that strategy unravelled as many of those airlines ran into financial trouble.

After a management shake-up and years of paring back operations, Etihad has expanded under new CEO Antonoaldo Neves.

Under its "Journey 2030" strategy, it plans to bolster Abu Dhabi's role as a travel hub connecting Asia and Europe.

Targets include expanding destinations to more than 125 airports by 2030 from over 70 today, and boosting its fleet to over 160 aircraft from around 90 now.

Abu Dhabi's Zayed International Airport opened a multibillion-dollar new terminal last year that tripled annual capacity to 45 million passengers.

"Our mandate is clear: to deliver extraordinary customer service and sustainable profitability, as the foundation for Etihad's contribution to Abu Dhabi's aspirations," Neves was quoted as saying last November.

The airline last month reported a 48% increase in half-year after tax profit, with passenger numbers rising 38% to 8.7 million. That followed full-year net profits in 2022 and 2023.

Neves told Reuters in March that Etihad was improving transparency, governance and its balance sheet to be ready for an IPO should ADQ decide to list it.

Etihad also faces delays in receiving new aircraft from planemakers Airbus and Boeing, which have forced some airlines to scale back growth plans.

That comes amid a boom in international travel since the pandemic, which governments in the Gulf are riding to pursue reforms aimed at diversifying their economies away from fossil fuels.

The measures include privatising state assets including airlines, and a potential Etihad listing would add to the regional flurry of IPOs in recent years.

Story continues

The president of bigger rival Emirates said in 2021 the Dubai government was considering an IPO of the airline, and Flynas in Saudi Arabia is looking to list as soon as this year, Bloomberg reported. Flynas declined to comment.

($1 = 3.6728 UAE dirham)

(Reporting by Hadeel Al Sayegh, Andres Gonzalez and Federico Maccioni; Additional reporting by Alexander Cornwell and Yousef Saba; Editing by Anousha Sakoui, Mark Potter and Louise Heavens)
If song selections were a subtweet, Vice President Kamala Harris said a lot with The Man on Tuesday.

Following her presidential debate with former President Donald Trump in Philadelphia, Harris made an appearance at a post-debate party to address supporters. It happened not long after Taylor Swift formally endorsed Harriss bid for the presidency.

Hard work is good work, and we will win, she told the crowd.

See you later, Harris added before she exited the stage with Swifts 2019 song The Man playing.

Im so sick of running as fast as I can / Wondering if Id get there quicker if I was a man, Swift could be heard singing as Harris high-fived and greeted supporters.

CNN has reached out to representatives for Swift and the Harris campaign for comment on the song selection.

The Man and its accompanying music video sparked headlines in 2020.

Swift, who wrote the song and directed the music video, used makeup and special effects to appear as Tyler Swift in the project, which references stark cultural double standards between men and women.

Theyd say I hustled/Put in the work/They wouldnt shake their heads and question how much of this I deserve, Swift sings on the hit. What I was wearing, if I was rude/Could all be separated from my good ideas and power moves.

Swift said she had done her research before endorsing the Harris-Walz ticket.

Im voting for @kamalaharris because she fights for the rights and causes I believe need a warrior to champion them. I think she is a steady-handed, gifted leader and I believe we can accomplish so much more in this country if we are led by calm and not chaos, Swift wrote. I was so heartened and impressed by her selection of running mate @timwalz, who has been standing up for LGBTQ+ rights, IVF, and a womans right to her own body for decades.

Swift signed her post, Childless Cat Lady, referencing 2021 remarks by Trumps running mate Sen. JD Vance.

In a post-debate interview with MSNBC, Walz said he was grateful for Swifts support.

I am incredibly grateful, first of all, to Taylor Swift. I say that also as a cat owner  a fellow cat owner, Walz said.

That was eloquent and it was clear, he continued. And thats the type of courage we need in America, to stand up.

Trump dismissed Swifts Democratic endorsement.

She will probably pay a price for it in the marketplace, Trump told Fox News.

While several high-profile artists have objected to the Trump campaign using their music, Harris has not  at least publicly  faced similar challenges.

In July, Beyonce gave Harris permission to use her song Freedom for her presidential campaign. The song has since become an anthem for Harris, who has used it for both ads and at her campaign rallies.

CNNs Elizabeth Wagmeister contributed to this story.

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Illustration by wildpixel | iStock / Getty Images Plus

Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes wants Attorney General Kris Mayes to provide elections officials guidance on how Arizona can enforce part of a voter registration law that the U.S. Supreme Court recently allowed to go into effect, even as another court weighs its constitutionality.

The Supreme Court last month ordered Arizona to enforce part of a 2022 law expanding citizenship requirements for new voters, lifting a block on the law that had been put in place by a lower court judge.

The high courts move allows Arizona to implement a portion of the law that allows the state to stop accepting state-created voter registration forms from Arizona residents unless proof of citizenship is provided.

Now, Fontes has asked Mayes for a legal opinion in light of the ruling.

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First, Fontes wants to know if county recorders can perform a standard check on a person whose voter registration doesnt include documented proof of citizenship prior to rejecting the form. If so, and county elections officials are able to obtain that proof via the check, he wants Mayes to advise whether they can register that person to vote.

Second, Fontes wants Mayes to opine on the official date of registration for a voter who fails to provide proof of citizenship with the initial form, but does so later. Should the date of registration, he asked, be for the original registration date or when the citizenship proof was provided?

Finally, county recorders are required to give those registering to vote until 7 p.m. on Election Day to provide proof of citizenship, but a consent decree in the case states that information must be provided no later than the Thursday before Election Day. Fontes wants Mayes to advise which deadline county recorders should follow.

Arizona law requires people to show proof of citizenship to register to vote, which was approved by voters in 2004 as Proposition 200. However, the federal National Voter Registration Act of 1993 requires states to accept federal voter registration forms, which do not have that requirement. In 2013, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled Arizona cannot reject those forms.

That ruling created a dual system where voters who prove citizenship can vote in every race on the ballot, while those who attest to being citizens under penalty of perjury but fail to provide documentation can only vote in federal contests.

Arizona has approximately 32,000 federal only voters.

An analysis by Votebeat found that the Arizona law is likely to disproportionately affect younger voters who live on college campuses and often register to vote without proper documents.

The portion of the law being contested that can now be enforced is aimed at stopping non-citizens from voting in the state by requiring citizenship checks on the federal voter forms.

The law has been challenged by voting rights groups and trial courts have failed to uphold portions of the law, such as requiring proof of citizenship for voters to register via a state form and another portion that barred residents who register using a federal form from voting by mail unless they provide proof of citizenship.

The Supreme Court declined a request by the Republican National Committee to reinstate the portion regarding mail-in voting for presidential elections.

Republicans have been falsely claiming that the 2020 presidential election was stolen from him and cite noncitizens voting as a widespread problem across the country. There is no evidence to support that claim and studies have shown that non-citizen voting is exceedingly rare.

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An Oregon woman who went missing and is suspected to have been killed by a neighbor last week had Kitsap County ties.

After the body of 32-year-old Melissa Jubane was found last Saturday, police in Beaverton, Oregon, arrested a 27-year-old man who was then charged with murder in Washington County Circuit Court on Monday, according to a statement issued by the Beaverton Police Department. Jubane, who had been living in Beaverton and working as a nurse, went missing on Wednesday, Sept. 4, after her colleagues at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center reported that she did not show up for work, the police said.

Central Kitsap School District confirmed that Melissa Jubane graduated from Olympic High School in 2010, and Kitsap Sun archives indicated that Jubane attended Fairview Middle School previous to that and later graduated from the University of Washington. A spokesman at Naval Hospital Bremerton confirmed that her husband, Bryan Llantero, is a physical therapist and Medical Service Corps officer assigned to NHB and has been stationed there less than a year. Llantero's mother, Imelda Llantero, told Honolulu television station KHON2 that Bryan Llantero, who grew up in Oahu, Hawaii, had been living with Jubane's family in Bremerton while Jubane worked in Oregon.

Melissa Jubane

In addition, Imelda Llantero indicated to KHON2 that Jubane intended to find a job at a hospital in Washington to move back to the area. Bryan Llantero and Melissa Jubane had married the last weekend of August in Hawaii, according to Imelda Llantero's interview and a website for the wedding that showed photos of the couple's ceremony on a beach overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The website has since been password protected.

Jubane's family declined to make public comments at the suspect's court appearance Monday, according to the Oregonian newspaper. A GoFundMe account set up to support the family has raised more than $81,000 as of Wednesday, and said memorial services are yet to be announced.

Response, arrest after woman is reported missing

The case has garnered national media attention since last week, when search parties among friends were initially organized in wake of Jubane's disappearance. Beaverton police initially performed a welfare check on Jubane's apartment on the morning of Sept. 4, which included a search of her apartment. Her phone had apparently been turned off, according to a police statement posted to Facebook, and her car was still at the complex.

Police then said the extensive search led to interest in a neighbor in the apartment complex, Bryce Jonathan Schubert, who was arrested on Saturday. Jubane's body was found the same day. Schubert was arraigned in court on Monday on charges of charges of second-degree murder, first-degree kidnapping and second-degree abuse of a corpse.

Police have not offered further details about the investigation, and the court records remain sealed by order of Washington County Judge Elizabeth Lemoine.

A Beaverton newspaper reported that a vigil for Jubane drew approximately 300 people to a city park on Monday, where participants mourned their friend and co-worker.

This article originally appeared on Kitsap Sun: Melissa Jubane had Bremerton, Kitsap County background
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WHNT)  The Department of Justice said a former Decatur oncologist has pleaded guilty to illegally prescribing drugs Wednesday.

Sammy Faud Becdach, 57, pleaded guilty to two counts of unlawful distribution and dispensing of a controlled substance. The DOJ said he illegally prescribed drugs such as oxycodone and hydrocodone to patients.

Intoxicated substitute teacher removed from Priceville High, arrested

The Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences board opened its own investigation where the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) showed Dr. Becdach had issued the unnamed woman at least nine prescriptions for controlled substances between November 2018 and June 2019, without running a PDMP check before prescribing to her.

According to the filing, the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences autopsy report shows that she died from the toxic effects of Fentanyl and morphine.

The 21-year-olds mother also told investigators about a black briefcase her daughter mentioned. It was said to contain narcotics and benzodiazepines in pill and liquid form. Her daughter reportedly told her that she had woken several times to find Becdach pouring liquid OxyContin into her mouth and then he would rape her.

In the guilty plea, the DOJ said Becdach worked as an oncologist in Decatur at Clearview Cancer Institute from 2018 through 2021.

Middle school student accused of making terrorist threats arrested in Muscle Shoals

In August 2022, the DOJ said the Medical Licensure Commission of Alabama said it took Becdachs medical license for unprofessional conduct in a romantic relationship with a 21-year-old woman he had written opioid prescriptions for.

The DOJ said she later died from a drug overdose.

Based on a filing with the states medical licensure commission, Becdach agreed to several terms:

His Alabama medical license is revoked permanently

He will never fill a petition to have his license reinstated

If Becdach does file an application/petition for reinstatement it will be denied

The DOJ said Becdach wrote illegal prescriptions for controlled substances to three people who were not his patients. The three filled the prescriptions at Becdachs request and then gave him the pills.

Becdach reportedly gave pills to a woman who he was romantically involved with. The prescriptions included opioids and benzodiazepines.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Former legal officer tapped as interim director of Oklahomas juvenile affairs office

The Oklahoma Board of Juvenile Affairs pictured at a board meeting in Oklahoma City on July 16. (Photo by Emma Murphy/Oklahoma Voice)

OKLAHOMA CITY  Laura Talbert was named interim director of the Oklahoma Office of Juvenile Affairs Tuesday by the offices board.

Talbert, formerly the offices chief legal officer, will start in her new position Sept. 16. She replaces Jeffrey Cartmell who Gov. Kevin Stitt tapped to lead the Oklahoma Department of Human Services.

Talbert joined OJA in March as chief legal officer. She previously worked as a prosecutor and served in the Oklahoma Department of Corrections general counsel office.

As interim director, Talbert will be compensated with a salary of $140,000 per year.

At the same meeting, the board made other shifts in leadership for the Office of Juvenile Affairs.

Shel Millington, former director of behavioral health, was appointed as deputy director of the agency.

The agencys former chief of staff, Constanzia Nizza, will move to the role of chief of operational excellence.

Alison Humphrey has been selected to serve as director of reentry. The office created this new position to focus on reentry, a critical phase of the juvenile justice continuum.

The changes in leadership are intended to enhance the agencys ability to provide effective services and support to Oklahomas youth, according to a news release.

The Office of Juvenile Affairs manages juvenile affairs for the state and works on prevention and treatment for Oklahoma youth.
Tariq Ramadan was a professor of contemporary Islamic studies at Oxford and held visiting roles at universities in Qatar and Morocco - FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP via Getty Images

Islamic scholar Tariq Ramadan was found guilty of rape by a Swiss appeals court on Tuesday, overturning an earlier acquittal by a lower court.

A Geneva appeals court said it had found the former Oxford University professor, 62, guilty of rape and sexual coercion of a woman in a 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, said Veronique Fontana and Robert Assael, the womans lawyers. They added: The truth has finally triumphed.

The ruling  dated Aug 28 but only made public on Tuesday  was expected to be appealed at Switzerlands highest court.

Philippe Ohayon, one of Ramadans French lawyers, attacked the many contradictions in the judicial process.

Ramadan, a charismatic yet controversial figure in European Islam, has always maintained his innocence.

His 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 Oct 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.

Similar allegations in France

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 woman after the alleged assault.

But during their appeal, Brigittes lawyers alleged that Ramadan had exercised significant control over her, suggesting she had suffered something akin to Stockholm syndrome.

The three appeals court judges in Geneva 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 accused of raping three women between 2009 and 2016.

His defence team is fighting a Paris appeals court decision in June that the cases can go to trial.

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Former prison guard used app to take and give thousands to inmates, SC officials say

A Midlands resident who used to work as a prison guard found herself behind bars after being arrested Monday, according to the South Carolina Department of Corrections.

Arieyelle Shiquise Coulette, a 25-year-old Sumter resident, was charged with misconduct in office, the S.C. Department of Corrections said Tuesday in a news release.

Coulette was a correctional officer at Turbeville Correctional Institution, where shes accused of sending and accepting money from inmates, according to the release. The prison in Clarendon County is a mens-only, medium-security institution, according to the S.C. Department of Corrections. The prison is in Turbeville, about 60 miles east of Columbia.

For about a month in 2021, from Aug. 23-Sept. 27, Coulette did willfully, knowingly, dishonestly and unlawfully with malfeasance commit the offense of misconduct in office, an arrest warrant said.

Coulette accepted $22,879 from inmates via Cash App, while sending $6,790 to prisoners, according to the arrest warrant.

Information about how the money was used by either Coulette or the inmates, and the number of inmates involved, was not included in the release.

Coulette resigned from the S.C. Department of Corrections on Nov. 17, 2023, the arrest warrant shows.

Bond was set at $10,000 and posted the same day Coulette was arrested, according to Clarendon County court records.

She is scheduled to appear in court again Nov. 8, judicial records show.
A former Richland special education teacher previously convicted of molesting a student has been arrested on suspicion of dealing and possessing child pornography.

Steven Michael Diaz, 41, was booked into the Franklin County jail on Monday on suspicion of 15 counts of child pornography related charges.

Officers estimated there were more than 40 gigabytes of pornographic videos sent from the Snapchat account, according to court documents. That would equal about 13 hours of high-definition video.

During a Tuesday court appearance, Benton Franklin Superior Court Judge Jackie Stam ordered that Diaz have no contact with minors and no internet access if he does post bail.

Diaz, a Level 2 registered sex offender in Washington, is being held in lieu of $200,000 bail.

An order setting conditions if he was able to post bail indicates he is likely to face five felony charges: two counts of first-degree possession of depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, two counts of first-degree dealing in depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct and one count of communication with a minor for immoral purposes.

Diaz has a prior conviction for communication with a minor for immoral purposes as part of that 2016 child molestation case, according to court records. Hed been investigated on suspicion of sex crimes twice before that, according to court records.

Child porn

On April 3, Snapchat reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that a user going by stevend2422 uploaded a file flagged as containing child sexual abuse material.

The information associated with the account identified the accounts owner as Diaz using a cellphone number registered to a Richland address, according to court documents. He also allegedly used a second account, without part of his name, which was linked to his email address.

Diazs current address was listed as a home on the 2100 block of North 18th Avenue in Pasco.

That information was forwarded to the Pasco Police Department and an investigation was opened. Over the next few months Pasco police obtained a search warrant and worked with Snapchat to retrieve an archive of images and videos shared by the accounts linked to Diaz.

In the conversations between Diaz and other Snapchat users, both parties acknowledge the girls are underage.

They also located a conversation with Diaz allegedly claiming to be 17 years old communicating with a user who said they were a 16-year-old girl. He allegedly talked to the girl about sex and offered to pay her for nude images and videos.

The documents say officers uncovered a wide array of nude photos and videos of prepubescent girls, some engaged in sexual acts. Several of the children were estimated to be between 10 and 12 years old.

After reviewing materials shared by the account, Pasco police believed they had probable cause to arrest Diaz on suspicion of 15 charges related to possession and dealing of depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit activity

He is expected back in court later this month.

History of sex crimes

In 2016, Diaz was sentenced to 1 1/2 years in prison for grooming and molesting a girl in his class when he was a teacher at Richland High School.

Diaz allegedly began communicating with the student through her class journal and later sent sexual emails. He molested the girl at least four times, according to investigators.

The school principal was told by students in May 2015 that Diaz was having an inappropriate relationship with a then 15-year-old girl. The victim had been moved to his class in late 2014.

He pleaded guilty to third-degree child molestation and communicating with a minor.

Diaz did not admit any wrongdoing, but told a community corrections officer that he pleaded guilty on the advice of his lawyer after seeing the evidence prosecutors had, according to court records. As part of his sentence, he was ordered to participate in a sex offender treatment program.

He also previously taught in Othello, Wash., and Gamble, Alaska.

In 2002, when Diaz was 19, a 12-year-old boy reported to police that Diaz showed a sexual video of himself and that Diaz also threatened to rape to him, according to Herald archives.

Then in 2014, a woman reported that Diaz raped her at a park after they met at a bar, court documents said. No criminal charges were filed in either case.

The community corrections officer reported to the court that, It appears Diaz has long-term sexual deviancy issues ...
Former Sen. Kelly Ayotte will win GOP primary to succeed Gov. Chris Sununu in New Hampshire

Former Sen. Kelly Ayotte will win the Republican primary in New Hampshires race for governor, according to The Associated Press, advancing to what is expected to be a competitive general election to succeed retiring GOP Gov. Chris Sununu.

Ayotte is projected to defeat a crowded primary field that included former state Senate President Chuck Morse. She will next face former Manchester Mayor Joyce Craig, who is hoping to be the first Democrat to be elected governor of the Granite State in a decade. Craig is projected to win what had been a bitter primary against Cinde Warmington, who serves on the states five-member Executive Council.

Sununu, who emerged as a national figure largely because of his criticism of former President Donald Trump, opted against seeking a fifth two-year term, announcing last year that the time is right for another Republican to lead our great state.

New Hampshires prominence in presidential primaries  as well as its independent streak  have made it the closest thing to a political battleground in otherwise overwhelmingly Democratic New England.

Both Sununu and longtime Democratic Rep. Annie Kuster are retiring after this year.

Ayotte, who had the governors endorsement, has said that she would keep New Hampshire on the Sununu path  a stark contrast to Morse, who offered himself as a strong Trump supporter.

Ayotte, a former state attorney general, was elected to her lone Senate term in 2010, and was soon seen as a rising star. However, six years later, she lost a close race to Democratic Gov. Maggie Hassan, who has held the seat since.

During that 2016 race, Ayotte withdrew her support for Trump after the Access Hollywood tape emerged, saying at the time that she cannot and will not support a candidate for president who brags about degrading and assaulting women.

Ayotte reemerged in Washington during Trumps presidency, guiding Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch through his Senate confirmation hearings in 2017.

2nd District race

Meanwhile, in the race for Kusters seat in the states competitive 2nd Congressional District, former congressional and White House aide Maggie Goodlander will win a hard-fought contest for the Democratic nomination, according to The Associated Press.

Goodlander, the wife of President Joe Bidens national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, is projected to defeat Colin Van Ostern, a former member of the state Executive Council who lost a close race for governor to Sununu in 2016.

The primary has been marked by negative attacks from both sides. An ad from VoteVets, which supports Democrats from military and national security backgrounds and is backing Goodlander, called Van Ostern a perennial candidate and attacked his business record.

Kuster, who had endorsed Van Ostern, her onetime campaign manager, then appeared in an ad for him in which she said that Goodlander hasnt lived in our district for decades and that she gave thousands to pro-life Republicans. Kuster told Politico that the VoteVets spot against Van Ostern prompted her to get involved: New Hampshire has never seen a negative attack ad like that in a Democratic ad.

Goodlander was raised in the 2nd District. She rented a home there shortly before launching her campaign and has described herself as a renter. But The New York Times reported that she and Sullivan also own a $1.2 million home in Portsmouth, outside the district. Federal Election Commission records also show that Goodlander contributed to the campaigns of former Republican Rep. Justin Amash, who voted to impeach Trump in 2019, and to a Republican who was challenging former hard-line North Carolina Rep. Madison Cawthorn in 2020.

Democratic former Gov. John Lynch, who served from 2005 to 2013, initially endorsed Van Ostern but then withdrew his support, lambasting the candidates campaign for what he described as negative tactics. He backed Goodlander instead and cut an ad for her.

Lynch told WMUR he was appalled by the ad featuring Kuster, which questioned Goodlanders commitment to protecting abortion rights.

Goodlander will be the heavy favorite against Republican Lily Tang Williams in the Democratic-leaning district in November.

This story has been updated with an additional projections.

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Former Sen. Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.) has won the GOP gubernatorial primary in New Hampshire, according to Decision Desk HQ, in her bid to replace outgoing Gov. Chris Sununu (R).

Ayotte, with Sununus backing, beat out former New Hampshire Senate President Chuck Morse and a handful of other contenders in the Republican contest. She headed into Tuesday night with notable polling leads over her primary competitor.

Ayotte has said she would follow in Sununus footsteps, while Morse slammed Sununus lack of support for former President Trump. During this years GOP presidential primary, Sununu notably backed Trump rival Nikki Haley for the nomination, and though hes since said hell support the former president, hes been unapologetic about past criticism.

Ayotte also kept her distance from Trump back in 2016, when Trump won the presidency and she lost her Senate seat to Democratic Sen. Maggie Hassan. Ayotte endorsed Trump in the 2024 presidential election.

The Granite State has gone to the Democratic presidential candidate over the last five cycles, and its small congressional delegation is all blue. But Sununu has enjoyed four terms as a Republican in the governors mansion, and the GOP holds the state Legislature.

On the Democratic side, former Manchester Mayor Joyce Craig was up against state Executive Councilor Cinde Warmington. Nonpartisan election handicapper Cook Political Report has rated the gubernatorial race as a toss up.

Delaware and Rhode Island are also holding primaries Tuesday. Together with New Hampshire, the trio of New England states represents the last bout of congressional primaries this cycle, kick-starting the eight-week stretch until 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.
By Chayut Setboonsarng

BANGKOK (Reuters) - As sales of electric vehicles miss expectations in Southeast Asia's largest market, Thailand's main group of manufacturers, comprising large Chinese and Japanese firms, seeks to extend production deadlines set in a government scheme of incentives.

The scheme helped lure investment of more than $1.44 billion in new production facilities from Chinese EV car makers, such as BYD Motors and Great Wall Motor, making Thailand a regional hub in turning out electric vehicles (EVs).

But as sales falter, partly because Thai banks have tightened loan requirements, the Electric Vehicle Association of Thailand (EVAT) is asking the government for more time to meet targets in the main incentive scheme supporting the industry.

"We're trying to negotiate, extend the production date out a little," the grouping's president, Suroj Sangsnit, told Reuters, outlining a proposal that has not previously been reported.

"The conditions say we have to produce within a year, so can we ask for another year?" added Suroj, the executive vice president of SAIC Motor-CP, a joint venture of SAIC Motor and Thailand's CP Group.

The EV 3.0 plan, as it is called, required companies receiving tax breaks and other support to produce in Thailand this year the same number of vehicles they imported between 2022 and 2023.

Missing the deadline sets them a tougher task next year, as the scheme binds them to produce 1.5 cars for each imported vehicle.

Major Chinese companies pushing for the change include BYD, MG Motor, which is owned by SAIC Motor Corp, and Great Wall Motor, Suroj said.

BYD and Great Wall Motor did not respond to a Reuters request for comment.

Seeking the concession is one tactic in a broader push by the EV industry to manage lower-than-expected sales, as part of which they met Thai central bank officials this year.

Narit Therdsteerasukdi, secretary-general of the Thailand Board of Investment, which runs the incentive scheme, declined to comment without receiving guidance from the cabinet of new Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.

DEBT WOES

Thailand has long been a hub for auto making and export, dominated by Japanese brands such as Toyota Motor and Honda Motor, which are also members of EVAT.

The government incentives for EV production aim to spur conversion of 30% of the annual output of about 2 million vehicles to electric vehicles by 2030.

New EV sales this year stood at 43,000 and were likely to miss EVAT's target of 100,000, Suroj added.

They reflect broader weakness in the Thai auto industry, where car production contracted 17.28% in the first seven months of 2024 from a year earlier to stand at 886,069.

Story continues

Banks were hesitant to issue EV loans because of deep discounts that hit asset prices, Suroj said.

"High household debt is tightening credit, which is going to make it hard to sell," he added.

Already among Asia's highest, Thailand's average household debt has risen to a record, thanks to slow economic growth, lower incomes and high living costs, a survey showed on Tuesday.

During its June meeting with the Bank of Thailand, details of which have not been made public, EVAT pushed for state banks to provide more auto loans.

"An outcome of that meeting was (that banks) could calculate income as a family or household when considering loans," said the grouping's vice president, Siamnat Panassorn.

The central bank did not respond to a Reuters request for comment.

(Editing by Devjyot Ghoshal and Clarence Fernandez)
Lydia Dominguez (left) and Eileen Eady (right) are running for Clark County School Board's District B open seat.

A veteran with ties to a controversial parents rights group and an experienced educator who wants to focus on improving communication are competing for one of three open seats on the Clark County School Board.

Lydia Dominguez and Eileen Eady emerged in June as the top two vote-getters in a six-candidate primary for District B, which includes most of the northwest part of the Las Vegas Valley and its northern rim. Dominguez secured 30.4% of votes. Eady secured 24.2%.

District B is currently represented by Trustee Katie Williams, who did not seek reelection and may soon be removed from office for no longer living in the state.

Williams is one of three trustees who opted not to run for reelection this year. A fourth trustee, Board President Evelyn Garcia Morales, is up for reelection. That means a potential shift in power and focus for a board that has seen much criticism in recent years.

Eileen Eady was a special education teacher for 15 years across five different states before leaving the classroom in 2013 to start a daycare and run a consulting business. More recently, shes worked in state politics, including on campaigns and legislative efforts with Democrats.

Eady believes her experience working at different districts, which ranged from one with just 700 students to CCSDs more than 300,000, gives her perspective and understanding of the unique needs at the fifth largest school district in the country. Eady sees communication as one of the biggest problems within the district.

We need to communicate better, she said. Thats one thing we need to work on. The teachers dont feel represented and heard. I think thats across the board. Thats why we have an insurgence of parents rights coded language. Thats coming from parents and families not feeling like they have a voice.

One of those parents rights advocates is her opponent, Dominguez. Dominguez ignored the Currents requests to schedule an interview but did provide written responses to emailed questions.

Dominguez served in the U.S. Air Force for a decade and authored a book on how to navigate divorce after spousal abuse, according to her campaign website. She also sits on CCSDs Attendance Zoning Advisory Committee (AZAC).

But the mother of two is best known in education circles as a member of the Clark County chapter of Moms for Liberty. She has also appeared numerous times on Fox News as a former Democrat and Latina who now supports former President Donald Trump.

Both the local and national chapters for Moms for Liberty are known for protesting vaccine mandates, advocating against diversity equity and inclusion policies, and pushing anti-trans narratives. Dominguez on social media routinely shares information about vaccine exemptions and posts about protecting girls in sports.

Dominguez on Aug. 29 announced she has withdrawn her membership from Moms for Libertys Clark County chapter, noting that it means she will be forfeiting the organizations endorsement. Her statement said the move was driven by my commitment to maintaining high standards of leadership, transparency, and communication.

She did not elaborate on how Moms for Liberty is anathema to those values, but added, I support the national Moms for Liberty organization and their mission to empower parents and advocate for educational excellence.

Another school board candidate associated with Moms for Liberty, Lorena Biassotti announced on the same day that she too would be withdrawing membership from the local chapter.

The Current asked Dominguez to elaborate on her decision and address criticism that she is attempting to distance herself from the controversial group, whose endorsement may have helped in the crowded primary but hurt during the wider general election. Dominguez did not address the concern and instead reshared her original statement.

She did add, I want to ensure that I am fully committed to representing all students and families in our community.

Critics in Nevada and the nation have pushed back hard against Moms for Liberty candidates, arguing their characterization of transgender children as mentally ill and teachers as indoctrinating groomers shows they are not interested in representing all students.

Eady is one of those critics, pointing to higher suicide rates among trans kids and arguing that rhetoric like Dominguezs shows we dont care.

We have a lot more issues than the books they think are in our school, she added, referencing Moms for Libertys efforts to remove certain books from school libraries. We need to come to a place where were moving forward.

She continued, Why are we focusing on those issues? We have a salary scale we need to fix. We have curriculum that teachers want to talk about. Well have a new superintendent.

Dominguez in her emailed responses said that, if elected, her top priority is to focus on academic success, school safety, and parental rights.

I bring a unique combination of experience as a veteran, a business graduate, and a parent, Dominguez wrote, referencing her bachelors degree in business administration. I bring a strong sense of discipline, structure, and a results-oriented approach to problem-solving.

She continued to say her experience has also equipped me with the skills to lead effectively, especially when it comes to overseeing complex organizations like a school district.

Eady says that, if she is elected, shed like to see the district partner with nonprofits to get more parents and community members involved with School Organizational Teams, the advisory boards that are supposed to provide community insight at the school level.

The intent was to get them more involved, she said. Parents dont know its there. Some schools dont utilize it.

Eady calls herself an organizer at heart who will be open to community feedback and speak up as a trustee. She has been endorsed by a variety of unions and organizations, including Nevada State Education Association, Culinary Workers Union Local 226, and AFL-CIO.

Eady had raised $10,286 as of July 15, according to campaign finance reports, and Dominguez had raised $6,610.

[Editors Note: This article has been updated to remove a reference to the CCSD superintendent search, which was originally set to take place before new trustees were elected but is now scheduled for early next year after the newly elected trustees are seated.]
MADISON, Wis. (WFRV)  A 46-year-old former Wisconsin resident was sentenced to federal prison on Tuesday for possessing child pornography.

According to a release, Ryan Campbell, 46, from Levasy, Missouri, formerly of Amery, Wisconsin, was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge James Peterson to 15 years in prison for possessing child pornography. The sentence will be followed by 20 years of supervised release.

Skeletal remains found in Two Rivers will take some time to identify

In Sept. 2022, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children received a tip that Campbell was uploading child pornography. Law enforcement agents later searched a phone seized from Campbell and found child porn, including images that Campbell himself produced.

At Campbells sentencing, Judge Peterson questioned whether he understood the seriousness of his actions and was concerned Campbell was deflecting blame for his actions on others.

21-year-old Wisconsin man arrested after four-hour standoff with police

Judge Peterson determined that the 20 years of supervised release was warranted because Campbell did not seem to accept responsibility for his actions and because he had an impulse toward sexual activity with children.

The charge against Campbell resulted from an investigation conducted by the Wisconsin Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigation, the Eau Claire County Sheriffs Office, and the Federal Bureau of 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 WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton.
FORT STOCKTON, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)  The Fort Stockton Police Department is warning residents of a scam that has been going around the community recently.

According to FSPD, an individual or several individuals are spoofing the Police Department phone number, calling individuals and saying they have an active warrant for their arrests. After making the claim, the individual stated they must pay over the phone to clear the warrant or risk arrest by an officer.

The Fort Stockton Police Department said it does not conduct official business in this manner and will never ask a citizen for any kind of payment to clear a warrant.

Missed this? HIGHLIGHTS: Fort Stockton vs. San Angelo Lake View

If you are contacted by these individuals, the FSPD said not to give any sensitive information, including date of birth, social security number, or credit card information. If you have any doubts about the legitimacy of any call from law enforcement, hang up and call the department directly.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Forward progress stopped on Sunset Fire near I-10 in Banning; train traffic snarled

A vegetation fire first reported at 3:01 p.m. Monday near Sunset Avenue in Banning was fully contained after reaching about 54 acres, Riverside County Fire officials said on the county's website.

The agency said multiple engine crews were sent to the location and encountered flames burning at a moderate rate in an open field.

The brusher was in the immediate vicinity of Union Pacific railroad tracks, and the rail line was ordered shut down for public safety, snarling freight traffic.

No homes or other structures were threatened.

Three Cal Fire air tankers initiated runs on the blaze that slowed its advance, and at 4:30 p.m., the forward rate of spread was halted, according to reports from the scene.

The final report indicating the fire had been contained came at 9:14 p.m. Monday.

The UP line was reopened.

The cause of the blaze was under investigation.

It is one of several wildfires burning across Southern California on Monday, leading to smoky skies and unhealthy air quality.

Contributing: City News Service

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Sunset Fire: Location, size, containment, evacuations
Four climbers from Italy and South Korea were found dead on the Alps' highest peak of Mont Blanc on Tuesday after they had been missing for three days in bad weather, the local French prefecture said.

The mountaineers had "died of exhaustion", the Haute-Savoie prefecture told AFP, adding that rescuers who finally reached the site found the two Koreans first, close by the two Italians.

A helicopter from the PGHM mountain police based in Annecy was able to land at around 1:30 pm (1130 GMT) and found the bodies between 100 and 200 metres (330-660 feet) from the summit.

"The bodies have been brought down" from the mountain and "the families informed", the PGHM's Chamonix branch said.

A group of Italian mountain rescuers had reached the summit on foot after setting off in the morning but did not spot the bodies, the police added.

Police were alerted late on Saturday about "three missing climbing parties near the summit of Mont Blanc in very poor weather conditions".

The parties had set off "without guides", the prefecture said.

An intensive rescue effort retrieved two Koreans, who were alive, at 4,100 metres (13,450 feet) on Sunday morning.

But the weather later worsened, leaving rescuers unable to keep up the search for those still out on the mountain in subsequent days.

As late as Tuesday morning, a search helicopter had turned back from Mont Blanc as it could not find a way through clouds.

One senior PHGM commander told regional daily Le Dauphine Libere that they had briefly reached the Italians by phone and gleaned their location 4,600 metres up on Mont Blanc's north face, but that the connection had cut out.

At 4,809 metres, Mont Blanc is western Europe's highest peak and very popular with climbers from all over the world.

dfa/tgb/sjw/bc
Fox News has formally re-upped its offer to host a second presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Trump.

On the heels of the ABC News Presidential Debate on Tuesday, FOX News Media executives sent a letter to the Harris and Trump campaigns offering to host another debate, with Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum as moderators.

"Now that the first debate is underway between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, FOX News Media is re-upping its proposal. As the Harris Campaign has stated, the American people will have another opportunity to see both on stage in October," FOX News Media president & Executive Editor Jay Wallace and Vice President of Politics Jessica Loker wrote.

FOX News Media proposed a debate in October while early in-person voting gets underway in multiple battleground states, including Oct. 9 in Arizona, Oct. 15 in Georgia and October 16 in North Carolina.

FOX NEWS CHANNEL OUTDRAWS MSNBC, CNN DURING AUGUST TO FINISH WITH CABLES LARGEST AUDIENCE

Martha MacCallum and Bret Baier would moderate the proposed FOX News Media presidential debate.

FOX News Media previously offered to host a presidential debate in Pennsylvania and that offer also remains on the table while early voting continues in the Keystone State.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

"Again, we believe Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum, the faces of our political coverage, are the best choices to moderate," Wallace and Loker wrote, adding that both campaigns have also been offered a primetime town hall event.

"As you recall, despite not having a Democratic debate in 2016/2020, FOX News was able to secure town halls with Democratic candidates such as: Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders, Pete Buttigieg, Julian Castro, Amy Klobuchar and Kirsten Gillibrand," Wallace and Loker continued.

FOX NEWS DIGITAL CRUSHES CNN, NY TIMES IN KEY METRICS DURING UNPRECEDENTED JULY

The letter to each campaign also detailed Fox News Channels success in the ratings department, indicating that a massive audience would tune in ahead of the critical election. In July, Fox News Channel thumped both CNN and MSNBC in critical swing states, including New Hampshire, North Carolina, Minnesota, Nevada, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Florida and Michigan.

Fox News' proposed criteria and format mirrors those of the CNN debate in June and Tuesdays ABC showdown. Fox News proposed a 90-minute debate with two commercial breaks, with only Baier and MacCallum asking questions. A coin flip would determine podium placement and order of closing statements. Candidates would stand behind podiums without any props or prewritten notes.

"In recognition of FOX News Media's capabilities and reputation, we cordially extend an invitation to all concerned parties to discuss our proposal. We appreciate your consideration and look forward to the opportunity to foster informed political dialogue at this pivotal moment for our nation," Wallace and Loker wrote.





Original article source: FOX News Media proposes second Harris-Trump debate moderated by Martha MacCallum, Bret Baier
Voters taking part in a Fox News Digital panel reacting to the debate said that Vice President Kamala Harris came away from the event with a victory.

Asked who they thought won the debate, 12 voters on the panel raised their hand for Harris while just five indicated they believed former President Donald Trump won.

Asked why they thought Harris won, many voters expressed that Trump did not know how to attack his new opponent in the race.

TRUMP FACT CHECKS HARRIS ON CHARLOTTESVILLE RIOT ACCUSATION: 'DEBUNKED'

Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Trump

"He is still in his head basically trying to run against Joe Biden," one voter said.

Another voter knocked Trump for not bringing fresh ideas to the stage.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

"Trump was so bad, hes just like an old suit from like 1987 right now. He just repeats himself, says the same stuff, and shes refreshing in that shes different," the voter said. "I think if he had a different line of attack with her, it would have been more effective."

Former President Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris shake hands before their debate at the National Constitution Center on Sept. 10, 2024, in Philadelphia.

TRUMP SAYS HE 'PROBABLY TOOK A BULLET TO THE HEAD' DUE TO DEM RHETORIC

"I think she won the debate from my perspective, because he was so bad and he just sounds so repetitive, but I think shes weak. Shes weak on the substance and shes weak on the facts," the voter added.

But the panel didnt provide only good news for Harris, with few of those participating saying that the vice president met their expectations.

"She wasnt very specific when asked certain things," one voter said. "She knows how to pull at your heartstrings. She knows how to be dramatic in a way that will touch the heart of Americans while avoiding the hot button questions."

The debate may be the only one between the two candidates before election day in November, coming after President Bidens disastrous debate performance earlier this year that helped launch a movement to force him out of the election and just 56 days until most voters cast their ballots.





Original article source: Fox News voter panel says Harris won debate
France's new PM says to form government 'next week'

France will have a new government "next week", recently installed conservative Prime Minister Michel Barnier said Wednesday, as he sounded out candidates to run ministries faced with an unpredictable hung parliament.

"We're going to do things methodically and seriously," Barnier told reporters in the eastern city of Reims, adding that he was "listening to everybody" in a political scene split into three broad camps since July's inconclusive snap parliamentary election.

"We're going to name a government next week," he said.

Barnier, who has served as environment, foreign and agriculture minister and was the EU's former chief Brexit negotiator, was named last week by President Emmanuel Macron as his compromise pick for head of government.

With no longer even a relative majority in parliament following his decision to dissolve the National Assembly, Macron delayed picking a PM for weeks over the summer as he tried to find someone who would not suffer an immediate no-confidence vote.

The chamber is largely divided between Macron's centrist supporters -- now loosely allied with Barnier's rump conservative party -- the left-wing NFP alliance and the far-right National Rally (RN).

NFP leaders have vowed to vote no confidence in any government not headed by them after they secured the most votes, but fell well short of a majority.

Meanwhile Macron appears to have taken care to find a candidate in Barnier who does not immediately raise the hackles of the RN.

Rumours are swirling in Paris about who might claim key ministries after Barnier said he was open to working with people on the left or right.

"For now, the names in circulation seem to be just wish lists of people wanting to receive a ministerial portfolio," Politico's French edition wrote Wednesday.

One prominent Socialist, Karim Bouamrane, mayor of the Paris suburb of Saint-Ouen, said he had turned down an invitation to serve.

"We have a right-wing prime minister approved of by the RN, a prime minister under supervision," Bouamrane told Franceinfo radio.

An October 1 deadline to file a draft government budget for 2025 has Barnier under pressure to get moving and sets him and his new team up for a fierce battle over taxes and spending.

In particular, both the NFP and RN promised ahead of the July elections to overturn last year's unpopular pension reform that increased the official retirement age to 64 from 62.

lum-tgb/sjw/js
JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ark.  Arkansas harvest season is in full swing but there is a growing concern among farmers ahead of tropical system Francine potentially dumping wind and rain on their fields.

As growers try to bring in their crops In a mad dash, rice farmers probably have the most to lose from the storm. Whenever the heavy winds and rains come they can act like a hand pushing crops down into the mud, reducing the quality and yield while increasing the time to harvest.

Arkansas Storm Team Blog: Tracking Francine

Jarrod Hardke, extension agronomist for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, called the situation facing farmers a perfect storm.

The incoming storm system really couldnt arrive at a worse time, Hardke said, adding that more than 40% of the Arkansas rice crop still needs harvesting.

Jake McNulty is one of those Arkansas farmers racing to collect rice as well as soybeans before the storm rolls into the Natural State.

Were hoping for good days to where we can just rock and roll and try to get this crop out the ground before Francine comes and really tries to slow us down, McNulty said.

AST Weather Blog: Francine likely to bring rain and wind to parts of Arkansas into late-week

McNulty has cause to worry about the effects of those slowdowns. Wet or blown-over crops can take twice as long to collect and pose a greater risk of damaging equipment. Dried fields preparing for harvest also may grow mold or other bacteria, which would reduce the quality or quantity of all crops like corn to cotton, rice and soybeans.

You start getting docked very heavily and can lose a lot of money really fast from that damage, Hardke noted.

To avoid losing money, days are starting early and ending late on farms across the Delta. Mills are increasing their hours of operation too, but when they shut down for the day, so do the farms, meaning all they can do for these crops is hope.

Selfishly we hope it moves to the east, but we know our neighbors back to the east probably want it to come back toward us, McNulty admitted.

Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas dispatches line workers to Louisiana in preparation for Tropical Storm Francine

The impact will vary farm to farm. McNultys farm was expecting to finish harvest the first week of October, but other farms may have planted earlier or later. Time will determine Francines path and the impact it will have on consumers at the grocery store.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK.
Francine strengthens overnight on its way to Louisiana coast

The National Hurricane Center forecast map for Hurricane Francine as of 4 a.m. Sept. 11, 2024.

Hurricane Francine continued its course toward the Louisiana coast early Wednesday after strengthening overnight into a strong Category 1 storm, though the system is expected to encounter some shearing upper winds that could dampen its intensity before landfall in the evening.

Even if it weakens, the National Weather Service still expects Francine to drive a life-threatening storm surge of 5 to 10 feet from the Cameron-Vermillion parish line to Port Fourchon. With landfall forecasted by sunset Wednesday, the hurricanes severe weather threats inland will happen into the night.

Less than 24 hours away from landfall, the cone for Francines probable path stretched from Lafayette to New Orleans. The National Weather Service predicted track takes the storm inland near St. Mary and Terrebonne parishes and moves through northeast, passing between Baton Rouge and Hammond before heading into southwest Mississippi by Wednesday night.

Francine poses a slight tornado risk to areas east of track, though the threat will decrease once the storm passes.

A storm surge warning is also in place for Lake Maurepas and Lake Pontchartrain, where storm surge is predicted to reach 3-5 feet on the north and west shores.

Francines rainfall is forecast to create a moderate risk, or at least 40% chance, of flash flooding over the next five days, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Mandatory evacuation orders are in place in threatened coastal areas. They include Cameron Parish and parts of Lafourche Parish below the Leon Theriot locks and people who live in trailer homes.

Terrebonne Parish has called for a mandatory evacuation for Zone 1, which is outside the Morganza-to-the-Gulf levee system.

In Jefferson Parish, a mandatory evacuation is in place for communities that typically ride out most hurricanes  Grand Isle, Jean Lafitte and Barataria.

Residents in lower Plaquemines Parish have also been directed to leave.

Recovery efforts from Francine are should begin in earnest Thursday. Gov. Jeff Landry received approval late Tuesday from President Joe Biden for a federal disaster declaration, which fast-tracks resources from Washington to assist with matters such as storm cleanup and emergency housing.

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If you open your credit statement with a weary sigh, you might not exactly think of your bank, or any financial services provider, as your best friend. At best, you might think of it as a frenemy. You know you could probably use it to get the help you need to make your score the source of a far happier sigh  but youre not exactly sure how to approach getting that help.

Find Out: How Can You Withdraw Money From a Bank Account? 3 Ways To Know

For You: 9 Easy Ways To Grow Your Wealth in 2024

Fortunately, the process of going to your bank to help boost your credit score doesnt have to be scary. According to the experts GOBankingRates chatted with, you can access some clear, tangible services that can improve your credit score from your friendly neighborhood bank.

Earning passive income doesn't need to be difficult. You can start this week.

Get a Secured Credit Card

Getting another credit card sounds like the absolute last thing you should do if your credit score is low. However, not all credit cards are created equal. A secured credit card might just be the right tool that enables you to rebuild your credit.

Generally speaking, a secured credit card is a unique kind of card that requires a cash deposit that basically insures purchases made with that card.

If your credit has gotten a little out of control and is heading south, you may want to go to your local bank and ask them to help you. Some banks offer secured credit cards, said Dawn-Marie Joseph, founder of Estate Planning & Preservation. These types of cards can be used against a balance you have in that bank. It is essentially borrowing from yourself, but with a credit card. Using a credit card with this account can help with your credit score.

Read Next: How Much Money Do Americans Have in Their Bank Accounts in 2024?

Look Into Services That Help You Pay on Time

Sometimes, life happens, and so do late payments. You get busy. You get distracted. And before you know it, youre behind on key bills and your credit score has taken a hit. You cant stop life from happening.

But you can pay your bills on time and protect your credit if you take advantage of key banking services.

Features like autopay, credit tracking and online billing assistance can aid consumers in consistently paying their bills on time  therefore raising their credit score and improving their financial situation, said Jared Macarin, personal finance expert with MarketWatch Guides.

Credit Builder Loans

You might be surprised to find that taking out a loan could hypothetically help you boost your credit  well, a specific kind of loan, that is.

Story continues

The aptly-named credit builder loan, or installment loan, can be a conduit toward better credit. Margaret Poe, head of consumer credit education at TransUnion, broke down how these loans could work for you:

Your bank may also offer a credit builder loan, which is an installment loan. Instead of receiving money to use for a purchase, the bank or lender sends the principal payments you make into a savings account, which you can access when youve paid off the loan. It acts as a way to build credit and savings, less any loan fees and interest charges.

More From GOBankingRates

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Experts: 3 Ways To Build Better Credit With Your Bank
FREDERICK COUNTY, Va. (DC News Now)  On Wednesday, Sept. 11, all schools in Frederick County, Va., are closed as law enforcement investigates an ongoing threat.

Frederick County Public Schools announced the closure on Tuesday night, stating that all schools, the school divisions administrative offices and school offices would be closed out of an abundance of caution.

The Frederick County Virginia Sheriffs Office (FCSO) said that threats of possible school-related violence were circulating on social media on Tuesday evening, raising concerns of students, parents and school personnel.

Preliminary indications show that the posts may have originated outside of the Commonwealth.

This would include other jurisdictions and school systems across the country with no direct threat being leveled at any particular Frederick County Public School, said the sheriffs office.

Heres why flags are at half-staff in Virginia

Law enforcement is working with the school district to determine the credibility of the posts.

Apart from the online threats, FCSO said it is investigating an earlier incident that was reported, although it did not occur on school property.

These threats follow the deadly shooting that killed four people at Apalachee High School in Georgia, as well as a shooting in a bathroom at Joppatowne High School in Maryland that killed a 15-year-old boy last week.

The school system said the closures will allow the administration to work with law enforcement to open schools safely on Thursday, Sept. 12.

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In this handout photograph taken and released by the Hungarian Prime Minister's Office on July 11, 2024, Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban (L) poses with former US president Donald Trump at Trump's estate in Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida (ZOLTAN FISCHER) (ZOLTAN FISCHER/X ACCOUNT OF HUNGARY'S PRIME MINISTER VIKTOR ORBAN/AFP)

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is certainly no poster child for democracy in Europe and most Americans have never heard of him, but he does have at least one fan in the United States: Donald Trump.

Trump cited the authoritarian nationalist Orban as a character witness during the former US president's televised debate Tuesday with Vice President Kamala Harris.

While Harris told Trump to his face that he is the laughing stock of world leaders, Trump hit back and cited Orban's support for him.

"Let me just say about world leaders, Viktor Orban, one of the most respected men," Trump said.

"They call him a strongman," the Republican added. "He's a tough person, smart, prime minister of Hungary. They said, why is the whole world blowing up? Three years ago it wasn't. Why is it blowing up? He said, because you need Trump back as president."

This was not the first time Trump has praised Orban and the support he gets from the Hungarian leader.

They are strikingly similar men, both fancying themselves tough on immigration, for instance.

The United States and other Western countries have repeatedly slammed Orban's record on freedom of expression and religion, and on human rights, particularly those of LGBT people.

Very few world leaders are openly pro-Trump and many European officials have said publicly they dread a second Trump term in the White House.

When Trump survived an assassination attempt on July 13 during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania, Orban was among the first leaders to call and wish him well.

- 'Flattery and favors' -

Trump and Orban are so snugly in sync that the slogan of Hungary's current six-month presidency of the European Union is "Make Europe Great Again," a play on Trump's MAGA jingle for America.

The two are clearly fond of one another and have been meeting more and more.

Their last encounter was on the sidelines of a NATO summit in July, when Orban traveled to see Trump at his Mar-a-Lago luxury estate in Florida. Orban went there in March, too.

The July visit came at the end of an Orban trip to Kyiv, Moscow and China, a mission aimed at finding a way to end the war in Ukraine. It included a meeting with President Vladimir Putin, who is accused of war crimes stemming from the 2022 invasion that started the war.

This meeting infuriated European leaders who accused Orban of conducting rogue diplomacy, ignoring EU policy.

Orban is close to Russia, and is a critic of Western sanctions against it and of aid to Ukraine. He opposes Ukraine's desire to join the European Union.

Trump has said that if he is reelected he can end the war in a day.

During Tuesday's debate, Harris attacked what she called Trump's bloated ego. "It is absolutely well known that these dictators and autocrats are rooting for you to be president again because they're so clear, they can manipulate you with flattery and favors," she said.

lb/dw/mlm
FORT SCOTT, Kan.  Police are searching for a suspect following a Wednesday morning stabbing in Ft. Scott.

The Fort Scott Police Department is searching for Nicholas Howard Juarez, 41, pictured above, after an alleged altercation with a juvenile.

Investigators said Juarez stabbed the 16-year-old around 2 a.m. at a home in the 100 block of S. Margrave Street. The victims injuries are not considered life-threatening. Juarez reportedly left the scene before police arrived.

FOUR STATES CRIME

FSPD is asking the public to contact local authorities should they see Juarez. Police say they consider Juarez armed and dangerous and warn people not to approach him.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com.
After his widely panned performance at his first and potentially final debate against Kamala Harris, Donald Trump demanded that the news network that hosted the matchup have its license revoked.

Trump, still fuming just hours after Tuesdays late-night debate, called into Fox News to blame the ABC News moderators and the network and suggested he wont want to do another debate at all.

To be honest, theyre a news organization. They have to be licensed to do it. They ought to take away their license for the way they did that, he told Fox & Friends on Wednesday morning, referencing moderators real-time fact checks of several false claims, including conspiracy theories about immigrants stealing and eating pets and after birth abortions.

It was three-to-one. It was a rigged deal, he said.

Hours later, in an email through his campaigns primary fundraising arm, he wrote I love ABC News.

I dont know that I want to do another debate, he told Fox & Friends. Id be less inclined to because we had a great night, we won the debate, we had a terrible, terrible network  They should be embarrassed.

He claimed he won the debate 92 to seven and that it was maybe my best debate.

Trump also suggested that he believed Harris was being fed her answers.

Kamala doesnt do any shows.  Thats not fair to the public because they dont know what theyre getting. But they saw last night what they had. They had a rigged show with somebody who maybe even had the answers, he said.

Donald Trump speaks during a debate with Kamala Harris in Philadelphia on September 10. (AP)

I watched her talk, and I said, you know, she seems awfully familiar with the questions, and you get pretty good at that stuff after a while, but when I saw how totally rigged that was, I take a look at it and I watch, and I say, You know, you have to get out there, and one of the things I did was I said, Lets do this show at  what time is it  6:30 in the morning, and its an honor to do it, but you have to go out and you have to do the shows, you have to go out and do media.

Trump has repeatedly publicly threatened to somehow revoke broadcast licenses of news organizations that aired or published critical coverage as he wages his crusade against the media.

With all of the Fake News coming out of NBC and the Networks, at what point is it appropriate to challenge their License? Bad for country! he wrote in 2018, in response to a story about his push to increase the nations nuclear arsenal.

In September of last year, he suggested that Comcast  the parent company of NBC and MSNBC  should be investigated for Country Threatening Treason because of its coverage of Russian interference in his 2016 campaign. One month later, he publicly questioned why CBS News should get free public airwaves after it broadcast an interview with President Joe Biden.

MSNBC (MSDNC) uses FREE government approved airwaves, and yet it is nothing but a 24 hour hit job on Donald J. Trump and the Republican Party for purposes of ELECTION INTERFERENCE, he wrote the following month.

Our so-called government should come down hard on them and make them pay for their illegal political activity. Much more to come, watch! he added.

Trump  who lashed out at journalists as fake news and enemy of the people more than 2,000 times in his presidency  has also demanded that journalists should be thrown in jail for not revealing their sources, and has reportedly privately weighed using federal law enforcement to investigate publishers.

In the Trump-allied Project 2025 plans for the next Republican presidents administration, the authors write that public broadcasting outlets like PBS and NPR are designed to suppress conservative views and should be defunded, and that an administration should re-evaluate its relationship with the media, including potentially dissolving the White House press corps.

Trump has also filed lawsuits against The New York Times and CNN in apparent attempts to gut long-standing Supreme Court precedent that limits the ability of public officials to sue for defamation.
A local developer with ambitious plans for the former Forest Fair Mall has walked away from the project. But a new developer is waiting in the wings.

Rob Smyjunas, CEO of Oakley-based Vandercar Holdings, told The Enquirer a recent Butler County Land Bank meeting swayed him to withdraw his plans to redevelop the over-90-acre-site, now called Cincinnati Mall.

Smyjunas hoped the Butler County Land Bank would use its $7.9 million state-awarded grant to demolish the mostly abandoned mall, which sits in both Forest Park and Fairfield. The land bank was hesitant to use those funds, however, because the portion Smyjunas wanted to demolish was on the mall's Forest Park side in Hamilton County.

Kohl's is the Cincinnati Mall's last tenant and sits on the Fairfield side.

In a recording of the Aug. 12 meeting obtained by The Enquirer, Greg Kathman, Fairfield's development services director, called Vandercar's proposal for the site, which included industrial buildings and a major grocery store, "very lacking."

Butler County Commissioner Don Dixon made it clear he would not support using the grant money toward a project that doesn't benefit Fairfield, saying Fairfield "got the bad side of that deal."

Smyjunas said Forest Park city manager Don Jones had seemed "very enthused" about the redevelopment in their conversations, but Jones sided with Dixon during the land bank meeting.

"This is not a good enough deal for us, and it's not a good enough deal for you," he said.

Jones told The Enquirer on Tuesday that Forest Park liked the idea for the project, but could not reach an agreement with Vandercar about its tax incentive package.

Vandercar also did not reach a buying agreement with the mall's owner, New York-based World Properties.

What went wrong

The initial redevelopment plan for the site, which was awarded the $7.9 million grant, included a tear-down of the 5.7-acre parking garage on the Fairfield side. Butler County officials made it clear during the land bank's August meeting they still want the parking garage to come down.

Demolishing the garage was not part of Vandercar's proposal. The developer wanted instead to refurbish the garage, rather than fork over the $10.5 million in bond costs needed to own the structure.

New developer could take over property

A new developer is interested in the site, Jones said Tuesday.

The idea for the former mall  industrial buildings with a mixed-use component  is expected to stay the same, though a new developer would likely need to demolish the parking garage in order for the land bank to allow the use of its grant. Officials declined to identify the developer.

Could the grant be used for another project?

Dixon said during the meeting he would support a redevelopment of the site that benefits Fairfield and Butler County, but if not, developers "need to get their checkbooks out."

The land bank has until the end of 2025 to use the grant before it expires. Butler County Treasurer and land bank chair Michael McNamara previously told The Enquirer the land bank can use the grant money toward another project that falls within its parameters.

The land bank would need to submit a request to the Ohio Department of Development to use the grant toward another project, Brian Bohnert, the agency's public information officer told The Enquirer in an email.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Developer walks away from old Forest Fair Mall
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV)The Georgia Department of Resources (GADNR) is asking for help locating a state-threatened plant from the southeastern Coastal Plain.

Called the flame flower or hummingbird flower, it is the only species in its genus and looks like no other plant in the state according to the GADNR. Scientifically known as the, Macranthera flammea, the flame flower is a biennial plant which means that it has a two-year life cycle.

It germinates and grows in its first year, but during the second year it flowers, sets seed and then dies. Flowering plants can be 5-10 feet tall and can be found between late August and September.

35th Annual Beach/River Sweep to take place on May River

Flame flower leaves are larger at the bottom of the stem and arranged opposite on the stem, GADNR said. The leaves are deeply lobed and toothed and flowers can grow to be as much one inch long, with tubular, bright orange petals.

Flame flower in bloom (Lisa Kruse/DNR)

Flame flower in full bloom (Lisa Kruse/DNR)

Flame flowers can be found in Coastal Plain wetlands, mainly due to the fact that this plant requires habitat with adequate moisture, the GADNR said.

The plant typically occurs on the margins of these wet habitats, said DNR, in the transition zone between pine uplands and seepage bogs, streamside thickets or cypress-gum ponds. Flame flower can even tolerate shallow flooding for short periods of time.

Flame flower is state protected in Georgia, where its listed as threatened and is also a high priority for conservation in Georgias State Wildlife Action Plan, according to GADNR. The DNR considers Macranthera flammea as most likely critically imperiled in the state.

The flame flower is declining on publicly owned properties, and they ask for landowners help, GADNR said. If you own naturally wooded property in Georgias Coastal Plain, which they said is roughly south of the Fall Line, from Augusta to Macon and Columbus, then flame flower could be on your land.

All Georgians are reminded, too, that this species needs to stay in the wild, the GADNR said. Dont remove plants or parts of them: seeds, flowers or roots. Flame flower depends on relationships with neighboring plants and wont survive outside of its habitat.

If you spot flame flower, please let DNR know. GADNR asks for photos of a flower, the whole plant and the immediate habitat where the plant is found are welcomed, and any notes with additional details. Send photos, information and questions to DNR senior botanist Lisa Kruse at Lisa.Kruse@dnr.ga.gov or call (706) 557-3213.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV.
GALLERY: Mitsubishi Power Americas Hosts the Coastal Empire Habitat for Humanity for Mitsubishi Inaugural Impact Day

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV)  Mitsubishi Power Americas hosted Coastal Empire Habitat for Humanity for its Inaugural Impact Day on Wednesday, September 11.

Take a look at some of the photos from the event down below.









































































































































































































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Palestinians stand in the courtyard of a school after an Israeli attack at the school of United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) at Nuseirat Refugee Camp. Omar Ashtawy/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

Palestinian authorities on Wednesday reported that at least 14 people were killed in an attack on a United Nations facility in central Gaza.

Hospital staff said 14 people were killed in the incident in the Nuseirat refugee camp.

The building was a former school run by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).

UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in New York that UN properties should never be attacked nor used by military groups.

A spokesman for the Israeli air force said it hit a Hamas command and control post in Nuseirat after taking measures to minimize the risk of harming civilians.

Palestinians stand in the courtyard of a school after an Israeli attack at the school of United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) at Nuseirat Refugee Camp. Omar Ashtawy/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

Palestinians stand in the courtyard of a school after an Israeli attack at the school of United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) at Nuseirat Refugee Camp. Omar Ashtawy/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
Palestinians stand in the courtyard of a school after an Israeli attack at the school of United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) at Nuseirat Refugee Camp. Omar Ashtawy/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

Palestinian authorities on Wednesday reported at least 14 people were killed in an attack on a United Nations facility in central Gaza.

Hospital staff said 14 people were killed in the incident in the Nuseirat refugee camp.

The building was a former school run by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).

UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in New York that UN properties should never be attacked nor used by military groups.

A spokesman for the Israeli air force said it hit a Hamas command and control post in Nuseirat after taking measures to minimize the risk of harming civilians.

Two Israeli soldiers killed in helicopter crash

Earlier on Wednesday, the Israeli military said two soldiers were killed when a rescue helicopter crashed in the Gaza Strip overnight.

It said seven others were injured and transported to a clinic for treatment.

The Yanshuf helicopter belonging to the Israeli air force was on a mission to evacuate an injured soldier to a hospital for medical treatment. It crashed while landing in the Rafah area in Gaza, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said.

An initial inquiry indicated that the crash was not caused by enemy fire, the IDF said, noting the cause of the incident was still under investigation.

The families of the two IDF soldiers have been notified.

Since the beginning of the war in Gaza, 706 Israeli soldiers have been killed, according to military sources. Some 340 have been killed since the start of the ground offensive on October 27, with more than 4,400 soldiers injured.

The war began after the October 7 attacks by Hamas, when the militia and others killed 1,200 people in Israel and took some 250 hostage in Gaza.

More than 40,000 people have been killed in Gaza and more than 98,000 others injured during the 11 months of the war, according to the Hamas-controlled health authority in Gaza, in figures that do not distinguish between civilians and fighters.

Palestinians stand in the courtyard of a school after an Israeli attack at the school of United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) at Nuseirat Refugee Camp. Omar Ashtawy/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

Palestinians stand in the courtyard of a school after an Israeli attack at the school of United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) at Nuseirat Refugee Camp. Omar Ashtawy/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
Editors note: A previous report identified the victim as a 21-year-old man. That information has since been corrected to reflect the victim was actually a 31-year-old man.

UPDATE 9/12/2024 1:53 a.m.: The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has released new information regarding the shooting investigation in Lumpkin, Georgia.

According to the GBI, Lumpkin Police responded to a car accident on Cotton Street. When officers approached the vehicle they found the 31-year-old victim dead inside the car from gunshot wounds.

The GBI says the investigation is still ongoing, and anyone with information is asked to contact the Regional Investigative Office in Americus at 229-931-2439 or the Lumpkin Police Department at 229-838- 6101.

The GBI added anonymous tips can be submitted at gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online.

UPDATE 9/11/2024, 12:35 p.m.: Lumpkin Police Department Chief Matt Holloway confirms a 31-year-old man was killed by gunshot wounds.

The victims identity has yet to be released. The GBI confirms it is assisting in the investigation.

LUMPKIN, Ga. (WRBL)  A death investigation is being conducted by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Lumpkin Police Department in Stewart County.

Stewart County Coroner Sybil Ammons says a 31-year-old man was killed, possibly by gunshot wounds.

Ammons said calling in the GBI to assist in the investigation is normal protocol.

This is a developing story. Stick with WRBL on air and online as more information becomes available.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL.
We recently published a list of What Happened to LNG Stocks and 10 Best LNG Stocks to Buy Now. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) stands against the other LNG stocks.

Liquefied natural gas is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the energy industry. The global LNG market is changing quickly to meet the rising demand for gas in new markets. This growth is fueled by more companies getting involved and faster advancements in technology, but faces uncertainties due to supply constraints.

The 2024 World LNG Report reveals that the global LNG market now connects 20 exporting with 51 importing markets, with supply being the main constraint on growth. After two turbulent years, the market has reached a fragile equilibrium due to limited spare supply.

Geopolitical tensions have significantly shifted demand and supply dynamics, fueling price volatility and causing natural gas prices to rise across all key markets in the second quarter of 2024. These factors continue to pose challenges for the industry in 2024.

However as the industrial coal-to-gas transition gathers steam fueled by solid demand in China and Southeast Asia, demand for LNG is expected to grow by 40% by 2040.

The worldwide market for liquefied natural gas is expected to experience steady expansion until 2030 as production increases, resulting in reduced costs and a broader market reach in nations where coal is more affordable.

The total LNG supply globally is anticipated to rise by an average of 31 million metric tons annually until 2030. Production capacity is expected to grow by 30% or more from 2026 to 2028 due to the launch of new liquefaction facilities. LNG Capacity should exceed 600 million by 2030.

The increased supply comes as companies invest billions of dollars in building LNG facilities in the hope of cashing in on the exponential growth in demand. Amid the rise in LNG demand, investment opportunities are increasingly cropping up for investors looking to diversify their energy sector portfolios.

Over the last 50 years, LNG trade has grown at an average rate of 11% annually, starting from 2.6 million metric tons in 1971 and reaching 372.3 million metric tons in 2021. Given that the expansion has been consistently positive, it underscores the tremendous opportunity for grabs amid the transition from coal.

According to Julia Khandoshko, CEO of international broker Mind Money, the main trend in the LNG market is the transition to natural gas as LNG infrastructure expands, making it a preferred energy source.

Story continues

The growing investments in the sector in the US and Europe affirm the sectors long-term prospects. While US LNG exports have increased significantly since Russia invaded Ukraine, affecting key supply lines, there is still room for growth.

Japan dominates the $250 billion global LNG trade, giving it its primary role in the supply chain stage. Additionally, Japanese companies netted at least $14 billion in profit from gas-related business, affirming the booming business. Nevertheless, some of the best LNG stocks are in the U.S.

The shale oil and gas production surge has allowed the U.S. to secure the top spot in global natural gas output, contributing to stable prices at home. However, the country doesnt require all this gas for its own use, making producers keen to sell it abroad to regions like Europe and Asia, where it fetches a premium. The U.S. Energy Information Administration anticipates a 2% increase in U.S. LNG exports this year and a further 18% rise next year as new export plants are established.

While energy stocks can be highly volatile, LNG stocks have proven more resilient than crude oil and other entry commodities. As natural gas moves to replace coal as the primary energy source amid the push to combat emissions, some of the best LNG stocks to buy now are poised to offer some of the best investment opportunities. Such stocks are of companies capable of delving low, modest LNG production growth at the lowest breakeven levels.

Companies investing billions into exploring more natural gas resources to meet the growing demand are some of the best investment plays in the sector. Additionally, companies are building LNG export and import infrastructure to benefit from the supply chain business.

Investments in building LNG infrastructure are expected to generate significant free cash flow going to the strong demand, consequently allowing the companies to pay big dividends.

Our Methodology

For our list of the best LNG stocks to buy now, we sifted through ETFs and online rankings to compile an initial list of 20 stocks. We then selected the 10 stocks that are the most popular among elite hedge funds. We have sorted the list in ascending order of the number of hedge funds that have stakes in them, as of Q2 2024.

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).

Aerial view of a major oil rig in the middle of the sea, pumping crude oil.

Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 92

Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) is one of the 4 most diversified energy companies that explores and produces crude oil and natural gas. Its upstream segment explores for and produces crude oil and natural gas, while the Energy Products segment offers fuels, aromatics, catalysts, and licensing services.

ExxonMobil is a global leader in LNG, with interests in projects worldwide, producing 23 million tons annually. Key investments include Gorgon LNG, PNG in Papua New Guinea, and LNG trains in Qatar. The company aims to increase its capacity to 27 MTPA by 2027, with significant projects like the $10 billion Golden Pass LNG in the U.S. and the North Field expansion in Qatar, targeting 40 million tons per year by 2030.

Given its status as a critical player in the oil and gas business, the company presents as a potentially attractive option for investors seeking stability in their portfolio. Its financial strength, backed by a low Price-to-Earnings (P/E) ratio of 12, demonstrates investors trust in the firms ability to generate profits. Moreover, the firms stable price movements underscore its strong market standing, providing investors with a dependable investment choice in the frequently volatile energy industry.

Exxon disclosed Q2 earnings that exceeded expectations and sales figures that surpassed initial projections. Adjusted earnings climbed by 10% compared to the previous year, reaching $2.14 per share, following a sequence of four quarters marked by a decline in earnings growth. Sales surged by 12% to $93.1 billion, following a period of five consecutive quarters characterized by decreasing sales. The energy major had maintained its status as one of the most lucrative companies in the United States.

With more than forty years of steady dividend increases, Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) is a top choice for dividend aristocrat stocks for investment today. Its dividend yield has averaged 2.20% annually in the last five years. The company has committed to investing $20 billion and $25 billion yearly in capital expenditures until 2027. The companys dividend yield is 3.29%, affirming a consistent shareholder return.

The number of hedge funds investing in Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) increased from 81 in the first quarter of 2024 to 92 in the second quarter of 2024.

Madison Dividend Income Fund stated the following regarding Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) in its first quarter 2024 investor letter:

This quarter we are highlighting Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) as a relative yield example in the Energy sector. XOM is a leading integrated oil and natural gas company. It has upstream assets that develop and produce oil and natural gas, along with downstream refining and chemical manufacturing assets. We believe it has attractive low-cost acreage in the Permian basin and has a sizeable growth opportunity in Guyana. Further, we think XOM has a sustainable competitive advantage due to size and scale, and its ability to integrate refining and chemical assets provides a low-cost advantage versus competitors. Our thesis on XOM is that it will grow production volumes of oil and gas moderately over the next few years, while limiting excessive capital investment that plagued the industry from 2014-2020. Production growth will come from its 2023 acquisition of Pioneer Natural Resources, which is the largest producer in the Permian basin. XOM plans to double its Permian output by 2027, to 2 million barrels per day. Capital spending will be limited to $20-25 billion per year through 2027, which should allow for significant amounts of cash to be returned to shareholders including a $35 billion share repurchase program and continued dividend increases. Higher oil prices would provide a tailwind to our thesis but are not necessary. We think XOM can grow earnings and cash flow if oil prices remain above $60 per barrel

Overall XOM ranks 1st on our list of the best LNG stocks to buy. While we acknowledge the potential of XOM 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 XOM 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.
Generals and diplomats call for Ukraine to be allowed to strike deep into Russia with Western-supplied weapons

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy will visit Kyiv on 11 September. Stock photo: US Department of State

Generals, diplomats and civil society leaders have signed an open letter to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy calling for Ukraine to be authorised to strike deep into Russia with long-range weapons provided by its partners.

Source: a letter provided to Ukrainska Pravda by the signatories

Quote: "With news of your upcoming trip to Kyiv, we write as national security experts and former government officials from the United States and the United Kingdom to urge you to lift restrictions on Ukraines use of Western-provided weapons to strike deep into Russia."

Details: The signatories emphasise that the United States and the United Kingdom have made an "admirable" decision to equip Ukraine with ATACMS air defence systems and long-range Storm Shadow missiles.

"But [Western countries] have made this aid less impactful by arbitrarily limiting how Kyiv can use it. We must act with alacrity. A change in policy cannot come soon enough. This winter will be the worst yet as Ukrainians attempt to keep their country running despite Moscows intensified bombings to destroy the Ukrainian energy grid and freeze them in their homes," the letter reads.

The signatories stressed that over 900 days of war have shown that Russian ruler Vladimir Putin's repeated threats are nothing more than an attempt to keep Ukraine's partners from properly arming the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

"Easing the restrictions on Western weapons will not cause Moscow to escalate. We know this because Ukraine is already striking territory Russia considers its own  including Crimea and Kursk  with these weapons and Moscows response remains unchanged," the letter says.

The authors of the statement noted that Iran has deepened its support for the Russian invasion by providing short-range ballistic missiles that Russia will use against Ukrainian civilians.

They emphasise that Ukraine should be able to use Western-provided weapons to destroy the sites hosting these missiles, along with more than 200 other Russian military and paramilitary sites identified by the Institute for the Study of War as being within range of ATACMS missiles at the disposal of Ukrainian forces.

"Its far more cost-effective to destroy the archer rather than the arrow. We urge you to listen to your partners in Kyiv this week and allow Ukraine to strike all legitimate targets in Russia with the weapons the US and UK have provided. Let Ukraine defend itself," the signatories of the letter concluded.

Background:

Earlier, it was reported that US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy would arrive in Kyiv on 11 September.

On 10 September, US President Joe Biden stated that the issue of lifting the ban on Ukraine's use of Western-provided long-range weapons was under consideration.

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Genetic Evidence Overrules Ecocide Theory of Easter Island Once And For All

Genetic Evidence Overrules Ecocide Theory of Easter Island Once And For All

"In just a few centuries, the people of Easter Island wiped out their forest, drove their plants and animals to extinction, and saw their complex society spiral into chaos and cannibalism."

So writes Jared Diamond in his best-selling book Collapse, which was published in 2005.

Nearly two decades later, an international team of geneticists has found evidence that this famous cautionary tale never actually happened.

The true story of Rapa Nui (named Easter Island by colonial Europeans) is not one of self-inflicted population collapse, the new findings suggest, but of cultural resilience.

In the 1600s, it seems that the ancient people of Rapa Nui were not utterly isolated on their island, and it is clear that they did not overexploit their resources to the point of 'ecocide'.

Instead, ancient genetic data suggests the island was once home to a small population of between 1,500 and 3,000 individuals, who were interbreeding with populations that had Polynesian and Indigenous American ancestry long before Europeans had reached either region.

Genetic analysis indicates that Rapanui's civilization was actually growing until the 1860s, when Peruvian slave raids and subsequent epidemics brought by European colonial activity decimated the island's population to around 110 individuals.

Today, more than 1,500 people living on Rapa Nui identify as Indigenous Rapanui.

"These results do not support a major population collapse on Rapa Nui after its initial peopling and before the 1800s," conclude the authors of the study, led by geneticists from the University of Copenhagen in Denmark and the University of Lausanne in Switzerland.

A large body of archaeological and anthropological data has already contradicted the ecocide theory of Rapa Nui. But this new research is the first to undermine the story using ancient genomic data.

The results are based on the remains of 15 ancient individuals from Rapa Nui, whose bones and teeth were taken by Europeans from the island in the 19th and 20th centuries and kept at several museums in Paris.

Under strict museum guidelines, researchers sequenced the genomes of each individual, with support from the Comision de Desarrollo Rapa Nui (CODEIPA) and the Comision Asesora de Monumentos Nacionales (CAMN).

The team also made sure to regularly meet with representatives of the Rapanui community. They hope their results will contribute to the community's effort to repatriate their ancestors back to the island.

Based on the genomic analysis, which reconstructs the population of Rapa Nui over the last 100 generations, the researchers say it is unlikely that these individuals were born after European contact.

All 15 ancient Rapanui were found to have roughly 90 percent Polynesia-like ancestry. Their genes also carried around 10 percent Indigenous American 'admixture', an interbreeding event that likely occurred between 1250 and 1430.

Columbus did not reach the Americas until 1492, and European-like ancestry is only detected in present-day Rapanui, not in ancient Rapanui.

Today, Rapanui and Polynesian populations also carry an American Indigenous component, which studies suggest was mixed into both gene pools sometime between 1150 and 1495.

This indicates that Polynesian seafarers made it to the Americas and Rapa Nui before Europeans.

The only other ancient DNA studies of Rapanui conducted so far, however, found no trace of Indigenous American ancestry.

The leading authors of this most recent study, geneticists J. Victor Moreno-Mayar, Anna-Sapfo Malaspinas, and Barbara Sousa da Mota, explained to ScienceAlert that this was probably due to low resolution data and sampling errors.

When the team reanalyzed the ancient genomes from one past study, they detected an Indigenous American-like component in three out of five ancient Rapanui individuals.

Another past study, meanwhile, may have sequenced the genome of ancient Rapanui individuals who lived before this interbreeding event or right after it occurred, before the evidence was incorporated into their genome.

The new findings "leave no doubt" that ancient Rapanui interbred with populations of Indigenous American descent, write evolutionary archaeogeneticists Stephan Schiffels and Kathrin Nagele in an independent review of the study for Nature.

Now, the question is, how did the Rapanui make contact with Indigenous Americans on what Diamond once called "the world's most isolated scrap of habitable land"  located roughly 1,800 km (1,100 miles) from the closest inhabited island in Polynesia and 3,512 km from Chile in South America?

For years now, experts have debated whether or not Pacific Islanders reached the Americas before Europeans.

In 2020, a genetic study found evidence that prior to the settlement of Rapa Nui, contact was made between Polynesians and Indigenous American groups most closely related to the Indigenous inhabitants of present-day Colombia.

"While it is true that long-distance sea voyaging became less frequent with time, we know that Polynesians were really adept seafarers that managed to get to every Polynesian island in a matter of 1 to 2 thousand years," Moreno-Mayar, Malaspinas, and Mota explained to ScienceAlert.

"Since the sea was more a road to them rather than a barrier, we believe our results make it very likely that they managed to reach the Americas. Therefore, the data suggest that at some point, Rapa Nui was not as isolated despite the thousands of kilometers separating [it], other islands and the Americas."

The study was published in Nature.

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GEORGETOWN COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD)After multiple community meetings across the county and receiving positive feedback from neighbors. Leaders are looking for more sites that need to be redeveloped.

Weve had two community meetings in the Georgetown and Andrews areas, and at this point last month, we have had a great response from the public. Weve had a couple of suggestions for sites, and at this point, what were looking for is members to serve on a steering committee, said Randy Akers, the deputy public information officer for Georgetown County.

The steering committee will be filled with residents looking for potential areas that could be revitalized to help meet the communitys growing needs. Areas that would qualify for revitalization would be old gas stations, factories, and vacant buildings. Leaders said the more community involvement, the better since more grants will come for new developments.

Once we complete this assessment process, there are multiple opportunities for additional funding. For example, suppose you wanted to convert one of these old facilities into affordable housing, a park where people could put on plays, or whatever the community is interested in. In that case, this is the first step, said Maureen Mulligan, an environmentalist for Georgetown County.

Officials said the projects primary goal is to improve the quality of life for residents and future generations.

We want to help serve our communities citizens and enhance our areas beauty. We want to ensure that our communities are kept clean and safe for people and future generations.

The next meeting is on September 30 at the chambers, beginning at 6 p.m. For more information on the Brownfield project and how to get involved, click down below.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
The Trump Campaign hosted Tuesday at Smyrnas Adventure Outdoors a presidential debate watch party between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris ahead of their Nov. 5 election. Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder

Georgia political partisans gathered at watch parties and cheered the barbs landed by their favored presidential candidate during a debate that could prove crucial in a swing state like Georgia.

Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump faced off in the highly anticipated debate in Philadelphia that could mark their first and only debate prior to the Nov. 5 presidential election.

Anticipation was high as the Harris-Walz campaign hosted a debate watch party at Atlantas Tara Theater, an intown Atlanta venue known for screening independent films. It was an enthusiastic response from the Democratic audience, with cheers supporting Harris during several of her remarks and expressions of disdain targeting Trump.

There was considerable attention by some of the audience paid to both candidates varying facial expressions throughout the debate, including Harris reaction of disbelief after Trump falsely claimed infants in America were being killed under lax abortion laws supported by Biden and Harris. ABC moderator Linsey Davis countered Trumps claim by pointing out that no state law in America permits the killing of newborns, which moderators fact checked is the crime of murder in every state across the country.

Atlantas Cedric Hollman said he was proud to see Harris stand up to Trumps lies and attacks against her credibility.

She stood up to the bully and didnt back down, he said. I think she continued the momentum shes had since becoming the (presidential) candidate.

The June CNN debate in Atlanta became a tipping point in national politics that would disrupt the rematch between Trump and Biden.

The spectacle drew attention across the nation and led to Biden stepping down from the race weeks later after a lackluster performance triggered concerns about his age and mental health.

Harris nomination revitalized hopes that the Democratic Party would have a shot to win another term in the White House in 2024.

Meanwhile, Republicans from across the metro Atlanta area gathered in an event space at Adventure Outdoors, the Smyrna gun store and shooting range that bills itself as the largest gun store in the world, where the Trump campaign and local GOP loyalists hosted their own watch party.

Downstairs at the Cobb County gun range, shoppers browsed everything from antique handguns to modern rifles as well as all kinds of hunting and shooting accessories, while upstairs, in a room adorned with mounted deer and moose heads, Republican diehards cheered every time Trump spoke and emitted boos, groans and shouts when Harris talked.

Some of the biggest applause lines came when Trump said he was thinking about sending Harris a MAGA hat and when he told her it was his turn to speak. The crowd also booed the panelists for fact-checking Trump on his false claims, such as that there are places in the U.S. where a baby can be aborted after it is born.

The biggest thing Im seeing is hes presidential, shes not, said Doug Carlin, who spoke with the Recorder in a hallway outside the event space underneath a chandelier made from antlers. You know, how many times do you got to hear that story about her middle (class) blue collar situation? Thats BS. Shes looking at a ticket, some supporters thats giving her information to talk, and shes not there. It doesnt go through. If youre gonna work your plan, you got to plan your work. Shes not planning her work.

James Walker, who lives in Cobb County and is a member of the Buckhead Young Republicans, said Trump was winning on substance.

Trump has definitely given a lot of good points, but Kamala is doing what shes always doing, shes not really answering any questions, he said. All vibes, no policy, and I think thats what her supporters wanted to hear, so it doesnt look like shell be winning this election.

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Robert Habeck (C), German Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection, gives a press statement on the fringes of the Mena-Europe Future Energy Dialogue (MEFED24). Kay Nietfeld/dpa

Germany's Economy Ministry published plans on Wednesday on the construction and modernization of gas-fired power stations intended to back up electricity generation by renewables.

The power stations are also to be designed in such a way that they will be able to use hydrogen.

"We are in this way making the electricity system fit for large proportions of renewable forms of energy and in addition providing security for periods of low wind and sunshine," Economy Minister Robert Habeck said.

Experts, associations and businesses will be able to respond to the proposals in a consultation process that will run for six weeks.

An initial phase will see power station output of 12.5 gigawatts put out to tender, along with 500 megawatts in long-term electricity storage capacity.

The gas-fired power stations are to be capable of conversion at a later stage to hydrogen. Power stations fired purely by hydrogen are also to be promoted.
Friedrich Merz (CDU), CDU federal chairman and leader of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group, speaks in the general debate on the 2025 budget in the Bundestag. Kay Nietfeld/dpa

Germany's conservative opposition leader, Friedrich Merz, on Wednesday flatly rejected offers from Chancellor Olaf Scholz for further cross-party talks on migration policy.

Merz also indignantly denied Scholz's claims that he staged the failure of the most recent round of talks on Tuesday evening to score political points.

Scholz accused Merz of "sloganeering" and refusing to engage in actual negotiations on serious issues facing the country, preferring political posturing and grandstanding instead.

Merz denied that and called the accusation "disgraceful."

But Merz said that policies offered by Scholz's government on Tuesday fell well short of what is needed to limit migration into the country.

"And that is why we are not entering into an endless loop of talks with you," said Merz.

Instead, Scholz's government should bring a concrete set of proposals to parliament for public debate, Merz said.
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier speaks during a press conference with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi after their meeting at Ittihadiya Palace. Bernd von Jutrczenka/dpa

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier thanked Egypt for its role as mediator in the Gaza war during his visit to the country on Wednesday.

In a joint statement with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in Cairo, Steinmeier also called for further efforts to achieve a ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

The statement expressed concern that the conflict continues to risk spreading into a broader regional conflagration.

"Every actor who has influence on both sides must use this influence," said Steinmeier.

Steinmeier said Germany is doing what it can, "and I know that Egypt is also playing a particularly important role here, a role that we in Germany greatly appreciate."

Al-Sisi in turn called on Europe to play its role in the conflict and exert pressure on Israel to achieve a ceasefire.

Steinmeier and Al-Sisi also referred to the close bilateral relations between Germany and Egypt. Al-Sisi expressed his desire to expand cooperation, for example in the economic sector.

"We welcome German companies," he said, and assured potential business partners that their investments in Egypt would be protected.
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier (L) and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi speak during a press conference after their meeting at Ittihadiya Palace. Bernd von Jutrczenka/dpa

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier thanked Egypt for its role as mediator in the Gaza war during his visit to the country on Wednesday.

In a joint statement with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sissi in Cairo, Steinmeier also called for further efforts to achieve a ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

The statement expressed concern that the conflict continues to risk spreading into a broader regional conflagration.

"Every actor who has influence on both sides must use this influence," said Steinmeier.

Steinmeier said Germany is doing what it can, "and I know that Egypt is also playing a particularly important role here, a role that we in Germany greatly appreciate."

Al-Sissi in turn called on Europe to play its role in the conflict and exert pressure on Israel to achieve a ceasefire. He also accused Israel of using hunger as a weapon against the Palestinian population in Gaza.

The fact that the German government has sided so closely with Israel has cost Germany respect and sympathy in the region, but the Egyptian president on Wednesday refrained from publicly criticizing Germany.

Steinmeier likewise avoided any criticism of the Egyptian government's record on human rights.

Critics and rights groups have repeatedly criticized al-Sissi's regime for suppressing dissent, harassing critics and arbitrary justice.

Steinmeier, however, referred to his talks with civil society groups in Egypt and German political foundations: "My impression was that this country has a very active civil society, self-confident, ambitious people who want the best for themselves and their country."

Steinmeier emphasized Germany's humanitarian aid for Palestinians, asserting that Germany is also the world's second-largest donor to Gaza and the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

"We have tripled our aid since 2023," Steinmeier said.

Al-Sissi, in turn, pointed out the heavy burden of refugees in his country. It had already taken in "more than 9 million guests" from Sudan, Libya and Yemen.

Steinmeier and al-Sissi also referred to the close bilateral relations between Germany and Egypt. Al-Sissi expressed his desire to expand cooperation, for example in the economic sector.

"We welcome German companies," he said, and assured potential business partners that their investments in Egypt would be protected.

The two countries have also been working together in education for a long time. In Cairo alone, there are seven German schools abroad and 29 other partner schools with German classes. Around 420,000 people in Egypt are learning German.

Steinmeier's trip is the first visit to Egypt by a German president in 25 years.

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier (L) and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi speak during a press conference after their meeting at Ittihadiya Palace. Bernd von Jutrczenka/dpa
Cars parked in front of the "Pascha" brothel. The public prosecutor's office has seized the "Pascha" brothel in Cologne. Federico Gambarini/dpa

German prosecutors on Wednesday targeted a major brothel in the western city of Cologne as part of their probe into a suspected ring of human traffickers.

"This is a provisional security measure in the investigation proceedings," a spokesman for the prosecutors based in Dusseldorf said.

Pascha, one of Europe's largest brothels, is to be permitted to continue operations, but the authorities' move means that "no asset transfer can occur" for a month, the spokesman said.

Prosecutors have for months been investigating a human trafficking ring that is alleged to have provided German residence permits for wealthy people from China and Oman on a large scale.

In April, police raided homes in eight German states as part of the investigation. Two lawyers from the Cologne area are believed to be behind the ring, and investigators suspect that officials may have been bribed.

The 11-storey Pascha was declared insolvent in 2021. According to media reports, a Chinese woman is thought to have been behind a subsequent purchase.
Yet another country seems to be considering new rules that could change the way companies like Shein and Temu operate.

According to reporting from Capital magazine and Reuters, German regulators are crafting regulations that could target Chinese discount retailers. Though neither Shein nor Temu have headquarters in China, much of their respective business models is reliant on China-direct shipping from merchants, suppliers and manufacturers to consumers globally.

More from Sourcing Journal

Capital magazine reported that those rules would put guardrails in place to ensure that companies like those are in line with regulations around product safety, environmental protection, consumer rights and customs and taxes.

The potential incoming regulations could place a new onus on the role that Shein, Temu and other competitors, like AliExpress, play in the European consumer market. Capital said an economy ministry spokesperson said the entity expects that Chinese shopping apps face the same level of scrutiny as an EU-native business might.

It is crucial that existing regulations are enforced just as strictly for third-country retailers as they are for EU retailers, Capital quoted that spokesperson as saying.

Earlier this year, Germany said it would support doing away with the EUs version of the de minimis exemption, which allows packages worth under a certain value threshold to enter countries without further scrutiny from customs and without being subjected to duties.

According to Reuters, Handelsverband Deutschland (HDE), Germanys largest retail association, has been lobbying to abolish the exception because it makes it nearly impossible for customs to determine whether the products comply with the regulations the EU has set forth for products.

The bloc has been considering abolishing the limit, which currently stands at 150 ($165); according to Reuters, the EU Commission disclosed that in 2023, two billion packages made their way into the bloc from outside companies.

Already, several countries, including Turkey and South Africa, have abandoned or altered their de minimis thresholds, making it more expensive and more difficult to import low-value products in China. U.S. regulators have also spoken about a potential change to the threshold; the country has one of the highest de minimis thresholds in the world, at $800, up from $200 in 2016.

In addition to its outspoken position on the duty-free threshold, the German government took shots at Shein earlier this year for allegedly violating the terms of the EU Digital Services Act, under which Shein is classified a very large online provider (VLOP) and is subjected to extended responsibilities. The fast-fashion purveyor signed a cease-and-desist order for certain issues Germany had with its site and operations earlier this year.

Shein said it will comply with any legal requirements set forth inside jurisdictions they operate in or sell to.

We are committed to complying with German and European laws, and we support all efforts that create a level competitive playing field that benefits consumers. We are actively engaging stakeholders in Germany and working to contribute to these efforts, the spokesperson said in an email to Sourcing Journal.

Temu had a similar sentiment to share.

Temu is a newcomer to Europe, having entered our first markets just over a year ago. During this time, we have listened carefully to feedback from customers, regulatory bodies, and consumer advocacy groups. We have been actively adjusting our services to align with local practices and preferences, and we are fully committed to complying with the laws and regulations of the markets where we operate, a Temu spokesperson said via email.
Barrick Gold Corporation

All amounts expressed in US dollars

TORONTO, Sept. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Barrick Gold Corporation (NYSE:GOLD) (TSX:ABX)  The feasibility study for the expansion of Barricks Lumwana mine in Zambia is expected to be completed by the end of the year, paving the way for construction to start in 2025 the company said today.



Speaking during a webinar focused on updating the market on the Lumwana Super Pit Expansion Project, Barrick president and chief executive Mark Bristow said the expansion unlocks the potential to transform the Lumwana mine into a long-life, high yielding, Top 25 copper producer1 and a Tier One2 copper mine, capable of contending with the volatility of the copper demand cycles.

The expansion involves first doubling throughput by twinning the existing process circuit and then by significantly increasing mining volumes. Plant throughput will grow from the current 27Mt to 52Mt, doubling the mines annual copper production from 120kt to a life-of-mine average of 240kt per annum3. The process expansion is supported by a ramp up of total mining volumes, which are planned to increase incrementally year-on-year, from 150Mt in 2024 to approximately 240Mt in 2028 and then to an average rate of 290Mt per annum from 2030 onwards1,4.

Chief Operating Officer for Africa and Middle East Sebastiaan Bock said: The phased ramp-up will enable a competitive cost profile over the life of the mine and annual operating cash flow and free cash flow5 are projected to improve by as much as 85% and 60%, respectively, based on the long-term copper price consensus. These production and cost improvements will contribute to an estimated incremental net present value (NPV8) of $1.7 billion1.

At a flat long term average copper price consensus of $4.13/lb, Barrick estimates that the project will deliver an incremental IRR (Internal Rate of Return) of 20%6 and a total mine IRR of more than 50%6, paying back the initial expansion capital in approximately two years after completion of the expansion. Post-expansion, cost of sales and C1 cash costs7 are estimated at approximately $2.36/lb and $1.85/lb, respectively, placing Lumwana in the first quartile of the industry, excluding the benefit of any byproducts.

According to Mineral Resource Management and Evaluation Executive Simon Bottoms, the process plant engineering has matured to a point that has allowed Barrick to select major equipment vendors and place orders for long lead equipment, including both mills and crushers. We are starting detailed engineering works this quarter and expanding our onsite accommodation while building partnerships with key suppliers and contractors ahead of the pre-construction ground preparation works, which are scheduled to start next year, said Bottoms.

Commissioning of the new process plant is planned to start in the second half of 2027. Once the new process circuit is commissioned, the existing circuit will undergo a series of planned shutdowns, allowing Barrick to install upgrades, while ensuring uninterrupted copper delivery throughout the expansion.

The permitting process for the expansion is well underway, with the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment already submitted to the Zambian authorities and approval expected by the end of this year.

Barrick enquiries

Investor and media relations

Kathy du Plessis

+44 20 7557 7738

Email: barrick@dpapr.com

Website: www.barrick.com

Technical Information

The scientific and technical information contained in this press release has been reviewed and approved by Richard Peattie, MPhil, FAusIMM, Mineral Resources Manager: Africa and Middle East; Simon Bottoms, CGeol, MGeol, FGS, FAusIMM, Mineral Resource Management and Evaluation Executive; John Steele, CIM, Metallurgy, Engineering and Capital Projects Executive; and Joel Holliday, FAusIMM, Executive Vice-President, Explorationeach a Qualified Person as defined in National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

Endnotes

1 Financial metrics and production metrics are based upon Barrick's internal pre-feasibility study which is conceptual in nature because it includes mineral resources that are not yet categorized as mineral reserves, and there is no certainty that the pre-feasibility assessment will be realized. These metrics are subject to change upon completion of the feasibility study. The assumptions outlined within the pre-feasibility study assessment have formed the basis for the ongoing study and were made by a Qualified Person. The Qualified Person will evaluate the results of the completed feasibility study before determining whether all or a part of the mineral resource for the Super Pit Expansion Project may be converted to a mineral reserve. 2 A Tier One Copper Asset is an asset with a $3.00/lb reserve with potential for 5 million tonnes or more of contained copper to support a minimum 20-year life, annual production of at least 200ktpa, with all-in sustaining costs per pound in the lower half of the industry cost curve. Tier One Assets must be located in a world class geological district with potential for organic reserve growth and long-term geologically driven addition. 3 Life of Mine Plan mined tonnes, grade and ounces and financials are based on the pre-feasibility study but are conceptual in nature due to using mineral resources and are subject to change with completion of the feasibility study which is anticipated for Q4 2024. 4 The results in this press release represent forward-looking information and are based on Barricks internal pre-feasibility study for the Super Pit. These results are based on mineral resources only and depend on inputs that are subject to a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those presented here. Barrick is in the process of completing a feasibility study in respect of the Super Pit, the results of which may differ from the figures disclosed in this press release. Barrick does not currently identify Lumwana as a material property. Barrick expects to re-evaluate Lumwanas status as a potential material property following the completion of the feasibility study for the Super Pit Expansion Project and the preparation of updated mineral reserves and resources estimates for Lumwana as of December 31, 2024. A Technical Report will be prepared in accordance with Form 43-101F1 and filed on SEDAR+ within 45 days of the disclosure of the results of the feasibility study if Lumwana is classified as a material property. 5 Free cash flow is a non-GAAP financial performance measure which deducts capital expenditures from net cash provided by operating activities. Management believes this to be a useful indicator of our ability to operate without reliance on additional borrowing or usage of existing cash. Free cash flow is intended to provide additional information only and does not have any standardized definition under IFRS and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. Other companies may calculate this measure differently. Further details including a detailed reconciliation of this non-GAAP financial measure to its most directly comparable GAAP measure are incorporated by reference and provided on page 59 of the MD&A that accompanies Barricks second quarter 2024 financial statements, respectively, filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov. 6 All financial metrics are estimated based upon CIBC Global Mining Group mean long-term consensus forecast copper price of $4.13/lb. Refer to the below table for the complete list of Barricks outlook assumptions. Key Outlook Assumptions 2024 2025 2026+ Gold Price ($/oz) 1,900 1,300 1,300 Copper Price ($/lb) 3.50 3.00 3.00 Oil Price (WTI) ($/barrel) 80 70 70 AUD Exchange Rate (AUD:USD) 0.75 0.75 0.75 ARS Exchange Rate (USD:ARS) 800 800 800 CAD Exchange Rate (USD:CAD) 1.30 1.30 1.30 CLP Exchange Rate (USD:CLP) 900 900 900 EUR Exchange Rate (EUR:USD) 1.10 1.20 1.20 7 C1 cash costs per pound is a non-GAAP financial measure. C1 cash costs per pound is based on cost of sales but excludes the impact of depreciation and royalties and includes treatment and refinement charges. Management believes that the use of C1 cash costs per pound will enable investors to better understand the operating performance of our copper mines as this measure reflects all of the sustaining expenditures incurred in order to produce copper. C1 cash costs per pound is intended to provide additional information only and does not have a standardized definition under IFRS and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. Other companies may calculate this measure differently. Further details including a detailed reconciliation of this non-GAAP financial measure to its most directly comparable GAAP measure are incorporated by reference and provided on pages 72-73 of the MD&A accompanying Barricks second quarter 2024 financial statements filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov.

Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information

Certain information contained in this press release, including any information as to our strategy, projects, plans or future financial or operating performance, constitutes forward-looking statements. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. The words would, will, projected, estimated, starting, planned, expand, expect growth, scheduled and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. In particular, this press release contains forward-looking statements including, without limitation, with respect to: Barricks Lumwana Super Pit expansion project and its ability to extend Lumwanas life of mine; global projected copper production and demand profiles; the potential for Lumwana to become a Tier One asses, and the potential for Lumwana to become a top 25 copper asset; estimated copper production from the Lumwana Super Pit expansion, including projected mining rates; the financial performance of the Lumwana Super Pit expansion; the estimated capital budget for the Lumwana Super Pit expansion, including anticipated capital intensity, investment spend and targeted run rates; anticipated timelines for delivery of the feasibility study, project construction and key execution timeframes for the Lumwana Super Pit expansion; estimated timing for approval of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment at Lumwana; Barricks strategy, plans, targets and goals in respect of environmental and social governance issues, including local community development and, climate change initiatives; and expectations regarding future price assumptions, financial performance and other outlooks or guidance.

Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions including material estimates and assumptions related to the factors set forth below that, while considered reasonable by the Company as at the date of this press release in light of managements experience and perception of current conditions and expected developments, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Known and unknown factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements and information. Such factors include, but are not limited to: fluctuations in the spot and forward price of gold, copper or certain other commodities (such as silver, diesel fuel, natural gas and electricity); the potential to convert all or part of the mineral resource for the Super Pit expansion into a mineral reserve following the completion of the feasibility study; risks associated with projects in the early stages of evaluation and for which additional engineering and other analysis is required; risks related to the possibility that future exploration results will not be consistent with the Companys expectations, that quantities or grades of reserves will be diminished, and that resources may not be converted to reserves; risks associated with the fact that certain of the initiatives described in this press release are still in the early stages and may not materialize; changes in mineral production performance, exploitation and exploration successes; risks that exploration data may be incomplete and considerable additional work may be required to complete further evaluation, including but not limited to drilling, engineering and socioeconomic studies and investment; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development; lack of certainty with respect to foreign legal systems, corruption and other factors that are inconsistent with the rule of law; disruption of supply routes which may cause delays in construction and mining activities, including disruptions in the supply of key mining inputs due to the invasion of Ukraine by Russia and conflicts in the Middle East; risk of loss due to acts of war, terrorism, sabotage and civil disturbances; risks associated with artisanal and illegal mining; changes in national and local government legislation, taxation, controls or regulations and/or changes in the administration of laws, policies and practices; expropriation or nationalization of property and political or economic developments in Zambia or other countries in which Barrick does or may carry on business in the future; risks relating to political instability in certain of the jurisdictions in which Barrick operates; timing of receipt of, or failure to comply with, necessary permits and approvals; non-renewal of or failure to obtain key licenses by governmental authorities; failure to comply with environmental and health and safety laws and regulations; increased costs and physical and transition risks related to climate change, including extreme weather events, resource shortages, emerging policies and increased regulations relating to greenhouse gas emission levels, energy efficiency and reporting of risks; Barricks ability to achieve its sustainability goals; contests over title to properties, particularly title to undeveloped properties, or over access to water, power and other required infrastructure; the liability associated with risks and hazards in the mining industry, and the ability to maintain insurance to cover such losses; damage to the Companys reputation due to the actual or perceived occurrence of any number of events, including negative publicity with respect to the Companys handling of environmental matters or dealings with community groups, whether true or not; risks related to operations near communities that may regard Barricks operations as being detrimental to them; litigation and legal and administrative proceedings; operating or technical difficulties in connection with mining or development activities, including geotechnical challenges, tailings dam and storage facilities failures, and disruptions in the maintenance or provision of required infrastructure and information technology systems; increased costs, delays, suspensions and technical challenges associated with the construction of capital projects; risks associated with working with partners in jointly controlled assets; risks related to disruption of supply routes which may cause delays in construction and mining activities; risks associated with Barricks infrastructure, information technology systems and the implementation of Barricks technological initiatives, including risks related to cybersecurity incidents, including those caused by computer viruses, malware, ransomware and other cyberattacks, or similar information technology system failures, delays and/or disruptions; risks related to competition in the mining industry; employee relations including loss of key employees; availability and increased costs associated with mining inputs and labor; and risks associated with diseases, epidemics and pandemics. In addition, there are 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, flooding and gold bullion, copper cathode or gold or copper concentrate losses (and the risk of inadequate insurance, or inability to obtain insurance, to cover these risks).

Many of these uncertainties and contingencies can affect our actual results and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of, us. Readers are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. All of the forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements. Specific reference is made to the most recent Form 40-F/Annual Information Form on file with the SEC and Canadian provincial securities regulatory authorities for a more detailed discussion of some of the factors underlying forward-looking statements and the risks that may affect Barricks ability to achieve the expectations set forth in the forward-looking statements contained in this press release.

Barrick 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 applicable law.




The VW logo seen on an electric car at the plant in Emden. Sina Schuldt/dpa

Amid warnings of mass layoffs or plant closures at German carmaker Volkswagen, the state premier of Lower Saxony on Wednesday called for swift talks between the company and labour leaders.

Stephan Weil, a member of the centre-left Social Democrats (SPD), said that management and labour must find compromises and solutions that will keep Volkswagen internationally competitive, during a visit to a VW plant in the north-western German city of Emden.

Weil spoke for almost an hour at the plant with representatives of the works council and the IG Metall trade union, both of which have promised to wage an intense battle against any layoffs or closures in Germany.

The state of Lower Saxony is home to VW headquarters and several large plants. The state is also owns a substantial minority stake in the Volkswagen Group, the brand's parent company and Europe's largest carmaker, and controls 20% of the share voting rights.

Both Weil and Lower Saxony's deputy state premier, Julia Willie Hamburg of the Greens, sit on the company's supervisory board. If Lower Saxony were to side with VW labour groups, together they could exercise a majority on the board.

"You can clearly feel that the events since the beginning of last week have caused great concern at Volkswagen, for example here at the site," said Weil.

Around 8,000 people are employed at VW in Emden, and the plant is by far the most important industrial employer in the region.

VW recently announced that it would have to make substantial savings at its core brand, and that previously planned job cuts through partial retirement and severance payments were no longer sufficient.

On Tuesday, the Volkswagen Group terminated a job guarantee deal that had been in place since 1994, meaning that compulsory redundancies are possible from July 2025.
(Bloomberg) -- Donald Trumps attacks on Germanys energy policy during Tuesdays debate drew umbrage  and a sharp social media jab  from the countrys foreign ministry, underscoring the extent to which the Republican presidential nominee retains a raw diplomatic relationship with some of Europes leading powers.

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The squabble originated in the closing moments of Trumps face-to-face showdown with Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris, whom the former president was eager to cast as an opponent of fracking and fossil fuels and in favor of renewable energy.

The issue has become a flashpoint in Pennsylvania, the key swing state where the debate was held and where a fracking boom has boosted the economy.

Germany tried that, and within one year they were back to building normal energy plants, Trump said Tuesday night. Were not ready for it. We cant sacrifice our country for the sake of bad vision.

Germanys foreign ministry bridled at the swipe, saying in a social media post, Like it or not: Germanys energy system is fully operational, with more than 50% renewables. And we are shutting down  not building  coal & nuclear plants. Coal will be off the grid by 2038 at the latest.

PS: We also dont eat cats and dogs, the post added.

The quip  a reference to Trumps airing during the debate of an unfounded conspiracy theory that migrants in Ohio were eating neighborhood pets  was a break from normally staid diplomatic statements, particularly among allies who often seek to avoid taking sides in domestic campaigns.

The episode also underscored the extent to which energy policy might remain a sore spot for Germany, which decided to close the nations nuclear reactors after the 2011 disaster at Japans Fukushima plant. The decision meant that Germany had to burn more environmentally-damaging coal to make up for lost energy production  particularly after Russias invasion of Ukraine led to a surge in the cost of natural gas. Berlin officially aims to exit coal by 2038, but is hoping to do so earlier by the end of the decade.

Its also preparing to spend billions of euros on expanding gas power plants to back up intermittent renewable sources of energy.

Still, the country has not undertaken the type of reversal described by Trump. The use of coal power has dropped significantly in recent years and the country does not have plans to construct any new coal-fired plants.

Trump frequently clashed with then-German Chancellor Angela Merkel during his presidency, and in particular his push to condition US military protection on allies reaching the goal of spending at least 2% of gross domestic product on defense. Current German leader Olaf Scholz praised Harris earlier this year as a competent and experienced politician.

--With assistance from Carolynn Look.

(Updates with German gas expansion plans in ninth paragraph. An earlier version of this story corrected the description of Germanys coal exit policy.)

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(Bloomberg) -- German Chancellor Olaf Scholz joined Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez in calling for the European Union to drop its plan to impose extra tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles, potentially undercutting the blocs primary tool for pushing back against Beijings state-backed industry.

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A procession of European leaders have visited President Xi Jinping since the EU announced that it would hit Chinese EVs with duties of nearly 50%, but Sanchez this week became the first to demand a rethink to the impending trade measures. Sanchez thrust himself into the middle of a geopolitical minefield, a rare position for the premier who typically aligns with the EU mainstream.

EU countries are due to give a final nod next month on whether to move forward with the tariffs. If 15 member states representing 65% of the EUs population vote against the new duties, then the European Commission, the blocs executive arm, would be forced to shelve the measure.

I have to be blunt and frank with you that we need to reconsider  all of us, not only member states but also the commission  our position toward this movement, Sanchez told reporters Wednesday in Kunshan, China. German government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit welcomed the Spanish move, saying the direction of travel is one that we share.

Given the opposition from two of the EUs largest member states, the commission will have to take notice, and that could affect how the executive arm conducts the ongoing talks with China on the matter.

One senior European diplomat from a country backing the tariffs said they believed that there is still a majority of member states who support the tariffs and that discussions would continue to convince Spain of the need to support the European Commission on this issue.

Former European Central Bank President Mario Draghi this week said that Chinas state-sponsored competition poses a threat to EU industries as he presented his blueprint for boosting the blocs competitiveness.

Xi has long sought to drive a wedge between western allies in order to further Chinas geopolitical ambitions, particularly since Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the investigation a year ago. She argued that Chinese companies were unfairly benefiting from state subsidies and were flooding Europe with excess production.

Sanchezs comments surprised some officials in European capitals and in Brussels, since the premier rarely clashes with the EU and he is said to have a good working relationship with von der Leyen. Ahead of his trip to China, officials close to Sanchez said the premier wanted to work as a bridge to avoid a trade war, but that Spain would always align with the broader EU positions.

Germany and Spain both have massive financial incentives to avoid a spiral of tit-for-tat restrictions. German automakers including Volkswagen AG and BMW AG would be hit hardest in a trade spat, as they collectively sold 4.6 million cars there in 2022. Spain is the EUs second largest car-manufacturer and is seeking to attract investments from China to develop its EV industry  part of the reason behind Sanchezs trip there this week.

One of my main targets in this visit was to attract Chinese investments to Spain in the electric vehicle industry for those investments to build supply chains in our country, Sanchez said in Wednesdays press conference, shortly before commenting on the tariffs.

Germany, Spain and Sweden

Scholz struck a similar line last year after the tariffs were announced, saying in a Bloomberg interview that we want to sell our cars in Europe, in North America, in Japan, in China, in Africa, in South America, in all the places. But this means that we are also open to get the cars from other countries.

Germany and Spain arent the only countries that are skeptical of the EUs stance. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson has also warned against taking a hard line on China trade. In May, he said the EU shouldnt dismantle global trade, and that a wider trade war where we block each others products is not the way to go for industrial nations such as Germany and Sweden.

Chinese and EU officials are expected to meet later this month to see if they can reach an agreement before the tariffs come into effect, according to a person familiar with the plans who spoke on the condition of anonymity. But the EU has said that any such solution needs to comply with World Trade Organization rules and address the underlying issue of subsidies, which could make a deal difficult to reach.

Member states will have to vote before the end of October on moving forward with the tariffs. If a qualified majority fails to block the measures, then the commission will publish a final regulation on the tariffs by Oct. 30. The duties would then remain in effect for five years.

China has had a long-held strategy of taking advantage of divisions within the EU to advance its own interests. A trip to France by Xi in May for talks and a day of bonhomie with Macron  whose country has been a key supporter of the EV probe  was seen as an effort to sew division within the bloc. A Chinese probe into EU pork shipments could be particularly damaging to Spain.

Chinas goal is to convince enough European countries that the tariffs are a bad idea so they will oppose or water down the final levies. The hope is that the threat of retaliation generates enough pain in those countries to pressure their governments to persuade the EU to back down.

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Germany Chancellor Olaf Scholz speaks in the general debate on the 2025 budget in the Bundestag. Kay Nietfeld/dpa

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz defended his government's migration policy in remarks to parliament on Wednesday and emphasized the country's need to attract skilled foreigners.

"There is no country in the world with a shrinking working population that has economic growth. That is the truth we are confronted with," Scholz said in the Bundestag, as Germany's parliament is known.

His remarks come amid tense, acrimonious debate in Berlin over migration and asylum policy. On Tuesday evening, cross-party talks between Scholz's coalition and the centre-right opposition collapsed with bitter criticism.

Migration policy has been the dominant topic in political debate since a knife-wielding assailant killed three people and wounded eight others last month in the western German city of Solingen.

The suspected attacker is a 26-year-old Syrian man who had evaded an order to be deported from Germany to Bulgaria, where he was first registered in the European Union.

Scholz on Wednesday sharply criticized opposition leader Friedrich Merz of the centre-right Christian Democrats (CDU), accusing him of posturing in the right-wing press while failing to engage in good-faith negotiations over genuine policy changes.

German citizens don't want to see theatrical performances, but serious and serious politics, Scholz claimed.

"Sloganeering, not getting anything done," Scholz shouted at Merz and other lawmakers from the centre-right bloc.

It would have been good to find real joint solutions to the migration issue, said Scholz: "We will never slam a door, you can always come back."

Scholz said his government is in the process of achieving the "biggest turnaround in dealing with irregular migration," citing efforts to accelerate deportations, reforms to the European Union's common asylum policy and a set of security proposals set to be presented to parliament later this week.

"Don't grumble - act and tackle. That is our motto," said Scholz.

Merz bristled at Scholz's accusations, calling them "disgraceful," and flatly rejected the chancellor's invitation to further talks in his response on Wednesday.

Merz said that policies offered by Scholz's government on Tuesday fell well short of what is needed to limit migration into the country.

"And that is why we are not entering into an endless loop of talks with you," said Merz.

Instead, Scholz's government should bring a concrete set of proposals to parliament for public debate, Merz said.

In his remarks, Scholz stressed the need to remain open to immigration in Germany while also properly monitoring and managing arrivals.

"We are a country that offers protection to those who are politically persecuted, who are running for their lives, who have to save their lives, and that is in our constitution and we are not putting that up for debate," said Scholz.

He warned that the shrinking working population would cause major economic problems. In some sectors, the working population could be halved in just a few decades, he said.

"We want people here to get to work, to learn the German language, to abide by the law, to earn a living, but then also to have a say," Scholz said, likening that goal to the policies in Canada and the United States.
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (WTAJ)  In honor of Hunger Action Day, some Centre County GIANT employees took the time to help out the State College Food Bank.

The crew worked at the food banks location at the Nittany Mall. In addition to helping out with labor, GIANT also donated $10,000 to the food bank.

Its great to be to know that money is going to affect so many people, Store Manager Kevin Bennage said.

Get the latest news, weather forecasts and sports stories delivered straight to your inbox! Sign up for our newsletters.

GIANT says they appreciate everything the food bank does and hope to continue helping in the future.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTAJ - www.wtaj.com.
Giant ships Port of Tacoma visit sets record in size and launches new era in green fuel

A massive shipping vessel that made a recent call to the Port of Tacoma made history at the site both in size and alternative fuel capability.

The Maersk Alette arrived at Tacomas Husky Terminal Sept. 4, the largest vessel ever to call at The Northwest Seaport Alliances South Harbor. The ship departed Friday (Sept. 6), according to the NWSA.

The ship also was the first dual-fuel vessel capable of sailing on green methanol to arrive at the port, according to a release issued this week by the NWSA, an operating partnership of the ports of Seattle and Tacoma.

The ship has a capacity of 16,592 TEUs, (20-foot Equivalent Unit).

Compare that with the YM Triumph, with nominal capacity of 12,690 TEUs, according to the port. It arrived in 2020 as the largest at that time to ever call on Husky Terminal.

We offer our congratulations to Maersk, Nike, the Ulsan Port Authority, and all our industry partners who are leading toward cleaner fuel alternatives, said Kristin Ang, Port of Tacoma Commission President and Co-Chair of The Northwest Seaport Alliance, in Tuesdays release.

Maersk has partnered with Nike in the production of clean-fuel ships.

This vessel represents a tangible demonstration of the progress being made in developing and deploying sustainable shipping technologies, Ang added.

Hamdi Mohamed, Port of Seattle Commission president and NWSA co-chair, said Alettes visit showed our gateways capacity and world-class infrastructure to handle the largest vessels in the transpacific trade.

Husky Terminal, which received an overhaul in 2018 to better accommodate ultra-large container vessels, is set to receive terminal efficiency upgrades via a federal grant announced last fall.

Online tracking of the Maersk ship as of Wednesday listed the vessel on its way to Yokohama, Japan, expected to arrive Sept. 17.

Before arriving in Tacoma, in late August the newly built ship was named and christened at the Port of Los Angeles as part of its maiden voyage.
Clouds gather before a downpour in Glacier National Park. (Keila Szpaller/The Daily Montanan)

Glacier National Park officials will close the alpine section of Going-to-the-Sun Road at 9 p.m. on Wednesday through early morning Friday this week due to forecasted moderate to heavy rain showers and thunderstorms, the park said in a news release.

Storms make the area susceptible to mudslides and falling rock. The road will be closed between Avalanche Creek and Jackson Glacier Overlook, the park said.

The National Weather Service issued a forecast for Wednesday for moderate to heavy rain showers with thunderstorms. Half inch or greater per hour rain rates are possible.

New or existing burn scars will be susceptible to debris flows. Known rockslide areas, such as Glacier National Park, may experience rock and mudslides. Thursday through Friday, persistent widespread rain will continue to cause rockfall or debris flow risks, especially in the park.

The closure will remain in place until Friday morning unless conditions improve, the park said. The park will continually evaluate the conditions to see when the closure can be lifted.

Visitors are encouraged to prepare for inclement weather if they plan to travel to the park this week.

Check the weather forecast and park road status before a visit, dress for varying degrees of weather, carry the ten essential emergency items, and be on alert for potential hazards on roadways and trails, the park recommended.
Glenn Lowry, director of New Yorks Museum of Modern Art, to step down after 30 years

Glenn Lowry, the longest-serving director of New Yorks Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), is stepping down after three decades in the role, he announced Tuesday.

The 69-year-old, who oversaw major expansions of both the museum and its role in American cultural life, told the New York Times that he will vacate his position in September 2025.

Its the right moment to think about the future of the museum and I just thought, carpe diem. All the things I set out to do 30 years ago are either accomplished or in play in a very positive way, he told the paper, adding: I didnt want to be the person who stayed too long.

The Times reported that Lowrys current contract ends in June, and that the museum had been open to renewing it. MoMA did not immediately respond to CNNs request for further comment.

The Museum of Modern Art in Manhattan is the USA's third-most-visited museum. - Spencer Platt/Getty Images

Joining MoMA from Canadas Art Gallery of Ontario in 1995, Lowry is the sixth director in the storied museums 95-year history. He helmed the institution through a merger with the P.S.1 Contemporary Art Center in Queens, in 2000, and an ambitious 2004 renovation project that increased the museums gallery space from 85,000 to 125,000 square feet.

Serving as a fundraiser and spokesperson, among other responsibilities, Lowry also developed a public profile of his own. In 2019, he topped the ArtReview Power 100 list, an annual ranking of influential figures in the art world. That year, he led the museum through second major expansion, with the $450-million revamp expanding gallery space by a further 30%.

Welcoming 2.7 million visitors a year, according to the latest figures, MoMA is the USAs third-most-visited art museum after the nearby Metropolitan Museum of Art and Washington DCs National Gallery of Art.

The museums website credits Lowry with increasing visitor numbers and significantly growing the museums endowment, a crucial source of income, as well as widening MoMAs curatorial scope to include art forms like performance.

Through exhibitions, commissions and acquisitions, Lowry used art to address some of the most pressing social themes of the day. As CNN Style guest editor in 2016, he commissioned a series of stories around the theme of migration, arguing that contemporary art has the power to change the world.

Tuesdays announcement comes just over a week after Lowry sat down with CNNs Richard Quest for an interview at MoMA. In a seemingly prophetic question, Quest asked Lowry which painting he would like to take home with him, were he to retire from the role.

Thats like asking a parent which child does he prefer  on Monday its this one, and on Tuesday its another one, he said before landing on Paul Cezannes The Boy in the Red Vest, which he described as a remarkable portrait.

MoMA is yet to issue a statement regarding its search for Lowrys successor, who will assume one of the art sectors most coveted roles. Nor have any announcements been made regarding Lowrys other positions, which include board roles at art organizations and institutions including the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation and Indias Kiran Nadar Museum of Art.

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The News

Welcome to the Global Hot List, our subjective, dynamic ranking of the races and political developments you should be paying attention to right now, compiled by world elections expert Brad Glasser.

In todays edition: Kamala takes the debate, Macron receives an ominous poll, and corruption issues grip countries around the world.

The List

1. USA  Clean hit

Kamala Harris emerged with a clean win against Trump in Tuesdays presidential debate, ratifying the Democrats push to drop Biden from their ticket. Per a CNN snap poll, 63% of debate watchers believed Kamala won, compared to 37% who said the same of Trump. That number is a massive improvement over Bidens last debate performance, and significantly better than his final 2020 debate performance. Polls of debate watchers often tilt towards Democrats, given they often comprise more of the audience. But even Republicans like Lindsay Graham have labeled the debate a disaster for Trump, and Democrats are feeling good.

2. France  Poll woes

52% of French believe that Macron should be impeached, according to a poll. A majority of French voters said they were in favor of a motion to remove Emmanuel Macron from his duties as President of the Republic, in the midst of a governing dilemma following recent legislative elections. The left-wing New Popular Front alliance placed first in share of seats, but Macron ignored their nomination for prime minister, selecting instead the conservative Michel Barnier in a play for tacit support from the far-right. Left-wing leader Jean-luc Melenchon has called for Macrons impeachment, claiming his stance is a coup against the elections winners.

3. Venezuela  Opposition flight

Venezuelas opposition is fleeing the country, as Maduro cracks down following a highly contested result. Edmundo Gonzalez, whom opposition vote tallies claim won the July presidential election, sought asylum in Spain as part of a deal to avoid arrest by the Maduro government. My departure from Caracas was surrounded by acts of pressure, coercion and threats, said Gonzalez after arriving in Spain. Neighboring Brazil has refused to recognize the election results, and is locked in an increasingly messy dispute with the country.

4. Romania  Nationalist run-off

A nationalist candidate could make Romanias upcoming presidential run-off. George Simion, leader of the Alliance for the Unity of Romanians, is a hardcore proponent of unification with Moldova who has been banned from the country in the past over political agitation. Simion, who aligns himself with Melonis party in the EU, stood at 19% of the vote in a recent poll for the presidential election, which would be enough to propel him into the second round. Simion defended the social media influencer Andrew Tate, who has been charged in Romania with a host of offenses including human trafficking, saying the legal system should act free of obscure deep-state and globalist influences.

5. Ecuador  Full term

Ecuadors election is shaping up to be a rematch between last votes left-wing runner-up and the incumbent president. Daniel Noboa, a millennial banana heir whose tenure has been defined by a fight against organized crime and a shift towards hard law-and-order tactics, will fight for a full presidential term after being elected in a surprise snap election. Luisa Gonzalez, standard-bearer for the left-wing Citizen Revolution party, appears likely to be at the front of opposition to the president, though Noboas shock victory in 2023 creates an aura of uncertainty here.

6. Algeria  Show vote

Algerias authoritarian leader was re-elected with 94% of the vote, in the context of a boycott and a campaign slammed by rights groups. The vote itself has been accused of irregularities, with even the president joining his two fellow candidates in criticizing the conduct of the vote. Algerias election season outraged activists and civil society groups, who have railed against the [campaign]s repressive atmosphere and crackdown on political opposition.

7. Honduras  Corruption pressure

The president of Honduras is embroiled in a family corruption scandal, and is now seeing calls for her resignation. A video purported to show President Xiomara Castros brother-in-law negotiating campaign donations with drug traffickers has applied pressure to the government, with a top anti-corruption campaigner describing the allegations as serious and worthy of the presidents ouster. Castro has warned of a coup plot against her after her move to end an extradition treaty with the US, which brought a conservative former president to court  also on charges of drug trafficking  in New York.

8. Taiwan  Third force blues

A centrist former rising star was also accused of corruption in Taiwan, potentially derailing his movement. Ko Wen-je, the former Mayor of Taipei who ran for president as a third force in this years contest, was swept up in a corruption investigation looking at a property development from his time in office. Ko claims that accusations he took bribes for approval of the project are false, but the situation compounds problems for his TPP party, which was already facing a campaign expense scandal.

9. Lesotho - Diamond magnate

The party of Lesothos diamond magnate prime minister is still at the front of polling. According to the latest survey from Afrobarometer the RFP, founded by diamond mining tycoon Sam Matekane, remains in first place with 45% of the vote. Matekane, described as Lesothos richest man while running, campaigned against government corruption and pledged to make Lesotho great again, though his government has already seen challenges including party infighting and a no-confidence vote.
The News

US Vice President Kamala Harris was widely viewed in global media as outperforming former president Donald Trump in their first presidential debate, even as analysts questioned how far the event would shift the needle on polls.

Headlines focused on the Israel-Hamas war, Trumps false claims about immigrants eating pets, and Harris vow to reinstate abortion rights.



SIGNALS

Trump falters when asked about Ukraine war

Sources: Kyiv Independent, Michael McFaul/X

The future of US support for Ukraine was an area of prolonged and fervent back and forth in the debate, indicating the importance of the war in Washington, said the Kyiv Independent. Trump stuck to his standard talking points, claiming that his good relationships with Moscow and Kyiv would settle the conflict, while refusing to state that he wanted a Ukrainian victory, as Harris pledged continued American support. The Ukraine-based outlet noted that the war was highly unlikely to be a deciding issue for US voters but Trumps relationship with Russia provided decisive blows for Harris: Putin would eat you for lunch, she quipped. Following the debate, former US Ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul said there were huge wins for Harris.

Harris widely seen as winning the debate

Sources: Der Spiegel , Heatmap News

Harris presented herself as the more serious candidate, not only performing well compared to President Joe Biden, who dropped out of the race following a disastrous presidential debate in June, but performing well full-stop, German newspaper Der Spiegel wrote. It noted Harris stately demeanor as well as her ability to argue compellingly. Meanwhile, Trump behaved exactly how his team had feared, the outlet said, frequently unnerved by Harris and making angry false claims, including one about immigrants in Ohio eating pets and another about failed German policy on renewables. The German Foreign Office swiftly corrected him on X: We are shutting down  not building  coal and nuclear plants. PS: We also dont eat cats and dogs.

Candidates rehashed well-trodden narratives over Israel and Gaza

Source: Haaretz

Both Harris and Trump followed oft-repeated talking points about the Israel-Hamas war and evaded concrete policy, according to the Israeli newspaper Haaretz. The US vice president insisted that Israel has a right to self-defense as well as advocating for a two-state solution, while Trump claimed that under his presidency the Oct. 7 attack and subsequent war would never have happened. Jewish-American voters overwhelmingly prefer Harris to Trump, according to polls, noted Haaretz. Meanwhile, the Jewish Democratic Council of America said that Trumps comments were backward-looking, devoid of substance, and detached from reality, whereas Harris affirmed that she would always give Israel the ability to defend itself.
(Bloomberg) -- Hurricane Francine is threatening Louisiana with dangerous storm surge and flooding as the state braces for landfall Wednesday afternoon or evening.

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The storm has caused some offshore oil platforms in the Gulf of Mexico to be shuttered, though it will likely miss major natural gas export plants. Coastal areas, particularly in the eastern part of the state, were bracing for the impact, with a hurricane watch in effect for metropolitan New Orleans.

Life-threatening storm surge and hurricane-force winds are expected to begin in Louisiana later Wednesday, the National Hurricane Center said in an advisory at 4 a.m. Houston time. The storm is about 245 miles (395 kilometers) southwest of Morgan City, with top winds of 90 miles per hour.

Francine is set to pummel the region with heavy rains, along with the risk of considerable flash and urban flooding in the coming days, the center said. Storm surge in some coastal areas could reach 10 feet (3 meters). After making landfall, the system is forecast to move across Mississippi on Thursday.

Earlier forecasts that Francine would reach Category 2 on the Saffir-Simpson scale have been revised downward. Still, the Category 1 hurricane will likely cause $2.7 billion in damage and losses, 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. Francine would be the third hurricane to hit the US mainland this year.

The hurricane is expected to bypass liquefied natural gas facilities clustered around the Texas-Louisiana border, including Cheniere Energy Inc.s Sabine Pass terminal.

Chevron Corp., Exxon Mobil Corp. and Shell Plc are among companies that have taken measures like evacuating workers from vulnerable installations, suspending drilling activities and shutting in some wells. Federal officials said the total amount of shut-in oil represented nearly a quarter of current crude production in the Gulf of Mexico.

Eight Gulf Coast refineries lie in the storms path. Residents near Exxon Mobils Beaumont, Texas refinery were warned to shelter in place and seal doorways, in case of a gas release from the plant.

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry declared a state of emergency as Francine approached. The US Coast Guard declared Port Condition Yankee at key Texas ports on Tuesday, a warning that rough weather is expected within 24 hours. Louisianas Port Fourchon also began emergency evacuations.

Story continues

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. But rains will make field work harder, delaying harvests and reducing grain quality.

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 from populated areas.

--With assistance from Tarso Veloso, Cedric Sam, Kevin Crowley, Christopher Charleston, Mitchell Ferman, Stephen Stapczynski, Sing Yee Ong and Ruth Liao.

(Updates throughout with details of latest advisory.)

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The News

In the hours after the highly-anticipated presidential debate between US Vice President Kamala Harris and former US President Donald Trump, world leaders, diplomats, and governments offered their takes on the two candidates, with many agreeing that of the two, Harris had the better night.

While Germany pushed back on some of Trumps claims about their country, the Kremlin appeared unhappy with both candidates remarks, while China refrained from directly commenting, with an official suggesting Beijing didnt want to get involved.

The View From Russia

Russian officials appeared to show disdain for both candidates following the debate, with The Washington Post quoting Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova as comparing them to a pair of boxers sparring on board the Titanic: What do you think? Who of the two won? And lets remember its all happening on the Titanic. Who won? Does it mean anything? Theres only 15 minutes left until the iceberg.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said during a news conference that Moscow disagreed with Russian President Vladimir Putins name being wielded as an instrument in the US domestic political struggle, and added that The US as a whole, no matter which party the candidates are from, maintains a negative attitude, an unfriendly attitude towards our country.

The View From China

Chinese officials largely refrained from commenting directly on the debate, seemingly out of concern of being accused of interfering in the US election , The Washington Post reported, however speaking at a daily news briefing, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said China would not comment on US domestic politics as Beijing is opposed to making China an issue in US elections as well.

The View From Hungary

European diplomats and Hungarian lawmakers took note of Donald Trumps praise of populist far-right Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Zoltan Kovacs, Hungarian Secretary of State for International Communication, shared the Republican candidates words about Orban in a post on X with a handshake emoji, a tacit acknowledgment of Trumps friendly posture.

Ironically, I dont think this alliance will help Orban or Trump, one European diplomat told The Guardian. It just shows how disconnected Trump is. No one in the US knows who this Hungarian politician is.



The View From Germany

Following Donald Trumps comments on German energy policies, the countrys Foreign Office stated in a post on X that: Like it or not: Germanys energy system is fully operational, with more than 50% renewables. And we are shutting down  not building  coal & nuclear plants. Coal will be off the grid by 2038 at the latest. PS: We also dont eat cats and dogs.

Separately, German lawmaker and chair of the Bundestags foreign affairs committee Michael Roth said Harris had succeeded in making Trump seem like an aging incumbent, old, angry and confused.

Notable

Global media reactions to the debate focused on the Israel-Hamas war, Trumps false claims about immigrants eating pets, and Harris vow to reinstate abortion rights.

Kamala Harris pulled off a strategy to bait Trump into a debate on her terms, Semafors David Weigel wrote.
As we get closer to the election, the Republican Party is finding it increasingly politically useful to fix the publics attention on the supposed dangers of immigrant populations. The Trump campaign keeps calling Vice President Kamala Harris the border czar in its attacks. (In actuality, Harris was tasked by the Biden administration with addressing the root causes of migration from Central America in 2021.)

Conservative media have played up stories of an apartment complex in Aurora, Colorado, that was supposedly taken over by a Venezuelan gang (it wasnt), and the Heritage Foundation has pushed the idea that noncitizen voters pose a serious threat to the legitimacy of the upcoming presidential election (they dont). On Tuesday, the House Judiciary Committee held a hearing on The Biden-Harris Border Crisis: Victim Perspectives, exploring the effects of the Biden-Harris Administrations open borders policies on American families and communities through testimony from victims of fentanyl poisoning and criminal illegal aliens.

But no anti-immigrant scare tactic has captured the troll internet space quite like the Haitian pet-eating panic.

On Monday, social media was flooded with A.I.-generated images of Donald Trump holding kittens and ducksand sometimes carrying them away from Black people giving them chase. The images, which as memes are meant to convey an own-the-libs kind of dark humor, are based on a false claim that has bounced around the conservative internetthat Haitian immigrants are stealing and eating Americans pets.

As racist misinformation goes, this instance of fake news is particularly vile and dehumanizing, in a kind of classically nativist way. Theres no dog whistle herethe bigotry is open and gleeful. The claim originated with a fictitious Facebook post about Springfield, Ohio, in which the user said that their neighbors daughters friends cat was cooked and eaten by Haitians. The post also said that Haitians were cooking ducks and geese in a local park. These claims were utterly false, but some people on social media conflated it with an unrelated story from Canton, Ohio, in which a woman killed and ate a neighborhood cat. The woman does not appear to be an immigrant.

In reality, the city of Springfield has experienced a large surge of immigration from Haiti since the pandemic, in part because of a boom in manufacturing and warehouse jobs, and some residents have complained bitterly about it. The New York Times noted that the city has recently seen a Nazi march and had a town meeting derailed by bigoted complaints, but that by most accounts, the Haitians have helped revitalize Springfield.

The pet-eating rumor spread quickly, though. On Sunday night, a popular breaking news account shared the Facebook post onto X, where it took off. The account paired the Facebook post with a photo of a Black man walking down a residential street carrying a Canada goose by its legs. (The photo is from Columbus, Ohio, not Springfield; the person who took the photo has protested that it is not proof of anything.) In an effort to back up the bird-eating-related claims, social media users posted a clip of a man in a Springfield meeting saying, Theyre in the park, grabbing up ducks by their necks, and cutting their heads off and walking off with them, and eating them. There is no evidence of this.

Former Trump adviser Stephen Miller, a man who has promoted white nationalist positions, went all-in on the story, tweeting repeatedly about how Harris plan is to turn America into a destitute refugee colony. The Trump campaign posted on X that Harris would send migrants who eat pets to your town next.

Elon Musk, who has 197 million followers on X, was particularly obsessive, posting or sharing posts about Springfield and immigrants eating pets at least eight times. Several of the posts featured A.I.-generated memes. Others were pure speculation.

But what was really remarkable about the chain of events was how quickly the talking point was embraced by Republican lawmakers. Rep. Mike Collins of Georgia posted: Theyre in the park. Grabbing up ducks. By they neck. And eatin em. Rep. Lauren Boebert wrote: No one was eating your pets when President Trump was in the White House Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio posted twice about migrants eating pets, warning, Dont think it cant happen where you live too. Arizona Rep. Andy Biggs posted: Protect Americas pets!

They got into the memes, too. The Republican House Judiciary Committee account shared an A.I. image of Trump cuddling animals in a lake. Sen. Ted Cruz didnt go for the A.I. images, but he did post a meme in the style of an earlier internet era, showing two embracing cats with the text Please vote for Trump so the Haitian immigrants dont eat us. He captioned it with three laughing emojis.

And by Tuesday afternoon, the internet meme discourse hit the real world. According to the Arizona Republican Party, it had erected 12 digital billboards in the Phoenix metro area featuring a joke about it. On the billboards, which are a spoof of Chick-fil-As famous Eat Mor Chikin ad campaign, A.I. kittens wearing cow costumes have painted a message: EAT LESS KITTENS. Vote Republican!

It remains unclear how much any of these people actually believe that Haitian immigrants are eating pets. Its all too easy to point out that pet-related conversations have not favored conservatives in recent months, given J.D. Vances misogynistic comments about childless cat ladies; South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noems writing about shooting her dog; and the published photo of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has thrown his support to Trump, miming the act of eating a barbecued dog. The A.I. memes, which are extremely plentiful on X, arent actually implying any level of seriousness about endangered pets; theyre just absurdist racist jokes. Theres a kind of internet shock humor to it all, an ugly meeting of Stephen Millers 19th-century-style racism with Elon Musks messageboard racism, plus some dissonant echoes of the heyday of the cat internet in the mid-2000s.

But whether or not they believe in the pet-killing story, the countrys most powerful Republicans are trying to incite some kind of moral panic. On Monday morning, Sen. J.D. Vance, the Republican vice presidential nominee, posted on social media that he had previously raised concerns about Haitian immigrants in Springfield. 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?

Tuesday morning, he doubled down, bringing up the death of an 11-year-old Ohio boy who was killed in a car crash caused by a Haitian man driving without a valid drivers license. (The boys family has disavowed the hateful rhetoric around the Haitian community in Springfield.) Vance wrote:

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.

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.

It was a tirade meant to stir up the fears that Trump loves to provoke. There was a political argument hereeven if its a xenophobic onebased on the idea that migrant populations are straining public resources. The New York Times reported that in Springfield, the Haitian population has taxed certain institutions, such as the health care and educational systems, but that it simultaneously rescued the towns flagging local economy. That kind of nuance is seemingly uninteresting to Vance, who indicated he cared less about the truth of the situation than in stoking hate. Dont let the crybabies in the media dissuade you, fellow patriots, he wrote. Keep the cat memes flowing.

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.
Golden Eagle Attacks 20-Month-Old Out of Nowhere as Toddler's Mom and Neighbor Fight to Get It to Let Go

The girl's father, who was not present when the attack happened, said the bird came out of nowhere"

Getty A young golden eagle was euthanized in Norway after it attacked four people, including a toddler, in early September 2024

A golden eagle has been killed after it attacked at least four people, including a toddler, in Norway.

The young bird was repeatedly involved in attacks on humans across a five-day period in early September, according to CBS News.

The public broadcaster NRK said a 20-month-old girl who was playing on a familys farm in the central Trndelag region is among the victims, per the Associated Press and The Guardian.

The toddler was attacked multiple times on Sept. 7 while her mother and a neighbor attempted to chase the bird away, The Guardian reported. The girl's father was not present when the attack unfolded, according to the AP.

The father, who was not publicly identified, told NRK that the childs mother jumped up and grabbed hold of the bird, but had to fight to get it to let go" eventually. It came out of nowhere, the father recalled.

Related: Man Bitten by 'Aggressive' Alligator While Snorkeling in 'Designated Swim Area' of Florida Spring

The child was sent to a local hospital and required multiple stitches for the wounds she sustained in the attack, per the reports.

A bicycle courier was attacked by the bird while hiking a steep Norwegian mountainside two days prior. Francis Ari Sture told the AP he was assaulted five times by the bird, which attacked for about 10 to 15 minutes.

Sture was about two hours from his campsite when the eagles attack ended, according to the AP. He feared he would lose consciousness at some point and that the eagle would start to eat me.

After he reached safety, Sture went to a hospital for treatment.

Related: Bear Attacks Pennsylvania Woman Who Shielded Dog Outside Home: 'I Honestly Didn't Think I Was Going to Make It'

The day before Sture encountered the eagle, a woman told NRK she was also attacked. Mariann Myrvang said she felt something big and heavy landed on my shoulders, and then yelled for help.

I went down on my knees, because I couldnt stand up, she said, per the AP.

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Myrvangs husband was able to fight off the eagle with a fallen tree branch, per the reports. She was later treated at a local hospital.

Kare Vinterdal, a game warden in Orkdal, told VG newspaper the eagle was euthanized after the Sept. 7 attack on the toddler.

Related: Georgia Mom Found Dead After Being Attacked by 'Several Aggressive Dogs,' Police Say

Alv Ottar Folkestad, an eagle expert with BirdLife Norge, told the AP that the animal likely had a behavioral disorder. He said the birds behavior was radically different from normal.

Golden eagles can reach speeds of up to 120 miles (193 kilometers) per hour during a dive, according to the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. The birds can sometimes be used for hunting and can catch animals as large as deer and antelope.

Young eagles often play dive with each other, and all will use the talons on their feet to kill and carry their prey, per the alliance.



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Maggie Goodlander (left) and Colin Van Ostern face off in a debate at New England College ahead of the Sept. 10 primary for the Democratic nomination for New Hampshire's 2nd Congressional District on Sept. 4, 2024. (Ethan DeWitt | New Hampshire Bulletin)

Maggie Goodlander, a former Biden administration official with national party establishment backing, won a heated race Tuesday for the Democratic nomination in the 2nd Congressional District.

Goodlander defeated former two-term Executive Councilor Colin Van Ostern, who was endorsed by incumbent six-term Democratic U.S. Rep. Annie Kuster. The Associated Press called the race at 8:41 p.m.

With 40 percent of the vote counted, Goodlander captured 61 percent of the vote over Van Osterns 38 percent in a district made up of the western chunk of the state.

Goodlander and Van Ostern attacked each other sharply in the weeks leading up to the primary, sparring more over background than policy. Goodlander argued her Washington connections would help her be effective in Congress; Van Ostern said she was disconnected from the district.

Goodlander, a Nashua native, rented a home in the district around the time of her candidacy. She had the support of national party figures such as Hillary Clinton, who publicly endorsed her. Boosted by out-of-state donors, she had a million-dollar fundraising edge over Van Ostern. Her husband, Jake Sullivan, is President Bidens national security adviser.

Goodlander will advance to the general election on Nov. 5.
Maggie Goodlander files her candidacy in the 2nd Congressional District on June 12, 2024. (Annmarie Timmins | New Hampshire Bulletin) 2024 Elections

Maggie Goodlander, a former Biden administration official, rode her national political connections to victory Tuesday in a bitter battle for the Democratic nomination in the 2nd Congressional District.

Goodlander will face Republican Lily Tang Williams, a rental property manager, in the first open race for the 2nd District seat in more than a decade.

Goodlander prevailed over former Executive Councilor Colin Van Ostern, who was endorsed by incumbent Democratic U.S. Rep. Annie Kuster, who has held the seat since 2013 and did not seek a seventh term. The candidates attacked each other sharply in the weeks leading up to the primary, sparring more over background than policy.

Though animosity had marked the Democratic race in the 2nd District, it faded as the results rolled in. Goodlander told her supporters that both Kuster and Van Ostern had congratulated her and pledged to help her win in November.

Kuster, who had criticized Goodlander while campaigning for Van Ostern, suggested the testy primary could prove helpful.

When I first ran for Congress, I emerged from a spirited primary and it made me a stronger candidate and helped prepare me to win and hold this seat, she said in a statement. I know the same will be true for Maggie.

Speaking to her supporters, Goodlander looked ahead.

The election doesnt end tonight, Goodlander said. She didnt yet know who her opponent would be when she made her victory speech, but she expected that, regardless, they would have stark differences in their visions and urged her supporters to keep fighting.

Goodlander boasted experience in all three branches of the federal government  most recently as a Department of Justice official and a senior White House adviser  and made the case to voters that her D.C. connections would help her be effective in Congress. She said she will take on bullies, which she listed as big corporations, right-wing judges, and extreme politicians.

She has worked for well-known political figures: Republican Arizona Sen. John McCain; Connecticut Independent Joseph Lieberman; Merrick Garland, then chief judge of the D.C. circuit of the U.S. Court of Appeals; and Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer. Her husband, Jake Sullivan, is Bidens national security adviser.

In her run for Congress, Goodlander has had the backing of the national party establishment. She was endorsed by Hillary Clinton  who also gave a reading at her wedding  and had a million-dollar fundraising edge over Van Ostern.

At the center of her pitch, too, was her gender. She argued that the state has a tradition of sending women to Congress; three out of four of the states all-Democratic congresspeople are women.

That argument may have been especially salient in a race where both candidates spoke frequently about abortion rights. Goodlander said that on the day Roe v. Wade was overturned  and, with it, long-standing abortion protections  she was at the Department of Justice fighting back. She has also highlighted her recent personal experience of losing her son at 20 weeks pregnant. For this guy, its just politics, she said in a video about Van Ostern. But for so many of us, its personal.

Van Ostern had questioned Goodlanders commitment to abortion rights, including in an ad with Kuster. The incumbent helped him mount another central attack: That Goodlander had spent decades living outside the district, made up of the western chunk of the state, and that her campaign was boosted by out-of-state cash.

Goodlander rented a home in Nashua around the time of her candidacy. She said more renters should be in Congress, a statement that received backlash because of her $1.2 million home in Portsmouth in the 1st District, multiple media outlets reported.

In contrast, Van Ostern played up his statewide connections, including two terms on the Executive Council. He managed Kusters 2010 run for Congress, which she narrowly lost, and mounted an unsuccessful bid for governor as the Democratic nominee in 2016. He previously worked at Southern New Hampshire University, Stonyfield Yogurt, and more recently as president and chief operating officer of Alumni Ventures, a venture capital company.

Former Gov. John Lynch withdrew his endorsement of Van Ostern in August and threw his support behind Goodlander instead. I think his campaign is one of the nastiest Ive seen in my 50 years of being involved in elections here in New Hampshire, Lynch told WMUR. Im appalled by it, and my family are very upset about it as well.

Goodlander has pointed to her deep family roots in Nashua, where she was born and raised. In a video launching her campaign, she visited the polling place where her mother cast a ballot before giving birth to her on Election Day in 1986. Goodlander, with a Yale law degree, has also taught constitutional law in the state at University of New Hampshire and Dartmouth.

In a crowded field of Republican competitors, Williams captured 34 percent of the vote with 56 percent of votes counted. The Associated Press called the race at 10:28 p.m. The next top vote-getter was Vikram Mansharamani, with 27 percent, followed by Bill Hamlen, with 17 percent.

Williams emigrated to the United States from China in 1988 for graduate school. I grew up under Maos cultural revolution in China and fled communism for the freedom of the United States, she said on her campaign website. Now, I fear the country I love is becoming the country I left.

She highlights a number of issues on her website: getting special interests, corporations, and the Federal government out of managing the economy, upholding the First and Second Amendments, securing the border, and eliminating the federal Department of Education.

In the 1st Congressional District, Democratic U.S. Rep Chris Pappas coasted to renomination. He will face former Executive Councilor Russell Prescott.
Attorney General Andrew Bailey meets with members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Kansas City (Photo provided by Andrew Bailey's campaign).

Eight months into his term as Missouris attorney general, Andrew Bailey withdrew his office from defending a state agency being sued by a legislators son for disability discrimination.

A few months earlier, his campaign and an affiliated political action committee accepted more than $150,000 in donations connected to a witness in the case.

Incensed by what he saw as the states top attorney using his office for political benefit, Lucas Cierpiot  whose brother Patrick filed the original lawsuit and whose father is GOP Sen. Mike Cierpiot  filed a formal complaint accusing Bailey of violating attorney conduct rules.

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Baileys spokeswoman, Madeline Sieren, noted in an email that the Office of Chief Disciplinary Counsel dismissed Cierpiots complaint without investigating. And legal experts interviewed by The Independent arent so sure taking money from a witness would warrant sanctions.

But Cierpiot remains convinced the attorney general violated ethics rules. Hes now asking the Missouri Supreme Court to intervene and order an investigation.

No attorney can ever collect money from a case witness, Cierpiots filing says. The fact that there is not a rule spelling this out in-letter is due to the fact that it is so obvious.

While Baileys office was still in charge of the case, his campaign for reelection launched.

The first donor to his fledgling campaign committee was Michael Ketchmark, who gave $2,825, the maximum that an individual can donate. By the end of January 2023, Bailey would receive a combined $16,950 from individuals with the last name Ketchmark or employed by the law firm Ketchmark & McCreight P.C.

According to Patrick Cierpiots lawsuit, Ketchmark is a material witness in his case because he spoke to Gov. Mike Parsons chief of staff in an attempt to keep Cierpiot from being fired from the Missouri Department of Economic Development.

Ketchmark is a prominent attorney and donor in Missouri politics, including giving huge contributions to Parson. Patrick Cierpiot said he has known Ketchmark for 30 years.

In an email, Ketchmark said he has not been called as a witness by the state in Patrick Cierpiots or any other case. Court records in Kansas show Cierpiot called Ketchmark as a witness. Ketchmark did not respond to a question about whether he spoke to the governors staff on Cierpiots behalf.

I have no idea why Patrick was fired, and the fact that Patrick listed me as a witness does not stop me from supporting a political candidate, said Ketchmark, whose law firm this year alone gave the PAC supporting Bailey $1.1 million.

Attorneys contacted by The Independent said there is not a specific rule in Missouri barring Bailey from accepting donations from a witness. But Peter Joy, who teaches legal ethics at Washington University in St. Louis, said it creates a public confidence issue.

In terms of public perception, Joy said, it raises a lot of questions.

When someone is running for prosecutor or attorney general, Joy said, its a delicate balance between being a lawyer and a politician.

They still owe their primary obligation to the oath that they took to fulfill their elected office, Joy said, butthey have a campaign committee thats soliciting people for contributions and theyre attending fundraisers and theyre speaking before groups where theyre hoping to generate funds to run their campaign and get votes, eventually, to retain their office.

Lucas Cierpiots filing is the latest in a series of accusations of unethical behavior by Bailey, who narrowly avoided being questioned under oath last month about his contact with a defendant in the states case against Jackson County. One of Baileys deputies lost his law license in that dispute, according to a filing from Jackson Countys attorneys.

Last year, Baileys office withdrew from defending the Missouri State Highway Patrol in a lawsuit filed by companies that operate video game machines that offer cash prizes. The patrol investigated the machines, believing that they were illegal means of gambling.

The withdrawal came after Baileys PAC accepted large campaign contributions from political action committees linked to a lobbyist for the two companies that brought the lawsuit against the state  Torch Electronics and Warrenton Oil.

Its also the second time Bailey has been the focus of a formal complaint about the behavior of his office. Earlier this year, the Hazelwood School District lodged a formal complaint about Bailey after his office falsely blamed the schools diversity, equity and inclusion program for the off-campus assault of a student.

Patrick Cierpiot sued the Missouri Department of Economic Development two years after he was fired from the department. He said he requested accommodations after breaking his wrist in a bicycle wreck because he was struggling to write and type to keep up with his workload but was fired instead. In its response, the state accused Cierpiot of fraud.

In Cierpiots amended lawsuit in May 2022, he named Ketchmark as having urged a Parson staffer not to fire him.

The following January brought the Ketchmark-affiliated donations to Baileys campaign. Later in the spring of 2023, Ketchmarks law firm donated $125,000 to the pro-Bailey Liberty and Justice PAC.

A few weeks after that, Liberty and Justice received an in-kind donation from the firm totaling $9,216.53. Bailey helped raise money for Liberty and Justice PAC, which, in turn, supported his successful GOP primary run for a full term as attorney general.

Baileys campaign and the PAC received a combined $151,166.53 in cash and in-kind donations from Ketchmark, his relatives and his law firm and associates while Bailey was defending the state in the Cierpiot lawsuit.

In August 2023, Baileys office withdrew from the case and allowed the department to hire a private law firm to handle it. At that time, Sieren told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that Bailey didnt have a conflict of interest and his office was looking to outside firms to handle complex cases.

Lucas Cierpiot filed his complaint four months later in December 2023. It was dismissed by the Office of Chief Disciplinary Counsel in March. Cierpiot asked for further review, but the case was dismissed again in May.

In response, Cierpiot filed a motion with the state Supreme Court last month asking that it order an investigation.

The Office of Chief Disciplinary Counsel responded to Lucas Cierpiots filing with the Missouri Supreme Court, saying he could not insist on an investigation. It went on to say Cierpiots complaint didnt allege a violation of the rules of professional conduct because it outlined donations from Ketchmarks firm to the PAC, not from Ketchmark himself to Baileys campaign committee.

Corporations are legal entities separate and distinct from their officers and shareholders, the response filing says.

The filing, signed by Chief Disciplinary Counsel Laura Elsbury, claims that before declining to investigate Cierpiots allegations, officials independently verified that (Ketchmark) had not contributed to (Baileys) campaign committee.

But that was wrong. Ketchmark did contribute to Baileys campaign committee.

Elsbury said in an email she could not comment on the pending issue. Lucas Cierpiot did not immediately return a request for comment.

In an interview, Patrick Cierpiot said he doesnt think it is right for an attorney to take money from a witness.

If its okay for Andrew Bailey to solicit and accept money from a case witness, Patrick Cierpiot said, then the Missouri courts are completely blown open for corruption.

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The leadership race to replace retiring Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.) is heating up as Senate Republican Whip John Thune (S.D.) announced Tuesday that he will transfer $4 million to the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) to overcome the Senate Democrats growing cash advantage.

Thunes contribution is the largest by a senator to the Senate Republican campaign arm in history, breaking the previous record of $2 million, which he himself set back in 2016.

Thune made his gift from a campaign war chest of more than $18 million, and he will still have more than $14 million in his campaign account going forward. Hes made more than $9 million in direct transfers to the NRSC during his time in the Senate.

Thunes top rival, Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), is making his own moves to win the support of GOP colleagues.

He says hes on track to raise $25 million for Senate Republican candidates this cycle and circulated a letter Monday laying out his leadership vision for 2025 and beyond.

Cornyn pledged to oppose efforts to scrap the Senate filibuster and to get back to the habit of passing an annual budget to set spending priorities and limits.

With the election rapidly approaching, it is only prudent to think broadly and boldly about our goals. With a Trump presidency and a Republican majority in Congress, our opportunities in Congress will only increase, he wrote.

McConnell says he will step down from leadership at the end of the year but plans to finish the rest of his current Senate term, which runs through 2026. He says he will focus on building up national defense and taking on isolationists in his own party.

With McConnell stepping down, fundraising is becoming a growing concern of many GOP senators as theyre falling behind Senate Democrats in this years money chase.

Senate Republicans say they expect to be outspent by Democrats in battleground races around the country. This makes Thunes $4 million transfer to the party committee and Cornyns access to big donors in Texas major selling points in the leadership race.

Were being vastly outraised and outspent. Democrats just have an incredible cash machine known as Act Blue and all these races are national in scope so theyre not limiting [in fundraising] to the individual state, Cornyn told reporters Tuesday. We got the issues to run on and now I just think its a matter of resources.

Cornyn was a special guest at Texas fundraisers for the Trump-Vance campaign last month, which he attended with Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio) in Laredo, San Antonio and Houston.

He recently was a special guest at a fundraiser in Pennsylvania for GOP Senate candidate Dave McCormick. And he spent time fundraising in Ohio last week.

The third candidate in the race, Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.), has kept his name in the spotlight by emerging as a leading surrogate for former President Trumps campaign. He traveled to Chicago last month to help lead the GOP response to the Democratic National Convention.

And Scott is one of the Senates wealthiest members. He built a national fundraising network when he headed the NRSC in the 2022 election cycle.

Scott announced at a lunch meeting Tuesday that he will max out his donations to the Senate Republican campaign arm this year.

Republican senators say theres still a chance that current NRSC Chair Steve Daines (R-Mont.) or another dark horse candidate may jump into the race to replace McConnell, the longest serving party leader in Senate history.

Thune said Tuesday that hes keeping in close contact with fellow Republican senators as the time winds down to the leadership election, which is traditionally held every year in mid-November after a presidential or midterm election.

Ive been having conversations literally with all my colleagues and [with] some multiple conversations. And so Im listening to what their views are about what they want to see in the next leader and talking about how I would do the job, he said.

Asked about Cornyns pledge to protect the filibuster as GOP leader, Thune said he would do the same.

Were all committed to the filibuster, he said.

Thune warned that if Vice President Harris wins the presidential election and Republicans take back control of the Senate, Democrats would have to think long and hard about what judicial and executive branch nominees they send to the Senate for confirmation.

Because we have the power of confirmation, I think theyre going to have to think long and hard about who they submit and whether or not they can get them through the Senate, he said.

Certainly, we hope we have all the reins of power next year, he added, citing Republican optimism that Trump will win the White House and Republicans will keep the House majority.

Former Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott (R-Miss.) said he thinks Thune has the inside edge in the leadership race, and he predicted the contest would be won based on personal relationships in the Senate GOP conference more than anything else.

Its a very, very personal in-house sort of thing. I won leadership races twice by one vote, said Lott, who beat then-Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) in a closely contested race for GOP whip in November of 2006.

I made it a point to have personal relationships, Lott said of his efforts to organize the barbershop quartet of the Singing Senators and the Senates Seersucker Day. I made sure this place was a little fun, which it aint anymore.

I guess now money is so important that it would make some difference, in the race, he said.

Cornyn, Im sure, has a lot of good Texas money, but I know Thune has been a very aggressive fundraiser. I get about one or two a week from him  invitations to fundraisers, he added.

Asked who has the edge in the race, Lott said: I think Thune probably does.

But he said the big question is which candidate winds up getting the senators who vote for the candidate in third place, who would then be eliminated from a second round of balloting.

If, for example, Scott finishes in third place and most of his conservative supporters then flock to either Thune or Cornyn on a second round of voting, that could decide who becomes the next Senate GOP leader.

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Rep. Joe Wilson, R-S.C., was hospitalized Tuesday night, his office said in a statement. File Photo by Jemal Countess/UPI

Sept. 11 (UPI) -- Rep. Joe Wilson of South Carolina was hospitalized Tuesday night, according to a statement for his office, after he reportedly collapsed during an event in the nation's capital.

Wilson's hospitalization was announced late Tuesday in a post to his personal X account.

Little information was given, other than the congressman had "taken ill" and was being evaluated at a Washington, D.C., hospital.

His son, South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson, said in a post to his own X account that he had spoke with his mother, who was at the hospital with the senior Wilson.

"Doctors have confirmed to us that he has experienced stroke-like symptoms," Alan Wilson said.

"I was able to speak with him moments ago and I am incredibly thankful that he is stable and being monitored by medical professionals."

The announcement from Joe Wilson's office comes after he had collapsed Tuesday night during a Ukraine Independence Day celebration in Washington D.C., The Hill reported.

An unnamed congressional aid with knowledge of the incident also told NBC News that Wilson had collapsed during a D.C. event.

The 77-year-old Charleston native was first elected to the U.S. Congress in 2001, and is seeking re-election this November. He is being challenged for his 2nd Congressional seat by Democrat David Robinson II.

He also serves as a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
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.
Gov. Janet Mills shares remarks at a Harris Campaign presidential debate watch party in Portland on Sept. 10. (Emma Davis/ Maine Morning Star)

Calling Kamala Harris a friend, Maine Gov. Janet Mills highlighted the vice presidents background as an attorney general  a background they share  as a key strength of her candidacy that shone through in her debate performance Tuesday night.

Shes always been a person for the people, Mills told Maine Morning Star. Shes shown that in her career as vice president, as attorney general, as a former district attorney and now at this debate.

Mills attended a Harris campaign debate watch party in Portland Tuesday evening, often reacting to Republican nominee former President Donald Trumps responses with a palm to her head, exclaiming, Oh my God and Answer the question.

During her opening remarks to a packed crowd at One Longfellow Square, Mills reiterated many of the same stakes she had during the last presidential debate between Trump and President Joe Biden, before he ended his re-election bid and endorsed Harris. Reproductive rights, other healthcare and strengthened infrastructure are at risk if Harris is not the countrys choice come November, Mills said.

However, on Tuesday Mills expounded on a new point, a strength specific to her partys nominee. Harris record as a prosecutor was seen by some Democrats as a weakness during her previous presidential run, but her history with the criminal legal system is now being touted as an asset.

The attorney general is the attorney for the people of the state, Mills told Maine Morning Star, reiterating a re-framing Harris herself emphasized during the Democratic National Convention last month. She worked with me and other attorneys general, in a bipartisan fashion very often, to achieve settlements and go after wrongdoers who were harming the people of our states.

During the debate, Harris reminded Trump of his felony conviction when responding to his claims about crime rates. I think this is so rich coming from someone who has been prosecuted for national security crimes, economic crimes, election interference, has been found liable for sexual assault, Harris said, a response that drew a loud Yeah! from Maines governor.

Other prominent Maine Democrats similarly noted Harris prosecutorial background as a strength of her candidacy and on the debate stage, including state Sen. Anne Carney of Cumberland, who co-chairs the Maine Legislatures Judiciary Committee.

What Ive seen tonight in Vice President Harris and what I really admire is a candidate for president who really has a clear understanding of the law and the facts, Carney said.

As Carney shared this thought, Harris was speaking about Trump taking out an ad in 1989 calling for the reinstatement of the death penalty so that the Central Park 5 could be executed. The Central Park 5 were five Black and Latino boys who were wrongfully convicted of raping a woman jogging in New York City. Carney paused to listen, This was horrible, she remarked.

Returning to finish her thought, Carney explained that she thinks Harris prosecutorial work is being viewed as a strength now because Harris has explained that she was guided in such work by principle and fairness.

Shes really made a point of helping people see both sides of the law, Carney said. Thats something lawyers always deal with because youre working to have a fair process and outcome that is driven by the law.

Others noted that Harris prosecutorial work gives her a particular edge over her opponent.

I know following her career that she thrives in these types of environments, said state Sen. Mattie Daughtry (D-Brunswick), referring to debates. One of the biggest frustrations Ive had not only as an elected official but as a voter is that former president Trump has been able to flat out lie on the debate stage.

Mills also shared that concern. During the debate between Biden and Trump hosted by CNN, the governor criticized Trump for false claims but also said she was frustrated with the lack of follow up questions and live fact-checking from the moderators.

The moderators are actually doing a little bit of fact-checking, Mills said on Tuesday of the ABC News moderators, which is refreshing.

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Mills particularly noted Trump amplifying a false claim that immigrants in Ohio were abducting and eating pets, which the moderators corrected live.

Thats crazy talk, Mills said in an interview after. That man shouldnt be president.

Legislative Republican leadership did not respond to requests for comment regarding the debate. Issue areas during the debate that stood out for Maine Democrats included reproductive rights and support for small business owners.

Carney said she was heartened to hear Harris pledge to restore the right to abortion in Roe v. Wade, a landmark U.S. Supreme Court case that Trump-appointed justices cast the deciding votes on. Trump praised himself and the genius and heart and strength of the justices for that ruling during the debate.

When moderators asked Trump whether he would support a federal abortion ban, Trump said, Im not in favor of an abortion ban, but it doesnt matter, because this issue has now been taken over by the states.

Carney said that response demonstrated a misunderstanding of federal protections.

Him saying, We leave it to the states, we leave it to the states, doesnt acknowledge that a fundamental right in our Constitution at the federal level has been destroyed, Carney said. There are key rights in our country that we extend to everybody that lives here and by taking away that right and leaving it to the states it means that it is not a right of everybody.

The first question of the debate inquired about the candidates visions for the economy, an issue polls show is key for most voters. Harris focused on tax deductions for small businesses.

Daughtry, who is a small business owner, said she was particularly hopeful about Harris candidacy because of her dedication to small businesses.

The backbone of Maines economy is small businesses, Daughtry said.

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We came across a bullish thesis on General Dynamics Corporation (GD) on ValueInvestorsClub by jagger. In this article we will summarize the bulls thesis on GD. General Dynamics Corporation shares were trading at $288.22 when this thesis was published, vs. closing price of $302.4 as of Sept 10.

Photo by NASA on Unsplash

General Dynamics, a prominent global aerospace and defense company with an $80 billion market cap and $89 billion enterprise value, stands out with its diverse and leading market franchises. Founded in 1952 and headquartered in Reston, VA, the company operates worldwide and is renowned for its strong business and M&A track record. With 2023 revenues of $42.3 billion, net income of $3.3 billion, and free cash flow (FCF) of $3.8 billion, GD maintains a solid financial foundation with a leverage ratio of approximately 1.5x net debt to EBITDA.

The investment thesis for General Dynamics centers on three pivotal aspects. Firstly, the strength of its Gulfstream business is a significant asset. Gulfstreams robust product portfolio, healthy backlog of $21 billion, and recent new model introductions position it as a leader in the business jet market. The G700, G800, and G400 jets, with FAA certification and initial deliveries underway, are expected to boost profitability despite earlier margin concerns. The business jet market remains resilient, with Gulfstream well-positioned to capitalize on continued demand.

Secondly, GDs defense business aligns closely with Department of Defense (DoD) priorities, addressing critical areas such as munitions replenishment, naval capabilities, and cyber threats. The Marine Systems unit, with a $44 billion backlog, is poised for long-term growth due to increased investment needs in U.S. Navy shipbuilding. Combat Systems and Technologies also present attractive opportunities, supported by a combined backlog of $58 billion. The companys defense offerings are well-positioned to benefit from ongoing geopolitical tensions and rising defense budgets.

Lastly, GDs capital deployment strategy enhances EPS growth. With FCF conversion exceeding 100% in recent years, GD is well-positioned for continued high single-digit dividend increases and substantial share repurchases. The companys recent repurchase of 390,000 shares demonstrates its commitment to returning capital to shareholders. Over the past decade, GD has repurchased an average of 3.5% of shares annually, indicating a strong focus on shareholder value.

General Dynamics operates across four main segments: Aerospace, Marine Systems, Combat Systems, and Technologies. Its diversified portfolio includes leading products and services in business aviation, shipbuilding, land combat vehicles, and advanced technology solutions. The companys valuation appears reasonable, trading at a 14x EBITDA multiple, 18x earnings, and a 5.6% FCF yield. With expected EPS growth in the low to mid-teens and favorable industry tailwinds, GD is positioned for steady long-term growth. Despite some risks, including supply chain challenges and potential macroeconomic downturns, GDs solid fundamentals and strategic focus make it a compelling investment opportunity.

Story continues

General Dynamics Corporation is not on our list of the 31 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds. As per our database, 48 hedge fund portfolios held GD at the end of the second quarter which was 54 in the previous quarter. While we acknowledge the potential of GD 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 as promising as GD but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.

READ NEXT: Analyst Sees a New $25 Billion Opportunity for NVIDIA and 10 Best of Breed Stocks to Buy For The Third Quarter of 2024 According to Bank of America.

Disclosure: None. This article was originally published at Insider Monkey.
GENEVA, Ala (WDHN)  Governor Kay Ivey appeared on Tuesday at James A. Mulkey Elementary School on her Back-To-School Tour.

During her visit, Gov. Ivey spoke to the students about being a hardworking student and looking towards the future in possible career fields.

This bunch participated and engaged with a contagious spirit, and I sure am proud of them, said Governor Ivey in a social media post.

Governor Kay Ivey visited Mulkey Elementary School Tuesday September 10, 2024 in Geneva, Ala. (Governors Office /Hal Yeager)

Governor Kay Ivey visited Mulkey Elementary School Tuesday September 10, 2024 in Geneva, Ala. (Governors Office /Hal Yeager)

Governor Kay Ivey visited Mulkey Elementary School Tuesday September 10, 2024 in Geneva, Ala. (Governors Office /Hal Yeager)

Governor Kay Ivey visited Mulkey Elementary School Tuesday September 10, 2024 in Geneva, Ala. (Governors Office /Hal Yeager)

Following the Governor, Superintendent Ron Snell took the stage and told the students, teachers, and staff how exceptional and successful they were.

These students are exceptional because they believe you believe get smarter by working harder, said Superintendent Snell.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDHN - wdhn.com.
CHARLESTON, WV (WVNS)  Governor Justice ordered flags to be flown at half-staff on Wednesday, September 11, 2024.

According to a press release, the order from Governor Justice for the flags to be flown at half-staff on Patriot Day, Wednesday, September 11, 2024, applies to all United States and West Virginia flags that are flown at state-owned facilities, and the flags will be flown at half-staff from dawn until dusk.

Its hard to believe that 23 years have passed since the tragedy of September 11. But all these years later, we show that our country has never forgotten. We will forever honor the truly extraordinary courage of the first responders who ran toward the fire when our nation was under attack. In those moments of chaos, they defined true heroism by risking everything to save others. Their sacrifice is beyond words, and we owe them a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid. On this anniversary, Cathy and I ask all West Virginians to join us in remembering those we lost and keeping their families and loved ones in our prayers. Governor Justice

Patriot Day recognizes the lives of the Americans who died on September 11, 2001, as well as paying tribute to those who sacrificed themselves for Americas freedom.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS.
Jeremy Clarkson has revealed he, Richard Hammond and James May inadvertently committed an international crime in the final episode of the Grand Tour.

The trio celebrated the end of their 22-year partnership at an event in London on Tuesday (10 September). It comes after they dissolved their joint company W Chump and Sons, which produces the Prime Video series.

I have to be a little bit careful because I believe the ambassador for Zimbabwe is here, Clarkson began.

One of the bits of the story thats disappeared, which will make this not make sense, is that we discovered that in Zimbabwe you can buy silver for pennies, really surprisingly cheap.

So we decided to buy a lot of it and use it to fashion accessories for our cars. Then when we got to the border with Botswana, we thought, Oh, sh*t, weve got all this silver.

Hammond chipped in: We werent supposed to have it.

So we had to get across into Botswana without anybody noticing that weve got quite a lot of silver about our person, Clarkson continued.

You smuggled silver, huge amounts of it into Botswana, Mariella Frostrup, who hosted the event interjected as she called the trio perhaps the worlds dumbest criminals.

Clarkson, Hammond and May inadvertently smuggled silver into Botswana (Andrew Timms)

We carried it off with style, and panache, added Hammond.

They thought that they got away with it, Frostrup continued. They were all breathing a sign of relief. But of course, now its going to be on television across the globe and very hard to miss the fact that youve committed that crime, just saying.

Clarkson concluded, Just in case when you see that you think, Why are they that nervous about crossing into [Botswana]? Thats the bit that you didnt see in the show.

The TV star is currently enjoying the biggest success of his career with Clarksons Farm, a series also airing on Amazons subscription service that documents his attempts to run the 1,000-acre farm purchased in 2008.

Since premiering in 2021, Clarkson has extended his business empire by purchasing a Cotswolds pub for 1m  something he is developing a brand new series about, which will no doubt include the grim discovery he made outside the country boozer earlier this week.

The Grand Tour: One for The Road airs on Prime Video on Friday 13 September
CHILTON, Wis. (WFRV)  The Calumet County Sheriffs Office was recently awarded a grant from the Wisconsin Public Service Foundation, which allowed the agency to purchase The WRAP.

Designed by law enforcement and medical professionals, The WRAP device will allow deputies to quickly and safely gain control of combative or out-of-control individuals during service calls.

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers cancels school visit following concerning social media post

Officials say The WRAP device will reduce the risk of injury to the individual and deputies responding to the scene.

No additional details were provided.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton.
SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) Several volunteer fire departments responded to a grass fire on McCleery Road at approximately 12:25 p.m. on Sept. 10.

The departments involved were Dove Creek, Grape Creek and Wall.

According to a social media post shared by Wall, Texas Volunteer Fire Department, suppression units attacked the fire, which was moving slowly through a pasture. Due to the growth of the fire, the Grape Creek Volunteer Fire Department was called in for mutual support.

The fire was successfully contained with the combined efforts of all responding teams after three hours of operation.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ConchoValleyHomepage.com.
Greensboro family on journey to bring twin sister of adopted girl to Piedmont Triad after international adoptions close in China

Greensboro family on journey to bring twin sister of adopted girl to Piedmont Triad after international adoptions close in China

GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP)  A Greensboro mom is one of hundreds who are stuck in a tough spot after China closed international adoptions.

The announcement left parents in limbo who had pending adoptions.

The children  belong to China, and we just hope that they are gracious and allow the rest of us to continue the process, Angel Jarvis said.

Jarvis and her husband had already adopted one little girl from China, but after she got home, they realized she had a twin sister, and their journey to bring her home has been long and complicated.

The girls are now nearly teenagers. Mackenzie lives in Greensboro with her parents. Her twin sister, Meilyn, is still in China. Her parents have waited more than five years to go and get her, but they are not sure it will ever happen.

We have to reunite these little girls because twins belong together, Jarvis said.

The pair were not intentionally separated. They were dropped off two months apart, and nobody knew they were related until Jarvis saw their pictures side by side.

I just felt this urge, and so we did do DNA in 2019, and it came back as a positive match as identical twins, Jarvis said.

At that point, she knew what she had to do next.

Then we sent out a letter of intent to adopt, and then we have to do a home study. We had completed all the home study, and then we  were smacked upside the head by COVID, Jarvis said.

Each day, time runs thin for a happy ending.

She has a very unique genetic mutation called SCN8A  Children like Mackenzie have a very short life expectancy For us, that urge to move forward is kind of urgent, Jarvis said.

Both girls have the same diagnosis and the same mom fighting for their chance to be together.

Maybe a change of heart to allow us to travel to bring Meilyn home, so the girls can be together for whatever time that is, Jarvis said.

Mackenzie is nonverbal, but her emotions are expressed loud and clear.

When we told her that Meilyn is going to be staying in China for a little bit longer, she fell apart, Jarvis said.

Their home is full of toys, clothes and blankets in sets of two.

We want them to have that time together  Twins belong together, Jarvis said.

At home, they sit and wait together and hold onto hope for when their family will be complete.

I always cling to hope. There is always that chance of hope that things will turn around, Jarvis said.

Angel says she hopes the US government will fight for these parents with pending adoptions.

Even if International adoptions through China close for good, she hopes that these families can go to China and get their children.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX8 WGHP.
GREENVILLE, S.C. (WSPA)  Family members of residents at Pine Grove Senior Living, an assisted living facility in Greenville, felt blindsided by a sudden announcement delivered Friday telling them they must vacate by October 18.

Family members of residents described the confusion, anger, and sadness at the meeting where they were notified of the facilitys closing.

I had to roll my mother out and take her to another room and calm her down while my husband maintained a presence in the meeting, said Desiree Morris, the daughter of a current Pine Grove resident.

According to multiple families 7NEWS spoke to, they were given a vaguely-worded letter that notified them of the meeting.

For the Morris family, they said they were notified a week before the meeting when they got the notice in the mail.

A lot of the questions that were being asked [there], the decisions and it was just I dunno,' said Scott Morris, Desirees husband. Thats when everyone, including Pine Grove staff members learned Pine Grove will shut down.

In a statement to 7NEWS, the parent company of Pine Grove, Sinceri Senior Living said they have provided excellent care and a home-like environment at our Pine Grove Community since October of 2021. We regret to announce that Pine Grove will be closing on October 18, 2024, due to various factors impacting our ability to continue giving our residents the high level of care and excellence they deserve.

After thorough evaluation, it became clear that this decision would be in the best long-term interests of the communitys residents and staff, the statement continued. Our primary focus now is ensuring a smooth transition for our residents and providing them with the support and resources they need to find new living arrangements that meet their individual needs. We will continue to support our staff and residents throughout the entirety of this transition.

According to public records, Grace Church requested Greenville County Council approve a rezoning request at the site where Pine Grove currently sits. The matter was discussed at an August 19 public hearing.

Grace Church said it intends to renovate the facility so it can build affordable homes for low-income families who have children with disabilities and the October 18 move-out deadline was not set by them.

We dont have a date when residents have to move out, said Matt Williams, the founder of Grace Church. We want to put them first in this situation and give them whatever time they need to find a long-term solution.

According to the Bill Of Rights for Residents of Long-term Care Facilities, a resident must be given at least 30-day notice before being evicted.

Sue Martin, a family member of a current Pine Grove resident, said she understands this, but believes Sinceri Senior Living and Grace Church handled the transition poorly.

If Sinceri wants to sell this [and] Grace Church needed a place, thats a business deal, but you treat people correctly, said Martin. Let us find the right place, give us some compensation, give us back our money and help these guys make this transition.

Martin gave an example of a Pine Grove resident she said she often notices when she stops by to visit her own family member.

She cant do [research new places] herself and if her son is 70 and in another state, how is he getting here? How is he helping her? Does he even know yet? asked Martin.

Martin said shes worried about the Pine Grove workers who told her they were also blindsided by Sinceri Senior Livings decision.

I said, So, whos going to feed my mom if the cook leaves? They have to find new jobs too, added Martin.

According to the South Carolina Department of Aging, there are resources families and residents of long-term care facilities can utilize in the event they are pressed for time to find new living arrangements.

One resource is The Long Term Care Ombudsman program. You can contact 1-800-868-9095 or 803-734-9900 to connect with an Ombudsman. Other resources include the South Carolina Department of Agings facility locator and the Department of Public Healths find-a-facility feature.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS.
U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie always thought a government funding vote this week was a fairy tale.

It looks like he was right.

Now GOP leaders are scrambling for fairy dust to figure out this tales ending.

Speaker Mike Johnson has chosen to delay a vote until next week on Republicans plan to fund the federal government for six months after Massie and a growing number of House GOPers signaled opposition to it.

The vote was originally planned for Wednesday.

Congress needs to pass a temporary spending measure by Sept. 30 to avoid a shutdown just a month before the 2024 elections.

But Massie, a Northern Kentucky Republican, indicated he was a no vote earlier this week inside a House Rules Committee hearing, objecting to an omnibus resolution that doesnt cut spending.

Its all posturing, its fake fighting. We all know where it ends up. This is groundhog day, Massie told the committee. Its the same plot every fiscal year.

Why do we always spend at least as much as we did last year and why do we never cut spending? Massie asked his colleagues. Its because Democrats want to grow the welfare state and Republicans want to grow the military industrial complex.

Johnson is attempting to entice his caucus to rally around the spending bill that doesnt include cuts by attaching a measure that would require proof of citizenship to vote.

But Massie dismissed the Save Act as a bright shiny object that Johnson will eventually abandon once hes secured votes to fund the government. The Save Act has little chance of becoming law because of the Democratic controlled Senate.

This is good political theater. I do like this part of it  that were going to see almost every Democrat cast a vote so that illegals can vote in our elections. Thats pretty clever on the part of our speaker to set that up, Massie said. But heres what hes going to do after you take that vote. Hes going to take it off. The bright shiny object goes away I hate to break it to the Republicans, you aint getting the Save Act. It is not going to stay on this bill.

Its not even clear how many Senate Republicans would vote for the Save Act if it reached their chamber.

At his weekly press conference, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-KY, did not specify if he would support Johnsons plan.

The first step ought to be what comes out of the House, McConnell said, and I think we dont know right now.

Whats clear is that McConnell will work to avoid a government shutdown that could endanger Republicans chances at retaking the Senate.

Shutting down the government is always a bad idea, no matter what time of the year it is, McConnell said Tuesday.

But for Massie, the temporary stoppage of the House vote is a small victory in his fight against the traditional norms of House procedure.

This weeks production of failure theater has been postponed, he posted on X Wednesday.
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Three transgender women have filed a lawsuit against U.S. health insurance company Aetna, alleging that their claims for gender-affirming facial surgeries have for years been unlawfully denied.

The three women  Binah Gordon, Kay Mayers, and anonymous plaintiff S.N.  filed suit in Connecticut on September 10, each asserting that Aetna improperly denied their claims for medically necessary gender-affirming facial reconstruction surgeries. The plaintiffs are represented by the law firms of Wardenski PC and Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll PLLC, as well as Advocates for Trans Equality (A4TE), which was formed in a merger between two national trans rights organizations earlier this year.

Aetna  a subsidiary of CVS Health Corporation as of 2018  is accused of violating Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act, which declares that federally-funded healthcare programs may not discriminate against patients on the basis of [...] sex, which presently includes gender identity under Title IX nondiscrimination law. The three plaintiffs say Aetna categorized their facial surgeries as cosmetic and refused to cover their costs: Gordon and S.N. say they were forced to pay for their procedures out of pocket, costing them $35,000 and $50,000 respectively, while Mayers says Aetnas refusal to provide coverage has prevented her from undergoing treatment at all. The lawsuit alleges that Aetna denied prior authorization requests from the plaintiffs surgeons, but covered similar procedures when performed at the request of cisgender patients.

Some of the claims made in the lawsuit can be cross-checked with Aetnas own publicly available coverage documents. According to Aetnas policy bulletin regarding gender-affirming care, the list of procedures dubbed not medically necessary and cosmetic includes 10 Facial Gender Affirming Procedures, including common facial feminization surgeries (FFS) such as hairline transplants, jaw reductions, and rhinoplasty. That kind of categorical exclusion discriminates on its face against trans patients, the suit argues. (Conde Nast, which owns Them, offers insurance through Aetna.)

6 Tips to Help You Heal After Facial Feminization Surgery

From soft foods to getting extra pillows, we asked people who have actually undergone FFS for their best recovery advice.

All of our clients, and thousands of others like them, were denied insurance coverage by Aetna for gender-affirming facial surgeries that their treating providers determined were medically necessary to treat their gender dysphoria and improve their overall well-being, said Joseph Wardenski of Wardenski PC in a press release announcing the lawsuit on Tuesday. Aetnas refusal to recognize the medical necessity of this critical health care is causing unnecessary harm to many transgender women on Aetna health plans.

This is only the latest lawsuit leveling discrimination claims against the insurance giant. In 2021, Aetna settled a similar lawsuit (also filed in part by Cohen Milstein) by announcing it would consider trans womens breast augmentation surgeries to be medically necessary  a reform that clearly was not equally applied to facial surgeries in the aftermath of that settlement. Since then, however, lawsuits against Aetna have surged on multiple other fronts. In the space of one week in October 2023, Aetna was served with 21 separate lawsuits from breast cancer survivors who said the company refused to pay for their reconstructive surgeries. Earlier this year, Bridges Health Partners in Pennsylvania sued Aetna for breach of contract; in May, the company agreed to settle another lawsuit that alleged the company had discriminated against LGBTQ+ families seeking fertility treatments, creating a $2 million reimbursement fund for the impacted parties.

Aetna spokesperson Alex Kepnes said the company could not comment on pending litigation in a statement to Axios on Wednesday. Kepnes claimed Aetna has a strong track record of supporting the LGBTQ+ community and said the insurer is committed to meeting the health care needs of all our members.

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Originally Appeared on them.
Guardian: UK has decided to allow Ukraine to use Storm Shadow missiles in long-range strikes on Russia

The U.K. has already privately decided to allow Ukraine to use its British-supplied Storm Shadow missiles for long-range strikes deep into Russia, the Guardian reported on Sept. 11, citing unnamed U.K. officials.

Kyiv has long argued that restrictions on the use of long-range weapons are stifling its war effort, while Washington has claimed that allowing Ukraine to hit deep into Russian territory with its weapons could escalate the situation.

During a joint press conference in Kyiv on Sept. 11, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and U.K. Foreign Secretary David Lammy said that Russia is responsible for escalating the war.

The visit to Kyiv came a day after Washington confirmed that Iran had delivered ballistic missiles to Russia, giving Moscow what Blinken described as "an additional capability and additional flexibility" in the war.

In response to a question about whether the U.S. would change its policy regarding long-range strikes, which President Joe Biden has reportedly considered in recent weeks, Blinken answered cagily, saying that the U.S. has been willing to flexibly alter its strategy "from day one."

"We will continue to do this," Blinken said. He did not specifically comment on a potential change in policy on Storm Shadow missiles, and it may be possible that such a decision could be made behind closed doorsor that the U.K. could make the decision unilaterally.

At the same time, the Guardian's sources said Blinken and Lammy's visit to Kyiv would not have gone forward without a change in policy regarding the usage of Storm Shadow missiles.

An explicit announcement about the change in policy while Blinken and Lammy are in Kyiv is not expected.

Ukraine has reportedly used Storm Shadow missiles, with a range of up to 250 kilometers (150 miles), to hit Russian military targets in Crimea, a sovereign Ukrainian territory illegally annexed by Russia.

The Telegraph reported in August, citing unnamed sources, that the U.K. was privately in favor of allowing Ukraine to use Storm Shadow missiles in strikes on Russia, but was unwilling to publicly press for such a change in policy due to fears of backlash from the U.S.

Read also: The long-range missiles Ukraine could soon be firing deep into Russia

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
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

German lawmakers approved a major bailout for the struggling Meyer Werft shipyard on Wednesday, clearing the way for a temporary state takeover of the shipbuilder.

The budget committee of the Bundestag, as Germany's national parliament is known, signed off on a 200 million ($220 million) government investment to stabilize Meyer Werft.

The shipyard, best known for building large cruise ships, fell into serious financial trouble after business was upended during the coronavirus pandemic. The shipyard had signed contracts to build a number of ships, but then found itself swamped by rising costs that were not accounted for in the deals.

The German state of Lower Saxony, where the Meyer Werft shipyard is located, also plans to invest 200 million, although state lawmakers have not yet given their approval.

In addition, both the state and federal governments plan to offer loan guarantees of around 1 billion each to allow Meyer Werft to secure funding to complete orders.

In the shipbuilding industry, buyers generally only pay about 20% of the price up-front, leaving shipyards to cover the remaining cost of building the ships through loans or other financing.

Meyer Werft said it has to raise almost 2.8 billion euros by the end of 2027 to finance new ships, and that agreements must be reached by September 15 or else the shipyard will run out of money.
It is expected new guidance on the kind of timber frames which can be used will be released later this week [BBC]

A leading Guernsey architect has warned new planning rules will mean construction projects will be "more expensive" and "take longer".

In August, Building Control announced schemes with timber frames would need to be covered in brick work where a building was required to have fire resistance.

Andrew Ozanne said this was "the right reaction at the right time" but warned it would "have huge implications" on the local sector.

Following feedback from the construction industry, revised guidance will be issued by Building Control later this week.

John Bampkin, the CEO of Norman Piette - Guernsey's biggest timber retailer - cricticised the lack of consultation with the industry on the move.

A representative of the States of Guernsey's Building Control said that, since the announcement in August, the engagement from the industry had been great and had led to the development of new guidance.

Building Control services have made changes to local regulations following the Grenfell Tower disaster [Reuters]

The move to change the island's building control regulations comes in the wake of the London Grenfell Tower disaster, where a fire in 2017 killed 72 people, with the cladding found to be the "principal" reason for the blazes rapid spread.

Mr Ozanne, a consultant at Lovell Ozanne, said "a lot" had "happened after Grenfell, and, following that, testing in Britain has been completely reviewed".

He said: "It's an evolving circumstance. I agree with what the States has done; it's now up for industry to react to this."

Andrew Ozanne said the changes were part of an "evolving circumstance" [BBC]

Following the new guidance, Mr Ozanne said: "At the moment, the evidence is not there to say timber frame buildings can sustain or avoid the spread of flame or destruction through fire."

He admitted it would make big affordable housing projects "more expensive", but, because of the ability of the local construction sector, the impact would not be as "catastrophic" as in Europe and the UK.

He said: "I don't think there is any way around this. I think we will need to see contractors and people in design and build going back to the safe haven of block work, and that will cost more money.

"We are already building at a premium in Guernsey, so, if you are going to look at affordability of social housing, there is a big political issue.

"We are fortunate in Guernsey that smaller contractors are well geared up to build with masonry."

Follow BBC Guernsey on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. Send your story ideas to channel.islands@bbc.co.uk.

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Guilty Plea: Man convicted on prior child abuse charges caught with gun in car: DOJ

CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  A Charlotte convicted felon caught with cocaine and a gun during a traffic stop pled guilty to charges on Wednesday, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Western District of North Carolina announced.

Charlotte resident Randy Moorehead, 34, pleaded guilty on Wednesday to a gun possession as a felon charge.

Court records stated that in 2022, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police attempted to conduct a traffic stop on Moorehead, who failed to pull over. CMPD officers eventually caught up with Moorehead and during a search of the vehicle found cocaine, marijuana, and a gun.

Moorehead had a prior conviction on a child abuse case and was prohibited from possessing a gun.

Moorehead is currently in federal custody and faces up to 15 years.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  The parole request from the gunman in San Diego Countys worst school shooting in history was denied on Tuesday by state commissioners following pushback from community members in the weeks leading up to the hearing.

Charles Andy Williams, 38, has been behind bars for more than two decades after carrying out the deadly shooting at Santana High School in Santee on March 5, 2001, when he was 15 years old.

Williams killed two students, 14-year-old Bryan Zuckor and 17-year-old Randy Gordon, and wounded 13 others  two members of the schools faculty and 11 other students.

Former TikTok star sentenced in double murder

Williams pleaded guilty to two counts of murder and 13 counts of attempted murder in an adult criminal court back in June 2002 and was given a sentence of 50 years to life.

However, a number of criminal justice reforms in California since the mid-2010s that sought to limit the time juveniles spend behind bars opened up the possibility for Williams to be released from prison on parole.

With the changes, it became a requirement that parole hearings are held for young offenders who commit their primary offense before the age of 26 to receive a parole hearing prior to their twenty-fifth year of incarceration.

It regardless drew pushback from community members still grappling with the memories of the shooting, who argued the tragedy of the day warrants completion of the full prison sentence. At least two petitions against Williams release circulated, each gathering hundreds of signatures.

SANTEE, UNITED STATES: This 06 March 2001 photo shows a sign left in memorial to Santana High School shooting victim Randy Gordon at a makeshift shrine near the school in Santee, CA. The school was the scene of a 05 Match 2001 shooting in which 15 year old suspected gunman Charles Andrew Williams shot and killed Gordon and fellow student Brian Zucker and injured 13 others (11 students, 2 faculty) in this suburb of San Diego. AFP PHOTO/Scott Nelson (Photo credit should read Scott Nelson/AFP via Getty Images)

One of the petitions was initiated by current El Cajon City Councilmember Phil Ortiz, who was a sophomore at Santana High School at the time of the shooting and was standing nearby where Williams began his spree.

Its been a journey trying to process all of it, Ortiz said in a call with FOX 5/KUSI last week. I mean, you still have dreams  So the effects of it still dont go away.

Prior to the parole hearing, Williams parole attorney, Laura Sheppard, said in a statement and in an interview with FOX 5/KUSI on Thursday that she believed his case merits an early release, pointing to his extensive efforts to rehabilitate himself behind bars and counsel other prisoners.

According to Sheppard, the question before the board ultimately was whether Williams could currently be deemed a threat to others if he is released from custody  not whether a protracted sentence is considered justice for the lives taken or irreparably harmed at his hand.

If it were about what a person convicted of murder deserves, parole would never happen. But we as a state have adopted laws that allow for redemption and restoration instead of only eye for an eye punishment, Sheppard said.

As [Californians] we believe that rehabilitation is possible, and offenders should be returned to the community as productive members of society, if they can be, especially for those who commit crimes when they are young, she continued. Andy is no longer a danger to his community, so both the law and our redemptive system of justice support his release.

Twenty-two people impacted by the shooting, including family members of Zuckor and Gordon, spoke during the parole hearing, which began at 8:30 a.m. and lasted for most of the day. According to Ortiz, who was one of the speakers, a majority of them spoke against his request for parole.

Suspect in 7-Eleven fire arraigned again after woman dies from burns

Williams also wrote an apology statement and was interviewed by state Board of Parole Hearings commissioners.

Before the hearing, Sheppard released a portion of Williams apology, which can be read below:

My actions on March 5, 2001 were violent and inexcusable. I had no right to barge into the lives of my victims, to blame them for my own suffering and the callous choices I made. I had no right to cause the loss of life, pain, terror, confusion, fear, trauma, and financial burden that I caused. I am sorry for the physical scars and for the psychological scars I created, and for the lives and families that I ripped a hole in. It is my intention to live a life of service and amends, to honor those I killed and those I harmed, and to put proof behind my words of remorse. I wish so badly that I could undo all the hurt and terror I put you through. With the deepest remorse, I am forever sorry.

She added that Williams has written personalized apology letters to each of the victims who were physically injured in the shooting, and some received them through the parole process.

Williams can request to be considered for parole again in three years.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
Former US president Donald Trump has pushed a debunked conspiracy theory that Haitian migrants are eating pets in an Ohio town (SAUL LOEB) (SAUL LOEB/AFP/AFP)

Haiti's government on Wednesday condemned "discriminatory remarks" made by US presidential candidate Donald Trump and other Republicans, who spouted debunked claims that Haitian migrants were eating pet cats and dogs in the state of Ohio.

"Unfortunately, this is not the first time that compatriots abroad have fallen victim to disinformation campaigns, been stigmatized and dehumanized to serve electoral political interests," the government said.

"We firmly reject these remarks, which undermine the dignity of our compatriots and could endanger their lives," it added.

Several Republican figures this week circulated claims that Haitian migrants were killing and eating the pets of residents in Springfield in Ohio -- accusations that the city's manager said had no basis in fact.

On Tuesday, Trump repeated the bogus claims in his televised presidential debate with Democrat Kamala Harris, which was watched by tens of millions of people in the United States and around the world.

"In Springfield, they're eating the dogs -- the people that came in -- they're eating the cats, they're eating the pets of the people that live there," the former US president said.

When ABC News debate moderator David Muir debunked the claim to him, Trump insisted that he had seen "people on television say their dog was eaten."

The owner of X, Elon Musk, has also used his social network to help circulate the baseless claims, which quickly garnered attention in the United States, where two-thirds of households own pets.

str-seb/bjt/st
By Ted Hesson, Andy Sullivan and Gabriella Borter

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Haitian Americans said they fear for their safety after Donald Trump repeated a false and derogatory claim during this week's presidential debate about immigrants in Ohio.

Haitian community leaders across the U.S. said the Republican candidate's remarks about immigrants eating household pets during his debate with Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris could put lives at risk and further inflame tensions in the small city of Springfield, Ohio, where thousands of recent Haitian arrivals have boosted the local economy but also strained the safety net.

"We have to be careful where we go," said Viles Dorsainvil, 38, who says the Haitian community center he heads in Springfield has received threatening phone calls. The hostility has prompted one friend working at an Amazon warehouse to consider leaving, he said.

"He said that things are getting out of hand now; the way people are treating us, making bad comments about us," Dorsainvil said.

Trump's Tuesday remark that "they're eating the dogs, the people that came in, they're eating the cats" is the latest in a long line of lies about immigrants that have defined his political career. It followed a similar false claim spread by his running mate, U.S. Senator JD Vance of Ohio, on social media about Springfield's new residents.

City officials say they have received no credible reports of anybody eating household animals. Karen Graves, a city spokesperson, said she was not aware of recent hate crimes targeting Haitian residents but that some had been victims of "crimes of opportunity," such as property theft.

The Haitian Times reported that some Haitian families in Springfield, Ohio, were keeping their children home from school, while other sources told the newspaper that they were subject to bullying, assaults and intimidation in front of their homes amid racist rhetoric amplified by social media.

The lie fed on frustrations of some in the western Ohio city, who say the 15,000 Haitians who have arrived in recent years to fuel the city's economy, have also stressed limited resources at local schools and health clinics and driven up rents.

Tensions have increased since a Haitian driving without an Ohio license struck a school bus in 2023, killing 11-year-old Aiden Clark and injuring 26 other children.

"People are getting really fed up," city resident Richard Jordan said at a city council meeting on Tuesday. "Things are going to get ugly."

At that same meeting, Clark's father Nathan Clark criticized Trump and Vance for exploiting his son's death.

"They can vomit all the hate they want about illegal immigrants, the border crisis, and even untrue claims about fluffy pets being ravaged and eaten by community members," Clark said. "However, they are not allowed, nor have they ever been allowed, to mention Aiden Clark from Springfield, Ohio."

Last month, a white supremacist was ejected from a city council meeting after he made threatening statements towards Haitian immigrants.

'MY HEART FELL'

Ahead of the debate, billionaire Elon Musk amplified the lie further on his X social media platform, as did Republicans on the House of Representatives Judiciary Committee.

Guerline Jozef, who heads the national advocacy group Haitian Bridge Alliance, said her group had been trying to knock down the rumor before the debate.

When Trump mentioned it, "my heart fell to the floor," she said. "This has become a nationwide lie that people everywhere are repeating."

For Taisha Saintil, now an analyst with the immigrant advocacy group UndocuBlack Network, said Trump's remark brought back painful memories of being taunted when she arrived at a Florida elementary school in 2006.

Some 1.1 million Haitian Americans live in the U.S., about half of whom are immigrants, according to the Census Bureau. Long established in Florida and New York, Haitian immigrants have recently been moving to states like North Carolina and California to pursue work, Jozef said.

SEEKING WORK

Springfield officials say the majority of Haitian migrants are in the country legally, drawn by jobs at warehouses and factories. They have opened two restaurants and seven groceries, according to a city fact sheet.

While we are experiencing challenges related to the rapid growth of our immigrant population, these challenges are primarily due to the pace of the growth," city manager Bryan Heck said in a video on Wednesday.

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, a Republican, said on Tuesday the state is providing $2.5 million to help the new residents get vaccines and other health services, and state police are being brought in to help enforce traffic laws. He said President Joe Biden's administration should also provide aid to cities like Springfield that see a sudden increase in new migrants.

Trump's comments could energize his supporters to help him win over undecided voters, particularly aggrieved white voters who feel a sense of their own decline in this country, said Republican strategist Mike Madrid, founder of the anti-Trump Lincoln Project.

"The attempts to dehumanize people is a long-proven strategy to work at a time when society's undergoing change," he said.

But that strategy risks spurring violence, Haitian American leaders said.

Democratic Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, the only Haitian-American in Congress, said Trump's rhetoric endangers Haitians across the country.

"We've heard these stereotypes for years about Haitian people, Black immigrants, doing all these things that we know aren't true, she said.

Gepsie Metellus, who heads the Sant La Haitian neighborhood center in North Miami, said Trump's comment was viewed as a "cheap political shot" in her community, but directly endangers those in Springfield.

"This rhetoric has a way of turning out really badly," she said.

(Additional reporting by Bo Erickson, Jason Lange, Helen Coster and Howard Schneider; Editing by Scott Malone and Aurora Ellis)
Haitians, residents in Springfield, Ohio, respond to being at center of immigration debate

SPRINGFIELD, Ohio  This Ohio city is in the middle of a heated political conversation about immigration after President Donald Trump and his running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, made claims without evidence about Haitian immigrants causing crime and eating pets.

"In Springfield they are eating the dogs, the people that came in, they're eating the cats. They're eating the pets of the people that live there," Trump said during Tuesday's presidential debate.

Earlier in the day, Vance wrote on social media that "It's possible, of course, that all of these rumors will turn out to be false," but repeated them on X, formerly Twitter.

"In the last several weeks, my office has received many inquiries from actual residents of Springfield who've said Haitian migrants abducted their neighbors' pets or local wildlife," Vance posted.

Republican vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance speaks to the media on the day of the debate between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on September 10, 2024.

Springfield City Manager Bryan Heck, through his office, released a statement saying there's no evidence of any cats or other pets being harmed or eaten by the Haitian immigrants.

Springfield, a central Ohio city of 58,000 about 50 miles west of Columbus, is experiencing a "significant housing crisis," according to a letter from Heck. Heck said the city's Haitian population has increased to 15,000-20,000 in recent years.

The population increase has sparked local tension, particularly after a school bus crash that killed an 11-year-old, misinformation about pets and geese, and at least $2.5 million in funding from the state. The chamber reached capacity before a Springfield City Commission meeting Tuesday night as dozens of residents lined up outside the doors hoping to share their thoughts.

The USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau spoke to Haitians living in Springfield and other residents about how the city has grown.

Alimemby Estimable, 19, said he came to Springfield four years ago to help his mother.

How do Haitians in Springfield feel?

Alimemby Estimable, 19, graduated from Springfield High School and worked at an Amazon warehouse. He moved to Springfield four years ago and said he's been called a "dirty Haitian" and an "illegal."

Estimable was bemused by rumors that Haitians were shipped to Springfield and the people from Haiti in Springfield are there legally because of the federal program for temporary protected status.

"The majority of us, we work in warehouses, factories. You can't work there illegally. Obviously, we're legally working," he said.

Morvens Pierre, who also immigrated from Haiti and lives in Springfield, agreed. He said Haitians just want to work.

Estimable said he's seen a lot of wild claims about Haitians in Springfield.

"I've been seeing a lot of people talking about a lot of stuff that's not accurate. You know, saying, like, all Haitians are cutting ducks' necks and eating them at the park and like, they're running into trash cans and homes and stuff. I ain't never seen a Haitian do that before. I'm just keep it real, because I'm a Haitian myself," he said.

What about other Springfield residents?

Some residents feel the city and county are overwhelmed and wish the Haitian population was "evenly dispersed" among Ohio counties. Others said Haitians are unfairly scapegoated.

Teena Rose said she feels "negatively" about the increased Haitian population in Springfield and that the city was not prepared. Rose said the city already struggled with housing and homelessness before more Haitians moved.

John Vick, a resident of 24 years, agreed. He said groceries and county services are harder to find now.

Deandrea Robinson said she believes the city should be focusing on racism and the hate group that walked around with swastika flags and rifles last month.

"They see me standing next to a Haitian, and that's too many Black faces for them," she said.

Co-owner of Champion City Cuts Joe Ruck said Springfield needed a bigger population and houses sat empty in the city for decades.

Joe Ruck, a co-owner of Champion City Cuts Barber Shop in Springfield, said the south side of the city has become known as "Little Haiti."

Ruck grew up in Springfield and said Haitian immigrants are working the jobs and living in the houses that no one else wanted.

He said the Haitian population is easy to pick on, and people in the community say they hate Haitians when really they're frustrated by what an increased population has meant for Springfield with increased rent and house prices and demand for products and food in grocery stores.

"Someone's cat comes up missing? They gonna say the Haitians did it," Ruck said.

The Southgate branch of the Clark County Public Library system has a French language section for Haitian patrons.

Clark County Public Library adapts to new patrons

The Southgate branch of the Clark County Public Library system has Haitian-English dictionaries, a French language book section and a full-time interpreter to assist Haitian patrons.

Branch manager Tangee Hepp, manager of the Southgate library branch, said it used to take library staff 20 to 30 minutes to help Haitian patrons because of the language barrier, and with an interpreter, questions can be answered in a few minutes.

She said the library mostly helps people print documents from their phones, use the copier, fax machines and computers if needed.

Hepp goes to the Haitian Coalition meetings for Clark County every month. She said the library is beginning to consider programming to better serve Haitian patrons.

"Everyone deserves respect and dignity, and not just from a library standpoint, just being here as a citizen of Clark County and a citizen of Ohio. Just treat everyone with respect and give them some time. They're just trying to make a life for themselves," she said.

Erin Glynn 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 Haitians, other residents respond to JD Vance comments
Voters in New Hampshire will head to the polls on Tuesday to cast ballots in the last round of statewide and congressional primaries before November.

Voters will pick their favorites to go head-to-head in the gubernatorial election to replace outgoing Gov. Chris Sununu (R). Democrats are also closely watching the primary between former Biden official Maggie Goodlander and former New Hampshire Executive Councilor Colin Van Ostern to replace retiring Rep. Annie Kuster (D-N.H.).

Follow live results from DDHQ here:

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Harbor Springs ranked best small lake town in US by Travel and Leisure

If you're looking to book a relaxing getaway without going too far, look no further. A new national list considers Harbor Springs, Michigan a top destination among America's small towns.

The town won best small lake town in the U.S. in the 2024 ranking of America's best small towns 2024 by Travel and Leisure, a New York-based travel magazine.

What incredible acknowledgment for our area, said Jim Powell, executive director of the Petoskey Area Visitors Bureau. The Harbor Springs community is steeped in rich history, storied hospitality and its location on the shores of Lake Michigans Little Traverse Bay is unparalleled. We are thrilled to see this beautiful town honored.

A photo overlooking the city of Harbor Springs, Michigan and the Little Traverse Bay.

The town was selected for its "captivating combination of natural beauty and and quaint, eclectic charm," according to the West Michigan Tourist Association.

More: Thousands of hawks are taking flight: How to see them

The ranking features 10 U.S. cities broken down by category. Other rankings include best small beach town, best small mountain town, best small desert town, best small arts and culture town, best small food and wine town, best small spa and wellness town, best retirement town, best small college town and best small shopping town.

More: These 3 Michigan cities are among 50 Best Places to Live in US, according to Money

The honor recognizes the thriving small businesses, seasonal activities and natural attractions in Harbor Springs and the surrounding area, according to the association.

The city features restaurants, boutiques, art galleries, is surrounded by the Petoskey State Park, beaches, nature preserves, the Tunnel of Trees, and the Little Traverse Bay. Each year, Harbor Springs hosts seasonal events, including the Harbor Springs Ice Fest, the Blessing of the Fleet and weekly summer farmers markets.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Harbor Springs ranked best small lake town in US by Travel and Leisure
Harris attacks Trump for trying to 'divide' Americans after he raises her race as an issue

It was a topic that seemed destined for a full-throated argument during Tuesday night's debate: race.

Moderator David Muir asked Donald Trump about his controversial comments about Vice President Kamala Harris in July, when he said at a National Assn. of Black Journalists convention that he did not "know she was Black until a number of years ago, when she happened to turn Black. ... So I don't know, is she Indian or is she Black?"

The remarks drew outrage at the time, and in response to hearing them repeated by Muir, Trump said, "I don't care what she is. ... Whatever she wants to be is OK with me." Yet he raised the issue again, saying that he had read that she was not Black and then, later, that she was Black.

Harris, who is Black and Indian American, said that Trump has "consistently over the course of his career, attempted to use race to divide the American people."

She cited several examples of Trump's controversial actions in the arena of race, including his "birther" lies that questioned Barack Obama's birthplace, the alleged racial discrimination at Trump's housing developments, and his support for the death penalty for the defendants in the 1989 "Central Park Five" case, who were later exonerated.

The vice president said that Americans did not want an approach that was "constantly trying to divide us."

"We see in each other a friend, a neighbor," said Harris, adding that she regularly meets with people who said they want a national discourse that focuses on the "dreams of the American people," and not race.

In response, Trump defended his stance on the Central Park Five and pivoted to a discussion of economics, saying: "I built one of the greatest economies in the history of the world."

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Win McNamee/Getty Images

On Tuesday night, ABC hosted in Philadelphia the second (and possibly last) presidential debate of the 2024 election, and it went a little differently than the first one. That first debate was such an unmitigated disaster for the Democrats that, after weeks of party infighting, President Joe Biden eventually dropped his bid for re-election. But the first showdown between Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris went a whole lot smoother for the Dems and not so great for Trump, who spent more than 90 minutes leaning into his worst impulses.

Its hard to know whether this debate will move the needle on what is shaping up to be an incredibly tight election, but it was another piece of evidence that Trump cant keep it together on a national stage  especially when you put him next to a politician who is firing on all cylinders.

The debate was a key moment for Harris, who, despite a honeymoon surge in support after Biden stepped down and endorsed her, has seen a flurry of high-quality polls showing a statistical dead heat between the candidates. Elections cant  and shouldnt be  won on vibes alone, and Harris, who has mostly shied away from interviews and only just published a policy platform this week, hasnt necessarily done a great job of re-introducing herself to the American people. In a New York Times/Siena poll, published on September 8, that showed Trump up 1% nationally, for instance, some respondents said that they didnt know enough about Harriss policy plans to commit to voting for her.

The debate presented an opportunity for her to showcase her platform on a national stage, and she did bring up some key policy positions, sharing her plan to expand the child tax credit by providing $6,000 to the parents of newborns, and touching on the high cost and shortage of housing, which she plans to address with a new housing plan. Crucially, she also vowed to support the right to have an abortion, the Democrats key issue  no weird Biden-style pivot to immigration here  and directly took on Trump for installing the Supreme Court justices who overturned Roe v. Wade, calling his comments on abortion insulting to the women of America.

Most importantly, Harris did what Biden couldnt do. She baited Trump, and boy did it work. All it took was one dig at Trumps rallies  What you will also notice is that people start leaving his rallies early out of exhaustion and boredom, she said  and any semblance of his debate prep went right out the window.

First, let me respond as to the rallies, Trump said when moderator David Muir asked him about the border. It was all downhill for Trump from there.

Trump also lied and rambled his way through the June 27 debate against Biden, but his performance was overshadowed by Bidens unintelligible comments, and he came out the winner just by virtue of being able to finish a sentence. With no fact-checking from CNN moderators Jake Tapper and Dana Bash and an opponent unable to coherently call him out on his falsehoods, he went largely unchallenged. This was not the case on Tuesday night, which featured some of the wildest Trump lines in recent memory.

For instance, he claimed that vice presidential candidate Tim Walz supported execution after birth, which warranted a fact-check from moderator Linsey Davis. He exaggerated his record on the economy and jobs. He invoked the authoritarian prime minister of Hungary, Viktor Orban, as a leader who respects him. For the folks playing drinking games at home, he claimed Harris wants to do transgender operations on illegal aliens that are in prison.

He repeated his usual anti-immigration diatribe, insisting millions and millions of people, many of whom he claims are criminals, cross the border illegally per month. But this time he added a twist, repeating a baseless right-wing conspiracy theory spread by his VP pick J.D. Vance about Haitian immigrants in Ohio eating peoples pets, saying, on national television, In Springfield, they're eating the dogs. The people that came in. They're eating the cats.

Trump offered no vision for the country beyond alleging that a Harris presidency would destroy it. He was the worst version of himself, and  as he did during his own convention speech  he sounded like an inebriated family member you might try to avoid at a holiday gathering. So far, he and his supporters have largely blamed ABCs moderators for his performance, and Trump even proposed that Disneys FCC licenses be revoked in retaliation, because, when cornered, he will always turn to threats.

An election this tight in a nation this polarized cannot just be a referendum on Trump. Americans know who he is by now, and many of them plan to vote for him anyway. Harris must continue to find ways to get people to vote for her, not just against Trump. Touting endorsements from the likes of Dick Cheney isnt going to win over the young voters and voters of color she needs to win this election. She should instead tout policy issues like bringing down the cost of childcare, raising the minimum wage, and expanding access to home-health care for seniors and people with disabilities. She must break with the Biden administrations disastrous support of Israels assault on Gaza. Despite polling that shows the majority of Americans and many swing state voters back an arms embargo on Israel, she has focused only on the fact that the administration is working toward a ceasefire, a weak talking point she reiterated on Tuesday night.

But the debate was a great reminder that we simply cant let a man as easily rattled, baited, and incompetent as Trump have control over our lives again. We need him to get off the debate stage  and the national stage  for good.

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DOHA, Qatar, September 11, 2024--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In a significant move to bolster its global strategic capabilities, Snorble is delighted to welcome Jeroen Hendriks to its Global Advisory Board. Jeroen Hendriks serves as an ambassador for Qatar's business, technology, AI, and investment sectors on Snorble's Global Advisory Board. His role underscores the strategic bridge between Qatar's innovative landscape and Snorble's pioneering educational technology initiatives. Jeroen brings over 25 years of experience in transformation and change leadership across multiple sectors. His deep-rooted expertise in strategic vision, delivery excellence, and renowned stakeholder management will be pivotal as Snorble expands its reach into international markets.

With Jeroen Hendriks joining the advisory board, Snorble reinforces its commitment to global expansion and social impact, set to transform how educational technology benefits children worldwide.

About Jeroen Hendriks:

Jeroen Hendriks is recognized for his strategic expertise and has led significant transformation initiatives, including a major ICT Strategy and Digital Program at Qatar Energy. With extensive experience at prominent corporations such as Shell, Unilever, and consulting firms including PwC, Jeroen has a strong track record in delivering successful organizational change. He has a deep understanding of how to navigate complex business environments and leverage technology to drive business growth and efficiency. Jeroen has also founded and co-founded several startups, demonstrating his entrepreneurial spirit and ability to innovate within competitive markets. Currently, he is involved in a stealth project that aligns with Snorble's goals for global expansion and technological integration. His proven leadership in taking companies from startup to scale and his strategic vision for technological adoption make him a valuable addition to Snorbles advisory board.

Emphasizing Social Impact:

Jeroens appointment underscores Snorbles mission to foster educational opportunities that transcend socio-economic barriers. His commitment to leveraging technology for social good also aligns seamlessly with Snorbles ethos to enhance the lives of children and families through accessible and advanced educational tools and content.

Jeroen Hendriks on Enhancing Global Financial Education:

"I am both honored and privileged to collaborate with Snorble. Their innovative integration of multiple technologies into a single platform is truly groundbreaking. Leveraging Snorble's proprietary technology will be instrumental in advancing our mission. I am eager to contribute to Snorble's rapid growth and excited about the potential impact we can make together. This journey is not just strategic, but also deeply meaningful, as it aligns perfectly with our shared commitment to achieving greater societal good through advanced technology."

Story continues

Mike Rizkalla, CEO and Co-Founder of Snorble, on Jeroens Role:

"Jeroen brings a wealth of knowledge and an international perspective that is crucial as we scale our operations globally. His expertise in AI, cybersecurity, and his passionate commitment to using technology for the betterment of society perfectly matches Snorbles mission. We are thrilled to have him on board and are eager to see how his insights will accelerate our growth and enhance our educational offerings."

About Snorble:

Snorble is a leading innovator in educational technology for children, dedicated to creating dynamic learning experiences that promote overall development through AI-driven interactions. Known for its engaging smart companion that grows with the child, Snorble is committed to preparing young learners for a successful future in an increasingly digital society.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240910128578/en/

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Donald Trump beat Kamala Harris in a virtual coin toss before their presidential debate  but thats about all he won.

From the opening moments Tuesday night, when the vice president strode over to Trumps podium and all but forced him to shake her hand, she dictated the terms of their critical clash exactly eight weeks before Election Day.

From Harris point of view, the night could hardly have gone better.

She came across as energetic and brimmed with a positive future vision. Trump glowered and ranted and blasted America as a failing nation and seemed off his game. The vice president, who has sometimes struggled in spontaneous situations, delivered the most imposing performance of her political career. Trump, who had gone into the debate predicting hed prove boxing champ Mike Tysons maxim that everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth, was himself stunned by multiple jabs and landed few in return.

At a time when nearly a third of voters suggested in one recent poll that they wanted to know more about Harris, the vice presidents performance seemed more likely to expand her coalition. Trump, meanwhile, didnt make much effort to change perceptions about his dystopian intentions among the key swing state voters who will decide the election. He struggled to let go both of his own first term and often seemed to wish he was still debating his erstwhile rival, President Joe Biden

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Debate victories dont always translate into election wins

It often takes days or weeks for a presidential debate to percolate deep into the electorate and for enduring impressions to settle. Candidates who triumph on the debate stage dont always win the election. Both Trump in 2016 and President George W. Bush in 2004 were judged to have lost debates but went on to win the White House.

And while Democrats were euphoric after Harris performance, partisans often judge a debate based on their own political preferences. Even if he loses ground after the debate, Trump has long had the advantage on the top two issues in the election  the economy and immigration. With many voters still awaiting the benefits of the post-pandemic economic rebound, its not certain that any debate will be a decisive factor in their vote. And Trumps dark messages on immigration and crime might be hyperbolic, but theyve proved to be potent in the past. Theres also always the chance that shock events at home or abroad in the next two months could tip the balance.

While its too early to say whether Harris strong performance will translate into new momentum, her campaign will be optimistic that shes improved her chances among, perhaps, 200,000 movable voters who will decide the next election in a handful of states.

Harris looks in Trump's direction during their debate in Philadelphia on September 10, 2024. - Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images

Harris laid the trap. Trump kept falling into it

Harris wasted no time checking off her goals Tuesday night.

She directly addressed viewers at home, promising to alleviate the burdens of working Americans struggling with high grocery and housing prices. She goaded Trump over his crowd sizes and called him weak. And, amazingly, he walked into the trap every single time, with angry outbursts that fueled her claims that hes unfit for a new term and that the country has a fleeting chance to move on from his bitter chaos. Her deep preparation paid off as she avoided campaign-threatening errors.

Most fundamentally, Harris validated the decision of Democrats to ditch Biden as their nominee, performing the forensic dismantling of Trumps character, policies and legacy that was beyond the president in his disastrous June debate that ended his reelection campaign.

Taylor Swift, whose megastar endorsement the Trump team erroneously claimed last month via the use of AI, apparently thought so too, declaring as soon as the debate ended, I will be casting my vote for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz in the 2024 Presidential Election.

When Trump got agitated, Harris didnt respond in kind but laughed and several times rested her chin on her hand. The second time she did this, it seemed contrived, but the gesture could become an iconic emblem of the debate on social media.

When she tweaked Trump on his obsession with rallies, he unaccountably gave her a pass on one of her most vulnerable issues  the southern border. First, let me respond as to the rallies, Trump said. People dont leave my rallies. We have the biggest rallies, the most incredible rallies in the history of politics.

It was a classic example of how Harris repeatedly used perceived flaws in Trumps character to give him the space to undermine his own debate performance.

The ex-presidents inability to resist the bait constantly dangled in front of him meant that the most fearsome political performer of modern times spent the evening being more self-destructive than destructive to his opponent. This was never clearer than when he repeated a racist slander about Haitian immigrants eating pets  that even his vice presidential nominee, JD Vance, acknowledged Tuesday might not be true. Harris, after seeing her opponent confirm her accusations about his extremism, just shook her head.

After refusing to be drawn into Trumps attempts to make the election a referendum on her race and gender, the vice president offered a far more direct repudiation of her opponent Tuesday. She raised his past demands for the execution of the Central Park Five and his lies about President Barack Obamas birthplace, as she painted him as a force of division who sought to exploit Americas deepest historic wounds for his own gain. I think its a tragedy that we have someone, who wants to be president, who has consistently, over the course of his career, attempted to use race to divide the American people, she said.

Harris performance was not perfect. She dodged answering her very first question  the classic consideration of whether voters are better off now than they were four years ago. She also did not directly say whether she regretted the deaths of 13 American service personnel killed in 2021 in the chaotic US withdrawal from Afghanistan whose deaths have become a centerpiece of the Trump campaign. But even her evasions showed how shes become a more effective political performer as she pivoted into her talking points and Trump was unable to effectively cross-examine her.

Trump gestures during his debate with Harris in Philadelphia on September 10, 2024. - Win McNamee/Getty Images

Trump did not make his own best case

Trumps inability to focus on a consistent attack against Harris or put aside her transparent efforts to distract him confirmed the fears of many Republicans disappointed in his failure so far to effectively deal with his new opponent.

Ironically, Trump suffered from the same deficit that plagued Biden in their debate in June he couldnt pin his opponent down and was unable to voice a strong blueprint for the future.

Trump often fell down right-wing rabbit holes, making analogies that only regular viewers of conservative media would understand. And at times, it seemed that the ex-president turned up for a debate, but his rhetoric was more akin to one of his wild rallies. In defense of his first term and global leadership, he cited Hungarian strongman Prime Minister Viktor Orban, adding weight to Harris claim that he worships foreign autocrats. In support of his false claims, he said he was backed up by Fox News opinion hosts  in a way that may have pleased his core voters but also suggested that his life in the conservative fishbowl has eroded his ability to speak to more moderate voters.

Trumps team had fought for microphones to be turned off when candidates werent speaking  apparently to frustrate the vice presidents desire to fact check the former president in real time and limit his temptation to interrupt her. But in the event, the restrictions hurt Trump. He was forced to stand mute while Harris delivered the kind of dressing down an ex-president never receives in public.

One way of judging a debate is to turn the sound on the television down and watch the body language of the candidates. On Tuesday night, Trump smoldered and contorted the muscles around his mouth as his face looked like thunder. Harris delivered her punches with a knowing smile and looked directly into the eyes of viewers at home.

The former presidents greatest failure was that he failed to probe Harris greatest weakness. Shes often strong in scripted situations but has struggled when thrown onto the defensive when taken by surprise. Trump created far too few of those moments to discomfort his rival. It took him until his closing statement to deliver his strongest possible line  that Harris, as a vital part of an administration for more than three years, hadnt done any of the things she now says shed do.

He also wobbled on an issue that is proving disastrous to his standing among female voters in polls  abortion. Trump both sought credit for building the Supreme Courts conservative majority that overturned the nationwide constitutional right to an abortion and falsely claimed that most Americans had always wanted the issue returned to the states. This opened the way for Harris to deliver a searing line: Its insulting to the women of America.

The former presidents strongest moments came right at the end of the debate when he lambasted Harris and Biden over the Russian invasion of Ukraine. He raised the specter of nuclear escalation on the part of Russia and presented himself as the only thing between the United States and World War III. His vows to end the conflict may be closer to sentiment in the heartland than Bidens promises to stand with Kyiv for as long as it takes. But Harris was probably correct in saying that Trumps plan can only be achieved by concluding a peace that favors President Vladimir Putin.

And even during his clashes with Harris over the war in Ukraine, Trump appeared to be pining for an election campaign that was far more enjoyable for him than the ones hes now waging.

Youre not running against Joe Biden, youre running against me, the vice president told him, in a statement that helps explain Trumps disorientation, and may yet define the entire election.

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Vice President Kamala Harris responded to former President Donald Trumps comments that he didnt know she was Black.

I think its a tragedy that we have someone who wants to be president, who has consistently, over the course of his career, attempted to use race to divide the American people, Harris said. We dont want a leader, who is constantly trying to have Americans point their fingers at each other.

ABC News anchor David Muir asked the former president if he felt it would be appropriate to comment on the racial identity of his opponent, referencing the comments he made at the NABJ convention in August. The former president doubled down, saying he does not care what Vice President Kamala Harris race is.

I dont care what she is, Trump said. I couldnt care less.

Harris, who is the daughter of an Indian mother and a Jamaican father, called for the American people to consider the kind of leader they would want as their next president. Harris laid out several instances, in which the former president belittled others based on their race.

Lets remember this is the same individual, who took out a full page ad in the New York Times calling for the execution of five young black and Latino boys who were innocentthe Central Park Fivetook out a full page ad calling for their execution. This is the same individual who spread birther lies about the first Black president of the United States. And I think the American people want better than that, want better than this, Harris said.

The vice president added that Trumps incessant belittling and namecalling is not productive for the American people.

Regardless of peoples color or the language their grandmother speaks, we all have the same dreams and aspirations and want a president who invests in those, not in hate and division, the vice president said.

Tuesday nights debate may be the final debate matchup between the two presidential candidates. Trump has proposed to debate the former prosecutor on Fox and NBC News, but neither the networks nor the vice president have agreed to those dates.

The post Harris Breaks Silence on Trumps Comments About Her Race: I Think Its a Tragedy appeared first on TheWrap.
Kamala Harris listens as former President Trump speaks during a presidential debate at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on September 10, 2024.

Kamala Harris listens as former President Trump speaks during a presidential debate at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on September 10, 2024. (Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images)

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In their first and possibly only debate, Vice President Kamala Harris stayed composed as she made her case to voters, often pivoting her answers to topics that got under former President Donald Trumps skin. Trump, for his part, stuck to his typical rally fare of incendiary rhetoric about immigrants and false claims, some of which were fact-checked in real time by the debates moderators.

Trumps demeanor and tone got angrier, more defiant and more rambling after Harris took a dig at the size and energy of his rallies, encouraging Americans to see one for themselves.

You will see during the course of his rallies, he talks about fictional characters like Hannibal Lecter, he will talk about, windmills cause cancer, Harris said. And what you will also notice is that people start leaving his rallies early out of exhaustion and boredom. And I will tell you, the one thing you will not hear him talk about is you.

The debate, which took place seven weeks after former President Joe Biden dropped out and 56 days before the 2024 election, was a critical opportunity for both candidates to lay down their markers and make their cases to the American electorate. Trump, who rarely raised his voice during his debate with Biden in June, on Tuesday leaned into the podium, at times yelling and appearing flustered.

Harris used some debate answers to discuss her personal biography of growing up in a middle-class household, highlight her past experience as a prosecutor and tout her economic policy agenda.

At others, she chose key moments to strike a nerve  a notable dynamic as Trump, who has often run on personal insults and employed racist and sexist rhetoric, faced a Black and South Asian woman who currently holds the countrys second highest office. Throughout the debate, Trump struggled to land on a clear line of attack that was different from his attacks on Biden. At one point, he said Harris was worse than Biden while at others, he accused her of copying Bidens policy plans and said, She is Joe Biden.

Harris also sought to pierce Trumps efforts to project an image of strength on the world stage, slamming his past and current praise for foreign autocratic leaders like Russias Vladimir Putin and Hungarys Viktor Orban.

It is absolutely well-known that these dictators and autocrats are rooting for you to be president again because theyre so clear they can manipulate you with flattery and favors, Harris said. And that is why so many military leaders who you have worked with have told me you are a disgrace.

She also dug at Trumps searing defeat in the 2020 election, which the former presidents refusal to accept led to an insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, criminal cases against his associates and ongoing rancor among his followers.

Donald Trump was fired by 81 million people, so lets be clear about that, and clearly he is having a very difficult time processing that, Harris said.

Harris has made her past record as a prosecutor central to her campaigns messaging against Trump, who has repeatedly assailed other Black women prosecutors who have brought cases against him and his businesses  including in the debate.

Tuesdays ABC News debate, at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, was the first time Trump and Harris met in person. Trump did not attend Biden and Harris inauguration in 2021 after his attempts to overturn the 2020 election culminated in the January 6 insurrection at the Capitol.

The 2024 election marks the second time in American history that the presidential debate stage has featured a man and a woman candidate  the first was in 2016, when Trump faced off against Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton.

Recent polls, including a 19th News/SurveyMonkey survey released Tuesday, show Harris and Trump locked in a tight race for the presidency with Harriss three-point lead among registered voters, 41 to 44 percent, driven by women. The poll showed that 47 percent of women voters said Harris cared about the problems of people like them, while 35 percent say the same of Trump. The numbers are largely reversed for men  46 percent for Trump and 36 percent for Harris.

From the start, Harris maintained her gaze on Trump when she wasnt speaking, at times smirking or nodding. Trump, meanwhile, looked on at the moderators, primarily David Muir, and rarely glanced at Harris. When answering questions lobbed her way, Harris at several points looked into the camera, speaking directly to voters.

Viewers gather to watch the debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump at the Angry Elephant Bar and Grill in San Antonio, Texas on September 10, 2024. (Eric Gay/AP)

Debate moderators called out on four of the times he made false or misleading claims, compared with zero instances for Harris, which conservative commentators were quick to blame for Trumps performance.

Trump took the anti-immigrant messaging that has become a marquee of his campaign to new levels when he made false and dehumanizing claims about undocumented immigrants, saying they are stealing  and eating  peoples pets.

In Springfield, Ohio, he said, theyre eating the dogs. The people that came in, theyre eating the cats. Theyre eating  theyre eating the pets of the people that live there. And this is whats happening in our country, and its a shame. One of the debate moderators told Trump the network had reached out to the city manager of Springfield, who said there had been no reports of any specific pets being harmed by immigrants, a lie that spread in a viral social media post.

Trump also falsely accused Harris of letting immigrants into the country so that they could vote, saying, They cant even speak English. They dont even know what country theyre in, practically. And these people are trying to get them to vote, and thats why theyre allowing them to come into our country. Only U.S. citizens can vote in federal elections, and the path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants is extremely narrow, if it exists at all.

Harris, meanwhile, urged voters to turn the page and reject Trump on a number of fronts, including his divisive rhetoric on race and identity.

At one point, when Trump was asked about his false comments in July that Harris hadnt always identified as Black, and that he didnt know what race he was, he responded: I dont care what she is.

Harris, in turn, said its tragic that Americans have a candidate for the presidency who is constantly trying to divide us, especially by race. She recalled how Trump took out a full page ad in The New York Times calling for the execution of the five Black and Latinx men known as the Central Park Five, who as teenagers were wrongly convicted of violently raping a jogger in the iconic park. She also pointed to Trumps claims that President Barack Obama was not born in the United States.

I think the American people want better than that  want better than this, Harris said.We want someone who understands, as I do, that we see in each other a friend. We see in each other a neighbor.

The post Harris brings out an angry and defensive Trump appeared first on The 19th.

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When Donald Trump debated President Joe Biden in June, one of the most cringe-inducing moments was when Trump announced, unchallenged, the batshit insane lie that Democrats want to kill babies. They will take the life of a child in the eighth month, the ninth month, and even after birth  after birth  if you look at the former governor of Virginia, he was willing to do this, Trump said. He said, Well put the baby aside, and will determine what we do with the baby, meaning: Well kill the baby.

Biden couldnt choke out a coherent sentence in response. On Tuesday in Philadelphia, Kamala Harris had the chance for a re-do after Trump again pushed the same lie. But even before she opened her mouth, ABCs Linsey Davis  moderating the debate with her colleague David Muir  corrected Trump: There is no state in this country where it is legal to kill the baby after its born.

Harris went on to slam Trump for packing the Supreme Court with conservative justices who voted to overturn Roe v. Wade, and detailed the horrific experiences of women living in states that have implemented strict abortion restrictions in the aftermath.

The vice president spoke of Trump abortion bans that make no exception even for rape and incest, calling on viewers to understand what that means: A survivor of a crime of violation to their body does not have the right to make a decision about what happens to their body next. That is immoral.

She spoke of women bleeding out after miscarriages, afraid to get medical help, and children who are victims of incest being forced to carry pregnancies to term. She pledged, as she has repeatedly since becoming the Democratic nominee, to restore the protections of Roe v. Wade if she is elected with a Democratic majority. If Donald Trump were to be reelected, he will sign a national abortion ban, she added.

A representative for Harris campaign, which said it was monitoring the reactions of groups of undecided voters via dial groups in battleground states, said those voters had a strong response during the debate when Harris talked about abortion: This really was off the charts, we rarely see dials go this high. The represented added that in the 9 p.m. hour during the debate, 71 percent of their grassroots donors were women.

Trump flailed in his response, attempting, unsuccessfully, to pivot away from abortion and toward Harris and Bidens efforts to win student loan forgiveness. Pressed by the moderator about whether or not he would actually sign a federal ban on abortion, Trump refused to say. I wont have to, he offered. When asked about his running mate, J.D. Vances assertion that he would veto such a ban, Trump again refused to confirm: I didnt discuss it with JD, he said.

Kamala Harris full response on abortion pic.twitter.com/QEVkM5WjkR  Acyn (@Acyn) September 11, 2024

Trumps record on abortion has become a political problem  a fact he has long recognized, even if he hasnt quite settled on a fix. Since a Supreme Court majority  including three justices he appointed  struck down the federal right to abortion in 2022, the former president has both downplayed his role, and bragged about it.

As hes struggled to land on a position that preserves enough of his anti-abortion coalition without turning off normies, Trump has toyed with branding, discussing, for example, whether a national ban at 16 weeks, a nice round, even number, would have wider appeal than a 15-week ban.

Most recently, Trump reversed himself, within a day, on the subject of whether he would be voting for a ballot measure that proposes codifying the right to abortion in his home state of Florida. (Florida currently enforces a ban on most abortions that take place after six weeks gestation, before many women know they are pregnant.) I think the six weeks is too short, Trump told NBC News on August 29. I am going to be voting that we need more than six weeks, he said, when pressed on how he would vote on the pro-choice measure. The next day  following vocal backlash from anti-abortion Republicans  Trump told a Fox News reporter that, actually, he would be voting against the proposal.

As the moderators mentioned, his running mate has added to the confusion by promoting the dubious claim that he would veto a national abortion ban. No Republican with any reasonable power is saying that we should have a complete national abortion ban, Vance told Meet the Press  which was interesting since Vance himself has said that he would like to see about be illegal nationally. Project 2025  written by Trumps former and current advisers to be the playbook for his next term in office  also fantasizes of enforcing the Comstock Act, which Trumps own lawyer has identified as a de facto federal abortion ban already on the books.

Trumps refusal to take a position at Tuesdays debate reinforces the idea that the equivocation is less about an unwillingness to take a position, and more a transparent attempt to muddy the waters so thoroughly that voters cant figure out what his position actually is.

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US presidential candidate Kamala Harris has expressed her support for Ukraine in the war against Russia, while candidate Donald Trump, as she said, would surrender within 24 hours if he took office. Answering the question of whether he wanted Ukraine to win the war, Trump avoided a direct answer twice and said that it was in the interest of the US for the war to end.

Source: live broadcast of the debates between Trump and Harris

Details: Trump claimed that he could end the war in Ukraine even before assuming office: "What I'll do is I'll speak to one, I'll speak to the other, I'll get them together".

He complained that the US had provided between US$250 billion and US$275 billion in aid to Ukraine, while European countries had contributed only between US$100 billion and US$150 billion, despite being geographically closer to Ukraine.

Quote from Trump: "I want the war to stop. I want to save lives that are being killed by the millions.

I know Zelenskyy very well and I know Putin very well. I have a good relationship. And they respect your president. Okay? They respect me. They don't respect Biden.

We're playing with World War 3."

Details: Trump also reiterated that Putin has nuclear weapons and might use them or might not.

In addition, Trump repeated the false claim that Harris was sent to negotiate with Putin to prevent the war between Russia and Ukraine.

Quote from Harris: "I believe the reason that Donald Trump says that this war would be over within 24 hours is because he would just give it up.

I actually met with Zelenskyy a few days before Russia invaded... I shared with him American intelligence about how he could defend himself.

Days later I went to NATO's eastern flank, to Poland and Romania.

We brought 50 countries together to support Ukraine.

And because of our support, because of the air defence, the ammunition, the artillery, the Javelins, the Abrams tanks that we have provided, Ukraine stands as an independent and free country.

We understand the importance of the greatest military alliance the world has ever known, which is NATO. And what we have done to preserve the ability of Zelenskyy and the Ukrainians to fight for their independence. Otherwise, Putin would be sitting in Kyiv with his eyes on the rest of Europe. Starting with Poland."

More details: Harris emphasised that the US must remain a leader in defending international rights and rules.

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Rep. Terri Sewell (D-Ala.), who serves as the CBC foundation's board chair, said Congressional Black Caucus membership has grown from 13 to the current 60 members in Congress. Photo by William J. Ford

WASHINGTON, D.C.  Buoyed by the prospect that one of their own could make history as the first woman elected president, the Congressional Black Caucus converged on the nations capital Wednesday for its annual conference of elected officials, allies and leaders in business, education and health care.

Vice President Kamala Harris, who formally accepted the Democratic nomination for president less than three weeks ago, was a member of the Congressional Black Caucus while a U.S. senator representing California. On Tuesday night, she faced former President Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, for the first time in a debate, where he defended his disparaging remarks last month about her race. Harris is Black and Asian.

The election was top of mind at the conference, which runs Wednesday through Sunday, as attendees spoke of the energy and excitement over Harris chances.

Just a few weeks ago, we witnessed history happening in this country when we saw the first African American woman get the nomination for one of the major party tickets to be president of the United States, Nicole Austin-Hillery, president and CEO of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, told the attendees who clapped and cheered inside the Walter E. Washington Convention Center exhibit hall. We are a part of that history.

Donna E. King, a vice president of the Foss Park District commissioners in North Chicago, Illinois, said Harris looked presidential during Tuesdays debate.

It touched my heart because I got to see an African American woman running for president, said King, who served in the Army for two years, eight months and 28 days. She prosecuted to the facts that this nation cant have a 34-time convicted felon as our president. Thats unheard of. Im sure that all of our forefathers are turning over in their graves.

Rep. Kweisi Mfume (D-7th) told Maryland Matters Tuesday that Harris ascension raises the importance of the caucus, its work and influence.

It gives it a significant boost and an increased level of importance as a result of Vice President Harris being the party nominee, and being so close to what we think is the opportunity to alter the course of history and to focus us on the future and take us away from this ongoing focus on the past, Mfume said.

Mfume is among the 60 Black congressional lawmakers who make up the largest class in the caucus 53-year history. The Black Caucus represents a major voting bloc, comprising nearly a fourth of U.S. House Democrats.

The caucus longtime mission has been to amplify Black voices and policies to improve Black communities. Last year, there were 13,000 conference participants. With more than 9,000 participants registered, this years goal is 15,000, according to the office of Black Caucus Chair Rep. Steven Horsford (D-Nev.).

Dozens of sessions will tackle issues and solutions in education, health, criminal justice and activism. Harris and President Joe Biden are slated to attend the conferences Phoenix Awards Dinner on Saturday.

The conferences theme is From Vision to Victory: Amplifying Black Voices, which Horsford said extends beyond Election Day on Nov. 5. A National Town Hall on Thursday will focus on protecting democracy and economic prosperity and wealth-building. The discussion will center around a report the caucus released Monday that includes recommendations for companies to adopt diversity, equity and inclusion policies in the workplace.

That means victories for our people every single day around full economic participation and the opportunity to thrive economically and not just to survive, Horsford said. We recognize this is an ongoing work that is necessary for all of us to come together because democracy is a team sport.

The caucus report calls on CEOs from Fortune 500 companies to generate policies that create perpetual accountability for Corporate America, help close this massive gap of inequality, and support the values of our Caucus.

When we lift up Black America, we lift up everyone, Horsford said.

Founded in 1971 with 13 members, the Congressional Black Caucus is an outgrowth of the Democracy Select Committee that brought together congressional representatives who often felt isolated. When Mfume took office in 1987, there were 17 members as he replaced one of its founders, former Rep. Parren Mitchell, the first African American from Maryland elected to Congress.

With Harris in the national spotlight, the conference will also focus on Black women in politics in a discussion Friday hosted by Rep. Emilia Sykes (D-Ohio).

Panelist Ashanti Gholar, president of Emerge, a national organization that helps train and recruit Black women to run for elected office, said the conference will allow for attendees to celebrate Harris Democratic nomination for president in person, which couldnt be done four years ago, because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

California-based Emerge was founded in 2002, before Harris run for San Francisco district attorney.

This is a chance to really celebrate her and shes on top of the ticket now, Gholar said. Its just so powerful and inspiring. We finally get to give her her flowers that we werent able to do four years ago.

For women seeking public office the obstacles are many.

The reality for women is  that we cannot take the sexism, the racism, the misogyny out of politics. It is there, Gholar said. What we can do is make them competent on what it takes to run for office.

 This story was updated on Friday, Sept. 13, to correct that the group Emerge was not involved in Harris campaign.
Republican presidential nominee, former U.S. President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris debate for the first time during the presidential election campaign at The National Constitution Center on September 10, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Donald Trump was being embarrassed in ways that nobody has ever embarrassed him before, Mandela Barnes tells theGrio.

Gleeful Democrats are praising Vice President Kamala Harris after Tuesdays presidential debate as they and voters polled shortly afterward overwhelmingly said she bested former President Donald Trump.

The Democratic presidential nominee took Trump to task on his racist history, embrace of white violence and hate, and weak record as president.

Donald Trump was being embarrassed in ways that nobody has ever embarrassed him before, said Mandela Barnes, senior fellow at People For the American Way.

Harris, who often looked directly at Trump and seemingly smiled in pity, clearly got under the Republican presidential nominees skin.

Part of it was him just tripping over his own shoelaces and her just watching it happen, I think, had an even greater impact than ridiculing and mocking him for it, said Barnes, a former Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in Wisconsin.

During the 90-minute debate, Trump was asked by ABC moderator David Muir about his remarks at NABJ in July that Vice President Harris happened to turn Black.

Trump stumbled throughout his response, initially saying, I dont care what she is  I couldnt care less. Whatever she wants to be is OK with me, but those were your words. But then he added, I mean, all I can say is, I read where she was not Black, that she put out, and Ill say that. And then I read that she was Black.

In response, Harris chastised Trump as a tragedy and someone who has consistently over the course of his career, attempted to use race to divide the American people.

The vice president then went through a series of examples of Trumps racist record, including refusing to rent his properties to Black families, buying a newspaper ad calling for the death penalty for a group of innocent Black and Latino boys known as the Central Park Five and pushing the racist conspiracy that Barack Obama, Americas first Black president, was not born in the United States.

I think the American people want better than that. Want better than this  We dont want a leader who is constantly trying to have Americans point their fingers at each other, said Harris.

Democratic presidential nominee, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, debates Republican presidential nominee, former U.S. president Donald Trump, for the first time during the presidential election campaign at The National Constitution Center on September 10, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

She continued, Regardless of peoples color or the language their grandmother speaks, we all have the same dreams and aspirations and want a president who invests in those  not in hate and division.



U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn, D-S.C., told theGrio that Harris debate performance was remarkable.

Given the small but significant number of Black male voters who say they are considering casting their ballots for Donald Trump, Clyburn said it was very important for Vice President Harris to take him to task on his racism.



Im really puzzled as to why so many African-American men, to know that history,  could just ignore all of that, said the longtime congressman and known presidential kingmaker.

Omarosa [Manigault Newman], who worked for him on his [White House] staff, he looked in the TV camera and referred to her as a dog, Clyburn recalled. Come on! How can you vote for somebody who would say that about a Black woman?

Harris also chastised Trump for inciting the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol after refusing to concede his loss in the 2020 election against Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. The mostly white mob (some armed and wearing tactical gear) physically attacked law enforcement and broke into the Capitol building, resulting in deaths.

The vice president connected Trumps role in Jan. 6 to the 2017 violence in Charlottesville following a rally of white supremacists who chanted, Jews will not replace us. She also recalled Trump telling the Proud Boys, a white militia group, to stand back and stand by after refusing to condemn them.

Were not going back. Its time to turn the page, said Harris.

Clyburn said plainly of Trump, This guy is a reincarnation of Adolf Hitler, adding, This guy is racist. Hes antisemitic, and nobody can look at the facts and come to any other conclusion.

Republican presidential nominee, former U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to reporters in the spin room after debating Democratic presidential nominee, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, at Pennsylvania Convention Center on September 10, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Barnes said Harris connecting the dots between Jan. 6 and Charlottesville was skillful and necessary.



The visuals are certainly seared into peoples minds, he explained. Connecting those visuals to a person who has helped incite that sort of violence, reminding people what it looks like, what it feels like, and what it can devolve into, helps, I think, make the case.



Barnes added, It was very lawyerly, the way she handled it.

Kamala Harris was detailed, precise, and thoughtful throughout this all-important debate. She took it seriously, said Brandon Weathersby, presidential campaigns communications director at American Bridge 21st Century, a pro-Democrat research firm.

He continued, Donald Trump lost his mind on national television, and we all watched it happen. And this is the same guy that American Bridge has been watching in his rallies for the past two years since he launched his 2024 campaign. Were not surprised it was this bad.

Harris campaign co-chair and former U.S. Congressman Cedric Richmond told theGrio that Trump is thin-skinned and stuck in the past.

People got a chance tonight to see his character, his lack of values, and they got a chance to contrast it with hers. And I think it was a good night, said Richmond.

Clyburn similarly told theGrio of Harris, What she did needed to be done. He said Harris, as a Black and Asian woman, had to overcome the misogynistic perception that a woman in America cant lead.

I never knew why this was the case, but historically people have always referred to women as the weaker sex. That [Tuesday night] was a burden that she had to overcome, said Clyburn.

But after Tuesday night, he said, The American people will decide that its time for us to have the first female president of the United States.

Richmond said Harris showed American voters that shes ready to be commander in chief tomorrow.

I think that that was just a great demonstration of  presidential vision, presidential temperament and the character and the upbringing to focus on the American people.

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Vice President Kamala Harris soundly defeated former President Donald Trump in their first, and perhaps only, presidential debate.

With a calm, exacting performance, Harris turned the former presidents well-worn insult book against him, making Trump lose his temper  and then his moorings  as he descended into angry and fact-free rants about immigrants eating dogs and imaginary peace talks in Ukraine.

As the night wore on, and Trumps upper lip began to sweat under the pressure, Harris spoke directly to the camera while making a case for her vision of Americas future, even as she painted Trump as a sorry artifact of the past. We dont have to go back, Harris insisted, invoking the dark memory of Jan. 6, 2021. Its time to turn the page.

The ABC debate, held in Philadelphia without an audience, opened with the candidates on relatively equal footing. Harris seemed to be fighting off some early jitters, while Trump appeared unusually crisp and on message in his first answers.

Harris attempted to rebrand Trumps favored tariff policy  adding taxes to the cost of imported goods  as the Trump sales tax. The conversation then shifted into a discussion of abortion. This played out much differently than the Biden-Trump debate  this time with the Democrat actually prosecuting the case against Trump, deftly calling him out for stocking the Supreme Court with reactionary jurists who overturned Roe v. Wade, eroding decades of reproductive freedoms.

Trump again laid out his outlandish lie that Democrats seek to execute infants even after theyre delivered. He also celebrated the genius of his MAGA-fied high court for ending Roe, while asserting, counterfactually, that Americans were eager to abolish a 50-year federal guarantee of abortion care and to send the issue back to the states. Weve gotten what everybody wanted, Trump claimed.

Where Biden had fumbled with an incoherent answer in the first debate, Harris counterpunched with a barrage of real-life harms created by what she called Trump abortion bans in states across the country. Harris described a pregnant woman suffering a miscarriage and being denied care in an emergency room because the health care providers are afraid they might go to jail and bleeding out in a car in the parking lot. Harris looked Trump down. She didnt want that. Her husband didnt want that. Harris also invoked cases of a 12- or 13-year-old survivor of incest being forced to carry a pregnancy to term. They dont want that.

The debate turned decisively when the questions turned to immigration  Trumps wheelhouse issue, generally seen as a vulnerability for the Democrat. But Harris cleverly used the question to bait Trump.

Harris began the exchange, and opened by inveighing against Trump for killing a bipartisan immigration deal so he could preserve the issue to run on. But then Harris veered off topic. She curiously brought up Trumps campaign events, inviting Americans to attend one of Donald Trumps rallies, because its a really interesting thing to watch. She chided Trump for his strange paeans to Hannibal Lecter and claims that windmills cause cancer. And then she took direct aim at Trumps ego: What you will also notice is that people start leaving his rallies early out of exhaustion and boredom.

The effect was like a matador waving a flag in front of a bull. And Harris immediately had Trump seeing red. When it was his turn to address the immigration question, Trump detoured from his signature issue to address his hurt feelings. First let me respond as to the rallies, he said. People dont leave. My rallies, we have the biggest rallies, the most incredible rallies in the history of politics.

Trump then jumped awkwardly into a racist, unfounded conspiracy theory about new immigrant arrivals in Ohio supposedly feeding on their neighbors pets: Theyre eating the dogs, the people that came in, theyre eating the cats. Theyre eating  theyre eating the pets of the people that live there. And this is whats happening in our country, Trump insisted. He then pivoted back to a defense of his events: As far as rallies are concerned. As far as the reason they go is, they like what I say.

The entire debate dynamic shifted after that, creating a debacle for Trump. The former president fell into an angry, shouty mode of address  refusing to make eye contact with Harris or, largely, the camera. He directed his seething answers instead at ABC moderators David Muir and Linsey Davis.

Harris, by contrast, settled into her groove. She delivered her criticisms of her Republican counterpart by staring straight at Trump, repeatedly putting him on the defensive. And then she would speak directly to the camera, creating a sense of intimacy with viewers that wholly eluded Trump, when making a call for American unity or presenting policy proposals she insisted would lift up the nations families.

Harris was perhaps at her best addressing a question about Trump having belittled her racial identity. Two weeks ago, asked about those attacks in a CNN interview, Harris had been dismissive, replying: Same old, tired playbook. Next question, please. On Tuesday, she skewered Trump, instead.

I think its a tragedy that we have someone who wants to be president who has, consistently over the course of his career, attempted to use race to divide the American people. She remarked on Trumps past discrimination against Black renters, and his call for the death penalty for the Central Park Five, who were later exonerated. This is the same individual who spread birther lies about the first Black president of the United States. I think the American people want better than that. Want better than  this, she said, addressing Trump with withering contempt.

In the debate spin room before the event, Trump campaign senior adviser Alina Habba signaled that Trumps camp knew what was coming. Habba told Rolling Stone of Harris: I think she will try to get under his skin. But, she added, hilariously in retrospect, that her boss doesnt get easily rattled.

The two candidates came into Tuesdays debate neck and neck in polling  but seem to be campaigning in entirely different universes. Trump has been menacing America with threats of bloody mass removals of undocumented immigrants, pledges to jail his enemies, lies that public schools abscond kids to perform unauthorized gender reassignment surgeries, and demands for a government shutdown.

Harris has been basking in a Big Tent moment, with endorsements from conservative Republicans like Dick and Liz Cheney, as well as slates of former military officials. She recently debuted the policy agenda shed pursue as president  including measures to cut middle-class taxes, implement a federal ban on price gouging for food and groceries, as well as tackle the climate crisis. (The vice president also visited a pretzel factory in New Hampshire vowing to take a big bag of Tasty Ranch Dill flavor home for second gentleman Doug Emhoff.)

Harris opportunity at the debate, beyond attacking Trump, was to fill in gaps for voters who find her candidacy appealing but seek more detail about how she might govern  a reasonable ask of the Democrat who unexpectedly became the partys standard bearer only two months ago. On this front she was modestly successful, mixing her vivisection of the 45th president with descriptions of her plans to give a tax credit to new parents to support their infants, her plan to build affordable housing, and her eagerness to fund innovation though a $50,000 tax deduction for new small businesses.

For Trump, the tables were turned from the previous debate with Biden. His age and acuity are now under the microscope, contrasted to Harris, two decades his junior. And here Trump stumbled. He showcased not only his frequent incoherence  peppering an answer about climate change, for example, with nonsense allegations about Biden being bribed by the mayor of Moscows wife  but also a temperament that was shockingly unpresidential.

Trumps key goal was to define Harris as a Biden clone, tying her down to defining unpopular perceptions of the current president. Here, Harris also got the better of Trump. I am not Joe Biden, and I am certainly not Donald Trump, she said. What I do offer is a new generation of leadership for our country, one who believes in what is possible, one who brings a sense of optimism about what we can do  instead of always disparaging the American people.

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After China announced broad measures to rescue its economy, Chinese stocks surged, our Chart of the Week shows. It's not the first time the country has attempted to get out of the recent doldrums, but the market's reaction says this time might be different.
Red Lobster PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images

A little less than four months after Red Lobster filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, the seafood restaurant chain received court approval for its restructuring plan to continue operating under a new firm.

Red Lobster will be acquired by RL Investor Holdings LLC  an entity created by funds managed by affiliates of Fortress Investment Group LLC  alongside co-investors TCW Private Credit and Blue Torch, the company announced in a press release Thursday. The acquisition is anticipated to close before the end of September.

Once the acquisition is complete, Red Lobster will also bring in new leadership. Jonathan Tibus, who has served as the company's CEO, will step down from his role and leave the Red Lobster restaurant chain. Damola Adamolekun, the former CEO of P.F. Changs, will succeed Tibus.

This is a great day for Red Lobster, Adamolekun said in a statement. With our new backers, we have a comprehensive and long-term investment plan  including a commitment of more than $60 million in new funding  that will help to reinvigorate the iconic brand while keeping the best of its history. Red Lobster has a tremendous future, and I cannot wait to get started on our plan with the Company's more than 30,000 team members across the USA and Canada.

I want to thank Jonathan Tibus and his team for their stewardship, and look forward to welcoming them as frequent Red Lobster guests, he added.

Red Lobster filed for bankruptcy on May 19 after shutting down nearly 50 restaurant locations across the U.S and liquidating restaurant equipment via auctions. A day later, Red Lobster said it was investigating a pattern of mismanagement by its majority owner Thai Union, which played a huge role in the restaurant chains endless shrimp promotion that caused $11 million in operating losses, according to court documents. Per CNN, the company said it was more than $1 billion in debt and had less than $30 million available in cash. As part of its Chapter 11 reorganization, Red Lobster said it would sell its business to lenders and receive financing to continue operations. The company also would continue to close more restaurants.

In an attempt to save the beloved seafood chain, Flavor Flav vowed to do everything he could to help save one of America's greatest dining dynasties. In June, the Public Enemy rapper shared on X that he had visited a Red Lobster location and ordered everything on the menu.

Ya boy meant it when I said I was gonna do anything and everything to help @redlobster and save the cheddar bay biscuits,,, ordered the whole menu,!!! Flavor Flav wrote alongside a photo of himself posing in front of an elaborate spread of Red Lobster menu items, including shrimp scampi, popcorn shrimp and clam chowder.

Story continues

Red Lobster said in its recent press release that it will continue to operate as an independent company. The chain currently has 578 restaurants across 44 states and Canada, and serves approximately 64 million customers a year.

I'm proud of what Red Lobster has achieved during this restructuring  the Company will emerge from Chapter 11 stronger financially and operationally, and with new backers who are resolutely focused on investment and growth, Tibus said in a statement. I'm incredibly grateful for the support we've received from our team members and diners, and from so many of our landlords and vendors throughout this process. I'm looking forward to cheering on Red Lobster as an ardent fan in the years ahead.

Want more great food writing and recipes? Subscribe to Salon Food's newsletter, The Bite.

In addition to advancing its restructuring plan, Red Lobster launched its very own bite-partisan campaign in anticipation of the Harris-Trump presidential debate on Sept. 10. Called Cheddar Bay 2024, the campaign champions the values we can all rally behind  cheesiness, freshness, and that warm, buttery goodness we crave  because when biscuits rise, America thrives, according to a press release.

Up until Nov. 10, 2024, Red Lobster consumers can visit their local restaurant and scan a Cheddar Bay 2024 QR code found on the table for the chance to win the brands famed Cheddar Bay Biscuits and seafood for a presidential term  an entire four years.

Red Lobsters campaign also comes with its own merch. The official Campaign Kit includes Cheddar Bay 2024 lawn signs, t-shirts, hats and buttons all touting the Cheddar Bay Biscuits. Items are available on the campaigns official website on a first-come, first-serve basis while supplies last.

Over the last few months, our guests have shared countless reasons why they love Red Lobster and Cheddar Bay Biscuits always rise to the top, said Jeff Matray, vice president of marketing at Red Lobster. As election season heats up, there's one thing we can all rally behind  a shared love for Cheddar Bay Biscuits. The truth is, Red Lobster food brings people together, and we're excited to unite everyone, even if it's just over lunch or dinner.
Kamala Harris supporter Edie Jones was all smiles Tuesday night when asked how she felt the vice president performed in her debate against former President Donald Trump.

She brought it, Jones said of Harris. Shes ready. She showed it tonight.

Jones was one of about 50 Harris supporters who attended a Veterans for Harris/Walz debate watch party Tuesday night at the Studio Cigar Lounge in Fairburn. Fairburn City Council member Hattie Portis-Jones said she co-organized the event with Fairburn Mayor Mario Avery and state Rep. Derrick Johnson, D-Tyrone, in response to Trumps nominee for vice president  U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance of Ohio  and other conservatives questioning the military record of Harris running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, who served 24 years in the Army National Guard. The gathering was open to the public.

Attendees in the majority-Black, southwest Atlanta suburb were impressed and encouraged by Harris debate performance. All but one person who spoke with Capital B Atlanta said they felt she won the verbal sparring match with Trump, who angered and confused many with some of his comments, including allegations about Haitian immigrants eating peoples pets in Springfield, Ohio.

He sounded like a senile, crazy person, watch party attendee Sherese Watkins said. Kamala, she was very calm. She made a point of what her plan is and her policy. Trump did not do that. Trump did not say anything. He kept going off, like, demeaning her. Thats not how youre supposed to be a leader.

Georgia state Rep. Derrick Jackson, D-Tyrone, does a livestream with Fairburn Mayor Pro Tem James Whitemore ahead of Tuesdays presidential debate watch party even at the Studio Cigar Lounge in Fairburn. (Chauncey Alcorn/Capital B)

Watch party attendee John, who declined to give his last name, said he felt the debate didnt have a decisive winner. He wanted to hear Harris and Trumps positions on allowing transgender kids to receive gender-affirming hormone therapy and surgery without their parents permission, a practice that is illegal in Georgia.

I think it was 50-50, John said. Theres some questions that both of them did not answer. And I think this big topic right here has to do with the children having the rights over the parents [to transition].

Remarks on housing

During the debate, Harris talked about Americas national housing shortage and mentioned her plan to provide $25,000 in down-payment assistance for working families looking to buy their first home.

We know that we have a shortage of homes and housing, and the cost of housing is too expensive for far too many people, Harris said.

It was music to the ears of Watkins, 33, a Fairburn resident whos been living with her mom while saving money to buy her first home.

If Kamala [does] that, it could help me out, she said.

Fairburn City Council member Hattie Portis-Jones (center) helps Edith Mauldin-Higdin fill out a sign-in sheet following Tuesdays presidential debate watch party. (Chauncey Alcorn/Capital B)

Portis-Jones, the city council member, said lack of affordable housing is a major problem in Fairburn, where about 76% of residents are Black and more than 23% of people live below the poverty line.

Average rent prices in Fairburn have declined slightly since 2021, according to RentCafe. But Portis-Jones said the price of homes has increased tenfold since she moved to the city nearly three decades ago.

Its amazing to me, as an almost 30-year resident of this community, the price of housing today, she said. Were seeing an increase in [homelessness]. Its happening all over the country.

Addressing Project 2025

Polls show Harris already enjoyed overwhelming support from Black Americans, who are highly motivated to vote against Trump amid fears of him implementing Project 2025 and ending American democracy as we know it.

During the debate, Harris repeatedly took Trump to task over The Heritage Foundations conservative political playbook for a second Trump term and his past comments about becoming a dictator, weaponizing the U.S. Justice Department to target his political enemies, and centralizing more government authority at the White House.

It is well known that he admires dictators [and] wants to be a dictator on day one, according to himself, Harris said of Trump during the debate.

Trump once again denied plans to enact Project 2025, even though a number of his administrations former staffers co-authored it.

I have nothing to do with Project 2025, Trump said during the debate. I havent read it. I dont want to read it, purposely. Im not going to read it. This was a group of people that got together, they came up with some ideas. I guess some good, some bad. But it makes no difference.

How will the debate affect the race in Georgia?

The last presidential debate between Trump and President Joe Biden led to Biden dropping out of the race. Roslyn Satchel, CEO of the New Georgia Project Action Fund, said Harris was the clear winner of last nights debate, but she cautioned against Harris supporters becoming complacent about her winning in November.

A New York Times/Siena College poll unveiled Tuesday shows the momentum Harris built up upon entering the race has slowed, and Trump is ahead three points nationally. Trump and Harris remain virtually tied in Georgia, which Biden won by a razor-thin margin of less than 12,000 votes nearly four years ago.

Satchel warned that alleged voter suppression by pro-Trump election board operatives could play a decisive role in the outcome in November.

We recognize that surely this perhaps may be a close race, but it will probably be most close because we are looking at some very venomous voter suppression techniques that are happening at the county level and at the state level, Satchel said. We should care less about the polls and be more observant of whats happening with these governing bodies that have the potential of actually excluding people whove been voting for 30, 40, 50 years, who are being purged from the roles.

Watch party participant Pamela Morris, 62, said she doesnt think Trumps debate performance won over anyone who wasnt already planning to vote for him.

I just dont think he was able to pull [people] over to his side, said Morris, who lives in Union City. I think Vice President Harris did an exceptional job in saying basically what she intends to do for the United States and for the American people.

Voter engagement activists are encouraging Georgians to check their voter registration status often to make sure they havent been kicked off the states voter rolls and to participate in early voting so theyll have time to correct any problems they encounter prior to Election Day on Nov. 5.

The deadline to register to vote in the November election is Oct. 7. Early voting begins on Oct. 15 and ends on Nov. 1.

The post Harris Supporters in Georgia Salute Her Debate Performance: Shes Ready appeared first on Capital B News - Atlanta.
(Bloomberg) -- Kamala Harris touted the record US oil boom during her time as vice president in Tuesdays debate with Donald Trump, signaling a pragmatic approach on energy and climate policy pitched at swing state voters.

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Harris twice invoked the surge in US crude and natural gas production in the televised proceedings  a striking embrace of the nations fossil fuel output for a candidate who more often touts her green credentials and history taking on Big Oil as Californias top prosecutor.

We have got to invest in diverse sources of energy so we reduce our reliance on foreign oil, Harris said. We have had the largest increase in domestic oil production in history because of an approach that recognizes that we cannot over-rely on foreign oil.

Domestic crude output has climbed to a record under President Joe Bidens administration, though Democrats have been largely reluctant to brag  knowing that could alienate some progressive and green voters. Production averaged 12.9 million barrels a day last year, eclipsing a previous annual high set under Trump in 2019, according to the US Energy Information Administration.

Harris approach on the debate stage suggested a candidate seeking to find a balance that appealed both to oil and gas advocates  including workers tied to the industry in the key swing state of Pennsylvania  and younger climate voters whose turnout could be critical on Election Day.

As vice president, over the last four years, we have invested over a trillion dollars in a clean energy economy, while we have also increased domestic gas production to historic levels, said Harris, who also noted the impact of extreme weather on the availability and cost of home insurance.

The decision to highlight oil and gas output, and Harris reiteration Tuesday that she wouldnt support any ban on fracking, is a clear difference from her 2019 campaign for the Democratic presidential candidacy. Back then, Harris pledged to halt selling new fossil-fuel rights on public lands and to phase out existing oil and gas leases as part of a $10 trillion climate plan.

Harris missed a critical opportunity to lay out a stark contrast with Trump and show young voters that she will stand up to Big Oil and stop the climate crisis, said Stevie OHanlon, a spokesman for the progressive Sunrise Movement. Harris spent more time promoting fracking than laying out a bold vision for a clean energy future.

Trump, who has vowed to rescind unspent climate funds and to target offshore wind projects, was steadfast in insisting that Harris would move to quickly restrict onshore oil and gas production if she won office.

Theyd go back to destroying our country, and oil will be dead, fossil fuel will be dead, Trump said.

A presidents power to unilaterally restrict fracking  even under federal oil and gas leases  is limited, and barring the practice on private land would require an act of Congress.

Trump also attacked Harris over her support for renewables, and claimed solar requires vast areas of land to be effective. They need a whole desert to get some energy, he said.

Listen on Zero: What Donald Trumps Return Means for US Climate Ambition

(Adds comment from environmental group in eighth paragraph)

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Hours after they sparred at their first presidential debate together, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump shook each other's hands in a show of civility Wednesday morning at a ground zero ceremony commemorating the 9/11 attacks.

The two presidential nominees stood near each other at the event in lower Manhattan, with President Joe Biden and former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg standing between Harris and Trump. Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, Trump's vice presidential nominee, and former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani also attended the ceremony.

During the ceremony, a woman who lost her husband in the 2001 terrorist attacks criticized Biden for saying to reporters Tuesday that he would be doing 9/11 on Wednesday as part of his attendance at the day's memorial events. The woman called it quite a flippant remark  one of the only outright political statements heard during the ceremony.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Tuesday that Biden and Harris were attending the event because "they want to honor the 2,977 lives that were lost on that tragic day and support the families and also their loved ones who are still, still feeling a horrible pain."

Biden, Harris, Trump and Vance stayed at the service, which began at 8:30 a.m. ET, for more than an hour before departing.

Once Trump and Vance left ground zero, they stopped by Engine Company 4, Ladder Company 15 fire station in lower Manhattan to meet and take photos with firefighters, some of whose members died responding to the 9/11 attacks. Trump and Vance were joined by campaign staff, the former presidents sons, Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, and far-right activist Laura Loomer, who was with the former president at the debate Tuesday night and has spread conspiracy theories about the attacks.

Vice President Kamala Harris shakes hands with former President Donald Trump at the September 11 Memorial.

Vance and former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., also visited the offices of financial services firm Cantor Fitzgerald, now at 55 Water Street in lower Manhattan, whose corporate headquarters were based out of the top floors of the World Trade Centers North Tower on 9/11. The company has said that 658 of its employees died that day. Vance thanked the firm in brief remarks for its work to raise money for the families of 9/11 victims.

Harris and Biden later traveled to Shanksville, Pennsylvania, home of the Flight 93 memorial, and participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at the site. Trump visited the site about 90 minutes later. It is believed that an attack on the U.S. Capitol was prevented on Sept. 11, 2001, due to the actions of the flight's 40 passengers and crew who died when the plane crashed into a field in Shanksville.

The president and vice president also visited Shanksville's volunteer fire department to meet with firefighters and the families and friends of Flight 93 victims, as did Trump later on Wednesday. Biden and Harris stood side by side with a woman and a firefighter to look at a large silver cross that was erected at the firehouse with the letters "WTC" inscribed at the bottom. Before walking inside to meet with families, Biden stopped, bowed his head and made the sign of the cross.

In the afternoon, a Trump campaign account posted a photo of Biden wearing a MAGA hat and smiling. The caption on X read: Thanks for the support, Joe.

White House spokesperson Andrew Bates quote tweeted the post, saying that at the Shanksville fire station, Biden "spoke about the countrys bipartisan unity after 9/11 and said we needed to get back to that. As a gesture, he gave a hat to a Trump supporter who then said that in the same spirit, POTUS should put on his Trump cap. He briefly wore it.

Biden and Harris then headed to Virginia, where they participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Pentagon, and had a moment of reflection at the wall of names at the memorial there.

Harris' running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, commemorated the 9/11 anniversary in his home state.

Presidential candidates traditionally refrain from campaigning on the anniversary of the deadliest terrorist attack in U.S. history, but they have crossed paths at 9/11 memorials in previous election cycles.

In 2016, Trump and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton  then the Democratic presidential nominee  attended a 15th anniversary service, but she departed abruptly and appeared unsteady as she left. Her campaign said she felt "overheated," adding later that she had been diagnosed with pneumonia.

Trump used the incident to question Clinton's stamina and whether she was "tough" enough to be president.

Trump, as president, and Biden, the Democratic nominee, attended the 9/11 Memorial & Museums annual commemoration at ground zero in 2020, when Biden spent time consoling family members who lost loved ones in the attacks.

Trump and Biden that day also went to Shanksville, where Biden laid a wreath at the memorial and met with family members and Trump delivered a speech vowing that America will always rise up, stand tall and fight back.

Harris went to the New York memorial service last year, while Biden, who was traveling back from Asia, marked the anniversary at an Air Force base in Alaska.

Biden went to all three of the attack memorial sites in 2021  the 20th anniversary.

Trump, a New York native, did not attend the memorial in 2021, making stops instead at a police station and a firehouse.

He marked the anniversary with a video statement last year. No one who lived through the horror of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks can ever forget the agony and the anguish of that terrible day. It was a terrible day," he said in the video. We will never forget.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
As Harris and Trump debated, social media had its own war

By Stephanie Kelly

NEW YORK (Reuters) - While tens of millions of Americans tuned in to watch the debate between Republican Donald Trump and Democratic nominee Kamala Harris on their television screens on Tuesday, a secondary battle played out on social media's smaller screens.

From the opening moment of the debate, Democrats seized on Harris' walk across the stage to shake Trump's hand and introduce herself, posting videos and photos.

"Kamala said youre gonna shake my hand dammit!" social media user Adam James Smith posted on X, to over 68,000 likes.

Part of Vice President Harris' debate plan was to goad Trump into saying things that could become viral social media clips, advisers said earlier, and the debate suggested that strategy paid off. However, Trump's campaign and online supporters quickly declared victory after the debate was over, claiming a win for the Republican former president.

Harris' sometimes bemused, sometimes alarmed, sometimes skeptical facial expressions as Trump cycled through a series of familiar falsehoods were quickly turned into memes. Trump's repetition of a false claim that Haitian migrants in Springfield, Ohio, were eating pet dogs and cats, though, probably inspired the most reaction.

"THEY'RE EATING THE DOGS," quickly trended on social media platform X, buoyed by thousands of posts - including many confused at the quote's relevance in a presidential debate, after Trump said "They're eating the dogs, the people that came in, they're eating the cats."

As the debate ended, Harris scored the ultimate online victory. "Like many of you, I watched the debate tonight," Taylor Swift said on Tuesday to her over 280 million Instagram followers. "I'm voting for @kamalaharris because she fights for the rights and causes I believe need a warrior to champion them."

The post already had over 4.3 million "likes" on Instagram as of late Tuesday, two hours after it was posted.

Social media is playing an even more significant role in this year's election cycle than it has in the past, political strategists say. Both the Democratic and Republican parties have drafted content creators, or influencers, to push information on their party's policies and their candidates.

"(Social media) both is what people think and shapes what people think," said Shannon McGregor, an associate professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's Hussman School of Journalism and Media.

Overall, Trump far outperforms Harris and her campaign on followers. The Harris campaign's official Kamala HQ account has 1.3 million followers on X, compared to the Trump campaign's 2.4 million, for example. However, her campaign has received over 100 million "likes" on its videos on TikTok versus Trump's 44 million.

TRUMP DECLARES 'BIG WIN'

Trump's campaign and his supporters jumped on his response as he discussed Harris' economic plan, calling it simplistic and a copy of her boss President Joe Biden's agenda.

"Run, Spot, run," Trump said, in reference to a popular book series used to teach children to read in decades past. The term was quickly trending on X.

Harris put Trump on the defensive Tuesday with a stream of attacks on abortion limits, his fitness for office and his myriad legal woes, analysts said. But the Trump campaign, and Trump himself, quickly declared victory on social media after it was over.

"People are saying big win tonight," Trump declared on his Facebook account after it was over, in a post that quickly had nearly 30,000 likes. He also appeared before reporters and said the moderators were "unfair" to him.

The Harris campaign also declared debate victory in a statement Tuesday night.

Both sides quickly seized on Trump accusing Harris of failing to "meet with (Benjamin) Netanyahu when he went to Congress," referring to a July visit to Washington by the Israeli prime minister, and said she "wanted to go to the sorority party." Harris met with him separately.

Harris supporters on X rallied behind the vice president, who is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, a historically African American sorority, with posts like "sorority party to the polls."

On TikTok, Make America Great Again Inc, a Trump-supporting super PAC, also posted a series of victorious videos after the debate to its 3.6 million followers, including a clip from a CNN focus group in which a Pennsylvania voter said post-debate, "When facts come to facts, my life was better when Trump was in office."

(Reporting by Stephanie Kelly, additional reporting by Allende Miglietta; Editing by Heather Timmons and Deepa Babington)
The ratings are in for Tuesday nights presidential debateand former President Donald Trumps first face off the with Vice President Kamala Harris was a certified hit.

The ABC News telecast scored around 67.14 million viewers across its simulcast on CNN, Fox News, Fox Business and MSNBC networks, according to Nielsens final ratings figures, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Compared to Trumps face off with President Joe Biden on June 27, in which many felt Biden poorly performed, Tuesdays debate reportedly scored roughly 16 million more viewersa 31 percent jump.

The average audience for a presidential debate has hovered around 59.1 million viewers since 1960, reported THR. Tuesdays numbers are likely to surpass the average but fall short of beating the ratings for Hillary Clintons 2016 face-off against Trump.

Put the Debate Champagne Away, Democrats. Trump Can Still Beat Harris

Trump spent most of the 90-minute debate attacking Harris on immigration and abortion policy stances, while peddling a number of baseless conspiracy theories.

Trump conceded that Harris did a good job when they came face to face again Wednesday during an anniversary event memorializing 9/11 in New York City.

However, it remains to be seen if the two candidates will face off again before Election Day.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Harris, Trump face off for the first time in second presidential debate

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump exchanged foreign policy views on Russia's war against Ukraine during the second presidential debate of the 2024 U.S. election in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on Sept. 10.

Trump, the Republican nominee, said that "(Russian President Vladimir) Putin endorsed her (Harris) last week" and hopes that she will win. "I think he meant it, because what hes gotten away with is absolutely incredible, it wouldn't have happened with me," Trump claimed.

Earlier in September, Putin said "(Joe) Biden recommended that all his supporters support Ms. Harris. Here, we are going to do that too, we're going to support her."

The former president also repeated prior assertions that Russia would never have invaded Ukraine if Trump had won the 2020 election and said that if elected, the war would be over before he became president.

When asked if it was in America's best interest that Ukraine win the full-scale war, Trump deflected and did not provide a concrete answer.

Harris responded by saying: "If Donald Trump was president, Putin would be sitting in Kyiv right now."

"It is well known that he said of Putin that he can 'do whatever the hell he wants' and go into Ukraine; it is well known that he said when Russia went into Ukraine, (that) it was 'brilliant.' It is well known he exchanged love letters with (North Korean leader) Kim Jung Un, and it is absolutely well known that these dictators and autocrats are rooting for (Trump) to be president again because they're so clear they can manipulate you with flattery and favors," Harris said.

It was the second debate of the general election and the first since President Joe Biden dropped out of the race in July and Harris became the presumptive nominee.

Read also: Trump offended by Putins endorsement of Harris

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris are appearing together for the first time Tuesday night in a debate hosted by ABC News in Philadelphia. Both campaigns have agreed to parameters similar to those at the June 27 debate between President Biden and Trump, including no studio audience and microphones that will be muted when a candidate is not answering a question.

Check here for the best photos capturing the scene at this highly anticipated event, which might be the only time the candidates debate before the November election.
Kamala Harris and Donald Trump set out Wednesday to ride the momentum from their high-stakes White House debate into the two-month final sprint to November as they sought to mop up undecided voters and shake up a presidential race that has ground to a dead heat.

The Democratic vice president and her Republican rival remain neck-and-neck in both nationwide and swing state polling, days before first ballots are mailed out and early in-person voting begins in several key states.

Both candidates declared victory after coming face to face for the first time on the biggest night so far of the campaign -- although any boost or dent in support is unlikely to show up in polling for several days.

The ABC News-hosted debate in Philadelphia was punctuated by tense exchanges, although Harris focused on policy while Trump's answers were littered with wild falsehoods and were often about his past grievances.

"She focused on the major thematic contrasts between her and Trump.... For his part, Trump didn't hurt himself with his loyal followers but he likely didn't make any inroads with undecided voters either," said PR expert Andrew Koneschusky, a former press secretary to Democratic Senate leader Chuck Schumer.

Republican strategist Liam Donovan said while Harris scored points on Trump, the Republican "largely whiffed" in his efforts to tie his opponent to President Joe Biden's more unpopular policies, instead accusing her of Marxism "and going on angry tirades about migrants run amok."

"Don't expect this debate to have an immediate impact in the polls, but it will surely boost morale at a time when Democrats are getting anxious," he told AFP.

After replacing Biden as the candidate in July, Harris rode a wave of enthusiasm through the Democratic convention that hugely boosted her popularity and gave her record fundraising numbers.

And with Biden gone, 78-year-old Trump finds himself as the candidate facing questions about his advanced age and mental acuity, with renewed focus on his eccentric and often rambling speeches.

But Harris, 59, had seen her polling momentum begin to stall ahead of the debate.

- 'Fraudulent' -

The Democrat has been reaching to the center, showcasing a parade of anti-Trump Republicans -- most recently former vice president Dick Cheney and his daughter Liz, who was thrown out of the House leadership over her opposition to the tycoon.

Trump has been largely appealing to his own base, with apocalyptic warnings about migrant criminals and painting a dark picture of a country in "decline" that only he can save.

In a threatening social media post at the weekend, Trump vowed to prosecute Democratic donors, lawyers and elections officials who engage in behavior he deems "unscrupulous" in November.

He used the debate on Tuesday to double down on his bogus voter fraud claims from 2020.

Trump and Harris could cross paths again Wednesday when they attend ceremonies marking the 23rd anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks by Al-Qaeda. It wasn't clear if they would come face-to-face.

Trump was also due to talk up his debate performance in the morning on conservative-leaning Fox News.

Harris heads Thursday to North Carolina -- one of a handful of closely run states expected to decide the election, where Harris has erased a six-point Trump lead over the last month to draw level -- before returning to the key swing state of Pennsylvania on Friday.

Trump is due onstage in Tucson, Arizona on Thursday focusing on "our struggling economy and the rising cost of housing" and will deliver remarks in Las Vegas on Friday on the cost of living.

Harris's running mate Tim Walz will travel to Michigan and Wisconsin from Thursday to Saturday, as his gaffe-prone Republican opposite number J.D. Vance deals with the fallout from another round of controversial remarks.

The Republican vice presidential nominee -- who angered women earlier in the campaign with resurfaced comments about "childless cat ladies" -- amplified a false claim Monday that Haitian immigrants are abducting and eating pets in Ohio.

In the debate, Trump repeated the bizarre claim, which has been debunked by local authorities.

ft/sms/ssy
Vice President Harris and former President Trump stood just feet apart Wednesday in New York City, hours after they faced off on the debate stage, to mark the 23rd anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

The two shook hands when they first arrived at the memorial and appeared to speak for a few seconds. Former New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg stood in the middle and facilitated the handshake, tapping Harris, who was speaking with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), while Trump looked over.

Harris and President Biden stood to one side of Bloomberg, with Trump and his running mate Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio) on his other side. Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, an ex-attorney to Trump, stood next to Vance.

Harris then spoke more with Schumer, Biden, and others around her while Trump mostly talked with Vance. At one point, Harris, Biden, Schumer, Sen. Kristen Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) and New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) were all huddled together talking.

A bell rang when American Airlines Flight 11 struck the World Trade Centers North Tower at 8:46 a.m. EDT. The president and vice president bowed their heads during the moment of silence.

Another bell rang at 9:03 a.m., when United Airlines Flight 175 struck the World Trade Centers South Tower. Trump looked around at the time, Harris had her eyes closed and Biden kept his head down.

At 9:37 a.m., another bell rang when American Airlines 77 struck the Pentagon. Harris looked down at the time, Biden and Trump looked ahead. The group remained in the same formation throughout the ceremony.

Harris and Biden turned to each other to share a few comments at moments throughout the ceremony. Trump and Vance did the same. The former president has also chatted briefly with his son Donald Trump Jr., who was standing behind him, and Giuliani.

Biden and Harris both left the ceremony at 9:45 a.m. They were expected to visit the Pentagon and Shanksville, Pa., later in the day.

Attendees held up photographs of their loved ones at the memorial and police officers stood holding an American flag.

The names of those killed at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and Shanksville, were read by victims family members while Harris, Trump, Biden, Vance and the others looked on.

The first, and maybe only, debate between Harris and Trump was held in Philadelphia on Tuesday night, and the two faced off on issues from reproductive rights, the economy, race and immigration. Harris delivered a sharp performance and baited Trump at their first meeting.

The event in New York on Wednesday morning marked their second face-to-face interaction.

Updated at 10:08 a.m. EDT

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The subdued stock price reaction suggests that HC Surgical Specialists Limited's (Catalist:1B1) strong earnings didn't offer any surprises. Investors are probably missing some underlying factors which are encouraging for the future of the company.

Check out our latest analysis for HC Surgical Specialists

Examining Cashflow Against HC Surgical Specialists' Earnings

Many investors haven't heard of the accrual ratio from cashflow, but it is actually a useful measure of how well a company's profit is backed up by free cash flow (FCF) during a given period. The accrual ratio subtracts the FCF from the profit for a given period, and divides the result by the average operating assets of the company over that time. This ratio tells us how much of a company's profit is not backed by free cashflow.

As a result, a negative accrual ratio is a positive for the company, and a positive accrual ratio is a negative. While it's not a problem to have a positive accrual ratio, indicating a certain level of non-cash profits, a high accrual ratio is arguably a bad thing, because it indicates paper profits are not matched by cash flow. To quote a 2014 paper by Lewellen and Resutek, "firms with higher accruals tend to be less profitable in the future".

HC Surgical Specialists has an accrual ratio of -0.40 for the year to May 2024. Therefore, its statutory earnings were very significantly less than its free cashflow. In fact, it had free cash flow of S$6.2m in the last year, which was a lot more than its statutory profit of S$3.85m. HC Surgical Specialists did see its free cash flow drop year on year, which is less than ideal, like a Simpson's episode without Groundskeeper Willie.

Note: we always recommend investors check balance sheet strength. Click here to be taken to our balance sheet analysis of HC Surgical Specialists.

Our Take On HC Surgical Specialists' Profit Performance

Happily for shareholders, HC Surgical Specialists produced plenty of free cash flow to back up its statutory profit numbers. Based on this observation, we consider it possible that HC Surgical Specialists' statutory profit actually understates its earnings potential! And the EPS is up 29% over the last twelve months. Of course, we've only just scratched the surface when it comes to analysing its earnings; one could also consider margins, forecast growth, and return on investment, among other factors. With this in mind, we wouldn't consider investing in a stock unless we had a thorough understanding of the risks. To help with this, we've discovered 4 warning signs (1 is potentially serious!) that you ought to be aware of before buying any shares in HC Surgical Specialists.

Story continues

This note has only looked at a single factor that sheds light on the nature of HC Surgical Specialists' profit. But there is always more to discover if you are capable of focussing your mind on minutiae. Some people consider a high return on equity to be a good sign of a quality business. So you may wish to see this free collection of companies boasting high return on equity, or this list of stocks with high insider ownership.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
Vice President Kamala Harris defended her administrations decision to withdraw U.S. troops from Afghanistan while former President Donald Trump accused current military strategy of leading the country towards World War III in Tuesday nights presidential debate in Philadelphia.

In a 90-minute showdown, which mostly focused on economic and social issues, the two front-runners for president spent several minutes sparring over defense policy issues, including American military support for Ukraine and the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan.

The latter topic has been a mainstay of Trumps Republican presidential campaign in recent weeks. During the debate, he falsely claimed that President Joe Bidens decision to withdraw all U.S. troops from the country in 2021 left behind $85 billion of brand new beautiful military equipment  the U.S. military spent about $83 billion total on the Afghanistan Security Forces Fund from 2001 to 2021  and asserted that he would have handled the departure better than Biden.

We would have been out faster than them, but we wouldnt have lost the soldiers, he said, referring to the 13 U.S. troops killed in a terrorist attack at Hamid Karzai International Airport in the final days of the American presence in Afghanistan. They blew it.

Lawmakers demand Army sanction Trump over Arlington Cemetery visit

Harris, the Democratic nominee for commander in chief, said despite the tumult of the final weeks of U.S. forces in Afghanistan, she agreed with Bidens decision to withdraw from the country.

Four presidents said they would, and Joe Biden did, she said. And as a result, Americas taxpayers are not paying the $300 million a day we were paying for that endless war.

She also blamed Trump for the chaos surrounding the U.S. militarys exit, saying he negotiated one of the weakest deals you can imagine with Taliban leaders before leaving office, which left the Afghan government marginalized and weak.

Trump countered by claiming that Bidens decision to leave Afghanistan inspired Russian officials to escalate their war in Ukraine, because they saw how incompetent she and her boss are.

When asked directly if he wants Ukraine to win its war against Russia, Trump responded, I want the war to stop.  I think its in the U.S. best interest to get this war finished and just get it done.

Harris called that a sign of weakness in the face of foreign threats.

If Donald Trump were president, Putin would be sitting in Kyiv right now, she said. And understand what that would mean. Putins agenda is not just about Ukraine. European allies and our NATO allies are so thankful that [he is] no longer president and that we understand the importance of the greatest military alliance the world has ever known, which is NATO.

Trump said that if he returns to the White House, he will end the fighting in Ukraine before even becoming president, and accused Biden and Harris of leading America towards greater danger through their support of the Ukrainian military.

Were going to end up in a third World War, he said. And it will be a war like no other because of nuclear weapons, the power of weaponry.

Harris countered by saying the former president is consistently weak and wrong on national security. On several occasions, she also claimed to have spoken to U.S. military leaders who called Trump a disgrace, though she did not offer specific names.

Veterans and veterans issues were not mentioned during the debate, the only face-to-face meeting between the two major party nominees before the November election.
Tuesday night's presidential debate was a reprieve from the hawk-off that the 2024 campaign has become. Rather than trying to out-hawk each other, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump defended peace on the merits. Harris even bragged about ending an "endless war," after the Democratic Party took that phrase out of this year's notoriously hawkish platform.

But when it came to ending current wars, neither candidate could articulate how they would do it. Trump gave a peace plan for Ukraine that amounted to magical handwaving, and Harris delivered a word salad of an answer about a ceasefire in Gaza. Although she praised the end of the Afghan war, Harris also attacked Trump for negotiating the very truce that allowed U.S. forces to leave, accusing him of appeasing terrorists.

The candidates' hawkish turn over the past few months had put them out of step with the American public. A recent poll commissioned by the Cato Institute found that swing state voters believe that the U.S. is too involved in foreign conflicts, worry about escalating to a world war, and plan to vote accordingly. Harris and Trump tried to appeal to those instinctswhile avoiding any commitment to diplomacy and restraint.

"I agree with President [Joe] Biden's decision to pull out of Afghanistan. Four presidents said they would, and Joe Biden did. And as a result, America's taxpayers are not paying the $300 million a day we were paying for that endless war," Harris said.

But she called Trump's peace deal, which Biden followed through on, as "one of the weakest deals you can imagine." Harris alluded to a recent interview with Trump's former national security adviser, John Bolton, attacking the truce. Bolton, for his part, would have preferred the United States stay in Afghanistan indefinitely.

The problem, Harris claimed, was that Trump "negotiated directly with a terrorist organization called the Taliban," and brought them to "a place where we honor the importance of American diplomacy, where we invite and receive respected world leaders."

Of course, it's hard to see how any country could achieve a peace deal without talking to its enemies. "I got involved with the Taliban because the Taliban was doing the killing. That's the fighting force within Afghanistan," Trump responded. "They don't bother doing that because, you know, they deal with the wrong people all the time."

He also promised to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine. "It's the U.S.'s best interest to get this war finished and just get it done, negotiate a deal, because we have to stop all of these human lives from being destroyed," Trump said. Asked how he would stop it, Trump retreated into wishful thinking.

"I know [Ukrainian leader Volodymyr] Zelenskyy very well, and I know [Russian leader Vladimir] Putin very well. I have a good relationship," he said. "I will get it settled before I even become presidentif I win, when I'm president-electand what I'll do is I'll speak to one, I'll speak to the other. I'll get them together," Trump added.

In the spring of 2022, shortly after the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, the two sides did get together and even wrote draft treaties. It quickly became clear what the sticking points were: Russia wanted Ukraine to give up territory that Ukrainians would not give up, and Ukraine wanted guarantees of foreign military protection that Russia would not allow. Since then, the positions on these issues have hardened.

At the Trump-Biden debate two months ago, Trump said that Russia's terms were "not acceptable." At last night's debate, he did not explain which demands he would want Russia to drop or how he would get Russia to drop them.

Harris, meanwhile, bragged about the American-made weapons that she has helped flood into Ukraine, and claimed that Trump would "give up for the sake of favor and what you think is a friendship with what is known to be a dictator who would eat you for lunch." She claimed without evidence that if the U.S. did not back Ukraine's fight, Putin would have continued on to invade Poland.

As for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, both candidates tried to have their cake and eat it, too. Asked point blank whether her approach would differ from that of Biden, who has promised since February that a ceasefire is right around the corner, Harris dodged the question.

She said that the war in Gaza must end "immediately" with a ceasefire deal that frees Israeli hostages, and that the administration is working "around the clock" for a solution that provides "security for the Israeli people and Israel, and an equal measure for the Palestinians."

Harris also signaled that the U.S. would support Israel in an expanded regional war. "I will always give Israel the ability to defend itself, in particular, as it relates to as it relates to Iran, and any threat that Iran and its proxies pose to Israel," she stated.

Trump, on the other hand, said that Harris "hates Israel" and "in her own way, she hates the Arab population, because the whole place is going to get blown up." He claimed that the war simply never would have started under a Trump administration because "Iran had no money for Hamas or Hezbollah or any of the 28 different spheres of terror" due to the economic embargo that Trump imposed.

Biden has continued to enforce Trump's economic sanctions, and Trump himself admitted last week that U.S. sanctions are simply eroding their own effectiveness over time. But at the debate, Trump claimed that "Iran has $300 billion because they took off all the sanctions that I had." It's unclear where he got that number (or what "28 different spheres of terror" means, for that matter). Two months ago, former Iranian President Hassan Rouhani claimed that Iran had lost $300 billion in oil revenue during the Biden era.

Perhaps the most egregious spin, however, was when Harris claimed that "there is not one member of the United States military who is in active duty in a combat zone, in any war zone around the world, for the first time this century." U.S. forces continue to fight the older battles of the war on terror, as well as new battles caused by the war in Gaza spilling over into the region.

Two weeks ago, seven U.S. troops were injured during a raid in Iraq.

The Biden administration has simply refused to acknowledge that these conflicts exist, using what former State Department lawyer Brian Finucane calls legal "gamesmanship" to avoid reporting to Congress. For example, instead of admitting that the U.S. is waging a naval war off the coast of Yemen, the administration is treating each clash as a one-off incident. The Trump administration also tried to spin its deliberate escalations against Iran as spontaneous acts of self-defense.

That seems to be the new bipartisan consensus: If you can't actually end wars, just pretend that they're not happening.

The post Harris and Trump Say They Want Peace. But Neither Has a Plan. appeared first on Reason.com.
By Joseph Ax

(Reuters) - The percentage of Black students in Harvard University's freshman class dropped by more than a fifth following a landmark U.S. Supreme Court ruling that barred colleges from using race as a factor in admissions, according to data released by the school on Wednesday.

The Class of 2028 is 14% Black, compared with 18% last year, Harvard said, while the share of Hispanic students ticked up slightly from 14% to 16%.

Harvard, one of the world's most elite universities, was one of two defendants in the 2023 Supreme Court case, along with the University of North Carolina. The schools argued that promoting racial diversity improved the educational experience for all students on campus, but the court's conservative majority ruled that taking race into account - commonly known as affirmative action - was a form of discrimination.

Many colleges had warned that prohibiting them from considering race, as admissions offices had done for decades, would inevitably lead to a drop in minority enrollment. Thus far, the data on the first classes admitted since the ruling at several selective schools have presented a somewhat mixed picture.

Some top schools, such as Yale and Princeton universities, showed little change this fall among Black and Hispanic students.

Others saw precipitous declines. At the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the percentage of Black, Hispanic, Native American or Pacific Islander students in its freshman class dropped to 16%, compared with an average of 31% over the previous four years.

Brown University, another elite school, saw its Black student share drop from 15% to 9% and its Hispanic share fall from 14% to 10%, according to the school's newspaper. Amherst College, one of the country's top liberal arts colleges, reported that only 3% of its incoming class is Black, compared with 11% last fall.

The lawsuit against Harvard had accused the school of giving preference to some minorities at the expense of Asian American applicants. The percentage of Asian American students in Harvard's freshman class held steady at 37%, Harvard said.

After the 2023 ruling, many schools bolstered recruitment programs, sought to remove application barriers and pursued other changes in an effort to increase diversity. Other advocates have lobbied for state legislatures to pass bills that ban admission preferences for legacy applicants.

In releasing its data, Harvard noted that it had sent admissions staff to more than 150 cities to do student outreach and joined a consortium of universities seeking to raise awareness about their schools in rural communities, among other steps.

"The change in law did not change our fundamental commitments," Hopi Hoekstra, the dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, wrote in a letter to colleagues announcing the data. "We will continue to work tirelessly to pull down barriers to a Harvard education, and, in compliance with the law, to deepen even further our commitment to broad-based diversity."

(Reporting by Joseph Ax; Editing by Aurora Ellis)
HATTIESBURG, Miss. (WHLT)  The City of Hattiesburg held its annual 9/11 Memorial Ceremony on Wednesday, September 11.

A bell rang out at 8:46 a.m., which was the moment the first plane struck the North Tower in New York City, followed by a second bell at 9:03 a.m., which was the moment a second plan flew into the South Tower.

A wreath was placed before a 21 gun salute and the playing of The Taps.

Families gather at WTC to honor 9/11 victims, 23 years later

Hattiesburg Police Chief Hardy Sims addressed the audience about the important role emergency services played in the days following 9/11. Lt. Governor Delbert Hosemann (R-Miss.) also spoked about the role Americas armed forces had after the attacks.

I recognize what theyre doing there. Now, a lot of our men and women are in harms way. I was in Kuwait, but theyre not all in Kuwait and wont get any further than that. But our military from Mississippi is all in the Middle East and in Africa, for that matter. So, we need to remember that there are people after 9/11 that are still fighting for our freedom, still fighting to have a country which we can have a dedication on 9/11 and without them, we may not have that, Hosemann said.

The American Legion also presented a donation to Hattiesburg police and firefighters.

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HONOLULU (KHON2)  As social media grows amongst our youth, officials from Hawaii and other states across the nation called on congressional lawmakers, urging warning labels for social media.

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Attorney General Anne Lopez and attorneys general from 14 other states are asking for a U.S. Surgeon General warning on all algorithm-driven social media platforms to protect young peoples mental health.

Community and aloha, color floods walls of Manoa Marketplace

To bring the situation to light, some states have taken action into their own hands to hold social media platforms accountable for the harm caused to young people.

We believe that issuing warning labels pursuant to the U.S. Surgeon Generals recommendation is an important step toward protecting our keiki from the risks and harms posed by social media platforms, Christopher Han, a deputy attorney general with the Department of the Attorney Generals Commerce and Economic Development Division said.

In the letter, research links depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts to these social media platforms.

According to reports, many states and the District of Columbia have either brought lawsuits, are investigating or actively suing major platforms such as Meta and TikTok in state courts.

Despite all efforts, the attorneys general emphasized the need for federal action to squash this generational harm.

We are hopeful that Congress recognizes this growing crisis and will enact legislation to address this issue soon, Han added.

The attorneys general hope proper action will be taken, as social media platforms have demonstrated an unwillingness to fix the problem on their own.

To view the entire letter, visit the National Association of Attorneys Generals website.

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SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  Firefighters on the Rosebud Reservation are asking for help and reminding residents to be careful after a hay bale was lit on fire near St. Francis.

According to a post on Facebook, the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Volunteer Fire Department responded to a flaming hay bale at approximately 10:46 p.m. The fire was west of St. Francis.

Witnesses reported individuals fleeing the scene.

Schwans project gets $25 million of state loans

The RSTVFD reminds the public that much of western South Dakota is under a red flag warning.

Assist us in maintaining the security of our Sicangu land. We are currently under a red flag warning, with high winds and temperatures present. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated, RSTVFD posted.

This is another incident in a string of suspected arson cases on the Rosebud reservation.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com.
HAYS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN)  The Hays County Sheriffs Office said it observed a concerning trend of thieves stealing tires from cars parked in apartment complexes over the last several weeks.

The office said, recently, people have been specifically targeting tires on Toyota Corollas.

Its a low-risk, high-reward type of enterprise, said Lieutenant Clint Pulpan. The tires usually arent traceable, so even if we find them, we wont know who they belong to.

Regarding why Toyota Corollas are being targeted over other vehicles, Pulpan said they are just popular cars.

Toyota Racing Development [wheels] is what theyre called. Theyre popular, and they come in stock on many Toyota vehicles, he said.

Pulpan advised people could try to deter thefts by using wheel locks and parking in well-lit, busy areas.

Wheel locks are similar to lugnuts. They screw on the same way and have a pattern that requires a special key to remove them, he said.

Theyre not foolproof. Smart thieves can find a way around them, but youre trying to target harden your tires. Maybe it takes them too long to get your tire, and theyll move on to somebody elses who doesnt have the security measures in place, Pulpan continued.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
Former head of the Islamic Center Hamburg (IZH) Shiite cleric Mohammad Hadi Mofatteh speaks at a press conference at the IZH. The controversial former leader of the recently banned Islamic Centre Hamburg (IZH) in northern Germany filed court action on Wednesday to challenge a deportation order, hours before a deadline to leave the country. Christian Charisius/dpa

The controversial former leader of the recently banned Islamic Centre Hamburg (IZH) in northern Germany filed court action on Wednesday to challenge a deportation order, hours before a deadline to leave the country.

Authorities in Hamburg at the end of August had ordered Mohammed Hadi Mofatteh to leave the country within two weeks and banned him from returning. That deadline runs out at midnight on Wednesday.

The IZH was outlawed in July after being classified as an extremist group by German authorities. German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser had described the IZH as "Iran's most important propaganda centre in Europe."

Germany's domestic intelligence agency found that Mofatteh was considered until recently the official representative in Germany of the Islamic Republic of Iran's hard-line Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

"Mofatteh is an accomplished representative of the current regime in Tehran. His family is firmly integrated into Iran's state-religious elite," according to the latest report by the agency.

He has led the IZH since 2018.

A court spokesman confirmed to dpa that the 57-year-old Mofatteh had filed an urgent appeal, but said the action does not necessarily suspend the deportation order.

The court spokesman said a timeline for court action on Mofatteh's application would depend in part on whether authorities seek to have him forcibly removed from the country.

The Hamburg Interior Authority said it would issue a statement on the matter on Wednesday afternoon.

German authorities also banned five other organizations affiliated with the IZH and confiscated assets and facilities run by all six groups.

Since then, the IZH-run Blue Mosque in Hamburg has also remained closed.

The IZH has claimed that Mofatteh is the highest spiritual authority for Shiite Muslims in continental Europe.
BOSTON (WWLP)  Governor Healey and other New England governors and Eastern Canada premieres met at a clean energy conference on Tuesday afternoon.

The main goal of this roundtable-style conference was to discuss the offshore wind supply chain.

The group of lawmakers announced two new resolutions meant to combat the effects of climate change in states and provinces in their region.

The first agreement promises to reconvene the Northeast International Committee on Energy, with the main purpose of collaboration on large clean energy projects. The second resolution relaunches the Committee on Environment, which is meant to foster regional cooperation on protecting national resources and combating food insecurity.

Healey told reporters at press availability after the event that their meetings strengthened the relationship between the United States and Canada. Our close ties as a region create a unique opportunity and platform for implementing a planned vision for clean energy, said Healey.

Andrew Furey is the premier of Newfoundland and Labrador. He says the agreements reached at the conference are more than just political bargaining and represent the strong bond between lawmakers from both countries. Too often, these policies seem transactional, and with this strategic table they are able to be more than that, said Furey at the press availability. They can be strategic and visionary to truly tackle those big, bold problems.

Governor Healey also told reporters that an offshore wind supply chain across the region creates the opportunity for complete energy independence.

This annual conference will be held in Newfoundland in 2025.

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.

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Health program expands to include more who responded on 9/11 in Shanksville, Pentagon

(WTAJ)  The World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program has announced that theyre expanding eligibility for those who responded to the Pentagon and Shanksville on 9/11.

The expansion comes at the publication of an interim final rule that is in effect as of Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. Before it was publicized, there was a total of 1,330 Pentagon and Shanksville responders enrolled in the WTC Health Program (1,183 Pentagon and 147 Shanksville).

Remember Me Rose Garden honors spirit of the Flight 93 heroes

However, previous research shows it is possible that up to 8,500 people may have responded at the Pentagon site and more than 1,000 people responded to the Shanksville crash site. These people are now eligible for the WTC Health Program and include:

employees of the Department of Defense (DOD) or any other federal agency, contractors of the DOD or any other federal agency

members of a regular or reserve component of the uniformed services

Previously eligibility was limited to members of a fire or police department (active or retired), and people who worked for a recovery or cleanup contractor, or were a volunteer; and performed rescue, recovery, demolition, debris cleanup, or other related services.

Todays action means that those who bravely responded to the Pentagon and Shanksville sites on 9/11 and in the following weeks, who were previously ineligible, may now qualify for the WTC Health Program, opening up monitoring and treatment with no out-of-pocket costs upon enrolling in the Program, Administrator of the WTC Health Program John Howard, M.D. said.

You can learn more about the health program and how you can enroll on the CDCs World Trade Center Health Program website.

Excluding those who may now be eligible, over 135,000 members are enrolled in the WTC Health Program.

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According to a release, Since 9/11, over 84,000 people have been diagnosed with physical and mental health conditions resulting from exposure to the dust, debris, and traumatic events of 9/11. Over 20 years later, thousands suffer from chronic health conditions linked to 9/11 exposures.

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As global markets face economic slowdown concerns and technology shares experience notable declines, the Swedish market presents unique opportunities for investors seeking high-growth tech stocks. In this article, we will explore three standout tech companies in Sweden, including Embracer Group, that have shown resilience and potential amidst these challenging conditions.

Top 10 High Growth Tech Companies In Sweden

Name Revenue Growth Earnings Growth Growth Rating Truecaller 20.32% 21.61%  Fortnox 20.18% 22.60%  Xbrane Biopharma 53.90% 118.02%  Bonesupport Holding 33.76% 31.20%  Scandion Oncology 40.71% 75.34%  Hemnet Group 20.13% 25.41%  Skolon 31.76% 121.72%  BioArctic 42.38% 98.40%  Yubico 20.43% 42.51%  KebNi 34.75% 86.11% 

Click here to see the full list of 82 stocks from our Swedish High Growth Tech and AI Stocks screener.

Here we highlight a subset of our preferred stocks from the screener.

Simply Wall St Growth Rating: 

Overview: Embracer Group AB (publ), along with its subsidiaries, develops and publishes PC, console, mobile, VR, and board games for the global market; it has a market cap of approximately SEK33.65 billion.

Operations: Embracer Group generates revenue primarily from Tabletop Games (SEK14.65 billion), PC/Console Games (SEK13.10 billion), Mobile Games (SEK5.87 billion), and Entertainment & Services (SEK6.13 billion). The company focuses on a diverse range of gaming platforms, including PC, console, mobile, VR, and board games for a global audience.

Embracer Group's recent earnings report revealed sales of SEK 7.93 billion, a significant drop from SEK 10.45 billion the previous year, alongside a net loss of SEK 2.18 billion compared to a net income of SEK 2.25 billion in the same period last year. Despite these challenges, their R&D expenses have been substantial, contributing to future growth prospects with an expected annual profit growth rate of 106.1%. The company also secured a new EUR 600 million revolving credit facility, improving financial flexibility and reducing interest expenses through better terms and reduced leverage.

OM:EMBRAC B Revenue and Expenses Breakdown as at Sep 2024

Simply Wall St Growth Rating: 

Overview: Fortnox AB (publ) offers financial and administrative solutions for small and medium-sized businesses, accounting firms, and organizations, with a market cap of SEK37.39 billion.

Operations: The company generates revenue through various segments, including Businesses (SEK 378 million), Marketplaces (SEK 160 million), Core Products (SEK 734 million), Accounting Firms (SEK 352 million), and Financial Services (SEK 249 million). Key offerings include products, packages, and integrations tailored for financial and administrative applications.

Story continues

Fortnox reported Q2 2024 sales of SEK 515 million, up from SEK 404 million the previous year, with net income rising to SEK 164 million from SEK 127 million. Their R&D expenses have been instrumental in driving innovation and future growth, with earnings forecasted to grow at an impressive annual rate of 22.6%. The company's revenue is also expected to increase by 20.2% per year, significantly outpacing the Swedish market's growth rate of just 1%.

OM:FNOX Revenue and Expenses Breakdown as at Sep 2024

Simply Wall St Growth Rating: 

Overview: Sectra AB (publ) develops solutions for medical IT and cybersecurity sectors across Sweden, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and other parts of Europe, with a market cap of SEK50.79 billion.

Operations: Sectra AB (publ) generates revenue primarily from Imaging IT Solutions and Secure Communications, amounting to SEK2.67 billion and SEK388.55 million respectively. The company also has a smaller segment, Business Innovation, contributing SEK90.77 million to its revenue streams.

Sectra's recent performance highlights significant growth, with Q1 2024 sales reaching SEK 736.75 million, up from SEK 601.71 million the previous year. The company's earnings are forecasted to grow at an impressive annual rate of 21.2%, outpacing the Swedish market's average of 15.2%. Their R&D expenses have been pivotal, driving innovation and future growth; revenue is expected to increase by 14.2% annually, faster than the market's modest 1% growth rate. Additionally, Sectra's cloud service implementation in Belgian hospitals underscores their commitment to enhancing healthcare IT solutions globally.

OM:SECT B Revenue and Expenses Breakdown as at Sep 2024

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Explore the 82 names from our Swedish High Growth Tech and AI Stocks screener here.

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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 OM:EMBRAC B OM:FNOX and OM:SECT B.

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FILE PHOTO: Eli Lilly logo is shown on one of their offices in San Diego

By Nancy Lapid

(Reuters) - Eli Lillys experimental insulin that is injected just once a week is as effective as daily insulin injections for maintaining blood sugar levels in patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, researchers said on Tuesday at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes meeting in Madrid.

In two late-stage trials, they compared blood sugar management over the course of a year with weekly injections of insulin efsitora alfa or daily injections of insulin degludec. One trial involved 623 participants with type 1 diabetes, while the other included 928 patients with type 2.

In both trials, hemoglobin A1c levels  a measure of blood sugar control over the previous three months  improved to a similar extent with efsitora and degludec.

Figuring out the right dose of efsitora was trickier in type 1 patients, however. These patients experienced more episodes of low blood sugar known as hypoglycemia with efsitora, particularly in the first 12 weeks of treatment, according to a report of the trial published in The Lancet.

"More work is needed to evaluate efsitora dose initiation and optimization" to maintain efficacy while mitigating the risk of hypoglycemia in people with type 1 diabetes, study leader Dr. Richard Bergenstal of the HealthPartners Institute in Minneapolis said in a statement.

Participants with type 2 diabetes were being newly transitioned to insulin after other medications failed to keep their blood sugar levels in the target range.

For these patients, a once-weekly insulin has the potential to simplify dose administration and diminish barriers to starting insulin therapy by means of a reduction in injection burden, Dr. Carol Wysham of the MultiCare Rockwood Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology in Spokane, Washington wrote in a report in The New England Journal of Medicine.

Efsitora and degludec are so-called basal insulins, intended to keep blood sugar levels stable when patients are not eating. Everyone with type 1 diabetes in the trial also used a short-acting insulin at mealtimes.

In July, Lilly rival Novo Nordisk failed to secure U.S. approval for its own once-weekly basal insulin icodec injection.

Air travel may affect insulin pumps

People with type 1 diabetes who wear insulin pumps should know that altitude changes during air travel can cause unintended insulin delivery, researchers said at the diabetes meeting in Madrid.

They recommend temporarily disconnecting insulin pumps before take-off and removing air bubbles before reconnecting them at cruising altitude.

The researchers monitored insulin delivery from 26 pumps in tests conducted in Europes largest hypobaric chamber, to mimic the atmospheric changes during a normal commercial flight.

The hypobaric chamber was de-pressurised during a simulated ascent and a 30-minute cruise, mimicking an airline pressurized cabin altitude of 8,000 feet. The ambient pressure was then increased during a 20-minute descent to ground level.

During the 20-minute ascent simulation, insulin cartridges over-delivered 0.6 units of insulin, an amount unlikely to lead to clinically significant or symptomatic low blood sugar episodes, the researchers said.

During descent period, when pressure was rising, the cartridges under-delivered 0.5 units of insulin, potentially leading to blood glucose being somewhat higher than usual.

Whether these abnormalities in insulin delivery during flights cause clinical effects will depend on several factors, including an individuals insulin sensitivity, food intake, and glycemic control, study leader Dr. Ka Siu Fan from the Royal Surrey County Hospital and University of Surrey, UK said in a statement.

The researchers also simulated a sudden loss of cabin pressure such as would occur in an emergency. This could result in the delivery of 5.6 units of excess insulin, which could cause significant hypoglycemia, or dangerously low blood sugar, the researchers found.

Hydrogel could reduce semaglutide shots to once a month

An experimental drug delivery system could cut the dosing schedule for Novo Nordisks obesity and type 2 diabetes drugs, Wegovy and Ozempic, from once a week to once a month, French researchers reported at the Madrid diabetes meeting.

Semaglutide, the active ingredient in both drugs, would be delivered in a hydrogel that allows slow, sustained release of the drug over 1 to 3 months, researchers said.

A small dollop, known as a "depot," of the semaglutide-laden hydrogel is injected under the skin using commercially available hypodermic needles, Dr. Claire Megret from manufacturer Adocia in Lyon explained.

The gel has not yet been tested in large animals or humans.

Our pre-clinical results demonstrate that the regular, slow release of semaglutide over one month after administering a single dose, with limited early release, is achievable, Megret said.

Next we will be testing the hydrogel platform in pigs, whose skin and endocrine systems are most similar to those in humans," she said, adding that clinical trials in humans was possible within the next few years.

(Reporting by Nancy Lapid; editing by Bill Berkrot)
DALLAS, Texas (WKBN)  The agreement that was hammered between Steward Health, its creditors and the property owner will allow for the health care systems remaining hospitals to stay open while they are being sold and transitioned. That includes Trumbull Regional, Hillside Rehabilitation and Sharon Regional.

A hearing was held Wednesday morning in bankruptcy court in Texas where impacted parties were invited to voice any concerns and comments about the deal.

The agreement creates a security blanket partially funded by the $395 million sale of Space Coast Hospital in Florida and a $10 million escrow account that will be held by Medical Properties Trust (MPT -Stewards land leasor) for payroll and operating costs. It also fends off more litigation that could tie up and slow down the transition of hospitals.

MPT has also agreed to waive billions of dollars in claims against Stewards estate to allow for the transition of hospitals that are sold.

This is a very good development for Steward, its stakeholders and millions of patients. The path should keep all remaining hospitals open, said the attorney for Stewards creditors.

Under the agreement, managers will be appointed and dispatched or assigned to hospitals to run operations until the facilities are sold. Court documents say the management team assigned to Trumbull and Hillside are Insight Foundation of Hillside and Insight Foundation of Trumbull.

Sharon Regional has a buyers agreement with Meadville Medical Center and is expected to close on Dec. 1, according to a representative from the Pennsylvania Attorney Generals Office. Pennsylvania has committed to fund the hospital with $4.5 million from September to December.

Union representatives from Trumbull and Hillside voiced concerns that the agreement is not clear on a successor clause for their bargaining agreements and asked that a line clarifying that be added to make sure that any new owner or management team would honor those bargaining agreements.

Equipment and housekeeping vendors voiced concerns about the agreement saying it was vague in how they would be notified or able to retrieve their property if a hospital ultimately closed because of a failed deal. They wanted more clarity on how their assets would be protected.

The agreement does not prevent a hospital from ultimately closing, but it does provide a path forward for a best case scenario to keep as many open as possible with MPT committing to pick up any default in payments by new operators within 30 days of a hospitals sale.

The agreement is agreed upon in theory by Stewards creditors and MPT with the stipulation that MPT reserves the right to determine and approve viable buyers.

A final hearing on the settlement is set for Sept. 17. An executed order is expected as soon as possible after that hearing.

The agreement comes months after Stewards financial breakdown and Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in May, but not soon enough for some hospitals that have already closed.

Steward operates, or once operated, more than 30 hospitals across Arizona, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Texas and Massachusetts.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Heather Rae El Moussa Asks Fans to 'Please Pray' for Her Hometown That Wildfire Is 'Surrounding'

The HGTV star shared an update on how the Line Fire is impacting her hometown of Running Springs, Calif. on Tuesday, Sept. 10

Phillip Faraone/Getty Heather Rae El Moussa in May 2024

Heather Rae El Moussa is looking to her fans for support as the Line Fire approaches her hometown in California.

The Selling Sunset alum, 36, explained how the fast-spreading wildfire has already impacted her hometown of Running Springs, Calif., and her parents who still live there, in a message shared to her Instagram Stories on Tuesday, Sept. 10.

Please pray for my little hometown of Running Springs. The fire is surrounding, she wrote of the San Bernardino County location. My heart is so sad.

Related: Jeremy Renner Shares Harrowing Video of Evacuation from Lake Tahoe Home as Wildfire Approaches

Heather Rae El Moussa/Instagram Heather Rae El Moussa's message about the wildfire shared to her Instagram Stories

El Moussa shared another update earlier this week that said her parents had to evacuate the area twice as the fire was 0% contained, according to a screenshot of her post shared by Newsweek.

"The fire is 0% contained," she wrote on her Instagram Stories. "My parents were evacuated a second time from where they were staying. It's a mess up in my little town and the fire is spreading like crazy. Praying for everyone's safety & all the animals."

While the HGTV star lives in Newport Beach now with her husband Tarek and their kids, her parents are still residents of the mountain town where she grew up.

Related: Heather Rae and Tarek El Moussa Joke They're 'Not Doing So Good' During Family Trip to Disneyland

Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty The California Line Fire burning south of Running Springs, Calif.

The Line Fire, which has burned at least 34,600 acres already, is one of the three massive wildfires currently spreading throughout California, CBS News reports. Running Springs is among the many San Bernardino County communities that have been ordered to evacuate.

As of Wednesday, Sept. 11, the blaze was 14% contained but still threatens to scorch 65,500 structures. The outlet reports that a 34-year-old Southern California man has been arrested for allegedly sparking the Line Fire.

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In addition to the devastating fires in Southern California, residents of Nevada are being impacted by the destructive Davis Fire.

Hawkeye star Jeremy Renner showed the severity of the Nevada wildfire through a series of posts shared to his Instagram Stories on Sunday, Sept. 8. As the actor evacuated his home near Reno, Nev., he revealed distressing scenes of the blaze as it scorched trees near his property and sent thick clouds of smoke billowing over the mountains.

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Gunfire kills one in NE Portland, shooter at large

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  A man was shot to death in the Lloyd neighborhood late Tuesday afternoon and the shooter remains at large.

The shooting happened around 5:30 p.m. near NE Grand and 6th Avenue, police said. The victim, whose name has not been released yet, was already dead by the time officers arrived.

Homicide detectives responded to the scene and the investigation continues.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Portland police.

KOIN 6 News will have more information as it develops.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
JOPLIN, Mo.  It was a ten-thousand dollar Wednesday for a local school.

New Heights Christian Academy in Joplin, formerly College Heights Christian School, received a $10,000 donation from the Arvest Foundation.

The money will be used to help cover the cost of moving and setting up a15-classroom modular annex, which was recently donated by Missouri Southern.

We had partners that came alongside of us and, and donated money, like Arvest to help us with that expense, and so we were able to put that there through the graciousness of Missouri Southern and the graciousness of our partners without having to pass that expense on to our families, said Dan Decker, New Heights Superintendent.

Ive had kids that have been in modulars, that have had classes out here, and we were just running out of space. The school is growing and, and weve found solutions temporary  but this is such a longterm fix, said Adrienne Jackson, Arvest Wealth Mgmt. Sr. Client Advisor.

Before Southerns donation, the school had been renting a classroom building. The need for more space is due to enrollment at the school being at capacity.

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Members of Riverside County Cal Fire monitor for hot spots while battling the Airport Fire Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, in El Cariso Village, in unincorporated Riverside, County, Calif. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

WRIGHTWOOD, Calif. (AP)  Three major wildfires in Southern California's mountains east of Los Angeles torched dozens of homes and forced thousands of people to evacuate, officials said Wednesday.

At least a dozen people, mainly firefighters, were treated for injuries that were mostly heat-related, authorities said. One person from Orange County was burned. No deaths have been reported.

The wildfires have been endangering tens of thousands of homes and other structures across the region after they sprung to life during a triple-digit heat wave over the weekend. Other major fires were burning in Idaho, Oregon and Nevada, where about 20,000 people had to flee a blaze outside Reno.

In the tight-knit community of Wrightwood that sits on the Pacific Crest Trail, authorities implored residents to evacuate the exploding Bridge Fire, which burned more than a dozen homes in the area.

Resident Erin Arias said she was racing up the mountain when she got the sudden order to leave and did, grabbing her passport and dog. On Wednesday, she and her husband doused water on the roof of their still-standing home. Their cat was missing, she said.

Its absolutely scary, Arias said, looking at the burned embers of her neighbors home. Were really lucky.

UCLA climate scientist Daniel Swain said the fire moved extraordinarily fast across complex terrain, likely giving Wrightwood residents less time to evacuate than usual and surprising even seasoned fire officials.

The Bridge Fire had to go up mountain sides, burn down slope, jump across valleys, burn across new ridges, and then make it down slope again at least two other times in effectively one burning period, he said.

California is only now heading into the teeth of the wildfire season but already has seen nearly three times as much acreage burn than during all of 2023. The White House said President Joe Biden was monitoring the wildfires in the West and urged residents to heed state and local evacuation orders.

Cooler temperatures were expected to potentially start tempering fire activity as the week progresses.

The full extent of the damage was not immediately known as firefighters battled multiple fires simultaneously. The three blazes include:

 The Airport Fire in Orange County that burned over 35 square miles (91 square kilometers). The fire was 5% contained Wednesday night and was reportedly sparked by heavy equipment operating in the area. Orange County Fire Capt. Steve Concialdi said eight firefighters were injured, mostly heat-related. One resident suffered smoke inhalation and another burns, he said. Several homes burned in El Cariso Village.

 The Line Fire in the San Bernardino National Forest that was 18% contained Wednesday and charred 57 square miles (148 square kilometers). The blaze injured three firefighters. Authorities said it was caused by arson in Highland. A suspect was arrested Tuesday.

 The Bridge Fire east of Los Angeles that grew tenfold in a day, burning 78 square miles (202 square kilometers) and torching at least 33 homes and six cabins and forcing the evacuation of 10,000 people. The cause of the fire was not immediately known. It was zero percent contained Wednesday night.

With so many fires raging at once, crews were at their limits, Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said.

As a region, were currently at drawdown for fire personnel and resources, he said, adding that authorities have requested assistance from Northern California and nearby states.

Gov. Gavin Newsom sent National Guard troops in to help with evacuations.

In El Cariso Village, a community of 250 along Highway 74 in Riverside County, an Associated Press photographer saw at least 10 homes and several cars engulfed in flames.

Kevin Fetterman, Orange County Fire Authority Incident Commander, said the blaze has been difficult to tame because of the terrain and dry conditions and because some areas hadn't burned in decades.

More than 5,500 homes in Riverside County were under evacuation orders, affecting more than 19,000 residents. Several recreational cabins and structures in the Cleveland National Forest were damaged.

In San Bernardino County, some 65,600 homes and buildings were under threat by the Line Fire, and residents along the southern edge of Big Bear Lake were told to leave Tuesday.

The Line Fire blanketed the area with a thick cloud of dark smoke, which provided shade for firefighters trying to get ahead of winds expected later Wednesday, said Fabian Herrera, a spokesperson for the Line Fire.

A man from the town of Norco suspected of starting the Line Fire on Sept. 5 was arrested and charged with arson, San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department said. Officials did not specify what was used to start the fire.

Investigators collected evidence from the delivery drivers vehicle and home that suggests he could have been involved in starting other fires, San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus said Wednesday.

On the Nevada border with California near Reno, the Davis Fire forced thousands of people to evacuate over the weekend, destroyed one home and a dozen structures and charred nearly 9 square miles (23 square kilometers) of timber and brush along the Sierra Nevadas eastern front.

Rich Meyr and Evelyn Kelley were the first arrivals at an evacuation center set up Wednesday at a recreation center in south Reno. Both said they refused to evacuate previous fires but decided to play it safe this time.

My sons wedding is Saturday. I threw all the flowers and gowns in the RV and we left. It looks like a garden shop inside that RV, Kelley said. But who wants to burn alive?

More than 600 firefighters kept the blaze from growing Wednesday despite high winds that grounded all aircraft that had dropped retardant on the flames over the past two days. The fire was about 30% contained Wednesday night.

Elsewhere, a Colorado man was charged with arson after an investigation into a wildfire this summer that destroyed 29 homes and caused more than $30 million in property damage near Loveland, Colorado.

___

Thayer reported from El Cariso Village, Taxin from Santa Ana, California, and Rodriguez from San Francisco. Associated Press writers Scott Sonner in Reno, Nevada, Amy Hanson in Helena, Montana, Jaimie Ding in Los Angeles and Thomas Peipert in Denver contributed.

___

This story corrects the name of the town along Highway 74; it is El Cariso Village, not El Cariso.
How you can help bring clean water to African homes

How you can help bring clean water to African homes

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  In Africa, its estimated that a collective 40 Billion hours a year are spent collecting water at a well, then hauling it back home. A non-profit based in Oklahoma city is working to change that. You can help by lacing up your sneakers and joining a charity walk.

Theres no position where its not painful to carry 40 pounds of water, said Matt Hangen, President & CEO of Water4.

LOCAL NEWS: Local organizations assist homeless veterans at 2024 Sooner Stand Down

Hangen said that necessity falls on women and young girls in Africa.

They walk on average, three miles to go get water that they bring back to their homes, said Hangen.

In 2008, Richard Greenly and his wife founded the non-profit, teaching Africans how to drill wells and start businesses. However, he said theres often a detrimental flaw when organizations build wells on the continent.

The well breaks usually in about a year, said Greenly. Right now in Africa, as we sit, theres about 400,000 broken wells.

Greenly said usually its a simple fix, however with limited resources, the wells stay broken for years.

And who pays for it? Because the well was given to the village, they have no money to repair it then, said Greenly.

So, Water4 changed the plan.

We drill one deep borehole and from that one borehole, this water well that we drilled, we then treat the water through three stages of filtration, said Hangen. then we chlorinated the water so that we can send it down. These long pipelines that provide water to entire villages and communities.

It costs families $.03 a day for triple treated water, thats tested weekly, and provides clean water to 2.5 million people.

Which is a drop in the bucket, said Greenly.

LOCAL NEWS: Edmond athlete competes in Paralympics

On September 28th, theyre hosting the Walk4 Water4 fundraiser at Scissortail park. On the first lap, participants will walk with an empty bucket. On the second lap, they add water.

Lets you feel the weight of water and really gain empathy, said Hangen.

The funds raised during the walk will be put directly to use. On November 6th, Water4 will travel to Ghana to build more systems.

Greenly and Hangen said the fundraiser is a free family event with live music, bounce houses, and face painting.

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You can help keep Caddo Parish clean; join the war on litter

CADDO PARISH, La. (KTAL/KMSS)The Parish of Caddo is encouraging citizens to participate in a special parish-wide clean-up event and help fight litter.

The War On Litter will take place on Saturday, September 21, from 8 a.m.  4 p.m. at compactor sites across Caddo Parish.

Citizens are encouraged to take this opportunity to drop off any unwanted items that may be causing clutter or contributing to litter across the Parish.

Litter and trash continue to pose a serious issue across Caddo Parish, said District 12 Caddo Parish Commissioner and Public Safety committee chair Ken Epperson, Sr. We are asking all citizens to do their part in helping create a cleaner Caddo Parish by participating during this special event and removing unwanted items and trash from our Parish, said Epperson.

The following sites will be collecting items:

Blanchard  7045 Dixie Blanchard Rd Shreveport, LA

North Blanchard  7340 Louisiana Highway 1, Shreveport, LA

West Park  7294 West Park Rd Shreveport, LA

Longwood  9416 Blanchard Latex Rd Mooringsport, LA

Vivian  10302 Vivian Airport Rd Vivian, LA

Hosston  15104 Oak St, Hosston, LA

Keithville  5159 Keithville-Springridge, Keithville, LA

Springridge  Louisiana 169 & Colquitt Rd Louisiana

Norris Ferry  10295 Norris Ferry Rd, Shreveport, LA

Mooringsport  Louisiana 169, Mooringsport, LA

Rodessa  12690 Pitts Rd, Rodessa, LA

Gilliam  5473 Pearce Ln & 5473 2nd Gilliam, LA

Caddo Parish Fleet Services  1701 Monty St., Shreveport, LA

Accepted Items:

Furniture

Washers and Dryers

Hot Water Heaters

Lawn Mowers

Barbeque Grills

Recyclable Items (except glass)

Car and Light Truck Tires (5 per visit)

Items Not Accepted:

Batteries

Hazardous Chemicals

Yard Waste(leaves, straw, etc)

Air, Gas Cylinders/Propane Tanks

CommercialWaste

TractorTrailer Loads

CarBodies/Frames

18Wheeler/Tractor Tires

For more information, visit Parish of Caddo.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com.
Her word against mine: CIA veteran who assaulted dozens of women is too dangerous for society, feds say

The women assaulted by Brian Jeffrey Raymond trusted him because he was in the CIA, according to excerpts of sealed victim impact statements (FBI)

Federal prosecutors believe disgraced CIA officer and serial predator Brian Jeffrey Raymond is simply too dangerous to be allowed back into society in the next 30 years, arguing that a sentence exceeding the standard term is the only way to properly punish such an extraordinary case of wanton abuse.

He was someone I trusted, in view of his position, one of Raymonds targets said in a sealed victim impact statement which was partially revealed for the first time in a sentencing memo quietly filed by the US government late last month.

Another victim said the veteran CIA man appeared kind and educated and worked for an agency that is supposed to protect the world from evil, according to the memo, which says Raymond falsely tried to paint at least one of his victims as psychologically unstable. At one point in the case, he floated the notion that he couldnt have done everything he was accused of because he suffers from erectile dysfunction .

Under the courts usual guidelines, taking into consideration Raymonds lack of criminal history and other mitigating factors, the recommended sentencing range would be 235 months to 293 months, or 19.5 years to 24.4 years, the sentencing memo states.

Yet, in this instance, the applicable guideline range does not appropriately capture the defendants conduct and an upward variance is warranted, the memo says. Only a sentence of 30 years properly addresses the defendants relentless victimization of women.

Brian Jeffrey Raymond used his government-leased apartment in Mexico City to commit scores of sexual assaults, according to prosecutors. (FBI)

Raymond, 48, pleaded guilty last November to drugging and sexually assaulting 28 women in five countries over a 14-year-period, memorializing his crimes by taking hundreds of photographs and videos of himself assaulting them while they were blacked out. He will also be required to pay the victims $10,000 each, according to the memo. Raymond met most of his victims on dating apps, according to prosecutors. One victim, however, was a woman prosecutors said Raymond had known for more than 20 years.

Raymond was most recently stationed in Mexico City , where he worked out of the US Embassy, under diplomatic cover. His sickening spree first came to the attention of authorities in the fall of 2020 when local police responded to reports of a naked, hysterical woman desperately screaming for help from the balcony of an apartment leased by the US government. Raymond, who insisted to police the encounter had been consensual, quickly claimed diplomatic immunity and returned to the states. He was arrested October 9, 2020, outside a gym in Southern California , where he had been living with his parents after abruptly quitting the CIA.

When Raymond is eventually let out of prison , he will be on supervised release for the rest of his natural life, according to the sentencing memo  which further exposes the sickeningly casual way the intelligence operative objectified his prey.

CIA officer Brian Jeffrey Raymond worked out of the US Embassy in Mexico City, under diplomatic cover (Google)

In March 2020, Raymond texted a friend identified as Witness-1 in the sentencing memo, Bad start to the Colombian date. She [planned] to come by Uber but said she had a problem with Uber so had to drive her own car. Grrrr. That means she probably will drink very little. Not ideal.

In May 2020, the memo says Raymond texted Witness-1, so last night was a success. She was decent enough looks wise. About what I was expecting and at 26 was still f***able. But after 30, who knows. But she was cool and we had a nice time so it worked out. TBD if I will see her again.

And after the incident with the naked, hysterical woman on Raymonds balcony, he suggested to others that she was mentally unwell and could not be believed, the sentencing memo states. On May 31, 2020, it says Raymond texted Witness-1, [I]t was totally consensual we started to have sex but there will be no evidence of forced entry.

[I]t will be her word against mine and there will be evidence of sex but no bruises or violence, Raymond messages, according to the memo.

When it came to his victims accusations, CIA officer Brian Jeffrey Raymond told a friend he knew it would her word against mine, according to prosecutors (FBI)

Under questioning by law enforcement a few days later, Raymond said that he hope[s] shes okay mentally.

[M]aybe she takes medication and the wine triggered a reaction, Raymond suggested, the memo states.

Attorney Howard Katzoff, who suddenly and inexplicably took over from Raymonds previous defense counsel last November in what Katzoff described in court filings as somewhat unusual circumstances, did not respond on Tuesday to The Independents request for comment. The circumstances under which the switch occurred remain unclear.

A CIA spokesperson told The Daily Beast at the time of Raymonds arrest, CIA condemns in the strongest terms the crimes committed by former Agency officer Brian Jeffrey Raymond. A source close to the case said the spy agency took internal action after the accusations against Raymond, and that he resigned immediately.

Raymonds sentencing is scheduled to take place in Washington, DC, federal court on September 18 and 19, before US District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly.
NANUET  Former Rep. Mondaire Jones went after Rep. Mike Lawler on Tuesday for opposing or failing to support gun restrictions, speaking at a campaign event to contrast their views after last week's deadly school shooting in Georgia.

Standing with gun-safety activists at a Democratic office in Rockland County, Jones blasted Lawler for voting with most House Republicans last year to overturn a new federal rule that tightens regulations on pistol-stabilizing braces, a device gunmen used in several mass shootings. The GOP-led House passed that attempted reversal, but the Democratic-led Senate blocked it.

Former Rep. Mondaire Jones, who challenging Rep. Mike Lawler for New York's 17th Congressional District seat, speaks on Sept. 10, 2024 at a press conference about gun control at a Democratic campaign office in Nanuet.

Jones also faulted his opponent for not supporting the return of a ban on military-style rifles known as assault weapons, the kind used to kill two students and two teachers last week at Apalachee High School in Georgia and at previous mass shootings. A long-pending bill would outlaw those firearms, but it has only Democratic House sponsors and can't advance this term without some Republican support.

"People are living in constant fear of being gunned down in schools, at their houses of worship, at their grocery store  which we saw happen in Buffalo a couple years ago  basically anywhere in American life," Jones said at the press conference. "We have to do more to solve this problem, and the good news is we can do more to solve this problem."

Jones, who held office in 2021 and 2022, is battling with Lawler for New York's 17th Congressional District, a Hudson Valley swing seat that will help decide which party controls the House next year. Lawler won his seat two years ago and represents an area that takes in all of Rockland and Putnam counties and parts of Westchester and Dutchess.

Lawler claims 'balanced, sensible approach'

Lawler's campaign referred questions about his stance on gun control to his website.

The site touts his "balanced, sensible approach," saying he supports gun-ownership rights while "cracking down on illegal guns and those who commit crimes with them." Lawler sponsored a bill that extended for 10 years the "Undetectable Firearms Act"  a 1988 ban on guns that evade metal detectors, which must be renewed periodically and was set to expire.

Lawler's site says he supports "red-flag" laws, which keep guns away from people found to be a danger to themselves or others  as long as those laws "mandate due process." He also backs "prohibiting gun purchases by anyone with an outstanding warrant, and increasing penalties for the threat of mass harm."

Jones and others who spoke at Tuesday's press conference blasted Lawler's stance as inadequate.

U.S. Representative Mike Lawler (NY-17) holds a press conference at Veterans Memorial Park in Nanuet. Friday, August 23, 2024.

"Mike Lawler's record on gun violence and gun safety is abysmal, extreme and out of step with the values of voters and residents here in the Lower Hudson Valley," Jones said. "You would think he was representing a district in Mississippi or Texas."

Lawler has lobbed similar charges of extremism at Jones in their combative race. Last month, he held a press conference  also in Nanuet, just a couple blocks from where Jones staged his event Tuesday  to rip Jones for past statements and a House vote that Lawler said were hostile to law enforcement, despite Jones' rhetoric in support of police in his current race.

New York's assault-weapons ban faces court challenge

Congress banned assault weapons in 1994, but the law expired in 2004 and periodic attempts by Democrats to reinstate it have failed. The House narrowly passed a ban in 2022  with Jones among those voting in support  but the Senate failed to take it up then and narrowly voted it down last December.

New York is one of 10 states, plus Washington D.C., that have imposed their own restrictions on assault weapons since the federal ban expired. New York's took effect in 2013, enacted as part of a gun law signed two months after a horrific school shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut that left 20 children and six adults dead.

Policing clash: Rep. Mike Lawler rips opponent Mondaire Jones for 2021 vote to let felons vote in prison

New York's assault-weapons ban is now being challenged in federal court by Westchester County residents J. Mark Lane and James Sears. Their lawsuit, filed in District Court in White Plains in 2022, argues the law violates their Second Amendment rights and arbitrarily outlawed common semiautomatic rifles that had features that brand them as assault weapons, such as a pistol grip or folding stock.

Chris McKenna covers government and politics for The Journal News and USA Today Network. Reach him at cmckenna@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Mondaire Jones holds news conference on gun laws after Georgia shooting
Hong Kong offers strong regulatory support for foreign companies seeking to establish their operations in the city, some investors said. Its role as a connector between mainland China and the global markets is also burnishing its appeal as a hub for medical technology firms.

That is the case for Time Medical, a Hong Kong-based medical imaging company spun off from Columbia University, its chief operating officer Simon Yeung said. The company faced a regulatory approval process as long as five years for its magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine for babies in the US, but performing preparatory work in Hong Kong helped reduced the process to just a few months, he added.

That is a credit to InvestHK, a government agency tasked with attracting foreign investment to the financial hub, which helped Yeung and his team to get their business up and running.

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"We had a very good talk to InvestHK so that we knew what to do beforehand," Yeung said. "The groundwork was done in Hong Kong, including all the testing and the clinical trials" which sped up the vetting process, he added.

Time Medical is seeking to install its MRI machines in local hospitals, says chief operating officer Simon Yeung. Photo: Handout alt=Time Medical is seeking to install its MRI machines in local hospitals, says chief operating officer Simon Yeung. Photo: Handout>

Time Medical is one of the nine medical technology companies that InvestHK assisted in setting up or expanding their businesses in Hong Kong this year. The firms appreciate Hong Kong for its connection, including initiatives in the Greater Bay Area that open doors to the medical technology market in mainland China.

Introduced in 2020, the "medical connect" scheme allows Hong Kong-registered drugs and medical devices to be used in eligible medical institutions within the bay area. However, they must first meet the "clinically-urgent" criteria and already be in use in Hong Kong public hospitals.

Thanks in part to the scheme, Time Medical is in talks with two local public hospitals to install its MRI systems, which would clear the way for their use in mainland China, Yeung said. Manufacturing for the company's neonatal MRI system, which is its biggest segment with pre-orders from across the world, has begun at its facility in Tai Po InnoPark.

Story continues

So far, the nine med-tech companies have invested a combined HK$60 million (US$7.7 million) in setting up shops in the city, and created some 120 jobs, according to InvestHK's head of innovation and technology Andy Wong.

A wide network of universities, hospitals and research centres, plus various collaboration and funding schemes, are available to investors, he added.

Hong Kong's role as a gateway to the Asia-Pacific market is a bonus, said Dilip Parmanand, CEO of Koning HK, a unit of US computed tomography or CAT scan maker Koning Health. His firm is looking to introduce its breast imaging device to other markets such as Thailand and Malaysia.

"Hong Kong is regarded as a strictly-regulated city for businesses in finance, tech and medicine," Parmanand said. A medical device in use in Hong Kong will reassure other markets in the region about its safety and quality, 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.
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  Tuesday night, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump faced off in their first debate together ahead of the 2024 presidential election.

The stakes were high for this debate, which was being held by ABC News at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia at 9 p.m. EDT.

LIVE POLL: Who won Tuesdays presidential debate?

Neither Harris or Trump had the advantage of notes and were muted whenever it was not their turn to talk. In addition, there was no live audience for this debate, per ABC News rules.

Each candidate got two minutes each to answer a question, a two-minute rebuttal, and a minute to follow-up or clarify any statements.

Some of the prime debate topics centered around the economy, immigration reform and border control, and womens issues, including reproductive rights.

Watch WFLAs analysis of the debate in the player above.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
HONOLULU (KHON2)  The Hawaiian Humane Society is launching a new program to offer field trips for shelter dogs on Oahu. HHS communications manager Brandy Shimabukuro joined Take2 Wednesday morning to talk story about what the program can offer to residents and visitors.

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Ilio Explorers is a field trip program that pairs our animal-loving community with shelter dogs from the Hawaiian Humane Societys Moiliili Campus or Kosasa Family Campus at Hoopili for a day of fun and exploration to dog-friendly locations on Oahu, providing them with exercise, socialization and a break from the shelter environment. Hawaiian Humane partnered with the Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau to curate a list of locations, inviting both kamaaina and visitors alike the opportunity to spend a day exploring dog-friendly beaches, hiking trails and other destinations, Shimabukuro said. Its such an incredible way to enjoy a day out, but it also makes a massive positive impact on dogs waiting to be adopted. Research has shown that similar short-term excursion programs like these are beneficial to shelter dogs physical and mental well-being. They also introduce shelter dogs to new potential adopters, so its a win-win for all.

Clear the shelters at the Hawaiian Humane Society

Reservations are required and are available at HawaiianHumane.org/ilioexplorers.

There is a field trip donation fee of $50 for kamaaina and $150 for visitors, which helps to underwrite the costs of running this new program and supports the care of all shelter pets, Shimabukuro said. Once youve booked your appointment, explorers will receive a brief orientation on safety, program requirements, and dog behavior before being introduced to their new furry partner in adventure. Each explorer will be assigned an adventure pack, which includes everything theyll need for their field trip, including a collapsible water bowl, dog seat belt, harness, leash, towel, and treats.

More information about what is available and rules can be found on the Hawaiian Humanes website.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2.
UPDATE: On Sept 12, 2024 James Samuel OLeary was cleared of professional misconduct

A senior City barrister who has represented Royal Bank of Scotland in the past has been accused of groping a junior female colleague under a table at a work dinner.

James Samuel OLeary, 45, has been accused by the Bar Standards Board (BSB) of damaging the publics trust in the profession over claims he stroked a legal assistants leg under the dinner table without consent.

Mr OLeary, a member of elite commercial barristers chambers One Essex Court, appeared at a tribunal on Thursday over misconduct towards the legal assistant, referred to as Person A.

The alleged harassment took place at a busy, dimly-lit restaurant in December 2022, where Person As team were celebrating with Mr OLeary and another barrister who were both hired by her City law firm to work on a case.

Person A, then 29, was the only woman present at the six-person dinner involving barristers and solicitors, a fact which she found intimidating.

The complainant initially thought Mr OLeary, who sat next to her on the same bench, touched her leg by accident as the group had consumed several bottles of wine during the meal.

However, Mr OLeary then allegedly placed and held his hand on her inner-upper thigh, with his fingers pointing downwards towards her groin.

Mr OLeary maintains that the leg touching that occurred at the celebratory dinner was initiated by Person A

Person A claimed she moved her body away from Mr OLeary but found he was persistent and would not stop.

She also claimed Mr OLeary, a graduate of the University of Oxford, repeatedly attempted to take her hand despite Person A placing a medium-sized bag on her lap.

Person As boss, a Russian-speaking law firm partner who organised the dinner, claimed to have witnessed the attempted hand-holding during dinner and complained to One Essex Court, which reported the alleged misconduct to the Bar watchdog.

The BSB said the incident was extremely traumatising for Person A, who has struggled to sleep, study and work since.

She described their relationship as strictly professional and had previously interacted with him only on several team meetings on Zoom, twice before court hearings and once when she delivered papers to his chambers.

Mr OLeary, who has worked as a barrister for 17 years, rejected Person As recollection of events and claimed she initiated contact with him after repeatedly brushing her leg against him.

He claimed to have initially ignored the contact as incidental but then interpreted it as light flirtation and playfulness, which left him feeling flustered and flattered.

The barrister denied touching Person As inner thigh and said he instead gave her a fleeting tap on the knee to reciprocate her initial gesture.

Mr OLeary claimed Person A did not give the impression that his physical contact was unwanted or unwelcome and insisted that any hand touching was consensual.

The litigator also claimed that Person A instead deliberately pushed her bottom strongly against his body as she turned away from him. There was no way she could have been unaware of doing that, he said.

Mr OLeary, who has previously represented Royal Bank of Scotland and Canada Life, denied his touching was sexual.

The tribunal heard that Mr OLeary was extremely upset and distressed upon learning about the misconduct complaints and claimed acted with only good intentions towards Person A.

One Essex Court, founded in 1966, is part of Britains so-called magic circle of prestigious commercial barristers chambers. The elite set contains more than 110 self-employed barristers and pays pupils 80,000 each. The chambers is led by Lord Grabiner KC, a Labour peer and lawyer for the Post Office.

The case continues.

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SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  Happy Wednesday, Utah! Weather changes are brewing with an approaching storm and cold front, but today, we see another day of above-average heat!

Bottom Line? The midweek brings another day of above-average temperatures as winds crank and add to fire danger.

While lingering moisture could allow for isolated storms over the higher terrain and in Northeastern Utah, drier air will take over much of the state today. Expect daytime highs to climb into the low to mid-90s again in our northern valleys while higher elevations stay in the low 80s.

Southern Utah will see upper 70s to mid 80s for most while mid to upper 90s will return for parts of lower Washington County. We have a storm system dropping into the Pacific Northwest today, and that storm and cold front will shift weather patterns into Utah tomorrow, but today, we see a significant uptick in winds.

The movement of this trough delivers bringing stronger southwesterly winds and thats contributing to a spike in fire danger. A fire start on a day like today would spread extremely quickly, and as a result, Reg Flag Warnings go into effect for much of the Great Basin, encompassing a large chunk of the Beehive State with staggering time frames.

The West Desert and Wasatch Front will see it in effect from 11 a.m. through midnight today while the Henry Mountains, San Rafael Swell, and Grand Staircase see it from noon today through 8 p.m. tomorrow. Southwest winds of 15-25 mph sustained winds, and 40-45 mph gusts are expected with humidity as low as 6-14%. Meanwhile, the eastern side of the state is in a Fire Weather Watch from Thursday afternoon through the evening. With forecasts similar to the Red Flag Warning, we will likely see it upgraded to a warning as well. Our Southwest flow will also drag denser wildfire smoke into parts of the state today which will impact visibility and possibly air quality.

By tonight, the cold front will move into Northern Utah and slowly push through central, southern, and eastern Utah on Thursday. Winds will remain elevated ahead of the front especially in the southern and eastern valleys into Thursday. There isnt a tremendous amount of moisture associated with the cold front, but the chance of light rain early Thursday morning along the Wasatch Front exists.

After the cold front passes, temperatures in the north will drop significantly, and it will feel like highs we typically see in early October. Expect a dip between 15 around 20 degrees, bringing highs in the Wasatch Front down to the upper 60s to near 70. Meanwhile, southern Utah will only cool by about 5-10 degrees. The cold front also has the chance to drag wildfire smoke from fires in the Pacific Northwest into Northern Utah. Moderate air is expected for several areas in northern Utah through the end of the week.

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. We could be tracking yet another fall-like storm system for next week. Stay tuned!

Well give you the latest updates in our 4Warn Weather forecast both on-air and online, we are Good4Utah!

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
What Hilliard school levy on the November ballot would pay for

What Hilliard school levy on the November ballot would pay for

HILLIARD, Ohio (WCMH)  A Hilliard schools levy on the ballot in November would ask taxpayers to fund new buildings.

The district is asking for a 6.9-mill operating levy. Superintendent David Stewart believes

it is imperative to get this funding.

Its important on the operating side, because our current projections are that we are currently in fiscal year 25, and our current projections are that in fiscal year 26, we will drop below our required 20% of expenditures, cash reserves policy and in fiscal year 28, we would actually run out of cash, Stewart said.

Strange Columbus photos connection to claims about Haitian immigrants in Springfield

The district intends to use $142 million to build three new elementary schools to replace Brown, Beacon, and Ridgewood schools. Hilliard city councilmember Les Carrier thinks the district should use the money they have in their reserve instead of asking the taxpayers. The levy would cost property owners $242 dollars per $100,000 in home evaluation each year.

The vast majority of the ask, to the community, the taxpayer is for operating, Carrier said. So, whats all the operating money for, that you need when you have $84 million in cash.

On the district website the projected cash balance for the 2024 fiscal year was a little over $84 million. Superintendent David Stewart notes the number is actually higher, but explained why he thinks the levy is needed.

We do have a $90 million cash reserve now, which sounds like a lot of money, especially if you dont line it up against our projected deficits, Stewart said. So, our projected deficits over the next three fiscal years are $21 million and $30 million. So, that $91 million evaporates very, very quickly.

Though this is the districts first levy request in eight years, for many community members like Greg St. Clair, it seems to be unnecessary.

You see these big potential deficits but the deficits havent happened, St. Clair said. So, I just think its, I kind of coined the phrase it to me, its the wrong time and its the wrong size.

If you live in the Hilliard district and have some questions regarding the levy, 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 NBC4 WCMH-TV.
Ninety-seven football fans died following the the 1989 disaster at Hillsborough stadium in Sheffield [PA Media]

Families of people killed in the Hillsborough disaster waited more than 23 years for face-to-face meetings to discuss the findings of their post mortems, a review found.

The investigation found the loved ones of Manchester Arena bombing victims also faced lengthy delays.

The report, by forensic expert Glenn Taylor and published by the Home Office, said bereaved families should be entitled to timely meetings and better communication.

A total of 97 people died as a result of the Hillsborough disaster of 1989, while 22 people were killed when a suicide bomber detonated a device at the Manchester Arena in 2017.

Paul Price, whose partner Elaine McIver died in the Arena attack, did not meet with the pathologist who carried out her post-mortem until 2023, and the meeting would not have happened if the review had not intervened.

The review was set up to examine what went wrong with the original pathology report into the deaths of Liverpool fans at 15 April 1989 FA Cup semi-final.

It was aimed at ensuring similar mistakes were not made in the future, the Home Office said.

The review followed a recommendation in a report by Bishop James Jones in 2017.

Overseen by the Home Office and commissioned by the Pathology Delivery Board, it was chaired by forensic science expert Glenn Taylor.

The original inquests, which were quashed by the High Court in 2012, heard no evidence from after 15:15 BST on 15 April 1989, the day of the disaster at the Hillsborough ground in Sheffield.

'Deeply personal'

That decision was based on pathology evidence that all the victims had suffered the injuries which caused their deaths before that time.

However, the subsequent Hillsborough Independent Panel found the evidence was flawed and it was highly likely that what happened after 15:15 - the time when the first ambulance arrived on the pitch - was significant in determining whether the victims could have survived.

In his 2017 report, called The Patronising Disposition Of Unaccountable Power, Bishop James Jones said: "It is difficult to overstate the impact of the failures of pathology at the first inquest.

"The impact is deeply personal for those families who feel they will now never know how their loved one died, but it also has a wider resonance - leading as it did to the necessity for new inquest proceedings 25 years after the disaster occurred."

The review's terms of reference included recognising the failures in pathology, assessing whether there was a risk of similar failings being made again, and considering if there were lessons learned which could be built into the development of Home Office-registered forensic pathologists and the wider provision of pathology services.

Ninety-seven football fans died as a result of the 1989 Hillsborough disaster [BBC]

In the report, Mr Taylor, who died in August but had recorded a video message which was played to families before publication, said: "Our initial finding, as soon as we were able to listen to the Hillsborough and Manchester Arena families, was that it is the experience of bereaved families, not just the technical competence of pathologists, which calls for a fresh focus.

"As we have received evidence for our review and listened to both the relevant professionals and families affected, this assessment has resonated throughout: we have moved a long way since 1989 but more still needs to be done."

His report also recommended a process for informing family members of the existence of post-mortem photographs and images.

Jenni Hicks, whose daughters Sarah, 19, and Vicki, 15, were among the 97 victims at Hillsborough, told the review she learnt post-mortem images of their genitalia and breasts had been kept on a police computer.

She said: "How undignified and disrespectful for them, and shockingly embarrassing for me. When I later asked how many male police officers had viewed my daughters' bodies, there was no log to confirm this figure."

In the review, Hillsborough families said they had been told their loved ones' bodies were "property of the coroner" following their deaths.

Twenty-two people were killed in the attack by suicide bomber Salman Abedi in May 2017 [Family handouts]

Mr Taylor said: "Families bereaved through the Manchester Arena bombing have not reported to us the use of the phrase 'property of the coroner'. But the damage caused through any clumsy use of language is very apparent."

The comparison of post-mortem reports from the Hillsborough disaster and the Manchester Arena attack showed significant progress in the quality and depth of reports, the review found.

The report recommended that survivability was considered as part of forensic post-mortem examinations in mass fatalities where it was likely to be an issue.

It also recommended the number of forensic pathology trainees should be reinstated to eight, from the current number of six, and that there was a need for greater public understanding on the nature of the way pathology is conducted.

In a statement, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said she had written to the chair of the Pathology Delivery Board to ask that actions identified in the report were taken forward immediately.

She said: "I want to pay tribute to the families who have been through so much over the years and who gave their time and shared again the most difficult and unimaginable experiences they went through in order to inform this report.

"I can confirm we will be accepting all of the report's recommendations, which we will work at pace to deliver.

"This report is a stark reminder of the extent to which the families were failed and this government is committed to helping right the wrongs."

The Home Office announced in 2022 it had established an independent review to consider what went wrong with the original pathology report into the deaths at the 1989 FA Cup semi-final, and ensure similar mistakes were not made in the future.

The announcement initially sparked anger when it emerged families of those who died had not been told about it.

The review followed a recommendation in a report by Bishop James Jones [PA Media]

The review was one of 25 recommendations made by former bishop of Liverpool the Right Rev James Jones in his 2017 report The Patronising Disposition of Unaccountable Power.

He said: "The test of today's report will be whether it leads to changes ensuring that the pain and suffering of the Hillsborough families are never repeated.

"I call upon the new government to ensure that the changes in the role of pathology that are recommended in this report are made for the future."

The Conservative government responded to his report last year and said it had signed up to a Hillsborough Charter, pledging to place the public interest above its own reputation, but stopped short of introducing a "Hillsborough Law" incorporating a legal duty of candour.

Labour committed to the legislation in its first King's Speech in earlier this year.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas to northwest.newsonline@bbc.co.uk
Left: John Pierpont Morgan, Jr. (1867-1943) succeeded his father as president of J.P Morgan & Co., a financial and banking institution that issued large loans to the United States for reconstruction after World War I. Right: Andrew Carnegie, Portrait, circa 1910. Credit - From Left: Oscar White/Corbis/VCG via Getty Images; Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Donald Trump has a character problem. In an interview at the National Association of Black Journalists Convention on July 31, Trump claimed, falsely, that his opponent, Kamala Harris, had identified as Indian until a number of years ago when she happened to turn Black now she wants to be known as Black. So, I dont know, is she Indian or is she Black?

In reality, Harris has never said she was anything other than both Indian and Black.

For Trump, this was only one moment in a well-documented history of public falsehoods, highlighted by his oft-repeated lies that he won the 2020 election, despite over 60 failed court challenges. While Trump was President, the Washington Post famously kept a running total of his false statements that reached into the thousands.

Yet the election remains close. How is it possible that voters have come to discount lying? Doesnt character make a difference?

If history is a guide, its not that character doesnt matter. Its that voters see character very differently than do pundits.

Historian Richard White has explained that in the Gilded Age in the late 19th century, judgments of the character of business and political leaders had little to do with their honesty and integrity. Instead, because lying was so endemic, leaders were judged on whether they appeared forceful and dependable in achieving things. Character meant getting things done while exhibiting strength.

Understanding character this way explains how Trump can spin out false statements about just about everything, yet enjoy considerable support from voters. This approach to character, however, also provides clues as to how Democrats can more effectively attack Trump and undermine his support.

Read More: In Bid for Immunity, Trump Distorts the History of His Second Impeachment

The definition of achievement-based character developed in the corrupt business world of late 19th century America. Despite pervasive lying, businessmen had to have a way to judge whether they could do business with others. Public information was often manipulated and worthless, so entrepreneurs needed to consider who was making claims, why they were being made, and, most importantly, what the consequences were or would be. Many concluded that what mattered was what people did, not what they said. You could do business with someone who could dependably and forcefully make things happen.

And, amazingly, this system worked as the late Industrial Revolution built enormous, dominating companies. Character  just not the kind reflecting honesty and integrity  counted.

Nowhere was this clearer than in the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad. The often-corrupt construction managers building the Central Pacific from the west and the Union Pacific from the east, including Charles Crocker, Grenville Dodge, and others, achieved impossible things. Those feats included tunneling through the Sierra Nevada mountains and laying track across the endless Great Plains.

But estimates are that close to half of the nearly $100 million cost of the construction was diverted into the pockets of railroad executives and others. To ensure a continued flow of public funds, the Union Pacifics construction agent, Credit Mobilier  whose board was identical to that of the railroad  attempted to bribe congressmen. They offered 10 shares of stock, which appeared to be a modest bribe. But it promised total annual dividends larger than a congressmans entire government salary of $5000!

Crocker and his colleagues in the Central Pacific also never kept track of the many Chinese workers who died building the railroad. Nor did the Union Pacific pay the Mormon workers who completed it.

Yet when the Golden Spike was driven at Promontory Point in 1869, joining the two railroads, it kicked off a jubilant celebration across America. The men in charge had great character; they got something monumental done.

This conception of character extended to the titans of industry whom historian Matthew Josephson labelled robber barons because of their conduct. In roughly three decades at the end of the 19th century, John D. Rockefeller created a vast near-worldwide monopoly in oil. Cartoons depicted him as a massive octopus ensnaring and crushing his enemies. But even muckraker Ida Tarbells otherwise scathing History of the Standard Oil Company praised Standard Oils organizational ability to get things done. No one could compete with Standard; Rockefeller reliably rolled over all opposition. His peers admired him for his character, even if the public saw him far more negatively.

Andrew Carnegie, by contrast, had a much more checkered reputation. But it wasnt because of a lack of ethics per se. Instead, it was because Carnegie was unreliable  some refused to deal with him because he was prone to cheating.

To build the St. Louis bridge, for example, Carnegies Keystone Bridge Company purchased the necessary iron from Carnegie himself. He also earned a handsome commission for selling bridge bonds, profiting multiple ways. To protect his iron business, Carnegie repeatedly pressured the engineer, James Buchanan Eads, to use iron instead of steel for key structures  Carnegie was not yet known for steel. He even refused to open the bridge when it was done, having his Keystone men tear up the approach roads, delaying until all payments owed to Keystone for the construction were made. Eadss bridge turned out to be an engineering triumph, but, among Carnegies peers, its completion gave little luster to his perceived character.

In another later scheme, Carnegie lied to railroads who bought his rails about a competitors innovative steelmaking process. He claimed that its rails lacked homogeneity, a made-up term. Afraid, the railroads stopped buying those rails. The competing mill consequently failed, Carnegie snapped it up  and then installed the process in his own mills.

The treatment of Henry Clay Frick, chairman of Carnegie Steel, revealed that it wasn't the companys ruthless business practices that tarnished Carnegies own reputation. Frick relentlessly drove most unions from the company. It took 45 years  and an act of Congress  before they returned. Yet, Frick was viewed as a man of high character.

Why? Because by the end of the 19th century, Carnegie Steel was producing more steel than all of Great Britain. Frick got the job done.

Read More: Trump Is Lying to His Supporters About Gag Orders

Perhaps financier J.P. Morgan was the best example of how the two different understandings of character could co-exist. Americans reviled Morgan as the puppetmaster of the money center. Yet he prevented an international gold drain from causing the countrys bankruptcy in 1895, and his aggressive actions ended the Panic of 1907. In both cases, Morgan was successful because others in government and in the banking industry believed that he'd act with character.

In dramatic testimony before a congressional committee in 1912, Morgan spoke to the importance of such perceptions. He claimed that the first thing upon which commercial credit was based was character  not money or property. Money could not buy commercial credit, the financier explained, because a man I do not trust could not get money from me on all the bonds in Christendom.

Morgans response was celebrated as an expression of the importance of trust and integrity in business. But he may just have been referring to forceful, assured dependability  was the person sufficiently strong and reliable to repay a loan?

People would lie, but if you could rely on them to get things done, they had character all the same.

This conception of character is relevant today because many voters don't pay close attention to politics and lack knowledge of how government works. When candidates or elected officials make claims and counterclaims, they lack the information and expertise to judge who is right and who is wrong.

What they can gauge are tangible actions by politicians that affect them. Research in political science has established that voters value the constituency services that their elected representatives provide  the benefits brought to the district, as well as the elected officials help with the personal, family, and business issues created by government programs, ranging from Social Security to veterans benefits to business regulation. As a result, voters say, paradoxically, that they like their own, very helpful representative  but, as for Congress as a whole  well, they are wasteful and corrupt, much deserving of being turned out of office.

Judgments of candidates, therefore, don't depend on whether they offer enticing policy options or even tell the truth. Trumps sustained popularity exposes this reality. Instead, many Americans focus on whether a candidate appears to be someone who can forcefully, dependably get things done for them.

By this Gilded Age metric, Trump superficially passes the character" test. Hes the classic Gilded Age businessman. He takes credit for grandiose achievements  whether he's actually responsible for them or even when hes done nothing at all. He claims to have been the greatest President for Black Americans since Abraham Lincoln, to name but one dubious boast.

Yet, Trump might not have gotten far in business or politics in the late 19th century. Despite his boasts, Trump hasnt actually delivered the consistent results that he claims. And that creates an opening for Democrats.

They regularly point to Trumps lies. But the Gilded Age tells us that for Harris to win, she has to destroy the confidence that voters place in Trumps ability to get things done  his image as a forceful leader who achieves things. Doing so will sour voters on him far more than assailing Trump for cruelty or calling out lies. Voters care far less about such matters than they do about a candidate they believe will make a real difference in their lives.

Barry M. Mitnick is professor of organizations and entrepreneurship, and of public and international affairs at the University of Pittsburgh. In 2019, his business history course, Market Manipulations, was recognized by the Aspen Institute with an Ideas Worth Teaching Awardone of only 10 courses worldwide to be selected.

Made by History takes readers beyond the headlines with articles written and edited by professional historians. Learn more about Made by History at TIME here. Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of TIME editors.

Write to Made by History at madebyhistory@time.com.
(WJET/WFXP) A New York man is facing criminal charges after allegedly swinging a sword at a woman while near a child in Jamestown Wednesday morning.

Jamestown Police were called to an apartment building on the citys north side around 8:21 a.m. for a report of a man carrying a weapon.

NY man allegedly attempts to steal over $1K from Presque Isle Downs and Casino tip box

Police said the man got into a verbal confrontation with a woman at the complex during which he allegedly grabbed a metal replica display sword and swung it at her numerous times in front of a small child.

Police have identified the man as 25-year-old Isiah T. Fuentes, a homeless man living in the area.

Parole check uncovers over four ounces of cocaine in Chautauqua County

Hes since been arraigned on charges of first-degree menacing and endangering the welfare of a child pleading not guilty to both charges.

Hes being held in the Jamestown City Jail without bail.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com.
Sulthiame appeared to reduce symptoms of obstructive sleep apnoea in a recent international clinical trial [Getty Images]

An epilepsy drug could help people with a common breathing problem that causes them to snore and gasp loudly at night, it has been claimed.

Sulthiame, a drug sold under the brand name Ospolot, appeared to reduce symptoms of obstructive sleep apnoea in a recent international clinical trial of 298 patients.

Lead author Jan Hedner, professor of respiratory medicine at Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Gothenburg, Sweden, found improvements in those on the highest doses of the drug.

Bhik Kotecha, consultant ear, nose and throat surgeon at Nuffield Health Brentwood Hospital, Essex, said lifestyle changes such as weight loss and reduced alcohol intake could also help with sleep apnoea.

Professor Kotecha described sleep apnoea as a condition in which a patient stops breathing momentarily, but repeatedly, during sleep.

He said: "The main symptoms of sleep apnoea include snoring, poor and fragmented sleep, periodic gasping for breath, morning headaches and daytime sleepiness."

Ms Hedner found after 12 weeks, those taking Sulthiame had up to 50% fewer occasions where their breathing stopped and higher levels of oxygen in their blood during sleep.

A common misconception is that snoring and sleep apnoea are the same thing.

What causes general snoring?

"Snoring occurs as a result of a turbulent airflow and can affect both children and adults," explained Mr Kotecha.

"If the airway becomes constantly obstructed, then the patient could develop sleep apnoea."

Children often snore due to enlarged tonsils and adenoids.

"There is a plethora of evidence that demonstrates that the removal of tonsils and adenoids in these children dramatically improves their quality of sleep as well as their cognitive function," said Mr Kotecha.

"In adults, the problem could be due to an obstruction in the nose as a result of a deviated nasal septum or nasal polyps.

"More commonly, it is the redundant, floppy soft palate in the throat that is the culprit."

But, because the majority of symptoms happen when asleep, it can be hard to detect.

How can it be treated?

As the effects of Sulthiame need to be investigated further, Mr Kotecha said there were other ways to treat the condition.

Options included nasal CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure), oral appliances, nasal sprays, antihistamines and lifestyle changes like weight loss and reduced alcohol intake.

Surgeries such as minimally invasive radiofrequency surgery, tonsillectomy and laser or robotic surgery can also be offered to select patients.

"Minimally invasive radiofrequency surgery can improve the upper airway by shortening and stiffening the soft palate, reducing the bulkiness of the tongue and improving nasal patency," added Mr Kotecha.

Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.

More on this story

National Health Service
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.

Stateline is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Stateline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Scott S. Greenberger for questions: info@stateline.org. Follow Stateline on Facebook and X.

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(Reuters) - IBM (IBM) said on Wednesday it expects a pre-tax charge of nearly $2.7 billion in the third quarter, related to a transaction involving the transfer of some of its pension plan obligations to a unit of Prudential Financial.

Under the deal, nearly $6 billion of IBM's defined benefit pension obligations will be transferred to Prudential Insurance Company of America.

A defined benefit plan guarantees a specific payout to employees upon retirement, completely funded by the employer without any contribution from the employee.

The one-time non-cash charge will not impact its third quarter, full-year 2024 adjusted operating profit or free cash flow, IBM said.

The deal stipulates that, starting next year, Prudential will take full responsibility for paying out the pension benefits of nearly 32,000 participants enrolled in IBM's plan.

(Reporting by Juby Babu in Mexico City and Harshita Mary Varghese in Bengaluru; Editing by Alan Barona)
EXCLUSIVE: Republicans would pull out every stop to block a Harris administration from negotiating another Iran deal, according to the Houses No. 3 Republican, Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York.

"We would block that at every turn," the GOP Conference chairwoman vowed in an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital.

"Biden and Kamala Harris have given hundreds of billions of dollars straight to Iran, the greatest sponsor of terror, and the dollars are going to support proxies like Hamas and Hezbollah, which are attacking Israel every single day."

Two separate agreements last fall that included a prisoner swap allowed Iran to access up to $16 billion of its previously frozen assets.

STEFANIK FILES ETHICS COMPLAINT AGAINST TRUMP TRIAL JUDGE

Republicans would pull out every stop to block a Harris administration from negotiating another Iran deal, according to Rep. Elise Stefanik, RN.Y.

Middle East watchers have predicted that Vice President Kamala Harris would be much more likely to take to the negotiating table to try to prevent Iran from creating a nuclear weapon than using military deterrence and financial sanctions.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

In 2019, Harris said she favored rejoining the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) aimed at limiting Iran's nuclear programs.

"President Trump's unilateral withdrawal from an agreement that was verifiably preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon  against the warnings of our closest allies and without any plan for what comes next  was beyond reckless," she said.

She said she would seek to rejoin the deal "so long as Iran also returned to verifiable compliance."

Iran has a growing stockpile of uranium enriched to just below weapons-grade, and some fear it could create a nuclear weapon before the end of the year.

Trump recently warned that sanctions should be used "as little as possible" to "continue to have [the U.S. dollar] be the world currency."

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei alongside a look inside a Uranium plant. Iran has a growing stockpile of uranium enriched to just below weapons-grade.

"I use sanctions very powerfully against countries that deserve it, and then I take them off because, look, you're losing Iran, you're losing Russia. China is out there trying to get their currency to be the dominant currency."

In a wide-ranging interview on the House GOPs national security priorities, Stefanik, a member of the Intelligence and Armed Services committees, said if the GOP keeps control of the House next Congress, it would continue to work to defund the U.N. Palestinian refugee agency (UNRWA) and "address these foreign dollars going into universities, put a stop to that."

President Biden signed an appropriations package in March that banned funding to UNRWA for one year after some of its employees were found to have ties to Hamas.

STEFANIK: HARRIS UNFIT TO BE COMMANDER IN CHIEF

The chairwoman declined to say whether the House would authorize more funding for Ukraine or Taiwan once this years foreign aid packages dry up but noted concerns about oversight of U.S. aid in Ukraine.

A firefighter walks through the rubble of the twin towers of the World Trade Center as a U.S. flag hangs from a traffic light post Sept. 11, 2001. Stefanik said she is "not confident" the U.S. is secure from another 9/11-style attack.

"I have major concerns about the lack of accountability for the billions of dollars that have gone to Ukraine," she said. "We are continuing to get more reports from the Pentagon that they can't account for  to the tune of billions of dollars.

"The only person who can solve that conflict is Trump," Stefanik added. "If you look at modern-day presidents, [Russian President Vladimir] Putin invaded other countries during every modern president except for President Trump."

And on the anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, Stefanik revealed she is not confident the U.S. is equipped to prevent another similar tragedy.

"If you look at the attack against Israel, the Iranians [are] on the march. The same terrorists that are chanting Death to Israel are also chanting Death to America," she said. "We have individuals on the terrorist watch list who have crossed our open borders.  That is a national security threat."





Original article source: House GOP majority would block Iran peace deal efforts under a President Harris, top Republican vows
House Republicans Say It's Too Late For Proof-Of-Citizenship Voting Bill To Help This Year

WASHINGTON  House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said Tuesday that Congress must pass new rules for voter registration to head off the supposed threat of noncitizens illegally voting in Novembers election.

The American people understand this, Johnson said at a press conference. They want us, and they deserve us, to take this action and to make sure that illegals cannot taint the election.

Johnson had scheduled a Wednesday afternoon vote on a Republican bill that would add new paperwork requirements aimed at stopping noncitizens from registering to vote in federal elections, which is already illegal. But Johnson abandoned the plan amid opposition from members of his own party.

Johnson had attached the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, or SAVE Act, to a must-pass government funding bill to boost its chances of getting through Congress. The gambit does not appear to be working.

But even if Congress were to approve the SAVE Act, and President Joe Biden signed it into law this week, multiple House Republicans, all of whom support the legislation, said Tuesday that there wouldnt be enough time for the new rules to have an impact before Election Day.

I think most of the states already have in place all the rules and regulations that are going to guide this election, Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Ala.) told HuffPost. I dont know that anything that we did that would be signed into law between now and November that would have much of an impact.

Rogers is one of several Republicans who have come out against Johnsons plan to tie the SAVE Act to government funding, citing concerns that the funding levels are too high. He voted for the SAVE Act when the House passed it as a standalone measure in July, as did every other Republican in attendance. (The Democratic-controlled Senate ignored it.)

Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.)  who has described the SAVE Act as the hill to die on for House Republicans, even if their push for the legislation results in a government shutdown  echoed Rogers.

It never does have the impact, Norman said. Youve got to start somewhere. And is it a catchall? No, but its one weve got to have in place.

The bill would require people who register to vote to provide proof of citizenship, such as by furnishing a passport or a government-issued photo identification card combined with a birth certificate. Current law requires people to declare theyre citizens on voter registration forms under penalty of perjury. As a result, noncitizen voting is rare enough that theres no credible evidence its ever swayed a modern election.

The main purpose of the SAVE Act isnt to become law, however; its to boost GOP presidential nominee Donald Trumps bogus claims that Democrats will use illegal voting to steal the November election from him, just like he falsely says they did in 2020.

The SAVE Act would direct states to take affirmative steps to remove noncitizens from voter rolls and create a private right of action that would subject election officials to civil lawsuits for registering noncitizens to vote. Federal law already requires states to make a reasonable effort to remove ineligible voters from their lists.

The Bipartisan Policy Center, a centrist think tank in Washington, warned lawmakers in July that theres not enough time for states to make the SAVE Acts required changes.

The SAVE Act requires significant changes to each step of the voter registration process: how voters register, how their identities are verified, and how list maintenance is performed on an ongoing basis, the BPC wrote in an issue brief at the time. These changes would be costly and time consuming, taking monthsif not yearsto achieve.

Rep. Tom Cole (R-Okla.) said it was still worth passing the SAVE Act if only to send a message to voters about election integrity.

The symbolism, I think, and the warning, and I think there would probably be an advertising campaign with it to sort of inform people, Please, dont run this risk, Cole said. So I think it would have some impact.

Rep. Bob Good (R-Va.), the chair of the right-wing House Freedom Caucus, said new rules could at least help in states where voters can register on the same day they cast ballots.

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 said. 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.

But if the SAVE Act did become law, civil rights groups would likely sue to prevent states from improperly removing citizen voters. Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) noted that court cases would delay the bills implementation.

It wont take effect, Massie said. I mean, the people who are going to vote have already registered to vote.

Massie has derided pairing the SAVE Act with government funding legislation as a shiny object strategy by Johnson to convince conservative Republicans to support liberal spending.

Rep. Matt Rosendale (R-Mont.), another Republican who opposes Johnsons gambit, also said it was too late for the SAVE Act.

I really dont believe that theres enough time before the November elections to get it fully implemented to make sure that illegals arent voting, Rosendale said.
WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR)  Wednesday House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) called off a vote to pass a six-month government funding plan. Johnson appeared to acknowledge the bill does not have enough support from Republicans to clear the House, raising pressure from Democrats to work across the aisle.

Johnson told reporters Republicans will work through the weekend to whip votes.

Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) says there are a handful of GOP members who will never support a short-term spending plan. The few that have publicly opposed the bill argue the price tag is too high.

Despite the pushback Johnson says he stands behind the speakers strategy to dig in. Im putting everything I have into backing the Speakers play to make sure we have the votes necessary to avoid a government shutdown and to make sure illegal immigrants do not vote in our elections.

Democrats are opposed to the plan because it includes the Save Act, a provision outlawing undocumented immigrants from voting in U.S. elections.

Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) says the bill should be debated separately from the government funding bill.

Its controversial, we have disagreement about voter ID laws that will have a disproportionate impact in targeting legal voters, says Khanna.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) says House Republicans pushing the provision are wasting their time, the bill is dead on arrival in the Democrat controlled Senate.

The White House vows to veto the legislation. In a veto message, the Office of Management and Budget writes it is already illegal for non-citizens to vote in federal elections.

Johnson says with Election Day around the corner, its important Republicans pass the bill to send a message to the American public. Ultimately Congress has until Sept. 30 to avoid a government shutdown.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
WASHINGTON  House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has abandoned his plan for the House to vote on legislation pairing government funding and new measures to counter a phantom voter fraud threat.

Johnson had scheduled a vote for Wednesday afternoon even though members of his own party opposed the plan and it appeared doomed.

Hours before the roll call, Johnson announced a change of plans.

No vote today, because were in the consensus-building business here in Congress, Johnson told reporters. With small majorities, thats what you do.

Johnson said Republicans would work through the weekend on their plan even though they had just returned from a six-week recess.

Republicans have such a small majority that Johnson can lose only a handful of Republican votes and still pass legislation without having to rely on Democratic support, and its not clear if any Democrats would have voted yes on the bill. Even if the House passed the measure, the Democrat-controlled Senate would have ignored it.

Former President Donald Trump has encouraged Republicans to shut down the government if Democrats wouldnt agree to new election security measures, though Johnson on Tuesday refused to rule out allowing the House to vote on a clean government funding bill before time runs out at the end of the month.

The Republican lawmakers who opposed the bill complained it didnt cut federal spending enough.

The main purpose of the new voting measures, which include requiring proof of citizenship for voter registration, has been to boost Trumps false claims that Democrats will steal the November election with illegal votes from undocumented immigrants.

Its already illegal for U.S. noncitizens to vote in federal elections, and they rarely do. And several Republicans told HuffPost this week that even if their voter fraud bill became law, its provisions wouldnt take effect in time for the election.
This week, nearly six years after Houston cops killed a middle-aged couple falsely accused of selling heroin, a jury began considering the murder case against Gerald Goines, the former narcotics officer who instigated the deadly raid. His lawyers concede that he fabricated the basis for the no-knock warrant that authorized him and his colleagues to break into the home of Dennis Tuttle and Rhogena Nicholas on January 28, 2019. But they argue that he is not responsible for their deaths and therefore should not have been charged with murder.

Goines, a 34-year veteran who retired after the raid, also faces a charge of tampering with a governmental record, a felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison. That charge is based on a search warrant affidavit in which Goines claimed a confidential informant had purchased heroin from a middle-aged "white male, whose name is unknown," at 7815 Harding Street, where Tuttle and Nicholas lived. The informant supposedly saw a 9mm semi-automatic pistol and a "large quantity of plastic baggies" containing heroin at the house.

As Goines later admitted, none of that was true. Goines, who was shot in the neck during the Harding Street raid, was taken to a hospital, where he confessed that he had invented the "controlled buy" he described in his affidavit. But he claimed that he personally had bought heroin from Tuttle.

That was not true either, defense attorney Nicole DeBorde admitted during her opening statement at Goines' trial on Monday. "While it's true you're not going to be happy with Gerald Goines for some of the things that he said that were not true in that affidavit, and later in that hospital, he didn't murder anybody," she told the jurors. "He is not legally responsible for murder. This is a case of the wrong charges being filed. There are other consequences for him."

The two murder charges are based on a statute that applies when someone "commits or attempts to commit a felony" and "in the course of and in furtherance of the commission or attemptcommits or attempts to commit an act clearly dangerous to human life that causes the death of an individual." That charge is inappropriate in this case, DeBorde argued, because Goines' underlying felonyproducing the fraudulent search warrant affidavitdid not cause the deaths of Tuttle and Nicholas.

In DeBorde's telling, that outcome resulted from the couple's decision to resist the invading police officers instead of surrendering. According to DeBorde, Tuttle and Nicholas both knew the men who broke down their door and immediately killed their dog with a shotgun were police officers. She said Tuttle nevertheless grabbed a revolver and came out shooting, injuring Goines and three other officers, while Nicholas tried to grab a gun from one of them. "Nicholas' choices to not respond to instructions by police and to try and grab the gun of a fallen officer is the cause of her death," DeBorde said.

According to this account, Tuttle and Nicholas got what they deserved. Prosecutors told a different story.

When the cops charged into the house around 5 p.m., Harris County Assistant District Attorney Keaton Forcht said, Nicholas, a 58-year-old cancer patient, was sitting on a couch watching TV while Tuttle, a disabled 59-year-old Navy veteran, was asleep in a bedroom. According to the prosecution, Tuttle responded to the tumult with gunfire because he thought he was defending his home against violent criminals.

"Evidence will show Gerald Goines was legally responsible for every shot in that house, whether it was from officers or Dennis Tuttle," Forcht said. "Mr. Tuttle reacted as anybody would, any normal person, hearing guns ring out in their house, their doors blown in, his wife on the couch, the dog is dead in the living room. He grabs his pistol and comes storming out."

Although the officers were not wearing uniforms, Goines' lawyers argued that the word police on their tactical gear would have made it clear who they were. The defense also claimed the cops verbally identified themselves as police officers. But no such announcement can be heard in the available audio record, which includes a neighbor's cellphone recording and video from a body camera worn by Officer Richard Morales, who arrived just before the cops entered the house.

Morales testified that he did not hear the officers announce themselves. But defense attorney Mac Secrest pointed out that Morales had told internal investigators he heard someone shout "police" as the door was breached. According to the account that Art Acevedo, then Houston's police chief, gave at a press conference the night of the raid, the cops "announced themselves as Houston police officers while simultaneously breaching the front door."

Like Goines' lawyers, Acevedo put the blame for the ensuing violence squarely on Tuttle and Nicholas, whom he described as dangerous criminals who were operating a locally notorious "drug house" where police had "actually bought black-tar heroin." He hailed the copsGoines especiallyas "heroes" and claimed that neighbors were grateful to the officers for their brave intervention.

"Immediately upon breaching the door," Acevedo said, "the officers came under fire." But as he revealed during a press conference the next day, it was actually the police who fired first, killing what he described as "a very large pit bull," whose body can be seen near the front door in photographs of the scene.

According to the story that Acevedo told, shouting "police" while "simultaneously breaching the front door" gave Nicholas and Tuttle ample notice that the men who had just broken into their home and killed their pet were officers of the law. Goines' attorneys are telling the same improbable story in arguing that Nicholas and Tuttle caused their own deaths.

After Goines' deceit was revealed, Acevedo stopped calling him a hero. But he continued to describe the other officers that way and even insisted they "had probable cause to be there," which plainly was not true.

Nor was it true that Tuttle and Nicholas were known locally as drug dealers, as Acevedo initially claimed. While police found personal-use quantities of marijuana and cocaine at the house, they did not discover any evidence of the drug dealing that Goines had described. The investigation that he supposedly conducted prior to the raid was prompted by false reports from a neighbor, Patricia Garcia, who had a grudge against Nicholas. "She was always fighting with Rhogena, always jealous of Rhogena," another neighbor, Sarah Sanchez, testified on Monday. "She was very hateful."

As Houston Public Media notes, Garcia "told police that her daughter was doing heroin inside the couple's home and that the couple were drug dealers and had guns inside their home." But "investigators eventually found that Garcia had no daughter and that her other claims were also false." In March 2021, Garcia pleaded guilty to federal charges based on her fraudulent 911 calls. Three months later, she was sentenced to 40 months in prison and three years of probation.

The raid that killed Nicholas and Tuttle was "based on lie after lie after lie," Forcht noted on Monday. "But for the actions of Gerald Goines," he said, "those two homeowners would still be alive." In disputing that causal link, Goines' lawyers are relying on a narrative that depicts his victims as the real aggressors.

If the jury accepts that narrative, what "other consequences" might Goines face? DeBorde essentially conceded that he is guilty of document tampering, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. But that is not the only possibility.

Goines also faces federal charges in connection with the Harding Street raid. "While acting under color of law," according to a November 2019 indictment, Goines "prepared an affidavit for a search warrant that contained numerous material false statements, presented that affidavit to a State of Texas judicial officer, swore under oath to the truthfulness of the contents of that affidavit, obtained a search warrant based on that affidavit from that judicial officer," and "executed that search warrant."

In doing so, the indictment says, Goines "willfully depriv[ed] Dennis Tuttle of the right, secured and protected by the Constitution and laws of the United States, for people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures." That offense "involved the use, attempted use and threatened use of a dangerous weapon" and "resulted in the death of Dennis Tuttle and Rhogena Nicholas." If prosecutors can prove that last allegation, which is also the central point of contention in Goines' state trial, he could face a life sentence, which is also true in the state case.

The federal indictment also accused Steven Bryant, a former Houston narcotics officer who backed up Goines' phony story of a heroin purchase that never happened, of falsifying records "with intent to impede, obstruct, and influence the investigation and proper administration of [a] matter within federal jurisdiction." Bryant pleaded guilty to that charge in June 2021.

In addition to the criminal charges, Goines faces federal civil rights lawsuits filed by relatives of Tuttle and Nicholas. One of those lawsuits also names Acevedo as a defendant.

The Goines scandal prompted Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg's office to review thousands of drug cases. Those investigations revealed a "pattern of deceit" going back years. "The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals has overturned at least 22 convictions linked to Goines," the Associated Press reports.

Acevedo has insisted that the Harding Street raid did not reflect "a systemic problem with the Houston Police Department." But Ogg saw things differently. "Houston Police narcotics officers falsified documentation about drug payments to confidential informants with the support of supervisors," she said in July 2020. "Goines and others could never have preyed on our community the way they did without the participation of their supervisors; every check and balance in place to stop this type of behavior was circumvented."

The post Houston Cop Who Lied To Justify a No-Knock Drug Raid Says He Is Not Responsible for the Resulting Deaths appeared first on Reason.com.
HPD: One arrested, one injured after chase leads to wreck

HUNTSVILLE, Ala (WHNT) The Huntsville Police Department (HPD) says one person was arrested and another was injured after a chase ended in a wreck on Winchester Road.

HPD said the wreck happened in the area of Winchester Road and Naugher Road., and HEMSI spokesperson Don Webster told News 19 the wreck happened around 3:47 p.m. Tuesday.

Sparkman High School one of many schools named in nationwide social media threat

The department said the chase began when officers attempted to stop a vehicle driven by someone with several felony warrants. Authorities said the person refused to stop for officers.

An HPD spokesperson said the subject in the chase came to a stop when they hit another vehicle.

According to HPD, the person with the warrants was taken into custody while the driver of the vehicle that was hit was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries by HEMSI.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com.
The Abbey says there has never been evidence to suggest staff members have drugged patrons, yet four former employees told The 19th that customers and staff alerted Abbey management to possible druggings at the bar on many occasions.

The Abbey says there has never been evidence to suggest staff members have drugged patrons, yet four former employees told The 19th that customers and staff alerted Abbey management to possible druggings at the bar on many occasions. (SEPTEMBER DAWN BOTTOMS FOR THE 19TH)

Editors note: This story contains descriptions of sexual assault and druggings. One of the reporters who worked on our previous investigation had a disorienting experience at The Abbey years ago.

When the Human Rights Campaign, the nations largest LGBTQ+ rights organization, hosted Democratic presidential primary candidates at a popular gay club in Los Angeles five years ago, the organization was ostensibly in the dark about claims of druggings and sexual assault at the club that go back years.

The same cannot be said now. The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) will hold a debate watch party at The Abbey in West Hollywood Tuesday evening. The event comes just eight months after a 19th investigation looked into more than 70 reports of alleged druggings at the bar.

HRC said the event is being hosted in partnership with LPAC, a political action committee that works to elect queer women and nonbinary candidates, and statewide advocacy group Equality California.

When planning events, the safety of our community is always one of our top concerns, the groups said in a joint statement released to The 19th. We have been in contact with the new owners of The Abbey to confirm steps they are taking to safeguard attendees.

According to the statement, The Abbey will make drink testing strips available at every one of its bars, a practice required by the City of West Hollywood after residents complained in public meetings in 2021 and 2022 that they had been allegedly drugged at The Abbey and other bars. The statement adds that additional signage and public safety trainings have been added at The Abbey.

Last November, The Abbey announced its sale from longtime owner David Cooley to telehealth platform owner Tristan Schukraft, and noted that management would remain the same. The Abbeys PR firm Dog and Duck, as well as their spokesperson Brian Rosman, also remain, Rosman confirmed. The 19th asked each for comment individually but did not hear back by publication.

Just this month, The Abbey announced that it had earned a Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative Safe Space Certification. According to the initiatives website, the training focuses on anti-LGBTQ+ bias in business.

The 19th followed up with a few of the women who alleged they were drugged at The Abbey and they claim they have yet to hear from old or new management about changes, including those that would impact patron safety around alcohol consumption. Claims of alleged drugging and in some cases, alleged sexual assault, at The Abbey go back as far as 2007. The most recent claims were reported in 2023.

Yvette Lopez, who alleged she was drugged and raped during a visit to The Abbey in 2011, claimed no one from the club contacted her following the publication of The 19ths investigation. Haely White, who faced a $5 million defamation lawsuit after posting on social media that she feared she may have been drugged at The Abbey, remains embroiled in legal appeals and has also not heard from the new management, she told The 19th.

Amy Valencia, who reported being hospitalized after drinking at home and then having water at The Abbey in June 2021, also alleges she never heard from the club. Valencia had called The Abbey in 2021 to tell management that she suspected she was drugged at the bar.

As of press time, Rosman had not responded to questions about safety upgrades to The Abbey and whether Cooley remains involved in operations at the club.

Briana Venskus, an actor who talked to The 19th about being allegedly drugged at the club on two separate occasions, said she was worried about accountability.

I respect the umbrella effect that HRC and The Abbey have had for the LGBTQ+ community, but it is a bit disheartening to see HRC partner with an institution that has such a sordid reputation, Venskus said. I think the real issue is that the majority of the LGBTQ+ community, and America at large, are pacified by the belief that if a person or institution does more good than bad then we should just let them be.

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The post HRC hosting LGBTQ+ debate party at The Abbey, site of repeated alleged druggings appeared first on The 19th.

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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT)  A 14-year-old Huffman High School student was arrested after making threats toward two schools, according to the Birmingham Police Department.

BPD school resource officers became aware Tuesday of a social media threat to carry out a shooting at Huffman middle and high school. A 14-year-old Huffman High School student was later taken into custody at the school. The suspect confessed to making the online threats, Birmingham police stated.

These acts shattered steel: Remembering Alabamians who died in 9/11 attacks

The student was taken to the Jefferson County Youth Detention Center and charged with first-degree making a terrorist threat.

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Human remains found within 2 days of each other in Maricopa County

Authorities are investigating the discovery of human remains found within days of each other in Maricopa County.

At about 7: 15 a.m. Monday, officers were called about human remains thought to be found on a remote part of a mountain around the mountainous Deem Hills Recreation Area in north Phoenix, according to police. The remains were located by investigators with the county medical examiner, who collected them for processing and identification, police said.

The investigation is ongoing, police added.

When asked Tuesday by The Arizona Republic, Phoenix police spokesman Sgt. Brian Bower did not confirm or deny whether the found remains were skeletal, as reported by a TV station.

On Tuesday, the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office said they were conducting a homicide investigation just north of 32nd Street and Cloud Road in Cave Creek. On Thursday, the bodily remains were identified as 26-year-old Victoria Hahlen.

A Sheriff's Office spokesperson said evidence at the scene prompted a homicide investigation. Detectives are actively investigating this incident.

Like the Phoenix case, a likely cause or manner of death was not given.

The town of Cave Creek, in a Tuesday statement, said the area was closed due to "a Police situation."

The Cave Creek area of investigation on Tuesday is about 18 miles to the northeast of the Deem Hills Recreation area, where Phoenix police were investigating on Monday. Police have not announced any connection between the two sets of remains.

In early August 2023, 34-year-old Oregon resident Jessica Christine Lindstrom was found dead in the Deem Hills Recreation area after having gone missing during a hike. Heat was to blame for Lindstrom's death, a fire department spokesman said at the time.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Human remains found within days of each other in Maricopa County
FILE - Migrants cross a river during their journey through the Darien Gap from Colombia into Panama, Oct. 15, 2022. (AP Photo/Fernando Vergara, File)

BOGOTA, Colombia (AP)  A global human rights watchdog on Wednesday called on Latin American governments to improve protection schemes, grant legal status and reverse onerous visa requirements for millions of Haitians and Venezuelans who have struggled to find work, access to health care and education in South American host countries, forcing them to increasingly seek asylum in the United States.

Human Rights Watch, in a report describing the situation of Haitian and Venezuelan migrants, said that limited integration and regularization policies in South America are forcing vulnerable people to head to the United States every month. To reach the U.S. border, many asylum seekers make a long, dangerous journey that includes crossing the Darien Gap, a roadless swath of jungle between Colombia and Panama.

What we have documented through the course of our research over the last couple of years is how the lack of safe and legal pathways has pushed migrants and asylum seekers to cross the dangerous Darien Gap," said Tirana Hassan, executive director of HRW, during a presentation of the report in Bogota.

The group urged governments in Latin America to implement a region-wide protection regime that would grant all Venezuelans and Haitians legal status for a fixed but renewable term of adequate duration," even if they may not qualify for refugee status under domestic law.

The report also calls for governments to eliminate barriers that hinder the integration of migrants and refugees, including legislation that prevents people from getting work permits, while they seek asylum in other countries.

While some Latin American governments have made commendable efforts to receive migrants and asylum seekers, efforts to regularize migration in the region have often fallen short due to restrictive timelines, complex procedures, onerous document requirements, and administrative delays, said the report, which reviewed asylum policies in countries including Panama, Colombia, Brazil, Peru and Chile. Asylum systems also struggle with limited capacity, resulting in significant delays, the group said.

According to Panama officials, more than 700,000 migrants have crossed the Darien Gap over the past 18 months on their way to the United States. So far this year, some 238,000 people have crossed.

Around 65% of those crossing the swampy and treacherous jungle are Venezuelans escaping their nations political and economic crisis.

Hassan said that on a recent visit to Necocli  a coastal town in Colombia from where migrants depart for Darien  the group identified people who left Venezuela after the disputed July 28 presidential election.

We met families facing impossible choices. They would either have to endure the repression and fear of arrest in Venezuela or risk violence, exploitation and sexual assault and possibly even death," she said.

So far this year, 11,000 Haitians have made the jungle crossing on their way to the U.S. border, according to figures published by Panama's national immigration agency. While a new interim government was established in Haiti earlier this year, gangs continue to control 80% of the capital, Port-au-Prince and millions face acute food insecurity," according to the U.N. food agency.

Human Rights Watch said Haitians living in South America struggle to get residence permits or access to formal jobs, making it increasingly difficult to support their families back home and prompting them to head for the United States instead.

Venezuelans also appear to be struggling to integrate into South American countries, whose economies have slowed down after the pandemic.

Research conducted by the United Nations Refugee Agency, UNHCR, suggests that most Venezuelans seeking asylum in the United States have already tried to settle down in countries like Peru, Chile, Colombia and Ecuador. According to a July report by the refugee agency, 66% of Venezuelans who had crossed the Darien Jungle that month, said they had lived in South American countries.

___

Astrid Suarez in Bogota, Colombia, contributed.

___

Follow APs coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america
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Larsen & Toubro Ltd. plans to invest more than $300 million to create a chip company, joining other Indian conglomerates in a push to build out a semiconductor industry in the worlds most populous country.

The tech-to-construction company will spend the money over three years to establish a fabless chipmaker, which designs and sells semiconductors but contracts out their production. It plans to design 15 products by the end of this year and start sales in 2027, Sandeep Kumar, head of L&T Semiconductor Technologies, said in an interview.

Global as well as local companies are trying to capitalize on Indias effort to build local semiconductor capacity and cut down expensive imports, seeking to tap government subsidies. Tensions between Beijing and Washington are prompting electronics manufacturers, including chipmakers, to diversify beyond China and Taiwan, with India emerging as a beneficiary.

L&Ts investment is modest compared with outlays by leading fabless chipmakers such as Nvidia Corp. and Advanced Micro Devices Inc. The Indian company targets products such as power chips, radio-frequency semiconductors and mixed-signal integrated circuits, rather than areas such as AI-enabling graphics processing units.

Automotive, industrial and energy  those are the sectors weve picked as they are going through very heavy transformation, Kumar said. There is space to compete, succeed and even capture the market.

Semiconductors have grown into a crucial resource across the world, especially as the US-China trade war threatens to make chip imports even more expensive. Several countries including the US, Germany, Japan and Singapore are boosting domestic chipmaking, trying to ensure supply of the components needed for technologies from AI to electric cars.

L&T Semiconductor Technologies now employs about 250 people, a bulk of them chip designers. It will double that by the end of 2024, Kumar said.

The company has urged the government to help with chip designing subsidies or incentives for large companies, but it wont seek funding from outside of the L&T group, he said.

Story continues

Prime Minister Narendra Modis administration has created a $10 billion program to woo chipmakers and their suppliers. That plan has led Tata Group to build the countrys first major chip factory and driven US memory maker Micron Technology Inc. to set up a $2.75 billion assembly facility in Modis home state of Gujarat. The Adani Group plans to build a chip plant with an Israeli partner.

India is open to expanding that $10 billion semiconductor fund, the head of a state agency that approves funding for chip projects said in a public briefing this week.

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Hurricane Francine zig-zagged through southern Louisiana on Sept. 11, leaving widespread power outages and flooding behind. Some parts of the state experienced winds of 100 mph and 10 inches of rain.

As thousands of Gulf Coast residents were under mandatory evacuation orders, those remaining, particularly in the states largest city, New Orleans, were left riding out the worst effects in the dark.

Some residents required deep-water rescues as more than 441,000 people went without electricity.

In the New Orleans metro area, the power issues compounded more threats as electric pumps used to suck out water from the streets went offline and sewer lift stations weakened, increasing the risk of raw sewage flowing back into homes.

As pockets of the majority-Black city remained powerless two days after the storm, eight Community Lighthouse operations served as shelter and a place where people could congregate, share meals, and charge their small devices. The lighthouses, which are all churches, can keep their lights on because they rely on solar panels and battery packs. The initiative was born out of the impact of Hurricane Ida in 2021, one of the strongest storms to hit Louisiana in history.

The community lighthouse initiative is a statewide attempt to build solar and battery storage resilience hubs in every neighborhood across Louisiana. (Adam Mahoney/Capital B)

Residents at the lighthouse in Broadmoor, a New Orleans neighborhood that was leveled by Hurricane Katrina, told Capital B that Francine presented extra issues because many people still havent recovered from Ida.

The worst impacts may be felt this weekend as households go without air conditioning and temperatures lurch toward 95 degrees with humidity.

Louisiana residents are trying not to feel the fatigue.

Combined, this is the fifth hurricane to release high-powered winds and buckets of rain on Lake Charles and New Orleans, both predominantly Black cities, since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic. Three severe tornado systems, two arctic snaps, one tropical storm, and a major flood event have also swept through the city in the past four years.

Francines storm surge, which stretched from just east of Houston to south of New Orleans, is the sixth named storm of this years Atlantic hurricane season.

Hurricane Beryl, a Category 1 hurricane that hit Texas and Southeast Louisiana earlier this summer, led to more than 30 deaths, primarily due to power outages, which are a threat related to this storm. In addition, the intense winds, changing pressure, and unstable atmosphere within Francine created conditions for the rapid formation of tornadoes. Louisiana sees 70% more tornadoes today than in 1980.

But in Louisianas largest metro areas near the coast, Lake Charles and New Orleans, officials urged residents not to panic, but be prepared.

In both cities, lines stretched out the door at grocery stores and gas stations as early as Monday morning. Debra Ramirez, a Lake Charles resident, told Capital B she had to push her way through to get water at her local Sams Club around noon on Monday. By Tuesday evening, the shelves in corner stores, dollar stores, and grocery stores were sparse and hurricane essentials like candles and nonperishable snacks were hard to find.

When you look at it, we all got to be so, so very careful in this area because we have gone through so much, Ramirez said. My driveway just dried up from being flooded last week, it never stops. Her home is still damaged from two hurricanes that hit Lake Charles in 2020.

Read More: Louisianas Hurricane Victims Wonder if Theyll Ever Recover

This barrage of deadly weather events and climate changes continued intensification has contributed to Lake Charles being among the fastest shrinking cities in the nation. Between 2019 and 2021, Lake Charles lost a higher share of its population than any other city. Today, more than 1 in 5 properties across the city sit empty, more than double the U.S. average.

A hurricane battered house sits for sale in Lake Charles, Louisiana. (Adam Mahoney/Capital B)

But its not just Lake Charles. Its a new era across Louisianas coastal region, where 75% of the states Black residents live. In Lake Charles and across the state, Black folks make up about two-thirds of lost residents since 2020, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

These communities have been defined for generations by banding together to rebuild after severe weather. But, you can only rebuild so many times, residents explained to Capital B. Now, Black people have the ability to pack up and go.

Before, we figured we could weather any storm. I dont get that sense anymore, explained Tasha Guidry, one of the many Lake Charles residents thrust into activism over the past several years.

Even if you grew up and were raised here, you dont have that feeling of wanting to hang around and weather it out. People get tired of running all the time, and now there is the option to leave and go someplace else.

For the 19th and much of the 20th century, Black communities along the coast had little choice but to stay. It was cheaper to live there, and Jim Crow laws and racism hampered their housing options elsewhere in the South.

We are a resilient community, but I think these storms killed the feeling like we just have to stick around for legacys sake, Guidry said.

Even though Lake Charles home prices are drastically lower than the national average, it is cheaper to live elsewhere. The climate costs have added up.

Compared to property values, Louisianas home insurance rate is by far the nations most expensive, and there is difficulty getting properties insured. At least 20 insurance companies have left the state since 2020 due to high climate risk. Since 2020, Guidry has spent countless hours helping her neighbors through the cumbersome insurance claim process and federal state-run recovery programs. She was out of her own home for more than 2 years after a 2021 flood event.

I know for sure, if my house is damaged, Im not going to come back this time, she said. Im going to collect my insurance money and go someplace else.

New Orleans residents echoed similar sentiments. In the citys Ninth Ward, Roy Smith explained how he dedicated months to working on his home by himself to cut costs after Hurricane Ida severely damaged his house in 2021. But this time around, even though hes now employed, hes not sure how hed be able to handle the construction timeline and costs if he sustained damage.

Ernestine Daggs, who turns 81 years old in two weeks, shared how the intense damage from Hurricane Katrina in 2005 forced her to take out loans and another mortgage right as she was set to pay off her home. She cant let that happen again, she said, even though she acknowledged she has little control over the storms impact.

Still, its why people across the city could be seen doing deep prep work for the storm, covering windows, and preparing sandbags.

Ive been watching the news, and they say, If it jives this way, if it jives that way, either way, somebody is going to fall, whether its Lake Charles, Lafayette, New Orleans, or Baton Rouge, said Everett Johnson, a retired utility worker. Somebody is gonna get it worse than somebody else, and thats what comes with living in this state.

Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry has already deployed the state National Guard to the counties directly in the path of the storm, including nearly 400 high-water vehicles, 100 boats, and 50 helicopters for possible search-and-rescue operations.

The national implications of the storm will be felt in the coming days. About 25% of the nations offshore oil production in the Gulf of Mexico is shut down Tuesday as a result of Francine.

The post Hurricane Francine Leaves 400,000 Louisianans Without Power appeared first on Capital B News.
Porkchop Singleton, 78, prepares his generator ahead of Hurricane Francine on Sept. 11, 2024, in Morgan City. Francine maintains its Category 1 classification and is projected to make landfall along the Louisiana coast later Wednesday afternoon. Weather analysts are predicting 90 mph winds near the eye and a strong storm surge along the coast. (Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

Gov. Jeff Landry on Wednesday urged Louisiana residents who havent evacuated to stay where they are and hunker down until Hurricane Francine passes out of the state.

We stand ready to handle whatever Francine delivers to us, Landry said during a press conference Wednesday in Baton Rouge.



The time to evacuate has now passed. It is the time to go to ground and hunker down, said Jacques Thibodeaux, director of the Governors Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness.

The Category 1 hurricane is expected to make landfall along Louisianas coast Wednesday afternoon, with high winds already reported by midday. Louisianas state climatologist Jay Grymes expects the storm to move out of the state shortly after midnight.



Even after the storm passes, Landry said Louisiana residents should stay home and off of the roads as much as possible. It will make it easier for emergency responders and utility repairmen to move around if there is less traffic, he said.



Make sure you charge all of your devices so you can keep the maximum amount of charge, Landry said.



Maj. Gen. Thomas Friloux with the Louisiana National Guard said as many as 2,500 members will help with rescue and relief efforts. They are positioning themselves in southeast and south central Louisiana to assist after the storm.



The guard has prepared 58 boats, 101 high-water vehicles and 61 aircraft to use after the storm passes. It has another 270 vehicles in reserve if needed, Friloux said.



The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has 150 law enforcement agents with trucks and boats on standby to assist with the hurricane, Secretary Madison Sheahan said. More than 400 Louisiana State Police troopers are also available for help, according to Superintendent Col. Robert Hodges.



If you are in the storms pathway, to understand, you may be without utilities for some time, Landry said.
Hurricane Francine is anticipated to reach Category 2 intensity by the time it makes landfall in Louisiana Wednesday evening, and its presence is already throwing a wrench in some logistics operations in the Gulf Coast.

FedEx said in a service advisory Wednesday morning that delays and disruptions can be expected for inbound and outbound shipments in the affected region as the storm progresses.

More from Sourcing Journal

Customers can expect pickup and delivery services in the New Orleans and Lafayette, La. markets to be impacted due to the local conditions and restrictions.

Thus far, FedEx Express service is unavailable in 501 ZIP codes across Louisiana and Mississippi, according to FedEx. FedEx Ground is unavailable in 265 ZIP codes across the two states and operates limited service in 250. Twenty-two FedEx Office locations in Louisiana are closed.

The Port of New Orleans closed Wednesday morning after limiting its intake to non-hazardous and dry cargo the night before.

For Thursday, normal operations are still pending. They may resume at noon at the earliest depending on weather, and after terminal operators conduct damage assessments.

The remainder of the major ports in Louisiana are closed Wednesday as well, as per the U.S. Coast Guard.

The Coast Guard declared port condition Zulu across the Port of New Orleans, South Louisiana, St. Bernard, Plaquemines and Greater Baton Rouge early Wednesday. This is an indicator that sustained gale force winds of 39 to 54 miles per hour would reach the hub.

As long as Zulu is in place, no vessels could enter or transit through any of these ports without the permission of the Coast Guard.

On land, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) reported five temporary closures in Louisiana, with alternate locations provided for each suspension. The company also temporarily suspended drop shipment acceptance operations at three processing and distribution center facilities.

According to global supply chain mapping and monitoring solution Resilinc, the hurricane will impact the operations of nearly 11,000 sites in the U.S. responsible for activities like manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, fabrication and product testing.

Currently a Category 1, Hurricane Francine is expected to affect the manufacturing of over 4,000 products, with more than 57,000 individual parts at risk for products customers use daily, the firm said.

As of 10 a.m. Central time, the hurricane was about 150 miles southwest of Morgan City, La., traveling northeast with maximum sustained winds of 90 mph, according to an advisory by the National Hurricane Center.

After landfall, the center is expected to move northward across Mississippi on Thursday and Thursday night.

Francine is expected to bring storm total rainfall of four to eight inches, with local amounts to 12 inches across southeastern Louisiana, Mississippi, far southern Alabama and the Florida panhandle through Thursday night.

Francines strengthening brings about another major test for the logistics industry, which has already had to contend with several weather-related events this year, whether it be Hurricane Beryl and Hurricane Debby, or various tornadoes in the Midwest. One such tornado tore through the center of a Dollar Tree distribution center in Oklahoma, forcing it to shutter operations for the foreseeable future.

Of the Class I railroads operating in the region, BNSF Railway is likely to see the most slowdowns.

The Fort Worth, Texas-based railroad said interchanging traffic in the region stopped Tuesday night, with the company continuing to monitor levees and flood gates through the duration of the storm.

Due to the flooding concerns, BNSF issued a temporary permit embargo affecting all freight traffic originating or destined to move through the area.

As such, customers with shipments scheduled to move into the region should expect delays throughout the duration of this hurricane event.

Union Pacific didnt announce any closures, or halting of operations, but indicated it was making network preparations to respond to the potential outages.

The railroad is taking measures including staging generators, rail ballast and panels, additional diesel fuel, hotels and supplemental transportation for crews. Additionally, UPs signal team will begin securing rail crossing signal gate, while water pumps were strategically positioned to mitigate damage.

Both railroads have established command centers to facilitate emergency coordination.

Norfolk Southern said it had no impacted service areas. But due to the impacts to interchange traffic, it would work with connecting carriers to utilize alternative gateways where possible.

Port Houston said Tuesday that its terminals continue to operate as normal, with no plans for reduction in operations or service hours.

As early as Monday night, the U.S. Coast Guard suspended inbound vessel traffic at the Port of Galveston. Smaller vessels should seek shelter in preparation for a port closure, the Texas port said.
ORLANDO, Fla.  Hurricane Francine formed in the Gulf of Mexico Tuesday evening and is forecast to make landfall in Louisiana on Wednesday, according to the National Hurricane Center.

As of the NHCs 8 p.m. advisory, the center of Francine was located about 150 miles east of the mouth of the Rio Grande River and 350 miles southwest of Morgan City, Louisiana, with maximum sustained winds of 75 mph and moving northeast at 10 mph.

Tropical-storm-force winds extend out 140 miles.

While additional strengthening is expected through Wednesday morning, Francine is forecast to weaken quickly after landfall. However, NHC forecasters warned of life-threatening storm surge.

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.

A faster northeastward motion is expected late Tuesday night and Wednesday. On the forecast track, Francine is anticipated to make landfall in Louisiana on Wednesday afternoon or evening.

After landfall, the center is expected to move northward into Mississippi Wednesday night and Thursday, forecasters said.

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.

Francine is expected to bring total rainfall of 4 to 8 inches, with local amounts to 12 inches, into Friday 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.

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 is a trough of low pressure in the eastern tropical Atlantic with a large but disorganized area of showers and thunderstorms running from near the Cabo 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.

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Hurricane Francine is forecast to land in Louisiana and bring life-threatening and dangerous conditions when it does, but metro Detroiters watching from afar should fear not, according to forecasters.

"Were going to he high and dry here in Michigan," Steve Considine, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in White Lake Township said early Wednesday. "The remnants will go up near Memphis by Friday, and thats kind of where the system weakens and falls apart."

The latest weather threat  which went Tuesday night from a tropical storm to a Category 1 hurricane  is expected to follow a much different path than Beryl, which hit in July, triggering flood warnings in Michigan and ended up dropping several inches of rain through out the state.

Instead, weather watchers said, Francine likely will stall and fade out somewhere over Tennessee.

Hurricane Francine 2 a.m. Sept. 11, 2024.

That, of course, is the latest forecast, and you never really know about the weather, but Considine said, "For Michigan to not see any remnants of it, that is a high-confidence forecast because a ridge of high pressure over the Great Lakes is so strong and persistent."

More: As last of Beryl moves east, Michigan left to dry out, consider climate issues

States on the Atlantic Coast and Gulf of Mexico are on alert during hurricane season, which lasts until the end of November, and certain industries, like oil and gas, also are paying attention to the weather, because the powerful storms are one of many factors that could have significant consequences.

By the time it makes landfall in the afternoon or evening, Francine could be a Category 2 storm.

The rating, based on the Saffir-Simpson wind scale, goes from 1-5. Hurricanes are not considered major until they reach Category 3, which has wind speeds that start at 111 mph, and have the potential for more significant life loss and damage.

Updates: Francine strengthens into a hurricane as Louisiana braces for landfall

Still, forecasters said, any hurricane is dangerous.

And in anticipation of the storm, Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry announced Tuesday that agencies across the state were preparing and coordinating and President Joe Biden declared an emergency in Louisiana and ordered federal assistance to several parishes.

Considine said Francine, which was approaching the Louisiana coastline, is expected to come shore, cause surges, and dump several inches of rain, and then head north toward the mid-Mississippi valley reaching it Friday and hold steady there through the weekend, "never making it up here."

Contact Frank Witsil: 313-222-5022 or fwitsil@freepress.com.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Hurricane Francine heads north, but remnants won't reach Michigan
Hurricane Francine is expected to make landfall Wednesday as it approaches the northern Gulf Coast. The National Hurricane Center is also tracking four other tropical disturbances in the Atlantic basin, according to the latest advisory.

Francine is a strong Category 1 storm as of 7 a.m. CDT, with maximum sustained winds of 90 mph. As it maintains these wind speeds, Francine is now expected to remain a Category 1 storm with little change in strength when it makes landfall late Wednesday afternoon or evening.

Life-threatening storm surge and hurricane-force winds are expected to begin in Louisiana this afternoon.

Elsewhere in the tropics, the NHC is tracking four other systems in the Atlantic Ocean. One could become a tropical depression later this week, and the one east of Florida could see some subtropical or tropical development early next week.

 Track all active storms

 Weather alerts via text: Sign up to get updates about current storms and weather events by location

Francine has picked up a little speed and is now moving northeast at 13 mph.

"The increased forward speed of the storm would add to the risk for damaging winds, especially during Wednesday evening," AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jonathan Porter said.

Here's the latest update from the NHC as of 8:45 a.m. CDT Sept. 11:

Where is Hurricane Francine now? Track its path

Hurricane Francine watches and warnings, along with projected path, as depicted in National Hurricane Center's existing cone of concern.

Location : 150 miles southwest of Morgan City, Louisiana; 210 miles southwest of New Orleans

Maximum sustained winds: 90 mph

Movement : northeast at 13 mph

Pressure: 976 mb

Where and when will Hurricane Francine make landfall?

At 10 a.m. CDT, the center of Hurricane Francine was located near latitude 28.0 North, longitude 92.7 West. Francine is moving toward the northeast near 13 mph.

A faster northeastward motion is expected this afternoon, and Francine is anticipated to make landfall in Louisiana within the warning area late this afternoon or this evening.

Hurricane Francine spaghetti models

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

NHC tracking 4 other tropical disturbances

Tropical conditions 8 a.m. Sept. 11, 2024.

Offshore the Southeastern U.S. over the western Atlantic: In a few days, a non-tropical area of low pressure could form along a residual frontal boundary a few hundred miles off the southeastern U.S. coastline.

Thereafter, some subtropical or tropical development is possible during the early part of next week as the systemmeanders over the Gulf Stream or drifts slowly northward.

Formation chance through 48 hours: low, near 0 percent.

Formation chance through 7 days: low, 20 percent.

Invest 92L in the Central Tropical Atlantic: An elongated area of low pressure located over the central tropicalAtlantic continues to produce some disorganized shower and thunderstorm activity.

Environmental conditions appear marginally conducive for some slight development during the next day or twowhile the system moves westward at 5 to 10 mph over the central tropical Atlantic. The disturbance is expected to reach an area of stronger upper-level winds on Thursday, likely ending its chances for development.

Formation chance through 48 hours: low, 30 percent.

Formation chance through 7 days: low, 30 percent.

Invest 93L in the Eastern and Central Tropical Atlantic: Showers and thunderstorms are showing signs of organization with a tropical wave located a few hundred miles to the west-southwest of the Cabo Verde Islands.

Environmental conditions appear favorable for additional development of this system, and a tropical depressionis likely to form over the next few days as the system moves west-northwestward at 10 to 15 mph into the central Tropical Atlantic.

Formation chance through 48 hours: medium, 50 percent.

Formation chance through 7 days: high, 90 percent.

East of the Leeward Islands: A small but well-defined area of low pressure located several hundred miles to the east of the Leeward Islands is producing an area of disorganized showers and thunderstorms. The proximity of dry air near the system is expected to limit additional development over the next couple of days before environmental conditions become even less conducive by this weekend as it moves slowly west-northwestward.

Formation chance through 48 hours: low, 10 percent.

Formation chance through 7 days: low, 10 percent.

2024 hurricane season names

With the addition of Hurricane 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.

Hurricane Francine: Named Sept. 9, the storm is expected to make landfall Sept. 11 as a Category 2 hurricane.

Stay informed. Get weather alerts via text

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: When will Hurricane Francine make landfall? See path toward Louisiana
In a hurry? Here's the tropics situation in less than a minute.

Hurricane Francine made landfall in Louisiana as a Category 2 storm with winds maximum sustained winds of 100 mph, according to the 4 p.m. CDT advisory from the National Hurricane Center.

Francine came ashore in Terrebonne Parish, 30 miles south-southwest of Morgan City, according to the NHC. The storm is expected to weaken rapidly after landfall.

Watch web cams as Hurricane Francine approaches, makes landfall

 Weather alerts via text: Sign up to get updates about current storms and weather events by location

Heavy rains and hurricane-force winds are spreading inland across southern Louisiana, the NHC said.

What impacts from Hurricane Francine are expected in Florida?

There are no tropical storm or hurricane watches or warnings issued for Florida, although several areas along the Panhandle are under flood watches.

Spaghetti models for Francine

While landfall is expected in Louisiana, the western Panhandle of Florida could face several threats, including:

Escambia County Public Schools announced Tuesday it has canceled all practices, games and extracurricular activities for Wednesday afternoon and evening.

Florida Panhandle impacts: Will Tropical Storm Francine impact the Florida Panhandle? Here's what to know

Where is Hurricane Francine? What you need to know

Location : 30 miles south-southwest of Morgan City, Louisiana; 85 miles west-southwest of New Orleans

Maximum sustained winds: 100 mph

Movement : northeast at 17 mph

Pressure: 972 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 Vermilion/Cameron Line eastward to Grand Isle

Hurricane watch:

Lake Maurepas and Lake Pontchartrain, including metropolitan New Orleans

Storm surge warning:

Vermilion Bay

Lake Maurepas

Lake Pontchartrain

Tropical storm warning:

Louisiana coast from Cameron to the Vermilion/Cameron Line

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 4 p.m. CDT, the center of Hurricane Francine was located near latitude 29.3 North, longitude 91.3 West.

Francine is moving toward the northeast near 17 mph.

Francine has made landfall in southern Louisiana in the Parish of Terrebonne, about 30 miles south-southwest of Morgan City, as a Category 2 hurricane.

Maximum sustained winds are estimated to be near 100 mph.

 Track all active storms

The center is expected to cross southeastern Louisiana tonight, then move northward across Mississippi on Thursday and Thursday night.

Francine is expected to rapidly weaken after landfall, and the system is forecast to become post-tropical Thursday night or Friday.

Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 40 miles from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 140 miles.

The estimated minimum central pressure based on Hurricane Hunter aircraft data is 972 mb.

Key messages from the National Hurricane Center: What you need to know about Hurricane Francine

There is a danger of life-threatening storm surge through tonight for the Louisiana and Mississippi coastlines, where a Storm Surge Warning is in effect. Residents in the warning area should continue to follow advice given by local officials. Damaging and life-threatening hurricane-force winds are expected in portions of southern Louisiana this evening and tonight, where a Hurricane Warning is in effect. Ensure you are in a safe location before the onset of strong winds or possible flooding. Francine is expected to bring heavy rainfall and the risk of considerable flash and urban flooding, along with river flooding, across southeastern Louisiana, Mississippi, far southern Alabama and the Florida Panhandle through Thursday night. Flash and urban flooding is probable across the Lower Tennessee Valley and Lower Mississippi Valley tonight into Friday morning.

Current forecast: How strong could Hurricane Francine get?

As of 4 p.m. CDT: 100 mph (Category 2 hurricane)

12 hours: 65 mph (inland)

24 hours: 35 mph (inland)

36 hours: 30 mph (post tropical/extra-tropical)

48 hours: 25 mph

60 hours: 25 mph

72 hours: dissipated

What impact could Hurricane Francine have and what areas could be affected?

WIND : Hurricane conditions are spreading into the hurricane warning area, with tropical storm conditions already ongoing. Hurricane conditions are possible in the hurricane watch area this evening and tonight. Tropical storm conditions are expected in the warning area along the coasts of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama this evening and tonight.

RAINFALL : Francine is expected to bring storm total rainfall of 4 to 8 inches, with local amounts to 12 inches across southeastern Louisiana, Mississippi, far southern Alabama and the Florida Panhandle through Thursday night. This rainfall could lead to considerable flash, urban and river 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: Burns Point, LA to Port Fourchon, LA5-10 ft Port Fourchon, LA to Mouth of the Mississippi River, LA4-7 ft Mouth of the Pearl River, LA to Ocean Springs, MS4-6 ft Lake Pontchartrain4-6 ft Ocean Springs, MS to MS/AL Border3-5 ft Intracoastal City, LA to Burns Point, LA3-5 ft Lake Maurepas3-5 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. For information specific to your area, please see products issued by your local National Weather Service forecast office.

 Excessive rainfall forecast

TORNADOES : A few tornadoes are possible through tonight across parts of southeast Louisiana, southern Mississippi, southern Alabama, and the Florida Panhandle. On Thursday, the tornado risk will move into additional parts of Alabama, southwest Georgia and the Florida Panhandle.

SURF: Swells generated by Francine are affecting much of the northern and northwestern Gulf Coast, likely causing life-threatening surf and rip current conditions. Please consult products from your local weather office.

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.

As Francine approaches the northern Gulf Coast, 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: Hurricane Francine update, tracker, landfall. Florida impacts
As of 5:00 P.M. CT, Hurricane Francine made landfall in southern Louisiana as a dangerous Category 2 hurricane, lashing the state with life-threatening impacts. Live updates on Hurricane Francine have moved here.

BATON ROUGE, La.  Hurricane Francine is now a dangerous Category 2 storm with peak winds estimated at 100 mph as it moves onshore in Louisiana on Wednesday evening with an expected landfall within hours.

Dangerous conditions continue to worsen throughout the day as the storm brings life-threatening storm surge and destructive winds to the state's coastline.

Hurricane-force winds from Francines northern eyewall are moving onshore and spreading inland into the southern region of Louisiana. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) said life-threatening storm surge is spreading across coastal Louisiana, and conditions will continue to worsen throughout the afternoon and into the evening.

Multiple parishes in Louisiana have issued mandatory evacuation orders as the Category 2 hurricane is set to make landfall with widespread power outages, significant flooding and some property damage.

LOUISIANA RESIDENTS SCRAMBLE FOR SUPPLIES AHEAD OF HURRICANE FRANCINE

As of the latest advisory from the NHC, Francine is located about 40 miles southwest of Morgan City, Louisiana, or about 100 miles southwest of New Orleans, and moving northeast at about 17 mph. Maximum sustained winds are near 100 mph with higher gusts.

An oil platform southeast of the storm's center reported sustained winds of 92 mph around 2 p.m. CT and a peak gust of 112 mph at an elevation of 102 feet, according to the NHC.

Conditions are currently deteriorating across Louisiana as Francine nears the coast. The FOX Forecast Center said the state could see as much as 12 inches of rain, damaging hurricane-force winds and a life-threatening storm surge up to 10 feet at the coast. On the east side of the storm, tornadoes may spin up across southeastern Louisiana, southern Mississippi, Alabama and the Florida Panhandle. Once the storm makes landfall, it will move north, spreading flooding rains as far north as Memphis by week's end.

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President Joe Biden has already approved an emergency declaration for the Bayou State as Francine sets to move onshore Wednesday.

"After declaring a state of emergency, we have now determined that this storm is of such severity that an effective response is beyond the capabilities of the state and local governments," Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry said. "This federal assistance is needed to save lives and property."

Forecast cone for Hurricane Francine.

From evacuations to proactively clearing storm drains, many places have already taken precautions to safeguard life and property.

The U.S. Coast Guard closed Port Fourchon, Louisiana, on Wednesday, a major hub for offshore energy services. Other nearby ports, including the Louisiana Offshore Oil Port and commercial ports in New Orleans, Cameron and Lake Charles, were also closed. At least two offshore oil platforms have paused operations because of the storm.

Louisiana will bear the brunt of this storm with as much as 10 inches of rain, damaging hurricane-force winds and life-threatening storm surge of up to 10 feet at the coast.

HOW FRANCINE MOVING THROUGH OIL-RICH GULF OF MEXICO COULD AFFECT GAS PRICES

The last two days in Lafayette, Louisiana, have been marked by intense preparations. Sandbag stations have sprung up across the city, schools have been closed and shelters have opened. A state of emergency has been declared to mobilize resources ahead of the storm's landfall. Lafayette's mayor has also urged specific residents to evacuate if necessary.

Precious Jones captured video of a Walmart in Lafayette on Monday, where bottled water was nearly sold out as residents stocked up ahead of the storm.

"There were barely any (bottles) there, and what was there, people were rushing to grab before anyone else," Jones said.

Just south of Lake Charles, Cameron Parish issued mandatory evacuations Tuesday, leaving the area eerily quiet.

In Morgan City, located closer to the coast, voluntary evacuations have been put in place. Businesses are boarding up, and residents are scrambling to stock up on gas and food before the storm hits. The towns of Morgan City and Berwick will be under a curfew from 11 a.m. Wednesday to 6 p.m. Thursday as Francine approaches.

With landfall expected between Franklin and Morgan City, these areas are bracing for wind gusts of up to 90 mph.

FRANCINE TRACKER: FORECAST CONE, SPAGHETTI MODELS, LIVE CONDITIONS AND MORE

The Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) is closely monitoring weather conditions and preparing for potential impacts. The airport will remain open unless conditions deteriorate to a point where it becomes unsafe to operate. As of Wednesday afternoon, airlines at MSY have canceled all flights.

HURRICANE FRANCINE CAUSING CANCELLATIONS ACROSS GULF COAST AIRLINE, CRUISE TRAVEL

All New Orleans Public Schools dismissed students early on Tuesday and will remain closed Wednesday and Thursday.

In Baton Rouge, Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome said she has been in constant contact with the National Weather Service, along with local and state officials, as preparations are made for Francine's landfall.

"This storm is expected to bring threats of heavy rain, gusty to damaging winds and possibly a few tornadoes," she said. "I want to encourage everyone to make preparations now."

Hurricane Francine comes at the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season. Forecasters are also tracking several other areas for potential development this week.

Entergy, an energy company that provides electricity to 3 million utility customers in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas has warned customers to be ready for potential power outages, particularly in southern and southeastern Louisiana, where the greatest impacts from the storm are expected.

Power outage forecast for Francine.

The utility provider has staged equipment and assembled a massive storm team to respond to Francine following landfall. More than 5,000 personnel, including lineworkers, tree trimmers, and support staff, are on the ground or en route. Additional resources are expected to arrive soon.

"As we do with any storm that threatens our service territory, were taking (Hurricane) Francine very seriously and have activated our methodical storm response process," said Steven Benyard, vice president of reliability for Entergy in Louisiana. "Our goal is to ensure we have the right resources in place to restore power efficiently and, above all, safely.

The NHC has issued a Hurricane Warning for the Louisiana coast from Cameron to Grand Isle, which includes Baton Rouge. Tropical Storm and Storm Surge Warnings now extend from Louisiana to Alabama.

Hurricane conditions are expected within the Hurricane Warning area on Wednesday afternoon. Tropical storm conditions are expected in the warning areas in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama through Wednesday night.

After making landfall, the storm's center is expected to track north across Mississippi on Thursday.





Original article source: Hurricane Francine becomes dangerous Category 2 storm just ahead of Louisiana landfall
MORGAN CITY, La. (AP)  Hurricane Francine struck Louisiana on Wednesday evening as a Category 2 storm that forecasters warned could bring deadly storm surge, widespread flooding and destructive winds to the northern U.S. Gulf Coast.

Francine made landfall in Terrebonne Parish, about 30 miles (50 kilometers) southwest of Morgan City, the National Hurricane Center announced at 4 p.m. CDT. Packing maximum sustained winds near 100 mph (155 kph), the hurricane crashed into a fragile coastal region that hasnt fully recovered from a series of devastating hurricanes in 2020 and 2021.

Power outages in Louisiana climbed rapidly to nearly 64,000. Hardest hit by the blackouts was Terrebonne Parish near where the storms center hit land, as well as neighboring St. Mary Parish that includes Morgan City.

Real-time Hurricane Francine tracker

The National Hurricane Center urged residents in a wide area of southern Louisiana to take shelter for the night as the hurricane moved to the northeast at 17 mph (28 kph). That included New Orleans, where forecasters said the storms eye could pass through.

Conditions are going to go downhill really rapidly over the next couple of hours, Jamie Rhome, the hurricane centers deputy director, said in an online briefing just before landfall. Its not going to be a good night to be driving on the roads, especially when the sun goes down.

In Morgan City, gas stations had put plywood on the windows and moved trash cans inside, with a few pumps still serving the trickle of cars passing through earlier Wednesday hours before Francine made landfall.

Kevin Choupie Badle, 67, rides his bike with an umbrella to buy more cigarettes at the store ahead of Hurricane Francine, expected to make landfall this evening, in Stephenville, La., Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

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)

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, in anticipation of Tropical Storm Francine, in Harvey, La., Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

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. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

A worker from the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority-West tightens turnbuckles as they 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. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Cars drive through rain bands along Peter Rd., just outside New Orleans, ahead of Tropical Storm Francine, in Harvey, La., Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Shoppers in a suburb of New Orleans gather food supplies at a grocery store, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Jack Brook)

This National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration satellite image taken at 7:10pm ET shows Hurricane Francine in the Gulf of Mexico as it advances towards Louisiana on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (NOAA via AP)

A message aimed at The Weather Channels meteorologist Jim Cantore is displayed on the message board at the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway near New Orleans as the region prepares for Tropical Storm Francine Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (David Grunfeld/The Times-Picayune/The New Orleans Advocate via AP)

A customer enters a gas station that is boarded up in anticipation of Hurricane Francine, in Morgan City, La., Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Retired boat captain Pat Simon, 75, and his wife, Ruth, had earlier loaded all their possessions in garbage bags and tied them down in the back of a rented U-Haul pickup truck as they evacuated their home near the banks of the Atchafalaya River near Morgan City.

I dont think its going to be that bad, like some of the other ones like Ida and Katrina, Pat Simon said. I mean, weve had some bad ones.

Francine drew fuel from exceedingly warm Gulf of Mexico waters, strengthening from a Category 1 to a Category 2 storm hours before landfall, the National Hurricane Center said. Category 2 hurricanes are classified as having winds of between 96 to 110 mph (155 to 175 kph), which forecasters say are capable of extensive damage.

The center said a gust of 105 mph (168 kph) was reported from a coastal island and warned that heavy rains and hurricane-force winds were spreading inland across southern Louisiana. Now is the time to stay inside and away from windows, the centers advisory warned shortly after landfall.

Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry had urged residents to stay off the roads, stay home and stay put. He said the National Guard would fan out to parishes impacted by Francine. They have food, water, nearly 400 high-water vehicles, about 100 boats and 50 helicopters to respond to the storm, including for possible search-and-rescue operations.

Since the mid-19th century, some 57 hurricanes have tracked over or made landfall in Louisiana, according to The Weather Channel. Among them are some of the strongest, costliest and deadliest storms in U.S. history.

Francine was centered about 65 miles (105 kilometers) southwest of Morgan City and was moving northeast at 17 mph (27 kph) with maximum sustained winds of 100 mph (155 kph), the Miami-based hurricane center said.

Morgan City, home to around 11,500 people, sits on the banks of the Atchafalaya River in south Louisiana and is surrounded by lakes and marsh. Its described on the citys website as gateway to the Gulf of Mexico for the shrimping and oilfield industries.

Larry Doiron, the owner of a Chevron station just outside of Morgan City limits, said he had enough gas to keep pumps operational through the storm.

Were the only place out here for the sheriffs department, the fire department. We have gas. All the locals depend on us, he said. Were going to try and stay on top of it and hopefully take care of everybody.

President Joe Biden granted an emergency declaration that will help Louisiana secure federal money and logistical assistance from partners such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Both Landry and Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves also declared states of emergency, authorizing them to quickly free up resources for disaster assistance.

A hurricane warning was in effect along the Louisiana coast from Cameron east 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 life-threatening flooding could occur.

The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency said it distributed more than 100,000 sandbags to the southern part of the state and the Department of Education reported a number of school district closures for Wednesday and Thursday.

Bands of heavy rain were hitting New Orleans Wednesday morning. The citys historic streetcars that roll on South Carrollton Avenue had to ease past cars that motorists parked next to the tracks on the grassy median. The median is a few inches higher than the street and drivers sometimes park there to avoid street flooding.

Francine is the sixth named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season. Much of Louisiana and Mississippi could get 4 to 8 inches (10 to 20 centimeters) of rain, with the possibility of 12 inches (30 centimeters) in some spots, Brad Reinhart, a senior hurricane specialist at the hurricane center.

The hurricane center said parts of Mississippi, Alabama and the Florida Panhandle were at risk of considerable flash and urban flooding starting Wednesday. The lower Mississippi Valley and lower Tennessee Valley could experience flooding later in the week as the soggy remnants of Francine sweep inland.

Francines storm surge on the Louisiana coast was forecast to reach as much as 10 feet (3 meters) from Cameron to Port Fourchon and into Vermilion Bay, forecasters said, adding tornado watches also have been posted over a large area of south Louisiana and neighboring Mississippi as the storm heads inland.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Hurricane Francine upgraded to a Category 2 storm just before landfall near MS Coast

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Hurricane Francine strengthened Wednesday afternoon to a Category 2 storm just before it made landfall on the Louisiana coast, the National Hurricane Center said.

The storm struck 30 miles south of Morgan City, Louisiana with maximum winds of 100 miles per hour.

Francine strengthened to forecasters surprise. Forecasters initially predicted Francine would strike as a Category 2, then downgraded those predictions on Tuesday because of strong western wind shear expected to stop Francine from strengthening.

But the storm defied those predictions by 4 p.m. Wednesday, and is now lashing Louisiana with 96 to 110 mile per hour winds.

The latest forecast also offered some relief: Francine has sped up since Wednesday morning and is expected to move fast inland, then weaken quickly as it heads north.

The National Hurricane Center upgraded Hurricane Francine to a Category 2 story hours before it was forecast to make landfall on the Louisiana coast.

Hurricane-force winds extend 40 miles from Francines center. Tropical storm-force winds extend 140 miles from the eye wall.

The latest forecast did not change warnings on the Mississippi Coast, which forecasters said would face flash flooding, possible tornadoes and up to 6 feet of storm surge. The region is still under a storm surge and tropical storm warnings. Hancock, Harrison and Jackson counties are also under a tornado watch through 11 p.m.

Tropical storm-force winds could arrive on the Coast by 8 p.m. Wednesday, the National Hurricane Center said.

Francine will move through southeastern Louisiana overnight then head for southwest and central Mississippi, where forecasters say it will weaken fast.
(Bloomberg) -- Sign up for the India Edition newsletter by Menaka Doshi  an insider's guide to the emerging economic powerhouse, and the billionaires and businesses behind its rise, delivered weekly.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi trumpeted Indias potential in technology, saying the country aims to increase its electronics sector to $500 billion by the end of the decade.

Modi touted the countrys advantages in areas such as semiconductors as he addressed a chip conference on the outskirts of capital New Delhi on Wednesday. The country currently estimates its electronics market at about $155 billion.

India is trying to woo more chipmakers into the country, much the same way subsidies have encouraged Apple Inc. to assemble $14 billion in iPhones in the South Asian nation. Modis administration has so far approved more than $15 billion worth of semiconductor investments. These include a proposal by conglomerate Tata Group to build the countrys first major chip plant and US memory maker Micron Technology Inc.s envisioned $2.75 billion assembly facility in Modis home state of Gujarat. Israels Tower Semiconductor Ltd. is seeking to partner with billionaire Gautam Adani for a $10 billion fabrication plant in western India.

This is the right time to be in India, Modi said. In the India of the 21st century the chips are never down.

Semiconductors have grown into a crucial resource, especially as the geopolitical chasm between Beijing and Washington continues to widen and importers look to reduce their reliance on overseas producers in locations such as China and Taiwan. Several countries including the US, Germany, Japan and Singapore are investing aggressively to boost domestic chipmaking, ensuring supply of the components needed for technologies from AI to electric cars.

At the same event, chip industry executives from India and abroad outlined their growth plans in the country. NXP Semiconductors NV Chief Executive Officer Kurt Sievers said the Dutch chipmaker will invest more than $1 billion in India over the next few years to widen its research and development efforts in the region.

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Singapore's grandest arena, which has hosted Taylor Swift and Madonna, is getting ready to welcome an arguably bigger icon - Pope Francis.

The pontiff will celebrate Mass with 50,000 people at the National Stadium on Thursday evening, packing the venue as his 12-day Asia-Pacific tour draws to a close.

The 87-year-old has been to Indonesia, Timor-Leste and Papua New Guinea - the visit to the Pacific Island was the furthest he has travelled to meet devotees.

He arrived in Singapore, where less than 10% of the population - around 400,000 people - identify as Catholic, on Wednesday afternoon. The three-day visit includes meetings with government officials, religious leaders and students.

This has been the longest foreign visit of his papacy and given his frail health, volunteers say the visit was unimaginable just a year ago. A spell of illness at the time had made overseas travel difficult, forcing him to cancel a trip to the UAE.

"Since we were told that he was coming [to Singapore], we've been praying," says Karen Cheah, one of 5,000 volunteers who have been recruited for duties ranging from singing in the choir during Mass to protecting the Pope.

"Once he got on the plane and visited the other countries, the reality hit that it's coming up: we are next."

Hosting the Pope for even a single evening - as the stadium will - is no small feat.

It is a hive of activity the day before Mass. The pitch is covered with rubber flooring. The rows of chairs are growing as workers unload more of them.

At the other end of the arena, the choir is rehearsing hymns at full volume under the close watch of directors, the sound clashing with the routines being practised by the hosts of the event.

A volunteer runs through Mass sequences while pushing a wheelchair [BBC]

One volunteer is going through the sequences for Mass while manoeuvring an empty wheelchair. Pope Francis is expected to use a wheelchair for most engagements because of a knee ailment.

Meanwhile security volunteers are working with the police to secure an area around the Pope and guard where he is staying in Singapore.

These volunteers have completed weeks of training, where they learned skills including how to disengage from a tight grip and respond to a knife attack.

"Because of the current heightened sense of security, the police have been very active in working with us," says Kevin Ho, who heads the security volunteer team.

"Our volunteers have been having sleepless nights, doing the operational work. We are trying to make the visit as safe and successful as it can be."

The precautions have also increased because of a recent threat. Seven people were detained in Indonesia last week over a failed plot to attack the Pope. Police said they had confiscated bows, arrows, a drone and leaflets purportedly linked to the Islamic State militant group.

The Pope, born in Buenos Aires as Jorge Mario Bergoglio, is known to be unafraid to address issues including LGBT+ inclusion and inter-religious tensions. On this trip, he made a joint call for peace in Jakarta alongside the grand imam of Southeast Asia's largest mosque and met other religious leaders.

He praised Indonesians for choosing to have large families over pets, a seeming comment on plummeting birth rates in China, South Korea and Japan. But his figures that Indonesian parents are having up to five children were decades out of date, commentators pointed out. Indonesian women now have on average only slightly more than two children in their lifetime, UN data shows.

In resource-rich Papua New Guinea, which has been drawing international companies and investors, the Pope called for workers to be treated fairly. And in Timor-Leste, he said young people should be protected from abuse, after a prominent local bishop was accused of sexually abusing young boys there during the 1980s and 90s.

"Of course, the Pope has a message. But at the same time, he is also the message," says Monsignor Stephen Yim, co-chair of the organising committee at the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore.

This is Singapore's second papal visit.

The late Pope John Paul II spent just five hours in the city state in 1986, which included officiating Mass at the old National Stadium.

Mr Ho, who was a student then, remembers that day well. He says the crowd roared as the pontiff made a lap of the venue in the popemobile, undeterred by the rain.

"The old stadium had no roof and we all got rained on," Mr Ho recalls. "The only emotion I remember was that palpable sense of excitement when the Pope came around. It was electric. I will never forget that."

Demand for Thursday's Mass was also high - almost half of those who tried to get a seat were unsuccessful. Those who were unlucky received a reply with an emoji and verse from the Bible.

"Seeing the Pope in person feels like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," says Stephanie Yuen, who managed to get a seat at the stadium. "As a Catholic, that's something I don't want to miss, especially in my own country."

The Mass will be "a very profound spiritual experience that I will get to share with thousands of my fellow Catholics in Singapore", says Sherilyn Choo, another thrilled attendee.

The visit has also touched non-Catholics, such as carpenter Govindharaj Muthiah, who built two chairs for the Pope's use in Singapore.

"Tensions around the globe are quite high. It's heartwarming that he made trips to countries with many different religions," Mr Muthiah says. "Unity is the message he is putting across."
The Idaho hunter who was attacked and bitten by a grizzly bear last week is now recounting the harrowing encounter, saying it "was like playing tug of war with your dog, but he was playing it with my arm and ripping it apart."

Riley Hill made the comment as doctors are now estimating it will take him two months to recover following the attack inside the Caribou-Targhee National Forest near Island Park on Sunday, Sept. 1, according to East Idaho News.

Hill and his friend Braxton Meyers were archery hunting for elk when the bear lunged at him. An investigation of the attack revealed that the "hunters acted in self-defense during a surprise encounter with the bear from a very close distance," Idaho Fish and Game officials said.

Hill told East Idaho News that the incident began with a "loud thud" and that he heard Meyers yell "Oh crap, thats a bear!"

IDAHO GRIZZLY BEAR ATTACKS HUNTER IN SUPRISE ENCOUNTER

A Grizzly bear is seen in Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. An archery hunter that was pursuing elk near the Idaho city of Island Park, which is located near Yellowstone, was attacked on Sunday, Sept. 1 by a grizzly bear, officials say.

The 20-year-old then reportedly dropped his bow and using a handgun, managed to fire off four shots at the bear before it sank its teeth into his arm and started flinging him around.

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Meyers, using his own firearm, then started to shoot at the bear.

"I was having to pick my shots [carefully]" Meyers told East Idaho News. "By then, the bears on top of Riley, and Rileys shoulders are between [its] front feet and his legs are kind of kicked out from its stomach... I couldnt see anything Riley was doing. I just could see the bear on him."

"When Braxton hit it, I could feel the bullets hitting the bear through my arm," Hill also said. "[It] wasnt hitting my arm, but I could just feel the repercussion from the bullets hitting the bear."

A total of 24 bullets were used to take down the bear, East Idaho News reports. The website says Meyers used his first aid skills that he remembered from Boy Scouts to apply a tourniquet around Hills arm before he was airlifted to a local medical facility.

BLACK BEAR ATTACKS 3-YEAR-OLD CHILD AT CAMPGROUND NEAR YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK

The Caribou-Targhee National Forest near the Idaho-Wyoming border, where the bear attack happened, according to wildlife officials.

The hunters later told East Idaho News that they learned the bear had a reputation among local ranchers for killing their livestock, and it was dubbed the "King of the Hill."

"This bear has always been a problem up there of cattle, and theres a lot of farmers that... [are] pretty happy with us because we took out the bear that was eating their cattle," Hill said.

"It was a fighting bear," Meyers added. "Another bear or some animal had torn one of its ears off. That was the ear that was facing up the hill, and so it didnt hear us coming down until we were on the side that had the good ear, and thats when it got up and come at us."

The bear reportedly was startled as it was burrowing in a day bed.

Meyers is now preparing for an Oct. 12 wedding with his fiance, in which hes asked Hill to be his best man.

Idaho Fish and Game say most grizzly bear attacks happen when the bears are inadvertently startled at close range.

"A lot of people say theyll take a bullet for a friend. Well, I got mauled by a bear for mine," Hill told East Idaho News.





Original article source: Idaho hunter bitten by grizzly describes surprise attack: Like playing tug of war with your dog
Ill. (WTVO)  The state of Illinois has awarded more than $6 million in funding to four recipients through the Home Illinois Workforce Pilot Program.

The goal of the two-and-a-half-year program is to support the homeless by boosting job opportunities, helping them establish financial stability and improving their ability to afford permanent housing.

Were fighting homelessness in Illinois with compassion, innovation and coordination, said Governor Pritzker. My administration is one step closer to reaching our goal of functional zero homelessness by providing residents with the resources they need.

The grants will go to organizations in Chicago, Pekin and Greenup.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Illinois man dies during dive to shipwreck of the S.S. Wisconsin in Lake Michigan

The S.S. Wisconsin crashed on the evening of Oct. 19, 1929, according to Wisconsin Shipwrecks, a historical website cataloguing shipwrecks. This photo of the shipwreck shows a cargo cart hanging amidst debris.

A 72-year-old Illinois scuba diver died on Tuesday while attempting to explore the S.S. Wisconsin shipwreck about 6 miles off the Pleasant Prairie coastline.

The body of Patrick Kelly, of Winthrop Harbor, Illinois, was recovered Wednesday 125 feet below the surface and on the bottom of Lake Michigan near the shipwreck, the Kenosha County Sheriff's Department said in a news release. Authorities responded to a distress call from Kelly's wife, who was on board their vessel, after her husband did not surface at the scheduled time.

"The search for the missing diver soon became a recovery operation due to the amount of time that the diver had been missing," the news release said.

Kelly's wife made the initial distress call at 11:30 a.m., but by 5 p.m. poor water conditions forced the recovery efforts to be postponed until Wednesday, the release said. Kelly was recovered on Wednesday at about 10:15 a.m.

Pleasant Prairie is a village of about 21,00 people to the south of Kenosha.

Authorities  which included community members, various counties from Wisconsin and Illinois, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and the United States Coast Guard  used sonar and several remotely operated vehicles to find Kelly's body, the release said.

The S.S. Wisconsin sank 1929, after being built in 1881, according to information from Wisconsin Shipwrecks. The website details nine people died after the ship pumps failed to handle incoming water properly during a northeasterly gale. It was carrying automobiles, iron casings and boxed freight, the site said.

The S.S. Wisconsin shown in an archival photo.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Illinois man dies during dive to S.S. Wisconsin shipwreck near Kenosha
'I'm truly grateful': Prayer vigil held for family of man killed in Akron police shooting

Tiara Chavis, the eldest daughter of Michael D. Jones, sits in the front during a prayer vigil for her father, held at Elizabeth Missionary Baptist Church in Akron on Tuesday, Sep. 10.

A woman yelled from the podium Tuesday evening inside Elizabeth Missionary Baptist Church on East North Street, almost speaking in beat with music played from an electric piano and drumset.

"Dear Jesus, we ask you to bring them peace," the woman chanted multiple times. "When you can't think of nothing else, think of Jesus."

Shooting: Akron police shooting footage of Michael D. Jones shows struggle as U-Haul pulls away

Dr. Otis Hankton hugs Tamar King as he holds Ayden Richmond, 1, at the prayer vigil for Michael D. Jones held at Elizabeth Missionary Baptist Church in Akron on Tuesday, Sep. 10.

In front of her stood Tiara Chavis. She blinked away tears as she put her arms around her children. At the same time, nearly two dozen people, including local pastors and clergy members, surrounded her in prayer.

These were the closing moments of a prayer vigil led by Pastor Otis Hankton meant to support Chavis and others in the family of Michael D. Jones, who was shot and killed by an Akron police officer on Aug. 17 during an investigation into a stolen U-Haul truck.

"I really felt the support tonight, and I'm truly grateful," said Chavis, who is Jones' daughter. "I believe we will get justice."

Akron pastors pray, sing in support of Michael D. Jones' family

Michael D. Jones family members sit in the front row during the prayer vigil held at Elizabeth Missionary Baptist Church in Akron on Tuesday, Sep. 10.

Among those present were eight other local pastors, some of whom took to the podium to express their support of Chavis and her family through prayer, song or sermon.

After singing "My soul has been anchored in the Lord," Pastor Aulden Knight of Kings Chapel and Solid Rock Ministries described how he and the community feel her pain.

"We share each other's joys and each other's sorrows. When you hurt, we hurt," he said to Chavis. "I'm heartbroken for your loss."

Pastor Crystal Varner during the prayer vigil for Michael D. Jones held at Elizabeth Missionary Baptist Church in Akron on Tuesday, Sep. 10.

House of Prayer for All People Church Pastor R. Stacey Jenkins told the crowd that change needs to come to Akron and policing before urging those present to call on the city to enact police reforms.

"There is a problem with a life being lost over an overdue U-Haul truck," Jenkins said. "This man's life is valuable."

Pastor Greg Harrison echoed Jenkins by referring to his time as an Akron police officer, which ended in the 1990s, before calling on people to pray for police officers to make change happen.

"It is not my right to be the judge, jury and executioner," he said. "Pray for the officers who stand by silently; for officers to come forward."

Pastor Otis Hankton talks about Tiara Chavis

Dr. Otis Hankton during the prayer vigil for Michael D. Jones held at Elizabeth Missionary Baptist Church in Akron on Tuesday, Sep. 10.

After the vigil, Hankton said he had known Chavis for nearly seven years when she joined the church.

Hankton, who considers Chavis like his daughter, has seen her grow in her faith, and in recent weeks, she has leaned into that, he said.

"She has been a real daughter to me," Hankton said. "When you see your child go through something like this, it's hard and changes you."

He said he hosted the prayer vigil for her and her family, but also to remember Jones, who he said had just received the keys to his new home before the fatal shooting.

At the time of the shooting, he had been evicted and without a home for several weeks, Ward 9 Akron vouncil member Tina Boyes said Monday at a regular City Council meeting.

He used the U-Haul to store his belongings, she said.

The Akron Beacon Journal could not immediately confirm this information.

Department of Justice in contact with Jones' family attorney

Pastor E. Stacey Jenkins during the prayer vigil for Michael D. Jones held at Elizabeth Missionary Baptist Church in Akron on Tuesday, Sep. 10.

Following the vigil, attorney Bobby DiCello, who is representing Chavis and her siblings in the matter, said the Department of Justice is looking into policing in Northeast Ohio but did not go into further detail.

"We're working very hard to organize a very thoughtful and impactful response about how law enforcement is treating people in Northeast Ohio," he said.

Bryce Buyakie covers courts and public safety for the Beacon Journal. He can be reached by email at bbuyakie@gannett.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @bryce_buyakie.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Prayer vigil held for family of man killed in Akron police shooting
Whats the weirdest thing you learned this week? Well, whatever it is, we promise youll have an even weirder answer if you listen to PopScis hit podcast. The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week hits Apple, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere else you listen to podcasts every-other Wednesday morning. Its your new favorite source for the strangest science-adjacent facts, figures, and Wikipedia spirals the editors of Popular Science can muster. If you like the stories in this post, we guarantee youll love the show.

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FACT: The ManhattAnt is taking NYC by stormbut its actually an immigrant

By Rachel Feltman

This story starts in 2011, when Rob Dunn, a biologist at North Carolina State University, was visiting to teach some classes at Columbia. Dunn now runs a group called the Public Science Lab, and hes very into making new discoveries about daily life, while engaging as many people as possible in the process of discovery. You may have seen his name in the news before for his work on cataloging and studying the microbes involved in sourdough. So its not surprising that, while he was at Columbia, he decided to take some insect samples from the most pedestrian location he could find: the Broadway medians at 63rd and 76th streets.

As the New York Post reported in 2012, he found a surprising ant on the Upper West Sideit looked similar to many European species, but he couldnt find an exact match. Some researchers speculated that it might have evolved in the isolation of the concrete jungle.

But it turns out this ant has an even more classic new york story: its an immigrant. Samantha Kennett, a PhD student at Clemson University in South Carolina, confirmed the ants identity once and for all as part of her masters research. Its an ant called Lasius emarginatus, which is a bit surprisingback in its native Europe, this species is known to favor forests and other rural areas. But in Manhattanand now Brooklyn and New Jersey, tooLasius emarginatus has been found scrambling up into high rises and thriving in Times Square flower planters.

If you listened to this weeks episode and came here looking for a video of a pooter, here you go.

FACT: A priceless artifact sat on a kitchen counter for years

By Jon Collins-Black

In 1917, the third Imperial Faberge Egg was lost from public record. Then in 2004, it mysteriously showed up in a flea market in the Midwest United States. As it turned out, countless people either owned the egg or had an opportunity to, yet none of them noticed a secret detail inside the egg which would reveal its origin. Then in 2012, a man found a small detail within the egg that made him a multimillionaire. Join Jon Collins-Black on this weeks episode as he shares this incredible story and the moral of why its always important to pay attention to the details.



Those skills will come in handy if you want to find the actual hidden treasure that Jon has stashed around the United States! You can join the hunt by searching for clues in Jons new book, Theres Treasure Inside.

FACT: The color electric blue has a nuanced history

By Laura Baisis

A beloved shade of an almost universally well-liked color has both good and bad associations in sci-fi and real life. It has been linked with electricity and explosions as far back as the late 19th Century, right as electricity was on the verge of being harnessed for daily life. However, by the 20th Century it took a more positive turn. Blue is also a rare color in nature because how organisms absorb and reflect light is a bit complicated. Find out more about this colors surprising history on this weeks episode!
Following the presidential debate on Tuesday night, social media has been swarmed with highlight reels, fact check links and memes. Despite no mention of Springfield, Missouri during the debate, local officials have dealt with a fair share of public outcry.

Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris took to the stage for their first presidential debate Tuesday night. The 90-minute debate hosted by ABC News covered an array of topics, including the economy, abortion laws, climate change, the Jan. 6 insurrection, and immigration. The debate was moderated by ABC Managing Editor David Muir and ABC News Live "Prime" anchor Linsey Davis.

Several times throughout the debate, Trump used Springfield, Ohio as an example of a city where people who came to the country illegally are congregating. At one point, in response to a question posed about border control, Trump claimed that immigrants were eating dogs and cats belonging to residents in Springfield, Ohio.

"A lot of towns don't want to talk about it because they're so embarrassed by it," Trump said during the debate, according to a transcript posted by ABC News. "In Springfield, they're eating the dogs. The people that came in. They're eating the cats. They're eating  they're eating the pets of the people that live there. And this is what's happening in our country. And it's a shame."

In response, moderator Muir provided a moment of clarification.

More: Presidential debate fact check: Analyzing Trump, Harris on abortion, immigration, more

"ABC News did reach out to the city manager there (Springfield, Ohio). He told us there have been no credible reports of specific claims of pets being harmed, injured or abused by individuals within the immigrant community," Muir said before he was cut off by Trump, who went on to say that he heard of immigrants eating pets "on television."

"The people on television say my dog was taken and used for food," Trump rebutted. "So maybe he said that and maybe that's a good thing to say for a city manager."

Before opening the discussion for Harris to respond, Muir commented: "I'm not taking this from television. I'm taking it from the city manager."

Where does this claim stem from?

Earlier this summer, a social media post in the private Facebook Group "Springfield, Ohio Crime Monitor" went viral. The poster stated that a neighbor's daughter's friend had lost her cat. The poster went on to make an unsubstantiated claim that Haitian immigrants had allegedly taken the cat to eat, according to ABC News reporting.

The social media post was amplified by Trump's running mate Sen. J.D. Vance on Monday. Vance posted a video to X of him speaking about Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio. The final line in the caption for the post states: "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?"

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

These claims are unsubstantiated, as Muir pointed out during the debate.

"Additionally, there have been no verified instances of immigrants engaging in illegal activities such as squatting or littering in front of residents' homes," Springfield, Ohio City Manager Bryan Heck told ABC News. "Furthermore, no reports have been made regarding members of the immigrant community deliberately disrupting traffic."

The Springfield Police Department in Springfield, Ohio has also not received any reports of pets being stolen or eaten, according to Springfield News-Sun reporting.

Springfield entities wrongfully tagged in social media posts

A search of "SGFpolice" on X  the Springfield Police Department's handle on the platform formerly known as Twitter  resulted in at least 20 posts tagging the police department in response to Trump's debate comments, as of Wednesday morning.

Springfield Police Department Public Affairs Office Cris Swaters told the News-Leader she hasn't received any calls from members of the community regarding the comments, but she did receive an information request from Newsweek on Monday. The request, notably, confused Springfield, Missouri and Springfield, Ohio.

In a public Facebook post made Tuesday night, Springfield Director of Public Information & Civic Engagement Cora Scott wrote, "Thoughts and prayers for the Springfield, Ohio PIO tonight." Scott declined to comment for the story.

Here's where to watch the presidential debate

The full presidential debate is available to stream on the ABC News website and on Disney+. Several other news outlets have also posted the full debate  accessible on their websites and YouTube channels. A full written transcript of the debate is also available on the ABC News website.

Greta Cross is the trending topics reporter for the Springfield News-Leader. She has more than five years of journalism experience covering everything from Ozarks history to Springfields LGBTQIA+ community. Follow her on X and Instagram @gretalcross. Story idea? Email her at gcross@news-leader.com.

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Social media users tag wrong Springfield in dog-eating claims
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  After having to handle an alleged threat early Wednesday morning, the Sioux City Community School District is reminding the community of the importance of reporting any safety concerns they may have.

In a release from SCCSD, they said that they sent a message out to families early Wednesday morning stating that the district was aware of an alleged threat made on Snapchat involving North High and North Middle schools.

GoFundMe pages created to help The Warming Shelter

The school district said that the incident was investigated by law enforcement and was deemed not credible. They also added that all staff and students were safe.

The school district wanted to use the situation from this morning as an opportunity to remind the community that if they see or hear something that makes them concerned about the safety of local schools they should speak up.

If you have a safety concern you would like to report to the school you can reach out to the school through 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 SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports.
Increased police presence expected at schools in Cabot after report of threat

CABOT, Ark.  Officials with Cabot Public Schools said that all the schools in the district will have an increased police presence after school officials say they were notified of a threat.

According to a message sent to parents Tuesday night, school district officials were informed about a note found in a bathroom at Cabot High School earlier in the day.

Police arrest juvenile accused in social media threat made against Russellville Junior High School

Officials said the note made a threat against Cabot schools, specifically at 8 a.m. Wednesday. The note did not mention which schools, officials said.

As a precaution, district officials said that authorities with the Cabot Police Department, Lonoke County Sheriffs Office and Ward police will be present in and around the schools in the district.

Officials with Cabot Public Schools are asking anyone with information relating to the note to contact school officials or law enforcement.

Maumelle police say social media post is believed not to be a threat to local schools

This incident comes just days after police in Maumelle took precautions after receiving a tip of a possible threat. During the investigation, detectives determined that there was no threat to the schools in the area.

A week ago, police in Russellville arrested a juvenile after they were accused of making a threat against Russellville Junior High School in a social media post. The juvenile was not identified but is expected to face 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 KARK.
EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  It was a good night for incumbents in the Rhode Island General Assembly on Tuesday.

Out of the 18 contested primary races, almost every sitting lawmaker came out on top, according to initial results from the R.I. Board of Elections.

FULL RESULTS: Rhode Island primary elections

In Providence, two lawmakers who were initially thought to have a race on their hands were state Reps. Enrique Sanchez and Grace Diaz in House Districts 9 and 11, respectively.

Sanchez won by a healthy margin in a three-way Democratic primary versus former state Rep. Anastacia Williams  whom he unseated in 2022  and Santos Javier.

Diaz had a challenge from Tania Quezada  her former campaign manager  and also had a decisive victory.

Aside from the mayoral race in Cranston, the city had a few closely watched state legislative Democratic primaries. In the House, District 14 saw state Rep. Charlene Lima prevail in a 2022 rematch versus Giona Picheco and District 16s result was an even bigger victory for state Rep. Brandon Potter over Joseph Graziano.

Potter now faces Republican Deborah Leong in November.

Hopkins wins GOP primary for Cranston mayor

A lawmaker who may not be returning next legislative session is state Rep. Edward Cardillo Jr., D-Johnston, who as of Tuesday night is losing to Kelsey Coletta. That primary had three candidates, which also included the incumbents nephew, Dennis Cardillo Jr.

The winner of that primary will run against Republican Richard Fascia in the general election.

In House District 51, state Rep. Robert Phillips, D-Woonsocket, appears to have successfully fended off a challenge from City Councilman Garret Mancieri. Phillips was initially running for mayor before dropping out and seeking reelection for state representative.

Other lawmakers who faced challenges and came out on top were state Reps. Samuel Azzinaro, D-Westerly, Brandon Voas, D-Cumberland, and Cherie Cruz, D-Pawtucket.

Voas will have a 2022 rematch on his hands. He faces former state Rep. James McLaughlin, who is running as an independent after losing to Voas in the Democratic primary last cycle.

Over in the state Senate, Senate President Dominick Ruggerio, D-North Providence, won a race that analysts were paying attention to this year due to his age and health issues.

Ruggerios opponent in District 4 was Lenny Cioe, who ran against him in 2020 and 2022. Open races in that chamber that drew interest were Districts 20 (Woonsocket, Cumberland), 25 (Johnston) and 28 (Cranston, Providence).

Woonsocket City Councilman Brian Thompson and Andrew Dimitri, both Democrats, won by large margins in Districts 20 and 25, respectively. While in District 28, Cranston City Council Vice President Lammis Vargas had a closer victory in a five-candidate race.

Dimitri faces Republican Karin Gorman in November for Senate District 25.

Depending on the final margins, some of these races may have a recount happen.

NEXT: Whitehouse, Morgan to face off for US Senate in November

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Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Invitation Homes Acquires 580 New Homes, Thumbs Nose At Congress

Benzinga and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below.

On the playground of the U.S. financial system, there is always a tug-of-war between those representing free markets and those in Government who seek to regulate it and prevent excesses that could harm the public good.

Real estate investment trusts (REITs) have recently come under intense Government scrutiny, with one side feeling it's necessary while the other side argues it's just a way to score political points through excessive Government control.

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Invitation Homes

Invitation Homes Inc. (NYSE:INVH), a Dallas-based residential REIT, purchases large numbers of higher-quality single-family homes and then leases or lease-purchases them to higher-income tenants.

Invitation Homes has more than 80,000 homes for lease in desirable neighborhoods across the U.S. and is now the largest owner/landlord of single-family homes in the country. It focuses on communities with strong rental demand and where purchasing homes is difficult due to high prices and limited inventory. Its second-quarter 2024 average occupancy rate was 97.1%, a slight decline from 97.6% in the first quarter.

On Sept. 9, Invitation Homes announced it had acquired 580 newly constructed single-family homes from two homebuilders during July and August, for a total price of $216 million. These homes will be used as single-family rentals.

Invitation Homes also secured a $3.5 billion unsecured credit facility, consisting of a $1.7 billion revolving line of credit and a $1.75 billion term loan, maturing in 2028. This replaces an existing $2.5 billion unsecured term loan facility that would have expired in January 2026.

More Build-To-Rent (BTR) homes will be forthcoming. As of June 30, Invitation Homes had a BTR pipeline of nearly 2,700 homes.

However, not everyone is happy with the success of REITs such as Invitation Homes. In December 2023, Congressman Adam Smith (D-Wash.) and Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) introduced the "End Hedge Fund Control of American Homes Act of 2023."

Story continues

If passed, this bill would restrict hedge funds, REITs, and other pooled funds from investing in single-family homes. It would also mandate that such investors sell at least 10% of their single-family home holdings each year for the next decade. Thus, within 10 years, REITs would be required to own far fewer single-family homes than they do now. Any large entity still owning more than 100 homes would face heavy excise taxes on 50% of the fair market value of each residence.

Although this legislation had the potential to devastate hedge funds and real estate investment trusts (REITs) that invest in single-family homes, it didn't significantly affect REIT share prices. Investors realized that the chances of the bill passing as written were slim.

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Can you guess how much the average retirement account balance is? Heres a hint  its only slightly more than a years worth of expenses.

There are concerns that such a law could be unconstitutional. From a pragmatic standpoint, it could force hundreds of thousands of renters to scramble for new living quarters. If so many homes were forced onto the sales market, it might also severely impact the real estate market.

When that bill didn't go anywhere, California State Sen. Nancy Skinner introduced SB 1212 in February 2024 to prohibit an investment entity from purchasing, acquiring, or leasing a single-family home or duplex in California. The Senator noted that California has the lowest level of owner-occupied homes in decades because hedge funds and large investment firms with billions in cash can outbid average families trying to buy a home with a mortgage. This bill did not pass either.

Proponents of these laws feel that hedge funds and REITs hold an unfair advantage over ordinary citizens and are preventing families from buying a home with a standard mortgage. They also feel that investment firms have exacerbated the housing crisis and are escalating prices with so many purchases.

However, the housing numbers do not support that view. As of this week, there were 909,344 active listings for homes for sale in the U.S. Obviously, hedge funds and REITs are not buying up all of the houses.

Colin Trovato, portfolio manager at Ranger Global Real Estate Advisors, noted in a recent Podcast that it's about 28% cheaper to rent than to buy a home today, well above the 5% historical standard. In his view, institutional landlords have contributed to the overall housing market and are part of the solution, not the problem. Trovato states they have been unfairly painted as removing too many houses from the market. He adds that rentals serve those who like the flexibility inherent in renting rather than owning. REITs such as Invitation Homes have addressed the housing shortage by building new homes and updating existing ones.

Check It Out: Commercial real estate has historically outperformed the stock market. This platform allows accredited investors to invest in commercial real estate, invest today for a 1% boost.

Those opposed to the recently proposed legislation feel it is government interference in the free market and question the constitutionality of forcing a company to sell its assets, destroy its business model, and risk shareholder value with excessive taxation.

In another instance of the Government coming down on REITs, a recent letter by Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass) to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) urges them to increase scrutiny on health care and hotel REITs to see if they are violating U.S. tax laws by using a taxable REIT subsidiary (TRS) to operate the REIT's properties indirectly. Thus far, the IRS has not named any REITs as violating the tax laws.

Investors should realize that in election years, politicians often create legislation that sounds good to win votes, even if they know it is unlikely to be passed.

The End Hedge Fund Control of American Homes Act is likely going nowhere. The bill has been sitting in the House Ways and Means and Financial Services Committees since the same day it was introduced. Adam Smith and Jeff Merkley received some favorable media coverage for introducing it, but thus far, no one seems anxious to try to pass it.

In the meantime, Invitation Homes continues its home purchasing plan, undaunted by any lectures from Washington or elsewhere.

This article Invitation Homes Acquires 580 New Homes, Thumbs Nose At Congress originally appeared on Benzinga.com
An independent review of Ramsey Countys former, longtime medical examiner has identified seven cases for further review, the countys top prosecutor announced Wednesday.

Ramsey County Attorney John Choi hired an outside firm to analyze cases that Dr. Michael McGee was involved in after a federal appeals court judge wrote in 2021 that the doctors testimony was unreliable, misleading and inaccurate in the murder trial of the man convicted of killing Dru Sjodin in 2003.

The recommendation to Choi from the Prosecutors Center for Excellence, a national nonprofit organization, is that a panel of independent medical experts next take a very deep dive into the science of the seven cases.

We have not made any final conclusion at all, Choi said at a Wednesday news conference of the seven cases. The conclusion is that we believe that we need to have further review by medical experts.

Each of the seven cases was ruled as a homicide and people were convicted of murder. In these seven cases, the cause and manner of death was at issue, and we need a medical expert  to advise us on whether or not (McGees) conclusions about the cause and manner of death was erroneous, said Kristine Hamann, Prosecutors Center for Excellence executive director.

McGee was Ramsey Countys chief medical examiner from 1985 to 2019 and continued working as a forensic pathologist for the county through 2021. He also carried out autopsies for a number of counties in Minnesota.

Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Ralph Erickson wrote in his 2021 order in the Sjodin case that McGee has a well-documented history of providing false or inaccurate testimony in court. McGees testimony has been proven to not be supportable by science.

That order led the Ramsey County Attorneys and Minnesota Attorney Generals offices to embark on reviews of convictions from McGees work.

Where theres smoke, theres fire, said Jim Mayer, Great North Innocence Project legal director. This is a case where we are beyond the smoke phase.  The question is, how far the fire has spread, what additional damage might be out there, and how do we mitigate that harm?

Narrowing down 200-plus cases

In the Sjodin case, the death sentence of Alfonso Rodriguez Jr. was overturned and he is now serving a life sentence in prison. Rodriguez was convicted of kidnapping college student Dru Sjodin from the Columbia Mall in Grand Forks, N.D., on Nov. 22, 2003, and killing her in Minnesota just outside Crookston.

The federal judges September 2021 criticism of McGees testimony in the Rodriguez case called into question not only what happened in that case, but we also have to call into question everything that the medical examiner has been involved with, Choi said Wednesday.

The legitimacy and integrity of all of our convictions matter in how people trust what happens in the courtroom, Choi said.  We have to have the courage to look backwards and to do that without fear or favor.

Choi said he wanted to ensure a comprehensive review of every case in Ramsey County that McGee had a significant role in determining the outcome of. In November 2021, the Ramsey County Attorneys Office started talking to the Prosecutors Center for Excellence. They have a contract with the center for $550,000.

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The inquiry began with 215 cases dating to the 1980s. These cases were, I would guess, some of the most serious cases that have occurred here in Ramsey County over the past 20, 30, 40 years, Hamann said.

The center set a standard to guide what they were looking for in the 200-plus cases: When Dr. McGees testimony or reports on cause and manner of death may have been erroneous or misstated, and his opinions may have substantially contributed to the defendants conviction, according to Hamann.

They eliminated cases when cause and manner of death werent at issue  for example, if someone died from a gunshot wound to the head, the critical issue at trial would be who fired the gun. They also took out cases if a person was found not guilty, if the defendant was deceased or if it turned out McGee really had very little to do with the case at all, Hamann said.

That work narrowed the cases to 71 and they began a deeper analysis. They received hundreds of pages of documents for each case, and divided the work of reviewing them between three people from the Prosecutors Center for Excellence.

As they went along, they eliminated 64 cases that met the standard of the cause and manner of death not being instrumental in the cases outcome. That left seven cases remaining, for which theyve rendered no opinion about whether those cases are good, bad or indifferent. We are not there yet, Hamann said.

Because we are lawyers and not doctors, we realized that we need expert advice to come in and help us to evaluate Dr. McGees medical autopsy reports, his testimony and so forth, Hamann said. They took part in finding three highly-respected medical examiners who, like the staff from the Prosecutors Center for Excellence, arent from Minnesota.

The medical examiners will review the seven cases, discuss them together and reach decisions. When theyve completed their work, the Prosecutors Center for Excellence will write a final report.

The timeline for completing the work isnt known. Our hope is to try to get that done as quickly as possible, Choi said. But the reality is, is that this is something you dont want to rush.

Choi said he is prepared to accept the recommendations and make decisions on what should happen in individual cases.

The Ramsey County Attorneys Office is not notifying victims families or people in prison whether their cases are among the seven to be reviewed, unless or until there is something to let them know of, because they dont want to retraumatize victims families or give people whove been convicted false hope, Choi said.

When the final report is completed, the county attorneys office will make public a list of the original 215 cases that were reviewed.

Attorney generals office also has review

The Minnesota Attorney General started a conviction review in August 2021. The next month, when Judge Erickson issued his order in the Rodriguez case, Attorney General Keith Ellison asked the new unit to review all cases that the AGs office had prosecuted in which McGees testimony was used to obtain a conviction, said Carrie Sperling, the units director, on Wednesday.

The priority of the review is to create transparency and justice in the system, so that people know when convictions are sound, she said.

The AGs office announced in January 2023 that it had agreed to vacate a mans 1998 conviction for first-degree murder in Kandiyohi County, saying McGees testimony was the linchpin of the case. Thomas Daniel Rhodes was released after serving more than 24 years in prison in the death of his wife, Jane Rhodes.

Not one of the 10 experts that we interviewed, consulted with, found evidence that would have supported Dr. McGees conclusion in that case that Jane Rhodes death was the result of a homicide, Sperling said.

Thomas Rhodes has since filed a federal lawsuit against McGee. McGees attorneys did not respond Wednesday to a request for comment.

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The AGs office is reviewing 11 murder cases it prosecuted in which McGee testified. They also plan to consult with independent medical experts as necessary to determine whether McGees testimony and opinions were accurate and appropriate, Sperling said.

In probably a very few, if any, cases, we will be required to do an in-depth fact investigation to determine whether a wrongful conviction was had, she said of the 11 cases. Thats because in a vast majority of homicide cases, the cause and manner of death is obvious and not really even contested.

There is overlap in cases between the AGs and Ramsey County Attorneys offices, but a county attorneys office spokesman said he couldnt get into specifics until the review is complete.
A Indiana County woman was sentenced to state prison for injuring a child because she was frustrated with its crying.

Amber Jones, 28, was sentenced to two-and-a-half to five years in state prison for a guilty plea of aggravated assault of a minor less than 13 years old.

Indiana County District Attorney Robert Manzi said the victim received treatment at the Indiana Regional Medical Center before being transferred to Childrens Hospital in Pittsburgh. Medical professionals found indications of past injuries in addition to the present medical issues.

Police found evidence that Jones tried to cause serious bodily injury to the child because of her stated frustrations with the childs crying.

No matter how stressed or overwhelmed a parent becomes, there are absolutely no reasons to try to hurt your children. I will never understand or condone a parent or guardian whose duty it is to protect a young child being the perpetrator of pain and injury, said Manzi. I want to thank the members of the Indiana Borough Police Department who thoroughly investigated this matter and were able to bring forward this defendant to account for her actions.

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FILE - A Planned Parenthood sign is displayed on the outside of the clinic, Aug. 1, 2023, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings, File)

INDIANAPOLIS (AP)  An Indiana county judge ruled Wednesday against abortion providers who are seeking to broaden access to the procedure under the near-total ban state lawmakers passed after the U.S. Supreme Court ended federal protections in 2022.

The providers  including the regional Planned Parenthood affiliate  had sought a permanent injunction to expand the near-total ban's medical exemptions and to block its requirement that abortions can only be performed at hospitals.

Judge Kelsey Blake Hanlon, who conducted a three-day bench trial in late May in southern Indianas Monroe County, denied the providers' request for the permanent injunction against both elements of the state's law, known as S.B. 1.

Significant and compelling evidence regarding the policy implications of S.B. 1 and its effect on medical professionals in particular was presented. However, the Court cannot substitute its own policy preferences for that of the Indiana General Assembly, wrote Hanlon, an elected Republican from a different county who was appointed as a special judge in the case.

Indiana became the first state to enact tighter restrictions after the U.S. Supreme Court ended federal abortion protections by overturning Roe v. Wade in June 2022. Rare exceptions to the near-total ban include when the health or life of the mother is at risk as well as in cases of rape, incest and lethal fetal anomalies in limited circumstances.

The Indiana Supreme Court upheld the state's ban in June 2023, ending a broader legal challenge brought by the same plaintiffs, but said the states constitution protects a womens right to an abortion when her life or health is at risk.

Indianas clinics stopped providing abortions ahead of the ban officially taking effect in August 2023.

The providers said that the bans exceptions for protecting health are written so narrowly that in practice, many doctors wont end a pregnancy even when a womans condition qualifies under the statute. The state defended the statute and said it sufficiently protects women when health complications arise in pregnancy.

When asked Wednesday if they plan to appeal the ruling, the plaintiffs said they are still evaluating all options.

The Planned Parenthood Federation of America said in a joint statement with the ACLU of Indiana and other plaintiffs that the court's ruling means "lives will continue to be endangered by Indianas abortion ban.

Already, Hoosiers with serious health complications have been forced to endure unjustifiable suffering due to miscarriages, ectopic pregnancies, and other pregnancy-related issues or leave the state to access appropriate care, the statement said.

Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita praised the judges ruling Wednesday. Indianas pro-life law is both reasonable and constitutional, and were pleased the Monroe County Circuit Court upheld it, he said in a statement.

Planned Parenthood and the ACLU of Indiana did not immediately respond Wednesday to requests for comment on the ruling.

In a 50-page order, Hanlon said providers gave hypothetical scenarios but did not identify a situation where the health and life exemption or the hospital requirement prevented a woman from obtaining an abortion.

Hanlon agreed with the states argument that the health and life exemption constitutionally protects pregnant patients with serious health risks, but acknowledged the ill-defined standard has been challenging for physicians in a politically charged environment and under the threat of criminal liability. However, Hanlon said physicians do not have to wait until a woman is clinically unstable to provide care.

She wrote that some conditions outlined by the providers can be treated with interventions other than abortion depending on the severity of the health risk, such as medication, therapy and nutritional changes. She also rejected the argument from the providers that mental health conditions constitute serious health risks.

In rejecting the providers request to strike the hospital requirement, Hanlon said hospitals are better equipped to handle lethal fetal anomaly, rape, incest and serious health risks.

The evidence demonstrates that many women receiving abortion care when they are seriously ill or at risk of becoming seriously ill will likely be receiving in-hospital care irrespective of the hospital requirement, she wrote.

__

Volmert reported from Lansing, Michigan.
Terry L. Wood, 53, and Breanna C. Puentez, 25, each are charged with felony offenses for theft and cemetery mischief for allegedly stealing at least 15 bronze markers from veterans' graves and damaging another in cemeteries in northwestern Indiana. Photo by La Porte County Sheriff's Office

Sept. 10 (UPI) -- An Indiana man and woman are accused of stealing at least 15 bronze markers from the headstones of veterans' graves and damaging another at several cemeteries in northwestern Indiana.

The La Porte County Sheriff's Office initiated an investigation on Aug. 28 after receiving complaints of stolen bronze markers from veterans' headstones from at least six cemeteries.

An investigation dubbed "Justice, Peace and Salute" resulted in the arrest of Terry L. Wood, 53, and Breanna C. Puentez, 25, both of whom are charged with felonies for theft and cemetery mischief.

The investigators received information on Aug. 29 that helped identify one of the suspects.

Police arrested Wood Sunday morning and Puentez later that same day.

"On Aug. 28th, the agency publicly announced the investigation and encouraged citizens to visit the grave sites of deceased veterans," the La Porte County Sheriff's Office said in a statement on social media. "Just one day later, credible information was provided to investigators identifying a suspect."

Detectives arrested Wood at a residence located in the 400 block of Andrew Avenue in La Porte and recovered evidence of the alleged crime.

They arrested Puentez for her alleged participation in the thefts.

Wood is being held on a $15,005 cash bond while Puentez does not qualify for a bond.

"This type of criminal behavior is disgusting,unacceptable and will not be tolerated in La Porte County," Capt. Derek Allen said.

Allen said he hopes justice will be served and "U.S. veterans, both deceased and living, can find peace and comfort with these arrests."

The U.S. Dept. of Veteran Affairs participated in the investigation, along with four La Porte County law enforcement agencies.
Indiana's governor and attorney general have asked to set an execution date for Fort Wayne's Joseph Corcoran, who was convicted in a 1997 quadruple homicide. (Courthouse photo from Allen County and mugshot from public record. Photo illustration by Casey Smith/Indiana Capital Chronicle)

The Indiana Supreme Court on Wednesday set a Dec. 18 execution date for a Fort Wayne quadruple murderer, but said he has other legal options to try to block the resumption of the death penalty in Indiana.

Joseph Corcorans attorneys have argued that he should not be executed because he is unquestionably seriously mentally ill, and that killing him would violate the Eighth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution as cruel and unusual punishment.

Corcorans mental health has been a part of the decades-old case since its inception, with state and federal public defenders saying he continues to suffer from paranoid schizophrenia that causes him to experience persistent hallucinations and delusions.

In a 5-0 decision, the court said it could consider previously undiscovered evidence but not past evidence of mental illness.

In 1999, a jury unanimously found Corcoran guilty of four counts of murder for killing his brother, James Corcoran; his sisters fiance, Robert Scott Turner; and their two friends, Timothy Bricker and Douglas Stillwell. The jury recommended a death sentence, and thats what the Allen Superior Court imposed.

Corcorans sentence has been upheld multiple times by state and federal courts.

The court said Corcoran does have other options, including raising claims of newly discovered evidence; filing a successive petition for post-conviction relief or filing a civil lawsuit to challenge the execution protocol.

But, until then, the court said, the only issue properly before us is our administrative task  to set an execution date.

Thats Dec. 18, before the hour of sunrise.

Indianas last execution was in 2009. Since then, the state has effectively been forced to pause the death penalty. Increased scrutiny of lethal injection drugs led pharmaceutical companies to refuse to sell their products for use in executions.

It wasnt until June that Gov. Eric Holcomb, along with Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita, announced that the states Department of Correction has obtained pentobarbital to carry out the death penalty.

It is unclear how the state obtained the pentobarbital. The governors office has declined to say where the drug was acquired, citing state law. Lawmakers made information about the source of the drugs confidential on the last day of the 2017 legislative session.

The Indiana Capital Chronicle filed a records request June 30 seeking the cost of the drugs.

The Indiana Department of Correction replied that it was currently evaluating what, if any, information regarding its lawful procurement of the lethal chemical pentobarbital it may disclose without contravening Indiana law, including but not limited to the information that forms the basis for your request.

In response to a status request on Aug. 16, the agency said it is managing dozens of requests for information about its execution procedures and is unable to provide you with a specific timeframe for processing your request.

The one-drug method is a departure from the states protocol used since 1995, involving a series of three chemicals.

Although no state-level executions in Indiana have used pentobarbital before, 13 federal executions carried out at the Federal Correctional Complex in Terre Haute have been carried out with the drug. Fourteen states have used pentobarbital in executions, too.

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INDIANAPOLIS  Fire investigators have put up a reward for information tied to a mysterious arson case that severely damaged a couples north-side home in 2020.

Indianapolis' fire department and the Indiana State Fire Marshal's Office are offering up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person behind the blaze on Nov. 7, 2020, according to a news release.

According to previous reports, the couple was woken up by their dog at about 3:40 a.m. and saw fire engulfing their home at 1231 East 91st St in the Nora neighborhood. The pair and their pets left the residence unharmed.

The blaze is believed to have started on a wooden deck on the back side of the home. Security footage provided by the department shows the bright flames begin and a person fleeing into the woods.

Fire investigators in the news release said new leads and advancements in forensic technology may bring an arrest in the cold case.

We are hopeful that someone out there has a piece of information that could be the key to solving this case, Battalion Chief of Fire Investigations Vernon Garard said in a statement. We encourage anyone who may have seen or heard something related to the fire to please contact our investigators.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Indiana Arson tip line at 1-800-382-4628 or email tips1@dhs.in.gov

Contact IndyStar reporter Sarah Nelson at sarah.nelson@indystar.com

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indianapolis arson remains cold. $5,000 reward could surface suspect
JAKARTA (Reuters) - Indonesian President Joko Widodo launched construction on Wednesday for a new line on Jakarta's mass rapid transit (MRT) system, funded by a loan of nearly $1 billion from Japan, in a bid to alleviate traffic congestion.

Sometimes paralysed by some of the world's worst traffic jams, Jakarta is home to more than 10 million, but three times the number live in surrounding towns, and it launched its first MRT line in 2019.

Expected to be completed by 2031, the new line will run 25 km (15 miles) between the city of Bekasi, on Jakarta's eastern border, to its west, Widodo said in a statement.

"The first line has transformed the face of Jakarta and Indonesia's transport," Widodo said, adding that the new line promised further benefits.

In May, the Japan International Co-operation Agency said it was providing a loan of 141 million yen ($998,000) for the project.

A JICA loan also funded the first MRT link, spanning 8 km (5 miles) between south and central Jakarta. Work to extend it further north is expected to be completed by 2029, seven years after it began.

($1=140.9500 yen)

(Reporting by Ananda Teresia; Editing by Gayatri Suroyo and Clarence Fernandez)
LOUISVILLE, Tenn. (WATE)  The Tennessee Army National Guard was called into service early Tuesday morning to rescue an injured hiker from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Shortly after 3 a.m., the Tennessee National Guard and the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency were notified of an injured hiker needing transportation to a nearby hospital. The hiker was in a remote area, near Bullhead Trail, south of Gatlinburg, close to the North Carolina border.

Flint Gap Fire estimated to be 28 acres, not contained

A flight crew departed Joint Base McGhee-Tyson just before 5 a.m. and flew directly to the Bullhead Trail. The flight paramedic rendered aid to the hiker on the ground and in the helicopter before flying to the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville.

 See more top stories on WATE.com

The helicopter arrived at UT Medical Center at approximately 5:45 a.m. where medical personnel rushed the patient into the emergency room. The condition of the hiker was not 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 WATE 6 On Your Side.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  After an uptick in gang activity and violence, high-risk offenders will now be held in High Desert State Prison in Indian Springs after officials announced the facility had transitioned to a maximum security prison.

In a release from the State of Nevada Department of Corrections, officials announced that the High Desert State Prison located in Indian Springs has completed its transition to a maximum-security facility. Ely State Prison now holds the designation of medium security. The transition, which was not disclosed beforehand, was kept quiet to avoid placing offenders and officers in vulnerable positions from rival gang members and other enemies, NDOC officials said Wednesday.

By statute, all medium- and maximum-security facilities must be enclosed by at least two secure fences, the NDOC release said. Ely State Prison is equipped with the double fencing. High Desert State Prison is enclosed with two secure fences, along with a third additional high-voltage electric fence.

NDOC officials said the decision to make the change was not because of a recent fight at Ely State Prison, although the incident did play into the move. Becoming a maximum-security prison means offenders are limited to single-occupancy cells. During scheduled exercise periods, showers, visits, professional interviews, hearings, and telephone calls, movement will be escorted and restrained with direct supervision when inmates are outside their cells.

We were fortunate to work with a number of agencies that helped make this a seamless transition, with no injuries to staff or offenders. Of course, it would not have been possible without our own highly trained officers in both the north and the south who handled this difficult operation with the utmost professionalism and skill, said James Dzurenda, Director of the Nevada Department of Corrections. We believe this move will increase the efficiency of the Department and, most importantly, maintain a safer environment for our offenders, our staff

and the community.

Two thousand inmates were transitioned from the Ely State Prison, nearly 300 miles north of the High Desert facility, over several days, NDOC officials said. Staff at the newly designated maximum-security facility are receiving training in preparedness for maximum-custody offenders and for the use of Less Lethal Systems, such as pepper ball launchers.

Death row inmates will be housed at High Desert State Prison, although the execution chamber will remain at Ely.

High Desert State Prison has capacity for 4,100 offenders and opened on Sept. 1, 2000. Ely State Prison opened in July 1989 and can hold 1,183 inmates.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 is an institutional hold? Why Gary Ridgway is jailed in Seattle

SEATTLE - Gary Ridgway, also known as the infamous Green River Killer, was recently rebooked into King County Jail. Prosecutors say Ridgway is in an "institutional hold," but what does that mean?

An institutional hold is the process of holding an inmate inside an institution until they are turned back over to state authorities.

Before being transported to western Washington, Ridgway was held in Walla Walla's Washington State Penitentiary, serving 49 consecutive life sentences for murder.

Ridgway's hold is likely to ensure he returns to Walla Walla once local authorities are done with him. However, the reason behind Ridgway's sudden move remains unknown.

On Monday, the King County Sheriff's Office said it is continuing to actively investigate cases that are potentially related to Ridgway. Apart from a statement, no other details were given.

In late 2023 and early 2024, the King County Sheriff's Office identified two victims of Ridgway through the DNA found in bones.

However, it's unknown if these cases have anything to do with Ridgway's recent appearance in Seattle.

It's speculated that Ridgway is at the jail to face new charges, or possibly be resentenced for previous convictions.

Ridgway pleaded guilty in 2003 to murdering 49 women in King County from 1982 to 1998.

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By Alexandra Alper and David Shepardson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -A top Nippon Steel executive and U.S. Steel's CEO are meeting with senior U.S. officials on Wednesday in an effort to salvage Nippon's $14.9 billion bid for U.S. Steel, a person familiar with the matter said.

The meeting, including Takahiro Mori, a key Nippon negotiator on the deal, and U.S. Steel CEO David Burritt, is also expected to include Treasury Deputy Secretary Wally Adeyemo and Commerce Deputy Secretary Don Graves among other officials, said the person, who declined to be named because he was not authorized to speak about the matter.

The Treasury Department, which leads the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), Nippon Steel and U.S. Steel all declined to comment. The Commerce Department and the White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Wednesday's meeting comes amid opposition to the deal by both Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump and Democratic nominee Kamala Harris. They are vying to win the critical swing state of Pennsylvania, where U.S. Steel is headquartered.

Burritt plans to discuss the merger at an appearance next week at the Detroit Economic Club. An unsolicited bid for U.S. Steel last year by rival Cleveland-Cliffs that was rejected by U.S. Steel had drawn concerns from U.S. automakers.

Japan Business Federation Keidanren and a number of U.S. business groups, in a letter to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen on Wednesday, raised concerns that the Biden administration's national security review of Nippon Steel's planned acquisition of U.S. Steel is being unduly influenced by political pressure. The review is being conducted by CFIUS.

CFIUS sent a letter in late August warning the companies that their proposed tie-up would threaten U.S. national security by weakening the country's steel supply chain, as first reported by Reuters, appearing to doom the proposed deal.

"CFIUS should never become a tool for political posturing and should not morph into industrial policy masquerading as national security," the business groups said in their letter. "We fear that the CFIUS process is being used to further political agendas that are outside the committees purview and putting the U.S. economy and workers at risk."

The companies countered in a 100-page letter also reviewed by Reuters that the deal would actually strengthen U.S. steel output by allowing a much-needed cash injection from a company in an allied nation into a struggling American company in a critical industry.

Story continues

"It is essential for both Japan and the U.S. to further strengthen economic relations including expansion of mutual investment," Hideki Murai, a Japanese government spokesperson, said at a press conference on Thursday, while declining to comment specifically on the deal.

(Reporting by Alexandra Alper and David Shepardson; additional reporting by Kantaro Komiya in Tokyo; editing by Chris Sanders, Leslie Adler and Christian Schmollinger)
Recep Tayyip Erdogan, President of Turkiye, has said that Crimea should return to Ukraine in accordance with international law.

Source: Erdogan, in a video address to the participants of the Crimean Platform Leaders Summit, the text of which is quoted by the Turkish state agency Anadolu, reports European Pravda

Details: Erdogan noted that the annexation of Crimea, which Turkiye has opposed from the beginning, has further deepened the suffering of Crimean Tatars who were deported from the peninsula 80 years ago.

Quote from Erdogan: "Our support for Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence is unwavering. The return of Crimea to Ukraine is a requirement of international law."

He stressed that ensuring the security and well-being of Crimean Tatars is one of the priorities of Turkiye's foreign policy.

Erdogan also stressed that Crimean Tatars have the right to live a free, secure and peaceful life in their homeland.

Quote from Erdogan: "It is gratifying that in June, Nariman Dzhelyal, Deputy Chairman of the National Assembly of Crimean Tatars, was released after almost three years in captivity. We hope for the speedy release of all Crimean Tatars, including brothers Asan and Aziz Akhtemov."

Erdogan expressed hope that the war in Ukraine would end in a just and lasting peace based on Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence.

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It was not only Americans tuning into the U.S. presidential debate Tuesday night as former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris faced off for the first time.

The results of the November election are expected to have resounding consequences for U.S. policy abroad, and the international community has been paying close attention following President Bidens drop from the race this July.

The reactions by the international press to the Tuesday night debate drew stark comparisons from Trumps first debate, which largely focused on heightened concerns surrounding Biden's cognitive abilities.

This time, though, Trumps performance was in their crosshairs.

KAMALA HARRIS, DONALD TRUMP DEBATE PROMPTS MAJOR ENDORSEMENT, FOX NEWS INVITATION FOR A 2ND FACE-OFF

Former President Trump debates Vice President Kamala Harris at the National Constitution Center on Sept. 10, 2024, in Philadelphia.

The U.K. press, notoriously divided along party lines, reflected critical evaluations of how Trump performed under pressure from former prosecutor Harris, who was determined to have successfully achieved what so many of Trumps opponents have been unable to  she flustered him.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Three of the right-leaning Telegraphs leading stories on the debate suggested Harris came out on top, with one headline reading "Harris puts Trump on defensive in fiery showdown," while another report described Trumps performance as "furious" and "rambled."

In analyzing the champion of the debate, the report concluded that Harris "made [Trump] look ridiculous."

"It is difficult to crown Harris the victor of a political debate in which she said so little about her own platform. But her attack strategy won her the night. Trump fell for it: hook line and sinker," the report added.

The Times of London, generally considered a conservative-leaning newspaper, reported that Trump "struggled" through the debate, while another report criticized that he "leaned" into his base rather than going after moderate voters after they claimed he brought up a debunked claim that migrants in Springfield, Ohio, were "eating the pets" of residents.

A third report on the Times homepage read, "Strong night for Harris gets better with Taylor Swift endorsement."

The Sun had more divided takeaways of the night with one report claiming Trump "ripped into Harris" while another highlighted a politics expert who called Trump's debate talking points "Nonsense" and also highlighted his "meltdown over 'migrants eating pets'."

Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Trump during the second presidential debate at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024.

TRUMP-HARRIS DEBATE: BODY LANGUAGE EXPERT WEIGHS IN ON HIGH-STAKES FACE-OFF: FELL INTO THE TRAP

The French press gave the win to Harris, with Le Monde, the nations top publication, leading with a headline that read "Harris, on offense, wins debate against Trump."

LExpress, a Paris-based magazine described as center-right, also argued Trump was on the defensive Tuesday night in its report titled, "Kamala Harris has started to bang on Trump - the debate seen by the foreign press."

The leading story on the publicly funded news outlet Deutsche Welle was headed by, "Harris puts Trump on defensive in fiery debate" and claimed pollsters showed Harris "narrowly won" over Trump.

Though the report also noted the debate is unlikely to have an impact on U.S. voters  a sentiment broadly expressed in reporting across the U.S. as well.

Russian state-owned media TASS did not have any mention of the U.S. debate on its homepage.

While state-run news agency RIA Novosti lightly covered the debate, with one report headlined "Trump is doomed."

A second report pointed to a response issued by the German Foreign Office following comments made by Trump during his closing remarks that criticized Berlins push toward clean energy.

The report included a response by the ministry posted to X, which said, "Like it or not: Germanys energy system is fully operational, with more than 50% renewables. And we are shutting down  not building  coal & nuclear plants. Coal will be off the grid by 2038 at the latest.

"PS: We also dont eat cats and dogs," the ministry added in an apparent jab at Trumps previous debate comments.

Former President Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris

HUGE MAJORITY OF DEBATE WATCHERS SAY HARRIS TOOK HOME THE VICTORY, CNN POLL FINDS

In Ukraine  where the results of the 2024 election are expected to have a significant impact given Trumps previous comments suggesting he will not continue to militarily support Kyiv  reports focused on the combative exchange between Trump and Harris.

The Kyiv Independent honed in on Trumps claims that he will have the war "settled" before even taking up the top job if elected this November  though he has refused to detail how he will accomplish this.

The report did not name a winner or a loser, though it pointed out the two engaged in a bitter clash over the issue of Russias invasion and highlighted Trumps refusal to say whether he wants Ukraine to come out on top.

Israeli publications appeared to have more heavily covered the debate, though both candidates spent little time discussing the war between Israel and Hamas, and Harris was largely deemed the frontrunner.

One report by Israel Hayom, a right-leaning outlet, said Harris was "exuding confidence and control" and accused Trump of appearing "self-absorbed rather than voter-focused."

The report said there was no clear "knockout" winner, but added the debate "was a genuine rhetorical slugfest in which Harris successfully exploited Trump's weak spots and knocked him off balance."

The Jerusalem Post, also deemed to have conservative tendencies in its reporting, described the debate as "predictable" but noted Trump's "apocalyptic prediction" that Israel would cease to exist under a Harris presidency was a "reach" and "oddly depriv[ed] the Jewish state of any agency or capacity to survive."

Mexico-based news outlet El Universal did not pronounce a clear winner as it did with the previous presidential debate when it named Trump debate champion over Biden.

Though in a report detailing opinions by the publication's top political commentators, Harris appeared to come out on top, with one opinion writer noting "Kamala Harris came well prepared and demolished former President Donald Trump for 90 minutes."

Another argued the debate was the ultimate test for Harris following Biden's "terrible" debate performance in July.

"Will it be enough to consolidate [her] lead in key states? We have to wait, but this debate was essential," Andrew Seele told the publication. "Harris passed the test, and with flying colors."

Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Trump on stage in Philadelphia on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024.

Chinese state-run media reported very little on the debate despite Trump-era tariffs being a top isused discussed during the night's event.

When Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning was pressed by media outlets during the morning briefing Wednesday, she said she had "no comment."

Though she did add that Beijing is "opposed to making China an issue in U.S. elections."





Original article source: International press reacts to Trump-Harris debate as world watches 'fiery debate'
Lawmakers on the Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency oversight committee meet Wednesday at the state Capitol.

An investigation into concerns over Oklahoma State Department of Education spending will focus on a handful of key issues that have come under fire from state lawmakers.

The Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency will examine the agencys handling of annual federal schools funding as well as money meant to go toward school security measures, maternity leave, asthma inhalers and pay raises for teachers employed at off-formula schools.

Rep. Kevin Wallace, R-Wellston, who chairs the House Appropriations Committee and co-chairs of the LOFT oversight committee, said he wanted to wrap up the investigation by late October.

The scope of the investigation was confirmed at a LOFT oversight committee hearing Wednesday.

Wallace first called for the investigation in mid-August, saying he was responding to concerns raised by both citizens and legislators about state schools Superintendent Ryan Walters' administration of the education department. School administrators also voiced concerns about delays receiving federal funds and other money earmarked for specific purposes.

Rep. Kevin Wallace, left, and Sen. Roger Thompson lead a Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency oversight committee meeting at the state Capitol Wednesday.

More: Education Department sitting on funds for emergency asthma inhalers, lawmakers say

Just as that investigation was announced, the state experienced a toss-up of Republican lawmakers, creating some uncertainty about how the Legislature will respond to the findings of the investigation. Wallace lost his seat during the August run-off elections. Some other Republican lawmakers termed out, including Rep. Mark McBride, R-Moore, who has been critical of Walters and questioned his spending practices and other actions.

Walters has called lawmakers criticism baseless and urged leaders of the House of Representatives in August to hold impeachment proceedings against him to present their evidence.

Regina Birchum, interim director the Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency, listens during an oversight committee hearing at the state Capitol Wednesday.

In June, LOFT released a separate report that looked into some sources of federal funding received by the state education agency.

At Wednesday's meeting, Regina Birchum, the interim director of LOFT, confirmed that the report had been expanded to answer some questions from legislators. Specifically, lawmakers had pointed out gaps and asked for clarifications, including a list of grants the Education Department received from the U.S. Department of Education before 2019, according to minutes from a June meeting.

The report now lists about six fiscal years worth of competitive grant amounts awarded by the U.S. Department of Education, starting when the agency was overseen by then-Superintendent Joy Hofmeister:

2019: Seven grants totaling about $20 million

2020: Three grants totaling $1.7 million

2021: Three grants totaling $15.9 million

2022: Two grants totaling $11.5 million

2023: Three grants totaling $17.9 million

2024: One grant totaling nearly $10 million

The report notes that federal competitive grants are the smallest share of education funding but reflect an administrations priorities. Overall federal funding, including from non-competitive sources, added up to about $1.11 billion in fiscal year 2024, or about 17% of all of the departments revenue.

The LOFT report noted that the departments recordkeeping practices limited what it could find out about federal grants. There were no records maintained of grant applications prior to 2019 and as of 2022, there are records maintained for grants applied for but not received.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma State Department of Education investigation focus on 5 issues
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE)  The Knoxville Police Department is searching for the man who broke a door at the front entrance of Austin-East Magnet High School overnight Wednesday.

According to KPD, security footage showed that at around midnight, an unidentified white male walked up to the front door and struck it with what appeared to be a childs scooter. The man did not enter the school and walked away from the scene. KPD added that he was walking east on Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue.

Kodak mother charged after crying toddler found unattended

(Photo via Knoxville Police)

(Photo via Knoxville Police)

A ParentSquare note sent out to Austin-East families by principal Rob Speas Wednesday morning notifying them about the vandalism stated that school security and KPD were investigating trying to identify the person.

This is a developing story. Download the WATE 6 News app or sign up for our email alerts for updates.

Students arrested amid rash of reported school threats in Knox County

Anyone with information about the man is asked to contact the East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers.

There are multiple ways you can provide anonymous information to Crime Stoppers. You can call 865-215-7165 or **TIPS, and go online at www.easttnvalleycrimestoppers.org, via the free mobile app, P3 Tips, or the East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers Facebook page. Tipsters can remain anonymous and are eligible to receive 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 WATE 6 On Your Side.
DES MOINES, Iowa  The Iowa Libertarian Party went before the Iowa Supreme Court on Tuesday to argue that their candidates should be included on the ballot for the November Election.

Three congressional candidates had their names dropped from the ballot. Nicholas Gluba, First District Congressional Candidate; Marco Battaglia, Third District Congressional Candidate; and Charles Aldrich, in the Fourth District for Congress.

On Tuesday morning they took their case to the Iowa Supreme Court.

The reason for their names being dropped  the party selected delegates to the county convention too early. State law says that state nominating conventions can only take place at least a day after county nominating conventions. The Libertarians held their convention around three hours too early to hold. A state objections panel ruled that move would disqualify Libertarians from being on the Iowa Ballot.

11 more former Hawkeye and Cyclone athletes join federal lawsuit over sports gambling

This dispute is not about the fundamental right to vote. Every Iowan who wants to vote on November 5 gets to vote on November 5, said Alan Ostegren, the attorney for the objection panel. Every Iowan who wants to write in Marco Battaglias name or Nicholas Glubas name or Charles Aldrichs name can do that and they can vote on all the races that they want to. This is about how do you as a candidate have access to the general election ballot.

There was no injury in fact here theres no delegate conflict, said Jen DeKock, attorney for Marco Battaglia. Theres no ballot confusion so theres been an admission here that the objectors today are asking for an advisory opinion. Theres no injury. Theres no threat to Iowa election law.

I thought I did everything I could as a candidate to make sure things were done the right way, said Battaglia. I think the lawyers did a good job of summing it up.

The court will issue an opinion on this case prior to the Secretary of States deadline of 11:59 p.m. on September 11.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Iowa State Rep. Charley Thomson, R-Charles City, speaks against a permit for Summit Carbon Solutions at a gathering July 10, 2024, in Coon Rapids. (Jared Strong/Iowa Capital Dispatch)

Iowa State Rep. Charley Thomson, R-Charles City, speaks against a permit for Summit Carbon Solutions at a gathering July 10, 2024, in Coon Rapids. (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. Summit was denied a permit in South Dakota and has said it plans to reapply.

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.

A version of this story was originally published by Iowa Capital Dispatch, which is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Iowa Capital Dispatch maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Kathie Obradovich for questions: info@iowacapitaldispatch.com. Follow Iowa Capital Dispatch on Facebook and X.
HARDIN COUNTY, Iowa  The Iowa State Patrol has released the names of the victims who died in a head-on crash in Hardin County.

According to an Iowa State Patrol crash report, at around 3:45 p.m. on Monday emergency responders took a report of a head-on collision on County Road D15, north of 120th Street near Ackley.

Iowa Republican lawmakers suing Iowa Utilities Commission to block Summit Carbon pipeline

A Ford Edge was traveling northbound on D15 and an Isuzu NQR truck was traveling southbound on D15 when the two vehicles collided head-on, the crash report states.

Both drivers died at the scene of the crash. On Tuesday the Iowa State Patrol identified the driver of the Ford Edge as 31-year-old Tevin Williams from Paris, Texas and the driver of the Isuzu NQR truck as 74-year-old Steven Kramer from Waterloo. According to the crash report, Williams was not wearing a seatbelt.

An investigation into the crash is ongoing.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com.
(Iowa Capital Dispatch)  The Iowa Supreme Court plans to issue a decision by 11:59 p.m. Wednesday on whether three Iowa Libertarian congressional candidates will appear on the states 2024 general election ballots, the Iowa Capital Dispatch reports.

Justices said they plan to comply with a request from the Iowa Secretary of States office for an expedited decision on whether to take the candidates off the ballot for the Nov. 5 election. They heard oral arguments Tuesday from attorneys representing the Libertarian candidates as well as the State Objections Panel and voters challenging their candidacies.

The panel voted 2-1 on Aug. 28 to take Libertarians Nicholas Gluba in 1st Congressional District, Marco Battaglia in the 3rd District and Charles Aldrich in the 4th District off the ballot. The Republican members of the panel said their candidacies were invalid because the Libertarian Party of Iowa did not hold its county conventions in accordance with Iowa state law.

The state Libertarian Party held its county caucuses the same day as precinct caucuses on Jan. 15, despite Iowa Code stating that convention delegates elected at the caucuses do not officially take the position until the following day.

Does your child need a doctors note to miss school under new Iowa law?

The Secretary of States office is seeking a quick turnaround from the courts in order to certify ballots for the upcoming Nov. 5 election. The ballots were supposed to be certified Sept. 3, but Polk County District Court Michael Huppert granted a temporary injunction on finalizing the ballots so the Libertarians challenge to the panel ruling could go through judicial process. Ballots are required to be certified and ready for overseas and military voters by Sept. 21, according to the Secretary of States office.

Huppert upheld the panels decision to remove the candidates from the ballot on Saturday, saying the voters who filed objections had the right to challenge Libertarian candidates certificates of nomination based on issues with the partys nominating process, and that the panels decision does not amount to state interference into political party procedures.

Attorneys representing the candidates have argued that while the Libertarian Party of Iowa did make mistakes in its convention process, the nominations were still substantially compliant with state law. Jennifer DeKock, the lawyer representing Battaglia, argued before the Iowa Supreme Court Tuesday that some county conventions were held just over three hours before midnight, marking the next day when the meetings would have been valid.

Does the failure to wait 181 minutes after caucus to begin convention justify kicking Libertarian candidates off the ballot, and violating Iowa voters constitutional rights to political opportunity? DeKock asked.

Lawyers with the candidates also said the Libertarian Party of Iowa should have been given time to remedy the partys procedural mistakes instead of having candidates removed from the ballot.

But Republican attorney Alan Ostergren told state justices that voters right to support the candidate of their choosing  including the Libertarian candidates taken off the ballot  were not impacted by the panels decision, as voters could still support the candidates as write-in candidates. If the state Supreme Court affirms the decision to keep the candidates off the ballot, all three Libertarians running in congressional races plan to continue their campaigns.

While Chief Justice Susan Christensen described the situation as a ticky tack violation, Ostergren argued for enforcing strict, rather than substantial compliance with Iowa laws for getting onto the ballot. He said one of the burdens that comes with major party status is ensuring that party processes are being conducted correctly according to Iowa laws.

Nebraska, Missouri courts weigh arguments to keep abortion measures off the ballot

He also argued there would be no logical stopping place for what would count as substantial compliance with the law in a situation like the Libertarian caucus and convention process, meaning that state parties could conduct their nominating processes outside of what was intended as legal by the state Legislature, he said.

When the rule gets applied, it seems harsh, Ostergren said. I get that.  But these rules  and why strict compliance is necessary  is theyre like an insurance policy for the elections process. Theyre (in place) so elections officials, when they have to make decisions on a quick timetable, know that theres regularity in the process.

Battaglia said he hopes the court will restore him and the other Libertarian candidates to the ballot, but he plans to stay in the race regardless of if they use lawfare to take me off the ballot. He also said he personally worked to ensure his campaign was working in compliance with Iowa law, but that he understood there were mistakes were made in the 2024 nominating process by the party.

When you transition (from) a non-party organization to a major party, theres a lot of things that you have to pay attention to, and unfortunately, this is one of them that we missed by a few minutes, Battaglia told reporters.

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Russia now has Iran's Fath-360 ballistic missile  here's what it means for Ukraine

After months of contradictory reports, the U.S. on Sept. 10 confirmed that Iran had delivered ballistic missiles to Russia in what could prove a dramatic development for Ukraine.

"We've warned Tehran publicly, we've warned Tehran privately, that taking this step would be a dangerous escalation," U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said during a press conference in the U.K.

"Russia has now received shipments of these missiles."

Military cooperation between Moscow and Tehran has deepened since the launch of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, with Iran already having sent extensive supplies of Shahed kamikaze drones, which are regularly used to target Ukrainian cities and infrastructure.

To date, no Iranian ballistic missiles are known to have been fired at Ukraine by Russia, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Sept. 11 at the Crimean Platform in Kyiv, attended by a Kyiv Independent reporter.

But with larger warheads and being far more difficult to intercept, they pose a much greater threat than Shaheds.

In a statement on Sept. 7, Ukraine's Foreign Ministry said the move "will have devastating consequences for Ukrainian-Iranian bilateral relations."

How certain are we that Russia now has Iranian ballistic missiles?

Reports of Iran supplying ballistic missiles to Russia have been circulating for a while, stretching as far back as October 2022, and they haven't always agreed on some important points.

Some reports mentioned the deliveries had already happened, others that shipments were being prepared, and the exact type of missile has also varied.

"I would say we can be quite certain now because when you have the U.S. government going out on a limb to say these things, it's usually a sign that they have very solid intelligence," Fabian Hinz, a research fellow for defense and military analysis at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, told the Kyiv Independent.

Washington's confirmation also came a day after EU spokesperson Peter Stano said that Brussels has "credible" information that the shipments took place.

What type of ballistic missiles has Iran supplied?

Over the preceding months, reports mentioned four different types of missile that Iran could supply to Russia  two types of close-range missiles, the Ababil and the Fath-360, and two short-range types, the Fateh-110 and Zolfaghar.

Blinken confirmed it was the Fath-360 that Iran had delivered to Russia.

The Fath-360 is a close-range ballistic missile with a 150-kilogram warhead.

Fath-360 launcher at Iranian army parade in an Unknown location in 2022. (Wikimedia)

As with all ballistic missiles, they are rocket-powered and are launched high into the atmosphere before arcing back down onto their target.

They're only guided during the initial stages of launch, so they can be less accurate than cruise missiles, but have the advantage of reaching incredibly high speeds  sometimes more than 3,200 kilometers per hour  as they approach their targets.

How will Russia use them?

The range of the Fath-360  75 miles (120 kilometers)  reveals Russias likely plans for these weapons.

Since its a tactical system, Moscow will likely use it to strike critical assets in the Ukrainian rear areas, according to Hinz.

"For example, if they've identified a logistics base, or a depot, air assets, or an air defense system within 120 kilometers from the front line, and you want to strike immediately, then these types of systems are very useful, Hinz said.

"They have a very short reaction time. If you have the launcher in place and you see a high-value asset pop up on a reconnaissance feed, then you can react very, very quickly, much quicker than UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles)."

According to Hinz, obtaining Fath-360 means Russia is now free to save its own more expensive and further reaching missiles such as the Iskander, for longer-range strikes into Ukraine.

But it's not only Ukrainian military targets that are in range of the Fath-360  cities such as Kharkiv and Sumy, both located just 30 kilometers from the Russian border, are also in their crosshairs.

What can Ukraine do to counter them?

More ballistic missiles in the hands of Russian forces presents a sizable problem for Ukraine.

Due to their high speed, only the most advanced air defense systems are capable of shooting them down, the U.S.-made Patriot system being one of them.

Protecting Ukrainian cities from short-range ballistic missile strikes means only a relatively small area needs to be covered, but an increase in such attacks along the 1,200 front line will stretch already strained air defenses.

Volodymyr Zelenskyi, President of Ukraine, stands in front of the "Patriot" air defense missile system at a military training area during a visit to train Ukrainian soldiers in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, on June 11, 2024. (Jens Buttner/picture alliance via Getty Images)

Ukraine currently has at least four Patriots, while President Volodymyr Zelensky said it needs 25 to protect the skies over the entire country.

This is a very expensive challenge  one Patriot interceptor missile can cost from $2 million to $4 million, according to reports, roughly the same price as some of the Russian ballistic missiles they shoot down.

Why has Iran supplied the weapons and why did it take so long?

Iran will pay a heavy cost for the move, with the U.S., U.K., France, and Germany already announcing further sanctions in a joint statement on Sept. 10.

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. According to Hinz, Iran's calculation was that sanctions are worth enduring in order to obtain two things it desperately needs  money, and military technology.

This act is an escalation by both Iran and Russia, and is a direct threat to European security.

"The Iranian regime is in dire financial straits, and they can get quite a bit of money," he said.

An Iranian-made unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), the Shahed-136, displayed at the Azadi (Freedom) Square during a rally to mark the 45th anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution in western Tehran, Iran, on Feb. 11, 2024. (Morteza Nikoubazl/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

"And if you look at the leaked documents about the prices of (Shahed kamikaze), they were demanding very steep prices for those, so I would guess we're talking about quite a bit of money."

On the military technology side, Iran has long sought Su-35 fighter aircraft and S-400 air defense missile systems from Russia, though it is yet to receive any from Moscow.

"So there's a lot they can gain," Hinz said.

Read also: Sweden takes step toward supplying Ukraine with Gripen fighter jets

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Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian (L) is welcomed by Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al--Sudani with an official ceremony at the Baghdad International Airport. Iranian Presidency/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

Newly elected Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is aiming to deepen relations with neighbouring Iraq by signing a series of agreements in Baghdad during his first trip abroad, Iran's official Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) reported on Wednesday.

Government representatives of both countries would sign 15 cooperation agreements during Pezeshkian's three-day visit, IRNA reported.

Pezeshkian is also to be the first president in the history of the Islamic republic to visit Iraq's partially autonomous Kurdish region in the north of the country.

While Tehran has constantly expanded its influence in Iraq over recent years, tensions remain, in particular over the presence of US forces in Iraq.

Iraq also maintains relations with the West, by contrast with the isolation imposed by the West on the leadership in Tehran. Iran's support for Russia in its full-scale invasion of Ukraine has drawn further Western sanction.

Following the ousting of Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein in 2003, Tehran has built up militias in Iraq and also in Syria and Lebanon with the aid of its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), forming a network of allied groups in the struggle against Israel, its archenemy.

Tehran has repeatedly expressed concerns on security in connection with Kurdish separatists and opposition groups in Iraq. Iran is home to a substantial Kurdish minority.

Tehran sees Iraq as an important partner economically and as a "gateway to the Arab world," and despite sanctions, Iran remains an important supplier of gas and electricity.

According to reports, Iraqi Prime Minister Prime Minister Mohammed al-Sudani and his government have negotiated on Tehran's behalf with other Arab countries, including Egypt, which have cool relations with Tehran.
(Bloomberg) -- Nippon Steel Corp. has sent a senior executive to Washington to boost its case for the $14.1 billion takeover of United States Steel Corp., according to people familiar with the matter.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Takahiro Mori, the vice president of the Japanese steelmaker, was set to travel for meetings on Wednesday, the people said, asking not to be identified because the information is private. The Financial Times reported the plans earlier. A Nippon Steel spokesperson declined to comment.

At the same time, the two companies made public correspondence with the United Steelworkers in an effort to show how union leaders snubbed efforts to negotiate an agreement.

The Japanese steelmakers bid to acquire its American counterpart is at risk of becoming a victim of politics, with President Joe Biden set to block the merger deal as soon as recommendations from the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States land on his desk. Kamala Harris has said that US Steel should remain domestically owned, while Donald Trump, her rival in Novembers presidential election, has also criticized the deal.

Nippon Steel has repeatedly emphasized that its merger proposal will benefit both US Steel and the broader American economy and steel industry. The Japanese company had made attempts to alleviate concerns over the deal, saying that it will appoint Americans to the board of US Steel and announcing an additional $1.3 billion in investments at US mills owned by the Pittsburgh-based company.

--With assistance from Shoko Oda.

(Adds release of correspondence in third paragraph)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2024 Bloomberg L.P.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian (L) is welcomed by Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al--Sudani with an official ceremony at the Baghdad International Airport. Iranian Presidency/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

Newly elected Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian sought to deepen relations with neighbouring Iraq during his first trip abroad, Iran's official Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) reported on Wednesday.

Government representatives of both countries signed 14 cooperation agreements on the economy, culture and religion at the start of Pezeshkian's three-day visit, IRNA reported.

Pezeshkian described the visit as the "start of an era of increased cooperation."

He is to be the first president in the history of the Islamic republic to visit Iraq's partially autonomous Kurdish region in the north of the country.

The IRNA report indicated that one cooperation agreement had not been signed, but it was not clear which agreement was omitted.

While Tehran has constantly expanded its influence in Iraq over recent years, tensions remain, in particular over the presence of US forces in Iraq.

Iraq also maintains relations with the West, by contrast with the isolation imposed by the West on the leadership in Tehran. Iran's support for Russia in its full-scale invasion of Ukraine has drawn further Western sanction.

Following the ousting of Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein in 2003, Tehran has built up militias in Iraq and also in Syria and Lebanon with the aid of its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), forming a network of allied groups in the struggle against Israel, its archenemy.

Tehran has repeatedly expressed concerns on security in connection with Kurdish separatists and opposition groups in Iraq. Iran is home to a substantial Kurdish minority.

Tehran sees Iraq as an important partner economically and as a "gateway to the Arab world," and despite sanctions, Iran remains an important supplier of gas and electricity.

According to reports, Iraqi Prime Minister Prime Minister Mohammed al-Sudani and his government have negotiated on Tehran's behalf with other Arab countries, including Egypt, which have cool relations with Tehran.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian (L) is welcomed by Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al--Sudani with an official ceremony at the Baghdad International Airport. Iranian Presidency/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
Jordanians voted this weeks in elections that saw the Islamist opposition win the largest number of seats in parliament (Khalil MAZRAAWI) (Khalil MAZRAAWI/AFP/AFP)

Jordan's leading Islamist opposition party has won 31 out of 138 seats in the kingdom's parliament, tripling its representation in legislative elections dominated by frustration over the ongoing Gaza war.

The Islamic Action Front (IAF), a political offshoot of the Muslim Brotherhood in Jordan, came ahead of other parties and factions in the legislature after Tuesday's vote, but was far from clinching a majority, according to official election results released on Wednesday.

The result is a historic win for the Islamists and their largest representation since the Muslim Brotherhood in 1989 gained 22 out of the 80 seats in the then parliament.

The IAF had 10 seats in the previous parliament elected in 2020 and 16 seats in the 2016 legislature.

The Islamists had sought to capitalise on growing anger over the ongoing war in Gaza among Jordanians, half of whom are of Palestinian origin.

"We are happy with these results and with the confidence placed in us by the Jordanian people," IAF Secretary-General Wael al-Saqqa told AFP.

"Gaza, Palestine and Jerusalem are all part of the official and popular compass in Jordan and we will work on mobilising" to "gain their rights and defend them," he added.

He vowed that Jordanians would give Palestinians "financial and other assistance, and be their lungs in the path of liberation and achieving their right to a free state".

Independent Election Commission chairman Musa Maaytah told a news conference where he announced the official results that the IAF's rise was a sign of Jordan's "determination to have political pluralism".

- 'Astonishing' result -

The other seats in parliament went to representatives of major Jordanian tribes, leftist parties, pro-government factions, centrists, former lawmakers and retired military officers.

Twenty-seven women won seats in the legislature, following 2022 reforms that allocated more seats for them and reduced the minimum age for candidates.

That reform also expanded the number of seats from 130 to 138 and sought to strengthen the role of political parties in the legislature.

Turnout registered 32 percent in the polls that were largely overshadowed by the Gaza war and Jordan's economic troubles.

The war in Gaza has affected tourism to Jordan, which relies on the sector for about 14 percent of its gross domestic product.

Compounding the country's economic woes, public debt has neared $50 billion and unemployment hit 21 percent in the first quarter of this year.

Jordan in 1994 signed a peace treaty with Israel, becoming only the second Arab state to do so after Egypt, but regular protests have called for the treaty's dissolution since the war erupted last October.

Oraib Rantawi, head of the Amman-based Al Quds Center for Political Studies, described the Islamists' gains in the election as "astonishing in their magnitude".

The Islamists won "nearly half a million votes", a figure he said was unprecedented in their history in Jordan.

"Gaza played a major role in this," he added, as well as a feeling among voters that other competing parties "were created in haste... to reduce the chances of success of the Islamic Action Front".

kt/jsa/ami
Daytime sailings of the Manxman have resumed but journeys have been delayed [BBC]

Daytime ferry sailings between the Isle of Man and Lancashire have resumed following cancellations on Tuesday due to strong winds over the Irish Sea.

However, the 08:45 BST crossing from Douglas to Heysham was delayed by 45 minutes.

The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company warned that would have a knock-on effect subsequent sailings, including the 19:45 crossing to Lancashire, which was pushed to 21:00, and its return.

It followed the cancellation of Tuesday's daytime journeys and a delayed departure of the evening trip to allow time for the conditions in the Irish Sea to settle down.

Afternoon and evening sailings of the fast craft Manannan between the island and Liverpool have been unaffected by the conditions.

In a post on its website, the government-owned ferry firm said wind conditions in Heysham could be "very different" to those in Liverpool.

"Also due to the topography of the land and buildings around the ports, they are affected by winds of a different direction," it added.

Why not follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook, and X? You can also send story ideas to IsleofMan@bbc.co.uk

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Mourners carry the covered bodies of Palestinians who were killed in an Israeli airstrike on a crowded tent camp housing Palestinians displaced by the war in the Muwasi, outside the hospital morgue in Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Israeli airstrikes across Gaza killed dozens more Palestinians on Wednesday, according to local officials. They said strikes on a U.N. school being used as a shelter and two homes killed at least 34 people, including 19 women and children.

The Health Ministry says more than 41,000 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 about 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 that sparked the war. They abducted another 250 and are still holding around 100. Around a third of them are believed to be dead.

Here's the latest:

Party affiliated with Muslim Brotherhood becomes largest in Jordans parliament

AMMAN, Jordan  An Islamic party affiliated with the regional Muslim Brotherhood movement has emerged as the largest party in Jordans parliament after tapping into public anger over Israels war against Hamas.

The Islamic Action Front captured 31 seats in this weeks Jordanian parliamentary election, the countrys election commission announced Wednesday. The IAF had just eight seats in the previous parliament.

Although it is the largest single party, it fell far short of a majority in the 138-seat parliament.

The Islamic Action Front has organized hundreds of pro-Hamas demonstrations across Jordan and used a green triangle often associated with Hamas during its election campaign. In another sign of possible discontent, official state-run media said turnout for the election was just 32%.

Jordan is home to a large Palestinian population. Although the kingdom is a strong U.S. ally and maintains diplomatic relations with Israel, the general public is widely sympathetic to the Palestinians.

Parliamentary elections are seen as a reflection of public opinion in Jordan, where governing powers are concentrated in the hands of King Abdullah II.

UN condemns Israeli airstrike on school being used as shelter in Gaza

UNITED NATIONS  The United Nations is condemning the Israeli airstrike on a U.N. school being used as a shelter in Gaza and trying to confirm reports that some U.N. staff members were killed in the attack.

U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters Wednesday that it was the fifth airstrike on the same school in the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza since Israel retaliated for Hamas Oct. 7 attacks in southern Israel.

We condemn all airstrikes that target civilians and those that also target U.N. facilities, Dujarric said.

According to hospital officials, the Israeli airstrike Wednesday killed at least 14 people, including two children, when it hit the school run by the U.N. agency helping Palestinian refugees known as UNRWA now being used to shelter Palestinian families.

Our policy is clear. U.N. premises should never be targeted, nor should U.N. premises be used by any groups or any force from which to launch military activities, he said. U.N. premises need to be protected. U.N. premises need to be respected, and that is by all parties to any conflict.

Israel will increase security on West Bank's border with Jordan after attack, Netanyahu says

JERUSALEM  Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel will beef up security along the West Banks border with Jordan after a deadly attack this week.

Three Israeli civilians were killed Sunday when a Jordanian truck driver who had entered the West Bank through a major crossing opened fire.

Visiting on Wednesday, Netanyahu called the area a border of peace and said Israel was cooperating with Jordan to maintain quiet.

Netanyahu says militants have stepped up efforts to smuggle weapons from Jordan into the occupied territory, which Israel captured from Jordan in the 1967 Mideast war.

We will work here to construct a stronger barrier against smuggling attempts, he said, saying all work will be coordinated with Jordan.

Israel and Jordan signed a peace agreement 30 years ago. The countries maintain good security ties, though diplomatic relations have been strained by Israels ongoing war against Hamas.

Israeli airstrike on Gaza school sheltering displaced families kills at least 14 people, hospital says

An Israeli airstrike killed at least 14 people, including two children, when it hit a U.N. school sheltering displaced Palestinian families in central Gaza on Wednesday, hospital officials said.

The Israeli military said it was targeting Hamas militants planning attacks from inside the school, located in the Nuseirat refugee camp. The claim could not be independently confirmed.

Officials from Awda Hospital in Nuseirat said they had received 10 dead from the strike, and another four dead were brought to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in the nearby town of Deir al-Balah. At least one woman and two children were among those killed, and at least 18 people were wounded, hospital officials said.

One of the children was the daughter of Momin Selmi, a member of Gazas civil defense agency, which works rescuing wounded and bodies after strikes, the agency said in a statement. Selmi hadnt seen his daughter for 10 months, since he remained in north Gaza to keep working while his family fled south, the agency said.

Tens of thousands of Palestinians driven from their homes by Israeli offensives and evacuation orders are living in Gazas schools.

The school hit Thursday  called the al-Jaouni Boys Preparatory School, one of the many in Gaza run by the U.N. agency for Palestinians UNWRA  has been hit by multiple strikes over the course of the war.

Israel frequently bombs schools, saying they are being used by Hamas militants. It blames Hamas for civilian casualties from its strikes, saying its fighters base themselves and operate among civilians.

More than 90% of Gazas school buildings have been severely or partially damaged in strikes, and more than half the schools housing displaced people have been hit, according to a survey in July by the Education Cluster, a collection of aid groups led by UNICEF and Save the Children.

Israels 11-month-old campaign in Gaza has killed at least 41,084 Palestinians and wounded another 95,029, the territorys Health Ministry said Wednesday. Israel launched its campaign vowing to destroy Hamas after the Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel, in which militants killed some 1,200 people and abducted 250 others.

Israels military says attacker who crashed his fuel truck in the West Bank was targeting Israeli forces

The Israeli military says the attacker who crashed his fuel truck in the Israeli-occupied West Bank on Wednesday was intentionally targeting Israeli forces.

The attack, in which the driver rammed the truck into a bus stop in central West Bank, left one man in critical condition. Israeli officials said that soldiers and an armed civilian had neutralized the attacker, but it was not immediately clear whether that meant he had been killed.

It appeared the attacker was a Palestinian Israeli. The military said his home had been identified in southern Israel ahead of potential demolition.

Israel frequently demolishes homes of Palestinians suspected of carrying out attacks against Israelis, a tactic Palestinians decry as collective punishment.

Israeli president condemns fuel-truck attack in the West Bank

BELGRADE, Serbia  Israels President Isaac Herzog said that this has been a very painful and difficult morning for the people of Israel because of an attack in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and a helicopter crash in Gaza.

Speaking in Serbias capital, Belgrade, Herzog described Wednesday's attack as a horrific, criminal terror attack and expressed sorrow for the pain it has inflicted. He did not elaborate but was apparently referring to the incident when a fuel tanker crashed into a West Bank bus stop, seriously injuring one person. Israeli officials said it was an attack.

The Israeli military said the driver was neutralized at the scene. It did not immediately identify the driver or provide evidence that the crash was an attack. Violence in the West Bank has escalated since Hamas Oct. 7 attack ignited the war in Gaza.

Herzog also said at a joint news conference with Serbias President Aleksandar Vucic that my heart also goes out to the fighters who were killed last night in a helicopter crash in Gaza and I wish those wounded a full and swift recovery.

The Israeli military said that two Israeli soldiers died and seven were injured when their helicopter crashed in the southern Gaza Strip overnight in a non-combat-related incident.

Biden is outraged and deeply saddened by death of American activist shot by Israeli forces in the West Bank

WASHINGTON  President Joe Biden says he is outraged and deeply saddened by the death of an American activist who was shot by Israeli forces while protesting settlements in the occupied West Bank, calling it totally unacceptable.

There must be full accountability," Biden said in a statement released early on Wednesday. "And Israel must do more to ensure that incidents like this never happen again.

The Israeli military said on Tuesday that Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, a 26-year-old activist from Seattle, was likely shot indirectly and unintentionally by its soldiers, and that it had launched a criminal investigation.

That drew a strong rebuke from her family members, who said in a statement that they were deeply offended by the suggestion that her killing by a trained sniper was in any way unintentional. They said 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 was there. He said the violence had subsided about a half hour before Eygi was shot.

The military said its forces appear to have aimed at the key instigator of the riot and hit Eygi by mistake. Eygi also had Turkish citizenship.

A statement by Vice President Kamala Harris followed shortly after Bidens, with Harris saying that the U.S. will continue to hold accountable anyone in the West Bank  Israelis and Palestinians  who stokes violence and undermines peace and stability.

Fuel tanker crashes into a bus stop in West Bank, injuring a man in what Israeli officials say was an attack

JERUSALEM  A fuel tanker crashed into a bus stop in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, seriously injuring one person in what Israeli officials said was an attack.

The Israeli military said the driver was neutralized at the scene after the incident on Wednesday. It did not immediately identify the driver or provide evidence that the crash was an attack.

The Magen David Adom rescue service said it was treating the man who was injured, saying he is in critical condition.

Palestinians have carried out a number of stabbing, shooting and car-ramming attacks against Israelis in recent years. The army carries out near-daily raids into Palestinian communities in the West Bank that it says are aimed at dismantling militant groups and preventing attacks.

The violence has escalated since Hamas Oct. 7 attack ignited the war in Gaza.

Gaza polio vaccination campaign has reached over 82% of targeted children, Palestinian health officials say

RAMALLAH, West Bank  The Palestinian Health Ministry in the West Bank says an ongoing polio vaccination campaign in the Gaza Strip has reached 82.5% of targeted children.

The ministry said on Wednesday that 527,776 children under the age of 10 have received the first dose of the vaccine across the war-ravaged enclave.

The campaign began earlier this month after the detection of the first confirmed polio case in Gaza in 25 years. It aims at vaccinating about 640,000 children there.

Israel agreed to limited humanitarian pauses to facilitate the campaign, according to the World Health Organization, and there have been no major disruptions from the ongoing war.

The Palestinian Health Ministry in the Israeli-occupied West Bank is part of the Palestinian Authority, whose forces were driven out of Gaza when Hamas seized power there in 2007 and set up its own government.

The two Palestinian health ministries coordinate with one another and exchange information.

Israeli military helicopter crashes in a non-combat-related incident overnight in Gaza, killing 2 soldiers

TEL AVIV, Israel  The Israeli military says two Israeli soldiers died and seven were injured when their helicopter crashed in the southern Gaza Strip.

The military said Wednesday that the overnight helicopter crash was not the result of enemy fire and is under investigation. The helicopter was on a mission to evacuate wounded soldiers from Gaza for treatment in Israeli hospitals.

There have been 340 Israeli soldiers killed since the ground operation began in Gaza in late October, at least 50 of whom have been killed in accidents within Gaza  not as a result of combat with Palestinian militants, according to the military.

Dozens of Palestinian patients expected to leave Gaza through an Israeli crossing, heading to the UAE for medical care

JERUSALEM  An Israeli official says dozens of Palestinian patients were expected to leave the Gaza Strip on Wednesday by way of an Israeli crossing, in order to travel to the United Arab Emirates for medical care.

The official says over 200 people, mostly children, are expected to leave, along with relatives to accompany them. It is the biggest exit of medical patients through Israel since the war erupted nearly a year ago.

Gaza has been completely sealed off since May, when Israeli forces captured the Gaza side of the border with Egypt, including the Rafah crossing between Egypt and the coastal strip, leading to its closure. Rafah had been the only entry or exit point for Palestinians, including medical patients, since the start of the war.

Since then, Israel has only allowed a small number of children and accompanying relatives to leave for medical treatment.

Israels military offensive, launched in response to Hamas Oct. 7 attack, has gutted Gazas already fragile health system. With few exceptions, Israel has barred Gazas Palestinians from entering Israel throughout the war.

The official says the patients are leaving through the Kerem Shalom crossing and heading to the Ramon airport in southern Israel, where they will board a flight to the UAE.

The official spoke on condition of anonymity pending a formal announcement by Israeli authorities.

 By Josef Federman in Jerusalem;

In his first statement as Hamas top leader, Yahya Sinwar thanks Algeria for its support

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip  Hamas released the first public statement from Yahya Sinwar since he was appointed its overall leader in August.

In the written statement late Tuesday, Sinwar congratulated Algerias President Abdelmadjid Tebboune on his reelection and thanked the country for its support for the Palestinian cause. Algeria, the Arab representative on the United Nations Security Council, circulated a draft resolution in May demanding an immediate cease-fire in Gaza and a halt to Israels military operation in the southern city of Rafah.

A hard-liner within Hamas, Sinwar would have to approve any potential agreement for a cease-fire and hostage release. The United States, Qatar and Egypt have spent most of the year trying to broker such a deal but the negotiations have repeatedly stalled.

Sinwar was one of the architects of the Oct. 7 attack into Israel that ignited the war in Gaza. He has not been seen since the start of the war and is believed to be alive and hiding inside the territory. Israel has vowed to kill him.

Israeli strike kills 5 Palestinians in the West Bank, officials say

RAMALLAH, West Bank  An Israeli airstrike has killed five Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, Palestinian officials say.

The Israeli military said it targeted a group of militants in the northern city of Tubas early Wednesday.

The Palestinian Health Ministry in the West Bank confirmed the toll but does not say whether those killed by Israeli fire are militants or civilians.

Israel has stepped up its military raids across the territory in recent weeks and says it is working to dismantle militant groups and prevent attacks. Palestinians say such operations are aimed at cementing Israels seemingly open-ended military rule over the territory.

Israel captured the West Bank, along with east Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip, in the 1967 Mideast war. The Palestinians want all three territories for their future state. The West Bank has seen a surge in violence since Hamas Oct. 7 attack out of Gaza ignited the war there.

Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip add at least 20 to the death toll, authorities say

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip  Palestinian officials say Israeli airstrikes in the Gaza Strip have killed at least 20 people, including 16 women and children.

An airstrike early Wednesday killed 11 people, including six siblings ranging from 21 months to 21 years old, according to the European Hospital, which received the casualties. The dead from the strike near the southern city of Khan Younis included three other women, a child and a man, according to the hospital.

A strike late Tuesday on a home in the urban Jabaliya refugee camp in northern Gaza killed nine people, including six women and children, according to the Gaza Health Ministry and the Civil Defense first responders. The Civil Defense says the home belonged to Akram al-Najjar, a professor at the al-Quds Open University, who survived the strike.

Israel says it only targets militants, claiming 17,000 militant deaths without providing evidence. It blames civilian deaths on Hamas because its fighters are embedded in dense residential neighborhoods. The military rarely comments on individual strikes, which often kill women and children.
(Bloomberg) -- Israel said its military probably killed an American-Turkish citizen last week by accident, prompting the US to call on its close ally to make fundamental changes to how it operates in the West Bank.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, raised in Seattle, was shot dead during a protest in the West Bank town of Beita on Friday. Turkey blamed the Israel Defense Forces, which in a social media post at the time said its troops fired toward a main instigator of violence.

It is highly likely, the Israeli military said on Tuesday, that she was hit indirectly and unintentionally by IDF fire which was not aimed at her, but aimed at the key instigator of the riot.

The incident took place during a violent demonstration in which dozens of Palestinians burned tires and threw rocks toward security forces, the IDF said.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the investigation seemed to show Eygis killing was unjustified and called on the IDF to implement reforms.

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, Blinken told reporters during a trip to London. There are serious issues that need to be dealt with.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin delivered a similar message to his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant in a phone call.

The killing has further strained Israels relations with Turkey, which have deteriorated during the near year-long war in Gaza. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has described Israels conflict against Hamas as a genocide against Palestinians, a charge Israel denies.

On Monday, Erdogan vowed to seek justice for Eygi by using all necessary legal measures. Turkey may file a case against Israel at the International Court of Justice in The Hague, he said.

Hamas, designated a terrorist organization by the US and European Union, triggered the war in Gaza when its fighters invaded southern Israel on Oct. 7, killing 1,200 people and taking 250 hostage. Israels offensive on Gaza has killed about 41,000 people, according to the Hamas-run health ministry there, which doesnt distinguish between civilians and combatants.

The West Bank is the bigger of the two Palestinian territories.

Israel regards the West Bank  partly controlled by the Palestinian Authority  as the Jewish biblical heartland and some members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus far-right coalition want it annexed. Many of them have pushed for more Jewish settlements to be built there in recent months.

The West Bank has seen a significant rise in violence since the start of the conflict in Gaza, with more IDF operations happening alongside clashes between Palestinians and settlers.

More than 650 Palestinians have been killed since October during such incidents, according to Palestinian authorities.

Israel launched a large-scale military operation into the West Bank in late August, days before the protest in which Eygi was shot. The IDF said it was rooting out militants. It has said Iran, which backs Hamas and other Palestinian militant groups, is smuggling weapons into the West Bank from Jordan.

--With assistance from Ugur Yilmaz.

(Updates with Austin-Gallant phone call.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2024 Bloomberg L.P.
The Israel Defense Forces killed five Palestinians in an drone airstrike early Wednesday in the occupied northern West Bank. Israel has been conducting raids for days in the Jenin, Tubas and Tulkarm areas. Pictured is a funeral procession in the Jenin refugee camp, Friday. Photo by Ismael Ahmad/UPI

Sept. 11 (UPI) -- Israel Defense Forces conducted a West Bank airstrike around dawn Wednesday that killed five Palestinians, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry.

The Palestinian Red Crescent said a drone was used by Israel to target a group of five young men around dawn Wednesday in the city of Tubas

The IDF said confirmed the operation in a statement on X.

"Extensive forces of the IDF, and the Shin Bet began operating during the night in the Tubas and Tammon area in the Bekaa and Emekim Division against terrorist infrastructures, as part of the operation in northern Samaria. As part of the activity, a short time ago an aircraft attacked an armed terrorist squad in the Tubas region."

Samaria is a biblical term used by Israel to refer to the northern area of the West Bank.

The IDF said on X that "extensive forces" began operating during the night in the Tubas and Tammon areas of the West Bank as part of an operation in the northern West Bank. Two IDF soldiers were also killed in a helicopter crash during operations in Rafah in the Gaza strip.Photo by Ismael Ahmad/UPI

WAFA, the Palestinian news agency, said large-scale raids were being carried out by Israeli forces on the outskirts of Tubas and in several neighborhoods.

In a statement the Palestinian Red Crescent Society said its medical teams transferred five bodies from Tawheed Mosque in Tubas to the hospital.

Palestinian Fighters attend the funeral ceremony of eight Palestinians, who died as a result of the Israeli army's 10-day-long attacks and raids on Jenin, West Bank, on Friday. Israeli forces withdrew from Jenin in the occupied West Bank on September 6 after a deadly 10-day operation. Photo by Ismael Ahmad/UPI

In the nearby town of Tulkarm the Palestinian Red Crescent Society said it "condemns the Israeli occupation's attacks on its crews today in Tulkarm, where the occupation forces targeted one of the society's paramedics with live bullets while he was treating an injured person in Tulkarm camp."

Meanwhile, on X Wednesday morning the IDF said two IDF soldiers were killed in a Helicopter crash.

"Overnight, an Israeli Air Force 'Yanshuf' helicopter, which was on a mission to evacuate an injured soldier to a hospital for medical treatment, crashed while landing in the Rafah area in Gaza," it said.

The IDF statement said an initial inquiry indicates the crash was not caused by enemy fire, but it is still under investigation.

During a nine-day operation in the West Bank Tubas, Tulkarm and Jenin areas, at least 36 Palestinians were killed, according ot the Palestinian Health Ministry.

The ministry said children were among those killed.
Israeli broker pleads guilty to using Miami as hub for shipping aircraft parts to Russia

When Russia invaded Ukraine more than two years ago, the United States slapped sanctions on Moscow.

An Israeli businessman ignored them and got into trouble with the feds in South Florida.

On Monday, Gal Haimovich admitted in Miami federal court that he played a central role in an international scheme to ship aircraft parts and electronic equipment from U.S. manufacturers to sanctioned Russian airline companies. Haimovich billed his co-conspirators more than $2 million for arranging the illicit shipments from Miami to Moscow, authorities say.

Haimovich, 42, pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit export control and smuggling violations and now faces up to five years in prison at his sentencing before U.S. District Judge Jose Martinez on Nov. 22. As part of his plea agreement, Haimovich admitted deceiving U.S. companies about the true destination of the aircraft supplies  Russia  while submitting false information on export documents to the U.S. government.

From the Maldives, UAE to Russia

According to court documents, Haimovich owned an international freight forwarding company, Control Towers Tel Aviv, which was affiliated with a group of companies that did business in several countries, including the United States and Israel. For example, between April 2022 and April 2023, Haimovich arranged for more than 160 shipments of aircraft parts to companies in the Maldives and United Arab Emirates that in turn sent the illicit supplies to Russia.

Authorities say this is how his scheme unfolded:

A co-conspirator sent an email to Haimovich in late July 2022, directing him to arrange transportation to Moscow of an aircraft part called an air data module, a sensor that assists an airplane pilots navigation. The air data module was restricted by the Commerce Department for anti-terrorism reasons, requiring a license for export to Russia.

According to court records, the co-conspirator stated in red highlighted text: the actual shipper should not know that the cargo is following to Russia!

The following month, Haimovich instructed a co-conspirator to inform the U.S. vendor that the air data module would be shipped to a company in the Maldives. That August, Haimovich arranged for the part to be sent to its actual destination, Moscow, according to a charging document filed by prosecutors with the U.S. Attorneys Office.

False paperwork, fake name

Then in September 2022, Haimovich attempted to export an aircraft part called an air data and inertial reference unit, which supplies information to an airplane pilots electronic flight instrument system displays. The Commerce Department also restricted the export of this part for missile technology reasons. A co-conspirator sent an e-mail instructing Haimovich to hide from the U.S. vendor that the air data supplies were being shipped from Miami to Moscow.

Through the following month, Haimovich continued to file false paperwork for shipments of aircraft fuel pumps from Miami to Moscow, authorities said.

As part of his plea agreement, Haimovich acknowledged that between March 2022 and May 2023, he billed Siberia Airlines, doing business as S7 Airlines, and other Russian aviation customers more than $2 million for illegally shipping aircraft parts to Moscow.

Court papers note that Haimovich not only falsified U.S. export paperwork but also used a fake name in the transactions: Yaron Zehavi.

The Department of Commerces Office of Export Enforcement and the FBI investigated the case.
UN says Israeli strike on Gaza school killed six of its staff

Unrwa said this was the fifth time al-Jaouni school had been hit since the start of the war [EPA]

The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (Unrwa) says six of its employees have been killed in an Israeli air strike on a school it runs in central Gaza.

Gaza's Hamas-run Civil Defence agency said a total of 18 people were killed in Wednesdays strike on al-Jaouni school in Nuseirat refugee camp, which is being used as a shelter by thousands of displaced Palestinians.

Israel's military said it carried out a precise strike on terrorists planning attacks from the school.

On Thursday, the military alleged that nine of those killed were members of Hamass armed wing and that three of them were Unrwa staff.

Unrwa said the Israeli military had not requested a list of the staff who were killed, and that the names published by the military had not been previously flagged to the agency by Israeli authorities.

Earlier, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres condemned the strike, saying: Whats happening in Gaza is totally unacceptable.

These dramatic violations of international humanitarian law need to stop now, he wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

Israel's ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, hit out at Guterres' criticism.

It is unconscionable that the UN continues to condemn Israel in its just war against terrorists, while Hamas continues to use women and children as human shields, he said.

Hamas - which is proscribed as a terrorist group by Israel, the UK and other countries - has denied using schools and other civilian sites for military purposes.

Israeli forces 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 41,110 people have been killed in Gaza since then, according to the territory's Hamas-run health ministry.

Israels military said it had conducted a "precise air strike on terrorists" operating in the school [EPA]

Unrwa said Wednesdays strike on al-Jaouni school had resulted in "the highest death toll among our staff in a single incident" since the start of the war.

It was also the fifth time the school had been hit over the same period, it added.

Video of the aftermath showed hundreds of people inspecting the heavily damaged ground floor of one wing of the school, as well as the remains of an adjoining structure that appeared to have been destroyed.

Other footage showed ambulances bringing wounded men, women and children said to have been hurt in the strike to al-Aqsa hospital in the town of Deir al-Balah.

My friend and her children were injured, and the director and deputy director [of the shelter] were martyred. They were inside the office when the shelling started, one woman told BBC Arabics Gaza Today programme.

It's hard to describe the horrible scene where their bodies were torn into pieces, she added.

Civil Defence spokesman Mahmoud Bassal said on Wednesday night that 18 people were killed, including Unrwa staff members, children and women, and that 18 others were injured.

A Telegram post from the agency identified one of those killed as the daughter of one of its rescue workers, Momin Salmi. It said he had not seen Shadia for 10 months because he had stayed in northern Gaza while his wife and their eight children had fled southwards.

The BBC was not able to independently verify the death toll, but a medical source at al-Awda hospital in Nuseirat camp told AFP that a total of 15 people killed in the strike had been brought there and to al-Aqsa hospital.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on Wednesday that aircraft had conducted a precise strike on terrorists who were operating inside a Hamas command and control centre embedded inside al-Jaouni school.

Numerous steps were taken to mitigate the risk of harming civilians, including the use of precise munitions, aerial surveillance and additional intelligence, it added.

This is a further example of the Hamas terrorist organisations systematic abuse of civilian infrastructure in violation of international law.

Gazas Hamas-run government media office accused Israel of a brutal massacre.

Later, Unrwa said in a statement that two air strikes had hit the school and its surroundings, which were home to around 12,000 displaced people, mainly women and children.

"Among those killed was the manager of the Unrwa shelter and other team members providing assistance to displaced people," it said.

The agency insisted that "schools and other civilian infrastructure must be protected at all times", adding: "They are not a target."

"We call on all parties to the conflict to never use schools or the areas around them for military or fighting purposes."

The UN said its premises should never be targeted nor used by any groups for military purposes [EPA]

On Thursday afternoon, the IDF put out a statement saying that it had repeatedly requested from Unrwa the names of the employees who were killed in the strike, but that it had received no answers.

It then named nine men who it alleged were Hamas terrorists... confirmed to have been eliminated in the strike.

The IDF said all nine were members of Hamass armed wing, the al-Qassam Brigades, and that three of them were simultaneously an Unrwa employee.

Three names featured on a list of the six Unrwa workers which was earlier released by the UN.

How long will the UN continue to bury its head in the sand and ignore the fact that Hamas terrorists have taken over Unrwa? Mr Danon said.

These murderers are not aid workers. They are terrorists with blood on their hands and were rightly eliminated.

Unrwas communications director, Juliette Touma, said Israeli authorities had not requested a list of staff killed from the agency.

The names that appear on todays statement from the Israeli Army have not been flagged to us before by the Israeli authorities in previous occasions prior to today, she said.

Unrwa shares the lists of all its staff with the host governments and in the context of the West Bank and Gaza also with the state of Israel as the occupying power.

Ms Touma also stressed that Unrwa had repeatedly called on the warring parties to never use civilian facilities for military purposes.

Now whether this particular school or other have been used for that very purpose, Unrwa is not in a position to determine, she added. This is precisely why we have repeatedly called for independent investigations to look into these very serious claims.

Israel has previously accused Unrwa of supporting Hamas.

The agency has denied this, but the UN said in August that it had fired nine of Unrwa's 13,000 staff in Gaza after investigators found evidence that they might have been involved in the 7 October attack. Another 10 staff were cleared because of insufficient evidence.

Israel also alleged that hundreds of Unrwa staff were members of terrorist groups, but a UN review published in April found Israel had not provided evidence for its claims.

Hours before the incident, Unrwa said in a situation report that almost 70% of its schools in Gaza had been hit during the war.

It also reported that 214 of its staff members had been killed, along with at least 563 displaced people who had been sheltering inside its schools and other installations.

In a separate development on Wednesday, the IDF announced that two Israeli soldiers had been killed and eight others injured in a helicopter crash overnight in southern Gaza.

The helicopter was on a mission to evacuate a critically injured soldier to a hospital for medical treatment and crashed while landing in the Rafah area, a statement said.

An initial inquiry conducted indicates that the crash was not caused by enemy fire. The cause of the crash is still under investigation, it added.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  A woman who survived Hamas Oct. 7, 2023, attack on a music festival in southern Israel visited Grand Rapids Tuesday to share her story.

Amit Ganish spoke Tuesday evening at Chabad of Western Michigan.

That morning, she explained, she was at the open-air Tribe of Nova music festival alongside about 3,000 others when militants opened fire. Hundreds of people were killed.

Israeli survivors of the Oct. 7 music festival attack seek to cope with trauma at a Cyprus retreat

I wanted to survive for my family, for my boyfriend, Ganish told News 8. I just understood that I needed to survive.

She told attendees that when the bullets began flying, she ran.

I saw a lot of bullets toward me and I understood.I turned to the forest and started to run, Ganish recounted.

Israel-Hamas war latest: Israel orders more evacuations in Gaza after militants fire rockets

Eventually, she and a friend ended up hiding in the bushes. They waited there for nine hours, she said, surrounded by attackers with no access to food or water.

Finally, rescuers came.

When we get out from the bush, I saw camera and I saw the news and they filmed us, Ganish said.

She said her family was watching the news that day, and thats how they learned she had survived.

An Israeli strike on a Palestinian tent camp kills at least 19

Dar Halevy Feldman created Faces of October 7th, a group that brings survivors of the attack to speak in local communities.

She says its important for people to hear these stories.

The importance is people get to see it in flesh. Its not just an illusion of something that happened really far away somewhere, Halevy Feldman said. Its very important because its bringing them in person. Its flesh, its blood.

Grief over Gaza and qualms over US election add up to anguish for many Palestinian Americans

Hamas-led militants killed about 1,200 people and took about 250 hostages on Oct. 7, 2023, sparking a war. Israels ongoing military action in Gaza has drawn criticism, with some demanding a cease-fire and urging an embargo on U.S. weapons to Israel.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
By Alvise Armellini

ROME (Reuters) - The international aid group Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders - MSF) on Wednesday obtained the release of its migrant rescue ship, which had been grounded two weeks ago by Italy's right-wing government.

MSF's Geo Barents vessel was handed a 60-day detention order, the longest on record, for allegedly failing to properly coordinate with Italian and Libyan authorities as it picked up migrants off Libya on Aug. 23.

A court in Salerno, the southern Italian port where the vessel had been blocked, suspended the measure, the charity wrote on X.

"The ship is free to rescue lives!" it said.

The detention order was the third against the vessel, and the longest to date. MSF International President Christos Christou travelled to Salerno to support the organisation's appeal against it.

"At this exact moment the Mediterranean is a huge emergency room and Geo Barents and the doctors are sitting in a corner with their hands tied," Christou told Reuters, accusing the government of obstructing humanitarian sea rescues.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has passed legislation to curb the activities of NGOs in the Mediterranean, including by impounding of their vessels or forcing them to travel long distances to disembark migrants, increasing their fuel costs.

Christou dismissed government charges against the MSF ship, saying it had been "waiting for instructions" as it approached a migrant boat, and spontaneously picked up its passengers after they jumped into the sea.

Meloni has defended her approach, pledging at a cabinet meeting last month to launch another crackdown - this time on migrant work permits - and saying the fall in sea arrivals under her watch also resulted in fewer migrant drownings.

"The only way to prevent further tragedies at sea is to stop departures and fight unscrupulous traffickers," she said.

The MSF chief said Meloni's claims overlooked the fact that many deaths at sea go unreported, and argued that migrants blocked on their way to Italy would reach Europe via other routes.

In the year to date, there have been about 44,500 sea arrivals in Italy, and around 1,100 people drowned or went missing at sea. Year-on-year, arrivals are down by 62%, while the dead or missing have fallen by a lesser extent - about 50%.

As part of its deterrence strategy, Meloni's government is also building detention camps in Albania for migrants picked up at sea. The plan, hit by delays and criticism from human rights advocates, is expected to be operational within weeks.

Christou said MSF had "serious concerns" about the initiative, calling it "another new way of externalising the duty of the Italians and Europeans" to assist people fleeing from poverty or conflict.

(Reporting by Alvise Armellini, editing by Gavin Jones and Ros Russell)
Young nonprofit workers help fill holes in the social safety net, but millions are financially insecure themselves. Delmaine Donson / Getty Images

A new report shows what jobs are typically held by asset-limited, income-constrained, but employed Americans.

Nearly a quarter of US nonprofit workers live just above the federal poverty line.

Nonprofits help fill gaps in the social safety net, but most employees are struggling to pay bills.

Many of America's nonprofit employees fill gaps in the social safety net, helping people access housing, food, and healthcare where government programs fail.

But a chunk of these workers are barely getting by themselves. A report published in September by the policy and research firm United for ALICE, in partnership with Independent Sector, found that 3 million US nonprofit employees  nearly a quarter of the total nonprofit workforce  are living just above the federal poverty line. The report examined Americans who have identified as nonprofit workers on the Census' American Community Survey, including many employees in healthcare, educational services, and social assistance.

The ALICE demographic is people who are asset-limited, income-constrained, and employed. The ALICE threshold varies based on local cost of living and household size. If an individual lives above the federal poverty line but can't afford survival necessities  like housing, food, and healthcare  where they live, they are considered ALICE. This might be $702 a month for a parent and school-age child in El Paso, Texas, or $2,158 a month for a parent and school-age child in Alexandria, Virginia.

The cohort's financial experience is marked by a catch-22  their household income is often too high to get help but too low to comfortably afford daily life.

Lisa Kelley, for example, lives paycheck to paycheck in Cincinnati. Often, the 47-year-old feels like she's "doing everything right" and is still unable to access the assistance she needs.

"There's no help," she previously told BI. "If you make too much, there's no help; if you are healthy, there's no help; if you don't have kids, there's no help."

Nonprofit workers provide help, but they're also struggling

About 13% of Americans live at or below the federal poverty threshold, meaning their annual household income is below $15,060 for one person or $31,200 for a family of four. Access to many assistance programs, like SNAP, Medicaid, and housing vouchers, is based on this measure, which largely hasn't been updated since the 1960s. This measure was calculated when Americans spent about a third of their paycheck on food, whereas Americans now spend only 13% of their income on groceries.

Story continues

ALICEs, however, make up another 29% of Americans who feel like they are living in poverty but are out of reach of these resources because their paychecks are slightly too high. This leaves some choosing between putting food on the table, paying bills, or going to necessary doctor's visits. It's led some to take extra part-time jobs or rely on gig work  especially if they live in a high-cost-of-living area.

"We need help, especially those of us that are trying to go to work every day," Cherie Tobias, a 48-year-old Applebees server in Michigan who lives on $25,000 a year, previously told BI. "No matter how we feel, no matter how much pain we're in, we're going to try to push through to provide  but we go home defeated."

Younger nonprofit workers are particularly struggling. According to the report, 37% of nonprofit workers under the age of 25 fall into the ALICE category. This follows larger ALICE trends, which show that workers under 25 are one of the main cohorts living out of reach of most assistance programs. Similarly, 23% of nonprofit workers ages 25 to 44 are considered ALICEs.

Single parents working for nonprofits are also facing grim prospects: According to the report, over half are living below the ALICE threshold. And, while 16% of white nonprofit workers were below the ALICE threshold, 35% of Black workers in the sector were struggling to make ends meet.

It's an irony that addresses some of the larger struggles ALICE workers face in the US: Many of the larger support structures do not see them as in need, which exacerbates the need further. Without adequate income or access to resources, these Americans are stuck in the middle.

"I'm not homeless enough to get certain help because I have a roof over my head," Melissa Hedden, 41, previously told BI. "But I'm too homeless to get a job because I don't know where I'm going to live in three weeks. What do you do?"

Are you an ALICE or nonprofit employee struggling to afford daily life? Are you open to sharing your story? If so, reach out to allisonkelly@businessinsider.com , nsheidlower@businessinsider.com , and jkaplan@businessinsider.com .

Read the original article on Business Insider
The Jacksonville Sheriffs Office is asking for the publics help to find the two suspects who killed a teen last week.

JSO said 16-year-old Harold Patterson was shot and killed on Edgewood Avenue on Wednesday. His body was found in a vacant home.

Police said Harold was hanging out with friends when the two suspects approached.

A fight happened and one of the suspects pulled out a gun and began shooting at Harold and his friends, JSO said.

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Police said witnesses provided the following descriptions of the suspects:

Suspect #1 - Upper teens, approximately 509, thin build, short hair, braces on teeth with no rubber bands attached at the time. Wearing a black T-shirt, black pants with white stripes on the side, and black Crocs.

Suspect #2 - Upper teens, approximately 507, thin build, medium-length dreads with tight twists and blonde/red tips, and has tattoos on the side of his neck and his hand. Wearing a grey hoodie, red pants, black and white slides, and carrying a black Nike backpack.

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Anyone having any information on the identity of the pictured suspects is asked to contact JSO at 904-630-0500 or JSOCrimeTips@jaxsheriff.org. To remain anonymous and be eligible for up to a $3,000 reward please call First Coast Crime Stoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS.

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Jamaica Prime Minister Andrew Holness announced Tuesday that his nations long-awaited participation in the largely U.S.-funded Multinational Security Support mission in Haiti is ready to begin.

Holness said the English-speaking Caribbean nation will deploy 24 security personnel to Haiti to provide command, planning and logistics support. The group, made up of 20 members of the Jamaica Defense Force and four police officers, is expected to arrive in Port-au-Prince on Thursday. They will join approximately 400 Kenyan police officers who began deploying to Haiti in late June and have struggled to make progress against the countrys armed gangs, now in control of more than 85% of Port-au-Prince.

The security forces continue in a state of readiness to support further deployment towards our overall commitment as the mission in Haiti is scaled up, Holness, who also serves as his island-nations minister of defense, said after a cabinet meeting. Jamaica has close fraternal ties to the people of Haiti and we stand in solidarity with them.

The arrival of the Jamaicans, even if its not all of the approximately 250 military and police officers who have been vetted by the United States and trained with the help of Canada, is being welcomed by the Kenya-led mission.

Kenyan force Commander Godfrey Otunge, in an exclusive interview with the Miami Herald, said because most of the Jamaican security personnel are military, they will be involved in protecting key government installations like the seaport.

The mission, mandated by the U.N. Security Council to help the Haitian police dismantle armed gangs, has been hampered by a lack of staff and resources. A spokesperson for the State Department previously said that the Jamaican personnel will be paid from a U.N. donor trust fund. The fund currently has $84.7 million, with Canada and the U.S. being the largest contributors.

The initial deployment of the Jamaican forces come as the U.S. is seeking a years extension on the operation and reshape it into a traditional U.N. peacekeeping mission. The U.S. has circulated a draft resolution to be voted on Sept. 30 by the U.N. Security Council. The Miami Herald obtained a copy of the language asking the U.N. to start planning for a peacekeeping operation. Washington will need both the support of China and Russia, which have been critical of interventions in Haiti, as well as U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres who isnt a supporter of peacekeeping missions but fully endorsed the Kenya-led operation in Haiti.

The primary function of Jamaicas advanced team will be to set up a headquarters on the site of the U.S.-built base from which the Kenyans are currently working, and to prepare for the deployment of other security personnel from Jamaica, Belize and The Bahamas.

Jamaica was among the first nations to volunteer security personnel for the armed international force and had both the support of Holness Jamaica Labor Party and the opposition Peoples National Party. On Tuesday, the prime minister said the country, which is 334 miles from Haiti and has been seeing a flourishing guns-for-drugs trade, has a national security interest in helping stabilize Haiti.

It is in our interest to support a long lasting resolution to the problems in Haiti, Holness said. Here in Jamaica, we see the growing entrenchment of gangs who organize the production of armed violence with a view to economic gain, spreading terror in communities and weakening the states guarantee to citizens security. We see this as an evolving existential threat to law and order and the proper functioning of institutions of the state not only in Jamaica but in several countries across the region.

The threat is at a level in the region where gangs and organized armed violence they produce is a threat to the very state, he added. 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.
The first thunderstorm of the spring 2022 season in Elkton, in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley. (Kristin Herring/Getty Images)

James Madison University professor Mace Bentley had a friend living on the Eastside of Atlanta who noticed his VCRs and TVs going on the fritz after several lightning strikes during thunderstorms that would move west across the sprawling Southeast city. It was a comparatively minor issue.

A fire chief of a nearby station told Bentley and a colleague that he hardly had enough trucks to send out for these fires that are occurring from lightning strikes. That, and other anecdotal evidence, spurred Bentley to dig into the data.

When they surveyed data sets, Bentley said, We found  theres more lightning thats occurring downwind from the city. It looked like the city was actually enhancing lightning and producing this.

Bentley has continued that research, now with a focus closer to Virginia. In July, he published findings that show from 2006 to 2020, between the months of May and September as pollution levels increased from cities, including the Washington D.C. metro area, lightning strikes also increased. The research offers a look at the potential, present day impact of climate change in the region.

Most of the research on climate change, most of the press, is global climate change. We didnt want to think about climate change from the standpoint of what is going to happen 20 years from now, Bentley said. We want to see: Are humans impacting the climate right now and where and how much?

The research included reviewing lightning strike data gathered from the National Lightning Detection Network. The locations of those strikes were traced back to where storm events were observed to have traveled.

Bentley then looked up hourly air quality monitoring data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to find levels of particulate matter 2.5 and particulate matter 10, tiny carcinogens that are 2.5 and 10 microns in diameter, respectively, which come from tailpipe emissions, industrial and manufacturing activity and several other sources.

The research then determined when there were high levels of Convective Available Potential Energy, or CAPE, a metric used to measure the atmospheric conditions that are ripe for lightning activity. As the CAPE increases with hot humid air at the ground level and cooler air above, when pollution enters the mix during those dog days of summer, Bentley said, it leads to more lightning flashes.

Bentley and his team found that pollution is affecting thunderstorm development, electrification and thunderstorm intensity over time, Bentley said, noting the right CAPE conditions are needed before pollution can create more lightning strikes.

We cant say, oh, its a polluted day, so were going to get thunderstorms. Thats not the case. Pollution is like an accelerant, Bentley said. Once you get a thunderstorm, its like a fire accelerant.

Pollution is like an accelerant. Once you get a thunderstorm, it's like a fire accelerant.

 Mace Bentley, James Madison University professor

But even at low, medium and high levels of CAPE, the research further found that increased pollution levels still produced more lightning strikes, showing the pollution is really playing a fundamental ingredient in electrifying these storms, Bentley said.

The Washington D.C. area lightning strikes also happened the most on Thursdays, later in the week, after people have been commuting to work and driving around and enough pollution has built up, before winding back down over the weekend  all while CAPE levels remained the same.

Its like when you turn on the heat on your stove, the water doesnt boil instantaneously. It takes a while. That heat has to transfer to the water, and then finally gets hot and boils, Bentley said. The same thing happens with cities.

The research also found that size of the pollutant didnt matter; it was the volume of them within the atmosphere that counted. Larger cities like D.C. can also impact regional communities, like Fredericksburg, Charlottesville and Richmond, the data also found, with winds strong enough to push a storm around. Smaller cities can also have an impact on surrounding communities, just at a smaller scale, Bentley added.

The storms are ones that pop up on a moments notice and may last for about an hour, Bentley said, much like the one on Aug. 26, wherein Cardinal Elementary school in Richmond was struck by lightning and caught fire around 6:54 p.m.

According to the Wakefield office of the National Weather Service, temperatures reached 93 degrees with a relative humidity of 93% that day. The storm formed at about 6 p.m. northwest of Richmond before rain fell at 6:10 pm. And temperatures cooled as the storm disappeared on the Southeast side of the city around 7 p.m.

Though Bentley said he wasnt exactly sure exactly how pollution levels may have influenced it, he added, I think it could have very well been associated with the air quality.

Sam Wray, meteorologist with the Wakefield office of the National Weather Service, said he wasnt able to speak to the findings of the research, but acknowledged that isolated storms like those popping up in the summer time generally is not really an uncommon thing.

The storms in Hurley and Whitewood in Southwest Virginia in 2021 and 2022, respectively, led to devastating flooding, and are examples of quickly formed storms dumping inches of rain in a short period, Bentley acknowledged. Those storms were a few hours longer and located in rural areas with less traffic than an urban environment, but pollution in those areas can come from far away distances, like smoke from the fires in Canada did last year, leading to health warnings across the state. The toxins can then become trapped by the surrounding mountainous terrain, Bentley added, similarly to the smog issues mountain-bound communities in Californias Los Angeles County deal with.

The research on D.C.-area cities is similar to findings Bentley made in Kansas City and in Bangkok, Thailand; the common denominator is the pollution, Bentley said.

You could probably go around the world where you have different particle sizes impacting the atmosphere, but if the content remains relatively the same, you might get this similar electrification for a thunderstorm.

Theres two ways to address the matter, Bentley said.

Lower pollution levels through multitudes of innovative technologies weve got, Bentley said.

Also key: Helping hot cities cool off.

And also put in more green space so that you make the heat island cooler.

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JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL)  Three suspects have been arrested in connection to a shooting that killed a Greeneville teenager in downtown Johnson City over the weekend, and an arrest affidavit indicates the victim may have been caught in a crossfire described as a volley of bullets.

A Wednesday afternoon Johnson City Police Department (JCPD) release says Charles Dabney, 18, of Greeneville died as a result of his injuries following the shooting Sunday at around 2 a.m. at Majestic Commons downtown. Another victim was treated at a hospital and released.

JCPD identifies victim in fatal downtown shooting

BLAND, TYRON; WCDC

The JCPD said Tyron Bland, 34, of Greene County, was arrested Tuesday evening in connection to the fatal shooting and that Jayden Smith, 19, of Asheville, N.C. was arrested Wednesday afternoon.

An affidavit for Blands arrest says he and Smith were in a physical altercation along with Dabney and the other victim, and that when Bland and Smith exchanged several shots at one another the two victims were struck.

Bland was charged with aggravated assault, convicted felon in possession of a firearm and reckless endangerment. Police said he was taken into custody at a home on Blue Springs Road in Greene County and transported to the Washington County Detention Center.

Then on Wednesday afternoon, Smith was arrested in Asheville. Smith is charged with aggravated assault and reckless endangerment and is awaiting extradition. A woman who was reportedly accompanying Smith, Katy Scruggs, 22, of Asheville, was charged with accessory after the fact and will also be extradited.

The affidavit, filed by JCPD investigator Timothy Hensley the very day of the shooting (Sept. 8), says police were called at 2:04 a.m. They reportedly found Dabney prone on the sidewalk, then made contact with the other victim, who was shot in the left leg. Both victims were taken to Johnson City Medical Center, where Dabney died.

The document says investigators reviewed camera footage from adjacent buildings that surround the park, which connects Main and Market streets. The footage, along with witness interviews, allowed police to identify Bland and Smith, both of whom had fled the scene.

According to the affidavit, during the physical altercation involving Bland, Smith and the two victims, (t)he volley of bullets ultimately struck both victims resulting in serious injury and death respectively.

In answer to questions from News Channel 11, a JCPD spokesperson said police believe no one else that was visible in camera footage, including Dabney and the other victim, was armed based on that footage and witness statements. They said no other suspects are being sought.

Investigators learned that Bland has a prior violent felony conviction, which prohibits him from possessing a firearm. According to the JCPD, the investigation is ongoing and more charges are pending.

JCPD will be discussing all possible charges with District Attorney (Steve) Finney, JCPDs spokesperson said, adding that evidence is still being processed that might help determine which armed persons ammunition struck either victim.

The JCPD reports the arrests took place with assistance from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, Greene County Sheriffs Office and Asheville Police Department.

Those with information about the shooting or anyone involved are asked to contact the JCPDs Criminal Investigations Division at 423-434-6107, or to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 423-930-6535. To send a confidential tip by text, text 423JCPD and your tip to 847411 (TIP411).

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
JD Vance Is Not Backing Down From False Claim About Immigrants Eating Pets

GOP vice presidential nominee JD Vance has continued to push debunked, false claims that Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, are stealing and eating their neighbors pets.

In response to a question by NBC News Yamiche Alcindor following the debate on Tuesday night, the Ohio senator said the small migrant community was responsible for several problems the blue-collar Clark County city is facing, including the disappearance of animals, even though police and city officials say theres no evidence to back that up.

Springfield City Manager Bryan Heck told ABC News there are no credible reports or specific claims of pets being harmed, injured or abused by individuals within the immigrant community.

Hecks statement, though, was not enough to stop Vance from doubling down on his claims.

The city manager said theres no verifiable evidence. A lot of residents on the ground have said that there is, Vance told Alcindor. That just means the city manager I think isnt fully in touch with whats going on in the ground there. Ive heard from many of my own constituents who have seen these things with their own eyes, whove seen these abductions with their own eyes, whove seen geese being taken out of local parks and slaughtered in front of their eyes.

Earlier on Tuesday, a White House national security spokesperson blasted Vances comments, adding that this kind of disinformation is dangerous because there will be people that believe it no matter how ludicrous and stupid it is.

This didnt stop former President Donald Trump from embracing the racist lie, bringing it up during the debate against Vice President Kamala Harris, and also amplifying it on this Truth Social account.

In Springfield, theyre eating the dogs, Trump said. The people that came in, theyre eating the cats. Theyre eating the pets of the people that live there. And this is whats happening in our country. And its a shame.

ABCs David Muir, one of the moderators of the debate, repeatedly fact-checked Trumps claims, citing Hecks statement.

The people on television say my dog was taken and used for food. So maybe he said that and maybe thats a good thing to say for a city manager, Trump replied.

Related...
The director of Germany's Arolsen Archives, Floriane Azoulay, talks to the relatives of 12 inmates of World War II Nazi Germany's concentration camps at the start of a ceremony in which the relatives were given back personal items and jewellery that the Nazis had seized from them during the war and which were recently stored at the archives, in Warsaw, Poland, Tuesday Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski)

WARSAW, Poland (AP)  Stanislawa Wasilewska was 42 when she was captured by Nazi German troops on Aug. 31, 1944, in Warsaw and sent to the womens concentration camp at Ravensbruck, Germany. From there, she was sent to the Neuengamme forced labor camp, where she was given prisoner number 7257 and had her valuables seized.

Eighty years later, Germany's Arolsen Archives returned Wasilewska's jewelry to her grandson and great-granddaughter at an emotional ceremony in Warsaw late Tuesday during which families of 12 Polish inmates of World War II Nazi German concentration camps were given back their confiscated belongings.

Some relatives had tears in their eyes as they received the mementoes of their long-gone, often unknown family members. More such ceremonies are planned.

Wasilewska's family was given back her two amber crucifixes, part of a golden bracelet and a gold wristwatch engraved with the initials KW and the date 7-3-1938, probably marking her wedding to Konstanty Wasilewski.

This is an important moment in our lives, because this is a story that we did not fully know about and it came to light, Wasilewska's great-granddaughter, Malgorzata Korys, 35, told The Associated Press.

When Nazi Germany was defeated in 1945, Wasilewska was taken by the Red Cross from Neuengamme to Sweden, but later returned to Poland. She is buried in her native Grodzisk Mazowiecki, near Warsaw.

From another family, Adam Wierzbicki, 29, was given two rings which belonged to Zofia Strusinska and a golden chain and tooth filling of Jozefa Skorka, two married sisters of his great-grandfather, Stanislaw Wierzbicki. Captured together on Aug. 4, like Wasilewska, the sisters also went through Ravensbruck and Neuengamme before the Red Cross took them to Sweden.

A family story has it that a Swedish man fell in love with one of the sisters and wanted them both to stay, promising to take care of them, but they decided to go back to Poland, Wierzbicki said.

The return of their jewelry is important for sentimental reasons but also for historical reasons, Wierzbicki told the AP.

The items were returned by the Arolsen Archives, the international center on Nazi persecution, which holds information on about 17.5 million people. It stores some 2,000 items which were seized by the Nazis from concentration camp inmates from more than 30 countries, and are intended to be returned to their relatives.

When the prisoners were sent to concentration camps, their valuables  wedding rings, watches, gold chains, earrings and other items  were confiscated and put in envelopes marked with their owners names. That allowed for the items return to the families, 80 years later.

It was an uplifting moment when the archives volunteers contacted him, Wierzbicki said, but there was also the thought that history will catch up with you. It was like my aunts were looking at me from the past."

The archives launched its restitution campaign, Warsaw Uprising: 100 Untold Stories, to mark 80 years since the city rose up against the Nazi invaders on Aug. 1, 1944, with the goal of reaching the families of 100 victims and reviving the memory of them through their belongings.

Archive director Floriane Azoulay said they are only custodians of the belongings, which should be returned to the families.

Every object that we return is personal, Azoulay said. "And its the last personal thing a person had on them before they became a prisoner, before they became a number. So it is a very important object for a family.

Volunteer Manuela Golc has found more than 100 Polish families and each time it's an emotional moment.

It is often the case that we pass on information that the family was not aware of at all," Golc said. "So this conversation on the phone ... is also very difficult. But in the end we are very happy that the memento is returning to the family.

If she was unable to trace a family online or through official records, she traveled to cemeteries, leaving notes waterproofed against the rain for the families on the graves of people whose data matched those in the archives, asking them to get in touch.

The Warsaw Uprising was launched by the underground resistance Home Army with the goal of taking control of the capital city ahead of the advancing Soviet troops. It fell after 63 days of heroic struggle that cost the lives of some 200,000 fighters and civilians. In revenge, the Germans expelled the surviving residents and reduced Warsaw to ruins.

During German occupation in 1939-45, Poland lost some 6 million residents, half of them Jewish, and suffered huge material losses.
Former Tennessee Gov. Ned Ray McWherter, former Sen. Jim Sasser and former Vice President Al Gore listen to remarks at a Presidential Primary Celebration hosted by the Tennessee Democratic Party February 8, 2004 in Nashville, Tennessee. Sasser died Tuesday at 87. (Photo by Rusty Russell/Getty Images)

Former Tennessee Gov. Ned Ray McWherter, former Sen. Jim Sasser and former Vice President Al Gore listen to remarks at a Presidential Primary Celebration hosted by the Tennessee Democratic Party February 8, 2004 in Nashville, Tennessee. Sasser died Tuesday at 87. (Photo by Rusty Russell/Getty Images)

Jim Sasser, a three-term representative from Tennessee to the U.S. Senate and former chair of the state Democratic Party, died Tuesday at 87.

Sasser was the last Democrat to hold a U.S. Senate seat in Tennessee, during an era when Democrats dominated state politics. His 1994 defeat with hindsight marked the beginning of the end of the partys dominance in the Volunteer state.

Bart Gordon, a Democratic congressman from Murfreesboro from 1985 to 2011, praised Sasser as a dedicated public servant who spent a good portion of his professional life either working for Tennesseans as a senator from 1977 to 1995 and serving the United States as an ambassador to China from 1996 to 1999.

Gordon first met Sasser in the early 1970s when the former senator was chairman of the Tennessee Democratic Party and Gordon on the partys executive committee.

He had a love for the United States Senate as an institution and as really a vehicle to try to accomplish that public service. I think he accomplished that, and he did it in a bipartisan way, Gordon said.

Sasser, a graduate of Vanderbilt Law School, spent much of his early professional years working as a political activist and then the Democratic Party operative, including for the campaigns of U.S. Sens. Estes Kefauver and Albert Gore Sr.

I've always viewed government as the friend of the ordinary people, and politics as being an interesting avocation and a way of effecting positive change.

 Former Sen. Jim Sasser in 1994

Former Republican Sen. Bill Brock defeated Gore in his 1970 Senate reelection campaign, which Sasser managed. Six years later, Sasser ran for the Senate himself and beat Brock, going on to win two more terms.

Sasser steadily rose through the ranks of the U.S. Senate, becoming chair of the powerful Budget Committee in 1990, which gave him a chance to become the U.S. Senate Majority Leader if he won reelection in 1994 and Democrats retained the majority.

An Associated Press article from May 1994 says Sasser was known for caution and focused on bringing projects back to Tennessee during his first years in Washington.

Ive always viewed government as the friend of the ordinary people, and politics as being an interesting avocation and a way of effecting positive change, the Associated Press quotes Sasser as saying, calling him corny.

Former Rep. Jim Cooper, a Nashville Democrat who also ran for Senate in 1994, said Sasser always remained close to his Tennessee working-class roots, remaining a fair and humble person, who never acted like a big shot.

Sassers 1994 loss to political newcomer Bill Frist, who rode a wave of self-funding and anti-Democrat sentiment, was a tough pill for him to swallow.

To be dragged down by (former President) Bill Clinton was really painful for him, Cooper said. He could have followed Howard Baker as another majority leader from Tennessee.

Frist would ascend to the U.S. Senate Majority Leader position nine years later in a twist of irony.

After Sassers defeat, Clinton appointed him ambassador to China. While he was serving in Beijing, protests erupted when the U.S. accidentally bombed the Chinese embassy in Belgrade during the Kosovo War, leading Sasser to gain national media attention as tried to ease tensions.

After his time in China, Sasser and his wife lived in Washington D.C., moving to North Carolina to be closer to his family later in life. But he kept ties to Tennessee, donating his congressional papers to Vanderbilt in 2013.

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Jim Sasser, the last Democrat to represent Tennessee in the U.S. Senate, who later went on to serve as U.S. Ambassador to China during the Clinton administration, died on Tuesday. He was 87.

Sasser died at his home in Chapel Hill, North Carolina at about 5:40 p.m. on Sept. 10, his family confirmed, days before his 88th birthday.

"As his friends and former staff will attest, Dad loved his family, the State of Tennessee, his years serving in the U.S. Senate, and old cars, too, and loved them in that order," his children Gray and Elizabeth Sasser said in a statement. "He believed in the nobility of public service and the transformational power of government."

Former U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper, D-Nashville, told The Tennessean on Tuesday that Sasser "represented the best in public service."

"He was humble, gentle, kind, smart. He knew regular people and regular people loved him," Cooper said. "He wasn't flashy, showy. He didn't run for president. He just wanted to represent Tennesseans, and he did an awesome job at it."

Former Vice President and U.S. Sen. Al Gore described Sasser as "a man of outstanding character and conviction, a great United States Senator and later an outstanding diplomat in the truest sense of the word."

"It is impossible to put into words how much Jim Sasser meant to me and my family," Gore said in a statement. "Throughout his career in public service, Jim represented the best of Tennessee and the best of America. He was an effective leader not simply because he spoke clearly and persuasively about the initiatives he believed in, but also because he listened intently to the concerns, hopes, and aspirations of his constituents and colleagues."

Sasser was born in Memphis on Sept. 30, 1936. He attended public schools in Nashville and the University of Tennessee for a year, transferring to Vanderbilt University for his undergraduate studies and law school. He met his wife, Mary, in an undergraduate history class there. Sasser graduated from Vanderbilt Law School in 1961 and served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve for six years.

After graduation, Sasser joined the Nashville firm of Goodpasture, Carpenter, Woods and Sasser, where he stayed until 1972.

A long-time Democratic activist, Sasser's political work began in his early 20s as regional youth director for the late U.S. Sen. Estes Kefauvers 1960 campaign. He later managed Al Gore Sr.s unsuccessful 1970 reelection bid in Middle Tennessee, later saying through the experience he was "bitten by the political bug."

When a newspaper story announced he was running for chair of the state Democratic party, it was news to Sasser.

"I ran down and picked up the paper, and sure enough, it was in there," Sasser later said during a 2014 panel at Vanderbilt Law School. "I thought, 'why not?'"

He won his the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate in 1976, defeating Nashville entrepreneur John Jay Hooker, and went on to defeat one-term incumbent U.S. Sen. Bill Brock. Brock had defeated Sen. Al Gore, Sr. in a bitter contest in 1970, and the Gore family supported Sasser's campaign.

"In that campaign, he and his wife Mary crisscrossed the state on separate schedules while friends and family babysat their two children, Gray and Elizabeth, who were 6 and 4 years old. Mary was every bit as popular as he was," recalls Wally Dietz, a former Sasser staffer who now leads Metro Nashville's Department of Law.

An avid student of history, on long trips between campaign stops, Sasser would listen to tapes of speeches by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Dietz said.

"The Senator stunned the political world when he won by over 80,000 votes," Dietz said.

Mark McNeely, a media relations staffer for Sasser, described him as "very smart, astute politically, cautious to a fault, but a great political mind."

"I thought I knew the state of Tennessee, but working for him, I visited every county seat in the state, visited every media outlet in the state, McNeely said. He really thrived on getting out and meeting the people. He loved grassroots politics.

Senate leader on domestic, foreign policy

Sasser went on to serve three terms in the U.S. Senate from 1977 to 1995, rising to chair the Senate Budget Committee.

In the Senate, Sasser developed a reputation as a serious legislator and established relationships with Senators and Congressional representatives of both parties, becoming a leader in both domestic affairs and foreign policy, Dietz said.

"He was a good and decent man and was so dedicated to his family. At our first staff meeting in D.C., he instructed us to notify him immediately if he got a call from his family," Dietz told The Tennessean.

Sasser also assembled what became regarded as one of the best constituent services teams in Congress, Dietz recalls.

"All these years after he left the Senate, hardly a week goes by without someone asking us if we are kin to Jim Sasser before regaling us with a story of how Dad helped their aunt with a Social Security disability claim, unlocked a sticky wicket at the Small Business Administration for their mom, or helped their grandfather receive his earned VA benefits," the Sassers said their statement. "We know Dad was always proudest of those quiet achievements on behalf of so many Tennesseans."

As chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, Sasser negotiated budget agreements with the Bush administration that moved toward a more balanced budget. In 1993, he spearheaded passage of President Bill Clintons first budget, which reduced the national deficit dramatically, and passed without any Republican votes.

"He's probably the most important Tennessean that most people have forgotten about," Cooper said.

He was a great supporter of the Tennessee Valley Authority, former Democratic U.S. Rep. Bart Gordon said.

Sasser was also instrumental in reauthorizing the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act  known as IDEA  which offers supports to meet the needs and improve educational outcomes to provide an equitable education for students with disabilities.

He maintained a friendly relationship with his Republican colleague, U.S. Sen. Howard Baker, McNeely recalled, saying their cooperation "got things done for Tennessee."

"We never had a sharp word, never took a cheap shot at each other," Sasser said of Baker in 2014.

Sasser's wife, Mary, was well liked by all, Gordon said.

"I could just see her getting along with all the spouses and telling Jim, 'don't say anything bad about this one or that one, because his wife is a friend of mine,'" Gordon said. "He loved the Senate and tried to make it work."

1994 campaign defeat to Bill Frist

Sasser was widely anticipated to be elected to Senate majority leader leading up to elections in 1994. The position was recently opened by the retirement of then-Senate Majority Leader George Mitchell.

The 1994 campaign was harsh for Sasser: in what the three-term senator called a political earthquake, heart surgeon Dr. Bill Frist  who had never cast a vote until the age of 37  won with the campaign slogan of 18 years is long enough.

Throughout the campaign, Sasser hammered Frist for his affluent upbringing in one of Tennessees most wealthy and politically influential families.

Shortly after leading the announcement of a Tyson Food plant, a major employer in Obion County, Sasser spoke at a campaign rally in Paris, Tennessee, where he called Frist out of touch with reality."

Dr. Frist thinks cotton is something you ask the nurse to bring you in the operation room, he told the crowd.

Sasser even ran a number of TV ads in September 1994 accusing Frist of trying to buy the U.S. Senate seat to benefit the Frist-family owned health care company HCA, as well as spending millions to fight laws aimed at reducing costs of prescription drugs.

Frist gave the ire right back, however, with several campaign slogans and themes attacking Sasser. From quips about Sassers love of stray cats, to finally landing on the 18 years is long enough slogan, Frist seemed mostly focused on Sassers tenure and his party affiliation Clinton.

Cooper and Sasser campaigned together throughout the 1994 election cycle, crisscrossing the state from Memphis to Mountain City. But Democrats had a tough year, losing control of the U.S. House for the first time in 40 years, dragged down by Clinton's unpopularity.

"He would have been then Senate Majority Leader because he was universally popular in the Senate. People could trust him, people liked him, you know? It wasn't at all about Jim Sasser. It was about, how could he help the Senate? How could he help America?" Cooper said. "He was just an amazingly kind, good, decent, fair, honorable person. Can you want more than that?"

Post-Senate work in China

In 1996, Clinton appointed Sasser to serve as the 6th U.S. Ambassador to China, where he played a pivotal role in strengthening relations between China and the U.S.

"He became ambassador to China when people were just recognizing China was waking up and becoming a world power," Gordon said. "He was, I think, beneficial in making Congress better aware of that."

Sasser was still ambassador in 1999 when the U.S. embassy in Beijing was besieged after the U.S. military mistakenly bombed the Chinese embassy in Belgrade during the Kosovo War.

U.S. Ambassador to China James Sasser peers through the heavily-damaged door of the U.S. embassy building in Beijing May 10, 1999 following two days of attacks by Chinese protesters against NATO's bombing of the Chinese embassy in Belgrade. The picture was released by Beijing's United States Information Service.

"Halfway around the world, the American Air Force destroyed the Chinese Embassy by mistake. It was an errant bomb. Sasser on duty in Beijing when anti-American riots broke out. It was a very tense time," Cooper said. "Jim Sasser was always good at handling controversy and getting people to return to their senses."

As ambassador to China, Sasser was also largely responsible for the introduction of Chinese pandas to the Memphis Zoo, one of the few zoos in the country honored with that distinction, U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Memphis, said.

"Jim and Mary were a wonderful couple who provided invaluable service to our state," Cohen said. "He led a remarkable life, served Tennessee with distinction, and will be missed."

After his retirement, he returned to the United States, and provided strategic consulting to international companies, ultimately serving as a senior adviser to FedEx and a senior counselor to APCO Worldwide.

According to University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, he served on the advisory board of the Honors Burch Field Research Seminar in Domestic and International Affairs and was a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, vice-chair of the Committee on US-China Relations, vice chair of the US-China Foundation, and a member of the Yale University International Advisory Board of the Culture and Civilization of China.

In 2013, Sasser and his wife Mary Sasser donated their archives to Vanderbilt Universitys Special Collections.

Apart from just being the place Sasser earned his degree, the school holds even more personal significance: he met Mary in a history class on the campus.

Mary and I have chosen Vanderbilt as the home for our records because in many ways it is where our journey began, he told Vanderbilt University in an official statement at the time. We met as students there in the 50s and the education that it provided us, as undergraduates and then for me as a law student, proved to be the foundation for decades of public service for which we are both enormously grateful. We are hopeful that this record, and all of the stories that it tells, will be useful to future students, scholars and researchers.

The collections included photographs and memorabilia from the couples time in China when Sasser served as the U.S. ambassador, as well as the gavel Sasser used while leading the Senate Budget Committee for six years.

Sasser held honorary degrees from Tusculum College in Greeneville, Tennessee, and Lane College in Jackson, Tennessee, and served as a fellow at the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University;

U.S. Sen. Jim Sasser is officially launching his campaign for a fourth term on the steps of the state Capitol in downtown Nashville on July 7, 1994. He talked about his conservative themes on welfare, crime and family and down play the Republican charges that he is too liberal for Tennessee.

Sasser served as a board member of the Nashville Symphony Association; president of the Nashville United Nations Association; executive secretary of the Nashville Committee on Foreign Relations; and member of the Nashville State Planning Commission and the Nashville Chamber of Commerce. He also served as a trustee to the Sergeant Alvin C. York Historical Association and the American Judicature Society.

Tennessee House Democratic Caucus Chair John Ray Clemmons, D-Nashville, recalls meeting Sasser during a stop in his hometown of Lebanon as one of his earliest memories of Tennessee politics.

"From that moment and throughout his illustrious career, he represented the consummate public servant to me and a model what an elected official should be  a fighter and a true representative of the people and above all, a thinker," Clemmons said. "For a life well-lived, I join many others by being forever grateful to the first U.S. Senator to look me in the eyes and shake my hand.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Jim Sasser, three-term U.S. Senator from Tennessee, dies at 87
JK Rowling previously spoke of the importance of having a women-centred facility in the area - John Phillips/Title

JK Rowling has invested at least 1.9 million of her fortune to help set up a women-only support service for victims of sexual violence.

Financial documents reveal that the Harry Potter author provided the sum in an interest-free loan to establish Beiras Place in Edinburgh, which was set up as an alternative to a scandal-hit rape crisis centre in the Scottish capital run by a biological man.

Ms Rowlings personal investment in the centre is likely to be far higher, as it is understood the sum covered only the purchase of its headquarters and an extensive refurbishment.

The writer has also been meeting what are believed to be substantial running costs of the service, which as of November last year employed 10 staff.

Among the workers at the centre are Roz Adams, who won a constructive dismissal case against Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre (ERCC) after she was subjected to a heresy hunt disciplinary process for her gender-critical beliefs.

Roz Adams is one of the centres employees - BBC

ERCCs chief executive is Mridul Wadhwa, a male who identifies as female and got the job in 2021 despite the post being advertised for women only.

Wadhwa, who is legally male, previously said bigoted victims of male sexual violence who did not consider trans women real women should be challenged on their prejudices and taught to reframe their trauma.

An employment tribunal ruling in May severely criticised the trans-inclusive ERCC over its treatment of Ms Adams, who had raised questions over how to deal with concerns of service users who expressed worries over the sex of another staff member.

The worker, who was female but identified as non-binary, had adopted a typically male name.

After attempting to address the issue, Ms Adams was subjected to a Kafkaesque internal disciplinary process. The tribunal ruling said Wadhwa had formed the view that Ms Adams was transphobic.

Mridul Wadhwa is the chief executive of the ERCC

Documents lodged at Companies House revealed Rowlings 1.9 million loan to Beiras Place, secured on the companys property.

The sum had risen by around 310,00 compared with the previous year, though Rowling, described as the founder and funder of the centre, covers running costs separately.

The documents said the loan would only be called for repayment on any future disposal of the said property.

Sources close to the author said the loan covered only the purchase of the property and the refurbishment costs rather than the running costs. They added that the centre was dependent on its grantor for continuing financial support.

Rowling is said to be worth 945 million. A new HBO screen adaptation of Harry Potter is her latest money-spinning venture.

Property ownership documents show that the Beiras Place headquarters, a category A listed building which was previously a six-bedroom home, was purchased in March 2022.

The service describes itself as a new sexual violence support project based in Edinburgh but covering the whole Lothian region.

Its website says it was set up in response to demand from female survivors for a women-only service, as one is currently not available in the area.

Announcing the project in December 2022, Rowling said: As a survivor of sexual assault myself, I know how important it is that survivors have the option of women-centred and women-delivered care at such a vulnerable time.

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Johan Jose Martinez Rangel, one of two illegal immigrants from Venezuela charged with capital murder in the slaying of Houston 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray, returned to court Wednesday, a day after her mother testified before a congressional committee about migrant crime.

The defense and Harris County prosecutors wrestled over the scope of a potential gag order in the case and Judge Josh Hill told them to abide by the state's rules of professional conduct.

Prosecutors also asked the judge to grant them access to all of Rangel's Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection records in a pair of court filings Tuesday. The defense had no objections, and the judge granted the request.

BIDEN-HARRIS OPEN BORDER POLICY FREED ILLEGAL 3 WEEKS BEFORE JOCELYN NUNGARAY MURDER, MOTHER SAYS

Johan Jose Martinez Rangel is flanked by his defense lawyer, a translator and a deputy as he appears in court in connection with the murder of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray in Houston on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024.

Rangel and Franklin Pena were arrested in July on capital murder charges. Authorities said both suspects entered the U.S. illegally shortly before the slaying.

Prosecutors laid out the allegations bluntly in a bail request after the arrests.

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"In this case, the defendant lured a 12-year-old under a bridge where he and his co-defendant remained with her for over 2 hours, took her pants off, tied her up, and killed her, then threw her body into the bayou," Assistant District Attorney Michael Abner wrote in June.

The arraignment comes a day after Nungaray's mother testified before the House Judiciary Committee in Washington, calling on lawmakers to secure the border as she revealed a harrowing timeline of events.

BIDEN-HARRIS BORDER CRISIS: VICTIMS OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT CRIME TESTIFY IN HOUSE HEARING

Jocelyn left her family's home to grab a late night soda when police say Rangel and Pena led her out of a convenience store. She never made it home.

"That Monday morning, June 17th, was terrifying," her mother told the House Judiciary Committee Tuesday. "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."

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."

Nungaray told the committee Tuesday that the suspects threw her daughter off the bridge thinking the creek below would wash away their DNA.

ILLEGALS CHARGED WITH MURDER. RAPE AND KIDNAPPING IN A WEEK OF SHOCKING CRIMES ACROSS THE US

Patty Morin (right) testifies to the House Judiciary Committee in Washington, D.C., about border policy and the death of her daughter in Harford County. Alexis Nungaray, left, testified about the killing of her daughter in Houston.

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.

"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."

Rangel is due back in court on Nov. 11.





Original article source: Jocelyn Nungaray murder: Houston prosecutors seek ICE, CBP records on illegal accused of child killing
Norfolk Southern said Wednesday it has fired CEO Alan Shaw for having an inappropriate relationship with a subordinate.

His ouster comes after two difficult years in the top job and just days after the companys board announced it was investigating him for alleged ethical lapses.

The Atlanta-based railroad said Shaw had an inappropriate consensual relationship with Norfolk Southern's chief legal officer, who was also terminated. Norfolk Southern promoted Chief Financial Officer Mark George to be the railroad's next CEO.

Shaw was leading Norfolk Southern in February 2023 when one of its trains derailed, spilled toxic chemicals and caught fire in East Palestine, Ohio, the worst railroad disaster in the last decade. Then, activist investor Ancora Holdings tried to take control of the railroad earlier this year and fire Shaw.

He weathered congressional hearings and difficult community meetings after the East Palestine derailment, while promising to make Norfolk Southern the gold standard for safety in the industry. He also managed to persuade investors not to back the majority of Ancoras board nominees. Three of its nominees did win seats on the railroads board, but that wasnt enough to give it control.

The derailment near the Ohio-Pennsylvania border prompted the nation to re-examine railroad safety and led lawmakers and regulators to call for reforms. But those proposals have largely stalled, and the industry has made only minimal changes since the derailment, such as installing more trackside detectors to spot overheating bearings like the one that caused the East Palestine crash.

The disappointing financial results Norfolk Southern delivered after the derailment, combined with questions about Shaws strategy of keeping more workers on hand during a downturn, made the railroad ripe for pressure from an investor like Ancora. Norfolk Southern's profits have consistently lagged behind the other major railroads that more aggressively adopted the lean operating model that has become the industry standard.

The railroad said Shaws firing was unrelated to Norfolk Southerns financial performance, and the board reaffirmed its financial guidance. The railroad has said it expects to improve productivity by about $550 million and boost its profit margin over the next two years.

Shaw received $13.4 million compensation last year in his first full year as CEO. The railroad said earlier this year that Shaw would be entitled to nearly $9.6 million in retirement compensation if he left the company. It wasnt immediately clear how being fired for cause will affect the $2.3 million severance pay Norfolk Southern had previously promised him. More details on his final compensation are expected to be disclosed Thursday.

Story continues

The railroad's Chairman Claude Mongeau said, The Board has full confidence in Mark and his ability to continue delivering on our commitments to shareholders and other stakeholders despite having only worked on the railroad since 2019. Previously, George was CFO for air conditioning maker Carrier Corporation and Otis Elevator Company.

Mongeau said George will work with John Orr  the chief operating officer hired during its fight with Ancora  to continue improving the railroad's profits by cutting costs and getting more efficient.

I look forward to my continued partnership with John and the entire (Norfolk Southern) team as we further our progress on optimizing operations and serving our customers, while creating a safe and satisfying workplace and delivering enhanced value for our employees, customers, shareholders, and communities, George said in a statement.

Norfolk Southern is one of the six largest railroads in North America with tracks crisscrossing the Eastern United States.
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Joe Biden donned a Trump baseball cap and told a crowd of people not to eat dogs and cats during a light-hearted exchange on the campaign trail.

The US president was referring to wild claims repeated by Donald Trump during his debate with Kamala Harris on Tuesday that Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, are eating the pets of the people that live there.

Mr Biden was initially persuaded to wear his former opponents hat by a Trump supporter after a humorous back-and-forth between the two men.

It started off by Mr Biden offering to give his presidential hat to the Trump supporter, who asked him: Are you going to autograph it? Mr Biden said he would autograph the hat before the Trump supporter quipped: Do you remember your name?

The president joked back that he doesnt remember my name because hes slow, which sparked laughter among the crowd.

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The exchange continued with the Trump supporter labelling Mr Biden an old fart before the president pushed back and said Yeah, Im an old guy... You would know a lot about that.

Mr Biden then quipped that he needed the mans Trump hat and was urged to put it on by the Republican and the crowd in the fire station.

After initially saying Im not going that far, Mr Biden eventually donned the Trump hat, earning applause from the crowd and the Republican supporter. Im proud of you now, the Trump supporter said.

The president, speaking on the 23rd anniversary of 9/11, said the bipartisan unity seen after the terror attack needed to return to the US.

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But that didnt stop Mr Biden from mocking Trumps claims that Haitian immigrants are eating cats and dogs in Springfield, the town that is now in the centre of a bizarre Right-wing conspiracy theory.

Trumps claims angered the father of an 11-year-old boy who was killed last year when a minivan driven by a Haitian immigrant collided with his school bus. He accused Trump and JD Vance, his running mate, of using his sons death for political gain.

I wish that my son, Aiden Clark, was killed by a 60-year-old white man. I bet you never thought anyone would say something so blunt, but if that guy killed my 11-year-old son, the incessant group of hate-spewing people would leave us alone, Nathan Clark, Aidens father, said.

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Veteran GOP Rep. Joe Wilson was hospitalized Tuesday after having a medical emergency at an event in Washington, his office said.

Wilson (R-S.C.) was at an event celebrating Ukrainian independence and was treated at the scene by a doctor who was among those in attendance, according to a person familiar with the situation.

The person was granted anonymity to discuss the event before full details had been publicly released.

The congressman's son, South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson, said in a statement on social media site X that his father experienced "stroke-like symptoms" after speaking with his mother.

"I was able to speak with him moments ago and I am incredibly thankful that he is stable and being monitored by medical professionals," Alan Wilson wrote.

Wilson's office said in a brief statement on the social media site X that the congressman had taken ill and is being evaluated at a local hospital in Washington, DC without elaborating further on his condition.

Additional information was not available about his status.

Wilson is co-chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus and has been a rare outspoken Republican in support of the country in its ongoing war against Russia. News of his medical emergency was first reported by The State.

Wilson has been a member of the House since 2001 and is a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. The congressman is perhaps best known for shouting "you lie!" as President Barack Obama made a nationally televised speech to Congress. He later apologized.

Since then, Wilson has easily won reelection in his heavily Republican district in central and southwest South Carolina.

Paul McLeary contributed to this report.
The already-rocky gambit to avert a government shutdown is the last legislative trial for Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) before the November election, and it could have major implications for his political future.

Successfully enacting conservative priorities or extending funding into next year with the hopes of avoiding an end-of-year omnibus would be a major win for the Speaker, who has walked a tightrope since skyrocketing to the position last year.

But if his plans crumble, it could fuel criticism both from hard-line conservatives angry about his handling of fiscal matters and more moderate Republicans who question his strategy.

Further complicating the matter is former President Trump, with whom Johnson has worked to keep up a good relationship and whose support is critical if he wants to continue leading House Republicans next year.

Trump on Tuesday called to CLOSE IT DOWN and not move forward on a continuing resolution (CR) to fund the government past Sept. 30 if House Republicans dont get absolute assurances on Election Security. Republicans have included a Trump-supported measure to require proof of citizenship to vote as part of the six-month CR, but the voting portion is a non-starter for Senate Democrats and the White House, who say noncitizen voting is already illegal and worry about burdening eligible voters.

There is little to no appetite among House Republicans to force a shutdown  which is widely viewed as a scenario that could harm GOP lawmakers during the height of election season.

I understand the perils of a shutdown, Johnson said earlier in the day. I understand the risk, and we are going to do the right thing and were going to see what happens.

But in responding to Trumps post later, Johnson said Trump is saying exactly what I have been saying, and that is we need assurances on election security, and to fund the government.

The more difficult scenario is already looking likely.

A wave of Republicans  ranging from fiscal hawks opposed to any stopgap to defense hawks concerned about its effect on the military  announced opposition to Johnsons CR play. A scheduled Wednesday vote on the measure appears likely to fail.

This is about Speaker Johnsons leadership ability. Thats what its all about, said Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), who unsuccessfully attempted to oust Johnson from his position earlier this year.

What is speaker Johnson going to do? Is he willing to fight for this? And if hes not willing to fight for it, why? Why would we vote for it? Greene said.

Johnson told reporters Monday there is not a fallback plan if the stopgap package fails. But Rep. Tom Cole (R-Okla.), chair of the House Appropriations Committee, said the Republicans always have multiple, you know, things available in the case of a failed play.

Rep. Cory Mills (R-Fla.), who is opposed to the continuing resolution because it extends funding he disagrees with, aimed to keep the focus on policy disagreements rather than leadership issues, but he still offered some critiques.

Ive not been impressed with what Ive seen so far. I think that Speaker Johnson is a great person. He is a spiritually guided constitutional member. But what I see is a weakening in leadership, Mills said. I understand that he has one leg of the four-legged stool, if you will, and that hes up against people like [House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.)]. But the American people can accept us to fight and lose. They cant accept us not to fight at all.

It is a familiar position for Johnson and for the House GOP as a whole, which has been rocked by disputes over fiscal policy since the GOP took control of the chamber in 2023  including an eerily familiar scenario that could foreshadow trouble for the Speaker.

The historic ouster of Johnsons predecessor, former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), came after McCarthy angered fiscal hawks by opting to extend government funding in a clean stopgap  a decision he made after a package that paired a funding extension with a border bill failed due to Republican opposition.

The hard-line conservative House Freedom Caucus had pushed for a six-month CR that included the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act. But now it is opposition from some Freedom Caucus members that is derailing the funding play.

That recurring dynamic of leadership trying the most conservative option, only for hard-line members to still oppose legislation, frustrates moderates.

Thats the side of the party thats kind of taking his legs out, so he tries to accommodate them, and then still gets hit by the same group, one moderate House Republican told The Hill.

Johnson has said he plans to seek the Speakership again if Republicans retain control of the House.

When considering Johnsons prospects of leading the House GOP next year, Republican lawmakers and senior Republican staff say the biggest factor will be whether Republicans can keep and grow their majority. But they also say they are keeping an eye on how he handles the Sept. 30 shutdown deadline.

To be sure, the funding fight may not be the biggest legislative factor for Republicans skeptical of Johnsons leadership. Discontent with Johnsons handling of funding issues earlier in the year and move to push through funding for Ukraine helped Greene to force a vote to oust him from the position in the spring, with Democrats coming to Johnsons rescue to table the matter.

But the view from across the aisle is that Johnsons CR move is linked to his leadership prospects.

The problem he has is: To keep his job, he jeopardizes the majority. To keep the majority, he jeopardizes his job. And its because they cant govern. Thats really the conundrum that hes in, Rep. Dan Kildee (D-Mich.) said.

However, one House Republican who has discussed strategy with Johnson insisted his support for the SAVE Act as part of the CR is based in his convictions, not his political standing.

Hes making decisions based on what he believes is the best course of action, not because this is the best way for me to keep my job, the GOP member said.

And Johnson himself has said he is acting out of principle.

This is a conviction I feel deep in my heart, Johnson said of his support for the SAVE Act in a Tuesday press conference.

And even those who have disagreed with Johnsons play continue to give him grace for how he has tried to wrangle a razor-thin GOP majority.

I didnt agree with some of the actions that were taken at the time, said Rep. Dan Meuser (R-Pa.), referencing Johnsons early days. But since then, I think hes become more than battle-tested.

Mychael Schnell and Mike Lillis contributed.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Jon Stewart says Kamala Harris successfully attacked Trump's 'most cherished family member' in the debate

Jon Stewart says Kamala Harris successfully attacked Trump's 'most cherished family member' in the debate

Jon Stewart has weighed in on Kamala Harris' debate performance on "The Daily Show."

Stewart said Harris managed to hit Trump's "most cherished family member"  his rally crowd sizes.

Trump looked visibly furious after Harris' comment on his rally turnout.

Jon Stewart said on "The Daily Show" after Tuesday's presidential debate that Vice President Kamala Harris managed to hit former President Donald Trump where it most hurts.

"I'm going to invite you to attend one of Donald Trump's rallies," Harris said during the ABC News debate, noting he's talked about "fictional characters like Hannibal Lecter" and that "windmills cause cancer."

"And what you will also notice is that people start leaving his rallies early out of exhaustion and boredom," Harris said.

"Folks, the eagle has landed," Stewart said, showing a still image of Trump looking visibly angry after Harris' jab.

"She has attacked what is Donald Trump's most cherished family member  his rally crowds," Stewart said.

"The Daily Show" host then said that Trump could have stayed on message  but that's not what he did.

Instead, the former president responded that he has "the biggest rallies." He then segued into a racist rant about Haitian immigrants eating pets in Ohio, a claim that one of the moderators, David Muir, immediately debunked.

"What the fuck just happened?" Stewart said of Trump's dog-eating claims.

Stewart then compared Trump to Abe Simpson, the subject of the "Old Man Yells at Cloud" meme.

When contacted for comment, Trump spokesman Steven Cheung told Business Insider that "Jon Stewart used to be relevant and mildly entertaining" but is now "bitter" and a "shell of a person he used to be."

"He suffers from a debilitating and devastating case of Trump Derangement Syndrome that has clearly rotted his brain and ruined his life to the point he has to compensate for his embarrassing inadequacies," Cheung added.

The Harris campaign now wants a second debate with Trump. For his part, Trump says he "wouldn't mind" facing off against Harris again  but he hasn't agreed to another debate date yet.

Representatives for Harris did not immediately respond to requests for comment from BI sent outside regular business hours.

Read the original article on Business Insider
JonBenet Ramsey's father has high hopes for fifth Colorado chief to take on 30-year murder case

JonBenet Ramsey's father has high hopes for fifth Colorado chief to take on 30-year murder case

FIRST ON FOX  John Ramsey, father of 1996 murder victim JonBenet Ramsey, praised the City of Boulder in Colorado for officially naming a new police chief Sept. 6.

Chief Stephen Redfearn, who served as the interim chief for the Boulder Police Department starting in January, is the fifth police chief at BPD to take on the JonBenet Ramsey case nearly 30 years after the 6-year-old beauty pageant participant was mysteriously murdered in her home Dec. 26, 1996.

"He's good. I like him," Ramsey, 80, told Fox News Digital of Redfearn Tuesday, calling his new appointment "good news."

Ramsey said his first goal with the new police chief is to request an in-person meeting. The Ramsey family is entitled to an annual face-to-face meeting with the police department, which has not happened so far this year, he explained.

JONBENET RAMSEY MURDER: FAMILY ENCOURAGED BY RENEWED INTEREST IN CASE, DNA TESTING POSSIBILITIES

JonBenet Ramsey's father is praising the appointment of a new Boulder Police Department chief.

He described Redfearn as "a competent fellow" who was hired "from outside the system" rather than "promoted from within," which is a positive, he said, because Ramsey feels BPD has historically been unfair to him and his family.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

In 1999, a grand jury indicted both John and his wife, Patsy Ramsey, for child abuse resulting in JonBenet's death, but Alex Hunter, the district attorney at the time, refused to sign the indictment, citing a lack of evidence that would warrant criminal charges against the parents.

JONBENET RAMSEY'S FATHER CLAIMS COLORADO POLICE OFFICER SAID THEY ARE JUST WAITING FOR HIM TO DIE

John and Patsy Ramsey, the parents of JonBenet Ramsey, meet with a small group of the local Colorado media after four months of silence in Boulder, Colo., May 1, 1997.

Ramsey would like BPD to turn over evidence in his daughter's nearly 30-year-old murder case to the FBI, "at a minimum," so that federal officials can test and retest evidence for possible external DNA, including external male DNA that federal officials disclosed in 1997.

FOLLOW THE FOX TRUE CRIME TEAM ON X

Evidence that has never been tested for traces of DNA includes the garrote found around JonBenet's neck, a ransom note found in the Ramsey house on the morning of the murder, a suitcase found in the basement that authorities believe the killer used to escape out a window, an unknown flashlight found on the Ramsey family's kitchen counter the morning of the murder and unknown rope found in her brother Burke Ramsey's room that day, according to public records initially obtained by journalist Paula Woodward, as Fox News Digital previously reported.

JONBENET RAMSEY'S FAMILY DIDNT CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS' FOR YEARS AFTER MURDER 27 YEARS AGO, FATHER SAYS

JonBenet Ramsey, right, was murdered in her family's Boulder, Colo., home Dec. 26, 1996. This undated photo provided by the family shows her with her brother Burke.

"We have an unidentified male DNA result from the testing they did in 1997, which  by today's standards, it was primitive," Ramsey explained. "But we have an unidentified male DNA sample, which was reported to the police in January 1997. They kept that a secret because it conflicted with their conclusion that we were guilty. How do we explain that away? Which they tried desperately to do."

He added that the reason his family wants new testing is because "these cutting-edge [genetic genealogy] labs need fresh samples to do the work they do."

JONBENET RAMSEY CASE: BOULDER POLICE RESPOND TO UNEARTHED DNA BOMBSHELL

JonBenet Ramsey was mysteriously murdered in her family's Boulder, Colo., home in December 1996.

The City of Boulder issued a press release saying Redfearn joined BPD as a deputy chief in 2021 after a 25-year career in police service, which began when he was a cadet and 911 dispatcher during the Columbine High School mass shooting. He then joined the Aurora Police Department for 20 years, where he worked in a number of positions from patrol officer to division chief.

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"I am honored to be able to lead the talented officers and employees of the Boulder Police Department as we work collaboratively and proactively with our community to make policing equitable and effective in its core mission. We often think about our role to protect and serve, but we also have an opportunity and an obligation to prevent harm," Redfearn said in a Sept. 6 statement.

"Well do this through a re-evaluation of our policies, best-practices training, a focus on employee well-being, and, absolutely, a renewed commitment to engaging with community. That is what policing is about."

JONBENET'S FATHER CHALLENGES COLORADO GOVERNOR TO MEET: 'TIME FOR ANSWERS IS RUNNING OUT'

JonBenet Ramsey would have turned 34 Aug. 6, 2024.

The Boulder Police Department said "Chief Redfearn has continued to have conversations with the Ramsey family, and there are no plans to change that."

Ramsey noted that Redfearn is "the fifth police chief we've been faced with in 30 years, which is crazy."

GET REAL TIME UPDATES DIRECTLY ON THE TRUE CRIME HUB

"But the good news is that the last two have come from outside the system, which is very important," he said.





Original article source: JonBenet Ramsey's father has high hopes for fifth Colorado chief to take on 30-year murder case
A federal judge on Tuesday ruled that a lawsuit calling for changes to how police in Washington, D.C., handle mental health crises can move forward, rejecting the district's efforts to dismiss the case.

Bread For The City, a nonprofit that provides food, legal help, and resources for people in D.C., sued the district over claims that its police response to mental health crises often worsens situations.

The American Civil Liberties Union filed the lawsuit on behalf of the nonprofit in July 2023, accusing D.C. of violating the federal Americans with Disabilities Act. The ACLU said on social media that the ruling is an "important step forward to ensure that mental health crises are treated with "care and compassion" rather than unnecessary law enforcement."

PROTESTS BREAK OUT IN DC AFTER BODY CAM FOOTAGE RELEASED OF DEADLY POLICE SHOOTING, 6 DEMONSTRATORS ARRESTED

A federal judge rejected Washington, D.C.'s efforts to dismiss a lawsuit calling for changes to how police handle mental health crises.

"They are not trained to respond to the person in crisis, they are inherently triggering to the person in crisis and we need someone safe to call, someone who is trained to respond," Ashika Verriest, senior staff attorney with the ACLU Criminal Law Reform Project, told Fox 5 DC.

When people in D.C. who are experiencing a mental health crisis call 911 seeking help, police officers are typically sent to respond, which can escalate the situation or trigger the person having the mental health crises, according to the ACLU.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Verriest said plaintiffs want D.C. to implement changes to where dispatch would send mental health providers to handle mental health crises instead of police.

5 SUSPECTS DETAINED IN WASHINGTON, DC AFTER RAMPANT BURGLARIES THROUGHOUT THE DISTRICT OVERNIGHT

The lawsuit accuses D.C. of violating the federal Americans with Disabilities Act.

"The problem is that when you call 911, you very rarely get that type of response," Verriest said. "Per our complaint looking at a particular time period, you would be getting that type of response less than 1% of the time and even if you did get that response, you would not get it in a timely way. You would be waiting hours."

The judge stressed that her ruling was not a criticism of police conduct, but rather that officers are not trained for these mental health situations.

When asked about how the mental health professionals would be funded, Verriest pointed to the resources used for police to respond to mental health crises.

The judge said officers are not trained for mental health crises.

"Look at the amount of taxpayer money that is spent on police officers responding to this, the amount of time police officers have to spend with someone in crisis, the amount of overtime that involves and the amount of time they spend taking someone to a hospital waiting  and whether that money can be used better to have the right responders to respond," Verriest said.

Both sides are now preparing for a trial in this case.





Original article source: Judge allows lawsuit demanding change to DC police response to mental health calls to move forward
A bankruptcy judge Tuesday approved the sale of three hospitals in Brevard and Indian River counties to Orlando Health.

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U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Christopher Lopez issued an order approving the sales of Melbourne Regional Medical Center and Rockledge Regional Medical Center in Brevard County and Sebastian River Medical Center in Indian River County.

Orlando Health agreed to pay $439 million in cash to buy the hospitals from Steward Health Care, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in May.

Read: She had a gun: attempt to cast Shaver husband as violent abuser backfires in court

In addition to the hospitals in Brevard and Indian River counties, Steward owns Coral Gables Hospital, Hialeah Hospital, North Shore Medical Center and Palmetto General Hospital in Miami-Dade County and Florida Medical Center in Broward County.

Bankruptcy court documents do not show a successful bidder for those hospitals.

Read: Two planes collide at Atlanta airport on tarmac

The Texas-based Steward also has operated hospitals in Arizona, Arkansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Texas.

Orlando Health last month also announced an agreement to buy Tenet Healthcares majority interest in Brookwood Baptist Health in Birmingham, Ala.

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ATLANTA (AP)  Presidential candidates Cornel West and Claudia De la Cruz are disqualified from running for president in Georgia, two state court judges ruled Wednesday, saying that their electors didn't file the proper paperwork.

For now at least, the decision means votes for West and De la Cruz won't be counted in Georgia, even if their names remain on ballots because it's too late to remove them. Military and overseas ballots are scheduled to be mailed starting Tuesday.

Fulton County Superior Court Judges Thomas A. Cox Jr. and Emily Richardson ordered the state to post notices in polling places warning that West and De la Cruz had been disqualified and that votes for them would be void if their names still appear, a common remedy in Georgia for late election changes.

West has been running as an independent in Georgia. De la Cruz is the nominee for the Party of Socialism and Liberation but technically qualified for the Georgia ballot as an independent.

If the rulings stand, presidential choices for Georgia voters will include Republican Donald Trump, Democrat Kamala Harris, Libertarian Chase Oliver and Green Party nominee Jill Stein, the most candidates since 2000.

Democrats, Republicans and Libertarians automatically qualify for elections in Georgia.

Spokespersons for West and De la Cruz said they would appeal the decision to the Georgia Supreme Court.

We are confident that we will win the appeal, Edwin DeJesus with the West campaign wrote in an email.

We are appealing this decision which negates basic democratic rights of the people of Georgia to vote for the candidate of their choice, Estevan Hernandez, co-chair of De la Cruz's campaign in Georgia, said in a statement. This is the result of the effort by the Democratic Party to sabotage democratic rights of Georgia voters at the very moment that they say that the 2024 election is about democracy itself.

Wednesday's rulings were the latest turn in the on-again, off-again saga of ballot access for independent and third-party candidates in Georgia. An administrative law judge disqualified West, De la Cruz, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and the Georgia Green Party from the ballot. But Raffensperger, who gets the last word in such matters, overruled the judge, and said West and De la Cruz should get access.

Raffensperger also ruled that under a new Georgia law, Stein should go on Georgia ballots because the national Green Party had qualified her in at least 20 other states.

Kennedy's name stayed off ballots because he withdrew his candidacy in Georgia and a number of other states after suspending his campaign and endorsing Trump.

Democrats appealed Raffensperger's decisions on West and De la Cruz and filed a fresh action challenging his decision on Stein, seeking to block candidates who could siphon votes from Harris after Joe Biden won Georgia by fewer than 12,000 votes in 2020.

Cox dismissed the Democratic challenge to Stein's inclusion on Wednesday. He wrote that Raffensperger has a clear legal duty to allow the Unified Green Party to qualify candidates for presidential elector and to allow those candidates access to the Nov. 4, 2024 General Election ballot." If Democrats want to contest the issue further, they should do so before an administrative law judge, Cox wrote.

The judge agreed with Democratic arguments that under state law, at least one of West's electors should have filed a petition with the required 7,500 signatures from registered voters in their own name. Instead, the petition was filed only in West's name.

While Dr. West only needed a single presidential elector to properly qualify to provide him with ballot access, none of his candidates satisfied the requirements to do so," Cox wrote.

Richardson made a similar ruling against De la Cruz.

Georgia is one of several states where Democrats and allied groups have filed challenges to third-party and independent candidates.

Republicans in Georgia intervened, seeking to keep all the candidates on the ballot. That's just one push in a Republican effort across battleground states to prop up liberal third-party candidates such as West and Stein in an effort to hurt Harris. Its not clear whos paying for the effort. But it could matter in states decided by minuscule margins in the 2020 election.
Abortion providers lost a bid Wednesday to broaden exceptions under Indiana's abortion ban. (Whitney Downard/Indiana Capital Chronicle)

An Owen County judge has denied an attempt to weaken the states near-total abortion ban, allowing the law to stay in place.

Plaintiffs have not shown that (Senate Bill 1) materially burdens the rights of any specific or well-defined class of patients to access constitutionally protected abortion care, the decision said. Significant and compelling evidence regarding the policy implications of S.B. 1  and its effects on medical professionals specifically  was presented. However, the court cannot substitute its own policy preferences for that of the Indiana General Assembly.

Attorneys with the American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana, representing the local Planned Parenthood affiliate as well as Bloomington-based All-Options and other plaintiffs, sought to expand the exemptions under the ban, which was signed into law in 2022.

Todays decision means that pregnant Hoosiers lives will continue to be endangered by Indianas abortion ban, said a statement from Planned Parenthood. Already, Hoosiers with serious health complications have been forced to endure unjustifiable suffering due to miscarriages, ectopic pregnancies and other pregnancy-related issues or leave the state to access appropriate care.

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Indiana legislators drafted the law with three exceptions: for fatal fetal anomaly, serious health risk to the mother, and rape or incest. One part of the law says these exceptions are up to 20 weeks but another part says they can be used anytime. Rape survivors can get an abortion up to 10 weeks post-fertilization.

It also stripped abortion clinics of their facility licenses, and limits abortions to only hospitals and hospital-owned ambulatory surgical centers.

Indiana Right to Life said the ruling strongly affirms Indianas right to limit abortions in the state.

The limits in Indiana law have been highly effective in ending the killing of over 9,000 babies per year and stopped the abortion profiteers from making millions at the expense of women and their babies, said Indiana Right to Life President and Chief Executive Officer Mike Fichter.

The Indiana Supreme Court has already ruled Indianas law is constitutional and the U.S. Supreme Court affirmed in its 2022 Dobbs ruling the right for states to determine abortion law. As abortion businesses like Planned Parenthood continue to seek ways to undermine Indiana law, we will remain focused on helping Indiana become a model state in showing compassion for pregnant mothers and providing protection for unborn babies.

Health risks

Special Judge Kelsey Blake Hanlon, a Republican, heard oral arguments in the latest round of court hearings back in May.

She previously enacted the injunction that paused the bans implementation until the summer of 2023, when the Indiana Supreme Court ruled in favor of the state but said the constitution provided for an abortion exception for the health and life of the mother.

However, Hanlon denied the latest move for an injunction on narrower grounds, which included specific examples of women experiencing complications during pregnancy.

The Supreme Court did not establish the precise contours of this protection nor did it determine a specific test under which to assess the availability of constitutionally protected abortion. In essence, the amount of health risk the Indiana General Assembly may constitutionally require women in Indiana to tolerate in pregnancy and childbirth remains an open question subject to review through as-applied challenges, Hanlon wrote, quoting other legal filings.

However, the decision does make that clear that to enjoy constitutional protection, an abortion must be necessary to protect life or health of the woman and the health risk posed to the woman must be either life-threatening or serious, Hanlon continued.

But Hanlon said plaintiffs failed to show that the life and health exception had prevented any constitutionally protected abortion from occurring. Physicians have repeatedly expressed concerns about the law impairing their ability to make quick decisions in emergency situations. The judge found the law doesnt require that doctors wait until a woman is clinically unstable to provide care because it allows abortion when the doctors reasonable medical judgment is that shed face serious risks.

Conditions discussed in court, like hyperemesis gravidarum, preeclampsia and gestational diabetes have other treatments, though doctors can perform abortions in severe cases requiring more drastic measures, Hanlon said.

What are categorically excluded, she acknowledged, are mental and emotional conditions.

The judge said the plaintiffs had presented compelling evidence showing how serious such illnesses can be, but hadnt shown any specific scenarios in which abortion would be necessary as treatment.

The court also disagreed that the hospital requirement is overly burdensome, and noted that increased cost and travel for an abortion is not enough to overturn the law.

The plaintiffs can appeal the case to the Indiana Court of Appeals.

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.

This story has been updated to correct the home county of the judge.

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Julie Chrisley being transferred for resentencing hearing in Atlanta, in custody of U.S. Marshals

Mystery solved. Julie Chrisley is currently in custody of the U.S. Marshal Service as she gets ready for a resentencing hearing here in Atlanta later this month.

As Channel 2 Action News reported last month, Chrisley was no longer in the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

Now, her attorney has confirmed in an interview with the U.S. Sun that she is being held at an undisclosed location by the U.S. Marshals as she makes her way to Atlanta for resentencing before U.S. District Court on Sept. 25 at the federal courthouse in downtown.

The U.S. Marshals Service does the transportation of federal prisoners. They never say where the prisoners are coming from, or where they are going, and when theyre in transport, Chrisleys attorney Jay Surgent told the newspaper. I suspect at this point in time, I know Julies picked up some time ago. Shes probably not in transport. Shes probably being kept from state or county facility pending her Atlanta, Georgia, court date.

Todd and Julie Chrisley, mostly known for their reality TV series Chrisley Knows Best, and Peter Tarantino, their accountant, were found guilty in 2022 of conspiring to defraud banks and the IRS out of millions of dollars and are serving a combined 15 years in prison. The Chrisleys were originally sentenced to a combined 19 years in prison, but the sentences were reduced in September 2023.

Julie is currently waiting to re-sentenced after an appeals court judge vacated her sentence following the fraud convictions. The same judge upheld Todds conviction, who was sentenced to 12 years in prison.

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In the ruling vacating her sentence, the appeals court sent the case back to the Northern District of Georgia court for Julie to be resentenced.

Last month, a judge ruled that Julie would have to appear in person after being asked to do it virtually instead.

Surgent said that Julie is likely being housed in a facility that is likely not far from Atlanta.

Its not like Julies missing from the system. Guaranteed that thats not even possible. Shes transported privately, securely, nowhere. No one knows where she is, he said. As her council, we would know what the situation was, but at this point, for security reasons, theres no way in heck that they would ever say where she is.

Surgent also told the newspaper that Julies family has also been kept in the dark about her location.

Channel 2 Action News first started investigating the Chrisleys in 2017, when we learned that Todd Chrisley had likely evaded paying Georgia state income taxes for several years.

Court documents obtained by Channel 2 Action News showed that by 2018, the Chrisleys owed the state nearly $800,000 in liens.

The couple eventually went to trial and a federal jury found them guilty of bank fraud and tax evasion.

RELATED NEWS:
By Svea Herbst-Bayliss

NEW YORK (Reuters) -Norfolk Southern on Wednesday fired its chief executive officer, Alan Shaw, and promoted its chief financial officer to run the railroad after an internal probe into allegations Shaw had violated company ethics policies.

The company tapped Mark George as president and chief executive, ending days of frenzied speculation about the future of Shaw since the company acknowledged on Sunday that it was probing allegations Shaw had an inappropriate relationship with a direct report.

"Shaw's departure is unrelated to the company's performance, financial reporting and results of operations," the company said in a statement, adding that Shaw was terminated for cause.

The company also said it terminated Nabanita Nag, Norfolk Southern's chief legal officer, with whom Shaw had a consensual relationship.

Reuters earlier reported that George, who had been in the running for the top job when Shaw was appointed in 2022, was a candidate to replace him.

Reuters also reported earlier that executives and lawyers were discussing terms of a potential exit package for Shaw, including severance, according to two sources.

Shaw had been with the company for decades and led the company during a disastrous 2023 derailment in East Palestine, Ohio that is expected to cost the company more than $1 billion to settle claims.

The investigation into Shaw's conduct comes months after the CEO survived a bitter proxy contest with activist hedge fund Ancora Holdings that saw investors vote in three new directors to the company's 13-member board.

George will join the board, the company said.

Claude Mongeau, executive chair of the board who has been a director since 2019, praised George for having financial experience and operational expertise.

"He embodies our corporate values and is a champion of our safety culture. In close partnership with our accomplished chief operating officer, John Orr, they will continue to improve Norfolk Southern's operating performance," Mongeau said in the statement.

(Reporting by Svea Herbst-Bayliss; Editing by Jamie Freed and Cynthia Osterman)
Ermias Woldeamlak, seen visiting the Red Terror Martyrs Memorial Museum, lost three brothers to the repression (Michele Spatari) (Michele Spatari/AFP/AFP)

In his apartment in Ethiopia's capital, Ermias Woldeamlak stares at the photos of his three older brothers, all of them killed during a period of military terror a generation ago.

"Elias was 20 or 21, Thomas was 19, Berhan was 18," he says.

Half a century has passed, "but I still feel very sad," Ermias adds. "I remember it as fresh as something that happened yesterday."

Thursday marks 50 years since a Marxist-Leninist military junta known as the Derg seized power in Ethiopia, overthrowing Emperor Haile Selassie and a monarchy that had ruled Ethiopia for 700 years.

Tens of thousands died at the hands of the new regime, which ruled with callous brutality until its own overthrow in 1991.

Its 87-year-old leader Mengistu Haile Mariam lives on quietly in Zimbabwe despite being convicted of genocide and sentenced to death in absentia in 2008.

For Ermias, that impunity is impossible to stomach.

Without the extradition of the regime's "greatest criminal", and without financial reparations for the victims' families, "justice has not been done", said the 64-year-old documentary filmmaker.

- 'I saw a lot of killing' -

Ermias was just a teenager when the revolution happened.

Initially led by left-wing students, it was quickly overtaken by the army which established the Provisional Military Administration Council (its local acronym spells Derg) on September 12, 1974.

Ermias's brothers were among the young rebels in the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Party (EPRP) who tried to seize back control from the army.

The clashes triggered the rise of Mengistu, a hardline colonel, to the leadership in 1977, and unleashed a two-year period of brutal repression that became known as the "Red Terror".

Ermias's oldest brother, Elias, was arrested in November 1976 after being found in their grandmother's home with red paint -- illegal because it was used for rebel slogans.

Elias spent months in prison and was tortured, his brother says.

The family would regularly bring him food and clothes until one day in March 1977, the prison guards said they should no longer bother coming.

The next brother Thomas was executed on the steps of a church in Addis Ababa and his body put on public display as a warning.

The family only learned of the death of Berhan, who had been in hiding, after the fall of the Derg in 1991.

Ermias says he was also imprisoned and tortured after being caught with pro-rebel leaflets.

He was often left hanging with his feet and hands bound to a wooden stick, an excruciating position that left him with pain in his arms for years afterwards.

"I saw a lot of killing," he recalls. "I remember seeing bodies of people who were with me the night before (who had been) taken out and killed.

"Those things, you can't forget."

- 'Tens of thousands' murdered -

The exact scale of the Derg's crimes remains unknown.

Jacob Wiebel, a historian at Durham University in Britain who specialises in the subject, says "tens of thousands" were murdered, and many more tortured.

Dozens of the junta's leaders were later convicted for rights abuses, but the trials "were insufficiently funded, drawn out and lacking in due process," Wiebel told AFP.

Zimbabwe refuses to extradite Mengistu and in 2011, many Derg leaders saw their death sentences commuted to life imprisonment, including such notorious figures as Legesse Asfaw, known as the "Butcher of Tigray", a region in northern Ethiopia that suffered particular repression.

Ermias says he wishes that Ethiopia could follow the example of Rwanda where trials over the 1994 genocide encompassed not just leaders, but many lower-level perpetrators.

Nor, he says, have Ethiopian leaders made any real effort to help victims work through their trauma with a Truth and Reconciliation Commission or offer any kind of financial compensation.

He worries this has allowed Ethiopia to fall back into war and ethnic division in recent years.

"The extent and the way it's happening is different, (but) if people don't learn from history, they repeat the same mistakes," he said.

dyg/sva/er/txw/kjm
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  A juvenile accused of taking the life of 16-year-old Kian Hamilton, a Jordan High School student, has his court date set for later this month. Christopher De La Rosa, 16, has been charged as an adult in the fatal stabbing of Kian Hamilton, a student at Jordan High School. De la Rosa is due in court on Sept. 19.

Juvenile suspect in death of Jordan High School student charged as an adult

According to court documents, De La Rosa was charged with one count of murder and two counts of obstruction of justice. Hamilton was stabbed in August.

According to one witness, De La Rosas and Hamiltons separate friend groups had beef for about a year prior to the stabbing. Hamilton had allegedly been jumped by De La Rosa and his friend group before.

Witnesses told detectives that Hamiltons and De La Rosas separate friend group met in a parking lot to settle things. Several fights broke out. During the altercation, De La Rosa reportedly threw a rock at Hamilton which caused their conflict to escalate, leading to Hamiltons stabbing.

Detectives reportedly obtained a cell phone video of the fight, where they say De La Rosa allegedly pulled out a knife before lunging and stabbing Hamilton.

After De La Rosa was arrested by police, he reportedly did not know that Hamilton had died from his injuries.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
(FOX40.COM)  The results of an investigation into the death of a K9 in June were released on Tuesday afternoon by the San Joaquin County Sheriffs Office.

K9 Brando died from heat-related injuries on June 22 at an emergency veterinarian clinic after being pulled from a handlers vehicle.

The investigation found that Brandos regular handler was on a family vacation and that he was under the care of another handler at the time and was inside a sheriffs training vehicle.

The vehicle was equipped with shade, water and air running air conditioning, which the sheriffs office says is usual so that deputies can attend to their duties.

Netflixs Tiger King tiger undergoes groundbreaking eye surgery by UC Davis

However, unlike other sheriffs K9 vehicles, the training vehicle was not equipped with a heat safety alarm and the air conditioning unexpectedly failed before someone returned to the vehicle.

A K9 can suffer life-threatening injuries due to heat within 15 minutes, the sheriffs office wrote in a news release. That is all it takes. We have always stressed and shared this safety concern with the public, and we are now sadly, angrily, and intimately aware of it.

A separate deputy found Brando in distress and transported him to an emergency veterinarian clinic where he was given medical care.

Brando was reportedly showing signs of recovery, but suffered from a seizure overnight and died at the clinic.

Lake Tahoe officials warn of very high fire danger

In the wake of Brandos death, the sheriffs office said they have reviewed standard procedures for K9s and their handlers and have ensured K9s are protected with fans and have proper cooling abilities while in vehicle kennels.

Our K9s are so very loved by you, the sheriffs office wrote. To you, we also share our condolences and share your sorrow. Please know that we are making every effort to ensure such an incident does not happen 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 FOX40.
The News

PHILADELPHIA  Kamala Harris planted traps. For much of Tuesday night, Donald Trump stepped on them.

She overstated how much money the former president had been loaned by his father. I wasnt given $400 million, he said. I wish I was. She warned that Trump would implement the Heritage Foundations Project 2025: Thats out there, I havent read it, personally.

She urged viewers to attend a Trump rally, so they could watch bored people stream out; Trump, obviously irritated, claimed no one attended Harriss rallies, then meandered into a false, viral story of migrants devouring pets in southwest Ohio.

In Springfield, theyre eating the dogs, theyre eating the cats, he said.

Talk about extreme! said Harris, with a laugh.

The first debate between Trump and his unexpected opponent was, at times, the antithesis of Joe Bidens meltdown in Atlanta. Harris was often the aggressor, getting in crisp talking points that landed as planned, and spending less time than Biden bogged down in the weeds of her record and opportunity economy agenda. Trump didnt get trapped in his thoughts, as Biden had, or leave as obvious an opening for Harris to exploit, but he struggled to make his own case consistently.

For most of the night, Harris executed a clear strategy. She invoked a fact from the Trump years that Democrats felt had been forgotten by voters since 2020, she said something that would set her opponent off, and then she used his familiar eruptions in response to urge voters to take the offramp on the Trump era.

The effectiveness changed depending on the question. Trump repeatedly spent time rebutting her instead of landing the lines Republicans wanted to hear: Harriss abandonment of progressive ideas from her 2020 Democratic primary campaign, a constant theme in Republican advertising, and her active participation in Bidens unpopular presidency Trump supporters grumbled afterwards that the moderators didnt interrogate her enough on these topics more themselves.

Kamala is VP RIGHT NOW, Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene texted Semafor at the debates halfway point. Why dont they ask her why isnt she doing all of these things shes promising right now? But they wont.

But Trump even appeared to directly undermine that argument at one point: After his allies spent the week boasting that he would use the debate to tie her to Bidens record, he claimed that there was a rift between the president and his vice president. Ill give you a little secret  he hates her, he said.

Davids view

The risk of Harris baiting Trump was well-known before the debate, and much of what she said had been tested out on rally stages.

And it didnt always work. A transition between two moments in the second half of the night  Harris citing accusations of racism from early in Trumps career at length, then asking for the belittling and name calling to stop so they could discuss their economic plans, was jarring.

But Trump simply wasted more time than Harris, sometimes pining for the opponent hed demolished in Atlanta; he wasted one of his last rounds discussing a House Republican report on financial payments to Biden family members. Harris stepped around follow-up questions designed to trap her in Biden administration mistakes or unpopular old views.

After the debate, surrogates for both campaigns were peppered with questions about Harris leading Trump into distraction.

Look, this guy cant stay focused on anything, which is what makes him very, very dangerous, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro told reporters. Hes only thinking about himself, hes not thinking about the American people.

Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., accused Harris of spending the debate trying to get under his skin, trying to do everything to get away from her own record.

Democrats had prepared for Trump to name individual criminals who had been released into the country by Biden administration asylum policies, or put back on the streets by California laws. Some of them had starred in swing-state advertising campaigns.

But Trump never mentioned them, and repeatedly got stuck in a feedback loop of names and terms that required advanced courses in Being Online. How many viewers were aware of Germanys disastrous move away from nuclear energy, when Trump said Germany tried that and within one year they were back to using fossil fuels?

Harris was far more strategic; Democrats thrilled when she boasted about the the largest increase in domestic oil production in history, a fact that Biden had struggled to ever deploy. Instead of rebutting each Trump reference to her abandoned 2020 views, she focused on fracking and gun buybacks.

Tim Walz and I are both gun owners. Were not taking anybodys guns away, she told Trump. Stop with the continuous lying about this stuff.

One question coming out of the night: Did Harris do enough to rebut a persistent and effective Trump attack line, that she was weak and unable to explain herself under pressure? Harris scoffed at Trump, looked at him as if she was embarrassed for him, and at one point crooked her hand under her chin to take in an unfocused answer.

Did that narrow Harriss disadvantages when voters are asked who could best handle immigration and the economy? Maybe not, but a similar approach worked well for Hillary Clinton eight years ago, who polls showed winning their debates that year even as she lost the election.

In that cycles first debate, when both candidates were less personally popular than Harris and Trump are now, she suggested that someone you can provoke with a tweet shouldnt be commander-in-chief. Harris suggested that Trumps temperament and confused responses were a risk to everyone. Its remarkable that this worked twice.

The View From Republicans

Trumps supporters in Philadelphia acknowledged that the nominee spent a lot of time responding to Harris, but some said it had been effective. Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz, who helped prep Trump for the debate, said that hed held the ball for longer than the vice president, taking more speaking time and using it effectively.

We thought that she would try to get under Trumps skin; we didnt know she would be so effective at getting under the American peoples skin, said Gaetz. I think she came across as caustic at times, and pretty unlikable.

The View From Democrats

After struggling to spin away Bidens debacle in June, Democrats celebrated Tuesday night.

She is kicking his old nasty orange [peach emoji], California Rep. Norma Torres told Semafor midway through the debate.

Democrats are euphoric, said North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, laughing when he was asked if he felt better than he did in Atlanta.

I dont think DT was ready for her, California Rep. Nanette Barragan wrote in a text message. The facts. Receipts.




Will Kamala Harris ban fracking in Pa? What she, Trump said at presidential debate

Former President Donald Trump tried to paint Kamala Harris as anti fracking during Tuesdays debate at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia.

The vice president never fully explained why she changed her views on fracking, who, during her short-lived presidential bid in 2019, said she was against the process and then in 2020 said she wouldnt ban it.

During the debate, Trump seized on the topic, hammering Harris for her changing views and insisting shed flip her stance again one in office.

Fracking? Shes been against it for 12 years, Trump shot at one point.

If she won the election, fracking in Pennsylvania will end on day one, he continued.

But, what exactly is fracking, and why is the process so controversial?

What is fracking?

The United States Geological Survey explains fracking involves injecting water into bedrock to loosen it and retrieving oil and gas deposits.

Basically, the bedrock is fractured or existing fractures are increased in order to extract oil and gas in the layers.

How much fracking in Pennsylvania?

Fracking is a significant industry in Pennsylvania  a key battleground state in the presidential election.

Estimates suggest there are more than 220,000 fracking wells planned or already drilled in the state.

State law is protective of the practice, barring municipalities from banning fracking.

Why is fracking controversial?

Activists and environmentalists have long opposed fracking, and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences' website on fracking points out just a few of the biological and environmental issues posed by fracking.

"Water quality is a primary concern because the hydraulic fracturing fluids used to fracture rock formations have chemicals that could harm human health and the environment, especially if they enter drinking water supplies," read a portion of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences' website. "Other concerns relate to chemicals that are recovered and disposed of as wastewater. Emissions of air pollutants are another potential hazard."

Damon C. Williams is a Philadelphia-based journalist reporting on trending topics across the Mid-Atlantic Region.

This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Pennsylvania fracking bitter topic at presidential debate
A lot of things happened. Here are some of the things. This is TPMs Morning Memo. Sign up for the email version.

Standing Up To The Bully

Kamala Harris practiced a different kind of dominance politics in last nights debate, confronting the menace of Donald Trump directly and taking him down a peg like you would a schoolyard bully.

After nearly a decade of Trump doing as he pleases with little accountability, a lot of appeasement, and very rare consequence, he was brought up short by an opponent who looked him in the eye, called him out, didnt back down, and in the process threw him off his game and took command of the debate stage.

The emotional weight of her presentation was centered on confronting him with a combination of mockery, scorn, bemusement, disdain, and condescension. Yes, it got under his skin, Yes, he was rattled, Yes, it turned him into a fulminating old man. Im less interested though in the stagecraft she used than in the catharsis it provided to viewers who have craved to see Trump get his comeuppance for so many years, only to be repeatedly and endlessly disappointed.

It was Joe Bidens failure to confront Trump on this level during their debate in June that led to the existential crisis among Democrats. Biden failed in multiple ways in that debate, but the biggest letdown was his failure to stand up to Trump in a convincing fashion and instead let Trump run all over him.

In contrast, Harris confronted Trump repeatedly. She referred to him as a disgrace twice, as dangerous and unfit, as confused, and as lacking the right temperament to be president. She derided him to his face as someone dictators know they can manipulate  with flattery and favors. She often referred to him in the second person, a more charged and direct way of punching the bully in the nose. She called him out for warring against the rule of law and the Constitution and for his own criminally-charged conduct.

Just dont confuse catharsis with election victory. The most sobering part of the evening was knowing that a solid 40+% of the country remains under the sway of this petty bully, huckster, narcissist, a chronic fabricator of falsehoods and misinformation. But at least Harris called him for those things.

Trump has no affirmative case to make for being president. He cant win over new voters, so his only path is to tear down Harris to make her an unacceptable choice. By that measure alone, Harris was able to turn the tables.

A Panoply Of Kamala Harris Reaction Shots

A grateful nation vicariously reacted to Donald Trump through the facial expression of Kamala Harris (click to enlarge):

A Final Flex

The Harris campaign immediately called for another debate with Trump as soon as the candidates left last nights debate stage. Trump waffled a bit when asked about it post-debate and refused to commit to another installment.

The Debate By The Numbers

The most annoying thing the moderators did was to repeatedly let Trump grab control of the microphone and talk out of turn. That led to considerable disparities in total time spoken and number of times speaking:

https://twitter.com/SRuhle/status/1833708710813745610

I Have Concepts Of A Plan

Step aside Infrastructure Week, we have a new winner in the category of endless Trump promises that he never delivers on.

Somehow Trump went backwards from always on the verge of releasing his own Obamacare replacement plan while president to four years later having only the concepts of a plan.

What it looks like when a huckster is exposed:

Harris Embrace Of The Military

It was a low-key point of emphasis, but Kamala Harris explicitly aligned herself with the military eight different times in the debate, by my count.

At first I thought it was an effort to highlights Trumps consistent disparagement of the service members, but it came up in enough different contexts to make me think it was also a calculated effort to bolster her national security credentials and inoculate her against doubts about her becoming the first woman commander in chief.

The Most Absurd Non-Trump Moment

Climate change got short shrift in the debate, a single question framed in the most unsophisticated, open-ended way:

The question to you both tonight is what would you do to fight climate change? And Vice President Harris, well start with you. One minute for you each.

Its a measure of the degraded state of our public discourse about climate change that the debate question would be so general and non-specific  with an entire 60 seconds to respond.

Look What You Made Her Do

Taylor Swift, the preeminent childless cat lady, timed her endorsement of Kamala Harris to land just after the debate ended, which led to the odd scene of Rachel Maddow reading Swifts Instagram post to Tim Walz live on the air.

TOPSHOT  This illustration photo taken in Washington, DC on September 10, 2024 shows US singer Taylor Swifts Instagram post endorsing US Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris. Pop superstar Taylor Swift on September 10, 2024 endorsed Democrat Kamala Harris in the US presidential contest against Donald Trump, saying she was a warrior. I will be casting my vote for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz in the 2024 Presidential Election, she posted on her Instagram account. (Photo by PEDRO UGARTE / AFP) (Photo by PEDRO UGARTE/AFP via Getty Images)

Big News

The Missouri Supreme Court ruled that a measure to enshrine abortion rights will remain on the November ballot.

Army Stonewalls On Trump Arlington Fiasco

New reporting from Greg Sargent:

The Army has yet to provide Democrats in Congress with its internal incident report detailing the confrontation, even though they have been demanding it for almost two weeks, a congressional aide familiar with the situation tells me. Democrats have also demanded a blow-by-blow account of what exactly was communicated to the Trump campaign before the incident. Trump aides were warned against carrying out prohibited activities, and a full accounting would show the degree to which they knew in advance that their filming would violate specific laws and regulations. That has not been forthcoming either, the aide says.

More here.

More On The Terrorgram Indictment

Joyce Vance, on the feds busting up the Terrorgram Collective with the indictment of two of its alleged leaders:

Terrorgram Collective is a transnational terrorist group that operates on the digital messaging platform Telegram, where it promotes white supremacist accelerationism, an ideology 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.

Good Read

The Atlantic: Why Mike Lee Folded

It Will Forever Be Known As The Pet-Eating Debate

https://twitter.com/Phil_Lewis_/status/1833680659094597791

Do you like Morning Memo? Let us know!
Kamala Harris gave her most thorough response yet to her rivals attacks on her racial identity during Tuesdays debate, skewering Donald Trump after he suggestedagainthat she might not actually be Black.

Trump was clearly unfazed by the widespread backlash he received after questioning Harris race in July at a Black journalists conference. He said on the debate stage that he read somewhere she was not Black ... and then I read that she was Black.

Trump added: Thats OK. Either one was OK with me. Thats up to her.

Harris was pointed in her responseremaining calm but thoroughly skewering the former president for his flippant comments on race that go back to him spreading conspiracies about Barack Obamas birthplace.

"I think it's a tragedy that we have someone who wants to be president who has consistently over the course of his career attempted to use race to divide the American people," Harris says in response to Trump defending his recent comments on Harris' race. pic.twitter.com/7lznis9Bkr  MSNBC (@MSNBC) September 11, 2024

Honestly, its a tragedy that we have someone who wants to be president who has consistently, over the course of his career, attempted to use race to divide the American people, she said.

Harris continued: You know, I do believe that the vast majority of us know that we have so much more in common than what separates us, and we dont want this kind of approach that is just constantly trying to divide us, and especially by race.

The vice president went on to resurface the story of the time Trump took out a full-page advertisement in The New York Times to call for the execution of the Central Park 5a group of minorities who were wrongfully convicted of raping a woman jogging in New York City in 1989.

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In 90 minutes of debate, Donald Trump invoked the threat of a nuclear World War III and the kidnapping of baby kittens by Haitian immigrants looking for a tasty appetizer. He veered dizzily from stark portraits of reality to debunked delusions trafficked only in the dumbest corners of the internet. Vice President Kamala Harris sounded like a former prosecutor ready to be commander in chief. She is not as dumb as Trump and the comedians led us to believe.

The biggest laugh of the night wasnt Trumps feigned concern for feline Americans, but rather the moment he argued that after trying to overturn Obamacare 60 times  hes the guy who, out of a overwhelming sense of responsibility, saved the Affordable Care Act. Sure, buddy.

But as much as Trump surrendered himself to being a parody of the character he plays on Truth Social and in rallies where attendance has thinned in recent months, Harris was notable for how weak she seemed.

If any competent Republican took the stage with her in Philadelphias Constitution Center, her patina of competence and inspiring hope for Americas future would have crumbled as fast as the credibility of Elon Musk after he recirculated cat-eating immigrant memes on X.

Her question-dodging was so obvious any decent high school debater would have had a field day holding her feet to the fire, something ABCs journalists largely failed to do.

Asked about her shifting position on fracking, she took the opportunity to attack Trumps views on Social Security. Asked whether the Harris-Biden administration should have gotten around to doing something about the border crisis before the election was looming she never came close to answering the question.

She used the cheesiest of rhetorical tricks, calling state laws that have restricted abortion since Roe v. Wade was overturned Trump abortion bans, as if the famously lazy and flip-floppery Trump could have done anything so arduous as organizing dozens of state legislatures to pass anything, let alone controversial bills on such a divisive issue.

A halfway coherent debater would have pointed out that for a candidate of the Democratic Party who makes a point of the fact that shes running to save democracy, she sure has a dim view of legislatures, you know, democratically voting in the states that make up our republic.

Oh, Trump showed a few flashes of competence, as did ABCs David Muir, who together managed to make clear that for all Harris claims that Trumps tariff plans were a tax on the average American family, her administration did precious little to get rid of the ones he already put in place. The Harris-Biden trade policy looks remarkably like the trade policy Trump left behind 3 1/2 years ago.

But Trump was more comfortable citing third-rate autocrats like Hungarys Viktor Orban and Foxs prime-time bloviator, Sean Hannity, as character witnesses  one most Americans have never heard of and the other most Americans dont believe.

Trump never even brought up the vice presidents role in hiding the precipitous mental decline of President Joe Biden instead opting to turn a serious concern into a fact-free joke by saying, We have a president who doesnt even know hes alive.

I dont think Biden knows much these days, but surely he knows more than Trump claims.

The Donalds bungling let Harris be the biggest person on stage when everyone knows the tallest candidate tends to win in presidential races.

Among Harriss best moments was her peroration on how racial differences mask our common aspirations. It sure sounded right.

And on Tuesday night, sounding right was enough.

David Mastio, a former editor and columnist for USA Today, is a regional editor for The Center Square and a regular Star Opinion correspondent. Follow him on X: @DavidMastio or email him at dmastio1@yahoo.com
Kamala Harris Extends Her Hand to Donald Trump in Viral Moment from Their First-Ever Meeting at Presidential Debate

Vice President Harris extended her hand first to former president Donald Trump during their presidential debate

SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Donald Trump and Kamala Harris shake hands during the presidential debate on Sept. 10, 2024

Vice President Kamala Harris extended her hand first to former president Donald Trump during their first presidential debate on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. The debate also marked the first time the two candidates have ever met.

The Democratic and Republic nominees took the podium at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia to discuss a wide range of campaign topics, from immigration to the economy to abortion.

Harris, 59, and Trump, 78, entered the stage at the same time, with Harris crossing over the median between the two lecterns and extending her hand first.



Candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump shake hands as they take the stage in their first presidential debate. https://t.co/tkEn0wzLvL #ABCDebate pic.twitter.com/X68E3Fzi6R  ABC News (@ABC) September 11, 2024

"Kamala Harris," she said shaking Trump's hand. "Let's have a good debate."

"Nice to see you," Trump replied, shaking her hand and adding, "Have fun."



Related: Taylor Swift Endorses Kamala Harris After Presidential Debate, Proudly Signs Note Childless Cat Lady

Trump skipped President Joe Biden and Harris' inauguration in 2021, which would have been the natural time for the two to meet.

SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Donald Trump and Kamala Harris shake hands during the presidential debate on Sept. 10, 2024

He and Biden did not shake hands during their debate on June 27. Biden was the Democratic nominee at the time before dropping out of the race on July 21 and endorsing Harris after his unsteady performance in the debate.

Harris and Trump then engaged in a 90-minute debate moderated by ABC News' David Muir and Linsey Davis. You can read highlights from the debate here.



Related: Ex-Trump Aide Anthony Scaramucci Says Kamala Harris Is the Better Choice Ahead of First Debate: Shes Going to Win'

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Win McNamee/Getty Donald Trump and Kamala Harris debate on Sept. 10, 2024

The debate ended with each candidate giving closing statements and then Muir and Davis signing off. Harris and Trump did not shake hands at the end of the debate, instead walking off stage as the lights dimmed.

After the debate wrapped, the Harris campaign called for a second debate. Vice presidential candidates Tim Walz and J.D. Vance will have their own debate on Oct. 1.

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Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during a presidential debate with Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at the National Constitution Center, Tuesday, Sept.10, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

WASHINGTON (AP)  When President Joe Biden gave bumbling remarks about abortion on the debate stage this summer, it was widely viewed as a missed opportunity  a failure, even  on a powerful and motivating issue for Democrats at the ballot box.

The difference was stark, then, on Tuesday night, when Vice President Kamala Harris gave a forceful defense of abortion rights during her presidential debate with Republican Donald Trump.

Harris conveyed the dire medical situations women have found themselves in since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the national right to abortion in 2022. Harris quickly placed blamed directly on Trump, who recalibrated the Supreme Court to the conservative majority that issued the landmark ruling during his term.

Women, Harris told the national audience, have been denied care as a result.

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 health care providers are afraid they might go to jail and shes bleeding out in a car in the parking lot? Harris said.

The moment was a reminder that Harris is uniquely positioned to talk about the hot-button, national topic in a way that Biden, an 81-year-old Catholic who had long opposed abortion, never felt comfortable doing.

Harris has been the White Houses public face for efforts to improve maternal health and ensure some abortion access, despite the Supreme Court ruling. Earlier this year, she became the highest-ranking U.S. official to make a public visit to an abortion clinic.

Dr. Daniel Grossman, a University of California, San Francisco OB-GYN, said he was glad to see Harris highlight the challenges people face in states with abortion bans. People who have been unable to get abortion care where they live, who have to travel, people who have suffered obstetric complications and are unable to get the care they need because of the abortion bans, Grossman said.

Harris still hedged, however, on providing details about what type of restrictions  if any  she supports around abortion. Instead, she pivoted: saying that she wants to reinstate the protections of Roe, which prohibited states from banning abortions before fetal viability, generally considered around 20 weeks.

Trump, meanwhile, danced around questions about his intentions to further restrict abortion. He would not say whether he would sign a national abortion ban as president.

Anti-abortion advocates say they don't believe Trump would sign a ban if it landed on his desk.

Carol Tobias, president of the National Right to Life Committee, said her group hasnt been focusing on a national ban because its not going to happen. The votes arent there in Congress. You know, President Trump said he wouldnt sign it. We know Kamala Harris wont.

Trump also falsely claimed that some Democrats want to execute the baby after birth in the ninth month of pregnancy.



Ungar reported from Louisville, Kentucky.
What is Nvidia (NVDA) CEO Jensen Huang's biggest worry?

We have a lot of people on our shoulders, and everybody is counting on us, Huang said when asked that question by Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon at the Goldman Sachs Communacopia and Technology Conference.

Demand is so great that delivery of our components, our technology, infrastructure, and software is really emotional for people," Huang added. "Because it directly affects their revenues, it directly affects their competitiveness.

Investors and journalists lined up more than an hour before the session just to catch a glimpse of one of the world's most sought-after CEOs. Huang told the audience that although generative AI is still in its early days, itll expand beyond data centers.

Now whats amazing is, so the first trillion dollars of data centers is going to get accelerated and invented this new type of software called generative AI. Generative AI is not just a tool, its a skill," Huang told Solomon.

"For the first time, were going to create skills that augment people.

Following Nvidia's brutal sell-off last week, Huang's keynote was seen as an opportunity to calm investors' nerves.

The infrastructure players like ourselves and all the cloud service providers put the infrastructure in the cloud so that developers can use these machines to train the models and fine-tune the models, guardrail the models, Huang said. And the return on that is just fantastic.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang speaking on stage with Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon at the Goldman Sachs Communacopia & Technology Conference in San Francisco. (Yahoo Finance)

According to Huang, for every dollar a cloud service provider spends with Nvidia, it translates to $5 worth of rentals.

I think the days of every line of code being written by software engineers, those are completely over, Huang said. The idea that every one of our software engineers will essentially have companion digital engineers 24/7  thats the future.

For example, Huang shared that Nvidia has 32,000 employees who will be supplemented by hopefully 100x more digital engineers in the near future.

Nvidia servers "look expensive, and it could be a couple of million dollars per rack, but it replaces thousands of nodes," Huang said. "The amazing thing is the cables of connecting old, general purpose computing systems cost more than replacing all of those and densifying into one rack."

Companies such as Microsoft (MSFT), Meta (META), Amazon (AMZN), Google (GOOG, GOOGL), and OpenAI use Nvidias GPUs. Despite the tech giant reporting $30 billion in second quarter revenue, its stock fell by more than $200 billion on the same day.

Last week, Nvidia shed another $400 billion in market value following a Bloomberg report that the Department of Justice subpoenaed the company as part of an antitrust investigation. Nvidia denied the report.

Story continues

We have inquired with the US Department of Justice and have not been subpoenaed, the company said in a statement. Nonetheless, we are happy to answer any questions regulators may have about our business.

Huang was not asked about the Bloomberg report on Wednesday. And despite the recent sell-off, Nvidia shares are up nearly 150% in the last 12 months.

Huang also said while training AI models is resource-intensive, it pays off in the long run.

One of the takeaways there is AI isnt just about training the model, of course; thats just the first step, he said. Its about using the model. And so when you use the model, you save enormous amounts of time  processing time.

However, Huang said its amazing to watch the AI his company uses to design the chips. The part of that that is really intense is just the world on our shoulders, Huang said. Less sleep is fine. Three solid hours is all we need.

Read more coverage of the 2024 Goldman Sachs Communacopia and technology conference:

Yasmin Khorram is a Senior Reporter at Yahoo Finance. Follow Yasmin on Twitter/X @YasminKhorram and on LinkedIn. Send newsworthy tips to Yasmin: yasmin.khorram@yahooinc.com

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The biggest problem with the first presidential debate this year was obvious almost from the very start. Joe Biden was incoherent. He struggled to answer questions. It was clear that he was incapable of fulfilling another term as presidenta conclusion Biden himself ultimately arrived at a month later, when he announced he would not seek a second term and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris.

There was another problem, however, that was nearly as serious. In that debate, Donald Trump was also incoherent. More than that, he was deranged. He would rave about wild fantasiesundocumented immigrants committing violent crimes with impunity, babies being murdered minutes after being bornand often did so when asked about an entirely different topic. He looked old, diminished, beleaguered. But Biden, being older and more diminished, was incapable of making the case against him. In fact, Bidens debate performance was such a disaster that it overshadowed what could have been the story of the night: Trumps growing extremism and paranoia.



Thats not a problem anymore. Harris undoubtedly won her debate against Trump on Tuesday night, but its important to understand why. She accomplished what Biden simply could not: to make it obvious that Trump is not only unfit for office but severely unhingedeven more hinged than four years ago, when he tried to foment a coup. The contrast between the two candidates could not have been clearer during the debate. Harris made the case that she was confident and knowledgeable enough to be president, but more important, she baited Trump into reminding voters of just how crazy he isand how exhausting a second Trump term would be.



Harriss opening statement was marred by nerves, but it set the stage for what was to come: She made the case that she was a normal person from a normal family running against a crazy extremist. Again and again, Harris successfully triggered Trump, who flew off on wild digressionsparticularly on the subjects he should be strongest about. When the debate turned to immigration, Harris got him talking about crowd sizesand then he started ranting about racist, xenophobic conspiracy theories about Haitian immigrants eating peoples pets. She reminded him that he lost the 2024 presidential election fair and square, and that world leaders privately mocked him, which sent Trump on narcissistic tangents that only emphasized Harriss core argument: Trump doesnt care about voters; he only cares about himself. On abortion, Harris barely had to do anything. Trump openly boasted about his biggest election vulnerabilityhis pivotal role in the overturning of Roe v. Wadeand spent most of that portion of the debate parroting yet more insane right-wing conspiracy theories.

Harris didnt have to be particularly clever; this was the equivalent of Bugs Bunny luring Elmer Fudd into a trap. But it was incredibly effective. Trump spent most of the 90 minutes foaming at the mouthmostly about things that were of absolutely no significance to the normal lives of ordinary people, and often in ways that were either incoherent or detached from reality. Trump looked like a raving maniacwhich is to say, he showed his true character.



Trump spoke far more than Harris during the debate, in part because ABC News moderators David Muir and Linsey Davis werent firm enough with Trump when he wanted to get another word in. But this turned out to be an in-kind campaign contribution to Harris. She got under Trumps skin immediately, then simply sat back while he dug his own graveand Muir and Davis let him.



None of this is to say that Harris was perfect. She did a lot of dodging. She didnt settle some of the biggest open questions about her campaignlike her lack of a comprehensive policy agenda, or the fact that its still not clear what her biggest priorities will be if elected, or how she differs from Biden. These remain significant vulnerabilities for her campaign.



But Harris fixed the biggest problem she is facing right now. Over the last week, she lost the momentum that had sustained her since she became the Democratic nominee in late July. The polls were narrowing. Concerns about Harriss reluctance to say what exactly she would do if elected were growing. The reality of this electionthat it will likely be extremely closebegan to sink in. Harriss campaign had grown too cautious. Unwilling to risk negative coverage or controversy, it had instead settled into a kind of political inertia.



This will likely still be a close election. But Tuesdays debate was a reminder of the stark choice facing voters. Harris was strong and assured, while Trump was certifiably insane. Come Wednesday, one hopes, there are significantly fewer undecided voters in America than there were a day ago.
It is not, as US vice-president Kamala Harris has claimed, the prospect of Donald Trump securing another term in the White House that has the worlds tyrants rubbing their hands with glee. It is the mounting expectation that the United States could soon join the UK in electing a Left-wing, ineffectual leader who is totally out of their depth in terms of confronting some of the worlds more dangerous authoritarian regimes.

One of the more amusing segments from Tuesday nights ill-tempered television debate between Harris and Trump was the Democrat contenders suggestion that she was better qualified than the former president to fulfil the global leadership role required of the occupant of the White House.

According to Harris, the experience she has garnered through travelling the world as vice-president makes her immeasurably more qualified than her adversary to face down hostile autocratic regimes, such as Russia, China and Irans ayatollahs. While the worlds despots would cower at the prospect of provoking a future Harris administration, Trumps susceptibility to flattery and favours meant that the likes of Russian president Vladimir Putin would eat you for lunch.

Trump may have his failings  his opposition to Washingtons continued support for Ukraine being one  but it is erroneous to suggest that he made no impact in world affairs during his first term in office.

From helping to defeat the brutal caliphate established by Islamic State fanatics in Syria, to cajoling European leaders to pay their fair share towards maintaining the Nato alliance, Trump left an indelible mark on the geopolitical landscape. He was the first US leader to single out the existential threat China posed to Western democracy, while his role in negotiating the Abraham Accords between Israel and several Arab states laid the foundations for a lasting future peace settlement in the Middle East.

By contrast, Harris has next-to-nothing to show for the four years she has served as president Joe Bidens deputy.

Such was the level of her inexperience when appointed vice-president that the only portfolio with a foreign policy dimension that the Biden administration was prepared to entrust her with was the problematic issue of curbing the flow of illegal migrants streaming across the southern border of the US. This required her to lobby leaders in South America, a mission in which she has been an abject failure.

Apart from failing to stem the migrant tide, she is a non-entity in world affairs. The only significant international diplomacy roles she has undertaken have been deputising for Biden when he was otherwise indisposed, such as when she attended Ukraine peace talks in the summer when the president opted instead to attend a California fundraiser hosted by Democratic Hollywood chums including George Clooney and Julia Roberts.

With such an uninspiring CV in international leadership, the dictators and autocrats that Harris insists are rooting for a Trump victory will instead be enthusiastically championing her success in Novembers poll, just as they will have cheered Sir Keir Starmers landslide victory in Julys British general election.

Weak Western leaders who are averse to confronting dictatorial regimes only encourage the likes of Russia and Iran to intensify their efforts to expand their malign activities, as is evident from Tehrans deepening support for Moscow in Ukraine. The Biden administration has sought to pursue a non-confrontational approach towards both Russia and Iran in the past few years, failing to provide Ukraine with vital weaponry for fear of provoking the Kremlin, and turning a blind eye to Irans efforts to acquire nuclear weapons.

It is an approach that Labour has adopted since taking office, accused of scaling down the level of British support for the Ukrainian military while criticising Israel for its handling of the Gaza conflict, instead of holding Iran to account for supporting the numerous terror groups, such as Hamas and Hezbollah, that initiated hostilities in the first place.

Rather than deterring Moscow and Tehran from further acts of aggression, weak Western leadership has simply encouraged Russia and Iran to cooperate more closely, with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken revealing this week that Iran is supplying the Russians with ballistic missiles to boost their war effort in Ukraine.

The mounting threat posed by this new Russian-Iranian axis prompted Blinken to visit Kyiv with Foreign Secretary David Lammy  the first such joint diplomatic mission undertaken by the US and UK in a decade. The main item on the agenda was whether the US and UK will finally give permission for long-range Western missiles, such as the UKs Storm Shadow, to be used to strike targets within Russia.

The fact that Washington and London are still having this discussion more than two years after Russia invaded Ukraine illustrates just how ill-equipped the West has become to confront rogue states like Russia and Iran. And it will only get worse if we end up relying on Harris and Starmer to safeguard our precious freedoms.

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The two candidates for President of the United States are as different as any duo in history. A billionaire businessman versus a career prosecutor and politician; a son of privilege against the daughter of a middle-class single mother; one reckless, one cautious; a former commander in chief against the first Black and South Asian woman to claim the nomination. They hail from different coasts, different generations, different tax brackets. But as stark as the choice facing American voters this November may be, the nation had never gotten a glimpse of Donald Trump and Kamala Harris side by side before they squared off in Philadelphia Sept. 10, in what may be their sole debate before Election Day.

For the Republican, the U.S. is a hellscape of rising crime, unchecked immigration and economic misery. For the Democrat, the nation is beset by the division Trump has sowed, the abortion bans he ushered in, and the economic policies he passed that favor the rich at the expense of the rest. But beyond the canned salvos and campaign boilerplate, the high-stakes clash underscored how dramatically the presidential race has changed since mid-summer, when even top Democrats conceded Trump appeared to be sailing to victory in his rematch with President Joe Biden. As plain as it is that Trump wishes he were still running against Biden, it is equally apparent that Harris has rattled him.

The split-screen said it all: Trump glowered and grimaced, spewing old grievances and strange new attacks. The former President repeated a baseless Internet rumor that migrant invaders were killing and eating pet dogs and cats in Springfield, Ohio, and claimed that Harris wants to do transgender operations on illegal aliens in prison. With sharp ripostes and canny traps, Harris baited Trump into boasting about his crowd sizes, grousing about the 2020 election, and standing up for the rioters who attacked the U.S. Capitol to thwart the peaceful transfer of power. In the nine years since Trump first burst onto the scene, no opponentDemocrat or Republicanhas dealt with the 800-lb. gorilla of American politics as coolly, or gotten under his skin to such a degree.

Illustration by Tim OBrien for TIME

Which is how its been going for Trump for a while now. Despite weeks of speculation that Harris was poised to replace Biden at the top of the ticket, Trump and his campaign were caught flat-footed, left lurching from one attack line to another. More than once, top aides thought they had settled on a strategy, only to see the candidate himself upend it on the fly. According to a person close to Trump, the level of campaign infighting and backstabbing rivaled the 2016 operation, an infamous snake pit. Facing a new opponent, Trump reverted to his old ways.

In a matter of weeks, Trump frittered away his commanding position. Harris smooth debut galvanized the Democratic base and unlocked a fundraising behemoth that dwarfed that of Trump and his allies. In the handful of pivotal swing states, her campaign is building on formidable operations she inherited from Biden, and boasts a striking advantage in cash and reserved ad time between now and Election Day. I think everyone was caught off guard by the way it shifted so dramatically, says a person close to Trump.

For all that, the race remains deadlocked. The polls show Trump and Harris effectively tied across the battleground states with both sides of the electorate more enthusiastic about voting this fall than they were earlier this year. Despite her deft consolidation of power and surge of support, Harris remains undefined for many Americans. And for all his late-summer stumbles, Trump is in a stronger position now than at this stage of the race in either 2016 or 2020.

The biggest variable in the final weeks of the campaign may be Trumps trademark indiscipline. The campaign operation that brought him to his peak in July remains in place, layered over with late arrivals more inclined to let Trump be Trump. The candidate himself has cut deals for support with once-unlikely allies like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Elon Musk, and continues to test new attacks against Harris in search of one that will stick. Either he will become only the second President to win back the White House after defeat, or he will author one of the most dramatic political collapses of modern times.

Less than 24 hours before everything changed, an exuberant Trump stood on a rally stage in Grand Rapids, Mich., cracking jokes next to his new running mate, J.D. Vance. Trump asked attendees if theyd rather he run against Biden or Harris. The crowd cheered their preference for Biden, who was at that moment huddled with advisers in Rehoboth Beach, Del., mulling an exit from the race. A day later, Biden was out, Harris was mobilized, and Trumps bravado evaporated.

Behind the scenes, the former President was livid and disoriented at the abrupt turn of events. Obviously, we had to ditch a bunch of stuff, and then overnight start new attacks, says a campaign official. Trump fumed at how the media was covering Harris entry into the race, griping that they never talk about me that way, according to a second campaign official. Trump felt like he was being punished for vanquishing his opponent 108 days too early. After a July on offense, the campaign spent August on defense, explaining away Vances past statements about childless cat ladies and clumsily making amends with Republican Governor Brian Kemp of Georgia, just weeks after Trump bashed him for not backing the baseless claims that the former President really won the 2020 election.

Trump and Republican vice-presidential nominee Senator JD Vance stand together during a campaign event in Grand Rapids, Mi., on July 20, 2024. Emily ElconinBloomberg/Getty Images

Trump, who previously reduced opponents to punch lines with pithy nicknames, tried out and then ditched multiple ones for Harris. Laffin Kamala. Lyin Kamala. Crazy Kamala. None seemed to land like he wanted. More recently, hes favored Comrade Kamala. Its like a boxer with his guard up trying out jabs, says a former Trump aide. I think it has taken him a while to get there with Kamala.

As Harris gained in the polls, bringing battleground states that tilted toward Trump into a dead heat, tensions within the campaign bubbled into view. Trump brought in sharp-elbowed loyalists from his previous runs, including 2016 campaign manager Corey Lewandowski, signaling a new power struggle afoot. Lara Trump, the Republican National Committee co-chair and the former Presidents daughter-in-law, says Chris LaCivita and Susie Wiles are still running the campaigns strategy, as they have for more than a year. The return of Lewandowski, she says, represents a revival of the scrappy character of Trumps first campaign. He brings back some of the spunk from 2016, she says.

For many Republicans, the only shift they want to see is an end to Trumps sexist and racist attacks on Harris. Trump has said world leaders would treat her like a play toy and amplified crude comments about her on social media that implied she had traded sexual favors to help her political career. At a gathering of Black journalists, he claimed Harris only recently happened to turn Black. Bringing up how Harris frames her identity was a targeted effort to charge Harris as inauthentic, says the person close to Trump. He said, OK, no one is hitting her, Im just going to do it myself, the person says.

Read more: The Reintroduction of Kamala Harris.

That explanation doesnt fly with Republican strategists and conservative movement leaders, many of whom have pleaded with Trump to steer clear of such comments and focus on the issues. Dont give people an opportunity to vote emotionally, says a frustrated GOP operative working on the Trump election effort. The candidate appears unmoved. During an Aug. 21 rally in Asheboro, N.C., he drew laughs as he mimicked his advisers telling him, Sir, please stick to policy, dont get personal, and joked about firing them.

Trump takes the stage during a campaign rally in Johnstown, Pa. on Aug. 20, 2024. Chip SomodevillaGetty Images

Podcaster Lex Fridman made one of the most direct efforts to get Trump to tone it down, telling him in an interview this month that he was more effective offering a positive vision for the future rather than criticizing Democrats. The former President rejected the premise. Yeah, I think you have to criticize, though, Trump said. I think theyre nasty.

Many Republicans now seem more resigned to Trump doubling down on his divisive strategy through Election Day. Trump should be talking issues, not throwing personal insults all over the place, says Charlie Black, a veteran Republican strategist who was a senior adviser on John McCains 2008 presidential campaign. But he wont do that. He doesnt appear capable of it.

In the minds of Trump defenders, the critics are looking at the situation all wrong. Trump enters the final stretch of the race with a clearer path to victory than in either of his last two campaigns. In the Real Clear Politics polling average for must-win Pennsylvania, hes tied, whereas he was down 4.3% at this point in 2020 and 6.2% in 2016. Georgia and North Carolina are effectively tied, but advisers believe he is the favorite to pull out both traditionally red states. If Trump takes those three battlegrounds, campaign officials argue, the election is his. Polling in the last two elections, they note, underestimated his support. On the other hand, argues Democratic strategist Simon Rosenberg, theres been a different pattern since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022: Republicans have underperformed public polling and expectations and we've overperformed.

That its even this close is a cause for optimism insist Trump confidants. This is all during Kamalas salad days, her debut, her convention, her selection of the running mate, her monster fundraising numbers, says Kellyanne Conway, a former Trump aide who still advises him. If you look at the metrics during the last five weeks, she should be leading him everywhere, and shes not.

They also note some moves by the Trump campaign since Harris entry, most prominently persuading Kennedy to drop his independent bid and endorse Trump after weeks of prodding from Donald Trump Jr. and venture capitalist Omeed Malik. While Team Harris believes that Kennedys blessing will alienate moderate voters who recoil from the conspiracy theorist, Trumps orbit believes it will coax more voters into their column. By him coming off the ballot in some of these places, that is a benefit to the Trump team, says Lewandowski.

In the coming weeks, Trump officials tell TIME, the campaigns strategy is to continue to cast Harris as a far-left chameleon while keeping the focus on immigration, the economy, and crimethe issues on which Trump polls best. They also intend to make better use of resources they squandered in 2020, including a vote-by-mail operation targeted to boost Republican turnout. Vance will be deployed as the disciplined policy attack dog, says a campaign official.

Trump and Harris are shown on screen in the spin room during the second presidential debate on Sept. 10, 2024. Hannah BeierBloomberg/Getty Images

Read more: How Far Trump Would Go.

Trump, on the other hand, has adopted a different media strategy: interviews with podcasters who are popular among young men, such as Fridman, Shawn Ryan, and Logan Paul. Trump may be the first major candidate to so aggressively court the frat votea cohort of men below the age of 30 who could tip the scales in swing states like Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. At the same time, the campaign is planning a tour of female surrogates to target suburban women voters. If the campaign wasnt as ready for Harris as it should have been in late July, says Trump ally Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, they are now.

Trumps team is betting that his singular approach to politics can produce another victory. They know their strategy is vulnerable to the whims of their bosssomeone who has long trusted, above all, his own instincts. Wiles and LaCivita may have built a disciplined operation designed to get him over the line, but in the final stretch, Trump is surrounding himself more and more with a rotating cast of loyalists who are encouraging him to embrace his impulses.

Squared off against his new opponent on stage in Philadelphia, those impulses sent the former President careening into trouble. By the end, Trump looked like a man flailing for a solution to an opponent he has yet to figure out, while Harris continued her tidy policy pivot to the center. Her closing statement espoused a vision of unity, strength, and shared prosperity. His was a bitter lament. Were a failing nation, he said. Were laughed at all over the world.

But the clearest sign that Trumps bid for a return to the White House may be in trouble came after the debate ended. His top advisers claimed victory in a prepared statement hailing his masterful performance. Harris immediately asked for another showdown next month.With reporting by Nik Popli/Washington

Correction, Sept. 11

The original version of this story mischaracterized as false Donald Trump's statement accusing Kamala Harris of supporting transgender operations on illegal aliens in prison As a presidential candidate in 2019, Harris filled out a questionnaire saying she supported taxpayer-funded gender transition treatment for detained immigrants.

Write to Philip Elliott at philip.elliott@time.com.
In the world of Donald Trump, there are places in America where babies are born and then executed due to lax abortion laws, and where immigrants in Ohio eat cats and dogs and other pets.

Trumps fictional apocalyptic vision collapsed on Tuesday night under the spotlight of a neutral presidential debate, moderators who pointed out lies and a capable adversary in Kamala Harris.

Donald Trump was fired by 81 million people, Harris said about a 2020 election that Trump still does not accept. He is having a difficult time processing that.

Opinion

If a successful presidential debate reveals the clear differences between competing candidates, Tuesday nights event in Philadelphia was an unmitigated victory for the American people thanks to challenging questions and the responses by both Trump and Harris.

It was the same Donald Trump that showed up to debate Joe Biden this June, an angry former office holder whose comments were an unfortunate combination of insults and lies. It took a historically awful performance by a deteriorating Biden for the aftermath to not be all about Trump. That is not about to happen this time around. Kamala Harris proved to be more than Trumps match on facts, command of subject area and the human temperament necessary to hold the nations highest office.

Trump threw everything he had in his arsenal of venom. He called Harris a Marxist. That she has destroyed the country. That she hates both Israelis and Arabs. That she pays voters to attend her rallies. That she wants to do transgender operations of illegal aliens who are in prisons. And that those undocumented aliens who are not in prison have arrived here from mental institutions and insane asylums, but they are somehow smart enough to take jobs from Blacks and Latinos. And as violent crime is rising here (it is not), it is falling in the rest of the world as a result (it is not).

There is no rationalizing any of this.

Harris listened closely. She shook her head no, nearly incessantly, as the onslaught of lies unfolded. She would laugh at times. She was never rattled.

Its a shame that analyzing a debate is akin to revisiting a crime scene. Some substantive moments came and went. Harris is concerned that Trumps plan to saddle huge tariffs on imported products from China and other countries will increase the prices of these products in this country, akin to a sales tax. Trump, living in his personal bubble, somehow believes that other countries will shoulder all of the pain.

The clearest difference of all was Trumps worst issue, abortion, and it is more so now than ever before. Trumps central lie, an oldie but a goodie, is that every legal scholar, every Democrat, every Republican, wanted to repeal the federal right to abortion (with limitations) affirmed by the Supreme Court 51 years ago in its Roe vs. Wade decision. In appointing a court that repealed a womans right to choose, I did a great service in doing it, Trump said.

Harris said she would proudly sign a bill to reaffirm a federal right to choose. Trump repeatedly ducked the question. The government and Donald Trump certainly should not be telling a woman what to do with their body, she said.

If a Republican was running for president who lived in reality and stuck to a platform to improve economic affordability in this country and better manage the borders - two weaknesses of the last four years for various reasons - this could have been an important battle of ideas this campaign season.

But that is not what is happening, and Tuesday night revealed it for anyone who wished to see it. What should have been a debate of ideas was lost in a sea of lies and self delusion. Donald Trump got clobbered Tuesday night in the debate that actually happened. Harris proved her presidential mettle and then some. But it was Trump who did himself in by saying things so outlandish, the moderators in real time had to remind viewers of the actual truth. Trumps campaign is on a collision course with political suicide.
Donald Harris on his way to a doctorate in economics at Berkeley in April 1965 while holding Kamala

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Donald Trump branded Kamala Harris a Marxist, claiming her father, a Left-wing academic, had influenced her.

Shes a Marxist  everybody knows shes a Marxist, Trump said during Tuesday nights presidential debate.

Her father is a Marxist professor in economics, and he taught her well.

The Trump campaign has sought to paint Ms Harris as being to the Left of Joe Biden since she took over as the Democrat nominee.

It claimed her plans to tackle what she described as price gouging by major corporations as communist, dubbing the vice president as Comrade Kamala.

Ms Harris has insisted she supports a free market capitalist economy.

The academic background of Donald Harris, an economics professor at Stanford University, underpins Trumps accusations.

Professor Harris, now 86, was the first black scholar to receive tenure at the university, which is one of the most prestigious academic institutions in the US.

The academic background of Kamala's father Donald Harris, an economics professor at Stanford University, underpins Trumps accusations

Born in Jamaica, he came to the US in the 1960s to study economics, completing his doctorate at the University of California-Berkeley.

His first teaching posts were at the University of Illinois and then Northwestern University before securing another post in Wisconsin.

His appointment as an economics professor at Stanford in the mid-1970s was controversial, with the student newspaper describing him as a Marxist scholar.

His views were very different from neoclassical economics, which supported the free market and argued that supply and demand dictated production and prices.

Critics at the time said he was too charismatic and accused him of being a Pied Piper who led students away from free-market economics.

He also questioned the orthodoxy that lowering wages would increase employment.

Ms Harris mother, Shyamala Gopalan, met Mr Harris after a speech he gave at an off-campus space at the University of California at Berkeley in 1962.

Mr Harris said then he had grown up watching British colonial power in Jamaica, including how Britain had fostered a naive black elite to cover up inequality.

Kamala shows echoes of her father

Robert Blecker, one of his former students told The New York Times, that Professor Harris was outspoken.

Although Ms Harriss parents divorced when she was seven, Prof Blecker said that he could see echoes of her father in Ms Harris.

He was certainly not shy. When I saw Kamala grill Judge Kavanaugh at his hearing, I saw echoes of her father grilling someone in a seminar.

Ms Harris did pay tribute to her father during the campaign, saying that he taught her to be fearless.

But, as a result of a bitter custody battle, Prof Harris had little contact as she grew up.

He described the loss of contact with his children in an essay  Reflections of a Jamaican Father  in Jamaica Global, a website for the countrys diaspora.

This early phase of interaction with my children came to an abrupt halt in 1972 when, after a hard-fought custody battle in the family court of Oakland, California, the context of the relationship was placed within arbitrary limits imposed by a court-ordered divorce settlement, he wrote.

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Kamala Harris message to women on freedom helps explain why Black and white Christians are deeply divided over support for Donald Trump

Just days after President Joe Biden withdrew from the 2024 presidential race in July, Vice President Kamala Harris addressed the annual meeting of the Zeta Phi Beta sorority in Indianapolis, where she emphasized the importance of both religious faith and political freedom.

Harris contrasted her stance on abortion rights with that of former President Donald Trump, stating, Across our nation, we are witnessing a full-on assault on hard-fought, hard-won freedoms and rights, Harris said. And in the face of these attacks, we must continue to stand together in defense of freedom.

By centering freedom in her campaign, Harris invoked a key element of Black identity and spirituality rooted in the historic struggle for liberation by formerly enslaved people. This legacy partly drives an attitudinal divide between Black and white Christians, especially on issues such as abortion and support for Trump.

As political science and religion scholars, we view Harris remarks as a subtle reminder to voters that Black religious life in the U.S. has long involved an appeal to people of all faiths to use their beliefs to advance social justice.

Her message stands in sharp contrast to Trumps conservative allies, who have pushed for restrictions on personal freedoms concerning abortion.

The racial divide

To better understand the relationship between race, religion and support for Trump, we fielded an online, national survey in June 2024 supported by the Public Religion Research Institute, a nonprofit organization that conducts public opinion polls on a variety of topics.

In order to compare the views of white and Black Christians, our sample of nearly 1,500 adults included over 700 participants from each racial group. We asked half the sample to indicate their level of agreement with five statements commonly used to measure Christian nationalist beliefs.

Those items include support for religious-based laws and the belief that the U.S. was conceived as a Christian nation.

We then categorized participants according to whether they agreed with most of the statements (adherents and sympathizers) or disagreed with most of them (skeptics and rejectors). Over one-third of both Black and white Christians agreed with most Christian nationalist ideas.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump talks at a community meeting at the 180 Church in Detroit, Mich., on June 15, 2024. Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images

We found that Black Christian nationalists are far less likely to support Trump, however, compared with their white counterparts. Additionally, they do not back far-right policies, like those outlined in Project 2025, the Heritage Foundations plan to implement a conservative agenda across the federal government.

These two groups also differ greatly in their evaluation of Trump. Only 17% of Black Christian nationalists expressed a favorable view toward the former president, compared with 49% of white Christian nationalists.

The chosen one?

These racial differences are even more pronounced when we examined the attitudes of charismatics  a group of devout Christians who in the late 20th century began emphasizing Pentecostal practices such as divine healing and speaking in tongues, a language of indecipherable sounds believed to be a direct communication with God.

All participants in our survey  760 white Americans and 734 Black Americans  were asked whether they had personally experienced or witnessed practices of charismatic Christianity. Those include receiving what they believed to be a direct revelation from God.

While only 23% of white Americans in the study were categorized as charismatic, that figure doubled to 51% of Black Americans.

Although prominent white Christian nationalists frequently characterize Trump as the chosen one, we found that only 15% of Black charismatics express favorable views of him compared with 52% of white charismatics.

The ongoing fight for freedom

The Black radical tradition, helps explain how Black charismatics can share so much with their white counterparts  even an embrace of Christian nationalism  but diverge when it comes to Trump and abortion.

Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris walks on stage before delivering her keynote speech at Zeta Phi Beta sororitys Grand Boule in Indianapolis on July 24, 2024. Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images

In its contemporary form, the Black radical tradition is an ideological framework that asks its adherents to actively resist policies that threaten racial equality and bodily autonomy. Abortion rights fit squarely within this political tradition.

According to a 2014 Religious Landscape Survey conducted by the Pew Research Center, the majority of Black Christians say that abortion should be legal. Those Christians include such denominations as Baptists, Presbyterians and Pentecostals who are not affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church.

Over the years, that majority support for abortion among Black Christians has remained stable and mirrors similar support among Black voters overall. In a 2024 Pew Research Center poll, for instance, 73% of Black voters said abortion should be legal.

During her speech before members of the Zeta Phi Beta sorority, Harris said that she understood the difficulty in balancing ones faith with political resistance. But as she explained:

We, who believe in reproductive freedom, will fight for a womans right to choose, because one does not have to abandon their faith or deeply held beliefs to agree that the government should not be telling her what to do!

After Harris accepted Bidens endorsement, her longtime pastor, Rev. Amos Brown, prayed that Harris would advance her campaign in the spirit of our ancestors.

That ancestral spirit includes the Black radical tradition of political resistance  and the ongoing fight for freedom.

This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Youssef Chouhoud, Christopher Newport University; Dara Delgado, Allegheny College; Flavio Rogerio Hickel Jr., Washington College, and Leah Payne, George

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Youssef Chouhoud receives funding from the Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI). He is affiliated with PRRI as a Public Fellow.

Dara Delgado receives funding from the Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI). She is affiliated with PRRI as a Public Fellow.

Flavio Rogerio Hickel Jr. receives funding from the Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI). He is affiliated with PRRI as a Public Fellow.

Leah Payne works for Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI). She is affiliated with PRRI as a Public Fellow and receives funding from PRRI.
Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are facing off Tuesday night in their first Presidential Debate, but the two candidates have already been jockeying for Americas attention for weeks now, and it appears that Harris is in the lead.

Despite entering the presidential race more than seven months into the year, just over 100 days before Election Day, Harris has seen her TV ad campaign skyrocket, outpacing Trump by a significant amount, according to data from Samba TV.

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Since beginning her ad campaign in July, Harris ads have reached 44.4M U.S. households at an average frequency of 15.7, Samba says. Thats 41% higher than the 31.4M U.S. households that Trumps ads have graced with a frequency of 13.9 during that time.

(Frequency indicates the number of times that a user or household will interact with an ad over a specific period of time and, in this case, Samba is measuring the entire stretch of time since Harris launched her campaign in July. So, on average, each of those 44.4M households have interacted with a Harris ad 15.7 times in that time frame.)

Throughout the entire year, Trump ads have reached 34.8M U.S. households, Samba says, meaning that Harris has still surpassed her opponent by 28% in ad reach despite the fact that she didnt launch a TV ad campaign until about seven weeks ago.

Interestingly, Samba also points out that 90% of Trumps ad reach has occurred in the weeks since Harris joined the race.

However, neither candidate is doing particularly well with minority groups, as both are overindexing among white audiences and underindexing among Hispanic and Asian households.

According to Samba, Harris is underindexing in Hispanic households by 23%, Trump by 32%.

Naturally, both candidates have turned their attention to the swing states  which Samba considers to be AZ, GA, MI, NC, NV, PA, WI  with Harris ads reaching 65% of households in those seven states and Trump ads reaching 62%.

Harris lowest ad reach among the swing states is North Carolina and Georgia, where her ads have permeated 57% and 61% of households, respectively. Trump is also struggling a tad in the same states, reaching 59% of households in Georgia and 62% in North Carolina.

By comparison, Harris ads reached an average of 32% of households across the other 43 states, and Trump ads reached 19% of households.

Samba TV doesnt measure mobile, however, their sample includes a panel of 3M terrestrial TVs, weighted to the U.S. Census. By contrast, Samba TVs panel is nearly 100x larger than Nielsens household footprint of 45K homes.

The entire nation will get the opportunity to see both candidates take a position in Tuesday nights debate on ABC. Despite the ongoing carriage dispute between Disney and DirecTV that makes ABC unavailable to the latters customers, the event is being simulcast on CBS, NBC, MSNBC, CNN, Fox News, the BBC, and C-Span. The debate will also be live streamed on Hulu.

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The more debates I watch, the less I believe theyre meant to showcase the candidate to undecided voters  those mythical beings upon whom the entire election hinges.

No, I think presidential debates are meant to rile up the already-won-over base of support for each candidate, so that theyll be encouraged to go out and whip up support in their own communities. A nationally-televised debate is the best bang for a campaigns buck: Coast-to-coast advertising for your platform, speaking directly to the faithful.

Opinion

Such was the case Tuesday night, as I went to my favorite watering hole in Oak Park where local Democratic group was hosting a watch party, complete with a talking points Bingo card. (A friendly competition that I won, by the way.)

Its safe to say the audience was entirely made up of Vice President Kamala Harris supporters, who cheered and laughed at every appropriate cue, and jeering whenever possible at former President Donald Trump. Ive never been to one, but I have to imagine sitting in the audience of a Punch and Judy show is analogous. Im not sure if there was a Republican equivalent happening somewhere else. I didnt bother to find out.

Unbiased and nonpartisan it was not, but after the disaster of a presidential debate that occurred in June, it felt communal, hopeful  and honestly pretty fun.

Admittedly, I watched the Biden-Trump debate from the solitary confinement of my couch, popping open a bottle of wine with a flick (no glass needed) as I doom-scrolled through social media, watching the world come to the same conclusion I did: President Joe Biden had to go. (It took Biden a little longer to realize.)

This time, I was with a community that has been healing since the nomination was passed to Vice President Harris.

Tuesdays debate was a salve to wounds first inflicted in November 2016.

Xenia Vidal, center, reacts with other with others to a comment by former President Donald Trump during the watch party attended by Sacramento County Young Democrats at the California Federation of Teachers building in downtown Sacramento on Tuesday.

The truth is that both sides will claim victory in Tuesdays debate, though if you ask me, Harris is the one who showed America our best chance at normalcy, statesmanship and intelligence. Her performance was the closest to any reasonable persons idea of a successful debate performance.

Meanwhile, Trump showed America who he always is: An unhinged lunatic who wants to scare his supporters into voting against Harris more than he gave them anything to vote for. He doubled down on his claim that abortions are happening after birth (theyre not), that January 6 was a lawful protest (it wasnt) and that hes good friends with Putin (actually that ones true). No less than halfway through the debate, Harris had Trump spitting into his microphone with anger.

If youre a Harris supporter, I hope you got to spend Tuesday night surrounded by friends and family. I hope they were hopeful about her chances come November. And I hope you take that feeling of hopefulness excitement and fun, and use it to write postcards, make calls, send texts and emails, and do whatever you can to support Harris campaign so that Trump can never get near the White House again.

Otherwise, it was just a good time at a bar on a Tuesday night  and right now, your country needs more from you than that.
Kamala Harris Prosecutes An Unhinged Donald Trump In Presidential Debate | Photo by SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images

Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump met for the first time Tuesday night as they faced off in a debate hosted by ABC News. With the election less than two months away, this debate was a chance for the candidates to make clear the choice between them, and the differences stood out.

Youre not running against Joe Biden; youre running against me.

Harris used much of her speaking time to reiterate previous stances on issues such as the economy, abortion rights and foreign policy concerning Ukraine and Israel while painting the election as a choice between going backward with Trump or forward with her. She condemned Trump as extreme and divisive, reminding the audience of his many felony convictions and criminal cases and his 2020 election loss.

Donald Trump was fired by 81,000,000 people, Harris declared, and clearly he is having a very difficult time processing that.

Vice President Harris: Donald Trump was fired by 81,000,000 peopleand clearly he is having a very difficult time processing that."  pic.twitter.com/VlWxErweFX  Republicans against Trump (@RpsAgainstTrump) September 11, 2024

In one moment that has gone viral, Harris paused and appeared to stop herself from saying what she really wanted to call Trump.

@Lizzs_Lockeroom moment of the debate lol. The Black urge was strong. pic.twitter.com/wtWSxggUCi  Wishabitch Woods (@realfidelche) September 11, 2024

While defending her record with the current administration, Harris also differentiated herself from President Joe Biden, who dropped out of the race and endorsed Harris weeks after his poor debate performance. Harris reminded Trump, Youre not running against Joe Biden; youre running against me.

Kamala Harris tells Donald Trump youre not running against Joe Biden, youre running against me during the debate. pic.twitter.com/kyZEIJxeIe  Pop Base (@PopBase) September 11, 2024

Conspiracy theories but few plans from Trump

Trump appeared unfocused at best during the debate, rarely staying on topic or directly answering the moderators questions. When asked if he had his healthcare plan to replace the Affordable Care Act, which he has pledged to repeal ever since his 2016 campaign, Trump said he had concepts of a plan, drawing mockery online from the Harris campaign and many other commenters.

Q: So you still dont have a health care plan? Trump: I have concepts of a plan pic.twitter.com/0oEZy6vcWf  Kamala HQ (@KamalaHQ) September 11, 2024

Instead of policy, he often leaned into conspiracy theories. Trump doubled down on the false idea that he won the 2020 election, blamed Democrats for his supporters attacking the Capitol on January 6, 2021, refused to acknowledge he was wrong about calling for the execution of the Exonerated 5. Trump even repeated a recent racist conspiracy theory that Haitian immigrants in Ohio were stealing and eating their neighbors pets, drawing a fact-check from co-moderator David Muir and disbelief from Harris.

78 seconds of pure art pic.twitter.com/xvpOgo0eCk  Kat Abu (@abughazalehkat) September 11, 2024

Muir and co-moderator Linsey Davis fact-checked Trump multiple times, such as when he repeated the lie that Democrats support abortion until the ninth month of pregnancy and even after birth.

After former President Trump lied about late-term abortions, ABCs @LinseyDavis says: There is no state in this country where it is legal to kill a baby after it is born. pic.twitter.com/jewEqqVBV8  Yashar Ali  (@yashar) September 11, 2024

Debate win for Madam President

Harris online supporters believed she won the debate, with phrases like Madam President trending as her backers claimed victory.

Tonight, @KamalaHarris showed us exactly who she is: Madam President. We are not going back.  Lisa Blunt Rochester (@LisaBRochester) September 11, 2024

Many conservative commentators, meanwhile, went online to complain about the moderators or dismiss the debate as not mattering. Still, even Fox News pundits conceded that Harris beat Trump.

Even Fox News knows Kamala Harris won the debate. pic.twitter.com/KuTywJ85P1  Republican Voters Against Trump (@AccountableGOP) September 11, 2024

With only a few weeks between now and Election Day, we will see how the debate impacted voters. But coming out of Tuesday night, Harris supporters feel good about their candidate and her bid to win the presidency in November.
Kamala Harris Put Trump On His Back Foot, And 6 Other Takeaways From Their First Debate

Everyone who has observed former President Donald Trump in public life over the past decade seems to agree: He is his own worst enemy, and anyone hoping to get the better of him need only encourage his worst instincts.

When Trump is dwelling on the 2020 election, making outlandish claims or harping on personal grievances, he is not focusing on areas like the economy and immigration, where voters sometimes give him an advantage.

In a clear attempt to get Trump to go off-script before a national audience, Vice President Kamala Harriss campaign tried to get him to agree to have his microphone unmuted during the two contenders ABC News debate on Tuesday  a change from Trumps debate with President Joe Biden on June 27.

Harris did not succeed there  each candidates microphone would stay muted while the other was speaking  but she did find plenty of other ways to trigger Trumps bad habits. On this score and several others, the debate was an indisputable success for Harris, who has sometimes faced doubts about her extemporaneous speaking abilities.

Vice President Kamala Harris at Tuesday's debate in Philadelphia. Win McNamee via Getty Images

A turning point came close to the half-hour mark, when Harris laid a trap for Trump that he walked right into, predicting that he would bring up immigration unprompted throughout the debate and mocking him for holding rallies where he discusses fictional characters like Hannibal Lecter. She even said people leave his rallies early out of exhaustion and boredom.

The one thing you will not hear him talk about is you, she said, addressing viewers. You will not hear him talk about your dreams and your needs and your desires. And Ill tell you, I believe you deserve a president who actually puts you first.

Trump could not resist the opportunity to defend the size of the crowds at his rallies, a frequent fixation of his.

People dont go to her rallies, theres no reason to go. And the people that do go, shes busing in and paying them, he said, baselessly. People dont leave my rallies. We have the biggest rallies, the most incredible rallies in the history of politics.

He also managed to bring up perhaps his weirdest immigration talking point of the night  an entirely unproven, racist rumor about Haitian migrants eating pets in Ohio  effectively confirming her point about his immigration-themed outbursts.

The exchange set the tone for the rest of the debate. Harriss overarching theme was that she would not be distracted from helping working families, and that Trump could not be trusted to do the same. Trump never regained his footing, and embarrassed himself by continuing to take her bait.

Harris Hit Trump Where Biden Couldnt: On Abortion.

Harris got a notable win early in the night, when the moderators brought up a topic seen as one of her strengths: abortion rights.

Lets understand how we got here. Donald Trump hand selected three members of the Supreme Court with the intention that they would undo the protections of Roe v. Wade. And they did exactly as he intended, she said.

The vice president referred to the abortion bans and strict limitations in many states as Trump abortion bans  laying blame at his door for the stories of medical horror and trauma that have emerged since the national right to abortion was overturned in 2022.

Harris decried abortion bans without exceptions for rape or incest, passed in the wake of Roes reversal. Understand what that means  a survivor of a crime, a violation of their body, does not have the right to make a decision about what happens to their body next, she said. That is immoral.

I think the American people believe that certain freedoms, particularly freedom to make discussions about ones own body, should not be made by the government, she continued.

Harris answer, both passionate and detailed, was a far cry from how President Joe Biden, during his one debate against Trump before he dropped out, prosecuted the issue against the Republican candidate.

When asked about abortion  which is supposed to be the issue where the Democratic Party has the largest advantage for the coming election  Biden confusingly redirected his answer to focus on immigration, an area where Republicans are seen to be stronger.

Look, there are so many young women who have been, including a young woman who just was murdered, and he went to the funeral. And the idea that she was murdered by an immigrant coming in, to talk about that. But heres the deal. Theres a lot of young women are being raped by their in-laws, by their, by their spouses. Brothers and sisters, by  its just ridiculous, Biden said at the time.

Harris spokesman Ian Sams said after the debate that the abortion exchange went over well with battleground-state voters participating in dial tests  where voters grade candidates performances in real-time by moving a dial up or down depending on how they feel about what the candidate is saying.

Her answers in the abortion exchange were very high, Sams said. The only higher-testing moment, he said, came when Harris responded to Trump questioning her racial identity by reiterating that she wants to bring Americans together.

Trump Occasionally  Very Occasionally  Hit His Marks

At both the start and end of the debate, Trump was able to zero in on the economy and immigration to attack Harris. As both campaigns seek primarily to define the Democrat, who is still new on the campaign stage, rather than redefine Trump, the former presidents advantages on these issues have helped keep him neck-and-neck with Harris in the polls.

Shes been there for three-and-a-half years. Theyve had three-and-a-half years to close the border, theyve had three-and-a-half years to create jobs, Trump said in his closing statement. Why havent they done it?

On the economy, Harris pivoted by arguing her plans for the future  including increased child tax credits and expanding housing construction  were stronger than Trumps plans for tariffs, which she focused on framing as effectively a tax hike on American families. On immigration, she tried to use her own version of her boss famous line about Rudy Giuliani.

Hes going to talk a lot tonight about immigration, even though its not the subject being raised, Harris said.

Neither response is likely to be effective enough to negate Trumps advantages, but it might close the gap.

Trump Pretends To Distance Himself From The Right-Wing Psycho-Sphere  But Poorly

Throughout the debate, Trump repeatedly distanced himself from his own right-wing allies, including the figures behind plans for a potential second Trump administration  and even his own vice-presidential nominee.

When Harris brought up the Heritage Foundations Project 2025 agenda, drafted as an outline for a second Trump term by conservative policy thinkers, including many of Trumps close advisers, the former president acted as if he knew nothing about it.

I have nothing to do with Project 2025, Trump said. I havent read it. I dont want to read it, purposely. Im not going to read it.

(At least 140 former Trump staffers worked on crafting the Project 2025 agenda, according to CNN.)

In a discussion about abortion, Trump refused to answer whether he would veto federal legislation banning abortion nationwide. ABC moderator Linsey Davis pointed out that his own vice presidential nominee JD Vance said Trump would veto it. Trump proceeded to throw Vance under the bus.

I didnt discuss it with JD, in all fairness, Trump said.

But despite his best efforts to disavow his conservative allies, Trump consistently revealed himself to be swimming in the deep end of the right-wing swamp.

He claimed that Fox News personalities Laura Ingraham and Sean Hannity debunked the fact that he said that there were very fine people on both sides after a white supremacist in Charlottesville, Va. murdered a counter-protester with his car. (They did not debunk this.)

When Trump sought a world leader to cite as someone who supports him, he pointed to Hungarys Viktor Orban, a favorite autocrat of the far right.

The 1 Sentence That Encapsulated Trumps Absurdity

If there was one moment that best captured how frazzled and unhinged Trump came off during much of the debate, it was the point when Trump repeated the baseless and racist rumor that Haitian migrants in Springfield, Ohio, are eating cats and dogs. (The debate moderators debunked the claim.)

In Springfield, theyre eating the dogs. The people are eating the cats. Theyre eating the pets of the people that live there. This is what is happening in our country, Trump said, repeating the wild smear his running mate helped popularize.

That wasnt all: Now she wants to do transgender operations on illegal aliens that are in prison, Trump said of Harris, mashing several strains of GOP fear mongering into one absurd sentence.

Trump was clearly on a tear on Tuesday, opening himself up to embarrassing moments and brutal sound bites that Harris can use to make him look bad in campaign ads and future debates.

The 45th president has a history of unhinged debate moments during his three presidential runs  and theyre hard to forget. But the contrast Tuesday was made starker by Harris steadiness and her ability to stay on message.

The Moderators Finally Pushed Back

The debates moderators, Davis and David Muir, calmly fact-checked Trump during the debate, debunking his lies about abortion in the ninth month of pregnancy and other false statements.

It was a reversal from the first debate hosted by CNN, which did not include any live fact-checking from the moderators.

Trump was not happy.

I thought the moderators were very unfair. It was basically three-on-one, Trump told reporters in the spin room after the debate.

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(Bloomberg) -- Nvidia Corp. Chief Executive Officer Jensen Huang, whose products have become the hottest commodity in the technology world, said that the scramble for a limited amount of supply has frustrated some customers and raised tensions.

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The demand on it is so great, and everyone wants to be first and everyone wants to be most, he told the audience at a Goldman Sachs Group Inc. technology conference in San Francisco. We probably have more emotional customers today. Deservedly so. Its tense. Were trying to do the best we can.

Huangs company is experiencing strong demand for its latest generation of chips, called Blackwell, he told the audience. The Santa Clara, California-based business outsources the physical production of its hardware, and Nvidias suppliers are making progress in catching up, he said.

Nvidias chips are used by data center operators to develop and run artificial intelligence models. And the feverish appetite for such services has sent its sales  and stock price  soaring. The shares have more than doubled this year, following a 239% run-up in 2023.

The stock gained 8.1% to $116.91 in New York on Wednesday, marking its biggest single-day rise in six weeks.

But the company counts on a small number of customers  data center operators like Microsoft Corp. and Meta Platforms Inc.  for much of its revenue.

Huang was asked whether the massive AI spending is providing customers with a return on investment. Thats been a concern during the tech industrys AI frenzy.

But he said companies have no choice other than to embrace accelerated computing. Nvidias technology speeds up conventional workloads  data processing  as well as handling AI tasks that older technology cant manage, he said.

Nvidia leans heavily on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. for production of its most important chips and does so because that company is the best in its field by a large margin, Huang said. But geopolitical tension has raised risks. China sees TSMCs home island as a rogue province, stoking concerns that it might try to reclaim the territory. That could potentially cut off Nvidia from the key supplier.

Huang said he develops much of the companys technology in-house and that should allow Nvidia to switch orders to alternative suppliers. Still, such a change would likely result in a reduction in quality of his chips, he said.

Story continues

TSMCs agility and their capability to respond to our needs is just incredible, he said. And so we use them because theyre great, but if necessary, of course, we can always bring up others.

(Updates with stock performance in fifth paragraph.)

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The Debate As It Happened: Donald Trump Gets The Last Word In A Debate That Had Him On Defense

UPDATED: Donald Trump, by coin toss, got the last word in the debate, questioning why Kamala Harris hasnt done many of the things she proposes.

The worst president, the worst vice president, in the history of our country, he said, angrily, predicting that his rival would start World War III.

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We cant sacrifice the country for the sake of a bad vision, Trump said.

RELATED: Hollywood Reacts To Harris-Trump Debate: She Crushed Him, Hulk Himself Mark Ruffalo Says

Harris stayed with her message of future vs. the past.

PREVIOUSLY: Donald Trump was asked about the comment from last month that Kamala Harris happened to turn Black.

Interjecting Harris race into the presidential campaign, Trump was suggesting that she was identifying as Black for political purposes. Harris is mixed race, but she has long identified as Black.

I read she was not Black, then I read she was Black, Trump said.

RELATED: The Daily Shows Jon Stewart Says Kamala Harris Crushed It, Has Some Fun With Pet Eating Comments & Gets Serious Over January 6

Harris has not taken the bait, and tonight said that Trump was trying to use race to divide the American people. She then pointed to Trumps record on race, including once calling for the execution of the Central Park Five, the Black men who were falsely accused of assaulting and raping a Central Park jogger in 1989.

PREVIOUSLY: Kamala Harris insisted that world leaders are laughing at Donald Trump, as she noted the number of his administrations national security officials who have been critical of his leadership.

Trump, though, cited a world leader for a reference: Victor Orban, the authoritarian ruler of Hungary.

RELATED: Kamala Harris Celebrity Endorsements: A Full List of Democratic Celebrities Supporting The VP

It is absolutely well known that these dictators and autocrats are rooting for you to be president again because its so clear they can manipulate you with flattery and favors, she said.

Trump insisted that Bidens administration has been weak and effective, while insisting that the war in Ukraine and Israel would not have happened under his presidency.

PREVIOUSLY: Donald Trump still insists that he won the 2020 presidential election, even though he told a podcast host last week that he lost by a whisker.

ABC News David Muir had asked Trump about the comment, comparing it to his long unfounded claims that the 2020 election was rigged. The former president, though, said that he must have been being sarcastic. Muir, though, said that he lost the sarcasm of the remark.

RELATED: Donald Trump Celebrity Endorsements: A Full List Of Celebrities Supporting The Ex-POTUS

Trump then went on an extended rant about the 2020 election, insisting that there were irregularities in ket swing states before catching himself and saying, Thats old news.

Harris then said, Donald Trump was fired by 81 million peopleand clearly he is having a difficult time processing that.

PREVIOUSLY: Kamala Harris largely stuck with her explanation over why her positions have changed on issues like fracking, the border and immigration.

Harris said that her values had not changed, even if her policies have, just as she told CNNs Dana Bash in an interview last month.

PREVIOUSLY: ABC News David Muir has been stepping in with some fact checks, most prominently with the wild claim that migrants in Springfield, OH have been eating cats and dogs, with pets disappearing.

The accusation is unfounded, and even Trumps vice presidential nominee, JD Vance, has acknowledged that it is unconfirmed.

Muir pointed out that ABC News has contacted the city manager of Springfield, and he said there was no evidence of that.

The dogs were eaten, Trump insisted.

Co-moderator Linsey Davis also fact-checked Trump, noting that there is no state in this country where it is legal to kill a baby after it is born. Trump has been making that claim repeatedly in interviews and rallies, and the ABC team appeared to be ready for some of his false statements this evening.

PREVIOUSLY: Kamala Harris rattled Donald Trump on one of her comments  that his supporters end up leaving his rallies early because they are bored.

She said that people should attend one of his rallies and see that the one thing you will not hear him talk about is you. You will not hear him talk about your needs, your dreams and your desires.

He responded by denying it, and with the false claim that no one shows up to her rallies. When they do show up, he said, she is busing them in and paying them to be there.

PREVIOUSLY: Kamala Harris has been looking directly in the camera as she answers questions  talking to the viewers versus talking solely to the moderators.

He ended up selling American chips to China to improve and modernize military. He sold us out, Harris said of his policies toward China.

She hammered Trump for thanking President Xi Jinping for what he did during Covid.

We know that Xi was responsible for not giving us transparency about the origins of Covid, she said.

Trump has insisted his tariffs would result in China paying more for goods.

PREVIOUSLY: Kamala Harris and Donald Trump opened their debate with Harris shaking hands.

The vice president approached Trump and extended her hand, and they politely exchanged greetings.

Lets have a good debate, she said.

Nice to see you. Have fun, he responded.

The opening question was about the economy, with Harris hammering Trump for his proposal for widespread tariffs, saying that it would result in an across-the-board sales tax on Americans because the cost would be passed on to consumers. Trump denied that it was a tax, before shifting to criticism of the Biden administration over the border.

They are destroying our country, he said of undocumented immigrants.

The stakes of the debate are enormous: Harris and Trump are neck and neck in the polls, and this event may be their only match-up of the cycle.

Amazingly enough, Harris and Trump also had never met in person before. The most obvious place where they would have  during the transition from one administration to the next on January 20, 2021  never happened because Trump refused to attend.

ABC News David Muir and Linsey Davis are moderating the debate, their first time at the helm at such a general election event.

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Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during a presidential debate with Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at the National Constitution Center, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Philadelphia. | Alex Brandon

Vice President Kamala Harris has made defending abortion rights a pillar of her presidential campaign, but that doesnt mean shes given up on trying to get support from religious voters who see the issue differently than she does.

During Tuesday nights presidential debate, Harris referenced faith and morality during her remarks on abortion, arguing that some state-level abortion bans are immoral.

In over 20 states, there are ... bans which make it criminal for a doctor or nurse to provide health care. In one state it provides prison for life, she said, adding that there are bans that make no exception even for rape and incest.

She continued, Understand what that means: A survivor of a crime, a violation to their body, does not have the right to make a decision about what happens to their body next. That is immoral.

Harris added that religious Americans are among those who take issue with these abortion laws.

One does not have to abandon their faith or deeply held beliefs to agree the government, and Donald Trump certainly, should not be telling a woman what to do with her body, she said.

Harris and Trump on abortion

During Tuesdays debate, Harris did not offer much detail on what she would want abortion policy to look like if she became president.

She did say she wanted to reinstate the protections of Roe v. Wade, a 1973 ruling that recognized a constitutional right to abortion care until the point of fetal viability. The Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June 2022, as the Deseret News previously reported.

Former President Donald Trump criticized Harris comments, arguing that a policy reinstating Roe v. Wade would never make it through Congress.

Trump said that the current system of allowing states to set their own abortion policies is what everybody wanted.

I did something that nobody thought was possible. The states are now voting, he said.

Trump added that hes not in favor of a national abortion ban.

But it doesnt matter because this issue has now been taken over by the states, he said.

Kamala Harris religion

Harris, who identifies as Christian and belongs to a Baptist church, has made similar comments about religion and abortion in the past.

For example, in 2022, just before the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, she said that supporting Roe v. Wade means supporting a womans right to base an abortion decision on her own values, including her religious beliefs.

To support Roe v. Wade and all it stands for, does not mean giving up your beliefs, she said, according to Catholic News Agency. It is simply about agreeing that a woman should be able to make that decision with her faith leader, with her family, with her physician. And that the government should not be making that decision for her.

Then and now, Harris faced pushback for that sentiment.

You dont have to abandon your faith (to endorse termination of life in the womb) ... Yes, Madam Vice President, you do, argued the Rev. JD Greear, former president of the Southern Baptist Convention, in an X post shared during Tuesday nights debate.

Surveys have repeatedly shown that religious Americans do not speak with one voice on abortion rights.

For example, a Pew Research Center survey from earlier this year found that 59% of Catholics, 71% of Black Protestants and 64% of white nonevangelical Protestants believe abortion should be legal in all or most cases.

But one concern raised by religious voters about Harris leadership is that she hasnt respected the people of faith who do oppose abortion. That concern is part of a broader debate over Harris religious freedom record.

In August, leaders of pro-life pregnancy centers in California told Catholic News Agency that they felt persecuted during Harris time as the states attorney general. Harris supported a law that forced the centers to display information about where to access abortions, the article said.
On Kamala Harris' San Francisco home turf, old friends root for her on presidential debate night

Steve Morton, center, and Michaiel Bovenes, right, react during a presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris at a watch party hosted by the Alice B. Toklas LGBTQ Democratic Club at the Academy in San Francisco. (Juliana Yamada/Associated Press)

On the 32nd floor of a luxury condo skyscraper with panoramic views of San Francisco Bay, Heidi Sieck popped a bottle of champagne Tuesday evening, played "Freedom" by Beyonce and waited for her fellow "Kamala OGs" to arrive to watch the presidential debate.

"I'm so stressed out," said Sieck, an abortion rights activist and longtime San Francisco political operative who met Kamala Harris in 2003 at a house party where the first-time candidate stood on a milk crate in her high heels and pearls and urged partygoers to vote for her for district attorney.

By the time Tuesday's debate between Vice President Harris and former President Trump turned to abortion rights, though, Sieck, whose watch party doubled as a fundraiser for a city ballot measure to strengthen reproductive health access, was feeling good.

"Fix it, Kamala!" Sieck shouted at a big-screen TV from a leather couch as she shared bowls of popcorn and potato chips with friends and fellow Harris supporters. "She's in the zone. Kick his ass! Kick his ass!"

Heidi Sieck, left, hosted an intimate presidential debate party at the Avery in San Francisco on Tuesday. Sieck has been a supporter of Kamala Harris for 20 years. (Mackenzie Mays / Los Angeles Times)

For San Franciscans like Sieck, who was an early supporter of Harris and has volunteered for her campaigns over the years, Tuesday evening's debate was a win for the home team.

The intimate party was just one of at least a dozen held across the Bay Area, where Harris left her mark decades ago as an Alameda County prosecutor and then San Francisco district attorney before moving on to statewide offices and the White House as vice president.

In a city where political activism courses through the local culture, some parties attracted hundreds of guests as Harris' friends and former staffers joined with other excited Democrats to make debate night a moment to get motivated and reminisce. Political insiders watched Harris on the big screen and boasted that they knew her way back when. They erupted in cheers when the vice president mentioned Trump's bankruptcies and laughed alongside her when he alleged without evidence that immigrants had eaten pets.

At Mannys, an event venue in the Mission District, owner Manny Yekutiel greeted guests dressed in drag, wearing a pink wig and a sequined dress.

Partygoers ate ice cream from a local creamery that created a special line of flavors for an election season featuring a hometown presidential candidate. Their scoops of malted salted vanilla ice cream with pecan pralines came in cups donning a picture of Harris and the flavor name: "MVP," a moniker that could refer to Most Valuable Player or Madame Vice President.

Downtown, inside the San Francisco Democratic Party's new campaign headquarters on Market Street, Mayor London Breed, City Atty. David Chiu, state Sen. Scott Wiener and East Bay congressional candidate Lateefah Simon were among hundreds of viewers cheering Harris on.

Breed called Harris' performance on Tuesday "direct and honest, and remembered the fellow Democrat shes known since the 1990s, who first encouraged her to get involved in politics.

I wouldnt have thought honestly someone like me could be in this world, said Breed, who is San Franciscos first Black female mayor. And she is very pushy about me being in this world.

Chiu walked around with a T-shirt that read "Asians for Kamala"  a relic from her 2003 run for San Francisco district attorney.

He pointed to a lotus flower emblazoned on the red shirt and explained that "Kamala" means "lotus" in Sanskrit.

"The lotus is found in muddy waters, where it emerges unsoiled and ready to bloom," Chiu read from the text on T-shirt. "To me, 21 years later, this speaks to where America is today. We're being led by our joyful warrior, and we gotta get it done."

Harris' Bay Area history is long. She was born in Oakland and spent part of her childhood in Berkeley public schools. She graduated from UC Hastings College of the Law  now UC Law San Francisco  before being elected San Francisco's top prosecutor.

She has credited San Franciscos hard-knock politics as shaping her ambitions and propelling her all the way to the White House as vice president, and now potentially president. The city is where she got to know powerful people, including Willie Brown, the former mayor and Assembly speaker whom she dated in the 1990s, and where she competed for the spotlight with fellow rising stars including Gov. Gavin Newsom, also a former mayor.

Simon Sutton, 14, and his stepmom Summer Stagg watched the presidential debate at a party hosted by the Alice B. Toklas LGBTQ Democratic Club in San Francisco. (Juliana Yamada / Associated Press)

Alex Tourk, who has worked in San Francisco for 30 years including on the Brown and Newsom campaigns, was at the Avery cheering for Harris. He called competitive San Francisco politics "a knife fight in a phone booth," but said Harris always had what it takes.

He met her in 2000 when Brown was facing an uphill battle over ranked-choice voting and tasked him and Harris  his "two toughest political operatives," Tourk said  to help him get his preferred candidates elected to the Board of Supervisors. They failed, but Tourk looks back on those five weeks with Harris as the real win.

"Then, obviously, I didn't know she could be president of United States. But we all knew she was somebody special," Tourk said. "Tonight, this is one of our own."

Specialty ice cream honoring Vice President Kamala Harris was served at a presidential debate watch party in San Francisco (Anabel Sosa)

But not everyone in the city was cheering for Harris. At a bar in the Haight-Ashbury  the neighborhood famous as the epicenter of Hippie counterculture  nearly 100 Republicans gathered to drink beer and root for Trump, including Jacob Spangler, president of the College Republicans at San Francisco State University.

He said its challenging to be a conservative in such a liberal city.

Being a young person its difficult socially to exist here in San Francisco, he said. If I meet a new friend, I need to wait a few months and sit them down and tell them Im a Republican.

In this crowd, Harris was more of a distant political figure than a hometown compadre.

Kathleen McCrea, 69, who said she is a registered independent who voted for Trump in the last two elections, said she plans to vote for him again because of his stances on immigration and the economy.

McCrea said the former president was very well prepared compared with Harris, whom she called a stereotypical San Francisco Democrat that knows how to woo people in money circles.

Kathleen McCrea, right, takes notes while watching the presidential debate during a watch party hosted by the San Francisco Republican Party. (Juliana Yamada / Associated Press)

Back at Sieck's condo with breathtaking views of the bay and city skyline, the hostess teared up recalling her experience at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago last month.

She had volunteered for the DNC when President Biden was still the candidate, but now it was Harris, who had sat at tables with her many years ago planning how to make her city better, how to help more women get elected, a longtime ally who was always willing to write her letters of recommendation, even when life got busy.

"I'm looking at that podium," Sieck said, recalling waiting for Harris to come on stage at the DNC, "and all I could think about was that milk crate."

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Vice President Kamala Harris definitely went into Tuesday nights debate with former President Donald Trump with a strategy: bait him on the issues that everyone knows get under his skin.

It worked.

Harris arguably rattled Trump from the moment the debate began, when she walked over to his side of the stage and firmly shook his hand.

Within minutes, the vice president was mocking the nonsensical things hes been saying at his campaign rallies and suggested its been getting old, even for his supporters.

He talks about fictional characters, like Hannibal Lecter. He will talk about how windmills cause cancer, Harris said. What you will also notice is that people start leaving his rallies early out of exhaustion and boredom.

The bait, on a topic that Trump is known to care about, had its intended effect. As the moderator moved on to a question about immigration, Trump interjected to say he wanted to talk about his rallies first.

People dont leave my rallies, he insisted. We have the biggest rallies. The most incredible rallies in the history of politics.

Trump also said it was Harris rallies with waning attendance, not his, a claim that Harris responded to by throwing her head back in laughter. He then appeared to lose his train of thought, randomly bringing up false reports of migrants eating peoples pets in Springfield, Ohio.

In Springfield, theyre eating the dogs, theyre eating the cats, theyre eating the pets of the people that live there, said the Republican presidential nominee. The people on television are saying my dog was taken and used for food.

Harris started laughing as he said this, per a White House pool report, and said off-mic, What? This is unbelievable.

We have the biggest rallies. The most incredible rallies in the history of politics," Trump said of his rallies, which Harris said people have been noticeably leaving early. via Associated Press

It was a strategy that appeared to work multiple times, on multiple topics. Later in the debate, as Trump repeatedly refused to admit he lost the 2020 presidential election, which he definitely did, Harris took another shot at him.

Donald Trump was fired by 81 million people, she said, as he scoffed in response. Clearly, he is having a very difficult time processing that.

Harris described her travels around the world as vice president, and shared what she said the leaders of other countries have said to her about him.

World leaders are laughing at Donald Trump, Harris said, turning to him directly. I have talked with military leaders, some of whom worked with you. They say youre a disgrace.

With that zinger still hanging out there, the vice president took aim at Trump on the very issue on which he loved to attack President Joe Biden when he was still running for reelection: his mental acuity.

The fact that Trump still cant admit that he lost in 2020 leads one to believe that perhaps we do not have in the candidate to my right the temperament or the ability to not be confused about facts, Harris said as Trump appeared unnerved.

Throughout the debate, Harris referred to Trump as weak on various policies  a buzz word that certainly got under his skin, given his love of using that same attack on others, as well as his penchant for heaping praise on strongmen.

It is very well known that Donald Trump is weak and wrong on national security, Harris said at one point. It is well known that he admires dictators. He wants to be a dictator on day one, according to himself. These dictators and autocrats are rooting for you to be president again because theyre so clear they can manipulate you with flattery and favors.



Pointing her finger directly at Trump, she added, That is why so many military leaders who you have worked with have told me that you are a disgrace.

Even the vice presidents body language appeared to be strategic in making Trump uncomfortable. She often looked directly at him as she spoke, whether she was dinging his record or reacting to his accusations.

Trump, for his part, stared straight ahead the entire time.
In one of several moments during the ABC News presidential debate Tuesday night, Vice President Kamala Harris got under Donald Trumps skin by telling her Republican opponent that the former president is considered a joke to world leaders.

After Trump made it clear he still refuses to accept that he lost the 2020 election to Joe Biden, Harris said that the United States cannot afford to have a president who will continue to try to upend the will of the voters in a free and fair election.

I have traveled the world as vice president of the United States, and world leaders are laughing at Donald Trump, the Democratic nominee said while facing her opponent. I have talked with military leaders, some of whom worked with you, and they say youre a disgrace.

And when you then talk in this way in a presidential debate and deny what over and over again are court cases you have lost  because you did, in fact, lose that election  it leads one to believe that perhaps we do not have, in the candidate to my right, the temperament or the ability to not be confused about fact, she said. Thats deeply troubling, and the American people deserve better.

Vice President Harris: World leaders are laughing at Donald Trump. I have talked with military leaders, some of whom worked with you, and they say you're a disgrace pic.twitter.com/m8gUT4Mfti  Kamala HQ (@KamalaHQ) September 11, 2024

Harris later repeated that military leaders think Trump is a disgrace after the former president accused her of wanting the state of Israel to no longer exist. The Biden-Harris administration has sent unconditional military aid to Israel, and Harris has repeatedly said that she believes Israel has a right to defend itself.

Donald Trump is weak and wrong on national security and foreign policy. It is well-known that he admires dictators [and] wants to be a dictator on day one, according to himself, she responded before listing off Trumps documented declarations of admiration for autocrats including Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

Trump took the bait, pivoting to focus on claiming that leaders such as Hungarys far-right Prime Minister Viktor Orban want him to be president again because countries like China, North Korea and Russia allegedly feared him when he was in office.

It is absolutely well-known that these dictators and autocrats are rooting for you to be president again because theyre so clear they can manipulate you with flattery and favors, and that is why so many military leaders who you have worked with have told me you are a disgrace, Harris said. That is why we understand that we have to have a president who is not consistently weak and wrong on national security, including the importance of upholding and respecting in highest regard our military.

Related...
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  A Kansas City man is facing charges connected to a burglary in the early morning hours of September 10 in the Waldo area of Kansas City, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

The Prosecutors Office claims that George Carter faces charges of second-degree burglary and first-degree property damage. These charges stem from an incident in which a Walgreens drugstore in the Waldo area was broken into.

Mayor Lucas proposes fund to help KC businesses affected by crime

According to court records, KCPD officers responded to the area of 75th and Wornall Road to reports of a prowler. Responding officers reportedly saw a black pickup facing north in the parking lot of the Walgreens.

Court records say that this pickup then fled the scene at a high rate of speed and that individuals were climbing through the front door of the store, which had been previously broken.

Witnesses are also saying that they saw these individuals leaving the store with trash bags full of what they believe to be prescription drugs.

While investigating and canvassing the scene, officers located and detained Carter. Officers also obtained a video from another incident on the same day, showing a man wearing the same clothes Carter was wearing, as well as the same black pickup.

This case remains under investigation, prosecutors have requested a bond of $50,000 cash.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
Corn, soy and wheat farmers are struggling with inflation and the economic effects of the war in Ukraine. (Jill Hummels for the Kansas Reflector)

Researchers at Kansas State University found certain fertilizers can help improve soil health and store carbon to help combat climate change. (Jill Hummels for Kansas Reflector)

Farmers can help combat climate change and improve the health of their soil by switching to natural fertilizers and minimizing tilling, new research from Kansas State University shows.

According to a paper published in June in the Soil Science Society of America Journal, analysis from a no-till cornfield in Kansas showed that manure or compost fertilizer stored more atmospheric carbon and improved microbial diversity compared with commercial fertilizers.

In a news release about the study, Ganga Hettiarachchi, one of the lead researchers, said the results were  as far as she knows  the first evidence of the mechanisms through which the addition of natural fertilizers improve soil health, microbial diversity and carbon sequestration.

Collectively, studies like this are going to help us to move forward to more sustainable, more regenerative agriculture practices that will protect our soils and environment as well as help feed growing populations, said Hettiarachchi, professor of soil and environmental chemistry at K-State.

Sequestering carbon in soil is a significant way the agriculture sector can help lower global greenhouse gas emissions. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, agriculture was responsible for just more than 10% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2021.

Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere traps heat, creating a greenhouse effect and contributing to the overall warming of the planet. Last year was the warmest since recordkeeping began in 1880, making efforts to combat climate change increasingly urgent. According to NASA, the past 10 years have been the hottest ever.

If we find ways to enhance carbon storage in soil, then that will help us to mitigate climate change, Hettiarachchi said.

As part of the study, Hettiarachchi and fellow researchers looked at a Kansas cornfield that had no crop rotation and had grown corn for 22 years. Rather than breaking up soil clumps, researchers cut samples from the soil and took them to specialized laboratories where they could study how carbon and other minerals were distributed in the soil.

Not only does using manure or compost fertilizer  rather than commercial chemical fertilizers  help improve carbon sequestration, Hettiarachchi said, but it improves the health of the soil and helps it retain nutrients. Runoff of nutrients  typically nitrogen and phosphorus  through rain and irrigation pollutes streams, rivers and lakes and contributes to toxic algae blooms.

University of Kansas researchers last year predicted that climate change will result in more frequent algae blooms.

Researchers from K-State partnered on the study with Canadian Light Source and Advanced Light Source, research facilities that use synchrotron lights for scientific research.
A Kansas City man accused breaking into a Walgreens in Waldo through the drive-thru window has been charged with burglary, court documents show.

George Carter, 23, was charged with second-degree burglary and property damage, both felonies, in the the break-in.

The break-in happened around 3 a.m. on Sept. 10, according to court records.

A witness who was delivering supplies to a nearby Chipotle around 3:15 a.m. told police detectives hed seen a black pickup truck parked just outside the pharmacys drive-thru window, which was broken. The witness said that he saw several people climb repeatedly into the pharmacy through the window and exit carrying what amounted to five or six bags of pharmaceuticals.

The truck, allegedly driven by Carter, was parked in the pharmacys drive-thru lane just outside the drugstore window when Kansas City police arrived, according to court documents.

An officer reported seeing two male suspects, one of whom was later identified as Carter, run away.

Carter was arrested later that day after another officer witnessed him running into a nearby building, according to court documents.

Multiple prescription bottles were found just inside the broken window of the Walgreens after the break-in, some in a large trash bag. An exterior door of the building suffered about $6,000 worth of damage during the burglary, according to court documents.

Traces of blood were also found at the scene.

Carter denied involvement in the break-in, according to court documents. He will next appear in court at 10 a.m. Sept. 20 a.m. for a bond review hearing.

Wednesdays break-in was the latest in a string of property and vehicle crimes that have worried residents in and near Waldo in recent weeks.

Between January and August, 121 property crimes were reported in the police patrol division covering Waldo and nearby Brookside. In the same timeframe, 376 cars were stolen in the area.

Three weeks ago, two juveniles were arrested in connection with a series of more than a dozen car break-ins. Meanwhile, police are still investigating an attempted break-in at a CVS in Brookside, when a driver rammed their vehicle into the front of the pharmacy and tried to steal an ATM machine.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  Kansas City Public Schools issued a statement on Wednesday in response to a wave of online threats hit by dozens of metro schools this week.

According to KCPS, We take matters like these extremely seriously, and are working with local law enforcement and several other area school districts to identify the perpetrators.

Person in custody after making threat to Blue Springs High School

Over the last week, middle schools and high schools on both sides of the state line faced a variety of threats, most of which were on social media.

These included shootings, bombs and other direct threats to students and administration.

Several people have been arrested in connection to these incidences, including one student in the Lees Summit School District on Tuesday.

The district superintendent, Dr. David Buck, said the student had posted a vague social media threat on TikTok toward East Trails Middle School on Monday, causing local law enforcement at the FBI to get involved.

This announcement came only a day after another middle school, Eisenhower Middle School in Kansas City, Kansas, was on lockdown for a bomb threat.

Student arrested for threats toward Lees Summit middle 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.

Also on Monday, Blue Springs High School was made aware of a threat posted 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.

Kansas City, Kansas, middle school looking into possible bomb threat

As for KCPS, the district said, Our superintendent has sent a message to all our families updating them on the situation and cataloging the many safety measures employed in our district, including a robust and well-trained security unit of officers, secure double-entry entrances, high-tech cameras and equipment, and quick-acting emergency response systems. These are just a few of the heavy investments we have made in security at KCPS.

The district continued, As always, the safety & security of our students and staff is our top priority. We will continue to work with our security officers and local law enforcement to monitor this situation and act accordingly, while keeping a secure and safe learning environment for every single one of our students and staff members.

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Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., an environmental lawyer and anti-vaccine advocate, visited Portland, Maine in November and spoke to a crowd of more than 500 people. (Photo by AnnMarie Hilton/ Maine Morning Star)

After being rejected by the Michigan Supreme Court, independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has turned to the federal courts to get his name removed from Michigans presidential ballot.

In a lawsuit filed Tuesday night in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, Kennedy names Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, a Democrat, and contends her offices decision to deny his request for his name to be removed is unconstitutional.

Defendants relentless and unauthorized attempt to have Mr. Kennedy convey a message to Michigan voters he insists on not conveying not only harms Mr. Kennedy but also harms every citizen in Michigan, wrote Kennedys lawyer Brandon Debus in the complaint, adding that it will serve only to mislead voters (and) upend election and ballot integrity

Debus, with the Dickinson Wright law firm, has also represented independent candidate Cornel West in his efforts to keep his name on the ballot. West has been assisted across the country in his campaign by a number of attorneys with direct connections to Republican politics.

Keeping Cornel West on the Michigan ballot and keeping Robert Kennedy Jr. off of it would be a combination that would only benefit Trump and disadvantage Harris, said Mark Brewer, an election attorney and former chair of the Michigan Democratic Party.

Brewer represented longtime civil rights and community activist Rosa Holliday in her lawsuit seeking to keep West off the ballot citing improperly notarized documents and alleging his ballot petitions were rife with fraud. Regardless, the states highest court ruled Monday that Wests name could remain on the ballot.

Kennedys federal filing followed a separate order Monday by the Supreme Court that the 70-year-old environmental lawyers name would also remain on the Nov. 5 ballot, despite his motion to have it removed after he suspended his independent campaign and endorsed Trump in his bid for another White House term.

The lawsuit in Detroit federal court represents the fourth court to hear Kennedys complaint.

Initially, the Michigan Court of Claims upheld the decision by the Michigan Department of State (MDOS), led by Benson, that Kennedys request violated a section of Michigan Election Law concerning candidates nominated by minor political parties, saying they could not withdraw.

That was followed two days later by a unanimous ruling from a three-judge panel of the Michigan Court of Appeals (COA) that overruled the Court of Claims decision and said Kennedys name could be removed because MDOS incorrectly interpreted state election law.

Mondays decision by the Supreme Court, which has a 4-3 Democratic-nominated majority, followed several days after that. The federal lawsuit has been assigned to Judge Denise Page Hood, who has served for 30 years after being nominated to the bench by former President Bill Clinton, a Democrat.

The backdrop to Kennedys efforts are deadlines to get ballots printed and sent to military and overseas voters. That must occur at least 45 days before the election, which is Sept. 21. Last Friday was the deadline to certify the candidates for the November ballot in order to begin the ballot printing process. Absentee ballots must be sent to military and overseas voters at least 45 days before the election, or Sept. 21.

MDOS spokesperson Angela Benander told the Michigan Advance that the printing process has already begun to ensure absentee ballots will be delivered to voters by the federal deadlines.

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(Bloomberg) -- Oil climbed the most in two weeks as Hurricane Francine ripped through key oil-producing zones in the US Gulf of Mexico, prompting traders to cover bearish bets.

Most Read from Bloomberg

West Texas Intermediate rose more than 2% to settle above $67 a barrel, erasing most of the previous days plunge. Global benchmark Brent crude advanced to top $70 a barrel.

The gain was fueld by short-covering after the storm prompted oil companies to shut in roughly 25% of Gulf crude output, said Dennis Kissler, senior vice president for trading at BOK Financial Securities. Exxon Mobil Corp., Shell Plc and other offshore drillers evacuated crews and suspended operations on platforms threatened by the hurricanes lashing waves and high winds.

While global demand has weakened, current US supplies could tighten further if Hurricane Francine causes multiple days of well shut-ins, Kissler said.

The storm overshadowed a bearish US government tally that showed a surprise 833,000-barrel increase in domestic crude stockpiles. An industry group had projected a 2.79-million barrel decline, and Bloomberg users were expecting a 700,000-barrel drop.

Crude has sunk by almost one-fifth this quarter on concerns that slowing growth in the US and China, the leading consumers, is hurting energy demand amid robust oil supplies. Market metrics  including the shape of the futures curve  indicate that conditions are quickly becoming far less tight, with pockets further out making a brief foray into a bearish contango structure.

Speculators, led by heavy selling from CTAs, had taken up the least bullish stance on record coming into this week, and traders have warned about the potential for price spikes as money managers unwind some of the bearish bets.

Meanwhile, Francines winds are raking the coast of Louisiana, where it is expected to make landfall later Wednesday. In addition to offshore well shutdowns, as many as eight onshore refineries lie in the systems potential path.

Oils recent retreat had already seen OPEC+ postpone an output hike, stoking investor concerns that the extra barrels could be still be brought to the market closer to 2025. The International Energy Agency  which will issue a revised monthly outlook later this week  said in August the market risked higher inventories next year even if the cartel canceled the output increase.

Story continues

Weve got closer to what looks like a high-conviction surplus for next year, Citigroup Inc. head of commodities research Max Layton said in an interview with Bloomberg television. The market has just simply got closer to D-Day really.

To get Bloombergs Energy Daily newsletter into your inbox, click here.

--With assistance from Devika Krishna Kumar and Yongchang Chin.

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KENOSHA, Wis.  Emergency crews in Kenosha County, Wis., were preparing to resume their search for a missing diver early Wednesday morning when they rescued another individual in distress on Lake Michigan.

According to a news release from the Kenosha County Sheriffs Department, another distress call came in just before 7 a.m. as crews were preparing to continue the recovery operation for the missing diver, which began Tuesday (click HERE to read more about that operation).

Newton County (Ind.) sheriffs officer shot in line of duty in Illinois will not survive injuries, sheriffs office says

The call Wednesday morning, according to the release, was for a vessel on Lake Michigan three miles out, just north of the Illinois state line, that was underwater with a person in the water.

A private vessel located the individual and stayed with them until law enforcement arrived, the release says, and the male was then rescued from the water without further incident.

Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines

Meanwhile, the Kenosha County Sheriffs Department said recovery operations for the missing diver resumed Wednesday morning, focusing on the area around the SS Wisconsin shipwreck, a steamer that sank off the coast of Kenosha in 1929 and is a popular site for divers to explore.

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Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman is leading a bipartisan charge with a coalition of 42 other attorneys general, calling for federal legislation that would require a surgeons general warning on social media sites.

In a seven-page letter to Congressional leaders, the attorneys general raise alarm amid growing scrutiny of social media companies for their role in the generational harm to young peoples mental health, according to a press release.

The attorneys allege the algorithmic-driven practices used by social media platforms are a threat to childrens safety.

Social media platforms are designed to addict users  especially our kids  to spend countless hours digging for their algorithmic fix, Coleman said in a press release. Even as our Office continues to hold these companies accountable for the harm they inflict on our youth, its time for our federal partners to step in and protect Kentuckys sons and daughters.

The letter states a growing body of research links young peoples use of those social media platforms to a variety of 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 children relentlessly engaged on the platform, the letter reads.

Colemans announcement comes less than 24 hours after his office secured $3.6 million in funding to launch a social media campaign aimed at drug use prevention among Generation Z.

This problem will not solve itself and the social media platforms have demonstrated an unwillingness to fix the problem on their own, the letter reads. Therefore, we urge Congress to act by requiring warnings on algorithm-driven social media platforms, as recommended by the Surgeon General.

The same day Coleman announced the step toward seeking the federal warning, a federal judge in Utah temporarily blocked social media access laws thought to protect mental health of youth citing them as unconstitutional.

U.S. District Court Judge Robert Shelby on Tuesday issued the preliminary injunction against laws that would have required social media companies to verify the ages of their users, disable certain features and limit the use of accounts owned by Utah children, according to the Associated Press.
(AP)  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 States fight against an addiction epidemic that has claimed thousands of lives.

Coleman presented the plans details to a state commission, which unanimously approved his request for a $3.6 million investment over two years to implement it.

Read more of the latest Kentucky news

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.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

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.

LATEST KENTUCKY LISTS AND RANKINGS:

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.

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The political fight over school funding in Kentucky is in full swing and, as of this week, on full view.

Advocates on both sides of the issue  a constitutional amendment appearing on the ballot that would allow the state to help fund K-12 private or charter education if approved by voters  recently dropped television advertising campaigns, with price tags reaching at least $200,000 for the first week on air. The advertisements will air on cable and network television all across the state.

The amendment will appear on all Kentucky voters Nov. 5 ballot for approval or disapproval.

The movement in support of such amendments is under the nation-wide banner of school choice. Proponents of school choice across the country support more funding and access to alternatives to public schools. Conservatives in the state have been leading the charge in support of the amendment.

The amendment on the ballot would allow the state to pursue some version of school choice, be that charter schools, tax credits supporting scholarships, direct state money going towards school vouchers or a variety of other programs. It would not, however, tie the state to pursuing any particular program.

The no side includes public educators and Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear as well as other Democrats like Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman. Many Democrats see the push as a way for Republicans to divert dollars that could otherwise go to improving public education.

Several groups have formed to spend money on either side of the issue.

A conservative political action committee that has played in Kentucky politics before, funded by a Pennsylvania billionaire, is backing the yes side ads that are already on television. A group funded largely by the biggest teachers union in the country is running advertisements against the amendment.

Helps Everybody

The first advertisement to hit airwaves was for the yes side, paid for by a political action committee aligned with Kentuckys junior senator.

It starts immediately with a proclamation from the speaker: Im a public school supporter.

Its unlikely thats a coincidence, according to University of Kentucky political science professor Stephen Voss.

The ad talks about the benefits that can come from schools competing for education dollars, but in an upbeat way, not by trashing the public school system, Voss said. Perhaps conservative education reformers have noticed that when their message seems to be attacking a communitys own school, voters in the area resist their appeals.

The ads lone speaker is preacher and former Anderson County Schools teacher and principal Randy Adams.

Adams goes on to argue that school choice programs benefit public schools, saying that the competition it introduces just elevates results for everyone.

This is not Adams first rodeo when it comes to political advocacy, as hes been involved with the states two most prominent Christian political groups: the Family Foundation and the Commonwealth Policy Center.

Hes also played a central role in local controversies.

In 2022, Adams was suspended from his public school job after a complaint he made in a since-deleted Facebook post that it was a sin against God for him to call a person a gender other than their biological sex. He was criticizing state guidance on the matter at the time. He also, in 2023, played a role in amplifying criticism of the local public school system regarding a counselors handling of a gay relationship.

Teri Carter, a progressive writer and activist who lives in Anderson County, called Adams a con man and a chaos agent, sowing division and animosity about public education.

The majority of elected Republicans in Frankfort, both statewide officers and members of the General Assembly, support the amendment and other school choice laws. Such laws have passed in recent years but been struck down by courts due to the Kentucky constitution  hence the push for an amendment to that document.

Some rural Republicans, however, opposed the amendment. Public school systems hold outsize influence in many Kentucky counties, particularly certain rural ones in the east and west where theyre the biggest employers.

Footing the bill for production and distribution on the ad is Protect Freedom PAC, an outside group that was one of the primary contributors to former GOP attorney general Daniel Camerons attempt to unseat Beshear last year. Cameron fell short by five percentage points.

The total spend on just three network television stations in Lexington over the course of the next week tops $105,000.

Protect Freedom PAC is aligned with Sen. Rand Paul, R-KY, with its website touting its staffs experience working on his and his fathers  famous libertarian politician Ron Paul  campaigns.

The PACs primary donor is Pennsylvania billionaire investor Jeff Yass, a close ally of Pauls. Yass and his wife, Janine, have been strong supporters of the school choice movement in Pennsylvania and across the country. Yass gave the group $8 million earlier this year, and it had about $1.4 million on hand as of July 31.

Yass has funded another PAC more explicitly focused on the issue, School Freedom Fund, which also chipped in to boost Cameron last year.

Another group, Kentucky Students First, is supporting the amendment. It has raised just over $1.5 million, with much of that coming from leaders in the Northern Kentucky business community. William Yung, CEO of the Crestview Hills-based hotel company Columbia Sussex, gave $500,000 to the group.

Matching Yungs total donation, the highest in Kentucky Students Firsts financial report filed Tuesday, was Kentucky Education Freedom Fund Inc., a nonprofit political organization (also known as a dark money group) led by the CEO of EdChoice Kentucky. Robert Castellini, CEO of the Cincinnati Reds, also gave the group $2,000.

Protect Our Schools ad

The ad from the leading group running ads against the amendment, Protect Our Schools, features a litany of speakers who appear to be parents and educators alike. It emphasizes that 90% of Kentucky K-12 students attend public schools and that lawmakers should focus on investing more into existing public schools.

It opens with two parents sitting near their child, suggesting that Amendment 2 and vouchers are not the answer.

The first speaker after the parents says Amendment 2 would use public money to fund private schools, a common rallying cry for those running against the amendment.

Today we're launching out first ad, Better Ideas.



Instead of sending taxpayer money to private schools, we should focus on public schoolswhere 90% of children attend  and not take money away from them.



We should invest in better ideas that work... (1) pic.twitter.com/9ERFcL3jbb  Protect Our Schools KY (@OurSchoolsKY) September 9, 2024

That messaging has frustrated former state GOP spokesperson and Republican strategist Tres Watson because he argues the amendment would make such initiatives allowable under the constitution but not necessarily enact them. However, he acknowledges its brevity and, relatedly, its efficacy.

I continue to believe that the messaging on the no side isnt 100% honest, but countering it requires more than a 30-second ad. That makes the messaging part of countering it different, Watson said.

A good portion of the ad goes on to provide ideas to help public schools, highlighted in a statement from Protect Our Schools.

Instead of sending taxpayer money to private schools, we should focus on public schools  where 90% of children attend  and not take money away from them, the statement reads. We can invest in better ideas that work like increasing teacher pay to fix the teacher shortage, smaller classes to give students more one on one attention, and fund universal pre-K to give all our kids a great start.

The leading fundraiser to Protect Our Schools is the National Education Association, the largest labor union in the United States. The group has donated more than $2.4 million, making up the lions share of the $3 million-plus the group has taken in, according to its financial report to the Kentucky Registry of Election Finance Tuesday.

Rounding out the fundraising total is other organizations  no individual gave more than $1,500  related to education or progressive politics. The Kentucky Education Association gave $265,000 and the Jefferson County Teachers Association has given $250,000. The Movement Voter Project, a progressive political organization, gave Protect Our Schools $65,000.

Further, Beshear has said that he will be directing funds toward defeating the amendment. The 46-year-old governor has a political action committee of his own, as well as a political nonprofit, which is sometimes referred to as a dark money group.





The ad buy from Protect Our Schools, roughly $200,000 according to the group, is less than Protect Our Freedom PACs. Across six network stations in Lexington and Louisville, Protect Our Schools spent about $172,000 on ads while Protect Freedom PAC dropped around $253,000.

With both ads just beginning a two-month media campaign in the lead-up to Novembers election, twists and turns in the messaging are expected.

I would expect the pro people to be focused on the learning loss after COVID. I would expect the anti people continue to home in on vouchers and talk about how the vouchers wont fully fund a Louisville private school tuition, Watson said.

But for the most part, itll be we want to give parents a choice versus they want to take money from public schools and give it to private schools, Watson predicted.

Who donated?

Here is a list of every person or group who has donated $5,000 or more to Kentucky Students First, including their listed hometown, how much they donated and their employer.

William Yung - Naples, FL: $500,000. Employer: Columbia Sussex

Kentucky Education Freedom Fund, Inc. - Louisville, KY: $500,000

Anthony Zembrodt - Covington, KY: $200,000. Employer: Retired

Matth Toebben - Crescent Springs, KY: $100,000. Employer: Toebben Companies

The Drees Company - Ft. Mitchell, KY: $75,000

American Federation for Children - Columbia, MD: $75,000

James Patterson - West Palm Beach, FL: $25,000. Employer: Pattco, Inc.

Jean Frazier - Prospect, KY: $18,000. Employer: Retired

Joseph Dougherty - Louisville, KY: $10,000. Employer: Louisville Paving and Construction

Andy Crowley - Lexington, KY: $5,000. Employer: Cricket Wireless

Joseph Landenwich - Louisville, KY: $5,000. Employer: Retired

William Godfrey - Elizabethtown, KY: $5,000. Employer: Retired

W. L. Rouse III - Lexington, KY: $5,000. Employer: The Rouse Companies, LLC

Here is a list of every group who has donated $5,000 or more to Protect Our Schools, including their listed hometown, how much they donated and their employer. The most any individual donated to Protect Our Schools was $1,500, so only organizations are listed.

National Education Association - Washington, DC: $2,415,000

Kentucky Education Association - Frankfort, KY: $265,000

Jefferson County Teachers Association - Louisville, KY: $250,000

Movement Voter Project - Northampton, MA: $60,000

Council for Better Education - Frankfort, KY: $50,000
(NewsNation)  Authorities in Kentucky are no closer to finding shooting suspect Joseph Couch, 32, three days after he allegedly shot at 12 vehicles on Interstate 75.

Couch is still believed to be eluding authorities within the woodlands of southern Kentucky, but there is no sign of his whereabouts as of Tuesday afternoons press conference.

Kentucky State Trooper Scottie Pennington addressed the media for the second consecutive day, reiterating the difficulty in covering the area.

Georgia suspects father said guns will go away after prior incident

He reassured citizens that Couch was still being hunted and urged them to stay away from the Rockcastle River area in case he is still alive. The manhunt now has a greater aerial presence thanks to outside agencies.

Five people were shot and wounded during Saturdays attack on the I-75, but none of the victims are suffering from life-threatening injuries.

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.

Were Kentucky strong, mayor says amid hunt for I-75 shooter

As was the case Monday, authorities are hoping Couch gives himself up due to a lack of water or food.

The FBI, ATF, and Kentucky State Police are all involved in the search. He was not previously familiar with the Laurel County Sheriffs Office.

There is now a $25,000 reward for information relating to Couch.

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***A previous version of this article incorrectly stated that Kevin Albert was disciplined for misconduct during the Karen Read murder case, which is incorrect.

In a Select Board meeting on Tuesday night, Canton officials voted to discipline Detective Kevin Albert for misconduct allegations amid fallout from the Karen Read case following an independent investigation.

Details of what his discipline would entail were not made available by police or the Canton Select Board.

The Canton Police Department hired an independent investigator who conducted a thorough investigation of the allegations of misconduct by Detective Albert, a statement issued by the Select Board read. Following the investigation, the Select Board reviewed the report and had an opportunity to question the investigator and Detective Albert about the scope and sufficiency of the investigation as well as the substance of the allegations. The Select Board voted that discipline be imposed by the Chief of Police which Detective Albert has accepted.

According to town officials, Select Board member Chris Albert, Kevins brother, recused himself from the hearing.

Kevin Albert was placed on paid administrative leave on June 13, following disgraced State Police Trooper Michael Proctors explosive testimony that indicated Albert left his badge in Proctors cruiser after a night of drinking.

Former Boston police officer Brian Albert, brother of Kevin, owned the home at 34 Fairview Avenue in Canton where Karen Read is accused of killing her Boston Police officer boyfriend John OKeefe in January 2022.

Reads lawyers say she was framed and that OKeefe was killed inside Brian Alberts home and then dragged outside to be left for dead.

The Norfolk County District Attorney plans to retry Read after her case ended in a mistrial in July.

RELATED:

Karen Read trial: Brian Albert says John OKeefe never entered his home before his death

Brian Albert, his 2 children take stand in Karen Read murder trial. Heres what they said

Shame on you: Karen Reads defense attorney blasts Detective Proctor over vulgar texts

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FILE - Caroline Ellison former CEO of Alameda Research founded by Sam Bankman-Fried goes into a wrong car as she exits the Manhattan federal court after testifying on Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023, in New York. (AP Photo/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez, File)

NEW YORK (AP)  Caroline Ellison, a former top executive in FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried s collapsed cryptocurrency empire and his former girlfriend, is seeking no prison time at her sentencing later this month.

Lawyers for Ellison made the request shortly before midnight Tuesday in a filing in Manhattan federal court in advance of a sentencing scheduled for Sept. 24.

The lawyers cited her immediate and extensive cooperation with U.S. authorities when FTX and related companies collapsed in November 2022, and they noted that the court's Probation Department recommended that she serve no prison time.

Ellison, 29, pleaded guilty nearly two years ago in the prosecution and testified against Bankman-Fried for nearly three days at his trial last November. After his conviction, Bankman-Fried was sentenced to 25 years in prison. Without her cooperation, Ellison could have faced decades in prison.

Caroline blames no one but herself for what she did, the lawyers wrote. She regrets her role deeply and will carry shame and remorse to her grave.

In the presentence arguments, the lawyers spoke extensively about Ellison's on-and-off romantic relationship with Bankman-Fried that stretched over several years.

They said the relationship and her appointment to a role as chief executive at Alameda Research, FTXs hedge fund affiliate, contributed to her committing crimes at Bankman-Fried's direction.

She testified at trial that that she divulged a massive fraud to employees even before FTX filed for bankruptcy in November 2022.

She explained to them that funds from FTX investors were improperly used to cover billions of dollars lost by Bankman-Fried in investments or squandered on charity donations, political contributions and purchases that fueled his high-flying lifestyle.

By early December 2022, she was fully cooperating with federal prosecutors, divulging information about Bankman-Fried's dealings that led directly to some of the charges brought against him in the following weeks, the lawyers wrote.

Over time, Carolines moral compass warped, the lawyers said. "At Mr. Bankman-Frieds direction, she took actions that she knew to be wrong, helping him steal billions. She lived in dread, knowing that a disastrous collapse was likely, but fearing that disentangling herself would only hasten that collapse.

When FTX finally collapsed, Caroline felt intense sadness for all the people they had betrayed, but also tremendous relief, because she did not have to go on lying and stealing for Mr. Bankman-Fried, they added.

Since testifying at Bankman-Fried's trial, Ellison has continued to suffer even as she has engaged in extensive charity work, written a novel and worked with her parents on a math enrichment textbook for advanced high school students, according to her lawyers.

She has been rendered effectively unemployable in the near term by the notoriety arising from this case, and the reputational harm is not likely to abate any time soon, they said. Caroline was not motivated by greed and did not take steps to personally profit at the expense of customers.

She now has a healthy romantic relationship and has reconnected with high school friends she had lost touch with after working for Bankman-Fried from 2017 until November 2022, according to the court papers.

In addition, her lawyers said, she is finalizing agreements with the government, the FTX debtors, along with a comprehensive settlement with in the FTX-related multidistrict litigation that she expects will leave her without anything she earned while employed at Alameda.

Prosecutors were expected to file their presentence arguments prior to sentencing.
On the anniversary of 9/11, White House National Security Council communications adviser John Kirby dismissed the concerns of military veterans critical of the botched withdrawal from Afghanistan, writing in response to a Fox News Digital press inquiry that there's "no use" weighing in on the veterans' views.

"Obviously no use in responding. A handful of vets indeed and all of one stripe," Kirby said in a "reply all" email chain Wednesday afternoon that appeared to be intended for White House staffers, but which also included Fox News Digital.

Fox News Digital had reached out to the White House earlier Wednesday afternoon regarding critical comments from four veterans, including Rep. Cory Mills, R-Fla., who blasted Kirby for his Monday press conference that they said provided "cover" for the Biden administration's 2021 withdrawal.

Included in that initial reachout were quotes from the four veterans, and Fox News Digital asked the White House if it had any comment to include on the vets' blistering criticisms of Kirby and the White House's handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal. The email chain was forwarded to White House staffers on the National Security Council, before Kirby replied to all on the chain that there's "no use in responding."

Kirby's message was sent in error, with him following up with a Fox News Digital reporter, "Clearly, I didnt realize you were on the chain." Kirby sent the email while traveling with President Biden on the anniversary of 9/11.

HARRIS LEAVES OUT DEADLY BOTCHED AFGHANISTAN WITHDRAWAL IN SOARING PRO-MILITARY DNC SPEECH

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

White House National Security Council communications adviser John Kirby speaks during a daily press briefing in Washington, D.C., on July 31.

The veterans quoted in the email lambasted Kirby for "deflecting" from the Biden administration's disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, following House Republicans releasing a scathing report this week following the anniversary of the botched withdrawal.

"The bottom line is that the Biden-Harris administration chose politics over strategy, and Kirby, who I wouldnt trust to guard my grocery list, is now trying to cover for them," Mills, an Army veteran, said in comments to Fox News Digital.

The Republican chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Texas Rep. Mike McCaul, released a report this week disputing President Biden's claims that his hands were tied to an agreement made under former President Trumps administration for the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan under an established deadline in 2021. The report added that 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 argued that the administration failed to adequately respond to terror threats ahead of the terrorist 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.

Kirby joined the White Houses press conference on Monday and defended the Biden-Harris administrations withdrawal, while arguing the new report "says little or nothing new."

Kirby went on to list the "actual facts" surrounding the withdrawal, including arguing that the Trump administration cut a deal with the Taliban that "mandated a complete U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan."

"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 said. "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."

GOLD STAR DAD SAYS BIDEN-HARRIS 'DENIED' SON'S SERVICE AS FALLEN AFGHANISTAN SOLDIERS HONORED IN CALIFORNIA

Mills said Kirby was "deflecting" from the White Houses "failed foreign policies," while pointing to the House Foreign Affairs Committee threatening to subpoena Secretary of State Antony Blinken last year regarding a July 2021 dissent cable by 23 diplomats that offered avenues to mitigate disaster as the Talibans power grew ahead of the U.S. pulling out of Afghanistan.

"Once again, John Kirby is deflecting from the Biden-Harris administration's failed foreign policies. If they were truly transparent, why did HFAC have fun threatening contempt of Congress for Secretary Blinken for intentionally withholding DoS dissent cables from 23 U.S. Embassy diplomats warning that the administration's strategy would allow the Taliban to advance and lead to the collapse of the Afghan government and American lives to be lost? They knew this and tried to cover it up. This wasnt ignorance, it was intentional and putting political optics above strategy/safety with a complete lack of transparency. This administration knew exactly what they were doing, tried to cover it up, and got caught. Worse, their actions cost the lives of 13 American service members and severely damaged our credibility with allies. It welcomed aggression from adversaries and showed weakness geopolitically," Mills said.

3 YEARS LATER, AFGHANISTAN WAR VETERANS HAVEN'T FORGOTTEN  HAVE YOU?

Rep. Cory Mills, R-Fla., addresses the media outside of Manhattan Criminal Court in New York on behalf of former President Trump on May 14.

Mark Geist, a Marine veteran and Benghazi annex security team member who helped rescue more than 100 Americans from the Taliban in 2021, told Fox News Digital that Kirby delivered a "one-sided presentation of facts" and argued the U.S. wanted to end the war in Afghanistan to "start and fund the war in Ukraine."

HOUSE GOP RELEASES SCATHING REPORT ON BIDEN'S WITHDRAWAL FROM AFGHANISTAN

"In the press conference, John Kirby delivered a one-sided presentation of facts and falsehoods regarding the recent House Report on Afghanistan. I'll start with where Mr. Kirby finished, which was likely the only thing he said that was completely true: they pulled out of Afghanistan because they wanted to start and fund the war in Ukraine, fully aware that the American people would not tolerate being involved in two wars again," Geist said.

A U.S. Marine lifts an infant over a fence of barbed wire during the evacuation at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan, on Aug. 19, 2021.

Following the deaths of the 13 U.S. service members, Biden-Harris administration critics such as Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, said the withdrawal paved the way for adversaries such as Russia to invade Ukraine. The war in Ukraine is ongoing, as is Israel's war against Hamas.

Another veteran, Stuart Scheller, author of "Crisis of Command," told Fox News Digital that the botched withdrawal "will be studied for generations as the epitome of failure at the National Security Council level."

Scheller argued that President Biden launched a "PR stunt" when he announced the U.S. would be totally withdrawn from Afghanistan by Sept. 11 of that year, the 20th anniversary of 9/11.

GOLD STAR DAD RECALLS KNOCK AT HIS DOOR THAT 'CHANGED EVERYTHING'

"He picked the arbitrary date of Sept. 11 as a PR stunt, which required the American military to pull out during the Talibans peak fighting season. He decided to abandon Bagram Air Base, despite the Trump plan outlining the need to hold this key piece of terrain. He left 7,000 prisoners in the prison at Bagram, which the Taliban later freed. Biden allowed the use of the Taliban as external security. He authorized a strike on the enemy after the suicide attack that only killed women and children. He left billions of dollars of equipment in the hands of the Taliban and needlessly allowed the murder of thousands of Afghan partners," he said.

Scheller was arrested and ultimately discharged from the Marines after blasting top military brass in a series of viral videos for the botched withdrawal.

"I am proud that I identified the mistakes and poor planning in real time. It still pains me that it cost me my career. John Kirby, a former Navy admiral, represents the morally weak military officer class willing to parrot narratives for individual advancement. These politicians in uniform demonstrate, time and time again, that they are terrified of honest assessments of failure," he said.

Chad Robichaux, a former Force Recon Marine and an Afghanistan veteran, added in a comment to Fox Digital that Kirby has traded an "oath to the Constitution and the American people" for "loyalty to D.C. elites and partisan politics."

HARRIS CONSPICUOUSLY ABSENT FROM PUBLIC MEMORIALS HONORING SERVICE MEMBERS KILLED IN AFGHAN EXIT SHE BACKED

Vice President Kamala Harris is embraced by President Biden during a campaign event at IBEW Local Union #5 in Pittsburgh on Sept. 2.

"The fact is that Biden and Harris chose to go against the advice of their Joint Chiefs, military, and intelligence advisers, abandoning Afghanistan and giving up the most strategic military stronghold on the global landscape  Bagram Air Base, which sits between Iraq, Iran, Russia and China. Worse, they did so before evacuating Americans or our allies. We left behind 20 million women and girls to be sexually enslaved. We left billions of dollars in sensitive equipment and technology. We left our biometric systems that identify our allies. And since then, weve been paying the Taliban up to $87 million a week, mostly in cash, to jihadists sanctioned by the U.S. government, four of whom are on the FBI's top 10 most wanted list," he said.

BIDEN-HARRIS ADMINISTRATION IN DENIAL ABOUT BOTCHED AFGHANISTAN WITHDRAWAL, HR MCMASTER SAYS

"For him to lie to the American people he wore the uniform to serve, in order to cover up the atrocities of politicians, is disgraceful," he added.

Following Kirby's accidental reply all email, his office offered an on-the-record statement regarding his Monday press conference, saying he stands by his "comments in the briefing room."

"While I acknowledge not every veteran agrees with them, I stand by my comments in the briefing room. What was cherry-picked and selective was the report itself. And whats most important is that Americas longest war is over and those still serving in uniform are better positioned to meet the threats we face today," Kirby said.

House Democrats on the Foreign Affairs Committee released their own memo shortly after the Republican report this week, accusing Republicans of criticizing the Biden administration for the withdrawal for political purposes.

"When former President Trump took office, there were approximately 14,000 American troops in Afghanistan," Rep. Greg Meeks, D-N.Y., wrote. "Days before leaving office, the former President ordered a further reduction to 2,500. President Trump initiated a withdrawal that was irreversible without sending significantly more American troops to Afghanistan to face renewed combat with the Taliban."

For veterans critical of the withdrawal, they lamented Afghanistan falling back into the hands of terrorists.

"Afghanistan has gone from four al Qaeda training camps to 52, and the Biden-Harris White House is funding it with U.S. taxpayer dollars," Robichaux said in his comments to Fox Digital.

"So tell me, John Kirby," added Robichaux, saying he'd never call the spokesman "admiral," "how is this in the best interest of American national security, or the world for that matter?"

Fox News Digital's Greg Wehner and Landon Mion contributed to this report.





Original article source: Kirby: 'No use in responding' to a 'handful of vets' on Biden's botched Afghan withdrawal
Get to know the heroic WWII namesake of the Navys newest ship

The U.S. Navy commissioned its newest ship, the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock Richard M. McCool, in a Sept. 7 ceremony at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida.

With the vessels crew and several family members of the ships namesake in attendance, Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro lauded the bravery of McCool and commended the on-hand sailors and Marines [for bringing] this incredible warship to life in service to our nation.

Capt. McCools 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, Del Toro said.

It was during the bitter World War II Battle of Okinawa that the courage of Richard McCool would be on full display.

Aptly dubbed the Typhoon of Steel, the operation was launched to wrest the island from Japanese control, sever the last southwest supply line to mainland Japan and open to island for use by American medium bombers.

Soldiers and citizens alike sought refuge in Okinawa's network of caves. Here, Marines flushed a cave out using a smoke grenade.

On April 1, 1945, approximately 60,000 U.S. Marines and soldiers of the U.S. Tenth Army waded ashore from landing craft onto the beaches of Okinawa, Japan, in what would be the largest amphibious assault of the Pacific Theater.

Though the American landings were at first largely unopposed, the fights that ensued would prove to be some of the wars most horrific.

By the time Okinawa was secured by American forces on June 22, 1945, the United States had sustained over 49,000 casualties, including more than 12,500 men killed or missing, according to the National WWII Museum.

Okinawans caught in the fighting suffered greatly, with an estimate as high as 150,000 civilians killed. Of the Japanese defending the island, an estimated 110,000 died.

Two Marines share a foxhole and ponchos with a war-orphaned Okinawan boy. (Marine Corps)

Particularly brutal during the chaos on Okinawa were the seemingly interminable attacks by Japanese kamikaze pilots, who, due to the sheer size of the U.S. amphibious assault, had their pick of Navy ships sitting off the islands coast.

On April 6, a total of 34 U.S. Navy ships off Okinawa were hit by kamikazes in the first of 10 major attacks. The incessant onslaught lasted five hours and featured a staggering 355 kamikazes and more than 300 fighter escorts.

To stifle the ongoing attacks, the U.S. encircled the island with 15 radar picket stations. Each station featured at least three radar-equipped destroyers, which could detect imminent attacks, and four LCS ships that would act as the destroyers guards and shoot down incoming planes.

On May 10, 23-year-old Lt. Richard Miles McCool Jr., then in command of LCS-122, settled in off the coast of Okinawa.

Diagram of the 15 radar picket stations. (Naval History and Heritage Command)

Arrival in Okinawa was very warm, with air raids every few hours of every night, and sometimes in the day, McCool wrote in his ships history log. The assignment consisted of anti-suicide boat patrol and radar picket patrol. ... On the 29th of May [LCS-122] shot down one enemy aircraft and was given credit for an assist on another.

Exactly one month after arriving at Okinawa, McCool and the crew of LCS 122 were on picket duty when the nearby destroyer USS William D. Porter  the same Willie D that almost killed President Franklin D. Roosevelt  was severely damaged in a kamikaze attack.

The destroyer initially evaded the Japanese Val dive bomber, but the Willie Ds string of bad luck would soon continue.

Though the Val appeared to splash harmlessly nearby, the submerged aircraft ended up beneath the destroyer and promptly exploded.

The ship leapt out of the water and fell back; her power out, steam lines burst, and fires breaking out, according to the National WWII Museum. Although the ships crew fought valiantly after three hours, the commanding officer ordered the ship abandoned. As the order came down, just under 300 crew had to evacuate. Performing her duty as a pallbearer, LCS-122, with McCool in command, worked to rescue the ships crew. Incredibly, there were no fatalities.

The USS Bunker Hill burns after being hit by two kamikaze pilots during the Battle of Okinawa. (Navy)

The following day, however, McCool and his crew were not so lucky.

As he recalled in an interview with the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, the LCS ships were sitting in a diamond formation to provide a screen for the destroyers when three Japanese Val dive bombers were spotted closing in fast.

The ships anti-aircraft guns erupted as the first kamikaze came in low  so low, in fact, that McCool was afraid that the people in the 40mm gun mount might have been hit by the wheels, he recalled.

The shot-up aircraft passed approximately eight feet above the forward end of the deck house and splashed on the port side not more than 100 yards away, the after-action report stated.

Attention and all fire was immediately shifted to the two remaining oncoming planes, the report added  the second of which did not miss.

As sailors tore into the remaining bombers with a wall of gunfire, the second Val, smoking after hits by one of the ships 20mm guns, slammed into the vessels starboard side at the base of the conning tower.

Fire immediately broke out throughout the amidships section of the ship, while pyrotechnic and 20mm ammunition started exploding, the after-action report stated. A bomb carried by the plane passed through the ship, emerging on the port side. It exploded as it hit the water, showering the port side with shrapnel.

I dont really remember much of what was going on after that, McCool recalled. When I finally came to, I was the only person there in the conning tower. ... I shimmied over the port side of the conning tower and dropped onto the deck from there.

Peppered with shrapnel and suffering severe burns, McCool refused medical treatment and rallied his men to fight the flames quickly engulfing the vessel.

McCool proceeded to the rescue of several trapped in a blazing compartment, subsequently carrying one man to safety despite the excruciating pain of additional severe burns, his Medal of Honor citation reads. Unmindful of all personal danger, he continued his efforts without respite until aid arrived from other ships and he was evacuated.

McCool being presented with the Medal of Honor by President Truman, 1945. (U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command)

For his actions, McCool was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Harry S. Truman in December 1945.

His full Medal of Honor citation can be found here.

McCool remained in the Navy until 1974, when he retired after 30 years of service at the rank of captain.

Richard M. McCool passed away at the age of 86 on March 5, 2008, in Bremerton, Washington, with his wife and children at his bedside.

He is buried at the U.S. Naval Academy Cemetery in Annapolis, Maryland.
What to know about Taylor Swift's endorsement of Kamala Harris

FILE - Taylor Swift attends an in conversation with Taylor Swift event at the Toronto International Film Festival on Sept. 9, 2022. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File)

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP)  Music superstar Taylor Swift has officially launched her Kamala Harris era.

Shortly after the Democratic nominee and former President Donald Trump finished their first, and likely only, presidential debate Tuesday evening, Swift, who is nearing the end of her Eras Tour, released a lengthy Instagram post announcing her support for Harris  as well as a link to a voter registration website.

She included a photo of herself holding her cat Benjamin Button, and she signed the message Childless Cat Lady"  a reference to 2021 comments made by JD Vance, Trumps running mate, about how women without children don't really have a stake in the countrys future.

The endorsement isn't the first time Swift has waded into politics, but it ends months of speculation over whether she would pick a side in this year's presidential tilt. Here's what to know:

Why did Swift pick Harris?

In her Instagram post, Swift said she would be voting for Harris because Harris fights for the rights and causes I believe need a warrior to champion them.

I think she is a steady-handed, gifted leader and I believe we can accomplish so much more in this country if we are led by calm and not chaos, she wrote.

Swift also said her endorsement of Harris was partially prompted by Trumps decision to post artificial intelligence-generated pictures suggesting she had endorsed him. One showed Swift dressed as Uncle Sam, and the text said Taylor wants YOU to VOTE for DONALD TRUMP.

Trumps posts brought me to the conclusion that I need to be very transparent about my actual plans for this election as a voter, Swift wrote.

In response, Trump told Fox & Friends on Wednesday that Swift is a very liberal person who seems to always endorse a Democrat and shell probably pay a price in the marketplace.

Did the Harris campaign know the endorsement was coming?

Swift did not coordinate her endorsement with the Harris campaign, according to two senior campaign officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the campaigns thinking about Swift. Her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, appeared surprised by the news when presented with it during an interview with MSNBC.

However, although Harris' team says Swift's post wasn't coordinated, they were prepared for the eventuality and within minutes reposted Swifts Instagram message across the campaign's channels and released a Swift-themed Harris-Walz friendship bracelet on its store that quickly sold out.

Who did Swift endorse in 2020?

Swift supported Democrat Joe Biden, even posting a photo on social media of her holding Biden 2020" cookies and saying she cheered for Harris in her debate against then-Vice President Mike Pence.

Swift also was openly critical of Trump, saying he had stoked the fires of white supremacy and racism.

When did Swift first start weighing into politics?

Swift first broke her longstanding refusal to discuss politics in 2018 by throwing her support behind Tennessee's Democratic Senate candidate at the time, Phil Bredesen, who was running against Republican Marsha Blackburn.

It was her criticism of Blackburn that stood out in her endorsement, where Swift  who is registered to vote in Tennessee -- slammed the Republicans opposition to certain LGBTQ+ rights and her vote against the Reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act in 2013.

In the past Ive been reluctant to publicly voice my political opinions, but due to several events in my life and in the world in the past two years, I feel very differently about that now, Swift wrote on Instagram at the time.

Blackburn eventually won the election in conservative Tennessee, but the endorsement nevertheless solidified Swift as an influential political force.

What prompted the change?

The 2020 Netflix documentary, Miss Americana, captured several dramatic turning points for Swift. But one of the most revealing involved behind-the-scenes conversations she was having with her family before speaking out against Blackburn in the 2018 Senate race.

Her father warned against it, citing a potential economic impact and security concerns. And her publicist said Trump might come after her.

Im saying right now that this is something I know is right, she told her team. I need to be on the right side of history.

In the film, Swift said her desire to wade into politics was sparked after she successfully countersued a Denver radio DJ who she said groped her during a meet-and-greet before a concert.

Its not that I want to step into this, Swift said in the film. Its just that I cant not at this point. Something is different in my life, completely and unchangeably different since the sexual assault trial last year. No man in my organization or in my family will ever understand what that was like.

How influential are celebrity endorsements?

Swift's endorsements don't always translate into wins. In 2018, Blackburn won by a comfortable margin. At the time, AP VoteCast found that among Tennessee voters that year, 55% of Democrats and just 19% of Republicans said they had a favorable opinion of Swift.

Notably, Swift is originally from Pennsylvania, a crucial battleground that will be critical for either presidential candidate to their chances of winning the presidency. Yet it is unclear how much sway she might hold among its voters.

While she is popular nationwide, her popularity is especially strong among Democrats. An October 2023 Fox News poll found that 55% of voters overall, including 68% of Democrats, said they had a favorable view of Swift. Republicans were divided, with 43% having a favorable opinion and 45% an unfavorable one.

As of Wednesday, there had been nearly 337,800 visitors to vote.gov referred from Swift's link that she included in her endorsement post, according to a General Services Administration spokesperson. The website refers people to their state election websites for state-specific voting and registration information.

Swift could make history at the MTV Video Music Awards on Wednesday, where she could become the most-awarded musician. The event is known for encouraging young people to register to vote, and should Swift attend, she could reiterate her support for Harris.

___

Associated Press writer Zeke Miller in Washington contributed to this report.
By Marianna Parraga, Erwin Seba and Tom Polansek

HOUSTON/CHICAGO (Reuters) -Energy production and agricultural exports out of the U.S. Gulf of Mexico were partially disrupted on Wednesday, and some oil refineries in Louisiana slowed operations ahead of Hurricane Francine's landfall later in the day, according to official and operator reports.

Port Fourchon, Louisiana, home to marine and equipment suppliers to offshore oil producers, was closed to vessel traffic as was the Louisiana Offshore Oil Port (LOOP), the only U.S. deepwater port that can handle very large crude carriers (VLCCs) for oil imports and exports.

New Orleans, Plaquemines, Cameron, Lake Charles and Houma ports remained closed on Wednesday, the U.S. Coast Guard said, tying up fuel, soybean and grains headed for export. Francine's rains could threaten the region's cotton crop, agriculture officials said.

Six eastern Louisiana refineries, most around New Orleans, were operating with minimal staff to ride out the storm in the plants. Exxon Mobil's Baton Rouge refinery cut output to as low as 20% of its 522,500-barrel-per-day (bpd) capacity in preparation for Francine's landfall later on Wednesday.

U.S. crude oil jumped more than 2% on Wednesday, driven by fears of lengthy production shutdowns in the offshore oil patch as Francine barreled through.

Nearly 39% of oil and almost half of natural gas production in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico was offline on Wednesday. A total of 171 production platforms and three rigs had been evacuated.

The shut-ins cut nearly 675,000 barrels per day of oil, and 907 million cubic feet per day of natural gas from offshore production, according to the offshore regulator. The Gulf is home to about 15% of U.S. oil and 2% of natural gas output.

Oil and gas production could be affected for about two weeks depending on the severity of the hurricane on landfall, said Alex Gafford, an analyst at East Daley Analytics.

Strengthening into a Category 2 hurricane, Francine's eyewall was nearing southern Louisiana on Wednesday afternoon, bringing maximum sustained winds of up to 100 mph (155 kph), the U.S. National Hurricane Center said. Its center is expected to move across Mississippi on Thursday.

The storm is expected to bring heavy rainfall and the risk of considerable flooding across southeastern Louisiana, Mississippi, far southern Alabama and northern Florida.

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry and U.S. President Joe Biden declared a state of emergency for Louisiana.

The hurricane is expected to spare liquefied natural gas plants recently built or expanded near the U.S. Gulf of Mexico. The storm track was farther east than many of the coastal plants.

Story continues

TEXAS RELIEVED

As the hurricane moved towards Louisiana, some Texas ports that had closed earlier this week including Brownsville and Orange began post-storm assessments in preparation for reopening, while others including Houston, Freeport, Beaumont, Port Arthur and Sabine lifted navigation restrictions, the Coast Guard said.

Francine has disrupted crop shipments to the Mississippi Gulf region, responsible for about 55% of U.S. soy exports, said Mike Steenhoek, executive director of the Soy Transportation Coalition, an industry group.

"The barge companies are not directing their barge flotillas to go down into that area until the storm exits the region," Steenhoek said.

Francine's ultimate impact will depend on how severe the storm is, Steenhoek said. While hoping for minimal disruptions and damage, traders also are watching to see whether Francine brings needed precipitation to the Mississippi River at a time when low water levels have slowed grain transportation.

Farmers in the central Gulf Coast region and the Mississippi Delta were preparing for the storm's arrival by harvesting crops, including rice and soybeans, where possible, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said in a weather report.

Much of the region's cotton crop is vulnerable to damage from rain and winds as their bolls are opening, USDA said.

(Reporting by Marianna Parraga and Erwin Seba; Additional reporting by Sherin Elizabeth Varghese and Anushree Ashish; Editing by Gary McWilliams, Marguerita Choy and Sandra Maler)
How to Know Who Won and Who Lost the Trump-Harris Debate

UPDATE: Heres the verdict: Who Won the Debate? Even Republicans Agree. Trump obviously said he won, but more pundits and political observers in both parties overwhelmingly declared Harris the winner.

Who Won the Debate? Even Republicans Agree it Was Kamala Harris

Everyone who watches Donald Trump and Kamala Harris debate on Tuesday night will want to know the answer to a very simple question: Who won?

And while everyone might think they know themselves, in a sea of spin, soundbites, and political posturing there are ways to know who really won. Here's the Daily Beasts guide to six key indicatorsgrounded in history, data, and political performancewhich will provide a clearer guide.

Who Dominates the Narrative?

The most obvious way to determine a winner is to see who controlled the narrative (and perhaps talked the most in terms of minutes). Debates are not just about what the candidates say on stage but how their points resonate with the public afterward.

Did one candidate introduce a memorable zinger or a policy proposal that set the tone for post-debate coverage? One of the most famous examples of narrative control was Ronald Reagans 1980 debate with Jimmy Carter, when Reagans simple question to votersAre you better off than you were four years ago?became the defining takeaway. It encapsulated voter frustration with Carters presidency and was followed by Reagans landslide victory.

In the case of Trump and Harris, whoever manages to turn the conversation their waywhether it's through a punchy one-liner or a clear vision for the futurewill likely claim the debate crown.

Joe Biden Says Kamala Harris Is Calm, Cool, Collected Ahead of Debate

If Trump, known for his inflammatory rhetoric, successfully redirects attention away from his felony conviction and legal battles and toward economic or cultural issues that play well with his base, he could steer the post-debate narrative.

Harris, on the other hand, would need to harness her skills as a prosecutor to trap Trump in contradictions or force him into unflattering positions on key issues, particularly abortion. to take control of the narrative.

Polling and Data

Historically, snap polls taken after debates have offered immediate data points to assess public reaction. These polls may not tell the whole story but provide a snapshot of who performed better in the eyes of undecided or independent voters. The first time snap polls became crucial was after the first Kennedy-Nixon debate in 1960, radio listeners thought Nixon won, but TV viewers overwhelmingly felt Kennedys calm, confident demeanor made him the victor. The lesson? Perception matters, and polling reflects that perception.

Richard Nixons awkard body language was part of the affect which lost himthe debate to John F. Kennedy in 1960. John F. Kennedy Library Foundation/U.S. National Archives/Reuters

In 2020, after the first debate between Trump and Joe Biden, CNNs snap poll found that 60% of viewers thought Biden won the first debate. Both campaigns will be conducting their own snap polls on Tuesday nightnot to predict the election outcome, but to work out what undecided voters think.

But snap polls are not the only ballgame: Expect snap polls to be followed by more detailed polling from major outlets like CNN and pollsters like YouGov to provide a first indication of who emerged stronger. Harris and Trump go into the debate neck and neck in the polls nationally and with some suggestions that she is slightly ahead in the swing states, but with Democratic nerves rattled by a Siena College/New York Times poll putting her behind by one point.

Post-Debate Fundraising and Media Coverage

Winning a debate isnt just about the immediate reactionsits about the long game. In modern campaigns, fundraising spikes after debates can signal a strong performance. For example, after her breakout moment in the first 2019 Democratic debate, Harris herself raised $2 million in just 24 hours, The New York Times reported, largely thanks to her sharp exchange with Joe Biden on busing and racial issues. If a candidate sees a dip in donations or struggles to galvanize their base, that can indicate a loss. Harris just reported a massive fundraising edge over Trump so the next set of official fundraising returns will be a clear barometer of success.

Trump Gets Trounced by Harris $361M August Haul Nearly Three to One

Media coverage also plays a critical role. Did mainstream outlets declare a clear winner? Are social media platforms buzzing more about one candidates performance? In the 2012 debate between Mitt Romney and President Barack Obama, Romneys aggressive first-debate performance gave him a significant media boost, even though Obama handily won re-election. Post-debate headlines, social media metrics, and the volume of fact-checks for each candidate can all indicate who captured more attentionand perhaps, more voters.

Body Language and Composure

A candidates body language often speaks louder than their words. Nonverbal cues like maintaining eye contact, looking confident, or appearing rattled under pressure can drastically influence how a candidate is perceived. In the infamous 1992 town hall debate, George H.W. Bushs glance at his watch as a voter asked him a question became a symbol of disengagement and hurt his image. Likewise, Al Gores frequent sighs during his debate with George W. Bush in 2000 became a focal point for criticism, overshadowing his policy points.

When assessing the Trump-Harris debate, pay attention to who appeared calm and composed versus agitated or defensive. If Trump, who often relies on aggressive posturing, manages to stay composed while Harris rattles him with sharp critiques, that dynamic could shift perceptions. Conversely, if Harris shows frustration or appears overwhelmed, that might signal a loss of control.

Fact-Checking and Accuracy

In the era of misinformation, post-debate fact-checking has become more important than ever. Candidates frequently make exaggerated or false claims during debates, and these inaccuracies can undermine their performance if exposed. For instance, during the 2016 presidential debates, Trumps frequent misstatements were fact-checked rigorously, which damaged his credibility with voters and contributed to the view he had lost the debates. Conversely, Hillary Clintons focus on policy details and sticking to facts often bolstered her perceived winner status, even if it didnt lead to an electoral victory.

Trumps body language suggested his dominance over Hillary Clinton in one of their three 2016 debates. Viewers told pollsters he had lost the debate; he won the election. Rick Wilking/Reuters

In the Trump-Harris debate, both candidates are likely to face intense scrutiny. Fact-checkers from outlets like The Washington Post, FactCheck.org, and PolitiFact will be on standby to verify their claims. The candidate who emerges with fewer fact-checking hits may be perceived as more trustworthy and competentespecially among undecided voters who value honesty and integrity in their leaders.

Blunders and Mistakes

Perhaps the most glaring indicator of a debate winneror loseris who shot themselves in the foot.

A high-profile gaffe can overshadow any strong moments a candidate may have had, often sticking in voters minds long after the debate ends. In 1976, Gerald Ford made a major blunder when he claimed that there is no Soviet domination of Eastern Europe, a statement so factually inaccurate that it became a defining moment of his campaign and eroded his credibility.

The ultimate loser of a presidential debate was Joe Biden, whose shot at a second term disappeared thanks to his debate with Trump. Brian Snyder/Reuters

Similarly, Rick Perrys infamous Oops moment during a 2011 GOP primary debate, when he forgot the third government agency he would eliminate, was a fatal error that torpedoed his presidential aspirations. And thats not to mention Bidens June performance which cost him his shot at a second term.

If either Trump or Harris makes a significant mistakewhether its a glaring factual inaccuracy, an unforced error, or a gaffe that resonates negativelyit could become the defining moment of the night. Trump, known for his off-the-cuff style, runs the risk of delivering a controversial or inflammatory remark that could alienate undecided voters. Harris, while typically more measured, can blunder as a result: an overly scripted phrase could be amplified by Trumps aggressive tactics.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. (WATE)  A woman is facing child neglect and animal neglect charges after Sevierville Police responded to a Kodak apartment complex on a call reporting a toddler who was found crying in the parking lot wearing nothing but a diaper on Sunday.

A report from the Sevierville Police Department states that the mother of the toddler, Kaaernitha Lakendra Griffin, 27, has been charged with child neglect and animal neglect.

Investigators search for suspect after vandalism at Austin-East

According to the report narrative, on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 at 1:44 a.m. SPD officers responded to the Douglas Green Apartments on Snyder Road in reference to a possible child neglect incident after residents called police when they found a toddler between the age of 1-2 years old outside in the cold (50F) in nothing but a diaper while in the parking lot of the complex, crying.

When officers arrived, they found the child had been wrapped in blanket by the group of people that found the toddler to keep them warm, and the group told officers the child may have come from a known apartment number, which was redacted in the report. Officers had possibly seen this child before.

Officers noticed that the child had looked familiar from previous interactions at the address and began attempting to confirm the address through previous history, the report states.

Students arrested amid rash of reported school threats in Knox County

While officers tried contacting a resident in the apartment unit the child believed to have come from, a neighbor gave officers the phone number of the toddlers mother, Griffin. Dispatch was able to contact Griffin and told her of the situation, and Griffin reportedly told dispatchers that she was rushing home because she observed officers on the doorbell camera and was concerned for her child, the report states.

Griffin arrived with a friend to the scene and told officers the toddler was supposed to be with a babysitter. Griffin also led officers into her apartment for a check, and the report states officers observed many dishes in the sink that were caked in foodan extensive amount of clothing piled up in the laundry room that completely covered the floor, and the washer and dryer fly traps with numerous flies containedurine stains on one of the childrens bedsand a dog locked in the bathroom with feces all throughout the bathroom.

Griffin told officers the name of the supposed babysitter, whom she claimed to have met on Facebook, but officers after many attempts to reach her with a given phone number, Facebook profile, call history as well as doorbell camera history, were unable to confirm her existence. Griffin also stated that the toddler sleeps through the night, giving off the indication that Kaaernitha believed she would sleep throughout the night and not need supervision, the report states.

Officers then advised Griffin of her Miranda Rights and she agreed to continue speaking with them. When officers asked Griffin where she had been when her child was found alone, the report states she told them she had been in Knoxville with her friend, driving around.

Based on lack of proof that the child had safe supervision while Griffin was away from the residence, SPD officers decided to take Griffin into custody for Child Neglect. Griffin reportedly resisted arrest and refused to comply with officers commands. She was eventually taken to the Sevier County Jail and charged.

READ: More top stories on WATE.com

A second child of Griffins was also found, they were supposedly staying in the apartments across from the incident location, the report stated. Both children were released to the custody of a person whose name was redacted from the report, with the approval by the Tennessee Department of Childrens Services (DCS) supervisor.

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Firefighters & military service members gathered in east Oahu to participate in a remembrance hike to honor those who passed during the attack on 9-11.

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WakeUp2Days Chris Latronic went live from Koko Head District Park to get a look at this years turnout.

Ahmad Baldwin, Specialist for the U.S. Army 3-7 Battalion experienced hiking Koko Head for the first time and was honored to join his brothers as they remember the fallen heroes we lost that day.

Retired flight attendant pushes cart from Boston to NYC to honor 9/11 crews

First Lt. Kristen Maxwell also hiked Koko Head with her U.S. Army crew from the 71st Chemical Company.

She expressed how important this day is to her because she grew up in New York.

Families gather at WTC to honor 9/11 victims, 23 years later

This day is very important to me. I grew up about an hour north of New York City. So, this hits home for sure. I brought out my soldiers to honor this day by doing Koko Head. Its about 1,055 steps. So do that twice, that represents the Towers. We suffer a little bit for those who suffered much more and lost a lot more since that day. Twenty years of war. So, were just doing everything we can to honor those we lost, First Lt. Kristen Maxwell told KHON2.

Kristen also lost her Uncle who was among the first firefighters to respond to the 9/11 attacks.

I was 2 years old, didnt get to meet him. He was my uncle. My moms side of the family are all firefighters and basically all my family is military. Larry Stack, Battalion Chief of firefighting in New York. Hes awesome and its tough not getting to know your uncle but its great that we can honor them & those we lost that day, said First Lt Kristen Maxwell.

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BINGHAMTON, NY (WIVT/WBGH)  Kopernik Observatory is celebrating 50 years in our community, and next month, its hosting a party to kickoff the next half century.

The executive director of Kopernik, Drew Deskur, was invited to present to the Binghamton Noon Rotary Club about the observatorys 50th anniversary, and its plans for a 50th Gala on October 5th.

Deskur says the gala will be at the DoubleTree Hotel in Downtown Binghamton, and will feature some of Koperniks founding members, and some people who started as interns, and ended up as college professors.

He says theyre planning ahead to make the next 50 years bigger than ever.

Where weve been, and also, where were headed now. Now that weve started our next 50 years, weve got a pretty major capital campaign that were trying to roll out. So, well be giving them a little bit of a sneak peak of that, says Deskur.

Deskur says the keynote speaker for the gala will be Noble Prize-winning professor at Binghamton University, Stan Whittingham.

Tickets are available online at Kopernik.org.

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Kremlin does not like Trump and Harris mentioning Putin at presidential debate

Dmitry Peskov, the spokesperson for Russian ruler Vladimir Putin, has commented on the debate between the US presidential candidates, saying that Russia does not like that Vladimir Putin's name is used "as a tool in the US domestic political struggle".

Source: Russian Interfax service, quoting Peskov

Quote: "The name Putin is being used as, let's say, one of the tools in the internal political struggle in the United States, and we don't like it, and we still hope that they will leave the name of our president alone."

Details: Peskov also added that "the United States in general, no matter what party the candidates are from, maintains a negative attitude, an unfriendly attitude towards our country."

Background:

Donald Trump evaded answering whether he wanted Ukraine to win the war during the debate.

Kamala Harris said that if Trump had been president in recent years, rather than Biden, it would have been a disaster for Ukraine and Eastern Europe.

Trump said during the debate that he had good relations with both Ukrainian and Russian leaders and that if he won the election, he would make them talk to each other.

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(NewsNation)  Moderators of the ABC presidential debate faced criticism online from some who said they didnt fact-check Vice President Kamala Harris as much as they fact-checked former President Donald Trump.

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, a Republican, said she still doesnt know who Harris is after watching her debate Trump.

I think we still dont know who Kamala Harris is, Noem told NewsNations Dan Abrams after the debate. These moderators not once pushed her, fact-checked her. Even when she misspoke. It was pretty strange to watch that.

Who won Harris-Trump presidential debate?

Abrams pressed Noem and asked if Trump made a compelling case to serve as president of the United States. Noem said Trump did a great job talking about his accomplishments but that she wished both candidates talked about the fact that our children are dying, referencing the fentanyl crisis and opioid epidemic.

The reason I speak for President Trump so often is he let me do my job, Noem said. He recognized that in America, governors get to make decisions. That should have been something they talked about more tonight.

Blog: Trump, Harris offer contrasting visions of US in heated debate

NewsNations Chris Stirewalt also said he felt as though the moderators went harder on Trump, a sentiment echoed by Republicans.

NewsNations Chris Cuomo asked Stirewalt to clarify his statement, asking, Do you believe that they were helping Harris, or he requires more fact-checking because he is completely reckless with the truth on a regular basis more than anyone hes ever on stage with?

A lot of Republicans tonight are going to take comfort from the fact that it was unfair, that it was rigged, that it was bad, Stirewalt said.

Project 2025: Heres what Harris and Trump said during the debate

Abrams added that if the GOP leans on calling out the referees, Thats when you know youre in trouble.

Trump still didnt do what he had to do, Abrams said.

Harris, Trump tied in predebate polls

The forum marked the first face-to-face matchup between Harris and Trump, who were neck and neck in predebate polls.

The latest polling from the New York Times/Siena College revealed Trump leads Harris by just a point. Three other polls posted within the past week  RMG Research/Napolitan News National Survey (+2), Outward Intelligence survey (+4) and Emerson College Polling (+4)  all reflected Harris leading Trump.

Harris maintained a 3.5-point lead nationally across all polls, according to The Hill/Decision Desk HQs polling average.

NewsNations Anna Kutz and Devan Markham contributed to this report.

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KY teens arrested over threats to high school; concern spread to several states.

A 16-year-old boy and 14-year-old girl have been arrested after officials say they made threats that, in at least one case, caused concern for schools in several states.

The students were arrested Monday and Tuesday in two separate incidents in Marion County, Kentucky State Police said.

On Monday, state police said they arrested the boy after the Lebanon Police Department asked for help investigating a threat to the Marion County High School.

Marion County Public Schools canceled classes Monday because of that threat, according to a statement posted on the school districts website.

The district said the concerning social media post was brought to its attention Sunday night.

The student who was charged attends Marion Countys Hugh C. Spalding Academy/Marvel online program and was not taking classes on campus, the district said in its statement, which was later removed.

We know other school districts both in and outside of Kentucky recently received similar online threats that were deemed a hoax, but this post specifically referenced an MCPS school, which made it more concerning, the statement read.

Law enforcement agencies in several states with counties named Marion sought to reassure people in their areas after the threat began circulating.

Marion County Department of Homeland Security & Emergency Management in West Virginia shared on Facebook a photograph from Snapchat that it said was the same one circulating in Kentucky that prompted Mondays investigation.

The photograph appears to show ammunition and includes the statements Marion county high school here I come and yall better skip tmr if yall dont wanna die.

This SnapChat photograph appeared to make a threat of carrying out a school shooting in a Marion County high school. The photograph did not specify which school this might be, the social media post by West Virginia homeland security stated.

During our investigation, we learned of an incident which occurred in Marion County Kentucky on 9 September 2024. The incident which occurred in Kentucky was investigated by the Kentucky State Police. The result of this investigation was the arrest of the suspect who made the threats. ... At this point, the Marion County, WV Sheriffs Office has investigated this matter, and has determined that the threats made by this SnapChat photograph were not threats directed at our high schools.

The Pella Police Department in Marion County, Iowa, and Marion County Sheriffs Office in Yellville, Ark., also posted statements on social media explaining that they had received calls.

On Tuesday morning, Kentucky State Police said in a separate news release, Lebanon police again sought their help investigating a threat to Marion County High School.

School administration received notification of a threat to the school that was sent to a student via text message, state police said.

In that instance, a 14-year-old girl was arrested.

Both students were taken to a juvenile detention center and charged with first-degree terroristic threatening, Kentucky State Police said in separate news releases.

Marion County Superintendent Chris Brady addressed the situation in another statement to families posted on the school systems website Tuesday night.

While he said some some had asked him to close schools for the rest of the week, Brady said that would not be productive.

We know the recent online threats were not legitimate and that our schools and students were safe at all times, he wrote.

Im encouraging our families to see these threats for what they were: unfortunate and unnecessary distractions to the school district from young people who made profoundly poor decisions. Just as importantly, if your child has access to social media, you need to talk to him or her about the dangers of posting or sharing any inappropriate content -- not just because of how it affects the operations of a school district. Students who make threatening statements online will receive extreme consequences from both the school district and law enforcement.

What we experienced today was a distraction for a little more than half of a school day; the repercussions felt by those who make online threats will extend for years.

Brady also said the volume of misleading, exaggerated, or inaccurate information shared through social media from community members was very disappointing, and the fear that many families felt was a consequence of what showed up in a newsfeed that doesnt discriminate between fact and fiction. ...

This also extends to employees of the school district. If there are staff members who are speculating about school safety issues online, sharing confidential information, or in any way complicating these types of situations they will be held accountable.

Brady said there was an increased law enforcement presence at the high school Tuesday.

Kentucky State Police said they investigate all reported threats of school violence regardless of context or intent.

Troopers urge parents to have a conversation with their children about the dangers of posting threatening messages on social media and reporting any concerning information they may come across online, state police said in a news release.

Adair County cancels classes

School threats continued on Wednesday, as Adair County Superintendent Jason Faulkner said in a Facebook post that classes were canceled because the district, about 40 miles south of Marion County, received a substantiated threat on Wednesday morning.

Our students safety is at the utmost importance, and we need time to investigate this matter further, Faulkner wrote.

Valarie Honeycutt Spears of the Herald-Leader contributed to this report.
(Bloomberg) -- Ukraines top energy official warned that further Russian airstrikes against the countrys energy grid could trigger an emergency at one of the three operating nuclear power plants still under Kyivs control.

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Ukraine has thousands of electricity substations. But at stake are ten crucial nodes linked to nuclear power plants, whose destruction could plunge the country into darkness and provoke a radiological emergency, Ukraines Energy Minister German Galushchenko told Bloomberg News in an interview.

Russias barrages are pushing nuclear risks closer to Ukraines borders with the European Union, he add.

They know exactly what theyre doing, Galushchenko said Tuesday from the Ukrainian capital. Its not accidental that they are attacking substations critical for nuclear safety.

Substations maintain stability by regulating high-voltage transmission on power grids. Unlike fossil fuel or renewable plants, nuclear generation needs constant flow of electricity to keep safety systems running. Without it, fuel inside a reactors core risks overheating, threatening an uncontrolled, dangerous release of radiation.

Underscoring the nuclear safety risk, the International Atomic Energy Agency last week took the unusual step of expanding its Ukraine monitoring mission to include power substations. IAEA inspectors are typically relegated to accounting for nuclear material, not overseeing sprawling national electricity grids.

The first mission we expected this week, Galushchenko said, noting he was present last week in Kyiv when Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelenskiy agreed with IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi to expand monitoring. The energy chief said that Kyiv had agreed to an extended IAEA monitoring mission.

Two years after the IAEA started an around the clock presence at the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, the ministers comments show how war is forcing the Vienna-based organization to expand its powers. The situation remains precarious, Grossi said Monday in a statement.

Russia has held up its role as a dominant player in the global nuclear industry as evidence it can avoid a nuclear incident and welcomed an IAEA team to discuss plant safety at a Sept. 6 meeting in Kaliningrad. It has blamed Kyiv for attempted sabotage and drone attacks.

Challenge to Defend

Compounding the Ukrainian governments concerns is a lack of air defense systems.

Recent attacks caused blackouts in much of the country and interrupted power supplies to Ukrainian nuclear plants. Russia launched a combined strike of more than 230 drones and missiles that targeted power substations in late August.

The problem is how much they launch at once, Galushchenko said. Its a challenge to defend against.

While Ukraine isnt speaking directly with Russia, the government has asked third countries to intercede on its behalf over the issue of nuclear safety. We have communicated to all partners, Galushchenko said, referring to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to Kyiv last month.

People are not aware of the risks that we see here, Galushchenko said. The consequences could be dramatic and awful, should they attack again and again. The situation would impact wider than the border of Ukraine or Russia and pose wider challenges for Europe.

--With assistance from Greg Sullivan.

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The silouette of a woman is seen on a sign for the Los Angeles Unified School District administrative offices. (Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times)

The Los Angeles Unified School District board has agreed to pay $24 million to three former students to settle claims that they were sexually abused by their Langdon Avenue Elementary School teacher on multiple occasions in his classroom during school hours in 2006 and 2007.

The settlement resolves a lawsuit that accused school officials of ignoring complaints about teacher David Ostovich behaving inappropriately at another L.A. Unified elementary school years before he allegedly molested the girls at Langdon, who were ages 8 and 9 at the time.

Ostovich could not reached for comment. He denied wrongdoing in court filings.

When Ostovich worked at Germain Elementary School, he was the subject of dozens of complaints from administrators, teachers, parents, and students about his inappropriate behavior with young girls, the lawsuit alleges.

Ostovich left that school and got a job at Langdon in North Hills, a San Fernando Valley neighborhood. L.A. Unified administrators never shared those prior complaints with Langdon administrators, court records show.

Read more: San Diego Unified left students 'vulnerable' to sex abuse, federal officials say, but that ends now

At Langdon Elementary, the teacher was reprimanded several times but allowed to continue teaching fourth grade and later first grade. In 2006-2007, the lawsuit alleges, he molested two of the plaintiffs. The following year, he took over a first-grade class, where he molested the third plaintiff, the lawsuit alleges. All three girls, who were identified by Jane Doe pseudonyms in the lawsuit, are now adults in their early to mid-20s.

David Ring, attorney for the plaintiffs, said it was a textbook example of "passing the trash," where a teacher is allowed to quietly move to another school despite repeated complaints about inappropriate behavior with students.

"This is an outrageous case that highlights LAUSDs systemic failure to protect children from known child molesters," Ring said in an interview. "The abuse these three women endured forever altered their lives. It could have been entirely prevented if LAUSD had just done its job.

Ring said there had been more than 20 complaints about the teacher's behavior before he was removed.

Ostovich had initially begun showing up at Germain as a volunteer because two of his daughters attended the school. He then became a special education aide, and in 2003, complaints were made that he had a girl on his lap and his hand in another girl's back pocket.

School administrators warned him about his behavior in 2004, prompted by reports that he was rubbing, touching and hugging girls. Despite the reprimand, he was given the principal's award and got his teaching credential in 2004-2005, according to court documents in the litigation.

A young teacher who observed his continuing inappropriate behavior prevented him from being hired at the school, but because the principal never documented it in writing, Ostovich got a job at Langdon, according to court documents in the case.

Read more: Nine former Rosemead High School students sue, alleging sexual abuse by district employees

In 2006 and 2007, when he was in his late 40s and teaching fourth-graders, Ostovich began grooming and eventually molesting the girls, the lawsuit alleges. He frequently asked young girls to stay with him during recess and lunch behind closed doors in his classroom, the lawsuit alleges, and would touch, rub and improperly hug them in addition to sexually abusing them.

In a deposition, one of the girls alleged that he made her stay in his classroom during lunch and sexually abused her. Even during class, he came to her desk and had her sit on his lap and molest her in plain sight of her classmates in ways they knew she was being abused, she said in court documents.

The school then moved him to be a first-grade teacher. In July 2007, new Langdon principal Leah Perroti received a complaint from a parent that Ostovich was "touching" girls," and he was given a written reprimand and warned a child abuse report would be filed if another accusation was made against him.

Despite the warning, other teachers saw girls on his lap, alone with him and getting hugs, prompting Perroti to file a Suspected Child Abuse Report on him, the lawsuit says. In December 2007, he was removed from the classroom. Perroti learned of the sexual abuse allegations the next year, and Los Angeles police conducted an investigation. court records show.

Ostovich was criminally charged in February 2009 and subsequently pleaded no contest to two counts of battery involving his two fourth-grade victims. His teaching credential was subsequently revoked by the state teaching credential authority.

The three women sued the district in 2021. During a deposition, L.A. Unified's top administrator, who is now Manhattan Beach's superintendent, acknowledged that school officials should have filed a suspected child abuse report following each of the incidents at Germain.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
UK online property platform Rightmove said the takeover bid by Rupert Murdoch's REA Group was 'wholly opportunistic' and undervalued the company (SCOTT OLSON)

UK online property website Rightmove said Wednesday it had rejected a multi-billion-pound takeover offer from Australian peer REA Group, majority owned by Rupert Murdoch's News Corp empire.

Rightmove said in a statement that the cash and shares proposal, worth 5.6 billion (US$7.3 billion), "was wholly opportunistic and fundamentally undervalued" the company.

REA made public its interest in Rightmove on September 2, noting "clear similarities" between the pair "in terms of their leading market positions in the core residential business".

Sector-watchers said REA could be attracted by the prospect of more interest-rate cuts in Britain which would lower mortgage costs for buyers, as well as by the new government's plans for mass housebuilding.

"REA Group's bid for Rightmove was highly opportunistic and so it's little surprise that it's been rejected for fundamentally undervaluing the company and its future prospects," said Susannah Streeter, head of money and markets at Hargreaves Lansdown.

"REA Group runs property websites and indices across Australia, Asia and North America, so getting a dominant foothold in the UK would be very attractive," she added.

In a separate statement Wednesday, REA said its offer was worth 705 pence per Rightmove share.

The British group traded up 0.6 percent at 675 pence in reaction to the latest updates, giving it a market value of about 5.3 billion.

REA added Wednesday that should it succeed in buying Rightmove, it would apply for a secondary stock market listing in London, in addition to its current trading on the Australian Securities Exchange.

"This would provide the opportunity for a wider pool of investors to gain exposure to a global and diversified digital property company on the London Stock Exchange," it said.

REA has until September 30 to announce a firm intention to make an offer for Rightmove.

bcp/lth
Landlords will only be allowed to raise rents once a year, and to the market rate, under Labours rent reforms outlined on Wednesday.

The Government has said it will ban in-tenancy rent increases from being written into contracts in legislation set to come in by next summer.

Currently, if a landlord wants to raise the rent they can either write it into the contract as a yearly set increase, or issue a Section 13 notice when they want to raise it. A tenant can dispute a rent increase  but only after it has been enforced.

Other commitments announced on Wednesday include a ban on rental bidding wars, and a further ban on landlords refusing housing benefit claimants or parents as tenants  although this is already illegal.

The Government will also legally require landlords and letting agents to publish an asking rent for their property, and prevent them from asking for, encouraging, or accepting any bids above this price.

Labours new Renters Rights Bill replaces the Conservatives Renters Reform Bill, a manifesto promise which never saw the light of day. The Tories first pledged to ban no-fault evictions in April 2019, under former prime minister Theresa May.

Housing secretary Angela Rayner said: There can be no more dither and delay. We must overhaul renting and rebalance the relationship between tenant and landlord.

Renters have been let down for too long and too many are stuck in disgraceful conditions, powerless to act because of the threat of a retaliatory eviction hanging over them.

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Sir Keir Starmer previously hinted at a ban on bidding wars during an election debate in May. He said: We have to stop the landlords ripping off tenants who are doing this bidding war. We can pass legislation to say you cant do it because its driving rents through the roof.

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The Government on Wednesday also promised to hand out new investigatory powers to councils so they can fine unscrupulous landlords who do not fix serious hazards. Under the new powers, landlords could face fines of up to 7,000.

Section 21, otherwise known as no-fault evictions, will also be banned from next summer.

The last government had committed to a court review before abolishing no-fault evictions, to address fears that long waiting times for court hearings could put off landlords from letting out their properties.

However, Labour has not promised to do the same. The bill means landlords could face wait times of more than one year to evict a tenant.

Wait times for court eviction orders reached 55 weeks last year, while bailiff callouts took a further six months, on average, according to data collected by the countrys largest estate agents.

The state of court wait times were laid bare in a document shared with the last government, and now seen by The Telegraph.

Analysis of 10 county courts by the countrys largest estate agents, including Savills, Hamptons and Knight Frank, found it took an average of 55 weeks to obtain a court order for possession in September 2023, nearly double official government data.

The Ministry of Justice does not record processing delays, which make up a significant chunk of the overall time it takes to repossess a property via the courts.

Estate agents also said landlords faced a further six months wait for a bailiff to attend a property, leading to an overall wait time of one and a half years to evict a tenant in some cases.

Housing minister Matthew Pennycook has said quicker, cheaper dispute resolution will be encouraged over court action, and that his Government will invest in additional court and tribunal capacity to handle any extra hearings generated by these reforms.

Labour has also said it will ban no-fault evictions for both existing and new tenancies at the same time.

The Conservative government had planned to take a phased approach, applying it to new tenancies first and existing tenancies later.

Polly Neate, chief executive of homelessness charity Shelter, said the Government was right to pull the plug on no-fault evictions, adding: Section 21 has haunted Englands renters for years now and 11 million of them will breathe a sigh of relief when these unjust evictions are finally consigned to the history books.

The Department for Housing was approached for comment.

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How many of the people in our jails entered this country illegally? Are people from some countries more likely to get arrested in Britain than others? How much do we spend on welfare for people from different countries, and how much do they pay in tax?

We should be able to find an answer to all of these questions  but you cant, because the Government wont publish the data needed to draw conclusions. Indeed, answers to all questions about migration are getting harder to find.

While other governments around Europe are publishing more and more data on migration, in the UK were publishing less and less. The Department for Work and Pensions have stopped publishing the data on welfare claims by nationality which they used to publish for many years.

HMRC have stopped publishing data on the amount of tax paid and tax credits received by nationality. These decisions happened at the end of the last government, and I was critical at the time.

But the decision to hold back all this data has become more relevant, because Labours main approach to the small boats crisis is to hide the costs in the wider expenses of the welfare state.

This mindset extends to the Governments handling of the asylum backlog, which in practice means granting more people asylum quickly. Just make people who came here illegally legal, and hey presto, problem solved. In a few years Labour will be able to boast that spending on the asylum system, currently 4 billion a year, is down, as the costs disappear into the wider welfare system where they will no longer be published.

In the real world, there are two problems with this strategy. First, waving more people through will increase the pull factor that causes so many people to enter the UK illegally. Asylum grant rates have steadily climbed over recent decades  from less than a third in 2004 to four fifths now. On top of that, many failed asylum seekers just vanish: the proportion of those who are ultimately removed has also dropped sharply over the last ten years. Previously, around a quarter of those who claimed asylum were returned, now its around one in twenty.

Some claimants are genuine. But many are really economic migrants or involved in criminality. At present the biggest group in the small boats are people from Vietnam, a peaceful and friendly country that people from the UK go on holiday to. Even so, the share of those asylum seekers coming from Vietnam who are returned has declined from about two thirds in the mid-noughties to just 1 per cent.

This is why people pay criminals to get in dangerous boats to come here: if you can make it to the UK, youll almost certainly be able to stay. Until that changes, the crossings will continue.

The second problem with the governments plan is that in the real world the costs dont go away. A number of local councils are very concerned that people are being shifted from asylum accommodation to presenting as statutory homeless and in need of social housing.

Just under half of all households in council housing in Greater London are already headed by people born overseas, and the share of new lets going to people who are not UK nationals is rising.

Of course, many refugees do work and also contribute in other ways. But refugees are often more likely to be destitute, and may not speak English. The group is four times more likely to be unemployed than people born here, and on average earn about half the amount per week that UK nationals do.

The British government refuses to calculate the impacts of this, but other countries do. A study at the University of Amsterdam calculated that, over a lifetime, the average net cost of an asylum migrant to the Dutch public is more than 400,000. Perhaps its no surprise that the British Government doesnt want to publish such calculations, or even the information that would allow others to do so.

Since Labour came to power, roughly 8,400 people have come across the Channel  about 137 every day. That we cannot have an honest conversation about the consequences of this breeds huge mistrust. To avoid the problems we are seeing elsewhere in Europe, we need a new, transparent approach.

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Labour MPs claimed more than 400,000 of taxpayers money to heat their own homes over the last five years, as the party voted to cut Winter Fuel Payments for millions of pensioners this month.

Official figures reveal how much members who claim expenses for their London accommodation have been awarded over time, with some taking thousands.

Rachel Reeves, who announced the controversial cut to Winter Fuel Payments in July, has claimed 4,400 since she was elected an MP in 2010. In the last five years alone, the figure was 3,700, analysis from The Telegraph shows.

As MP for Leeds West and Pudsey, Ms Reeves is expected to hold a residence in both her constituency and London, so that she is able to attend to parliamentary business. All expenses for this second accommodation are paid for with taxpayer money, as is the case with all members who do the same.

Taken from the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA), the figures reveal that 162 Labour MPs have claimed 425,000 in expenses for energy bills in accommodation.

This is reportedly 83,000 more than the average amount a similar number of households would have spent over the same time period.

The chancellor has defended her expenses, telling GB News: Being a constituency MP means that you have to have a house in London as well as, of course, living in the constituency, and thats the same for all MPs. Those are long-standing rules.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced changes to Winter Fuel Payments in July (Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire)

MPs earn far higher than the median wage in the UK, taking home 91,346 compared to 34,963. This is on top of any expenses claimed.

John OConnell, chief executive of the TaxPayers Alliance, told The Telegraph: 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.

The new Labour government has been criticised in recent weeks for its decision to means-test winter fuel payments, meaning only the poorest pensioners will still receive it.

Campaigners have said the measure will plunge around two million vulnerable pensioners into dangerous fuel poverty this winter, while analysis published by Labour in 2017 shows the cut could kill 4,000 people.

Ministers have remained steadfast against the criticism, with Ms Reeves defending the need to make tough decisions to plug the 22bn black hole in public spending that she says was concealed by the previous Conservative government.

Sir Keir Starmer faced his first major rebellion over the measure in the recent Commons vote as 53 Labour MPs abstained. However, only Jon Trickett, MP for Normanton and Hemsworth, voted against the government on the measure. It is unclear which of the abstentions were permitted by Labour to miss the vote.

The Treasury has been approached for comment.
(Bloomberg) -- British Labour Party grandee Peter Mandelson has had to correct the public record about his ownership of a stake in a political consultancy firm after stating he had sold out of the business.

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Mandelson, a member of the House of Lords since 2008, has now updated the parliamentary register to say he retains a significant holding in Global Counsel, a firm he co-founded thats become one of the most influential advisory groups in the UK.

Earlier this year, Mandelson changed the register to remove a reference to his shareholding after selling 20% of Global Counsel to the Messina Group, an American public relations firm, in a deal that valued the business at 30 million ($39 million), the Financial Times reported at the time, citing people close to the transaction.

The Messina Group is led by a deputy chief of staff to former US President Barack Obama, Jim Messina. Companies House records show that Mandelson still owns 28% of Global Counsel and is its second largest shareholder. At the 30 million valuation, his stake is worth 8.4 million.

Mandelson acknowledged that he had made a mistake and corrected it, following questions from Bloomberg. A spokesperson for Mandelson said the register had been incorrectly updated during the last update. This has now been rectified by the House of Lords authorities.

The Labour peer is a close adviser to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, having been one of the most powerful figures in the previous Labour government led by Tony Blair.

He is no stranger to controversies involving his personal finances. In 1998, he was forced to resign from the government after it emerged he had failed to disclose a property loan from a millionaire lawmaker who was then under investigation by his department.

Global Counsels co-founder, Benjamin Wegg-Prosser, is also close to the Starmer government and was its top choice to take on the role of investment minister, which would have seen him elevated to the House of Lords.

Wegg-Prosser, Global Counsels largest shareholder, turned down the offer because he would have had to forfeit equity and miss out on any windfall from a potential full tie-up with The Messina Group.

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Labours new rent reforms will push up costs for tenants by as much as 10pc, landlords and estate agents have warned.

The Government has said it will end fixed-term tenancies, get rid of no-fault evictions and ban bidding wars in a Renters Rights Bill presented to Westminster today.

But landlords and letting agents said the legislation could backfire, pushing up rents even faster than they would otherwise rise.

Chris Norris, policy director at the National Landlord Association [NRLA] property body, said landlords will have less financial security under the new bill. Rolling contracts raises the risk of tenants immediately serving notice to leave at the start of a tenancy.

He said this risk, paired with the prospect of long delays to secure an eviction through the courts if problem tenants refuse to leave, could be worth 5pc to 10pc on rents.

Rents across the UK have grown faster than earnings for the past three years. In the past 12 months, prices have risen 6.1pc on average, according to the Office for National Statistics. Property portal Zoopla now puts the average rent at 1,226. Most listings in central areas receive over 20 inquiries at least, according to Zoopla.

Timothy Douglas, policy director at Propertymark, said rolling tenancies pose a huge change for the private rented sector  and one that could be costly.

He added: Fixed terms remove flexibility, and landlords will be looking at all their costs. The Government has also talked about banning bidding wars. Ultimately, youre going to see much higher advertised rents if you do this.

Negotiations would at least allow for lower rents as well as higher ones. The Government has got to understand the unintended consequences.

Mr Douglas said tenants were often coming in to offer more because they like a property, and that it is not always landlords demanding more money.

The Government has said it will legally require landlords and letting agents to publish an asking rent for their property, and prevent them from asking for, encouraging, or accepting any bids above this price.

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Sir Keir Starmer previously hinted at a ban on bidding wars during an election debate in May.

It is understood Labour is drawing from New Zealand, where landlords have not been able to encourage rental bidding since 2021. In New Zealand, however, renters can offer a higher rent if they want to.

In Labours bill, it says landlords must not accept an offer from any person to pay an amount of rent under the proposed letting that exceeds the stated rent.

Richard Donnell, executive director at property website Zoopla, questioned how a ban on bidding wars would be policed.

How are we going to track this? Agents will just go for higher prices. It will create an inverse bidding war, where people bid up to the price set.

Mr Donnell also said it was dangerous to introduce more controls in a market where supply has failed to grow in eight years.

He added: That, and the risk in the Budget that people might be incentivised to sell. More focus needs to be on supply.

Because ultimately, the people really being squeezed by all this are those who need social housing but are in the private rental sector due to a lack of supply.

Over a quarter of private housing tenants  around one million  are in receipt of benefits, according to the Governments English Housing Survey.

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Kate Faulkner, chair of the government advisory body Home Buying & Selling Group, said this spillage of social tenants into the private sector was the countrys biggest problem.

Governments have tried to squeeze the private market to meet social needs, but this has failed. There are over 170 laws already governing it.

Tenants do the bidding wars because there arent enough properties. At least one million homes are being used to house people who should be in a social home. We need to focus on the housing waiting lists.

Rents used to rise by 2pc a year. Then governments started interfering and rents started to rise faster and stock began to deplete. Regulating agents would have made far more difference.

A government spokesman said: There is a broad consensus that more needs to be done to level the playing field between landlords and tenants, and this is exactly what our proposed reforms will do.

The majority of landlords already meet their responsibilities to tenants and have nothing to fear from these reforms.

Click here to view this content.

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WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL)  The Lake Wichita Revitalization Committee plans to develop the Veterans Plaza further.

On Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, the committee approved $8,500 to build a master plan to expand the veterans portion.

The goal is to add a grand entrance to the plaza to welcome visitors. Shade structures are also in talks of being installed.

The plaza was approved by Wichita Falls City Councilors in April 2022, and since then, it has grown significantly, especially with the Gold Star Monument and parking lot upgrade.

Christ Academy provides Refuge for local police

Lake Wichita Revitalization Committee Chair Austin Cobb said the wheels are turning to bring the lake back to its former glory.

Were going to take it one step at a time. Were going to get these renderings done, and then, were going to go out and try to raise money from the community, Cobb said. Were this close to getting federal dollars to help start phase one of the dredging project. Completing the Veterans Plaza, dredging the lake, you really want this to be a community recreational lake.

The committee plans to have a rendering of the new additions to the plaza by Veterans Day.

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Antony Blinken shakes hands with Volodymyr Zelensky as David Lammy, Britains Foreign Secretary, looks on during the summit in Kyiv - Getty Images Europe/Leon Neal

Russia and Iran are escalating the war in Ukraine, the UK and USs most senior diplomats have warned.

The accusation from David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, and Antony Blinken, the US secretary of state, paves the way for a possible change in policy to allow Ukraine to use Western-supplied long-range missiles to hit targets in Russian territory.

Speaking during a press conference in Kyiv during a joint visit to the city, the pair insisted that Irans move to give ballistic missiles to Russia had clearly changed the debate.

Mr Lammy condemned Tehrans move as a significant and dangerous escalation.

The duos claim that it is Moscow  not Washington or London  which is responsible for escalating the conflict could signal a potential change of position over the supply of Storm Shadow missiles to Kyiv.

Currently, Ukrainian troops are not allowed to use such weaponry to hit targets in Russian territory, despite the missiles having a range of about 155 miles.

Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraines president, on Wednesday urged the UK and US to make a strong decision ahead of expected fighting this autumn and winter.

Sir Keir Starmer and Joe Biden will discuss the potential move in Washington DC on Friday, though any final decision may come later.

Meanwhile, Russian bombers have been spotted flying over Norwegian waters as part of the largest naval exercise carried out by Moscow in the post-Soviet era.

The Russian defence ministry released footage of the Ocean 2024 military drills, which showed missiles and gunfire aimed at water surface targets.

Around 400 warships, 120 aircraft and 90,000 personnel are taking part in the war games, which are scheduled to last until Sept 16.

Mr Lammy and Mr Blinkens press conference on Wednesday evening wrapped up the first joint overseas trip by the UK and USs leading diplomats for more than a decade.

The pair described their visit as a listening exercise  including understanding what change Ukraine wanted on its use of long-range missiles  with the findings to be fed back to their respective leaders.

However, when challenged on whether there were concerns that a change in the terms of use would be escalatory, they pointed the finger of blame back at Moscow.

Mr Blinken said: Just speaking for the United States, from day one  we have adjusted and adapted as needs have changed, as the battlefield has changed, and I have no doubt that well continue to do that, as this evolves.

Escalation was one of the factors that we always consider but its certainly not the only factor and its not necessarily a dispositive factor, he said.

Mr Blinken added: Weve seen Russia now pursue and indeed escalate its attacks inside Ukraine, on civilians, on energy infrastructure, as well as on the Ukrainian military thats defending its country.

And weve now seen this action of Russia acquiring ballistic missiles from Iran, which will further empower their aggression in Ukraine. So if anyone is taking escalatory action, it would appear to be Mr Putin [the Russian president] and Russia.

Mr Lammy said: It is Putin who has escalated this week with the shipment of ballistic missiles from Iran and were seeing this new axis, Russia, Iran, North Korea. We urge China not to throw their lot in with this group of renegades.

The US and UK declassified intelligence this week to accuse Iran of providing Fatah-360 ballistic missiles to Russia for use in Ukraine.

Sky News on Wednesday published satellite imagery said to show a Russian-flagged cargo ship suspected of transporting ballistic missiles from Iran at a port in Russia a week ago.

Mr Lammy, on his first visit to Ukraine as foreign secretary, held joint talks alongside Mr Blinken with Mr Zelensky, as well as other senior figures in the Ukrainian government.

Ahead of the meeting, Mr Zelensky piled further pressure on his Western allies for a change in policy on long-range missiles.

He said: I will have a little bit later a talk with him [Blinken] and minister of foreign affairs for the UK [Lammy].

I dont know all the details of our conversation. I will be ready to be open and honest after these consultations. If I am optimistic about their decision to give us permission to use long distance, it is a pity it doesnt depend on my optimism. It depends on their optimism.

Lets count on some strong decisions on this. For us, it is very important for today. Anyway, I will tell you after the meeting and anyway, I am counting on my dialogue with President Biden this month.

It was also announced on Wednesday that Ukraine is to receive 600 million worth of extra support from the UK, including to build up its energy supply after targeted Russian attacks.

At least 242 million of funding will be sent directly to Ukraine. The figure was confirmed by Labour after being announced by Rishi Sunak, the then prime minister, earlier in the summer.

The Government has provided a new breakdown of how the money will be spent, including 20 million towards improving Ukraines energy supply as winter looms.

Follow the latest updates below

06:57 PM BST

Thank you for following todays live coverage of the war in Ukraine.

Well be back soon with more updates and analysis from the conflict.

06:38 PM BST

Fresh siren rings out in Kyiv

Seconds after the press conference finished and Mr Lammy, Mr Blinken and Mr Sybiha were escorted out, an air raid siren sounded across Kyiv.

It was an eerie scene as it is now night-time in the Ukrainian capital.

The siren lasted a couple of minutes before going silent.

06:20 PM BST

Lammy hails Blitz spirit in Ukraine

David Lammy hailed what he described as a Blitz spirit he witnessed the last time he visited Ukraine.

The Foreign Secretary praised what we would call a Blitz spirit, evoking the Second World War on display during his last trip.

Its humbling, its moving to see people do all they can to prevent this Russian aggression, he said.

06:18 PM BST

Lammy condemns Russian imperialism

David Lammy has condemned Russias imperialism and fascism, describing Vladimir Putins actions in Ukraine as part of a very old and evil story.

He hailed his visit alongside Antony Blinken, US Secretary of State, as an important and historic visit that showed the iron-clad support among Ukraines allies.

He also unveiled that the UK would provide 400 million in humanitarian support to Kyiv this year, along with hundreds of additional air defences and tens of thousands of artillery shells.

David Lammy at the press conference in Kyiv - Getty Images Europe

06:11 PM BST

Binken and Lammy deflect on long-range missile question

Both Mr Blinken and Mr Lammy keep pointing to the UN General Assembly [Unga] meeting when discussing the long-range missile use question.

That gathering in New York happens later this month.

The emphasis sounds very much like an attempt to downplay the chance of a change in position on Storm Shadow use this Friday, when Joe Biden and Sir Keir Starmer meet in Washington.

Mr Lammy just explicitly said conversations will play out over the next few weeks.

06:02 PM BST

Lammy calls Iran sending ballistic missiles a significant and dangerous escalation

Mr Lammy called this weeks news that Iran is sending ballistic missiles to Russia for use in Ukraine a significant and dangerous escalation.

It appears this development - revealed by the US and UK - is being used to argue the situation is changing on the ground.

Which is relevant as both countries leaders consider approving the use by Ukraine of long-range missiles to hit deep into Russian land.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Ukraines Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and Britains Foreign Secretary David Lammy address a press conference in Kyiv - AFP

05:59 PM BST

Blinken promises to work with urgency on Ukraine defence requests

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken promised to work quickly on Ukraines requests to ease restrictions on weapons able to strike deep inside Russia.

Were working with urgency to continue to ensure that Ukraine has what it needs to effectively defend itself, Mr Blinken told the conference.

He added that the US and British leaders would discuss the requests on Friday.

05:58 PM BST

Any restrictions on using US, UK weapons on Russia must be lifted, says Ukraine

Ukraine said Wednesday that any restrictions on using US and British weapons against Russia needed to be lifted.

It is important to lift any restrictions on the use of US and British weapons against legitimate military targets in Russia, Ukrainian foreign minister Andriy Sybiga told reporters.

05:51 PM BST

Lammy announces $3 billion in military aid every year

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy has announced that they will provide $3 billion in military aid every year that the war continues.

05:47 PM BST

We are united in our iron clad support for Ukraine, says Lammy

David Lammy is now speaking.

We are united in our iron clad support for Ukraine, he said to reporters.

05:44 PM BST

Blinken announces more than $700 million in new funding

Mr Blinken has announced more than $700 million in aid for Ukraine Wednesday during a visit to Kyiv, aiming to bolster the energy grid that Russia has repeatedly pounded in systematic attacks ahead of an expected difficult winter.

The $325m in energy support in the package will help repair and restore Ukraines power generation facilities, provide emergency backup power and strengthen the physical security of energy infrastructure.

Some $290 in humanitarian support, including safe drinking water, food and medicine.

The remaining $102 million in additional humanitarian demining, to help remove unexploded ordnance.

05:41 PM BST

We want Ukraine to win, says Blinken

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is now speaking.

The bottom line is this: We want Ukraine to win, said Mr Blinkon

Our collective message to Putin in clear, out support will not wane, our unirty will not break.

05:36 PM BST

The news conference is beginning

David Lammy and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken are holding a joint press conference in Ukraine as pressure builds to remove restrictions on long-range missiles.

Britain and the US are in talks to drop a veto that would allow long-range Storm Shadow missiles to be fired deep inside Russia.

05:19 PM BST

Press conference delayed

We are still waiting for David Lammy and Anthony Blinken to arrive.

The press conference should be starting imminently.

05:06 PM BST

Air raid alarm sounds in Ukrainian capital as Blinken and Lammy visit

An air raid alarm sounded for more than 30 minutes in Kyiv on Wednesday afternoon as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and British Foreign Minister David Lammy were visiting the Ukrainian capital .

The Air Force announced a ballistic missile threat on the Telegram messaging platform.

It said that a missile was moving in the direction of the Poltava region from the northern Sumy region.

Sumy regional officials later said on Telegram that the missile had been downed.



It added that preliminary information indicated there was no damage to infrastructure and civilians.

04:46 PM BST

Zelensky calls for strong British decision on missiles

Volodymyr Zelensky has called on Britain and America to make a strong decision by letting him use long-range missiles deep in Russian land.

The Ukrainian President made the public call at a conference on Crimea for international leaders being held in Kyiv on Wednesday.

The conference was attended by David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, and Antony Blinken, the US secretary of state, who are visiting the city together.

Currently it is understood Ukraine is not allowed to use Storm Shadow missiles, provided by the UK and France with some US components, to strike targets deep into Russia, with the West concerned about escalation in the conflict.

Mr Zelensky said of long-range missile use in Russia: I will have a little bit later a talk with him (Blinken) and minister of foreign affairs for the UK (Lammy).

I dont know all the details of our conversation. I will be ready to be open and honest after these consultations. If I am optimistic about their decision to give us permission to use long distance, it is a pity it doesnt depend on my optimism. It depends on their optimism.

Lets count on some strong decisions on this. For us it is very important for today. Anyway, I will tell you after the meeting and anyway I am counting on my dialogue with President Biden this month.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has pleaded with Britain and America to let is use long-range Storm Shadow missiles in Russia - Shutterstock

04:26 PM BST

Russia should consider restricting exports of uranium, titanium and nickel, warns Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday that Moscow should consider limiting exports of uranium, titanium and nickel in retaliation against the West.

In televised comments to government ministers, he said such restrictions could also be introduced for other commodities, and noted that Russia was a major producer of natural gas, diamonds and gold.

But he said that measures did not need to be taken tomorrow, and mustnt do anything to harm Russia itself.

Russia is the worlds fourth largest uranium producer, according to the World Nuclear Associations data.

US President Joe Biden has signed into law a ban on enriched uranium imports from Russia, a trade worth around $1 billion annually.

04:09 PM BST

Crimea and Sevastopol are Ukraine, says EU head

The EU will always support the territorial integrity of Ukraine, President of the EU Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said on Wednesday.

Callin in via video, during the Fourth Crimea Platform Leaders Summit, she said: It has been 10 years since Russia began its aggression against Ukraine. It is clear: Crimea and Sevastopol are Ukraine.

The EU will always support the territorial integrity of Ukraine, she added.

It has been 10 years since Russia began its aggression against Ukraine.



It is clear: Crimea and Sevastopol are Ukraine.



The EU will always support the territorial integrity of Ukraine.



My message at the 4th Crimea Platform Summit  pic.twitter.com/aPvwFJXcGz  Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) September 11, 2024

03:49 PM BST

UK announces 600m worth of support for Ukraine

Ukraine is to get 600 million worth of extra support from the UK, including to build up its energy supply after targeted Russian attacks, it has been announced.

David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, made the news during his Kyiv visit alongside the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Wednesday.

At least 242 million of funding will be sent directly to Ukraine. The figure was confirmed by Labour after being announced by Rishi Sunak earlier in the summer when he was prime minister.

The money will pay for essential repairs and protection to the Ukrainian power network. Recent efforts have seen the UK help with back-up generators to keep the lights on across the country and power generation equipment in Kharkiv and Odesa.

100million of the funding will be spent on humanitarian support, often delivered by third parties like charities on the ground, and 40 million on helping Ukraine prepare to win the peace should that come about.

The UKs support to Ukraine is unwavering. Our commitment of over 600 million worth of support is the latest installment in our enduring support to Ukraine, said Mr Lammy.

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, left, and US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, right - Leon Neal/Pool Getty Images Europe

The British Foreign Secretary joined his American counterpart on a visit to Ukraine to discuss the countrys military needs in its fight against Russia - Leon Neal/Getty Images

03:38 PM BST

Three women killed in Russian strikes on residential areas

Three women have been killed and five others injured during Russian attacks in eastern Ukraine, prosecutors have said.

Russian troops shelled the residential area of Kostiantynivka, a town in the Donetsk region, which is around 14km (nine miles) from the frontline.

Two of those killed were elderly women, the prosecutors general office wrote on the Telegram messaging app.

A middle-aged woman was later reportedly killed in a strike in a separate residential area. Five others were injured.

The Donetsk region, which Russian troops partially occupy, is regularly hit by Russian shelling and airstrikes.

Moscow denies targeting civilians or civilian infrastructure in its invasion of Ukraine, although thousands of people have been killed in its attacks.

03:32 PM BST

Russia holds biggest post-Soviet navy drills with China

Russian bomber planes have been spotted flying over Norwegian waters as part of the largest naval exercise carried out by Moscow in the post-Soviet era.

The Russian Tu-160 strategic bomber planes were also flown over the Barents sea, the defence ministry said, as part of Ocean-2024 military drills that were launched on Tuesday. Around 400 warships, 120 aircraft and 90,000 personnel will take part in the drills until Sept 16.

The defence ministry released footage of the drills, which showed missile launches and gunfire being aimed at water surface targets.

Vladimir Putin, the Russian president, said the purpose of the exercise was for Moscows forces to learn the lessons from its special military operation in Ukraine as he accused Washington of provoking a new arms race.

Fifteen countries have been invited to observe the drills, Putin said, though the US only expects China to take part.

The military drills pose no threat to the US homeland or to the Nato alliance, Pat Ryder, a Pentagon spokesperson, said.

03:22 PM BST

Pictured: Hollywood actor visits Kyiv as guest of honour

Hollywood actor Michael Douglas has been pictured in Kyiv, where he is visiting with his son.

The Academy Award winner, 79, is in the Ukrainian capital to attend the First Ladies and Gentlemen Summit - an event organised by Olena Zelenska, which is due to take place tomorrow, according to local media reports.

The guest of honour was impressed by the beauty of the architecture of our beloved city, and was also actively interested in the historical events that took place in Kyiv, Kyivs department of tourism and promotions wrote in a post on Facebook.

It added that Douglas has actively supported Ukraine since the beginning of the full-scale invasion.

Michael Douglas and his son Dylan in downtown Kyiv - REUTERS

Dougles is in the Ukrainian capital to attend the First Ladies and Gentlemen Summit - REUTERS

03:18 PM BST

France continues to stand resolutely with Ukraine, says Macron

French President Emmanuel Macron has reaffirmed that France will stand resolutely with Ukraine.

As the Crimea Platform Summit takes place, I want to reaffirm that France continues to stand resolutely with Ukraine and its people in defense of their territorial integrity and sovereignty, he wrote in a post on X.

As the Crimea Platform Summit takes place, I want to reaffirm that France continues to stand resolutely with Ukraine and its people in defense of their territorial integrity and sovereignty.  Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) September 11, 2024

03:00 PM BST

Pictured: Russian ship delivering ballistic missiles from Iran

New satellite imagery has captured a Russian-flagged cargo ship suspected of transporting ballistic missiles from Iran docked at a port in Russia last week.

the Port Olya 3 vessel had shipped around 220 short-range ballistic missiles via the Caspian Sea to Russia to be used for its war in Ukraine, a Ukrainian source told Sky News.

The source added that the ship arrived at the Russian port on 4 September.

It comes just a day after the US said it believes the Russian military has received shipments of Iranian Fatah-360 ballistic missiles.

A satellite image shows the Port Olya 3 vessel at Port Olya in southern Russia on 4 September - Maxar

This wider satellite image, also taken on 4 September, shows the Port Olya 3 alongside other vessels at the Russian port - Maxar

02:54 PM BST

Britain and America are listening carefully to Ukraine, says Lammy

David Lammy has said Britain and America are listening to Ukraines plea to let it use Storm Shadow missiles deep into Russian territory.

During his Kyiv visit, the Foreign Secretary said he wanted to better understand the strategy being proposed by Ukrainian leaders.

Asked if Ukraine would be given permission to use long-range missiles to strike Russian land, Mr Lammy said: Were here to listen, to understand the plan, to understand the strategy and understand the needs across a whole range of fronts.

Yes, of course, equipment but of course energy that has been sabotaged, the support thats needed on the humanitarian front over these next few months and how we continue to mobilise the international community on Ukraines behalf.



So we are listening carefully and, of course, we are having discussions on a range of issues including the military equipment that Ukraine needs to win.

He also called the development of Iran giving missiles to Russia, disclosed by the US and UK this week, horrendous.

Mr Lammy said: Were seeing Russia amplify its work with its friends and weve seen this horrendous transfer of ballistic missiles from Iran to Russia over the last few days.

02:31 PM BST

What is a storm shadow cruise missile?

Earlier, we reported that president Zelensky had asked the UK for help and support in using long-range missiles to strike Russian territory as he met the Foreign Secretary David Lammy in Kyiv (see post at 1:39).

Last year the UK donated Storm Shadow cruise missiles to Ukraine but the weapons remain off limits beyond Ukraines borders despite repeated requests from Kyiv.

So, what are the Storm Shadow missiles and why are they so valuable?

They are fired from aircraft and have a range of more than 155 miles, dwarfing the range of the US-supplied Himars currently used by Ukraine, which only stretch around 50 miles.

The longer range will allow Ukrainian pilots to remain further away from the front lines.

Powered by a turbo-jet engine, the 1,300kg Storm Shadow travels at speeds of more than 600mph, is just over five metres long and has a wingspan of three metres.

The weapons have been used by British and French air forces in the Gulf, Iraq and Libya.

02:02 PM BST

Russia and China will react if US deploys missiles in Japan, says Moscow

Russia and China will react, and not only politically, if the United States deploys missiles in Japan, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Wednesday.

The Japan Times reported last week that the United States had expressed an interest in deploying a Typhon mid-range missile system to Japan for joint military exercises.

The deployment of Typhon in Japan would allow the United States to reach the territory of China, Russia and North Korea at once.

01:39 PM BST

Moscow vows to destroy long-range missiles fired into Russia

Moscow has warned the United States it will destroy any long-range missiles that are fired into Russia as Washington mulls changing restrictions on the use of the weapons by Ukraine.

Sergei Ryabkov, Russias deputy foreign minister, also warned the US on Wednesday of the dangers and risks of sending Kyiv long-range missiles, the state TASS news agency reported.

The comments came as Ukraines prime minister urged the Foreign Secretary to let Ukrainian soldiers fire long-range missiles into Russia.

Denys Shmyhal made the plea in the opening remarks of his meeting in Kyiv with David Lammy on Wednesday morning.

Mr Shmyhal said: We hope that long-range equipment for strikes on the territory of our enemy will be reached and we will have it. And we hope for your help and support in this issue.

The face-to-face request comes as the UK and US consider whether to grant Ukraine their request to fire British Storm Shadow missiles deep into Russian territory.

Click here to view this content.

01:16 PM BST

Moscow shoots down drones 1,600km from Ukraine border

Russia shot down three drones over its northern Murmansk region on Wednesday, the regional governor said.

The drones were allegedly fired by Ukraine more than 1,600 kilometres from its border.

Two regional airports were closed to ensure the safety of civil aircraft.

Murmansk airport, one of those closed, is around 1,850 kilometres from Ukraine.

12:51 PM BST

Pictured: Russia advertises for recruits on Moscow billboard

A billboard promoting contract army service and reading 5 200 000 rubles for the first year of the contract - AFP

12:24 PM BST

We did not give Russia ballistic missiles, Iran insists

Iran has insisted that it did not send any ballistic missiles to Russia.

Abbas Araqchi, the Iranian foreign minister, also criticised the sanctions that have been imposed by the UK and the US in the wake of the weapons being send for Moscows use.

Antony Blinken, who is in Kyiv today, said the US had confirmation that Fath 360 missiles were sent to Russia and would be used in Ukraine within weeks.

11:55 AM BST

Leave Putins name out of US politics, says Kremlin

The Kremlin has asked Donald Trump and Kamala Harris to stop using Vladimir Putins name in debates about the upcoming US election.

Of course, we noticed that both candidates mentioned our president, mentioned our country. Of course, the position is quite clear - the U.S. as a whole, no matter which party the candidates are from, maintains a negative attitude, an unfriendly attitude towards our country, Putins spokesperson said.

Putins name is used as one of the instruments in the domestic political struggle in the U.S. We really, really dont like it, and we hope that they will leave our presidents name alone.

The Russian presidents spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, made the comments hours after the debate between Trump and Ms Harris concluded and around one week after Putin said he wanted the vice president to win in November.

Vladimir Putin endorsed Kamala Harris last week - Shutterstock

11:39 AM BST

We will destroy any US-made missiles sent to Ukraine, warns Moscow

Russia will destroy any new deliveries of long-range Atacms to Ukraine by the United States, Moscow has warned.

Sergei Ryabkov warned the US of the the dangers and risks of sending Kyiv long-range missiles as Joe Biden considers whether to lift restrictions on the weapons being used to strike targets inside Russia.

11:09 AM BST

Iran missile accusation baseless, says Kremlin

The Kremlin rejected reports on Wednesday that Iran had shipped missiles to Russia, describing them as baseless.

Antony Blinken said at a press conference on Tuesday that the Iranian-made Fath 360 ballistic missile will likely be used in Ukraine within weeks.

The US secretary of state warned that relations between Moscow and Tehran threatened European security, not just in Ukraine or the Middle East.

Tehran called the US claim ugly propaganda.

10:52 AM BST

Discussions to take place over Storm Shadow missiles

The overnight train carrying the Foreign Secretary and the US Secretary of State rolled into sunny Kyiv around 11.30am local time.

The message being sent by UK and US delegations in the trip is one of unwavering joint support for Ukraine in their fight against the Russians.

Behind the scenes discussions about the specifics of Kyivs request for permission to use long-range Storm Shadow missiles deep inside Russia will be taking place.

Information will be fed back to Joe Biden and Sir Keir Starmer for their face-to-face meeting, which is expected to include the terms of use for Storm Shadow, in Washington DC on Friday.

David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, meets Denys Shmyhal, the Ukrainian prime minister - Getty Images Europe

10:41 AM BST

Sense of expectation in Kyiv

There is a sense of expectation in Kyiv as David Lammy and Antony Blinken touch down in the Ukrainian capital.

It is anticipated that the Foreign Secretary and US secretary of state will finally engage in the finer details of Volodmdyr Zelenskys request to use Western-provided, long-range missiles on targets inside Russia.

The Telegraph has heard from multiple sources that Ukrainian officials expect these talks to end in good news for Kyiv, after months of trying to secure permission for deep, cross-border strikes.

Yes, one source answered when asked whether they were hearing that the UK and US were finally ready to budge.

Another senior source added: Of course, Kyiv understands everything 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.

The decision might not be taken by Messrs Lammy and Blinken on Wednesday, with President Joe Biden meeting Sir Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, in Washington later this week.

But the green-light for Kyiv has already been sign-posted, giving Ukrainian officials involved in the discussions optimism ahead of that meeting in the US capital.

10:27 AM BST

What are Lammy and Blinken doing in Ukraine?

David Lammy and Antony Blinken have arrived in Kyiv at what they described as a critical moment for Kyiv in its fight against Russia.

The pair are scheduled to take part in a series of talks with senior Ukrainian officials, including Volodymyr Zelensky.

Speaking at a joint news conference in London on Tuesday, the pair condemned Iran for sending ballistic missiles to Russia, which Mr Blinken said would likely be used in Ukraine within weeks.

It comes at a time when the Ukrainian president has been pleading with Western allies to let Kyiv use long-range missiles to strike targets deep into Russia.

Joe Biden, the US president, is considering changing the policy which currently restricts Kyiv from using British Storm Shadow Missiles to hit targets inside Russia.

10:04 AM BST

Pictured: Lammy and Blinken arrive in Kyiv

We have more pictures coming in from Kyiv where David Lammy and Antony Blinken have arrived for a series of meetings with senior Ukrainian officials.

David Lammy and Antony Blinken arrive at Kyiv train station - AP

David Lammy and Antony Blinken arrive at Kyiv train station - AP

09:54 AM BST

London sanctions 10 vessels from Russias shadow fleet

As David Lammy arrived in Kyiv, London announced it had sanctioned 10 ships in Russias shadow fleet of vessels which it says use illicit practices to avoid Western embargoes on Russian oil.

Todays sanctions further undermine Russias ability to trade in oil via its shadow fleet, the Foreign Secretary said in a statement on Wednesday.

Alongside our partners, we will continue to send a stark message to Russia that the international community stands with Ukraine and we will not tolerate this illicit fleet.

09:44 AM BST

Blinken and Lammy arrive in Kyiv

Antony Blinken and David Lammy have arrived in Kyiv on Wednesday, where they will attend a series of meetings with senior government officials including Volodymyr Zelensky.

Blinken and Lammy pulled into Kyivs main train station ahead of a busy schedule that comes at a crucial time in the war, as Russia continues its advances in the Donetsk region.

09:23 AM BST

Russia launches counter-offensive in Kursk

Russia has launched a counter-offensive to liberate land captured by Ukrainian forces in its region of Kursk.

Both Russian and Ukrainian sources acknowledged the assault, although pro-Kremlin military bloggers said it had been successful in driving the Ukrainian back.

It came after battlefield footage emerged purporting to show at least eight armoured vehicles and tanks operated by a Russian VDV air assault unit advancing towards the Kursk region village of Snagost.

Russian military bloggers said that Ukrainian units had been pushed back from Korenevo, which lies about six miles south of Snagost.

Maps published by Russian sources showed what was claimed to be Russian forces pressing across the entire left flank of Ukraines bridgehead into Kursk.

Ukraine captured more than 1,300 square kilometres in a surprise incursion into Russia more than a month ago. The Russians are believed to have captured just 10 square kilometres of that territory back.

09:02 AM BST

Russia will consider US party of war if they give Ukraine long-range weapons

Russia will consider the United States and its allies to be parties to the Ukraine war if they allow Ukraine to use long-range weapons for strikes deep into Russia, Moscow said on Wednesday.

Washington and other European states are becoming parties to the war in Ukraine, Vyacheslav Volodin, the speaker of Russias Duma, said on Telegram.

President Joe Biden said on Tuesday that his administration was working that out now when asked if the U.S. would lift those restrictions.

08:32 AM BST

IMF to give Ukraine $1.1 billion

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) said on Tuesday it had reached a preliminary agreement with Ukraine that would give the war-torn country access to about $1.1 billion in financial assistance.

The agreement follows what Kyiv said on Tuesday were difficult talks and is subject to approval by the fund's executive board, which the IMF said in a statement is expected to happen in coming weeks.

The IMF is a key international lender to Kyiv and its four-year $15.6 billion program is a crucial part of a bigger global economic support package to Ukraine as it gears up for a third winter trying to fend off Russia's full-scale invasion.

"Russia's war in Ukraine continues to have a devastating impact on the country and its people," Gavin Gray, who led the IMF's monitoring mission to Kyiv for the fifth review of the lending program, said in a statement.

08:06 AM BST

Pictured: Russian Uragan rocket launcher fires missile

A Russian soldier looks on as the 'Uragan' multiple rocket launcher prepares fires off a missile at an undisclosed location in Russia - RUSSIAN DEFENCE MINISTRY PRESS-SERVICE HANDOUT/SHUTTERSTOCK

07:41 AM BST

Trump wont say if he wants Ukraine to win war

Donald Trump refused to say in last night's debate with Kamala Harris whether he wants Ukraine to win the war.

Asked if he supports Ukraine in its fight against Russia, Trump said: I want the war to stop.

The former US president then went on to say that if he wins the election, he would negotiate a deal before becoming president.

Donald Trump refused to say if he supports Ukraine in his debate against Kamala Harris on Tuesday night - Bloomberg

07:27 AM BST

Biden poised to lift ban on firing British Storm Shadow missiles into Russia

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.

Read the full story here.

07:17 AM BST

Blinken: Iran sending missiles to Russia a dramatic escalation

In case you missed it, Antony Blinken confirmed on Tuesday that Russia had received a batch of Fath-360 ballistic missiles which will likely be used in Ukraine within weeks.

Weve warned Tehran publicly, weve warned Tehran privately, that taking this step would constitute a dramatic escalationRussia has now received shipments of these ballistic missiles, Mr Blinken said at a joint press conference with David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, on Tuesday.

Mr Blinken revealed that the close-range Fath-360 ballistic missiles have a maximum range of 75 miles and would likely be used in Ukraine within weeks.

A senior Iranian official denied reports on Monday that the weapons had been delivered, describing them as psychological warfare.

Antony Blinken, the US secretary of state, said Iran providing Russia with ballistic missiles was a dramatic escalation - EPA

07:10 AM BST

Welcome to our live coverage

Good morning and welcome to our live coverage.

Were bringing you the latest updates from the Ukraine war.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM)  A Lancaster County woman managed to defraud over $1 million from two nonprofit veteran organizations, according to the Department of Justice.

Jessika Hiepler, 46, pleaded guilty on Tuesday to two counts of wire fraud in connection to the scheme that defrauded American Legion Post 34, located at 1388 Arcadia Road, and American Veterans Post 19, located at 1715 Fairview Ave., a news release from the DOJ reads.

Hiepler was a part of Legion Post 34 for almost 15 years where she was on the board, a manager, treasurer, and financial officer.

The DOJ says in 2019 she offered to bail out AMVETS Post 19, which was facing financial difficulties. Hiepler was able to take control of its financial affairs and acquired its property through theft, deceit, and misrepresentation, the DOJ says.

Former Pennsylvania city official charged with misusing $500K in funds, AG says

She stole funds from her employer, Legion Post 34, for the bail out, and then stole from AMVETS when she took control of its finances. Business and financial records from both nonprofits were destroyed or altered by Hiepler, according to the release.

A few years after Hiepler was able to acquire the AMVETS Post 19 property, she then sold it for $1.95 million and only booked a gain of $1.425 million after expenses.

According to the DOJ, Hiepler also made insulting comments about the veteran organizations, such as I cant wait to see their face when we hand them their eviction notice, and Honestly all I want is my money. Thats it.

Jessika Hieplers contempt for her victims, veterans who served this country, is palpable  and despicable, U.S. Attorney Romero said in a statement. Not only did she defraud these organizations, she did so gleefully, hurling insults and expletives behind the scenes. My office and the FBI will never stop working to hold crooks like this accountable on behalf of fraud victims, both past and potential.

Hiepler faces up to 40 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $500,000 fine along with restitution. As part of her plea agreement, she agreed to a forfeiture money judgment in the amount of $1,425,847.24, the DOJ says.

The FBI and Lancaster City Bureau of Police 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 ABC27.
Homes in the Thai Nguyen area are partially submerged in the severe flooding triggered by Typhoon Yagi (Huu Hao) (Huu Hao/AFP/AFP)

Residents of Hanoi waded through waist-deep water Wednesday as river levels hit a 20-year high and the toll from the strongest typhoon in decades passed 150, with neighbouring nations also enduring deadly flooding and landslides.

Typhoon Yagi hit Vietnam at the weekend bringing winds in excess of 149 kilometres (92 miles) per hour and a deluge of rain that has also brought destructive floods to northern areas of Laos, Thailand and Myanmar.

The Red River in Hanoi reached its highest level in 20 years on Wednesday, forcing residents to trudge through waist-deep brown water as they retrieved possessions from flooded homes.

Others fashioned makeshift boats from whatever materials they could find.

"This was the worst flooding I have witnessed," said Nguyen Tran Van, 41, who has lived near the Red River in the Vietnamese capital for 15 years.

"I didn't think the water would rise as quick as it did. I moved because if the water had risen just a bit higher, it would have been very difficult for us to leave," Van told AFP.

A landslide smashed into the remote mountain village of Lang Nu in Lao Cai province, levelling it to a flat expanse of mud and rocks, strewn with debris and laced by streams.

State media said at least 30 people had been killed in the village, with another 65 still missing.

Villagers laid dead bodies on the ground, some in makeshift coffins, some wrapped in cloth, while police with picks and shovels dug through the dirt in search of more victims.

Vietnamese state media said the toll from Yagi -- the strongest storm to hit northern Vietnam in 30 years -- had risen to 155 across the country, with 141 missing.

It was not clear whether that total includes victims of Tuesday's landslide, where access remained difficult and internet was cut off, reports said.

- Worst floods since 2008 -

Mai Van Khiem, head of the national weather bureau, told state media that the water level in the Red River in Hanoi was at its highest since 2004.

He warned of serious widespread flooding in the provinces surrounding the capital in the days to come.

Police, soldiers and volunteers helped hundreds of residents along the banks of the swollen river in Hanoi to evacuate their homes in the early hours as the water level rose rapidly.

A police official in Hanoi, refusing to be named, said officers were going on foot or by boat to check every house along the river.

"All residents must leave," he said. "We are bringing them to public buildings turned into temporary shelters or they can stay with relatives. There has been so much rain and the water is rising quickly."

On Tuesday images showed people stranded on rooftops and victims posted desperate pleas for help on social media, while 59,000 people were forced to evacuate their homes in Yen Bai province.

- Region-wide impact -

In neighbouring Laos, authorities evacuated 300 people from 17 villages in northern Luang Namtha province, deputy district chief Sivilai Pankaew told AFP.

He said the high-speed Laos-China railway was not affected by the floods.

In the historic city of Luang Prabang -- a world heritage site and major tourist destination -- houses and shops were inundated, Lao Post reported.

State media said at least one person has been killed and images showed rescuers working in murky brown flood waters.

Thai authorities said four people were killed in the kingdom's northern provinces of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai and the army has been deployed to help around 9,000 flood-hit families.

In Myanmar, residents and local media said flooding knocked out power and telephone lines in the town of Tachileik, in eastern Shan state where further heavy rain was forecast.

Further south, hundreds of residents of the Myanmar border trade hub of Myawaddy left their homes to take shelter in schools and monasteries on higher ground as flood waters rose, a resident of the town, which sits on the border with Thailand, told AFP.

Southeast Asia experiences annual monsoon rains, but human-made climate change is causing more intense weather patterns that can make destructive floods more likely.

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.

burs-pdw/sco
Lanes reopen after 10-car crash blocked traffic over Manatee River, Bradenton police say

Both southbound lanes have reopened after a 10-vehicle crash temporarily shut down southbound traffic on the DeSoto Bridge in Manatee County Wednesday afternoon, police said.

A cement truck was heading southbound on the DeSoto Bridge when it hit another vehicle and started the pileup, Bradenton police said.

The crash happened around 2:37 p.m., according to the Florida Department of Transportations live traffic map. The accident caused major traffic delays in the area.

At least five people were taken to the hospital, but their injuries were not life-threatening, police said.

Seven vehicles were towed from the scene.

Around 4 p.m., the Bradenton Police Department announced that one southbound traffic lane had reopened. By 4:30 p.m., both lanes had reopened.

The crash is still under investigation, police said.

No further details about the crash were available as of Wednesday afternoon.
For Ashley and Dario Campolattaro, there's no beating the charm of Tuscany. The Campolattaros' primary residence is in Northern Virginia, but they travel frequently to Italy to visit Dario's family, and have long dreamed of buying a home there to make the trips easier and open doors in Europe for their three sons. The pace and quality of life appeal to them. So do the historic buildings, the lush countryside and the walkable nature of the cities.

"We just love it and we want to spend more time there," Dario, 54, tells Fortune.

The Campolattaros are hardly the only Americans who dream of buying a home abroad for vacation or retirement orin a growing trend noted by real estate agentsas investment properties. There is also an affluent subset seeking golden passport opportunities in countries like Malta, Portugal, and Spain.

Buying abroad can make sense for many reasons. Some Americans want an escape plan given the current political environment in the U.S. Others simply want to invest in a different life style, or buy ahead for retirement. There's also the economic case.

"With a rather insignificant sum of money for some people, you're able to purchase a full-standing home or apartment in Italy, which for many Americans, whether young, middle-aged or retired, is not a reality, especially in parts of the U.S. like the Northeast," says Joanna Zotti, a public relations specialist with the firm Italian Real Estate Lawyers and Italian Citizenship Assistance. "Why would I get a vacation home on Long Island when I can get one for a fraction of the price across the world in a dolce vita location? The money can stretch a lot farther here."

The pandemic was the catalyst for the Campolattaros to finally take the plunge and make buying a second home abroad a reality. After a lengthy search processthey started looking in 2021 and finally purchased their place in December 2022Zotti's firm helped them find a turnkey two-bedroom, two-bath apartment in Lucca, Tuscany, that checked all of their boxes. With its cobble-stone streets and centuries-old buildings, the city has the charm they desired nestled in the Italian countryside, while still being a cultural center with plenty of activity just a few miles from Pisa and its airport.

Dario's parents immigrated to the U.S. from Italy, enabling him and the couple's three sons to become dual citizens a few years ago; Ashley is in the process of gaining her citizenship. And Dario speaks Italian, which helped immensely as they navigated the market and worked with lawyers and real estate agents in Italy.

Story continues

While the couple spends weeks in Italy each year, the apartment would be vacant most of the year. They decided to rent it out on Airbnbnot necessarily for the money, though that helps. But also to have eyes on the property when they're not there.

"We didn't want to buy it with the obligation to rent it, needing to stretch to buy it," says Dario. But "it sitting empty for months on end at a time didn't feel great either. If a hot water pipe burst, you never know."

The Campolattaros hired an American property manager who now lives in Italya necessity, they sayand Ashley created a website and social media accounts for the apartment, which have helped bookings fill up. They say renting it out akin to running a small business; they've yet to turn a profit, but the income has helped them more or less break even and make updates to the apartment that they would have paid for anyway, like adding air conditioning and upgrading the dishwasher.

With their property bookings solid and friends and family clamoring to stay in Lucca on their Italian getaways, the couple's biggest issue so far has been ensuring the dates they want to come with their sons are available. But they still visit several times a year, and plan to retire there.

"It's not the same real estate market [as the U.S.]. You dont buy a house today and next year it goes up 20%," says Dario. "You have to level-set expectations. If you love living there and your plan is to enjoy it, thats the reason to do it. Renting is one way to offset costs, but I wouldn't do it as a pure investment."

The drawbacks of buying real estate abroad

While the Campolattaros had a fairly smooth, if prolonged, experience buying abroad, Deepak Malhotra's experience hasn't been as simple. The Spokane resident owns over 20 rentals across the U.S. and abroad, and he's learned the hard way that not every investment is a good one.

Malhotra, 61, may visit his properties occasionally, but he bought them purely as an investing play. A property in Grand Cayman has been worth the time and effort, he says, as there is no income tax, no property tax, no capital gains tax, "strong rule of law," and good property managers. But a rental in Mexico is a different story. While he enjoys visiting, he's run into problem after problem with his properties in Cabo San Lucas.

A big one for him and other Americans: buying property that is "Ejido," or communal, and which cannot legally be transferred to non-Mexicans, though it is often "sold" to foreign investors and then taken away by the courts. A real estate agent once took his 10% deposit and ran. He would advise investors to look elsewhere for a more secure investment opportunity.

"My ego is too big, I thought surely people are doing it in Mexico, it must be possible," says Malhotra, who says his job as a lawyer gave him too much confidence in being able to make sound investments. "Well it is possible, but a lot of people lose a lot of money."

France is another lesson learned, he says. While publications may "paint a romantic view of overseas living," the downsides and risks are often minimizedparticularly, he says, that foreign buyers can easily be taken advantage of when they don't know all of the local laws and regulations. It's not a bad place for Americans to retire, he saysthe tax regime is actually very favorable to Americansbut it's not the best country for an investment.

"If anything sounds easy or too good to be true, it probably is," he says. "Luckily I started out small. I tried selling once but there were no takers even after a couple of price reductions."

What's important to keep in mind, he says, is that the yields aren't guaranteed to be higher than what you can get in a CD or other product in the U.S. In Grand Cayman, for example, his condo yields about 5%. Not bad, but easier to attain with fewer headaches. He frequents sites like Global Property Guide, and The Wandering Investor to learn more about possible investments and different regions.

Tips for interested buyers

While Americans, particularly in big cities, are used to a fairly quick home buying process, that is often not how things work abroad, particularly in countries like Italy and France, say the Campolattaros. Calls and emails will go unanswered for days or weeks. Inspections aren't as thorough as they are in America, at least in their experience.

"They work on a different level of personal connection. When the owner accepted the offer she wanted to hop on a Zoom call and see our faces," says Ashley, noting tasks and transactions tend to take about three days longer to complete than they would in the U.S. "She wanted to bless her sale of the house."

Something else to keep in mind: Not all areas are open to Americans, they say, and many real estate agents or sellers may never respond to inquiries. For those serious about buying a home, it pays to work with a local lawyer or other company in Italyor whereverthat can facilitate the process.

Malhotra says it's imperative to understand the laws and taxes of the region investors are interested inand to bring a healthy dose of skepticism. Real estate agents often won't specify all of the downsides, he says, so do your own research. For example, a country may be positioned as a sure-thing, but then have large transfer taxes for both buyers and sellers. Buildings may not have the proper permits, which become an additional, unexpected expense for the buyer. If renovations will need to be done, research how difficult and costly that is before purchasing. Get familiar with the local landlord-tenant laws.

Finally, he advises consulting with local property managers and, if possible, the manager of the property's homeowner's association to get a true idea of rental possibilities and prices.

"Find a community of expats online and figure out the best realtor, the best property manager, and the risks. The risks will be different in every place," he says. "And don't buy in a place thats losing population, you will never make any money."

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
Will this be the last debate? The balls in Donald Trumps court.

The News

PHILADELPHIA  Republicans are ready to do the debate all over again. As for Donald Trump? Hes not so sure.

She wants a second debate because she lost tonight, very badly, he said after making a surprise appearance on the spin room floor post-debate. They immediately call for a second debate because they lost. Well think about that.

On Fox News moments later, Trump appeared even more uncertain: If you won the debate, I sort of think maybe I shouldnt do it. Why should I do another debate? he wondered, adding that hed maybe agree to one if it was on a fair network.

Trumps statements contrasted with his campaign team and allies who proposed post-debate Tuesday night that the candidates meet again. While some hedged that its up to the nominee, the broad take was that more debates are a go on their end.

We came into this debate wanting three. I dont know any reason why we would change that, Trump spokesperson Tim Murtaugh told reporters immediately following the debate. Another spokesperson, Karoline Leavitt, offered similar thoughts.

Absolutely, Leavitt said. President Trump is fearless.

Across the board, that sentiment prevailed: Vivek Ramaswasmy, one of Trumps top surrogates, told Semafor hes been consistent in arguing that more debates is better for the public.

Republican members of Congress were equally willing to encourage a second sparring. I think we should have more, Rep. Lisa McClain, R-Mich. said.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., shared similar sentiments but with conditions.

Only if its a different format and fair, she told Semafor.

Trump spokesman Brian Hughes, meanwhile, said: The last I checked, that stands, but well see, you know, well see where we are, noting that they already had an offer for an additional debate on the table.

The View From Democrats

Kamala Harris campaign called for another debate moments after the event ended, after previously remaining uncommitted beyond the ABC News debate: That was fun, adviser Brian Fallon tweeted. Lets do it again in October.

Harris allies were also quick to jump at the idea of a second debate after generally being pleased with the results from Tuesdays meeting.

Absolutely, Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., told Semafor.

Vice President Harris is ready to go, were going to push for another debate in October, Rep. Jason Crow, D-Colo., said.

Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., who shared the debate stage with Harris during the 2020 primary, suggested Harris should debate Trump, if he can get a doctors note to go back in the ring.

Notable

A CNN flash poll of debate watchers found they thought Harris beat Trump by a 63-37 margin.
WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL)  WFISD board members are once again discouraged but determined to take action regarding low performance on the last STAAR tests or State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness.

The board received a briefing and presentation on the 2023-24 results today. While there were some encouraging aspects in higher grade levels, overall, the test results were not encouraging and, as in much of the state, flat with little improvement.

Christ Academy provides Refuge for local police

Superintendent Donny Lee said it is not good news and a systematic change across the district is needed. Board President Katherine McGregor echoed that assessment, saying a whole new mindset is required.

Dr. Lee said work will begin immediately to assess the problem and ways to improve, with a plan to be in place by November for implementation in December.

We are unable to share the actual scores at this time as there appears to be a problem on the Texas Education Agency website.

Also, in todays session, the board agreed to vote Monday, Sep. 16, 2024, on putting the old Lamar Elementary building up for sale.

Dr. Lee informed the board that under state law, the building must first be offered for sale to the Premier Charter High School before being put up for general bids.

They will also vote Monday on the construction method for preparing the old Rider High building for conversion to a new middle school.

Also, $925,000 of new playground equipment will be purchased to replace unsafe and aging equipment in nine schools.

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Latvia to hand over new military aid package to Ukraine, including armoured personnel carriers  photo

Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina announced a new military aid package for Ukraine during her visit to Kyiv on 11 September.

Source: Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal on Facebook, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Shmyhal noted that during a meeting in Kyiv, Silina announced a new military aid package, which will include armoured personnel carriers. The Ukrainian premier added that Latvia plans to provide Ukraine with solar panels for hospitals.

The Ukrainian prime minister revealed that the officials discussed expanding cooperation between defence companies.

"Latvia has consistently supported sanctions against the aggressor and is our reliable ally in integrating into the EU and NATO," Shmyhal added.

Background:

On 11 September, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda and Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina paid visits to Kyiv.

It was earlier reported that Latvia would donate hundreds of pieces of computer equipment, along with specialised clothing, binoculars, and other gear for Ukraine's defence forces.

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Riga will give Ukraine a new aid package that will include armored personnel carriers, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal announced on Sept. 11.

His statement came after a meeting with Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina, who arrived in Kyiv for the fourth summit of the Crimean Platform along with other foreign leaders.

Silina confirmed the upcoming delivery of the new aid package, but its value and the full list of arms it will contain were not disclosed.

The two leaders also discussed expanding cooperation between the countries' defense companies and all sectors "related to strengthening" Kyiv's and Riga's military, Shmyhal said.

Latvia, one of Ukraines biggest supporters, has committed to providing military support at the level of 0.25% of its GDP every year and will provide thousands of drones, Ukraine's Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said.

Along with the U.K., Latvia is the leader of the drone coalition, an allied initiative established to supply Ukrainian forces with this crucial capability. Riga has pledged 112 million euros ($126 million) in military support to Ukraine this year and will help expand the initiative.

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.
Latvia's new aid package to include armoured vehicles and UAVs

Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina has announced a new package of military assistance for Ukraine, including armoured vehicles and drones. Additionally, several thousand Ukrainian military personnel would be trained and equipped.

Source: Silina at a press conference within the framework of the Crimean Platform, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Silina presented Ukraine's third military support package for 2024, which includes equipment and supplies such as armoured vehicles and drones. According to Silina, Latvia will continue to train Ukraine's defence forces.

Quote: "Definitely, we will continue training and equipping more than 4,000 Ukrainian soldiers this year and next year," she said.

Also, the head of the Latvian government said that the next package of military support for Ukraine for 2025 is already being prepared. It will cover "Patria military vehicles, drones, equipment and training as well," she said.

Latvia will also allocate 0.25% of GDP for military support of Ukraine from 2025.

"We will also continue to provide long-term and predictable military support of 0.25% of our GDP to Ukraine," she said.

Separately, she emphasised aid for electricity production, specifically the provision of generators and other materials: the country will provide solar panels and equipment for 500 households, as well as assistance to Chernihiv Oblast.

On September 11, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda and Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina arrived in Kyiv.

It was earlier reported that Latvia would donate hundreds of pieces of computer equipment, along with specialised clothing, binoculars, and other gear for Ukraine's defence forces.

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AUSTIN (KXAN)  Lawmakers announced reforms to the Office of Attorney Generals Crime Victims Compensation program and new performance measurements that would give lawmakers a more accurate picture of how fast  or slow  victims receive assistance, according to testimony at a House Appropriations Committee hearing Tuesday.

State officials are crafting the changes after multiple KXAN investigations into the CVC program. KXAN was the first to expose how skewed measurements of victim payments were submitted to lawmakers and, for years, made it appear victims were being paid far faster than reality.

We need to get to some actual performance measures that mean something, Deputy Attorney General Josh Reno told representatives at the hearing.

The warped performance measurements have been caused by a formula that averages victim claims  which were recently taking nearly eight months on average  with sexual assault examination claims that are paid directly to health care providers in a few days.

By averaging the two different payments together, the measurement made it appear victims were being awarded claims in less than 60 days in April. Meanwhile, in the same timeframe, internal records showed victims were actually waiting an average of 230 days for a first payment in that timeframe, according to data obtained by KXAN through the Texas Public Information Act.

The Appropriations Committee was tasked with reviewing the CVC programs operation ahead of the 2025 legislative session. The CVC program reimburses victims and close family members for crime-related expenses like hospital bills, therapy, lost wages, funerals and more.

Crime victim claims delayed, Attorney General data skewed, lawmaker stepping in

Rep. Donna Howard, D-Austin, said the state will set two new and separate benchmarks: 90 days for awarding a victim claim and seven days for a sexual assault claim.

Lane Brown, the CVCs new division chief since May, acknowledged mixing data made it inaccurate.

The skewed measurements make it really hard to do what Im here to do, which is look for opportunities for improvement, Brown said at the hearing. If those (numbers) are all jumbled into the same bucket then it is hard to see where the actual truth lies.

The two types of payments will be separated so lawmakers can get a clear picture of how long it takes for victims to get a first payment. That change is expected to be included in the General Appropriations Act, and will go into effect next September, if approved by the Legislature.

Rep. Mary Gonzalez, D-Clint, vice chair of the Appropriations Committee, told KXAN in 2023 the performance measurements are supposed to help lawmakers make funding decisions.

This data is critical, she previously said. This is exactly the type of information we use to decide how much money gets appropriated; how much staff is needed.

Victims in need

KXAN has interviewed numerous victims over the past two years who have complained of extended wait times and obstacles to getting payments.

Terry Reager, a victim of a January 2022 parking lot robbery in Austin, waited more than six months for assistance from CVC. She struggled with the programs website and application process.

What they are putting me through is very traumatic, and theres never any closure to it, Reager told KXAN over the summer. Theres never a feeling that somebody is advocating for me and moving forward with this.

Thats just stupid. Crime victims payment woes among worsening wait in Texas

Steven Heller, a victim of an attempted hit and run on New Years Day of 2023 in Pflugerville, told KXAN he waited over half a year to get approved for help with medical bills. Heller was riding his bicycle when he was sideswiped by a convicted felon fleeing police in a stolen car.

Improvements in the works

Reno and Brown told lawmakers the program has been making headway on a backlog of claims, and they expect wait times for victims to improve.

The department is now nearly fully staffed, after losing dozens of employees  including senior staff  during and after the COVID lockdowns. The CVC officials said they are also retaining staff with higher wages, a new building location downtown and revamped job titles.

This is a group of people that care about what they do, Reno said about his CVC employees. We know this program is not without its faults.

The CVC programs impact is vast. In fiscal year 2023, victims filed nearly 42,000 applications and received more than $58.7 million to aid crime victims, according to an annual report.

That $58 million in disbursements was $17.6 million less than forecast, due to persistent staffing shortages and loss of key management, according to CVC reports submitted to the Budget 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 KXAN Austin.
WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR)  With just 55 days until Election Day, Congress is laser focused on making sure Americans feel confident in casting their ballots.

However, Democrats and Republicans have different ways of ensuring election integrity.

We need to strengthen Americans confidence in our elections, said U.S. Rep. Bryan Steil, (R-Wis.) as he opened his committees hearing Wednesday.

The House committee invited six secretaries of state to testify, and some lawmakers defended them from attacks on their own integrity.

When you call people liars who are testifying before Congress, thats a federal offense, said U.S. Rep. Joe Morelle, (D-N.Y.). If you have evidence of it, you ought to bring it.

The hearing came amid Republican concerns that undocumented immigrants will flood the polls and overwhelmingly vote Democrat in the November election.

If one person that is not an American citizen has the ability to vote in our election, there is a serious problem, said U.S. Rep. Anthony DEsposito, (R-N.Y.).

Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, (D-Ariz.), said his office works to remove noncitizens from voter rolls, and there is no proof that they are voting in large numbers.

The paranoia around a fake problem, Fontes said.

However, Steil supports federal legislation to prevent noncitizen voting and require voter ID.

More confidence leads to greater participation, which is a good thing for our country, Steil said.

Democrats are pushing their own voting rights package they argue defends against GOP attacks on voter access.

Were going forward by making sure that our democracy works for everyone, said U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell, (D-Ala.), during a press conference Tuesday with other members of Congress and civil rights leaders.

Sewell said the legislation would squash strict voter ID requirements and bans on early voting and vote by mail.

The secretaries of state at Wednesdays hearing hailed from Arizona, Florida, Michigan, New Mexico, Ohio and West Virginia.

State and local election officials from across the country sent a letter Wednesday to the U.S. Postal Service, warning that widespread problems with its mail delivery system threaten to disrupt voting.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
The Efficient and Effective School Governance Task Force heard from a couple dozen community members at Louisville Male High School. (Kentucky Lantern photo by McKenna Horsley)

LOUISVILLE  More Louisville residents expressed skepticism about a legislative task forces intentions amid fears of dismantling Jefferson County Public Schools Tuesday evening.

While addressing the Efficient and Effective School Governance Task Force, students, teachers, parents and more called for different solutions, like allocating more adequate funding for public schools, giving students incentives to become educators themselves and creating better access to school resources, like transportation.

Melissa Nelson, manager of education for Metro United Way, said that residents repeatedly said they opposed breaking up the school district out of skepticism. She referred to another speakers comments about taking the committee at its word that it wants to help the school district and added I really hope thats true.

Nelson pointed out some positives she sees in JCPS, such as mental health resources and cultural groups to give students a sense of belonging within their schools.

My biggest drawback with JCPS is they dont work well with others, and I think that is because they are constantly under threat, she said.

The task force, which includes government and citizen members, met at Louisville Male High School on Tuesday. About a couple dozen speakers addressed the group within an hour. It was the second of two meetings held to get community feedback in Louisville area schools. The task force typically meets in Frankfort at the Capitol Annex.

During the last meeting, co-chairs of the task force said deciding to split the district, which serves almost 97,000 students, was not under its purview. Some Republicans have said in the past that the district is too big to properly manage.

One task force member, Senate Democratic Floor Leader Gerald Neal, of Louisville, told reporters after the meeting that while he did hear skepticism about the panel, he also heard several speakers invite the task force to help JCPS. Neal also said that whatever decision is made in the future about the school district wont be at the hands of the committee, but the entire General Assembly, which is mostly made up of lawmakers who do not have a connection to Louisville and JCPS.

Im hopeful that the legislature will come together and do the right thing, Neal said.

Co-chair Sen. Michael Names, R-Shepherdsville, told reporters that he did hear some new points to consider during the meeting, such as making changes around disciplining students with behavioral issues. Nemes said he wished the task force could have more community meetings to hear more feedback as much was focused on the question of splitting up the district. I want to hear: What we can do to help, what the Jefferson County Public Schools need, what do the students need, what can be done better? Thats what we want, Nemes said. What can we do better? What can we help them with?

The task force, which was created by a House resolution, must make any recommendations by Dec. 1 in a report to the Legislative Research Commission. The resolution also directs the task force to only review the governance of Kentucky school districts with more than 75,000 students. JCPS is the only district that meets that criteria.

The groups next meeting will be in Frankfort on Monday, Sept. 16 at 1 p.m.
WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR)  Following Tuesday nights debate, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are taking victory laps.

The two sparred for 90 minutes on key issues like the economy.

Investing in small businesses, in new families, in what we can do around protecting seniors, Harris said.

Why didnt she do it? Were a failing nation, Trump said.

Both candidates view the issues of abortion access very differently.

The government and Donald Trump certainly should not be telling a woman what to do with her body, Harris said.

Each individual state is voting, its the vote of the people now its not tied up in the federal government, Trump said.

On Capitol Hill, lawmakers are reacting to the debate. Democrats say Harris had a strong night and Republicans say it was a good night for Trump but took issue with the moderators.

We werent able to pressure Kamala a little bit more on issues that shes been flipping on, said Rep. Burgess Owens (R-Utah.).

I was almost feeling bad for Donald Trump towards the end. It was not a good performance by him, said Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.).

Immediately after the debate, the Harris campaign said it wanted to do that again.

Trump had pushed for multiple debates but Wednesday said, You know when you win you dont really necessarily have to do it a second time. So, well see.

George Washington University political scientist Todd Belt believes we will see the two on a debate stage again before the election, I personally would like to see another one, because I dont think we got as much policy specifics as we could have.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  Bethany Christian Services has filed a federal lawsuit against the state of Michigan alleging religious discrimination.

The Grand Rapids-based agency said the state denied it critical funding due to Bethanys renewed enforcement of a long-standing Christians-only hiring mandate.

For the first time since Bethany began serving refugees in Michigan in 1962 and became a contractor of the state of Michigan in 1981, the organization has been denied refugee-resettlement services contracts because of their religious employment practices, even though federal law has long supported this civil right, wrote Bethany in a news release announcing the federal lawsuit.

Christians-only hiring, pride flag ban divides GR charity

The entity that denied the funding, the Office of Global Michigan, is housed within the states Department of Labor and Economic Growth (LEO).

A spokesperson for LEO declined comment on the issue due to the pending litigation.

In late 2023, Target 8 heard from Bethany employees who were outraged over the agencys announcement that there would be no exemptions going forward to its policy of hiring Christians only.

According to the lawsuit filed Sept. 9 in U.S. District Court, the state office that distributes federal refugee dollars, upon learning of Bethanys newly enforced hiring mandate, denied the organization grant funding it had received for years.

Grand Rapids-based Bethany Christian Services is the countrys largest Christian-based provider of adoption and foster care services.

Its also one of the nations ten officially recognized U.S. Resettlement Partners.

By denying funds for Bethanys refugee-resettlement services, Michigan officials are blocking critical social services to vulnerable children and families, and jeopardizing jobs at Bethany, wrote Bethany in a news release issued Tuesday.

Federal law is clear and the courts have repeatedly affirmed that faith-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, like ours, can hire staff and select leaders who share the organizations faith mission, wrote Nhung Hurst, Bethanys General Counsel in the release. Federal law affirms that Muslim nonprofits can hire Muslims; Jewish nonprofits can hire people of Jewish faith, and Christian nonprofits can hire Christians.

While U.S. law exempts faith-based organizations from anti-discrimination statutes regarding employment, theres continued debate over how broadly that exemption should be interpreted.

The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled the religious hiring exemption, referred to as the ministerial exception, covers not only employees who have minister in their title, but any staff who act in ministerial roles.

News 8 contacted the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan seeking reaction to Bethanys lawsuit.

Bethany Christian Services is indeed entitled to its sincerely held religious beliefs and values, wrote Jay Kaplan of the ACLU of Michigan in an email to Target 8. However, that does not mean it is entitled to government funding when it has a policy of discriminating against employees or job applicants who are or will be engaging in non-ministerial job activities. Our country was founded on the principle of separation of church and state and our government should not be subsidizing discrimination nor a particular religious belief.

In its lawsuit, Bethany argued the states funding denial violated the agencys constitutionally-protected right to the free exercise of religion.

Bethany reported that existing refugee resettlement contracts expire Oct. 1, 2024, at which time the organizations ability to fulfill its religious mission will be severely curtailed.

Among its requests for relief in the lawsuit, Bethany asked a federal judge to preserve the status quo regarding Bethany Christians provision of refugee-related services in the Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, and Traverse City areas pending final judgment in this action.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.
[Reuters]

Property listing website Rightmove has rejected a takeover approach from a rival Australian site backed by Rupert Murdoch.

The 5.6bn offer from REA Group, which is majority-owned by Mr Murdoch's News Corporation, was described by Rightmove's board as "wholly opportunistic".

In a statement on Wednesday, they said REA Group had "fundamentally undervalued Rightmove and its future prospects".

The rejection is another blow for the Murdoch business empire after the failure of Talk TV earlier this year.

REA said in response it plans to "apply for a secondary listing of all of its ordinary shares in London."

The offer valued Rightmove at over quarter of its share price on 30 August. It would have meant Rightmove shareholders owning around 18.6% of the new merged business.

REA said its plan is to create a property business with "strong margins and significant cash generation' that holds the number one position in both the UK and Australia."

It added that buying Rightmove would "enhance the UK property experience for buyers, sellers, and renters, positively contributing to the property market ecosystem."

Following the rejection from Rightmove's board, REA has until 5pm on 30 September to bid again or accept it was rejected.

The news comes as hedge fund Starboard Value confirmed it filed a shareholder resolution to reduce Mr Murdoch's power at News Corp.

The hedge fund wants to abolish the structure which currently gives Mr Murdoch 40% of News Corp's voting stock even though he only owns an equity stake of about 14%.

Mr Murdoch stepped down as Fox and News Corp chairman in favour of his son Lachlan in 2023.

Earlier this year, the company signed a multi-year deal with artificial intelligence firm OpenAI, which means content from the likes of the Wall Street Journal, the New York Post, and the Times will feed content to AI bots like ChatGPT.

Mr Murdoch first bought a stake in REA in 2001and now News Corp owns 61% of its shares.

The media tycoon's net worth is estimated at just over $20bn (15bn).
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE)  Several students have been arrested and charged amid a rash of school threats in East Tennessee.

Knox County Sheriffs Office reported on Tuesday that it was investigating an online threat that had been circulating and named numerous schools. That afternoon, KCSO released that a 7th grade student from West Valley Middle School had been arrested in connection to that threat.

By the end of the day, KCSO also released that an 8th-grade student from Carter Middle School had been arrested and accused of making a threat to shoot up the school. The sheriffs office said its Juvenile Crimes Unit responded to seven threats, several of which are still under investigation.

Knoxville Police also released on Tuesday evening that an 11-year-old student had been charged with making a threat of mass violence at Vine Middle School.

We will prosecute these kids, Knox County DA issues stern warning amid school threats

On Wednesday, Knox County District Attorney Charme Allen told 6 News before 2 p.m. that 17 students have been arrested this year in connection to school threats, with six of those arrests happening on Tuesday.

Last week, two Halls High School students, a 14-year-old and an 18-year-old were also charged with making threats of mass violence. The 18-year-old was identified as Charles McCarter, and according to court records, he is expected to appear in court on Thursday, September 19. The threats prompted Knox County Sheriff Tom Spangler to hold a press conference stating that there will be consequences for those who make threats against schools, and urging parents to talk with their children.

This is not a joke anymore. It never was a joke, but I think some of our we have a small percentage of individuals who are making these threats. And were not going to tolerate it. As Ive said, were going to make sure that were going to punish you to the fullest extent, said Spangler.

Expulsions for school threats increase one year after zero-tolerance law passes

The Anderson County Sheriffs Office also shared on Wednesday that recent threats to schools in the county on social media appeared to be unfounded, and investigators were working to assess any potential risks.

Earlier this year, a Tennessee law took effect increasing the penalty for threatening to commit an act of mass violence on school property or at a school-related activity from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class E felony. That class of felony carries the potential sentence of up to six years in prison and a fine of up to $3,000.

In this weeks Ask Isaacs, 6 News Lori Tucker and Attorney Greg Isaacs discuss the legal consequences that those who make school threats, including children, can face.

More: Ask Isaacs

If you have a legal question, send it to AskIsaacs@wate.com. To watch full episodes of Ask Isaacs, click here.

WATEs Lori Tucker and Attorney Greg Isaacs answer your legal questions from the WATE Alert Desk on Wednesdays at 2:30 p.m. and on WATE Channel 6 at 5:30 p.m.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side.
NANTICOKE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)  Wednesday marks the 23rd anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and one local college is paying its respects through an annual remembrance event.

Silence falls over the Luzerne County Community College Wednesday as its annual 9/11 remembrance ceremony and brick dedication is held on campus.

Flight 93 National Memorial remembers 9/11 23 years later: Never Forget

Taking place at its walk of honor, the memorial site was inspired back in 2014 by a local family.

Phyllis Carlo, a mother. A mother of two New York City firefighters, Michael and Robert Carlo. Michael and Robert both went into the World Trade Center. Tragically, only Robert came out and Michael perished, said John Yudichak, President, Luzerne County Community College

Its a somber place where people can come and reflect on the tragic events, 23 years later.

Having them being part of the ceremony and coming here and seeing, listening to the first responders and hearing their stories, gives them an education of what they missed and things that I think they need to know and something thatll hold dear to their hearts, said Doug Fawbush, Director of Safety/Security, Luzerne County

More than 2,700 victims were killed in the attack. Moments of reflection were taken while looking at a memorial replicating the Twin Towers, and a piece of steel in the middle from the site itself.

When they built this, it was our way in Northeastern Pennsylvania to show them that were behind them. You know, showing them all the support and anything that we can give them, said Chief Mark Boncal, City of Nanticoke Fire Department

People can walk along the bricks of dedication. Showing a symbol of moving forward from tragedy, but never forgetting those lost.

Our fire department donated a brick for my dad, Jay Munson, who was in the fire department for about 40 years. Its great to extend, not only honor the people that were involved in the 9/11 attacks and everything after that, but for family members too, said Lieutenant Keith Munson, City of Nanticoke Fire Department.

Members of the Nanticoke City Fire Department will continue to pay homage to their brothers and sisters lost in 9/11 next week, as they are set to host a memorial motorcycle group comprised of active and retired FDNY firefighters at the campus walk of honor.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PAhomepage.com.
Reality Check is a Star series holding those with power to account and shining a light on their decisions. Have a suggestion for a future story? Email our journalists at RealityCheck@kcstar.com.

At least one Wyandotte County leader is starting to wonder what crossing the Kansas River by boat might look like.

One by one, several bridges connecting Kansas City, Kansas, to the rest of the metro have closed to traffic in the past few years, forcing commuters to take long and cumbersome roundabouts. And at least two bridges that residents and over-town visitors long relied on have no clear timeline  or financial path  toward repair.

In the latest abrupt closure, the Kansas Department of Transportation last week announced emergency repairs on the eastbound bridge of Interstate 70 at the Lewis and Clark Viaduct. Officials predict that thoroughfare from downtown Kansas City, Kansas, will be shuttered until at least the end of the year.

Waterway passages are only one source of frustration. In the more industrial parts of the city, overpasses provide an easy route to move above its massive railyards, often without a convenient alternative.

Those problems did not arrive overnight. Aging infrastructure in Wyandotte County, home to some of the most economically disadvantaged communities in the state, is a pronounced issue where bridges over the Kaw have clocked a full century.

And in the meantime, newer highways built out west still need maintenance, making it difficult to stay ahead on all the area infrastructure needs, said state Rep. Pam Curtis, a Wyandotte County Democrat.

Its a pain Curtis feels, too. She uses the narrow James Street Bridge to cross through the East and West Bottoms on her way to Union Station. More than once, she said, shes witnessed truck drivers hug road guards to get by.

If the James Street Bridge goes down, we truly are landlocked.  Maybe they bring back the ferry, load the cars on and pull them across, she said, jokingly.

Were at a crisis point, where we really do need help to get these bridges fixed, she added.

The issue has the attention of Wyandotte County state lawmakers, neighborhood leaders and elected members of the Unified Government Board of Commissioners. Common worries expressed by those who spoke to The Star were the impacts on quality of life, local businesses and traffic safety.

Mayor Tyrone Garners office is assembling a delegation of commissioners and state lawmakers to seek solutions with help from the state and federal governments.

Garner, who frequently raises issues with the social and economic disparities between more prosperous communities out west and the disinvested and redlined neighborhoods in northeastern Kansas City, Kansas, told The Star on Monday the downtown is choked off from the rest of the metro in the wake of the latest closure.

While city and county infrastructure crumbles, he said its harder to deliver on his commitments to help bring a bigger tax base to the county, find property tax breaks and spur equitable economic development.

And right now, the infrastructure is beyond crumbling east of (Interstate) 635. Its scary for me, because it all comes down to money. And as you know, we dont have any money, he said.

Three of the downed major connectors are maintained by the Kansas Department of Transportation as part of the highway system. Outside of the Lewis and Clark Viaduct, the other two are the K-5 connecting to Fairfax on the northeastern end of the city and a portion of the Turner Diagonal Freeway in the southwest, both of which overpass railroad tracks.

A fourth  the 18th Street Bridge over the Kansas River  is scheduled to close early next year for a total rebuild. The project is expected to last two years and cost about $138 million. It will be paid for in large part through roughly $100 million in federal support.

Amanda DeVriese-Sebilla, neighborhood president for the Southwest Argentine Neighborhood, said she is also hearing concerns about Metropolitan Avenues bridge over Interstate 635. That project is expected to be completed in December.

And with the upcoming closure at 18th Street, she said, many in the neighborhood are wondering: How do we even get around?

Its definitely very frustrating for a lot of people, said DeVriese-Sebilla, who is also executive director of the Argentine Betterment Corporation and sits on the Unified Governments Parks & Recreation Board.

Responding to a question from The Star about local concerns, a KDOT spokeswoman said in an email the state agency recognizes the impact of closed river crossings. She said KDOT intends to work diligently on repairs at Lewis and Clark to limit closure time and impacts to other projects and the local community.

She added the state provides assistance for the local community through state programs as well as assistance to submit applications for federal funding.

Meanwhile, two other major river crossings, the Central Avenue and Kansas Avenue bridges, are integrated with Kansas City, Kansas, and Kansas City, Missouri, streetways and partially owned by the Unified Government. Each carries a price tag well above $100 million. Both closed to traffic  in 2021 and 2022, respectively  after engineering evaluations uncovered safety concerns.

Those projects will require major grant funding that Wyandotte County has yet to secure. County Administrator David Johnston described coming up with local matching funds needed to tap into the federal money  conservatively estimated around $10 million apiece  as a challenge in itself.

Where do you get it? Thats the question, Johnston said. And how do you prioritize that with all the other demands that were faced with?

Earlier this year, responding to residents concerns with steepening property tax bills, commissioners set a collection cap meant to provide some level of relief. It led to cuts in services and some capital programs.

In Kansas City, Kansas, nearly 44% of all the citys property taxes collected are used to finance debt, Johnston said, saying a financially healthy community should not go above 20%. Much of the resources that should be available, he said, are locked up.

Johnston said state and federal money to fix infrastructure is limited, with plenty of other municipalities also seeking it.

Its never enough, and its highly competitive, Johnston said.

Infrastructure is here. Its going to continue to age. Its continued to provide us with challenges and with whatever resources that we have, well do the best that we can to keep it up and make sure that its passing, he added.

Communities faced with challenges on reroutes outside of downtown Kansas City, Kansas, bordering the river include Strawberry Hill, Argentine and Armourdale.

Commissioner Christian Ramirez, whose 3rd District includes Argentine, said moving around the community often requires crossing some bridge to get somewhere. He noted earlier warnings from public works about the aging stock of infrastructure over the coming decade.

Over the years, the lack of proper funding of our infrastructure and maintenance has caused us to come to the point we are now where we have multiple bridges down, Ramirez said. We have streets that need to be repaved  we need to make sure moving forward, we need to fund it properly.

Following the decision to cap property tax collections, a measure Ramirez has said he regrets supporting, the commissioner believes the road ahead toward maintenance will be a difficult one.

Its going to be a unique position were going to be in to try and find a way to properly fund our infrastructure projects and maintain what we already have, he added.

Commissioner Bill Burns, whose 2nd District includes Central and Kansas Avenue bridges, hears frequently from his neighbors about those closures  and concerning traffic flow around the neighborhoods. And hes heard from business owners seeing lower traffic at their storefronts.

Its just creating a lot of bottleneck. You know, these businesses, theyre trying their best anyway to make a living, Burns said.

One of those business owners is Mike Pearce, of Slaps BBQ on Central Avenue, two blocks west of the bridge.

Since that bridge went down, Pearce said customer traffic has suffered. Any potential impacts of the latest closure have yet to be felt, he said, but he worries the lunch rush of out-of-towners could drop further.

From his perspective, Pearce says running a restaurant today is getting costlier with everything from insurance to property tax bills. A slower flow of clientele is rough on his bottom line.

Were just getting shut down every corner, Pearce said, adding: To have the surface streets and the highways around us shut down, it just really takes the wind out of your sails.
The new plans from SRA Architects follow a change in the manufatcurer of the modular homes being used by developers [SRA Architects]

Revised plans for fewer homes than originally planned at Leale's Yard have been submitted.

The new scheme would see fewer than 300 flats being built at the site on The Bridge.

In 2022, developers announced they would be working with modular home provider Ilke Homes, but that company has since gone out of business.

In a letter to the Development and Planning Authority (DPA), SRA Architects stated the new supplier required "fundamental changes to the residential block layouts".

Businesses were moved out of Leale's Yard by the Co-Op almost two decades ago [BBC]

The original scheme from the Co-Op and Omnibus Ltd had proposed building 332 new homes on the site, but that ambition has been reduced to 296 under the new plans.

The new application includes spaces for 336 cars, with 17 of those earmarked as accessible spaces.

Two office blocks, a new Co-Op shop and seven blocks of flats make up the majority of the new scheme.

Officials at the States of Guernsey had warned of flood risks on The Bridge following reports from experts.

Plans from developers Omnibus already include flood defences, but, despite this, plans for defences from the States of Guernsey are set to be published next week at an estimated cost of about 2m.

Chief Minister Lyndon Trott told the States of Guernsey last week he did not believe work on the project would start until 2026

Proposals to invest millions of pounds' worth of public money in the project are expected to be published before the end of 2024.

Developer Omnibus had intended to work with modular manufacturer Ilke Homes, but the company went into administration in 2023 [BBC]

Analysis: John Fernandez, BBC Guernsey political reporter

With almost two decades having passed since businesses were moved out of Leales Yard ahead of a "large development" by the Co-Op, it's understandable people will look at these new revised plans with a degree of scepticism.

The difference here, compared to previously un-delivered iterations, is the possibility of States' support to buy some of the new homes.

Behind the scenes, politically, there are those who want this as a "big win" for this assembly  an assembly which, during a housing crisis, has flatly failed to deliver the building of the new homes the islands government says it needs.

Its that backing which makes these plans more likely to progress than other plans before it. But well learn how politically palatable these plans are when proposals reach the States in 2025.

The stumbling block which remains is a deep scepticism politically from some members about modular construction and its that hurdle which needs to be overcome.

Follow BBC Guernsey on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. Send your story ideas to channel.islands@bbc.co.uk.

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At least six killed as Israeli raids in West Bank continue

By Ali Sawafta

TUBAS, West Bank (Reuters) -Israeli forces killed at least six Palestinians in separate incidents in the occupied West Bank on Wednesday, as troops continued an extended operation against militant groups in the territory, the military said.

An airstrike in the city of Tubas killed five men the military said were armed with explosives that posed a threat to Israeli forces and destroyed weapons production facilities as well as a vehicle rigged with explosives and a remote control.

The Palestinian Red Crescent said rescue crews had recovered five bodies at the site and had transferred them to hospital.

In a separate incident in the city of Tulkarm, the military said troops backed by police and intelligence services killed an armed militant.

There was no immediate confirmation from any of the armed Palestinian factions that the men killed in the operation were their fighters.

Entrances and exits from Tubas were sealed off and Israeli military vehicles, including road diggers and armoured personnel carriers, could be seen moving through the city, close to the border with Jordan at the northern end of the West Bank.

On Wednesday, as the operations were going on, the military reported a ramming attack east of Ramallah in the West Bank, in which it said the driver of a fuel tanker accelerated towards Israeli soldiers before being shot. An Israeli soldier was killed in the incident, the military said.

Israeli forces have been conducting a series of operations in the northern West Bank for the past two weeks, with extended raids in Tubas, Jenin and Tulkarm. All three cities have a heavy presence of armed factions including Hamas, the Iranian-backed Islamic Jihad and Fatah.

Heavy clashes between Israeli forces and Palestinian fighters have been reported, while streets and infrastructure in all three cities have suffered extensive damage as Israeli forces have dug up roads and destroyed houses.

Qais Ambar, a resident of the refugee camp in Tulkarm, where two Palestinians were killed during a raid on Tuesday, said people had been forced to flee as their homes were destroyed, leaving many seeking shelter in city mosques.

"The bulldozer swept the house, and the rubble covered my neighbour's house. They forced us to leave," he said.

Violence has surged in the West Bank since the start of the war in Gaza, with almost daily sweeps by Israeli forces that have involved thousands of arrests and regular gunbattles between security forces and Palestinian fighters.

More than 680 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank since the Hamas-led attack on Israel on Oct. 7 last year, including both fighters and unarmed civilians, according to the Palestinian health authorities.

In the same period, about 40 Israeli troops and civilians have been killed in attacks by Palestinians or in clashes with fighters, according to figures from Israel's domestic security agency.

(Writing by James Mackenzie, Editing by Timothy Heritage and Philippa Fletcher)
At least two dead, hundreds stranded in Thailand as floods hit north

BANGKOK (Reuters) -At least two people were killed and hundreds stranded in Thailand after heavy rains swept through two northern provinces, swelling rivers, inundating settlements and triggering mudslides, authorities said on Wednesday.

The adverse weather, which comes in the wake of Typhoon Yagi - the most powerful storm in Asia this year, has impacted about 9,000 households in Thailand, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said.

"Water currents are still strong," she told reporters. "All agencies are prepared and when the current eases, they will go in immediately."

The impacts of the storm have killed at least 143 people in Vietnam, where it made landfall on Saturday before moving westwards, with floods forcing the evacuation of thousands of residents living near the swelling Red River in the capital Hanoi.

Thailand's Chiang Mai province experienced flash floods and mudslides, with two deaths recorded, according to its governor.

In the Mai Sai district of neighbouring Chiang Rai province, which borders Myanmar, rubber boats were unable to reach some flooded areas where hundreds were stuck and awaiting help, said district chief Narongpol Kid-an.

"Helicopters will be used to evacuate stranded residents and deliver food and water," he told Reuters.

A resident in the main town in Mae Sai, which has a population of over 28,000, said their group of three people was trapped on the second floor of a building after rising water submerged the lower level.

"We have not eaten anything since yesterday morning," the resident said, asking not to be named.

"It is still raining heavily in Mae Sai. We hope a rescue team or somebody will come to help us."

(Reporting by Panarat Thepgumpanat, Zaw Naing Oo and Chayut Setboonsarng, Writing by Devjyot Ghoshal; Editing by Martin Petty)
A boy guides his bicycle as a rally is held in the courtyard between apartment buildings in Aurora, Colo., on Sept. 3. Demonstrators said Venezuelans are being unfairly painted as criminals.

Former President Donald Trump repeated again and again debunked rumors related to Venezuelan gangs in a Colorado town during Tuesday nights presidential debate.

Social media posts falsely claiming a Venezuelan gang had taken over an apartment complex in Aurora, Colorado, have circulated widely in pro-Trump communities and been boosted by right-wing pundits in recent weeks.

Even after local officials publicly refuted that the Tren de Aragua gang had taken over the building, sensationalist claims vaguely tying the rumors to the growth of Colorados migrant population continued going viral on social media. Trump amplified them further over the past week as he brought up the rumors several times in recent rallies and interviews  and then again at Tuesday nights debate.

We have millions of people pouring into our country.  You look at Aurora in Colorado. They are taking over the towns. Theyre taking over buildings. Theyre going in violently, Trump said on the debate stage in Philadelphia. Theyre destroying our country. Theyre dangerous. Theyre at the highest level of criminality. And we have to get them out.

The viral rumors used the most common forms of misinformation tactics, such as reposting old videos without context, misrepresenting existing data and frankensteining together misleading pieces of evidence to fabricate a false narrative, according to the News Literacy Project, a nonprofit fact-checking organization that debunked the rumor.

Roberta Braga, founder and executive director of the Digital Democracy Institute of the Americas, a nonprofit organization that studies the impact of misinformation on Latino communities, told NBC News that the false claims related to Tren de Aragua are just the latest examples of rumors created to feed a broader narrative meant to demonize immigrants.

We very often see these claims associated with migrants being criminals or gang members, claims that portray them as the source of increased crime and insecurity in the U.S. broadly, in a way that puts blame directly on them for what people frame as a decline of American society, Braga said.

Residents at the Aurora apartments, many of them immigrants from Venezuela and other Latin American countries, have denied the false rumors of the gang takeover and said they increasingly feel unsafe after having unfairly been deemed criminals.

Right now, I am scared because of whats been created, and all the xenophobia hate has increased towards us, Carlos Ordosgoitti, a Venezuelan man living in one of the Aurora buildings, told NBC affiliate KUSA of Denver in Spanish. Im really scared.

Resident Juan Carlos Jimenez speaks at a rally about chronic problems in the apartment complex in Aurora, Colo., on Sept. 3.







The false claim of a takeover began with the owner of three Aurora apartment complexes: an embattled property manager who was facing charges in municipal court because of years of unresolved health and safety code violations.

Rat and bug infestations, overflowing trash, sewage backups, water leaks and deteriorating infrastructure are some of the violations documented since at least February 2021, city officials have said.

But the property management company that owns the buildings blamed a Venezuelan gang for the rundown conditions. Over the summer, an attorney representing the company sent letters to local police and city and state officials claiming the gang had forcibly taken control, The Denver Gazette reported.

The claims were echoed by city officials, mostly conservatives, without concrete evidence, KUSA reported.

The allegation picked up steam during the last week of August after local media outlets, including KUSA, reported on a video obtained from a resident showing a group of men carrying guns in one of the buildings and seemingly trying to break an apartment door open.

Aurora police havent yet determined whether the men in the video belong to a Venezuelan gang, KUSA reported.

Aurora police have said they have been investigating the presence of Tren de Aragua in coordination with Denver police. But gang members are not taking over an Aurora apartment complex, police said, adding that the gangs activity remains isolated.

Every time theres an instance of an isolated crime performed by a migrant in the U.S. it gets cherry-picked and then blown out of proportion to essentially castigate all migrants, Braga said.

Misinformation spreads despite being debunked

Fragments of the video showing the armed men inside the Aurora apartment building were used in combination with clips from a two-month-old motorcycle parade in Brazil to create an Instagram post falsely claiming that members of the Hells Angels, an outlaw motorcycle club, were on their way to Aurora to save the city after gangs from Venezuela took over apartments. The Hells Angels Colorado chapter released a statement denying the claims.

Meta, Instagrams parent company, labeled the post as including false information after its fact-checking partners debunked the claims. But that didnt stop the false information from spreading as new videos with the same claims but different outdated and out-of-context clips proliferated across social media platforms.

Mert Bayar, a postdoctoral scholar at the University of Washingtons Center for an Informed Public who researches rumors about immigrants and noncitizens, told NBC News that misinformation pattern seems to reflect an online behavior commonly known among newsbrokering social media accounts. Often hiding behind catchy usernames and cartoonish avatars, such accounts curate and disseminate information about a crisis event and often fabricate inflammatory content to make it fit a specific agenda.

Another anti-immigrant rumor that spread this week and was repeated by Trump on the debate stage Tuesday night was the debunked claim about Haitian immigrants harming household pets.

In a joint interview with KUSA, Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman, a Republican, and Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, a Democrat, said other long-standing criminal organizations in the area remain greater threats than the Venezuelan gang.

But an environment of hysteria right now over this is complicating their ability to ensure Tren de Aragua doesnt gain a foothold in the area, Coffman said. Coffman even described an example in which some people conflated an impromptu meetup of Venezuelans awaiting the results of their homelands presidential election with gang activity.

Aurora police have arrested 10 people connected to Tren de Aragua, KUSA reported.Despite attempts to dispel myths and rumors about the Venezuelan gangs presence in Aurora, additional false narratives continued to emerge online, including posts on X falsely claiming that Aurora police had issued a shelter-in-place order in response to Venezuelan gang violence and that Venezuelan gangs started taking over apartments in Chicago after having gained control of one in Aurora.

Both posts remain on X without any kind of label letting users know they include false information. The posts have gotten 26.3 million views and been reposted over 40,000 times. X didnt respond to an email requesting comment.

Making immigration a political flashpoint

As part of their political platform, Republicans are focusing on hard-line immigration policies and stricter border security. They have often focused on narratives connecting immigration and crime.

Denver is among the cities that have received tens of thousands of migrants over the past year as part of a busing campaign by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, to seek stricter security at the southern border.

Protesters at a City Council meeting Monday object to what they say is the politicizing and exaggeration of an alleged Venezuelan gang problem in Aurora.

Searching for a lower cost of living, many migrants settled in nearby Aurora, where officials had said they couldnt help those who had newly arrived, citing a lack of financial capacity to fund new services related to this crisis. Still, some migrants ended up living in the apartment complexes that have been at the center of recent controversy.When Trump repeatedly called attention to Aurora by suggesting a Venezuelan gang had taken over an apartment complex there, immigrant communities were unexpectedly thrust into a heated political debate.

People need to be aware that immigration is a common theme that misinformers are exploiting this election season. We should be extra cautious when we come across claims that seem designed to provoke anger, outrage, or fear  or that seem designed to divide us, Christina Veiga, a spokesperson for the News Literacy Project, told NBC News in a statement. Voters can avoid having their votes co-opted by falsehoods by being aware of this trend and taking a few simple steps to confirm whether the claims theyre seeing are true.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
The lightning-sparked Clear Creek Fire, southwest of Fairbanks and north of Denali, is seen on July 27, 2023, when it covered about 270 acres. It grew to over 53,000 acres over the summer, according to Alaska wildfire managers. (Photo by Miles Bond/Bureau of Land Management Alaska Fire Service)

The lightning-sparked Clear Creek Fire, southwest of Fairbanks and north of Denali, is seen on July 27, 2023, when it covered about 270 acres. It grew to over 53,000 acres over the summer, according to Alaska wildfire managers. (Photo by Miles Bond/Bureau of Land Management Alaska Fire Service)

Despite a quiet end to our fire season this year, our state is vulnerable to wildfire. Education plays a critical role in preparing our minds, homes and communities for wildfires challenges. At the same time, its important to remember that wildfire is a natural process that is critical to the health of our forests

The start of the school year is a great time to teach about wildfire in Alaska. Before the snow falls, students can visit burn scars near their schools to see how plants regrow after a fire and learn ways to make our communities safer. Weve put together some ideas and resources to help people understand and teach about wildfire.

Get outside on a field trip

Hands-on experiences are the best way to learn and turn a scary concept into a fun science investigation. A field trip to a burn scar paired with the Role of Fire in Alaska curriculum opens the door for hands-on investigations about the effect of wildfire on a students own ecosystem. Learners can discover what fuels a fire in Alaska, how the forest and animals respond to wildfire, and how fire managers make communities safer.

Anyone can easily find a previously burned area near their community using the Alaska Wildfire Explorer tool. Those in Fairbanks can take advantage of the new Wildfire Walk interpretive trail to the 2021 Yankovich Road Fire, conveniently located on the University of Alaska Fairbanks campus.

Gathering data themselves can empower students to do exciting and locally relevant classroom science projects. Students can collect standardized measurements of soils, land cover, tree growth and timing of leaves using protocols from a program called GLOBE. Through GLOBE these same data are used by NASA to validate satellite information and by University of Alaska Fairbanks scientists to understand how fire affects the boreal forest.

Investigate local wildfires

Back in the classroom, students can dive deep into wildfire data using the Alaska Wildfire Explorer. The web tool, which is a great resource for all Alaskans, contains historical fire information and near real-time wildfire data, all in one place. Thanks to a recent update, the tool also displays current and projected local air quality. For example, on a single map someone from Anchorage, Tok or Dillingham could see a summary of all the past fires in their area, how

many active fires are near town, the boundary of those fires and how dense the smoke is and might become.

Curriculum connections

Teachers looking for classroom-based lesson plans and materials have several excellent options too. They can check out a tub of fun materials specifically designed to be a one-stop-shop for hands-on learning. The fire kits come with thumb drives loaded with wildfire curricula and activities and are available in Fairbanks, Anchorage, Homer, Soldotna and Tok. Another collection of activities helps learners investigate the natural role of wildfire in the boreal forest and tundra ecosystems. If science games are more your speed, students can learn how wildfire is changing in Alaska in interactive lessons aligned with the Alaska science standards and easily adapted for grades 6-8.

Workshops and professional development opportunities are also available through the Alaska Project Learning Tree for teachers interested in diving deeper into the world of wildfire. Email Molly Gillespie, alaskaplt.molly@gmail.com to get started. For help with the Alaska Wildfire Explorer tool email Mike DeLue, mdelue@alaska.edu. To access GLOBE science and learning activities contact Katie Spellman, klspellman@alaska.edu.

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Lucy Letby. The Thirlwall Inquiry is investigating the wider circumstances of deaths in the Countess of Chester Hospital neonatal unit between 2015 and 2016

An unpublished report into deaths at the Countess of Chester Hospital found allegations against Lucy Letby were quite subjective and lacked evidence beyond a simple correlation, the Thirlwall Inquiry has heard.

The inquiry, which opened on Tuesday, is investigating the wider circumstances of deaths in the neonatal unit between 2015 and 2016, and whether they could have been prevented.

Letby was convicted last year of the murders of seven babies and the attempted murders of six others, as well as the attempted murder of a seventh baby at retrial in July.

During opening statements, the inquiry heard how the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) was invited to review the spike in baby deaths by the hospital in 2016.

Although one report was made public, a second confidential version was also written, which included references to Letby, it emerged.

The unpublished report stated that consultants had identified that Letby was on shift for all deaths and had become convinced by the link.

The authors said that view was quite subjective and warned there was no other evidence or reports of clinical concern beyond this simple correlation.

Nurse Death

The reviewers said the consultants had based their allegations on Letby being on shift on each occasion an infant died, combined with gut feeling, although counsel for the inquiry said there was no evidence that the doctors had actually used that phrase.

Notes from the RCPCH review period show that junior doctors had begun referring to Letby as Nurse Death, which was causing ripples through the team.

Consultants Stephen Breary and Ravi Jayaram both expressed their concern about the nurse, and were threatening to go to the police.

Alison Kelly, director of nursing and quality at the trust, told reviewers there were no issues of competency or training with Letby and said she was highly thought of by the unit.

Eirian Powell, the neonatal unit ward manager, described the allegations against Letby as unfounded and malicious, describing the nurse as clever, exceptional and very professional. She said the doctors had tunnel vision about Letbys presence.

Reviewers also interviewed Letby during the review process, who described herself as being scapegoated and feeling very vulnerable, the inquiry heard.

Both versions of the RCPCH report stated there was no obvious factor which linked all the deaths, although reviewers pointed to problems in the unit such as staffing and operational practice.

The RCPCH also recommended that a further in-depth clinical investigation into the deaths be carried out.

Second report not made public

Letby claimed that the RCPCH had told her off the record that there would likely be an investigation into the deaths and she should prepare herself to play a big part.

Since Letby was convicted, one member of the review team has told the inquiry team that she now believes the Royal College should have recommended that the police be called in and pressed harder for management, the hospital or consultants to go to the authorities.

The review team were also concerned that their second report had not been made public.

The inquiry has also heard how hospital bosses at the Countess of Chester failed to act on suspicions that Letby was deliberately harming babies in her care.

An increase in baby deaths at the hospital was not mentioned in the Safeguarding Strategy Board until November 2017  six months after the police investigation had already begun, the hearing was told.

Nicholas Rheinberg, the Cheshire coroner, also said he did not have the slightest inkling or suspicion that anyone had deliberately harmed babies at the Countess of Chester.

In a statement, Mr Rheinberg told the inquiry he was not informed that anyone was being blamed for the deaths, and said he was surprised that he had not been told about the concerns of consultants.

Parallel between Allitt and Letby

In the case of Baby A, doctors involved in the care of the infant were asked to make statements ahead of the inquest, but none raised concerns about Letby or suggested there may have been deliberate harm.

The inquest was held by Mr Rheinberg in October 2016, after Letby had already been removed from the ward.

The inquiry has also heard how Sir Duncan Nichol, the chairman of the Hospital Board, was NHS chief executive when nurse Beverley Allitt was convicted of murdering and harming babies at Grantham and Kesteven Hospital in Lincolnshire in 1993.

Following Allitts conviction, Sir Duncan was responsible for distribution of the Clothier report, which was aimed at preventing and spotting a future hospital serial killer.

Sir Duncan wrote to all hospitals to draw the document to their attention.

Nicholas de la Poer KC, counsel for the inquiry, said it would question Sir Duncan on why the parallel between Allitt and Letby was not drawn earlier at the hospital.

Follow for latest updates.

04:32 PM BST

Thats all for today

Thank you for following our live coverage of the Thirlwall Inquiry.

The inquiry is investigating what happened at the Countess of Chester hospital during the time Lucy Letby worked there.

It will reconvene at 10am tomorrow.

04:26 PM BST

The hearing has now concluded for the day

It will reconvene at 10am tomorrow morning when the inquiry will hear opening statements from representatives of the families of the babies, the Countess of Chester, the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH).

04:25 PM BST

CCTV in neonatal units would protect babies

Rachel Langdale KC has suggested that the inquiry may want to consider if CCTV be placed on all neonatal units to protect babies against malicious and deliberate harm.

She also suggested that Lady Justice Thirlwall might want to consider if the laboratory detection of artificial insulin should raise an immediate alarm.

04:15 PM BST

Coroner had no inkling that anyone harmed babies

A Cheshire coroner said he did not have the slightest inkling or suspicion that anyone had deliberately harmed babies at the Countess of Chester.

Nicholas Rheinberg has told the inquiry that he was not informed that anyone was being blamed for the deaths, and said he was surprised that he had not been told about the concerns of consultants.

In the case of Baby A, doctors involved in the care of the infant were asked to make statements but did not raise concerns about Letby or suggest deliberate harm.

An inquest was held by Mr Rheinberg in October 2016, after Letby had already been removed from the ward, yet the coroner said he was not told about suspicions.

The coroner recorded a narrative verdict stating that it could not be determined what caused Baby As death, nor whether it was natural or unnatural.

Mr Rheinberg told the inquiry that he would have probably spoken to police if he had known one nurse had been rostered on shift for all the deaths.

03:37 PM BST

Hospital boss moved to France after Letby arrest

Countess of Chester medical director Ian Harvey retired and moved to France following the arrest of Lucy Letby, the inquiry heard.

Consultants referred Mr Harvey to the General Medical Council (GMC) in 2018 claiming he had failed to act appropriately or timely in response to concerns raised by clinicians.

An initial investigation found that Mr Harveys conduct may have fallen below the standard expected of a responsible and competent medical director.

The GMC closed the referral with no action and Mr Harvey voluntarily removed himself from the medical register.

03:13 PM BST

Nursing regulator refused to suspend Letby after arrest

The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) refused to impose an interim suspension order against Letby even after her arrest, the inquiry has heard.

Nicholas de la Poer KC, counsel for the inquiry, said that the NMC mistakenly believed that her bail conditions prevented her from working as a nurse.

The inquiry heard how the NMC considered the lack of a criminal charge a hurdle to suspending the nurse.

The body has since changed its guidance so that nurses can be suspended as long as there is some evidential basis that is cogent, and not fanciful, frivolous, obviously contradicted or entirely misconceived.

Following her conviction, Letby was referred to the Fitness to Practise Committee of the NMC and was struck off on December 12.

02:58 PM BST

Letby described as angel of death in police meeting

Lucy Letby was described as an angel of death at a meeting between police and executives at the Countess of Chester on April 27 in 2017.

Within days police had begun investigating the nurse, but Ian Harvey, the medical director at Countess of Chester, believed that their enquiries would close down speculation about Letby.

Mr Harvey said police had been sent a letter by consultants which was very prejudiced, effectively pointing the finger at one nurse.

He stated that his own feeling was that there would not be an investigation unless there was something new disclosed by the paediatricians and anticipated that the police would assist in a message which will allow us to close down speculation.

However after interviewing consultants, Cheshire Police decided there was sufficient grounds to suspect a criminal offence and launched a criminal investigation on March 24 2017.

Ian Harvey, medical director at Countess of Chester, believed that police enquiries would end speculation about Letby - Facebook

02:33 PM BST

Link between Letby and deaths subjective, confidential report found

The Royal College wrote a second confidential report on deaths at the Countess of Chester, which included reference to Lucy Letby, which has never been published, the inquiry has heard.

It reported that consultants had identified that Letby was on shift for all deaths and had become convinced by the link.

The authors said this view was quite subjective and warned there was no other evidence or reports of clinical concern beyond this simple correlation.

Reviewers also interviewed Letby, who described herself as being scapegoated and very vulnerable, the inquiry heard.

A second version of the report which did not mention Letby was eventually published, which stated there was no obvious factor which linked the deaths.

The team made a number of findings including that the unit was short-staffed.

02:19 PM BST

Letby referred to as Nurse Death, inquiry hears

Doctors referred to Letby as Nurse Death, according to notes from a review into baby deaths by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) in 2016.

Notes from the review period show that junior doctors had begun referring to Letby as Nurse Death which was causing ripples through the team.

Alison Kelly, director of nursing and quality at the trust, told reviewers there was no issues of competency or training with Letby and said she was highly thought of by the unit.

Eirian Powell, the neonatal unit ward manager, described the allegations against Letby as unfounded and malicious, describing the nurse as clever, exceptional and very professional.

She said the doctors had tunnel vision about Letbys presence.

But interview notes show Drs Stephen Breary and Ravi Jayaram, both expressed their concern about Letby, and were threatening to go to the police.

Ian Harvey, the medical director, said staff needed to pull together before we press the nuclear button.

02:14 PM BST

Afternoon session has begun

The afternoon session of the Thirlwall Inquiry has begun and is looking at a review into baby deaths by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) in 2016.

02:10 PM BST

Recap: Lucy Letby is second killer nurse to strike on hospital bosss watch

Lucy Letby is the second serial child killer nurse to strike on a hospital bosss watch, an inquiry heard.

The Thirlwall Inquiry heard how Sir Duncan Nichol, Chair of Countess of Chester Hospital Board, had also been NHS Chief Executive when nurse Beverley Allitt was convicted of murdering and harming babies at Grantham and Kesteven Hospital in Lincolnshire in 1993.

Following Allitts conviction, Sir Duncan was then responsible for distribution of the Clothier Report, which was aimed at preventing and spotting future hospital serial killers.

Sir Duncan wrote to all hospitals to draw it to their attention. The inquiry said it will be questioning Sir Duncan about why the parallel between Allitt and Letby was not drawn earlier at the hospital.

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.

She was convicted of murdering seven newborn babies and attempting to murder seven others at the Countess of Chester Hospital between 2015 and 2016.

01:43 PM BST

What has happened today

Proceedings will resume shortly, but before that, here is a recap of what the inquiry heard so far today:

Sir Duncan Nichol, Chair of the Countess of Chester Hospital Board, had also been NHS Chief Executive when nurse Beverley Allitt was convicted of murdering babies at Grantham and Kesteven Hospital in Lincolnshire in 1993

A midwife in charge of risk at the Countess of Chester found that Letby was the common factor in most unusual deaths, after going through the table of incidents using a highlighter

Letby was described as the elephant in the room at every child death, in a meeting of hospital directors in July 2016

A board meeting in January 2017 recorded that Lucy Letby had been exonerated and should be allowed to return to the neonatal unit

The Countess of Chester took little action about Letby because the hospital believed proof of criminality was needed before reporting concerns to the police

12:49 PM BST

Inquiry breaks for lunch

The inquiry has risen for lunch and will resume at 1.45pm.

12:42 PM BST

Care Quality Commission not told about spike in deaths, inquiry hears

Inspectors from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) were not told about a spike in deaths or warned that a nurse may be harming babies when they reviewed the Countess of Chester Hospital in February 2016, the inquiry heard.

The CQC - which monitors health and social care in England - sent inspectors into the hospital during the period where Letby was active.

Dr Stephen Breary, a consultant paediatrician at the hospital, said that he had told an inspector that consultants had serious patient safety concerns but did not feel they were being listened to by management.

However, in statements to the inquiry, all three inspectors said that nobody raised concerns about unexplained neonatal deaths or pointed out any correlation between the deaths and a member of staff.

The evidence gathered appears to show that the Care Quality Commission was oblivious to the rise in mortality and the connected concerns relation to the unexpected nature of the deaths and the suspicions relation to Letby, said Nicholas de la Poer KC, counsel for the inquiry,

It is notable that Letby attempted to murder Child K in the early hours of 17th, the second day of the inspection.

12:28 PM BST

Several baby deaths not reported in Clinical Effectiveness meetings, inquiry hears

The deaths of Child A, C, D, E and I were not reported as concerning in Clinical Effectiveness meetings at the Countess of Chester Hospital, the inquiry has heard.

At a meeting in November 2015, none of the first four deaths were described as unexpected.

Nicholas de la Poer KC, counsel for the inquiry, said: There was no discussion of concerns or deliberate harm, or increased morality.

The death of Child I was likewise classed as no harm in hospital records, the inquiry was told.

Nicholas de la Poer KC, counsel for the inquiry, said the deaths of five babies were not reported as concerning at hospital meetings - Crown Copyright

12:14 PM BST

Limited action taken because hospital believed proof of criminality needed, inquiry hears

The Countess of Chester took little action about Letby because the hospital believed proof of criminality was needed before reporting concerns to the police, the inquiry heard.

Nicholas de la Poer KC, counsel for the inquiry, said it was a troubling feature of the case that the hospital thought it was its job to investigate the allegations.

Mr de la Poer said there was actually a low threshold when it came to child safeguarding and outside bodies should have been informed earlier about fears regarding Letby.

There were concerns that Letby may be harming children long before the disclosures to police on April 27 2017, said the barrister.

All too often it appears that a high threshold was believed to exist for raising concerns of potential harm to babies, namely that some sort of proof of criminality was necessary before those with the responsibility to investigate concerns could be notified.

This is troubling because it is contrary to the clear guidance which safeguarding provides.

Child safeguarding sets a low threshold for raising concerns in respect to child safety.

The barrister said that nurses and doctors should have reported Letby to the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and General Medical Council (GMC) if they had concerns.

11:58 AM BST

Sir Duncan Nichol led report into preventing another Beverley Allitt incident

Sir Duncan Nichol, Chair of Hospital Board where Letby worked, was also the NHS Chief Executive when nurse Beverley Allitt was convicted of murdering and harming babies.

Following Allitts conviction at Grantham and Kesteven Hospital in Lincolnshire in 1993, Sir Duncan was then responsible for distribution of the Clothier Report, which was aimed at preventing and spotting future hospital serial killers.

Sir Duncan Nichol and Beverley Allitt - Shutterstock

11:52 AM BST

Increase in baby deaths not mentioned in safeguarding report, inquiry hears

An increase in baby deaths at the Countess of Chester was not mentioned in papers from the hospitals Safeguarding Strategy Board until November 2017 - six months after the police investigation had already begun.

The Thirlwall Inquiry heard that although there were widespread concerns about the rise in mortality on the neonatal unit, it was barely discussed at management level in review, strategy and board meetings.

Although the Executive Board met 16 times during June 2015 and May 2017, the issue of increased mortality was raised on just five occasions.

11:40 AM BST

Nursing and Midwifery Council took no action over Letby warning, inquiry hears

The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) was warned about Lucy Letby in July 2016, but did nothing for two years, the inquiry has heard.

The NMC, which registers and regulates nurses, only sought a fitness to practise referral on July 3 2018, more than a year after the police had started investigations.

It did not impose an interim order, prohibiting the nurse from working until November 2020, after she had been charged the inquiry heard.

11:22 AM BST

Letby exonerated and allowed to return to neonatal unit, inquiry hears

A board meeting in January 2017 recorded that Lucy Letby had been exonerated and should be allowed to return to the neonatal unit, the inquiry has heard.

At the meeting, Ian Harvey, the medical director at the Countess of Chester, presented a case review of the deaths and said it comes down to an issue of leadership, escalation and timely intervention.

Mr Harvey said he was hoping that a line could be drawn under the issue as soon as the final causes of deaths were ascertained.

Mr Chambers said the grievance procedure had exonerated Letby and the hospital would do everything it could to manage her safe transition back to the neonatal unit.

The inquiry heard that on the same day, Mr Chambers told Letby the board was clear in its support for her return to work.

11:13 AM BST

Letby elephant in the room, inquiry hears

Letby was described as the elephant in the room at every child death, at a meeting of hospital directors in July 2016, the inquiry has heard.

On July 14 2016 there was an Extraordinary meeting of the Board of Directors at the Countess of Chester in which Tony Chambers, the Chief Executive, noted there had been a rise in neonatal mortality.

At the meeting Dr Ravi Jayaram described the presence of Letby at the deaths as the elephant in the room.

It was agreed that the unit should be downgraded so it no longer took the sickest babies and that Letby be kept under supervision.

Nicholas de la Poer KC, counsel for the inquiry, said: The board did not discuss neonatal mortality and concerns raised about Letby again until the New Year.

10:37 AM BST

Letby was common factor in most unusual deaths, inquiry hears

A midwife in charge of risk at the Countess of Chester found that Letby was the common factor in most unusual deaths, after going through the table of incidents using a highlighter, the inquiry has heard.

Annemarie Lawrence took up the role of Risk Midwife in May 2016, and asked for a copy of the thematic review into the unexpected deaths of babies in the neonatal unit.

In a statement to the inquiry, she described going through the table with a highlighter and noting that Letby was present at most of the deaths.

However after taking her concerns to Ruth Millward, the Head of Risk and Safety, she found her superior dismissive of her findings.

Miss Millward told the inquiry that at no point was there any suggestion that this was a deliberate act by the nurse.

She took the implication to be that there may be clinical competence issues which needed to be raised with the nursing leadership team or human resources, said Nicholas de la Poer KC, counsel for the inquiry.

Miss Millward states that she did not view this as a risk and patient safety team issue.

One question you will be considering is whether the structures and processes for the management and governance of the hospital contributed to a failure to protect babies on the neonatal unit from the actions of Letby.

10:21 AM BST

Letby hospital head was NHS chief when separate nurse harmed babies, inquiry hears

It is day two of the Thirlwall Inquiry and lawyers are looking at whether structures in place at the Countess of Chester had failed to protect the babies.

The inquiry has heard how Sir Duncan Nichol, Chair of Hospital Board, had also been NHS Chief Executive when nurse Beverley Allitt was convicted of murdering and harming babies at Grantham and Kesteven Hospital in Lincolnshire in 1993.

Following Allitts conviction, Sir Duncan was responsible for distribution of the Clothier Report, which was aimed at preventing and spotting a future hospital serial killer.

Sir Duncan wrote to all hospitals to draw it to their attention.

The inquiry said it will be questioning Sir Duncan about why the parallel between Allitt and Letby was not drawn earlier at the hospital.

10:11 AM BST

Recap from yesterday

Here is a summary of what the inquiry heard yesterday:

Justice Thirlwall confirmed Lucy Letbys convictions would stand

The counsel said the inquiry would help keep babies safe in the 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

10:09 AM BST

Inquiry begins

The inquiry has begun. Lawyers for the inquiry will continue their opening statements today.

10:03 AM BST

Comment: The campaign to free Lucy Letby is built on shaky assumptions and falsehoods

Yet another public inquiry got under way today, the 16th either up and running or about to start, writes Philip Johnston.

Hardly a day goes by without a demand for an inquiry into a perceived failure of public policy, a scandal, disaster or foul-up. Since 1990, about 1 billion has been spent on scores of them, with the biggest of them all  into Covid  also taking evidence once again.

It is looking at how the NHS coped with the pandemic, with the words not very well already inked into the conclusions.

Coincidentally, the inquiry which began today is also looking into a part of the NHS, the Countess of Chester Hospital where Lucy Letby was a nurse.

Read the full story here.

10:01 AM BST

Inquiry continues

The public inquiry into the events surrounding the crimes of child serial killer nurse Lucy Letby will continue today.

The Thirlwall Inquiry, chaired by Lady Justice Thirlwall, will 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.

Yesterday, the inquiry heard 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.

The counsel to the inquiry also compared Letby to Britains most notorious serial killer Harold Shipman, claiming she was hiding in plain sight.

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.

She was convicted of murdering seven newborn babies and attempting to murder seven others at the Countess of Chester Hospital between 2015 and 2016.

Evidence at the inquiry is scheduled to begin next week and will continue until at least December.

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To the editor: Steve Lopez, in reference to California Republicans, writes: "None of them has offered winning solutions to deep-seated problems.... You can't blame Democrats for that." ("They say Democrats are to blame for all Californias problems. But GOP is MIA," column, Sept. 7)

Actually, we can.

Republicans have been marginalized in the state Legislature for decades. Big policy bills have to be sponsored by a Democrat, or the proposed legislation has no chance of even making it out of committee.

The people most to blame are the majority of California voters who keep voting for Democrats who have demonstrated, time and again, they cannot solve our problems. Physician, heal thyself.

Jim Rueff, Fountain Valley

..

To the editor: Lopez's column mentioning angry letter writers who blame Democrats for all the problems facing this state was insightful.

Both parties in this state share responsibility for misguided legislation and executive action  but only one, the Republican Party, has gone AWOL and articulated outright lunacy in response to immigration, housing, reproductive rights, climate change and just about every other issue facing us.

It's why, just like a vast number of old white guys from Orange County, I can't be automatically relied upon to support the MAGA minions who have eviscerated the GOP. The party's over for Republicans in this state because they have zero to offer us in terms of solutions, and their divisive rhetoric severely limits our options as voters.

I'll vote for the people who at least give a damn, show up and proudly advocate for their priorities. Right now, that's the Democrats in this state, and no one else comes close.

Michael J. Harley, Laguna Niguel

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.




Image source: Getty Images

In 2010, when my wife was pregnant with our second child, I had a side hustle that almost got me fired from my corporate cubicle job. I started freelancing on the side on a website called Elance (now Upwork).

And I loved it! Making extra money on my nights and weekends, while working from home with a flexible schedule, was the most empowering feeling I'd ever had. I still remember how exuberant I felt when I saw my first side hustle business income arrive in my bank account: "I just got money from the internet!" I shouted. "Maybe I can make enough money this way to support my family."

I even won the Grand Prize in a contest on Elance/Upwork where I wrote a blog article about why I loved freelancing -- I got paid $10,000 for that single blog post. I was triumphant! Nothing could stop me! But then, my day job found out about my side hustle.

Here's the story of how my side hustle almost got me fired from Corporate America -- and why it was worth it.

Beware of HR policies about moonlighting

I did not violate any company policies with my freelance side hustle. (I double-checked the fine print in the HR handbook before I started). I was not working for competitors, using company time or company resources for my side hustle, or otherwise breaking the rules of my full-time employment.

But still: Many corporate employers don't look fondly at moonlighting side hustles. Freelancing or working a remote side job while holding down a full-time paycheck might not get you fired, but your boss might question your loyalties -- "if you have all this extra time and energy to do side hustles, what are we paying you for?"

That's what happened to me: I got put on a 30-day termination notice at my day job because of my freelancing at night. Oh well!

Don't burn the candle at both ends

Another pitfall of side hustles is that you might spend so much time and effort on side projects that your performance suffers at your day job. This started to happen to me, too. I was getting burned out at my day job and my side hustle started to seem more appealing.

Burning the midnight oil on freelance projects was exciting and profitable, but it made it harder for me to wake up early to go to work at my corporate cubicle job. And once again, my boss noticed.

Sometimes you just have to quit your job

It turns out that I had a happy ending with my corporate job: I rallied under pressure, started showing up on time and working harder, and I didn't get fired. Right after our second child was born, I took unpaid FMLA leave -- and then I quit my job to pursue my own business full-time.

Story continues

I had built up a few months' worth of cash savings in the bank and I had a few freelance projects all ready to go. I left my corporate job on good terms and with no hard feelings. And I've never looked back.

The process of leaving my corporate job was stressful, but it was the right thing to do. Sometimes it's hard to choose the right time to quit your job to start a business. Lots of people don't get to choose. Leaving a corporate job to start a business isn't always a neat, tidy process.

I did the best I could. If anything, my only regret is that I didn't quit my job a year earlier -- because I could've had another year to build up my small business and get to a better level of income and career fulfillment.

Why side hustles are worth the risks

As I look back on my corporate career, I'm grateful that I never got fired from a job (despite a few close calls). But even if I had gotten fired because of my side hustle, pursuing a side hustle and starting my own business still would have been the right choice.

By starting my own business, I've gone on to make more money, have more fun, and travel all over the world in ways that never would have been possible at a corporate cubicle job. I've taken my family to places like London, Berlin, Tokyo, Paris, and Montreal. I've been able to be productive and make money 365 days per year, from anywhere with wifi, on my own schedule, on my own terms.

And some people might think that leaving a corporate job is too risky. But as a small business owner, especially if you're an online freelancer, consultant, or e-commerce business owner, your money can come from the entire internet, instead of from one cubicle, one office building, and one boss. Which deal sounds like better financial security to you?

Bottom line

Sometimes in life, you can't wait for a corporation to give you permission to make your dreams come true. You have to do what's right for you and your loved ones. If you value the perceived stability of having a steady paycheck from a full-time job, that's totally fair -- but if you have the hustle, skills, curiosity, and relentless spirit of an entrepreneur, you might want to put more time into your side hustle instead.

Turning your side hustle into a full-time business can deliver bigger income in your bank account, and blissful freedom in your everyday life.

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We're firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers. The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

My Side Hustle Almost Got Me Fired. Here's Why It Was Worth It was originally published by The Motley Fool
Letters to the Editor: Protesters who broke the rules are getting consequences, not reprisals

To the editor: Protesters complain that their participation in campus demonstrations last spring is now snarling their academic progress and burdening them with red tape and inconveniences.

But what about the effects their protests and encampments had on students, faculty and staff whose classes became remote, exams were delayed, and whose research was interrupted or halted? What of the staff left with the huge job of cleanup and restoration of trashed and vandalized buildings and spaces?

As the anniversary of Hamas' Oct. 7 massacre approaches and the new academic year moves forward, students resentful that the campus conduct codes apply to them might ask themselves what their encampments, takeovers, checkpoints, defacements, shutdowns and often humiliating intimidations accomplished.

Only 8% of young voters recently polled by NBC cited the Hamas-Israel war as a top concern. Hamas just executed six hostages  one an American citizen  and continues to reject all cease-fire proposals. And universities aren't divesting from Israel.

Jo Perry, Studio City

..

To the editor: As a graduate of both USC and UCLA, I am dismayed at the severity of the consequences USC is imposing on some of its students who protested the mass killing of civilians in the Gaza Strip.

Students should be encouraged to speak out when they see gross injustice occurring. Their cause is a legitimate one, and it's impossible to be proud of an institution that punishes their actions, as if students should just submit to the accepted "groupthink" on an issue.

UCLA also lost respect when it totally failed to protect peacefully protesting students when counterprotesters violently attacked them. Both universities can, and should, do much better.

Bill Hessell, Oak View

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Lexington leaders on Wednesday encouraged people to never forget the sacrifices and unity displayed during the 9/11 attacks, which happened 23 years ago.

A remembrance and wreath ceremony was held at the Fallen Firefighters Monument in Phoenix Park in downtown Lexington Wednesday morning to honor the anniversary. Dozens of firefighters, police officers and local officials were in attendance for the ceremony.

Im so very proud of our community, our public safety partners and just our city as a whole for continuing to remember the sacrifice of so many on that day, Lexington Fire Chief Jason Wells said during the ceremony.

The attacks claimed the lives of 2,977 people, according to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. It was the single largest loss of life on American soil resulting from a foreign attack.

Wells highlighted the number of firefighters that died that day  343. Wells also said an additional 370 firefighters have died from 9/11 related illnesses as of Tuesday.

More than 400,000 people were exposed to toxins from the poor air quality after the attacks, according to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. More than 2,000 of those exposed have died.

While the memory of those who have died is at the forefront of remembrance ceremonies in Lexington and across the country, Wells also encouraged people to remember what happened on Sept. 12 and the days afterwards.

That was a day when our country woke up with a unity and resolve that my generation has not seen before, Wells said. While we hold in our memory the courage and sacrifice of September 11, let us also not forget the unity and resolve of September 12.

Lexington Police Chief Lawrence Weathers encouraged people to never forget the sacrifices made on 9/11.

The sacrifices made on 9/11 showed up what true unity is, what being an American truly is, Weathers said. Always remember that this is the land of the free and the home of the brave.
Liberals praised the ABC News presidential debate moderators, Linsey Davis and David Muir, after the debate and called out former President Trump for his criticism of the moderators, suggesting that it meant he lost the debate.

"If you're showing up in the spin room, you've lost. If you're blaming the moderators, you've lost," Politico's Jonathan Lemire said Wednesday on MSNBC's "Morning Joe."

Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris debated on Tuesday night, and the vice president was widely considered to be the winner. Trump entered the spin room after the debate and spoke to reporters, telling several that he believed he had a great night.

Both moderators fact-checked Trump multiple times during the debate and failed to fact-check Harris at all.

Pundits took aim at former President Trump's reaction to the debate on Wednesday, and praised the debate moderators.

ABCS LINSEY DAVIS RAISES EYEBROWS WITH ABORTION FACT-CHECK AGAINST TRUMP: 'COMPLETELY INTERJECTS HERSELF'

NBC News' Dasha Burns said Wednesday that Trump's immediate reaction to the debate was telling.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

"The former president going to the spin room, which, traditionally in politics, you dont do unless you feel like you didn't well enough in the debate. He's now saying, after claiming hes willing to do another debate, now saying maybe not so much. And he and his team have spent a lot of the day and a lot of last night going after the moderators, going after the network, rather than talking about their candidates performance, which I think is pretty telling," she told MSNBC's Jose Diaz-Balart.

CNN's Abby Phillip praised the fact-checking by Muir and Davis.

Former CNN legal analyst Jeffrey Toobin said Davis and Muir did an "excellent job."

ABC'S JIMMY KIMMEL BRINGS ON ANTI-TRUMP GUESTS FOR POST-DEBATE INTERVIEWS

Former Biden-Harris campaign adviser Alencia Johnson told CNN's Jim Acosta on Wednesday, "The reality is that Vice President Harris looked presidential last night and the moderators did a great job fact-checking Donald Trump."

Puck News' Dylan Byers said ABC did an "incredibly commendable job."

CNN's Bakari Sellers said Trump was so "humiliated" by Harris in the debate that he resorted to blaming the moderators.

Justin Baragona, a media columnist at former MSNBC host Medhi Hasan's news site, Zeteo, said Democrats were similarly blaming the CNN moderators after the Biden-Trump debate in July.

"If you're whining about the refs, you are losing," he wrote on social media.

Former CNN host Don Lemon also posted a video on social media on Wednesday and said, "let's hear some love for the moderators."

CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE

Fox News contributor Marie Harf passed along on "Outnumbered" that a conservative writer admitted to her, "If we're complaining about the refs, we're losing."

Other conservative commentators, including CNN's Scott Jennings, agreed that blaming the moderators was not a good sign for the former president.

"You cant complain about the refs when you arent making your own jump shots. And for Trump, it is no excuse for his getting sidetracked (at least until his closing statement) and failing to make the central case that must be made: If you want change, you cant leave the same people in charge," he wrote in an op-ed for the Los Angeles Times.

MSNBC's Brian Lowry wrote in a column on Wednesday that Davis and Muir did a better job than CNN's Jake Tapper and Dana Bash did during the first debate between Biden and Trump.

"The tightrope walk of modern journalism means never pleasing everyone, and the constant peril of being accused of putting a thumb on the scales. So we have to give credit to ABC News David Muir and Linsey Davis, who for the most part were able to deftly navigate that fine line during Tuesdays debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. Particularly notable was the duos real-time fact-checking of Trump, who has earned his reputation for a casual relationship with the truth," Lowry wrote.





Original article source: Liberals praise ABC debate moderators, taunt Trump for complaining about bias: 'You've lost'
Libertarian candidates for Congress will be left off Iowa ballots after final court decision

Iowa Libertarian congressional candidates Marco Battaglia, left, and Charles Aldrich speak to reporters after a hearing before the Iowa Supreme Court, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Des Moines, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP)  Three Libertarian candidates running for Congress in Iowa will not be named on the ballot this November, the state Supreme Court said Wednesday, an outcome that could benefit Republicans in two competitive districts.

The high court offered a quick and final decision following Tuesdays oral arguments, already more than a week after the deadline for state officials to certify the names of nominees before ballots can be printed.

Iowans affiliated with the Republican Party filed challenges against the three candidates, alleging that the Libertarian Party of Iowa failed to follow state law on the procedure for nominating their candidates. A three-member panel of state elected officials, comprised of two Republicans and one Democrat, ruled 2-1 in agreement with the challengers.

The Libertarian candidates filed a court challenge. A Polk County judge issued a decision Saturday saying the state objection panels decision was appropriate, and the candidates immediately appealed to the high court.

The Iowa Supreme Court on Wednesday affirmed the lower court's decision.

Independent or third-party candidates usually have little chance of winning, but the question of how their margin of support could change the outcome of the race vexes Democratic and Republican leaders alike.

In general, the parties are worried about minor parties that might take votes from them, said Stephen Medvic, professor of government at Franklin & Marshall College. Its a pretty straightforward calculus. The Libertarian is more likely to take votes from the Republican.

One of Iowas four congressional races was decided by a razor-thin margin in 2022. Republican Zach Nunn, who was challenging incumbent Democrat Cindy Axne, won by less than a percentage point. There was not a third-party candidate.

Nunn is facing a competitive race against Democrat Lanon Baccam in the 3rd Congressional District, as is incumbent Republican Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks against Democrat Christina Bohannan in the 1st District.

Representing the challengers, conservative attorney Alan Ostergren argued that the candidates were improperly nominated at the party's convention because the delegates at the initial county conventions had not yet started their terms. State law says delegates start their terms the day after they are selected at precinct caucuses, but the Libertarian Party held county conventions the same day.

Secretary of State Paul Pate and Attorney General Brenna Bird, two Republicans on the state elections panel, agreed. The lone dissent on the panel came from State Auditor Rob Sand, a Democrat who accused his colleagues of political bias against the Libertarian candidates.

Before the Iowa Supreme Court, the state argued that enforcement of election law as written protects election integrity and transparency, and these laws ensure that the delegates actually have the authority to speak on behalf of voters and prevent conflicts that could promote more than one nominee.

Ostergren added that the laws may seem harsh when enforced, but they provide regularity in the process of gaining access to the ballot.

If you want to be on the general election ballot and have every eligible Iowan who can participate in that election show up and decide you among other people, you got to follow those rules, he said.

Lawyers for the candidates argued that the technicality does not invalidate the selection of the candidates  undisputed within the party  and warrants an infraction on the organization, not the candidates removal from the ballot.

Ultimately, Libertarian nominees Nicholas Gluba in the 1st District, Marco Battaglia in the 3rd District and Charles Aldrich in the 4th District will not be named on the general election ballots.

Battaglia said after Tuesday's hearing that the challenges were an unfair attack" and that he's done everything he could to make sure things were done the right way."

I will stay in until the end of the race regardless. I plan to do that no matter what happened today or yesterday or tomorrow, he said, saying he'd run a write-in campaign. That's the alternative they leave me with, but I'm fine with that, if that's how they decide.
(Bloomberg) -- Libyas prime minister said he wants to quickly resolve a bitter standoff over the OPEC nations central bank, with United Nations-mediated talks set to resume on the crisis thats cut the countrys oil output by more than half.

Most Read from Bloomberg

We are ready for any solution, whether its for the central bank or the government, Abdul Hamid Dbeibah said Tuesday in his first public remarks on the nearly month-long impasse. The most important thing is that Libya is united, he added, in comments aired on local TV.

Dbeibah spoke as the UN mission in the war-torn country said it was readying to reconvene discussions on Wednesday between his government in the capital, Tripoli, and a competing administration in Libyas east.

The two sides have been at loggerheads since Dbeibah in August moved to replace the central bank governor, manager of billions of dollars in oil wealth. Authorities in the east, where much of Libyas oil is located, rejected the move against Sadiq Al-Kabir and ordered a shutdown of all crude production and exports.

Daily oil output in the nation thats home to Africas largest reserves has fallen to about 450,000 barrels from more than 1 million before the crisis, although exports have continued to trickle out to global markets. While many fields have stopped production, others have been ordered to ramp up to cover domestic needs for refining and electricity generation, creating mixed signals.

Oil prices in London this week slipped below $70 a barrel, the lowest in more than two years, after jumping late month as Libyas eastern government announced the output shutdowns.

Libyas two legislative bodies, the Tripoli-based High State Council in the west and the House of Representatives in Benghazi to the east, earlier this month agreed to appoint a bank governor and board of directors within 30 days.

While the two sides broadly agree on the process, some negotiators want eastern-aligned Al-Kabir to keep his job, while others are demanding a replacement.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2024 Bloomberg L.P.
At an air base on the outskirts of Lipetsk in western Russia, Vladimir Putins elite fighter jocks prove their aerobatic worth at Moscows Top Gun aviator school.

Located within range of Ukraines British and American-supplied long-range missiles, the cream of the Russian air force could soon find themselves under a cross-border missile barrage if Sir Keir Starmer and Joe Biden agree to unlock restrictions on Kyiv for strikes deep into Russia.

Russia may well have already begun evacuating the fighter school, especially after storage facilities at the air base were hit by drones in August.

But giving Kyiv the green light for long-range missile strikes will no doubt affect the course of the war.

The Institute for the Study of War has identified at least 225 potential targets that Ukraine could hit immediately.

These include military airfields, training bases, logistics hubs and manufacturing sites that all play a role in supporting Russias war machine.

Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraines president, has repeatedly pleaded for the removal of restrictions on the weapons.

David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, and Antony Blinken, the US secretary of state, were in Kyiv on Wednesday to discuss the issue with Mr Zelensky.

However, experts have warned that granting Ukraine permission to use French and British Storm Shadow missiles and US ATACMS missiles would not be a silver bullet.

We should not over-egg what this will do, Matthew Savill, the military sciences director for the Royal United Services Institute, told The Telegraph. Im afraid some of this talk of turning the tide and those kinds of comments are just overblown on what Storm Shadow will achieve.

There are also doubts as to how many Storm Shadow missiles Ukraine has left in its arsenal, which have been used by Kyiv within Ukraine since last spring.

Britain no longer produced Storm Shadow weaponry in large quantities, and French production of its sister missile  Scalp-EG  was on life support, said Colby Badhwar, a security and defence analyst.

If there were genuine shortages of the missiles, Ukraine would have to pick its targets very carefully, so as not to waste the remaining resources, Mr Savill said.

The second issue is the range at which Storm Shadow and ATACMS missiles can operate.

While both are capable of hitting targets comfortably almost 200 miles away, US intelligence officials believe Russia has moved up to 90 per cent of its aircraft out of reach.

A Storm Shadow missile on display at the Farnborough International Trade Airshow - Malcolm Park / Alamy Stock Photo

However, the further Russian jets are from the front line, the fewer sorties they can fly  an indirect benefit of having Western missiles covering large areas of land.

Freeing Ukraine from restrictions on the weapons could also lead to other tactical and political benefits.

For instance, the decision would send a signal that London and Washington no longer worry about Russian retaliation. And could this finally convince Germany to offer up its Taurus cruise missiles for Kyiv to use within Ukraine?

Other weapons could also be unlocked, such as the US-manufactured JASSM missile, which could enable Ukraine to strike targets 190 miles into Russia, including about 30 airbases.

Volodymyr Zelensky, pictured signing a cruise missile last year, has urged Western allies to lift their restrictions on Kyivs use of the weapons - www.alamy.com

Kyiv has shown it can attack deep inside Russia using its own domestically produced attack drones, which have hit hundreds of sites since autumn 2022.

These indigenous unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), however, do not carry warheads capable of penetrating through hardened structures.

While Russia does sometimes leave ammunition or fighter aircraft in the open, it uses bunkers reinforced with thick layers of concrete to protect its assets  which Storm Shadows warhead could punch through.

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Mykhailo Podolyak, a Ukrainian presidential adviser, recently told The Telegraph that this very argument had been put forward by officials trying to convince Sir Keir Starmer to unlock the use of the missiles.

American-supplied ATACMS  also known as the Army Tactical Missile System  would be used in a different way.

ATACMS are ballistic missiles fitted with cluster munitions, which scatter thousands of small bomblets over a target and would be better suited to disabling runways at Russian airfields or hitting troop gatherings in the open.

Models fitted with the unitary warhead provide the ability to destroy less-protected single targets, like air defence or electronic warfare systems, also in the open.

To be truly effective, long-range missile launches would have to be combined with advances by Ukraines ground forces.

If youre not making progress on the ground, the pressure behind the lines is tolerable, Mr Savill said.

Ukraine has shown that it is capable of putting Russian forces under significant pressure in Crimea and the Black Sea area with aerial attacks, but has never been able to double down with manoeuvres on the ground.

The long-range attacks launched ahead of Kyivs failed summer counter-offensive last year also proved ineffective because Ukrainian forces could not penetrate Russias ground defences.

Cross-border strikes into Russia would only allow Ukraine to take advantage on the ground in a few select areas of the battlefield  Russias southern Kursk region and the north-eastern Ukrainian region of Kharkiv.

Protracted discussions over whether to grant Kyiv permission have also come at a cost.

Briefings in Washington and the visit to the Ukrainian capital by Mr Lammy and Mr Blinken have acted as a public sign-posting that a decision on usage of the missiles is likely.

This means the element of surprise has been removed from the equation.

Moscow has already signalled that it expects a decision to be made by the UK and US, and it did so before anything had been publicly stated by London or Washington.

The Kremlin on Wednesday said it would respond with an appropriate response if the US did allow Ukraine to strike deep inside Russia with long-range missiles.

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UPDATE 9/11 9:32 p.m.  The Rudd Creek Fire was estimated to be about 20 acres as of about 9 p.m. on Wednesday.

The U.S. Forest Service said about 55 firefighters were assigned to fight the fire, including a helicopter crew and an engine crew.

Toby Weed, the public information officer for the fire, said the fire was burning at 6,000 feet of elevation on a west-facing slope. The blaze was zero percent contained as of Wednesday night.

ORIGINAL STORY: FARMINGTON, Utah (ABC4)  Several fires are spreading along the ridgeline between Davis and Morgan Counties on Wednesday, Sept. 11., adding a significant amount of smoke to the already hazy Wasatch Front air.

Kathy Jo Pollock with the National Forest Service said there were a number of fires sparked along the ridgeline after lightning impacted the area overnight.

One fire, dubbed the Rudd Creek Fire, sparked about a mile into the brush in Farmington Canyon. Pollock told ABC4.com the fire initially started with a half-acre burn but has since spread by Wednesday afternoon to about four acres through grass and brush on steep rocky terrain.

A 20-person crew originally responded to the crew with a helicopter aiding in containment. Pollock said the helicopter had to be grounded due to strong winds creating an unsafe environment. In response, firefighters have requested an additional 20-person crew to battle the flames.

Pollock expects the Rudd Creek Fire to be fully contained by 6 p.m. on Wednesday.

An image of the Rudd Creek fire on Sept. 11, 2024. (Courtesy: Farmington resident)

An image of the Rudd Creek fire on Sept. 11, 2024. (Courtesy: Farmington resident)

An image of the Rudd Creek fire on Sept. 11, 2024. (Courtesy: Farmington resident)

In addition to the fire in Farmington Canyon, lightning also sparked a fire on the Morgan County side of the ridgeline, dubbed the Deep Creek Fire.

Ripe to Burn: New wildfire fueled by winds starts in Tooele County

Morgan County Fire Warden Dave Vickers said lightning striking a single tree sparked a ground fire that quickly spread to a quarter of an acre. This fire is roughly half a mile south of the towers on Francis Peak.

As of Wednesday morning, Vickers said a helicopter was providing air support with water drops on the flames. While its unconfirmed if the helicopter has been grounded due to wind, Vickers told ABC4.com that if the helicopter fighting the Rudd Creek Fire is grounded, it is likely the Deep Creek Fire helicopter gets grounded as well.

ABC4 is working to get updates on both wildfires and will update this article as more information becomes available.

Sroina Trauntvein and MJ Jewkes 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 ABC4 Utah.
Tuesday nights first presidential matchup between Vice President Kamala Harris and Donald Trump was a wake-up call for Americansincluding some of Trumps closest allies.

On Wednesday, South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham had just one word to describe the MAGA leaders performance: disaster, according to The Bulwark Podcasts Tim Miller.

Speaking with reporters in the spin room following the debate, the conservative legislator lamented Trumps lackluster answers, calling it a missed opportunity where Trump had a chance to lay it all out.

[Harris] said, We inherited a mess, Graham said. I was yelling and screaming, No you didntyou inherited low gas prices, a secure border, a vaccine for Covid, you inherited the biggest Mideast change of my lifetime, the Abraham accords, and now everything is to shit.

But Trumps response wasnt satisfactory, leaving Graham imagining the answer that he wished had entered Trumps mind.

What I was hoping for was: When I left we had the most secure border in 40 years, mortgage rates were below 3 percent, gas was $1.87, the Abraham accords, energy independent, you screwed it all up, Graham said. He added that he had spoken with Trump to suggest that in future debates against Harris, he should effectively prosecute what you had and where were at with regard to the state of the country before and after Trumps administration.

Other notable conservatives were feeling equally cynical about Trumps performance. Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie told ABC News that whoever had prepared Donald Trump should be fired, adding that the former president was not good tonight at all. Fox News chief political analyst Brit Hume said that there was no mistake that Trump had a bad night.

We just heard so many of the old grievances that we all know arent winners politically, Hume said.
(WHNT)  Communities and organizations around the Tennessee Valley are gathering together Wednesday to remember those who lost their lives in the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

23 years ago, 2,977 people died and thousands more were injured when al-Qaeda-affiliated terrorists hijacked four commercial airplanes.

Smile-A-Mile brings joy to children battling cancer, Huntsville bakery running fundraiser in support

Two of these planes were used as weapons to attack the World Trade Center in New York City, another flew into the Pentagon and the final plane crashed in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, after the passengers and crew attempted to retake control of the aircraft.

The attacks are the largest single loss of life resulting from a foreign attack on American soil and the greatest loss of emergency responders in a single day in American history.

Each year, Americans gather to remember those who were lost that day.

Here is a list of local services and observances:

Madison County

Madison Fire and Rescue and The Madison Police Department will hold a memorial ceremony at Toyota Field at 8:15 a.m. on Wednesday. Gates open at 8 a.m.

The Rocket City Trash Pandas will host a memorial stair climb immediately following the Madison ceremony at 8:30 p.m. The team said all are welcome to join local firefighters in climbs the equivalent of the 110 stories of the World Trade Center.

The Huntsville Police Department, Huntsville Fire and Rescue, HEMSI and Mayor Tommy Battle will host a remembrance ceremony at HPDs West Princinct/Fire Station 1. A moment of silence will be observed along with the sounding of sirens from emergency personnel at approximately 7:46 a.m. which is when the first tower was struck. All city fire stations will also hold observances. Those wishing to attend are asked to arrive no later than 7:15 a.m.

Colbert County

The Muscle Shoals Workout Anytime is holding its annual 9/11 Stair Climb Challenger until Sept. 15.

Lauderdale County

The Florence Workout Anytime is holding its annual 9/11 Stair Climb Challenger until Sept. 15.

Lincoln County Tenn.

Lincoln County will host a remembrance ceremony at 10 a.m. at the courthouse bandstand. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs. In case of rain, the event will be moved to to the municipal auditorium.

DeKalb County

The DeKalb County VFW Post 3128 will honor those lost on 9/11 with a flag lowering on Sept. 11 at 6:30 a.m. The post is located at 151 18th St NE in Fort Payne.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Laurynas Kasciunas, Minister of Defence of Lithuania, has called for a change in the algorithm of the NATOs Air Policing mission in the Baltic countries after a Russian military drone recently fell in Latvia.

Source: European Pravda with reference to the statement by Kasciunas, cited by the LRT TV channel

Details: Kasciunas stated that "the air policing must not only patrol but also, if necessary, if possible, if time permits, shorten the decision-making chain at the NATO level so that they can take off immediately and destroy the drones".

Kasciunas believes that in the event of a threat of a drone violating the NATO airspace being detected, the information about it must be quickly transferred to the NATO headquarters.

"The NATO HQ assesses the situation to see if there is sufficient evidence that it is a hostile drone and not some other lost aircraft, and then a swift decision is made to deploy air police jets. This is a certain algorithm, and it needs to be accelerated," Kasciunas explained.

Asked about Vilnius reaction in the event of an aggressors drone violating Lithuanian airspace, the defence minister said it should be a collective NATO decision.

Background:

On 9 September, the military command of Latvia officially confirmed that the drone, which had entered the Latvian airspace from Belarus and fell in its territory, turned out to be a Shahed equipped with explosives.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia summoned a temporary Charge dAffaires of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in connection with the incident.

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TOKYO (Reuters) - Sony announced the PlayStation 5 Pro, an upgraded version of its flagship console offering better graphics, will go on sale on Nov. 7 priced at $699.99.

The new device, which lacks a disc drive but includes an upgraded graphics processing unit, costs 40% more than a regular PS5 with a disc drive.

Sony has said it expects to sell 18 million PS5 consoles this financial year, down from 20.8 million in the same period a year earlier.

(Reporting by Sam Nussey; Editing by Himani Sarkar)
Lithuanian president, other leaders arrive in Kyiv ahead of Crimean Platform

Editor's note: This story is being updated.

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda, Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina, and Czech Senate President Milos Vystrcil arrived in Kyiv on Sept. 11 ahead of the Crimean Platform summit.

More leaders are expected to visit Ukraine later this day as the country is holding the fourth Crimean Platform, an international consultation and coordination format aimed at ensuring the liberation of the peninsula from Russian occupation.

"Bringing military and economic support for (Ukraine) is crucial to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity," Nauseda said.

The Baltic countries and the Czech Republic have been among Ukraine's staunchest supporters since the outbreak of the all-out war, providing the country with military aid and other support.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and U.K. Foreign Secretary David Lammy will also visit Ukraine on a joint visit on Sept. 11. The two are expected to meet President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Their arrival comes amid mounting calls for the Biden administration to lift restrictions on long-range strikes deep inside Russia to allow Ukraine to better respond to Russian attacks.

Western countries have largely allowed Ukraine to use their arms in the Kursk Oblast incursion, but the U.S. and the U.K. have maintained their restrictions on the use of long-range arms like ATACMS or Storm Shadow.

Ukraine has reportedly used these long-range missiles to hit Russian military targets in Crimea, a sovereign Ukrainian territory illegally occupied by Russia.

Read also: Trump refuses to say he wants Ukrainian victory, Harris accuses him of surrender in presidential debate

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Lithuanian president at Crimean Platform Summit: We cannot allow massive human rights violations to become "new normal"

At the Crimean Platform Summit, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda called for not getting used to Russia's systemic violations of human rights in occupied Crimea.

Source: Nauseda published a summary of his speech on X (Twitter), as reported by European Pravda

Details: The Lithuanian president noted that Russia's aggression against Ukraine had commenced over 10 years ago in Crimea.

Russia's aggression started in Crimea more than 10 years ago. This is where its reign of terror must also end.



At the 4th Summit of @crimeaplatform, I stressed that we cannot allow massive human rights violations to become a "new normal". Only  victory will restore justice! pic.twitter.com/Wo1T01m0dd  Gitanas Nauseda (@GitanasNauseda) September 11, 2024

"This is where its reign of terror must also end. At the 4th Summit of [the] Crimean Platform, I stressed that we cannot allow massive human rights violations to become a 'new normal'. Only Ukraine's victory will restore justice," said Nauseda.

Background:

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stressed that Ukraine's liberation of Crimea is a requirement of international law.

On 11 September, many foreign leaders personally arrived in Kyiv to attend the Crimean Platform Summit. In addition to the Lithuanian president, these included the Latvian prime minister, the US secretary of state and the UK foreign secretary, the Croatian prime minister, and the head of the Czech Senate.

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What It Was Like to Live Through 9/11, According to Shocked Survivor Interviews Right After the Attacks

"That silvery shiny plane, just going right into the building  I'll replay it in my mind over and over"

Robert Giroux/Getty Smoke pours from the twin towers of the World Trade Center after they were hit by two hijacked airliners in a terrorist attack September 11, 2001 in New York City.

Ken White was chatting with an office temp at his job in the north tower of the World Trade Center when American Airlines Flight 11 struck at 8:46 a.m. local time on Sept. 11, 2001  marking the start of a terror attack that killed 2,977 victims and changed the country and the world.

"All of a sudden the building shook, then it started to sway," White told PEOPLE soon after, in an issue entirely devoted to 9/11. "We didn't know what was going on. I ran towards the reception area. It was completely collapsed."

White was one of many witnesses, survivors and first responders who spoke with PEOPLE immediately after the attack to share their horror, heartbreak and heroism.

On the 23rd anniversary of 9/11, here is a look back at those memories when they were still fresh.

White, an administrative assistant at the time, worked for a financial tech company on the 80th floor of 1 World Trade Center when the hijacked plans began to hit.

"People started to panic," he told PEOPLE. "We got all our people on the floor into the stairwell, and then people began to calm down. At that time we all thought it was a fire."



Related: 9/11 Hero Bob Beckwith, Who Stood with President Bush in Iconic Ground Zero Photo, Dies at 91

Mario Tama/Getty Civilians flee as a tower of the World Trade Center collapses September 11, 2001 after two airplanes slammed into the twin towers in an alleged terrorist attack.

Janitor Kenneth Johannemann recalled how he was on the 30th floor, waiting by the elevator to go do the restrooms, and then there was a big bang, and the whole building shook.

The elevator door flew open, and a guy stumbled out, and he was badly burned up. It seemed like he was smoldering, almost, Johannemann said.



He was a delivery guy. The skin from his wrist was hanging down past his fingertips. He was screaming all sorts of things like, Bombing! Please get me out of here! I'm going to die!  Johannemann continued.

He did what he could for the man, helping bring him out of the building to nearby emergency personnel. But then the two split up in the unfolding chaos. I really hope he survived, Johannemann said at the time.

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.



Bob Borski, then a financial director at the AIG insurance organization, was standing with his boss on the 15th floor at their office six blocks from the World Trade Center when he saw United Airlines Flight 175 heading for the second tower.

"It was a swift explosion, it wasn't resounding. It was boom  like a door shutting," Borski said then. "Quick and loud. That silvery shiny plane, just going right into the building. I'll replay it in my mind over and over."

Meanwhile, Louie Cacchioli  a firefighter assigned to Engine 47 in Harlem  told PEOPLE that he was one of the first ones in the south tower when Flight 175 crashed into it.



"There were probably 500 people trapped in the stairwell," Cacchioli said. "It was mass chaos. The power went out. It was dark. Everybody was screaming. We had oxygen masks and we were giving people oxygen. Some of us made it out and some of us didn't."

He shrugged off the idea he had acted beyond any other first responder.

"I didn't do anything my brothers didn't do," he says. "I lost good people."

Pat Newmans husband, Danny, was among the other firefighters who rushed to the scene  despite the dangers. "How do they do it?" Pat said. "They love life and they are there to protect it. That's how."

Anthony Bellomo, who worked inside the north tower, said that as soon as he got outside, he heard Flight 175 hit the south tower.

"People were on the ground, they were burnt, they were gone, they had no clothes on," he added. "You didn't know where to go. All you heard was the police saying, 'Don't look up! Don't look up!' Then you're looking up and you're seeing people jumping out of the buildings."

Related: 9/11 Victims Son 'Found Inspiration' in Dads Death to Help Others: 'I Know the Loss' (Exclusive)

Firefighter Gregg Hansson recalled that after entering the north tower, "everything started to collapse."

There were still civilians in the building. We were trying to help them out, he said. But at that point everything was dark and black, and you had to find your own way out.

For a time, though, he wasnt sure he would make it back down and out of the falling tower.

I thought it was over. I thought I was going to die today. I started to say a little prayer and huddled in a corner and waited it out, Hansson said then. "Radio communications became almost nonexistent. I just heard silence. All I saw was black.



Gene Shaw/Getty Looking down Vesey Street in lower Manhattan one day after the 9/11/01 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center.

Eventually, Hansson managed to escape and tried to locate people from his engine company in the surrounding area but "it looked like a ghost town."

"I know I am very lucky," he said.

In Washington, D.C., Laura Hallock, was driving by the Pentagon when she saw American Airlines Flight 11 head "straight into the building."

"I got out," she continued. "Everyone was staring at the Pentagon. There weren't any screams. Everyone was like a zombie picking up cell phones. Deer-in-the-headlights silent."



Related: Retired Flight Attendant Walks 200 Miles to World Trade Center in Honor of Fallen 9/11 Colleagues

Less than an hour later, Tom Burnett called his wife, Deena, onboard United Airlines Flight 93 not long before the passengers fought back and forced the plane down in Pennsylvania.

"'We're all going to die, but three of us are going to do something,' " Denna recalled her husband telling her. "He signed off with I love you, Honey."



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Read the original article on People.
All of the best and worst moments of the Trump-Harris debate, as they happened

Donald Trump and Kamala Harris met Tuesday for the first  and perhaps only  debate of their closely fought presidential contest.

The June face-off between Trump and President Biden resulted in the incumbent's withdrawal from the race after his disastrous performance. Vice President Harris was nominated as his replacement.

Tuesday's debate was the first time she and former President Trump ever met face to face.

Los Angeles Times columnists Lorraine Ali, Mark Z. Barabak, Anita Chabria and Doyle McManus watched the debate live, discussing the highs and the lows.

How to watch the debate| Debate moderators| What to expect

Read more: Harris, Trump trade barbs in heated, high-stakes debate

8:23 p.m.: Ill just say it wasnt Trump versus Biden. People tend to forget, because Biden was so awful, how bad Trump was at their debate.

He was bad again Tuesday night. He lied, repeatedly. He was insulting and demeaning. Harris was forceful and pushed the former president back on his heels more than once, showing she was quite capable of holding her own against a blustering bully.

Will it result in a huge surge of support for Harris? Probably not. But she certainly didnt hurt her candidacy and, in a close contest, that has to be considered a victory.

And with that, were ending our live commentary. Thanks for tuning in and please join us again here at latimes.com for more election coverage in the days and weeks to come.

 Barabak

8:20 p.m.: I know we want to focus on the presidential candidates here, but Ive got to hand it to the moderators, David Muir and Linsey Davis of ABC News. They took on a thankless job  wrangling Trump on live television  and managed to do it better than anyone else dating back to the 2016 election. Though it was made clear that there would be no fact-checking during the debate, the moderators pushed back on more than a few mistruths throughout the 90-minute telecast. They should be recognized for doing what no one else has been able to do with the former president: maintain order and control onstage.

As for Harris and Trump? She made Trump look like old news. He relied on worn tactics, from scare-mongering about pet-stealing immigrants to lying about his record to repeatedly insulting the vice president and President Biden as the worst-ever [fill in the blank]. It was predictable and stale, and she said as much in her messaging: Hes the past, shes the future. No chance she moved the MAGA base, but theres plenty of young and first-time voters out there that have been waiting for someone to speak for them. Harris did exactly that, and rattled Trump in the process.

 Ali

7:53 p.m.: Harris came out nervous. Trump came out mean. About 20 minutes in, it was clear that Harris realized she had him. She felt confident that this guys alibi was that he was at his moms house, and even his mom wasnt backing him.

Meanwhile, Trump dissolved. He crumbled into tired lines and rambling grievances. Literally, it got weird. At one point, trying to speak about IVF, he claimed, I have been a leader on fertilization, which just sounds like an admission of some sort.

I dont think Trump supporters will have their minds changed by this performance. But I do think some undecideds will see in Harris something calm and reassuring. Meanwhile, if any on-the-fence folks found Trump compelling enough to seal the deal with this 90 minutes, I have to think they were always secretly MAGA anyway.

-Chabria

7:52 p.m.: Kamala Harris arrived at this debate with three goals. One was to look and sound commanding and presidential. The second was to tell voters that she has concrete plans for improving the economy, including housing subsidies and a child tax credit, and the third was to repeat her theme that she represents a new generation of leadership that is focused on the future, not the past. She hit all those marks  and, as a bonus from her standpoint, got under Trumps skin more than once. If judges were awarding points, I think she clearly won on points.

Trump did not seem to have a clear strategy beyond repeating his favorite lines of attack against President Biden and Harris  the worst president in our history and the worst vice president in our history, in his telling. He spun a dizzying series of myths and lies, including the current social-media hallucination about Haitian immigrants eating peoples cats and dogs in Ohio. (For the record: There are no credible reports of any pets being eaten.) He repeated his doom-laden diagnosis of the countrys condition  were a nation in decline  but unlike Harris, he offered no concrete plans for solving those problems. An angry, unfocused performance that offered no new information for undecided voters. Not a good night for Trump.

 McManus

7:50 p.m.: OK, folks. Thats a wrap. Final thoughts?

Barabak

7:48 p.m.: In that parting shot, the sweat accumulation on Trumps upper lip spoke louder than anything in his closing statement. She got to him.

Ali

7:42 p.m.: Were already at closing statements? This debate flew by, as opposed to the last time around. Pretty sure the Biden-Trump debate lasted for 10 hours. Im still recovering.

Ali

7:40 p.m.: I think you are right, Doyle. Definitely the moderators let Trump go on more than once  and also cut Harris off when she tried for a rebuttal. It will be interesting to see that time clock.

Chabria

7:37 p.m.: Im looking forward to seeing the timekeepers accounting of who spoke longest. Three or four times, by my count, the moderators have failed to stop Trump from speaking out of turn, and hes used those extra minutes to fire off barrages of his long-standing charges against Harris and the Biden administration. Harris asked to respond several times, but the moderators said it was time to move on.

McManus

7:36 p.m.: Harris looked amused as Trump struggled to answer Muirs question about race and politics. Mr. President, you recently said of Harris, I didnt know she was Black until number of years ago when she happened to turn Black.' Why do you believe its appropriate to weigh in on the racial identity of your opponent?

I dont care what she is, said Trump. Whatever she wants to be is OK with me. In his answer, he was doubling down on the suggestion that shes flip-flopping about her identity. Again, hes hung up on the idea that someone could be more than one race or ethnicity. Sigh.

But Harris used the moment to highlight how her opponent has consistently attempted to use race to divide the American people, from an investigation into a building he owned where he refused to rent property to Black families," to him calling for the execution of five wrongly accused young Black and Latino boys known as the Central Park Five.

Hes the same individual who spread birther lies about the first Black president of the United States, said Harris. People want better than this.

Ali

7:36 p.m.: Twofer! Chinese-funded auto plants being built in Mexico, stealing U.S. manufacturing jobs at a torrential pace, Trump (falsely) claims.

Barabak

7:24 p.m.: I read where she is not Black, Trump says of his Black opponent. I read that she was Black. Either one was OK with me. Thats up to her.

Incredibly magnanimous.

Barabak

7:24 p.m.: We see in each other a friend. We see in each other a neighbor, Harris says of traveling the country, and the commonalities she finds.

She just brought up Trumps continued statements that the now-exonerated Central Park Five  wrongly accused of rape as teenagers  are guilty. Shes giving her message of unity.

In response, Trump gives a weird answer insinuating the five, who are known to be innocent, are somehow not. This is a real moment. She is talking about America, and our future. He is talking about grievances.

Chabria

7:18 p.m.: Fact-checkers will get to work on this unusual claim from Harris: For the first time in this century, she says, not one U.S. soldier is on active duty in a combat zone. Thats true in the sense of major wars, but U.S. soldiers are on the ground in Iraq and Syria, and U.S. sailors are protecting ships from missile attacks by Yemens Houthis in the Red Sea  so plenty of U.S. personnel are still in harms way out there.

McManus

7:17 p.m.: Lot of Trump magical thinking. Russia never would have invaded Ukraine if he was president. Hamas never would have attacked Israel. If elected, hell wield his wand even before assuming office and instantly end both conflicts.

And pigs will fly.

Barabak

7:14 p.m.: Lorraine, it is shocking that Trump will not support Ukraine, and you are right he is rattled. Trump says, Quiet please, to Harris after she destroyed him on why Ukraines independence matters for the safety of all of Europe. Not demure. Not respectful. Not good for democracy.

She is deep under his skin. And despite Trumps clown-town claims, Harris appeal about the importance of NATO to worldwide democracy was clear and powerful.

Chabria

7:10 p.m.: Trump comes back in hot. When Muir asks him, Do you want Ukraine to win this war? Trump appears to be responding to an earlier comment from Harris. She hit the target when she said that world leaders disrespect him because now hes insisting that Putin likes and/or respects him. Harris stayed on it, saying Putin is a dictator who would eat him for lunch, and that Trump adores strongmen instead of caring about democracy. Shes really rattled him.

Ali

7:04 p.m.: We are at our first commercial break and, Mark, I think you are right. Trump seems outgunned by Harris directness. That last bit before the break, he almost seemed flat  like hes repeating old lines as a defense, rather than an offense.

Chabria

7:02 p.m.: You are a disgrace, Harris says to Trump. Not holding back one iota. Cant remember the last time anyone spoke that way to his face. He probably cant either.

Barabak

7:02 p.m.: On the Gaza conflict: She hates Israel and the Arab population, says Trump of Harris. So he cares about the Arab population all a sudden? This coming from the architect of the Muslim ban.

Ali

6:57 p.m.: On the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, Harris repeats her carefully balanced position: She will always help Israel defend itself, but how it fights the war is important  and far too many innocent Palestinians have been killed. But she has no new approach to bringing about a ceasefire, merely continuing the efforts the Biden administration has been working on for months.

Trumps response is even less concrete. He claims, as he often does, that the war would never have started if he had been president  and that he would end it quickly, without a word on how he would do that. She hates Israel, he throws in for good measure.

McManus

6:55 p.m.: OK, we have our answer to the question of which Donald Trump would show up tonight.

It sure as heck isnt the "dial it down to appeal to independents" Trump.

Its the crazy "I didnt really lose the election" / "Jan. 6 rioters are heroes" / "Lets trample the Constitution" / "Lets coddle foreign dictators" Trump.

Hard to see how thatll broaden his appeal.

Barabak

6:54 p.m.: Donald Trump was fired by 81 million people, says Harris of Trump. So lets be clear about that and, clearly, hes having a very difficult time processing that. Its an amazing moment, that she tops that by saying world leaders are laughing at Donald Trump. They say youre a disgrace.

Shes really taking him to task for his mistruths, and getting under his skin. His counter: Viktor Orban likes me and Biden secretly hates her.

Ali

6:53 p.m.: ABC News moderators David Muir and Linsey Davis are somewhat fact-checking, or at least challenging, Trumps Big Lie. Perhaps they are responding to the rising chorus of complaints about the media sane-washing Trumps increasingly bizarre and dangerous rhetoric. Trump is yelling in the mic at this point, and mentioning his friends at Fox News  Sean Hannity, Laura Ingraham. They would certainly be nicer to him, especially when whitewashing the Jan. 6 insurrection.

Ali

6:53 p.m.: Y'all, Harris has to be cheering in her head. Trump has lost it. Hes full J6, election-fraud ranting. Now Harris says, Donald Trump was fired by 81 million people.

That comment forces him into his Joker smile, Im not weird, youre weird, face. And OMG, he responds by saying Viktor Orban, the Hungarian strongman, likes him. When you are highlighting the praise of a dictator to win a democratic election, you have run out of moves.

Chabria

6:46 p.m.: And Harris uses the back-and-forth on Jan. 6  in which Trump refused twice to say he regretted anything about that days events  to segue to her campaigns main theme: Were not going back. Lets turn the page.

McManus

6:46 p.m.: Trump denies any culpability whatsoever for Jan. 6. Suggests the only victim was a rioter who was shot trying to break into the House chamber. Not a word about the cop who was killed, or the scores of law enforcement officers who were injured. Shameful.

I had nothing to do with that other than make a speech, he said of the attempted insurrection. Re-ups lie about House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the mayor of Washington, D.C., refusing to allow the National Guard to move in ahead of time to prevent violence.

Barabak

6:44 p.m.: Nobody on the other side was killed, Trump says of the insurrection. The other side? The side of democracy?

Then he doubles down and says it is a disgrace that Capitol Police officers shot Ashli Babbitt for attempting to break into Capitol chambers. OK, law-and-order guy, this is a huge slap in the face to the men and women who defended the Capitol with their lives.

Then Trump goes after Nancy Pelosi. Nancy Pelosi!

Harris rebuttal just sounds calm and reasonable.

Chabria

6:40 p.m.: Harris noted that Trump claimed he would terminate the Constitution of the United States and weaponize the DOJ against his enemies should he win the White House again. It caused Trump to jump in when it was no longer his turn to speak.

They [say] that Im a threat to democracy. Theyre a threat to democracy! he complained. Hes turning red, and going off program. And hes starting to talk over the moderators. In contrast, she looks cool and collected. The visual alone is striking. Shes rattling him.

Ali

6:39 p.m.: Its up to the American people to stop him, Harris says of her opponent. Lets step back for a minute for the big picture. Harris has hit her stride and sounds calm and in control. Trump just belted out a Russia, Russia, Russia. The lady is not pulling a Biden. Trump is pulling a Trump.

Chabria

6:37 p.m.: After being relatively sedate to start, Trump is getting wound up as we progress. The pet-eating immigrant thing. Millions of criminals overrunning our borders and cities. Crime rate through the roof. (Not true.) Creates a new category: migrant crime.

Harris hits back, noting Trumps criminal cases and civil liability for sexual assault. One of her strongest moments of the debate.

Barabak

6:35 p.m.: Harris chuckled at Trumps mention of migrants eating pets. Hes starting to bristle, grimace, raise his voice. Shes getting under his skin.

Ali

6:33 p.m.: Harris asked that question about rally crowds to get under Trumps skin  and it worked. After his rant about migrants eating dogs and cats, a spurious report that ABCs Muir knocked down, she laughed (the first Kamala Harris laugh of the evening) and noted the prominent Republicans who have endorsed her, including former Vice President Dick Cheney.

If you want the inside track on who Donald Trump is, just ask the people who worked with him, she said.

McManus

6:32 p.m.: Harris seems to get under Trumps skin with a crack about his rallies and claims people are leaving out of boredom. He claims no one goes to her rallies and then asserts that folks are being bused in to build phony crowds.

Then he goes off on a crazy immigrants-are-eating-pets rant.

Barabak

6:32 p.m.: Theyre (the immigrants!) are eating dogs, says Trump. Make America great again, save Spot. Seriously, I cant believe this is a debate issue, but here we are.

Ali

6:31 p.m.: Boom! She just called his rallies boring, noted the small crowd size! Ouch.

Ali

6:30 p.m.: Nowhere in America is a woman carrying a pregnancy to term and asking for abortion. Its insulting, said Harris in response to Trumps lies on the subject. But more than that, shes appealing to the emotions of voters, talking about harrowing decisions women face when abortion is banned in their state.

Ali

6:29 p.m.: Oh, Harris made Trump big mad by saying people leave his rallies early.

Ali

People dont leave my rallies, he claims. Theyre the biggest in the history of politics, he wails.

Chabria

6:27 p.m.: Mark, I love it! He didnt even hesitate to push JD under the wheels!

Chabria

6:25 p.m.: And there goes JD Vance under the bus! He says Trump would veto a national abortion ban. Trump says he hasnt discussed the matter with his running mate and, trying to duck the issue, says the veto question is a nonstarter because it will never come to that.

Barabak

6:21 p.m.: Trump trots out a familiar canard about abortions, saying Democrats support execution of newborns. Falsely claims that Harris running mate, Tim Walz, is OK with that. Pats himself on the back for the overturning of Roe vs. Wade.

Abortion is one of Harris strongest issues. Polls show a substantial majority of Americans agree with her pro-choice stance. Shes really leaning into it and speaking with great passion.

Barabak

6:19 p.m.: Moderator Linsey Davis comes the closest to fact-checking in this debate when she said, There is no state in this country where it is legal to kill a baby after its born. She was responding to Trumps claims that Democratic VP candidate Tim Walz said abortion at the ninth month of pregnancy is fine, and execution of the baby after is fine.

Ali

Read more: Meet the Harris-Trump debate moderators: ABC News' David Muir and Linsey Davis

6:19 p.m.: Trump skedaddles away from Project 2025, the revanchist right-wing playbook for a second Trump administration. Its not very credible, because hes surrounded by Project 2025 authors and acolytes.

Barabak

6:18 p.m.: And Harris throws her first hard punch in return: Youre going to hear a bunch of lies, and thats no surprise.

McManus

6:17 p.m.: Trump uses the example, Run, Spot, Run when trying to show how simplistic the Biden-Harris plan is around the economy. Hes clearly priming audiences for a follow-up comment on Haitians eating peoples pets. Watch out, Spot.

Ali

6:16 p.m.: Tariffs! Trump recycles one of his all-time favorite whoppers: He says Americans are not going to have higher prices under his plan to slap tariffs of 20% or more on goods from China. Thats not what happened in 2017, when he did it the first time. The prices of washing machines and dryers from China went up by almost $100 per machine  and American manufacturers quickly matched those price increases.

McManus

6:16 p.m.: And abortion is up, with the question going to Trump. He goes with the dumb-as-crumbs lie that we can execute babies after birth. No, murdering babies is not on the ballot. Makes for good drama, but it is bizarrely false. Does anyone believe this?

Through the genius and heart and strength of conservative Supreme Court justices we were able to overthrow Roe vs. Wade, Trump says. I am not seeing that as a winner.

Harris comeback on abortion is vicious, righteous and strong. Seriously, she ate him up on this. Trump looks sad. Sad!

But, he says, I have been a leader on fertilization. Um, OK?

Chabria

6:15 p.m.: Fact-checker heads must be exploding. Trump misrepresents the effect massive tariffs would have on American consumers (if you think inflation was bad before). The rate of inflation under President Biden. The rate of undocumented immigration. His ties to Project 2025. His policies toward China.

Barabak

6:13 p.m.: Y'all, I am no fashion expert, but that looks like a  pussy bow shes rocking. You may recall that fashion item has appeared before.

Chabria

6:13 p.m.: She also did the pussy bow thing when she accepted the nomination at the Democratic convention, Anita.

That was a fashion favorite of the late California Sen. Dianne Feinstein, a fellow San Franciscan who served alongside Harris.

Barabak

6:11 p.m.: Harris off-camera reaction is interesting. Trump pretty much stares straight ahead as shes speaking. Harris is shaking her head, smiling (or smirking, if you prefer) as Trump delivers his (characteristically hyperbolic) opening statement.

Barabak

6:10 p.m.: I feel like Harris sounded a bit nervous at the start, but now has found her stride. Donald Trump has no interest in you, she said. Shes on message, and sounding more confident. And that prosecutors smile, like the cat that sees the corner shes herding the mouse into.

Chabria

6:08 p.m.: Same old tired playbook! We have our first bingo card winner, followed shortly by, Marxist. Waiting for "lunatic." How did we not include "Project 2025"?

Trump is denying involvement now with that ultraconservative policy platform, which may be his first hugely big lie. Its quickly followed by his greatest economy line.

Chabria

6:08 p.m.: Moderator David Muir makes the first mistake when throwing the opening economy question to Harris  he says she served with President Trump. Oh dear. Apparently no one is fact-checking the moderators, either.

Ali

6:07 p.m.: Harris starts off pretty strong by ducking the question of whether Americans are better off than they were four years ago  and pivoting immediately to say she is from a middle-class family and has a plan for the middle class to cut housing costs and help with the cost of raising children. And she attacks Trump for his tariff plan  the Trump tax, she calls it.

McManus

6:04 p.m.: And were off! We open with the candidates walking out and taking their place behind their lecterns. A brief, perfunctory handshake. Trump and Harris really dislike each other. Its visceral. At least they managed that cordiality.

Barabak

5:59 p.m.: And we are almost ready to go. Mark, you are spot on that most of us are looking for the fireworks and flare-ups, not the hard facts (which may be really good for truth-challenged Trump).

Will they shake hands? Scowl or smile? What will the first questions be? The tension is building.

We are hearing that the on-site spinners (including RFK Jr.) are already hard at work trying to set the narrative. But the first few minutes are likely to do that for themselves.

Chabria

5:50 p.m.: While Im as interested as the next guy, and gal, in the candidates issue positions, I really do think what matters most is their performance onstage and how they personally interact.

Most viewers (and voters) reacted to Trump stalking Hillary Clinton and Al Gores sighing and eye rolling much more than any of their specific positions on policy matters.

Thats one reason debate coaches review these face-offs with the sound mutedbecause what is said is often less important than how a candidate behaves.

Barabak

5:40 p.m.: Im sure Ill regret saying this by the end of the evening, but Im looking forward to tonights debate. This is the first meeting between Harris and Trump, ever, and the most consequential debate of our lifetime  at least since the last do-or-die debate in 2020. Or was it 2016?

But Tuesdays showdown is truly a first in an election season full of them, from President Biden stepping out of the race to Harris historic candidacy. The only same-old, same-old on stage in Philly will be the former president, and thats a difficult position for a guy whose prowess has been shocking folks with his unprecedented behavior. Can Trump, at 78, still suck up all the energy in the room while controlling his bully impulses, and deliver semi-cogent responses that dont involve Hannibal Lecter?

Read more: Column: How Trump uses the 'Gish Gallop' to flood debates with lies and nonsense

Harris, 59, is a relatively fresh face to many Americans. How will her straightforward approach as a former prosecutor shape this debate? Will the vice president manage to get under her rivals skin long enough to knock him off balance? Can she push her own messaging and policy ideas to the fore when her sparring partner is renowned for quashing substantive discourse in a barrage of insults, lies and red herrings? Unlike Biden in the last round, Harris may not prove so easily distracted.

Itd be great if the forum allowed for substantive answers on child care, reproductive rights, the economy and more, but Im not betting on it. Itll hinge on fireworks, zingers, knockdowns and callouts. Harris has everything to prove. Trump just has to maintain.

Lorraine Ali

5:30 p.m.: Donald Trump has dominated American politics and our political discourse for the better part of a decade. Theres no reason why tonight should be any different.

The big question for me, to echo Doyle, is: Which Donald Trump shows up onstage in Philadelphia? Will it be the uninhibited, unleashed, unexpurgated Trump, leveling attacks and throwing out wild accusations faster than its possible for most people to process (or Harris can manage to fully rebut)?

Or will it be a tamer Trump  were grading on a curve here  who may not be a model of sober statesmanship, but isnt totally unhinged?

Harris must be ready for either one, and the way the vice president responds could go a long way toward determining her chances of winning the White House.

Mark Z. Barabak

5:20 p.m.: Both candidates spent much of Monday setting up talking points for the debate. Harris took a more standard route, announcing policy positions on issues including Social Security, housing and child care. Ill be watching for her to lay out those plans for a broad audience  and introduce her idea about ending sub-minimum wages for service workers, which steals thunder from Trumps no-tax-on-tips proposal. Although the sub-minimum wage is banned in California, its prevalent in the South and other states, where some workers can earn as little as $2.13 an hour , with the rest supposedly made up by tips.

Read more: Debate night is here: What to expect when you've learned to expect the worst

But the real crazy Ill be watching for comes courtesy of the Trump team. Right-wing media was ablaze Monday with accusations that undocumented Haitian immigrants have taken over Springfield, Ohio, and, wait for it, are stealing and eating peoples pets. Though this has been debunked, I guarantee Trump will bring it up as a terror-inducing example of the decline of America due to immigration. Watch out, Fluffy!

I will also be watching for Trump to continue to lay the groundwork to challenge election results. In recent days, he has frequently been posting on social media about unfounded claims that undocumented people are voting. This performance should alarm us all  that he is already working to undermine a free and fair election just in case he loses.

 Anita Chabria

5:10 p.m.: Tuesday's 90-minute debate will be the most important job interview of Kamala Harris' life.

Polls show a close race, but many voters say they have not chosen whom to vote for (or whether to vote at all) because they don't know enough about the vice president.

So Harris' most important mission is to define herself in the eyes of those voters: Is she commanding enough to look presidential? Does she have credible answers to voters' top concerns, including high prices and border security? And can she parry Trump's relentless charges that she is a radical leftist?

Read more: Column: How to get real answers from Trump and Harris? Ask these debate questions

Trump's mission is to do the opposite: to "disqualify" Harris, as campaign strategists put it. He'll undoubtedly do his best to cast her as an underqualified candidate who, if elected, would continue all the aspects of Biden's presidency that voters haven't liked.

Which Harris shows up? The prosecutor on the attack, or the optimist promising "a new way forward"? The progressive Harris who ran for president in 2019, or the increasingly moderate, center-left Harris who has softened many of her earlier positions?

Which Trump will show up? Will it be the uncaged Trump of his mass rallies, promising to deport millions of undocumented immigrants in a process he promises will be "bloody," and charging that Harris and the Democrats are "communists and fascists"? Or will he temper his message to try to win back some of the independent and moderate voters who have drifted away from him since 2016?

 Doyle McManus

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump faced off in their first, and potentially only, presidential debate on Tuesday.

The highly anticipated showdown was Trumps seventh general election debate since 2016 and Harris first since she replaced President Joe Biden as the Democratic Party nominee.

Here are a few things that were talked about:

Economy

The debate first began with discussions of the economy.

Kamala Harris spoke on her desire for an opportunity economy to help grow the middle class. She proposed a $6,000 child tax cut to help assist young families get started and buy supplies for their children.

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Donald Trump meanwhile proposed tariffs on foreign goods before turning the conversation on migrants, which prompted ABCs David Muir to bring the conversation back to more of an economic discussion.

While Harris called this a national sales tax that would cost American consumers more by raising the price of goods, Trump denied that it would affect Americans and pointed out that the Biden Administration kept his previous tariffs.

Harris rebuttal to that statement did not focus on the Biden Administration keeping the tariffs but instead blamed Trump for creating a trade deficit. Trump responded by calling her a Marxist and saying she is also somehow copying Trumps philosophy.

Abortion rights

After discussing the economy, the debate then turned to womens rights, referencing Donald Trumps statements criticizing Floridas six-week abortion ban but also saying he wouldnt vote for Amendment 4, which would expand abortion rights once more.

Trump refuses to say he would veto a national abortion ban

Trump said he was voting against Amendment 4 due to his claims that abortions rights activists wanted abortions in the final month of pregnancy and infanticides. As soon as Trump finished his claims, ABCs Linsey Davis immediately said that there was no state in which it was legal to kill a child after birth.

Harris rebuttal began by calling Trump a liar and saying that he would sign a national abortion ban if he were re-elected, saying this was detailed in Project 2025, the conservative playbook for leadership created by the Heritage Foundation.

Trump, Harris spar over Project 2025 at start of debate

Trump once again denied he was connected to Project 2025.

Harris promised to support the restoration of Roe v. Wades protections and also voiced support for peoples right to access in-vitro fertilization.

The Border Crisis

When asked about the border crisis and surge of fentanyl trafficking into the United Stated, Kamala Harris referenced the fact that she did propose a bill to help the border, but it was killed by Republicans. Harris said Trump had his allies kill the bill to help him out politically.

Trump doubled down his deportation plan on the migrant crisis but repeated the false claims that Haitian immigrants were eating pets in Springfield, Ohio, even though officials, including the city manager, said there was no evidence of this happening.

Police: No local reports of pets being eaten in Springfield, Ohio, despite online claims

Talk about extreme, Harris said in response.

Israel-Hamas War

Another topic of discussion was the United States involvement in Israel and the violence in Gaza.

Harris reiterated that Israel did have the right to defend itself from Hamas after the Oct. 7 attacks but called for a ceasefire and a two-state solution to provide Palestinians security to end the violence.

Trumps responded by discussing Ukraine saying the Russian invasion would never have happened if possible. He also claimed that Harris hates Israel and Arabs, claiming the whole place would be blown up, if she became president.

He said he would settle both wars but did not say how he would do it.

Harris rebutted by saying that Trump was weak and wrong on international policy and that she supported Israel. She also claimed dictators can easily manipulate Trump through flattery and favors.

What comes next?

Harris and Trump have yet to agree on a date for a second presidential debate.

Vice presidential candidates Tim Walz and J.D. Vance are preparing to face off in their own debate next month. The candidates lean on their working class routes to appeal to voters and, in recent weeks, have traded jabs over everything from military service to ordering doughnuts.

Harris campaign promptly calls for another debate against Trump

The VP candidates accepted an invitation to appear in a CBS debate on Oct. 1.

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.
MORGAN COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT)  The jury will continue deliberating Frederic Rogers sentence Wednesday, the man convicted for his role in killing seven people.

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.

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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.

To begin the day Tuesday, the state and defense both rested and gave their closing statements during the penalty phase.

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 is set to return to court Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. to continue deliberations.

News 19s Investigative Reporter Dallas Parker is in the courtroom again today to provide live updates.

At 10:35 a.m., the judge said Rogers was sentenced to life in prison without parole. Because of this, Rogers will be sentenced today.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com.
BAY COUNTY, FL. (WMBB)  September is ATRIAL Fibrillation Awareness month and doctors are encouraging all Americans to learn more about the disease.

Theres a good chance we all know someone who has it.

Almost every one of us eventually may develop A-FIB, and A-FIB can cause a lot of consequences, such as stroke and heart failure over time. Its very important to be aware of potential A-FIB development and get treated or diagnosed and treated appropriately, Cardiac Electrophysiologist, Dr. Nghia Hoang said.

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The most common symptoms of A-FIB include heart palpitations, a racing or skipping sensation in your heart, and shortness of breath.

Sometimes people with A-FIB often dont even know they have the disease and instead chalk it up to getting older.

I had noticed that I was tired more and that I did get short of breath, I kind of thought, well, you know, Im getting older. Maybe its just whats happening with my body. You know, as Im getting older, patient Paula Boyd said.

Due to this common notion, experts cant emphasize enough how crucial it is to get tested regularly. If you let symptoms develop and worsen you could potentially be creating irreversible damage to your heart.

If you wait too long, you can develop a stroke, you can develop heart failure, or the A-FIB can destroy the upper chamber where the A-FIB comes from and we cannot do anything. Now, you are in permanent A-FIB, Boyd said.

And for those living with A-FIB, the answer to the question of whether or not to get tested is obvious.

Fire hydrant explosion on Highway 77 in Panama City

Life is too short. You need to be able to live it and enjoy it, Boyd said.

Most smartwatches have an electrocardiogram, or EKG, a feature allowing you to check your heartbeat and help medical professionals identify if you have A-FIB.

If you or a loved one are experiencing A-FIB symptoms, contact your family doctor immediately.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com.
Local fire departments help to put out large fire

DEERFIELD TOWNSHIP, Ohio (WKBN)  Fire departments from Mahoning County responded to a fire Wednesday that led to thick, black smoke throughout the area.

The fire destroyed a home on Pearl Drive. According to the Deerfield Fire Department, the home is a total loss.

Firefighters were called out to the fire at 11:38 a.m. Wednesday.

Several Mahoning and Portage County fire departments were on the scene, as well as departments from Stark County.

A dog is still missing, but no one was hurt in the fire.

A viewer sent WKBN a video showing smoking in the area.

WKBN is working to get more information. Check back here for updates on this developing story.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
The US Supreme Court in Washington, DC, on June 26, 2024. The Court on June 26 rejected a Republican-led bid to curb government contact with social media companies to moderate their content, a ruling that could bolster official efforts to fight misinformation in a key election year. Credit - Jim WatsonAFP/ Getty Images

State governments, it is sometimes said, are the laboratories of democracy. If so, the rest of the world should make use of the new discoveries that are occurring there in the fight against election disinformation.

2024 is a pivotal year for democracies around the globe with more than half the worlds population going to the polls. However, the unprecedented threat of election-related disinformation looms large, particularly in the United States.

Authoritarian countries like Russia, China, and Iran are leading disinformation campaigns, enhanced by artificial intelligence, to push narratives that undermine democratic governance, exacerbate political divisions, and support strongman and populist leaders. It is also increasingly apparent that foreign actors are poised to ramp up influence operations as Americans head to the polls. While its not the only threat in the disinformation landscape, they are certainly ones to be taken seriously, especially as the U.S. prepares for a polarized and divisive presidential election.

With Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump locked in a competitive race for the White House, the contest to determine who will secure the presidency is likely be decided by a thin margin of voters in a handful of states. And any widespread disinformation campaign targeting battleground states has the potential to tip the scales or delegitimize election results. Down-ballot races are also at risk.

Read more: AI Isnt Our Election Safety Problem, Disinformation Is

This comes at a time when the U.S. has also been experiencing a steady decline in local news sources since 2005. Instead, social media has become a crucial aspect of news consumption, and one that amplifies misinformation, leading to increased division, polarization on partisan grounds, and a loss of confidence in our institutions.

The terrain is becoming more treacherous as technology rapidly advances. From AI-generated robocalls that impersonated President Biden to discourage votes in New Hampshire to a manipulated campaign ad shared by Elon Musk on X which used AI to mimic Vice-President Harris.

So, what should we do to protect ourselves from falling victim to disinformation?

The most robust solutions may lie in the hands of states and local governments.

Traditionally, federal agencies take the lead, given their national security mandates, on countering foreign disinformation threats. However, states should not cede the battle on disinformation to federal agencies, but instead take a central role creating a great opportunity to inoculate individuals from falling victim to mistruths and conspiracy theories set loose online.

States and municipalities can complement and bolster national efforts to combat the spread of disinformation through the following measures:

Invest in local media

A number of state governments are taking measures to support local news outlets. Local news is essential to combatting disinformation because in the absence of community centered journalism, many seek information from social media, which has become a well-known vector for the spread of false claims and conspiracy theories. States such as New York have used tax incentives while others, like California, New Mexico, and Washington have established publicly funded fellowship programs for young and aspiring journalists. Illinois is one of the first states in the nation to mandate state agency spend on local news advertisement. While these are a great start, local news outlets are woefully underprepared for an information ecosystem where disinformation can so easily stifle and muddle the truth.

States should prioritize resources for local news organizations so that they can build the capacity to pre-bunk and de-bunk information that floods the online environment, especially when it comes to elections. Debunking claims takes a significant amount of time and resources, one even nationally syndicated news outlets have difficulty in keeping up with.

States can compensate for the stagnating momentum in the global fact-checking ecosystem. By building the capacity for de-bunking at the local level, this can begin to build a network of professionalized journalists dedicated to inundating their communities from being overwhelmed with fake news.

News literacy

Several states have implemented media literacy programs at the middle and high school levels. California, Delaware, and New Jersey have recently passed laws requiring K-12 students to learn media literacy skills such as recognizing fake news and thinking critically about information they encounter online.

These steps can help prepare younger generations for a media environment where disinformation is constant. However, the same resources need to be made available to adults too, particularly those susceptible to fake news. As technology advances, even those with higher media literacy may even have difficulty distinguishing fact from fiction.

Election security response units

States should develop rapid response election security units within the state executive branch, that work with counties, in coordination with federal authorities, to monitor and detect state-sponsored disinformation campaigns leading up to the election, particularly those which violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. This strategy should include the creation of units that counter misinformation campaigns with facts. States could rely on the example set by New York City during the COVID-19 pandemic, for instance. The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene established a dedicated Misinformation Response Unit to focus on monitoring misinformation, rapidly responding by disseminating accurate information related to vaccine safety.

With the accelerated spread of disinformation supercharged by sophisticated artificial intelligence tools, the federal government is simply far too ill-equipped to tackle this challenge alone. Politics aside, it should be in every leaders interest at the state and local level to ensure that our democratic process is decided by an informed electoratefree from the influence of foreign powers who wish us harm or to sow chaos and division. Nationwide efforts adopted by states can reduce the spread of misinformation and strengthen our democracy for the better

States have an opportunity to experiment with solutions. We should encourage them to use it.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
A diversity champion and a local Christmas heroine were among the winners at an award ceremony celebrating local heroes.

The BBC Radio Oxford Make a Difference Awards had eight categories and recognised those who love to make life better for others.

To date, more than 10 million people have got involved in Make a Difference across BBC radio stations.

Winners for Oxford were chosen by a panel of judges and were crowned at a special event at 18:00 BST at the Kassam Stadium on Tuesday.

'I want to make a difference to the children'

Mikayla Beames received the award for fundraising [BBC]

Mikayla Beames, from Childrey, has lived with brain cancer since she was four - she won the fundraiser award.

Inspired by her own personal challenges she set up the charity Team Mikayla which grants wishes for other children fighting cancer across four hospitals in the UK.

The organisation has raised more than 300,000 since 2014 and granted more than 300 wishes.

"I want to make a difference to the children and just create a little smile," Ms Beames said.

Community champion

Mr Gunaydin said his children motivated him to do his community work [BBC]

Mahmut Gunaydin, from Oxford, has championed equality, diversity and inclusion at schools and communities across the city.

He won the community award for his work volunteering with the Dialogue Society which aims to advance social cohesion.

He has organised community events that help to fundraise for various causes and celebrate the commonalities and differences among different faiths and cultures.

His Life of Chickpea project saw him visit school children to educate them on diversity and British values of democracy, individual liberty and mutual respect.

Mr Gunaydin said his children motivated him to do his community work.

He said: "I believe that if my children can meet with faith and community leaders from an early age then it will help them to better understand others."

Didcot's Heroine

Anna Gatrell has been providing Christmas dinners for people in need for 18 years [BBC]

Anna Gatrell has been providing Christmas dinners for vulnerable and lonely people in Oxfordshire for 18 years.

She provides hampers for those people who are unable to leave their homes during the festive period.

"I just felt that no-one should be on their own on Christmas Day," she said.

The heroine, from Didcot, fundraises every year so she can keep the Christmas Day meals going and now she has won a volunteer award in recognition of her selfless work.

She said that she was "surprised" to get the nod for the Make a Difference award but added she did what she did to help people and not for awards.

"All the reward I need is to see people so happy on Christmas Day," she said.

A caring husband

Richard Wicks attended the award ceremony alongside his daughter Tilly [BBC]

Richard Wicks, from Shillingford, won the carer award for caring for his wife for more than 20 years.

Mrs Wicks was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2004 and is now receiving palliative care and requires 24-hour support from her husband.

Mr Wicks' daughter Tilly put him forward for the award.

She said he had sacrificed his hobbies and his own time to always "put my mother's interests at the centre of his actions".

Mr Wicks, a former RAF engineer, said he was "taken completely by surprise" just to be nominated for the award.

Make a Difference award winners 2024

Volunteer - Anna Gatrell

Community - Mahmut Gunaydin

Fundraiser - Mikayla Beames

Carer - Richard Wicks

Great Neighbour - Susan Holden

Bravery - Samantha Cowley

Green - Bicester Green Gym

Animal - HEROS

You can follow BBC Oxfordshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.

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DETROIT (AP)  Jeep and Ram maker Stellantis will spend $406 million retooling three Michigan factories so they can build electric vehicles or battery parts to support a strategy of making vehicles powered by both gasoline and batteries.

With its investment announcement Wednesday, the company is taking a step toward meeting some commitments that it agreed to in a new contract ratified last fall by the United Auto Workers union after a bitter six-week strike. It's aimed at countering union arguments that Stellantis won't keep commitments and doesn't want to invest in U.S. factories.

An assembly plant in Sterling Heights, Michigan, north of Detroit, will get the bulk of the investment, $235.5 million, so it can make the battery-powered Ram 1500 pickup truck that will go into production later this year.

The plant, which has been singled out by CEO Carlos Tavares for criticism due to quality problems, also will make a full-size electric pickup with a range-extending gas-powered generator.

In the union contract, which runs through April of 2028, the company agreed to invest $1.4 billion at the Sterling Heights plant.

Stellantis also said it will sink about $97.6 million into the Warren Truck Plant, also north of Detroit, so it can build electric versions of the Jeep Wagoneer large SUV, one of four Jeep EVs scheduled to be produced globally by the end of next year.

The company promised in the union contract that Warren Truck would get roughly $600 million of investment.

An engine factory in Dundee, Michigan, southwest of Detroit, will get over $73 million so it can assemble, weld and test battery trays for future EVs, as well as make front and rear beams for large vehicles. Battery tray production will start this year, and the beams in 2026, Stellantis said in a statement.

The Dundee factory is supposed to get $770 million, according to the contract.

Union President Shawn Fain has threatened to strike the company over delays in its commitment in the contract to reopen the shuttered assembly plant in Belvidere, Illinois, in 2027, and open a new battery plant there in 2028. At stake are more than 2,700 jobs.

But the company, which has reported poor sales and earnings this year, has delayed the reopening given what it calls unfavorable market conditions. Stellantis says it will eventually meet its commitment to reopen the plant.

Yet no date has been given for the company to restart the factory or to open a new battery plant and a new parts warehouse, both which were also promised in the contract agreement that ended the UAWs strike against Stellantis last year. At stake are more than 2,700 jobs.

Story continues

A union spokesman declined comment Wednesday on the company's announcement.

In the company statement, Tavares thanks workers at Sterling Heights for gearing up to build the electric Ram in record time. "With these investments supporting both Jeep and Ram, were adding innovations to our Michigan manufacturing footprint to support a multi-energy approach that is laser-focused on customer demand, he said.
SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage)  After two years of closure, a downtown pizzeria and coffee shop plans to reopen in San Angelo with a new name, location and focus. Stangos is coming back  heres what you need to know.

According to Steve Stango, owner of the upcoming Stangos Pizza Parlor, profit-making difficulties in the years before and during the COVID-19 pandemic led him to close and reopen his business, then known as Stangos Coffee Shop, on multiple occasions. The shop closed for the final time on Oct. 29, 2022, seemingly for good.

It (the COVID-19 pandemic) was terrible for everybody, but I opened up again and ran it, and it just wasnt the same, Stango said. I shut it down, and then a year later, I opened up again and tried it for a year, and I just gave up.

Stango hasnt thrown in the towel just yet, however. The new pizza parlor will be inside the old Sealy Flats building at 208 S. Oakes St., adjacent to the Historic Sealy House. Stango said he hopes to open the business sometime during the first or second week of October.

New Starbucks opens on Knickerbocker Road

I had this building that I rented out, and the people that were there really wasnt using it, and I took it back, and they were happy, and I said, Lets try the pizza again here!' Stango said.

Stango said he plans to take a more concentrated approach this time, focusing primarily on selling the same pizza that was baked at the coffee shop years ago while also reining in the variety that was offered there. Despite this, Stango also shared that the business plans to sell beer and wine as well as a limited menu of light Italian foods, such as spaghetti or ravioli, that will only be sold on specific days of the week.

Were doing full pizza.  Well have a good coffee, but you wont be able to get espressos and all those items. Were not going to be big on the ice cream, were not going to have sandwiches really except maybe meatball, Stango said. After we get going, were going to have maybe two things on the menu.

The old Sealy Flats building is slated to house Stangos Pizza Parlor sometime in October 2024, according to business owner Steve Stango.

Stango stated that the decision to concentrate on a smaller selection of food and drinks will ensure patrons will have a quality meal whenever they visit.

Well be able to concentrate on those one or two meals, making each one of them as good as we can besides offering like most menus that have 10 or 15 items on it, and theyre thrown together, Stango said. We just want to make it as best as we can, and I think offering one or two meals is better than offering 14.

The location will feature a full patio and a stage. While Stango said that the parlor would host contests and find talent to perform live at the eatery, the business immediate focus would be on a large-screen TV playing classical music performances from the 50s to the 80s.

Its like karaoke, but the original artists are singing it, Stango said. I think a lot of people, when they hear an old song, never saw the person or the band singing it.

With October on the horizon, Stango invited San Angelo residents who visited Stangos Coffee Shop to come and visit his newest venture once it opens.

We want you back, Stango said. If you liked Stangos, and I think many people do, youre going to like the new Stangos.

For more information about Stangos Pizza Parlor, visit the business Facebook page.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ConchoValleyHomepage.com.
FILE - After his daughter Nora, 2, scribbled on his first ballot, Zane Shami re-casts his vote at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Mich., March 10, 2020. (Kendall Warner/Kalamazoo Gazette via AP, File)/Kalamazoo Gazette via AP, File)

LANSING, Mich. (AP)  A local Republican election official in Michigan has promised to certify the results of the November presidential election after being sued for stating that he wouldnt sign off on the results if he disagreed with how the election was run.

The lawsuit, filed last week by the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan, came after a Detroit News article quoted Kalamazoo County Board of Canvassers member Robert Froman saying he believed the 2020 election was most definitely stolen and that he wouldnt certify the upcoming November presidential results if a similar situation occurred this year. In a sworn affidavit signed Monday, Froman agreed to certify the results of the 2024 election based solely on vote returns and that he would not refuse to certify election results based on information extrinsic to the statements of return.

There was no widespread fraud in the 2020 presidential election, and a detailed review by Republican lawmakers in the Michigan Senate affirmed that, concluding that Democrat Joe Biden defeated Republican Donald Trump. The report also urged the state attorney general to investigate those making baseless allegations about the results.

Biden won Kalamazoo County by almost 20 percentage points four years ago and beat Trump in Michigan by nearly 155,000 votes.

Fromans remarks contributed to growing concerns around the country, especially in presidential battleground states, that canvassing board members who support Trump will refuse to certify the results if the former president narrowly loses, a development that would lead to chaos and intervention by the courts.

Michigan law clearly states that county boards of canvassers have a ministerial duty to sign off on clerks canvassing of votes and procedures. Then opportunities for audits and recounts follow, Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson wrote on social media Tuesday, praising the ACLU of Michigan for filing the lawsuit.

Froman did not respond to an email seeking comment.

The ACLU of Michigan agreed to drop the lawsuit after Froman submitted the signed statement.

Trump and his allies began targeting election boards to block certification in 2020. He pressured two Republicans on Wayne County's canvassing board and two others on Michigans state board of canvassers, who briefly hesitated to certify the results before one relented and cast the decisive vote. Trump applauded the delay as part of his effort to overturn his loss, one tactic in a multipronged effort to subvert the election results that culminated in the violent attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

A Michigan law passed in 2023 makes clear that canvassers have a ministerial, clerical, and nondiscretionary duty to certify election results based solely on the election returns.

Still, some Republican officials have attempted to take matters in their own hands. In May, two Republican members of a county canvassing board in the state's Upper Peninsula refused to sign off on the results of an election that led to the recall of three GOP members of the county commission. They eventually relented after receiving a letter from state Elections Director Jonathan Brater, which reminded them of their duties and warned them of the consequences of failing to certify.
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV)  It has now been 23 years since the 9/11 terrorist attacks shocked the nation.

September 11, 2001 changed the United States forever. Terre Haute Fire Chief Darrick Scott was on the clock that morning, when another captain in town alerted his crew to turn on their television.

He said, hey have you seen the news, a plane crashed into the World Trade Center. I yelled at the crew, we went upstairs, we were watching the live Today Show and all of the events, Scott said. We saw the second plane hit, we took a seat, I think we watched it until the wee hours of the next morning.

Terre Haute resident Barry Styles was celebrating his birthday, and did not find out about the attacks until he dropped his kids off at school and walked into a local Menards.

Something obviously bad had happened, Styles said. I was a firefighter back then with the Air National Guard, so the first thing on my mind was, how on earth are they going to get people out? Other than that, I cant imagine the devastation and obviously rage.

Scott says that he will always remember watching America come together.

That put a smile on everyones face, and we knew that we had a job to do, Scott said. I thank all our troops that served during that time, thank you very much for what you did. I hope that some of the people involved learned a valuable lesson not to mess with America.

September 11 is a day that will never be forgotten in Terre Haute, or the rest of the world.

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(Bloomberg) -- Lockheed Martin Corp. Chief Executive Officer Jim Taiclet faced interruptions and heckling during a speech at an event hosted by Boston College on Wednesday.

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A group of activists burst in about 30 minutes after Taiclet took the stage at the Boston Harbor Hotel, criticizing Lockheeds role in providing weapons for Israel in the war in Gaza and the defense contractors impact on the environment.

Taiclet, who had just started taking questions from the audience, sat calmly while the protesters yelled and waived banners and the crowd waited for police officers to arrive. Some of the attendees booed the protesters.

Im a Gulf War veteran and this is OK. Thats what we fight for, Taiclet said.

The disruption lasted nearly 10 minutes, with police eventually intervening. By that point, the events organizers had ended the presentation and most of the attendees  a mix of local business people  had dispersed. At least one protester was seen being handcuffed and walked out.

The incident is part of a broader wave of activism targeting defense contractors. Earlier this year pro-Palestinian groups led protests on college campuses across the US, calling for the schools to divest from Israeli-linked companies and weapons makers like Lockheed, Boeing Co. and Raytheon Co.

The event on Wednesday was part of the Boston College Chief Executive Clubs marquee program, hosted by the Carroll School of Management, according to the website. The club organizes several luncheon meetings each year, attracting an audience of executives from top New England organizations.

The group of protesters identified itself as Climate Defiance and its members didnt advertise any affiliation with Boston College.

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Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/USGS

A long-lost moon could explain why Mars is so different from the other rocky planets in the solar system.

Today, Mars has two tiny moons. But early in its history, the Red Planet may have had a much larger moon, which might be responsible for Mars' weird shape and extreme terrain, Michael Efroimsky, an astronomer at the U.S. Naval Observatory in Washington, D.C., proposes in a paper that has been submitted to the Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets and is available as a preprint via arXiv .

Mars hosts some of the most extreme terrain in the solar system, including the largest canyon , the tallest mountain and the greatest highland region. This highland region, known as the Tharsis bulge or Tharsis rise, dominates Mars' western hemisphere near its equator. The Tharsis region is about 3,100 miles (5,000 kilometers) wide and rises up to 4.4 miles 7 (km) high, excluding its massive shield volcanoes, which rise even higher. Almost exactly on the opposite side of the planet from Tharsis sits Terra Sabaea and Syrtis Major, another highland region and massive shield volcano, respectively.

the silhouette of a black potato-shaped moon crosses in front of an orange sun

Either way, Nerio's significant mass altered the shape of Mars with its gravity , raising tides in the magma oceans the same way Earth's moon raises tides in our planet's oceans today. But because Mars is smaller than Earth, it cooled much more quickly and its tidal bulges became locked into the resulting form of the planet.

Somehow, Nerio got lost, Efroimsky wrote. It could have been obliterated by a collision, leaving behind Mars' current moons, Phobos and Deimos , he proposed, or it could have been scattered out of the solar system through a gravitational interaction with another body.

Such collisions and scatterings were common in the early solar system. Astronomers think Earth gained its moon through a collision with a Mars-size protoplanet and scatterings among the outer planets shifted their initial orbits, which were once much closer to the sun, into their present positions.

But as long as Nerio stayed around long enough to deform Mars as it cooled, it could have set the stage for that planet's dramatic landscape, Efroimsky said. Further geologic processes could have continued the work, uplifting the highlands and leading to Mars' odd shape.

Although the possibility is interesting, Efroimsky admitted that the Nerio explanation is just a hypothesis. The idea of a briefly held large moon raises many questions, especially regarding its formation and eventual disappearance. For example, if Nerio was destroyed, it should have left a series of craters along the belt aligning with its orbit, but no such string of craters exists. On the other hand, further collisions and geologic activity could have wiped away those traces.

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Plus, the hypothesis requires geological processes to take the enhancements and deformations initiated by Nerio into their present-day forms, by lifting the initial highlands even higher. While it's reasonable to assume that heating and cooling processes in Mars' interior would naturally exaggerate any distortions in the planet's shape, it's not guaranteed.

Efroimsky has called on other researchers to evaluate the idea and consider whether there are clever ways to look for evidence of this lost moon.
During the presidential debate Tuesday, former President Donald Trump criticized Vice President Kamala Harris on her support for taxpayer-funded medical care for transgender individuals.

Now she wants to do transgender operations on illegal aliens that are in prison, Trump said. This is a radical left liberal that would do this.

The comment was the only mention of the LGBTQ+ community on the debate stage.

Trump's comments appear to refer to a 2019 American Civil Liberties Union questionnaire filled out by then-Sen. Harris during her first presidential bid.

The questionnaire asked: As President, will you use your executive authority to ensure that transgender and nonbinary people who rely on the state for medical care  including those in prison and immigration detention  will have access to comprehensive treatment associated with gender transition, including all necessary surgical care? If yes, how will you do so?

PHOTO: In this undated stock photo, someone holds a transgender flag in the air. (STOCK PHOTO/Getty Images)

She responded yes, adding that 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.

She noted that as the California state attorney general, she backed the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation decision to provide gender transition surgery to state inmates.

In 2015, while Harris was the attorney general, California and the Transgender Law Center reached a historic settlement to move a transgender woman inmate to a womens correctional facility and provide her with transgender medical care that had been deemed medically necessary by several medical and mental health clinicians, according to the settlement agreement.

The case was hailed by LGBTQ activists, who said it would impact incarcerated trans people nationwide.

Harris response in the ACLU questionnaire continued, adding that she supported policies to allow federal inmates to obtain medically necessary care for gender transition while incarcerated.

I will direct all federal agencies responsible for providing essential medical care to deliver transition treatment, she wrote.

The Harris campaign communications director Michael Tyler told Fox News that the 2019 questionnaire is not what the vice president is proposing or part of her platform. They did not offer new details on where she currently stands on the issue.

ABC News has reached out to the Harris campaign for further comment.

PHOTO: Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris speaks during a presidential debate with former President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump in Philadelphia, Sept. 10, 2024. (Michael Le Brecht II/ABC NEWS)

MORE: Fact-checking Kamala Harris and Donald Trump's 1st presidential debate

Harris and Trump policies on gender-affirming care

The Harris-Walz campaign has not officially released any policy proposals or promises concerning gender-affirming care so far. However, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz signed an executive order in May protecting and supporting access to gender-affirming health care for LGBTQ people in the state.

In his order, Walz notes that numerous medical organizations, including the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have said that access to gender-affirming care is essential to the health and wellness of gender diverse people.

Studies by researchers at Boston Children Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, and published by the American Psychological Association have shown that gender-affirming care can be life-saving for transgender and nonbinary children and adolescents, promoting positive mental and physical health and well-being.

The order came amid a wave of legislation from conservative lawmakers that has led to at least 26 states implementing policies that restrict gender-affirming care for transgender youth.

Supporters of trans care bans argue that children and their families should wait until they're older to make decisions about their gender and health.

PHOTO: This combination of photos shows Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump, left, and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris during an ABC News presidential debate, Sept. 10, 2024, in Philadelphia. (Alex Brandon/AP)

The Biden-Harris administration has also signaled support for transgender Americans, reversing a Trump-era ban on transgender military service and revising Title IX to include protections for gender identity.

In one statement to nonprofit news organization The 19th, the White House said that gender-affirming surgeries should be limited to adults -- as is typically the case -- but supports gender-affirming care for minors.

Trump has said that he plans to ban taxpayer funding for sex-change surgeries -- which would include gender-affirming care for detainees -- and bar schools from "promoting gender transition."

He also stated that he would reverse the Title IX revisions concerning gender identity.

LGBTQ issues have been front and center on both national and state political arenas. More than 500 bills impacting the LGBTQ community have been considered in the U.S. this year, according to the ACLU.

LGBTQ advocacy group GLAAD criticized the lack of attention on LGBTQ issues on the debate stage.

The debate included only one mention of LGBTQ Americans, a smear against transgender people that went unchallenged," said GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis in a statement. "As Americans begin returning ballots and line up for early voting, reporters must remember that the next President of the United States will have a profound impact on the LGBTQ community and all marginalized people. We urge reporters to ask leaders for specific ways they will ensure we are always welcome and safe.

A look at Trump's 'transgender operations on illegal aliens' debate claim originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Wildfires around Los Angeles have wreathed the city in choking smoke (Patrick T. Fallon) (Patrick T. Fallon/AFP/AFP)

A wildfire ravaging the hills near Los Angeles had swelled in size by over 1,000 percent by Wednesday, torching dozens of homes and prompting a state of emergency.

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 initially remained fairly small.

But by Wednesday afternoon it had roared to 49,000 acres (20,000 hectares), fueled by thick brush that carried the flames into the San Bernardino County community of Wrightwood and the Mountain High ski resort.

- Three trapped -

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," Luna told reporters.

He said all three were understood to be in good health.

Southeast of Los Angeles, the Airport Fire continued to grow Wednesday, racing through vegetation and damaging several 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 burned nearly 35,000 acres.

A number of mountain communities were ordered to evacuate, in an area popular with tourists, and several major access roads were blocked.

- 'Herculean effort' -

Police in San Bernardino County have arrested a man in connection with the fire.

Justin Wayne Halstenberg, 34, from Norco was detained late Tuesday on suspicion of starting the blaze.

California Governor Gavin Newsom, who has declared a state of emergency in response to the fires, visited the command post at the Line Fire on Wednesday.

"California is deploying every available resource to combat these devastating fires, and we'll continue to work in lockstep with federal and local partners in this herculean effort," he said.

More than 5,700 emergency personnel are responding to the three fires, his office said, along with dozens of aircraft and over 500 fire engines.

"We are deeply grateful to all the heroic firefighters and first responders... working 24/7 to keep Californians safe," Newsom said.

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/mlm
The Columbus community is mourning and remembering the life of Dr. Malcolm Goodchild, who died in a car crash over the weekend.

An outpouring of condolences, prayers, and memories have been posted to Facebook from patients and colleagues of Goodchild, who several years ago survived a serious crash that left him with severe injuries.

Goodchild died Saturday evening in a crash on I-85 at Exit 62 in Opelika, according to Lee County officials. Investigators said they believe his vehicle was hit by another driver going the wrong direction.

A post made by Taylor Alexander said Goodchild, was the light, and that Goodchild was always singing and telling jokes.

He made his famous Rasta Pasta for my baby shower they put together for me at work, her post said.

Another post by Logan McMahill said Goodchild was the funniest person, and was always laughing and joking.

The post later said, Last week after he (Goodchild) came out of a very sick patients surgery he was talking to us about how life was too short and how tomorrow was never promised and to always tell your loved ones you love them everyday because you never know when itll be the last time you get to.

Another former colleague, Rachael Crain, made a post about how Goodchild was the first doctor she worked with directly in the operating room at Piedmont Columbus Hospital.

Crains post said Goodchilds surgery rooms were filled with knowledge, wisdom and fun. Crain continued, He was such a down to earth man loved his cars, his family, and we stayed in touch even with my career changes.

The world lost an incredible man too soon you will be so missed Dr. Goodchild I pray your family finds peace in this situation Crain said.

However, colleagues werent the only people who expressed their love for the late doctor. One of Goodchilds patients commented on the Ledger-Enquirers post of Goodchilds death to say how much hell miss Goodchild.

Frances McDaniel commented, I had to have 2 major surgeries and he did them both also 2 minor ones. McDaniel later said,  I know I will miss him and the talks we had.

Jim Wadkins commented that Goodchild performed one of his surgeries and said Goodchild was a very nice man.

May he rest in peace, Wadkins commented.
LOUISIANA (KLFY)  The Louisiana National Guard says it has more than 2,300 guardsmen ready to support hurricane-related operations.

In a news release, the guard said it is prepared to help with high-water vehicle and boat evacuations, both boat and air search and rescue operations, logistical support, engineering support, levee inspection/security, and more.

Guardsmen have been deploying to parishes across Louisiana since Monday.









Photos submitted by the Louisiana National Guard.

The guard said it has 379 high-water vehicles and 87 boats prepared to provide evacuation, search and rescue and recon support. The guard is also leading a joint aviation effort of 61 aircraft to help with search and rescue operations.

The guard has pre-staged 14 route clearance teams across seven parishes to assist with debris removal and clearing of roads after the storm, according to the news release.

To provide support to citizens after the storm, guardsmen have placed 1.1 million liters of water, 1 million MREs, more than 416,000 sandbags and 55,000 tarps for potential distribution.

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I love you so much, dont go anywhere: 911 calls reveal chaos, fear during Laurel County mass shooting

LONDON, Ky. (FOX 56)  Laurel County was plunged into chaos on Saturday when gunfire rang out on I-75.

Around 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, the Laurel County Sheriffs Office (LCSO) said that I-75 was closed due to an active shooter nine miles north of London.

Kentucky highway shooting suspect Joseph Couch planned to kill a lot of people, affidavit says

Five people were shot and seriously injured, and at least 12 cars were damaged during the shooting. On Monday, the Laurel County Sheriffs Office identified those injured as Rebecca Puyear, Norma Liberia, Renee Walker, Janet Booth, and Erick Tavin.

FOX 56 News obtained the 911 that came in during the event.

The calls give a glimpse into the world of the victims and bystanders who had their worlds turned upside down because of Kentuckys latest mass shooting.

The calls reveal moments of confusion, fear, and brave amateur medicine.

911 calls during I-75 shooting in London, KY

Yes, Im over here at the 49 exit going toward Lexington. I just got shot at off the southbound side there off the 49 exit, one caller started.

OK, is your car shot? a 911 dispatcher said.

Yeah, the caller said.

Are you OK? Youre shot through the door too, the caller asks another person.

Who is Joseph Couch? Alleged I-75 shooter warned he was going to kill a lot of people

Im shot, shes shot, shes bleeding, said the caller.

OK, where is she shot at? the dispatcher said.

Shes shot right in the hip. Shes gushing blood, bad, the caller said.

Do you know who this was? the dispatcher said.

Im pretty sure they were up on a hillside shootin into traffic. I mean, who the f*** sits on the side of the road shooting at cars thats going by? a caller said.

Another I-75 caller

Uh yeah, someone just shot at us. I have a hole through my door. Were not hit, it went through my grandpas other window. Were fine, but I think someone else is hit on the expressway, theres three cars pulled over, the caller said.



Yeah, there are multiple people hit, weve got everybody on the line.

Chaotic call with Laurel County dispatch

I love you so much, dont go anywhere. Just take deep breaths, deep breaths, a caller said.

Kentucky I-75 shooting: Reward for information on suspect Joseph Couch upped to $35K

Nobodys coming, a person in the background can be heard.

Deep breaths, the caller said.

Nobodys coming, from the background.

Deep breaths, please deep breaths, the caller repeats.

911 caller took on a heros cape

Im sitting here with a lady with a gunshot wound in her side here. Shes starting to go numb on me, shes starting to black out on me. I need some help bad, a caller said.

Okay, are there any first responders out there that you can flag down? a dispatcher said.

No, I dont see nobody, Theres four of us here all lined up shot, Caller said.

Couple told to wave down police, control bleeding during Laurel County I-75 shooting

Where are you shot at? the dispatcher asks.

Im shot in the arm, my wife is shot in the face. I see a cop in front of us, but hes going the wrong way, the caller said.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

As soon as you get someone there, just flag them down and let them know youve been hit.

Just try to control the bleeding, a dispatcher said.

Oh my god, can be heard in the background.

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Ian Ross Pettigrew/Getty, Tyler Le/BI

The S&P 500 probably isn't hitting fresh highs anytime soon, according to Wells Fargo.

A handful of headwinds will keep a lid on further gains, strategists said.

The bank pointed to concerns surrounding a potential recession, AI, and geopolitical uncertainty.

The stock market's long winning streak may be done for now, Wells Fargo said.

The bank's strategists warned that stocks were unlikely to move significantly higher in the coming months and in their view, the market is "now fairly valued."

That's because to a trifecta of headwinds will cap gains for the S&P 500. The benchmark index is likely to face resistance around 5,670, the record high it notched earlier this summer.

Stocks continued to rally in August as investors gained more confidence about a soft landing and positioned for ambitious rate cuts from the Federal Reserve.

However, markets have way more uncertainty still looming, the bank said, pointing to geopolitical tensions in the Middle-East, doubts over whether the economy can avoid a recession, and concerns that the AI rally may be running out of steam.

Stocks are also navigating an election year, which has historically meant more volatility. Investors are assessing an uncertain political landscape, with presidential candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump remaining neck-and-neck in the latest polls.

"While we believe the S&P 500 Index remains in an uptrend, it now finds itself facing key resistance at the all-time high," strategists said in a note on Monday. "For these reasons, we find it unlikely that the S&P 500 Index will reach meaningful new highs in the coming months."

While stocks might not see a rally to fresh records soon, there could be an opportunity for investors to adjust and reallocate their portfolios to "especially unfavorable areas"  unloved areas of the stock market could have huge upside in the coming years.

That includes emerging markets, as well as US consumer discretionary, consumer staples, utilities, and real estate sectors.

Investors have tempered some of their enthusiasm for stocks since the start of the year, when lofty expectations for AI and easing monetary policy from the Fed boosted the market to a string of record highs. Since then, growth fears have overshadowed excitement about rate cuts, and questions about the sustainability of the AI rally have dented tech bullishness.

In the latest AAII Investor Sentiment survey, around 45% of investors said they feel bullish about the stock market over the next six months, down from 51% of investors who felt that way about a month ago.

Read the original article on Business Insider
The loved ones of an American activist who was killed by Israeli forces in the occupied West Bank last week have condemned the militarys claim on Tuesday that a sniper unintentionally shot the 26-year-old woman, saying they are deeply offended at such a suggestion and still want an independent probe of the incident.

The statements both from Aysenur Ezgi Eygis volunteer group and her family in the U.S. came in response to the Israeli militarys preliminary investigation into itself, the results of which were released Tuesday. Israel launched the probe after eyewitness testimony, the United Nations and Turkish and Palestinian officials all said that an Israeli soldier shot the woman in the head on Friday following a weekly protest against illegal Israeli settlement expansions in Beita, a Palestinian village near the West Bank city of Nablus.

The Israeli military said that its preliminary inquiry found it is highly likely that Eygi was shot indirectly and unintentionally by Israeli fire which was not aimed at her, but aimed at the key instigator of the riot. The military also said it expresses its deepest regret for killing Eygi and sent a request to carry out an autopsy, adding it has launched a criminal investigation.

Official family statement in response to the Israeli military's preliminary inquiry into Aysenur's death  pic.twitter.com/zDD5Gqh68K  IMEU (@theIMEU) September 10, 2024

Eygis family said that the result of Israels initial probe is wholly inadequate and that the activists killing while seeking shelter from Israeli violence cannot be misconstrued as anything except a deliberate, targeted and precise attack by the military against an unarmed civilian.

We are deeply offended by the suggestion that her killing by a trained sniper was in any way unintentional, the family said in their statement. The disregard shown for human life in the inquiry is appalling.

Eygi was from Seattle, where as a graduate student she helped organize the campus protest movement at the University of Washington during the nationwide wave of demonstrations against Israels offensive in Gaza. Photos circulating after she was killed show her in a graduation gown while wearing the Palestinian keffiyeh.

She was participating in the West Bank demonstration as a volunteer with the pro-Palestinian International Solidarity Movement (ISM), a human rights group that on Tuesday joined Eygis family in rejecting the Israeli militarys claim that the killing was unintentional.

ISM entirely rejects the Israeli army's specious claim that a trained sniper shot Aysenur "accidentally" and continues to demand an independent investigation of the Israeli armys killing of our comrade #AysenurEzgiEygi#FreePalestine#WestBank#IOFpic.twitter.com/0jBUSYM6la  ISM Palestine (@ISMPalestine) September 10, 2024

The militarys account of the events is blindly based on the accomplices version, which completely contradicts the testimonies of multiple eyewitnesses, whom the military did not even contact, ISM said in a statement. 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.

The Palestinian Authority held a funeral Friday in Beita for Eygi, who also held Turkish citizenship. Turkish officials said they are working to repatriate her body so that she can be buried on the Aegean coast, according to her familys wishes.

As we mourn the death of our beloved Aysenur, we reiterate our demand for the U.S. government leaders  to order an independent investigation into the Israeli militarys deliberate targeting and killing of a U.S. Citizen, the family said in their statement. Israeli officials must be transparent and release the evidence they compiled, to be reviewed by the family and independent authorities.

During a news conference Tuesday in London, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that Israeli forces killing of Eygi was unprovoked and unjustified and that the military should make some fundamental changes in the way that they operate in the West Bank, including changes to their rules of engagement.

Despite this being the most forceful statement by Blinken against the Israeli military, he notably did not impose nor threaten to impose any sanctions. He also did not call for an independent investigation into Eygis killing, nor did he mention similar cases of excessive force by Israel Defense Forces soldiers against Palestinians in Gaza.

Apparently it was an accident, ricocheted off the ground and just got hit by accident. Im working that out now, President Joe Biden told reporters on Tuesday when asked about Eygi.

The White House has not spoken with us, Eygis partner, Hamid Ali, said in response to the presidents comment. 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.

Rachel Corries mother reacts to the killing of another U.S. peace activist, Aysenur Eygi. Israeli soldiers killed Rachel and Aysenur while they were volunteering with the International Solidarity Movement. They died standing up for Palestinian rights. pic.twitter.com/RZ2xYa3LWm  AJ+ (@ajplus) September 10, 2024

Eygi is the 18th activist killed by Israeli forces in Beita since 2020, the other 17 have been Palestinians. She is also the second American activist with ISM to be killed by Israel while protesting for Palestinian rights.

In 2003, activist Rachel Corrie was crushed to death by an Israeli armored bulldozer while defending a Palestinian home in the southern Gaza city of Rafah. Blinken at the time was one of several U.S. officials who tried to help Corries parents, Cindy and Craig, in the days following her death.

Most of the families that Ive talked to after theyve had somebody killed like this, what they want to see is that that sort of tragedy does not happen to another family, Craig Corrie told AJ+ after Eygis death. So Im not sure that we were ever struggling for anything for Rachel. We were struggling for all the people that came after. And weve failed so far.

Related...
Maddow Blog | At the debate, JD Vances many troubles went from bad to worse

Republican vice presidential candidate JD Vance was already struggling as a candidate for national office, but the past week or so has been especially brutal.

It was six days ago, for example, when the Ohio senator sat down with a prominent conservative pundit, who asked what can be done to address the cost of child care. Vances answer was, by any fair measure, ridiculous. A day later, the GOP candidate lamented that deadly mass shootings in schools are a fact of life  a comment that sparked fierce and immediate pushback.

On Monday, Vance threw his support behind a ridiculous and racist conspiracy theory about immigrants abducting and eating pets, and on Tuesday, he endorsed a brazenly illegal response to Trumps 2020 election defeat

Hours later, the Ohioans week managed to get even worse during the presidential debate, as his running mate distanced himself from Vances recent rhetoric.

The trouble began when ABC News Linsey Davis asked Donald Trump whether he would veto a national abortion ban if it got to his desk during a possible second term. The former president largely dodged the question, saying he wouldnt have to veto such a measure.

So, Davis tried again, reminding the GOP nominee that his running mate, just last month, told NBC News that Trump would, in fact, veto a federal abortion ban. At that point, the former president replied:

Well, I didnt discuss it with JD, in all fairness. And I dont mind if he has a certain view, but I think he was speaking for me but I really didnt.

He quickly added, We dont have to discuss it, dodging the underlying question again.

"I didn't discuss it with JD, in all fairness.... I don't mind if he has a certain view."



In response to what his running mate, JD Vance, has said about the Trump campaign's stance on a national abortion ban, Trump says they haven't discussed it. pic.twitter.com/aENkpr9lnt  MSNBC (@MSNBC) September 11, 2024

The exchange suggested that, as far as Trump is concerned, Vance isnt an entirely reliable source for information about the former presidents position and plans.If this sounded at all familiar, it wasn't your imagination. As longtime readers might recall, something similar happened eight years ago.

During the second presidential debate in 2016, ABC News Martha Raddatz reminded Trump that his own running mate had said, in the context of a discussion about U.S. policy in Syria, that provocations by Russia need to be met with American strength. In an unusual display, Trump denounced the position.

In fact, the then-Republican candidate said of Pence, He and I havent spoken, and I disagree. I disagree.

In other words, in 2016, Trump became the first presidential candidate to ever distance himself from his own running mate during a general-election debate. Eight years later, he did it again.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
During the presidential debate, Donald Trump was asked whether he had any regrets stemming from the Jan. 6 attack. It was a good question, which the Republican clearly struggled with.

Ashli Babbitt was shot by an out-of-control police officer that should have never, ever shot her, the Republican said, adding: Nobody on the other side was killed.

It was, by any fair measure, a ridiculous comment, in part because the former president was clearly lying, and in part because the answer helped reflect Trumps ongoing anti-law-enforcement posture. But just as notable was the GOP nominees other side comment  suggesting he saw rioters as his allies, and police officers as opponents.

Soon after, Trump also told the debate audience that he had reached out to then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the mayor of Washington ahead of the riot. I said Id like to give you 10,000 National Guard or soldiers, he claimed. They rejected me. Nancy Pelosi rejected me.

This continues to be ridiculously untrue, as anyone with even a passing familiarity with reality really ought to know.

But perhaps most important of all was his claim, in reference to Jan. 6, that he had nothing to do with that other than they asked me to make a speech.

"I had nothing to do with that, other than they asked me to make a speech."



Donald Trump confronted by role in the Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection at debate. pic.twitter.com/3vJQVzfOat  MSNBC (@MSNBC) September 11, 2024

(Pay particular attention in this clip to the comments at the 38-second mark, when Trump briefly used the word we to describe the insurrectionists, before correcting himself.)

Look, I recently wrote a book about Republicans rewriting recent history, and I included an entire chapter about GOP messaging surrounding Jan. 6. But even I was caught off-guard by his shamelessness on this one.

Trump summoned radicalized supporters to the nations capital. He filled them with lies. He explicitly told his mob, If you dont fight like hell, youre not going to have a country anymore. He deployed his followers to Capitol Hill. He used social media to add fuel to the fire during the violence.

To hear the former president claim he had nothing to do with that is comparable to the iceberg claiming it had nothing to do with the sinking of the Titanic.

I was at the Capitol on Jan. 6, Kamala Harris said soon after. I was the vice president-elect. I was also an acting senator. I was there. And on that day, the president of the United States incited a violent mob to attack our nations Capitol, to desecrate our nations Capitol. On that day, 140 law enforcement officers were injured. And some died. And understand, the former president has been indicted and impeached for exactly that reason.

Whats more, in case this isnt obvious, Trump has spent the last several months defending Jan. 6 criminals, raising money for them, labeling them victims and hostages, and promising to reward them with day-one pardons  even those who violently clashed with law enforcement.

A recent Associated Press report noted that the former president has positioned the violent siege and its failed attempt to overturn the 2020 election as a cornerstone of his bid to return to the White House. This coincided with a related Semafor report on the degree to which the Republican has put Jan. 6 rioters at the heart of his campaign.

That report was published in March. Its worse now.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Maddow Blog | Trump dodges the most basic of questions about Ukraine at debate

When it comes to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the official position of the United States is unambiguous. The bottom line is this. We want Ukraine to win!!, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said during his latest visit to Kyiv. The nations top American diplomat added, Our support will not wane. Our unity will not break.

Whether Donald Trump agrees is very much in doubt. The Associated Press reported:

Former President Donald Trump spoke heatedly in the presidential debate about wanting Russias war in Ukraine to be over  but twice refused to directly answer a question about whether he wanted U.S. ally Ukraine to win.

During Tuesday nights debate, the Republican nominee began his comments about the war by claiming that the conflict was responsible for millions of deaths, which isnt even close to being correct. He also pointed to a failed diplomatic mission from Vice President Kamala Harris that never actually happened in reality.

But it was the questions the GOP candidate refused to answer that stood out most.

ABC News David Muir asked, I want to ask you a very simple question tonight. Do you want Ukraine to win this war? Instead of offering a straight answer, Trump replied, I want the war to stop.

So the moderator followed up, asking Trump, Just to clarify the question, do you believe its in the U.S. best interests for Ukraine to win this war? Yes or no?

He dodged again. I think its in the U.S. best interest to get this war finished and just get it done, the former president said.

It wasnt a trick question. It wouldve been incredibly easy for Trump to simply say that he stands with his own countrys allies  but he wouldnt.

An exceedingly generous observer might suggest that the Republican was trying to maintain some degree of neutrality in the hopes that it might help advance future diplomatic negotiations, but thats a difficult argument to take seriously: Not only has Trump shown humiliating weakness toward Russias Vladimir Putin, but he has also recently mocked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

For her part, Harris took the debate opportunity to praise NATO, and she called for international support for Ukraine in response to Russian aggression.

Otherwise, Putin would be sitting in Kyiv with his eyes on the rest of Europe. Starting with Poland, the Democratic nominee said. And why dont you tell the 800,000 Polish Americans right here in Pennsylvania how quickly you would give up for the sake of favor and what you think is a friendship with what is known to be a dictator who would eat you for lunch?

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Todays installment of campaign-related news items from across the country.

* Almost immediately after the presidential debate, Vice President Kamala Harris campaign announced that it wants a second. Hours later, however, former President Donald Trump told Fox News, I dont know that I want to do another debate.

* In Delawares primaries, state Sen. Sarah McBride easily won a statewide congressional primary, and if she prevails in November, the Democrat will become Congress first transgender member.

* In New Hampshire, former Sen. Kelly Ayotte won her Republican gubernatorial primary, and shell face former Manchester mayor Joyce Craig in the fall.

* On a related note, New Hampshire was also home to a competitive Democratic congressional primary, and the latest vote tallies suggest Maggie Goodlander, a deputy assistant attorney general in the Biden administration, easily defeated Colin Van Ostern, a former member of the states executive council.

* Despite local Republican officials best efforts, the Missouri Supreme Court ruled that an amendment that would enshrine abortion access in the states constitution can appear on the states general election ballot.

* In North Carolinas gubernatorial race, a WRAL poll conducted by SurveyUSA found Democratic state Attorney General Josh Stein with a big lead over Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, 51% to 37%. In March, the same pollster found the right-wing lieutenant governor trailing by only 2 points. (Click the link for information on the surveys methodologies and margins of error.)

* Conspiratorial billionaire Elon Musk promotes so many misleading election-related claims that election officials are increasingly concerned about the impact his false statements are having on the public.

* While there was some chatter a few months ago about Republicans trying to keep Virginia competitive in November, the latest Washington Post-Schar School poll found Harris leading Trump in the commonwealth, 50% to 42%. (Click the link for information on the surveys methodologies and margins of error.)

* After the presidential debate, pop star Taylor Swift issued a written endorsement backing Harris. Hours later, Trump said the artist will probably pay a price for it in the marketplace.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Madison County man gets more than 17 years in prison for drug possession

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA)  A Madison County man was sentenced September 10 to more than 17 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release for drug possession.

Clint Phillips, 47 Courtesy: Washington County Sheriffs Office

According to a press release from the United States Attorneys Office Western District of Arkansas, Clint Eugene Phillips, 47, of Huntsville pleaded guilty on May 22 to possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of mixture or substance containing methamphetamine.

Court documents say in October 2023, Arkansas Community Corrections officers learned that Phillips was violating multiple conditions of his parole. Officers arranged a parole office visit for Phillips. When He arrived at the office, he had 279.19 grams of meth and drug paraphernalia.

Former Rogers youth pastor accused of sex crimes pleads guilty to reduced charge

ACC officers and Madison County Sheriffs Office deputies searched Phillips home and found multiple items of drug paraphernalia like clear bags and digital scales, various amounts of suspected meth and stash bottles.

Officers searched his phone and found conversations discussing meth distribution and financial transactions that corroborated those conversations. Phillips was then indicted by a federal grand jury on one count of possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine

The release says at his sentencing, evidence was provided that showed Phillips was a sex offender who had a lengthy criminal history, which included prior convictions related to controlled substances and domestic violence.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KNWA FOX24.
The federal minimum wage has remained $7.25 an hour since 2009, and $2.13 an hour for tipped workers. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

Maines minimum wage will increase to $14.65 per hour next year.

Currently, the states minimum wage is $14.15, but the Maine Department of Labor announced Wednesday the 50 cent increase that will take effect Jan. 1, 2025. The tip wage, or the minimum wage for service employees, will increase to $7.33 per hour.

Per Maine law and a 2016 citizens referendum, the state is required to make an annual adjustment based on the cost-of-living index for the Northeast Region. Based on data from the U.S. Department of Labor, there was a 3.6% increase in the cost-of-living index between August 2023 and last month.

The federal minimum wage has remained $7.25 an hour since 2009, and $2.13 an hour for tipped workers.

The Maine Center for Economic Policy estimates the increase will boost the wages of 96,000 people, or about one in six Maine workers who are earning at or just above the minimum wage. For a full-time, year-round worker, the increase is equivalent to slightly more than an extra $1,000 a year in wages, MECEP noted in a news release.

Included in that estimate are about 9,000 tipped workers who will see a small increase to their base wage, according to MECEP.

The group noted that this is actually one of the smallest impacts of a minimum wage increase because wage growth has been unusually strong for low-income occupations in recent years. But, MECEP concluded that the fact that tens of thousands of workers are impacted demonstrates the need to maintain a robust minimum wage so that no one is left behind.

The cities of Portland and Rockland have their own minimum wages, which is higher than the states. Both cities update their minimum wage based on the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers, so their new minimum wage for 2025 will be $15.50.

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Nearly two years before a deadly listeria outbreak linked to recalled deli meat, inspectors at a Virginia Boars Head plant detailed poor physical conditions that could pose an imminent threat, documents from the US Department of Agricultures Food Safety Inspection Service show.

Inspection reports from the Boars Head facility in Jarratt, Virginia, have described insects, mold, blood in puddles on the floor and a rancid smell in the cooler at various points since 2022.

Additional details, first reported by the New York Times, date to September 2022, when major deficiencies with the plants physical conditions were identified, including rusty equipment, peeling and flaking paint, loose caulk, holes in walls, product residue on surfaces and dripping condensation. The reports said plant management was notified and directed to take corrective action.

Boars Head did not respond to CNNs request for comment Wednesday. The company previously said that inspectors are at its Virginia plant every day and if at any time inspectors identify something that needs to be addressed, our team does so immediately.

Operations at the Virginia plant have been paused, and the company previously said it was taking time to disinfect, enhance policies and procedures and train employees. It also said it is working with food safety experts to investigate the events leading to the recall, which was first announced in July.

FSIS said in a statement Wednesday that its investigation into the outbreak is ongoing, including a holistic look at Boars Head establishments across the country. It said the agency will review factors that led to the outbreak at the Virginia facility, what needs to be improved, and if there are lessons learned that could be more broadly applied to ready-to-eat meat and poultry facilities.

The Virginia Boars Head facility is inspected by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services as part of the Talmadge-Aiken Cooperative Inspection Program, which allows some states to provide federal inspection services.

Inspectors found instances of noncompliance, and the establishment implemented corrective actions in keeping with FSIS regulations, FSIS told CNN in a previous statement. FSIS is working closely with VDACS to ensure the establishment has an effective system in place to produce safe food for the public.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said last month that 57 people have been hospitalized in 18 states in connection with the listeria outbreak, and nine people have died. The agency called it the largest listeria outbreak since one linked to cantaloupe in 2011.

The actual number of illnesses is probably higher than whats been reported because some people may have had milder illnesses and were not tested for listeria, the CDC said. The agency continues to advise consumers to check their kitchens for recalled products, which have EST. 12612 or P-12612 inside the USDA mark of inspection on labels and have sell-by dates into October 2024.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Forty-two attorneys general want Congress to require warning labels for youth on social media platforms. (Tim Robberts/Getty Images)

Attorneys general from a majority of states including North Dakota are prodding Congress to require a U.S. surgeon general warning for young people on social media platforms.

Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum, president of the National Association of Attorneys General, sent a letter to Congress on Monday 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. The letter is signed by a bipartisan group of 42 attorneys general.

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 Attorneys General 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.

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, Oregon, 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.
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.

Washingtons Bob Ferguson was among the state attorneys general who signed onto the letter.

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 and Washington, 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, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

Attorneys general from American Samoa and the U.S. Virgin Islands, both U.S. territories, also signed the letter.

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.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Thailand; Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of Japan in Thailand; Representatives for the pilot regions; Department of Learning Encouragement, Ministry of Education; Office of Basic Education Commission and Bureau of International Cooperation; Office of Permanent Secretary; Chulalongkorn University; Thammasat University; UN agencies and NGOs

Project Details
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.

This story was originally published by Oregon Capital Chronicle. Like Maine Morning Star, 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.

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Man accused of using machete to attack straphanger on Bronx subway: NYPD

Man accused of using machete to attack straphanger on Bronx subway: NYPD

THE BRONX, N.Y. (PIX11)  A man is accused of using a machete to attack a straphanger on a subway train in the Bronx, according to the NYPD.

Runadieo Jordan, 54, was arrested on Sept. 10 at 4 p.m. Jordan allegedly got into an argument with a man on a northbound No. 2 train near the Allerton Avenue subway station around 1 a.m. on Aug. 31, police said.

More Local News

The argument escalated when Jordan allegedly took out a machete and hit the victim with it, according to authorities. The mans arm and hand were injured in the incident.

Jordan was charged with attempted murder, assault, menacing, criminal possession of a weapon and harassment.

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.
COLUMBIA COUNTY, Ga. (WJBF)  A man has been arrested and charged after what authorities are calling a stabbing incident.

According to the Columbia County Sheriffs Office, deputies responded to a residence on the 4700 block of Maple Springs Court around 1:30 A.M.

The Sheriffs Office identified the victim as Chente Raymundo.

According to authorities, the roommates of Raymundo were asleep when they were awakened by an altercation happening outside of their bedroom, and then, they say after they woke up, Raymundo and the person he was having the altercation with, later identified by authorities as Lucio Hernandez DeLaCruz, fell through the roommates bedroom door.

ALSO ON WJBF: GBI Arrests Off-Duty Taliaferro Co. Sheriffs Office Deputy in Aggravated Assault investigation

The roommates told deputies that they saw DeLaCruz stabbing Raymundo, but they state that neither of them knew who started the altercation.

The roommates also said that they alerted the other roommates of the fight, and everyone stayed in their room.

According to the Columbia County Sheriffs Office, DeLaCruz was located on Columbia Road not far from the location of the incident around 8:30 A.M. with a black bookbag that contained bloody clothing inside of it.

Authorities state that DeLaCruz has been charged with Aggravated Assault and Possession of a Knife During the Commission of a Crime, and no bond has 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 WJBF.
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo.  A man accused in a deadly marijuana deal in St. Louis County was arrested Tuesday in Kansas after more than a year on the run.

The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorneys Office had issued at large charges on Dominic Stidmon, 21, on Aug. 23 for charges of second-degree murder, first-degree robbery and two counts of armed criminal action.

Police say Stidmon was taken into custody and booked into jail Tuesday in Topeka, Kansas.

Big Boy locomotive arrives to St. Louis in full force

According to a probable cause statement obtained by FOX 2, Stidmon made arrangements to purchase marijuana from another man, who Stidmon allegedly shot and killed during the meetup. Stidmon reportedly took off with the victims marijuana.

Investigators say that phone records confirmed Stidmon was communicating with the victim, later identified as Lawrence Carr, Jr., 22, before the exchange. Police also found shell casings near the scene of the reported meetup.

The St. Louis County Police Department credits the Topeka Police Department and says it was instrumental in the arrest of Stidmon.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.
Man arrested for May theft of RV

WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL)  A Vernon man police say fled in a stolen RV in Wichita Falls last May, was chased by employees, then ran on foot when he wrecked, has been arrested.

Jonathan Lawrence, 38, was arrested Tuesday, September 10, on a warrant charging him with theft over $2,500 on May 26.

Police said that on June 21, two employees of the auto sales company on Wellington Ln spotted the stolen RV and began following it. When it got stuck in traffic, they ran up to the drivers door and tried to open it, but the RV took off.

Wichita Falls woman finds man in house after getting out of shower

The RV eventually crashed into a parked vehicle, and the driver got out and fled on foot.

The employees told police they recognized the driver as Lawrence, who had previously helped another person wash vehicles at the business.

They also showed police screenshots of messages they found from Lawrence to another person trying to sell the RV.

Police also found a document case in the RV with a social security card and other documents with Lawrences name on them.

Lawrence has two other cases pending in Wichita County courts: one for vehicle burglary and one for ID theft involving 19 different cards found in his car.

He was jailed on $20,000 bond.

This is a developing story. Stick with Texomas Homepage for updates as more information becomes available. All individuals charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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Man charged with homicide after girlfriend shot in West Nashville

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  Authorities have taken a man into custody following a fatal Friday shooting involving his girlfriend in West Nashville.

The Metro Nashville Police Department announced shortly before 5:45 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 10 that 26-year-old Jack Becker had just been booked for criminal homicide in connection with the shooting.

Jack Becker (Source: MNPD)

According to officials, Beckers girlfriend, 30-year-old Autumn Joiner, was shot inside their Hillmeade Court apartment on Friday, Sept. 6.

Police said Becker called 911 and reported Joiner shot herself twice in the head while they were in bed, but he later changed his story, claiming his finger slipped into the trigger guard of a pistol and caused it to discharge.

CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime-related reports from across Middle Tennessee

Authorities said evidence and the detectives investigation conflicted with Beckers version of events and showed that Joiner was unhappy living with him.

According to an arrest report, a friend of Joiner said she received messages from the victim hours before the shooting stating, Jack is freaking out on me, and Hes being aggressive and manipulative.

The Davidson County Sheriffs Office reported Becker is being held in the Downtown Detention Center on a $500,000 bond.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

No additional details about the circumstances surrounding Friday mornings shooting.

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 Find todays top stories on WKRN.com for Nashville, TN and all of Middle Tennessee.

This is a developing story. WKRN News 2 will continue to update this article as new information becomes available.

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Man convicted of killing Officer Ella French and wounding her partner is sentenced to life in prison

A judge sentenced a man to life in prison Wednesday for shooting and killing Chicago police Officer Ella French and injuring her partner, marking an emotional end to the case months after jurors viewed harrowing body-camera footage throughout a weeklong trial.

Emonte Morgan, 24, was found guilty in March of killing French, seriously injuring Officer Carlos Yanez Jr. and shooting at Officer Joshua Blas during a traffic stop on Aug. 7, 2021, on the South Side. Life was the statutory minimum in the case, prosecutors had told Judge Ursula Walowski, who added another 57 years on other counts.

Your actions turned this into what it is today, Walowski said. You made these decisions. You pulled the trigger.

French, 29, was gunned down after she and her partners pulled over a vehicle  occupied by Morgan, his brother, Eric Morgan, and a woman Eric Morgan was dating  around 63rd Street and Bell Avenue. The shooting rattled the city and Police Department, and her police work elicited praise in many corners across the city.

Walowski handed down the sentence after family members gave emotional victim-impact statements in a room full of police officers. Emonte Morgans defense had argued for a 40-year prison term.

Frenchs mother, Elizabeth French, thanked the prosecutors and investigators in the case, as well as Walowski, before describing the pain shes felt every day for more than three years.

Photos of her daughters childhood  her as a baby, receiving her first communion, graduating high school  can be painful reminders, she said.

The memories, they sneak up on me sometimes, and I am filled with grief and sadness, French said, her voice cracking. I dont know that closure will ever be possible for me.  Some day my daughter and I will meet again. Until then I will miss Ella every day.

Before concluding her statement, Elizabeth French turned to look at Morgan and address him directly. By then, many of the observers and supporters seated in the courtroom were sniffling and dabbing tears from their eyes.

Sometimes life sucks, Elizabeth French told Morgan. It sucked for me when you killed my daughter  but life gives you choices.

There was your choice, to become the murderer of my daughter, she added. Life in prison means you will still have your life, something you took away from Ella.

During one of the statements, emotions ran over.

Yanezs father, Carlos Yanez Sr., himself a retired CPD officer, took a deep sigh as he walked from the courtroom gallery to the witness stand.

The elder Yanez, his voice shaking, recounted the hours after the shooting when he and his wife were rushed to the hospital to learn their sons condition.

It was so surreal and painful that I was praying it was me instead of him, Yanez Sr. said.

Though Yanez remained relatively composed during his few minutes on the witness stand, he concluded his statement by raising his voice and looking directly at Morgan, who was seated at the defense table.

All this pain was brought upon our family by a (expletive expletive) who shouldve been put down a long time ago, Yanez Sr. yelled.

Morgans mother, Evalena Flores, was seated in the gallery, too, just a few feet away from Carlos Yanez Jr., the officer wounded in the shooting.

As Yanez Sr. yelled on the witness stand, Morgans mother yelled, Your son is a (expletive expletive)! Cook County sheriffs deputies quickly moved to escort her from the courtroom as Yanez Sr. walked back to the gallery. He yelled at Morgan again.

I hope you (expletive) rot in jail, you piece of (expletive).

Prosecutors have said that Emonte Morgan fired multiple shots at the officers after French and two fellow officers stopped a gray SUV driven by Eric Morgan. Emonte Morgan was also shot during the confrontation.

Eric Morgan pleaded guilty to aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, aggravated battery with a dangerous weapon and obstruction of justice and was sentenced to seven years in prison.

In arguing for a lighter sentence, Emonte Morgans lawyers asked for a chance at rehabilitation.

Emonte Morgan is not beyond redemption. Emonte Morgan is able to be rehabilitated, Assistant Public Defender Kristine Neal told Walowski.

Before the sentence was handed down, Morgan and his mother addressed the court. Each claimed that the prosecution was unjust and the street stop that precipitated the shooting wad unlawful.

Ella French was not murdered, Morgan said, standing at the defense table. She had an accidental death.

Addressing reporters after the hearing, Cook County States Attorney Kim Foxx echoed Walowskis sentiment that Morgans actions  and his alone  were responsible for Frenchs killing and the catastrophic injuries suffered by Yanez.

There were choices that the defendant made on that evening that could have left a young woman alive, another officer uninjured and people going home safely to their families, Foxx said. This ending, with a young man spending the rest of his life in prison, is what happens when one uses gun violence in the manner in which they did.

During the trial, jurors repeatedly watched violent footage of the shootings of French and Yanez, as well as the aftermath as officers and doctors frantically tried to save them. They heard testimony from Blas and Yanez, the latter testifying about his long recovery and the injuries he still suffers from.

Yanez was confined to a wheelchair after the shooting but now walks with a limp. He uses hearing aids and wears a prosthetic eye.

Morgans defense attorneys, though, had argued that the body-camera footage was too close and muffled during the crucial moments of the shootings, making it difficult to discern what happened. They contended that the traffic stop was needless, questioning whether the tragedy could have been avoided.

At one point after a break in the hearing, Walowski asked for those present to observe a moment of silence in memory of the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks.

A short time later, Assistant States Attorney Scott Clark recalled how he told Elizabeth French that Morgans sentencing was scheduled for Sept. 11.

This is a perfectly appropriate date to handle a case like this, Clark said. (Ella French is) gone because she chose the life of a hero.
The Manitowoc Police is looking for a suspect of an assault at a residence. The suspect was seen driving this car. People can call Crime Stoppers or use the P3 app to submit information about the suspect.

MANITOWOC  Manitowoc Police Department is offering a $750 reward for any information leading to the arrest of the person responsible for an assault Sept. 7 in the 1200 block of North Ninth Street.

Manitowoc County Joint Dispatch Center received a call at 5:34 a.m. Sept. 7 from someone saying a man had entered their residence and physically assaulted them, police said in a news release.

The release said the suspect likely suffered an injury to one or more fingers on his left hand during the altercation, and he fled the residence after he was confronted by another occupant of the home.

More: Active killer drill in downtown Manitowoc Friday night will bring large police presence and closed streets.

The suspect has not been identified. The release described him as a white male, 5 feet, 6 inches tall, a thin build, blond/brown hair with bangs, and wearing a black hoodie and black sweatpants.

The police also have video evidence of the suspect driving a newer model white SUV similar to a Nissan Rogue, Chevrolet Trax or a Buick Encore. The vehicle was last seen traveling north on North Eighth Street past Reed Avenue in Manitowoc.

The Manitowoc Police is looking for a suspect of an assault at a residence. The suspect was seen driving this car. People can call Crime Stoppers or use the P3 app to submit information about the suspect.

The Manitowoc Police is looking for a suspect of an assault at a residence. The suspect was seen driving this car. People can call Crime Stoppers or use the P3 app to submit information about the suspect.

Anyone who provides information leading to the arrest of the person responsible for the assault could become eligible to receive a reward of up to $750.

People with information should call Crime Stoppers at 920-683-4466 or by utilizing the P3 app. People can also call the Manitowoc Police Department Shift Commander at 920-686-6551 or Detective David McCue at 920-686-6570. When calling, reference Manitowoc police incident 2024-00011284. Tipsters may remain anonymous if they choose.

More: Elijah Vue: Latest on the search for the missing 4-year-old after human remains were discovered near Two Rivers Saturday

Alisa M. Schafer is a reporter for the Herald Times Reporter in Manitowoc. She can be reached by email at aschafer@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter: Manitowoc police search for suspect in North Ninth Street assault
Mourners gather outside the Croft House on Wednesday during a memorial for Brianna Kupfer, who was stabbed to death inside the furniture store. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Jurors took little more than an hour on Tuesday to convict a man of murder in the stabbing death of UCLA graduate student Brianna Kupfer as she worked in a Hancock Park boutique furniture store.

Shawn Laval Smith, a 34-year-old transient with a lengthy criminal record, was found guilty of murder with the special circumstances of lying in wait, as well as committing the crime with a deadly weapon, a knife.

On Jan. 13, 2022, Smith stabbed Kupfer 46 times as she worked alone in the upscale Croft House.

Prosecutors and LAPD detectives say the Pacific Palisades resident had texted a friend about 1:36 p.m. to say she felt uncomfortable about a person who was in the store. The friend did not immediately respond, according to investigators. About 20 minutes later, a customer found Kupfer on the floor covered in blood.

The sanity phase of the trial is set to begin Oct. 2. Smith could receive a sentence of life without the possibility of parole if the judge determines he was sane at the time of the crime. Smith, who pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity, has waived a jury trial for this phase.

Key to the conviction was an audio recording on a device that prosecutors said belonged to Smith and provided horrific evidence of the attack. A man can be heard telling a woman he's "not gonna hurt her" and ordering her to "just get down on the floor." The woman screams, and the man says: "It's over, it's over, it's over, it's over, b."

Following the stabbing, Smith fled out the back door of the furniture business, leaving his victim to bleed to death, according to prosecutor Habib Balian. Smith, however, left behind the knife, a knife sheath and the audio recorder covered in DNA that would implicate him in the murder.

Jurors agreed with Balian's argument that there was "overwhelming evidence" that the murder was premeditated and convicted Smith on the most serious charge of first-degree murder and the special-circumstance allegation, as well as the knife allegation.

Smith was arrested six days after Kupfer's death. A massive manhunt ended when police received a tip that Smith had been spotted sitting on a bus bench in downtown Pasadena. The tip came after Los Angeles police circulated his photo and a $250,000 reward was offered for information leading to his arrest and conviction.

Brianna Kupfer was a promising young woman whose life was tragically taken far too soon, L.A. County Dist. Atty. George Gascon said in a statement Tuesday after the verdict. I thank the jury for their thoughtful deliberation and dedication in finding the defendant guilty.

A bright and talented 24-year-old UCLA student, Brianna was dedicated to her studies in architectural design, with her whole future ahead of her, he added. Our hearts are with Briannas family, who have shown incredible strength and resilience throughout this harrowing ordeal.

At the time of the Kupfer attack, Smith was out on bond pending a trial in South Carolina in a 2019 case. He was accused of firing a flare gun into a moving vehicle with a child inside.

Smith pleaded guilty in 2018 to charges that, two years before, he resisted or assaulted a police officer in South Carolina's Charleston County. He was sentenced to time served, according to court records.

In January 2021, Smith allegedly vandalized a car in Daly City, Calif., and when officers arrested him, he resisted and bit one of them, according to court records. He was charged in San Mateo County with assault on a police officer and resisting arrest.

He subsequently pleaded no contest to one felony charge of resisting arrest. In addition to an eight-month jail sentence, Smith was ordered to serve two years of probation.

He served 133 days in jail and was released but failed twice to report to his probation officer, and his probation was revoked. A bench warrant was issued for Smiths arrest, but he vanished.

City News Service contributed to this story.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
URBANA, Ill. (WCIA)  A man was found dead in Urbana near a strip mall Tuesday.

The Champaign County Coroner confirmed a man was found dead in a car behind a strip mall near the intersection of University Avenue and Cunningham Avenue.

Dump truck fire shuts down Piatt Co. I-72 ramp

The coroner said there is no threat to the community and is investigating the death with the Urbana Police Department as an apparent suicide.

If you or someone you know is experiencing mental distress or suicidal thoughts, please contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. You can also visit 988lifeline.org.

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AT&T CEO John Stankey Flags Normalizing Wireless Trends And Strong Fiber Growth: Details

AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) shares are trading lower premarket Wednesday. On Tuesday, the companys chief executive officer, John Stankey, stated that they are observing stable, though normalizing, trends in the wireless industry.

The company disclosed satisfaction with the performance of the Mobility business in the third quarter.

Stankey said that fiber penetration rates are surpassing initial projections. While a work stoppage is currently affecting some fiber installations, it is not expected to significantly impact third-quarter financial results.

Outlook: AT&T continues to expect capital investments between $21 billion  $22 billion for 2024 to support its 5G and fiber initiatives.

The company also aims to achieve over $2 billion in run-rate cost savings by mid-2026 and is on track to reach a net-debt-to-adjusted EBITDA ratio of around 2.5x in the first half of 2025.

Additionally, AT&T plans to address short-term financing obligations while working towards a more sustainable and consistent free cash flow.

Apart from this, AT&T reiterated the annual financial guidance disclosed in July. The company reiterated FY24 Wireless service revenue growth in the 3% range, Broadband revenue growth of 7%+, and adjusted EPS of $2.15  $2.25 versus the $2.20 consensus.

It also projects full-year adjusted EBITDA growth in the 3% range and a full-year free cash flow of $17 billion-$18 billion.

Investors can gain exposure to the stock via iShares MSCI USA Value Factor ETF (BATS:VLUE) and ETC 6 Meridian Mega Cap Equity ETF (NYSE:SIXA).

Also Read: Nokia And AT&T Partner For Next-Gen Fiber Network: Details

Price Action: T shares are down 0.28% at $21.65 premarket at the last check Wednesday.

Image via Shutterstock

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Man found unresponsive in the Bibb County Jail later dies, sheriffs office says

A man incarcerated at the Bibb County Jail died Monday morning, according to the sheriffs office.

The sheriffs office said the inmate, Robert Beck, was being checked by the infirmary staff after 7 a.m., when he was discovered breathing but unresponsive. An ambulance took Beck to Atrium Navicent Health, where he was pronounced dead an hour later, according to Coroner Leon Jones.

Beck was in custody on a charge of aggravated child molestation, the sheriffs office said.

The Bibb County Sheriffs Office says its investigating his death. The Georgia Bureau of Investigations will perform an autopsy.

Becks death is the second man incarcerated at the Bibb County Jail to die this year. Stephen Fossett died in late May following a tasing incident. Fossetts family recently called on the sheriffs office to release more details about his death, which they claimed they had not received in the three months since the incident.

Since 2020, nine people held at the Bibb County Jail have died, according to records from the jail.
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  One of the men involved in a fatal drive-by shooting at a La Jolla house party in 2019 has been sentenced to more than two decades behind bars.

Malik Joshua Campbell, now 25, was sentenced Monday to 24 years in state prison after pleading guilty to opening fire at a crowd of people that were gathering for a house party on Cuvier Street on June 23, 2019, which left the unintended target, Nina Silver, dead, and three others injured.

Second suspect charged with murder in La Jolla house party shooting

Campbell was arrested in September 2019 for his role in the shooting death of Silver. According to the District Attorneys Office, Campbell pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter, admitting to the courts it was for the benefit of a criminal street gang. He also pleaded guilty to three counts of assault with force likely to cause great bodily injury.

The other defendant in the case, Odyssey Sellers Carrillo, who prosecutors allege was the shooter, was arrested in July 2019 after a high-speed police pursuit. He is set to be sentenced later this year.

According to police at the time, Campbell and Carrillo are accused of shooting at a crowd of people while driving through an alley in the 7500 block of Cuvier Street in La Jolla.

Four people in total were shot; Silver was killed, the other victims were injured by the gunfire.

2 to stand trial for fatal drive-by shooting into La Jolla house party

At Campbells sentencing hearing, the prosecution talked briefly about how the victims mother has expressed her hope that the defendants turn their lives around after this case comes to a close and they serve their time.

The judge at the sentencing noted how rare it is to hear that from the victims family. I want you to know how special it is that there are victims in this case that are still hopeful for you. Its rare. Hold onto that, do something with it.

Campbell replied, thank you, maam.

Campbell will spend the next two decades behind bars, the judge ruled Monday, and was denied probation. However, he does have 2,102 days of credit for time served so far.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)  A Buffalo man was sentenced to five years in prison for kidnapping a woman out of a driveway on George Urban Boulevard in Cheektowaga in March, the Erie County District Attorneys Office said Wednesday.

Abel Gebrehawaria, 24, kidnapped the 26-year-old woman in the early morning hours of March 2 as she got out of her car. Gebrehawaria attacked her and dragged her into his vehicle, pushed her into the back seat and drove away.

The woman escaped after she grabbed the steering wheel during a struggle, which caused Gebrehawaria to hit the curb on George Urban. The two did not know each other, but the woman said she was returning home from the bar Lucky Day in Buffalo and that Gebrehawaria followed her home.

Im being kidnapped: Cheektowaga woman recounts terrifying moments of almost being taken from her driveway

After she got out of the car, he sped away and she was able to report the kidnapping to police.

In June, Gebrehawaria pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree kidnapping. A final order of protection was issued on behalf of the woman, which remains in effect until September 2037. He had been facing up to 25 years in prison.

Gebrehawaria will also be subject to five years of post-release supervision once he is out of prison.

Latest Local News

Aidan Joly joined the News 4 staff in 2022. He is a graduate of Canisius College. You can see more of his work here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo.
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS)  A 38-year-old man has been hospitalized after being stabbed in Delta Township Tuesday afternoon.

The Eaton County Sheriffs Department says that deputies were dispatched to the 2300 block of Canal Rd at around 2:45 p.m. in response to a reported stabbing. Upon arrival, deputies located the victim with stab wounds and administered first aid.

A 31-year-old male suspect, of Lansing. was found at an apartment complex in Delta Township.

Deputies successfully negotiated with the suspect, and he turned himself into the police.

The victim is currently in stable condition, and the investigation is ongoing.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News.
TOPEKA (KSNT)  A man was taken to the hospital for treatment of injuries after a reported shooting in east Topeka on Wednesday.

Around 1 a.m., the Topeka Police Department (TPD) responded to reports of a shooting in the 2300 block of Southeast Bellview. According to the TPD, officers found a man with non-life-threatening injuries who was taken to an area hospital for treatment.

The TPD said this is an ongoing investigation.

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.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News.
NORTH SIOUX CITY, S.D. (KCAU)  A man was injured and a cat died after a significant structure fire in North Sioux City on Tuesday.

According to fire officials, the fire department got the call at around 4 p.m. When they arrived at the scene on 36 Cotts Drive, they found a trailer home on fire.

GoFundMe pages created to help The Warming Shelter

North Sioux City Fire Department Assistant Chief Jim Christenson told KCAU 9 that the fire was caused by a cigarette butt that was left in a flower pot. The home was declared a total loss, and the fire damaged some surrounding trailers as well.

A man was taken to the hospital with burns on his back. Another person, a woman, came out unharmed. However, a cat was found dead in the aftermath.

The American Red Cross will help the two victims with shelter.

Sergeant Bluff Fire and Rescue assisted at the scene.







Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Belfast Crown Court heard the victim was punched repeatedly during the assault [PA/Paul Faith]

A man who threatened to kill his ex-partner with a sword, strangled her and jumped on her stomach when she thought she pregnant has been jailed for 20 months.

Jordan Samuel Spence, from Lawnbrook Drive in Belfast, carried out the attack at his home on 9 March last year.

The 32-year-old, who has a history of domestic violence against women, had pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm and other offences.

The judge at Belfast Crown Court ordered Spence to serve a further 20 months on licence when he is released from prison.

'I am going to cut you into bits'

The attack began when Spence and his victim, who were no longer in a relationship, got into a verbal argument.

When the woman tried to leave his home, Spence slammed the front door shut, grabbed her thumb and pulled her arm back.

He then pushed her over, jumped on her stomach and punched her twice in the face.

When the victim bit Spence in self-defence he stamped on her mobile phone, smashed it with a hammer and threw it in a mop bucket.

The woman then tried to get out through the back door but Spence pulled her back and locked the door with a padlock.

After punching the victim repeatedly in the face and strangling her, Spence picked up a sword and threatened to kill her.

He allegedly told her: "I am going to cut you into bits and hide you where no-one will find you."

The woman managed to escape and raise the alarm by stopping a member of the public.

When police went to speak to her they saw she had a number of injuries including swelling to her face and thumb and marks on her neck.

In addition to admitting assault, Spence pleaded guilty to criminal damage, threats to kill and false imprisonment - all aggravated by reason of domestic abuse.

Previous convictions

When the judge queried whether or not the victim was pregnant, a prosecution barrister said that could not be proved but explained "the case that the defendant has accepted is that she thought she was pregnant and he knew that".

In her victim impact statement, the woman spoke of having flashbacks, nightmares, depression and anxiety as a result of the attack.

During the sentencing hearing it emerged that Spence has 43 previous convictions some of which involved domestic violence.

He also has chronic mental health issues and problems with drug misuse.

A defence barrister told the court that Spence witnessed and was the victim of domestic violence during his childhood and "is a man who needs help and assistance as much as he needs punishment".

Jailing him, the judge also imposed a five-year restraining order which bans Spence from contacting his former partner.
SOPA Images/Getty Images

This article contains descriptions of fatal violence against a trans woman of color.

The man who killed 38-year-old Cuban and Native trans woman Savannah Ryan Williams last year has been sentenced to more than 30 years in prison.

On August 7, 25-year-old Damarean Kaylon Bible was found guilty of second degree murder. On Wednesday, Bible was sentenced to 367 months, or roughly 30-and-a-half years. He will serve at least two-thirds of that sentence at the Minnesota Correctional Facility  St. Cloud and one third of it under supervised release.

According to court documents, witnesses reported that they had heard a gunshot near the scene of the crime at roughly 5:45 a.m. on November 29, 2023. Minneapolis Police officers found Williams dead from a gunshot wound to the head in a south Minneapolis courtyard at 9 a.m. that morning and were able to track Bible to his apartment building, where they subsequently arrested and detained him.

Williams had been sitting in a bus shelter when Bible passed by and she solicited him for sex. The two walked to a nearby courtyard and Williams performed oral sex on Bible, who said that she made him feel suspicious. Bible then shot her in the head from mere inches away.

In a statement to local NBC affiliate KARE 11, Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty said, This senseless act of violence against a Native and Cuban transgender woman has left a family without a daughter, a partner without their person, and a community without the vibrant light that Savannah uniquely brought to every room she was in. Savannah deserved safety.

Williams was a beloved member of Minneapolis trans community; in a news spot aired on KARE 11, one attendee at Tea Time, a transfemme support group hosted at the HIV advocacy organization the Aliveness Project, described Williams as full of light.

Minnesota state Rep. Leigh Finke, who used to attend Tea Time herself, told KARE 11 that Savannah had a right to live and should be alive.

There is no other detail that matters, she said. Being murdered in the way that this happened, it is beyond gruesome and ghastly.

In a December interview with the Minnesota Reformer, Williams siblings said that they wanted her to be remembered for her personality and her kindness. Her sister, Gabrielle Stillday, told the publication that whenever Williams saw one of her brothers, who was homeless, she would give him the shoes off her feet and go barefoot.

She was a very kind, loving person, Stilday said. My kids and my nieces  that was their favorite auntie because she always was good to them.

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Originally Appeared on them.
Man ordered to pay over $1 million in restitution after scamming GA victims in cyber fraud scheme

Two men are headed to prison for their involvement in several cyber fraud schemes.

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On Wednesday, Ugochinyere Anazodo, 46, of Gwinnett County, and Dominique Beaulieu, 45, of Windermere, Fla., were convicted of participating in several cyber fraud schemes. The victims included small businesses, governments and individuals, who lost money through scams such as Business Email Compromise (BEC), romance and confidence fraud, inheritance, and identity theft.

According to the attorney generals office, the Georgia Department of Transportation was fraudulently induced to pay a legitimate vendors invoices to the two convicted after the vendor fell victim to a BEC scam. Officials also said a private citizen was conned by a man she believed she could trust. Her money flowed to Anazodo through four separate business bank accounts  all of which had been established using the stolen identities of Georgia citizens.

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On Aug. 29, 2024, After a nine-day trial, a Gwinnett County jury found Anazodo guilty of two counts of racketeering, theft by taking and money laundering. He was sentenced to 20 years, with the first 10 years to be served in prison.

Anazodo was also ordered to pay $1,174,928.79 in restitution to the victims.

Beaulieu pleaded guilty to two counts of racketeering before the trial. He was sentenced to five years, with the first two years to be served in prison. Beaulieu was also ordered to pay restitution.

According to the FBIs Internet Crime Complaint Center statistics, Georgia victims lost over $300 million to cyber-enabled fraud in 2023 alone.

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If you or someone you know have fallen victim to a cyber fraud scheme, such as a BEC or romance scam, file a report with the appropriate financial provider, call your local law enforcement agency and the FBIs Internet Crime Complaint Center.

For more information about online scams and how to protect yourself, click here or visit the Georgia Attorney Generals Consumer Protection Division by clicking here.

IN OTHER NEWS:
TISBURY, Mass. (WPRI)  A Massachusetts man has been convicted of robbing a Marthas Vineyard bank at gunpoint nearly two years ago, according to acting United States Attorney Joshua Levy.

Miquel Antonio Jones, 33, of Edgartown, pleaded guilty Monday to committing an armed bank robbery and conspiracy, as well as aiding and abetting.

Investigators believe Jones and two other suspects, identified as Omar Johnson and Tevin Porter, stormed into the Rockland Trust bank in November 2022 armed with handguns and wearing masks resembling elderly men.

The suspects reportedly stole more than $39,000 from the bank before binding the employees with duct tape and zip ties and searching their belongings. The men then took off in one of the employees vehicles, which was later found abandoned in a nearby parking lot.

Romane Andre Clayton, who has also been charged in the robbery, is believed to have planted another getaway vehicle in that same parking lot so the men could escape unnoticed.

Prosecutors said Porter and Clayton left Marthas Vineyard together on a ferry later that morning, bringing the getaway car with them.

Johnson and Jones stayed behind and drove to a farm to get rid of evidence connected to the robbery. The men buried the two firearms on the farm, where Jones worked as a landscaper, and burned the remainder of the evidence, including the masks and walkie-talkies.

Jones was taken into custody a few days after the robbery once detectives discovered the firearms and burned evidence at the farm where he worked. His sentencing is scheduled for December.

Johnson and Porter have also pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing. Clayton, meanwhile, is slated to plead guilty later this month.

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AT&T announced on Monday wholesale agreements with four commercial open-access fiber broadband providers.

The deals, which will involve AT&Ts existing Gigapower JV with investing firm BlackRock, is intended to help the company grow its fiber network offerings.

The announcement comes as fellow wireless providers race to expand their own fiber networks  Verizon Communications spent $20 billion to acquire pure-play fiber provider Frontier Communications last Thursday, while T-Mobile inked a deal to buy a 50% stake in the fiber operator Lumos in April.

Also Read: Dumb in Dallas? AT&T Keeps Pushing a Convergence Advantage It Simply Does Not Have

AT&T will now begin construction on several expansion projects in Texas, Florida and Minnesota with its new partners: Boldyn Networks, Digital Infrastructure Group, Prime Fiber and Uniquity.

Each company AT&T is working with was selected because they provide opportunities to expand AT&T Fiber distribution to new service areas without existing fiber options, the company wrote in its release. As these providers add fiber locations, AT&T will evaluate where it wants to offer AT&T Fiber.

AT&T didnt specify the scale of its initial projects, but said it is on track to pass its goal of 30 million locations with fiber by the end of 2025.

Currently, the telecommunications giant serves more than 8.8 million fiber customers and passes 28 million total consumer and business fiber locations, according to a press release.

In new service areas, Gigapower is ramping well, AT&T CEO John Stankey said in a statement. Were targeting additional geographies for growth with the joint venture and other commercial open-access agreements. Customers tell us they want a high-performance wireless and broadband experience from a single provider, and AT&T is best positioned to serve this growing need.

AT&T and BlackRock have so far announced plans to build in Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Minnesota, Nevada, Pennsylvania and the Carolinas.
ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR)  On Wednesday, September 11, Kai Lansana was sentenced in a Roanoke Court for the murder of Salonya Evans that occurred in 2019.

In July 2019, police arrived at a home on the 900 block of Morehead Avenue SE after reports that someone had been shot. On the scene, 24-year-old Evans was found outside with a fatal gunshot wound.

RELATED STORY: Man found guilty on all charges in 2019 homicide on Morehead Ave

On May 24, 2024, 32-year-old Kai Lansana of Alexandria was convicted of First-Degree Murder, Use of a Firearm in Commission of a Felony, and Statutory Burglary.

Lansana has been sentenced to eight years to life in prison. He received five years for burglary, three years for Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony, and a life sentence for the first-degree murder of Salonya Evans.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFXRtv.
Ehsan Hussain will be sentenced at a later date [West Midlands Police]

A man has admitted posting social media messages designed to stir up racial hared as riots hit the UK.

Ehsan Hussain, from Birmingham, has been warned to expect a substantial custodial sentence.

The 25-year-old pleaded guilty at the city's magistrates' court on Wednesday to distributing threatening, abusive or insulting material between 3 and 6 August.

Hussain was remanded in custody for sentencing at crown court on Friday.

The defendant, of Coventry Road, spoke only to confirm his plea and personal details.

His solicitor Aftab Zahoor said the offending was "commissioned initially out of curiosity" and he wrote messages "to take a poke" at others.

"He is apologetic and remorseful for his actions," Mr Zahoor said.

Telegram messages

West Midlands Police said Hussain used a fake name to post "vile" messages on Telegram.

The force said screenshots of his posts showed they called for disorder in the Alum Rock and Bordesley Green areas of Birmingham.

"We would like to thank members of the public for alerting us to these posts which was crucial at a time when we were seeing lots of rumour, speculation and misinformation online," said Ch Supt Richard North.

"We do not tolerate violence in our towns and cities, or tolerate those who use social media to encourage such violence."

The force added it had been made aware that a member of the public unrelated to Hussain was wrongly identified on social media as being the source of the messages.

It said the man is being supported.

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VERMILION CO., Ill. (WCIA)  A man from Arcola has been sentenced to more than a decade in prison following a car chase in Vermilion County two years ago.

On Sept. 6, 38-year-old Caleb Hackler pleaded guilty to possessing a weapon as a felon, which is a class 2 felony. Judge Mark Goodwin sentenced Hackler to 11 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.

Champaign entertainment producer arrested for selling child pornography

In August 2021, deputies from Vermilion County observed a car traveling faster than 100 miles per hour. After a police chase that ended in the car being wrecked in a ditch and the passengers fleeing, the deputies eventually identified Hackler, as well as the driver and co-defendant, Brett Magana.

Later, deputies along with Illinois State Police officers searched the vehicle where they found two 9mm guns, ammunition, firearm magazines, drug paraphernalia and wallets that identified both Hackler and Magana.

Magana admitted in an interview with police that he was the driver of the vehicle and that him and Hackler were on their way to a drug deal.

Cpl. Schreiber dies, local law enforcement holding memorial procession

After Hackler completes his sentence, he will serve one year of supervised release. Magana was sentenced to 12 years in prison in 2022.

Repeat offenders who refuse to follow the law will be held accountable by my office, said

Vermilion County States Attorney Jacqueline Lacy. Our community is safer thanks to the combined efforts of the Vermilion County Sheriffs Department, the Vermilion County Metropolitan Enforcement Group and the Illinois State Police.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
Man sentenced to 25 years for murder of teen on Fort Worth-area road, officials say

A 25-year-old man has been sentenced to prison after pleading guilty to the 2020 murder of a teen in Crowley, officials say.

Quinton Hicks also pleaded guilty to three counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. He was given a 25-year prison sentence as part of a plea deal, according to court records.

Thank you to the Crowley Police Department for your work on this case and for continuing to keep our community safe. pic.twitter.com/wDBQyDdFsr  Tarrant County CDA (@TarrantCountyDA) September 10, 2024

On May 29, 2020, Caleb Chambers left his fathers house in Crowley around 11:30 p.m. with his brother and two others. The 17-year-old from Strong, Arkansas, was in the area visiting his father and other family members like he did every summer.

The group stopped first at Taco Bell and then headed to 7-Eleven to buy drinks, Calebs father, Darrough Chambers, told the Star-Telegram in a 2020 phone interview. When Caleb got out of the vehicle at 7-Eleven, he was confronted by two men who were standing near the front door with the clerk.

The men exchanged words with Caleb, but there wasnt a physical fight, Darrough Chambers said. The Arkansas teen entered the store, but when he was walking back to his brothers car, one of the men pulled out a rifle and fired into the air four or five times.

Caleb Chambers of Strong, Arkansas, was shot and killed on May 29, 2020, in Crowley, Texas.

My other son got out of his car, ran up to the suspects and told them they didnt want any problems, Darrough Chambers said.

Caleb and the others in his group drove away from 7-Eleven, but the two men followed their vehicle and opened fire. Caleb, who was sitting in the backseat, was wounded. He was pronounced dead a short time later at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth.

The first suspect, Donell Lewie, was arrested in Arkansas in June 2020 in connection with Caleb Chambers murder. Lewie was sentenced in January to 45 years in prison after he also pleaded guilty to murder, according to Tarrant County court records.

Hicks was arrested in January 2021, according to a social media post from the Crowley Police Department.

Crowley police also announced Hicks sentencing on social media Friday.

Today, our thoughts are with Calebs family and friends, the post reads.

 More top stories from our newsroom:

 North Texas farmers say chemicals in fertilizer are killing livestock

 His killing in Tarrant jail exposed abuse. But he was more than an inmate

 Will Hurricane Francine impact Dallas-Fort Worth?

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WARREN, Ohio (WKBN)  A Warren man charged with damaging property in a neighborhood adjacent to the Trumbull County Country Club was sentenced Tuesday.

Christopher Heltzel pleaded guilty to criminal damaging and was fined $100. A jail sentence was suspended and he was put on probation for two years. He will also have pay $90 in restitution and get mental health help.

Heltzel was arrested in August after police say he damaged mailboxes along County Club Drive in Warren.

Police said he damaged at least 16 mailboxes, but the sentencing only included restitution for one and a no-contact order for the victim.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
Man sentenced to life in deaths of people living in shed

WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW)  A Wichita man was in court Tuesday where he was sentenced for the deaths of Bonnie Galloway, 38, and Connor OCallaghan, 30, in February 2022.

The Sedgwick County District Attorneys Office said Justin Macormac, 27, was sentenced to life in prison, with parole eligibility after 853 months, or 71 years and one month.

Macormac pleaded guilty to five crimes on May 2. Two of those (first-degree murder and voluntary manslaughter) were in connection to the shooting deaths on Feb. 13, 2022, while the other three charges were from unrelated cases. A plea agreement consolidated all charges into one sentencing hearing.

Altogether, Macormac pleaded guilty to first-degree murder, voluntary manslaughter, attempted second-degree murder, and two counts of criminal discharge of a firearm.

Why flags will be flown half-staff on Wednesday

According to an affidavit, on Feb. 13, 2022, around 3:33 p.m., EMS was dispatched to 2141 S. Erie St. for a medical call with individuals not breathing. Officers were dispatched and located Galloway and OCallaghan in a shed in the back with gunshot wounds to their heads.

An investigation revealed the two had been living in the shed on the property.

Macormac was arrested on Feb. 14 for an unrelated incident and was charged in August 2022. His co-defendant, Brandon Prouse, was charged with two counts of first-degree murder. He is next due in court on Sept. 13.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSN-TV.
Man sentenced for rollover crash that killed a child in Shawnee Co.

Man sentenced for rollover crash that killed a child in Shawnee Co.

TOPEKA (KSNT)  A Topeka man has been sentenced after being arrested for a crash killing a child in 2022.

According to court documents, Caleb Conway has been convicted of the following:

Murder in the second degree.

Driving under the influence.

Major Topeka intersection to close for months

These charges stem from a rollover crash in Rossville that killed 11-year-old Bella W. Conway. Caleb Conway is sentenced to 190 months in the Kansas Department of Corrections for the second degree murder charge and 12 months in the county jail for driving under the influence. Those sentences will run consecutively. Caleb received three separate fines of $1,750.

Just before 7:30 p.m. on June 8, 2022, Shawnee County Sheriffs Office responded to a single-vehicle crash in the 3900 block of NW Carlson Road. The vehicle, with Caleb and Bella Conway inside, left the road, struck a culvert and flipped. According to the sheriffs office, Caleb refused medical treatment at the scene.

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.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News.
Man shot, killed after using truck to pin sheriffs deputy against vehicle

RICHWOODS, Mo.  A request to remove a trespasser from a parking lot ended with Washington County sheriffs deputies shooting and killing a man after he used a truck to pin a deputy against another vehicle.

According to Washington County Sheriff Zach Jacobsen, the shooting took place just after 10:45 p.m. Tuesday at Roys Convenience Store, just outside Richwoods, Missouri.

Deputies met with a store employee, who told them a man parked in a pickup truck was trespassing on the property.

Sheriff Jacobsen said deputies spoke with the man in the truck, who gave them a false name and other incorrect information. The store employee told deputies he wanted the man off the property.

Deputies spoke with the man in the truck again and asked that he step out of the vehicle. The sheriff said the man refused, started the truck, and put the vehicle in drive. One of the deputies attempted to put the truck back into park but was unsuccessful.

This St. Louis-area butcher shop named third-best in the nation

The man sped forward with the deputy hanging out of the truck, Jacobsen said. He struck a deputys vehicle, pinning the deputy between it and the truck.

The sheriff said the other deputies then opened fire on the man in the truck, which then struck a second law enforcement vehicle.

The man in the truck, later identified as David M. Peter, was pronounced dead at the scene. He was 36.

The deputy who was pinned was taken to a local hospital to be treated, Jacobsen said. His injuries were not life-threatening.

Sheriff Jacobsen said he requested the Missouri State Highway Patrols Division of Drug and Crime Control conduct a use of force investigation.

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WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating after a man was shot and killed in Southeast D.C. on Tuesday morning.

According to MPD, at around 10:05 a.m., a call came in for a shooting in the 3700 block of Alabama Ave.

Protest turns violent after body cam of DC police officers fatally shooting Justin Robinson was released

When officers arrived at the home, they found 20-year-old Korey Glasker, of Southeast, inside, suffering from gunshot wounds. He died there.

Anyone with information is asked to call (202) 727-9099 or text 50411.

A reward of up to $25,000 is being offered to anyone with information that leads to an arrest and indictment of those involved.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
A man is facing criminal charges after police say he threatened to blow up a bank in Randolph during a robbery on Wednesday morning.

Joseph Emmanuel, 30, of Avon, was arrested on charges of armed robbery and making bomb threats, according to Randolph Police Chief Anthony Marag.

Officers responding to a report of a bank robbery and bomb threat at the Citizens Bank on South Main Street just before 9:45 a.m. learned Emmanuel had allegedly passed a note to a teller, stating he had a bomb and that he would blow up the bank if he did not receive money, Marag said.

The teller subsequently sounded a silent alarm button while handing Emmanuel an undisclosed amount of money, prompting a large emergency response and Randolph police established a perimeter outside the bank. The Massachusetts State Police Bomb Squad and FBI Bank Robbery Task Force were also notified.

Emmanuel was nabbed by awaiting officers after he allegedly stepped out of the bank with envelopes containing cash.

This is an example of incredible police work by our officers who responded quickly to arrest the suspect before he could even leave the scene, Marag said in the release. I would like to thank our law enforcement partners who responded to the scene to assist us. Im glad that there was a safe outcome for all involved today.

The bank and parking lot were deemed safe by Massachusetts State Police and a Bridgewater Police Bomb Detection K9 team. No explosives were found.

Emmanuel is slated to be arraigned Wednesday afternoon in Quincy District Court.

An investigation is ongoing.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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The properties at the center of the lawsuit are located in Miamis Indian Creek Island, known as Billionaires Bunker (Google Maps)

A toy company founder who sold his $79 million Miami mansion to Jeff Bezos for less than the asking price is now suing his realtor for not disclosing that the Amazon billionaire was the buyer.

Leo Kryss, co-founder of Tectoy, a Brazilian toy and electronics company, says real-estate brokerage Douglas Elliman misled him and at one point specifically denied that Bezos was the buyer.

In May of 2023, Kryss listed the luxury, seven-bedroom house in Indian Creek Village  which has a wine cellar, library, theater and pool  for $85 million.

A month later Bezos spent $68 million on a 2.8-acre property next door. Soon after Kryss received an offer for his home for $6 million below the asking price.

According to a lawsuit, filed in the circuit court of the 11th Judicial Circuit in Miami-Dade County and obtained by The Independent, Kryss asked Elliman specifically if Bezos was behind the offer.

Jay Parker, Ellimans CEO for the Florida region, called Kryss personally to say that Bezos was not the buyer and that the purchaser wouldnt pay more than $79 million, WSJ reported. This was later found not to be the case, after Kryss had agreed to sell the property at a 7.1 per cent discount.

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos stepped down as chief executive in 2021 (PA Archive)

In reliance upon Mr Parkers affirmative representations regarding the identity of the potential and ultimate buyer of the home, Kryss was induced to reduce the sale price of the home by millions of dollars, the suit stated.

But for these misrepresentations and in reliance upon the Brokers duties to deal honestly, fairly, and with due care towards TAM, Kryss would not have reduced the purchase price or sold the Home for $79,000,000.

In the complaint, Kryss said that it was highly material to the negotiations and the decision on the eventual sales price to know whether Bezos was attempting to anonymously acquire the home in order to assemble it with the adjoining property.

The fact that Bezos already owned the property next door made it significantly more valuable to Bezos that to other potential buyers the suit stated.

Elliman received a 4 per cent commission on the sale  worth more than $3 million, according to the complaint.

In a statement shared with The Independent, Dana Clayton, representing Kryss said: Douglas Elliman failed to fulfill their duties to our client.

The facts, as set forth in our complaint, speak for themselves; they knew or should have known who the ultimate beneficial purchaser was and misrepresented that very important fact to our client.

The lawsuit seeks damages in excess of $750,000 arising from the brokers breach of contract, breach of its duties and negligent misrepresentations regarding the identity of the potential and ultimate purchaser of the home.

Story continues

Douglas Elliman declined The Independents request for comment about the lawsuit, though a spokesperson told WSJ that the company could not comment on pending litigation.

The Independent has also reached out to representatives of Jeff Bezos for comment.

The Amazon.com founder is currently the third richest man in the world, with an estimated net worth of $197.6 billion, according to Forbes.

Bezos announced his move to Miami from Seattle in February 2023. He now owns more than four bayfront acres on Indian Creek Island, a gated community sometimes referred to as the Billionaire Bunker.

The island is known to be home to several high-profile residents including Tom Brady, and Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  A 48-year-old man was arrested for aggravated robbery on a revocation warrant on an active personal recognizance bond on Wednesday, Sept. 11 in South-Central El Paso, according to the El Paso County Constable Office Precinct Three.

Adrian Martin Salmeron, 48, was arrested by constable deputies on a charge of aggravated robbery under a $150,000 bond, according to the El Paso County Constables Office.

According to the El Paso County Constable, Salmeron was found at the 5700 block of Macias St. and was booked in the El Paso County Jail without further incident.

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Im currently being canvassed in what many will think is a pointless election. I and thousands of others are being asked to choose a leader to be the nominal head of a once-great but now dysfunctional institution, whose predecessors include Harold Macmillan, Lord Salisbury and the Duke of Wellington, yet who may never wield real political power.

No, Im not quite mad enough to join the Conservative Party. I am speaking of the University of Oxfords Chancellor elections, in which even those of us who left with little more than a barely-scraped 2.1 and a few of their top 10 hangovers of all time are being asked to vote.

The candidates arent hugely inspiring  one of them, Imran Khan, welcomed the arrival of the Taliban. Another is Lord Mandelson. As with so many elections these days, it seems to be a case of voting based on who you definitely dont want in lieu of any active enthusiasm.

Recently, a new candidate has entered the fray: Baroness Royall, a former Labour leader in the Lords who resembles the Blob incarnate. As principal of Somerville college, she forced all students to take unconscious bias tests and insisted on 100 per cent pass rates for this exercise, before complaints from the Free Speech Union saw potential disciplinary action downgraded to the sinister threat of a chat with college authorities. She removed octopus from the Somerville dining menu because it might alienate disadvantaged students.

The Times diarist Patrick Kidd drew attention to the mess of verbiage exhibited in the statement announcing Royalls candidacy  a masterstroke of newspeak consultant language. Royall speaks of Oxfords dynamic future as a nexus for transformational research and the precious futures our university creates. None of it means much and yet the grey, managerial vision it expresses for education is unfortunately very clear. It reads as if Lady Mary from Porterhouse Blue had also done a stint at Deloitte. Still, this is merely a symptom of a wider problem in how the leaders of our institutions communicate.

Of all areas of national life, academia ought to be the place where language is treated with most respect. If Oxford  the home of such great deployers of English as C S Lewis, Tolkien, Samuel Johnson, Barbara Pym  has gone from being a seat of learning to a nexus of transformation then we are in trouble. Not that rank-and-file academics should be tarred by association. My tutors would have taken us to task for using such waffle in an essay. As in most institutions, managerial gobbledegook thrives higher up the food chain.

Consider this recent job advert from the Church of England (ironically, for a role in communications). The successful candidate must ensure effective two-way communication between the Diocesan CYF Network and the Vision and Strategy, Education and Ministry Division departments. They must also facilitate productive dialogue with shared agreed outcomes, and cascade all relevant information and opportunities regularly and as required. I am all for the mysteries of faith, but I think even the divine knowledge might be stretched to make sense of this.

Its not just a case of poor communication, either. Permanent gobbledegook feels deliberately alienating, and often masks threadbare ideas. Naturally, it thrives in politics. Lawmakers speak cautiously, to avoid actually saying something. Even the word say looks outdated. Todays politicians intimate or indicate, just as they prefer challenges to problems. Political newspeak often softens or removes accountability for decisions, just as HR types favour offboarding over sacking someone.

This communication style suffers the dual fatalities of being ugly on the ear and incapable of conveying meaning. One new MP recently asked a minister about how to up ambition in the implementation of the Procurement Act so we have the data, the skills and the digital tools to drive a more mission-driven and economically transformative commissioning across the government. These people are murderers of syntax and any kind of sense. Word-salad is clearly designed to conceal rather than illuminate. But the stakes for democracy are also high, when meaningless jargon causes the public to tap out altogether.

In the Harry Potter books, J K Rowling satirises political double-speak through the character of Professor Umbridge, a tyrannical bureaucrat who becomes headmistress of Hogwarts school. Let us move forward, Umbridge tells the students, into a new era of openness, effectiveness, and accountability, intent on preserving what ought to be preserved, perfecting what needs to be perfected, and pruning wherever we find practices that ought to be prohibited. Save for the word pruning which would probably be considered too direct these days, this sounds depressingly familiar. It could have come straight from a senior civil servant, or any ministerial statement of the past few years.

Perhaps Im being a pedant; readers are most welcome to elucidate exactly what these things mean. But I suspect that a wall of deliberately opaque management-speak may be more intimidating for a would-be student than the sight of an octopus terrine. For the vast majority of people, the election of Oxfords chancellor wont matter. But the fact that senior leaders in all our institutions appear incapable of saying what they mean should concern us all.

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LONDON, Ky. (FOX 56)  Laurel County is under a state of emergency as the manhunt continues for a gunman who shot several people traveling Saturday on I-75. At least five people were shot, but officials say the victims are stable.

Police from several agencies are looking for alleged shooter Joseph Couch, who is presumed to be armed and dangerous.

Who is Joseph Couch? Alleged I-75 shooter warned he was going to kill a lot of people

The crews involved in this manhunt are heading into day five of searching the Daniel Boone National Forest for Couch. They said this is an all-hands-on-deck situation to try to find him.

I hope he doesnt have water, said Kentucky State Police Trooper Scottie Pennington. I hope he doesnt have food. And I hope hes just worn out, and eventually, hell walk out of the woods.

Crews have narrowed their search to the forest area near exit 49, where the incident happened. Pennington said the area spans thousands of acres, similar to navigating a jungle.

Laurel County declares state of emergency amid search for gunman

While investigators have looked into multiple tips with potential leads, they said there is no concrete evidence that Couch has left the woods.

And some people say, well, what if hes not alive anymore? Well, were going to stay in the woods till we find him, said Pennington. And, you know, thats our job. If hes dead or alive. Its our job to try to find him.

Law enforcement officials said its important to remain vigilant. Some school systems and businesses have chosen to close while Couch is still at large.

Kentucky I-75 shooting: Reward for information on suspect Joseph Couch upped to $35K

Theyve chosen to do that just as a safety precaution, said Laurel County Sheriff John Root. You know, we cant advise the superintendents on what action to take. Thats solely up to them. A lot of businesses, maybe, you know, theyre doing outside drive-throughs only and locking the doors, and thats just a precaution.

Authorities are asking community members to stay away from the search area and stop all activities there until further notice.

They are utilizing resources from multiple agencies. Boats are searching the river area, officers and canines are searching the woods on foot, and drones and helicopters are looking for Couch from above.

Theyre looking for heat sources, said Pennington. So, if we see a heat source and a heat source moving slowly, you know, its moving really, really fast. Its probably a deer or something like that. But if its moving slowly, theyre going to try their best to now start tracking that heat source and getting troopers and deputies to the area where they find that heat source.

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Pennington said the AR-15-style rifle Couch used was found, but that its unclear if he has another weapon in his possession.

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.

The reward for finding Couch is now up to $35,000. Law enforcement officials encourage the community to continue coming forward with any tips that may help.

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David Brown was arrested on Priory Road on Wednesday 21 August, and died later that day [Google]

The police watchdog is appealing for witnesses to come forward in an investigation to the death of a man who was taken into custody in Liverpool.

David Brown died on 21 August, having been arrested by Merseyside Police and taken to St Anne Street police station earlier that day.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) launched an investigation and said it had now become aware of people who saw the 41-year-old being stopped by officers on Priory Road at 11:30 BST, as well as potential mobile footage of the encounter.

Mr Brown was pronounced dead at Royal Liverpool University Hospital later that day, and a post-mortem examination is still to identify the cause of death.

CCTV footage

The watchdog said it had begun the investigation following a mandatory referral from the force and had secured CCTV footage from the police custody suite.

IOPC regional director Catherine Bates said: I would like to offer my sincere condolences to Mr Browns family and friends and anyone affected by his death.

"Our team has been in contact with the family to explain our role, offer support and to outline the next steps of our independent investigation.

Our investigation will be thorough and independent to ensure we understand the circumstances that led up to Mr Browns death.

"If you believe you have any information, or footage of Mr Browns interaction with police, I urge you to get in touch.

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Manslaughter charge for Semmes 18-year-old is the first under new fentanyl law

MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG)  Under a law passed in 2023, a person who distributes a lethal dose of a drug or any opioid can face a manslaughter charge, and for the first time in Mobile County, that law was implemented to charge a Semmes teen with manslaughter.

FRANCINE: Landfall Expected Wednesday on the Louisiana Gulf Coast

18-year-old Kaleb Harden was charged with manslaughter after giving a 17-year-old boy a lethal dose of fentanyl in a pill form.

Kaleb Daniel Harden. (Mobile County Sheriffs Office)

This is yet another example of a case where we believe fentanyl is going to be the drug that led to this overdose, Mobile County District Attorney Keith Blackwood explained. You know, drug dealers that distribute fentanyl, dangerous fentanyl to people need to be held accountable. Thats one reason why this arrest was made under this law.

Mobile County Sheriff Paul Burch said the family of the 17-year-old victim advised them that Harden was the one who gave him the drugs.

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Burch said his deputies went to his place of employment to arrest him Monday, but he tried to run away.

It was a short chase, and they saw him toss, you know, an item, Burch said. And once they got him into custody, after the brief foot chase, they went back, recovered this plastic bag with some pills on it.

State Representative Chris Pringle sponsored the bill to charge people distributing fatal doses of drugs with manslaughter. Previously, there was another case with similar circumstances involving 19-year-old Jackson Lewis who is charged with manslaughter for the 2022 death of 15-year-old Adrianna Taylor in Semmes.

Blackwood explained that now it is easier to prosecute the manslaughter charge.

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The language in the new law applies directly to the distribution of dangerous drugs that lead to death, Blackwood explained. And so, its more on point with simply the reckless theory that we were traveling under before.

Harden also faces a possession of a controlled substance charge.

Virginia Guy with the Drug Education Council wants to remind people what they can do to keep their children safe.

We need to use this as a lesson to be able to talk to our children and our loved ones and make sure that they know, first of all, dont take anything from anybody that, even a friend of yours, Guy explained. Because you dont know where they got it.

Court records show that Harden has a bond hearing Wednesday morning.

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Marines will be using a new simulated mortar and recoilless rocket trainer that could help to protect them from exposure to heavy blasts as concerns over brain injuries from even routine military training have grown.

The Indoor Simulated Marksmanship Trainer, which is currently in use at five Marine Corps bases across the world, allows troops to practice firing the weapons without being exposed to what is called blast overpressure, the shock wave from munitions that is linked to the injuries.

Earlier last month -- before the Marine Corps' simulator announcement -- the Pentagon issued a new policy to track and reduce the risks of blast exposure among service members following pressure from Congress. Previous Military.com reporting showed that traumatic brain injuries have been linked to suicide among veterans and that for years the Department of Defense had effectively ignored the issue.

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"Risk reduction is another positive effect of using virtual systems in advance of live training as it allows individual Marines and crews to hone their drills and weapons handling procedures," Morgan Blackstock, a spokesperson for Marine Corps Systems Command, told Military.com on Monday.

"The fact that using these virtual systems does not introduce additional blast overpressure, or other safety hazards, is a positive byproduct of the technology used," she said.

Blackstock said that the simulators will not replace live-fire training, but are meant as a supplement. Simulators are used widely by the military for small-arms training as well.

Simulators now give Marines a chance to get their hands on simulated 81mm mortars and the Multi-Role Anti-Armor Anti-Personnel Weapon Systems, or MAAWS.

Veterans reported brain injuries from improvised explosives or other ordnance blasts while serving during the Global War on Terror, and that contributed to long-term brain decay, injury and symptoms contributing to suicide, according to Military.com reporting.

But the injuries were not limited to battlefield exposure. The New York Times reported in May that artillerymen and service members who use mortars and antitank weapons, including in training, were experiencing similar brain injuries to those seen among troops who served in war.

"Understanding the risks associated with repeated blast exposure," the Marine Corps said in the simulator announcement on Aug. 22, the program manager for training systems "has fielded the Indoor Simulated Marksmanship Trainer, which allows Marines across the installation to maintain their proficiency with various weapons systems without the need for live ammunition."

The simulator, which is fielded at Camp Pendleton and Twentynine Palms, California; Marine Corps Base Hawaii; Camp Lejeune, North Carolina; and Camp Hansen in Japan, can also be used to practice shooting with night vision goggles and on range qualification courses.

"From a safety perspective, we are committed to preventing negligent discharges," Tripp Elliott, the Marine Corps Systems Command head of safety, said in the release. "We're also focused on mitigating the impacts on hearing and preventing traumatic brain injuries. This has a huge impact. It's crucial that, while training, personnel do so correctly."

Related: They Said the Rise in Military Suicide Is a Mystery. Traumatic Brain Injury May Be an Answer.
Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene lambasted former New York governor Andrew Cuomo during a tense hearing on the Covid nursing homes deaths (Getty Images)

Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene blatantly accused former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo of murder on Tuesday during a tense congressional hearing on Cuomos Covid-19 nursing home scandal.

The firebrand congresswoman pointed her finger at Cuomo, claiming that his decision to force nursing homes to take in patients who were recovering from Covid in March 2020 led to the murdering of older New Yorkers.

The Comfort ship was sent to New York on March 30th of 2020. That was just a few days after you signed the directive to put Covid-19 patients into nursing homes on March 25th which led to the murdering [of] peoples parents, grandparents and great-grandparents, Greene said.

Yes, murdering them, she repeated.

The former governor tried to dispute Greenes accusations but she fiercely demanded he stop speaking and went on to accuse Cuomo of purposefully not allowing the Covid patients in the Javitts Center medical center or on the Comfort hospital ship.

Former governor Andrew Cuomo testifies to the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic (Getty Images)

You didnt send them there you put them in nursing homes which is murder, Greene said. Thats murdering people.

Tuesdays hearing was a much-anticipated testimony from Cuomo who was caught in a scandal after his office underreported the number of Covid-19 patients who died in nursing homes.

On March 25, 2020, Cuomo signed a directive requiring nursing homes to accept Covid patients from hospitals regardless of their current infection status. Some criticized the directive, believing it would hurt the already at-risk population.

The New York governor defended his actions, saying he was acting in accordance with federal law.

The directive was later rescinded but when it came time to report the number of nursing home deaths, his office underreported by 50 percent.

Its been more than four years since the controversy, but Cuomo and his administration have faced state and federal investigations.

During Tuesdays hearing, Cuomo defended his administrations actions and accused Donald Trump of malpractice by downplaying the effect of the virus. The former governor told those who lost family members to the virus that he was sorry for their loss.

I am sorry for your loss and I believe you are owed an apology because this country should have done better, Cuomo said.

Greene and other members of the committee accused Cuomo of failing to take responsibility and acting without empathy.
WASHINGTON  North Carolina Republican gubernatorial nominee Mark Robinson baselessly claimed at a recent event that birth control is being forced on very young ladies and suggested it will make them want to have lots of sex.

An undercover operative from American Bridge 21st Century, a Democratic research group, asked Robinson about birth control at an Aug. 26 Rockingham County meet-and-greet and secretly recorded the conversation. North Carolina is a one-party consent state, meaning it is legal to record someone as long as one person involved in the communication knows they are being recorded. HuffPost obtained a copy of the recording.

The Democratic operative told Robinson, who is currently the states lieutenant governor, that she was worried about young women being pressured into taking birth control and asked if there was anything he could do about it.

The only thing I dont like about birth control is when its being forced on very young ladies, Robinson replied.

Its not clear who he thinks is forcing birth control on young women. In fact, conservatives have been making it increasingly difficult for women to get birth control, in part by sowing misinformation about how it works. Since 2022, Republicans in at least 17 states have blocked Democrat-led efforts to pass laws aimed at ensuring women have access to birth control, per a Washington Post review of states legislation in June.

Robinsons reference to very young ladies also implies hes talking about children or teenagers using birth control, which echoes conservative rhetoric in the decades-old GOP war against sex education that children are being sexualized by liberal policies.

During their exchange, the Democratic operative also suggested to Robinson that young women may also be a little bit more inclined to be promiscuous if they use birth control. He agreed.

I think so, said the North Carolina Republican. You know, those are personal opinions. But you know, working those into legislation is tricky.

Birth control does not make young women more likely to have lots of sex. If anything, research has found that the combined hormonal birth control pill (i.e. a pill containing both estrogen and progestin) is linked toa decreased sex drive.

But that is beside the point. Women of all ages use birth control for a variety of reasons not even related to sex or preventing pregnancies, including for reducing menstrual cramps, treating heavy periods and addressing health conditions like acne, bone thinning, cysts in their ovaries or breasts, ovarian cancer and iron deficiencies.

The only thing I dont like about birth control is when its being forced on very young ladies, said North Carolina Republican gubernatorial nominee Mark Robinson. This makes no sense. Grant Baldwin via Getty Images

Despite his claims that he doesnt otherwise have a problem with birth control, Robinson has previously signaled hes no fan of it. Hes referred to birth control pioneer Margaret Sanger and her allies as witches and satanists.

Im convinced that Margaret Sanger and all of her contemporaries that followed her, they were witches, all of em, Robinson said on a podcast, according to a CNN report from earlier this year.

Who else would come up with the solution, that the only solution to keep people from having unwanted pregnancies is to kill the unborn? he continued. Its an idea straight from the devil.

In still another false claim, Robinson twice told the Democratic operative that he thinks the abortion pill is dangerous.

The abortion pill, or abortion medication, is used to bring about an abortion in the very early stages of pregnancy  it is not the same thing as birth control. The FDA-approved pill has been used safely in the U.S. for more than 20 years.

Robinsons campaign did not respond to requests for comment.

Heres the full audio recording of Robinsons exchange with the Democratic operative:

The North Carolina Republican has a long history of saying strange and offensive thingsabout women. He is also a wild conspiracy theorist who has claimed, among other things, that Beyonce is satanic, that the 1969 moon landing may have been fake and that theres a ruling class of secretive reptiles in the United States.

Robinson is running for governor against Democratic Attorney General Josh Stein. The states current governor, Democrat Roy Cooper, is term-limited and cannot run in November.

Stein is currently leading in the polls against Robinson. The Cook Political Report rates this governors race as leaning Democrat.
COFFEE COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN)  A husband and wife have been indicted for theft and fraud from a Manchester construction company where they used to work, according to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.

According to the TBI, 14th District Attorney General Craig Northcott requested the investigation in 2022.

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On Sept. 14, 2022, special agents began investigating allegations of employee theft and fraud from Gilley Construction in Manchester. During the course of the investigation, agents identified Paul and Pamela Campbell, both former employees of the company, as those responsible for misappropriating company funds for person gain from 2014 through 2017.

This month the Coffee County Grand Jury returned an indictment charging Pamela Campbell, 57, and Paul Campbell, 65, each with one count of theft over $250,000.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

They were arrested Wednesday, Sept. 11, and booked into the Coffee County Jail.

They both face a $25,000 bond.

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The Maryland Supreme Court building. File Photo by Bennett Leckrone.

The Supreme Court of Maryland Tuesday heard arguments on three challenges to a year-old state law that blew open the door for survivors of child sexual abuse to sue state and private intuitions that failed to protect them.

The challenges to the Maryland Child Victims Act came from the Annapolis-based Key School, the Board of Education of Harford County, and the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Washington, D.C. The three challenges seek to overturn the 2023 law on constitutional grounds, or severely limit its ability to allow lawsuits based on allegations that are, in some cases, decades old.

Advocates and survivors of abuse hailed the passage last year of the act. The bill, signed into law by Gov. Wes Moore, took effect in October. Since then, numerous lawsuits have been filed against religious organizations including the Catholic Archdiocese of Baltimore and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, as well as state and local governmental institutions.

During more than three hours of oral arguments, the justices repeatedly asked about the ability of the General Assembly to pass a law that allowed for lawsuits on older allegations. They also asked if a 2017 law that preceded the Child Victims Act barred future legislatures from revisiting the issue.

Plaintiffs in the three lawsuits received help in Tuesdays appeal from the Office of the Attorney General. The states top lawyer filed an amicus brief arguing that the 2023 law was constitutional and that there was no vested right protecting institutions from lawsuits on older allegations.

All three cases before the states highest court stem from separate lawsuits.

In October 2023, Valerie Bunker filed a lawsuit in federal court against the Key School alleging that school officials failed to protect her from two teachers who abused her in the 1970s.

That same month, another lawsuit was filed in the Circuit Court of Harford County against the school board citing various acts of abuse. The John Doe plaintiff alleged he was abused by two school employees between 1985-1986 and 1991-1992.

The two employees are not named defendants in the lawsuit.

The Key School and the Harford County board assert that the 2023 law is unconstitutional.

Sean L. Gugerty, an attorney representing the Key School, said a 2017 law on sexual abuse claims established an absolute time bar for older cases.

Our position on the 2017 law is that the General Assembly meant exactly what it said, Gugerty argued Tuesday.

That right granted institutions the right to be free of liability, he said.

Once that right vested, the claims cannot be revived, Gugerty said.

Additionally, the court asked attorneys for the school board to address the question of whether the board had legal standing, as a government entity, to challenge the constitutionality of the law.

The board respectfully submits that it does indeed have standing both in its own right and on behalf of the non-perpetrator board employee defendants whom the board must defend and must indemnify in this case, where they collectively have been sued in court for allegations of sexual abuse that, prior to being resurrected by the child victims Act, had been time barred for over 25 years, said Edmund J. OMeally, an attorney representing the board.

Danielle Desaulniers Stempel, an attorney representing the John Doe in the school board case, argued that the Harford County board as a creature of the state cannot challenge the law.

There is a more fundamental problem with the board suit, which is that it also does not have standing to raise that question here, based on the very same doctrine, she said. As a political subdivision, child of the state, the board cannot challenge state law as unconstitutional.

The challenge by the Washington archbishop stems from a class action lawsuit filed in October by John Doe, Richard Roe and Mark Smith.

Attorneys for the archbishop argue that a 2017 law passed by the legislature drew a clear line prohibiting victims of decades-old abuse from filing lawsuits in the future.

The legislature was doing something different, said Richard Cleary, an attorney for the church. They were doing something more. They were putting to rest a specific category of claims against a specific category of defendants  the substantive grant of immunity after a specific period of time, the substantive right conferred to a specific category of defendants, is a key feature, and perhaps the most important feature for statutes of repose.

Robert Peck, an attorney for the class action suit against the archdiocese, said the legislature was well within its right to pass the 2023 law.

Certainly, there is no state interest in encouraging childhood sexual abuse or just as condemnable actions that facilitate or are complicit with it or cover up, Peck said. The General Assembly sent a strong message with the CVA that victims matter.

Peck added that there is nothing in the state constitution or prior assemblys actions prevents the assembly from allowing survivors to sue those institutions now.
Oil prices are expected to fall to between $60 and $70 per barrel (bbl) as a result of continuing oversupply, according to executives from Gunvor, a multinational energy commodities trader, and Trafigura, a Singapore-based commodities company.

The issue of the oil production surplus has already made headlines this year as the OPEC+ alliance made output cuts following the lowest oil prices seen in nine months. Prices currently stand at around $70/bbl, with Brent crude at $71.24 and WTI dipping to $68 late Monday afternoon in London.

Prices spiked to more than $100 in May 2022, before hovering at around $85 for the following 18 months.

On 6 September, OPEC+ agreed to extend current oil output cuts to the end of November in an attempt to rectify the decline, but there is still more oil currently produced globally than consumed.

This balance is only set to worsen over the next few years, Guvnor chairman and co-founder Torbjorn Tornqvist told APPEC attendees.

"The problem is not in OPEC, because it has done a great job to manage this. The problem is that it didnt control where the growth is right now outside OPEC, and that is substantial, he added at the event, which discusses topics such as disruptive events, the energy transition and refining trends.

Ben Luckock, Trafiguras global head of oil , added that the "market wants to know that OPEC is not going to bring those barrels back, or at best is going to bring it back much slower and on a deferred basis".

The International Energy Agency (IEA) has reported that world oil demand has continued to decelerate, as growth in the second quarter (Q2) of 2024 eased to 710,000 barrels per day (bbl/d) year-on-year. This is the slowest quarterly increase since Q4 2022. Meanwhile, global supply rose by 150,000bbl/d to 102.9 million barrels per day.

Market concerns around pricing pressures are centred on the US and China, with both major economies reducing their petroleum demand.

The cycle of oil supply surplus wont end until 2026 or beyond, according to S&P Global Commodity Insights vice-president of research Jim Burkhard, who predicted that OPEC+ will increase oil supply next year for the first time since 2022.

"Traders predict oil prices of $60 per barrel as global oversupply takes it toll" was originally created and published by Offshore Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.







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Mason, TN board members looking to vote mayor out of office

MASON, Tenn.  Tensions are continuing to flare in Mason, Tennessee between the Mayor and the Board of Alderman.

For over three months, the board has been working to have the mayor removed from his position, sparking not only a verbal battle but a legal one.

Tuesday night, the board was scheduled to meet to vote the mayor out of office but that meeting never happened.

This mayor does nothing, Virginia Rivers said. Hes been in there almost two years. Theres not one thing that the board voted for he has carried out. Not one thing.

Rivers has been serving on the Board of Alderman for nearly a decade and said she has never seen controversy like what is going on now.

Tensions flare between Mason, TN Mayor and board members

Hes doing things behind our back, he goes out and makes decisions, Rivers said. Then when they mess up, he goes out and tells the public and everybody else, Oh, its the board who did it. But the board knew nothing about it.

Which is why she said she and the board want him out.

They were supposed to meet Tuesday night for a vote but Rivers said some members got cold feet.

However, Mayor Eddie Noeman said it wouldnt have mattered either way.

Under state law, under our charter, the board doesnt have the authority to fire the mayor, Noeman said. Or the mayor, he dont have the authority to fire any city council (member). You have to go through some legal steps.

Mayor Noeman said the board has it out for him because they dont like the changes hes making.

He told WREG hes been consulting with the Tennessee State Comptrollers office to try and get the towns finances out of the gutter and the state suggested cutting contractors and bringing everything in-house.

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Mayor Noeman believes the board took offense to that, citing personal relationships between the board and the contractors.

All of them (have been) friends for a long time, Noeman said. They want to keep doing the same thing over and over. And the people are scared of the change. Before I do anything, I consult with the state and the state backs me up.

A letter provided to WREG by the mayor was sent from the comptrollers office to Mayor Noeman and the Board of Alderman.

It reads in part, Having the towns accounting function in-house will provide members of the board with the opportunity to address concerns with a more hands-on approach.

While the board is unable to officially vote Mayor Noeman out, a judge can.

A hearing is scheduled for October 3 to have an outside party make a final decision on the mayors future in the city.

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DELAWARE COUNTY, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH)  The Masonville Man accused of murdering his pregnant wife and stabbing his two children has been indicted by a Delaware County Grand Jury.

District Attorney Shawn Smith announced on Wednesday that Drew Garnier, 32, was indicted on eight counts for the murder of 29-year-old Samantha Garnier and the attempted murder of their two children, ages 6 and 9.

Count One accuses Drew of Murder in the Second Degree, a Class A-I Felony, for allegedly stabbing and killing his wife, Samantha Garnier. If convicted, he faces a potential sentence of 25 years to life in prison.

Counts Two and Three of the indictment charge Drew with Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, a Class B Felony. He is accused of attempting to kill his two children. If convicted, he faces a potential sentence of 25 years to life in prison.

Count Four charges Drew with Criminal Use of a Firearm in the First Degree, a Class B Felony. It is alleged that he possessed a deadly weapon from which a shot, readily capable of producing death or other serious injury could be discharged. If convicted of this charge, he faces up to 25 years in state prison.

Counts Five through Eight accuse Drew of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree, a Class D Felony. It is alleged that he possessed two large capacity ammunition feeding devices, an AK-47 Assault Weapon, and a Tactical ST15 Assault Weapon.

Drew pleaded not guilty to each charge.

He was remanded to the custody of the Delaware County Sheriffs Office. The case has been scheduled for a conference on September 30.

I commend the New York State Police for their fast response and thorough investigation into this tragic case, said Smith.

On September 5, Drew was arrested for the stabbing of his wife and kids, with his wife succumbing to injuries at the hospital later on.

According to police, Samantha was airlifted to Wilson Medical Center where she was later pronounced dead. One child was to Wilson Medical Center and transferred to Upstate Medical Center. The second child was airlifted to Upstate Medical Center. Police say both children are expected to survive.

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Michael Simons Jr. of Massillon won $1 million on the $50 scratch-off Billion, the Ohio Lottery announced.

MASSILLON  A Massillon man who battled colon cancer won $1 million playing an Ohio Lottery scratch-off game  and he plans to give some of his winnings back to the chemotherapy center where he received treatment.

Michael Simons Jr. won the top prize playing the $50 scratch-off Billion at the Massillon Mini Mart.

I got a bad colonoscopy last year, went through stage 3 colon cancer  went through 12 rounds of intensive chemo and got a clean scan in April. They got me out of stage 3, Simons told the Ohio Lottery Commission, according to a news release issued Tuesday.

He also plans to get his teeth fixed and give a gift to his dogs veterinarian office. The news release didn't name the treatment center or vet.

Simons told the lottery that he went to the store located at 2622 Lincoln Way NW to redeem a winning ticket, picked up a couple of scratch-offs, and went to work. He didnt win but felt like he needed to go back, so on a supply run for a broom, he returned to the store.

Something kind of told me to go back to that store," he told the lottery. "It was clear across town by my house, about five miles out of the way so I went zooming past Home Depot where I was going to get the broom, went back to the store."

Simons, who couldn't immediately be reached for comment, thought he won only $100 at first. But after realizing his big fortune, he told the store owner and called his 89-year-old grandmother, the lottery said.

Massillon Mini Mart sold $50,000 lottery ticket earlier this month

Kash Patal, manager at the Mini Mart, said Simons' ticket, which was purchased Friday, was the second big winner this month. A $50,000 scratch-off ticket was sold Sept. 3.

"It was a lucky week," said Patal, adding that the store should garner a percentage of Simons' winning from the state lottery commission in 2025 after taxes are filed.

"They say we'll get something, but I don't know how much," he said.

Selling a $1 million lottery ticket results in some good publicity for the Massillon store, Patal added.

"Anything helps with the economy we're in right now," he said.

Simons chose the cash option of $500,000. After mandatory federal and state tax withholdings, he will receive about $360,000.

Simons is the second Stark County resident to win $1 million on the Billion game within the last year. Last September, the lottery announced that Chandra Potschner of Wilmot won $1 million on the scratch-off after buying two tickets at Speedway at 4230 Erie Ave. SW in Perry Township.

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Massillon man who battled colon cancer wins $1 million lottery prize
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  Today, September 11, 2024, Mayor Quinton Lucas introduced a new fund to help support small businesses affected by property crime and break-ins.

The Back to Business Fund is a two-pronged program that would aim to help small businesses in the metro recover from incidents of burglaries and vandalism. The fund would also assist businesses in acquiring security measures such as cameras and locks.

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The details of the fund include up to $3,000 per business for repairs for incidents from July 1, 2024, and July 31, 2025.

Additionally, up to $5,000 per business for security measures acquired between July 1, 2024, and July 31, 2025.

Eligible businesses must have a current City of Kansas City business license and must provide documentation of damages or preventative measures taken. The program will then review applications until the funds are exhausted.

Mayor Lucas will be holding a press conference on Thursday, September 12 at 12:45 p.m. at the Waldo City Barrel to discuss more details regarding the fund.

This plan comes in the wake of a recent surge of property crimes across the metro. Small business owners and residents alike have been concerned, calling for change in their community.

This fund would potentially help to alleviate some of the troubles facing small business owners affected by this crime surge.

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HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT)- Evansville Mayor, Stephanie Terry requests that over $1 million be given to organizations helping to fight the opioid epidemic in Evansville.

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The request was made during Mondays City Council Meeting. If the request is approved, 6 organization would receive funding. The funds are part of a $54 billion settlement reached in 2021 with opioid manufacturers, distributers and retailers. Indiana learned that it would receive $507 million of those funds over an 18 year period. The funds Mayor Terry is requesting City Council to approve includes the remaining funds from the citys allocation in 2023, as well as nearly all of its allocation for 2024.

The 6 organizations that would receive the funds if approved are:

YWCA Evansville: Say YES! To Sobriety and Self-Sufficiency- $200,000

Evansville Rescue Mission: Recovery Program of the Evansville Rescue Mission- $150,000

Vanderburgh County Mental Health Court- $96,000

Vanderburgh County Sheriffs Office: Recovery Community Organization- $250,000

Evansville Police Department: Tackling the Opioid Epidemic- $275,826

The Womens Hospital: Perinatal Support Consult Program- $231,080

The programs were recommended to they Mayor by a committee formed in April and 22 applications were reviews before narrowing down the selections.

To learn more about the proposed settlement funds and recipients, visit evansvillegov.org.

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McBride advances in bid to become first openly trans House member

Delaware state Sen. Sarah McBride (D) has won the Democratic nomination for the states lone House seat, positioning her to become the first openly transgender member of Congress, according to Decision Desk HQ.

McBride defeated nominal opposition to win the primary after party leaders largely coalesced behind her candidacy. State Treasurer Colleen Davis and former Delaware State Housing Authority Director Eugene Young had both initially entered the race but dropped out and endorsed McBride.

Whoever she faces in November, McBride will be heavily favored in the deep-blue seat.

She is set to succeed Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D), who chose not to seek another term in the House to instead run for Senate to succeed retiring Sen. Tom Carper (D).

McBride had the support of a wide range of Democratic officials in Delaware and the country, including Gov. John Carney, Carper, Blunt Rochester, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (N.Y.) and Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), the former Speaker.

McBride already made history as the first openly transgender state senator in the country when she was first elected in 2020 and now will be almost certain to become the first openly transgender House member in the solidly blue state.

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McMaster has the power to commute death row inmate sentence. Will the SC governor use it?

When Freddie Owens is brought into the death chamber in the early evening of Sept. 20 at South Carolina Department of Corrections Broad River Correctional Institution to be executed, Gov. Henry McMaster and Attorney General Alan Wilson will be on the phone listening in.

That phone call will start 15 minutes before Owens execution.

It will be the first time McMaster, who previously served as attorney general, will have the ability to commute a death sentence. But the decision, or the announcement of his decision, wont come until shortly before the lethal injection is scheduled to begin.

If the law has been followed, and I believe, in this case that it has been, but until we get to the last moments, on September, the 20th, no statement should be made as to what will happen at that moment, McMaster said.

During the process of an execution, the governor and attorney general are on the phone with the prison warden. The phone call, which is required to be on landlines, will commence about 5:45 p.m. Sept. 20. SCDC Director Bryan Stirling also is scheduled to be on the phone call.

The warden will ask the attorney general if there are any pending legal issues that will prevent the execution from being carried out. Presuming the attorney general says no, the warden asks the governor if he will exercise clemency. If the governor says no, the execution goes forward.

The attorney general and governor stay on the phone during the execution, listening to a narration as the sentence is carried out. For lethal injections, for instance, the governor and attorney general are told when drugs are being administered, when the prison officials are checking for a pulse and when a doctor comes in to pronounce the prisoner deceased.

The warden then tells the governor and attorney general the sentence has been carried out and they end the call.

McMaster has not said publicly what he will do with Owens sentence and whether he will exercise his clemency power. Its a tradition governors have followed. Instead, he will make his statement when the warden calls upon the governor.

McMaster, who is slated to be accompanied by lawyers from his counsels office, hasnt witnessed an execution, but he has listened to narrations by warden when he was attorney general.

Owens is scheduled to be the first execution carried out since 2011. Executions have been on hold because the state had difficulty obtaining lethal injection drugs.

Lawmakers eventually passed a shield law and expanded options for prisoners to be executed.

Justice has been delayed for too long in South Carolina, McMaster said when the S.C. Department of Corrections notified the state Supreme Court that the agency obtained the drugs necessary to carry out a lethal injection execution. This filing brings our state one step closer to being able to once again carry out the rule of law and bring grieving families and loved ones the closure they are rightfully owed.

Staffers in the governors office say McMaster is acutely familiar with the details in the case of Owens, who was convicted of convicted of killing Speedway gas station clerk Irene Graves during an armed robbery in the early morning hours of Nov. 1, 1997.

Still McMaster would not say whether he will grant clemency in Owens case until moments before the scheduled execution. But its one decision that only he can make.

Its just part of the job. Its an important event for a lot of people for a lot of very good reasons. But its simply one of these things that the governor of this state has to do, McMaster told reporters when asked how much the decision on whether grant clemency weighs on him.
Satellite images emerge of ship that delivered Iranian missiles to Russia

Satellite images have revealed a Russian-flagged cargo ship suspected of transporting ballistic missiles from Iran to Russia.

Source: Sky News

Details: The ship docked in a Russian port on 4 September.

Photo: Sky News

A Ukrainian source told Sky News that the Port Olya 3 had transported 225 short-range ballistic missiles from the Caspian Sea to Russia. Two days later, another satellite photograph revealed that the ship had left the port.

The vessels route.

Photo: Sky News

According to ship tracking data, the Port Olya 3 had been at Iran's Amirabad port just six days earlier, on 29 August.

The Port Olya ship in 2023.

Photo: Artem Muliavka

The Ukrainian source claims that after arriving in Russia, Fath-360 ballistic missiles were loaded onto a large cargo train. It is unclear where they were taken next. According to the Ukrainian source cited by Sky News, the Fath-360s may have been sent to the Ashuluk military training ground in Russias Astrakhan Oblast.

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Medical facility to help Macons homeless residents is now open. Heres what it offers

Daybreak unveiled a new space Tuesday that will offer medical services and support for Macon residents experiencing homelessness.

In a lobby that still smelled of drying paint, Sister Theresa Sullivan presented the Sheridan Center and Respite Care facility, which opened Tuesday. Sullivan is the executive director of DePaul USA Macon, which operates Daybreak.

The new facility is made possible through partnerships with local organizations, as well as money from the Sheridan Foundation, individual donors and the Macon-Bibb County Commission.

It will help people in need who are exiting the hospital, as well as provide some basic medical care and social services for people experiencing homelessness.

What does the new facility offer?

Sullivan said the Sheridan Center and Respite Care will expand the assistance Daybreak offers to the Macon community. While Daybreaks facility for people experiencing homelessness does have a small clinic, its offerings are limited and it closes at 3 p.m. each day.

This (space) is a dream come true, Sullivan said.

The Sheridan Center and Respite Care has 12 beds for overnight stays and four exam rooms. It also offers dental services, assistance with accessing and taking medication and more.

One of the furnished medical respite rooms sits inside of the Sheridan Medical Respite on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Macon, Georgia. The newly opened medical center is operated by Depaul USA and offers 12 beds to recuperate after a hospital stay to those who may not otherwise have a place to recover.

Local medical professionals are volunteering their services to people using the Sheridan Center and Respite Care, said Heather Sostarich, the clinic manager for the new facility. First Choice Primary Care plans to come to the facility twice a week to help participants with extra medical services, and the Georgia Department of Public Health will help provide vaccinations.

The facility is especially important, Sullivan said, because it makes sure that people experiencing homelessness get the care they need when they leave the hospital to stop them from returning with worse conditions.

People experiencing homelessness are significantly more likely to be readmitted to a hospital than people with housing, according to the National Library of Medicine. This is because people experiencing homelessness often lack access to regular doctor visits, and because they may not have a place to rest and recuperate after being discharged.

Sullivan said Daybreak has seen firsthand how injured people return to the streets only to return to the hospital or relapse a short time later.

Our health clinic has been helping people for years, but were only open until 3, Sullivan said. When the doors close, our people go back into the streets and often relapse in the hospital.

A holistic approach

In addition to medical services, Sullivan said the facilities will also have case managers who will work with individuals to find work, housing, other health services and resources to deal with issues like mental health and addiction that often keep people on the streets.

Sullivan and Sostarich said the new facility will take a holistic approach by offering a range of services to not just address medical emergencies, but also to help keep people healthy and eventually get them off the street.

The Sheridan Center and Respite Care also contains a large space that is for classes and meetings. Despite only being open a day, Sullivan said an Alcoholics Anonymous group was already planning on holding meetings in the space.

Adjacent to the clinic is the Central City Apartments, which is an affordable housing development serving people who may otherwise be homeless or struggle to afford a place to live.

Sullivan said these resources, in addition to what Daybreak already offers, will not only keep people experiencing homelessness healthy and safe, but also help them find stability and, eventually, a home of their own.

It is so many parts together to keep people healthy, Sullivan said. Until you have shelter, until you have food, those are the first lines of healing.
Megyn Kelly, the political commentator and former Fox News anchor, was offended that mega pop star Taylor Swift announced she would endorse Kamala Harris and praised Tim Walzs position on LGBT+ issues.

Kelly exasperatedly read Swifts endorsement post live on her podcast The Megyn Kelly Show on Tuesday evening, declaring that the pop star should prepare to kiss your sales to the Republican audience goodbye.

But the podcast host became irate when she read Swifts one-line sentence commending Walz for standing up for LGBTQ+ rights, IVF, and a womans right to her own body.

Oh my God, Kelly said raising her hands to her temples before embarking on a tangent about gender-affirming medical care for minors.

So this woman is fine with his plan to take custody of the children from parents, who dont want them to chop off their body parts, and put them in Minnesota court custody so the body parents can be chopped off and they can be sterilized outside the custody of their parents, Kelly said.

F you, Taylor Swift!



Megyn Kelly is really not happy that Taylor Swift endorsed the Harris-Walz ticket over LGBTQ rights pic.twitter.com/oLiseSDFKF  The Recount (@therecount) September 11, 2024

The podcast host was seemingly referencing the trans refuge law that Walz signed into law last year.

The legislation was aimed at protecting transgender people who are seeking gender-affirming care in the state. It prevents out-of-state subpoenas, arrest warrants or extradition requests for people from other states who seek treatment in Minnesota.

Walz is a longtime supporter of the LGBT+ community

Neighboring states like North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa and Nebraska have all outlawed gender-affirming care for minors.

But the law also permits a court of the state to take temporary emergency jurisdiction over a child across state lines if they have been unable to obtain gender-affirming health care, which is often misunderstood.

The law does not remove children from the custody of parents who do not want their children to receive gender-affirming care. Rather, it allows courts to intervene in conflicts between parents and children about whether the child should receive gender-affirming care across state lines.

(SOCIAL MEDIA WEBSITE via REUTERS)

An example of this is if there is a dispute between two parents, one who lives in Minnesota and one who lives in Florida, and they disagree about whether the child should receive gender-affirming care. If there is a possibility that one parent will move their child to Florida, where minor gender-affirming care is illegal, a Minnesota judge can hear the dispute.

However, Kelly watered down the policy to allow minors to chop off their body parts and be sterilized without parental consent.

Im allowed to criticize Taylor Swift and I dont give a s*** who gets upset, Kelly said. This is disgusting. If she wants to vote Harris-Walz, she can do it all she wants but to say the reason shes doing it is because of Tim Walzs stance on LGBT F you, Taylor Swift.

Kelly went on to accuse Swift and her boyfriend, Travis Kelce, of pushing harmful medical procedures onto young people calling them the epitome of elite snobs with gazillions of dollars.

She criticized Kelce for appearing in Pfizer commercials for a Covid and flu vaccine and repeated claims that the vaccine causes heart problems in young men.

While some people who have received the vaccines have reported myocarditis, or inflammation of the heart muscle, and pericarditis, inflammation of the outer lining of the heart, that side effect is extremely rare
(Bloomberg) -- Donald Trumps attempt to attack Vice President Kamala Harris with a widely debunked online falsehood about Haitian migrants backfired on the Republican nominee, becoming one of the signature moments of their first  and possibly only  debate.

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Halfway through their encounter Tuesday night in Philadelphia, Trump assailed Harris over US border policy and claimed that migrants in the Ohio city of Springfield were eating the pets of the people that live there. ABC News moderator David Muir interjected quickly to clarify that the network had contacted the citys manager, who said that there were no credible reports of pets being harmed by immigrants.

Trumps assertion echoed apocryphal stories circulating worldwide on X and other social media sites that Haitian migrants in Springfield were behind a wave of local crime and to blame for the disappearances of cats and dogs. Supporters of the former president  including X owner Elon Musk, who has nearly 200 million followers on the platform  promoted and reposted the claims in the days before the debate.

The episode highlighted the risk for political candidates, including Trump and his right-leaning allies, of embracing conspiracy theories that dont survive the light of day off social media. It quickly turned into a focus of derision toward Trump and a symbol of everything that had gone wrong for the former president during his debate with Harris. By Wednesday morning he was signaling that there might not be a rematch.

Trump has been trying to emphasize immigration in his campaign against Harris and pivoted to it often during the debate, but repeating the falsehood about the Haitian immigrants in Ohio wont help the former president, said Alex Conant, a Republican strategist and veteran of Marco Rubios 2016 presidential campaign.

At best, its a distraction, Conant said. At worst, it reminds people of the all the craziness that comes with Trump.

The situation in Springfield had been largely ignored by the liberal mainstream media until now, said Trump campaign spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt. President Trump will continue giving a voice to Americans who are expressing their concerns about the influx of illegals and rising migrant crime in their communities.

Story continues

Prominent personalities often seize on trending narratives to find an audience or appeal to their existing followers, according to experts who study disinformation. The ultimate goal often is to amplify their rhetoric, rather than promote talking points based on truth, they said.

Often times we will see influencers capitalize on conspiracy theories and falsehoods to manipulate or influence public discourse or opinion, even when they dont believe them because the narratives themselves are preposterous, said Lisa Kaplan, founder and chief executive officer of Alethea, an anti-misinformation firm. This is typically done for political, personal, or financial gain  and to generate more engagement online.

Trumps comments did appeal to the audience he intended: fans on X, who responded by generating memes using artificial intelligence, which depicted cats, dogs and geese pleading with voters to save them by choosing Trump. Some of those same concepts were used to mock Trump for believing something so extreme.

The conversation is part of a trend on the network, fueled by its owner, Musk, to embrace anti-immigrant sentiment. Musk, who backs Trump for president, previously came under fire for supporting false content that led to violence against migrants in the UK.

The campaign apparently hopes that spreading claims like these, regardless of accuracy, will foment public hostility toward migrants, said Jared Holt, senior research analyst at the Institute for Strategic Dialogue. Hate against migrants and minorities has produced a bloody trail of tragedies in the United States, and leaders who encourage those hostilities create risks for the people they target.

Since Musk purchased Twitter for $44 billion in late 2022 and remade it into X, he has pushed an anything-goes approach to content on the platform, including by sharply reducing the staff moderating content and by embracing conspiracies himself.

Rumors about Haitian migrants in Springfield were also amplified on X by Trumps running mate, Ohio Senator JD Vance, in posts on Monday and Tuesday ahead of the debate that logged millions of views.

About 15,000 Haitians have come to Springfield legally in the past several years under temporary protected status as they flee poverty and violence in their home country. Their arrival has overwhelmed the health-care system and public services in the city of 58,000, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine said on Tuesday.

DeWine called on the federal government to do more to support communities affected by such surges but cautioned against blaming the Haitian immigrants.

Haitians who are here are hard-working people, DeWine said during a news conference in Columbus before the debate. They came to Springfield, Ohio, for work, and many, many, many of them are working and filling positions in Springfield.

--With assistance from Daniel Zuidijk and Hadriana Lowenkron.

(Updates with Trump campaign comment in seventh paragraph)

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2024 Bloomberg L.P.
Member of local guard at US Embassy in Sudan killed in paramilitary RSF's custody

A local guard force member who worked at the U.S. Embassy in Sudan died while in the custody of the Rapid Support Forces paramilitary group, the U.S. Bureau of African Affairs said.

Tarig Hassan Ahmed, the guard, who worked at the embassy in Khartoum, was described as a "dedicated" and "respected" colleague and friend to many in embassy community. The U.S. said it was "deeply saddened and disturbed" by Ahmed's killing.

"We have asked the RSF to provide full details of the circumstances surrounding Mr. Hassan Ahmed's detention and death and to ensure those responsible are held accountable," the bureau said in a statement.

ABC News has asked the RSF for comment on the incident.

The death came just a few weeks after the RSF agreed to a code of conduct at U.S.-mediated talks in Geneva, with the paramilitary group committing to enforcing new conduct for its fighters that includes a command directive for its fighters to comply with Jeddah Declaration commitments and international humanitarian law as well as refrain from violence against women.

PHOTO: A picture taken on Oct. 7, 2017 shows a view of the exterior of the US embassy in the Sudanese capital of Khartoum. (Ashraf Shazly/AFP via Getty Images, FILE)

"These new commitments must be reflected in the actions of RSF troops on the ground, who have committed ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity since the outbreak of war against Sudanese civilians," said U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

A new report released by the United Nation's Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for Sudan found that warring parties have "committed an appalling range of harrowing human rights violations and international crimes," including many that may amount to war crimes or crimes against humanity.

It is the first report by the independent fact-finding mission, Mohamed Chande Othman, the mission's chair, said the "gravity" of its findings "underscores the urgent and immediate" action needed to protect civilians.

New visual evidence obtained by Lighthouse Reports has also found RSF and allied militias implicated in extrajudicial killings of unarmed civilians, including ethnic massacres that took place in the Western region of Sudan's Darfur.

Meanwhile the war in Sudan continues, with fighting now ongoing in over 70% of the Northeast African nation's states. At least 38 people were killed and 116 injured following what local groups say were "indiscriminate artillery and air strikes" by the RSF in Sudan's Sennar state, Emergency Lawyers, a monitor for civilian casualties and humanitarian violations said in a statement.

The conflict has killed at least 20,000 people as it enters its seventh month, U.N. officials say. Local groups however warn the true toll is likely much higher.

"Much more needs to be done, of course; we're mindful of that," said White House national security adviser John Kirby at a White House press briefing last week. "The RSF and the SAF need to uphold their commitments."

Member of local guard at US Embassy in Sudan killed in paramilitary RSF's custody originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Memorial service for son of Ukraine's chief rabbi killed in combat to be held in Kyiv

A memorial service will be held in Kyiv on Thursday, 12 September, for Matisyahu Samborskyi, the adopted son of Rabbi Moshe Reuven Azman, Chief Rabbi of Ukraine, who was killed on the battlefield.

Source: Rabbi Moshe Reuven Azman on Facebook

Quote: "A memorial service for my son Matisyahu (Anton), who was killed while defending Ukraine on the battlefield, will be held tomorrow at the Central Synagogue."

Details: On 29 August, Rabbi Azman posted on Facebook saying that his son went missing during a combat clash on 24 July. He said he later received a notification of his death.

The Azman family adopted Matisyahu in 2002, when he was 11. Anton Samborskyi was an orphan, and the Azman family gave him the Hebrew name Matisyahu (Motia) in honour of the heroic leader of the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire more than 2,200 years ago, which is celebrated during Hanukkah, Azman explained.

Matisyahu is survived by his wife and young daughter born in May 2024.

He was drafted just a week after his daughters birth.

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Meth and heat are a deadly mix. Users in America's hottest big city rarely get the message

Jonathan Leyvas opened the lid of a dumpster on a hot July morning in Mesa, Arizona, hoping to find something useful or valuable inside.

Like many people without homes in metro Phoenix, he lives day to day. Leyvas, 32, washes cars or mows lawns for a few bucks, scrounging for something to eat and to help him buy drugs. He planned to smoke methamphetamine later, he said, adding that he believes his drug use is the reason for his homelessness.

Hes familiar with the signs of heat exhaustion  hes experienced it many times.

The heat, like, messes with your senses and stuff," he said. "Youll be dizzy, like hallucinating. Mad all the time.

Like others interviewed for this article, Leyvas had no idea that meth is much worse than fentanyl when used in hot environments.

I dont think its as dangerous as blues, he said, using the street name for fentanyl pills derived from their distinctive color.

Scientific studies and Maricopa Countys Heat-Related Illness and Death Dashboard show this belief is inaccurate.

Meth use by itself can cause heat stroke and death even when used at room temperature. The drug wreaks havoc with the bodys heat-regulation systems and spurs motion that generates internal heat.

In metro Phoenix, America's hottest big city, where summer temperatures routinely exceed 110 degrees, amphetamines  mostly meth  were either the primary cause of death or a related cause in 51% of the record 645 heat deaths in Maricopa County last year. The county's total of 645 combines both heat-caused and heat-related deaths.

Told this, Leyvas seemed to express genuine surprise. He issued an expletive.

So Ive been putting my life at risk all these days? he said.

He had a simple plan to get off the streets temporarily: He would turn himself in to police on July 30 and serve 15 days for a minor crime, he said.

But I'm definitely not gonna be smoking meth no more and being on the heat, he said.

I don't want to die. Like, I already survived twice. And wouldn't want my mom to lose another son, 'cause she already lost two sons.

Meth associated with the greatest number of local heat deaths

Substance use greatly exacerbates the summer toll of heat-associated deaths in metro Phoenix, Maricopa County Heat-Related Death Reports show.

Take away substance use and the record heat-associated deaths in Maricopa County last year would have fallen to 226, or 35% of 2023's total of 645.

But not all drugs affect the body's heat response equally.

"If there were any drug out there that makes you more prone to heat or heat-related illness, it's very hard to think of any other drug besides meth," said Dr. Frank LoVecchio, an emergency physician, noted researcher and expert on medical toxicology and heat-related deaths.

Meth is also a huge factor in the increasing number in the last two years of contact burns on sidewalks and streets that can reach up to 180 degrees, a recent study of cases by Valleywise Health shows.

When heat hurts: ER doctors treat heatstroke, contact burns on Phoenix's hottest days

Other drugs with amphetamines  including MDMA, or drugs for ADHD like Adderall  can be a danger, too. So can drugs that cause dehydration. Even widely used medicines like Benadryl can decrease the body's tolerance to heat in part because they reduce sweating, which helps keeps the body cool, LoVecchio said. Yet if someone came into an emergency room because they took Allegra, an antihistamine, he said doctors would view that as "rare."

Unsheltered people bear twice as the risk as sheltered drug users. But even among people who have homes, meth-related or meth-caused heat deaths were nearly twice as high as for fentanyl, the county's 2023 heat-death report shows.

A 2020 review by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows people who work outside and use meth or other amphetamines are also at severe risk of dying. Medical conditions like cardiovascular disease or diabetes are also believed to increase the chances someone on meth will die from a heat illness.

The problem of meth and heat has received more attention from the news media in the last two years, and the county has published some information about it. But Maricopa County hasn't produced and aired any public service announcements about how dangerous meth can be in the heat.

The county's main website about heat illness and "heat toolkit" site doesn't mention the issue on their homepages, and the site's page about preventing heat-related problems tells readers to avoid "liquids with large amounts of sugar, alcohol or caffeine products" and that "using substances" can put people at risk, but doesn't tell people to specifically avoid meth or amphetamines.

LoVecchio said meth use in the heat should be "strongly discouraged."

"You want to scream it to the top of the mountains," he said.

Yet many homeless people don't seem to be getting the message.

'Shocked' that meth is more dangerous

In the courtyard at the Mesa St. Vincent De Paul shelter the same day Leyvas said he would quit meth, a group of people told The Arizona Republic, part of the USA TODAY Network, they had not heard meth was more problematic in the heat than "blues."

A few days later, on an afternoon when the temperature was 106 degrees near Andre House in Phoenix, The Republic found a similar response from unsheltered people.

People gathered at the Andre House in Phoenix for an evening meal on July 25, 2024.

"I don't believe it," said Lori Fay, 55, sitting on a folding chair in the sun with her two panting dogs.

Thomas Hull, 37, standing in line for Andre House's meal service, said he thought blues were the most dangerous in the heat, noting "people don't have enough water."

Carmela Colmerauer, 51, said she was staying at the nearby Central Arizona Shelter Services and was homeless for the first time. She said she was "shocked" by the news.

Colmerauer and several others said they knew fentanyl, a synthetic opioid more powerful than heroin, could knock people out. They'd seen people unconscious in the heat, unable to take care of themselves. Colmerauer noted many drug users "mix blues and meth," which county statistics also show.

Solutions not as easy for meth as fentanyl

Meth users may experience body temperatures as high as 110 before they die. Survivors of hyperthermia, the scientific term for having a severely high body temperature, may still suffer from permanent brain damage. Treatments for hyperthermic meth users are few.

"If you come into the ER and you had a near-death experience with opiates, we'll give you things like Narcan," LoVecchio said. "There's no antidote for meth."

While no randomized tests can be performed on humans with meth, it's clear from experience that someone suffering from heat illness will respond better to treatment if they haven't used the substance, he said.

First responders or medical personnel may want to put the overheated in ice-filled "body bags" or dump ice water on them. But meth users may resist such treatment, spurred by paranoia brought on by the drug. They may try to fight with people trying to help them, which in turn raises body temperature, making the person's condition worse.

Cold environments can prevent meth-induced overheating, studies show, indicating meth addicts could consider moving to cooler climates to stay alive. Those who choose to live in the desert and use meth have few options to reduce their risk.

They can avoid exercise and movement outdoors after they consume, perhaps heading directly to a cooling center to lie down. Other studies suggest they should avoid social gatherings or becoming aroused, which exacerbate the negative effects of meth in the heat.

A 2022 study suggests health care workers could administer coral calcium hydride, "a newly identified hydrogen-rich powder" to meth users experiencing hyperthermia. The compound "inhibited meth-induced depression-like behaviors" and reduced brain damage, the study says.

Educating meth users about their elevated heat risk

The county's Public Health Department runs drug-abuse programs, and its 2023 Strategic Plan on abuse funds various initiatives "to stem the harms of fentanyl, meth and other drug use," said Fields Moseley, a Maricopa County spokesperson. Those include funding for "two dedicated navigators with lived experience at Correctional Health Services to solely engage drug users while they are detained/incarcerated," he said.

The county works with partners in the community to reach drug users and purchase electrolyte packets for street outreach distribution, he said. A brochure titled "Drug Use and Heat Don't Mix" that mentions the special danger of meth and stimulants is being distributed to drug users on the street.

Dr. Jeff Johnson, chief medical examiner in Maricopa County, often speaks about the issue, Moseley said.

Another county spokesperson, Courtney Kreuzwiesner, told The Republic the county is in the process of expanding its educational information about meth and amphetamines on its websites.

The updates "will feature more content about the groups and conditions our data identify as higher risk for heat illness and death, including people who use drugs" and "data highlights related to stimulant and other drug use as contributing factors," she said.

Representatives from Andre House and Central Arizona Shelter Services did not return requests for comment on if they provide advice on meth to those they serve.

Reach the reporter at rstern@arizonarepublic.com. Follow him on X @raystern.

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

'Hotter than it's ever been': How this 93-year-old copes with Phoenix's 100-degree heat

Measuring heat: How to do it correctly, according to scientists, and why it matters

Dying in America's hottest city: Meth and heat are a deadly mix. Users in Phoenix rarely get the message

'Reverse winter': When summer is in full swing, Phoenix-area AC repair crews can be life savers

Working outside Without legal protections, farmworkers rely on employers to survive extreme heat

Keeping cool at the Zoo: Extreme heat takes a toll on animals and plants. What their keepers do to protect them

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Meth users don't know the risks of using the drug in the summer heat
By Cassandra Garrison and Adriana Barrera

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Mexico's Senate early Wednesday approved a sweeping judicial reform that will overhaul the country's judiciary by electing judges by popular vote, a profound transformation that critics fear could threaten the rule of law and damage the economy.

The reform marks a major win for outgoing leftist President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador in his final month in office.

In a marathon session that had to be paused and relocated as protesters broke into the Senate building, the ruling Morena party and allies clinched the final two-thirds supermajority vote needed to approve the reform, which has prompted protests, a strike by judicial workers and market volatility.

Senators voted 86 to 41 in favor as the ruling bloc cheered and applauded.

Mexico's incoming President Claudia Sheinbaum also celebrated the approval on social media, congratulating lawmakers on an overhaul that she argues fulfills the popular will.

"The regime of corruption and privileges is becoming a thing of the past and a true democracy and the rule of law are being built," she wrote in a post on X.

The approval followed a tense final legislative debate and high political drama as the ruling coalition began Tuesday one seat short of the supermajority needed to write the reform into the constitution.

But an opposition lawmaker broke party ranks to vote in favor of the bill, while another was absent amid allegations he had been detained to stop him from voting.

Leaders of Lopez Obrador's Morena party denied any wrongdoing.

"It's a sad day for our Mexico," said Senator Alejandro Moreno, president of the centrist opposition PRI party. The reform won passage thanks to "the worst tricks and under unimaginable pressures and coercions."

Lopez Obrador, who has often clashed with top judges, has repeatedly argued that the reform is vital to restoring integrity to Mexico's judiciary and ensuring it serves the people rather than elite and criminal interests.

Critics, though, counter that it will lead to an alarming concentration of power in Morena's hands.

Mexico's major trading partners, the United States and Canada, have warned the overhaul could undermine the USMCA trade pact by introducing significant legal uncertainties and negatively affect investment.

The reform has also spooked markets, with Mexico's peso weakening some 17% since the June 2 elections that saw Sheinbaum and Morena's legislative candidates win in a landslide.

As senators debated the reform on Tuesday, demonstrators broke into the Senate building waving Mexican flags and crying "traitors," forcing the session to be paused and moved to another location.

The backbone of the constitutional reform, which the lower house approved last week, calls for the first-ever election by popular vote of more than 6,500 judges and magistrates, including the Supreme Court.

In the Americas, only Bolivia has a similar system.

The reform also reduces the number of Supreme Court judges to nine from 11, cuts back the length of their terms to 12 years, abolishes a minimum age requirement of 35, and halves necessary work experience to five years.

Sheinbaum, who takes office on Oct. 1, will be tasked with managing the fallout of the reform, which risks dominating the first months of her term.

(Reporting by Cassandra Garrison, Adriana Barrera and Natalia Siniawski; Editing by Stephen Eisenhammer, Alexandra Hudson, David Alire Garcia and Jonathan Oatis)
Miami Beach elected officials will seek private funding for a trip to Israel to show solidarity with the country amid its ongoing war in Gaza, pledging Wednesday not to use taxpayer dollars for the mission during a heated City Commission meeting.

Commissioner Kristen Rosen Gonzalez had proposed that the city identify funding to send a 14-person delegation consisting of the citys seven elected officials and seven community leaders to demonstrate the citys unwavering support and friendship for the Israeli people, to meet with government leaders and to help bolster the Israeli economy.

But other commissioners said that, while they agree with the trips intentions, they dont believe public funds should be used. The City Commission ultimately voted unanimously to fund the trip with private dollars and limit the delegation to just the seven elected officials.

I want to do anything in my power that I can to be a voice for Israels right to defend itself, Rosen Gonzalez said.

During the discussion, Rosen Gonzalez said members of the private sector were already contacting her to offer to help pay for the trip. Tremont Towing and the owners of Mangos Tropical Cafe on Ocean Drive have each offered $5,000. Rosen Gonzalez said $30,000 has been pledged so far.

Commissioner David Suarez offered to personally pay any remainder that isnt covered by private contributions  an unusual proffer from an elected official, but one that City Attorney Ricardo Dopico said he believes is allowed.

It was less clear whether city vendors such as Tremont could contribute. Miami-Dade Countys ethics code prohibits vendors from paying the travel expenses of elected officials.

Dopico told the Miami Herald in a statement that any donations for the trip would need to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis for compliance with applicable State, County and City law and that each one would need to be accepted by the commission at a future meeting.

The vote came after a tense public comment period amid a heightened police presence at City Hall, in anticipation of pro-Palestinian speakers who have opposed pro-Israel initiatives by the city in recent months.

Mayor Steven Meiner cut off speakers who criticized the proposed delegation to Israel, several of whom accused city officials of supporting genocide in Gaza. Meiner, who is Jewish, said the speakers were guilty of antisemitism.

Do you realize youre saying absolute hate speech and lies? Meiner asked one speaker, raising his voice. I cannot let unfettered lies go.

Miami Beach officials have backed Israel in various ways since the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks. The city sent a volunteer unit of firefighters to Israel, provided $115,000 for an ambulance and doubled its investment in Israel bonds to $20 million.

Also Wednesday, commissioners passed an ordinance prohibiting the city from contracting with parties that boycott Israel  mirroring a state law  and agreed to contact Nahariya, a sister city in Israel, to offer support.

The details of the delegation to Israel have yet to be hashed out. The resolution approved by the commission calls for city administrators to assist in the planning process, while Rosen Gonzalez said it would be a solidarity mission that could take place as soon as October.

When Miami Beach does something, the entire world watches, and thats important, she said.

Commissioner Tanya Katzoff Bhatt said she supports Israels right to exist and defend itself but wouldnt participate in the trip, noting that the commission recently approved $15,000 apiece for elected officials to travel to conferences and other events. Rosen Gonzalez proposed that change in July.

I dont know if I think we should be allocating any more money for travel, Katzoff Bhatt said.

Commissioner Alex Fernandez proposed the amendment to Rosen Gonzalezs resolution to remove city funding for the trip, saying that officials paying their own way would show how genuine the intent is to support Israel and to build upon that friendship.

Pro-Palestinian activists have held numerous protests in Miami Beach over the past year, prompting city officials to enact new restrictions on protesters.

Suarez blasted pro-Palestinian speakers at Wednesdays meeting, accusing them of screaming about human rights while conveniently ignoring womens rights.

If you took your pronouns and your so-called woke nonsense to Gaza, youd face a much different reality, he said.

Donna Nevel, a member of the group Jewish Voice for Peace, said during the meeting that the proposed mission to Israel was shameful.

Miami Beach should not go down in history supporting genocide, and the resolutions put forward today would be doing exactly that, she said.
In mid-August, two members of a South American theft group were arrested on charges of stealing a $1 million Patek Philippe watch from a man at gunpoint while he was dining with his wife and daughters at the Beverly Wilshire in Los Angeles, according to federal authorities.

But the diamond-studded watch traveled quickly, across the United States, all the way to Miami. Now, Miami police have arrested three more suspects in connection with the armed robbery of the man at the Beverly Hills hotel, saying they were trying to fence the stolen watch in the Magic City.

Last week, police received a tip that the watch stripped from the mans wrist in the Aug. 7 robbery was going to be sold in Miami, according to an arrest affidavit.

That led detectives to the Miami apartment of Kerwin Campos, a 20-year-old Venezuelan with a prior criminal history who was trying to sell the watch, according to an arrest affidavit. A rifle reported stolen in St. Lucie County was also found in Campos apartment, police said.

Two other suspects were also arrested last week: Yeison Jose Bolivar, 25, who was implicated not only in the Beverly Hills robbery but also in similar luxury watch thefts in Miami, New Jersey and New York, police said. Bolivar was charged with robbing a $50,000 Patek Philippe watch from a Miami man on April 13 when he was with his child in the 3500 block of Biscayne Boulevard.

Also arrested last week: Venezuelan Yiever A. Capote-Diaz, 26, who was caught after a foot chase with Miami detectives. Capote-Diaz, who police say illegally possessed a handgun, was charged with resisting a police officer with violence and openly carrying a weapon.

Miami police carried out the investigations with Homeland Security Investigations and Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives. One senior law enforcement official said it remains to be seen how the suspects will be charged in either state or federal court.

Were looking to see how to go forward with this case, the federal agent said, adding that the men arrested in Miami and Los Angeles are suspected of being members of the Venezuelan street gang, Tren de Aragua, which have gained a notorious reputation in several major American cities.

Stolen watch capital of the world

South Florida private investigator David Bolton, who is familiar with the Patek Philippe robbery probe, said that it is not unusual for such pricey watches to be stolen or end up in Miami. Miami is the stolen watch capital of the world, Bolton said. All of the stolen watches are coming to Miami.

According to federal authorities, here is the back story to the Patek Philippe robbery:

The robbery occurred in the afternoon on Aug. 7, when two men walked up to a man dining with his wife and twin daughters at a Beverly Wilshire restaurant and robbed him at gunpoint, according to a federal complaint affidavit. While one aimed a handgun at the victim, a second took the watch off his wrist.

The theft occurred within seconds, according to the affidavit. Fearing for his familys lives, [the victim] let [the suspect] take the watch without a struggle.

The pair then fled to a car parked on South Rodeo Drive.

Three days after the robbery, the Beverly Hills and Santa Monica police officers carried out a search of an Airbnb where the two suspects were believed to have been staying. During the search, they found a handgun registered to Christopher Dorner, a former Los Angeles Police Department officer who killed four people while running from the law. He died in a standoff in 2013.

Police in Riverside County, California, detained the two.

In Los Angeles, the U.S. Attorneys Office charged Jamer Mauricio Sepulveda Salazar, 21, of Colombia, with one count of interference with commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act) and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.

Jesus Eduardo Padron Rojas, 19, of Venezuela, was charged with one count of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery.

According to the affidavit, the suspects were driving a Chevrolet Equinox linked to an earlier robbery in Beverly Hills on Aug. 5, when members of the same South American theft group held up a victim at gunpoint and stole a $30,000 Rolex.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  The Michigan Attorney Generals Office is asking a federal judge to send a murder case against a former Michigan State Police detective sergeant back to state court.

In a motion filed Tuesday, the AGs Office cited a 2023 appellate ruling that the federal court does not have jurisdiction over former federal officers in arguing that the case against Brian Keely should be handled in state courts.

Keely, 50, of Grand Rapids, is charged with second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter in the death of Samuel Sterling. Last month, a federal judge agreed with Keelys defense team that his case belonged in federal court because he was acting as a member of a federal task force when he hit Sterling with an unmarked cruiser in Kentwood, killing him.

Federal court takes ex-MSP sergeants murder case

But the motion from the AGs Office pointed to a ruling that says the law allowing for removal to federal court applies only to current federal officers, not formal federal officers, even if the defendant held federal office at the time of the act alleged by the prosecution.

Prosecutors acknowledged the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan is not bound by the decision from the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals, but called on the court to follow the very well-reasoned conclusion of its 2023 ruling.

(The appeals court) said that its conclusion that former officers were excluded from the sphere of  1442(a)(1) was reinforced by reading the entirety of that law, the AGs motion said.

The motion went on to argue that the law in question was designed to protect the federal government from interference in its operations from the States.

(I)f the person is no longer acting under a federal officer, that concern simply does not exist, prosecutors said.

The filing says Keelys defense team said it would oppose the motion. Both sides were expected to be in court for a status conference Thursday.

Looking to arrest Sterling, 25, of Grand Rapids, on a number of warrants, authorities tracked him to a Kentwood gas station on April 17. Police say he ran away when they moved in to get him. Officers chased him on foot to a nearby Burger King while Keely pursued in an unmarked cruiser. Video released by MSP shows Sterling being hit by Keelys SUV near the restaurants entrance. Sterling was hospitalized and died hours later.

Family shows News 8 a photo of Samuel Sterling.

Inside woodtv.com: Samuel Sterling case

The state AGs office filed charges against Keely the following month, and he submitted a letter retiring the same day, making that retroactive to the day Sterling died.

Prosecutors say Keely knowingly created a very high risk of death or great bodily harm, arguing during a previous hearing in a Kent County courtroom that at minimum, what we know is that Detective Sgt. Brian Keely intentionally turned his vehicle in the direction of Samuel Sterling.

But Keelys defense attorneys say Keely didnt mean to hit Sterling and instead intended to block him from getting into the Burger King.

The evidence demonstrates he was on the brakes, on the brakes hard, trying to stop. That doesnt show gross negligence. That shows me somebody whos trying to stop, defense attorney Marc Curtis previously argued in court.

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ST. LOUIS  A man from the Detroit, Michigan, area appeared in federal court on Tuesday and admitted stealing tens of thousands of dollars worth of watches from an Ellisville, Missouri, jewelry store, approximately six weeks after a co-defendant pleaded guilty to the same crime.

Prosecutors with the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of Missouri said Kordaryl Cross, 25, and Dajuan Marcellus, 34, planned to use a stolen vehicle to travel to Ellisville in order to steal several Rolex watches.

Marcellus said he purchased a pre-paid Visa gift card on Jan. 2, 2023, which Cross used eight days to buy sledgehammers at a store in Missouri.

Florissant cop stole nude photos during traffic stop: Lawsuit

Marcellus and Cross, along with two other men, stole a Dodge Ram truck in Brentwood and drove to Ellisville. Marcellus and one of the unidentified cohort broke into a jewelry store and used the sledgehammers to bust open the glass cases containing the Rolex watches. Meanwhile, Cross monitored the time during the robbery.

The group abandoned the truck in a nearby parking garage, and Marcellus and Cross took the watches to Illinois.

Cross pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property. Marcellus already pleaded guilty to the same charge on July 29.

Marcellus will be sentenced on October 29 and Cross on December 9. Both men face up to five years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.
Michigan's first klezmer music festival to be held in midtown Detroit

The joyous, buoyant sounds of klezmer music will ring out for hours this weekend in midtown Detroit when Michigans first klezmer festival is held.

The International Institute (111 E. Kirby St.) will host KlezMitten on Sunday for an afternoon of vibrant klezmer music and dancing. Klezmer, a centuries-old style of traditional folk music originated by Ashkenazi Jews in Eastern Europe, is known for its rich melodies, heavy improvisation, and danceable beats.

Metro Detroit-based band Klezundheit will perform during KlezMitten, Michigan's first klezmer music festival, on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 at midtown Detroit's International Institute.

Organizer Alan Posner promises a lively celebration of traditional and contemporary klezmer music, showcasing the rich Yiddish heritage and dynamic dance rhythms.

Ive been involved in the Michigan klezmer music scene for a long time with various groups, and I knew there were other klezmer bands in Michigan, and I wanted to a way for us to come together, said Posner, who also serves as director of bands for Bloomfield Hills High School. A lot of people love klezmer, and when (people) hear it for the first time, they go, Oh, this is really interesting and cool. And what better way for us to get together than to have a concert?

Doors will open at 2:30 p.m. for the event, which kicks off at 3 p.m. with Lansings Heartland Klezmorim. Ann Arbors Klezmephonic will follow at 4 p.m., then Posners Detroit-based Klezundheit, wrapping with Ann Arbors Schmaltz.

Food will be available through Small World Kitchen; additionally, pre-packaged Kosher snacks will be available for sale.

Tickets for KlezMitten are $20 general admission, and free for ages 12 and under, but theyre going quickly.

We were hoping to sell 50 tickets during pre-sale, Posner said. Weve sold over 150, so we only have about 50 tickets left right now. Theyre going very fast.

Tickets can be purchased at klezundheit.ludus.com. For more information, follow @klezmitten on Instagram.

Contact Free Press arts and culture reporter Duante Beddingfield at dbeddingfield@freepress.com.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan's first klezmer music festival to be held in midtown Detroit
The mics were muted during the debate. Heres what Harris and Trump said

Presidential hopefuls Kamala Harris and Donald Trump were the sources of many memorable sound bites at their first debate  her impassioned support for abortion, his claim that migrants eat pets  but there were just as many quips when their mics were muted.

In what could be the only debate before the November election, the candidates sparred over abortion, the economy, foreign policy and immigration. ABC News muted each candidates mic after their turn to speak  but that didnt mean Harris or Trump stopped talking.

A pool reporter in the room transcribed the off-mic comments which only served to underscore the bitter exchanges between the two candidates.

During a segment on reproductive rights and the overturning of Roe v Wade, led by conservative Supreme Court justices that Trump appointed, the former president claimed to have been a leader on in vitro fertilization (IVF). Off-mic, Harris remarked: You have not. Come on.

Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during her debate with Republican presidential nominee former president Donald Trump at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia on Tuesday night (Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

She gave a similar response after Trump suggested that Democrats would allow abortions in the ninth month of pregnancy  and executions of babies after birth.

The vice president, off-mic, said: Cmonthats not true.

Trumps comments was so wild that ABC moderator Lindsey Davis cut in to fact-check. There is no state in this country where it is legal to kill a baby after its born, she said.

In arguably the most outlandish remark of the night, Trump suggested that migrants in Ohio were eating residents pets. The people that came in, theyre eating the cats, Trump said. Theyre eating  theyre eating the pets of the people that live there.

Former President Donald Trump speaks during a presidential debate with Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris (AP)

The vice president immediately responded: What? This is unbelievable.

The former president had some of his own exasperated off-mic reactions when the vice president mentioned his ongoing civil and criminal court cases.

Trump gasped when Harris mentioned his New York City conviction. In May, he was convicted on 34 counts of falsifying business records in connection with a scheme to influence the 2016 presidential election by paying adult film star Stormy Daniels in exchange for her silence over an alleged affair.

At one point, Trump argued that the crime rate is higher under the Biden administration because they allowed terrorists, drug dealers and common street criminals to migrate into the country.

Harris replied: I think this is so rich coming from someone who has been prosecuted for national security crimes, economic crimes, election interference, has been found liable for sexual assault and his next big court appearance is in November at his own criminal sentencing.

Trump then uttered off-mic: She is the one that weaponized.

During another memorable moment early in the debate, Harris suggested that Trump didnt have a plan for the economy.

Id invite you to know that Donald Trump actually has no plan for you, because he is more interested in defending himself than he is in looking out for you, the vice president said.

Off-mic, Trump snapped: Thats just a sound bite. They gave her that to say.
PARIS, Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Huawei announced the implementation stage of the Technology-enabled Open Schools for All Phase II project in Brazil, Egypt, and Thailand at Digital Learning Week, UNESCO's flagship event on digital learning and the transformation of education.

Attendees at the UNESCO-Huawei Technology-enabled Open Schools for All Forum / Image Credit  UNESCO / M. Etchegoyen

Running from 2024 to 2027, Phase II of the UNESCO-Huawei initiative will support the digital transformation of education in each of the three nations through digital open school models. These models combine technology innovations and human capabilities to create flexible, resilient, inclusive, and quality learning environments that blend offline and online learning.

The implementation stage of the project's Phase II follows the design stage, which was launched in April 2024, to establish the specific needs and priorities of the three nations.

The announcement was made at the Technology-enabled Open Schools for All Forum hosted by UNESCO and Huawei during Digital Learning Week. The Forum focused on the lessons learned and achievements of Phase I, which ran in Egypt, Ethiopia, and Ghana between 2020 and 2024, and provided valuable insights for the implementation of Phase II.

Distinguished guests included H.E. Mr Mohamed Abdel Latif, Minister of Education and Technical Education for Egypt; H.E. Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, Minister of Education for Ghana; delegates from the ministries of education from Ethiopia, Brazil, and Thailand; and representatives from UNESCO and Huawei.

"In Egypt, we have embarked on a transformative journey in education rooted in the belief that technology is not just a tool but a catalyst for unlocking potential, nurturing creativity, and expanding opportunities for both educators and learners. The success of the first phase of this project is a testament to the dedication of our educators and partners," said H. E. Mohamed Abdel-Latif, Minister of Education and Technical Education of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

Aligned with Huawei's TECH4ALL digital inclusion program, the technology aspect of the Open School initiative centers on connecting schools, providing training for educators in ICT skills, and the development of digital education resources.

"The Open School approach aims to drive the human-centered digital transformation of the education sector through connectivity, competence, and content," said Joyce Liu, Director of the TECH4ALL Program Office at Huawei. "Through a partnership approach that leverages technology tailored to specific national priorities, we believe that we can realize equitable and inclusive access to lifelong learning opportunities for all."

Story continues

The Brazil Open School project centers on advancing inclusion and green-oriented learning. Aligned with the nation's Connected Schools Strategy, the project will build five smart schools, while two digital training centers will provide training for teachers in ICT skills, and digital courses will enable online learning.

Thailand's Open School project aims to foster well-being in the education domain. Aligned with its 2018-2037 national strategy, the project will build ten smart schools and expand the use of smart classrooms, with competence developed for teachers through training in ICT skills and learning resources provided on digital platforms.

The Open School projects in Brazil and Thailand will serve as benchmarks for the Latin America and ASEAN regions, respectively.

The Phase II project in Egypt will focus on expanding teacher training in ICT skills, continuing the momentum from Phase I where a New Center for Distance Learning was established, benefiting 950,000 educators.

The Phase I Open School projects in Ethiopia and Ghana also delivered significant progress in advancing educational technology and empowering educators:

Ethiopia equipped and trained 12,000 students and 250 educators across 24 pilot secondary schools, and developed its first EdTech training manual to support its new Digital Education Strategy (2023-2028).

Ghana improved its national educational platforms, developed an ICT Competency Framework for Teachers, and provided ten schools with ICT equipment, benefiting 1,000 teachers and 3,000 students.

About Huawei TECH4ALL

TECH4ALL is Huawei's long-term digital inclusion initiative and action plan. Enabled by innovative technologies and partnerships, TECH4ALL is designed to help promote inclusion and sustainability in the digital world.

For more information, please visit the Huawei TECH4ALL website at https://www.huawei.com/en/tech4all

Follow us on X at:

https://twitter.com/HUAWEI_TECH4ALL

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SOURCE Huawei
MUSCLE SHOALS, Ala. (WHNT)  A Muscle Shoals Middle School student accused of making terrorist threats has been arrested.

According to the Muscle Shoals Police Department (MSPD), the threats the student made towards the middle school were overheard by other students.

On Wednesday morning, the parents of the students that overheard the threats notified school officials along with MSPD.

Download the WHNT News 19 App to stay updated on the go.

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MSPD told News 19 that the student was arrested at his home before the school day started on Wednesday morning.

The student was taken to the Muscle Shoals Police Department and was later turned over to the Colbert County Juvenile Probation office with charges pending.

The Muscle Shoals Police Department takes any and all threats made towards our schools very seriously. Each threat will be vigorously investigated until we are certain the matter is closed, with the upmost confidence in the safety of our school children and school staff. As always, we appreciate the Muscle Shoals City School System in their effort to combat these threats, and we thank the parents for coming forward in this situation to provide necessary information deemed vital to this case. Muscle Shoals Police Chief Clint Reck

Muscle Shoals City Schools released the following statement:

A Muscle Shoals Middle School student has been taken into custody by Muscle Shoals Police after making a threat toward the school. Muscle Shoals City Schools and the Muscle Shoals Police take all threats seriously. Other students heard the threat and told their parents. Parents reported the threat to school officials who in turn notified authorities. The student in question was quickly taken into custody at his home early this morning before school started by Muscle Shoals Police Department Patrol Officers and Detectives. As a precaution, Muscle Shoals Police Department provided additional patrol officers at Muscle Shoals Middle School throughout the morning. The student was transported to the Muscle Shoals Police Department, and later turned over to the Colbert County Juvenile Probation Office with Terrorist Threats charges pending. Investigation into the matter will continue. Safety and security of students and staff is a top priority. Muscle Shoals City Schools administration appreciates the swift and efficient actions of the officers of the Muscle Shoals Police Department and the parents who reported the initial threat information to school officials. Muscle Shoals City Schools

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com.
Migrant entered via CBP One app, arrested for murder in Tennessee

(NewsNation)  A man who entered the U.S. through a federal immigration program has been arrested in Texas for the murder of a 25-year-old woman in Cleveland, Tennessee, authorities said.

Dayren Roque Lopez, 41, from Cuba, was apprehended Monday in Zavala County, Texas, following a multistate manhunt. He is accused of killing Dayana Garcia, whose body was found in a Cleveland residence Sunday.

Cleveland Police Department officials said they discovered Garcias body while executing a search warrant at 315 Northcrest Circle after receiving a missing person report.

Migrant family seek help locating stolen pup

Dayren Roque Lopez, 41, was apprehended Monday in Zavala County, Texas, following a multi-state manhunt. He is accused of killing Dayana Garcia, whose body was found in a Cleveland residence on Sunday.

Dayren Roque Lopez, 41, was apprehended Monday in Zavala County, Texas, following a multi-state manhunt. He is accused of killing Dayana Garcia, whose body was found in a Cleveland residence on Sunday.

Dayren Roque Lopez, 41, was apprehended Monday in Zavala County, Texas, following a multi-state manhunt. He is accused of killing Dayana Garcia, whose body was found in a Cleveland residence on Sunday.

Dayren Roque Lopez, 41, was apprehended Monday in Zavala County, Texas, following a multi-state manhunt. He is accused of killing Dayana Garcia, whose body was found in a Cleveland residence on Sunday.

Dayren Roque Lopez, 41, was apprehended Monday in Zavala County, Texas, following a multi-state manhunt. He is accused of killing Dayana Garcia, whose body was found in a Cleveland residence on Sunday.

Dayren Roque Lopez, 41, was apprehended Monday in Zavala County, Texas, following a multi-state manhunt. He is accused of killing Dayana Garcia, whose body was found in a Cleveland residence on Sunday.

Lopez, who had fled Tennessee, was captured by Zavala County Sheriffs deputies after they received an alert to be on the lookout for his vehicle. Deputies located a 2008 brown Toyota Corolla with Tennessee plates and conducted a felony traffic stop in La Pryor, Texas.

An illegal who entered the U.S. through the Biden-Harris CBP One app last year is the suspect in the murder of a young woman in Tennessee.



This administration is welcoming violent criminals into our nation.



The blood of the victims is on Joe and Kamalas hands. pic.twitter.com/qqDr9NyD2o  Sen. Marsha Blackburn (@MarshaBlackburn) September 10, 2024

Sources confirmed to NewsNation that Lopez entered the U.S. on August 5, 2023, through San Ysidro, California, using the CBP One app, a mobile application for certain immigration processes. His scheduled immigration court hearing was set for November in Memphis.

Despite a previous domestic violence incident in February, Lopez was allowed to remain in the U.S. as there was no conviction, authorities said.

Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., reacted to the arrest, saying Lopez entered because of failed border policy.

4 charged in alleged migrant ransom plot

The number of encounters with people on terror watchlists has gone up over the years.

The U.S. Border Patrol reported 172 such encounters in fiscal year 2023, up from 100 in 2022 and 16 in 2021. The watchlists include known or suspected terrorists as well as their associates.

At least 99 people from the FBI terror watchlist crossed into the country illegally and were released after being apprehended by border agents last year, according to Department of Homeland Security data obtained by the House Judiciary Committee.

In June 2024, President Joe Biden released a series of executive actions capping migrant crossing until border encounters remain consistently low  under 2,500 per day for an entire week  in an effort to give Border Patrol more time to handle each migrants situation.

The president also clarified his use of executive powers, saying he was doing what Congress would not about a bipartisan immigration deal that failed in the Senate after Trump urged GOP lawmakers to vote against it.

NewsNations Anna Kutz contributed to this report.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
Update: Jason Johnson Jr. has been safely located.

KANSAS CITY, Mo.  Kansas City police are asking for the publics help in finding a missing 17-year-old boy.

Jason Johnson Jr. was last seen on Tuesday, Sept. 10, around 4 p.m. in the area of E. 24th St and Holmes St. near Childrens Mercy Hospital.

See the latest headlines in Kansas City and across Kansas, Missouri

He is Black, 5 feet 2 inches tall and 110 pounds.

Johnson was wearing a grey zip-up jacket and grey shorts. His family is concerned for his well-being.

If located, you are asked to contact 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 FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  A Sioux Falls mans disappearance is catching the attention of many, all hoping to help him return home safely. Tyler Weathersby, 31, hasnt been heard from since last Wednesday morning.

KELOLAND News talked with Weathersby and his wife, Monalisa Perez, back in 2021 about their online clothing brand, wake. The couple launched their business in 2018, shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic. Weathersby was known as Tyler Blake in KELOLANDs 2021 coverage.

I would say 2020, through all the chaos, there were some blessings, and we were able to pivot and find some good moments during that time, Weathersby said in January 2021 interview.

Our vision with wake is to be a global brand within the next two to five years, Perez added.

A resource for finding missing people in South Dakota

Weathersby is also an art school graduate from Chicago. Their use of social media helped them find success early on in their business.

We just decided to double down on our online content, do more live videos through Facebook, Instagram, really connect with people more on a personal level, Weathersby said.

Now, Perez and members of the Sioux Falls community are hoping social media will do the same when it comes to connecting with them with answers about Weathersbys recent disappearance. Many people are sharing possible sightings of him on a Facebook search page.

Weve done different tools to look for him. Were still working on that but havent had any luck finding him at this point, Sam Clemens with the Sioux Falls Police Department said Tuesday morning.

Arrowhead, Veterans Parkway intersection to cost $25 million

KELOLAND News also interviewed Weathersby and Perez in 2021 about their podcast People Being People.

This is a podcast about, you know, entrepreneurship, real life situations, things that are going on in the world and things that were experiencing in our life, Weathersby said in June 2021.

If you have any information on Weathersby, youre asked to call the non-emergency line at 605-367-7000. 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.
OXFORD, Miss. (AP)  A jury has cleared a Mississippi man on a charge of threatening to kill Republican U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker during a confrontation with one of Wicker's relatives.

Six women and six men deliberated about an hour and a half Tuesday before unanimously finding William Carl Sappington not guilty of threatening to injure or kill a United States official, the Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal reported.

Sappington's attorney, Tom Levidiotis, said federal prosecutors failed to prove the alleged threat was credible.

There is no scintilla or proof that this had anything to do with (the senators) official duties, Levidiotis said. Roger Wicker has no idea this guy even exists.

After the verdict in the two-day trial, Sappington was released from jail for the first time since he was arrested on the charge in May 2023.

Conviction would have been punishable by up to 10 years in federal prison.

Sappington was accused of going to the Hickory Flat home of the senators second cousin, George Wicker, on April 26, 2023. Prosecutors believed the testimony of George Wicker, 83, who said Sappington asked if he was related to the senator and then said, You tell him that Im going to kill him.

During an FBI interview, Sappington denied making a direct threat against Roger Wicker, who has been in the Senate since 2007.

If I went there to kill him, hed be dead, Sappington said during the recorded 2023 FBI interview that was played to the jury. But Im not into that. I dont even want to kill him with the law.

Sappington said he accused the senator of being part of a conspiracy to cover up an aggravated kidnapping against him. In February 2014, Sappington was arrested in the assault of his own brother. He tried to flee and was bitten by a police dog. Authorities took him to a hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, to treat injuries he sustained during the arrest.

Prosecutors said George Wicker was locked in his house and scared. On the 911 call, he said Sappington was a crazy man. But the first law enforcement officer to arrive at the home found George Wicker in his carport arguing with Sappington, who was about 15 feet (4.6 meters) away in the driveway. Sappington said he was trying to leave, but George Wicker kept calling him back.

George Wicker was adamant in his testimony that the incident happened in the morning. But a police report showed it happened around 6 p.m. During a 45-second call to Benton County 911, George Wicker was heard saying twice that he was going to kill Sappington.
OXFORD, Miss. (WJTV)  A Byhalia man was sentenced to more than 15 years in prison for transmitting sexual conduct with a minor over the internet.

According to court documents, Thomas Taylor, 29, was identified as part of Operation Renewed Hope, an operation run by Homeland Security Investigations to identify victims and perpetrators of known child sexual exploitation videos.

Mississippi man sentenced for videoing sexual assault of minors

Prosecutors said Taylor admitted to using a video chat mobile application to communicate on live video with others over the Internet. While on the live video, prosecutors said Taylor masturbated and revealed a minors genitals and anus to the audience. A recording was made of the incident which has appeared in other investigations related to trafficking of child sexual abuse materials.

On Tuesday afternoon, U.S. District Judge Sharion Aycock sentenced Taylor to 200 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release.

The Department of Homeland Security investigated the case.

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The Mississippi River is running low again. Its a problem for farmers moving beans and grain

FILE - Barges float in the Mississippi River as a portion of the riverbed is exposed, Sept. 15, 2023, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson, File)

ST. LOUIS (AP)  The water level of the Mississippi River is unusually low for the third straight year, forcing barge companies to put limits on how much cargo they can carry and cutting into farm profits.

It was just two months ago that much of the Mississippi River was above flood stage north of St. Louis. Since then, the river level has dropped steadily. The area south of St. Louis has been hit especially hard, mirroring low-water concerns that began around this same time of year in both 2022 and 2023.

As part of the fallout, barge companies are forced to limit the soybeans, grain and other cargo they carry to prevent barges from potentially getting stuck. That means less profit for farmers.

About 60% of U.S. grain exports are taken by barge down the Mississippi to New Orleans, where the corn, soybeans and wheat is stored and ultimately transferred for shipment to other countries. Its an efficient way to transport crops  a typical group of 15 barges lashed together carries as much cargo as about 1,000 trucks.

With cargoes limited, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's most recent Grain Transportation Report showed that for the week ending Aug. 31, 480,750 tons of grain moved on barges  a 17% drop from the previous week.

Meanwhile, costs were up sharply. Freight rates originating in St. Louis were 8% higher than the same period last year and up 57% compared to the three-year average. Freight rates originating in Memphis were 10% higher than last year, and 63% higher than the three-year average.

Consumers won't necessarily feel much impact, but farmers will, said Mike Steenhoek, executive director of the Iowa-based Soy Transportation Coalition.

When youve got a transportation cost increase in any industry the question is, Do I pass those costs onto the customer in the form of a higher price? Steenhoek said.

But farmers usually dont have that option because their product that moves on barges is being sold internationally. If American soybean prices rise, the foreign buyer can purchase from another country, Steenhoek said.

It was just July when the Mississippi River reached major flood levels in places like Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin, forcing some people to get around by boat.

All that water flowing down from the upper Mississippi River was offset by drought in states along the Ohio River, which feeds into the Mississippi at Cairo, Illinois. Rainfall in places like Ohio and West Virginia was minimal throughout the summer, worsening in August.

That drought is growing, Michael Clay, chief of the Hydraulics and Hydrology Branch of the Corps of Engineers office in Memphis, Tennessee, said at a news conference Wednesday. As a result, the Mississippi River south of Cairo is just a few feet higher than the record low levels reached in several places last year  and dropping.

Donny Davidson Jr., a deputy engineer for the Memphis District of the Corps, said dredging operations are being moved around on a frequent basis as worrisome spots pop up.

Over the last few years, we've really got very good at looking ahead and applying those resources in a very strategic manner, Davidson said.

Clay said Hurricane Francine is expected to bring several inches of rain to much of the lower Mississippi River, including up to 4 inches of rain in Memphis in the coming days.
A Missouri city voted to fire a police officer who has been charged with animal abuse in the death of his K-9 partner.

Savannah, Missouris Board of Alderman voted in a closed session meeting Monday to terminate Lt. Daniel Zeigler, the city announced on social media.

Zeigler and his K-9 Horus had completed their overnight shift at 4:49 a.m. on June 20, according to a probable cause affidavit filed in Andrew County Circuit Court. At 5:54 p.m., Zeigler contacted police chief Dave Vincent and said Horus was dead.

Vincent found Horus had been left in the police vehicle all day and died of heat exposure, the affidavit said.

Horus joined the Savannah Police Department in 2021 when he was almost 2 years old, police said. Savannah is about 45 minutes north of Kansas City.

Investigators tested the functionality of an AceK9 system on Zeiglers vehicle June 26, which found that the system safeguard was fully functional the day Horus died, court records said.

When tested, the AceK9 safeguard system inside the vehicle repeatedly honked, rolled down the rear windows and activated a fan when the internal temperature of the vehicle reached 90 degrees. This proved the system was working and had to have been manually deactivated to bypass the safeguard, court documents said.

The Kansas City International Airport reported a high of 88 degrees at 3:53 p.m. on June 20, 2024, the probable cause statement said.

According to court documents, a witness heard Zeigler say he thought he brought Horus in after his shift. Another witness who helped bury the K-9 said they heard Zeigler tell Vincent Horus death was his fault.

Horus death captured the attention of the Savannah community and region as people began to ask for justice for Horus.

Zeigler faces one count of animal abuse, a class A misdemeanor. He is due to appear in court at 1 p.m. Oct. 8 in Division 5 of Andrew County Circuit Court.

The Stars Noelle Alvis-Gransee contributed.
WASHINGTON  Four Missouri U.S. Representatives are calling for the United States Postal Service to investigate rural mail delays and audit the St. Louis areas sorting and distribution center in Hazelwood.

Republican Congress leaders Sam Graves, Blaine Luetkemeyer, Jason Smith and Ann Wagner sent a joint letter to U.S. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy on Wednesday calling for action.

Over the past year, FOX 2 has learned that some St. Louis-area residents not receiving essential documents, like utility bills and social security checks, in the mail or did not receive them weeks after key due dates. Others have had issues with packages intended for local addresses taking a cross-country detour before reaching their final destination near St. Louis.

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The four lawmakers say delays have posed recent challenges to rural Missourians.

The rural mail crisis is taking a major toll on the quality of life in communities across southeast and south-central Missouri, said Smith via a news release. Seniors are struggling to make ends meet because Social Security checks arent arriving on time. Veterans arent receiving the benefits they earned for their selfless service to our nation. Small businesses are fearing that theyll have to close their doors for good because packages for, and payments from, customers are getting lost in the mail.

In addition to an audit of the Hazelwood sorting and distribution Center, the letter requests USPS outline its plans to prevent further delays in rural deliveries, including for potential election documents.

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The bottom line is that our constituents depend on USPS and cannot afford these continued failures, the letter reads, in part. Submitting a plan to further delay mail deliveries for rural Americans while continuing to increase postage rates because USPS leadership cannot effectively run their operation is totally unacceptable. Quite simply, Americans dont want to pay more for worse service.

Missouri U.S Rep. Cori Bush and U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley have previously pushed the U.S. Postal Service Inspector General for answers to regional disruptions.

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State Rep. Brad Pollitt, a Sedalia Republican, leads the House Elementary and Secondary Education Committee hearing Tuesday afternoon (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).

Julita Harris has worked in child care for 47 years and has refused to shut down her business, Peter Rabbit Learning and Development Center in St. Joseph, despite mounting financial concerns.

The preschool has become a family affair, with her son Edwin helping with administrative tasks. Lately, thats meant watching for payments from the states child subsidy grant program, which is a federal grant administered by the state to help low-income families afford child care.

But even he cant understand the software, which doesnt recognize all the subsidized children correctly.

And the money from the state has gotten sparse since this past winter.

While she waits for the money shes owed, her family is nearly $70,000 in debt. The utilities to their home are shut off  anything to keep the lights on at the day care.

We borrowed a lot of money, tied our (trucking business) up, used our social security and using other funding we had set aside thats not there now, Julita Harris said. I dont regret that, but its wrong.

She attributes the financial hardship to a change in the child care subsidy program, a federal grant administered by the state. The Department of Social Services administered the subsidy until December, when the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education took over and contracted with a new software provider to manage the program.

Since then, payments have been sparse, with providers around the state closing their doors and others taking out loans to stay in business. The Missouri House Elementary and Secondary Education Committee, back in Jefferson City for veto session this week, called for an informational hearing about the problem.

Officials with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Office of Childhood told committee members Tuesday that the backlog of payments to providers should be resolved by mid-October. The backlog of subsidy applications will be completed by the end of this month.

But the meetings attendees, which were largely child care providers, werent so sure.

The current plan talked about today is just not working, said Lyndsey Elliott, director of Missouri S&Ts child development center. Ive been waiting for more than 60 days for payment resolution requests to even make it to a human.

The center was missing more than $50,000 in subsidy payments from the state between the months of January and July, she said. Other providers had as much as $148,000 owed to them, they told the committee.

Kari Monsees, DESEs commissioner of financial and administrative services, said there were startup challenges beginning the new system. The new system developed by World Wide Technology in St. Louis must interact with a preexisting attendance-tracking software, KinderConnect.

The interaction between the two software systems has caused duplication errors and created manual labor, Monsees said. The program by World Wide Technology hasnt been meeting contractual obligations, he said, but it is past the 90-day warranty period.

The errors have created a backlog where providers are waiting months to receive payment, and parents applications are taking over a month to get approved.

Pam Thomas, assistant commissioner for Missouris Office of Childhood, said some records are taking months to be accepted and entered into the system when it should be instantaneous.

The department has hired 22 staff members to oversee eligibility, 10 to process payment and 14 hourly technicians to fix system issues at a combined cost of $4.8 million, Monsees said.

State Rep. Marlene Terry, a Democrat from St. Louis, said the state needs to find a way to get these people their money.

Rep. Crystal Quade, House Minority Leader and Democratic candidate for governor, asked why checks cant be sent today.

That is the kind of question that all of us were asking, Commissioner of Education Karla Eslinger said. Lets just get the money out the door. Lets do it. But I have been learning on this job that those kinds of things are not that easy.

Quade said the state legislature has already appropriated funds, so repeat providers should receive their checks without having to revalidate currently.

Monsees said he believes that fixing the issues with the system is a more productive use of staff time.

State Rep. Ed Lewis, a Republican from Moberly, suggested temporarily implementing an enrollment-based system instead of using attendance and paying the providers at the beginning of the month. These are goals of the department, as well as federal suggestions. He also said the department could pay based on average attendance to expedite payment.

Child care providers said an enrollment-based system would alleviate some of the pressure.

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Rachel Wilfley, a program director at Kindercare, said parents fill out attendance using tablets. Some have technology problems, and attendance registers lower than kids actual turnout.

Others complained that the department had removed incentives for providers to take on a large amount of subsidy-funded children.

Diane Coleman, who owns Nannys Early Learning Center in Columbia, said she previously received a 30% bonus for having an enrollment with over 50% subsidy-funded kids and an additional 20% bonus for an accreditation program. Now, she said, she must choose one or the other.

This change alone is costing her $148,000. We relied on that money, she said.

Lacey Allen, owner of Learning and Fun Preschool in Kansas City, said losing the bonus has cost her $107,000.

I have not received a correct payment since DESE took over, she said.

Discussion of the problems plaguing the subsidy program isnt over. The House Budget Committee will hold a hearing Wednesday morning to look into the issue as well.
What's At Stake With The TCJA Expirations? Trump And Harris Outline Their Tax Plans For 2025

When former President Donald Trump was in office, he signed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) into law in 2018. This law changed the tax code to cut taxes for shareholders and individual taxpayers  and it made history since the last major tax code change was in 1986.

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The TCJA nearly doubled the standard deduction, increasing it from $6,500 to $12,000 for individual filers and $13,000 to $24,000 for joint returns. It also eliminated or restricted many itemized deductions, reducing the number of taxpayers with itemized deductions from 31% to 9% from 2017 to 2020.

These are just some of the many changes the TCJA brought about in the tax code. But now, those changes are set to expire in 2025. The upcoming election is a critical moment for tax policy, and the results will impact individuals at all income levels.

So, what are the major party candidates' tax plans should they win the election?

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Kamala Harris's Tax Plan

Kamala Harris is committing to President Biden's tax plan and says she won't raise taxes on those earning less than $400,000 annually. The TCJA also lowered the marginal income tax rate for the top 1% of earners from 39.6% to 37%  Harris will likely let this revert with the TCJA expiration.

Another component of Biden's 2025 budget proposal, even though not directly affected by the TCJA, calls for increasing the Medicare tax rate from 3.8% to 5% for those earning more than $400,000 per year.

The TCJA doubled the child tax credit from $1,000 to $2,000. While this is set to expire, Harris is proposing a permanent increase of up to $3,600 per child (depending on age) and a newborn tax credit of $6,000 for the first year of a child's life.

Overall, Harris's tax plan focuses on keeping taxes steady for the middle class while ensuring that the wealthiest Americans pay more.

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Donald Trump's Tax Plan

Trump has stated that he plans to extend all tax cuts from the TCJA. He has also been a proponent of exempting Social Security and tip income from taxes.

Additionally, Trump has been a vocal proponent of further lowering the corporate tax rate. The TCJA reduced this from 35% to 21%, and Trump recently pledged to lower it to 15%. He argues that additional tax cuts for businesses will spur job creation and boost the economy.

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Regarding child tax credits, Trump's running mate, JD Vance, has proposed a $5,000 tax credit per child.

Trump's tax plan may continue to prioritize lower taxes for individuals and businesses alike, but it will particularly benefit high-income earners and corporations.

The Impact of the TCJA Expirations

Understanding how the TCJA tax code changes impacted you and what the implications will be when they expire  or get extended under a Trump administration  will help keep you informed about tax policy as the election draws closer.

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The biggest tax policies impacted by this law that are set to expire include:

Doubled child tax credit

Double federal estate and gift tax exemptions

Doubled standard deduction

Reduced top federal income tax rates

Voters are faced with two very different approaches to tax policy and should take the time to understand the implications of both plans. The outcome of this election will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the U.S. tax system, impacting individuals, families, and businesses for years to come.

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This article What's At Stake With The TCJA Expirations? Trump And Harris Outline Their Tax Plans For 2025 originally appeared on Benzinga.com

 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
Missouri man sentenced to life in prison for killing his father

MONETT, Mo.  A Monett man convicted of shooting and killing his father will spend the rest of his life in prison.

Tuesday morning, a judge sentenced Michael Creekmore, 29, to life in prison without parole. Back in July, a jury convicted Creekmore of first-degree murder and armed criminal action.

Missouri man convicted for killing father after argument

In September 2022, Michael Creekmore and his father, Robert Creekmore, got into an argument that escalated to Michael shooting his father 19 times in the street outside a home (below) in Monett. Michael Creekmore claimed the two had an abusive relationship and that his father tried to trip him and then hit him in the head.

He said when his father tried to come at him again, he grabbed a gun from his waist and began shooting.

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Missouri Supreme Court rejects Republican effort to get an abortion referendum taken off the ballot

The Missouri Supreme Court decided Tuesday to keep a measure that would legalize abortion on November's ballot, despite Republicans 11th-hour attempts to stop the amendment.

The ruling orders Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft to 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.

Amendment 3 would restore constitutional protections for abortion after the state enacted a near-total abortion ban following the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022.

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, the amendment reads.

Reproductive rights advocates in the state, led by Missourians for Constitutional Freedom, fought hard to get the initiative on the ballot, collecting over 380,000 signatures.

In August, it was certified to be on Novembers ballot by Missouris Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft. Shortly after, however, Republican state Rep. Hannah Kelly and state Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman sued Ashcroft for certifying the amendment, arguing that the measure did not state which laws it would repeal. Last week, the attempts to decertify Amendment 3 continued when a Cole County judge ruled the amendment invalid for "violating state law."

Three days later and just weeks after his approval, Ashcroft announced he was decertifying the initiative, citing serious concern about whether the proposed petition satisfies the legal requirements for adequate notice to the public. His decertification was appealed, sending the case to the state's highest court.

Just hours before the deadline for the general election ballot, the Missouri Supreme Court proved the Republicans efforts to be futile.

Todays Missouri Supreme Court decision is a victory for both direct democracy and reproductive freedom in Missouri, Missourians for Constitutional Freedom said in a statement. The court's ruling ensures that Amendment 3 will appear on the November 5th ballot, giving votersnot politiciansthe power to decide on this critical issue.

With the decision, Missouri will become the 11th state to vote on reproductive rights come November. Amendment 3 will require 50% of the vote to pass.
Missouri teacher to be sentenced for sexual relationship with student

PULASKI COUNTY, Mo.  A Waynesville, Missouri, teacher will be sentenced in October for having a sexual relationship with a student.

According to the Pulaski County Sheriffs Department probable cause statement, Hailey Clifton-Carmack, age not provided, engaged in a sexual relationship with a 16-year-old student in 2023.

Police said a witness reported the relationship to a school resource officer in December 2023.

The witness learned about their relationship after the victim showed photographs of his back with scratches. The victim told the witness that the scratches were from Clifton-Carmack after having sexual intercourse with her in the witnesss driveaway.

The witness also shared hearing a phone conversation between Clifton-Carmack. The victim said that it was his birthday, and she replied, stating that though she was out of state, she would send him money.

The student witness shared with police that Clifton-Carmack was reportedly too friendly and would dress inappropriately at school. Police said the witness recalled her wearing tight or low-cut shirts and tight leggings.

According to police, the witness said Clifton-Carmack would openly discuss her personal life with the class and reportedly got in trouble with school administration for being too close with students. The Laquey Schools superintendent verified this with police and said Clifton-Carmack was spoken to about the issue.

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The probable cause statement said an officer made contact with Clifton-Carmack at Laquey Schools to seize her phone via a search warrant. Clifton-Carmack denied having any kind of relationship with any students outside of school and further denied having contact with the victim outside of school.

Police said Clifton-Carmacks phone revealed conversations between her and the victim discussing their relationship.

When police met with an additional witness who revealed the victims father knew about their sexual relationship. The father shared with the witness that Clifton-Carmack had been to their home prior to visiting Texas for the holidays in December 2023.

According to the probable cause statement, she had not returned to Missouri as of Jan. 3, 2023. Individuals Clifton-Carmack has previously been living with in Missouri were not sure of her return to the state and told police she had moved to Texas to live with family.

Texas police arrested Clifton-Carmack in January 2024. She was initially charged with endangering the welfare of a child in first-degree, second-degree statutory rape, sexual contact with a student, fourth-degree child molestation, and seven counts of furnishing pornographic material to a minor.

Clifton-Carmack pleaded guilty on September 6 to sexual contact with a student. Shes currently on house arrest while awaiting a sentencing hearing on October 11.

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DUBLIN, Ohio (WCMH)  Residents are speaking out against a proposal to build a mixed-use development in Dublins Ballantrae neighborhood, arguing the project doesnt align with the surrounding community.

Stavroff Land and Developments proposal calls for a 12-acre mixed-use district named Irish Village to be built southwest of the intersection of Avery and Woerner Temple roads, featuring 30,000 square feet of commercial space and 125 to 150 residential units. The village would sit next to the Ballantrae Community Park and the Dublin Community Pool, sporting the Ballantrae neighborhoods Irish countryside-inspired aesthetic.

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However, Tara Roe, a Ballantrae resident for the past 20 years, said during a Sept. 6 Dublin Planning and Zoning Commission meeting that the development would bring a whole different element to the neighborhood. Roe also took aim at possible commercial aspects, like a restaurant with a drive-thru window, that could threaten the neighborhoods walkability.

[The proposal] doesnt feel aligned with the brand of Ballantrae, which is very beautiful, open spaces, places for kids to walk, said Roe during the meeting. I would love the convenience of a drive-thru, but I think thats contradicting what Ballantrae is. Its a walkable neighborhood, and that introduces a whole different dynamic.

Stavroff Land and Development is aiming to transform a 12-acre site into a mixed-use district named Irish Village. (Courtesy Photo/Dublin Planning and Zoning Commission)

Hillary Jeffers, a Dublin local, echoed Roe and said there has been a disconnect between what people want and what has been proposed today. Terry Bevilaqua, another Ballantrae resident, said she would not have purchased her home had she known a development of this density would be built near the neighborhood.

Thats a lot of people and a lot of cars. I just think its too much density, said Bevilaqua during the meeting. It doesnt align with Ballantrae, I wouldnt have bought in Ballantrae if I thought it was gonna be that dense right next door.

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Kurt Smith, who has lived in Ballantrae for 10 years, said he is one of several residents that have been selected to provide feedback to Stavroff. He argued that the proposal could be beneficial to the neighborhood if done right, and said the development company has been listening and is interested in developing something that the community wants.

Members of the planning and zoning commission encouraged Stavroffs effort to propose a mixed-use development but said it needs further tinkering before approval. Commissioner Jason Deschler also said the proposal appears to be too dense and said he would support the development if it prioritized single-family units, rather than also including apartments.

Irish Village would feature 30,000 square feet of commercial space and 125 to 150 residential units. (Courtesy Photo/Dublin Planning and Zoning Commission)

Irish Village would feature 30,000 square feet of commercial space and 125 to 150 residential units. (Courtesy Photo/Dublin Planning and Zoning Commission)

Irish Village would feature 30,000 square feet of commercial space and 125 to 150 residential units. (Courtesy Photo/Dublin Planning and Zoning Commission)

I dont know if the characteristic of the area would fit a multi-use, apartment type complex, I think its more akin to some multi-use condo and single-family type potential townhouses, said Deschler. As long as its consistent with the architecture is currently located within Ballantrae.

Commissioner Jamie Chinnock argued Stavroffs development has regressed a little bit from the companys initial proposal that was reviewed in April. He encouraged Stavroff to rethink Irish Village, given this version feels much more strip center and has lost the walkability factor.

Stavroff is pursuing this new proposal after filing a lawsuit earlier this year against the city, claiming Dublins Bridge Street District code hinders the ability to redevelop Dublin Village Center, a shopping area owned by Stavroff since 2009. The complaint argues the citys illegitimate restrictions violate equal protection and due process law.

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Stavroff is seeking compensatory damages to recoup the millions of dollars in damages, costs, and expenses it has incurred as a result of the Citys misconduct. The complaint also demands a declaration that the Bridge Street code is unconstitutional, a declaration that Stavroffs proposal is constitutional, and an injunction requiring Dublin to refrain from preventing the sites development.

However, Dublin denies the allegations and said Stavroffs claims are moot and barred by applicable statutes of limitation. The city provided line-by-line acknowledgements in a March response to more than 160 of Stavroffs claims, admitting to some allegations but denying many or stating the city is without knowledge to admit the allegations. The city said in a statement to NBC4 in January that since the 1,100-acre Bridge Street District was created, dozens of projects have been approved and built.

The Citys development approval process in the Bridge Street Code provides a fair and collaborative method to achieve high-quality development for the benefit of property owners and the community, a Dublin spokesperson said. The City stands by its process and standards.

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Tuesday nights presidential debate was a study in contrasts. Unlike their CNN counterparts in June, ABC News moderators David Muir and Linsey Davis came prepared to push back on former President Donald Trumps lies.

On five occasions, they fact-checked Trump in real time, according to a HuffPost analysis of the debate transcript. It began when Davis challenged Trump after he repeated his lie that Democrats support abortion in the ninth month and execution after birth.

Davis stepped in. There is no state in this country where it is legal to kill a baby after its born, she said.

At first, it seemed like a welcome shift from prior debates, when moderators would often let Trump ramble on and on, spewing lie after lie.

But theres only so much someone can do to stop him. As weve often witnessed since 2015, moderating a debate or conducting a live TV interview with Trump is regularly a no-win situation. It often ends up resulting in more free airtime for Trump. For every fact-check in the moment, there are plenty more of Trumps spurious claims that go unchallenged. Plus, the former presidents penchant for distraction, deflection and obfuscation often derails any attempts by the interviewer to keep the discussion on track. Trying to pull out every rotting piece of lettuce from Trumps word salad and parse each one is a fools errand. It would take hours  days, even.

Donald Trump speaks during a presidential debate with Kamala Harris at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on September 10, 2024. SAUL LOEB via Getty Images

On Tuesday night, ABCs moderators had to decide which battles to pick and how exactly to sift through Trumps chaos. Muir and Davis seemed to target discrete and concrete nuggets that they could efficiently fact-check, or times they could step in to correct the record. For instance, when Trump went on his usual bogus rant about how immigrants are contributing to a rise in violent crime, Muir pointed out that overall violent crime in the U.S. has decreased, according to the FBI.

When Muir referred to Trumps recent racist attacks against Vice President Kamala Harris, including his suggestion that Harris, who has always identified as both Black and Asian, happened to turn Black, Trump lashed out, telling Muir: You make a big deal out of something.

But those were your words, Muir responded.

Among Trumps most infamous and dangerous lies is his insistence, repeatedly debunked, that he did not lose the 2020 election and was denied the White House due to widespread voter fraud.

But during a podcast interview last week, Trump changed his tune, acknowledging he lost in 2020.

On Tuesday, Muir quoted Trumps words back at him: In the past couple of weeks leading up to this debate, you have said you lost by a whisker, that you didnt quite make it, that you came up a little bit short.

I said that? Trump said.

Are you now acknowledging that you lost in 2020? Muir asked.

No, I dont acknowledge that at all, Trump said.

But you did say that, Muir said.

Trump went on to claim his remarks were sarcastic.

I did watch all of these pieces of video. I didnt detect the sarcasm, Muir responded matter-of-factly, noting that there was no widespread fraud in the 2020 election.

The bar for our nations political discourse is so low that five fact-checks during a live televised debate is far better than zero. But is it really sufficient?

Later in the night, Trumps frequent interruptions undermined the moderators live fact-checking. Both candidates agreed to have their mics muted when it was not their turn to speak, but that rule seemed to loosen as the night went on. Trump (and to a lesser extent, Harris) would butt in to squeeze in another rebuttal, and the debate producers would unmute the mics in order to hear them. In Trumps case, that meant he got to slip in more lies, most of which went unchallenged. When it was all said and done, Trump talked for about five minutes longer than Harris, according to analyses from The New York Times and CNN.

For her part, Harris also pushed back on some of Trumps lies. But one of the most effective approaches she employed was to let Trump speak for himself. At several points, when asked to respond to him, she pointed out how his nonsensical and incoherent responses illustrated exactly how he was unfit to lead.

World leaders are laughing at Donald Trump. I have talked with military leaders, some of whom worked with you, she said, turning to her opponent, one of several times she addressed him directly. And they say youre a disgrace. And when you then talk in this way in a presidential debate and deny what, over and over again, are court cases you have lost  because you did, in fact, lose that election  it leads one to believe that perhaps we do not have, in the candidate to my right, the temperament or the ability to not be confused about fact. Thats deeply troubling.

Harris reacts to Trump during their debate. SAUL LOEB via Getty Images

The moderators most notable fact-check came when Trump dug in on the vile smear that Haitian immigrants in an Ohio city have been eating pets. Muir noted that local officials have denied theres any truth to the rumor, which began in right-wing social media circles and spread when Trumps running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, seized upon it. Despite Muirs pushback, Trump continued to insist he saw evidence of the claim on TV.

After Trump was done ranting, Harris argued that the moment was instructive, calling him extreme.

If you want to really know the inside track on who the former president is, if he didnt make it clear already, just ask people who have worked with him, she added.

His former chief of staff, a four-star general, has said he has contempt for the Constitution of the United States. His former national security adviser has said he is dangerous and unfit. His former secretary of defense has said the nation, the republic, would never survive another Trump term. And when we listen to this kind of rhetoric, when the issues that affect the American people are not being addressed, I think the choice is clear in this election.

When it wasnt Harris turn to speak, her facial expressions did the talking. She often looked on with a mixture of exasperation, bemusement, pity and bafflement, somewhere between Can you believe this guy? and There he goes again.

Harris reacting with amusement. Anadolu via Getty Images

It made for some striking split-screen moments. As Trump went on and on about eating the dogs and eating the cats, Harris shook her head and laughed.

A picture is worth a thousand words  and perhaps, a thousand fact-checks.

Related...
UTICA, NY (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY)  The Mohawk Valley Water Authority is asking for your help to keep the Mohawk Valleys drinking water safe.

According to a release by the Water Authority, the New York State Department of Health is requiring them  along with public drinking water systems across the state  to complete an inventory of what pipes service lines are made of. The service line runs from the water main  located under the street  into the house or business.

To help their survey along, the Water Authority is asking for assistance from customers whose service line has been identified as made of lead or an unknown material. At these locations, the Water Authority is required to verify what the service pipe is made out of  specifically, either copper, lead, galvanized iron, or some other material.

Beginning later this week, detailed information on the inventory will be mailed to homes that fall under these specifications. Only those homeowners or tenants who receive the mailing will be able to participate.

According to the Water Authority, in exchange for their assistance and clear information  which includes a photograph  participating customers will be issued a $25 credit toward their next water bill. Only those who receive the mailing and participate will be eligible for the credit.

For more information on the inventory, you are encouraged to visit the Mohawk Valley Water Authoritys website at the link 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 WUTR/WFXV - CNYhomepage.com.
Mom, 41, with cancer was told she needed a double lung transplant. Then she got a second opinion

When Sarah Minton was a young mother, her husband died in an accident when he was 24. She raised her daughters, now teens, alone since they were 3 years old and 6 months old.

More than a decade ago, Sarah Minton received news that changed her life. Doctors diagnosed her with a rare blood condition and an uncommon liver disease. Then two years later, she was diagnosed with liver cancer and underwent radiation to treat it. Mintons liver struggled to function.

Thats the point where they say, OK now its time for you to get a (liver) transplant, the 42-year-old from Laingsburg, Michigan, tells TODAY.com. Even when I was first diagnosed, I knew a transplant was going to be in my future.

While she hoped she could delay her liver transplant until she was older, by the time she was in her late 30s, doctors knew she needed a new one soon. But she also developed lung troubles and doctors worried shed need a liver and double lung transplant.

That freaked me out, she says. I wanted a second opinion.

That second opinion transformed her health. Doctors at the Cleveland Clinic were able to treat her lungs with medication and had her undergo a special test to make sure she was healthy enough for her transplant surgery. Shes now enjoying life with a new liver.

It took two years for my lungs to heal, to recover enough to be safe enough to put me on the transplant list, Minton says. My doctor had told me I had, at one point, six months to live and when I had my transplant it had been four months since then.

Blood condition, liver disease and cancer

When Minton was in her mid-20s, she began experiencing several, complicated and rare health conditions. At 26, she learned she had a rare condition, Budd-Chiari syndrome, that causes blockages to the veins carrying blood from the liver, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

After more than a dozen years with a rare liver disease, blood condition and cancer, Sarah Minton needed a liver transplant. While doctors at Cleveland Clinic prepared her body as best they could, she did face some troubles recovering and needed to be on a ventilator for some time.

Its really rare and its even more rare that they found it at the time they did, she says. Its usually found in older men. She was also diagnosed with a rare blood disease polycythemia vera, where the body makes too many red blood cells that thicken the blood and clots according to Mayo Clinic. To address the blockages in the livers blood vessels, Minton received a stent to keep them open.

The it was manageable and livable for the next 10 years, she says. As the time progressed from that, my liver function declined, and it got to the point where they found a cancer spot on my liver.

Doctors treated that with radiation because they caught it very early, she says. But doctors realized that Minton likely needed a new liver in the near future.

They started the workup for getting a transplant, Minton says.

Doctors noticed, though, that she had pulmonary hypertension, a condition where the blood pressure in the lungs is high, according to the National Institutes of Health. They worried that medicine wouldnt effectively treat her very severe pulmonary hypertension, and they thought shed need a double lung transplant instead.

I will need two organs, she says. (It) scared me to death.

Minton wanted a second opinion and decided to visit Cleveland Clinic. After meeting with many doctors, she learned that they believed medication could lower her pulmonary hypertension.

It was a 24-hour continuous pump medication, she says. (It) went into my chest and straight to my heart.

If it worked, doctors thought Minton would be stable enough for transplant surgery.

That was a very, very long process, she says. It took two years for my lungs to heal, to recover enough to be safe enough to put me on the transplant list.

While her lungs were recovering, Minton still experienced symptoms related liver disease including extreme fluid build up in her abdomen.

I looked like I was eight months pregnant, she says. Every week, I would get this fluid drained off my abdomen and within a week Id need it again.

Each time they drained about six to seven liters of fluid, Minton adds.

Its a lot of weight youre carrying around, she says. Its exhausting.

Minton often needed to undergo blood transfusions, too. With frequent transfusions, having fluid drained and feeling generally unwell, it was tough for to manage her health and still work.

I was getting those like twice a week, she says. I was working but it was difficult.

In August 2023, Minton was placed on the liver transplant list. At first, she hoped she could receive a partial liver transplant, which means a living donor could provide half of their liver to her. But doctors determined she needed a full liver transplant, which required a deceased donor. This made it harder. But then her dad received a call from a woman who attends the same church as him.

She said her great grandson just passed away and (they) would like to donate his liver, she says. She said they needed some of my information, so he gave it to them.

While Minton felt touched by the gesture, she explained to her dad that transplantation is a little more complicated.

Youve got to be a blood match and its got to be the right size, she says. Theres so many criteria that has to go into it in order to be this perfect match.

Still, the other family contacted Cleveland Clinic and at 10:30 that night, Minton received a call that doctors had a liver that matched her. On December 2, 2023, she received a new liver.

It only took eight hours. It actually went really smoothly, she says. The first couple of weeks were really rough. At one point, they almost lost me, and I was on a ventilator for weeks.

After living with liver disease for so long, Sarah Minton would retain so much fluid that she appeared 8 months pregnant.

She also needed oxygen because the transplant took a hard toll on her lungs, she notes. By Christmas, Minton was out of the intensive care unit. On January 5, 2024, Minton left the hospital. She stayed in Cleveland for follow up appointments before returning home on January 18. She feels transformed.

I feel like Im 18, Minton says. I feel amazing. Im not dragging and drained and hurting. I was in so much pain all the time.

The path to transplant surgery

While a team of specialists helped prepare Minton for her transplant surgery, Dr. Matt Siuba, a critical care medicine specialist at Cleveland Clinic, made sure she was strong enough to undergo the lengthy and stressful procedure.

The main limiting factor and feeling like she wasnt going to be a good transplant candidate was the pulmonary hypertension she has, which is high blood pressure in the lungs, he tells TODAY.com. It increases the risk of transplantation in the operating room and then in the ICU shortly after because you can develop brain, heart failure and you can die from the pulmonary hypertension.

Anywhere from 5% to 10% of people with liver disease develop pulmonary hypertension, he notes, for reasons that are somewhat unclear.

Her primary pulmonary hypertension doctor placed Minton on the IV pump to lower the blood pressure in her lungs, an aggressive but necessary approach to help her, Siuba says. Before her surgery, Siuba performed a two-hour procedure where he tested her bodys ability to withstand such an intense surgery. If she did well during his test, doctors could feel more confident about her fitness for the surgery, he says.

I have a protocol that I put patients through to try to assess whether or not their heart can handle the stress of surgery, he says. We did this procedure, whats called a right heart catheterization.

The catheter Siuba inserted into Minton measures pressure and cardiac output into the heart, and then he and his team simulated the stress of the operating room. They gave her medications that caused her heart to beat harder and rapidly and introduced extra fluids to see how her body responded to it.

Her heart seemed to be in acceptable shape to undergo this surgery, he says. We agreed to move forward.

Following surgery, Siuba follows the patients in the ICU to make sure they dont develop right heart failure, he says. That's when the right side of the heart can't pump enough blood.

Minton faced some bumps during her recovery. It was a little rocky at times, he says. There were some issues that she had with bleeding and things like that, but we were able to support her and support her heart through surgery.

Even though recovery felt tough at times, Sarah Minton continued to heal and recover.

A few months after surgery, Minton returned and Siuba conducted another heart catheterization to determine how she was faring.

If you take a patient with pulmonary hypertension and liver disease and you transplant the liver sometimes  more than half of the time at least  you can take the patient off the pulmonary hypertension medications, which was a big deal, he says.

Minton no longer needed the IV medications following her surgery, a welcomed development for her.

Having a foreign material in your body for all that time limits all the ways you can experience life, he says. Something that was in the back of my mind this whole time was to get Sarah back to where she wants to be and bring back a sense of normalcy.

Living in gratitude

Being tethered to an IV pump meant that Minton couldnt do many things, including swim. When she was finally able to stop the medications, she enjoyed a beach vacation with her daughters and swam in the pool.

Where (the pump) goes into your skin and chest, you cant get that wet, she says. I was so excited because I love the water.

She cant swim in lakes, oceans or rest in a hot tub because they have too many bacteria and her immune system is weakened from the anti-rejection medication she takes for her new liver. Still, she feels thrilled that she can swim in a pool, especially because of how sick she was prior to surgery. At one point, Minton planned her funeral. But the single mother of two was determined to survive for her children.

I couldnt leave my daughters, she says. I knew they needed me, which was a big motivation of mine to get through this especially in the ICU when they almost lost me. It was really difficult, and I just thought of them.

Minton feels incredibly grateful for the family that donated their loved ones liver.

Since undergoing her liver transplant last year, Sarah Minton feels like she's 18 again.

Im going to live every day in thanks of what he did, what his family did for me, Minton says. Its amazing that people can be so selfless and so caring to think at others at that time.

This article was originally published on TODAY.com
The mother of the teenager suspected of killing four people at his Georgia high school last week has reportedly released a letter that apologizes to the victims families and defends her son as not a monster.

To the parents and families of those affected by the tragic events at Apalachee High School, I want to say that I am so sorry from the bottom of my heart, wrote Marcee Gray, according to CNNs review of the letter Wednesday.

Gray said that if she could, she would change places without a second thought with the two students who were killed, Mason Schermerhorn and Christian Angulo, both 14. She added that her heart breaks for the two teachers, Cristina Irimie, 52, and Richard Aspinwall, 39, who were also killed.

Suspected gunman Colt Gray leaves the Barrow County courthouse after his first appearance for the Sept. 4 shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia. Pool via Getty Images

We are all in a living nightmare right now, and I will personally never forgive myself for what has happened, her letter continued, per CNN. My son Colt is not a monster. He is my oldest baby. He is quiet, thoughtful, caring, funny, and extremely intelligent. Please pray for him and the rest of our family, as I am praying for all of you every moment of every day.

Grays son, 14-year-old Colt Gray, has been charged as an adult with four counts of murder in the Sept. 4 attack. His father  who authorities say knowingly allowed his son access to the semiautomatic assault-style rifle used in the shooting  is also behind bars and facing multiple felony counts.

Marcee Gray has said that she tried to warn her sons school about Colt just minutes before the shooting broke out.

Students embrace near a makeshift memorial at Apalachee High on Sept. 5 in Winder. Jessica McGowan via Getty Images

In an interview with ABC News, she said her son texted ominous warnings to his father and her on the morning of the shooting. She said she called her sons school and urged a school resource officer to check on him.

You need to go, like, run to the classroom, she said she told the school.

Gray said she was told that one of Colts teachers had written an email to the schools principal earlier that morning, saying Colt had made references to a school shooting.

HuffPost has reached out to Gray but did not immediately receive a response.

Colt and his father were investigated by the Jackson County sheriffs department last year over similar concerns. The teen was accused of posting threats to carry out a school shooting on the gaming platform Discord.

When interviewed by deputies, Colt denied making any such threats, as seen in body camera footage of the interaction that was released this week.

Authorities said they werent able to definitively link the teen to the threats, and so he was never charged.

Related...
Moms for Liberty Has Lost Ground at the Polls, But It Still Wields Influence

Audra Christian, like many conservative parents in Pinellas County, Florida, was staunchly opposed to school district leaders issuing a mask mandate for students during the pandemic.

But in mid-2021, dismayed by screaming matches over COVID protocols that often broke out at school board meetings, she decided to meet individually with the board members to discuss her concerns. She found them kind and professional, so she encouraged leaders of her local Moms for Liberty chapter to do the same thing.

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I said I think youd like them, and they said Nope, we dont want to do that,  Christian recalled. All of a sudden, I was the bad guy. It was very polarized.

Audra Christian

After initially attending some of their meetings and supporting their cause, Christian cut ties with Moms for Liberty. To her, the moment demonstrated the uncompromising way the conservative group became a force in todays Republican party. Keeping divisive issues like sexually explicit books and lessons on racial discrimination in the spotlight was a winning strategy in 2022 as Moms for Liberty-endorsed school board candidates scored victories across the country, especially in Florida where the organization originated.

Since then, the group hasnt been able to repeat its success at the polls. But there are signs that taking control of school boards isnt Moms for Libertys top concern right now. Theyre spending money to mobilize voters for like-minded GOP candidates and labeling Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Vice President Kamala Harriss running mate, an anti-parent radical candidate. Max Eden, a senior fellow at the conservative American Enterprise Institute, suggested the group is focused on preparing for the two alternative futures they stand to face.

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If Trump wins, I expect that whomever he picks for [education] secretary will be tasked with a strong emphasis on the issues that they care about, he said. If he loses, theres an expectation that Harris will double down hard on social issues from the left.

Eden described Moms for Libertys recent strategy to join four Republican-led states in suing the Biden administration over the new Title IX rule as a coup from both an organizational and membership perspective. The revised regulation extends protections against sexual discrimination to LGBTQ students and gives transgender students the right to use restrooms and locker rooms that align with their gender identity. Moms for Libertys legal move spurred a federal court to issue an injunction, blocking hundreds of schools across the country from enforcing the new Title IX regulations. Moms for Liberty also used the ruling as an opportunity to recruit more members so they could block the new provisions in more schools.

Related

Title IX Milestone Goes into Effect for Students in Less than Half the Country

Outraged over something

The success of Moms for Libertys endorsed candidates, however, is still a way to measure the future of a parental rights movement that seeks more control over curriculum and opposes attention to race and social-emotional issues in school.

Former Florida school board members Tiffany Justice and Tina Descovich founded the organization in 2021. At the time, their primary cause was battling mask mandates. But their approach quickly resonated with many disillusioned parents in the wake of COVID school closures and the intense reactions to school equity efforts often labeled as critical race theory.

Its hard to think of another education advocacy organization that has grown to such national prominence so quickly, Brookings Institution researchers wrote in March.

In the 2022 election cycle, the group took in more than $2 million, and roughly half of its endorsed candidates were elected. But in 2023, the percentage of Moms for Liberty candidates winning school board seats dropped to about a third, in part because other organizations mobilized to endorse their own candidates and slow down the groups progress. This years results seem on track to mirror last years, but the group is not completely out of the running.

Sue Woltanski, a school board member in Monroe County, Florida, has monitored and written about Moms for Libertys influence across the state, where it has joined forces with Gov. Ron DeSantis to endorse conservative candidates. A critic of their approach, she called Moms for Liberty members people who have been outraged over something scary at their kids school.

Related

Chiefs Out in Half of Districts Where Moms for Liberty Flipped Boards Last Year

This year, the group targeted 14 school board races in Florida. Its candidates won just three of the open seats in the August primary. Another five are headed to November runoffs. In a statement, Justice and Descovich counted those candidates who advanced among their victories, saying they were thrilled that Moms for Liberty saw a 60% win rate.

But the groups tactics  like reading aloud the most salacious passages from sexually explicit library books at board meetings  often are aimed at making people question whether its safe for their kids to go to public schools, said Woltanski, who defeated one of their endorsed candidates two years ago. Moms for Liberty also embraces private school choice, which continues to take off in Florida, causing public school enrollment in several districts to decline.

In my little vacation community, if we dont have high-quality public schools were going to just be a resort, she said. A lot of school boards have conservative members, she added, but they are still in favor of public education.

Us-versus-them mentality

Examining Moms for Libertys win-loss record is just one way to measure its impact. Researchers at Michigan State University watched hours of school board meetings to better understand the overall effect of the groups presence on rhetoric and behavior during the convenings.

If Moms for Liberty-backed candidates took the majority of seats following the 2022 elections, they often acted quickly to fire superintendents, place restrictions on books and issue bans on critical race theory or lessons on sex and gender. Members of the public turned out in high volume to both support and oppose their policies, the researchers said.

Michigan State University researchers saw an increase in threats, insults and disorderly behavior in districts where Moms for Liberty members gained seats on the school board after the 2022 elections. (Paul Hennessy/SOPA Images/LightRocket/Getty Images)

Successfully winning a majority of seats on the board seemed to deeply entrench the us-versus-them mentality, leading to increased and divided engagement at meetings in the post-election period, they wrote.

But even in districts where Moms for Liberty didnt flip the board, the researchers found an overall increase in insults, threats and disorder, like outbursts from the audience, compared to the period between late 2019 and early 2020.

I dont really think they have any true plans to govern, said researcher Rebecca Jacobsen. She called their style the politics of disruption.

There were more displays of anger  a speaker banging their first on the podium, for example  and an increase in incidents in which police intervened and removed protesters. Before the pandemic, they found that police only got involved once. But in 2021 and 2022, as Moms for Liberty chapters were spreading across the country, they identified nine board meetings across five school districts where the police intervened.

The Moms for Liberty website urges chapters to push for policy changes, but some critics, like Christian in Florida, say members are more focused on national issues than local concerns, like school safety, bullying and curriculum.

I thought they were going to educate moms and dads how to stand up for their children, she said.

Close ties to powerful individuals

At Moms for Libertys Washington, D.C., summit in late August  which featured a lengthy conversation between Justice and Trump  there was no evidence that the group had lost its edge. Despite a poor showing at the polls in Florida, members had other victories to celebrate.

Three of their leaders, Yvette Benarroch from Naples, Meg Weinberger from Palm Beach and Monique Miller from Brevard County, had won primary races for Florida House seats and made it onto the ballot in the general election.

This is huge for us because it represents the momentum of change we are making across the country as we take our schools back from the union bosses, the statement from Justice and Descovich said. Justice and Descovich declined The 74s requests for an interview.

Red Wine and Blue, a nonprofit focused on mobilizing suburban women voters, organized a Celebration of Reading in Washington, D.C., to coincide with Moms for Libertys summit and counter their emphasis on removing books from schools. (Red Wine and Blue)

As the November election approaches, Moms for Liberty has further turned its attention to increasing membership and mobilizing more voters, spending $3 million in swing states, like Arizona and Georgia. With chapters in 48 states, the Brookings researchers said Moms for Liberty still carries a lot of influence.

[Moms for Liberty] is a well-financed group with close ties to powerful individuals and institutions in conservative politics, they wrote. The organization represents a voting bloc that Republican political operatives are actively trying to court in the 2024 elections and beyond.
Research trips are an integral component of our active, fundamental investment process. Our investment teams meet with different companies, attend conferences, and travel to new markets around the world, gaining insights for our clients and a deeper understanding of potential investments.

Below, we highlight some of the research trips our global equity and U.S. growth and core equity teams have taken. For more insights, visit our interactive research map.

Economic Diversification in Saudi Arabia

Bryan Shea, a research analyst on our global equity team, attended this year's EFG Hermes conference in Dubai. The conference is the world's largest investment forum dedicated to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) regions.

There, he learned how Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 plan is impacting the kingdom's economy, and how it is actively working to diversify away from its reliance on oil revenues and promote sectors such as tourism, healthcare, education, and renewable energy.

In addition, he learned more about the investment incentives being implemented by the kingdom and the significance of prioritizing technology and innovation to drive economic growth.

As we look ahead, we're excited to monitor the development of this region and the investment opportunities likely to arise with it, says Bryan.

Unveiling Innovation: Semiconductors, Spatial Computing, and Virtual Reality

While on a research trip to Las Vegas, Nevada, Chris Sweeney, a research analyst on our U.S. growth and core equity team, explored cutting-edge automotive computer systems for autonomous driving.

The trip revealed how semiconductor companies are racing to design platforms that power fully self-driving vehicles, and that spatial computing and virtual reality (VR) have combined to create digital twins of factories and worksites.

For Chris, one of the highlights of his trip was an immersive VR machine that simulates gravity and acceleration, allowing users to experience virtual tours of digital factory replicas. Overall, the trip showcased innovations that are shaping the future of transportation and industrial automation.

Sustainable Investing: Is Momentum Accelerating?

Blake Pontius, CFA, director of sustainable investing, attended the Responsible Investor Europe conference in June, where themes like sustainability, corporate disclosures, and data management took center stage.

One key takeaway from this year's event is the improving outlook for corporate disclosures that are relevant to investors. The launch of the ISSB framework last year has accelerated momentum on this front. It was interesting to learn that the ISSB standards have already been adopted by countries representing 50% of global gross domestic product (GDP) and 40% of global market cap, says Blake.

Story continues

In addition, There was cautious optimism about the proliferation of sustainability data over the past few years. The challenge is quickly shifting from not having enough data to what do we do with it, how can it be organized and contextualized to inform investment decisions, he concludes.

Mexico's Property Panorama

Global Associate Research Analyst Kalpit Shah, CFA, explored Mexico's industrial real estate industry during a research trip to Mexico City and Monterrey. He found that this industry faces near-zero vacancy, rising rents, and land supply constraints. It is also dominated by a few large players, with many smaller developers and landowners staying focused on logistics and serving major international clients.

But there are some concerns, including high informal employment, skilled labor migration to Texas, and greater security issues in northern regions compared to the center. Addressing these challenges is crucial to fully leveraging the potential for economic growth in Mexico's industrial real estate market.

In addition, Kalpit learned more about Mexico's potential for robust economic growth, which has been driven by significant government spending and nearshoring. This optimism has been reinforced by increased U.S. engagement, including presidential visits, that highlights a strategic emphasis on regionalization and making North America a self-sufficient energy block.

This article first appeared on GuruFocus.


MIDDLE SMITHFIELD TWP., MONROE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)  A Monroe County homicide suspect remains hospitalized and in police custody, after he was shot at eight times outside a nightclub in Utah, according to Pennsylvania State Police.

State police say on August 10, around 12:55 a.m., the Salt Lake Police Department was called for a report of multiple gunshots fired outside of a nightclub in the area of Exchange Place and State Street in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Arrest made in Dunmore Elementary Center death investigation

Officers said they found a man, later identified as Matthew Herberto Morales, with eight gunshot wounds that he sustained during the nightclub shooting. Morales was in critical condition when authorities took him to the hospital, causing him to undergo surgery.

PSP reported Morales is a suspect in a Smithfield Township shooting where he allegedly shot and killed someone outside of a bar.

State police say Morales remains hospitalized and in the custody of the United States Marshals Service, pending his extradition to Pennsylvania.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PAhomepage.com.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now)  On Tuesday, members of Montgomery County Council voted to pass a resolution that reaffirms the countys commitment to protect reproductive rights.

Council Vice President Kate Stewart spearheaded the legislation. She said reproductive rights have been put in jeopardy since the Supreme Court overturned the Roe v. Wade decision two years ago.

The resolution seeks to protect reproductive health services in the county and supports the states constitutional amendment to protect the right to reproductive freedom.

Magic Johnson becomes part owner of Washington Spirit

Voters will have a chance to vote for or against the amendment this November.

We need everyone to show up to protect our rights, Alice Wilkerson, executive director for Advance Maryland, said. Theyre under attack all across this country. Its not just abortion rights, were looking at contraception, were looking at rolling back rights that women have had for decades.

Montgomery County Republican Party Vice Chairman, Stacey Sauter, said people across the board came out.

These are not just Republicans here. Weve got Independents, weve got Democrats that are here coming out to fight this measure because they see being parents or grandparents, they see how dangerous this could be down the road, Sauter said.

Tuesdays resolution was co-sponsored by all county council members and passed unanimously.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
More than 700 SAG-AFTRA members, including Mark Ruffalo, Cynthia Nixon, Susan Sarandon and Ramy Youssef, have signed an open letter urging union leaders to protect their colleagues with pro-Palestinian views from being industry blacklisted, while further condemning violence against journalists and reiterating their call for a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war.

The group that published the letter, SAG-AFTRA and Sister Guild Members for Ceasefire, has been calling for an end to hostilities since the beginning of 2024, but had not yet publicly posted its latest missive as of Wednesday morning.

Though SAG-AFTRA issued a statement just days after the Oct. 7 condemning the terrorist attack on Israel, the cease-fire coalition has argued via press release that the union has repeatedly ignored requests for a cease-fire statement, refusing to even meet with members.

Actor and SAG-AFTRA National MENA Committee chair Amin El Gamal described being ignored for months and then receiving calls in hushed tones from union staff who promised meetings but never followed up.

I saw this blatant double standard, El Gamal said in a statement. How can you mourn the loss of some kinds of people and not others  especially when you have such a diverse membership? You dont get to cosplay equity and inclusion and then leave your most vulnerable members on read.

Celebrities and working-class guild members advocating for a cease-fire have faced blacklisting, job loss and harassment  sometimes from high-level employers. One West Coast actor, who chose to remain anonymous to avoid further retaliation, said they were a target of a coordinated harassment campaign.

We received a flood of hateful emails  some from well-known producers. I was scared for my career and my familys safety, they said. Its our unions duty to protect us from this new McCarthyism, especially when were speaking up for human rights and our labor colleagues. Instead, its been deafening silence.

Some SAG-AFTRA members have blasted the unions approach to the conflict as selective humanity and continuing Hollywoods legacy of anti-Palestinian and anti-Arab racism, according to the group.

The erasure and vilification of Palestinians is nothing new, Chicago actor Sarah Alami said. Im the daughter of a Nakba survivor and Ive faced discrimination my entire career. People in our industry who show support for Palestine and basic human rights are met with retaliation. I want to be able to tell my familys story without being discriminated against by my employers.

Others said the unions silence and lack of responsiveness are symptoms of an ineffective and unsustainable top-down structure that ignores member input.

This undermines the solidarity we built with leadership during our historic strike last year, and threatens essential solidarity during our current Interactive strike, SAG-AFTRA Washington-Mid Atlantic local board member and strike captain Gabriel Kornbluh said. Im losing faith in President [Fran] Dreschers ability to lead our union down an equitable path. As a Jewish member, I say not in my name to Israels war crimes and not in my unions name. If our leadership continues to align with the dehumanization of Palestinians  its a dereliction of our duty as both artists and unionists.

The group is demanding that Drescher and guild leaders call for a permanent cease-fire, protect members from blacklisting and condemn violence against journalists.

I and other Palestinian SAG-AFTRA members have family in Gaza that have been displaced multiple times and are still in imminent danger, actor Emily Rose Debinie said. The church where my relatives are sheltering was bombed and 12 died from the same family  including a baby who was killed under the rubble. For my union to ignore our pain feels like a betrayal.

A SAG-AFTRA spokesperson did not immediately return TheWraps request for comment.

Read the full letter and list of signatories, below:

To Our Guild Leadership and Staff:

We are proud rank-and-file union and trade association members from every corner of our industry  working on screen, stage, set, and in the field  united in solidarity with the global call for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and a just, lasting peace. As artists and storytellers, we cannot stand idly by as our industry refuses to tell the story of Palestinian humanity.

Following SAG-AFTRAs statement in sympathy with Israel regarding October 7, many SAG-AFTRA and sister guild members have watched in horror as the Israeli government wages a war of collective punishment on the civilian population of Gaza  killing over 40,000 Palestinians, injuring over 90,000 more, forcibly displacing 2 million people, and openly targeting members of the press and their families. As the IDF continues its assault on safe zones, schools, and hospitals, and as civilians in Gaza die from starvation, dehydration, and lack of medical supplies and fuel, major human rights groups have labeled these acts as war crimes, human rights atrocities, and even genocide. The UN has described Gaza as a graveyard for children  and estimate that by mid-July half of the population  more than a million people  could face death and starvation. As of now, there is no end in sight  only escalation, death, and destruction.

Despite these clear violations of human rights and Israels decades-long occupation of Palestinian land and lives, our union leadership has remained silent. Thus, they have made conditional which atrocities we choose to condemn and which innocent lives we choose to acknowledge and mourn. Moreover, SAG-AFTRA and nearly all our sister guilds have remained silent in the face of flagrant and unprecedented attacks on freedom of the press, including the deliberate targeting and murder of Palestinian journalists and their families by the IDF. The Committee to Protect Journalists has declared the war on Gaza the deadliest period for journalists covering conflict since CPJ began tracking in 1992. Some of those journalists were members of news organizations whose domestic affiliates are represented under SAG-AFTRA contracts. While SAG-AFTRA issued a public statement at the outset of the Ukraine war demanding that journalists of all nations working in the war zone are kept safe, its words now ring hollow if they only apply to some journalists of certain identities.

On December 13, 2023, Israeli forces attacked The Freedom Theatre in the Jenin refugee camp and kidnapped several of its members  fellow actors and directors, who have called for solidarity from theatre workers worldwide. Palestinian trade unions have called for international labor solidarity, reminding us that the struggle for Palestinian justice and liberation is a lever for the liberation of all dispossessed and exploited people of the world. Worldwide labor has heeded that call, including major Australian, British, Belgian, Indian, and American unions. On Nov 15, our British peer union, Equity UK, called for an immediate and lasting ceasefire, stating: We send our solidarity to Palestinian artists suffering in the horrendous conditions created by Israeli bombing, occupation, and apartheid. Since then, UAW International has called for a ceasefire and announced the formation of a Divestment and Just Transition working group; The Animation Guild (IATSE Local 839) became the first Hollywood union to call for a ceasefire in Gaza; five of the 10 largest American labor unions and federations have officially called for a ceasefire including the NEA (National Education Association), SEIU (Service Employees International Union), and the AFL-CIO; and unions collectively representing a majority of organized workers in the US formed The National Labor Network for Ceasefire. In July, 7 major unions representing over 6 million workers published a letter to President Biden demanding an arms embargo on Israel.

The global call for a ceasefire  from organized labor, artists and fellow SAG-AFTRA members, human rights groups, world leaders, and the majority of the American public  grows louder every day. And yet, our government continues to sponsor the Israeli forces assault on Palestinian civilians, and our industry union leadership still refuses to speak out. We reject this silence. Our calling as artists, news reporters, and storytellers is to bring truth to the world. To fight the erasure of life and culture. To unite for justice in the name of the most vulnerable among us. Its exactly what we did during our historic strike in 2023.

We are the labor that built and sustains this business. When our leaders cant stand up publicly for peace and justice, then we must do what we always do: organize, fight for change, and win. Our guild leadership must join the largest and most diverse peace movement in a generation  the integrity of our legacy demands nothing less. When confronted with genocide, oppression, and injustice, let us ring the bell for humanity and liberation. An injury to one is an injury to all.

We, the undersigned members of SAG-AFTRA, IATSE, WGA, Teamsters, DGA, AEA, AFM, Hollywood Basic Crafts, CSA, PGA, and more, demand our leadership issue a public statement calling for a permanent ceasefire, release of all hostages  both Palestinian and Israeli, and immediate funding and delivery of desperately needed humanitarian aid; to speak out against the targeting and killing of innocent Palestinian civilians, health workers, and our journalist colleagues; to condemn our industrys McCarthyist repression of members who acknowledge Palestinian suffering; and to eliminate any doubt of our solidarity with workers, artists, and oppressed people worldwide.

In solidarity,

SAG-AFTRA & Sister Guild Members for Ceasefire

Mark Ruffalo  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (New York)

Ramy Youssef  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (New York)

Rosie ODonnell  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer, National Board Member (Los Angeles)

Common  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Chicago)

Susan Sarandon  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Riz Ahmed  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer

Bruce Cohen  PGA + DGA (New York)

Busy Philipps  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (New York)

Griffin Dunne  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (New York)

Kendrick Sampson  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Houston)

Saul Williams  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Cynthia Nixon  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (New York)

Indya Moore  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (New York)

Haaz Sleiman  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Sara Ramirez  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (New York)

Lexi Alexander  DGA + WGA (West)

Michael Malarkey  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Atlanta)

Bex  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Bobbi Menuez  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (New York)

Atsuko Okatsuka  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Lorenza Izzo  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Richa Moorjani  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Leo Sheng  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Poppy Liu  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Fawzia Mirza  SAG-AFTRA + WGA Actor/Performer (Chicago)

Sarah Alami  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Isis King  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Zion Moreno  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Ahmed Shihab-Eldin  Journalist (New York)

Jenny Yang  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Willam  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

E.R. Fightmaster  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Angelica Ross  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Atlanta)

Najla Said  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (New York)

James Schamus  PGA (New York)

Sarah Sophie Flicker  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (New York)

Reynaldo Pacheco  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Amrit Kaur  SAG-AFTRA, ACTRA, CAEA Actor/Performer (New York)

John P Connolly  SAG-AFTRA + AEA  Natl President AFTRA 200107; Executive Director Actors Equity 200710; SAG Natl Board 19952000; VP LA Fed of Labor; AFL-CIO Board; Trustee AFTRA H&R 19902007; Equity Leagur H& R 200710

Tala Ashe  SAG-AFTRA/AEA Performer + Committee Member (New York)

Lexi Underwood  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

James Tang  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Yasmine Al Massri  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

River L Ramirez  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer + WGA East (New York)

Sagan Chen  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (New York)

Zoe Chao  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (New York)

Dylan Adler  WGA West + SAG-AFTRA Pre-Member (Los Angeles)

Jordan Hull  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Waleed Zuaiter  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Haley Webb  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Bex Marsh  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Mayor Konstantine Anthony  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer + SEIU 2015  Burbank City Council + Former Mayor of Burbank (Los Angeles)

Carl Clemons-Hopkins  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Jared Goldstein  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Taylor Trensch  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (New York)

Dr. Daniel Lee  Former Mayor of Culver City, Former SAG-AFTRA Member (Los Angeles)

Davida Williams  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Cherien Dabis  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (New York)

Augustus Prew  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Tarek Zohdy  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Vico Ortiz  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Mercedes Mason  SAG-AFTRA Pre-Member (Los Angeles)

Jacob Tobia  WGA West-LGBTQ + Writers CMTE, Middle Eastern Writers CMTE (Los Angeles)

Lola Blanc  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Tai Brown Founder & CEO of Jan 22 Productions, SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Ruba Kharuf  IATSE Local 871 (Los Angeles)

Deanne Reynolds  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Shalita Grant  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Matthew Scott Montgomery  SAG-AFTRA + AEA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Amel Khalil  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (New York)

Abeal Siddiq  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Kate Ziegler  ACTRA Actor/Performer, Toronto Council Vice President (Toronto)

Tiffany Yvonne Cox  SAG-AFTRA + AEA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)  Natl Next Gen CMTE, Natl EEOC, Co-VP Womens CMTE

Nicole Cyrille  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer  Chair, SAG-AFTRA LA Performers With Disabilities (PWD) CMTE  Vice Chair, SAG-AFTRA National PWD CMTE (Los Angeles)

Gabriel Kornbluh  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer  Strike Captain, Local Board Member + Natl NextGen CMTE (Washington-Mid Atlantic)

Lizbeth P McManus  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Washington-Mid Atlantic)

Amin El Gamal  SAG-AFTRA/AEA Actor/Performer  Vice Chair SAG-AFTRA MENA Committee (Los Angeles)

Kate Bond  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer  LA Local Board Member, Strike Captain (Los Angeles)

Jillian Clare  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer  LA Local Board Member; LA Co-Chair Young Performers Committee; LA Vice Chair Next Gen Committee; National YPC Member; LA Organizing Committee Member; Strike Captain; Convention Delegate

Sunil Malhotra  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer  LA Organizing CMTE (Los Angeles)

Vanita Kalra  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer  LA CommunicationsCMTE (Los Angeles)

Kylie Sparks  SAG-AFTRA/AEA Actor/Performer  Strike Captain + NextGen Performers Cmte Member (Los Angeles)

Alan Starzinski  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer  Strike Captain + Convention Delegate Los Angeles)

Keith Flippen  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer  Strike Captain + Local Board Member (Washington-Mid Atlantic)

Iris Liu  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer + Strike Captain (Los Angeles)

Cheyenne Perez  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer + Co-Vice Chair of LA Organizing Committee, Strike Captain (Los Angeles)

Jerry Winsett  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer  Strike Captain + Local Board Member (Washington-Mid Atlantic, North Carolina/South-Central Virginia/West Virginia)

Peter Carellini  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer + Strike Captain (New York)

Kendall Mayhew  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer + Strike Captain (Los Angeles)

Olivia Killingsworth  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer + Strike Captain (New York)

Danice Cabanela  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer + Strike Captain (Los Angeles)

Parvesh Cheena  SAG-AFTRA + AEA Actor/Performer-INDIE CMTE Vice Chair (Los Angeles)

Christian Telesmar SAG-AFTRA + AEA Actor/Performer  Local Board Member (LA Local), National Delegate, Vice Chair LA Strike Preparedness Committee

Mike C. Nelson  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer + Strike Captain (Los Angeles)

Brandi Nicole  SAG-AFTRA + WGA Strike Captain (Memphis/Los Angeles)

Britt Harris  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer + Strike Captain (Los Angeles)

Emily Goss  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer + Strike Captain (Los Angeles)

Billy Peck  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer, Strike Captain (New York)

Ellen Crawford  SAG-AFTRA + AEA National Organizing Committee chair, VP on Executive Council of CA Labor Federation, Strike Captain (Los Angeles)

Sonja Roden  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer + Strike Captain (Los Angeles)

Cailey Calisi  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer + Strike Captain (Los Angeles)

Mary M Flynn  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer, Strike Captain, Committee Member  OPEIU 174 (Los Angeles)

Kimberly Joy McBride  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer + Strike Captain (Los Angeles)

Lynhthy Bless  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer, National Asian Pacific American Media (APAM) Committee, National Commercial Performers Committee (CPC)  (Los Angeles)

Franchesca Fojas  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer + Local Next Gen Performers Committee Co-chair (Chicago)

Hugo Martin  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer + Strike Captain (New England)

Iona Leighton  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer, EEO & Diversity Cmte Member (Atlanta)

Clarke Fitzsimmons  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer + Strike Captain (Los Angeles)

Demetri Belardinelli  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer, Strike Captain, LA Local Organizing, Commercial Performers Committee

Tobias Haller  IATSE 481, Vice President (New England)

Olga Lexell  WGA West, WGA Strike Captain

Olivia Harewood  SAG-AFTRA/WGA West Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Estee Chandler  SAG-AFTRA Broadcaster (Los Angeles)

Seychelle Gabriel  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Peri Lapidus  WGA West

Anar Virji  SAG-AFTRA Broadcaster (Washington-Mid Atlantic)

Alison Klayman  DGA (New York)

Teri Gamble  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Karyn Casl  CSA-Teamsters Local 817 (New York)

Carolina o  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (New York)

Josh Thomas  WGA West

Elizabeth Ayoob  Teamsters Local 399 (Los Angeles)

Keegan Farrell  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (San Diego)

Tanya Hutchins  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Washington-Mid Atlantic)

Emily Rose Debinie  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Silas Howard  DGA West (Los Angeles)

Dave Merheje  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Kavi Ramachandran Ladnier  SAG-AFTRA + AEA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Nitaawe Banks  Production Assistants United Chicago Coordinator + WGAE Pre-Member (Chicago)

Ellie Forman  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Washington-Mid Atlantic)

Pamela Talese  IATSE Local 829

Nayab Hussain  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (New York)

Junes Zahdi  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Andy Kennedy-Derkay  IATSE Local 600

Arly Jover  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Toni Robison-May  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Jen White  IATSE Local 600

Sara Salazar  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Colorado)

Shonita Joshi  AEA/SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (New York)

Edward Hong  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Crystal Rivers  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Stephen Turselli  DGA (Pittsburgh)

Valida  SAG-AFTRA Broadcaster (Los Angeles)

Ainsley Seiger  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (New York)

Dominic Rains  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (New York)

Kristin Hansen  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (New Mexico)

Ali Nasser  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (New York)

Brendan Aanes  IATSE Local 829 (New York)

Roy Koshy  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (New York)

Omar Moustafa Ghonim  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Leo Bontempelli  Societe des Auteurs et Compositeurs Dramatiques (France)

Polly Adams  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (New York)

Ashley Dougherty  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Atlanta)

Kausar Mohammed  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Ronnie Malley  AEA Performer (Midwest  IL)

Kimberly Marable  SAG-AFTRA + AEA Actor/Performer (New York)

Brandy Zapata  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Hala Gabriel  PGA Documentary CMTE (Los Angeles)

Usman Ally  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Marisa Brown  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Sadieh Rifai  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Chicago)

Anna Khaja  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Madeline Weinstein  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (New York)

Paul Soileau  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (New York)

Keaton Savage  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Tihda Vongkoth  AFM, President  Local Local 427721 (Florida)

Audrey Dundee Hannah  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Becky Poole  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Rasha Zamamiri  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (New York)

Bri Giger  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

David Pesta  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Ruba Therese Mansouri  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (New York)

Charlie Cromer  AEA Performer (Midwest)

Alison Roy  IATSE 891, Supervisor (British Colombia, Canada)

Samy Figaredo  SAG-AFTRA/AEA Actor/Performer (New York)

Marla Louissaint  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (New York)

Sabina Zuniga Varela  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Adam El-Sharkawi  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Michelle Flanagan  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Atlanta)

Colin Buckingham  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (New York)

Dina Shuhaiber  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

April Matthis  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (New York)

Shakina Nayfack  SAG-AFTRA, DGA, WGA West (Los Angeles)

Tobit Raphael Capati  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Jenny Soo  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Ankita Raturi  DGA Associate Member (New York)

Shalini Bathina  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Josh Hamilton  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (New York)

Jihad Milhem  AEA Performer (Western Region AEA)

Rudy Roushdi  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (New York)

Bronwyn Reed  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Alex MacNicoll  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Anastasia Coon  Former SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer LGBTQ Committee Member (Los Angeles)

Christy Escobar  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (New York)

Sharmita Bhattacharya  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Samantha Posey  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (New York)

Matthew Horn  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Adam Dix  Animation Guild IATSE Local 839 (Los Angeles)

Andy Lucien  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (New York)

Michael Ruesga  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Nana Mensah  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (New York)

Kristina Denton  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Hawaii)

Emmett Preciado  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Jessica Blank  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (New York)

Monnie Aleahmad  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Marisa Dzintars  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Ty Foster  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Mouzam Makkar  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Kenzo Lee  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Samantha Youssef  ASIFA Hollywood + Animation Guild IATSE Local 839 (Los Angeles)

Feodor Chin  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

George Abud  AEA Performer (New York)

Ian Bell  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (New York)

Paul Lincoln  AEA Performer (New York)

Rafael Goldstein  AEA Performer (Los Angeles)

Clea Alsip  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (New York)

Ramsey Faragallah  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (New York)

Rula Gardenier  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Alex OKeefe  WGA West (Los Angeles)

Reem Ali Adeeb  The Animation Guild IATSE Local 839 (Los Angeles)

Katie Pelensky  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (New York)

Rebecca Lowman  AEA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Jason Ko  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Thom Rivera  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Emmylou Barden  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Alejandro Raya  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Chicago)

Allison Smith  The Animation Guild IATSE Local 839-Captain (Los Angeles)

Jason Tate  SAG-AFTRA Pre-Member (New York)

Abe Bueno Jallad  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Arianne Villareal  SAG-AFTRA Pre-Member (Los Angeles)

Kat K  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Celeste Den  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Manee Leija  IATSE 705 (Pre-Member)

Cesar Carmona  SAG-AFTRA Pre-Member (Los Angeles)

Yazmin Monet Watkins  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Caitlin Frain  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Jeannie Bolet  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Kenny Savoca  IATSE Local 161 (NYC)

Mona Ibrahim  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Aly Mawji  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

John Barrack  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Deepti Gupta  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Charlene Geisler  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Jason Avalos  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer, NALIP, Somos Life Member (Los Angeles)

Bri Holland  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Yaser Salamah  AGVA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Nardeep Khurmi  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Mariah Dyson  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Quei Tann  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Calvin Seabrooks  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Jemar Michael  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Cheyenne Amber  SAG-AFTRA Pre-Member Actor/Performer (New York)

Samantha Ashley  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Derrick Shirley  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (New York)

Joe Filippone  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Sara Mountjoy-Pepka  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Chicago)

Kelsey Kinney  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Amanda Troop  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

S. Deming  AEA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Aliza Pearl  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Chelsea Moore  IATSE (Eastern)

Farah Merani  ACTRA, CAEA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Mike Bash  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Emily Hardy  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Randa Jarrar  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Autry Haydon-Wilson  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Alina Carson  SAG-AFTRA Pre-Member Actor/Performer (New York)

Stephan Schubert  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (New York)

Fabianne Gstottenmayr  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Danny Garcia  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (New York)

Renni Pollock  IATSE Local 600 (Chicago)

Nick Smoke  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Victoria Johnson  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Hannah Gross  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (New York)

Jennifer Dean  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Anna Dale-Meunier  IATSE Local 871 (Los Angeles)

Claire Amadea  IATSE Local 488 Studio Mechanics (Pacific Northwest)

Rasika Mathur  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Houston/Austin)

Sallie Merkel  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (New York)

Ale Flores  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer

Noa Graham  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (New York)

Christina Johnson  IATSE Local 705 + 892 (Los Angeles)

Alroy Mellor  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Philadelphia)

Katie Jayne Earl  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Salla Lintonen  Nayttelijaliitto Finnish Actors Union Actor/Performer (Helsinki/Paris)

Kelsey Wooley  The Animation Guild IATSE Local 839 (Los Angeles)

Tuisdi Layne  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Shaan Dasani  DGA + SAG-AFTRA (Los Angeles)

Cynthia Yelle  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

J Allard  WGA Pre-Member

Behzad Dabu  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Elianne Melendez  The Animation Guild IATSE Local 839 (Los Angeles)

Abraham E.S. Rebollo-Trujillo  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (New England)

Ingrid Sophie Schram  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (New York)

Miranda Davidson  CSA (Los Angeles)

Lucia Pier  IATSE Local 871 (Los Angeles)

Nasser Samara  WGA West + SAG-AFTRA (Los Angeles)

Alex Gracie  IATSE Local 728 (Los Angeles)

MoniQue Rangell-Onwuegbuzia  AEA (West)

Kestrel Farin Leah  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Josiah Knight  SAG-AFTRA Pre-Member (Nashville)

Brenda Covarrubias  IATSE Local 705

Sam Balzac  AEA (East)

Michael Cavadias  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (New York)

Zilah Mendoza  SAG-AFTRA + AEA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Connor Dante  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Cait Willson  IATSE Local 44 (Los Angeles)

Ben Snyder  WGA East

Yuly MirelesSAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Blair Brienza  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles/Vancouver)

Brendan Kierans  IATSE Local 16  Executive & Examining Boards, CLC Delegate

Ellen Nielsen  IATSE Local 44 (Los Angeles)

Elana Esquivel  IATSE

Lex Levy  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Sean Hayashi  IATSE Local 44 (Los Angeles)

ML Roberts  AEA

Stephanie Wong  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Farah Merani  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)  Former Co-Chair of the Diversity Committee  ACTRA Toronto

Jin Park  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Chicago)

Katie McQuillan  SAG-AFTRA Pre-Member (New York)

Tracy Clifton  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Alexis Molnar  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (New York)

Kaitrin Snodgrass  The Animation Guild IATSE Local 839 (Los Angeles)

J Jung  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Robert Patrick Paterno, Jr.  SAG-AFTRA, ASFCME, Strike Captain (Los Angeles)

Eden Lee  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Atlanta)

James Lambert  SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer (Los Angeles)

Will Johnson  Dramatists Guild (New York)

Elianne Melendez  The Animation Guild IATSE Local 839-CMTE Member and Shop Steward (Los Angeles)

Doc Reingold  SAG-AFTRA Pre-Member (Los Angeles)

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More parents facing struggle to feed their children as winter approaches, survey suggests

A quarter of the parents surveyed by Barnardos said they had struggled to put enough food on the table (PA Wire)

A larger proportion of parents are struggling to provide enough food for their children as the cost of living crisis continues to bite, according to new research by a charity.

A quarter of the parents surveyed by Barnardos said they found it difficult to put sufficient food on the table, up from a fifth two years ago.

The responses, from more than 2,000 parents of children under 18 last month, suggest more families are feeling the squeeze on their household budgets.

Barnardos chief executive Lynn Perry fears as winter approaches, families will face a desperate struggle to keep the power on and the fridge stocked.

More families are feeling the squeeze on their household budgets as colder weather approaches (PA Wire)

The countrys attention has recently focused on the elderly, as the new Labour government has pushed on with its controversial decision to roll back the winter fuel allowance for millions of pensioners.

But childrens charity Barnardos insists young people must not be forgotten and has restated its call for the government to commit to scrapping the two-child benefit cap in the autumn Budget.

The policy, which restricts child tax credit and Universal Credit to the first two children in most households, has faced widespread criticism since coming into effect under the Conservatives in 2017.

Among its opponents is the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, who has branded it as cruel and neither moral nor necessary.

The government has seemingly ruled out scrapping the limit, claiming the countrys finances could not accommodate the estimated 2.5 billion of additional benefits. In July, Labour suspended seven of its MPs who voted against their party in favour of abolishing the limit.

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby has spoken out against the two-child benefit cap (PA Wire)

Barnardos research also found 8% of parents are turning to local food banks to feed their families as a direct result of the cost of living crisis, up from 6% in 2022.

The charity cited examples of a young care leaver having no electricity or gas for two weeks last winter, and another struggling to manage their tenancy with little money for food after rent payments.

Ms Perry said: Millions of parents up and down the country are struggling to feed their children  with even more families struggling now than two years ago.

The cost of living crisis continues to bite, with families facing a desperate struggle to keep the power on and the fridge stocked this winter.

Last month, we welcomed the governments announcement of a Child Poverty Taskforce and stand ready to work with ministers to find lasting solutions. But families cant wait any longer for support.

We urge the government to use next months autumn Budget to take bold steps  including a commitment to end the unfair two-child limit on benefits.

A government spokesperson said: No child should be growing up hungry - thats why our ministerial task force is kickstarting work to develop an ambitious strategy to reduce child poverty and give children the best start in life.

We have extended the Household Support Fund to protect the most vulnerable this winter and we will roll out free breakfast clubs in all primary schools while delivering on our plan to tackle inequality and make work pay.
Honoring 9/11 victims: Boston native and former flight attendant Paul Veneto is on a mission to ensure the lives of those killed in the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, will never be forgotten. To honor the heroics of the flight crew and passengers on the hijacked flights, Veneto is pushing a flight beverage cart along the American Airlines Flight 11 route from Boston to ground zero. His journey >



Stair climb: Charleston Southern Universitys Air Force ROTC Detachment 772 cadets will honor the first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice 23 years ago. To commemorate their bravery, the cadets will walk the equivalent of 110 stories or 2,071 stairs  the height of the World Trade Center towers. Details >



9/11 memorial events: Commemorative ceremonies will also take place at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum in New York, the Flight 93 National Memorial in Pennsylvania and the Pentagon. Read more >


In remote villages in the High Atlas, recovery from last years earthquake has been slow  but tourists are still encouraged to visit (Intrepid Travel )

One year after a magnitude 6.8 earthquake took the lives of 3,000 people in Morocco and left thousands more homeless, destruction is still evident in communities throughout the High Atlas Mountains.

In remote agricultural villages where access is limited to uneven, poorly maintained mountain roads, flattened buildings have been swept into piles of rubble while local people await the promised government support to rebuild their homes.

The plastic tents that were widespread in the region in the immediate aftermath of the quake have become semi-permanent homes for many families. Others have moved back into cracked and damaged buildings or started reconstructing their homes using what resources they can find. Some have left the area altogether and moved to larger towns and cities.

Many people in the al-Haouz province are still living in plastic tents a year after the earthquake (EPA)

More than 55,000 homes were destroyed by the earthquake that struck late at night on 8 September 2023, with the epicentre in al-Haouz province in the heart of the Atlas Mountains.

Tremors were felt across Morocco but it was in the High Atlas where the destruction was most devastating; many of the traditional clay buildings completely crumbled to the ground, leaving hundreds of thousands homeless and housed in tent camps.

Read more: Why the Ouirgane Valley should be your next short break

When Associated Press reporters revisited some of the most impoverished and hard-to-reach villages in the days before the anniversary of the earthquake last week, residents said they were still waiting for funds for reconstruction and the approval of blueprints.

In Imi Ntala, where the majority of buildings were destroyed and dozens of people lost their lives, the village looks much the same as it did in the immediate aftermath of the quake. The towns of Amizmiz and Moulay Brahim are swept of debris but mounds of rubble and bricks remain. Homes that werent completely destroyed are cracked and damaged.

A man walks on a damaged road in the town of Amizmiz two days after the earthquake while (right) people shopping for food in the same area earlier this month (AP)

Youssef Id Boullite, a mountain guide from Aroumd in the Atlas Mountains, told The Independent that his home village was mostly back to normal, with the plastic tents gone and business and schools functioning again, but for other communities, recovery was proving to be a slow process.

Some families are still living in temporary shelters, he added.

Gabriel Karlsson, the Red Cross country cluster manager for the Middle East and north Africa, said that the organisation is continuing to work alongside communities to help them recover and rebuild, but emphasised that the damage will take years to recover from.

Youssef Id Boullite, a mountain guide from Aroumd, says tourism provides a lifeline to remote villages (Intrepid Travel)

Following the earthquake, Moroccos government promised monthly stipends for residents of the homes destroyed, as well as additional funds for earthquake-resistant reconstruction. Last week, it declared that these had been provided to the majority of eligible families and households. Specific solutions are being deployed on the ground for difficult cases, Moroccos Prime Ministers Office said in a statement.

But residents told the Associated Press that dispersal of aid and support has been uneven in the months following the earthquake, with a disproportionate focus on cities and coastal areas, while rural and mountain villages are still waiting for funds and the approval of blueprints so that reconstruction can commence.

Last week, the commission tasked with reconstruction acknowledged the need to speed up some home rebuilding. However, officials have said that reconstruction will take about five years at the cost of 120 billion dirhams (9.2bn).

With government aid lacking, Youssef, who has been working at Intrepid Travel as a tour leader for six years, noted that now it is more important than ever for travellers to continue to visit the region. He said: My home village is the gateway to the highest peak in north Africa, Mount Toubkal. I grew up seeing people from all over the world visit for hiking. Tourism is a lifeline for my village and for every community in the Atlas Mountains.

The other main industry in rural areas is agriculture but the last few years have been the driest in memory, meaning more people are reliant on tourism. It has ensured business is continuing for communities that need it and has helped families rebuild their lives.

Intrepid, a travel company that specialises in small group tours, runs several trips in the Atlas Mountains, including a womens expedition, a Mount Toubkal trek and a retreat in Ourigane  with all tours using local guides and visiting mountain villages.

Hikers, climbers and other tourists are often drawn to the moutain villages of the High Atlas (Annabel Grossman/The Independent)

Situated around 90km from Marrakech (roughly a two-hour drive), the High Atlas region has become increasingly popular among hikers and climbers drawn to the adventure of the rugged mountains and the challenge of scaling Mount Toubkal. Other tourists enjoy exploring the small villages, experiencing the renowned hospitality of the local Berber people, shopping at collectives that sell everything from rugs to argan oil, and relaxing at the small but beautifully designed hotels and lodges.

In the High Atlas, tourists wont find chain hotels or restaurants and any tour providers will likely work closely with local communities. This means the money visitors spend will often go directly to people who live, farm, work and go to school in the region.

From Zina Bencheikh, Intrepids managing director for Europe, Middle East, and Africa, the message is the same: Keep visiting the Atlas Mountains  and make sure you spend your tourist dollars in the village communities, as well as supporting local projects.

A man drives past earthquake damage in the town of Amizmiz on 10 September 2023. Below, people walking down the same street on 4 September 2024 (AP)

Zina, who lives in Casablanca, added: While life is returning to normal and tourism has recovered in Morocco, the importance of visiting and supporting local communities cannot be underestimated.

Locals are eager for people to visit, their livelihoods depend on tourism and the increasing number of visitors is seen as a good thing for many. Travelling to Morocco and supporting locals means your tourism dollars are going back to communities that are still deeply impacted by the earthquake.

Yousef also encourages tourists to support the region by donating to local associations like the High Atlas Foundation, the Amal Association and Education For All (EFA).

The latter, a charity that provides boarding houses and support for girls in the poorest and most remote areas of the Atlas Mountains to enable them to access education, was badly affected by the earthquake. Not only were five out of the six boarding houses destroyed but one student and three alumni lost their lives. Many other students lost family members and their homes.

Read more: What its like to climb Moroccos mighty peaks

Managing director Samira Govers told The Independent that EFA has been working in crisis mode to support the girls as best as possible and help the association recover as quickly as reasonably possible.

She said: We are reflecting on what has been one of the most difficult years in the EFA associations history.

The region went through a horrific year altogether and recovery in a geographically challenging area has not been as fast as we would have liked to have seen for the people living there.

The association embarked on a recovery programme that included using donor support to rent buildings so the girls could continue their education as soon as possible and renovating the least damaged house in the town of Ouirgane. It also set up an extra-curricular programme with additional tutoring during the summer holidays to both aid academic performance and provide mental and emotional support to girls who had suffered trauma.

Women in the village of Ait Benhaddou in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains (Intrepid Travel)

Samira said: We have now received confirmation that all schools in villages where we operate will open this school year. This means that we can start planning rebuilding in our original villages. We have decided to purchase a large plot of land in Asni [a town in the foothills of the Atlas mountains] where we can build three houses.

Despite a difficult year, the association has experienced some remarkable successes that have left Samira and the group optimistic about the future of their students and the region.

She said: We had 26 baccalaureate candidates sitting their final exams that miraculously all passed. This is an unprecedented 100 per cent, which is not only unique but also rather astonishing considering the disturbed academic year.

They have clearly worked very hard and perhaps the measures we took with tutoring and extra support in the houses have paid off.

You can support Education For All directly through The Intrepid Foundation by donating here

Read more: An overland journey from Margate to Marrakech
MIAMI TOWNSHIP, Ohio (WDTN)  A Miami Township trustee has submitted his resignation.

John Morris | Miami Twp.

In a letter of resignation obtained by 2 NEWS, Miami Township trustee John Morris informed township officials on Sept 10 of his intent to resign on Sept. 30. Morris cited missing numerous trustee meetings over the past six months as the reason for his departure.

As Ive been bounced all across the country, essentially living in hotels and Air BnBs, over the past 6 months, Ive missed more meetings that in my full 6 years prior combined, said Morris.

Miami Township approves Wawa, puts moratorium on select future businesses

The outgoing trustee addressed his trustee colleagues, Donald Culp and Terry Posey, Jr., saying he hopes they are able to find a replacement to serve roughly the next year.

I wish Mr. Culp and Mr. Posey the best of luck as they search for a suitable replacement for the remainder of my term, said Morris.

According to the Miami Twp. website, Morris was first elected in 2018, and was reelected in 2022 for an additional term. His current term is set to end in 2026.

Jill Drury, communications manager for Miami Twp., told 2 NEWS the Township has 30 days following his resignation to fill his seat to serve out the rest of his term.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP)  Mosquito-born illness cases this year are the highest recorded since 2019.

As of now, there have been 11 reported human cases of West Nile or Triple E this year. If this trend continues, we could see record-breaking numbers pending a warm winter.

Triple E and West Nile Virus are both arboviruses, transmitted by mosquitoes which are arthropods. These diseases are often mentioned together due to their similar symptoms, such as fever, headache, and nausea. Entomologist Natasha Wright points out the most at-risk groups along with potentially severe symptoms.

We are getting cases this year, says Entomologist Natasha Wright. A lot of those cases are older individuals so 50s are higher and theyre getting issues like swelling of the brain and swelling of the membranes around the brain and usually leaves you either dead or disabled for the rest of your life.

While Triple E and West Nile cases are both up this year, the people weve talked to have not shown much concern. Risk levels for West Nile Virus in are moderate in Franklin, Hampden, and Berkshire County. Triple E in Western Massachusetts is at remote and low risk. Diego Layfield from Springfield shares how he mitigates mosquito encounters.

Diego Layfield of Springfield told 22News, If Im fishing with the sundown, try to wear like long sleeves bug spray, but besides that its I feel like theres nothing else much you can do, not thinking twice about mosquitoes. The only thing Im thinking about is just how annoying the bites are afterwards.

While West Nile Virus infections are more common than EEE, only around 20% of infected people experience mild symptoms and less than one percent develop severe illnesses. Triple E is a much more severe illness. An outbreak in Massachusetts in 2019 resulted in 12 infections where 6 people died.

Its always important to protect yourself from mosquitoes by using bug repellant, wearing long sleeves, and removing standing water from your home.

Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
The most consequential moment of the presidential debate came backstage

Donald Trump speaks to the media following his debate with Kamala Harris. He accuses ABC of running an unfair event - Kevin Dietsch

As Republican spinners milled with reporters under the TV screens and bright lights backstage at the presidential debate, a strange commotion broke out.

Heated discussions over Donald Trumps performance in his long-awaited clash with Kamala Harris were suddenly broken off as people began to sprint towards a familiar figure entering the room.

Trump himself  sweeping blonde hair, navy blue suit and distinctive red tie  had arrived to take matters into his own hands.

The story of a bruising encounter with his rival was emerging, and the headlines were already being written, when he made the unscheduled and unusual intervention.

It was the best debate Ive ever had, he insisted, adding that he had a great night.

He went on to accuse ABC of running an unfair event, with biased moderators.

Despite his best efforts, the former presidents performance on the debate stage was still interpreted, even by his allies in the US media, as an embarrassment.

Ms Harriss attempts to rile him up with jibes about the size of the crowds at his rallies and his unpopularity with world leaders worked a charm.

You will see during the course of his rallies, he talks about fictional characters like Hannibal Lecter. He will talk about windmills cause cancer, she said.

And what you will also notice is that people start leaving his rallies early out of exhaustion and boredom. She said he had been fired by 81 million people at the last election, and said other world leaders thought he was a disgrace.

In reply, Trump mangled his best attack lines, looked rattled on camera, and waffled about migrants eating the pets of Americans in Ohio.

In Springfield, theyre eating the dogs, he said.

Trumps performance was in stark contrast to his clash with Joe Biden in June, where he looked cool and in command compared with the elderly president.

On Tuesday, he instead became the Trump of his 2016 campaign  becoming angry with his opponent and inventing bizarre conspiracy theories to fight his way out of a corner.

During one exchange on foreign policy, he retorted that Ms Harris hates Jews and Arabs and they would all be blown up if she were president.

In another, on healthcare, he was asked how he would replace the Affordable Care Act. I have concepts of a plan, he replied, uneasily, to guffaws from the media centre.

Brit Hume, a Fox News commentator, summarised the collective view in the moments after the debate. Make no mistake about it, Trump had a bad night, he said.

He rose to the bait repeatedly when she baited him, something I am sure his advisers had begged him not to do.

Those advisers looked on, ashen-faced, as Trump was asked again by the conservative news anchor Sean Hannity whether he would consider another debate with Harris in the next eight weeks.

I sort of think maybe I shouldnt do it, he replied.

Lindsey Graham, one of Trumps allies in Congress, told reporters the event was a missed opportunity to lay out Ms Harriss record to voters and to attack her on Mr Bidens handling of the economy.

Vivek Ramaswamy conceded that Ms Harris had performed better than the Trump campaign expected, but said the former president had scored some points on policy that would be drowned out by talk of his defeat.

He also made hay of some concerning moments for Harris voters, not least her unwillingness to commit to more than a few headline policies.

Kamala Harris speaks during the debate with Trump - SAUL LOEB/AFP

She also struggled to distance herself from her unpopular predecessor at the top of the Democratic ticket.

Trump, in a rare moment of strong attack, told the cameras: She is Biden.

I am not Joe Biden, she replied. And Im certainly not Donald Trump. What I do offer is a new generation of leadership.

But on several of the policy areas she discussed, there was little to distinguish her from the administration she has served for almost four years.

Her opening words, on her plan to lift up the middle class, were borrowed from Mr Bidens stump speeches, and her responses to questions on the wars in Gaza and Ukraine were messages of continuity, not change. Her claims Trump is planning a Project 2025 agenda were taken from the Biden campaigns strategy earlier this year.

As entertaining as Trump and Ms Harriss performance was, it would be easy to overstate the importance of the Philadelphia debate.

Eight weeks before polling day, surveys in the seven key swing states show most voters have made up their minds about the candidates.

Fewer than a million voters will cast ballots in swing districts that could make a difference to the overall result, and most of those will not be swayed from their political convictions by a 100-minute debate performance  bungled or otherwise.

The political hysteria of Tuesday night was replaced by a forced solemnity on Wednesday morning, when the two candidates came face to face again at a memorial for victims of the September 11 attacks in New York.

Ms Harris shook her rivals hand, as she had done as a power move on the debate stage the night before, and appeared to thank him repeatedly.

The pair then stood a few feet apart, separated by Mr Biden and Michael Bloomberg, who was elected as the citys mayor weeks after the 2001 terror attack.

If Trump does not agree to debate Ms Harris again, the memorial could be the last time they appear together before election day.

The prospect of a second debate was the hot topic of discussion back in Washington, where Trumps poor performance came as a shock.

Republicans, aghast, hope he could make up for lost time in another round with Ms Harris hosted by Fox News, while Jen OMalley Dillon, Ms Harriss campaign manager, asked the question many members of the GOP were thinking to themselves.

Vice-president Harris is ready for a second debate. Is Donald Trump?

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
The most notable  and quotable  exchanges from the Harris-Trump debate

WASHINGTON (AP)  The first meeting between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump featured some sharp comments and memorable moments.

Here are some of the most notable  and quotable  exchanges from Tuesday night's debate:

Youre not running against Joe Biden. Youre running against me.

 Harris, after Trump repeatedly criticized President Biden and his administration.

She refused to be there because she was at a sorority party of hers.

 Trump, referring to Harris missing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech to Congress. Harris was in Indianapolis speaking to the national gathering of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, a historically Black sorority of which she is not a member.

Its a really interesting thing to watch. You will see, during the course of his rallies, he talks about fictional characters like Hannibal Lecter. He will talk about windmills cause cancer. And what you will also notice is that people start leaving his rallies early out of exhaustion and boredom.

 Harris, who said she was taking the unusual step of inviting people to attend a Trump rally.

Theyre eating the dogs.

 Trump, repeating a false claim his campaign has promoted that Haitian immigrants are eating pets. Trump stood by the false claims despite ABC News David Muir noting that city officials found no evidence of the claim.

Talk about extreme.

 Harris, responding to Trump's false claim about dogs.

I read where she was not Black ... and then I read that she was Black, and thats OK. Either one was OK with me. Thats up to her."

 Trump, who has questioned Harris' racial identity. He then repeatedly said that he does not care how she identifies. Harris, who is Black and Indian American, called it a tragedy that Trump has consistently, over the course of his career, attempted to use race to divide the American people.

These dictators and autocrats are rooting for you to be president again, because theyre so clear, they can manipulate you with flattery and favors.

 Harris, who critiqued Trump for his foreign policy stances and, as she argued, his appeal to authoritarians around the world. Harris added, And that is why so many military leaders who you have worked with have told me, you are a disgrace.

If she is president, I believe that Israel will not exist within two years from now."

 Trump, who claimed that Harris hates Israel. He added: I've been pretty good at predictions. I hope I'm wrong about that one."

"What we know is that this war must end, it must end immediately. And the way it will end is we need a cease-fire deal and we need the hostages out."

 Harris, speaking about the Israel-Gaza war. She reiterated she supports Israel and believes the nation has a right to defend itself.

I'm talking now. I'm talking, please. Does that sound familiar?

 Trump, to Harris, as she began a rebuttal to some of his remarks. It was a reference to Harris' comment to Mike Pence, then a candidate for vice president, during a 2020 presidential debate. The moment  when Harris blunted Pence's interruptions with I'm speaking  became a catchphrase among her supporters.

The government, and Donald Trump, certainly should not be telling a woman what to do with her body."

 Harris, who pledged to support reproductive rights and contrasted her position with Trump.

No, I dont acknowledge that all, that was said sarcastically."

 Trump, standing by his false claims that the 2020 election was stolen from him when asked directly whether some of his recent remarks indicated that he now acknowledged his 2020 election loss to Biden.
For Immediate Release

Chicago, IL  September 11, 2024  Today, Zacks Equity Research discusses Enterprise Products Partners LP EPD, Energy Transfer LP ET and Plains All American Pipeline LP PAA.

Industry: Oil & Gas - Pipeline

Link: https://www.zacks.com/commentary/2333884/3-oil-gas-pipeline-stocks-to-watch-from-a-prospering-industry

Oil prices remain favorable for exploration and production activities, which is expected to drive increased upstream operations. This, in turn, could boost demand for pipeline and storage assets, improving the outlook for the Zacks Oil and Gas - Pipeline MLP industry.

These partnerships benefit from stable, fee-based revenues derived from long-term contracts with shippers. With a strong pipeline of growth projects, midstream companies are positioned to generate additional cash flows, highlighting a stable and low-risk business model. Notable companies in this industry include Enterprise Products Partners LP, Energy Transfer LP and Plains All American Pipeline LP.

About the Industry

The Zacks Oil and Gas - Pipeline MLP industry comprises master limited partnerships (or MLPs) that primarily transport oil, natural gas, refined petroleum products and natural gas liquids (NGL) to consumers in North America. Apart from transporting the commodities, the partnerships have huge capacities to store oil, natural gas and petrochemical products.

The partnerships are thus providing midstream services to producers and consumers of the commodities. The partnerships generate stable fee-based revenues from all these transportation and storage assets. The services provided by the MLPs entail the gathering and processing of commodities. The integrated midstream energy players also generate cashflows from ownership interests in fractionators and condensate distillation facilities.

What's Shaping the Future of the Oil & Gas Pipeline MLP Industry?

Pipeline Demand to Improve: West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude is currently trading above $65 per barrel, which remains favorable since the breakeven price for existing wells is considerably lower. This price level is likely to encourage explorers and producers to increase upstream activities, potentially boosting demand for crude transportation pipelines operated by midstream companies.

Stable Fee-Based Revenues: Most pipeline and storage assets are being booked by shippers for the long term, making midstream businesses less vulnerable to volatility in commodity prices. Backed by long-term contracts, the MLPs belonging to the industry also have a minimal oil and gas volume risk. Owing to these factors, pipeline players will continue generating stable fee-based revenues.

Story continues

Impressive Project Backlog: Many partnerships in the industry have a considerable backlog of growth projects worth billions of dollars. The projects will come online in a few years, securing additional cashflows for the pipeline players.

Attractive Distribution Yield: Oil and gas pipeline stocks pay attractive distribution yields. Compared to the overall energy sector, partnerships belonging to the industry have rewarded unitholders with significantly higher distribution yields over the past few years, providing reassurance that the midstream business is relatively more stable than upstream and downstream operations.

Zacks Industry Rank Indicates Bright Outlook

The Zacks Oil and Gas - Pipeline MLP industry is a six-stock group within the broader Zacks Oil - Energy sector. The industry currently carries a Zacks Industry Rank #62, which places it in the top 25% of more than 250 Zacks industries.

The groups Zacks Industry Rank, which is basically the average of the Zacks Rank of all the member stocks, indicates bright near-term prospects. Our research shows that the top 50% of the Zacks-ranked industries outperform the bottom 50% by a factor of more than 2 to 1.

The industrys position in the top 50% of the Zacks-ranked industries forms a positive earnings outlook for the constituent stocks in aggregate. Before we present a few stocks that you may want to consider, lets look at the industrys recent stock market performance and its valuation picture.

Industry Outperforms Sector & S&P 500

Industry Outperforms Sector & S&P 500

The Zacks Oil and Gas - Pipeline MLP industry has outperformed the broader Zacks Oil - Energy sector and the Zacks S&P 500 Composite over the past year. The industry has rallied 30.1% in the past year against a decline of 0.4% of the broader sector and an improvement of 21.9% of the S&P 500.

Industry's Current Valuation

Since midstream-focused oil and gas partnerships use fixed-rate debt for the majority of their borrowings, it makes sense to value them based on the EV/EBITDA (Enterprise Value/ Earnings before Interest Tax Depreciation and Amortization) ratio. This is because the valuation metric takes into account not just equity but also the level of debt. For capital-intensive stocks, EV/EBITDA is a better valuation metric because it is not influenced by changing capital structures and ignores the effect of noncash expenses.

On the basis of the trailing 12-month enterprise value-to-EBITDA (EV/EBITDA), the industry is currently trading at 11.65X, lower than the S&P 500s 18.13X. It is, however, significantly above the sectors trailing 12-month EV/EBITDA of 3.03X.

Over the past five years, the industry has traded as high as 11.76X and as low as 6.69X, with a median of 9.83X.

3 Oil & Gas Pipeline MLPs to Keep on Your Radar

Enterprise Products, a top-tier North American midstream service provider, boasts a vast and diversified asset portfolio. This includes more than 50,000 miles of pipelines and a storage capacity of 300 million barrels. These assets are utilized by shippers on long-term contracts to transport and store natural gas liquids, crude oil, refined products and petrochemicals. The partnership, carrying a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), also has 14 billion cubic feet of natural gas storage capacity, securing stable fee-based revenues.

Additionally, EPD is set to generate additional fee-based earnings with $6.7 billion worth of major capital projects either currently in service or under construction. These project backlogs will not only secure stable cashflows but will also generate handsome unitholder returns.

Energy Transfer has a stable business model with its huge pipeline network of natural gas, oil and refined petroleum products across 125,000 miles. The partnership has midstream assets in all the key basins in the United States, generating stable fee-based revenues.

Energy Transfer, carrying a Zacks Rank #3, has offered a higher dividend yield than the composite stocks belonging to the industry over the past year. For this year, the partnership is likely to see earnings growth of 28.4%.

Plains All American Pipeline also enjoys stable fee-based revenues banking on its oil and natural gas pipeline network and storage assets. In the past year, the Zacks #3 Ranked stock has gained 26.3%. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

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Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Inherent in any investment is the potential for loss. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. It should not be assumed that any investments in securities, companies, sectors or markets identified and described were or will be profitable. All information is current as of the date of herein and is subject to change without notice. Any views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of the firm as a whole. Zacks Investment Research does not engage in investment banking, market making or asset management activities of any securities. These returns are from hypothetical portfolios consisting of stocks with Zacks Rank = 1 that were rebalanced monthly with zero transaction costs. These are not the returns of actual portfolios of stocks. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index. Visit https://www.zacks.com/performance for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.

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SAN FRANCISCO (KRON)  San Francisco residents do not feel safe parking their cars on city streets, according to a new KRON4 News/Emerson College Polling survey.

The poll surveyed San Franciscans who said they plan on voting in the November election. They were asked if they agreed with the following statement: I would feel safe parking my vehicle on the street in San Francisco.

Nearly 60 percent of those surveyed disagreed. Twenty-eight percent responded that they somewhat disagree, and 31.5 said they strongly disagree.

Only 9.3 percent responded, strongly agree, and 31.2 somewhat agree.

Auto burglaries are a pervasive problem for San Francisco. In the Bay Area, the crime is also known as bipping.

Farrell edges ahead of Breed in SF mayors race, according to KRON4 poll

Countless videos shot by witnesses and circulated on social media expose groups of coordinated criminals smashing through car windows, snatching valuables from victims parked vehicles, and zooming away. Even in broad daylight and busy intersections, bipping crews appear undeterred by onlookers.

Last year, Police Chief Bill Scott pledged to crackdown on auto burglars. Scott said, Im disturbed every time I see these crimes on social media or the local news. Auto break-ins are devastating to residents and visitors who should be having a joyous experience in San Francisco rather than the nightmare of losing their valuable personal belongings.

Since then, SFPD has activated automated license plate reading cameras to alert nearby officers about the whereabouts of suspects vehicles, launched aerial surveillance drones, and planted bait cars in hot spots with undercover officers waiting nearby.

A recent drone video provided by the San Francisco Police Department shows a group serial car burglars breaking into an SUV outside KRON4s news station on the Embarcadero. A police drone flying overhead followed the getaway vehicles before officers on the ground nabbed a trio of suspects.

The Embarcadero, Alamo Square, Palace of Fine Arts, and Fishermans Wharf are all considered auto burglary hot spots.

Thieves wear black hooded sweatshirts as they grab suitcases out of an SUV parked in a lot next to KRON4s news station on August 22, 2024. (Drone aerial image courtesy SFPD)

Auto burglaries fall under SFPDs larceny theft category crime stats. Between January and September of 2024, victims reported 14,396 larceny thefts in San Francisco, according to SFPD data. During that same time period last year, victims reported 24,540 larceny thefts.

Most San Franciscans think crime is increasing

Despite the significant year-over-year drop in larceny thefts, the majority of respondents in the KRON4 poll felt crime is on the rise, with 43.5% of those polled saying they thought it was increasing. Thats compared to just 22.6% who thought it was decreasing and 34% who felt it had remained the same.

Although crime is not the top issue the city is facing, according to poll respondents. That would be homelessness, which 31.1% of those polled said they felt was the citys top issue, compared to 27.3% who felt it was crime.

Is Union Square safe? Heres what voters think

The KRON4 poll was the first major poll done after San Francisco 49ers rookie Ricky Pearsall was shot during an attempted daylight robbery in Union Square. In the aftermath of that event, San Francisco Mayor London Breed saw an eight-point drop among the percentage of likely voters who supported her, compared to a San Francisco Chronicle poll last month.

Despite that, a majority of likely voters surveyed still felt Union Square was safe. When presented with the statement: Union Square is a safe place to visit and bring my family, 15.8% strongly agreed and 41% somewhat agreed.

Thats compared to 16.7% who strongly disagreed and 26.5% who somewhat disagreed.

Poll Methodology

The KRON4 News/Emerson College Polling/The Hill survey of San Francisco voters was conducted between September 5-7. The sample of likely voters, n=750, has a credibility interval, similar to a polls margin of error (MOE), of +/- 3.5 percentage points.

KRON4 News/ECP San Francisco issues 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.
ELKINS, W.Va. (WBOY)  Since 2017, Mountainside ABA in Elkins has worked to give children with autism more independent lives, but theres a personal story for how the service came to be.

At the services Life Skills building, clients learn necessary tasks like communication, household chores, and how to generally navigate the world. Behind Mountainsides methods is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapyan evidence-based treatment for children with Autism recommended by the American Psychological Association.

Erin Martin told 12 News that over ten years ago when her first son Noah was diagnosed with autism, nothing like Mountainside existed in Randolph County. It wasnt until her second son Izaiyah was also diagnosed several years later that the state informed her of a newly forming ABA treatment center coming to the area.

West Virginia ranks top 10 for lifeline response time, study says

Mountainside ABA founder Elizabeth Simons told 12 News that she was already looking to expand access to ABA Therapy in West Virginia before founding Mountainside but finally did so after she and Martin began talking. Martin expressed her interest in getting in the field, and very quickly went from being just the mother of one of Simons clients to a coworker and eventually supervisor at Mountainside.

Martin is a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst and continues to further her education in this field in a Masters program. Two of the employees Martin supervised went on to get Masters degrees in the field, alongside her daughter who has been inspired to pursue the same career.

Martin said that it is amazing to think about all of the lives impacted by her sons life. My dream is for all communities to be served that have autism, she said. She added that while she wouldnt change anything about her sons, she would change the world to be more for them.

Editors note: This story has been edited to correct the language used to describe the facility.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com.
A Colorado mother is spending weekends in jail after she refused to comply with a courts order for two of her sons to attend therapy sessions with their father, a former police officer who has been charged with sexually and physically abusing some of their six children.

Democratic state lawmakers and advocates are now speaking out against family reunification therapy, a court-ordered practice meant to rebuild a relationship between a child and their non-preferred parent following a contentious divorce or allegations of abuse. Supporters have also raised more than $75,000 to support the legal fight of 48-year-old Rachel Pickrel-Hawkins, who is seeking attorneys to help her through custody proceedings as well as the criminal case against her ex-husband. After she objected to the two boys, ages 10 and 13, meeting with their father under the supervision of a counselor, a judge ordered her jailed for contempt.

Meanwhile, her ex-husband, Michael Hawkins, was released with a GPS ankle monitor after posting a $50,000 surety bond on Aug. 2.

Rachel Pickrel-Hawkins outside the Larimer County Sheriff's Office in a photo posted on GoFundMe. Erin Siegel / GoFundMe

The Denver Gazette first reported on Pickrel-Hawkins story and documented the emotional morning when she reported to jail  one of seven weekends the Gazette said she has been sentenced to serve.

The charge came out of the concern that I raised for my childrens welfare and their well-being. And I objected to the results that were happening, Pickrel-Hawkins said at a rally on Thursday.

Hawkins, 55, was once hailed as a hero following the 2012 mass shooting at an Aurora movie theater that left 12 dead. But after allegations of violence on the job and reported medical issues, he retired. According to a heavily redacted arrest warrant obtained by HuffPost, others close to him said hed been abusive for years. He was arrested and charged in July with seven felony counts of sexual assault of a child and one misdemeanor count of child abuse. Castle Rock police say he continually sexually assaulted a family member living in his household from 2002 to 2021 and physically abused one of his sons in 2018.

A spokesperson for the 18th Judicial District told HuffPost that Hawkins criminal case is still in its initial stages and that he has not yet entered a plea. He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Oct. 31.

His attorney did not immediately respond to HuffPosts request for comment but has previously said Hawkins adamantly denies the charges. In an August court filing, the attorney wrote that Pickrel-Hawkins was not a credible witness and said she was highly manipulative.

Erin Siegel, an advocate for family court reform who set up the GoFundMe for Pickrel-Hawkins, told HuffPost that she often sees comments like those made by Hawkins attorney, which she described as misogynistic.

Who is the one who is not credible, the one with six felony allegations against them from the district attorney ... or a person who fled the scene and went to a safe house to protect her children, Siegel said.

Pickrel-Hawkinsdeclined to comment to HuffPost, and a court hearing has been scheduled for Sept 12. In a brief video message, she thanked people who had donated to her via GoFundMe.

I cannot thank you enough for standing with me to fight for the children. Together we do this for the children, Pickrel-Hawkins said.

Hawkins and Pickrel-Hawkins married in 2004, and he was hired by the Aurora Police Department the following year. However, the two would separate and reconcile multiple times throughout their marriage.

In December 2021, Pickrel-Hawkins asked him to move out of their house into an apartment on the property, according to the arrest warrant. In an interview with an investigator in 2022, Pickrel-Hawkins described the final separation as scary, contentious and stressful, stating that Hawkins was walking around their property with a rifle and endangering their children.

Pickrel-Hawkins told the investigator Hawkins behavior was increasingly agitated, according to the warrant. There had been years of issues in their marriage, and she experienced domestic violence, she said, but it wasnt until recently that shed learned about sexual abuse involving one of their children.

The girl spoke with forensic interviewers at the Child Advocacy Center and said that she had been sexually assaulted multiple times by Hawkins throughout the years and that the last time it occurred was Christmas 2021, before the father moved out, the warrant said. She described Hawkins as manipulative and a pathological liar, according to the warrant.

A sibling described an incident in which Hawkins used an arrest hold and held him underwater in a pool after he jumped in and hit his father, the warrant said. The son told the interviewer he believed he was about to take his last breath when Hawkins released him and he was able to swim away and cough up the water, the warrant said.

He also described witnessing Hawkins molest another child, the warrant said.

Interviewers from the Child Advocacy Center were also told by the children that Hawkins had made sexually inappropriate comments about their teenage friends, according to the warrant.

According to the court filing by his attorney, Hawkins did not become aware of the accusations until October 2022 and did not make any attempts to contact his estranged wife about them because a temporary protective order was placed against him.

His attorney also noted that Hawkins has been in regular contact with detectives in the two years since the investigation began and is committed to defending himself in court.

Michael Hawkins is shown on KMGH-TV in Denver as he testifies in court in 2015 about police response to the massacre at movie theater in Aurora, Colorado. KMGH-TV

The former police officer first made national headlines for his response to the Aurora Century 16 movie theater in 2012, when a gunman killed 12 moviegoers and wounded 70. In 2015, Hawkins testified in court about the horrors he witnessed, including pulling a 6-year-old girl, Veronica Moser, out of the chaos of the theater only to realize she was already dead.

Pickrel-Hawkins recalled the night of the shooting in her interview with investigators. She said Hawkins returned home that night with empty eyes, and his uniform was as stiff as cardboard from the dried blood. Despite the traumatic experience, Hawkins returned to work the next day, she said.

Three years after the theater shooting, Hawkins, along with three other officers, allegedly tackled, punched and kicked an unarmed woman, OyZhana Williams, then falsely accused her of assaulting the police officers, according to a lawsuit filed by Williams in 2017.

Surveillance footage of the incident posted by the Denver Post showed Hawkins stomping on the womans head while she was held on the ground by other officers. The city of Aurora settled her lawsuit for $335,000 but did not admit to any wrongdoing.

The Aurora Police Department did not respond to HuffPosts request for comment. Hawkins medically retired from the department as a sergeant in 2018, the department told Denver station KUSA-TV in August.

Hawkins arrest warrant detailed additional accusations that he had kicked and assaulted a pregnant woman and shot a dog in the face while on the job. Pickrel-Hawkins told investigators that the Aurora Police Department had sought to transfer him because he was a liability, and she believed he was unstable. Hawkins claimed his issues were related to the theater shooting, but she told investigators she thought many issues existed beforehand.

The Larimer County district judge overseeing the couples divorce case ruled on July 9 that a number of Pickrel-Hawkins allegations were not supported by the evidence, according to Hawkins attorney. The temporary protective order was dismissed days before prosecutors brought the criminal charges against Hawkins on July 29.

The judge also ordered the reunification therapy meant to reconnect Hawkins and his two sons.

However, Pickrel-Hawkins told the Denver Gazette she feared the reunification therapy had been harming the boys, who she said had been crying uncontrollably, having explosive outbursts and expressing thoughts of self-harm after attending the sessions with their father. She described the program as nothing but manipulation, psychological abuse. Its been nothing but coercion and gaslighting.

They cant sleep before and after, Pickrel-Hawkins told the Gazette. It causes major anxiety. It exacerbates their PTSD symptoms. It has absolutely been devastating to them.

Lighthouse Christian Counseling, which has reportedly been providing the therapy, did not immediately respond to HuffPosts request for comment.

Colorado state Rep. Meg Froelich confers with another lawmaker as the legislative session opens on Jan. 9, 2023, in Denver. She has been an advocate for changes in the family court system. David Zalubowski/Associated Press

Reunification therapy has come under fire in recent years, particularly as children have spoken out against it. A pair of siblings in Utah barricaded themselves in their mothers home and livestreamed it on TikTok after a judge ordered them to return to their father, who they said was abusive. ProPublica documented the practices of a family reunification camp in Texas, prompting Colorado to become the first state to pass legislation to limit the use of such camps.

The practice is based on whats been described as parental alienation syndrome, in which children reject one parent after being manipulated by the other. Its been dismissed by groups including the American Psychiatric Association and American Medical Association as lacking evidence, and a United Nations report noted it could be used by domestic abusers to further perpetuate violence. Yet the concept continues to come up in custody disputes in family courts.

This is a complicated process, but our goal is to determine if theres a safe path forward for the children to be back in relationship with their parent, Lighthouse Christian Counseling said on its webpage about its services in court-ordered reunification therapy.

The language on alienation can be seen in the filing by Hawkins attorney, who wrote that his client has experienced almost a year of alienation from his family in various forms. He added Hawkins has slowly been making progress in the therapy sessions. The boys have not spoken publicly about their view of the process.

Tina Swithin, who aims to raise awareness about abusive dynamics within the family court system with her blog One Moms Battle, told HuffPost that shes seen an industry grow around the concept of alienation.

I often say that they are turning childhood trauma into revenue streams, and its so wrong, Swithin said.

She doubted that reunification therapy could ever be successful.

We know that because you cant force two people into a relationship when one of them is rejecting that relationship, she said, and likely because the other person is abusive.

The case of Pickrel-Hawkins and her family has prompted a dozen state lawmakers in Colorado to sign a letter supporting more protections for children. State Rep. Meg Froelich spoke outside the Colorado Supreme Court last week, demanding change to the family court system.

Todays rally serves as a reminder that we have a long way to go to achieve justice for survivors and protect our children, the Democrat said in a statement.

Shes currently sponsoring a bill that makes further changes to family courts, including requiring the court to give strong consideration to childrens preferences in custody arrangements in cases where there are allegations of abuse. The bill is co-sponsored by Democratic Rep. Tammy Story.

When it comes to Colorados family court system, Story said in a statement, we need to ensure its working for the survivors and families  not the abusive parent.

Need help? Visit RAINNs National Sexual Assault Online Hotline or the National Sexual Violence Resource Centers website.

Related...
Mother of Noah Bush seeks to pass juvenile penalty law in aftermath of sons death

JESUP, Ga. (WSAV)  Demetrice Bush, mother of Noah Bush, is reaching out to Georgia lawmakers to draft and pass a new law aimed at penalties for juvenile delinquents nearly four months after her 8-year old son was found dead in a borrow pit.

Dubbed Noahs Law, it would mean stricter penalties for juveniles under the age of 13 who are convicted of killing someone. She decries what she calls a slap on the wrist that the two juveniles, one 10 and 11-year-old, received upon being charged in connection to Noahs death.

In August, the 11-year-old pleaded guilty to charges of Simple Battery, Involuntary Manslaughter, Concealing the Death of Another and Criminal Trespassing and received a two-year confinement, the maximum penalty under the law.

Complete coverage of Noah Bush

Prosecutors said the 11-year-old child pushed Noah into the deep portion of the pit they were wading in.

The 10-year-old is facing charges of Concealing the Death of Another and Criminal Trespassing.

Local activist Jodi Martin is working with the Bush family to help pass the law.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
The mother of the teenager accused of killing four people during last weeks shooting at a Georgia high school has apologized to the victims families in an open letter while insisting her son is not a monster.

To the parents and families of those affected by the tragic events at Apalachee High School, I want to say that I am so sorry from the bottom of my heart, Marcee Gray, the mother of 14-year-old Colt Gray, wrote in the letter, which she provided first to CNN.

The letter comes one week after the shooting, as questions mount about efforts to prevent the shooting following the revelation Marcee Gray called the school prior to the attack to warn of an extreme emergency.

The shooting left two teachers and two students dead at the high school in Winder, Georgia. Seven others were wounded and two others suffered other injuries, authorities said.

If I could take the place of Mason and Christian, I would without a second thought, Marcee Gray wrote, referring to the two 14-year-olds killed in the mass shooting. As a parent, Ive always said that the loss of one of my children would be the only thing that I wouldnt be able to come back from. I feel all of your pain and devastation. I grieve and cry with you.

Gray added her heart breaks for the 2 teachers who gave their lives while in the service of teaching and protecting our children, acknowledging Richard Aspinwall, 39, and Cristina Irimie, 53, who also were killed.

We are all in a living nightmare right now, and I will personally never forgive myself for what has happened, she wrote. My son Colt is not a monster. He is my oldest baby. He is quiet, thoughtful, caring, funny, and extremely intelligent. Please pray for him and the rest of our family, as I am praying for all of you every moment of every day.

CNN is reaching out to victims families for comment on the letter.

The shooter is separated from other minors

Colt Gray is charged with four counts of felony murder and will be tried as an adult. But because of his age, the 14-year-old must remain in the custody of Georgias juvenile justice system.

The teen has been segregated from other youth while he is in custody, said Glenn Allen, a spokesperson for the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice.

Allen declined to comment when asked whether Colt Gray has received any visitors.

When reached by phone Wednesday, Colt Grays new attorney, Alfonso Kraft Jr., said they have no comment.

The suspects father, Colin Gray, 54, has also been charged, accused of knowingly providing his son a weapon. He faces four counts of involuntary manslaughter, two counts of second-degree murder and eight counts of cruelty to children.

The new attorneys for Colin Gray filed a motion Wednesday asking for the father to be segregated from the general population at the Barrow County Detention Center, where he is being held without bail, according to court documents.

CNN reached out to Colin Grays attorneys but has not received a response.

Neither Gray has entered a plea.

Im sorry, mom

Marcee Gray received a text the morning of the shooting from her son that read, Im sorry, mom, her father previously told CNN. It was concerning enough that Marcee Gray called the school to warn of an extreme emergency at 9:50 a.m., about 30 minutes before police responded to the school for a shooting, according to call logs and a text exchange between Marcee Gray and her sister, who provided them to CNN.

Marcee Grays father, Charles Polhamus, told CNN she spoke with a school counselor for about 10 minutes.

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 in an interview with ABC News that aired Tuesday, recalling that conversation.

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.

Barrow County Sheriff Jud Smith has told CNN there were no prior warnings of a possible threat. But at least one of the victims families said they believe the shooting could have been stopped.

We believe it was preventable  100%, Lisette Angulo, the sister of Christian Angulo, told CNN Monday. They knew of the situation beforehand and didnt take proper action to prevent this tragedy from happening.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

CNNs Isabel Rosales reported from Atlanta while Dakin Andone reported and wrote this story in New York. CNNs Devon Sayers contributed to this report.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Motorcyclist airlifted after collision with semi-truck in Madison County, police say

A motorcyclist was airlifted to a hospital with serious injuries after a crash with a tractor-trailer Tuesday near New Douglas in northern Madison County, Illinois State Police said.

The name of the person on the motorcycle was not released.

The crash involving a truck and motorcycle occurred at about 1:39 p.m. at the intersection of New Douglas and Ulrich roads, police said.

New Douglas Volunteer Fire Department Chief Dan Robertson said the intersection was closed until about 7 p.m.

No other information about the crash was released by Illinois State Police.
A 51-year-old Spanaway man was sent to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle after crashing his motorcycle into an embankment in Grays Harbor County on Tuesday.

The incident occurred at about 9 a.m. on State Route 8 near McCleary, about 10 miles west of Summit Lake, according to a Washington State Patrol press memo.

The motorcyclist reportedly failed to negotiate a curve as he took the off ramp to Mox Chehalis Road. He struck an embankment and his motorcycle came to rest in the gore point, the triangular area between a highway and an entrance or exit ramp, the memo says.

First responders had the motorcyclist airlifted to Harborview, the memo says.

State Patrol believes the cause of the crash was negligent driving, but the memo notes that it was not immediately known if drugs or alcohol were involved.

The memo says charges may be pending. The motorcyclist reportedly wore a helmet and his motorcycle was totaled in the crash. No other people or vehicles were involved.
Gates to Mount Fuji's trails have been closed, marking the end of this year's hiking season (STR) (STR/JIJI PRESS/AFP)

Fewer climbers tackled Mount Fuji during this year's hiking season, preliminary figures show, after Japanese authorities introduced an entry fee and a daily cap on numbers to fight overtourism.

Online reservations were also brought in this year by officials concerned about safety and environmental damage on the country's highest mountain.

The number of climbers fell by 14 percent between early July -- when the volcano's hiking trails opened for the summer -- and early September, according to the environment ministry.

To calculate its preliminary figures, the ministry used infrared devices installed on the four trails.

It comes despite Japan welcoming a record influx of foreign visitors, with nearly 18 million tourists entering the country in the first half of 2024.

Officials raised the alarm last year about overtourism at the once-peaceful pilgrimage site, with the local governor of Yamanashi region warning that "Mount Fuji is screaming".

This summer the environment ministry counted around 178,000 climbers, compared to more than 200,000 the previous year and before the pandemic.

Gates to the trails were closed on Tuesday, marking the end of the hiking season. The preliminary data runs to September 4 and will be updated on a later date, a ministry official told AFP on Wednesday.

The mountain is covered in snow most of the year but during the summer many trudge through the night to see the sunrise from the 3,776-metre (12,388-foot) summit.

This year, an entry fee of 2,000 yen ($14) plus an optional donation was charged on the popular Yoshida Trail, with numbers capped at 4,000 per day. The three other trails remained free.

Concern had been raised that some climbers were sleeping on the trail or starting fires for heat, while others became sick or injured after trying to reach the summit without breaks.

Mount Fuji is about two hours from central Tokyo by train and can be seen for miles around.

The majestic mountain is a symbol of Japan that has been immortalised in countless artworks, including Hokusai's "Great Wave".

kh-kaf/rsc
Sir Keir Starmer wants Britain to have the strongest economic growth in the G7 - WPA Pool/Getty Images Europe

The latest labour market figures contained good news for Sir Keir Starmer, with the unemployment rate unexpectedly falling from 4.2pc to 4.1pc. Yet below the headline number there was a nasty surprise.

Youth unemployment has surged and now threatens to derail the Prime Ministers economic growth plans. Unemployment among those aged between 18 and 24 hit 13.3pc in the three months to July, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the highest rate since early 2021 when lockdown was still ravaging the economy.

Half a million young adults are now out of work, many suffering from the impact of lost and disrupted education during the pandemic. Excluding Covid-19, youth unemployment is at its highest level in nine years.

Pay-as-you-earn tax data show that the number of young people in work has fallen by more than 50,000 over the last year to 3.4m. The figure has dropped by more than 70,000 since December 2019, on the eve of the pandemic.

These trends are unique to this age group. Elsewhere, unemployment is falling and, for the economy as a whole, the number of payrolled employees jumped by more than 1.3m over the same period. The number of 35 to 64-year-olds in work has risen by more than 5pc and the number aged 65 or more is up by almost a quarter.

Unemployment is not the only problem facing the young. Around a third of young people are now classed as economically inactive, meaning they are neither in work nor looking for work.

A high share should not be a cause for worry by itself, given a large proportion of under-25s are students or are still at school. But the proportion of young people classed as economically inactive has increased from below 30pc before the pandemic and has taken place amid a large rise in long-term sickness across the population, with mental health concerns rising particularly rapidly among the young.

That suggests a further tranche of young adults risk having their careers blighted by worklessness, on top of those who struggle to find a job.

A struggle to get young people into work represents a dire threat to the Governments plans to both supercharge growth and repair public finances.

Sir Keir wants Britain to have the strongest economic growth in the G7.

On Wednesday Amazon announced plans to spend 8bn in Britain over the next five years in a move seized on by Chancellor Rachel Reeves as a sign of tech investment in the UK.

The Treasury said Ms Reeves had secured the investment at a meeting with the tech companys giant cloud computing division, Amazon Web Services. Ms Reeves said the investment showed Britain is a place to do business.

However, the Governments growth target will be undermined if a significant and growing cohort of the population is out of work.

Liz Kendall, the Work and Pensions Secretary, wants the country to have an 80pc employment rate, a level never seen before and far above the current rate of below 75pc.

If young people cannot find jobs, both these goals will be difficult to achieve.

Youth unemployment will also undermine the goal of Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, to get the public finances back in line. The more people are out of work, the fewer people are paying taxes and the more are claiming benefits, piling more pressure on the public purse.

Unemployment at the start of a persons working life is particularly dangerous as it can blight futures for years to come, says Neil Carberry, the chief executive of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation.

The evidence is really clear. A period of unemployment in youth really scars peoples incomes over the following 20 years, he says.

He notes that the number of job vacancies has been falling for some time, and when the labour market is weakening, it tends to be early-career workers who see the biggest effects.

Carberry believes lockdowns have fuelled the problem.

Because of the pandemic, you have got a whole generation of people coming out [of education] who havent spent a lot of time going through the traditional processes of doing a bit of work experience, being together in university looking for jobs, he says.

Industries that traditionally offered youngsters their first taste of paid employment have also cut back on hiring. Retail vacancies have fallen by more than a quarter over the last year to 60,000. Hospitality bosses are currently seeking 98,000 staff, a drop of more than 20,000 on the year.

Overall the number of vacancies on offer has fallen by 143,000 over the last year to 857,000, the lowest number since lockdown and almost back to pre-pandemic levels.

The Labour Governments plans risk making a bad situation worse. Angela Rayner, the Deputy Prime Minister, has proposed a swathe of enhancements to workers rights, including the right to ignore emails outside working hours, greater power to demand flexible working and benefits such as sick pay from day one.

Bosses have said the proposals are putting them off hiring. A survey from the Institute of Directors (IoD) found 57pc of bosses are less likely to hire workers as a result of the planned reforms.

Alexandra Hall-Chen, at the IoD, said: Business leaders are concerned about the impacts of the proposed new reforms on the cost of employing staff.

Young workers with little experience are likely to be most vulnerable to this  without a job or a track record of success, they represent the riskiest appointments and so are most in danger of missing out when companies cut back hiring.

Asked about the state of the jobs market on LBC, Jonathan Reynolds, the Business Secretary, said on Tuesday: I am really concerned by the state of the labour market, by the rise of people not working after the pandemic.

Reynolds said the solution was to revive the NHS and get people back to work  that benefits the economy, the economy produces the revenue to pay for a better NHS.

Yet as the youth unemployment figures show, it is not just health problems that are holding people back from work. Getting young people  the workers of the future  into jobs is a different task altogether.

A DWP spokesman said the launch of Skills England is designed to help.

Our package of reforms will also deliver a new Youth Guarantee and overhaul Jobcentres as part of our plan to get Britain working, drive up opportunity and spread prosperity to everyone, wherever they live, the spokesman said.

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MPD: Shooting victims truck stolen after he was taken to hospital

MEMPHIS, Tenn.  The Memphis Police are reaching out to the public for information that can help them solve a homicide.

On Sunday at approximately 2:24 p.m., officers responded to a homicide at 3434 Winchester Road.

They were told that the victim, Keon Walton, left the location in his car and returned a short time later suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.

He was taken to Regional One Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

MS man sentenced to 30 years in prison for videoing sexual assault of minors

Investigators learned that after Walton was taken to the hospital, someone took his black, four-door, older-model pickup truck from the scene.

The truck was described as having multiple bullet holes as it was driven away.

Homicide investigators are asking the community for any information about the location of the bullet-ridden truck.

At this time, Memphis Police say no arrests have been made.

If you have any information that could help police, call CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
Assyrian is First Married Chaldean Catholic Priest, With His Wife's Blessing

Father Amar Agag and his family. Father Amar Agag, a 38-year-old married man and father of three, was ordained as a priest in the Chaldean Catholic Church in France. While this tradition is common in the church's countries of origin in the Middle East, the ordination of married men among Eastern Catholic communities in the diaspora was authorized by Rome only in 2014.

"Before we begin Amar's ordination, I must ask for his wife's consent." These words, spoken by Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako, Patriarch of the Chaldean Church, September 1 at Saint Thomas the Apostle Church in Sarcelles, in the northern suburbs of Paris, marked an unusual moment for the French Catholic Church.

In Eastern Churches, however, the ordination of married men is permitted. Since the late 19th century, only celibate Eastern priests were allowed to serve in the West to maintain consistency with Latin rite priests. But in 2014, the Vatican allowed Eastern bishops to ordain married men in Western countries.

So, on that September Sunday, Amar Agag, father of three, became the first married priest of the Chaldean Catholic Church to be ordained in France. Role of the wife in the ordination

In this rite, the wife's consent highlights her role in her husband's commitment. "In a way, the ordination involves her too. The calling is for her and the entire family," Agag explained. His wife was deeply involved in the discernment process. After he felt called to the priesthood, the couple attended spiritual retreats in various church settings for a year. "My wife and I answered yes together," he said.

When Agag first sensed his calling shortly after getting married, he hesitated. A Chaldean priest had once told him, "I see you becoming a priest someday." Agag thought his marriage might complicate his path to ordination. Yet this calling echoed one he had heard as a child. In 1994, his family left their native Iraq for Jordan and later moved to France. In Jordan, a Maronite priest, whom Agag assisted serving Mass and visiting the sick, once told his mother, "Leave your son here; I see him becoming a priest one day." At the time, his mother declined. Facing challenges along the way

Once in France, Agag's calling was confirmed again--this time by a Muslim. Working as a driver for the Iraqi embassy, the ambassador once asked him, "Why don't you become a priest?" Recognizing this repeated calling, Agag began discerning his vocation.

At first, both he and his wife were concerned about the challenges. With two children and a third on the way, they wondered, "How are we going to manage?" But Agag was convinced they had to trust in divine providence. "God opened every door and provided everything we needed," he said. His mother-in-law agreed to care for the children while the couple attended weekend spiritual retreats.

Agag also adjusted his professional life. He resigned from his job at the embassy to work independently as a driver for people with disabilities. This gave him the flexibility to pursue his studies. After three years of evening classes at the College Saint-Bernard in Paris to become a deacon, Amar continued his Bible and pastoral theology studies. Balancing parish and family life

"Normally, the training takes seven years," Agag explained. "But I was ordained earlier because our community needs more priests: in Paris, we need a priest who speaks Arabic." Amar will now serve as the pastor of Notre-Dame-de-Chaldee, the first Chaldean church built in France in 1992 in the administrative district of Paris centered around the charming hilltop Montmartre.

Looking ahead, Agag knows he will face the challenge of balancing parish and family life. After working during the week as a driver, he will dedicate Friday evenings, some Saturdays, and Sundays to his parish duties with his family by his side. "We'll be together, but I've explained to them that when I'm with the parishioners, I'm Father Amar. That means I'm the father of everyone," he said, ensuring no special treatment for his family compared to his parishioners. "At the same time, it's important for my family to be with me at church."

As a married priest, Agag believes he brings a unique perspective to the church. "I can speak from experience during marriage preparation. I understand the challenges couples face, and I know the issues that come with raising children." Since his ordination, Agag has felt "a great sense of joy" in his home. Chaldean Catholic Church

The Chaldean Catholic Church, one of the 23 Eastern Catholic Churches in communion with the pope, enjoys autonomy in areas such as canon law. The church holds significant importance in the Middle East, especially in Iraq, where it maintains a notable presence, with about 80% of Iraqi Christians belonging to the church.

The Chaldean Catholic Church has been headquartered in the Cathedral of Mary, Mother of Sorrows, in Baghdad, Iraq, since 1950 and has a membership of about half a million, most of whom live in the Middle East. The largest number of Chaldean Catholics found outside the Middle East is in Michigan, United States. Iraqi Cardinal Sako, primate of the Chaldean Catholic Church, currently resides in Baghdad, with eparchies worldwide.

The Chaldean Catholic Church is a descendant of the Church of the East (the ancient Patriarchal Province of Seleucia-Ctesiphon) in Mesopotamia, modern-day Iraq, and draws on the heritage of the first ancient Church of the East, the one that brought Christianity to Persia, India, and China. Its origins go back to the preaching of St. Thomas the Apostle and his disciples, Addai and Mari, in the first century A.D. The Church of the East is now divided into four Syriac churches: the Chaldean Church, the Assyrian Church of the East, the Ancient Church of the East, and the Syro-Malabar Church.
MADRID (Reuters) - Zara will offer its service for selling, repairing or donating secondhand clothes in the United States by the end of October as a way of prolonging their life cycle and reducing waste, its owner Inditex said on Wednesday.

Zara's 'Pre-Owned' platform is already running in 16 European countries, after launching in Britain in November 2022.

Inditex previously said it was committed to operating the platform in all strategic markets by 2025 as part of its strategy to also help reduce raw material consumption.

The service is available through Zara stores, its website and an app in countries including Spain, France and Germany.

Zara has not yet disclosed data on how many customers have used the service in the markets where it is available, but Inditex CEO Oscar Garcia Maceiras said its online platforms receive more than 22 million visitors per day.

Other fast fashion retailers such as H&M also offer products for resale. Secondhand H&M items are available in the U.S. via a stand-alone website through a partnership with ThredUp.

Zara will also launch live shopping shows in the U.S., as well as other key markets such as Spain, Canada, France, Italy, Germany, Britain, Ireland and The Netherlands in the coming months, the Inditex CEO said after reporting first-half earnings.

Five-hour long live shopping shows in China, broadcast weekly on Douyin, TikTok's Chinese sister site, have helped boost Zara's sales since they launched in November, retail analytics firm EDITED said.

(Reporting by Corina Pons, editing by Andrei Khalip and Alexander Smith)
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  Cause baby, now we got bad blood.

Former President Donald Trump said in a Wednesday morning phone interview with Fox News that he likes Britany Mahomes more than Taylor Swift, on the heels of the popstar endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris Tuesday night.

Woman continues fighting Olathe lot that sold her bad SUV

I actually like Mrs. Mahomes much better, if you want to know the truth. Shes a big Trump fan, Trump said. I like Brittany. I think Brittanys great.

Mahomes showed her support for Trump on Aug. 13, when she liked Trumps Instagram post that outlined the 2024 GOP platform. She responded to criticism on her Instagram Stories.

I mean honestly, To be a hater as an adult, you have to have some deep-rooted issues you refuse to heal from childhood, she wrote on Instagram Stories. Theres no reason your brain is fully developed and you hate to see others doing well.

Swift endorsed Harris on Instagram following the debate.

Im voting for @kamalaharris because she fights for the rights and causes I believe need a warrior to champion them, Swift wrote on her post, adding that Harris was a steady-handed, gifted leader and I believe we can accomplish so much more in this country if we are led by calm and not chaos.

Trump said Wednesday morning, he wasnt surprised by Swifts lack of support for him.

Shes a very liberal person, Trump said. She seems to always endorse a Democrat and shell probably pay a price for it in the marketplace.

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Previously the Trump campaign attempted to fake its way into giving the impression that Swift might support him. Last month, the former president shared a collage of AI-generated images purporting to show young women in Swifties for Trump shirts.

I accept! Trump said in the caption. He later said he didnt know anything about them other than somebody else generated them.

The social media post seems to have been the last straw for Swift.

I was made aware that AI of me falsely endorsing Donald Trumps presidential run was posted to his site. It really conjured up my fears around AI, and the dangers of spreading misinformation. It brought me to the conclusion that I need to be very transparent about my actual plans for this election as a voter, Swift said on her Instagram post.

A reporter asked Patrick Mahomes about the comments during Kansas City Chiefs media availability on Wednesday, and the quarterback punted on endorsing a candidate while also elaborating on how he wants to use his platform.

Ive always said I dont want my place and my platform to be used to endorse a candidate, or do whatever, either way. I think my place is to inform people to get registered to vote, inform people to do their own research, and then make their best decision for them and their family, Patrick Mahomes said.

I think every time Im on this stage, and I get asked these questions, Im going to refer back to that, because I think thats what makes America so great.

Swift originally entered into politics in October 2018 ahead of the midterm elections. She said she was voting for Phil Bredesen for the Senate and Jim Cooper for the House of Representatives in Tennessee.

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Mississippi Coast residents are urged to head home and stay off the roads until Hurricane Francine passes Thursday morning, with tropical storm-force winds and rain expected to clear out around sunrise.

I would encourage people not to downplay this, Harrison County Emergency Management Director Matt Stratton said after a meeting Wednesday afternoon packed with about 75 first responders, and government and business representatives. It was the countys last hurricane meeting before Francine moves ashore Wednesday evening in Louisiana.

Stratton, his staff and others covered preparations for Francine and its aftermath.

The Mississippi Coast is under tropical storm and storm-surge warnings, a flash-flood warning and a tornado watch, with Francine expected to pound ashore this evening.

South Mississippi can expect storm surge of up to 6 feet, with winds of 39-58 mph and higher gusts. Rainfall will total 4 to 8 inches, with up to 12 inches in some places.

Harrison County EMA Director Matthew Stratton during the Harrison County emergency operations meeting in Gulfport on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, prior to Hurricane Francines landfall.

Key points on Francine

No plans are in place for mandatory closing of U.S. 90, the beach highway that traverses the county, even though up to 6 feet of storm surge is expected along the coastline. A Mississippi Department of Transportation representative later told the Sun Herald that MDOT will close the highway if it becomes impassable from beach sand and/or flooding.

County road crews hope residents who can will stay home after sunrise will do so, giving them a chance to clear any debris or downed trees before traffic gets heavy.

Gulfport has announced a curfew, with a Biloxi representative saying that city had no plans for one. Harrison County also has not announced any curfews.

Rivers will begin flooding Wednesday night, when the Biloxi River is expected to be above flood stage, followed by the Tchoutacabouffa River on Thursday morning and the Wolf River Friday afternoon.

Ambulance crews could be unable to run if winds hit 35 mph sustained and the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources wont be on the water for rescue in winds of 45 mph or higher.

The Bayou Portage Bridge on Henderson Avenue in Pass Christian closed before the storm and will remain closed to vehicles because of a mechanical failure. The bridge can be lifted for marine traffic once the storm passes. Also, Harrison County has road closures listed here.

The county is housing 56 people in four shelters, with buses arriving at those shelters at 8 a.m. Thursday to give people rides home or elsewhere.

Schools are beginning to announce closures, including the Harrison County School District, while Pass Christian and Long Beach are still debating what theyll do.

At meetings end, Harrison County Supervisor Dan Cuevas stood and said, Be safe.

A plan printout during the Harrison County emergency operations meeting in Gulfport on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, prior to Hurricane Francines landfall.

Harrison County Fire Chief Pat Sullivan speaks during the Harrison County emergency operations meeting in Gulfport on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, prior to Hurricane Francines landfall.
APPLETON, Wis. (WFRV)  Multicultural Coalition, Inc. and Pillars hosted their second health and resource event on Tuesday in Appleton.

Around 40 community groups were on site to talk with anyone who attended the family-friendly event. Community members learned about the renewal and enrollment process for Medicaid, FoodShare, and BadgerCare programs.

Additionally, education programs were available to all ages, showing how to access basic needs such as food and clothing, vaccination information, and support options for abuse victims and the unhoused.

Now more than ever, its important to bring resources together in one place that is safe and welcoming, said Lisa Cruz, executive director of the Multicultural Coalition Inc. We encourage families to stop by and find out more about the resources our community has to offer. Everyone deserves to have access to the resources they need to be healthy.

For more information on the Multicultural Coalition Inc., click here.

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The Muscatine County Sheriffs Office has issued a warning about a scam at the center of recent complaints.

In a post on the Muscatine County Sheriffs Offices Facebook page, the department reported it received two reports about people being sent Google maps of their homes and told by the scammer that malware was keeping track of them. The scammer demands money or threatens to release information that humiliates the target.

Just this morning, our office has taken two of the same reports, from two different areas of Muscatine County. These scams are new to our area. Each victim was sent e-mails, and each e-mail contained what appears to be a Google Maps image of the victims residence. The scammer addresses the victims by name and refers to their home address. The scammer claims to have been keeping tabs on the victim through malware they installed on the victims device. The scammer gives the victims a bitcoin address or QR code and an amount of money to pay, otherwise the scammer claims they will release information which would humiliate the victim. The typed documents to the victims are lengthy, and are sectioned out using bold lettering. Please refrain from opening e-mails, or sending money, to any individuals you do not know. Muscatine County Sheriffs Office

The Muscatine County Sheriffs Office warns citizens to not open e-mails from or send money to people they dont know.

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PEORIA, Ill. (WYZZ)  The National Association of Colored Womens Club of Peoria is helping people take their first step into healthcare with its upcoming Health Careers Job & Training Fair.

The NACWC of Peoria is dedicated to helping support women of color in our community through resources in education, housing, health and wellness, employment, and legislation. Through this effort, they hope to promote racial harmony among all people.

The organization hopes to tackle three of these five pillars through its upcoming health careers fair by providing access to scholarships, healthcare, and employment resources.

The event will take place on Saturday, Sept. 14 at the George Washington Carver Center from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Attendees can participate in workshops, network with health professionals, meet with recruiters from top health organizations in Central Illinois, visit vendor booths, and more. The event is also child-friendly, with areas dedicated to childcare.

BreAija Bryant, the president and founder of NACWC of Peoria, says that healthcare is essential to our community, as it is currently the biggest industry in Central Illinois.

Whether a prospective employee is looking to break into the field or expand their career, the organization wants to provide people with equal opportunities with events like these. This way, all you have to do is dress for success!

For tips about how to impress a potential employer, and what you should bring to the fair, check out our interview with BreAija Bryant and Zakiya Floyd.

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.

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Name of 24-year-old swimmer found dead at sand bar in the Wisconsin River released

SPRING GREEN, Wis. (WFRV)  Authorities in Wisconsin have released the name of the 24-year-old man who was swept away by the current on the Wisconsin River on Sept. 1 and later found dead around 1.75 miles away from where he was missing.

According to an updated release, the Sauk County Sheriffs Office identified the man as Luis Miguel Lopez Jimenez, 24, of Richland Center.

No additional details were provided.

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  A suspect in a 2021 shooting that left a 16-year-old girl dead is now at the top of Nashvilles Most Wanted list as police continue to try to track him down.

This list is updated every Wednesday on the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) Criminal Warrants Divisions Facebook page. According to detectives, those featured on the list are often considered to be some of the most violent offenders in the city.

Suspected gunman arrested 2 years after shooting at South Nashville hotel

Of the suspects on this weeks list, more than half are wanted for either homicide, murder or charges related to alleged sex crimes. The rest of Nashvilles Most Wanted suspects are accused of crimes such as aggravated assault, aggravated robbery and evading arrest.

There are two new suspects on this weeks list  one of whom was added after being indicted by a grand jury on multiple sexual abuse charges involving a victim who was unable to give consent.

While the search for these suspects continues, the list has aided police is several arrests. Detectives had been looking for 25-year-old Dyquan Collins for more than two years when he was taken into custody out of state last week.

According to police, Collins is believed to have gotten into a fight with a guest at a South Nashville hotel in April 2022. When two people tried to intervene, Collins reportedly opened fire, injuring them both.

Metros Most Wanted: Rape, assault suspect in custody after year-long search

A more than year-long search also came to an end last week after 24-year-old Ladonte Groves was taken into custody on several outstanding warrants for rape, sexual battery, aggravated burglary and more.

In total, at least 133 Most Wanted fugitives have been arrested since the program was launched in October 2022. Investigators have largely attributed the programs success to tips theyve received from the public.

Below is a list of the suspects who made the police departments Most Wanted list the week of Sept. 11, 2024.

1. Dadiri Muhina

Dadiri Muhina (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department)

At number one, Dadiri Muhina, 23, is considered this weeks Top Most Wanted fugitive, according to the MNPD. This is the first time Muhina has appeared on the list.

Authorities said Muhina is wanted after having been indicted by a grand jury on multiple felony charges. The charges against him include first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, solicitation to commit first-degree murder, attempted murder and tampering with evidence.

You took away our happiness, grandmother of 16-year-old Nashville murder victim makes heartfelt plea

Court records show the charges are related to a September 2021 shooting in which 16-year-old JaNiya Birdsong was killed, and a 17-year-old girl was injured. Family members told News 2 multiple young men were involved in an argument with the two teens before shots rang out.

Birdsong was pronounced dead that night in the driveway of her grandmothers home in the Paragon Mills neighborhood. Her family said she was a junior at Hillsboro High School and hoped to one day become a hairstylist. The other teen reportedly survived her injuries.

Initially, the only link to a suspect was a light-colored sedan that was seen leaving the area. However, six suspects, including Muhina, have since been identified.

READ MORE: 16-year-old girl killed in South Nashville shooting

As their investigation progressed, detectives said they found text messages between the suspects regarding their plans to destroy the car used in the alleged homicide. Muhina and the other suspects are also accused of conspiring to hire someone to kill a witness.

At least one other suspect in the shooting was taken into custody. However, Muhina has remained at large. Anyone with information on Muhinas whereabouts is asked to contact the MNPD at 615-862-8600 or Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463.

2. Adrian L. Cameron

Adrian Cameron (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department)

Adrian Cameron, 19, has reportedly been on the run since mid-April. Hes appeared at the top of the list for several months as police continue to search for him in connection with the death of 32-year-old rapper Chris King.

King was shot and killed just before 2:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 20. According to investigators, King and his friends had been hanging out in an alleyway between Hayes Street and Church Street that night when three other men approached them.

PREVIOUS: 1 killed, 1 injured in shooting along Hayes Street

Kings friends told police it started out cordial, but after some time, the three suspects allegedly tried to rob them. Thats when gunfire ran out, injuring King and his 29-year-old friend.

Both of them were brought to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, but King did not survive. Cameron, who was out on bond for the 2021 murder of 50-year-old Josh Evans at the time, was identified as a suspect in the shooting only days later.

Officials believe Cameron cut his ankle monitor shortly after the shooting. Cameron had just turned 17 years old when police said he turned himself in for Evans murder. Evans was found shot and wrapped in trash bags in the Cumberland River in Sept. 2021.

Unbelievable: Mourning Lebanon family outraged teen murder suspect was out on bond, accused of killing again

Cameron was arrested again for gun charges in Rutherford County less than four months after turning himself in for the 2021 murder. Hes now charged with criminal homicide in connection with Kings death, as well as failure to appear.

However, efforts to locate him have been unsuccessful. Police said his last location is unknown.

3. Lagarrion L. Blacksmith

Lagarrion Blacksmith (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department)

Lagarrion Blacksmith, 35, has been near the top of Nashvilles Most Wanted list for several months as police continue to try to track him down.

He was initially added to the list on Nov. 29, 2023, after investigators said they were able to connect him to a deadly shooting that took place outside a Dickerson Pike bar last year.

Officers found 35-year-old Chancellor Eddins lying on the ground just outside of Trvth Lounge on Feb. 18, 2023. He had been shot and later died at the scene. Another man who had also been hit by the gunfire was able to give officers an account of what happened.

RELATED: Man wanted for homicide, other charges following fatal February shooting on Dickerson Pike

According to police, the injured man told them he and Eddins had gotten into an argument with the suspect inside of the bar. Then, shots were fired as they left the location. At the time, the identity of the alleged shooter was unclear.

Months later, investigators announced Blacksmith had been identified as a suspect. On Nov. 22, 2023, officials said arrest warrants had been issued against Blacksmith for criminal homicide, attempted homicide, and felon in possession of a handgun.

However, efforts to locate him have also reportedly been unsuccessful. His last location is unknown.

4. Raceme L. Crutcher

Raceme Crutcher (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department)

Police have been looking for Raceme Crutcher, 22, since July 2023, when he was named as one of two suspects in a deadly Fourth of July shooting.

Officials said the shooting happened at the Fallbrook Apartments on Dellway Villa Road. Etabo Malanda, 16, was reportedly standing on the porch of an apartment when two armed individuals came from around the corner and confronted him.

RELATED: Teen killed in shooting at East Nashville apartment complex

Malanda allegedly tried to pull out a pistol that was inside his hoodie, but he was shot. Police said he died shortly after he was taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

According to investigators, four guns were recovered from the apartment, including one that was reported stolen. Crutcher and 17-year-old Jaylin Brown were reportedly connected to the crime through witness accounts.

Investigators also obtained surveillance footage and additional information from community members that they said pointed to Crutcher and Brown as suspects in the case. Officials believe the motive may have been an ongoing dispute between the suspects and Malanda.

SEE ALSO: Teen wanted in connection with deadly Fourth of July shooting arrested

Brown was taken into custody on Aug. 31, 2023, after police said they caught him driving a stolen car. However, Crutcher is still on the run. He was added to the Most Wanted list on Nov. 15, 2023. His last location is unknown.

5. Antonio Jiminez-Calderon

Antonio Jiminez-Calderon (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department)

Antonio Jiminez-Calderon, 56, was recently indicted by a grand jury on several charges related to the alleged sexual abuse of a minor, according to authorities.

The charges against him include aggravated rape with bodily injury, statutory rape by an authority figure, aggravated kidnapping and sexual battery.

Jiminez-Calderon was added to the list last week. Officials said his last location is unknown.

6. Jamal S. Alhakari

Jamal S. Alhakari (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department)

Jamal Alhakari, 41, is another new addition to the list this week. Police said Alhakari has been indicted by a grand jury on multiple sexual abuse charges involving a victim who was unable to give consent.

The charges against him include aggravated kidnapping, sexual battery and sexual battery involving a person with a mental defect or that was incapacitated, according to the police department.

Officials said Alhakaris last location is unknown.

7. Adrian Abernathy

Adrian Abernathy (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department)

Adrian Abernathy, 31, is believed to have been behind the wheel of a stolen car in a deadly October 2022 crash on the Rosa L. Parks Boulevard exit ramp from I-65 North.

Abernathy has outstanding warrants for vehicular homicide, three counts of aggravated assault, felon in possession of a weapon, theft of a motor vehicle, theft of a firearm, reckless endangerment and making a false report.

RELATED: Man wanted after allegedly lying about driving stolen car involved in deadly crash

According to police, Abernathy initially said he was a backseat passenger in the stolen Lincoln Navigator SUV. However, over the course of the investigation, detectives determined the seating positions were reversed, and Abernathy was the one driving the car.

Authorities said he was traveling over 100 mph shortly before the crash, which killed 29-year-old Todd Bryant of Antioch.

Abernathy has been featured on the Most Wanted list several times since early February 2023. He was added back to the list on May 1 after last being featured in November. Officials said he was last seen in Hermitage.

8. Magic E. Johnson

Magic E. Johnson (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department)

Magic Johnson, 36, is wanted on outstanding warrants for two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, aggravated assault by strangulation and felon in possession of a weapon, according to officials.

Court records show Johnson has an extensive criminal history dating back to 2006. He has previously been convicted of charges such as disorderly conduct, misdemeanor evading arrest, aggravated robbery, assault and multiple order of protection violations.

Johnson was added to the list on July 31. However, efforts to locate him have been unsuccessful.

9. Quierra C. Spear

Quierra C. Spear (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department)

Quierra Spear, 27, is wanted on multiple outstanding warrants stemming from an incident in which she fired gunshots from within a vehicle, according to authorities.

The charges against her include two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, reckless endangerment and vandalism. Detectives said Spear, who was added to the Most Wanted list on Aug. 7, was last seen in the West Nashville area.

10. Joshua R. Starkey

Joshua R. Starkey (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department)

Joshua Starkey, 19, is among some of the youngest suspects to ever appear on Nashvilles Most Wanted list. Police said Starkey is wanted for one count of aggravated robbery with a weapon or object. He was added to the list on July 10. His last known location was in Hermitage.

CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime-related reports from across Middle Tennessee

Anyone with information on any of the suspects listed is asked to contact the MNPD at 615-862-8600 or Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
SHEBOYGAN  Natalie Black Kohler, former Kohler Co. executive and widow of Herbert V. Kohler Jr., passed away in her home Sept. 10. She was 74.

An obituary from the company said she had a gregarious demeanor, infectious smile, sharp wit, and cunning sense of humor and left an indelible impact on the people with whom she interacted.

She will be remembered as a passionate and purposeful individual, an unwavering and persistent businesswoman, and a devoted partner, the obituary read.

During Natalies 33-year tenure with the company, she served as general counsel and lead of the communications team, bringing the brand to larger recognition. Her lasting imprint includes the As I See It ad campaigns; the Most Remembered Exhibit Booth at Kitchen & Bath Show; the Kohler Design Center; and The Beacon global communications headquarters.

Natalie Black Kohler, 74, passed away Sept. 10, 2024.

Within a few years, KOHLER ascended to the top and has never looked back, the obituary read. Much of that achievement and domination was due to Natalies dogged determination, entrepreneurial spirit, and keen intuition.

She was inducted into the Wisconsin Advertising Hall of Fame in 2019 along with husband Herbert V. Kohler Jr., who passed away Sept. 3, 2022, at the age of 83. They married in early 1988.

More: 'I just want answers': Mother of 23-year-old shot in police interaction in Sheboygan wants body cam footage released

Partners in business, in life, and in philanthropy, they were rarely apart and enjoyed seeing the world together, traveling frequently and seeking thrilling adventures, the obituary said. Matched in will, wit, and charm, Natalie and Herberts time together was larger-than-life. Their families will remember their spirits, like their innumerable personal and professional achievements, as irrevocably and affectionately entwined.

Natalie was born Dec. 19, 1949, in Bakersfield, California. She earned a bachelors degree in economics and mathematics from Stanford University in 1972. She graduated from Marquette University Law School in 1978 and the Harvard Business Schools Program for Management Development in 1982.

After working at Milwaukee-based Quarles & Brady law firm for three years, she joined Kohler Co.s legal department in 1981.

Beyond Natalies company contributions, her philanthropic focuses included providing funding to the Sheboygan County Food Bank, Sheboygan County Humane Society and Sheboygan Public Education Foundation.

She served on the companys board of directors from 1987 to 2022 and was the president of the Kohler Foundation from 1998 to 2022. She was active on other professional and nonprofit organization boards at different times in her life, including the Sheboygan County YMCA, Milwaukee Ballet Company, Medical College of Wisconsin, Johnson Controls board of directors and Marquette University board of trustees.

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Natalies interests included reading, which she channeled into the creation of the Black Spring Foundation, a nonprofit that focuses on literacy, education, hunger and animal welfare.

A website about Natalies life will be available soon, according to a news release. A private service will be held at Woodland Cemetery in Kohler. Donations can be made in her name to the Black Spring Foundation or Sheboygan County Food Bank instead of flowers.

Have a story tip? Contact Alex Garner at 224-374-2332 or agarner@gannett.com. Follow her on X (formerly Twitter) at @alexx_garner.

This article originally appeared on Sheboygan Press: Natalie Black Kohler, former Kohler Co. executive and Herbert V. Kohler Jr.'s widow, dies
National Baptist Convention recognizes local pastor for his years of ministry and dedication

BLUEFIELD, WV (WVNS)  A national convention recognized one local pastor for his years of dedication and hard work.

The National Baptist Convention recognized Reverend Charles Collins Sr. of Mount Olive Baptist Church for his 50 plus years in the ministry. This took place at the 144th Annual Session in Baltimore, Maryland.

Campers at Camp Meeting on the Greenbrier enjoy comfortable conditions

Reverend Collins and several other pastors from around the nation were presented the Jerry Young Pastoral Ministry Award for his many years of services.

It means a great deal to stand beside these other ministers [and] pastors, to see that you are not the only one that is dedicated to the ministry, said Reverend Collins.

Reverend Collins also said that it was touching to have his West Virginia constituents with him to celebrate this honor.

He is not the only one celebrating a big milestone. Mount Olive Baptist will be celebrating their 80th anniversary of being a church Sunday, September 15, 2024.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS.
(Bloomberg) -- The US is unlikely to stop supporting Ukraine against Russia irrespective of the outcome of the presidential election, NATOs senior military officer said, as former President Donald Trump told the first debate with Vice President Kamala Harris that he wants the war to be over.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Speaking at a conference in Seoul on Wednesday, Admiral Rob Bauer, who chairs NATOs Military Committee, said there is a broad support for Ukraine among American people, as well as among both of the Democratic and Republican parties.

I think its unlikely in that light that the US as a country will stop supporting Ukraine, he said.

Bauers remarks came as Republican nominee Trump said during the debate hosted by ABC News that it is in Americas best interest for the war in Ukraine to end. The former president did not answer moderators question on whether he wants Ukraine to win the war.

As we all know, politicians that are participating in an election say things that not necessarily end up becoming policy in their government if they win the election, the NATO admiral said.

The race for the White House remains tight ahead of the Nov. 5 election and the two candidates differ significantly on a solution to the conflict in Ukraine, currently well into its third year.

While President Joe Biden and Harris have pledged to back Kyiv for as long as needed, Trump has repeatedly raised doubts over US commitments to NATO and said hell bring the war to an end before his inauguration. Russian President Vladimir Putin, meanwhile, has given little indication that hes ready to negotiate, except on his own terms.

If the Russians stop the war now and go home, the war is over. If Ukraine stops the war now, they have lost their country. Thats the difference, Bauer said. I would be extremely surprised if the US would have an interest in allowing Putin to win that war.

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NC charter schools back GOP budget deal. But is it enough to support public schools?

Charter schools and families who will receive private school vouchers are some of the big winners in the mini-budget bill approved Wednesday by state lawmakers.

Much of the focus in the GOP budget deal has been on how it provides an additional $463 million in voucher funding to help 50,000 students attend private schools. But the bill also includes $95 million to fund public school enrollment growth that will help some growing charter schools make their payrolls.

Were very thankful that the General Assembly came back and they included that growth into the mini-budget, Lindalyn Kakadelis, executive director of the N.C. Coalition for Charter Schools, said in an interview Wednesday. They heard from districts, hopefully. But I know they heard from charter schools.

Kakadelis said the additional funding will ease the anxiety some of the states 209 charter schools are feeling about having enough money this school year.

But public school supporters say what lawmakers approved is a far cry from whats needed to support education.

Thats just another loophole to ignore public school funding, Drew Washington, a youth organizer for the Education Justice Alliance, said in an interview Wednesday.

State changes how schools are funded

State lawmakers overhauled the way public schools  both traditional and charter schools  are funded.

Schools now get state dollars based on how many students they had last school year. A contingency fund is supposed to provide additional money to school districts and charter schools that have more students than last school year.

The funding model change comes as charter schools could add 10,000 more students this year at a time when enrollment has been dropping in school districts.

But the contingency fund only has $2.5 million, less than 5% of the amount needed to fund the enrollment growth.

Unlike school districts, Kakadelis said many charter schools dont have the cash reserves to cover the growth until the state dollars come. She said its especially the case for newer charter schools.

It is extremely time-sensitive for some charter schools, Kakadelis said. They grew. They did what they were supposed to do.

Charters warn payrolls might not be met

The funding delay has led to charter schools and their advocates warning what will happen if the money isnt provided soon.

North Carolina charter schools, in particular, have experienced some of the highest enrollment increases in the nation, according to Prestige School Solutions, a company that provides accounting and payroll services to nearly 100 North Carolina schools. If schools experiencing growth or opening do not receive the recommended amounts allocated in the ADM contingency reserve, these schools will likely be unable to make payroll.

Kakadelis said one charter school told her group theyre only funded now for 138 students even though they had to hire enough to teach 240 students. The school says it doesnt have enough money to pay teachers through November, forcing them to potentially miss payroll or lease payments on their building.

Another charter, Kakadelis said, warned that it would have to borrow $1.1 million if it didnt get the additional growth funds until July 2025. The school said it might have to send students back to their home schools or lay off newly hired teachers if it couldnt borrow the money.

A win for education

House Republican lawmakers had initially balked at providing the additional voucher funding unless it was coupled with increased public school funding. Instead of a deal to raise teacher pay, the House and Senate GOP agreed to provide an additional $95 million to the growth contingency fund.

House Rules Chair Destin Hall, a Caldwell County Republican who is expected to be the next House speaker, said theyll look at teacher raises in the long session next year. For now, Hall said the bill addresses this school years enrollment growth needs.

They had a growing number of kids, and so because the budget wasnt passed in the short session  or the adjustment wasnt passed  we didnt have those updated ADM (average daily membership) figures to put in there, Hall told reporters on Wednesday.

So now were solving that issue as well. So all in all, its a win for education in this state.

Will Cooper veto the bill?

The deal now goes to Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper, who is expected to veto the bill due to concerns such as the expansion of private school voucher funding.

But Kakadelis said she hopes Cooper wont delay the public school funding by forcing an override vote. Republicans have a super-majority to override a veto.

We know the Governor doesnt like it, Kakadelis said. However, theres lot more in the budget than Opportunity Scholarships.

Bryan Proffit, NCAE vice-president, speaks during a press conference against House Bill 10 outside the Legislative Building in Raleigh, N.C. Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. The bill, among other things, contains hundreds of millions in private school voucher funding and requires sheriffs to cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Public education groups who oppose the voucher expansion hope Cooper will veto the legislation.

On Wednesday, members from Every Child NC, a coalition of left-leaning groups that supports public schools, held a rally outside the Legislative Building.

Instead of voucher expansion, the coalition wants the state to fund the multi-billion Leandro plan, which is meant to give public schools the resources to provide students with a sound, basic education.

Instead of properly funding public schools, Washington of the Education Justice Alliance said state lawmakers passed a bill that funds niche areas like charter schools.

The reason that were out here is that public schools have always been underfunded, Washington said. They continued to be underfunded, and theres always smaller groups that are trying to take from the larger pot.

But Hall said vouchers dont take money away from public schools. He said school systems wouldnt be getting those dollars anyway from those students attending private schools.

Opportunity Scholarships are tremendously popular in this state, Hall said. At the end of the day, most people agree that people should be able to send their kids to school where they want to send them.
Gov. Roy Cooper, left, shakes hands with House Speaker Tim Moore, center and Senate Leader Phil Berger prior to Coopers biennial State of the State address to a joint session of the General Assembly at the Legislative Building Monday evening, Feb. 26, 2019.

The N.C. House on Wednesday overrode Democratic Gov. Roy Coopers veto of a lengthy bill that reforms several building codes and cuts the appointment power of the governor.

The Wednesday vote brings the tally this week of the legislatures overrides of Coopers vetoes to four. The Senate overrode five bills on Monday, three of which had already been overridden by the House and became law after the Senate vote.

On Wednesday, the House took up one of the two remaining bills and voted to override Coopers veto with 70 lawmakers voting for the override and 40 against it.

The House and Senate are both controlled by the Republican Party, which has the three-fifths majority necessary to override vetoes when voting as a block.

Transfer of governors appointments

The bill passed into law, Senate Bill 166, spans over 70 pages and makes various reforms to building codes such as changing insulation requirements and prohibiting the state from requiring electric water heaters to be elevated.

The bill also reorganizes the NC Building Code Council, which currently consists of 17 members appointed by the governor to adopt and amend the states building codes.

Under SB 166, starting in January, the council will consist of 13 members, three appointed by the House speaker and three by the president pro tempore of the Senate. The remainder will be appointed by the governor.

House Speaker Tim Moore is running for Congress, with Rep. Destin Hall, a Republican from Caldwell County, slated to take his position next year if the caucus votes him in. Senate leader Phil Berger is running for reelection and has been serving as the Senates leader since the 2010 elections when Republicans won a Senate majority for the first time in decades.

Senate Bill 166 also changes who needs to be appointed to the council, cutting requirements that at least two members be licensed architects, three members licensed general contractors and more.

Rep. Pricey Harrison, a Guilford County Democrat, speaking against the override on Wednesday, said she considered taking the governors appointment powers to be unconstitutional. She also questioned Republican Rep. Dean Arp, who spoke in favor of the bill, on whether the provision cutting the requirement for architects on the council remained in the bill.

Arp told Harrison that that the architect provision was still in the bill and could not be cut due the vote being an override but he said there was agreement to move forward in a subsequent vehicle to fix the language for the Building Code Council.

When he vetoed the bill in early July, Cooper wrote that by limiting options for energy efficiency and electric vehicles, this legislation prevents North Carolinas building code from adopting innovations in construction and mobility that save consumers money.

This bill also removes subject matter experts from the building code council, including architects, active fire service, a coastal expert, local government officials, and public at-large membership, and limits the knowledge and practical experience of the body tasked with ensuring all buildings are safely designed, he wrote.

Court-filed documents and eviction

Another bill, Senate Bill 445, was also on the House calendar for an override vote on Wednesday. But it was withdrawn. This bill has various provisions including one exempting copies of court-filed documents from certain formatting requirements for paper documents presented to the register of deeds for registration.

It also makes changes to the appeals process for small claims, which are reviewed by district courts and include cases such as for evictions and where the amount of money sought in the complaint is not more than $10,000. Changes under the bill include establishing that the small claims appeal period begins when a judgment is rendered instead of when the judgment is entered.

The current appeals process allows people to give a notice of appeal in open court when a judgment is rendered or to file a notice of appeal with the clerk within 10 days after a judgment is entered, or officially recorded.

The bill also requires a judge, magistrate or clerk authorizing a person to appeal a small claims judgment as an indigent  or a person who is unable to pay for legal representation and other court expenses  to make written findings of indigency.

In his veto statement, Cooper wrote that SB 445 creates legal ambiguity regarding when eviction orders become effective and may harm low-income individuals by making it harder for them to appeal as indigent in small claims court.

Its unclear whether and when that bill will be taken up for an override vote.
Gov. Roy Cooper, left, shakes hands with House Speaker Tim Moore, center and Senate Leader Phil Berger prior to Coopers biennial State of the State address to a joint session of the General Assembly at the Legislative Building Monday evening, Feb. 26, 2019.

The N.C. House on Wednesday overrode Democratic Gov. Roy Coopers veto of a lengthy bill that reforms several building codes and cuts the appointment power of the governor.

The Wednesday vote brings the tally this week of the legislatures overrides of Coopers vetoes to four. The Senate overrode five bills on Monday, three of which had already been overridden by the House and became law after the Senate vote.

On Wednesday, the House took up one of the two remaining bills and voted to override Coopers veto with 70 lawmakers voting for the override and 40 against it.

The House and Senate are both controlled by the Republican Party, which has the three-fifths majority necessary to override vetoes when voting as a block.

Transfer of governors appointments

The bill passed into law, Senate Bill 166, spans over 70 pages and makes various reforms to building codes such as changing insulation requirements and prohibiting the state from requiring electric water heaters to be elevated.

The bill also reorganizes the NC Building Code Council, which currently consists of 17 members appointed by the governor to adopt and amend the states building codes.

Under SB 166, starting in January, the council will consist of 13 members, three appointed by the House speaker and three by the president pro tempore of the Senate. The remainder will be appointed by the governor.

House Speaker Tim Moore is running for Congress, with Rep. Destin Hall, a Republican from Caldwell County, slated to take his position next year if the caucus votes him in. Senate leader Phil Berger is running for reelection and has been serving as the Senates leader since the 2010 elections when Republicans won a Senate majority for the first time in decades.

Senate Bill 166 also changes who needs to be appointed to the council, cutting requirements that at least two members be licensed architects, two members licensed general contractors and more.

Rep. Pricey Harrison, a Guilford County Democrat, speaking against the override on Wednesday, said she considered taking the governors appointment powers to be unconstitutional. She also questioned Republican Rep. Dean Arp, who spoke in favor of the bill, on whether the provision cutting the requirement for architects on the council remained in the bill.

Arp told Harrison that that the architect provision was still in the bill and could not be cut due the vote being an override but he said there was agreement to move forward in a subsequent vehicle to fix the language for the Building Code Council.

When he vetoed the bill in early July, Cooper wrote that by limiting options for energy efficiency and electric vehicles, this legislation prevents North Carolinas building code from adopting innovations in construction and mobility that save consumers money.

This bill also removes subject matter experts from the building code council, including architects, active fire service, a coastal expert, local government officials, and public at-large membership, and limits the knowledge and practical experience of the body tasked with ensuring all buildings are safely designed, he wrote.

Court-filed documents and eviction

Another bill, Senate Bill 445, was also on the House calendar for an override vote on Wednesday. But it was withdrawn. This bill has various provisions including one exempting copies of court-filed documents from certain formatting requirements for paper documents presented to the register of deeds for registration.

It also makes changes to the appeals process for small claims, which are reviewed by district courts and include cases such as for evictions and where the amount of money sought in the complaint is not more than $10,000. Changes under the bill include establishing that the small claims appeal period begins when a judgment is rendered instead of when the judgment is entered.

The current appeals process allows people to give a notice of appeal in open court when a judgment is rendered or to file a notice of appeal with the clerk within 10 days after a judgment is entered, or officially recorded.

The bill also requires a judge, magistrate or clerk authorizing a person to appeal a small claims judgment as an indigent  or a person who is unable to pay for legal representation and other court expenses  to make written findings of indigency.

In his veto statement, Cooper wrote that SB 445 creates legal ambiguity regarding when eviction orders become effective and may harm low-income individuals by making it harder for them to appeal as indigent in small claims court.

Its unclear whether and when that bill will be taken up for an override vote.
North Carolina Rep. Destin Hall (R-Caldwell) during a House vote on Sept. 11, 2024. (Galen Bacharier/NC Newsline)

House Republicans passed a budget package on Wednesday that funds North Carolinas private school voucher program for the next decade, sending it to Gov. Roy Coopers desk.

The vote was 67-43; eight lawmakers had excused absences.

The bill is the result of months-long negotiations among GOP leaders after they failed to come to an agreement at the end of the regular session earlier this year.

It includes money to clear the waitlist of 54,000 students seeking vouchers; dollars for Medicaid, rural internet infrastructure, and enrollment growth in schools; and a requirement that local sheriffs cooperate with federal immigration authorities.

The mini-budget strengthens our commitment to school choice for all NC families as well as public education, with historic investments in enrollment growth for both K-12 public schools and our community colleges, House Speaker Tim Moore (R-Cleveland) said.

Speaker Tim Moore

Furthermore, thanks to language requiring sheriffs to cooperate with ICE, North Carolina will also be better equipped to weather the Biden-Harris illegal immigration crisis at our southern border and protect our communities.

Gov. Roy Cooper, a Democrat, could veto the package. He has been vocal in his opposition to the voucher program, calling on lawmakers to use this money for public schools instead.

The final budget deal does not include any money to increase North Carolina teacher salaries  a priority for Democrats who argue raises are key for educator recruitment and retention.

It was a compromise, Moore told reporters after the vote. There were a lot of things that the Senate wanted in this provision that we didnt agree to. And there were a lot of things, including additional teacher pay raises you asked about, that the House wanted in here as well.

And so neither side got everything they wanted, but thats just the nature of it.

Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger (R-Rockingham) told reporters Monday that if Republicans have to return to Raleigh to override a veto, its probably going to be the November session. Moore said they could return in October if they had enough members available, but exact timing remains to be seen.

Advocates, Democrats blast ICE requirements and vouchers as lawmakers move bill through House

As Republican lawmakers advanced the budget package through its final steps Wednesday, advocates sharply criticized its major provisions.

In a committee hearing earlier Wednesday, immigration advocates warned that language in the bill requiring sheriffs to honor detainer requests from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement would harm immigrant communities and erode trust in law enforcement.

Opponents to House Bill 10 hold a press conference

All 100 sheriffs in North Carolina will be required to notify ICE if they are unable to determine the legal status of a person charged with certain high-level offenses.

The bill would also compel sheriffs to honor ICE requests to detain individuals suspected of being in the country illegally for up to 48 hours.

Outside the Legislative Building shortly before the House vote, opponents of the bill held a news conference condemning it.

Shruti Parikh, with North Carolina Asian Americans Together, called the legislation xenophobic.

We want resources for our local schools, not more exclusion and attacks on low-income and immigrant communities, Parikh said. Public schools provide services these communities rely on, like language support and special education.

Democrats, during floor debate, decried both the immigration measure and school voucher funding.

Rep. Marcia Morey (D-Durham) said it echoes (former President Donald) Trumps call for mass deportations.

This bill is based on fear and racial animus, Morey said.

Democrats also continued to slam the Opportunity Scholarships program, arguing that it redirects taxpayer money to private schools and disproportionately advantages wealthy families.

Sen. Michael Garrett (D-Guilford) on Monday called it Robin Hood, but in reverse.

Republicans defended the bill amid criticism from across the aisle and from members of the public.

Rep. Destin Hall (R-Caldwell), who chairs the Rules committee, argued that the immigration measure was not being correctly characterized by opponents.

I do want to set the record straight for what this bill does, Hall said. Its limited in its scope, but it really does solve the issue of whats out there right now.
NC legislature sends bill with vouchers, ICE to Cooper. Heres why theyre doing it now

The North Carolina General Assembly, which is totally controlled by Republicans, passed a bill with two key priorities they shared during the 2024 legislative session: private school vouchers and requiring sheriffs to cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The bill now goes to Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper, who has 10 days to sign it, veto it or let it become law without his signature.

Heres what you should know:

Why its a mini budget

House Bill 10, which was originally a bill only about sheriffs cooperating with ICE, was gutted and turned into a mini budget compromise bill between Republicans. If that sounds familiar, it is because mini budget bills were the method Republicans, who then had a majority but not a supermajority, used to pass legislation outside of the full budget bill in 2019.

There was no new comprehensive state budget in 2019. Cooper vetoed the bill sent to him, and the House successfully overrode his veto on Sept. 11, 2019, exactly five years ago, but the Senate never held an override vote.

Now that Republicans have the numbers to override vetoes when all of their caucus is present, there are fewer compromises with Democrats. Override votes were also held this week during the General Assemblys brief return. They mostly adjourned in late June, while top leaders continued to talk about passing some sort of a budget adjustment bill this year. The mini budget bill was the result.

Months-long budget standoffs and stalemates have become the norm in the state legislature, but lately it has been between the Republican-controlled chambers rather than with Cooper and Democratic lawmakers.

Rep. Destin Hall, a Caldwell County Republican, argues for House Bill 10 during a debate Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. The bill, among other things, contains hundreds of millions in private school voucher funding and requires sheriffs to cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Why teacher raises werent part of the deal, but vouchers were

Democrats criticism of the bill included the spending on private school vouchers, but no teacher raises higher than what some teachers received in July, which was just a small percentage depending on the teachers experience. The bill does include funding for K-12 enrollment growth and community college growth.

Senate leader Phil Berger told reporters Monday that the agreement was to include things that were supported by the Republican majorities of both the House and Senate.

House Speaker Tim Moore said previously that he wanted teacher raises to be coupled with the voucher funding. But the deals public education funding was for K-12 enrollment growth only, not raises.

House Speaker Tim Moore accepts a letter on Wednesday, July 31, 2024 signed by N.C. parents urging Republican lawmakers to keep their promise to fully fund private school vouchers for 55,000 students on a state waitlist. Critics of the voucher expansion say lawmakers should prioritize public schools.

If it becomes law, the bill would provide an additional $463 million in voucher funding to clear the 55,000-student backlog of families waiting for an Opportunity Scholarship now that the income limits have been removed. Depending on their income, families would get between $3,360 and $7,468 per child to cover private-school costs.

The measure passed the Senate on Monday, 27-17.

House Rules Chair Destin Hall, who is expected to be the next House speaker, said he would have liked raises to be included, too. He said that while both chambers already passed the Opportunity Scholarship Program funding to clear the waitlist, there are a number of folks, including myself, who would like to see some more teacher raises.

Hall told reporters after the Rules Committee meeting on Wednesday, ahead of the House session, that the raises already allocated in the last budget can tide us over until next spring and summer, then lawmakers will come back and work on that issue.

Why ICE is part of this now

The provisions of the bill requiring sheriffs to cooperate with ICE are measures Republicans have been trying to pass for years, in response to sheriffs in largely Democratic counties vowing to cut back or end cooperation with the federal agency, particularly in the 2018 election.

State law already requires sheriffs to try to determine the legal status of people they arrest if theyre charged with a felony or for impaired driving, and notify ICE if they cant ascertain legal status.

But theres no provision in the law requiring sheriffs to comply with immigration detainers, which are requests from ICE to hold individuals who have been arrested and are believed to be in the country illegally, for up to 48 hours, to give ICE agents time to take custody of them.

Republicans say the bill is necessary because of the small number of sheriffs who dont cooperate with ICE, unlike the vast majority of sheriffs who do.

Opponents of the bill who spoke against it at the General Assembly this week said the bill would put a target on immigrant communities, and raised concerns about the constitutionality of ICEs detainer requests.

Jasmina Nogo, an immigration staff attorney at the N.C. Justice Center, said during a committee meeting that the bill was a radical departure from the current state of immigration enforcement in North Carolina, and said requiring cooperation with ICE will fracture the trust that law enforcement agencies across the state have earned from immigrant families, immigrant survivors of crimes, and immigrant workers.

During floor debate, Democratic Rep. Maria Cervania of Cary said requiring cooperation with ICE could lead to racial profiling or discrimination, and urged lawmakers not to entertain or give life to legislation that she said would weaken the social fabric of our state.

What else is in the bill

HB 10 also includes money for broadband high speed internet expansion and funding for the Medicaid rebase, which is increased Medicaid costs.

The bill passed the House 67-43.

What happens next

Democrats and left-leaning public education groups have shared their opposition to the bill, including Cooper.

You said yes to give $463 million to give private schools for the wealthy instead of saying yes to investing in the great public schools in your very own counties and homes, said Selina Lopez, youth program director for Hispanic Liaison in Chatham County, who spoke at a rally Wednesday outside the Legislative Building organized by Every Child NC.

Bryan Proffit, NCAE vice-president, speaks during a press conference against House Bill 10 outside the Legislative Building in Raleigh, N.C. Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. The bill, among other things, contains hundreds of millions in private school voucher funding and requires sheriffs to cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The group says lawmakers should fully fund the Leandro plan, which is a multibillion-dollar plan meant to help provide every public school student with a sound, basic education.

After the Senate voted on Monday, Cooper shared news coverage of the bill on social media, adding that taxpayer dollars shouldnt go to private school vouchers for the wealthiest North Carolinians.

Cooper also criticized the bill in a statement on Wednesday to The News & Observer.

Instead of finally giving public school teachers the raises they deserve or tackling the child care crisis, Republicans are draining hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars from public schools to give it to private school vouchers for the wealthiest people, Cooper said.

Rural public schools will be hit the hardest in funding losses while urban private schools will get the most taxpayer money in this voucher scheme. I urge every North Carolinian to tell their legislators to vote against this harmful expansion of private school vouchers. Our students, families and communities deserve better, he said.

Reporter T. Keung Hui contributed to this story.

NC Reality Check is an N&O series holding those in power accountable and shining a light on public issues that affect the Triangle or North Carolina. Have a suggestion for a future story? Email realitycheck@newsobserver.com
Almost 200 diversity, equity and inclusion staff positions were either cut or reassigned across North Carolinas public university system to comply with a systemwide policy that required institutions to reassess their diversity efforts, according to reports released on Wednesday.

In a first look at how the states 16 public universities complied with the new diversity policy  which removed mention of diversity jobs across universities and subsequently put them at risk of elimination  the institutions certification reports demonstrate varying approaches on how campuses chose to follow the new rule.

The University of North Carolina Board of Governors reviewed the reports on Wednesday, where they evaluated ranging actions that included diversity office closures and program changes. Millions of dollars were also redirected to student success initiatives, such as recruitment efforts and scholarships, as a result of cuts and realignments.

The reports will be scrutinized far and wide. Some will say that the campuses went too far, some will say the campuses didnt go far enough, UNC system legal counsel Andrew Tripp said during the meeting. Its ultimately the Board of Governors that will judge campuses compliance.

READ MORE:

In late May, the UNC Board of Governors revoked and replaced its 2019 diversity policy, which outlined several diversity jobs and their responsibility for coordinating DEI efforts across the system. What replaced it was a policy focused on committing the system to equality of viewpoints, freedom of speech and institutional neutrality  leaving diversity positions and programs in limbo.

Diversity efforts have become a subject of conservatives ire on college campuses over the past few years, with the University of Florida and the University of Texas making national headlines for dismantling its diversity offices and cutting its staff. Diversity opponents say the practice can lead to discrimination, while its supporters say it helps level the playing field for women and people of color.

North Carolinas Republican legislative leaders are among those who have expressed concern with DEI, and, at one point, were considering legislation restricting those programs before the UNC Board of Governors stepped in.

The UNC system in June sent out sweeping guidelines that covered everything from student success initiatives to campus center programming to facilitate the changes to come. To prove compliance with the new policy, schools were required to submit certification reports that described eliminated positions, position reassignments, program changes and financial savings from cuts.

Information on how universities were following the guidance was largely kept under wraps  even from faculty members  before the Sept. 1 report submission deadline.

Now, over a week later, those newly released reports show universities eliminated 59 positions and reassigned 131 more, according to the certification report statistics summary.

UNC-Chapel Hill, the states flagship university and second most populous public university as of 2023, makes up a third of eliminated positions. The second highest source of eliminations was at UNC Charlotte with nine cuts, followed by North Carolina State University with eight positions.

On the other hand, NC State led position reassignments  moving 29 people to new positions and departments. UNC-Chapel Hill realigned 27 positions. Other universities, such as Eastern Carolina University and UNC Wilmington, chose to mostly move around positions rather than eliminate them.

Universities also redirected a large sum of money  more than $17 million in total across the system  that is meant to be reallocated toward student success initiatives. Almost all universities have spent those savings already, while UNC Pembroke and Appalachian State University have yet to do so.

Worries on how the policy would impact diverse recruitment and retention at universities surfaced during the board meeting, brought to the forefront by Joel Ford  one of the boards few Black members. He called on UNC System president Peter Hans to step up to ensure community members know that the systems universities were still welcoming to all students.

That remains our obligation under federal law, state law and our moral obligation as well, Hans said in response.

Others, such as board member Woody White, expressed concern on a different front: how quickly and fully the policy was implemented. White voiced his skepticism on whether all universities meaningfully made adjustments to the policy, noting that he didnt see the same level of velocity in the new policys implementation as when the 2019 policy was approved.

Compliance with the policy will continue on an annual basis, but the reports were a great first step, Tripp said.

(WATCH BELOW: Mixed reviews released for UNC Charlottes autonomous shuttle)




Nebraska Supreme Court probes whether school choice law is subject to repeal by ballot measure

The Nebraska Supreme Court bench. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)

LINCOLN  The Nebraska Supreme Court heard arguments Tuesday in a lawsuit seeking to protect a new school voucher program for private K-12 education from repeal by ballot measure.

The court must decide by the Friday deadline for Secretary of State Bob Evnen to finalize the Nov. 5 ballot. Evnens brief asked justices to decide the constitutional question, not punt.

The question is whether Article III, Section 3 of the Nebraska Constitution applies to a possible repeal of Legislative Bill 1402, the latest version of the states school choice law.

That provision of the constitution prohibits referendums from repealing appropriations for the expense of the state government or an existing state institution.

Several justices questioned whether LB 1402, which created the voucher program, counts as an appropriation without its related-but-separate appropriations bill, LB 1402A.

One reason: The referendum pushed by Support Our Schools and those opposing spending public money on private schools purposefully avoided repealing the separate appropriations bill.

If the A bill didnt exist, would any money be forthcoming? Justice Stephanie Stacy asked, repeating a question asked by Justice Lindsey Miller-Lerman.

Chief Justice Mike Heavican and Justice Jonathan Papik pressed the attorneys seeking to toss the measure on whether the appropriations bill would lack purpose without LB 1402.

Are they the same act? Papik asked.

Venzor argues bills tied together

Attorney Tom Venzor argued the two bills are tied together. He spoke for representatives of Latasha Collar, the mother of a Douglas County student who received an Opportunity Scholarship for private education, which was granted under the predecessor of the school choice law currently being challenged.

Venzor argued that because LB 1402 changed the funding for the scholarship program from a tax credit to a direct state appropriation, it cant be repealed by ballot measure.

Venzor, who is known for his work as executive director of the Nebraska Catholic Conference, argued that funding education is a core function of state government and should be treated as such, leaving any potential repeal to the peoples elected representatives.

He later admitted under judicial questioning that the measure did not directly target LB 1402s separate appropriations bill, but argued that the referendum was at minimum an indirect attack on the separate appropriation, which he said also would be constitutionally questionable.

LB 1402 is an appropriation for the expense of state government, and  those are the types of legislative bills that dont belong on the ballot, he said in an interview after the hearing.

Gutman argues the bills are separate

On the other side was Daniel Gutman, one of the attorneys defending the referendum.

Gutman, representing Support Our Schools, the group that wants to reserve public school funding for public K-12 schools, argued LB 1402 was not an appropriation. He said LB 1402A, which contained a $10 million appropriation, was voted on separately from LB 1402 and would still exist if voters rejected LB 1402.

Gutman said the restriction on what could be voted on had never been so narrowly applied to the peoples right to petition as Venzor sought for the court to rule.

It shouldnt start now, he said.

Gutman raised constitutional questions of his own about the school choice law, arguing that it might direct state funds to private institutions. Thats prohibited by Article VII, Section 11.

He argued that LB 1402 ultimately benefits private schools.

Venzor said the state already funds scholarships for private college and technical education and has a history of funding projects for private colleges and universities.

He criticized Gutman for framing shifts. Venzor said LB 1402 does not represent state funding of private schools. He said it is funding for individuals to use for K-12 education.

His case received support from a brief filed by LB 1402s sponsor, State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Omaha, along with State Sen. Justin Wayne of Omaha and State Sen. Rob Clements, chairman of the Appropriations Committee.

The brief argued that the Legislatures majority viewed LB 1402 as an appropriation and that even legislative critics such as State Sen. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln had acknowledged as much.

The Nebraska Supreme Court has been buried in lawsuits this month contesting high-profile measure that Evnen has certified for the November ballot.

Evnen pushes to avoid technicalities

Evnen and Attorney General Mike Hilgers complicated the lawsuit involving LB 1402 by filing a pledge to force another lawsuit if the court sidesteps the key legal question and instead rules on a technicality.

Nebraska Solicitor General Eric Hamilton confirmed Tuesday that Evnen plans to decertify the voucher-related ballot measure if the court allows it to move forward because of a technical issue.

If the ballot measure was decertified, Support Our Schools and other backers of the petition would sue, with an extremely tight deadline, and might risk the measure being removed from the ballot, supporters said.

Among the technicalities Evnens office hoped to avoid was that the Collar lawsuit was filed before Evnen formally certified the measure for the ballot.

Another was an issue Gutman raised, that a notary for at least one filing in the lawsuit came from Texas, not Nebraska. Justices questions on Tuesday seemed to leave room for overlooking that.

Hamilton said Evnens office and the Attorney Generals Office would follow the courts decision if rules that the referendum qualifies for the ballot under the Nebraska Constitution.

Evnen argued in the brief that he might no longer believe the measure qualifies for the ballot. His position largely echoed Venzors argument that LB 1402 is an appropriation and therefore not subject to a ballot measure.

Gutman argued Evnen might lack the authority to decertify a ballot issue once he has certified it. Gutman asked for a decision on the merits, saying he feared his clients might otherwise run out of time to sue.

I dont see how the government will be crippled by a repeal of this enactment, Gutman said.

After the hearing, Tim Royers, the new president of the Nebraska State Education Association, criticized Evnen and Hilgers for their latest pushes to avoid letting citizens vote on the school choice law.

Theyre doing everything they can to make it as difficult as possible for us to get on the ballot, he said.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
The Nebraska Supreme Court appears set to decide if voters get to determine whether to reject a new law pushed through largely by Republican lawmakers to provide taxpayer money for private school tuition. But depending on how they rule, the Nebraska Secretary of State could unilaterally deprive voters of that choice.

The state's high court heard arguments Tuesday in a lawsuit brought by an eastern Nebraska woman whose child received one of the first private school tuition scholarships available through the new law. Tom Venzor, a lawyer for the woman, argued that the referendum initiative to repeal the funding violates the state constitution's prohibition on voter initiatives to revoke legislative appropriations.

Daniel Gutman, the attorney for the referendum effort, countered that the ballot question appropriately targets the creation of the private school tuition program  not the $10 million appropriations bill that accompanied it.

But what drew more attention was the assertion by lawyers on both sides that Republican Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen intends to decertify the ballot question  only days after certifying it  unless specifically ordered by the high court to keep it on the ballot.

Evnen certified the repeal measure last week after finding that organizers of the petition effort had gathered thousands more valid signatures than the nearly 62,000 needed to get the repeal question on the ballot. He apparently changed his mind, according to a brief filed late Monday afternoon by the Nebraska Attorney General's office, which states that after reviewing the court challenge to it, Secretary Evnen is convinced that the referendum is not legally sufficient.

The brief adds that if the high court fails to rule on the merits of the challenge and simply dismisses the case for procedural reasons, Secretary Evnen will immediately rescind his legal sufficiency determination and not place the referendum on the ballot.

Asked whether state law allows for a secretary of state to decertify an already certified ballot measure, Gutman said there is nothing in the statutes that were aware of that says that he can revoke that decision.

The problem, he said, is that the law requires the November ballot to be set by Friday.

I think that his threat of revoking the decision threatens the credibility of certification generally, Gutman said. Our frank concern is that if this court dismisses this case for lack of jurisdiction, or basically on a procedural ground, that there will be a decertification issued on Friday afternoon and there simply will be no time.

"We will have no recourse.

Evnen declined to confirm or deny Tuesday that he plans to remove the private school tuition repeal measure off the ballot unless ordered to keep it on by the court, offering only, What we need now is a decision on the merits from the Nebraska Supreme Court.

A similar scenario played out Monday in Missouri, where Republican Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft had certified a ballot measure last month that asks voters to undo the state's near-total abortion ban. On Monday, Ashcroft reversed course, declaring he was decertifying the measure and removing it from the ballot.

The Missouri Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered Ashcroft to put the measure back on the ballot.

The development comes after a long fight over the private school funding issue. Public school advocates carried out a successful signature-gathering effort this summer to ask voters to reverse the use of public money for private school tuition.

It was their second successful petition drive. The first came last year, when Republicans who dominate the officially nonpartisan Nebraska Legislature passed a bill to allow corporations and individuals to divert millions of dollars they owe in state income taxes to nonprofit organizations. Those organizations, in turn, would award that money as private school tuition scholarships.

Support Our Schools collected far more signatures last summer than was needed to ask voters to repeal that law. But lawmakers who support the private school funding bill carried out an end-run around the ballot initiative when they repealed the original law and replaced it earlier this year with another funding law. The new law dumped the tax credit funding system and simply funds private school scholarships directly from state coffers.

Because the move repealed the first law, it rendered last years successful petition effort moot, requiring organizers to again collect signatures to try to stop the funding scheme.

Nebraskas new law follows several other conservative Republican states  including Arkansas, Iowa and South Carolina  in enacting some form of private school choice, from vouchers to education savings account programs.
(NewsNation) A chef featured in a Netflix limited series was violently attacked in San Francisco by a man she says called her a racial slur before beating her.

Wendy Drew told NewsNation on Tuesday that the brutal encounter happened outside of a restaurant while she was on the phone with her mother.

Thats when a stranger and his dog walked by and called Drew the n-word, she said.

California police department sued over alleged racist texts

After she asked him why he said that word, he began physically punching and hitting her.

He decided to beat me for asking him why he called me the n-word.

Drew said her quick thinking led her to push her attacker into a neighboring liquor store in order for the encounter to be captured on surveillance cameras.

I didnt know if this attack was going to be seen, she said. The man continued to beat her as Drew is seen bracing her head and then toppling over onto the ground in the liquor stores security cameras.

I told him that hes not getting away and that hes going to go to jail for what hes done to me.

Footage shows a customer inside the store using pepper spray on the man.

Drew said she held on to the attacker to prevent him from getting away.

Police identified the attacker as Irvin Rivera-Lara, 31.

He was arrested on charges of assault likely to cause great bodily injury, committing a hate crime, and providing false information to a peace officer.

Days later, San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins announced Rivera-Lara would face hate crime special allegations for assault and battery charges.

Drew, who appeared in the series You Are What You Eat: A Twin Experiment, said she was satisfied with the charges and is expected to make a full recovery.

She suffered a broken nose, cuts and bruises on her face.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Nevada politicians from both sides have reacted to Tuesdays debate between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris.

Senator Catherine Cortez Masto took to X after the debate saying, After tonight, Nevadans are more fired up than ever to make @KamalaHarris our next president! She made the stakes perfectly clear, and we know we can trust her to stand up for middle class families, for women, and for Americans all across this country to build a better future. Masto posted several times during the debate criticizing Trump saying, Trump is the reason states can strip women of their fundamental freedoms. His judges overturned Roe v. Wade, and hes proud of it.

Republican Sam Brown who is running against incumbent Jacky Rosen posted to X during the debate saying, Under Biden-Harris, America is less safe because of failed leadership. Jacky Rosen has gone right along with it  refusing to hold Joe Biden and Kamala Harris responsible for their retreat from responsibility. We need LEADERS, not timid followers. He also stated during the debate, Biden, Harris and Rosen have cost Nevada families nearly $33k more in basic living costs because of inflated prices caused by their reckless policies. We literally cant afford to have them reelected. Theyve drained the savings of many Nevada families and they just dont care.

Nevada State Democratic Chair Daniele Monroe-Moreno released a statement following the debate saying:

We now see why Donald Trump didnt want to debate Vice President Kamala Harris. Nevadans again saw the unhinged, defeated former president on full display tonight, peddling his extreme agenda of ripping away womens fundamental freedoms, gutting worker protections, and giving tax cuts to corporate landlords and his ultra-wealthy friends while he raises costs for hardworking Nevada families.



In stark contrast, Vice President Harris laid out her forward-facing agenda to deliver on the kitchen table issues that matter most to our communities and builds on a record of creating more than 280,000 good-paying Nevada jobs and lowering health care and prescription drug costs, investing over $1 billion for affordable housing in Nevada, and fighting to defend our freedoms and democracy.



The choice this November is clear. A second Trump term would mean four more years of failed promises, of anti-worker schemes, and billionaire-first scams. Nevadans know that Vice President Harris is for the people, while Donald Trump is for himself  and voters will reject Donald Trump for a third time.

Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford kept it simple after the debate posting to X, Kamala won. Trump lost, and describing Trumps performance as hot garbage.

Nevada Republican Party Chairman Michael McDonald spoke to 8 News Now during a debate watch party Tuesday saying:

I think you look at both candidates, you have one that has accomplished a lot. You have one thats come up excuses on the economy. The best line of the night was, If youve been sitting in the White House for three and a half years, all these things you say youre going to do, why havent you done them? The whole thing about the border. Executive Order could happen just like that. Close the border. Donald Trump closed the border. They opened the border. Those are simple things. We start talking about issues that are related to the kitchen table, which I always talk about, she has nowhere to go on this.

I wish he would have talked no tax on tips, no tax on Social Security, because thats what I grew up on. You know, we were born and raised in Las Vegas. Thats an industry that we put food in our mouth, clothing our backs, put us through school. Thats a big issue. So that affects so many people here. Donald Trump was out the gate with that. I remember when we did it, they said it the Democratic Party, along with some of the union leaders. Its stupid. Its the dumb idea, and now theyre all endorsing it and trying to copy it. It shows right there that this is an issue that is dealing with the people, the working men and women of this state.

Its a very tight state, what we talked about before. I think when you look at it, I think so. I think when you look at it, the issue that, why havent you done it? That played a lot in that room right there. If you could have, you would have, why havent you done it? That was the biggest use, I think, the biggest line of the night, the going back and forth on issues we expected it. You know, shes changed her policies on what she believes in fracking and other issues. They hit Donald Trump. It was almost like Donald Trump was fighting three people, not one. So it goes with it, that happens before, but those issues right there, when you cannot come back and you cannot answer those, thats where he got her.Its a very tight state, what we talked about before. I think when you look at it, I think so. I think when you look at it, the issue that, why havent you done it? That played a lot in that room right there. If you could have, you would have, why havent you done it? That was the biggest use, I think, the biggest line of the night, the going back and forth on issues we expected it. You know, shes changed her policies on what she believes in fracking and other issues. They hit Donald Trump. It was almost like Donald Trump was fighting three people, not one. So it goes with it, that happens before, but those issues right there, when you cannot come back and you cannot answer those, thats where he got her.

Republican John Lee who is running for Congress spoke to 8 News Now during the watch party stating:

I think Donald Trump did great. I thought she did horrible, defending everything thats gone wrong in this country, expecting us to believe unicorns and rainbows are going to happen when she shows up. This is a dangerous world right now. We need a strong leader in this country. We need people at the state, local levels who can trust that leadership and we can build this country again. One man cant do it. One Congressman cant do it, but we as local elected officials can go back to Washington and do the things and take it back to our states and build this country back up again, build our military back up, and work the issues and the problems out that weve had during the Biden Harris campaign, and enjoy the freedoms of America and the safety and security we had before.

I thought the questions were relevant to the nation today. I thought they were relevant to the world. And I thought this was on the big screen and the big platform they run.

I think most teams solidified where they think they are. Theres probably 27% of the people that say they have no idea who either of these people really were, till tonight, where they got to see them. I thought it was great that Donald did not attack her viciously. And I also thought she embarrassed herself with all the facial you know. I mean, this is a serious world, smiling and laughing and looking around that doesnt get it. Thats what high school girls do. This was a serious night. She didnt act serious about it. She should have been more defined and let me know as a person what I could expect out of her as a leader, maybe.

Erica Neely who is running for Assembly District 9 spoke to 8 News Now saying:

It was energetic. Yes, it was exciting, because its a moment in time thats important for our country.

Foreign policies is very important. And they spoke about foreign policies, which I was very happy to hear about

Kamala Harris was trying to get away from Biden, but she is Biden because she ran as Biden Kamala ticket. And so I think thats going to sway a lot of people. Shes not taking responsibility, and as Americans, we need to take responsibility of our own actions, especially when youre in a leadership role.

Congresswoman Susie Lee took to X Tuesday during the debate saying, Donald Trump, the man responsible for overturning Roe v. Wade, does not believe women should have the right to make decisions about their own bodies. Nevadans know just how wrong he and far-right extremists are.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
SALEM, Va. (WFXR)  Never Forget. Twenty-three years after the 2001 attacks on the Twin Towers in New York City and the Pentagon in Washington D.C., September 11 is a day that will remain fresh in the minds of many of those who watched the tragedy on TV or experienced it firsthand.

In Downtown Salem, on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, a tribute ceremony was held in front of Fire Station 1 on Market Street that included city officials, members of the Salem Police and Fire Departments, the Sheriffs Office, and courthouse employees in honor of the lives lost.

(Photo Credit: Dustin Hennessey)

Retired flight attendant pushes cart from Boston to NYC to honor 9/11 crews

The ceremony included readings of the names of the 343 Firefighters and 71 law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty on that day. It concluded with a prayer and quiet dismissal.

(Photo Credit: Dustin Hennessey)

(Photo Credit: Dustin Hennessey)

(Photo Credit: Dustin Hennessey)

(Photo Credit: Dustin Hennessey)

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFXRtv.
Editors Note: The full opening ceremony can be viewed at the bottom of this page.

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  The Brockport community came together once again 22 years after the attacks on September 11, 2001.

The Brockport Fire District hosted its 9/11 opening ceremony Wednesday morning at the Firefighters Memorial Monument. First responders and members of the US Military were in attendance for the ceremony.

The Brockport ROTC retired the flag hanging at the monument. The opening prayer was done by Michael Barbato, a veteran and the executive director of Coffee for Cops. A uniformed honor guard will be in place until the end of the ceremony.

9/11 events and ceremonies for 2024 in Rochester

In tradition for a death on the line of duty for firefighters, the Memorial Bell rang at 8:46 a.m.  the time the first plane crashed into the World Trade Center that morning.

The closing ceremony will start at 6:30 p.m. Additionally, a closed day-long vigil will be held  as it has been for the past 22 years with the playing of TAPS.

The Brockport Fire District is encouraging residents to visit the memorial, take a tag of a firefighter at the fire district, and visit the 9/11 Remembrance Trailer.

Full Opening Ceremony

You can watch the full opening ceremony in the video player above.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst.
Newton County (Ind.) sheriffs officer shot in line of duty in Illinois dies, sheriffs office says

NEWTON COUNTY, Ind.  A Northwest Indiana sheriffs officer shot in the line of duty in Illinois earlier this month has died, according to an update from the Newton County (Ind.) Sheriffs Office.

In a Facebook post Tuesday afternoon, the sheriffs office said Corporal Brandon Schreiber, shot on Sept. 1 while pursuing a suspect across the Illinois border in Sheldon, would not survive his injuries.

In an update late Wednesday morning, the sheriffs office said Schreiber had died.

On behalf of the family of Corporal Schreiber, it is with great sadness we must provide this update, the Tuesday Facebook post read. Corporal Schreiber was shot in the line of duty on September 1, 2024.

Despite the tremendous and heroic efforts of his medical team, we have been informed he will not survive his injuries.

Man up for possible sentencing Wednesday in CPD Officer Ella Frenchs murder

That post also noted Schreiber was an organ donor and his sacrifice will present the opportunity for him to help many other people.

Schreiber was a five-year veteran of the Newton County Sheriffs Office.

According to Illinois State Police, which led the investigation of the incident, preliminary reports showed that officers from the Iroquois County (Ill.) Sheriffs Office were engaged in a pursuit of an armed suspect with a hostage on the evening of Sept. 1.

After the pursuit crossed into Indiana, ISP said the Newton County Sheriffs Office joined in.

The pursuit then came back into Illinois, according to ISP, and the suspect crashed in Sheldon. The suspect then exited his vehicle, and gunfire was exchanged.

During the exchange of gunfire, according to ISP, the suspect and a deputy from the Newton County Sheriffs Office were both struck. The Newton County Sheriffs Office identified the deputy as Schreiber.

Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines

The suspect, 37-year-old Andrew Roselius of Clifton, Ill., was pronounced dead at the scene, ISP said. No hostage was located inside the vehicle.

Schreiber was initially taken to Iroquois Memorial Hospital, authorities said, and was then flown to the Carle Trauma Center in Urbana in critical condition.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
When is the next presidential debate between Trump and Harris?

(NewsNation)  Vice President Kamala Harris went head-to-head with former President Donald Trump Tuesday evening in the first presidential debate between the pair, but its unclear if theyll debate again.

Will there be another debate between Trump and Harris?

Its unclear whether the pair will debate again. Harris said she wants to debate Trump again and extended an offer Tuesday.

Trump hasnt committed to a second debate and told Fox & Friends he was not inclined to.

I won the debate by a lot, Trump said. But I think we let it settle and lets see what happens.

Trump, Harris spar over abortion, exceptions and IVF

What did Harris campaign say?

Harris campaign staff suggested the candidates debate again next month.

Under the bright lights, the American people got to see the choice they will face this fall at the ballot box: between moving forward with Kamala Harris, or going backwards with Trump, Harris campaign Chair Jen OMalley Dillon said in an official statement. Thats what they saw tonight and what they should see at a second debate in October. She added, Vice President Harris is ready for a second debate. Is Donald Trump?

What did Trumps campaign say?

Trump has previously tried to schedule three debates with Harris but the candidates havent always been on the same page. Following her campaigns remarks Tuesday, Trump said his team would think about participating in another debate. He also said he interpreted the request as an admission of defeat on Harris part.

She wants to do another one because she was beaten tonight, Trump told reporters after Tuesdays debate. I dont know if were going to do another one. She wants a second debate because she lost tonight, very badly well think about that.

When is the vice presidential debate?

The candidates vice presidential picks  Republican Sen. JD Vance of Ohio and Democratic Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota  are scheduled for an Oct. 1 debate in New York City. NewsNation will provide coverage of the event.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
A New Hampshire man has been arrested after allegedly assaulting a 5-year-old child in Manchester.

According to police, on August 23, Manchester Police received a Law Enforcement Notification from DCYF concerning a child who had an injury to his face.

The person reporting the injuries said they suspected child abuse, police said.

Through an investigation, officers learned that the child was in the care of Domingo Pacheco, 27 of Manchester.

An arrest warrant was issued for Pacheco and he turned himself in to Machester police.

Pacheco is being charged with second-degree assault and he has been placed on preventative detention

Additional information was not available.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

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NORTH COUNTRY, N.Y. (WWTI)  The Northern New York Community Foundations 2024-2025 Community Spirit Youth Giving Challenge is now open to Jefferson, Lewis or St. Lawrence County students.

The challenge looks to engage seventh- and eighth-grade students in learning about their communities while competing for an opportunity to award a $1,000 grant to a local nonprofit organization of their choice. The initiative gets students to explore their view of community and select a local charity that makes their community a great place to live.

Last Years Community Spirit Youth Giving Challenge Winners

Any student currently enrolled in seventh or eighth grade in a Tri-County school is eligible to compete. Ten students will be selected to present a charitable organization of their choice with a $1,000 grant each.

All entries will be judged competitively and should be a compelling well-written articulated case for support. To enter the competition, students must complete an essay-based application in writing.

2024 marks the programs eighth year, which is made possible by:

Donors to the Community Foundations Friends of the Foundation Annual Community Betterment Fund;

Corporate support from Community Bank; and

A major gift from an individual donor.

Sept. 21: Alzheimers Association Walk to End Alzheimers

In the challenges first seven years, 122 students from 22 different tri-county school districts and a homeschooled student have been selected to present 119 grants to nonprofit organizations that serve tri-county residents  totaling $70,000.

Entries must be made online, postmarked or hand-delivered to the Community Foundation no later than Friday, October 25. Applications can be found:

Online at the Northern New York Community Foundation website;

At local schools; or

At Northern New York Community Foundation, 131 Washington St. in Watertown.

As a reminder, students who were selected to award grants in previous years are not eligible to enter again.

A grant review committee will judge all entries and select the 10 winning students to present grant awards, eligible recipient organizations must be a Jefferson, Lewis or St. Lawrence County nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization.

1000 Islands Charity Poker Run gifts $252K to Make-A-Wish Central New York

The winning submissions and grant awards will be announced no later than early January. A Community Foundation representative will contact winners to schedule them to visit their chosen organization, learn more about its work and mission and present the grant award.

For more information about the Community Spirit Youth Giving Challenge, you can call the Community Foundation at 315-782-7110 or email them at info@nnycf.org.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWTI - InformNNY.com.
No confirmation Russia has used Iranian missiles against Ukraine, Zelensky says

There is no evidence yet that Russia has already used Iranian ballistic missiles against Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Sept. 11 at the Crimean Platform in Kyiv, attended by a Kyiv Independent reporter.

The U.S. confirmed on Sept. 10 that Iran has provided Russia with shipments of Fath-360 close-range ballistic missiles as a boost to Mosocow's war against Ukraine.

"We've warned Tehran publicly, we've warned Tehran privately, that taking this step would be a dangerous escalation," U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said. "Russia has now received shipments of these missiles."

Zelensky said he had received information from Western intelligence about the Iranian ballistic missile deliveries to Moscow.

"But I cannot confirm the use of the missiles for now. I can only confirm when we have evidence. As it was with North Korea," the president said.

Russia has received ballistic missiles and artillery shells from Pyongyang, with the weaponry already being used against Ukrainian cities and troops.

Tehran has also provided Moscow with thousands of Shahed kamikaze drones since the start of the all-out war.

The U.S. and other Western partners have imposed further sanctions against Tehran over the shipments of ballistic missiles.

Iran on Sept. 9 denied it had delivered ballistic missiles to Russia, claiming reports to the contrary were "psychological warfare." Moscow gave an evasive answer when asked about the reports, saying only that Russia and Iran cooperate in all possible areas.

Ukraine's Foreign Ministry said last week that if Iran provides ballistic missiles to Russia, "it will have devastating consequences for Ukrainian-Iranian bilateral relations."

Heorhii Tykhyi, the ministry's spokesperson, said that Kyiv does not rule out severing of diplomatic ties with Tehran.

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.
Editors note: This story contains graphic descriptions.

The accounts of elderly Ukrainian civilians who survived the hardships of World War II in their youth, only to face the brutality of Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine, underscore the cyclical nature of historys relentless and unforgiving course.

Its the tumult of the early 20th century in Ukraine and surrounding countries of the former Soviet Union  marked by revolutions, political purges, famine, and world wars  that offers a critical lens through which to understand this present war, the most brutal one Europe has seen since that era.

In that sense, historical fiction offers writers a unique ability to explore similar themes with the benefit of hindsight, inviting readers to reflect and draw parallels, perhaps even speculate on how Russias current war might look once it draws to a close.

No Country for Love, the debut novel of Ukrainian-born journalist Yaroslav Trofimov, follows Debora, a Jewish-Ukrainian woman who leaves her sleepy hometown of Uman in central Ukraine to contribute to the construction of the Kharkiv Tractor Plant in 1930. Although initially out of her element, she swiftly forms friendships, finds love with a charming pilot named Samuel, and acclimates to her new life in the city.

Kharkiv served as the capital of the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic from 1919 to 1934. Trofimov is adept at portraying the perpetual energy of the big city and how, during that period, Kharkiv attracted people from all across Ukraine: This was the metropolis of the future, a place where everything changed before your eyes, where every day brought something unexpected.

While Debora and her friends savor their youthful optimism against the backdrop of Kharkivs modern allure, ominous, looming events threaten to disrupt their lives forever.

Kharkiv and its environs stood as the epicenter of some of the darkest moments of this historical period. The citys intellectual elite were systematically targeted, their numbers dwindling as they were arrested, imprisoned, and, in many cases, executed by the Soviet secret police: One by one, they started to vanish. At first their books were no longer displayed in the university shop, and no longer available in the library. Then the academics themselves stopped showing up for classes, and substitute instructors arrived to teach their courses.

Trofimov's portrayal of the Holodomor  the man-made famine of 1932-1933 orchestrated by Joseph Stalin, which claimed the lives of an estimated 3.5 to 5 million Ukrainians  is chilling. He captures the desperation of some of the villagers who, in their search for sustenance, arrive in vain. City street cleaners complain about the discovery of yet another lifeless child among the corpses in the snowbanks. Eventually, movement throughout the region is restricted by the authorities, so the horrors of what is unfolding outside of the capital remain the topic of hushed conversations.

In contrast to typical Western-oriented stories set in the Soviet Union, No Country for Love offers the reader a more realistic portrayal by addressing the complex linguistic, cultural, and ethnic diversity often overlooked by other storytellers in favor of a simplified, reductive view of the region as being uniformly Russian.

Soviet history oscillated between periods of tolerating local cultures and enforcing Russification. As a result of the latter, languages like Ukrainian were relegated to "rural" status in the minds of many and deemed unworthy of use in metropolitan centers. Russification policies were part of the states efforts to centralize control under the guise of a more unified Soviet identity.

Yet, there still existed discrimination against non-Russians, with anti-Semitism standing out as a particularly glaring example in the novel. Derogatory slurs against Jewish people are commonly used in the aftermath of World War II, and societal issues are frequently attributed to them.

Debora, raised as an agnostic Jew by her father who believed that one of the positive aspects of the Bolshevik Revolution was that it had swept away all these distinctions for ever, is later compelled to change her name to Daryna and take a Russian surname. She reassures her young son by calling him a "Soviet man" after he is subjected to anti-Semitic slurs by other children. However, as the years pass, she is heartbroken to witness him adopting the same bullying behavior toward other Jewish boys, fully internalizing this identity.

This notion of a "unified" Soviet identity is fraught with internal dissonance, an identity so malleable and subjective that it can be twisted to mean anything, often in harmful ways. Trofimov cleverly underscores this ambiguity through passages that highlight the absurdity and contradictions inherent in the concept:

(Deboras) parents had taught her that Ukrainian was the tongue of uneducated peasants, just as Yiddish was the vernacular of backward shtetl Jews. Only the great Russian language, with its enlightened legacy of Pushkin, Dostoevsky and Tolstoy, was a gateway to the future, according to Deboras father, who had memorized a few poems by Pushkin in high school but had read neither Dostoevsky nor Tolstoy.

After witnessing the dark events that came to define the backdrop of her formative years in Kharkiv, Debora moves to Kyiv with her family, but the outbreak of World War II prevents them from realizing a happy future. As Debora, her young son, and her mother flee the Nazi advance on Kyiv, they find themselves in the expanses of Russia. In this setting, Trofimov astutely highlights some of the more pronounced differences that distinguish Ukrainians from Russians: It was the first time that Debora had been in Russia proper, and she sensed the difference from Ukraine  in accents that stressed the long a, in clothes, in the rhythm of life. Locals, too, immediately put her down as a stranger.

As the novel reveals through its characters interactions, war and political strife have the capacity to elicit both the noblest and the most nefarious aspects of human nature.

A once-flirtatious male acquaintance of Deboras, upon ascending the ranks of the secret police, weaponizes his attraction to her and turns predatory, while jealous neighbors in communal living spaces seize the opportunity to spy and report on her and her family for even the slightest perceived indiscretions, condemning some of them to cruel fates.

Debora is repeatedly forced to sacrifice her own needs and desires over the years, making unimaginable choices to safeguard the lives of her children. Yet, Trofimov navigates such moments with a profound respect for his protagonist. Even during the novels bleakest scenes, nothing feels exploitative.

This careful and empathetic treatment reflects his extensive background as a journalist, where he has skillfully narrated the experiences of those in conflict zones with both nuance and sensitivity. His journalistic precision translates effortlessly into fiction, with each chapter unfolding like a meticulously crafted dispatch, devoid of any superfluous elements.

Among the most striking passages in No Country for Love are those depicting how people of all ages come to normalize war as a defining aspect of their daily lives, such as when children in the courtyard of Deboras building play with shrapnel that fell from the sky during the Battle of Kyiv or how entire villages get wiped out by invading forces.

Among the most striking passages in No Country for Love are those depicting how people of all ages come to normalize war as a defining aspect of their daily lives.

These passages evoke parallels with Russias current war against Ukraine the most of all, underscoring how much trauma generations of Ukrainians have endured:

Yet another depopulated Ukrainian villagewould soon be overgrown by the forest, a few apple and cherry trees in the wilderness bearing witness to what it used to be long ago. A place where people once fell in love, where people celebrated their weddings, where they taught their children how to ride horses and milk cows. Before ambitions and ideologies and hatred in faraway capitals wiped it off the map.

At its core, No Country for Love is an exploration of survival and its costs. In the face of pervasive suffering and death, the notion of returning to ones previous way of life becomes untenable, rendering survival a subjective concept.

Characters like Debora, who seeks only love and a fulfilling life for her children, emerge deeply disillusioned, acutely aware of what the years have wrought upon her. The novel leaves the reader to answer the question of whether or not true love and happiness can ever be found amid the remnants of such profound hardship.

We are up against history. History is a wild and bloodthirsty animal, as Deboras mother explains to her at one point in the novel. It is on a rampage through this country again, breaking and remaking it anew.

You cant stand in its way, and you cant stop it. All you can hope is that it misses you as it lashes out and claws its way forward.

Note from the author:



Hi, this is Kate Tsurkan, thanks for reading this article. There is an ever-increasing amount of books about Ukraine available to English-language readers, and I hope my recommendations prove useful when it comes to your next trip to the bookstore. Ukrainian culture has taken on an even more important meaning during wartime, so if you like reading about this sort of thing, please consider supporting The Kyiv Independent.

Read also: 10 books to better understand wartime Ukraine

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Democratic US presidential nominee Kamala Harris has been targeted by an unfounded claim that she crashed her car into a teenage girl and fled the scene in 2011 when she was California's attorney general. The website that initially spread the story went offline soon after publishing it and local police told AFP they have no record of the collision .

"BREAKING: A 26-year-old woman from San Francisco, Alicia Brown, alleges that Kamala Harris was involved in a 2011 hit-and-run accident that left her unable to walk," says a September 3, 2024 X post with thousands of interactions.

The video in the post features an interview with a woman, identified both as Alicia Brown and Alisha Brown, who claims Harris hit her in July 2011 when she was 13.

Brown alleges she and her mother were intimidated against speaking publicly about the ordeal, and that she is only comfortable discussing it now because her mother recently died.

"Of course, back then I didn't know that it's Kamala Harris, California attorney general -- at the moment, I saw only a frightened stranger woman," she says in the roughly three-minute interview.

Screenshot from X taken September 6, 2024

The same claim has circulated elsewhere on X, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Rumble and Gettr.

Brown says the hit-and-run took place July 7, 2011 at the intersection of Post Street and Jones Street in downtown San Francisco.

However, San Francisco Police Department spokeswoman Allison Maxie said in a September 6, 2024 email that the claim has "no merit" and there is no record of a collision with that description.

Other media outlets, including PolitiFact, NewsGuard, and CBS News, have also debunked the claims.

AFP contacted the Harris campaign and the California attorney general's office for comment, but no responses were forthcoming.

'Not enough evidence' of AI

AFP consulted multiple experts to determine whether the video circulating online is authentic. Some reports indicate the clip was created using artificial intelligence, while other analysts say the video is real even if Brown's claims are inaccurate.

Hany Farid, a leading digital forensics expert at the University of California-Berkeley (archived here), told AFP the interview does not appear to be computer-generated. He said generative AI can have difficulty producing audio longer than a minute or two.

"I think (the) only reason we're having this conversation is because everybody's talking about AI all the time, and every time we see something fake, people want to tag it with AI," Farid said September 11.

"But it's important to understand that there's a lot of ways to lie, and the simplest way, by far, is to stick somebody in a wheelchair and tell them what to say."

Siwei Lyu, director of the Media Forensic Lab at the University at Buffalo (archived here), also said there is "not enough evidence" to conclude the clip was created using AI.

He told AFP he analyzed the footage using seven different AI detection modules. While one indicated it was machine-generated, six others were unsure or did not have enough evidence of manipulation.

No trace of Brown

AFP searched the White Pages for evidence of a San Francisco resident named Alicia or Alisha Brown but found no one around her age.

The archives of local newspapers, including the San Francisco Chronicle, Examiner and the Mercury News, also did not surface articles or obituaries mentioning Brown.

X-ray images featured in the video as evidence of her injuries do not check out, either.

A reverse image search reveals the scans come from two unrelated sources. One was taken at a hospital in Jiangsu province, China in 2010 and another stems from a 2017 paper published in the Journal of Children's Orthopaedics (archived here and here).

Screenshot of an archived version of the KBSF website taken September 11, 2024

Screenshots from the National Library of Medicine (L) and Research Gate websites taken September 11, 2024

Another image passed off as the crash was taken by Pacific Daily News photographer Rick Cruz after a 2018 collision in the US territory of Guam (archived here).

Screenshot of an archived version of the KBSF website taken September 11, 2024

Screenshot from the Detroit Free Press website taken September 11, 2024

Fake news site

The interview with Brown first appeared on a website titled "KBSF -- San Francisco News." The site was not live as of September 11, but an archived version is available via the Internet Archive.

Screenshot of an archived version of the KBSF website taken September 9, 2024

The BBC investigated the domain and found it resembled a network of imposter news websites that AFP has previously fact-checked.

WHOIS, a tool showing who owns a domain and when it was set up, indicates Kbsf-tv.com was first registered August 20, 2024 -- about two weeks before the article about Harris was published (archived here).

Screenshot from the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers website taken September 11, 2024, with elements highlighted by AFP

The website published dozens of other news pieces, but most headlines and images appear on other outlets' websites. Some articles also predated the domain's registration by more than a month.

Screenshots of an archived version of the KBSF website (L) and the CBS News website taken September 11, 2024

Screenshots of an archived version of the KBSF website (L) and the Los Angeles Times website taken September 11, 2024

While the website resembles a local television station, it does not appear in the US Federal Communications Commission's database of approved broadcasters.

KBSF-LP is a radio station in the US state of Oregon, but the nonprofit that owns the outlet told AFP in a September 6 email that it has no affiliation with the site and does not operate in California.

The KBSF -- San Francisco website says it is run by a company called KBSF Bay Area. However, the California secretary of state has no record of a company by that name.

A report issued by Microsoft's Threat Analysis Center (MTAC) on September 17, 2024 (archived here) concluded the fabricated story originated with a Russian disinformation organization called Storm-1516 and that the group "laundered" the video through the fake KBSF website.

"Russian influence of US elections has remained a constant over the last decade, but in the past few months the MTAC has observed a shift in the tactics for reaching American audiences amidst a dynamic social media environment and a shifting electoral calculus," the report said.

AFP has debunked other false and misleading claims about the 2024 election here.
No ones happy about the contract: Possible Boeing strike looms, workers vote on tentative deal

A possible strike at Boeing is looming as workers are preparing to vote on a tentative agreement. While some support the new deal, others dont like it.

Its ridiculous, a factory worker said. People arent happy about it.

Boeing and IAM District 751 have been negotiating a new deal since March, the aerospace companys first full negotiation with IAM 751 in 16 years.

In July, thousands of factory workers packed T-Mobile Park for a strike authorization vote, which is part of their standard process.

Several workers, who did not want to be identified due to fear of retaliation, told KIRO 7 News that thousands of workers have been protesting during lunch breaks at Boeing plants across the Puget Sound ahead of Thursdays vote.

Boeing workers tell me a possible strike is looming as a vote on a tentative agreement is scheduled for... Posted by Louie Tran on Tuesday, September 10, 2024

Around lunchtime, they started blasting off train horns. Everyone is just yelling and screaming about it, a worker said. Theyre just trying to make noise, letting upper management know that were not happy. The contract that theyre calling historic. They say its the biggest wage weve gotten, but its been 16 years since we got a wage increase.

The protests are not just about pay, a worker said, its also about safety.

One of these airplanes holds 200 people. 40 airplanes a month. Theres a lot of people that fly on these planes. We put pride in our work, and it should reflect on whats paid, a worker told KIRO 7 News.

A few of the demands by the union include a 40 percent wage increase over a three-year span, reinstating Boeings pension, and a guarantee that the next airplane program is built in the Pacific Northwest.

The starting pay for our wage is 19 dollars an hour. I made more at Walmart than working here, a worker said.

Boeing shared details on its proposal, which included a 25 percent wage increase over four years  an 11 percent increase on the first day, a four percent increase over the next two years, and a six percent increase in 2027.

Boeings new tentative agreement would take away workers annual bonuses, which is roughly around three percent, according to several workers we spoke with.

Instead, the companys proposal would contribute up to $4,160 a year to an employees 401(k) account, Boeing said.

All of us union members, what we asked to be brought to the table wasnt. Its like I said, its kind of a slap in the face, said a worker.

The aerospace company told KIRO 7 News that its committed to building a new airplane program in the Puget Sound and Portland.

We put our best foot forward on the first offer to give you the reward and the respect you deserve. Simply put, this is the best contract weve ever presented, the company wrote in a statement.

We bargained in absolute good faith with the IAM team that represents you and your interests. Let me be clear: We did not hold back with an eye on a second vote, the company added.

KIRO 7 News reached out to IAM District 751s president Jon Holden.

Were still waiting to hear back.
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 Liebowitz 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, Liebowitz 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 Liebowitz 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 Liebowitz 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 Liebowitzs 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 Liebowitzs 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 Liebowitzs 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.

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NEW ORLEANS (WGNO)  The New Orleans Police Department is searching for a 20-month-old boy after he was reportedly taken by his mother without permission on Sept. 6.

According to the NOPD, the boy, identified as Makai Hagler, was last seen in the 4900 block of Burgundy Street in New Orleans around 4:30 p.m.

Francine now a hurricane, will continue tracking to Louisiana.

Hagler is believed to be with his biological mother, 20-year-old Kayla Hall, as well as another unknown male.

Hagler reportedly stands at two feet tall and weighs around 30 lbs.

Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to contact Fifth District detectives at 504-658-6050.

Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter.

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RALEIGH, N.C. (AP)  Almost 200 diversity, equity and inclusion staff positions were either cut or reassigned across North Carolina's public university system to comply with a systemwide policy that required institutions to reassess their diversity efforts, according to reports released on Wednesday.

In a first look at how the state's 16 public universities complied with the new diversity policy  which removed mention of diversity jobs across universities and subsequently put them at risk of elimination  the institutions' certification reports demonstrate varying approaches on how campuses chose to follow the new rule.

The University of North Carolina Board of Governors reviewed the reports on Wednesday, where they evaluated ranging actions that included diversity office closures and program changes. Millions of dollars were also redirected to student success initiatives, such as recruitment efforts and scholarships, as a result of cuts and realignments.

The reports will be scrutinized far and wide. Some will say that the campuses went too far, some will say the campuses didn't go far enough, UNC system legal counsel Andrew Tripp said during the meeting. It's ultimately the Board of Governors that will judge campuses' compliance.

In late May, the UNC Board of Governors revoked and replaced its 2019 diversity policy, which outlined several diversity jobs and their responsibility for coordinating DEI efforts across the system. What replaced it was a policy focused on committing the system to equality of viewpoints, freedom of speech and institutional neutrality  leaving diversity positions and programs in limbo.

Diversity efforts have become a subject of conservatives' ire on college campuses over the past few years, with the University of Florida and the University of Texas making national headlines for dismantling its diversity offices and cutting its staff. Diversity opponents say the practice can lead to discrimination, while its supporters say it helps level the playing field for women and people of color.

North Carolina's Republican legislative leaders are among those who have expressed concern with DEI, and, at one point, were considering legislation restricting those programs before the UNC Board of Governors stepped in.

The UNC system in June sent out sweeping guidelines that covered everything from student success initiatives to campus center programming to facilitate the changes to come. To prove compliance with the new policy, schools were required to submit certification reports that described eliminated positions, position reassignments, program changes and financial savings from cuts.

Information on how universities were following the guidance was largely kept under wraps  even from faculty members  before the Sept. 1 report submission deadline.

Now, over a week later, those newly released reports show universities eliminated 59 positions and reassigned 131 more, according to the certification report statistics summary.

UNC-Chapel Hill, the state's flagship university and second most populous public university as of 2023, makes up a third of eliminated positions. The second highest source of eliminations was at UNC Charlotte with nine cuts, followed by North Carolina State University with eight positions.

On the other hand, NC State led position reassignments  moving 29 people to new positions and departments. UNC-Chapel Hill realigned 27 positions. Other universities, such as East Carolina University and UNC Wilmington, chose to mostly move around positions rather than eliminate them.

Universities also redirected a large sum of money  more than $17 million in total across the system  that is meant to be reallocated toward student success initiatives. Almost all universities have spent those savings already, while UNC Pembroke and Appalachian State University have yet to do so.

Worries on how the policy would impact diverse recruitment and retention at universities surfaced during the board meeting, brought to the forefront by Joel Ford  one of the board's few Black members. He called on UNC System president Peter Hans to step up to ensure community members know that the system's universities were still welcoming to all students.

That remains our obligation under federal law, state law and our moral obligation as well, Hans said in response.

Others, such as board member Woody White, expressed concern on a different front: how quickly and fully the policy was implemented. White voiced his skepticism on whether all universities meaningfully made adjustments to the policy, noting that he didn't see the same level of velocity in the new policy's implementation as when the 2019 policy was approved.

Compliance with the policy will continue on an annual basis, but the reports were a great first step, Tripp said.

---

This article has been updated to correct the spelling of East Carolina University from Eastern Carolina University
Under clear blue skies, Hackensack firefighters, police officers, emergency personnel, city employees and residents gathered to mark the 23rd anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.

They remembered the five Hackensack residents who were among the nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives that day, as well as the people who have died from 9/11-related illnesses from working near the disaster site, including two Hackensack firefighters.

We honor those who rushed into danger without hesitation, and we remember how the community came together, Fire Chief Anthony Riehl said at the ceremony outside city fire headquarters on State Street. It was a time when we learned the true value of compassion, the importance of cherishing each moment and the strength found in standing together.

It was one of several events held Wednesday across North Jersey to remember the civilians and first responders lost 23 years ago on one of the most devastating days in American history, when the World Trade Center's twin towers and the Pentagon were hit by passenger planes hijacked by the Islamic extremist group al-Qaeda.

Another hijacking was thwarted by passengers, causing it to go down over a field in Pennsylvania.

Hackensack Police Director Ray Guidetti recalled his work after 9/11 when he was assigned to the Federal Bureau of Investigation Joint Terrorism Task Force and worked with the prosecutorial team investigating the 9/11 hijacking of Flight 93, which crashed in a Pennsylvania field, killing all 44 passengers and crew members on board.

As part of that work, Guidetti interviewed family members, coworkers and friends of the victims. The interviews were conducted to hear the impact of the lives lost, and were to be used during the trial of Sept. 11 conspirator Zacarias Moussaoui, who was ultimately sentenced to life in prison without parole. The interviews were also an opportunity for people to tell stories about their loved ones, he said.

The stories focused on the individual lives lost. They focused not on how they died but how they lived, he said. To me, the best way to honor those lost on 9/11 or from 9/11-related illnesses is to remember how we felt and acted on Sept. 12  the community, comradery and patriotism.

Hackensack Mayor John Labrosse read aloud the names of the city residents who were killed on 9/11, before the crowd observed a moment of silence as taps played.

Hackensack held a ceremonry marking the 23rd anniversary of 9/11 outside of city fire headquarters on State Street.

Today, let us remember all those we lost and continue to work together to make sure this country is safe for our kids and grandkids, he said.

Many Bergen County towns planned to commemorate the 9/11 anniversary with events scheduled for Wednesday evening.

Bergen County Executive James Tedesco and the Board of Commissioners were scheduled to hold their annual ceremony at Overpeck County Park to remember the 147 Bergen County residents who lost their lives because of the attack.

First responders at Ground Zero suffering from exposure

Tedesco said it's also important to acknowledge the lives of first responders that are still being claimed today.

Many first responders and volunteers who risked their lives to go through the rubble of Ground Zero are now living with serious health conditions as a result of toxic chemicals released by the collapse of the Twin Towers.

"Instead of being honored for their courage and bravery, these heroes are suffering," Tedesco said. "But we have the power to help them."

Free care and monitoring through Zadroga Act

Tedesco remembered the late Joseph Zadroga, who fought to pass lifesaving legislation such as the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act.

Since the Zadroga Act was passed in 2010, more than 100,000 people with health complications linked to 9/11 have received free care and medical monitoring.

"That is why we must push our federal legislators to establish permanent funding for our first responders and all those who are suffering from the health effects of 9/11," Tedesco said.

The James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act, which was reauthorized in 2015 with coverage extended for 75 years, provides medical monitoring and care for the thousands of former Ground Zero workers suffering from respiratory ailments and other health problems.

"We must continue to advocate for our first responders, share stories about our loved ones, respect each other, and be there for one another," Tedesco said. "Through unity, we shall heal, we shall grow, and we shall never forget."

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: 9/11 ceremonies in 2024 in North Jersey remember the lost
A PE teacher who helped a young wheelchair-user fulfil his dream of climbing a mountain is one of the winners in the BBC Radio Northampton Make a Difference Awards 2024.

Jack Fleckney pushed eight-year-old Albert up Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) to raise funds for an all-terrain powered wheelchair.

Other winners included a woman who set up a community cafe after her son took his own life, and an animal-lover who rescues hens when they are no longer commercially viable.

The awards were handed out at a ceremony at Wellingborough's Castle Theatre.

Mr Fleckney, who used to play rugby for Wasps, met Albert while covering some PE lessons at his school.

Albert from Rushden, who has Duchenne muscular dystrophy, told him he would have loved to climb a mountain but his legs did not work properly so he would never be able to.

Mr Fleckney decided to make his dream come true by pushing Albert up the highest mountain in Wales in an all-terrain manual wheelchair.

He said: "Some bits were pushed, then there were other bits [where] we had a rope and  if the track was too bad and you literally couldn't push a wheelchair  I had a team of friends who all pulled with a rope to help him get through those difficult bits."

The winner of the Fundraiser Award said it was "really lovely to get nominated, but I'm such a small part of that whole fundraising thing".

Denise Mackay set up Johnny's Happy Place and runs it every weekend [Denise Mackay]

Denise Mackay won the Community Award for setting up a community cafe after her son took his own life.

She was nominated by her daughter, who described how she had worked tirelessly to keep Johnny's Happy Place in Kettering going, giving talks and raising money.

She added that people said the cafe had "saved their life by being there to listen".

Ms Mackay said: "Johnny died in October 2014 [and] people said 'We've got to do something as a legacy for Johnny'.

"There are a lot of people whose very sad stories we've heard, but they know that they can come because they know I've been through what they've been through."

Jenny Betts cares for hens who are too old to be egg-laying machines [BBC]

Hens who have reached the age of 18 months and are no longer useful as egg-layers usually do not survive.

But Jenny Betts, from Northampton, helps rescue as many as she can, and her hard work has won her the Make a Difference Animals Award.

She volunteers for Chicken Rescue UK and prepares the hens for new homes with loving families.

She said: "I've always had a real thing for animals. I just never thought I'd fall for chickens in the way that I did!"

The other winners are:

Volunteer Award: Nina Robinson, Rush 2the Den playgroup

Carer Award: Khandie Rees, Remember My Baby photography

Great Neighbour: Lynn Hinch, Ability bus service

Bravery Award: Lindsay and Gregg Nunney, Team Sebastian

Green Award: Christine Hamilton, Mawsley litter-pick

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If voters approve Amendment 2 to Kentucky's Constitution the state for the first time would be allowed to send public money to private schools. Donors on both sides of the issue recently filed campaign finance reports. (Getty Images)

FRANKFORT  The big money being donated to defeat the so-called school choice amendment on the November ballot has come from  as expected  teachers unions, while the big money contributed by proponents of Amendment 2 has come from developers and other business interests in Northern Kentucky.

Reports filed with the Kentucky Registry of Election Finance on Tuesday show that the group opposing the amendment, called Protect Our Schools, appears to have an early fundraising edge. It reported raising $3,055,000 since the spring and has $2,880,000 of that on hand as of Sept. 11.

Meanwhile, the committee advocating for the amendment, called Kentucky Students First, reported raising $1,533,000 so far, and a current balance of $1,118,000.

However, there are other groups that will spend money to influence voters in this race that have yet to report their donations and expenses. The most significant of those is likely to be Protect Freedom, which began airing advertisements advocating for the amendment in Kentucky this week.

Protect Freedom is a national political action committee that discloses its finances to the Federal Election Commission and is due to file its next report later this month. The super PAC is affiliated with U.S. Sen. Rand Paul and has been nearly totally funded by Jeff Yass, the multi-billionaire options trader from Philadelphia. Yass is a powerful advocate for school choice and among the very largest political donors in the country. Since the beginning of 2023 he donated $14 million to Protect Freedom. And he donated millions to Protect Freedom and other super PACs that supported Republican Daniel Camerons unsuccessful campaign for governor of Kentucky in 2023.

Passage of Amendment 2 would allow the Kentucky General Assembly to approve provide state taxpayer funds to private and charter schools.

State lawmakers tried to do that three years ago with a bill that would have provided tax credits for donations supporting private school tuition.

But the Kentucky Supreme Court struck down that law, saying it violated provisions of the Kentucky Constitution.

Early this year Republican majorities in the Kentucky General Assembly approved a measure to let voters decide this November to amend the Constitution so that the General Assembly can provide funding for education outside the public school system.

Biggest donors

In its report filed Tuesday with the state election registry, the pro-amendment group Kentucky Students First reported getting most of its money from donors from Northern Kentucky with ties to the development and hospitality industries. Its biggest donors:

William Yung, of Naples Florida, president of the hotel and resort operator Columbia Sussex, which is based in Crescent Springs, $500,000.

Kentucky Education Freedom Fund Inc., a dark money political committee based in Louisville and headed by Charles Leis, the chief executive of EdChoice Kentucky, of Louisville. This type of political committee organized under Section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Service does not have to disclose its donors.

Anthony Zembrodt, of Covington, retired, $200,000

Matth Toebben, Crescent Springs, executive of Toebben Companies which is involved in commercial and residential construction, $100,000.

The Drees Company, Fort Mitchell, homebuilding, $75,000.

American Federation for Children, of Columbia, Maryland, a national organization that promotes school choice, $75,000.

Protect Our Schools, the group opposed to the amendment, reported the following large donations:

National Education Association, Washington, a national teachers union, $2,415,000

Kentucky Education Association, Frankfort, a state teachers union, $250,000

Jefferson County Teachers Association, Louisville, the Jefferson county teachers union, $250,000

Movement Voter Project, Northampton, Massachusetts, $60,000

Council for Better Education, Frankfort, $50,000
CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  Northlake Mall in north Charlotte is one of several locations in North Carolina that will be receiving funding for a new EV charging station, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper announced on Wednesday.

Officials said $1,090,841 was awarded for the project, part of a $109 million clean transportation state initiative.

This is an exciting start, but theres so much more to come for clean transportation, said Governor Cooper. By expanding the EV charging network, all North Carolinians will be able to choose transportation options that are more efficient, more affordable, and better for our environment.

Elizabeth City, Marion, and New Bern are some of the other locations that have been awarded.

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE)  Members of an Albuquerque homeowners association are now paying much closer attention to what the association is doing with their money, and they want other HOA members to learn from their experience.

Fed up with how their neighborhood looked, a few members asked to look at their associations finances; they wanted to know what their monthly dues were going toward. Their HOA is now under new leadership, as the Albuquerque Police Department investigates suspected mishandling of finances.

KRQE Investigates

These are all the boxes that we acquired when we became the, well, actually, I became the interim president, Jocelynn Reichbach said. She showed KRQE Investigates several disheveled boxes of documents given to her by the former president of her HOA.

KRQE is not naming the HOA or the former president to protect her identity. At this point, she has not been charged with a crime.

Its $600 even for every single one. So, there wasnt even a time that she missed on a monthly basis, Reichbach said while sifting through a handful of check receipts. The receipts show $600 paid directly to the former HOA president each month, signed by the former HOA president herself.

And it says $10 per home. So, I was like, What does that mean? Reichbach added. You were not aware of that? Investigative Reporter Ann Pierret asked. No, I was not. None of us were aware of that. Reichbach said.

Reichbach explained that members pay $50 per month as part of the HOA. And, according to multiple association expense reports, bank statements, and check receipts, which go back to 2009, the former president was paying herself $10 per home each month from everyones dues but her own. Thats about $7,200 per year, or 20% of the HOAs annual income. Neighbors wanted to know where that money went; the checks said maintenance.

While sorting through the HOAs many years of records, Reichbach never found any documentation stating that the president of the nonprofit could pay herself a monthly salary. So, we havent found anything like that. And I, weve asked neighbors and nothing to back that piece up, she added.

In addition, the HOAs bylaws state that neighbors have to approve any payments with a vote. It doesnt specifically state any, like, salary or hourly wage in there. It kind of just says, like, if, you know, like, you can get reimbursed for expenses, Reichbach said. However, that was never voted on because the HOA didnt have a meeting, at least not since Reichbach moved into the gated community in 2019. Luis Oaxaca, who purchased his home in 2012 said the same thing. Never done any meetings, said Oaxaca.

That means the association has never held elections either, and the former president held the position, the two neighbors said, since she was first elected in 2003.



I mean, your own people. Youre taking money away from them, Oaxaca said. This is not right. He was one of the neighbors who attended a few meetings in June to talk about moving forward. Around that same time, Oaxaca said the members received a resignation letter from the former longtime president.

After the neighbors discoveries about the finances, the former president did not show up to the HOAs meetings, but her husband did. Oaxaca shared, He wanted to talk and to excuse himself and his wife. And I said, Im not going to let that happen here in front of all these people.

Oaxaca started recording a video when the meeting got heated, with the husband telling members that some people knew about the payments. Theyre not here today because, um, they just havent. But in all honesty, we felt that the amount of work that we were putting into that, uh, the time and effort, we were putting 40 to 50 hours a month into it by filing liens against people who dont pay their dues on time, by dealing with the courts and the lawyers, by going to the city back and forth, the husband said in the video.

But to be fair. If you are paying yourself, that should be sent to everyone without people asking. I think that is fair, a neighbor told the husband. He responded, Agreed and we never updated that. But there were people who knew. Someone started to interrupt him, and he added, Im admitting the mistakes were made.

Mistakes is not a strong enough word for Reichbach. She believes the former president committed a crime, so Reichbach filed a police report. Albuquerque polices Organized Crime Unit is investigating.

She also called the New Mexico Department of Justice and the Secretary of State, thinking they would help her hold the former president accountable. But she quickly learned there is no department in any local or state government office that oversees HOAs.

The members only other recourse is paying for an attorney to sue. I was just like, wow, you know, like, theres, like, nobody who enforces anything about HOA. So, you know, what I mean? Its, like, basically a person can just get away with doing a lot of stuff if nobodys paying attention, Reichbach said.

She and Oaxaca never expected to deal with anything like this. I know theres a lot of HOAs in Albuquerque. They might be suffering, Oaxaca said. And its just the people that can stand up and fight for their rights, because a lot of people is taking advantage, like these people. Reichbach added, How did someone, like, steal from other people for, like, years on end and feel okay about it?

KRQE Investigative Reporter Ann Pierret tried to reach the former president by phone. She never returned the call. Pierret did connect with her husband who said he would have his attorney call her. He added, We have nothing to hide. However, no one has reached out. The couples house is now up for sale. Neighbors said they watched them pack up their home in early August.

Some homeowner associations hire a manager to oversee the associations finances and hold the HOA to its bylaws. Reichbach said the neighborhood looked into this option, but decided it is too expensive for now.

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On Sept. 11, 2001, Mike McCormick was among the first people not aboard American Airlines Flight 11 to learn that it had been hijacked.

Then the head of air traffic control for the Federal Aviation Administration's New York Center, he was pinged on his BlackBerry at 8:42 a.m. Possible hijack, it said. It identified the flight number, altitude, location, and direction of the plane: Albany, southbound.

Thus began a nightmarish scenario for the now-associate professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach.

McCormick recounted how he led a team of air traffic controllers through what probably were the most harrowing minutes of their lives. The terrorist attacks that day also drew him into helping shape U.S. flight policy over the coming days and led to him serving in Iraq as part of the global war on terror.

After the ping, McCormick's team began following the commercial flight with 92 people aboard, five of whom were hijackers.

At that point, Im trying to think of all possibilities," he said. "What I should be doing to mitigate what could happen? And so part of what Im thinking is  we had known it was a confirmed hijacking because the dispatch had gotten ahold of a flight attendant aboard the aircraft. So thinking: Could a bomb have gone off on board? Is that why theres no communication?"

McCormick wondered if it might soon attempt an emergency landing.

"We know its descending. We know its heading down the Hudson River and thats where I thought: Newark. The Newark airport. ... Its parallel to the Hudson River, long runways and the aircraft wouldnt have to attempt to fly over Manhattan in an attempt to go to Kennedy, he said, where runways are shorter.

He reached the controller in Newark.

"Look out the window," McCormick said. "Look up the river and look for (an aircraft). He may try to land."

That's when the controller informed McCormick: "It hit the North Tower.

First impact: 8:46 a.m.

Flight 11 slammed into floors 93 to 99 of the North Tower of the World Trade Center, killing hundreds of people both aboard the plane and in the building. The flight that had departed from Boston less than an hour earlier was supposed to go to Los Angeles but instead was taken over by five men, an Egyptian and four Saudis, who were part of the al-Qaeda network.

As smoke billowed from the top of the two towers that had been, at the time of construction 28 years earlier, the tallest buildings in the world, thousands of people across the New York metro area could see it. Some of the first reports on television were that a "small commuter plane" crashed into the tower. McCormick thought different, his mind leaping to terrorism.

I went back to the 90s when the bomb went off in the parking garage underneath the World Trade Center. I connected the two together," McCormick said. "I said, They didnt take the towers down then, so now theyre trying to take the towers down again.

It was stunning and breathtaking. But there was no time for rumination.

"When the aircraft hit the North Tower, thats when the controller behind me and to the right says, I have another one," McCormick said.

Embry-Riddle professor Mike McCormick reviews flight path charts from Sept. 11, 2001, when he was air traffic manager for the Federal Aviation Administration's New York Center.

Al-Qaeda takes control of United 175

United Airlines Flight 175, too, had been hijacked by five more al-Qaeda members. Also scheduled to depart Boston and arrive in Los Angeles, its path was diverted in eastern Pennsylvania and flown northeast to New York City. Air traffic controllers could track the speed and altitude of Flight 175 but could not communicate with either crew or hijackers.

The hijacking confirmed McCormick's initial suspicions.

"This is an organized planned event," he realized. "And so thats why I said to the controller: Be prepared for anything. Dont make any assumptions.

It also dawned on him that he knew what millions of Americans, including President George Bush, didn't.

"I believe I am the first person in the world that said, We are under attack,' McCormick said.

He went to a worker whose job was to coordinate air traffic control and military operations.

"I told him to scramble. Get ahold of northeast air defense and scramble," McCormick said.

The second aircraft hit the South Tower 17 minutes after the first, instantly killing hundreds more.

"Thats when I shut down the airspace," McCormick said. "I went to the operations manager, told him to call it ATC Zero, which means that New York Center is going to cease all operations.

Within minutes, New York Center "got into a tete-a-tete with the Air Traffic Control System Command Center" in Herndon, Virginia, which wanted New York to restart departures. But McCormick refused and by 9:45 a.m., the national command center shut down air operations across the United States. It was two days before commercial flights resumed.

Mike McCormick, assistant professor and coordinator of the air traffic control program at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, speaks about his role with the Federal Aviation Administration during the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.

Much more to do

McCormick briefed his support managers, saying: "Nothing flies."

The wide-reaching tragedy would soon involve two more skyjackings leading American Airlines Flight 77 to crash into the Pentagon and United Airlines Flight 93 to crash into a southwestern Pennsylvania field at 563 mph.

Because he had about 180 people working in New York Center that morning, McCormick knew many of his employees may be learning about family and friends who worked at the World Trade Center or who had been aboard one of the crashed planes.

"I met with all the managers and assigned them to personnel, security, taking care of employees who are involved in this," McCormick said.

Mike McCormick, assistant professor and coordinator of the air traffic control program at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, speaks about his role with the Federal Aviation Administration during the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.

He assigned some of them to arrange for mental-health care for those employees.

McCormick held three briefings for employees, preparing them for the days to come. But he had yet to process it all himself.

The first time it hit me, the magnitude, was, Im sitting in my conference room with the managers all around me. Were working the problem and thats when they report that the first tower had collapsed," he said.

That was 10:28 a.m.

"Thats the first time I had to think about it, but it was just for a moment," he said.

It was not until later that night when things had quieted down  when all aircraft except for military patrols were grounded  that McCormick reflected on what had happened. He did so from his office, which would become his home for the next 10 days and nights.

There was a lot to do, and there were eerie reminders of the 9/11 horror: a SWAT team was positioned on the building's roof, as the nation braced for more potential attacks.

Another task was getting a group of New York Center employees back home.

"I had sent supervisors to New Orleans for a conference. So they had to come back to New York," he said. "And then the roads around New York were all shut down, the tunnels. So to travel to Long Island, they had to go to Connecticut to get a ferry. ... And then the ferry line was about 10 miles long. Fortunately, they drove to the front of the line and showed their FAA ID card.

There had been no handbook, no procedural manual for a full shutdown of flights in the United States and the evaluation of how to reopen  safely.

McCormick was involved in effort to vet pilots, crews and airports and developing policies for commercial aircraft and combat air patrols to share airspace.

He looked ahead at the investigation into the 9/11 attacks.

"I figured the FBI is going to be here at some point, so we have to secure all of the recordings. All the voice tapes. All the reader data. All the paper strips are going to become evidentiary now. We had to establish a chain of custody. Log each piece and lock everything up," McCormick said. "That way, if it ever has to come to a trial, it can be entered into evidence because you know exactly who had it and what was done with it.

9/11: At Gardens cemetery, dad remembers FDNY son who was never found

More: The 9/11 hijackers who lived among us in Palm Beach County

He knew it was critical for the controllers involved that day to prepare for interviews and write statements.

And bigger questions loomed: How can the United States vet international aircraft? What about those from countries like Afghanistan, where the attackers had trained?

Because New York Center was in charge of oceanic airspace butting up to the United Kingdom's portion of the Atlantic, McCormick grappled with those and other questions.

He anticipated war in Afghanistan, which would involve moving personnel and aircraft to South Asia.

How do we get all of these aircraft through oceanic airspace? Oceanic airspace does not have radar. So we actually developed a whole series of routes depending upon what mission was flying," he said.

'Valuable perspectives'

A native of southeast Pennsylvania, McCormick left high school and first became a paramedic. Within two years, he was in the Marine Corps, where he served four years as a nuclear weapons technician.

He went to school and was working as the manager of a Gap store when, in 1981, the Professional Air Traffic Controllers Organization went on strike, breaking a 1955 law against government workers from striking. Within days, President Ronald Reagan fired more than 11,000 of them.

McCormick seized the opportunity, attending an FAA academy in Oklahoma City and starting as a controller in Philadelphia, close to home.

He arrived at a time when deregulation led to tremendous growth in commercial aviation. With a lot of new airlines, more flight volume and delays, air-traffic control of the 1980s faced new challenges. Commercial crashes were more common. McCormick experienced all manner of situations.

Ive seen the aftermath of a mid-air collision that actually involved a U.S. senator, McCormick said, referring to the death of Sen. John Heinz of Pennsylvania and four others in 1991.

Alan Stolzer, dean of ERAU's College of Aviation, said McCormick's insights are one-of-a-kind in higher education.

Students at Embry-Riddle have a rare opportunity to learn from veterans throughout the many fields of aviation and aerospace, but Dr. McCormicks specific experience leading in times of unprecedented crisis are especially unique, Stolzer said.

McCormick, who retired from the FAA in 2015 and took on a full-time role as associate professor and program coordinator for air traffic management at ERAU in 2017, considers air traffic control to be an exciting career with daily reminders  scenes of loved ones greeting one another in airports  of why the work is critical.

And he's seen technological advances that have made commercial aviation safer. But accidents and incidents remain part of the job, one of the messages he shares with students. Also, that 9/11 taught him that air-traffic controllers are part of the first line of defense.

"Its going to be you to (convey) that somethings wrong. So its going to be you as the controller who has to do something about that. And your country depends on you to be able to do something about that," he said. "So I really emphasize what their role is, and how significant that role is, and how they contribute to it. Its more than just moving airplanes.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: On 9/11, Mike McCormick was in charge of New York air-traffic control
This years carnival saw carnival saw eight people stabbed and 334 arrested over the bank holiday weekend - Shutterstock /Vuk Valcic

Notting Hill Carnival is not safe, the Met Polices assistant commissioner has admitted.

Asst Commissioner Matt Twist said the level of serious crime at the festival was too high after two people died in separate attacks this year, making it the deadliest in more than two decades. A lack of stewards and bigger crowds contributed to the pressure of policing the event, he added.

This years carnival saw eight people stabbed and 334 arrested over the bank holiday weekend, the majority for possession of an offensive weapon and drug offences. A total of 50 officers were injured while policing the event.

Appearing before the London Assembly Police and Crime Committee, Mr Twist suggested that changing the events location was among many other questions that could be asked to improve safety.

He said: Our priority is to ensure that the carnival is safe, that the roles and responsibilities are clear, and that were talking with all partners to highlight the challenges we see every year, and working as a partnership to play our role in line with our statutory responsibilities.

So the location is one question, but there are many other questions and many other things that could be done in order to increase safety or not.

So I dont want to get drawn on one thing. But what I am clear on, I think, is that at the moment, I cannot say its safe.

I think everybody agrees that the level of serious crime is too high. So we need to work with the organisers and all of those with statutory and partnership responsibilities to consider what more collectively we can do to increase the safety for those hundreds of thousands of people that are coming to have a fantastic day.

Asst Commissioner Matt Twist says that changing the location is a possible way to make the carnival safer

Around 70 fewer stewards were on hand to direct the two million people who attended the carnival this year, he said. That meant officers were drawn into jobs like crowd safety and wayfinding when they could have been reducing crime, he added.

Among those killed was Cher Maximen, 38, who was stabbed in the groin in front of her three-year-old daughter when she tried to break up a fight at the west London event on Aug 25.

Ms Maximen was taken to hospital from the scene in Golborne Road and went into a coma after losing five litres of blood. One of her lungs collapsed.

Shortly after 11.20pm the following evening, Mussie Imnetu, a 41-year-old Swedish chef, was found unconscious by police close to the festival.

Mr Imnetu, who was originally from Eritrea and had trained under several chefs from Michelin-starred restaurants, including Gordon Ramsay, was visiting the UK on business from Dubai, where he lived and worked as the head chef at the Arts Club.

Mr Twist said around 1,200 officers were lost to entirely stewarding roles.

He said: Earlier on this year, probably in February time, I wrote to the organiser asking them to ensure that there are a number of areas where police officers are posted into what I would describe as entirely stewarding roles and thats an inappropriate use of police resources.

That number totalled around 1,200 and identified those locations and asked if these officers that are currently in the plan could be replaced by stewards who would be better able to perform the role of crowd safety as part of the event organisers plan but that wasnt possible.

Mr Twist said around 1,200 officers were lost to entirely stewarding roles - Getty Images/Alishia Abodunde

If we are able to use officers to deal with their core responsibilities linked to crime, disorder, keeping the kings peace and saving life rather than others core responsibilities linked to crowd safety or first aid or wayfinding, then we may have a better chance of reducing crime.

Whereas at the moment officers are having to deal with, or are drawn into, other peoples areas of responsibility.

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Number of Republicans in US Congress urge Biden to lift restrictions on Ukraine's use of Western-supplied weapons in Russia

A group of Republicans from the US House of Representatives have urged the White House to lift restrictions on Ukraine's use of Western-supplied weapons to strike targets inside Russia.

Source: a letter released by the group

Details: The letter was signed by Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul, Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers, Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman Mike Turner, Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on European Affairs Chairman Tom Kean, Defense Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Ken Calvert, and Helsinki Commissioner Richard Hudson.

They call on the White House to lift restrictions on Ukraine's use of US long-range weapons, in particular ATACMS missiles, deep into Russian territory.

"The Biden-Harris administrations senseless restrictions, combined with the longstanding slow-rolling of critical weapons approvals and deliveries, are hindering Ukraines ability to bring this war to a victorious conclusion... It is far past time the administration reverses course and lifts the remaining restrictions on Ukraines use of US-provided weapons against legitimate military targets in Russia," the members of Congress said.

They stressed that under the status quo, the Russians have a sanctuary where they can safely keep their weapons and launch strikes on Ukrainian territory.

The signatories welcomed the administrations decision to allow Ukraine to use US-supplied weapons for strikes near the border, a move that came during the summer Russian offensive in Kharkiv Oblast. However, they emphasised that the decision was made too late, suggesting that if Ukraine had been granted this capability earlier, the Kharkiv offensive might have been prevented, allowing Kyiv to retain more forces in the most challenging eastern areas of the war zone.

They pointed out that, according to estimates from the Institute for the Study of War, over 200 potential Russian targets remain within the range of ATACMS missiles available to Ukrainian forces.

The members of Congress also stressed that "concerns about escalation" have proved to be unfounded, as evidenced by Ukraine's operation in Russia's Kursk Oblast.

"Recent reports that the real reason your administration opposes lifting these restrictions is not to endanger a future reset with Russia are extremely alarming. The failed Obama-Biden Russia reset in the wake of Russias 2008 invasion of Georgia made clear [Kremlin ruler] Vladimir Putin does not respond to appeasement and olive branches. This conflict will end only when tougher sanctions and Ukraines battlefield successes convince Vladimir Putin that he has nothing left to gain through war and must come to the negotiating table," they said.

The signatories also expressed disappointment at media reports that the United States is throwing cold water on the UK and France's decision to lift restrictions on Ukraine's use of long-range weapons donated by these nations.

"Similar to the Biden-Harris administrations shameful delay in approving our allies transfer of F-16 jets to Ukraine, the administration is once again stopping our forward-leaning allies from helping Ukraine win... Russia must not be given a sanctuary from which it can execute its war crimes against Ukraine with impunity," they said.

Background:

On 10 September, US President Joe Biden hinted that the US might lift restrictions on Ukraine's use of long-range weapons in Russia.

This issue is reportedly planned to be discussed during a meeting between UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Biden at the White House this Friday.

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Nuns Exhumed the Tomb of a Saint Who Died in 1582. Her Face Is Still Stunningly Visible.

Researchers recently reopened the tomb of a centuries-old saint and found themselves stunned to discover that the remains were still recognizable.

As reported in the New York Post, a group of Discalced Carmelites, a mendicant order of Catholicism, reopened the tomb of St. Teresa of Avila, a co-founder of their order who died in 1582 and was canonized in 1622.

The members of the Diocese of Avila in Spain reopened the tomb as part of an intricate process to study the relics of St. Teresas heart, hand and arm. The last time it had been opened was 1914, during which the tomb was photographed.

The nuns and monks, during this recent reopening, took great pains to ensure the tomb was undamaged in the process. The process to reach the silver urn that Saint Teresas body has is very complex, the diocese said in a translated press release. First, the marble slab in the tomb had to be removed. Later, in the room set up for the studies to which the Saints major relics will be subjectedand only with the presence of the scientific medical team and the members of the ecclesiastical courthas the silver tomb been opened.

When the tomb itself was finally uncovered, the visible parts of St. Teresas remains, her face and foot, were compared to those 1914 photographs. In the press release, Fr. Marco Chiesa notes that those parts are the same as those they were in 1914.

There is no color, there is no skin color, because the skin is mummified, Chiesa continues, but it is seen, especially in the middle of the face. The release noted that expert doctors see Teresas face almost clearly.

Kaveh Kazemi - Getty Images

Saint Teresa of Avila, also known as Saint Teresa of Jesus, was born Teresa Sanchez de Cepeda Davila y Ahumada in 1515. A pivotal figure in the period known as the Contrareformatio, or Counter-Reformation, St. Teresa co-founded the Discalced Carmelites with Saint John of the Cross in 1562. Known today through her religious writings like The Interior Castle, which posited that there were seven mansions within the castle of the soul, St. Teresa holds special significance within the movement of Catholic mysticism.

Her life, as chronicled in her autobiography La Vida de la Santa Madre Teresa de Jesus, still fascinates many Catholics, particularly within the Discalced Carmelite order, and this re-examination of her relics could shed greater light on her later years. Sometimes, Chiesa told the New York Post, looking at a body, you discover more than the person had [spoken about].

We know that the last few years were difficult for her to walk, Fr. Chiesa remarked in the press release, Analyzing the foot [relic] in Rome, we saw the presence of calcareous spines that make walking almost impossible.

The Post notes that the examination of the corpse is still in the early stages, but that Chiesa hopes the endeavor will teach researchers how to better preserve relics.

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NEW YORK (PIX11)  A former American Airlines mechanic was sentenced on Friday to nine years in prison for conspiring to import $250,000 worth of cocaine using the compartment under the cockpit of the plane.

Paul Bellosi, 56, a former mechanic at JFK International Airport, was convicted in May 2023 after a one-week trial, the United States Attorneys Office Eastern District of New York said.

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The defendant abused his insider position at JFK Airport to help smuggle more than 25 pounds of cocaine into the United States in a highly sensitive electronics compartment of an international aircraft, United States Attorney Breon Peace said. This conduct not only furthers the trafficking of drugs that harms our communities but also poses a serious threat to the security of a vital border crossing in our district and our transportation infrastructure.

According to court documents, in February 2020, American Airlines flight 1349 arrived at JFK Airports Terminal 8 after a scheduled flight from Montego Bay, Jamaica. The aircraft was selected for a routine search by Customs and Border Patrol officers. Officers found 10 bricks of cocaine.

The bricks weighed 25.26 pounds and were found inside the electronics compartment on the underside of the cockpit. According to court documents, the cocaine bricks were replaced with fake bricks and sprayed with a substance that glows when illuminated with a special black light.

Officers then placed the aircraft under surveillance from a distance, and shortly before it was scheduled to take off for its next destination, Bellosi was observed walking up to the electronics compartment, court documents stated.

Belloisi was then approached by law enforcement officers, who used a black light to detect he had removed the fake bricks. Belloisi was also carrying an empty tool bag, and the lining of his jacket had cutouts large enough to hold the bricks, court documents show.

Matthew Euzarraga is a multimedia journalist from El Paso, Texas. He has covered local news and LGBTQIA topics in the New York City Metro area since 2021. He joined the PIX11 Digital team in 2023. You can see more of his work here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
(NewsNation)  The New York Police Departments commissioner, Edward Caban, is facing pressure from NYC council members to resign because of a federal investigation into the mayors administration.

Sources tell NewsNation that Caban could step down this week.



This comes after Cabans phone was seized Wednesday as part of a probe by the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of New York. Six other high-ranking members of the New York Police Department also had their phones seized.

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In particular, federal officials are looking into Cabans contracts, permits and other dealings with nightclubs, bars and restaurants.

NYPD deputy police commissioner Tarik Sheppard said that the department is fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation.



The police commissioner has made no indication to anybody in his department that hes going to resign, Sheppard said. Until we hear different hes our leader and we go forward and do our jobs.

Federal agents last week also raided the homes of other top officials in New York City Mayor Eric Adams administration: Deputy mayors Sheena Wright and Phillip Banks. New York City Public Schools Chancellor David Banks, who is Wrights partner, also had his home searched.

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Adams told NewsNation local affiliate WPIX he doesnt know why his staffs homes were raided, or why the phones were taken.

I think that the Southern district, which has conducted this review, they can answer those questions, Adams said in the WPIX interview. What I must do is what I have always done as former law enforcement  follow the rules, follow the law, and anything we can do to assist, we are doing.

The mayor said he has turned over what was asked of him, claiming it will reveal he has done nothing wrong.

Federal officials have not indicated to us the mayor or his staff are targets of any investigation, Lisa Zornberg, chief counsel for City Hall, said.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
Lawyers for Mayor Eric Adams have told the court they will seek to have the sexual assault lawsuit against the mayor dismissed after the mayors accuser, Lorna Beach-Mathura, missed a deposition that had been scheduled for Sept. 6.

In the nearly ten months since Plaintiff initiated this lawsuit, she has refused to appear for her deposition on four separate occasions, and each time without any justification under the law, wrote lawyer Alex Spiro in a court filing Monday.

Beach-Mathura most recently skipped a deposition set for Sept. 6, with no prior warning and no explanation given since, according to the lawyer, who called it only the latest episode in a months-long pattern of Plaintiffs willful delay and frustration of the discovery process.

Beach-Mathura and her attorneys had rejected previous potential dates for the deposition in May, July and August, saying they needed to review more materials before doing the deposition.

Sept. 6, the date of the fourth attempt for the deposition, was the latest date the lead counsel for Adams could do, Spiro wrote.

The lawyer also accused Beach-Mathura of withholding records, including information about where and when the alleged assault took place, who could corroborate interactions between Beach-Mathura and Adams and information about how Adams alleged misconduct impacted her.

If the court cannot dismiss the complaint, Spiro wrote, the defendants should be awarded attorneys fees for preparing for the deposition and making the associated court filings.

At a contentious court hearing in August, Beach-Mathura and Adams lawyers accused each other of withholding information  with the accusers lawyer, Megan Goddard, even threatening to sue the mayors lawyer for defamation.

In August, Goddard also accused Adams legal team of withholding records, including employment information, so that Beach-Mathura might mistakenly give the wrong time frame for the alleged assault.

Beach-Mathura, a former Transit Police employee, has accused Adams of exposing himself and attempting to get her to perform oral sex on her in his car after they met to discuss a job issue. Adams ejaculated on her leg after she refused, the suit claims.

Adams has denied the 1993 alleged assault happened. The suit, which seeks at least $5 million in damages, was filed earlier this year under the Adult Survivors Act, which opened a one-year window for victims of sexual offenses to sue their assailants if the statute of limitations had expired.

Court filings show Beach-Mathura retained a new attorney, Nathaniel K. Charny, last Friday. He did not return a request for comment late Monday. Megan Goddard, the attorney who first helped Beach-Mathura file the case against Adams, confirmed to the New York Daily News that shes also still representing her.

Goddard would not immediately say why Beach-Mathura allegedly was a no-show for her deposition.

_____

(With Chris Sommerfeldt.)

_____
NYC tech CEO murderer sentenced to 40 years to life in prison: DA

NYC tech CEO murderer sentenced to 40 years to life in prison: DA

MANHATTAN, N.Y. (PIX11)  Tyrese Haspil was sentenced to 40 years to life in state prison for murdering his former boss, tech CEO Fahim Saleh, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg announced Tuesday.

Haspil murdered Saleh on July 13, 2020, after stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from him, officials said.

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Timeline of events according to court documents:

May 2018  Saleh hires Haspil as his entrepreneurial assistant

September 2018  Haspil created a PayPal account using a name that mimicked other financial transactions of the business. Money is funneled into the account while Haspil creates fake statements.

December 2018  Haspil created a corporate entity and bank account and funneled more money by mimicking other transactions.

May 2019  Hapsil retires knowing Saleh will learn about the embezzlement.

January 2020  Saleh learns about one of the frauds and confronts Haspil. Offers him a two-year repayment plan to settle $35,000 debt to avoid criminal prosecution.

Haspil pays Saleh back with stolen money from the PayPal embezzlement. The embezzlement continues, totaling around $400,000.

Haspil plots Salehs murder to cover up the PayPal embezzlement and prevent Saleh from potentially testifying against him.

July 13, 2020  Disguised, Haspil follows Saleh into his apartment, tastes him in the back, and stabs him multiple times in the neck and torso.

July 14, 2020  Haspil returns to dismember Salehs body with a saw and clean up the crime scene. The saw battery runs out so Haspil leaves to purchase a battery charger.

Salehs cousin arrives and discovers his dismembered and decapitated body. Police are called.

Haspil returns, sees police presence, and flees.

July 17, 2020  Haspil is arrested at an Airbnb he booked to celebrate his girlfriends birthday.

Watch: Sister of slain Lower East side tech CEO speaks out in emotional video

Today, Tyrese Haspil is facing accountability for brutally murdering and decapitating Fahim Saleh, a kind, generous, and empathetic person who positively impacted the world. Even after the defendant stole from him to fund a lavish lifestyle, Mr. Saleh still gave him a second chance, said District Attorney Bragg. While todays sentence wont bring Mr. Saleh back, I hope it provides his family a sense of closure as they continue to mourn his painful loss.

D.A. Bragg thanked the NYPD, specifically Detective Salvatore Tudisco and Sergeant Christopher Dede of the 7th Precinct Detective Squad, and Detective Robert Hahn of Manhattan South Homicide Squad.

Ben Mitchell is a digital content producer from Vermont who has covered both local and international news since 2021. He joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of his work here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
BRASHER, N.Y. (WWTI)  A 39-year-old Brasher Falls man is facing multiple charges after allegedly attempting to choke someone, stab them with a screwdriver and setting a pickup truck on fire

New York State Police responded just before 9:45 p.m. on Tuesday, September 10 to Smith Street in the town of Brasher Falls for a domestic dispute involving a vehicle fire.

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An found that Nicholas Rubado and the victim were involved in a verbal argument which turned physical when Rubado started to choke the victim and presented a screwdriver attempting to stab the victim with it. The victim was able to flee from Rubado.

At some point during the altercation, Rubado was known to intentionally set a 2007 Chevrolet Silverado truck on fire which caused damage to a 2007 Honda Odyssey minivan.

Rubado is facing these charges:

Third-degree arson

Second-degree strangulation

Second-degree assault

Second-degree harassment

Third-degree criminal mischief

He was arrested and transported to the state police headquarters in Massena for processing. Rubado was arraigned in the Town of Massena Court, where he was remanded to St. Lawrence County Jail in lieu of $25,000 cash, a $50,000 secured bond, or a $100,000 partially secured bond.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWTI - InformNNY.com.
HONOLULU (KHON2)  A 65-year-old man was sentenced to nearly six years in prison for sending bomb threats directed at institutions across the nation while he live on Oahu.

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According to court records, Bryan Melvin Brandenburg, sent a number of bomb threats after receiving a decision in his divorce proceeding in a Utah state court in May 2022.

Brandenburg sent an email to two judicial employees and others threatening to bomb the state courthouse on May 4, 2022, the day he received the divorce decision.

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He sent additional emails that day threatening to bomb the Utah State Capitol, the Mayors office in Salt Lake City, every Ivy League university, and the U.S. District Courthouse in San Diego.

Two days later, Brandenburg sent more emails threatening Hall Labs and the University of Utah Center for Medical Innovation, both in Utah.

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The emails resulted in extensive security measures, evacuations, surveillance reviews, searches, diverting police officers to secure buildings and security briefings.

When this type of incident is reported, it is always treated as a threat, and therefore drains

valuable resources from law enforcement and endangers the wellbeing of our communities, said FBI Honolulu Special Agent in Charge Steven Merrill.

No bombing devices were ultimately found.

Threats to cause harm, no matter if made over email or in person, will simply not be tolerated, said U.S. Attorney Clare E. Connors. Words have consequence, as demonstrated by this prosecution and the courts sentence. Think before you speak, click send, or otherwise target someone in this manner  otherwise, we will hold you accountable under the law.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2.
Ocean City to pay tribute to victims of 9/11 terrorist attacks with memorial, parade

Following a solemn week of remembrance, members of the Ocean City Fire Department will hold a joint memorial service on Wednesday, Sept. 11, alongside the Red Knight's Motorcycle Club, Maryland, Chapter 3 in honor of the 23rd anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

The surrounding community is invited to pay tribute to the victims of 9/11 during the intimate service where, between the times of 8:46-10:28 a.m., members of the OCFD will display a large American flag and stand at attention during six timestamp memorial announcements.

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What is the timeline of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks?

The official timeline of Sept. 11, 2001, is as follows:

8:46 a.m.  American Airlines Flight 11 crashes into the World Trade Centers North Tower

9:03 a.m.  United Airlines Flight 175 crashes into the World Trade Centers South Tower

9:37 a.m.  American Airlines Flight 77 crashes into the Pentagon

9:59 a.m.  The World Trade Center's South Tower collapses

10:03 a.m.  United Airlines Flight 93 crashes into an empty field in Somerset County, Pennsylvania

10:28 a.m.  The World Trade Center's North Tower collapses

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9/11 memorial service to include a motorcycle 'Parade of Brothers'

A motorcycle drives down the Ocean City boardwalk during the 9/11 Parade of Brothers on Sept. 11, 2019. He and others gathered to honor first responders and those affected by the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.

The 9/11 memorial service will feature the bag pipes and drums of the OCFD, as well as a "Parade of Brothers" led by the Red Knight's Motorcycle Club, Maryland, Chapter 3 (RKMD3).

Registration for the parade will begin at 9 a.m. on 27th St. The first 400 people who register will receive an anniversary ride pin. Leftover pins will be for sale. All proceeds will go to RKMD3 for donations to Delmarva charities.

Motorcycles will then be moved to the historic Boardwalk for staging before the ride begins at 11:30 a.m. A donation of $20 per motorcycle will be collected as a ride fee for the event.

A memorial service will take place at 12 p.m. at North Division and the Boardwalk, with an escorted ride over the Harry W. Kelly Memorial Bridge (Route 50) to the Roxana Moose Lodge for lunch and brotherhood at 1 p.m.

The RKMD3 reminds others to "Never Forget."

From left: Ocean City Police Department Chief Ross Buzzuro and Ocean City Fire Department Chief Richard Bowers speak during the 9/11 Parade of Brothers ceremony on Sept. 11, 2019 in Ocean City.

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According to the OCFD, throughout the tribute, representatives from local fire departments will be present offering support and information to those who attend.

"This event serves as a poignant reminder of our shared history and the importance of unity in the face of tragedy," the fire department said online. "We invite residents, visitors and fellow first responders to join us in this solemn commemoration, reflecting on our nation's resilience and honoring those we lost."

What does parking look like from September-October in Ocean City?

Ocean City celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorists attacks at the Fire Fighters Memorial to 9-11 with a very emotional ceremony Saturday.

Town residents and visitors are reminded that the Ocean City Inlet Lot will be closed to public parking from Sept. 10 until Oct. 13, 2024, to accommodate several upcoming events taking place this fall, the town of Ocean City said in a news release. The lot will reopen after 4:30 p.m. on Oct. 13.

As a result of the closure, the downtown area is expected to be congested over the next several weeks. Both drivers and pedestrians are advised to remain alert and patient at all times. The Ocean City Beach Bus is a suitable alternative to searching for open parking in the ever-busy downtown area.

SALISBURY'S INTERNATIONAL FOOD SCENE: Indulge in Salisbury's culinary world, now bursting with flavor and cultural diversity

Olivia Minzola covers communities on the Lower Shore. Contact her with tips and story ideas at ominzola@delmarvanow.com.

This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times: Ocean City to pay tribute to victims of 9/11 attacks: All to know
Because of its location at the bottom of the namesake mountain, along with other distinctions, the school district recently determined wildland fires to be the "most impactful" kind of emergency it could face and developed a plan and procedure in the event this should occur.
ODU police trying to ID person who appeared to have gun on campus

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY)  Police at Old Dominion University are looking to identify a male who appeared to have a gun on campus on Tuesday night.

The report of a person with a gun at ODUs Webb Center prompted ODU to send out an urgent alert to eh school community around 1:16 p.m., asking them to shelter in place. ODU police later gave an all clear at 1:31 p.m.

Officers responded to the location, secured the area, and after an extensive search, were able to deem there was no continuing threat to the health and safety of the ODU community, ODU Police Chief Garrett Shelton said in an update at 3:28 p.m. Wednesday.

Previous: Parents concerned about ODU response to campus robbery

Shelton says his officers were able to confirm the person pictured was on campus and in possession of what appeared to be a firearm.

The man who police believe had a gun on ODUs campus on Sept. 10, 2024 (WAVY image)

The case remains under investigation and patrols at the Webb Center and greater campus community have been increase, Shelton said.

ODUPD meanwhile shared these safety tips:

ODUPD suggest members of the campus community follow these safety tips.

Stay vigilant of your surroundings, refrain from walking alone, walk with your head up, and avoid distractions like cell phones or carrying too many items.

Be a responsible bystander; look-out for fellow Monarchs. Trust your instincts  if you sense trouble, move to a safe location as soon as possible and promptly contact ODUPD at 757-683-4000 (911 from campus phones) or through the LiveSafe app to report any criminal activity or suspicious behavior, providing detailed information about the situation.

Take any threats seriously. Assume the presence of a weapon if someone hints at its use, even if not immediately visible.

Maintain composure and avoid sudden actions that could escalate a situation.

Refrain from making eye contact with threatening individuals, as it may be perceived as a challenge. Maintain neutral body language.

Identify potential escape routes and safe areas in case of an emergency. Create distance or move to a secure location without drawing attention.

If unable to escape, seek a secure hiding place. Secure doors, if possible, remain silent, and turn off lights to avoid detection.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
1st Sgt. Andrew Schwallier plays "Taps" at the Michigan House of Representatives 2024 memorial for those lost in the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks. | Kyle Davidson

On the 23rd anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, leaders from the Michigan House of Representatives joined with first responders, military members and families in honoring the lives lost in the tragedy and those lost in recent years.

It has now been over two decades since that September. Twenty-three Septembers have gone by. So today we come together to remember the pain of that moment. And while wounds will seal, they will never fully heal, said House Majority Floor Leader Abraham Aiyash (D-Hamtramck).

It is through that pain that so many Americans across this country found purpose in serving their country, patriots from all walks of life: those multi-generations in this country, newfound immigrants found their way to step up and serve to defend not just the people of this country, but the idea of what America was and what America shall continue to be, Aiyash said.

With American politics becoming increasingly divisive, Aiyash called on those in attendance to affirm what makes this country what it is, prioritizing freedom, dignity and justice for all.

What are we doing as Americans to ensure that we are being that example for the next generation? Were showing what it means to engage, what it looks like to disagree, and how we can make our body politic one that is an exchange of ideas to better this country, Aiyash said. And we remember the incredible men and women who have stepped up to serve our country abroad and those in our own backyards, folks who put their lives on the line every single day to protect and serve the communities that they represent and live in.

Glen Erie Pipe and Drum Band bagpiper Bill Collins plays the recessional at the Michigan House of Representatives 2024 memorial in remembrance of the Sept. 11 2001 terror attacks. | Kyle Davidson

At the Michigan House of Representatives 2024 memorial for those lost in the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks, Matt Sahr, president of the Michigan Professional Fire Fighters Union rang a fireman's bell in tribute to fallen first responders. | Kyle Davidson

At the Michigan House of Representatives 2024 memorial for those lost in the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks, Matt Sahr, president of the Michigan Professional Fire Fighters Union rings a fireman's bell in tribute to fallen first responders. | Kyle Davidson

Elected officials, government staffers, first responders, military members and families gathered on the Michigan Capitol lawn in to remember those they'd lost in service and in the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. | Kyle Davidson

Michigan House Majority Floor Leader Abraham Aiyash (D-Hamtramck) speaks in honor of the Michiganders lost in the Sept. 11 attack at memorial service commemorating the 23rd anniversary of the tragedy. | Kyle Davidson

Members of the Michigan Legislature, first responders and U.S. Military members gathered at the Michigan State Capitol in for a 9/11 memorial service on the 23rd anniversary of the tragedy. | Kyle Davidson

Members of the Michigan Legislature, first responders and U.S. Military members gathered at the Michigan State Capitol in for a 9/11 memorial service on the 23rd anniversary of the tragedy. | Kyle Davidson

Michigan House Speaker Joe Tate sits alongside first responders during a memorial service on the 23rd anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. | Kyle Davidson

A cutout of the Statue of Liberty holds up a "vote" sign in downtown Lansing on Sept. 11, 2024. | Kyle Davidson

Elected officials, first responders, military members and families gathered on the Michigan Capitol lawn in to remember those they'd lost in service and in the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. | Kyle Davidson

State Rep. Tyrone Carter (D-Detroit) sits alongside first responders at the Michigan House of Representatives 2024 memorial for those lost in the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks. | Kyle Davidson

Jose Luis Maldonado of the Michigan State University College of Music performs the national anthem at the Michigan House of Representatives 2024 memorial for those lost in the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks

Glen Erie Pipe and Drum Band bagpiper Bill Collins plays the processional at the Michigan House of Representatives 2024 memorial in remembrance of the Sept. 11 2001 terror attacks. | Kyle Davidson

Michigan House Speaker Joe Tate (D-Detroit) stands for the opening invocation during a memorial service on the 23rd anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. | Kyle Davidson

Detroit Police Department Deputy Chief Chaplain Yolanda Stinson delivers the opening invocation at the Michigan House of Representatives 2024 memorial service honoring those lost in the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. | Kyle Davidson

Elected officials, government staffers, first responders, military members and families gathered on the Michigan Capitol lawn in to remember those they'd lost in service and in the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. | Kyle Davidson

State Rep. Jason Morgan (D-Ann Arbor) a member of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, reflected on the loss of Michiganders in the 9/11 attacks, as well as the deaths of U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Matthew K. Bylski and Capt. Miguel Nava in recent years.

Let this day of remembrance also be a day of action, a day when we recommit ourselves to building a future rooted in compassion, understanding and peace, Morgan said.

Rep. Tyrone Carter (D-Detroit), who served with the Wayne County Sheriffs Office for 25, asked those in attendance to take a moment to honor first responders lost in 2023 and 2024: Melvindale police officer Mohamed Said, Hillsdale County sheriffs deputy William Butler Jr., Oakland County sheriffs deputy Bradley Reckling, Michigan State Police trooper Joel Popp, Detroit Police Sgt. Shannon Wright, Flint firefighter Ricky Hill and Paw Paw volunteer firefighter Ethan Quillen.

The program for the event also recognized Oxford firefighter Shawn Goldie and St. Clair County court officer Rober J. Silver.

While the scars of 9/11 remain, theres also been significant healing and growth. Today, I recognize the first responders, the ones that we depend on to manage emergencies in the midst of everyday chaos and high pressure situations. First responders are important to ensuring our public safety, and they are often the ones who work hands on in life-and-death situations to provide critical care to those in need, Carter said.

We come together to recognize the selfless acts, sacrifice, bravery, compassion, shown by first responders on 9/11 and recognize those who continue to serve in this capacity today, he said.

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SHAWNEE, Okla. (KFOR)  Crews with Oklahoma Gas and Electric left for Louisiana on Wednesday ahead of Hurricane Francine.

According to OG&E, the storm is predicted to be a Category 1 hurricane with up to 100 mph winds by Wednesday afternoon or evening.

LOCAL NEWS: Shartel Towers without working laundry machines

At around 6 a.m. Wednesday morning, a fleet of trucks carrying line crews and support personnel left Shawnee for Louisiana. Crews from Oklahoma City, Enid, Ardmore, Muskogee, Kellyville and Fort Smith, Arkansas will be there for up to two weeks helping with power restoration.

OG&E leaves for Louisiana ahead of Hurricane Francine.

OG&E leaves for Louisiana ahead of Hurricane Francine. Image courtesy OG&E.

Our crews will arrive ready to assist in repairs and power restoration throughout affected areas of Louisiana, said Chad Guthrie, OG&E Director of Distribution Construction. Mutual assistance requests allow us to support other electric companies across the nation as a trusted partner while working efficiently to help our neighbors in need.

Officials say Entergy Louisiana asked for assistance and is warning customers on the Gulf Coast of possible power outages, specifically in south and southeast Louisiana, where the storm is expected to hit the hardest.

At OG&E, we know the gravity and impact severe weather can have on a community and we understand the vital need for people to have electricity, said Andrea Dennis, OG&E Vice President of Transmission & Distribution Operations. Our crews are prepared to react and provide support and expertise to help restore power to those impacted by the hurricane. We are humbled by our crews and all of the restoration personnel who are taking time away from their families to fulfill this important duty and are honored to work alongside other electric companies to provide such a meaningful service.

In July, OG&E also helped with power restoration in south Texas following Hurricane Beryl.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Ohio families share stories of loved ones who died by suicide, call for mental health awareness

(Photo by Quentin Young/Colorado Newsline.)

This story is about suicide. If you or someone you know needs support now, call, text or chat the 988 Lifeline.

Donna and Jeff Heck carry their daughter Danis obituary with them.

We are part of the club that nobody wanted to be in, Donna Heck said. Part of the club that lost someone that we love and treasure to suicide.  The one thing that we learned the most is suicide does not care about your gender, your race, your political or religious beliefs or your socioeconomic status.

Their daughter Dani took her life in February 2019. She was 33 and had a lifelong battle with depression.

She was accomplished and bold and beautiful and successful, Donna said. Everything a parent would want, except she was fighting demons within with depression, Donna said. We have learned that just because someones smiling, it doesnt mean were okay.

The Hecks were one of four families who shared their story about their loved one who died by suicide during an Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation press conference Tuesday morning at the Statehouse. September is National Suicide Prevention Month and Tuesday was World Suicide Prevention Day.

The number of Ohioans who died by suicide increased by 2% in 2022, according to the Ohio Department of Health.

There were 1,797 suicide deaths in Ohio in 2022  the 13th-leading cause of death in Ohio, according to ODHs Suicide Demographics and Trends 2022 report.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline moved to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline two years ago. Since then Ohio 19s call centers have responded to nearly 340,000 calls, texts and chats  an average of more than 14,000 contacts each month.

Suicide was the second-leading cause of death among Ohioans ages 10-14 and 20-34 that year. Men accounted for 80% of Ohio suicide deaths, according to the ODH report.

Dave Rife shared about his son Matthew during the press conference.

He was very charismatic, and everybody loved him, he said. He was just a very vibrant and outgoing person. On the inside, he was fighting a fight that very few people knew about.

Matthew died on July 8, 2019.

I lost my son to depression, Rife said. My hope is that we all come together to fight and break the stigma around mental health, because, lets face it, mental health is nothing more than disease. Its a disease of the brain, if we treat it as a disease, there should be no stigma around people should feel comfortable asking for help.

Chris Grant lost her daughter Jayda to suicide on May 30, 2022. Her daughter was 20. Jayda was hospitalized for depression and anxiety, but her family did not receive any kind of support when she was discharged.

I think that is one issue that needs to be addressed, Grant said. I think young people who are struggling with mental illness need support.  I dont believe my daughter wanted to take her life, but I believe that the illness that she suffered was making it that much harder for her to live.

Sandy Williams lost her father Jerry to suicide two days before his 75th birthday.

Too often, when an older person is suffering from any kind of mental illness, its written off, she said. Its just a sign of aging.

She was 53 when her dad died.

I still needed my dad and he should still be here today to be made a positive impact, she said.

Men 75 and older has the highest rate of suicide deaths, according to the ODH report.

Jeff Heck wishes Ohio had more places that offered help after someone makes an attempt at their own life or experiences a mental health challenge.

If you break a hip, if you have a cardiac event or a stroke, you go to rehab, he said. We dont have that for mental health.

A mental health rehabilitation center in Toledo called Danis Place was named in honor of his daughter Dani.

Athens has the Adam-Amanda Mental Health Rehabilitation Center, a clinic designed for people discharged from psychiatric hospitals who could use inpatient care. It opened in September 2018.

We need one in every single community in Ohio and across the country, Jeff said.

Follow OCJ Reporter Megan Henry on Twitter.

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In Hamilton County Common Pleas Court, Judge Megan Shanahan keeps the air conditioning blasting and her docket moving. She dashes between her chambers and the courtroom so fast that the bailiff doesnt have time to call All Rise!

Shanahan is proud of how she runs her courtroom. When asked to talk about cases that show what kind of judge she is, Shanahan points to two examples where she kept the wheels of justice turning.

More: Ohio Supreme Court election has 6 candidates running for 3 seats

When former University of Cincinnati police officer Raymond Tensing was tried for murder of an unarmed Black motorist, Shanahan said she managed the case amid intense media and community attention. It ended in a hung jury and mistrial, but Shanahan said she worked to ensure a fair, expeditious trial. A second trial also ended in a hung jury. The university paid Tensing nearly $350,000 to settle a union grievance he brought.

And when she heard a complex medical malpractice trial against Christ Hospital, Shanahan noted that she kept her docket moving despite the trial lasting seven weeks in 2022. It ended in a hung jury and Shanahan was set to hold a second trial when the parties settled the case.

Now, Shanahan, a Republican, wants to move up to the Ohio Supreme Court. She is challenging incumbent Justice Michael Donnelly, a Cleveland Democrat. Voters will decide in November who gets a six-year term.

Ohio Supreme Court race: Who is Justice Michael Donnelly?

Who is Judge Megan Shanahan?

Shanahan, 51, changed majors in college, diverting from a plan to become a pilot to studying political science at Kent State University and going on to earn a law degree from University of Cincinnati.

She started her career as an assistant prosecutor in Butler County but after five years on the job she knew she wanted to be a judge. She moved to Hamilton County where there are more judgeships and worked for then Hamilton County prosecutor Joe Deters, who is now a supreme court justice.

I ran campaigns, year after year, hoping to get the opportunity to one day be the candidate, she said.

She lost a municipal court race in 2010 but won her second race in 2011. Then in 2015, Republican John Kasich appointed her to a vacant seat on the Hamilton County Common Pleas Court.

Now she has her eyes set on the Ohio Supreme Court.

It is the pinnacle of a judges career, I feel, she said. But not only that, this is about our state and where its headed. Its about judges like my opponent, Mike Donnelly, being judges who are legislating from the bench.

Legislating from the bench is a charge that Republican jurists often lob at their Democratic opponents.

When you are a judge and you decide the law shouldnt say that or I dont think the legislature really meant that, so Im doing to do this other thing, because I want to promote my position or my agenda or what I think the law should be, thats legislating from the bench, Shanahan said. That is when our system fails.

Shanahan pointed to one example of where she thinks Donnelly imposed his personal views on a case, rather than a strict reading of the law or constitution.

In January 2022, the Ohio Supreme Court issued a 4-3 order that said excessive bail is unconstitutional. When setting money bail, judges should only consider whether the defendant is a flight risk  not the seriousness of the crime or public safety concerns, the opinion said. Donnelly voted with the majority on the case.

That led to tough-on-crime Republicans to push for constitutional amendment to require courts setting bail to consider public safety, a person's criminal record, the likelihood the defendant will show up for court and the seriousness of the offense.

Shanahan campaigned in favor of the amendment, which voters approved in November 2022.

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.

'You can't do justice by spreadsheet'

The Ohio Sentencing Commission canceled a contract with University of Cincinnati that aimed to get judges to use the same, uniform criminal sentencing form. The ultimate goal for the sentencing data project was to allow for a statewide look at criminal sentencing trends and be able to answer questions about racial bias, geographical differences and overall fairness.

Donnelly strongly supports the effort. Shanahan does not.

"It should be left to the province of the judges we elect on how they manage their cases and impose sentences," she said. "One other topic that was touched on with that project: Who owns the data? Who manages the data? Who decides what data goes in, how it's compiled and spit back out? Are we going to turn that over the Google to take care of? You can't do justice by spreadsheet."

Shanahan's key cases

Open Court Records: Shanahan agreed to let Cincinnati police officer Ryan Olthaus proceed with a lawsuit under a pseudonym and approved a restraining order blocking community activists from releasing personal info about him. The Cincinnati Enquirer and UCLA law professor Eugene Volokh sued to have the case unsealed and Olthaus' name on the records. The supreme court, including Donnelly, voted unanimously to overturn that decision, ruling that the officer couldn't pursue a lawsuit anonymously.

Death Penalty: In 2016, a jury found Glenn Bates guilty of murdering his two-year-old daughter and Shanahan sentenced him to death. Evidence showed the toddler had been beaten and starved before she died. The Ohio Supreme Court overturned the case, based on Bates receiving ineffective legal counsel. In 2023, Bates pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 25 years in prison.

Banking Contracts: In a case closely watched by Ohio's banking industry, the supreme court will decide who is right: Shanahan or the First District Court of Appeals. Raymond Schneider personally guaranteed a $77 million loan from Huntington National Bank to his business but when the business defaulted, Schneider argued that he didn't owe anything because he was a "surety" under the contract, not a guarantor. He also argued that he was duped into signing the agreement and the bank knew it. Shanahan's decision backed the bank. The appellate court sided with Schneider. Oral arguments in the case have yet to be scheduled.

Laura A. 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: Who is Megan Shanahan running for Ohio Supreme Court?
Ohio Supreme Court Justice Michael Donnelly, a Cleveland Democrat, is constantly making his case  in written opinions and dissents, guest columns, podcasts, media interviews  about what he thinks is right.

Donnelly advocates for fairness, transparency and data-driven decision making in the court system. He wants Ohio to create a criminal sentencing database to reveal biases in how defendants are treated, he wants the law changed to mandate judges to act more quickly on inmates' claims of actual innocence and he has a personal rule against allowing plea deals that aren't based on the facts of a case.

Donnelly said wrote nearly 30 "jurisdictional dissents," putting on the record why he thinks that the court should've taken up cases that it opted not to consider. "People ask me why do I do this. And I say it goes back to the most important quality I believe the judiciary can display and that's transparency."

More: Ohio Supreme Court election has 6 candidates running for 3 seats

Donnelly takes issue when Republicans accuse him of bending the law to his own personal beliefs and "legislating from the bench."

"I am an independent justice," said Donnelly, a Democrat from Cleveland. He said he applies the law and constitution, as written, even when it results in a lousy outcome.

Donnelly points to a unanimous decision he wrote that resulted in Ralph Bortree being released from prison in 2022. The court threw out his attempted aggravated murder conviction, which came 26 years after the attack. The statute of limitations had expired by the time he was prosecuted.

"Is the world a safer place because Bortree was released? No. I don't like that, but the law is the law, and it has to be followed," Donnelly said.

And while he isn't a fan of the death penalty, Donnelly noted that he has voted to affirm death sentences in two-thirds of the cases that came to the Supreme Court.

Donnelly, 58, is running for a second six-year term on the supreme court. Hamilton County Common Pleas Court Judge Megan Shanahan, a Republican, is challenging him for the seat.

Ohio Supreme Court race: Who is Judge Megan Shanahan?

Who is Justice Michael Donnelly?

Donnelly grew up watching his dad, a long-time Cuyahoga County Probate Court judge, listen to heated, emotional arguments and help parties come to resolutions.

"That had a big impact on me. It got me to understand that that's why the judiciary exists: resolve conflict in people's lives and protect people's rights," Donnelly said.

Donnelly received his bachelor's degree from John Carroll University and his legal degree from Cleveland State University's Cleveland-Marshall College of Law.

He served two years as an assistant Cuyahoga County prosecutor and seven years in private practice before being elected to the common pleas court bench in 2004.

In 2018, Donnelly won a seat on the Ohio Supreme Court in an election without partisan labels attached to candidates' names.

This time around, a new state law requires partisan labels for appellate and Supreme Court candidates. That means Donnelly will be identified as a Democrat.

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.

How Donnelly ruled on key cases

Open Records: In January, the court ruled 4-3 that expense records for state troopers to accompany Gov. Mike DeWine to the 2022 Super Bowl between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Los Angeles Rams were exempt from disclosure under Ohio's open records law. Four Republicans, including a visit judge sitting in for Justice Patrick DeWine, signed onto the majority opinion. The three Democrats on the court signed onto a dissent written by Donnelly.

And in April, Donnelly dissented in a 5-2 decision that 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.

Utility Company Fees: In 2019, Donnelly wrote the majority opinion in a 4-3 decision to strike down a fee FirstEnergy put on customer bills to modernize its distribution network. Akron-based FirstEnergy collected about $200 million a year off the fee. Donnelly wrote that power companies weren't required to actually make any investments in exchange for the money.

Wrongful Convictions: Donnelly supported the creation of a conviction integrity task force by the Supreme Court, saying that prosecutors fight to protect verdicts and convictions even in the face of newly discovered evidence. Prosecutors opted not to participate in the task force. He supports legislation that would require judges to take action more quickly on pending claims of actual innocence.

Redistricting Maps: Donnelly voted multiple times with fellow Democrats Melody Stewart and Jennifer Brunner and then-Chief Justice Maureen O'Connor, a Republican, to rule proposed constitutional and legislative district maps unconstitutional.

Boneless chicken wings: Donnelly authored the dissent in a recent case that grabbed national headlines. 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. The four justices in the majority opinion said the customer should expect to find bones in a boneless wings order because chickens have bones. Donnelly said the majority on the case overstepped "because they wanted to protect businesses from future liability."

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: Ohio Supreme Court Justice Michael Donnelly runs for second term
The Gavel outside the Supreme Court of the State of Ohio. (Photo by Graham Stokes for Ohio Capital Journal. Republish photo only with original article.)

Elections will be vitally important for not just the future of the country  but also for the state. On social issues that impact all families, the Ohio Supreme Court races are some of the most significant.

Unwanted pregnancy is a hard thing, Stark County voter Janet Barinno said. It really is a hard thing.

Ohios highest court will decide on issues that Barrino said are essential, like abortion regulations.

Its a big toss-up with that, she added.

After voters chose to protect access to abortion, advocates have been going to court to repeal dozens of restrictions. They have been successful in the lower courts so far, like repealing a block to telehealth prescriptions, but those cases will eventually all end up in the Supreme Court.

Right now, there is a 4-3 Republican majority on the court, but three races will determine the future makeup.

Supreme Court Justice Melody Stewart, a Democrat, will defend her seat against Republican Justice Joe Deters. He chose to vacate his seat to run for hers.

Democratic Justice Michael Donnely will face off against Cincinnati Republican Judge Megan Shanahan.

Cleveland Democratic Judge Lisa Forbes and Columbus Republican Judge Dan Hawkins are both vying for the remaining open seat, currently held by Deters.

When it comes to issues surrounding abortion regulations, the Democrats were all endorsed by Planned Parenthood, while Ohio Right to Life supports the Republicans.

But it isnt just abortion that will be on the table.

Daviel Molina, in Canton, is thinking about cases involving school funding and the voucher system, where public schools are suing the state to prevent money from being spent to send kids to nonpublic schools.

A lot of people cant afford private schooling; it would be nice to have better public schooling, period, Molina said. Better spending in public school education system would be nice.

The court is also expected to rule on cases revolving around home rule and firearms.

I like my guns, he laughed. I mean, come on, the right to bear arms  it wont be infringed, shall not be infringed.

Both Columbus and Cincinnati have been battling the state. They have passed gun safety measures, like requiring a lock box for your gun. The state has been fighting against them, saying they dont have the authority to create their own firearm laws.

Barrino hopes a new court will let cities decide for themselves.

Have meetings, council meetings and stuff on that  have voting, she said. Work together with a lot of things.

And when it comes to voting and giving the power back to the citizens, the court will have to evaluate redistricting reform.

Ballot Issue 1 will determine the future of how the state draws congressional and legislative maps. The court will need to enforce the amendment if it passes  but if it doesnt, the court will continue to rule on gerrymandering arguments.

Other issues the Supreme Court will evaluate have to deal with environmental protections and LGBTQ+ rights.

On Wednesday, the Tenth District Court of Appeals will hear arguments on House Bill 68, which banned gender-affirming care for transgender youth. A Republican judge in Columbus ruled in August that the prohibition could go into effect.

A panel of three appellate judges will decide on the matter; however, seven out of the eight of the judges are Democrats, so its likely the lower court will be overruled. This case will likely end up in the Supreme Court.

Follow WEWS statehouse reporter Morgan Trau on X and Facebook.

This article was originally published on News5Cleveland.com and is published in the Ohio Capital Journal under a content-sharing agreement. Unlike other OCJ articles, it is not available for free republication by other news outlets as it is owned by WEWS in Cleveland.

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Ohio US Senate candidate Bernie Moreno doesnt hold an MBA, but bio and application claimed he does

U.S. Senate candidate Bernie Moreno (R-OH) speaks to guests during a campaign rally with Republican vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance (R-OH) at Middletown High School on July 22, 2024 in Middletown, Ohio. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)

The claim that car dealer and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Bernie Moreno held an MBA from the University of Michigan has appeared in both a car dealership application and in a short biography of Moreno when he joined the board of the Cleveland Foundation. However, a spokeswoman for the university on Monday said all Moreno has is a bachelors degree in business that was awarded in 1989.

Morenos campaign on Tuesday afternoon blamed the first instance on a staffer who made a mistake. It said it didnt know how the claimed credential made its way into the Cleveland Foundation bio.

Moreno is in the middle of what is expected to be a close race against incumbent Democrat Sherrod Brown for a pivotal U.S. Senate seat.

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The first appearance of the claim Moreno held an MBA from Michigan came as part of a Nov. 25, 2011 application to open an Infiniti car dealership in Coral Gables, Florida. The document was entered into evidence as part of a Florida lawsuit and provided to the Capital Journal.

It lists the now-57-year-old Morenos birthdate, his Westlake, Ohio address, his Social Security and drivers license numbers, and it lists his academic credentials. It says that in 1985 he graduated from Pinecrest Academy in Florida, and that he received a bachelors degree in business from the University of Michigan in 1988.

Then it says, Graduate Degree, 88-91, Univ. of Michigan, MBA, Business.

However, when asked what credentials Moreno had earned from the school, the University of Michigan Office of Public Affairs on Monday said Moreno held only a bachelors degree in business that was awarded with High Distinction on April 28, 1989.

Morenos campaign responded by pointing to a separate document filed on April 23, 2010. It didnt list a post-graduate degree and Morenos campaign said, The first (2010) application to Infiniti was produced by Bernie.

But the claimed credential did appear on the document filed more than a year later that the Moreno campaign says was prepared by a staffer who made a mistake.

The campaign provided a quote from Rob Kistler, whom it said was Morenos chief financial officer at the time.

This was a clerical mistake on the subsequent form not made by Bernie, it said.

In another instance, the Moreno campaign said it didnt know how a University of Michigan MBA was attributed to Moreno in 2014, when he joined the Cleveland Foundation Board of Directors. His bio said, Moreno launched his career in the automotive industry after earning his Master of Business Administration from the University of Michigan.

Moreno never told the foundation that he held an MBA. Im not sure why they listed that, youd have to ask them, campaign spokeswoman Reagan McCarthy said in an email.

She didnt respond to a question asking whether Moreno took any steps to correct the claim.

A 2018 biography of Moreno while he chaired the Cleveland State University Board of Trustees said he held multiple degrees from Michigan. His bio at the time said, Mr. Moreno holds a business degree and a liberal arts degree from the University of Michigan.

That bio is no longer on the universitys website. What remains is one describing Moreno as founder of Cleveland States Center for Sales Excellence. That bio doesnt claim multiple degrees from the University of Michigan.

After graduating from the University of Michigan with a bachelors degree in Business Administration, (Moreno) began his career in the automotive industry with the Saturn Corporation, it says.

Cleveland State on Tuesday said it removed Morenos earlier bio when he left the board of trustees in 2018.

Moreno also appears to have claimed multiple degrees from the University of Michigan in an archived bio that appeared on the website of Mercedes Benz of North Olmstead.

His campaign said, however, that when Moreno was an undergraduate, U of M business students first spent two years earning an associates degree in liberal arts before spending the next two getting a bachelors in business.

There is not a single example you can point to in which Bernie himself claims to have an MBA, McCarthy said, notwithstanding the fact that the Infiniti dealership application making the claim went out over his signature. Any example you cited is from another individual or entity.

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OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  The Oklahoma City Police Department responded to a reported shooting Tuesday evening in Southeast Oklahoma City.

According to authorities, a shooting was reported in the area of Southeast 45th Street and Byers Avenue.

Police say when they arrived they found a man walking around with a gunshot wound in his leg. They determined the gunshot had taken place in a different location.

Officials believe the shooting was accidental or self-inflicted after speaking with a witness nearby.

The victim was transported to a local hospital and his condition is currently unknown.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
Francine has become a hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico as it bears down on the Louisiana coast
Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt, pictured at his Feb. 5 State of the State Address, issued an "Oklahoma Phone-Free Schools Challenge" on Wednesday, encouraging schools to create new policies to limit student cellphone use in classrooms. (Photo by Kyle Phillips/For Oklahoma Voice)

OKLAHOMA CITY  Gov. Kevin Stitt has challenged Oklahoma schools to adopt phone-free classroom policies, calling the proliferation of cellphones in schools a real and worsening problem.

The Republican governor issued an executive order on Wednesday creating the Oklahoma Phone-Free Schools Challenge to encourage schools to limit student cellphone use through cost-neutral strategies. He stopped short of issuing a statewide ban on cellphones in schools and is not requiring districts to participate in the challenge.

Stitt said cellphones and social media have caused a worrying trend of distraction, bullying and learning difficulties in schools. His executive order also cites concerns of a negative impact on childrens mental health.

Those of you in the classroom know the best way to solve this problem, not big government, the governor said in a pre-recorded video. Parents, we need to talk to our kids about their screen time and make sure that theyre getting the most out of their school day.

Stitt enters the school cellphone debate at a time when multiple Oklahoma districts are tightening restrictions on mobile devices in their classrooms and campuses. Seven other states, most of them Republican-led, have mandated that districts implement cellphone-limiting policies or ordered outright bans on cellphone use in schools.

Legislation seeking to limit student cellphone use has been introduced across the country, including in Oklahoma. A bill failed in the state Senate this year that would have offered grants to schools that enact a phone-free campus policy.

Although some Republicans at the state Capitol have said they would support a statewide school cellphone ban, Stitt declined to do so. Instead, his executive order challenges schools to work with families and policy makers to develop commonsense and cost-neutral solutions to reduce student cellphone use.

The policies should be unique to each school, Stitt said, and could be as simple as collecting phones in a cardboard box at the beginning of class.

As governor and as a dad, I want to fix it, Stitt said in his video. But, I know government sometimes makes one-size-fits-all directives, and thats the problem, not the solution. So instead, I want to partner with teachers and parents in addressing this crisis, not make top-down demands that are impossible to meet. Thats why instead of issuing an order, Im issuing a challenge.

Stitts secretary of education, Nellie Tayloe Sanders, and the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services will compile a best practices report detailing policies that schools develop by Nov. 29, according to the executive order. The Stitt administration will share the report with legislative leaders and state Superintendent Ryan Walters.

Prohibiting cellphones in schools has become a growing trend nationwide. About 76% of all U.S. public schools, including 43% of high schools, prohibit non-academic use of cellphones, according to a report from the National Center for Education Statistics.

Oklahomas largest district, Tulsa Public Schools, forbids elementary and middle-school students from using cellphones, smart watches or headphones during the entire school day, and high-school students have to put away these devices during class time.

Bixby Public Schools, south of Tulsa, recently prohibited use of cellphones during school hours for all students in pre-K through ninth grade. High-school sophomores, juniors and seniors are allowed to access their cellphones only during non-instructional time, according to a district announcement.

Bixby added the new restrictions after seeing a significant rise in cyberbullying, unauthorized recordings, loss of academic focus, safety concerns and diminished social interaction.

These issues, along with the ongoing power struggles over phone usage, have had a detrimental effect on school culture and supportive relationships, the district wrote in a back-to-school notice. It is urgent that we address these issues with the new policy.

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FILE - Tulsa Race Massacre survivor Viola Ford Fletcher gestures while speaking during an interview with The Associated Press, June 16, 2023, in New York. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer, File)

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP)  The Oklahoma Supreme Court has rejected a request to reconsider its ruling to dismiss a lawsuit filed by the last two known living survivors of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre.

Without comment, seven members of the court on Tuesday turned away the request by 110-year-old Viola Fletcher and 109-year-old Lessie Benningfield Randle to rehear its June ruling that upheld a decision by a district court judge in Tulsa to dismiss the case.

Justice James Edmondson would have reheard the case and Justice Richard Darby did not vote.

Fletcher and Randle survived the massacre that is considered one of the worst single acts of violence against Black people in U.S. history.

As many as 300 Black people were killed; more than 1,200 homes, businesses, schools and churches were destroyed; and thousands were forced into internment camps overseen by the National Guard when a white mob, including some deputized by authorities, looted and burned the Greenwood District, also known as Black Wall Street.

Damario Solomon-Simmons, attorney for Fletcher and Benningfield, was not immediately available for comment.

Solomon-Simmons, after filing the motion for rehearing in July, also asked the U.S. Department of Justice to open an investigation into the massacre under the Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crime Act.

President Biden sat down with my clients. He promised them that he would see that they get justice," Solomon-Simmons said at the time.

"Then he went to the next room and had a robust speech where he told the nation that he stood with the survivors and descendants of the Tulsa race massacre ... we are calling upon President Biden to fulfill his promise to these survivors, to this community and for Black people across the nation, Solomon-Simmons said.

The Emmett Till Act allows for the reopening of cold cases of violent crimes against Black people committed before 1970.

The lawsuit was an attempt under Oklahomas public nuisance law to force the city of Tulsa and others to make restitution for the destruction.

Attorneys also argued that Tulsa appropriated the historic reputation of Black Wall Street to their own financial and reputational benefit. They argue that any money the city receives from promoting Greenwood or Black Wall Street, including revenue from the Greenwood Rising History Center, should be placed in a compensation fund for victims and their descendants.
File boxes containing the signatures of supporters of an initiative petition to increase the state's minimum wage are stacked Sept. 15, 2024, in front of an Oklahoma City building. (Photo courtesy of Raise the Wage Oklahoma)

OKLAHOMA CITY  A state question to raise the minimum wage in Oklahoma will be voted on statewide during the June 16, 2026 primary election.

If passed by voters, the initiative would increase the minimum wage to $12 an hour in 2027 from the current $7.25, which is also the federal minimum wage. It calls for additional gradual increases until it reaches $15 an hour in 2029.

Gov. Kevin Stitt issued an executive order Wednesday assigning the state question to the 2026 primary.

The question called for an increase in minimum wage to $9 beginning in 2025. However, as the initiative wont be voted on until 2026, the minimum wage would jump to $12 in 2027, skipping the 2025 and 2026 gradual increases.

Im disappointed, but not surprised that the governor is deciding to play politics with the lives of working Oklahomans, said Amber England, a spokesperson for Raise the Wage Oklahoma. This is over 320,000 Oklahomans have waited over 15 years now to see their wages increase through an increase in the minimum wage, and theyre going to have to wait two more years.

England said it will be three years between the question being filed and Oklahomans being able to vote on the measure, but the campaign is confident that voters will vote to approve the measure when they are able to in 2026.

The measure survived challenges from the State Chamber and the Oklahoma Farm Bureau Legal Foundation and the state Supreme Court ruled that the state question had garnered enough signatures to be placed on the ballot.

The ballot initiative had 157,287 verified signatures, well over the required number.

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In the 21st century, the Boeing VC-25 based on the Boeing 747 is what comes to mind when people think of Air Force One. The Presidential aircraft was famously depicted in the 1997 Harrison Ford film Air Force One and other media. Although the VC-25 flew its maiden flight in 1987 and was introduced three years later, it did not completely replace the older VC-137 derived from the Boeing 707. In fact, the VC-137 flew its last mission as Air Force One just under two weeks before the terror attacks on September 11, 2001.

President George W. Bush arrives Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2001, at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska. (Photo by Eric Draper, Courtesy of the George W. Bush Presidential Library) Eric Draper

President George H. W. Bush was the last president to use the VC-137 as his primary means of air travel. The introduction of the two VC-25s was delayed by problems with the aircrafts communication systems. When the VC-25s replaced the VC-137s in 1990, the older aircraft remained on standby as a backup. The VC-137s, designated Special Air Mission 26000 and 27000, were kept on standby as backup planes to the new SAM 28000 and 29000. In fact, despite the introduction of the VC-25, SAM 27000 still flew Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush as Air Force One.

SAM 27000 delivers President Bush and Laura Bush following its final flight as Air Force One (White House photo)

On August 29, 2001, SAM 27000 flew President Bush and First Lady Laura Bush to Texas State Technical College Waco Airport; the two were en route to Prairie Chapel Ranch, also known as the Bush Ranch. At the airport, President Bush commented on SAM 27000s history and legacy. This plane, tail number 27000, wore the name of Air Force One for 444 missions, and more than 1 million miles. Today this plane carried a President for the last time, and soon it will be taking its last flight, he said. it will take its final flight westward into history. SAM 27000 was flown to California where it was put on display at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley.

Regardless of his inability to do so aboard Air Force One, President Bush was insistent on returning to Washington, D.C. to address the nation from the White House. (Photo by Eric Draper, Courtesy of the George W. Bush Presidential Library) Eric Draper

After his last flight aboard SAM 27000, President Bush flew exclusively aboard the VC-25s. However, the aircraft was still relatively new and still had bugs to work out. This was made abundantly clear 13 days later on September 11. When news of the attacks on the Twin Towers reached President Bush in Florida at 9:05AM, his Secret Service team began evaluating options to keep the President safe. Naturally, the most secure place to be was in the sky aboard VC-25 SAM 29000 and Air Force One took off at 9:55AM.

President Bush makes a call aboard Air Force One on 9/11 (Photo by Eric Draper, Courtesy of the George W. Bush Presidential Library)

Aboard the only plane in the sky, with all U.S. airspace shut down before Air Force One took off, President Bush and his staff gathered information and worked to address the crisis. However, coordination was complicated by communications issues aboard SAM 29000. President Bush struggled to contact his family and Vice President Dick Cheney and reports reaching the Presidents staff were misunderstood. One such report noted that Angel was a target. The use of this code word for Air Force One indicated to staffers aboard the aircraft that the attackers were highly sophisticated and perhaps had someone within the Presidents inner circle. In actuality, the reference to Air Force One as Angel was made by someone within the intelligence community and the report simply identified Air Force One as a potential target.

President George W. Bush, White House Chief of Staff Andy Card, left, and Adm. Richard Mies conduct a video teleconference Tuesday Sept. 11, 2001, at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska. (Photo by Eric Draper, Courtesy of the George W. Bush Presidential Library) Eric Draper

Perhaps the most glaring issue aboard SAM 29000 was the Presidents inability to address the nation in the air. Instead, Air Force One had to land at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana at 11:45AM. From there, President Bush made his first remarks to the American people following the attacks. After 9/11, the VC-25s were retrofitted to allow the President to make such an address from the Oval Office aboard Air Force One. Additionally, President Bush could not communicate with military leaders from aboard Air Force One. So, SAM 29000 landed at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska at 3:00PM. From a STRATCOM bunker capable of withstanding a nuclear blast, the President was finally able to have a video teleconference with military leaders. Today, SAM 28000 and 29000 enable the President to have VTCs while airborne.
One civilian killed in Russian attack on Kamianske district in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast

Russian forces struck the Kamianske district in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast on 11 September, leaving one person dead and several more injured.

Source: Serhii Lysak, Head of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram; Ukraine's Air Force

Quote: "A man has been killed in the Russian attack. In addition, [more civilians] have been injured. An air-raid warning is still in effect in the oblast. Do not ignore it."

Details: Earlier, Ukraine's Air Force reported the threat of ballistic missile strikes from the southeast.

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CAMBRIA COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ)  An Allegheny County man died in the multi-vehicle crash in Jackson Township on Wednesday, according to media partners at the Tribune-Democrat.

Kenneth Wesolowski, 33, of West Mifflin, was driving a little after 12:30 a.m., when his Volkswagen Sedan hit the back of a Nissan Sentra that was turning onto Mile Hill Road, according to Cambria County Coroner Jeff Lees.

Wesolowski was thrown from the vehicle after it turned over multiple times. He was pronounced dead at the scene at 12:57 a.m., by Medical Command Physician Dr. Scott Magley, the Tribune-Democrat reported.

An autopsy showed that Wesolowski died from multiple blunt-force traumas to the upper torso, according to Lees. The death is being ruled accidental, with toxicology results pending.

The driver of the Nissans condition is still unknown, however they were transported to Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center for their injuries.

A second crash happened when a third vehicle drove up to the scene, stopped and was eventually hit from behind by a fourth vehicle, according to Jackson Township Captain Phil Vaught. No injuries were reported for the second crash.

All four vehicles were towed from the scene, with the eastbound lanes shut down until the wrecks were cleared. The road was closed for almost five hours and reopened around 5:30 a.m.

ORIGINAL STORY:

CAMBRIA COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ)  One man is dead after a multi-vehicle crash in Jackson Township on Wednesday.

Police were called to the scene of a multi-vehicle crash in Jackson Township along Route 22 at Mile Hill on Sept. 11, around 12:30 a.m. One person, a male believed to be in his 30s, was pronounced dead at the scene by Cambria County Coroner Jeff Lees, according to Jackson Township Fire Department.

Crews were on the scene for nearly five hours after the crash, conducting reconstruction and cleanup. One person was also transported to Conemaugh Memorial Medical Hospital, however, the department said that their injuries and condition is unknown at this time.

This is a developing story, please check back for updates and download the WTAJ app to receive breaking news notifications.

Lees has an autopsy scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 11. The identity of the deceased male has yet to be released.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTAJ - www.wtaj.com.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  One person is dead after a shooting in the north side of Columbus on Tuesday.

Columbus police said officers responded to a ShotSpotter alert around 7:04 p.m. at the 2200 block of Parkwood Avenue in the Mock-Aberdeen neighborhood. One person was transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition. He was pronounced dead around 7:23 p.m. and identified Thursday as Corey J. Meade, 35.

Police find stolen car with child inside in Franklinton

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This is an active investigation and there is no additional information on the suspect at this time.

Police ask that anyone with information regarding this incident to contact Detective Shepherd at (614) 645-0877 or RShepherd@ColumbusPolice.org or to call Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at (614) 461-TIPS (8477).

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
One seriously injured after stabbing near Dorchester MBTA station

One person was rushed to the hospital with serious injuries after a stabbing near a Dorchester MBTA stop Wednesday afternoon.

Boston police officers responded to the area around the Field Corner T-Stop on Dorchester Avenue just before 3:00 p.m.

The stabbing victim was transported to a nearby hospital to be treated for their wounds. The injuries are considered life-threatening, police say.

Boston police say their homicide unit has been called.

Nobody is in custody at this time, Boston police say.

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One teenager dead, another seriously injured after single-vehicle crash in western Wisconsin

ELROY, Wis. (WFRV)  The Vernon County Sheriffs Office reported a single-vehicle crash that severely injured one teenager and killed another around midnight on Sunday.

According to the report, a 17-year-old male was driving a Ford F-250 pickup truck on County Road WW when he lost control on a leftward curve. The vehicle reportedly went offroad and turned overturned multiple times after colliding with an embankment.

Arizona man arrested after fleeing traffic stop in northwest Wisconsin, formal charges await

Initial reports show that seatbelts didnt appear to be used, and a 16-year-old passenger was ejected from the truck. The report says that officials do not know if the driver was ejected or exited on his own.

Both occupants were severely injured and transported to a hospital, with the driver flown to the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

The passenger was pronounced dead at 1 a.m. by the Vernon County Coroner. Sheriff Roy Torgerson expressed condolences to the family and friends of the victims in the release.

Fond du Lac County Sheriff: 730+ traffic stops during Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign, nearly 250 citations issued

The investigation is ongoing, but initial reports believe speed, alcohol and vehicle equipment to be factors in the crash.

No more information is available at this time.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton.
Oneida County announces grants that could create daycare slots for up to 1,000 children

Oneida County has announced a Family Daycare Startup Grant Program, providing $250,000 to create new home daycare businesses and help existing home daycares expand.

Oneida County will partner with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oneida County (CCE) to execute the program. The $250,000 fund allocated by the county will be administered by CCE and not exceed $2,500 per individual daycare.

Benchmarks will be set for recipients and quarterly reports on program results will be submitted to the county by CCE.

The program fund could create up to 100 new daycares and slots for up to 1,000 additional children, officials said.

The inadequate supply of childcare is a major hurdle faced by families and employers across Oneida County, Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente Jr. said in a statement.

Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente Jr. gives his annual State of the County speech Thursday afternoon at Turning Stone.

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.

Two years in the making

The Family Daycare Startup Fund is a direct result of the recommendations given in a recent report from the Oneida County Childcare Taskforce that Picente formed after his 2022 State of the County Address.

One of the major barriers the taskforce identified when starting a family daycare is the initial cost, which is currently the daycare provider's financial responsibility.

Startup costs can include diapers, playpens, various toys, educational materials, sleeping mats or cribs, and a variety of other equipment designed to improve the safety and quality of the environment for the children being supervised.

Those costs can be prohibitive to lower-income families interested in starting up their own family daycare and prevent some individuals from becoming New York State-certified providers. Existing providers also face the same cost barrier when in need of equipment to expand their capacity to be able to provide services to more parents.

According to the New York State Office of Children and Family Services, there are currently 67 licensed family daycare homes, 51 licensed group family daycare homes and 34 licensed daycare centers in Oneida County, officials said.

Providing support

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oneida County currently provides technical support to individuals interested in opening a family daycare within their own home.

This support includes providing access to state-required orientations and trainings, assistance with completing the NYS Childcare application packet and assistance with maintaining compliance with all OCFS regulations. Following the completion of this licensing process, individuals are permitted to begin operating their own family daycare facility.

Oneida County is also providing CCE with $42,500 to fund a Childcare Navigator position that will help individuals seeking childcare connect with daycares and assist those who want to start daycare businesses.

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, said CCE Executive Director Mary Beth McEwen. 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.

To apply for the Family Daycare Startup Grant Program, email CCE at earlycareandlearning@cornell.edu or call 315-736-3394 ext. 243.

This article originally appeared on Observer-Dispatch: Family Daycare Startup Grant to provide $250,000 for Oneida County
THE BRONX, NY (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY)  As America honors their first responders on Wednesday, September 11, an investigator with the Oneida County Sheriffs Department will be honored by the New York Yankees.

Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol announced on Wednesday that investigator Ed Constantine from Utica will be honored during the Yankees game against the Kansas City Royals. During the seventh inning stretch, Constantine will be brought out onto the field, introduced to the crowd, and will be recognized during the Yankees traditional singing of God Bless America.

Constantine served in the United States Marine Corps from 2009 to 2013. He then served in the Marine Corps Reserves from 2014 to 2017. He served two tours overseas, in Afghanistan in 2011 and Kuwait in 2012.

Investigator Constantine has earned several medals during his tours of duty with the Marines, including:

The National Defense Medal,

The Global War on Terrorism Service Medal,

The Good Conduct Medal,

The Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal,

The Afghanistan Campaign Medal,

The NATO Medal,

The Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, and

The Meritorious Unit Citation.

Constantine joined the Oneida County Sheriffs Office in 2015 and was promoted to Investigator in 2022. He is currently assigned to the Sheriffs Domestic Violence Unit and the Mental Health/Crisis Response Unity. He is partnered with K-9 Addie  the offices emotional support dog  who just celebrated her first birthday on Tuesday, September 10.

Tonights game can be seen on Amazon Prime Video. First pitch at Yankee Stadium is scheduled for 7:05 pm.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WUTR/WFXV - CNYhomepage.com.
Oneida have never harvested wild rice. But 'the rice wants to be here,' so they're learning

ONEIDA  Tony Kuchma, wetlands program coordinator for the Oneida Nation, was exploring the tribes newly restored wetlands area one day about 15 years ago when he saw something that made him react as if he bumped into a Hollywood celebrity.

Were not sure how the (wild) rice got there, he said. I was star-struck. No one reseeded it. It came back on its own. The rice was telling me it wants to be there.

So, the tribe decided to help it along by transplanting wild rice seed from Ojibwe reservations in northern Wisconsin and northern Minnesota.

Wild rice had once been abundant in the Oneida and Green Bay area, but disappeared by the mid-1900s due to poorly planned development, which caused wetland degradation.

Much of the projects costs are funded through grants, including one from the hunters organization Ducks Unlimited, because improving the wetlands would help increase the duck population.

The Oneida Nation recently invited the community to learn how to harvest wild rice with Oneida tribal members.

But with wetland restoration and wild rice reseeding projects, wild rice is starting to make a comeback in this part of Wisconsin.

With the resurgence of wild rice in the area, Oneida tribal members are now learning how to harvest it.

The tribe held a wild rice harvesting teaching event this month at its wetland preserve, Where the Waterbirds Come to Nest.

The reason Kuchma was so excited when he saw the rice make an appearance is because it is unique, and culturally bound to many tribes in Wisconsin. With its rich, nutty and complex flavor, the wild rice that grows in Wisconsin and Minnesota is one of a kind and is high in nutritional value for protein, fiber, calcium and antioxidants. It's not technically rice; it's the seed, or grain, of a semi-aquatic grass.

Known as manoomin by Ojibwe, it is an essential part of their culture. The Ojibwe had once lived on the eastern seaboard, according to its tribal migration story, and there was a prophecy that stated if they wanted to survive as a people they would have to move west.

They kept moving westward for several generations as the prophecy commanded until they found a place where the food grows on water and they finally found their home in the upper Great Lakes region, in parts of what is now Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota and Canada.

When Ojibwe were being forced onto reservations in Wisconsin in the mid-1800s there were given some choice as to where they could reside. Tribal leaders inevitably chose land that had the best manoomin.

Wild rice also is important to other tribes in Wisconsin. The name for Menominee, for example, who have lived in Wisconsin for at least 10,000 years, longer than any other people, translates to People of the Wild Rice.

The Oneida, however, have only been in Wisconsin since about 1820 and wild rice had not been a large part of their culture.

Harvesting wild rice could benefit food sovereignty

Historically an agrarian people from upstate New York, the culturally relevant foods for Oneida are what's known as the "Three Sisters," consisting of cultivated squash, beans and the renowned Oneida white corn.

The Oneida had been illegally forced from their homeland by the New York state government, despite being promised by the federal government they could stay on their land after helping the U.S. win the War for Independence against the British. They brought their white corn seeds and other cultivation practices with them to Wisconsin.

The Oneida Nation recently invited the community to learn how to harvest wild rice.

Now that they have successfully restored wild rice marshes, the Oneida are eager to start harvesting manoomin, which they deem beneficial in supporting their food sovereignty initiatives.

How can we be a sovereign nation if we cant feed ourselves? asked Oneida Chef Arlie Doxtator, who helped lead this months expedition of about 20 people into the marsh. He was paraphrasing the words of Winona LaDuke, a renowned author and activist from the White Earth Ojibwe Nation in Minnesota.

Doxtator explained to the group of Oneidas and non-Oneidas how that first week of September was the ideal time to harvest. He said there were droughts in previous years that prevented canoes from reaching the rice, and other years they didnt get to the rice before hundreds of waterfowl claimed the marsh and ate most of the rice.

Were all still learning, he said.

Doxtator said the tribe is planning to invite Ojibwe experts in years to come to help teach them how and when to harvest. The Ojibwe tribes have rice chiefs who determine the best times to harvest.

The wild rice grows best in water at depths of about three feet. The traditional method of harvesting, which the Oneida are practicing, includes having two people in a canoe with one to push the canoe with a large pole and the other to harvest the rice using two wooden sticks to knock the grains loose into the canoe. The idea is that much of the seeds will fall back into the water during this practice to help reseed for the following year.

Tabitha DeGroot, an Oneida tribal member, took her four-year-old son out on the canoe to give him the experience of traditionally harvesting for his food. It seemed like it would be really fun to do, she said.

Stephanie Fritsche, who is not a tribal citizen, took her 5- and 6-year-old sons on a canoe with Doxtator. Their canoe tipped over drenching everyone, but the boys said they had a great time and Fritsche said it was a good learning experience. She said theyre a home-schooled family from Green Bay and she wanted her children to have an immersive learning experience to learn where their food came from.

Total respect to our relatives up north (Ojibwe), Doxtator said after the experience. This is not easy, not in the least.

Wild Rice and Berry Bowl recipeOneida Chef Arlie Doxtator provided everyone with a recipe card for a wild rice and berry bowl.Ingredients bunch of kale pint blueberries cup currents cup cooked wild rice2 tbs honey or maple syrupDirectionsCook wild rice according to the package directions. Before the water is absorbed, add chopped kale and cook for five minutes more. Add the fresh berries and sweetener. (Optional: To flavor the rice, add a tea bag to the rice as its cooking.) Stir in a Greek style yogurt.

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Frank Vaisvilas is a former Report for America corps member who covers Native American issues in Wisconsin based at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Contact him at fvaisvilas@gannett.com or 815-260-2262. Follow him on Twitter at @vaisvilas_frank.

More: Wisconsin wild rice is unique in the world, but some worry about effects of climate change

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Oneida learning how to harvest wild rice in Wisconsin near Green Bay
Only my body is alive  Libyans in limbo a year after flood

One year on, the images of the catastrophic deluge that swept through Libya's coastal city of Derna, killing thousands, linger in the memories of those who survived.

Life stopped. Its only the body that is still alive. Im not the same person, says Abdul Aziz Aldali, a young resident.

He lost his mother, father and nephews, who had come for a sleepover at their home, when Storm Daniel hit the city on the night of 10 September.

"I consider them martyrs. My neighbours, the Nasser family, lost 24 martyrs. The water reached them first," Mr Aldali says.

Derna is built on the delta of the Wadi Derna river. The stream flows through two dams before crossing the city and emptying into the sea.

The unseasonably heavy rains - along with the failure to do maintenance work on ageing infrastructure - overwhelmed the dams, which eventually ruptured at around 02:00 local time on 11 September.

A huge wave came through [the house]. Water filled up two floors in less than a second. The water was moving us around the house in the darkness, Mr Aldali recalls.

The water was taking me up and down. I swim very well, but its hard to control when the water keeps flipping you.

Eventually, the waves propelled him outside.

I spotted a network tower. A wave came and pushed me towards it, so I clung to it and tried to resist as much as I could.

A deluge of water struck the city with an estimated force of 24 million tonnes, sparing no one.

I looked at the people - small children who couldnt save themselves. Those who were destined to live survived. Those who werent passed away, Mr Aldali recalls.

The two-storey home of Abdul Aziz Aldali has not been rebuilt [Abdul Aziz Aldali ]

Like many other residents, Mr Aldali has left the city. He has now relocated to Umm al-Rizam, a quaint village which is a 40-minute drive south of Derna.

More than 5,900 people died, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (Ocha), and 2,380 more are reported missing in a city with a population of about 90,000.

Locals believe the number of people killed in the flood is much higher.

Almost all of my friends lost a family member. People in Derna believe more than 10,000 died in the flood, says Dernawi journalist Johr Ali, who is now based in Turkey's main city, Istanbul, and has been following developments in his home town.

For many Dernawis, the trauma of the loss is compounded by the agonising uncertainty of not knowing the fate of their missing relatives.

I only found [the bodies] of my nephews, says Mr Aldali says. This world is worth nothing without my parents. I only ask Allah to reunite me with them in heaven.

The General Authority for Search and Identification of Missing Persons (Gasimp) has spent the past 12 months collecting DNA samples from human remains in the hope of finding matches with surviving family members.

We collected the bodies, took samples from the teeth and other bones, issued reports with the cause of death, and buried the bodies, Gasimp director Dr Kamal Sewi says.

But finding the remains of the victims has been difficult, with some body parts discovered as far as 60km (37 miles) out to sea or under collapsed buildings.

The bodies of the victims still awaiting identification have been buried in unmarked graves [Gasimp]

A special cemetery on the outskirts of Derna has been set up for the victims, but the graves are still nameless because most bodies have not been officially identified, leaving thousands of families without the closure they desperately yearn for.

Numeric codes are kept inside and outside each burial spot. These will eventually be assigned a name if the DNA of the deceased person is matched with that of a living relative.

However, the scale of displacement caused by the deluge has complicated this step of identification.

It is easier to match DNA samples from direct relatives like parents or siblings, Dr Sewi says, but finding those close family members has been a challenge.

People moved from the city because they no longer have a home, but they did not come to report the missing, Dr Sewi says.

This has further delayed the identification process because the teams have to search for second- or third-generation relatives, which makes DNA matching more complicated.

[Identification] is not a process that will take one or two months to complete, Dr Sewi says.

But while the lives of many Dernawis remain in limbo as they await news of their loved ones, the city's reconstruction is well under way.

Local officials are proud of the new flats in Derna [Moataz Fadil ]

Roads have been cleared, schools and mosques are being repaired, and new homes have sprung up.

The so-called Korean buildings, a complex of towering apartment blocks painted in white have become the pride of local authorities, who have also organised press tours to display the finished work.

It has been completed more than a decade after then-ruler Muammar Gaddafi's government commissioned a South Korean company to build the complex.

Construction work was suspended after the outbreak of a civil war in 2011, but resumed after the flood.

Some displaced families have also returned to Derna, attracted by the opportunity to receive compensation of up to 100,000 Libyan dinars ($21,000; 16,000) and subsidised rent.

But financial help to some families - along with the reconstruction effort - has been delayed by bureaucratic bottlenecks, and allegations of financial mismanagement.

A source with the investigative news organisation The Sentry told the BBC that the process appeared to be "opaque", and lacked clear rules.

Some families who thought they were eligible are still waiting, he added.

There are also mounting concerns that the victims of the floods have become pawns in the power struggle between Libya's rival governments - headquartered in the capital, Tripoli, and in the eastern city, Bengazi.

Belqasem Haftar - a son of military strongman Gen Khalifa Haftar, who governs the eastern part of Libya - is leading the recovery efforts through the Derna Reconstruction Fund.

With rival governments in Libya, Derna's reconstruction has become more difficult [Getty Images]

With more than $2bn allocated to the fund, it gives the Haftars enormous influence to extend their power base.

"It is a blank cheque with zero oversight, Libya analyst Anas El Gomati, who heads the Sadeq Institute think-tank, told the AFP news agency.

A spokesman for Gen Hatar's Libyan National Army did not respond to a BBC request for comment.

The source at The Sentry, who preferred to remain anonymous because of the sensitivities around the issue, pointed out that the governor of Libya's central bank had fled the country after a fall-out with the government there.

Money allocated to the reconstruction of Derna contributed to making the central bank in Tripoli closer to the Haftar family, but the government in Tripoli was bitterly against this, he added.

As the power struggles and chaos continue to rage, Dernawis like Mr Aldali are warily trying to rebuild their lives.

We ask the people to pray for those who are behind the maintenance were witnessing now and to make the country look better than it was. May Allah have mercy upon them, he says.

More about the Derna flood from the BBC:

[Getty Images/BBC]

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PHILADELPHIA  The presidential debate had been over for just a few minutes when an unexpected visitor crashed the spin room to boast about Donald Trump's performance.

The surprise guest was Trump himself, who was eager to declare victory in his first face-to-face meeting with Vice President Kamala Harris.

This was my best debate, Trump insisted as a scrum of reporters, photographers and television crews pushed, shoved and edged closer for a better view.

Trumps bravado was a face-saving move that failed to mask what even some of his closest supporters reluctantly acknowledged: The night had not gone well for the former president.

I think a couple of times he got rattled, Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said.

Analysis: In debate, Harris showed up as a prosecutor. Trump showed up as himself

Trump knows 'he lost the debate' with Harris

Harris dominated the first  and perhaps only  clash with the former president, who has vexed Democratic foes with his rhetorical bluster and showmanship since descending on his escalator in 2015.

The VP, a well-oiled prosecutor known to deflate opponents egos, cracked that code Tuesday with a repeated three-pronged communication jujitsu that emphasized her biography and joyous campaign vibes while goading Trump by prodding his ego and past grievances.

Even GOP surrogates admitted that Harris unnerved their nominee, with some suggesting a rematch has to happen in order to erase Trump's poor performance from memory. The biggest obstacle to a second debate is Trump, who appears uninterested in taking Harris on again.

Democrats were giddy about the contrast displayed before millions of Americans who watched. A day after, the Harris campaign dropped its "newest ad" on X, formerly known as Twitter, by posting the entire 90-minute debate.

I would love it if Donald Trump debated Kamala Harris once a week, Rep. Ted Lieu, D-California, told USA TODAY.

Lieu watched with aides as the herd of reporters surrounded the former president in the spin room, and fired one question after another his way.

Trump came here because he knows he lost the debate, he said. Only losers do that.

Trump-Harris debate: Breaking down the winners (and losers) from last night

Harris, who spent days prepping for the debate, took charge the minute the candidates stepped onto the stage.

Trump headed straight for his podium. Harris, who had never met him in person, walked over, extended her hand and introduced herself.

"Kamala Harris. How are you?" she said.

Trump seemed caught off guard but accepted the handshake. "Nice to see you. I'm fine," he said.

"Let's have a good debate," Harris replied.

For the next hour and a half, Harris needled Trump. She cited his conviction on 34 felony charges in a hush-money case in New York and pointed to other criminal charges pending against him. She said other world leaders laugh at him. She brought up old rivals within his own party, namely the late Sen. John McCain. She even mocked his campaign rallies, saying that his crowds often leave early out of exhaustion or boredom.

Each time, Trump took the bait.

He forcefully defended the crowds at his rallies, then quickly segued into an unverified claim that Haitian migrants in Springfield, Ohio, are eating cats and dogs. Trump's response drew a quick rebuke from the debate moderates, who said they had contacted the Springfield city manager, who said there are no credible reports of pet-eating.

Harris 'good at needling' Trump supporters admit

Trumps surrogates tried to salvage the night by emphasizing how Harris dodged various questions, such as if the country is better off than when she and Biden took office in 2021.

But even some GOP loyalists admitted the vice president did an effective job getting Trump off message.

Speaking on Fox News, Trump didnt want to commit to another debate.

A crowd watches the ABC News presidential debate between Democrat Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump at a debate watch party at The Abbey, an iconic gay bar in West Hollywood, California.

But Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Florida, told USA TODAY there should be another face-to-face verbal joust before the election.

If we learned anything tonight is that Kamala Harris is pretty good at needling people, he said.

But what does that matter? You going to needle Vladimir Putin? You're going to needle Xi Jinping? That ain't gonna work.

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, speaking to reporters, said Harris showed why she should be president and Trump should not. The Tar Heel State is a critical battleground, and polls show a super-close race there. The southern Democrat predicted Harris performance would move more independent voters into her column.

Kamala Harris showed that she's a consensus builder, that she is a reasonable person, Cooper said. I think she's learned in her 3-plus years as vice president that in order to get generational legislation passed, you have to try and bring people together. She wants to be the president for all Americans. And she doesn't spend all of her time running down our country and talking about how we are a failed nation. She approaches it with optimism, and I believe that most of the American people are like that.

Harris, Trump spar in debate: See photos of facial expressions, reactions

New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, another Democrat, also predicted Harris debate performance would help her win over more independent and undecided voters.

People were interested, those undecided voters, about who she is and how she would do, Lujan Grisham said. These are pressure cooker environments. She showed temperament, the ability to take on those challenges while also laying out a vision.

Harris has been hounded by questions about her views and policy ideas.

A CBS News/YouGov poll released just ahead of the debate, for instance, found about 4 in 10 voters in the battleground states of Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin said say they don't know what she stands for.

Harris now plans to hit the ground with rallies, community events and canvass kick-offs to continue taking her message directly to voters across the country during the final stretch of the race, campaign officials say, starting with a swing that will include events in every media market in every battleground state in just four days.

Lujan Grisham told USA TODAY coming off the debate, the vice president will showcase how relatable and likable she is over the coming weeks.

"She is believable because she's telling the truth. Voters always want that," the New Mexico governor said.

"They want you to meet them where they are. So, she's going to be on the campaign trail. It's going to be a vigorous 50-plus days, and I have every confidence she will continue to persuade voters to her campaign."

Phillip M. Bailey is a chief political correspondent with USA TODAY. Michael Collins covers the White House. You can reach them on X, formerly Twitter, @phillipmbailey and @mcollinsNews.

Taylor Swift endorses Harris: Trump says he's 'not a fan' of the pop superstar

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Debate reactions: Democrats rejoice, Republicans regroup
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  Opening statements started on Wednesday morning in the federal trial for the former Memphis Police officers accused of killing Tyre Nichols.

 MORE ON TYRE NICHOLS

The U.S. Attorney opening statements:

Elizabeth Rogers with the U.S. Attorneys Office told jurors that evidence will be hard to watch and that those days will not be easy.

Five officers took turns punching, kicking, and beating Nichols until he died. They stood by his dying body and laughed. They silently agreed to lie about it and cover it up, Rogers said.

Rogers says that Emmitt Martin and Desmond Mills will testify that the team was angry Nichols ran and angry that they pepper sprayed themselves.

Rogers also says the Memphis Police Department will tell them that none of the punches and kicks were in line with training and that kicking a handcuffed suspect is against MPD policy, illegal, and wrong.

Just the night before the scorpion team had another suspect run from them, Rogers said. You will see Haley kick that suspect as he lies on the ground. Bean and Smith did not report that kick. Just like the next night, they lied about it to cover it up.

Tadarrius Beans attorneys statements:

John Keith Perry, representing Tadarrius Bean, says Bean and Mills were doing routine patrols when a call came out about a man running in the area after being stopped for running a red light.

Perry says they didnt know anything about what happened in the previous scene.

If he [Bean] had a crystal ball or something he could have said I aint getting out. I aint intertwining my life with that man, Perry said.

Perry told the jurors that they would see that they were out there struggling.

You are not supposed to sit in judgment of Tyre Nichols, Perry said. Sit here and judge his actions for 10 minutes. Measure his actions. What you are supposed to do is look at it wholeheartedly.

Demetrius Haleys attorney statements:

Michael Stengel, representing Demetrius Haley, says They [officers] had no idea about who that driver [Tyre] was. Some of you mentioned that he knew the driver, but there is no evidence that he knew him. Stengel says they did not know who he was until they saw his license.

Stengel adds that Nichols did not comply with commands and that if a driver does not pull over, it is categorized as high risk and consistent with his [Haley] training, he treated it as such.

Haley uses pepper spray and accidentally gets himself and the others, then Nichols flees, Stengel says.

Haley was involved in three arrests and used force. Haley kicked Nichols once, but it was not against MPD policy, his attorney says.

He [Haley] was never accused of excessive force in any of the other 3 arrests. None of the other officers responded that there was improper force used. No one said anything until after Jan. 7, Stengel said. This Toxic Stew came together on Jan. 7. As tragic as this was, Haley is not guilty.

The attorney mentions it was wrong and against policy for Haley to take photos of Nichols and send them to people.

This comes after a two-day search for a jury, Judge Mark Norris finalized the 12 jurors and four alternates. The jury will be comprised of eight women  four white and four Black, and eight men  two Black, two Asian, and four white.

Justin Smiths attorneys opening statements

Attorney Martin Zummach says Justin Smith was the unit team leader.

He has made over 1,000 felony arrests, and they all unfolded exactly as this one did.

Justin Smith was the only one on the scene trying to help.

Smith on why he became on officer, according to Zummach: I think women should be able to get gas in their neighborhood without having to go to Germantown.

Nichols chose to run, argue, and hide. He made the choice.

Says to the jury you will hear from witnesses who have pleaded guilty

The guy who punched this kid [Tyre] punched him 5 times because he was angry.

Says that Justin Smith will testify

Statement of Rachael Love, first witness for the prosecution

She was a critical care nurse practitioner on the night Tyre was brought in.

Worked at St. Francis ICU 3.5 years

He was critical in cardiac arrest when he arrived. Flatlined at 9:04 p.m. and regained a pulse after 25 minutes

Said Tyre looked like he had been in a bar fight and his face was unrecognizeable.

Injuries on the initial exam: large goose egg on his forehead  looked like a golf ball, swelling to right shoulder and arm, left thigh, left tooth broken, cut on lip, abrasions to both shoulders and knees and neck, Lacerations to knuckles, puncture marks in his palms.

Transferred to ICU because of his status just after 11 p.m.

Blood pressure was low. Started on multiple medications

Says other officers in the hospital seemed casual. Sitting down talking amongst themselves.

Witness: Andrew Galotti with FBI

With the FBI for 14 years

Current job: Supervisory electronics engineer

Used to work as forensics examiner for audio and video evidence

Was asked to take video from bodycams and sync it with video from the street cam: SkyCop

Used visual cues to sync the videos, running times on the top of the videos did not match up perfectly.

Says he made no alterations to the SkyCop camera nor the bodyworn cameras

Added to evidence:

Sky Cop footage at 6727 Castlegate

Desmond Mills body camera

Demetrius Haley body camera

Preston Hemphill body camera

Dewayne Smith body camera

Adrian Blakes body camera

Tony Moore body camera

*****

On Wednesday morning, Civil Rights Attorneys Ben Crump and Antonio Romanucci released a statement.

Tyre Nichols family have been praying for justice and accountability from the very beginning of this tragedy. Now that the jury has been selected, they pray that the jury will get all of the evidence and render justice for Tyre.

Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, and Justin Smith will stand trial over the next three to four weeks on charges of federal civil rights violations, conspiracy, and obstruction.

Jury selected in federal trial for officers charged in Tyre Nichols case

The other two former MPD officers accused in the case, Emmitt Martin III and Desmond Mills, have since taken plea deals. However, Martin also appeared in court on Wednesday.

In January 2023, Tyre Nichols died in a hospital three days after being beaten by Memphis Police during a traffic stop near his home. Video and body cam footage of Nichols violent arrest was released by MPD weeks after the incident.

All five suspects still face an upcoming murder case at the state level. Tyre Nichols family also has a $550 million lawsuit pending against Memphis Police and the City.

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 WREG.com.
Fifty years ago, the Equal Educational Opportunities Act was signed into law, marking a milestone in our nations struggle for educational equity. The act recognized educations pivotal role in breaking cycles of poverty, codifying the principle that all children should be treated equally in the classroom regardless of race, sex or national origin.

In the decades since, the nation has seen meaningful progress. Attainment gaps, while still present, have narrowed. English learners receive more targeted support, and students with disabilities have greater opportunities to learn in mainstream classrooms.

Even as educators celebrate that progress, we cannot deny that the country still fails to provide equal educational opportunity for all students  particularly those who are Black or Latino or who live in low-income communities.

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The most recent National Assessment of Educational Progress exam showed only 29% of eighth graders are proficient in reading, and only 26% reach that bar in math. Outcomes for students from low-income households are even worse, with only 18% proficient in reading and 13% in math. Black and Latino students similarly trail white students.

These unacceptable outcomes reflect persistent inequities in resource allocation. On average, high-poverty districts receive $2,710 less per pupil in public education funding, primarily from state and local governments, than low-poverty districts. Those gaps translate into diminished learning opportunities, most notably in access to experienced and effective teachers. High-poverty schools struggle to attract and retain experienced educators, with schools predominantly serving students of color being four times more likely to employ uncertified teachers as those that have the fewest.

As a former civil rights lawyer, I saw the power and the limitations of the act to remedy these pernicious inequities. It has enabled attorneys to sue when there is evidence of non-compliance, such as delays in implementing special education services or disproportionate tracking of Black and Latino students into remedial classes. In my experience, those cases were largely successful, with judges calling for corrective actions. But too often, school systems ignored or only partly implemented judges orders, forcing attorneys to sue again.

Related

Report: State by State, How Segregation Legally Continues 7 Decades Post Brown

I joined KIPP, the nations largest network of public charter schools, after recognizing that while legal advocacy is essential, true progress requires transformational change led by those with the direct power to improve the nations education system.

Obviously, this includes efforts to guarantee access to high-quality public schools in every community, a promise stated in the act that remains unfulfilled.

In a world where patterns of residential segregation persist, the country needs bold, coordinated investments to ensure that all students receive a great education in their neighborhood. These include federal incentives to foster equity and innovation, with true accountability for results. A few areas where policymakers can begin enacting the required changes include:

Prioritizing the critically important role of teachers. The federal government should launch a Marshall Plan for educators, reimagining the countrys approach to teacher preparation and backing salary increases to attract more qualified applicants. By investing in teacher recruitment and development, schools can both increase the skill level of new teachers and the capacity of veterans to drive the educational improvements children deserve, while improving diversity in the teacher workforce and ensuring the best-prepared educators work in the schools where they are most needed.

Revolutionizing the federal approach to school funding. Research shows increased education spending can lead to improved outcomes  but too frequently, federal dollars are allocated without sufficient guardrails, leading to programs being financed with little evidence. Federal funding must instead support proven strategies that drive outcomes for students. This means targeting resources toward evidence-based interventions such as literacy instruction grounded in the science of reading, along with robust accountability to ensure those resources translate into better results for students. Such efforts tend to meet resistance from across the ideological spectrum  teachers unions sometimes bristle at accountability measures, while conservative officials often resist federal oversight. But policymakers must have the courage to put students needs first.

Ensuring access to rigorous college preparatory coursework. All students deserve an education that prepares them for lifelong success, including access to eighth-grade algebra, Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate courses, and advanced math and science classes that are prerequisites for admission to selective colleges. Currently, high schools in low-income communities are far less likely to offer calculus and physics than those predominantly serving more affluent students. Innovative approaches such as partnerships with local colleges can prevent students from being locked out of opportunity based on their zip code.

Related

Coalition Challenges Residency Requirements for Public Schools

No nation can thrive if large segments of its population receive a sub-par education that constrains economic and social mobility. The Equal Educational Opportunities Act was a critical step in making the nations public education system more equitable and effective. Now, its time to build on that legacy and take the bold actions needed to truly transform Americas schools and create a more just and prosperous society for all.
Like a compulsive gambler, the United States keeps raising the stakes on decisions made by inherently fallible humans. When, inevitably, those humans make bad choices bringing calamitous results, we criticize those decisions and ladle out blame, but we are much less likely to question the wisdom of granting individuals so much power in the first place.

We should. Our nations founders had no illusions about preventing bad choices. Instead, they sought to limit individuals power and its resulting harm.

Read more: Op-Ed: Hear what the founders are saying

In July, the Supreme Court held that presidents are absolutely immune for crimes they may commit using many of their official powers, and they are at least presumptively immune from criminal prosecution for any official actions. Many have criticized the court for presuming to rewrite the Constitution: The founders created constitutional immunity for members of Congress for things they say in speeches and debates on the House and Senate floors but declined to go further and offer any such immunity to presidents.

Arguably the immunity decisions bigger shortcoming is its heavy reliance on the wisdom and probity of one person. The founders rightly regarded all humans, especially those in authority, as vulnerable to temptation and corruption. Although they cheered King William IIIs leadership of Englands Glorious Revolution, they criticized his aggrandizement of power  which later proved dangerous in the unstable hands of King George III. Accordingly, they designed the U.S. Constitution with many checks and balances on the president.

Todays president is far more powerful than the one the Constitutions writers envisioned and specifically declined to immunize. The focus on the executive and the executive branch is in some ways to be expected: The founders had no way to anticipate how large the federal government would become with the countrys growing territory, population, economic complexity and global ties. But they would surely be appalled, nonetheless.

Read more: Opinion: We should all dissent from the Supreme Court's immunity decision, and not respectfully

For example, the Constitution explicitly makes the president the nations commander in chief. That would seem to be the founders conferring a great deal of power on the office, until you remember that initially, the U.S. had no standing army. The founders also explicitly assigned war powers to collective decision-making (Congress), not to an individual (the president). But from the Korean conflict through Vietnam, the Iraq war and beyond, a diffident House and Senate have essentially handed that power over to the White House.

Had Madison, Washington, Jefferson and the others had any idea how much power would find its way to the presidency, they would have increased the Constitutions checks and balances.

Gun safety is another example of how we keep raising the stakes on fallible human decisions. In this case, an aggressive Supreme Court and a diffident Congress have made it possible for almost anyone to purchase what are tantamount to weapons of war. Assault-style rifles radically increase the consequences of bad decisions by gun owners compared with the weapons available when the 2nd Amendment was ratified.

Read more: 9th Circuit upholds California gun bans in some 'sensitive' places, but not others

Even if the founders meant to convey individual rights to private possession of weapons  a historically dubious claim  the 2nd Amendment certainly does not guarantee the right to possess any weapon one chooses. (As an analogy, consider the 6th Amendment: It guarantees a criminal defendant the right to some lawyer but not the lawyer of their choice.)

A person who owns a gun is keeping and bearing arms. This is true even if they are denied the weapon of their choice. Any plausible 21st century gun safety legislation would allow possession of arms far deadlier than those known to the 2nd Amendments drafters, yet the Supreme Court keeps raising the stakes. One result: A federal district court judge in late August felt compelled by recent Supreme Court decisions to throw out charges against a man possessing a machine gun, which has been illegal since 1934. Fallible humans with machine guns are a lot scarier than fallible humans with flintlock rifles.

Read more: Calmes: The filibuster has an awful history. And it's become worse

Persistent liberal calls to wipe out the Senate filibuster  allowing whichever party sweeps an election to reshape the government with no need to compromise  are another example of recklessly raising the stakes on human decision-making. The filibuster isnt in the Constitution, but since the first session of the Senate, in 1789, its been possible for the minority to stand in the way of the majority and force compromises in Congress. Proponents of killing the filibuster imagine they could do great things if freed from the need for the bipartisanship that the filibuster forces, but just as surely, generations of progress on civil rights, environmental protection and workplace safety could be washed away after a single wave election.

Finally, as we have concentrated power in the White House, we have raised the stakes for presidential elections, with the result that ruthlessness in election campaigns and vote certification is soaring. Objectively, picking the wrong president has gotten more and more dangerous, and that unleashes subjective passions, along with outrageous and illegal partisan behavior  up to and including the Jan. 6 insurrection  that perpetrators justify because they are trying to prevent the catastrophe of a win by their opponent.

Inevitably, humans will make bad decisions. We should do what we can to stop or reverse laws and practices that concentrate power, especially over life and death or crucial rights  in one imperfect individual or just a few. We can lower the stakes, demand that Congress do its job rather than cede more power to the executive, and reinforce checks and balances. The founders were right about a lot of things, but especially that human beings are fallible.

David A. Super teaches at Georgetown Law.

If its in the news right now, the L.A. Times Opinion section covers it. Sign up for our weekly opinion newsletter.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Less than three months ago we witnessed a unicorn  a debate that changed an electoral outcome.

Im writing before Tuesdays wrangle, but heres my advice: Dont expect another one.

Junes debate helped force Joe Biden from the presidential race. I say helped because it was not the debate itself that did the deed. It only changed the horse race by about half a point. Fellow Democrats increased Bidens deficit by publicly questioning his physical fitness, his mental acuity and his ability to win reelection.

We find it comforting to believe that debates determine electoral outcomes.

They give campaigns focus, journalists a hook around which to wrap stories and voters the illusion that we render electoral verdicts based on trial by intellectual combat.

Peering into a candidates soul, ostensibly through such trials, sounds wiser than voting based on vibes, or who our friends and family have picked.

Though its a convenient mythology, the myth bears little relationship to reality.

Its very unlikely that any debate has ever decided the outcome of a presidential election (apart from Bidens departure, which wasnt quite an election outcome).

One study estimated the average change in candidate support caused by the 13 debates between 1988 and 2004 was a mere 1 point.

Gallup identifies 1960 and 2000 as the only two instances in which debates may have had a substantive impact on election outcomes, and even those are, well, debatable.

Heading into the first debate of 1960, John F. Kennedy had been gaining in the relatively few polls conducted, lagging Richard Nixon by a single point. After their debates, Kennedy led by 4 points in a race he won by less than 1 point.

Was JFKs momentum just continuing through the debate (and not caused by it) or did his exchange with Nixon give Kennedy a temporary boost that quickly faded? Or was it all just statistical noise?

Hard to know.

What some regard as the clearest case of impact is also not so very clear.

In 2000, Al Gore led George W. Bush before the first debate, which a narrow plurality scored as a Gore win.

Polls immediately afterwards showed Gores margin increasing. However, within a few days, his lead shrunk as Republicans branded him a serial exaggerator, using Gores debate statements, among others, as fodder for the attack.

Gores support continued falling through the third debate, from which he emerged 4 points behind Bush. Nevertheless, Gore won the popular vote by about 1 point.

Of course, Gallups brief list of debates that mattered omits many memorable moments.

The 1980 debate featured Reagans are you better off than you were four years ago question.

The impact: Reagans tracking showed him maintaining a 5-point margin before and after the debate, which widened as the focus shifted to American hostages in Iran.

Jimmy Carters polls yielded different results, showing the race even before the debate and tied again within four days afterward.

Neither data set suggests the debate determined the outcome.

Prior to Michael Dukakiss alleged gaffe  responding too coldly to a hypothetical question about his wife being raped and murdered  George H. W. Bush averaged 54 percent. After the debate, he averaged 55 percent, before garnering 53 percent on Election Day. Certainly, no decisive impact.

Hillary Clintons 2016 confrontations with Donald Trump are tough to disentangle, in part because other events, like the Access Hollywood tape, came to public attention around the same time, rendering it impossible to isolate the debates impact.

Voters gave the debate win to Clinton in all three of their encounters, by margins ranging from 5 to 40 points.

But did those debate victories affect the vote?

Going into the debates, Clinton led by an average of 2.3 points. After the debates, Access Hollywood and a variety of other Trump revelations, Clinton gained a small, but potentially decisive 2.5 points.

However, Clintons more modest 2.3-point edge going into the debates proved closer to her ultimate popular vote margin (2.1-points) than her post-debate advantage.

So, its hard to argue that these debates had a major impact.

The lessons simple: We may love talking about debates, but they are very rarely decisive.

Mark Mellman is a pollster and president of The Mellman Group, a political consultancy. He is also president of Democratic Majority for Israel.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Hunter Bidens sudden about-face in a Los Angeles federal courtroom last week  pleading guilty to nine tax-related criminal charges shortly before trial  has raised questions about the prospect of a presidential pardon.

Biden entered an open plea, meaning he got nothing in return from prosecutors. This was in sharp contrast to the deal that fell apart in Delaware federal court last summer, which would have resolved the tax charges as well as three gun charges, the latter of which instead went to trial and resulted in a conviction in June.

Hunter decided to enter his plea to protect those he loves from unnecessary hurt and cruel humiliation, his lawyer told reporters. The convictions carry maximum sentences of 25 and 17 years, respectively.

Bidens move could also stem from the fact that the judge in the California case ruled that his lawyers could not introduce expert testimony about his prior drug addiction or tell the jury that he already paid back the $2 million owed in taxes. Yet these are precisely the sort of facts that could justify a pardon  were it not for the fact that Biden is also the presidents son.

Under Justice Department guidelines, which are not binding on presidents, pardons are only available five years after completion of a sentence. But the eligibility factors include things like an individuals demonstrated ability to lead a responsible and productive life for a significant period, whether an offense is very serious, the victim impact and the individuals acceptance of responsibility. In Hunter Bidens case, these factors appear to point in his favor.

Consider the Delaware case. Biden was convicted of knowingly lying on federal paperwork when he purchased a gun in a Wilmington store in 2018 when he stated that he was not a drug user, and of illegally possessing the gun for 11 days. At trial, his ex-girlfriend testified that when she first met him in December 2017, he was using crack cocaine every 20 minutes.

Former Rep. Trey Gowdy (R-S.C.), a former federal prosecutor, told Fox News, I bet you there werent 10 cases prosecuted nationwide of addicts or unlawful drug users who possessed firearms or lied on applications. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) likewise said, I dont think the average American would have been charged with the gun thing.

This came in the midst of a scourge of gun violence in the U.S., the latest episode of which prompted Republican vice presidential candidate Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio) last week to lament that gun-related murders in public schools are a fact of life. Moreover, few gun-rights activists protested when Hunter Biden was indicted for lying on his gun application.

The Los Angeles indictment charged Biden with nine criminal counts  three felonies and six misdemeanors  allegedly arising from a four-year scheme to not pay at least $1.4 million in self-assessed federal taxes he owed for tax years 2016 through 2019. But for the tax year 2017, IRS audit rates for people within Bidens $1 million to $5 million income range hovered at 1.8 percent. This suggests that if it werent for the fact that he is Joe Bidens son, the government probably wouldnt have bothered looking into his taxes. Certainly, there would not have been a special counsel appointed, which happened under his fathers Justice Department, although the initial probe began under Trump.

The indictment details how Biden didnt pay his taxes while simultaneously spending money on drugs, escorts and girlfriends, luxury hotels and rental properties, exotic cars, clothing, and other items of a personal nature. It goes on to recount how, in his 2021 memoir, the Defendant described 2018 as being dominated by crack cocaine use twenty-four hours a day, smoking every fifteen minutes, seven days a week, but never told [his] CA accountants about his extensive drug and alcohol abuse in 2018. Prosecutors surmise that the disclosure might have prompted greater scrutiny of his claims of hundreds of thousands of dollars in business expenses. Not a shocking crime by any stretch.

In both cases, Hunter Bidens crimes seemed inextricably tied to his grief over his brother Beaus death from brain cancer in 2015 and his subsequent spiral into addiction after years of sobriety. Both involved relatively minor crimes that might not have been charged, but for the accident of his birth.

This is not to say that President Biden (or a President Kamala Harris) should pardon Hunter Biden or that his crimes are not crimes. But a pardon for such a crime would not be unprecedented.

President Bill Clinton pardoned his younger half-brother, Roger Clinton, who pleaded guilty to selling cocaine to an undercover police officer and was later arrested for drunk driving and disorderly conduct. President Donald Trump pardoned Charles Kushner, the father of his son-in-law Jared. The elder Kushner had pleaded guilty to tax evasion and making illegal campaign donations after he had retaliated against his brother-in-law for cooperating with federal authorities in the investigation. Kushner secretly recorded a motel-room encounter between his brother-in-law and a prostitute whom Kushner had hired, and subsequently sent the recording to his own sister. Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who prosecuted the case, called it one of the most loathsome, disgusting crimes he had seen as U.S. attorney.

The federal pardon system is undeniably broken and marred by corruption. But if Hunter Biden snags a pardon, it will not be the miscarriage of justice that weve seen all too often in the waning days of a presidential administration.

Kimberly Wehle is the author of the new book, Pardon Power: How the Pardon System Works  and Why.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 Chief Washington Anchor and On Balance host Leland Vittert was a foreign correspondent for four years in Jerusalem. He gives you an early look at tonights 7 p.m. ET show. Subscribe to War Notes here.

State of play:

55 days to the election

Decision Desk HQ average : Kamala Harris +3.6, as of around noon ET today. Click here to see the latest numbers. PredictIt betting odds: 56 to 47 in favor of Harris  note the change from yesterdays 53 to 52.



Editors note: A few thoughts on the train from Philly to the swamp with at least two senators, at least one House member and many of the network folks  yes, Amtrak is still late even when members of Congress are onboard. As usual with War Notes and On Balance, we will give you a perspective none of them will.

Reality Check

The coverage of the debate matches the debate itself  completely biased towards Vice President Harris and unfair to former President Trump. That doesnt mean Trump did well.

I woke up this morning, turned on the TV and did my usual reading to find:

Harris delivered the performance of a lifetime, a master class of baiting Trump, a symphony of democracy for undecided voters and a knockout blow while Trump peddled in the lies of a tired old fool.

Trump will soon be vanquished to the dustbin of history.

Trump got destroyed.

Harris alpha female debate, headlines Politicos fawning piece.

Taylor Swift will unite childless cat ladies to bring Trump destruction.

As usual, the spin and coverage dont match reality, even the same medias own reporting:

From Reuters: Reuters interviewed 10 people who were still unsure how they were going to vote in the Nov. 5 election before they watched the debate. Six said afterward they would now either vote for Trump or were leaning toward backing him. Three said they would now back Harris and one was still unsure how he would vote.

CNNs poll showed 63% thought Harris won, and that includes Trump supporters who didnt love their guys performance. Thats hardly a knockout.

The New York Times headlines, Pundits Said Harris Won the Debate. Undecided Voters Werent So Sure.

CNNs snap poll showed Trump postdebate was doing two points better on the economy and Harris doing two points worse than before.

CNNs undecided voter panel didnt seem that impressed.

My fair analysis:

There were no knockouts, which means the race really doesnt change

Harris effectively provoked Trump and delivered a far better performance Team Harris studied Trump and knew where to push for a reaction. Crowd size, people leaving his rallies The 2020 election Wharton professors not liking his economic plan The Central Park Five The late, great John McCain Haitians eating pets

During NewsNation special coverage, Bill OReilly called Trumps response about Haitians eating pets something SNL would do

Conservatives are completely justified in complaining about moderators, but when you are complaining about the refs, you lost! One set of questions consisted of: Mr. Trump, why are you a racist? Ms. Harris, what do you think of Trump being a racist? The moderators fact-checked Harris zero times despite some considerable whoppers The moderators SAVED Harris during the abortion section by moving on when Trump had her on the ropes ABC did not bring up Sept. 11, China or fentanyl Much like with the prosecutions against Trump, there are people who dont like Trump but dislike the prosecutions more. Conservatives who dont like Trump will be angered by ABCs treatment Erick Ericksons newsletter is a perfect example

Harriss handshake was BRILLIANT There was a second handshake this morning at the Sept. 11 ground zero site

Trump still wont do the hard work of debate prep and practice  His lack of discipline is exactly what scares swing voters. Hungarian strongman Viktor Orban is not a role model.

Chris Christie said whoever prepared him should be fired  Trump prepared himself  ask him!

Trump bringing fringe conspiracy theorist Laura Loomer on the plane with him to Philadelphia tells every sane voter he fully embraces crazy. If Harris brought Mehdi Hasan to the debate, we would say the same thing: fair is fair.

Team Obama did an incredible job prepping and molding a very weak principal. The well-rehearsed lines seemed just that  rehearsed  which made them far less effective. She failed miserably to go even an inch below the surface of scripted attacks on Trump, which hurts her with the actual undecided voters as described above.

Harris is now a plausible president, which means she won.

At 9 p.m. ET tonight, the race wont look all that much different than at 9 p.m. ET last night  much of America still wishes they had a better choice.

Former President Donald Trump speaks to members of the media in the spin room following the second presidential debate at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photographer: Hannah Beier/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Suddenly They Care about Springfield!

Now that headlines can proclaim Trump falsely claims migrants eat pets, suddenly Springfield, Ohio, is really interesting.

Nobody cared that Clark County, Ohio, had a 52% increase in opioid deaths.

Nobody cared when an immigrant crashed into a school bus and killed a kid.

Nobody cared when 20,000 migrants showed up in a town of nearly 60,000.

Nobody cared when PBS NewsHour did a six-minute piece about the towns problems with Haitian immigrants and the help they bring to the workforce.

Nobody cared about Springfield, Ohio, when manufacturing jobs left to go overseas.

Just so we are clear: Where we are talking about on I-70 between Dayton and Columbus sits forgotten America.

Some stats from Steve Joachim:

Springfield Ohio Unemployment Rate (July 24) 5.8% 4.5% Poverty rate (2022) 22.7% 13.4% Median HH Income (2022) $45,113 $65,720

Lets be honest, if Trump and Vance were talking about all the issues brought up by residents in the PBS piece, the national media would yawn.

But now that Trump is demonizing immigrants for eating pets, its worthy of CNNs attention.

To be fair: The Ohio attorney general reports a 911 call of a Springfield resident complaining about Haitians harvesting a goose for food.

Watch tonight: Well be live in Springfield, Ohio, with Rich McHugh and Bill Monaghan to show you whats really happening  and why you should care.

Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during the second presidential debate at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US, on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (Photographer: Doug Mills/The New York Times/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Whats Next?

Elections and cable news are about the future:

At this point, Harris is out of excuses for living in the basement At first she was just coronated Then she was trying to pick her vice president Then she was figuring out her campaign and getting staff Then getting ready for the convention And now shes finished preparing for the debate



As evidenced by The New York Times reporting above, voters want more from Harris on the issues.

When will the media advocate on behalf of their readers or viewers for Harris to answer substantive questions rather than protect her?

Taylor Swift arrives ahead of the Kansas City Chiefs game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on September 05, 2024, in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)

The Taylor Swift Effect

Taylor Swift endorsing Harris might be the most interesting thing last night.

Whoever choreographed it deserves a raise

It sure seemed Team Obama-esque in timing, stagecraft and the childless cat lady signature

Or maybe Team Swift does their own inhouse political consulting

As Chris Stirewalt pointed out last night, the gender gap is really a marriage gap as single women break overwhelmingly for Democrats.

So how many young female unmarried Swifties who were going to vote for Trump will now go buy Harris merch? Answer that question, and you will know whether Swifts endorsement matters!

Thought bubble: When Taylor Swift and Dick Cheney agree on something, life is very confusing.



Tune into On Balance with Leland Vittert weeknights at 7/6C on NewsNation. Find your channel here.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily of NewsNation.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 Colorado Supreme Court indicated in recent weeks that it may intervene in two criminal cases to decide whether a defendant convicted of a misdemeanor in county court is entitled to halt his sentence while he appeals, and whether prosecutors established probable cause of another defendant's child abuse charge.
This fall, returning college students protesting Israels war in Gaza are once again calling for divestment, which for them means the removal of institutional investments sustaining Israels more than 57-year-old illegal military occupation of Palestinian territory and abuses of Palestinian human rights. And once again, many members of Congress and media commentators are attacking the students and impugning their motives.

This approach not only misreads the moment but overlooks some surprisingly relevant history that lends legitimacy to their demands.

A decade ago, three Christian denominations had already taken steps to rid their stock portfolios of companies that assist Israels occupation of Palestinian lands and other violations of international law.

In 2014, the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church USA voted to divest from the Caterpillar Corporation due to its specially designed bulldozers, used to destroy Palestinian homes and olive groves. They also voted to divest from Motorola Solutions and Hewlett-Packard. Just weeks ago, Presbyterians divested from Israeli bonds.

Also in 2014, the Board of Pensions of the United Methodist Church sold its shares of stock in a security firm used by Israel; in 2016, it added a screen against investment in five Israeli banks that had helped finance settlement construction in the West Bank. In April of this year, the United Methodist General Conference also overwhelmingly recommended divesting from Israeli bonds.

And in 2015, the General Synod of the United Church of Christ passed, with an almost 80 percent supporting vote, a resolution calling for divestment from companies that profit from the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories.

In every case, these moves have been couched in language that indicates they are targeted at ending complicity in human rights abuses. Even so, theyve drawn the ire of Israels backers, many of the most ardent of whom are other Christians.

Some believe Israel is uniquely blessed and related to the imminent return of Jesus Christ. To oppose Israel in any way is to reject Gods plan. Other Christians defend Israel mainly as an act of atonement  what the late Jewish theologian Marc Ellis called the Ecumenical Deal. Absolution for past crimes against Jews is given to those Christians who support a Jewish state.

And yet these Methodists, Presbyterians and Congregationalists, traditional Mainline denominations that hold a significant place in the American story, have nevertheless taken that risk to speak out. Along with the historic peace churches  Quakers, Mennonites and Church of the Brethren  they have publicly declared their opposition to the way Palestinians are treated, doing so not just with words but by how they invest their money.

Its no secret, however, that these denominations dont want to seem too far out of the mainstream. Thirty-eight U.S. states have passed legislation designed to prevent boycotts and divestment in support of Palestinian rights. So why take this step?

The primary reason for challenging Americas unconditional support for Israel is personal experience. Simply put, those Christians who have seen Israels brutal military occupation of Palestine with their own eyes cant dismiss it. Missionaries who have spent years in the Holy Land have been pleading within their networks to come and see whats happening. Palestinian Christians corroborate reports of human rights abuses.

While many of the student protesters have not visited Palestine or witnessed firsthand the myriad injustices Palestinians endure under Israels oppressive rule, they seem motivated by the same desire to see Palestinians living in freedom and an end to Israels devastating military campaign in Gaza, with its mass killing and deliberate starvation of civilians and other war crimes. They are part of a long and honorable tradition of student activists who protested against the Vietnam War and apartheid in South Africa, using many of the same tactics as their predecessors, including protests and occupying university buildings. Despite these admirable intentions, the students have been subject to vicious attacks, censorship and repression by politicians and university administrations.

Given the distorted media coverage around the protests this past spring, its not surprising that this has become the favored interpretation of the entirety of campus activism by many members of Congress and others, and this despite Jewish students often being found at the center of these protests. Another interpretation is needed. The fact that a number of churches have divested in the past, and are continuing to do so today, could be a place to start.

Both groups aim to lift up a vision of a better world and both resist efforts to suppress their thinking about what can and cannot be done. When we hear students insisting that their institutions not profit from an unjust military occupation and grave human rights abuses, its time to give deeper attention to what, exactly, they are speaking out against.

John Wagner is a United Methodist minister and a former co-chair of United Methodists for Kairos Response.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Theres a long-standing theory in politics that whoever controls the first 15 minutes of a debate will go on to control the entire evening. That was certainly the case back on June 28, when former President Donald Trump dominated the first presidential debate so completely that President Joe Biden faced immediate calls to drop out of the race.

What a difference a few months can make. In his first outing against new Democratic nominee Kamala Harris, Trump spent almost the entire evening on the defensive against both Harris and moderators David Muir and Linsey Davis. Faced with a real-time fact-checking of some of his outlandish statements, Trump inadvertently conceded what millions of Americans have known for years: His policy positions are mostly based on whatever hes seen on far-right television networks.

After less than an hour it was clear that Trump had discarded any attempt to challenge Harris on policy, reverting instead to a nonstop stream of name-calling, self-pity and directionless fury. Even by Trumpian standards, the former presidents performance stood out as shockingly incoherent. It was certainly not the night an already nervous Trump campaign was hoping for.

What Americans saw on Tuesday was a Trump who appeared convinced that his second presidential debate would go much like his first  with Trump controlling the floor while his Democratic opponent struggled to mount any defense. Instead, Trump went toe-to-toe with a career prosecutor who clearly understood how to derail her opponent while repeatedly urging Americans to turn the page on his political circus.

Trumps breakdown started early in the evening, when he repeated the debunked claim that Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, had been stealing and eating local pets. That conspiracy theory caught fire online this week after right-wing social media accounts ran with the unsourced story  even though there is no actual evidence that it happened.

Muir was quick to correct Trump by noting that Springfield officials, including the city manager, have reported no such incidents of cat-eating in their town. A further ABC News investigation also failed to turn up any examples of missing or injured pets. That inconvenient correction led Trumps strangest meltdown yet.

Well, Ive seen people on television! Trump shouted in a failed effort to interrupt Muirs fact-check. The people on television saying, My dog has been taken and used for food! But maybe [the city manager] said that, and maybe thats a good thing for a city manager to say.

What?

Despite multiple efforts to name-call Harris into a direct conflict, Trump never managed to regain his momentum after his cat-eating meltdown. At one point Trump seemed to even confuse himself, first accusing Harris of stealing his economic plan and then calling her a Marxist for advocating those economic policies. His economic confusion seemed even stranger given the former presidents refusal to outline his second-term economic policy despite multiple direct questions from the moderators.

At one point, Davis asked Trump if, after years of empty promises, he had finally produced an actual policy to reform health care. I have the concepts of a plan, Trump admitted. When asked for even bare-bones details about his alleged plan, Trump argued that he shouldnt have to come up with any ideas because hes not the president right now.

In a change of pace that will most likely have Democrats breathing a sigh of relief, Tuesdays debate proved to be Harris to control. In a series of back-and-forths, Harris succeeded in cornering Trump on Republicans proposed national abortion ban, with the former president twice refusing to say whether he would veto the bill. When asked why vice presidential nominee JD Vance recently reassured voters that Trump would veto any effort to federally ban abortion, Trump claimed to have no idea what Vance was talking about. It was hardly a picture of party unity.

Harris needling about Trumps inaction on Jan. 6 also yielded an explosive and contradictory response, with Trump claiming he had nothing to do with the attack on the Capitol and, for good measure, once again defending his controversial 2017 remark that white supremacist marchers in Charlottesville, Virginia, included some very fine people.

Despite repeated claims by Trumps handlers that the former president would exercise discipline in his matchup with Harris, what viewers saw was an angry and scattered former president repeatedly scolded for pushing falsehoods. Worse for Trumps fragile ego, his flurry of attacks against Harris seemed to fall flat. Not only did Harris appear unrattled; Trumps attacks seemed to tee up her most effective comebacks.

If Trump wanted to telegraph to Americans that his campaign is thriving, Tuesdays debate wasnt the way to do it. The former president looked frazzled, frustrated and ready to be done with a grueling 90 minutes. Dont expect a rematch after that sorry display.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
A win

Kamala Harris. Throughout Tuesdays debate, the vice president looked poised, qualified and presidential  and thats without comparing herself to the clearly frustrated former president with whom she shared a stage. Harris baited Donald Trump repeatedly, and mostly easily. She needled and poked him on crowd size, his rallies, his racist and easily debunked lies about Haitian immigrants and his flip-flops on abortion.

In the process, she exposed both moments of incompetence and the reality that her opponent is concerningly easy to manipulate. If she can do that in front of the entire country  and, indeed, people around the world  its not a stretch to imagine how he might get rolled by the worlds autocrats and dictators.

She pushed hard to lay out her policy highlights and pushed back on Trumps various anti-immigrant rants and obfuscations. She humanized issues like abortion and spoke clearly and calmly about the ongoing war in Ukraine, the American withdrawal from Afghanistan and the need for a cease-fire in Gaza.

Harris performance, with its forceful eloquence and emotional resonance, spotlighted the stark difference between the candidates. And it also contrasted dramatically with the first presidential debate, just a few months ago in June, when Trump was able to overpower a seemingly tired and confused President Joe Biden.

A loss

Donald Trump. Lets put it this way: When you find yourself onstage ranting about people eating dogs and cats, youre not winning this debate. Thats a literal quote, by the way: Theyre eating the pets of the people that live there! As moderator David Muir noted, there is no evidence that any migrants are eating pets. Obviously. But that didnt stop Trump.

Even in todays unconventional political environment, the man insisting that migrants are eating domesticated animals in middle America isnt winning over those key undecided voters.

And thats what Trump was supposed to be doing tonight: making the case that he is presidential. That his cognitive health isnt an issue. That he has a plan to improve the economy and make the lives of individual Americans demonstrably better. This performance, with its grumpy asides and meandering monologues, wont quiet the growing criticism of his age  at 78, hes now the oldest presidential nominee in history. And it wont make him seem presidential. When asked about his plans to replace Obamacare, he said he has a concept of a plan. Whatever that means.

A lie

Its easy to mock Trumps embrace of the conspiracy theory that Haitian immigrants are eating pets, but its also critical to point out this well-documented lie is intended to demonize a subset of the population for political gain. Trump clearly hopes that promoting racist myths about Black and brown people will appeal to the Republican base. Its disingenuous, disgusting and completely baseless.

And to be fair to these ABC moderators, they did a very good job pushing back on Trump in real time, including a strong debunking of the pet-eating myth. We checked with the city manager of Springfield, Ohio, Muir told the candidate, even as Trump doubled down with an odd point about seeing people on television talking about it.

This will most likely be one of the most viral moments of the debate  Taylor Swift's endorsement notwithstanding. And thats not going to make Trumps night much better.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
"Anyone who has suffered such a devastating tragedy knows the ripple effects of grief may be able to be hidden, but the heartbreak of losing your children will never go away," said Orange County Dist. Atty. Todd Spitzer. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

An Orange County woman who was arrested Friday in the death of her 3-year-old daughter, found unconscious and locked inside a sweltering car in Anaheim, had endured the death of two other children at the hands of a drunk driver years earlier.

Sandra Hernandez-Cazares has been arrested and charged in the death of her daughter, Ily Ruiz, who was found locked in the family car with Hernandez-Cazares on the 1300 block of Fashion Lane on Friday, according to the Orange County district attorney's office.

Twelve years earlier, Hernandez-Cazares and husband Juan Ruiz lost two sons, 5-year-old Alaries Ruiz and 9-year-old Cyris Ruiz, who were killed by a drunk driver who ran over their tent at a South Dakota campground while they were on a family vacation.

The boys had arrived from El Paso to visit their father, who worked nearby in the oil industry.

After their deaths, Hernandez-Cazares and Ruiz advocated for harsher penalties for drunk driving, according to Orange County Dist. Atty. Todd Spitzer.

A mother who was robbed of the chance to see two of her sons grow up because of the selfish decision of a stranger will have to live with the fact she will never get to see her little girl grow up because of the choices she made, Spitzer said in a statement.

Hernandez-Cazares was charged Monday with one felony count of involuntary manslaughter and one felony count of child abuse causing great bodily harm. She could face 12 years in prison if convicted of all charges. Her bail was set at $150,000 and shes currently being held in a Santa Ana holding facility.

A representative for Hernandez-Cazares was not available.

Read more: 3-year-old dies inside hot SUV in Anaheim; mom, who was also in the car, is arrested

Concerned family members first suspected something was wrong Friday when staffers from the elementary school that the couples 5-year-old son attended said no one had arrived to pick up the child, according to the district attorneys office.

A family member eventually called 911 after finding Hernandez-Cazares and Ily unconscious inside a white Ford Expedition parked in front of the familys Anaheim apartment, according to the district attorneys office.

Temperatures that day reached 104 degrees outside the vehicle. Temperatures inside a car on a hot day could be 20 to 40 degrees higher than the outside temperature within minutes, according to the National Weather Service.

Officers attempted CPR on Ily before she and her mother were rushed to a hospital. Ily was pronounced dead at the medical facility.

Anaheim police said the girl appeared to have died from complications of heatstroke. An official autopsy is still pending.

Read more: 3-year-old, left in truck, runs over another toddler. Tragedy highlights a known risk, group says

Police also discovered several empty bottles of alcohol inside the SUV, authorities said. Hernandez-Cazares blood alcohol level was at 0.30% when she was taken to the hospital. That rate is nearly four times California's legal limit of 0.08%.

A family member posted a GoFundMe for funeral expenses that surpassed $10,000 as of Tuesday.

The post said Ruiz was in the process of moving to California from Texas to look after the family's 5-year-old son.

Detectives interviewed and arrested Hernandez-Cazares after she was medically cleared.

The unimaginable pain of having your 5-year-old and 9-year-old sons killed by a drunk driver is something from which you can never recover, Spitzer said. Anyone who has suffered such a devastating tragedy knows the ripple effects of grief may be able to be hidden, but the heartbreak of losing your children will never go away."

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Orange County teachers are raising concerns about safety after the air conditioning was out at Ocoee Middle School on Monday.

Three students went to the hospital for non-life-threatening issues, but the district said it is unclear what caused them to be ill.

Orange County Public Schools Superintendent Maria Vazquez and some board members addressed the incident Tuesday night.

OCPS said technicians and their vendors immediately responded to the problem.

PREVIOUS: 3 students taken to hospital after Ocoee Middle School experiences AC issues

However, the teachers union claims the district failed to take necessary and immediate action to protect their students and staff.

Eyewitness News spoke to Clinton McCracken, president of the Orange County Classroom Teachers Association.

He said the school didnt respond fast enough by notifying parents or moving students and staff to a safe and cooler space.

He shared a photo he received from a teacher. He said it showed a thermostat inside Ocoee Middle at 85 degrees.

So youre in a classroom where youre not allowed to open your door or prop it, and you cant open any windows and theres no A/C, McCracken said.

READ: Francine reaches hurricane strength, making her way toward Louisiana

The school district disagreed with the unions claim that the school didnt respond fast enough.

As soon as we know, we send messaging through the principal to the families, and we did in this case, said Scott Howat, chief communications officer at Orange County Public Schools.

The Ocoee Fire Department said the schools A/C went out around 7 a.m. Monday.

The school district said the first EMTs responded around 10:30 a.m.

However, parents were notified around 11 a.m. of the A/C problem. The district said in a message that the school invited parents and guardians to pick up their students and stated the school would provide extra water breaks.

READ: Never forget: A guide to 9/11 remembrance events in Central Florida

Around 1 p.m., the school notified parents that students and staff would be moved to cooler areas.

Board Member Melissa Byrd said the incident has raised questions about the districts procedure and plans for these incidents. She requested a workshop.

Not having air conditioning in an entire building in Florida is an emergency as we found out yesterday, Byrd said.

We should have a contingency plan in place for when temperatures get above a certain degree either in a classroom or in a school building that there is another location for them to take their students to, McCracken said.

McCracken claimed this incident and others show the districts lack of contingency plans. The union said because of this, teachers dont feel respected.

Two weeks ago, a pipe burst on Aloma Elementarys campus. There was no running water.

McCracken wrote to the district asking for portable toilets.

It should be considered an emergency if restrooms are not available for students or adults and either send students and employees home or arrange a portable toilet trailer to be brought to the campus as has been done in the past for other schools, McCracken wrote in an email to the Superintendent and Deputy Superintendent August 26.

READ: OCPS assists families who are new to the country; do not speak English

Teachers were making plans on their planning period that day to go to nearby restaurants, stores to go use the restroom, McCracken told Eyewitness News.

We addressed that immediately. We provided water, Howat said. They were given instructions on how to use the bathrooms and what they would be able to do. And in reality, they werent down that long. They were down for a few hours.

The District said they have contingency plans for these events. In terms of if they should have sent all students home, the District said it has to keep in mind disrupting parents schedules.

OCPS said they didnt want to send students home where they could possibly be unsupervised or unsafe.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Some Orlando residents are raising concerns after flooding inside their neighborhoods after days and days of heavy storms.

Some residents say water is starting to come into their homes during heavy rains because of drainage issues.

Residents have told Channel 9 they have never seen anything like it, and they blame some of the road projects happening in the area.

Read: Flooding fallout: Channel 9 takes questions from Orlando residents straight to City Hall

Much of the blame has been explicitly pointed at construction in Wadeview and Delany Park.

Channel 9 spoke with Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer on Wednesday, and he said the city is listening to their concerns and taking action.

Read: Wadeview, Delaney Park residents blame city project for flooding

We have spent a lot of time looking that stormwater inlets and pipes, Dyer said.

Dyer said the city is increasing stormwater fees to help pay for an upgrade to the system, but he knows the system is old.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  With the recent flooding leaving many Woodbury County residents without essential household items, Orphan Grain Train made a significant impact by providing much-needed relief.

Orphan Grain Train has been partnering with the Community Action Agency of Siouxland for quite some time, and with some help, Orphan Grain Train was able to deliver 15 sets of washers and dryers to the Seaboard Triumph Foods Expo Center. The machines will be delivered to designated residents by local volunteers as soon as possible.

GoFundMe pages created to help The Warming Shelter

With the help from these local volunteers, they will make sure these families have all the help they need in this long road to recovery.

We are very fortunate that Orphan Grain Train reached out to us right away when the flood hit our area, Katie Logan with the Community Action Agency of Siouxland said. We just made a very simple phone call to them to say hey, we have actually a lot of families that need washer, dryer units. They basically called us back and said here you go, so were very, very fortunate to have these washers and dryers.

Woodbury County residents can contact the Community Action Agency of Siouxland to help with any unmet needs by reaching out to their main phone number 712-274-1610 or by simply going on 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 SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports.
A company with law enforcement expertise has been hired to conduct a third-party investigation into sex abuse allegations against International House of Prayer-Kansas City founder Mike Bickle and others in the ministry.

Firefly Investigations, a Wisconsin-based company, will examine the scandal plaguing the 24/7 global prayer ministry, according to an announcement by Tikkun Global, a network of Messianic Jewish congregations and ministries that serves eight congregations in Israel and about 30 in the U.S.

The announcement caps a monthslong effort by former IHOPKC leaders, known as the Advocate Group, who called for an independent investigation into the sex abuse allegations. Tikkun Global will oversee the investigation, the Advocate Group said, to ensure independence.

With many other leaders in the Body of Messiah, we have felt that only a third-party independent investigation, where the results would be made public, could bring clarity and justice, Tikkun Global said in its announcement.

Someone once said sunlight is the best disinfectant. It seems that most independent congregations are not prepared to deal properly with allegations of sexual assault. They dont have a plan and often just wing it. In the process, the truth rarely comes out, and many innocent believers are wounded.

Fireflys team includes current and retired law enforcement investigators, experienced therapists and forensic interviewers from across the country, its website says.

Our team is experienced in investigating sexual and physical abuse, along with working to heal the trauma that often follows, it says. Our mission is seeking justice for sexual abuse victims, searching for the truth, and shedding light on the darkness victims have endured for years. Our team is also aware there are always two sides to a story, and we will strive to uncover the truth.

The Advocate Group expects the investigation to cost at least $100,000 and is asking for donations to help pay for it. Fundraising will be handled by Tikkun International, with all donations going through the National Christian Foundation. Tikkun said it would not receive any part of the donations and also plans to donate to the fund through the NCF.

We want to ensure transparency and will publish a complete financial report, Tikkun said in its statement. An external financial audit will be conducted as well, it said.

The sexual abuse allegations against Bickle were made public in late October, leading IHOPKC to immediately, formally and permanently separate from him and causing upheaval in the charismatic prayer movement. Bickle is accused of using prophecies to groom, sexually abuse and manipulate women over multiple decades, one starting when she was just 14.

Mike Bickle, founder of IHOPKC

Bickle, 69, issued his only public statement on Dec. 12, admitting that he had sinned and my moral failures were real. But he was vague on details. In a lengthy note posted on X, Bickle said his inappropriate behavior occurred more than 20 years ago, but he did not admit to engaging in any sexual misconduct.

A long and painful year

The Advocate Group said the investigation had been a long time coming.

Since allegations of sexual misconduct were made against Mike Bickle in October 2023, there has been an ongoing call throughout the Body of Christ for an independent, third-party investigation into both Mike Bickles misconduct and the handling of all other situations of sexual misconduct at IHOPKC, members said in a statement.

The past year, they said, has been long and painful as many victims and eyewitnesses to wrongdoing have come forward and told their stories publicly to journalists and privately to advocates.

It has become increasingly evident to more and more that we need a trusted investigation where survivors can tell their stories to a trauma-informed investigator that establishes the facts and produces a public report.

Members of the Advocate Group realize that they, too, will come under scrutiny during the investigation. They talked about it when a group of them got together in December and made a series of videos about the IHOPKC crisis and again in June when they made some Q&A videos about why a third-party investigation was needed and what it would entail.

If that neutral third party comes, guess whos going to be investigated as much as anyone? asked Allen Hood, former associate director of IHOPKC and a member of the Advocate Group. Me. I was the associate director for almost 20 years. Do I want that? Absolutely. Because I want to be clean  I want to repent of anything that was unwise or sinful or harmful. Its the only way to move forward.

Former International House of Prayer-Kansas City leaders (from left) Jono Hall, Allen Hood, Wes Martin and Dwayne Roberts are seen in a video discussing sex abuse allegations against IHOPKC founder Mike Bickle.

The former leaders noted their frustration that IHOPKC declined to help with the investigation.

The past eleven months have also been particularly heartbreaking due to the repeated meetings with representatives of IHOPKC leadership who have continually stated they are open to a mutually agreed upon investigation but then, after long deliberations, have repeatedly not backed up their initial overtures with any agreement of substance, they said.

The Advocate Group members said they asked Tikkun to oversee the project because without IHOPKCs commitment, the investigation would not be seen as independent if the Advocate Group was the contracting party.

We also do not want our history as former leaders of IHOPKC to inhibit any victims of sexual abuse and misconduct to share their stories with the investigator, they said.

IHOPKCs current leaders did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the investigation. But last month, they issued a statement saying IHOPKC had hired Telios Law, a Colorado firm, to investigate how leadership responded to allegations years ago that former youth group leader and musician Larry Lucky engaged in inappropriate sexual contact with teenage boys.

The statement came a day after The Star published the story of Justin Werner, who said he was sexually abused by Lucky in 2010, and others who described alleged sexual misconduct by Lucky. IHOPKC said it had hired Theresa Sidebotham of Telios Law weeks earlier to help us build a culture that prevents sexual harassment and child endangerment. IHOPKC said Sidebotham would begin leading a training series in September on how to ensure children are safe and protected.

Scope of the investigation

The scope of the new third-party investigation, according to Fireflys website, is to examine any and all allegations of clergy misconduct by Bickle and other IHOPKC leaders, whether IHOPKC had any knowledge of such allegations and if so, how IHOPKC responded. Firefly also will investigate allegations of sexual misconduct perpetrated by IHOPKC staff and/or volunteers, whether IHOPKC had knowledge of those allegations and how it responded.

The investigators will not look into every aspect of IHOPKCs management over the past 25 years, Firefly said. However, allegations of clergy sexual abuse and cover-ups are serious in nature and cannot be ignored. In addition, it is reported by the Advocate Group that there are more than a few alleged victims who have not yet spoken to an investigator.

Elizabeth Herder, a member of the Advocate Group, said on one of the videos made in June that theyve heard many stories that the public has no idea of, even that IHOP leadership has no idea of.

For a long time, there was just a kind of constant march of stories coming to us, she said. It was utterly overwhelming for us, and we had to say to many of them, We need you to wait  I am not trauma informed. I dont want to hurt you by taking your story.

Herder said the issue goes far beyond Mike Bickle.

And thats been something that has been our heart to make sure that the public understands that theres kind of this flagship horror, which is the Mike Bickle horror, but theres many others, she said. And a system was built that allowed terrible, terrible abuse to happen to people and have it not only not dealt with, but because it wasnt dealt with, more abuse happened.

Firefly has posted a confidential survey on its website to help identify those who may have information relevant to the investigation.

Among the questions are whether the person responding has any knowledge of alleged misconduct committed by Bickle, other IHOPKC leaders or any staff member or volunteer, whether the alleged misconduct was reported to IHOPKC leaders and if so, how it was handled.

Updates will be provided every few weeks during the investigation, Tikkun said. When the investigation is complete, it said, Firefly will produce a detailed report that will be made public.

Tikkun said it will gather a group of senior leaders in the Body of Christ to review the results of the investigation. Any potential criminal activity that is uncovered will be referred to law enforcement, it said. The review group will then make recommendations to IHOPKC for corrective actions.

Tikkun said when the Advocate Group asked it to oversee the investigation, it was reluctant at first.

It has been difficult for us even to consider being involved in such a sensitive and time-consuming task, particularly while our own country is at war, Tikkun said. But board members met and prayed about it, Tikkun said, and decided to help.

We are not policemen or judges, it said. Like many of you, we simply want to see the cloud dissipate and for clarity to emerge, so we can all move forward.

Tikkun said it had been close to IHOPKC and its leadership for decades and contacted the board to ask if it was open to endorsing the investigation. Tikkun met several times with IHOPKC leaders, it said, telling them that the investigator was solid and that the Advocate Group was fully submitting to this investigation and is turning over all material they have to the investigator.

Tikkun said IHOPKC leaders had more questions and concerns, and some met with them to interview the investigator together.

As the process continued, we let the IHOPKC board know that we felt it was right for us to move forward with the investigation, Tikkun said. We explained our belief that the best thing for all involved would be a thorough and transparent investigation into the allegations.

But during its meetings with the IHOPKC board, Tikkun said, it became apparent that it was too difficult for them to come to an agreement to endorse this investigation.

We are hopeful that they might embrace it at a future point.

Conflict of interest?

Tikkun said the IHOPKC board raised a conflict-of-interest concern because Tikkun had received significant financial support from IHOPKC over the years. Tikkun said it was grateful for the support and had sent quite a few of our young people to participate in internships at IHOPKC.

But it said that the Advocate Group trusted us and believed that our relationship with IHOPKC would increase the probability that the results (of the investigation) would be accepted. And it noted that IHOPKC was going through a difficult time financially and has informed all our emissaries that they will no longer be able to support us.

Simply put, Tikkun said, this is not about money but about victims of sexual misconduct, calling leaders to high character standards, and believing God for purification in the Body of Believers.

The International House of Prayer-Kansas City, Nov. 11, 2023.

The Firefly investigation is the first to examine the sex abuse scandal at IHOPKC that doesnt involve a law firm.

IHOPKC originally hired the Stinson LLP law firm to investigate, but quickly reversed that decision after critics questioned whether it could be impartial. Then it hired Kansas City attorney Audrey Manito, who had close ties to IHOPKC, to conduct interviews with those alleging abuse.

When that action was heavily criticized, IHOPKC in December hired Rosalee McNamara of the Lathrop GPM firm to conduct an outside investigation. But Bickles alleged victims and the Advocate Group declined to talk to McNamara, saying she couldnt be impartial because her firm has represented defendants in sex abuse cases, including those involving clergy.

At the end of January, IHOPKC released the results of McNamaras investigation, which found Bickle more likely than not engaged in inappropriate behavior that included sexual contact and clergy misconduct. That behavior was an abuse of power for a person in a position of trust and leadership, a report of the findings said.

Though IHOPKC called it an independent investigation, critics  including the Advocate Group  complained that it was far from impartial. They said the alleged victims did not participate in the investigation because they didnt feel safe doing so.

Shane Holden, an IHOPKC board member who resigned on April 17, said he tried for months to broker an agreement between IHOPKC and the Advocate Group to get a new investigation going. But he said IHOPKCs perspective was that we have done an independent third-party investigation, and on top of that, we have permanently separated from Mike Bickle. Lets move on, you know, lets just get on with what we need to do next.

Holden, senior pastor of First Free Church, a congregation of several thousand in Onalaska, Wisconsin, told The Star that he resigned in part out of frustration that the talks were going nowhere.

Who is Firefly?

Firefly was founded by Jim Holler, a former police chief with the Liberty Township Police Department in Adams County, Pennsylvania.

The company conducts discrete investigations into allegations of sexual abuse, according to its website.

Using highly skilled investigators, it says, we aim to provide a consistent, competent, and comprehensive response to sexual abuse and related crimes.

Holler specializes in crimes against children, training thousands of attorneys, judges, social workers as well as law enforcement and medical, mental health and public health professionals on issues related to crimes against children and social worker safety.

He also has conducted independent sex abuse investigations for several large religious organizations in the country, the companys website says.

Our loyalty in any investigation lies in exposing the truth.
'Their own actions or inaction': Pinckney Schools denies allegations of discrimination

PINCKNEY  Pinckney Community Schools leaders have denied their actions created a "hostile educational environment in response to a lawsuit alleging they failed to meaningfully address racism against minority students.

Marko Law filed the lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan in July on behalf of several students alleging racial harassment and discrimination at PCS.

The plaintiffs are all minors  four boys and one girl  who have attended Navigator Upper Elementary or Pathfinder School. The students say racism has permeated Pinckney Community Schools for years.

ONeill, Wallace and Doyle  the firm representing PCS  filed a response to the lawsuit Aug. 28. In the response, the individual defendants  PCS Superintendent Rick Todd, Pathfinder School Principal Lori Sandula and former Navigator School Principal Janet McDole  requested the court dismiss the lawsuit, deny all relief sought by the plaintiffs and award costs and attorney fees incurred.

More: Lawsuit alleges racial harassment, discrimination at Pinckney Community Schools

According to the lawsuit, Black students in Pinckney "have been called 'cotton picker,' 'monkey,' the 'N-word,' physically assaulted, racially profiled and threatened to be killed because of their skin color." The complaint alleges PCS turned a blind eye and failed to meaningfully address the racism once and for all.

Black students at PCS have suffered emotional trauma and substantial disruption to their education, the lawsuit says. It also alleges several students have left PCS out of fear for their physical, personal and educational well-being.

Pinckney Community Schools leaders have denied their actions created a "hostile educational environment in response to a lawsuit alleging they failed to meaningfully address racism against minority students.

The lawsuit accuses PCS of violating Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Elliot Larsen Civil Rights Act, and the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution  all of which the defendants deny.

It specifically accuses the district of failing to immediately remove swastikas and racist graffiti on the walls.

Subscribe: Get unlimited access to our local coverage

In their response, PCS and the individual defendants argue they at all times acted in good faith and deny any recklessness or callous neglect. They say PCS leadership investigated and took prompt action in response to any underlying complaints made by (the plaintiffs)."

The defendants also denied all allegations of retaliation, and argued they "may be entitled to qualified and/or governmental immunity.

They also said "any damages the plaintiffs claim to have suffered were the result of [their own] actions or inactions."

No hearings have been scheduled, according to online court records.

 Contact reporter Evan Sasiela at esasiela@livingstondaily.com. Follow him on Twitter @SalsaEvan.

This article originally appeared on Livingston Daily: PCS denies allegations of racial discrimination in middle schools
A technician holds an Oxford Nanopore Technologies Ltd. MinION portable and real time device for DNA and RNA sequencing

A group of Oxford scientists is threatening to sue a Chinese genetics company, claiming it illegally stole trade secrets.

Oxford Nanopore said it was preparing a legal claim against Chinas BGI, which allegedly poached information while it was a customer of the business.

The dispute is understood to centre around claims that Shenzhen-based BGI used trade secrets to develop its own nanopore-based sequencing technology. Oxford Nanopore said it was currently seeking to gather data to support a potential lawsuit.

The spat represents the latest controversy involving BGI, which has been blacklisted by the US over alleged links to the Chinese military.

The gene technology in question relies on a process known as strand sequencing, which allows DNA to pass through a tiny hole in a cell membrane called a nanopore.

An electric current is then used to decode the DNA, with the technology capable of diagnosing cancers or detecting viruses.

In an announcement to investors on Tuesday, Oxford Nanopore said it had filed to serve BGI with legal papers.

Underpinning the prospective legal action are claims that BGI breached its customer contract with BGI, as well as duties under the Trade Secrets Act.

The British company allegedly worked with BGI during a research project in 2014.

BGI is understood to have made legally binding assurances not to use Oxford Nanopores technology to develop a rival product.

However, last month it unveiled a new nanopore sequencing platform, which Oxford Nanopore claims it cannot use without infringing or misappropriating the groups substantial portfolio of proprietary rights.

BGI did not respond to requests for comment.

The warning over potential legal action comes as BGI continues to face scrutiny in the West. This week, the US House of Representatives passed a Bill designed to impose further sanctions on BGI, as well as other Chinese companies.

BGI said it was disappointed that the US legislative process is being used to pick winners and losers. The US Bill is understood to be unrelated to any action by Oxford Nanopore.

It follows an earlier clampdown on the Chinese gene giant.

In 2022, three BGI subsidiaries were placed on a US blacklist, as Washington claimed they posed a significant risk of contributing to monitoring and surveillance by the government of China.

BGI denies the claims and says it poses no threat to national security.

Policymakers in the UK, meanwhile, have also warned over the risks of trade with BGI.

Writing in The Telegraph this year, Sir Iain Duncan Smith urged UK private healthcare companies including Oxford Nanopore not to work with BGI, saying it would seriously undermine attempts to protect UK citizens.

He said: Allowing Chinese companies access undermines our security and our world-leading life sciences sector, which cannot compete on price with companies subsidised by the Chinese state.

Whilst BGI Group claims to be a private company, it nonetheless operates the Chinese governments key laboratories and national genebank.

BGI has argued that all data processed in the UK remain in the UK and the EU, and that it complies with local privacy laws.

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PIKE COUNTY, Ala (WDHN)  An Ozark man is dead after a single-vehicle crash near Brundidge.

According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, 27-year-old Radaress Odell Haynes was killed when his 1994 Chevrolet Camaro ran off the road, hit a power pole, a sign, a parked 1997 Dodge Ram pickup, and a parked 2000 Dodge Ram pickup. Both parked trucks were unoccupied at the time of the crash.

Troopers say Haynes was not using a seat belt at the time of the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The crash occurred around 6:00 a.m. on Highway 231, near mile 59, approximately four miles south of Brundidge.

Troopers with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agencys (ALEA) Highway Patrol Division are still investigating the crash.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDHN - wdhn.com.
Pakistani charged in alleged Iran plot to kill US official

A Pakistani man with ties to Iran has been arrested in the United States for allegedly plotting to assassinate a US official (Anna Moneymaker) (Anna Moneymaker/GETTY IMAGES/Getty Images via AFP)

A Pakistani man with ties to Iran has been charged for allegedly plotting to assassinate a US official in retaliation for the US killing of Revolutionary Guards commander Qassem Soleimani, prosecutors said Wednesday.

Asif Raza Merchant, 46, allegedly sought to hire a hitman to assassinate a politician or a US government official in the United States, the Justice Department and prosecutors said in a statement.

"As these terrorism and murder for hire charges against Asif Merchant demonstrate, we will continue to hold accountable those who would seek to carry out Iran's lethal plotting against Americans," Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement.

Soleimani, the head of Iran's foreign military operations, was killed in a US drone strike in Baghdad in January 2020. Iranian officials have repeatedly vowed to avenge his killing.

"As alleged, Merchant orchestrated a plot to assassinate US politicians and government officials. Today's indictment is a message to terrorists here and abroad," United States Attorney Breon Peace added.

The intended victim was not identified but the attorney general has previously said no evidence has emerged to link Merchant with the July 13 assassination attempt against former president Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania.

FBI Director Christopher Wray has said the Pakistani national had "close ties to Iran" and that the alleged murder-for-hire plot was "straight out of the Iranian playbook."

Another FBI official said the assassins Merchant allegedly tried to hire were in fact undercover FBI agents.

"After spending time in Iran, Merchant arrived in the United States from Pakistan and contacted a person he believed could assist him with the scheme to kill a politician or government official," the Justice Department said in a statement.

"That person reported Merchant's conduct to law enforcement and became a confidential source."

Merchant was arrested on July 12 as he planned to leave the country.

Iran's mission to the United Nations said in August it had "not received any report on this from the American government."

"But it is clear that this method is contrary to the Iranian government's policy of pursuing Soleimani's killer," the mission said in a statement carried by Iran's official IRNA news agency.

In August 2022, the United States charged a member of the Revolutionary Guards with plotting to assassinate former US National Security Advisor John Bolton.

The Justice Department said Shahram Poursafi, who remains at large, had offered to pay an individual in the United States $300,000 to kill Bolton.

gw/aha
Public hearings will be included in the review of legislation for a windfarm, seen here in a mock-up supplied by the Jersey government [Government of Jersey ]

A scrutiny panel will review ministers' plans for a windfarm in the sea off the south-west coast of Jersey, the States says.

The government has been drafting laws which would outline how the island could build turbines to generate power offshore.

The panel would review these before they went to the States for a vote, it said.

Deputy Hilary Jeune, the island's former energy and climate change minister, will lead the review.

The States said the panel would look at "conditions and requirements" to be considering as part of legislation.

Once the draft legislation had been lodged, it said the panel would launch a "full and formal review", including public hearings.

The panel would prepare for this by "building its knowledge base" and would remain in place to "review future proposals", it said.

Deputy Jeune, chair of the Offshore Wind Review Panel, said: "This is a highly significant proposal for Jersey and we have to consider fully the opportunity and risks  both economic and environmental.

"While we wait for the government to bring forward its proposed legislation, we are conducting research and gathering information to inform ourselves."

Follow BBC Jersey on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. Send your story ideas to channel.islands@bbc.co.uk.

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Parents at four different Horry schools received emails about threats. Heres what we know

Parents at four Horry County Schools received emails Tuesday evening stating that staff had received a potential threat at the campus.

At least one of the schools said additional police presence would be at the school.

However, details of the threat were vague, leaving parents worried and questioning whether they should send their children to school.

The emails were reported to have come from Whittemore Park Middle School, Loris high and middle schools and Waccamaw Elementary.

The email from Whittemore Park in Conway told parents that there would be additional police presence at the school after administration was informed of a rumor that was circulating amongst a few students of an unspecified, unsubstantiated threat.

An email from administration at Whittemore Park Middle School in Conway was sent to parents about a threat at the school Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024.

Parents of students at Wacamaw Elementary in Conway received an email stating that there were threats discovered in one of the bathrooms Tuesday.

Mike Frederick, the new executive director of safety and security for Horry County Schools, said Wednesday morning that he was unaware of any additional police being sent to Whittemore Park. He said there may have been an additional school resource officer, but his office had not ordered any additional police presence.

Frederick said his office receives threats every day, and each one is evaluated for its credibility and the appropriate response.

He said a threat could come from a fight between two students, in which one child says, Ill kill you man. We have to treat that as a threat, Frederick said.

Frederick said the district received an international threat recently in which a person threatened to blow up every school in Horry County.

Our challenge is shifting through the wacky, he said. Thats why we have to be systematic and go through every threat received.

When asked why the emails are vague and dont provide many details, Frederick said that not all information about the threat is released because we dont want to muddy the water.

Frederick wants to make sure that if he calls a school about a real threat, that it is taken seriously. If parents are notified about every threat, they eventually may not pay attention.

A message sent to Horry County Schools spokesperson Lisa Bourcier was not immediately returned.

Tuesdays emails from Horry County school administration come after last weeks deadly school shooting in Georgia where two teachers and two students were killed.

Horry County Schools started its new school year with a multi-million dollar upgraded security system and safety procedures for its students and staff.

The new security measures come after several incidents that occurred the previous school year, including a middle school student bringing a gun to school. The school system also replaced its security director.

The student managed to bring the weapon into the school in a clear backpack even though the school had a metal detector and did random checks of bags.
Passengers were pictured queuing outside the airport in Kenya's capital, Nairobi, on Wednesday morning [ Peter Njoroge/BBC]

Hundreds of passengers have been stranded at Kenya's main airport after workers went on strike in protest at a planned takeover by an Indian business group.

Large queues formed outside Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Wednesday morning as flights were delayed and cancelled.

Union leaders on Wednesday evening said they would return to work and that normal operations would resume shortly.

Workers launched their protest over proposals to lease JKIA to the Adani group for 30 years. The aviation workers union argues the deal is "opaque" and could lead to job losses.

The unions agreed to return to work after being given assurances that the deal with Adani would not be finalised without their approval.

The government says the airport in the capital, Nairobi, is operating beyond capacity and needs private investment to upgrade it.

On Wednesday morning, dozens of airport workers blew plastic trumpets and chanted "Adani must go", according to footage shown on local broadcaster Citizen TV.

The video also appear to show a police officer hitting a protester with a baton.

Wilma van Altena, who was on holiday in Kenya but cut her trip short to return to the Netherlands for a funeral, was among those stuck at the airport.

Its been chaotic... there were hundreds of people outside the airport when we arrived and we stood around and eventually made it inside," she told the BBC.

We have no information. Theres nothing on the boards, weve heard nothing from the airline. I need to get home but I have no idea when that will happen.

The Zimbabwe mens football team was also stranded.

The squad had flown into Nairobi after an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier game in Uganda, but had been given no information about their onward flight to Harare, an official who did not want to named told the BBC.

The BBCs Stewart Maclean, who is among those waiting to catch a flight, said that at around 05:45 BST (07:45 local time), the hundreds queueing outside the airport were calm and patient but frustrated.

He said that cabin crew and pilots were among those waiting.

"Minimal operations" had resumed by 05:00 BST (07:00 local time), the Kenya Airports Authority, adding that it was engaging with relevant parties to settle the disruption.

Kenya Airways head Allan Kilavuka told the BBC that only a third of its scheduled flights had departed on Wednesday morning.

Workers at other airports across the country have also joined the strike.

The Kenya Aviation Workers' Union has previously warned of an indefinite strike after the government failed to disclose details of the deal with the Adani Group, one of India's largest conglomerates.

The Law Society of Kenya and the Kenya Human Rights Commission also criticised the plans, arguing that it is unreasonable to lease a strategic national asset to a private company.

The two parties filed a challenge to the High Court, which subsequently halted the deal to allow time for a judicial review.

The date for a final court decision has yet to be set.

Passengers have been sitting on their suitcases and sleeping on benches as they wait for news of their flights [ Peter Njoroge/BBC]

In the proposal, the Adani Group would lease JKIA in exchange for a $1.85bn (1.41bn) investment. The upgrades would involve a new runway and an improved passenger terminal.

The Adani group was founded by billionaire Gautam Adani and operates across a range of sectors, including commodities trading, airports, utilities, ports and renewable energy.

In July, Kenyan protesters against the takeover threatened to shut down JKIA, citing allegations that the Adani Group had engaged in corrupt practices.

Mr Adani is perceived as being close to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and has long faced accusations that he has benefited from this relationship, an allegation which he denies.

Last year, a US-based investment firm accused the Adani Group of decades of "brazen" stock manipulation and accounting fraud. The Adani Group rejected this allegation, but Indias market regulator has launched an investigation.

Additional reporting by Sharanya Hrishikesh.

More BBC stories from Kenya:

[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

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The 39-year-old solicitor was shot dead at his home in Belfast in 1989 [Pacemaker]

An independent public inquiry has been ordered into the murder of Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane in 1989.

The 39-year-old was shot at his home in Belfast by loyalist paramilitaries in front of his wife and children.

Several examinations of the case have found evidence of state collusion in the killing.

His wife Geraldine Finucane, who was also wounded in the attack, said her family's fight to secure an independent public inquiry had been a "long journey".

The Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn said that the "exceptional reason" of outstanding and unfulfilled commitments by previous UK governments to establish a public inquiry meant it should proceed.

Benn met members of the Finucane family on Tuesday, when it is believed he informed them of the decision.

Killing not 'simply the act of gunmen'

Geraldine Finucane spoke to reporters alongside her son, the MP John Finucane [Niall Carson/PA Wire]

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday afternoon, Mrs Finucane said the family did not believe his murder "was simply the act of gunmen" and that they hope to "expose the whole truth behind the murder of my husband".

The widow added she believed a public inquiry could succeed where other investigations had failed because it is a forum with the "ability to get to the truth".

"People can be cross-examined, questions can be verified, facts can be established and an inquiry is the only place for that," she explained.

Referring to previous investigations which were rejected by the family, she said the witnesses "werent cross-examined" and in some cases were not questioned at all.

Wiping away tears at some points, Mrs Finucane offered "heartfelt thanks and gratitude" to everyone who had helped the family's campaign.

Their son John Finucane, who is the MP for Belfast North, told reporters that the government's decision to grant the inquiry was a "vindication" of his mother's strength and leadership.

'Unfulfilled' commitment

Speaking in the Commons on Wednesday, the secretary of state said: "This government takes its human rights obligations and its responsibilities to victims and survivors of the Troubles extremely seriously."

"The plain fact is two decades on the commitment made by the government - first in the agreement with the Irish government, then in this house - to establish an inquiry into the death of Mr Finucane remains unfulfilled," Benn added.

"It is for this exceptional reason I've decided to establish an independent inquiry under the 2005 Inquiries Act."

Benn told MPs he hoped the inquiry would provide the information that the Finucane family had "sought for so long".

He said the government will seek to appoint a chair of the inquiry and establish its terms of reference as soon as possible.

On the point of costs, Benn said he hoped the inquiry could avoid unnecessary costs given previous reviews and investigations as well as the large amount of material already in the public domain.

This embedded content is not available in your region.

BBC News NI's crime and justice correspondent Julian O'Neill described the murder as one of the most controversial killings of the Troubles.

Examinations of the case have established that there was collusion, he added, with two state agents within the UDA who were involved.

The Finucane family have long campaigned for a public inquiry to get to the bottom of the full extent of the collusion, he continued, including a claim it went all the way up to the British cabinet.

What has been the political reaction?

The First Minister Michelle O'Neill said she welcomed the "announcement that the Finucane family has secured a public inquiry into the killing of their beloved father and husband".

O'Neill added that she will "continue to support the Finucane family as they continue on their journey towards truth and justice for Pat".

Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Gavin Robinson said the granting of a public inquiry would "heap further hurt on the families who have never had anyone convicted of their loved ones murder".

He said the murder of Pat Finucane, like all murders in the Troubles, was wrong, but Wednesday's announcement "perpetuates a hierarchy and sends the message that this murder was more deserving of investigation than others".

The Taoiseach (Irish prime minister) Simon Harris welcomed the decision, saying "today is a vindication of Geraldine Finucane and her family who have campaigned over decades for truth and justice".

SDLP leader Colum Eastwood also welcomed the announcement, saying he wrote to the Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer last month urging him to call a public inquiry.

He added: "This must be a turning point for legacy investigations. It should be the moment where we agree to deal with the past comprehensively and ethically."

Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV) leader Jim Allister asked the Commons whether there had ever been a family given more "preferential" treatment.

Jim Allister said the family had received a prime ministerial apology, multiple investigations and now an "uncapped public inquiry".

Speaking in the Commons, Robin Swann from the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) asked the secretary of state to clarify whether this announcement has "ended any opportunity for other families and loved ones across Northern Ireland who still held out a hope for a public inquiry".

Alliance MLA Nuala McAllister said the the inquiry will "hopefully bring accountability for those involved".

It was "always necessary" in this case, she says, "given the serious public interest issues involved and the governments acceptance that collusion played a part.

Responding to the criticism that his family had received preferential treatment, John Finucane said it was " very difficult to square that with the experience that my family have been through for over 35 years.

Who was Pat Finucane?

[Pacemaker]

Pat Finucane was a well known defence solicitor who frequently acted for high profile IRA members.

He also represented loyalists in his work.

In February 1989 he was shot 14 times by two gunmen.

His wife, Geraldine, was also wounded.

One of his sons is the Belfast North MP John Finucane, of Sinn Fein.

At an inquest into his death police refuted claims that Mr Finucane was in the IRA.

In 2012, Sir Desmond's report into the murder found there was agent involvement and that police took no action on threat intelligence regarding Mr Finucane.

Other victims 'question resources'

Victims campaigner Kenny Donaldson, director of the South East Fermanagh Foundation, said other families who lost loved one during the Troubles would be wondering why the Finucane case has been prioritised again when there has been little or no investigation into so many other Troubles killings.

The murder of Pat Finucane was entirely wrong and it was without justification Mr Donaldson told BBC News NI

But, he added: Were very conscious that many other victims and survivors are watching events unfold and many are asking that obvious question  the amount of resourcing that has gone into this particular case and they have [seen] very little ever done in regards to their own case.

Meanwhile the victims' group Relative for Justice praised the family's "tenacious, courageous and unending pursuit of truth and justice".
People Are Losing It Over The Debate Moderators Actually Live Fact-Checking Donald Trump On His Lies

If you watched the last presidential debate back in June, you might remember former president Donald Trump claiming that post-birth abortions are a thing that exists.

Mario Tama / Getty Images

He's been making similar claims about late-term abortions since 2016.

Paul J. Richards / AFP via Getty Images

In the last debate, Trump's comments on abortion passed by without comment from either the moderators or his then-opponent, President Joe Biden. But not this time.

Debate moderator Linsey Davis fact-checks Donald Trump who claimed there are abortions happening during the 9th month of a pregnancy:There is no state in this country where it is legal to kill a baby after it is born. pic.twitter.com/v7lFStm3tI  Pop Base (@PopBase) September 11, 2024

Twitter: @PopBase / ABC News

People were genuinely stunned after moderator Linsey Davis live fact-checked Trump, saying, "There is no state in this country where it is legal to kill a baby after it is born."

REAL TIME FACT CHECK FROM MODERATOR pic.twitter.com/gQ8ieZHpAh  AT (@primediscussion) September 11, 2024

Twitter: @primediscussion / Warner Bros

Like, this picture of Joe Biden was all of us.

Was that a fact check by a moderator HELL HAS FROZEN  OVER pic.twitter.com/bDxLyXwIZY  2RawTooReal (@2RawTooReal) September 11, 2024

Twitter: @2RawTooReal / CNN

And that wasn't the only fact check of the night. Moderator David Muir also fact-checked Trump's false claims about immigrants eating pets in Springfield, Ohio, saying, "You bring up Springfield, Ohio, and ABC News did reach out to the city manager there. He told us there have been no credible reports of specific claims of pets being harmed, injured, or abused by individuals within the immigrant community."

Donald Trump yaps about immigrants eating cats and dogs then gets fact check bro...... this is insane pic.twitter.com/XrgP5l6d2m  Ahmed/The Ears/IG: BigBizTheGod  (@big_business_) September 11, 2024

Twitter: @big_business_ / ABC News

People were very pleased to see Linsey Davis and David Muir providing live fact checks this time around.

Oh ABC said they are not CNN and you dont get to say whatever you want!!  Candice Marie Benbow (@CandiceBenbow) September 11, 2024

Twitter: @CandiceBenbow

It truly was a sight to behold.

david muir you look so beautiful when you live fact check  matt (@mattxiv) September 11, 2024

Twitter: @mattxiv

But to be fair, it shouldn't be that big of a deal.

there is no state where it is legal to kill a baby after it is born wow the bare minimum fact check is somehow refreshing  zach silberberg (@zachsilberberg) September 11, 2024

Twitter: @zachsilberberg

Still, we were waiting for this.

The way I screamed so loud when the moderator fact checked Trump on the LIE ABOUT KILLING BABIES AFTER THEY ARE BORN FINALLY LORD  #Debate2024 pic.twitter.com/RI5JaOrbGa  Qondi (@QondiNtini) September 11, 2024

Twitter: @QondiNtini

Anyway, thank you Linsey Davis and David Muir for showing up tonight.

WE FINALLY HAVE ACTUAL MODERATORS! THE DEBATE IS SO DIFFERENT WHEN WE ACTUALLY HAVE MODERATORS.SHOUT OUT TO WHOEVER PLANNED THIS DEBATE. BRAVO TO MODERATORS!  deray (@deray) September 11, 2024

Twitter: @deray
People take once unthinkable precautions as police search for the Kentucky highway shooter

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.

Who is Joseph Couch? Alleged I-75 shooter warned he was going to kill a lot of people

We go home and lights go off, and we go upstairs and our doors stay locked, she said.

Several area school districts remained closed 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. There is nothing to suggest he slipped away, said Master Trooper Scottie Pennington, a spokesman for the state polices London post.

Read more of the latest Kentucky news

Questions arose whether there is anything to indicate Couch is dead or alive.

Some people say What if hes not alive anymore?  Pennington told reporters. Well, were going to stay in the woods until we find him. Thats our job. If hes dead or alive, its our job to try to find him.

If Couch has died, nature takes care of itself and buzzards could gather overhead, which could be a sign for searchers, Pennington said.

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 allege in an arrest warrant.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

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, Couch wrote, Ill kill myself afterwards, the affidavit says.

The affidavit does not describe the relationship between Couch and the woman who received the texts, but the Lexington Herald-Leader identified her as his ex-wife.

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 the woman who told them Couch had sent her the texts at 5:03 p.m.

Kentucky I-75 shooting: Reward for information on suspect Joseph Couch upped to $35K

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.

As search teams kept up their methodical work, aided by more helicopters above, authorities were hoping that a lack of basic necessities might lead Couch to surrender if he is still hiding in the woods.

I hope he doesnt have water, Pennington said. I hope he doesnt have food. And I hope hes worn out and eventually hell walk out of them woods.

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 sight mounted to the weapon and several additional magazines. The duffel bag had Couch hand-written in black marker.

I love you so much, dont go anywhere: 911 calls reveal chaos, fear during Laurel County mass shooting

Couch fired 20 to 30 rounds in Saturdays attack, striking 12 vehicles on the interstate, investigators said.

Pennington has 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.

Manhunt for I-75 alleged shooter Joseph Couch continues into day 5

Im just afraid to even go to the door if somebody knocks, she said.

Pennington said authorities are working their guts out to find Couch and end such fear.

Its hard when people are so in fear right now that theres probably somebody out there, he said.

___

Schreiner reported from Louisville.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Person reportedly injured in shooting near Philadelphia City Hall just hours before presidential debate

Person reportedly injured in shooting near Philadelphia City Hall just hours before presidential debate

A person was injured and a suspect was in custody after a shooting on a SEPTA platform in Philadelphias Center City on Tuesday, just hours before the presidential debate between former President Trump and Vice President Harris, according to local reports.

The shooting unfolded on a platform on the Market-Frankford Line at Market and 15th streets around 3:30 p.m., WPVI reported.

The victim was transported to Jefferson Hospital for treatment, officials told WCAU. The victim's condition was unknown at the time.

BEST FRIEND OF ARIZONA ENGINEER MISSING IN DESERT FOR DAYS CHARGED WITH MURDER

A SEPTA train arrives at a platform at a commuter rail station in Philadelphia July 30, 2021.

Police said a fight had escalated before shots were fired. Fox News Digital has reached out to the Philadelphia Police Department for updates.

The shooting comes ahead of Tuesdays presidential debate between Harris and Trump.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

ABC News signage is installed in the media center inside the Pennsylvania Convention Center one day before the presidential debate on Sept. 9, 2024, in Philadelphia.

The debate will be held at Philadelphias National Constitution Center, about a five-minute walk from where the shooting happened.

SEPTA posted on X that "police activity has cleared, and trains have resumed regular service along the line."

"5th Street Station remains closed due to the Presidential debate," SEPTA said. "Expect residual delays while full operations are restored."





Original article source: Person reportedly injured in shooting near Philadelphia City Hall just hours before presidential debate
The debate didnt sway some voters CNN talked to, but others know exactly who theyre backing now

Joan London knew when Tuesdays debate began she would not vote for Donald Trump. But when it ended, she was in a most unfamiliar place: ready to cast her first vote for a Democrat for president. In battleground Pennsylvania, by the way.

Harris clearly won, said London, an attorney who lives in conservative Berks County. And Im now voting for her even though I have many serious policy differences.

London became a Republican when she turned 18, a fan of Ronald Reagans brand of conservatism. Earlier this year, she cast a primary vote for former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, then switched her registration to independent because she sees Trump as an angry populist.

Until this weeks debate in Philadelphia, though, she planned to honor her conservative principles and write in some other Republican. But everything changed when the former president repeatedly refused to say he believed it was critical that the United States stand with Ukraine. Trump said he wanted to end the war, and suggested he could negotiate a peace between Russia and Ukraine.

Conservatives do not negotiate with communist dictators who invade other countries, London said in a post-debate text. It will take Trump losing decisively to reform the GOP, and I will be back when that happens.

London is one of more the 70 voters across 10 states who are part of our All Over The Map project, an effort to track the 2024 campaign through the eyes and experiences of voters who live in battleground states or are part of critical voting blocs.

Her decision to back Vice President Kamala Harris was the most significant shift in the reaction we received from this group of voters during the debate and in its immediate aftermath. None of our voters who had settled on a candidate before Tuesdays onstage meeting were swayed to change their minds, although several Trump supporters shared concerns about his performance.

She was ready, said Chris Mudd, a Trump loyalist from Cedar Falls, Iowa. But he added: Trump can make some positive changes. Kamala is all hat and no cattle.

Lisa Reissman, a Harris supporter in Wisconsin, had a very different take.

Harris was remarkable, Reissman said. Trump came off as irrational and desperate.

Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during the presidential debate at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia on September 10. - Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images

Enthusiasm can matter in close races, and the conversation among Democrats is very different now that Harris has replaced President Joe Biden as the nominee. Even Democrats who had doubts about Biden but would have voted for him anyway use much more energetic language in discussing their support of Harris, including in their debate assessments.

She showed us tonight that she is a president, said Davette Baker, an African American Democratic activist in Milwaukee.

Larry Malinconico, a geology professor at Lafayette College in Northampton County, Pennsylvania, fits in this group.

While I have always been of the mindset to do anything to keep Trump from office, I also am now much more confident that VP Harris is a great presidential candidate.

Voters wanted to hear more policy specifics from Harris

Several voters who are undecided or leaning toward Harris or Trump, but open to changing their candidate, gave Harris more positive reviews for her debate performance. Several though, significantly, said she was not specific enough in explaining her policy proposals.

Kamala Harris says she wants to lift up the middle class, but how? said Linda Rooney, a Haley primary voter who lives in the Philadelphia suburbs. She also voiced concern about Harris shifting her positions on fracking and other issues.

This is why I dont trust her, said Rooney, who voted for Trump in 2016, but for Joe Biden in 2020. Shes not a moderate.

Rooney would prefer not to vote for Trump, but is not a fan of Biden-Harris economic policies.

Hes so disappointing, she said of Trumps answer about his conduct on January 6, 2021. Kamala is right to call him out about this.

Twice Rooney emailed us to say that Trump was off the rails during debate discussions about immigration.

I still cant vote for her, Rooney said of Harris. But I dont want to vote for Trump.  I feel so lonely in the middle.

Rooney is from Media, in Delaware County. So is Cynthia Sabatini, a Reagan Republican and never Trump voter who plans to write in a conservative or vote third party unless Harris wins her over. The vice president did not do so Tuesday night.

She is a good debater, Sabatini said. But in my opinion, she needs to answer questions on point. Specifically, Sabatini said Harris failed out of the gate when asked whether she believed Americans are better off than they were four years ago and again on questions about the border.

Im undecided, was her post-debate assessment.

Antonio Munoz, too, said Harris could have scored a bigger debate win had she been more specific and responsive.

Munoz is a veteran and former police officer who now runs a taco restaurant and catering business in Las Vegas.

He sat down for the debate leaning Harris but not ready to commit. He remains there after.

Kamala was very poised, Munoz said of the vice president. Trump was Trump. Killing babies after they are born. Immigrants eating cats and dogs. How do you defend untruthful comments like that?

But Munoz said he needs to hear more before Harris is guaranteed his vote in battleground Nevada.

Not enough substance on how to continue moving forward, Munoz said of her debate performance.

Looking for optimism but also authenticity

Zoila Sanchez, on the other hand, is firmly in camp Harris, even though she describes herself as a Reagan Republican.

Her focus on real issues and pragmatic solutions was refreshing, said Sanchez, a Las Vegas real estate agent. Donald Trump appeared erratic and out of control.  We need leaders who are grounded in reality.

Allen Naparalla, too, would like more specifics from Harris. But he is now ready to commit, after telling us in July, when Biden stepped aside, that he didnt see Harris as up to the job.

At this point, I just want to vote for optimism in the world, said Naparalla, who runs a winery in Cedarburg, Wisconsin. We need something to be happy about and look forward to. Enough negativity.

Former President Donald Trump during the second presidential debate on September 10, 2024. - Doug Mills/The New York Times/Bloomberg/Getty Images

Other Harris voters delighted in her success distracting and rattling Trump.

A master class, said Marvin Boyer, a civil rights activist in Northampton County, Pennsylvania, a crucial swing county. She was calm, focused and collected. He was defensive, angry and out of control.

Several Trump supporters, too, said Harris had succeeded in knocking Trump off his game.

Kamala successfully avoided the questions and triggered Donald, said Natalya Orlando, a Trump voter in New Hampshire. The buildup to the debate was exciting but the debate itself was OK. Nothing new.

Likewise, Priscilla Forsyth, an attorney in Sioux City, Iowa, said, Trump wasnt at his best and fell for the bait a little too often. But she seemed so fake, especially when she tried to talk about uniting the country. I will never believe she can or would represent my interests.

That was a common theme among Trump loyalists: that Harris isnt authentic.

Kamala Harris incessant posing and disingenuous theatrics while Trump was speaking came across as immature, rehearsed and off-putting, said Rachel Kulak, a Christian conservative who lives in the Richmond, Virginia, suburbs.

His defensive reactions were not helpful, Iowa entrepreneur Jaclyn Taylor said of Trump. Kamala didnt feel genuine much of the evening.

Billy Pierce, a Trump backer from South Carolina, pointed to Harris time in the administration. I just cant believe Kamala is talking about change when she has been in office for three and a half years.

Debbie Katsanos, a Trump supporter in New Hampshire, said, The status quo has got to change. This was once a great country and now it is not.

Betsy Sarcone, who backed Haley in the Iowa caucuses but plans to vote for Trump in November, said of Harris: Her memorized and regurgitated lines lack depth.

Several voters who remain unhappy with their choice even after the switch atop the Democratic ticket saw nothing Tuesday night to change their disappointment.

I want better than this, said Stanley Tremblay, a New Hampshire independent. Im just afraid weve dug ourselves a hole we cant get out of.

Gina Cilento, a competitive pickleball player who owns a training studio in Cedarburg, Wisconsin, echoed Tremblays dismay.

Its exhausting, she texted during the debate. It just makes me feel so sad. This is the best our country can do?

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Kamala Harris has pressed a forceful case against Donald Trump in their first and perhaps only debate before the presidential election. The event Tuesday night showcased their starkly different visions for the country on abortion, immigration and American democracy. The Democratic vice president seemed to get under the skin of the Republican former president, provoking him with reminders about the 2020 election loss that he still denies, mocking his rally crowds and delivering derisive asides at his other false claims. Trump questioned why Harris was proposing ideas she hadnt accomplished while serving as vice president. He often launched into the sort of freewheeling personal attacks from which his advisers and supporters have tried to steer him away.
A Philadelphia officer has died of his injuries from a June shooting

This undated photo provided by the Philadelphia Police Department shows Philadelphia Police Officer Jaime Roman. (Philadelphia Police Department via AP)

PHILADELPHIA (AP)  A Philadelphia police officer has died of his wounds, nearly three months after being shot in the neck after stopping a vehicle while on duty, city officials said.

Officer Jaime Roman, 31, who spent 80 days in intensive care without regaining consciousness, died Tuesday night. Roman leaves behind a wife, a 7-year-old daughter and a 4-year-old son. He had been with the department for nearly seven years.

In a statement released Wednesday, the department said the driver was removing personal belongings from the vehicle in the city's Kensington neighborhood on June 22 when Roman noticed an empty holster on the floorboard.

The driver, Ramon Rodriguez Vazquez, 36, of Philadelphia, then ran away, and Roman and his partner chased after him, city police said. Rodriguez Vazquez then turned and fired three shots, hitting Roman, according to police.

Rodriguez Vazquez forced his way into a home, where police arrested him.

Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel said murder charges would be filed against Rodriguez Vazquez.

Rodriguez Vazquez was previously charged with attempted murder, assault, gun offenses and other counts. George Jackson, a spokesperson for the Defender Association of Philadelphia, which represents Rodriguez Vazquez, declined to comment Wednesday.

Fellow officers stood outside Temple University Hospital to honor Roman Tuesday night as a vehicle drove his body to the Philadelphia Medical Examiners Office.

At a news conference Wednesday, Mayor Cherelle Parker vowed to not allow his death to be in vain and ordered city flags to be flown at half staff.

Department leaders at the news conference remembered Roman as a vibrant person who could light up a room, and who had always wanted to be a police officer.
Philippines police say 'alarming details' uncovered in new allegations against celebrity preacher

MANILA (Reuters) - Police in the Philippines said on Wednesday more people had come forward alleging sexual abuse by celebrity pastor Apollo Quiboloy, pointing to what they called an alarming pattern of crimes by the wealthy, self-proclaimed "Appointed Son of God".

Quiboloy, who is facing a raft of charges in the Philippines and the United States including sex trafficking, money laundering and child abuse, was arrested on Sunday after a weeks-long search of his church's sprawling 30-hectare (74-acre) compound by more than 2,000 security personnel.

Quiboloy for years cultivated an image as a charismatic spiritual leader with divine powers, earning him millions of followers, a lavish lifestyle and powerful friends in the country's political elite.

"These courageous victims have spoken up, revealing their harrowing experiences. The abuse they endured shows an alarming pattern of manipulation and exploitation," Philippine police chief General Francisco Marbil said in a statement.

Those included girls as young as 12 and were part of a group of what police called "inner-circle pastorals" who have been crucial in uncovering the full extent of Quiboloy's alleged crimes, Marbil added.

The statement did not say how many people had come forward.

The pastor has denied wrongdoing and his lawyers, Ferdinand Topacio and Israelito Torreon, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Quiboloy also figures on the most wanted list of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in the United States, where he was charged with running a sex-trafficking operation that threatened young victims with "eternal damnation" and physical abuse, among other crimes.

Marbil said police were verifying information provided by an undisclosed number of victims to bolster the cases against Quiboloy, the leader of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ church in Davao City.

Quiboloy is a longtime friend of Rodrigo Duterte, who was Philippines' president until two years ago and frequently appeared on the pastor's television shows. Duterte has criticised recent police operations to apprehend Quiboloy.

Marbil urged victims who were suffering in silence to come forward and assured them protection.

"This is just the beginning," he said. "We will leave no stone unturned in this pursuit of justice."

The justice ministry this week acknowledged its extradition treaty with the United States but said Quiboloy must first face trial and serve any sentence in the Philippines before any extradition request is granted.

(Reporting by Neil Jerome Morales and Mikhail Flores; Editing by Martin Petty)
ANDREW THOMAS/Getty Images

As countless Philadelphia police meandered in front of the National Constitution Center  host to the first 2024 presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and Donald Trump  the surrounding Center City streets were covered with digital signs and placards advertising the candidates. The debate location itself was mostly obscured behind ten-to-twelve foot metal barriers, under the jurisdiction of the Secret Service. A small group of Trump supporters congregated at the lawn across from the debate, flanked by news anchors setting up their shots and shock jocks livestreaming.

Teen Vogue spoke to the Philadelphians outside the debate, unable to get into the auditorium where democracy was underway, making their own in the city streets.

Just hours before the debate started, hundreds of protesters against the war on Gaza set off from City Hall, condemning both candidates. Many of the chants were focused on Harris, likely because Philly is a Democratic stronghold. They certainly had smoke for Trump, too: Trump, Trump, youre a liar/youre gonna set the world on fire. Generally speaking, the chants were equal opportunity critical: Biden Harris Trump in Philly/none are welcome in our city.

Lex McMenamin

Lex McMenamin

Lex McMenamin

Kiki, 6, joined the march with her grandmother.

Tell them why youre out here, Kikis grandmother prompted.

For the kids, Kiki responded.

Whats happening to the children? asked her grandmother.

Theyre killing them, said Kiki. Her grandmother asked if she knew why. Because they are Palestinians.

Lex McMenamin

Lex McMenamin

A speaker with the Philly Palestine Coalition gave a speech a few blocks into the procession toward the debate location. These candidates are not lesser of two evils, the speaker intoned, noting Harriss recent statement to CNN that she would not change Bidens ongoing policy of providing arms to Israel, and Trump recently calling for student protesters to be deported.

Lex McMenamin

They want you to believe that Kamala is brat, said the speaker. In 2020, she said young people are so dumb. Though that clip has been taken out of context, the line got yells and hollers from the crowd, which, while largely masked and cloaked in keffiyehs, seemed heavily populated with college students. There are several schools within city limits, including Temple, the University of Pennsylvania, and Drexel, with more in nearby suburbs, including Swarthmore, Villanova, and Rutgers's Camden, New Jersey campus.

While there were few mentions of young people during the debate itself (Trump bringing up student debt; the final question on climate change), the protest speaker framed the subject of Palestine as especially potent for young people and college students in particular. Over the past year, it was the students that had the power, the Philly Palestine Coalition representative said, to yells from the crowd. They have let these universities arrest us. Protesters called in response, Shame!

How many of the college students here are in $100,000 of debt? the speaker said to jeers. Did that change with Biden? Did that change with Trump?

President Biden has wiped out about $160 billion of student debt with forgiveness programs, but many student advocates say that's not enough, given that the national student debt total is pegged at some $1.7 trillion.

Lex McMenamin

Lex McMenamin

The protest eventually proceeded past the National Constitution Center. At one corner a group of union city workers were gathered, standing in front of posters calling for living wages and a fair contract. One with a doodled crab read, Crab fries dont pay my salary!  presumably a reference to the crab fries from local chain Chickies and Petes.

Lex McMenamin

Angelica, 24, a city public library worker who asked to only give their first name, was with their union colleagues flyering about their demands for a fair contract, including a $50,000 salary floor. The blue collar union has not had a contract for almost three months now, and we're still expected to work, they explained. The union members were especially frustrated, since Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker recently gave white-collar city union members a raise; the blue-collar union, which was the one protesting, includes sanitation, streets, water, all these things that people need to live  and we're not treated with dignity, Angelica told Teen Vogue.

We don't really care if we upset Mayor Parker or if we upset the Democratic Party, because we're not trying to get a job in the Democratic Party, Angelica said, when asked why they chose this particular date to hold their protest. We're trying to keep our jobs that we care about and take care of the city.

When asked their thoughts on the presidential ticket, Angelica said they were happier but not thrilled to have a new option in Harris.

Lex McMenamin

I think the fact that we haven't really had a say in who represents us is sh*tty. It kind of mirrors how we're not having a say here, which is why we decided to do it today, Angelica said. I still believe that voting is important, I'm still gonna exercise my right, but this is my second presidential election, and both times, I've just felt really disheartened, and I am tired of it. Ever since I've been cognizant of voting for president, it's always been the lesser of two evils, and that's not what America deserves.

What seemed like hundreds of cops were also on the scene, largely sitting around on their phones, or watching the debate screen at the outdoor bar across from the event. According to reports, about half a dozen pro-Palestine protesters were ultimately arrested after refusing to leave a sit-in.

Alex, 20, a student at the University of Pennsylvania who is being referred to with a pseudonym to protect their identity, stood with a group of friends, watching from across the street as the riot police and bike cops finally cleared out after the arrests. Alex told Teen Vogue that they and their fellow students often come to protests in the area, whether against a plan for a new Sixers stadium in Phillys Chinatown, or supporting an effort near UPenn to protect affordable housing despite the gentrification that the university has driven in West Philadelphia  called Penntrification. The Saturday before the debate, a large protest against the proposed Sixers arena was held in Center City. We always come out to every single protest, because all our liberation struggles are interconnected, said Alex.

Philadelphia Police intervene in Pro-Palestinian demonstration Anadolu/Getty Images

As the arrested protesters were led away, Alex added, I think it's pretty important to recognize that all of us f*cking hate Trump, obviously. But Kamala is just as complicit... So keep that in mind when you're voting. The message echoed another chant from the protest: Come November, well remember. Well have to wait and see what happens at the polls.

Stay up-to-date with the politics team. Sign up for the Teen Vogue Take

Originally Appeared on Teen Vogue

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Phoenix high school janitor accused of having sex with student

Phoenix police arrested a high school janitor on Thursday for allegedly having sex with a student, according to court records.

Oscar Sandoval, 48, who worked at Thunderbird High School in the Glendale Union High School District has been accused of sexual conduct with a 16-year-old girl and other sexual acts.

The records detail two times Sandoval allegedly sexually touched the student and one instance of sexual intercourse.

The acts happened sometime between Aug. 7, 2023, and Dec. 21, 2023, and occurred on school property, according to the court filings.

Sandoval worked eight years for the Glendale Union High School District before being fired last week.

Police arrested Sandoval at Thunderbird High School after he messaged with the student and allegedly acknowledged having sex with the student, according to court records.

Sandoval has been booked and faces one count of sexual conduct with a minor.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix high school janitor accused of having sex with student
Photo of former S.Korea president doctored to add 'pro-Japanese' message

An altered picture of former South Korean president Moon Jae-in and his grandson purportedly holding a sign with a pro-Japanese message has been featured in a misleading collage repeatedly shared in posts that accused Moon of hypocrisy. Moon pursued a hardline policy towards Japan with diplomatic relations between Seoul and Tokyo deteriorating during his tenure.

The collage was shared on Facebook on September 5, 2024.

The top image shows Moon and his grandson holding up a placard that appeared to refer to former Japanese leader Shinzo Abe and said, "President Abe, Japan is the best."

Meanwhile, the image on the bottom shows Moon's son, the artist Moon Joon-yong, with a supposed news chyron that quoted him as saying, "I am here today thanks to Japanese animation."

"These people who pretend they're not pro-Japanese," said the post's caption, appearing to criticise Moon for his foreign policy stance.

"In reality, you are the true native Japanese pirates," the overlaid Korean text in the collage further read, using a slur commonly used in South Korea to label people with overtly pro-Japanese leanings.

Screenshot of the misleading post shared on Facebook. Captured September 11, 2024

The collage has also been shared alongside similar claims on Facebook here, here and here.

The posts circulated the day before Japan's outgoing Prime Minister Fumio Kishida met current South Korean leader Yoon Suk Yeol for a final round of talks, hoping to cement improving ties before he leaves office (archived link).

The two nations have long been at odds over historical issues linked to Japan's brutal occupation of the Korean peninsula from 1910 to 1945, including sexual slavery and forced labour.

Comments left by multiple users indicated they believed the posts.

"What hypocrites, the audacity of accusing others of being pro-Japanese when they're the real slaves," wrote one.

"Typical leftists, different inside and out," another said.

Doctored image

A Google reverse image search found the original photo of Moon and his grandson has previously circulated in South Korean forums in 2017 here, here and here (archived links here, here and here).

The card held by the pair actually read: "A strong president, Moon Jae-in. Grandpa is the best."

Below is a screenshot comparison between the doctored image in the collage (left) and the image shared in 2017 (right):

Screenshot comparison between the doctored image in the collage (left) and the image shared in 2017 (right)

The 2017 posts credited the photo to Democratic Party lawmaker Ki Dong-min, who campaigned with Moon during that year's presidential election (archived link).

A corresponding photo showing Moon holding the unedited sign was posted on Ki's Facebook account, where he goes by the name Dongmin Gi, on April 27, 2017 (archived link).

"The slogan reads, 'a strong president, grandpa is the best!.' A smile isn't leaving grandpa candidate Moon Jae-in's lips," Ki wrote in the caption of the post.

Below is the picture shared in the forums in 2017 (left) and the photo posted by Ki on Facebook in April 2017 (right):

Original image shared in the 2017 social media posts (left) and a similar image posted by Ki on Facebook in April 2017 (right)

Ki's photo was also cited by multiple South Korean news outlets at the time, including the JoongAng Ilbo and Chosun Ilbo (archived links here and here).

Japanese animation

A further reverse image search found the photo of Moon Joon-yong featured in the collage had been earlier published by the Money Today newspaper on May 18, 2017 (archived link).

The article said the picture showed the younger Moon in an interview shortly after his father was elected president. The article did not include any remarks about Japan.

Below is a screenshot comparison between Moon Joon-yong's image in the collage (left) and the one published by Money Today (right):

Screenshot comparison between Moon Joon-yong's image in the collage (left) and the picture published by Money Today (right)

A keyword search of the supposed quote led to a report published by far-right online newspaper MediaWatch that attacked former president Moon for his family's supposed links to Japan (archived link).

The MediaWatch report said Moon Joon-yong made the comments in an interview with the newspaper Kyunghyang Shinmun in December 2018 (archived link).

The Kyunghyang Shinmun featured him speaking about the influence of Japanese animation on his career but nowhere in it was he quoted directly saying: "I am here today thanks to Japanese animation."

AFP has previously debunked similar posts that criticised Moon for alleged pro-Japanese leanings.
Sam Pulia, left, Willow Springs, Ill., police chief, places flags on the bronze parapets at the 9/11 Memorial on the 23rd anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on Wednesday in New York City. (Pamela Smith/AP)

The nation on Wednesday marked the 23rd anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in solemn ceremonies held in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Somerset County, Pa.

Nearly 3,000 people were killed after al-Qaida terrorists hijacked three commercial planes and crashed them into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. A fourth hijacked plane crashed in a Pennsylvania field after passengers staged a midair revolt.

Three moments of silence were observed in New York on Wednesday to mark when the first jet hit the North Tower of the World Trade Center at 8:46 a.m., the second crashed into the South Tower 17 minutes later, and a third rammed into the Pentagon at 9:37 a.m.

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In a ceremony in New York City, Vice President Kamala Harris, President Joe Biden, former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, former President Donald Trump and Sen. JD Vance all stood together to mark the tragic event.

The commemoration came one day after Harris and Trump clashed in a presidential debate in Philadelphia.

From left: Vice President Kamala Harris, President Biden, former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, former President Donald Trump and Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance attend a remembrance ceremony on the 23rd anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York City on Wednesday. (Adam Gray/AFP via Getty Images)

People visit the 9/11 Memorial in New York City on Wednesday. (Adam Gray/AFP via Getty Images)

People gather outside the 9/11 Memorial site for a moment of silence on Wednesday. (Stephanie Keith/Getty Images)

Members of the military and first responders watch as an American flag is unfurled at the Pentagon to commemorate the 23rd anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks in Arlington, Va., on Wednesday. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

A woman places photos of a relative on the 9/11 Memorial. (Adam Gray/AFP via Getty Images)

President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris participate in a Flight 93 wreath-laying ceremony in Shanksville, Pa. (Andrew Cabellero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images)

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, left, and Republican vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance at the 9/11 Memorial ceremony. (Yuki Iwamura/AP)

Roses are left next to the names of victims on the North Tower Memorial Pool. (Adam Gray/AFP via Getty Images)

People gather at the 9/11 Memorial site. (Stephanie Keith/Getty Images)

U.S. service members place roses on the memorial benches at the Pentagon 9/11 Memorial in Arlington, Va., on Wednesday. (Shawn Thew/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock)

Mercedes Arias stands by the name of her father Joseph Amatuccio along the south reflection pool during the 9/11 Memorial ceremony in New York City on Wednesday. (Yuki Iwamura/AP)

The names of the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks are read during a remembrance ceremony in New York City on Wednesday. (NeKena Betancur/AFP via Getty Images)

A picture of a woman who died during the 9/11 attacks in New York City. (Kent J. Edwards/Reuters)

A family member of a victim of the 9/11 attacks attends a ceremony marking the 23rd anniversary of the attacks. (Mike Segar/Reuters)

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin pauses after placing a wreath at the start of the 9/11 memorial ceremony at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday. (Kevin Wolf/AP)

A photo is part of the commemoration of the victims of the 9/11 attacks in New York City. (Kent J. Edwards/Reuters)

Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani observes a moment of silence during a ceremony marking the 23rd anniversary of the 9/11 attacks in New York City. (Mike Segar/Reuters)

The site of the 9/11 Memorial. (Stephanie Keith/Getty Images)

See more of our photo features on Yahoo News >>>
Photos show the dramatic changes to Manhattan's skyline since the 9/11 attacks

This year marks the 23rd anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.

The World Trade Center site has become a memorial to the 2,977 lives lost.

Photos from the last 20 years show how New York City rebuilt ground zero.

Each September, two large beams of light reach into the night sky above Manhattan's Financial District in powerful tribute to the towers that once defined the city's skyline.

Wednesday, September 11, marks 23 years since terrorists hijacked four commercial passenger planes, crashing two into New York's Twin Towers and forever changing the city. Another plane hit the Pentagon in Arlington County, Virginia, and the fourth crashed into a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, after passengers overpowered the hijackers.

In total, 2,977 victims lost their lives and, more than two decades later, their loved ones continue to gather to recite their names at the 9/11 Memorial at the World Trade Center complex in New York.

Photos show how the attacks changed Manhattan's skyline, and how the Financial District rebuilt ground zero.

A photograph gives an aerial view of the Twin Towers on a peaceful June day in 1999.

The Twin Towers in New York City in June 1999. Associated Press

But that skyline was horrifically altered a little more than two years later.

The first plane hit the North Tower at 8:45 a.m. Associated Press

You can see the stark difference between the top photo, taken on August 30, 2001, and the bottom photo, taken 16 days after the attacks. It would take several months for rescuers to go through the rubble.

The attack left lower Manhattan covered in smoke. Reuters

In December 2003, a design for the new One World Trade Center was finally unveiled.

The footprint of the World Trade Center site in lower Manhattan, with the Hudson River at left, on September 10, 2004. Associated Press

In addition to the 1,776-foot-tall One World Trade Center building, the site would come to include four other World Trade Center buildings, a 9/11 Memorial and Museum, the Ronald O. Perelman Performing Arts Center, a WTC Transportation Hub, and Liberty Park.

Construction continues in the Financial District in 2003. Stephen Chernin/Getty Images

Source: Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Curbed

A "Tribute in Lights" shone on the anniversary of the September 11 attacks in 2006, where the World Trade Center once stood. The lights still shine in tribute each year on the anniversary.

The "Tribute in Lights" shines on the skyline of lower Manhattan in New York, September 11, 2006, as the fifth anniversary is observed. Reuters

As late as 2007, the site still looked about the same, as construction was hamstrung by lawsuits, budget overruns, design changes, and a recession.

The World Trade Center site on August 29, 2007. Associated Press

Source: Time

In 2009, the 9/11 memorial waterfalls were starting to take shape.

The reflecting pools are now the largest manmade waterfalls in North America. Associated Press

One World Trade Center, also known as the "Freedom Tower," was just starting to rise from the rubble.

Cranes at the site on January 27, 2009. Associated Press

In June 2010, the skyscraper was slowly rising.

The building wouldn't be complete until 2014. Associated Press

By July 2011, the memorial waterfalls were being tested, and One World Trade Center's facade was beginning to reflect the sky.

The facade gave tourists and locals a preview of what's to come. Associated Press

Here's the Manhattan skyline in August 2011. You can see the unfinished tower beginning to peek over the other skyscrapers.

The Manhattan skyline is always lit up by skyscrapers. Associated Press

The memorial waterfalls officially opened in September 2011, and the museum, seen on the right, opened in May 2014.

The museum entrance pavilion, right, next to one of the memorial waterfalls on April 14, 2014. Associated Press

By November 2014, One World Trade Center was complete, as was 4 World Trade Center (left) and 7 World Trade Center (far right). But 3 World Trade Center, seen here with a crane above it, still wasn't finished.

3 World Trade Center didn't open until June 2018. Associated Press

The WTC Transportation Hub, on which the soaring white Oculus was built, was also under construction in late 2014.

The WTC Transportation Hub and One World Trade Center as seen from Church Street on October 29, 2014. Associated Press

The hub officially opened in June 2016, while 3 World Trade Center was still under construction.

Construction continues in this June 2016 photo. Associated Press

The $50 million Liberty Park also opened in June 2016. From there, visitors can get an overhead view of the ground zero memorial.

A visitor at the elevated, one-acre Liberty Park on June 29, 2016. Associated Press

Source: Gothamist

This photo, taken on June 8, 2018, shows 3 World Trade Center, One World Trade Center, 4 World Trade Center, the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, and Liberty Park, all finally complete.

From left: One World Trade Center, 3 World Trade Center, 4 World Trade Center. Associated Press

With construction officially complete, the Manhattan skyline is now forever changed.

One World Trade Center on June 7, 2018. Associated Press

Now the tallest building in the US, the gleaming One World Trade Center, pictured in 2020, towers over the Financial District.

The Financial District captured from above on September 22, 2020. Dominik Bindl/Getty Images

This year, the Tribute in Light is again visible on Manhattan's skyline as New York prepares to mark the 23rd anniversary of the attacks.

This year's Tribute in Light is seen over the skyline of lower Manhattan and One World Trade Center. Gary Hershorn/Getty Images

Daniel Brown contributed to an earlier version of this article.

Read the original article on Business Insider
A piece of Mexico in Chicago: The Little Village arch, now a landmark in Chicago, is restored

For the last three decades, a majestic arch above West 26th Street has served as a gateway to Little Village, the largest and most recognized Mexican immigrant community in Chicago.

Bienvenidos A Little Village, reads a banner right below a grand mechanical clock that, ironically, did not tell time for as long as most people can remember.

But on Wednesday, right after the clock marked 10 a.m., Mayor Brandon Johnson, city officials and the Little Village Chamber of Commerce celebrated its restoration and solidified the significance of the presence of Mexican immigrants and Mexican Americans here.

The arch, which resembles the arched entrances found in rural towns in Mexico, underwent a comprehensive restoration over the last year after it was designated a city landmark in 2022.

The project, spearheaded by the Chicago Department of Transportation, rehabilitated the structure to preserve its original character. The original Mexican clock manufacturer restored the elements of the archs iconic clock.

This arch is a symbol of Little Villages culture, people and what I like to call the soul of who we are, Johnson said. Its important that this arch stands the test of time and, of course, we have to remain proud, because it is a representation of Chicagos Mexican community.

The project also included reparations of nearby sidewalks, pavements and planters. During the ceremony, Johnson committed to investing in the strength and vibrancy of Little Village and other Mexican communities across Chicago.

According to the latest census data, one of every five Chicagoans is of Mexican descent. La Villita has long been a principal port of entry for Mexican immigrants to the Midwest, creating a culture of colors, smells and a character that resembles that of a small town in Mexico.

For many, the arch is a piece of Mexico, said Gerardo Guerrero, deputy consul of the Consulate General of Mexico in Chicago. Its not just the arch that reminds us of our Mexico. You can also smell the scent of the tortillas.

Guerrero thanked officials for the recognition of the arch as a landmark and commended the resilience of the Mexican community in Chicago and the contribution of immigrants in the country economically and culturally.

Mothers with their children, abuelos and many more workers passed by as officials spoke of the residents contributions and the significance to the fabric of the city.

It was in 1987 when then-Ald. Jesus Chuy Garcia and community members proposed the idea of a celebratory marker to highlight the growing population of Mexicans.

Designed by Mexican architect Adrian Lozano, the arch was built over six months in late 1990. In 1991, Mexicos president at the time, Carlos Salinas de Gortari, visited Chicago and stopped in Little Village to speak at a rally near the new arch.

Salinas reassured the crowd that the Mexican government had not forgotten them. Salinas gave the city and community the bronze clock  manufactured by Relojes Centenario, the oldest clockmaker in Mexico  to be installed on the arch.

Ronald J. Baltierra, 77, and David Ramirez, 76, two Vietnam War veterans who helped to build the arch, attended the ceremony Wednesday morning, overwhelmed by joy and emotion after Johnson presented them with a proclamation in honor of their contribution to Chicago.

I put my heart, my soul, everything into it when I had the opportunity to build this, said Baltierra, whose family is from Salamanca and Irapuato, Guanajuato. This (arch) means so much to me right now. Even though  Im proud to be an American  Ill fight for America, Ive done it once and Ill do it again  but it means so much to me to build something like this knowing that thats where my heritage is.

Baltierra, who now lives in the suburb of Downers Grove, said he visits La Villita every time his children and children are in town.

I want them to be proud of this too, Baltierra added.

Ramirez stood by Baltierras side as he recalled the time they helped Little Village homeowners repair and renovate their homes under a city program. The two were members of American Legion, a veterans organization devoted to mutual helpfulness.

Were very proud to be here and represent the original builders 35 years ago. We really appreciate the restoration that theyve done here. It is almost exactly as we constructed it, Ramirez said.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony came just days before the celebrations and commemoration of Mexicans Independence Day across the city on Monday. For the first time in almost 40 decades, an official ceremony to honor Mexicans in Chicago will take place downtown Sunday night.

This is a time to recognize all the ways in which Chicagos Mexican community has enriched our lives and the city, Johnson added, highlighting the economic strength of the 26th Street corridor, mostly made up of immigrant and family businesses.

larodriguez@chicagotribune.com
Pierce County man charged with alleged DUI crash that killed his girlfriend near Fife

A Pierce County man is accused of causing a crash that killed his 24-year-old girlfriend Sunday on state Route 167.

Pierce County prosecutors charged 27-year-old Todd Carl Mitchell with vehicular homicide. He is suspected of driving under the influence, which might have led to the crash, according to charging documents.

A plea of not guilty was entered on Mitchells behalf at his arraignment Monday. Pierce County Superior Court Commissioner Philip Thornton set Mitchells bail at $500,000, court records show.

A Washington state trooper was dispatched at about 2:15 a.m. for reports of a car hitting a pole and crashing into a ditch on state Route 167 in the area of 30th Street, near Fife and the Puyallup River, The News Tribune previously reported.

The roadway was blocked, and Mitchells Chevrolet Cobalt had significant damage. The trooper noted the Chevrolet crashed and that a power pole had collapsed, according to charging documents.

The trooper determined that the Chevrolet was traveling south before going into the northbound lanes. It then crashed on the east side of the road, prosecutors wrote.

Witnesses said Mitchell was swerving just before the crash. A witness said they believed Mitchell was intoxicated, prosecutors wrote.

Melody Anderson, Mitchells girlfriend, was 20 to 50 feet away from the Chevrolet in the bushes after she was ejected from the car, prosecutors wrote. She was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Mitchell initially claimed that a truck with a trailer caused the crash. A trooper spoke further with Mitchell. Mitchell allegedly said he and his girlfriend were coming from Lake Tapps and that they were speeding, prosecutors wrote.

The trooper noticed that Mitchells eyes were watery and bloodshot. There allegedly was a smell of intoxicants coming from Mitchell. Mitchell allegedly said he drank six to seven beers. He continued to say that a truck had driven them off the road, prosecutors wrote.

Mitchell said he wasnt wearing his seat belt, but the trooper noticed a mark on the lower left side of his neck that was consistent with a seat-belt mark, prosecutors wrote.

Toxicology results are pending after a trooper took a sample of Mitchells blood. Mitchell was in custody at Pierce County Jail on Tuesday afternoon, records show.
PITTSBURG, Kan.  Shopping carts and trash are on the table for the city commission in Pittsburg with the hopes of keeping the city clean and cutting the costs residents and businesses are currently taking on.

Its more that when we dont have these ordinances and this activity is allowed to happen, you end up with the town just looking trashy, said Roger Lomshek, Pittsburg resident.

Roger Lomshek is just one of the residents and business owners whove brought the issue of digging through trash and abandoned shopping carts to the city of Pittsburg. Issues hes seen frequently.

We have people pushing shopping carts full of junk all over that. Theyre just leaving wherever they feel like it. When theyre digging through a dumpster, theyre leaving. It laid out, said Lomshek.

Hes concerned its costing local businesses more out of their pockets and costing consumers more money too.

Theyre running 250 to $450 per cart, which means theyre losing tens of thousands of dollars a year in these missing carts, said Lomshek.

Thats a pretty big loss when theyre walking off their lots every day. So were really trying to help support our businesses and reduce that, said Kim Froman, City of Pittsburg Dir. of Community Development and Housing.

Kim Froman is the director of community development and housing for the city of Pittsburg.

After hearing concerns and seeing it herself  the city brought two ordinances to Tuesdays city commission meeting.

A new ordinance aims to prohibit individuals from being able to take shopping carts off private properties.

Whether they were from the housed or unhoused. We dont always know. But either way, its an expense to the retailer and then the city is having to clean that up. And typically those shopping carts are removed, said Froman.

It can also make it that if anyone takes a shopping cart off retail property the person would then be cited with theft, a class C misdemeanor.

The second ordinances goal is to make sure people cant go and dig through other peoples trash enclosures. Unless they have written permission.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Sean Duffy, a former deputy chief of staff to Gov. Bill Owens, is a communications and media relations strategist and ghostwriter based in the Denver area.
Can I get pizza delivered during Hurricane Francine? Maybe. But you might need to hurry

NOTE: This story has been made available for free, for all readers. Please consider supporting local journalism through the purchase of a digital subscription.

Hurricane Francine is tracking toward the Louisiana Coast and is expected to make landfall Wednesday evening. The storm will bring significant rain and wind to Southeast Louisiana and Mississippi, particularly the Mississippi Coast, as it continues to track on northeastern path.

Cities and local businesses across South Mississippi are preparing for the storms sweep through the area. This means many local services will be unavailable. This includes food delivery and especially pizza delivery.

Several local pizza joints and franchises have already closed or have plans to close early on Wednesday. It is still possible to have pizza delivered in some areas, but the window to order is closing quickly. Here is a list of plans made by many of the Coasts pizza delivery services.

Dominos

RPM Pizza in Gulfport is the largest Dominos franchisee in the United States and operates each Dominos location on the Coast. RPM Pizza informed the Sun Herald it would likely abide by city curfews. For Gulfport, thats 6 p.m. Wednesday through 5:59 a.m. Thursday.

Bay St. Louis and Waveland will be under a strict, non-emergency travel curfew beginning at 10 p.m. Wednesday through 5 a.m. Thursday.

No other Coast city has a curfew implemented as of Wednesday afternoon. Dominos locations in Pascagoula, Ocean Springs and Biloxi told the Sun Herald they have no orders to close early. Their normal operating hours end at midnight.

Pizza Hut

Pizza Hut franchises on the Coast are expected to close early. According to the location on Courthouse Road in Gulfport, Most locations on the Coast are expected to have taken their final orders for Wednesday by 3 p.m. The Bay St. Louis location also said it was expecting an early closure, but had not received word.

Decisions regarding Thursdays operating hours have not been made at this time.

Papa Johns

The Papa Johns locations on the Coast have staggered hours the further West they are located.

The location in Waveland is closed for the day and the Gulfport location on Highway 49 takes its final orders before 4 p.m. The Biloxi Papa Johns on Pass Road closes at 7 p.m. and the Ocean Springs store on Bienville hasnt received early closing orders, but will only be taking carryout orders.

Local pizza

Brooklyn Pizzeria locations close at 4 p.m.

Toms Extreme Pizzeria in Ocean Springs is closed all day Wednesday.

Lost Pizza Co. in Ocean Springs in closed all day Wednesday.

Pugs Pizza on Porter Avenue in Biloxi does not have any altered hours at the moment, but is subject to change. Their normal operating hours are from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

All hours are subject to change. The availability of food delivery services underscores the importance of storm preparedness as most locations alter hours to avoid delivering during peak weather events.
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  Prosecutors have made a plea offer to one of the defendants in the 2017 shooting death of 5-year-old Kason Guyton. A decision on whether it will be accepted is expected to be announced Wednesday afternoon.

The offer was made to Jeremy King, who was not the shooter, said King attorney Andrew Flier of Encino-based Levine, Flier and Flier.

Without going into the specifics of the deal, Flier said the offer is for a high number but the murder charge would be dismissed. King would no longer have a life term hanging over him.

King and co-defendant Jonathan Knight are charged with multiple crimes in the Feb. 23, 2017, shooting that killed Kason and wounded his 7-year-old brother.

The brothers were heading home from Maya Cinemas in a car driven by their mothers boyfriend  a member of the East Side Crips  as 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. Its believed the boyfriend was the intended target. He was unharmed.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Pleasant Hill to withdraw from DART services in 2026

PLEASANT HILL, Iowa  A second town in the metro has decided to ditch DART because of costs and ridership.

Beginning in June of 2026 the city of Pleasant Hill will sever all ties with Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART).

Iowa State Patrol releases names of victims in Hardin County crash

The Pleasant Hill City Council voted four to one to end their contract with DART at Tuesday nights meeting. Council members added that they would need to see an increase in ridership before deciding that it would be worth taxpayers money to resume their contract with DART.

Residents spoke out against the change citing the cut would especially impact para-transit services leading to accessibility and mobility issues.

In 2023, Grimes city council voted to withdraw from DART services starting in July 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 who13.com.
SAN DIEGO (Border Report)  The County of San Diego is disputing findings by researchers who say they detected dangerous levels of hydrogen cyanide Monday morning in the Tijuana River Valley.

Hydrogen cyanide is an extremely poisonous and potentially deadly gas .

Researchers from San Diego State University and UC-San Diego claim theyve also encountered hydrogen sulfide, another toxic material and this is why they decided to temporarily abandon their work in the area, leaving many residents to wonder if they are in danger.

Both compounds are said to be coming from the high volume of raw sewage flowing in from Mexico into the Tijuana River Valley just north of the border.

According to the International Boundary and Water Commission, for months, 40-50 million gallons of water tainted with raw sewage have been flowing daily into the Valley from the Tijuana side of the border.

However, the agency is reporting that on Tuesday, the flow was 11 million gallons as compared to 42 million the day before.

South Bay schools cancel outdoor activities as air quality worsens in Tijuana River Valley

The County of San Diego say that despite the warnings brought on by the independent researchers and their ensuing move out of the Valley for health reasons, there is no need for residents to be fearful.

I want to reassure everyone that this is not an imminent threat, said Chairwoman Nora Vargas. Our county experts are actively gathering public health data and conducting research to provide the most accurate information. Its unacceptable that South County residents have to worry about whether its safe to go outside. Im fighting every day to address the root of this issue, but for now, you can trust the data.

On Monday, after the County was told of the discovery of the hydrogen cyanide, it sent a Hazardous Incident Response Team to the Valley.

Alongside researchers from San Diego State University, it tested for hydrogen cyanide and hydrogen sulfide levels in the area.

Vargas said after the field assessments, the team confirmed the data does not indicate any immediate public safety concerns.

According to the county, hydrogen sulfide levels were varied in some areas, but they remain within safe limits. The county added that no significant hydrogen cyanide levels were detected that would threaten public health.

Legislation introduced to fix sewage flows from Mexico into California

During a Tuesday morning news conference, Vargas also said she has requested investigations by the Centers for Disease Control and the California Department of Public Health to evaluate health impacts and guide mitigation efforts.

Vargas insisted the public can depend on the county to continue monitoring the air quality and should there be any problems, residents will be notified.

Despite her assurances, school districts in the area continue to keep students inside while prohibiting any outdoor activities.

Visit the BorderReport.com homepage for the latest exclusive stories and breaking news about issues along the U.S.-Mexico border

Some parents have decided its safer to keep their children out of school, something with which Vargas disagreed.

We want to make sure public that we are OK to go to school, we dont want to see kids staying home, if you have a precondition take care of yourself  let me assure everyone we got your back, everything is safe.

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The four astronauts of the Polaris Dawn mission have now traveled further into outer space than any human has gone in more than half a century.

After launching Tuesday aboard a Falcon 9 rocket, the SpaceX Dragon capsule carrying the crew managed to ascend to 870 miles above Earth's surface, the company announced on social media site X. The height is the highest any spacefarer has traveled since NASA's Apollo era came to an end in the 1970s.

For Polaris Dawn mission specialists Sarah Gillis and Anna Menon, the milestone came with even more history: The two astronauts have now traveled farther from the planet than any other women ever have.

Polaris Dawn and Dragon at 1,400 km above Earth  the farthest humans have traveled since the Apollo program over 50 years ago pic.twitter.com/rRDeD1dY1e  SpaceX (@SpaceX) September 11, 2024

Under the command of billionaire entrepreneur Jared Isaacman, the commercial crew of the ambitious Polaris Dawn mission is now in its second of five days in orbit. Ahead of them is a bold pioneering private spacewalk, which SpaceX said is still on track to occur Thursday.

Isaacman, who funded the mission with SpaceX, will also lead the crew in testing out SpaceX technology that could be pivotal for future deep space exploration.

Rewatch Polaris Dawn launch: Video shows SpaceX rocket launch 4-member crew for daring commercial mission

Polaris Dawn mission launches after delays

A view of Earth and the Dragon capsule's Skywalker shortly after the Polaris Dawn crew launched into orbit on Sept. 10, 2024.

The Polaris Dawn crew were finally able to embark early Tuesday on the thrice-delayed spaceflight.

In the predawn hours, the SpaceX Dragon capsule perched atop a Falcon 9 rocket lifted off at 5:23 a.m. EDT from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. By 5:40 a.m., the Dragon spacecraft broke away from the Falcon 9's upper stage and began using its own thrusters to power on, SpaceX said X.

The highly-anticipated launch followed more than two weeks of delays as SpaceX awaited the ideal time to schedule a launch opportunity.

Once they were rocketing out of Earth's atmosphere, it was a matter of hours before the crew reached a height more than three times higher than the International Space Station. The height was not only the highest humans have reached in 50 years, but also marked the highest that the SpaceX Dragon has flown to date, SpaceX said in a day one update.

The ascent took the Polaris Dawn crew through the treacherous inner regions of Earth's Van Allen radiation belts, which astronauts will have to traverse on future missions to the moon and Mars. After the spacecraft reached 870 miles above Earth's surface, the dragon was to descend to a cruising orbit about 435 miles above Earth.

Once in orbit, the crew was able to remove their spacesuits and begin making preparations for the tests and experiments they hope to conduct during the mission, SpaceX said. Two hours into the flight, they had their first meals and began testing a new laser-based satellite communication system using Starlink.

Preparing for a risky spacewalk

The Polaris Dawn crew, which also includes pilot Scott Kidd Poteet, also began preparations Tuesday for what may be the highlight of the mission: The first-ever commercial spacewalk.

Until now, spacewalks have only ever been the purview of government astronauts like those on NASA missions. What's more, the complex orbital maneuvers most often take place in vehicles with airlocks that negate the need to depressurize an entire capsule.

But because the Dragon does not have an airlock, the entire spacecraft will have to be depressurized when the hatch is opened. When that happens, the entire crew will be exposed to the vacuum of space and will need to wear extravehicular activity (EVA) suits designed by SpaceX to receive oxygen through tethers.

Shortly after liftoff, the Dragon's pressure began to slowly lower while oxygen levels inside the cabin increased, helping to purge nitrogen from the crew members' bloodstreams. The protocol is intended to prepare them for the spacewalk and lower the risk of decompression sickness, SpaceX said.

Polaris Dawn spacewalk time

SpaceX has scheduled the spacewalk to occur at 2:23 a.m. EDT. If needed, a backup opportunity is available at the same time Friday.

A live webcast will begin about one hour prior to the spacewalk on social media site X.

What is the Polaris Dawn mission?

Polaris Dawn is the first of three human spaceflights under the Polaris Program, all of which are intended to test SpaceX technologies needed to carry humans deep into the cosmos.

Isaacman, founder of internet company Shift4 Payment who helped to fund the mission along with Elon Musk's SpaceX, is the only member of the Polaris Dawn crew to have been to outer space before. Menon and Gillis are also now the first SpaceX employees to travel to space.

Years in the making, the launch was most recently scrubbed due to poor weather conditions forecasted for the crew's return to Earth. Because the Dragon is not docking at the International Space Station, its crew will be entirely reliant on the oxygen and supplies they have stored on the spacecraft, which is only enough for about a week, Isaacman previously explained on social media site X.

For that reason, SpaceX waited for several days for weather conditions to improve off the Florida coast, where the crew will make a splashdown landing on the sixth day of their mission.

Eric Lagatta covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY. Reach him at elagatta@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: SpaceX Polaris Dawn update: Astronauts reach highest orbit in 50 years
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  Two people are dead after what police called a murder-suicide in Penn Yan.

According to investigators, a family member called police to a home in the village around 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, where they found two people dead of apparent gunshot wounds.

Police said Ashley Manaco, 38, shot Michael Personale, 37, multiple times before turning the gun on herself. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.

The Penn Yan Police Department will not release the names of the people involved until their families have been notified.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

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A helicopter doses the Line Fire in San Bernardino County, Calif., on Tuesday as the blaze threatens tens of thousands of structures. Photo courtesy of Cal Fire San Bernardino Unit Public Information Office/X

Sept. 11 (UPI) -- Authorities in California have arrested a 34-year-old man accused of starting the Line Fire last week that has scorched tens of thousands of acres in San Bernardino County.

Justin Wayne Halstenberg was arrested Tuesday at 7 p.m. local time at 6th Street and Sierra Avenue, in Norco, Calif., according to jail records. He has been charged with three arson-related charges and is being held in lieu of $80,000 bail.

His first court date is scheduled for Thursday at 12:30 p.m.

Little information about the arrest or charges has been released to the public, aside from the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department saying in a statement that Halstenberg had been identified by detectives as a suspect who started the Line Fire on Sept. 5 in the area of Baseline Road and Alpin Street in the city of Highland, which is located about 65 miles east of Los Angeles.

Since igniting, the Line Fire has exploded to nearly 34,300 acres as of Tuesday night with only 14% contained, Cal Fire said in an update.

Some 65,600 structures are currently threatened by the blaze, including 13,300 that are within the borders of evacuation orders, while another 52,300 are under evacuations warnings.

Three of the 2,684 fire fighters battling the blaze have been confirmed injured, though the extent to which was unknown.

Along with the army of fire fighters, nearly 300 engines, 52 crews, 47 dozers and 22 helicopters have been deployed in the effort.

Cal Fire warns that the blaze is still growing in steep, difficult access terrain.

"Tonight, stronger winds are predicted, which could lead to drops in relative humidity and greater fire spread," it said in an update. "Toward the end of the week, cooler weather may moderate fire activity. Public safety power shutoffs are anticipated for parts of the Big Bear and Bear Valley areas. This may impact potential evacuation zones."

There are several wildfires burning in Southern California, including the Bridge Fire of Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties.

According to Cal Fire, it was started Sunday and was nearly 47,000 acres by Tuesday night.

The California Governor's Office of Emergency Services said on X late Tuesday that it was requesting a Federal Management Assistance Grant from FEMA to "secure vital resources to suppress the #BridgeFire."
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT)  Madisonville Police have arrested a woman after she allegedly provided methamphetamine to a 12-year-old multiple times over the previous month.

According to police, Florence Carner, 19, and her child under the age of 2-years-old tested positive for drugs during an investigation. In an interview, Carner denied knowing how the child came into contact with methamphetamine, but police say she admitted that the house she and the child lived at was frequented by drug users.

Police also determined that Carner provided methamphetamine to a 12-year-old 3-4 times in the last month. Authorities confirmed to Eyewitness News that this was the same 12-year-old that was reported as the victim of human trafficking, leading to the arrest of Cheyenne Burge.

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LYNDON (KSNT)  Police in Lyndon are warning people to check with their banks after card skimmers were found in the local area.

KSNT 27 News reached out to the City of Lyndon and the Lyndon Police Department (LPD) following an announcement on social media about card skimmers. Lyndon Police Chief David Forkenbrock told 27 News two card skimmers have been recovered so far from local businesses.

This poses a financial threat to residents whose credit card information may now be in the hands of thieves.

Im in the process of working with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, Im waiting on information from them see if I can pull information from the two skimmers that have been located, Forkenbrock said.

The Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) describes credit card skimmers as electronic devices which capture credit or debit card information from card readers whenever a card is swiped. The KDA recommends businesses put programs in place to deter criminals from installing the skimmers, focus on detecting skimmers if they have been installed and train employees on how to respond if suspicious devices are found.

USPS responds to scathing letter from top Kansas election official over alleged ballot mishandling

Forkenbrock said people with compromised cards are reporting that an individual or a group are now using their information to make purchases from out of the greater Kansas City area. Both of the card skimmers recovered so far were found by law enforcement within the past two months.

The LPD is continuing to check with other local businesses to see if any other card readers contain skimmers. However, this is a long and difficult operation.

Its an ongoing investigation, Forkenbrock said. It definitely has a process that process is not a short process because Ill have to take what I have and get the information off the skimmer and start matching reports I have to what Ive been able to take from those skimmers.

Forkenbrock encourages locals to reach out to police if they have any information about this issue. City officials are asking people whose cards have been compromised by card skimmers to get in touch with law enforcement by calling the LPD at 785-828-3146 and selecting option 4. You can learn more about how credit card skimmers work by visiting the KDAs website.

My hope is we can find the group or individual, possibly narrow down where that information is going to once somebody puts their card reader into a gas pump or business, Forkenbrock said.

Lil Jon concert coming to Lawrence for Late Night in the Phog

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What was a police helicopter doing over Puyallup earlier? Heres what we know so far

Puyallup Police requested a helicopter to help chase down an assault suspect Tuesday afternoon.

Witnesses saw a man in his 20s with a machete and an axe or hatchet trying to attack someone on the Riverwalk Trail, according to a press release from Puyallup Police.

Witnesses stated the male was lunging at additional citizens passing by and was following people as they passed, the release said.

Officers responded at about 2:26 p.m. near the 1200 block of the Riverwalk Trail and the man was seen moving down to the riverbank as they arrived, according to the release. With the help of Central Pierce Fire & Rescues swift water resources, King County Sheriffs Guardian 1 helicopters heat signature technology and a Puyallup Police K9 team, they found the suspect at the riverbank. The suspect allegedly still had one of the weapons in his possession.

Officers booked the man into the Pierce County Jail on suspicion of first-degree assault and other felony warrants. No one was hurt.

The police department calls the Guardian 1 helicopter for help sometimes to search for a missing person, rescue someone from the river or to track a serious felony suspect, according to Puyallup Police Captain Kevin Gill. The last was the case for this incident.

Editors note: This story has been updated and corrected with information from a Puyallup Police press release about the incident.
Aimee Cox, who worked for the city of Colorado Springs in several roles for 15 years, including as community development manager, and then as CEO of the nonprofit Community Health Partnership, is returning to become the citys new chief housing and homelessness response officer.

She was selected for the job out of 45 applicants, according to city officials.

Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade announced that Cox had been hired during his State of the City address, which he delivered on Monday before City Council and on Tuesday at a Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC breakfast at The Broadmoor hotel.

We are so fortunate to have Aimee return to the city in this role, Mobolade said. She has a 20-year track record.

During a phone interview from the greater San Diego area, where she lives, Cox said shes excited to work in her hometown again.

I have been really flattered, maybe even humbled, by all of the support Im getting from folks in the community, she said.

Cox will start the new position on Oct. 14. She replaces Steve Posey, who abruptly quit in March as the citys top housing administrator with no public explanation.

Cox grew up in Colorado Springs and in 2016 told a group at a Womens Resource Agency function that she was the daughter of a single mother who told her and her two brothers not to let people know they were poor for fear they'd be treated as a problem.

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When she left the city in 2017 after starting working there in 2002, Cox was lauded as a champion for homeless people and affordable housing, areas that remain dear to heart.

After college she became one of the first architects of the citys initial homeless response under former Mayor Steve Bach.

We did such good work 10 years ago, when we started expanding Springs Rescue Mission and built Greenway Flats, she said. The two projects added more overnight shelter beds for homeless people and an apartment complex on the rescue missions campus for graduates of a rehousing program to live in the self-sufficiency units.

Since leaving Colorado Springs for California about five years ago, Cox said shes continued to work in the sector as chief impact and strategy officer for the Regional Task Force on Homelessness in San Diego.

I learned a ton, she said. California is really a laboratory for solutions. I dont know that theyve found the solutions, but Ive learned about how to test solutions and use the data to follow people through the system and thought these would be great tools to bring back to Colorado Springs.

She currently works as a senior advisor for National Healthcare & Housing Advisors, a consulting group, and also was also executive director of The Leon Institute, a nonprofit that does training and education in the fields of health care and housing.

Cox also was on the Manitou Springs City Council and served as mayor pro tem for four years.
WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  Police in D.C. have released the name of a man who died after he was shot near the Benning Road Metro Station on Tuesday.

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) said that shortly after 7 p.m. officers were called to a shooting in the 4500 block of Benning Road Southeast, near the Metro station.

Once on the scene, police officers found 33-year-old Jonathan Jackson of Southeast, who had been shot.

Medics took Jackson to the hospital, where staff tried to save him, but he died.

7 arrested after peaceful protest in DC turns violent

At this time, no arrests have been made, and the motive for the shooting is unknown.

MPD encourages anyone with information to call 202-727-9099 or send an anonymous text 50411.

Police are offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information that leads to an arrest and indictment.

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Fort Worth police say they have responded to over a dozen threats against area schools this week, and one student was arrested.

A police spokesperson told the Star-Telegram that the threats were made over social media and the School Resource Unit is working diligently to identify the sources of these threats and address them swiftly.

A Fort Worth ISD student was arrested in connection with at least one of the threats, according to police. The student is a juvenile, so their name wont be released.

Fort Worth ISD spokesperson Jessica Becerra said the threats werent found to be credible, but each one is taken seriously.

We want to make sure we dont miss anything, Becerra said.

Each threat the district becomes aware of is immediately shared with law enforcement, according to Becerra. Students who find out about something should let a teacher or other school authority know right away.

Threats were made against Southwest High School and Wedgwood Middle School, according to the district, and Wedgwood saw an increased police presence on campus Wednesday in response to the threats.

Local authorities are investigating the claim and do not believe the information posted is credible, district officials said in a letter to parents obtained by the Star-Telegram. However, please know that we take all matters of student safety seriously.

Fort Worth police said in a social media post that theres been an increase in the number of online school threats, as threats were reported and investigated in several states on Wednesday.

It is a serious crime when students make a threat against a school, whether real or a hoax, the police post reads. We take threats seriously when it comes to our school aged children, and we WILL arrest anyone responsible for creating those posts.

In a statement on social media, the Fort Worth school district said it is aware of posts circulating unconfirmed threats across several campuses. ... While school districts across the state are seeing similar posts, we ask our FWISD community to stay alert. If you or someone you know sees one of these threats, notify your campus immediately.

Parents, please remind your children about the importance of responsible social media use and the serious consequences of spreading false information. If you or anyone you know comes across one of these threats, report it to your campus immediately. https://t.co/uFKpV0fpGw pic.twitter.com/f6MlfwiIA5  Fort Worth Independent School District (@FortWorthISD) September 11, 2024

The Arlington Police Department said Thursday that they are aware of threats against Arlington ISD schools circulating on social media and are vigorously investigating.

We encourage parents to monitor what their kids are posting to social media and to have frank conversations with them about the consequences for posting threatening messages, Arlington police said in a social media post.

Azle Jr. High was placed on lockdown Wednesday after students thought they heard gunshots near the school. Police searched and cleared the building and didnt find an active threat, school officials said in a social media post. Its now believed the sounds were caused by nearby construction.

A student was arrested at Richland Middle School, which is part of Birdville ISD, after making threats during a fight with another student Wednesday.

Though the threat was not made against the school, there is a rumor being circulated that there was a gun on campus today and the threat of a school shooting. Neither of these statements are credible, school officials said on social media.

Additional staff will be present at Richland Middle School on Thursday out of an abundance of caution, according to the post.

 More top stories from our newsroom:

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A number of other North Texas school districts, including Waxahachie, Irving, DeSoto and Kemp, received threats this week, according to KXAS-TV reporting.

Fort Worth police and school officials are encouraging parents to talk with their children about the seriousness of posting a threatening message online.

We will always take the necessary steps to protect students, teachers, and school staff so that all can come to school and learn, work and play, police said in their post.
WYOMING, Mich. (WOOD)  Police are investigating after a person was shot in Wyoming Tuesday afternoon.

It happened around 5:20 p.m. on Crooked Tree Road in the Ramblewood Apartment complex, near 44th Street and Byron Center Avenue SW.

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The condition of the person who was shot was not immediately known and its unclear what led up to the shooting. Wyoming police did not immediately have any information to release, saying it was too soon in the investigation.

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NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH)  Police departments across Connecticut are investigating threats against schools.

Threat prompts shelter-in-place at North Haven high school, middle school

A shelter-in-place was in effect Wednesday afternoon on North Havens high school and middle school campus after a staff member was notified of concerning comments of a threat of violence at the school, according to North Haven police.

Our personnel worked with students and staff to investigate a complaint that revolved around a witness who stated they overheard a high school student place a phone call asking a person to respond to the school, possibly with a firearm, police said. Based on the potential an armed person might respond to the school, staff activated a shelter-in-place to ensure student safety until North Haven Police could arrive and further investigate.

Inseparable: Family remembers mother-daughter pair that died in Vermont plane crash

North Haven police said, The investigation is on-going, but currently there is no threat to the students or staff, which are already being dismissed.

Savin Rock Elementary School in West Haven was placed on lockdown Wednesday afternoon as parents arrived to pick up their children, according to West Haven Emergency Management Director Rick Fontana.

It has since been lifted, Fontana said, and police are investigating.

Stay with News 8 for the latest developments.

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Police: Juvenile charged with four counts of death threats at a school in Washington County, Va.

WASHINGTON COUNTY, Va. (WJHL)  A juvenile has been charged with four counts of threats of death or serious injury at a school on Wednesday after a social media post concerned students in Washington County, Virginia.

According to the Washington County, Virginia Sheriffs Office, a concerned student reported a social media post they discovered, which reportedly displayed aerial views of four local schools with disturbing sound effects while viewing the post.

Lawyer warns of consequences for students making school threats

The sheriffs office said upon notification, Washington County Schools began its safety protocol. During the investigation into the post, the Washington County Sheriffs Office, Virginia State Police, and Abingdon Police Department assisted with extra patrols at the schools, the sheriffs office said.

A joint law enforcement effort between the Washington County Sheriffs office and the U.S Marshal service revealed a suspect and the device used to facilitate the threat, the sheriffs office states.

The juvenile suspect was taken into custody without incident, according to police. The suspect was charged with four counts of threats of death or serious injury at a school and is being held at a juvenile detention center.

We would like to recognize the quick thinking and trust that our Washington County VA students have in their School resource officers and the School administration, the sheriffs office states.

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SPRINGFIELD, Ohio (WCMH)  The internet is rife with debate over an Ohio town, with even former President Donald Trump jumping in on extreme claims over immigration during the Tuesday debate.

During his face-off with current Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump referenced allegations that immigrants were eating pets in Springfield.

In Springfield, theyre eating the dogs, Trump said. The people that came in, theyre eating the cats. Theyre eating, theyre eating the pets of the people that live there.

He joins others like Elon Musk, who reposted claims Monday on X from a Republican strategist that 20,000 Haitian immigrants had moved in, and were killing and eating residents animals.

Vote for Kamala if you want this to happen to your neighborhood! Musk wrote, later sharing an AI-generated picture of a duckling and kitten with the caption Save them.

Strange Columbus photos connection to claims about Haitian immigrants in Springfield

Musk added his voice to a similar claim Monday morning from Trumps running mate, Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio). Vance, who grew up an hour away from Springfield, repeated the same allegation on X that people have had their pets abducted and eaten by people who shouldnt be in this country.

The Ohio Attorney Generals Office announced around a half hour after Vance made his post that it would review legal options to stop the U.S. government from sending an unlimited number of migrants to Ohio communities. Dave Yost commented on the strain on Springfields economic, medical, and educational systems, and alluded to a 2023 school bus crash that left a student dead.

The problem is not migrants, it is way, way too many migrants in a short period of time, Yost wrote.

In a Tuesday news conference, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine acknowledged Springfield had recently received an unprecedented surge of around 15,000 Haitian immigrants, bringing a strain on healthcare providers, translators, and rental availability. He did not repeat any claims about animal abductions or other behavior by migrants, but also did not denounce what other Republicans have said.

As far as other things that might be occurring in the community, I would refer to local officials who have spoken out, DeWine said.

DeWine announced he would direct the Ohio State Highway Patrol to bring troopers to assist Springfields police with traffic concerns, including erratic driving. He also said he would allocate $2.5 million over the next two years for the Ohio Department of Health to assist the Clark County Health Department with a heightened demand for medical care.

The goal is to reduce dangerous driving, regardless of who the driver is, DeWine said. I am not against this program. What I do say though, is with this program there has to be a plan, to prevent situations like were seeing in Springfield. If they do occur, we clearly need help from the federal government.

At the local level, the city government is also telling a different story compared with Musk and Vances claims.

Claims pets are being eaten by immigrants

The claims stem from the City of Springfields own acknowledgment of a surge in its population, primarily due to an influx of legal immigrants. The people from Haiti, known as one of the poorest developing countries in the world, received temporary protected status from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, allowing them to stay in the U.S. due to conditions in the Caribbean island nation.

Nexstars WCMH reached out to the City of Springfield to hear their take on allegations of animals being eaten. An official could not answer any specific questions, citing an influx of media inquiries, but did share a 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, a Springfield spokeswoman wrote. 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 Springfield Police Division corroborated the citys account, telling the Springfield News-Sun that officers had not received any local reports of pets being stolen or eaten. Investigators said the viral story originated in a Springfield Facebook group, where the poster referenced a neighbors daughters friend finding her cat hanging from a branch at a Haitian neighbors home.

Police in another Ohio town did encounter a similar kind of incident, but did not share any details that implicated the suspect as a Haitian immigrant. Nexstars WJW reported that Canton officers arrested 27-year-old Allexis Ferrell after accusing her of killing and eating a cat.

During public comment at an Aug. 13 Springfield City Commission meeting, several residents spoke up with their own accounts of what was going on in their town. One woman didnt repeat the claim about local pets, but said she and her husband were considering moving away over behavior she witnessed from people labeled squatters.

It is so unsafe in my neighborhood anymore. I have the homeless that were trying to camp out, and I have made concessions with them  I have men that cannot speak English in my front yard screaming at me, throwing mattresses in my front yard, the woman said. I understand theyre here under temporary protected status  but whos protecting us?

How many immigrants have arrived in Springfield?

A section on the City of Springfields website gave some context to social media users claims that 20,000 Haitian immigrants had overtaken the area. The city government referenced multiple datasets to estimate its immigrant population sits somewhat lower, but called it impossible to give an exact number.

Based on data provided from numerous sources, such as Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Springfield City Schools, area healthcare providers and social services agencies, the total immigrant population is estimated to be approximately 12,000  15,000 in Clark County, the citys website read.

Mayor Rob Rue gave a conflicting number in an appearance on Fox & Friends, saying the citys public services were overwhelmed by 14,000 to 20,000 migrants the city brought in. Prior to the immigration situation, the 2020 census put Springfields population at 58,662.

Between the mayor and citys accounts, the possible thousands have a perceivable effect in certain places in Springfield. The New York Times reported that around 350 new students, mainly from migrant families, enrolled in local elementary and middle schools. With a language barrier in play, Springfield City Schools said they had to hire six Creole translators to assist, bumping district expenses for the services to $436,000, compared with $43,000 four years prior.

Another resident at the same Aug. 13 meeting for the city commission, who acknowledged growing pains with new neighbors, disagreed with issues taken up by some of the other commenters.

Newcomers that I know, are receptive to kindness and want to, in the best of their ability, help themselves, the man said. Our community has been in a population decline for nearly 70 years. We need more and new people.

A deadly incident with a school bus driver

Hermanio Joseph was driving a minivan on Aug. 22, 2023, when he crashed into a school bus carrying 52 elementary school students to the Northwestern Local Schools district. He had no U.S. drivers license but did have a valid Mexican drivers license, according to investigators. The crash left more than 20 students hospitalized, and 11-year-old Aidan Clark dead after being ejected from the bus.

Yosts office alluded to this crash as part of locals complaints that prompted its investigation. The crash even drew the attention of the New York Times, who reported the legal Haitian immigrants crash was fuel to the fire for resentment from natives.

A jury ultimately found Joseph guilty of involuntary manslaughter, and a judge sentenced him to between nine and 13 years in prison.

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GENEVA, Ala. (WDHN)  Extra security and search dogs were stationed at Geneva City Schools earlier this week after a vague threat directed at the middle school was shared over social media.

Geneva Police Chief Pepper Mock said his office was alerted to the post circulating on Snapchat Sunday night of a photo with guns and comments hinting at a school shooting at Geneva Middle School.

According to Chief Mock, during an investigation, it was discovered that the post was initially made with comments directed at a school in Georgia, but someone believed to be from the Geneva area edited it to say Geneva Middle School before sharing it. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is investigating the original post.

After the GPD was alerted to the post, around 11-12 officers, including the schools SRO, were stationed at Geneva High and Middle Schools throughout Monday and Tuesday.

Dogs trained to find firearms and drugs searched Geneva Middle School and the parking lot of Geneva High School on Tuesday, but nothing was found.

Chief Mock says around 100 kids were absent from Geneva High School and Middle School on Monday after the public learned about the threatening comments.

Geneva Police will increase security at the school on Wednesday, September 11.

GPD was on alert last week after verbal threats were made towards the high school.

READ MORE: No charges coming after threats made towards Geneva High School

The Geneva Police Department asks that anyone who sees a post making threats or insinuating violence should not screenshot and share it but notify local police or school authorities.

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Port Royal police increased their presence at a local charter school Wednesday after a student made school shooting threats during an emotional episode in the hallway the previous afternoon. School officials say the incident represented a low-level danger and disagreed with the heightened security measures taken by law enforcement.

An incident report from the Port Royal Police Department says the comments were made by a special needs student of an unknown age at Bridges Preparatory School, a public K-12 state charter school with an enrollment of over 1,400. The student was walking through the hallway Tuesday afternoon when a teacher requested his earbuds, which led to the outburst, according to Gary McCulloch, chief executive officer of Bridges Preparatory School.

Several staff and students reportedly heard the child say, F*** this school; watch me shoot it up. As an unnamed witness was notifying school administration shortly after, the student allegedly made another threat: When does it end? Does it end when I shoot the school up? according to the police report.

The schools security team was notified of the comments. Along with the principal and guidance counselors, security personnel performed a threat assessment on the student. The overall threat to the school was found to be low-level, according to McCulloch. Administrators chose to suspend the student for five days.

Staff reportedly confirmed with the boys parents that he had no access to firearms at home. McCulloch said there was not a pattern of similar incidents involving the same student.

It was not a threat to our environment, and that was communicated to the parents, and for that child to just get additional help, McCulloch told The Island Packet and Beaufort Gazette.

Bridges Preparatory School as seen on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2020 in Beaufort.

Overreaction or prevention?

McCulloch said that following the threat assessment, the schools Director of Safety and Prevention Eric Hayes believed the incident didnt warrant a police report.

Instead, Port Royal police received the information through an anonymous third-party report, in which the complainant expressed concern that the school wasnt taking the threat seriously. The department elected to increase its presence at the school on Wednesday, raising concerns with some members of the schools leadership.

If there had been an appropriate conversation between the school and also the police department, then the overreaction certainly would not have taken place today, McCulloch said. He added that several parents seeing the increased police presence Wednesday believed there was an active threat to campus, which there wasnt.

For the remainder of the week and beyond, police presence at the charter school would not be the same as what it was on Wednesday, according to McCulloch.

Capt. John Griffith, a spokesperson for Port Royal police, said the department stationed four unmarked police cars at the school on Wednesday, which is standard practice to enhance security with any unknown threat to a school or other location. School officials did not identify the student to police until later in the day Wednesday, which initially prevented police from fully investigating the matter, according to an incident report.

The investigation into the threats was completed as of 3 p.m. Wednesday, Griffith said, and the department was confident that there is no ongoing threat to the safety of the students or staff. The department would continue conducting patrols of Bridges Preparatory School as normal.

Last weeks deadly school shooting at a Georgia high school reignited debate about how school officials, law enforcement and parents can best prevent the attacks. In addition to the 14-year-old suspect Colt Grays four murder charges, prosecutors have accused the teens father of second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter for letting his son possess a weapon.

More than a year before the tragedy, 14-year-old suspect Colt Gray was questioned by local police about online posts threatening a school shooting, although investigators said they did not have enough evidence for an arrest.

This story was updated at 1 p.m. Friday to clarify the events that led up to the outburst.
Police: Man who fatally shot another man at Melbourne store tried to flee to South Florida

A man who fatally shot another man Tuesday in Melbourne was trying to flee to South Florida when he was arrested, the Melbourne Police Department said Wednesday.

On Tuesday afternoon, police locked down Stone Magnet Middle School after a school resource officer said that they heard gunshots near campus.

Police said that witnesses saw people running away and cars speeding off from the scene.

Investigators said that the shooting happened at Tip Top Mini Mart on Monroe Street, where they found Craig Dewberry Jr. dead.

Read: Melbourne police investigate homicide near school

Police said that Dewberry was neither associated with the store nor the school.

Officers said that they have arrested Malachi Dante Bell in relation to the shooting.

Police said that Bell was trying to flee to South Florida and had traveled to Sebastian to board a Greyhound bus.

Read: Student spotted with gun in bathroom sparks lockdown at Lake Brantley High School, sources say

Melbourne police detectives and Indian River County deputies said that they found Bell at the bus station around 6:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Bell was taken into custody and is being charged with first-degree murder and robbery with a firearm.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Police trying to identify three in connection to Oklahoma City shooting

Police trying to identify three in connection to Oklahoma City shooting

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  Oklahoma City Police are looking to identify three people regarding a shooting in Bricktown on September 1.

According to the Oklahoma City Police Department, investigators are trying to identify them in connection to the shooting.

LOCAL NEWS: Two arrested in Bricktown shooting; Police release surveillance footage

OKCPD looking for three in connection to shooting.

Anyone with information is asked to contact OKC Crime Stoppers by calling 405-235-7300 or submitting an anonymous tip online.

A cash reward may 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 KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
Aurora officials on Wednesday admitted they had been arresting people suspected  though not yet confirmed at the time of their apprehensions  of being members of a Venezuelan gang operating in the metro Denver long before the media spotlight on the city.

The gang's activities also "significantly affected" apartment complexes in the city, officials acknowledged.

To date, authorities have linked 10 people to the gang and arrested eight, the city said in a news release sent a day after the gang situation in Aurora took center stage at last night's first presidential debate between Republican Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris.

In a joint statement from Mayor Mike Coffman and Councilmember Danielle Jurinsky, the officials maintained that the gang issue was localized and limited to a few areas.

"As for the perception and reality of public safety in Aurora, please understand that issues experienced at a select few properties do not apply to the city as a whole or large portions of it," the two officials said in a news release. "TdA has not 'taken over' the city."

"Again, TdAs presence in Aurora is limited to specific properties, all of which the city has been addressing in various ways for months," they added.

While the city previously acknowledged the presence of gangs at apartment complexes, the statement from Coffman and Jurinsky  who chairs the council's Public Safety Panel  confirmed what The Denver Gazette has reported over the past several weeks: that the city, in fact, knew about the issue months ago  or at least suspected that the gang was operating at several apartment complexes.

"For some time, well before concerns about TdA in Colorado generated national attention, APD had been arresting people for various criminal activities who had suspected, but not necessarily confirmed, TdA connections. To date, APD has now linked 10 people to TdA and has arrested eight of those people," the officials said in the statement that the city manager and Aurora Police Department helped put together.

"Two of the eight individuals who were taken into custody were involved in a July shooting at one of the specific properties in the city that have experienced issues with TdA activity. In line with these arrests, we can also now confirm that criminal activity, including TdA issues, had significantly affected those properties," the officials said.

Aurora: 10 suspects are gang members

The Aurora Police Department released the names of all 10 suspects linked to the Venezuelan gang, of whom eight had been arrested over the past year.

The police listed all 10 as "documented members" of the gang.

The information that the police released on Wednesday offered a comprehensive look into the gang's activities  or at least what they had been accused of perpetuating  in metro Denver. The police sought the suspects for a string of alleged crimes that included shootings, a beating, and threats to kill.

One alleged gang member faced numerous charges  notably kidnapping and robbery  for crimes that went back to December of last year. One shooting happened outside of a probation office.

The new information also stood in stark contrast to previous statements from city and police, who initially dismissed claims that the gang's presence created an atmosphere of fear that precluded a property management company from caring for the apartment complexes.

Last month, for example, Aurora officials released a video insisting that gang members have "not taken" over another apartment complex called The Edge at Lowry, part of a campaign by the city to push back against some reports by national media outlets saying an organized Venezuelan crime group has "overrun" the Colorado municipality.

In one of the video clips, interim Aurora police chief Heather Morris sought to reassure the public that things are under control, as two police officers stood behind her, talking with someone at the entrance of one of the units.

"We're making sure that people aren't paying rent to gang leaders or gang members ... that that's not happening," Morris said. "And we've discovered today and yesterday talking to so many residents that that's not the case."

The police department made the video at The Edge at Lowry  not at the Whispering Pines.

Other officials, notably U.S. Rep. Jason Crow, insisted that gang activity in Aurora has been "exaggerated."

Those exaggerating and distorting the Aurora gang issue need to stop. Their misrepresentations are not based on reality," Crow said on X. Ive met and spoken with federal law enforcement and local leaders: the gang issues are being grossly exaggerated and misrepresented. Current gang activity is consistent with trends across Colorado, and law enforcement is dealing with it. In fact, violent crime is going down in the metro area."

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Aspen Grove

Jhonardy Jose Pacheco-Chirinos, 22, and his older brother, Jhonnarty DeJesus Pacheco-Chirinos, 24, were part of a group of several men who allegedly terrorized residents of the The Aspen Grove apartments at 1568 Nome St., Aurora, with automatic weapons, according to details compiled from police-written arrest affidavits.

Jhonnarty Dejesus Pacheco-Chirinos was arrested after a shooting at the apartment complex in July on suspicion of attempted first-degree murder and first-degree aggravated assault, among other charges.

The brother, Jhonardy Jose Pacheco-Chirinos, was arrested on March 28 by Aurora police on a first-degree assault warrant out of Adams District Court, tying back to an assault at an apartment in November 2023. He was also arrested in connection to the July shooting.

The Aspen Grove apartment complex in which the crimes allegedly took place made national and international headlines when Aurora officials shuttered it and evicted roughly 300 people, citing health and safety hazards.

The landlord blamed the deteriorating conditions at Aspen Grove on gang activity  an allegation that city officials dismissed, and later walked back, insisting that the gangs were a problem but a limited one.

The Whispering Pines

Other arrests occurred at the Whispering Pines Condominiums complex also in Aurora. The complex is also owned by the landlord of Aspen Grove, CBZ Management.

Police arrested 33-year-old Yoendry Vilchez Medina-Jose at the complex on Aug. 5 in connection to an assault at the complex in November 2023.

Juan Carlos Mejia-Espana, 27, was also arrested at the complex on March 17 following an alleged domestic dispute involving a weapon.

Larry Medina, 28, was arrested on July 10 for a felony menacing incident at on July 2.

Medina pointed a gun and threatened to kill someone, police said.

Aurora police contacted Yorman Camilo Sangronis-Garcia, 27, about a hit-and-run at the complex on Feb. 4. Though police have not had any contacts with the man since, they noted that he is an affiliate with the gang.

Recently, a law firm said that, through violence and intimidation, the Venezuelan gang took over the Whispering Pines complex and sought to collect up to half of the rent from leaseholders, drying up collections for the landlord.

The other four suspects were arrested or contacted elsewhere in the city.

Luis Miguel Calzadilla-Rojas, 32, was arrested on Jan. 3 in connection to the shooting that occurred outside of the Arapahoe County Probation Office earlier that day.

Carlos Aranguren-Mayora, 23, has had "numerous encounters" with Aurora police, the department said. He faces 38 charges in five active court cases throughout Adams, Arapahoe and Boulder district courts for crimes dating to December 2023.

Some of these charges include kidnapping, burglary, motor vehicle theft and robbery.

Roiberth Daniel Mora-Marquez, 23, was arrested on April 17 in connection to an April 4 assault over rent money that occurred in the 1600 block of Lima Street, police said. He is also a suspect in the shooting that occurred on June 28 in the 400 block of Nile Street.

Finally, 30-year-old Jose Miguel Reyes-Perez was arrested on May 22 on a warrant Jefferson District Court for aggravated assault, menacing and motor vehicle theft.
Police: Two men pleaded guilty after stealing 50 guns from Springfield store

SPRINGFIELD, Va. (DC News Now)  A Maryland man and a District man have pleaded guilty after stealing 50 guns from a store in Virginia.

On April 29, 2023, 22-year-old Victor Jones of D.C. and 22-year-old Cedric Minger of Brandywine, Md., as well as two other people, drove a stolen Acura ILX from Washington to a Federal Firearms License (FFL) dealer in Springfield, Va., to break in and steal guns, according to court documents.

They first attempted to get in by shooting at the door with a gun but were unsuccessful.

Traffic closures ahead of funeral procession for DC police officer Wayne David

Minger was then able to get in through an opening at the top of the doorframe.

Once inside, Minger grabbed guns from the store and passed them through the door to Jones and the other three people, who then put them in the car.

Jones, Minger and the two other people then took the stolen guns to D.C. and later started selling them.

One of the stolen guns was recovered from a student at an elementary school.

DMV community remembers lives lost on 9/11

Jones and Minger pleaded guilty on June 20 to conspiracy to steal firearms from a FFL and stealing firearms from a FFL.

On Sept. 4, Jones was sentenced to nine years in prison.

Minger was sentenced on Wednesday to nine years and six months 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 DC News Now | Washington, DC.
(NEXSTAR)  Throughout the current election season, Democrats and those trying to prevent a second term for Donald Trump have tried to tie the former president to Project 2025, the controversial plan for a future Republican president put together by the conservative Heritage Foundation think tank.

Trump has said he was unaware of the policy wishlist, and more recently, disavowed the plan, despite his close ties to many of its key architects. That hasnt stopped Democrats from warning voters about Project 2025, even turning to comedian and SNL alum Kenan Thompson to highlight aspects of it during last months national convention.

Policy and staffing proposals from think tanks arent new. Theyre common across the ideological spectrum, Bill Muck, a professor of political science at North Central College in Naperville, Illinois, told Nexstar. The hope for those crafting these proposals is that they will influence the political process.

Project 2025 is anti-American, spokesperson for Harris campaign says

Yet Project 2025 has remained a prevalent talking point for both parties recently. But what makes it so unique?

According to Muck, it comes down to the scope and specificity of the plan. The document, which is nearly 1,000 pages long, goes into a lot of detail, but seemingly serves to represent a good chunk of where the conservative ideological movement is today, he explained.

That, mixed with Trump not being a policy guy, gives space for groups like the Heritage Foundation to create detailed plans like Project 2025, according to Muck.

Oftentimes, we point the finger at Donald Trump and say hes the one driving this. Certainly, he plays a role in all of this, but this is a reflection of the broader movement, the base right now, so thats where these ideas are turning up from.

Democrats frustrated with poll showing voters see Trump as more moderate

Because Project 2025 seemingly reflects a larger part of the partys base, Muck noted that, unlike other similar policy wishlists, it could be more influential should Trump be elected president.

Even though Donald Trump is, as hes running, is running away from Project 2025 a little bit because it may not be politically advantageous, I think at a deeper level, theres an agreement that this is where the conservative movement is, Muck said. Its likely that if he is in office, he may not enact all of Project 2025, but it will likely be a blueprint for some of the core principles he would pursue as president.

Among the proposals outlined in Project 2025, Muck said he believes Trump may be most interested in the unitary executive theory, or the idea that the president has a tremendous amount of power.

While the plan doesnt outright point to that theory, it does outline a dramatic expansion of presidential power and a plan to fire as many as 50,000 government workers to replace them with presidential loyalists. It calls for the U.S. Education Department to be shuttered, and the Homeland Security Department dismantled, with its various parts absorbed by other federal offices.

Trump, Harris to spar over foreign policy in debate

I think this is something that is going to be very, very appealing to Donald Trump, separate from all of the specifics, because as a president, Donald Trump sort of likes the idea of having power and being able to make those decisions.

While distancing himself from Project 2025, Trump has already vowed his own overhaul of federal bureaucracy, which he has long blamed for blocking his first term agenda, saying: I will totally obliterate the deep state. The former president plans to reissue the Schedule F order stripping civil service protections. He said hell then move to fire rogue bureaucrats, including those who weaponized our justice system, and the warmongers and America-Last globalists in the Deep State, the Pentagon, the State Department, and the national security industrial complex. Trump has also pledged to terminate the Education Department and wants to curtail the independence of regulatory agencies like the Federal Communications Commission. As part of his effort to cut government waste and red tape, he has also pledged to eliminate at least 10 federal regulations for every new one imposed.

The decision to make Ohio Sen. JD Vance his running mate was taken by some as one more connection to Project 2025. Heritages President Kevin Roberts has said hes good friends with Vance and that the Heritage Foundation had been privately rooting for him to be the VP pick.

Vance penned the foreword to Roberts own new book, which was set to be out in September but has now been postponed as Project 2025 hits turmoil. Roberts is holding off the release of his potentially fiery new book until after the November presidential election.

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.
POLLS APART: Hopkins prevails in Cranston. Elsewhere, a slow day for voting in the primary

In a primary race that drew the most statewide attention and the only allegation of car theft, Cranston Republican voters chose to keep Mayor Kenneth Hopkins in the citys drivers seat.

As of 8:20 p.m. with 96% of voting results in, Hopkins had 59% percent of the vote compared to his opponent, state Rep. Barbara Ann Fenton-Fung, who had 41%, according to unofficial Board of Elections results.

Looking for local election results? Click for town-by-town primary election results

The hotly-contested battle between Hopkins and Fenton-Fung, the wife of former Cranston Mayor Allan Fung, drew much attention a week before the election after allegations rose that Hopkins took a classic car from a former supporter without paying for it.

The mayor maintained that businessman David Broccoli agreed to sell him the 1975 MG three summers ago but wouldnt take money for it and didnt turn over the title or registration. And there was no bill of sale.

Incumbent Mayor Kenneth Hopkins votes at Garden City School with granddaughter Chloe Shackleford on Tuesday. David DelPoio/Providence Journal

Fenton-Fung, along with Cranston Councilman Robert Ferri, who will be the Democratic mayoral candidate in November, called for a criminal investigation.

Speaking Tuesday morning at Hope Highlands Middle School where she had arrived to vote, Fenton-Fung said the car allegation against Hopkins had shifted her campaign into a new gear.

Most people in Cranston were like, Look, we do not want to have a mayor who has been caught stealing a car, Fenton-Fung said. Well never be able to attract businesses to the city.

Hopkins came into the same polling place a bit later and said he had no regrets none whatsoever," regarding his campaign.

Im glad of the fact that I stayed on the high road, he said. Class and dignity are important to me. I could have very easily gotten into the mudslinging but I didnt, and Im glad of that."

Cranston mayoral candidate Barbara Ann Fenton-Fung casts her vote at Hope Highlands Middle School on Tuesday. Across the state, turnout was light, as is evident by the empty voting booths.

Results in Woonsocket mayoral race

In Woonsocket the race for mayor was tame in comparison to Cranston, where in the contest for top vote-getter, City Council President John Ward defeated incumbent Mayor Christopher Beauchamp.

With 92% of voting results in, Ward had 55% (1,386 votes) compared to Beauchamps 40% (1,009 votes), according to unofficial results.

But both candidates will still appear on Novembers general election mayoral ballot since the city holds non-partisan elections and the top two primary vote-getters advance.

The primary eliminated a third mayoral contender, Keith Harrison, who called for a new generation of leadership in the city. But his campaign fell into some doubt after the Board of Canvassers questioned signatures on his nomination papers. Harrison ended up with 5% (or 126 votes).

More: Incumbent Mayor Beauchamp and Council President Ward head for November faceoff

The Woonsocket primary election emerged from a year of political turmoil with the sudden resignation last November of Mayor Lisa Baldelli-Hunt. She abruptly left office following the revelation she approved a $1.13-million purchase of almost 5 acres owned by her former real estate associate without notifying the City Council.

The land purchase, at five times the propertys assessed value, violated the City Charter which requires the council to be informed of such big purchases, concluded an independent report by former U.S. Attorney Aaron Weisman.

Beauchamp, the former City Council president and a long-time friend of Baldelli-Hunt, took over as mayor. And Ward was critical of Beauchamps decision to retain several members of Baldelli-Hunt's administration.

In his report, Weisman said Baldelli-Hunt's actions raised questions about whether the transaction was for purposes other than the best interest of the citizens of Woonsocket.

Last month the City Council voted unanimously to forward Weismans report on to law enforcement for possible investigation.

Ward ran on a platform of ending what he called a decade of mismanagement under the Baldelli-Hunt administration, with projects left incomplete and animus relations with the City Council.

Beauchamp pledged more transparency and to keep the City Council better informed of city issues, promises he said he has kept since taking over running the city.

Both Beauchamp and Ward said Tuesday's primary was a measure of where they stood with voters.

For me its like a poll, to see how were doing, said Ward in between visits of polling places. It will give me guidance as to whether I have a significant weakness anywhere or places I need to focus.

From left to right, poll workers Brandon Brook, Valentina Alonso Gough and Ellie Winter hold the crosswords they have completed while waiting for voters at the Center for Southeast Asians voting precinct off of Elmwood Avenue. Wheeler Cowperthwaite/The Providence Journal

Likewise, Beauchamp, who was out delivering sandwiches in the afternoon to his poll workers, said he hoped Tuesday would help guide him on to November.

Listen, if Im ahead of John Ward by 200, 300 votes, you feel pretty good, he said. If were even or hes ahead, Ive got a lot more work to do.

A Pawtucket voter heads in to the Varieur Elementary school polling place to cast a vote on Tuesday morning.

Results in U.S. Senate primary

In the U.S. Senate race, three-term Democratic incumbent Sheldon Whitehouse soundly beat his long-shot opponent Michael Costa. With 91% of the vote in, Whitehouse had captured 82.2% of the vote (35,815) to Costa's 17.8% 7,741 votes).

Costa, a Bristol resident who described himself as an adviser to nonprofits, a former college professor and an environmental engineer, mounted a series of late television ads introducing himself to voters.

One ad began with: "Stop with the 'F' word." He said "I am talking about politicians who call for fighting as opposed to being a fighter ... How about a different 'F' word? ... Let's Fix things."

More: Democrat Sheldon Whitehouse to face GOP challenger Patricia Morgan in U.S. Senate race

District 9 race Rep. Enrique Sanchez said he was happy with their work ethic on the campaign, but "I am a little nervous, anything can happen." David DelPoio/Providence Journal

In the Republican primary for U.S. Senate, state Rep. Patricia Morgan beat Raymond McKay, a former administrator for the city of Warwick and a former network and telecommunications manager.

With 91% of votes counted Morgan walked away with 64.8% of the vote (10,232) compared to McKay's 35.2% (5,560 votes).

More: Pawtucket mayoral results: Grebien defeats Segalla in Democratic primary

More: Incumbents rule in General Assembly primaries, but one lost

One of the few clear differences between the Republican opponents involved the question of shoring up Social Security.

Morgan promised to oppose any hike in the eligibility age for future retirees to receive Social Security, while McKay would not rule it out as an option to be considered.

Voting was reported smooth throughout most of the state. The primary drew the traditional low number of voters on a day where arguably the political highlight began after the polls closed and the presidential debate began. Rhode Island has 719,712 active registered voters this year, according to the Secretary of State. As of 7 p.m. 74,485 votes had been cast, or 9.5%.

With staff reports.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Low turn out results in RI primary sets up November election
By Joshua McElwee

SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Pope Francis arrived in Singapore on Wednesday afternoon from East Timor, where he is expected to focus on inter-faith dialogue and reinforce the Catholic Church's presence in a region where it is a small minority.

The pope is on the final leg of an ambitious 12-day journey across Southeast Asia and Oceania, the longest trip of his papacy. His two-night stay in the city-state, a global financial hub, will include a speech to the country's political authorities, where the pope may also address issues such as wealth inequality and climate change.

Francis will also celebrate a Mass the Vatican expects to draw some 55,000 people, including Catholics who are travelling from Hong Kong for the event.

The Vatican is currently renegotiating a controversial deal with China over the appointment of Catholic bishops in the country, which is up for renewal in October.

Singapore, with a population of 5.92 million, is plurality Buddhist, with about 31% of people identifying with that faith. The Vatican counts about 210,000 Catholics in the country. There are also strong Muslim, Hindu and Taoist communities.

Inter-faith dialogue has been a central theme of Francis' 11-year papacy, and in Singapore he will host an inter-religious meeting with young people from various faith traditions. Wealth inequality and climate change are other frequent themes.

Singapore's government says rising sea levels due to global warming could have major implications for its low-lying coastline and it is planning to spend S$100 billion ($77 billion) over the course of the century on the issue.

While in the country, pope will also hold private meetings with President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, and former Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

Francis is only the second pope to visit Singapore, following a brief 5-hour layover by the late John Paul II in 1986. The country counts about 210,000 Catholics among its 5.92 million people, according to the Vatican.

The pope arrived from Dili, East Timor's capital, where on Tuesday he celebrated Mass with an estimated 600,000 of the country's 1.3 million population, in one of the largest ever turnouts as a proportion of a country's population for a Mass during a papal visit.

On landing in Singapore, Francis was met by Edwin Tong, the Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, and received flowers from local school children. Outside the airport, local media reported that about 1,000 Catholics prayed and waved the flags of Singapore and the Vatican.

The pope's schedule for the rest of Wednesday is light, with only a private meeting with the country's community of Jesuit priests planned. The meetings with political leaders and Mass will take place on Thursday, before he returns to Rome on Friday.

Francis' 12-day tour has also included stops in Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.

($1 = 1.3019 Singapore dollars)

(Reporting by Joshua McElwee; Editing by John Mair)
TechCrunch

U.S. public utility giant American Water says it has disconnected some of its systems after discovering that hackers breached its internal networks last week. American Water, which supplies drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people across the United States, confirmed the security incident in an 8-K regulatory filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on Monday. The New Jersey-based company said in its filing that its water and wastewater facilities are "at this time" not affected and continue to operate without interruption, though the company noted that its currently unable to predict the full impact of this incident.
Pope Francis reaches Singapore, last stop of his longest trip so far

Pope Francis is welcomed by Singapore's Minister of Culture, Community and Youth Edwin Tong and the Ambassador of Singapore to the Holy See Ang Janet Guat Har as he arrives at Singapore Changi International Airport. Vatican Media/IPA via ZUMA Press/dpa

Pope Francis has reached Singapore, the Vatican said on Wednesday, the last destination on the 87-year-old pontiff's 12-day journey through South-East Asia - the longest trip of his tenure so far.

This journey encompassed stops in Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and East Timor, all of which are marked by widespread poverty. In Singapore, however, one of the wealthiest countries in the world, he will greet a very different group of worshippers.

Of the city-state's 6 million inhabitants, only 176,000 are Catholics, according to the Vatican, as most of the population has Chinese roots.

Alongside meetings with political and religious representatives, a major church service is also on the agenda for Francis on Thursday.

The pope is then due to return to Rome on Friday evening, concluding his journey which began in Indonesia and took him to four countries in South-East Asia and Oceania.
A Singaporean Catholic prays during mass at St. Joseph's Church in Singapore ahead of Pope Francis's visit to the city-state (Manan VATSYAYANA) (Manan VATSYAYANA/AFP/AFP)

Pope Francis touched down in Singapore Wednesday, the last stop of a four-nation Asia-Pacific trip aimed at boosting the Catholic Church's standing in the world's most populous region.

Crowds waved Vatican and Singapore flags as Francis's plane arrived at the city-state's Changi Airport, on the last leg of a 12-day tour to the region.

The 87-year-old pontiff has defied doubts about his health during a journey that has taken him from a Jakarta grand mosque to a remote jungle of Papua New Guinea.

In recent years, the ailing pope has undergone hernia surgery and has been plagued by respiratory issues. He now relies on a wheelchair, walking sticks or aides to get around.

But throughout the trip, he has carried out dozens of public engagements, energised congregations through impromptu call-and-response and repeatedly sat for hours in the brutal tropical heat.

In East Timor, he held a mass for 600,000 faithful -- almost half the nation's population -- before flying on Wednesday to finance hub Singapore.

"It's a very long, arduous journey given his age and medical conditions," said 44-year-old Singapore healthcare worker Marcus Voon, who plans to attend a stadium mass on Thursday.

- 'Message of love' -

About 30 percent of Singaporeans are Buddhist, 20 percent have no religion and the rest are a mix of Catholic, Protestant, Taoist and Hindu.

Erik Hon, a 45-year-old Buddhist fintech worker, said he was "delighted" by the pope's visit, hoping it would "spread the message of love, peace and unity to all stripes of humanity".

"He sought to reach out to the marginalised and to deepen dialogue between different faiths and those without any faith."

Like many businesses, Francis is likely to use Singapore as a platform to reach the rest of the region and the world.

"The pope will most likely continue to underline a number of global issues that are not specific to a single country," said Michel Chambon, an expert on Christianity in Asia at the National University of Singapore.

"The importance of interreligious harmony and international peace, the need for a more resilient and equitable development as well as the necessity for stronger efforts to fight climate change," he said, suggesting familiar themes for this leg of the pope's trip.

For Asia's 100-million-plus Catholics, the tour has made them feel connected to a Church steeped in the customs and conventions of a far-away continent.

Although Catholicism has been present in Asia for more than 800 years -- from Portuguese missionaries in Japan to underground churches in China -- between local religions, communism and atheism, it has always been a marginalised faith.

The papal visit "shows that while Catholicism is a minority faith in Singapore, it's still a big part of civil society", said 46-year-old homemaker, Veronique Dawson.

"It's been wonderful how people from different faiths and cultures have played a part in this visit!"

While Singapore's streets are not thronged with vendors selling Vatican flags and rosaries, there is a sense of occasion among the faithful.

Dawson is recovering from a back injury so she will have to watch mass and other events from home.

"I have to say I'm having a serious case of FOMO!" she said -- expressing a fear of missing out.

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Though a threat posted on social media Monday night involving the Portage Township schools was not deemed credible, Portage Police Chief Michael Candiano said in a statement that police will be pursuing charges against two of the juveniles involved because of the impact the allegations had on the community.

We are still in belief there was never a credible threat to any Portage schools. However, as a consequence of the panic caused by their actions, we are seeking charges against several of the involved individuals, Candiano said in a Facebook post on Tuesday night that provided further details of the events that began to unfold the night of Sept. 9.

Candiano said Wednesday the police reports have been shared with the Porter County Prosecutors Office for review and police are deferring to that office to determine what the charges might be.

As of Monday night, Candiano said in the social media post, we had believed there was not an actual threat made to any Portage Township School. The evidence suggested several juveniles had a conversation, with no factual basis, and it was shared on social media. At that point, we released our statement, indicating we did not believe there was a credible threat. However, as the investigation was still continuing we did not provide all the specific details.

Portage Township schools had an additional police presence Tuesday as a precautionary measure, Candiano said.

There was no indication any of this was factually based on any threats or any knowledge of anyone claiming to do violence, Candiano said

A text conversation between two students, shared on social media by a third student, started the community concern and the investigation.

From there it quickly spread throughout Portage and the surrounding area, Candiano said. Police were able to confirm the majority of the information from messages and posts found on one of the subjects phones, which police gathered as evidence.

Candiano thanked those who shared the messages with police and said the Portage Township Schools and Portage Police Department would continue to investigate alleged threats as if they were real.

I sincerely hope parents will have conversations with their children about the seriousness and the consequences of recklessly creating and spreading false information on social media, he said.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Dozens of Portland college students gathered for a watch party of the presidential debate between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris Tuesday night.

It was the first live debate between the two in a showcase of each candidates contrasting styles ahead of the November election.

Heavy fall rains, t-storms likely around the PNW

Trump debated President Joe Biden earlier this summer but the latters performance was widely viewed as disastrous. It turned out to be a turning point politically as Biden would later heed the calls from his Democratic party members to step down as the presidential nominee and endorse Harris.

Tuesdays debate may be another turning point in the race as pundits and political analysts are already giving their two cents about who came out on top.

There were about 100 students who gathered at Lewis & Clark Colleges Fowler Student Center, alongside faculty and staff, who watched the debate unfold live. Excitement was in the air as KOIN 6 News checked in with several students before, during and after the broadcast.

More than 100 Lewis & Clark College students gathered to watch the presidential debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, September 10, 2024 (KOIN)

It felt like kind of earlier the conventional wisdom of political science was presidential debates didnt matter that much, and now I think thats definitely changed in peoples perceptions, said Zane Emerson.

Community Cycling Center faces possible closure

Students from different backgrounds came together to not just watch but discuss the historic debate. They chatted with each other through an online chat group put together by their professors to really dive into what was being brought up.

The students who spoke with KOIN 6 News said they were just happy to be witnessing history.

Trump talked about Harris, and Harris talked about herself. And I think thats a really big thing. When youre winning, you talk about yourself. When youre losing, you talk about the other person. Ive talked about debate for many years, its a common thing, Emerson said.

Its quite intense, people are really looking at the rhetoric I think Trump and Harris are expressing, theres a lot of question dodging and I think were definitely taking note of that amongst ourselves, said Kiana Hall. This is a normal debate compared to what weve seen. And despite everything, Im happy that I came here to watch and Im happy to see it happen.

Tigard police retail theft mission yields 21 arrests

The debate was moderated by ABC News and broadcast live on multiple networks and online. It was held at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia at 9 p.m. E.T.

The format included a 90-minute structure with two commercial breaks and muting the microphone of one candidate when it was the other ones turn to talk. Debate moderators David Muir and Linsey Davis also provided active fact-checking in-between answers throughout, an aspect Emerson said he was grateful for.

Students told KOIN 6 they hope the debate will inspire people to register to vote if they havent already. Voting day is on November 5.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
(Bloomberg) -- Portugals minority government is awaiting proposals from the opposition Socialists as part of negotiations to get the 2025 budget approved in parliament, Presidency Minister Antonio Leitao Amaro said.

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The government remains available for talks with different parties, Leitao Amaro said at a press conference in Lisbon on Wednesday.

The budget, due to be presented in October, may be a key test for Prime Minister Luis Montenegros minority administration, which took office in April after the center-right AD coalitions narrow election win over the Socialists. The premier needs to find backing from other parties to get approval for budgets and other measures, and may have to compromise on key policies such as tax cuts to pass legislation.

The Socialists have just two fewer seats in parliament than the AD coalition.

The government has said it aims to post budget surpluses of about 0.2% to 0.3% of gross domestic product in the next four years, and forecasts economic growth of about 2% in 2024 and 2025.

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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.

In their letter, the lawmakers cited an investigation conducted by a law firm that alleged multiple violent incidents involving the gang, including the severe beating last year of a consultant for a property management company, the stabbing of a resident at another complex for "refusing to pay rent to the gang and threatening to kill a property manager.

Boebert sent the Sept. 6 letter to Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Director Patrick Lechleitner, Department of Homeland Security Executive Associate Director Katrina Berger of the and Colorado Gov. Jared Polis.

The letter was also signed by Reps. Doug Lamborn and Greg Lopez of Colorado and Rep. Chip Roy of Texas.

The letter disclosed that a third-party, nonpartisan law firm, Perkins Coie, has investigated and confirmed that there have been numerous criminal acts committed by the Venezuelan gang identified as Tren de Aragua. Victims are often killed by gang members, with their deaths publicized as a way to intimidate others from coming forward, according to government officials.

Federal officials believe the Venezuelan prison gang is operating in the metro Denver area, although local politicians insist that the gang's footprint is small. The prison gang is linked to a diverse portfolio of criminal activities that includes drug trafficking, human trafficking, particularly of immigrant women and girls, extortion and money laundering.

According to the letter, that investigation found that in November 2023, a consultant for the property management company was so severely beaten and stomped by gang members that he had to go to the hospital.

TdA gang members also allegedly stabbed a Whispering Pines resident for refusing to pay rent to the gang, according to the letter.

The letter also said "internal Aurora police documents obtained from news sources also found TdA gang members threatened to kill a housekeeper and her family if she didnt give them keys to vacant apartments."

"An apartment property manager has also testified that TdA gang members now use 'the formally vacant units to host parties where they serve drugs and child prostitution,' the letter said.

The letter obtained by The Denver Gazette did not include supporting documents, such as police reports or the investigation report from Perkins Coie, a prominent law firm with multiple offices in the U.S. and abroad. It's not immediately clear who or which entity hired Perkins Coie to investigate the Venezuelan gang's activities in Aurora.

In listing the alleged activities by the gang, the Republicans pointed to the failures of the Biden-Harris administrations open border policies coupled with the state of Colorados sanctuary policies and the city of Denvers sanctuary city have fueled and exasperated the immigration crisis in Colorado.

U.S. Rep. Jason Crow, a Democrat, earlier said gang activity in Aurora has been exaggerated.

Those exaggerating and distorting the Aurora gang issue need to stop. Their misrepresentations are not based on reality," Crow said on X.

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Ive met and spoken with federal law enforcement and local leaders: the gang issues are being grossly exaggerated and misrepresented. Current gang activity is consistent with trends across Colorado, and law enforcement is dealing with it. In fact, violent crime is going down in the metro area," he said.

Crow added that "misrepresentations" about crime only impede law enforcements abilities to do their jobs and make it harder for residents impacted by squalid conditions to find suitable housing.

In a Facebook post on Sept. 6, Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman said that he has personally walked through the apartment complexes unaccompanied without incident and that he has directed the city manager to provide two police officers for each of the properties for two weeks with an extension if needed  if the owner agrees to "assume responsibility for these two properties and place an onsite property manager in each one."

In their letter, the Republicans said "non-sanctuary cities" and other communities have suffered as a result of the Biden administration's "open border policies" and local Democrats' "sanctuary policies." Those communities, the letter said, dont have the resources or authorities to mitigate the influx of illegal aliens and TDA gang members.

The letter noted that El Paso, Douglas, and Mesa counties have filed a lawsuit against the state of Colorado over its sanctuary policies. Those policies, the letter said, have prevented local law enforcement from detaining illegal immigrants and coordinating with ICE to ensure their removal.

The letter also cited reports from The Denver Gazette that Denver has spent more than $74 million to provide some 42,000 immigrants who arrived in Colorado's most populous city with shelter and transportation.

The Republicans demanded "action and answers" to the following questions:

What role has DHS or other federal agencies played in placing illegal aliens in Colorado?

How many illegal aliens have DHS or other federal agencies placed in Colorado?

What nonprofits has DHS worked with to place illegal aliens in Colorado?

What information has DHS known about TdA gang members in Aurora and for how long?

When was the first indication that TdA's presence was growing in Colorado?

How many known TdA gang members have crossed the border in the past year?

What point of entry are these TdA gang members entering the country at and where are they going?

What policies, including state policies, are hindering local communities from coordinating with DHS and ICE to remove illegal aliens and TdA gang members?

Are there additional authorities Congress can provide, and if so, what are they, to assist with removing illegal aliens and TdA gang members?

What actions are the State of Colorado and DHS taking to combat the crimes being committed by TdA gang members and ensure their removal?

Last month, officials shuttered Aspen Grove  evicting roughly 300 people  citing a string of health and safety issues that included rodent infestations, sewage backups and trash pileups, water leaks and a lack of electricity.

Through a Florida PR firm, the company blamed the deteriorating conditions at Aspen Grove on gang activity  an allegation that city officials initially denied and then later walked back.

As early as June, an attorney representing the landlords sent a flurry of letters, obtained and authenticated by The Denver Gazette, to police, state and local officials seeking help with the Venezuelan gang, which the lawyer said had forcibly taken control of the property.

The landlord also sought to hire off-duty police officers to provide security for the properties, a request that the Aurora Police Department declined.

Aurora officials have agreed to drop all charges against the owner of the Aspen Grove apartment complex in exchange for selling the property, leasing it  or a "similar disposition"  and assuming the cost to board up and secure the building. Notably, the agreement said that the apartment's owners may "re-tenant" the building, provided the building is in compliance with the city code.

Venezuelans are among the nearly 43,000 immigrants who have come to Denver after illegally crossing the U.S.-Mexico border over the past 22 months. Officials estimate about half of those stayed. More than seven million Venezuelans have fled since President Nicolas Maduro assumed power in 2013, plunging the country into economic and political chaos.
Based on the first batches of polls released in the day following Tuesday night's presidential debate, Democratic nominee Kamala Harris appears to have outperformed Donald Trump in the eyes of viewers, who totaled over 57.75 million last night.

In three polls so far collected by the polling aggregation site 538, a majority of people who watched the debate said that Harris had won. On average, among the polls conducted by CNN, YouGov and SoCal Strategies which 538 cited, 57 percent of respondents said that Harris won, compared to 34 percent who favored Trump. Snap polls released in the debates immediate aftermath fell broadly in the same way.

(In an interview following the debate, however, Trump told CNN that his performance had earned him 92, 86, and 77 percent approval or preference ratings in three polls provided to him. He did not cite the polls to which he was referring.)

The early results align with what has seemed to be the general consensus among political pundits: that Harris outdid Trump on the debate stage.

Taylor Swift Endorses Kamala Harris in Post-Debate Mic Drop

Trump and his team have maintained, though, that the debates moderators were unfairly biased against himamong other complaints.

The polling data broadly supports the response of focus groups interviewed on air soon after the debate. A panel of undecided Pennsylvanian voters interviewed CNN raised their hands nine to four in favor of Harris (although its worth noting that one interviewee seemed confused about the Democratic nominees name, referring to her as Camilla). On a similar Fox News panel, Harris won the vote 12 to five.

Still, post-debate interviews with specific undecided voters have produced a wide array of responses.

34-year-old Keilah Miller of Wisconsin told The New York Times that although she had voted for Democrats in the past, Tuesdays debate had pulled her toward Trump.

Trumps pitch was a little more convincing, Miller said. I guess Im leaning more on his facts than her vision.

Ricardo Reyes, 42, of Arizona, meanwhile, told USA Today he thought Harris had the upper hand on stage.

Kamala is playing Trump pretty well, Reyes said. What Trump is trying to do is just throw out fear mongering and divisive rhetoric... I think Kamala has handled it very well.

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A stressed patient awaits care in a hospital. Bad outcomes for women denied abortion care are creating negative reactions in health care providers | 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 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.

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Dalibor Arbutina, director of Public Company Nuclear Facilities of Serbia (NFS), stands in the control room of a decommissioned nuclear reactor (Vladimir Zivojinovic) (Vladimir Zivojinovic/AFP/AFP)

Time stands still at Serbia's Vinca nuclear facility, where the decommissioned Yugoslav-era reactor is a testament to the fears generated by the controversial energy source.

For decades, the research reactor and the surrounding facility have been stuck in another era. But a new push to revitalise Serbia's stalled nuclear energy sector may see the country embrace the technology again.

Three years after the 1986 Chernobyl disaster in Ukraine, then Yugoslavia shuttered its nuclear programme and shut down its lone reactor in Belgrade's suburbs.

Serbia has long relied on its plentiful sources of cheap coal to power its economy, even as it blackened its skies with the capital Belgrade regularly ranked as one of the most polluted cities during the winter.

It has come at a cost.

Nearly 70 percent of Serbia's electricity comes from coal-fired power plants, which caused an estimated 15,000 deaths in 2021 alone linked to pollution, according to a report by the European Environment Agency.

Facing a 2050 EU deadline to transition away from coal, officials are now considering whether to lift the long-standing ban on building nuclear power plants in the Balkan country.

In late August, Serbia's Ministry of Mining and Energy opened public consultations for proposed changes to the country's energy law, which includes lifting the moratorium on nuclear power.

- Nuclear neighbours -

The facility at Vinca is a reminder of what could have been.

An antique phone sits next to an emergency button used to manually activate the safety system amid a sea of analogue glass dials that once measured the pulse of the reactor and its surroundings.

Visitors to the facility must still adhere to strict controls when entering the reactor's hall, which scientists today use mostly for educational purposes.

For proponents of nuclear power, Serbia stands at a crossroads.

"When considering whether to say 'yes' or 'no' to a nuclear power plant, we must be aware that nuclear power plants surround us," Dalibor Arbutina, director of Public Company Nuclear Facilities of Serbia (NFS), told AFP.

Arbutina points to the use of nuclear power by many of Serbia's neighbours, including Hungary which has an active reactor just 80 kilometres (50 miles) from its northern border.

"We are in the same risk zone as Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria, but they benefit from their nuclear plants, while we get nothing," Arbutina added.

But going nuclear will be a long and costly process, with a government study saying a cautious estimate for the launch of a new nuclear facility would likely take up to two decades.

"It is a painful transformation that Serbia will have to undergo," said Slobodan Bubnjevic from the Institute of Physics at the University of Belgrade.

The process of reversing the ban alone will likely be lengthy and require navigating complex political bureaucracy.

- 'Indefinitely' -

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic remains a firm advocate for shifting to nuclear energy and frequently cites the exponential strain on the current grid by the adoption of new technologies.

"Having in mind that artificial intelligence time is coming, having in mind the fact that we'll have to have 90-95 percent of electric cars here... the consumption of electricity will increase significantly," Vucic told AFP, saying transitioning to nuclear energy sources would be critical.

"Otherwise, we won't have enough electricity," he argued.

During a visit by French President Emmanuel Macron last month, Serbia signed a raft of agreements, including a letter of engagement to assess the potential for developing a civilian nuclear programme.

A survey published by the Serbian-based think-tank, New Third Way, said one-third of the people it polled remained opposed to nuclear power, while roughly the same number supported it, with the others largely undecided.

The study also found that 64 percent of respondents agreed that Serbia should gradually phase out the use of coal.

"I would say (nuclear) is a brilliant way to produce electricity and everything else -- as long as it's not misused," Rada Spica Gajic, a 47-year-old Belgrade resident, told AFP.

On the other hand, Sava Medan, 60, said he would likely worry about the handling of nuclear waste produced by the process.

Professor Bubnjevic agreed.

"Once you initiate the chain reaction and expose the fuel to the process it undergoes in the reactor, from that moment onward, you must manage the nuclear waste indefinitely," said Bubnjevic.

oz-ds/lth/lb
ST. LOUIS  On September 11, 2024, we mark the 23rd anniversary of the 9/11 attacks with a reflection on a memorable tribute. In 2002, Anheuser-Busch, the St. Louis-based company known for Budweiser, aired a commercial during the Super Bowl that resonated deeply with viewers.

The ad shows the Clydesdales traveling to New York City, where they bow before the forever altered skyline. This powerful image aired only once during its initial release.

The tribute required extensive cooperation between Congress, the New York City Mayors Office, and several other entities. The filming happened during a sensitive time in U.S. history, when the nation was at war and experiencing heightened tension. Then-Mayor Giuliani granted special permission for helicopter footage of the Clydesdales in Battery Park, allowing for unprecedented access.

How the Clydesdales trained to honor 9/11 victims for the 2002 Super Bowl

In 2011, Anheuser-Busch remastered the ad to support a fundraising initiative for the National September 11 Memorial. A decade later, in 2021, the company updated the commercial again. This version showcases the completed One World Trade Center and the contemporary New York skyline. It also features beams of light marking the locations of the fallen towers, visible from dusk until dawn each September 11. The updated ad concludes with the message, 20 years later, well never forget.

As we approach nearly a quarter-century since the events of 9/11, this advertisement continues to serve as a poignant reminder of the tragedy and the resilience that followed.

Watch the 2021 remastered ad here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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A prefiled bill would raise Alabama's state sales tax rate from 8% to 9.25%. Brick and mortar retailers, who pay a higher overall sales tax, have said the online rate puts them at a disadvantage, but the bill could face an uphill climb in the Legislature. (Getty Images)

A lawmaker has refiled a bill to raise Alabamas online tax rate, which brick-and-mortar retailers say puts them at a disadvantage with online companies.

HB 36, sponsored by Rep. Chris England, D-Tuscaloosa, would raise the Alabama Simplified Sellers Use Tax (SSUT) rate from 8% to 9.25%. The increased tax would be distributed to the Education Trust Fund; the General Fund; local boards of education, and counties and municipalities.

SSUT has become something that essentially is us cutting off our nose to spite our face, because, again, if you look now, the Education Trust Fund budget is starting to flatline, England said. Other budgets are growing, and its simply because weve encouraged people to purchase things online and not go into our stores anymore.

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Two versions of the bill were filed in the 2024 regular legislative session, but did not make it out of the House Ways and Means Education committee.

The bill is assigned to the Ways and Means General Fund this year. Most SSUT revenue goes to the General Fund, which provides money for non education services in the state.

A message was left with Sen. Greg Albritton, R-Atmore, who chair the Legislatures General Fund budget committees, on Monday afternoon. Rep. Danny Garrett, R-Trussville, chair of the House Ways and Means Education committee, said Thursday that he was not familiar with the bill.

Rep. Rex Reynolds, R-Huntsville, said Monday that he has not looked at Englands bill in detail yet and there may be additional bills coming.

Rep. England may have done this, Im not suggesting he didnt, he said. However, for a bill to move there, we got to make sure we got some compromise or consensus between education and the cities and the counties, he said.

Charles Murry, spokesperson for House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter, R-Rainsville, wrote in a text message on Friday that there was no reason for the change of committee and that it would have been appropriate to assign this bill to either committee.

There is a concern that brick-and-mortar retailers are at a disadvantage because the online sales tax rate can be lower than the sales tax in stores. A 2023 Public Affairs Council of Alabama (PARCA), citing information from The Tax Foundation, a tax policy nonprofit, estimated that the average sales tax around the state, including state and local levies, is 9.25%.

At the state level, the SSUT is the equivalent of the state sales tax, a 4% levy on online sales, the same rate that is applied to sales in Alabama stores, the report said. In terms of state taxes, the SSUT creates a level playing field between online vendors and brick-and-mortar stores. But at the local level, the tax creates winners and losers.

Vic Wilson, executive director of Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools, said Monday that the difference means that less money would go towards whatever that entity is funding. In this case, its education.

Makes it more of an apples to apples than apples to oranges when youre talking about the same amounts being applied to SSUT that its applied to brick and mortar, he said.

Ryan Hollingsworth, executive director of the School Superintendents of Alabama, said he had not read this years version of Englands bill, but they were supportive of the SSUT being treated as a local tax, with distribution worked out at the local level.

Youve got to have money at the local level to be able to cover the cost of things that the state dont cover, he said.

England said that the SSUT is causing local school systems to lose money.

Every school system across the state is losing money, he said. Local school boards are losing money because of the SSUT, with one notable exception. In Morgan County, they actually distribute that money differently than everybody in most locations do.

Under a 2021 constitutional amendment sponsored by Sen. Arthurr Orr, R-Decatur, Morgan County retains 5% of the SSUT distributed to the county is retained for administrative purposes and the rest is provided to the county commission to be distributed each fiscal year. Of the commissions share, 85% goes to county and city boards of education based on school enrollment; 13.5% to the Morgan County Board of Education and 1.5% to the certified volunteer firefighters in the county.

Orr said the changes were originally in a local bill which the county commissions refused to implement. A Montgomery Circuit Judge ruled for the legislation in 2020 and the state Supreme Court upheld it in 2021, according to the Alabama Daily News.

Orr said Thursday that local school systems requested the bill after seeing their revenue stop growing after the SSUT bill was passed.

Its important, yes, the money is important to the local, three local systems and the volunteer fire departments, he said.

Orr said Morgan was a little bit of an exception and that he did not expect county commissions to support a statewide version of the Morgan County model. Orrs amendment removed some money distributed to the county and municipality. If they tried to model the state off of Morgan County, the county commissions would not be supportive and that lots of counties dont have their current sales tax funding model.

Sonny Brasfield, executive director of the Association of the County Commissions of Alabama, said Friday that they would not support a wider expansion of the Morgan County model, but they would support changes that continue to provide them with 20% distribution.

Youre asking, Would we be supportive of county revenue being reduced? he said.

According to the PARCA report, counties receive 20% of total SSUT collections.

Brasfield said they would be supportive of schools being included, but he is also not sure he saw much excitement for the bill this past session.

Its a long time until the session starts, he said. So you know, talking about what the circumstances are going to be in February and what the circumstances are today. You know, things could change a lot, but there was a pretty resounding no to the idea of raising the SSUT rate in the last session, at least, that was my impression of things.

Walt Maddox, mayor of Tuscaloosa, said that the SSUT law was ahead of its time when it passed, but it now favors an online retailer over an Alabama small business. He said Tuscaloosa is estimated to have lost $12 million in revenue this year. The estimate was calculated based on the U.S. Department of Commerces estimate that 16% of retail sales are done online, but it could be higher in Tuscaloosa due to the citys younger age, on average.

Cities like Tuskegee, Jacksonville, Troy, Tuscaloosa, Auburn, where you have young college populations, youre losing hundreds of thousands, if not millions of dollars, because SSUT is divided by a formula made up of population that also is divided up differently between cities and counties, he said. Sales taxes are never generated by by population counts. Theyre generated by centers of retail, and that is where SSUT ultimately needs to be, if you look at even the law that was created, is to mirror sales tax.

England said there are some people who are against it because its a tax increase, but the same item would be purchased with the areas tax rate in the store.

If this same item were purchased in a store, it would be whatever the tax rate is in your area, and the money would actually go back, the money that was spent in your area would actually benefit your area, he said.

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Catherine Todd described the Ulster Hospital's treatment of her as appalling [BBC]

A woman who lost her baby after contracting Covid-19 during pregnancy has told the Covid Inquiry she did not feel safe as a pregnant woman during the pandemic.

Catherine Todd's baby, Ziggy, was born about 12 weeks prematurely in July 2021 via an emergency Caesarean section at the Ulster Hospital in Belfast.

Ms Todd described meeting her son for the first time wearing PPE and said he died the following morning in her arms.

Ms Todd described the treatment she received as "absolutely appalling".

Hospital staff told Ms Todd they couldn't carry out her scan, the inquiry heard [PA Media]

Giving evidence from Belfast, Ms Todd said that for 48 hours no one seemed to know where Ziggy's body was as he had to be sent for a post mortem examination to Alder Hey Childrens Hospital in Liverpool.

Ms Todd contracted Covid-19 when she was 28 weeks pregnant and was told to isolate at home after a scan was cancelled.

She told the inquiry that she phoned the advice line multiple times and was told to take paracetamol, a fizzy drink and to lie on her side.

The unit said they could not carry out the scan as they wanted to reduce the number of people in the hospital.

However, after developing breathing problems and heart palpitations her partner TJ called an ambulance.

The ambulance took five hours to arrive and when it did the paramedics checked her oxygen levels and blood pressure but did not check the baby.

According to Ms Todd the paramedics advised taking paracetamol and to "lie down".

However, when things did not improve she phoned her GP who advised she should go straight to the emergency department.

Ms Todd waited 10 hours before she was moved to maternity. During that time, she said she was scanned and saw the baby move.

The inquiry heard that despite being prepped for an emergency section it was delayed for several hours as another baby had an 80% chance of survival whereas Ziggy had just a 10% chance.

"So they chose to go with the other baby," she said.

Ms Todd was on her own during this time.

Ms Todd has since had a daughter and is expecting another child with her partner [BBC]

Ms Todd, who has since had a daughter and is currently pregnant, said Ziggy's birth and the lack of communication will stay with her and her partner forever.

"My partner, mum and sister were all told to stop ringing the hospital and I was left without my mobile phone so no one knew what was happening to me," she added.

The inquiry heard that due to maternal Covid being written on Ziggys death certificate at first Ziggy was to have a closed coffin.

However, on advice from the Snowflakes unit at Alder Hey a PCR test was carried out on Ziggys body which tested negative - this meant his coffin was open.

Alder Hey, and not the Ulster Hospital, according to Catherine, advised they could get a cuddle cot which meant they could hold Ziggy for a final time.

Speaking directly to Catherine Todd, the chair of the inquiry, Baroness Heather Hallett said that no-one can replace Ziggy and that she and his father will never forget him.

Baroness Hallett said she hoped that their baby daughter, and the new baby the couple are expecting, would help them to come to terms with their grief that will be with them forever.

Ms Todd said that the whole experience will impact her and her partner for the rest of their lives.
As the country prepares to remember the tragic events of September 11th, Erie County is gearing up for its annual service on the Bayfront.

At 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Erie County officials are holding a 9/11 memorial ceremony in front of the Blasco library.

Update could come soon on bringing USS Halyburton to Erie

Joe Benacci, director of Erie County Veterans Services, said there are young people today who obviously were not alive when the terrorist attacks happened.

He said he believes it is important we continue to educate the younger generations about the events of that day so it is never forgotten.

Erie students voice their expectations ahead of Trump-Harris debate

I mean, weve had D-Day, weve had Pearl Harbor, but this happened on our home soil and really brought our country together. On this day, it brings the country back together too. This was right in our backyard and we will never ever forget that, said Benacci.

The ceremony will be held next to the metal beam from one of the twin towers that is placed here in Erie.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Most days you can find Migdalia Davila in the kitchen or behind the counter of Rika Arepa Express.



You have it in your blood, this culture, this tradition that we have, Davila said.



Located on Flamingo near Pecos Roads, Rika Arepa opened seven years ago. Its menu highlights the arepa, a special dish for Venezuelans. She began selling arepas in 2015 at farmer markets in Clark County.



Venezuela and its socialist government have been in the news lately for its collapsing economy and disputed presidential elections.



Terrible, terrible. Venezuelans, we dont deserve what is happening, Davila said.



She told 8 News Now she brought her family to the United States in 2005.



The American dream is about the freedom to choose and I think thats the scariest part about whats going on in Venezuela, her son Miguel said.



Miguel has graduated from some of the top universities in this country and built a professional career for himself. He has a masters degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.



One of the choices that is dear to the Davila family is voting.



Both presidential candidates are vying for courting Latino voters, especially in southern Nevada.



For Latinos, the cost of housing is a big problem and I dont think that there are enough proposals, Miguel said. I would love to see both candidates address how are they going to lower the cost of housing.



Donald Trump campaigned at a Las Vegas Mexican restaurant in August. Both Joe Biden, before he dropped out of the race, and Kamala Harris have campaigned in Las Vegas Hispanic neighborhoods over the last three months.



Recent polling from an 8 News Now/Emerson College poll shows that 62% of Latinos say they plan to vote for Harris in November, while 38% say theyll vote for Trump.

Thats an increase for Trump. Of those same Latinos polled, 59% said they voted for Biden in 2020, while 31% voted for Trump.



The things that really matter. Education, health care, a roof over our head, and food, Jani Spadora said.



Spadora knows what shes looking for in a candidate. She owns a real estate business in the southwest Las Vegas valley.



Her views on government and her life story are best viewed through the lens of her childhood in Cuba.



Both my parents had what you would consider in this country to be decent jobs, right? Like if you technically have those types of jobs in this country, you can at least have dinner and that wasnt the case, Spadora said.



Spadora arrived in the US with her mother as a teen, escaping a communist government. They flew from Cuba to Nicaragua and then trekked up through Central America, where they caught a flight from El Salvador to Miami.



Spadora arrived at a time when the US policy towards Cubans was that if they landed here, they were allowed to pursue residency within a year.



At least mine had a happy ending, Spadora said reflecting on her migration. Like, you have so many stories of others that come here or have come here through the jungle now recently. And its just tough, you know?



Thats why I tell people. You get here, you make the best of it because its hard to get here. Work your a** off, Spadora added.



When it comes to November, Spadora said shes unsure who will get her vote.



At the end of the day, the people behind both sides are the same people. They give you the illusion, its the illusion of choice, Spadora said.



Nevada is a battleground state and the battle to court Latino voters among both parties will only ramp up.



The business owners 8 News Now profiled said they want the candidates to stick to the issues: housing, economy, and education.



Election day is on Tuesday, November 5.



Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
(NewsNation)  Concern over the nations border was featured heavily in Tuesday nights fiery debate between the 2024 presidential candidates.

Former President Donald Trump doubled down on some of his controversial border initiatives, while Vice President Kamala Harris defended her administrations border policy.

Trump blames Biden-Harris for immigration problems

They have, and she has, destroyed our country with policy thats insane. Almost policy that youd say, They have to hate our country, Trump said, referencing the record-high migrant crossings into the U.S. from Mexico under the Biden administration.

However, that same administration has also seen a sharp drop in migration since President Joe Biden implemented a mandate in July that limits border crossings.

Brothers Osborne to perform at Kamala Harris North Carolina rally

The United States Congress, including some of the most conservative members of the United States Senate, came up with a border security bill, which I supported.  You know what happened to that bill? Donald Trump got on the phone, called up some folks in Congress, and said, Kill the bill, Harris said.

Hed prefer to run on a problem rather than fixing a problem, Harris added.

US Vice President Kamala Harris, right, and former US President Donald Trump during the second presidential debate at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US, on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. Democrat Kamala Harris opened her presidential debate with Republican Donald Trump by touting her economic agenda, saying she was the only candidate on stage with a plan focused on lifting up the middle class and working people of America. Photographer: Doug Mills/The New York Times/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump shakes hands with Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris during an ABC News presidential debate at the National Constitution Center, Tuesday, Sept.10, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

US Vice President Kamala Harris during the second presidential debate at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US, on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. Former US President Donald Trump and 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. Photographer: Doug Mills/The New York Times/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks during a presidential debate with Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris at the National Constitution Center, Tuesday, Sept.10, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA  SEPTEMBER 10: Republican presidential nominee, former U.S. President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris debate for the first time during the presidential election campaign at The National Constitution Center on September 10, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. After earning the Democratic Party nomination following President Joe Bidens decision to leave the race, Harris faced off with Trump in what may be the only debate of the 2024 race for the White House. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

US Vice President Kamala Harris, right, and former US President Donald Trump shake hands during the second presidential debate at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US, on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. Trump and 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. Photographer: Doug Mills/The New York Time/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris participate during an ABC News presidential debate at the National Constitution Center, Tuesday, Sept.10, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks during a presidential debate with Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris at the National Constitution Center, Tuesday, Sept.10, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during a presidential debate with Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at the National Constitution Center, Tuesday, Sept.10, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Trump pushes false claim about migrants eating pets

Trump repeatedly brought up widespread stories about immigrants in Americas communities.

You look at Springfield, Ohio, you look at Aurora in Colorado. They are taking over our towns, they are taking over buildings, theyre going in violently, Trump said. These are the people that she and Biden let into our country, and theyre destroying our country.

Trump and his allies have falsely accused Haitian immigrants in the small Ohio town of Springfield of abducting and eating pets. Theres no evidence that the community is doing that, officials told The Associated Press.

In Aurora, Colorado, rumors of a Venezuelan gang taking over an apartment complex have run rampant in recent days, though residents at the complex have said the gang is active in the area but not in control of the apartments.

When asked about those claims and whether they will dissuade potential supporters, he told NewsNations Libbey Dean: All I do is say the truth. I say the truth. If I lose votes or gain votes, I dont care.

Migrant entered via CBP One app, arrested for murder in Tennessee

Trump blamed the Biden-Harris administration for the influx of immigrants and, subsequently, an alleged increase in crime.

This will be one of the greatest mistakes in history for them to allow, Trump said. And I think they did it because they think its going to get them votes, but its not worth it.

His rhetoric aligns with his previous stringent border policies, in which he promised to launch the largest deportation effort in U.S. history and try again to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, commonly referred to as DACA. While he was president, about 450 miles of barriers were built along the Southwest border, according to the AP.

Trump did not respond to ABCs David Muir when asked how he would enact that deportation effort.

Harris criticized for border security

Prior to the debate, Harris had not expanded on her border policies and past dislike of Trump-era initiatives, like pushes to deport more migrants or completing a border wall. She did not specifically mention any policy points during the forum.

Shes faced criticism about her handling of the southern border during her tenure as vice president. Republicans have given her the label of border czar, though it was never her actual title.

In 2021, she was put in charge of overseeing diplomacy with Mexico and the Northern Triangle as a means of addressing the root causes of migration.

The job of controlling who and how many people can enter the country is Homeland Securitys, according to PolitiFact.

Trump brought up her nickname during the debate. Harris did not comment on it.

NewsNations Jorge Ventura and Katie Smith contributed to this report.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
Pressure builds on Biden from within his own party to ease Ukraine strike restrictions

Pressure is building on President Joe Biden, including from within his own party, to loosen the restrictions on Ukraines use of US-provided weapons to strike deep inside Russia.

Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen on Wednesday became the latest senior lawmaker to call for the restrictions to be lifted, saying in a statement to CNN that in light of Putins increasingly horrific attacks on civilian targets, its time to lift restrictions on the use of long-range U.S.-provided weapons to allow Ukraine to reach high value Russian military targets.

On the expectation that the Ukrainian government has demonstrated how these new authorities fit within its broader campaign strategy, I hope that the Biden Administration will swiftly grant these permissions to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, the New Hampshire Democrat said.

An aide to the senator told CNN that they are hopeful that Shaheens public call for the restrictions to be lifted will be impactful as the administration weighs the option.

As a member of the Foreign Relations Committee, Appropriations Committee and Armed Services Committee, the Senators voice on this issue lends itself to show that there is political cover for making this sort of announcement, the aide explained.

Congress weighing in is a really important element for the administration, the aide noted. They need to hear from Democrats and Republicans that they support this decision, because it does have implications also for the appropriators and authorizers.

Democratic Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Ben Cardin released a statement earlier Wednesday calling for the restrictions to be eased, in light of Vladimir Putins relentless attacks on Ukrainian civilians and infrastructure, that he called horrifying.

Given these escalating attacks, the time has come to ease restrictions on Ukrainians use of U.S.-provided weapons. Greater flexibility to target Russian military assets will degrade Moscows ability to harm the Ukrainian people. The United States must act swiftly to grant these permissions, the Maryland Democrat wrote.

Cardin and Shaheens statements, released on the same day Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Kyiv, added to a growing chorus of those calling Biden to allow Kyiv to strike deep within Russia. The Ukrainian government, including President Volodymyr Zelensky, has repeatedly been making the appeal.

British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, left, and and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken board a train as they prepare to travel to Ukraine on September 11 in Eastern Poland. - Leon Neal/Getty Images

Blinken and Zelensky discussed the restrictions during their meeting in Kyiv Wednesday. Blinken told reporters he would share that discussion with Biden.

From day one, as you heard me say, we have adjusted and adapted as needs have changed, as the battlefield has changed, and I have no doubt that well continue to do that as this evolves, Blinken said at a news conference in Kyiv with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy.

Although the US has shifted its policy to allow limited cross-border strikes into Russia using US-provided weapons, the administration has yet to allow longer-ranger strikes. Officials have expressed concern about the potential for escalation and have argued that any one capability will be decisive in the war. A US official told CNN Tuesday that US intelligence shows that Russia has moved a number of assets outside of the reach of long-range strikes.

Asked about the concerns of escalation, Blinken said Wednesday that they are one factor, but certainly not the only factor, and its not necessarily a dispositive factor.

He also accused Russia of escalation with its acquisition of Iranian ballistic missiles.

Weve now seen this action of Russia acquiring ballistic missiles from Iran, which will further empower their aggression in Ukraine, so if anyone is taking escalatory action, it would appear to be Mr. Putin and Russia, said Blinken.

Meanwhile, there is a growing chorus of voices in Washington calling for the restrictions to be lifted. On Tuesday, the bipartisan congressional Ukraine caucus called on Biden to allow Ukraine to strike targets inside Russia with the long-range weapons.

Unless these restrictions are lifted, Ukraine will continue to struggle to achieve victory in its fight to defend its sovereignty and its people. The Ukrainian people will continue to suffer unnecessary death, loss, and hardship as Russia capitalizes on this policy and escalates its bombardments across Ukraine, the bipartisan lawmakers wrote.

A group of key House Republican also urged Biden to ease the restrictions in a letter on Monday. In a separate open letter, 17 former national security officials, including former US ambassadors to Ukraine and top military commanders, called on Blinken and Lammy to act with alacrity.

A change in policy cannot come soon enough, they wrote.

On Tuesday, asked 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. Still, others have said that the debate over the matter is ongoing.

In Kyiv on Wednesday, Blinken vowed support for Ukraines victory as he sought to make the case that assistance for Kyiv will endure regardless of the outcome of the US election.

His comments stand in stark contrast to remarks from Donald Trump at Wednesdays debate, where the former president repeatedly refused to say he was committed to Ukraines victory.

The bottom line is this: we want Ukraine to win, and were fully committed to keep marshaling the support that it needs for its brave defenders and citizens to do just that, the top US diplomat said at a news conference in Kyiv.

Support for Ukraine will endure because it doesnt depend on any one country, any one party, any one election, Blinken added. He reiterated NATOs commitment to Ukraines irreversible path to membership in the alliance.

Asked about Trumps comments, Sybiha, the Ukrainian foreign minister, also downplayed them.

We will, without a doubt, have a new president of the United States, but we believe in steadfast support from the US nation, the American nation. We believe strongly in bipartisan support, and we clearly believe, and we are convinced, that fair, comprehensive, sustainable peace in Ukraine is also a strategic interest for the United States of America, he said via an interpreter.

Blinken announced significant new funding for Ukraine: $325 million in new funding to help repair Ukraines energy and electric grid, $290 million in new humanitarian support to help provide vital services like safe drinking, water, food, shelter, medicine; and $102 million in additional funding in humanitarian demining.

This story has been updated with additional developments.

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A Colorado man arrested in New Mexico in late August on an active warrant has been returned and booked in the El Paso County jail Tuesday.

According to jail's booking report, 26-year-old Colin Beck arrived in the county jail Tuesday morning and is facing charges of attempted murder, menacing and criminal mischief.

The Santa Fe Police Department said Beck was arrested on Aug. 28 in Santa Fe after his social media tipped off law enforcement of his location.

According to El Paso County Sheriff's Office spokesman Sgt. Kurt Smith, the investigation is active and will not be discussed further by officials at this time.

Beck is an active duty soldier assigned to Fort Carson, a post official has confirmed.
House District 42 Democratic primary winner Kelsey Coletta hugs campaign manager Ben Branchaud during an election results/presidential debate watch party at Lemongrass restaurant in Warwick on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (Christopher Shea/Rhode Island Current)

The incumbent advantage is alive and well in Rhode Island, where sitting Democratic state lawmakers overwhelmingly triumphed in primary races Tuesday.

Except for Democratic Rep. Ed Cardillo Jr., who narrowly lost his reelection bid in the three-way primary to represent House District 42 to progressive challenger Kelsey Coletta.

All results are preliminary and unofficial, with mail ballots and those turned into polling place drop boxes still being counted over the next week, according to a tentative schedule from the Rhode Island Board of Elections.

The closest primary came down to 31 votes, in which Coletta ousted Cardillo for the seat representing parts of Cranston and Johnston. Coletta first challenged Cardillo for the seat in the 2022 primary, losing by roughly 80 votes.

What made the second go-round different?

I had a lot of support and I started a lot earlier, Coletta said, gathering with fellow Democratic representatives at Lemongrass restaurant in Warwick to celebrate. I am their neighbor, I understand what theyre struggling with. I understand what its like to live in this world, in our state, in Johnston and Cranston.

Coletta will square off against Republican Richard Fascia in the November general election.

Cardillo, a two-term representative, declined to comment when reached by phone Tuesday night. His nephew, Dennis Cardillo Jr., was also in the race, and finished a distant third.

In contrast, Democratic Providence Rep. Enrique Sanchez had no trouble winning a second term in House District 9, which lacks a Republican opponent, despite an accusation-riddled race against challengers Anastacia Williams and Santos Javier. Sanchez drew more than 50% of the vote, drawing nearly twice as much support as Javier. Williams, who held the seat for 20 years before being ousted by Sanchez in 2022, finished third.

I just want to thank the voters of House District 9 for reelecting us to continue working hard for them and fighting for strong progressive policies and initiatives at the State House, Sanchez said in an interview Tuesday night.

Complaints by all three candidates against their opponents alleging mail ballot tampering, ethical violations and sign stealing, among others, remain under review by various state and local agencies, including Providence police. Sanchez declined to comment on the complaints and investigations.

Well let the authorities handle it, he said.

Senate President Ruggerio easily defeats challenger

Meanwhile, Senate President Dominick Ruggerio is poised to reach the 40-year-mark in the Rhode Island Senate after handily defeating progressive challenger Lenny Cioe with 70% of the vote. There is no Republican challenger.

Ruggerio was strongly favored to win the Senate District 4 primary representing North Providence, despite health issues that kept him away from the State House for a large chunk of the legislative session. Ruggerio also did not attend his scheduled watch party at Knights of Columbus Dillon Council event venue in North Providence Tuesday night, according to Greg Pare, a Senate spokesperson.

In a statement Tuesday night, Ruggerio called his reelection a tremendous honor, thanking voters, and supporters who volunteered on his campaign.

I have been overwhelmed by the support of so many people who helped our campaign while I have been recovering from my temporary health challenge, Ruggerio said. I recently had a procedure that successfully addressed complications from the shingles virus, and I am presently at home recuperating. While the surgery was successful and I am feeling better every day, I have been advised by my doctors to stay out of crowded spaces for the time being.

He continued, I look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with residents and colleagues across government to address the challenges facing our State and to making Rhode Island an even greater place to live and work.

Ruggerios supporters included a mix of likely faces as well as a few surprises, including progressive Providence Democratic Sen. Tiara Mack.

Mack, who said in an interview Monday that she canvassed for Ruggerio once during the summer, is unopposed in her reelection bid, a status shared by more than half of the 104 state legislators vying for another term. (Nine legislators are not seeking reelection).

Whos backing who

House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi, who is running unopposed in both the primary and general election, gathered with Democratic representatives at Lemongrass restaurant in Warwick to celebrate their wins and watch the presidential debate.

Shekarchi, a top fundraiser whose name has surfaced in discussions of the 2026 governors race, spent Tuesday afternoon traveling the state to stump for lawmakers facing reelection. Among his stops: Providences House District 11, where 20-year incumbent Rep. Grace Diaz faced a challenge from Tania Quezada, who served on Providence Mayor Brett Smileys transition team.

Diaz held on to her seat by a more than 20-percentage-point margin over Quezada.

Shekarchi also planned to stop in Westerly to help Rep. Samuel Azzinaro, who for the first time since winning office in 2008, had a primary challenger in Jonathan Daly-LaBelle. Azzinaro drew nearly twice as many votes in the House District 37 primary, securing his spot in the State House because there is no Republican opponent.

They have competitive races, and I want to show support for my team, Shekarchi said in an interview Tuesday afternoon. They are long-standing members of the House, and they are good Democrats.

Shekarchi stressed that his support was forged in personal relationships, not politics. For example, the moderate Warwick Democrat gave $1,000 to Rep. Cherie Cruz in her reelection bid for Pawtuckets House District 58, where Cruz faced a challenge from mayoral-backed candidate Elizabeth Moreira.

Cruz, a progressive elected in 2022, successfully fended off Moreira by a 20-percentage point margin, thanks in part to the backing of the Rhode Island Working Families Party. No Republican candidate entered the race.

Progressive strategy

Having secured major wins for its endorsed candidates in past elections, the progressive group chose to focus on just four primary races this year, two of which were for incumbents facing establishment-backed challengers. In addition to Cruz, the group also worked to help Rep. Brandon Potter stave off a challenge from Democrat Joseph Graziano in House District 16.

Potter, a two-term incumbent, has alleged that Ruggerio recruited Graziano to run against him as retaliation over policy disagreements, allegations which Graziano and Ruggerio have both denied. Potter ultimately trounced Graziano with more than 75% of the vote Tuesday night. Potter will still have to defeat Republican Deborah Leong in November.

Potter declined to comment when reached by phone Tuesday night, saying he planned to issue a statement on results in the morning.

Georgia Hollister Isman, New England regional director for the Working Families Party, expressed confidence in both incumbents chances in an interview Tuesday morning.

Thats a bad political call on their part, Hollister Isman said of the decision to challenge Cruz and Potter, both of whom are popular with fellow lawmakers and with voters.

The Working Families Party also backed Coletta in the House District 64 race, and Giona Picheco, a progressive challenger to Rep. Charlene Lima in House District 14. Lima, a three-decade veteran of the Rhode Island State House, won her reelection campaign, capturing more than 55% of the votes cast.

Hollister Isman touted wins among three of the four priority candidates in a statement Tuesday night.

Voters want what theyre fighting for: better wages and benefits, more affordable housing and healthcare, quality schools and childcare for all Rhode Island kids, and a government that is run not by political insiders or corporate lobbyists, but by people who know firsthand what their districts need, Hollister Isman said. Working Families Democrats are standing up for the people of their districts, even in the face of powerful opposition, and that is political strength, not a weakness.

Wide open

Cranstons Republican mayoral primary was perhaps the biggest news of an otherwise sleepy, low-turnout primary. But Cranston Democrats also had tough decisions to make, including for the open seat in Senate District 28, held by Sen. Josh Miller. Miller opted not to run for reelection, creating an opportunity in a liberal stronghold that drew no Republican contenders.

Cranston City Council Vice President Lammis Vargas beat runner-up Darrell Brown by 101 votes in the five-way primary representing parts of Cranston and Providence. She celebrated the win with family and friends at Teds Stadium Pub in Cranston.

The voters of Cranston and Providence have put their faith in my strong track record and leadership experience to deliver results and continue fighting for District 28, Vargas said in a statement Tuesday night. This was a close primary race amongst five stellar candidates, and I am grateful to them, as well as the voters who turned out to the polls, and the unions and elected officials who put their support behind my candidacy.

Two other open seats in the Rhode Island Senate featured three Democratic candidates.

In Senate District 20, vacated by Sen. Roger Picard, Woonsocket City Councilor Brian Thompson came out on top with two-thirds of ballots cast. The Senate District 25 seat left vacant after Sen. Frank Lombardo III died in February was claimed, at least in the primary, by Andrew Dimitri. Dimitri will now face Republican Karin Gorman in the general election.

In East Providence and Pawtucket, the open House District 64 seat held by two-term Rep. Brianna Henries was easily claimed by Jenni Furtado. Furtado, chair of the East Providence School Committee, bested fellow Democrat Ashley Pereira with more than double the support among voters. There is no Republican candidate.

Other state races decided Tuesday, with no Republican opponent in November, included:

House District 51: Rep. Robert Phillips will serve an eighth term representing voters in Woonsocket and Cumberland after beating challenger Garrett Mancieri.

House District 57: Rep. Brandon Voas secured a second term after beating Democratic challenger Raiden Phoenix Witt for the seat representing Cumberland and Central Falls.

Senate District 14: Senate Majority Whip Valarie Lawson easily defeated challenger Brian Gary Coogan for the seat representing East Providence.

Senate District 37: Incumbent Rep. V. Susan Sosnowski handily won her reelection bid against challenger Anita Norton Jacobson in South Kingstown.

Two other Democratic primaries decided Tuesday set up challenges against Republican incumbents in November.

In Senate District 17, Cameron Deutsch defeated Alexander Azar in the primary spanning parts of Lincoln, North Providence and Smithfield. Deutsch will now face Republican incumbent Sen. Thomas Paolino in the general election.

In Warwicks Senate District 29, Peter Appollonio Jr. defeated Jennifer Rourke, advancing him to the November ballot against Republican incumbent Sen. Anthony DeLuca.

The Rhode Island Board of Elections expects to finish tallying results by Sept. 16.

The general election is Nov. 5.

Reporter Chris Shea contributed to this story.

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Priscilla Presley during the Vienna Opera Ball 2024 on Feb. 8, 2024. - Credit: Gisela Schober/Getty Images

The Florida lawyer accused of conspiring with memorabilia auctioneer Brigitte Kruse to defraud Priscilla Presley out of more than $1 million in an alleged elder abuse scheme is breaking her silence to claim she never violated her duty to the author, actress, and ex-wife of Elvis Presley.

In new court filings obtained by Rolling Stone, lawyer Lynn Walker Wright says she vehemently denies duping Presley into signing a stack of legal documents that Presley alleges were so unconscionable and damaging to her financial interests, theyre legally unenforceable. Walker Wright admits she represented Kruse in a separate legal matter before she represented Presley at the July 2023 document-signing meeting at the center of the case  where Kruse was an adverse party in the negotiations  but Walker Wright is adamant there was no conflict of interest. The lawyer also defends her decision to videotape Presley, her own client, at the meeting.

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I videotaped Ms. Presleys meeting with me and her execution of all Florida documents prepared by me with her consent. I explained each document during the meeting and answered all questions she asked, Walker Wright states in her new sworn declaration. I had videotaped other clients executing estate planning and other documents in the past if I had any concern that a document would possibly later be contested.

In her declaration, Walker Wright says Presley, 79, consented to the taping. She further states that she rescheduled the signing appointment twice to accommodate Presleys schedule. She says the meeting finally took place the day after Presley purportedly had dinner with former President Donald Trump and his wife Melania at Mar-a-Lago and just hours before Presley flew back to California to attend the 2023 Golden Globes, the awards ceremony where Austin Butler would win a best acting award for his lead role in Baz Luhrmanns Elvis biopic and Presley would see her daughter, Lisa Marie, for the last time before her unexpected death days later.

Walker Wright filed her declaration as part of a new motion asking a Los Angeles County judge to reject the claims lodged against her in Presleys blockbuster elder abuse lawsuit filed against her and Kruse, as well as Kruses husband and another business associate, in July. Walker Wright argues she has never lived or worked in California, so Presley shouldnt be allowed to sue her in the Golden State.

In her underlying lawsuit, Presley claims Kruse is a con-artist and pathological liar who fraudulently induced her to form several closely held companies with Kruse at the helm. The company contracts gave Presley only minority shares in the ventures  just 20 percent in at least one case  even though Kruse received the exclusive license to profit off of Presleys name, image, and likeness.

Presley has not commented on the legal war outside of her filings. In a declaration filed July 19 in Florida, she described the document signing held at Kruses home as predatory.

Kruse arranged for me to be represented by her friend, Lynn Walker Wright, Presley wrote. I was isolated from my advisors and asked to sign a series of agreements, one after the other, with little to no explanation of the contents of each agreement. For example, I was never advised that the agreements stated that I would be holding only a minority interest in these companies, in some cases, only 20% of the company. I had not been provided with any paperwork to review in advance, had not had an opportunity to have anyone review the paperwork before I was asked to sign it, and was not advised as to the nature of the paperwork in advance by Wright, my purported attorney.

A source close to the Dallas star tells Rolling Stone shes been through hell in the last year as shes been fighting to extricate herself from the disputed deals. Priscilla is one of the nicest people, the source says. Shes just a very sweet and trusting woman.

Presley filed her elder abuse lawsuit two months ago after Kruse separately sued her for breach of contract in Florida last year. Kruse alleged in her dueling lawsuit that Presley illegally walked out on their agreements when her financial circumstances changed in the wake of Lisa Maries death. As Rolling Stone previously reported, Presley initially challenged a 2016 amendment to her daughters Promenade Trust that removed her as a co-trustee, but she quickly reached a generous settlement with granddaughter Riley Keough that granted her a $1 million lump-sum payment, $100,000 annual salary, and burial rights near Elvis at Graceland.

Kruse did not personally respond to Rolling Stones request for comment sent Tuesday afternoon. Her Florida lawsuit hit a possible speed bump Tuesday when a judge agreed to let her lawyer, Jeffery Gilbert, withdraw from the case due to alleged irreconcilable differences. Kruses new lawyer, Kevin A. Reck, tells Rolling Stone he and his clients look forward to vindicating our rights in these court proceedings. He says Gilbert was replaced in the Orland case in an effort to better align with the plaintiffs overall litigation strategy. A hearing on Presleys motion to dismiss the Florida lawsuit for lack of jurisdiction is set for November.

Meanwhile, Walker Wrights motion to be cut loose from the Los Angeles lawsuit is set for a hearing on Nov. 21. The judge on that case recently gave Presley an extension on her deadline to serve Kruse with the California complaint. Presleys lawyers had alleged in a filing that Kruse and her husband were evading service for no legitimate purpose other than to avoid facing liability in this action. In his emailed response, Kruses lawyer denied his client was ducking service. With regard to the scandalous allegations of the intentional evasion of service, these unfounded allegations are categorically denied, Reck says.

In a statement previously sent to Rolling Stone, a spokesperson for Kruse called Presleys elder abuse lawsuit a retaliatory response to Kruses breach of contract case. We are confident that the facts will speak for themselves and justice will prevail, the statement said. It saddens all of us who dropped our lives to provide aid to a woman who needed help and she is now attempting to use her celebrity status to ruin the lives of kind, hardworking people. Thank you to all of our supporters who have stood by us during this difficult time. We will continue to focus on our business and look forward to our day in court. The truth will come out by way of evidence and not rumors. There will be no further comment at this time as we respect the judicial process.

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(AP)  The Nebraska Supreme Court appears set to decide if voters get to determine whether to reject a new law pushed through largely by Republican lawmakers to provide taxpayer money for private school tuition. But depending on how they rule, the Nebraska Secretary of State could unilaterally deprive voters of that choice.

The states high court heard arguments Tuesday in a lawsuit brought by an eastern Nebraska woman whose child received one of the first private school tuition scholarships available through the new law. Tom Venzor, a lawyer for the woman, argued that the referendum initiative to repeal the funding violates the state constitutions prohibition on voter initiatives to revoke legislative appropriations.

Daniel Gutman, the attorney for the referendum effort, countered that the ballot question appropriately targets the creation of the private school tuition program  not the $10 million appropriations bill that accompanied it.

But what drew more attention was the assertion by lawyers on both sides that Republican Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen intends to decertify the ballot question  only days after certifying it  unless specifically ordered by the high court to keep it on the ballot.

Nebraska, Missouri courts weigh arguments to keep abortion measures off the ballot

Evnen certified the repeal measure last week after finding that organizers of the petition effort had gathered thousands more valid signatures than the nearly 62,000 needed to get the repeal question on the ballot. He apparently changed his mind, according to a brief filed late Monday afternoon by the Nebraska Attorney Generals office, which states that after reviewing the court challenge to it, Secretary Evnen is convinced that the referendum is not legally sufficient.

The brief adds that if the high court fails to rule on the merits of the challenge and simply dismisses the case for procedural reasons, Secretary Evnen will immediately rescind his legal sufficiency determination and not place the referendum on the ballot.

Asked whether state law allows for a secretary of state to decertify an already certified ballot measure, Gutman said there is nothing in the statutes that were aware of that says that he can revoke that decision.

The problem, he said, is that the law requires the November ballot to be set by Friday.

I think that his threat of revoking the decision threatens the credibility of certification generally, Gutman said. Our frank concern is that if this court dismisses this case for lack of jurisdiction, or basically on a procedural ground, that there will be a decertification issued on Friday afternoon and there simply will be no time.

We will have no recourse.

Evnen declined to confirm or deny Tuesday that he plans to remove the private school tuition repeal measure off the ballot unless ordered to keep it on by the court, offering only, What we need now is a decision on the merits from the Nebraska Supreme Court.

A similar scenario played out Monday in Missouri, where Republican Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft had certified a ballot measure last month that asks voters to undo the states near-total abortion ban. On Monday, Ashcroft reversed course, declaring he was decertifying the measure and removing it from the ballot.

The Missouri Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered Ashcroft to put the measure back on the ballot.

Gov. Reynolds appoints new district associate judge in Siouxland

The development comes after a long fight over the private school funding issue. Public school advocates carried out a successful signature-gathering effort this summer to ask voters to reverse the use of public money for private school tuition.

It was their second successful petition drive. The first came last year, when Republicans who dominate the officially nonpartisan Nebraska Legislature passed a bill to allow corporations and individuals to divert millions of dollars they owe in state income taxes to nonprofit organizations. Those organizations, in turn, would award that money as private school tuition scholarships.

Support Our Schools collected far more signatures last summer than was needed to ask voters to repeal that law. But lawmakers who support the private school funding bill carried out an end-run around the ballot initiative when they repealed the original law and replaced it earlier this year with another funding law. The new law dumped the tax credit funding system and simply funds private school scholarships directly from state coffers.

Because the move repealed the first law, it rendered last years successful petition effort moot, requiring organizers to again collect signatures to try to stop the funding scheme.

Nebraskas new law follows several other conservative Republican states  including Arkansas, Iowa and South Carolina  in enacting some form of private school choice, from vouchers to education savings account programs.

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HONOLULU (KHON2)  In the midst of a strike planned this Friday, Kapiolani Medical Center and the Hawaii Nurses Association will meet the night before to continue contract negotiations.

Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You

The two sides met on Monday in a conversation that was described as productive however, a deal has still not been reached.

Accept offer or be locked out: Kapiolani to nurses

Kapiolani Medical Center issued a statement Monday evening to confirm the meeting in hopes of moving forward with a new contract.

We have been discussing the priorities of the nurses at all times. And its about patient safety, making sure that we have enough nurses for each patient its been shown that even now like that, it could be easily taken care of without negotiations, said Rosalee Agas-Yuu, HNA President.

Hundreds of nurses plan to attend Fridays strike. While the hospital is committed to reaching a deal, Kapiolani warns HNA nurses of a lockout if they participate.

Check out whats going on around the nation on our National News page

Since January, both sides have met 30 times to negotiate.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2.
(NewsNation)  In the first debate between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, a nearly 1,000-page handbook from a conservative think tank became a means for one candidate to provoke and another to deflect.

What is Project 2025?

Project 2025, written by members of The Heritage Foundation, is a guide on what the next president needs to do to undo the damage to America they claim has been caused by liberal politicians.

During the 90-minute debate, just like in most campaign speeches, Harris attacked Trump over the handbook, saying it is a detailed and dangerous plan that the former president intends on implementing if he were elected again.

Trump deflected the attack, arguing, I have nothing to do with Project 2025. I havent read it. I dont want to read it purposely.

Who won Trump-Harris presidential debate?

Harris warned that Trump would sign a national abortion ban, referencing Project 2025 again, and said Americans believe the freedom to make decisions about their body should not be controlled by the government.













Trump disavows Project 2025

Trump has previously disavowed the plan, claiming on his social media site that he has no idea who is behind Project 2025 and knows nothing about it, but dozens of people who worked closely with him and helped shape his administration are involved in the plan.

Hes gotten more hostile to the document and the group behind it in recent weeks, even going as far as issuing a warning to anyone linking him to the plan.

How Project 2025 could affect women

Democrats say Project 2025 is extremist, authoritarian and even dystopian, and the document has become a major point of attack as they warn voters that its policies will be implemented under a second Trump term.

Voters divided on Project 2025

When it comes to supporting Trump, swing-state voters are divided on the impact of Project 2025, according to a new Emerson College Polling/The Hill survey.

Voters in seven key battleground states were asked if Project 2025 makes them more or less likely to support Trump. Overall, a plurality in all states said it makes no difference or that they werent familiar with the plan.

However, nearly just as many respondents in each state said the conservative roadmap made them less likely to support the former president.

NewsNations Steph Whiteside, Safia Samee Ali and Andrew Dorn contributed to this report.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
Former Memphis Police Department officers, from top left: Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Emmitt Martin III, and from bottom left, Desmond Mills Jr. and Justin Smith. Memphis Police Department via AP, File

MEMPHIS  Prosecutors in Memphis began opening arguments on Wednesday against the three officers on trial in the death of Tyre Nichols, a 29-year-old Black man who was beaten by five officers after he fled a traffic stop in January 2023.

Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley and Justin Smith pleaded not guilty to charges of violating Nichols civil rights during the fatal traffic stop last year and are being tried as co-defendants.

If convicted during trial, the three officers face possible life sentences.

Prosecutors said jurors will watch footage of officers fatally beating Nichols during the trial.

We are going to ask you to do something very hard. We are going to ask that you watch Tyre Nichols being beaten to death, Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Rogers told the jury.

You will also be able to hear the punches, kicks and baton strikes and the impact as they landed on Mr. Nichols body. As I said before, those will not be easy days in the courtroom.

John Keith Perry, a defense attorney representing Bean, told jurors that Bean and the other officers did what they were trained to do.

These men were called to do the most dangerous job in one of the most dangerous areas of the country.

Later, Haleys defense attorney Michael Stengel gave his opening statements, arguing that Memphis polices use-of-force continuum trained Haley and the other four officers to beat Nichols in the fashion they did.

Stengel said officers were taught to use empty and closed-hand techniques. He also said kicks, punches and other striking techniques were taught to officers in the police academy.

None of us, except an officer, have a job where they are authorized to use force. Officers are trained on what force is appropriate, and that is the use-of-force continuum, Stengel said in front of jurors.

Civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump stood by Nichols mother and father, RowVaughn and Rodney Wells, with local Memphis pastors in a press conference during trial recess. Nichols parents asked pastors to hold a prayer session during the break.

My hope is that they are found guilty and to show the world that my son is a good person and he was not the criminal they are trying to make him out to be, RowVaughn Wells said during the press conference while holding back tears.

Attorney Benjamin Crump is standing here with Tyre Nichols parents, RowVaughn and Rodney Wells while the trial is in recess. Wells said she wants the officers to be found guilty and wants the world to see her son was a good person. pic.twitter.com/qGdhtc0mlu  Phillip Jackson (@phillej_) September 11, 2024

Crumps team declined to comment on the legal proceedings and evidence presented during the trial. The lawyers also said Nichols family will travel to Washington, D.C., over the weekend to advocate for the passage of the George Floyd Justice In Policing Act along with legislation requiring officers to have the duty to intervene, a law referencing Nichols death.

From the very beginning, Tyres family has prayed for justice and accountability. And now that a jury has been selected, his family continues to pray that the jury will receive all of the evidence and they will render justice for Tyre, Crump said during the press conference.

Following the courts recess session, defense attorney Martin Zummach, who represents Smith, said the former officer would testify in self-defense in the trial.

After Zummachs opening statement, prosecutors called Rachel Love, their first witness, to the stand. Love is a nurse practitioner at St. Francis Hospital, where Nichols died.

Love, who was at the hospital at the time Nichols arrived, said officers were also there and described their behavior as casual.

Prosecutors presented four photographs of Nichols displaying injuries on various parts of his body. Love said when she saw Nichols, his front teeth were broken and there were lacerations on both his lip and chest area. She said it looked like Nichols had been in a bar fight.

The biggest injury right off the bat, he had a large goose egg on his head. It looked like a golf ball cut in half and placed on his head, she said.

Andrew Galotti, who works with the Federal Bureau of Investigations, was the second witness called to the stand Wednesday. Galotti discussed the process of managing video footage from a SkyCop camera that captured the five officers beating Nichols.

The trial began Monday with jury selection. Sixteen jurors were chosen by the end of the day on Tuesday from a pool of over 200.

Nichols parents attended jury selection on Tuesday in front of U.S. District Judge Mark Norris. In an interview with HuffPost, Nichols parents described the days leading up to the trial as difficult and a reminder of the pain they felt when their son died on Jan. 10 last year.

We have been dealing with this since it happened. The community of Memphis has been very gracious to us. We have been able to go out and do things like normal, but as things get closer  we started to stay in more because the feelings and everything else are about to pop back up and resurface, Nichols mother told HuffPost.

Two other officers, Emmitt Martin and Desmond Mills Jr., have pleaded guilty to federal charges. Martin pleaded guilty to charges of excessive force and conspiracy to tamper with a witness on Aug. 23. Prosecutors are seeking to sentence him to up to 40 years in prison.

Mills, the first officer to enter a guilty plea, faces up to 15 years after he pleaded guilty to federal charges of obstruction of justice and excessive force in a deal with federal prosecutors last Nov. 2. Mills also agreed to plead guilty to state charges, which include second-degree murder.

Martin, Bean, Haley and Smith have not entered guilty pleas on state charges.

Body-worn camera footage from Jan. 7, the day of Nichols beating, showed officers forcibly removing him from his vehicle while he was sitting at a traffic light. As Nichols fled on foot, officers chased him into a residential neighborhood, just seconds away from his parents home.

Footage showed officers taking turns punching, kicking and shocking Nichols with a Taser until he was left apparently unconscious and lying against a Memphis police vehicle. Memphis Fire Department Emergency service personnel did not immediately render aid to Nichols, resulting in the firing of three fire department employees.

Another police officer, Preston Hemphill, was fired for his actions during the fatal encounter. Hemphill was seen on camera encouraging other officers to beat Nichols.

Hemphill and the three fire department employees who were present at the time of Tyres beating are expected to testify as witnesses. Mills and Martin are also considered potential witnesses slated to testify against their former fellow officers.

Memphis city council made efforts to pass police reform following Nichols death, but Tennessee Republicans passed legislation that would block local governments from passing police reform measures.
PRISTINA (Reuters) - Albania's main opposition leader Sali Berisha said he had been officially indicted on Wednesday on corruption charges for actions he took when he was prime minister, describing the indictment as a political vendetta.

Prosecutors accused Berisha in October of using his influence as prime minister between 2005-2009 to exert pressure to conclude a privatisation procedure in favor of others including his daughter's husband. Berisha denies any wrongdoing.

"Can you imagine, they say I was corrupted by my son-in-law," Berisha said on emerging from the prosecutors' office in Tirana on Wednesday, where he said prosecutors gave him a 500-page indictment and had also indicted his son-in-law.

"This is the continuation of a political vendetta, the implementation of a political mafia order."

Berisha, who was put under house arrest in December, accuses the current prime minister, Edi Rama of orchestrating the prosecution against him. Rama denies any involvement.

There was no official confirmation of the indictments from the prosecutors' office and it was unclear when a trial would begin.

In 2021 the United States barred Berisha and his family from entering, saying that, as prime minister, he had been involved in "corrupt acts" and used his power for "his own benefit and to enrich his political allies and his family members". A similar ban against Berisha was issued by Britain.

Berisha served as president from 1992 to 1997, immediately after the fall of communism in Albania, and as prime minister from 2005 to 2013. He is the leader of the biggest opposition party, the Democratic Party.

(Reporting by Fatos Bytyci; editing by Philippa Fletcher)
Prostitution on Roosevelt Avenue in Queens is getting worse, residents say

Prostitution on Roosevelt Avenue in Queens is getting worse, residents say

QUEENS, N.Y. (PIX11)  Open prostitution in broad daylight along Roosevelt Avenue in Queens continues to be a major problem. What is more concerning about it is that residents say it is only getting worse. They also say other types of crimes are impacting the area drastically.

Residents and community leaders in Jackson Heights are once again sounding the alarm. They say crime of all kinds continues to take over the bustling Roosvelt Avenue business district.

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Every corner is bad. I just witnessed a major drug deal, a lot of money right on the corner, said Cristina, a resident who claims has over 200 complaints to 311 about different issues.

Those who live and work on or near the popular avenue say they are inundated with shoplifters and sidewalks with dozens of sex workers. Its a scene they say has gotten worse in the last few months.

There are a lot of good people, a lot of immigrants that like to work like you see in the restaurant like me, but a lot of new immigrants come here to rob people and a lot of prostitution, Jackson Heights resident Joseph Pnea said.

WATCH: Suspects attack and rob USPS worker in Queens

PIX11 News has exposed the illegal business of sex workers multiple times over the years, including when the NYPD broke down the doors to prostitution parlors in January of this year. But the cleanup efforts seem to have no impact.

Twenty-four hours a day there is prostitution running wild. There is clearly sex trafficking, said Hiram Monserrate, a former member of the New York City Council. We got rampant drug sales, unlicensed vendors selling food and stolen items.

Monserrate and Ramon Ramirez, founder of the Lets Improve Roosevelt Ave. Coalition, will be presenting to local and state officials a five-point plan to tackle the uptick in illegal activities along the Roosevelt Avenue corridor, which passes through Corona, Elmhurst and Jackson Heights.

We need Roosevelt Avenue to be expanded. At least 120 police officers. We need both the 110 and 115 precincts to receive an additional 50 police officers each. We need the avenue to be under the command of one police precinct, said Monserrate.

Business owners and workers said they are losing money because they are constantly getting robbed by gang members and criminal organizations.

Sometimes people come and take this and run away. That has happened like six to seven times just this month, said Juan, who works at a clothing store.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
PITTSBURG, Kan.  A Four State clinic that provides female reproductive services, including abortions, is the site of a protest.

The Planned Parenthood clinic in Pittsburg opened just last month.

Today, several anti-abortion groups gathered outside the building to voice their opposition to abortions being performed here.

They say Kansas has become an abortion destination because its illegal in neighboring states. Cheryl Sullinger with Operation Rescue supports a total ban on abortions, including in cases of rape and incest.

We dont believe that a baby should have to be um killed for the sins of his father, you know, and I know people who were conceived in rape, I know people who were women were actually raped and kept their children and uh none of them ever regret, Ive never met a woman who regretted having her child, said Cheryl Sullinger, Operation Rescue.

While most protestors were not aggressive at todays event, one individual attempted to prevent our photographers from getting video.

Kansans enshrined the right to abortion through a statewide constitutional amendment two years ago.

More recently, the Kansas Supreme Court struck down a state law that placed restrictions on some abortions.

A spokesperson from Planned Parenthood was not on-site, but in a statement said:

The presence of anti-abortion protestors outside our health center is an unnecessary disruption to our patients who come to Planned Parenthood for essential, comprehensive sexual and reproductive health care services. Statement from Planned Parenthood.

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Canada's publicly-funded broadcaster TVO (formerly TVOntario) announced on Sept. 10 that it will not be airing a controversial documentary about Russian soldiers, following protests from the Ukrainian-Canadian community against the film's inclusion in the Toronto International Film Festival.

The film, "Russians at War," directed by a Russian-Canadian filmmaker Anastasia Trofimova, had its North American premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) on Sept. 10.

Hundreds took to streets in Toronto outside the Scotiabank Theatre, where the film was shown, 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."

TVO's board of directors said in a statement that they have chosen to "respect the feedback" from the community regarding "Russians at War," a film portraying Russian soldiers' disillusionment with the invasion of Ukraine.

The production of Trofimovas film was supported by several Canadian entities. It received $250,000 (340,000 Canadian dollars) in funding from the Canada Media Funda public-private partnership backed by the Department of Canadian Heritageduring the 2022-2023 fiscal year. The film was produced in collaboration with TVO. Canadian officials have emphasized that the Canada Media Fund operates independently in its funding decisions, without direct government involvement.

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.

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.

"Its not right for Canadian public money to be supporting the screening and production of a film like this," Freeland said during a press briefing on Sept. 10.

Read also: Outrage erupts over Canadian tax dollars funding Russians at War documentary





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Building an affordable housing complex for low-income residents in southeast Colorado Springs hasnt been easy for Solid Rock Christian Center, a nondenominational, multicultural church of about 75 members.

To go from an empty field to actually having housing has been a long journey, but one that you can see the fruits of your labor, said the Rev. Benjamin Anderson, senior pastor of Solid Rock Christian Center and executive director of Solid Rock Community Development Corp.

The church will mark the accomplishment of its inaugural housing project with a public grand opening on Thursday. Featuring food, music, speakers and tours, the event begins at 11 a.m. at The Village at Solid Rock, 2510 Arlington Drive.

While Solid Rock is the first church in Colorado Springs to repurpose its land for charitable housing, its not the only church to venture into the arena. At least three other local churches are involved with projects to provide low- to moderate-income residents with lower-than-market-rate units.

Its a trend that city leaders hope will continue.

The idea to encourage philanthropic and faith communities to consider the possibility of the model originated under former Colorado Springs Mayor John Suthers and is continuing with Mayor Yemi Mobolade, said Katie Sunderlin, the citys interim chief housing officer.

More than 200 churches own property in the city, she said.

Using their land for housing solutions is something we have really been rallying our faith community to partner with us on because they are one of the larger landholders in our city, and theyre actively engaged in the social issues that we are; affordable housing being one of them, Sunderlin said. The scarcity of land available and the high price tag make these partnerships really valuable.

In the way that for-profit developers cobble together a mixture of funding for multifamily projects, faith-based entities can apply to the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority for tax credits.

Its a big lift and takes a lot of buy-in from the community to be successful, which Solid Rock has been, Sunderlin said.

After two years since the project broke ground, the first residents of the 77-unit complex of one-, two- and three-bedroom independent apartments started moving in two weeks ago, Anderson said.

One of the things that makes it special is to hear the residents say how beautiful the place is and how nice it is to have a place to live, he said.

Each Village at Solid Rock apartment has its own washer and dryer, and the complex offers a large community room, exercise room and outdoor play area.

Residents who earn between 30% and 80% of the area median income are eligible, said Kassandra Haynesworth, associate director of compliance for Greccio Housing, a a local nonprofit that manages the campus.

Monthly market-rate rent for one-bedroom units in Colorado Springs runs between $1,200 and $1,800, she said. At The Village at Solid Rock, a one-bedroom rents for $500 to $1,400 a month, she said. Two- and three-bedroom units are priced between $600 and $1,400 a month.

Fifteen apartments are still available, Haynesworth said, adding that shes contacting 200 people on a waiting list that began being compiled in January to see if they qualify.

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It just shows the need for affordable housing, she said. People are having a hard time finding that.

An interest list generated in February 2023 produced more than 700 names, Anderson said.

A project of the nonprofit Solid Rock Community Development Corp. and CommonWealth Development, the $25 million apartment complex sits on previously empty land the church owned adjacent to its worship center.

I like the fact that it is right next to the church. It is a symbol of our outreach and impact in our community, Anderson said.

Its the mission and role of the church; we are to help rebuild peoples lives, and affordable housing is one of the challenges the city is having. When you have people with a stable place to live, it lends itself to having a stable economy.

But some people are concerned about undue restrictions placed on residents should faith communities attach conditions to residency, as has been done in other cities.

Faith communities can do a lot of good in these spaces, and they arent generally bad actors, theyre doing these things because they want to make a difference, said Ben Slightom, a post-doctoral fellow who works for the Center for Religious Diversity and Public Life at the University of Colorados campus in Colorado Springs.

Yet sometimes, projects in other cities such as Detroit, the subject of his doctoral dissertation for Yale University that focused on low-income housing and Black womens activism, are rife with issues.

Part of one projects goal was to improve the sponsoring church's image and public reputation, Slightom said, so the contract contained an agreement that would result in tenant removal upon speaking to the media without prior approval from the church.

We have to emphasize to think about what it truly means to provide assistance in a way thats open and honest and transparent for churches who are dealing with a population who are coming out of a traumatic stage of their life, he said. What does it mean to engage this community in a way thats congruent with our spiritual beliefs and for actual assistance to our most vulnerable communities.

Other local churches in various stages of affordable housing development:

 Woodmen Valley Chapel, in concert with Greccio Housing, has been awarded 9% in federal and $700,000 in standard state housing tax credits from the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority for a 50-unit senior affordable housing project called Sunrise at Shiloh Mesa, on the churchs Woodmen Heights campus to the northeast. The church and its nonprofit Center for Strategic Ministry donated the land from the churchs property. Households earning 30% to 50% of the area median income will qualify. Residents will be offered transportation assistance, on-site social interaction, food pantry access and volunteer opportunities, according to its application.

 Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church at 1 S. Walnut St., has contracted with a developer and financial consultant to apply for Prop 123 funds and explore whether the church can develop affordable housing on its property, Sunderlin said. Colorado voters approved a ballot measure in 2022 to fund affordable housing projects using 0.1% of the state's annual income tax revenue.

 New Life Church is applying for tax credits for a new development, Haven at Lakeside, with its nonprofit Marys Home. New Life started the nonprofit in 2015 to house single-mother-led homeless families and provide programs leading to self-sufficiency, employment and housing stability.

 Solid Rock Christian Center and its community development group plan to build another affordable-housing complex with 75 units at Chelton Road and Jetwing Drive. The nonprofit purchased the property in 2022 for $3.5 million, according to county records. It also runs a community food pantry and youth initiatives, and is creating a mixed-use development. A program for low-income renters to transition to home ownership also is in the works.

Affordable housing in some ways is a Band-Aid, Anderson, pastor of Solid Rock Christian Center, said. It should be a transition stage for home ownership because home ownership is how you create wealth in communities and is a tool to build generational wealth in families.
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, dozens of 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.
CHARLESTON COUNTY. S.C. (WCBD)  Charleston County will hold a public meeting next week to discuss a Dorchester Road improvement project.

Officials say the project, funded through the countys second Transportation Sales Tax, includes improvements to roadway capacity, key intersection efficiency, and system continuity along Dorchester Road from Michaux Parkway to the Charleston County line.

Residents who attend the drop-in-style meeting can review initial project concepts and speak with the project team.

The meeting will be held on Thursday, September 26 from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. in the cafeteria at Jerry Zucker Middle School (6401 Dorchester Road).

Representatives from the South Carolina Department of Transportation will also be available to discuss the project and planned safety improvements, including Dorchester Road from Michaux Parkway to Kent Avenue. There will not be a formal presentation.

People are encouraged to submit public comments by filling out a written comment card in person at the Sept. 26 meeting or by emailing the project team at info@dorchesterroadimprovements.com.

Learn more about the project 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 WCBD News 2.
JERSEY CITY, N.J. (PIX11)  Police and the public want to see tense situations de-escalated but thats not always an easy task.

A new training facility in Jersey City will put officers to the test.

More Local News

Situations are on screens with speakers and computers. But its as real as a simulation can be.

The simulator uses the latest technology to create live scenes that can be changed based on the interactions between officers and people as they happen.

Planning for the new facility started during the pandemic.

Jersey City Deputy Chief Ben Dailey sets the scene. We can use our actors own landscapes and things we see from a Jersey City standpoint, the deputy chief said.

Classrooms and labs are on location with the latest upgrades. The shooting range uses targets that can rotate to reveal weapons or different items. It sharpens an officers split-second decision making says Jersey City Public Safety Director James Shea.

Of the more than 267,000 calls for service our police officers responded to last year, one-tenth involved any kind of use of force. While we wont rest until that number is zero, our efforts to address de-escalation and crime over the past decade are clearly working as crime reaches historic lows. In fact, we are on track to beat last years lowest homicide rate in Jersey City history, said James Shea, Director of the Department of Public Safety.

More New Jersey News

Jersey City Police also have a force investigations unit that reviews actual interactions with officers.

Jersey City revised its use-of-force guidelines to expand de-escalation training requirements in 2020.

Mayor Steven Fulop says the focus is community-driven structural changes.

Our strategic public safety approaches have led to historic decreases in crime over several consecutive years while significantly expanding police/community relations to further build upon de-escalation efforts, said Mayor Fulop.

The facility includes:

360-degree Training Simulator  Fully immerses law enforcement officers in real-world scenarios using real-time simulations based on the participants reactions.

Tactical Training Room  Multipurpose modular sets for tactical training, such as a car stop or clearing a classroom.

2 Firearm Qualification Ranges  Moving targets train law enforcement to make quick decisions when every second counts.

5 Classrooms  Allows for a range of training programs ranging from rendering first aid to adhering to state mandates.

Other agencies, including police and fire agencies, in New Jersey will be able to train at the new facility. Community partners and residents will be invited to visit and participate in activities at the site.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Amid speculation that the Kremlin is considering a new mobilization of conscripts, some potential draftees say they are not enthusiastic about defending Russian territory just over a month after the Ukrainian incursion into Kursk Oblast.

"I won't go (to the front). I swore an oath to the Constitution, not to the criminals (in the Kremlin), Ivan told the Kyiv Independent, referring to an oath he took during military training in college.

He spoke on condition of anonymity due to the fear of reprisals.

Ukraine's game-changing incursion into Kursk Oblast, which began on Aug. 6, exposed Russia's shortage of reserves and the potential need for further forced mobilization two and a half years into its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The Kursk incursion did not stop the grinding pace of Russia's offensive in Ukraines eastern Donetsk Oblast, which has intensified in recent weeks. However, Russia's ongoing eastern offensive since late 2023 has come with costly troop losses.

Around 120,000 Russian troops had been killed since the launch of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, independent Russian media outlets Meduza and Mediazona reported on July 5. Ukraine's General Staff claimed on Sept. 11 that Russia had lost 628,930 troops, including both killed and wounded, since the beginning of its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The figure could not be independently verified.

But analysts say that Russian President Vladimir Putin thinks Russia can still make gains on the front without resorting to mobilization, which would be politically and economically painful. This is why he may postpone mobilization even further, sticking with a policy that aims to make Russians feel the war is going according to plan and does not affect them.

I think (a mobilization of conscripts is) unlikely, U.S. military expert Michael Kofman told the Kyiv Independent. There is no evidence of another mobilization. Manpower is a growing challenge for Russia relative to their objectives, but I suspect this is more a conversation for later in 2025.

Putin dragged his feet before announcing the first mobilization of conscripts in September 2022, after his invading armys attempt to capture Kyiv failed but swaths of territory in southern and eastern Ukraine were seized. That mobilization was carried out following Russias failure to hold the line in Kharkiv Oblast amid a lightning Ukrainian counteroffensive.

A graph of Russian Territorial Gains. (Dragon Capital)

One of the reasons for the delay, experts think, is the Kremlins fear of social discontent, both from those supporting the war and those against.

"The worse the poll numbers, the more often the elite would think that Putin is not coping with his duties," Russian political analyst Dmitry Oreshkin told the Kyiv Independent.

Read also: Could mobilization, battlefield defeats cost Putin his regime?

Russia's reserves problem

Bloomberg reported last month that the Russian army is not receiving enough new soldiers to keep up with losses at the front, which are the heaviest since the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022. The news agency cited undisclosed sources close to the Kremlin and Russian Defense Ministry.

The need to replenish military reserves became more acute amid Ukraine's incursion into Kursk Oblast.

The situation may force Russia to announce a new mobilization of conscripts by the end of this year, Bloomberg reported, citing two sources who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Ukraine's General Staff publishes its claimed losses that Russian troops have taken since the beginning of the full-scale invasion. It doesn't reveal its own losses publicly. (Dragon Capital)

Russia's Defense Ministry claimed in December 2023 that it had recruited 640,000 contract soldiers since the fall of 2022. IStories and the Conflict Intelligence Team disputed this estimate in August 2024, saying that only 426,000 soldiers had received signing-on bonuses for contracts with the military.

One sign of Russia's problems with manpower is the skyrocketing payouts to volunteer fighters joining the military.

As it became harder for Russia to recruit soldiers, payouts for signing a contract with the military, including both federal and regional ones, reached more than 1 million rubles ($11,000) on average in August, according to the IStories investigative journalism project. The payouts in Moscow, St. Petersburg and Karachay-Cherkessia hit more than 2 million rubles ($22,000) the same month.

In comparison, payouts to contract soldiers amounted to around 200,000-300,000 rubles in early 2023.

Russian independent media outlet Novaya Gazeta reported in June that regional payouts to new recruits had increased by a whopping 80 times since the beginning of the full-scale invasion.

Speaking on Ukrainian television, military expert Kostyantyn Mashovets said on Sept. 6 that Russia had been trying to create new reserves but that the scale and pace of this reserve formation are much lower than before.

Due to the lack of reserves, Russia's General Staff is likely to persuade Putin to announce a new mobilization this fall, Mashovets said.

"The situation with reserves in Russia is clearly not what they had expected," he added.

Dragon Capital cites information from the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces about the evolution of the Russian Invasion Force in Ukraine. (Dragon Capital)

Polish military analyst Konrad Muzyka told the Kyiv Independent that "as long as Russia is able to recruit 30,000 (volunteer fighters a month) minimum, I don't think they want to conduct the second wave of mobilization."

"(But) if we see a big drop in the recruitment numbers, then probably the second wave of mobilization will be possible," he added.

Vadym Skibitsky, a spokesman for Ukraine's military intelligence, said in January that about 30,000 volunteer fighters were signing contracts with the Russian military per month.

The Kyiv Independent could not independently verify this figure, and it is not clear if it has changed since then.

Russia's total number of troops included 1.3 million troops in August 2023, according to German data gathering agency Statista.

Russia's invasion force in Ukraine is smaller than the total number of troops.

Putin claimed in June that there were almost 700,000 Russian troops in Ukraine and Russian areas bordering Ukraine but the claim could not be independently verified. Ukraine's Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said the same month that Russia's invasion force comprised 520,000 troops, and Russia was planning to increase it to 690,000 by the end of 2024.

Ukraine is estimated to have fewer troops. Zelensky said in January that the Ukrainian army included 880,000 troops. However, military analysts say that the part of the army involved in fighting on the front line is smaller.

Read also: Putin lacks troops in Ukraine but fears mobilization in Russia

Young conscripts

One way for Russia to avoid announcing a new mobilization is to instead use young conscripts who undergo compulsory military service every year.

Annual military service applies to men aged 18 to 30 in peacetime and wartime, while mobilization is only announced during a war and applies to men aged 18 to 55  mostly those who have already served in the army or undergone military training.

Due to the lack of troops in Kursk Oblast, Russia has to use young conscripts en masse in the region, according to military analysts and independent Russian media.

The use of young conscripts in the war is a sensitive political issue since their service in the war is not voluntary, and it can potentially trigger protests from their mothers.

The death of contract soldiers does not cause a backlash from the Russian society because they serve voluntarily but conscripts are sent to the front by force, Russian political analyst Yekaterina Shulman told Deutsche Welle on Sept. 5.

"Conscripts are politically risky material," she added. "They are seen as children whom their mothers entrusted to the state. If one of them gets killed, it is perceived as an injustice."

Dragon Capital cites information from the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces about the daily average of Russian forces losses. (Dragon Capital)

However, the Kremlin probably calculates it can afford using young conscripts in Kursk Oblast since the scale of their deployment is not big enough, according to Russian political analyst Andrei Kolesnikov and a political analyst based in Russia who spoke on the condition of anonymity due to the fear of reprisals.

"Few people know about this and seriously pay attention to it. It has not become a nationwide topic due to the conditions of information blockades and repression," Kolesnikov said.

The analyst based in Russia said this is not a major problem for the Kremlin because "there are only a few thousand of these conscripts (in Kursk Oblast) at most."

Dragon Capital cites information from the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces about a 7-day average of Russian forces. (Dragon Capital)

Another way to tone down the problem for the Kremlin is to force these young conscripts to sign contracts with the military, Oreshkin told the Kyiv Independent. This way they formally cease to be conscripts and become volunteer fighters.

"Only one person out of a hundred can refuse to sign a contract under such pressure," he said.

Read also: Kursk incursion deals blow to Putins prestige marking first ground invasion of Russia since World War II

A successful offensive?

However, the political analyst based in Russia argued that Russia would not carry out a mobilization any time soon because the Kremlin sees the situation on the front line as successful.

The Kremlin took a rational approach, not an emotional one, and decided not to redirect any significant reserves from Donetsk Oblast to Russias Kursk Oblast when the Ukrainian incursion began on Aug. 6, he said. Since Russia is still advancing in Donetsk Oblast, the Kremlin sees no need for mobilization, according to the analyst.

"They think they are winning the war," he said. "As long as everything goes well, Putin will not carry out a mobilization."

Putin boasted about Russia's alleged military successes on Sept. 5, claiming that Ukraine had "weakened itself" by launching its operation in Kursk Oblast. Ukraine transferred "fairly large and well-trained units" to Kursk Oblast, allowing Russian troops to accelerate their offensive in the east of Ukraine, Putin claimed.

Moreover, the Kremlin does not need to announce a mobilization now because "it seems like they don't intend to reclaim the occupied territories (in Kursk Oblast in the near future), and not much is needed just to hold them," the analyst based in Russia said.

Read also: Undistracted by Kursk offensive, Russia cuts deeper toward Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast

Public discontent

Another reason why mobilization is likely to be postponed is its unpopularity.

Putin's approval rating fell from 83% in August 2022 to 77% in September 2022 amid the first mobilization, according to the Levada Center.

According to the Levada Center, 47% of the respondents felt "anxiety, fear and terror" due to the first mobilization in September 2022.

Oreshkin said that Putin "will avoid mobilization until the very last moment" because it would provoke social discontent and a drop in his approval rating.

Mobilization would "affect the entire country" and would mean that "the war has entered every home," Oreshkin told the Kyiv Independent.

"Putin believes the entire nation supports him. It's important for the polls to show he's doing everything right," Oreshkin said.

A popular uprising is unlikely because of Russia's harsh authoritarian regime but such popular discontent could trigger a coup d'etat, Oreshkin added.

Kolesnikov agreed that mobilization would be hugely unpopular.

"Mobilization would destroy an unwritten social contract according to which social peace is maintained because the majority of the male population is not sent to the trenches, and in principle, the population of Russia retains the possibility of private life and distancing themselves from the war," he said. "This suits both the majority of the population and the authorities."

A popular uprising is unlikely.

Another factor that impedes mobilization is its economic impact.

"Mobilization will objectively hit the economy hard; it's not just a political problem anymore," the political analyst based in Russia said. "The country is facing a severe labor shortage."

Read also: What the fall of Pokrovsk would mean for Russias war in Ukraine

Popular mood

According to an August poll by the Levada Center, 24% of the respondents expected a second wave of mobilization in the upcoming months, up from 18% in February.

The number of those who think mobilization was necessary rose from 10% in February to 13% in August.

According to the Levada Center, 46% of the respondents were worried in August about the possibility of mobilization.

Russian army new conscripts attend a religious service at the Trinity Cathedral before their departure for garrisons in Saint Petersburg, Russia on May 23, 2023. (Olga Maltseva / AFP via Getty Images)

Ivan, a potential conscript, told the Kyiv Independent that, if a mobilization is announced, he would try to move to another city or abroad -- unless the borders are closed.

He said that he moved to Georgia for a short time after the first mobilization was announced in 2022.

Konstantin, who supports Russias war but does not want to fight himself, does not expect to be mobilized. He thinks the authorities "have got things organized, recruited as many (contract soldiers) as needed, theyre still continuing to recruit, and they pay well for a contract."

A third potential conscript, Yury, said he would try to avoid conscription and was considering leaving the country.

Lets put it this way: during another one or two waves (of mobilization) Ill probably slip through if theres no force majeure but after that the chances of getting caught in the mess increase significantly, he said.

Kyiv Independent reporter Asami Terajima contributed to this report.

Editor's note: The names of potential Russian conscripts were changed due to the fear of reprisals.

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
There is shock and dismay on Russian state television, since Moscows true preferred candidate Donald Trump was no match for Vice President Kamala Harris in Tuesdays debate. Now, Putins top propagandists are eating crow, having walked into a trap of their own creation, after weeks of dismissing Harris as a weak, feeble-minded contender.

In the run-up to this presidential debate, Russian state TV propagandists constantly predicted that the charismatic Trumppreviously described as our Donaldwould resoundingly defeat his opponent. Theyve consistently described Harris as a stupid, inexperienced newcomer, who simply cannot function without a teleprompter, even citing ridiculous conspiracy theories from the likes of Alex Jones to assert that the Vice President has a severe performance anxiety and would show up to the debate high on drugs.

The coverage of the U.S. presidential race on Russian state TV was jam packed with compilations of Harris laughing or select quotes they repeatedly claimed no one could understand. Many of their clips came straight from Fox News, in which various hosts roundly mocked Harris and praised Trump.

On the night of the debate, this approach was still in use. During the broadcast of the show At Dawn on the Solovyov Live channel, immediately preceding the airing of the debate, host Kristina Busarova said that an experienced politician like Trump would most certainly steamroll Harris, describing the Vice President as not smart and not savvy. As she watched translated clips of the debate live on-air, Busarova looked deflated and confused.

Likewise, hosts and pundits on Russian state television struggled to explain the disparity between the way Kamala Harris was smeared in their relentlessly dismissive coverage, and the way she performed during the debate.

Vladimir Solovyov did not enjoy the debate anywhere near as much as he was expecting. Vesti

Unable to effectively defend Trumps dismal performance, Russian propagandists resorted to arguing that their favorite candidate was somehow sabotaged or disadvantaged. Notorious state TV host Vladimir Solovyov was appalled that moderator David Muir fact-checked Trumps harebrained attempt to promote an unfounded conspiracy theory that Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio are capturing and eating their neighbors pet cats and dogs. Solovyov exclaimed that Muirs intervention was inappropriate, angrily asking, Why would he do that? I thought he was supposed to be unbiased!

Appearing on Solovyovs morning show Full Contact, Russian state TV host Dimitri Simes, who served as Trumps former adviser in his first presidential campaign and was recently indicted in the United States, was long-faced for many different reasons. He conceded that Harris outperformed Trump but complained about trivial issues that supposedly undermined the former presidents ability to dominate in this debate.

Simes recalled Trumps insistence that Harris should not be allowed to stand on boxes or artificial lifts, which he described as an important chance for Donald to tower over a woman of a much smaller stature. The indicted state TV host complained that the difference in height was imperceptible in a split-screen, where both candidates were shown on the same level.

Despite their disappointment, Putins propagandists did find a bright spot for Moscow in the devastatingly disappointing debate. Trumps refusal to say that he wants Ukraine to win in its battle against Russias invasion seemed to make them feel warm and fuzzy. Solovyov asked Simes to elaborate as to how Trump is planning to quickly end the war between Russia and Ukraine. Trumps former adviser said that the ex-president would simply tell Ukraine to concede to Putins demands, and cut off all U.S. aid if the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky refuses to do so.

On a show The Meeting Place the disparity between the way Harris was routinely portrayed by their media, as opposed to Tuesdays performance, was also highlighted. Political scientist Gevorg Mirzayan said that the only thing Harris can be lauded for is for proving that she can indeed read and write and is not a complete fool. With notable irritation, host Ivan Trushkin pointed out, Lets not forget that it was you who constantly called her that.

A panelist from the Russian International Affairs Council, Alexey Naumov said, She [Kamala Harris] managed to lure Trump into every trap she set up for him... I wish I hadnt watched that. He added, The goal before the candidates in this debate was to attract the undecided voters. What did Trump say? I did not lose the 2020 election. This is an unpopular position. He also said, Migrants are coming to our country and eating our pets.

Naumov reiterated, Your goal is to demonstrate your moderate position and attract undecided voters, and you say, Illegals are devouring dogs. This sounds like a premise from hell, it attracts no one to your side... Thats why Ms. Harris is the one who can drink champagne today.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Dmitry Peskov, the spokesperson for Russian ruler Vladimir Putin, believes that the decision to authorise Ukraine to strike targets deep into Russian territory with US-supplied ATACMS missiles has been made.

Source: Kremlin-aligned Russian news agency RIA Novosti

Details: Peskov also believes that this decision is now being "formalised" through the media.

Putin's spokesman noted that the involvement of the United States and European countries in Russia's war against Ukraine "is direct, and each new step increases it".

"The very fact of the SVO ('special military operation' is how the Russian propaganda calls the war against Ukraine  ed.) is a response to possible strikes deep into Russia," Peskov said.

Why it matters: Russia invaded and occupied Ukrainian Crimea and part of Donbas back in 2014. In 2022, the Russian Federation launched the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, attacking civilian settlements across the country at night with missiles and bombs. It was noteworthy that Russian propagandists in the early days actively spread statements that "Russia will take Kyiv in 3 days", and Russian soldiers advancing on Kyiv were carrying their full-dress uniforms to parade down Khreshchatyk [main street in Kyiv  ed.] during these "3 days".

However, the Armed Forces of Ukraine managed to drive the Russians out of Kyiv, Chernihiv and Sumy oblasts. And they are continuing to hold back the Russians on other fronts.

Sensing that it would not be possible to achieve victory, Russia began to promote the idea of alleged peace talks through which it wants to retain all the occupied territories. At the same time, the Russians are continuing to terrorise Ukraine, striking at energy and civilian infrastructure and residential buildings. Most often, they do this at night.

Despite the huge number of weapons and equipment, the Russian army is suffering heavy losses. And as of 2 September 2024  after more than 10 years of war and more than two and a half years of full-scale invasion  the Russians have not been able to achieve even the smallest strategic victory: occupying the whole of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts. In the cities and villages in the east of Ukraine, battles continue for every street and house. The Russians are trying to look for weapons and mercenaries in other countries.

Read also: Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi's raid: how the Ukrainian offensive in Russia's Kursk Oblast is progressing and what to expect next

Putin continues to distort reality in his speeches and statements, trying to make Russia the victim while seeking support from China and North Korea. In particular, he is buying missiles from North Korea which he launches at peaceful settlements in Ukraine.

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.

At present, Ukraine is asking its partners for authorisation to use long-range weapons provided by the West to hit military targets deep inside Russia.

Generals, diplomats and civil society leaders have signed an open letter to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, calling for Ukraine to be authorised to strike deep into Russia with long-range weapons provided by its partners.

A group of US House Republicans also called on the White House to lift restrictions on Ukraine's use of US-supplied long-range weapons, including ATACMS missiles, deep into Russian territory.

On 10 September, US President Joe Biden hinted that the US might lift restrictions on Ukraine's use of long-range weapons in Russia.

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Former Sen. Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.) is one step closer to a political comeback, winning her partys primary Tuesday to set up one of this years most competitive gubernatorial races.

Ayotte will face off against Democrat Joyce Craig, most recently the mayor of Manchester, for New Hampshires open gubernatorial seat in the fall after GOP Gov. Chris Sununu decided to not seek another term.

Ayotte defeated a crowded field that included former state Senate President Chuck Morse, and Craig emerged victorious after a heated primary with Executive Councilor Cinde Warmington.



National groups have already had a significant role in the primary, given theres such a short runway before the general election. Ayotte had the support of Sununu, who chose not to run for reelection this year after flirting with a presidential bid, as well as the Republican Governors Association, which donated more than $2 million to her campaign through an affiliated group.

Democrats have also been spending heavily, with the Democratic Governors Association pouring in around $9 million on advertisements in the primary targeting Ayotte over abortion and for supporting former President Donald Trump, whom she disavowed in 2016 but embraced this year.

Meanwhile, Ayotte spent the primary crafting her message on abortion  a topic that Republicans across the country have struggled with time and time again, particularly in gubernatorial contests. In response to the Democratic attacks, the former senator 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. She also lambasted Craig for her tenure as mayor of Manchester, pointing to crime and homelessness in the city.

Ayotte enters the general election with a fundraising advantage over Craig, according to the most recent campaign finance reports.



In 2016, the last time there was an open gubernatorial race in New Hampshire, Republicans won by just 2 points, when Sununu defeated former Executive Councilor Colin Van Ostern. (Van Ostern unsuccessfully ran for the states open 2nd Congressional District this year against Maggie Goodlander, a former DOJ official in the Biden administration and wife of National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, in another contentious primary.) President Joe Biden won the state by around 7 points in 2020.

Delaware also held its gubernatorial primaries Tuesday, where New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer won after a messy battle against Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long. Hall-Long  who had the support of major players in the states Democratic establishment, including term-limited Gov. John Carney and the state Democratic Party  was dogged by a campaign finance scandal that came to light amid her campaign.



Beyond New Hampshire, the other major governor races in November are in North Carolina and Washington state. In the Tarheel State, Democratic state Attorney General Josh Stein is looking to hold the seat for his party, as Gov. Roy Cooper is term-limited. Hell be up against state Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson  a controversial but also potentially history-making candidate. If elected, Robinson would be the states first Black governor and one of just a handful of Black governors to ever serve. More than $90 million has already been placed in that race on ads since the March primary through Election Day, according to ad tracker AdImpact.

And in Washington, Democratic state Attorney General Bob Ferguson is looking to hold off former GOP Rep. Dave Reichert for the open seat race. Republicans hope that Reicherts prominent profile gives them a chance in a blue-leaning state.
LAWRENCEBURG, Ky. (AP)  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 distillerys 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 Kentuckys picturesque bourbon country has been Russells 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 bourbons revival  creating some of the premium whiskeys that are cocktail staples and becoming a global front man for his brand and the bourbon sector.

Read more of the latest bourbon news

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 hasnt 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, Eddies son and Jimmys 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 Jimmys longevity puts him in a special class.

The elder Russell teamed up with his son and grandson on a special project recognizing the familys 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 thats 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.

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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.

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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.

Read more of the latest Kentucky news

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 youre going to do something, do it right or dont 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 Noes 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 worlds 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, youre 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 fathers longevity. The bourbon business wasnt discussed at home, as she made sure to keep her husbands 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 its 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 hasnt dimmed. Asked to name his favorite bourbon, he replied: One of each.

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BECKLEY, WV (WVNS)  In the wake of a recent school shooting in Georgia, the president of the Raleigh County Education Association, President John Quesenberry, said members of the RCEA had different opinions on whether or not willing teachers should be permitted to carry firearms in their classrooms during school hours.

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Theyre all for school safety, Quesenberry said on Tuesday, September 10, 2024. Some support teachers or someone in the building being able to defend them. Others think no, that would make it more dangerous, having more guns in there.

GIFs turn 35 this year, what is West Virginias most used GIF?

Quesenberry said, members of the RCEA support a new technology which would allow teachers to use their school-issued ID cards to electronically contact Raleigh County Emergency Operations in case of an active shooter.

Quesenberry is a teacher at Woodrow Wilson High School.





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BECKLEY, WV (WVNS)  Within the first month of the academic year, Raleigh County teachers were preparing on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, to lead their students in ALICE drills, an acronym for Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, and Evacuate.

ALICE drills are practice for what teachers and students should do if an armed intruder comes into their school to kill them.

They have also gotten to know their School Resource Officers, armed police officers stationed inside their schools.

The idea behind the ALICE is that they can make the best decision for their room, to keep them safe, whether thats hiding in place, locking down their room, barricading or evacuating the building, Cpl. Joseph Hunter of Beckley Police Department said on Monday. The ALICE is designed to empower each teacher to make that decision for whats best for them.

Four people arrested in Fayette County in relation to burglary, grand larceny, and buying stolen goods

Cpl. Hunter, an armed school resource officer at Beckley Stratton Middle School (BEST), said every classroom will not have the same option in the case of an active shooter.

BEST sixth-grade teacher Allison Adkins, president of the faculty senate, and other Raleigh County teachers were preparing the best they could to lead their students in ALICE drills.

She explained the ALICE drill process.

The school system comes on the speaker and says that were doing a drill, she said. (Students) know, at that point, we have to decide, are we barricading the door, are we staying in a classroom and hiding whatever, are we evacuating?

The Salt Sulphur Springs Resort listed for sale at more than $1.7 million

American students have grown up seeing images of terrified children and educators trapped in their classrooms, along with the names and faces of those killed inside the countrys schools.

They have grown up learning that it is their responsibility to have a plan for action if their school is ever targeted by a gunman.

Ms. Adkins said the students seem to consider the drills second nature.

They dont seem as panicked, as teachers, maybe, do, she said. They seem like they understand what it is, and the severity of it, so when we go through our drills, theyve very quiet. They participate exactly as theyre supposed to.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS.
Nearly two-and-a-half years after the Suzanne Morphew case was dismissed, the embattled district attorney who led the doomed Barry Morphew prosecution has been disbarred.

In an 83-page ruling, the state office that regulates attorney behavior said that Linda Stanley did not adequately supervise prosecution of the case, made multiple extrajudicial statements to the media about the murder, which threatened to prejudice Morphew, and investigated the district judge presiding over the case without credible evidence to do so.

In its decision, the Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel noted that its not its duty to decide whether the prosecution team could have done a better job of prosecuting the Morphew case. Rather, it must decide whether Stanley violated her duties in how she handled the case, which a lead investigator likened to a ships captain who never appeared on the bridge.

Stanleys defended herself during her disciplinary hearing, noting that rural counties like hers in the 11th Judicial District are strapped for resources, and despite that, she was able to assemble a team of veteran prosecutors to litigate the murder of 49-year-old Suzanne Morphew.

Morphew case dismissal

On April 19, 2022, Judge Ramsey Lama moved to dismiss the charges against Barry Morphew without prejudice.

Stanley relinquished the case not long after that but continued to head up the 11th Judicial District, which includes five counties.

Stanley did not respond to attempts by The Denver Gazette for a response to her disbarment.

The Morphew case is now in the hands of 12th Judicial District Attorney Anne Kelly, who told The Denver Gazette last month in a statement that the investigation into the remains of Suzanne Morphew is ongoing. The 12th Judicial District Attorneys office is assisting with that investigation.

The decision

Large posted the Stanley decision Tuesday afternoon.

Complaints against Stanley as a prosecutor were not limited to the Morphew case. A case of child abuse resulting in death out of Fremont county frustrated the family of the 10-month-old baby who said they never got justice due in part to a sit-down interview Stanley gave to a local television station.

Referencing the case, the Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel board noted that Stanley, in an effort to rehabilitate her image with the media, made extrajudicial statements about the childs mother and boyfriend. This time, she noted that one of the defendants was guilty, impugned his character and revealed his sexually based juvenile offenses, according to the OARC decision.

In the interview, aired Aug. 21, 2023, Stanley commented on the babys mother, Brook Crawford, and her relationship with her boyfriend, stating that I think she saw a live-in babysitter. Now. she can just really pound out the hours, right? Shes got a live-in babysitter now; she doesnt have to worry about anything, right?

I mean, Im going to be very blunt here. He had zero investment in this child. Zero. He is watching that baby so he can get laid. Thats it, Stanley said.

Stanley explained during her disciplinary hearing that she thought she was off-the-record, but the OARC board thought she should have known better.

The criminal case into the 10-month-olds death was dismissed by the judge due to prejudice she said Stanley caused to the two defendants accused in his murder.

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In the last several years since the dismissal of the Morphew case, the Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel received at least four complaints against Stanley, including one from the aforementioned judge, one from the Fremont County Sheriff, another from a citizen who helped with the initial searches for Suzanne Morphew, and one from Iris Eytan, Morphews former criminal defense attorney.

Eytan, who now runs an organization called Protect Ethical Prosecutors, said that she filed her complaint in April 2023.

The most egregious unethical behavior Ms. Stanley committed was violating Barry Morphews presumption of innocence using the national and local media to make it that appear that Barry was guilty before he even set foot in a jury trial, said Eytan, adding that she is encouraged to see that the system worked.

Stanleys nine-day hearing over two weeks in Denver was similar to a trial, with witnesses and competing sides offering arguments, except there was no jury.

Stanleys fate was decided by a three-person board that included Large.

The unsolved Morphew case

Suzanne Morphew, 49, went missing from her remote mountain home  about a 15-minute drive west of Salida  sometime on May 9-10 in 2020.

Thousands of people turned out to look for her on horseback, on foot and in the streams and rivers.

Barry Morphew was arrested nearly a year later, on May 5, 2021, on suspicion of first-degree murder and tampering with physical evidence in her disappearance.

Then-Judge Ramsey Lama agreed to dismiss all charges against Barry Morphew, without prejudice, just nine days before he was to stand trial in connection with the first-degree murder of his wife and mother of their two daughters.

Without prejudice means that prosecutors can re-file charges in the future.

Suzanne Morphews remains were found in September, three years after she went missing. No new charges have been filed and the investigation is ongoing.

Whats next for Stanley

Stanley will have a chance to appeal the decision, but according to the lengthy order, she must start notifying clients and winding up her affairs.

She has until Sept. 21 to file any motions and she has been directed to pay the cost of the disciplinary proceedings by Sept. 24.

She has the right to question the costs.
A Sanderson High School student faces criminal charges after allegedly bringing a firearm onto a schoolbus this week, Raleigh police said Wednesday.

According to a news release, the juvenile, who police declined to name because of their age, reportedly brought the gun onto the bus sometime Monday. School administrators reported the incident to police the next day, the release said.

Police declined to share the juveniles age or gender.

The Raleigh Police Department encourages everyone to remove firearms from their vehicles and lock their doors, the release said. We are also encouraging everyone to keep their firearms secure in their homes to prevent them from falling into the hands of those who are not supposed to have them.

Police did not say if they believed the firearm had been stolen. Wake County Public School System officials could not be reached for comment Wednesday.

This article will be updated as more information becomes available.
The urge to "do something" in the face of tragic events, no matter if that something is constructive or destructive, is irresistible for most politicians. We see that with Sen. Raphael Warnock (DGa.), who concedes he can't think of any law that could have presented a recent school shooting. But that doesn't stop him from advocating more legislation anyway. It's a bad habit among officials that threatens more friction between government and the public without solving any problems.

"There Is No One Single Law That Will Stop All of These Tragedies"

Last week's murder of four people by yet another mass shooter at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia was a topic of conversation on the latest edition of Meet the Press.

"Do you think that there is any law that could have prevented this tragedy in your state, senator?" Meet the Press host Kristin Welker asked the lawmaker.

Warnock expressed sympathy for the people of Winder, as well as concern over the recurrence of mass killings in the United States which he described as a "tragic form of American exceptionalism." He went on at such length that Welker reiterated her original question, asking "is there a specific law" that the senator thinks could have prevented the crime.

"Listen, there is no one single law that will stop all of these tragedies," Warnock finally conceded.

That's where the conversation should have endedat least when it comes to legislation. If somebody commits a horrible crime, and a legislator can't think of a law that would have prevented such a crime, then there's no role in the matter for legislators. And that's fine; government and law are blunt instruments that have little to offer beyond setting penalties to be imposed when somebody is caught engaging in what most people agree are unacceptable actssuch as murder. Preventing bad people from committing those acts anyway is more of a cultural concern.

But Warnock is a political creature who sees government as the solution to all of life's ills. Never mind that he can't think of "one single law that will stop all of these tragedies," he thinks the state should do something anyway.

The Senator Still Wants More Laws

"Any country that allows this to continue without putting forward just commonsense gun safety measures is a country that has, in a tragic way, just lost its way," he huffed.

But just what are "commonsense gun safety measures" if there's no one law that could have prevented the murders at Apalachee High School?

Welker pressed Warnock, repeatedly, on whether he'd advocate a "mandatory gun buyback" programcompensated confiscationof the sort that Democratic presidential hopeful Kamala Harris once favored, but now claims to reject.

"I think, again, there's not one single thing that will make all of this go away," he answered.

Warnock did vaguely favor getting "these military-style weapons" off the streets with regard to the AR-15 family of rifles, and he made happy noises about "universal background checks," but he refused to advocate for any specific law after admitting he couldn't think of one that would have changed events.

He did repeat his "tragic form of American exceptionalism" line while calling for unspecified "reasonable gun safety laws." He must have practiced that turn of phrase.

Unenforceable Laws Just Create Friction

It's for the best that Warnock didn't let himself get pinned down on gun laws. Governments can't even get people to register guns (for good reason, when confiscation is on the table). Connecticut's 2013 "assault weapon" (semiautomatic rifles with a military appearance) registration law achieved roughly 15 percent compliance, while a similar law in New York drew compliance from less than 5 percent of those affected (more than 40 percent of those who originally obeyed ignored mandatory re-registration in 2020). Trying to seize guns and fulfilling fears of a massive gun grab would certainly inspire even greater defiance.

Universal background checks are even less enforceable. Private kitchen-table transactions aren't subject to government scrutiny and control. Research into such laws finds low compliance.

Again, lawmakers can be somewhat effective when they confine themselves to setting penalties for committing acts that virtually everybody agrees are wrong. They're not good at scaring large segments of society out of doing things many people believe are perfectly acceptable exercises of individual rights.

And bad people who want to hurt others tend to do so even if the acts they have in mindsuch as murder and mayhemare illegal. They just use the tools at hand.

The Solution Isn't Found in More Laws

In the U.K., where guns are strictly restricted, criminals often choose to use knives (or illegal gunsthey're criminals, after all). Lawmakers responded with strict laws, calls for knife registration (really), and a recent ban on machetes and "zombie knives" (scary-looking knives inspired by zombie movies).

Somehow this hasn't stopped people who don't care about laws from continuing to commit crimes.

Part of the issue is that politicians exaggerate problems for political gain or because people get scared and press lawmakers to "do something." The UK's "knife-crime epidemic" involves hundreds of deaths in a nation of 67 million people. Likewise, Warnock insists "it's not safe to be in" schools, shopping malls, spas, and medical clinics, which is nonsense. Despite a surge in crime coinciding with the pandemic lockdowns, violent crime appears to have resumed its downward slide.

"Using the FBI data, the violent crime rate fell 49% between 1993 and 2022, with large decreases in the rates of robbery (-74%), aggravated assault (-39%) and murder/nonnegligent manslaughter (-34%)," according to Pew Research.

Mass shootings are undoubtedly troubling, but they remain rare, accounting for 0.2 percent of firearm deaths (suicides make up 60 percent). That makes them a poor target for policy of any sort.

But when you're a political creature like Raphael Warnock, your hammer is legislation, and every concern looks like a nail. He concedes he can't think of a law that would make a difference and then calls for more laws, anyway.

While Warnock refuses to specify just what laws he means, we can be sure that legislation intended to resolve a real but rare concern but applied to everybody will meet defiance and cause more friction between government and the public. Often, the best thing government officials can do is nothing.

The post Raphael Warnock Admits Laws Won't Stop School Shootings but Wants More Anyway appeared first on Reason.com.
A rare copy of the US Constitution went missing for centuries. Now its being auctioned for millions

Historical document appraiser and collector Seth Kaller spreads a broad sheet of paper across a desk. Its in good enough condition that he can handle it, carefully, with clean, bare hands. There are just a few creases and tiny discolorations, even though its just a few weeks shy of 237 years old and has spent who knows how long inside a filing cabinet in North Carolina.

At the top of the first page are familiar words but in regular type instead of the sweeping Gothic script were used to seeing: WE, the People 

And the people will get a chance to bid for this copy of the U.S. Constitution  the only of its type thought to be in private hands  at a sale by Brunk Auctions on Sept. 28 in Asheville, North Carolina.

The minimum bid for the auction of $1 million has already been made. There is no minimum price that must be reached.

This copy was printed after the Constitutional Convention finished drafting the proposed framework of the nations government in 1787 and sent it to the Congress of the ineffective first American government under the Articles of Confederation, requesting they send it to the states to be ratified by the people.

Its one of about 100 copies printed by the secretary of that Congress, Charles Thomson. Just eight are known to still exist and the other seven are publicly owned.

Auctioneer Andrew Brunk talks about a 1787 copy of the U.S. Constitution that will be put up for auction on Sept. 28, 2024 at Brunk Auctions in Asheville, N.C., on Thursday, Sept. 5. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Collins)

An 1787 copy of the U.S. Constitution that will be put up for auction on Sept. 28, 2024, is shown at Brunk Auctions in Asheville, North Carolina, on Thursday, Sept. 5. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Collins)

Historian Seth Kaller shows off a 1787 copy of the U.S. Constitution that will be put up for auction on Sept. 28, 2024 at Brunk Auctions in Asheville, N.C., on Thursday, Sept. 5. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Collins)

A 1787 copy of the U.S. Constitution that will be put up for auction on Sept. 28 at Brunk Auctions in Asheville, N.C., is seen in this photo. (Brunk Auctions via AP)

A 1787 copy of the U.S. Constitution that will be put up for auction on Sept. 28 at Brunk Auctions in Asheville, North Carolina, was found inside this filing cabinet in Edenton, N.C. (Brunk Auctions via AP)

Auctioneer Andrew Brunk, left, and historian Seth Kaller, right show off a 1787 copy of the U.S. Constitution that will be put up for auction on Sept. 28, 2024 at Brunk Auctions in Asheville, N.C., on Thursday, Sept. 5. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Collins)

Part of an 1787 copy of the U.S. Constitution that will be put up for auction on Sept. 28, 2024 is shown at Brunk Auctions in Asheville, North Carolina, on Thursday, Sept. 5. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Collins)

An 1787 copy of the U.S. Constitution that will be put up for auction on Sept. 28, 2024 is shown at Brunk Auctions in Asheville, N.C., on Thursday, Sept. 5. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Collins)

Thomson likely signed two copies for each of the original 13 states, essentially certifying them. They were sent to special ratifying conventions, where representatives, all white and male, wrangled for months before accepting the structure of the United States government that continues today.

This is the point of connection between the government and the people. The Preamble  we the people  this is the moment the government is asking the people to empower them, auctioneer Andrew Brunk said.

What happened to the document up for auction between Thomsons signature and 2022 isnt known.

Two years ago, a property was being cleared out in Edenton in eastern North Carolina that was once owned by Samuel Johnston. He was the governor of North Carolina from 1787 to 1789 and he oversaw the state convention during his last year in office that ratified the Constitution.

The copy was found inside a squat, two-drawer metal filing cabinet with a can of stain on top, in a long-neglected room piled high with old chairs and a dusty book case, before the old Johnston house was preserved. The document was a broad sheet that could be folded one time like a book.

I get calls every week from people who think they have a Declaration of Independence or a Gettysburg Address and most of the time it is just a replica, but every so often something important gets found, said Kaller, who appraises, buys and sells historic documents.

This is a whole other level of importance, he added.

Along with the Constitution on the broad sheet printed front and back is a letter from George Washington asking for ratification. He acknowledged there will have to be compromise and that rights the states enjoyed will have to be given up for the nations long-term health.

To secure all rights of independent sovereignty to each and yet provide for the interest and safety for all  individuals entering into society must give up a share of liberty to preserve the rest, wrote the man who would become the first U.S. president.

Brunk isnt sure what the document might go for because there is so little to compare it to. The last time a copy of the Constitution like this sold was for $400 in 1891. In 2021, Sothebys of New York sold one of only 14 remaining copies of the Constitution printed for the Continental Congress and delegates to the Constitutional Convention for $43.2 million, a record for a book or document.

But that document was meant to be distributed to the Founding Fathers as delegates to the Constitutional Convention. The signed copy being sold later this month was one meant to be sent to leaders in every state so people all around the country could review and decide if thats how they wanted to be governed, connecting the writers of the Constitution to the people in the states who would provide its power and legitimacy.

The auction listing doesnt identify the seller, saying its part of a collection that is in private hands.

Other items up for auction in Asheville including a 1776 first draft of the Articles of Confederation and a 1788 Journal of the Convention of North Carolina at Hillsborough where representatives spent two weeks debating if ratifying the Constitution would put too much power with the nation instead of the states.

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Rash of threats in Oakland County and nationwide has schools on alert as cops investigate

Following a rash of online threats to schools and as charges were being issued Wednesday against three juveniles, Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said he wanted parents across metro Detroit to tell their children the following warning from police:

If you make a threat against a school, whether you intend to carry that out or just think its a joke, in either category its a crime. It will be investigated, and we will seek charges.

Bouchards warning came at a time that too many Americans across the nation have become resigned to hearing about threats to schools and violence at schools, he said.

Somehow, we have normalized thinking threatening thoughts or saying threatening things about schools, Bouchard said Wednesday. But jokesters wont be laughing after they're charged with serious crimes for threatening schools, he said.

More: Suspect's father in Georgia shooting deaths charged, following example set in Michigan

More: Are the Oxford and Georgia school shootings that similar? Not really. Here's why.

Bouchard spoke at his headquarters in Pontiac, during a news conference about numerous threats or seeming threats that police investigated in just the first week of classes at most schools. As he spoke, three 16-year-old boys from South Lyon East High School were being arraigned following three separate social media posts they made on Sunday.

After school on Monday, a student showed a teacher a screenshot of one post, which stated: guys imma shoot up the school tomorrow. Investigators visited the students home, determined whod left the post and learned that two other students had joined in the group chat to post, Im going to blow up the school.

The headquarters of Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard, where he issued a warning to students not to threaten terrorism against their schools. Bouchard spoke on Sept. 11, 2024 -- a date that recalls terrorist acts against America.

At least 10 students saw the messages, according to the Oakland County Prosecutors Office. Two of the boys were charged with threats of terrorism, a 20-year felony. A third received the lesser charge of intentional threats to commit act of violence against school, school employee or students, a one-year misdemeanor. Posting such talk on social media is not a joke, and the charges we issued will ensure that these students face appropriate consequences, Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald said in a news release.

Two of the students are being held in in Oakland County Childrens Village. The third was released to his parents but is not allowed to leave home, use social media or have any contact with his school. The cases for two of the students will be assigned to court in Washtenaw County, as the students reside there. The third student lives in South Lyon and is to appear in court on Oct. 3.

More: $25K reward offered for information in fatal shooting of MSU grad

Bouchard recounted these other incidents in the last week:

In Pontiac, at Pontiac Middle School, a 13-year-old boy told two other students that he would shoot them. He was removed from school, Bouchard said. Detectives found that the childs home had no firearms. The case is still under investigation, "pending a threat assessment and virtual parent meeting."

In Orion Township, an older person posted on social media about Lake Orion High School that Even though I was treated horribly in high school and middle school, Im proud of myself for not getting revenge or terrorizing anyone. Investigators visited and told the person to stay away from schools, Bouchard said.

In Independence Township, deputies received a tip of a possible school threat involving Clarkston Junior High School in Clarkston. Detectives identified a student who'd made a post, met with the student and parents at their home, and "determined there was no credible threat." Still, they notified school administrators. And Bouchard thanked the tipster, saying, "Even when we dont find anything," police appreciate getting tips, "because we dont know whats on social media unless people report their concerns.

Contact Bill Laytner: blaitner@freepress.com.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: School threats spread fast in affluent Oakland County, Michigan
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  Here is reaction to Tuesday nights debate between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris from political leaders in Texas and New Mexico.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, Republican, via X

Tonight, Kamala Harris proved that now more than ever, we need to elect President Donald Trump. Hell put America first by delivering on his promises to make America safe, strong, & secure again. Most importantly, hell undo the damage created by the failed Biden-Harris Admin.

U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-Texas, via X

The American people deserve better than Donald Trump. We deserve a president who believes in this country, its people, and its opportunities.

New Mexico state Sen. Greg Baca, R-Belen

Tonight President Trump delivered a vision to reform our country to its former greatness. against Vice President Harris, who was unable to explain the failures of the past 3.5 years and instead denied, deflected, and distracted.

Unfortunately for New Mexico, no presidential administration has been able to undo the damage that 100 years of Democrat rule in New Mexico has done. Voting to take New Mexico in a new direction starts by changing leadership at the local level. Your city counselor, mayor, and legislators are your voice to fix our persistent issues with crime, education, and economic stagnation. This November vote for change  vote Republican.

NM Gov. Michelle Lujan-Grisham, Democrat, via X

Its clear that Donald Trump has zero answers on health care  except to undo the Affordable Care Act and kick millions of people off of their health care.

Steve Pearce, chairman of the Republican Party of New Mexico

Trump is in a stronger position through his policies to stabilize the economy, get wages up, and get costs down. On the other hand, Harris avoided addressing important questions about the economy and dodged the critical question of why Americans feel they are worse off than before the past three and a half years of her administration.

The underlying question for Harris is why isnt she already doing the things she is proposing, but, as usual, she did not give voters an answer.

President Trump spoke directly to New Mexicans who know their neighborhoods have become unsafe and to our border communities who feel abandoned, those whom Harris seemed to laugh about. Harris could not explain why her administration opened the border to this crisis on their day one.

Gilberto Hinojosa, chaiman of the Texas Democratic Pary, and Shay Wyrick Cathey, vice chair of Texas Democratic Party

Tonight, Texans witnessed Vice President Kamala Harris show up for us and shared a new way forward. Vice President Harris showed her commitment to safeguarding fundamental freedoms, fortifying our democracy, and creating opportunities for every Texan to thrive, all while Donald Trump barely articulated a coherent thought, much less a coherent vision for the American people. Trumps agenda is nothing short of a power grab, aimed at giving himself unchecked control over our lives, rewarding his billionaire cronies at the expense of hardworking Texans, slashing the benefits weve fought for, and imposing a nationwide abortion ban.

Its clear that Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz are the only ones in this race dedicated to leading us toward a future that is brighter, freer, and full of promise. Texans are ready to send Harris to the White House, to forge a new way forward that we all believe in.

U.S. Rep. Melanie Stansbury, D-New Mexico

Tonight, Americans witnessed a stark contrast between two visions for our countrys future. Vice President Kamala Harris showed that she will be a President for all Americans and will lead with respect, grace, and dignity and has a plan to support our communities. While Donald Trump lied, was incoherent, once again refused to say if he would pass a national abortion ban, refused to concede the 2020 election and lied about January 6th. The choice is clear this November, Kamala Harris and Tim Walz are the way 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 KTSM 9 News.
Recalled deli meat was sold in Fresno, Merced, Visalia, Clovis: this is where

Recalled deli meat was sold in Fresno, Merced, Visalia, Clovis: this is where

FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE)  More than 10 stores across the Central Valley were named by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as having sold the brand of deli meat linked to the countrys largest listeria outbreak in over a decade.

Federal health officials confirmed that various Boars Head deli meat products were contaminated with listeria. Listeriosis, or listeria infection, can cause mild symptoms in some people, such as fever, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. For others, it can be more serious and include symptoms such as headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions.

Boars Head plant linked to deadly outbreak broke food safety rules dozens of times, records show

The recalled products include:

Boars Head food produced between June 11 and July 17 with a 44-day shelf-life

Strassburger brand liverwurst

3 1/2-pound loaves in plastic casing or various weight packages sliced in retail delis

Boars Head products with sell-by dates ranging from July 25, 2024, to Aug. 30, 2024

On the 825-page from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), more than 10 businesses in Merced, Fresno, Clovis and Visalia were named as stocking the recalled products. The businesses listed as selling the affected products are:

Merced

Richwood Meat, at 2751 N. Sante Fe Ave. in Merced

Sprouts, at 171 E. Yosemite Ave. in Merced

Fresno

Market Deli, at 7088 N. West Ave. in Fresno

Piemontes Italian Deli, at 616 E. Olive Ave. in Fresno

Sams Italian Deli, at 2415 N. First St. in Fresno

Sprouts, at 7477 N. Blackstone Ave. in Fresno

Vons, at 5638 E. Kings Canyon Rd. in Fresno

Vons, at 8949 N. Cedar Ave. in Fresno

Clovis

Sprouts, at 850 Herndon Ave. in Clovis

Vons, at 1650 Herndon Ave. in Clovis

Vons, at 3100 Fowler Ave. in Clovis

Visalia

Sprouts, at 3501 S. Mooney Blvd. in Visalia

An estimated 1,600 people get listeria food poisoning each year and about 260 die, according to the CDC. Infections can be hard to pinpoint because symptoms may occur quickly  or up to 10 weeks after eating contaminated food.

The CDC advises consumers not to eat the recalled deli products but instead throw them away or contact stores about returns.

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 YourCentralValley.com | KSEE24 and CBS47.
Red Cross volunteers from Illinois traveling to help with Hurricane Francine relief

PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD)  One local man is headed down south to volunteer for a big cause.

Thomas Trang is a Germantown Hills resident who volunteers with the American Red Cross assisting in disaster relief across the U.S.

Hurricane Francine is headed towards Louisiana currently and is expected to hit the state on Wednesday.

Louisiana residents brace as Tropical Storm Francine is expected to hit their coast as a hurricane

Trang will be going to the Baton Rouge area along with three other Illinois residents, one from Champaign, one from the Chicagoland area and one from the Carbondale area.

Trang shared what his role is when he goes to serve communities.

We are providing technical support for the staff to do the work, and we also provide connectivity to the client as they need it, Trang said.

Trang also shared what he and others through the American Red Cross do when disaster strikes a community.

Its a tough time when disaster hits, when you dont have a home to stay, Trang said. We provide shelter and we provide the services that they need. Also Red Cross [helps connect] people to all the other services that they dont know about.

To learn how to volunteer with the American Red Cross, visit this link.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CIProud.com.
The News

A rediscovered Baroque masterpiece by Italian artist Artemisia Gentileschi has gone on display after centuries of being hidden from view. Painted around 1625,was considered lost until 2001, when it surfaced at a Paris auction before disappearing into a private collection. Gentileschi, a protege of Caravaggio, achieved rare fame for a woman painter of her time, defying conventions to take biblical heroines, saints, and female figures from mythology as her subjects.

Unseen by the public since the 17th century, the painting is now on show at the Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth, Texas. Nothing compares with seeing the newly rediscovered, emotive original in person, museum director Eric Lee said.
Redstone Test Center to practice training missions with water in the skies

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT)  The U.S. Army Redstone Test Center will conduct icing training missions across Huntsville before traveling to Michigan.

Team Redstone posted on social media about upcoming training missions performed over the Huntsville area. Team Redstone said the training missions will be performed by skilled pilots, engineers and flight engineers with the U.S. Army Redstone Team (RTC).

The purpose of these training missions is to use both artificial and natural icing to evaluate how the aircraft can handle and perform in different weather conditions.

U.S. Army Materiel Command inducts six into Hall of Fame

The HISS is a system designed to provide artificial icing conditions and is used as part of icing certification for military and civilian aircraft. The HISS creates a controlled cloud environment through which the test aircraft flies. The effects of ice accumulation and shedding are then documented with onboard instrumentation and photography.

You can read the statement from Team Redstone below.

This public service announcement is for those who might be new to the Rocket City! Our icing crews from the U.S. Army Redstone Test Center are preparing for another season in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. RTC crews will soon be conducting several training missions in the Huntsville area. Hey thats a Chinook  but what is that orange thing?!?! Were glad you asked!! Its known has the HISS. Icing qualification missions utilize the CH-47F equipped with the Helicopter Icing Spray System. The HISS, an orange boom attached to the Chinook, is capable of spraying large amounts of water over a brief period of time. The HISS is a system designed to provide artificial icing conditions and is used as part of icing certification for military and civilian aircraft. Since the early 1970s, airborne artificial and natural icing testing has been conducted by the Army in Fairbanks, Alaska; Moses Lake, Seattle, and Spokane, Washington; and Edwards Air Force Base, California; and in Duluth, Minnesota from 1983 to 2014, until the hangar facility was no longer available. Testing has been conducted in Marquette, Michigan, at K.I. Sawyer International Airport since 2015. Training for those tests happens here in North Alabama by highly skilled experimental test pilots, flight test engineers, and flight engineers within RTCs Aviation Flight Test Directorate. So dont worry, its just water in the skies as we prepare for our upcoming mission this winter. Team Redstone

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Refs didn't cost Trump the debate. He lost to Harris by his own miserable self

If you want to know whos winning an NBA game, go on social media and see which fans are attacking the refs.

I mean, you can see it every game.

The winners are happy. The losers are hunting zebra.

On Tuesday night, American conservatives were kvetching and moaning about the refs.

This is the new record for worst debate moderation. It is disgusting in the extreme, wrote the Federalists Mollie Hemingway.

Trump is having to debate both Kamala and the moderators, complained U.S. Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.).

These moderators are a disgraceful failure and this is one of the most biased, unfair debates I have ever seen. Shame on you, wrote former Fox anchor and podcaster Megyn Kelly.

Come on, Megyn Kelly. You of all people. Youre the pundit who shoots straight even when Republicans are in the crosshairs.

Don't blame debate moderators for this debacle

The refs didnt steal this debate. Donald Trump lost it as thoroughly as anyone can lose.

He lost because he was out-smarted, outclassed and out-performed over 90 minutes at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia.

He lost because the Democrats built a stage in Pittsburgh and ran Kamala Harris through a week of mock debates against a former Hillary Clinton aide, while the stable genius was tweeting out memes.

I fully expected Trump to lose this debate  and told my colleagues so in our daily meetings for more than a week leading up to it  because Trump cant put two coherent sentences together.

Few remember that in his decisive win over Joe Biden, in which the sitting president collapsed under his mental infirmity, Trump was awful. An undisciplined, blithering mess.

On Tuesday night he was the same creature, only this time up against Kamala Harris, who is 22 years younger than Joe Biden and has worked as a career prosecutor assembling arguments for a living.

Harris outclassed Trump in every way

While she went into deep silence for most of the last month, Trump and surrogates portrayed her as the kook who fell out of the coconut tree, the cackling champion of cat ladies, the walking, talking word salad.

Surely in her first presidential debate she couldnt stand up to Trump, now in his seventh.

But there she was, and this wasnt word salad. She was tossing an elegant Waldorf while Trump was slinging the same old hash.

Not only was she not cackling, she was putting together one and two and three and four sentences of fact and coherence, which was four times as many as Trump could manage.

Late in the debate, I got a three-word text from one of my Republican friends, who had intended to vote for Trump.

Hes an idiot.

I responded in three words.

Yes, he is.

Trump got more speaking time than Harris

No, this wasnt the refs. And you conservatives who complain that ABC News moderators David Muir and Linsey Davis were tipping the scales are missing the 43 minutes of slop that Trump served up Tuesday night.

The moderators may have fact checked Trump in real time (whos responsible for that convention?) but they did so with such politeness that they were nearly invisible.

If Harris needed fact checking, Trump had plenty of time to do it. After all, he got five more minutes of speaking time than Harris, reported CNN. Talk about tipping the scales.

Trump came off as he always comes off  like hes winging it. He couldnt even prepare a closing statement, for gawds sake. He was still snarling and playing the visual aide to Harris larger theme  Were not going back.

Back to what?

Back to that pile of hash in the red tie.

Harris was most articulate on abortion

Whats worse for Trump is that he didnt compete on one of the most salient issues to women voters, the cohort where he is weakest.

The abortion issue came early in the debate when the viewing audience of millions of Americans was still sharp and tuned in.

Harris knew this was her moment and was her most articulate.

Understand what has been happening under Donald Trump's abortion bans. Couples who pray and dream of having a family are being denied IVF treatments. What is happening in our country, working people, working women who are working one or two jobs, who can barely afford childcare as it is, have to travel to another state to get on a plane sitting next to strangers, to go and get the health care she needs.

... That is why in every state where this issue has been on the ballot, in red and blue states both, the people of America have voted for freedom.

How Trump should have responded

Former President Donald Trump reacts during a presidential debate with Vice President Kamala Harris in Philadelphia on Sept. 10, 2024.

The obvious response for Trump should have been, Then the vice president agrees with me, that it was a good thing to finally give those red and blue states the chance to vote on abortion.

The Democrats are pushing abortion extremism that would allow the procedure right up until birth. When ABCs Linsey Davis asked Harris, Would you support any restrictions on a woman's right to an abortion? she responded, I absolutely support reinstating the protections of Roe v. Wade.

Which is to say, no  given the ambiguity of Roe.

Responding to that requires some sophistication that, frankly, Trump is ill-equipped to deliver.

It would go something like this:

Republicans dont want to control womens bodies. Republicans believe that the distinct human being that reaches viability in a womans womb, that has its own DNA, its own heartbeat, its own central-nervous system, is life that has dignity and is worthy of protection, because it cant protect itself. The Republican position on abortion has never been about control. Its about compassion.

Can you ever imagine Trump making that argument?

Republicans can win on issues

When Harris trotted out her economic plan, Trump should have seized on the part she left out. Something like this:

What the vice president hasnt told you is that she plans to hand Washington bureaucrats the power to set the prices of milk and eggs at your neighborhood grocery store. Do you know why she didnt tell you about that? Because where its been tried, whether in North America or Latin America or the old Soviet Union, it has led to food shortages and empty store shelves and bread lines.

An answer like that would have required some forethought and preparation. Well out of Trumps skill set.

Trump's 'dogs' line got us to laugh: But it's not funny

Trump has one huge advantage in this election. The issues. The American people do not like where the new progressive Democrats have been taking the country.

Thats why Harris has been fleeing many of her old positions. Its why she runs from the identity politics the Democrats have dished out for decades.

Unfortunately, Trump's pride gets in the way

Unfortunately for conservatives, we are burdened with a candidate who is so certain of his own brilliance that he doesnt prepare or improve or adapt.

That was the reason for the faceplant in Philadelphia. Not the refs.

According to ancient scripture, Pride proceedeth the fall. But with Trump and Republicans, its even worse than that.

Pride also followeth the fall.

Asked about his performance, Trump told Fox News, I think it was our best debate ever.

Phil Boas is an editorial columnist with The Arizona Republic. Email him at phil.boas@arizonarepublic.com.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Who won the debate? Trump winged it and easily lost to Harris
Schools throughout Colorado continue to post gains in academic recovery, according to new state data released Tuesday, but Pikes Peak region districts were more mixed than the statewide trends.

Results from the Department of Educations preliminary performance frameworks report released Tuesday showed that schools and districts overall earned higher marks than last year, continuing a trend of statewide improvement following the 2020 pandemics learning loss.

The steady progress in the school and district frameworks is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our students, staff, and communities over the past few years," said Colorado Education Commissioner Susana Cordova in a press release.

The performance frameworks are part of Colorados accountability system and are used to accredit school districts and assign school ratings. The frameworks are calculated by combining student academic and achievement along with postsecondary and workforce readiness data like graduation, dropout, and college matriculation rates.

Using set percentages of the total points earned, CDE then assigns ratings to determine what level of accreditation districts will receive and which schools require extra support.

The levels of accreditation from lowest to highest are turnaround, priority improvement, improvement, performance and distinction.

In the Pikes Peak region, nine of its 17 school districts posted improved scores from last year, with gains ranging from .9 to seven percentage points, while others saw their scores drop this year along a similar range.

Pikes Peak School Districts

D-20, D-12 and D-38 continued their respective 16-year streaks as districts to achieve distinction since the ratings were launched in 2008. They are among 17 districts to earn distinction this year.

I am so grateful for our dedicated teachers and support staff, engaged administrators and leaders, public servants on the Board of Education and finally, our families who partner with us hand-in-hand, to ensure success and cause students to thrive, D-20 superintendent Jinger Haberer said in a news release.

Fountain-Fort Carson District 8 was the only district this year to improve its rating category, going from improvement to performance, while both Harrison District 2 and Hanover District 28 were the only two districts to lower theirs. D-2 is now designated as an improvement district and D-28 is now a turnaround district.

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Like last year, D-28 was the lowest performing district in the region with sufficient data recorded and dropped 4.9 percentage points down to 40.20%. Only three districts statewide received this ranking in 2024.

Schools and districts that receive the lowest two ratings, priority improvement or turnaround, are placed on the states Accountability Clock or performance watch and have roughly five years to improve their performance and distinction before receiving intervention from the Colorado State Board of Education.

The states total number of individual schools on the performance watchlist decreased from 222 to 190. And 15 of these schools come from the Pikes Peak region

Pikes Peak Region Schools on the state watch list Scores reflect the percentage of possible points each school received, based on test scores and post-graduation outcomes. Priority Improvement schools Eastlake High School, Colorado Springs D-11, 42.5%

Otero Elementary School, Harrison D-2, 41.9%

Harrison High School, Harrison D-2, 40.7%

James Madison Charter Academy, Widefield D-3, 40.7%

Truman Elementary School, Harrison D-2, 40.6%

Galileo Middle School, Colorado Springs D-11, 38.1%

Edison Elementary School, Colorado Springs D-11, 37.4%

Carver Elementary School, Colorado Springs D-11, 37.2%

Stratton Meadows, Harrison D-2, 36.3% Turnaround schools Hanover Junior High School, Hanover D-28, 41.4%

Prairie Heights Elementary School, Hanover D-28, 32.5%

Adams Elementary School, Colorado Springs D-11, 31.8%

Creson Elementary School, Cripple Creek-Victor RE-1, 31.5%

Mitchell High School, Colorado Springs D-11, 31.2%

Giberson Elementary School, Harrison D-2, 25%

Continuing progress in recent years is also Colorado Springs School District 11, which cut the number of schools on the watchlist from 15 to seven in 2023. This year the district saw the number of its schools rated at performance increasing to 33.

Now, were at just about 70% performance. Two years ago, we were at less than half, D-11 Superintendent Michael Gaal said. So, we have gotten a 20% increase in our performance portfolio.

Despite drops in other schools like Mitchell High School and Adams Elementary (both lowered their rankings to turnaround" schools) this year, district leadership said they remain optimistic about continuing recent progress.

We are not going to stop until we ensure that each and every student is reading, writing and doing math at greater proficiency, D-11 Board of Education President Parth Melpackam said. We are happy with the progress at this time but there is still a considerable amount of work that needs to be done in the coming weeks and months.

The preliminary 2024-25 ratings are available on the CDE websites Performance Frameworks Results webpage. A separate dashboard is also available for individual schools and districts.

The preliminary results will be finalized in the coming months. During this time, districts may provide the state with additional data through a request to reconsider process that may change their rating before the frameworks are presented to the State Board of Education.
Anti-immigrant sentiment continues to gain traction online in South Africa, with users sharing misleading content to disparage foreigners. Social media accounts recently shared photos claiming to show a Nigerian man arrested while attempting to smuggle explosives into South Africa from Zimbabwe. But the claim is false: the images in the post are from unrelated events, and the text describing the arrest is recycled from an old incident. Police confirmed no one was recently arrested for smuggling explosives into South Africa.

Earlier today, SAPS arrested Igwebuike Iheanacho, a 45-year-old immigrant, at BeitBridge for trying to bring 796 heavy explosives into South Africa. These types of explosives are usually used for attacking ATMs and cash trucks. Igbo are representing us well, reads an X post published on September 1, 2024.

A screenshot of the false post, taken on September 5, 2024

SAPS is the acronym for the South African Police Service, and Beitbridge is a border crossing between South Africa and neighbouring Zimbabwe (archived here).

This embedded content is not available in your region.

South African accounts widely circulated the post, which was initially published by a Nigerian-based account that shares content disparaging the Igbo people, an ethnic group in Western Africa.

The post includes a photo of a man covering his face being escorted by police, a man handcuffed with his back turned, and several objects labelled Superpower 90.

Social media users liked the post more than 2,800 times, with several individuals writing xenophobic or violent messages about Nigerians.

Always Nigerians, wrote one user, while another suggested the police should have killed the individual.

Anti-foreigner sentiment is a burning issue in South Africa, which saw its jobless rate rise to a near record in the second quarter of 2024 at 33.5 percent.

In a recent, high-profile example, backlash to the Nigerian heritage of 23-year-old Chidimma Adetshina forced the pageant queen to withdraw from South Africa's beauty competition over concerns for the safety and wellbeing of the contestant and her family (archived here).

But the claim that SAPS arrested a Nigerian trying to smuggle explosives into South Africa is false.

Police statement

Some of the replies pointed out that similar claims have been doing the rounds for a while, including on this 2022 X post (archived here).

AFP Fact Check contacted the South African authorities, who confirmed no recent arrests at Beitbridge for explosives smuggling.

The police in Musina do not have any records matching your inquiry, said police spokesman Colonel Malesa Ledwaba.

AFP Fact Check ran a reverse image search and found that two images in the post show unrelated incidents in South Africa.

The first image in the false post shows a man escorted from a police vehicle.

AFP Fact Check found that the original photo on the official SAPS Facebook page shows the aftermath of a 2016 looting incident during civil unrest in Tshwane, a municipality almost 500 kilometres from Beitbridge (archived here).

Screenshot from the SAPS official Facebook page, taken on September 11, 2024

The third image claims to show the confiscated explosives.

AFP Fact Check found that SAPS published the original image following the 2022 arrest of a Zimbabwean man who tried to smuggle explosives across the Beitbridge border crossing (archived here).

Screenshot of the SAPS 2022 media statement, taken on September 11, 2024

AFP has not yet traced the second image showing the handcuffed man.

In the 2022 statement, SAPS details an incident similar to the one described in the false post.

The concerted efforts by the police at the Beitbridge Border Postcontinue to yield positive results following the arrest of a 33-year-old suspect in the early hours of Saturday, 23 July 2022 for attempting to smuggle commercial explosives into the country, reads the announcement.

AFP Fact Check has debunked several claims targeting Nigerians in South Africa, which you can read here.
NEW YORK (PIX11)  Wednesday marks 23 years since terrorists attacked the World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan, killing nearly 3,000 people.

Those lives are being remembered Wednesday morning on the Memorial Plaza during the annual commemoration ceremony hosted by The National September 11 Memorial and Museum. The ceremony also honors those who were killed in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. The names of the victims will be read aloud during the ceremony.

More Local News

You can watch this years ceremony on the PIX11 Morning News and on PIX11.com beginning at 8:30 a.m.

The commemoration observes six moments of silence, marking the times when the World Trade Center towers were struck, when each tower fell, the attack on the Pentagon, and the crash of United Airlines Flight 93 in Pennsylvania.

The six moments of silence:

8:46 a.m.: Hijackers crashed American Airlines Flight 11 into the North Tower

9:03 a.m.: Hijackers crashed United Airlines Flight 175 into the South Tower

9:37 a.m.: Hijackers crashed American Airlines Flight 77 into the Pentagon

9:59 a.m.: The South Tower collapsed

10:03 a.m.: United Airlines Flight 93 crashed in Pennsylvania

10:28 a.m.: The North Tower collapsed

New York City will continue to honor the victims of 9/11 Wednesday night with the annual Tribute in Light.

More information on the National September 11 Memorial and Museum, as well as its educational programs, can be found online.

Dominique Jack is a digital content producer from Brooklyn with more than five years of experience covering news. She joined PIX11 in 2024. More of her work 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 PIX11.
Rep. Tokuda remembers Maui victims, those who are still missing on House floor

HONOLULU (KHON2)  U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda honored the memory of the Maui wildfire victims upon her return to Congress on Tuesday morning at the nations capitol.

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While on the House floor, Tokuda read the names of the victims from the Aug. 8, 2023 Maui wildfires and those who are still missing, entering them into the Congressional record.

Remembering those lost in the Maui fires

Today as Congress reconvenes, I rise to remember and honor the family and friends that we lost. Theyre beloved mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, grandparents and grandchildren, brothers and sisters, friends and life partners. Their ages span almost a century from our youngest keiki just seven years to a cherished kupuna aged 97. Many have lived their entire lives in Lahaina, others chose to make Lahaina their home having come from away, places across the United States and abroad, said Tokuda.

Check out more news from around Hawaii

One hundred and two people died on Aug. 8 and two people remain unaccounted for.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) A man was sentenced in Tom Green County after stolen items were located during a traffic stop while the man was on parole.

Joshua Puga, 27, was sentenced to 60 years in prison on Sept. 9, after pleading guilty to two counts of burglary of habitation.

According to a news release from the Tom Green County District Attorneys Office, the case was prosecuted by First Assistant District Attorney Richard Villarreal and Assistant District Attorney Eric Oden. The sentence was handed down by District Court Judge Lee Hamilton, who was sitting by assignment.

The offenses occurred on two different days May 31 and June 2, 2023. SAPD officers investigated the initial burglary, obtained a suspect vehicle description, and arrested Puga following a traffic stop. During the stop, officers found suspected methamphetamine in Pugas vehicle and later linked stolen items from a second burglary to the same vehicle.

The court heard evidence of Pugas criminal history, including his testimony that he sold methamphetamine and used marijuana. Additionally, the court learned that Puga had fled to Mexico to evade prosecution. He was eventually apprehended and admitted to the burglaries after being returned to the U.S.

Puga also faces additional charges for possession of a controlled substance, theft of a firearm, and burglary of a building, which were considered during the sentencing.

Pugas sentence is heightened due to a previous felony conviction for similar offenses. He was convicted in 2018 for five separate burglaries and sentenced to 15 years in prison. Puga was out on parole in 2023 when he committed the latest burglaries in San Angelo.

The District Attorneys Office congratulated the San Angelo Police Department for their thorough investigation.

This defendant had already been sent to prison for similar crimes and was on parole when comminuted additional burglaries. We are committed to prosecuting defendants who threaten our communitys safety, the press release from the district attorneys office read.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO)  A convicted felon will be going to federal prison for nearly 6 years after pleading guilty to owning firearms during multiple encounters with Rockford Police.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Renard Macklin, 36, has been sentenced to spend 70 months in federal prison on the charge of illegal firearm possession.

Macklin, a previously convicted felon, is legally prohibited from owning firearms.

Authorities said on October 10th, 2020, he was driving a vehicle that fled from police at a high rate of speed. When he was caught, police found a Ruger AR-15 style rifle with a large capacity magazine and one round in the chamber.

On March 16th, 2021, a search conducted by the Winnebago County Sheriffs Office found a stolen semi-automatic handgun with a 15-round magazine in his possession.

The sentencing is part of a U.S. Justice Department prosecution initiative called Project Safe Neighborhoods, designed to reduce violent crime in northern Illinois.

A federal grant is enabling courts to use an intelligence-led approach to prosecutions that target the most violent criminals.

Macklin was also accused of breaking into his ex-girlfriends home and threatening to shoot her in March 2019, but that case was dismissed in May of that 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 MyStateline | WTVO News, Weather and Sports.
BOSTON, Mass. (SHNS)As business leaders and Beacon Hill officials have focused more on competing with other states to keep residents in Massachusetts, a new report says that domestic outmigration may be threatening one of the states key advantages.

Among the states greatest strengths are its high-wage, high-knowledge industries stemming from the close ties Massachusetts has always had between its education system and its economy, according to the Massachusetts Competitiveness Index Report released Tuesday by the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, UMass Amherst Donahue Institute and Massachusetts Competitive Partnership.

Stebbins named as acting chair of Cannabis Control Commission

Though Massachusettss population has gotten more educated in recent years  between 2018 and 2022, the population of those 25 and older with a bachelors degree increased more than 2 percentage points, a high rate for already the most educated state in the country  its labor force is shrinking, the report says.

The labor pool hasnt recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic. Though state data from last month show that the labor force participation rate increased 1 percentage point since last year, it still hasnt made up total losses since 2019. According to MTF, the state is still 40,000 workers behind where it was pre-pandemic. Some of the workforce is retiring, as Massachusetts has a rapidly aging population, but a lot of workers are also leaving for lower-cost states.

The report says that outflow is more highly concentrated among wealthier residents, those more likely to work in the jobs that support the states economy and whose taxes fund the most government programs, especially since the passage of the income surtax in 2022.

In short, our competitive strength is talent and our weakness is cost, the report says. The basic question for policymakers is clear: in a post-pandemic world, can we keep and attract talent or will high costs and fewer barriers to economic mobility result in Massachusetts losing its competitive edge?

It later adds, Losing high-wealth residents poses a clear and present economic and public finance threat to the Commonwealth.

Doug Howgate, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, said the data show that both wealthy families and lower-income working class families are leaving the state, while families that land in the middle seem more willing to stay.

The biggest outmigrants are at the top end and the lowest end of the income spectrum, and both are critical to our competitiveness. We absolutely want to make sure that families in the upper end of the range are staying here, thats crucial, and we want to make sure that families can afford housing, can live here, he said. But theyre both showing a willingness to leave, and we need to be super concerned.

Where are these families going? According to the report: California, Florida, New York, North Carolina and Texas, if theyre leaving New England. If theyre staying local, theyre most likely moving to New Hampshire.

New York and California are similar states with advantages and disadvantages, but also states where you see a similar shift in demographics, Howgate said. But theres also clearly some of our up and coming competitors. Places that are different demographically but a lot cheaper to live.

Howgate said the intent of the report is to show the Bay States strengths and weaknesses in the conversation about competitiveness, which can often be reduced for a groups specific political agenda.

Some may argue that competitiveness is about the affordability and availability of housing, or the relative levels of individual and corporate tax; others argue that it is about the quality of our workforce or the costs of childcare. The reality is that no one factor determines our ability to compete, and any assessment of competitiveness must encompass a range of factors that speak to economic health, population and labor force, business and investment decisions, and quality of life, says Howgates introductory letter to the report.

The index summarizes the states economic competitive disadvantages as including: labor force challenges, income inequality, energy costs, cost of living, commute times, child care costs, state and local tax collections, housing cost burden, domestic migration, and average unemployment tax amount per covered employees.

In each of these categories, Massachusetts ranked among the worst in the nation, and among the worst of the states the report deemed economic competitors (California, Florida, New York, North Carolina, and Texas).

Massachusettss strengths, the index says, are its population with a bachelors degree, 8th grade math test scores, average weekly wage, gross state product per capita, research and design funding as share of gross state product, international migration and life expectancy at birth.

On the first three metrics  population of the state aged 25 and older with at least a bachelors degree, 8th grade math test scores, and average weekly wage  Massachusetts ranks number one in the country, according to the report.

Massachusetts companies and investors have always had to contend with high costs. The problem now is that the historic calculation  sacrificing costs for a cant find anywhere else workforce  has been altered. Workers, particularly high-wage workers, are more mobile than ever due to the proliferation of remote work opportunities. Massachusetts high costs have continued to set us apart from other states. Left unchecked, this is a disastrous combination for Massachusetts, the report says.

Its 9 percent more expensive to live in Massachusetts than the national average, and 15 percent more expensive than in competitor states like North Carolina. Business expenses like energy costs are also higher  17 percent higher than in New York, and double the cost than in North Carolina or Texas.

Howgate said he hopes legislators and Gov. Maura Healey  who has made competitiveness a cornerstone of her messaging  will use the report as guideposts for policymaking.

I think there should be and has been overlap in some of the implications of this index and whats dominating the discourse on Beacon Hill, tax relief and a major housing bill, and where we need to do a lot of work, like cost of living. Thats also why its important we do an economic development bill, thats why its so critical for that to be resolved and be resolved this year, it will target these sectors that are competitive strengths for Massachusetts, Howgate said.

Healeys team released a statement about the report, touting the states strengths highlighted within it.

Massachusetts is ranked number one for innovation, education, and health care. Were also ranked the number one place to raise family and for women. This benchmark recognizes those strengths, and affirms our Administrations action to drive Massachusetts competitiveness forward. Its why, since the time of these benchmarks, we worked to pass the largest tax cuts in 20 years as well as the largest housing bill in state history to lower costs for everyone. Its also why were going to continue to drive a pro-growth agenda to power this economy and create jobs now and for years to come, Healey said in the statement.

The report called the labor force trends a clear warning to policymakers.

For policymakers, this data is sobering. For years, we have known that Massachusetts would face demographic pressures, which made retaining our workforce a top priority. However, the reverse is currently happening, with domestic outmigration contributing to a decline in our labor force and highwealth families leading the way. Given Massachusetts economic fundamentals  an economy that relies on high-wage sectors  and the fact that state revenues are disproportionately reliant on higher-wealth taxpayers, this trend must be reversed if Massachusetts is to compete, it says.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Republican Rep. Joe Wilson of South Carolina in the hospital after collapse

Longtime Rep. Joe Wilson, R-S.C., was taken to the hospital Tuesday night for treatment after he collapsed at an event in Washington, according to a congressional aide with knowledge of the situation.

Later Tuesday night, Wilson's office confirmed the news on X.

"Congressman Joe Wilson (R-SC) was taken ill and is being evaluated at a local hospital in Washington, DC," it said.

His son, South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson, later posted on behalf of his mother who is at the hospital, saying, "Doctors have confirmed to us that he experienced stroke-like symptoms."

The younger Wilson said he was able to speak with his father on the phone, adding that the congressman is "stable and being monitored by medical professionals."

Rep. Wilson, 77, a senior member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, was present for two vote series in the House on Tuesday afternoon and was joking with reporters just off the floor.

I just spoke to my mom who is currently at the hospital with my father. Doctors have confirmed to us that he has experienced stroke-like symptoms. I was able to speak with him moments ago and I am incredibly thankful that he is stable and being monitored by medical professionals  Alan Wilson (@AGAlanWilson) September 11, 2024

He said Tuesday he had had a busy summer recess; Congress just returned this week from a monthlong break.

Wilson told reporters he had just returned from whirlwind official travel to the Philippines, Australia and Europe, including a meeting with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, then campaigned back home in South Carolina.

NewsNation first reported Wilson's hospitalization.

Wilson, who has represented a conservative district in central and southwestern South Carolina since 2001, is perhaps best known for shouting "You lie!" at President Barack Obama during a joint session of Congress in 2009 after Obama said undocumented immigrants would not receive benefits from the legislation that eventually became the Affordable Care Act.

Wilson was reprimanded by the whole House and apologized to Obama.

More recently, he has become known as one of the staunchest supporters of Ukraine in its war against Russia, frequently wearing pins or flags in blue and yellow, the national colors of Ukraine.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Republicans in DC do not want to answer questions about Trumps debate performance

Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) refused to answer questions about Trumps remarks about Haitian migrants eating pets in Ohio. ((Photo by Tierney L. Cross/Getty Images))

As Senator John Cornyn of Texas refused to answer a question about former president Donald Trumps racist remarks about Haitian migrants in Springfield, Ohio eating pets, a dog passed by him in the basement of the Senate.

Cornyn has spent past few years yammering about immigration and the border, going as far as to say the US-Mexico border is on fire. But when asked about the bizarre racist conspiracy theory propagated by his colleague Senator JD Vance of Ohio and mentioned onstage by Trump as he debated Kamala Harris on Tuesday night, Cornyn dithered.

If you have a serious question, Im happy [to answer], Cornyn told The Independent.

The former presidents meltdown at his debate against Vice President Kamala Harris could not be defended. A snap poll from CNN conducted by SSRS showed that 63 percent of registered voters thought Harris won the debate. Harris baited Trump by talking about his crowd sizes, which led to him ranting first about his rallies before pivoting to the conspiracy theory.

Republicans know they cannot defend such behavior.

Trumps words can be called nothing more than racist bile. They are the types of words that would inflame hate crimes against migrants from Haiti. Republicans would rather not talk about it. So they instead will attack the press.

Initially, Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa brushed off a question about the remarks. When reminded that Trump is her partys nominee for the general election, she took exception.

Excuse me? Excuse me? Ernst asked The Independent.

Senator James Lankford, the architect of the border bill that Trump eventually killed earlier this year, said he had not seen the full debate.

I've heard bits and pieces of the story. I know nothing about that story, he told The Independent. I'm not trying to obfuscate. I've just not tracked that Ohio story at all.

Lankford has fashioned himself as a policy wonk who cares deeply about solving immigration at the border. He has taken video selfies at the border to make himself seem like a brave explorer on fact-finding missions.

He either does not care enough to learn about his colleague Vances conspiracy theories or he is lying. Either is a poor reflection on the man.

Meanwhile, Senator Ron Johnson of Wisconsin engaged in some good, old-fashioned whataboutism.

It's amazing you guys are all concerned about that, as opposed to  what about the rapes, the murders? he told The Independent.

Senator Todd Young of Indiana, one of the few Republicans who does not support Trump, brushed off reporters and preferred not to answer questions at all.

Elsewhere, Senator Lindsey Graham, a critic-turned-ally of Trump, played coy.

I dont know where that came from, he said, when asked about the Ohio story. Graham had spent the night before the debate in the spin room for Trump, but even he could not defend that particular tale.

Senator Katie Britt of Alabama wound up being one of the few Republicans who would talk at length about the subject, but didnt want to address the pet-eating claims directly.

I think we've got to make sure that securing the border is a priority of the next president, she told The Independent. And I was disappointed that last night we didn't get into a policy discussion about how to do that.

Senator Susan Collins of Maine, who endorsed Nikki Haley and told The Independent earlier this year that she would not support anyone after Haley dropped out, mostly deflected when asked as she went into an elevator.

I was surprised, Collins, who voted to convict Trump for his actions on January 6, told The Independent, of hearing the Ohio story.

Senator Ted Cruz, one of the more verbose Republicans, who nonetheless faces a tough re-election in Texas, refused to answer a question, saying he told Fox News host Sean Hannity all he needed to say.

I talked about the debate last night on Hannity and also today's podcast is entirely on that issue, he said. Earlier this week, Cruz had posted a meme of two cats hugging, saying: Please vote for Trump so Haitian immigrants dont eat us with multiple laughing emojis. But the moment he had to answer for it outside the right-wing media sewer, he had nothing to say.
Former President Donald Trump turned in a debate performance on Tuesday night more notable for the memes he generated about not having plans and eating dogs than it was for any attacks he landed on Vice President Kamala Harris.

So far, for Republicans, the reaction has been more of an exasperated sigh than a primal scream of despair. Having seen Trump struggle to stay on message for virtually his entire career in elected politics and having seen him lose debates in the past without sinking his electoral hopes, leading GOP figures are mostly in grin and bear it mode at the moment, trying to take comfort in Trumps still-existing advantages on immigration and economic issues.

Kamala definitely won the debate. But its not going to move the needle, insisted Mike Davis, a former top GOP aide to the Senate Judiciary Committee and an informal adviser to the former president. Trump could have ended the campaign last night. He didnt. But Kamala isnt going to win. Economy and border.

It was a bad night. I dont think it sets any outcome in stone, but I think Kamala will get a bump in support. And her stellar performance really hurts Trumps argument that shes unprepared, weak and incompetent, said Matt Wolking, an aide to Trumps 2020 campaign.

Like many other conservatives, Wolking pointed a finger at ABC News anchors David Muir and Linsey Davis, but said Trump also failed to counter the vice president: She was incredibly dishonest but executed well, and largely was let off the hook by the moderators and Trump. She tried to get him to go off topic, and he took the bait every time.

On Capitol Hill, most Republican senators tacitly acknowledged Trump missed key opportunities against Harris, but they countered that he would ultimately prevail on the issues in November.

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), who faulted Trumps prep team for his poor performance following Tuesdays debate, told reporters he wished the former president had responded differently when Harris baited him into discussing his rally sizes. Why do so many people come to my rally? Theyre hurting, they cant fill up their car and buy their groceries, Graham said, offering a better-sounding answer to the question than Trump gave.

I think the contrast could have been drawn more sharply on what her policies have done over the last 3 1/2 years, said Sen. Shelly Moore Capito (R-W.Va.). Thats what I would have focused on.

But Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) offered a more blunt assessment, saying she didnt believe Trump did well because of his inability to stay on message.

He was very quick to rise to every piece of bait that was thrown. And that doesnt show the discipline that a good debater on the campaign trail should show, Murkowski told HuffPost.

Former President Donald Trumps poor debate performance meant he had to venture out into the post-debate spin room himself on Tuesday night. Kevin Dietsch via Getty Images

The Alaska Republican, a supporter of reproductive rights, also said she found Trumps refusal to answer if he would sign an abortion ban as president very confusing.

Well, wait a minute, Murkowski said. Do you or dont you? Will you or wont you?

And Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah), a Trump antagonist who has nonetheless been bullish on the former presidents chances in the election, praised Harris performance.

This was a classic Trump performance, Romney told MSNBC. In the case of Kamala Harris, most people didnt know her terribly well other than a few clips that were not flattering that you might see on the internet, and people saw, Oh, actually, shes an intelligent, capable person who has a point of view on issues. And she demonstrated that time and again.

In the more Trump-friendly House of Representatives, members were eager to downplay the debates impact. She had a low bar. She just had to prove she could talk, said Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.). Trump is Trump. Hes unscripted. Thats what the American people like about him.

Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) dismissed the debate as a meaningless spectacle.

I dont think anybody won the debate. I think the advertisers, ABC, won the debate, he told reporters at the U.S. Capitol. Nothings ever decided by that thing.

Working Americans are too busy trying to feed their dadgum families. Theyre not going to decide their next voting movement over those crazy debates.

The debate was widely watched, with overnight ratings 28% higher than the Biden-Trump showdown in June, which ultimately resulted in Bidens ouster from the race. The two highest rated media markets for the debate were Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, the two largest cities in the make-or-break swing state of Pennsylvania.

However, even some Democrats acknowledged Harris gains would be limited in an evenly-divided country where the number of persuadable voters shrinks by the day.

I dont see any evidence whatsoever yet that her numbers are going to go up any more than one or two points, John Zogby, a Democratic pollster, said on a Zoom call with supporters on Wednesday afternoon. Now, of course, thats enough to put her into a full lead and to maybe get her some momentum back.

Zogby said Harris still had work to do on navigating questions about the Biden administrations economic record.

Are you better off than you were 3 years ago? he said, paraphrasing the opening question posed to her by the moderators. And she shifted right into talking about the future as opposed to owning and dealing with the past. I think thats going to dog her.

In a fundraising email signed by Harris sent Wednesday, she acknowledged the debates impact could be limited. Polls at the moment give Harris a small advantage over Trump nationally, with tight races in the core swing states of Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, Arizona, Georgia, Nevada and North Carolina.

Donald Trump rehashed the same old tired playbook. I refused to let him off the hook. But debates do not win elections, Harris wrote to supporters. This race will be very close.

The hot question of the day is whether Harris and Trump will debate again after Harris campaign quickly suggested a second debate after Tuesdays debate ended. Both campaigns have now seemingly agreed to a Sept. 25 debate hosted by NBC, but Trump seemed to signal on Wednesday he would not agree to another showdown.

Every Poll has us WINNING, in one case, 92-8, Trump wrote on social media, choosing to ignore methodologically sound polls, most of which showed Harris winning. So why would I do a Rematch?

Norman, for one, is eager for Trump to have a second chance: I hope we have a second debate and hell take a tougher stance and correct her.

HuffPosts S.V. Date and Jonathan Nicholson contributed reporting.
Top House Republicans this week called on President Biden to reverse a policy that prevents Ukraine from using American-made weapons to strike deep inside of Russia, arguing the restrictions have hampered Kyivs ability to defeat Russias war of aggression and have given the Kremlins forces a sanctuary from which it can attack Ukraine with impunity.

In the Monday letter, the Republicans leading top committees in the House said the U.S. must allow Ukraine to use Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) to hit targets deep inside of Russia.

As long as it is conducting its brutal, full-scale war of aggression, Russia must not be given a

sanctuary from which it can execute its war crimes against Ukraine with impunity, they wrote. The Biden-Harris administrations senseless restrictions, combined with the longstanding slow-rolling of critical weapons approvals and deliveries, are hindering Ukraines ability to bring this war to a victorious conclusion.

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 letter was signed by GOP Reps. Mike Rogers (Ala.), chair of the House Armed Services Committee; Michael McCaul (Texas), chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee; and Mike Turner (Ohio), chair of House Intelligence Committee.

Also signing on were Republican Reps. Ken Calvert (Calif.), chair of the defense subcommittee on the House Appropriations Committee; Thomas Kean (N.J.), who chairs the European subcommittee under Foreign Affairs; and Richard Hudson (N.C.), who chairs the Helsinki Commission focused on security in Europe.

The letter adds more pressure on the Biden administration, which has refused to budge on the long-range strikes policy despite intense efforts from both Ukrainian and U.S. officials in recent weeks.

The push to reverse the policy increased dramatically after Ukraine invaded Russias Kursk region in early August, which crossed what had previously been a major red line for Moscow. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has pushed the U.S. and Western allies almost daily, and he made a highly public plea on the issue last week during a meeting with the Ukraine Defense Contact Group attended by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin in Germany.

Still, the Biden administration has throughout the war hesitated to escalate tensions with the nuclear-armed Russia, and only incrementally sent more powerful weapons or reversed policies meant to contain the war.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said at a press conference in London this week the U.S. must factor in a number of critical elements when deciding what weapons to give Ukraine, assessing questions like whether the Ukrainians can effectively use the system and whether they can maintain and use it in a workable strategy.

All I can tell you is well be listening intently to our Ukrainian partners, he said. Were going to look and to listen and to make sure that we have our own best assessment of whats needed, what the objectives are that our Ukrainian partners have in the weeks and months ahead, and how we can best support them.

Blinken is in Ukraine to meet Wednesday with Ukrainian officials, with whom hes expected to discuss the weapons restrictions.

But critics say there are no red lines for the Kremlin that Kyiv can cross after Russian forces have deployed everything short of nuclear weapons across the 600-mile front in eastern Ukraine.

Pressure has worked in the past. After Russia invaded Ukraines northeastern Kharkiv region in May, the Biden administration allowed Ukrainian forces to use American weapons to strike over the border to prevent cross-border attacks. But that policy still prevents deep strikes into Russia, since Ukraine can only hit into border regions or areas related to cross-border attacks.

Democrats have also piled on the pressure. Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.), chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said in a Wednesday statement that the time has come to ease restrictions on Ukrainians use of U.S.-provided weapons.

Greater flexibility to target Russian military assets will degrade Moscows ability to harm the Ukrainian people. The United States must act swiftly to grant these permissions, he said.

Rep. Bill Keating (D-Mass.), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, also sent a letter to the White House this week calling for Biden to reverse the policy.

The U.S. has reportedly not only restricted American weapons from being used to hit deep inside of Russia, but also British and French weapons. Republicans in the Monday letter criticized Biden for also holding back his allies.

Ukraine has deployed its own long-range drones to strike targets deep inside of Russia, including airbases and oil depots, but those systems are much more limited than ATACMS.

Using American and other Western weapons could help Ukraine target Russian airbases before planes can take off and drop devastating glide bombs, or munitions that are retrofitted with a guidance system.

The glide bombs have been extremely difficult for Ukraine to stop and have been used to destructive effect on the battlefield, allowing Russia to advance into eastern Ukraine, particularly in the Donetsk region where Ukrainian troops are on the defensive.

In the Monday letter, the GOP chairs refuted a talking point the Biden administration has made: that Russia has moved many of its glide bomb aircraft out of range of U.S. weapons, arguing there were likely 200 targets within range.

And they argued that concerns about escalation have been consistently invalidated throughout the war.

Recent reports that the real reason your administration opposes lifting these restrictions is not to endanger a future reset with Russia are extremely alarming, they wrote. This conflict will end only when tougher sanctions and Ukraines battlefield successes convince Vladimir Putin that he has nothing left to gain through war and must come to the negotiating table.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 community will remember the victims of the 9/11 attacks with several memorial events this week.

The city will host a memorial at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Peace Officers Memorial in Memorial Park with a ceremony featuring retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Mike Gould, who was the commander of the Cheyenne Mountain Operations Center during the 9/11 attacks.

Gould is expected to share his memories of the event and its effect on our nation. The operations center he led during the attacks provided critical information to the Pentagons National Military Command Center, and transmitted North American Aerospace Defense Command orders to ground aircraft over the U.S., a city news release said.

An unofficial gathering of first responders at the Manitou Springs Incline is planned a little bit before 8 a.m. Wednesday. First responders are welcome to participate. The event will not close the incline to the public.

Sign up for free: Springs AM Update Your morning rundown of the latest news from Colorado Springs and around the country overnight and the stories to follow throughout the day delivered to your inbox each evening. Sign Up View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters.

Air Force Academy cadets are expected to mark the day with a 19-hour relay race where they will each run for 15 minutes handing off a baton and a firefighters helmet. The event that will run through Thursday morning will be closed to the public, but The Gazette will provide highlights in its 9/11 coverage.

The American Legion Neal Thomas Jr. Centennial Post 209 will host a 2.5-mile walk starting at 5 p.m. at the Global War on Terror Memorial in Memorial Park.

Mt. Carmel will host its Patriot Day give-back event Friday. Military-affiliated community members are welcome starting at 9 a.m. Friday at 530 Communication Circle. The community is welcome at noon. Mt. Carmel is planning to give away boxes stuffed with food and nonperishables. Patriot Day was declared in honor of the 9/11 victims.

Contact the writer at mary.shinn@gazette.com or (719) 429-9264.
Donald Trump imploded on the debate stage against Kamala Harris on Tuesday night. The former president fell for obvious bait presented by the vice president, delivered a series of angry diatribes in the style of his rallies, and told lies that repeatedly forced ABC News moderators to fact-check him in real-time.

Right-wing lawmakers and commentators are offering a menu of excuses to minimize the damage. In the post-debate spin room and on social media, the former presidents allies are floating everything from moderator bias, to conspiracies about hidden earpieces, to claims that debates dont actually matter.

The immediate target of the rights ire were ABC News moderators David Muir and Linsey Davis.

Trump himself claimed that the two hosts had unfairly ganged up on him  when really they were just fact-checking some of his most absurd claims. In one instance, Muir debunked an outburst by Trump in which he accused undocumented migrants of killing and eating peoples pets. During another exchange, the moderators pushed back on Trumps contention that Democrats support executing infants shortly after birth.

It was three against one, Trump complained after leaving the stage.

The grievance was echoed by right-wing influencers and commentators.

Lara Trump, the former presidents daughter-in-law and Republican National Committee co-chair, also described the debate as three on one.

HANNITY: What was your overall view of the debate?



LARA TRUMP: It was three on one



(They can't spin this one) pic.twitter.com/LzhpvDpDpK  Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) September 11, 2024

The Daily Wire founder Ben Shapiro wrote on X  formerly Twitter  that ABCs moderators are a disgrace to their profession.

Sen. Lindsay Graham wrote that the moderators might as well be on the DNC payroll. This is ridiculous. This is the worst moderated debate in history.

The moderators might as well be on the DNC payroll. This is ridiculous.



This is the worst moderated debate in history.  Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) September 11, 2024

This is not a debate, this is public show trial where the judge, jury, and executioner is ABC News, Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk raged.

Other pro-Trump accounts began tweeting a conspiracy suggesting that Harriss earrings were secret earpieces that allowed her to be fed answers by her staff. A quick side-by-side view of the advertised earpieces and the jewelry worn by Harris shows that they bear only the vaguest of resemblances.

The QAnon/conspiracy sphere is all in on "Kamala's earrings were actually earphones."



That's how you know they know they lost. They're making up conspiracy theories to cover for Trump's disastrous performance. pic.twitter.com/DWwHQPzYfj  Mike Rothschild (no relation) (@rothschildmd) September 11, 2024

There were also plenty who just went ahead and said Trump performed better than Harris. Jesse Watters argued on Fox News that Trump had actually won the debate because his memorable lines would dominate the conversation. If youre a Republican, you look at this and youre like Thats Donald Trump, he said.

Fox News host Jesse Watters: Trump won the debate because he had "all the memorable lines", such as when he lied about immigrants eating pets: pic.twitter.com/cRfVmNqXqk  Kat Abu (@abughazalehkat) September 11, 2024

Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) wrote on X that Trump delivered a strong debate victory and a powerful America First message. She also called the moderators pro-Kamala activists who baselessly attacked President Trump.

Perhaps the most insane attempt to draw attention away from Trumps poor showing came from Elon Musk, who responded to a Tuesday night endorsement of Harris by Taylor Swift by making a deranged offer to the pop superstar.

Fine Taylor  you win  I will give you a child and guard your cats with my life, he wrote.

But even Musk had to acknowledge Harris performed well. While I dont think the debate hosts were fair to @realDonaldTrump, @KamalaHarris exceeded most peoples expectations tonight, he added.

Fox News Brit Hume also acknowledged that Harris was not the bumbling caricature created by right-wing media.

This is a different person from the person she was in the interview of CNN, but a different person from the absolute dunderhead so many of us thought she was during her conduct as vice president he said.

She was prepared. She kept her cool. She saw advantages and took them. She baited him successfully, which is the story of the debate in my view. So she came out ahead in this, in my opinion, no doubt, Hume added.

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EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  The YWCA El Paso del Norte Regions Sara McKnight Transitional Living Center helps women who are survivors of domestic, sexual and other forms of violence. The center also helps women who are homeless or at risk of being homeless.

Earlier this month, some of the shelters residents received a letter, letting them know that they had to move out by Sept. 13 because they didnt qualify for their new program that started at the beginning of the month.

KTSM spoke with two women who have been residents of the shelter since April of this year. They are two of the residents who say they are being evicted. We are not identifying them for privacy reasons.

I tried to ask the case manager that was assigned to me, Why is it that I dont qualify or what are the requirements? She told me that she doesnt exactly know how the program works, which I didnt understand. I was like, OK, but its for domestic violence, correct? She said, Yeah. And I was like, OK, theres other people that have had domestic violence years prior. Mine was a year and a half ago. How do I not qualify?' the resident said.

These women say that the current program that they are in is supposed to offer six to 24 months of assistance. Both women say they are looking at other options and asking for help from other shelters before Friday.

My family being so big, like all the emergency shelters, doesnt have room for us. And then they do this right before my daughters homecoming. So her homecoming is that this fall, this Saturday, coming up and they expect me to be gone by this Friday, another resident said.

We had reached out to the YWCA for comment but didnt hear back from them until Wednesday after the story had aired. Here is what they said:

YWCA El Paso del Norte Regions Sara McKnight Transitional Living Center is widely recognized as one of the most effective shelters in the city of El Paso, dedicated to providing vital support and services to women and children in need. Since opening in 1993, we have proudly supported thousands of women and children escaping domestic violence, helping them rebuild their lives and achieve stability.

Our operations are heavily reliant on grant funding, which requires us to adhere to specific regulations and guidelines. Recently, we experienced a shift in a grant funding source and center designation. As a result, five (5) residents will lose their eligibility for our shelter services. To support our clients during this period, we have connected them with Coordinated Entry services. This ensures they have access to the resources and assistance needed to secure alternative housing options. We remain committed to providing the highest level of service to all our residents and are working diligently to support those affected by these changes.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
LONGMEADOW, Mass. (WWLP)  Some residents in Longmeadow are raising concerns about the traffic and safety conditions outside of Williams Middle School in Longmeadow, on Williams Street.

These apples are in season this week at East Longmeadow orchard

Gross congestion, students are having trouble getting and crossing the crosswalk safely. Its creating a lot of chaos over at that intersection says Richard Camerota.

The video he took during the first week of classes shows a school bus on the wrong side of the road, as it approaches the middle school.

This all comes as proposed plans for a new combined middle school in Longmeadow are in the works. The location for the new campus would be placed at the current location of Williams Middle School.

Residents in Longmeadow who have concerns can attend an Education Advocates for Responsible Spending meeting next month.

For more information, you can visit their Facebook page.

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.
Residents speak up at city meeting as Springfield referenced nationally, during presidential debate

As a Miami Valley city continues to make national headlines and was even mentioned in Tuesday nights presidential debate, residents are speaking out.

As reported on News Center 7 at 11, every seat was taken at Springfields city commission meeting, reaching maximum capacity.

>> RELATED: State, city officials speak out after rumors about Haitian migrants get national attention

TRENDING STORIES:

This comes after Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced $2.5 million in funding to help with healthcare for people in Springfield.

DeWine added on Wednesday the Ohio State Highway Patrol will help police patrol streets.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

But Springfield residents are torn about the future of the place they call home.

The parents of Aiden Clark spoke out against hate at the meeting Tuesday.

Clark was killed Hermanio Joseph crashed into the Northwestern school bus he was riding in on Aug. 22, 2023.

Joseph is a Haitian immigrant and did not have a valid U.S. drivers license.

Did you know that one of the worst feelings in the world is not being able to protect your child? Even worse, we cant even protect his memory when hes gone, Nathan Clark said.

Those gathered outside the city meeting Tuesday had different opinions on what was going on in Springfield, but many agreed it wasnt the place they grew up in.

I just want to make sure that my hometown survives this because its really sad. Its truly sad, Rita Jones said.

This is home, although thats a hard word for me to say right now because it doesnt feel like home, Diana Daniels said.

People in Springfield said they will continue to pack the city commission until they feel the problems are solved.

News Center 7 will continue to follow this story.

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Wayne County opened its newly modernized criminal justice complex last week, but an insider warns that a new facility can still be a dangerous place for youths and staff, calling the old facility a "powder keg."

Jalal Malik-Ikram, a retired cop who spent the past four months working in the Wayne County Juvenile Detention Facility, said some of what he has seen gave him nightmares. He was fired last month for violating rules to document what he says were unsafe conditions and understaffing at the former facility in Hamtramck, where he said he often worked 16-hour days.

He said he has seen youths, some who have mental illnesses or are developmentally disabled, not get needed treatment and often get bullied and assaulted by other residents. One boy, who begged Malik-Ikram for a room change because he feared being hurt, eventually sharpened a wooden stick and stabbed another youth in July, he said.

Jalal Malik-Ikram, a retired Detroit Police officer, inside his business in Corktown in Detroit on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2024. Malik-Ikram, who started working at the Wayne County Juvenile Detention Facility in April 2024, was hoping to help with kids there.

Malik-Ikram said he has watched another teen boy eat glass three separate times after breaking the fluorescent lights during outbursts, only to be returned to the facility after hospital visits, instead of a place where he could receive long-term treatment.

"We are closer to a child getting killed," Malik-Ikram said. "They are being bullied, they are being beat, they are being hit, their food is being taken away.

Reports of dangerous conditions inside the county's juvenile jail are nothing new: The Detroit Free Press has reported since 2022 on the facility's problems with overcrowding and understaffing, including a 12-year-old boy who reported he was raped by other residents in March 2023. That incident prompted Wayne County Executive Warren Evans to declare a rare health emergency, in part to speed up hiring at the county-run detention facility.

But Malik-Ikram is the first ex-employee to go on the record with the Free Press, detailing what he has seen inside.

Asked to respond to Malik-Ikram's allegations, Megan Kirk, a spokesperson for Evans, issued an email statement that when youths express fear, staff members take appropriate action and that the residents' well-being "is, and always has been, our top priority." Residents get mental health treatment and low staffing is not a problem at the facility, which, as of last week, housed 123 residents, she said.

Kirk said the youth who Malik-Ikram said has eaten glass was "provided immediate medical attention." He has been hospitalized 13 times over the past two months for psychiatric evaluations only to be returned to the county "due to violent behavior." He has injured 21 staff members, she said.

She acknowledged that the county's juvenile jail is "overburdened" by holding youths for months in the facility designed for short-term stays. Evans has blamed state officials in the past for a shortage of long-term centers in Michigan where youths can be treated after they have been ordered there by courts.

"The incidents you reference are not isolated failures but symptoms of a much larger systematic issue beyond our control," Kirk wrote in an email to the Free Press last week.

"We will continue to face these challenges head-on, and we refuse to be unfairly blamed for systematic failures that required broader solutions."

State officials have said they are working to increase secure treatment opportunities for youths.

Firing came after taking photos

The county fired Malik-Ikram Aug. 1 for violating ethics rules when he used a county cellphone to take pictures over three days of staffers in various areas of the facility and two residents in a classroom, according to a county disciplinary report he shared with the Free Press. A county investigator also found Malik-Ikram wasn't truthful when he answered questions about taking the photos, a finding which Malik-Ikram disputes.

Malik-Ikram took the photos off a video screen while he worked in a control room and then texted them to his own phone and in one case to a friend's phone. He told the Free Press he took the photos to document violations in the facility, including what he called the excessive restraint of a teen on July 20 that he didn't want to be "covered up."

Malik-Ikram shared that photo with the Free Press, which shows three staffers forcing a youth  who he said is the teen who sometimes ate glass  against a wall with the resident's hands behind his back. One staffer has his hand around the back of the boy's neck, holding him against the wall, and another has the palm of his hand on the youth's head, pinning it against the cinder block wall. Malik-Ikram said the resident was handcuffed at the time.

The Free Press is not publishing the photo to protect the identity of the juvenile.

County officials said they are investigating Malik-Ikram's allegation.

He said he sent the photo of the teen to the state's Child Protective Services. It's one of four complaints he has made to the state agency, he said.

"I am a mandated reporter," said Malik-Ikram, referring to someone who is required to tell authorities about suspected child abuse. "I am obligated to make that report."

State officials did not return a request for comment. Malik-Ikram said a state investigator did contact him regarding his complaints.

The ways employees can physically restrain youths in juvenile facilities has been a controversial issue in Michigan.

The state tightened its restraint rules recently in response to the death of a youth at another juvenile facility in Kalamazoo: In April 2020, a teen went into cardiac arrest and later died after several employees attempted to restrain him on the ground. Juvenile facilities are limited to restraining youths in emergencies only as a lifesaving response, using state-approved restraint techniques.

Detention employees and managers have said the state restrictions makes intervening difficult because they fear racking up violations and losing their jobs. Violations of restraint rules even have been a problem at a state-run facility in northern Michigan.

'Nobody can make a decision'

Malik-Ikram said he didn't know about the extent of the problems at the Wayne County facility prior to starting in April.

He was an officer with the Detroit Police Department for 21 years, retiring in 2007. He has worked with various nonprofits and neighborhood groups since retiring and applied for the job because he wanted to "know why kids of color were not being reformed or rehabilitated."

The William Dickerson Detention Facility in Detroit on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023.

Malik-Ikram said the training at the juvenile jail was inadequate, not realistic for the chaos inside the facility, which he said is severely short-staffed. He said he would often work three days straight of 16-hour shifts and other employees who were favored by supervisors were protected despite poor performance. Juvenile detention specialists work so many hours there often isn't time to fill out required paperwork detailing incidents, including fights and assaults inside the facility, he said.

Nobody knows what to do. Nobody can make a decision, he said.

Malik-Ikram also filed a complaint with the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration in July about unsafe conditions for staff, including attacks from residents. He told the Free Press he has been assaulted a handful of times, either hit, kicked or choked. Once, a youth poured milk on him.

MIOSHA closed the complaint after finding the county's response to it "satisfactory and do not plan to conduct an onsite inspection at this time," according to a Aug. 30 letter Malik-Ikram gave the Free Press.

In July, Malik-Ikram said he defied his superior's orders so he could protect one youth he believes was mentally ill, who had already been assaulted by multiple residents. He stayed with him for six hours in a small vestibule outside a unit of residents because he feared the juveniles would continue the attack. Youths were able to routinely "pop" their room locks open at the former Hamtramck facility.

I stayed in there to protect the guy, to protect him to make sure that they don't put him back on the pod, because they had gave me orders to put them back, he said.

I knew he would be hurt because we got them out twice, and 16 guys jumped on them twice. Why wouldn't they jump on them again?

Malik-Ikram said youths with mental illnesses are not getting the treatment they need and are getting worse, citing the teen who got so upset he has "torn up" the unit and eaten glass several times.

They've taken him to the hospital, but they're not committing him, they havent taken him to the right hospital, he said.

Malik-Ikram said supervisors are too slow to move juveniles who fear being assaulted by other residents. He said he had nightmares about one youth he believed was mentally ill being hurt after the resident pleaded with him to be moved. That teen eventually ended up stabbing another resident in the head several times with a sharpened stick, Malik-Ikram said.

The youths also are not getting regular schooling because staff can't handle the juveniles' out-of-control behavior, he said.

County officials said youths are treated by mental health staff.

"The behaviors of youth in detention are complex, but we do not shy away from the challenge," Kirk said. "Our commitment to address these issues is unwavering, evidenced by our comprehensive staff training, adherence to staffing rations and proactive intervention measures."

Evans said this spring that they've made significant hires in recent months, including adding more in-house mental health treatment, hiring about 100 new staffers and boosting pay by 35%, funded by a $10 million budget increase. The hires included Mack McGhee as the division director of Juvenile and Youth Services in November. McGhee, who made $165,000 a year as of this spring, has worked with juvenile facilities after they faced scrutiny in other states.

The youths were moved recently into the county's new criminal justice complex off Interstate 75 near East Ferry Street, which houses a 2,280-bed adult jail, the juvenile detention facility, the criminal courthouse, plus staff and administrative offices for the sheriff and prosecutor. Evans praised the new complex saying, "Incarcerated citizens have the right to be housed in a well-maintained, professionally operated facility." But others say it's had a rough opening, including flooding and staffing issues.

Malik-Ikram said he's speaking out because he worries someone could be seriously injured or killed.

It's hurtful to understand that you are working to help kids and that the whole system is set up for disaster, for failure, he said.

"You cant take an old broken system into a new building. You still have the same problems. You have to get rid of the problems."

Free Press staff writer Andrea May Sahouri contributed to this report.

Contact Christine MacDonald: cmacdonald@freepress.com or 313-418-2149. Follow her on X: @cmacfreep.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Retired cop had nightmares working in Wayne County juvenile jail
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WATE)  A retired firefighter and three fallen first responders from East Tennessee were honored on Tuesday during the Three Stars of Tennessee Award ceremony.

The award is given to or in honor of first responders who died or suffered career-ending injuries in the line of duty. This year, eight first responders were honored.

Kentucky authorities provide update as search continues for highway shooter

Knoxville Fire Department shared a photo of retired Captain Christopher Patterson, who was one of the individuals honored with a Tennessee Three Stars Award on Tuesday, alongside Governor Bill Lee and others at the awards ceremony. KFD explained that Patterson sustained severe injuries while rescuing a woman trapped in a fire in December 2022. In December 2023, KFD shared a social media post stating that Patterson was retiring from the fire department.

Retired Captain Christopher Patterson was presented with the 2024 Tennessee Three Stars Award. (Knoxville Fire Department)

Two fallen East Tennessee law enforcement officers, 29-year-old Knox County Sheriffs Office Deputy Tucker Blakely and Blount County Sheriffs Office Deputy Greg McCowan, and a fallen paramedic, Morristown Hamblen Emergency Medical Service Paramedic Todd E Giles, were also honored with the Tennessee Three Stars Award.

Deputy Blakely was fatally shot while responding to a domestic call in the Hardin Valley area in October 2023. Knox County Sheriff Tom Spangler explained that during that call, Blakely and another officer were clearing a house looking for a man who had reportedly been in an argument with his spose all day and evening. As they searched, Blakely was struck by gunfire, and the other officer exchanged gunfire with the man, who was killed. In January 2024, the shooting that left the man, identified as Matthew Rose, dead was ruled a justifiable homicide by the Knox County District Attorney.

Deputy McCowan was fatally shot while assisting another officer during a traffic stop on Sevierville Road on February 8, 2024. During that call, Deputy Shelby Eggers was also shot in the left and returned fire. Seven months after the shooting, McCowans children spoke with 6 News, sharing that a charitable foundation had been set up to honor their fathers life and legacy.

The man accused of shooting both McCowan and Eggers, Kenneth DeHart, fled the scene and was apprehended after nearly five days on the run. DeHart is facing numerous charges, including first-degree murder, and his trial is set to be scheduled for December 2024.

Morristown Hamblen Emergency Medical Service Paramedic Todd E Giles served as a paramedic in Hamblen County for more than 30 years before he died on April 5, 2024 after collapsed while responding to a call with his partner and an AEMT.

East TN families want answers after grave markers never delivered

In addition to the four responders from East Tennessee who were honored, four others from other parts of Tennessee were honored:

Macon County Sheriffs Office Sergeant William Cherry

Metropolitan Nashville Police Department Detective Donovan Coble

Memphis Police Department Officer Joseph Russell Rusty McKinney

Memphis Police Department Officer Jewell L. Suggs

As we grieve with the loved ones of todays Three Stars of Tennessee Award recipients, we honor their sacrifice because we know the safety and security we enjoy is only possible because of the first responders who serve and protect communities across Tennessee, said Commissioner Long.

The Three Stars of Tennessee Award was created in 2014 by the Tennessee General 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 WATE 6 On Your Side.
Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson and wife Yolanda Hill Robinson (Photo: Screenshot from Mark Robinson for Governor Campaign ad "Unscripted")

When state regulators ordered a nonprofit run by the wife of Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson to repay $132,000 in disallowed expenses from a federal child care meal program in July, it marked the largest repayment request demanded from a sponsoring organization in the past five years. The amount also exceeds the total disallowed expenses in each of those fiscal years, according to NC Newslines analysis of DHHS records. But records also show that the agencys demand for repayment was not unusual and reveal no indication that Balanced Nutrition was targeted for political purposes, as Robinson has alleged.

Yolanda Hill, who until this year operated Balanced Nutrition Inc., a sponsoring organization that contracted with the state to help child care centers file claims for federal meal reimbursement and ensured compliance with program requirements, abruptly announced that she was shuttering the nonprofit in April as the state prepared to conduct a compliance review.

The review of Balanced Nutrition was one of many that DHHS has conducted. Between 2019 and 2024, DHHS ordered repayments from at least 50 sponsoring organizations, totaling more than $180,000 for disallowed expenses. This included a $4,000 request from Balanced Nutrition in 2023.

But no other sponsoring organization came close to the $132,000 DHHS ordered Balanced Nutrition to repay. The second highest disallowed amount during that five-year period was a $30,528 finding for Ramsey Peele Corporation, a Charlotte-based child care provider, in 2019. After a lengthy process that involved appeals and additional findings, Ramsey Peele was terminated from the program and placed on a National Disqualified List. DHHS reports that the disallowed expenses were repaid in full in December of 2019.

Hill and Robinson, who worked for Balanced Nutrition before commencing his political career, have said that the scrutiny directed at the organization is politically motivated. DHHS is run by the administration of Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper, who is term-limited and cannot seek reelection. Democratic Attorney General Josh Stein is running against Robinson for governor.

Last month, Robinson alleged that Steins wife, who has worked for the states Division of Public Health since 2011a different division within DHHS from the one that oversees Balanced Nutritionmay have played a role in the compliance review of Balanced Nutrition.

Robinson provided no evidence to back his claim, and Stein called the accusation ridiculous and completely false in a statement last month to NC Newsline.

An NC Newsline analysis of DHHS audits of sponsoring organizations since 2019 shows no evidence that Balanced Nutrition was singled out. In the 2023 fiscal year, DHHS reviewed 12 facilities sponsored by Balanced Nutrition and found $4,000 in disallowed expenses. In the 2024 fiscal year review, DHHS reviewed 10 facilities and requested $132,000 in repayments.

Other sponsoring organizations have faced similar scrutiny. For example, EC Canada & Associates in Greensboro had 12 of its sponsored centers reviewed in 2021 and was ordered to repay nearly $3,000. The YMCA of Southeastern NC in Wilmington had 14 centers reviewed in 2022 and had more than $24,000 in disallowed expenses.

Since 2019, nearly 40 sponsoring organizations, including Balanced Nutrition, have closed for various reasons.

Balanced Nutrition was sponsoring 41 centers when it closed earlier this year. The number of centers sponsored by Balanced Nutrition remained relatively steady over the past five years, except for fiscal year 2021 when it was 34.

DHHS conducts compliance reviews of sponsoring organizations in the Child and Adult Care Food Program every two to three years, randomly selecting centers for inspection.

Since 2017, when it contracted with the state to become a sponsoring organization, Balanced Nutrition has undergone at least four audits: in 2018, 2021, 2023 and 2024. State auditors found compliance issues in all of those audits, but none drew a notice of serious deficiency, the most severe finding, except for 2024.

The 2024 review was initiated due to findings from the 2023 audit, which identified issues at some centers working with Balanced Nutrition.

The 2023 review found that some centers working with Balanced Nutrition reported serving more meals than were provided to participantsissues that Balanced Nutrition should have identified as a sponsoring organization. The review also noted that Hills nonprofit failed to detect violations at some centers it was responsible for monitoring.

The most serious violations were found in the latest review, prompting DHHS officials to declare Balanced Nutrition seriously deficient. The review identified a list of missing documents required to administer the program and claims filed for payment for centers that hadnt requested or received money.

Balanced Nutrition also violated program regulations by employing Kimberly Cephas without disclosing that she is Hills daughter. The program requires DHHS approval for such hirings.

In July, Robinson campaign spokesman Mike Lonergan said the nonprofit plans to appeal and criticized the state agencys action as politically motivated.

Hill did not respond to a request for comment for this report.
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  Authorities are asking for the publics help in identifying who is responsible for a series of incidents being investigated as hate crimes in the Hillcrest neighborhood.

On Tuesday, San Diego Crime Stoppers and investigators from the San Diego Police Departments Western Division announced a reward of $2,000 in exchange for information that leads to an arrest.

RELATED: Hillcrest hit by series of suspected hate crimes

Just before 1 a.m. on May 18, officers received reports of a pellet gun fired out of a vehicle at a business on University Avenue, according to a release Tuesday.

The suspect vehicle is described as a newer, black sedan, pictured below.

Vehicle suspected for involvement in Hillcrest gel pellet shootings. (Crime Stoppers)

Vehicle suspected for involvement in Hillcrest gel pellet shootings. (Crime Stoppers)

Authorities believe the shooting was related to four others. The Number One Fifth Avenue and Pecs Bar on University Avenue were both fired upon by gel pellets, according to police. A security guard was also hit on the arm at The Rail on Fifth Avenue.

Meanwhile, in Old Town, a man was walking with his wife when he was also hit by gel pellets, according to police.

In a separate incident at Richs Nightclub on University Avenue, three people were hit in a similar manner, including one employee whose eye needed minor surgery.

Crime Stoppers has partnered with the San Diego LGBTQ+ Historic Task Force and the Hate Crime Fund to offer a $2,000 reward to anyone that helps them make an arrest in these cases.

Anyone with more information can contact SDPDs Western Division at 619-692-4805 or the anonymous tip line at 888-580-8477.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
Former presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. gives remarks at the Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel on Aug. 23, 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona. Kennedy announced that he was suspending his presidential campaign and supporting the Republican presidential candidate, former President Donald Trump.(Rebecca Noble/Getty Images)

LINCOLN  Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will not appear on Nebraskas ballot for president among five other candidates after withdrawing his name from the ballot.

Kennedy had successfully petitioned to appear on the ballot, including over a challenge from the Nebraska Democratic Party to boot him from the ticket. Kennedy, a Democratic candidate turned independent, announced last month he was suspending his campaign and withdrawing his name from the ballot in select states. He endorsed former President Donald J. Trump.

Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnens office said Kennedy withdrew his name from the ballot on Monday, the same day all national political party convention officers needed to certify their respective candidates.

Four political parties confirmed their candidates, and one other candidate successfully petitioned and will appear on the Nov. 5 ballot.

Dona-Gene Barton, a political scientist at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, said Kennedy getting off the ballot might help Trump in Nebraskas swing 2nd Congressional District.

The district went to President Joe Biden by 22,091 votes in 2020, Trump by 6,534 votes in 2016, U.S. Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, by 19,087 votes in 2012 and President Barack Obama by 3,370 in 2008 (the first time the state divided its electoral votes to a Democrat).

Nebraska and Maine are the only two states to divide electors by the winner of the popular vote statewide (two votes) and the winner of each of the states congressional districts. Nebraska has three congressional districts.

The confirmed candidates for president and vice president on Nebraskas ballot are:

Republican Party  former President Donald J. Trump (president) and U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance, R-Ohio (vice president).

Democratic Party  Vice President Kamala Harris (president) and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (vice president).

Libertarian Party  Chase Oliver (president) and Mike ter Maat (vice president).

Legal Marijuana NOW Party  Cornel West (president) and Melina Abdullah (vice president).

By petition  Jill Stein (president) and Samson Kpadenou (vice president). Stein successfully petitioned for Nebraskas 2016 ballot.

Shiva Ayyadurai, an independent candidate who was born in India, also collected enough signatures to appear on the ballot. But Evnen rejected Ayyadurais filing because he is undisputedly not a natural-born citizen as required under the U.S. Constitution. Ayyadurais running mate, Crystal Ellis, is from Omaha.

Multiple candidates appearing on the ballot could stir a spoiler, or the siphoning of votes that could cut into razor-thin margins in close races. Nebraska voters will have the most options for president since 2008, which featured six candidates.

Barton said she had not yet seen enough data to know whether Stein or West could change a result, but she suspects not.

Nebraska Examiner political reporter Aaron Sanderford contributed to this report.

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Two houses being renovated collapsed just before 15:00 BST on Tuesday [Charlotte Lillywhite]

Two houses undergoing redevelopment in west London have collapsed part way through their renovation.

Developers were converting the buildings into 14 "co-living units".

Emergency services were called to Lower Mortlake Road in Richmond at about 15:00 BST on Tuesday.

There were no injuries, the London Ambulance Service said, and the London Fire Brigade is investigating the cause of the collapse.

The buildings at 47A, 47 and 49 Lower Mortlake Road [Google]

Planning permission was granted by Richmond Council in 2023 for the construction of the units, described as similar to student accommodation but for working people.

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
Richard Skorman, known in recent years as the downtown Christmas parking elf and a community rubbish rouser and previously for being in the Colorado Springs City Council limelight for 22 years, received recognition Tuesday for his contributions to the city hes loved for decades and that loves him in return.

Mayor Yemi Mobolade presented Skorman with the Spirit of Colorado Springs Lifetime Achievement Award during his State of the City address at The Broadmoor.

Richard is a dedicated public servant, successful small-business owner, author, environmentalist, community advocate, mentor and friend to so many, including me, Mobolade said. His sustained efforts and achievements helped shape our city.

In accepting the award, Skorman, 72, said former Colorado Springs Mayor Mary Lou Makepeace, the citys first and only woman mayor, told him he should run for City Council but hed need to cut his ponytail. So he did and won a seat.

You become an expert because of the people around you, Skorman said, crediting his wife and business partner, Patricia Seator, for his success in business and politics.

Tuesday was the couples 30th wedding anniversary, Skorman noted.

Shes had to put up with so much with me all these years, so many 10-hour days. She ran our business. Five hundred dollars a month (in salary) for City Council, yeah, its a lot of money, and she kept it all going, he said.

Skorman became a small-business owner in 1975, when he was a senior at Colorado College and opened a bookstore a few blocks south of the campus on North Tejon Street.

Two years later, he added food to his Feed & Read, providing customers with a place to browse, read and enjoy simple meals in a friendly, unhurried atmosphere, according to archives from the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum.

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The operation expanded and now includes a restaurant, toy store, book and gift shop and wine bar. The Poor Richards complex has become a downtown landmark and institution for customers of all ages and backgrounds of clientele.

Skorman also served four terms on City Council, starting in 1999 and ending in 2021, and having roles of vice mayor and council president. Throughout the years, he presented a progressive voice on the nonpartisan council.

Hes always stood for what he believes in, even when its been unpopular, Susan Edmondson, president and CEO of the Downtown Partnership of Colorado Springs said in a video the city created.

He led an effort in 1997 that gained voter approval to funnel 1 penny of every $10 purchase to protect and preserve city trails, open spaces and parks.

The Trails, Open Space and Parks program generates $12 million annually to support conservation, wildlife habitat protection, maintenance, water quality and wildfire mitigation.

Skorman remains the backbone of the movement to shepherd the citys natural resources, Matt Mayberry, director of the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum said in the video.

An entrepreneur, a popular elected official and a solo cheer squad for the community, Skorman also was defined by colleagues as tireless, bringing joy with every slice of pizza he serves at his restaurant, and a deep thinker.

John Suthers, who retired last year after eight years as mayor of Colorado Springs, said he and Skorman are "two political planets."

"But when you have two people who love the same entity or organization  Colorado Springs  even if you're coming at it from different opinions, you can find a way to get it done," Suthers said.
TechCrunch

Lightdash, a business intelligence (BI) platform and open source alternative to Google's Looker, is lifting the lid on a new product that allows companies to train "AI analysts" specific to individual teams' use-cases, enabling anyone in a company to query aggregate business data. Lightdash is built for an open source command-line-based data transformation tool called dbt (data build tool), which leans on SQL to help businesses transform raw data into structured, analysis-ready datasets. As things transpired, these metrics were most useful baked into BI tools, which is why co-founder and CEO Hamzah Chaudhary pivoted the product and brand to Lightdash in 2021.
Florida GOP Sen Rick Scott at Jaguar CrossFit in Tampa on July 26, 2024. (Photo by Mitch Perry/Florida Phoenix)

Rick Scott said Wednesday that, if he were Donald Trump, he would do as many debates as possible against Kamala Harris.

But when asked whether hell commit to at least one debate against his own Democratic opponent, former U.S. Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, the Florida Republican deflected.

Im watching to see if shes going to start traveling the state, Scott told CNN reporter Manu Raju. She spends all of her time in Miami. I continue to travel the state.

Scotts criticism of his opponents campaign strategy isnt the first time that his camp has voiced those sentiments. But in fact, Mucarsel-Powell launched what she says will be a 75-stop tour across the state two weeks ago, which included stops in stops in Orlando and Jacksonville last weekend.

Well see what happens, Scott replied when asked a second time about a debate.

Shortly after that exchange, Mucarsel-Powell reiterated that shes already agreed to three statewide televised debates.

Lucky for @ScottforFlorida, Ive agreed to debates in West Palm Beach, Jacksonville, and Tampa, she wrote on X. Would love to see you on stage since you think debates are so important! That is, if youre not too scared to debate a Latina like me.

Scott was in Philadelphia during Tuesday nights debate there, clear evidence that Scott knows debates are a key part of the democratic process, the Florida Democratic Party said in a written statement.

The senator was asked by reporters on Wednesday what he thought of the comment by Trump in the debate that Haitian migrants in Springfield, Ohio, were abducting eating pets, despite the fact that the story has been denied by Springfield officials, according to the Associated Press.

I have no idea whats going on there, Scott said about the issue in Springfield. Heres what I can tell. In Florida weve got a great Haitian community. Theyre wonderful people. Ive put in a lot of time into it with them. I have one of my employees [who] is of Haitian background.  I go to churches with Haitians. Theyre a big part of our state. Theyre a wonderful part of our state.

Meanwhile, Mucarsel-Powells campaign said Wednesday that it had raised more than $1 million with 13,000 first-time donors in the 48 hours after a poll from Emerson College showed her in a statistical tie with Scott.

When asked if he was concerned the race was tightening, Scotts response was succinct.

Im going to work my butt off, he said.
Trump claims he did a 'great job' at debate. Some Republicans aren't buying it

Donald Trump in the spin room after Tuesday night's debate in Philadelphia. (Pablo Martinez Monsivais / Associated Press)

After a presidential debate in which Vice President Kamala Harris baited former President Trump and put him on the defensive, Trump insisted Wednesday morning he did a great job, slammed the debate as a rigged deal and called for ABC to be shut down.

The GOP nominee, who was widely criticized even by Republicans for his weak performance in his first face-to-face meeting with Harris, accused ABCs debate moderators of bias during an early-morning appearance on Fox News Fox & Friends.

It was three on one, Trump said, accusing the moderators, David Muir and Linsey Davis, of heavily fact-checking his statements but not doing the same for Harris. I thought I did a great job.

Fox's chief political analyst disagreed.

Make no mistake about it: Trump had a bad night, Brit Hume told viewers moments after the debate wrapped up. This was pretty much her night.

Soon, a stream of Fox News commentators were brought on to complain about ABCs hosting. Fox News' Sean Hannity echoed Trump's complaint, slamming the far-left moderators. Florida Sen. Marco Rubio called them an embarrassment to journalism."

But many other conservative pundits dismissed that line of argument.

Erick Erickson, the conservative American radio talk show host and blogger, wrote on Substack that the moderators were "100% biased," but Trump ultimately delivered a poor performance.

"The Harris campaign has said for a week that it was going to try to get under Trump's skin by poking fun at his rallies," Erickson wrote on X Wednesday mornings. "It worked. Changed Trump's demeanor for the rest of the debate. He fell for it."

"Donald Trump was a disaster last night," Andrew McCarthy wrote in a National Review article headlined ''Trump's Trainwreck." "He was unhinged, often incoherent, incapable of completing thoughts and sentences when he had points to make, and led into self-absorbed rabbit-holes."

"Look, you can complain about the refs," John Podhoretz, editor of conservative Commentary magazine, wrote on X. "But if the pass is incomplete, the play is dead."

Read more: Column: Trump was Trump in his debate with Kamala Harris  which is why he came across so poorly

During the debate, Harris repeatedly riled Trump and distracted him from making his case to undecided voters by poking at issues such as the size of crowds at his rallies and what she said is his lack of standing among military generals and world leaders.

Moderators corrected Trump when he made false claims that Democrats including her running mate Tim Walz, support "execution" of babies "after birth." They also pushed back on his claim that Haitian refugees in Springfield, Ohio, are eating residents cats and dogs, noting that the city manager said there were no credible reports of pets being harmed.

On Wednesday morning, Trump criticized moderators for not correcting Harris when she linked him with Project 2025, a lengthy plan for a second Trump administration put out by the right-wing Heritage Foundation. He has disavowed the plan, though it was drawn up by many of his former staffers.

Trump also said Harris misled viewers when she presented a comment he made predicting an economic "bloodbath" if his tariffs on foreign-made cars werent enacted as him threatening an uprising if he lost the election.

Asked why he believed moderators hadnt corrected Harris, Trump answered: Because theyre dishonest.

I think ABC took a big hit last night, he continued. To be honest, theyre a news organization  they have to be licensed to do it. They ought to take away their license for the way they did that.

Shortly after the debate, the Harris campaign said the vice president was ready for a rematch in October.

In a statement, Harris-Walz campaign chair Jen OMalley Dillon said that Harris commanded the stage and Trump was totally incoherent.

Under the bright lights, the American people got to see the choice they will face this fall at the ballot box: between moving forward with Kamala Harris, or going backwards with Trump," O'Malley Dillon said. "Thats what they saw tonight and what they should see at a second debate in October. Vice President Harris is ready for a second debate. Is Donald Trump?

Trump said Wednesday he was not sure.

When two fighters fight and one loses, the first thing they do is ask for a debate or they ask for a fight," he told "Fox & Friends." "The losing person, the fighter, the debater, they always ask for a rematch. ... I am not inclined to do it because I won the debate by a lot. But I think we let it settle in and lets see what happens.

Fox News announced Tuesday night that the network had sent letters to the Harris and Trump campaigns offering to host an October debate "while early in-person voting gets underway in multiple battleground states." It suggested three possible dates and locations: Oct. 9 in Arizona, Oct. 15 in Georgia and Oct. 16 in North Carolina.

Minutes after the debate ended, Harris won a powerful endorsement: Pop megastar Taylor Swift, identifying herself as a childless cat lady, announced on Instagram she plans to vote for Harris.

Swift, who has 283 million followers on Instagram, praised Harris as a steady-handed, gifted leader who fights for the rights and causes I believe need a warrior to champion them.

Trump said he was unfazed. I was not a Taylor Swift fan, Trump said. It was just a question of time. She couldn't possibly endorse Biden. ... But she's a very liberal person. She seems to always endorse a Democrat.

Read more: Meet the Harris-Trump debate moderators: ABC News' David Muir and Linsey Davis

For all the Democratic enthusiasm over Harris performance, there were signs that the debate did not mark a sea change in American voters' thinking.

Flash polling conducted by CNN found that about 6 in 10 debate watchers said Harris outperformed Trump and 4 in 10 said Trump did a better job. About 96% of debate watchers polled  who did not reflect the full spectrum of views of the American voting public  said it didnt change their minds about whom to vote for.

In an opinion piece for Fox, Douglas Schoen, a political consultant and former advisor to President Clinton and the presidential campaign of Michael Bloomberg, argued Harris was the clear winner of the debate but it would be a "profound mistake" to count Trump out.

"To be sure, Harris had better answers on abortion, health care, climate change and leadership for the future. That much is clear," Schoen wrote. "But what is also clear is that what Trump said in his closing statement remains the case."

"Voters remain angry about the direction the country is headed," he continued, "about the performance of both President Biden and Harris, as well as which candidate they trust more on the top two or three issues facing the country: the economy, immigration and law and order."

Harris had yet to win over some key constituencies.

Sunrise, the youth movement to stop climate change, critiqued Harris as missing "a critical opportunity to lay out a stark contrast with Trump and show young voters that she will stand up to Big Oil and stop the climate crisis.

Harris spent more time promoting fracking than laying out a bold vision for a clean energy future," Sunrise communications director Stevie O'Hanlon said in a statement.

The Muslim Public Affairs Council said Harris doubled down on the Biden administrations policy of shipping weapons to a regime killing Palestinian families every day.

It also criticized both candidates for failing to mention the name of Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, a 26-year-old Turkish American citizen who was killed last week by Israel Defense Forces during a protest in the occupied West Bank.

On Wednesday morning, Harris put out a statement on Eygi.

The killing of Aysenur Eygi is a horrific tragedy that never should have happened, Harris wrote. The shooting that led to her death is unacceptable and raises legitimate questions about the conduct of IDF personnel in the West Bank. Israel must do more to ensure that incidents like this never happen again.

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The boy had previously admitted his role in two separate riot incidents in Manchester [Greater Manchester Police]

A mum who went on holiday to Ibiza rather than attending her son's sentencing hearing for his role in riots has been ordered to pay compensation.

Her 12-year-old boy was said to have shown the "worst kind of feral behaviour" during two separate episodes of disorder in Manchester on 31 July and 3 August.

The mother was ordered to pay 1,200 compensation - approximately the same price as her holiday - and given a parental order.

The boy, who cannot be named because of his age, was handed a 12-month referral order and told had he been an adult he could have been sent to prison for between four and five years.

District judge Joanne Hirst told the youngster at Manchester Magistrates' Court he had displayed "the worst type of feral behaviour".

The boy admitted two separate episodes of disorder, the first when he was part of a mob that attacked a bus outside a hotel housing asylum seekers in Manchester on 31 July.

Then just days later he was part of a group filmed kicking the windows of a vape shop and throwing a missile at a police van.

His mother was ordered to pay the compensation to four people who gave witness statements to the court.

Widespread disorder broke out in towns and cities across the UK in July and August following the Southport knife attack in which three young girls were killed.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also send story ideas to northwest.newsonline@bbc.co.uk

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UPDATE 6:45 P.M.: North Tooele Fire District stated North Willow Canyons evacuation order has now been lifted. Wildfire and wind are still present in the area, so be sure to watch out for firefighting personnel. The South Willow Fire is estimated to be around 100 acres, according to Utah Wildfire Info.

ORIGINAL STORY: TOOELE, Utah (ABC4)  A new fire has sparked in Tooele County near the Stansbury mountain range just southwest of Grantsville.

Details on the new wildfire are limited, however, Utah Fire Info dubbed it the South Willow Fire. The flames have so far burned over 40 acres of private land near the mountain range. Strong winds have been fueling and helping the spread of the fire.

Crews determined lightning to be the cause of the fire.

An evacuation order was put into place for North Willow Canyon. Utah Fire Info said air resources as well as several local, state, and federal fire engines are on the scene to battle the rapidly spreading flames. Other resources, such as dozers, additional firefighters, and more air resources have been requested.

Utah has been under a critical fire weather warning since early Wednesday morning, Sept. 11, according to the National Weather Service. The areas west of the Salt Lake Valley, including Tooele, were highlighted as being most at risk.

The National Weather Service said southwesterly winds with gusts of up to 45 miles per hour will combine with humidity levels near 6-14% to create critical fire conditions. The associated red flag warning advised the mix of conditions could cause fires to spread rapidly.

Jon Smith with the North Tooele Fire District told ABC4.com that these areas are traditionally wildfire territory and are ripe to burn.

You got really hot temperatures, really high winds  especially today  and we have had a very wet winter and spring leading into summer, which leads to a lot of ground growth, explained Smith.

RELATED STORY: Smoke fills the Wasatch Front  Heres where its coming from

Smith called the current weather conditions a seven on a scale of one to five. He said the North Tooele Fire District trains and prepares all day for these wildfires but crews remain nervous about people being more proactive.

Please do not be throwing cigarettes out the window. Weve had a lot of problems with that over the years [and] that can start a major incident, said Smith, adding, You make sure youre not using tracer ammunition or exploding targets when youre out recreating this weekend. Those are big tips.

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In a General Election campaign of difficult conversations, the most difficult was with a person who came to me in tears on polling day. They told me that for the first time in their life they had not been able to vote Conservative. During lockdown, their beloved relative had died in hospital alone whilst people were partying in Number 10. It was a deeply upsetting story and one which could only be met with sorrow, sincere apologies and a promise that we would regain their trust.

Their story has played on my mind since then. The last election wasnt about being too Right-wing, or Left-wing  it was about trust. The partys longstanding reputation for integrity, pragmatism and competence has taken a beating in recent years. This is why, in different parts of the country, the Tories lost votes to the protest parties of the Liberal Democrats and Reform  hardly natural political bedfellows but similar in their shamelessly impossible promises to voters.

This leadership election is vitally important for the Conservative party but it is also vitally important for our democracy. I believe that this country has fundamentally conservative instincts. For example, people want to build a better future for themselves and their families, to keep more of their hard-earned cash, to live in a free society with free enterprise, to buy their own home and for their taxes to be spent efficiently and fairly for the provision of the public services we all care about. Conservatives must provide voters with a pragmatic, confident, decent and dynamic centre-Right party that speaks to those instincts.

This task is hard and will take time. We have lost many good parliamentarians and committed members, volunteers and party workers have given so much. The party must listen to voters, acknowledge our shortcomings and show them we have changed.

A leadership campaign and election is a very tough process, and I respect and thank all of the candidates for putting themselves forward. We must all make a choice, however, and I am backing Robert Jenrick to be leader of the Conservative party because he has articulated a clear, modern vision of conservatism I believe we can unite around.

He has set out his thoughts on how we can end the cycle of low-growth, spread opportunity across the country and back entrepreneurs and investors.

And he knows that a strong NHS helps grow the economy. We have more doctors and nurses in the NHS than ever before, we have provided record funding, created specialist diagnostic and surgical hubs around the country, improved cancer care, invested in groundbreaking technology for diabetes and many other conditions.

But we all know that the NHS is struggling with modern-day pressures such as an ageing population, more of us living with multiple conditions and even the impacts of social media on young minds. The way to resolve these pressures is to marry reform and productivity with investment. The last government sought to achieve this through our 3.45 billion tech and productivity plan, bringing the latest tech to frontline staff, and expanding the NHS app  but Labour has threatened to cancel it.

In opposition, the Conservatives must become obsessed with fixing the challenge of NHS productivity. Robert gets this, and has placed the NHS at the heart of his change agenda.

Our work must also resonate with the public, especially younger generations. I am concerned, for example, that the social contract between younger people and the NHS is beginning to fray as it has not modernised in step with society. As our population ages, they will not accept ever-rising taxes for out-of-date public services.

As part of his campaign, Robert has focused on younger people, particularly their wish to own their own home. As Housing Secretary he took on the blockers, despite huge opposition, and managed to get housing starts up to their highest level since 1987.

I have worked with Robert for many years and seen his social conscience, seriousness and professionalism up close. Together, we worked to tackle injustices like domestic abuse  changing the law during the pandemic to ensure victims got priority for social housing and investing in specialist services to support them to recover.

I have seen him to be a leader who is focused above all else on delivering for the British public. I believe that Robert will deliver a Conservative Party restored to the common ground in centre-Right politics, confident in its outlook and vision for a modern Britain. In short, a party that puts regaining your trust at its core.

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ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  Months after the Rochester Downtown Development Corporation ended its campaign to create a business improvement district in downtown Rochester, the development group is working to raise funds for its next phase of downtown revitalization.

RDDC ended its BID campaign in March after losing the votes needed in Rochester City Council. When News 8 spoke to the non-profit after the campaign ended, it said the group is still committed to the work.

Some of this revitalization effort has been ongoing, primarily through the Downtown Definitely series of events.

This expanded effort for revitalization follows the feedback the group says they received during the bid process. RDDC says its data shows people want more events, the city beautified with more amenities and more small business support.

Galin Brooks, president of RDDC, said that small business support comes from more marketing support from RDDC, as well as networking and collaboration efforts.

On funding, a BID relies on collective buying power property owners in a geographic area, to pay for services, events, and more.

So we see some balance of the budget coming from larger-scale institutions, that would really support the work out of the gate, said Brooks. Then about a third of the budget comes from businesses, downtown stakeholders, RDDC members, individuals, property owners, a mix.

High Falls, a neighborhood in Rochester, the Village of Webster, Canandaigua, and more have BIDs.

A vibrant downtown is essential to creating a welcoming, safe, and inclusive environment for the individuals who visit the Urban League of Rochester and our dedicated staff, said Dr. Seanelle Hawkins of the Urban League of Rochester in a statement provided by RDDC. The health of our downtown directly impacts the neighborhood where we operate, and a revitalized downtown enhances the overall well-being of the city. It fosters economic growth by supporting small businesses, creating employment opportunities, and improving the quality of life for all who live, work, and engage with this community.

RDDC also plans to ask Monroe Countys development agency for funding. Brooks said that funding would come out of COMIDAs general operating fund. RDDC is making the pitch at next weeks COMIDA meeting.

Brooks said the rollout of the expanded services would begin in early 2025.

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ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  The Rochester Red Wings  hitting it out of the park with their first ever homerun derby.

Partnering with Vision Automotive Group to make this event possible, the Red Wings had a very special guest MC  Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin!

The home run derby featured local high school and college athletes along with other hometown heros all competing to be the Rochester home run champion. Even Spikes got in on the action!

The event was a huge family hit with tons of fun giveaways and surprises.

The first 1,000 attendees were greeted with a free hot dog and ice cream sandwich and everyone who went was also given a $500 voucher from Vision Automotive Group to be used towards the purchase of a vehicle.

If that wasnt enough, Damar Hamlin was also running around tossing out T-shirts, free oil changes and limited-edition Red Wings merchandise.

As for those who actually make a living hitting home runs  the Red Wings next game at Innovative Field will be Tuesday September 17 against the Iowa Cubs.

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Rock Used as Doorstop For Decades Turns Out to Be Worth Over $1 Million

Rock Used as Doorstop For Decades Turns Out to Be Worth Over $1 Million

They say one's trash is another's treasure, but a chunk of 'rock' used to keep a door open for decades is a treasure by pretty much any metric you might care to use.

The 3.5 kilogram (7.7 pound) stone was found in a stream bed in southeast Romania by an elderly woman, who brought it home and put it to use.

Her discovery turned out to be one of the biggest intact chunks of amber in the world, according to a report by El Pais. Its value? Somewhere in the region of 1 million  around $US1.1 million.

Amber is tree resin from millions of years in the past. Over time, the highly viscous substance fossilizes into a hard, warm-hued material widely recognized as a gemstone.

In Romania, pieces of amber can be found around the village of Colti in sandstone from the banks of the River Buzau, where it has been mined since the 1920s. Known as rumanite, this amber is famed and prized for its wide array of deep, reddish hues.

The elderly woman who found this particular rumanite nugget lived in Colti, where it remained performing a function so humble that it was missed even by jewel thieves who once targeted the home, reports say.

The chunk of amber. (Buzau County Museum)

After the woman died in 1991, the relative who inherited her home suspected the doorstop might be more than meets the eye. On learning what he had, he sold the amber to the Romanian state, which had it appraised by experts at the Museum of History in Krakow in Poland.

According to these experts, the amber is likely between around 38 and 70 million years old.

"Its discovery represents a great significance both at a scientific level and at a museum level," Daniel Costache, director of the Provincial Museum of Buzau, told El Pais.

Classified as a national treasure of Romania, the nugget has had a home at the Provincial Museum of Buzau  the county in which the relic was found  since 2022.

The discovery resembles that of a man in Michigan, who kept a large piece of rock as a doorstop, only to find out decades later that he was keeping his doors in place with a meteorite worth $100,000.

A chunk of amber worth over a million dollars isn't a bad score, either, really. Just imagine how many doorstops you could buy.

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The USS Abraham Lincoln, one of the US Navys nuclear-powered aircraft carriers - Brian M. Wilbur/Navy Office of Information/US NAVY/AFP via Getty Images

The Royal Navy is considering nuclear-powered surface ships that could stay at sea for years.

As part of what is understood to be a long-term plan, the Navy has asked the defence industry to explore nuclear power on its surface ships.

In the UK, nuclear propulsion is only used on submarines, however the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) for updates on the use of Generation IV, an advanced nuclear technology.

The request will look at how Generation IV nuclear technologies, including larger nuclear reactors and micro-modular reactors, could power surface fleets.

The US has a number of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, including Nimitz and Gerald R. Ford-class ships. Frances Charles de Gaulle carrier is also nuclear-powered.

At a cost of $13 billion (10 billion), the nuclear-powered USS Gerald R. Ford was commissioned in 2017 and is the US navys newest and costliest warship.

The Royal Navys two aircraft carriers, HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales, cost 3 billion each. Commissioned in 2017, they are powered by gas and diesel engines.

Both ships have been hit by malfunctions since they launched. HMS Queen Elizabeth was forced to pull out of the largest Nato exercise since the Cold War in February due to an issue with a propeller shaft.

In 2022, HMS Prince of Wales was forced to pull out of exercises with the US Navy after breaking down off the Isle of Wight due to a similar malfunction.

Tom Sharpe, a former Navy commander, described the RFI as prudent planning by the MoD, although cautioned the costs behind such a development.

HMS Queen Elizabeth has been hit by several malfunctions - David Clarke/Solent News & Photo Agency

It isnt about building a fleet of nuclear-powered cruisers any time soon, he said. That there is someone in a corner of the Naval Headquarters looking this far ahead, and not getting consumed by the day-to-day running of the fleet, is good news.

Nuclear power all about cost vs gains

He added: Nuclear power in ships is all about cost vs operational gains.

In submarines, the gains are massive, which is why many are powered that way. In surface ships the operational gain is much less and so cost comes in earlier.

The Governments Net Zero Strategy, published in 2021, reinforced the importance of nuclear in the UKs energy as it transitions to net zero by 2050.

The MoDs request is an information-gathering exercise conducted in line with the Defence and Security Industrial Strategy (DSIS), according to the UK Defence Journal.

The RFI, which has a deadline of Oct 9 this year, adds: The primary objective is to gather detailed information on GEN-4 nuclear-reactor designs, their feasibility for large surface ships (including support vessels and surface combatants), and the potential benefits and challenges associated with their use.

The Royal Navy has only used nuclear propulsion for submarines - Will Haigh/Royal Navy

Mr Sharpe added: There is a gross tonnage above which this ratio changes in favour of nuclear propulsion, and its about 80,000 tons. This is why US carriers at 100,000 tons have it and ours, at 65,000 tons do not.

He added that the Charles de Gaulle, which sits at 42,000 tons, is an expensive anomaly to be nuclear-powered.

However, if Gen IV reactors are that much smaller, safer, more powerful and with less waste as the brochure suggests, then its possible the tonnage point at which nuclear propulsion becomes viable could change substantially, Mr Sharpe said.

The RFI also highlights the need for detailed technical information. It says: The Royal Navy is seeking information regarding integrating Generation-4 nuclear technologies for surface ship employment. Exploring scopes for alternative energy paradigms, the Royal Navy is gathering information on energy solutions for powering large surface ships.

HMS Cardiff, a Royal Navy frigate, is powered by gas and diesel - Iain Masterton/Alamy Live News

Pete Sandman, a Navy expert who runs the Navy Lookout blog, said he doubted the UK will see a nuclear-powered vessel in the near future, due to the enormous overheads that would come with instilling and maintaining such advanced technology.

Nuclear propulsion comes with enormous overheads, maintenance, regulations and once you go nuclear things become way more expensive and complicated, he said.

You have nuclear regulatory bodies, people have to be trained to a very high standard and have 24-hour watches. Although infinite power comes with lots of downsides, for a surface ship, the case is less clear cut.

A Royal Navy spokesman told The Telegraph: This is simply an information gathering exercise.

We strive to be at the cutting edge of technology, therefore such requests to our industry partners are entirely routine and no further discussions are being planned at this stage.

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If recreational marijuana sales are permitted in Colorado Springs this fall or in the future, a new ordinance probably will prevent them from operating throughout much of the city.

The City Council on Tuesday voted 7-2 to approve an ordinance that will modify city code to prevent marijuana facilities that sell recreational cannabis from operating within 1 mile of K-12 schools and residential child care and drug or alcohol treatment facilities.

Councilwomen Yolanda Avila and Nancy Henjum were opposed.

Recreational marijuana sales are not currently allowed in Colorado Springs city limits. A resident-backed question on the November ballot, however, proposes authorizing the roughly 90 existing permitted medical marijuana stores in the city to opt into also selling retail marijuana.

Currently, medical marijuana stores are prohibited from operating within 1,000 feet of schools and child care facilities in Colorado Springs.

A map that Interim Planning Director Kevin Walker again shared Tuesday showed that all of the city's medical marijuana centers are located within a 1-mile radius of schools, child care and rehab facilities.

The ordinance would then most likely allow retail marijuana sales to be only permitted on the city's eastern side, where, according to the map, they would comply with the 1-mile limit.

The map measures the distance between the facilities using a 1-mile radius, rather than by a route of direct pedestrian access, as the ordinance requires, Walker said. Direct pedestrian access is likely a shorter distance than the 1-mile radius shown on the map.

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Councilman Mike O'Malley said he supported the ordinance because of the strong military presence in the community.

Councilman Brian Risley and Councilwoman Michelle Talarico said they supported the ordinance, because they want to prevent underage users from being able to obtain marijuana in Colorado Springs.

They cited the potential health effects of marijuana, particularly if it has high-potency THC, the main psychoactive component in marijuana.

"This is about trying to protect sensitive populations from what has proven to be dangerous and difficult to regulate and monitor," Risley said.

Avila and Henjum agreed with city planning commissioners, who last month voted against recommending the City Council approve the ordinance. Some commissioners worried the ordinance would ignore Colorado Springs voters' wishes, if they choose to authorize local recreational marijuana sales this fall or in the future.

"I find it a little surprising that we would put in an ordinance to, essentially de facto restrict the sale of recreational marijuana, which is, in fact, on the ballot ...," Henjum said.

Avila said it is legal to use marijuana in Colorado both recreationally and medicinally. Outlawing recreational sales in Colorado Springs doesn't prevent people from buying the drug, but the city loses out on sales revenues by outlawing it.

"It (marijuana) is here. ... A person's going to have use of cannabis. They're going to buy it somewhere," Avila said. "I don't see that (outlawing recreational sales) precludes ... people who shouldn't have it from getting it."

Councilwoman Lynette Crow-Iverson repeated statements that residents elect their councilmembers to vote on policies such as this one.
PIERRE, S.D. (KELO)  A new rule will let ambulance services in South Dakota seek hardship exemptions if they cant get a physician to serve as medical director.

The Legislatures Rules Review Committee gave official clearance to the final package on Tuesday.

However, several of the panels half-dozen members struggled with the question of whether the latest version of the new rule stretches beyond what state lawmakers had authorized last winter.

The review panel had previously allowed most of the new hardship-waiver language take effect after its August 20 meeting. But the panel blocked some parts of the original proposal as too vague on qualifications for the physician assistant or nurse practitioner who could be assigned as medical director instead.

The state Department of Health returned to the committee on Tuesday with a revised version. It now calls for a physician assistant or nurse practitioner to have at least two years of clinical experience and meet other requirements, including that the person has reviewed and understands the Rural EMS Healthcare Direction in South Dakota document on the department website.

The review panel found the revised qualification criteria acceptable but struggled over whether to accept the revised requirement that an ambulance service applying for a hardship waiver must show that no licensed physician could be found within 50 miles who was available and willing to serve as the medical director of the ambulance service for a fee that is less than five percent of the ambulance services annual budget.

Emily Kiel is director for the departments healthcare access division. She showed the review panel results of a survey of 46 ambulance services that found 11 paid their medical directors, while 35 others had medical directors who worked without pay. Statewide there are 121 ground ambulance services, she said.

A resource for finding missing people in South Dakota

Marty Link is the departments emergency medical services and trauma administrator. He acknowledged that the 5% threshold was considered by the department to be a reasonable fee but he acknowledged there wasnt a concrete basis for it.

Republican Sen. Jean Hunhoff, who chairs the review panel, couldnt decide whether to reject the proposed rule again or allow it. Were in this dilemma  we dont have medical directors, she said.

Republican Rep. Jon Hansen is the panels vice-chair and its only member whos a lawyer. He first suggested rejecting the 5% portion of the rule because the new law doesnt discuss financial criteria and letting the Legislature decide in 2025 whether the law needs to be better defined.

But reverting the 5% would have meant rejecting the qualifications criteria, too, because they were all contained in the same proposed section of rule.

Hansen then noted that the new law allowing hardship exemptions says an exemption will be granted if the ambulance service demonstrates, to the satisfaction of the department, that no physician is available and willing to serve as the medical director. He said that implicitly gave the department authority to set conditions such as the 5% and, under the circumstances, could go either way.

Republican Sen. Jim Mehlhaff at that point called for the rule to be allowed to go into effect.

Generally, rural ambulance services are volunteer organizations, Mehlhaff said, and its more than reasonable that it would be a hardship if an ambulance service couldnt find a physician for less than 5% of the budget. He also acknowledged theres ambiguity.

But, Mehlhaff concluded, At this time, its the prudent thing to do.

The vote was 5-0.

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Russia appears to have launched its first major counterattack to drive Ukrainian forces out of Russia's Kursk region more than a month after Ukraine began its surprise offensive, according to Russian and Ukrainian sources as well as independent military analysts.

Russian forces appeared already to have some success on Tuesday -- retaking some territory and driving a wedge into Ukrainian lines in Kursk, analysts said.

Videos posted by pro-Russian military bloggers and geolocated by ABC News showed a large Russian armored column attacking toward the village of Snagost. Another video appears to show Ukrainian troops taken prisoner.

PHOTO: In a still from a video posted by a pro-Russian account, multiple vehicles are seen rushing toward the village of Snagost in Russia's Kurst region, Sept. 10, 2024. ( )

The Russian counterattack is focused on the western flank of Ukraine's incursion into Kursk that seized hundreds of square kilometers since it began on Aug. 6.

John Helin -- a researcher at the Blackbird Group, which conducts open-source military analysis -- wrote on X that Russian troops had launched a push from the west and north, driving a wedge behind Ukrainian troops toward Snagost. Russian military bloggers claim Russian forces are now attacking the village of Obukhov, which would mean Russian troops could have advanced more than 6 miles on Tuesday, Helin wrote in an article for the Finnish newspaper, Helsingin Sanomat.

MORE: Blinken lands in Kyiv amid Ukraine push for long-range missile strike permission

A prominent pro-Ukrainian military blogger, Serhiy Sternenko, confirmed Russia has launched a major counterattack and that the situation is dangerous for Ukraine.

"The situation can develop into a poorly controlled crisis," Sternenko wrote on Telegram, saying Ukrainian forces lack adequate coordination in the area and are disorganized.

PHOTO: A satellite image taken on Sept. 10, 2024, shows areas of current or recent burning in Snagost in Russia's Kursk Oblast. (Copernicus Sentinel / Pierre Markuse)

Military analysts and Ukrainian commentators said Russia's attack was predictable.

"I won't dramatize about the Kursk region, war is war, a fully expected response from the enemy," Stanislav Osman, a volunteer soldier with the 24th "Aidar" Assault Battalion, wrote on his Telegram account. But he said Ukrainian commanders had ignored some warnings from Ukrainian front-line troops in the area.

MORE: Ukraine confirms 'tough' new foreign minister in Zelenskyy cabinet revamp

Ukraine succeeded in seizing hundreds of square miles and dozens of villages inside the Kursk region in the early days of its surprise offensive. Russia has struggled to respond. Ukraine has barely advanced since the first two weeks, although it has kept Russian forces on the defensive. Tuesday's counterattack suggested Russia is now finally seeking to turn the tables and begin trying to push Ukraine back.

Ukraine's incursion into Kursk has been viewed as a high-risk gamble by most independent military experts. Although it has succeeded in shifting the narrative in the war, analysts have warned Ukraine still risks suffering dangerous losses as it tries to hold onto territory in Kursk.

At the same time, Russian forces have made more rapid advances in eastern Ukraine since the Kursk incursion, appearing to take advantage of Ukraine diverting troops and ammunition. Russian forces have advanced toward the city of Pokrovsk, a key logistical hub, and stretched Ukrainian lines more broadly in southeast Donbas. Though Russia's rate of advance has reportedly slowed in the past week.

Russia appears to have launched initial major counterattack against Ukraine in Kursk originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Russia and the People's Republic of China (PRC) are continuing to develop military-technical cooperation in various areas.

Source: Institute for the Study of War (ISW)

Details: On 10 September, US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell revealed in an interview with Politico that China is offering substantial support to the Russian defence sector in exchange for access to classified Russian military technologies..

Campbell highlighted that China's support goes beyond the mere provision of dual-use items to Russia; it represents a "substantial effort....to help sustain, build, and diversify elements of the Russian war machine". He warned that, in return, Russia is supplying submarines, aircraft, and missile technology to China  technologies that Moscow has been previously reluctant to share and that are considered highly protected.

Chinese officials continue to deny any involvement in supporting Russia's military operations and maintain that China remains neutral in relation to Russia's war in Ukraine, despite repeated Western claims of Chinese material support for Russias defence industry and its geospatial intelligence capabilities.

Reports of more direct Chinese assistance to Russia come against the backdrop of the Russian-led international naval exercise Ocean-2024, currently taking place in the Pacific and Arctic Oceans, as well as in the Mediterranean, Caspian, and Baltic Seas.

On 10 September, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the launch of Ocean-2024, accusing the United States of exerting pressure on both Russia and China, which he argued made joint naval exercises necessary.

To quote the ISW's Key Takeaways on 10 September:

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed on 10 September that Iran has sent short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs) to Russia amid growing international condemnation of Tehran's support for Russia's war in Ukraine.

Russia and the People's Republic of China (PRC) continue to pursue various avenues of military-technical cooperation.

Ukrainian forces conducted a large series of drone strikes in Russia on the night of 9-10 September.

US President Joe Biden stated on 10 September that the presidential administration is working on lifting restrictions on Ukraine's ability to use US-provided weapons to strike military objects within Russia.

The Kremlin is reportedly allocating roughly 59 billion roubles (about $648 million) to strengthen its technical ability to restrict internet traffic on its sovereign internet.

Ukrainian forces recently advanced in Kursk Oblast amid continued Ukrainian offensive operations in the area on 10 September.

Russian forces recently advanced near Kreminna, Siversk, Toretsk, Pokrovsk, and the city of Donetsk.

The German-based Kiel Institute for the World Economy published a report on 0 September warning that Russia has significantly increased its defence industrial base (DIB) capabilities since 2022 and that depleting weapons and equipment stockpiles may not significantly impact future Russian DIB production.

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A Chechen commander alleged that Russia retook several settlements in Kursk Oblast amid unconfirmed claims from Sept. 11 that Russia launched a counterattack in the region from the west.

Ukraine has not commented on the claims, which cannot be independently verified. If confirmed, this could present a serious challenge to Ukrainian forces that have been holding parts of Kursk Oblast since the start of the cross-border incursion on Aug. 6.

"As far as I know, (Russian soldiers) have already recaptured several settlements" of Kursk Oblast, commander of the Akhmat unit Apti Alaudinov claimed on his Telegram channel. According to the commander, Russia has deployed the 155th Marine Brigade for the task.

Alaudinov alleged that Russian forces broke into the Snagost settlement, which lies at the western flank of Ukrainian-held territories in Kursk Oblast, close to the Russian-controlled Glushkovsky district.

Snagost lies around 30 kilometers (20 miles) west of the Ukrainian-held Russian town of Sudzha and around 10 kilometers (6 miles) north of the Ukrainian border.

Claims about the Russian counterattack also appeared on high-profile pro-war Telegram channels. The Two Majors channel wrote that apart from the 155th Marine Brigade, units of the 51st Parachute Regiment are also taking part in the operation.

The Rybar channel said that according to sources in the Russian General Staff, Moscow's troops are advancing into the Korenevsky district.

The Ukrainian crowd-sourced monitoring group DeepState also reported that the "situation on the left (western) flank of Ukrainian forces in Kursk Oblast has worsened."

"Russians began active assault operations, ferrying armored vehicles across the Seim River and other smaller rivers." Ukraine was previously targeting bridges and pontoon crossings across the Seim River in an apparent attempt to cut off Russian troops in the Glushkovsky district.

DeepState also reported that Russian forces were advancing toward Snagost but did not say that Moscow had captured the settlement.

President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Sept. 6 that Ukraine controls over 1,300 square kilometers and around 100 settlements in Kursk Oblast. According to Kyiv, the incursion was meant to divert Russian forces from Donbas and to prevent further Russian cross-border attacks from Kursk Oblast.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Russia claims capture of Donetsk Oblast village near Vuhledar, Kyiv doesnt confirm

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Russia has committed 137,000 war crimes in Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky said at the United for Justice conference in Kyiv on Sept. 11.

War crimes include acts such as deliberate attacks on civilians, attacks on cultural sites or medical institutions, torture, and deportations.

"As of today, there are at least 137,000 reasons for us to continue this work, and for us to see it through," Zelensky said, referring to "the number of war crimes committed by Russia."

"Crimes against peace and humanity, against our state, against our people, against Ukraine and Ukrainians. And this means that there should be no fewer sentences."

Since the start of the full-scale invasion, the International Criminal Court (ICC) has announced several arrest warrants for crimes committed by Russia's leadership against Ukraine.

The ICC announced in June that it has issued arrest warrants for Sergei Shoigu, secretary of Russia's Security Council, and Valery Gerasimov, Chief of the General Staff of the Russian army, for intentionally harming civilians, among other charges relating to Russian strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure.

The charges against Shoigu and Gerasimov followed similar arrest warrants issued in March against two lower-ranking Russian commanders relating to the same strikes.

The court also issued arrest warrants in March 2023 for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Presidential Commissioner for Children's Rights Maria Lvova-Belova for the forcible transfer of children from Russian-occupied parts of Ukraine.

The Prosecutor General's Office said in March that Ukraine has collected pretrial information on over 128,000 victims of war crimes.

Read also: Opinion: Russian soldiers in Ukraine are ordinary guys who commit horrific war crimes

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Russia fired a new North Korean missile made this year in a strike on Ukraine, marking a first, researchers say

Russia fired a new North Korean missile made this year in a strike on Ukraine, marking a first, researchers say

Russia fired a North Korean missile made this year into Ukraine, new research says.

The report marks the first public evidence of North Korean missiles made in 2024 being used in the war.

North Korea has sent Russia missiles, artillery, and other technology as part of an arms deal.

Russia has fired new North Korean missiles produced this year in its strikes on Ukraine, according to a new report.

Photos of the missile components, which feature a 2024 production marking, are the latest evidence that an arms deal between Moscow and Pyongyang continues to fuel the war.

The new report was published by Conflict Armament Research, a group that tracks the use of weapons supplied in armed conflicts. Per CAR, a Ukrainian field "investigation team documented the remnants of four different North Korean missiles following a series of attacks" reported on July 30, August 5, August 6, and August 18.

One of the missiles featured a mark indicating it had been produced in 2024. "This is the first public evidence that missiles produced this year in North Korea are being used in Ukraine," CAR said.

New  North Korean missiles produced in 2024 used in Ukraine



CAR's latest field findings from its investigations in Ukraine https://t.co/c0eDfZQO5w  CAR (@conflictarm) September 11, 2024

CAR said that the 2024 components, two jet vane actuators, were discovered among the remnants of a missile used in a Russian strike on August 18. The mark read "113," which translates to 2024 on North Korea's Juche calendar. CAR said that the missile parts were recovered north of Kyiv.

The use of a missile with components manufactured in 2024 hints at a rapid production-to-use cycle, meaning North Korea is moving quickly to get Russia the weapons it needs for its continued massive barrages on Ukraine.

As CAR noted, "the discovery of a 2024 production mark on one of the missiles reveals a short period between the production of these ballistic missiles and their use in Ukraine."

The marking also means North Korea has been able to continue evading heavy sanctions in order to obtain the weapons materials it needs to build missiles.

Fragments of suspected non-Russian missiles have been documented in previous strikes on Ukraine. Ivan Samoilov/Gwara Media/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images

CAR's investigation is the latest indication that Russia is using North Korean weapons in Ukraine. Last fall, Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un met to discuss a potential arms deal between the two nations. They further solidified this partnership this past May with a mutual defense pact.

South Korea, like the US, has documented large weapons shipments from North Korea to Russia since the war began in 2022.

In exchange for sending Russia ballistic missiles and millions of artillery shells, North Korea has potentially received food, fuel, and possibly the advanced military technologies it desires for nuclear-powered submarines, missiles, and so on. The details, however, are unclear.

The partnership between Moscow and Pyongyang has put the US, South Korea, and also China in precarious situations. The South has been sending ammo to support Ukraine via the US and other channels, fueling tensions with Russia, while Beijing is concerned about losing its influence over its neighbor. The arrangement causes instability.

Read the original article on Business Insider
A freight train derailed in the Novooskolsky district in Russia's Belgorod Oblast on Sept. 11 as a result of "illegal interference," according to Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov.

According to the Russian Investigative Committee, a diesel locomotive and 11 cars of the freight train derailed at the Novy Oskol-Volokonovka span. Russian authorities claimed that the cars were empty and there were no casualties.

The train derailed due to an explosion on the tracks, the Russian Telegram channel Baza alleged. The Kyiv Independent could not verify these claims.

The Russian committee described the incident as a "terrorist attack" and opened a criminal case.

"Search measures are being carried out to identify the perpetrators of the crime," the statement read. Russian authorities have not openly connected the incident to Ukraine.

Several sabotage attacks against Russian railways, including fires, explosions, and derailments, have been reported during Moscow's full-scale war against Ukraine.

Ukraine's military intelligence agency (HUR) claimed in January that some of the railway tracks in Russia were targeted by "unknown opponents of (Vladimir) Putin's regime." The agency did not say whether it was involved in the sabotage attacks but said the actions would disrupt Russian military logistics.

Read also: Russia claims to counterattack against Ukraine in Kursk Oblast

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Russia has killed over 100 civilian medics since start of full-scale war  Ukraine's Health Minister

Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, one hundred civilian medical workers have been killed by Russia as they were providing patients with medical care.

Source: Ministry of Health of Ukraine, with reference to Health Minister Viktor Liashko, who revealed this information at the international conference United for Justice: Accountability for Attacks against Civilian Targets

Details: This data does not include Ukrainian healthcare workers who work for the Armed Forces of Ukraine or have remained in areas under Russian occupation.

"Over 100 medical workers have been killed by Russian terrorists while on the premises of civilian healthcare institutions. This number does not include those who work in the defence forces and those who stayed in the temporarily occupied territories," Liashko explained.

In addition, 1,887 medical institutions have been damaged by Russian attacks since the full-scale invasion began. Another 216 are beyond repair.

The World Bank estimates that at least US$7 billion will be needed to rebuild Ukraines medical facilities.

"The cost of rebuilding our healthcare system is incredibly high. However, we realise that the medical system is first and foremost about people  our medics who, from day one of the full-scale invasion, have come to their workplaces and continued to vaccinate, treat and save their patients and put them back on their feet," Liashko added.

Liashko added that the Russian army also attacks ambulances, which are constantly under fire in frontline areas. Over 500 have been lost as a result  either completely destroyed or stolen by the Russians.

"584 vehicles in the emergency medical aid system have been lost. Thats one in five vehicles," Liashko noted.

Earlier, Ukrainska Pravda reported the death of Yevhen Yurko, a 21-year-old medical assistant who was seriously injured as he was helping people who had been injured in a Russian attack on the city of Kharkiv.

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Russia has launched a major counter-offensive in an attempt to dislodge Ukrainian forces from its Kursk region.

Both Ukrainian and Russian sources said that Kyivs troops had started losing some of the ground they seized in the audacious incursion that began on Aug 6.

On Wednesday, Maj Gen Apti Alaudinov, who commands Chechen special forces fighting in Kursk, said Russian troops had gone on the offensive.

The situation is good for us, he said, according to Russian state news agency Tass.

A total of about 10 settlements in the Kursk region have been liberated.

Mash, a pro-Kremlin channel on the Telegram messaging app, reported that Moscows forces had advanced up to 150 square kilometres into the Ukrainian-held salient in a local counter-offensive in the region.

Other prominent Russian military bloggers said their countrys troops had seized control of Snagost, a village south of Korenevo on the Ukrainian left flank.

Battlefield footage shared on social media appeared to show at least eight armoured vehicles and tanks operated by Russias 51st Guards Airborne Regiment advancing on Snagost.

A Russian tank takes up a firing position under cover in the Kursk region - Rusian Defense Ministry Press Service

It appears Russia was able to get the armoured force across the Seym River, despite Ukrainian strikes on the bridges, Rob Lee, a senior fellow at the foreign policy research institute, a US think tank, said.

Kyiv had hoped by targeting bridges across the stretch of water it would hamper Russias ability to move troops and material to reinforce efforts to recapture lost territories across Kursk.

Moscow responded by building a series of temporary pontoon bridges across the water to replace the three main crossings.

Deep State, a popular Ukrainian war blog, also reported that Russians were able to launch the offensive after ferrying armoured vehicles across the river.

The situation on the left flank of our group in Kursk worsened, it wrote in a post late on Tuesday.

The blog, which has ties to the Ukrainian defence ministry, did not say whether Snagost had been lost in the fighting.

Prominent Russian military bloggers said Moscows forces were also advancing in the villages of Apanasovka and Byakhovo, south of the claimed capture of Snagost.

Russian sources also shared unverified clips of what they claimed to be the capture of Ukrainian prisoners of war caught in the advance.

Neither political or military officials in Ukraine made any public acknowledgement of the claimed Russian counter-offensive.

Russias defence ministry on Wednesday said Ukraine had sustained about 12,200 casualties in Kursk and lost nearly 100 tanks.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces continued to advance in other areas of Russias Kursk region, according to the US-based Institute for the Study of War.

The think-tank said geolocated footage had shown gains in eastern Komarovka, which lies south west of Korenevo.

Separate footage showed a Ukrainian advance south east of Vetreno, which is east of Korenevo.

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Russia loses 1,140 soldiers and 56 artillery systems in one day

A tank on fire. Stock photo: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

Ukraines defence forces continue to inflict losses on Russia as it has lost 1,140 soldiers killed and wounded, 13 armoured combat vehicles and 56 artillery systems over the past day alone.

Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook

Details: The total combat losses of the Russian forces between 24 February 2022 and 11 September 2024 are estimated to be as follows [figures in parentheses represent the latest losses  ed.]:

approximately 628,930 (+1,140) military personnel;

8,642 (+2) tanks;

16,938 (+13) armoured combat vehicles;

17,936 (+56) artillery systems;

1,182 (+2) multiple-launch rocket systems;

943 (+1) air defence systems;

368 (+0) fixed-wing aircraft;

328 (+0) helicopters;

14,990 (+57) strategic and tactical UAVs;

2,591 (+0) cruise missiles;

28 (+0) ships/boats;

1 (+0) submarine;

24,388 (+58) vehicles and tankers;

3,059 (+6) special vehicles and other equipment.

The information is being confirmed.

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The EU Court has refused to lift sanctions from the Russian National Settlement Depository (NSD), with the amount of its frozen assets nearing 70 billion.

Source: Bloomberg, citing the court's decision

The European Court rejected the appeal from the Russian depository regarding the annulment of EU sanctions imposed in 2022. The NSD's assets, frozen in the Belgian depository Euroclear, amount to approximately 70 billion.

These assets are not used to generate excess profits, which are transferred to Ukraine as financial support.

The total amount of frozen Russian assets in Euroclear, including those of the Bank of Russia, is estimated at 173 billion. The exact portion associated with the NSD was not commented on by Euroclear representatives.

Sanctions were imposed due to the NSD's role in financing Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The court said the NSD failed to prove that the EU mistakenly considers it a systemically important institution playing a significant role in the Russian financial system.

It is noted that the decision may be appealed to a higher court.

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Russia says it could "combine" with China if they faced a threat

By Dmitry Antonov

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia said on Wednesday that its partnership with China was not aimed against third countries but the two powers could "combine potential" if faced with a threat from the United States.

"I would like to remind you that Moscow and Beijing will respond to 'double containment' by the United States with 'double counteraction'," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said when asked about a possible deployment of U.S. missiles in Japan.

The Japan Times reported on Sept. 7 that the United States had expressed an interest in deploying a Typhon mid-range missile system to Japan for joint military exercises.

"It is clear that both Russia and China will react to the emergence of additional and very significant missile threats, and their reaction will be far from being political, which has also been repeatedly confirmed by the two countries," Zakharova told reporters at her weekly briefing.

She said Russia and China had a strategic partnership that was not aggressive in its intent.

"Our relations are not directed against third countries... and double counteraction does not contradict this. This is a defensive position, this is not an initiative to target other countries," Zakharova said in answer to a question from Reuters.

"But if an aggressive policy of attack is being implemented against us from one centre, why don't we combine our potential and give an appropriate rebuff?"

Presidents Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping signed a "no limits" partnership deal in 2022, less than three weeks before Putin sent his troops into Ukraine. In May this year they agreed to deepen what they called their "comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation" for a new era.

The two countries have not declared a formal military alliance, although Putin last week described them as "allies in every sense of the word".

Russia and China have staged military exercises together, including naval drills that started on Tuesday. Putin, overseeing the launch of the manoeuvres, warned the United States against attempts to outgun Russia by building up its military power in the Asia-Pacific region.

(Reporting by Dmitry Antonov; Writing by Mark Trevelyan; Editing by Philippa Fletcher)
Thirty five civilians have been killed in Russian attacks on Ukraines energy infrastructure, which also inflicted US$1 billion of losses on the countrys energy system. Some of Ukraines energy facilities have been struck by the Russians over 40 times.

Source: Oleksii Khomenko, Deputy Prosecutor General of Ukraine, during the United for Justice conference, as reported by Ukrinform news agency

Quote from Khomenko: "Our international partners can help us rebuild our energy infrastructure, but I would also like to stress that these attacks have claimed the lives of civilians, including energy facility workers. Thirty five civilians have been killed in these attacks and more than 100 have been injured."

Details: Khomenko said that no part of Ukraine has been spared attacks on its energy infrastructure, with Russian forces striking some energy facilities more than 40 times, using artillery, rockets and missiles.

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Putin casts naval exercise with China as bid to counter US in the Pacific

By Vladimir Soldatkin and Dmitry Antonov

MOSCOW (Reuters) -President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday warned the United States against trying to outgun Moscow in Asia as Russian and Chinese warships held joint drills as part of the biggest Russian naval exercises since the Soviet era.

Putin said the wider "Ocean-2024" strategic exercise would be conducted from the Mediterranean to the Pacific and would test units' combat-readiness and the use of high-precision weapons, including promising new types.

It would also incorporate lessons learned from Russia's "special military operation" in Ukraine.

"We pay special attention to strengthening military cooperation with friendly states," he told military officials in televised remarks at the launch of the manoeuvres.

"Today, in the context of growing geopolitical tensions in the world, this is especially important. We see that the United States of America is trying to maintain its global military and political dominance at any cost."

Putin said Russia should be ready for any developments and would keep strengthening its naval forces, including their nuclear component, in the face of what he described as an arms race driven by Washington.

"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," he said.

"The United States and its allies are openly declaring their plans to deploy medium- and shorter-range missiles in the so-called forward zones."

The United States says its alliances in the Pacific, such as the AUKUS partnership with Britain and Australia, are aimed at deepening military cooperation to promote regional stability. AUKUS last year announced a joint plan that would provide Australia with nuclear-powered attack submarines from the early 2030s to counter China's ambitions in the Indo-Pacific.

"With its aggressive actions, the United States is trying to achieve a tangible military advantage, thereby breaking the existing security architecture and balance of power in the Asia-Pacific region," Putin said.

Navy commander Alexander Moiseyev reported to him that four Chinese vessels and 15 planes were exercising with Russian forces.

China's official Xinhua news agency said on Monday the aim was to deepen "the level of strategic coordination between the Chinese and Russian militaries and enhance their ability to jointly respond to security threats".

The drills with China are part of much larger Russian manoeuvres that will run until Sept. 16 in the Pacific and Arctic Oceans and the Mediterranean, Baltic and Caspian seas.

Moiseyev told Putin that these would involve more than 90,000 Russian servicemen, over 400 vessels, 125 aircraft and more than 7,500 units of weaponry.

Russia's armed forces have been heavily stretched on land and sea for the past two and a half years by its war in Ukraine. Ukrainian forces, despite being vastly outgunned in naval firepower, have managed to inflict damaging blows on Moscow's Black Sea Fleet.

Russia has nevertheless continued to stage large-scale military exercises - including thousands of miles away in its far east - in order to project power and build defence ties with partners, especially China.

(Additional reporting by Darya Korsunskaya; writing by Mark Trevelyan, Editing by Angus MacSwan)
Russia-Ukraine War in Maps: Where are the frontlines now as Kremlin claims advances in Donetsk?

A Russian soldier fires from D-30 howitzer towards Ukrainian positions in an undisclosed location in Ukraine (AP)

Russian forces have advanced in eastern Ukraine and look to be readying for an upcoming battle for a key city in the area, the loss of which could open up the wider Donetsk region, analysts have reported.

While the Ukrainian incursion into the Kursk region through August successfully captured a chunk of mainland Russia, Kyivs forces are now battling hard against advancing troops in the Donetsk region hundreds of miles to the south.

Click here to see our live coverage of the war.

It had been hoped that the Kursk incursion would draw away Russian forces in Donetsk and slow the advance but it appears that this has not happened.

Coupled with morale issues, belated troop rotations and apparent ammunition shortages, Ukrainian forces have had to fight hard to prevent any significant advance in the area.

On Tuesday, Russian security council chief and former defence minister Sergei Shoigu alleged that Moscows forces had seized a significant sliver of territory in the region.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) later claimed that Russian forces had taken control of four villages in the region towards the key city of Pokrovsk.

While the claims are likely exaggerated - or at the least premature - they nonetheless highlight the volatile situation in the area.

Open source data and battlefield reports indicate that Russian forces in the wider Donbas region, including Donetsk and neighbouring Luhansk, advanced in August at their fastest rate in about two years.

The Ukrainian general staff, meanwhile, wrote on Tuesday that Russia continues to try to break through the defence in multiple directions towards and around Pokrovsk.

Below, The Independent takes a look at the latest developments on the frontline.

The fight for Pokrovsk

The frontline in Ukraine is around 740 miles long but the hottest fighting is concentrated in the Donetsk region, according to the Ukrainian military, particularly towards the city of Pokrovsk.

It is a linchpin of Ukrainian defence in the region and, sitting on two strategic supply roads to the rest of Donetsk, is vital to the defence of the area.

The Centre for Defence Strategies (CDS), a Ukrainian security think tank, suggested the upcoming battle for Pokrovsk will be the climax of the enemys offensive operations in 2024.

The Russians appear to be pushing around the Pokrovsk area, as well as in the Toretsk direction immediately north and the Kurakhove district to the south, along multiple points.

Ukraines general staff said there were five attacks in the Toretsk direction, mainly focused around the area of Niu-York, a city contested by both forces.

Around 20 miles to the south, they reported that they had repelled 11 Russian attacks of 14 directed towards Pokrovsk. Around 20 miles further south, towards Kurakhove, they reported another 14 Russian attacks. They added that the Kurakhove and the Pokrovsk attacks were the hottest on the frontline.

CDS suggested that Russian forces will now look to surround the city of Selydove and use that as a stepping stone to attack Pokrovsk.
Russia struck the city of Kostiantynivka in Donetsk Oblast twice on Sept. 11, killing three people and injuring five, Governor Vadym Filashkin said.

Russian forces initially hit the city around midday with artillery, killing two women aged 73 and 81. Four houses, a shop, and a power line were reported as damaged.

Kostiantynivka was hit again roughly two hours later, leaving one more person dead and five injured, Filashkin said. The full extent of the consequences is being determined.

Kostiantynivka is located 10 kilometers (6 miles) southwest of the front line at Chasiv Yar. The city had a population of around 67,000 before the start of Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022.

Russian attacks against Donetsk Oblast killed one person and injured three on Sept. 10, authorities reported.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Russia claims capture of Donetsk Oblast village near Vuhledar, Kyiv doesnt confirm

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Russian attacks across Ukraine killed at least one person and injured at least 18 over the past day, regional authorities reported early on Sept. 11.

Ukrainian air defenses shot down 20 of the 25 Shahed-type drones launched by Russia overnight, the Air Force said. Five drones were reportedly "lost" in Ukrainian territory and did not reach their targets.

Russia also attacked Ukraine with an Iskander-M ballistic missile, two S-300 anti-aircraft guided missiles, and six Kh-31P anti-radar missiles.

Russian shelling of the village of Khotiivka in Chernihiv Oblast damaged a residential building and injured one civilian, regional authorities said.

A 45-year-old man was injured during the Russian shelling of Nikopol in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast on the evening of Sept. 10, Governor Serhii Lysak reported.

Russian attacks against Donetsk Oblast killed one person and injured another in Hnativka. Two more were wounded in attacks against Novoekonomichne and Dobropillia, Governor Vadym Filashkin said.

Russian attacks against Kherson Oblast injured 13 people, said the regional governor, Oleksandr Prokudin. An educational facility, houses, and other civilian property were damaged.

Cherkasy, Kharkiv, Kyiv, Luhansk, Mykolaiv, Sumy, Poltava, and Zaporizhzhia oblasts also came under attack but no casualties were reported.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Russia claims capture of Donetsk Oblast village near Vuhledar, Kyiv doesnt confirm

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The State Emergency Service vehicle attacked by Russian forces. Photo: State Emergency Service of Ukraine

The Russians attacked a State Emergency Service of Ukraine evacuation convoy as it was evacuating civilians from the Volnovakha district, Donetsk Oblast. Two rescue workers were injured in the attack.

Source: State Emergency Service of Ukraine on Telegram

Quote: "Two rescue workers from Zaporizhzhia and Kherson oblasts were injured while evacuating civilians from the Volnovakha district."

Vehicle attacked by Russian forces

Photo: State Emergency Service of Ukraine

Details: The SES said the injured personnel were hospitalised. Two armoured vehicles were damaged during the Russian attack.

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MOSCOW (Reuters) -Russia will consider the United States and its allies to be parties to the Ukraine war and Moscow will use more powerful weapons if the West allows Ukraine to use long-range weapons for strikes deep into Russia, a senior lawmaker said on Wednesday.

"Washington and other European states are becoming parties to the war in Ukraine," Vyacheslav Volodin, the speaker of Russia's Duma, the lower house of parliament, said on Telegram.

Volodin said that the United States, Germany, France, and Britain were becoming parties to the conflict.

"All this will lead to the fact that our country will be forced to respond using more powerful and destructive weapons to protect its citizens," Volodin said.

U.S. President Joe Biden said on Tuesday 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 in the war.

Sources told Reuters last week that the U.S. was close to an agreement to give Ukraine such weapons, but that Kyiv would need to wait several months as the U.S. works through technical issues ahead of any shipment.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that Iran had supplied Russia with ballistic missiles in what he said was a "dramatic escalation". Tehran said the claims were "ugly propaganda".

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has been pleading for Western countries to supply longer-range missiles and to lift restrictions on using them to hit targets such as military airfields inside Russia.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said in June that he could deploy conventional missiles within striking distance of the United States and its European allies if they allowed Ukraine to strike deeper into Russia with long-range Western weapons.

The conflict in eastern Ukraine began in 2014 after a pro-Russian president was toppled in Ukraine's Maidan Revolution and Russia annexed Crimea, with Russian-backed separatist forces fighting Ukraine's armed forces.

Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022 with thousands of troops, triggering the biggest confrontation between Russia and the West since the depths of the Cold War.

Putin casts the conflict in Ukraine as part of an existential battle with a declining and decadent West which he says humiliated Russia after the Berlin Wall fell in 1989 by encroaching on what he considers Moscow's sphere of influence, including Ukraine.

The West and Ukraine describe the invasion as an imperial-style land grab by Putin and has vowed to defeat Russia on the battlefield.

(Reporting by Reuters; Writing by Anastasia Teterevleva; editing by Guy Faulconbridge)
Russian oligarchs Gennady Timchenko and Mikhail Fridman and Russia's National Settlement Depository on Sept. 11 lost their appeal against EU sanctions imposed against them.

The European bloc has imposed several rounds of sanctions against entities and individuals over their support for Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

The EU's Luxembourg-case General Court upheld the sanctions against Timchenko, Fridman, and other Russian oligarchs such as Petr Aven, German Khan, or Timchenko's wife Elena.

The oligarchs filed a challenge against the EU's demand to declare their funds as part of sanctions imposed against Russia over its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

"The General Court dismisses the actions in their entirety," the court said in a statement.

Fridman is a Ukraine-born Russian-Israeli tycoon and co-owner of the financial giant Alpha Group. Ukraine accused the oligarch of directly supporting Russia's war of aggression via his companies.

Timchenko is the owner and founder of the investment Volga Group and a close friend of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The National Settlement Depository, a Moscow-based institution seen as the main custodian of Rusisan securities, also lost its bid to overturn sanctions against it.

The EU said that the company was helping the Kremlin mobilize its resources for the war against Ukraine. According to the court's ruling, the depository "failed to demonstrate" an error on Brussels' part.

The depository has around 70 billion euros ($77 billion) immobilized at Euroclear, the Belgium-based financial company. The Western countries have frozen around $300 billion in Russian assets after the start of the full-scale invasion.

The General Court lifted sanctions against Violetta Prigozhina, the mother of late oligarch and Wagner founder Yevgeny Prigozhin who died in a plane crash last August.

According to the court's statement from March, 83-year-old Prigozhina was included in the sanctions list based on her family relation, and there was insufficient proof of connection to her son's role in the war against Ukraine.

Read also: Russian oligarch Pumpyansky wins appeal against EU sanctions

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Roscosmos cosmonauts Alexey Ovchinin and Ivan Vagner will depart with NASA astronaut Don Pettit at 12:23 p.m. EDT, or about 9:23 p.m. local time, on board the Russian Soyuz spacecraft on top a Soyuz rocket at Baikonur Cosmodrome in east-central Kazakhstan. NASA Photo by Bill Ingalls/UPI

Sept. 11 (UPI) -- An American astronaut and two Russian cosmonauts successfully launched Wednesday for a six-month mission to the International Space Station and the transition from one mission crew to another.

Roscosmos cosmonauts Alexey Ovchinin and Ivan Vagner departed Earth in a live-streamed event with NASA astronaut Don Pettit on time at 12:23 p.m. EDT aboard the Russian Soyuz spacecraft atop a Soyuz rocket from Baikonur Cosmodrome in east-central Kazakhstan, a large former Soviet satellite nation south of western Russia.

The spacecraft arrived at the ISS and "safely docked" 3:33 p.m. as it was orbiting above Ukraine, according to officials. The hatch between Soyuz and the ISS is expected to open around 5:50 p.m. EDT for the space travelers to finally set foot on the space station.

The flight went flawlessly, according to NASA, and with the arrival of the three marks for the first time in human history a record 19 people are in space at the same time across four different spacecrafts, according to NASA.

"All three stages operated as expected during an eight-minute and 45-second ride to place Soyuz in its preliminary orbit," NASA's launch commentator Anna Schneider said at Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas.

Three hatches have to be pressurized and checked before being opened around 5:50 pm over the two-hour period after the spacecraft arrived at its orbital destination.

The three veteran astronauts join the Expedition 71 space crew on the ISS for the next six months in its transition to Expedition 72.

Leaving on Russia's Soyuz MS-25 for the return back to Earth will be NASA astronaut Tracy Dyson with Russian cosmonauts Oleg Kononenko and Nikolai Chub.

All three new space station arrivals have previously been to space and this was Pettit's fourth launch, adding to his accumulated 370 days already in space.

Vagner previously launched in 2020 aboard Soyuz for Expeditions 62 and 63.

One of my star trails from @Space_Station, blurring golden city lights with the arcing stars of deep space. Composites like this are made from many images, creating a time history of earthly and cosmic phenomena that maps our universe as a function of time. The blue marks of... pic.twitter.com/w1lK39HFuP Don Pettit (@astro_Pettit) June 1, 2024

Ovchinin likewise had launched on multiple missions, all in onboard Soyuz, such as Expeditions 47 and 48 in 2016 to the ISS. He also did the Soyuz MS-10 spacecraft launch on Oct. 11, 2018, that aborted safely after a rocket problem and Expeditions 59 and 60 in 2019, which was a successful retry following that abort.

Pettit's first mission on Expedition 6 on Nov. 23, 2002, on the space shuttle Endeavour's STS-113 mission was to last a little more than two months but was delayed on May 3, 2003, amid the Columbia disaster on Feb. 1., 2003. That incident killed seven astronauts.

His arrival back to Earth on the Soyuz TMA-1 spacecraft was successful but not without complications. A malfunction caused Pettit's craft to land nearly 300 miles off its expected target. In November 2008, Pettit also flew to space on the shuttle mission STS-126 and was aboard Soyuz TMA-03M with space station Expeditions 30 and 31 from Dec. 21, 2011, to July 1 the next year.

In March, a previous crewed Soyuz mission to the International Space Station from Kazakhstan had been scrubbed over technical issues.

Pettit, a noted NASA photographer who designed the Expedition 72 patch, said during a pre-launch interview last month that "it's a little different" each time a person goes to space, describing his experiences as a "home away from home."

"Like a cowboy that wants to be on a horse out in the range, I'm an astronaut that needs to be sitting on a rocket and flying in space," he told Spaceflight Now.

His photography goals once back in orbit will be to focus on nighttime images and on capturing an "interesting phenomenon" using new lenses. An example he said, is an "atmospheric phenomenon" associated with the aurora called STEVE, or strong thermal emission velocity enhancement.

Pettit said he sought insight from fellow NASA astronauts currently in space on the many changes that have taken place since his last trip to space 10 years ago.

"I was surprised at their answer," he said. "They said station is cleaner, more organized and the software tools we have for stowage and for doing inventory management and even our operating days through the scheduled timeline, these tools, these software tools are so much more efficient than what we had in the past."

He said the NASA crew in space now "were impressed" with "the efficiencies of operation" on the ISS compared to how things were 10 years ago or more.

Pettit, who says he has no immediate plans to step away from space travel, added nothing can replace the sensation of traveling back to space.

"There's just a certain facet of when I go into space that just fundamentally is just fundamentally on resonance with my soul," he said.
Russian forces have targeted civilian energy infrastructure in Donetsk, Poltava, Sumy and Kharkiv oblasts over the past 24 hours.

Source: press service for Ukraine's Energy Ministry

Details: Several substations and household consumers were cut off from the power supply in Kharkiv Oblast due to hostilities. The power supply has been restored to all consumers.

An overhead line went offline in Poltava Oblast during an air raid. The power supply has been restored.

In addition, equipment at a substation in Zaporizhzhia Oblast was shut down for technological reasons, causing a power outage to household consumers. One of the industrial facilities suffered a disruption in the production process. The power supply has now been restored.

Substations and household consumers lost power in Khmelnytskyi Oblast due to technological disruptions. The power supply has been restored via a backup scheme.

Background: No rolling blackouts are planned for Wednesday, 11 September, but power engineers are asking people to use electricity sparingly.

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Russians using soldiers with no combat experience as reinforcements in Vovchansk, Kharkiv Oblast

The city of Vovchansk. A screenshot from a video by the Liut (Fury) Brigade

Ukraines defence forces have reported that the Russians have deployed soldiers with no combat experience to bolster their assaults in the city of Vovchansk on the Kharkiv front.

Source: Vitalii Sarantsev, spokesperson for the Kharkiv Operational Strategic Group of Forces, on the national joint 24/7 newscast

Quote: "The 4th Volunteer Reconnaissance and Assault Brigade named after Alexander Nevsky was deployed on this front. They suffered quite heavy losses, and now soldiers from the 128th Separate Motorised Rifle Brigade are arriving to reinforce them, as well as other units.

However, the latest reports say that the units being brought in for assault actions in Vovchansk have received rather poor training: these servicemen have never seen combat before.

It is our understanding that this newly arrived personnel is a mobilisation resource raised by Russia. Its not yet known for certain whether these are former prisoners or representatives of other countries (soldiers have previously been recruited from Central Asia, Africa and the Middle East)".

Background: Fighting continues on the outskirts of Vovchansk, which is being systematically razed to the ground by the Russian occupiers. Russian soldiers recently attempted to deliver personnel to central Vovchansk in two tanks and a couple of MT-LB armoured fighting vehicles, but they retreated after suffering losses.

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DENVER (KDVR)  Safe2Tell reports rose 23% year-over-year in August in a continuing trend of rising numbers of school-based reports, according to the Colorado Attorney Generals Office, and among the wave of reports was one for a student and their family who had experienced gun violence and needed help.

The 23% increase this year translates to 1,807 reports received in August, which is also a nearly 145% increase from the number of reports received in July. However, the AGs Office, which oversees Safe2Tell, noted that there is typically an upsurge of reports in August after students return to school following the summer.

Parker charter school starts year in temporary location

Of the over 1,800 reports, the most common report categories in August were suicide (201 reports), bullying (134) and school safety concerns: staff (124).

That last top report category is new this year, as the program has split school complaints, which has been relabelled as school safety concerns, and broken down into three categories: Staff, facility and policy-related matters.

During the 2023-2024 school year, Safe2Tell saw an increase in school complaint reports covering a range of issues, some of which were not safety related, said Safe2Tell Director Stacey Jenkins in a release. To better align with its mission, Safe2Tell is replacing the school complaint category with three new categories for the 2024-2025 school year and will continue to monitor and adjust as needed.

This continues last years trend, as August 2023 marked a year-over-year increase in monthly report volume, rising 37% from August 2022.

Monthly overview highlights report of troubled student

The August Safe2Tell overview highlighted two specific reports. One person reported a student who did not feel safe going home, and who had expressed discomfort at being around their guardian. the school team spoke with the student and decided to contact the Department of Human Services, and ensure the school psychologist would check in with the student.

A second report came from someone who said a student and their family who had been victims of gun violence and also have access to guns in their home needed help. The school contacted the family and will have the school psychologist meet with the student to conduct a threat assessment and have a security guard at school.

As Safe2Tell continues to grow, its impact is felt not just in schools, but in communities across Colorado, said Attorney General Phil Weiser in the September release. By encouraging early reporting, were helping to create a future where issues are addressed before they lead to tragedy.

Where are Denver drivers getting the most red light tickets?

This would not be the first time that a Safe2Tell report has possibly prevented a school shooting in Colorado. In December 2023, the monthly overview noted that two tips referenced students talking about planned school attacks.

To make a Safe2Tell report, call 1-877-542-7233 from anywhere, at any time. Reports can be made at Safe2Tell.org, by texting S2TCO to 738477, or through the Safe2Tell mobile app.



Find mental health resources in Colorado.

If you are thinking of hurting or killing yourself:

Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.

Please get help 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 FOX31 Denver.
MONROE, Ohio (WDTN)  A school district serving a portion of Butler County cancelled all classes on Wednesday.

According to the Monroe Local School District, all schools within the district closed on Sept. 11 for a safety concern.

Since this is an ongoing investigation, we cannot comment on the matter until the investigation has concluded, said Monroe Local Schools.

The district does not currently believe that after school activities will not be impacted.

Parents and guardians with students in the district will be updated by email with any 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 WDTN.com.
A heavy metal guitarist from southern Indiana caught up in Donald Trump's false claims of widespread voter fraud joined election deniers storming the U.S. Capitol in a deadly riot.

In Lawrence, a man burned a cross on a fence facing his Black neighbors home while blasting a recording of Dixie, the unofficial Confederate anthem.

A Jewish synagogue in Carmel was desecrated with a Nazi flag and swastika spray-painted onto a section of the building.

These incidents reveal a changing dynamic across America as extremist ideology and groups emerge from the shadows and push their way onto the public stage.

An investigation by the Arnolt Center for Investigative Journalism at Indiana University and IndyStar found the phenomenon has been accompanied by a huge increase in hate-crime reports, which have nearly doubled across the U.S. since 2015, according to the FBI. Cases reported by state and local police in 2022, the most recent data available, climbed to 11,288  an average of more than 30 incidents every day.

Hate crime reports in Indiana spiked in 2020 at 194 and another 174 were reported in 2022  the highest annual numbers in two decades.

Experts say the U.S. is immersed in a new wave of extremism and there are several factors behind the escalation: Misinformation and disinformation, a growing gulf in education and income, and deeply ingrained prejudices  all exacerbated by extreme political partisanship, the reach of the internet, and social media algorithms that create a feedback loop flooding users with content reflecting views they already hold.

The broader, more vexing question is how to reverse course in an increasingly polarized nation based on the ideal of freedom of expression?

The rise of extremist individuals and groups is more prevalent among those with far-right beliefs and grievances, the investigation revealed, but also includes those on the opposite end of the political or ideological spectrum. Bearing the brunt of the targeted rhetoric, intimidation and violence are people of color and others marginalized due to sexual orientation and gender identity or religious beliefs.

Social media is driving extremism into the mainstream, experts say, with like-minded individuals connecting through online channels like Facebook, X, Truth Social, Reddit and 4chan. The spread of information and connections made on these platforms have culminated in events such as the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol, the Unite the Right rally in Virginia and thousands of other incidents.

As these groups grow their presence on social media, their views become more mainstream, with one expert explaining that more politicians are attaching themselves to these views. Adding to that expansion is the fact it no longer requires a person to make a local connection. They can easily forge relationships with like-minded people and groups across the U.S.

The evolution of our technology has decreased the barriers to entry to extremism, and increased the ability for extremist groups to scale, both their ideologies and also their negative impact in the physical space, said Zachary Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana.

Hatred strikes in Carmels backyard

Hate crimes are defined as acts that target people based on their race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity or national origin, said Pierre Atlas, a comparative political scientist and professor at Indiana University Indianapolis. The perpetrators goals are to intimidate individuals who are a part of communities or groups they have an inherent prejudice against, he said.

Atlas experienced that firsthand in 2018 as a member of the Congregation Shaarey Tefilla, a Jewish synagogue in Carmel. On July 29, 2018, members of the congregation found two Nazi flags, and two iron crosses spray-painted on the synagogue's dumpster enclosure and a portion of the lawn scorched. It was one of 15 anti-Semitic incidents documented that year in Indiana, according to the Anti-Defamation League.

A Nazi flag, which included a swastika, was spray painted on a shed in 2018 at Congregation Shaarey Tefilla in Carmel.

It was the idea that in Carmel, Indiana, you would have swastikas defacing (a synagogue), it was terrifying, Atlas said.

The FBI charged Nolan Brewer with the crime. His actions, according to court documents, were the product of fervent beliefs in Nazism, anti-semitism, and white nationalism. Brewer pleaded guilty in 2019 to a federal hate crime and was sentenced to three years in prison.

Atlas said the Hamilton County community showed support for the congregation. They saw this as an attack on Carmel," he said, "not just an attack on the synagogue.

Still, the state's small Jewish community continued to face intimidation and hatred. In 2023, reports of anti-Semitic graffiti and literature across Indiana climbed to 59, according to the ADL, and 44 more were reported in the first eight months of 2024.

In June, Jewish leaders in Indianapolis held a community meeting to address concerns over a new wave of anti-Semitic literature distributed in the city and surrounding suburbs by a white supremacist group. The flyers, usually stapled to small bags of rice, were found on sidewalks, cars, in mailboxes and little free libraries, said Jacob Markey, executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Council.

Suzanne Rothenberg, an associate regional director for the Anti-Defamation Leagues Midwest Office, said the flyers are a low-risk but high-impact propagation of hate aimed at accomplishing multiple goals: to intimidate the Jewish community, spread misinformation and garner publicity for their groups.

Roots of extremism run deep, what's old is new again

The roots of extremism in Indiana and the United States run deep, but the ascension of the Ku Klux Klan in the 1920s pushed the issue into the modern public consciousness.

In the 1920s, the KKK viewed white, native-born protestants as the only true Americans, said James Madison, professor emeritus of history at Indiana University and author of The Ku Klux Klan in the Heartland.

In a front page article on Nov. 8, 1946, The Indianapolis Star exposed the re-emergence of the Ku Klux Klan in Indiana.

This is where the phrase 100% American originated.

Madison said the group built a powerful grassroots base that propelled them into U.S. politics, including the statehouse and governor's office in Indiana.

The Klan was out to reform America and make it great again, Madison said. That reform required not just putting Bibles in public schools, not just holding all kinds of rallies, programs and speakers, but also getting political power.

The roots of hatred and extremism run deep in Indiana, including a long history of Ku Klux Klan activity such as this 1922 rally in Muncie. The photograph is part of a Ball State University collection.

Klan-backed candidates rose to power in Indiana with the election of Gov. Edward Jackson. Madison said the Klan's power only waned in the 1950s and 60s amid the civil rights movement and the push for equal rights.

While the KKK is much smaller now, Madison said the ideology is far from dead. He sees the parallels between newer hate groups in the U.S. and Indiana today that echo the 1920s Klan.

The Charlottesville Unite the Right rally in 2017 and the Jan. 6 assault on the Capitol reveal how serious and violent extremist groups and their ideologies are, Madison said.

They are armed, they have short fuses, and they're ready to engage in violence, he said. But I think the larger danger is the people who are well-dressed and well-spoken. The people who propagate ideas and visions of America that are very similar to those of the Klan in these new groups are a fundamental threat to our democracy.

In June 2020, a Black family living in a subdivision on the eastside of Indianapolis was targeted by a neighbor after removing a tree from their property. In acts reminiscent of the KKK, Shepherd Hoehn made a swastika from duct tape on the backside of a wood fence facing the family's home, according to court documents, and "loudly played the song 'Dixie' on repeat as he burned a cross above the fence."

When questioned by police, court records say Hoehn denied threatening anyone, contending his actions were protected by the First Amendment. He also denied being a racist, but "was aware of the specific racial connotations of his actions" and knew they would be disturbing to the family.

Asked why he lashed out against his neighbor, Hoehn was unapologetic: "I wanted to piss him off," he told police. "I wanted to make him miserable."

Hoehn, 50, pleaded guilty in 2021 to felony charges of violating criminal provisions of the Fair Housing Act and possession of a firearm by an unlawful user and was sentenced to 46 months in prison.

Extremism moves into state and national politics

The changing profile of extremism was revealed by the hundreds of U.S. law enforcement officers, elected officials and military members appearing on leaked membership rolls of the Oath Keepers, a far-right extremist group accused of playing a key role in the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection.

The ADL Center on Extremism pored over more than 38,000 names on purported members list and identified more than 370 people working in law enforcement agencies  including police chiefs and sheriffs  and more than 100 others in the military.

The list included 23 Indiana elected officials, first responders, military or law enforcement members, according to the ADL. They were among nearly 700 Indiana residents listed as dues-paying members of the Oath Keepers in files IndyStar and other news organizations obtained in 2021 from a nonprofit whistleblower organization. Some people on the list contacted by The Associated Press said they were members years ago but are no longer affiliated. Others said they were never dues-paying members.

More than 20 Hoosiers have been charged in the Jan. 6, 2021, assault on the Capitol, including Jon Schaffer of Columbus, front-man of a heavy metal band and a self-proclaimed anarchist. Identified in court records as a founder and lifetime member of Oath Keepers, Schaffer traveled to Washington a week after the election for the Million MAGA March and talked openly about the prospect of violence in an interview he gave while walking.

Indiana resident Jon Schaffer, right, is shown inside the U.S. Capitol Building during the Jan. 6, 2021, rioting. Schaffer, a heavy metal musician from Columbus, is identified in court documents as a founding member of the Oath Keepers.

"We're not going to merge into some globalist, communist system, it will not happen," he said. "There will be a lot of violence and bloodshed if it comes to that, trust me ... Nobody wants this, but they're pushing us to a point where we have no choice."

When he returned to Washington in January, Schaffer was armed with pepper spray and was accused of using it in the push to get past Capitol Police. He was the first Jan. 6 defendant to plead guilty, but has not been sentenced. Court records indicate he may be assisting prosecutors.

Isolation, grievances fodder for extremisms growth

Myers, the U.S. attorney, said targets of those espousing extreme beliefs are often marginalized groups, who also are reluctant to report incidents because they are fear or don't trust law enforcement.

They don't think that we're going to care sometimes, or they don't think we'll do anything about it," he said. "Or they might even think we're going to take the side of the aggressor.

At the other end of the spectrum, Myers said, people are more vulnerable to fall prey to extremist groups now more than ever. This could be in part due to the pandemic when people were forced to isolate themselves. Social media served as an escape and made it easier for many to find someone they could relate to, even if that happened to be an extremist.

It does real damage to us to be cut off from other people, he said. If you're isolated, and you're grieved, and you are potentially sort of blaming others for things that you're not happy with, in your life, it's just easy to externalize that.

Videos and messages people see on platforms where they already spend time can help fuel the fire, he said.

There may well be like-minded individuals, who will find what they're [extremist groups] putting into social media onto the internet and decide to then take it upon themselves to take action in keeping with the goals of those extremist organizations, without ever communicating directly with someone who's in it, he said.

Zachary Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, said the internet and social media have made it easier for people with extremist beliefs to connect.

External pressures  such as job losses or expectations to work harder and earn more money  also can make people feel left out or angry about perceived competition from others who don't look like them or have different beliefs and turn to those who share similar fears and grievances.

Some people," Myers said, "experience that as sort of a loss of status.

Meanwhile, a bond or exposure with other extremist individuals can make people want to replicate their actions, turning into extremists themselves without even noticing.

You don't need the backing of some international terrorist organization to do terrible things right here at home to the people around you, Myers said. That's just different than it was generations ago.

This story was reported and written by journalists at the Arnolt Center in partnership with IndyStar. Sade Ajishegiri, Nic Napier, Max Reich and Isabella Vesperini were students with the Arnolt Center. IndyStar reporter Kristine Phillips contributed to this story.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: How extremist groups have weaponized social media to push agendas
A few watchwords of Tuesday night's presidential debate in Philadelphia were "same," "old" and "tired."

"Im going to tell you on this debate tonight, youre going to hear from the same old, tired playbook, a bunch of lies, grievances and name-calling," Vice President Kamala Harris said in the first few moments of the debate. It was a response to Donald Trump's first comments and she didn't portray him as scary, so much as sad. After he let loose with another round of lies about January 6, she said, "perhaps we do not have, in the candidate to my right, the temperament or the ability to not be confused about fact."

Harris never said Trump, as a person, is too old to be president. She didn't need to. He was glowering through pink-rimmed eyes under his combover, every inch the mean man everyone avoids at the retirement home. She even avoided the viral word of the campaign: "Weird." But she didn't need to say it because Trump kept saying weird things like, "I have been a leader on fertilization. Harris, meanwhile, kept her jabs like "exhausted" and "old" focused strictly on Trump's tactics and policies.

But everyone can tell that it's not Trump's policies that need a nap; it's the cranky old man himself.

It's an ironic twist. Trump spent months hammering President Joe Biden with the age issue, successfully driving down Biden's poll numbers until victory seemed impossible. With Harris as the nominee, however, Trump must live with the consequences of making age-related decline matter so much to voters. Trump's age is also tied to his backward ideas, authoritarian grasping, and ugly tactics, which Harris routinely dismisses as having worn out their welcome. During a pre-debate interview with radio host Rickey Smiley, Harris said of Trump, "He plays from this really old and tired playbook, right?"

Want more Amanda Marcotte on politics? Subscribe to her newsletter Standing Room Only.

Old, weird, and tired: Trump knew those were the words he had to contend with going into the debate. Yet he couldn't help but prove the charge. As practiced a liar as Trump is, he can't hide who he is and how much worse he's getting. He spent the debate vomiting out all the weirdest right-wing conspiracy theories as though he was a scowling human embodiment of an illiterate MAGA meme. He belched out a bizarre fantasy that doctors commit "execution after birth," which drew a fact check from moderator Linsey Davis. He yelled a lie about how immigrants are "eating the dogs" and "eating the cats," which triggered another fact check by moderator David Muir. He sounded very much like a chatbot programmed to speak only in far-right phrases, except worse, because it's shorting out. If that sounds like an exaggeration, it's not. He literally said, at one point, "she wants to do transgender operations on illegal aliens that are in prison."

Now she wants to do transgender operations on illegal aliens in prison - Donald Trump is going full on crazy right-wing conspiracy theorist on national television. pic.twitter.com/PqD4pXtS8g  a fallen fruit  (@letthebliss) September 11, 2024

Harris, who has always nailed those "Jim in 'The Office'"-style reactions, took full advantage. She spent much of the debate staring at Trump in disbelief, while he refused to even look in her direction. After one of his unhinged rants, she simply reacted with, "Talk about extreme," punctuated with a giggle. The choice was visible on the split screen: Harris, the normal, competent politician; Trump is Gramps wandering in the streets without his pants on because he won't take his medication. As Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg said, "Hes really doubling down on the crazy uncle vibe this evening."

Hes really doubling down on the crazy uncle vibe this evening.  Pete Buttigieg (@PeteButtigieg) September 11, 2024

Certainly, the MAGA commentariat on Twitter understood that things were not going well for their man, including Erick Erickson lamenting that Trump "SAYS STUPID SH*T."

YOU STUPID MFers JUST GOT TRUMP TO REPEAT YOUR LIE ABOUT THE PETS. CONGRATS ON SETTING THE NEWS STORIES TOMORROW BY LYING SO TRUMP PICKS IT UP AND SAYS STUPID SHIT.  Erick Erickson (@EWErickson) September 11, 2024

"People leave his rallies early, out of exhaustion and boredom," Harris said at one point. It worked on two levels. First, it caused Trump to freak out. Second, it created a rare moment of national unity, as everyone can empathize with the almost physical need to leave any space that Trump is filling with his manic, endless blather. That Harris stood there and endured with a smile was a feat of strength enough to impress anyone.

But Harris didn't just bait Trump into showing off how much age has degraded his already low levels of coherence. She also tied it to his anger and authoritarianism. When Trump puked out his bizarre lie about how "I read where she said she was not Black and now she says that she is Black," Harris sighed and replied, "Honestly, I think it's a tragedy that we have someone who wants to be president who has consistently, over the course of his career, attempted to use race to divide the American people." The message was sent: Vote for this man, and be exhausted of four more years of listening to this deranged nonsense.

Democrats and left-leaning political commentators have grown especially frustrated in recent weeks with the mainstream media for ignoring how Trump is falling apart. Trump used to talk out of both sides of his mouth, but he's gotten much worse now that he's 78 years old. As Dan Pfeiffer wrote in his newsletter, "While he was never a particularly cogent orator, Trump devolved into someone who spews nonstop nonsense; he frequently misspeaks, refers to people by the wrong name, and constantly loses his train of thought."

Beltway journalists have fallen into a bad habit of rewriting Trump's babbling monologues so that they sound like coherent political speeches. For instance, when Trump was recently asked about childcare policy, he let loose with, "I think when you talk about the kind of numbers that Im talking about . . . child care is child care. You have to have it  in this country you have to have it," before going into a rant about tariffs. This was characterized by the New York Times as Trump saying "he would prioritize legislation on the issue but offered no specifics." This imposes a coherence that wasn't there and is also flatly untrue, as Trump never said it was a priority.

Media critic Parker Molloy dubbed this practice "sane-washing," arguing that "its a form of misinformation" that presents news consumers "with a version of Trump that bears little resemblance to reality." Real-life Trump is not the normal politician presented in news coverage but is, as the Harris campaign memorably noted in July, "old and quite weird." Luckily, Molloy's coinage of "sane-washing" seems to be a wake-up call, especially after Lawrence O'Donnell of MSNBC picked it up.

Sound up!

Lawrence O'Donnell destroys the @nytimes for sane washing Donald J. Trump on his tariffs pay for childcare nonsense.

"There was a time not so long ago when everyone...at the NYT knew what a tariff is"

The New York Times "hallucinated that explanation into existence." pic.twitter.com/nB44Rq7yTF  Chris Borkowski (@cborkowski) September 10, 2024

On Monday, the New York Times seemed to hear the criticism. "As Debate Looms, Trump Is Now the One Facing Questions About Age and Capacity," read the headline of an article published on the front page. Instead of trying to make sense of Trump's word salads, Peter Baker wrote, "Trumps rambling speeches, sometimes incoherent statements and extreme outbursts have raised questions about his own cognitive health."

After last night's debate performance, hopefully, the questions about Trump's basic brain functionality will grow even louder. One of the biggest issues with Trump is every trait he has and everything he does is terrible, paralyzing efforts to narrow down criticisms into something digestible. The Harris campaign made their choice to focus on how Trump is old and weird. In this debate, Harris successfully zeroed in on that narrative, hitting it over and over. Now every garbled statement or odd behavior from Trump will reinforce her message. Luckily for her, Trump can no more stop acting weird than he can stop wearing orange makeup.
SAN FRANCISCO (KRON)  The majority of San Francisco voters are in favor of driverless taxis, according to a new KRON4 News/Emerson College Polling survey. This comes despite these autonomous vehicles having generated controversy since debuting in San Francisco years ago.

Of respondents surveyed in the poll, a majority  53.2%  said they supported Waymo and other autonomous vehicle (AV) taxis operating within city limits. About 29% of respondents said they opposed driverless taxis in SF and 18% were undecided.

Farrell edges ahead of Breed in SF mayors race, according to KRON4 poll

The troubled history of driverless taxis in San Francisco

The two major AV taxi companies to operate in San Francisco have been Cruise and Waymo. Both have been involved in their share of controversies.

In May 2023, a Waymo struck and killed a small dog in San Francisco. Months later, a Cruise car drove into a construction site in the city and drove onto the wrong side of the road.

Last October, Cruise announced it would be pulling all its vehicles off the streets nationwide, including San Francisco.

Associated Press reporter Michael Liedtke sits in the back of a Cruise driverless taxi that picked him up in San Franciscos Mission District, Feb. 15, 2023. (AP Photo/Terry Chea, File)

Despite some negative press these AVs have received through the years, it looks like they are here to stay in San Francisco and the greater Bay Area. In August, Waymo announced its Bay Area expansion to Daly City, Broadmoor and Colma.

Cruise announced earlier in April that its vehicles would return to certain U.S. cities  but not San Francisco.

Parents using Waymo to get their kids to school

Although many headlines about AVs have been about their failures and mishaps, driverless taxis have made some San Francisco residents lives easier. As the school year began last month, parents were thrown back into their daily routines of picking up and dropping off their kids.

(Photo courtesy of Waymo)

One San Francisco parent sent his 15-year-old daughter to school by herself via a Waymo, according to a report by The San Francisco Standard. The father told the outlet it was the best thing thats ever happened.

However, the move is technically a violation of Waymos rules. All Waymo riders must be 18 or older to use the app and ride by themselves.

KRON4 reached out to Waymo for further comment on kids riding their vehicles alone. We also reached out to Cruise and Waymo for comment about San Franciscans supporting AVs. We did not hear back in time for publication.

San Franciscans think plan to pay for pandas a good idea

Driverless taxis are not the only thing San Francisco voters are in favor of. A majority of them are in favor of the plan to pay for a new panda enclosure at the San Francisco Zoo.

The KRON4 poll asked voters the following question:

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors voted to allow the mayor to ask for donations for a new giant panda enclosure at the zoo. Do you think this is a good or bad idea for the city?

Of the respondents we surveyed, 53.9% said that thought it was a good idea, while 46.1% thought it was a bad idea.

Mayor Breed pushed hard for pandas during last Novembers APEC Summit and on a subsequent visit to China. In June, the mayor and the China Wildlife Conservation Association signed a letter of intent to bring two giant pandas to San Francisco in 2025.

Poll methodology

The KRON4 News/Emerson College Polling/The Hill survey of San Francisco voters was conducted between September 5-7. The sample of likely voters, n=750, has a credibility interval, similar to a polls margin of error (MOE), of +/- 3.5 percentage points.

KRON4 News/ECP San Francisco issues 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.
Delaware state Sen. Sarah McBride is likely to make history yet again this November. The lawmaker first made U.S. political history by becoming the first out transgender state senator in 2020. Now, she's heavily favored to win the state's only seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The Associated Press projected McBride will win her primary with the majority of the vote counted. She received 80 percent of the vote, according to the news wire. She beat out Earl Cooper and Elias Weir for the primary win.

"With a heart full of hope - and because of tens of thousands of Delawareans who turned out to the polls - tonight Im proud to become the Democratic nominee for Delawares sole seat in the United States House of Representatives. Thank you, Delaware!" the lawmaker posted on Instagram.

She'll face John Whalen III, a retired police officer and former business owner, in the general election.

At a victory celebration on Tuesday night in New Castle, McBride pushed for more joy in politics while condemning former President Donald Trump, MAGA, and Project 2025.

"Alongside the immense amount of gratitude I feel tonight, I also feel the deep responsibility that comes with being your nominee for this seat," McBride said NBC News reports. "While tonight we celebrate our victory in the primary, we all know that our work is far from over, and we know what is at stake in this election. We know what is on the line with the MAGA extremists who are on our ballot here in November in Delaware. We know what happens if Donald Trump wins and Republicans get the full control of Congress. They will not hesitate one second to pass their Project 2025 agenda.

"Our rights and our freedoms, our dignity and our democracy are on the line in this election, but so, too, is the promise of tomorrow, because we arent just here because of whats at risk," McBride continued "We are also here because of what is possible. ... Yall, hope and joy are making a comeback in America."

A former Human Rights Campaign national press secretary, McBride was the first out transgender person to address a major partys national convention (the Democratic convention in 2016) and the first one reelected as a state senator (in 2022). She interned at the White House when Barack Obama was president, and she was a staffer for former Delaware Gov. Jack Markell and the late state Attorney General Beau Biden, son of President Joe Biden. She worked for the Center for American Progress before joining HRC.

The Delaware U.S. House seat is being vacated by Lisa Blunt Rochester, whos running for Senate to succeed Tom Carper, who is retiring. Both are Democrats.

After her win this week, Annise Parker, president & CEO of LGBTQ+ Victory Fund, said in a statement, "Voters across the country are sick and tired of the divisive politics of the past  thats why were seeing an increase in diverse, young candidates like Sarah McBride clearing their primaries. Nobody is more qualified than Sarah to represent the values of Delaware in Congress. I look forward to celebrating Sarahs election victory in November and seeing her get to work for her constituents in Washington.

Equality PAC also released a statement celebrating McBride's win.

Our mission at Equality PAC is to make sure that every part of the LGBTQ community has a seat at the table at the highest levels of our government, said Equality PAC Co-Chairs U.S. Reps. Mark Takano of California and Ritchie Torres of New York. We are proud to stand alongside Sarah as we celebrate this victory tonight. We are excited to continue supporting her campaign for Congress as we work together to finally shatter that lavender ceiling.
Sarah McBride is one step closer to becoming the first trans lawmaker in Congress

Delaware state Sen. Sarah McBride would become the first transgender member of Congress if she wins the state's U.S. House seat in November.

NEW CASTLE, Del.  Delaware state Sen. Sarah McBride won the Democratic primary for the state's lone U.S. House seat Tuesday, The Associated Press projected, putting her one step closer to becoming the first transgender member of Congress.

McBride, the countrys first transgender state senator, easily defeated Earl Cooper and Elias Weir, taking 80% support with more than 95% of the vote in.

She will be the favorite to win the general election to replace Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester, who is running for the Senate, in heavily Democratic Delaware in November.

"Alongside the immense amount of gratitude I feel tonight, I also feel the deep responsibility that comes with being your nominee for this seat," McBride said at her election night celebration in New Castle. "While tonight we celebrate our victory in the primary, we all know that our work is far from over, and we know what is at stake in this election. We know what is on the line with the MAGA extremists who are on our ballot here in November in Delaware. We know what happens if Donald Trump wins and Republicans get the full control of Congress. They will not hesitate one second to pass their Project 2025 agenda.

"Our rights and our freedoms, our dignity and our democracy are on the line in this election, but so, too, is the promise of tomorrow, because we arent just here because of whats at risk," she added. "We are also here because of what is possible. ... Yall, hope and joy are making a comeback in America."

McBride will take on Republican John Whalen III, a retired police officer and former owner of a construction company. Democrats have held the seat theyre vying for since 2010.

LGBTQ advocacy groups celebrated McBrides win.

Voters across the country are sick and tired of the divisive politics of the past  thats why were seeing an increase in diverse, young candidates like Sarah McBride clearing their primaries," Annise Parker, the president and CEO of LGBTQ+ Victory Fund, which works to increase the number of LGBTQ elected officials, said in a statement Tuesday night. "Nobody is more qualified than Sarah to represent the values of Delaware in Congress. I look forward to celebrating Sarahs election victory in November and seeing her get to work for her constituents in Washington.

Kelley Robinson, the president of the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest LGBTQ advocacy group, attended McBride's election night party in New Castle and said that she and HRC visited some of the polls with McBride on primary day and that "she knows her neighbors."

"They've known her since she was in third grade, some of them, and many of them  and this is the best thing, especially when you think about a state senator  they know her for her record and her work," Robinson said. "They know about the work she did on paid family leave. They know about the work she did on Medicaid expansion. This is really her doing what politicians should do, talking people about issues that matter to them and advocating for her community."

John Swanson, 66, a retired Newark-area doctor who voted for McBride and attended her election night party, said he met McBride because his 35-year-old son has autism and McBride was interested in hearing their story. He said McBride's breaking the "glass ceiling" in Congress for trans people would allow more to be elected in the future.

"I think she's a very fine legislator and a person, and I think that we have needs for adults with disability, and I think she would be very open to helping us with those issues," Swanson said.

McBride was elected in 2020 to represent Delawares 1st Senate District, which includes Claymont, Bellefonte and parts of Edgemoor and Wilmington. During her first term, she helped pass universal paid family and medical leave across the state.

Among the key priorities for her congressional run are expanding access to affordable health care, protecting reproductive rights and increasing the minimum wage.

Sarah McBride was elected in 2020 to represent Delawares 1st Senate District.

McBride touts a long list of historic firsts. She initially made headlines in April 2012 when she came out as transgender in American Universitys student newspaper at the end of her term as the Washington, D.C., schools student body president.

The same year, she became the first out trans woman to work in the White House when she interned with the Obama administration, according to her campaign and her 2018 memoir, Tomorrow Will Be Different: Love, Loss, and the Fight for Trans Equality.

In 2013, she was instrumental in advocating for a Delaware bill that protects trans people from discrimination. Then-Gov. Jack Markell mentioned McBride by name when he signed the bill into law.

She courageously stood before the General Assembly to describe her personal struggles with gender identity and communicate her desire to return home after her college graduation without fear, he said at the time.

In 2016, McBride became the first trans person to speak at a major political convention when she gave a speech at the Democratic National Convention.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Russia has received short-range ballistic missiles from Iran, NATO countries confirmed on Tuesday.

The US said Russia used a vessel called the Port Olya-3 to transport the missiles.

Satellite images captured last week appear to show the vessel at a Russian port on the Caspian Sea.

A cargo ship suspected of transporting ballistic missiles from Iran was seen at a port in Russia last week, according to newly released satellite imagery.

The US and its European allies confirmed Tuesday that Russia has received short-range ballistic missiles from Iran and is likely to use them to attack Ukraine within the coming weeks, calling the development a major escalation in the war.

Moscow received its first shipments of missiles in early September and used a Russian-flagged vessel called the Port Olya-3 to transport the weapons from Iran, the US Treasury Department said.

Satellite imagery recently captured by Maxar Technologies and obtained by Business Insider shows what has been identified as Olya-3 at Port Olya on September 4. The port is located along the Caspian Sea in southwestern Russia's Astrakhan region.

Several days earlier, in late August, Olya-3 was docked at the Iranian port of Amirabad, in the opposite corner of the Caspian Sea, publicly available ship tracking data shows.

Ships at Port Olya in Russia on September 4. Satellite image 2024 Maxar Technologies.

The vessel Port Olya-3 docked at Port Olya in Russia on September 4. Satellite image 2024 Maxar Technologies.

Sky News first reported the newly available satellite imagery on Wednesday.

Olya-3 regularly transits the Caspian Sea to move cargo between Iran and Russia, according to the Treasury Department, which announced sanctions on the vessel as part of widespread measures targeting Tehran and its assets in response to the missile transfers.

US officials said dozens of Russian military personnel trained in Iran to use the Fath-360 missiles that Tehran has now delivered to Moscow. These short-range ballistic missiles have satellite guidance and a maximum range of around 75 miles.

The missiles can be equipped with a 330-pound warhead, posing a deadly threat to Ukrainian military positions and civilian infrastructure.

It's unclear exactly how many missiles Russia received, although the Treasury Department said Moscow and Tehran signed an agreement in late 2023 for the supply of hundreds of missiles.

John Kirby, a spokesperson for the White House National Security Council, said that Russia could use the new Iranian missiles on closer-range targets in Ukraine while saving its own ballistic missiles to strike deeper.

Russia received Iranian missiles, similar to the one seen here. The Biden administration believes that these will likely be used against Ukraine in the near future. WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS

The Biden administration has long warned of deepening military ties between Russia and Iran. Kirby said Tuesday that Moscow has shared space-related information and much-sought-after nuclear technology with Tehran.

The British, French, and German governments called the delivery an "escalation by both Iran and Russia" and "a direct threat to European security."

"This is a further escalation of Iran's military support to Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine and will see Iranian missiles reaching European soil, increasing the suffering of the Ukrainian people," the countries said in a joint statement.

The delivery of Fath-360 missiles marks the latest weapons transfer from abroad to Russia as it continues to depend on other pariah states like Iran and North Korea for military assistance to help sustain its war machine in Ukraine.

Iran has also supplied Russia with one-way attack drones, while North Korea has given Moscow ballistic missiles and artillery. Western countries, including the US, have condemned these transactions as destabilizing and escalatory.

Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said Tuesday that it's likely the recent transfer of missiles between Iran and Russia won't be a "one-time good deal," noting that Moscow could seek additional munitions in the future.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Saudi Arabia is throwing money at Neom, pushing the value of its Vision 2030 over $1 trillion

The planned design of The Line in Neom. NEOM

Saudi Arabia is still spending big on Neom, its megacity in the desert.

The country's Vision 2030 projects have now reached $1.3 trillion in value, per Bloomberg.

The cost of the project has reportedly been a cause for concern within the Saudi government.

Saudi Arabia is still spending big on Neom, its ambitious megacity under construction in the desert.

The heavy investment has pushed the value of the kingdom's wider Vision 2030 project past the $1 trillion mark, Bloomberg reported.

Saudi has invested $1.3 trillion in real estate and infrastructure projects in the eight years since launching the plan, with the volume of projects increasing by 4% from a year ago, real estate consultancy Knight Frank told the outlet.

Most of this money reportedly went to the project's centerpiece, Neom. It has received $28.7 billion for its various developments, including the futuristic linear city known as The Line.

The eye-watering cost of the project has reportedly been a cause for concern for some within the Suadi government.

The official estimate for Neom is $500 billion, but planners have since dismissed the figure as unrealistically low. Other estimates have put the projected costs at as much as $1.5 trillion.

Plans for the city have also hit several roadblocks in recent months. Experts say Saudi has struggled to attract the foreign investment needed to fund the project's lofty goals.

The financial realities appeared to hit home earlier this year when the kingdom reportedly scaled back some of its plans for The Line.

The city was originally planned to accommodate 9 million people by 2030. However, Bloomberg reported that this estimate had been lowered to fewer than 300,000 people.

Since then, officials have been keen to insist the project and funding are on track. In private, though, some reports have suggested that the Crown Prince is open to having "tough conversations" about the Vision 2030 ambitions.

Representatives for Neom did not immediately respond to a request for comment, made outside normal working hours.

Read the original article on Business Insider
(Bloomberg) -- Caroline Ellison was the star witness in the US governments fraud case against the onetime crypto wunderkind Sam Bankman-Fried, helping prosecutors unearth crimes they didnt know about at FTX.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Now the former Alameda Research chief executive officer is pointing to her extraordinarily impactful cooperation in one of the biggest financial crime investigations in US history to convince a judge to spare her from spending a single day in prison.

In a sentencing memo late Tuesday, Ellisons lawyers provided the most in-depth description of their clients meteoric rise at FTXs sister hedge fund before Bankman-Frieds crypto empire collapsed in 2022. The 29-year-old Ellison was portrayed as a talented woman caught under Bankman-Frieds spell as his on-again-off-again girlfriend and wound up aiding his crimes.

She regrets her role deeply and will carry shame and remorse to her grave, according to the memo, filed in federal court in New York.

Ellison is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 24 after pleading guilty to her own role in the fraud at FTX and Alameda Research. She testified against Bankman-Fried in 2023, helping secure his conviction and 25-year sentence for orchestrating the theft of billions of dollars from the cryptocurrency exchange to fuel investments, luxury property purchases and political donations.

Her lawyers have sought to distance the Stanford University graduate from the crypto industrys lavishness, positioning her as someone who shopped at the Gap, gave to charity and never bragged about her now-obliterated wealth.

The US Probation Department recommended Ellison serve three years of supervised release and no prison time. Federal prosecutors will make their own recommendation, but it will inevitably be up to Judge Lewis A. Kaplan to decide on a punishment.

Ellison was one of four former Bankman-Fried lieutenants to plead guilty following the collapse of the crypto exchange. FTX co-founder Gary Wang and former engineering chief Nishad Singh, who both testified at Bankman-Frieds trial, will be sentenced in November and October respectively.

Former FTX Digital Markets co-chief Ryan Salame was sentenced to 7 1/2 years in prison for making illegal campaign donations and operating an unlicensed money transmitter.

Ellisons lawyers argue that her assistance was integral to the governments case. As soon as FTX blew up in November 2022, Ellison returned to the US and began talking to the Justice Department and regulators.

She admitted to her own role in the fraud without self-pity, including how she used customer deposits as a line of credit at Alameda, and pointed prosecutors to crimes they didnt know about. That included a scheme to bribe Chinese government officials to unfreeze assets.

The daughter of Massachusetts Institute of Technology economics professors, Ellison met Bankman-Fried as a summer intern at quant trading shop Jane Street in 2015. Three years later, over coffee in the San Francisco Bay Area, Bankman-Fried convinced her to join his new crypto trading firm Alameda Research, where she could make a lot of money and give it to charity.

Ellison worked long, stressful, Adderall-fueled hours and considered leaving Alameda, but Bankman-Fried convinced her to stay, telling her she was essential to the survival of the business, and that he loved her, her lawyers wrote.

Letters from friends and Ellisons own diary notes, filed with the memo, described Ellison becoming increasingly isolated once she moved to Hong Kong to run Alameda while balancing a secret and manipulative relationship with Bankman-Fried.

A lot of what stresses me out about work is specifically failing Sam, or Sams disapproval, she wrote in the summer of 2020. I get easily upset when he disagrees with me or criticizes me, in a way that I dont think I get upset if other people do the same things.

Met Gala

When Bankman-Fried was invited to the Met Gala in 2022, he rebuffed Ellisons request to be his plus one, saying he didnt want to be seen in public with her, the memo alleges. When the pair finally broke up, a friend of Ellison recalled her being miserable.

Of course! She worked for a firm owned by her ex-boyfriend, in an industry that valorized him, the friend, former FTX employee Leila Clark, wrote in a letter filed with the court.

Ellison warned Bankman-Fried against making illiquid investments with third-party loans, according to the memo, telling him even FTX customer deposits wouldnt cover the shortfall if the market took a downturn.

That spending spree snowballed into the multibillion-dollar theft of customer funds that was at the heart of the criminal case. Ellison claims Bankman-Fried instructed her to use FTX customer deposits to repay Alamedas lenders once they started recalling loans in mid-2022. Ellison also prepared balance sheets that misrepresented Alamedas financial position to its lenders.

Lived in Dread

She lived in dread, knowing that a disastrous collapse was likely, but fearing that disentangling herself would only hasten that collapse, her lawyers wrote.

Ellisons lawyers argue she has been subject to relentless public scrutiny, including having details of her conversations with a psychiatrist and diary entries leaked. Now she is working as a volunteer and writing fiction and a math textbook.

The case is US v. Bankman-Fried, 22-cr-00673, US District Court, Southern District of New York (Manhattan).

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2024 Bloomberg L.P.
(File/Getty Images)

COLUMBIA, S.C.  The South Carolina Supreme Court has thrown out the states fledgling K-12 voucher program as unconstitutional, leaving GOP leaders scrambling on what to tell parents who have already received money.

In a 3-2 split decision, the states high court ruled taxpayer dollars cant be used to pay for private school tuition. What that means for the nearly 3,000 students already enrolled is uncertain. The state Education Department had no immediate answers.

The program already in place for this school year violates the state constitutions prohibition against public dollars directly benefiting private schools, writes Justice Garry Hill for the majority.

The decision represents a major  and shocking  upset for South Carolinas ruling Republicans, who were confident the law  two decades in the making  would be upheld.

Hills opinion concludes by disputing the dissent authored by Chief Justice John Kittredge, whose recent promotion was seen as making the court that already traditionally agreed with the Legislature more conservative.

The dissent claims our decision pulls the rug out from under the feet of the General Assembly and ultimately, the feet of the students the law was designed to serve. Our duty is to serve the Constitution, the supreme policy of our land. As such, our obligation is not to allow a rug to cover up well marked constitutional ground, no matter how inconvenient that ground may prove to be, Hill writes.

The entire concept behind the Constitution and the rule of law is that the end cannot justify the means, he continues.

Joining Hill are former Chief Justice Don Beatty, who retired this summer, and acting Justice James Lockemy, a retired judge who filled in on the case.

Their ruling agrees with attorneys for the South Carolina Education Association and NAACP.

We are grateful that our court has confirmed that public funds are confined for public good, said SCEA President Sherry East. We have been anxiously awaiting this decision, and we are happy with the outcome.

However, she added, My next fear is that this comes up again in January.

The law Republicans celebrated with much fanfare last year ended an effort that began with then-Gov. Mark Sanford in 2004.

It provided $6,000 scholarships toward tuition, tutoring, transportation and other K-12 school-related expenses. The law capped participation in the first year at 5,000 Medicaid-eligible students. Actual participation was lower: Of the more than 7,900 applicants for this school year, 2,880 K-12 students were eligible and approved.

Advocates thought they found a workaround to the constitutions ban on tax dollars directly benefiting private education by putting the money into a trust fund for parents to allocate. The first $1,500 allotment has already been transferred to each students account.

But the majority opinion dismissed the states argument that the direct beneficiaries were students, not private schools.

The tuition benefits directly subsidize the educational function of private schools, Hill wrote. And the size of the tuition benefit is significant.

GOP leaders had no contingency plan for how to handle such a ruling. Unanswered questions include whether the state needs to be reimbursed, and if so, whether the private school or parent would have to pay.

Families cried tears of joy when the scholarship funds became available for their children, and todays Supreme Court ruling brings those same families tears of devastation, said state Superintendent Ellen Weaver, who before being elected led the group thats been pushing for the school choice legislation.

The late timing of the initial filing and subsequent ruling on this case midway through the first quarter of the new school year wreaks havoc on the participating students and their families, she said in a statement.

GOP leaders in the House were so confident the ruling would be in their favor, they pushed legislation through that chamber earlier this year that would expand eligibility to all students, regardless of their parents income. The bill did not become law, however. Calling it premature, senators never took it up.

House Speaker Murrell Smith, a co-sponsor of the expansion bill, called the ruling disappointing.

The Sumter Republican noted there are similar scholarship programs for college students and poor 4-year-olds. Lottery-backed scholarships can be used at any college in the state, public or private. Similarly, students eligible for state-paid, full-day 4K can attend a public or approved private preschool. But those popular programs have never been challenged and are not part of the courts decision.

This ruling will not only strip choice from countless families across our state, hindering educational opportunity from many deserving children, but it also puts in jeopardy current programs that include higher education and preschool that are essential for South Carolinians, Smith said in a statement.

Gov. Henry McMaster also pointed to those programs as one of the reasons his office will ask the state Supreme Court to quickly reconsider its ruling.

The Supreme Courts decision may have devastating consequences for thousands of low-income families who relied on these scholarships for their childs enrollment in school last month, he said in a statement, adding he hopes theyll reverse it so that the children of low-income families may have the opportunity to attend the school that best suits their needs.

This article first appeared in the South Carolina Daily Gazette, a sister site of the Nebraska Examiner in the States Newsroom network.
(File/Getty Images)

COLUMBIA  The state Supreme Court has thrown out South Carolinas fledgling K-12 voucher program as unconstitutional, leaving GOP leaders scrambling on what to tell parents who have already received money.

In a 3-2 split decision, the states high court ruled taxpayer dollars cant be used to pay for private school tuition.

For the nearly 3,000 students already enrolled, parents can no longer use their $6,000 for private tuition, though they can still spend it on tutoring and other education services, a spokesman for the state Education Department said Wednesday afternoon following a review of the ruling.

The program already in place for this school year violates the state constitutions prohibition against public dollars directly benefiting private schools, writes Justice Gary Hill for the majority.

The decision represents a major  and shocking  upset for South Carolinas ruling Republicans, who were confident the law two decades in the making would be upheld.

Hills opinion concludes by disputing the dissent authored by Chief Justice John Kittredge, whose recent promotion was seen as making the court that already traditionally agreed with the Legislature more conservative.

The dissent claims our decision pulls the rug out from under the feet of the General Assembly and ultimately, the feet of the students the law was designed to serve,' Hill writes. Our duty is to serve the Constitution, the supreme policy of our land. As such, our obligation is not to allow a rug to cover up well marked constitutional ground, no matter how inconvenient that ground may prove to be.

The entire concept behind the Constitution and the rule of law is that the end cannot justify the means, he continued.

Joining Hill are former Chief Justice Don Beatty, who retired this summer, and acting Justice James Lockemy, a retired judge who filled in on the case heard in March.

Their ruling agrees with attorneys for the South Carolina Education Association and NAACP.

We are grateful that our court has confirmed that public funds are confined for public good, said SCEA President Sherry East. We have been anxiously awaiting this decision, and we are happy with the outcome.

However, she added, My next fear is that this comes up again in January.

Patrick Kelly, lobbyist for the Palmetto State Teachers Association (which did not join the lawsuit), called it a good day for the rule of law in South Carolina.

However, he said, We need to do right by those families already allocated money.

I dont have an answer for what right looks like, but what wrong looks like is a child who has started the year at one school not being able to finish the year there, Kelly said.

Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey, R-Edgefield, said thats what will happen.

The court likely requires those poor children to be uprooted from their new schools in the middle of a semester, he said in a lengthy statement criticizing the ruling.

The law Republicans celebrated with much fanfare last year culminated an effort that began with then-Gov. Mark Sanford in 2004.

It provided $6,000 scholarships toward tuition, tutoring, and other K-12 school-related expenses. The law capped participation in the first year at 5,000 Medicaid-eligible students. Actual participation was lower: Of the more than 7,900 applicants for this school year, 2,880 K-12 students were eligible and approved.

Advocates thought they found a workaround to the constitutions ban on tax dollars directly benefiting private education by putting the money into a trust fund for parents to allocate. The first $1,500 allotment has already been transferred to each students account.

But the majority opinion dismissed the states argument that the direct beneficiaries were students, not private schools.

The tuition benefits directly subsidize the educational function of private schools, Hill wrote. And the size of the tuition benefit is significant.

GOP leaders had no contingency plan for how to handle such a ruling. They developed one on the fly Wednesday.

After the ruling, the company contracted by the state Education Department to create and oversee the online portal that parents use to receive and designate their state aid was told to cease processing all payments for private tuition, said agency spokesman Jason Raven.

The agency is developing a response to parents to explain the rulings impact and their options.

No reimbursements are needed for tuition payments already made. Quarterly allotments of $1,500 will continue as scheduled to parents accounts. But they must use it for expenses other than private school tuition, Raven said.

As of last week, the agencys list of approved recipients of the state aid included 259 private schools, 92 tutors, 13 educational therapy services, and 22 public school districts. (The law allowed parents to use the aid to send their child to a public school outside the district where they live, which can charge tuition to cover unpaid local property taxes.) The agency did not immediately provide a breakdown of how many students were using the money to attend a public versus private school.

Families cried tears of joy when the scholarship funds became available for their children, and todays Supreme Court ruling brings those same families tears of devastation, said state Superintendent Ellen Weaver, who before her 2022 election led the group thats been pushing for the school choice legislation.

The late timing of the initial filing and subsequent ruling on this case midway through the first quarter of the new school year wreaks havoc on the participating students and their families, she said in a statement.

Her agency stressed later Wednesday that the ruling did not change student eligibility requirements, indicating parents will continue to be enrolled for future school years. Under the law, eligibility rises to 15,000 students in higher-income homes by year three.

GOP leaders in the House were so confident the ruling would be in their favor, they pushed legislation through that chamber earlier this year that would expand eligibility to all students, regardless of their parents income. That bill did not become law, however. Calling it premature, senators never took it up.

House Speaker Murrell Smith, a co-sponsor of the expansion bill, called the ruling disappointing.

The Sumter Republican noted there are similar scholarship programs for college students and poor 4-year-olds. Lottery-backed scholarships can be used at any college in the state  public or private. Similarly, students eligible for state-paid, full-day 4K can attend a public or approved private preschool. But those popular programs have never been challenged and are not part of the courts decision.

This ruling will not only strip choice from countless families across our state, hindering educational opportunity from many deserving children, but it also puts in jeopardy current programs that include higher education and preschool that are essential for South Carolinians, Smith said in a statement.

Gov. Henry McMaster also pointed to those programs as one of the reasons his office will ask the state Supreme Court to quickly reconsider its ruling.

The Supreme Courts decision may have devastating consequences for thousands of low-income families who relied on these scholarships for their childs enrollment in school last month, he said in a statement, adding he hopes theyll reverse it so that the children of low-income families may have the opportunity to attend the school that best suits their needs.

Kelly, with the teachers advocacy group, said the ruling means if legislators want to use tax dollars for private K-12 tuition, theyll ultimately need voters permission.

Last year, the House approved a resolution asking voters whether the state constitutions ban on taxpayer money flowing directly to private schools should be repealed. The proposal never got a vote in the Senate.

Kelly said legislators first step should be expanding students choice options in public schools.

Before we reopen the (Education Scholarship Trust Fund) can of worms, lets revisit what the Supreme Court is saying is allowed under the constitution, he said. Allowing parents to enroll their children in the public school of their choice would open meaningful opportunities to pathways that currently do not exist.

A bill authorizing whats considered the public-school version of school choice passed the House last year. That proposal also died with the end of session without a vote in the Senate.

SC Daily Gazette reporter Skylar Laird contributed to this report.

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Senior South Carolina lawmakers were confident their plan to set aside tax dollars to help parents pay to send students to private schools would survive a legal challenge.

On Wednesday, a divided state Supreme Court said no.

The court ruled that portions of the 2023 Education Scholarship Trust Fund Act violate the state constitutions prohibition against using public funds for the direct benefit of private schools. The ruling was based on the constitutions Section 4 of Article XI, known as the no-aid clause.

The court voted 3-2, with Justices Gary Hill, George James and Letitia Verdin in the majority. Chief Justice John Kittredge dissented with Justice John Few concurring in the dissent. Hill wrote the majority opinion.

The case was brought by a group of public school parents along with the South Carolina NAACP and the South Carolina Education Association. Defendants included Gov. Henry McMaster, Senate President Thomas Alexander, House Speaker Murrell Smith, Education Superintendent Ellen Weaver and State Treasurer Curtis Loftis.

State leaders expressed disappointment with the courts decision, pointing to the inconvenience it will cause some parents whove already began using the funds this school year to send their children to private schools.

The late timing of the initial filing and subsequent ruling on this case midway through the first quarter of the new school year wreaks havoc on the participating students and their families, Weaver said in a statement Wednesday.

The education scholarship law established an education scholarship trust fund that grants $6,000 vouchers to qualified families who pull their children out of local public schools and enroll them in private schools or public schools outside of their zoned districts.

To qualify, a student must have been enrolled in a South Carolina public school during the previous school year, and their family must meet certain income requirements.

In arguing that the law was constitutional, state officials said that while the funds originate as public, they become private after the monies are transferred by Loftis to a trust fund, where qualified families then own the funds. Those families are governed by rules that limit the use of the money for direct payment to educational institutions only, whether private or public.

The court rejected the states argument, saying it was skeptical, in the first place, of whether the act included a true trust fund because the law fails to identify a trustee  something required under state law before a trust is considered valid.

This is not the first time we have encountered an attempt to deploy a trust to avoid constitutional limits on the use of public funds, the court said. It cited the OBrien case, where a municipality used public funds placed into a trust to buy stocks and other securities. State law forbids cities from being a company stockholder, and the court ruled the trust fund arrangement in the OBrien case was unconstitutional because the money in the trust fund was still public.

We see no daylight between the trust veneer peeled away in OBrien and the trust here, the opinion said. We therefore hold the (Educational Scholarship Trust Fund) funds are public funds. 

School choice proponents supported the measure on the grounds it afforded parents the freedom to select an education option that best fits their childs needs. Detractors argued it would divert money from the traditional public school system to prop up unaccountable private schools that wont actually accept the neediest students.

Senior legislators were confident the plan would pass legal muster after they considered issues raised in a 2020 Supreme Court ruling, where a plan for McMaster to use $32 million in federal COVID-19 aid to fund tuition grants at private and religious schools was struck down.

To circumvent McMasters outcome in the 2020 decision, Republican lawmakers took care to avoid sending money directly to private and religious schools. Rather, the lawmakers decided to givequalifying parents access to a state-funded account for education expenses of their choice. Indirect funding of private schools is not expressly prohibited by the state Constitution.

Nevertheless, the court shot down the law, in-part finding that not only are the funds in question considered public, but also used to directly benefit private schools.

In addition, state officials claimed that any benefit to private schools is not direct because the path the funds must take is not only winding, but its direction may diverge to public schools based on the scholarship recipients choice, the opinion said.

Regardless, the court said despite the purported trust account and the fact the vouchers may benefit some public schools, private schools still will receive a direct benefit from public funds under the law.

After we clear away the window dressing, we can see the act funnels public funds to the direct benefit of private schools, the court said. This is what our constitution forbids.

McMaster issued a statement Wednesday saying he plans to ask the court to expeditiously reconsider its decision.

The Supreme Courts decision may have devastating consequences for thousands of low-income families who relied on these scholarships for their childs enrollment in school last month, McMaster said.

Weaver also reacted to the courts decision, saying the ruling will transform tears of families relying on the funding from joy to devastation.

While I respectfully disagree with the holdings of the majority decision, I remain committed to working with the Governor and the General Assembly to find a way forward to support these students and educational freedom for all South Carolina families, Weaver said.

Because the ESA law was only partially struck down, families are still permitted to use scholarship funds to send their children to another public school outside of their zoned district.
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WSPA)  The South Carolina Supreme Court on Wednesday struck down a portion of the Education Scholarship Trust Fund Act, ruling the states constitution prohibits the use of public funds for private schools.

The Education Scholarship Trust Fund Act (ESTF) allows qualifying parents to apply for $6,000 state scholarships to use towards their childrens education.

This is a choice program, that parents can use to just customize, to create a program for their child, said Oran Smith, a senior fellow with the Palmetto Promise Institute, a nonprofit that researches public policy and state legislative issues. Every child is different, every child learns differently, not every school is right for every child, this allows parents to do that customization that matches the needs of their child.

This school year was the first year for the program and parents were able to use awarded funds for various educational expenses, including tuition, school supplies, and transportation.

Parents can receive funds in a portal, an online portal and then the parents on behalf of their children can direct those funds to a wide range of educational providers. Private schools, public schools, therapy, tutoring, lots and lots of different options, Smith said.

Up to 5,000 scholarships were available for the 2024-2025 school year. That number will rise to 10,000 scholarships in the 2025-2026 school year and 15,000 scholarships in all subsequent years.

The ESTF was signed into law by Governor Henry McMaster in May 2023.

Governor Henry McMaster said the ruling may have devastating consequences for thousands of low-income families who replied on these scholarships for their childs enrollment in school last month.

The Supreme Courts ruling removes a portion of the law which allowed payments for tuition and fees for an approved nonpublic online education service provider or course and stops the Department of Education from paying scholarship money for tuition and fees of nonpublic educational service providers.

The South Carolina Department of Education said the agency halted payments for tuition and fees for nonpublic schools as required by the order.

Agency spokesperson Jason Raven said the department will work with parents to assess viable alternatives for their children if continued attendance at their current school is no longer an option.

Raven reiterated that the order does not affect any of the programs other allowable expenses and does not require the agency to recoup any payments that have already been made.

In a statement released Wednesday, State Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver said she disagreed with the decision and said she remained committed to working with the governor and General Assembly to find a way forward to support these students and education freedom for all South Carolina families.

The late timing of the initial filing and subsequent ruling on this case midway through the first quarter of the new school year wreaks havoc on the participating students and their families, said Weaver. These students deserve better, and I will not rest until they get it.

Palmetto Promise Institute claimed in a statement that the ruling will impact 2,880 children in the program.

Sherry East, president of the South Carolina Education Association, said the organization is grateful that our court has confirmed that public funds are confined for public education.

This decision today by our states highest court is a great victory for public educators and families across the state who support South Carolinas public schools, Easts statement continued. Thanks to the parents, the South Carolina State Conference of the NAACP and to all who joined us to advocate the importance of investing in public schools rather than diverting critical funds away from them.

McMaster said they will ask the court to reconsider the decision.

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COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCBD)  The South Carolina Supreme Court has struck down part of a state law passed last year that allows parents to use taxpayer funds to help pay for private schools.

In a 3-2 decision, the high court found that portions of the Education Scholarship Trust Fund Act violated the states constitutional prohibition against using government funds to benefit private educational institutions.

A parent who chooses to use a scholarship to pay their childs private school tuition is undoubtedly using public funds to provide a direct benefit to the private school, Justice Gary Hill wrote in the majority opinion. After we clear away the window dressing, we can see the Act funnels public funds to the direct benefit of private schools. This is what our constitution forbids.

At issue is a law signed in 2023 that allowed a limited number of eligible families to get $6,000 annually in a publicly funded savings account to use toward costs such as tuition, transportation, supplies, or technology at private schools or public schools outside of their district beginning in Fall 2024.

The Department of Education and other proponents argued that the law gets around the prohibition because the money is put into an education savings account rather than funneled directly to private schools.

Hill said that argument is inherently flawed, noting that just because the benefit is diffuse does not mean it is not direct.

In a dissenting opinion, Justice John Kittredge suggested the majority is pulling the rug out from under the state legislature.

The majority opinion today defines the phrase direct benefit so broadly that it swallows any possible meaning of indirect benefit in the process, Kittredge wrote. In doing so, the majority opinion pays lip service to the policy-making role of the legislature.

State Superintendent Ellen Weaver expressed disappointment in the majoritys decision and raised concerns about its timing in a Wednesday afternoon statement to News 2.

Families cried tears of joy when the scholarship funds became available for their children, and todays Supreme Court ruling brings those same families tears of devastation, she said. The late timing of the initial filing and subsequent ruling on this case midway through the first quarter of the new school year wreaks havoc on the participating students and their families.

While I respectfully disagree with the holdings of the majority decision, I remain committed to working with the Governor and the General Assembly to find a way forward to support these students and educational freedom for all South Carolina families. These students deserve better, and I will not rest until they get it, she continued.

A spokesperson for the S.C. Department of Education said the agency has halted payments for tuition and fees for nonpublic schools and courses per the Courts order.

Of note, the Court did not change student eligibility requirements. Also, any allowable expenses  other than tuition and fees to a non-public education service provider  remain eligible for families to purchase. Additionally, the order clearly enjoins only future payments of tuition and fees and does not require the Department to recoup payments made prior to September 11, 2024, the agency spokesperson said.

The spokesperson said that the department will work with families to assess viable alternatives for their children if continued attendance at their current school is no longer an option, thanks to this lawsuit and subsequent ruling.

The Palmetto Promise Institute, a South Carolina-based conservative think tank, estimates that more than 2,800 students will be impacted by the decision.

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Germany Chancellor Olaf Scholz speaks in the general debate on the 2025 budget in the Bundestag. Kay Nietfeld/dpa

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz attacked the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) in opening remarks to parliament on Wednesday, vowing that his government would "do everything in its power" to stop them.

Scholz called recent election results in the eastern German states of Saxony and Thuringia - where the AfD surged to make historic gains - "depressing."

In Thuringia, the AfD claimed a clear victory, the first for a far-right party in a statewide election in Germany since the Nazi era. In Saxony, the AfD took a very close second behind the centre-right Christian Democrats (CDU).

The state-level AfD parties in both states are being monitored as known far-right extremist groups by domestic intelligence agencies.

"We will never get used to it," Scholz said of the far-right gains on Wednesday at the start of a general debate in parliament that is expected to see him square off against CDU leader Friedrich Merz.

Scholz's centre-left Social Democrats (SPD), as well as his coalition partners the Greens and the pro-business liberal Free Democrats (FDP), all saw support slide in those state elections.

He accused the AfD of being "married" to the past with "yesterday's view of humanity," and seeking to deprive Germany of a good future.

Voters in the eastern German state of Brandenburg will elect a new state parliament on September 22. Scholz's SPD has long led the government in the state, but is currently trailing the AfD in the polls.

Scholz's constituency is in Potsdam, Brandenburg's state capital, and his wife, Britta Ernst, was an SPD minister in the state government until resigning last year.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Wednesday repeated his call to hold another peace conference to end Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine with the Kremlin at the table.

"Now is the moment, now is the time when we have to sound out what options are available," Scholz said in remarks to Germany's parliament, the Bundestag, in Berlin.

"We need another peace conference. And Russia must have a seat at the table. That is the task we have to tackle now, to sound out what is possible," Scholz said.

He acknowledged that some German voters oppose providing military aid to Ukraine, and have backed parties that explicitly campaigned against such support.

But Scholz stressed that it is the right thing to do to "support Ukraine for as long as it is necessary."

At the same time, "everything will be done to ensure that the possibilities of having peace - a fair peace that is not a dictated peace, not a capitulation, that respects the integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine as an invaded country - that such a peace is always explored, added the chancellor.

Scholz had previously suggested holding another peace conference with Russian participation in a lengthy recent interview with public broadcaster ZDF.

Those remarks were met with sharp criticism from some other German politicians, especially from the centre-right opposition Christian Democrats (CDU), who accused Scholz of backing down on his support for Ukraine and trying to pressure Kiev into talks.
(Bloomberg) -- German Chancellor Olaf Scholz laid into Friedrich Merz during a fiery performance in parliament on Wednesday, accusing the conservative opposition leader of pursuing cheap headlines rather than helping to tackle the problems afflicting Europes biggest economy.

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In a debate dominated by the issue of migration, Scholz launched what was effectively an early election campaign broadside against Merz, with just over a year to go until the next scheduled national vote. His unusually spirited attack came a day after conservative lawmakers walked out of talks with the government to discuss ways of getting irregular immigration more effectively under control.

Addressing Merz sitting a few meters away across the Bundestag chamber, Scholz accused the Christian Democrat leader of being the type of politician who thinks you have already solved the migration issue with one interview in Bild am Sonntag newspaper.

Thats not the reality, especially if you belong to the group of politicians who forget what they have just proposed as soon as they leave the newsroom, Scholz said, prompting laughter and cheers from coalition lawmakers.

Because you never intended to tackle this in the first place, he added. Thats bad politics.

Opinion polls suggest frustration with the ruling coalitions immigration and asylum policies was a key reason why forces of the extreme right and left performed strongly in two regional elections in eastern Germany this month.

It also partly explains record low voter support for the three parties in Scholzs governing alliance, whose combined backing of around 30% is less than the main opposition CDU/CSU alliances tally of about 32%.

By focusing almost completely on migration in his speech Wednesday, Scholz left no doubt that the issue will dominate the forthcoming election campaign.

The German leader and members of his cabinet have sharpened their rhetoric around the topic considerably in recent weeks in a bid to convince voters they can manage immigration effectively.

Scholz said that while its important to be open to migrants, that does not mean that everyone who wants to come to Germany can do so.

We must be able to choose who comes to Germany, he told lawmakers. That is why it is also important that we manage irregular migration, that we reduce the number of people who come to Germany irregularly and that we repatriate those who cannot stay.

In something of a surprise, Scholz didnt address the current woes of Volkswagen AG and other German carmakers struggling with the transition to electric vehicles and waning demand from China  an omission Merz seized on to assail the chancellor.

The fact that you did not say a single word about Volkswagen in your speech this morning, and did not say a single word about the companies that are currently laying off four- and five-figure numbers of employees, shows what kind of world you live in, he said.

Scholzs accusation that Merz staged Tuesdays walkout from the migration policy talks to generate media coverage was shameless, he added.

As CDU leader, Merz would typically be a shoe-in as the conservative chancellor candidate. However, Bavaria Premier Markus Soeder, who heads the CDUs smaller CSU sister-party in the southern state, has also thrown his hat into the ring. Hendrik Wuest, who runs Germanys most-populous region of North Rhine-Westphalia, is another potential conservative pick.

Merzs main problem is that polls show hes much less popular than both Soeder and Wuest and wouldnt necessarily beat Scholz if Germans could pick their chancellor directly.

Before the most-recent national election in 2021, Soeder inflicted serious damage on the campaign of CDU leader Armin Laschet by initially refusing to cede the candidacy, prompting a sustained and unseemly public spat.

That helped Scholzs Social Democrats come from behind to become the strongest party. A similar scenario, under which Soeder balks at making way for Merz, could benefit Scholz again in coming months.

Merz has said a decision on the conservative candidate will be made after the regional election on Sept. 22 in SPD-run Brandenburg, the eastern state that surrounds Berlin and is home to Scholzs Potsdam constituency.

An Infratest Dimap poll for public broadcaster RBB published last week put the far-right AfD in first place on 27%, ahead of the SPD on 23% and the CDU on 18%. The Alliance Sahra Wagenknecht, a new far-left party founded only in January, was on 15%.

On Sept. 1, the AfD, which has support of about 17% on a national basis, secured its first regional election success in Thuringia and came second in neighboring Saxony.

--With assistance from Zoe Schneeweiss.

(Updates with Merz quotes starting in 13th paragraph.)

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A migrant sits on a bench on the grounds of the Central Reception Center for Asylum Seekers (ZABH) in the state of Brandenburg. Patrick Pleul/dpa

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz defended his government's migration policy in remarks to parliament on Wednesday morning and emphasized the county's need to attract skilled foreigners.

"There is no country in the world with a shrinking working population that has economic growth. That is the truth we are confronted with," Scholz said in the Bundestag, as Germany's parliament is known.

His remarks come amid tense, acrimonious debate in Berlin over migration and asylum policy. On Tuesday evening, cross-party talks between Scholz's coalition and the centre-right opposition collapsed with bitter criticism.

Migration policy has been the dominant topic in political debate since a knife-wielding assailant killed three people and wounded eight others last month in the western German city of Solingen.

The suspected attacker is a 26-year-old Syrian man who had evaded an order to be deported from Germany to Bulgaria, where he was first registered in the European Union.

Scholz on Wednesday stressed the need to remain open to immigration in Germany while also properly managing and controlling arrivals.

"We are a country that offers protection to those who are politically persecuted, who are running for their lives, who have to save their lives, and that is in our constitution and we are not putting that up for debate," said Scholz.

"Openness to the world is therefore necessary. But openness to the world does not mean that anyone who wants to can come. We must be able to choose who comes to Germany. I say that quite explicitly here," the chancellor added.

Germany Chancellor Olaf Scholz speaks in the general debate on the 2025 budget in the Bundestag. Kay Nietfeld/dpa
Germany Chancellor Olaf Scholz speaks in the general debate on the 2025 budget in the Bundestag. Kay Nietfeld/dpa

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz vowed on Wednesday that his government would fight so that young people can count on receiving their state pensions in retirement.

"The fact that we want to guarantee a stable pension level in Germany is one of the major plans of this government," said Scholz during debate on his coalition's proposed budget in parliament.

The 17-year-olds in the country, who are now leaving school and will be paying pension contributions for five decades, need to know what they can rely on in the future, the chancellor said.

"The most important asset that many in our country have is their pension entitlement, their pension insurance," he added.

Young people therefore need a "clear statement," which this government wants to give them.

"We guarantee this security for our citizens, emphasized Scholz.

Scholz also promised to do everything in his power to support families in the country and to push ahead with the expansion of all-day childcare and daycare centres.

The government is spending billions of euros on those efforts, he said.

At the same time, the chancellor emphasized that he also wanted to offer older people more flexibility in old age, and change policies to make it easier for them to work into older age if they so desire.
The Jewell School District in the Clatsop State Forest predicts it could lose millions in revenue if a plan to scale back logging on Oregon's western state forests is implemented. (Oregon Department of Forestry)

Officials with a tiny school district nestled in northwest Oregons Clatsop State Forest have paid tens of thousands of dollars to fight new state limits on logging and are prepared to bet the farm to support its lawsuit against the state, the Capital Chronicle has learned.

The Jewell School District has paid $148,000 and owes $3,000 more to lawyer John DiLorenzo for his work on its lawsuit that was filed in March, according to records obtained by the Capital Chronicle. Jewells superintendent, Cory Pederson, said the cost was justified.

Whatever the district pays in fees will be well worth the chance to avoid what will otherwise be a catastrophic loss to Jewell and the local community, Pederson said. This is truly a bet the farm issue for our district.

DiLorenzo, whos part of the Davis Wright Tremaine law firm, which has offices in Portland and New York, also defended his $955 per hour fee.

You could hire a lawyer who doesnt know anything about the area, even if its a lower rate, who spends three times as much time on it, DiLorenzo said. Im used to working out of my New York office, and I tell you that rate certainly isnt high in New York.

The suit, filed in Clatsop County Circuit Court against the Oregon Department of Forestry, state forester Cal Mukumoto and state forest chief Mike Wilson, claims the logging limits in the Western State Forests Habitat Conservation Plan will drastically reduce revenue for the school district, forcing it to cut staff and services. For decades, the district has used logging revenue and not state money to fund its school budget, pumping it up beyond what other Oregon districts get from the state on a per-pupil basis.

DiLorenzo and district leaders would like to see the state scrap the conservation plan and restore previous timber harvests, allowing it to maintain its current funding.

This litigation is one of the very few options the district has left to avoid a disastrous loss of revenues which will be the result of the Department of Forestrys new harvest policies, Pederson said in an email.

But Gov. Tina Koteks office and the Oregon Department of Education have said the state would ensure the district meets its state-mandated per-pupil funding requirement. Projections of how much money the district would actually lose year-over-year as logging is scaled back is still unknown.

Betting the forest

The Western State Forests Habitat Conservation Plan, once approved by federal agencies, would regulate logging and conservation on about 630,000 acres of state forests for the next 70 years, including the Clatsop State Forest, to protect 17 threatened or endangered species.

The cost to the school district is unclear. According to Pederson, the district could lose up to $3 million in the first year of the plan and more in the years following. DiLorenzo previously said the habitat plan would scale back logging 35% on the Clatsop State Forest, which would scale back school funding 35%.

Representatives of the Oregon Department of Forestry and Koteks office told the Capital Chronicle via email they do not have any projections yet to show potential funding losses for individual school districts. Anca Matica, a Kotek spokesperson, said in an email that the plan is projected to decrease annual timber revenue to Oregons 14 timber counties by about 23%, and that any school district that loses funding because of this would be compensated under the state education funding equalization formula. The formula, which takes into account enrollment along with student needs for language services, serving students with disabilities and poverty, is used to fund all other schools in Oregon.

Using logging revenues, Jewell School District has a current $4.3 million budget to pay for the districts single K-12 school, which has 124 students, 15 teachers, six education assistants, a counselor and two administrators, according to the most recent data from the Oregon Department of Education.

The $4.3 million budget is about $680,000 more than the district would get under the state education funding equalization formula. Without the timber revenues, Jewell would have to operate on about $3.6 million, according to the Oregon Department of Education, or 17% less than it has now. The education department is prepared to supply the district with enough money to ensure it has $3.6 million to operate, Oregon Department of Education spokesperson said, but DiLorenzo said that it would be unacceptable for the district to accept less money than it currently receives from timber.

You know, if you talk about an endangered species, I think one endangered species are adequately educated children, and were failing miserably, DiLorenzo said. Were underfunding education, and Jewell is one of those few districts that is able to meet the states quality education funding models. We dont want that to go away.

Paying the bills

Besides DiLorenzo, two other Davis Wright Tremaine lawyers also are working on the case. According to the districts contract with the law firm, it is paying Aaron Stuckey $825 an hour and Chris Swift $650 per hour. DiLorenzo, who handled the records request, initially declined to release itemized billing records to the Capital Chronicle, citing attorney-client privilege. After the Capital Chronicle appealed to the Clatsop County District Attorney, DiLorenzo agreed to share the amounts that had been billed and paid so far.

The district does not have a ceiling for spending on the case, Pederson said.

The district has a $20 million investment fund that is pegged for future capital improvements, with about $12 of that for infrastructure, Pederson said. He did not say what the other $8 million is for.

We maintain this fund because, unlike most other school districts, we question whether our timber-employment reliant community will ever be able to authorize or afford future bond measures if the community is adversely impacted by significantly decreased harvest levels forecasted as a result of the departments policies, he said.

If the case goes to trial, Pederson said he is prepared to ask other school districts in western Oregon to help defray the costs.

The court recently held a hearing on the states motion to dismiss that the judge has yet to rule on.

Pederson said that despite the districts financial concerns underlying the case, it needs to pay for DiLorenzo because of his expertise. .

Mr. DiLorenzo and his firm have significant experience and familiarity dealing with this topic, he said.

DiLorenzo, who unsuccessfully sued the state for over $1 billion in 2019 for not allowing enough logging in state forests, said he feels confident in the case he has with Jewell School District.

I think we can ultimately prevail in this case, he said.

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West Clermont School District is considering building four new schools to address aging facilities and overcrowding. The proposed plan would include an intermediate school for fifth and sixth graders, a middle school for seventh and eighth graders and two new elementary schools.

The school board unanimously approved next steps in the district's master facilities plan at a board meeting Monday evening. The proposal, developed and presented by a community advisory team, includes moving fifth-graders from the district's elementary schools to a new intermediate school with sixth-graders. This intermediate school would be next to a new school for seventh and eighth grade students.

The proposed facilities plan would include building a new Merwin Elementary School.

More: Ohio Teacher of the Year finalist helps West Clermont students pursue field she loves

"While these buildings will be connected for efficiency, they will function as separate schools," a news release from the district reads.

Two new elementary schools, one for Holly Hill and one for Merwin, are also part of the proposal. Administrators will spend the next several weeks reviewing the plan and gathering community feedback before making a final decision.

The community advisory team has met monthly since February, said Amber Pleiman, a mother of a seventh-grader in the district who is on the team. The middle school is beyond repair, she said, including major issues with its roof and HVAC system. And the district has resorted to modular buildings to accommodate overcrowding at the elementary schools, which leads to inequities across the district. Kids at Merwin and Holly Hills elementary schools are getting a different educational experience than kids at other district elementary schools, she said.

"We're just running out of space for the students in the district, quite frankly," Pleiman said.

Pleiman said the team prioritized safety concerns and noted that these buildings would likely cost just as much to repair as they would to build new.

Were thankful to the Community Advisory Team who put in months of work to address aging facilities, overcrowded schools, and inequitable facilities across the district, Natasha Adams, district superintendent, said in the news release. The district leadership team will continue analyzing, studying, and refining the recommendations to determine the educational, operational, and financial impact to our district and best path forward."

Natasha Adams is the superintendent of West Clermont School District.

Adams plans to present the administration's findings and discuss next steps at the next board meeting, set for Oct. 15 at 7 p.m. at the Union Township Civic Center, at 4350 Aicholtz Road.

More: A cyberattack cost an Ohio district $1.7 million. What are schools doing to prevent scams?

If the district adopts this proposal, it would need to ask the community to pass a bond issue. That could prove understandably difficult, Pleiman said. She said her own property taxes have gone up considerably in recent years.

"I don't think it's going to be a slam dunk," she said.

That's why the community advisory team and district are launching discussions early, Pleiman said, to educate the community on the district's needs. Community members are invited to tour the district's elementary and middle schools and discuss the proposal with district leaders at the following times:

Sept. 18 at Holly Hill Elementary, located at 3520 State Route 132 in Amelia. Building tour begins at 5:15 p.m. and town hall begins at 6 p.m.

Oct. 9 at Merwin Elementary, located at 1040 Gaskins Road. Building tour begins at 5:15 p.m. and town hall begins at 6 p.m.

Nov. 14 at West Clermont Middle School, located at 1341 Clough Pike in Batavia. Building tour begins at 5:15 p.m. and town hall begins at 6 p.m.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: West Clermont Schools might build four new school buildings
(NewsNation)  Temperatures have been soaring due to climate change, leading more and more schools to push back start dates to avoid extreme summer heat for students.

Schools across the country  including in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Billings, Montana; and Philadelphia  have delayed the beginning of school past August and into September, reported Stateline.

We see examples all over the country, Karen White, deputy executive director of the National Education Association, the largest teachers union in the country, told the outlet.

I think its only gotten worse, she said.

Climate change is already impacting transportation: Buttigieg

Many districts have moved up their start date in recent years, but now, with extreme heat, that is no longer safe, some teachers say.

According to White, climate change and the extreme temperatures its caused have forced some teachers, including in Ohio, to demand air conditioning in collective bargaining, the outlet reported.

Schools in Illinois, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin all closed or dismissed students early because of excessive heat last month, according to Stateline.

Last year, schools in at least nine states had to shut down or dismiss students early during the first week of September due to scorching and unsafe temperatures, according to a CBS News survey.

This includes schools in Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio and Pennsylvania, among others.

A Philadelphia school district said pushing the date back this year to after Labor Day will minimize the number of heat-related school closures.

This will also exacerbate inequities between schools that have air conditioning and those that do not, district spokesperson Christina Clark told Stateline.

Heat waves linked to premature births: Study

Climate change will probably hasten a push back to a September start in places that have somewhat temperate Junes, Joshua Graff Zivin, an economist and director of the Cowhey Center on Global Transformation at the University of California San Diego, told the outlet.

While Zivin advises that more schools should invest in air conditioning, that will still not alleviate all the other issues heat brings.

Students who have a hot commute to school or home temperatures too high to get a good nights sleep see affected performance and might lead to calls for later school start dates, he told the outlet.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
Scientists Discovered An Amazing Practical Use For Our Leftover Coffee Grounds

We could be producing concrete that's 30 percent stronger by processing and adding charred coffee grounds to the mix, researchers in Australia discovered.

Their clever recipe could solve multiple problems at the same time.

Every year the world produces a staggering 10 billion kilograms (22 billion pounds) of coffee waste globally. Most ends up in landfills.

"The disposal of organic waste poses an environmental challenge as it emits large amounts of greenhouse gases including methane and carbon dioxide, which contribute to climate change," explained RMIT University engineer Rajeev Roychand.

With a booming construction market globally, there's also an ever increasing demand for resource intensive concrete causing another set of environmental challenges too.

"The ongoing extraction of natural sand around the world  typically taken from river beds and banks  to meet the rapidly growing demands of the construction industry has a big impact on the environment," said RMIT engineer Jie Li.

"There are critical and long-lasting challenges in maintaining a sustainable supply of sand due to the finite nature of resources and the environmental impacts of sand mining. With a circular-economy approach, we could keep organic waste out of landfill and also better preserve our natural resources like sand."

Organic products like coffee grounds can't be added directly to concrete because they leak chemicals that weaken the building material's strength. So using low energy levels the team heated coffee waste to over 350 C (around 660 F) while depriving it of oxygen.

This process is called pyrolyzing. It breaks down the organic molecules, resulting in a porous, carbon-rich charcoal called biochar, that can form bonds with and thereby incorporate itself into the cement matrix.

Roychand and colleagues also tried pyrolyzing the coffee grounds at 500 C but the resulting biochar particles were not as strong.

The researchers cautioned that they still need to assess the long term durability of their cement product. They're now working on testing how the hybrid coffee-cement performs under freeze/thaw cycles, water absorption, abrasions and many more stressors.

The team is also working on creating biochars from other organic waste sources, including wood, food waste and agricultural waste.

"Our research is in the early stages, but these exciting findings offer an innovative way to greatly reduce the amount of organic waste that goes to landfill," said RMIT engineer Shannon Kilmartin-Lynch.

"Inspiration for my research, from an Indigenous perspective, involves Caring for Country, ensuring there's a sustainable life cycle for all materials and avoiding things going into landfill to minimize the impact on the environment."

Their research was published in the Journal of Cleaner Production.

An earlier version of this article was published in September 2023.

Related News
Scientists issue PSA after discovering highly invasive NYC species capable of spreading across entire East Coast: 'We're talking about a big, big issue here'

Even the smallest creature can have a huge impact, as one species of ant is demonstrating in New York City.

What's happening?

Since first being spotted in the Big Apple in 2011, the Lasius emarginatus  which is native to Europe  has settled and thrived in New York City, picking up the nickname "ManhattAnt."

A report published in the Biological Invasions journal, as described by NPR, has detailed that the ManhattAnt is now challenging the common pavement ant as the dominant ant species in the city.

Troublingly, scientists have also predicted that they may yet spread further than NYC, potentially expanding their range toward Maine in the north and Georgia in the south.

Why is the spread of these ants concerning?

While it might not seem like an ant can make a massive impact on an ecosystem, whole colonies can.

Mariano Rodriguez-Cabal from the University of Vermont told NPR that the spread of the species could harm local biodiversity.

"We're talking about a big, big issue here," he told the publication. "It's not like just a crazy ant running around Manhattan."

Research is being conducted to see how likely it is the ants will threaten native plant and insect species, but judging by impacts the insects have had in other areas they aren't supposed to be, scientists are concerned.

For example, NPR cited a study that found invasive ants in Kenya made notable enough changes to their new ecosystem that eventually led to lions eating fewer zebras, which threatened the population of the big cats.

What's being done about invasive species?

Regarding the ManhattAnt, people can log sightings of the species on the Project ManhattAnt section of the iNaturalist website, which also features pictures to help identify them. That should help inform research efforts to analyze the spread of the creature.

The invasive "ManhattAnt" has been infiltrating New York City since 2011, worrying scientists  who have finally figured out what species the larger-than-average, black-and-red ant is. https://t.co/3EBZsZVj3j  CBS News (@CBSNews) August 14, 2024

But ants aren't the only invasive insects setting up camp in New York City, with the spotted lanternfly also settling in. While the risks these critters pose to agriculture aren't so much of a concern in the concrete jungle of New York City, squishing the bugs and reporting sightings has been recommended in Pennsylvania, where they have spread rapidly.

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.
Will there be a second Harris-Trump debate? Where things stand between the two candidates

Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris debate for the first time during the presidential election campaign at the National Constitution Center on Sept. 10, 2024, in Philadelphia.

The first face off between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris ended with a few fireworks and a request from Harris' campaign to meet again.

Harris and Trump met for the first time at Tuesday's debate at the National Constitutional Center in Philadelphia addressing critical issues for voters involving the economy, abortion rights and the southern border.

Trump previously hesitated to contest Harris at the scheduled Sept 10 debate due to his desire for Fox News to host instead of ABC, which ended up hosting Tuesday night's debate. After agreeing to the debate, Trump also said he would participate in additional debates in September.

But the Harris-Walz campaign remained largely silent until Tuesday night, moments after the debate concluded, when campaign chair Jen OMalley Dillon called for another Harris-Trump debate in October.

"The only actual plan Trump has is Project 2025, which would raise costs for the middle class and take America backwards," Dillon said. "That's what they saw tonight and what they should see at the second debate in October. Vice President Harris is ready for a second debate."

The Trump campaign did not immediately respond to the offer Tuesday night.

Presidential debate recap: Trump, Harris battle over gun control, Afghanistan withdrawal

How long was the debate?

The first debate between Harris and Trump was slated to be around 90 minutes.

The broadcast started at 9:00 p.m. ET and concluded at 10:45 p.m. ET with three commercial breaks.

When is the vice presidential debate?

The vice presidential debate is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 1, when Democratic Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Republican Sen. JD Vance of Ohio are set to face off in New York City.

CBS is set to host the broadcast.

When did Trump and Biden debate?

The first presidential debate of the 2024 election season occurred on June 27, where Trump engaged in a rematch against President Joe Biden.

Biden's performance during the debate escalated concerns about his ability to carry out a second term, ultimately leading to historic decision to drop out on July 21.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Will Harris and Trump debate again? Where things stand before election
U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs Rena Bitter and Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, speak to members of the media while visiting the State Departments Salt Lake City Passport Fair at the Bennett Federal Building in Salt Lake City on Friday, Feb. 16, 2024. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, offered reporters his analysis of Tuesdays presidential debate as he walked through the halls of Congress Wednesday.

The debate marked the first meeting of Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump before Election Day in November.

Romney, who has been on the presidential debate stage before, when he went up against former President Barack Obama in 2012, said he witnessed a classic Trump performance, according to a clip obtained by MSNBC News.

What did Sen. Mitt Romney say about Kamala Harris?

In the case of Vice President Kamala Harris, Romney said, Most people didnt know her terribly well, other than a few clips that were not flattering that you might see on the internet.

People saw, Oh, actually, shes an intelligent, capable person who has a point of view on issues, and she demonstrated that time and again, he added. As The Hill noted, Romney wasnt the only one to give Harris a positive review. New Hampshire Republican Gov. Chris Sununu said, Oh, Kamala definitely won the debate.

Romney noted he believes debates, such as the one on Tuesday night, dont typically move the needle on a permanent basis very much for one candidate or another.

He didnt take offense to Trumps comments about Haitian immigrants.

Im allergic to cats, so this is not a big issue for me. If it turns out to be true, Im not going to lose a lot of sleep, he said, as CNNs Manu Raju reported. But Romney displayed concern over Trump refusing to say whether he wants Ukraine to defeat Russia.

Who is Sen. Mitt Romney voting for?

Earlier in May, the senator, who is not seeking reelection this year, said Trump wont get his vote but declined to say who will.

Im not announcing that here and now, Romney said. Im not going to be voting for President Trump. Ive made that clear. I know for some people, character is not the No. 1 issue. It is for me. When someone has been, well, determined by a jury to have committed sexual assault, thats not someone who I want my kids and grandkids to see as president of the United States.

More recently, around 200 former staffers for former President George H.W. Bush, former President George W. Bush, Sen. John McCain and Sen. Mitt Romney endorsed Harris.

We have plenty of honest, ideological disagreements with Vice President Harris and Gov. Walz. Thats to be expected. The alternative, however, is simply untenable, the staffers wrote in a letter, first reported by USA Today.

What has Romney said about Biden?

When Biden announced his decision to withdraw from the 2024 race and endorse Harris, Romney issued a statement, offering the president praise.

Im a classic Republican and hes a classic Democrat; obviously, President Biden and I usually didnt see eye-to-eye. I opposed many of his initiatives, the Utah senator said. But we did find common ground on infrastructure, Ukraine, the Electoral Count Act, adding religious liberty protections to the marriage bill, gun safety measures, and chip manufacturing.

Romney said that after working with the president in the past few years, he respects Biden, adding, His decision to withdraw from the race was right and is in the best interest of the country.
MADISON  Less than two months from the Nov. 5 election, Democratic U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin maintains a slight lead over Republican challenger businessman Eric Hovde, according to a new Marquette University Law School poll of Wisconsin voters released Wednesday.

Baldwin led Hovde among registered voters 52%-48% and among likely voters 52-47%. That shows little change since the last Marquette poll conducted in August, which had Baldwin leading Hovde among registered voters 53% to 46% and among likely voters 52% to 47%.

The results include voters who were initially undecided and were asked who they would vote for if they had to choose. Without factoring in the 8% of registered voters undecided between Baldwin and Hovde, Baldwin led 48-44%.

The race is closely watched as one that could help determine the balance of power in the Senate, where Baldwin is seeking her third term.

The new poll surveyed 822 registered voters, between Aug. 28-Sept. 5. The margin of error was plus or minus 4.6 percentage points. There were 438 likely voters with a margin of error of plus or minus 4.7 points.

This most recent round of polling concluded before Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican former President Donald Trump debated Tuesday night.

In the latest poll, Baldwin is viewed favorably by 47% of voters, compared to 44% in August. She is also viewed unfavorably by 46%. About 7% of voters had no opinion of her, compared to 12% in August.

Hovde is viewed favorably by 34%, compared to 24% in August. He is viewed unfavorably by 43%. The percentage of voters with no opinion of him has gone down to 22% from 38% last month.

The Marquette poll released Wednesday is the second one conducted since Kamala Harris replaced President Joe Biden at the top of the ticket against Trump.

Baldwin and Hovde will meet for a debate on Oct. 18, hosted by WMTV-TV in Madison. The debate will be televised and broadcasted on radio across the state. Hovde has pushed Baldwin to agree to more debates, including in Milwaukee and Green Bay.

Jessie Opoien can be reached at jessie.opoien@jrn.com.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Tammy Baldwin maintains tight lead over Eric Hovde in Wisconsin poll
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  Seneca Park Zoo is welcoming a new red panda cub named Asha from Binghamton Zoo!

Similar to the zoos own cub Teddy Graham, Asha was abandoned by her mother and was being hand-raised at Binghamton Zoo.

The AZA red Panda and Species Survival Plan recommended the transfer so that Teddy would have a cub to socialize with, Seneca Park Zoo announced in a Facebook post.

According to Seneca Park Zoo, this is a common practice with single red panda cubs that are hand-raised.

The cubs will have an outdoor area in the zoo when they start weaning but will not be introduced to the Zoos two red pandas Willie and Raji due to the upcoming mating season.

The two cubs will not be kept in a habitat visible to guests, but you can view them through the cub cam in the animal hospital during normal zoo hours. Seneca Park Zoo is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Teddy and Asha will move to other zoos when they are 8 to 10-months-oldm which is when red panda cubs would start to separate from their mothers.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
The Copenhagen Fire Hall is holding a Roast pork dinner on Sunday, starting at 12 p.m.

Copenhagen Fire Hall

9932 NY-12

Copenhagen, NY

The dinner will cost $14 per dinner and will include roast pork, gravy, stuffing, applesauce, green beans, mashed potatoes and poke cake. Dine in and take out options are available, additional information can be found by calling 315-767-6170 or 315-688-4103.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
NEW YORK CITY - Never Forget.

JUMP TO: ATTACK TIMELINE l BUSH ADDRESSES NATION

How many years since 9/11

It's been 23 years since the September 11, 2001, attacks, or when "the United States became a nation transformed," as the 9/11 Commission Report said.

How many people died on 9/11

Over 2,600 people perished at the World Trade Center, 125 people died at the Pentagon and 256 people died on four airplanes after terrorists hijacked four commercial airliners and turned them into guided missiles.

Here's a timeline of what transpired on that day.

9/11 timeline of events

5:45 a.m.

A total of 19 hijackers begin passing through security at various airports.

7:59 a.m.

American Airlines Flight 11 takes off from Bostons Logan International Airport. The Boeing 767 is headed toward Los Angeles with 92 people on board, comprised of 11 crew members, 76 passengers and five hijackers.

8:15 a.m.

United Airlines Flight 175 takes off, also from Bostons Logan International Airport headed for Los Angeles. The Boeing 767 had 64 people on board, comprised of nine crew members, 51 passengers and five hijackers.

8:19 a.m.

American Airlines Flight 11 crew members Betty Ann Ong and Madeline Amy Sweeney report the hijacking to ground personnel, providing key information about the hijacking.

8:20 a.m.

American Airlines Flight 77 takes off from Washington Dulles International Airport for Los Angeles. The Boeing 757 carried 65 people, comprised of six crew members, 53 passengers and five hijackers.

8:24 a.m.

One of the hijackers on American Airlines Flight 11 accidentally calls ground control when trying to transmit a message to the passengers in the planes cabin, unwittingly alerting ground control to the attacks. Victor J. Saracini, the pilot of American Airlines Flight 175, hears the accidental transmission and alerts the Federal Aviation Administration just minutes before his plane is hijacked.

8:40 a.m.

The FAA notifies the Northeast American Aerospace Defense Commands Northeast Air Defense Sector about suspected hijacking of American Flight 11. NEADS then mobilizes Air National Guard jets at Otis Air Force Base in Falmouth, Mass., to identify and follow Flight 11.

8:42 a.m.

United Airlines Flight 93 takes off from Newark International Airport for San Francisco. The Boeing 757 has 44 people on board, comprised of seven crew members, 33 passengers and five hijackers.

8:43 a.m.

FAA notifies NORAD about suspected hijacking of United Flight 175.

What time was the first tower hit on 9/11

8:46 a.m.

The first plane crashes. American Airlines Flight 11 strikes the North Tower of the World Trade Center traveling at hundreds of miles per hour and carrying around 10,000 gallons of jet fuel. The flight crashes into floors 93-99 and severs all three emergency stairwells, trapping hundreds of people above the 91st floor.

8:50 a.m.

U.S. President George W. Bush, visiting an elementary school in Sarasota, Florida, is notified that a plane has hit the World Trade Centers North Tower.

8:59 a.m.

Port Authority Police Department Sergeant Al DeVona issues orders to evacuate the Twin Towers. One minute later, evacuation orders are extended for all civilians in the World Trade Center Complex.

What time was the second tower hit on 9/11

9:03 a.m.

The second plane crashes. United Flight 175 strikes the South Tower on floors 77-85. Two of the three emergency stairwells are rendered impassible and most elevator cables in the area are severed by the crash, trapping many on floors above the impact and in elevators.

The World Trade Center is in flames after being hit by two planes on Sept. 11, 2001, in New York City. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

9:05 a.m.

President George W. Bush is alerted to the second crash into the South Tower of the World Trade Center.

9:08 a.m.

FAA bans all takeoffs for flights nationwide which were either going to or passing through its New York Center airspace.

9:12 a.m.

Flight attendant Renee A. May and passenger Barbara K. Olson aboard Flight 77 call family members and alert them to the hijacking. Their family members alert American Airlines and federal officials.

9:21 a.m.

All bridges and tunnels into Manhattan are closed.

394261 11: Smoke pours from the World Trade Center after it was hit by two hijacjked passenger planes September 11, 2001 in New York City in an alleged terrorist attack. (Photo by Robert Giroux/Getty Images)

9:24 a.m.

FAA notifies NORAD of suspected hijacking of American Airlines Flight 77.9:26 a.m.FAA bans takeoffs of all civilian aircraft.

9:31 a.m.

From Florida, President George Bush calls the crashes an "apparent terrorist attack on our country." He and his staff leave the elementary school and begin traveling back to Washington.

9:37 a.m.

The third plane crashes. American Airlines Flight 77 crashes into the western face of the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia.

The September 11 (or 9/11) Islamic terrorist group al-Qaeda attacks on New York City, September 11, 2001. Two of the planes, were crashed into the North and South towers, of the World Trade Center complex in New York City. Within two hours, both 110-story towers collapsed. (Photo by: Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

9:45 a.m.

FAA grounds all flights, ordering all aircraft to land at nearest airport as soon as practical. More than 4,500 aircraft are in air at the time.

9:45 a.m.

The U.S. Capitol and White Houses West Wing begin evacuating. The U.S. House of Representatives and Senate are in session.

9:58 a.m.

Flight 93 passenger Edward P. Felt is able to hide in a bathroom and make a phone call to 911.

File: Firefighters walk towards one of the tower at the World Trade Center before it collapsed after a plane hit the building September 11, 2001 in New York City. (Photo by Jose Jimenez/Primera Hora/Getty Images)

9:59 a.m.

After burning for 56 minutes, the South Tower of the World Trade Center collapses. The collapse takes a shocking 10 seconds. More than 800 civilians and first responders are killed.

10:03 a.m. (approximately)

The fourth plane crashes. Heroic crew members and passengers of United Flight 93 storm the cockpit, forcing the hijackers to crash the plane into a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, at a location just 20 minutes flying time from Washington D.C. The 9/11 Commission Report determined that this plane was likely headed for Washington D.C. or the White House.

10:15 a.m.

A damaged section of the Pentagon E Ring, a west-facing outer ring, collapses.

10:28 a.m.

After burning for 102 minutes, the North Tower of the World Trade Center collapses. More than 1,600 civilians and first responders are killed.

11:02 a.m.

New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani orders evacuation of lower Manhattan.

1:04 p.m.

President George W. Bush, at Barksdale Air Force base in Louisiana, announces that the U.S. military is on high alert worldwide.

2:51 p.m.

The U.S. Navy dispatches missile destroyers to New York and Washington.

(FILES) This 11 September 2001 file photo shows a man standing in the rubble, and calling out asking if anyone needs help, after the collapse of the first World Trade Center Tower in New York City. AFP PHOTO/Doug KANTER (Photo credit should read DOUG KANTER/AFP via Getty Images)

3:07 p.m.

President George W. Bush arrives at Strategic Command at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska.

5:25 p.m.

After burning for hours, the empty 47-story 7 World Trade Center collapses.

President George Bush addresses the Nation

8:30 p.m.

President George Bush addresses the Nation from the White House:

"Good evening."

"Today, our fellow citizens, our way of life, our very freedom came under attack in a series of deliberate and deadly terrorist acts. The victims were in airplanes or in their offices: secretaries, business men and women, military and federal workers, moms and dads, friends and neighbors. Thousands of lives were suddenly ended by evil, despicable acts of terror. The pictures of airplanes flying into buildings, fires burning, huge -- huge structures collapsing have filled us with disbelief, terrible sadness, and a quiet, unyielding anger. These acts of mass murder were intended to frighten our nation into chaos and retreat. But they have failed. Our country is strong."



"A great people has been moved to defend a great nation. Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America. These acts shatter steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve. America was targeted for attack because we're the brightest beacon for freedom and opportunity in the world. And no one will keep that light from shining. Today, our nation saw evil  the very worst of human nature  and we responded with the best of America. With the daring of our rescue workers, with the caring for strangers and neighbors who came to give blood and help in any way they could."



"Immediately following the first attack, I implemented our government's emergency response plans. Our military is powerful, and it's prepared. Our emergency teams are working in New York City and Washington D.C. to help with local rescue efforts. Our first priority is to get help to those who have been injured, and to take every precaution to protect our citizens at home and around the world from further attacks. The functions of our government continue without interruption. Federal agencies in Washington which had to be evacuated today are reopening for essential personnel tonight and will be open for business tomorrow. Our financial institutions remain strong, and the American economy will be open for business as well."



"The search is underway for those who were behind these evil acts. I have directed the full resources of our intelligence and law enforcement communities to find those responsible and to bring them to justice. We will make no distinction between the terrorists who committed these acts and those who harbor them."



"I appreciate so very much the members of Congress who have joined me in strongly condemning these attacks. And on behalf of the American people, I thank the many world leaders who have called to offer their condolences and assistance. America and our friends and allies join with all those who want peace and security in the world, and we stand together to win the war against terrorism."



"Tonight, I ask for your prayers for all those who grieve, for the children whose worlds have been shattered, for all whose sense of safety and security has been threatened. And I pray they will be comforted by a Power greater than any of us, spoken through the ages in Psalm 23."

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,I fear no evil for you are with me.

"This is a day when all Americans from every walk of life unite in our resolve for justice and peace. America has stood down enemies before, and we will do so this time. None of us will ever forget this day, yet we go forward to defend freedom and all that is good and just in our world."

"Thank you. Good night. And God bless America."

Chris Williams, as well as the Associated Press, helped contributed to this report.
Andrei Hniot, a filmmaker and a prominent critic of the authoritarian government in Belarus, stands in his apartment in Belgrade, Serbia, where he is under house arrest on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Marko Drobnjakovic)

BELGRADE, Serbia (AP)  An appeals court in Serbia on Wednesday overturned an earlier court ruling that a prominent critic of the authoritarian government in Belarus should be extradited to that country, and said that the case must be retried.

Serbian authorities arrested Belarusian filmmaker Andrei Hniot on Oct. 30 at Belgrade airport, based on an Interpol warrant issued at the request of the Belarusian authorities for alleged tax evasion. In June, the Higher Court in Belgrade ruled to extradite him to Belarus.

The appeals court in Belgrade said on its website on Wednesday that the first-instance court provided no firm evidence that Hniot evaded taxes in his country and sent the case back to the first-instance court for a new decision.

This is the third time that the appeals court overturns a ruling by a Higher Court that the 41-year-old should be extradited to Belarus.

If the court again rules that conditions are met for his extradition, we will again file an appeal, Hniots lawyer Filip Sofijanic told N1 television.

Hniot is a prominent Belarusian film director and an outspoken critic of the countrys authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko. He filmed mass protests that erupted in 2020 against Lukashenkos disputed reelection and covered the harsh crackdown on dissent the government unleashed in response, before fleeing the country.

The director and activist told one of the court hearings in Belgrade that Lukshenkos regime wanted to punish him for his activism and that he could face torture or even death if returned to Belarus.

Several international organizations including Amnesty International, the Committee to Protect Journalists and the International Federation for Human Rights have called on Serbia not to extradite Hniot.

More than 70 European artists and film directors have signed an open letter urging Serbia not to extradite Hniot to Belarus. Belgrade has maintained close relations with Minsk and Moscow despite Russias full scale invasion of Ukraine.

We openly opposed the dictatorship, human rights violations, and electoral fraud in Belarus in 2020, the letter said, adding that requesting an Interpol warrant is a tactic repeatedly used by the Lukashenko regime to track down pro-democracy activists around the world.

Hniot has been released from a Serbian prison but is only allowed to leave his apartment for one hour a day and must wear a tracking ankle bracelet.
When investigators found a South Carolina woman disheveled and chained up in a large shipping container, they did not know they had uncovered a serial killer now convicted of seven murders.

Local real estate agent Todd Kohlhepp held Kala Brown captive for a grueling 65 days. After she was reported missing for over two months, investigators found Brown on Kohlhepp's property and learned he had killed Brown's boyfriend, 32-year-old Charlie Carver.

REAL MINDHUNTER JOHN DOUGLAS SAYS HE BELIEVES SERIAL KILLER TODD KOHLHEPP MURDERED MORE VICTIMS IN DOC

What started with investigators following up on a tip regarding a potential sex crime turned into a shocking case.

"I never dreamed this investigation would turn out like this. I thought, how many more has he killed?" Anderson PD retired detective Charlynn Ezell said in Fox Nation's "The Amazon Review Killer."

The new two-part special details a chilling tale of a killer hiding in plain sight, with online comments linking Kohlhepp to his brutal crimes.

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The shipping container where Brown was held for over two months pointed investigators to Kohlhepp's review of padlocks on Amazon.

"He had posted all of these very cryptic comments about them," FOX Carolina reporter Brookley Cromer said in the Fox Nation special.

"People thought that they were these funny reviews, but it's kind of crazy when you think about it, that this was actually what he was buying these items for."

SOUTH CAROLINA SERIAL KILLER TODD KOHLHEPP CLAIMS HE HAS MORE VICTIMS

"It was almost as if Todd's Amazon reviews were foreshadowing the murders he was committing," investigative journalist Melkorka Licea added.

Brown was found alive on Nov. 3, 2016 in a large container at Kohlhepp's 100-acre compound. Investigators asked Brown, "Do you know where your buddy is?" referring to her boyfriend, who disappeared with her on Aug. 31, 2016.

"Charlie?" Brown answered in the archival video from her rescue. "He shot him," Brown affirmed, while still in restraints. "Todd Kohlhepp shot Charlie Carver three times in the chest. He wrapped him in a blue tarp, put him in the bucket of the tractor, locked me down here  Ive never seen him again."

Kohlhepp would ultimately plead guilty to the murders of Carver and six others over a 13-year span and would be handed seven consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole.

For more on Kohlhepp's horrifying crimes, catch the Fox Nation special "The Amazon Review Killer," now streaming.

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Fox News' Julius Young and Stephanie Nolasco contributed to this report.





Original article source: Serial killer's 'cryptic' Amazon reviews seemed to foreshadow killings, Fox Nation documentary explores
A severed pigs head left at the doorstep of a home in Sacramento is being investigated as a potential hate crime.

Sacramento Police said that the family at the home reported it shortly after 7:30 a.m. on Monday. The home is in the North Natomas area of the city.

Elk Grove woman allegedly connected to transnational terrorist group

Screenshots shared with FOX40.com from someone who saw a post about it on the Nextdoor app show a door mat with the animals head on it and what appear to be several blood stains on the mat and surrounding ground.

The homeowner, who asked not to be named, shared with FOX40.com a Ring video that allegedly shows someone in what appears to be a hooded sweater approach the home entrance.

Police said investigators took photos of the incident and will investigate it as a potential hate crime, calling it behavior that is abnormal.

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(KRON)  Detectives cracked a cold case involving a sex offender who targeted a senior living facility in San Jose 16 years ago, investigators said Tuesday.

James Aaron Whisenand was 27 years old when he broke into the senior living facility on Saint Elizabeth Drive in January of 2008, according to the Santa Clara County District Attorneys Office. At the time, he lived with his wife in a home on Meridian Avenue, just two blocks away from the senior living facility, investigators said.

Whisenand allegedly entered a 61-year-old womans first-floor apartment at the facility, punched the victim in the face, choked her, and sexually assaulted her multiple times, prosecutors said. No suspects were identified and the case turned cold.

The victim died of natural causes in 2011. The District Attorneys Office was notified earlier this year that DNA found at the crime scene matched a 43-year-old sex offender, Whisenand, who lived in a small town in Indiana and was convicted of sexual battery in 2023.

Last month, the DAs Cold Case Unit and San Jose Police Department detectives confirmed Whisenands DNA matched DNA from the crime scene.

On Monday, authorities convinced Whisenand to come down to the local police department to fill out forms related to his sex registration. He was met by San Jose Police Department Special Victims Unit Sgt. Sean Pierce and Det. John Moutzouridis. Pierce and Moutzouridis were the original detectives who first investigated the case in 2008.

Aptos beach house owner reverses decision for renting to rapist

Whisenand was taken into custody by the SJPD detectives, Indiana State Police, the U.S. Marshals, the Clay County Sheriffs deputies, and the Brazil, Indiana Police Department.

The accused rapist will be extradited from a Clay County jail to Santa Clara County to face charges. If convicted, Whisenand could be sentenced to life in prison.

District Attorney Jeff Rosen said, We dont forget or forgive those who hurt people in our community. As our forensic technology grows, the reach of justice becomes longer.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
One Indonesian woman said she has illegally married Middle Eastern tourists at least 15 times to support her family. To her temporary husbands, she calls herself Cahaya.

Her first contract marriage was to a tourist from Saudi Arabia. He was in his 50s, and she was 17. They wed in a small ceremony in a guest room at a three-star hotel in Jakarta under a controversial provision of Islamic law.

An older sister came as her guardian, and the agent who brokered the deal served as the witness.

The man paid a dowry of about $850, and after the agent and the officiant took their cuts, she was left with about half that.

The newlyweds decamped to the man's vacation villa in the mountain resort of Kota Bunga, a two-hour drive south. When they weren't having sex, she mopped the floors and cooked, watched TV or chatted with the Indonesian maid. But mostly she just waited for it to end.

Kota Bunga, a cluster of vacation villas in Indonesia's mountainous Puncak region, is a popular resort for tourists from the Middle East. It is also the top destination for contract marriages with Indonesian women, who collect the dowries as a means of income.

That took five days. The man got on a plane back to Saudi Arabia, where he unilaterally ended the marriage by saying the Arabic word for divorce: "talaq."

She had never even told him her real name, instead calling herself Cahaya, an alias she has used ever since in a decade's worth of contract marriages. She lost track of the exact number long ago, but believes it is at least 15  all tourists from the Middle East.

Its all torture, she said. All I had in mind, every time, was I wanted to go home.

Nikah mutah  or "pleasure marriage," as the temporary arrangement is known  has become an economic lifeline in the mountainous region of Indonesia called Puncak. The practice is so common that the area has become closely associated with what Indonesians often refer to as "divorcee villages."

Cahaya said she knows seven other women from her 1,000-person village who make their living this way.

Cahaya, 28, was first married at age 13 to a boy from her village. When he divorced her four years later, she turned to temporary contract marriages with Arab tourists to make money. Cahaya said she tried to commit suicide while captive in Saudi Arabia during her last contract marriage. She returned in March, and is working with an agent to secure her next marriage.

Like prostitution, contract marriages are illegal under Indonesian law. But the law has rarely been enforced. Instead, nikah mut'ah has grown into an industry, with an extensive network of brokers, officiants and recruiters that thrives in the gray zone between church and state.

: :

For many years, Thailand was one of the most popular destinations in Southeast Asia for Middle Eastern tourists  including sex tourists. That began to change in the 1980s, after a bizarre scandal involving a diamond heist and a string of murders created a diplomatic rift between Saudi Arabia and Thailand.

Indonesia was an obvious substitute: a nation that was 87% Muslim and whose people were already familiar to many in Saudi Arabia as immigrants who had come to work as maids or drivers.

Saudis and other Middle Easterners have flocked to the lush mountains of Puncak. In one town colloquially known as the "Arab Village," restaurant menus and storefronts often feature Arabic translations. For those tourists seeking temporary marriages, experts say Kota Bunga is the top destination.

Read more: One nation's solution to overcrowding: Carve a new capital out of the jungle

In the early days, girls and young women were offered up to tourists by family members or acquaintances. Today, brokers are in charge.

Budi Priana, a 55-year-old driver and interpreter, witnessed his first contract Islamic marriage 30 years ago. Since then, the temporary marriages have become more popular as a way for local women to make money. But the dowries that they can earn from each marriage are declining.

Yayan Sopyan, a professor in Islamic family law at Syarif Hidayatullah Islamic State University in Jakarta, said many of the Indonesian towns where the practice has become popular lack other economic prospects. The pandemic made things even worse.

"We see now this practice is expanding," he said. "Tourism meets this economic need."

Budi Priana, a small-time Indonesian entrepreneur who spent part of his 20s as a cook in Saudi Arabia, where he learned Arabic, said he first heard of contract marriages three decades ago when Middle Eastern tourists he was showing around asked him for help finding temporary wives.

He eventually started making extra money connecting tourists and potential brides with marriage brokers, augmenting his income from driving, interpreting, running an internet cafe and selling frozen meatballs.

Read more: To this man, Islamic States ideology just made sense.' Now, he rejects extremism

He said the agents he knows have seen their business boom in recent years, with some arranging as many as 25 marriages a month. Budi, 55, sometimes receives 10% of the dowry for driving and interpreting. But he insisted that he is helping women find work, and protecting them as best he can.

"There are always new girls contacting me looking for contract marriages, but I tell them Im not an agent," he said. "The economy is getting worse, and they are so desperate to get jobs."

When Cahaya learned about nikah mutah, she had already been married once  at 13 to a classmate from her village. Her grandparents pushed her into it. Her husband divorced her after four years, leaving her with a young daughter to raise and no financial support.

The neighborhood of Budi Priana, a driver and interpreter who introduces Indonesian women to agents who facilitate contract marriages with Arab tourists.

She considered jobs making shoes in a factory or working in a general store, but the pay was too low to make it worth her while.

Listening to her fret over money, her older sister confided that she had been a contract bride and introduced her to Budi, who connected Cahaya to a broker.

Each short-lived union earned Cahaya between $300 and $500, which has gone to rent, food and taking care of her ailing grandparents. It has never been enough.

Read more: Why child marriage is legal in California  and the unexpected groups fighting to keep it that way

I wanted so badly to help my mother and my family financially, she said.

Ashamed of the truth, Cahaya, now 28, has always explained her long absences by telling friends and relatives that she bounces between housekeeping jobs in different locations.

They have no idea about this," she said. "I would die if they knew.

Three years ago, when a friend turned into a boyfriend, she decided to lie to him as well, going so far as to delete incriminating messages from her phone.

: :

Cahaya, who did not want to reveal her name or face, said each contract marriage earns her about $300 to $500, which is hardly enough to cover her monthly expenses.

Contract marriages fall into the broader and ill-defined category of unregistered religious unions, which are widespread in many Muslim-majority nations and pose a conundrum to governments  especially when it comes to protecting young girls.

In Indonesian law, the legal minimum age for marriage is 19  but many religious unions escape government scrutiny and involve underage brides.

People think the government shouldnt intervene in religious affairs, said Yayan, the Islamic family law expert. The state law doesnt define the legitimacy of the marriage, because it is stipulated by religion. That is the problem.

Even within Islam, contract marriage is hotly debated. It is generally more accepted among Shiites, who say the prophet Muhammad condoned the practice, which originated in the days before Islam as a way for male travelers who were already married to have sex without committing adultery. Sunnis believe Muhammad initially allowed it before changing his mind. Nevertheless, many on both sides consider it little more than prostitution.

The Indonesian Ulema Council, the nations preeminent organization of Islamic leaders, has declared temporary contract marriages unlawful.

But attempts to crack down on the practice have been hindered by a reluctance among women to report their experiences as contract brides and by collusion among marriage brokers, religious leaders and corrupt officials.

Read more: How an L.A. marriage fraud scheme helped over 300 people obtain green cards

There is no legal protection whatsoever, said Anindya Restuviani, program director for the activist organization Jakarta Feminist. We have the law, but the implementation itself is very, very challenging.

Bintang Puspayoga, who leads the government's Ministry of Women Empowerment and Child Protection, said in a written statement that agreements to temporarily cohabit as husband and wife for compensation are not legal. In 2021, one local government in the Puncak region launched a task force to spread the word.

Cahaya grew up in Sukabumi Regency, an administrative area of Indonesia's West Java province that has high rates of child marriage.

Eva Nisa, a cultural anthropologist and expert in Islamic studies at the Australian National University who has researched various types of Muslim marriages and divorces, said in an email that some government officials have started referring to contract marriage as human trafficking, and authorities have occasionally made arrests by raiding weddings.

Marriage brokers are easier targets than tourists, she wrote. However, the secrecy surrounding contract marriages makes it hard to collect evidence of coercion, exploitation or deceit.

: :

In 2018, Cahaya climbed into a car with several other women, all going to meet two tourists seeking temporary wives. One of the men picked Cahaya. The other chose a woman who called herself Nisa.

A 32-year-old woman who calls herself Nisa to her contract husbands estimates that she has married about 20 tourists. She turned to contract marriages six years ago when she had trouble making rent working at a karaoke bar.

It was her first contract marriage. She had decided to try it  with the approval of her father  because her job flirting and dancing with men at karaoke bars to get them to buy drinks wasn't paying the rent. Like Cahaya, she was raising a daughter from a previous marriage.

Read more: Cheating on your spouse is a crime in New York. The 1907 law may finally be repealed

Neither Nisa nor Cahaya has ever turned down a contract marriage offer. That has meant disregarding an Islamic stipulation to wait 40 days after divorce to remarry. They often lied about their ages to increase their chances of being chosen, because the men tend to favor brides under 19.

I cried deep inside of my heart, said Nisa, now 32, recounting her first contract wedding. Who wants to sleep with an old man? I did this purely for the money, so my parents can eat and my siblings can go to school.

With her encouragement, her sister also became a contract bride, bringing in a dowry of $3,000 for her first marriage because she was a virgin.

Nisa estimated that she herself has been in 20 contract marriages.

Nisa said contract marriages were the only way that she could feed herself and her family. She also encouraged her 18-year-old sister to seek out a contract marriage.

But unlike Cahaya, she quit. While applying for a visa to work in Singapore, she met an Indonesian man who was working at the immigration office, and married for love four years ago. Now the couple have two young sons as well as Nisa's 12-year-old daughter.

"My husband knows, but he accepted my past," she said. "Its impossible for me to go back to the contract marriage world now."

Cahaya said she too longs to move on.

Her most recent contract marriage was last year to a Saudi man who promised to treat her like a queen if she returned to Saudi Arabia with him. His offer  a $2,000 dowry, of which she could keep $1,300, plus about $500 a month  was too good to pass up. She asked her mother to care for her daughter while she was gone.

Read more: With oil funds and Formula One, Saudi Arabia steamrolls its way onto sports hallowed grounds

But when Cahaya got to the coastal city of Dammam in Saudi Arabia last October, she said, the man turned her into a slave instead. She did all the housework without pay while living on the third floor of a large house filled with relatives. She said he spit on her meals, screamed at her nightly, broke things and often kicked her awake when she tried to sleep.

She said she attempted to run away several times but was always caught. Eventually she called Budi, who spent months pleading for help to the Saudi Embassy in Jakarta and various Indonesian ministries.

Around the colloquially known "Arab Village," businesses cater to Middle Eastern tourists with menus and signs in Arabic.

Cahaya grew increasingly desperate. When she heard that her grandmother was dying, she tried to take her own life by cutting her left wrist with a knife, and was taken to a hospital. That expedited her case with the embassy, Budi said. In March, a relative of her contract husband bought her a ticket home.

Back in Indonesia, she has been earning about $77 a month ferrying passengers and food deliveries on a motorbike. She also sells meatballs for Budi and his wife, which helps pay for phone credits, meals and her electric bill.

She still hopes to get married for real again someday, and is terrified that her boyfriend will discover her work as a contract bride and leave her.

In the meantime, she has resumed working with an agent to secure her next marriage.

Im actually still scared, she said. But "if there is an opportunity I would love that, because I need it.

Yang is a Times staff writer and Sijabat a special correspondent. Staff writer Nabih Bulos in Beirut contributed to this report.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
She ate him for lunch: Donald Trump rattled by VP Harris as even Fox News blast his performance

Rev. Al Sharpton, Host of Politics Nation on MSNBC and Tim Miller, former Spokesperson for the RNC joins Nicolle Wallace on Deadline White House with reaction to the debate between Vice President Harris and ex-President Trump, which even Fox News conceded was a Harris victory, with Trump unraveling before the American people.
The first year of high school is almost always marked by unknown variables: new classes, teachers, relationships and bus routes. But for Reynaldo Perdomo, 14, who has been forced to sleep in a truck after walking thousands of miles from Venezuela to make it to Chicago, his first month is clouded in uncertainty.

Monday night, Reynaldo came home and changed his clothes in a building across the street from the borrowed white Ford-150 where he sleeps with his father. He used wet wipes to clean himself. Later in the night, he climbed into the vehicle with his father and fell asleep, before getting up for school the next day.

Facing pressure to leave the shelter from city officials but wanting to stay near his sons school, Reynaldos father Yohan Perdomo, 37, made the decision to sleep in the truck instead of move elsewhere.

If I had a job, I would rent an apartment and move us there, said Perdomo, who has struggled to find stable work for the past eight months to move them out of a migrant shelter on the Lower West Side.

For almost half a year, the city has enforced its 60-day policy to remove migrants from shelters. That policy was extended for families in March to ease the disruption on school-aged children. This school year, in an effort to condense shelters and save money, city and state officials are continuing to push children out, which worries immigrant and homeless advocates  and is crippling for families who have kids in school and are about to lose their homes.

And the city recently announced plans to close three of its largest shelters housing migrant families by October, according to Department of Family and Support Services spokesman Brian Berg. The shelters have capacity for 3,030 beds, he said. Out of 17 city and state shelters housing over 5,400 people, the three buildings currently hold 1,083, according to recent city data.

The city is coordinating with Chicago Public Schools, Chicago Department of Public Health, state and county partners and wrap-around service partners to minimize disruptions to impacted families and ensure continuity of care, Berg said in a statement Tuesday.

The decision came after the long-anticipated summer increase in arrivals did not materialize, in large part caused by a June executive order by President Joe Biden curtailing asylum claims at the border. The city has received close to 48,000 migrants in over two years and has spent more than $460 million to house and care for them. Due to the small number of arrivals from the border over the summer, there are now 5,000 extra beds.

All migrants will be offered shelter placements at other shelters where they will continue to receive the same services, said Berg, but the concept of condensing shelters doesnt make sense for many who spoke to the Tribune.

Monday evening, Perdomo pointed at the shelter where hes been staying and asked why he and Reynaldo were kicked out if there is ample space inside.

Weeks ago, he said they were given a 60-day notice from workers there. Reynaldo was already registered at Benito Juarez Community Academy several blocks away, as their exit date  Saturday, Sept. 7  grew closer.

When the day finally arrived, Perdomo decided they would sleep in his friends truck to be closer to his sons school, instead of moving.

It would really hurt him to switch schools, Perdomo said.

Under federal law, students without access to stable housing have the right to stay at the same school, even if they move from location to location. At CPS, students in temporary living situations are entitled to Ventra cards or yellow bus transportation to ease their transition.

The number of students enrolled under that designation at the end of the 2024 school year on June 6 skyrocketed to 23,447  about a 44% increase from the prior year and more than ever recorded in an end-of-year report, according to data from the Chicago Coalition to end Homelessness.

The organizations senior education attorney Alyssa Phillips believes this increase is directly caused by migrants coming to Chicago, though she said the number is an underestimate. While the district has done outreach, migrant families still may not register their students because they are scared of the potential ramifications on their immigration processes, she said.

They arent familiar with the language or customs here, Phillips said. Its going to be really hard to navigate the immigration system, the shelter system, your kids school system, (the) health care system.

Phillips does not believe 60 days is enough time for a migrant family to find stable housing. She stressed that living in a transient state is hard for kids who have already missed a significant amount of school.

The city paused the shelter exit policy during the first two weeks of the school year, according to Berg. Those exits resumed around the same time as the announcement that three shelters would be closing this fall, leaving hundreds of kids in limbo.

The two shelters  on the Lower West Side and the West Loop  are expected to close by Oct. 1. A third shelter in Kenwood is expected to close by Oct. 24.

City officials said the closures are part of the beginning stages in their plan to have one unified system for both Chicagos homeless population and migrants. On Friday, city officials held meetings on each floor of the West Loop shelter to spread the news about the closures, said Adriana Rodriguez, 16, from Venezuela. She and her three siblings have been in Chicago since late May.

Her family was told they had to go to a different shelter, about a 10-minute walk away. But shed heard mixed things about that shelter, she said Monday afternoon outside the shelter. Rodriguez looked at her 10-year-old brother Eduardo Rodriguez, glued to his phone and balancing on a curb by the entrance to the shelter, and said the move would be especially difficult for him.

Hes used to seeing the same people, the same workers, the same residents here, she said.

Lena Fernandez, a single mother who arrived in Chicago in mid-May from Guayaquil, Ecuador, said she knew people living at the nearby shelter where they were supposed to move who found the environment hostile.

The new shelter, just a half-mile west, has received pushback from surrounding business owners and residents who say theyre being negatively impacted by the migrants. Fernandez has heard there is loitering there, frequent fights and even shootings.

I would like to go to another shelter, but they decided to move us there, she said. Im scared, but have nowhere else to go.

Every time that a child has to move schools, it puts them about three to six months behind, said Patricia Rivera, founder of Chicago HOPES for Kids, a nonprofit that provides academic support for children experiencing homelessness.

What we try to do is give support during the time that theyre experiencing homelessness, so that they dont lose what they already gained, she said.

Many migrant children  who come fleeing extreme violence and poverty in their countries of origin  already have to play catch up academically, said Rivera.

Rodriguez, for example, said she hadnt been to school since they arrived in the city. Seven years ago, their family had moved to Colombia from Venezuela, and then life got so difficult they decided to trek thousands of miles to Chicago. Survival had become a bigger priority than education.

Outside the shelter on the Lower West Side Monday evening, Perdomo said he had stopped going to school in Venezuela when he was 16 because he needed to work. He was struggling financially there, but it hasnt been much easier for him in Chicago. He said he had been at the shelter with Reynaldo since December and still couldnt get a work permit.

His situation with Reynaldo is fine for now, but he worries about the colder winter months.

He loves being a dad, he said.

Its the most beautiful thing you could have in the world, he said. You just want the best (for your kid).

Sitting in the bed of his truck, he watched Reynaldo cruise around on a bike modified with a small gas engine. Reynaldo revved the engine for effect, which made his father laugh.

They had worked on the bike to make it sound just like a motorcycle, he said.

nsalzman@chicagotribune.com
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  On Wednesday, the Oklahoma Attorney Generals Office announced all 77 counties are set to receive sheriff office assistance grants that aim to bolster law enforcement services within their counties.

The new program created by House Bill 2914 established the Oklahoma Sheriffs Office Funding Assistance Grant Program and appropriated $18 million to the fund, according to the Attorney General Gentner Drummonds office.

Oklahoma AG Office offers assistance to Sheriffs

This funding to all 77 counties will help sheriffs offices statewide strengthen their operations

and enhance public safety, Drummond said. I appreciate the work of the Oklahoma Sheriffs

Association in helping to ensure all counties receive support.

The AGs office says, once all applications are reviewed agreements will be sent out later this month. Grant applications once distributed to sheriffs offices must be approved and submitted by the Board of County Commissioners.

The grants are expected to be used towards sheriff office operations in producing a positive impact on community, according to Drummonds latest 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 KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
The mother of a teenage girl who was killed when a wrong-way driver crashed head-on into her vehicle during a high-speed chase in June 2021 is suing the Town of Saugus, alleging that the negligent and shocking actions of two police officers involved in the pursuit caused the deadly wreck.

Michelle Luongo, of Lynn, filed the lawsuit on behalf of her late daughter, 19-year-old Ashley Forward, in Middlesex Superior Court on Monday and the Town of Saugus, robbery suspect William Leger, Saugus Sgt. Michael Richards and Saugus Officer Sean Murphy are named as defendants.

Prosecutors allege that after robbing a 7-Eleven on Lincoln Avenue in Saugus, Leger, of Everett, fled and drove a stolen vehicle at a high rate of speed the wrong way on Route 107 in Saugus and crashed head-on into Forwards vehicle, killing her on June 9, 2021.

Leger was ordered held without bail after he appeared in Lynn District Court via video from his hospital bed at Massachusetts General Hospital.

Luongo believes her daughter would still be here today if hadnt been for the police chase.

By provoking him on and on and chasing him there was no need for that, Luongo said. Its not all about my daughter its about doing whats right for everybody.

Forwards family members said after her death that she was on her way from her boyfriends house to get her uniform to start her shift at Target when she was hit and killed, just three miles from her front door.

After the robbery, Sgt. Richards and Officer Murphy spotted Legers stolen silver Volkswagen and gave chase on Lincoln Street and then onto Ballard Street at increasingly high speed, the lawsuit stated. Thats when Leger turned onto the wrong side of Route 107 in an alleged attempt to evade capture, ultimately barreling into Forwards vehicle.

Murphy and Richards engaged in a dangerous high-speed chase going the wrong way on Route 107, while exceeding 80 mph, through a densely populated area onto a heavily congested roadway, the lawsuit alleges. The continued pursuit of a suspect who had committed a nonviolent felony only exacerbated and intensified the extreme danger of the situation to the public and specifically to Ms. Forward, beyond reasonable law enforcement activity.

The lawsuit continues, Richards and Murphys unreasonable and extremely dangerous pursuit of Leger materially contributed to and was the cause of the motor vehicle collision which caused Ms. Forwards death.

Richards and Murphy showed negligence in their decision-making during the chase and extreme, arbitrary, and conscious-shocking disregard for the safety of drivers, the lawsuit further alleges.

The lawsuit also claims that Richards and Murphy could have called off the chase, arguing Leger was well-known to police in the area and that he could been arrested without engaging in a chase.

The Town of Saugus, through Saugus Police Department, failed to properly train, supervise, and discipline its officers with respect to the proper execution of the departments policies and procedures with respect to the high-speed pursuit, the lawsuit states.

Leger is charged with motor vehicle homicide by reckless operation, unarmed robbery, receiving a stolen vehicle, operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license, marked lanes violation, speeding, and driving the wrong way on a state highway.

When contacted for comment, a Saugus police spokesperson told Boston 25, Our hearts go out to the victim and her family however we cannot comment on any pending litigation.

The Rose Law Boston lawsuit is seeking unspecified damages.

Read the full lawsuit:

Mom of teen girl killed in wrong-way, head-on crash suing North Shore town by Boston 25 Desk on Scribd

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SIOUX FALLS S.D. (KELO)  A juvenile will be charged for making threats to Sioux Falls schools on social media.

Sioux Falls police investigating threat against the school district

Sioux Falls Police Department spokesman Sam Clemens confirmed to KELOLAND News an out-of-state social post was altered to include Sioux Falls schools by the juvenile, who lives in Sioux Falls. Clemens said the juvenile will be charged in juvenile court.

There was no credible threat behind the post, Clemens said.

On Tuesday, Clemens said if police could find the threat was manipulated or altered by someone in Sioux Falls, there could be charges.

The first priority is keeping the school safe, the second priority is finding out if the threat is credible is there anything to it and who is responsible, he said Tuesday.

Because it was deemed not a real threat, school went on as usual 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 KELOLAND.com.
This is what the McDaniel Drive Bridge looked like after flooding from the South Fork Fire in the Ruidoso area, according to an Aug. 22 letter from the state to FEMA. This and five other bridges were never fully repaired after the 2008 Hurricane Dolly aftermath and again sustained damage during the disaster this year. (Photo courtesy NM DHSEM)

In the summer of 2008, Hurricane Dolly made landfall in South Texas, the remnants of which caused a river in Ruidoso to rise far above its banks, culminating in a powerful flood that killed one man, stranded hundreds and destroyed nine bridges.

Soon after, former President George W. Bush approved a federal disaster declaration request from then-Gov. Bill Richardson, allowing the Federal Emergency Management Agency to provide assistance to individuals and local governments. That included making the bridges eligible for repair through FEMAs Public Assistance program.

But 16 years later, when the South Fork and Salt fires burned through the area, six of the nine bridges were usable but still in a state of disrepair: Hastily fixed multiple times with asphalt, shotcrete and other patchwork solutions that Ruidoso Mayor Lynn Crawford likened to spit, baling wire and some duct tape.

As early monsoon rains fell on burn-scarred mountainsides this year, debris flows and floods again damaged the same six bridges and made them impossible to cross.

Residents in Upper Canyon, Brady Canyon and elsewhere were temporarily stranded again, Crawford said. As of Tuesday, five of the six bridges have yet to be cleared, according to the state.

The people that stay there are running the risk that they may be stranded, the mayor told Source New Mexico on Monday. And weve had to do swift water rescues and help people across the river.

The bridges cross Rio Ruidoso throughout town and serve varying numbers of residents. Several bridges are very impactful to residential areas, said Ali Rye, deputy director for the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.

The bridges are likely the oldest unfinished Public Assistance projects in New Mexico, Rye said. She could think of only one other project that took nearly as long to complete, which was a bridge destroyed in a flood in Alamogordo in 2014 and then fixed in the last year or so.

The Public Assistance program provides reimbursement, typically for 75% of costs, to local governments for infrastructure repairs they completed after a disaster. Governments like the one in Ruidoso often have to deal with a lot of paperwork to secure approvals from FEMA that their projects will be reimbursed. Then they have to find the money to conduct inspections and complete the work before repairs can begin.

Local leaders across the state have described long delays and heavy burdens to receive Public Assistance reimbursement following recent disasters in New Mexico.

The state Legislature has approved $170 million in zero-interest loans for local governments over the last two years to areas recovering from wildfires, a measure based, in part, on the expected delays from the FEMA program.

The delays are also central to lawsuits FEMA filed by a school district, electrical co-op and county government in northern New Mexico earlier this year.

A maze of bureaucracy, unfinished bridges

Rye said the fault for the unfixed bridges is a three-way street between the state, federal and local governments. She said her agency is better-equipped now than it was in 2008 to do the hand-holding required to help local governments navigate the federal bureaucracy.

We werent in the disaster business. We didnt understand it. We werent good at it, and over the course of a few years, we have gotten a lot better at it, Rye said, citing recent disasters. Unfortunately, Im not going to sit here and say that its under good circumstances, but weve gotten better at customer service.

Crawford, who was on a local board when the 2008 Rio Ruidoso floods occurred, said he and others have been actively trying to get the bridges fixed for the last 16 years. He described the process as juggling multiple deadlines and seeking funding from varying sources, only to discover near the end of the process that one deadline or another had elapsed, meaning theyd have to start over.

You got to do a study on a certain cactus, and then you have to find $100,000 or more to pay somebody to come up there and do the study that legitimizes what youre saying and gives you the ability to actually get these things done, Crawford said. And then by the time you get through that, well, its expired, or your permit has expired, and you got to ask for an extension.

For its part, FEMA said it approved the bridges for repair back in 2008, which would have cost about $8 million back then. The village has requested multiple extensions and design changes over the years, and provided various limitations as it tried to fix the bridges, a spokesperson said.

The spokesperson said the village requested amendments in 2018 for bridges that would meet applicable federal requirements and then again in 2022 to reflect changes requested by a designer.

We often see projects taking longer than expected when they involve complex construction, site conditions, and/or weather conditions, a FEMA spokesperson said in an emailed statement.

In June 2019, members of New Mexicos congressional delegation called on FEMA to allow an extension for the bridge projects, due to delays with weather, getting engineering and environmental assessments, and approval delays from the state and FEMA.

Its not clear whether the bridges would have fared better in the floods this year if Ruidoso Village officials had been able to implement permanent fixes. Rye, Crawford and a FEMA spokesperson all said an engineer would be the only person who could answer that question. Rye said she believed the force of the floods this year would have destroyed any bridge in their path.

Still, Crawford noted that the three bridges that the village was able to permanently replace before this years floods sustained only minor damage.

And so ergo, if we had all the bridges done, maybe they would have just had superficial damage, too, he said.

The long saga of the six bridges has frustrated residents, including a local woman who spoke up at a recent town hall meeting and listed all the reasons shed gotten over the years about a bridge she relies on.

Change of administration, cost-of-living costs, people changing out  that bridge never got replaced, said the woman, who didnt identify herself. Now that weve got other bridges damaged again, are we going to take this long to get these bridges replaced?

State calls on FEMA to allow upgrades to bridges

FEMA officials are now reviewing a request from the state that could finally fix the bridges and do so in a way that might prevent more damaging floods.

Rye wrote a request to FEMA headquarters Aug. 22 saying that the two floods 16 years apart have put the village and its residents in a predicament. If the bridges were repaired based on the 2008 scope of work, they would not be well-suited to the types and strength of floods the area is expecting in the next few years.

The 2024 event has caused significant changes to the channels as compared to the original damage resulting from the 2008 event. Locals are now in a predicament, because if they construct the bridges to address only the damage from the 2008 event, the bridges will physically be unable to address the span of the channel and the nature of new and repetitive impacts.

The new bridges will likely need to be longer, taller and have open spans underneath instead of concrete box culverts, which catch debris and cause river backups that spill over roads and cause floods, Rye said.

The states letter did not provide an estimate for how much the bridges would cost to replace to adapt to todays landscape. Rye said in an interview that another barrier is making sure FEMAs payments reflect the sharp increase in construction costs over the last 16 years.

We personally feel the new normal for this community is going to be 10 years worth of high impacts from flooding, Rye said. And we want that to be taken into account whenever the new scope of work is built for these bridges.

She said its likely there will be five to seven more years of post-fire flooding and debris flow events.

The request to FEMA asks the agency to remove the 2008 projects from that 16-year-old scope of work and allow the bridges to be replaced under the 2024 disaster response.

FEMA has, so far, not approved the states request, according to a spokesperson, and will only do so on a case-by-case basis. The federal agency is now working with the village to do site inspections of the new damage, according to the statement.

Crawford said it doesnt much matter to him whether its the old disaster or the new one that finally gets things moving.

The kids that were in grade school in 2008 graduated before we got this project finished. But we havent quit, and were still saying, Hello, you owe us. Were not going away.
By Catarina Demony

LONDON (Reuters) - All three candidates running to become the next secretary-general of the Commonwealth, a 56-nation club headed by Britain's King Charles, said on Wednesday they supported reparations for transatlantic slavery and colonialism.

The Commonwealth evolved out of the British empire and is one of world's biggest international organisations, covering some 2.7 billion people. Members include Canada and India as well as 21 African countries, and Caribbean islands such as Barbados and Jamaica.

Charles expressed deep sorrow over slavery in a speech to Commonwealth leaders in 2022 and last year gave his support to research that will examine the British monarchy's links to slavery. However, Britain, like most colonial powers, has rejected calls for reparations.

The Commonwealth's next leader, succeeding Britain's Patricia Scotland, will be elected in October at the heads of government meeting in Samoa.

At a debate at London's Chatham House, the three declared candidates - Mamadou Tangara of Gambia, Shirley Botchwey from Ghana and Joshua Setipa of Lesotho - said they backed the idea of making amends for slavery and colonialism.

"I stand for reparations," Botchwey, Ghana's foreign affairs minister, said, adding the Commonwealth could have a role to play if the member states request a "common voice" on the issue.

Setipa, a former trade and industry minister, said if he was elected he would not wait for member states to ask the Commonwealth to act.

"The Commonwealth has a long history of facilitating discussions about difficult issues," he said.

Tangara, a Gambian diplomat and politician, said he "fully" supported reparations but it was up to member states to lead the conversations, which the Commonwealth could facilitate.

Both Botchwey and Setipa said reparations werent just about financial payments but also support to tackle climate change and build countries' economic resilience, with Setipa noting these issues were crucial to addressing the legacy of centuries of slavery and colonialism.

HISTORICAL WRONGS

From the 15th to the 19th century, at least 12.5 million Africans were kidnapped, forcibly transported by European merchants and sold into slavery. Britain transported an estimated 3.2 million people, the most active European country after Portugal, which enslaved nearly 6 million.

The highly divisive issue of reparations to address historical wrongs is long-standing but has been gaining momentum, with several institutions and some nations acknowledging their past.

Ghana's Botchwey has previously said Africa should use declarations and admissions of guilt as a "compelling reason and a foundation for a demand for reparations".

The Caribbean Community has a 10-point reparation plan, which among other demands calls for debt cancellation, and the African Union is developing a common position on the issue, with Ghana leading the efforts.

Earlier this year, United Nations chief Antonio Guterres called for reparations to "help overcome generations of exclusion and discrimination".

(Reporting by Catarina Demony; Editing by Alexandra Hudson)
A developer interested in building an offshore wind port in San Luis Obispo Bay introduced himself to the community on Monday at an Avila Valley Advisory Council meeting while fielding a tense question-and-answer session after his presentation.

Clean Energy Terminals partnered with the Port San Luis Harbor District to study the potential for an offshore wind port in San Luis Obispo Bay.

The feasibility study will take six to 18 months, and will determine where the pier could be built and its scale of operations.

What could an (operations and maintenance) port at San Luis Bay entail? Clean Energy Terminals CEO Brian Sabina said during the meeting. We dont have a final answer. We havent spent those six to 18 months to do all the work. Were at the very beginning of that, but we have some initial concepts that can help us frame the scale and scope of that conversation.

Some residents, like Avila Beach resident Jim Meyers, expressed support for the project.

We should all be for making informed decisions based on real facts and information, Meyers said. Thats what is at the heart of the Harbor Districts project evaluation agreement. It requires technical and environmental feasibility studies that will provide residents in the Harbor District with the information we need to decide if we want to support docking facilities for maintenance ships.

Most attendees, however, showed up to protest the possibility of the port.

We dont like the project, and were not going to put up with it, local attorney and longtime Avila Beach resident Saro Rizzo said. Good luck, and welcome to the neighborhood.

Clean Energy Terminals is evaluating the potential for building a 3,000-foot-long pier as part of an offshore wind operations and maintenance port in San Luis Obispo Bay.

What could the port look like?

Clean Energy Terminals is collaborating with the Port San Luis Harbor District to study if San Luis Obispo Bay could support an operations and maintenance port.

If the answer is yes, the study would also explore a potential design, location, cost and scale of operations for the port, Sabina said.

When the study is complete, the Harbor Districts Board of Commissioners would have to vote to approve an official design and permits before the port is built.

The port could include a 3,000-foot pier, matching the length of the Cal Poly Pier, Sabina said. Wind farm service operation vessels would dock in 40-foot-deep water at the end of the pier about every two weeks to restock supplies and pick up a fresh crew.

Its a generic, low-impact, operations and maintenance port concept that we think could be a good fit for Port San Luis, Sabina said, noting its not an official design. Its really just to give you a sense of the scale and scope of what were talking about.

The vessels would be 250 to 300 feet long and carry 65 to 100 people, he said.

During the past few years, a 255-foot derrick barge intermittently moored in the port to repair the breakwater, and it was accompanied by two, 240-foot barges, Harbor District Director Suzy Watkins said.

Meanwhile, three to five acres of onshore buildings would house a control room for monitoring the wind farm, a warehouse for spare parts, a workshop area, offices and a parking lot. Those buildings would not fit on the beach nearby and would be built within 10 miles of the port, Sabina said.

The port would not store or transport wind turbine blades or towers, it would simply transport people and supplies to and from the Morro Bay Wind Energy Area about 45 miles away.

Some speakers at the Q&A were skeptical of the design Sabina shared. They worried that Clean Energy Terminals would expand its plans and build a larger port than the presentation suggested.

I have a problem with this whole thing, Avila Beach resident Lisa Wagner said. What youre coming out with now  that could just be bogus.

Though Clean Energy Terminals has not yet created an official design, it likely wouldnt be much different from what he described Monday evening, Sabina said. A larger design just wouldnt be compatible with Port San Luis, he said.

Were trying to really be frank and honest about what we think is a reasonable project for this region, Sabina said in the meeting. If we blow smoke up peoples tushes at this point, Im pretty sure were not going to be able to credibly do a project with the Harbor District or the Coastal Commission or anybody else  so we have all the incentive in the world to be honest and open.

Additionally, the Harbor District and California Coastal Commission must approve the design and any permits required for development.

Once a design is selected, Clean Energy Terminals wouldnt be able to change the design without new permits  all discussed and voted on in public hearings, Sabina said.

A 265-foot crane is working on the breakwater at Port San Luis, on Saturday, July 8, 2022.

Opponents grill potential offshore wind port developer

Multiple members of the local anti-offshore wind group REACT Alliance grilled Sabina about the project during the question-and-answer period of the meeting.

I dont want to be too in your face, Brian, but I think you need to be honest with all of us and say that you have not done any projects up to this point in time, REACT Alliance president Mandy Davis said.

Sabina then explained that Clean Energy Terminals had not yet completed a project since it formed approximately two years ago. However, members of the Clean Energy Terminals leadership team had worked on offshore wind port projects before creating the company, he said.

For example, the companys Chief Legal Officer Sloane Perras previously served as the vice president of Foss Offshore Wind, where she led development of an offshore wind terminal in New Bedford, Massachusetts.

I appreciate that you are self-aware and identifying that thats a tough way to ask a question for an informational group, but Im happy to answer it, Sabina said to Davis. Clean Energy Terminals has not done a project on the West Coast for offshore wind before, but neither has any other group in the world, right? This is a new industry.

But CET has not done any projects, Davis fired back.

The meeting moderator then stepped in.

Were going to tone it down just a bit, she said. Lets have a breath.

Wagner meanwhile asked Sabina where Clean Energy Terminals got its funding for the study. Sabina said the companys primary investor is Homecoming Capital, a zero-emission infrastructure investor based in California.

So far, Clean Energy Terminals has not accepted any public money for the Port San Luis project, Sabina said.

In fact, the company will pay the Harbor District $9,000 to support administrative work for the project, $25,000 for the first six months of work and $4,100 for each additional month, according to public documents.

Clean Energy Terminals is evaluating the potential for building a 3,000-foot-long pier as part of an offshore wind operations and maintenance port in San Luis Obispo Bay. This is much smaller than the port included in an early feasibility study published by REACH in 2022, shown on the left.

Proposed port would not include wind turbine assembly, developer says

In 2022, REACH Central Coast published a study that evaluated infrastructure needed to support the offshore wind industry.

The study didnt propose designs, it simply showed ideas for infrastructure that would be useful on the Central Coast.

The study included a rendering of a staging and integration port for San Luis Obispo Bay. Wind turbine blades, towers and cells would be assembled at the port then towed out to sea for installation.

The design recently circulated on social media, catalyzing concerns that Clean Energy Terminals would build such a port.

When I saw those first pictures, I just about had a heart attack, Avila Beach resident Stephen Sheppard said. Those original pictures would have destroyed San Luis Bay.

Sabina assured the audience that Clean Energy Terminals would not build a port anything like the one explored in the REACH study.

Staging and integration ports, which are about 200 to 400 acres in size, are being considered for Long Beach and Humboldt, Sabina said.

This is huge, industrial, big work, Sabina said. Pretty quickly, it was clear thats not a good fit for the southern coast.

Port San Luis is about 45 miles away from the Morro Bay Wind Energy Area off the coast of San Simeon and Cambria  making it a good fit for an operations and maintenance port, Sabina said.

Service operations vessels could travel from the wind farm to Port San Luis more quickly than to San Francisco and Port Hueneme, which are farther away, he said.

Meyers, the local Sierra Club Climate Clean Energy Committee chair, said he didnt support a staging and integration port in San Luis Obispo Bay, but he does support studying the option of an operations and maintenance port.

We would get access to these economic benefits without needing to become a major industrial port, and without a lot of additional vessel traffic, he said. It seems like we can get a surprisingly good amount of value for not a lot of impact.
EPHRAIM, Utah (ABC4)  More than 200 students from the Ephraim-based Snow College showed up on Sept. 7 to help the town of Fountain Green in a big way after floods damaged roughly half the towns homes three weeks ago.

A press release from the school said this was part of the colleges day of service. Construction technology professor David Barker organized the event, hoping to get 40-50 students. To his surprise, he got over 200.

What does a state of emergency mean for Utah flooding victims, and how are residents are dealing with it?

As word about the event spread, more and more groups got involved, students from across campus were excited for the chance to serve the community, the release said.

Students were split into two groups: One removed the sandbags while the other installed sheetrock in homes that were damaged during the flooding.

It was a whirlwind of a day, but the residents of Fountain Green were so appreciative. Our students were in good spirits and smiling the whole time as they worked hard throughout the day, Professor Barker said in the release. The professor noted that he was impressed by all the students who came to help.

Students working on drywall installed 350 sheets of drywall in homes damaged by flooding. Students removing sandbags helped Mayor Mark Coombs move the bags, the release said.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
A Riverside County firefighter checks for hotspots among burned cars and a destroyed home off Ortega Highway in Lake Elsinore. (Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times)

Three fast-moving wildfires have burned homes, caused injuries and scorched more than 100,000 acres across Southern California in a matter of days, prompting a state of emergency as firefighting crews attempt to assess damage and gain control over the blazes.

The largest of the three, the Bridge fire, broke out Sunday in Angeles National Forest and exploded from 4,000 acres to more than 50,000 acres between Tuesday and Wednesday evening.

Fueled by bone-dry brush and days of extreme heat and winds, the fire prompted evacuations in a number of mountain hamlets, towns and resorts along Highway 2, with towering flames jumping across hillsides and canyons. Twenty homes have been destroyed in Mount Baldy, 13 homes in Wrightwood and six cabins in the wilderness area. About 2,500 structures are threatened by the fire, officials said.

Read more: Southern California wildfires: Maps, shelters, where to make donations, more

"This is currently the largest active fire in the state of California," L.A. County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said during a news conference. "Our priority remains the protection of life and structure and infrastructure defense."

In the two other major Southern California fires  the Airport fire and the Line fire  at least 13 people, including several firefighters, have been injured. The Airport fire had charred more than 20,000 acres in Riverside and Orange counties, and the Line fire in San Bernardino County had burned more than 36,000 acres and was 18% contained.

San Bernardino County firefighters work to contain a spot fire from the Bridge fire burning in Wrightwood on Sept. 11. (Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times)

Officials have not determined what sparked the Bridge fire. The Airport fire was started unintentionally by a spark from heavy equipment moving rocks in the Trabuco Canyon foothills, and authorities said the Line fire was arson.

Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency Wednesday night for the three fires.

Meanwhile, another brush fire cropped up about 60 miles northwest of the Bridge fire Wednesday morning at the north perimeter of the Angeles National Forest in Palmdale. The Joshua fire had spread to 30 acres as of Wednesday afternoon, burning along Mt. Emma Road with 0% containment.

Read more: Photos: Fires ravaging California after heat wave

It's the large blazes burning in the Southland that are being prioritized, with fire officials working to move resources from smaller area blazes while tapping out-of-state crews to fight the fires  but a record-setting fire season across the West has created a nationwide shortage of firefighters, aircraft and contractors to fight these blazes.

Oregon, Idaho and Washington are dealing with hundreds of fires resulting from multiple weeks of dry lightning strikes on parched vegetation.

"Yes, there is a strain on resources," said Adrienne Freeman, a spokesperson for the U.S. Forest Service. We had multiple fires start in close succession, all with critical numbers of affected people in huge urban centers."

The National Interagency Fire Center has set the current national preparedness level to 5  the highest possible  indicating that federal resources are fully committed and the potential for significant wildland fires to emerge is expected to remain high across multiple geographic areas. That level has been reached this early in the year only four times in the last two decades, according to the agency.

On Wednesday, the north and east flanks of the Bridge fire were expected to continue to grow, threatening Wrightwood and the Pinon Hills community. Firefighters were able to hold the fire on the west side of Mount Baldy Road, allowing crews to get in and defend the community, said Lisa Cox, a spokesperson for the California Interagency Management Team on the fire.

Higher humidity levels are expected in the coming days, "which is really good news because it's going to aid the firefighters in holding the lines they've constructed" and help them protect cities south of the fire including Upland, Cox said.

Dramatic video in Wrightwood shows homes being consumed by flames late Tuesday as fire crews rushed to protect structures in the mountain community. Burning embers cascaded over the state highway as flames rose on both sides of the road.

Although the inferno reached Mountain High Resort, the popular ski spot did not sustain severe damage. The resort staff turned on snowmakers in an effort to keep the flames at bay.

"Fire raced through the area yesterday but all the main lifts and buildings survived with little to no damage," the resort wrote on social media. "Thank you to all the employees and firefighters for their hard work. Our hearts go out to the Wrightwood families that may be suffering. We are with you!"

Read more: Sleepless nights, flames and heat for O.C. residents threatened by Airport fire

The afternoon sky was dark with smoke Tuesday when Michelle Speers fled her home in Wrightwood. This isn't the first evacuation Speers has experienced, but this blaze carried a real sense of danger, she said.

Emergency vehicles drove into her neighborhood with screaming sirens and loudspeakers, ordering people to leave. The family rushed to grab belongings.

Speers' 6-year-old and 2-year-old granddaughters gathered their blankets, tablets, shoes and clothes. Speers grabbed an emergency box of all the important family documents, her laptop, jewelry, a day planner and some clothes. The road was packed as she drove away from her home, and she couldn't help but think of the deadly 2018 Camp fire in Paradise, Calif., where fleeing residents were caught in bumper-to-bumper traffic as the flames surrounded them.

"The red embers rained down on us, bits of timber, as we were loading the car up to leave," Speers said from a family member's home in Glendale. "It was so scary."

Many were hesitant to leave their homes despite the rapidly advancing blaze, said Los Angeles County Fire Deputy Chief Mike Inman.

"They never believed it would happen but then they believed it when they saw it come to town," he said.

A firefighter covers his eyes from blowing hot embers from an engulfed horse barn after the Bridge fire spread into the Wrightwood community. (Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times)

On Wednesday morning, a dense layer of smoke continued to choke the mountain community. A steady stream of ash rained down on firefighters stationed in the area.

Gusty winds, combined with warm temperatures, created favorable conditions for the Bridge fire to explode overnight. Low humidity also contributed to the spread of the fire, National Weather Service meteorologist Ariel Cohen said.

The past two wet winters have created a significant amount of brush, meaning there's a lot more fuel susceptible to burning, Cohen said.

"It's a really energetic phenomenon," she said.

Three people  two civilians and one off-duty sergeant  will need to be rescued by air from a remote area five miles west of Mount Baldy on Wednesday, but officials are waiting until the smoke clears. The civilians were recreating in the area during the time of the fire and got caught in the blaze. None are injured, said L.A. County Sheriff Robert Luna.

Firefighters battle the Airport fire along Ortega Highway in the Santa Ana Mountains. (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times)

Farther south of the Bridge fire, the Airport fire roared up the Santa Ana Mountains in Orange County and was headed downhill toward Lake Elsinore, spurring evacuations. Some homes burned along Ortega Highway in the Decker Canyon area, but authorities could not provide a specific number.

The Airport fire has grown to 22,376 acres and was 0% contained Wednesday afternoon. The fire ignited Monday afternoon amid the stubborn heat wave that fueled fires across the region.

Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Wednesday that the state had secured grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to help provide resources to L.A., San Bernardino and Riverside counties to assist with the costs of suppressing the current brutal fires.

"California is continuing to see extreme fire behavior across multiple locations in Southern California, where hot, dry weather has led to rapid fire growth," Newsom said. "We are thankful for federal support from the Biden-Harris administration to support firefighters as they work to suppress these fires and keep people safe.

Read more: Norco man suspected of igniting the Line fire, which has raged through San Bernardino County

Eight firefighters and two civilians were injured and sent to hospitals for treatment Monday and Tuesday as a result of the Airport fire, Orange County Fire Authority Capt. Sean Doran told The Times. Two of the victims sustained burns.

The agency did not provide information on the status of the patients or the severity of their injuries.

More than 5,000 homes are under evacuation orders in Riverside County, affecting more than 19,000 residents, California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Division Chief Todd Hopkins said at a Wednesday news conference.

An air tanker drops fire retardant on the Line fire as it burns close to homes in Running Springs. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

The Line fire in San Bernardino County began Thursday and had scorched 34,729 acres with 14% containment Wednesday afternoon. Evacuations were in place for several communities southwest of the fire, which was expected to continue to grow throughout the day amid dry conditions and strong winds, according to fire officials.

On Tuesday, Justin Wayne Halstenberg, 34, was arrested on suspicion of arson in connection with the Line fire. San Bernardino County sheriff's officials said they discovered evidence inside Halstenberg's residence and vehicle that supported his arrest. They did not specify what evidence they found or how they identified Halstenberg as a suspect. The Norco resident is being held in lieu of $80,000 bail.

"It's my belief that as time goes on and we allow them to do the critical work that they're doing, that we will actually find out the suspect may be responsible for other fires," San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus said at a news conference Tuesday.

More than 65,000 structures are threatened in the blaze, but fire officials have not confirmed whether any property has been damaged. At least one home went up in flames on Pine Cone Drive in Running Springs, according to a Times photographer.

Cal Fire spokesman Robert Foxworthy said that fire crews were so far managing with the resources they had and that the year had not yet reached the level of 2020, when more than 4.3 million acres burned across California. But they were preparing for a potentially active season ahead.

"The three fires that we have going are large and taking on a lot of resources, but this is not at all the worst that California has experienced, and weve dealt with much larger, busier fire seasons in the past," he said. "So I feel very confident that were going to be able to meet the need as we move into the fall."

Staff writers Ashley Ahn and Hayley Smith contributed to this report.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  In Orange County, the Airport Fire near Trabuco Canyon is sending large plumes of smoke into the air. Residents in North San Diego County are witnessing ash raining down on their cars as the flames force thousands to evacuate from the Rancho Santa Margarita area.

Fire officials report the fire has jumped the Ortega Highway and is now burning into Riverside County near Lake Elsinore, prompting additional evacuations. Two firefighters have sustained heat-related injuries, and one individual has been hospitalized due to smoke inhalation. According to Cal Fire, nearly 20,000 acres have burned, with zero percent containment.

Meanwhile, a state of emergency has been declared in Big Bear Lake due to the massive Line Fire in San Bernardino County. Thousands of residents are under mandatory evacuation orders as the blaze has grown to over 32,000 acres, with only 14 percent containment.

An air quality alert and active smoke advisory have been issued for communities in North County. Local fire crews, including those from Cal Fire San Diego, are assisting in firefighting efforts.

Fallbrook resident David Mann, a former fire captain, described the scene: Its on the ground and its a real fine ash  so its definitely not healthy for you.

Camp Pendleton Marine, no longer considered missing person, in desertion status: military base

Mann noted the rapid spread of the Airport Fire, which has engulfed parts of Orange and Riverside counties.

I used to live there, so I know the area well, he said.

Meanwhile, Cal Fire San Diegos Brent Pascua shared his experiences fighting the Line Fire in San Bernardino County.

Weve had a strike team of engines, a strike team of bulldozers, and some chief officers from Cal Fire San Diego up here helping, Pascua said in a video call from Running Springs, a mountain town blanketed with fire retardant.

Evacuation orders remain in effect, as Pascua described the ongoing battle against stubborn flames, relentless heat and thunderstorms.

We went from 600 firefighters to over 2,000 quickly so that we can surround these fires and protect these homes, he said.

The Bridge Fire, which began in Los Angeles, has also exploded in size, crossing into San Bernardino County and surpassing 34,000 acres. Mann expressed his concern for fellow firefighters: The heat is terrible  its devastating for firefighters on the line. My thoughts and prayers are with them. You guys stay safe.

Governor Gavin Newsom has deployed the National Guard to assist with the Line Fire and has requested a grant from FEMA to help cover the costs of fighting both the Bridge and Airport fires.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR)Lawmakers in the Senate discussed ways to protect retirement and Social Security benefits during a hearing on Wednesday, as the agency continues to face solvency and budgetary challenges.

Commissioner for the Social Security Administration, Martin OMalley asked lawmakers for additional funding for the agency as it struggles with a staffing crisis that is leading to long wait times for Americans across the country.

The challenge we face today at Social Security is perhaps the most daunting in its 89-year history, OMalley said in his opening statement. The presidents budget for Social Security would be a big step in the right direction.

He argued the money would help the agency staff critically important customer-facing field offices around the country and its toll-free phone line.

Social security today is struggling to serve more customers than ever with staffing that Congress has reduced to a 50-year low, OMalley said.

House Republicans have proposed cutting $500 million from the Social Security Administrations budget. OMalley argued this would be devastating to the agency.

We would only have a budget to really keep the lights on, not to be anything, to do anything to improve it or improve its resiliency, he told Senators.

Lawmakers expressed concern that Social Security is currently on a path to insolvency. Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) blamed the Biden administration for Social Security shortfalls.

I think we all know that Social Securitys got to get fixed, Scott said. I think we all know its unsustainable. So, I wish the administration was doing something about this.

The future of Social Security has become a political talking point as the 2024 general election approaches.

The next cost-of-living increase for Social Security recipients is projected to be the lowest since 2021.

In May, it was announced that Social Securitys trust funds would be unable to pay full benefits starting in 2035. Officials warn the agency would only be able to pay 83% of the benefits.

About 71 million people, including retirees, people with disabilities and children receive Social Security benefits.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Reality Check is a Herald series holding those in power to account and shining a light on their decisions. Have a suggestion for a future story? Email our journalists at tips@miamiherald.com.

Former President Donald Trump and his campaign are accusing Haitians of eating cats and other pets in Springfield, Ohio, a Midwestern city currently experiencing an influx of Haitian immigrants and being dragged into the U.S. presidential campaign.

In fact, somebody is unfortunately accused of eating a cat in Ohio  but its a woman who police say is a long-time resident and the incident occurred in another town two hours away.

The unfounded accusations at Haitian newcomers have spread on social media, with even Elon Musk, the Tesla titan who took over Twitter and renamed it X, promoting the bogus claim. On Tuesday, Trump, in his first presidential debate with Vice President Kamala Harris, once again promoted the falsehood as an attack on the Biden administrations immigration policies.

In Springfield, theyre eating the dogs  the people that came in. Theyre eating the cats. Theyre eating the pets of the people that live there. And this is whats happening in our country, and its a shame, Trump said.

Trumps vice president running mate, U.S. Sen. JD Vance, had appeared to be backtracking from the unsubstantiated rumor earlier in the day on Tuesday when he said on X, Its possible of course, that all of these rumors will turn out to be false.

But following Trumps comment during the debate in Philadelphia, Vance doubled-down on the claim when asked by NBC News Washington Correspondent Yamiche Alcindor what is his message to Haitian Americans and Haitian immigrants who say the false claim is putting their lives at risk?

The city manager said there is no verifiable evidence. A lot of residents on the ground said there is. That just means the city manager isnt fully in touch with whats going on in the ground there, Vance said. Ive heard from many of my own constituents who have seen these things with their own eyes, whove seen these abductions with their own eyes.

So far, the campaign has provided no names or verifiable reports involving Haitians. There is a cat-eating case in the city of Canton in Stark County but not in Springfield, Ohio, which is two hours away in Clark County. Vance, a junior senator, visited East Canton back in 2022 as part of a six-city, two day campaign tour for the U.S. Senate.

My Q to @JDVance last night in Philly: What do you say to Haitian Americans and Haitian immigrants who say spreading false claims about them puts their lives at risk?



Our full exchange on video. pic.twitter.com/S0NG02Ci2S  Yamiche Alcindor (@Yamiche) September 11, 2024

In August, a 27-year-old Canton, Ohio resident, Allexis Telia Ferrell, was arrested for allegedly killing a cat and eating it, according to a copy of the police report, police body camera videos and recordings of the 911 calls shared with the Miami Herald by the Canton Police Department. The 911 calls raised questions if she was suffering from drug or mental health problems.

There were four officers who responded to the scene on Aug. 16 in the 1100 block of 13th Street Southeast in Canton, which is a public housing complex. Body camera video shows Ferrell, who barely responds to police, on her knees in the parking lot with the cat carcass in front of her. She was charged with prohibitions concerning companion animals, cruelty to animals and disorderly conduct.

The Defendant did torture, kill, and eat a cat in a residential area in front multiple people, the police report said.

Court records show that Ferrell had an initial bond of $100,000 and she has an upcoming court appearance on Oct. 15. Records also show that Ferrell had previous run-ins with the law including for theft and child endangerment.

Body cam footage of Ferrells arrest, shared by the Canton Police Department, and the 911 calls, all alleged that she killed and ate the cat. There is no reference to her being Haitian or an immigrant.

We have no reason to believe that she is not a U.S. citizen. She has lived in Canton for quite some time; for sure since she was a juvenile, Canton Police Department spokesman Lt. Dennis Garren told the Herald.

A video posted on Youtube by an outlet called the Fake News Network falsely claims otherwise. The video is titled Haitian Woman Eats Neighbors Cat in Springfield Ohio. A snippet of the longer 50 minute police bodycam video shared with the Herald, the Fake News Network video shows police asking a handcuffed Ferrell, What did you do, why did you kill the cat?

After asking Ferrell to smile and snapping a photo, a police officer asks, Did you eat that cat? Off camera, two females are heard confirming to police that she ate it.

In the 911 calls shared with the Herald, three different callers requested help for Ferrell. In one, a cousin of Ferrells said she had been watching a live video of the woman on Facebook and she had killed a cat, eating it.

I dont know what kind of drugs shes on, the cousin told the 911 operator before identifying Ferrell by name and confirming she was in Canton, Ohio. She ate a spider off the wall, and now a cat.

In another call, a woman asked for an ambulance to be sent to the location, which a third caller later identified as the Jackson Sherrick Homes public housing complex. The caller then says, she done pulled the head off a cat.

The 911 operator then responded that police were already on the way. Asked why they werent sending a medic, the operator said, because she was eating a cat. We send police for something like that. Its more of a mental health issue. Its a criminal issue too for animal cruelty.

On Wednesday, Haitis Ministry for Haitians Living Abroad issued a communique that says Foreign Minister Dominique Dupuy and an adviser of Prime Minister Garry Conille met virtually with more than 50 Haitian leaders in the Springfield area to show their support and determine strategies going forward to help the community address the attacks.

This is not the first time that we have been victims of disinformation campaigns, stigmatized and dehumanized to serve political interests, Dupuy later posted. Once again, it is up to us, Haitians, to stand up and proclaim, together and in one voice, our humanity.
His son died in a crash with a Haitian immigrant. He says Trump, Vance are using it for political gain

SPRINGFIELD, Ohio (WCMH)  The same evening that former President Donald Trump claimed that Haitian immigrants were causing chaos in Springfield, the father of a child killed in 2023 spoke at a podium about the political use of his sons death.

Nathan Clark didnt mince words when he stood before the Springfield City Commission on Tuesday, after online accusations about Haitian immigrants drew national attention to the Ohio town.

You know, I wish that my son, Aiden Clark, was killed by a 60-year-old white man, Clark said. I bet you never thought anyone would ever say something so blunt. But if that guy killed my 11-year-old son, the incessant group of hate-spewing people would leave us alone. The last thing that we need is to have the worst day of our lives violently and constantly shoved in our faces.

Aiden Clark, a student in Ohios Northwestern Local Schools District, died Aug. 22, 2023, when a minivan crashed with his school bus. The vans driver, Hermanio Joseph, did not have a valid U.S. drivers license and instead had one from Mexico, and Nathan has acknowledged that Joseph is a Haitian immigrant. A jury found Joseph guilty of vehicular homicide in May, and a judge sentenced him to nine to 13 years in prison.

Can you take me higher? The marketing that got six Ohio marijuana dispensaries fined

During his face-off with Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris, Trump did not directly mention the crash as he exclaimed, theyre eating the dogs. But his running mate and one of Ohios current U.S. senators, J.D. Vance, used it as a talking point alongside claims immigrants were abducting pets and causing a local rise in tuberculosis and HIV.

Do you know whats confirmed? That a child was murdered by a Haitian migrant who had no right to be here, Vance wrote.

Springfield Mayor Rob Rue has disputed many of Vances claims about whats going on in the town, and the only visual evidence of animal abductions by the 12,000 to 15,000 migrants has been proven to come from unrelated cases. But Rue said he would not comment on the crash, out of respect for the family. Now, Aidens father has said he has never approved Vance, Trump, and other Republican politicians wielding his sons death for political gain.

Using Aiden as a political tool is, to say the least, reprehensible, Clark said. My son, Aiden Clark, was not murdered. He was accidentally killed by an immigrant from Haiti.

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KANSAS CITY, Mo.  The Johnson County Sheriffs Office announced that a De Soto High School student is currently in custody after they say the student threatened to kill another classmate on Tuesday.

According to deputies, a De Soto High School student, referred to as student 1, was allegedly battered by another student, referred to as student 2.

KCPS issues statement about threats to Kansas City metro schools

Following the alleged assault, deputies said student 1 posted on social media that they were going to kill student 2. The post included a picture of a handgun, and the threat was specifically targeted at student 2 alone.

Deputies with the sheriffs office then contacted student 1 at his home and arrested him for criminal threats.

He is currently in custody at the Johnson County Juvenile Detention Center.

As for student 2, deputies said they were issued a Juvenile Notice To Appear for misdemeanor battery.

Student arrested for threats toward Lees Summit middle school

The parents of both students were contacted by deputies and made aware of the situation. Deputies said they cooperated in the investigations.

This is a developing story. Stay tuned at FOX4 News for the latest updates and information.

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(Bloomberg) -- South Africas second-biggest political party warned that President Cyril Ramaphosas plan to approve changes to education legislation poses a threat to the nations coalition government.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Ramaphosa will sign the Basic Education Laws Amendment Bill into law on Friday, the presidency said in a statement on Wednesday. The Democratic Alliance said that if he proceeds, it will violate the letter and spirit of the joint statement that formed the basis of the government of national unity.

During negotiations to form the coalition government, the DA made it clear that the BELA Bill was unacceptable to us in its current form, because it has constitutional implications for the right to mother-tongue education, among other issues, the party said in a statement. It urged Ramaphosa to send the bill back to parliament for a few simple amendments to bring it in line with the constitution.

The row over the bill is the first sign of a crack in the coalition government that the African National Congress  South Africas biggest party  was forced to agree to with the centrist DA and other smaller rivals after losing its parliamentary majority in elections in May. Part of the accord to form the administration included a proposal for a dispute-resolution mechanism, which has yet to be implemented.

DA leader John Steenhuisen, who also serves as agriculture minister in the South African cabinet, called for an urgent meeting with Ramaphosa before the bill is signed.

The DA regards this issue in the most serious light, and I will convey to the president the destructive implications it holds for the future of the GNU, he said.

Ramaphosa is happy with the way the GNU is functioning, and will host a dinner on Wednesday night with its members to discuss the formulation of a dispute-resolution mechanism, Vincent Magwenya, a spokesman for the presidency, told reporters in Cape Town. The president can only reject a law that had been passed by parliament if he had concerns about its constitutionality and there were avenues for aggrieved parties to raise any objections, including the courts, he said.

It is disturbing that whenever there is a dispute, you will hear threats being made to the stability of the GNU, Magwenya said. The GNU must remain stable, it must remain united.

Labor union Solidarity is one of the fiercest critics of the BELA Bill. It has expressed concern that the legislation will confer powers on the education department to determine the language policy and admission criteria of government schools, and may result in an end to Afrikaans being taught at those institutions.

Signing the bill would be an act of aggression, Cape Town-based news website Netwerk24 quoted Solidarity Chief Executive Officer Dirk Herman as saying in an open letter to Ramaphosa earlier this week.

--With assistance from Rene Vollgraaff, Paul Vecchiatto and Mike Cohen.

(Updates with comments from presidents spokesman starting in seventh paragraph.)

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South Carolina Congressman Joe Wilson taken to hospital after collapsing at event

WASHINGTON (WCBD)- Congressman Joe Wilson (R-S.C.) is undergoing evaluation after being taken to a hospital on Tuesday night, according to his social media.

The Hill reported that Wilson, 77, was attending Ukraines Independence Day celebration in Washington when he suddenly collapsed.

The congressmans son, South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson, said doctors confirmed Wilson suffered stroke-like symptoms.

I was able to speak with him moments ago and I am incredibly thankful that he is stable and being monitored by medical professionals, he wrote on X.

Wilson has represented South Carolinas 2nd congressional district, which stretches from Columbia to the border with Georgia, since 2001.

This story is developing. Count on 2 for updates.

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Several communities across Southern California remained under evacuation orders Wednesday as three separate wildfires continued to scorch dry, rugged terrain and destroy homes.

The first of the three, San Bernardinos Line Fire, ignited near Base Line Road in Highland last Thursday. By Sunday, it had exploded to 25,000 acres, prompting California Gov. Gavin Newsom to declare a state of emergency as the fire encroached on the communities of Running Springs, Arrowbear Lake, Forest Falls, Mountain Home Village and several campgrounds.

As of Wednesday morning, when officials surveyed the fire at 34,659 acres with 14% containment, there were no reports of widespread damage to structures.

Authorities have announced the arrest of a 34-year-old Norco man suspected of starting the fire.

As of Wednesday, the Bridge Fire had scorched nearly 48,000 acres in the San Gabriel Mountains of Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties with no containment. It was first reported as a brush fire in the Angeles National Forest around 2 p.m. Sunday and grew steadily until Tuesday evening when it surged to 34,000 acres and began torching structures.

It was very, I would say, hellish-like, Alex Luna, a 20-year-old missionary who heeded calls to evacuate Wrightwood, a community of 4,500 in San Bernardino County, told the Associated Press. Ash was falling from the sky like if it was snowing.

Live updates: Bridge Fire

Authorities could not immediately confirm that homes had been lost in the fire, but news footage did show buildings ablaze. Incident commanders said more than 470 firefighters were battling the Bridge Fire, and the cause remained under investigation.

The Airport Fire erupted Monday afternoon in Orange Countys Trabuco Canyon, producing a menacing plume of smoke over the heavily populated areas of Rancho Santa Margarita, Lake Forest and Mission Viejo, among others. Evacuation orders and warnings were issued for several communities.

By Wednesday morning, Cal Fire said the blaze had crossed Ortega Highway and was actively impinging upon structures. Helicopter footage showed it had consumed homes and vehicles just west of Lake Elsinore in neighboring Riverside County.

Ryan LaMothe, whose home was destroyed by the Airport Fire, spoke to KTLA 5 News from a hotel in Temecula and described his harrowing escape from the flames.

It was just like surrounding us, so I guess thats where it got really scary because  there was no more exit. You had to drive through the flames to get out at that point, LaMothe said.

Live updates: Airport Fire

Local authorities confirmed that the blaze was sparked by public works employees using heavy equipment near a remote-controlled airplane field in Trabuco Canyon.

Officials said the workers were moving large boulders to restrict access to vegetation off Trabuco Creek Road when sparks ignited the fire. When workers noticed the smoke coming from the loaders basket, they immediately called 911 while attempting to put the fire out with extinguishers.

As of Wednesday morning, the Airport Fire stood at 22,376 acres with no containment.

Also Wednesday, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that a federal grant had been secured to help with the costs of fighting the fire. In a status update, fire officials had previously stated that resource availability is strained due to the other wildfires in the area.

Airport Fire

A total of five firefighters and two residents have been injured in the Airport Fire.

Some communications towers, cameras and other infrastructure have either been burned or are at risk of being damaged by fires, but no law enforcement communication disruptions were reported.

The battle against all three fires is expected to get a little easier as the week progresses. Cooler weather and higher humidity are forecast for much of Southern California. However, incident commanders warn that conditions are still generally unfavorable.

Right now, in our season, we dont get a lot of recovery from higher humidity, said Cal Fire Battalion Chief Andrew Bennett. In Southern California, the fuel is dry toward the end of the year, so our fire season is really just starting now.

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A Southern California man was sentenced to 325 years in prison for repeatedly molesting young children.

Jesus Andrew Sapien, 44, of Port Hueneme was sentenced Tuesday for sexually abusing three children, according to the Ventura County District Attorneys Office.

In May 2020, the mother of a 6-year-old girl reported the molestation to detectives with the Port Hueneme Police Department.

The young victim told her mother that Sapien had molested her several times over many months, authorities said.

As the case was being investigated, two additional children came forward as victims of repeated sexual abuse by Sapien.

Police said Sapien was exposed to the victimized children through a familial relationship.

Jesus Andrew Sapien, 44, of Port Hueneme, is seen in a booking photo from the Ventura County District Attorneys Office.

The defendant betrayed the trust of a close-knit family to commit unspeakable acts of sexual

abuse against multiple children, said Benjamin Moreno, a Ventura County District Attorney who prosecuted the case. Todays sentence reflects the severity of those crimes.

On Aug. 12, Sapien was convicted by a jury of 13 felony counts of lewd acts upon a child.

Special allegations also found true included that the three victims were under the age of 14, that they were vulnerable, that Sapien engaged in substantial sexual conduct, and that he took advantage of a position of trust.

On Sept. 10, he was sentenced to 325 years to life in state prison.

While nothing can undo the harm the defendant has caused, I hope this sentence provides the victims and their families the closure they so profoundly deserve and ensures that the defendant will never again harm a child, said Moreno.

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Mother of toddler found dead in hot car was drunk, passed out inside: police

A mother was arrested and charged after her 3-year-old daughter was found dead inside a hot car during a record-breaking heat wave in Southern California.

Sandra Hernandez-Cazares, 42, of Anaheim, was charged with one count of involuntary manslaughter and one count of child abuse causing great bodily injury, the Orange County District Attorneys Office announced Tuesday.

On Sept. 6, family members began searching for Hernandez-Cazares after her sons elementary school called to report that no one had picked up the 5-year-old boy.

Family members arrived at the womans Anaheim apartment on the 1300 block of Fashion Lane and spotted her Ford Expedition SUV parked outside. The woman and her daughter, Ily Ruiz, 3, were both found unconscious inside, authorities said.

Her family smashed in the SUVs windows and attempted to resuscitate the toddler but she was pronounced dead. Doctors believe the child had been dead for several hours before she was discovered inside the locked car amid extreme temperatures.

The childs preliminary cause of death was suspected to be complications from heat stroke,

though the official autopsy report is still pending, police said.

From left: Sandra Hernandez-Cazares, 42, of Anaheim, is seen in a booking photo from the Orange County District Attorneys Office. / Ily Ruiz, 3, is seen in photos from her family. (GoFundMe)

Ily Ruiz, 3, is seen in photos from her family. (Ruiz Family)

Ily Ruiz, 3, is seen in photos from her family. (Ruiz Family)

Sandra Hernandez-Cazares, 42, of Anaheim, is seen in a booking photo from the Orange County District Attorneys Office.

Ily Ruiz, 3, is seen in an undated photo posted to GoFundMe. Her mother, Sandra Hernandez-Cazares, was arrested in connection to her death.

Anaheim Police said Hernandez-Cazares was drunk and passed out with a blood alcohol level of nearly four times the legal limit. Empty alcohol bottles were also reportedly found inside her car.

She was transported to the hospital for treatment before being taken into custody. Outdoor temperatures were over 104 degrees at the time, with temperatures inside the vehicle even higher, authorities said.

Hernandez-Cazares is also the mother of two boys  aged 5 and 9  who were killed by a drunk driver who ran over them while they were sleeping in a tent at a South Dakota campground in 2012.

After the boys death, the woman and her husband, Juan Ruiz, had lobbied the local legislature for stronger penalties for driving under the influence.

The unimaginable pain of having your 5-year-old and 9-year-old sons killed by a drunk driver is something from which you can never recover, said O.C. District Attorney Todd Spitzer. Anyone who has suffered such a devastating tragedy knows the ripple effects of grief may be able to be hidden, but the heartbreak of losing your children will never go away. A mother who was robbed of the chance to see two of her sons grow up because of the selfish decision of a stranger will have to live with the fact she will never get to see her little girl grow up because of the choices she made.

Juan Ruiz, Ilys father, took to social media on Sunday to mourn his daughter. (Editors note: The video linked here contains strong language.)

I wish I was making this up, but no, my daughter really is dead due to the negligence of her mother, Ruiz said.

His family has set up a GoFundMe to assist with funeral and other costs.

Hernandez-Cazares is currently being held on $150,000 bail. She faces up to 12 years in prison if convicted on all charges.

The incident remains under investigation. Anyone with additional information can call 714-765-1900. Anonymous tips can be provided to OC Crime Stoppers at 1-855-847-6227 or online at occrimestoppers.org.

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At least three fires are burning within 100 miles of Los Angeles  here's where they are and what you need to know, at a glance.

Bridge fire

The Bridge fire broke out Sunday afternoon in the Angeles National Forest northeast of Glendora in the East Fork of San Gabriel Canyon. By Wednesday, the fire had grown by thousands of acres and was burning out of control. Mandatory evacuations had multiplied, including in Wrightwood and Palmdale.

At one point, a live camera feed from Mountain High Resort showed flames burning through a ski lift area.

Acreage: 52,800

Containment: 3%

Mandatory evacuations include:



The area from Highway 138 south to Lone Pine Canyon.

Highway 2 east to Lone Pine Canyon Road

Pinon Hills from Wrightwood north to Highway 18

Lone Pine Canyon from the community of Wrightwood to Highway 138/Lone Pine Canyon Road south to the forest

Entire community of Wrightwood

East Fork communities of Camp Williams Resort, which includes a mobile home park and campground, and the adjacent river community.

Mt. Baldy Road, all residents north of the San Antonio Dam up to the Mt. Baldy Resort.

Shelters:



Hacienda Heights Community Center, 1234 Valencia Ave. in Hacienda Heights, (626) 333-3250

Jessie Turner Health and Fitness Community Center, 15556 Summit Ave. in Fontana, (909) 854-5100

San Bernardino County Fairgrounds, 14800 7th St. in Victorville, (442) 286-0079

Animal shelters:



Lancaster Animal Care Center, 5210 W. Avenue I in Lancaster, (661) 940-4191  small animals

Palmdale Animal Care Center, 38550 Sierra Highway in Palmdale, (661) 575-2888  small animals

Devore Animal Shelter, 19777 Shelter Way in San Bernardino, (909) 386-9820  small and large animals

Antelope Valley Fairgrounds, 2551 W. Avenue H in Lancaster, (661) 948-6060  large animals

Mental health guidance



The San Bernardino County Behavioral Health Department's community-based mobile crisis response teams, which provide services 24/7 in English and Spanish for people of any age experiencing a psychiatric emergency, can be reached by calling (800) 398-0018 or texting (909) 420-0560.

Airport fire

The Airport fire, caused by a spark from heavy equipment, exploded Monday in Trabuco Canyon and raced up the Santa Ana Mountains on Tuesday. Eight firefighters and two civilians were injured and sent to hospitals for treatment Monday and Tuesday, according to fire officials. By Thursday, the Airport fire had charred 23,410 acres in Riverside and Orange counties and was 5% contained.

Acreage: 23,494

Containment: 9%

Mandatory evacuations:



Blue Jay Campground

Caspers Regional Park

San Juan Springs

Shelters



Temescal Valley High School, 28755 El Toro Road in Lake Elsinore, (951) 253-7250

Santiago High School, 1395 E. Foothill Parkway in Corona, (951) 739-5600

Foothill Ranch library, 27002 Cabriole Way in Foothill Ranch

Animal shelters



Orange County Fair & Events Center, 88 Fair Drive in Costa Mesa, (714) 820-2830  large animals

Los Alamitos Race Course, 4961 Katella Ave. in Cypress, (714) 820-2830  large animals

Nohl Ranch Saddle Club, 6352 E. Nohl Ranch in Anaheim, (714) 308-1093  large animals

Murrieta Equestrian Center Center, 42670 Juniper St. in Murrieta, (916) 985-7334  large animals

Medical & mental health guidance



Any evacuees who need prescription medications and are unable to obtain them through their healthcare provider or pharmacy should call the Orange County Public Information Hotline at (714) 628-7085. The hotline staff will ask callers for their name and telephone number. County officials will screen and process requests and will respond to calls at the telephone number provided.

Orange County residents in need of mental health support can contact the county Health Care Agency's behavioral health information and referral line, which operates 24/7 at (855) 625-4657.

Assistance information



CalFresh recipients may be eligible for replacement benefits for food lost during recent wildfires, and the deadline to report food loss has been extended to Sept. 23. CalFresh recipients who lost food during any of the summer fires (Airport, Eagle, Hawarden, Macy, Nixon, Post, Record or Tenaja) can report their losses by calling (877) 410-8827, visiting a Department of Public Social Services office, or submitting a report at BenefitsCal.com by Sept. 23.

Read more: SoCal monster fires explode: Homes burn, 13 hurt, communities threatened

Line fire

The Line fire started Thursday in San Bernardino County. Three firefighters were injured in the first couple of days of the fire. Firefighters were having to negotiate steep terrain with difficult access, particularly in the Big Bear area, according to Cal Fire. There were 65,600 structures threatened by the blaze.

Acreage: 38,074

Containment: 25%

Mandatory evacuations:



The area east of State Route 330 to Summertrail Place and north of Highland Avenue

Running Springs and Arrowbear Lake

Forrest Falls

Mountain Home Village

Angelus Oaks, Seven Oaks and all campgrounds and cabins in the area

Green Valley Lake north from Highway 18 along Green Valley Lake Road

Big Bear from the dam east to Wildrose Lane and the south shoreline south to Bluff Lake Basin

Shelters:



Hacienda Heights Community Center, 1234 Valencia Ave. in Hacienda Heights, (626) 333-3250

Jessie Turner Health and Fitness Community Center, 15556 Summit Ave. in Fontana, (909) 854-5100

San Bernardino County Fairgrounds, 14800 7th St. in Victorville, (442) 286 0079

Animal shelters:



Lancaster Animal Care Center, 5210 W Avenue I in Lancaster, tktk  small animals

Palmdale Animal Care Center, 38550 Sierra Highway in Palmdale  small animals

Devore Animal Shelter, 19777 Shelter Way in San Bernardino, (909) 386-9820  small and large animals

Antelope Valley Fairgrounds, 2551 W Avenue H in Lancaster  large animals

Mental health guidance



The San Bernardino County Behavioral Health Department's community-based mobile crisis response teams, which provide services 24/7 in English and Spanish for people of any age experiencing a psychiatric emergency, can be reached by calling (800) 398-0018 or texting (909) 420-0560.

Other resources for fire victims

U-Haul is offering 30 days of free self-storage and U-Box container usage to residents affected by the wildfires in San Bernardino and Riverside counties

The 30-day offer applies to new storage and U-Box rentals and is based on availability. People seeking more information or needing to arrange storage should contact the U-Haul office with a participating location nearest them:



For the U-Haul Co. of San Bernardino, participating locations are in Apple Valley, Barstow, Fontana, Ontario, Pomona, Redlands, Rialto, San Bernardino and Victorville. Contact the office at (909) 885-4378.



For the U-Haul Co. of Riverside, participating locations are in Cathedral City, Corona, Hemet, Indio, Moreno Valley and Riverside. Contact the office at (951) 485-2005.

The Inland SoCal United Way Wildfire Fund is providing up to $500 to affected Riverside and San Bernardino County households who meet eligibility requirements. The funds are intended to cover expenses associated with the wildfire, such as replacing lost items or paying for hotel stays.

Eligible households must be residents of either Riverside or San Bernardo County whose households earn less than 80% of the area median income, and who can demonstrate a cost incurred or income lost due to a wildfire or evacuation within the last six months.

Applications can be submitted online with a government-issued identification showing an address that was affected by wildfire, along with documentation demonstrating a wildfire-related cost or loss, such as a hotel bill, police report or insurance claim.

The organization can also help fire victims with immediate assistance or resources. Dial 211, and a community resource advisor will assist you.

Donation opportunities

The California Fire Foundation is raising money to support victims and evacuees from the Bridge, Line and Airport fires. The foundation supports fire survivors, firefighters and communities affected by natural disaster. Donations can be made online.

Inland SoCal United Way is accepting donations for victims of the Line, Bridge and Airport Fires. A donor can select to make a general one-time donation or choose which fire-affected area to support online.

Tax-deductible donations for schools and disaster victims can be made online with the SupplyBank.org Disaster Relief Fund, or by mailing a check for SupplyBank.org to 7730 Pardee Lane, Oakland, CA 94621.

GoFundMe.org is collecting donations to provide direct relief to people in need through its Wildfire Relief Fund. Recipients, who are verified by GoFundMe, are individuals who are fundraising for themselves or on behalf of someone else. The company may also provide grants to fundraisers benefiting small businesses and community relief efforts, or to vetted nonprofits coordinating long-term recovery.

The Red Cross is accepting donations to help people recover from recent natural disasters. Donate by calling (800) 733-2767 or by visiting the Red Cross website.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Firefighters battling wildfires burning in Southern California are stretched thin amid a nationwide shortage of firefighters, aircraft and contractors.

Three wildfires have burned homes and scorched more than 100,000 acres in a few days in the San Bernardino Mountains, Angeles National Forest and Santa Ana Mountains.

Several firefighters have been hurt battling the Airport fire, which has charred 22,910 acres in Orange and Riverside counties, and the Line fire, which has burned more than 34,700 acres in San Bernardino County.

More than 3,100 fire personnel and 22 helicopters were assigned to the Line fire on Wednesday. At the same time, more than 629 fire personnel, including seven helicopters, were fighting the Airport fire, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

On Wednesday, more than 400 personnel, seven helicopters and four large air tankers were assigned to the Bridge fire, said Lisa Cox, a spokesperson for the California Interagency Complex Incident Management Team.

"Resources are really strapped," Cox said.

Read more: Shocking satellite images and videos show Southern California fires exploding

Oregon, Idaho and Washington are also dealing with hundreds of fires resulting from weeks of dry lightning strikes on parched vegetation.

Chris Cline, division chief with the Oregon Department of Forestry, painted a stark picture of crews strained by nationwide resource shortages resulting from what he described as "an epic and record-setting fire season."

Nationally, there are no caterers left to support our fire teams  zero caterers available today, Cline said Monday. "There are no shower units available today." Thats left firefighters toiling in poison oak with no way to get clean, he said. Fire cache items  supplies such as hoses and sleeping bags  are limited, he said.

"There are no incident management teams available in the United States of America today," Cline said, referring to the groups of personnel who are dispatched to oversee complex emergencies such as large fires.

California is facing similar challenges.

Yes, there is a strain on resources, said Adrienne Freeman, a spokesperson for the U.S. Forest Service. We had multiple fires start in close succession all with critical numbers of affected people in huge urban centers.

The National Interagency Fire Center has set the current national preparedness level to 5  the highest possible  indicating that federal resources are fully committed and the potential for significant wildland fires to emerge is expected to remain high across multiple geographic areas. That level has been reached this early in the year only four times in the last two decades, according to the agency.

Read more: SoCal fires burn 100,000 acres, destroy dozens of homes and injure 13

Still, Cal Fire spokesperson Robert Foxworthy said that fire crews are currently managing with the resources they have and that the year has not yet reached the level of 2020, when more than 4.3 million acres burned across California. But they are preparing for a potentially active season ahead.

The three fires that we have going are large and taking on a lot of resources, but this is not at all the worst that California has experienced and weve dealt with much larger, busier fire seasons in the past, he said. So I feel very confident that were going to be able to meet the need as we move into the fall.

Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Wednesday that the state had secured a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to help provide resources to Riverside County to assist with the costs of suppressing the Airport fire.

California is continuing to see extreme fire behavior across multiple locations in Southern California, where hot, dry weather has led to rapid fire growth, Newsom said. We are thankful for federal support from the Biden-Harris Administration to support firefighters as they work to suppress these fires and keep people safe.



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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
(SOUTHERN COLORADO)  Wednesday marks 23 years since the devastating terror attacks on the United States in 2001, and numerous events are planned across Southern Colorado to honor and remember the lives lost.

Colorado Springs

The City of Colorado Springs will host the annual 9/11 Commemoration Ceremony on Sept. 11 in Memorial Park. The events keynote speaker will be Mike Gould, retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant General and former superintendent of the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA). The event starts at 10 a.m. at the Peace Officers Memorial in Memorial Park.

Former NORAD commander to speak at 9/11 Memorial

U.S. Air Force Academy

The U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet Wing will gather on Wednesday near the Academys 9/11 Memorial in honor of lives lost in the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. The annual ceremony includes an invocation, opening remarks, placement of memorial wreaths, and the sounding of Taps.

Following the ceremony, cadets will initiate a 19-hour memorial run that includes a baton and firefighters helmet. They will continue the run through 11:30 a.m. Thursday, passing the baton and helmet after circling the terrazzo for 15 minutes each.

Manitou Springs

In a somber yearly tradition, firefighters and first responders will hike the Manitou Springs Incline in full gear to honor the brave men and women who rushed to save lives following the attacks on 9/11/2001. First responders will gather at the base of the Incline at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, and begin the climb following words of remembrance.

Firefighters from across Colorado climb the 2,744 steps of the Manitou Incline in full firefighter gear to honor the victims of 9/11.

Courtesy: Maggy Wolanske, FOX21 News Reporter

A group of Colorado firefighters, along with FOX21 reporter Lauren McDonald, poses for a photo after summiting the Manitou Incline in honor of 9/11 first responders on September 11, 2020. / Shawn Shanle  FOX21 News

The hike up the Incline symbolizes the final climb that many first responders selflessly made up the steps of the Twin Towers, as they tried to save as many lives as possible. The climb up the Incline will pause at key times for a moment of silence and remembrance: when the first plane hit the North Tower, the second plane hit the South Tower, when Flight 77 hit the Pentagon, when the South Tower collapsed, when Flight 93 crashed near Shanksville, PA, and when the North Tower collapsed.

Pueblo

The Steel City will hold its annual Patriot Day remembrance ceremony at the World Trade Center Steel Memorial Site in the Center for American Values Plaza. Attendees can take part in a Walk in Silence and witness the Memorial Stair Climb by the PCC Fire Science Club.

Guests are encouraged to arrive around 7:40 a.m. to find a spot across the Riverwalk from the Center for American Values, at 101 South Main Street. The memorial event begins promptly at 7:58 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 FOX21 News Colorado.
(COLORADO)  Wednesday, Sept. 11 marks the 23rd anniversary of the terror attacks on the United States. Below is how various agencies across Southern Colorado honored and remembered the lives lost on 9/11.

University of Colorado Colorado Springs

The Veteran and Military Affairs team hosted a walk with UCCS to commemorate 9/11 at 9 a.m. The flag pole in front of Gateway Hall was lowered to half-mast.

Pueblo Police Department and Fire Department

The Pueblo Police Department held a Patriot Day Ceremony where Chief Chris Noeller gave his remarks and honored law enforcement and first responders. The Pueblo Fire Department was also onsite remembering those who lost their lives.

Southern Colorado events mark 23 years since 9/11

Colorado State Patrol

The Colorado State Patrol shared via Facebook a piece of steel that was recovered from the World Trade Center and sits at the CSP Academy honoring all of those who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001.

In the picture, Trooper Gunst reflects on the impact the terror attacks had on her life, and how it was the reason why she joined the Marine Corps.

City of Colorado Springs

Mayor Yemi Mobolade and the City of Colorado Springs honored and remembered the lives lost 23 years ago with a ceremony at Memorial Park in Colorado Springs.

Manitou Springs Incline

Various agencies took part in the yearly tradition of climbing the Manitou Incline.

Fountain Police Department

The Fountain Police Department shared this image on its Facebook page, honoring all who lost their lives and the first responders who gave theirs in the attempt to save lives.

U.S Forest Service

Members of the Manitou Springs Fire Department, law enforcement officers, military, and other first responders from the Pikes Peak Region also participated in the 9/11 Memorial Incline climb to commemorate the 9/11 events/

Woodland Park Police Department and Canon City Police Department also issued statements on social media about remembering the souls who were lost, the lives impacted, and the heroism many displayed.

FOX21 will update this article throughout the day with more events and remembrances across Southern Colorado.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
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NASA astronaut Don Pettit. | Credit: NASA

NASA astronaut Don Pettit is about to embark on his fourth space mission  one sure to be filled with chances to tinker with things in orbit.

Pettit, along with Roscosmos cosmonauts Alexey Ovchinin and Ivan Vagner, will ride on a Russian Soyuz spacecraft, which is scheduled to launch atop a Soyuz rocket from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on Wednesday (Sept. 11) at 12:23 p.m. EDT (1623 GMT; 9:23 p.m. local Baikonur time).

The 69-year-old Pettit will spend six months in space on the coming mission, adding to his 370-day orbital tally. He told Space.com he misses the final frontier when he's not up there: "Some people are born to be cowboys and ride a horse. I'm born to ride a rocket and be in space. So I really looking forward to going back."

Pettit likes to MacGyver things in space. Perhaps his best-known invention is the Capillary Beverage, or Space Cup, which "uses surface tension, wetting, and container shape to mimic the role of gravity in drinking on Earth," according to NASA. Instead of sipping from a straw as astronauts typically need to do, the device allows crews to drink from a slightly modified vessel.

Related: Weightlessness and its effect on astronauts

short video of a cup being shaken in microgravity and not spilling water

The astronaut also knows how to repurpose everyday materials, such as knitting needles. Pettit used paper to rub the needles and create an electrical charge. Then he used a Teflon syringe  a type of liquid transfer device  to emit charged water near the needle.

As predicted by science, the water droplets circled the knitting needle, showing off electrostatic orbits, or movements that are governed by electrical attraction.

"These observations could be analogous to the behavior of charged particles in Earth's magnetic field and prove useful in designing future spacecraft systems," NASA officials wrote.

a short video showing water circling a needle in microgravity

Pettit also enjoys playing with camera exposures and angles to create unique views of Earth, particularly focusing on light trails across the planet's surface at night. He plans on doing more of this spare-time shutterbug activity using the upgraded equipment available on ISS, he said.

two images. one on top shows an astronaut surrounded by windows, cameras and a view of earth. bottom shows earth with star trails and light trails

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"We've got a number of new lenses on orbit that are optimized for nighttime imagery. I'm really looking forward to getting back on station and taking nighttime imagery to a new level, Pettit said.

Pettit added that he has been keeping his skills sharp since his last space mission in 2013.

"The way you do that is, you're always taking photographs," he said. "NASA has ... training camera equipment that we could check out and use, and we've got pretty sophisticated, professional-level cameras. You can't have a training  you know, one or two hours of training  and then, two years later, pick that camera up and be an expert at using it. You need to use it, at least for me, on a weekly basis."
SpaceX launched its daring Polaris Dawn mission, a multiday orbital expedition carrying a four-member civilian crew for the first spacewalk by non-professional astronauts (CHANDAN KHANNA) (CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP/AFP)

A pioneering private crew made history Thursday by performing the first commercial spacewalk, with NASA hailing it as "a giant leap forward" for the space industry.

The SpaceX Polaris Dawn mission, led by fintech billionaire Jared Isaacman, launched Tuesday from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, journeying deeper into the cosmos than any humans in half a century, since the Apollo era.

With the four-member crew's Dragon spacecraft adjusted to an orbit with a high of 434 miles (700 kilometers), pure oxygen began flowing into their suits Thursday, marking the official start of their extravehicular activity (EVA) at 1012 GMT.

A short time later, Isaacman swung open the hatch and climbed through, gripping the hand and footholds of a structure known as "Skywalker," as a breathtaking view of Earth unfolded below him.

"SpaceX, back at home we all have a lot of work to do, but from here, Earth sure looks like a perfect world," he told mission control in Hawthorne, California, where teams erupted in applause.

It was yet another major milestone for SpaceX, the company founded by Elon Musk in 2002.

Since then, SpaceX has grown into a powerhouse that in 2020 beat aerospace giant Boeing in delivering a spaceship to provide rides for NASA astronauts to the International Space Station.

"Today's success represents a giant leap forward for the commercial space industry and NASA's long-term goal to build a vibrant US space economy," NASA chief Bill Nelson wrote on X.

- Suit tests -

Prior to the hatch opening, the crew underwent a "prebreathe" procedure to remove nitrogen from their bloodstream, preventing decompression sickness. Cabin pressure was then gradually lowered to align with the vacuum of space.

Isaacman and crewmate Sarah Gillis, a SpaceX engineer, took turns outside the vehicle, spending a few minutes performing mobility tests on SpaceX's next-generation suits that boast heads-up displays, helmet cameras and enhanced joint mobility systems -- before returning inside.

Extravehicular activity officially ended after an hour and 46 minutes, following cabin re-pressurization.

While it marked a first for the commercial sector, the spacewalk fell short of the daring feats from the early space era.

Early spacewalkers, including the first, Soviet cosmonaut Alexei Leonov in 1965, floated tethered to their spacecraft, while a select few Space Shuttle astronauts used jetpacks to fly completely untethered.

Since Dragon doesn't have an airlock, the entire crew were exposed to the vacuum of space. Mission pilot Scott Poteet and SpaceX engineer Anna Menon remained strapped in throughout as they monitored vital support systems.

"The risk is greater than zero, that's for sure, and it's certainly higher than anything that has been accomplished on a commercial basis," former NASA administrator Sean O'Keefe told AFP.

- First of three Polaris missions -

The spacewalk followed an audacious first phase of the mission, during which the Dragon spacecraft reached a peak altitude of 870 miles -- three times higher than the International Space Station, in a region teeming with dangerous, high-energy particles.

All four underwent more than two years of training in preparation for the landmark mission, logging hundreds of hours on simulators as well as skydiving, scuba diving and summiting an Ecuadoran volcano.

Upcoming tasks include testing laser-based satellite communications between the spacecraft and the vast Starlink satellite constellation, and completing dozens of experiments, including tests on contact lenses with embedded microelectronics to monitor changes in eye pressure and shape in space.

Polaris Dawn is the first of three missions under the Polaris program, a collaboration between Isaacman and SpaceX.

Financial terms of the partnership remain under wraps, but Isaacman, the 41-year-old founder and CEO of Shift4Payments, reportedly poured $200 million of his fortune into leading the 2021 all-civilian SpaceX Inspiration4 orbital mission.

The final Polaris mission aims to be the first crewed flight of SpaceX's Starship, a prototype next-generation rocket that is key to founder Musk's ambitions of colonizing Mars.

ia/st
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez called on Wednesday for a reevaluation of European Union tariffs imposed on Chinese electric vehicle imports and for bridge-building between China and the EU rather than confrontation.

"We don't need another war, in this case a trade war," Sanchez said at the end of a visit to China that took in meetings with President Xi Jinping and other top Chinese officials,

"I think that we need to build bridges between the European Union and China," he added. Spain would act in a constructive way and attempt to find a compromise on the issue, he said.

"I have to be blunt and frank. I think we need to reconsider  all of us, not only the member states but also the commission  our position towards this movement," the Spanish prime minister said, stressing that Spain was reconsidering its own position.

According to media reports, Spain backed additional tariffs on Chinese electric car imports during the summer, but has indicated a possible change in his country's stance ahead of an important vote in October.

The commission announced the tariffs in June following a lengthy investigation. It imposed "provisional countervailing duties" in addition to standard import tariffs on electric cars from China.

According to Brussels, Chinese manufacturers are getting "unfair" subsidies that are leading to distortions in the EU market.

Beijing accuses the EU of protectionism and has reacted with investigations into pork imports from the EU. Spain, as a major exporter of pork products, could be hit hard by restrictions.
By Eduardo Baptista and Inti Landauro

BEIJING/MADRID (Reuters) - Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's government will not take into account a parliamentary vote to recognise Venezuelan opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez as winner of a disputed presidential election, the premier said.

With Gonzalez taking refuge in Spain since Sunday, a majority of 177 lawmakers of various parties in the 350-seat lower house passed a symbolic motion on Wednesday saying he won the July 28 vote awarded to incumbent President Nicolas Maduro.

Following the July election, the Venezuelan opposition has published vote tallies and said the 75-year-old Gonzalez won a resounding victory. But the national election board declared Maduro the victor and he has shrugged off international criticism as a right-wing plot.

The U.S., Argentina and Peru have recognised Gonzalez as president-elect.

On a visit to China, Sanchez said Madrid's position - demanding the release of detailed vote tallies in the presence of an EU mediator while not yet recognising either Maduro or Gonzalez as winner - was clear and would not change.

"We have asked for the publication of the acts, we have not recognised the victory of Nicolas Maduro, and we do something very important, work for unity in the European Union, so that unity of the European Union allows us to have a margin of mediation from here to the end of the year," he told reporters in the city of Kunshan hours before the lower house voted.

On Tuesday evening, Venezuelan exiles gathered outside the Spanish parliament as lawmakers began debating the motion from the main opposition People's Party.

After Wednesday's vote, some lawmakers rose to applaud the gallery where several Venezuelan opposition leaders stood.

Gonzalez has not appeared publicly since landing in Spain.

"I believe that asylum is still a gesture of humanity, a civil humanitarian commitment of the Spanish society, and by extension of its government, with people who unfortunately are suffering persecution and repression," Sanchez said.

Venezuelan opposition leader Antonio Ledezma, who lives in Spain, told Reuters that Gonzalez's flight would strengthen their cause. "Edmundo will be free, he will not be confined within four walls, as in Venezuela, and he will be able to lead the struggle for Venezuela's freedom by heading the diaspora."

(Reporting by Eduardo Baptista in Beijing and Inti Landauro and Belen Carreno in Madrid; Editing by Andrew Cawthorne)
Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said Wednesday the European Union should 'reconsider' a plan to impose tariffs of up to 36 percent on Chinese electric cars (Hector RETAMAL) (Hector RETAMAL/AFP/AFP)

Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said Wednesday the European Union should "reconsider" a plan to impose tariffs of up to 36 percent on Chinese electric cars, calling for a "compromise" between the economic powerhouses.

The European Commission, which oversees the bloc's trade policy, announced last month that it planned to levy 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.

"I have to be blunt and frank with you that we need to reconsider all of us, not only member states but also the Commission, our position towards this," Sanchez told journalists after being asked about the tariffs at a news conference near Shanghai.

"As I said before, we don't need another war, in this case a trade war," he added.

"I think that we need to build bridges between the European Union and China and from Spain.

"What we'll do is to be constructive, and to try to find a solution, a compromise between China and the European Commission."

Sanchez's visit 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.

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 European Union's largest exporter of pork products to China, selling more than 560,000 tonnes last year totalling 1.2 billion euros ($1.3 billion), according to industry body Interporc.

- 'Fair trade' -

On 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 Xi.

China and the European Union have butted heads in recent years on a range of issues relating to trade, technology and national security.

Brussels has launched a raft of probes targeting Chinese subsidies for solar panels, wind turbines and trains.

But it faces a delicate balancing act as it tries to defend Europe's crucial auto industry and pivot towards green growth while also averting a showdown with Beijing.

On Wednesday, the president of an EU business lobby in Beijing said overcapacity of Chinese electric vehicles was among the top concerns facing European firms in the country.

The risks of doing business in China are "mounting and the rewards (are) seemingly decreasing", the EU Chamber of Commerce said in a position paper Wednesday.

"Many investors are now confronted with the reality that the problems they are facing in the China market may be permanent features," said the Chamber, which drew on the views of the more than 1,700 EU firms operating in the country.

"A substantial strategic rethink" may now be required, it warned.

A European Commission official has said the EU executive remained "open" to resolving the trade dispute without resorting to tariffs -- but that "it's very much up to China to come up with alternatives".

Beijing has so far filed an appeal against the measures with the World Trade Organization -- which Brussels has acknowledged while voicing confidence the tariffs are WTO-compatible.

bur-ka-oho/je/dan
(Bloomberg) -- The European Union should re-examine its plan to impose additional tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said during a visit to the Asian nation, underlining simmering EU divisions over the trade measure.

Most Read from Bloomberg

I have to be blunt and frank with you that we need to reconsider  all of us, not only member states but also the Commission  our position towards this movement, Sanchez told reporters Wednesday in Kunshan, China, following a four-day trip in which he met with President Xi Jinping.

The Spanish premiers comments raise the prospect that national leaders could try to muster enough support to block the European Commissions effort to impose drastic restrictions on Chinese EV imports. Such a move would represent a dramatic reversal for EU trade chiefs in Brussels and their supporters like French President Emmanuel Macron, who have been calling for urgent action to prevent European manufacturers being overwhelmed by state-subsidized competition from China.

If a qualified majority of member states  15 countries representing at least 65% of the EUs population  doesnt block the measures in a binding vote, the European Commission will publish a final regulation on the tariffs by Oct. 30. The duties would then remain in effect for five years.

China and the EU have been locked in a trade dispute after Brussels decided to increase tariffs, which will be imposed in November, on Chinese-made electric vehicles, saying that Chinese companies unfairly benefit from state subsidies and are flooding Europe with excess production. In response, Beijing launched anti-dumping investigations into EU exports of brandy, dairy and pork products.

The EU plans to hit SAIC Motor Corp., Volvo Car AB parent Geely and BYD Co. with duties of 36.3%, 19.3% and 17%, respectively, on top of the 10% tariff that exporters from China are already subject to. Tesla Inc. would face an additional rate of just below 8%, plus the base duty.

Spain, as Europes largest pork exporter, is particularly affected by the possibility of a trade war. The country is also the EUs second largest car-manufacturer and is seeking to attract investments from China to develop its EV industry  part of the reason behind Sanchezs visit.

We dont need another war, in this case a trade war, Sanchez said. I think we need to build bridges between the European Union and China, and from Spain what we will do is to be constructive and to try to find a solution, a compromise, between China and the European Commission.

China has had a long-held strategy of taking advantage of divisions within the EU to advance its own interests. A trip to France by Xi in May for talks and a day of bonhomie with Macron  whose country has been a key supporter of the EV probe  was seen as an effort to sew division within the bloc.

Chinas goal is to convince enough European countries that the tariffs are a bad idea so they will oppose or water down the final levies. The hope is that the threat of retaliation generates enough pain in those countries to pressure their governments to persuade the EU to back down.

In their meeting on Monday, Xi told Sanchez hed like to see ties strengthen, particularly in high-tech and new energy developments, while also signaling his frustration with the EU push-back on Chinese firms.

We hope Spain will continue to provide a fair, just, safe and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese companies investing and operating in Spain, Xi said, according to a readout from the official Xinhua News Agency.

Sanchez, whose government granted asylum to Venezuelan opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez, said he didnt discuss that issue with Xi, who has long backed current Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro. Gonzalez fled after Venezuelan authorities declared Maduro the winner of elections in July, cracked down on opponents and ordered the opposition leaders arrest.

Xi was among the first leaders to congratulate Maduro on his reelection, while several European and Latin American nations, as well as the US, have said Gonzalez won the most votes.

Sanchez reiterated that his government wants Venezuela to publish detailed results from Venezuelas polling stations and has refused to recognize Maduro as the winner of last months election.

--With assistance from Thomas Hall.

(Updates with tariff details from the sixth paragraph.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2024 Bloomberg L.P.
By Casey Hall

KUNSHAN, China (Reuters) -Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on Wednesday the European Union should reconsider proposed import tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles, and urged Brussels and Beijing to find a compromise that avoids a trade war.

Sanchez's comments during a visit to China suggest a change of tack from Spain, which until now has supported the tariffs, while signalling concern about the impact any potential fallout from the EU-China trade spat could have on Spanish industry.

"I have to be frank, we have to reconsider our position, all of us. Not only the member states but also the (European) Commission," Sanchez said at an event in an industrial park in the Chinese city of Kunshan.

"We don't need another war, in this case a trade war. I think we need to build bridges between the European Union and China, and from Spain we will be constructive and try to find a compromise between China and the European Commission."

The European Commission did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

Chinese President Xi Jinping urged Sanchez on Monday to play a "constructive role" in improving strained ties between Beijing and Brussels.

EU member states are due to vote in October on whether to adopt additional duties of as much as 36.3% on Chinese EVs, a threat that China has countered by launching anti-dumping investigations into imports of pork and dairy from Europe.

In a non-binding vote in July, France and Italy also voted in favour of the tariffs. Germany, Finland and Sweden abstained.

The EU has revised some duties or lowered final proposed tariffs.

Asked if the Italian position over the EV tariffs had changed, Italy's Industry Minister Adolfo Urso told Reuters on the sidelines of a parliamentary question time session that he expected a negotiated solution.

"They are discussing it in Geneva at the moment," Urso said in reference to a formal dispute that China initiated at the World Trade Organization.

Any retaliation by China for the tariffs could hit Spain especially hard. Spanish pork farmers were the bloc's biggest exporters, with 1.5 billion euros ($1.66 billion) of products sold to China 2023.

Chinese automakers are also urging Beijing to increase tariffs on imported European gasoline-powered cars in retaliation for Brussels' proposed curbs on Chinese exports of EVs, Chinese state media reported.

'A CERTAIN OPTIMISM'

A Spanish government source said the delegation in China felt Beijing saw the visit as more important than one Sanchez made in March 2023, increasing confidence that an agreement on pork tariffs could be close.

Story continues

The National Association of Spanish Meat Industries (ANICE) said it had noticed "a certain optimism" listening to Sanchez and his team and expressed hope that this was the case.

Sanchez was also in China to attract investment, especially in the renewable energy sector. Spain said on Tuesday it had signed a deal under which China's Envision Group would build a $1 billion plant to manufacture machinery for the production of green hydrogen.

Also this week, China renewed negotiation efforts seeking to overturn the proposed duties on Chinese EVs.

($1 = 0.9056 euros)

(Reporting by Casey Hall and Beijing newsroom, Belen Carreno and Emma Pinedo in Madrid; Additional reporting by Eduardo Baptista and Angelo Amante; Writing by Bernard Orr and Charlie Devereux; Editing by Kim Coghill, Sonali Paul, Aislinn Laing, Timothy Heritage and Kevin Liffey)
Speaker Mike Johnson announced on Wednesday that he is pulling a short-term GOP government funding bill from the House floor amid significant defections on his right flank.

No vote today, Johnson told reporters just hours ahead of the scheduled vote on the bill, which included a controversial measure that targets noncitizen voting. We are having thoughtful conversations, family conversations within the Republican Conference and I believe we will get there.

The decision to pull the vote once again highlights the deep internal divisions within the House GOP conference and the major challenge facing the speaker as he attempts to navigate an extremely narrow majority as well as demands from former President Donald Trump.

Johnson said in announcing that the vote would be pulled, I want any member of Congress in either party to explain to the American people why we should not ensure that only US citizens are voting in US elections  Its the most pressing issue right now, and were going to get this job done.

The House had been slated to vote Wednesday on the six-month government funding bill that included the voting measure. But at least eight House Republicans have already come out against the funding bill, which is enough to sink it in the House along with Democratic opposition, and the bill is considered dead-on-arrival in the Democratic-controlled Senate. The Biden administration has also said the president would veto the measure.

If the GOP funding plan cannot pass the House, it would be a major embarrassment for the House GOP and would send Republicans scrambling to determine next steps as a government shutdown deadline looms at the end of the month. But Johnson might need to show that the GOP funding plan does not have the votes to pass to have political cover to then move on to a clean funding measure that does not include the controversial voting measure. The expectation on Capitol Hill is that scenario is the most likely path to avert a shutdown with support from Democrats.

Johnson under pressure from Trump

Adding to the challenges the speaker faces, Johnson is now under new pressure from Trump, who threatens to further complicate the funding fight. Trump has said that if Republicans dont receive absolute assurances on election security, they should not pass a funding extension. Johnson has attempted to argue that he and Trump are on the same page, but If Trump digs in on the demand, that could set up Johnson to come under even more criticism from the right flank of his conference.

The six-month funding plan from House Republicans, which cleared an initial procedural hurdle on Tuesday, would extend government funding until March 2025. The proposal includes the SAVE Act, a GOP-led bill that passed the House on a standalone basis in July and would require documentary proof of US citizenship to register to vote in federal elections, despite the fact that is already illegal for noncitizens to vote in federal elections.

The push for the bill comes as Trump and his allies continue to sow doubts over election integrity in the run-up to the 2024 elections.

In a message that could make the government funding effort even more contentious for Republicans, Trump wrote on Truth Social Tuesday, 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.

Johnson emphasized agreement with Trump on government funding in response, telling CNNs Jake Tapper on The Lead Tuesday, I think President Trump is saying exactly what I have been saying, and that is we need assurances on election security and to fund the government.

Johnson has been trying to salvage the short-term spending plan amid GOP backlash, but wouldnt rule out passing a clean bill to keep the government open when pressed by CNNs Manu Raju earlier Tuesday.

I am in this to win this, the speaker said. Im not going to engage in conjecture and, you know, try to game out all the outcomes.

Johnsons insistence on forging ahead with the plan comes as frustrated members of the right flank of his conference have predicted that the SAVE Act would likely be dropped once the Senate rejects the measure, even if the funding bill managed to pass the House.

The speaker has so far has not presented a Plan B. Many House conservatives are also generally opposed to short-term funding bills, arguing instead in favor of spending cuts.

VA warns of major disruptions to veterans health care

The Department of Veterans Affairs is sounding the alarm to Congress in a new letter first obtained by CNN that spells out how the funding plan put forth by House Republicans could imperil the departments ability to deliver benefits to veterans in the months ahead.

Because of increased enrollment after the passage of new legislation known as the PACT Act that expanded accessibility to health care and other benefits for veterans, the department is facing a massive shortfall that it says would be exacerbated by a six-month funding bill into March.

The most significant challenge VA would face under a 6-month CR is in delivering the highest quality health care to veterans, the letter reads.

The administration has asked Congress for an additional $12 billion for the funds for VA health care, but House Republicans did not include that in their version of the six-month funding bill. Without it, the VA warns that the number of patients they could see, the staff they can keep and the wait times they experience could all suffer.

The letter warns that VA may have to undertake staff reductions which could affect wait times, reduce the amount of outreach they are doing to veterans to educate and help them understand their benefits they are eligible for, or cut back on improvements to VA infrastructure and facilities.

The impacts of a 6-month CR are widespread and affect all aspects of VA care benefits, support and infrastructure. Amid the largest expansion of Veteranss Care and benefits in a generation, the reductions in funding resulting from a 6-month CR would greatly impact VAs ability to serve Veterans, the letter says.

Raising the issue of veterans health care could also provide Democrats a potential off-ramp to vote against the six-month funding bill, which includes includes the SAVE Act. While most Democrats are opposed, there were five who voted for the voting legislation when it was a standalone bill earlier this year.

This story and headline have been updated with additional developments.

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Speaker Johnson pulls vote on government funding bill after Republicans threaten to sink it

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson pulled a vote on a six-month stopgap funding bill amid concerns that Republicans did not have enough support (EPA)

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson pulled a vote on his temporary spending bill on Wednesday just hours before it was scheduled to head to the floor, citing a lack of agreement by House Republicans.

Were having thoughtful conversations, family conversations within the Republican conference and I believe well get there, Johnson told reporters.

The temporary bill would have funded federal agencies and programs for six months upon the new fiscal year beginning on October 1. Congress must pass a stopgap spending bill before that day in order to avoid a partial government shutdown  which would occur right before the presidential election.

But the legislative package also includes a controversial measure that would require voters to provide proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote, known as the SAVE Act.

At least six House Republicans voiced opposition to it which, in combination with Democratic disapproval, is enough to sink it.

Even with Republican support, the funding bill was unlikely to pass in the Democratic-controlled Senate and the Biden administration said the president would veto the measure.

Johnson told reporters that Majority Whip Tom Emmer was going to do the hard work and build consensus

Were going to work through the weekend on that, Johnson said.

Wednesdays decision indicates that there is still internal conflict within the House Republican Party.

Last year, the House GOP was thrown into chaos when rifts began to form among factions and a group of far-right Republicans, led by Representative Matt Gaetz, ousted former Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy.

Since then, House GOP leadership has been working to present a united front to Americans in a tumultuous election year.

But despite Johnsons public confidence that he could push ahead with the spending bill vote on Tuesday evening, by Wednesday afternoon it was clear that would not happen.

There is no indication a government shutdown will certainly happen. Congressional leaders are working hard to avoid it.

But doing so may mean Republicans need to make major concessions.

Democrats want the controversial voter registration measure stripped from the spending package and only want it to fund the government until December  in anticipation of the November election.

Johnson is facing the pressure of his party as well as former president Donald Trump who, on Tuesday, advocated for a government shutdown if that meant the controversial measure would not be included.
From left, Alicia Lopez, mother of Marine Cpl. Hunter Lopez, of Riverside, Calif., who was killed during the evacuation in Kabul in 2021, is greeted by House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., center, and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., as she accepts the Congressional Gold Medal during a ceremony honoring the 13 fallen service members who perished during the withdrawal, at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. | J. Scott Applewhite

Congress is back from recess after a lengthy summer break and ready to focus on circumventing a government shutdown ahead of the Sept. 30 deadline.

Every year since Utah Rep. John Curtis has been in Congress, its been pretty much the same story, he told the Deseret News on Friday.

Its clear now that there is no feasible way to pass our total appropriation bills on time, Curtis said. We need to figure out something.

The GOP congressman said House Speaker Mike Johnsons plan is reasonable, but added that he thinks if the House passes a continuing resolution it should have the SAVE Act.

Americans would be more patient with us if we were actually making progress on overall priorities, Curtis said. He added he shares Johnsons position that avoiding a shutdown is imperative.

Speaker Mike Johnsons strategy to avoid shutdown

Johnson plans to propose a six-month stopgap bill with an attached provision that would require voters to show ID in order to register to vote, in an effort to keep undocumented immigrants from voting in federal elections.

Conservative lawmakers, including those in the House Freedom Caucus and bill sponsor Utah Sen. Mike Lee, have advocated for the passage of the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility, or SAVE, Act as a part of the continuing resolution.

There is no fallback position, Johnson told reporters on Monday. This is a righteous fight. This is what the American people demand and deserve.

In response to a question pointing out its already illegal for noncitizens to vote, Johnson said, Its also illegal for underage persons to buy alcohol, but we still require an ID because we have to enforce the laws that are on the books. He added, If just a small percentage of them register to vote  they can throw the election.

But its unclear whether Johnson has enough votes for a stopgap as a handful of Republicans displayed skepticism about Johnsons plan.

Who is opposed to Johnsons stopgap bill?

Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., a cosponsor of the SAVE Act, said in a post on X Tuesday he supports the voting reforms passage but he believes that our approach is flawed.

Biggs supports passing the 12 spending bills individually instead of taking the stopgap route. Rep. Matt Rosendale, R-Mont., said he also cosponsored and voted in favor of the SAVE Act, but agreed with Biggs, saying, Attaching it to another spending gimmick is not the way to do it.

Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky, in his remarks during the House Rules Committee meeting, set to discuss the continuing resolution, accused both sides of the aisle of indulging in political theater.

Its all posturing, its fake, fighting. We all know where it ends up, this is Groundhog Day, he said. Regardless of which party is in control, we always get a CR in September, and then we get an omnibus.

Massie added, Its good theater. Weve got great writers. I wish theyd just come up with a new plot.

The Kentucky Republican said Johnson will likely remove the attached SAVE Act provision eventually. Ive been here 12 years. Ive seen it 12 times. I refuse to be a thespian in this failure theater, he concluded.

Rep. Cory Mills, R-Fla., and Reps. Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., are also opposed to Johnsons plan.

Ive made it clear  that Ill be a no on the CR, Mills said, according to Fox News. As far as Im concerned, this is nothing more than messaging.

What do Senate Democrats plan to do?

Should the SAVE Act and CR pass the House, it is likely doomed in the Democratic-controlled Senate.

Democrats are open to passing a clean CR without any provisions, as Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said in a dear colleague letter over the weekend.

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, Schumer said.

Despite Republican bluster, that is how weve handled every funding bill in the past, and this time should be no exception. We will not let poison pills or Republican extremism put funding for critical programs at risk.
In The Spin Room: Donald Trump And Allies Insist He Won The ABC News Debate, But Grouse That It Was Three Against One

Donald Trump called into Fox & Friends this morning, continuing to insist that he won Tuesdays presidential debate against Kamala Harris yet also that the ABC News event was unfair and three against one.

That was a reference to David Muir and Linsey Davis, who in co-moderating also did fact-checks of some of the former presidents wildest claims.

More from Deadline

The former president was intent on spinning his performance at the debate, even though he was repeatedly baited by Harris, often sounded angry and went back to his unfounded claim that he won the 2020 election.

The effort to control the narrative started just minutes after the event ended, when both campaigns dispatched their armies of surrogates to the spin room, the Olympic-sized pool area of blue carpet in the Philadelphia Convention Center. The spin room spectacle is an endurance test for campaign talking heads to stick the talking points in the face of large scrums of journalists and camera crews, their queries threatening to knock them off their game.

JD Vance, his running mate, was adamant that what we saw from Donald Trump was he was crisp. He was clear. He had a clear vision.

A common theme of Trumps allies was that the debate was three against one. David Bossie, the Citizens United president, called ABC News debate disgraceful. They put the thumb on the scale for Kamala Harris, but that didnt matter. I mean, Donald Trump still won the debate, still talked about the issues, still had to fight three against one, not just one.

Stephen Miller, the Trump White House senior adviser and chief architect of its immigration policy, was there, insisting that the former presidents claim that migrants were eating cats and dogs was grounded in reality. Residents testimony. These are facts, he insisted to reporters. During the debate, co-moderator David Muir told Trump that the network that they contacted the city manager of Springfield, OH, where the incidents allegedly took place, and he said there was no evidence of it.

Miller went on about the impact of the crisis at the border, before another journalist queried him on the other big news of the night, that Taylor Swift had endorsed Harris.

I hadnt seen that, but I think people are going to vote based on the issues, he said.

RELATED: Donald Trump Says He Was Not A Taylor Swift Fan In Response To Superstars Endorsement Of Kamala Harris

Miller soon got distracted from the commotion in the room: Trump himself had arrived, and was quickly surrounded by a sea of cameras and reporters waving their Otter-enabled iPhones. Some journalists quickly grabbed chairs to see above the heads, as the former president faced the scrum.

Its uncommon, if not unprecedented, for a presidential nominee to visit a general election spin room, but Trump was there to lay claim to victory.

It was the best debate, personally, that I have ever had, Trump said, adding that the post-debate polls are indicating that we got 90 percent, 60 percent, 72 percent, 71 percent and 89 percent.

Then a reporter interjected, Where are you getting these numbers from?

He didnt answer. A CNN post-debate poll gave the win to Harris.

Another surrogate, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), was bashing the debate moderators on X/Twitter during the event, but he was one of the few who couldnt hide his disappointment afterward, per Politico. Tim Miller of The Bulwark wrote that Graham told him the debate was a disaster for the former president.

Among Harris surrogates, there was a sense of relief, even if they didnt want to dwell too much on comparisons to June, when Joe Bidens poor performance simply couldnt be spun. It was a hard night, Rep. Robert Garcia (D-CA), who was in Atlanta for the CNN event and returned to the spin room for this debate, acknowledged earlier in the evening.

Everyone from the president to the staff all knew how tough it was, he added. But were now in a place where we have a new candidate.

Sen. Laphonza Butler (D-CA) told reporters afterward, This was definitely a different energy. The vice president had some great moments. She definitely took Donald Trump to task.

Earlier in the evening, Governor Gavin Newsom (D-CA) had outlined what Harris needed to do  including making clear that she was not Biden. Post-debate, Newsom called the debate an exceptional night because we have an exceptional candidate.

It was a good enough night for the campaign that even when the news came that Taylor Swift had endorsed Harris, they tried to steer the conversation back to the debate itself.

Campaign spokesman Michael Tyler said that they were incredibly grateful for the endorsement, before veering back to the events of the evening.

I think what Taylor understands is what the American people understand: The vice president was not doing what Donald Trump was doing on that debate stage, which was try to seek ways to try to divide the American people, he said.

Surrogates for both campaigns expressed a willingness for another debate, perhaps in October, for what would likely be the finale before the election.

Yet that is far from a sure thing. NBC News wants the next one. About 90 minutes before the Tuesday night debate started, Fox News had proposed a series of dates, even if it is hard to see the Harris campaign agreeing to a matchup on the network.

Trump himself complicated matters further this morning, as he even nixed the idea of Fox News anchors Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum, on the news side, from moderating a debate hosted by the network and said it should instead feature opinion hosts Sean Hannity, Laura Ingraham or Jesse Watters.

Trump apparently was upset over the anchors post-debate analysis, compared to figures like Watters, who declared him the winner. We won that debate by a lot, the former president insisted.

Best of Deadline

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ST. LOUIS  Cleanup operations are underway Tuesday afternoon at one of the citys most popular spots.

Over 60 individuals from Spire took a trip to Forest Park to help clean the area around Steinberg Skating Rink. One group was tasked with picking up trash, while another worked to take down any plants that pose a threat to the habitat, like honeysuckle and winter creepers.

Were always trying to stay ahead of plants that are not native to the area, but can come in and outcompete natives, and that just takes a lot of people, hours, and labor, Forest Park Director of Communications Dominik Jansky said.

The group aimed to clear trees of any invasive plants that harm the tree or impact area animals. Forest Park employees say some vines can cause serious damage to trees, especially when they begin seeding.

Florissant cop stole nude photos during traffic stop: Lawsuit

A honeysuckle will shade out and kill other plants that do provide food for birds, Nature Reserve technician Ryan Johnston said.

One worker says it may not be as effective to cut a full vine away because it risks damaging the bark of the tree. Instead, a simple two-foot cut of vine will do the job without jeopardizing the tree.

Lisa Kozeja, another technician, says it will buy four years of time for the area as they remove the ability for the plant to seed out.

Seeding out is exactly what it sounds like. When a plants seeds are released to grow on its own, it takes it whatever it needs to flourish in the environment.

Spire Missouri President Stephen Mills says he wants to preserve Forest Parks natural habitat.

Community is very important. We live in these communities, and its important that we really care, he said.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.
An invasive spotted lanternfly has been confirmed in Wayne County, a point of concern for fruit growers and environmental agencies throughout the state.

These surveying efforts are crucial in our effort to slow the spread of spotted lanternfly, which can be a nuisance to Michiganders, said Steve Carlson, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) Pesticide and Plant Pest Management Division director, in a news release. MDARDs proactive approach to gathering data through targeted surveying and collaboration with our state and local partners is essential to curbing the pests spread.

Spotted lanternfly was first identified in the U.S. in 2014 in southeastern Pennsylvania and has since spread rapidly across the eastern states. Prior to its arrival in Michigan, there were confirmed detections in 12 states: Connecticut, Delaware, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.

Spotted lanternflies have been found in Monroe and Oakland counties but a recent survey conducted by MDARD and the U.S. Department of Agriculture found new infestations in all three locations.

Related: Neal Rubin: We cant defeat spotted lanternfly that could plague Michigan wine industry

The spotted lanternfly has distinctive life stages. Juveniles, known as nymphs, which resemble small, wingless black to red beetles with white spots, are found in the early summer, with adults, characterized by gray to brown outer wings with black spots, emerging in late summer.

Michigan confirmed its first detection of spotted lanternfly, native to eastern Asia, on Aug. 10, 2022. It was found in Pontiac in Oakland County.

The invasive species feed on trees, grapevines, and fruits. When feeding, the spotted lanternfly produces a liquid that can collect on the ground and surrounding vegetation, resulting in mold that kills and discolors surrounding plants.

Related: Spotted lanternfly, a crop-killing pest, is hitchhiking and hopping its way to Michigan

Authorities are asking residents who come across a spotted lanternfly to take a photo, make note of the date, time, and location of the sighting, and report it to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources website.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: What to know about the spotted lanternflies found in Wayne County
SPRINGBORO, Ohio (WDTN)  Following the report of a threat made at a school in Ashtabula County, Springboro schools are taking precautionary measures.

The Springboro City Schools District said on Tuesday evening that their office, as well as the Springboro Police Department, was made aware of a threat posted on social media against Buckeye Local Schools.

Student facing charges after alleged social media threat

A student from the Springboro school district reported the threat to authorities.

A Springboro student reported concern over this message after it had been shared over Snapchat. While the message does show it originated outside the City of Springboro, with Buckeye Local School District mentioned, our district, as well as the Springboro Police Dept. are continuing to investigate this incident and treat it with the utmost seriousness, reads an email sent out to parents and staff.

As a safety measure, the Springboro Police Department will have an increased presence around the district this week and absences have been excused for today.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA)  The Springfield City Committee of the Whole is scheduled to meet Tuesday.

Several members of the public are speaking during the public comment section. Many are upset at the city of Springfield administration including for a recent officer-involved shooting involving , and a DUI by a former Springfield Police officer that left a couple hospitalized.

An ordinance that would allow Springfield Police to fine and eventually jail people for public camping was not discussed. Critics derided the measure as a way to punish the citys homeless population.

Mayor withdraws proposed Springfield ordinance allowing police to fine, arrest homeless for public camping

The full meeting can be viewed on YouTube here.

This is a developing story.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
SPRINGFIELD, Mo.  A Springfield man found guilty of drug trafficking and possessing illegal firearms earlier this year was sentenced in federal court Tuesday.

A U.S. District Court judge sentenced 35-year-old Darrell L. Smith to 20 years in prison for playing a role in distributing an analogue form of fentanyl and illegally possessing eight firearms.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Springfield man found guilty of drug trafficking, illegal firearms

Smith was convicted on Jan. 11 following a jury trial. Co-defendant Eugene C. Sanders, 51, pleaded guilty and was sentenced last year to three years in prison.

According to the Department of Justice, law enforcement searched Smiths home in August 2019, where they seized a large plastic bag with valeryl fentanyl  a fentanyl analogue  as well as several smaller bags of valeryl fentanyl, body armor and several loaded firearms. Officers also found 69 individually packaged bags of fentanyl at Saunders residence.

During the trial, it was revealed that Smith recruited his infant daughters mother for the operation and filmed a video of her bagging up fentanyl for distribution. Smith said he filmed her so he could use the video as leverage in a custody dispute.

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SPRINGFIELD, Ohio (WDTN)  Springfield city officials met tonight with the community and heard their reactions to the initiatives announced by Governor Mike DeWine on Tuesday.

The public also addressed being in the national spotlight, taking the time to voice their concerns about supporting a growing population and false claims on social media.

Springfield mayor speaks on growing Haitian community

There was a line out the door into the plaza where the meeting took place. Inside, several people were eager to speak their minds. Some spoke about strained resources, how immigrants are being treated, and what they want to see from city, state, and federal leaders.

Another hot topic was the death of Aiden Clark, who was killed in a school bus crash last year caused by a driver who happened to be Haitian.

The parents of Aiden Clark addressed the community at the meeting. They called for an end to the hate and bigotry toward immigrants they say theyve seen.

They make it seem as though our wonderful Aiden appreciates your hate. That we should follow their hate. They have spoken my sons name and used his death for political gain. This needs to stop now, said Nathan Clark, father of Aiden Clark.

Aidens father said during public comment that the family does not appreciate his sons name being used in political campaigns.

Police: No local reports of pets being eaten in Springfield, Ohio, despite online claims

And speaking of morally bankrupt, using Aiden as a political tool is, to say the least, reprehensible, said Clark.

Other residents also spoke out, claiming that false accusations against the immigrant community of crimes are uncalled for.

Its a bunch of rhetoric that cannot convince smart people that Haitians are bad people. The Haitians that I know, the Haitians in the middle row, the ones Ive known for five years. Theyre beautiful people. They own businesses, said Gysai Jones, Springfield resident.

Springfield Mayor Rob Rue spoke about how the unsubstantiated rumors that are circulating dont reflect the real issues the city is facing.

Rumors like these are taking away from the issues such as housing concerns, resources needed for our schools, and our overwhelmed healthcare system, said Rue.

Rep. Turner says Springfield in desperate need of federal aid

In the wake of announcements for new initiatives to address those issues, which include traffic safety, healthcare for all of Springfield, and affordable housing for the homeless, residents want to know exactly what will be done now that the nations eyes are on the city.

Enough is enough guys. We have national attention now. Are we going to concentrate on the real issues we have? The real issues? If you get the federal money that youre after, whatre you going to do with it? said Springfield resident Baron.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com.
People wearing protective masks wait in a line outside a polling station as they prepare to cast their vote during the country's parliamentary election in Colombo

By Uditha Jayasinghe

COLOMBO (Reuters) - Not one of the 38 contenders in Sri Lanka's presidential election this month is a woman, a stark contrast in the Indian Ocean island where women make up more than half the voters and the workforce.

Well before more familiar figures such as Britain's Margaret Thatcher or India's Indira Gandhi, Sri Lanka gave the world its first female prime minister in 1960, electing Sirimavo Bandaranaike to a job her daughter also held 30 years later.

Women make up 52% of the more than 17 million Sri Lankans set to vote for a new president on Sept. 21, hoping to boost political stability and economic growth as the country grapples with its worst financial crisis in more than seven decades.

But since Sri Lanka introduced the universal franchise in 1931, the number of women in parliament has never crossed a threshold of 7%. Today, they are just 5.3% of its 225 members, and historically held only a fraction of cabinet positions.

Yet merely setting a quota of 25% among lawmakers, as was done in 2016, cannot be the only answer, said Harini Amarasuriya, a woman parliamentarian who called for a wider effort to bring more women into political life.

"The quota system is just one way," said Amarasuriya. "It can make a numerical change, but for meaningful change there must be an effort that actively brings women into politics and gets them involved in leadership roles."

Irrigation Minister Pavithra Devi Wanniarachchi is the lone woman in the current cabinet of 16, and there are just two women among three dozen junior ministers.

The patriarchal structure of Sri Lanka's political parties is to blame for the sparse representation, said Nimalka Fernando of the Women's Political Academy, which trains women to effectively participate in decision-making.

"The biggest block is men do not perceive politics as a space that should be shared equally with women," said Fernando, whose organisation has trained about 3,000 women over the last 12 years.

"We share the house equally, but politics is outside the house," she added. "Women are campaigners, they are in protests ... but there is a block when it comes to decision-making."

'VERY HARD FOR WOMEN'

Handing out campaign flyers for one of the election frontrunners, opposition leader Sajith Premadasa, was Samudra Jayalath, 61, who had hoped her political career would take off after she won a municipal election in 2012.

"It's very hard for women to make it in politics unless they come from a political family. Parties only want women to fill chairs," added Jayalath, who never secured a national position, despite nearly four decades of working for different parties.

She dispatched party workers to hand out the signature green caps of Premadasa's Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) party in her closely-knit, middle-class Colombo neighbourhood, where she knows most of the 1,250-odd families by their first names.

Premadasa is running against President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who has steered the nation through the aftermath of the financial crisis, and Marxist-leaning parliamentarian Anura Kumara Dissanayake, among others.

Of the three main contenders, only Wickremesinghe has outlined a special effort to boost women's representation in politics and business. Premadasa wants to improve maternity laws and roll out a national policy for daycare.

Regulations to promote women in management, private insurance schemes and modernising labour laws are among Dissanayake's pledges.

Women's representation in grassroots governance in Sri Lanka has never crossed 23%, despite the spur of the 2016 quota.

A similar quota designed to boost their representation at the provincial level beyond the current 5% has been gridlocked in parliament for more than two years.

The election will be Jayalath's last before she passes on her duties as an organiser to a male colleague, ironically after failing to find a woman successor.

"You must have an inborn talent for politics," she said. "This system will not change unless we force it to change."

(Reporting by Uditha Jayasinghe; Editing by Sudipto Ganguly and Clarence Fernandez)
ST. LOUIS  The United States marks 23 years since the terrorist attacks of 2001, a day that changed the course of American history. 2,977 Americans lost their lives as a result of the 9/11 attacks in four different locations: the World Trade Center in New York City, where two planes struck the iconic twin towers; the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia; and a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, where a fourth plane crashed after passengers resisted the hijackers.

The attacks, orchestrated by the terrorist group Al-Qaeda, not only devastated the immediate victims and their families but also sent shockwaves through the nation and the world. The events of that day remain etched in the collective memory of those who lived through it, a stark reminder of both human tragedy and resilience.

In St. Louis, as in cities across the country, the impact of 9/11 was felt immediately and profoundly. We went through the archives to see what is was like on that day.

Adam Wainwrights bizarre story around the 9/11 attacks

The day of the attacks

St. Louis Lambert International Airport ground to a halt in the immediate aftermath of the attacks. Flights were suspended early in the morning as part of a nationwide FAA security directive. The airport increased security measures, including additional police patrols and the deployment of bombsniffing dogs.

The Gateway Arch, St. Louis most recognizable landmark and a symbol of westward expansion, closed its doors to the public. Staff who had reported for work early that morning quickly canceled scheduled trips to the top of the monument upon learning of the attacks in New York. In a precautionary move, all employees were moved to an underground level until an all clear was given. The grounds around the Arch were cordoned off, with extra police patrols preventing tourists from approaching.

The ripple effects of the attacks were felt in unexpected places. Gas stations across the St. Louis area experienced a surge in demand as residents, fearing potential fuel shortages, rushed to fill their tanks. This panic buying led to long lines and, in some cases, significant price hikes. Some stations raised their prices to as much as $3 per gallon for unleaded and $5 for diesel in the days following the attacks. These price increases prompted investigations into potential price gouging by the Missouri attorney generals office.

Local schools adjust their day for the safety of their students. Many modified their schedules and implemented special procedures for releasing children to their families.

Coming together

In the days that followed, St. Louis, like the rest of the nation, began the process of mourning, healing, and showing solidarity.

A group of citizens organized a march through Forest Park, carrying signs with messages of patriotism and hope. Slogans like Freedom will prevail and We will fear no evil reflected the defiant spirit of a nation under attack but unbowed. The American Red Cross saw a surge in activity at local donation centers as hundreds of St. Louis residents lined up to give blood, hoping to assist victims of the attacks. In Affton, a group of children took it upon themselves to organize a neighborhood food stand. Their goal was to donate all proceeds to the American Red Cross to support 9/11 victims.

A flag store in Ballwin reported that its sales tripled the day after 9/11. Residents rushed to purchase American flags of all sizes. A woman in St. Charles County put up 250 tiny flags throughout her neighborhood.

Jack Bucks poem

The St. Louis Cardinals returned to play on September 17 after a week-long pause in the MLB schedule. Jack Buck delivered a stirring speech to mark the teams return to the field.

This is what he said:

Since this nation was founded, under God

More than 200 years ago

We have been the bastion of freedom

The light that keeps the free world aglow We do not covet the possessions of others

We are blessed with the bounty we share. We have rushed to help other nations

anything, anytime, anywhere. War is just not our nature

We wont start, but we will end the fight

If we are involved we shall be resolved

To protect what we know is right. We have been challenged by a cowardly foe

Who strikes and then hides from our view. With one voice we say, We have no choice today,

There is only one thing to do. Everyone is saying the same thing and praying

That we end these senseless moments we are living. As our fathers did before, we shall win this unwanted war

And our children, will enjoy the future, well be giving.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.
ST. LOUIS  Two Veterans Affairs workers from the St. Louis area, one current and one former employee, are accused of illegally obtaining $80,000 in pandemic loans.

Kahroun Armstrong, 48, of Black Jack, Missouri, and Dortatius L. Hill, 41, of St. Louis, were both indicted on federal charges on Sept. 4, each with two counts of bank fraud, two counts of wire fraud and one count of making a false statement.

Armstong and Hill appeared in federal court on Wednesday and pleaded not guilty to criminal charges.

This St. Louis-area butcher shop named third-best in the nation

Hills indictment alleges that he applied for two Paycheck Protection Program loans in April 2021 for a company listed as Dortatius Hill. The PPP loans were supposed to be used to save jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Investigators say Hill received around $40,000 between both loans and also sought loan forgiveness.

Armstrongs indictment accuses him of seeking PPP loans through two companies, Arm & Arm In Home Health Care Services and Arm & Arm Motors LLC, in March 2021.

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Investigators say Armstrong also received around $40,000 between both loans and also sought loan forgiveness. He reportedly claimed that both loans would be used for payroll costs, rent, utilities and other expenses.

Armstrong is no longer employed by the Department of Veterans Affairs, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

If convicted, both face up to 30 years in prison and $1 million in fines for each bank fraud charge and up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fines for each wire fraud charge and five years in prison and a $250,000 in fines for a making a false statement charge.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.
In no uncertain terms, the St. Paul Federation of Educators has come out against a city ballot proposal that would raise property taxes annually for 10 years to pay for childcare subsidies in the city.

Solving the childcare desert in St. Paul should be done by centering the needs of families, educators and care providers, not public dollars for private companies, wrote the teachers union, comparing the effort to school voucher programs in a statement released Tuesday to the St. Paul City Council and on social media. SPFE does NOT support this levy, and encourages residents to vote NO.

The strongly-worded statement is the latest evidence that the ballot question has split the citys progressive and education-minded advocates, some of whom worry that further raising the cost of housing through property taxes could hurt or even price out the very low-to-moderate-income population the initiative seeks to help.

I dispute their characterization that this is a voucher program, said Gordie Loewen, a spokesperson for the Yes for St. Paul Families coalition. The funding for this program follows the child, so it very well could follow the child to St. Paul Public Schools programs. Every licensed and legal, non-licensed program is eligible.

The question that will appear on St. Pauls November ballot asks voters to pre-approve $2 million in new property taxes in the first year, $4 million in the second year, $6 million in the third year, and so on until $20 million is raised in year 10, with the goal of creating a dedicated fund to pay for no-cost and sliding-fee-scale childcare options in the community.

A 48-page program overview was presented to the council Wednesday by consultants People of Victory LLC, with the recommendation that the fund be managed by the citys existing Office of Financial Empowerment. Subsidies would range from $3,000 to $8,000 per child, which would complement any other form of public assistance, such as the states early learning scholarships. The council plans to vote on whether to adopt the program framework on Nov. 6, once the results of the ballot question are determined.

Tight labor market, rising costs shutter providers

The ballot proposal is backed by the Yes for St. Paul Families coalition  previously known as the St. Paul All Ready for Kindergarten campaign, or SPARK  which is chaired by Halla Henderson, a St. Paul school board member. Its also drawn backing from state Rep. Dave Pinto and St. Paul City Council Members Rebecca Noecker, Nelsie Yang and HwaJeong Kim.

Proponents have pointed to escalating costs and limited openings for childcare, especially infant care, and emphasized the importance of early learning programs in child development.

Parents have had to leave the workforce to care for their kids, Yang said Wednesday, addressing the council.

A tight labor market has added to woes for childcare providers, many of whom are struggling to make a profit despite raising prices, according to a survey last year by the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. There were 33% fewer active childcare licenses in Minnesota last year than a decade prior, with most of the decline coming from home daycare providers. Infant care, an industry loss leader that tends to pay low wages, now has a tough time competing for workers.

Its the littlest ones, birth to 3, that have the least amount of investment and take the most to care for, said Kim, addressing the council Wednesday.

More than 5,000 newborns to 5-year-olds live in poverty in St. Paul, according to the coalition, and the state is said to have the seventh most expensive childcare in the country. That contributes to racial inequities when low-income children who have been priced out of early learning programs  disproportionately kids of color  enter school unprepared.

The St. Paul ballot question, however, does not explicitly require daycares to provide an educational curriculum. And the new fund would be overseen by the city, which does not traditionally administer social services, education or childcare programs and has no department set up to inspect or evaluate them.

Leah VanDassor, president of the St. Paul Federation of Educators, said there are hundreds of children on waiting lists for public preschool, and a new program creating a huge tax burden would not alleviate that.

It will basically be a voucher program. Its a tax on the residents of St. Paul  and it wont be going to public systems, VanDassor said in an interview Wednesday. That money is basically being privatized. It doesnt actually expand the early education system  not at all. Were not saying theres no need for something. Were saying this is not the solution. How is the money going to be monitored and managed?

Nikole Jones, a consultant with People of Victory LLC, told the council Wednesday that consultants and a citizen advisory council could help launch the program until its administration is fully absorbed by new Office of Financial Empowerment staff. New city positions would include a program manager, customer service coordinator, program evaluator and translator.

Its a program that on the ground could serve families very well, Jones said.

Theres a crisis now

In April, consultants with MetrixIQ and Emmy Liss Strategies found that based on current funding and pricing assumptions, the project would serve more than 2,500 children annually by year 10, or between 4,000 and 7,000 kids over the course of the decade.

In other words, by the end of 10 years, the program will reach most St. Paul preschoolers in need but only about a third of infants and toddlers in families living within 185% of the federal poverty level. Expanding subsidies to all children in need, they said, and opening the program to the overall population would require a heavy infusion of additional state, county, school district or philanthropic funding. And, as costs of care grow, the number of kids served could drop.

St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carters office has estimated that to meet its objectives, the program budget would have to increase more than sixfold, to $121 million.

I dont know how exactly he arrived at that number, but theres a crisis now, and just because we cant financially help every family in the city doesnt mean we shouldnt do something now, Loewen said. He noted the program would offer an online portal, or one-stop-shop for finding early childhood learning and childcare openings, which could be used by any family citywide.

The ballot question has drawn opposition from some of the citys most progressive voices, including the mayor and Council President Mitra Jalali. Also opposed is the St. Paul Area Chamber of Commerce, which has urged voters not to lock the city into what theyve described as an untested, 10-year spending commitment backed by escalating property tax dollars.

Our role should be to support the other agencies and providers in accessing the funds that they need, but it becomes another thing entirely  to take that on directly, said Jalali on Wednesday.

The mayors 2025 budget proposal calls for a 7.9% tax levy increase, and fiscal observers worry there could be more tax hikes ahead if downtown properties continue to lose value and other aspects of the citys tax base  like businesses and multi-family housing  dont expand.

It will be more expensive than the anticipated $20 million-over-10-years proposal, wrote B. Kyle, president of the St. Paul Area Chamber of Commerce, in a statement to chamber members this month. Given that St. Paul doesnt even have money for its roads, offering free pre-k by raising property taxes even further seems especially unwise. The city is challenged to serve its residents needs within existing city departments and programs. And those needs are growing. We need to focus on the more immediate issues of public safety and infrastructure.

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Donald Trump gave a weak answer when asked how he would end Russias invasion of Ukraine during the presidential debate Tuesday night.

Trump took off on a winding answer, which seemed to attack President Joe Biden for not speaking to Russian President Vladimir Putin at all.

Ill speak to one, Ill speak to the other, Ill get em together, Trump said at one point.

When ABCs moderator David Muir asked Trump to clarify whether he wanted Ukraine to win the war, Trump responded, I want the war to stop.

Muir then pushed Trump to say whether he believed it was in Americas best interest for Ukraine to win, he again refused to answer the question.

I think its in the U.S.s best interest to get this war finished and fjust get it done! Trump said.
STAFFORD COUNTY, Va. (DC News Now)  Stafford County deputies rescued a 1-month-old pit bull from a storm drain over the weekend.

The pup had fallen through a storm drain to the sewer. (Courtesy: SCSO)

The Stafford County Sheriffs Office (SCSO) said the puppy had fallen through a storm drain to the sewer on Sept. 8 at around 6:20 p.m. in the Villages of Aquia area.

Stafford County Sheriffs Office wants to know if youre missing 2 golden doodles

A deputy had to remove the manhole cover and climb down to rescue the pup.

Thankfully, the puppy was not hurt. The deputy safely reunited it with its owners.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
The stakes are high: All eyes on Philadelphia as Harris, Trump square off on the debate stage for the 1st time

FULL COVERAGE: Harris,Trump detail starkly different visions in debate

Who won the Trump-Harris presidential debate?



CHICAGO  Vice President Kamla Harris and Former president Donald Trump have never met in person, but on Tuesday night they will share a stage together in the biggest moment of the campaign since Harris took over for Joe Biden at the top of the Democratic ticket.

It is gearing up to be a crucial showdown in Philadelphia as Harris faces off against Trump in a 90-minute debate, offering the candidates a chance to draw contrasts before a TV audience of tens of millions.

WATCH LIVE TONIGHT: Trump and Harris to debate in Philadelphia

The stakes are high, particularly for Vice President Harris, I think, because shes still in the phase of reintroducing herself to the country, Former Illinois Republican Party chair Pat Brady said.

Harris has prepared by holding mock debates. She is expected to lean into abortion issues and try to get under Trumps skin.

Over the weekend, Harris reportedly spoke on the phone with Hillary Clinton, who faced Trump in 2016.

The Memo: Harris and Trump get their biggest chance to reshape White House race

I think hes going to lie and, you know, he has a playbook that he has used in the past, Harris said in a radio interview last week.

Trump does not do traditional debate prep, but aides are said to have warned him to steer clear of verbal asides or attacks.

What he needs to do to be successful is to stay on policy, stay disciplined, act like a president and dont get petty, Brady said.

Harris and Trumps first debate showdown: What to watch

In the lead up to the debate, Trump hit the campaign trail where he threw bombs at Harris.

Were run by stupid people. Stupid, stupid people. And we found that out at the debate with Joe. How did that work out? And were going to find it out again on Tuesday night, Trump said at a rally.

Polls show the presidential contest a dead heat, both nationally and in key battleground states. With so much on the line on Tuesday night, the candidates and their surrogates are working to set expectations.

Harris leans into underdog image ahead of debate with Trump

Hes a very good debater, frankly. Maybe not a traditional debater, but he likes to disrupt debates, and thats his way of winning. Well see what happens tonight. I think Kamala Harris is capable of managing through that but its not easy. This guys an actor, hes an entertainer and hes a liar, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker said.

Vice presidential candidates JD Vance and Tim Walz are set to face off on Oct. 1.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
A 29-year-old man accused of stalking and threatening to kill a woman at her Lacey area home is being held in the county jail without bail.

Wilson Yuheng Hong attended his preliminary appearance in Thurston County Superior Court on Tuesday.

Thurston County deputies arrested Hong on Monday after finding him at the home of a woman near McAllister Grove Community Park. The woman reportedly called 911 after Hong allegedly broke into her home. Deputies allege Hong followed her across state lines and stalked her before the incident, according to court records.

Judge Allyson Zipp ordered Hong be held without bail and barred him from contacting the woman he allegedly threatened. Hong is expected to remain in the county jail until further order while his case progresses.

Zipp also found probable cause for several crimes, including first-degree attempted murder, first-degree attempted kidnapping, first-degree burglary, felony stalking, felony harassment, second-degree malicious mischief and possession of burglary tools.

Court records indicate Hong has no known criminal convictions or other open cases.

The investigation

A probable cause statement describes the investigation from the perspective of law enforcement.

Deputies responded to the womans home at 2:38 a.m. Monday after she called 911 to report that someone broke into her home.

The home appeared dark and no noises could be heard when deputies arrived, according to the statement.

Deputies noticed a silver Kia Soul with a Nevada license plate parked in the driveway. The statement indicates the drivers door and the back hatch where open and an empty Glock gun case was inside.

Hong and the woman appeared at the front door at about 2:56 a.m. after deputies rang the doorbell and knocked on the garage door. The woman reportedly appeared to be frightened and visibly shaken while Hong stood close to her and breathed heavily.

Deputies eventually separated the two and began talking to them individually. The woman reported that Hong broke into her house with a Glock-style gun.

She told the deputy that she moved to Thurston County in late July for a new job. Prior to that, she and Hong had gone on about five dates while she lived in New Mexico.

She said she had told Hong she was moving to Seattle and did not specify where she planned to live, according to the probable cause statement. She said Hong wanted to meet her in Seattle, but she declined his request and blocked him from contacting her.

In late August, the woman said she received a piece of pottery she previously gave Hong in New Mexico. The pottery was found in front of her garage and contained a note.

The note allegedly said Hong was upset with her, he did something bad and almost hurt somebody, according to the statement.

On Monday, the woman told deputies she woke up in the middle of the night to use her bathroom when she heard a loud crash followed by banging on her bedroom door.

She reportedly grabbed her phone and hid in her bathroom. Hong allegedly broke down her bedroom door and she eventually exited the bathroom to try to calm him down.

The statement indicates Hong carried a gun and told her, I want to kill you.

The woman reportedly persuaded Hong to drop the gun and speak with the deputies who were waiting outside. She told the deputy she did not know how Hong found her home and she was scared to be alone.

Another deputy spoke with Hong after removing a pocketknife he was carrying. Hong reportedly told the deputy he came to talk to his ex-girlfriend because she was not returning his calls.

Hong then allegedly admitted to entering the home by breaking the back sliding glass door, according to the statement. Hong allegedly told the deputy he carried the gun to scare the woman and he planned to use it on himself.

Deputies acquired a search warrant and looked through Hongs rental car. The statement indicates they found a backpack with personal documents and notes, including drafts of the note left in the pottery as well as a statement advising his sibling was his beneficiary.

On the way to the county jail, Hong allegedly said he should not have done that and she is going to be traumatized, according to the statement.

A deputy looked up Hongs car rental history through the rental car company he used. The deputy reportedly learned Hong had rented at least three other cars in addition to the Kia that was found at the womans home.

The deputy then contacted Olympia police who confirmed those rental cars were in the Martin Way and Lilly Road area during the times Hong had rented them. Thats the same area where the woman had been going to work, according to the statement.

Back at the womans home, deputies reportedly found a shattered sliding glass door, a small glass brake tool lying on the ground, a power saw and a yellow crowbar.

Inside the rental car, the statement says deputies found zip ties, duct tape, two straightened metal coat hangers, lock picking tools, a headlamp, two lockjaw plyers, a hammer, various screwdrivers, work gloves, N95 masks and a receipt for the power saw.

Court records indicate Hong is due back in court on Sept. 24 for his arraignment hearing.

Resources

SafePlace offers crisis support services for domestic violence and sexual assault survivors in Thurston County. The 24-hour help line is 360-754-6300.

CIELO Olympia offers support services to Spanish-speaking immigrants who are victims of crimes. The help line is 360-709-0931.

Survivors also may contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-4673.

More information about domestic violence resources in Thurston County can be found on the countys website.
Star on the Mountain to be lit in red, white, and green for Mexican Independence Day

Star on the Mountain to be lit in red, white, and green for Mexican Independence Day

EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)This Saturday, September 14, the El Paso Chamber of Commerce announced that the Star on the Mountain will be lit red, white, and green in honor of Mexican Independence Day.

The Chamber said the lighting of the Star in red, white, and green will stand as a beacon of unity, reflecting the deep bonds between El Paso and its neighboring country.

The El Paso chamber said that the event, in collaboration with the Mexican Consulate in El Paso, symbolizes the strong cultural ties and shared history between El Paso and Mexico. It seeks to celebrate the rich traditions that continue to connect our countries across the border.

The official El Grito celebration, Vivamos Mexico, will occur at the Convention Center Plaza from 5:00 PM to midnight. There will be food, music, and a festive celebration of Mexican pride.

For more information about the Star on the Mountain, visit their website or call 915-534-0500.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
Virgil Vigil, president of the Union Protectiva de Santa Fe, and attorney Kenneth Stalter participate in a virtual court hearing on Sept. 6, 2024. (Screenshot courtesy of First Judicial District Court)

A judge this week will decide the future of a controversial monument that sat at the center of New Mexicos state capital for 152 years, until protesters tore it down during the wave of social unrest four years ago.

The Soldiers Monument, also known as the Obelisk, was built on the Santa Fe Plaza in June 1868, according to a newspaper clipping from the time included in court records.

At the heart of the issue facing First Judicial District Court Judge Matthew Wilson is to determine if the emergency proclamation issued by Santa Fe Mayor Alan Webber on June 18, 2020 was legal.

The proclamation called for the removal of three monuments in the city: the Kit Carson statue at the federal courthouse, the Don Diego de Vargas statue at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, and the Soldiers Monument or Obelisk at the Plaza.

Protesters who said they were tired of waiting for the city government to remove the Obelisk tore it down themselves in October 2020 amid deep social unrest that year: the George Floyd protests, criticism of police violence, and the destruction or removal of more than 160 monuments to the Confederacy  including the removal of the Spanish colonial statues in Alcalde and Albuquerque after Steven Baca Jr. shot a protester.

The Union Protectiva de Santa Fe, a local social and fraternal organization, filed a civil lawsuit in June 2021 asking the court to force Webber and the city government to repair and restore the Soldiers Monument at the Santa Fe Plaza.

The city government in May asked the judge to throw out the lawsuit.

However, the case will move forward after Wilson ruled on Sept. 6 there is evidence of a dispute about whether Webbers proclamation and the actions taken at his direction could be considered illegal under state law governing historically significant sites.

Wilson said the Union Protectiva de Santa Fe presented evidence that the citys changes to the Plaza, including encasing the Soldiers Monument base in a box and putting a sign in front of it, along with removing the de Vargas statue, could arguably violate the law.

On Thursday, there will be a bench trial in the case, meaning the judge will act as the jury.

Stanley Harris is representing the city government in the case. On Sept. 6, he argued Webber issued the proclamation in the interest of public safety, and the citys emergency code allows city officials to act on an emergency basis.

Continued prominent and public display of the monuments, without ongoing public debate about their appropriate treatment and context, perpetuates systemic racism, civil unrest, and may lead to violence, the proclamation states.

The city government removed the de Vargas statue in June 2020, and city officials said the purpose was to protect it from potential damage. In August, the city government put the de Vargas statue on public display at the New Mexico History Museum. Others damaged the Kit Carson statue in 2020 and again in 2023.

Kenneth Stalter, the attorney for the Union Protectiva de Santa Fe, argued the city government never did the legally required planning to come up with alternatives to its proposals, so it is barred from spending public funds in the way it did.

Stalter argued that since the citys emergency ordinance does not explicitly give officials the authority to remove monuments, it did not give the city government the authority to remove the de Vargas statue.

Harris argued the Santa Fe City Council has not made a final decision about what to do with the Soldiers Monument, so the law doesnt apply the way the plaintiffs are arguing.

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Public service workers at state agencies, community colleges and four-year universities walked out Tuesday across Washington over fair pay and staffing concerns.

Employees marched during their breaks in Olympia, Tri-Cities, Seattle, Tacoma, Spokane, Bellingham and other cities demanding a fair union contract.

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.

Participants ranged from employees at the Special Commitment Center for high-risk sex offenders on McNeil Island and employees at Western Washington University in Bellingham to workers with the Department of Ecology and Department of Social & Health Services in Tri-Cities.

The Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) represents some 50,000 state and other public service workers.

In Olympia, one group of employees from departments around the state capitol campus marched from the Department of Enterprise Services 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.
HEBRON, Conn. (WTNH)  A Regional School District 8 employee was terminated last month after district officials say the employee used the districts money for personal benefit.

In a statement released to the district community on Aug. 22, Superintendent Colin McNamara said it was spring when the administration was made aware of inappropriate purchases made by an employee responsible for ordering instructional materials and supplies.

Bethany Parks & Rec Department in turmoil after interim director resigns, childcare programs are canceled

McNamara said when their internal investigation confirmed the allegations, the employee was fired and police on the local and state levels were notified.

He said the district was cooperating with an ongoing police investigation. On Wednesday, state police confirmed their investigation started on May 21 and is still active.

New law allows police to use school bus cameras

In an effort to avoid similar issues in the future, McNamara said the district also consulted with a forensic auditor and set up a more enhanced system of checks and balances for the ordering of supplies and materials.

District leadership and the Board of Education is aware of its fiduciary responsibility to the towns of Hebron, Andover, and Marlborough, McNamara said in the statement. We take such fiduciary obligations very seriously and we will continue to collaborate with all stakeholders to help ensure district funds are used appropriately.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com.
Two dozen state employees in green shirts took to the street outside Steilacoom City Hall on Tuesday, walking out of work to advocate for better pay and conditions at the Special Commitment Center on McNeil Island, where high-risk sex offenders complete treatment and rehabilitation.

The Washington Federation of State Employees union is in contract negotiations with the state for 2025-2027, and union employees arent happy with how thats going. The protest in Steilacoom was part of a statewide Walkout for Washington campaign, with other state-run facility walkouts taking place Tuesday in Olympia, Seattle, Spokane, Union Gap, Sequim and Bellingham.

Public service is under attack. What do we do? Stand up, fight back! Special Commitment Center employees chanted Tuesday in Pierce County, attracting the honks of passing cars.

AJ Wallace, who has worked as a residential rehabilitation counselor at the Special Commitment Center (SCC) for a year, said the state is proposing rolling back 5% raises and cutting funding for future hires.

Its pushing people out of a job thats already underpaid, underfunded, understaffed, and its led to more injuries, more burnout, Wallace said. Its a bad situation for everybody.

In an email to The News Tribune on Monday, the state Office of Financial Management said bargaining is currently ongoing with about 30 groups of represented state workers. Deputy communications director Hayden Mackley said temporary pay increases negotiated for 2023-2025 are set to expire next June, as proscribed in the parties collective bargaining agreement.

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, Mackley wrote. Were 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.

The SCC is a mental health treatment facility for Level 3 sex offenders who have completed their prison sentences. Residents are ordered by the court to live at the facility on McNeil Island until they are deemed eligible to transition back into society. As previously reported by The News Tribune, for more than 100 years the island was a federal prison that held infamous convicts such as Charles Manson and Mickey Cohen. In 1981 the facility became a state corrections center and officially closed as the oldest prison facility in the Northwest in 2011 after 136 years.

Wallace said he earned his masters degree in forensic psychology with an interest in studying sex offenders and tendencies to reoffend. Although on paper his position is his dream job, Wallace said burnout, a heavy workload and violence from residents has left staff in an exhausting and sometimes dangerous position.

If they really supported these peoples rehabilitation, making the community safer, they would invest more in people that work there, he said.

I believe everybody deserves a second chance, and Im totally for that, but we do house very violent offenders that are violent people, added Andrew Blatman, a residential rehabilitation counselor who has worked at SCC for eight years. [Assaults against staff do] happen from time to time.

Residential rehabilitation counselor Corey Gibson has been working at SCC for eight years. He said staffing issues have been especially pronounced since the pandemic when many staff walked out because they didnt want to get vaccinated against COVID-19, and others had to work overtime to pick up the slack.

Retention has just been an issue ever since because now were cutting corners on a lot of things, he said. People are understaffed and undertrained and underpaid, and theyre tired.

In an email to The News Tribune, Mackley said there are 340 permanent classified employees working at SCC with an annual average compensation of $76,420. Those who work on the floor as security guards or residential rehabilitation counselors, 176 employees in all, make less than that.

Residential rehabilitation counselors make on average between $64,600 and $72,760, depending on experience, according to the state. Security guards make on average between $64,900 and $71,500.

Wallace said a lot of people forget or just dont know about the SCC on McNeil Island, which is why they wanted to have a presence in front of Steilacoom City Hall. He told The News Tribune he makes closer to $55,000 a year and often works 16-hour shifts and overtime to make ends meet.

Its important for us to be able to do this job, to make sure that we are safe, that [the public] is safe and that our residents are safe, Wallace said. We dont want to have to walk off jobs. We dont want to have to strike, we dont want to have to make these demands. Its up to the state to meet us where we are and understand that we can no longer continue to do the job they want us to do for low wages.
BLOUNTVILLE, Tenn. (WJHL)In 2022, officials broke ground on an expansion project for the Sullivan County Jail. After two years of work, the expansion is making progress.

The expansion was approved based on the need to combat overcrowding within the jail, an issue Chief Jail Administrator Lee Carswell said has been discussed within the county for years.

In 2014, the State of Tennessee put us under a plan of action, said Carswell. Which pretty much required the county to come up with a plan to fix the problem of overpopulation. We started the talks about building this extension onto the current jail in 2017.

Carswell says the jails current maximum capacity is 614 inmates but averages around 935 inmates a month. While the expansion will help house the current inmates, a federal mandate prevents them from keeping numbers down indefinitely.

We cant refuse anybody, said Carswell. We take inmates and prisoners from the Tennessee Department of Corrections when they have court, from [Tennessee Highway Patrol], from Kingsport and Bristol Police Department. So if they bring them, we have to take them.

This mandate is why the jail introduced its rehabilitation programs, including its Pre-Trail release program.

Were trying to get people back out, said Carswell. Maybe somebody that cant make bond, get them back out, and theyre monitored by our pre-trial division. We have about 300 individuals out on pre-trial at this time, which has helped reduce our population by at least 300.

Tri-Cities organizations host 9/11 remembrance ceremonies

The expansion is set to add around 560 beds to the jails capacity. Carswell said this addition will not only help with overcrowding but also ensure the safety of the inmates and correction officers.

Theres a lot of assaults, said Carswell. Theres a lot of bullying, theres a lot of bad things happening. Once we get into this new facility, well be able to separate the two inmates [into] a pod, and we can control the violence a lot more, which makes our job easier. This is considered a best practice design that makes it safer for inmate and safer for the staff member.

Once the construction is complete, Carswell said the next focus will be on staffing.

Its going to take a significant increase in staff to maintain and operate, said Carswell. And were working with the commission and the mayor on that currently.

Carswell said they plan to finish the construction by the spring of 2025. The new staff will then undergo a four to six-month training period.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather.
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  Happy Tuesday, Utah! Its been another warm and summer-like afternoon with southerly flow continuing to pump in some monsoonal moisture around an area of high pressure, leading to more isolated showers and storms, this time, especially in central and northern Utah, east of I-15.

So, whats the bottom line? Isolated storms develop Tuesday afternoon and evening, followed by gusty winds and dry air Wednesday.

Slight chance for warm thunderstorms ahead of end-of-week cooldown

Temperatures Tuesday afternoon 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, our 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 means fire weather alerts have been issued for most of western, central, and southern Utah. Critical fire conditions are being predicted across at least western Utah on Wednesday afternoon.

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 to near 70. Meanwhile, southern Utah will only cool by about 5-10 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.

We could be tracking yet another fall-like storm system for next week. Stay tuned!

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
Your Stories Q&A: Is data breach letter from Ticketmaster legit?

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV)  You ask, we answer!

A viewer named Adrienne recently wrote the Your Stories Team, asking about a letter she recently received in the mail from Ticketmaster notifying her of a data security incident.

They recommend that I enroll in free credit monitoring through My TrueIdentity. Before I enroll, I wanted to make sure this wasnt a scam, Adrienne wrote in an email.

By all accounts, this is not a scam.

As reported in June, a federal filing showed that Ticketmaster was part of a data breach. The filing came days after hackers claimed more than 500 million users were compromised.

On its website, Ticketmaster provides information about what it calls a data security incident.

The database contained limited personal information of some customers who bought tickets to events in North America (U.S., Canada and/or Mexico). This may include email, phone number, encrypted credit card information as well as some other personal information provided to us.

According to Ticketmaster, people who are impacted, are being notified by email or first-class mail.

The letter that Adrienne and others received mentions signing up for free 12-month identity monitoring through My TrueIdentity. The letter also provided a code to access the free services.

My TrueIdentity is owned and operated by TransUnion, which is one of the three nationwide credit bureaus.

Submit a form.

More Your Stories

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COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  The photo of a man holding a dead goose circulating on the internet is serving as ammunition for extreme claims about Haitian immigrants in Springfield, but the photographer has stepped forward to clarify he took the photo in Columbus.

Dozens of accounts on X, formerly known as Twitter, have posted the photo and cited it as evidence of Haitian immigrants in Springfield killing and eating local cats and birds. The claims have been propped up by prominent figures including GOP vice presidential candidate JD Vance, Sen. Ted Cruz, Republicans in the House Judiciary Committee and X owner Elon Musk as well.

The City of Springfield told NBC4 on Monday that there are no credible reports or specific claims of pets being harmed, injured or abused by individuals within the immigrant community. Local police gave a similar response that they had not received any local reports of pets being stolen or eaten to the Springfield News-Sun.

Vance doubled down on accusations against the towns migrant population Tuesday, referencing not only health and educational strain, but also a 2023 school bus crash that left a student dead. He also inferred the immigrants were behind an increase in illnesses like tuberculosis.

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 wrote on X. Do you know whats confirmed?  That communicable diseases  like TB and HIV  have been on the rise.

At a news conference, when reporters directly asked Springfield Mayor Rob Rue about Vances claim about the two diseases, he replied that he only knew of an overall pressure on the areas healthcare system.

The City of Springfield has acknowledged several thousand Haitians migrated to the town legally under temporary protected status, and the New York Times also reported on ballooning Creole translator costs in the Springfield local school district. But the photographer behind the now-viral goose photo, whom NBC4 has kept anonymous for his safety, uploaded his photo July 28 to Reddit. A timestamp on the post shows it went live months before the Springfield controversy.

I was just driving down the street Sunday morning, saw a guy walking down the street with a goose, thought it was kind of crazy, you know, not something you see every day, the photographer said. I was gonna talk to him. He did not speak English as much as I can tell. He was not Haitian, Ive heard Haitian people before.

The photographer said he did not see how the goose died, and did not know where the man got it. He provided NBC4 with an original copy of the photo, allowing examination of its metadata. The EXIF information showed it was shot with a Pixel 7 Pro Android phone, and also confirmed it was taken at the intersection of Cleveland Avenue and Northwold Road in Columbus.

The photographer said his original intention was to document a weird thing he saw while driving in Columbus, and he was taken by surprise when the internet repurposed his photo for misinformation.

I dont remember anybody commenting anything about race, or immigration status or anything else at the time that I posted the picture, the photographer said. I hate that picture that I took is being used as a weapon  I kind of hate that I even took the picture.

He noted that he got in contact with an online image theft protection service to try and issue takedown notices for the unlicensed use of his photo. Alongside users on X reposting the picture, the photographer used a reverse image search to find it next to an AI-generated graphic on InfoWars. The right-wing conspiracy website drew widespread attention when Alex Jones alleged the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting was a hoax, and is facing shutdown thanks to its hosts bankruptcy proceedings.

The Springfield mayor also addressed the online attention on the citys migrant population during his news conference. Rue said the city had no verifiable instances of immigrants eating pets or local wildlife, and instead asked, As a human being, can you imagine being talked about like this?

What were doing is were letting these rumors, this national rhetoric come into our community and divide us. And like we said earlier, there are things we need to focus on, Rue said. But because were focusing on X posts and Facebook posts and trying to squash those rumors, it takes a lot of time to getting the truth back.

The photographer said the Ohio Department of Natural Resources did reach out to him as part of an investigation into the pictured Canada goose, which is a protected species under federal and Ohio law. NBC4 reached out to ODNR to learn more about the exchange, and the agency replied that it was looking into the matter.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
MIDDLETOWN, Ohio (WDTN)  A student is facing charges after allegedly making a threat against multiple schools within the Middletown City Schools District.

Superintendent Deborah Houser released a statement on behalf of the district yesterday, stating that the district was aware of said threat. The district collaborated with the Middletown Division of Police in an investigation, and now the student is facing consequences.

Heck: Social media post led to murder of sleeping 12-year-old girl

We want to take this opportunity to remind everyone of the importance of speaking up when they see or hear something concerning. In this case, the swift action of those who reported the threat was crucial in ensuring the situation was addressed quickly, the district said.

Houser wrote that its important for parents to have conversations with their children about the importance of taking threats like these seriously, and the weight of them in general.

MCSD holds a zero-tolerance policy for threats of violence.

We are committed to providing a safe environment where every student can learn and thrive.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com.
More than 1,000 Volusia County ROTC students grinded out 2,073 of Daytona International Speedway's grandstand stairsteps Wednesday  a memorial to the firefighters who made a similar climb up the World Trade Center's Twin Towers after a terrorist attack 23 years ago today.

And they did it before you ate breakfast.

Almost all of the students had not been born yet on Sept. 11, 2001, a day that changed America in countless ways. But as the burn in their thighs intensified, many thought about stories of the sacrifice of the 343 firefighters who died when jet airliners were steered into the towers, eventually causing both to collapse into rubble. Some 2,977 people died that Tuesday and countless others were exposed to toxins that led to early deaths.

Daytona Beach-area college ROTC members climb some 2,100 stairs at Daytona International Speedway before 6 a.m. Wednesday for a 9/11 memorial.

Lt. Col. Jerome Reitano, professor of military science for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University's ROTC program, said it was the first time for the climb at the Speedway.

Students in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, and Marine Corps programs participated. In addition to those in ERAU's ROTC, students from Stetson University, Bethune-Cookman University, and Daytona State College were involved.

"The idea was to commemorate 9/11, the sacrifices that our first responders made 23 years ago," Reitano said.

ROTC students from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University along with other schools like Stetson, B-CU and Daytona State and first responders climb the stairs at Daytona International Speedway Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, in honor of those firefighters who lost their lives on 9/11.

The students have learned about 9/11 through what they've heard from parents and siblings, as well as through school and media. But the stair climb was a way for them to make a more visceral connection to it.

"You know it's there. You know it impacted our country but you never lived it before, so part of today is to get them to remember that," Reitano said. "Our lives have changed since 9/11, whether that's military careers, deployments, the way we interact with our adversaries, everything to transportation."

With many Embry-Riddle students in aviation and aerospace programs, they have also learned about dramatic changes in the commercial air travel industry, he said.

The students completed the climb in about 45 minutes. The 5 a.m. start time was nothing new for the ROTC students, who typically do physical training at that hour three days a week, Reitano said.

"Any time we can be on the world's most famous speedway, it is an honor," he said.

ROTC students reflect on stair climb

U.S. Navy Midshipman 3rd Class Bradley Huber, who was born in 2005 and grew up in Bel Air, Maryland, said the people who influenced his decision to commit to the ROTC were inspired by 9/11, one of the largest events to inspire military service.

"About halfway through, your legs really started to burn and you're thinking: How are people able to climb this many stories and pull civilians out in smoke, ash, heat," Huber said. "It really brings a greater respect."

Alexa Feeney, a Midshipman 4th Class, said she grew up on Long Island, New York, but still gained insight from Wednesday's stair-climb.

"Today ... really brought me closer to the reason why I'm doing what I'm doing here at Embry-Riddle in the Naval (ROTC). It really shows the sacrifice and hard work that first responders and military and civilians put in," she said.

Gunnery Sgt. Felix Arroyo Robles, an enlisted Marine on EmbryRiddle Aeronautical Universitys Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps, encourages students as they climb some 2,100 stairs at Daytona International Speedway before 6 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, in honor of those who sacrificed their lives on 9/11.

Midshipman 2nd Class Daniel Yakobson called the event motivating.

"Knowing why you're doing what you're doing makes it a lot easier to stay focused and get stuff done when times get tough and training gets hard," he said.

Midshipman 1st Class Michael Ecker said participants prepared for days by getting hydrated and well-fed.

"After the first three flights, your legs are tired. That's when a little bit of grit comes in," Ecker said.

"Events like these," he said, "really put into perspective how heroic first responders were back in the day."

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: 9/11 remembered in stair climb at Daytona International Speedway
Tarrant County officials working to reduce the number of early voting sites on college campuses say the issue is about not favoring one group over another.

Student leaders and elected officials who met Wednesday at UT Arlington, one of the campuses on the chopping block, say the move is a clear attack on the voting rights of young people, voters of color and the LGBTQ community.

Just under 10,000 people voted on the UT Arlington campus during early voting in the 2020 general election.

The press conference was organized ahead of a special meeting of the Tarrant County Commissioners Court on Thursday. County Judge Tim OHare called the meeting to consider revised lists of early voting sites that include fewer college campuses than a proposed one that failed to pass Sept. 4, during the courts regularly scheduled meeting.

In his introductory remarks, Texas Rep. Chris Turner, a Democrat from Arlington whose district includes the UT Arlington campus, accused OHare and his fellow Republicans on the Commissioners Court of creating a needless controversy out of what used to be the routine approval of early voting locations.

Its turned into something that is simply hard to explain, unless you just make the assumption that some people in leadership in county government want to make it harder for people to vote, he said.

Turner said there is no good option among the new lists and accused OHare of deliberately scheduling Thursdays meeting on a day when he knew that his Democrat colleagues would be out of town.

OHare did not respond to a request for comment.

Simmons, whose office helped organize the press conference, said in a statement Wednesday that she had been hoping to attend Thursdays meeting remotely in order to vote. However, she will be in the White House and will not be able to take her laptop in with her.

For over five weeks, it has been public knowledge that I, along with Commissioner Brooks, would be in D.C. during this time, she said.

Together, we represent half of this county, which is a majority minority, meaning a disproportionate number of these minority citizens live within our two precincts, she said. This is clearly a targeted attempt to limit the minority members of the Commissioners Courts ability to participate.

What students had to say

Kayla Rabb, youth and college president of the Texas NAACP and a graduate student at TCU, called the county judges actions a blatant attempt to suppress the votes of students on the UT Arlington campus, as well as others that were removed from the lists up for a vote.

Tarrant County Election Administrator Clint Ludwig told OHare at last weeks session that he would ideally like to have 60 to 70 early voting sites. Despite that recommendation, the three lists up for a vote all have fewer than the 50 on the list that was not approved.

That list had early voting sites at UT Arlington, TCU, the UNT Health Science Center, the Southwest Baptist Theological Seminary and four Tarrant County College campuses.

The three lists up for voting on Thursday all include sites at TCU and UNTHSC. None has a site at the seminary, and only two have a site at UT Arlington. Each of the lists cut the number of TCC sites down to two. The TCC South campus was removed from all the lists, and the TCC Noertheast campus was removed from two of them.

Rabb and others who spoke on Wednesday noted that college early voting sites also serve faculty, staff and residents who live in the surrounding communities.

Rojo Meixueiro of the environmental justice group Sunrise Movement linked the recent attempts at voter suppression to the long history of racial discrimination in Tarrant County. He noted how non-white students still faced discrimination after the Civil Rights Movement desegregated the student body in the 1960s.

The legacy of segregation and racial exclusion didnt just vanish, in fact, is woven into the fabric of this institution in Tarrant County for decades, he said. Black, Latino and communities of color have faced systemic barriers from education to housing and now to access to voting.

The voting rights of UT Arlingtons LGBTQ community will also be affected, said Blair Dedwyler, vice president of the universitys Queer Social Work Association.

Broad acceptance of the LGBTQ community in recent years has made its members a target for politicians like OHare, she said.

Our voices are being amplified in the media recently, and now suddenly we dont have access to vote on campus, Dedwyler said in an interview after the event. Its horrible. Its horrendous. I cant I cant believe that Judge OHare would try to silence the future of America.

Mia Arnsworth, a senior biology major at UT Arlington, stopped by the press conference to listen to the speakers with friends. She has voted on campus before and said it was very convenient for her.

A lot of my friends dont even have transportation, and for them to take away the on site campus is very disappointing, because I feel like the youth is our future, she said. They should want to hear our voices, because we have a very important role in society.

Public health graduate student Destiny Aladeyelu said she would likely not have been able to vote in previous elections had there not been a polling location on campus, as she did not have a car at the time.

The commissioners courts actions are definitely oppressing the students here and restricting their ability to vote, she said.

Other elected officials and community leaders weigh in

Also in attendance was Texas Rep. Terry Meza, a Democrat UT Arlington alumna who represents part of Irving.

She has made it a point to vote at the UT Arlington polling location even after graduating to emphasize the importance of having voting sites on university campuses, she said.

Texas Rep. Salman Bhojani, a Democrat from Euless whose district includes parts of Arlington, including around the university, said he thinks voter suppression should be addressed at the state level, despite the partisan rhetoric surrounding the issue.

I generally favor local control, that local municipalities and counties and school districts should be doing good work and representing communities closer to them, but this is something that should be addressed statewide, he said in an interview after the conference.

Constable Robert McGinty, whose precinct includes UT Arlington, told the Star-Telegram that he stands in solidarity with the students and other elected officials who are fighting for our democracy and the right for all of our constituents to have access to voting.

OHare and county commissioners should not hinder students access to the voting booth, he said, but should work to ensure that access.

Katherine Godby of the Justice Network of Tarrant County also spoke at Wednesdays press conference. Her organization is deeply concerned about the assault on our democracy through the obvious voter suppression taking place, she said.

Godby mentioned OHares statement to members of the True Texas Project that low voter turnout will help conservatives in municipal elections and the Tarrant County Criminal District Attorneys attempt to reverse a courts overturning of Crystal Masons illegal voting conviction.

UT Arlington said in a statement sent after the press release concluded that the university has been fortunate enough that Tarrant County has designated it as a voting location for many years and the University appreciates opportunities to host voting on the UTA campus.

Hosting a voting location benefits our local community neighbors and UTAs more than 41,000 students and nearly 5,000 employees, who live on or in close proximity to campus, attend classes on campus or work on campus - many of whom are residents of Tarrant County, the statement read.
SULLIVAN, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV)  23 years ago, the United States was hit with the largest terrorist attack in its history.

Wednesday morning, Sullivan Elementary School students who have been learning about this tragedy paid their respects to the fallen.

We will be walking the track and will be walking 3.43 laps, said 4th grade teacher Mia Moody. That will represent the 343 firefighters who were killed during the 9/11 attacks in New York City.

Moody said it is crucial for these students to get a clear picture of the heroic sacrifices made that day.

Chances and Services for Youth hosts community events

I feel like it is important for our students to understand the sacrifices that have been made by our firefighters, first responders, and our police officers, said Moody. The things that happened that day are very important for me to teach to them because they werent alive when it happened.

While walking the track, one student carried an American flag while the other carried a fire hose in a straight line. Assistant Principal Jessica Whitkanack said doing things like this at a young age leaves a lasting impact.

Teaching our students to participate in something like this gives them a sense of pride and patriotism and is very important to instill at such a young age, said Whitkanack. We have students who really internalize that and take it on throughout their life, so starting early is a very important lesson.

Whitkanack hopes these types of experiences inspire change in the next generation of Americans.

For us to give these students a glimpse of reality at that time, the severity of it, and how it affected everyone across the United States and across the world really brings it home, said Whitkanack. We have such a small town community where everybody is related to somebody who was impacted or has a personal story. It is really great to see the change we can have in a small town.

Moodys students also had moments of silence at 8:46 a.m., 9:03 a.m., and 9:37 a.m. to mark the exact times when each major attack happened.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyWabashValley.com.
Sir Keir Starmer has refused to say whether his government will publish an assessment of the impact of removing winter fuel payments from most pensioners.

At Prime Minister's Questions, Conservative leader Rishi Sunak accused the prime minister of "hiding" the analysis and asked how many deaths would be caused by the policy.

Sir Keir said his decisions to "stabilise the economy" meant he could increase in pension payments.

No 10 was later asked about other changes that could affect pensioners.

A Downing Street spokesperson committed to keeping free bus passes, but did not rule out changes to the council tax discount for those living alone.

On Tuesday, the government won a vote on its plans to remove winter fuel payments, worth around 200-300, from 10 million pensioners in England and Wales.

The policy is expected to save around 1.3bn in 2024/25 and 1.5bn in following years.

Only one Labour MP voted against the measure, but around 20 others appear to have abstained in protest at the cut.

Outgoing Tory leader Sunak used the weekly PMQs session to demand the government publish an impact assessment of the measure.

He said previous Labour assessments had calculated that the policy could cause 3,850 deaths and asked if the government's own impact assessment would put the figure at a higher or lower number.

Sir Keir said the measure was necessary to stabilise the economy and that the government was putting "mitigations" in place.

He added that Labour's commitment to the triple lock - which guarantees pensions rise in line with average wages, inflation or by 2.5% - would ensure an increase in pension payments that would "outstrip any loss of payment".

He repeated his previous assertion that the Conservatives had left a "22bn black hole" in the public finances and said Sunak should apologise.

Sunak said he had delivered "record increases" in the state pension while Starmer was "taking money away from pensioners on 13,000".

The House of Lords will debate the measure on Wednesday afternoon, but the government is expected to win any vote.

[UK Parliament/PA]

Following PMQs, a No 10 spokeswoman also refused to confirm whether ministers would publish the document, but insisted the government had "operated with openness and transparency" on the policy.

"Ministers will receive advice on the development of all policies but we don't routinely provide a running commentary on the advice that they receive, she said.

She added the government was committed to supporting the most vulnerable, pointing to the increased uptake in pensions credit as well providing support through the Warm Home Discount and the Household Support Fund.

She said the government didn't recognise previous Labour party analysis in 2017 that 4,000 pensioners could die if winter fuel payments were cut.

During PMQs, Conservative MP Louie French asked if the prime minister would rule out scrapping concessionary travel fares and council tax discounts "which help millions of pensioners".

Sir Keir replied that he would not "pre-empt" the Budget, due in October, when Chancellor Rachel Reeves will set out the government's tax and spending plans.

Later, his spokesperson said there were no plans to change the policy which gives free bus passes to pensioners.

However she did not make the same commitment on the single person's council tax discount.

The discount allows those living alone to claim 25% off their local council bill.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  Stay up to date on the latest headlines in todays Sunrise Smart Start for Wednesday, September 11, 2024.

A weak system to the north will send rain through southern Ontario, but it will not make it into Western New York. All we have is a few clouds to speak of that slip on by as temperatures get into the upper 70s to near 80.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst.
Just before 7 p.m. at Canterbury Elementary School on Tuesday, voters fill out their ballots in the state primaries. (Will Steinfeld | For the New Hampshire Bulletin)

Gov. Chris Sununu has days to decide the fate of a bill that would require proof of voter identification with no exceptions in future New Hampshire elections, after the legislation arrived at his desk Monday. Opponents of the bill are attempting to persuade him to veto it.

House Bill 1569, which passed the Legislature in May, would require voters to produce a photo ID on Election Day or be barred from voting. It would eliminate the current law that allows people who show up to vote without photo ID to sign an affidavit attesting to their identity under penalty of perjury.

And it would require that people voting in New Hampshire for the first time produce documentary evidence of their U.S. citizenship through a passport, birth certificate, or other document in order to register to vote.

The bill will not affect the Nov. 5 general election if Sununu signs it this week. It is written to take effect 60 days after his signature.

Sununu has been skeptical of signing the bill, stating that he is not interested in making further changes to state election laws when asked about HB 1569. But voting rights and disability rights groups are now urging Sununu to veto the bill entirely this week.

This bill, if enacted, would likely lead to eligible voters with disabilities not registering, and therefore, not exercising their right to vote because of financial barriers and the difficulty of navigating the burdensome process to obtain certain documents, the New Hampshire Disability Rights Center wrote in a letter to Sununu Monday.

The governor has until the end of the day Friday to make a decision under a five-day countdown established in the state constitution. He can either sign it, veto it, or let it become law without his signature. If he takes no action, the bill automatically passes.

Senate President Jeb Bradley released the bill to Sununu on Monday, according to the Secretary of States Office.

Opponents of the bill say the timing of Bradleys release of the legislation is significant.

Under the enrollment process for state legislation, the House speaker must sign off on all bills and then pass them to the Senate president, who is the last person to approve them before they head to the governors desk. That signoff process is meant to be a formality, but there are no exact time limits for how long the speaker and Senate president may hold legislation.

Bradley received the bill weeks ago but held onto it, even as his office released all other bills to the governors desk over the summer.

Sununu had raised concerns about the bills implementation, saying earlier this summer that he could not sign it if it would disrupt local voting protocols for the November general election.

Bradley released the bill to Sununu on Sept. 9, 57 days before the Nov. 5 election, ensuring that any signature of the bill will not affect that election.

Republican supporters of the bill have said it ensures straightforward measures are taken to verify people before they vote. They argue the current system allowing people to sign affidavits before registering or voting when they dont have sufficient documentation is not stringent enough and could allow fraudulent voting to influence an election. And they say obtaining photo identification and proof of citizenship ahead of elections is not a difficult burden for voters.

Democrats and other opponents say the bill could disenfranchise voters even if they are U.S. citizens and live in the state, particularly those who have lost their birth records or were born in another state. The process for obtaining new birth certificates or passports can take weeks or months, opponents note, meaning that some people could be barred from voting even as they take the precautions necessary to get that documentation.

In a statement Monday, the New Hampshire Campaign for Voting Rights reiterated its opposition to HB 1569, saying it would make New Hampshires voter registration system one of the most restrictive in the country.

This bill would be a drastic overhaul of New Hampshires elections, leaving the door open for the state to lose our exemption to the National Voter Registration Act in addition to lawsuits and potential mass challenges of voters, the organization said. The National Voter Registration Act of 1993 required that all states allow voter registration at division of motor vehicle appointments; New Hampshire is exempt from that requirement because it guarantees same-day voter registration.

Despite voicing reservations, Sununu has never given a direct answer as to whether he will sign the bill.

Rep. Bob Lynn, a former chief justice of the state Supreme Court and a current Republican representative from Windham who authored HB 1569, says he hopes the governor does sign the bill. Lynn said he had a conversation with Sununu this summer in which he urged the governor to support it.

I think that the overwhelming majority of people who do register to vote  even for the first time  they do provide all the documentation that is called by the bill, he said in an interview Tuesday.
SURFSIDE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW)  Many Surfside Beach first responders and community members paid tribute to those who lost their lives on the 23rd anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

They climbed the stairs 28 times, representing the 110 flights of stairs climbed by many first responders at the World Trade Center.

Retired NYPD officer Michael Sena was called to the World Trade Center at about 8:30 a.m. the morning of 9/11. He said what began as a rescue operation soon became a recovery operation.

Sena said he did the stair climb to honor all of the first responders and individuals who lost their lives as well as the people who later suffered health-related issues from working at the pile.

I got a message from the command, report to the command. I get to the command and they told me to grab eight guys, get in the van and head over to the World Trade Center, he said. That was around 8:30-ish when the first plane just hit, so I grabbed eight people, got in the van and went to the World Trade Center.

Surfside Beach and the rest of the U.S. remember the tragedy 23 years later.

* * *

Hannah Huffstickler is a multimedia journalist at News13. She joined the News13 team in January 2024 after graduating from Coastal Carolina University in December of 2023. Keep up with Hannah on Facebook, X, formerly Twitter, and Instagram. You can also 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.
How to survive being caught in a riptide

HONOLULU (KHON2)  What is a riptide? And what happens if you get caught in one? Ocean Safety shared safety tips after first responders were sent to a Kauai beach for multiple rescues due to dangerous ocean conditions.

Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news

Lihue resident Gary Gushiken, 50, was reported missing while snorkeling at Nukolii Beach near Wailua, Kauai on Aug. 24. Despite an extensive search, Kauai officials said he was never found.

Kauai officials continue search for missing snorkeler off Nukolii Beach

Then on Sept. 8, a family of fourincluding two childrenran into trouble at the same beach. Luckily, first responders were able to rescue them.

Kauai Ocean Safety Capt. Kaleo Lopez urges caution, especially in areas like Nukolii Beach that do not have lifeguard towers.

Its beautiful, but its dangerous, Lopez explained. (Nukolii) is not recommended or a place for beginner, intermediate, recreational swimming or snorkeling because it has dangerous rip currents and strong, close interval trade wind swells that are generated and surfed almost all year round.

According to Honolulu Ocean Safety Lt. Chelsea Kahalepauole-Bizik, almost every beach in Hawaii has rip currents, but their strength and how depends on the conditions on any given day.

Theres always going to be a current on our Islands, Kahalepauole-Bizik said. It comes with the swells, it comes with the tides.

She said it can be unpredictable. If you do get caught in a rip current, the best thing to do is stay calm. Dont try to fight it.

Float out with it, she explained. Allow it to take you out, because once the water gets back out and disperses, youre no longer in the rip current. Itll push you left to right and then youll be back in the surf.

The second option: swim parallel to the current.

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If the current current is ripping you straight out, then swim left to right, she added.

Kahalepauole-Bizik said knowing your limits is key. She said you should always ask a lifeguard before going out. And when in doubt, dont go out.

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HARRISON TOWNSHIP, Ohio (WDTN)  A person is in custody after an alleged robbery Wednesday at a McDonalds on Edwin C. Moses Boulevard.

According to Dayton Police Lt. Mark Ponichtera, officers were dispatched Wednesday to a reported robbery at McDonalds in the 2100 block of South Edwin C. Moses Boulevard in Dayton.

Officers searched for the suspect and their vehicle, which were ultimately located at a motel in the 2800 block of North Dixie Drive in Harrison Township. Ponichtera claims authorities made announcements for the individual to surrender, but the person did not.

Morris submits resignation letter to Miami Township

When the suspect failed to surrender, the Montgomery County Regional SWAT team was called, but the suspect decided to peacefully surrender.

As the team was assembling the suspect surrendered peacefully, said Ponichtera. The suspect as well as two other people were detained at the scene.

Dayton Police allege the suspect in the robbery at McDonalds is the same suspect the department has been looking for in the alleged robbery of an older woman.

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Suspect in custody after break-in at museum

Suspect in custody after break-in at museum

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  A man broke into an auxiliary room Tuesday at the Junipero Serra Museum, authorities said.

Police responded to a possible fire around 4:33 p.m. at 2727 Presidio Drive, Lt. Gibson with the San Diego Police Department confirmed to FOX 5/KUSI.

Gunman in fatal 2001 Santana High School shooting denied parole

When authorities arrived on scene, they found out the suspect was in the museum, according to police. Officers ordered the suspect to exit the building, but he refused to come out.

Authorities then forced entry into the location, where they took the suspect into custody.

The building did not sustain any damage, police said.

The San Diego History Center operates the Junipero Serra Museum.

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Suspect hospitalized after Millard Co. police standoff leads to trailer fire, arrest over the weekend

MILLARD COUNTY, Utah (ABC4)  A man accused of an attempted bank robbery in August and an alleged assault on Saturday was taken to the hospital for burns after a standoff with law enforcement over the weekend, according to the Millard County Sheriffs Office.

Michael Douglas Hathaway, 43, had multiple warrants out for his arrest from different jurisdictions, and the MCSO said he was a suspect in several incidents in the Delta area.

See something? Dont swim  Harmful algal bloom recorded at Deer Creek Reservoir

According to Sheriff Nathan J. Curtis with the Sevier County Sheriffs Office, Hathaway was considered the prime suspect in an attempted robbery in Southern Utah, and was arrested Saturday after detectives obtained a warrant.

On Sept. 7, SCSO said Hathaway barricaded himself in a Millard County home and refused to exit the home. After he was barricaded in the residence, officials said they obtained a search warrant to enter the home.

MCSO said additional crews were called to the scene after officials noticed a fire in the residence where Hathaway was barricaded.

The fire is currently under investigation but is believed to have been started by Hathaway, Curtis said.

Paul Dewsnup and Bethany Wright were close to the situation. Wright lives in a trailer on Dewsnups property, and Wright told ABC4.com that Hathaway had been in her home since earlier in the morning.

The pair said the incident caused a lot of damage.

There once was a structure, and now theres a shell that kinda resembles what once used to be there, Dewsnup told ABC4.com.

MCSO said the State Fire Marshals Office is conducting a separate investigation into the cause of the fire. Hathaway was arrested after he exited the residence, and was taken to the hospital for treatment of his severe burns, according to the sheriffs office.

Hathaway had a history of hostile behavior toward law enforcement, according to the MCSO, which prompted the request for additional help from the Department of Public Safety Special Emergency Response Team. SCSO said the U.S. Marshals Office also responded to the situation.

ABC4.com has reached out to Millard County for more details but has yet to hear back.

MJ Jewkes contributed to this report.

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Suspected 30-year-old DUI driver arrested after woman, 2 dogs killed in crash on GA 400

A Dawson man is facing charges related to a fatal crash that happened Sunday.

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Around 9:30 p.m. Forsyth County deputies and firefighters were called to a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Georgia 400 and Jot Em Down Road.

The investigation revealed that a blue 2014 Toyota Rav4 driven by Julie Waters Lamb, 72, of Dawsonville, was crossing GA 400 when she was hit by a black 2019 Ford F-150 driven by Logan Moye, 30, of Dahlonega.

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The FCSO said Moye was traveling north on GA 400 when the northbound traffic signal turned red. Lamb obeyed the traffic signal and crossed GA 400 to continue west on Jot Em Down Road.

Investigators said Moye was traveling at a speed that made it impossible for him to stop for the red traffic signal.

Lamb and her two dogs were pronounced dead at the scene.

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On Thursday, Moye was arrested and charged with homicide by vehicle (1st degree), driving under the influence of drugs, possession of a controlled substance Schedule II, reckless driving, two counts of cruelty to animals, failure to obey a traffic control device, and failure to use seatbelts.

Hes being held at the Forsyth County jail on no bond.

IN OTHER NEWS:
Senseless gun violence is as American as apple pie. (Getty Images)

One of the everyday pleasures of living on the edge of the Daniel Boone National Forest in London or my hometown of Morehead is being surrounded by woods and hills.

Unless a sniper is loose in them.

Im writing this as schools have been closed for two days and law enforcement continues to search part of the national forest for Joseph Couch, 32, an ex-Army Reserve private. Couch is charged with taking a position on a ledge overlooking Interstate 75 a few hours before dusk Saturday and opening fire on vehicles below.

Thankfully, miraculously, no one was killed but five people were injured and 12 vehicles struck by gunfire. A major north-south corridor was shut down for hours.

During the nail-biting uncertainty as we awaited  dreaded  a body count, Republican state lawmakers from the southern Kentucky area issued a statement. The senseless act of violence, they said, does not reflect the values of this community, our Commonwealth, or its people.

I think what they meant is that a place full of bighearted people shouldnt be judged by the actions of one heavily armed whacked-out individual.

But lets be real: The ease with which Couch bought a weapon of war that he turned on innocent people clearly reflects the political values of those lawmakers and others in Frankfort and Washington who steadfastly put protecting easy access to firearms above protecting people.

Republicans in Kentuckys legislative supermajority dont just value guns over people, theyve sanctified their devotion. Two of the lawmakers who issued the statement, Rep. Josh Bray of Mount Vernon and Sen. Brandon Storm of London, sponsored legislation to make Kentucky a Second Amendment sanctuary, which it became during last years session.

(One of their goals was to hamstring the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, whose agents, nonetheless, responded to the I-75 emergency.)

I probably dont need to point out that this is not the kind of sanctuary you want when bullets shatter the windows of your moving car.

Its not the kind of sanctuary that shields you when a shooter starts taking out shoppers at a supermarket or at a country music concert or a Monday morning staff meeting at a Louisville bank. Theres no sanctuary for children and teachers even in our fortified schools.

Senseless gun violence is as American as apple pie. Nowhere else outside of war zones are people randomly mowed down by semi-automatic weapons or caught in crossfire.

It does not have to be this way.

We know it doesnt have to be this way because Congress with bipartisan support in 1994 banned the sale of some semi-automatic weapons including AR-15s. Congress acted in response to mass shootings, including one in 1989 at a Louisville printing plant that killed eight people and injured 12.

The ban did nothing to decrease the number of semi-automatic weapons already in private hands and lasted only 10 years because Congress refused to renew it. A decade wasnt long enough to definitively measure the bans long-term effects, according to researchers.

But data does show an almost immediate  and steep  rise in mass shooting deaths in the years after the assault weapons ban expired. (Congress did ban something: federal funding for firearms-related research in 1996, anticipating, perhaps, that more knowledge would produce more demand for sane gun laws.)

We can definitively say that if an assault-weapons ban had been in place Saturday Joseph Couch could not have legally purchased an AR-15 rifle. Couch, who was charged with threatening a neighbor with an AR-type weapon earlier this year and has a DUI on his record, also purchased 1,000 rounds of ammunition.

He texted his ex-wife shortly before the shooting began. Im going to kill a lot of people and myself afterwards.

Thankfully, Couch failed in the first part of his self-avowed mission. If he succeeds in the second part, we may not know for sure until some poor hunter or hiker stumbles across the remains. That uncertainty gives Couch a sickening kind of power over people who cant help but be nagged by the possibility that he could still take a position and open fire again.

They wont really be alone, though. In Kentucky where the Republican supermajority only ever loosens gun laws and in a nation where even the Supreme Court is in thrall to the firearms lobby, all of us might as well be living at the foot of a hill with someone wandering around up top, armed and wanting to randomly kill a lot of people.
Suspected Georgia school shooters mom says teachers noticed red flags before she called to warn them

The mother of the suspected gunman in last weeks shooting at Georgias Apalachee High School says she warned the school the morning of the attack, and teachers had already noticed red flags.

In an interview with ABC News published Tuesday, Marcee Gray said she called the school counselor on the morning of Sept. 4, 2024, the day of the shooting, to warn officials about a concerning message shed received from her son, Colt Gray.

"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," Gray told the outlet. "Between my gut feelings, the text messages and now this email, you all need to go, like, run to the classroom."

Gray said the last message shed received from her son was, "Im sorry, Mom." She said his father had received similar texts, one that said, "Im sorry" and "Youre not to blame for this."

A woman believed to be Marcee Gray sits inside a car outside the home of suspected Apalachee school shooter Colt Gray and his father, Colin Gray, in Winder, Ga., Sept. 6, 2024.

PROSECUTOR OF FIRST PARENTS CHARGED IN SON'S SCHOOL SHOOTING ADVISES GEORGIA DA TO HAVE COURAGE

She also said shed called Apalachee nearly a week earlier because "I wanted Colt to be admitted to an inpatient treatment. Colt was on board with it."

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

When she heard about the shooting, Gray said, she "fell to the ground and just started screaming."

"I knew what had happened. I just knew in my gut," she said, calling it "unfathomable" what happened to the victims."

"If I could take their place, I would," Gray told ABC News. "I would in a heartbeat."

Fox News Digital has contacted Gray and the district for additional comment.

Suspected shooter Colt Gray, 14

Officials say Colt Gray, 14, shot and killed students Christian Angulo and Mason Schermerhorn, both 14, and teachers Richard Aspinwall, 39, and Cristina Irimie, 53. Eight other students and a teacher were injured  seven of them shot  and are expected to recover.

Marcee Grays sister, Annie Brown, told The Washington Post her sister had texted her saying she spoke with a school counselor and warned staff of an "extreme emergency" before the killings. Brown said Marcee Gray urged them to "immediately" find her son to check on him.

APALACHEE HIGH SCHOOL SHOOTING SUSPECT COLT GRAY AND FATHER APPEAR IN COURT FOR SEPARATE HEARINGS

Brown provided screenshots of the text exchange to the newspaper, which also reported that a call log from the family's shared phone plan showed a call was made to the school at 9:50 a.m. Warrants for Gray's arrest say the shooting started at 10:20 a.m.

In this image from a video monitor, suspected gunman Colt Gray, left, sits in the Barrow County Courthouse during his first appearance for the shooting at Apalachee High School Sept. 6, 2024, in Winder, Ga.

The boy's grandfather, Charles Polhamus, has told multiple news outlets that Marcee Gray got a text from her son Wednesday saying he was sorry. Polhamus told CNN Marcee Gray drove to Winder, more than 200 miles from Fitzgerald, immediately after the shooting.

Authorities have said Gray's father, Colin Gray, gave Colt access to the semiautomatic AR-15 style rifle used in the shooting. It's not clear how Gray brought the gun to campus or what he did with it in the two hours between school starting at 8:15 a.m. and when shots first rang out.

BRIANNA KUPFER MURDER: HOMELESS MAN CONVICTED OF KILLING UCLA STUDENT WHO WAS WORKING AT FURNITURE STORE

Colt Gray was charged last week as an adult with four counts of felony murder in the shooting and faces a maximum penalty of life in prison without parole or life with the possibility of parole if convicted.

Colin Gray became the first parent of a school shooting suspect to be charged in Georgia, District Attorney Brad Smith said Friday. Colin Gray was charged with second-degree murder, involuntary manslaughter and cruelty to children for providing his son with the rifle.

Colin Gray is jailed in Barrow County after declining to seek bail in a brief court hearing Friday in Winder. Colt Gray is being held in a juvenile detention center after declining to seek bail. Neither has been indicted nor entered a plea.

Alleged Apalachee school shooter Colt Gray and his father Colin Gray's former neighborhood in Jefferson Sept. 6, 2024. Both lived in the home until an eviction in May 2022.

It's unclear if Barrow County School authorities knew before the shooting that Colt and Colin Gray previously had been interviewed by a sheriff's deputy in neighboring Jackson County in May 2023 after a report of an online threat to shoot up a middle school that Colt Gray, then 13, attended.

Colin Gray told the investigator back then that Colt had access to unloaded guns in the house but knew "how to use them and not use them." He also said his son had struggled since he and his wife separated and that Colt was picked on in school.





Original article source: Suspected Georgia school shooters mom says teachers noticed red flags before she called to warn them
Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) called out his Republican colleagues in a House Judiciary Committee hearing on Tuesday for their behavior online, claiming they were not serious about the issue at hand.

You expected a serious forum, Swalwell said to the witnesses called to discuss instances of violence related to immigrants in the country illegally. You are serious. This issue is serious. They [Republicans] are not serious.

Swalwell referenced a Monday post from the House Judiciary GOP account on X in which an AI-created Donald Trump hugs a duck and a house cat.

The image refers to the false claims from Republican vice-presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio) about Haitian immigrants eating pets in Ohio.

Youd expect some seriousness, some gravitas, respect for the people who came here, Swalwell said. What in the hell is this?

Chair Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) did not respond to Swalwell.

Vance has since used the attention from the viral story on immigration to spin the conversation to other real instances of migrant violence, which GOP legislators amplified in the hearing.

Jordan and GOP lawmakers referred to Vice President Harris as the border czar throughout the session, blaming the Biden-Harris border policies for the violence committed against the family members of some witnesses.

Immigration is one of the top issues this election, and Harris runs behind Trump on the topic. A Pew Research Center report released Monday showed that only 19 percent of registered Harris supporters are very confident that she will make wise choices about immigration, compared to 39 percent of registered Trump supporters who feel the same way.

Republicans argued Tuesday that stronger background checks and necessary vetting are at the center of the issue, claiming that legal immigrants are not the problem.

If theyre coming over illegally, its because theyre hiding something, Patty Morin, mother of Rachel Morin, who was killed by an illegal immigrant, said at the hearing.

Committee Democrats argued that the current situation is a bipartisan issue, and no significant action has been taken over several administrations under either party.

Legislators on both sides of the aisle encouraged witnesses and families to keep sharing their stories and pushing for border security to dissuade instances like theirs from happening again.

Immigration doesnt happen in a vacuum, Rep. Deborah Ross (D-N.C.) said. Its a result of a lot of forces that push people from their native countries and pull them to ours.

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STOCKHOLM (Reuters) - Sweden will increase spending on its justice system by 3.46 billion crowns ($335 million) in its budget bill for 2025 to curb high crime rates, the justice minister said on Wednesday.

Including earlier decided measures and other cost increases, the justice system budget will grow by 8 billion crowns or 10% year-on-year to 86.7 billion crowns in 2025.

Sweden has been rocked by gang violence, often involving minors, in the last decade and has the highest per-capita rate of gun violence in the European Union.

Justice Minister Gunnar Strommer told a news conference that while shootings associated with organised crime so far this year were fewer than the same period in 2023, there is a risk of new spirals of violence.

"Things are still bubbling under the surface," he said.

"We aim to restore security in Sweden for all honest citizens. This involves mainly three things: cracking down on serious violence, cutting off the criminal economy, and stopping the recruitment of children and young people into gangs".

Strommer said the government plans to boost spending on the justice system to 100 billion crowns in 2027 from 69 billion in 2023.

The centre-right government coalition, which relies on support from the far-right Sweden Democrats, is due to submit its budget bill for 2025 to parliament on Sept 19.

($1 = 10.3381 Swedish crowns)

(Reporting by Anna Ringstrom and Stine Jacobsen, editing by Kim Coghill)
Syracuse to implement new trap and euthanize deer cull method; neighbors react to change

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV)  Mike Becker and his family enjoy watching deer roam through their yard. But on Standish Drive, he says there are just too many.

What people dont realize is the number of deer that we have, Becker said. There was one day we had 12 go through, an hour later 16 go through. Were overpopulated here.

Though its an annoyance for him when they nibble on his plants, deer have also caused dangerous situations in his neighborhood.

Last year, we had two accidents within a week of deer crossing the road and people hitting them, Becker said.

In order to make the annual deer cull safer, the city of Syracuse is implementing a new plan in certain areas.

Deer enter a net-like trap, and a wildlife manager is immediately alerted that the deer is there, said Greg Loh, the Chief Policy Officer for Syracuse. They are then able to euthanize the animal using a captive bolt firearm device.

Loh says it will be easier to target hotspots using this method.

We hope well be able to accomplish reduction of deer populations in neighborhoods that have only seen increases in numbers, he added.

However, some people think that euthanasia is unnecessary.

It seems like maybe if they trap them, they can move them to Jamesville Park or Jamesville Beach, said Ruth Mavis, who sees deer on her lawn often on West Moreland Avenue. Some place out in the country.

Loh says venison from the deer will be donated to the Food Bank of Central New York. The city is holding a meeting about the plan on Wednesday morning, September 11, at 10 a.m. in the council chambers. There will be time for public comment.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSYR.
A new cultural center has opened up in an effort to help refugees in Erie.

The Syrian Cultural Center welcomed city and county officials to kick off its opening. The center, located at 2123 West Eighth St., will assist Syrian refugees in Erie and provide knowledge about the Syrian community.

Im excited to be a part of it  Millcreek Fire Dept. swears in three full-time firefighters

Services being offered by the center will help the refugees resettle in Erie. There will also be help with transportation and language translation.

I would be proud of each Syrian to be herefull of positive in the community and start his life here to show exactly what Syrians are, said Bassam Dabbah, Syrian Culture Center.

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Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te on Wednesday rallied for support of the island's troops after visiting a pilot who ejected from his malfunctioning fighter jet (WALID BERRAZEG) (WALID BERRAZEG/AFP/AFP)

Taiwan's air force said Wednesday it had grounded its fleet of Mirage 2000 fighters for safety checks, after a jet crashed during a night training flight the day before.

Under the administration of new President Lai Ching-te, Taiwan revamped training for its armed forces to include more nighttime drills and exercises as the democratic island faces greater pressures from China, which claims it as part of its territory.

On Tuesday night, Captain Hsieh Pei-hsun was forced to eject from his single-seat Mirage 2000 fighter after it apparently lost power, the defence ministry said.

The jet crashed into the sea, while Hsieh was rescued about two hours later and transported to a hospital in central Taichung city.

The air force's chief of staff said it had implemented a Tien An -- or "safe skies" -- inspection of its 60-plane Mirage-2000 fleet, which would mean grounding them.

"A special inspection will be carried out for the whole Mirage fleet," Lieutenant General Wang Te-yang said during a news conference. "We also set up a task force immediately to investigate the incident."

Despite the grounding, he said "there will be no pressure or impact on the air force's combat capabilities in the short term".

Taiwan's Mirage-2000 fighters were purchased in 1992 from France in an arms deal that angered China.

They are still a core component of the island's ageing fleet, which also includes F16 fighter jets from the United States, and locally built Indigenous Defence Fighters.

Taiwan's air force and military are up against increasing pressures from China, which has in recent years ramped up incursions by fighter jets and drones around the island -- actions that military experts dub as grey-zone tactics that serve to exhaust the island's armed forces.

In a 24-hour window ending 6:00 am Wednesday (2200 GMT Tuesday), 21 Chinese military aircraft, nine naval vessels and an official ship were detected around the island, Taiwan's defence ministry said.

A subsequent statement said a further 19 Chinese fighter jets, patrol aircraft and drones were tracked around Taiwan, and the defence ministry was monitoring the situation.

Lai visited Hsieh in hospital and said the pilot's condition was stable.

"The people should also know that in order to protect the country, the armed forces not only stick to their posts but also train day and night," the president told reporters after his visit.

"I ask the people to fully support the military and be the backing of the military. This way the military will have more strength to protect the country. Only by defending the country can we have a stable society," he said.

Beijing, which regards Lai as a "dangerous separatist", launched war games simulating a blockade around Taiwan three days after he was sworn in as president in May.

China has said it would never renounce the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control.

aw/dhc/mtp
Palmetto General, North Shore Medical Center and three other South Florida hospitals owned by a healthcare company in bankruptcy are changing hands.

Steward Health Care System is handing over its Miami-Dade and Broward hospitals to its landlord, which has tapped Healthcare Systems of America -Florida LLC to help it temporarily run the hospitals as interim manager until it finds a long-term operator. Records show the company was registered Aug. 18 in the state of Nevada.

The deal includes Palmetto General Hospital in Hialeah, Coral Gables Hospital, Hialeah Hospital, North Shore Medical Center in North Miami-Dade and Florida Medical Center in Lauderdale Lakes.

The decision is part of a deal Steward Health made with Medical Properties Trust, which owns the land the hospitals sit on, to get out of its lease and keep hospitals open in South Florida and other states.

The arrangement, still being finalized, was given the OK to move forward by U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Christopher Lopez in Houston bankruptcy court Wednesday, with a final hearing set for Sept. 17. The judge on Tuesday approved the sale of Stewards three Florida Space Coast hospitals to Central Floridas Orlando Health for $439.42 million in cash.

READ MORE: A buyer has emerged for several Florida hospitals owned by a health giant in bankruptcy

As part of the proposed deal, the landlord would take over Stewards hospitals in Miami-Dade, Broward and others in several states. Medical Properties Trust would then partner with health companies to temporarily run the hospitals.

For the South Florida hospitals, the landlord will be working with Healthcare Systems of America in running the day-to-day operations, according to the proposed settlement. Stewards attorney indicated in court that Steward would still be involved, at least for now, due to license and contractual obligations.

The goal is to secure a deal with permanent hospital operators by October, according to the settlement.

In return, Medical Properties Trust would stop pursuing claims against Steward for money owed, including billions related to the lease of Stewards hospitals in Florida and other states. Steward would also stop pursuing claims against the landlord.

Steward Health had sold all of its South Florida real estate to Medical Properties Trust in 2021, and has since paid rent to operate its hospitals on the properties it used to own. All 31 of its U.S. hospitals, including five in South Florida, were put up for sale as part of a plan to shed debt after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in May.

But the sale became complicated when the healthcare company and Medical Properties Trust got into disputes over unpaid rent and also began accusing each other of attempting to interfere with potential deals to try to make more money. That eventually led to this settlement agreement, which came just in time for cash-crunched Steward, which was warning it didnt have enough money to continue operating hospitals and that there could be more shutdowns if a deal wasnt made.

We are certain this is the path we have to pursue, Stewards attorney said in court.
Video: St. Pete Uhuru members discuss federal indictments over alleged Russia connections

TAMPA, Fla. (AP)  Jurors in Tampa, Florida will deliberate Wednesday in the trial of four activists accused of illegally acting as Russian agents to help the Kremlin sow political discord and interfere in U.S. elections.

All four are or were affiliated with the African Peoples Socialist Party and Uhuru Movement, which has locations in St. Petersburg, Florida, and St. Louis. Among those charged is Omali Yeshitela, the 82-year-old chairman of the U.S.-based organization focused on Black empowerment and the effort to obtain reparations for slavery and what it considers the past genocide of Africans.

St. Pete Uhuru members discuss federal indictments over alleged Russia connections

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.

Attorneys finished their closing arguments late Tuesday, and jurors told the judge they wanted to go home for the night, the Tampa Bay Times reported. The trial had been scheduled to last a month but moved quickly, concluding after a week of testimony.

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 Aleksandr Ionov, who runs an organization known as the Anti-Globalization Movement of Russia, 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.

FBI Tampa Division launches criminal investigation into St. Pete non-profit missing $100M

The defense attorney called the case dangerous for the First Amendment and asserted that the government was trying to silence the Uhurus for expressing their views.

Yeshitela, Hess and Nevel each face up to 15 years in prison if convicted of conspiracy to defraud the U.S. and failing to register with the Justice Department as agents of a foreign government. Romain faces up to five years for a registration charge. They have all pleaded not guilty.

Three Russians, two of whom prosecutors say are Russian intelligence agents, are also charged in the case but have not been arrested.

Although there are some echoes of claims that Russia meddled in the 2016 U.S. presidential election, U.S. District Judge William Jung has said those issues are not part of this case.

Prosecutors have said the groups members acted under Russian direction to stage protests in 2016 claiming Black people have been victims of genocide in the U.S. and took other actions for the following six years that would benefit Russia, including opposition to U.S. policy in the Ukraine war.

The defense attorneys, however, have said that despite their connections to the Russian organization, the actions taken by the African Peoples Socialist Party and Uhuru Movement were aligned precisely with what they have advocated for more than 50 years. Yeshitela founded the organization in 1972 as a Black empowerment group opposed to vestiges of colonialism around the world.

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Taylor Swift announced after Tuesday night's presidential debate that she is endorsing Kamala Harris and Tim Walz. (George Walker IV / Associated Press)

Taylor Swift said Tuesday night that she plans to vote for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz in November, adding that she wanted to clear the air after former President Trump suggested that she might support the Republican ticket.

In an Instagram post minutes after the debate between Harris and Trump ended, Swift said she was voting for Harris because "she fights for the rights and causes I believe need a warrior to champion them."

"We can accomplish so much more in this country if we are led by calm and not chaos," Swift wrote. She said she was "so heartened and impressed" that Harris chose Walz as her running mate, "who has been standing up for LGBTQ+ rights, IVF, and a woman's right to her own body for decades."

Swift's post comes several weeks after Trump shared images, created using artificial intelligence, that suggested that Swift had endorsed him and that her fans could help him win in November.

One image posted to Trump's social media network, Truth Social, showed a group of young women wearing "Swifties for Trump" shirts. Another showed Swift dressed up as Uncle Sam, with the headline: "Taylor wants you to vote for Donald Trump."

The images were shared by a social media influencer and re-shared by Trump, who added: "I accept."

"It really conjured up my fears around AI, and the dangers of spreading misinformation," Swift wrote of the images. "It brought me to the conclusion that I need to be very transparent about my actual plans for this election as a voter. The simplest way to combat misinformation is with the truth."

Swift, 34, wrote in her message that "your research is all yours to do, and the choice is yours to make."

"If you havent already, now is a great time to do your research on the issues at hand and the stances these candidates take on the topics that matter to you the most," Swift wrote. "As a voter, I make sure to watch and read everything I can about their proposed policies and plans for this country."

Swift posted her message alongside a photo from her Time magazine "Person of the Year" shoot, holding her youngest cat, Benjamin Button, against her shoulder. She signed her post: "Taylor Swift, Childless Cat Lady."

Her sign-off was a not-so-subtle nod to Republican vice presidential candidate and Ohio Sen. JD Vance, who once derided Harris and other Democratic leaders as childless cat ladies.

"We are effectively run in this country via the Democrats, via our corporate oligarchs, by a bunch of childless cat ladies who are miserable at their own lives and the choices that they've made and so they want to make the rest of the country miserable too," Vance told Fox News' then-host Tucker Carlson in 2021. "It's just a basic fact  you look at Kamala Harris, Pete Buttigieg, AOC  the entire future of the Democrats is controlled by people without children."

Walz learned about the endorsement while on the air with MSNBC host Rachel Maddow. He beamed and pressed his hand to his heart as Maddow read the post aloud.

"I am incredibly grateful, first of all, to Taylor Swift," Walz said. "I say that also as a cat owner, a fellow cat owner. That was eloquent, and it was clear, and that's the type of courage we need in America."

Swift has deep ties to Pennsylvania, which was mentioned repeatedly during Tuesday's debate in Philadelphia. She grew up midway between Harrisburg and Philadelphia. Her boyfriend, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, is the brother of Jason Kelce, a former center for the Philadelphia Eagles.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
The post Taylor Swift Endorses Kamala Harris appeared first on Consequence.

Taylor Swift has officially endorsed Kamala Harris for president in 2024.

Swift announced her endorsement on Instagram on Tuesday following Harris debate against Donald Trump.

Im voting for Kamala Harris because she fights for the rights and causes I believe need a warrior to champion them, Swift explained. I think she is a steady-handed, gifted leader and I believe we can accomplish so much more in this country if we are led by calm and not chaos. I was so heartened and impressed by her selection of running mate Tom Walz, who has been standing up for LGBTQ+ rights, IVF, and a womans right to her own body for decades.

Swift said, As a voter, I make sure to watch and read everything I can about their proposed policies and plans for this country. She added, Ive done my research, and Ive made my choice.

Swift also acknowledged that she was partly motivated to publicly endorse Harris because Trump had posted fake AI-generated images suggesting she had endorsed his presidential run. It really conjured up my fears around AI, and the dangers of spreading misinformation. It brought me to the conclusion that I need to be very transparent about my actual plans for this election as a voter. The simplest way to combat misinformation is with the truth.

To conclude her post, Swift encouraged her fans to register to vote and to conduct their own research to find the candidate who best aligns with the issues most important to them.

Swift signed her post as Childless Cat Lady and included a photo of herself with her cat, referencing a remark made by Trumps running mate, J.D. Vance.

Swift previously endorsed Joe Biden and Kamala Harris in 2020.

Last year, Trump questioned whether Swift was actually liberal in an interview with Variety editor-in-chief Ramin Setoodeh for his book, Apprentice in Wonderland: How Donald Trump and Mark Burnett Took America Through the Looking Glass. She is liberal, or is that just an act? Trump asked Setoodeh. Shes legitimately liberal? Its not an act? It surprises me that a country star can be successful being liberal.

Swift will embark on the final run of her Eras Tour beginning in October, with concerts in Miami, New Orleans, Indianapolis, Toronto, and Vancouver. Get last-minute tickets here.

Taylor Swift Endorses Kamala Harris

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Taylor Swift made it official on Tuesday night: Shes endorsing Kamala Harris and Tim Walz for president and vice president.

Like many of you, I watched the debate tonight, she posted to Instagram along with a photo of her holding her cat, Benjamin Button. If you havent already, now is a great time to do your research on the issues at hand and the stances these candidates take on the topics that matter to you the most.

I will be casting my vote for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz in the 2024 Presidential Election, she continued. Im voting for @kamalaharris because she fights for the rights and causes I believe need a warrior to champion them. I think she is a steady-handed, gifted leader and I believe we can accomplish so much more in this country if we are led by calm and not chaos.

In a further example of the strength of her convictions, Swift signed her post as a childless cat lady.

Not long after her Instagram announcement, the Harris campaign responded with a post on X, saying, Ready for it, a reference to one of Swifts hits.

Its long been rumored that Swift, a 34-year-old Pennsylvania native, would endorse the Democratic ticketshe has backed Democratic candidates in the past.

Even prior to Swifts social media statement Tuesday, Republicans and Trump himself have attacked the musician for her political leaningspossibly fearful at what her endorsement might mean for whats shaping up to be an tight race.

(They have also made a play for her support, though, with Trump among those in recent weeks sharing AI-generated images purporting to show Swifties backing his campaign. Swift cited these fakes as part of the reason she had to make her position on this election public.)

Taylor Swift and Brittany Mahomes Reunite at the US Open After Trump Drama

Trumps campaign was quick to address Swifts endorsement on Tuesday, claiming its somehow proof that Harris has become the party of the wealthy elite.

President Trump will fight for the American worker, the struggling family who cant afford grocery and gas, and the angel families who are losing their loved ones of Kamalas open border, said campaign spokesperson Karoline Leavitt.

Taylor Swift was criticized by some of her left-leaning fans after she was seen embracing her pal Brittany Mahomes at the U.S. Open this weekendjust after reports said Mahomes liked pro-Donald Trump posts online. Mike Segar/Reuters

Asked about Swifts endorsement in a post-debate gaggle with reporters, Trump remarked that he hadnt seen the news yet.

While Swift was the only prominent celeb to make an endorsement late Tuesday, scores of other big names threw their support behind Swift by liking her post. Among them: Caitlin Clark, Selena Gomez, Jennifer Aniston, Mandy Moore, Andy Cohen, Jack Antonoff, Chrissy Teigen, reported Brian Stelter of CNN.

Ready for it  pic.twitter.com/TqDdzlhWto  Kamala HQ (@KamalaHQ) September 11, 2024

After just 30 minutes, Swifts endorsement post had eclipsed a whopping two million likesand was, as off 11:45 pm ET, still climbing by the thousands each minute.

Harris, well, endorsement of Swifts endorsement was seemingly immediate. As she exited the stage of a post-debate rally, Swifts The Man playeda track Rolling Stone once described as a righteous feminist bombshell.

Im so sick of running as fast as I can, Swift sings in the song, released in 2019. Wondering if Id get there quicker if I was a man.

Kamala Harris and Tim Walz campaign are now selling friendship bracelets after Taylor Swifts endorsement. Harris-Walz Campaign

Harris and Walz campaign also began selling friendship braceletsa clear nod to Swifties obsession with the kitschy acessory at shows during her Eras Tour. The bracelets, which say Harris and Walz will set a buyer back $20.

Are you ready for it? the bracelets description reads. Harris-Walz friendship bracelets are here!

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Vice President Kamala Harris just received the ultimate endorsement.

Minutes after the conclusion of Tuesdays presidential debate, hosted on ABC and simulcast on every major news network, Taylor Swift took to Instagram to formally endorse former President Donald Trumps opponent.

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What follows is Swifts full statement, which she shared with her 283 million Instagram followers:

Like many of you, I watched the debate tonight. If you havent already, now is a great time to do your research on the issues at hand and the stances these candidates take on the topics that matter to you the most. As a voter, I make sure to watch and read everything I can about their proposed policies and plans for this country. Recently I was made aware that AI of me falsely endorsing Donald Trumps presidential run was posted to his site. It really conjured up my fears around AI, and the dangers of spreading misinformation. It brought me to the conclusion that I need to be very transparent about my actual plans for this election as a voter. The simplest way to combat misinformation is with the truth. I will be casting my vote for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz in the 2024 Presidential Election. Im voting for @kamalaharris because she fights for the rights and causes I believe need a warrior to champion them. I think she is a steady-handed, gifted leader and I believe we can accomplish so much more in this country if we are led by calm and not chaos. I was so heartened and impressed by her selection of running mate @timwalz, who has been standing up for LGBTQ+ rights, IVF, and a womans right to her own body for decades. Ive done my research, and Ive made my choice. Your research is all yours to do, and the choice is yours to make. I also want to say, especially to first time voters: Remember that in order to vote, you have to be registered! I also find its much easier to vote early. Ill link where to register and find early voting dates and info in my story. With love and hope, Taylor Swift

Childless Cat Lady Instagram

Watch MSNBCs Rachel Maddow break the news of Swifts endorsement to Harris running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, live on-air:

BREAKING: Taylor Swift endorses Kamala Harris for president.



Tim Walz reacts to the news LIVE on MSNBC pic.twitter.com/wACc6WzQ3k  MSNBC (@MSNBC) September 11, 2024

Minutes later, Jon Stewart addressed the Swift endorsement during a live edition of The Daily Show. I have some breaking news, the Comedy Central host informed his viewers following his return from commercial. We talked earlier about these debates  Do they mean anything? Do they even do anything? Apparently, they did move the needle enough for one undecided voter: a Ms. Taylor Swift has endorsed Kamala Harris. After his studio audience cheered in response, he added: You know what this means? Taylor Swift and I were watching TV at the same time!

Over on CBS, Late Show host Stephen Colbert declared that Harris gave one of the best debate performances I have ever seen, and there is nothing  absolutely nothing  that could have made tonight any better.

Then came Swifts endorsement.

I stand corrected, he said.

Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

Tuesdays debate ran for more than 90 minutes, with two commercial breaks. There were no opening statements. Harris and Trump had two minutes to answer each question, with two additional minutes allowed for rebuttals and an extra minute for follow-ups. Each candidates microphone was muted when the other candidate spoke, and they were not permitted to ask each other questions.

David Muir and Linsey Davis moderated the audience-free spectacle from the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, where they sought to ensure a civilized discussion. No topics or questions were shared with the candidates beforehand, and no props or pre-written notes were allowed on stage.

After a coin flip to decide, Trump chose to deliver the last closing statement. You can weigh in on Trump and Harris respective performances here.

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Taylor Swift, June 2024 (Gareth Cattermole/TAS24/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management)

Taylor Swift has made a rare political endorsement, telling the world that she will be voting for the Democratic nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris, in the U.S. presidential election. Im voting for @kamalaharris because she fights for the rights and causes I believe need a warrior to champion them, Swift wrote. I think she is a steady-handed, gifted leader and I believe we can accomplish so much more in this country if we are led by calm and not chaos. Find Swifts full statement below.

Swift made her statement after tonights presidential debate between Harris and former President Donald J. Trump. It also arrives after months of speculation about whether she would formally throw her support behind a presidential candidate, as Swift has rarely endorsed specific candidates. In 2018, she threw her support behind two Democratic candidates in Tennessee. (I always have and always will cast my vote based on which candidate will protect and fight for the human rights I believe we all deserve in this country, she wrote at the time.) And, ahead of the 2020 presidential election, she told V that she would be voting for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. In addition, Swift has supported various causes and legislation, such as the Equality Act and the March for Our Lives.

In her statement tonight, Swift referenced Trumps false claims that she had endorsed him for president. Recently I was made aware that AI of me falsely endorsing Donald Trumps presidential run was posted to his site, she wrote. It really conjured up my fears around AI, and the dangers of spreading misinformation. It brought me to the conclusion that I need to be very transparent about my actual plans for this election as a voter. The simplest way to combat misinformation is with the truth.

Swift shared her endorsement on her Instagram account, where she has over 283 million followers. She pointedly posted her message with a photo of herself and one of her beloved cats. During tonights debate, Trump made false claims about immigrants in Ohio eating pet cats and dogs, and his Republican running mate, Senator JD Vance of Ohio, has tried to denigrate Harris and other women by calling them childless cat ladies. Reclaiming the phrase, Swift, who has no children and several pet cats, signed her note, Taylor Swift Childless Cat Lady.

According to The New York Times, Karoline Leavitt, a spokeswoman for the Trump campaign, responded to Swifts endorsement of Harris by calling it more evidence that the Democrat party has become the party of the wealthy elite.

Taylor Swift:

Like many of you, I watched the debate tonight. If you havent already, now is a great time to do your research on the issues at hand and the stances these candidates take on the topics that matter to you the most. As a voter, I make sure to watch and read everything I can about their proposed policies and plans for this country.

Recently I was made aware that AI of me falsely endorsing Donald Trumps presidential run was posted to his site. It really conjured up my fears around AI, and the dangers of spreading misinformation. It brought me to the conclusion that I need to be very transparent about my actual plans for this election as a voter. The simplest way to combat misinformation is with the truth.

I will be casting my vote for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz in the 2024 Presidential Election. Im voting for @kamalaharris because she fights for the rights and causes I believe need a warrior to champion them. I think she is a steady-handed, gifted leader and I believe we can accomplish so much more in this country if we are led by calm and not chaos. I was so heartened and impressed by her selection of running mate @timwalz, who has been standing up for LGBTQ+ rights, IVF, and a womans right to her own body for decades.

Ive done my research, and Ive made my choice. Your research is all yours to do, and the choice is yours to make. I also want to say, especially to first time voters: Remember that in order to vote, you have to be registered! I also find its much easier to vote early. Ill link where to register and find early voting dates and info in my story.

With love and hope,

Taylor Swift

Childless Cat Lady

Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly indicated that Taylor Swift had not endorsed candidates in the 2020 presidential election. Ahead of the election, she said that she would be voting for the Democratic ticket of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris.

Originally Appeared on Pitchfork
Pop superstar Taylor Swift took to Instagram Tuesday night to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris presidential bid, potentially activating her army of Swifties to head to the polls in November.

Like many of you, I watched the debate tonight, she wrote in a lengthy post to her 283 million followers after the Harris vs. Donald Trump presidential debate. If you havent already, now is a great time to do your research on the issues at hand and the stances these candidates take on the topics that matter to you the most. As a voter, I make sure to watch and read everything I can about their proposed policies and plans for this country.

More from The Hollywood Reporter

The highly influential artist continued, Recently I was made aware that AI of me falsely endorsing Donald Trumps presidential run was posted to his site. It really conjured up my fears around AI, and the dangers of spreading misinformation. It brought me to the conclusion that I need to be very transparent about my actual plans for this election as a voter. The simplest way to combat misinformation is with the truth.

Swift proceeded to proudly share that she will be casting my vote for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz in the 2024 Presidential Election, in the post that also featured a photo of the superstar holding her cat.

Im voting for @kamalaharris because she fights for the rights and causes I believe need a warrior to champion them, the Grammy-winning singer wrote. I think she is a steady-handed, gifted leader and I believe we can accomplish so much more in this country if we are led by calm and not chaos. I was so heartened and impressed by her selection of running mate @timwalz, who has been standing up for LGBTQ+ rights, IVF, and a womans right to her own body for decades.

Swift concluded by urging her fans to register to vote: Ive done my research, and Ive made my choice. Your research is all yours to do, and the choice is yours to make. I also want to say, especially to first time voters: Remember that in order to vote, you have to be registered! I also find its much easier to vote early. Ill link where to register and find early voting dates and info in my story.

With love and hope, Taylor Swift, Childless Cat Lady, she signed off her message, seemingly referencing Trumps running mate J. D. Vances past comments about women who dont have children.

Swift was known for steadfastly staying away from politics in her early career  long before she pivoted to pop songs and was hurled into her current uncharted territory of mega fame. Two years into the Trump administration, Swift decided to let her politics be known. In an Instagram post, Swift endorsed the Democratic candidates Phil Bredesen and Jim Cooper in the 2018 U.S. midterm elections in her home state Tennessee. In 2020, she endorsed Joe Biden for president.

After Swift announced her endorsement, Rachel Maddow broke the news live on air to a delighted Walz. I am incredibly grateful, first of all, to Taylor Swift, and I say that as a fellow cat owner, he said in response. That was eloquent, and it was clear. And thats the type of courage that we need in America to stand up. Weve seen it out of those Republicans who were at the DNC, weve seen it out of women who would like to have their own personal lives kept personal, but are forced to go out there because they nearly died because they cant get abortion services in a pregnancy, and now you have somebody like Taylor Swift coming out and making that very clear. This is a big opportunity!

Ahead of the Democratic National Convention last month, speculation had previously swirled around if Swift would publicly endorse Harris, with only President Barack Obamas official nod to the Harris campaign receiving more attention. A petition from MoveOn.org even sought signatures to compel both Swift and pop superstar Beyonce to endorse Harris.

Beyonce, for her part, was quick to lend the Harris campaign its theme song. Two days into Harris campaign, the pop star okd the use of her 2016 track Freedom, from her hit album Lemonade. Not only is the song a selection for Harris to play at her events, it has a central role in her first campaign ad.

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Tea is the main export of Sri Lanka, the second largest supplier of black tea to the international market (Ishara S. KODIKARA) (Ishara S. KODIKARA/AFP/AFP)

The backbone of the economy, Sri Lanka's tea pickers are determined to use their powerful vote to choose a president this month who will change grim working conditions for good.

Tea pickers largely voted as a bloc in past polls and the support of the estimated one million people working directly or indirectly in the industry will be critical in the tightly fought September 21 polls.

"Nothing has been done for us," said 42-year-old tea picker K. Jesmina, who shares a small and basic two-room home without running water with 10 family members.

"We hope at least after this election, we will get some help," Jesmina added, noting her family shares a toilet with 115 other households.

Tea is the main export of Sri Lanka, the second largest supplier of black tea to the international market according to the United Nations' agriculture agency (FAO).

In a bankrupt nation still reeling from a 2022 economic crisis and unrest that ousted strongman president Gotabaya Rajapaksa, the $1.3 billion tea exports are vital foreign income.

The aromatic "Ceylon Tea", known by the island's colonial-era name, is celebrated as among the finest in the world.

But behind the picturesque plantations are conditions that experts say border on modern-day slavery.

All three front-running candidates -- President Ranil Wickremesinghe, opposition leader Sajith Premadasa and Marxist leader Anura Kumara Dissanayaka - have promised to address tea pickers' longstanding demand for better housing.

The pickers' main political party, the Ceylon Workers Congress (CWC), are backing the incumbent Wickremesinghe.

He has promised workers freehold land rights and support for pickers to build their own homes.

But years of economic crisis and tough fiscal cuts Wickremesinghe has pushed mean many pickers are deeply distrustful of promises from any politician.

"They come and get our vote, and after that, they don't care about us," Jesmina said.

- 'We are not slaves' -

The island's pickers are mainly from the Tamil minority and arrived from neighbouring India during British colonial rule.

Fairtrade, the global sustainability label, says industry challenges include "low minimum wages, marginalisation of tea workers and the colonial legacy of tea plantation systems".

Jesmina's home is in a crowded housing settlement in Hatton, in the heart of the island's tea-growing estates, some 80 kilometres (50 miles) east of Colombo.

"What we expect is better housing," Jesmina said, while carrying her five-month-old granddaughter.

Many pickers support the CWC party, backing Wickremesinghe.

"We are not slaves," CWC national organiser Palani Shakthivel, 59, told AFP, before addressing tea workers at a rally.

"So, we want equal rights -- whatever other communities, other people, are enjoying".

Wickremesinghe's government in July ordered pickers be paid a 70 percent wage increase -- from 1,000 ($3.35) to 1,700 rupees ($5.68) per day for their backbreaking work.

But it then revoked the decree after employers said they could not afford it.

Tea picker R. Sundarsewaran, 51, said he was considering voting for Dissanayaka, leader of the Marxist People's Liberation Front (JVP).

"We don't have drinking water, there are no toilets, there are two or three families in one room -- we live with great difficulty," he said.

- 'Shocked the conscience' -

Wickremesinghe, elected by parliament to lead the interim government, wants another term to continue tough austerity measures in line with a $2.9 billion IMF bailout loan to stabilise the economy.

Typically, a tea picker is paid for around 20 days a month -- a gruelling job plucking 20 kilogrammes (44 pounds) of tiny tea leaf tips for each shift.

Pickers say take-home pay is often around 20,000 rupees ($66), just below the minimum monthly wage of 21,000 rupees.

While some tea companies pay higher wages, tea unions say plantation workers are the worst-paid labourers in the country.

In June, the Ceylon Workers Red Flag Union put plantation workers in front of a three-member panel of former judges from India, Nepal and Sri Lanka.

The judges' report said they were "horrified by the stark realities" of the lives of plantation workers, including tea pickers, describing exploitation that reduced workers to effective bonded labour.

"It has shocked the conscience of the tribunal that such practices could continue unabated in the modern civilised world," the report said.

For pickers like Sundarsewaran, this vote might be the time to shift alliances and try a new party.

"Politicians come here promising this that and the other," he said. "But they are not helping us in any way."

aj/pjm/sw/rsc
A teenager has been warned he could face jail after he admitted yelling religious abuse from the top of a phone box in Brighton.

Max Ritchings, 18, shouted abuse relating to Muslims at Madeira Drive, near Brighton Pier, during Pride weekend on 4 August, amid disorder across the country.

The vape shop worker, from Haywards Heath, West Sussex, pleaded guilty to causing religiously aggravated harassment, alarm or distress at Lewes Crown Court.

Judge Christine Laing KC told him: "You must realise how serious the offences are and how seriously they are being viewed by the courts and custody is the likely result."

Ritchings also pleaded guilty to inciting violence by making social media posts encouraging arson of Islamic buildings.

Defence lawyer Nicholas Hamblin said he had apologised to the judge for his actions and had handed himself into police when he heard they were looking for him.

He added the teenager's time in custody before the court hearing had been a short, sharp shock.

Ritchings was released on bail. He is due to be sentenced on 18 October.

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Teen fatally stabs mother in Auburndale, PCSO says, less than 2 years after killing father

A 17-year-old boy fatally stabbed his mother in an Auburndale mobile home with a kitchen knife, pictured above, and reported it to 911 as an accident, according to Polk Sheriff Grady Judd.

A 17-year-old boy fatally stabbed his mother Sunday and reported it to 911 as an accident, according to Polk County Sheriff's Office, less than two years after allegedly killing his father in self-defense.

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, in a Wednesday afternoon news conference, said deputies responded to a 911 call about 6 p.m. Sunday off Hewlett Drive in The Hamptons senior community in Auburndale.

A teen caller said he and his mother, Catherine Griffith, 39, had gotten into a fight. The caller alleged his mother lunged at him with a knife and fell on it, resulting in a deep stab wound to her neck, Judd said.

Upon arrival, deputies met with the teen outside the mobile home, and he immediately asked to speak with a lawyer, saying he knew his legal rights, according to Judd.

"It's a cold-blooded murder," Judd said.

Inside the home, deputies found Griffith had been stabbed in the neck with a 12-inch kitchen knife. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Judd said the interior of the home was neat and clean, with no evidence of a prolonged fight having taken place.

"The medical examiner said, 'It is not reasonable or plausible that she died the way that he said she did,'" Judd said. "It just didn't happen."

Witnesses said they saw the teen and his mother arguing outside the mobile home earlier in the day, before the boy grabbed his mother by the hair and dragged her inside. Griffith was pleading "let me go," Judd said.

The home belongs to the teen's grandmother, who was at a secondary home in the Keys at the time of the events. She told detectives there are multiple past instances in which the teen physically or verbally threatened his mother, including multiple threats to kill her, Judd said.

In September 2023, the teen was Baker Acted in Charlotte County and upon his release made the statement, "I'll kill myself or I'll kill my mother by shooting or stabbing her," Judd said. The teen was readmitted under the Baker Act and held for an additional three days.

Three months later, the boy was arrested for domestic violence against Griffith. Judd said the mother disciplined him by taking away his video game privileges, causing the teen to push her to the ground and stomp on her.

The grandmother witnessed this event, in which the boy alleged it was self-defense, Judd said. He went to jail.

In February, the teen had an argument with his mother and fled from Charlotte County to his grandmother's home in Auburndale. Polk deputies got involved as the grandmother said the family didn't feel safe, and because the teen was reported as a missing person, turned the boy over to the state's Department of Children and Families.

Amid simmering feud One man fatally shoots another in West Lakeland, Polk sheriff says

Two days later, the state attempted to reunite the boy and his mother. Judd said the teen made a statement about not wanting to go home, and "using any force necessary to avoid it, to include killing my mother."

In March, the teen went home to live with his mother in Charlotte County.

On Sept. 6, the boy had another argument with his mother and fled to his grandmother's home in Auburndale, Judd said. The mother waited two days and drove from Charlotte County to Auburndale to pick up her son about 4 p.m.

The boy made the 911 call reporting his mother's injuries about 6 p.m.

"Our investigation clearly and unequivocally shows that circumstance did not occur like that," Judd said. "He used similar language when he made a 911 call 18 or 20 months earlier when he shot and killed his father."

Previously, the teen was arrested in February 2023 in the shooting death of his father in Oklahoma. The boy alleged his father pulled a knife on him, Judd said, and used a gun to shoot his father once in the head and once in the chest.

The teen had been arrested and charged with first-degree murder. However, Judd said the charges were dropped after about a month as "they could not disprove [his] assertion of self-defense."

The boy is in custody at the Polk County jail. He faces one capital felony charge of first-degree murder, a felony charge of kidnapping and one second-degree misdemeanor for violation of a no-contact order.

The Sheriff's Office is asking for State Attorney Brian Haas to prosecute the teen as an adult.

Judd said if evidence is found or developed during Polk's investigation, authorities in Oklahoma have indicated a willingness to reopen their murder investigation.

This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Teen kills mother with knife, reports it as accident, PCSO says
HELLS KITCHEN, Manhattan (PIX11) A 17-year-old boy was shot in the back in Manhattan Tuesday night, police said.

Four suspects approached the teen near 51st Street and 10th Avenue in Hells Kitchen before shots rang out just before 7 p.m., according to the NYPD. The victim was struck in the back and taken to the hospital for treatment.

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The suspects ran off after the incident and were last seen heading westbound on 51st Street, police said. There have been no arrests.

No other information was available.

The shooting happened in the neighborhood patrolled by the Midtown North Precinct, which has seen a 26% decline in shootings and an 18% drop in shooting victims this year compared to last year, according to NYPD data.

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.
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.

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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.
skynesher

When Megan, a 16-year-old high school junior in Ohio, walks into school in the morning, she has to put her phone away until the end of the day. She isnt allowed to take it out while shes walking to another class or during her lunch period or during any free time. If she gets caught with her phone out, she says it will be taken away. If a student repeatedly gets caught with their phone, Megan says they face stricter consequences like in-school suspension, typical suspension, or even expulsion.

In an effort to control student cell phone usage during school hours and class time, this school year brought a wave of new rules and even laws regarding cell phones in school. At least eight states have passed laws aimed at curtailing phone use in school this year, and other districts and teachers are setting down their own phone bans or limits. With these efforts, schools apparently hope to limit distractions and bullying and bolster learning, but students, of course, arent thrilled with the new rules.

On TikTok, students are making content to address their irritation with the new phone bans. One creator made a video of herself over audio of Khloe Kardashian saying today Im going to jail with a text overlay that reads, Me because I have to go to school and they have banned phones. Another wondered how administrators are able to ban her phone when they arent the ones paying her cell phone bill. A senior posted a video of the camcorder shes bringing to school to document her senior year in place of the phone she would usually use to take photos and videos. While some simply want access to their device during school hours, others brought up safety concerns that are a stark reminder of reality for students today.

The new rules in Megans high school are in accordance with an Ohio law that dictates every district develops a written policy aimed at minimizing phone use during school hours, according to the Ohio Capital Journal. In some classes, Megan is only required to have her phone put away in her backpack. In other classes, at the discretion of the teacher, Megan and her peers have to hand their phones in to the teacher at the beginning of class. On one hand, Megan understands the new policy  and even believes its helping her stay more focused while in class. But she doesnt understand why she cant use her phone during lunch. She struggles with social anxiety and has a lunch period without any of her friends. I would usually get on my phone and just mind my own business and eat my lunch, she says. But now Im just sitting alone and staring at a wall. Though, she says, the limit on phone usage is helping her learn how to talk to other people instead of relying on her phone for company. She also misses her phone for academic reasons, like being able to take a picture of the notes a teacher is showing.

And after the recent school shooting in Georgia that left two teachers and two students dead, Megan worries about not having her phone on her if tragedy strikes her school. I was really afraid that something like that would happen to me and I wouldnt have my phone to text anybody about it, she says. If I texted them [to] help or if I had to text my last words to my parents, saying I love you and everything, if anything were to happen.

In New York, Mazzy, a 17-year-old senior, worries about the same thing. If an active shooter were to target her high school, she wants to be able to say something to her parents. I just want to  this sounds horrible  tell them my last possible words to them, she says. [Like] I just want to let you know I love you,' and stuff like that. Mazzys school has changed their phone policy, too. Last year, she would keep her phone on the edge of her desk and take a quick look if a text came in, but this year, phones arent allowed out at all and other smart devices like Apple Watches are also banned. Mazzy, whose dad has medical problems, worries that something will happen during class and she wont know in time. Im just diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder and have a feeling that something bad could happen at any moment, she says. And if something bad is happening, I would want to know right then and there. Though the new phone policy is meant to curtail distractions, Mazzy says it adds to them as she worries about what she might possibly be missing while not looking at her phone.

Jack Turban, MD, a pediatric psychiatrist at the University of California San Francisco, says the relationship between screen time and mental health isnt simple. While some screen time (like watching TikToks during class) can be detrimental, others can be beneficial, like using mental health apps to do timed breathing exercises. Despite that, Turban understands the need for limitations. I suspect that for most kids, banning phones in schools will have a positive impact, Turban says because it will help curtail distractions for students.

While Megan does understand the motivation in taking away students phones during the school day, she says shes not sure its really changed anything at her school.

Fights are still happening, there's still drama and stuff like that, she says. Kids are still going to be distracted either way because they're going to find a way to get on their phones.

Originally Appeared on Teen Vogue
Tesla dealer coming to former Burlington Coat Factory. Here's where it's charging up

The new Tesla showroom and service center under construction in Columbia Township.

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.

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
(Loving Living Local)-If youre looking to immerse yourself in a world of artistic expression and history, TRAHC (Texarkana Regional Arts Center) is the place to be. Located in the heart of the Texarkana Arts and Historic District, this beautiful space offers a range of exhibitions and interactive experiences for art lovers of all ages. Marcus Zwiebel offers us a tour.

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Two Stunning Exhibitions to Discover

TRAHC is currently hosting two major exhibitions, each filled with unique artworks that highlight both personal and physical landscapes. As Marcus explained, the exhibits span across the lobby, second floor, and third floor, each focusing on the theme of Faces and Places. He found himself drawn to individual portraits and paintings of recognizable places, often depicting elements of Texas and Arkansas. This theme evolved naturally, guiding his selections for the exhibit.

The Curatorial Process at TRACK

Curating an exhibition at TRAHC is a highly personal process, with Marcus taking the lead on selecting pieces that resonate with him and that he believes will speak to visitors. His choices are not only based on personal favorites but also on what he feels will engage the community. As Marcus looks ahead to future exhibitions, he hinted that standout pieces may reappear, depending on their impact.

Open for Visitors: Plan Your Visit

Visitors can enjoy the exhibits at TRAHC from Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Whether youre a casual art enthusiast or a dedicated aficionado, the exhibitions are open to the public, offering plenty of time to explore and experience the creativity on display.

Upcoming Exhibit: Juan Moras Mexican American Prints

One of the most exciting upcoming exhibitions at TRAHC features the works of Juan Mora, a talented Mexican American printmaker and art professor at UT San Antonio. His showcase includes a vibrant collection of 20 pieces, ranging from large black-and-white linocuts to colorful multi-block linocuts. A fun twist for families and children is the interactive scavenger hunt based on Juans Luchador (Mexican wrestler) series. Kids can pull out scavenger hunt sheets from the Luchador box and explore the gallery to find hidden details in the art.

Historic Venue and Event Space

TRAHC isnt just an art gallery; its a historic building that used to be a courthouse. The centers stunning architecture adds to the charm of the art exhibits and also serves as a perfect venue for events. Surrounded by beautiful artwork in a building filled with history, its an ideal spot for hosting special occasions. Plus, the location in the Texarkana Arts and Historic District adds extra cultural significance.

Whether youre an art lover or simply looking for a unique cultural experience, TRAHC in Texarkana offers something for everyone. From Marcus Zwiebels thoughtfully curated exhibits to Juan Moras upcoming interactive art series, TRAHC is a must-visit destination for creativity and history in the region.

Plan your visit today and immerse yourself in the beauty of Texarkanas thriving art scene!

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com.
A Texas appeals court denied a stay of execution today for Robert Roberson, a death row inmate who is scheduled on October 17 to become the first person in the U.S. to be executed based on disputed "shaken baby syndrome" evidence.

The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, which is the court of last resort for all criminal matters in the state, dismissed Roberson's latest and final petition for a writ of habeas corpus and stay of execution in his long-running capital case.

Roberson was convicted in 2003 of murdering his two-year-old daughter. Roberson claimed that his daughter fell out of bed in the middle of the night, but he calmed her down and eventually got her back to sleep. He says he later woke up and discovered that she had stopped breathing and turned blue. Roberson took his daughter to the hospital, where she was declared brain dead and eventually taken off life-support. Medical examiners found a trio of internal head conditions that were, at the time, considered to be conclusive evidence of violent shaking and impacts.

As Reason detailed in a story last month on the case, Roberson's lawyers argued that the scientific understanding of shaken baby syndrome, now called Abusive Head Trauma (AHT), has shifted dramatically since his conviction. His lawyers also said they had uncovered previously undisclosed medical records that proved Roberson's daughter died of severe viral and bacterial pneumonia, not trauma from shaking or abuse.

Among the believers in Roberson's innocence are the police detective who originally arrested him, who now says there's "unassailable doubt" about Roberson's conviction, and novelist John Grisham.

However, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals found that the new claims did not meet the standards for filing a subsequent petition for writ of habeas corpusRoberson was previously granted a stay of execution and additional evidentiary hearings in 2016 but denied reliefand the court dismissed Roberson's new petition without reviewing it on the merits.

"It took years of fighting to get complete medical records," Roberson's lawyer, Gretchen Sween, said in a press release following the court order. "We are devastated by this staggering development but will continue to pursue any avenue to make sure that Mr. Roberson is not the first person in the U.S. executed under the discredited 'Shaken Baby' hypothesis."

Roberson's fateful execution would come amid intense courtroom debate over the reliability of AHT evidence. Prosecutors and pediatric abuse specialists say there's broad scientific consensus around AHT, but innocence groups and advocates for forensic reform have successfully persuaded several state courts otherwise.

According to the National Registry of Exonerations, at least 33 parents and caregivers in 18 states convicted based on AHT evidence have been exonerated.

ProPublica reported yesterday on the case of Russel Maze, a Nashville man sentenced to life in prison for murdering his child. The medical examiner who originally decided Maze's child was a victim of AHT has now recanted his testimony, and the Nashville District Attorney is seeking to overturn Maze's conviction.

Similar cases abound around the country, as I wrote in my previous coverage of Roberson's case:

Earlier this year the Michigan Supreme Court overturned a 2006 murder conviction in the death of an infant and ruled that the defendant deserves a new trial. The court found that the defendant's expert witnesses, including a doctor who had testified for the prosecution at her original trial, had presented enough new evidence during the appeal process for a jury to have reasonable doubt about her guilt. The Columbus Dispatch reported on two similar cases in Ohio this February. In one, a court dismissed charges in the retrial of a man convicted in 2003 of killing a 2-year-old child, ruling that a "shift in understanding by the medical community" meant there was "a strong probability of a different result on retrial." In the other case, a court ruled that a woman was eligible for compensation for spending 18 years in prison for the alleged shaking death of a child she was babysitting in 2003. Her conviction was overturned after the pathologist who conducted the autopsy recanted. In New Jersey, the state supreme court is considering whether AHT evidence should be allowed in courtrooms at all, after a state trial court judge barred testimony from AHT experts in a child abuse trial in 2022. The trial court judge wrote that AHT is "an assumption packaged as a medical diagnosis, unsupported by any medical or scientific testing." A state appeals court upheld the ruling, writing that "the very basis of the theory has never been proven."

But none of that was enough to persuade the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals to grant Roberson relief, and now his last chance at avoiding the death penalty lies in a pardon.

"Robert's fate is now at the mercy of the Governor," Sween said. "He and the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles are the only ones standing in the way of a horrific and irreversible mistake: the execution of an innocent man."

The post Texas Court Rejects Last Appeal for a Man Set To Be Executed Based on Disputed 'Shaken Baby Syndrome' Evidence appeared first on Reason.com.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has vowed to defy the Biden administration after a federal agency instructed him to remove what was built on an island local officials said has become a hot spot for Mexican drug cartels.

In a letter Monday to President Biden and Vice President Harris, Abbott said the U.S. Section of the International Boundary and Water Commission (U.S. IBWC) told the Texas General Land Office (GLO) to restore Fronton Island to "pre-construction conditions."

Fronton Island sits on the border between the U.S. and Mexico on the Rio Grande. The 170-acre island has seen an assortment of cartel activity, including gunfights and illegal immigration.

"For years, the cartels were running rampant in Fronton Islands thick vegetation and bullet-pocked structures along the river to stage illegal entries, surveil state and federal law enforcement, stash weapons, plant explosives, evade apprehension, and engage in open warfare against rival cartels and against state and federal officers," Abbott wrote.

TEXAS VIDEO SHOWS MIGRANT RECALLING ASSAULT, SHAKEDOWN BY CARTELS AT BORDER

"On one occasion recounted in the citations below, authorities found 'six assault rifles, a grenade launcher, a rocket launcher, 20 ammunition magazines for various-sized weapons and three packages of what appeared to be C-4 plastic explosives' hidden on the Island," he added.

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"On another, Texas soldiers found an improvised explosive device 'buried amid a stash of weapons and semi-automatic rifle ammunition.'"

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has vowed to defy the Biden administration over an island on the Rio Grande.

The Texas Department of Public Safety and Texas Rangers were recently given permission to patrol and police the island by local authorities.

"Law enforcement has found some ammunition, suspicious devices on it. And we just feel like with the border crisis, it was really important to ensure that Texas law enforcement have access to these islands so we can help secure our border," Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham previously told Fox News Digital.

AUTHORITIES ARREST ARMED MEXICAN CARTEL MEMBERS WHO CAME ACROSS US BORDER WITH RIFLES

This map shows Fronton Island on the Rio Grade between Texas and Mexico.

In 2021, Abbott launched Operation Lone Star, an aggressive effort to combat the flow of illegal immigrants and drugs into Texas from Mexico. Texas National Guard soldiers and law enforcement have also set up razor wire fencing and other barriers along the border and have floated buoys on the Rio Grande to make it more difficult to cross.

In addition, the GLO has built two sediment bridges, placed concertina wire and "cleared vegetation" on the island, Abbott said. The U.S. IBWC, the American partner in the International Boundary and Water Commission, is a joint body formed by the U.S. and Mexican governments to regulate the southern border.

The Biden administration said the island is part of federal land. However, Abbott said the island is owned by Texas.

"Your open-border policies have allowed an invasion at the southern border and incentivized criminal activity that threatens the lives of Texas law enforcement, soldiers, and citizens," he said. "Yet, in the wake of a crisis that it helped create, the federal government has refused to enforce federal laws  even in dangerous areas like Fronton Island."

Fox News Digital has reached out to Abbott's office, the White House and the IBWC.

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The effort has resulted in clashes between Abbott and the Biden administration. Texas secured the island in October, saying it had been used by Mexican drug cartels as a base.

"For years, Fronton Island was overrun with violence. Texas secured it against the cartels," Abbott wrote on X. "The Biden-Harris Admin now demands that Fronton Island return to its prior condition. Today, I told Biden & Harris that Texas will not comply."





Original article source: Texas Gov Abbott defies Biden administration amid border battle over island used by cartels
AUSTIN (Nexstar)  A panel of state lawmakers was forced to end a committee livestream early Tuesday after the Zoom meeting was hacked, displaying what appeared to be Russian military training videos and offensive slurs under the username RUSSIAN GOD.

The hack occurred during a field hearing of the House Select Committee on Securing Texas from Hostile Foreign Organizations  the panel tasked with countering cyberthreats from adversaries like Russia.

F you, to all those connected, a hacker wrote in Russian in the meetings chat. Other insurgent Zoomers used racist and anti-American usernames.

Committee chairman Cole Hefner, R-Tyler, said the source of the attack was unknown as of 2 p.m. Tuesday.

This incident underscores the very real cybersecurity threats posed on our state by hostile forcesthreats that led to the committees formation in the first place. We appreciate your understanding and regret this disruption to an otherwise productive and informative hearing, Hefner said.

The committee was meeting at the University of Texas at Tyler. The agenda included studying the threat posed by hostile foreign organizations on the Texas economy, securities, and values, and examining the rates of intellectual property theft.

This coverage is ongoing and will be updated 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 KXAN Austin.
Child care in Texas has been described as a market failure and experts and advocates are pushing for it to be revived through public policy that they say would translate to a stronger workforce.

On Tuesday, the Texas House Committee on International Relations and Economic Development held the legislatures first interim hearing focused on child care in preparation for the upcoming session in January.

The current state of the early childhood education industry, and the state policies surrounding it, were discussed as experts described a lengthy state waiting list for subsidies, budget constraints for state officials and child care providers, and negative repercussions weighing on the states economy.

The spotlight on child care comes as House Speaker Dade Phelan flagged early childhood education as an interim charge for the committee to study before the legislature convenes.

More than half of the nine-member committee was absent, as Chair Angie Chen Button, Vice Chair Claudia Ordaz, Rep. Mihaela Plesa and Rep. Ben Bumgarner were the only ones in attendance.

Multiple experts noted how there were more than 80,000 children statewide who were in line for financial assistance to help pay for child care. Cheslee Escobedo of KinderCare, the largest early childhood education provider in the U.S., said 57% of the nearly 12,000 children it serves in Texas receive this assistance through the state Child Care Services program.

CCS is a critical program that helps families tremendously, Escobedo said. Should some or all of these 84,000 children receive care, we know that the number of parents and caregivers able to consistently work, build self sufficiency, pay taxes and stimulate the economy would increase exponentially. Considering ways to decrease the overall wait list or the length of time a family is placed on it, should be critically important and a policy solution worth discussing during next years legislative session.

Ordaz, vice chair of the committee and an El Paso Democrat, asked officials with the Texas Workforce Commission  which distributes this funding to low-income families  how the waiting list issue could be solved. Director of Child Care and Early Learning Reagan Miller said the state agency provides its resources and services based upon available funding, and its federal grant money has increased exponentially over the past decade. This has allowed for higher reimbursement rates to child care providers who accept state subsidies and a higher number of children served.

The legislature every biennium makes an appropriation for us to pull down these federal funds. We are pulling down the maximum amount theyll give us right now; Those wait lists are a direct result. Thats the point at which we ran out of money, which is $1.3 billion a year, added Bryan Daniel, Texas Workforce Commission Chairman. Its $1 million for every 100 additional kids. If the federal government makes additional grant dollars available, obviously, well be doing what we need to be to pull that down.

Texans Care for Children, a nonprofit that advocates for statewide policy changes, released a policy brief on Monday that was issued to lawmakers, recommending three ways to improve the states early learning system that included improving the Child Care Services program through additional state funding and updating the calculation of reimbursement rates. It also notes other red states that have approved additional investments in child care, including Florida, Alabama and North Dakota.

Increasing the supply of child care programs offering specific, urgent needs and ensuring programs can recruit and retain qualified staff were the other two focuses of the brief.

In recent years, the wait list for the CCS program in Texas has fluctuated from around 60,000 to as many as 97,000 children, the policy brief states. In some areas, families can expect to be on the wait list for at least six months and up to two years. From February 2022 to February 2023, Texas was one of only four states that increased the number of children and families on their wait lists for child care assistance, or began placing families on a wait list.

Tackling child care reform through an economic lens has been an ongoing pursuit of the Employers for Childcare Task Force, which consists of about 65 businesses from various industries statewide with the goal of implementing solutions that would mitigate turnover and understaffing in the workforce due to a lack of accessible, affordable and quality child care. The task force was launched by the Texas Restaurant Association, Early Matters Texas, Texas Association of Business and Texas 2036; Three out of the four organizations had representatives who testified to the committee on Tuesday, mentioning the task force in addition to the focuses of their own organizations.

Wendy Uptain, executive director of Early Matters Texas, shared data and proposed solutions during her testimony, citing a fall 2023 study that found employers were receiving up to a 425% return on investment on child care benefits.

Child care is this textbook definition of a broken market, right? Parents are paying the max so they can afford. Child care centers are in the red. So, what can we do about that? Uptain said. On-site child care, near-site child care, backup services (such as drop-in care) and nontraditional hour care. I should also mention, though, that many employers offer (flexible spending accounts) or child care assistance directly to their employees as well.

Committee Chair Angie Chen Button, a Republican from Richardson, noted a plan for the committee to submit and publish opinion pieces in major newspapers that would appear to promote some of the policies mentioned by Uptain around employers investing in child care.

Its more than a family issue. Its more than an education issue. It is also a workforce development issue, and also it is an economic development issue, Chen Button said of child care earlier in the hearing.

Kelsey Erickson Streufert, chief public affairs officer at the Texas Restaurant Association, also called for solutions such as better data collection around child care to evaluate what changes are needed and more organized governance, as multiple agencies overlap with their involvement in the industry.

Small businesses and employees who work nontraditional hours should also be kept in mind when policies are being formed, she said. This includes restaurant workers, health care workers, firefighters, police officers, manufacturing workers and more.

Our competitor states are really investing in child care, and theyre really looking at it like infrastructure, right? Youre not going to move your family here, youre not going to keep your family here if you cannot find affordable, quality child care  just like roads, just like water, just like bridges. Weve really got to start thinking about it in those terms, Erickson Streufert said.
(Bloomberg) -- Thailands new prime minister has a roadmap to deal with the most pressing issues ranging from a near-record household debt to a tepid growth rate and an aging society. But the plan is short on details that would ensure time-bound outcomes, according to economists.

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Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who was sworn into office last week, outlined her governments top 10 priorities at a joint sitting of the parliament on Thursday. The blueprint includes steps to tackle the more than 16 trillion baht ($476 billion) of household debt, modernize the countrys farm sector, overhaul the energy and utility procurement terms to lower costs of living as among the priorities. She also highlighted the need for an urgent economic stimulus for the poor.

Under Thai laws, a new government can begin its work only after making a policy statement before the parliament, with the blueprint serving as a framework for governance during its tenure. As the broad strokes of Paetongtarns plans were already out, the public and financial markets are keenly awaiting finer details including implementation time-lines from ministers when they respond to questions from lawmakers through Friday.

In the case of the sweeping debt restructuring, the government hasnt provided many details besides naming key beneficiaries such as home and auto loan borrowers, and small businesses and identifying the institutions to implement them.

These are steps in the right direction, but it will boil down to details and policy execution, said Krystal Tan, an economist at Australia & New Zealand Banking Group Ltd., referring to Paetongtarns blueprint. A stable political climate and political will to carry out the required reforms will be critical to improving the economys long term growth prospects.

With Paetongtarns rise to the top job coming in the wake of her predecessors ouster and the dissolution of the nations largest opposition party, political stability is seen as key to the new governments ability to follow through with its pledges. The third member of Shinawatra clan to lead Thailand is already facing a barrage of legal petitions seeking her ouster, stoking concerns of fresh political uncertainty.

Paetongtarns immediate priority will be to take steps to sustain a post-pandemic economic recovery that has lagged the pace of neighbors like Indonesia, Philippines and Malaysia. The recovery is hindered by structural issues which have hurt the countrys manufacturing and exports and a chronic indebtedness among its 20 million households.

The new government is also set to announce this week a cash handout of about 145 billion baht to an estimated 14.5 million people classified as economically vulnerable and those with disabilities. The stimulus pales in comparison to former premier Srettha Thavisins pledge to give away 10,000 baht each to about 50 million adult Thais at an estimated cost of $14 billion.

A scaled down stimulus can free up funds that the government can use to assist small businesses and pursue other projects, according to Kirida Bhaopichitr, an economist at the Thailand Development Research Institute.

What Bloomberg Economics Says...

Im concerned about the governments focus on cash handouts and debt moratoriums, rather than measures that improve the business climate and create jobs. The governments costly giveaways will spur growth for only a quarter or two, and risk creating adverse incentives. Id prefer to see an emphasis on reforms that reduce the need for handouts in the first place and on upskilling the labor force and creating better jobs  measures that would stoke growth for years.

 Tamara Mast Henderson, economist

While Paetongtarn is set to continue most of the policy initiatives introduced by Srettha, it also borrows heavily from an economic roadmap presented by her father, Thaksin Shinawatra, last month.

As Thailands youngest prime minister starts her term, she will need to reassure foreign investors that she can provide a stable administration, eschew any clashes with the central bank, and drive policies to sustain the economic recovery.

The government very well know all the problems facing the country. The more important thing is to spell out how they will address them, said Kirida. We have seen mainly short-term measures. What we now want to see is how they plan to do over the medium and long term.

(Updates with details in second paragraph.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2024 Bloomberg L.P.
Taylor Swift performs in Glendale, Arizona in 2023. Credit - Kevin Winter--Getty Images for TAS Rights Management

Minutes after the presidential debate ended on Tuesday, Taylor Swift mobilized her enormous fanbase in support of Kamala Harris by endorsing her in an Instagram post that quickly garnered 8 million likes. Swifts decision wasnt altogether surprising, given that she supported Joe Biden in the 2020 election and recently offered hints, in true Taylor fashion, that she was headed in this direction.

But what was especially notable in her Instagram post was that it spent as much time praising Kamala Harris as it did warning the public about the dangers of AI.

Recently I was made aware that AI of me falsely endorsing Donald Trumps presidential run was posted to his site. It really conjured up my fears around AI, and the dangers of spreading misinformation, Swift wrote. It brought me to the conclusion that I need to be very transparent about my actual plans for this election as a voter. The simplest way to combat misinformation is with the truth.

Swift was referring to a post from Trump in August on Truth Social, his social media site, which appeared to show the superstar and her fans endorsing him. He captioned the photo with: I accept. But the images looked glossy and had strange visual details, because they were created with AI.

Many viewers of the images were able to immediately identify them as fabricated. And following Swifts post, it appears that her response refuting the images had a greater impact than the AI images themselves. But the incident could be a harbinger of plenty of AI-driven conflict in elections for years to come.

We are already in a bit of a crisis where a lot of American voters dont trust elections, says Craig Holman, a government affairs lobbyist at the nonprofit Public Citizen. If were going to have this type of campaign going on all around us, feeding us information that doesnt exist, trying to influence our votes based on thatthe entire integrity of elections is very much at risk.

Deepfakes proliferate around celebrities, elections

During the 2020 presidential election, AI tools were still largely rudimentary. In the time since, the capabilities of these tools have improved at an astounding clip. Users around the world can now use AI to create realistic images, images, and audio. Fake social media profiles that spread propaganda can be created cheaply; political parties can use AI to quickly send personalized messages to thousands of potential voters; and fake event photography and even voicemails that sound like celebrities can be put together easily.

Some of these tools have been used in political influence campaigns. Last year, the RNC released an AI-generated video depicting a future dystopia if Joe Biden were to be re-elected. Elon Musk shared an AI image photo of Kamala Harris in Soviet-style garb, writing on X that she wants to be a communist dictator from day one. A fake video of a Chicago mayoral candidate making inflammatory comments about police shootings was released on the eve of that election in February and watched thousands of times on X before it was taken down. And during the Indian election this year, deepfakes were deployed en masse to create misleading videos of Bollywood celebrities and ads with Hindu supremacist language.

Read More: As India Votes, Modis Party Misleads Online

Taylor Swift has been the frequent subject of many AI efforts, given her massive celebrity. Early this year, AI-generated pornographic and sometimes violent images of her were widely circulated on social media. The images helped spur legislation in the U.S. aimed at protecting deepfake victims, including the DEFIANCE Act, which allows deepfake victims to sue people who create, share or receive them, and passed the Senate in July. AI companies also scrambled to respond: Microsoft said that it was continuing to investigate these images and added that it had strengthened our existing safety systems to further prevent our services from being misused to help generate images like them.

And Swifts involvement is part of a growing backlash against AI from some of the worlds most prominent cultural figures. Beyonce recently spoke out against AI misinformation in a GQ interview, saying: We have access to so much information  some facts, and some complete bullshit disguised as truthJust recently, I heard an AI song that sounded so much like me it scared me. Its impossible to truly know whats real and whats not. Meanwhile, earlier this year, Scarlett Johansson blasted OpenAI for releasing a chatbot voice seemingly modeled upon hers.

How Trumps deepfake move ultimately backfired

Trump has had a long-standing fascination with Swift, including calling her fantastic in 2012 and unusually beautiful in 2023. In February, Trump took credit for some of Swifts success, posting on Truth Social that if she were to endorse Joe Biden, it would be disloyal to the man who made her so much money.

But when Trump decided to post the deepfakes on Truth Social in August, his attempt at collecting Swifties appeared to have backfired. The post allowed Swift to frame her endorsement of Harris as a moral obligation; as if she had no other choice but to respond to misinformation. It also sucked up all the oxygen that Trump hoped to gain on debate night: by Wednesday morning, Taylor Swift endorsement was the second trending topic on Google, trailing only who won the debate.

In her early years of fame, Swift refrained from speaking about politics, telling TIME in 2012 that she didnt believe she knew enough yet in life to be telling people who to vote for. Over the last six years, shes waded into politics sparingly, but with purpose, always giving strong justifications for her statements. In 2020, for example, she accused Trump of "stoking the fires of white supremacy and racism your entire presidency." This year, Swift remained silent on politics until last nights endorsement, garnering criticism from many people who urged her to use her unrivaled platform to make a difference.

Read More: Watch Tim Walz React to Endorsement From 'Fellow Cat Owner' Taylor Swift

Its unclear what impact these efforts have had on voters: many researchers argue that voters are more discerning than people fear, and that the potential influence of AI misinformation on elections is overblown.

However, Holman, at Public Citizen, says that those studies relied upon outdated AI tools. He points to a deepfakes database created by researchers at Northwestern earlier this year, which has documented hundreds of political deepfakes, many of which have resulted in real-world harms, the researchers found.

Were in a whole new era right now, Holman says. Technology has become so convincing, so persuasive, and so indistinguishable from reality, that I am quite convinced it's going to have a much more serious ramifications on future election cycles.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
The Miami-Dade School board rejected a resolution on Wednesday that would recognize October as LGBTQ History Month, marking the third year in a row the board has voted down the item.

The meeting sometimes became chaotic as a stream of advocates for and against the measure took to the podium during the public discussion about the resolution, which began in the early afternoon and continued late into the evening.

If it were implemented, the recognition of LGBTQ History Month at Miami-Dade schools would be a symbolic gesture proponents say would create an environment where all students feel included. It would not influence what is taught inside classrooms nor require students to participate in any events.

The vote was rejected 5-3, with one board member absent.

School board still divided

The proposal was introduced by board member Lucia Baez-Geller of District 3, who is stepping down from the school board to run for congress against Republican Maria Elvira Salazar. Baez-Gellers proposal states that recognizing LGBTQ History Month would foster a welcoming school climate where LGBTQ students, families, and educators can live their authentic lives and be treated with dignity and respect.

Members of the Miami-Dade School Board listen to members of the community as they discuss item H-10 during a Miami-Dade School Board meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. The proposal would recognize October as LGBTQ History Month in the Miami-Dade school district.

Baez-Geller introduced the item this year by reminding her colleagues on the board that the proposal is legal thanks to a court settlement that eliminated some of aspects of Governor Ron DeSantis Dont Say Gay bill.

Danny Espino made it clear in the meeting that not withstanding any individual legal settlements, he will not support it as he believes it infringes upon parents rights. Its a slippery slope that will replace parental consent with government consent.

Board chair Mari Tere Rojas, vice chair Monica Colucci and members Roberto Alonso and Mary Blanco also voted against the proposal. School board member Steve Gallon was not present during the vote.

Luisa Santos and Dorothy Bendross-Mindingall both voted in favor. Its one way we can take a small stand against prejudice and tell our students you are valued and your safety matters, said Santos. Bendross-Mindingall said the item will reduce bullying and mental health issues, and foster inclusivity.

Christian Family Coalition mobilized

Dozens of Christians attended the school board meeting on Wednesday arguing during the public comment that LGBTQ issues should not be discussed or celebrated in schools, likening it to left-wing indoctrination.

Antonio Verdugo, the executive director of the Christian Family Coalition, was at the meeting and said his organization sent emails and texts to around 60,000 of its members in Miami-Dade, encouraging them to show up to the meeting.

Miami resident Michael Steiner speaks against Miami-Dade public schools recognizing LGBTQ History Month at a Miami-Dade school board meeting.

One of them was Marsha Hertig, who said celebrating LGBTQ History Month is not right in the sight of God. He made us male and female and told us to reproduce.

As a line formed outside the building of people wishing to speak, there was a pervasive sense of tension as an attorney who supports LGBTQ rights got into a heated argument with a parent who said he believes recognizing LGBTQ History Month infringes on his rights as a Christian.

During the public comment, Chair Mari Tere Rojas interrupted speakers multiple times to calm down cheers, and other disruptions. One woman was escorted out of the auditorium.

Miami-Dade School Board Chair Mari Tere Rojas had to interrupt during the public forum to calm the attendees down.

Maxx Fenning, the founder and executive director of PRISM, a nonprofit organization that provides sexual health information to LGBTQ+ youth, spoke in favor of the item. There is more that unites us than divides us; we will not be persuaded by hate, he said.

Another speaker was school board candidate Joe Geller, who is running for a seat in District 3 against Martin Karp. Geller is a lawyer and former state representative.

This recognition [of LGBTQ History Month] is not classroom instruction, does not violate state law, said Geller. He added that vulnerable populations have a right to feel good and protected, and asked the board to support the proclamation.

LGBTQ issues in the spotlight in Florida

Over the past three years, there has been debate in the state of Florida over the role schools should play in discussing LGBTQ-related topics. Policies related to gender identity have taken up increased space on the political stage in the state.

DeSantis signed the Parental Rights in Education Act often called the Dont Say Gay bill into law in 2022. The law intended to limit discussion of sexual orientation or gender identity in Florida schools. A lawsuit that was settled in March now makes it legal for students and teachers to discuss sexual orientation and gender identity as long as it is not part of the instruction.

There have also been bills in the state addressing gender-transition treatment, bathroom use, and keeping children out of drag shows.

In 2021, before discussions about LGBTQ issues began to dominate in the conversation in Florida, the item to celebrate LGBTQ Month was approved by the Miami-Dade school board. That was the last time the board approved the measure.

Last year before the item was rejected, members of the Proud Boys showed up at the school board building and the meeting went on for close to 13 hours.

On Tuesday, the Broward County School Board approved a measure to recognize LGBTQ History Month in its schools. Orange, Hillsborough, and Palm Beach counties also voted to recognize the month without much controversy as school districts across the country have for decades.
The Gazette Residential security camera footage shows five men entering an Aurora apartment with guns. The people are alleged to be connected to Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan prison gang known as TDA.
People with diabetes tend to have higher HbA1c levels than those without the condition [Getty Images]

An NHS trust has revealed that about 11,000 people will have to be re-tested after a hospital machine issued incorrect diabetes results.

The Bedfordshire NHS Foundation Trust said some patients may have been wrongly given higher blood glucose readings from a laboratory at the Luton and Dunstable Hospital.

A message on the trust website suggested patients could have been misdiagnosed with the condition as a result.

The trust has apologised "for any emotional distress and inconvenience".

The trust said there had been an "intermittent issue" with a machine that analyses blood, with tests taken on certain dates in April and July.

The problem related to some HbA1C tests analysed at the hospital's laboratory, and patients from across Luton, south Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire would be contacted, it said.

The results were collated on certain dates in April and July this year, the trust said [South Beds News Agency]

The procedure is known as the hemoglobin A1C test (HbA1c) which measures average blood sugar levels.

Diabetes UK said it is used to diagnose and monitor the condition.

For people at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, their target HbA1c level should be below 42mmol/mol (6%), according to the charity.

John Hagen said the wrongful tests showed his blood glucose had gone 'through the roof' and his medication was altered [John Hagen]

John Hagen, 70, a retired photographer from Kensworth in Bedfordshire, was one of the people who received a letter from the trust asking him to get re-tested.

Already a diabetes patient, Mr Hagen's GP increased his medication after results came back which were "through the roof".

"I then got a letter saying the results were a false positive," he said.

"My GP will be re-running the test but we have agreed not to amend my medication downwards.

"I worry about things when there's something to worry about. I acknowledge that mistakes happen and in a pressurised environment like the NHS it can sometimes take a while to realise something is wrong," Mr Hagen added.

On its website, the trust said: "You may receive a call from the hospital in the coming weeks asking you to come and have another blood sample taken for re-testing.

"Please be assured that we will contact you if your result might have been affected.

"We are asking residents to please avoid calling the hospital or your GP to ask whether you need to be re-tested because we need to focus our effort on arranging the re-tests with those patients who need them".

Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.

More on this topic

Diabetes UK
NORTH HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH)  A shelter-in-place is in effect Wednesday afternoon on North Havens high school and middle school campus after a staff member was notified of concerning comments of a threat of violence at the school, according to North Haven police.

Inseparable: Family remembers mother-daughter pair that died in Vermont plane crash

At this time, it is important to note this was a threat of violence, and no physical violence has occurred, police said.

Police said detectives are working with students and administrators to gather information.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com.
Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson looks on as Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes speaks during a House Administration Committee hearing in the Longworth House Office Building at the U.S. Capitol on Sept. 11, 2024 in Washington, D.C. The hearing examined American Confidence in Elections while looking forward to the 2024 presidential election in just under two months. (Photo by Bonnie Cash/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  Republicans on the House Administration Committee at a Wednesday hearing argued that legislation to bar people from voting who are not citizens  something already illegal  is whats needed to prepare for the November elections.

But Democratic secretaries of state in battleground states told committee members they are more concerned about the detailed threats they and their election workers are experiencing resulting from election misinformation.

Three Democratic secretaries of state, Adrian Fontes of Arizona, Jocelyn Benson of Michigan and Maggie Toulouse Oliver of New Mexico, said that people who are not citizens voting in federal elections do not constitute a problem, despite the GOP push for legislation barring the act.

Theres no evidence that noncitizens are voting and if they were, it would be easy to prove, since voting records are public. And despite numerous organizations spending a lot of money to try to convince people that noncitizens are voting, none of these groups have actually been able to provide any evidence of it, Benson said.

Those Democratic secretaries of state added that since former President Donald Trump has continued to perpetuate the falsehood that he won the 2020 presidential election, they have been forced to deal with threats and are concerned the lie has led to overall distrust in election results.

The insurrection on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021 was an attempt by a mob of pro-Trump supporters to stop Congress from certifying the electoral results of the 2020 presidential election.

The three Republican secretaries of state at the hearing, Frank LaRose of Ohio, Cord Byrd of Florida and Mac Warner of West Virginia, argued that federal legislation requiring proof of citizenship to register is necessary to prevent people who are not citizens from voting and to secure elections. Research has found that noncitizen voting rarely happens.

The fact is its rare, but we keep it rare by enforcing the law, LaRose said of such voting. It is my duty to carry that out. Unfortunately, that duty is not as easy to carry out as it should be.

Bill pulled from floor

House Republicans are currently trying to attach H.R. 8281, passed in July, that requires proof of citizenship to register to vote, to a stopgap government funding bill. A vote was planned late Wednesday, but House Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana pulled the bill because he didnt have enough votes for passage.

However, its dead on arrival in the Senate and President Joe Biden has already promised a veto.

House Administration Committee Chair Bryan Steil, Republican of Wisconsin, said he is still working to get H.R. 8281 passed ahead of the November elections.

As we approach the upcoming federal election, it is imperative that we take a close look at how each Secretary of State will implement federal and State election laws to guarantee that every legal vote counts, Steil said in his opening remarks.

Multiple GOP-led states have ballot initiatives this November to bar noncitizens from voting, including in Idaho, Iowa, Kentucky, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Wisconsin.

Its also a priority for Trump, the current GOP presidential nominee, who has made immigration a core campaign platform and has falsely stated that noncitizen voting cost him the popular vote in 2016.

The top Democrat on the committee, Joe Morelle of New York, noted that the election is already here, as ballots are going to be sent to military members overseas and states are getting ready for early voting in the coming weeks.

He raised concerns about threats to election workers as well as misinformation about the security of elections.

Election officials are operating in an election season that continues to be marred by a steady drumbeat of mis- and disinformation, he said in his opening statement. For months, we have heard the former President and others either refuse to say they will accept the outcome of the election, or condition their acceptance with an if they are free and fair which undermines Americans confidence that our elections are, in fact, fair and secure.

More consistent funding

Morelle said that Congress needs to do more to help election officials, including providing consistent funding in election security grants.

He said that in fiscal year 2024, Congress appropriated about $55 million to states and U.S. territories in election grants.

Oliver and Benson said that a consistent stream of federal funding would also help them deal with misinformation about elections.

Benson said that her state is often scraping together funding and that a predictable and sustainable stream of funding would help, especially when dealing with threats of violence and intimidation.

She added that she knows all eyes will be on Michigan, a battleground state, and noted that during the last presidential race, her state was able to post results within 24 hours. Michigans 2020 presidential election results were challenged by Republicans.

Well never sacrifice accuracy and security in tabulating our votes over efficiency, Benson said. We understand the urgency of the movement and the fact that the eyes of the nation will often be on our state.

Biden order on voter registration

Republicans on the committee took issue with a three-year-old executive order from President Joe Biden that directed federal agencies to help register eligible voters.

It is our duty to ensure that registering to vote and the act of voting be made simple and easy for all those eligible to do so, according to the executive order.

GOP Rep. Greg Murphy of North Carolina took issue with the initiative and argued it was partisan because it helped Democrats in elections.

This is where the angst and the anger comes from, he said, referring to Americans distrust in elections. It is absolutely for Democrats.

Oklahoma GOP Rep. Stephanie Bice agreed, and said that while voter registration is important, its not something the federal government or its agencies should undertake. She asked the Republican secretaries of state if they had been contacted about the executive order.

LaRose said that because he sued the Biden administration over it, I think they know better than to ask me.

Byrd said that hes instructed Florida agencies not to participate and Warner said that he sent a letter to the White House asking them to rescind the executive order because he believes its unconstitutional.

Threats to election workers

California Democratic Rep. Norma Torres said she is concerned about threats to election workers.

Oliver said that misinformation about elections had led to mistrust for voters. She said that the discussion of voting by people who are not citizens is an example.

When voters are misinformed, they lose trust in the system, she said. Noncitizen voting does not happen in any systematic way in New Mexico or across the nation.

Torres asked how that type of misinformation affects their work and that of election workers.

Benson, who was elected as Michigans secretary of state in 2018, said that shes had people show up at her house to threaten her.

People show up on my doorstep when Im inside trying to hang Christmas decorations with my 4-year-old son, screaming into a megaphone Youre a murderer and you should be arrested and tried for treason, she said. Thats the reality of all this. Thats who it all impacts.

Benson said lies and misinformation about election results make us afraid to go to work, afraid to go grocery shopping, afraid to take our kid to school, afraid to go into our backyard because we dont know what might be lurking in the bushes.

Thats what weve been experiencing not just this last week, but these last four years, she said.

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Three arrested for August homicide in Jackson

JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV)  Jackson police arrested three suspects in connection to an August homicide.

Police said 20-year-old Gennady Cobbins was arrested on September 10, 2024. Police also announced that 20-year-old Demarcus Jones was arrested on August 28, and 20-year-old Alexandria McDonald was arrested on August 26.

Motion to move Carly Greggs trial to Youth Court denied

Cobbins was charged with conspiracy to commit murder, capital murder and shooting into an occupied vehicle. Jones was charged with capital murder and shooting into an occupied vehicle and is currently being held in Madison County on other charges. McDonald was charged with accessory after the fact to murder.

Detective Tommie Brown said the three suspects were arrested in connection to the shooting that happened in the 5300 block of Interstate 55 North Frontage Road on August 8. Police said the victim, Fredrick Smith, was shot at the location and was pronounced deceased.

Gennady Cobbins (Courtesy: JPD)

Demarcus Jones (Courtesy: Madison Co. Detention Center)

Alexandria McDonald (Courtesy: JPD)

Anyone with information about the fatal shooting can contact the Jackson Police Department (JPD) at 601-960-1234 or Crime Stoppers at 601-355-TIPS (8477).

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Here are Thurston County food safety inspections for Sept. 11

Comments are taken directly from the latest Thurston County Public Health and Social Services (PHSS) inspection reports, which are available for each food establishment, at the Thurston County Environmental Health Office and their website. For questions concerning these reports, contact the health office at 360-867-2667.

Report restaurant, grocery store, deli or bakery complaints online via the complaint form here: https://www.thurstoncountywa.gov/phss/Pages/eh-problem.aspx.

Reading inspection scores:

Attention should be given to the type of violation (red versus blue) and whether the establishment has a history of red violations or repeat violations.

Red violations are those most likely to cause food-borne illness and must be corrected immediately if feasible or according to a compliance schedule established by the health officer. Example: not keeping food at the right temperature.

Blue violations relate to the overall cleanliness and condition of operation and must be corrected according to a compliance schedule established by the health officer. Example: a worn floor that needs replacing.

If red points exceed 45, the county will require a reinspection within 10 business days. A reinspection also is required if total red and blue points exceed 65.

If red points exceed 100 and theres a lack of managerial control, the county will shut down the establishment for at least 72 hours. The establishment may reopen after management and employees complete retraining and demonstrate corrective action during a reinspection.

Some common abbreviations: PHF/TCS is potentially hazardous food/time control for safety; RTE is ready to eat; PIC is person in charge; FWC is food worker card; CDI is corrected during inspection.

Bonsai Wok Teriyaki

408 Cleveland Ave. SE, Tumwater

Aug. 28: 35 red points; 5 blue points.

Comments:

The person in charge and cook did not demonstrate basic food safety knowledge such as cold and hot holding temperatures, proper cooking temperatures and proper cooling procedures.

Raw chicken was stored over fresh mushrooms. Raw foods must be stored below read-to-eat items.

Fried rice was observed cooling in a covered container. TCS food items must be cooled in a shallow, uncovered container.

Boxes of raw chicken were stored on the floor of a walk-in cooler. Food items must be stored at least 6 inches off the ground.

Evergreen Valley Espresso

9347 Yelm Highway SE, Olympia

Aug. 29: 30 red points; 0 blue points.

Comments:

Milk and other dairy items in an under-counter cold-hold unit were at 47 degrees rather than at or below 41 degrees as required.

An in-use chlorine sanitizer solution was too strong as prepared.

The establishment did not address several items from a previous compliance assessment.

The Reef

212 Fourth Ave. E., Olympia

Aug. 30: 30 red points; 0 blue points.

Comments:

Shell tags were not properly dated.

Potatoes were observed cooling at depths greater than 2 inches. TCS foods must be cooled at depths of less than 2 inches in an uncovered container until the food reaches 41 degrees or below.

7-Eleven

1022 Crosby Blvd. SW, Tumwater

Aug. 29: 25 red points; 10 blue points.

Comments:

An employee at the register did not wash their hands before donning gloves to package pizza slices.

A sanitizer solution in a spray bottle was too weak as prepared.

A three-compartment sink did not indirectly drain to a sewer line.

IHOP

1520 Cooper Point Road SW, Olympia

Aug. 26: 25 red points; 0 blue points.

Comments:

An employee did not remove their gloves and wash their hands after cracking eggs. Instead, they continued washing utensils and food containers.

L&L Hawaiian Barbecue

5312 Littlerock Road SW, Tumwater

Aug. 23: 10 red points; 10 blue points.

Comments:

Garlic butter in a container on ice was measured at 45-55 degrees. The mixture needs to be at 41 degrees or lower.

An in-use sanitizer was too strong as prepared.

A dish-washing sanitizer was too strong as prepared.

Courtyard by Marriott

2301 Henderson Park Lane SE, Olympia

Food Service Establishment

Aug. 28: 10 red points; 5 blue points.

Comments:

Food workers did not demonstrate basic food safety knowledge such as required temperatures for cold- and hot-holding food items and reheating and cooling processes. The person in charge had an expired food worker card.

An in-use sanitizer solution was too weak as prepared.

Curry House Cuisine of India

8765 Tallon Lane NE, Lacey

Aug. 22: 10 red points; 0 blue points.

Comments:

An in-use chlorine sanitizer solution was too strong.

Dennys

108 College St. SE, Lacey

Aug. 29: 10 red points; 0 blue points.

Comments:

The establishment was cited for a deficiency having to do with proper cold-holding temperatures. No inspection notes were provided.

Arco AM/PM Lacey

402 Sleater Kinney Road SE, Lacey

Food Service Establishment

Aug. 29: 10 red points; 0 blue points.

Comments:

String cheese and a burrito in an open-air cold-hold unit were at 45-55 degrees. Cold held TCS foods must be at or below 41 degrees.

Wendys

526 Sleater Kinney Road SE, Lacey

Aug. 29: 10 red points; 0 blue points.

Comments:

Food workers did not demonstrate basic food safety knowledge, such as minimum required cooking temperature for burgers and cold- and hot-holding temperatures.

Two food worker cards were expired.

Kentucky Fried Chicken

4521 Lacey Blvd. SE, Lacey

Aug. 21: 5 red points; 5 blue points.

Comments:

Food workers did not demonstrate basic food safety knowledge such as required temperatures for cold- and hot-holding food items, date-marking food items and using time as a public health control procedure.

Fried chicken in hot holding were not time marked as required.

Wendys

7530 Martin Way E., Olympia

Aug. 21: 5 red points; 5 blue points.

Comments:

An in-use contact sanitizer was too weak as prepared.

Meconis Italian Subs

5221 Lacey Blvd. SE, Lacey.

Aug. 29: 5 red points; 5 blue points.

Comments:

Food workers did not demonstrate basic food safety knowledge, such as adequate cold- and hot-holding temperatures and reheating temperatures.

An in-use sanitizer bucket was not available and set up.

Original House of Donuts

3813 Pacific Ave. SE, Lacey

Aug. 29: 5 red points; 5 blue points.

Comments:

A calibrated probe thermometer was not available to verify food temperatures.

Chlorine test strips were not available.

Capital Perks Espresso

3302 Capitol Blvd. SE, Tumwater

Aug. 30: 5 red points; 0 blue points.

Comments:

Milk in a mini-fridge was at 44 degrees.

Julias Bakery

7209 Martin Way E., Olympia

Aug. 27: 0 red points; 5 blue points.

Comments:

Items packaged for sale were not properly labeled with product name, ingredients and business name.

Double Tree / Press NW

415 Capitol Way N., Olympia

Food Service Establishment

Aug. 27: 0 red points; 5 blue points.

Comments:

An in-use sanitizer solution was too weak as prepared.

No violations

Sea Blossoms Seafoods . 700 Capitol Way N., Olympia. Olympia Farmers Market Booth.

Eastside Club Tavern . 410 Fourth Ave. E., Olympia. Drinking Establishment.

Ikonic Wings . 1110 Galaxy Drive NE, Lacey. Food Service Establishment.

Barnes and Noble Booksellers . 1530 Black Lake Blvd. SW, Olympia. Food Service Establishment.

Jack in the Box. 1635 Mottman Road SW, Tumwater. Food Service Establishment.
Tick-borne Wetland virus, newly discovered in China, could cause damage to brain, researchers say

Tick-borne Wetland virus, newly discovered in China, could cause damage to brain, researchers say

Scientists are warning of a new tick-borne disease called Wetland virus (WELV) that was recently discovered in China.

A member of the orthonairovirus genus of viruses, WELV previously infected a man in Inner Mongolia, China, in 2019, but it was not identified until this new study, which was published in the New England Journal of Medicine last week.

The 61-year-old man, who was bitten by a tick at a wetland park, sought medical attention for "persistent fever and multiple organ dysfunction," according to the study.

FIRST CASE OF HUMAN BIRD FLU DIAGNOSED WITHOUT EXPOSURE TO INFECTED ANIMALS, CDC SAYS

A team of researchers from the Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology isolated the virus from that patient and later identified it as WELV.

Scientists are warning of a new tick-borne disease, which they call the Wetland virus, that was recently discovered in China.

Using laboratory testing, the team went on to detect the virus in 17 other patients in China whose symptoms included fever, headache, dizziness, muscle pain, fatigue, back pain, arthritis, swollen lymph nodes and neurologic issues, the study findings noted.

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Some also had petechiae, which are spots on the skin caused by bleeding from capillaries.

Eight of the patients who had recovered were found to have four times as many WELV-specific antibodies than those who had not yet recovered, the researchers found.

3 DEATHS REPORTED AFTER LEGIONNAIRES' DISEASE OUTBREAK AT SENIOR LIVING FACILITY

After receiving antiviral medications, antibiotics or immunoglobulin therapy, all the patients recovered without any long-term health effects.

The Wetland virus is similar to the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, a virus that causes fever, headache, muscle pains, vomiting, diarrhea, bleeding into the skin and liver failure in severe cases, according to the study findings.

The RNA of the virus was found in five different tick species, along with sheep, horses, pigs and rodents in northeastern China.

When injected into mice and hamsters, the virus was shown to cause brain damage and death.

A team of researchers from the Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology isolated the virus.

Diagnosing the Wetland virus could prove to be a challenge because its symptoms usually match that of a "non-specific illness," the researchers noted.

"Improving surveillance and detection for emerging orthonairoviruses will allow a better understanding of the effect that these viruses have on human health," they wrote.

Dr. Marc Siegel, senior medical analyst for Fox News and clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center , said the findings spotlight the wide range of viruses that a tick or other "insect vector" can transmit.

"This can cause hemorrhagic fever and can be quite deadly," Siegel, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital. "Its worth keeping an eye on but is very rare."

WHAT IS EEE, THE MOSQUITO-BORNE DISEASE THAT KILLED A NEW HAMPSHIRE MAN?

Dr. Edward Liu, chief of infectious diseases at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center, noted that tick-borne diseases typically don't spread quickly.

"They slowly expand their territory as ticks shift their environments but are nothing like respiratory viruses, which transmit much more easily and literally can spread from continent to continent in one day," he told Fox News Digital.

Its important to identify and avoid areas where ticks may live, including wooded, grassy or brushy areas, according to the CDC.

Viruses or bacteria that live in ticks are specific to certain species, Liu noted, "so those viruses don't automatically transfer to ticks in the U.S."

"I am not worried about a COVID-19-type pandemic," he added.

'SLOTH FEVER,' OR THE OROPOUCHE VIRUS, HAS ENTERED THE US, HERE'S WHAT TO KNOW

He did, however, echo Siegels warning of potentially fatal ramifications, as the Wetland disease causes hemorrhagic fever, which can be deadly.

"Elderly people and immunocompromised patients are at the greatest risk," Liu said.

The best means of prevention against tick-borne diseases is to protect against bites, experts say.

Its important to identify and avoid areas where ticks may live, including wooded, grassy or brushy areas, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). They can also live on animals.

The Wetland virus is similar to the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, a virus that causes fever, headache, muscle pains, vomiting, diarrhea, bleeding into the skin and liver failure in severe cases, according to the study findings.

The CDC recommends treating all clothing and gear with products containing 0.5% permethrin, which helps to repel ticks.

People can also apply an EPA-registered insect repellent, such as those containing DEET.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

After coming inside after spending time outdoors, the CDC recommends checking all clothing, gear and pets for ticks. It is best to shower within a couple of hours.

The agency also suggests doing a full body check.

To protect against tick bites, people can also apply an EPA-registered insect repellent, such as those containing DEET, the CDC said.

Clothing can be dried at high heat for 10 minutes  or washed with hot water  to kill any ticks.

Anyone who experiences symptoms of illness after a tick bite should contact a medical provider.

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health

The study at Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology was funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Innovation Fund for Medical Sciences.

Fox News Digital reached out to the researchers for comment.





Original article source: Tick-borne Wetland virus, newly discovered in China, could cause damage to brain, researchers say
The Toronto International Film Festival has responded to controversy around the screening of a documentary film called Russians at War after protestors accused the film of being Russian propaganda.

A group of nearly 400 Ukrainian Canadian protestors gathered outside the TIFF Lightbox on Tuesday, September 10 demanding that upcoming screenings of Russians at War be canceled. TIFF says the film will continue to make its North American premiere at the festival on Friday as previously scheduled after it initially had its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival.

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TIFF acknowledges and respects the concerns expressed and discussion taking place about the Canadian documentary Russians at War. The film will make its North American premiere later this week, as scheduled, the festival said in a statement.

It continued: This documentary is an official Canada-France co-production with funding from several Canadian agencies, at both the federal and provincial level. Our understanding is that it was made without the knowledge or participation of any Russian government agencies. In our view, in no way should this film be considered Russian propaganda. While we understand the concerns expressed by many, we believe, like the Venice Film Festival and other international festivals who have programmed the film, that this Canadian documentary merits a place in our selection.

Russians at War, which is directed and filmed by Anastasia Trofimova, follows a Canadian-Russian filmmaker who spent seven months embedded with the Russian army near the front line in Ukraine. Trofimova interviewed soldiers about their fears and hopes, and the movie aims to show an unfiltered look at war from the Russian perspective.

Protestors and even some Canadian diplomats however have publicly condemned the films inclusion at the festival, believing the film whitewashes Russian war crimes.

This is highly crafted Russian propaganda and unfortunately the festival has not demonstrated any willingness to address our concerns, Ukrainian Consul General Oleh Nikolenko said in an interview via Reuters.

Its not right for Canadian public money to be supporting the screening and production of a film like this, Canadian Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, who is of Ukrainian descent, added also via Reuters. We have to be really clear that this is a war where there is no moral equivalency. This is a war of Russian aggression.

Trofimova has also defended the film publicly, saying that the project was not made with the knowledge of the Russian government and is a Canada-France co-production with backing from non-profit institutions.

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 statement. I unequivocally believe that Russias invasion of Ukraine is unjustified, illegal and acknowledge the validity of the International Criminal Court investigation of war crimes in Ukraine.

The Documentary Organization of Canada also defended Russians at War after the board of directors for TVOntario made the decision to withdraw its support from the movie. The film was originally made in support with TVO as well as with other government funding.

TVOs team has traditionally operated with editorial independence, fostering essential collaboration with independent filmmakers through established journalistic processes of review and discussion, DOCs statement reads. The Boards decision undermines these fundamental processes and raises serious concerns about political interference, and must be confronted in order to preserve the integrity of our media institutions.

It continued: Independent media is the cornerstone of democracy, essential for ensuring accountability and informed public discourse. Documentaries bring critical in-depth perspectives that allow for nuance, context and reflection. Protecting the documentary creators ability to explore controversial subjects is vital for a healthy society. This action by the Board of a public broadcaster to censor content poses a serious threat to independent media in Canada. TVOs decision risks setting a dangerous precedent and must be immediately reversed.

The film first faced controversy when it premiered at Venice. Ukrainian producer Darya Bassel in a Facebook post (via THR) decried the film after having seen it, saying it will try and mislead you into believing that it is an anti-war film and against the Russian regime but that it is a prime example of pure Russian propaganda.

TIFF, in addition to its statement on Russians at War, also re-issued an excerpt of a statement it previously issued in April for its Programming Statement for Peace.

As a cultural institution, we stand for the right of artists and cultural workers to express fair political comment freely and oppose censorship, the statement reads. Because filmmakers, like all artists, work in dynamic engagement with their societies, we believe that our role as curators and presenters of film must stand for an unequivocal defense of artistic expression, and a commitment to provide safe, open spaces to engage, critique and reflect on artists work. We understand and deeply feel the suffering of the Ukrainian people as the result of an illegal Russian invasion. As we engage with the art made at this politically charged time, we are guided by the democratic values of freedom of conscience, opinion, expression and peaceful assembly as protected in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms for all Canadians including Canadian artists.

TIFF continues through Sept. 15 and has already dealt with a Palestinian protest during an opening night screening of Nutcrackers and a PETA protest interrupting Pharrell Williams biopic Piece by Piece. Another film playing at TIFF was also the subject of drama after the labor union IATSE accused producers of leaving crew unpaid almost a year after it finished filming.

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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Nearly two dozen people were arrested during a retail theft mission in Tigard over the weekend, authorities said.

It represents the first operation of its kind in the area since the Washington County District Attorneys Office was awarded a $1.5 million state grant to combat retail theft.

Netflix explores case of Grants Pass torture suspect

Stolen merchandise, a replica gun and methamphetamine were also seized during the operation, Tigard police said.

The grant has allowed for an increase of retail theft missions as part of a joint effort among law enforcement and prosecutors, officials said.

During these missions, detectives and patrol officers work directly with loss prevention employees inside stores to identify and interrupt criminal activity as its happening, the Tigard Police Department said in a release.

The mission was conducted on Friday, Sept. 6. It resulted in 21 arrests on a variety of different charges, including theft, possession of burglary tools, drug possession and outstanding warrants.

Merchandise worth roughly $1,700 was also recovered.

Former Trail Blazer executive Traci Rose remembered

The replica handgun that was seized, which officers later learned was an airsoft gun, came from a juvenile who was arrested, officials said.

At one point, a suspect had fled on foot, leading to a brief chase before they were arrested.

Washington County District Attorney Kevin Barton told KOIN 6 News last month hes happy the county was awarded the grant since hed personally witnessed and videotaped alleged shoplifting incidents on two separate occasions while shopping with his family in the past year.

The $1,545,487 grant represents the largest of its kind across the state from the Organized Retail Theft Grant Program.

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Sept. 11 (UPI) -- Is there a greater naval heresy than the idea of reducing naval dependence on nuclear power? Just whispering this blasphemy could raise Hyman Rickover from his resting place to lead a fanatical counterattack in its defense.

Since the USS Nautilus (SSN-571) entered service in 1954, the United States has commissioned some 220 nuclear-powered warships: 15 nuclear-powered aircraft carriers (CVNs) and 9 nuclear-powered cruisers, and the remainder attack, ballistic and cruise missile-carrying submarines. The arguments for nuclear power have centered on the nearly unlimited endurance capabilities that made these ships independent of land bases, and in the case of submarines, the ability to remain submerged and undetected. Meanwhile, the United States has kept these nuclear technologies as among its most sensitive and closely held secrets.

Nuclear power has just been extended to Australia through AUKUS, the collective security agreement between Australia, Britain and the United States, under which a total of eight nuclear-powered submarines (SSNs) will be delivered to the Royal Australian Navy over the coming decades. The United States will build up to three Virginia-class submarines, with Britain to co-design and produce the remainder. This constitutes Pillar 1. Pillar 2 will be technology exchanges among the three AUKUS members.

Despite its long history and the AUKUS initiative, nuclear power faces severe challenges. In wartime such as in Vietnam, nuclear carriers had to be replenished every few days for aviation fuel and weapons for the air wings. The same applied to fuel for surface escorts. Once a submarine expended its torpedoes, mines or missiles, it had to be rearmed.

Submarine-building costs, including for infrastructure and associated logistics, are astronomical. USS Columbia, the first Ohio-class replacement, is estimated at $20 billion, which includes some costs for subsequent ships. Further, due to supply chain issues, it takes about nine years to build an SSN. And nuclear infrastructure is expensive to maintain and man.

The current shipbuilding industrial base may not be in crisis yet, but it is close. Moreover, because of logistics issues and shortages in recruiting and training workers with necessary nuclear skill sets, this base cannot currently build enough Virginias to fill the U.S. Navy's needs, let alone those of AUKUS.

Obviously, with the current number of nuclear powered ships in service and those scheduled to be built including for AUKUS, the United States cannot and will not shut down this infrastructure. In fact, sectors of it must be increased just to meet current demands for new construction and overhaul needs. Considering these constraints, costs, and the advent of unmanned underwater vehicles, must all future carriers and submarines be nuclear powered?

Regarding aircraft carriers, the answer is no. Yes, nuclear power obviates the need for fossil fuel storage. Yet, air wings and surface escorts still require underway replenishments. For these reasons, a 2019 Naval War College study called "Breaking the Mold" recommended the John F. Kennedy (II) be the last U.S. nuclear-powered aircraft carrier.

With submarines, the advent of Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) and long-life batteries offers an option. A Swedish AIP submarine transited the Atlantic at 15 knots submerged. In the case of future ballistic missile submarines, AIP and not nuclear power makes sense.

Underwater endurance and the long range of ballistic missiles they carry make detection exceedingly unlikely. And if these missiles can be surface launched, these ships could fire in port. Regarding attack or cruise missile-carrying submarines, certainly to reduce not only costs but other expensive drivers of nuclear power like people and infrastructure, should every attack boat continue to be nuclear propelled?

The initial reaction to such a transformative idea will not be positive. A number of years ago, the idea of using AIP in an Albacore hull that could sail at over 35 knots was rejected with no review. Yet, given the harsh realities of budget and manpower limits and the revolutionary advancements in AIP and battery technology, there is no rational reason to stop an objective and thorough examination of whether nuclear propulsion is needed for all future submarines and large aircraft carriers.

Unless there is profound change, the irony is the more that is spent on defense, the more the U.S. Navy shrinks indicating future trends. These force reductions will continue unless the nation and its leaders have the courage to change how business is done or at least examine if change is even possible. Nuclear power need not be deep-sixed. But its future application must be reviewed.

Harlan Ullman is UPI's Arnaud de Borchgrave Distinguished Columnist, a senior advisor at Washington's Atlantic Council, the prime author of "shock and awe" and author of "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." Follow him @harlankullman. The views and opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author.
WAHIAWA, Hawaii (KHON2)  There are ways for residents to be prepared if they see an aggressive canine in public.

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There have been several recent incidents involving dog attacks on Oahu. Honolulu police removed two dangerous dogs from Pearl Harbor Bike Path on Wednesday, Sept. 4.

HHS, HPD round up aggressive, stray dogs on bike path

Emergency Medical Services said a 66-year-old woman was hospitalized after being bitten multiple times in both arms by a dog on Sunday, Sept. 8 at Aala Park.

Police said no arrests were made in the Aala Park case and experts said the first tip for others worried about similar situations is to be proactive, not reactive.

If you see a dog walking on the sidewalk and youre walking towards that dog and you see the dog pulling a leash, its a bigger dog and you see the dog being aggressive, go ahead and cross the street, you know, get out of the sidewalk area, Oahu SPCA Veterinary and Shelter Operations director John LeBron said.

Hawaii island resident Shannon Matsons father, Robert Northrop, was killed in August 2023 by four large dogs. Since then, she worked with lawmakers to get legislation passed to hold owners accountable for felony charges.

How to handle an aggressive dog, pack of dogs

The owners of the dogs that killed my father, because the law is not retroactive, they are just going to be facing petty misdemeanor charges, Matson said. The reason why we fought so hard for a stronger law to be in place is because we cant bring our father back. But we want to prevent this kind of dog violence from happening in the future to others.

Experts said the next best thing  if proactively removing yourself from the situation is not possible  is to create a physical barrier between yourself and the aggressive animal. A jacket, backpack or bicycle will all work as long as it creates a degree of separation.

A push cart, a bicycle, anything like that, LeBron said. Ive been attacked on trails in Florida. I generally would just, you know, put that dog between me and a bike, push it away and just get myself out of the situation.

LeBron said people should cross their arms and try to remain on their feet if they are attacked by a dangerous dog, but there is still advice if the dog is able to pull you to the ground.

Hawaii grapples with loose dog problem after fatal attack

Go in a fetal position, protect your face, protect your head, protect your neck. And most times if dogs dont see you as a threat, they will generally stop the attack and in general will move on, LeBron said.

Police said the dog involved in Sundays attack at Aala Park was taken to the Hawaiian Humane Society.

Check out more news from around Hawaii

Officials with HHS gave the following tips:

Call 911 to report loose, aggressive dogs. Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Stay calm and avoid panicking. Do not run away. This can trigger the dogs prey instinct, compelling them to want to chase. Put any object between you and the dog  a jacket, bag, fence, bench, table or bicycle can act as a barrier. The key here is to keep the object between you and the dogs mouth at all times. Do not make sudden movements and avoid direct eye contact. This non-threatening stance may cause the dog to lose interest. If possible, slowly back away while keeping the dog in your peripheral vision. Use a firm, deep voice to give commands like, No! Do not use a high-pitched voice and resist the urge to scream, which can escalate the dogs behavior. If knocked down, curl into a ball, protecting your face, neck and ears with your arms. Learn to recognize dog body language that indicates aggression or fear. A wagging tail does not always mean that a dog is friendly. A dog with a tail in high, stiff position perpendicular to the ground is often a sign that a dog is alert and cautious. They may see you as a threat. A tail that is tucked between the legs is an indicator that the dog is experiencing fear and anxiety. Its important to remember that a dogs breed and natural tail position can also affect this If bitten, seek immediate medical attention and report to HPD, who will then initiate a dangerous dog investigation.

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KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE)  The Tennessee Department of Health is tracking the first case of measles in the state since 2019.

The health department on Tuesday confirmed a single positive measles test of a Tennessee resident who recently travelled internationally, spent time in Kentucky during the infectious period, and is now recovering from the virus.

TN to reconsider banning cell phones in schools

No other positive cases have been identified in Tennessee.

Measles symptoms can include fever, headache, and generally not feeling well, followed by fever, rash, cough, red eyes, or congestion. The illness is typically accompanied by a red, spotty rash that begins on the face and spreads over the body.

The measles virus can spread through the air when an infected person speaks, coughs or sneezes. Suspected measles cases can be reported to the Tennessee Department of Health at 615-741-7247.

 See more top stories on WATE.com

Multiple cases of measles were reported in Tennessee in 2019.

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Top Senate Democrat joins House Republicans in urging Biden to allow Ukraine to strike deep into Russia

Top Senate Democrat joins House Republicans in urging Biden to allow Ukraine to strike deep into Russia

The top Democrat on foreign policy in the Senate is echoing calls from Republicans for President Biden to lift restrictions on Ukraine using American weapons to strike deep inside Russian territory.

Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.), chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said Wednesday that the time has come to ease restrictions on Ukrainians use of U.S.-provided weapons.

Cardins support for lifting restrictions follows a letter sent Monday from six House Republicans  led by the chairs of the Foreign Affairs, Armed Services and Intelligence committees  calling for Biden to lift restrictions.

Biden said Tuesday that his administration was working that out now when asked if the U.S. would empower Ukraine to the use of American-provided long-range missiles. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is in Kyiv, where discussions about Ukraines use of American weapons are expected to be held.

The administration has so far kept an embargo on the use of American-provided ATACMS to strike deep into Russia, even as permission has been given for strikes across the Russian border in relation to fighting near the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv. U.S.-provided ATACMS can have a striking range of nearly 200 miles.

Despite the limitations, Ukraines armed forces have demonstrated the ability to strike Russian targets in Moscow, the republic of Tatarstan and an air base in Murmansk  distances that range up to 1,000 miles away from the Ukrainian border.

Cardin, in his statement supporting the lifting of restrictions, said Russias increased targeting of Ukrainian civilian and energy infrastructure, civilian casualties and the hitting of a childrens cancer hospital last month is nothing short of horrifying.

Given these escalating attacks, the time has come to ease restrictions on Ukrainians use of U.S.-provided weapons. Greater flexibility to target Russian military assets will degrade Moscows ability to harm the Ukrainian people. The United States must act swiftly to grant these permissions.

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Billions of years ago, so the theory goes, something around the size of Mars smacked into Earth, spewing a whole bunch of dirt into space that eventually coalesced to form the Moon.

This is called the giant impact hypothesis, and it gives us a neat explanation for a few curious properties that Earth and the Moon have in common, like identical minerals.

There's just one problem. According to a new analysis led by planetary scientist Paolo Sossi of the Experimental Planetology group at ETH Zurich in Switzerland, we have absolutely no unambiguous evidence that such a giant impact ever took place.

"Rocks from the Earth's mantle and the Moon are indistinguishable on the basis of every isotopic ratio that tracks the provenance of material in the Solar System," Sossi told ScienceAlert.

"Because the isotopes of these elements vary widely among planetary materials, were there any trace of an impactor, we would expect to see small differences in their isotopic ratios. Yet, no such differences between the Earth and the Moon have been detected  hence we argue that, in the event of an impactor, the two bodies must have been perfectly mixed  or the Moon must have formed in a different way."

That's not to say, conclusively, that the giant impact didn't happen. It's still possible. It's just well, we can't really assume it did, either. How the Moon formed may have just fallen back into the realm of mystery.

The evidence, available on preprint server arXiv and currently in press for the 2024 Treatise on Geochemistry, is based on a critical review of all relevant geophysical and geochemical evidence to date.

So if there was no collision, where could the Moon have come from? Sossi argues Earth and its large satellite simply formed from the same basic material, removing the need for any introduction of a hypothetical third body.

Earth and its Moon are unique in the Solar System. It's the only system with two large spherical bodies with differentiated cores; the Moon is not much smaller than Mercury and, were it floating around on its own, may be considered a planet in its own right.

The Moon is also thought to have played an important role in helping life evolve. It helps stabilize Earth's spin, and generates the tides that help the oceans circulate. Without the orbiting mass of rock, Earth would have been a very different place.

Because the Moon is both so rare and so important, scientists want to know how it got here. Its origins could shed light on our own story, and help us gauge the likelihood of how often such systems form out there in the wider Universe.

The giant impact hypothesis is not a bad one. During the early days of the Solar System, some 4.5 billion years ago, things were a lot more chaotic. There were way more rocks flying about willy-nilly, which we can ascertain from the craters left behind on the planets and moons that survived. So it's not implausible that a baby Earth got whacked by something large enough to create a cloud of impact debris that formed the Moon.

The problem, Sossi and his team have found after examining the available evidence, is that Earth and the Moon are too similar. Elements on Earth and the Moon have ratios of isotopes  different forms of the same atom with varying numbers of neutrons in their nuclei  that are identical. And the more we examine, the more we find.

"Initially, this concordance was found only for the isotopes of oxygen, but more recently (since the early 2010s) this has been found to be the case for chromium and titanium  both of which are elements that are concentrated solely in the rocky part of the body," Sossi explained.

"Furthermore, because the isotopes of these elements vary widely among planetary materials, were there any trace of an impactor, we would expect to see small differences in their isotopic ratios. Yet, no such differences between the Earth and the Moon have been detected.

"This has subsequently also been shown to be true for a host of other elements (e.g., iron, calcium, molybdenum, etc.) making the likelihood that this could have arisen through coincidence astronomically small."

A recent study has shown that Earth and the Moon are also around the same age, or formed very close together, around 4.5 billion years ago. Taken together, the evidence suggests that the two bodies formed from the self-same cloud of material.

That's not to say that an impact couldn't have been involved; one model suggests that an impact pulverized the whole kit and kaboodle of whatever the baby Earth looked like, producing a donut of material that coalesced into two bodies, Earth and the Moon.

But giant impact models often predict small differences in the isotope ratios between Earth and the Moon. Those differences simply do not exist, according to existing data, meaning although a giant impact can't be ruled out, we ought to exclude models that produce results inconsistent with the real geochemical data.

Even so, "The parameter space is essentially infinite," Sossi said.

We just don't know how Earth and the Moon came together from a clump of stardust 4.5 billion years ago. One way to probe it further is to investigate what's inside the Moon, and that's what Sossi and his colleagues are working on.

"The chemical and isotopic evidence is now sufficiently strong to start questioning the fundamental mechanisms of Moon formation," Sossi said.

"We're also pleased to see how interrelated the geophysical, geochemical and dynamical constraints can be in providing a new, holistic view of the formation of the Moon. We are able to communicate on mutual problems across disciplines, which will ultimately help us in finding a solution to this conundrum."

The team's research can be read on arXiv.

Related News
TOPEKA (KSNT)  A former Shawnee County Sheriffs Office (SCSO) civilian employee has been indicted for falsifying records.

In late June, 2024, the SCSO became aware of a 52-year-old civilian process server from Topeka had possibly falsified certain records related to the service of court documents. The man was employed for six months and was immediately placed on administrative leave and removed from all job duties, according to the sheriffs office.

Man sentenced for rollover crash that killed a child in Shawnee Co.

According to a spokeswoman with the Shawnee County District Court, the former employee allegedly falsified certain documents and records related to service of court process in 643 documents from Dec. 18, 2023 through June 10, 2024.

The sheriffs office started a criminal investigation into the mans actions. Detectives and staff officers reviewed the former employees work history with the agency, including all activity for every day he was employed.

In July, 2024 the man was terminated from the sheriffs office. Notifications of the findings of the investigations were made to the Shawnee County District Court. Results of the criminal investigation were then sent forward to the Shawnee County District Attorneys Office for prosecution.

He would want us open taking care of customers: Taco Als invites community to leave a note after owners passing

A grand jury in Shawnee County indicted the man on 333 total felony counts of perjury and making false information. A warrant was issued, and at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Sept 11, the man was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections.

According to the news release, the SNCO is working with court officials to remediate any issues related to this case and court documents previously assigned to the former employees service. The Shawnee County District Court will notify all parties whose cased were involved in the investigation.

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.

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ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  A tote bag hitting shelves at the public market in Rochester is part of a new initiative designed to promote easy access to fresh, healthy foods for people who receive SNAP benefits  and support local artists.

The bags feature two different designs, with floral artwork on one side and a painting on the other.

Totes are priced at $6. They are made from 100 percent recycled plastic water bottles.

Rochester Mayor Malik Evans says for each bag sold, $4 goes to the Friends of the Public Market, contributing to the Market Token Program for SNAP benefit recipients. The other $2 will go to the local artists featured on the bags.

The tote bags will be available at Artists Row Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst.
After tough primary battles, Ayotte and Craig now face each other in race for governor

Kelly Ayotte speaks to supporters at the Bonfire Country Bar in Manchester after she was declared the winner in the Republican primary for governor on Tuesday, Sept. 10. (Will Steinfeld | For the New Hampshire Bulletin)

Former U.S. Sen. Kelly Ayotte and former Manchester Mayor Joyce Craig will face off in November as the respective Republican and Democratic nominees for New Hampshire governor after a pair of bruising party primaries.

Ayotte, a Republican who served in the Senate from 2011 to 2017 and as attorney general from 2004 to 2009, bested her opponent, Chuck Morse, the former Senate president, with 65 percent of the vote at press time.

Craig, the Manchester mayor from 2018 to 2024, defeated Executive Councilor Cinde Warmington, of Concord, 48 percent to 42 percent, with 84 percent of the votes counted. Newmarket businessman Jonathan Kiper, an outsider with little establishment backing, trailed behind with about 10 percent of the vote.

The Associated Press called Ayotte as the winner shortly after 8 p.m. and Craig just before 10. Both are seeking to follow Republican Gov. Chris Sununu, who is stepping down after four terms.

The primary results clear the way for a bare-knuckled general election campaign between the two candidates, as Craig plays the part of seasoned city executive and Ayotte the role of conservative prosecutor.

The Ayotte-Morse divide

Morse and Ayotte appeared to emerge from opposite corners of the Republican Party.

With an endorsement from Sununu and a clear fundraising advantage over Morse, Ayotte had been seen as a front-runner in the primary. She ran a buoyant campaign that at times appeared to follow Sununus optimistic political brand.

But Ayotte also infused her candidacy with dire warnings that Democrats would attempt to turn the Granite State into Massachusetts by pursuing similar liberal policies. She sought to capitalize on Sununus positive approval ratings by proposing to continue his economic policies by keeping taxes low and enticing more business. And she also made illegal immigration and crime a persistent focus, earning her endorsements from the New Hampshire Police Association and the New Hampshire Troopers Association, among other law enforcement groups.

Morse, for his part, had sought to claim the title of the true conservative in the race, pointing to his record as Senate president in which he oversaw multiple rounds of tax cuts, the creation of the education freedom accounts program, and the states 24-week abortion ban enacted in 2021.

He positioned his campaign to Ayottes right, and frequently attacked her for helping craft a 2013 bipartisan immigration reform deal as a U.S. senator, which Morse likened to amnesty. And he endorsed former President Donald Trumps re-election early on and drew contrasts to Ayotte, who wavered on her support for Trump in 2016 and later lost her re-election to U.S. Senate.

Both candidates had lost a statewide election to U.S. Sen. Maggie Hassan  Ayotte in 2016 when then-Gov. Hassan narrowly ousted her, and Morse in 2022 when he won the Republican nomination but failed to unseat Hassan in her re-election attempt.

But this time around, Morses conservative message was held back by lower name recognition and a muted delivery style that saw him struggle to maintain the spotlight.

Morse and Ayotte had few major differences around specific state policies. Both said they would maintain a business-friendly environment in the state by keeping the current business tax levels and seeing through the elimination of the interest and dividends tax, which is due to be phased out in 2025. Both said they would use additional state revenues to attempt to reduce property taxes to cities and towns. Both said they would favor making education freedom accounts universal. Both said they would devote additional funding to police resources to apprehend undocumented people in the state, and would not allow municipalities to become sanctuary cities.

And both endorsed a bill that arrived at Sununus desk this week that would require a photo ID to vote without exceptions, and would require first-time New Hampshire voters to produce citizenship documents such as a passport or birth certificate in order to register to vote.

But while they took similar positions, they each sought to portray different images on the campaign trail. Ayotte used a string of appearances at local stores and restaurants  including one Super 603 tour with Sununu shortly after his endorsement  to paint the portrait of a business champion who would continue Sununus legacy and move forward. Morse deployed campaign stops and stump speeches to tout what the state had already done under his Senate presidency. Ive already done it, he often proclaimed.

At her victory party in Manchesters Bonfire Country Bar  blocks away from Craigs victory party  aides to Sununu, Manchester Mayor Jay Ruais, House Majority Leader Jason Osborne, and a slew of Republican lawmakers celebrated with shouts and pints of beer.

Over the din, Ayotte said she hopes to receive the support of voters for Morse.

I received a very gracious call from him, she told the Bulletin. Hes pledged his support for me. He understands how important it is that we unify as a party.

Asked how to win over independents in the middle who might split their tickets, Ayotte argued her vision would appeal across the state. It really includes four things, she said. Its protect our New Hampshire tax advantage and our economic advantage. Its fix our housing crisis. Its strengthen our mental health system. And finally, its keep our community safe.

Earlier in the evening, an emotional Morse addressed a room of family and close supporters at the Atkinson Country Club.

Well, the fact is, were not going to win this one, he said tearfully. He thanked his wife, his family, and his supporters. And he said after attending the New Hampshire Republicans planned unity breakfast on Thursday morning, he planned to take a break from public view.

But he said he would put his party above his personal disappointment and get behind Ayotte. Thats what you have to do in politics, Morse said. Theres nothing more important than November.

A challenging primary for Craig

Ayotte will face Joyce Craig, the former mayor of Manchester as the Democratic nominee in the general election. Ayotte has already waged numerous attacks on Craig, criticizing her position as governor during a high number of drug overdoses and claiming Craig oversaw a rise in crime and homelessness in the city.

Craig, meanwhile, has criticized Ayottes record on reproductive rights and pointed to her votes in the U.S. Senate attempting to defund Planned Parenthood and remove the requirement for insurers to cover birth control. Ayotte has said she does not support changing New Hampshires current abortion laws.

Like Morse and Ayotte, Craig and Warmington had little daylight between their policy positions. The two Democrats both supported repealing the education freedom accounts program, pursuing expanded forms of clean energy production, passing state protections for reproductive rights, and devoting money to housing production.

Without policy differences, the two campaigns compensated with brass-knuckled attacks on each others personal records, launching the kinds of broadsides not often seen in Democratic primaries in New Hampshire.

In one television ad, Warmington assailed Craigs leadership of Manchester, which she said had been riddled with concerns around homelessness and overdoses, mirroring the same attacks waged against Craig as Republicans.

Craig, meanwhile, approved of ads reminding voters of Warmingtons past legal and lobbying work for Purdue Pharma, the manufacturer of OxyContin whose business practices are now regarded as a key driver of the opioid crisis.

The intraparty attacks exposed political vulnerabilities for both candidates that raised risks of weakening them in the general election. Where Morses criticisms of Ayotte had been framed around the perception that she was not conservative enough for Republicans, Craigs and Warmingtons attacks against each other were broad enough to potentially stick in the minds of independent voters.

Now, Craig will need to combat those perceptions, while also taking on Ayottes vision for the state and presenting herself as a needed contrast to Sununu.

In a crowded room of supporters at the Rex Theatre in Manchester, with her family standing behind her, Craig accepted the Democratic nomination and began her campaign against Ayotte in earnest, calling her the most extreme anti-choice candidate for governor in our states history.

The truth is, Kellys attacking our city and my record because she cant defend her votes as a U.S. senator and her career as a shadow lobbyist for corporate special interests, Craig said.

Former four-term Democratic Gov. John Lynch, who introduced Craig to the stage, said she was the only candidate in the race with executive experience.

I do believe that being mayor of Manchester is a more difficult job than being governor of the state of New Hampshire, he said.

Despite a tense final sprint in the primary, Warmington conceded the race to Craig and vowed to do everything she could to help her win in November.

We did not get the results that we wanted tonight, she said from Phenix Hall in Concord. But I am so proud of the campaign we ran.

Warmington touted the stances she took in support of public education, housing affordability, reproductive freedom, and waste management, and said she would continue campaigning against Ayotte.

While Joyce and I had our disagreements during this campaign, we both love this state, and we both know we have to stop Kelly Ayotte from becoming our governor, Warmington said.

(Claire Sullivan contributed to this report.)
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  An angry traveler allegedly made comments about blowing up Harry Reid International Airport and the 2024 candidacy of former President Donald Trump, sparking a counterterrorism response and a felony charge, the 8 News Now Investigators have learned.

On Monday, Sept. 9, officers responded to an Alaska Airlines counter for a report of a customer who allegedly made statements about blowing up the airport, documents said. Officers identified the customer as Jared Peeler, of South Carolina.

According to police, Peeler became upset when he asked an airline agent about a direct flight to South Carolina and learned there was not one.

Agents informed Peeler that they were calling police [and] Peeler then yelled, If I were a terrorist Id blow up this place [and] come back and shoot this [expletive] up Trump 2024, documents said.

Officers identified the customer as Jared Peeler, of South Carolina. (LVMPD/KLAS)

Because of the nature of the statement, detectives from the Southern Nevada Counterterrorism Center responded.

In an interview with police, Peeler denied making the threatening statements and said, I said good thing Im not a terrorist and Im not trying to blow up the airport, documents said.

Peeler faces charges of violating airport conduct, a misdemeanor; and making threats or conveying false information concerning acts of terrorism, a felony, records said.

During Peelers probable cause hearing on Sept. 10, Las Vegas Justice Court Judge Rebecca Saxe ordered him to stay away from the airport unless he is a ticketed passenger. Saxe released Peeler, requiring him to regularly check in with the court with GPS monitoring.

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JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL)  Several organizations across the Tri-Cities held remembrance ceremonies to honor those killed during the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

Johnson City American Legion Post 24 held a 9/11 remembrance ceremony at the Memorial Park Community Center Amphitheater.

Remembering 9/11: Events happening in the Tri-Cities

At the event, a bell was rang twice for New York City, once for Shanksville, Pennslyvania, once for the Pentagon and once for all first responders.

One of the things I noticed when I moved here is Id be wearing one of my Army hats or one of my Veterans of Foreign War Legion hats, and folks would thank me for my service, Post 24 Commander Edwin DePolo said. Not enough folks thank these guys. And Im pointing to the firefighters.

They dont thank them enough. So this is our way of publicly thanking those guys who protect us every single day.

Numerous other events honored those killed on 9/11.

Marsh Regional Blood Center held a memorial blood drive at Bristol Motor Speedway. The blood drive runs from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. and is located at the speedways north entrance.

We should never forget what happened on 9/11, Marsh Regional Blood Center Director Steffanie Sukel said. A lot of people were heroes that day and really came together as a community to help each other out. I think its important to remember that. So we have this drive every year. What better way to help out your community by donating blood and saving lives?

The Town of Marion and Glade Spring Fire Department also held ceremonies and services.

VFW Post 4933 in Kingsport will hold a Patriot Day event starting at 6 p.m.

A full list of events remembering 9/11 can be found by clicking here.

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SANTA FE, N.M. (KRQE)  Its been four years since protesters toppled the controversial obelisk on the Santa Fe Plaza. Now the fight is headed to court, where a local organization is trying to force the city to put the monument back.

Story continues below

Union Protectiva De Santa Fe is the organization taking the City of Santa Fe to court over the Santa Fe Plaza obelisk which has been hidden from public view since 2020. Its future is still uncertain. Dont take our history away from us, dont take our traditions away from us, said President Virgil Vigil, Union Protectiva De Santa Fe.

It was October 2020 when the monument was torn down during protests over the obelisk which is dedicated to Civil War-era soldiers. The monument has been criticized for a plaque with a derogatory reference to Native Americans.

The group bringing the lawsuit is dedicated to preserving the Spanish colonial history of Santa Fe. The group said they would agree to the controversial plaque being removed but the monument itself should be restored.

The base of the monument remains hidden behind a plywood box while the upper part is in storage. The groups lawsuit alleges that Santa Fe Mayor Alan Webber and the city violated the states historic preservation laws. Its important not only to our organization but to the city of Santa Fe, said Vigil.

Meanwhile, the Indigenous advocacy group Three Sisters Collective asked the city to remove the monument along with two others dedicated to colonial figures. These monuments represent a day that is behind us and we need to move forward as a community in a way that embraces all cultures, said Christina Castro with Three Sisters Collective.

Union Protectiva said they are trying to protect their Spanish history, culture, and language. Dont try to change history. History has occurred we learn from our mistakes, said Vigil.

Union Protectiva also hopes to restore a statue of conquistador Don Diego de Vargas to the park where it originally stood, as well as another obelisk dedicated to Kit Carson.

The spokesperson for the City of Santa Fe told KRQE News 13 that the city does not comment on pending litigation.

A lawyer for Union Protectiva sent this statement:

Our goal is to protect Santa Fes rich heritage. We hope that this case will reaffirm New Mexicos historic preservation laws which protect our unique treasures, and which should never be disregarded for the sake of political expedience. Kenneth H. Stalter, Stalter Law LLC

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Michael Achterling

North Dakota Monitor

Leaders of North Dakota tribal nations advocated this week for a Bureau of Indian Affairs youth police academy at Camp Grafton to help fill open law enforcement positions on tribal lands.

Lonna Jackson-Street, chair of the Spirit Lake Nation, said tribal nations desperately need more police training resources in North Dakota to address workforce shortages.

We have three officers, and that includes our chief, Jackson-Street said in an interview during the 27th annual Tribal Leaders Summit in Bismarck. And were pretty close to 450,000 acres.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs in 2020 opened a U.S. Indian Police Academy Advanced Training Center at the North Dakota National Guards Camp Grafton near Devils Lake. It is a complement to the central BIA law enforcement training facility in Artesia, New Mexico.

Jamie Azure, tribal chair for the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa, said it costs a lot of money to send tribal members out of state to receive the federal officer training.

If we can do that locally, and we dont have to pull people away from their families for long amounts of time because they want to serve our people, thats the least we can do for our officers, Azure said.

Participants in the Tribal Leaders Summit advocated for a BIA training academy at Camp Grafton for high school students who are interested in law enforcement careers.

Obviously funding is always an issue, but I think together, if this is the next step for North Dakota tribes, I think collectively we can come up with some kind of solution, Jackson-Street said.

Gary Marshall, a citizen of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, facilitated a discussion on a potential BIA youth police academy, highlighting his grandson, Na-Ja Marshall, a junior at Standing Rock Community School who finished his youth academy training in Oklahoma.

Mac Schneider, U.S. attorney for the District of North Dakota, speaks during a breakout session during the Tribal Leaders Summit in Bismarck on Sept. 4, 2024. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)

Na-Ja Marshall said he hopes to become a K-9 officer with the BIA after he graduates in 2026. Hes taking dual credit classes so he expects to graduate high school with a two-year criminal justice degree as well as his diploma.

Na-Ja Marshall also hopes to inspire some of his classmates to join tribal law enforcement.

I have been talking to the Standing Rock Community School to get kids interested in joining it, he said.

In a statement, U.S. Sen. John Hoeven said he helped secure the initial $2.5 million for the BIA training program at Camp Grafton after hearing about law enforcement shortages from tribal leaders.

We have not yet been contacted by the tribes regarding adding a youth component to the Camp Grafton ATC program, Hoeven said. We would be open to working on this and other proposals to continue addressing law enforcement needs in Indian country.

The BIA director at Camp Grafton did not return a message seeking comment Thursday. A spokesman for the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs did not return emails seeking comment this week.

During a breakout session at the summit, Mac Schneider, U.S. attorney for the District of North Dakota, also highlighted law enforcement workforce shortages on tribal lands.

Only about one-third of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribes tribal police force is staffed, he said.

No one would stand for that if this was a local police force, Schneider said. This is a very untenable situation and I wish I could advocate before Congress, but Id get in trouble if I do that. But I also think if Im not bringing attention to the lack of law enforcement resources in Indian Country, then Im not doing my job.

Schneider said partnerships between BIA, tribal nations and the state of North Dakota could provide some additional law enforcement resources, but those requests must be made by tribal leadership. He said he thinks a youth police academy at Camp Grafton would go a long way to inspiring more young people to pursue careers in law enforcement.

Anything that gets young people interested in public safety and a career in law enforcement, thats a good thing, Schneider said.

South Dakota tribal leaders also have advocated for additional tribal policing courses, reported the South Dakota Searchlight. A new basic law enforcement training course was held this year in Pierre, with a focus on tribal recruits. The effort aims to cut down on expenses for tribal law enforcement and bring newly graduated officers back home to finish their training closer to their communities and families.

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This story was first published by North Dakota Monitor.
The first, and possibly only, debate between presidential candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump has come to an end. Tuesdays event in Philadelphia gave Americans their most detailed look at a campaign thats dramatically changed since the last debate in June. In rapid fashion, President Joe Biden bowed out of the race after his disastrous performance, Trump survived an assassination attempt and both sides chose their running mates. Harris and Trump were asked on the debate stage for their stances on the economy, abortion, climate change and foreign policy, including the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine and the Israel-Hamas wars.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A grandmother, aunt and her partner accused of holding two teens captive and abusing them have entered into a plea agreement.

The aunt, Addy Gonzales, who faced the most severe allegations, pleaded guilty to four counts of felony child abuse, neglect, or endangerment, according to court records obtained by the 8 News Now Investigators.

Addy Gonzales, Maria Pasarin and Daniel Omezcua each face charges of child abuse and false imprisonment. (NLVPD/KLAS)

The trio kept Gonzaless adopted niece and nephew locked up in their North Las Vegas home for extended periods of time, according to Clark County prosecutors.

Neighbors called the police after the teen girl was seen trying to escape from the second-floor window to get water in November of 2022. Video showed the girl on a ladder.

The teen and her brother testified in front of the grand jury that they were kept locked in the garage or bedroom without food or water and suffered physical abuse at the hands of Gonzales.

A grand jury previously indicted Gonzales on 27 charges, including 24 felony counts of child abuse, neglect or endangerment, and three gross misdemeanor counts. As a result of a plea agreement dated Aug. 26, the remaining counts will be dropped.

The plea agreement details the potential sentence of one to six years in the Nevada Department of Corrections for each count.

Video obtained from outside of a home in Nevada shows a teenager who escaped from what police said was a locked bedroom where she had been confined for over a year. During that time, she was also given little food and only a bucket in which to relieve herself, officials said. (KLAS)

Photos shown to a grand jury insiPhotos shown to a grand jury include this image of a ladder. (KLAS)de this bedroom. (KLAS)

Photos shown to a grand jury include this image of a ladder. (KLAS)

Photos shown to a grand jury inside this bedroom. (KLAS)

Daniel Omezcua, Gonzaless partner, pleaded guilty to one felony count of child abuse, neglect, or endangerment. A grand jury previously indicted Omezcua on 16 counts.

Maria Pasarin, the grandmother, pleaded guilty to two counts of felony child abuse, neglect, or endangerment. A grand jury previously indicted Pasarin on 17 counts.

The teen girl said that she was held captive for three to four months during the COVID-19 pandemic. Police found her in a room with deadbolts on both sides with buckets for bathroom use.

Gonzales forced the teens to enlist in the military, according to the Clark County District Attorneys office. Both are no longer enlisted.

Photos from inside the home revealed that Gonzaless son, now a teen, was treated differently from the two alleged victims. The son also testified in front of the grand jury that the alleged victims were also treated well. Prosecutors argued that his testimony was influenced by the defendants.

All three defendants initially pleaded not guilty.

Gonzales had been a family learning advocate at the Clark County School District since 2005. She was suspended and placed on unpaid leave, according to a district spokesperson. The teen girl testified that her aunt most recently worked at Ruby Thomas Elementary School.

Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 18.

If you suspect child abuse or neglect, you are urged to report it. More information can be found here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
Francine brings floods and power cuts to Louisiana and Mississippi

Francine has left hundreds of thousands without power and caused widespread flooding after slamming the coast of Louisiana before driving inland.

It made landfall in Morgan City as a Category 2 hurricane at 17:00 local time (23:00GMT) on Wednesday, carrying winds of 100 mph (155 km/h), the National Hurricane Center (NHC) said.

Francine rapidly weakened into a tropical storm before diminishing further into a depression on Thursday morning.

It was moving over central Mississippi on Thursday morning with 35 mph winds and is forecasted to head north toward Tennessee and the eastern edge of Arkansas, the NHC said.

A sign in Morgan City, where Hurricane Francine made landfall in Louisiana [Reuters]

Both Louisiana and Mississippi declared states of emergency and told residents to take shelter and brace for the major storm.

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry said at a press briefing on Wednesday that residents should "stay off the roads, stay home and stay put".

By Wednesday evening, the National Weather Service issued a flash-flood emergency warning, the most severe flood alert.

Heavy rain blanketed roadways and poured into houses.

Emergency crews in Lafourche Parish rescued 26 residents trapped in flooded homes, according to the sheriff's office, after inches of rain soaked the area.

Winds ranging from 60-80mph (96-128km/h) downed trees in Baton Rouge. A Louisiana State Police officer helping clean debris there was hit by a tree and transported to a local hospital, local news reported.

Francine is expected to continue to "rapidly" lose strength as it travels across Mississippi, forecasters say. It is forecast to weaken to a post-tropical cyclone by the evening.

The storm is still dropping heavy rain across Mississippi and its neighbours in Alabama, Arkansas and Florida, where 3in (7.6cm) to 6in is expected. Some areas in Alabama and the Florida Panhandle could see up to 10in of rainfall, leading to flash floods.

About 350,000 homes and businesses in Louisiana had lost power as of Thursday morning, according to Poweroutages.us. A combined 72,000 are seeing outages in Mississippi and Alabama.

Officials in Jefferson Parish, part of Greater New Orleans, urged residents to stay home due to "severe street flooding" late on Wednesday.

Meanwhile the Morgan City Police Department said the city was experiencing "unusual amounts of flooding" and asked people not to drive on flooded streets.

Residents in eastern Louisiana, Mississippi, southern Alabama and western Florida had been warned of a life-threatening storm surge.

A storm surge means there is a danger of water rising from the coastline and moving inland. In some places, water may rise up to 10ft (3m).

Several of the state's coastal parishes are under voluntary or mandatory evacuation orders. Some schools and colleges have closed.

US oil and gas companies on the Gulf of Mexico, including Exxon Mobil and Shell, evacuated staff and paused some operations.

[BBC]

Francine brought heavy rains to New Orleans' famed Bourbon Street on Wednesday [Reuters]

Jefferson Parish, which neighbours New Orleans, asked residents to conserve water to prevent the sewer system backing up into homes.

Louisiana recently marked the 19th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, which killed more than 1,800 people and caused widespread devastation.

The state mobilised resources and deployed water rescue teams before Francine arrived, the governor said, and was prepared to call on the National Guard for support if needed.

Francines development follows a quiet August and early September during the Atlantic hurricane season, which typically lasts until November. Experts earlier this summer had predicted a busier season.

Sarah Keith-Lucas, a weather presenter with the BBC, said the previous named storm in the region was Ernesto, back on 12 August.

"The last time we had no named storms during this same period was back in 1968. Usually, this time of the year is peak hurricane season. Last year nine named storms formed between 13 August and 8 September."

Francine is the sixth named storm of 2024.

Hurricanes are categorised on a scale of one to five. Category five storms are the most destructive, with winds in excess of 157mph (250km/h).

There were 19 named storms in last year's hurricane season.
Trump accuses Harris of hating Israel as she says Gaza war must end

US Former President Donald Trump and US Vice President Kamala Harris on stage during the ABC News Presidential Debate. Abc/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

Republican US presidential candidate Donald Trump accused his Democratic opponent Kamala Harris of hating Israel during a lively televised debate on Tuesday.

"She hates Israel," Trump said during the debate, the only scheduled head-to-head between the two ahead of the US presidential election on November 5.

"At the same time, in her own way, she hates the Arab population because the whole place is going to get blown up  Arabs, Jewish people, Israel. Israel will be gone," he said.

During the debate, Harris spoke out against the attacks by Hamas militants and other Palestinian extremist groups on October 7.

"I will always give Israel the chance to defend itself," Harris said, adding that how that happened also mattered.

"Because it is also true, far too many innocent Palestinians have been killed, children, mothers, what we know is that this war must end," she said.

"We need a ceasefire deal and we need the hostages out," she added.

Trump said that the war in Gaza would not have happened if he were president.

"I will get that settled and fast. I will get that done before even becoming president," he said.

The Gaza war was triggered by the worst massacre in Israel's history. More than 1,200 were killed in the October 7 attacks.

More than 40,000 people have been killed in Gaza during Israel's retaliatory military campaign, according to the Hamas-controlled health authority.

Qatar, the United States and Egypt have been mediating for months to achieve a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and exchange hostages kept by Hamas for Palestinian prisoners held in Israel.
(The Hill)  Former President Donald Trump railed against ABC News on Wednesday over its handling of his debate with Vice President Kamala Harris and signaled he may not be interested in attending another one before Election Day.

Trump phoned into Fox & Friends the morning after the debate, where he repeatedly attacked ABC for how it fact-checked his statements compared to Harris and at one point suggested the network should have its broadcast license revoked.

It was three to one. It was a rigged deal, as I assumed it would be, Trump said.

A lot of people are very angry about it. You know, you have corrupt news organizations. You have a lot of bad people. Its amazing, the GOP presidential nominee continued. I think ABC took a big hit last night. To be honest, theyre a news organization, they have to be licensed to do it. They ought to take away their license for the way they did that.

Trump took particular issue with the moderators for not pushing back on Harris characterization of his comments about the 2017 violence in Charlottesville, Virginia, and with how she described his claim that there would be a bloodbath if he loses in November, remarks he and supporters have said referred specifically to the economy.

Republicans spent much of the aftermath of the debate attacking the moderators, arguing they disproportionately fact-checked the former president.

Harris repeatedly attempted to get under Trumps skin during Tuesday nights debate, often succeeding as the former president went on tangents about crowd size, President Joe Biden and a conspiracy about migrants abducting pets in an Ohio town.

The vice presidents campaign quickly called for a second debate in October.

A CNN rapid poll found 63 percent of debate watchers said Harris won the night compared to 37 percent who said Trump won.

Most in CNN flash poll say Harris outperformed Trump in debate

Trump cited multiple social media polls in the Wednesday morning interview, including one posted by C-SPAN, that showed he fared better than Harris.

Asked if he would do another debate, the former president said he was not inclined to.

I am not inclined to do it, because I won the debate by a lot, he replied. But I think we let it settle and lets see what happens.

Fox News wrote to both campaigns Tuesday night offering to host a debate on one of three dates in October in a swing state. But Trump indicated that he would not be willing to attend such a debate if it were hosted by anchors Martha MacCallum and Bret Baier, who have moderated previous presidential debates.

I wouldnt want to have Martha and Bret, Trump said, instead saying hed be open to a favorable opinion host like Sean Hannity, Jesse Waters or Laura Ingraham moderating. Lets give other people a shot. I didnt think Martha and Bret were good last night.

Fox & Friends co-host Brian Kilmeade interjected to defend his colleagues moments later.

Bret and Martha would do a phenomenal job, Kilmeade said. I think you would find them extremely fair.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
Trump and Harris shook hands at the memorial site in New York City on Wednesday, Sept. 11. The two were formally introduced on the debate stage in Philadelphia the night before

Michael M. Santiago/Getty Kamala Harris, Joe Biden, Michael Bloomberg, Donald Trump and J.D. Vance attend a 9/11 remembrance ceremony on Sept. 11, 2024

President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump made a rare appearance together as they marked the 23rd anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

The group visited the 9/11 Memorial in New York City on Wednesday, Sept. 11, where two hijacked planes brought down the World Trade Centers twin towers. They were also joined at the remembrance ceremony by Trump's running mate, J.D. Vance, and loved ones and politicians.

Michael M. Santiago/Getty Kamala Harris, Joe Biden, Michael Bloomberg, Donald Trump and J.D. Vance attend a 9/11 remembrance ceremony on Sept. 11, 2024

Former N.Y.C. Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who assumed office in the months that followed the devastation, stood in between the Democratic and Republican leaders.

Related: Presidential Debate Full Recap: Harris Calls for Second Face-Off After Holding Firm Against Trump's Attacks

Michael M. Santiago/Getty Kamala Harris and Donald Trump greet one another at the 9/11 Memorial on Sept. 11, 2024

Trump, 78, and Harris, 59, greeted one another at the memorial, shaking hands for the second time in 12 hours. The political opponents only met in person for the first time on Tuesday night at their tense first presidential debate in Philadelphia.

Biden, Harris and Trump have additional stops planned on Wednesday, at other sites where hijacked planes crashed in 2001. The attacks killed nearly 3,000 people.

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Trump Brags That Dictators Love Him in Totally Not Terrifying Move

Speaking on his foreign policy prowess during Tuesdays debate, Donald Trump made sure to brag about his endorsement from a dictator.



I have talked with military leaders, some of whom worked with you, and they say youre a disgrace, said Kamala Harris, telling Trump that his debate performance proves he does not have the temperament to lead the country.



In response, Donald Trump flaunted his relationship with authoritarian Hungarian leader Victor Orban.



Victor Orban, one of the most respected menthey call him a strongmanhes a tough person, smart, Trump started off, then stating that Orban told American leaders, You need Trump back as president.



Boasting about the support of a prime minister who has decried mixed race nations, called for a Europe of nation states, and helped demolish democratic guardrails in Hungary is certainly a choice.



China was afraid of him, North Korea was afraid of him  Russia was afraid of him, said Trump, speaking in the third person, trying to show his own strongman tendencies.



Trump touts endorsement from Hungarian dictator Viktor Orban pic.twitter.com/NcgVKeusvR  Ari Drennen  (@AriDrennen) September 11, 2024

These dictators and autocrats are rooting for you to be president again, Kamala Harris responded later in the debate. You adore strongmen instead of caring about democracy.



Trump smiled and nodded.
Illegal immigration is a big Republican talking point in the US presidential election, with Donald Trump's campaign amplifying social media rumors that Haitian migrants in Springfield, Ohio are stealing and eating people's pets. But authorities in the US state told AFP they have received no such reports and none of the purported evidence cited online supports the claims.

"Months ago, I raised the issue of Haitian illegal immigrants draining social services and generally causing chaos all over Springfield, Ohio," said Republican vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance in a September 9, 2024 X post.

"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?"

Screenshot from X taken September 10, 2024

Trump referenced the allegations in several posts on his Truth Social platform, seeking to contrast his immigration stance with Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris's support for humanitarian parole for Haitian migrants ahead of the White House contenders' first and possibly only televised debate.

Other conservative lawmakers, officials and influencers -- as well as Fox News and Elon Musk -- also latched onto the Haitian migrant rumors to promote Trump's candidacy.

"Protect our ducks and kittens in Ohio!" Republicans on the US House Judiciary Committee posted September 9 on X, sharing a fabricated image of the former president rescuing a white duck and a striped cat.

Screenshot from X taken September 10, 2024

Trump later aired the allegations during the September 10 debate hosted by ABC News.

"In Springfield, they're eating the dogs, the people that came in, they're eating the cats," he said. "They're eating the pets of the people that live there. And this is what's happening in our country."

Two days later, government buildings and an elementary school in Springfield were evacuated after an emailed bomb threat. Mayor Rob Rue told the Springfield News-Sun that the person who sent it claimed to be from the city and mentioned Haitian immigration issues.

The claims about migrants eating pets -- which spread across X, Facebook, Instagram, Threads and TikTok -- appear to stem from a post in a Facebook group called "Springfield Ohio Crime & Information" (archived here).

"Warning to all about our beloved pets & those around us!!" says text in the screenshot circulating online.

"My neighbor informed me that her daughters (sic) friend had lost her cat. She checked pages, kennels, asked around, etc. One day she came home from work, as soon as she stepped out of her car, looked towards a neighbors house, where Haitians live, & saw her cat hanging from a branch, like you'd do a deer for butchering, & they were carving it up to eat."

Citing "Rangers & police," the post adds that "they are doing it to dogs," as well as "ducks & geese" in a local park.

Screenshot from X taken September 10, 2024

However, the Springfield Police Division (SPD) told AFP the allegations are baseless.

"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 SPD said in a September 9 statement.

AFP contacted the Clark County Sheriff's Office for additional comment, but a response was not forthcoming.

'No verified instances'

The rumors rely on a mix of unrelated crime reports, out-of-context images and baseless allegations from city meetings.

Keyword searches indicate many posts, including some in Spanish, misconstrue an August incident in which a woman from Canton, Ohio -- about 140 miles (225 kilometers) northeast of Springfield -- was arrested for allegedly killing and eating a cat (archived here). State records show suspect Allexis Telia Ferrell is a registered voter and, therefore, a US citizen.

"Our incident is unrelated to the Springfield story to the best of our knowledge," said Dennis Garren, media relations officer for the Canton Police Department, in a September 10 email, adding that Ferrell was "first arrested in our city in 2011."

Garren said in a September 11 follow-up email that he "was able to verify through arrest records that Ferrell was born in Ohio."

A picture of a man carrying what appears to be a goose is also unrelated to Springfield.

A reverse image search shows the photo has circulated since at least July 28 in Reddit threads about Columbus, more than 40 miles (64 kilometers) away (archived here). AFP geolocated the image to a neighborhood in the northern part of the state capital (archived here and here).

Screenshots from Reddit (L) and Google Maps taken September 10, 2024, with elements highlighted by AFP

The Reddit user who first posted the photo (archived here) shared the original file in a September 12 email with AFP. The metadata confirms they snapped the picture in Columbus on the morning of July 28.

"There is zero proof he was Haitian," the Reddit user said in a direct message, adding that the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) reached out about the incident because Canada geese are a protected species.

Other social media posts cite a video of a man speaking at the August 27 Springfield City Commission meeting (archived here).

"These Haitians are running into trash cans, they're running into buildings, they're running into -- they're flipping cars in the middle of the street," he says. "I don't know how y'all can be comfortable with this."

He continues: "They're in the park grabbing up ducks by their neck and cutting their head off and walking off with them and eating them."

Screenshot from Instagram taken September 10, 2024

However, the SPD told AFP 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 department added.

ODNR spokeswoman Karina Cheung told AFP the agency has "a dedicated wildlife officer assigned to Clark County who routinely monitors Snyder Park in Springfield because it is a popular fishing area."

"That wildlife officer received calls on two separate occasions from people who reported witnessing individuals of Haitian descent taking waterfowl out of Snyder Park," Cheung said in a September 13 email, sharing copies of the incident reports.

"Upon follow-up, no supporting evidence was found of wildlife being illegally removed from the park in either case."

'Suspicion or outright hostility '

Fleeing the crisis-torn Caribbean nation, an estimated 15,000 to 20,000 Haitian immigrants have settled in Springfield -- a town of some 58,000 people -- over the past five years, local news outlets report (archived here).

The Biden administration's extension of temporary protected status to more than 100,000 Haitian migrants allowed those in the Springfield area to apply to remain until February 2026 (archived here and here).

Graphic showing number of attempts by Haitian migrants to enter the US intercepted by immigration authorities Gabriela VAZ Gustavo IZUS AFP

"As migrants arrive in significant numbers in communities that do not have much knowledge of that particular immigrant group and may be dismayed by the pace of change, there can be some tensions around perceived different cultural practices and customs," said Michelle Mittelstadt, director of communications for the Migration Policy Institute (archived here), in a September 9 email.

"In this environment, rumors can abound and newcomers can be treated with some suspicion or outright hostility."

She pointed to Shelbyville, Tennessee, where an influx of Somali refugees hired by a local chicken processing plant spurred rumors about diseases and terrorism ahead of the 2008 presidential election (archived here and here).

"It is disappointing that some of the narrative surrounding our city has been skewed by misinformation circulating on social media and further amplified by political rhetoric in the current highly charged presidential election cycle," Springfield City Manager Bryan Heck said in a video message obtained September 11, 2024 by AFP.

"While we are experiencing challenges related to the rapid growth of our immigrant population, these challenges are primarily due to the pace of the growth rather than the rumors being reported. These rumors will not distract us from addressing the real strain on our resources, including the impact to our schools, health care system and first responders."

AFP has fact-checked other misinformation about the 2024 US election here.
Reality Check is a Herald series holding those in power to account and shining a light on their decisions. Have a suggestion for a future story? Email our journalists at tips@miamiherald.com.

Former President Donald Trumps campaign is turning to a well-worn playbook, seizing on baseless claims that Haitian immigrants living in a southwestern Ohio city are abducting and eating local wildlife and their neighbors pets, to stoke fears over migrants living in the United States.

On Monday, an official social media account of Trumps 2024 campaign posted that 20,000 Haitian migrants were dumped into the small town of Springfield, Ohio. Heres our Border Czar Kamala Harris bragging about bringing them to our country. They need support.

Another post claimed that President Trump will deport migrants who eat pets. Kamala Harris will send them to your town next. Make your choice, America.

Theres no evidence to back up those claims. Karen Graves, a spokesperson for the city of Springfield, Ohio, said in a statement that there have been no credible reports or specific claims of pets being harmed, injured or abused by individuals within the immigrant community.

Even Trumps Republican running mate, U.S. Sen. JD Vance of Ohio, who helped promote the claims against Springfields growing Haitian population, acknowledged in a post on the social media site X on Tuesday morning that its possible, of course, that all of these rumors will turn out to be false.

But he then appeared to endorse cat memes that several high-profile Republicans, including U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, have promoted on social media, saying, Please vote for Trump so Haitians immigrants dont eat us, with a photo of two cats hugging.

Keep the cat memes flowing, Vance said.

RELATED CONTENT: In debate, Trump amplifies false claim that Haitians abducted and ate pets in Ohio

The falsehood of Haitian immigrants as eaters of pets serves as a stand-in for what the Trump campaign and Republicans say are broad concerns over immigration, public safety and the availability of resources in the U.S. Its a tactic Trump has used in the past, and one that his allies see as an effective weapon against Vice President Kamala Harris in her presidential bid.

President Trump will deport migrants who eat pets.



Kamala Harris will send them to your town next.



Make your choice, America.  Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) September 9, 2024

Theres a Haitian aspect to it, sure, but its not really all about Haitians. Its about crime and migration and [Harris] being part of the problem, said Ford OConnell, a Republican strategist and former Florida congressional candidate. Its a mosaic about safety and being tough on the border.

Rulx Jean-Bart, 72, a pioneer in Haitian refugees fight for immigration rights and a former director of the Haitian Refugee Center in Miami, said he isnt surprised that Haitians are being used as a scapegoat by Republicans. He believes the community is easy prey, given the anti-immigrant stance of Trump and his MAGA supporters, along with Republicans like Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a frequent critic of President Joe Bidens immigration policies.





This idea of Haitians eating cats is an old story that has been used in the past, and probably will continue in the election year, said Jean-Bart, who lives in Mirama. Its just a myth, bad propaganda that people are using to attack immigrants, Haitians, and in a sense Black folk.

Given the long hard-fought battles against such stigmatization, the latest attacks have led Haitians to speak out.

If you compare from where we were years ago from when I was active in the 70s to now, where we have Haitians in positions of responsibility being mayors, congresswoman and so on and taking a leadership role in the community and for the betterment of the community, I think weve proven ourselves as far as who we are and what we can do to help, Jean-Bart said

In a statement, Republican National Committee spokesperson Anna Kelly did not echo the false claims about Haitian immigrants in Springfield, but painted a bleak portrait of life in the town of about 58,000 people, which has seen an influx of thousands Haitians and other immigrants in recent years.

Kamala Harris amnesty for Haitian migrants has destroyed Springfield, Ohio. Hospitals are overwhelmed and residents cant afford the booming housing costs. Kamala wants to bring this disaster to every single American town, Kelly said.

Kellys amnesty comment refers to Temporary Protected Status, the immigration benefit that Trump tried to end during his previous presidency and that the Biden administration recently extended and redesignated for Haiti due to its ongoing gang violence and humanitarian crisis. The measure allows more than 500,000 Haitians already in the U.S. to legally live and work here until Feb. 3, 2025. That includes hundreds of thousands of Haitian nationals who arrived in the U.S. as of June 3 under a two-year humanitarian parole program that the Biden administration also rolled out for nationals of Cuba, Venezuela and Nicaragua. A similar humanitarian program also benefits nationals of Ukraine.

The continued misrepresentation of Haitian immigrants is deeply troubling and concerning. Recent accusations that Haitians in Springfield are consuming pets and local wildlife are not only completely unfounded but also unacceptable. This rhetoric unfairly targets a community that  Leslie Voltaire (@leslievoltaire) September 10, 2024

Haitians in Haiti and the U.S., including some who are registered Republicans, have blasted the misrepresentation of Haitians. Leslie Voltaire, a member of Haitis ruling Transitional Presidential Council, called it deeply troubling. Foreign Minister Dominique Dupuy, in a social media post on X, responded by sharing a quote from African-American author and Nobel laureate Toni Morrison about racism being a distraction.

The function, the very serious function of racism is distraction. It keeps you from doing your work. It keeps you explaining, over and over again, your reason for being, Dupuy posted.

The Haitian American Foundation for Democracy, whose membership includes a number of prominent Haitian-Americans in South Florida and Haitians in Haiti, called Vances and several congressional leaders demonization of Haitian immigrants as homeless and hungry invaders who represent a threat to Ohioans as dangerous.

This reckless fear-mongering puts vulnerable communities at risk, stokes division, and incites hate crimes. Local law enforcement, faith communities, and social services must be supported in protecting these new community members from harm, the group said.

This is not the first time Haitians have found themselves thrust into the U.S. political fray. Ever since they began arriving in waves in South Florida aboard boats in 1972, fleeing their countrys brutal Duvalier dictatorship, theyve been subjected to disparaging labels.

Back then, it was their description as boat people as their unprecedented influx was used to write the present-day U.S. immigration policy of jailing undocumented migrants. In the 1980s, during the onslaught of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, they were falsely accused of spreading the disease after the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention singled out Haitians as being among four risk groups that included gay men, hemophiliacs and heroin users.

Trump claimed early in his presidency that Haitians all have AIDS, and said immigrants from Haiti, El Salvador and 54 nations in Africa came from shithole countries. Trump later denied making both remarks, but the sting of the anti-Haitian vitriol was revived this week when his campaign and supporters once more turned to Haitians to advance a hard-line anti-immigrant stance.

The latest narrative erupted when Vance endorsed social media claims that Haitians were abducting and eating the pets of their neighbors in Springfield. Vance had accused the Haitian immigrants in Springfield of being bad people during a July speech at the National Conservatism Conference in which he complained immigration has made our societies poor, less safe, less prosperous, and less advanced.

Haitian residents in Springfield acknowledge that their growing presence in the city has raised eyebrows and created problems, especially after a Haitian immigrant was involved in a fatal bus crash last year.

But with their presence getting national attention, some newcomers like Jean Senel St. Juste, 40, fear that the unfounded characterization of them will encourage the kind of racists attacks where Haitians will begin to die under awful conditions.

The declarations of Sen. Vance have nothing to do with the truth, he said.

St. Juste, a former candidate for Haitis Lower House of Deputies who also worked in the presidential palace under interim President Jocelerme Privert, moved to Springfield five years ago from Washington, D.C. He was drawn to the city, he said, after a friend told him about its employment opportunities and lower cost of living.

Haitians are not the only Black immigrants in Springfield, he said, noting there are also migrants from the African continent as well as African Americans and Hispanics. There is a photo that is circulating on the Internet where a Black man is holding a duck and they claim its a Haitian. There is nothing to justify that... and no one can say exactly where it happened.

According to the city of Springfield, which has a section on its website to answer questions about the Haitian immigrants, Clark County has an estimated immigrant population of approximately 12,000-15,000. The city doesnt specify how many are Haitian, but says that the community has opened 10 new businesses, including two restaurants, grocery stores and a food truck, all Haitian.

Business owner Jacob Payen, 45, had lived in Port St. Lucie for 27 years, he said, when he decided to relocate his family to Springfield after getting discharged from the U.S. military.

I wanted to try something new, Payen, who owns a religious storefront catering to Haitians and a services business in the city, said about relocating to Springfield.

Payen acknowledges that the arrival of Haitians and thousands of other immigrants has been shocking for some residents who, for example, are not used to the long lines such an influx has brought to the town that had a little over 58,000 residents four years ago. But the hatred and discrimination, he said, has been on social media and not in his everyday dealings with Springfield residents.

Payen blames the rumors on a small group of people who do not understand Haitians and perhaps havent yet been able to adapt to the influx of Haitians in Springfield.

Not only I have not seen or heard what they are claiming, but I believe it has a political motivation behind it. This is not something I see or believe is happening in the community, he said.

Payne said he thought the community had moved on from the kind of anti-Haitian sentiments that had long defined Haitians early struggles in the United States.

With what we already experienced in Florida, he said, I thought we were past these kinds of rumors and insults.
BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP)  Former President Donald Trump made room during his debate with Vice President Kamala Harris to express the mutual admiration he shares with Viktor Orban, the autocratic leader of Hungary who has cozied up with Russia and China and became a thorn in the side of his allies.

They call him a strongman. Hes a tough person, smart, Trump said of Orban in response to Harris' assertion that world leaders are laughing at the former president.

Look, Viktor Orban said it. He said, The most respected, the most feared person is Donald Trump. We had no problems when Trump was president, Trump said.

Why is Orban popular with conservatives?

Orban, a right-wing populist and the European Union's longest-serving leader, has become an icon to some U.S. conservatives for championing what he calls illiberal democracy, which includes some of the EU's harshest restrictions on immigration and LGBTQ+ rights.

He has also cracked down on the press and judiciary in the formerly Communist Central European country and been accused by the EU of violating rule-of-law and democracy standards, all while vigorously pursuing ever deeper relations with Beijing and Moscow, considered adversaries by his allies in the NATO military alliance.

Yet despite the growing consensus in the West that Orban has abridged fundamental freedoms in Hungary, Trump and his wing of the Republican party have embraced him. While still in office in 2019, Trump welcomed Orban for a meeting in the Oval Office, unnerving some lawmakers, while his former senior adviser, Steve Bannon, called the Hungarian leader Trump before Trump.

The former president as well as such conservative eminences like Tucker Carlson have praised Orban's zero-tolerance attitude toward immigration  he built a double-layered fence along Hungary's southern border in 2015, after hundreds of thousands of refugees, mostly from Syria, fled into Europe.

They also laud Hungary's efforts to increase its flagging birth rate by offering generous subsidies and low-interest loans to families planning to have children, an effort Orban has described as intended to avoid relying on immigration to remedy a declining population.

"There arent enough Christian, white, traditional Europeans in Europe, Orban said at a campaign rally in June. Instead, theres a vacuum filled by migrants.

Cozy relations with Trump

Such views have made him popular with the Conservative Political Action Conference, which has held events in the Hungarian capital of Budapest for the last three years. In 2022, he received a standing ovation at a national CPAC event in Dallas, telling the cheering crowd: We must take back the institutions in Washington and Brussels. We must find friends and allies in one another.

The Hungarian leader has openly endorsed Trumps candidacy in the November election, and boldly shared Trump's claim that the Republican will be able to swiftly bring an end to Russias war in Ukraine.

Orban, widely seen as having the warmest relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin among all EU leaders, has routinely blocked, delayed or watered down EU efforts to extend assistance to Kyiv and to sanction Moscow over its war. He has consistently pushed for a cease-fire but without detailing what it would mean for Ukraine's statehood or territorial integrity, or the potential security implications for Europe and the United States.

In July, Orban met with Trump at the former presidents beachside compound Mar-a-Lago and shared a photo of the two on social media with the caption: We discussed ways to make peace. The good news of the day: hes going to solve it!

On his own social media site, Trump posted: Thank you Viktor. There must be PEACE, and quickly.

Trump's embrace of Orban at the debate did not escape the attention of some prominent Democrats.

In a post on X on Wednesday, Hillary Clinton called Orban the democracy-killing Hungarian dictator," while Tim Walz, Harris' running mate, told MSNBC late Tuesday: "He was asked for one world leader who is with him, and it was Orban. My God, that's all you need to know.
Donald Trump spent the afternoon ahead of his debate against Kamala Harris by demanding Republican lawmakers pursue a government shutdown if they cannot attach a hardline voting bill to the budget.

Trumps demand, via a fiery post on Truth Social, was met with pushback from some establishment Republicansbut appeared to nudge some Trump allies, like Marjorie Taylor Greene, into backing Trumps desire.

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, Trump wrote on Tuesday.

Congress now has less than a month to pass legislation to fund the federal government or else theyll send the U.S. into a government shutdown on the eve of a presidential election.

Comrade Kamala and Weird Trump: Debate Night Draws Out Bizarre Prop Bets

Trump has infamously claimed since the 2020 election that it was stolen from him by voter fraud, and he appears to already be sowing doubt in this elections legitimacy by parroting unsourced claims of fraud in early voting.

Now Trump appears determined to have his party-mates attach an addendum that would require proof of citizenship to register to votea step critics say is unnecessary to curb voter fraud, and at least one House Republican fears would ultimately hurt Republicans in November.

We are not going to shut the government down, an unnamed Republican lawmaker told Axios. Trump must want a Democrat majority in the House. We dont.

Mitch McConnell, the Senates minority leader, signaled that he doesnt want to hold up the budget at Trumps request either.

Shutting down the government is always a bad idea, no matter what time of year it is, he said.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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China's top legislature starts standing committee session

Xinhua) 08:04, September 11, 2024

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.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Harris laid obvious traps for Trump during the debate. He walked right into them

Donald Trumps allies said he had to stay calm during his debate with Kamala Harris and not take her bait on attacks. He couldnt help himself. (AP)

Around the 24th minute of Donald Trumps seventh general election presidential debate, he fell directly into a trap Kamala Harris had laid out for him.

The vice president was answering a question on immigration, a subject that has been central to Trumps political rise and his remaking of the Republican Party, when she noted that he was the one who had pressured his political allies in Congress into killing a bipartisan border security bill. She could have left it there. Instead, Harris did something curious. She invited voters to attend one of his signature political rallies, calling them a really interesting thing to watch because many of Trumps supporters now leave them early out of exhaustion and boredom.

It was a calculated line, clearly meant to trigger the notoriously thin-skinned ex-president. And it was one that her campaign had telegraphed earlier in the day by airing a television advertisement that featured Barack Obama needling Trump about his obsession with crowd sizes.

Yet it was also a line Trumps campaign should have prepared him to face. He had one goal that evening: to maintain his cool. With one throwaway comment, Harris got him to fail at that task in the most spectacular manner possible.

As soon as it was his turn to speak once more, Trump took the bait. First, he began claiming  falsely  that supporters dont leave his rallies. He called the campaign gatherings the most incredible rallies in the history of politics because his supporters want to take their country back and are angry at whats happening to the towns all over the United States.

It got worse for him from there.

The ex-president next turned to a false story his campaign has been promoting about Haitian migrants kidnapping and eating pets in Springfield, Ohio.

In Springfield, they're eating the dogs  the people that came in, they're eating the cats. They're eating the pets of the people that live there. And this is what's happening in our country, and it's a shame, he said.

It was so bizarre that moderator David Muir had to step in and inform him that the Springfield city manager told ABC News that nothing of the sort had happened, ever.

Shes kicking his ass, one Republican operative told The Independent as the debate wrapped. (AFP via Getty Images)

According to a source familiar with Harriss debate preparations, the vice president and her team had prepared multiple canned lines she could inject into the conversation with the exact aim of upending Trumps psychological state. But what the Harris campaign did not prepare for  and could not prepare for  was the way Trump managed to bite on every single one of the lures that the vice president dropped into the water.

At another point, Muir interjected to tell Trump that the FBI has said violent crime is actually down in recent years, after the ex-president claimed it has skyrocketed under Biden. In response, Trump began attacking the FBI, giving Harris another opening to bring up Trumps upcoming criminal sentencing.

He then launched into another rant about the various prosecutions against him and blamed Biden and Harris for them. Job done by Harris once again.

By the halfway mark in the 90-minute debate, the former president had gone off on multiple tangents, each more damaging than the last. That included one in which he praised Ashli Babbitt, the deceased Capitol rioter who was shot by a police officer while trying to enter an area from which House members were being evacuated to prevent them from being lynched by a pro-Trump mob. He also repeatedly refused to acknowledge having lost the election under questioning from Muir and co-moderator Linsey Davis.

At the same time, Harris landed her blows and even got out detailed explanations of her policy proposals, giving voters something theyve told pollsters they want.

As Trump ranted and raved, she stayed calm. She didnt raise her voice, but her expressions  ranging from bemusement to feigned shock and horror  made clear her feelings about her opponent. She even managed to find reason to relay comments from military leaders whove worked under Trump and who, according to her, called him a disgrace.

She managed to take the fight to him without fighting, to attack without appearing combative, to take offense without appearing angry. Or, as one Republican consultant who worked with Trump on his 2020 race put it in a text message as the debate wrapped: This is Pam Grier vs. Archie Bunker.

A moment later, the same operative weighed in again, this time in more blunt terms.

Shes kicking his ass, they said.
Republican presidential nominee, former President Trump, debates Democratic presidential nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris, for the first time during the presidential election campaign at The National Constitution Center on September 10, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Republican presidential nominee, former President Trump, debates Democratic presidential nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris, for the first time during the presidential election campaign at The National Constitution Center on September 10, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

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When White House rivals Kamala Harris and Donald Trump met on the debate stage Tuesday night, it took less than 15 minutes for the topic to turn to abortion  and former President Trump immediately launched into an oft-told lie.

Moderator Linsey Davis, who anchors ABC News Live Prime and World News Tonight on Sundays, noted that Trump had made confusing statements about Floridas six-week abortion ban and whether he might support a ballot measure that would add abortion protections to the states constitution. He eventually said he would vote against it. Vice President Harris says that women shouldnt trust you on the issue of abortion, because youve changed your position so many times. Therefore, why should they trust you? Davis asked.

The reason Im doing that vote is because the plan is, as you know, the vote, is they have abortion in the ninth month, they even have, and you can look at the governor of West Virginia, the previous governor of West Virginia, not the current governor is doing an excellent job, but the governor before he said, the baby will be born and we will decide what to do with the baby, in other words, well execute the baby  and thats why I did that, because that predominates, because theyre radical, the Democrats are radical in that, Trump said.

Trump has repeatedly and falsely claimed that Harris and Democratic-led states want to pass laws that permit abortion until the moment of birth and the execution of babies after birth, something that is already illegal in every state as it is homicide. His claims have been repeatedly fact-checked by a range of news organizations  including NBC, Scripps News and Glamour magazine  and they have all rated them false.

Trumps reference to West Virginia seemed to be a mistake; he may have been aiming to revive a false right-wing claim that former Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam, a Democrat, talked on a radio interview about infanticide.

Trump went on to say that every legal scholar, every Democrat, every Republican, liberal conservative, they all wanted this issue to be brought back to the states where the people could vote.

Recent polling done by The 19th and Survey Monkey showed that half of people in states where abortion is banned say the laws in their states are too restrictive, while people in states where abortion is always or mostly legal are more likely to say their states laws strike the right balance.

Davis jumped in to fact check Trump in real time  There is no state in this country where it is legal to kill a baby after its born, she said  before asking Harris to respond.

Well, as I said, youre going to hear a bunch of lies, and thats not actually a surprising fact, Harris said. Lets 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 health care.

Harris said that she had spoken to women around the country who had suffered miscarriages, who had been denied health care by emergency rooms worried about interpreting strict abortion laws in ways that could expose them to legal liability, and who had survived incest and didnt want to carry a pregnancy to term. She said if Congress were to pass legislation to reinstate the federal protections guaranteed by Roe v. Wade for nearly 50 years, she would sign it. She said Trump, on the other hand, would veto it if it reached his desk.

Well, there she goes again. Its a lie. Im not signing a ban, and theres no reason to sign a ban because weve gotten what everybody wanted, Democrats, Republicans and everybody else, and every legal scholar wanted it to be brought back into the states, Trump responded.

Since the Supreme Court overturned the federal right to abortion in a 6-3 ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization over two years ago  with three of the conservative blocs justices nominated by Trump  14 states have banned abortions, another six states set gestational limits between six and 12 weeks and five other states cap the procedure between 15 and 22 weeks. Meanwhile, 16 states have set a gestational limit at or near viability, and nine states and the District of Columbia have no restrictions.

What she says is an absolute lie. And as far as the abortion ban, no, Im not in favor of abortion ban, but it doesnt matter, because this issue has now been taken over by the states, Trump continued.

Davis interjected: Would you veto a net national abortion ban?

Well, I wont have to, because again, two things, Trump added, explaining that it would be difficult for either party to get abortion legislation through Congress. He then transitioned into details about the Biden administrations efforts to forgive student loan debt.

Davis prodded: But if I could just get a yes or no because your running mate JD Vance has said that you would veto it if it did come to your desk.

Well, I didnt discuss it with JD, in all fairness, Trump said, again talking about the student loan effort.

Davis then asked Harris: Would you support any restrictions on a womans right to an abortion?

I absolutely support reinstating the protections of Roe v. Wade, and as you rightly mentioned, nowhere in America is a woman carrying a pregnancy to term and asking for an abortion, that is not happening  its insulting to the women of America, Harris said.

Trump interrupted Harris as she started to talk about how abortion bans have also imperiled access to assisted reproductive technologies like in vitro fertilization, or IVF, which entails creating embryos outside the womb and storing them in a laboratory setting until implantation.

Im a leader on IVF, which is fertilization, the IVF. I have been a leader, Trump said, noting that he criticized an Alabama Supreme Court ruling that applied the concept of fetal personhood to frozen embryos and temporarily halted access in the state. State lawmakers rushed to pass bipartisan legislation, but some IVF providers in Alabama said it was not enough to resume offering the procedure with long-term certainty.

I have been a leader on fertilization, IVF, and the other things, they you should ask, will she allow abortion in the eighth month? Ninth month? Seventh month? Trump went on.

Come on, Harris said.

Answer the question Would you veto? she continued, without responding to Trumps query.

Roe protected the federal right to an abortion until fetal viability, which occurs about 24 to 26 weeks into pregnancy; full-term pregnancies are 39 to 40 weeks. Abortions at or after 21 weeks account for only 1 percent of abortions in the country, according to KFF, a health policy foundation. Claims of abortions occurring moments before birth or even after birth are false. These scenarios do not occur, nor are they legal in the United States, several KFF policy analysts wrote in a recent paper.

Recent polling shows that abortion is gaining on the economy as an issue of importance to voters, particularly in battleground states, and it is already the most important issue to women under 45. Some swing states like Arizona and Nevada will have ballot measures this year that would add abortion protections to state constitutions. Democrats are hoping these measures will drive turnout and also boost their chances in the presidential election and other statewide races, including for the U.S. Senate.

David Plouffe, a campaign manager to former President Barack Obama who is advising Harris campaign, wrote on the social media site X that there was a forty point difference with undecided voters on their abortion answers. Widest gap Ive ever seen in debate dials.

The post Trump doubles down on abortion lie that Democrats want to execute babies appeared first on The 19th.

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A city manager in Ohio and the father of a young boy killed in a school bus accident are pushing back on a right-wing campaign against Haitian migrants in their community that has been fueled by former President Donald Trump and his running mate, JD Vance.

Bryan Heck, the city manager of Springfield, Ohio, criticized false claims about migrants, which have been spread by Trump and Vance, while Nathan Clark, whose 11-year-old was killed in an accident involving a Haitian driver last year, said both men should apologize for using his death to score political points.

This needs to stop now, Clark said at a public hearing Tuesday. They can vomit all the hate they want about illegal immigrants, the border crisis and even untrue claims about fluffy pets being ravaged and eaten by community members. However, they are not allowed, nor have they ever been allowed, to mention Aiden Clark from Springfield, Ohio.

Their remarks come in response to the surprising emergence of Springfield, northeast of Dayton, in the national political debate over migration after about 15,000 people from Haiti have settled in the city of less than 60,000 over the past four years.

Trump and Vance, along with other politicians and right-wing commentators have seized on the influx, as well as concerns about the strain on local schools and other resources and the accident that killed Clarks son, to stoke broader concerns about immigration.

Trump brought up the city twice during his debate with Kamala Harris to attack the vice president on immigration policy. In Springfield, theyre eating the dogs, the people that came in, Trump said. Theyre eating the cats. Theyre eating the pets of the people that live there.

He brushed aside a fact check by debate moderator David Muir, who said Heck told the network that there were no reports that anyones pet had been taken. Trumps response: Maybe thats a good thing to say for a city manager.

In a video released Wednesday, Heck said Haitian migrants  who are legally in the U.S. under temporary protected status because of the upheaval in their Caribbean nation  are welcome additions to the local workforce and have helped the local economy.

It is disappointing that some of the narrative surrounding our city has been skewed by misinformation circulating on social media and further amplified by political rhetoric in the current highly charged presidential election cycle, he said.

The influx has strained housing, school and health care resources in Springfield, while also contributing to the workforce population, Heck said.

While we are experiencing challenges related to the rapid growth of our immigrant population, these challenges are primarily due to the pace of the growth, rather than the rumors being reported, Heck said.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has said he would help Springfield respond to the strain on schools, health care and law enforcement from the arrival of the migrants while state Attorney General David Yost pledged in a statement to explore legal avenues to limit the resettlement of new people in the city.

The problem is not migrants, it is way, way too many migrants in a short period of time, Yost said.
During the presidential debate on Tuesday, Donald Trump appeared to defend his decades-old calls for the reinstatement of the death penalty after five Black and Latino teenagers known as the Central Park Five were wrongfully convicted of rape in New York.

When moderators asked the former president and Kamala Harris to speak on the topic of race in America, Trump struggled to account for his previous remarks questioning Harriss racial identity  and to deal with his fraught history on the subject.

I dont care what she is. I dont care, Trump said. You make a big deal out of something, I couldnt care less, whatever she wants to be is OK with me.

Related: Fact-checking Trumps debate claims: from abortion to Project 2025

In her response, Harris called it a tragedy that we have someone who wants to be president who has consistently, over the course of his career, attempted to use race to divide the American people, and reminded viewers that Trump had called for the reinstatement of the death penalty after five young men of color were wrongfully convicted of raping a woman in 1989.

Harris was referring to an ad that Trump purchased in the New York Times in the wake of a brutal assault on a woman in Central Park, calling on the state of New York to Bring Back the Death Penalty. The police pulled five Black and Latino teenagers from the park and interrogated them, prompting confessions they later said had been extracted under duress.

Then, in 2002, a convicted serial rapist named Matias Reyes confessed from prison to the crime, and a DNA test confirmed that he had been the perpetrator.

Still, on the debate stage more than two decades after the exoneration of the teenagers, Trump dug in.

They pled guilty, said Trump, who also claimed that Mike Bloomberg, the former New York mayor, agreed with him on the topic. They killed a person, ultimately, said Trump.

The five boys were tried as adults and actually pleaded not guilty. And the victim, Trisha Meili, although almost killed, was found unconscious in the park, survived and testified in court.

Yusef Salaam, one of the five exonerated men who is now a member of New Yorks city council, watched the debate live in Philadelphia. Salaam appeared in the spin room after the debate, where he told the Washington Post in an interview: Here we are right now, full-circle moment, being able to be participants in this great democracy on the cusp of everything really powerfully supporting Kamala Harris and Tim Walz. Im ready for it.

Read more about the 2024 US election:
In their first and maybe last face-to-face encounter, Vice President Kamala Harris successfully got under Donald Trumps skin early in their debate Tuesday night, putting him into angry rally speech mode where he spent the rest of the encounter shouting his usual lies and insults.

He claimed his top officials, from chief of staff John Kelly to defense secretary Mark Esper to joint chiefs of staff chair Mark Milley were all terrible people. So when somebody does a bad job, and you take a guy like Esper, he was no good, I fired him.

He claimed no one ever left his campaign rallies early: People dont leave my rallies, we have the biggest rallies, the most incredible rallies in the history of politics.

He brought up a debunked conspiracy theory that Haitian immigrants in an Ohio town were eating peoples pets: Theyre eating the dogs, the people that came in, theyre eating the cats!

Eventually he even claimed that President Joe Biden disliked Harris because she was now the nominee instead of him: Ill give you a little secret. He hates her. He cant stand her.

Trump began the debate relatively calm, as he was during most of his debate against Biden in June, but lost that composure within 15 minutes of the start. He shook his head when she spoke, but seemed unwilling to look her way. He badgered the moderators into turning his microphone back on as they would try to move to the next question.

As the night progressed, he seemed to spiral further, allowing himself to be drawn off-topic, wandering off onto unrelated tangents  praise for Hungarys autocratic ruler Viktor Orban, for example  and lashing out with personal attacks.

Shes a Marxist, he claimed. Her fathers a Marxist professor and he taught her well.

From there, Trumps lies came fast and at high volume. He falsely claimed that foreign countries pay U.S. tariffs, when in reality American importers and consumers do. He falsely claimed that some states allow parents to murder newborn babies if they decide they dont want them. He repeated a frequent claim  without any evidence  that crime rates are falling all over the world because they are sending their criminals to the United States.

When the ABC News moderators asked about his coup attempt to remain in office despite losing the 2020 election and his failure to end the violence at the Capitol he himself had unleashed, Trump again said he had done nothing wrong and repeated his lies that the election had been stolen from him.

On this issue, as in many others, Harris pointed out that he was lying and urged Americans not to let him back into office. Donald Trump was fired by 81 million people, she said. So lets be clear about that, and clearly he is having a very difficult time processing that. But we cannot afford to have a president of the United States who attempts, as he did in the past, to upend the will of the voters in a free election.

When Trump claimed that Harris would ban fracking in Pennsylvania and confiscate peoples guns, Harris responded more bluntly: Stop with the continuous lying with this stuff.

Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris participate during an ABC News presidential debate at the National Constitution Center on Tuesday in Philadelphia. Alex Brandon via Associated Press

The debate is the latest major hurdle for Harris to clear in her unprecedented, 100-day sprint since she transitioned from a vice president seeking reelection to the top-of-the-ticket nominee.

Biden, dogged by voters concern about his age, faced Trump in the first general election debate of the 2024 general election on June 27. But after turning in a disastrous performance, Biden dropped out less than a month later. He almost immediately endorsed Harris to succeed him as the presumptive Democratic nominee, which helped her lock down the necessary delegates within days.

Harris then staged what observers described as a successful convention capped with a well-received acceptance speech. Only about 30 million Americans watched that speech, though, which may be far fewer than the number who tuned in Tuesday.

Tuesdays face-off could also be the final presidential debate of this election. While Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Walz and his Republican counterpart J.D. Vance have a debate scheduled for early next month, there are no current plans for another Harris-Trump encounter.

After Harris took over for Biden as the nominee, Trump had been clamoring for a series of debates with her, starting off with one hosted by Fox News. Harris declined and insisted that Trump honor his commitment to attending a Sept. 10 debate hed scheduled when Biden was still his opponent, and Trump eventually agreed.

Trump, who has essentially been running to return to the White House for three years, has good reason to want his old job back. If he loses the election, he may be headed for prison from one or more of the criminal prosecutions against him. The sentencing in the New York state case, in which he has already been convicted of felonies, could happen as early as late November, although he likely would not be forced to begin any prison term he receives until after his appeals are decided.

Trump is also facing a federal prosecution for his actions leading up to and on his Jan. 6, 2021 coup attempt. That trial could start next year, as could one in Georgia based on state charges over Trumps attempt to overturn his election loss there.

A second federal prosecution, based on his refusal to turn over secret documents he took with him to his South Florida country club, was dismissed by the trial judge, but could be reinstated by an appeals court, which currently has the case.

If Trump wins, however, he could order his attorney general to dismiss all the federal charges against him and would likely be able to postpone the state prosecutions until after he has left office.

Related...
Former President Donald Trump wants to increase tariffs, while his Democratic opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris, wants to raise the corporate income tax rate. They say you need not worry about the consequences of these tax hikes because someone else will pay the tab.

Don't believe them. Both proposals would impair economic growth and impose substantial costs on ordinary Americans, extending far beyond the advertised targets.

Last year, Trump proposed a "universal baseline tariff" of 10 percent, more than four times the 2023 trade-weighted average. More recently, he has pitched a general rate as high as 20 percent. He thinks Chinese imports should be subject to an even steeper tariff: 60 percent, maybe more.

When Trump set off a disastrous trade war by raising tariffs during his first term, he claimed the cost was borne by exporters. "China is bearing the entire burden of the tariffs," his top trade adviser averred in 2019.

Although tariffs are designed to raise the prices of imported components and finished goods, Trump is still pretending they do not hurt American businesses and consumers. Analyses of Trump's tariffs tell a different story.

In 2020, for example, Pablo Fajgelbaum and three other economists reported that "U.S. consumers have borne the full incidence of U.S. tariffs," which was consistent with the results of another study published the same year. Fajgelbaum and his colleagues calculated a net U.S. economic loss of $16 billion a year, which rose to $25 billion when they considered the impact of retaliatory measures by other countries.

The Tax Foundation estimates that a 10 percent general tariff "would raise taxes on American consumers by more than $300 billion a year," "reduce the size of the U.S. economy by 0.7 percent," and "eliminate 505,000 full-time equivalent jobs." Retaliation could "further reduce U.S. GDP by 0.4 percent and eliminate another 322,000 full-time equivalent jobs."

Trump's proposed tariffs, including a 60 percent levy on Chinese goods, "would reduce after-tax incomes by about 3.5 percent for those in the bottom half of the income distribution," the Peterson Institute for International Economics estimates. They "would cost a typical household in the middle of the income distribution at least $1,700 in increased taxes each year."

Just as Trump ignores those costs, Harris wants voters to believe that raising the corporate income tax rate from 21 percent to 28 percent is simply a matter of "ensur[ing] the wealthiest Americans and the largest corporations pay their fair share." But that is true only if you overlook the broader economic impact of that change, which would hurt non-wealthy Americans as employees, consumers, and investors.

"Studies have shown that the corporate income tax is the most harmful tax for economic growth," the Tax Foundation warns. On the flip side, recent research indicates that the Trump-backed 2017 reduction in this tax rate, which moved the U.S. from the high end among industrialized countries to the middle of the pack, "significantly boosted domestic investment."

By raising the cost of doing business in the United States, a higher corporate tax rate inhibits investment, drives down wage and benefit growth, encourages offshoring of jobs, and reduces the return on retirement savings. "Under a 28 percent corporate rate," the Tax Foundation estimates, "GDP would fall by $1.84" for "every $1 of higher revenue."

It gets worse: "In the long run, when the economic effect of that higher rate fully phases in, we estimate an even steeper drop in GDP of $2.19 for every dollar raised." Although Harris promises that "no one earning less than $400,000 a year will pay more in taxes" under her fiscal plan, that does not mean people of relatively modest means will be spared the indirect costs of sticking it to "the wealthiest Americans and the largest corporations."

Like Trump, Harris wants voters to overlook the predictable results of her tax agenda. In both cases, Americans should be asking the questions that the candidates are keen to dodge.

 Copyright 2024 by Creators Syndicate Inc.

The post Trump and Harris Both Favor Tax Hikes That Would Hurt Ordinary Americans appeared first on Reason.com.
Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump faced off in their firstand possibly onlydebate on Tuesday night, tackling issues like abortion, immigration, the economy, and foreign policy.

The debate, hosted by ABC News in Philadelphias National Constitution Center, was also the first time the two candidates have ever met in person, after Trump broke tradition in 2021 by skipping the inauguration of his successor. The matchup began with a handshake, but quickly descended into a series of sharp exchanges as Trump and Harris traded barbs.

Seeking to introduce herself to voters, Harris used the debate to draw a contrast with Trump, portraying herself as a middle-class kid while casting Trump as self-absorbed and not possessing the temperament to be President. Trump, meanwhile, repeated lies about widespread fraud in the 2020 election and furthered a baseless conspiracy theory about immigrants eating pets, seeking to paint a picture of a nation in chaos.

The previous debate between President Joe Biden and Trump was marred by awkward fumbling, and eventually led to Biden dropping out of the race after facing criticism from members of his own party and prominent Democratic donors over his poor performance. Harris, as the new Democratic candidate, tried to turn the table on Trump this debate by portraying him as the fumbling one and attempting to get under his skin.

Donald Trump was fired by 81 million people, Harris said. Clearly he is having a very difficult time processing that.

Read More: How Harris Won the Debate: Trump Walked Into Traps She Laid For Him

While the Harris campaign has made efforts to re-energize voters, the race for the countrys highest elected office is still tight. A new NPR/PBS News/Marist poll released ahead of the debate on Tuesday found that Harris edges out Trump by just one point among registered voters nationally.

Tuesday nights debate highlighted the stark differences between the two candidates: Harris, a former prosecutor known for her methodical debate skills, versus Trump, who has been convicted on 34 felony counts in a New York hush money case, something Harris brought up when Trump complained of migrant crime in American cities. Well, I think this is so rich, Harris responded. Coming from someone who has been prosecuted for national security crimes, economic crimes, election interference, has been found liable for sexual assault and his next big court appearance is in November at his own criminal sentencing.

Trump entered the stage with a well-established playbook: attack his opponents record and project strength on familiar issues like the economy, immigration, and foreign policy. He attempted to portray Harris as a liberal out of step with voters and repeatedly called the U.S. a failing nation and on the brink of World War III because of the Biden-Harris Administration. Shes a Marxist, he said of Harris, who has repeatedly proclaimed her support of capitalism.

Harris, meanwhile, repeatedly called out her opponent when he made false claims, and lambasted his record while pointing to her own on issues like reproductive rights, crime, and immigration.

Read More: Ive Made My Choice: Taylor Swift Endorses Kamala Harris for President

The campaigns adhered to the same debate rules established in June for the CNN-moderated matchup between Trump and Biden, including muted microphones when a candidate was not speaking, no direct questions between the candidates, and no live audience.

Here are the biggest moments from the night.

Trump says he would not sign a national abortion ban

The candidates sparred over abortion, one of Trumps biggest electoral vulnerabilities, as Harris slammed Trump over his role in appointing three Supreme Court justices who overturned Roe v. Wade. One does not have to abandon their faith or deeply held beliefs to agree the government and Donald Trump certainly should not be telling a woman what to do with her body, Harris said.

In describing the ways women have been denied abortion care, Harris said that her opponent would enact a national abortion ban if he winsa claim that Trump rebuffed. Its a lie, he said, adding, Im not signing a ban and theres no reason to sign a ban because weve gotten what everybody wanted. Pressed further on where he stands on a national abortion ban, Trump would not explicitly say if he would veto one, instead claiming that it would never get through Congress.

Trump said the issue of abortion should be left to individual states, but he also defended his endorsement of the six-week abortion ban on the Florida ballot, a shift from his previous position. Its the vote of the people now. Its not tied up in the federal government. I did a great service in doing it, Trump said of overturning Roe v. Wade. It took courage to do it. And the Supreme Court had great courage in doing it.

More than 20 states have banned abortion or restricted the procedure earlier in pregnancy since the Supreme Court eliminated a constitutional right to abortion nationwide.

Trump repeated similar rhetoric he used in the previous presidential debate with Biden. He called Democrats radical for their stance on abortion and falsely accused Harris running mate Minn. Gov. Tim Walz of supporting execution after birth. ABC News moderator Linsey Davis later fact-checked the claim, saying that it is not legal anywhere in the U.S. to execute a baby.

Harris, meanwhile, pledged that, if elected President, she would proudly sign a bill into law if Congress passes one that reinstates the protections that were guaranteed by Roe v. Wade.

Harris also said that restrictions on reproductive rights have threatened peoples access to fertility treatments, including IVF.

The majority of Americans believe in a womans right to make decisions about her own life, and that is why in every state where this issue has been on the ballotin red and blue states boththe people of America have voted for freedom, she said.

Harris to Trump: Youre not running against Joe Biden. Youre running against me

Trump attempted to connect Harris to some of Bidens more unpopular policies, claiming that the Vice President is Biden at one point during the debate.

Remember this: She is Biden. You know, shes trying to get away from Biden. I dont know the gentleman, she says. She is Biden, Trump claimed. He added that Bidens presidency is the most divisive presidency in the history of our country.

Harris responded with a laugh: Clearly, I am not Joe Biden and I am certainly not Donald Trump. And what I do offer is a new generation of leadership for our country.

At another point during the debate, Trump criticized Bidens handling of international issues and questioned his mental acuity, saying that Biden had no idea how to talk to [Russian leader Vladimir Putin] and suggested he doesnt even know hes alive.

Harris used the moment to pivot the focus back on her own candidacy, emphasizing that the debate was about her and not Biden: First of all, I think its important to remind the former President, youre not running against Joe Biden. Youre running against me, she said.

Trump pushed baseless claim about immigrants eating pets

While discussing immigration during the debate, Trump amplified a highly controversial and unfounded claim about migrants in Springfield, Ohio. He suggested that Haitian immigrants in the area were eating pets, saying Theyre eating the dogs, the cats. Theyre eating the pets of the people that live there. The statement echoed a baseless internet conspiracy that has been debunked by local authorities and media fact-checkers.

David Muir, one of the debate moderators, promptly challenged Trumps claims, highlighting that local police in Springfield had found no evidence to support such allegations. The rumors, which originated from a Facebook post and have been boosted by conservative media, were dismissed by officials who confirmed that there had been no credible reports of pets being harmed by the immigrant community.

Harris visibly reacted with disbelief as Trump continued to repeat the unfounded allegations.

Trump walks back recent admission that he lost the 2020 election

The former President attempted to retract his recent comment that he lost the 2020 election by a whisker, claiming that he had been speaking sarcastically.

I said that? Trump asked after the moderator read back his statement from a recent interview at a Moms for Liberty event. Trump, who has long maintained that the 2020 election was stolen despite a lack of evidence, insisted his recent remark was said sarcastically, and he firmly rejected any acknowledgement of his loss to Biden.

Trump, Harris clash over economic plans

The debate began with a question about the state of the economyone of the top issues facing voters. Asked if Americans are better off than they were four years ago, Harris didnt directly answer but instead said she was raised as a middle-class kid and has a plan to help American families worried about the economy and cost of living. I believe in the ambition, the aspiration, the dreams of the American people, she said, touting her plan to build an opportunity economy.

Harris has proposed several bold economic measures including a first-ever federal ban on grocery price gouging, expanded down-payment assistance for first-time home buyers, and providing $6,000 per child to families for the first year of the childs life. She sought to draw a sharp contrast between her economic policies and those outlined by Trump, who has championed ratcheting up tariffs on Americas trade partners, extending the sweeping array of tax cuts he signed in 2017, and lowering the corporate tax rate to 15% from 21%.

Trump defended his plan to enact tariffs on imports from other countries, including Chinaa proposal Harris has likened to a sales tax on the middle class. Were doing tariffs on other countries. Other countries are going to finally, after 75 years, pay us back, Trump said. The tariff will be substantial in some cases.

Trump also attempted to blame Harris for the persistent inflation in recent years, falsely claiming that the U.S. experienced the highest inflation ever under President Bidens term. (Inflation hit 9.1% in June 2022; it hit nearly 15% in 1980 and was even higher in 1917). Trump also falsely claimed there was no inflation, virtually no inflation during his term in office. Cumulative inflation over the course of Trumps presidency was about 7.8%.

Harris critiqued Trumps history of racist remarks

Asked about his past comments falsely suggesting that Harris happened to turn Black for political purposes, Trump said he couldnt care less about her race.

I dont care what she is, he said. I read that she was Black. Then I read that she was not Black.

Harris, born of Jamaican and Indian immigrants, responded by accusing Trump of using race to divide Americans throughout his life. She pointed to a housing discrimination lawsuit his development company faced in the 1970s for denying housing to Black Americans; his taking out a full-page ad calling for the death penalty against the Central Park Five, a group of young Black and Latino teenagers who were ultimately exonerated; and the birther conspiracy he started against former President Barack Obama.

I think its a tragedy that we have someone who wants to be President who has, consistently, over the course of his career, attempted to use race to divide the American people, Harris said.

We dont want a leader who is constantly trying to have Americans point their fingers at each other, she added.

Harris invites Americans to attend a Trump rally

Harris took a jab at Trump by inviting viewers to attend one of his rallies, describing it as a really interesting thing to watch.

You will see during the course of his rallies, he talks about fictional characters like Hannibal Lecter, he will talk about windmills cause cancer, she said. What you will also notice is that people start leaving his rallies early out of exhaustion and boredom. And I will tell you, the one thing you will not hear him talk about is you. You will not hear him talk about your needs, your dreams, and your desires.

Trump dismissed Harriss comments, falsely claiming that people dont attend her rallies.

Trump: I probably took a bullet to the head because of Democrats

Trump suggested that the rhetoric from Harris and other Democrats about him may have fueled the failed assassination attempt on him at a rally in July.

I probably took a bullet to the head because of the things that they say about me, he said in response to Harris claim that he would weaponize the Justice Department against his political enemies if reelected. They talk about democracy. Im a threat to democracy. Theyre the threat to democracy with a fake Russia, Russia, Russia investigation that went nowhere.

Investigators have not identified a motive for the shooter.

Trump: I have nothing to do with Project 2025

Harris accused Trump of planning to implement Project 2025, a controversial presidential transition operation led by the right-wing think tank the Heritage Foundation. The projects nearly 1,000-page handbook outlines a conservative agenda for the next President, including dramatically expanding presidential power and cracking down on abortion pills. Trump has vehemently denied any involvement in the project.

I have nothing to do with Project 2025, Trump said during the debate. I havent read it. I dont want to read it purposely. Im not going to read it.

While Project 2025 doesnt explicitly say that its intended for Trump, it applauds policies implemented during his previous administration and some of his closest advisers were involved in crafting its proposals.

Trump wont say if he wants Ukraine to win its war with Russia

The conflict in Ukraine emerged as a focal point during the debate, as the candidates presented starkly contrasting views on U.S. involvement and strategy. Trump notably avoided directly addressing whether he wanted Ukraine to win its war against Russia, instead focusing on his desire to end the conflict.

I want the war to stop, I want to save lives, Trump said, without elaborating on how he would achieve this.

Harris condemned Trumps stance and argued that his approach would have dire consequences for Ukraine and U.S. allies. If Donald Trump were President, Putin would be sitting in Kyiv right now, she said, claiming that Trump has a record of cozying up to dictators and undermining democratic values. The alliances we have around the world are dependent on our ability to look out for our friends and not favor our enemies, because you adore strongmen instead of caring about democracy.

Trump claims Israel will not exist under a Harris presidency

Harris maintained the same stance she has previously shared regarding the war in Gaza: She condemned Hamas Oct. 7 attack while expressing support for a cease-fire and a two-state solution.

Israel has a right to defend itself, Harris said. It is also true far too many innocent Palestinians have been killedchildren, mothers. What we know is that this war must end.

Trump claimed that Hamas would not have launched the attack on Oct. 7 that started the war in Gaza if he had been President at the time. He went on to slam Harris for her stance on the issue, saying that the Vice President hates Israel. He predictedwith no evidence to indicate thisthat if Harris were to be elected President, Israel will not exist within two years from now.

Harris says world leaders are laughing at Trump

Harris continued to condemn the former President for denying the results of the 2020 election. She said that Trump was fired by the American people when he lost the 2020 race, adding that the country cannot afford to have a leader who denies election results.

I have traveled the world as Vice President of the United States, and world leaders are laughing at Donald Trump, Harris said. I have talked with military leaders, some of whom worked with you, and they say youre a disgrace.

Trump retorted by pointing to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbans endorsement of him.

Moderators fact-check the debate, sparking both praise and criticism

During the first presidential debate in June, Biden and Trump threw out claims that were false or misleadingand CNN moderators didnt provide real-time fact-checking, prompting widespread criticism from the public. (CNN did post fact-checks online).

That wasnt the case in Tuesday nights debate. ABC News moderators Muir and Davis repeatedly fact-checked Trumps claims, including falsehoods about Walz supporting execution after birth and migrants eating pets.

Some people online applauded Muir and Davis for fact-checking the candidates during the debate. Shout out to the ABC moderators for fact-checking in real time. This is how you do it, journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones posted on X.

But conservatives and Trump allies railed against Muir and Davis. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who suspended his independent campaign for President and endorsed Trump in August, accused the moderators of being biased for constantly fact-checking Trump but neglecting to do the same for Harris. Conservative podcaster Ben Shapiro said in a post on X that the moderators were a disgrace to their profession.

Omg MORE FACT CHECKING FROM ABC - THIS IS THE WORST ANCHOR PILE-ON I HAVE EVER SEEN. 3 against 1, conservative podcaster and former Fox News debate moderator Megyn Kelly posted on X.

CNN anchor Abby Phillip posted on X in defense of her ABC News peers: Just fyi: when there is asymmetrical lying, there will be asymmetrical fact checking.

Write to Nik Popli at nik.popli@time.com.
Bloomberg/Getty Images

The ABC News moderators only intervened a few times during the first presidential debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump on Tuesday night. But each time sure was memorable. Just to set the record  and the Republican nominee  straight: no, immigrants arent eating peoples pets, and no, executing babies isnt actually legal in the U.S.

This is some of the deeply strange terrain covered during the 90-plus-minute debate in Philadelphia, which became immediate fodder for memes. We rounded up some of the best responses social media had to offer below.

Harris easily baited Trump into making some of his more off-the-wall comments. After warning the audience that her opponent often makes wild claims at his rallies, Trump launched into a baseless conspiracy theory about Haitian immigrants eating household pets in Springfield, Ohio. David Muir, the debates co-moderator, jumped in to say there's literally no evidence that anything like this is happening.

Obviously, jokes about RFK, Jr. eating dead bears made an appearance.

Trump repeated his false claim that Democrats support abortions after birth abortions, which arent actually a thing, and executing babies. (Moderator Linsey Davis: There is no state where it is legal to kill a baby after birth.) He also claimed he was a leader on fertilization, which is, uh, interesting phrasing.

Another instant classic from Trump: that Harris wants to do transgender operations on illegal aliens who are in prison. Ah yes, the master plan has been revealed.

Some commenters simply pointed out just how out-there Trumps comments really are.

Harris' facial expressions were a meme machine unto themselves.

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Originally Appeared on Teen Vogue

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Democratic presidential nominee, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, greets Republican presidential nominee, former U.S. President Donald Trump at Ground Zero on September 11, 2024 in New York City (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

Less than 12 hours after she quite clearly got under Donald Trumps skin on a Philadelphia debate stage, Vice President Kamala Harris shook hands with her Republican rival at a 9/11 memorial ceremony at Ground Zero in New York City.

Trump, who immediately complained at the conclusion of Tuesday nights matchup about the proceedings being rigged and unfair, showed up Wednesday morning at the site of the September 11, 2001 terror attack with running mate Sen. JD Vance of Ohio, who aped his bosss style in a matching blue suit and red tie.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, U.S. President Joe Biden, former Mayor of New York Michael Bloomberg, and former U.S. President Donald Trump join family and friends at Ground Zero honoring the lives of those lost on the 23rd anniversary of the terror attacks of September 11, 2001 (Getty Images)

Harris arrived at the site about 10 minutes after Trump, and beamed as she was warmly welcomed by the crowd. President Joe Biden stood by Harriss side for the event marking the 23rd anniversary of the deadliest-ever terrorist strike on US soil; Cantor Fitzgerald CEO Howard Lutnick, whose firm lost 658 of its 960 employees on 9/11, was next to Trump, with former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg  who called Trump a carnival barking clown in 2020 in response to the then-presidents childish slurs over his height  positioned between them.

Once photographers snapped a raft of pictures of Harris, the VP and Oval Office hopeful chatted with Sen. Chuck Schumer, the New York Democrat, then walked over to Trump and greeted him with a handshake. Last night, Harris also made the first move to be civil to her opponent, who spent much of the 90-minute debate red-faced and yelling into the mic about nonsensical conspiracy theories involving, among other things, Haitian immigrants in Ohio eating peoples household pets.

From left, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-NY, Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden talk while attending the 9/11 Memorial ceremony on the 23rd anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura) (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

Moments after the debate ended, pop star Taylor Swift publicly endorsed Harris. Trumps performance opposite the VP was devastating to his campaign, CNN host Jake Tapper said. Former Fox News anchor Chris Wallace, now with CNN, echoed Tappers analysis, saying Harris pitched a shutout against the former president and convicted felon. A flash poll conducted by CNN found Harris to be the debates decisive winner.

Still, Trump showed up in the post-debate spin room, spinning the decidely contrarian view that he had in fact won the debate against Harris. At the same time, he did not seem eager to take part in a second contest, telling Fox News, I dont know that I want to do another debate.

Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump, left, Republican vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, center, and Rudy Giuliani, right, attend the 9/11 Memorial ceremony on the 23rd anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura) (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

When two fighters fight and one loses, the first thing they do is ask for a debate, Trump said. Or they ask for a fight. So in this case a debate, Trump said. When a fighter loses, he says: I want a rematch. I want a rematch. Always the losing person, the fighter, the debater, they always ask for a rematch.

Biden on Wednesday said a brief hello to Trump, who has been vicious in his attacks on the sitting president.

Taylor Swift publicly endorsed Kamala Harris moments after Tuesdays debate ended (AFP via Getty Images)

In a statement issued prior to the event, Biden said, On this day 23 years ago, terrorists believed they could break our will and bring us to our knees. They were wrong. They will always be wrong. In the darkest of hours, we found light. And in the face of fear, we came together  to defend our country, and to help one another. That is why terrorists targeted us in the first place: our freedom, our democracy, our unity.

Striking an optimistic tone running directly counter to Trumps consistent drumbeat of a failing nation walking headlong into World War III, Bidens statement portrayed the United States as a nation of boundless promise.

Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, right, talks with Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump, center and Republican vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, as they depart the 9/11 Memorial ceremony on the 23rd anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, in New York (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

[W]e are the United States of America, the statement said. We endure. We overcome. And there is nothing beyond our capacity when we do it together.

Disgraced ex-New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani was also on hand for the Wednesday morning ceremony. He joined Trump and notorious conspiracy theorist Laura Loomer, who once handcuffed herself to the front door of Twitters Manhattan offices to protest her suspension from the platform, at a nearby firehouse following the Ground Zero event. Loomer flew to last nights debate on Trumps plane, according to pool reports.

The Ground Zero event had a far larger turnout than a subsequent one in Shanksville, Pennsylvania (Getty)

Harris and Biden headed to Shanksville, Pennsylvania later on Wednesday for a ceremony memorializing United Flight 93, which went down during 2001s coordinated attack, killing 40 passengers and crew.

Shortly after 12:30 p.m., the two laid a white and red wreath at the Flight 93 memorial, then walked out to the crash site itself.

There were about 200 people there, some of them family members of victims, the on-scene press pooler reported. The low turnout suggested that people are forgetting, according to one attendee. A man at the event was spotted wearing a red shirt reading, #Kommy_Kamala SUCKS at all her jobs. Willie Brown said #Hawktuah_Harris also swallows. The back of the shirt said, Abort Hawktuah Harris. He told the pooler he was there to honor the victims of Flight 93. The event was largely apolitical, according to the pool reporter, but four Trump hats were seen on heads in the audience for the Biden-Harris appearance.

Trump is expected in Shanksville this afternoon for a private wreath-laying ceremony.

Biden and Harris  who did not shake Trumps hand when she departed the Ground Zero event  will also take part in a 9/11 ceremony this afternoon at the Pentagon.
Will Trump and Harris meet for a second presidential debate?

Kamala Harris and Donald Trump met in the first debate on September 10

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Kamala Harris and Donald Trump have faced off in a live TV debate ahead of the US election.

It was the first time the pair met in a debate and came as the race for the White House changed dramatically since Joe Biden stepped down.

Trump was widely considered to have come off the worst in the first debate in Philadelphia and the Harris campaign is believed to have raised more than $40 million in the 24 hours after the broadcast.

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Will Trump and Harris meet for a second debate?

Trump has ruled out a second debate with Ms Harris before Americans go to the polls on November 5.

The former president said on Thursday he would not appear on stage with his rival again and told her to instead focus on illegal migration and inflation.

The Harris campaign had called for a second debate before polling day shortly after the end of the first debate.

Writing on Truth Social on Thursday, Mr Trump confirmed the decision and compared Ms Harris to a boxer calling for a rematch after losing a fight.

When a prizefighter loses a fight, the first words out of his mouth are, I WANT A REMATCH, he wrote. Polls clearly show that I won the Debate against Comrade Kamala Harris, the Democrats Radical Left Candidate, on Tuesday night, and she immediately called for a Second Debate.

She was a no-show at the Fox Debate, and refused to do NBC & CBS. KAMALA SHOULD FOCUS ON WHAT SHE SHOULD HAVE DONE DURING THE LAST ALMOST FOUR YEAR PERIOD. THERE WILL BE NO THIRD DEBATE!

Read more: A guide to the 2024 swing states  and why they could be a problem for Kamala Harris

Who is leading in the polls?

The latest opinion poll, conducted by Marquette University Law School has given Ms Harris a six-point lead among likely voters.

Read more: Who will win the election? Our experts predict the impact of Kamala Harris running mate pick

When is the vice-presidential debate between JD Vance and Tim Walz?

Mr Vance and Mr Walz have agreed to face off in a live programme on CBS on Tuesday, October 1.

See you on October 1, JD. https://t.co/ssi0FdseN9  Tim Walz (@Tim_Walz) August 14, 2024

The Minnesota governor said shortly after being picked as Harriss running mate that he cant wait to debate Mr Vance.

The pair could also meet on Sept 18, though this is not yet confirmed.

Ms Harris and Mr Vance had agreed to a debate prior to her succeeding Mr Biden as the Democratic nominee, though no details were announced.

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Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump lambasted one another over their stances on abortion during the presidential debate Tuesday night.

Harris pledged that if Congress passes a bill to reinstate the protections that were guaranteed by Roe v. Wade, she would proudly sign it into law if elected president. She condemned state-level abortion bans, sharing stories of pregnant women who were unable to get emergency medical care or forced to carry pregnancies to term or because of restrictive laws. She also slammed Trump for his role in the Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization ruling that rolled back abortion rights (Trump appointed three of the U.S. Supreme Court justices who ruled in favor of overturning the landmark decision).

Donald Trump certainly should not be telling a woman what to do with her body, Harris said.

Trump, who has commended the U.S. Supreme Court for overturning Roe v. Wade, continued to falsely insist that most legal scholars wanted Roe overturned, and that the public at large wanted the issue returned to the states. The former President railed against Democrats for their stance on abortion, claiming falsely that Democrats position on abortion is so extreme that they support execution after birth. Once he finished his remarks, ABC News moderator Linsey Davis pointed out t hat it is not legal to execute a baby in any state.

Harris was also quick to call out Trumps falsehoods. Nowhere in America is a woman carrying a pregnancy to term and asking for an abortion. That is not happening. Its insulting to the women of America, Harris said.

It echoed much of the same rhetoric Trump used in the previous presidential debate with President Joe Biden, when he falsely said that doctors under the Biden Administration want to take the life of the baby in the ninth month, and even after birth.

Reproductive rights have taken center stage in the 2024 election cycle: 10 states are set to vote on abortion rights on Nov. 5. and Harris has made the issue a major theme of her campaign. Many polls show that Americans largely support access to abortion.

Harris accused Trump of planning to authorize a national ban on abortion if he were to be re-electeda claim Trump vehemently denied, saying that the decision should be left up to individual states. When asked if he would veto a federal abortion ban that reached his desk in a second term, Trump refused to answer, insisting it wasnt an issue because Congress would never pass that.

For 52 years, this issue has torn our country apart, Trump said. I did something that nobody thought was possible.

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Just hours after they finished flaming one another in their first presidential debate, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump shook hands Wednesday morning at an event commemorating the 23rd anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terror attacks in Manhattan.

The vice president and the Republican nomineewho met in person for the first time at the debate Tuesdaywere joined at the event at Ground Zero by others including President Joe Biden and Trumps running mate, Ohio Senator JD Vance. Images showed former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg standing between the Democratic and GOP luminaries.

Trump Tries to Dodge Harris Handshake Before Debate Starts

Biden, Harris, and Trump were scheduled to attend another ceremony at the Flight 93 National Memorial in Pennsylvania later on Wednesday. The United Airlines flight was one of four flights that were hijacked during the terror attacksthat plane crashed as passengers fought against the hijackers.

Two other planes were flown into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan and a third struck the Pentagon, where Harris and Biden are also due to take part in another commemoration event.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Harris running mate, is expected to participate in a memorial event in his own state. Bloombergs predecessor as New York mayor, Rudy Giuliani, was present at the Manhattan ceremony, standing alongside Vance and Trump.

Today, our nation comes together to renew our sacred vow: Never Forget, Biden said in a statement. Never forget each of the 2,977 precious lives stolen from us when terrorists attacked our nation. Never forget their families who still bear the grief from that searing September morning. Never forget the heroic citizens and survivors who rushed to help their fellow Americans. And never forget that when faced with eviland an enemy that sought to tear us apartwe endured.

Harris, in her own statement, separately said she would reflect on the incredible selflessness and courage of the American people as she attended the memorials. And as we commemorate this day, we should all reflect on what binds us together as one: the greatest privilege on Earth, the pride and privilege of being an American, she added.

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The ABC News moderators were great. No, actually they were a disgraceful failure." They cut off Kamala Harris too much. No, actually they corrected Donald Trump unfairly.

Such is the contentious tenor of the times in 2024's campaign season. And so it went Tuesday night at Trump's and Harris' first  and possibly only  debate.

In an illustration of how difficult it is to conduct a presidential debate in a polarized country, ABC News moderators David Muir and Linsey Davis fact-checked and corrected Trump four times Tuesday and were attacked angrily by the former president and his supporters. The moderators asked about economic policy, the war in Ukraine, abortion, the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol insurrection and changes in Harris' stances since her 2020 presidential run.

It was the only scheduled debate between the two candidates, although Fox News Channel has proposed another one. Trump, following Tuesdays session, said hed be less inclined to because we had a great night. On social media, Trump echoed many of his supporters in criticizing ABC, saying the debate was essentially three on one.

In the end, Trump logged 43 minutes and 3 seconds of time talking, while Harris had 37 minutes and 41 seconds, according to a count by The New York Times.

Opinions on the coverage were a political litmus test

The debate's stakes were high to begin with, not only because of the impending election itself but because the last presidential debate in June  between Trump and sitting President Joe Biden, whose performance was roundly panned  uncorked a series of events that ended several weeks later with Biden's withdrawal from the race and Harris stepping in.

Opinions on how ABC handled the latest debate Tuesday were, in a large sense, a Rorschach test on how supporters of both sides felt about how it went. MSNBC commentator Chris Hayes sent a message on X that the ABC moderators were doing an excellent job  only to be answered by conservative commentator Ben Shapiro, who said, this is how you know they're complete s-.

While CNN chose not to correct any misstatements by the candidates during Trump's debate with Biden in June, ABC instead challenged statements that Trump made about abortion, immigration, the 2020 election and violent crime.

During a discussion of abortion, Trump made his oft-repeated claim that Democrats supported killing babies after they were born. Said Davis: There is no state in the country where it is legal to kill a baby after it was born."

Muir pointed out that Trump, after years of publicly not admitting to his defeat to Biden in the 2020 election, had recently on three separate occasions conceded he had lost. Trump replied that he had been sarcastic in making those recent statements.

I didn't detect the sarcasm, Muir said.

After suggesting that crime had gone up during the Biden administration, Muir pointed out that violent crime had gone down during that period, prompting an argument with the former president. ABC also noted, after Trump had repeated a debunked report that immigrants were killing and eating pets in Ohio, that there had been no evidence that had happened.

ABC moderators did not correct any statements made by Harris.

Could they have done more? Yes, said Angie Drodnic Holan, director of the international fact-checking network at the Poynter Institute, said in an interview. Did they do enough? I would say yes. The alternative was none.

Toward the end of the debate, CNN fact checker Daniel Dale said on social media that Trump has been staggeringly dishonest and Harris has been overwhelmingly (though not entirely) factual.

Both candidates didn't answer some questions

As is often the case in debates, the moderators often saw specific questions go unanswered. Harris, for example, was asked to address Trump's criticism that the U.S. Justice Department has been weaponized against him. She did not. She also skirted questions about changes to some of her past positions on issues. Muir twice asked Trump whether he wanted Ukraine to win its war against Russia, and he didn't answer.

The split screen views of both candidates onscreen told different stories. Trump often looked angry or smiled at some of Harris' statements, while avoiding eye contact with his opponent. Harris looked over at her opponents several times, often in bemusement, sometimes in open amusement, sometimes shaking her head.

Online anger toward how ABC handled the evening began while the debate was ongoing, and quickly became a talking point.

These moderators are a disgraceful failure, and this is one of the most biased, unfair debates I have ever seen, conservative commentator Megyn Kelly posted on X. Shame on ABC.

Answering online critics who complained ABC stacked the deck in Harris' favor, Atlantic writer James Surowiecki wrote that the way they rigged the debate is by letting (Trump) hang himself with his own stream of consciousness rambles.

It was like a 4Chan post come to life, CNN's Jake Tapper said.

On Fox News Channel, anchor Martha MacCallum said after the debate that Harris was never really held to the fire." Commentator Brit Hume agreed with her, but said something else was at play.

Make no mistake about it, Hume said. Trump had a bad night.

___

David Bauder writes about media for the AP. Follow him at http://x.com/dbauder.
ABC anchor and moderator Linsey Davis promptly clocked Donald Trumps lies about abortion on the spot during the presidential debate on Tuesday.

Asked about abortion rights and his support for a six-week abortion ban, Trump spewed an outlandish claim about Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Walz.

Trump started out by allegedly quoting a former governor of West Virginia before pivoting to attacking Walz.

They have abortion in the ninth month. They even have, you can look at the governor of West Virginia  the previous governor, not the current governor he said, The baby will be born, and we will decide what to do with the baby. In other words, We will execute the baby, Trump said.

He added that Harris running mate says abortion in the ninth month is absolutely fine. He also says execution after birth, execution  no longer abortion because the baby is born  is OK. Thats not OK with me.

Neither Walz, the governor of Minnesota, nor any other elected official has called for the execution of babies, an act that would be classified as homicide.

Davis didnt hesitate to jump in and correct Trump.

There is no state in this country where its legal to kill a baby after its born, she responded.

Since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the landmark Roe v. Wade decision in June 2022, at least 22 states have banned or severely restricted abortions, The New York Times reported. Other states have enacted bans or restrictions but abortion remains legal until they take effect.

Related...
Assessing his own performance in Tuesday nights presidential debate, Donald Trump gave himself a gold star.

The former president fired off a series of self-congratulatory Truth Social posts in the minutes after the debate, which ran about 15 minutes over its expected 90-minute runtime, beginning with: People are saying BIG WIN tonight!

Most pundits weighing in on the major networks in the debates aftermath, including ABC and MSNBC, agreed that Vice President Kamala Harris had decisively won the night. CNNs Chris Wallace, a former Fox News broadcaster, said, I think Kamala Harris pitched a shut-out on almost every subject I can think of.

Three minutes after his first post, Trump added, I thought that was my best Debate, EVER, especially since it was THREE ON ONE!

He was seemingly referring to the presence of moderators David Muir and Linsey Davis, accusing them of ganging up on him alongside Harris. Furious ring-wing observers generally seemed to agree with the claim, with podcaster Megyn Kelly writing on X in the middle of the debate, Must be so nice to have the moderators running cover for you as a candidate. Makes it so much easier.

The moderators are letting @KamalaHarris get away with murder in this debate, Arizonas GOP U.S. Senate candidate Kari Lake tweeted. Shes repeating every debunked left-wing talking point from the last decade. But Moderators always make sure to make bogus corrections for Trump after he makes a point.

Two minutes after that, having seemingly tuned into Fox News, Trump posted, Thank you to Jesse Watters for the nice words on my Debate performance. It was a GREAT evening!

Watters had hedged wildly on Trumps performance, claiming that Americans didnt think  any of these people won, although he did claim that the former president had had some great knockouts.

His colleague, Fox commentator Brit Hume, was more acquiescent. She was composed, she was prepared, she kept her cool, he said. She saw advantages, she took them. She baited him successfully, which is the story of the debate.

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Donald Trump really did not like getting live fact-checked by ABC News during Tuesday nights debate, so much so he wants the network shut down.



In a call to Fox & Friends Wednesday morning, Trump called the debate rigged and claimed that due to the moderators debunking his false statements, it was a three-on-one.

Trump to Fox & Friends: "ABC took a big hit last night. I mean, to be honest, they are a news organization, they have to be licensed to do it. They ought to take away their license for the way they did that." pic.twitter.com/yN6HCo4ilh  Media Matters (@mmfa) September 11, 2024

So many things I said were debunked, totally debunked, like Charlottesville, said Trump, referring to his infamous very fine people line referring to neo-Nazis. Trump went on to complain that as he was under the microscope during the unfair debate, [Kamala Harris] could say anything she wanted.



They ought to take away their license for the way they did that, said Trump, in a clear threat to ABC News.



Trump lied for a good portion of Tuesday nights debate, and ABC News moderators Linsey Davis and David Muir occasionally tried to chime in with a correction.



For example, when Trump said Democrats, including vice presidential nominee Tim Walz, execute babies after they are born, Davis clarified, There is no state in this country where it is legal to kill a baby after it is born. And when Trump claimed, Theyre eating the pets, referring to Haitian asylum-seekers in Ohio, Muir interjected that there have been no credible reports of specific claims of pets being harmed, injured, or abused by individuals within the immigrant community. As Trump sparred with Muir over the correction, Harris looked on with disbelief.



When asked by Fox News why Trump felt moderators hadnt given the same treatment to Harris, Trump answered: Because theyre dishonest. Perhaps, instead, Harris didnt have the gall to lie so flagrantly and frequently on the national stage.


Donald Trump got two chances from ABC moderator David Muir on Tuesday night to say whether he wants Ukraine to defeat Russia.

But Trump didnt take them.

Instead, the former president said he would seek a negotiated end to the conflict. And he would not wait until his second term begins  he'd try to cut a deal between Ukraine and nuclear-armed Russia immediately after the election.

"That is a war that's dying to be settled," he said.

Giving Trump a chance to reply yes when asked if he wanted to see Ukraine victorious was the presidential debate equivalent of a layup, if Trump wanted it. After all, even most Republican critics of the Biden administration's policy in Ukraine would offer boilerplate support for the country's sovereignty.

And in declining to directly answer the question, Trump actually gave a strikingly direct picture of how he'd approach the war in Ukraine. His comments pointed to something of a coherent worldview on the Ukraine situation  and a potential window into a Trumpian version of realpolitik that might govern a second term, if he were elected. That could mean a Trump administration far less willing to challenge an expansionist Russia and more inclined to cut deals.



Vice President Kamala Harris seized on the answer to present Trump as a stooge of Vladimir Putin  "a dictator who would eat you for lunch," she said  and a friend of autocrats. "If Donald Trump were president, Putin would be sitting in Kyiv right now," she said.

"Donald Trump wont say he wants Ukraine to win the war? I thought he would at least pretend." Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg posted on X.

But Trump gave no ground in his refusal to explicitly cheer for Ukraines success, intent on his argument that a settlement is the best way to end the war.

The moment underscored, again, how Trump in a second term might take the Republican approach to foreign policy even further from its Reaganite roots. And it was all the more striking given how accusations of collusion with Russia dogged Trump's term in the Oval Office.



His Ukraine comments stood in some contrast to his foggier, false or meandering answers on other topics. On his theory of the case on Ukraine, Trump seemed to make good on a promise he made early in Tuesday's debate: "Everybody knows I'm an open book."

Muir asked the question plainly: You have said you would solve this war in 24 hours. You said so just before the break tonight. How exactly would you do that? And I want to ask you a very simple question tonight: Do you want Ukraine to win this war?

As always, Trump's answer  "I want the war to stop"  centered around his perception of his own negotiating skills  and his contention that he would have prevented a war to begin with. "I know [Ukrainian President Volodymyr] Zelenskyy very well and I know Putin very well. I have a good relationship. And they respect your president. OK? They respect me. They don't respect Biden. How would you respect him? Why? For what reason? He hasn't even made a phone call in two years to Putin," Trump said.

"I will get it settled before I even become president. If I win, when I'm president-elect, and what I'll do is I'll speak to one, I'll speak to the other, I'll get them together," Trump continued.

Muir asked again: Just to clarify the question, do you believe it's in the U.S. best interests for Ukraine to win this war? Yes or no?"

And Trump doubled down: I think it's in the U.S. best interest to get this war finished and just get it done. All right. Negotiate a deal. Because we have to stop all of these human lives from being destroyed.



Trump was also exceedingly direct about something Biden and most U.S. leaders dance around  Russia's nuclear deterrence  and signaled that in his assessment, it's not worth cornering Putin.

"He's got a thing that other people don't have. He's got nuclear weapons. They don't ever talk about that. He's got nuclear weapons," Trump said. "Nobody ever thinks about that. And eventually, uh, maybe he'll use them. Maybe he hasn't been that threatening. But he does have that. Something we don't even like to talk about. Nobody likes to talk about it."

And for all of Harris and Biden's public support for Ukraine, Trump is saying loudly something that at least some members of the current administration say softly: that a negotiated end to the war may ultimately be in all sides' interest.


Donald Trump kicked off the presidential debate Tuesday night with a rant about immigrants taking over towns and Black jobs across America.



Its a point that Trump has repeated throughout his campaign, and he hit all of the same points: claiming that immigrants from prisons and jails, from mental institutions and insane asylums were arriving in the United States, taking jobs that are occupied right now by African Americans and Hispanics, a slight variation of his usual line about immigrants taking Black jobs.



Trump: They're taking jobs that are occupied right now by African- Americans and hispanics pic.twitter.com/4Yh5iYifgq  Acyn (@Acyn) September 11, 2024

He also alluded to recent right-wing meltdowns over immigrants in the towns of Aurora, Colorado, and Springfield, Ohio. In the case of Aurora, Trump and the right claimed that a Venezuelan gang had taken over an apartment complex, only for its residents and the police to say that was completely false. In Ohio, the right have pushed a narrative about Haitian immigrants killing and eating pets, which was rejected by local police and municipal officials.



Republican vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance has also spread the rumor about Haitian immigrants, despite having no evidence of any pets being killed and eaten. Several other conservative politicians, pundits, and influencers have all amplified the rumor, furthering right-wing fearmongering about savage immigrants. Donald Trump, historically, has had no love for Haiti or its people, claiming in 2018 that all Haitian immigrants have AIDS and referring to the country as a shithole.


(Bloomberg) -- Shares of Donald Trumps social-media company tumbled on Wednesday following his debate against his presidential election opponent Kamala Harris.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Trump Media & Technology Group Corp., which operates Truth Social and counts the presidential candidate as its top shareholder, shed 10% in its biggest one-day drop since June 28. The move comes as Trumps odds of winning the election fell to 48%, according to data from betting market website PredictIt.

What you saw in the betting market is people saying she won the debate, maybe moving up a point or two in the polls, and thats why DJT is down, said Matthew Tuttle, chief investment officer at Tuttle Capital Management.

The unprofitable media companys drop extends a slump that has erased about $6 billion in market value since May. Wednesdays decline puts the stock on track to fall for an eighth straight week and leaves it nearly 75% below its March high.

At times this year, the shares have traded as a proxy for Trumps election odds, rising sharply after an assassination attempt in July, when there was a sharp rise in betting-market odds of him winning a second term. At other times, its traded like a volatile meme stock, swinging wildly on little to no news or fundamental changes to its underlying business.

A spokesperson for Trump Media did not immediately respond to a Bloomberg News request for comment.

Trump Media, which went public earlier this year by merging with a special purpose acquisition company, is also facing another potential headwind: the expiration of a lockup period. That lockup period is set to expire as soon as Sept. 19, enabling insiders  including Trump himself  to start selling shares.

Other stocks seen as affected by the outcome of the election were also active. Among stocks seen as benefiting from a Trump presidency, cryptocurrency stocks followed Bitcoin lower and private-prison operator GEO Group Inc. slid 6.8%. Meanwhile, renewable energy stocks  seen as benefiting from a Harris administration  soared, with the Invesco Solar ETF rising 6.2%.

--With assistance from Bailey Lipschultz and Subrat Patnaik.

(Updates stock moves at market close.)

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In the span of a few days, a racist smear against migrants of color made it from the fever swamps of the online right to the national presidential debate. On Tuesday, former President Donald Trump accused Haitian migrants in Springfield, Ohio, of killing and eating pets in the community during his debate against Vice President Kamala Harris.

The rant came after Harris trolled Trump about his rallies, encouraging Americans to listen to him talk about Hannibal Lecter, and spout windmill conspiracies to followers who leave early out of boredom. Trump couldnt help but defend himself, and he baselessly accused Harris of paying people to attend her rallies. He then frantically pivoted to immigration  to put it kindly.

In Springfield, theyre eating the dogs  the people that came in  theyre eating the cats, Trump ranted. Theyre eating the pets of the people that live there, and this is whats happening in our country.

ABC host David Muir made a point to fact-check Trump in real-time. ABC News did reach out to the city manager [in Springfield]. He told us there had been no credible reports of specific claims of pets being harmed, injured, or abused by individuals within the immigrant community, Muir said.

Trump countered that he had seen people on television.

People on television say my dog was taken and used for food, he added. Its unclear what reports the former president was referencing.

Since the pandemic, as many as 20,000 Haitians have immigrated legally to Springfield to work in factories and warehouses. For days now, Republicans  including Trump and his running mate, J.D. Vance  have been pushing a racist lie accusing Haitian migrants of eating cats, ducks, and other pets in Springfield.

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.

According to two sources close to Trump, the former president was advised in recent days that, if it came up during the Philly debate, he should pivot to the story of an 11-year-old boy, Aiden Clark, who was killed during a highly publicized auto collision, in which the driver was a Haitian immigrant.

That hits parents watching [the debate] in the gut a lot harder than the cats stuff, one of the sources said earlier on Tuesday.

However, during that portion of the presidential debate, Trump stuck to what he knows: internet-brained disinformation and viral content.

Nathan Clark, Aidans father, has made clear that he disagrees with the political exploitation of his sons death. Using Aiden as a political tool is, to say the least, reprehensible for any political purpose, Clark said during a speech before the Springfield City Commission on Tuesday.

This needs to stop now, Clark added. I will listen to them one more time to hear their apologies.

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Trump mentioned Biden so many times during the debate that Harris felt she needed to remind him he wasn't there

Trump mentioned Biden so many times during the debate that Harris felt she needed to remind him he wasn't there

Donald Trump mentioned Joe Biden more than a dozen times during Tuesday's debate.

Vice President Harris felt compelled to remind Trump that Biden wasn't there.

The former president's attacks on his successor were embelmatic of Trump's disjointed performance.

President Joe Biden watched Tuesday night's debate on TV like the rest of the nation, but if you listened to former President Donald Trump, it sounded like the president was standing on the stage across from him.

Trump's team telegraphed that he would repeatedly try to yoke Vice President Kamala Harris to Biden's unpopular record. Instead, the former president appeared rattled as he railed against an opponent who wasn't even in the same state.

According to ABC's official transcript, Trump mentioned Biden 14 times by name. He also referred to Harris' boss another four times. Trump just couldn't put to rest his fixation with the man he routinely called "Sleepy Joe."

Biden was, obviously, going to be part of the discussion. But how Trump attacked the president encapsulated his struggles to define Harris since Biden dropped out of the race following his disastrous June debate performance.

At one point, Trump took a question about how he would fight climate change and turned it into an attack on Hunter Biden, the president's son and the first child of a sitting president to face a criminal trial. Harris had nothing to do with the president's son's business practices since most of the allegations center on Biden's vice presidency when Harris was in California.

"He's afraid to do it. Between him and his son. They get all this money from Ukraine. They get all this money from all of these different countries," Trump said. "And then you wonder why is he so loyal to this one, that one Ukraine, China? Why is he? Why did he get 3 1/2 million dollars from the mayor of Moscow's wife? Why did he get -- why did she pay him 3 1/2 million dollars? This is a crooked administration, and they're selling our country down the tubes."

Republicans have never directly proved Biden benefited from his son's business deals which was the central premise of a monthlong impeachment inquiry. The GOP is quietly killing off that probe with the possibility that there might not even be a formal floor vote. Instead, Republicans have pivoted to trying to probe Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Harris' running mate.

Trump couldn't even decide how to attack Harris in the context of Biden. He claimed that the president "hates her." He said Biden is the "worst president," then he said that Harris would be even more worse. Toward the end, he settled on the line that Harris, a 59-year-old woman of color, actually is Biden.

"She is Biden," he said. "She's trying to get away from Biden. I don't know the gentleman, she says. She is Biden."

Harris felt compelled to remind viewers that the rematch polls showed voters long loathed was in fact not happening.

"Clearly, I am not Joe Biden, and I am certainly not Donald Trump," she said.

Trump's meandering attacks underlined an even bigger problem with his performance: He constantly mentioned the past. After months of Republicans begging him to stop talking about 2020, Trump couldn't even bring himself to repeat his own recent statement that he lost to Biden "by a whisker."

"Are you now acknowledging that you lost in 2020?" ABC News moderator David Muir asked.

Trump replied: "No, I don't acknowledge that at all."

Before Muir reminded him, "But you did say that."

Harris seized on Trump's compulsion for history. She was far more consistent in hammering home her theme that she represents a departure from the status quo, despite the fact that she's currently in power.

"We're not going back. It's time to turn the page," Harris said when talking about the Capitol riot. "And if that was a bridge too far for you, well, there is a place in our campaign for you."

Read the original article on Business Insider
Rachel Oviedo looks out at the shell of a shut down factory [BBC]

Kamala Harris may have rattled Donald Trump on the debate stage, but the former presidents promise to save a nation in decline resonates with undecided voters in this part of a key battleground state.

It took Paul Simon four days to hitchhike from Saginaw, or so he sang in America, his iconic soundscape ballad of the 1960s with its lost souls on the highways of a country in flux.

Back then, this citys long, slow decline had already begun, as Michigans once mighty car factories pulled down the shutters, buffeted by the winds of foreign competition.

Today, the angst and loneliness of Simon and Art Garfunkels song are magnified many times over.

I found 57-year-old Rachel Oviedo sitting on her porch, staring out at abandoned furniture in the street and beyond, the shell of a plant that once made car parts for Chevrolets and Buicks, but finally closed its doors in 2014.

We sit here all day long, she told me. We see homeless people come in and out of there, they need to tear it down and make something out of it.

A grocery store, she suggested. Because we aint got no grocery stores round here.

I first met her the day before Tuesday nights debate in Philadelphia, when she told me she was still unsure of how she was going to vote.

Donald Trump, she said, felt like a known quantity and like a man of his word, while Kamala Harris looked promising but still somewhat unknown.

I like her, she said, but we dont know what shes going to do.

Most US states lean either so strongly Democratic or so strongly Republican that the result is a foregone conclusion.

And if Michigan is one of the few swing states, then Saginaw is one of the few places in it where the vote could genuinely go either way.

When they come to cast their ballots, it will be undecided voters like Rachel, in places like this, wholl quite literally have the future of America in their hands.

Chuck Brenner, like Rachel, also a swing voter [BBC]

Chuck Brenner, a retired Saginaw cop, is another one.

The 49-year-old, who still works part time in probation and runs his own real estate company, says hes seen up close the problems here.

Almost everybodys dad worked in the car industry, he told me.

Back then, everybody had money and jobs were readily available. Youve seen the change, people are struggling because people are growing up poor and then drugs and all that.

Trumps message of American decline resonates with Chuck.

Absolutely, he told me. Because you can see it.

But although he voted for Mr Trump in 2016, he went for Joe Biden in 2020.

There was a lot of drama with Trump, he added. And the legal issues. I kind of got sick of that.

This time round, hed only make up his mind, he insisted, once hed watched the debate and heard what both candidates had to say.

Saginaw, like the wider state of Michigan, was once solid Democrat country - its political inclinations revealed in the list of candidates it has backed down the decades: Bill Clinton, Al Gore, John Kerry, Barack Obama and Joe Biden.

That 2016 vote, when Saginaw went  like Mr Brenner  for Trump, marked a shift.

You dont have to spend long here to realise just how remarkable a shift that was.

Jeremy Zehnder runs a truck-polishing company, doing the kind of work Democrats used to be able to depend on for support.

Surrounded by the giant, gleaming trucks and trailers, the lifeblood of the American economys distribution networks, he tells me its not debate performances, but the cost of living that will determine how he votes.

And a majority of voters tell pollsters they trust Trump more on the economy.

With the truckers, every one of those that we know of are leaning towards the right, he told me.

What, every one? I ask.

I dont know of one that isnt, he replied. I mean we do hundreds of trucks every year. And they all want to talk about it, everybody talks about it.

Joe Losier, an organiser for United Auto Workers, which has backed Harris [BBC]

At a United Auto Workers Union event where members watched the debate, I met one of the union organisers, Joe Losier.

The UAW has pledged its support to Kamala Harris and much of the crowd in the room whooped and clapped with every put-down she threw Trumps way.

But dig a bit deeper and the fault lines of Americas political upheaval can be found here, too.

My dad and all my uncles on both sides of my family, who are all UAW people, have become Republicans, Mr Losier told me, unable to hide the incredulity in his own voice.

These are second generation immigrants who came over here, started working in the auto industry back in World War One and it blows my mind that a lot of my family are tradesmen who are supporting Donald Trump.

Hes even unsure which way his two adult sons are going to vote.

Dinner times are horrible, he said.

With workers fearing further shift cuts and job losses, the union finds itself increasingly out of step with its members.

Theres deep support here for Donald Trumps promise of tough tariffs on imports, and disagreement with Kamala Harriss argument in the debate that the policy would simply drive up prices.

After the debate, I called Chuck Brenner to see what hed made of it. He had some good news for Democrats.

I do believe Kamala was the shining star, he told me. And the bottom line is shes won my vote. I was impressed by what she had to say, her delivery.

With Trump, he went on, it was kind of what I expected. There were no surprises there. Its kind of like the same. The same.

Rachel Oviedo was still undecided, she told me, but now leaning more towards Trump.

I think hell do more for us up here, she said.

You know, he did things he shouldnt have done, she added. But you gotta forgive people.

And Jeremy Zehnder, the truck polisher, admitted to being slightly surprised by Harriss performance.

She did much better than I thought she would, he told me. I think she won it.

But hes sticking with Trump. Its about policy, he said. Taxes, the border and the cost of living.

This plant that once made car parts for Chevrolets and Buicks closed in 2014 [BBC]

On the streets of Saginaw, Kathleen Skelcy was knocking on doors, busy canvassing for Harris.

She told me she finds it a struggle to see any rationale behind the political motivations of her opponents.

Thats whats scary, trying to understand these people and their thinking, she said.

I just think theyre not educated, or they fell asleep in school or something.

Its easy to see this as patronising, another sign that some Democrats chalk Trumps appeal as merely delusional.

It's clear, however, that trust and understanding can be in short supply on both sides.

As were talking, a Trump supporter, aggressive and threatening, emerges shouting from his home, following Kathleen up the street.

Harris is a clown, he yells, adding a few profanities for good measure.

And on the doorsteps, one Democratic supporter declines the offer of a Harris sign for their front yard, scared, they say, of inviting similar abuse.

In a few weeks, Saginaw will go the polls.

Before then, its almost certain that many more journalists will pass through this key bellwether district, all of them looking for America.

Its here alright, in all its striving and struggling, and in a story today being lived out in stark political division.

A debate needs middle ground.

And theres very little of that left.

[BBC]

North America correspondent Anthony Zurcher makes sense of the race for the White House in his weekly US Election Unspun newsletter. Readers in the UK can sign up here. Those outside the UK can sign up here.

[BBC]

More on the US election
There was no reason to believe Vice President Kamala Harris or former President Donald Trump would do anything different than theyd done all night. As Tuesdays presidential debate in Philadelphia concluded, when the candidates were instructed to offer closing statements, Harris painted a forward-looking vision of freedom and prosperity, highlighted by her background. Thats the kind of president we need right now, she said. Someone who cares about you.

The answer seemed to infuriate Trump. So she started out by saying shes going to do this, shes going to do that, shes going to do all these wonderful things he said. Why hasnt she done it? Harris has been, Trump said, the worst vice president in the history of our country.

It was an apt summation of the entire evening. Over and over, for much of the 90-minute debate, a similar interaction ensued: Harris positive generalities about her own positions were interspersed with targeted, pointed jabs at Trump. And Trump, unable to resist, ceded any opportunity to make the case for himself: he was often too engulfed in defensive responses to Harris prodding.

Even in the post-debate spin room, where surrogates come to cheer their candidate, Trumps acolytes shrugged. Vivek Ramaswamy, usually an unabashed cheerleader, said Trump came out no weaker, no stronger from the debate. What people expected going in, I think unfortunately, thats what they got coming out, he said.

In the days leading up to the debate, Trumps advisers and allies instructed him to stay disciplined and calm. Making a clear case for the future, they reasoned, would help him win over undecided voters dissuaded by his brashness. It was Harris debate to lose: if Trump could stay out of his own way, he would win. Trumps audience, Larry Elder told me on Monday, is the people who think hes erratic and chaotic. He needs to be calm and make his case, he said.

Within the opening moments, it became clear that Trump had other plans. This time, there would be no President Joe Biden, incoherent and mumbling, to hand him a victory. Instead, Harris played the role of a former prosecutor, flipping between periods of aggressive attack and forceful defense. Harris strategy was apparent before the first question: as the two candidates took the stage, Harris crossed over to Trumps podium to shake his hand, a gesture that seemed to take Trump by surprise. (Presidential candidates have not shaken hands prior to a debate since Trump and Hillary Clinton in 2016.)

In his first answer, responding to a question about the economy, Trump riffed about illegal immigration and crime, before circling back to his plan to impose tariffs on China and other trading partners. The moderators challenged his assertion that the tariffs would only affect other countries, not U.S. consumers, but Trump doubled down. (Americans) arent going to have higher prices, he said. Whos going to have higher prices is China and all of the countries that have been ripping us off for years.

It was an early display of the unevenness Trumps allies accused the ABC moderators, David Muir and Linsey Davis, of having. Muir and Davis never asked about the attempted assassination on Trump, less than two months ago. They frequently fact-checked Trump in real time, asking clarifying questions after his answers. When Trump claimed some states are attempting to legalize the killing of babies after they are born, the moderators said that is legal nowhere; when Trump claimed that undocumented immigrants in Ohio are killing and eating dogs and cats, the moderators said there is no evidence of this. Meanwhile, the moderators did not challenge Harris statements, even when she used Trumps past comments out of context, like his assertion that a bloodbath will follow if he does not win the election, or when she said she supported fracking in 2020.

The moderators might as well be on the DNC payroll. This is ridiculous, Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-South Carolina, said on social media. This is the worst moderated debate in history.

Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris shake hands before the start of an ABC News presidential debate at the National Constitution Center, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Philadelphia. | Alex Brandon

This combination of photos shows Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump, left, and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris during an ABC News presidential debate at the National Constitution Center, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Philadelphia. | Alex Brandon

Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks during a presidential debate with Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris at the National Constitution Center, Tuesday, Sept.10, 2024, in Philadelphia. | Alex Brandon

Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during a presidential debate with Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at the National Constitution Center, Tuesday, Sept.10, 2024, in Philadelphia. | Alex Brandon

Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks during a presidential debate with Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris at the National Constitution Center, Tuesday, Sept.10, 2024, in Philadelphia. | Alex Brandon

Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during a presidential debate with Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at the National Constitution Center, Tuesday, Sept.10, 2024, in Philadelphia. | Alex Brandon

Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during a presidential debate with Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at the National Constitution Center, Tuesday, Sept.10, 2024, in Philadelphia. | Alex Brandon

Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks during a ABC News presidential debate with Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris at the National Constitution Center, Tuesday, Sept.10, 2024, in Philadelphia. | Alex Brandon

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, a Harris ally, chuckled at the assertion. Thats what losing campaigns say, he said.

But it was Harris, not the moderators, that managed to pull the most passionate answers out of Trump. Harris was no better at answering the moderators questions, often diving into prepared remarks and pivoting from the substance of what was asked, but she pulled Trump away with her.

When moderators asked her about her flip-flopping on key policy positions, she spoke instead about her upbringing and contrasted it with Trumps wealthy father. Trump, instead of pinning her on policy, dove into a defense of his great father who gave him a tiny fraction of his savings, which Trump grew into many, many billions of dollars. Later, when Harris was asked what she would do differently than Biden on immigration, she blasted Trump for killing the bipartisan border security bill, then challenged Americans to go to Trump rallies and see the people leaving his rallies early out of exhaustion and boredom.

Trump, clearly incensed, launched into a diatribe against the crowd sizes at Harris rallies compared to his. People dont leave my rallies, he said. We have the biggest rallies, the most incredible rallies in the history of politics.

Those were unforced errors that have little to do with the moderators, Trumps allies implied. I think that no moderators are fair in most of these debates, Rep. Matt Gaetz said. But President Trump, you know, he goes in and he attacks the question. He answers questions directly.

When given the opportunity to signal what a second Trump term would look like, Trump repeatedly declined. He has pledged to repeal the Affordable Care Act, moderators prodded; what would his health care solution be? He only said he had concepts of a plan, but offered no further detail. When asked if he would sign a nationwide abortion ban into law, he first avoided the question by saying his running mate, JD Vance, had spoken out of turn when saying Trump would, then he launched into an attack on student debt relief. (Later, when Harris prodded, Trump said he would not sign a ban.) When moderators gave him multiple opportunities to state whether he wants Ukraine to win its war against Russia, he repeated that he wanted this war to end.

And when given the chance to quell voters widespread concerns that violence will follow the 2024 election, perhaps driven by Trumps refusal to accept its results, Trump offered little consolation. He instead relitigated the 2020 race, claiming he won. He said he had nothing to do with the violent mob that stormed the Capitol on January 6, 2021, and he blamed then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi for not securing the Capitol. He called the police officer who killed a rioter, attempting to break into the Senate chamber, out of control. Over 140 law enforcement officials were injured that day.

Viewers cheer as they watch a debate between Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at the Angry Elephant Bar and Grill, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in San Antonio. | Eric Gay

Supporters of Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris, cheer during a watch party of the debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala HarrisTuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Miami, Fla. | Marta Lavandier

Grace Colucci, of Brentwood, listens during the presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump at Jonathan's Grille, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. | George Walker IV

Karen Sellinger reacts to a comment by former President Donald Trump during the presidential debate between Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Portland, Maine. | Robert F. Bukaty

Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump supporter Shane Whitley applauds during the presidential debate between Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, at Jonathan's Grille, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. | George Walker IV

Former President Donald Trump supporter Pat Tuttle of Lebanon, Tenn., listens during the presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump at the Jonathan's Grille, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. | George Walker IV

Is that the America Trump wants to return to? Voters didnt get a clear idea  because he never made a clear case for what he wants the future to be. Instead, he attacked Biden as a weak, pathetic man and Harris as a Marxist. His plan to end the war in Israel? If I were president, it would have never started. To end the Ukraine-Russia war? It would have never happened. On the border, on health care, on abortion, on the economy? Biden-Harris is what not to do, hed say, and he couldve prevented it all.

Trumps allies saw nothing wrong with this strategy. You dont have to worry about what Donald Trump is going to do, Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Arkansas, said. You know what hes going to do. He did it for 4 years.

Harris was able to deflect many of Trumps direct attacks. In response to his accusation that she has changed her racial identity  that she was not Black, but now shes Black  Harris said Trump used race to divide the American people.

But when pressed on her positions on key issues  her flip-flopping on fracking, or buyback programs for assault weapons, or decriminalizing border crossings  her answers were scant. Perhaps that was a debate strategy, to move quickly to her prepared riffs. Perhaps it is a larger campaign strategy. Either way, her allies seemed unperplexed. Any good leader is willing to adjust their positions based on new evidence, Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., said.
Trump refuses to answer if he believes Ukraine's victory is in US interests

When asked at the U.S. presidential debate on Sept. 10 about Russia's full-scale invasion and whether Ukraine being victorious was in the best interests of the U.S., former President Donald Trump refused to answer and instead pivoted.

"I think it's in the U.S.'s best interest to get this war finished and just get it done. Negotiate a deal," Trump said.

The former president also reiterated previous statements that his primary concern was ending the war but refrained from detailing how he planned to do so.

Responding to a direct question about his proposed plan to negotiate an end to the full-scale war, Trump again declined to give any specifics.

In contrast, Vice President Kamala Harris mentioned the sanctity of sovereignty and international borders as one of the most crucial elements of global rules and norms and again pledged to support Ukraine.

Harris criticized Trump's position on Ukraine, saying, "I believe the reason that Donald Trump says that this war would be over within 24 hours is because he would just give it up. And that's not who we are as Americans."

Read also: Biden weighs lifting long-range weapons restrictions for Ukraine, Reuters reports

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Trump refuses to say if he wants Ukraine to win the war

The News

Former US President Donald Trump refused to say whether he wants Ukraine to win the war against Russia during Tuesdays debate against Vice President Kamala Harris.

After being asked by the ABC News moderator if he wanted Ukraine to win the war, Trump instead responded: I want the war to stop; I want to save lives that are being uselessly. He added that he had good relationships with both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

When asked again if he thought it was in the US best interest for Ukraine to win the war, Trump replied, Yes, I think its in the US best interest to get this war finished and just get it done.

Trump also said that Russia wouldnt have invaded Ukraine if he was president. Harris, at one point, told Trump that Russian President Vladimir Putin would eat you for lunch.
Trump refuses to say he wants Ukrainian victory, Harris accuses him of surrender in presidential debate

The fate of Ukraine's defense against Russia and the future of U.S. support for Kyiv was the subject of passionate exchange on Sept. 10 in the first and possibly only debate between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris.

Trump refused to say that he wanted Ukraine to win the war and dodged a question as to whether a Ukrainian victory was in the United States' best interests.

"I think it's the U.S. best interest to get this war finished and just get it done, negotiate a deal," he said.

Trump repeated many of his standard talking points on Ukraine, saying that he knows both President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin well, that his "good" relationship with both leaders will result in the war being "settled" before he potentially enters office again, and that the 2021 U.S. withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan prompted Putin's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

"I want to get this war settled," Trump said, adding that if he were president, Putin wouldnt have lost thousands of troops in Ukraine.

"(Putin) would have been sitting in Moscow much happier than he is right now."

Harris, in response, accused Trump of giving up on Ukraine.

"The reason that Donald Trump says that this war would be over within 24 hours is because he would just give it up, and that's not who we are as Americans," she said.

The debate was held in the crucial swing state of Pennsylvania and may be the candidates' only meeting until election day in less than two months.

Ahead of the Sept. 10 debate, Trump had inched ahead of Harris, 48 percent to 47 percent, in the latest Times/Siena College poll. Less than one percent of the likely electorate in the poll said Russia's full-scale war in Ukraine is the single most important issue in deciding their vote, but the prolonged and fervent back-and-forth on the debate stage signaled the importance of the war in Washington.

The showdown came hours after Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that Russia escalated its war by accepting ballistic missiles from Iran.

During the debate, both candidates appealed to viewers' fears of potential Russian escalation, with Trump raising the specter of World War III and Harris warning that Putin's ambitions extend beyond Ukraine.

"(Putin has) nuclear weapons, nobody ever thinks about that," Trump said.

"And eventually, maybe he'll use them, and maybe he hasn't been that threatening, but he does have that."

Harris, who defended her diplomacy work with Zelensky in early 2022, said that respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity is one of the most important international rules and norms. She said military leaders around the world consider Trump a "disgrace," and that it would have been disastrous had Trump won the 2020 election.

"If Donald Trump were president, Putin would be sitting in Kyiv right now, and understand what that would mean, because Putin's agenda is not just about Ukraine," Harris said.

The vice president warned that Putin could set his sights on Poland next and suggested that Trump consider the interests of the Polish-American community as well as U.S. allies abroad.

Despite stoking fears of Russian escalation, neither candidate brought up Russia's alleged attempts to influence the U.S. election, nor did they outline clear plans for peace in Ukraine.

The vice president had the advantage of speaking to what the current administration has done for Ukraine over the last two and a half years of war. From air defenses and ammunition to Abrams tanks and javelin missiles, Ukraine stands independently and free, Harris said, because of American support.

Harris did not address how or if she would change the White House's current restrictions on Kyivs ability to strike inside Russia with American weapons, which was the subject of repeated letters to the Biden administration on Sept. 10.

Trump, too, failed to mention any policies on the use of long-range weapons. He repeated claims that he would end the war before his first day in office if elected, but in the last presidential debate  the June 27 debacle which was the beginning of the end of President Joe Bidens re-election campaign  the former president rejected Putin's peace terms.

Just days before the Sept. 10 debate, Trump also said at a rally in Wisconsin that Russia is 19 steps ahead of the U.S.

Trump's apparent admiration for Putin and other autocratic leaders was a repeated point of contention in the debate, as was Harris' own relationship with the Russian president. Trump brought up Putin's supposed endorsement of Harris, while Harris accused Trump of being easily flattered and manipulated by dictators.

"Putin endorsed (Harris) last week," Trump said. "(He) said 'I hope she wins' and I think he meant it because what he's gotten away with is absolutely incredible, it wouldn't have happened with me.

Harris refuted a false claim from Trump that she had met and personally negotiated with Putin, and her responses emphasized Trump's infatuation with strong men and dictators.

"It is well known (Trump) exchanged love letters with Kim Jung Un and it is absolutely well known that these dictators and autocrats are rooting for (Trump) to be president again because they're so clear they can manipulate you with flatary and favors," Harris said.

Speaking directly to her opponent from only six feet away, Harris told Trump that Putin "would eat you for lunch."

Harris did not mention Putin's alleged endorsement, but her performance in the debate won the vice president another round of support. Taylor Swift endorsed Harris following the exchange, as did former U.S. Ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul, who said the debate was a huge win for the vice president.

Read also: Putin endorses Harris, but Russian propaganda pushes Trump  whats going on?

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WASHINGTON (AP)  Former President Donald Trump persisted in saying during the presidential debate that he won the 2020 election and took no responsibility for any of the mayhem that unfolded at the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, when his supporters stormed the building to block the peaceful transfer of power.

The comments Tuesday night underscored the Republican's refusal, even four years later, to accept the reality of his defeat and his unwillingness to admit the extent to which his falsehoods about his election loss emboldened the mob that rushed the Capitol, resulting in violent clashes with law enforcement. Trump's grievances about that election are central to his 2024 campaign against Democrat Kamala Harris, as he professes allegiance to the rioters.

In 2020, Democrat Joe Biden won 306 electoral votes to Trump's 232, and there was no widespread fraud, as election officials across the country, including Trumps then-attorney general, William Barr, have confirmed. Republican governors in Arizona and Georgia, crucial to Bidens victory, vouched for the integrity of the elections in their states. Nearly all the legal challenges from Trump and his allies were dismissed by judges, including two tossed by the Supreme Court, which includes three Trump-nominated justices.

An Associated Press review of every potential case of voter fraud in the six battleground states disputed by Trump found fewer than 475. Biden took Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin and their 79 electoral votes by a combined 311,257 votes out of 25.5 million ballots cast for president. The disputed ballots represent just 0.15% of his victory margin in those states.

In the ABC debate, Trump was asked twice if he regretted anything he did on Jan. 6, when he told his supporters to march to the Capitol and exhorted them to fight like hell. On the Philadelphia stage, Trump first responded by complaining that the questioner had failed to note that he had encouraged the crowd to behave peacefully and patriotically. Trump also noted that one of his backers, Ashli Babbitt, was fatally shot inside the building by a Capitol Police officer.

Trump suggested that protesters who committed crimes during the 2020 racial injustice protests were not prosecuted. But an AP review in 2021 of documents in more than 300 federal cases stemming from the protests sparked by George Floyds death found that more than 120 defendants across U.S. pleaded guilty or were convicted at trial of federal crimes including rioting, arson and conspiracy.

When the question about his actions on Jan. 6 arose again, Trump replied: I had nothing to do with that other than they asked me to make a speech. I showed up for a speech.

But he ignored other incendiary language he used throughout the speech, during which he urged the crowd to march to the Capitol, where Congress was meeting to certify Bidens victory. Trump told the crowd: If you dont fight like hell, youre not going to have a country anymore. Thats after his lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, declared: Lets have trial by combat.

Trump didnt appeal for the rioters to leave the Capitol until more than three hours after the assault began. He then released a video telling the rioters it was time to go home, but added: We love you. Youre very special people.

He also repeated an oft-stated false claim that then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., rejected his offer to send 10,000 National Guard or soldiers to the Capitol. Pelosi does not direct the National Guard. As the Capitol came under attack, she and then-Senate Majority leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky. called for military assistance, including from the National Guard.

Harris pledged to turn the page from Jan. 6, when she was in the Capitol as democracy came under attack.

So for everyone watching, who remembers what January 6th was, I say, 'We dont have to go back. Lets not go back. Were not going back. Its time to turn the page.

Though Trump had seemed to acknowledge in a recent podcast interview that he had indeed lost by a whisker," he insisted Tuesday night that that was a sarcastic remark and resumed his boasts about the election.

Ill show you Georgia, and Ill show you Wisconsin, and Ill show you Pennsylvania, he said in rattling off states where he claimed, falsely, that he had won. We have so many facts and statistics.

____

Associated Press writers Alanna Durkin Richer and Melissa Goldin contributed to this report.
Donald Trump during the ABC News debate on Tuesday repeated the racist lie that Haitian immigrants have been eating Americans pets.

The line from Trump came a day after his running mate, Sen. JD Vance, spread a racist rumor that locals in Springfield, Ohio have had their pets abducted and eaten by people who shouldnt be in this country, only to be swiftly debunked by police and public officials. (Vance has since doubled down.)

In Springfield, theyre eating the dogs, Trump said Tuesday night. The people that came in, theyre eating the cats. Theyre eating the pets of the people that live there. And this is whats happening in our country. And its a shame.

Springfield, Ohio has seen a significant increase in Haitian immigrants in recent years.

But theres simply nothing to back up Trumps claims. The lie originated in right-wing rumor mills on the internet  particularly on X, formerly Twitter. Trump allies circulated fourth-hand accounts about a missing cat that was supposedly later seen hanging from a tree  theres no evidence this happened  and linked it to unrelated police body camera footage of an American woman in a city three hours away who was arrested for allegedly killing and eating a cat, but who is not an immigrant.

Trump falsely accuses migrants of eating dogs and pets in Springfield, Ohio, then fights the moderators when he gets fact-checked.



"I've seen people on television." pic.twitter.com/u5vRymVgEm  nikki mccann ramirez (@NikkiMcR) September 11, 2024

When debate co-moderator David Muir fact-checked Trump, noting city officials have said there are no reports of any pets being harmed by immigrants, Trump baselessly pushed back and claimed people on television said their dog was eaten by the people that went there.

Trump brought up Springfield earlier in Tuesdays debate as well, lying that it was an example of immigrants taking over whole cities and going in violently.

Trump launched into his second rant about Springfield when Muir asked why he ordered Republicans to vote against a bipartisan immigration bill. Trump never answered that question.

What? This is unbelievable, Harris said in response to the lie while her mic was muted, according to reporters in the room.

Later, Trump repeated lies about crime rates among immigrants, which are lower than crime rates among native-born American citizens, according to available data.

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PHILADELPHIA  The clearest sign that Kamala Harris campaign thought she won the ABC presidential debate was the fact that her elated surrogates in the post-debate spin room were gloating about finally landing a punch on Donald Trump  and floating the possibility of a rematch.

The clearest sign Trump knew he lost was the fact that Trump himself appeared in the spin room to defend his debate performance on Tuesday night.

Shortly before 11:30 p.m., the former president shuffled into the Pennsylvania Convention Center, where an armada of surrogates, including Robert Kennedy Jr., Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), his daughter-in-law Lara Trump, former adviser Stephen Miller, Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.)  as well as running mate, J.D. Vance  had been struggling mightily to make a case that Trump did anything other than burst into flames on the stage.

We thought it was our best debate ever  it was my best debate ever, I think, and it was very interesting, said Trump, who was immediately met with throngs of reporters and cameras. The polls are very good but beyond the polls, I felt very good, I had a good time doing it. I hate to speak about our country so negatively, but thats what happened, they ruined our country.

The former presidents visit to the spin room caught much of Team Trump by surprise. Some aides received word he would be appearing only just before he walked in, accompanied by an entourage including top advisers like Steven Cheung, Boris Epshteyn, and Corey Lewandowski, a source familiar with the matter says.

Tim Murtaugh, a Trump campaign official who was present for the mad dash to shove cameras in Trumps face, said Trumps surprise appearance shows fearlessness and confidence. Kamala Harris would never do it. A Harris aide, who got swept up into the large huddle as Trump entered the spin room, remarked that it was a mistake for the former president to appear and that it looked desperate.

If youre so confident you won tonight, why are you here? Why not let the performance speak for itself? one reporter shouted at him.

Well, I think it did, but people [asked] would I come here? And I made an obligation to a couple of people, Trump replied.

He was right to be concerned, as his team was struggling to cast the performance as anything less than a cataclysmic disaster for Trump. Asked to address directly whether Trump had a bad night, Cotton said he had not seen any of the commentary. Asked why Trump didnt detail any plans for his next term, Cotton said simply, You dont have to worry about what Donald Trump is going to do  you know what hes going to do. Lara Trump, his Republican National Committee co-chair, bemoaned the fact that there wasnt enough focus during the debate on immigration.

Even the dead-eyed Miller was having trouble defending Trumps fixating during the debate on conservatives racist, debunked claims about Haitian immigrants eating cats in Springfield, Ohio. (Theyre eating the pets of the people that live there, and this is whats happening in our country, Trump said on Tuesday.) Miller repeatedly referenced a 911 call raising concerns about geese instead; Gaetz referred to the same call when questioned.

The muted reaction from Republicans could not have stood in starker contrast to Democrats eagerness to dissect the event.

We have been waiting for someone to just land a punch on Trump on abortion  since 2016!  American women have been waiting for this moment. It was deeply satisfying, Mini Timmaraju, the president of Reproductive Freedom for All, said. She nailed him. She pinned it on him. She didnt flinch. And she got him, in his rambling, ranting way to double-down on what he did: He took credit for overturning Roe tonight. He would not commit to vetoing a national ban. She got him on the record.

Illinois Sen. Tammy Duckworth, who has led Democrats efforts to codify protections for in-vitro fertilization, laughed when asked about Trumps insistence tonight he was a leader on IVF, which is fertilization.

He obviously doesnt understand how IVF works, Duckworth said. That was really the point in the debate when he began his downward spiral that he never recovered from. He was clearly on the defense, and it was clear he did not know what he was talking about. Sen. Laphonza Butler (D-Calif.) pointed to a different moment, the moment Harris invoked Trumps rallies, as the point at which he started to unravel.

It was California Gov. Gavin Newsom, though, who offered one of the most prescient observations early in the night. Asked how significant the debate would be in the grand scheme of things, he predicted it would make a difference  because of the way Trump himself would react.

Donald Trump will not be capable of not overreacting to how badly he did tonight over the course of the next days, Newsom said, roughly 40 minutes before Trump made his shock appearance in the spin room. I think this will shape shift in a way thats even more profound than the evening itself  we will see him reacting to this for weeks and weeks and weeks, with his pity party and his grievance mindset. Im sure hell be complaining about the refs and the rules for weeks.

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Trump said he has 'concepts' of a health care plan. What we know about his policies

Health care was one of the topics at the forefront of Tuesday night's debate between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris.

Trump said he was interested in replacing the Affordable Care Act -- also known as "Obamacare" -- but implied that he didn't have any specific plans in place.

"Obamacare was lousy health care. Always was," Trump said. "It's not very good today and, what I said, that if we come up with something, we are working on things, we're going to do it and we're going to replace it."

MORE: Fact-checking Kamala Harris and Donald Trump's 1st presidential debate

When asked by ABC News moderator Linsey Davis to clarify if he had a health care plan, the former president said he had "concepts of a plan" to replace the ACA but provided no details.

"If we can come up with a plan that's going to cost our people, our population, less money and be better health care than Obamacare, then I would absolutely do it," Trump said.

"But if we come up with something, I would only change it if we come up with something better and less expensive," he said later in the debate. "And there are concepts and options we have to do that. And you'll be hearing about it in the not-too-distant future."

PHOTO: Former President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks as Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris listens listens during a presidential debate in Philadelphia, on Sept. 10, 2024. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images)

Last year, Trump posted on Truth Social that the ACA "sucks" and that he didn't want to "terminate" the law but "replace it with much better health care."

Dr. Dennis Scanlon, a distinguished professor of health policy and administration at Penn State, told ABC News there's been much less of a focus on repealing and replacing ACA from Trump than seen in 2016 and 2020.

"I think what's been noticeable in this election cycle [is] less discussion about the Affordable Care Act in terms of let's repeal it or get rid of it," he said. "I think last night in the debate, [Trump] basically straddled and said, 'You know, if I can figure out a way to make it better, and we're working on some concepts, we'll do it, but not, that we will get rid of it.' So I think that's just different from what it's been in the last two cycles."

Scanlon mentioned that repealing the ACA is not even mentioned in the official 2024 Republican Party platform.

In 2010, then-President Barack Obama signed the ACA into law, requiring most Americans to have insurance and directing states to create health insurance exchanges to allow residents to sign up for insurance if they don't receive coverage via an employer.

During his administration, Trump attempted to partially repeal the ACA by passing the American Health Care Act (ACHA). The plan would have repealed the individual mandate and the employer mandate, amended Medicaid eligibility and weakened protections for patients with pre-existing conditions.

MORE: Fact-checking economic claims Trump and Harris made at debate

The ACHA passed the House in May 2017 but failed to pass in the Senate. Perhaps mostly infamously, the Senate attempted to pass a so-called "skinny repeal" in late July 2017 but it was rejected, with Republican Sens. John McCain, Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski siding with Senate Democrats to kill the bill.

In December 2017, a Republican tax reform law was passed that eliminated individual mandates, which Gallup said may have reduced participation in the insurance marketplace.

At the end of 2019, 13.7% of adults were without health insurance at the end of 2018, the highest level seen since early 2014, according to Gallup data.

In December 2019, Trump issued an executive order requiring all hospitals to make public standard charges, payer-specific negotiated charges, the amount the hospital is willing to accept in cash and the minimum and maximum negotiated charges.

PHOTO: Former President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks during a presidential debate with Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, on Sept. 10, 2024. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images)

"This an area where an attempt has been made ... but the way it has played out has been challenging and not very effective," Scanlon said, referring to a KFF analysis which found that transparency data was often inconsistent and confusing. "Such transparency is fundamental to reform and improvement in health care markets."

In a statement to ABC News, Karoline Leavitt, national press secretary for the Trump campaign, restated the former president's commitment to release details soon.

"As President Trump said, he will release more details but his overall position on health care remains the same: bring down costs and increase the quality of care by improving competition in the market place," she said. "This is a stark contrast to Kamala Harris' support for a socialist government takeover of our healthcare system which would force people off their private plans and result in lower quality care."

During the debate, Harris criticized Trump's previous attempts to repeal the ACA, saying she wants to grow and expand the legislation. Her campaign platform mentions expanding the $35 cap on insulin and $2,000 cap on out-of-pocket prescription medication costs for seniors to all Americans.

"There's been a little bit of detail from the Harris campaign, but I would say also not much," Scanlon said. "There's some discussion about negotiating drugs, insulin prices, there has been some work done in that ... but there's a lot more to be done."

Trump said he has 'concepts' of a health care plan. What we know about his policies originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Trump says crime is soaring, and immigrants are to blame. The data tell another story

Former President Trump repeated claims during Tuesday's debate that crime is through the roof" and that much of it is being caused by immigrants. Data suggest both claims are incorrect.

Asked about his proposal for the largest deportation operation in the nations history to remove millions of people in the U.S. without documentation, Trump said the number is greater than 11 million because Vice President Kamala Harris and the Biden administration allowed criminals, many many millions of criminals, they allowed terrorists, they allowed common street criminals, they allowed people to come in, drug dealers, to come into our country.

He said other countries have seen crime reductions because theyve taken their criminals off the street and theyve given them to her to put into our country.

Trump claimed that all over the world, crime is down  all over the world except here. Crime here is up and through the roof, despite their fraudulent statements that they made. In the U.S., he said, crime is through the roof and has taken a new form as migrant crime.

When ABC moderator David Muir pointed out that FBI data show crime is down, Trump called that a fraud.

Read more: All of the best and worst moments of the Trump-Harris debate, as they happened

Asked to respond, Harris said Trumps claims were so rich coming from someone who has been prosecuted for national security crimes, economic crimes, election interference, has been found liable for sexual assault, and his next big court appearance is in November at his own criminal sentencing.

Harris said it was time to turn the page.

Crime and public safety have been a major focus of the presidential race, with each candidate claiming to have a strong record on such matters while attacking their opponents record.

Harris has cast herself as a sharp prosecutor who has taken on sexual predators, unscrupulous businesses and banks and transnational gangs throughout her career, including as San Franciscos district attorney and Californias attorney general.

She has also promoted herself in the past as a progressive prosecutor who has supported various criminal justice reform measures  including putting body-worn cameras on police officers  and tough federal oversight of local-level police departments. She has also touted huge investments into local law enforcement agencies under the Biden administration, including through COVID-19 relief funds.

Harris has cast Trump as the type of criminal she has gone after in the past. She has also called out his promise to pardon insurrectionists who attacked the U.S. Capitol and its police officers on Jan. 6, 2021, in an attempt to overthrow President Bidens election in Trumps favor.

Read more: Harris, Trump trade barbs in heated, high-stakes debate

Trump has cast himself as a strong ally of law enforcement and as someone who would empower police officers  and immigration officials  to be more aggressive in going after criminals on the street.

He has called for a return to old policing tactics that have raised constitutional concerns in the past, such as stop and frisk and broken windows policing; has suggested police shouldnt be too nice while arresting suspects; and has dismissed the need for federal oversight of police departments.

Trump has cast Harris as a pro-crime progressive whose policies in the past have gone soft on criminals and allowed them to commit crimes again. He has also cast her as a proponent of defunding police, pointing in part to comments Harris made in 2020 about the need to reimagine public safety and redirect some law enforcement funds to other priorities such as education, healthcare and job opportunities in vulnerable communities.

Violent crime shot up across the country at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 while Trump was president, but has since come down sharply. Studies for years have shown that immigrants are less likely than U.S.-born citizens to be incarcerated for committing crimes.

Both Trump and Harris have touted support from law enforcement. Trump last week received the endorsement of the National Fraternal Order of Police, which has more than 375,000 members nationwide. Harris released a list of 100 current and former law enforcement officials who have endorsed her.

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.
(NewsNation)  Former President Donald Trump said Vice President Kamala Harris hates Israel and that she ditched Netanyahus congressional address for a sorority party.

Harris denied that she hates Israel and called Trump weak and wrong on foreign policy and national security, saying he admires dictators. She also quoted Trump saying Putin could do whatever he wants and calling Putins invasion of Ukraine brilliant.

She said dictators are rooting for Trump to be reelected because they can manipulate him with flattery and favors. Harris said that is why military leaders who worked with Trump called him a disgrace.

A tragedy: Harris calls out Trumps question of her race in debate

When asked how to handle the war in the Middle East, Harris said that Israel has a right to defend itself, citing the Oct. 7 attacks, while also saying that too many Palestinian civilians have been killed during fighting in Gaza.

She said the war must end, there must be a cease-fire deal, and the hostages must be released by Hamas. Harris said the Biden administration is working around the clock for a deal and said there must be a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict.

An Israeli strike on a Palestinian tent camp kills at least 19

Trump responded that the war would never have started if he was president and claimed the war in Ukraine would not have started either.

Trump said there was no money for terror when he was president, saying Iran could not fund proxy groups under his administration, though Iran has been funding those groups for decades. He did not address the moderators question about how he would negotiate with Israel and bring an end to the war in Gaza.

Heres what Trump and Harris have said and done beyond the debate:

Trump

Hasnt announced plans regarding the Israel-Hamas war if reelected in 2024.

Suggested the war will just have to play out.

Said during an October Fox News interview, We need to protect Israel. There is no choice.

Has positioned himself as a strong ally to Israel while being critical of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Told Israels intelligence agencies to step up their game.

Harris

Harris called for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza in March, describing the situation as a humanitarian catastrophe, the New York Times reported.

She said Hamas threat to Israel must be eliminated but added that too many innocent Palestinians have been killed.

She opposed an Israeli invasion of Rafah, southern Gaza, where over a million people had fled. I have studied the maps. Theres nowhere for those folks to go, she said, noting about 1.5 million people were there after being told to go.

Harris has repeatedly expressed support for a two-state solution.

NewsNation Digital 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.
Trump Says Not Inclined to Debate Again, But Leaves Door Open

(Bloomberg) -- Donald Trump said he is not inclined to have another debate with Kamala Harris after initially suggesting several additional matchups to supplement Tuesdays forum.

Most Read from Bloomberg

I am not inclined to do it because I won the debate by a lot, the former president said Wednesday morning in an interview on Fox News, contradicting analysts who said the vice president had bested him. I dont know that I want to do another debate.

Still, hours later, Trump said he hadnt completely ruled out another matchup, adding that he had potential broadcast venues in mind if he ultimately decided to move forward with a second contest.

I would do NBC. Id do Fox too but, right now, we have to determine whether or not we want to, Trump told reporters in Pennsylvania, during a stop to mark the anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

The scattershot approach epitomized the former presidents hasty effort to recover from a showdown that saw him largely on the defensive and distracted. The Republican nominee headed to the media spin room shortly after the debate, posted repeatedly on his social media channels through the night, and then appeared early Tuesday morning on the conservative network to declare victory and complain that media coverage had been unfair.

While Trump insisted to Fox that Harris request for additional debates suggests she lost their showdown, public opinion polls and betting markets indicate the Democratic candidate had the better night.

The losing person, the fighter, the debater, they always ask for a rematch. I won the debate, Trump said.

Trump said that if Fox News did host a second contest, that it shouldnt be moderated by Martha MacCallum and Bret Baier because the pair were critical of his performance on the stage in Philadelphia.

Earlier: Kamala Harris Baits Trump Into a Debate on Her Terms

A month ago, Trump floated three debates with Harris, which included the one held on Tuesday with ABC News and debates to be hosted by Fox News and NBC News.

The Harris campaign previously said it would only commit to additional debates if Trump showed up to Tuesdays event  and has rejected a debate hosted by Fox. Immediately following the forum, the Harris campaign said the vice president was ready for a second debate.

Fact Checks

Tuesdays debate carried added significance as polls forecast a razor-edged race. A New York Times/Siena College poll on Sunday showed Trump led Harris nationally by a point.

Trump had repeatedly railed against Tuesdays moderators from ABC News for fact-checking various claims the former president made  including noting that there were no credible reports of immigrants eating animals in Springfield, Ohio, and that abortions couldnt take place after a baby is born.

During the debate, the candidates sparred over numerous topics, including abortion, the economy and the border. A CNN exit poll showed 63% of people who watched the forum said Harris won.

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2024 Bloomberg L.P.
Trump says he 'probably took a bullet to the head' due to Dem rhetoric

Former President Donald Trump cited his assassination attempt during his debate against Vice President Kamala Harris, saying he "probably took a bullet to the head" due to rhetoric from Harris and Democrats.

"I probably took a bullet to the head because of the things that they say about me. They talk about democracy. I'm a threat to democracy. They're the threat to democracy," Trump said from the debate stage in Philadelphia on Tuesday evening.

Trump faced an assassination attempt in July during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The shooter, Matthew Crooks, shot Trump in the ear, injured two audience members and fatally shot local dad and fireman Corey Comperatore.

"This is the one that weaponized, not me," Trump said, referring to Harris. "She weaponized."

TRUMP ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT: VIRAL VIDEO SHOWS NEW PERSPECTIVE FROM DEADLY RALLY SHOOTING

A new poll ahead of Tuesdays ABC News Presidential Debate showed Vice President Kamala Harris leading former President Trump by eight percentage points among likely voters in Virginia.

Trump's remark that he was shot "probably" due to Democratic rhetoric was followed by Harris saying that Trump would "weaponize the Department of Justice" against his political enemies.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

MELANIA RAISES QUESTIONS ABOUT TRUMP ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT IN VIDEO PROMOTING HER NEW MEMOIR

"Well, let's talk about extreme, and understand the context in which this election in 2024 is taking place. The United States Supreme Court recently ruled that the former president would essentially be immune from any misconduct if he were to enter the White House again," she said.

US Vice President Kamala Harris, right, and former US President Donald Trump shake hands during the second presidential debate at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024.

"Understand, this is someone who has openly said he would terminate, I'm quoting, terminate the Constitution of the United States, that he would weaponize the Department of Justice against his political enemies. Someone who has openly expressed disdain for members of our military. Understand, that it means if Donald Trump were back in the White House with no guard rails, because certainly we know now the court won't stop him," Harris added.

TRUMP ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT: WHISTLEBLOWERS CLAIM THAT THEY WERE 'WOEFULLY UNPREPARED' TO PROVIDE SECURITY

Trump has since recovered from the assassination attempt, after he was seen wearing a bandage over his ear during the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee just days after the attempt unfolded.

Former first lady Melania Trump joins Republican presidential nominee, former U.S. President Donald Trump on stage after he officially accepted the Republican presidential nomination on the fourth day of the Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum on July 18, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Trump and Harris joined the same debate stage at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. The debate marks the first time the pair squared off against one another, following President Biden dropping out of the race amid mounting concerns over his mental acuity.

Trump has said he will return to Butler County, Pennsylvania, in October for another rally following the attempt.

Get the latest updates from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews and more at our Fox News Digital election hub .





Original article source: Trump says he 'probably took a bullet to the head' due to Dem rhetoric
Donald Trump spent the 2016 presidential campaign promising to repeal the Affordable Care Act. He spent most of his first year in office trying to do just that.

Now he wants you to believe he is responsible for saving the law.

This novel reinterpretation of history emerged on Tuesday evening at the ABC News presidential debate between Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee.

Near the end of the debate in Philadelphia, moderator and ABC News anchor Linsey Davis asked whether Trump still intended to repeal and replace the health care law  and, if so, what his replacement plan was.

Trump swore he had an alternative to the 2010 law, also known as Obamacare. When Davis pressed him to actually describe his alternative, he said there are concepts and options we have to do that. And youll be hearing about it in the not-too-distant future.

Trump has, of course, made such promises many times before  like in 2015, when he promised to replace the Affordable Care Act with something terrific, or in 2016, when he said itll be great health care for much less money, or in 2017, when he said were going to have insurance for everybody.

Trump never produced plans living up to those lofty promises. Instead, he got behind repeal proposals from congressional Republicans that would have reduced federal spending and regulations  and, according to independent projections, caused many millions of Americans to lose coverage.

That effort failed in a dramatic late-night vote on the Senate floor when John McCain, the Arizona Republican, gave his thumbs-down  a moment Harris recalled during the debate.

The late great John McCain  I will never forget that night  walked onto the Senate floor and said, No you dont, Harris said.

The repeal effort sparked a political backlash that played a key role in Republicans losing control of the House in 2018  and then, two years later, Trump losing the White House.

Most Republicans stopped talking publicly about Obamacare repeal after that election, lest they incur the voters wrath again. Trump has obviously taken notice of the politics as well.

Last year, after posting on social media that the Affordable Care Act sucks and that Republicans should never give up on trying to terminate it, he followed up with posts saying he was only interested in finding something that would be a better alternative  again, without specifying what that alternative is.

All of that was the setup for Davis debate question, when Trump decided to add a new twist to his story on what really happened when he was president:

I inherited Obamacare because Democrats wouldnt change it. They wouldnt vote for it. They were unanimous. They wouldnt vote to change it. If they would have done that, we would have had a much better plan than Obamacare. But the Democrats came up, they wouldnt vote for it. I had a choice to make when I was president: Do I save it and make it as good as it can be? Never going to be great. Or do I let it rot? And I felt I had an obligation, even though politically it would have been good to just let it rot and let it go away. I decided  and I told my people, the top people, and theyre very good people  I have a lot of good people in this  that administration. We read about the bad ones. We had some real bad ones, too. And so do they. They have really bad ones. The difference is they dont get rid of them. But let me just explain. I had a choice to make: Do I save it and make it as good as it can be or let it rot? And I saved it. I did the right thing.

Trumps argument  if you can follow it  seems to be that Democrats refused to address the Affordable Care Acts shortcomings, leaving that job to Trump.

The shortcomings were (and remain) real enough. But President Barack Obama and his allies repeatedly proposed ways of addressing those. Republicans, who got control of the House in 2010 and control of the Senate in 2014, refused to consider reforms that wouldnt repeal the law outright.

It wasnt until Joe Biden became president in 2021, and Democrats won back control of Congress, that improvements to the law finally came, primarily in the form of extra financial assistance that reduced the price of coverage for individuals by hundreds, sometimes thousands of dollars a year and helped millions more to get coverage.

Those subsidies expire in 2025. Their future is among the issues at stake in this election.

Harris has said she wants to keep them going. Trump hasnt said what hed do, though he seems unlikely to support renewal given his actual record on the Affordable Care Act, as opposed to the fictional one he described on Tuesday.

CORRECTION: This story has been amended to correct the year Republicans lost control of the House.

Related...
Vice President Kamala Harris, right, and former President Donald Trump shake hands during the second presidential debate at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, on Sept. 10, 2024. Credit - Doug MillsThe New York Time/Bloomberg/Getty Images

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A poised and prepared Kamala Harris met a crabby and thin-skinned Donald Trump in a presidential debate, and it didnt feel like much of a fair fight.

Over the course of almost two hours Tuesday night, the Vice President effectively needled the former President on his deepest insecurities while painting a clear choice for voters. Trump in response repeatedly took the bait and doubled down, leading him to go on wild tangents, engage in angry outbursts, and relitigate old battles. It was a striking dichotomy for voters to take in from two figures who share so little when it comes to political instinct, personalities, and even personal discipline. Harris leveraged Trumps total lack of that last element to set the agenda for the evening.

While Trump spoke dismissively of Harris, she systematically dismantled his rhetoric. Trump invoked Fox personalities Laura Ingraham and Sean Hannity as validators for his claims and she cited Nobel-winning economists. Trump admiringly invoked autocrats and Harris noted a raft of former Trump staffers were voting for her.

It was a snapshot of a bitter race that remains a jump ball with less than two months before Election Day. And it was the first time since Trump launched his first campaign in 2015 that he found himself on a debate stage against someone who matched him on political showmanship.

What we have in the former President is someone who would prefer to run on a problem instead of fixing a problem, Harris said, summing up the thesis of her campaign.

In turn, Trump ticked through a litany of right-wing talking points about Jan. 6, 2021, immigrant violence, and a failed border. Sticking with his belief that feeding culture wars stuffs ballot boxes in his favor, his roster of falsehoods included claiming Harris supported allowing the government to murder newborns in a process masquerading as abortion. Now she wants to do transgender operations on illegal aliens that are in prison. This is a radical-left liberal, Trump said at another point, sneering at a rival he called Marxist.

It was clear even before the debate ended that the balance of this election cycle will be spent trying to rev the engines of each political camp. Harris in many ways is picking up where Bidens 2020 campaign left off in a pitch for normalcy and decency, but with a polish that gives Democrats fresh loads of optimism. Where Trump advisers saw opportunities to drag down Harris by tying her to all of Bidens record, the candidate only intermittently kept up the strategy. Instead, Trump kept his focus on his own political record, aiming largely for the audience that takes their cues from right-wing sources and shares his belief that he should still be in the White House.

Put plainly, Harris made a very clear argument for the nation to move forward with a new generation of leadership while Trump continued to linger in his previous elections. Some of her answers didnt exactly match the question asked, but at no point did her statements devolve into ad hominem attacks and easily fact-checked falsehoods.

Donald Trump was fired by 81 million people. So lets be clear about that and clearly he is having a very difficult time processing that, Harris said, one of her many tweaks aimed squarely at his ego.

Trump could not help himself, pivoting to his assertion without evidence that there remains enmity between Biden and Harris: Ill give you a little secret. He cant stand her. He hates her. Later in the evening, Trump even questioned if Biden still had the job and suggested Harris and her rhetoric were responsible for political violence aimed at him.

I probably took a bullet to the head because of the things they say about me, Trump said, invoking the failed assassination attempt against him.

But for every moment that aimed at the handful of voters who are unsure about their choice this fallwho to vote for, or even whether to cast ballotshe took many more detours that most clearly targeted his die-hard supporters and his individual ego. For instance, in a bizarre moment that has been debunked widely, Trump wrongly said Haitian immigrants in Ohio are hunting dogs and cats for food.

Theyre eating the pets of the people that live there, Trump said as a puzzled Harris did little to hide her disbelief. Confronted by anchor David Muir that there is no evidence of that, Trump, naturally, doubled down.

Similarly, Trump demanded he was correct in inflating the number of migrants in the country without legal status, that the FBI cooked the books on crime stats, international monitors were lying about the death toll in Ukraine, and government economists manufactured the number of new jobs created on the watch of Biden and Harris.

Understanding Trumps unique vulnerabilities, Harris consistently threaded the needle to derail Trump, who never seemed to catch onto the transparent trickery.

People start leaving his rallies early out of exhaustion and boredom, Harris said of her rival.

Its a bait Trump always takes. People dont go to her rallies. The people who do go, shes bussing them in and paying them to be there, showing them in a different light, Trump said.

Then he puffed up his political chest: People dont leave my rallies. We have the biggest rallies, the most incredible rallies in the history of politics. The dispute was completely immaterial for undecided voters and would win him zero new votes, but Harris understood exactly what she had done: in inviting Trumps ego to overtake actual issues, she was showing his pettiness in full display. And, for millions of voters watching Harris in such an environment for the first time, its impossible to imagine a better first showing.

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Write to Philip Elliott at philip.elliott@time.com.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Displayed on the 108-inch monitor from a raised stage supporters of Former President Donald Trump gathered at a Las Vegas hotel to express their outrage and approval.

Over 900 attendees watched the Tuesday presidential debate at the Ahern Luxury Boutique Hotel organized by the Trump 2024 campaigninitially only 700 reserved tickets according to campaign staff.

Dolly de Leon, a Las Vegas resident, jumped to her feet and wagged her finger at the screen while Vice President Kamala Harris spoke. At one point she shared a napkin with another attendee who was eating food from the in-house pizzeria before she yelled once more toward the screen.

I am really excited to see this debate, Deleon said. I am rooting for President Trump and its just hes such a good debater.

Over 900 attendees watched the Tuesday presidential debate at the Ahern Luxury Boutique Hotel organized by the Trump 2024 campaigninitially only 700 reserved tickets according to campaign staff. (KLAS)

Over 900 attendees watched the Tuesday presidential debate at the Ahern Luxury Boutique Hotel organized by the Trump 2024 campaigninitially only 700 reserved tickets according to campaign staff. (KLAS)

Over 900 attendees watched the Tuesday presidential debate at the Ahern Luxury Boutique Hotel organized by the Trump 2024 campaigninitially only 700 reserved tickets according to campaign staff. (KLAS)

Over 900 attendees watched the Tuesday presidential debate at the Ahern Luxury Boutique Hotel organized by the Trump 2024 campaigninitially only 700 reserved tickets according to campaign staff. (KLAS)

Over 900 attendees watched the Tuesday presidential debate at the Ahern Luxury Boutique Hotel organized by the Trump 2024 campaigninitially only 700 reserved tickets according to campaign staff. (KLAS)

De Leon said she had hoped the topic of no tax on tips would have been covered during the debate, noting she had stickers displaying the issue.

When I go to restaurants, I take a sticker that says no tax, she said.

The room full of supporters did not appear to show those who are on the fence, more moderate voters, but Jeffrey Lustok, a candidate for Nevada Assembly District 11, said this debate likely would not appeal to them.

I dont think this debate is going to really pull anyone across the line, Lustok said. I think it will solidify the supporters that they already have.

Lustok said he was pleased with how Trump performed and criticized Harris ahead of what he expects to be a close election in Nevada.

Ive never seen an election where more is on the line, he said. This is a chance for us to see historic voter turnout in Las Vegas, something that we havent seen in a number of years. I think that times like this, when we have the national debate, and when it comes to Las Vegas, it really energizes people.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
When conspiracy theorist Laura Loomer was spotted exiting Donald Trumps plane in Philadelphia ahead of Tuesdays debate, it might have been a tell that Trumps performance would be just as fact-free and fascist-friendly as Loomers putrid podcast.

I certainly wondered whether Trump had brought her along for inspo. Loomer, who has said shes pro-white nationalism and a proud Islamophobe, has received public praise from Trump multiple times over the past year, despite some conservatives concerns that she could become a liability for his campaign.

Lately, she has used her platform to lob overtly racist and sexist attacks at Kamala Harris, the same kind of schlock Trump shares on social media. In one such example from last week, Loomer described Harris, New York Attorney General Letitia James and Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis as meritless DEI Shaniquas.

Its also noteworthy that, despite losing the only election she has ever run in, she has publicly criticized Trumps campaign operations, so Team Trump might be placating her  or simply blunting her online kvetching  by keeping her in the fold. In fact, Loomer traveled with Trumps entourage to a 9/11 memorial ceremony Wednesday, which is particularly awkward given that Loomer has claimed that the 2001 terrorist attacks were an inside job.

Thus far, I find it remarkable that Loomer hasnt become the liability that some of Trumps own supporters predicted. After all, the former president hosted a dinner with white nationalist Nick Fuentes and rapper Ye, and his campaign has still  justifiably  had to answer for it this year.

But Trump has been spared similar condemnation over his association with Loomer, who is just as toxic as Fuentes or Ye but appears more embedded in the Trump campaign than either of them.

Laura Loomer continues to travel with Trumps entourage after being aboard his plane last night.



Loomer, just last year, posted about 9/11 being inside job.



She has been pushing the pet eating narrative & suggested last weeks GA school shooting was to help Dems in elex. pic.twitter.com/u3y67mlIWg  Vaughn Hillyard (@VaughnHillyard) September 11, 2024

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
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.

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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.

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Trump used an 11-year-olds death to foment anti-immigrant hate. The boys father wants an apology.

The father of Aiden Clark, an 11-year-old in Springfield, Ohio, whose death has been invoked by Republicans to attack immigrants, criticized former President Donald Trump and Sen. JD Vance by name and told them to stop using his son for political purposes.

I wish that my son, Aiden Clark, was killed by a 60-year-old white man, Nathan Clark said at a Springfield City Commission meeting on Tuesday. I bet you never thought anyone would ever say something so blunt, but if that guy killed my 11-year-old son, the incessant group of hate-spewing people would leave us alone.

Aiden Clark was killed in August 2023 when the driver of a minivan struck the school bus he was in. The driver, a Haitian immigrant, was sentenced to nine to 13 years in prison for involuntary manslaughter and vehicular homicide.

Aidens death prompted an outcry among some Springfield residents against the influx of Haitians in the city, a backlash that his father previously condemned.

Over the past three years, approximately 20,000 Haitian immigrants have arrived in Springfield. The population boom has helped revitalize the small town, though it also strained some public services. More recently, the community has caught the attention of prominent Republicans who point to Springfield as an example of the ills of illegal immigration, even though Haitian residents are there under the Temporary Federal Protection program. The Trump campaign has portrayed them as a threat to public safety, and the Republican nominee himself amplified racist claims about Haitian immigrants eating peoples pets in the debate on Tuesday.

Nathan Clark on Tuesday criticized Republicans for using his sons death for political gain, calling Vance, Trump, U.S. Senate candidate for Ohio Bernie Moreno and Texas Rep. Chip Roy politically bankrupt.

I will listen to them one more time to hear their apologies, Clark added. To clear the air, my son, Aiden Clark, was not murdered. He was accidentally killed by an immigrant from Haiti. This tragedy is felt all over this community, this state, and even the nation. But dont spin this towards hate.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Back in 2015, Donald Trump kicked off his presidential campaign at Trump Tower by branding immigrants from Mexico rapists and drug dealers, and nearly a decade later, his anti-immigration views have only gotten stronger.

In recent weeks, he and running mate JD Vance have been spreading unfounded, often racist claims about Haitian and Venezuelan migrants, part of a larger false narrative about an unprecedented migrant crime wave in the U.S. which is not actually occurring, which they allege is a consequence of Kamala Harriss time in a border czar role she never actually had.

Trump and Vance may not be telling the whole truth, or much of it at all, but the comments are revealing nonetheless. Theyre a signal of what a Trump-Vance presidency might look like, where the candidates have promised an unprecedented and bloody crackdown on migrants inside the U.S.

Most recently, Vance has joined in on an unfounded, racist rumor that migrants from Haiti are abducting and eating pets in his home state of Ohio.

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.

Donald Trump and J.D. Vance have continued to amplify dubious claims about immigrants to the U.S. (Getty Images)

Reports now show that people have had their pets abducted and eaten by people who shouldnt be in this country.

The claim appears to have its roots in a post from a Springfield-based Facebook group, later parroted by far-right activists and neo-Nazis online before it reached Vance and other prominent Republicans like Senator Ted Cruz.

The Springfield police said on Monday theyd received no reports of pets being stolen or eaten, though Vances office insisted to The Independent that the senator has been receiving a high volume of calls and emails from concerned citizens about such claims.

I think its sad that some people are using this as an opportunity to spread hate or spread fear, Jason Via, Springfields deputy director of public safety and operations, said of the situation earlier this year. 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. And we havent really seen any of that. Its really frustrating. As a community, its not helpful as we try to move forward.

Moreover, many of the up to 20,000 Haitians whove arrived in Springfield since the pandemic began are there legally under Temporary Protected Status, a program designed to protect migrants from countries undergoing crises like coups or national disasters. They have been credited with helping revive local manufacturing jobs.

The Trump ticket followed a similar playbook earlier this month, repeating highly contested claims that a Venezuelan street gang had taken over an apartment complex in the Denver suburb of Aurora.

Take a look at Aurora in Colorado, where Venezuelans are taking over the whole town, theyre taking over buildings, the whole town, Trump said at a recent Fox News town hall. You saw it the other day theyre knocking down doors and occupying apartments of people.

Here, the factual situation is a bit murkier, though theres certainly not a citywide Venezuelan gang invasion underway.

Surveillance video of the apartment complex in question shows a group of armed men strolling the halls and entering an apartment, and a city council member and the mayor of Aurora have described buildings being taken over.

The Aurora police department and governor of Colorado, meanwhile, say this is untrue, and that violent crime has actually been declining in the city at the same time it received an influx of Venezuelan migrants.

In both cases, the claims from the Trump campaign may ignore key parts of the factual record but appear to have caused real damage on the ground.

Denise Williams, a former NAACP chapter president in Springfield, who has spoken out against the torrent of hate directed at Haitians in the area, told NPR shes been bombarded with angry messages since Vances claims went public.

Im taking that as a pure threat, she said.

Residents of the apartment complexes in Aurora under the microscope have also described a wave of violent, angry threats coming their way after their lives became the focus of the Republican conspiracy industrial complex.

Jefferson Medina, a Venezuelan immigrant who lives at one of the complexes, told Westworld last week that a group of men in a car with a large gun yelled ugly things as they drove through the area.

I go to work at five in the morning, and Im already afraid for my life that someone is going to do something  because Im Venezuelan, theyre going to do something, Moises Didenot, another Venezuelan migrant, told the outlet. Weve all already been threatened with a flier saying were all criminals. Im afraid someone is going to do something out of hate.

The anti-immigrant hysteria is part of the Trump campaigns larger narrative that the U.S. is beset with a wave of Biden migrant crime, part of an invasion taking place at U.S. borders.

This is also not true.

Border-crossings did hit unprecedented levels at the U.S.-Mexico border in December, part of a record-breaking few years, but that hasnt corresponded with a massive crime wave in the largely liberal-leaning cities where many have settled. Quite the opposite.

As a meta-analysis of criminal justice studies from the Brennan Center notes, the data does not support the claim that immigrants commit more crimes or are incarcerated at higher levels than U.S.-born people, nor does the data suggest undocumented migration and sanctuary city policies drive violent crime.

Those trends hold true even in cities to which Republican states like Texas have explicitly rerouted border-crossers, like Philadelphia, Chicago, Denver, New York, and Los Angeles, according to an NBC News review of crime data available through 2024.

But if Donald Trumps political rise has proven anything, its that the hard facts arent particularly important to his brand of power.

His numerous false claims about the 2020 election, none of which have secured meaningful victory in the courts, havent stopped the former president from retaining the support of nearly half of voters.

And it seems more Americans are coming around to Trumps point of view on immigrants.

According to Gallup polling, between 2021 and July of 2024, the percentage of Americans who think immigration should be decreased shot up from 31 to 55 percent, mirrored by a sharp drop during that same period in those who think immigration should increase.

His first term in office coincided with a string of chaotic and highly controversial comments and initiatives  a travel ban from largely Muslim countries; family separation that divided, in some cases permanently, children from their parents, including U.S. citizens; reported comments calling Haiti and other African nations sh**hole countries; and a pandemic-era border shutdown.

As the last few weeks indicate, he was only just getting started.
Editors note: This story has been updated now that Nielsens final Live + Same Day numbers are available.

Disneys ABC News brought the wonderful world of partisan politics to 67.1 million Americans on Tuesday, according to final Nielsen numbers. Thats a massive jump from the CNN-hosted Donald Trump vs. Joe Biden debate in June.

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The Trump-Biden event ended up with 51.3 million viewers across 23 platforms (only 17 are measured by Nielsen), which means nearly 16 million more Americans tuned in to last nights simulcast. What they saw was a poorer night from Trump (vs. June) and an upgraded performance for the Democrats.

Former President Trump and the current Vice President Kamala Harris squared off at 9 p.m. ET last night from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the original home to our Continental Congress. The debate ran until 10:45 p.m. ET. This one was moderated by ABC News World News Tonight anchor David Muir and ABC News Live Prime anchor Linsey Davis. ABC alone had more than 19 million viewers. It could have had a few more if not for that meddling blackout.

Disneys channels, including ABC, have been blacked out on DirecTV all month. The two companies are still squabbling over carriage fees.

Biden dropped out of the 2024 presidential race in July  it was a mere formality for Harris to be announced as his replacement. Her running mate is Minnesota governor Tim Walz, who will take on Trumps underling J.D. Vance in an October 1 debate.

Trump and Biden had bigger audiences the first time they fought for the White House. Their first presidential debate in 2020 averaged 73.132 million viewers. Hey, it was COVID and we had nothing else to do. A second debate got 62.973 million viewers (better than Trump-Biden in 2024, but not Trump-Harris).

Trump was behind a dais for the most-watched U.S. Presidential Debate in recorded history. Trump vs. Hillary Clinton 1 in 2016 drew 84.0 million viewers. The September sparring match dethroned Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagans lone 1980 debate, which attracted 80.6 million viewers. There were far fewer alternatives to watch back then.

Election Day is Tuesday, November 5.

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During Tuesday nights presidential debate, Donald Trump had a long-winded, barely coherent answer about his administrations Afghanistan policy, where the U.S. was negotiating with the Taliban.



Trump claimed that the Taliban was killing a lot of U.S. soldiers with snipers, and that he spoke to Abdul, who he claimed was and is the head of the Taliban, warning him against continuing those murders. Trump said that Abdul asked, Why do you send me a picture of my house?



Trump, by his own account, purportedly responded, Youre going to have to figure that out, Abdul, and said that for 18 months, no U.S. soldiers were killed.



Correcting what Trump just said: Abdul isnt the head of the Taliban, the leader of the Taliban is called Haibatullah Akhundzada, and the Taliban barely used snipers against U.S. forces in Afghanistan. Their deadliest weapon was IEDs, not snipers. pic.twitter.com/DNfXbTNLMT  Habib Khan (@HabibKhanT) September 11, 2024

In reality, almost none of this is true. The head of the Taliban since 2016 has been a cleric named Hibatullah Akhundzada, although one of the Talibans negotiators with the United States was Abdul Ghani Baradar, one of Akhundzadas deputies. A former Wall Street Journal reporter also notes that the Taliban didnt use snipers often and was more effective at killing people with IEDs.



Nor did Trump oversee an 18-month stretch where no U.S. soldiers were killed. There was one such stretch where no U.S. service members were killed in combat, but it happened from March 2020 to August 2021, half of which was during Joe Bidens presidency.

Last month, Trumps former national security adviser, General H.R. McMaster, told CNN that Trumps negotiations with the Taliban resulted in the U.S. forcing the Afghan government to release 5,000 members of the extremist organization, a fact that Kamala Harris was only too happy to point out during the debate in her takedown of his word salad.



Kamala Harris: He bypassed the Afghan government. He negotiated with the terrorist organization called the Taliban. The negotiation involved the Taliban getting 5000 terrorists released pic.twitter.com/o4zHM9RjCn  Acyn (@Acyn) September 11, 2024

Trump tried to claim Tuesday night that if he were president during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, it would have gone a lot differently and favorably, with no U.S. casualties. In reality, it would have likely gone as badly, if not worse, and Trump would have had the benefit of a compliant right-wing media backing him to the hilt.


CHICAGO (AP)  Former President Donald Trump repeatedly declined to say during this week's debate if he would veto a national abortion ban if he were elected again  a question that has lingered as the Republican nominee has shifted his stances on the crucial election issue.

In Tuesday's debate with Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump said he would not sign a federal abortion ban, insisting that a ban would not pass Congress anyway. But he refused twice to say if he would veto such legislation if it landed on his desk. Trump's running mate, Sen. JD Vance, a Republican from Ohio, said in an interview with NBC News last month that the former president would veto a ban.

In response to moderators prompting him about Vance's statement, Trump said: I didn't discuss it with JD, in all fairness. And I don't mind if he has a certain view, but I don't think he was speaking for me.

The exchange comes as voters and advocates across the spectrum wait for Trump to clarify his fluctuating stances on abortion, and Democrats warn that reproductive rights nationwide may be threatened by a second Trump presidency. Meanwhile, Harris emphasized support for reinstating a federal right to abortion Tuesday night.

He was given an opportunity to give clarity to the American people. He could not do it," said Mini Timmaraju, president of the national abortion rights group Reproductive Freedom for All. "He will not answer that question directly.

During the debate, Trump repeatedly took credit for appointing the three Supreme Court justices who helped overturn the constitutional right to abortion and leaned heavily on his catchall response to questions on abortion rights: saying the issue should be left up to the states.

I'm not signing a ban, he said, adding that there is no reason to sign the ban because of the overturning of Roe v. Wade, which once granted a federal right to abortion.

He repeated that he is not in favor of an abortion ban, but it doesnt matter, because this issue has now been taken over by the states.

This entire campaign cycle weve been telling voters they cant trust Donald Trump when it comes to their reproductive freedom, said Jenny Lawson, executive director at Planned Parenthood Votes. "And he just proved that right last night.

Following the debate, Carol Tobias, president of the National Right to Life Committee, said she wasnt surprised Trump didnt say he would support a national abortion ban because he has said in the past that there should not be one.

She said her group hasnt been focusing on a national ban because its not going to happen. The votes arent there in Congress. You know, President Trump said he wouldnt sign it. We know Kamala Harris wont.

Kristan Hawkins, president of Students for Life of America, said the anti-abortion movement largely disagrees with Trump that abortion should be left up to the states, and in an April open letter to Trump, Students for Life of America urged him to commit to signing legislation restricting abortion. But Hawkins said, Thats a conversation that will be had in detail after the election.

Trump's states-based narrative is among his attempts to appear more moderate on abortion rights, which remain broadly popular and have emerged as among the GOP's greatest vulnerabilities heading into November.

Timmaraju said she believes Trump is only voicing opposition to a national ban now due to political pressure and a desire to win votes in November.

Trusting him to be moderate in his position while in office is out of touch with reality, she said.

Around 6 in 10 Americans think their state should generally allow a person to obtain a legal abortion if they dont want to be pregnant for any reason, according to a July poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. Voters in seven states, including conservative ones such as Kentucky, Montana and Ohio, have either protected abortion rights or defeated attempts to restrict them in statewide votes over the past two years.

Trumps shifting abortion policy stances began when the former reality TV star and developer, who had once called himself very pro-choice started flirting with running for office.

Before becoming president, Trump has said he would indeed support a ban in his book The America We Deserve, which was published in 2000. In 2016, he said he was pro-life with exceptions but said there has to be some form of punishment for women seeking abortions  a position he quickly reversed. At the 2018 annual March for Life, Trump voiced support for a federal ban on abortion on or after 20 weeks of pregnancy.

More recently, Trump suggested in March that he might support a national ban on abortions around 15 weeks before announcing that he instead would leave it to the states.

In an April interview with Time magazine, Trump also said it should be left to the states whether to prosecute women for abortions or whether to monitor womens pregnancies and declined to comment on access to the abortion pill mifepristone, which was embroiled in an intense legal battle. When asked about mifepristone, he claimed only that he has pretty strong views on the matter and vowed to make a statement that has never come.

In May, he said he was open to regulations on contraception before backing away from the statement, claiming his comments were misinterpreted.

Trump also has appeared to reverse course on Florida's six-week abortion ban, which he has previously called a mistake and too extreme. Last month, he ultimately said he would vote against a state ballot measure attempting to repeal the law and enshrine abortion rights into the state constitution, a day after he seemed to indicate he would vote in favor of the measure. He told reporters the initiative is from radical Democrats and falsely claimed it would allow abortions up until birth.

___

Laura Ungar in Louisville, Ky. contributed to this report.

___

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.
During a strange moment in Tuesdays presidential debate, Donald Trump made a passing reference to Abdul  no last name  and said that as president, he sent a picture of Abduls own house to him as a threat.

But this is Donald Trump, so of course, theres a strange history to the claim. The story has changed over the years, from an offhand comment to a viral claim about threatening a Taliban leader with a satellite photo.

The Abdul in question is Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar. Baradar, a Taliban official and co-founder of the movement that now controls Afghanistan, was the United States negotiating partner when the Trump administration  led by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and the American diplomat Zalmay Khalilzad  agreed to a February 2020 deal to withdraw from the country. The deal, known as the Doha Agreement, has been criticized for not containing enforcement mechanisms to hold the Taliban accountable to its terms.

Baradar was languishing in a Pakistani jail before 2018  when the UnitedStates and high-levelnegotiations were credited with his release. Contrary to Trumps claim, hes never been the head of the Taliban.

Then-U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, left, meets with Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, second from left, and members of the Taliban's peace negotiation team, in Doha, Qatar, on Nov. 21, 2020. via Associated Press

Trump failed to completely withdraw U.S. troops from Afghanistan during his presidency, but his successor Joe Biden did. The withdrawal was infamously marked by a lone ISIS-K suicide bomber who killed 13 American service members and roughly 170 Afghans at Hamid Karzai International Airport on Aug. 26, 2021.

During Trumps presidency, 45 American combat deaths were reported in Afghanistan. In the 18-month period between the signing of the Doha Agreement and the airport suicide bombing, no U.S. service members were killed in combat in Afghanistan. Trump has falsely implied this whole stretch occurred during his presidency; seven months were during Bidens tenure.

Trumps ever-shifting story concerns a conversation he had with Baradar, the Taliban leader. During Tuesdays debate, Trump claimed that he warned Baradar that Taliban militants should stop killing Americans  by threatening him.

I told Abdul, Dont do it anymore, you do it anymore, youre gonna have problems, Trump said. And he said, Why do you send me a picture of my house? I said, Youre going to have to figure that out, Abdul. And for 18 months, we had nobody killed.

Correcting what Trump just said: Abdul isnt the head of the Taliban, the leader of the Taliban is called Haibatullah Akhundzada, and the Taliban barely used snipers against U.S. forces in Afghanistan. Their deadliest weapon was IEDs, not snipers. pic.twitter.com/DNfXbTNLMT  Habib Khan (@HabibKhanT) September 11, 2024

Both the Taliban and U.S. government did in fact acknowledge a call between the two in the days after the signing of the Doha Agreement. Trump has claimed that hes spoken to Baradar numerous times, but, at least officially, only one such conversation took place.

Several members of both governments listened in on the conversation  and neither side mentioned Trump threatening Baradar.

Over the years, Trumps assertion that he muscled the Taliban leader has grown more and more curious.

The claim first bubbled up in 2021. During a July speech, Trump recounted a conversation with a Taliban leader  lets call him Mohammed  who Trump characterized as speaking entirely in grunts. The former president recalled threatening your village, where I know you are, in a call with the leader. Thats going to be the point at which the first bombs drop.

The following month, Trump told Fox News host Sean Hannity that in a conversation with Baradar, I said, Look, before we start, let me just tell you right now that if anything bad happens to Americans or anybody else, or if you ever come over to our land, we will hit you with a force that no country has ever been hit with before [...] And your village, and we know where it is  and I named it  will be the first one. The first bombs will be dropped right there.

He said something similar to conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt a few days later, saying his threat to Baradar to hit you harder than anybody has ever been hit in world history started with Baradars town.



I believe I repeated the name of his town, Trump told Hewitt. That will be the first place that we start. And I wont be able to speak to you anymore after that, and isnt that a very sad thing? But that is the story.

After the August 2021 suicide bombing that killed American troops, the story started to change, growing more and more aggressive on Trumps part.

In September 2022, Hannity interviewed Trump again, and asked about the Baradar story.

Didnt you at one point tell him, I know exactly where you are, and give him the exact coordinates where he was?

At that point, Trump changed his story. No, I sent him a picture of his house, the former president claimed. He said, But why, but why, do you send me a picture of my house? I said, Youll have to figure that out.

That version of the story is most similar to the one Trump told Tuesday  but significantly different than the first version of his claim. Its also different from other peoples claims of the exchange, to the extent there was one at all.

In July, for example, Trump ally Rep. Wesley Hunt (R-Texas) went viral with his claim that Trump was present in person, alongside Pompeo, during a discussion with a Taliban leader. Hunt claimed Trump threatened to kill the leader if you harm a hair on a single American.

Then, according to Hunt, He reached in his pocket, pulled out a satellite photo of the leader of the Talibans home, and handed it to him, got up, and walked out of the room. (Theres no evidence Trump was ever in the same room as a Taliban leader; his phone call with Baradar was described at the time as the first known conversation between a U.S. president and the Taliban.)

Then theres Pompeo, whos told slightly different versions of the story himself.

On Fox News in August 2021, the former secretary of state claimed he was in the room when President Trump made very clear to Mullah Baradar, the senior Taliban negotiator, that if you threatened an American  if you scared an American, certainly if you hurt an American  that we would bring all American power to bear to make sure that we went to your village, to your house.

A few days later, during remarks to the Kansas Independent Oil & Gas Association, Pompeo said he was the one who showed Baradar a satellite image of his home. He recounted the phone call between Trump and the Taliban, then separately discussed the supposed photo of Baradars home.

The Taliban understood that if you touched an American, let alone killed an American  indeed, as we had phrased it, if you scare an American  that therell be real costs, he said. We will come to find you, which was a lot of fun, sitting there with Mullah Baradar, to remind him that I knew exactly where his house was  I showed him the photo  that we knew where his friends were, we knew where his village was, and we were going to hold those responsible for that American accountable.

Afghan officials did not return HuffPosts requests for comment about Trumps claims. Nor did the U.S. State Department, the Pentagon, Trumps campaign, Hunts spokesperson or Pompeos political action committee.

Related...
The truth about Springfield, Ohio: Are immigrants eating dogs as Trump says? What to know

The claim was repeated by former President Donald Trump during Tuesday's presidential debate.

"In Springfield, they're eating the dogs, the people that came in," Trump said. "They're eating the cats. They're eating the pets of the people that live there. This is what's happening in our country, and it's a shame."

Republicans, including Sen. JD Vance, the vice presidential candidate, have made Springfield, Ohio's growing Haitian population a major issue in the presidential race. But are claims that they are eating pets true?

Here's a look at the issue.

Springfield, Ohio, officials: 'No credible reports' of crime by Haitian migrants; no cats or dogs have been harmed

Springfield, an industrial town of about 58,000 just northeast of Dayton, has seen its Haitian population swell to 15,000 to 20,000 in recent years, according to a previous Cincinnati Enquirer article. City Manager Bryan Heck wrote to U.S. Sens. Sherrod Brown and Tim Scott asking for support to ease a significant housing crisis in the city.

Referencing that letter, Vance said immigrants were overburdening Springfield's services and housing. Vance's statements caused stories on social media to explode, which quickly turned into allegations against immigrants that aren't true, per the Springfield Police Department and Heck's office, as the Springfield News-Sun reported.

Vance helped spread the rumor on social media about pets being eaten, which was refuted by Heck. The city manager released a statement saying there's no evidence of any cats or other pets being harmed or eaten by the Haitian immigrants. The statement also refuted rumors that immigrants were involved in "illegal activities such as squatting or littering" or "deliberately disrupting traffic."

Alimemby Estimable, 19, talks about being Haitian in Springfield, Ohio, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. He said he graduated from Springfield High School and now works for Amazon. He said he came here four years ago to help his mother. He was with friends in the strip mall on the west side of Springfield.

Springfield Haitians, other residents respond to being at center of immigration debate

With Springfield in the spotlight amid misinformation about immigrants eating pets and wild geese, how are residents and the local Haitian population managing?

Alimemby Estimable is bemused by rumors that Haitians were shipped to Springfield and the people from Haiti in Springfield are there legally because of the federal program for temporary protected status, the Columbus Dispatch is reporting.

Estimable, 19, moved to Springfield four years ago and is a graduate of Springfield High School. He works at an Amazon warehouse and said he's been called a "dirty Haitian" and an "illegal."

"The majority of us, we work in warehouses, factories. You can't work there illegally. Obviously, we're legally working," he told the Dispatch.

Other residents say the city and county are overwhelmed and wish the Haitian population was "evenly dispersed" among Ohio counties. Some say Haitians are unfairly scapegoated and an easy target, per the Dispatch.

"Someone's cat comes up missing? They gonna say the Haitians did it," Joe Ruck, a co-owner of Champion City Cuts Barber Shop in Springfield, told the Dispatch.

Columbus man says he regrets taking photo being weaponized by right-wing media against immigrants

Photos and video being taken out of context or wholly misidentified are being used to spread misinformation about Haitian immigrants in Ohio.

One such photo shows a man carrying a dead goose in Columbus. It's being used as proof by right-wing figures falsely claiming that Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, are eating pets and wildlife. The man who took the photo, who wishes to remain anonymous, tells the Columbus Dispatch he now regrets it.

"I wish I never took it, for sure. And I hate that the picture that I took is being weaponized to use against immigrants, or really, any other group. They always have to have somebody to use as a weapon. Some group to be the bad guy," he said.

The photo depicts a person carrying a seemingly dead goose down Cleveland Avenue in Columbus. A Google Street View of the photo's background shows the photo was taken in Columbus, and not Springfield, as some right-wing accounts have claimed.

The photo was shared to the Columbus subreddit, but got picked up by several right-wing X profiles as alleged proof of the claims.

Video of Ohio woman accused of eating cat is from Canton, Ohio, not Springfield

Likewise, video posted on YouTube by the "Fake News Network" that is titled "Haitian Woman Eats Neighbour's Cat in Springfield" falsely claims to show police officers confronting a Haitian woman in Springfield about eating a cat, the Canton Repository reports.

However, what the video actually shows is police department bodycam footage of Canton officers at the scene of the Aug. 16 incident in Canton. It's part of an ongoing court case about a 27-year-old Canton resident accused of killing and eating a cat.

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. She has entered a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity and is being held on $100,000.

"Ferrell was first arrested in Canton in 2011," Canton police spokesman Lt. Dennis Garren wrote in an email to the Repository. "We have no reason to believe that she is not a US citizen."

Trump also mentions Venezuelan gangs in Aurora, Colorado. Are his claims accurate?

Along with Springfield, Trump name-dropped Aurora, Colorado, in Tuesday's speech, claiming that criminal immigrants are taking over the towns, they are taking over buildings, they are going in violently.

Trump was referring to the presence of Venezuelan gangs in that city, at least his third mention of it in recent weeks, according to The Denverite.

The Denverite reports that the claims can be traced to allegations made by the landlord of several apartment buildings that Venezuelan gang members have taken over, trying to kick out managers and extort payments from residents. While local officials say the gang Tren de Aragua has a presence in metro Denver, they claim it is relatively small.

Other complaints of crime from the buildings also have arisen, the Denverite reports, including one from a woman who shared a video with local media showing armed men entering an apartment. She told CBS News that she witnessed shootouts as well as people with automatic weapons and said the police did little.

However, many apartment residents say the talk of gang control is false or exaggerated, the Denverite reports. At a press conference, some said the video of armed men was a one-time event.

This article originally appeared on Record-Courier: Are Haitian immigrants eating dogs in Springfield, Ohio? | Fact check
If you travel, you know the routine. Have your ID/passport ready, your shoes off, your electronics out of the bag. Check through the scanner or metal detector, pick your belongings off the conveyor belt, and head to your gate. Its easy to forget why we do this in the first place and most of us treat going through security as just another hassle to go along with overpriced coffee and layovers.

As the Vice President for the American Federation of Government Employees Local 777, which represents Transportation Security Officers at airports across Wisconsin and Illinois, I work on behalf of the hundreds of transportation security officers who ensure that our passengers fly safely in and out of airports in those states. We take pride in on our work, and with over six million passengers flying in and out of Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport in 2023 alone, there's a lot of work to take pride in.

Its been over twenty years since 9/11 devastated our sense of safety and security, leading to the formation of our agency in its aftermath.

TSA was created in wake of 9/11 to help keep America's skies safe

As those horrific memories slowly fade into the past, its easy to forget why we go through this process in the first place. If anything, the fact we havent experienced another attack on our skies since that dark day is a testament to the hard work of my fellow transportation security officers.

That doesnt mean threats to passenger safety are a thing of the past, far from it. In 2023 alone, TSA officers prevented over 6,700 firearms from coming onboard commercial flights. Almost 93 percent of those firearms were loaded. Keeping our skies safe requires an experienced, knowledgeable workforce.

This is scary stuff: Project 2025 spells out second Trump term in alarming detail.

Unfortunately, since its inception, the TSA had one of the highest turnover rates of any federal agency, thanks in no small part to the lack of workforce rights that other federal workers were guaranteed.

Thats why Im joining thousands of Transportation Security Officers across the nation in encouraging our members of Congress to cosponsor the Rights for the TSA Workforce Act.

Pay raise and recognition of rights have lowered TSA turnover

Things have improved drastically at the agency in the last two years. Officers were granted a major pay increase by Congress, our right to organize has been greatly expanded, and we just signed a majorly pro-worker contract with the agency. These changes have already had a significant impact at our agency, with turnover having decreased over 60 percent in one year.The bad news is that these changes arent set in stone. Most federal agencies are guaranteed Title 5 rights. These rights are legally guaranteed to the majority of federal workers. Everything from their pay scales to bargaining rights to their rights to union organization are set by law, and cannot be changed on a whim.

Interstate projects pointless: Buses and bikes beat the I-94 expansion.

We have now achieved many of the benefits of Title 5 rights, but for the over 40,000 TSA officers who protect our skies, this is a foundation built on sand. Until were granted full Title 5 rights, a new administrator, or new management in the White House for that matter, can unilaterally strip us of these benefits with the stroke of a pen or an executive order.

This isnt just a call to action for our members and fellow TSA staff. The Rights for the TSA Workforce Act would make TSOs equal with other federal workers by guaranteeing these crucial rights in law. That would help continue the dramatic improvement in turnover at the agency, which means fewer gaps in staffing and faster lines for Americas air travelers. It also means less time and taxpayer money spent on recruiting and training new employees, and lastly, it means safer skies as experienced TSOs stay at the agency as opposed to leaving for greener pastures.

Here in Milwaukee, we make sure the millions of people who fly through Milwaukee Airport every year reach their destinations safely. Help us do our jobs at the best of our abilities. Tell your members of Congress and your senators to support the Rights for the TSA Workforce Act!

Debra Kluewer is Vice President of AFGE Local 777, which represents Transportation Security Officers across Wisconsin and Illinois, including Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: TSA workers should have right to organize. Law should guarantee that.
ISTANBUL  Turkey has finalized key plans for its Celik Kubbe  Steel Dome  air defense system, a project designed to enhance the nations airspace security with advanced, multilayered defense capabilities.

The decision came during the second meeting of the Defence Industry Executive Committee (SSIK), chaired by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan last month. The Steel Dome aims to integrate a wide range of air defense assets, creating a real-time operational picture and enabling centralized control with the help of artificial intelligence.

The Steel Dome is a domestic initiative developed by Aselsan in collaboration with Roketsan and Turkish government research institute TUBITAK SAGE. It brings together existing and future sensors, communication networks, and weapons under one system for comprehensive airspace protection.

The projects goal is to establish a unified defense network capable of defending Turkey against emerging aerial threats like drones and missiles.

According to Stk Egeli, an associate professor at Izmir University of Economics, the Steel Dome is not entirely new but rather an effort to integrate various air and missile defense systems developed over the past decade.

The real key to successful air defense is not just having the right weapons, but integrating all these components under a single command and control system, he said.

As envisioned, short-range systems like the Korkut self-propelled anti-aircraft gun and Sungur missiles will form the domes inner layer. Medium-range Hisar A+ and Hisar O (RF) missiles will engage threats in the middle layer, while the outermost layer will rely on the long-range SIPER missile, which is expected to exceed a range of 100 kilometers. Roketsan is developing an advanced version of SIPER that will extend the range to 150 kilometers.

Turkey is incorporating Aselsan-made radars and communication systems, including the HERIKKS air defense command and control system and the RADNET radar network at the hub of the behemoth program. The components are designed to create a real-time air picture for decision-makers.

Non-kinetic interceptors like the Gokberk laser weapon and the Alka direct-energy weapon also are slated for eventual incorporation into the Steel Dome, but those technologies still need development.

According to Egeli, Turkey had planned to use the ACCS (Air Command Control System) architecture, developed in the 2000s for joint use by all NATO members, as the brains of the new program. But unresolved issues over the alliance software led Turkey to develop a national solution as a supplement instead, he said.

Egeli added said that the Russian S-400 air defense system, purchased by Turkey in 2017, will not be part of the Steel Dome architecture, as the S-400 does not align with Turkeys long-term air defense strategy.
Turnout cracks nearly 10% in a R.I. primary with very few contested races

There was no line to check in for voters at around 10:30 a.m. at Hope Highlands Middle School in Cranston on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. Cranston Republican mayoral candidate Rep. Barbara Ann Fenton-Fung, is shown at a voting booth in pink dress on far left. Her husband former Cranston Mayor Allan Fung is to her right. (Alexander Castro/Rhode Island Current)

With very few contested races on the ballot, Rhode Islands state and local primary races didnt drive voters to the polls in droves.

Just before polls closed at 8 p.m. there were 77,376 votes cast, representing just over 9.9% of the more than 781,000 total registered voters.

Results are preliminary and unofficial, with final counts including remaining mail ballots and those from overseas and military voters expected by Sept. 18, according to the Rhode Island Board of Elections.

By comparison, turnout was 14.5% during the 2020 primary and 16.9% in 2022  though the latter also saw a close gubernatorial race and contested primaries for Rhode Islands 2nd Congressional District.

Tuesdays low turnout was expected, said Providence College Associate Professor of Political Science Adam Myers.

In this state were so used to not having competitive races that folks just kind of dive into the habit of not voting in primaries, he told Rhode Island Current. Theres very little going on  I dont blame people for not turning out today.

House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi, a Warwick Democrat, offered a more optimistic take on the quiet polling places in his district.

I think a lot of people voted early or voted by mail, Shekarchi said in an interview Tuesday afternoon.

Shekarchi is among the 57 sitting legislators (out of 113 seats) without a primary or general election challenge this year. Only 18 legislative races featured primary contests, all Democratic.

Overshadowing the primary races for many voters  and candidates  was the presidential debate.

Pam Leary, one of three Democrats vying for the open seat in Senate District 25 in Johnston, said in an interview Monday that she planned to host family and friends to her home, not to watch election results, but to catch the debate.

Watch parties offer election results and debate viewing

About 60 people attended a presidential debate watch party at Black Sheep in downtown Providence cohosted by Sen. Tiara Mack, a Providence Democrat, along with the RI Working Families Party, Young Democrats of Rhode Island and Black Lives Matter RI PAC.

Its a little disappointing to see that we didnt have robust voter turnout, but also we see that reflected in the enthusiasm over the upcoming presidential race, which has taken a lot of air in the room, Mack said as a golden disco ball sent spangles of light dancing over the sports bars hardwood floor.

Mack who was unopposed in Tuesdays Democratic primary and has no challenger in November, said she talked to a lot of people during the day who were unaware there was even an election.

Ive been posting on my social media for the last couple of weeks, letting people know about early voting, about mail ballots and about elections day-to-day, but we didnt really see that reflected in the numbers, she said. Lots of people have different priorities, but our democracy is too important to let people not know that they have a right to vote. A lot of races are also uncontested. As someone who runs every two years, its nice to have an uncontested race, but that leaves a lot of people without real choice on their ballots.

Another political watch party was organized by Shekarchi at Lemongrass restaurant in Warwick where Shekarchi provided reporters with election results while holding a stick of beef teriyaki.

To me, it means people are satisfied with the status quo, he said in an interview at his watch party.

Before enjoying the festivities, Shekarchi first had to fit in an appearance at the Warwick Zoning Board of Review on behalf of one his law practice clients.

Myers, meanwhile, said the debate should have had the opposite effect.

One would hope that would spur people to vote, he said.

Incumbent Democratic U.S. Reps. Gabe Amo and Seth Magaziner ran unopposed in their respective primaries, as did their Republican challengers  Allen Waters and Steven Corvi.

There was slightly more action in the races for the U.S. Senate, with state Rep. Patricia Morgan of West Warwick besting former Warwick City Administrator Raymond McKay in the Republican primary. U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse easily fended off a challenge from Michael Costa, a former Republican who briefly ran for governor in 2022, in the Democratic race.

But that was kind of in the bag for Whitehouse, Myers said. There was nothing really on that ballot that was going to drive people to the polls.

The exception: Cranston, which had a very heated Republican mayoral primary, in addition to a pair of a trio of contested state legislative primary races. Unaffiliated voters were forced to choose between casting ballots in the Republican mayoral primary or participating in one or more Democratic legislative matchups, such as House District 14, or 16, and Senate District 28.

Rhode Islands second largest city led the state in turnout with 10,455 ballots cast by the time polls closed, representing 18.7% of the citys 56,000 active, registered voters.

Mail ballots rule in Providence

Providence led the mail ballot front, with 2,201 ballots received by Tuesday night, according to data from the Secretary of States office.

The prevalence of mail ballots in the capital city was the key strategy for Democratic Rep. Enrique Sanchez in his reelection bid for House District 9 against challengers Anastacia Williams and Santos Javier.

We were able to flip a lot of voters, Sanchez told Rhode Island Current while campaigning on Cranston Street in Providence at 10:30 a.m. Id go to peoples houses before their ballots were sent out and told people about me and they told me theyd change their votes.

But the strategy wasnt without controversy, as complaints by all three candidates accused opponents of alleged mail ballot tampering. Complaints lodged with state and local agencies, including Providence Police and the Rhode Island Board of Elections, remained under investigation as of Tuesday.

More than 11,000 mail ballots statewide were submitted to the Board of Elections  which had processed roughly 90% of those votes as of 3 p.m., said Robert Quinn, who oversees mail ballots and voter registration.

Low turnout didnt make tabulation easier, though, said Quinn.

We still have to go through the same steps all the way through, he said. Its still the same carousel here  still the same long two to three weeks.

The general election will be held on Nov. 5.

Senior Reporter Nancy Lavin and Anisha Kumar contributed to this story.

Sept. 10th, Primary Day in RI. Campaigning at the Garden City School in Cranston, and voting as well is Mayor Ken Hopkins, with his granddaughter Chloe Schackleford, 7 yrs. Old. (Michael Salerno/Rhode Island Current)

Voting booths but no voters are lined against the window of the school library at Rogers High School at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. Teachers were in school for a professional development day but students had the day off. (Janine L. Weisman/Rhode Island Current)

A sign on student lockers directs voters to the library at Rogers High School in Newport on Tuesday morning, Sept. 10, 2024. (Janine L. Weisman/Rhode Island Current)

Sept. 10th, Primary Day in RI. Richard DelFino, voting at Simmons Village in Johnston. From left, DelFinos girlfriend, Vanessa Gonzalez and their son Domenic DelFino, 2. (Michael Salerno/Rhode Island Current)

Former Johnston Town Councilor Richard DelFino, a Democrat running for the open Senate District 25 seat, catches up with Bob Hibbons, who has known DelFino since he was 3 years old at the Simmons Village polling site on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (Michael Salerno/Rhode Island Current)

Republican Rep. Patricia Morgan, of West Warwick, campaigns for the U.S. Senate outside the Graniteville School in Johnston on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. Morgan is shown speaking with campaign workers for Senate 25 Democratic candidate Richard DelFino. (Michael Salerno/Rhode Island Current)

Richard DelFino, a Democrat running for the open Senate District 25 seat, votes at the Simmons Village polling site in Johnston on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (Michael Salerno/Rhode Island Current)

Democratic candidates for Rhode Island Senate District 25 Pamela Leary, left, and Andrew Dimitri, right, shake hands outside the Nicholas A. Ferri Middle School in Johnston on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024.(Michael Salerno/Rhode Island Current)

Former Johnston Town Councilor Richard DelFino, a Democrat running for the open Senate District 25 seat, checks in to vote at the Simmons Village polling site on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (Michael Salerno/Rhode Island Current)

Democratic candidates for Rhode Island Senate District 25 Pamela Leary, left, and Andrew Dimitri, right, are shown outside the Nicholas A. Ferri Middle School in Johnston on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024.(Michael Salerno/Rhode Island Current)

Cranston Mayor Ken Hopkins brought his granddaughter Chloe Schackleford, 7, with him to cast his ballot at the Garden City School in Cranston on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (Michael Salerno/Rhode Island Current) (Michael Salerno/Rhode Island Current)

Cranston Mayor Ken Hopkins joins supporters with his granddaughter Chloe Schackleford, 7, outside the Garden City School in Cranston where he voted at 8:45 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (Michael Salerno/Rhode Island Current)

Cranston Mayor Ken Hopkins greets a supporter with one hand while the other holds his granddaughter Chloe Schackleford, 7, outside the Garden City School in Cranston where he cast his ballot on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (Michael Salerno/Rhode Island Current)

Cranston Mayor Ken Hopkins fills out his ballot in a voting booth with his granddaughter Chloe Schackleford, 7, at his side at the Garden City School in Cranston on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (Michael Salerno/Rhode Island Current)

Cranston City Council Vice President Lammis Vargas, one of five Democrats running for the open Senate District 28 seat, is shown campaigning on primary day at Beans and Buns in Cranston at 8 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (Michael Salerno/Rhode Island Current)

A campaign sign for Republican U.S. Senate candidate Raymond T. McKay is shown on Long Highway at Colebrook Road in Little Compton on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, two days before the primary. (Janine L. Weisman/Rhode Island Current)

Cranston Republican mayoral candidate Barbara Ann Fenton-Fung, left, and her husband Allan Fung, right, prepare to cast their ballots at Hope Highlands Middle School in Cranston Tuesday morning, Sept. 10. (Alexander Castro/Rhode Island Current)

Lee Wilder denounces proposed winter utility rate hikes during a public hearing before the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission at its Warwick offices on Monday, Sept. 9. (Screenshot)

Democratic Cranston City Councilor and mayoral candidate Robert Ferri (Alexander Castro/Rhode Island Current)

(Alexander Castro/Rhode Island Current)

(Alexander Castro/Rhode Island Current)

Former Republican Cranston Mayor Allan Fung inserts his ballot into the voting machine at Hope Highlands Middle School in Cranston on Tuesday morning, Sept. 10, 2024. He and his wife, Rep. Barbara Ann Fenton-Fung, who is challenging her husband's Republican successor in the mayor's office, voted together. Republican (Alexander Castro/Rhode Island Current)

Cranston Republican mayoral candidate Barbara Ann Fenton-Fung,casts her ballot at Hope Highlands Middle School in Cranston on Tuesday morning, Sept. 10, 2024. (Alexander Castro/Rhode Island Current)

There was no line to check in for voters at around 10:30 a.m. at Hope Highlands Middle School in Cranston on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. Cranston Republican mayoral candidate Rep. Barbara Ann Fenton-Fung, is shown at a voting booth in pink dress on far left. Her husband former Cranston Mayor Allan Fung is to her right. (Alexander Castro/Rhode Island Current)

Incumbent House District 9 Rep. Enrique Sanchez, right, tries to entice a potential voter on Cranston Street. But the man told Sanchez he had no intention to vote during the state's primary election on Sept. 10, 2024. (Christopher Shea/Rhode Island Current)

Providence City Councilor Miguel Sanchez, right, unfurls campaign signs for his brother Enrique Sanchez  who is campaigning for a second term in the Rhode Island House of Representatives. (Christopher Shea/Rhode Island Current)

Cranston Republican mayoral candidate Rep. Barbara Ann Fenton-Fung,surrounded by supporters and her husband Allan Fung, seated to her left, review her disappointing primary results at her campaign's watch party at the Asia Grille in Cranston on Tuesday night, Sept. 10, 2024. (Alexander Castro/Rhode Island Current)

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Twin Cities authorities appeal to find 'endangered' woman last seen a year ago

Authorities are asking for the public's help in locating a missing woman last seen in Minneapolis nearly one year ago.

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension issued an endangered missing person alert Wednesday for 36-year-old Marina Christina Dougall.

According to the alert, Dougall has a medical condition which, without medication, could lead to medical complications or death.

She also has a history of mental health issues and substance abuse.

The Anoka County Sheriff's Office said Dougall stayed in the area of Franklin Avenue North in Minneapolis, but frequented Anoka County and other parts of the Twin Cities metro.

She was last seen in Minneapolis in September 2023 and reported missing to authorities eight months later.

Marina Christina Dougall via Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.

According to law enforcement, investigators believe Dougall may have been in the Burnett County, Wisconsin area between Sept. 20-22, 2023 before being dropped off at the Norwood Inn in Roseville.

"Her family has not heard from her since September 2023," the BCA alert states.

The Minneapolis Police Department said Dougall's last known address was 1940 James Avenue South. She has also stayed at the Belmont Apartments.

Dougall is described as 5'9" and approximately 140 pounds with white skin, brown hair and green eyes. Born in Russia, she is also reported to have a slight accent.

Anyone with information regarding her whereabouts is asked to contact the Anoka County Sheriff's Office at 763-324-5209 or dial 911.
Two Bellingham restaurants close permanently, opening the door for a potential new bar

Milanos Italian restaurant and bar, along with Fairhaven Village Tacos have permanently closed, according to Facebook posts from their owner, Nancy Hassan.

Fairhaven Village Tacos is open for business on Friday, Oct. 15, 2021, in Bellingham, Wash.

The restaurants were rumored to close in February, when co-owner Sam Hassan, Nancys husband, announced he was moving out of the country.

I definitely dont want people thinking were closed or have gone away. I am very much in business and our doors are open, Nancy Hassan wrote in an email to The Bellingham Herald in February.

But now, both restaurants have permanently closed, according to Facebook posts on Sept. 3

The Bellingham Herald reached out to Nancy Hassan but did not receive a response as of Sept. 10.

Milanos Italian restaurant was at 1210 11th St. in Bellingham. The Fairhaven Village Tacos double-decker bus was located at the corner of 11th & Harris Ave.

An application for a new spirits, wine, bar and lounge called Sugar & Co. has been filed to the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board for Milanos previous location.
Update:

HUTCHINSON, Kan. (KSNW)  The cause of an explosion at the Kansas State Fair Tuesday evening has been identified.

It happened shortly before 6:30 p.m. at the Fry Shack when an explosion shattered a window, injuring six people. State Fair officials say Hutchinson Fire and the Kansas Fire Marshals Office investigated the explosion and concluded that a can of food was stored too close to a food warmer, causing the explosion.

Two of the injured were transported to the hospital for treatment, three were treated at the scene, and one declined treatment.

Previous story:

HUTCHINSON, Kan. (KSNW)  Officials are investigating a fire at a concession trailer at the Kansas State Fair that sent two people to the hospital.

Kansas State Fair director Brian Schulz said in a news release at 6:25 p.m. crews from the Hutchinson Fire Department were called to the fairgrounds.

They arrived on the scene at 6:28 p.m. to find a food truck that appeared to have had a small explosion. Two people were transported to a local hospital with injuries.

Several others sustained minor injuries and refused treatment.

A Hutchinson firefighter told KSN a can was on or near the grill and it exploded, which caused the glass windows to shatter.

The HFD Fire Marshal, in collaboration with State Fire Marshals, are currently investigating the cause of 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 KSN-TV.
The Iowa Board of Regents will only request increased general university appropriations for the University of Northern Iowa in fiscal year 2026. (Logo via Iowa Board of Regents)

Two of Iowas state universities will not request any additional general education dollars for the next fiscal year, according to Iowa Board of Regents documentation.

The University of Northern Iowa will request incremental general university funding of $2.5 million for fiscal year 2026, according to the state appropriations request the board of regents is set to discuss next week. The University of Iowa and Iowa State University will keep their general appropriations requests flat compared to their appropriation in fiscal year 2025.

If approved by the regents, the UI will request about $223.5 million, ISU will request nearly $178.5 million and UNI will request about $104.4 million in general university appropriations, bringing the total to $506.3 million.

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General education appropriations increased by 2.5% at each university for fiscal year 2025, coming out to $12.3 million compared to the $14.8 million requested.

UNI would use these additional dollars to support efforts to differentiate UNI tuition from that of research intensive universities, the document stated.

States investment is critical to keeping a four-year degree within reach for Iowans, the document stated.

Tying their requests together under the motto of service to Iowans, each of the universities are also seeking state appropriations to launch or expand special programs, from rural health care and economics initiatives to partnerships with community colleges.

University of Iowa

The UI is requesting $10 million in fiscal year 2026, with more funding requests planned in future years for a total of $50 million, for its rural health care initiative. Iowas Rural Health Care Partnership would focus on strengthening the states health care workforce and expanding access to education and training across Iowa in collaboration with the state. The program will also seek to improve health outcomes for rural Iowans, specifically in primary care, maternal and mental health, according to the document.

The university is also seeking economic development appropriations from the state for its John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center and nurse innovator program.

The John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center would use $200,000 of its request to go directly to entrepreneurs, the document stated, providing funding to early-stage, Iowa-based startups, supporting student internships at startups and businesses and expanding resources for rural communities.

With the remaining $50,000 split between the centers venture school training program and Hawkeye Ventures Fund, $25,000 will go to expanding the school to two new locations and the rest will be put toward supporting a financial analyst, student interns and marketing efforts for the ventures fund.

Iowa State University

ISU is seeking increased funding for its agricultural experiment station and its extension and outreach service with the goal of strengthening Iowas rural economy, according to the board of regents document.

If approved, the university will request $3.75 million in incremental funding for the experiment station and an additional $1 million for the outreach service. The funds would support technological advances, workforce and entrepreneurship and economics and policy in the agriculture sector, according to the document.

While the demand for science and technology in service to Iowa agriculture continues to rise, the capacity of Iowa State to keep pace has diminished, the document stated. At risk is the universitys ability to continue to adequately address perennial and emerging concerns for farmers and agribusinesses, and to innovate to ensure resilient, thriving rural communities.

The university is also requesting $1 million in funding to create scholarships for its veterinary early acceptance program and $4 million to establish a manufacturing pipeline. The scholarships would provide in-state tuition for students entering the College of Veterinary Medicine through the ISU Production Animal  Veterinary Early Acceptance Program with the requirement of them working in rural Iowa after graduation for at least five years.

MakeIowa, the manufacturing program, will launch four hubs across Iowa in partnership with regional education institutions, upgrading manufacturing training centers for advanced technologies trainings and co-developing curriculum for new pathways to degrees. The document stated that the university will also find ways for students to use these hubs for local internships.

ISU is also asking for a $36,005 increase in economic development funding for its Biobased Products, Vaccines and Immunotherapeutics, and Digital and Precision Agriculture bioscience platforms in order to have them funded at $3 million annually, a goal set in 2017. The university is also requesting economic development state appropriations of $250,000 to support staff and operations focused on entrepreneurship, according to the document.

The only university to request increases in agricultural and natural resources appropriations, ISU is asking for an additional $1.5 million for its veterinary diagnostics lab and $250,000 more for livestock disease research.

University of Northern Iowa

With federal funding predicted to run out by the end of 2025 due to growth and need, UNI is seeking $1.63 million in state appropriations for its UNI@IACC program, which opens students who have received an associates degree from a partner community college to earn their bachelors degree from UNI remotely.

Since its start in 2022, the document stated UNI@IACC has nearly doubled in size. Federal funds provided at its inception created Future Ready Iowa scholarships in order to bridge the gap between the costs of tuition at a students community college and UNI. Around half of students in the program are eligible for these scholarships, and more funds are needed to keep them available.

UNI is also looking to establish a center for civic education, and is requesting $1 million for its launch. Developed in response to directives from the board of regents, the document stated the center would offer educational materials on civic knowledge and free speech, develop civic learning strategies and encourage respectful dialogue across differences. The center would strengthen civic education for both K-12 and college students, as well as teachers and the public.

It will serve the state of Iowa by centering civic education and free speech in its activities, and will promote the values of free speech, civic leadership, public service and citizenship, the document stated.

The university is also requesting $3 million in economic development dollars to offer students from states that share a border with Iowa the same tuition and fees as in-state students, as, according to the document, 40% of UNI graduates from border states stay in Iowa.

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Two wanted for arson in Adams County

ADAMS COUNTY, Miss. (WJTV)  Adams County deputies are searching for two suspects in connection to an arson case.

According to investigators, the incident occurred in the Montebello neighborhood shortly before midnight on July 26, 2024. A home was set on fire with four children and two adults inside, according to deputies.

Vicksburg woman sentenced for child neglect

The suspects were in a dark colored pickup truck.

Adams County deputies are searching for two suspects in connection to an arson case. (Courtesy: Adams Co. Sheriffs Office)

Adams County deputies are searching for two suspects in connection to an arson case. (Courtesy: Adams Co. Sheriffs Office)

Adams County deputies are searching for two suspects in connection to an arson case. (Courtesy: Adams Co. Sheriffs Office)

Adams County deputies are searching for two suspects in connection to an arson case. (Courtesy: Adams Co. Sheriffs Office)

Anyone with information about the incident can contact the Adams County Sheriffs Office SOG at 601-442-8333 or South West Mississippi Crime Stoppers at 888-442-5001.

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Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
AUSTIN (KXAN)  Members of the public can weigh in on possible improvements to a stretch of U.S. Hwy. 183 at a public meeting next week.

The Texas Department of Transportation is bringing back an environmental study analyzing U.S. Hwy. 183 from SH 71 to SH 130, outlining potential enhancements to the highway. Currently, the four-lane highway is a divided road between SH 71 and FM 812 before becoming an undivided road between FM 812 and SH 130.

TxDOT noted the corridor is home to numerous neighborhoods, homes and businesses as well as neighbored by the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. Under current considerations, TxDOT is eyeing a possible widening and dividing of the highway to address congestion and make needed improvements, per project documents.

The potential project remains in early development stages, with the state agency working to assess existing problems and needs along the corridor down the road. Future project development stages include creating project alternatives and identifying a preferred option; creating schematics and finalizing the environmental assessment; acquiring any right-of-way needed for the project along with completing utility relocations and final design plans; and then constructing the project.

This embedded content is not available in your region.

The project doesnt have any allocated construction dollars at this time, according to an area study fact sheet.

TxDOT will host an in-person and virtual public meeting on the environmental study on Sept. 19. The in-person meeting runs from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Creedmoor Community Center, located at 12513 FM 1625 in Creedmoor.

A virtual version of the meeting materials will be published online by 5 p.m. Sept. 19.

Those in need of accommodations for the meeting  such as those seeking interpretation or translation services or needing assistance due to a disability  are asked to contact TxDOTs Austin District by 4 p.m. on Sept. 13. Those accommodations can be made by calling 512-937-3739.

TxDOT will also be collecting public feedback from the in-person and virtual meetings through Oct. 18. Those comments can be made in the following manners:

In-person via a comment at the public meeting

Online by searching US 183 from SH 71 to SH 130 on txdot.gov.

Via emailing AUS_US183southeast@txdot.gov

Sending comments via mail to: US 183 from SH 71 to SH 130

Attn: Project Manager

1608 W. 6th St., Austin, TX 78703

Verbally via a court reporter at the public meeting or by leaving a voicemail at 512-937-3739

More details on the environmental study are available 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 KXAN Austin.
U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit stands in front of a crowd at the United Against Hate summit in Ketchum, held earlier this year. (Courtesy of Cassandra Fulghum)

The U.S. Attorneys Office is partnering with tribal and local officials to host a United Against Hate summit on Sept. 16 in Moscow.

United Against Hate is an initiative led by the U.S. Department of Justice that is focused on improving efforts to combat hate crimes. The events are meant to cultivate and strengthen trust between law enforcement, community leaders and residents.

The United Against Hate initiative continues to resonate and be a priority for our office because Idaho continues to grapple with unlawful hate, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit said in a press release. We are committed to empowering Idahoans to recognize and report hate crimes so that we can enforce the law and work toward communities where everyone enjoys the protections of our Constitution without fear of being targeted by bigotry and hate.

When: 6-8:30 p.m.

Where: 1912 Center, Great Room, 412 E. Third St. in Moscow

The event will include remarks from local leaders, presentations from prosecutors about hate crime laws and reporting mechanisms, and speakers who will share their goals for safety in their community.

Erin Agidius, the chairwoman of the Moscow Human Rights Commission, said she is honored to participate in the event, and her commitment to promoting human rights and combating hate is stronger than ever.

It is our collective responsibility to ensure that all members of our community feel safe, valued, and heard, she said in the press release. By coming together, we can foster a culture of respect and understanding, making it clear that hate has no place in Moscow or anywhere else.

Shannon Wheeler, the chairman of the Nez Perce Tribes executive committee, said the tribe will continue to work together with groups who are committed to making the region a home for everyone.

Hate and bigotry can only flourish if it is ignored or goes unopposed, Wheeler said. Working with and getting to know our neighbors is the most effective way to actively push back on hate and prevent it from gaining a foothold in this region. The Nez Perce Tribe has called this area home for thousands of years. As its first inhabitants, we consider these lands sacred, and we are proud to be a partner in the United Against Hate campaign.

The event is free and open to the public. To register for the event, visit the U.S. Department of Justice website.

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Amy Barnett holds her hand over her heart during a flag ceremony to honor the victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks at Utah Valley University in Orem on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

U.S. Census Bureau Director Robert L. Santos took a surprising lesson from the effects of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks: the value of collecting data.

Speaking to Utah Valley University students Wednesday at an event hosted by the Gary R. Herbert Institute for Public Policy, Santos emphasized that collecting data to accurately represent diverse demographics across the country is a keystone to our democracy.

Before he was the first Latino director of the U.S. Census Bureau, Santos was an executive vice president and partner of NuStats, which was awarded a contract in 2003 from the National Institutes of Science and Technology to do a survey of the survivors in the World Trade Center.

By interviewing survivors, Santos was able to get information that only people who were inside the Twin Towers could know, such as details about the infrastructure, whether or not sprinklers were functioning, what the building rafters looked like  types of things we really needed to know to help best create better and safer buildings.

Interviewing survivors was an emotional process, Santos said, but we got really valuable information that helped come up with better building codes.

Thats the value of public policy data, Santos told students gathered at UVUs Orem Campus. He said the data the Census Bureau collects can have similarly positive effects on public policy on everything from housing needs to areas that need broadband access.

We have a mission to serve as Americas leading provider of quality data about our people, our locations and about our economy, Santos said. Our nation is big and beautifully diverse. And it should come as no surprise that the data needs of its people and communication and communities vary as well.

Santos is in Utah this week to hear from elected officials, community organizations, businesses, advocates, students and others about what their data needs are and how the Census Bureau can help.

Santos said he hopes local leaders can be made aware of the breadth of data available through the bureau. That data is a a valuable asset that can help public policymakers make data-driven decisions. Our data can assist federal, state, local and tribal governments in equitably distributing resources and identifying underserved communities, Santos said.

Collecting this data and using it to make informed public policy decisions is democracy at work, he said.

Simply put, Santos continued, democracy is at risk when we no longer know who we are as a people, as an economy, as our nation. ... Its really critical that we not just collect it, but that we put it up in a way that you can access it and use them.

Robert L. Santos, U.S. Census Bureau director, greets attendees before speaking as a guest of the Herbert Institute of Public Policy at Utah Valley University in Orem on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

UVU honors victims of 9/11

Before the lecture, the university held a flag ceremony to honor the victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

Kayle Smith, director of UVUs Military-Affiliated Student Hub, hosted the ceremony, where the Utah Valley University Police Department and Utah Valley University Army ROTC posted the colors, raising the flag to half mast as Taps played in front of an audience of students, members of the UVU presidential cabinet, and veterans and first responders. A moment of silence for the victims of 9/11 followed.

Smith remarked on how the effects of the terrorist attacks still reverberate 23 years later.

Many students here at UVU have used and continue to utilize VA educational benefits made available by those who served or are dependents of those who served in the United States military as a result of the events on 9/11, Smith said. In honor of all the lives lost 23 years ago, and in honor of all those who have given their whole souls to the cause of this nation every moment since, may today not only be observed with solemn remembrance, but also with renewal and resolve together that we may continue to demonstrate that the rights and freedoms that those terrorists sought to destroy on Sept. 11, 2001, remain unwavering and strengthened by generations of Americans who have dared  and dared all  and risked all to defend, protect and preserve our democracy.

UVU will never forget.

Smith, who himself is a veteran with almost 28 years of military experience, told the Deseret News that this is the first time since COVID-19 that the university held a flag-raising ceremony on the anniversary of 9/11.

I felt it was important to not only remember the events that transpired today, but remember all of the lives that have been affected as a result of this, Smith said.

To honor those lives, 2,977 small flags representing each life lost during the attacks were placed on the universitys front lawn.

Utah Valley University ROTC cadet Cameron Peterson plays taps during a flag ceremony to honor the victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks at UVU in Orem on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Flags are pictured during a flag ceremony to honor the victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks at Utah Valley University in Orem on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Flags are pictured during a flag ceremony to honor the victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks at Utah Valley University in Orem on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Robert L. Santos, U.S. Census Bureau director, speaks as a guest of the Herbert Institute of Public Policy at Utah Valley University in Orem on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Jim Mortensen, Utah Valley University vice president of finance, Curtis Blair, Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce president and CEO, and Lynn Adams, UVU strategic management and operations department chair, look at Adams helmet from his time as an A10 Air Force pilot after a flag ceremony to honor the victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks at UVU in Orem on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. The helmet was part of a tribute table to first responders. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Utah Valley University ROTC cadet Cade Boomer and UVU Police Interim Chief Jeff Long unfold a flag during a flag ceremony to honor the victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks at UVU in Orem on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News
U.S. House speaker withdraws spending bill that would require ID to register to vote

U.S. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-Louisiana, speaks on his cell phone as walks back to his office in the U.S. Capitol building on Nov. 13, 2023 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker | Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson pulled a six-month stopgap spending bill from heading to the floor for a vote Wednesday, scuttling efforts by the GOP to show solidarity behind their plan, which included a provision requiring ID to register to vote in federal elections.

The spending bill, released by House Republicans last week in the heat of a presidential campaign in which immigration is a central focus, had no chance of becoming law amid opposition from Democrats, a cool response from many GOP senators and a veto threat from the Biden administration.

A number of House GOP lawmakers had also come out against the legislation.

Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, told reporters that lawmakers plan to work through the weekend to find a path forward on the stopgap spending bill and language that would require proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote.

No vote today because we are in the consensus-building business here in Congress; with a small majority, thats what you do, he said. Were having thoughtful conversations, family conversations within the Republican Conference and I believe well get there.

Johnson said Congress has two primary obligations right now.

One is funding the government ahead of the start of the new fiscal year on Oct. 1, thereby avoiding a shutdown.

And he said the other is addressing concerns about the possibility that people who are not citizens could vote in the November election, even though that is already illegal.

Were going to continue to work on this. The whip is going to do the hard work and build consensus. Were going to work through the weekend on that, Johnson told reporters. And I want any member of Congress, in either party, to explain to the American people why we should not ensure that only U.S. citizens are voting in U.S. elections.

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump posted on social media Tuesday that Republicans should not vote for any short-term spending measure without the sidecar voter ID bill attached.

Connecticut Rep. Rosa DeLauro, the top Democrat on the Appropriations Committee, called for a bipartisan negotiation after news broke of Johnson pulling the vote.
U.S. House speaker withdraws spending bill that would require ID to register to vote

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) speaks on his phone while walking back to his office in the U.S. Capitol building in this photo from Nov. 13, 2023. Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

WASHINGTON  House Speaker Mike Johnson pulled a six-month stopgap spending bill from heading to the floor for a vote Wednesday, scuttling efforts by the GOP to show solidarity behind the plan that included a provision requiring ID to register to vote in federal elections.

The spending bill was released by House Republicans last week in the heat of a presidential campaign in which immigration is a central focus. But it had no chance of becoming law amid opposition from Democrats, a cool response from many GOP senators and a veto threat from the Biden administration.

A number of House GOP lawmakers had also come out against the legislation.

Pulling the bill leaves Congress with less than three weeks to come up with a plan to fund government  for the next year or for a short-term to allow more time to negotiate  before the current federal budget expires on Oct. 1, when a goverment shutdown could occur if no spending plan is in place.

Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, told reporters that lawmakers plan to work through the weekend to find a path forward on the stopgap spending bill as well as language that would require proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote.

No vote today because we are in the consensus-building business here in Congress; with a small majority, thats what you do, he said. Were having thoughtful conversations, family conversations within the Republican Conference and I believe well get there.

Johnson said Congress has two primary obligations right now.

One is funding the government ahead of the start of the new fiscal year on Oct. 1, thereby avoiding a shutdown.

He said the other is addressing concerns about the possibility that people who are not citizens could vote in the November election, even though that is already illegal.

Were going to continue to work on this. The whip is going to do the hard work and build consensus. Were going to work through the weekend on that, Johnson told reporters. And I want any member of Congress, in either party, to explain to the American people why we should not ensure that only U.S. citizens are voting in U.S. elections.

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump posted on social media Tuesday that Republicans should not vote for any short-term spending measure without the sidecar voter ID bill attached.

Connecticut Rep. Rosa DeLauro, the top Democrat on the Appropriations Committee, called for a bipartisan negotiation after news broke of Johnson pulling the vote.
U.S. House speaker withdraws spending bill that would require ID to register to vote

U.S. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., speaks on his cell phone as walks back to his office in the U.S. Capitol building on Nov. 13, 2023 in Washington, D.C. Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images.

WASHINGTON  U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson pulled a six-month stopgap spending bill from heading to the floor for a vote Wednesday, scuttling efforts by the GOP to show solidarity behind their plan, which included a provision requiring ID to register to vote in federal elections.

The spending bill, released by House Republicans last week in the heat of a presidential campaign in which immigration is a central focus, had no chance of becoming law amid opposition from Democrats, a cool response from many GOP senators and a veto threat from the Biden administration.

A number of House GOP lawmakers had also come out against the legislation.

Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, told reporters that lawmakers plan to work through the weekend to find a path forward on the stopgap spending bill and language that would require proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote.

No vote today because we are in the consensus-building business here in Congress; with a small majority, thats what you do, he said. Were having thoughtful conversations, family conversations within the Republican Conference and I believe well get there.

Johnson said Congress has two primary obligations right now.

One is funding the government ahead of the start of the new fiscal year on Oct. 1, thereby avoiding a shutdown.

And he said the other is addressing concerns about the possibility that people who are not citizens could vote in the November election, even though that is already illegal.

Were going to continue to work on this. The whip is going to do the hard work and build consensus. Were going to work through the weekend on that, Johnson told reporters. And I want any member of Congress, in either party, to explain to the American people why we should not ensure that only U.S. citizens are voting in U.S. elections.

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump posted on social media Tuesday that Republicans should not vote for any short-term spending measure without the sidecar voter ID bill attached.

Connecticut Rep. Rosa DeLauro, the top Democrat on the Appropriations Committee, called for a bipartisan negotiation after news broke of Johnson pulling the vote.
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-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. (Photo by 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.

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.

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.
U.S. Senate Dems will prioritize Montana and Ohio seats, campaign chief says

Montana Sen. Jon Tester and Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown are the two most vulnerable Democratic U.S. senators in the country this year. (Photo by 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.

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.

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.
BERKELEY, Calif. (KRON)  The Israel-Palestine conflict has sparked more tension and dialogue than any recent event in world affairs this year.

This week, the University of California, Berkeley, announced the launch of Palestinian and Arab Studies, a program they believe is a critical field of study for todays social, cultural, and political climate.

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, Berkeley Social Sciences Dean Raka Ray said.

With years of collaborative planning and a $3.25 million gift donation, UCB officially established the May Ziadeh Chair in Palestinian and Arab Studies program on Tuesday.

12 years of cortados and Toscanas: Beloved Berkeley cafe closing its doors

The mandate is to provide students with an opportunity to discuss and learn freely about the deeply interconnected and embedded streams of Palestinian and Arab history, culture, politics and society, UC Berkeley said in a statement.

The May Ziadeh Chair will be held by Professor and Carnegie Scholar Ussama Makdisi from UC Berkeleys History Department. Prior to his tenure as Chair, Makdisi was a professor and the first holder of the Arab-American Educational Foundation Chair of Arab Studies at Rice University.

This gift allows us to meet evident student demand and interest in modern Palestinian history. It permits us to explore the complex and long history of a multi-religious Palestine in the context of the wider Arab world. Most of all, it invites us to expand scholarly and ethical horizons, and connect Palestinian history more deeply with parallel fields of inquiry such as Indigenous, Latinx and Black history. Ussama Makdisi, Chair to the Palestinian and Arabic Studies program

In support of the initiative, UCB pledged $500,000 to bolster the program through student-facing activities, undergraduate scholarships and conferences, the school said.

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. UC Berkeley is ideally situated to nurture emerging scholars in Palestinian and Arab Studies and advance fresh thinking on a broad array of topics.

Makdisi and other faculty associated with the Palestinian and Arab Studies program will explore the possibility of adding a minor for undergraduate students.

Lebanese Interior Minister Ziad Baroud (L) uncovers the statue of Lebanese Poet May Ziadeh, erected in the center of the town of Shatul, north of Beirut, on September 5, 2009. Ziadeh have been mainly associated with Gibran Khalil Gibran through their famous 20-or-so-year correspondence. They never met, and stories are constantly recounted about their epistolary love affair. AFP PHOTO/RAMZI HAIDAR (Photo by RAMZI HAIDAR / AFP) (Photo by RAMZI HAIDAR/AFP via Getty Images)

The newly launched program is named after May Ziadeh (18861941), a pioneering Palestinian-Lebanese feminist, poet and writer who played a key role in the Arab cultural renaissance in the modern Middle East.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
UCLA Grad Student Texted a Friend She Was Uncomfortable with Man in Store. Then He Stabbed Her 46 Times

Shawn Laval Smith was convicted this week for the murder of 24-year-old grad student Brianna Kupfer in 2022

Emma McIntyre/Getty Flowers are placed outside Croft House furniture store in memory of graduate student Brianna Kupfer. Kupfer was stabbed to death by an unknown assailant while working in the store on Thursday January 13th in Los Angeles.

Prosecutors say a Los Angeles man convicted this week in the 2022 stabbing death of a UCLA grad student was a predator on the lookout for a woman working alone in a store.

The allegations played out in the trial against Shawn Laval Smith, who was convicted Tuesday for stabbing 24-year-old student Brianna Kupfer with a knife 46 times inside a Los Angeles furniture store where the victim worked and leaving her to die alone.

The Los Angeles County District Attorneys Office announced Smiths conviction Tuesday.

Brianna Kupfer was a promising young woman whose life was tragically taken far too soon, Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascon said in a press release.

A bright and talented 24-year-old UCLA student, Brianna was dedicated to her studies in architectural design, with her whole future ahead of her, Gascon added. Our hearts are with Briannas family, who have shown incredible strength and resilience throughout this harrowing ordeal.

Smith, 34, was found guilty of one count of murder and a special-circumstance allegation of lying in wait, as well as the use of a deadly and dangerous weapon, the district attorneys office announced.

Related: UCLA Grad Student Brianna Kupfer Suffered 26 Stab Wounds In Brazen Daytime Attack, Autopsy Results Reveal

The mid-afternoon murder happened Jan. 13, 2022, at the Croft House boutique furniture store where Kupfer was working alone. Smith reportedly left an audio recorder at the scene of the crime, according to local KTLA 5.

The audio recorder Smith left behind included another recording from weeks earlier in which Smith could be heard angrily ranting about women, local ABC 7 reported.

Related: Man Accused of Random Killing of 24-Year-Old Brianna Kupfer at Furniture Store Charged with Murder

Deputy District Attorney Habib Balian had said in his closing arguments this week that the recordings showed Smith hated women and was on a mission to kill a woman, according to Westside Current, Fox 11 Los Angeles, and local ABC 7.

Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times via Getty Mourners gather outside the Croft House Wednesday during a memorial for Brianna Kupfer who was stabbed to death inside the furniture store.

A knife also recovered at the scene, which was determined to have been used in the murder, had a bent blade. The Westside Current reported that Smiths DNA was found on the knife, the knifes sheath and the audio recorder  all left behind at the scene of the crime. The outlet reports that Kupfer was pronounced dead inside the store after a customer and her boyfriend walked in and discovered her body.

Related: Calif. Man Accused of Fatally Stabbing UCLA Student Brianna Kupfer Is Now in Custody: Police

The Los Angeles Times reported that Kupfer had worriedly texted a friend moments before the attack, explaining that a man inside the store was making her uncomfortable. The friend didnt see the text in time and didnt immediately respond.

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 jury reached Smiths guilty verdict in less than an hour, according to reports, and Kupfers parents offered an emotional statement outside the courtroom afterwards.

Justice will never be served because our daughters not alive, the victims mother Lori Kupfer tearfully told reporters, according to Fox 11 Los Angeles.

The outlet reports Smith will now face a sentencing hearing in October, where he faces life in prison without the possibility of parole.

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HONOLULU (KHON2)  According to political analysts, Vice President Kamala Harris had a tougher task in front of her during the presidential debate with Former President Donald Trump.

Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news

For the first time, Americans got a taste of the two leading presidential candidates side-by-side. Its one thing to hear them campaigning and talking about the issues, but its something else to see them together to give voters a chance to make a decision.

In upcoming volatile elections, what you need to know

I thought it a strong debate, both candidates did pretty well. I think Trump had a low bar to clear because hes well-known. He had to not sound totally insane, he needed to not sound old or confused and he did not need to sound crazy or totally misogynistic. He stayed pretty focused. He was negative and on the attack as he usually is, explained UH Manoa Associate Professor Robert Perkinson.

Kamala Harris though, she had a bigger challenge and I think she rose to that. She managed to deliver some real zingers to Trump in a way that sounded spontaneous and authentic. She was able to speak directly to the voters, she managed to present herself but also managed to present a positive vision for a fair economy.

Professor Robert Perkinson teaches social and political history at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. He said its hard to tell if this debate will change the race in any way.

I think it might some. Clearly Kamala Harris decided her focus was to try to reach that sliver of four to 10% of voters who havent made up their minds by taking to the center. Although he [Trump] did well, I think his advisors would be happy with how he performed on the debate stage.

Whether the debate will resonate with young voters will have to wait to be seen.

Prior to the debate, KHON2 conducted an informal survey of UH students who were all undecided on who they plan to vote for. The overwhelming response? They were going to be looking at performance more than policy.

Check out more news from around Hawaii

One student said they were looking for confidence, suave, swagger, that sauce box persona.

For JC Myles, when it comes to a president for the people, I feel like its your brand. Like how are you displaying yourself as a person who represents our 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 KHON2.
(Bloomberg) -- The UKs Labour government confirmed a 500 million ($655 million) support package to save Tata Steels plant in Port Talbot, though the loss of thousands of jobs risks disappointing a key section of the partys base.

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Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said the deal  much of which was drawn up by the previous Conservative government but was subject to further negotiation by Keir Starmers administration  included better support for workers facing redundancy as Tata closes its blast furnaces and invests in a new, greener, less labor-intensive electric arc furnace.

But speaking in the House of Commons, Reynolds had to defend an outcome he said falls short of what would be my ideal, having previously said he wanted to see jobs saved at the site in Wales after Tata warned its plans would put 2,800 jobs at risk. The deal didnt achieve the protection of those roles, with the government instead focusing on commitments it said it had secured from Tata on issues like re-training of workers and future investment.

This was the maximum improvement that was possible within two months, Reynolds said, referring to the negotiations since Julys election. He accused the Conservatives of abandoning talks ahead of the vote, and investment in supporting industries that could have eased the transition to new technology was not made. The first thing I had to do before I even became the Secretary of State was make sure there was something there to save, he said.

Though Reynolds appeared to have the support of Labour MPs in Parliament, the Port Talbot deal is the latest example of the new government grappling with its economic and political inheritance. Starmers party surged to power on a promise of change and renewal after 14 years of the Tories, but has since made a series of announcements that have made clear that Britons will have to wait before seeing major improvements.

Port Talbot and its steelworks is a good example. Manufacturing and industry has long provided the bedrock of Labours traditional support, while steelmaking  or at least a modernized version of it  is critical to the governments industrial strategy and transition toward a greener economy.

Yet even with those intentions, Reynolds repeatedly acknowledged the government hadnt got exactly what it wanted. Weve bargained hard, he said. Given a better hand, he added, we could have done more.

India-based Tata Steel is one of Britains biggest steelmakers, but its operations have struggled for years to turn a profit. Sales in Europe have been weak amid rising cost pressures and competition from Asian imports.

In April, the company said it would proceed with a 1.25 billion plan to build an electric arc furnace at Port Talbot and start closing existing heavy-end assets. That followed months of national-level discussions with UK trade unions that threatened industrial action over expected job losses.

Labour has said it wants to support Britains steel industry, and made a commitment in its manifesto to set up a 2.5 billion green steel fund.

Reynolds said the deal with Tata would mean workers taking voluntary redundancy receive a minimum payout of 15,000 and would be offered paid-for training to gain new skills. He also said Tata would have to return 40,000 to the government for every job it cuts after the support package is delivered, a condition he said would incentivise Tata not to make further redundancies.

The question for Labour on Port Talbot, and on its other looming economic decisions, is how long they can continue to blame the Conservatives  and how long the British public allows the government to do so.

This was a dereliction of duty and it has left the steel industry in particular in an extremely perilous position, Reynolds said.

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UK will allow Ukraine to strike Russia with Storm Shadow missiles

The UK has decided to allow Ukraine to use Storm Shadow cruise missiles to strike targets in Russia.

Source: The Guardian with reference to sources in the UK government, as reported by European Pravda

Details: The decision on the deployment of Storm Shadows to strike Russian targets was reportedly taken in private and is unlikely to be made public.

One of the sources told the Guardian that the joint visit to Kyiv by UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy and US State Secretary Antony Blinken would not have taken place without this decision.

The UK is said to consider that making a public statement on the deployment of long-range missiles for strikes on Russia would be "unnecessarily provocative".

It is also "likely" that there may be certain restrictions on Ukraines use of Storm Shadows "to avoid reckless or unnecessary attacks", the Guardian said.

The issue of long-range strikes in Russia will be discussed at a meeting between US President Joe Biden and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the White House this Friday, 13 September.

Speaking at a press conference in Kyiv, the US Secretary of State and UK Foreign Secretary refused to comment on the specifics of the authorisation to use long-range weapons to strike deep within Russia, but said they would convey Ukraine's message.

The Telegraph reported earlier that the UK supports the idea of using Storm Shadow missiles to strike targets in Russia but does not publicly call for it, fearing a deterioration in relations with the US.

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The U.K. announced a new 600-million-pound ($781 million) aid package for Ukraine on Sept. 11, as U.K. Foreign Secretary David Lammy visited Kyiv on a joint trip with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

According to the U.K. Foreign Office, the package includes $315 million "announced for 2024 to 2025 for immediate humanitarian, energy, and stabilization needs as well as support to reforms, recovery, and reconstruction."

The package includes 20 million pounds ($26 million) to support Ukraine's power grid and strengthen energy infrastructure ahead of winter and an expected campaign of Russian strikes.

The U.K. will also provide 100 million pounds ($130 million) worth of humanitarian aid, which will support Ukrainians living on the front line and displaced people.

The package also includes $484 million worth of loan guarantees for World Bank lending, designed to strengthen economic stability by funding public services like schools and hospitals, as well as paying pensions and public sector workers' salaries.

"The loan guarantee, delivered by the World Bank, is the second deployment of the $3 billion package the U.K. committed at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in London last year," the Foreign Office said.

The U.K. will also send "hundreds of additional air defense missiles, tens of thousands of additional artillery ammunition rounds, and more armored vehicles will be delivered to Ukraine by the end of the year," the Foreign Office said.

"Alongside the United States, we are committed to giving Ukraine what it needs to resist Russias illegal invasion. Their fight for freedom, liberty, and democracy is also a fight for British security, European security, and global security," Lammy said.

Read also: Blinken, Lammy visit Ukraine as Kyiv awaits decision on long-range strikes

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
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Credit: Simon Emmett

UK consumer rights group Which? has weighed in on the debate surrounding the use of dynamic pricing during the sale of tickets for Oasis's reunion shows, and has suggested that fans should be refunded.

"It seems extremely unfair that Oasis fans got up early and battled through the queues only to find that ticket prices had more than doubled from the originally advertised price," says Lisa Webb, a senior lawyer at Which?.

"Which? believes that Ticketmaster's 'in demand' pricing practices for Oasis tickets could have breached consumer law," she continues. "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."

Which? has also amassed a stash of supporting evidence from disgruntled fans that suggests prospective purchasers were advised of ticket prices that were subsequently inflated at check-out.

"The Consumer Protection From Unfair Trading Regulations protect consumers from unfair or misleading trading practices," says Webb. "Under the CPRs, when advertising a product, 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."

Last week, the Competition and Markets Authority, the branch of the UK Government responsible for preventing and reducing anti-competitive activities, announced plans to investigate Ticketmaster over the sale of tickets for next year's stadium shows.

The Gallagher brothers subsequently distanced themselves from the controversy, saying, "It needs to be made clear that Oasis leave decisions on ticketing and pricing entirely to their promoters and management, and at no time had any awareness that dynamic pricing was going to be used."

Oasis tour dates 2025

Jul 04: Cardiff Principality Stadium

Jul 05: Cardiff Principality Stadium

Jul 11: Manchester Heaton Park

Jul 12: Manchester Heaton Park

Jul 16: Manchester Heaton Park

Jul 19: Manchester Heaton Park

Jul 20: Manchester Heaton Park

Jul 25: London Wembley Stadium

Jul 26: London Wembley Stadium

Jul 30: London Wembley Stadium

Aug 02: London, Wembley Stadium

Aug 03: London, Wembley Stadium

Aug 08: Edinburgh Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium

Aug 09: Edinburgh Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium

Aug 12: Edinburgh Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium

Aug 16: Dublin Croke Park

Aug 17: Dublin Croke Park

Sep 27: London, Wembley Stadium

Sep 28: London, Wembley Stadium

Try and get tickets.
The NFU had set a "national aspiration" for farming to produce net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 [Getty Images]

Ambitious plans to make farming net zero by 2040 - 10 years ahead of the UKs legally-binding national target  may not be achieved, the National Farmers' Union (NFU) has told the BBC.

Reaching net zero means no longer adding to the total amount of greenhouse gases already in the atmosphere. The NFU said a lack of investment in climate-friendly farming measures by the previous government had made doing that by 2040 tricky but insisted that the deadline would not be dropped.

Meanwhile, the Soil Association warned that UK agriculture would not be able to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions without radical changes".

The government said it was committed to reducing emissions in the farming sector.

NFU president Tom Bradshaw believes farming remains a key part of efforts to decarbonise the UK economy [BBC]

The UK has a legally-binding target under the Climate Change Act to be net zero by 2050.

In 2019, the NFU set its own target for agriculture in England and Wales to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. In Scotland, the net zero target is 2045.

Farming is currently responsible for around 12% of the UKs total greenhouse gas emissions, predominantly nitrous oxide from fertilisers and manure and methane from ruminant livestock, as well as carbon dioxide - to a much lesser extent - from energy and fuel.

The drive to net zero in farming has focused on helping farmers to develop more efficient and sustainable production methods, changing how land is managed in order to capture more carbon in the soil and boosting on-farm renewable energy schemes.

When it was launched, the 2040 target was described as a national aspiration, not an expectation that every farm can reach net zero.

But, while work to reduce emissions is largely left to individual farms, the industry has pilot projects under way to monitor and record that work and help form a national picture of progress made towards net zero.

The NFU has called for the UKs total agriculture budget to be increased from 3.5bn to 5.6bn [BBC]

The government says it is helping farmers reduce greenhouse gases through the post-Brexit farm payments system, known as environmental land management schemes (ELMs).

But the NFU said that its target would now be tough to hit because the previous government had not put enough investment into climate-friendly measures under ELMs.

Tom Bradshaw, NFU president, told the BBC he still believed farming was very much part of the solution to decarbonising the UK economy but that more investment was needed.

Net zero is never going to be an ambition farmers can deliver alone, he said.

To mark Back British Farming Day on Wednesday, Mr Bradshaw called for the UKs total agriculture budget to be increased from 3.5bn to 5.6bn.

He said that was what was needed for farmers to produce more food while delivering for nature, energy security and climate-friendly farming.

'Real urgency'

The call for greater funding comes amid fears the government is looking to cut 100m from its farming budget.

Both Defra and the Treasury declined to comment on any proposed cuts but the government has acknowledged there was a 358m underspend in the agricultural budget over the past three years.

Richard Benwell, CEO of environmental coalition Wildlife and Countryside Link, said any cut in the nature-friendly farming budget would seriously endanger the transition to net zero in farming.

Brendan Costelloe, the Soil Associations policy director, said cuts would be a mistake that would cost the environment, wildlife and the taxpayer more over the long-term.

British farming will not be able to reach net zero by 2040 without radical changes to how we produce and eat food, he added.

The government's independent advisers, the Climate Change Committee (CCC), have already warned that progress in reducing emissions in agriculture has been slow and needs substantial acceleration.

The latest government figures show total agricultural greenhouse gas emissions have decreased, with nitrous oxide emissions down by 23% and methane down by 15% between 1990 and 2022.

Meanwhile, carbon dioxide from farming accounted for only 2% of total UK emissions in 2022.

Tom Lancaster, land analyst at the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU), said there was a real urgency for government to help the sector cut emissions further and to support farmers in becoming more resilient to climate extremes.

A spokeswoman for Defra said the government was still committed to reducing emissions in the farming sector and restoring confidence amongst farmers which is at a record low".

"That is why we will restore stability and confidence by optimising our schemes and grants, to ensure we protect our food security, assist natures recovery and drive down emissions.

But we will go further to support our farmers by protecting them from being undercut in trade deals, making the supply chain work more fairly and preventing shock rises in bills by switching on GB Energy, she added.
RINGGOLD  In the days following the terror attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, Americans grew closer to one another.

A sense of unity developed amid the loss of nearly 3,000 lives after terrorists flew planes into the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon near Washington, D.C. Another potential disastrous attack  foiled by passengers  sent that plane down in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

We were all Americans because we were all hurt, Robert David, the speaker at Wednesdays remembrance service at Dan River Middle School, told students. Everybody needed somebody to sit beside them and say hey, its going to be OK.

Davids description also mirrored whats known now as a buddy seat at schools, a place for a child to sit when they need a friend.

Thats what happened in the United States, he said. We all became the same.

The brief escape from a culture of criticism didnt last long.

Im here to tell you today that doesnt have to change because its not 9/11, he told the students, issuing a challenge. Its 2024 ... and you guys can do the same thing we did back in 2001.

The unity of a post 9/11 world didnt have to stop, David explained. He said its time to jump-start it.

Doing so starts with a simple mantra: they just like us.

That what we learned  your parents, your grandparents  in a time of turbulence, we are all the same, he said. You have the power to change.

David, an Air Force veteran who is now the youth and gang violence prevention coordinator in Danville, was 32 years old when 9/11 happened.

At the time he was preparing for his birthday, which falls on Sept. 14.

When he heard about the attacks at work, he first couldnt believe it. He thought it was a movie.

Later, the impact set in.

The thing about 9/11, what it did was, it made everyone connected in America, he said, walking around the gym area with a humongous American flag draped for a backdrop.

Wednesdays ceremony is among the longest running observances in the Dan River Region. Previously an orchestrated affair by physical education teacher Earl Glass, his retirement shifted the duties to physical education teacher Melanie Gilbert and Curtis Davis, an interim agriculture instructor.

We wanted to keep the tradition live, Gilbert told the Register & Bee just before the start of there service. Still this is Earl Glass baby, but weve got to keep rolling on.

Dan River Middle School Principal Chris Knick said for the students there now, its part of history.

Its like loved ones that are lost, if you keep talking about them, they never go away, Knick told the newspaper. Were going to have it here every year that Im alive.

Also keeping step with years past, students presented gifts to members of the military  current and retired  along with emergency service workers in attendance.

Dan River High Schools JROTC presented the colors to open the somber remembrance on a quiet and cool fall day, much like the one on Sept. 11, 2001. That day featured crystal blue skies, a weather characteristic in stark contrast with the nightmarish events unfolding.

Thats why we do it, to help them understand that was a big part of our countrys history, unfortunately, Gilbert said.

Davis was asked to help because of his eight years in the military, serving with the Virginia National Guard.

Many Americans, specifically the adult teachers, and other staff in this building may recognize the country before and the country after, Davis said.

However, the students  none alive at the time, of course  only know the post-9/11 world.

Today we honor their memories and stand with the family and friends, he said of the victims.

Davis was in seventh grade when it happened. It was that moment he decided that sometime down the road he was going to step up and join the military.

In just two years, the 25th anniversary of 9/11 is also the 250th birthday of the United States of America, Knick said in his closing remarks. Those numbers are aligned.

Thanking the service members attending Wednesday, he encouraged students to not take life for granted.

In a blink of an eye, all of their lives were cut short due to terrorism, he said of the fatality list from 9/11.

I just think its good to keep the kids informed about it, Gilbert said, but also added that its equally important for adults who have forgotten with each passing year.

And I think the community loves it, she said. I like to do it for them as well.
Lammy and Blinken in Kyiv on 11 September 2024. photo from the social media account X of the British Minister

The UK has announced the allocation of at least 242 million to support Ukraine amid constant Russian attacks, as well as the allocation of US$484 million in financial support and the supply of military equipment.

Source: statement by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) on the visit of David Lammy, UK Foreign Secretary, to the city of Kyiv, as reported by European Pravda

Details: David Lammy, UK Foreign Secretary, and Antony Blinken, US Secretary of State, reaffirmed the UK and US joint support for Ukraine during their joint visit to Kyiv on 11 September. This is the first joint visit of the UK Foreign Secretary and the US Secretary of State in history, which underlines the UK and US unwavering commitment to support Ukraine, the FCDO said.

During his first visit as Foreign Secretary to Ukraine, Mr Lammy announced at least 600 million worth of support to Ukraine against Russias illegal invasion.

A total of 242 million will be made available in 2024-2025 for urgent humanitarian, energy and stabilisation needs, as well as to support reform, recovery and reconstruction. As Russian missile and drone attacks continue to kill civilians and destroy vital infrastructure, the commitment will ensure support to the most vulnerable groups in Ukraine, as well as support for longer-term economic, recovery and energy needs.

The Foreign Secretary also announced the intention to provide US$484 million in loan guarantees for World Bank lending before the end of the year to bolster Ukraines economic stability.

These funds will be used to support vital public services, including the operation of schools and hospitals, paying salaries to civil servants and funding pensions.

"The UKs support to Ukraine is unwavering. Our commitment of over 600 million worth of support is the latest instalment in our enduring support to Ukraine. This will provide vital support to Ukrainians as they continue to endure relentless Russian attacks," Lammy said.

This years funding includes 100 million in humanitarian assistance to support the most vulnerable Ukrainians, including those living in communities at the frontline of relentless Russian attacks and those displaced to neighbouring countries and communities.

A further 20 million will double this years support for essential repairs and protection of the power grid of Ukraine, restore access to vital energy sources and strengthen Ukraines energy infrastructure.

A total of 40 million will fund stabilisation and early recovery to ensure Ukraine not only wins the war, but can make a head-start on winning the peace. This funding includes vital assistance to Ukraine to resist Russian aggression, support in the stabilisation of recently liberated territories, and funding for the prosecution of those responsible for war crimes committed in Ukraine.

The Foreign Secretary will also announce the first investment in Ukraine by British International Investment, the UKs development finance institute under the G7-initiated Ukraine Investment Platform. This 30 million of support to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Developments (EBRD) Trade Facilitation Programme will support trade flows of critical goods, including food, in Ukraine.

John Healey, UK Defence Secretary, confirmed that air defence missiles, equipment for F16 fighter jets, AS90 self-propelled guns and spare barrels, military boats, and maritime guns had been delivered to Ukraine within the governments commitment to ramp up and speed up deliveries of military support for Ukraine, announced in April.

Healey added that hundreds of additional anti-aircraft missiles, tens of thousands of additional artillery shells and more armoured equipment would be delivered to Ukraine by the end of 2024.

Recently, the European Commission announced the allocation of additional 40 million for Ukraine amid constant Russian attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure.

On 5 September, the Swedish government voted to give an additional 44 million to support heat and power supply in Ukraine.

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Ministers say the deal secures the future of Tata's Port Talbot plant [Getty Images]

The UK government says it has reached a "new and improved deal" with Tata Steel, confirming it will give a 500m grant to the company.

The money will go towards the cost of building a greener electric furnace in Port Talbot, and matches the amount agreed by the previous Conservative government.

About 2,500 workers are set to be made redundant, with a further 300 expected to be made redundant in future.

The Conservatives say Labour had raised false hopes about saving jobs but Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said workers now have more protection, with assurances from Tata on future jobs and investment.

The electric arc furnace will melt scrap steel or iron to produce steel.

Plaid Cymru called the loss of the ability to make new, or virgin, steel a "serious economic blunder" that would "devastate" local communities.

As part of the deal Tata Steel has agreed to look at future investment opportunities, thought to include the potential for wind turbines to be made in south Wales at a new plate mill.

The Community and GMB trade unions called the deal "not something to celebrate" but one that was "better than the devastating plan announced by Tata and the Tories back in September 2023".

Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said the agreement gives "hope for the future of steelmaking in south Wales".

"We know that a cleaner, greener future for UK steelmaking is vital to the industrys long-term economic stability," he said.

"The road ahead is not without its challenges but our steel strategy will set forth a positive vision for the future of the industry, backed by our manifesto commitment to 3bn of government investment."

The government says it will sent out its steel strategy in the spring.

Blast furnaces are closing as Tata Steel transitions to electric furnace steelmaking [Getty Images]

Under the deal Tata will offer staff at risk of compulsory redundancy a "comprehensive training programme" providing "recognised qualifications in sought-after skills". Tata also says it is offering its best ever redundancy package to workers losing their job.

The firm expects at least 500 jobs to be created to construct the electric arc furnace.

The deal was agreed on Tuesday in a meeting between the prime minister, Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds, Chancellor Rachel Reeves, and Tata chair Natarajan Chandrasekaran and confirmed by Reynolds in the House of Commons on Wednesday.

Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens said it "secures the immediate future of Port Talbot steelworks, lays the foundations for future investment, and enhances protections for the workforce across south Wales, all without further cost to the taxpayer".

As well as negotiating a better deal than the previous government, we have already released millions of pounds of funding from the Transition Board to support businesses and workers in Port Talbot and across south Wales.

"While this is a very difficult time for Tata workers, their families and the community, this government is determined to support workers and businesses in our Welsh steel industry, whatever happens."

'Tragic missed opportunity'

In a joint statement, Community general secretary Roy Rickhuss and Gary Smith, general secretary of the GMB, said: "Back in November last year, Community and GMB published the Multi-Union Plan, an alternative approach that would have safeguarded Port Talbot steelmaking and secured a just transition for the workforce.

"Regretfully we couldnt secure the support of all stakeholders for our credible alternative decarbonisation strategy, and ultimately the company rejected the basis of our proposals, representing a tragic missed opportunity.

"Under the circumstances representatives of all the steel unions resolved to negotiate the best possible deal, and then put it to a ballot of the membership. This is what we have done, and voting is underway."

The Conservatives accused Labour of raising false hope that a better deal was on offer, and said the government had finally realised the Tories had done their best to save steelmaking.

Welsh Conservative Senedd member Samuel Kurtz said ministers had been "disingenuous with their promises to the people of Wales and fallen short with their new offer, putting steelworker jobs at risk".

"Unfortunately, there is no new money yet allocated by the Labour government that promised much more during the election campaign," he said.

Plaid Cymru business and trade spokesperson Llinos Medi MP said the losing the capacity to make virgin, steel a "serious economic blunder" that will" devastate the communities of Port Talbot".

Unions have previously called for additional investment of 683m in Port Talbot to save jobs," she said. "Meanwhile Germany has invested 1.3 billion euros in decarbonising steel in one region alone this year.

Can the secretary of state [Reynolds] explain why he wont match the ambition of workers here and governments of other countries to save Welsh steel?

Recently retired steelworker Huw Samuel said the upcoming closure of the second blast furnace will signal the end of an era.

"We did foresee the decarbonisation of the industry. However, I dont think any of us would have predicted how quickly Tata would have made a decision and decided to shut down the coke ovens," he said.

Huw Samuel says its difficult "to see the positives" with so many redundancies [BBC]

The 61-year-old worked in the cold mill at the Port Talbot steelworks from 1986 until August 2023.

Mr Samuel said: "Regrettably, furnace number four is going to shut at the end of September which is a terrible, terrible shock. It is going to leave a massive gulf between the shutting down of the furnaces and the heavy end, and the reinstatement of a new electric arc furnace."

While many of his colleagues were ready to retire, Mr Samuel said many others were young and had families to support.

"Tata pay a good salary, which means you can enjoy it, raise a family and plan for the future.

"That has been taken away," he said.

"The jobs for young adults, men and women, are not going to be there in Port Talbot."

Asked if there were any positives to be taken from Tata Steels commitment to greener steelmaking in Port Talbot, Mr Samuel said he hoped the electric furnace would give people "the opportunity to retrain and upskill themselves".

But he added: "Its very difficult for me to see the positives when there are so many people going to be made redundant."

First Minister Eluned Morgan welcomed confirmation of the deal, saying the Labour Welsh government stood "shoulder-to-shoulder with the UK government in doing all we can to support workers at Tata Steel and provide a new future for steel production in Wales".

"In what continues to be an incredibly unsettling situation for many, we will continue to work with all parties to ensure that workers, suppliers and the wider community are supported as the industry transitions to making the green steel that will be vital to the future of the UK economy," she said.
UK Defence Intelligence has described the cyber activities of Russian military intelligence unit 29155 in a new intelligence update on the Russian-Ukrainian war.

Source: UK Defence Intelligence update dated 11 September, as reported by European Pravda

Details: UK intelligence recalled that on 5 September, the UK National Cyber Security Centre publicly stated that the Russian Military Intelligence (GRU) Unit 29155 has been responsible for cyber operations worldwide since 2020.

At least some of the group's cyber operations were almost certainly aimed at supporting Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Operations have included the WhisperGate destructive wiper malware, used against Ukrainian targets in 2022. Other activities included website damage and network scanning for espionage purposes. WhisperGate was previously attributed to the Russian state; this new report directly links the attack to Unit 29155 .

Unit 29155 is believed to be responsible for coup attempts, sabotage and influence operations, and assassination attempts across Europe. As such, offensive cyber operations mark an evolution in the capabilities of Unit 29155.

This once again underlines the importance that the Russian state attaches to cyberspace in the context of its invasion of Ukraine.

Background:

Germany's BfV intelligence service issued a warning on Monday that a group of cybercriminals belonging to Russian military intelligence Unit 29155 was behind a series of online attacks against NATO and EU countries.

Earlier, the Estonian Internal Security Service (ISS) issued a similar warning about Unit 29155's activities.

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A researcher at the University of Kentucky will lead a multi-institutional team hoping to better prepare the world for the next pandemic.

Scott Berry, an associate professor at UK in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, is the principal investigator on the project that is projected to bring in $18 million in funding over the next seven years.

Researchers will focus on creating accessible technology to monitor changes in the environment across the world, specifically in less developed countries, to predict what pathogens could affect humans.

Pandemics dont respect boundaries. Diseases dont respect sovereign nations. Even if were just focused on the health of the United States, or even just on the health of Kentucky, we really need a global surveillance system, Berry said.

By taking samples from the air, water, ground and other points in the environment, scientists are able to predict upcoming impacts of pathogens which could harm people. In the thick of the COVID pandemic, Berry and other researchers used similar technology to monitor the prevalence of COVID on UKs campus.

But, current technology is costly, meticulous, time consuming and only accessible in rich nations.

The United States and Western Europe boast pretty good coverage, Berry said, but there needs to be more eyes on places where diseases more often manifests.

If you think about a new pandemic  whatever the next COVID-19 is  its probably not going to pop up in Lexington, Kentucky. Its going to pop up in places that have more favorable climates, that have more favorable biodiversity, that have more human animal interaction, he said.

These are, unfortunately, a lot of the countries that dont have great access to health care.

Preparing us for future pandemics

The technology created through the research will aim to be easier and cheaper to use than the current.

Berry said he hopes to see someone load a sample, hit a button and have an immediate answer  like a tricorder in Star Trek. He said the current technology needs five hours of intense molecular biology done by an expert, limiting its reach.

The fundamental idea of identifying something brand new thats emerging is challenging. Sometimes we have an idea of whats coming, and sometimes its completely out of the blue, Berry said.

Through partnership with the Wildlife Conservation Society, Berry wants to hone in on animal surveillance, as well. Noticing a sharp decline in the population of a native species may be a sign that trouble is coming for people, too.

Prior studies have shown good environmental surveillance can predict illness outbreaks an average of five days before people start flooding emergency rooms. Berry said because of the way disease spreads, even having five more days to prepare for an influx of patients can greatly lessen the number of people that die.

I kind of see it like a tornado watch. Some people are going to go into their basement, and some people are going to go on their porch and take pictures, he said.

Even a few days of early warning could be really impactful, as far as what we know about the kinetics of how diseases spread.

Who else will help with the research?

The research team includes scholars from UK, Arizona State University, University of Alaska Anchorage, the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium and the Wildlife Conservation Society Health Program. The group will work as the National Science Foundation Pandemic Environmental Surveillance Center for Assessing Pathogen Emergence, or NSF ESCAPE.

The center is created in name only and will not have a physical location. Berry said the collaborative nature of the center will make it easier for people to focus on their strengths to create the most effective technology possible.

For example, rather than engineers trying to spread a message, health communication professionals will take on the brunt of that effort.

I think its really important to have good messaging, and I think the failure of messaging during the COVID-19 pandemic kind of highlighted that, Berry said.

We kind of turned this into a big political issue when it didnt need to be and I think weve learned from that.
By Alistair Smout

LONDON (Reuters) -British Prime Minister Keir Starmer promised on Thursday to deliver a 10-year plan to fix the National Health Service, saying there would be no more money without reform to a system an independent report found to be in critical condition.

The state-run NHS has been in crisis and endured some of its toughest winters in recent years, struggling to recover from the impacts of COVID-19, long backlogs for elective procedures and industrial action.

Starmer, whose Labour Party won a landslide victory in a July election, said the NHS needed "major surgery not sticking plaster solutions" to cope with the rising costs of looking after an ageing population without hiking taxes.

"Working people can't afford to pay more, so it's reform or die," Starmer said, adding he knew the changes would not be universally popular.

"Only fundamental reform and a plan for the long term can turn around the NHS and build a healthy society. That won't be easy, it won't be quick. It will take a 10-year plan."

He offered few details of the plan, or when a concrete blueprint would be released.

Starmer has said the previous Conservative government "broke the NHS", part of an inheritance he describes as one of the worst across the board from prisons to immigration.

The damning report by Ara Darzi, a surgeon who sits in the House of Lords upper house of parliament, found the NHS entered the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 with resilience at an "all-time low", due to a lack of investment and a confused top-down reorganisation in the decade beforehand.

"Far too many people are waiting for too long and in too many clinical areas, quality of care has gone backwards," Darzi said.

The nation's poor health also has a knock-on effect on the economy, Starmer said, with Britain's labour market suffering from the 2.8 million people who are economically inactive due to long-term sickness.

Starmer said he wanted to frame the new plan around shifting the NHS from analogue to digital, putting more care in the community, and a focus on preventing people getting sick.

The Conservatives said they agreed investment had to be married with reform but that Starmer missed an opportunity to announce meaningful plans. Health policy chief Victoria Atkins said: "They need to move from rhetoric to action."

(Reporting by Alistair SmoutEditing by Elizabeth Piper and Andrew Heavens)
The U.K. has sanctioned 10 Russian vessels that are part of the "shadow fleet" of ships that transport Russian oil around the world, the U.K. Foreign Office announced on Sept. 11.

Russia's "shadow fleet" is a group of older and often uninsured vessels used by Russia to ship out its oil while avoiding international sanctions imposed in 2022 as part of the effort to cut Moscow's fossil fuel revenue.

"Russia has been forced to spend over $8 billion amassing this shadow fleet," Foreign Secretary David Lammy said.

Under sanctions, the tankers will be unable to load oil, helping "counter Russian attempts to undermine and dodge economic sanctions," Lammy said.

The Foreign Office said that previous sanctions against similar vessels have left ships "idling in ports, disrupting a vital source of revenue for Putin's war machine." The U.K. has now sanctioned 25 vessels considered part of the "shadow fleet."

The Foreign Office described the newly sanctioned vessels as "high-volume offenders," which operate "around the clock to transport as much Russian oil as possible."

Three of the ships have together carried over $5 billion worth of Russian oil since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022.

"Russia's oil exports are Putin's most critical revenue source for funding his illegal war in Ukraine, accounting for roughly a quarter of the Russian budget in 2023," the Foreign Office said.

The Russian government expects oil and gas revenues to rise by 21% year-on-year to 10.7 trillion rubles ($120 billion) in 2024.

Read also: Opinion: Russias shadow fleet strategy draws from Irans playbook

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Ukraine and Lithuania signed a memorandum of cooperation in the defence sector on Wednesday.

Source: Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda on X (Twitter), as reported by European Pravda

The memorandum was signed during the Defence Industry Forum in Kyiv, Nauseda noted.

Quote: "Employment in the defence industry is growing, and high-tech and engineering are helping develop modern battlefield solutions. United efforts will lead to Ukraine's victory!" Nauseda wrote.

The Lithuanian presidents press office specified that the memorandum of understanding regarding defence cooperation between Lithuania and Ukraine was signed by the Lithuanian and Ukrainian confederations of industrialists.

Opened the Defence Industry Forum in Kyiv where a memorandum on - defence cooperation was signed.



Employment in the defence industry is growing, and high-tech & engineering are helping develop modern battlefield solutions.



United efforts will lead to Ukraine's victory! pic.twitter.com/BsC0LvhajC  Gitanas Nauseda (@GitanasNauseda) September 11, 2024

In his speech at the forum, Nauseda emphasised that Ukraines victory is "our only choice, and we must do everything possible and impossible to ensure Ukraines victory."

The Lithuanian President said that achieving victory requires mobilising defence potential to equip well-prepared troops on the front lines, as well as developing new technologies, armaments, warfare methods, and innovative approaches.

Background:

Nauseda also spoke at the Crimea Platform summit, where he called for not becoming accustomed to systemic human rights violations by Russia in occupied Crimea.

On 11 September, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda and Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina paid visits to Kyiv.

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Key developments on Sept. 11:

Blinken, Lammy visit Ukraine as Kyiv awaits decision on long-range strikes

Russia claims counterattack against Ukraine in Kursk Oblast

Trump refuses to answer if he believes Ukraine's victory is in US interests

Russia claims drone attacks on Murmansk Oblast, 1,500 km from Ukraine

West wants Ukraine to set realistic war goals for next year, WSJ reports

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and U.K. Foreign Secretary David Lammy arrived in Ukraine on Sept. 11 to meet President Volodymyr Zelensky and other top Ukrainian officials.

Their arrival came amid mounting calls for the Biden administration to lift restrictions on long-range strikes deep inside Russia to allow Ukraine to better respond to Russian attacks.

When asked whether U.S. President Joe Biden is considering repealing the restrictions in an interview with Sky News, Blinken said: "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."

Ukraine has received shipments of long-range ATACMS and Storm Shadow missiles from the U.S. and the U.K., but the two countries did not permit their use inside Russian territory.

While announcing the visit on Sept. 10, the U.S. and other Western partners confirmed previous reports that Iran has supplied ballistic missiles to Russia, becoming the second country to do so after North Korea.

During a press conference in Kyiv, Blinken and Lammy were asked whether there remain fears the war will escalate if Kyiv is allowed to carry out long-range strikes inside Russia.

"We've seen Russia now escalate its attacks inside Ukraine on civilians, on energy infrastructure, as well as on the Ukrainian military," Blinken responded.

"If anyone is taking escalatory action, it would appear to be Mr. Putin and Russia," Blinken said.

"It is Putin who has escalated this week with the shipment of missiles from Iran," Lammy added, urging China "not to throw their lot in with this group of renegades."

According to President Volodymyr Zelensky, there is no confirmation yet that Russia has used the weapons against Ukraine.

Read also: UK announces new $781 million aid package for Ukraine

Trump refuses to answer if he believes Ukraine's victory is in US interests

When asked at the U.S. presidential debate on Sept. 10 about Russia's full-scale invasion and whether Ukraine being victorious was in the best interests of the U.S., former President Donald Trump refused to answer and instead pivoted.

"I think it's in the U.S.'s best interest to get this war finished and just get it done. Negotiate a deal," Trump said.

The former president also reiterated previous statements that his primary concern was ending the war but refrained from detailing how he planned to do so.

Responding to a direct question about his proposed plan to negotiate an end to the full-scale war, Trump again declined to give any specifics.

In contrast, Vice President Kamala Harris mentioned the sanctity of sovereignty and international borders as one of the most crucial elements of global rules and norms and again pledged to support Ukraine.

Harris criticized Trump's position on Ukraine, saying, "I believe the reason that Donald Trump says that this war would be over within 24 hours is because he would just give it up. And that's not who we are as Americans."

Read also: Trump refuses to say he wants Ukrainian victory, Harris accuses him of surrender in presidential debate

Russia claims drone attacks on Murmansk Oblast 1,500 km from Ukraine

Russian regional authorities claimed on Sept. 11 that Murmansk Oblast behind the Arctic Circle came under a drone attack, necessitating temporary flight restrictions.

Murmansk Oblast lies some 1,500 kilometers (930 miles) from Ukraine and at the Russian borders with Finland and Norway.

It hosts the Olenya Airbase, where Russian strategic bombers used in strikes against Ukraine are stationed, as well as the Severomorsk naval base of the Russian Northern Fleet.

The regional governor, Andrey Chibis, claimed on his Telegram channel at 2:10 p.m. local time that three drones were downed over Murmansk Oblast. The airports of Murmansk and Apatity were temporarily closed, he added.

There is currently no information on possible damage or casualties.

Reports of drone sightings in Murmansk Oblast near Severomorsk emerged on Russian Telegram channels earlier on Sept. 11. Ukraine has not commented on the claims, which could not be independently verified.

Kyiv has carried out a number of drone attacks against Russian infrastructure facilities and military installations throughout the full-scale war, hoping to undermine Russian invasion forces in Ukraine.

The Ukrainian military intelligence agency (HUR) claimed in July that two Russian Tu-22M3 bombers were damaged in an attack against the Olenya airbase.

Read also: Russia investigating freight train derailment in Belgorod Oblast as terrorist attack

West wants Ukraine to set realistic war goals for next year, WSJ reports

While publicly backing Kyiv's plan to retake all of its territories, Western officials also want Ukraine to set more realistic goals for the next year, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on Sept. 11.

Citing undisclosed official sources, the outlet wrote that the Western countries call for a pragmatic strategy that could be more easily sold to voters at home amid signs of growing fatigue.

The stability of the long-term support from the U.S., Ukraine's key military backer, is in doubt as the presidential election draws near. Some fear that if he wins the race, Republican candidate Donald Trump might press Ukraine to cede territory to achieve a quicker resolution to the war.

Discussions about a negotiated settlement have become more common in recent months as Russia grinds on in Donbas, with little sign of Kyiv being able to retake the lost territory soon.

Senior European officials told the WSJ that a full Ukraine victory would require the West to commit hundreds of billions of dollars worth of aid, which partners are not ready to do.

President Volodymyr Zelensky said he is visiting the U.S. later this month to present President Joe Biden with a victory plan. Ukraine's head of state also aims to discuss it with the two presidential candidates, Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris.

While the details of the plan were not divulged, Zelensky said that one of the key points was Ukraine's incursion into Kursk Oblast as a form of pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The cross-border offensive surprised Western partners and achieved tactical success, allegedly seizing some 1,300 square kilometers of territory. Despite the operation, Russia maintains its pressure in Ukraine's east, and recent reports suggest that Moscow launched a new counterattack in Kursk Oblast.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, whose country is the leading European donor to Ukraine, recently called for a speedier resolution to the war. The chancellor also said that both he and Zelensky agree on the need to include Russia in future peace negotiations.

Kyiv has said it aims to invite Russia for an upcoming second peace summit, though Moscow has shown no interest in accepting the invitation. Western officials told the WSJ that despite Putin claiming openness to peace talks, he is not acting in good faith and continues to believe in military victory in Ukraine.

Moscow named Ukraine giving up on occupied territory and ceding additional ground as conditions for talks. In turn, Kyiv's 10-point peace formula includes a complete Russian withdrawal from the country.

Read also: Russia has committed 137,000 war crimes in Ukraine, Zelensky says

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Ukraine's energy minister says sanctions should be imposed in response to Russian attacks on energy facilities

Sanctions, especially targeting Russia's nuclear power sector, should be the response to the Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure.

Source: Ukraine's Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko during the 9th Annual Conference on Energy Security in Central and Eastern Europe, organised by the Atlantic Council

Details: "It's of utmost importance to say that all the bombardments, destruction, and everything that the terrorist state of Russia has done in Ukraine requires a tough response. And this response is sanctions," he said.

The minister stressed that there is no other way to respond quickly to this Russian terror, so it is essential to impose sanctions on all areas of the Kremlin's energy sector.

"And this applies not only to gas, not only to oil and coal, but it is also imperative to impose sanctions against the nuclear sector," said Halushchenko.

Background: Russian forces targeted civilian energy infrastructure in Donetsk, Poltava, Sumy and Kharkiv oblasts over the past 24 hours.

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Ukrainian air defence forces shoot down 20 Shahed drones in six oblasts, five more UAVs lost

Russian troops attacked Ukraine with an Iskander-M ballistic missile, two S-300 anti-aircraft guided missiles, six Kh-31P anti-aircraft missiles and 25 Shahed attack UAVs on the night of 10-11 September.

Source: Air Force Command on Telegram

Quote: "As a result of the anti-aircraft battle, 20 attack UAVs were shot down, and five enemy drones disappeared from radar on the territory of Ukraine (no information on casualties or damage was received)."

Details: Aircraft, anti-aircraft missile troops, mobile firing groups and electronic warfare units of the Ukrainian defence forces were involved in repelling the Russian air attack.

Air defences were responding in Kyiv, Kherson, Cherkasy, Sumy, Dnipropetrovsk and Poltava oblasts.

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Two new polls show Vice President Kamala Harris with a decisive lead over former president Donald Trump in Virginia, where earlier polling by different groups using different techniques showed a dead heat.

The Washington Post/Schar School poll, using the largest sample to date, said Harris led Trump by eight percentage points, while a new Morning Consult poll gave her a 10-percentage point lead.

Democrats have carried Virginia in the last four presidential elections, but Trump has asserted that he will fight for Virginia's 13 electoral votes and the state GOP has asserted that the state is in play. Trump held rallies in Richmond in March and in Chesapeake in June, but has not been back, other than stopping at a Falls Church restaurant Aug. 26 with Hung Cao, the GOP nominee for U.S. Senate.

Harris' husband, second gentleman Doug Emhoff, spoke at Rep. Bobby Scott's Labor Day picnic in Newport News. Harris' running mate, Tim Walz, and his wife, Gwen, attended an Aug. 30 fundraiser at the McLean home of former Gov. Terry McAuliffe. Gwen Walz also spoke at an Aug. 30 teacher appreciation event in Prince William County.

Harris led Trump by 50% to 42% of voters surveyed in the Schar School poll, when asked about their choice between them and all the third-party candidates who will be on the Virginia ballot. Voters who favored the third parties or didnt express an opinion when asked whether they preferred Harris or Trump favored Harris 51% to 43%.

The Morning Consult poll said Harris had a 52% to 42% lead over Trump in Virginia.

Both results were outside the polls margins of error, unlike results of last months Roanoke College poll and a July New York Times poll that tested Virginia voters preferences for President Joe Biden versus Trump before Bidens withdrawal from the race. Both of those polls both gave the Democrats a modest edge, and a July Virginia Commonwealth University poll gave Trump a lead over Biden that was within its margin of error.

Harris' lead in the Schar poll is in line with patterns in recent Virginia elections, said John McGlennon, a political scientist at the College of William and Mary.

The notion of Virginia in play doesnt seem likely. Trump has never been particularly popular in Virginia, which tends to be less populist overall," he said. "The Project 2025 call for shifting the federal workforce away from D.C. just reduces his appeal that much more."

Biden beat Trump in Virginia by 10 percentage points in 2020. Democrat Hillary Clinton beat Trump in Virginia by five percentage points in 2016.

On the issues

Voters told the Schar School survey that the economy and protecting American democracy were the most important issues in this election.

A majority of respondents said they thought Harris would do a better job on these issues than Trump  by 47% to 43% on the economy and 48% to 42% on protecting democracy.

Asked about abortion and health care, a majority said Harris would do better, by 52% to 30% on abortion and 48% to 38% on health care.

On immigration, crime and safety and helping middle class workers, results were less clear:

Trump did better on immigration  46% to 43%  and crime and safety  46% to 43%  but the split was within the polls margin of error. Harris did better on helping the middle class  46% to 45%  but again, within the margin of error.

It is striking that Harris is preferred over Trump on almost every issue, or at worst is statistically tied, Mark Rozell, dean of George Mason Universitys Schar School of Policy and Government, said in an email.

This is in contrast to national polls that show Trump preferred on the economy, fighting crime, and especially immigration. Virginians are just not where the country is right now on these two candidates, he said.

Virginia does not look competitive this year, so the election clearly will be about the expected six or seven states that are competitive, Rozell said.

Senate race, Youngkin

In Virginia's U.S. Senate race, voters preferred Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., over Cao, with 53% favoring Kaine to 41% for Cao.

The poll results showed Virginians approval of the way Biden and Gov. Glenn Youngkin handled their responsibilities was modestly above where they stood in the schools October poll, through the differences are within the latest polls margin of error.

Very notable in the poll is that despite intensified polarization, Virginians come to very different judgments about three Republicans  Trump, Cao, and Youngkin," Rozell said. "Even while Virginians appear to be rejecting both Trump and especially Cao, they have generally positive views of Gov. Youngkin, Rozell said.

Trump had a favorability rating of 39% and 53% viewed him unfavorably. Harris was viewed favorably by 49% and unfavorably by 42%.

The survey found that 46% approve of Biden's performance as president, while 50% disapprove.

It found that 57% approve of Youngkin's job performance as governor, while 34% disapprove.

Some 65% of Virginia voters surveyed told the Schar poll that abortion should be legal in all cases or most cases and 52% said most undocumented immigrants should be offered a chance to apply for legal status.

Counting the ballots

Meanwhile 82% of voters said they are confident Virginia election officials will count ballots accurately, 64% said Biden won the 2020 election and 56% said Trump bears a great deal or a good amount of responsibility for the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol to overturn the 2020 election.

The Morning Consult poll, meanwhile, did not find the gender gap among Virginia voters that national surveys have reported is widening: both men and women in Virginia favored Harris over Trump 52% to 42%

While 92% of Democrats surveyed told Morning Consult that theyd vote for Harris and 92% of Republicans said theyd vote for Trump, independents split 48% to 40% for Harris.

The Washington Post-Schar School poll was conducted by telephone September 4-8, 2024, among a random sample of 1,005 registered voters in Virginia, with 65 percent reached by live callers on cellphones, 14 percent on landlines and 21 percent cellphone text to-web. With its weighting to reflect Virginia demographics, the poll has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.5 percentage points, which means a poll surveying the same number of voters the same way and weighting results similarly would yield results within that range 95% of the time.

Of those surveyed 31% said they considered themselves Democrats, 28% said they were Republicans and 30%, independents. Voters responding were 47% male and 53% female, 67% white and 18% Black, with 36% in Northern Virginia, 20% in western Virginia, 25% in Richmond and surrounding areas and 19% in Tidewater Virginia.

The Morning Consult poll was of at least 498 voters and said its results were within margin of error of from plus or minus 2 percentage points to plus or minus 4 percentage points.
Ukrainian bishop of Crimea who serves in military assaulted in Kyiv

Metropolitan Kliment of Crimea and Simferopol of the autocephalous Orthodox Church of Ukraine, who currently serves in the Armed Forces, was beaten up by unknown assailants in Kyiv on Sept. 10, a church official confirmed for Suspilne.

Kliment visited Kyiv for the fourth summit of the Crimean Platform, an international consultation and coordination format aimed at ensuring the liberation of the peninsula from Russian occupation.

The bishop was reportedly on his way toward the St. Michael's Monastery in central Kyiv when he was stopped and physically assaulted by three people at around 11 p.m. on Sept. 10.

Journalist Andrii Tsaplienko shared a photo of Kliment, showing his bruised and bloodied face after the assault. Initial reports about the incident were later confirmed for the media by Andrii Shchekun, an official at the Crimean Diocese of the OCU.

Kliment believes that it was a premeditated and carefully planned assault as it took place outside of view of surveillance cameras.

The National Police said they are examining the incident and that an "investigative and operational group was dispatched to talk to the victim and establish all circumstances."

Law enforcement sources confirmed for Ukrinform that a senior church representative was assaulted near St. Michael's Monastery. They did not confirm Kliment's assertion that it was a premeditated attack.

The Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) suffers heavy repressions by Russian authorities in occupied Crimea, with priests being forced to leave and church premises being confiscated. Moscow illegally seized the peninsula in 2014.

Religious experts told the Kyiv Independent in April that the OCU has virtually ceased to exist in Crimea. Russia has cracked down on various independent religious organizations in occupied territories, instead promoting the Russian Orthodox Church and its local branch, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate.

Ukraine recently passed a law banning religious organizations subordinate to the Russian church, creating pressure on the Moscow Patriarchate's communities to sever their ties with Russia.

Serving as the Metropolitan of Crimea and Simferopol since 2013, Kliment has been a vocal advocate for the rights of Crimean Tatars and Ukrainians in the occupied peninsula.

Read also: Faith under fire: Russias war on religion in Ukraines occupied territories

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By Michelle Nichols

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - A lack of accountability for the killing of United Nations staff and humanitarian aid workers in the Gaza Strip is "totally unacceptable," U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told Reuters in a wide-ranging interview on Wednesday.

Guterres also said that establishing a U.N. peacekeeping force would not be the "best solution" for Haiti, where armed gangs have taken over much of the capital and expanded to surrounding areas, fueling a humanitarian crisis with mass displacements, sexual violence and widespread hunger.

Ahead of the annual meeting of world leaders at the U.N. General Assembly later this month, Guterres summed up the past year as "very tough, very difficult."

It has been dominated by the war in Gaza, which began just two weeks after leaders left New York following last year's assembly when Palestinian Hamas militants killed 1,200 people and took about 250 hostages in a cross-border rampage into Israel, according to Israeli tallies.

Describing Israel's retaliation against Hamas in Gaza - where local health officials say some 41,000 Palestinians have been killed since the war began - Guterres said there have been "very dramatic violations of the international humanitarian law and the total absence of an effective protection of civilians."

"What's happening in Gaza is totally unacceptable," he said.

The Israeli military says it takes steps to reduce the risk of harm to civilians and that at least a third of the Palestinian fatalities in Gaza are militants. It accuses Hamas of using Palestinian civilians as human shields, which Hamas denies.

Nearly 300 humanitarian aid workers, more than two-thirds of them U.N. staff, have also been killed during the conflict, according to the U.N. Guterres said there should be an effective investigation and accountability for their deaths.

"We have courts, but we see that the decisions of courts are not respected, and it is this kind of limbo of accountability that is totally unacceptable and that requires also a serious a serious reflection," Guterres said.

The top U.N. court - the International Court of Justice - said in July that Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories and settlements is illegal and should be withdrawn. The 193-member U.N. General Assembly is likely to vote next week on a draft resolution that would give Israel a six-month deadline to do so.

Guterres said he has not spoken with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu - who has long accused the U.N. of being anti-Israel - since the deadly Hamas attack in Israel on Oct. 7 last year. The pair met in person at the U.N. a year ago and Guterres said he would do so again - if Netanyahu asked.

"I have not talked to him because he didn't pick up my phone calls, but I have no reason not to speak with him," Guterres said. "So if he comes to New York and he asks to see me, I will be very glad to see him."

When asked if Netanyahu planned to meet with Guterres on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly, Israel's U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon said that Netanyahu's schedule hasn't been finalized yet.

HAITI 'SCANDAL'

Guterres' described the current state of the world as "chaotic." He said the conflict in Gaza and Russia's war in Ukraine were "stuck with no peaceful solutions in sight."

When asked about Western accusations that North Korea and Iran are now providing Russia with weapons, Guterres said: "Any expansion of war in Ukraine is an absolutely dramatic development."

Iran has rejected the Western accusations, while North Korea has denied the allegations against it. U.N. sanctions monitors said in April that debris from a missile that landed in the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv on Jan. 2 was from a North Korean Hwasong-11 series ballistic missile.

In Haiti, a U.N.-backed international force has been slow to deploy - after Haiti asked for help in 2022 - and lacks funds. The United States wants the U.N. Security Council to ask the U.N. for a plan to transition the force into a U.N. peacekeeping operation.

"I don't think peacekeeping is the best solution in a situation like this ... peacekeeping means to keep the peace, and that's not exactly the situation we have Haiti," Guterres said. "I find it a scandal that it has been so difficult to mobilize funds for such a dramatic situation."

TRUMP LOOMS

Guterres' first five-year term as secretary-general coincided with the U.S. presidency of Donald Trump, who cut funding to the international body, calling it weak and incompetent. Trump is again the Republican president nominee and will face off against Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris in the Nov. 5 election.

"We are ready to work in all circumstances in defense of the values of the (founding U.N.) charter and of the values of the U.N.," Guterres said when asked if the world body had a contingency plan for a possible second Trump administration.

During his first term in office Trump also withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Agreement, an international pact to fight climate change, and Trump's campaign said he would do it again if he wins in November. The U.S. is currently a full participant in the accord after President Joe Biden swiftly rejoined in 2021.

"It will survive. But, of course, it will probably survive severely undermined," Guterres said of a second withdrawal from the pact by a potential Trump administration. Guterres has long pushed for stronger action to fight climate change.

With abortion rights a key topic in the U.S. election, Guterres said the U.S. voice was "obviously very important" at the United Nations when it came to the issue of women's sexual and reproductive rights as well as health.

Under Trump's presidency, the U.S. opposed long-agreed international language on women's sexual and reproductive rights and health in U.N. resolutions over concern that it would advance abortion rights.

Trump also cut funding in 2017 for the U.N. Population Fund because his administration said it "supports, or participates in the management of, a program of coercive abortion or involuntary sterilization." The U.N. said that was an inaccurate perception.

(Reporting by Michelle Nichols, editing by Deepa Babington)
UNC System eliminates dozens of positions as campus DEI initiatives come to an end

The University of North Carolina Chapel Hill (Photo by Eros Hoagland/Getty Images)

North Carolinians are getting their first look at the impact of the UNC Systems decision to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs from its campuses.

The UNC Board of Governors voted in May to repeal the policy in favor of principled neutrality. Campuses within the system had until September 1st to issue reports on how they followed the new directive, detailing the steps taken to achieve that compliance.

Andrew Tripp, the UNC Systems senior vice president and general counsel, told the Board of Governors on Wednesday that a total of 59 positions had been eliminated and 131 were realigned to other areas.

I believe the reports on their face document significant effort by each campus to reemphasize student success, employ well-being and institutional neutrality, Tripp said.

Andrew Tripp

Larger campuses had more work to remove DEI initiatives, while the smaller campuses less so, according to Tripp.

The so-called Equality Certification reported savings of $17 million by eliminating specific DEI initiatives.

More than $16 million of that $17 million has been redirected to student success efforts.

The largest cuts were seen at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where 20 positions were eliminated and 27 realigned, saving the school $5.3 million.

At NC State, eight positions were eliminated and 29 realigned.

Job descriptions, the missions of student support centers, employee training, and the programmatic content presented to students changed, Tripp explained in detailing some of the changes. Some campuses have already scrubbed their websites; others are continuing to do that. That is a Herculean task that will continue for sure.

At Appalachian State University, the schools Intercultural Student Affairs Office was eliminated and a new center for student success and community was created.

No longer will App State provide dedicated space to specific identity-based student groups. Instead, all student organizations will fall under their Office of Campus Activities, said Tripp.

At UNC-Asheville, the school has redirected DEI funds to beefing up curricular support for the education programs tasked with producing teachers that can be licensed in North Carolina.

Joel Ford

Board member Joel Ford, who is Black and voted no in abandoning the diversity and equity policy in May, said he still had reservations about how the public, specifically minority students, may view the new neutrality policy.

When we went through this exercise of the repeal and replace, Im not sure it was clear to the public, that our institutions still have the ability to attract and retain minority students, that all of our institutions are making sure that everyone is welcome and were being inclusive, said Ford.

Ford said System President Peter Hans needed to step up and make sure the public understands the university system is committed to remaining open to all.

It is our job and responsibility to educate everyone and to do our best to retain and graduate them with as little amount of debt as possible, Ford stressed.

Hans reassured Ford that their mission and commitment had not changed.

That remains our obligation under federal law, state law, and our moral obligation as well. said Hans.

Click below to view the cuts in DEI programs at individual college campuses in the UNC system.

Editors note: The UNC System updated its figures late Wednesday to 131 positions realigned. Initial the system reported 132 positions.

equality-policy-statistics
Kamala Harris won the debate.

The banner headline across the top of the New York Times home page  Harris Puts Trump on Defensive in Fierce Debate  was accurate enough. But despite the good news for people understandably eager for Trump to be defeated, the Harris debate performance was a moral and political tragedy.

"An estimated 40,000 Palestinians are dead, ABC News moderator Linsey Davis said. Nearly 100 hostages remain. . . . President Biden has not been able to break through the stalemate. How would you do it?

Vice President Harris replied with her standard wording on the war: Israel has a right to defend itself. We would. And how it does so matters. Because it is also true far too many innocent Palestinians have been killed. Children, mothers. What we know is that this war must end. It must when, end immediately, and the way it will end is we need a ceasefire deal and we need the hostages out.

End immediately? Anyone who isnt in fantasyland knows that the only way to soon end the slaughter of Palestinian civilians would be for the U.S. government  the overwhelmingly biggest supplier of Israels armaments  to stop sending weapons to Israel.

Meanwhile, a pivot to advocating for a cutoff of weapons to Israel would help Harris win the presidency. After the debate, the Institute for Middle East Understanding pointed out that the need to halt the weapons is not only moral and legal  its also smart politics. Polls are clear that most Americans want to stop arming Israel. In swing states, polling has found that a large number of voters say theyd be more likely to cast a ballot for Harris if she would support a halt.

What Kamala Harris and Donald Trump said about Israel and Gaza in their debate was predictable. Even more certain was what they absolutely would not say  with silences speaking loudest of all. Great is truth, but still greater, from a practical point of view, is silence about truth, Aldous Huxley wrote, describing the greatest triumphs of propaganda.

By coincidence, the debate happened on the same date as the publication of a new afterword about the Gaza war in the paperback edition of my book War Made Invisible. To fill in for the debates abysmal silences, here are a few quotes from the afterword about the ongoing carnage:

After the atrocities that Hamas committed on Oct. 7, the U.S. government quickly stepped up military aid to Israel as it implemented atrocities on a much larger scale. In truth, as time went on, the entire Israeli war in Gaza amounted to one gigantic atrocity with uncountable aspects." As with the steady massacres with bombs and bullets in Gaza since early October, the Israeli-U.S. alliance treated the increasing onset of starvation, dehydration, and fatal disease as a public-relations problem.

In the war zone, eyewitness reporting and photojournalism were severely hindered if not thwarted by the Israeli military, which has a long record of killing journalists.

Although the credibility of Israels government tumbled as the Gaza war dragged on, the brawny arms of the Israel lobby  and the overall atmospheric pressure of media and politics  pushed legislators to approve new military aid. . . . Official pronouncements  and the policies they tried to justify  were deeply anchored in the unspoken premise that some lives really matter and some really dont.

The United States persisted in violating not only the U.S. Conventional Arms Transfer Policy but also numerous other legal requirements including the Foreign Assistance Act, the Arms Export Control Act, the U.S. War Crimes Act, the Leahy Law, the Genocide Convention Implementation Act, and several treaties. For U.S. power politics, the inconvenient precepts in those measures were as insignificant and invisible as the Palestinian people being slaughtered.

What was sinister about proclaiming Israels 9/11 was what happened after Americas 9/11. Wearing the cloak of victim, the United States proceeded to use the horrible tragedy that occurred inside its borders as an open-ended reason to kill in the name of retaliation, self- protection, and, of course, the war on terror. It was a playbook that the Israeli government adapted and implemented with vengeance.

Israels war on 2.2 million people in Gaza has been a supercharged escalation of what Israel had been doing for 75 years, treating human beings as suitable for removal and even destruction. As Israels war on Gaza has persisted, the explanations often echoed the post-9/11 rationales for the war on terror from the U.S. government: authorizing future crimes against humanity as necessary in the light of certain prior events.

That and so much more  left unsaid from the debate stage, dodged in U.S. mass media and evaded from the podiums of power in Washington  indict not only the Israeli government but also the U.S. government as an accomplice to mass murder that has escalated into genocide.

Silence is a blanket that smothers genuine democratic discourse and the outcries of moral voices. Making those voices inaudible is a key goal for the functioning of the warfare state.
CHICAGO - A group of undecided voters gathered in Chicago's Loop during the presidential debate Tuesday night, where their physical reactions were studied using neurometric testing.

This is the second collaboration between IPSOS and MediaScience to track voter responses. Eight undecided voters were equipped with heart rate monitors and skin response sensors, and their facial expressions were analyzed throughout the debate.

"In the NeuroQube, there are three things that really important. The first one is that theres a camera that records their facial expressions," said IPSOS market research expert Elizabeth Jarosz.

The goal is to record various emotional responses  such as boredom or heightened interest  in an attempt to track voter behavior.

"Most measures of debates look at the very rational level, like you ask people questions, who won the debate? Whats really interesting about our measures is we measure emotion directly. People actually lack access to their own emotional journey, they dont know what theyre really experiencing so you cant ask them those questions  you want to measure them directly," said Duane Varan, CEO, MediaScience. "And you never know whether its going to be about whats happening with the Democrats, whether its whats happening with the Republicans, or whether its whats happening with undecided voters, so you want to have every measurement under the sun at your disposal."

After the debate, five voters participated in a focus group to offer further insight into their reactions. Jarosz emphasized that the analysis focused on voters who remain undecided.

"The number one most important thing was to make sure that we found undecided voters. I painstakingly searched for people who were truly, truly undecided. And I made sure half of them were sort of leaning in Harris' direction and half of them were leaning in Trump's direction, so I could get like a good mix," said Jarosz.

In addition to on-site testing, roughly 300 voters in key swing states provided real-time feedback during the debate through at-home dial testing.

Tune in to GDC on FOX 32 Wednesday morning where Jarosz will be a featured guest to share details about the post-debate focus group and whether those undecided voters were swayed.
(Removes errant word at start of first paragraph)

By Helen Coster and Tim Reid

(Reuters) - Kamala Harris was widely seen as dominating Tuesday's presidential debate against Republican former president Donald Trump, but a group of undecided voters remained unconvinced that the Democratic vice president was the better candidate.

Reuters interviewed 10 people who were still unsure how they were going to vote in the Nov. 5 election before they watched the debate. Six said afterward they would now either vote for Trump or were leaning toward backing him. Three said they would now back Harris and one was still unsure how he would vote.

Harris and Trump are in a tight race and the election will likely be decided by just tens of thousands of votes in a handful of battleground states, many of whom are swing voters like the undecided voters who spoke to Reuters.

Although the sample size was small, the responses suggested Harris might need to provide more detailed policy proposals to win over voters who have yet to make up their minds.

Five said they found Harris vague during the more than 90-minute debate on how she would improve the U.S. economy and deal with the high cost of living, a top concern for voters.

The encounter was particularly important for Harris, with a weekend New York Times/Siena College opinion poll showing that more than a quarter of likely voters feel they do not know enough about her, in contrast to the well-known Trump.

The Trump converts said they trusted him more on the economy, even though all said they did not like him as a person. They said their personal financial situation had been better when he was president between 2017-2021. Some singled out his proposal to tax foreign imports, although economists say that is likely to raise prices.

Four of those six also said Harris did not convince them she would pursue different economic policies than Democratic President Joe Biden, a Democrat they largely blame for the high cost of living.

"I still don't know what she is for," said Mark Kadish, 61, an entrepreneur in Florida. "There was no real meat and bones for her plans."

Four of the voters are women and six are men; eight are white and two are Black. All have voted for both Democratic and Republican candidates in the past.

Harris did mention some policy specifics, including her plan to offer tax benefits to families and small businesses. But she focused much of the debate on attacking Trump rather than laying out detailed policies.

Robert Wheeler, 48, a security firm executive in Nevada, was leaning toward Harris before the debate. He now says if the election were held tomorrow he would vote for Trump, largely because he thought Harris didn't provide clarity on her policies.

"I felt like the whole debate was Kamala Harris telling me why not to vote for Donald Trump instead of why she's the right candidate," Wheeler said.

But Meredith Marshall, who is self-employed and lives in Los Angeles, said she was now for Harris. She said she had hoped to hear more about the economy from the vice president, but still liked her plan to help small business owners.

(Reporting by Tim Reid and Helen Coster, Editing by Ross Colvin and Howard Goller)
Originally appeared on E! Online

When police showed up at the house in Moscow, Idaho, in response to a call about a roommate who wouldn't wake up, what they found on Nov. 13, 2022, was a scene straight out of a horror movie.

Two University of Idaho students had been stabbed to death in bed on the second floor and two more had met the same fate one flight up.

The deceased were soon identified as Kaylee Goncalves, 21; Madison Mogen, 21; Xana Kernodle, 20; and Xana's boyfriend Ethan Chapin, 20. The three young women lived there and Ethan had been spending the night.

Autopsies concluded all four deaths were homicides caused by multiple stab wounds. Authorities said some of the victims had defensive wounds, indicating they fought for their lives.

Two other roommates, Bethany Funke and Dylan Mortensen, were uninjured. Bethany told police she was asleep on the basement level of the home and didn't hear the attacks. Dylan, meanwhile, was on the second floor and told authorities that shortly after 4 a.m. she heard what she thought was Kaylee playing with her dog upstairs and then later say something that sounded like, "There's someone here."

Celebrity Deaths: 2022's Fallen Stars

More from E! Online

Poking her head out of her bedroom door a bit later, she told police she thought she heard crying coming from Xana's room and a male voice say, "It's ok, I'm going to help you." Peeking into the hallway a third time, Dylan said, she saw a male figure wearing black, with a mask covering his mouth and nose, and he walked right by her.

Bryan Christopher Kohberger, who at the time of his Dec. 30, 2022, arrest was a doctoral candidate at Washington State University, is awaiting trial. Latah County District Judge John Judge entered a not guilty plea on his behalf to four counts of murder and a burglary charge in the deaths of the four students.

On Sept. 9, Judge ruled that Kohberger's murder trialtentatively set to begin in June 2025should be moved out of the county where the killings took place, citing the "presumed prejudice" of a more local jury pool. He also cited in his ruling security concerns and a potential lack of resources "in terms of personnel and space, necessary to effectively and efficiently handle a trial of this magnitude and length so that the parties and the Court can focus on the case and not on peripheral issues."

It's unclear when, but the Idaho Supreme Court will ultimately pick an alternate venue and select a new judge.

The slayings indeed devastated the victims' families and friends, chilled the surrounding community and, unsurprisingly, became the obsession of Internet detectives everywhere.

By the end of November 2022, according to NBC News, TikTok posts tagged #idahomurders had more than 94.2 million views. Thousands more were speculating, dissecting and armchair-sleuthing on Facebook and Reddit.

In arguing for the change of venue, attorneys for the now 29-year-old Kohberger stated in a filing, per NBC News, that coverage of the case was not only ongoing, but also "inflammatory, emotion-evoking and often misleading, false, and poorly sourced."

Kaylee's family slammed the decision to move the trial, saying in a statement, "If the judge knew Latah County could not handle this trial for safety reasons, not enough court clerks, logistics and lacking space, why did we waste over a year in a county he knew was not going to handle the trial? The points he mentioned didnt all of a sudden jump up and bite him in the rear."

Instagram

Who were Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Ethan Chapin and Xana Kernodle?

Kaylee was supposed to graduate early in December and already had a job at a marketing firm lined up, her friend Jordyn Quesnell told the New York Times, sharing that they had planned to move to Austin, Texas, together this coming June. "We wanted that adventure," she said.

Madison and Kaylee had been friends since sixth grade, the latter's sister telling NBC affiliate KHQ that both girls were bridesmaids in her wedding. "They did everything together...first boyfriends, graduated high school together, started college together," Alivea Goncalves told the outlet. "They lived together. They got a house together, cars together, and unfortunately, how their story goes, they died together."

Instagram

As weeks went by, a combination of fear and frustration set in as the wait for a break in the case continued, with most of the news in the interim related to who authorities had ruled out as suspects or other leads that had proved fruitless.

"There were so many questions that I figured would be answered," Ben Mogen told Spokane's Spokesman-Review just before Christmas, "and we're still waiting."

Still, Ben shared that investigators had been in touch with him or other members of his family every day, and he had faith that answers were coming.

Instagram

Xana "was so lighthearted, and always lifted up a room," her sister Jazzmin Kernodle told the Associated Press by text. "She made me such a proud big sister, and I wish I could have had more time with her. She had so much life left to live."

Ethan, a freshman, and Xana, a junior, had reportedly been dating since the spring. She wished him a happy birthday on Instagram Oct. 29, captioning a photo of them together, "life is so much better with you in it, love you!"

Speaking during the Nov. 30 ceremony on campus, Ethan's mom, Stacy Chapin, said, "We are eternally grateful that we spent so much time with him." To the assembled crowd, she added, "Time is precious, and it's something you can't get back."

Who is defendant Bryan Kohberger?

Kohberger was arrested early on the morning of Dec. 30 in northeastern Pennsylvania in connection with the killings of Kaylee, Madison, Xana and Ethan.

The suspect was remanded to the Monroe County Correctional Facility to await extradition to Idaho, where, according to Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson, he'd be facing four counts of first-degree murder and a felony burglary charge.

"Since November, investigators have been laser-focused on pursuing every lead in our pursuit of justice," Moscow Police Chief James Fry said in a news release. "This complex case took extensive work to develop a clear picture of what occurred and I'm thankful to the dedication shown by members of the Moscow Police Department, Idaho State Police detectives and Crime Lab technicians and scientists, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the resources and personnel to conduct this massive investigation. It was persistent determination and extensive hours spent unraveling this case that led to an arrest."

On Nov. 12, Kaylee posted a series of pics with her roommates and Ethan, all taken outside their house, writing, "one lucky girl to be surrounded by these ppl everyday."

In a letter read during a Dec. 2 church vigil, her first time speaking out since the killings, roommate Dylan wrote, "My life was greatly impacted to have known these four beautiful people, my people who changed my life in so many ways and made me so happy."

Bethany shared in a letter also read at the service that Madison used to say "'everything happens for a reason.' But," she added, "I'm having a really hard time trying to understand the reason for this."

Ted S Warren/AP/Shutterstock

How big was the investigation into the Idaho college murders in 2022?

"This is a small town, a college town, and I feel they knew this person," Kaylee's mom, Kristi Goncalves, told local NBC affiliate KHQ on Nov. 19. "We absolutely don't know that, but I feel that in my heart. I don't know why."

Kristi also issued a pointed plea to whoever killed her daughter and her friends: "Turn yourself in. Stop all this. Let us mourn our children. We can't with this person out there. Just end it. The guilt has to be overwhelming. Stop hiding."

"We're going to get our justice," Kaylee's father, Steven Goncalves, said at a Nov. 30 campus vigil for the victims. "We're going to figure this stuff out. This community deserves that."

The Latah County Sheriff's Office, Idaho State Police and the FBI joined the investigation being led by the Moscow Police Department. Gov. Brad Little directed $1 million in state emergency funds toward the investigation. (By the following May, Moscow officials put local police costs alone at $7.2 million.)

As weeks went by, a combination of fear and frustration set in as the wait for a break in the case continued, with most of the news in the interim related to who authorities had ruled out as suspects or other leads that had proved fruitless.

"There were so many questions that I figured would be answered," Madison's father, Ben Mogen, told Spokane's Spokesman-Review just before Christmas, "and we're still waiting."

Still, Ben shared that investigators had been in touch with him or other members of his family every day, and he had faith that answers were coming.

As weeks went by, a combination of fear and frustration set in as the wait for a break in the case continued, with most of the news in the interim related to who authorities had ruled out as suspects or other leads that had proved fruitless.

"There were so many questions that I figured would be answered," Ben Mogen told Spokane's Spokesman-Review just before Christmas, "and we're still waiting."

Still, Ben shared that investigators had been in touch with him or other members of his family every day, and he had faith that answers were coming.

"From the very beginning, I've known that people don't get away with these things these days," he said. "There's too many things that you can get caught up on, like DNA and videos everywhere. This isn't something that people get away with, that goes unsolved."

On Dec. 29, police said that they'd received 19,650 tips from phone calls, emails and digital media submissions, and had conducted more than 300 interviews. They reminded the public to rely on official updates from their office for the facts, and reiterated that any information was welcome.

The next day, a suspect was in custody.

Who is defendant Bryan Kohberger?

Kohberger was arrested early on the morning of Dec. 30 in northeastern Pennsylvania in connection with the killings of Kaylee, Madison, Xana and Ethan.

The suspect was remanded to the Monroe County Correctional Facility to await extradition to Idaho, where, according to Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson, he'd be facing four counts of first-degree murder and a felony burglary charge.

"Since November, investigators have been laser-focused on pursuing every lead in our pursuit of justice," Moscow Police Chief James Fry said in a news release. "This complex case took extensive work to develop a clear picture of what occurred and I'm thankful to the dedication shown by members of the Moscow Police Department, Idaho State Police detectives and Crime Lab technicians and scientists, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the resources and personnel to conduct this massive investigation. It was persistent determination and extensive hours spent unraveling this case that led to an arrest."

Monroe County Correctional Facil/UPI/Shutterstock

Kohberger was apprehended at a home in Albrightsville, Pa., on a fugitive from justice warrant issued in Moscow, according to police.

Earlier that month, the suspect had completed his first semester as a PhD student in the criminal justice department at Washington State University in Pullman, Wa., according to the school.

In a statement, WSU confirmed that university police assisted Idaho law enforcement in executing search warrants at Kohberger's campus residence and office in Pullman, which is roughly 10 miles away from Moscow, and would continue to work closely with local, state and federal officials as the investigation continued.

Monroe County public defender Jason LaBar said in a statement to NBC News at the time that his client "should be presumed innocent until proven otherwisenot tried in the court of public opinion," adding, "Mr. Kohberger is eager to be exonerated of these charges and looks forward to resolving these matters as promptly as possible."

LaBar said Kohberger planned to waive his extradition hearing to speed up his return to Idaho.

"He's willing to waive because he's looking forward to being exonerated. Those were his words," LaBar told the Washington Post. "Whether that means he's innocent or not, it's implicit in saying he wants to be exonerated that he's innocent. He didn't use the word 'innocent.'"

In a statement expressing sympathy for the victims' loved ones, Kohberger's family said, "There are no words that can adequately express the sadness we feel, and we pray each day for them. We will continue to let the legal process unfold and as a family we will love and support our son and brother.

"We have fully cooperated with law enforcement agencies in an attempt to seek the truth and promote his presumption of innocence rather than judge unknown facts and make erroneous assumptions. We respect privacy in this matter as our family and the families suffering loss can move forward through the legal process."

LaBar said Kohberger planned to waive his extradition hearing to speed up his return to Idaho.

"He's willing to waive because he's looking forward to being exonerated. Those were his words," LaBar told the Washington Post. "Whether that means he's innocent or not, it's implicit in saying he wants to be exonerated that he's innocent. He didn't use the word 'innocent.'"

In a statement expressing sympathy for the victims' loved ones, Kohberger's family said, "There are no words that can adequately express the sadness we feel, and we pray each day for them. We will continue to let the legal process unfold and as a family we will love and support our son and brother.

"We have fully cooperated with law enforcement agencies in an attempt to seek the truth and promote his presumption of innocence rather than judge unknown facts and make erroneous assumptions. We respect privacy in this matter as our family and the families suffering loss can move forward through the legal process."

Elizabeth Chilton, chancellor of the WSU Pullman campus and WSU provost, said in a statement, "We will long feel the loss of these young people in the Moscow-Pullman community and hope the announcement today will be a step toward healing."

Kohberger previously attended undergraduate and graduate school at DeSales University in Center Valley, Pa., receiving his master's degree in criminal justice in June 2022.

"As a Catholic, Salesian community, we are devastated by this senseless tragedy," a DeSales spokesperson told The Daily Beast in response to the news. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims' families during this difficult time."

Elizabeth Chilton, chancellor of the WSU Pullman campus and WSU provost, said in a statement, "We will long feel the loss of these young people in the Moscow-Pullman community and hope the announcement today will be a step toward healing."

Kohberger previously attended undergraduate and graduate school at DeSales University in Center Valley, Pa., receiving his master's degree in criminal justice in June 2022.

"As a Catholic, Salesian community, we are devastated by this senseless tragedy," a DeSales spokesperson told The Daily Beast in response to the news. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims' families during this difficult time."

What were the four Idaho murder victims doing on the last night of their lives?

According to Moscow Police, Kaylee and Madison were at Corner Club, a downtown bar, from 10 p.m. till about 1:30 a.m. on the night of Nov. 12, 2022, a Saturday. Video from a Twitch feed viewed by police showed them stopping for food at the Grub Truck, which was parked down the street from the bar. Afterward they were driven home to 1122 King Road by someone described by police as a "private party," arriving at 1:56 a.m.

Investigators said Ethan was with Xana at the Sigma Chi fraternity house, where he was a member, before they both returned to the King Road residence just south of campus, at approximately 1:45 a.m.

Angela Palermo/Idaho Statesman/Tribune News Service via Getty Images

Per detectives, Bethany and Dylan also went out that night, separately, but were back at the house by 1 a.m.

At 11:58 a.m. on Nov. 13, a 9-1-1 call was made from one of the surviving roommates' cell phones to report that someone on the second floor was unconscious. Officers arrived and discovered four dead bodies.

Meanwhile, Kristi Goncalves' text to daughter Kaylee that Sunday morning had gone unanswered.

"We talked a lot," Kristi later told KHQ. "I know she had a fun time Friday night... [Kaylee] called me around 2:30 Saturday afternoon." Looking at the time stamp of her last text to Kaylee, she concluded, "that's when the police were swarming [her house]."

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What were police saying early on in the Idaho college murders investigation?

Police said in a Nov. 15 press release that the deaths of Kaylee, Madison, Xana and Ethan appeared to be the result of an "isolated, targeted attack" committed with "an edged weapon such as a knife," and there was "no imminent threat to the community at large."

But as the investigation got underway, there was no such thing as a safe assumption.

"We know you have questions, and so do we," Moscow Police Chief Fry told reporters during a Nov. 16 news conference. He confirmed they did not yet have a suspect and "that individual is still out there. We cannot say there is no threat to the community."

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Idaho State Police Col. Kedrick Willis said they were "looking at everyone. Every tip we get, every we lead we getthere is no one we're not going to talk to. There is no one we're not going to interview." Fry noted there were 25 investigators working the case.

Latah County Coroner Cathy Mabbutt called the killings "gruesome," telling KHQ, "I've never seen anything like this in the 16 years I've been in this position." In fact, Moscow hadn't recorded a murder in more than seven years before this happened.

Following the postmortems, police said there was no evidence of sexual assault on any of the victims, and Mabbutt said she didn't suspect substance abuse was involved.

Did Idaho murder victim Kaylee Goncalves have a stalker?

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Authorities were investigating the possibility that someone was stalking Kaylee, based on comments she apparently made to friends and family.

Moscow Police said they zeroed in on an incident at a local business in mid-October in which a man seemed to keep his eye on Kaylee and then followed her outside as she left and headed to her car but did not make contact with her.

After talking to that guy and a buddy he was with, police determined it was "an isolated incident and not an ongoing pattern of stalking," nor was there any connection to the murders. They were out trying to meet women, police said.

Angela Palermo/Idaho Statesman/Tribune News Service via Getty Images

How did police combat misinformation about the Idaho college killings?

From day one, authorities were under pressure to provide real-time updates, let alone solve the case.

The day after the bodies were found, Moscow Mayor Art Bettge told reporters that "most any scenario" was possible, including a burglary "gone wrong" or a "crime of passion." That being said, he noted, "patience is needed to allow an investigation to proceed in meticulous fashion."

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On Nov. 15, Moscow Police said they had shared "every piece" of information they could without compromising their ongoing investigation. But that inevitably didn't do much to assuage the victims' families.

"There is a lack of information from the University of Idaho and the local police, which only fuels false rumors and innuendo in the press and social media," Ethan's father, Jim Chapin, said in a statement to NBC News. "The silence further compounds our family's agony after our son's murder. For Ethan and his three dear friends slain in Moscow, Idaho, and all of our families, I urge officials to speak the truth, share what they know, find the assailant, and protect the greater community."

Darin Oswald/Idaho Statesman via AP

Kaylee's sister Alivea told KHQ, "Anything can be isolated until it's not. And until we have someone in custody, there's no way with any amount of confidence to say this is isolated."

Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson told the Associated Press Nov. 15, "Obviously, there's no way police can say that there's no risk, but what they're seeing indicates that there's not a risk that this person will randomly attack people."

As for a potential suspect or suspects, he said, "I don't think they're going to foreclose the possibility that it could be one or more people, but right now they don't know who is responsible."

In the section of their case updates headed "Rumor Control," police kept track of various crimes and incidents that were the subject of speculation, trying to debunk as much misinformation as they could.

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For instance, a Sept. 12, 2022, confrontation on the University of Idaho campus between a cyclist who displayed a knife and a group of people walking on a bike path was not related, police said. (The cyclist turned himself in and police referred misdemeanor charges to the Moscow City Attorney's Office.)

Moreover, the list continued, a red Mustang since processed by police was not part of the investigation (five vehicles parked outside the house were towed to a long-term storage location Nov. 29 so, investigators said, they could continue processing evidence undisturbed) and a rumor circulating online that the victims were bound and gagged was incorrect.

Darin Oswald/Idaho Statesman via AP

Among the people who police determined early on were not involved in the killings: the victims' surviving roommates, a sixth person whose name was on the Kings Road house lease but had moved out before the school year began, people seen on video interacting with Kaylee and Madison at the Grub Truck, the person who drove them home and a young man the pair called several times in the early morning hours of Nov. 13.

The recipient of the unanswered calls was Kaylee's ex-boyfriend Jack DuCoeur, according to Alivea Goncalves, who told the New York Times that she and her family stood "behind Jack 100 percent and know he absolutely had nothing to do with this at all."

Moscow police announced Nov. 23 that he had been officially cleared of suspicion, posting on Facebook, "Detectives do not believe the male Kaylee and Madison attempted to contact numerous times on November 13th is involved in this crime."

In a statement released Dec. 5, Moscow Police reiterated that unfounded accusations and other irresponsible online chatter were not helping their investigation.

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"There have been statements and speculation about this case, victim injuries, cause of death, evidence collection and processing, and investigative techniques," police said. "With the active criminal investigation, law enforcement has not released additional facts to the family or the public. We recognize the frustration this causes and that speculation proliferates in the absence of facts."

"However," the statement continued, "we firmly believe speculation and unvetted information is a disservice to the victims, their families, and our community. The Moscow Police Department is committed to providing information whenever possible but not at the expense of compromising the investigation and prosecution."

At the same time, they encouraged anyone with information to come forward.

"We believe someone has information that will add context to the picture investigators are creating of what occurred that evening," police noted. "Our focus is the investigation, not the activities. Your information, whether you believe it is significant or not, might be one of the puzzle pieces that help solve these murders."

Police also warned that making threats or otherwise harassing any potentially involved parties in this casein person or onlinecould result in criminal charges.

What happened with the white Hyundai police were looking for during the Idaho murder investigation?

On Dec. 8, Moscow Police said they got so many tips when they requested information about a 2011-2013 white Hyundai Elantra with an unknown license plate that was parked in "the immediate area" of the victims' house in the early morning hours of Nov. 13, all related calls had been redirected to the FBI. In a subsequent video update, police said they had a list of 22,000 registered Elantras to sift through.

Police in Eugene, Ore., informed Moscow authorities on Dec. 20 that a white 2013 Elantra with front-end damage and no license plate had turned up in their city, but police said later that day that investigators had spoken to the owner and determined that neither she nor the car had anything to do with their homicide case.

The search for the car that was parked near the Kings Road house was ongoing, police said Dec. 29.

"The Moscow Police Department thanks our community for their continued support, understanding of the limited information we can share, and patience during this difficult time," Moscow PD said in a news release the same day, having posted informationwhether new or reiteratedon their website almost daily since the murders.

Then came the news Dec. 30, six weeks after the killings, of Kohberger's arrest.

"It's been a nightmare," Xana's mother, Cara Northington, told NBC News in response to the arrest. "This whole thing has been a nightmare, literally. But I feel like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders."

She had never heard of Kohberger, she said, continuing, "A lot of the grief was not knowing who this was, knowing that whoever was responsible for that is still out there. So yeah, this definitely takes a lot of the grief that we were experiencing off our shoulders."

Shannon Gray, a lawyer representing Kaylee's family, told NBC News, "The family is relieved that the authorities have someone in custody and now the journey through the criminal justice system begins."

Law enforcement sources told NBC News that a Hyundai Elantra was removed from the scene of the arrest. Moscow Police Chief Fry confirmed during the press conference that they had found "an Elantra" but didn't say whether it was the Elantra they previously announced they were looking for.

Darin Oswald/Idaho Statesman via AP

"These murders have shaken our community, and no arrest will ever bring back these young students," Fry said. "However, we do believe justice will be found through the criminal process."

On Thursday, police had said that the King Road house remained an active crime scene but the clean-up process to remove potential biohazards or other harmful substances used to collect evidence had begun. Fry said following Kohberger's arrest that the remediation was on hold per a request from the court.

Acknowledging the outcry from critics who had accused police of not being forthcoming enough with their findings, Fry told reporters he "100 percent" stood by how the investigation was handled, explaining that they kept "information pertinent to this case very, very tight" to ensure "when this goes to trial that we've done everything right."

He would not comment on any possible motive for the slayings or whether the suspect and victims knew each other, noting that their investigation was still ongoing and he expected those details would come out at a later date.

"This investigation is far from over," Thompson said. "This is not an ending, but rather a new beginning." The public's help was still needed, he said, to "understand fully everything there is to know not only about the individual, but what happened and why."

Where does the Idaho college murder case stand now?

Kohberger, who's being held without bail, and his lawyers have been in and out of court since his arrest. Prosecutors told Judge John Judge during a February 2024 hearing that the defendant planned to call at least 400 witnesses to testify on his behalf at trial.

"It frankly causes the state great alarm that the defense is discussing calling upwards of 400 witnesses during the innocence phase," a deputy prosecutor told Judge Feb. 28, "when we potentially don't have a full alibi disclosure."

Kohberger's lawyers stated in an August 2023 filing that their client "has long had a habit of going for drives alone" and often at night, adding, "He did so late on November 12 and into November 13, 2022."

They further detailed his alleged alibi in an April 2024 filing, writing, "Mr. Kohberger was out driving in the early morning hours of November 13, 2022; as he often did to hike and run and/or see the moon and stars. He drove throughout the area south of Pullman, Washington, west of Moscow, Idaho including Wawawai Park."

The filing contended that cell phone tower data would put Kohberger "in the countryside late at night and/or in the early morning on several occasions," and that testimony from a cell location expert would "show that Bryan Kohberger's mobile device was south of Pullman, Washington and west of Moscow, Idaho on November 13, 2022; that Bryan Kohberger's mobile device did not travel east on the Moscow-Pullman Highway in the early morning hours of November 13th, and thus could not be the vehicle captured on video along the Moscow-Pullman highway near Floyd's Cannabis shop."

Prosecutors have said they plan to seek the death penalty at trial. A hearing on the defense's position that a death sentence would violate the U.S. Constitution is scheduled for Nov. 7.

(Originally published Dec. 6, 2022, at 5 a.m. PT)

For more true crime updates on your need-to-know cases, head to Oxygen.com.
UPMC Childrens Hospital Foundation launched a comprehensive fundraising campaign on Tuesday.

The money raised will be used to advance clinical care, accelerate research, elevate the patient and family experience and address health disparities.

The overall goal for the fundraiser is $200 million, which is the largest fundraising effort in the hospitals history.

So far, $147 million has been raised. Now, the foundation is reaching out to the public for help.

Today we are calling on our community to put a childs future first and join us in supporting this moment, Rachel Petrucelli, the foundations president, said.

Click here to donate.

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Urban economic development was discussed on Eries east side on Tuesday in an effort to revitalize the area.

State lawmakers stopped by the Eagles Nest to better understand what is happening in Erie and on the citys east side.

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An aspect mentioned by Bishop Dwane Brock, CEO of the Eagles Nest, was funding for the area as he said this is critical for transformational programs and businesses.

We have the bank coming on Tenth and Parade streets and then a medical facility and also a restaurant and other things were doing right there on Tenth and Parade streets. On Parade Street as a whole, we need economic help to make those things happen, said Brock.

PA lawmakers tour local vineyard, winery to get insight on industry challenges

Brock added he is appreciative of the lawmakers taking the time to hear the needs of the Erie 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 WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com.
The U.S. will provide Ukraine with $700 million in humanitarian aid to support displaced Ukrainians, the energy grid in Ukraine, and demining efforts, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced in Kyiv on Sept. 11.

Blinken and U.K. Foreign Secretary David Lammy arrived in Ukraine on Sept. 11 to meet President Volodymyr Zelensky and other top Ukrainian officials.

The U.S. will provide $325 million to help repair Ukraine's energy infrastructure, which requires strengthening ahead of winter and expectations of a renewed campaign of Russian strikes.

The package also includes $290 million in humanitarian aid, which will support "millions of people in Ukraine and the surrounding region who have been forced to flee their homes," Blinken said.

Another $102 million will go toward funding humanitarian demining "to help remove landmines and unexploded ordnance that Russia has left behind across Ukraine," Blinken said.

Lammy also announced a similar 600-million-pound ($781 million) aid package while in Kyiv.

"Alongside the United States, we are committed to giving Ukraine what it needs to resist Russias illegal invasion. Their fight for freedom, liberty, and democracy is also a fight for British security, European security, and global security," Lammy said.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Blinken, Lammy visit Ukraine as Kyiv awaits decision on long-range strikes

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
(Photo courtesy of Fish n Fins Palau)

Palaus Most Iconic Marine Life - A Divers Dream

When you think of diving in Palau, certain creatures come to mind right awayNapoleon wrasse, manta rays, dugongs, and, of course, sharks. These animals are the stars of the show, making every dive unforgettable. Lets talk about where you can see them and what makes these dive spots so special when youre exploring Palau.

Napoleon Wrasse at Blue Corner

If you want to see a Napoleon wrasse up close, Blue Corner is the place to go. This big, friendly fish is known for getting very close to divers. Sometimes, it even seems to enjoy posing for photos! Blue Corner is famous for its strong currents, which attract all sorts of big fish, including barracudas, sharks, and the Napoleon wrasse. The action here is nonstop, and the experience of having this curious fish come so close you could almost touch it is something you wont forget.

Manta Rays at German Channel

German Channel is the top spot for seeing manta rays in Palau. Between November and February, youll often see groups of these graceful creatures gliding through the water. Even outside of these months, single mantas are a common sight, especially around the cleaning stations where they come to get cleaned by smaller fish. Watching a manta ray soar through the water is something special. You might also spot sharks here, adding even more excitement to your dive.

Sharks at Blue Corner and Siaes Corner

Sharks are a huge draw for divers in Palau, and Blue Corner is one of the best places in the world to see them. The currents bring in plenty of reef sharks, and sometimes you might even see oceanic sharks cruising by. But for the real thrill-seekers, early morning dives at Shark City during fish aggregation are a must. Just before every full and new moon, thousands of fish gather in massive clouds to mate, creating a spectacle that draws in some of the oceans top predators. Its here that you might witness the awe-inspiring sight of tiger and bull sharks on the hunt, adding an incredible edge to your diving experience. Its a front-row seat to one of natures most dramatic shows, and its all happening right here in Palau.

The Elusive Dugong

Dugongs are rare and protected in Palau, mostly found in the shallow, sandy areas around Koror. You cant dive with them, but if youre lucky, you might spot one swimming by as you head out to your dive site. Seeing a dugong is a rare treat, and it adds something extra special to your diving adventure.

Getting the Most Out of Your Palau Dive with Fish n Fins

Diving in Palau is more than just a diveits an adventure. With Fish n Fins, you get to experience the best of Palaus underwater world. Whether youre watching a Napoleon wrasse at Blue Corner, catching sight of manta rays at German Channel, or hoping for a lucky glimpse of a dugong, every dive is filled with excitement.

And lets not forget about the logistics - Fish n Fins ensures youre well taken care of from start to finish. With over 30 years of experience in the diving business, they know how to make your dive trip smooth and enjoyable. Their guides are experts, passionate about the marine life, and committed to giving you the best experience possible.

So, if youre planning a diving trip to Palau, Fish n Fins should be your go-to choice.

If youre interested in learning more about Palaus dive sites in detail, visit the Fish n Fins website - www.fishnfins.com. They provide comprehensive information on all of Palaus top diving spots, ensuring youre well-prepared for your underwater adventures.

www.fishnfins.com - info@fishnfins.com
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. has imposed visa restrictions on senior officials at a European charter flight company for "facilitating irregular migration" through Nicaragua as the Biden administration seeks to curb what it called a growing trend.

The U.S. State Department, in a statement on Wednesday, did not name the company or its executives, or say how many migrants the company had flown into the country over what time period.

Such flights are part of a new wave of illegal immigration to the United States that the country is struggling to control. Immigration is a top issue in the Nov. 5 U.S. presidential election.

Migrants from outside Latin America pay smuggling networks hefty fees for travel packages that can include airline tickets to Central America, where they then travel by land to the U.S.-Mexico border.

"No one should profit from vulnerable migrants  not smugglers, private companies, or public officials," department spokesman Matthew Miller wrote.

"We will continue to impose visa restrictions against unscrupulous transportation company owners, executives, and senior officials as part of our broader campaign against such exploitative practices," Miller added.

U.S. President Joe Biden's June executive actions aim to limit crossings if they surpass a certain threshold. But it remains unclear how the action is impacting migrants from India, African nations and other countries that account for a growing share of illegal migration.

Biden and U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, Democrats' presidential candidate in November's contest, have attributed the historic levels of migration to global economic and political instability.

Republican former President Donald Trump, who is seeking another term after losing to Biden in 2020, has blamed the high border crossings on their administration's policies.

(Reporting by Susan Heavey; Editing by Richard Chang)
9/11 anniversary brings Biden, Harris and Trump together at ground zero

NEW YORK (AP)  With presidential candidates looking on, some 9/11 victims relatives appealed to them Wednesday for accountability as the U.S. marked an anniversary laced with election-season politics.

In a remarkable tableau, President Joe Biden, former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris stood together at ground zero just hours after Trump and Harris faced off in their first-ever debate. Trump and Biden  the successor whose inauguration Trump skipped  shook hands, and former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg appeared to facilitate a handshake between Harris and Trump.

Then the campaign rivals stood only a few feet (meters) apart, Biden and Bloomberg between them, as the hourslong reading of victims' names began. At Trumps side was his running mate, Sen. JD Vance.

The image was one of putting politics aside at this year's solemn commemoration of the hijacked-plane attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people on Sept. 11, 2001. But some victims' relatives, after reading out names, delivered political messages of their own.

We are pleading for your help, but you ignore us, Allison Walsh-DiMarzio said, directly challenging Trump and Harris to press Saudi Arabia about any official involvement in the attacks. Most of the 19 hijackers were Saudi, but the kingdom denies it was behind their plot.

Which one of you will have the courage to be our hero? We deserve better, Walsh-DiMarzio said. Shes a daughter of 9/11 victim Barbara P. Walsh, an administrative assistant.

Joanne Barbara was one of multiple readers who spoke out against a now-revoked plea deal that military prosecutors struck with alleged 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and two fellow defendants.

It has been 23 years, and the families deserve justice and accountability, said the widow of Assistant Fire Chief Gerard A. Barbara.

Biden, on his last Sept. 11 in office, and Harris paid respects Wednesday at all three 9/11 attack sites: ground zero, the Pentagon and a rural part of Pennsylvania.

The president, vice president  and, separately, Trump  laid wreaths Wednesday afternoon at the Flight 93 National Memorial near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Biden and Harris spoke with victims relatives and visited the local fire department; Trump and Vance went to a New York City firehouse earlier in the day.

The Flight 93 memorial stands where one of the hijacked planes crashed after crew members and passengers tried to storm the cockpit. Trump described the site as an incredible place in brief remarks from afar to reporters.

The attacks killed 2,977 people and left thousands of bereaved relatives and scarred survivors. The planes took down the World Trade Centers twin towers and carved a gash in the Pentagon, the U.S. military headquarters, where Biden and Harris laid a red, white and blue wreath Wednesday afternoon.

While many Americans may not observe 9/11 anniversaries anymore, the men and women of the Department of Defense remember, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said earlier in the day.

The attacks altered U.S. foreign policy, domestic security practices and the mindset of many Americans who had not previously felt vulnerable to foreign extremists.

Effects rippled around the world. Victims came from more than 90 different countries, and the U.S. responded to the attacks with a  Global War on Terrorism. U.S.-led invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq killed hundreds of thousands of Afghans and Iraqis and thousands of American troops.

Communities around the country hold events on the anniversary, which Congress has titled both Patriot Day and a National Day of Service and Remembrance.

Thousands of Americans commemorate it with volunteer work  among them Harris' running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz. He packed meals in St. Paul for people in need.

During early anniversaries at ground zero, presidents and other officeholders read poems, parts of the Declaration of Independence and other texts.

But the National Sept. 11 Memorial and Museum decided in 2012 to limit the ceremony to relatives reading victims names.

If politicians care about whats actually going on, great. Be here, said Korryn Bishop, who attended Wednesday to remember her cousin John F. McDowell Jr., who worked in finance. If theyre just here for political clout, that upsets me.

Brandon Jones was glad politicians werent on the podium.

This should be a site for coming together to find feasible solutions and peace. This should not be a place to score political points to get brownie points to round up your base, said Jones. Hes a cousin of victim Jon Richard Grabowski, an insurance firm technology executive.

In 2008, then-senators and presidential campaign rivals John McCain and Barack Obama jointly paid their respects at ground zero.

Eight years later, the Democratic nominee, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, abruptly left the trade center ceremony, stumbled while awaiting her motorcade and later disclosed that she had been diagnosed with pneumonia. The episode stirred fresh attention to her health, which her Republican opponent  Trump, who was also at that observance  had been questioning for months.

Over the years, some victims' relatives have used the forum to exhort leaders to prioritize national security, acknowledge the casualties of the war on terror, complain that officials are politicizing 9/11 and even criticize individual officeholders. Others bemoan Americans divisions or decry violence.

Its my prayer that this wicked act called terrorism will never occur again, Jacob Afuakwah said Wednesday. He lost his brother, Emmanuel Akwasi Afuakwah, a restaurant worker.

But many family members stick to tributes and personal reflections. Increasingly they come from children and young adults born after the attacks killed one of their relatives.

Thirteen-year-old twins Brady and Emily Henry read names to honor their uncle, firefighter Joseph Patrick Henry.

We promise to continue telling your stories, Emily Henry said, and well never let anyone forget all those lost on Sept. 11.

___

Associated Press journalists Julie Walker and Adriana Gomez Licon in New York; Josh Boak, Marc Levy and Darlene Superville in Shanksville, Pennsylvania; Tara Copp in Washington; and Steve Karnowski in St. Paul, Minnesota, contributed to this report.
Mike Johnson faces opposition from Democrats as well as at least six Republicans.

Mike Johnson faces opposition from Democrats as well as at least six Republicans. Photograph: Will Oliver/EPA

The House Republican speaker, Mike Johnson, hastily scrapped a planned vote on his government funding package on Wednesday after at least eight members of his own conference signaled opposition to the plan, raising more questions about how Congress will avert a partial shutdown before the end of the month.

Johnson had combined a six-month stopgap funding bill with the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (Save) Act, a controversial proposal that would require people to show proof of citizenship when they register to vote.

Donald Trump had already further complicated Johnsons efforts by insisting on Tuesday that Republicans should not pass any government funding bill without addressing election security, as he leveled baseless accusations against Democrats of trying to stuff voter registrations with illegal aliens.

Johnson acknowledged he did not have enough support to pass the bill, given that he could only afford four defections within his conference if every House Democrat opposed the plan. Johnson told reporters on Capitol Hill that he and his team would work through the weekend to reach an agreement on funding the government.

No vote today because were in the consensus-building business here in Congress. With small majorities, thats what you do, Johnson said. Were having thoughtful conversations, family conversations within the Republican conference, and I believe well get there.

Johnsons bill would have extended government funding until 28 March, more than two months after the new president takes office in January. If Congress does not take action on federal funding this month, the government could partially shut down starting 1 October.

Despite the lack of appetite for a government shutdown so close to election day on 5 November, Democrats and some Republicans balked at Johnsons proposal. Democrats largely oppose the Save Act, which Republicans claim is necessary to prevent noncitizens from casting ballots. Critics of the Save Act note that it is already illegal for noncitizens to vote, and they warn that the policy could prevent valid voters from casting their ballots. The House passed the Save Act in July, but Senate Democrats have shown no interest in advancing the bill.

In a Dear Colleague letter sent on Monday, the House Democratic leader, Hakeem Jeffries, condemned Johnsons proposal as unserious and unacceptable. He called on Congress to pass a stopgap bill, known as a continuing resolution, that would keep the government funded past election day and allow lawmakers to pass a full-year spending package before the new year.

In order to avert a GOP-driven government shutdown that will hurt everyday Americans, Congress must pass a short-term continuing resolution that will permit us to complete the appropriations process during this calendar year and is free of partisan policy changes inspired by Trumps Project 2025, Jeffries said. There is no other viable path forward that protects the health, safety and economic wellbeing of hardworking American taxpayers.

Even among fellow Republicans, Johnson had encountered resistance. At least eight Republicans had indicated they would oppose the bill, complaining that it did not do enough to cut government spending. Thomas Massie, a Republican congressman `of Kentucky who has repeatedly clashed with Johnson, mocked the speakers proposal as an insult to Americans intelligence.

The [continuing resolution] doesnt cut spending, and the shiny object attached to it will be dropped like a hot potato before passage, Massie said on Monday.

Johnson had simultaneously fielded criticism from the congressman Mike Rogers, the Republican chair of the House armed services committee, who expressed concern about how the stopgap bill might affect military readiness. The defense secretary, Lloyd Austin, has described passing a full-year spending bill for the Pentagon as the single most important thing that Congress can do to ensure US national security.

Johnson will now confer with fellow House Republicans to try to cobble together a majority, but even if he does manage to drag his bill across the finish line, the proposal has virtually no chance of passage in the Democratic-controlled Senate.

In his own Dear Colleague letter sent on Sunday, the Senate majority leader, Chuck Schumer, suggested that Democrats would only pass a clean funding bill with no poison pills attached.

As I have said before, the only way to get things done is in a bipartisan way, Schumer said. Despite Republican bluster, that is how weve handled every funding bill in the past, and this time should be no exception. We will not let poison pills or Republican extremism put funding for critical programs at risk.

Trumps ultimatum, meanwhile, could put Johnson in a bind, and it increases the risk of a partial government shutdown taking effect just weeks before Americans go to the polls.

Trump said on Tuesday on his social media platform, Truth Social: 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.
A government shutdown would force the closure of federal agencies and national parks, limiting public services and furloughing millions of workers without pay (WIN MCNAMEE) (WIN MCNAMEE/GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/Getty Images via AFP)

Republicans scrapped plans for a vote Wednesday on a funding deal to thwart a damaging US government shutdown amid a growing rank-and-file rebellion that threatened efforts to keep the lights on through the presidential election.

Government funding is set to expire at the end of September and Congress will need a stopgap bill -- known as a "continuing resolution" (CR) -- to keep operations open past the election because the parties are nowhere near agreement on a full-year budget.

Former president Donald Trump has urged Republicans to force a shutdown unless certain demands are met.

That would cause the closure of federal agencies and national parks, limiting public services and furloughing millions of workers without pay just weeks before the election.

Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson had planned to call a vote later Wednesday on a six-month extension, punting the shutdown deadline into March, when the next president would be in office.

He announced that he intended to pair it with legislation requiring proof of citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections, known as the SAVE Act.

But he called off the vote around midday as it became increasingly clear how unpopular the plan was with members from all sides of his party, and that he could not rely on Democratic votes.

Johnson said he still plans to lobby Republican support for the bill in hope of turning around some of the dissidents.

Trump, who dominates the House Republican group and continues to claim falsely that he was cheated by voter fraud in the 2020 election, has lobbied for Johnson to add the election measure to the funding package.

"I would shut down the government in a heartbeat... if they don't get it in the bill," Trump told Monica Crowley, a senior Treasury official in his administration, on her podcast.

President Joe Biden's administration -- worried about eligible voters being blocked from voter rolls or otherwise deterred -- opposes the SAVE Act, noting that noncitizen voting is already illegal and that there is no evidence that it happens.

- 'Election integrity' -

Johnson was unable to win the support of a critical mass of his own side -- despite warning he has no fallback option if the package fails -- risking a shutdown at the start of October, less than five weeks before Election Day.

"We're going to continue to work on this. The whip is going to do the hard work and build consensus. We're going to work through the weekend on that," Johnson said as he announced the funding vote would be postponed.

In the Senate, the governing Democrats plan to strip the voting provisions and give Republicans in the House an ultimatum: pass a "clean" CR moving the funding deadline to the end of the year or trigger a government shutdown.

With the election less than two months away, vulnerable Republicans see a government shutdown as disastrous for their reelection prospects.

At least 10 lawmakers from all sides of the party came out against the Johnson proposal -- although the real number of Republican dissidents is thought to be larger -- with defense hawks worried about military readiness and fiscal conservatives always against stopgap funding measures that do not cut spending.

Republicans can only afford to lose four members on any party-line vote.

The spending fight is Johnson's last big test before he asks his lawmakers for another two years at the helm.

He has argued that a March funding deadline would allow an incoming president Trump to weigh in on spending if he wins the White House, rather than approving the funding under a lame-duck Biden.

ft/bjt
Nearly 2,000 firefighters have been deployed to battle the Line Fire [Getty Images]

Police in California have arrested a man on suspicion of starting the Line Fire - a major wildfire that has burned more than 34,000 acres (53 sq miles) in the state.

Justin Wayne Halstenberg, a 34-year-old resident of Norco, California, was stopped on Tuesday for arson and is being held in lieu of bail, officials said.

The Line Fire is one of three major wildfires sparked in the last week that are burning out of control in southern California, stretching firefighter resources and threatening thousands of homes.

As of Wednesday morning, the Line Fire was 14% contained.

Police did not provide details on how Mr Halstenberg is alleged to have sparked the massive blaze, which is burning in San Bernardino County, about 60 miles (96km) east of Los Angeles.

Thousands of people have been forced to evacuate the area and the fire threatens over 65,000 structures.

CalFire officials say the blaze continues to grow in steep terrain, making access difficult, especially near the Big Bear area.

The fire has been fuelled by strong winds and dry conditions, though firefighters hope cooler weather forecast for later in the week will help their efforts.

The structures under threat, both homes and commercial properties, include some 13,300 in areas currently under evacuation orders.

One evacuee, Blaine Bacher, said the first thing he grabbed from his home in Arrowbear Lake is his mother's ashes.

Mr Bacher told the BBC on Wednesday that he has no idea if his home is still standing.

This home is more than just walls and a roof, he said.

"My mother passed away in that house. I held her hand for her last breath in that house. She and my stepfather built and raised me and my sister in that house. Its beyond priceless."

No fatalities or structural damage have been reported as a result of the Line Fire to date. However, photos taken by the Los Angeles Times appear to show at least one building in Running Springs, a community in the San Bernardino Mountains, has been destroyed.

Nearly 2,000 firefighters are battling the blaze. The California National Guard is also supporting the fire response with crews and aircraft, including helicopters for water bucket dropping operations.

Another blaze - the Bridge Fire - is burning in the Angeles National Forest. It started on 8 September and has exploded in size to 46,700 acres (71.8 sq miles).

Its cause is under investigation, according to CalFire.

Footage of the blaze circulating on social media shows the fire engulfing ski lifts at Californias Mountain High Ski Resort.

A third wildfire, the Airport Fire, was ignited on Monday.

It is burning in an area between Orange and Riverside counties and is 22,300 acres (34.8 sq miles) in size.

The Airport Fire has reportedly destroyed several homes, but officials have yet to provide details.

Large plumes of smoke from the blaze were reportedly seen from as far as the Los Angeles airport.

The Los Angeles Times, citing sources within the Orange County Fire Authority, reported that the fire was likely started by a spark from heavy equipment used by road workers in the area.

Both the Bridge Fire and the Airport Fire are 0% contained as of Wednesday morning.

The fires grew during a southern California heatwave that has surpassed previous temperature records, with the mercury hitting 111 F (43 C) in some areas in recent days, although temperatures are forecast to drop for the remainder of the week.
US will not restrict any military funding to Egypt

The US State Department will not restrict any military funding to Egypt, including funds conditioned on human rights, a State Department spokesperson told CNN Wednesday.

The agency informed Congress Wednesday that it intends to provide Cairo with $1.3 billion in foreign military financing assistance, the spokesperson said.

Egypt has been accused of sweeping human rights violations under President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi, but Cairo has been a key negotiator in the discussions about Gaza  a fact the spokesperson referenced in explaining the administrations decision to fully provide the funding.

This decision is important to advancing regional peace and Egypts specific and ongoing contributions to U.S. national security priorities, particularly to finalize a ceasefire agreement for Gaza, bring the hostages home, surge humanitarian assistance for Palestinians in need, and help bring an enduring end to the Israel-Hamas conflict. This decision also reflects Egypts crucial role in promoting a ceasefire in Sudan, and its instrumental efforts to get humanitarian assistance to the Sudanese people, they said.

$225 million of that foreign military funding requires Egypt to meet broad human rights conditions. $95 million is contingent on the determination that Cairo is making clear and consistent progress in releasing political prisoners, providing detainees with due process, and preventing the harassment and intimidation of American citizens.

The vast majority of the funding  $980 million  does not have conditions.

Last year, the agency withheld $85 million that had been conditioned on Cairos progress in its treatment of political prisoners, instead diverting that money to Taiwan and Lebanon, sources with knowledge of the matter told CNN.

This year, Blinken determined and reported to Congress that Egypt has fulfilled these conditions and making clear and consistent progress in these areas, and hes directed the Department to obligate this funding, the spokesperson said.

The State Department spokesperson argued the determination acknowledges steps the Egyptians have already taken: advancing draft legislation to reform pre-trial detention and the broader penal code for adoption by parliament, releasing more than 950 political prisoners since September 2023, and to end travel bans and asset freezes associated with foreign funding for NGOs.

Weve reiterated with partners in Egypt that more action is needed and expected to build on this trajectory to further strengthen our relationship, the spokesperson said.

Still, the determination comes despite the State Departments most recent human rights report  covering the year 2023  which found that there were no significant changes in the human rights situation in Egypt during the year.

The report noted reports of significant numbers of political prisoners and detainees, adding that humanitarian groups were not permitted access to political prisoners or detention centers.

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U.S. Congressman Earl Blumenauer attends a press conference announcing new funding for Portland State University arts programs at the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art, in Portland, April 2, 2024. (Kristyna Wentz-Graff/OPB)

U.S. Congressman Earl Blumenauer attends a press conference announcing new funding for Portland State University arts programs at the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art, in Portland, April 2, 2024. (Kristyna Wentz-Graff/OPB)

U.S. Rep. Earl Blumenauer is retiring from his post in Congress but hes not leaving his civic career behind altogether. Blumenauer will join the faculty of Portland State University in early January, just after his 14th and final term ends in the U.S. House of Representatives.

PSU announced this week that the congressman has signed on to be a senior fellow at the university and a special advisor to Portland State President Ann Cudd.

As a fellow, Blumenauer is expected to be a central figure at Portland States Institute for Metropolitan Studies, a program housed within PSUs College of Urban and Public Affairs. The purpose of the research institute, founded in 1991 and funded by the Oregon Legislature, is to build partnerships between the university and communities within the Portland metropolitan area.

I like the notion of being located in the heart of Portland, which is the Portland State campus, said Blumenauer. This is a very vibrant location. Its the pulsing heart of Oregon.

Blumenauer said he does not expect to do much teaching in the traditional sense at PSU. Instead he hopes to engage with students and community members in more informal settings like seminars and round table discussions.

As a former local public official, including a nearly decade-long stint as a Portland city commissioner, Blumenauer appears well-suited for the job. Hes known for advocating for environmentally-friendly land-use policies and championing public transportation. Its also a return to a familiar workplace. Blumenauers first job out of college was as an assistant to Portland State Universitys president, a gig he picked up in 1970.

Blumenauer said a big goal for his first year at PSU is to use the universitys resources to help Portlanders digest and fully understand the new form of government taking shape in the city.

I think [Portland State] is positioned to help convene, discuss and help this new city government find its footing and be able to explain to the citizens what weve got, said Blumenauer.

This new post at PSU is not a surprising move. When Blumenauer announced that he would not seek reelection to Congress last year , he signaled a desire to refocus his time and attention more locally in Portland.

University officials say hell help steer conversations and projects dealing with the Portland metro regions largest issues like rejuvenating downtown Portland, transportation challenges and regional tax reform.

Blumenauers decades of local and national political experience and his extensive network will surely be an asset to Cudd, who is still relatively new to the downtown campus and the city itself. She took over as PSUs leader just over a year ago and navigated a tumultuous transition that included several disruptive campus protests over the war in Gaza.

Im really looking forward to having a chance to connect with Earl Blumenauer on a daily basis and get his sense of the city, said Cudd, who has already worked closely with the congressman over the past year. Im looking forward to building my network even further with his help.

Blumenauers first official day at Portland State will be Jan. 3, 2025  when his term in Congress ends. Cudd said his work week hours and compensation are still being ironed out. But Blumenauer said he expects to work far less than the 80 hours a week he was putting in as a U.S. Representative.

Blumenauer is not the first politician to take up a job at PSU. Former Oregon Gov. Barbara Roberts taught at PSUs Hatfield School of Government for a handful of years starting in 1998. Former Portland Mayor Vera Katz also held a position at PSU after leaving elected office.

This story was originally published by Oregon Public Broadcasting, a Capital Chronicle news partner.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Biden administration on Wednesday issued sanctions on a Lebanese network it accused of smuggling oil and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to help fund the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah.

The sanctions target three people, five companies and two vessels that the U.S. Treasury Department said were overseen by a senior leader of Hezbollah's finance team and used profits from illicit LPG shipments to Syria to aid generate revenue for the group.

Acting Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Bradley Smith, in a statement, said Hezbollah "continues to launch rockets into Israel and fuel regional instability, choosing to prioritize funding violence over taking care of the people it claims to care about, including the tens of thousands displaced in southern Lebanon."

(Reporting by Susan Heavey)
The News

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his UK counterpart David Lammy arrived in Kyiv for a joint visit Wednesday.

The pair are scheduled to meet with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who for months has been asking for more leeway on using Western weapons to strike deeper inside Russia  something the US and other allies have sought to avoid for fear of a potential nuclear escalation.

Ahead of the meeting, Zelenskyy said victory in the war depended on support from the US and other partners. Blinken later pledged $717 million in new economic and humanitarian aid.

The visit comes after the US confirmed Iran had provided missiles to Russia for use in Ukraine. In response, Britain, France, Germany, and the US announced sanctions on Tehran. The Biden administration has also accused Beijing of providing Moscow with very substantial military support  perhaps the most direct criticism yet of Chinas implicit support for Russia.

SIGNALS

Concerns remain about Ukraines use of Western weapons to strike Russia

Sources: Financial Times, Reuters, Foreign Affairs

US President Joe Biden is weighing Ukraines plea to use long-range Western arms to strike deep inside Russia, but US intelligence and defense officials have cautioned against it due to the risk of escalation with Moscow, the Financial Times reported. A Russian lawmaker has already warned that the country will be forced to respond using more powerful and destructive weapons. And the military benefits that Ukraine might get from striking Russian territory are unlikely to be game-changing, a defense expert argued in Foreign Affairs, because the strikes would need to be combined with tight ground maneuvers, the likes that Kyivs forces have been unable to master so far.

European diplomats believe Ukraine needs a more realistic plan

Source: The Wall Street Journal

Ukraines original goal to drive out Russia from the country entirely may need to be reevaluated, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing European diplomatic sources. Russia has been making progressive gains in Ukrainian territory, and a point of tension between Kyiv and its Western allies has been the discrepancy between the situation on the ground and Ukraines stated goal of regaining all territorial control. Sources also told the Journal that choosing a more pragmatic approach would make it easier for Western diplomats to continue advocating and securing aid for Kyiv.

Irans arms supply to Russia marks political reversal for its new president

Source: The Guardian

Irans decision to supply arms to Russia appears to be a mysterious change in policy from the countrys new reformist president who vowed to improve relations with the West, The Guardians diplomatic editor argued. But it could simply be a case of President Masoud Pezeshkian being distracted by domestic crises, or being excluded from foreign policy decisions. The true foreign policy power brokers in Iran are the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and the supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the diplomatic editor wrote.
US Secretary of State to convey Ukraine's request to launch long-range strikes on Russia to Biden

Antony Blinken, US Secretary of State, has promised to convey the request of the Ukrainian government to strike Russian facilities with long-range weapons to US President Joe Biden.

Source: Blinken at a joint press conference with Andrii Sybiha, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, and David Lammy, UK Foreign Secretary, on 11 September, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Blinken reported that the issue of using long-range weapons to strike military targets in Russia had been raised during the negotiations in Kyiv. He stressed that he planned to bring this discussion back to Biden.

"Among other things, we discussed long-range fires but a number of other things as well. As I said at the outset, Im going to take this discussion back to Washington to brief the president on what I heard," he said.

Blinken stressed that Russia escalates the situation by launching attacks on civilian facilities in Ukraine, on its power infrastructure and on the soldiers who are defending their country.

"And now weve now seen this action of Russia acquiring ballistic missiles from Iran, which will empower their aggression in Ukraine. If anyone is taking escalatory action, it would appear to be Mr Putin and Russia," he added.

Earlier, US President Joe Biden hinted that the US might lift the restrictions on Ukraines deployment of long-range weapons in the territory of Russia.

On 13 September, US President Joe Biden will meet with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to discuss allowing the Ukrainian defence forces to strike deep into Russia.

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US Secretary of State and UK Foreign Secretary to meet with Zelenskyy and government officials in Kyiv on Wednesday

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy. Photo: US Department of State on Facebook

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy will arrive in Kyiv on 11 September.

Source: US Department of State website

Quote from the State Department: "On 11 September, Secretary Blinken will travel to Ukraine with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, where they will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and senior Ukrainian government officials."

Details: The two sides will reportedly discuss further support for Ukraine to defend itself against Russian aggression, as well as ways to ensure Ukraine's prosperity "militarily, economically and democratically in the long term".

On 12 September, Blinken is scheduled to travel to Poland. There, the US Secretary of State will meet with Polish officials to discuss a number of important bilateral issues, including deepening defence and energy cooperation, as well as the two countries' work as NATO members in support of Ukraine's defence.

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US Secretary of State and UK Foreign Secretary arrive in Kyiv  video

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy arrived in Kyiv on Wednesday.

Source: European Pravda, with reference to a video by CBS News reporter Olivia Gazis

Details: The US State Department said earlier that Blinken and Lammy would meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and senior Ukrainian government officials.

Secretary Blinken and Foreign Secretary Lammy board a waiting train in Przemysl, Poland pic.twitter.com/eek2IsWrCt  Olivia Gazis (@Olivia_Gazis) September 10, 2024

Secretaries Blinken and Lammy arriving in sunny Kyiv  pic.twitter.com/vqQJHtrJSO  Olivia Gazis (@Olivia_Gazis) September 11, 2024

It was reported that the two sides would discuss further support for Ukraine's defence against Russian aggression and ways to ensure Ukraine's prosperity "militarily, economically and democratically in the long term".

Background:

Blinken said on Tuesday that his trip was partly aimed at "understanding how Ukrainians see their needs at this moment, what the[ir] goals are, and what we can do to support those needs."

Blinken said he and Lammy will report back to President Biden and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who will discuss the issue during a meeting on Friday. This could be a prelude to the US and UK agreeing to Ukraine's use of long-range missiles to hit targets in Russia, but officials warn that no final decision has been made.

US President Joe Biden stated on 10 September that the presidential administration is working on lifting restrictions on Ukraine's ability to use US-provided weapons to strike military objects within Russia.

WSJ reports that the US and European countries are pushing Kyiv to form a reliable plan for its achievements in the next year of war with Russia.

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By David Morgan

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -A top election official from the battleground state of Arizona warned the U.S. Congress on Wednesday that a Republican drive against noncitizen voting in the Nov. 5 election is aimed at a "fake problem" and could impose a hefty penalty on U.S. citizens.

Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes told the Republican-led House of Representatives Administration Committee that 47,000 eligible voters in his state were denied the right to vote by a 2004 initiative that required proof of citizenship.

"We have denied eligible citizens the right to vote in far greater numbers than we would have prevented the vanishingly rare noncitizen voting that is alleged to be happening across the United States of America," said Fontes, a Democrat who was one of the top election officials from six states who testified at a hearing.

During a sometimes-combative session about public confidence in elections, lawmakers and witnesses traded jabs over a Biden administration drive to register new voters through federal agencies and the tide of misinformation about the voting system's integrity that witnesses blamed for unrelenting threats against election administrators.

"People have come to my home. They have threatened me or my staff and many of the hundreds of clerks and local election officials in our state," Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, a Democrat, told lawmakers.

"Unsubstantiated allegations and rhetoric without evidence makes our elections less secure, because they erode the public's confidence," she said.

The hearing took place as Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson sought to force Democrats to accept a bill requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote in federal elections nationwide.

The measure is backed by Republican Donald Trump, who falsely claims that his 2020 loss to Democratic President Joe Biden resulted from widespread voter fraud and that the November election could be swayed by voting among migrants who have crossed the U.S.-Mexico border illegally.

Voting by noncitizens in federal elections is a felony, and independent studies have shown that it happens only rarely.

Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose, who acknowledged the rarity of the practice, said his office has removed nearly 600 noncitizens from state voter rolls that contain about 8 million registrants.

"But we keep it rare by enforcing the law," said LaRose, a Republican. "This problem has only been compounded by the lack of border security under the current administration."

Fontes said eligible voters affected by the Arizona measure known as Proposition 200 have since been allowed access to the ballot despite "the paranoia around a fake problem."

But he predicted more adverse effects for eligible citizens from a U.S. Supreme Court ruling last month that revived proof of citizenship requirements for state elections.

"These efforts will result in the reduction of the capacity of some U.S. citizens from being able to vote," Fontes said.

Just before Johnson canceled a Wednesday vote on the Republican legislation requiring proof of U.S. citizenship in voting, Republican committee Chairman Bryan Steil said the measure is needed to prevent noncitizens from registering to vote while obtaining driver's licenses.

"Because noncitizens can receive drivers' licenses in every state, they inevitably also receive voter registration forms even though they cannot vote in federal elections," Steil said.

"As a result, we have seen states take steps to remove those noncitizens from their voter rolls."

Democracy advocates and Democrats view the measure as a Republican attempt to cast doubt on the November election.

"Our elections are secure," said Representative Joe Morelle, the panel's top Democrat. "Americans will not succumb to the torrent of mis- and disinformation."

At one point, each state election official - three Democrats and three Republicans - assured lawmakers that they practiced "zero tolerance" toward noncitizen voting.

(Reporting by David Morgan; Editing by Scott Malone and Jonathan Oatis)
US and UK top diplomats Antony Blinken and David Lammy arrive in Kyiv as Ukraine battles Putin's war

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy arrived in Kyiv on Wednesday for a series of meetings with senior government officials including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Mr Blinken and Mr Lammy pulled into Kyiv's main train station ahead of a busy schedule that comes at a crucial time in the war, with Kyiv urging its allies to allow it to strike deeper into Russian territory with Western weapons.

They announced the trip at a press conference at the Foreign Office in London, as Joe Biden appeared to be moving towards allowing Ukraine to fire missiles supplied by the West deep into Russia.

Mr Lammy said as he hosted Mr Blinken for talks in London ahead of the Kyiv visit: 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 I'm delighted that we will travel together, demonstrating our commitment to Ukraine.

Mr Blinked added: I think it's a critical moment for Ukraine in the midst of what is an intense fall fighting season, with Russia continuing to escalate its aggression.

Aggression against civilians, against critical infrastructure, and, of course, against Ukrainian forces. We see it ramping up its attacks on cities, people, in particular, targeting the energy infrastructure, electricity, all in advance of the coldest months.

Putin's winter playbook of weaponising energy and electricity.

Americas top diplomat on Tuesday held talks with Sir Keir Starmer and Mr Lammy over the Ukraine and Middle East wars.

David Lammy (left) and Antony Blinken (right) arriving in Kyiv on Wednesday morning (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

The discussions in London were being billed as on a strategic level, rather than responding to particular incidents.

They come as Britain has been pushing allies to allow Ukraine to use long-range weapons supplied by the West to strike deep inside Russia.

Putins military has been using glide bombs launched far behind frontlines to attack towns and cities in Ukraine with devastating impact.

His war, launched in February 2022, has left hundreds of thousands of Russian soldiers dead or wounded, with similarly high casualties among Ukraines forces, as well as thousands, if not tens of thousands of civilians being killed.

Iran is also believed by European intelligence chiefs to have recently supplied Russia with a significant batch of short-range ballistic missiles.

Mr Blinken confirmed Washington is to deepen sanctions on Iran after Tehran provided ballistic missiles to Russia.

"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," Mr Blinken said.

The US has warned Iran that providing ballistic missiles to Russia to use in Ukraine would "constitute a dramatic escalation", he said.

"Russia has now received shipments of these ballistic missiles and will likely use them within weeks in Ukraine against Ukrainians," he added.

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.

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.

In a more volatile and insecure world, it is even more important that we are highly aligned nations.

Sir Keir is due to fly to Washington for talks with Joe Biden on Friday.

The State Department said Mr Blinken was also due to discuss when in London the Indo-Pacific region and the AUKUS defence pact between the US, Australia and Britain.

Meanwhile, Ukraine struck Moscow and western Russia on Tuesday in one of its biggest ever drone attacks, forcing the closure of major airports and a main road into the capital, according to officials.

Ukraine launched swarms of attack drones, with at least 20 destroyed over the Moscow region and 124 more over eight other regions, say Russian sources.

One woman was killed in the capital and dozens of homes were destroyed, they added.

As Putins forces advances in eastern Ukraine, Kyiv has been trying to take the war to Russia with a surprise attack on its western Kursk region on August 6 and increasingly large drone attacks deep into its territory.

Overnight Russian drone and missile attacks injured at least three people, damaged buildings and caused fires across Ukraine, authorities said today.

The air force reportedly shot down 38 out of 46 Russia-launched drones during an overnight attack across 13 regions.
Blinken and Lammy arrived at Przemysl train station in Poland on their way to Kyiv (Mark Schiefelbein) (Mark Schiefelbein/POOL/AFP)

The US and British top diplomats vowed Wednesday to work together for Ukraine's victory as they discussed further easing rules on firing Western weapons into Russia, whose alleged acquisition of Iranian missiles has raised new fears.

In a rare joint trip, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken took the nine-hour train from Poland to Kyiv alongside Foreign Secretary David Lammy, whose two-month-old Labour government has vowed to keep up Britain's role as a key defender of Ukraine.

At three-way talks with their Ukrainian counterpart, Blinken said the visit sent a "strong message that we are committed to Ukraine's success, committed to Ukraine's victory".

Lammy also promised British support until the war of "Russian imperialism and aggression come to an end" and called attacks that have killed Ukrainians "horrific, barbaric, unbelievable".

"The only person that gains from any sense that we are not together" is Russian President Vladimir Putin, Lammy said.

Paying his fifth visit to Kyiv since Russia's invasion, Blinken dropped by a celebrated restaurant to sample borscht, a bright red beetroot soup and Ukrainian national dish.

The trip comes at a fraught time for Ukraine, with Russia advancing on the key logistics hub of Pokrovsk in the eastern Donetsk region and a month after Kyiv launched a shock counter-offensive into Russia's Kursk region.

President Volodymyr Zelensky has ramped up his requests over recent months to the West to provide weapons with more firepower and fewer restrictions.

US President Joe Biden, asked in Washington whether he would let Ukraine use longer-range weapons for strikes on Russian targets, said: "We're working that out right now."

Biden, while strongly supportive of Ukraine, has previously made clear he wants to avoid devolving into direct conflict between the United States and Russia, the world's two leading nuclear powers.

Blinken, speaking Tuesday in London alongside Lammy, said the United States was committed to providing Ukraine with "what they need when they need it to be most effective in dealing with the Russian aggression".

- Fears from Iran missiles -

Asked how Moscow would respond to such a development, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters Wednesday the response "will be appropriate," without providing specific details.

He said the authorisation of Ukrainian strikes on Russian territory would serve as "further proof" of why Moscow launched its offensive, which he said was itself an "answer" to the West's support for Ukraine.

Ukraine enjoyed a fresh boost late Tuesday when the International Monetary Fund said it reached a staff-level agreement that could open the door to $1.1 billion for the country, which is weathering Russian attacks on infrastructure as winter sets in.

But on the military front, the United States said it believes that Russia could start firing short-range Iranian-made missiles into Ukraine within weeks.

Cash-strapped Iran went ahead with the sale of the missiles despite repeated warnings from Western powers, which on Tuesday announced new sanctions on the cleric-run state.

The Iranian shipments have raised fears that Moscow would be freed up to use its long-range missiles against comparatively unscathed areas in western Ukraine.

The United States earlier this year gave its blessing for Ukraine to use Western weapons to hit Russian forces when in direct conflict across the border.

British media reports said Biden, who meets Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Friday, was set to end objections to letting Ukraine fire long-range Storm Shadow missiles into Russia.

Britain has repeatedly pushed the United States, by far Ukraine's biggest military supplier, to be more forward on weapons.

One key ask by Ukraine is to loosen restrictions on US-supplied Army Tactical Missile Systems, or ATACMS, which can hit targets up to 300 kilometres (190 miles) away.

In a joint letter to Biden, leading members of Congress from the rival Republican Party asked him to act on ATACMS immediately.

"As long as it is conducting its brutal, full-scale war of aggression, Russia must not be given a sanctuary from which it can execute its war crimes against Ukraine with impunity," said the letter signed by Representative Mike McCaul, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

Republicans, however, are deeply divided over Ukraine, and a victory in November by Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump over Biden's political heir Kamala Harris could dramatically shift US policy.

Trump aides have suggested that if he wins, he would leverage aid to force Kyiv into territorial concessions to Russia to end the war.

sct/rlp
A University of Southern California student who was involved in protests regarding the Israel-Hamas war is suing the city of Los Angeles after he was hit by a less-lethal rubber bullet.

Boston Moreland, an undergraduate at USC, was hit the night of April 24, a moment that was captured in a viral video released by the student-run Annenberg Media. (Editors note: The video linked here contains strong language.)

Boston Moreland less-lethal projectile

On Wednesday, Morelands attorney, Thomas Seabaugh, announced a lawsuit against the city of Los Angeles alleging that Morelands rights were violated and that he did nothing to warrant the use of a 40 mm less-lethal projectile by the Los Angeles Police Department.

Boston was merely filming the police with his phone when he was shot without any warning. He was not doing anything violent or disruptive. The projectile struck him in the stomach, leaving a large, lasting bruise, Seabaugh said in a news release.

I was lucky it didnt hit me in the hand or the eye, or my visit to the ER couldve been far worse, Moreland said.

Boston Moreland wound

By shooting the projectile, police used excessive force and violated Bostons rights to free speech and assembly, the suit claims.

These so-called less-lethal projectiles are not toys, they can cause very serious injuries, said Seabaugh. If you are struck in the mouth, it can knock out your teeth. If you are hit in the eye, it can blind or kill you. Students have a right to exercise their right to free speech and assembly on a public walkway without fear of being hit with one of these things for no reason.

The LAPD declined to comment on pending litigation.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
TOPEKA (KSNT)  The U.S. Postal Service is responding after a top Kansas election official issued a letter slamming the organization for allegedly mishandling mail during the August Primary.

27 News reached out to the USPS on Monday, Sept. 9 following the release of a letter from Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab. In it, he accused the USPS of mishandling 1,000 ballots from Kansas voters that were received too late by county election officials or lacked a required postmark for the Primary Election.

Schwab went on to highlight the worries voters might be feeling going into the General Election in November in his letter. This comes as election officials sound the alarm nationwide on widespread problems being encountered with the mail recently.

Lil Jon concert coming to Lawrence for Late Night in the Phog

USPS spokesman Mark Inglett said the letter has been received and a response will be sent to Schwab. The USPS has kept communications close with Schwab and other election officials in the Sunflower State this year to resolve issues as they arise, including with the latest postmark problems outlined in the letter.

As we have discussed with Kansas election officials, each state establishes by law the rules and requirements for ballot submission, including ballot-submission deadlines and the role, if any, that postmarks play in determining whether a ballot was timely. In the normal course of operations, the Postal Service does not postmark, or cancel every piece of mail in the system. The primary purpose of cancellation is to ensure that postage cannot be reused, and some categories of postage are pre-canceled before they enter the mailstream. In recognition of the importance that the election laws in some states place on postmarks, it has been the long-standing policy of the Postal Service to try to ensure that every return ballot mailed by voters receives a postmark, whether the return ballot is mailed with postage pre-paid by election officials or with a stamp affixed by the voter. A voter can ensure that a postmark is applied to his or her return ballot by visiting a Postal Service retail office and requesting a postmark from a retail associate when dropping off the ballot. The Postal Service has instructed employees throughout the country about our ballot postmarking processes and procedures and reviewed the standard operating procedures for ballot postmarking. Although we instruct our employees throughout the country to adhere to our ballot postmarking policy, such practice does deviate from normal procedures, since the primary purpose of cancellation is to ensure that postage cannot be reused, and some categories of postage are pre-cancelled before they enter the mailstream. Mark Inglett, USPS spokesman

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Voters who are in the U.S. and not associated with the military who want to use the mail to return a completed ballot are encouraged by the USPS to send it in before election day and at least one week before the deadline set by your local election official. Recommendations may vary depending on which state a voter is mailing a ballot in, meaning even more time should be allowed for the ballot to be sent in.

Inglett directs people to check out the USPS website for information related to past successes with its services in the 2020 and 2022 elections. To read the full letter sent to the USPS earlier this week from Schwab, see the document below or click here.

09 09 24 Secretary Schwab Letter to Postmaster Dejoy by Matthew Self on Scribd

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On Tuesday, Chief US District Judge Robert Shelby granted a preliminary injunction to block Utah from limiting the social media usage of minors. Republican Governor Spencer Cox had signed the Utah Minor Protection in Social Media Act earlier in March. It was supposed to take effect on October 1, but the courts decision to block the law is a victory for young social media users in Utah.

This isnt the first time Utahs governor has attempted to limit social media use among the youths in the state. Last year, he signed two bills that required parents to grant permission for teens to create social media accounts, and these accounts had limitations like curfews and age verification. He replacing the older laws in March due to lawsuits challenging their legality.

Under the law, social media companies would have been forced to verify the age of all users. If a minor registers for an account, they are subject to various limitations. The content they share would be seen only by connected accounts. Additionally, minor accounts could not be searched for or messaged by non-followers or friends, effectively nonexistent to strangers.

The primary reason for the preliminary injunction is due to NetChoices claim that the law constitutes a violation of the First Amendment. NetChoice is a trade association formed by tech giants such as X (formerly Twitter), Snap, Meta and Google. The association has managed to win in court battles and block similar laws entirely or in part in states like Arkansas , California and Texas .
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  A Utah man has been convicted more than four years after he shot and killed an innocent handyman working on a neighbors house.

Jesus Adolfo Valdez Jr., 34, was originally charged with first-degree felony murder, three counts of first-degree felony discharge of a firearm, and second-degree felony possession of a dangerous weapon by a restricted person.

All charges except for the murder charge were dismissed with prejudice as part of Valdez Jr.s guilty plea. The Salt Lake District Attorneys Office said a motive for the shooting was never determined.

The victim, Melbin Martinez, was found dead after suffering three gunshot wounds on May 28, 2020, while working on the exterior of a home in West Valley City. Witnesses at the time told detectives Valdez Jr. was seen shortly after the shooting speeding away on a motorcycle.

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The gun detectives believed to be used in the murder was found underneath the center console of a nearby car. The ammunition inside the gun matched shell casings found around Martinezs body, according to court documents. DNA collected from the gun reportedly matched that of Valdez Jr.

Detectives learned Valdez Jr. had become angry with his fathers wife earlier in the day, which led to him breaking a television and a bedroom door. Valdez Sr. said when he got home he saw his son breaking up the broken items into smaller pieces so they could fit into the garbage can. Valdez Sr. then yelled at Valdez Jr. before going inside for about a half-hour.

During that time, Valdez Sr. reportedly saw his son pacing back and forth between the carport and the backyard before leaving on the motorcycle.

We mourn the loss of Melbin Martinez at the hands of the defendant and hope this conviction provides some measure of justice for his family and loved ones, said Salt Lake District Attorney Sim Gill. We appreciate the cooperation of the family of the defendant that helped ensure accountability in the death of Mr. Martinez, an innocent handyman with no connection to the defendant besides working next door.

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Firearms and ammunition are stored inside a safe at a Salt Lake City residents home on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (Photo by Spenser Heaps for Utah News Dispatch)

In the span of one month, three Utah children unintentionally shot themselves after getting their hands on an unsecured firearm. Two of the children died.

On Aug. 2, a 3-year-old boy in Magna shot himself in the foot, after a shelf that was storing the gun fell, according to court documents charging the mother with with aggravated child abuse, a third-degree felony, in 3rd District Court. The child survived and underwent surgery for his injured foot. His parents told police they have multiple guns in the house, which they keep on a pantry shelf, charges state. They said they do not have a gun safe or locks.

On Aug. 22, a 5-year-old boy died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in Santaquin, after police say he found a 9 mm handgun in his parents bedroom and shot himself in the head. He was pronounced dead at the scene and police dont expect any foul play.

And on Sept. 2, an 8-year-old boy shot himself in a car while his mother was in a gas station in Lehi. The child was taken to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

Currently, 26 states have some kind of law mandating secure firearm storage in the presence of a child, often referred to as secure storage or child-access prevention laws. But attempts by Utah lawmakers to pass similar legislation have failed, repeatedly.

Is a slight inconvenience to gun owners, many of whom are already doing this, worth saving a life? Absolutely.

 Rep. Andrew Stoddard, D-Millcreek

Rep. Andrew Stoddard, D-Millcreek, tried in both 2023 and 2024 to pass a law requiring the safe storage of firearms  both bills died in committee meetings, meaning they never made it to either the House or Senate for a full vote.

His 2023 bill would have imposed a criminal penalty on adults if a child or restricted person uses their gun and injures someone or commits a crime. After that failed, Stoddard came back a year later with a bill that instead levied civil penalties, but that also failed in committee.

It sucks, said Stoddard. Im not saying my bill would have necessarily fixed this. Theres still going to be people who dont comply. But we do have good data that backs this up  Is a slight inconvenience to gun owners, many of whom are already doing this, worth saving a life? Absolutely.

Sen. Todd Weiler, R-Woods Cross, sponsored a similar bill this past legislative session, which would have made it easier to take legal action against a firearm owner if an unauthorized individual takes their unsecured gun and uses it to harm someone. According to the bill, an unauthorized individual is defined as anyone who does not have permission to use the firearm, including a child.

Weiler clarified his bill was focused on holding negligent adults accountable if a child takes their gun and shoots someone intentionally, like what sometimes happens in school shootings or gang violence. The bill does not mention self-inflicted shootings.

After speaking to other senators, he realized it didnt have the support needed to move forward, and the bill was never heard in a committee meeting.

People feel very strongly about the Second Amendment and they feel like its under attack, said Weiler, who thinks his bill was perceived as a barrier to gun ownership. That was not my intent at all. In fact, I think the Second Amendment is strengthened if we emphasize to the public that this is a special right, and that we need to be safe with our guns.

Stoddard said hell likely run another bill in 2025 to tackle gun storage. Weiler said he wont, telling Utah News Dispatch if my colleagues have said, No, Im not going to come back year after year and ask them the same question again.

These recent tragedies are horrific, but at the end of the day, the Second Amendment is enshrined in the Constitution  adults are either going to be responsible or theyre not. Im not sure that my bill would have changed any of these adults behaviors, Weiler said.

Firearms and ammunition are stored inside a safe at a Salt Lake City residents home on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (Photo by Spenser Heaps for Utah News Dispatch)

A growing trend

The three recent incidents make at least 32 unintentional shootings in Utah by children since 2015, according to the gun safety group Everytown. Its part of a growing, national trend.

Per Everytown, 2023 was the worst year on record, with 411 unintentional shootings, the first time that number surpassed 400 since the group started collecting data.

This is a problem that happens across the country. We know that approximately every day in America, one child gains access to a loaded firearm and unintentionally shoots themselves or someone else, said Kelly Drane, research director for the Giffords Law Center, a gun violence prevention organization started by former Arizona Democratic Rep. Gabby Giffords, who survived being shot in the head during a 2011 constituent event.

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Drane offered a few explanations for the increase. For starters, there is an unprecedented number of guns in American hands, starting with a massive spike in ownership during the coronavirus pandemic. Since 2020, data from the FBI shows more background checks for firearm purchases are being conducted than ever before  its now normal for the agency to report between 2 to 3 million background checks in a single month nationally, numbers that were rarely seen before the pandemic.

Because some of those purchases include first-time gun owners, Drane said there are likely more people with firearms who might not understand the importance of safe storage.

For Drane, and other policy experts and activists, secure storage laws are low-hanging fruit to combat the trend. And data suggest they work.

In July, the Rand Corporation released a report analyzing several studies that showed secure storage laws resulted in a decrease in unintentional firearm injuries and deaths among children. Another 2020 study published in the National Institute of Medicine found that firearm negligence laws resulted in a 15% reduction in firearm homicides, a 12% reduction in firearm suicides and a 13% reduction in unintentional firearm fatalities, all among children under 14 years old. An older but often-cited 1997 study, also published in the National Institute of Medicine, found unintentional shooting deaths among children younger than 15 years old decreased by 23% after states passed a secure storage law.

Plus, public opinion seems to lean toward safe storage policies. A 2023 survey from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that 72% of respondents support some kind of child access prevention law, requiring gun owners to secure their firearm when its not in use. Although support was slightly less among gun owners and Republicans surveyed, about 58% of both groups still supported secure storage laws.

Still, lawmakers in Utah have been hesitant to let these laws gain traction. Stoddard said the gun lobby in Utah makes some politicians shudder at the thought of doing anything that might be seen as anti-Second Amendment, despite the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in the 2008 case District of Columbia v. Heller that found storage laws dont violate the Constitution.

Youve got a system that gives a ton of power to a very small, vocal group of people who dont necessarily represent the majority interest, said Stoddard. Youre going to get representatives who oftentimes, either carry those extreme views themselves, or arent willing to go against those views because this small group of people has the power to get rid of them.

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Stoddard pointed to HB119, a law passed last session intended to give firearm training to teachers who wanted to carry in the classroom. The bill required some kind of secure storage, either directing the teacher to keep the gun on themselves at all times, or reimbursing their purchase of a biometric gun safe.

They recognize the value of it. Theyre literally just not willing to do anything about it, and thats whats most frustrating, he said. People unlock their phones a million times a day using a fingerprint. Why cant you spend $150 and buy a biometric safe that does the same? That could save a life.

Neca Allgood, who works with the Gun Violence Prevention Center of Utah and spoke in favor of both of Stoddards bills, said a secure storage law aligns with Utahs reputation for a family-friendly state.

This does not interfere with Second Amendment rights. Along with the right to bear arms comes the responsibility to keep those guns out of the hands of children. Family values are so important to Utah  I hope that every adult can spend a minute putting themselves in the shoes of the parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles of these families who have had a child get access to a gun and shoot themselves or someone else. It would just rip a hole in their family, she said.

Nationally, more children are killed by firearms each year than anything else. The rate of children killed by firearms  whether its a targeted incident, suicide or an unintentional shooting  has increased steadily since 2013, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. In 2020, 2,270 children across the country died from firearms, surpassing motor vehicle deaths for the first time in decades. That number continues to climb, hitting 2,571 in 2021.

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SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  The Utah law that would require social media platforms to verify their users ages and place restrictions on minors accounts has been blocked from going into effect while the lawsuit continues through the courts.

The law was set to go into effect on Oct. 1. The law amended the Utah Minor Protection in Social Media Act as part of Utahs ongoing campaign against social media and its alleged harms to the mental health of youth.

However, late Thursday night, U.S. District Court Judge Robert Shelby said one of the two lawsuits against the law is substantially likely to succeed on its claims that the law violates the First Amendment.

The court recognizes the States earnest desire to protect young people from the novel challenges associated with social media use, Shelby wrote in his order.  But owing to the First Amendments paramount place in our democratic system, even well-intentioned legislation that regulates speech based on content must satisfy a tremendously high level of constitutional scrutiny. And on the record before the court, Defendants have yet to show the Act does.

Utah judge expedites hearing on controversial Amendment D ballot measure

NetChoice, which represents several companies that own social media platforms such as Meta, Google, and X, filed its lawsuit in December of last year. The lawsuit came after Utah lawmakers passed the Social Media Regulation Act in 2023. Utah lawmakers repealed the Social Media Regulation Act following the lawsuits in favor of the Utah Minor Protection in Social Media Act.

NetChoices lawsuit continued, claiming the new Act continues to limit the First Amendment right for minors. In its amended lawsuit, NetChoice said the entire Act is unconstitutional due to speech restrictions and burdens that depend on a vague and content-, speaker-, and viewpoint-based coverage definition of a regulated social media company.'

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox and Attorney General Sean Reyes previously predicted they would see pushback from the laws. However, the two indicated they would not back down from legal challenges as they continue to fight to protect Utahs children from the alleged harms of social media.

The preliminary injunction against the Utah Minor Protection in Social Media Act will be in place while NetChoices lawsuit continues through litigation.

In the same ruling, Shelby rejected a preliminary rejection request for a second lawsuit. Shelby determined the plaintiffs  a group of minors, adults, and youth-led organizations  have not sufficiently shown the Act violates constitutional rights. Despite denying the request and dismissing the claims, Shelby invited the plaintiffs to file an amended complaint should they wish to do so.

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GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX)  With flu season fast approaching, VA Western Colorado Health Care Systems announced upcoming clinics where eligible veterans can get a vaccine for the virus.

The VA, starting Wednesday, is hosting the flu vaccine clinic Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m. at the hospitals front entrance, 2121 North Ave. in Grand Junction. No appointment is necessary, and walk-ins are welcome.

We recognize the importance of protecting our veterans and the community from the influenza virus, Dr. Keith Thomas, VA Western Colorado Health Care System chief of staff, said in a press release. By providing these clinics, we aim to increase vaccination rates and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to receive their flu shot in a convenient and safe environment.

For more information, call the hospital at 970-242-0731.

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Vets with Rare Lung Disease Could Get Benefits More Easily Under Proposed Changes, VA Says

Veterans with a rare lung disease could have an easier time collecting Department of Veterans Affairs disability benefits under proposed changes announced by the agency Wednesday.

The ailment, called constrictive bronchiolitis, or CB, is one of the burn pit-related illnesses covered under the PACT Act, the sweeping law passed two years ago that aimed to make it easier for veterans with certain diseases linked to toxic exposure to get VA care and benefits. But veterans with CB have reported still facing unique challenges to getting their benefits approved by the VA.

Now, the department is taking steps to remove the specific challenges veterans with CB face when applying for benefits.

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"These steps are part of our comprehensive efforts to make sure that all those we serve -- including veterans who live with CB and their survivors -- get the benefits they deserve," VA Secretary Denis McDonough wrote in a letter to Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Jon Tester, D-Mont., released by the department Wednesday.

"Altogether, we are now delivering more care and more benefits to more veterans than ever before, but we will not rest until every veteran and survivor gets the care and benefits they deserve," McDonough added. "That is why today's proposed steps are so important, and that is why we will continue to do everything in our power to support veterans who live with CB and their survivors."

CB, also known as obliterative bronchiolitis or bronchiolitis obliterans, is the narrowing or obstruction of the lungs' smallest airways -- the bronchioles -- by scarring or fibrous tissue. The scarring prevents oxygen exchange between the lungs and the bloodstream, causing extreme fatigue.

Other symptoms include shortness of breath and unexplained wheezing or dry cough in the absence of a cold or allergies.

CB was one of the 23 ailments that the PACT Act classified as presumed to be linked to military service, meaning the burden is no longer on veterans to prove their illness was caused by military service in order to be approved for benefits.

But two specific issues have made it difficult for veterans with CB to collect benefits even after the PACT Act, veterans and experts recently told lawmakers in a roundtable to mark the anniversary of the bill.

First, CB is the only PACT Act respiratory illness that does not have its own diagnostic code in VA disability claims systems. That means the VA must enter a diagnostic code for a similar disease into the system, a practice it says allows the department to still award benefits but which veterans and advocates say fails to recognize the true effect of their condition. Second, it is difficult to diagnose CB, with the only current way to definitively diagnose it being a painful, invasive lung biopsy.

To address those hurdles, the VA is taking steps to add a diagnostic code specifically for CB. The department is also moving to allow two additional medical tests to evaluate those with CB that will "make it easier for veterans to obtain an accurate disability rating," according to McDonough's letter. The tests are maximum oxygen consumption and metabolic equivalents, which respectively measure oxygen and energy usage during exercise.

The changes announced Wednesday are not taking effect immediately. The department must first go through the federal rulemaking process, a sometimes lengthy undertaking that includes soliciting public comment. The proposed rule change will be published in the Federal Register on Thursday, according to a draft published on the agency's website Wednesday.

In April, Tester led 17 other senators in calling on the VA to make the changes similar to those announced Wednesday after a PBS NewsHour story highlighted the issue.

A Senate aide told Military.com that, while not perfect, the VA's Wednesday announcement was a significant step forward and that Tester will monitor the implementation of the changes.

"Toxic-exposed veterans have waited decades to receive the benefits and health care the PACT Act provides, and it's critical VA is implementing the law the way veterans need and deserve," Tester said in an emailed statement Wednesday. "That means fixing outdated processes standing in the way of veterans and their newly expanded benefits. I'm glad to see the department answering my call to do this for veterans with constrictive bronchiolitis, and I'll keep holding VA accountable to roll out this law the way Congress intended."

Editor's note: This article has been updated to reflect that constrictive bronchiolitis is the only PACT Act respiratory illness without a diagnostic code in VA disability systems and to clarify the effects of not having its own diagnostic code.

Related: Burn Pit Victims with Rare Lung Disease Struggle to Get VA Care and Benefits
CNN

In one of the more humorous takes following the presidential debate, CNN host and political commentator Van Jones said that Vice President Kamala Harris whooped her Republican rival, former President Donald Trump.

She got up there and she put him in his place. She baited him and then she spanked him. She baited him and then she spanked him, Jones told a CNN panel immediately after the debate. Not only did she pass the commander in chief test, he failed it.

Jones said Harris performance was a sort of wish fulfillment, adding that people have wanted to see somebody put this bully in his place, and people have watched contender after contender fail to put him in his place.

I mean, you could see the punches coming he couldnt get out of the way, Jones said.

Longtime CNN anchor Anderson Cooper largely agreed with the assessment. I mean if you can so unhinge somebody by saying people leave your rallyany world leader can manipulate you into anything, Cooper said.

Harris and Trumps debate performances have divided criticsa stark difference between the first debate between the former president and President Joe Biden when he was still running at the top of the Democratic ticket.

Jones, who once served as an adviser in the Obama White House, was quick to express disappointment in Biden after the first debate in June. I worked for Joe Biden. He didnt do well at all, Jones said. I love that guy. Thats a good man. He loves his country. Hes doing the best that he can. But he had a test to meet tonight to restore the confidence of the country and of the base. And he failed to do that.

Conservative critics, including Fox News commentator Jesse Watters, were a lot less bullish on Harris performance. I dont think the American people are watching and thinking any of these people won, Watters told a panel immediately after the debate, before praising the former presidents jokes throughout the debate.

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Springfield, a city in Clark County, Ohio | 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, 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.
VANDALIA, Ohio (WDTN)  An area park was vandalized and police are asking for the publics help in learning more.

The Vandalia Police Department said so in a social media post on Tuesday morning.

Motorcycle group hosting ride for officer hurt in line of duty

We need your help in finding the culprit. We had the bridge from the Art Park to the historical society damaged. A rear door to the Art Park bathroom facility was damaged. A window pane at the Historical Society was broken, the post reads.

The bridge at Art Park in Vandalia. (Joe Gurnig/WDTN)

(Joe Gurnig/WDTN)

Anyone with information regarding the vandalism is asked to call the police department at 937-898-5868.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com.
Hundreds of Venezuelans marched on the Brazilian embassy in Caracas Wednesday to appeal for President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's help in securing the freedom of some 2,500 "political prisoners."

"Freedom, freedom!" chanted the group in a rare protest since a crackdown that claimed 27 lives following July 28 presidential elections the opposition says it can prove incumbent strongman Nicolas Maduro had stolen.

"Lula, intercede for Venezuela," read one poster. Another urged: "Free all the political prisoners."

Of the 2,500 people the protesters claim are held in Venezuelan prisons for defying the regime, some 2,400 were arrested at spontaneous demonstrations in the days after election authorities declared Maduro the victor.

They include minors, according to rights groups.

The opposition says its candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia -- since granted asylum in Spain under threat of arrest in Venezuela -- was the legitimate election winner, and much of the international community has refused to accept Maduro's claim to a third six-year term.

Brazil and other countries have asked to see a full breakdown of the voting results.

- 'Slow-motion assassination' -

Wednesday's protesters delivered to the embassy a letter addressed to Lula, who with Colombia's Gustavo Petro has been heading efforts to find a peaceful exit from the post-election crisis.

"We are telling him of the conditions in which our relatives are being held, all their human rights violated," said Diego Casanova, who had a family member detained in the election aftermath.

"They are all prisoners of conscience, none have committed a crime."

Organizer Andreina Baduel added: "Political prisoners are being subjected to a slow-motion assassination in Venezuela just for thinking differently."

Her father Raul Baduel was once an ally of Maduro's predecessor Hugo Chavez but was jailed after breaking with the regime, and died behind bars in 2021.

Lula, traditionally a leftist ally of Maduro, has increasingly seemed to be running out of patience, last month calling his regime "very unpleasant" and with an "authoritarian bias."

Last week, the two countries became embroiled in a spat after Venezuela revoked permission for Brazil to represent Argentina's diplomatic interests in the country.

Brazil insisted it would continue overseeing the Argentine embassy in Caracas, where six Venezuelan opposition officials have been sheltering for months.

Argentina was among seven Latin American countries whose diplomatic staff were asked to leave Caracas as Venezuela severed relations with nations critical of the election.

jt/erc/mar/mlr/fb/bjt
NASA astronaut Don Pettit is on his way to the International Space Station with two Russian cosmonaut crewmates who have helped set a record  theyre among 19 people in orbit at the same time.

Pettit, who was part of the 1996 NASA class of astronauts, made his fourth trip to space Wednesday joining Roscosmos cosmonauts Alexey Ovchinin and Ivan Vagner on the Soyuz MS-26 spacecraft.

The trio lifted off at 12:23 p.m. EDT (9:23 p.m. local time) from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan for a short, two-orbit trip before a rendezvous with the ISS just over three hours later at 3:32 p.m. EDT to join the nine astronauts and cosmonauts already on board the ISS and become part of Expedition 71.

The 12 people on board the ISS isnt a record for the station, but with the three Chinese taikonauts on the Tiangong space station already in orbit and the four passengers orbiting the Earth on SpaceXs Crew Dragon Resilience on the Polaris Dawn mission, that will mark a record 19 people orbiting in space at the same time.

The record for people in space including suborbital flights remains 20, when Virgin Galactic flew six people on a minutes-long trip to space in May 2022. They joined at the time 11 on board the ISS and three on board the Tiangong space station, although Virgin Galactic flights dont cross the Karman line, the internationally recognized line of 100 km or 62 miles, for having made it to space. The U.S. Air Force, though, had defined the line for earning space wings as 50 miles.

Back when the space shuttle flew, the ISS had a maximum 13 people on board at one time, but those totals dialed back since NASAs shift to flights from commercial providers.

The ISS has two more people on board than its normal crew of seven, though, because NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams were left behind on the station when their ride, Boeings Starliner, departed without them Friday. NASA made the call to keep the duo on board after safety concerns with Starliners thrusters, although the spacecraft made a safe return to Earth.

The pair arrived June 6, one day after launching from Cape Canaveral, and wont fly home until February on board the SpaceX Crew Dragon Freedom, joining the Crew-9 crew, which is set to fly up later this month from Cape Canaveral with only two passengers  NASA astronaut Nick Hague and cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov  instead of four.

Crew-9 is to replace the four members of Crew-8  NASA astronauts Matthew Dominick, Michael Barratt and Jeanette Epps along with cosmonaut Alexander Grebenkin  already on the ISS. That quartet arrived on the SpaceX Crew Dragon Endeavour last March.

In general, the space station has three crew flown by Soyuz and four crew flown for now by SpaceX Crew Dragon making normal six-month rotations. Starliner is seeking certification to share astronaut ferry duties with SpaceX.

Pettits arrival will allow current Expedition 71 member NASA astronaut Tracy Dyson to fly home aboard a Soyuz with ISS crewmates Oleg Kononenko and Nikolai Chub. Dyson arrived in March and will be completing her third trip to space. Kononenko and Chub have been on board the ISS since September 2023 and will have been in space 374 days when they land.

Kononenko is already the record holder for days in space, and by the time he lands will have been in space 1,111 days.

Pettit, 69, who has a Ph.D. in chemical engineering from the University of Arizona, first flew to space on STS-113 in 2002 on Space Shuttle Endeavour to join the ISS on Expedition 6. That mission was the last before STS-107 of Space Shuttle Columbia, which was destroyed on its flight home in January 2003.

The grounding of the shuttle fleet after the disaster meant Pettit was the first NASA astronaut to fly up to the ISS on a space shuttle and return to Earth on a Soyuz spacecraft.

He returned to the ISS on STS-126 also on Endeavour in 2008 and then returned to the ISS flying up on a Soyuz for a more than a six-month stay from 2011-2012.

He has already spent 369 days in space, and by the time he returns will have added another six months, which would make his No. 2 on the NASA astronaut list for most cumulative days in space, only behind former NASA astronaut and now Axiom Space employee Peggy Whitson.

He will become part of Expedition 72 and return next March.

_____
Video of river in northern China falsely linked to flooding in Thailand and Laos

A video of a fast-flowing river in northern China has been shared in social media posts that falsely claimed it showed water flooding into Thailand and Laos. The posts were shared as heavy monsoon rains caused flash floods in the kingdom, but the river shown in the falsely shared clip does not flow into either Thailand or Laos.

"Breaking! China released water into the Mekong River. We must prepare for floods in many Thai provinces," read the Thai-language caption to a video shared on X on August 26, 2024.

The video, which was shared more than 10,000 times, shows a fast-flowing river that cuts through a city.

Text superimposed on the video reads, "Dam burst in China. Water flooded into Thailand and Laos".

Screenshot of the false X post, captured on September 6, 2024

The video circulated online after flash floods caused by heavy monsoon rains in Thailand and Laos in late August 2024 (archived links here and here).

Thailand's Ministry of Health said at least 30 people had been killed (archived link).

Similar posts claiming China had caused flooding in Thailand were also shared here and here, as well as in Japanese posts here and here, and in Chinese here.

The Mekong River flows through several countries, including southwest China, Thailand and Laos, but the clip circulating online shows a different river in northern China that flooded in weeks earlier.

Luo River flood

A reverse image search on Google using keyframes from the falsely shared video led to the same footage in a compilation posted on content aggregator NetEase (archived link).

Its simplified Chinese caption said it shows floodwaters near Yan'an, in northern China's Shaanxi province, on August 9.

AFP geolocated the clip to a bridge over the Luo River in the province's Ganquan county (archived link).

Below are screenshot comparisons between the falsely shared video (left) and Google Earth images of Ganquan county (right) with corresponding elements highlighted by AFP:

Screenshot comparisons between the falsely shared video (left) and Google Earth images of Ganquan county (right)

According to Chinese state broadcaster CCTV, the flooding -- a result of rainfall between August 6 and August 9 -- was the worst the Luo River had experienced since 1994 (archived link).

Separate water basins

Pianporn Deetes, country director for Thailand and Myanmar at the NGO International Rivers, told AFP the Luo River does not connect to the Mekong River Basin.

"It's a completely separate basin," she said.

The Mekong Dam Monitor project website charts the path of the Mekong River into Laos and Thailand from southwestern China (archived link).

Below is a screenshot of a graphic on the Mekong Dam Monitor website, with the location where the falsely shared video was filmed highlighted by AFP:

Screenshot of a graphic on the Mekong Dam Monitor website, with the location where the falsely shared video was filmed highlighted by AFP

There have also been no official reports of a dam bursting in China in August 2024.

Ormbun Thipsuna, a leader of the Northeast Community Network in Seven Provinces of Mekong River Basin (ComNet Mekong), told AFP on September 9, "The latest dam breach in China was in July and had no impact on the Mekong River" (archived link).

The claim was earlier debunked by Thailand's government-run Anti-Fake News Center, which said there were "no news reports whatsoever of a Chinese dam bursting" (archived link).

AFP debunked a similar claim about flooding in Thailand caused by a Chinese dam bursting here.
VIRGINIA BEACH  A sixth-grade student at St. John the Apostle Catholic School was preparing for the start of a standardized test in his homeroom last week when a classmate called out to him.

Hey, check this out, the student said. In his hand was a long, gold bullet.

Shocked and not sure what to do, the other boy turned and joined his classmates in moving their desks into rows as their teacher had instructed them to do, according to his mother, Rachel Wigand. Once the testing was over, the boy went to art class, as did the student whod showed him the bullet, she said.

When a fire drill was called after that  and the other student was no longer around  the boy immediately went to his teacher and asked for permission to go to the principals office, Wigand said. There, he told principal Jennifer Davey what had happened.

The police were called and a bullet was recovered, Wigand said, but it was different from the one her son saw the boy with in class. Its not known if any other students saw it, but her son said several classmates were nearby when it was shown to him.

While Davey commended the 11-year-old for reporting the incident, she said he should have done so immediately, and therefore would have to be punished, according to Wigand. He was suspended for the rest of the school day, and the next day, which Wigand said turned out to be the same suspension the boy who brought the bullet to school received.

I cannot wrap my head around this, Wigand said Tuesday. You punish the reporting person? Ive never heard of anything like this.

Wigand, who works in law enforcement, said her son told her he wanted to wait until the other boy wasnt around.

He didnt wait until he got home, she said. He waited until he felt safe If he had stood up in class and shouted, He has a bullet, it would have caused chaos. It also could have put her son in a difficult position, she said.

She said hes a straight-A student who enjoys school and strives to do whats right.

I keep telling him Im proud of him, and that he did the right thing, Wigand said. And he keeps asking, If I did the right thing, then why am I being punished? One of the harshest things you could do to him is to take him out of school. He truly loves school.

Wigand contacted attorney and former state delegate Tim Anderson afterward to see if he could persuade school officials to reverse the decision. Wigand said shes concerned that having a suspension on his record will continue to harm her son going forward, including when he applies for things like National Junior Honor Society. Their request was denied.

Our students and families are entitled to a safe and nurturing environment where learning can thrive, Superintendent of Catholic Schools Michael Riley wrote in an email to The Pilot. The school cannot, and will not, take chances when it comes to student safety. As part of this charge, we expect students to bring safety issues to the attention of school staff immediately, and our school safety policies cement this expectation. While it would not be appropriate to speak to specific disciplinary matters, our disciplinary practices are both clearly defined and consistently applied.

An attorney for the Diocese of Richmond, which oversees Catholic schools in the region, wrote in a letter to Anderson that the disciplinary action would not impact the boys eligibility for honor society and would not be included on his transcript.

Anderson said Tuesday he and Wigand are considering suing the school and diocese for breach of contract. Imposing such an arbitrary sanction is a breach of the academic contract between the Wigand family and the school, he said.

Theres nothing in the schools student handbook that takes into consideration the safety of the student reporting such an incident, Anderson said. It also doesnt define ammunition as a weapon, and says nothing about punishment for a student who fails to to immediately report the possession of ammunition, he said. Also, the level of punishment that Wigands son received is meant for students in possession of such items and Wigands son was never in possession, he said.

Whats most concerning to Anderson is the message that such a disciplinary action sends to other students and their families. It could lead them to stay quiet in a similar circumstance, he said.

I think it sends a terrible safety message, the attorney said. The message being sent here is to just stay quiet. Because if you talk, and you talk too late, then youre going to get the same punishment as the person violating the rules.

Jane Harper, jane.harper@pilotonline.com
A few days after her first birthday, Devyn Aguilar was diagnosed with a Stage 4 neuroblastoma. Now, nearly three years later, shes cancer-free and has a new playset in her St. Cloud backyard thanks to the efforts of a national nonprofit.

A group of roughly 20 volunteers endured the 88-degree heat for over three hours Wednesday to build the 2-year-old her playset  an effort thats part of Roc Solid Foundations nationwide tour for September, which is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

Despite all that shes gone through, shes always really happy, so were really happy she gets to start living again, said Joanna Aguilar, Devyns mother. We were always told she may never walk again, and she could be delayed, but shes proven them all wrong and now gets to practice her motor skills on the playset.

Nearby in Orlando, 6-year-old Arwyn Thomas, whos battling a rare kidney cancer, saw volunteers build a playset in her backyard.

But Devyn and Arwyn arent the only cancer fighters getting playsets. The foundation is building nearly 80 across the nation over the next three days  including 13 in Florida.

Some of the St. Cloud volunteers took off work  sacrificing vacation time and pay  while others came straight from working the night shift at the Amazon warehouse near Orlando International Airport.

I took the day off to be able to volunteer here because I did this with another family last year and it was so impactful to me, said Maria Rodriguez, a floor manager at Amazon who was one of the volunteers hammering together the playset. This is one of the most impactful things Ive ever done in my life so its worth it to take the day off.

Eric Newman, CEO and founder of Roc Solid whos also a childhood cancer survivor, said playsets provide children with cancer a germ-free place to play without risk to their compromised immune systems.

The first thing taken away from a child when theyre diagnosed with cancer is their ability to play, Newman said. What the whole world went through during the pandemic, thats the everyday reality of a child with the masks, germs and public parks become off limits.

Each year in the U.S. there are an estimated 15,780 children from birth to 19 years old diagnosed with cancer, according to the American Childhood Cancer Organization.

Show Caption1 of 18

Roc Solid Foundation volunteers assemble a playset on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, in the Orlando home backyard of 6-year-old Arwyn Thomas, who is battling a Wilms tumor. Roc Solid Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides kids across the country fighting cancer with playsets. (Rich Pope, Orlando Sentinel)

Expand

Despite the numbers, research into childhood cancers isnt where it needs to be, Newman said.

The same medicine that the kids are receiving 30-some years later is the same medicine that I received back in the 80s, he said. Weve sent people to the moon  but yet you cant spend the money or resources to just invest a little more in trying to adapt and change the type of medicine these children are receiving?

Despite enduring eight rounds of chemotherapy to become free of cancer, Devyn is not out of the woods yet. Shell need scans for the next five years before shes officially declared cancer-free.

Every birthday is a really big deal because you never know, Joanna Aguilar said.

Joanna Aguilar said the cocktail of medications her daughter is on can sometimes have adverse side effects that include getting a different type of cancer.

She hopes her daughters story will help other families struggling with childhood cancers hold onto hope.

This playset is a reminder that she gets to play, and I hope other families see her playing as a sign of hope that there are awful stories, but there are some good ones too, Aguilar said.
SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS)  Put on your cape and join us for the Volunteers for Youth Justice (VYJ) CASA Superhero Run on Saturday, September 21, 2024!

Starting at 8:00 a.m., this exciting event will take place at A.C. Steere Park, located at 4009 Youree Drive, Shreveport, LA 71105. Choose from a 5K, 10K, or fun run/walk and help support a vital cause in our community.

Event Highlights:

Cash Prizes: The overall male and female finishers in the 5K and 10K races will each receive a $200 cash prize!

Medals for Age Groups: Medals will be awarded to 1st and 2nd place finishers in each age group for both the 5K and 10K races. Age groups include: 14 & under, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and 70+.

Registration Fees: $30 until September 20, 2024, until 5:00 p.m.; $35 on race day.

T-Shirts: All pre-registered participants will receive a VYJ CASA Superhero Run t-shirt.

Post-Race Celebration: Enjoy snacks, drinks, and vendors after the race.

Packet Pick-Up Information:

Location: Sportspectrum

Dates & Times: Thursday, September 19, 2024: Noon  6:00 p.m. Friday, September 20, 2024: 10:00 a.m.  5:30 p.m. Race Day at the Race Site: 7:00 a.m.



Your participation in the CASA Superhero Run not only promotes wellness and community spirit but also supports Volunteers for Youth Justices CASA program, which advocates for children in the foster care system across seven parishes in northwest Louisiana.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Chaffee County is color-coding its ballot envelopes for the upcoming November 2023 election. County Clerk Lori Mitchell said the colors should simplify mail-in voting. (Mike Sweeney for Colorado Newsline)

Anyone who is over 18 years old, is a U.S. citizen, and is a legal resident of Colorado can register and vote in Colorado, including voters who are serving in the military or living overseas.

This story is part of a series on voting basics in Colorado.

Members of the military who consider Colorado to be their home but arent in the state due to active duty or service can still vote. Additionally, any citizen who lives overseas but had their last legal residence in the U.S. in Colorado can vote.

Dependents and spouses of active military personnel are also eligible to vote in Colorado.

Those who need to receive a ballot overseas need to update their voter registration through the Colorado secretary of states office to reflect their eligibility under the federal Uniformed and Overseas Citizens and Absentee Voting Act.

Voters covered under the act can select to receive their ballot by mail, fax or email. Ballots that are emailed need to be printed, signed and scanned for return to the clerks office in the voters home county.

Susan Dzieduszycka-Suinat is president and CEO of the U.S. Vote Foundation, formerly known as the Overseas Vote Foundation. She said the requirements for overseas voting are much more uniform across states because its regulated at the federal level, but deadlines and requirements for returning a ballot still vary by state.

I think this is the best voting program we have in the United States, and its a shame that less than 8% of overseas voters use it, even in the best of times, Dzieduszycka-Suinat said. As an overseas voter, your right to vote goes with you everywhere.

Sept. 21 is the last day a county clerks office can send a ballot to a military or overseas voter. County clerks must receive ballots from military and overseas voters by 7 p.m. on Nov. 14  unless the ballot is returned electronically, then they must be sent to the clerks office by 7 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 5.

Colorado will mail ballots to all active and eligible voters starting on Oct. 11, so any voter in Colorado can fill out their mail ballot and vote before Election Day.

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Civil and voting rights groups have filed a friend of the court brief in a lawsuit challenging two rules changes the State Election Boards Republican majority adopted in recent weeks.

The ACLU of Georgia, Southern Poverty Law Center, and the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law argue the changes threaten to upend Georgias longstanding mandatory election certification rules and disenfranchise Georgia voters.

The three Republicans on the five-member board approved rules changes allowing local election officials to conduct a reasonable inquiry before certifying election results if they suspect election fraud as well as examine all election-related documentation created during the conduct of elections prior to certification of results.

The lawsuit, filed late last month by the Democratic National Committee and the Democratic Party of Georgia, maintains state law requires local election officials to certify election results..

Democracy is not strengthened by putting certification and the right to vote at risk, said Poy Winichakul, senior staff attorney for democracy and voting rights with the Southern Poverty Law Center. These regulations could confuse and delay the final certification of election results - all of which are direct threats to the voting rights of Georgians.

County election boards have a clear duty under Georgia law to faithfully report and timely certify their election returns, added Sophia Lakin, director of the ACLUs Voting Rights Project. The State Election Boards last-minute rules changes inject uncertainty and confusion into certification and threaten the fundamental right to vote.

The lawsuit contends Republicans could use the new rules so close to the November elections to cast doubt on Georgias election results, potentially setting the stage for former President Donald Trump to be declared the winner of the Peach States 16 electoral votes, even if Vice President Kamala Harris has won more votes.

Georgia Republican Chairman Josh McKoon has called the changes common-sense rules aimed at promoting election integrity.
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT)  After a local burglary finds criminals using signal jammers to evade authorities, the Vanderburgh County Sheriffs Office teams up with State Representative Wendy McNamara to find solutions for the future.

During a meeting at the Statehouse, concerns regarding signal jamming equipment became a hot topic. It is said this equipment can turn off Wi-Fi cameras and other devices that use radio frequencies to avoid getting caught.

Vanderburgh County Sheriff Noah Robinson testified on Tuesday in Indianapolis about the dangers of criminals using signal jammers to evade law enforcement. He also brings up how Indiana does not have a law about intentionally interfering with communications

Indiana has a number of laws that deal with the interference with reporting of a crime, but none that deal with actually interfering with the signals that are being broadcast by our cellular and Wi-Fi devices, says Sheriff Robinson. As a local law enforcement officer, it is frustrating to see someone use a device of this magnitude and the danger it poses and not have any teeth in Indiana law to allow us to take action to stop it or dissuade someone else from trying the same thing.

Im very concerned about criminals use of this technology and the threat it presents to public safety, says McNamara. These jamming devices could mean a victim couldnt call 911 for help or access their security cameras. We want to close any loopholes in state law to ensure criminals will be held accountable.

This meeting was brought to members of the Interim Study Committee on Corrections and Criminal Code. McNamara says Sheriff Robinsons testimony helped the committee understand the technology and law enforcements concerns.

McNamara plans to craft legislation during the 2025 session in January.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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).
From the Boiling Frogs on The Dispatch

An hour into Tuesday nights presidential debate, our friend David French could no longer contain himself. Its like shes debating MAGA Twitter come to life, he (digitally) exclaimed. Victor Orban, dead pets, Ashli Babbitt, J6. Shes debating Catturd.

I thought that was uncharitable. Catturd, the most bizarrely named right-wing influencer, would have had better message discipline.

Judgments of who won and who lost a debate are subjective, except in cases where one participant is clearly suffering from brain damage. But you can usually get a dependable read on which candidate had the worse night by whose supporters are whining more in the aftermath.

By that standard, Tuesdays event was no contest.

Trumpist media was aflame on Wednesday with complaints that ABC News moderators had challenged their man aggressively while declining to lay a glove on Kamala Harris. Hugh Hannity With Glasses Hewitt predicted that outraged voters would punish the network for its performance by handing Trump the presidency. Woollier populists went as far as to call for ABC to have its broadcast license revoked (and even face prosecution) for its one-sidedness, a fash-y critique that inevitably trickled up to Donald Trump himself.

Its true that ABC News fact-checked Trump more diligently than it did Harris. It may or may not be true that the imbalance was justified. But if your fans are reduced to accusing your opponent of having worn secret radio transmitters in her earrings, your problem is bigger than media bias. When your team loses 28-0, it aint because of the refs.

Some right-wing commentators, and even a Republican senator or two, were more candid afterward about Trumps performance. Lindsey Graham confessed to The Bulwarks Tim Miller that the debate had been a disaster. National Review editorialized on Trumps missed opportunity. Brit Hume told the Fox News faithful that their hero had had a bad night and a voter panel hosted by the network confirmed the assessment, with 12 of the 17 participants agreeing that Harris had won.

The Democrat came out ahead in post-debate snap polling too. A CNN survey found that 63 percent of viewers believed Harris had prevailed.

Almost universally, opinion outside of populist media lined up behind David Frenchs real-time diagnosis. Instead of prosecuting the policy case against Harris, Trump had continually wrapped himself around the axle of Very Online MAGA hobby horsesand whats worse, Harris had plainly baited him into doing it. Watching her set obvious traps for him and then seeing him walk right into them had the feel at times of Bugs Bunny toying with Elmer Fudd.

One minute youre out hunting wabbits, the next minute the barrel of your rifle has been tied in a knot while you babble about Haitian immigrants eating pets.

In hindsight, the fact that Trump arrived in Philadelphia with super-crank Laura Loomer in tow was an omen for how the evening would go. Trump has put Twitter edgelords around himself and, like Kamala Harris in 2019, Trump is more interested in winning the fight on Twitter than the fight for the country, conservative radio host Erick Erickson trenchantly observed afterward. Harris has gotten less radical and fringe-siloed over the last five years, Trump more so. It showed.

She won, no doubt. Does it matter at all?

An election about Trump.

Some pundits get anxious when theyre wrong. I get anxious when Im right.

Im the guy who thought Tea Party conservatives would laugh Trump off the stage during the 2016 primaries, who thought the Access Hollywood tape would squelch what was left of his chances that year, and who thought January 6 would end his viability as a political leader for all time.

In hindsight, this newsletter should have been called Not Pessimistic Enough.

Im an idiot. A politician is generally better off doing the opposite of whatever I advise, especially if it involves trusting Americans to behave sensibly. So imagine my horror on Tuesday night to see Kamala Harris following my theory of how she can win this election.

Yesterday, I took issue with Jonah Goldbergs view of the race. Jonah thinks Harris has erred by not shifting sooner from her hopey-changey vibes campaign to a policy-focused message aimed at separating her from her very unpopular former running mate. If she wants to be the change candidate, Jonah reasoned, she needs to define herself on policy as a centrist alternative to Joe Biden. If she doesnt, voters (and Donald Trump) will conclude that shes running for Bidens second term. And thats not a conclusion that will work to her advantage.

I, on the other hand, think that vibes remain her best chance to win, and that she should keep trying to ride them for as long as she can. Sure, shell need to put a little meat on the policy bone for voters, but ultimately, she and her party are betting everything on the idea that Americans wont reelect Donald Trump if theyre offered a generic Democrat as an alternative. By dint of his policy record and his advanced age, Joe Biden was no longer generic. Harris, in her vague-on-policy vibes incarnation, is. Sort of.

And even if she wanted to make a policy-heavy case for her candidacy, her ability to do so is limited. Her flip-flops toward the center are too blatantly opportunistic to be convincing, and Trumps four years as president give undecided voters a feeling of certainty about how hell govern that no amount of promises she might make can match.

At bottom, Jonah seems to think the election is a referendum on Harris and that her path to victory requires giving swing voters reasons to prefer her. I think its more of a referendum on Trump and that she wins by giving voters reasons to oppose him. Jonahs theory of being a change candidate is to strike a clear contrast on policy with Trump and with Joe Biden. My theory of being a change candidate is to stay as generic as possible while urging Americans to turn the page on the miserable political vibes of the past decade.

Judging by Tuesdays performance, she seems to agree with me. God help us all.

Her strategy throughout the evening was to try to needle Trump into behaving like the irascible, sloppy, conspiracy-soaked goon who exhausted voters sent packing in 2020. Repeatedly, wrote Semafors Dave Weigel, Harris invoked a fact from the Trump years that Democrats felt had been forgotten by voters since 2020, she said something that would set her opponent off, and then she used his familiar eruptions in response to urge voters to take the off-ramp on the Trump era.

She made the debate about him by keeping him on defense for most of the night, the New York Times observed, which is precisely what a vibes candidate should want to do. By inviting her opponent to make a clown of himself repeatedlyand not getting into the weeds on policyshe offered swing voters no reason to dislike her and, hopefully, numerous reasons to dislike him.

The wrinkle, as the Times noted, is that in the process she might have squandered her last chance to define herself before a big national audience. If Jonah is right that vibes arent enough, that to win shell need to cut a clear policy contrast with both nominees from the last presidential election, then  uh oh.

Maybe Trump wasnt the only candidate who missed an opportunity last night.

The Times interviewed several undecided voters after the debate and found that they werent as charmed by Harris performance as the commentariat was. Some sounded downright Goldberg-ian in explaining where they thought she failed. She didnt, kind of, separate herself from Bidens agenda, one complained. Generally speaking, the Times went on to note, those interviewed said she did not seem much different from Mr. Biden, and they wanted change. And most of all, what they wanted to hearand didntwas the fine print.

One man who voted for Barack Obama in 2012 before switching to Trump in 2016 took it all in and found himself leaning toward the Republican again. Sure, Trump came off as crazy during the debate, he allowed, but thats how he always is. I say again: God help us all.

The post-debate triumphalism among Democrats on Wednesday gave me flashbacks to 2016, in fact, and not for the first time in this campaign. By popular consensus, Hillary Clinton cleaned Trumps clock in their three meetings onstage that year. In 24 separate polls, only once did he manage to convince as much as 40 percent of the public that he had outperformed her.

It didnt matter on Election Day. More swing-state voters preferred a freewheeling authoritarian boor promising radical change than a polished woman offering politics as usual. Gulp.

Reasons for hope.

Still, that feels too Eeyore-ish even for me under the circumstances. Not Pessimistic Enough is sometimesfine, almost alwaystoo pessimistic.

Harris obviously helped herself last night, even if Jonahs theory of the race is closer to reality than mine is.

For starters, she isnt Hillary Clinton. At this point in the 2016 campaign, Clinton was 13 points net negative in favorability. That was better than Trump, but still just bad enough to end up costing her states like Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Michigan. She was among the most well-known of Americas political known quantitiesand not in a good way.

Harris is different. Her vibes campaign has taken her own favorable rating from 16 points net negative to slightly net positive in just two months. Voters dont dislike her the way they disliked Clinton, and Trump did next to nothing on Tuesday night to change that. An electorate thats inclined to like Harris might be more willing to credit her for a strong debate performance than it was Clinton.

Having said all that, I cant help noticing that the gap in net favorability between Trump and Harris is about the same as it was between him and Clinton in November 2016, when he won the presidency. Not pessimistic enough.

CNNs snap poll also confirmed that Harris did herself some good beyond simply winning the debate. Her favorability among the sample went from 39-50 beforehand to 45-44 after, rising 18 points among independents specifically. Four percent of those polled said the event outright changed their minds about whom to vote for and another 14 percent said it made them reconsider without changing their minds. (Yet?) Debate watchers who supported Trump prior to Tuesday night were more likely than those who supported Harris to say they were wavering following the debate, 23 percent to 12 percent, CNN reported. And a lot of people watched.

Of course, that same poll found Trump still ahead of Harris by fully 20 points on who would better handle the economy and ahead by 23 points on who would better handle immigration. Not pessimistic enough.

Insofar as being a woman is a special liability in a presidential raceespecially when a strutting alpha male like Trump is the alternativeHarris may have helped herself there too.

It wasnt just that she was better prepared than a man who famously hardly prepares at all, which was a given. Rather, her strategy of keeping Trump on the defensive made her seem dominant, which is typically Trumps shtick and key to his tough-guy bravado. It started before a word was spoken, Politico noted, when Harris surprised everyoneincluding her opponent, it seemsby striding across the stage to shake his hand. That was a psychological tactic, a Harris aide confirmed to the publication, a power move.

Trump relishes gaining the upper hand and relentlessly pressing his advantage, keeping his foes off-kilter and forcing them to fight on his own terms, Politico went on to say. Harris turned that around on him with her Bugs-and-Elmer routine. Viewers inclined to believe that a woman president would lack the mettle to confront and outwit adversaries were left with something to think about.

In fact, even the ambivalent undecided voters interviewed by the Times acknowledged that Ms. Harris seemed more presidential than Mr. Trump. Thats a big hurdle for an ill-defined candidate to clear, particularly one who may or may not be carrying gender-related baggage.

Theres one more way in which Harris probably did herself some good: She may have eased some of the suspicions surrounding her basement campaign.

In my extended family of Fox News watchers, its received wisdom that the vice president is a dope. And in fairness, someone whos motivated by partisan politics to believe that about her wont have trouble finding snippets from her interviews to feed the perception. Shes been serving up word salad for ages. If you were sold on the idea that she cant articulate coherent thoughts on policy without a script (which actually is true of one of the participants last night), the debate promised to expose her vacuousness on the grandest possible stage.

Her pattern of cringy interview answers also helps explain why shes taken so much heat for dodging the press since replacing Joe Biden as her partys nominee. Its not just, or even primarily, a matter of her refusing to explain her policies or face hard questions about her record. Its an echo of the doubts about fitness that ultimately drove Biden from the race: What if Harris simply isnt up to the job, she and her campaign know it, and theyre trying to conceal it from American voters by hiding her from reporters?

One 90-minute debate wont inoculate her from demands that she describe her agenda in greater detail and account forthrightly for some of her failures. But it might be enough to convince some persuadable voters that she isnt the unqualified dope theyd heard she was.

Or at least, not the biggest unqualified dope among the options available.

A good night.

My theory of undecided voters in this race is that most of them are trying to talk themselves into preferring Trump but havent managed to get past their misgivings yet. Theres no other explanation that makes sense to me. After eight years of insanity and insurrections, those who are still open to supporting him have to be looking for reasons to do so. They just  cant shake the nagging feeling that itd be an atrocious idea.

If they can find grounds to disqualify Harris and/or to reassure themselves that Trump might behave more responsibly in a second term than he has in his previous 78 years of life, then theyll pull the trigger.

If Im right about that, Tuesdays debate was a roaring success for Team Bugs. Neither candidate gave undecided voters a reason to rule Harris out. Both candidates gave them reasons to believe that Trump is Trump, now and forever, from his muttering about dog-eating to his admitting that he still has only concepts of a plan for replacing Obamacare despite supposedly having made it a priority for almost a decade. As the misgivings pile up and the arguments for doubting Harris diminish, maybe those undecideds will decide that they cant rationalize a Trump vote after all.

I still think its more likely than not that we end up with President Fudd next yearnot pessimistic enoughbut were further away from that today than we were yesterday. Whew.

Read more at The Dispatch

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Russian veterans who participated in the war against Ukraine are among dozens of Wagner mercenaries believed to have been killed in a battle with Tuareg rebels in Mali in July, Reuters reported on Sept. 11, citing interviews with relatives and social media analysis.

Heavy fighting broke out on the outskirts of the village of Tinzawaten in late July, with anti-government coalition fighters reporting that they destroyed "the entire column of the Malian army and Russian mercenaries."

The Wagner mercenary group, founded by the late Yevgeny Prigozhin, has been particularly active in Mali and has been accused of perpetrating war crimes and widespread looting.

Reuters identified 23 missing Wagner soldiers and two others who were captured by Tuareg fighters.

Some of them took part in the occupation of Bakhmut, a Ukrainian town in Donetsk Oblast that saw months-long fierce fighting and was captured by Russia in May 2023. The U.S. estimated Russia's casualties in Bakhmut at 100,000 soldiers.

Other Wagner mercenaries fought in Syria and Libya, Reuters reported. Some were former Russian soldiers, at least one of whom had retired after a full-time army career.

The news agency referred to footage of the killed Russian soldiers circulating online. Some relatives told the news outlet that the bodies of their husbands and sons were abandoned in the desert. The journalists could not verify how many were killed in the battle.

Officials and experts suggested in comments to Reuters that the defeat in Mali raises doubts about whether Moscow will do better than Western and U.N. troops recently expelled by the junta.

In late July, Wagner Group affiliates confirmed that the mercenaries suffered significant losses in the clashes.

Mali broke diplomatic ties with Ukraine over its alleged support of Tuareg-led rebels without providing any evidence of direct cooperation. The step was taken after comments by Andrii Yusov, Ukraine's military intelligence (HUR) spokesperson, about the rebels receiving "useful information, and not just that, which allowed them to carry out a successful military operation against Russian war criminals."

Read also: Russia influenced Mali, Niger to cut diplomatic ties with Ukraine, Foreign Ministry says

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If You Want to Know Who Won the Debate, Watch Fox News the Moment It Ended

Tuning in to Fox News following Tuesdays presidential debate, it was hard to describe the mood. Somber comes to minda little like you might find at a funeral, perhaps for a beloved cat consumed by a political boogeyman.

Donald Trump had just spent almost all of his 90-minute debate with Kamala Harris ranting into his microphone in a 180-degree contrast from his previous appearance, against Joe Biden. If he kept it together for the first little bit, Trump quickly fell into the traps Harris laid for himabout his crowd sizes, his reputation among military chiefs, his standing among world leadersand the results were grim. To anyone watching who might have forgotten what the Trump years were like, it was an intense reminder.

When the ABC moderators finally wrapped things up and the lights came up on the Fox News panel, the anchors seemed just as rattled as viewers at home. You instantly knew that things were bleak when host Jesse Watters tried to insist that there had been no winners. I dont think the American people are watching and thinking any of these people won, Watters stammered out. He then conceded, This was rough. This was pretty intense at times.

Brit Hume, the networks chief political analyst, was starker. Make no mistake about it: Trump had a bad night, Hume told Fox viewers. This was pretty much her night. Sounding exasperated, Hume complained that Trump had been repeatedly baited by Harris, leading Trump to relitigate so many of the old grievances that we had long thought Trump had learned were not winners politically. Harris, meanwhile, was composed and prepared, Hume said: She kept her cool.

Youre saying she had a good night? host Bret Baier asked him.

Im saying she certainly did, Hume said sternly.

On MSNBC, the difference could not have been more pronounced. Chris Hayes seemed unable to sit still from excitement. Lawrence ODonnell was giddily proclaiming that Harris had turned in the best performance ever in a presidential debate. Rachel Maddow gleefully read out the breaking news of Taylor Swifts endorsement of the Harris ticket live on air to Gov. Tim Walz as if it were a message from God.

But on Fox News, the strategy delivered after the initial shock passed seemed to be to attack the real villains: those pesky ABC journalists who had asked follow-up questions and fact-checked during the debate, such as when they told the American people there was, in fact, no evidence for Trumps frankly racist claims that the good pets of Springfield, Ohio, were being gobbled up by Haitian migrants.

Soon, a string of Fox News friendly faces was called upon. Looking beaten down, host Sean Hannity insisted that the biggest loser in the debate was ABC, bashing the networks journalists David Muir and Linsey Davis as far-left moderators. Speaking with the air of someone just grateful to be invited on television, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. complained about the evident bias of the moderators who were fact-checking constantly trivialities by President Trump. Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida called the moderators an embarrassment to journalism. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis told viewers he much preferred the moderating style of CNNs Jake Tapper and Dana Bash because they asked questions and they got out of the way.*

Eventually, Trump himself entered the debate spin rooma rare move for himand began an impromptu press conference of sorts, prompting Hannity to shush Kennedy so the viewers could listen in live. But without a mic clearly in front of Trump, the audience at home had to strain to hear him, creating an even more shambolic appearance. Instead of the former president, the Fox mics picked up the sounds of others in the room full of journalists and media figures: Why wouldnt you look at her? Why not let your performance speak for itself? Some just audibly snickered at the scene.

When Trump did eventually find his way over to Hannitys set for the TV equivalent of a postgame massage, he complained it had been three against one but still insisted it had been his best debate ever. Visibly sweating and with his hair disheveled, however, he hardly sounded victorious.

And it was the reaction of the Fox hosts that was the most revealing about how the night had gone for Trump. Watters even demonstrated one or two flashes of honesty for his audience; in between defenses, he groaned that Trump had some moments where you were like, Oh my God! Where is he going with this? Indeed, for those Fox viewers wondering where Trump had led them on Tuesday night, there was one grim answer: This race just got tighter, Watters said.

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.
SPRING GREEN  Think of the small village of Spring Green, and you probably think of American Players Theatre or Taliesin, the estate of famed Wisconsin architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

The minds behind the nonprofit Savor the River Valley want you to think of something else: delicious, fresh food made by people in the community.

Savor began in 2021 to boost food tourism in the lower Wisconsin River Valley. More than 40 businesses from Spring Green and other area municipalities  farmers, retailers and restaurateurs  are now part of the organization, which offers wintertime cooking classes, and spring and summer events promoting its members.

Got a curious mind and an empty stomach? Here are five places to start.

More: To revitalize rural communities, this group looks to food tourism to tell the story behind what we eat

Wander Provisions

A few years ago on the Fourth of July, Kyle Anderson was sitting with some friends by the Wisconsin River eating what she described as a "really, really sad collection of items."

As she snacked on Doritos and old cheese, the idea for her now four-year-old deli and specialty grocery store, Wander Provisions, was born. At 128 Albany St., in Spring Green, you'll find deli sandwiches and salads and grab-and-go items from area producers  the perfect way to buy local if you're just stopping through town.

Kyle Adams pulls a package of grass-fed beef from Cates Family Farm out of the freezer at her store, Wander Provisions, in Spring Green. Wander is a deli and specialty grocery store offering customers a grab-and-go option with food from local producers.

Make sure to check out the map of Wisconsin on the store wall  it's surrounded by business cards that Adams crafted herself that feature all the businesses she stocks from, what they carry and how far they are from Spring Green. Eighty-five percent of her food is sourced in-state.

The business's slogan is, "Go outside. Take a snack." In other words, don't be caught munching Doritos by the water if you can swing by Wander instead.

Sky Blue Pink Bakery

Tucked into a small storefront at 176 S. Washington St., in Spring Green, Sky Blue Pink Bakery is named for the favorite color of co-owner Bazile Booth's grandfather. Inside, you'll find scrumptious and unique baked goods  both sweet and savory  including pao de queijo, a Brazilian cheese bread.

Booth and her partner, David Pedersen, also run Soups! I Did It Again, which offers gourmet vegetarian and vegan soups made with locally sourced ingredients. The soups can be ordered online and are also sold at some grocery stores.

Golden beet borscht from Soups! I Did It Again is served at Savor the Summer Feast, an Aug. 10 dinner in Spring Green put on by Savor the River Valley. The group aims to increase food tourism in the region.

Check their Facebook page for the most up-to-date offerings and the dates and times the bakery is open.

The Frozen Local

Just around the corner from Wander Provisions is The Frozen Local, a one-of-a-kind shop selling ice cream, gelato, sorbet, and baked goods from Future Fruit Farm and other local producers.

You'll have a hard time picking which flavor to choose with unique options like elderberry, pear sorbet, cantaloupe sage honey wafer, and even beet with citrus fennel marmalade. According to its website, the storefront is a means to support family farms.

Arcadia Books

Not only does this bookstore have a rich collection of books you can browse for hours, you can enjoy a drink and a sweet treat while you do it.

Located at 102 E. Jefferson St., in Spring Green, Arcadia Books is also home to a coffee bar that offers espresso, tea and other drinks. There's bakery up front, and soups, salads and sandwiches from local producers (including Wander Provisions and Soups! I Did It Again) stocked in a nearby fridge.

Once you've picked out a book and something to eat and drink, settle in at a sun-drenched table by the windows to enjoy it all.

Homecoming and Reunion restaurants

Partners Kyle Beach and Leah Spicer were living in Asheville, North Carolina, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit and they decided to come home to the region where Spicer was born. Today, they're operating two Spring Green restaurants  Homecoming and Reunion  that source ingredients from local producers.

"We want to serve the freshest, most delicious things that pop out of the ground around here," Beach told the Journal Sentinel.

Leah Spicer waters plants at Reunion, the restaurant she co-owns with partner Kyle Beach, in Spring Green July 26. Reunion and its sister restaurant, Homecoming, source ingredients from local farmers.

Reunion, the newer of the two ventures, is located in an old bank building at 134 W. Jefferson St. The supper-club inspired restaurant opened in 2023 and serves delicious cocktails and an ever-changing food menu based on what's in season.

Homecoming operates out of the White School, a more than century-old former schoolhouse building at 242 N. Lexington Ave. More casual than Reunion, the restaurant doesn't take reservations and is open limited hours April through October, serving wood-fired pizzas, apps and salads. Enjoy your meal among friends at a table behind the building.

Madeline Heim is a Report for America corps reporter who writes about environmental issues in the Mississippi River watershed and across Wisconsin. Contact her at 920-996-7266 or mheim@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: 6 foodie places to explore in Spring Green, Wisconsin
David Reinert holds up a large Q sign while waiting in line to see President Donald J. Trump at his rally on Aug. 2, 2018 at the Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania. Q represents QAnon, a conspiracy theory group. (Rick Loomis | Getty Images)

In a speech sent to Al-Jazeera in 2004, Osama bin Laden revealed that a major goal in orchestrating the horrific attacks of September 11, 2001 was bleeding America to the point of bankruptcy. While his economic mission successfully cost us over $8 trillion in our War on Terror, he was unlikely aware that the United States response to these attacks would also debase the countrys faith in its institutions, ushering in what experts are calling the Golden Age of Conspiracy.

For two decades, the American working class watched with a growing disillusionment as it held the bag for war profiteers. We sent 7,085 service members to sacrifice their lives (more than double the lives lost in the terrorist attacks) under the pretense of homeland security. Slowly, the fabric of what it means to be patriotic all but completely eroded. Many who once proudly flew the American flag started replacing Old Glory with the iconography of conspiracy theories.

Conspiracy theories offer comfort in the face of unbearably depressing facts. No one feels good in facing the reality that atrocities perpetrated by the United States government abroad motivated terrorists to carry out the brutal attacks of September 11, 2001. It is unpleasant to recognize that our government converted the largest tragedy in our nations history into a power grab: stealing foreign resources, writing blank checks to the military, and slashing civil liberties.

Instead, the (baseless) idea that a handful of bad actors behind closed doors plotted a controlled demolition of the Twin Towers and the Pentagon offers a panacea. Many Americans have felt more comfortable obsessing over things like nanothermite in Building 7 and YouTube videos on structural engineering than they have with educating themselves on the countless ways America has undercut democracy for foreign powers and taken their resources at the barrel of a gun.

But unlike far-off examples, the War on Terror brought the horror of Americas brutal, extractive foreign policy priorities home, demanding that we feed it money and American lives. As Americans have grappled with this reality, extreme fear  also known as terror  has taken root. Convoluted explanations about the real reasons behind catastrophic events serve as a coping mechanism in the face of grim realities.

Take the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting for example. Unwilling to stare at the bleak reality of 20 children being senselessly gunned down while at school, Alex Jones 10 million monthly viewers tuned in as he falsely explained to them that the entire situation was a false flag operation carried out by our government to take our gun rights away.

At its core, conspiracy thinking has a simple appeal. Its a convenient way to deflect a reality we dont want to accept. When former President Donald Trump falsely claimed he won the 2020 presidential election, many of his followers, outraged at the prospect of him losing, bought his demonstrably false claims  and not without severe consequences. Thousands of them stormed the U.S. Capitol in an attempt to overturn the election and do violence to lawmakers resulting in the prosecution of 1,265 people who chose to follow a lie instead of a truth they didnt want to accept.

Conspiracy theories feel right to us as a nation because our collective disillusionment about America isnt unfounded. To this day, many of us are raised and educated without detailed knowledge of our national atrocities. In West Virginia, my childhood education didnt cover how horrifically prolific the practice of enslavement was in the Kanawha Valley for the salt trade. There was no mention of how law enforcement dropped bombs from airplanes on miners at Blair Mountain. Our history classes barely touched the proxy wars abroad, including the one in Afghanistan that trained and funded Osama bin Laden. Without a doubt, there is much to be deliberated over, unpacked and reckoned with when it comes to our history.

And for the last 150 years, the majority of the atrocities that are uncovered have come from journalists working tirelessly to make sure they get the story right. Whether it was Ida B. Wells-Barnett exposing lynch mobs in the South, to Ida Tarbell taking down Standard Oil, to Daniel Ellsberg publishing the Pentagon Papers, or even a nontraditional journalist like Julian Assange exposing U.S. war crimes in Iraq, journalists have long risked their lives to bring groundbreaking, history-changing information to light.

Conversely, conspiracy theorists start from the flawed presumption that no source is credible. You will never find a conspiracy theorist going out to interview directly impacted people, gathering information from as many sources as they reasonably can, and  perhaps most importantly  constantly questioning what they initially thought to be true about a story.

Of course, not all media is cut from the same cloth. After the Civil War for example, Democrats in the South used their control of the newspapers to advance Jim Crow policies. And even the most venerable news organizations can get major facts wrong. It was the New York Times after all that parroted the U.S. governments false claims that there were weapons of mass destruction in Iraq  a major justification for marching into that country and seizing control of its oil reserves.

But as the Times apology later pointed out, those errors in reporting on Iraq were the result of relying too heavily on United States officials convinced of the need to intervene in Iraq. And a major key to trustworthy reporting is making sure youre not taking the government as face value. Locally, no one knows the importance of this value more than reporters in the state like Brad McElhinny and Amelia Ferrell Knisely. State officials attempts to get them in trouble with their bosses serve as a surefire sign that they are not blindly regurgitating statements and press releases.

From local news to international coverage, there are plenty of things to worry about and plenty of bad actors being exposed every day. As a media consumer, it is essential to identify consistently reliable news sources that have a history of factual reporting. Even then, make sure to consider each story you read on a case-by-case and fact-by-fact basis.

But also recognize that youre probably not well suited to verify claims about things like nuclease degradation in mRNA or the likelihood of jet fuel warping steel beams on your own  the overwhelming majority of us arent. Experts matter; pretending like they dont only serves to echo the chaos and fear that has been reverberating in a feedback loop since that fateful day the world changed.

Its time for us to stop letting terror dictate what we believe.

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Washington state is set to kill 450K owls - in order to save another species of the bird

Officials on the west coast are preparing to kill some 450,000 barred owls in order to help protect the Northern spotted owl (AFP via Getty Images)

Officials on the West Coast are preparing to cull hundreds of thousands of barred owls to save another species of the bird.

The proposal comes as part of the Barred Owl Management Strategy developed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, which is officially being implemented in the states of Washington, Oregon and California.

According to the strategy, which is based on years of research and studies, around 450,000 barred owls will be shot and killed over three decades. The intention is to save the Northern spotted owl, which is currently listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.

According to the service, the 2011 Northern Spotted Owl Recovery Plan identified barred owls as one of the two primary threats to the survival and recovery of northern spotted owls. Habitat loss is the other.

The sprawling 330-page plan details how the barred owls will be directed towards removal specialists using megaphones playing digitally recorded owl calls  a combination of single-note and two-phrase hoots.

The birds will be killed using shotguns and their carcasses would be buried on site, according to the plan. This will be one by placing the carcasses under duff, branches, or logs to secure the carcass without disturbing the soil.

Officials on the west coast are preparing to kill some 450,000 barred owls in order to help protect the Northern spotted owl (AFP via Getty Images)

The location should be out of sight of roads, trails, or human habitation. If this is not possible or advisable, carcasses may be transported to an appropriate disposal facility, according to the plan.

If transported from the removal site, carcasses must be tightly double bagged to avoid spread of disease.

The removal or killing of barred owls could start as early as this fall, but is intended to be fully implemented by next spring. Public hunting of barred owls will be prohibited during this time.

All removal has to be done by trained removal specialists," Robin Bown, leader of barred owl management strategy development, told NBC. "Where firearms are not allowed or contraindicated  barred owls may be trapped and euthanized.

In a record of its decision to remove the barred owls, the USFWS noted that its strategy best meets the purpose and needed action and incorporates all practicable means to avoid or minimize environmental harm

The service does not reach this decision lightly, the agency said.

"If we do nothing, we wont have spotted owls," Bridget Moran, Deputy State Supervisor of the USFWS Oregon Office, told NBC. "If we do something, we will have both.
Watch: Firefighters stretched to limit by three California wildfires

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Three major wildfires in southern California are stretching firefighters to breaking point and forcing them to ask for help from neighbouring states.

Strong winds, dry conditions and a heatwave have sent temperatures in the area to nearly 40C as firefighters battle three wildfires  the Line Fire, Bridge Fire and Airport Fire in Orange County  at the same time.

The Line Fire, which started on Thursday, led Gavin Newsom, the California governor, to declare a state of emergency on Saturday.

An aerial tanker drops retardant on a wildfire in the hills of Orange County on Monday - Mike Blake/Reuters

Firefighters gather to tackle the Airport Fire in California on Tuesday - David Swanson/AFP

The blaze, beside the San Bernardino National Forest, grew to about 32,905 acres by Tuesday night, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

On Sunday, the countys sheriff department issued evacuation orders for the residents of Running Springs  a gateway community to the popular Big Bear Lake. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Firefighters take a break from battling the Line Fire in California on Monday - Shutterstock

There has been substantial wildfire growth throughout the day, Anthony Marrone, the Los Angeles County fire chief, said at a briefing on Tuesday evening.

The simultaneous wildfires are stretching firefighters to the limit, and they are asking for help from Northern California and adjoining states, Mr Marrone explained.

Click here to view this content.

Mr Newsoms office announced that the state was mobilising almost 6,000 firefighters, soldiers and first responders, as well as 51 helicopters, 141 water tankers and dozens of other large pieces of equipment to help battle the wildfires burning across California.

We are working day and night to protect communities, he said in a statement.

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Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris shake hands before the start of an ABC News presidential debate at the National Constitution Center, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Philadelphia. | Alex Brandon

Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump met for their first  and potentially only  debate on Tuesday, at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia.

It was also the first time the two met in person. In an interview with CNNs Dana Bash, Harris said she and Trump had never met. The only time they were in the same room was when she attended Trumps State of the Union addresses as a senator.

The two did shake hands before the debate, before lobbing attacks at one another over issues like the economy, immigration and abortion.

Tuesdays debate was hosted by ABC News, with moderators David Muir and Linsey Davis, anchors of World News Tonight.

Questions on policy, but not many details from candidates

The candidates spent more time discussing past policy positions than what they would do in the next four years on issues like the economy, immigration and foreign policy. There were no questions about their competing plans on taxes, despite some of the Trump tax cuts expiring in the next year.

The first question of the night was on the economy. Muir asked, do you believe Americans are better off than they were four years ago? It was also the last question of the night on the economy, despite voters saying it is their top issue in multiple polls.

In response to the question, Harris said she and Biden were handed an economy in shambles, and theyve spent the past four years trying to rebuild. She did not address historic inflation rates that have driven up the cost of living for many Americans.

Trump did address inflation, saying, this has been a disaster for people. He also defended his position on tariffs, which Harris called a Trump sales tax.

On abortion, Trump called Harris extreme because she wants abortion to be legal through nine months of pregnancy. Harris said Trump put Supreme Court justices in place who would overturn Roe v. Wade, and called states laws limiting abortion Trump abortion bans. Trump said he would not sign a national ban.

On immigration, the two candidates sparred over the Biden administrations role in the spike in illegal migration over the past few years, but Trump made unsubstantiated claims about migrants eating pets in Ohio, and was sidetracked by Harris comments about people leaving his rallies.

Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during a presidential debate with Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at the National Constitution Center, Tuesday, Sept.10, 2024, in Philadelphia. | Alex Brandon

Trump struggled to stay on message

Multiple times over the course of the debate, Trump was unable to stay on message after getting distracted by criticism from Harris.

Instead of landing critiques of Harris actions on inflation, foreign policy and immigration, Trump spoke about his relationship with Hungarian President Victor Orban, the size of his rallies, and his claims that he won the 2020 election.

He also struggled to land a clear answer on the Jan. 6, 2021, riots at the U.S. Capitol, saying, I had nothing to do with that, other than they asked me to make a speech.

Harris pivoted away from questions related to her changing positions on issues like fracking and immigration, and on the botched U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, and was able to instead put Trump on the defensive on multiple issues.

Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks during a presidential debate with Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris at the National Constitution Center, Tuesday, Sept.10, 2024, in Philadelphia. | Alex Brandon

Moderators criticized for fact checking, questions

Going into the debate, many conservatives questioned whether the ABC News moderators would be fair, given evidence of bias on the network.

After the debate, many commentators panned the performance of Muir and Davis, with critiques centered on their interjections to fact check Trump several times, while never fact checking Harris. Others defended their performance.

The questions asked during the debate seemed to favor Harris, and did not include anything about the attempted assassination of Trump this summer.

After the debate, Trump said he thought he did well even though it was three on one.

Foreign policy

The questions about foreign policy  including on Ukraine, Israel and the withdrawal from Afghanistan  did show a clear contrast between the two candidates.

Trump said the Biden-Harris administration has been weak on foreign policy, which led to Ukraine being invaded by Russia and Hamas launching an attack on civilians in Israel. He also criticized the administration for allowing Iran to get closer to having a nuclear weapon, and Harris for not meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu when he was in Washington, D.C.

Harris said Trump would capitulate to Russian President Vladimir Putin, and said the nations defense of Ukraine was necessary. She also said the U.S. membership in NATO was critical, and criticized Trump for adoring strongmen.

On Afghanistan, Harris was asked about the U.S. withdrawal from the country and whether she bore any responsibility for the botched withdrawal.

Harris said she supported the U.S. leaving the country, then pivoted to criticizing Trump for the agreement he made to withdraw.

Trump said the Biden administration blew it on the withdrawal from Afghanistan, calling it one of the most embarrassing moments in the history of our country.

Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump watches as Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during an ABC News presidential debate at the National Constitution Center, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Philadelphia. | Alex Brandon

Will the debate change minds? Or will Taylor Swifts endorsement help more

While many on the left and the right said Harris won the debate, whether her performance would give her a bump among the dwindling supply of undecided voters remains to be seen.

Both candidates made pitches to those voters in their closing statements.

In her closing statement, Harris returned to her earlier theme that she would support middle class families. She also said she would support the U.S. military, and said she would be a president for all Americans.

In his closing statement, Trump focused on Harris role as vice president, and asked her why she hasnt implemented her ideas over the past three-and-a-half years that she has been in power. Trump said the country is in decline, and called Harris the worst vice president in the history of the country.

What may end up helping Harris more than her debate performance was the announcement by singer Taylor Swift at the end of the night that she was supporting Harris.

I will be casting my vote for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz in the 2024 Presidential Election. Im voting for @kamalaharris because she fights for the rights and causes I believe need a warrior to champion them, she said in a statement released on social media. She signed the statement, Taylor Swift, Childless Cat Lady.

Viewers cheer as they watch a debate between Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at the Angry Elephant Bar and Grill, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in San Antonio. | Eric Gay

Supporters of Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris, cheer during a watch party of the debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala HarrisTuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Miami, Fla. | Marta Lavandier

Grace Colucci, of Brentwood, listens during the presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump at Jonathan's Grille, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. | George Walker IV

Karen Sellinger reacts to a comment by former President Donald Trump during the presidential debate between Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Portland, Maine. | Robert F. Bukaty

Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump supporter Shane Whitley applauds during the presidential debate between Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, at Jonathan's Grille, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. | George Walker IV

Former President Donald Trump supporter Pat Tuttle of Lebanon, Tenn., listens during the presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump at the Jonathan's Grille, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. | George Walker IV
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A third of Britons wear a keffiyeh, a policeman has claimed.

The Met Police officer told attendees of a vigil for Israeli victims of Hamas last weekend that the traditional scarf from Palestine, often used as a headdress, was worn by around 30 per cent of people in the UK.

During an event on Sept 7 at the Israeli embassy to mark 11 months since the Hamas terror attack, one attendee objected to the presence of a man they believed was a pro-Palestinian protester because he was wearing a keffiyeh.

In video obtained by The Telegraph, the attendee calls on police to act, saying: Tell him to walk away, you didnt see me going to the pro-Palestinian rallies, did you?

The officer replies: Theres a lot more of him than there is of you, alright?

A second attendee at the vigil notes there is an exclusion zone for a pro-Palestinian march taking place in central London at the same time.

Hes observing, hes not doing anything

Its only one person here, I dont know if hes part of any group or not, the policeman says. How do I know hes part of a group?

One of the vigil participants replies look what hes wearing, to which the policeman says: Are you aware that that is worn by around 30 per cent of people around the UK anyway? Are you aware of it?

The video then shows two people, not part of the vigil, suggesting that the man was part of a keffiyeh march and that he had been part of the pro-Palestinian protest that took place on the same day.

Hes observing your demo, thats it, hes standing and observing you, the policeman says in the video. Insisting that it was his opinion that almost one in three people wear a keffiyeh, he adds: Hes observing, hes not doing anything.

The video cuts out seconds after a second policeman tells the group that they cannot film the officers, with one attendee of the vigil saying I can film what I like.

Pro-Palestinian marches have taken place on an almost weekly basis in central London since the October 7 attack and the subsequent Israeli bombardment of Gaza. Many activists have worn the keffiyeh during these demonstrations, as well as at university encampments set up earlier this year.

Met sources stressed that the exchange appeared to refer to a single protester, rather than a wider group of activists.

The Met Police said officers were aware of the video and working to establish the full details.

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Donald Trump sought to visit the 9/11 memorial in New York City Wednesday to commemorate the twenty-third anniversary of the September 11, 2001, attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon.



But apparently he hasnt been to this event much in years past (if at all), because one of the attendees was picked up by C-SPANs microphones calling out the former president and convicted felon.



Where were you for 20 years? Ive been here. Where were you? one angry person asked Trump.

Trump at 9/11 NYC commemoration ...



Ceremony attendee: "Where were you for 20 years I've been here? Where were you?" pic.twitter.com/L97mNCxLOV  Howard Mortman (@HowardMortman) September 11, 2024

Unfortunately, or perhaps fortunately, considering how thin-skinned Trump and his supporters can be, the person was not captured on video. Trump is not particularly well liked in his native city, and he isnt particularly happy with New York after its residents gave him his only criminal conviction in May. Bizarrely, during his visit to the Big Apple on Wednesday, he brought along the 9/11-denying, proudly Islamophobic, and self-described pro-white nationalist Laura Loomer.



The ceremony Wednesday was also attended by his running mate, J.D. Vance, President Joe Biden, and Vice President Kamala Harris, but none of them appear to have been targeted by any hecklers. Trump doesnt have the best history of honoring slain Americans, whether its his visit to Arlington National Cemetery last month to make a campaign video or his refusal, in Paris in 2018, to visit the graves of American soldiers killed in World War I, calling them suckers and losers.



At least on Wednesday, Trump doesnt appear to have said anything insulting or weird about the people killed in 2001, even if he seems to have only gone to the 9/11 commemoration because its an election year.


BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  The Kern County Sheriffs Office said conditions of the water in the Kern River near Highway 178 were too dangerous to recover a submerged vehicle Tuesday afternoon.

In a statement released by the Kern County Sheriffs Office, officials said search and rescue crews were called to the area near the river and Highway 178 on July 23 for report of a possibly submerged vehicle.

Officials said because of the clarity of the water, high water levels and unsafe conditions at the river did not allow for search team divers to conduct a recovery mission for the vehicle. The statement read, the sheriffs office has been in contact with the Army Corps of Engineers to monitor water levels and flow.

As soon as conditions at the river improve, the sheriffs office said, divers will enter the water to attempt to recover the submerged vehicle.

No other information about the incident was released.

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The largest water company supplying the East of England has defended its position as a private firm after an MP's call for the government to renationalise it.

Anglian Water has faced criticism for its profits despite being given a two-star rating for its performance by the Environment Agency earlier this year.

Norwich South's Labour MP Clive Lewis said the situation was an "absolute shambles".

However, Regan Harris, from the water company, said: "Burdening the tax payer with having to pay for the water network isnt the right thing to do."

Anglian Water, based in Cambridge, supplies parts of Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Lincolnshire, Norfolk, Northamptonshire, Rutland and Suffolk - as well as Hartlepool in north-east England.

It was one of many state-owned water companies privatised by the Conservative government in 1989.

In July this year, an assessment carried out by the Environment Agency documented 307 pollution incidents and a further 11 serious incidents in 2023.

The firm was forced to pay a 37.6m penalty for failing to meet performance measures around leakages, supply and reducing pollution.

Lewis said the water industry needed to change.

"Leaving this critical national infrastructure - water - to the vagaries of the private sector, who have simply sucked it dry of money... is madness," he said.

"I think we need to take it back under public ownership.

"Theyve invested absolutely no private capital - none of their own money - into water infrastructure - all of that has come from our bills.

"[The public] are seeing the consequences of that in terms of sewage in our rivers, dead rivers, rivers that are pumped dry, the sea and bathing areas that no longer have the Blue Flags they once had."

Anglian Water is responsible for water supply and sewage services across the East of England and further afield [Steve Hubbard/BBC]

Anglian Water spokeswoman Regan Harris was on BBC Radio Norfolk as a "hot seat" guest and said privatisation of the water industry had driven up standards.

She said that included water lost in leakages dropping by a third and "world class" drinking water quality.

"We are getting a fair bit of flack at the moment for reasons that are understandable," she said.

"But when you think about what a renationalised industry would mean and how that would have to compete with other government priorities for investment, its hard to imagine that water investment would be top of the list."

Anglian Water was set up in 1989 to supply water and deal with sewerage as well as its treatment [BBC]

Ms Harris said the firm made a pre-tax profit of 133m and had invested close to 1bn in the region this year, with similar investment figures expected for at least the next five years.

In its annual report, the firm gave a different measure for the money it made - citing its operating profit as 337m.

Ms Harris said Anglian Water's next business plan would be worth about 9bn, which could only be made possible by private equity.

"They do expect a return for that but when we talk about wildly high dividends, that is a misconception," said Ms Harris.

"At the moment they would get the same return if they invested their money in a High Street bank."

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EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  Today will be a very warm Wednesday as we continue to see mostly clear skies across the Borderland.

The morning will start cool again, with temperatures rising in the upper 80s by noon. We forecast hot, dry, and breezy conditions throughout the afternoon. Winds are expected to range from 5 to 15 mph southwest.

We expect to reach a high of 95 degrees by 3 p.m., with temperatures dropping to the low 80s around dinner time. With very warm temperatures surfacing in Sun City, make sure to stay hydrated on this day.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB)  News 13 brings you a segment focused on health and fitness on News 13 Midday every Wednesday called Wellness Wednesday.

This week, Personal Trainer, Traycee Green, from Pure Platinum was in the studio with News 13s Kelsey Peck explaining how to have a better breakfast.

Here are some examples Green suggests to have a better breakfast.

Green said instead of eating cereal, have steel-cut oats.

Steel-cut oats are not as processed, which is why they are better eating them instant, Green said. She also mentioned steel cut oats have fiber and whole grains.

Green suggested having whole-grain toast instead of a bagel since whole-grain toast has fewer calories and more fiber.

Green also suggested having nonfat Greek yogurt with fruit rather than whole milk fruit yogurt.

Its higher in protein which helps you keep fuller longer, Green said. Whereas regular yogurt is loaded with sugar.

Another example is having egg whites, which are high in protein rather than bacon or sausage since they are loaded with fat.

For more information, watch the interview above.

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Our study provides the first evidence on the safety of breastfeeding after breast cancer in young women carrying a germline BRCA mutation, said Dr Eva Blondeaux, Oncologist, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy, who presented one of the studies. This indicates the possibility for these women to achieve a balance between the needs of the mother and those of the baby.

Given the hormone-driven nature of breast cancer, there were previously concerns about pregnancy and breastfeeding after the disease, as both involve changes in hormone levels. This was particularly true for women with the BRCA mutation, who remain at high risk of developing a second breast cancer in the other breast. While recent studies showed that neither assisted reproduction treatments nor pregnancy are associated with increased risk of recurrence or new cases of breast cancers, including in women carrying a germline BRCA mutation, until now very little evidence was available on the feasibility and safety of breastfeeding in these women.

I hope these new findings will improve the way we counsel these patients." said Blondeaux. The international study followed up nearly 5000 young women carrying a germline BRCA mutation who had survived breast cancer. Nearly one in four of the 474 women who subsequently gave birth breastfed their baby; just under half were unable to breastfeed because they had had both breasts removed to reduce their future cancer risk. After a median follow-up of seven years from giving birth there was no difference in the number of breast cancer recurrences or new breast cancers in women who breastfed their baby compared to those who did not breastfeed (adjusted subdistribution hazard ratio 1.08, 95% confidence interval 0.57-2.06, p=0.82). There was also no difference in disease-free survival or overall survival.
Jeremy Miles had resigned from his job as economy secretary in the summer. [Getty Images]

Vaughan Gething's former leadership rival Jeremy Miles has returned to the Welsh government as Eluned Morgan's health secretary in her first cabinet reshuffle.

Former first minister Mark Drakeford - who had been interim health secretary since the summer - has also been given a permanent job as finance secretary.

Morgan said her reshuffle offered stability and that Drakeford would be an "anchor" for her government at a time that finances are tight.

But the Tories said the first minister's new cabinet was "still the same old Labour" while Plaid Cymru criticised the "third Welsh government cabinet this year after months of internal Labour party chaos".

Miles was one of four cabinet members who forced Gething to resign in the summer by quitting his cabinet.

Julie James, who had left her job as housing secretary, will also return to government become counsel general.

But two of the four - Lesley Griffiths and Mick Antoniw - were not given ministerial jobs.

Vaughan Gething, who was ousted after months of rows rocked Welsh Labour, had already ruled himself out of serving in the government.

The first minister said: "The changes I am announcing today offer stability, draw on experience, and bring our collective talents together.

"The new portfolios reflect modern Wales and are designed to address the key challenges that face us all."

She told BBC Wales Today that former first minister Drakeford had "vast experience" and that "bringing that anchor to government is really helpful at a time when finances are still really, really tight".

Morgan had made no secret when she was health secretary of how tough the role was.

She said Miles "was happy to take the job. I think he relishes the challenge".

The first minister said she was confident that she could hold the party together after the difficult months of 2024: "There was a really good atmosphere in the cabinet today."

Rebecca Evans, who was finance secretary prior to the reshuffle, has moved to the economy brief.

But Lynne Neagle, Ken Skates, Jayne Bryant, Huw-Irranca Davies have all retained their previous jobs in education, transport, local government and rural affairs respectively.

Jane Hutt will also stay on as chief whip, although her culture portfolio - previously held by Lesley Griffiths - will move to junior minister Jack Sargeant.

He is also responsible for skills and social partnership.

Meanwhile Vikki Howells, MS for Cynon Valley, has been promoted to government as a junior minister for the first time, responsible for further and higher education.

Sarah Murphy and Dawn Bowden have also retained junior government jobs.

Jeremy Miles lost to Vaughan Gething in the Welsh Labour leadership contest in March.

Following months of rows over Gething's campaign donations and the sacking of a minister, Miles, James, Antoniw and Griffiths all quit at the same time, forcing Gething from office.

Prior to resigning Lesley Griffiths had been in government since 2009.

The health job is arguably the most important ministerial position below first minister - with the NHS and social services taking up more than half of the Welsh government's budget.

Who is who in the new Welsh government cabinet?

Huw Irranca-Davies - Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs

Jeremy Miles - Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care

Mark Drakeford - Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Welsh Language

Rebecca Evans - Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning

Jayne Bryant - Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government

Lynne Neagle - Cabinet Secretary for Education

Ken Skates - Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales

Jane Hutt - Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Trefnydd and Chief Whip

Jack Sargeant - Minister for Culture, Skills and Social Partnership

Vikki Howells - Minister for Further and Higher Education

Sarah Murphy - Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing

Dawn Bowden - Minister for Children and Social Care

Julie James - Counsel General Designate and Minister for Delivery

'This government continues to fail'

Andrew RT Davies, Welsh Conservative Senedd leader, said: While there may be a new first minister, its still the same old Labour.

We know that this Labour Welsh government will continue to fail in the key areas that matter to Wales while they focus time and energy on pointless pet projects."

Rhun ap Iorwerth, Plaid Cymru leader, said: "This is the third Welsh government cabinet this year after months of internal Labour party chaos.

Wales deserves better than this tired and divided Labour government that delivers nothing but delay and distractions."

Analysis

By Daniel Davies, political correspondent

Jeremy Miles inherits a massive budget and a daunting task.

Its three years since the Welsh government declared that reducing the backlog of treatments from Covid was our highest priority.

But hospital waiting times have proved stubbornly high and last month hit a new record, having risen for the fifth month in a row.

Eluned Morgan, Vaughan Gething and Mark Drakeford all did stints in charge of the behemoth health department before ascending to the top job.

Now its the turn of the politician who helped end Gethings reign by resigning from his cabinet.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  The West Irondequoit Central School District is getting $1 million in state funding to expand its universal pre-k program.

Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Assemblywoman Sarah Clark toured the Pinegrove building Tuesday, a former elementary school in the district at the center of a $6 million plan to renovate three classrooms for universal pre-k.

The renovations would also update classrooms at the Helmer Nature Center.

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WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)  Communities across the country are remembering the victims of the attacks, including right here in western Massachusetts. The City of West Springfield honored one of its own at a ceremony Wednesday morning.

Woman receives 9/11 bravery award for rescuing elderly couple from house fire in Wales

Every year, West Springfield residents gather at the Eternal Flame Memorial to honor the memory of West Springfield native Melissa Harrington-Hughes.

Harrington-Hughes is one of nearly 3000 people who lost their lives in the September 11th attacks, and one of 92 from Massachusetts. The City of West Springfield dedicated the eternal flame memorial in Melissas honor. The flame burns for all those who lost their lives that day and serves as a symbol of eternal remembrance.

West Springfield Mayor Will Reichelt told 22News the importance of remembering.

Remember where we were individually. Remember those who are not here with us anymore, but also share that with the next generation so that as we see, it doesnt just fade away, and it continues to grow into something that West Side can be proud of and the country can be proud of, said Mayor Reichelt.

Led by Dan Roberts, the ceremony included remarks from Mayor Reichelt, West Springfield Police and Fire Chief, Veterans Service Officer Marc Massey, and Robert Harrington, Melissas father. Harrington told 22News he is grateful to have chosen to live in West Side, a community devoted to preserving his daughters legacy and remembering so many others who lost their lives that day.

With this memorial ceremony, the City of West Springfield vows to never forget.

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.

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CHARLESTON, WV (WVNS)  West Virginia leaders remember the lives who were affected by the tragedy of the events that occurred on September 11, 2001.

Governor Justice, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (I-WV), and U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) released statements recognizing the 23rd anniversary of those who died on September 11, 2001.

Governor Justice orders flags to be flown at half-staff on 9/11

Its hard to believe that 23 years have passed since the tragedy of September 11. But all these years later, we show that our country has never forgotten. We will forever honor the truly extraordinary courage of the first responders who ran toward the fire when our nation was under attack. In those moments of chaos, they defined true heroism by risking everything to save others. Their sacrifice is beyond words, and we owe them a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid. On this anniversary, Cathy and I ask all West Virginians to join us in remembering those we lost and keeping their families and loved ones in our prayers. Governor Justice

On the 23rd anniversary of September 11th, we honor those who lost their lives and the families who continue to mourn them as well as commemorate the courageous first responders and service members who answered the call to save, protect, and rebuild our nation. They will forever be in our prayers. Through our sadness and heartache, the American spirit prevailed, showing more unity, resilience and valor than anyone could ever imagine. Now, twenty-three years later, we must continue to unite against the great challenges we face and work toward a stronger, safer democracy. May God bless each and every one of us, may God protect our troops, and may God continue to bless the United States of America. U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (I-WV)

Today marks the 23rd anniversary of the horrific September 11th terrorist attacks. On this solemn day, we pause to remember the thousands of innocent Americans lost and we also honor the patriotism, resilience, and sacrifice of the countless first responders and every day Americans who went into harms way to save lives. We remember those brave passengers on Flight 93 who looked evil in the eye and sacrificed themselves to save countless others. In the days after, we saw the power of the American spirit and how it brought comfort, inspiration, and a hopefulness for a better tomorrow. Today and every day, we must never forget those that we lost, honor the heroes, and remember that our country is strongest when we are united. U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV)

Even though years have passed since the events of September 11, 2001, the effects can still be felt, as people across the nation vow to never forget what happened on the morning of that September day.

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While publicly backing Kyiv's plan to retake all of its territories, Western officials also want Ukraine to set more realistic goals for the next year, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on Sept. 11.

Citing undisclosed official sources, the outlet wrote that the Western countries call for a pragmatic strategy that could be more easily sold to voters at home amid signs of growing fatigue.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and U.K. Foreign Secretary David Lammy are visiting Kyiv on Sept. 11 to discuss continued support for Kyiv and "how to ensure Ukraine can thrive militarily, economically, and democratically in the long term."

The stability of the long-term support from the U.S., Ukraine's key military backer, is in doubt as the presidential election draws near. Some fear that if he wins the race, Republican candidate Donald Trump might press Ukraine to cede territory to achieve a quicker resolution to the war.

Discussions about a negotiated settlement have become more common in recent months as Russia grinds on in Donbas, with little sign of Kyiv being able to retake the lost territory soon.

Senior European officials told the WSJ that a full Ukraine victory would require the West to commit hundreds of billions of dollars worth of aid, which the partners are not ready to do.

Read also: Trump refuses to say he wants Ukrainian victory, Harris accuses him of surrender in presidential debate

President Volodymyr Zelensky said he is visiting the U.S. later this month to present President Joe Biden with a victory plan. Ukraine's head of state also aims to discuss it with the two presidential candidates, Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris.

While the details of the plan were not divulged, Zelensky said that one of the key points was Ukraine's incursion into Kursk Oblast as a form of pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The cross-border offensive surprised Western partners and achieved tactical success, allegedly seizing some 1,300 square kilometers of territory. Despite the operation, Russia maintains its pressure in Ukraine's east, and recent reports suggest that Moscow launched a new counterattack in Kursk Oblast.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, whose country is the leading European donor to Ukraine, recently called for a speedier resolution to the war. The chancellor also said that both he and Zelensky agree on the need to include Russia in future peace negotiations.

Kyiv has said it aims to invite Russia for an upcoming second peace summit, though Moscow has shown no interest in accepting the invitation. Western officials told the WSJ that despite Putin claiming openness to peace talks, he is not acting in good faith and continues to believe in military victory in Ukraine.

Moscow named Ukraine giving up on occupied territory and ceding additional ground as conditions for talks. In turn, Kyiv's 10-point peace formula includes a complete Russian withdrawal from the country.

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
WESTFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)  The City of Westfield has earned the prestigious 2024 Public Works Project of the Year Award from the American Public Works Association (APWA) for its Columbia Greenway Rail Trail.

The award was presented in the Historical Restoration/Preservation category for projects valued between $5 million and $25 million. This recognition highlights the citys commitment to preserving history while enhancing infrastructure.

The Columbia Greenway Rail Trail stretches 3.1 miles from the Westfield River to the Southwick border and is an integral part of Westfields active transportation network. The trail connects with Southwick and extends to New Haven, Connecticut, as part of the larger New Haven & Northampton Canal Greenway. It follows the historic path of the New York/New Haven/Hartford Railroad, which served the region for over two centuries.

The multi-phase project began in 2012 and was completed in 2023, featuring nine bridges, including six new and three rehabilitated truss bridges, and a tunnel. Additional features of the trail include safety lighting, access ramps, landscaping, and a permeable parking lot.

Westfield Mayor Michael McCabe expressed pride in the citys achievement. This project is a testament to the hard work and collaboration of many hands, he said. We are grateful for the efforts of various departments and organizations that brought this beautiful rail trail to life while honoring Westfields history.

City officials, including McCabe, Acting Superintendent of the Department of Public Works Fran Cain, and City Engineer Allison McMordie, accepted the award at the Public Works Expo in Atlanta on September 9.

The APWA Public Works Project of the Year Award honors publicly developed infrastructure projects that exemplify excellence in construction management and administration. Westfields Columbia Greenway Rail Trail was recognized for its historical significance, enhancing both the regions transportation system and its cultural legacy.

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At Tuesday nights presidential debate, Donald Trump repeated the wild, baseless claim that Haitian migrants in an Ohio city are abducting peoples pets and eating them.

In Springfield, theyre eating the dogs. The people that came in. Theyre eating the cats. Theyre eating  theyre eating the pets of the people that live there. And this is whats happening in our country, and its a shame, Trump said.

The conspiracy theory appears to have bubbled up from racist rhetoric circulating online about the Haitian community in Springfield, which has a population of 58,000.

Haitians have come to the US in large numbers in recent years after a federal immigration program offered humanitarian parole to citizens from the Caribbean nation and three other countries facing economic and societal upheaval. Haiti has been devasted by major earthquakes and gang violence in the past decade.

Haitians appear to have come to Springfield because of job opportunities and affordable living, according to the city.

The pet-eating claim seems to have originated from a post on a Springfield Facebook group. The person who made the post, however, was not an eyewitness to the heinous accusation, but instead relied on a fourth-hand account.

Trump speaks during a presidential debate with Vice President Kamala Harris at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. Trump, his running mate, and other conservatives have been posting baseless rumors about Haitian migrants in Ohio eating pets  a claim that officials have repeatedly debunked (AP)

The post, which appeared to have been written in the private group Springfield Ohio Crime and Information, read: Warning to all about our beloved pets & those around us!! My neighbor informed me that her daughters friend had lost her cat. She checked pages, kennels, asked around, etc.

One day she came home from work, as soon as she stepped out of her car, looked towards a neighbors house, where Haitians live, & saw her cat hanging from a branch, like you'd do a deer for butchering, & they were carving it up to eat. I've been told they are doing this to dogs, they have been doing it at snyder park with the ducks & geese, as I was told that last bit by Rangers & police. Please keep a close eye on these animals.

The post also claimed that they, presumably referring to Haitian migrants, are eating dogs, geese and ducks.

City officials and the Springfield Police Department swiftly rejected the claims.

There have been no credible reports or specific claims of pets being harmed, injured or abused by individuals within the immigrant community, a spokesperson for Springfield told WCMH. The police department has received no reports related to pets being eaten.

Springfield Mayor Rob Rue also tried to put an end to the wild rumors.

As a human being, can you imagine being talked about like this? Rue said, at a Tuesday press conference. What were doing is were letting these rumors, this national rhetoric come into our community and divide us.

Still, the myth has spread like wildfire online, fueled by some right wing figures and conservative lawmakers.

In an attempt to attack the Biden-Harris administrations border policy, JD Vanceposted a video to X on Monday that reports indicated that people have had their pets abducted and eaten by people who shouldnt be in this country.

A GOP strategist furthered the rumor and billionaire Trump supporter Elon Musk also jumped in. Vote for Kamala if you want this to happen to your neighborhood! he wrote.

As of Wednesday afternoon, his post had been viewed nearly 50 million times.

Springfields website estimates there are 12,000 to 15,000 immigrants in the city and surrounding Clark County. It does not specify the number of Haitian migrants.

However, the website mentions Haitian migrants specifically, clarifying that Haitian immigrants are here legally.

Springfield is also now home to ten newer businesses, opened by Haitian immigrants, including, 2 Haitian restaurants, 7 Haitian grocery stores and 1 Haitian food truck, the site states.
Credit - Trump: Alex BrandonAP; Harris: Win McNameeGetty Images

China clearly looms large over the U.S. presidential election in November. Both the Democratic ticket led by Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican one led by former President Donald Trump have emphasized the great power rivalry throughout their campaigns, albeit Harris to a lesser extent. Overall, their approaches have some differencesand many similarities.

Trumpand his running mate Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance, who has called China the biggest threat to the U.S.have repeatedly offered a zero-sum view, in which the U.S. and China are at a crossroads and only one can come out on top. (Despite this, Trump also boasts of his great relationship with Xi Jinping, saying hed like to get along with China, but theyve really taken advantage of our country.)

Meanwhile, Harriswho has similarly promised to make sure America, not China, wins the competition for the 21st century, a line she repeated at the ABC News debate in September and Democratic convention in Augustand her running mate Minn. Gov. Tim Walz, who has a history of engagement with the country, have offered a more diplomatic tone but, nevertheless, advocate for some of the same policies to deal with the economic and security challenges posed by an increasingly assertive Beijing. Harris previously expressed in 2019 a willingness to cooperate with China on issues like climate change, while Biden Administration national security adviser Jake Sullivan recently assured Chinese leaders that shes committed to responsibly managing bilateral ties.

Heres a breakdown of the two candidates records and rhetoric on China.

Tariffs for theebut also for me

Taxing China has been a centerpiece of Trumps policy wishlist since even long before he ever announced his 2016 campaign for President. He touted tariffs as a solution to the U.S. national debt and domestic economic growth as far back as during a 2010 interview with ABCs George Stephanopolous, saying you have to create incentives to have the jobs stay here. You have to create incentives not to buy from China.

Trump made his wishes come true as President when he started a trade war with China in 2018, imposing tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars worth of Chinese goods. Beijing responded with retaliatory tariffs until 2020, when the back-and-forth escalation was halted by a Phase One trade deal in which China agreed to purchase $200 billion in U.S. goods and services by the end of 2021. (China never fulfilled that promise.)

But by the time Trump left office, his policies had mixed results: While the bilateral trade deficit with China fell from $419 billion in 2018 to $311 billion in 2020, the total U.S. trade deficit soared to $679 billion in 2020the highest it has been since 2008. The trade war has also been estimated to cost anywhere from 142,000 to 245,000 U.S. jobs.

Trumps view has been that he didnt go far enough. In his 2024 campaign, he has proposed to further raise tariffs on Chinese imports to 60% or higher and to levy a 10-20% tariff on all imports from overseasa proposal that Harris has labeled a national sales tax, reflecting economists concerns about the costs of tariffs being passed down to U.S. consumers.

Trump doesnt get the basics. He thinks his tariffs are paid for by China. Any beginning econ student at Iowa or Iowa State could tell you the American people are paying his tariffs, then-candidate Joe Biden said in 2019. But the Biden-Harris Administration that came into power in 2021 has been far from an advocate for free trade.

I am not a protectionist Democrat, Harris declared during a 2020 Democratic presidential primary debate. At the same time, she added: We have to hold China accountable. In the years since, the latter part has seemed to take precedence, as the current Administration has embraced protectionismmaintaining Trumps tariffs on China and even adding to them.

While Trumps allies, such as those behind the controversial Project 2025 conservative agenda, have proudly claimed decoupling from China as their goal, the Biden-Harris Administration has said that it prefers to pursue de-risking. But, according to South China Morning Post columnist Alex Lo, the new term, much like Harris broader approach to China, just sounds less belligerent; the underlying hostility remains.

In the end, the difference between the two campaigns on economic competition with China seems less to do with direction and more to do with degree.

Project 2025 describes unfettered trade with China as a catastrophe and the 2024 Republican Party platform pledges to revoke Chinas Most Favored Nation status (referring to its status as a fellow member of the World Trade Organization, which means it cannot be singled out for less advantageous trade policy) as well as to phase out imports of essential goods, and stop China from buying American Real Estate and Industries.

The Democratic Party platform, meanwhile, promises a tough but smart approach toward China, saying We will make no apology in pushing back on unfair trade practices that harm American workers  but we do not seek conflict. The platform credits President Biden with taking decisive action to counter unfair economic practices by [China] and level the playing field for American workers, strategically increasing tariffs on a variety of products such as steel and aluminum, semiconductors, electric vehicles, batteries, critical minerals, solar cells, ship-to-shore cranes, and medical products. And experts have said Harris is likely to continue Bidens tariff policies, while her campaign has told the media: Vice President Harris will employ targeted and strategic tariffs to support American workers, strengthen our economy, and hold our adversaries accountable.

A key part of both parties platforms is how intertwined U.S. economic goals are with also holding Chinas military at bay. Concerned about Chinese infiltration of critical infrastructure in the U.S., Trumps Agenda 47 promises to restrict Chinese ownership of energy, technology, telecommunications, farmland, natural resources, medical supplies, and other strategic national assets, while Vance introduced a bill in Congress in March aimed at limiting Chinese access to U.S. markets. The Democrats, for their part, have singled out semiconductor chips, expressing concern about overreliance on foreign production of them and restricting export of AI-related technologies to China to stifle Beijings military use of them.

Global security and Taiwan uncertainty

Trump has warned repeatedly that he thinks the U.S. is on the brink of World War III, and he has pointed to a China-led axis of evil (as he put it to Elon Musk last month) comprised of China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran.

Trump has asserted that his fierce leadership style would fend off the onset of war, though he has been criticized for seemingly displaying a transactional attitude toward the types of alliances that are built to deter global conflict.

With regard to China specifically, the Indo-Pacific region has emerged as the playing field that could turn into a battleground should conflicts escalate over Taiwans sovereignty or territorial claims in the South China Seaboth issues on which the U.S. has expressed support for the sides opposing Chinas aggression.

On the issue of the South China Sea, Trumps campaign hasnt said much, though experts have said a second Trump administration is unlikely to change American strategy that has persisted through leadership by different parties.

On Taiwan, however, the Republican ticket itself seems split.

Although the Trump administration had delivered consistent military support to Taiwan and deepened bilateral ties, Trump said in an interview with Bloomberg Businessweek in June that because of Taiwans dominance of the computer chip industry, the self-governing island should pay Washington for defense.

When asked by TIME earlier this year if the U.S. should defend Taiwan if China invades, Trump leaned into the longstanding U.S. policy of strategic ambiguity. Ive been asked this question many times and I always refuse to answer it because I dont want to reveal my cards, he said, echoing how hes previously responded to such a hypothetical. I wouldnt want to give away any negotiating abilities by giving information like that to any reporter.

Trumps running mate Vance, on the other hand, has suggested that the U.S. should take a more proactive role in Taiwans defense. Speaking to the New York Times in June, he said: We should make it as hard as possible for China to take Taiwan in the first place.

And in an interview with Fox News in April, Vance suggested that the U.S. should prioritize preparedness for military conflict with China over investing in continued involvement in other foreign conflicts to do with Gaza or Russia: America is stretched too thin. We do not have the industrial capacity to support a war in Ukraine, a war in Israel, potentially a war in East Asia if the Chinese invade Taiwan, so America has to pick and choose, he said. The Chinese are focused on real power. Theyre not focused on how tough people talk on TV or how strong our alleged resolve is. Theyre focused on how strong we actually are, and to be strong enough to push back against the Chinese, weve got to focus there.

The U.S. approach to Taiwan under a potential Harris presidency appears more clear. The 2024 Democratic Party platform pledged that Biden, who was the candidate at the time it was drafted, will remain steadfast in Americas commitment to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, and Harris is expected to continue that commitment, as her remarks on the issue have indicated.

Harris, while in Japan to meet with Japanese, South Korean, and Australian allies in September 2022shortly after Beijing responded with military drills to a Taiwan visit by then-Speaker Nancy Pelosisaid that peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait is an essential feature of a free and open Indo-Pacific and that Washington will continue to deepen our unofficial ties with Taipei and will continue to support Taiwans self-defense, consistent with our longstanding policy. The Wall Street Journal reported at the time that, during her meetings with foreign leaders on that trip, Harris brought up Taiwan in every discussion.

Human rights: to be or not to be (a priority)

Both Trump and Harris have condemned human rights violations committed by Chinese authorities, most notably against the Uyghur ethnic minority in Xinjiang and pro-democracy figures in Hong Kong. In 2019 and 2020, Harris co-sponsored bills aimed at sanctioning those accused of human rights abuses in Hong Kong and Xinjiangboth of which were subsequently signed into law by Trump.

But while Harris and her running mate Walz have consistently called for human rights protections in China, Trump has at times shown reticence about exerting too much pressure on Beijing over human rights concerns when, for him and his running mate Vance, resolving economic issues appear to be more of a priority.

When asked in a 2020 Axios interview why he had not enacted certain sanctions targeting Chinese officials for the abuses in Xinjiang, Trump suggested that the sanctions could derail economic negotiations, saying that they were in the middle of a major trade deal and that the tariffs he put on China are far worse than any sanction you can think of. (Vance has also complained of China being willing to use slaves to make things, seemingly referring to forced labor in Xinjiang, though he only brought it up as justification for trade policy.)

And while President Trump made public remarks denouncing Chinas invasive state security apparatus tightening over the free society of Hong Kong, his former national security advisor John Bolton recalled in a 2020 memoir that Trump had said he did not want to get involved when widespread protests broke out in Hong Kong. Bolton also claimed that Trump had encouraged Xi to go ahead with building Uyghur internment camps in Xinjiang.

Harris and Walz are known to be vocal supporters for Hong Kongs pro-democracy movement. Walz has been praised by activists in Hong Kong for his persistence when he was a congressman in championing an earlier version of the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act when it had struggled with support in Washington. Harris, similarly, has been a consistent advocate for Uyghurs and other oppressed ethnic minorities in China, co-writing a letter when she was a senator in 2020 to Trumps then-Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to urge accountability and justice for what she described as Chinas genocidal campaign.

During her 2020 presidential campaign, Harris told the Council on Foreign Relations that Chinas abysmal human rights record must feature prominently in our policy toward the country. She added that Trump consistently turned a blind eye to these abuses in hopes of earning a win in his trade war, while her potential administration wont allow human rights abuses to go unchecked.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
By Alexandra Ulmer and Gram Slattery

(Reuters) -Some Republican officials, donors and advisers said Donald Trump, the Republican presidential candidate, had botched his debate with Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris, although Trump himself praised his performance.

"I think it was one of my better debates, maybe my best debate," Trump told the "Fox & Friends" program on Wednesday, adding that he was not sure whether to do another one. "I'd be less inclined ... because we had a great night."

Harris, 59, put Trump, 78, president from 2017-2021, on the defensive in a combative presidential debate on Tuesday with a stream of attacks on his fitness for office and his myriad legal woes. The election takes place on Nov. 5.

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a prominent Trump ally, was one of the few party leaders to publicly say Trump's performance was poor.

"A missed opportunity," Graham told reporters of Trump's debate performance, adding that the former president had failed to stay focused and lost chances to tout his record.

Chris Christie, a former Trump ally-turned-critic who ran against Trump for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, said Harris was "exquisitely" prepared whereas Trump was not.

"Whoever did debate prep for Donald Trump should be fired. He was not good tonight at all," Christie, who helped Trump with debate preparation in the 2016 election cycle, said on ABC News.

The Trump campaign did not respond to a request for comment on whether there would be a shake-up of Trump's debate team.

With eight weeks to go before the election, and days until early voting starts in some states, the debate offered a rare head-to-head opportunity to face tens of millions of TV viewers.

Their ABC News debate attracted 67.1 million television viewers, according to Nielsen data, topping the roughly 51 million people who watched Trump debate then-candidate President Joe Biden in June.

The number does not capture the full extent of online viewing, which has grown in popularity as traditional TV audiences decline.

Six Republican donors and three Trump advisers, all but one asking to remain anonymous to speak freely, also told Reuters they thought Harris had won the debate largely because Trump was unable to stay on message.

Several brought up, with dismay, Trump's amplification of a false online claim that numerous Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, were eating residents' pets.

Two of Trump's advisers said they doubted the debate would move the needle in opinion polling.

In Reuters interviews with 10 undecided voters, six said after the debate they would now either vote for Trump or were leaning toward backing him. Three said they would now back Harris and one was still unsure how he would vote.

Still, in a sign of confidence in the debate's outcome, Harris' campaign challenged Trump to a second round in October.

Two of the six donors said they were not sure whether Trump should debate her again, with one saying it would hinge on whether his handlers were confident he could be more focused in a second round. Two other donors, however, said they thought Trump needed a second debate in order to regain momentum.

"My honest opinion is that Trump underperformed and she overperformed," said donor Bill Bean, a commercial real estate investor in Fort Wayne, Indiana. On the prospect of a second debate, Bean said: "I'd like to see one."

(Reporting by Alexandra Ulmer and Gram Slattery; Additional reporting by Susan Heavey and Helen Coster; Editing by Ross Colvin and Howard Goller)
The White House is finalizing a plan to ease some restrictions on how Ukraine can use U.S.-donated weapons and better protect itself from Russian missiles, according to a Western official and two other people familiar with the discussions.

The talks have been closely held among a small group of officials inside the White House, one of the people involved in the debate said. All were granted anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly about the conversations.

The details of the plan are still coming together. But officials in Washington, London and Kyiv have in recent days discussed expanding the area inside Russia that Ukraine can hit with American and British-made weapons. Theyve also discussed how to prevent additional cross-border attacks by Russia, including the U.S. agreeing to allow Ukraine to use U.K. long-range missiles that contain American parts to strike inside Russia.

The current conversations between Washington and Kyiv mark a significant change in tenor from the ones the two countries held earlier this summer. And it signals the Biden administration may be ready to finally agree to Kyivs requests to enable Ukraines military to more forcefully defend itself and to make more aggressive moves inside Russia.

The National Security Council declined to comment.

In an interview with PBS Newshour in June, national security adviser Jake Sullivan indicated that the U.S. might be willing to expand the area it would allow Ukraine to use U.S. weapons in Russia.

It is not about geography. It is about common sense, he said. If Russia is attacking or about to attack from its territory into Ukraine it only makes sense to allow Ukraine to hit back.

When asked if the administration would lift restrictions on long-range weapons, Biden told reporters Tuesday: Were working that out now.

The conversations have grown in urgency in recent days after the U.S. confirmed that Iran had successfully shipped ballistic missiles to Russia.

For months, top U.S. officials have resisted calls by Kyiv and other European countries to lift all restrictions on the use of donated American weapons inside Russia. In May, the Biden administration decided to let Ukraine use certain weapons to hit inside Russia, but prevented Kyiv from using long-range missiles. Washingtons reasoning for keeping the remaining restrictions in place has oscillated between not wanting to escalate tensions with Moscow to arguing that Russia had moved too many of its high-value targets out of range for Ukraine to hit them even if permission were granted.

U.S. officials have also pointed out that since the Army no longer buys Army Tactical Missile Systems, the inventory is limited and is drawing close to where the U.S. would be concerned about its own stockpile. The maker of the missile, Lockheed Martin, is still producing several hundred a year but they are slated for sale to allies overseas. The replacement for the weapon, the Precision Strike Missile, is only beginning to be fielded and not in numbers to fully replace the missiles currently being expended.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his British counterpart David Lammy were in Kyiv on Wednesday to huddle with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss the weapons issue, along with Ukraines incursion into Russia and recent Russian advances in Ukraine.

British defense leaders have been in discussions with their U.S. counterparts for weeks about getting the U.S. to sign off on Ukraine using British Storm Shadow missiles to strike inside Russia. No decision has been reached, according to one person familiar with the talks, but the issue will be a part of the discussion between President Joe Biden and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer when the two meet at the White House on Friday.

A Pentagon spokesperson pointed to comments from Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin last week after a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in Germany, where he said, I don't believe one specific capability will be decisive, and I stand by that comment. I think Ukraine has a pretty significant capability of its own to address targets that are well beyond the range of ATACMS or even Storm Shadow for that matter.

Its unclear if the Biden administration has decided to lift its restrictions on long-range Army Tactical Missile Systems, which the U.S. has transferred to Ukraine. It has previously told Ukraine it does not want its military using those weapons to strike deep inside Russia.

The discussions between Washington and Kyiv about loosening the Biden administrations policy on Ukraine come after Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov visited Washington on Aug. 30. During that visit, he presented U.S. officials with a list of high-value targets his military could hit inside Russia if the U.S. were to ease restrictions, as POLITICO first reported.

Bidens earlier decision to allow Ukraine the ability to conduct limited strikes inside Russia came with several caveats, including that Kyiv could only use the weapons in and around the Kharkiv region. The U.S. eventually expanded that geographic plane largely so that Ukraine could shoot down Russian glide bombs.

Russia has recently made significant advances near the Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk and launched massive artillery attacks on its power sector.

Lawmakers from both parties this week have intensified their pressure on the administration to make a decision. Since Tuesday, hawkish Republicans, a bipartisan group of more than two dozen Ukraine supporters and then Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chair Ben Cardin (D-Md.) have all urged the move.

Cardin, in an interview Wednesday, said he would not be surprised if the decision had already been made. The administration and Zelenskyy, he said, have been busy trying to overcome reluctance for the move from some allies, including Germany, by pointing to Ukraines suffering under Russian bombardments.

The challenge is not within the administration, its how the administration feels, working with Europe, [about] how far it can go, Cardin said.

Some individual countries can decide unilaterally to allow Ukraine to use their weapons inside Russia, but because the U.S. leads a coalition of donor nations, we dont like to do things where there are strong concerns, he said.

That is easing in the coalition. Even those that oppose using the weapons we provide inside Russia, we think their views are mellowing a little on allowing countries that want to do it, to do it, Cardin said.

Cardin credited Zelenskyys persuasive efforts, which include the Ukrainian presidents as-yet unrevealed proposal to end the war. Cardin said he expects Zelenskyy to have really meaningful conversations with world leaders at the United Nations General Assembly in New York this month about a peace plan that protects Ukraines sovereignty.

Therefore, the weapons help Ukraine reach that day, Cardin said.
MAROA  A former middle school teacher for Maroa-Forsyth schools has been charged with aggravated sexual abuse of a minor.

Zoe Duncan-Savage, 29, has pleaded not guilty in Macon County Circuit Court to allegations she engaged in a sex act with a 16-year-old boy in April 2023.

She was arrested June 6 of this year and arraigned July 24. The prosecution did not seek to have her held in jail pending the outcome of her case. A pre-trial hearing is set for Oct. 3.

State's Attorney Scott Reuter said the time it took for the investigation led the more than year gap between the time the charge states the crime took place and the charge being filed. It was not clear when authorities began their investigation or what prompted it.

Reuter said the charge is more serious because Duncan-Savage is more than five years older than the minor. He said Illinois law provides different penalties for a smaller age gap  for example, an 18-year-old having sexual relations with a 16-year-old with the younger child's consent, though a 16-year-old cannot legally give consent under the law. The age of consent in Illinois is 17, and it is illegal for a person age 18 or older to have sex with someone younger than 18 if the elder person is in a position of authority over the victim.

Maroa-Forsyth Superintendent Adam Ibbotson confirmed that Duncan-Savage is no longer employed by the district but could not provide any further information due to confidentiality laws. However, the minutes from a special board meeting held June 22, 2023 show that Duncan-Savage's resignation was approved by the board on that date and was the only item on the agenda.

Attorney Kevin Hammer, who is representing Duncan-Savage, had no comment when contacted by the Herald & Review.

Support for holding parents accountable for their children's crimes is growing in the US Support for holding parents accountable for their children's crimes is growing in the US Support for holding parents accountable for their children's crimes is growing in the US
Both President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris expressed outrage on Wednesday after Israel acknowledged responsibility for killing American activist Aysenur Eygi in the West Bank, but they stopped short of implementing or threatening to implement any consequences for the country, which the U.S. continues to arm unconditionally.

Before Wednesday morning, the White House was facing increased public scrutiny for taking several days to speak out after an Israeli sniper shot 26-year-old Eygi in the head on Friday while she served as a protection volunteer during a protest against illegal settlement expansion in Beita, a village in the West Bank city of Nablus.

In his statement, Biden said that he was outraged and deeply saddened by Eygis killing, while Harris called her death a horrific tragedy that never should have happened. Both figures called the shooting unacceptable.

Aysenur was a recent U.S. college graduate. She was also an activist whose idealism led her to travel to the West Bank to peacefully protest the expansion of settlements, Biden said of the Seattle resident, who as a graduate student helped organize pro-Palestinian campus protests at the University of Washington. Eygi then joined the International Solidarity Movement, a human rights group in which members serve as international observers and protection volunteers so that Palestinians can safely protest the occupation.

No one should be killed for participating in a peaceful protest, Harris said, adding that she is keeping Eygis family and loved ones in her prayers.

Both Biden and Harris released statements condemning Israel's killing of Aysenur Eygi, but didn't implement or threaten to implement any consequences. They also appear to agree with Israel's claim that it was an accident.



Neither of them mention speaking with Eygi's family. pic.twitter.com/PW2SNBg4dm  Sanjana Karanth (@sanjanakaranth) September 11, 2024

Eygis family confirmed on Wednesday morning that Biden and Harris have still not called them to directly to express their condolences, a break from the presidents usually swift communication with Americans who have experienced loss.

President Biden has said, If you harm an American, we will respond. On September 9th, the State Department claimed, when it comes to the protection of our citizens and our personnel and if they are targeted, we of course will take appropriate action, the family said in a response to the White House statements.

They continued: Let us be clear, an American citizen was killed by a foreign military in a targeted attack. The appropriate action is for President Biden and Vice President Harris to speak with the family directly, and order an independent, transparent investigation into the killing of Aysenur, a volunteer for peace.

The State Department declined earlier this week to go into detail on Eygis killing, instead saying that officials wanted to wait until the Israeli military completes its preliminary investigation. Israel often investigates itself when under pressure from the international community, but such probes have rarely led to accountability and consequences. Eygis family has repeatedly asked for an independent investigation into her death.

The appropriate action is for President Biden and Vice President Harris to speak with the family directly, and order an independent, transparent investigation into the killing of Aysenur, a volunteer for peace.Family of American activist Aysenur Eygi

Israel released the results of its preliminary inquiry on Tuesday, claiming that it was highly likely that an Israeli soldier shot Eygi indirectly and unintentionally while trying to hit the key instigator of the riot. The military said it has launched a criminal investigation and expresses its deepest regret for killing the activist.

Both Eygis family and fellow activists, including some who volunteered with her at the protest, blasted Israel for what her family called its wholly inadequate internal probe into the shooting that cannot be misconstrued as anything except a deliberate, targeted and precise attack by the military against an unarmed civilian.

Eyewitnesses said that an Israeli sniper positioned on a rooftop about 750 feet away shot Eygi in the head while she and a Palestinian teenager were standing in an olive grove more than half an hour after clashes between protesters and the military had subsided over 900 feet away.

We will always remember Aysenur as the kindhearted, silly and passionate soul whose face expressed all those qualities, her family said. We cannot speak of what happened to those expressions when her temple met a bullet fired by a trained Israeli soldier.

Palestinian security forces carry the body of slain International Solidarity Movement activist Aysenur Eygi during a funeral procession in the occupied West Bank city of Nablus. The White House expressed outrage over the death of Eygi, a U.S. citizen, who was fatally shot by Israeli forces, but stopped short of imposing any consequence on the military. Nasser Ishtayeh/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

Biden and Harris both appeared to take Israels conclusion at face value, saying Eygis killing was the result of a tragic error. The U.S. has full access to the preliminary inquiry and expects continued access during the criminal investigation, so that we can have confidence in the result, according to the president.

A day earlier, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that Eygis killing was unprovoked and unjustified and that the Israeli military should make some fundamental changes in how it operates in the West Bank.

Eygis family blasted Biden on Wednesday for believing Israels conclusion that the killing was unintentional.

Aysenur was an international observer who stood in witness of violent extremist Israeli settlers [who] are uprooting Palestinians from their homes  words President Biden himself used today, the family said. Despite this, President Biden is still calling her killing an accident based only on the Israeli militarys story. This is not only insensitive and false, it is complicity in the Israeli militarys agenda to take Palestinian land and whitewash the killing of an American.

Neither Biden, Harris nor Blinken have threatened consequences against Israel for killing an unarmed U.S. citizen. This is in line with how the administration has handled the Israeli governments repeated violations of international law  particularly since October 2023, when Israel launched its destructive offensive in Gaza in response to Hamas attack in southern Israel that killed about 1,200 people and captured about 250 hostages, an estimated 100 of whom have still not been released.

Since Israel began its siege in Gaza  which has killed more than 41,000 people and displaced more than 90% of the population, according to local health officials  Palestinians in the West Bank have also faced a surge of violence and forced evictions by Israeli soldiers and settlers alike.

Biden said Wednesday that the violence in the West Bank has been going on for too long.

Between Oct. 7, 2023, and Sept. 9, 2024, Israeli forces and settlers killed a total of at least 674 Palestinians in the West Bank, according to the United Nations. In that same period, 276 Palestinian households were displaced in the context of attacks by Israeli settlers in the territory, the U.N. said. The International Court of Justice ruled in July that Israel is violating international law by continuing to occupy Palestinian territories.
(NewsNation) Prosecutors have charged two hate group leaders who called for a race war and the assassinations of some U.S federal officials on media platform Telegram.

Authorities said Dallas Humber, 34, of Elk Grove, California, and Matthew Allison, 37, of Boise, Idaho, are leaders of a transnational terrorist group called Terrorgram which believes 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 a federal indictment unsealed on Monday.

The two pushed out several videos and publications that provide specific advice for carrying out crimes, celebrate white supremacist attacks, and provide a hit list of high-value targets for assassination, court papers stated.

They called for the targeting of people who are Black, Jewish and LGBTQ+, among other groups, the filing stated

They also shared a hit list of high-value targets to assassinate, which included a U.S. senator, a U.S. District Court judge and a former federal prosecutor.

FBI crime statistics show anti-LGBTQ hate crimes on the rise

Court papers did not reveal the names of these officials.

The hit list also named leaders of private companies and non-governmental organizations, many of whom were targeted because of race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity, according to the authorities.

They each face 15 counts of soliciting hate crimes, soliciting the murder of federal officials, and conspiring to provide material support to terrorists. They were arrested on Friday by law enforcement officials.

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, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland said in a statement.

Their actions and guidance have led to several violent encounters by their followers.

Why underreporting of hate crimes remains a problem

These included an individual who shot three people killing two outside of an LGBT bar in Slovakia, an individual who planned an attack on energy facilities in New Jersey, and someone who stabbed five people near a mosque in Turkey, officials said.

If convicted of all charges, Humber and Allison each face a maximum penalty of 220 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 NewsNation.
Whitehouse, Morgan to face off for US Senate in November

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  Democratic incumbent Sheldon Whitehouse will face Republican state Rep. Patricia Morgan in Rhode Islands U.S. Senate election this fall.

Whitehouse, first elected in 2006, defeated challenger Michael Costa in the Democratic primary as he seeks a fourth six-year term.

FULL RESULTS: Rhode Island primary elections

Republicans nominated Morgan as their partys nominee to take on Whitehouse this fall. Morgan defeated Warwick resident Ray McKay.

National forecasters consider Whitehouse a heavy favorite in November due to Rhode Islands Democratic lean as well as his huge financial advantage.

The last time Rhode Island elected a Republican to the Senate was in 2000, when Lincoln Chafee won the seat previously held by his father, and the last time the state elected a Republican senator who wasnt a member of the Chafee family was 1930.

I work hard every single day on behalf of all Rhode Islanders, and I am honored and grateful to have their overwhelming support today, Whitehouse said in a statement. We are heading into November with a strong Democratic ticket, from Vice President Harris on down the ballot. If voters here and across the country put their trust in Democrats, we will grow the middle class, protect democracy, and leave this planet a better, safer place for our children and grandchildren. I look forward to talking with Rhode Islanders to make that case over the coming weeks.

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Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse checks in to vote in the library at Rogers High School in Newport at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. Shown are poll workers Leigh Anne Hood, left, and Joann Sheehan, right. Whitehouse was the ninth person to vote at the precinct after his wife Sandra Whitehouse. (Janine L. Weisman/Rhode Island Current)

U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) will face Republican Rep. Patricia Morgan in November, according to unofficial results from Tuesdays primary.

Whitehouse resoundingly held off a long-shot bid by Michael J. Costa, a Bristol resident and former Republican who briefly ran for governor in 2022, 82.3% to 17.71%

I work hard every single day on behalf of all Rhode Islanders, and I am honored and grateful to have their overwhelming support today, Whitehouse said in a statement. If voters here and across the country put their trust in Democrats, we will grow the middle class, protect democracy, and leave this planet a better, safer place for our children and grandchildren.

Costa declined to comment on the results.

Morgan, of West Warwick, took 64% of the vote in the Republican primary to defeat Raymond McKay who received about 36%. Morgan has served in the House District 26 seat since 2020 and previously served from 2011 through 2018, the year she lost in the Republican gubernatorial primary.

They were not the results McKay had sought, but he said his political career is far from over  though he did rule out running an independent run in the general election.

You need financial backing for a race like this, he said in a phone interview. Unless I hit the Powerball, I dont think thats going to happen.

McKay said he called Morgan to concede, but she didnt pick up.

Thats fine, because thats just the type of candidate she is, he said.

Morgan did not respond to immediate request for comment.

Whitehouse cast his vote in person at Rogers High School in Newport right after his wife Sandra at 8 a.m., one hour after the polls opened. They were the eighth and ninth voters of the day in the precinct in the citys southern end where 2,236 voters were eligible to participate in the primary.

I feel pretty good, Whitehouse, declining when asked to size up his Democratic primary opponent, Bristol resident Michael J. Costa. I think Ill just focus on the next race coming up where we need to elect Kamala Harris and me in November.

As for the two Republicans who faced off in the primary to determine which one will make the Nov. 5 ballot, Whitehouse said: Either one of them can explain why Republican ideas like the 2025 plan are good for America.

Tuesdays presidential debate may be dominating attention but Whitehouse said he thought Rhode Island voters were still pretty engaged.

There are a lot of local races, Whitehouse said. Weve done a lot of work to let people get out the vote. I was campaigning in Pawtucket yesterday, and people were very aware that todays the day and planned to get out and vote. We spoke to them, so I think itll be an OK turnout.

Whitehouse was scheduled to fly back to Washington, D.C. Tuesday morning, his staff confirmed. He planned to watch the presidential debate at his home in Newport.

Editor-in-Chief Janine L. Weisman contributed to this story.

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A Miami Valley High School is dealing with whooping cough.

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TRENDING STORIES:

Ohio led the country in whooping cough cases last year, with more than 600. Public health officials shared that 185 of those cases were in Montgomery County and that theyve seen 81 through July 2024.

Now, the county has two more cases and theyre at Wayne High School in Huber Heights.

Dan Suffoleto, Public Health - Dayton & Montgomery Countys public information officer, said the infection is common for people to get throughout the winter, but can be dangerous for young babies.

There is a vaccine for this, he said.

Outside of vaccines, healthy habits can make all the difference.

You can try to practice hygiene as best you can in terms of washing your hands frequently with soap and water, Suffoleto said. Try to avoid sick people if you can to the extent you can.

As reported on News Center 7 at 5:30, he added its sometimes hard to tell if a sickness is just allergies or something serious, but to always air on the side of caution.

They dont seem really sick, but they have the sniffles and theyre coughing and you dont know what it is. Thats where youre in a situation where you dont know what it is. So you want to get that diagnosed, he said.

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Tyrese Haspil, 25, was sentenced to 40 years to life in state prison for the 2020 murder of 33-year-old tech CEO Fahim Saleh

Barry Williams/New York Daily News/Tribune News Service via Getty; Facebook Tyrese Haspil (left) and Fahim Saleh

A former executive assistant who killed and dismembered his tech CEO boss in New York City after stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from him has been sentenced for the murder, authorities said.

The Manhattan District Attorneys Office said in a press release on Tuesday, Sept. 10, that Tyrese Haspil, 25, was sentenced to 40 years to life in state prison for the 2020 murder of 33-year-old Fahim Saleh.

Today, Tyrese Haspil is facing accountability for brutally murdering and decapitating Fahim Saleh, a kind, generous, and empathetic person who positively impacted the world, District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg Jr. said.

He added, Even after the defendant stole from him to fund a lavish lifestyle, Mr. Saleh still gave him a second chance. While todays sentence wont bring Mr. Saleh back, I hope it provides his family a sense of closure as they continue to mourn his painful loss.

Haspils sentencing comes a little over two months after he was found guilty by a New York State Supreme Court jury of first-degree murder and second-degree grand larceny among other charges in connection with the case.

Related: Man Convicted of Stealing from His Tech CEO Boss, Then Killing and Decapitating Him So He Wouldnt Get Caught

On July 13, 2020, prosecutors said Haspil was seen on surveillance video entering Salehs apartment building in Lower Manhattan and following him into the elevator, which opened up into Salehs apartment. As Saleh got out of the elevator, Haspil tased him in the back and then stabbed him with a knife multiple times in the neck and torso, killing him.

Instagram Fahim Saleh

The next day, Hapsil returned to the apartment, where he dismembered and decapitated Mr. Salehs body using the saw and placed the body parts in pre-ordered construction bags, according to the release.

The grim discovery was made by Salehs cousin, who came to check on him since she had not heard from him in 24 hours, prosecutors said. She subsequently called the police.

Haspil, who prosecutors said left the apartment looking for a saw battery charger and did not return after spotting a police presence in the building, was arrested four days later at an Airbnb he had reserved to celebrate his girlfriend's birthday.

Related: Personal Assistant Arrested in Slaying of Tech Entrepreneur Following Financial Dispute: Sources

According to prosecutors, Haspils web history in the days after the murder showed searches for dismembered body, Fahim Saleh, and murder of Tech CEO in New York.

Prosecutors have said Haspils motive for killing Saleh was financial. Saleh, who was the founder and CEO of Gokada, a transportation company headquartered in Nigeria, learned that Haspil had stolen thousands of dollars from his financial accounts, which Haspil had access to since he began working as Salehs executive assistant in May 2018.

AP Photo/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez Tyrese Haspil

According to the district attorneys office, Haspil set up a Paypal account and a corporate bank account to funnel Saleh's money. He created bogus statements and used a name that resembled other financial transactions so Saleh would not become aware of the theft, prosecutors said.

"Haspil resigned in May 2019, knowing Mr. Saleh would learn about the embezzlement, yet continued to steal money [and] increasing the amounts," prosecutors said. According to the district attorneys office, Haspil paid Saleh back with stolen money through the PayPal scheme, but the theft continued, escalating to about $400,000.

Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases.

In an attempt to hide the theft and prevent Saleh from potentially testifying against him in court, prosecutors said Haspil had plotted to kill Saleh on at least three occasions before carrying out the murder in July 2020.

Following his death, Salehs company released a statement, calling his passion for Nigeria and its young people immeasurable.

"He believed young Nigerians are extremely bright and talented individuals who would flourish if just given the right opportunity, the statement read. Fahim also believed that technology can transform lives and improve safety and efficiency. He built Gokada to act upon these beliefs."



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Read the original article on People.
TOPEKA (KSNT)  The number 9/11 has long been associated with the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks, but another number has also become a symbol for first responders of that fateful day.

Twenty-three years ago, 343 New York City firefighters lost their lives at the World Trade Center. In honor of that, hundreds of flags are on display at Topeka Fire Station number eight.

Captain Ty Foreshee, with the Topeka Fire Department said every year on Sept. 11 a local VFW post plants 343 flags at this station, which is one for each of the firefighters killed at ground zero.

However, you might also see the number on the back of Topeka fire trucks. Forshee has an answer for those wondering why.

USPS responds to scathing letter from top Kansas election official over alleged ballot mishandling

We also have 343 on the back of our trucks and we get a lot of questions about that, Forshee said. Most fire trucks you see say to keep back 300 or keep back 500 feet. And we put 343 on our fire trucks. And what that is, it is an homage to the New York City firefighters that died on 9/11.

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.
You might notice flags around Wisconsin flying at half-staff Wednesday.

The gesture, ordered by Gov. Tony Evers, is in remembrance of 9/11 and the thousands of people who died in the terrorist attacks in 2001. Here's what to know about the flags at half-staff and ways to get involved in 9/11 remembrance events across Milwaukee:

Why are flags at half-staff in Wisconsin on Wednesday?

Along with the rest of the country, flags in Wisconsin are flying at half-staff Wednesday to commemorate the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.

Nearly 3,000 people were killed on this day in 2001, when al-Qaida hijackers seized control of four commercial airliners. The hijackers crashed two planes into the World Trade Center in New York City, one into the Pentagon and the fourth into a field in western Pennsylvania.

In addition to lowering flags for the day, Evers has declared Wednesday as a statewide Day of Service and Remembrance "to encourage all Wisconsinites to commit acts of service and give back to local neighbors and communities to honor the lives lost 23 years ago," according to the governor's office. Each year on this day, we remember the thousands of individuals who lost their lives, pay tribute to the first responders, neighbors, and volunteers, among many others, who responded bravely and at great personal sacrifice, and honor the countless more whose lives were forever changed by this tragedy, Evers said in news release. 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.

9/11 remembrance events in Milwaukee

For potential volunteer opportunities on Wednesday and beyond, the governor's office suggested 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.

The Milwaukee Veteran's Affairs office is also hosting several remembrance events Wednesday. From 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., volunteers are invited to help clean headstones and grounds at the Wood National Cemetery, at 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.

More: Wisconsin lost 136 men and women in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Here are the names of every one.

How long will flags be at half-staff?

Flags will fly at half-staff from sunrise to sunset Wednesday.

Where will flags be at half-staff?

According to Evers' order, the American flag and the Wisconsin state flag will fly at half-staff at all buildings, grounds and military installations belonging to the state of Wisconsin.

Why do flags fly at half-staff?

U.S. flags typically fly at half-staff in the wake of national tragedies or after deaths of government officials, military members or first responders. They also fly at half-staff on Memorial Day and other national days of remembrance, including 9/11.

"The United States flag flies at half-staff or at half-mast when the nation or a state is in mourning," USA.gov says. "The president, a state governor, or the mayor of the District of Columbia can order flags to fly at half-staff."

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Why are flags at half-staff in Wisconsin today?
Residents of Las Vegas waking up today on Wednesday, September 11 are wondering why the city looks like its on fire. The skies are choked with smoke and ash, and the air quality is so poor that Clark County has issued a smoke alert on Wednesday morning, asking seniors, children, and anyone with a respiratory or heart disease to stay indoors until further notice. The only silver lining is that we know the causes behind the smoke blanketing Las Vegas and, weather permitting, when the smoke might clear.

Heavy smoke in Las Vegas is due to multiple wildfires

The smoke throughout Las Vegas is caused by more than several wildfires, three in California and one in Nevada.

The three wildfires in California, as noted by KTNV in Las Vegas, are the Bridge Fire and Line Fire, both of which are northwest of Riverside, and another wildfire northwest of Murrieta in the Santa Ana Mountains called the Airport Fire.

Meanwhile, the wildfire in Nevada is the Davis Fire thats burning south of Reno. A 34-person team of firefighters from the Las Vegas area has been deployed to the area, per KSNV, to assist in the effort to help in fighting this fire. The U.S. Forest Service said that the Davis Fire, which started on September 7 in Davis Creek Regional Park, has burned about 5,600 acres as of Tuesday night and has only reached 31% containment.

As a result of the heavy smoke, the FAA announced that there may be delays from flights flying into Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas.

Forecasts suggest that winds coming from the southwest might be coming on Thursday and Friday, causing the plume of smoke to head toward Southern Nevada instead. A forecaster from 8newsnow stated that a wind shift later this week should help push [the smoke] back out.

Earlier in September, a woman was arrested for intentionally setting wildfires in Greece.

The post Why Las Vegas Looks Like Its on Fire appeared first on Mandatory.
Why Penzeys Spices is getting a surge of right-wing backlash, including from Trump

For most Milwaukeeans, the political slant of Wauwatosa-based Penzeys Spices is more or less common knowledge.

Penzeys founder Bill Penzey has been outspoken for years against former president Donald Trump and the Republican Party, with the company even paying for a highway billboard during the Republican National Convention calling out Trump supporters' 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol.

But Penzeys' political activism became news to a national audience this past week after Vice President Kamala Harris visited the store  and the renewed attention has earned the company a surge of online backlash, including from Trump himself.

Penzey told the Journal Sentinel the flurry of attention has had positive and negative effects: since Harris's visit, the company had lost 3,190 subscribers from its email list, but gained 7,739.

"So far, so good," he said.

Here's how Penzeys Spices became a hot topic in the presidential race and why people are flooding the store with one-star Yelp reviews.

Penzeys Spices places a Welcome Future Fake Electors ahead of the 2024 Republican National Convention on Saturday, July 13, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wis.

More: 'Welcome Future Fake Electors' sign posted in Penzeys Spices downtown location

Kamala Harris visits Penzeys Spices in Pittsburgh

I look forward to using my new seasonings from Penzeys Spices in Pittsburgh at our next Sunday family dinner. pic.twitter.com/qQibG7kTRR  Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) September 8, 2024

The chain of events started over the weekend, when Harris visited a Penzeys location in Pittsburgh on Sept. 7. Though Penzeys was founded nearly three decades ago in Wisconsin, the company has since expanded to open stores nationwide, including two in Pennsylvania.

The vice president  who stopped in the store amid a break from debate prep  was greeted by a cheering crowd of Pittsburgh locals, according to a video clip of the visit.

"I look forward to using my new seasonings from Penzeys Spices in Pittsburgh at our next Sunday family dinner," the vice president posted to X on Sept. 8 after her visit.

At one point during her visit, Harris embraced a Penzeys customer who was in tears and told the woman, "We're going to be fine. We're all in this together." Penzey said the moment was indicative of why he and his company support Harris's campaign.

"Someone who actually gets cooking, someone who's actually cooked for others and shared food, the idea of that person being in the White House is kind of awesome," Penzey said. "Her four years as vice president have prepared her [to be president], but on top of that, she has this other piece of of just caring about others."

Penzey Spices also shared a photo of the visit on its Facebook page, alongside the message, "We are humbled. Please work to make our Vice President our next President. Please get out every vote."

Penzeys catches aflame with right-wing influencers, Trump calls the store 'terrible'

Shortly after Harris's visit, right-wing influencers discovered Penzeys' long history of political activism for themselves  and it came as a surprise to them.

"It started with some of the right-wing bloggers criticizing her and her visit and us," Penzey said, "and then Fox News did sort of a fairly direct piece on us being the 'meanest' spice business in America, which I thought was kind of interesting or maybe even fun."

Many posted online criticizing the "About Republicans" page on the Penzey Spices website, which outlines the company's anti-Republican stances and intentions to include political activism in its business. The statement, authored by Penzey, was posted about two years ago, he said.

Fox News hosts read part of this statement during a segment criticizing Penzeys. Though it was intended as an attack, Penzey said he was actually pleased by the inclusion.

"The heart of [the statement] is how things have gone wrong with the Republican Party, and how it's kind of impossible to solve the problems that America faces while also agreeing with what Republicans say," he said. "They read the core of that statement right to their viewers, which is exactly who I wanted to reach with that. They really said just what I hope they would say to their audience."

Far-right political activist Laura Loomer posted the statement to X, alongside calls to boycott Penzeys Spices:

BOYCOTT @PenzeysSpices!



They hate Republicans and they hate Donald Trump!



Look what I screen recorded off their website today.



Why would a candidate for President campaign at a business that openly discriminates against conservatives???



Kamala Harris went into their shop https://t.co/WNNULQDYHA pic.twitter.com/lLCEKVBOZa  Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) September 8, 2024

Meanwhile, people more supportive of Penzeys' stances vowed to begin supporting the company:

Im going to start buying spices from @PenzeysSpices ASAP. As a small biz owner, I appreciate the honesty, tenacity l & bravery that another small biz owner has shown in the face of blatant bigotry, racism and hate. Im a life long hype girl for Penzeys! https://t.co/7KN71kiZMb  K8 (@therakate) September 9, 2024

On Sept. 9, the former president himself weighed in with a post on Truth Social, using his new "Comrade Kamala" nickname for the vice president, which seeks to falsely label her as a communist.

"Comrade Kamala Harris goes to an ultra Left Wing, Trump Hating, spice shop, which I hear has terrible, overpriced product, and calls for 'unity,'" Trump posted.

Penzeys Spices flooded with negative reviews, Yelp disables posting

All of the online attention led to surge of reviews on the company's Yelp page. Many are negative, one-star reviews criticizing its anti-conservative stances, but a fair amount are positive and expressing support for Penzeys' products and politics.

As of Wednesday afternoon, Yelp actually paused reviews of Penzeys because recent public attention had led to people coming to the page "to post their views on the news," a Yelp statement on the company's page read.

"While we dont take a stand one way or the other when it comes to this incident, weve temporarily disabled the posting of content to this page as we work to investigate whether the content you see here reflects actual consumer experiences rather than the recent events," the statement said.

As of Wednesday, Penzeys still held an overall 4.1-star rating out of 2,000 reviews.

About 80 reviews were "not recommended" by Yelp and therefore not factored into the business's overall star rating. These reviews largely focused on criticizing the company's liberal slant.

Penzeys hopes to 'turn orange into gold,' founder says

Though it's too early to tell how boycott efforts and one-star Yelp reviews will affect business, Penzey said he does anticipate losing some customers over the company's support of Harris.

Still, he said Penzeys hopes to "turn orange into gold," referring to the former president's tan.

In response to Trump's accusations of Penzeys selling "terrible overpriced product," Penzey said the company plans to launch a sale in the coming days on all orange-colored spices. The goal is to use the online energy, both positive and negative, to "have some fun and create some sales," he said.

"Business as usual for us is to respond to politics," Penzey added. "We built this business that sort of collects political wind."

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wauwatosa-based Penzeys Spices gets negative reviews after VP visit
An Apache activist dancer performs in a rally to save Oak Flat, land near Superior, Ariz., sacred to Western Apache tribes, in front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, July 22, 2015. The land sits on top of a large copper deposit. Protesters rallied in support of the Apache people outside the Supreme Court in Washington on Sept. 11, 2024. | Molly Riley

Religious freedom advocates gathered to pray in front of the Supreme Court on Wednesday in support of a Native American group fighting to protect its sacred land.

The group, called the Apache Stronghold, is asking the court to hear its case, which centers on the federal governments decision to allow copper mining in an area of Arizona known as Oak Flat.

Oak Flat is our Mt. Sinaithe most sacred place where generations of Apache have come to connect with our Creator, our faith, and our land, said Wendsler Nosie Sr. of Apache Stronghold in a press release from the law firm Becket. We pray the Justices will protect Oak Flat and ensure that our place of worship is not treated differently simply because it lacks four walls and a steeple.

 Today Apache Stronghold is hosting a day of prayer outside SCOTUS as they prepare to ask the Court to protect the sacred site Chichil Bidagoteel (also known as Oak Flat) from destruction.



 Interfaith clergy, including members of the @UnitedChurch, join in solidarity. pic.twitter.com/153RllJWwR  UCC Washington D.C. Office (@justice_ucc) September 11, 2024

Members of the Apache Stronghold claim that the mining project violates religious freedom law, including the federal Religious Freedom Restoration Act, since it would permanently alter land that for centuries has been used in sacred ceremonies, thereby limiting their religious exercise.

They sued to block the government from transferring the land to a private mining company but lost at the district court level, as the Deseret News previously reported.

Earlier this year, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the decision, ruling that mining Oak Flat does not substantially interfere with the Apache Strongholds religion in the eyes of the law.

The challenged transfer of Oak Flat for mining operations does not discriminate against Apache Strongholds members, penalize them, or deny them an equal share of the rights, benefits, and privileges enjoyed by other citizens, the ruling said.

Apache Stronghold appealed that decision to the Supreme Court on Wednesday.

In a statement shared with the Deseret News, a spokesperson from Resolution Copper, the company behind the planned mining project, said the case does not present any question worthy of Supreme Court review.

This case is about the governments right to pursue national interests with its own land  an unremarkable and longstanding proposition that the Supreme Court and other courts have consistently reaffirmed, the spokesperson said.

The statement continued, The Resolution Copper project is vital to helping secure Americas energy future with a domestic supply of copper and other critical minerals. We are encouraged by the significant community support for the project, which will supply nearly one quarter of Americas copper needs, add $1 billion a year to Arizonas economy, and create thousands of local jobs in a region where mining has played an important role for more than a century. Our dialogue with local Native American Tribes and communities will continue to shape the project, building on more than a decade of Tribal and government consultation and collaboration.

Apache Stronghold v. United States is one of at least six religious freedom cases that have been appealed or are expected to be appealed to the Supreme Court during the 2024-25 term, as the Deseret News previously reported.

The justices have not heard a religion cases since April 2023.
Why RI had much fewer beach closures this summer

NARRAGANSETT, R.I. (WPRI)  Throughout the summer, the Rhode Island Department of Health monitors the water quality at beaches to make sure the conditions are safe for swimming.

New data shows the state this year had significantly fewer closures compared to last summer.

In the video above, Meteorologist Catie McNeil speaks with Save the Bay to find out why.

Ocean, Bay & Beach // A look at the conditions at the coast 

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Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) For todays GRE WHY ROC segment, were looking at the current version of the Space Race that is creating unprecedented opportunities for the space economy.

Locally, we are covering the launch of Starris: Optimax Space Systems. The Wayne County-based manufacturer has optics on thousands of satellites orbiting Earth right now and a big thing for company leadership is speed.

Idea to orbit in a year: Inside Starris: Optimax Space Systems in Ontario

If someone wants to launch an imaging satellite, they say they can help go from idea to orbit in a year. The company recently celebrated an official launch in August at the Small Satellite Convention in Utah.

Joseph Spilman, president of Optimax, and Kevin Kearney, Starris Director and Chief Technical Officer, joined anchor Brennan Somers for an interview on Sunrise. Watch it in the player on this 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 RochesterFirst.
Why Trump kept going back to immigration again and again

Former President Trump speaks during the presidential debate Tuesday night with Vice President Kamala Harris in Philadelphia. (Alex Brandon / Associated Press)

The first question of Tuesday night's debate between former President Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris was about the economy, but Trump quickly pivoted to scapegoating immigrants.

Trump claimed migrants are pouring into the country from jails and mental institutions overseas and taking jobs from Black and Latino Americans.

Trump has seized on immigration as an issue that could win him back the White House, repeating anti-immigrant rhetoric and criticizing Harris  whom he refers to as the border czar  on the issue, though her official role was not border enforcement but to examine the root causes of migration from Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras.

Read more: Harris, Trump trade barbs in heated, high-stakes debate

After being questioned directly about immigration, Trump returned to the topic again and again in the televised debate from National Constitution Center in Philadelphia.

At 6:46 p.m., when asked about the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection, he avoided talking about his supporters who stormed the U.S. Capitol and said migrants who are killing people should be prosecuted.

At 6:52 p.m., when asked why he refused to accept that he had lost the 2020 election, he said the country needs borders and walls to stop migrants from coming in and illegally voting. (Election experts have repeatedly said such instances are rare.)

And when the 90-minute-plus debate finally ended, he brought up immigration again in his closing remarks. He said Harris has had 3 years to fix the border. Why hasnt she done it? he said.

Immigration is tricky issue for Harris, and polls have show many Americans believe Trump will more effective in controlling the border than Harris. She pivoted from directly answering a question about why the Biden administration waited until six months before the election to take action on the border after arrivals reached record levels.

Border arrests have fallen by more than 50% since the Biden administration implemented asylum restrictions in June. Stepped-up enforcement by Mexican immigration authorities and summer heat also contributed to lower numbers of arriving migrants.

Instead, Harris brought up her support for what she has called toughest border control bill in decades, which would have added 1,500 border agents and added resources to stem the flow of fentanyl and transnational gangs.

Trump pressured House Republicans to abandon support for that bipartisan border security agreement this year.

This comes at a time when the people of our country actually need a leader who engages in solutions, who actually addresses the problems at hand, Harris said. But what we have in the former president is someone who would prefer to run on a problem instead of fixing a problem.

Asked why he killed the bill, Trump also pivoted from a direct answer. Our country is being lost, he said, referring to migrants entering the U.S. Youre going to end up in World War III.

Trump falsely claimed that in Springfield, Ohio, immigrants are eating the dogs.  Theyre eating the cats. Theyre eating the pets of the people that live there.

Read more: Harris attacks Trump for trying to 'divide' Americans after he raises her race as an issue

On Tuesday, GOP vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio) shared false claims that Haitian immigrants are stealing and eating pets in Springfield. Officials there say they have received no credible reports substantiating the rumors, which spread quickly on social media as they were amplified by public figures who criticized Harris record on the border.

Harris responded to Trump's comment with a laugh: Talk about extreme!

Trump has vowed to launch the largest deportation operation in American history if reelected. Asked how he would deport 11 million undocumented immigrants, Trump did not explain. He said violent crime is down in other countries but through the roof in the U.S. because of migrants.

The FBI says violent crime is down in the U.S. Studies also show undocumented immigrants have lower crime rates than U.S.-born citizens. There also has been no evidence that foreign prisons are being emptied to send offenders to the United States. Trump has made that claim repeatedly, even though it has been debunked.

Offered a chance to respond on Trump's claim about crime, Harris said: It is important that we move forward, that we turn the page on this same old, tired rhetoric and address the needs of the American people, such as support for small businesses, the housing shortage and grocery prices.

Frankly, the American people are exhausted with this same, old, tired playbook, she said.

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.
Win McNamee/Getty Images

Donald Trumps transgender operations line during this weeks presidential debate is already the talking point that launched a thousand memes  but what may have sounded like word salad managed to contain the barest hint of a real, honest-to-goodness fact.

During Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris first and potentially only debate on Tuesday evening, Trump accused the sitting vice president of approving transgender operations on illegal aliens that are in prison. Trump was ostensibly responding to a question about hydrofracking, though he veered wildly between other claims, including sensational and misleading allegations that protestors burned down Minneapolis in 2020. But for once, Trumps comments about trans people werent entirely fabricated  although calling them accurate would be a stretch.

Trumps claim about transgender operations can likely be traced back to a 2019 survey from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), which the organization says it sent to all presidential candidates that year, CNNs KFILE reported on Monday. In that survey, candidates were asked if they would use presidential authority to ensure that all trans people, including incarcerated people and undocumented immigrants, received comprehensive treatment for their transition including all necessary surgical care. Harris said she would do so.

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, Harris wrote in response to the 2019 survey. Transition treatment is a medical necessity, and I will direct all federal agencies responsible for providing essential medical care to deliver transition treatment.

Harris line specifying that federal prisoners and detainees should receive gender-affirming care, including surgeries, would seem to include those held by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), a division of the Department of Homeland Security. ICE currently operates at least 92 detention facilities across the U.S., according to its official website. Per official records monitored by Syracuse Universitys Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse (TRAC), more than 36,000 immigrants were held in ICE detention as of August 2024. (In the 2019 survey, Harris also pledged to reduce ICE funding and close detention centers, but has since adopted a harsher stance.)

Although incarcerated people in the U.S. are routinely denied necessary medical care, that doesnt mean guaranteeing access to care is a radical position. Saying you will provide health care to detained people is a constitutional floor, ACLU attorney Chase Strangio wrote on Instagram on Wednesday in response to a New York Times post that called Trumps outburst the wildest sounding attack line that was basically true.

People held in cages by the government  whether civilly or criminally detained  have a right to health care [...] this just builds upon the ongoing investment in positing trans people and our bodies as grotesque, Strangio wrote.

Of course, gender-affirming surgeries are rarely approved for prisoners and detainees in the U.S. regardless of their immigration status. The first known gender-affirming surgery for a trans prisoner was carried out just last year, and in California, prisoner requests for such care have piled up into the hundreds.

The Internet Is Having a Field Day With Trumps Latest Spiral About Trans People

Transgender operations? On illegal aliens? Dont threaten us with a good time.

But after Harris survey resurfaced this week, attracting coverage from right-wing publications like the National Review and the New York Post, the Trump team leapt to use her response as an attack. On X, formerly Twitter, Donald Trump Jr. accused Harris of pushing to give free taxpayer funded trans surgeries to illegal immigrants on September 9, the day before the debate.

Making gender-affirming medical treatment available for everyone, including federal prisoners, would be a notably progressive (though, again, hardly radical) policy proposal for the Harris campaign. But in fact, her platform mentions LGBTQ+ rights only sparingly, and does not specifically mention transgender people at all. Campaign surrogates have touted the record of Harris running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, whose history of support for queer and trans youth may bolster support for Harris among voters who feel that her image as an anti-trans, anti-sex work California prosecutor lingers on.

That said, LGBTQ+ support for a Harris-Walz administration is already robust, with more than 1,000 people attending a Trans Folks for Harris Zoom call last month, hosted by the nonprofit Advocates for Trans Equality.

Get the best of whats queer. Sign up for Thems weekly newsletter here.

Originally Appeared on them.
Charred trees stand on the site of the Koenigsberg forest fire. Matthias Bein/dpa

A forest fire in the Harz mountains of northern Germany has been fully extinguished after several days of firefighting work in rugged terrain, according to local officials on Wednesday.

The fire had broken out on Friday on the Konigsberg, a side peak of the Brocken, the tallest mountain in Germany's mostly flat north.

Officials in the nearby city of Wernigerode said on Wednesday that firefighting crews are now being withdrawn and equipment will be dismantled over the next few days.

An investigation into the cause of the fire has been launched.

At times, the fire front had spread over a length of more than 1 kilometre in very difficult terrain. Several aircraft and helicopters, including those of the German military and police, were also in the air during the operation.

Only the change in the weather and the rain had eased the situation from Sunday night.

In the past few days, pockets of embers were repeatedly discovered, as crews worked on foot to put out the last remnants of the fire.

Charred trees stand on the site of the Koenigsberg forest fire. Matthias Bein/dpa
Wildfires burn out of control in Southern California and more evacuations ordered

Trabuco Canyon, California (AP)  Apocalyptic-looking plumes of smoke filled skies east of Los Angeles on Tuesday as firefighters battled three major wildfires that erupted amid a blistering heat wave and threatened tens of thousands of homes and other structures.

Evacuation orders were expanded Tuesday night as the fires grew and included parts of the popular ski town of Big Bear and the entire community of Wrightwood, with about 4,500 residents. Authorities implored people to leave their homes.

There is no property that is worth risking your life for, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said.

In recent years wildfires have regularly burned in and around Wrightwood, a picturesque mountain town 60 miles east of Los Angeles known for its 1930s cabins. Authorities expressed frustration in 2016 when only half the residents heeded orders to leave.

Janice Quick, the president of the Wrightwood Chamber of Commerce, said a friend texted to tell her that the friends home had been consumed by fire, while another friend was watching through her ring camera as embers rained down on her home.

Quick said in the late afternoon she was eating lunch outside with friends and they were rained on by embers the size of her thumbnail that hit the table and made a clinking sound.

Ive never seen anything like this and Ive been through fires before, said Quick, who has lived in Wrightwood for 45 years.

In neighboring Orange County, firefighters used bulldozers, helicopters and planes to control a rapidly spreading blaze called the Airport Fire that started Monday and spread to about 3 square miles in only a few hours. The blaze was ignited by a spark from heavy equipment being used by public workers, officials said.

By Tuesday night, it had charred more than 30 square miles and was heading over mountainous terrain into neighboring Riverside County with no containment, said Orange County Fire Authority Capt. Steve Concialdi. It burned some communications towers on top of a peak, though so far officials said they did not have reports of the damage disrupting police or fire communication signals in the area.

Concialdi said the fire was burning away from homes in Orange County, but there are 36 recreational cabins in the area. He said authorities dont yet know if the cabins were damaged or destroyed by the blaze.

Two firefighters who suffered heat-related injuries and a resident who suffered from smoke inhalation were treated at a hospital and released.

Sherri Fankhauser, her husband and her daughter set up lawn chairs and were watching helicopters make water drops on a flaming hillside a few hundred yards away from their Trabuco Canyon home on Tuesday.

They didnt evacuate even though their street had been under a mandatory evacuation order since Monday. A neighbor did help Fankhausers 89-year-old mother-in-law evacuate, Fankhauser said. The flames died down last night but flared up again in the morning.

You can see fire coming over the ridge now, Fankhauser said Tuesday afternoon. Its getting a little scarier now.

She said she trusted the crews would get things under control and that firefighters were keeping them informed.

Meanwhile, in the San Bernardino National Forest, some 65,600 homes and buildings were under threat by the Line Fire, including those under mandatory evacuations and those under evacuation warnings, nearly double the number from the previous day.

Residents along the southern edge of Big Bear Lake were told to leave the area Tuesday night, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department. Its unclear how many people were affected in the area, which is a popular destination for anglers, bikers and hikers.

The blaze had charred more than 51 square miles of grass and brush and blanketed the area with a thick cloud of dark smoke. The acrid air prompted several districts in the area to close schools through the end of the week because of safety concerns. Three firefighters have been injured since the blaze was reported Thursday, state fire managers said.

In Northern California, a fire measuring less than a square mile that started Sunday burned at least 30 homes and commercial buildings and destroyed 40 to 50 vehicles in Clearlake City, 110 miles north of San Francisco, officials said. Roughly 4,000 people were forced to evacuate by the so-called Boyles Fire, which was about 50% contained Tuesday night.

Other major fires were burning across the West, including in Idaho, Oregon and Nevada, where about 20,000 people had to flee a blaze outside Reno. The uncontained Davis Fire burned at least one home and threatened dozens more. It originated in the Davis Creek Regional Park in the Washoe Valley and was spreading through heavy timber and brush, firefighters said.

An emergency declaration issued for Washoe County by Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo on Sunday said about 20,000 people were evacuated from neighborhoods, businesses, parks and campgrounds.

More than 600 firefighters in the area held their own Tuesday but were bracing for worsening weather conditions Wednesday, which could see dangerously strong winds and dry conditions. The National Weather Service in Reno said it was the first time in five years and only the sixth time in history that theyve labeled the threat as a particularly dangerous situation.

All off-duty firefighters in the Reno area have been ordered back to work Wednesday.

Ive never done that in the 12 years Ive been chief, Truckee Meadows Fire Chief Charles Moore said Tuesday.

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Wildfires dont just burn farmland  they can contaminate the water farmers use to irrigate crops and support livestock

The wildfires that burned across Maui, Hawaii, in August 2023 became the deadliest conflagration in the United States in more than a century. While the harm to homes and tourism drew the most attention, agriculture was also heavily affected across the island, and the harm did not stop once the flames were out.

In some cases, fires smoldered underground for weeks. Water systems were destroyed, and some were contaminated in ways scientists are only beginning to understand.

Two weeks after the Maui fires began, they were still smoldering below ground. Andrew Whelton/Purdue University, CC BY-ND

As an environmental engineer, I work with communities affected by wildfires and other disasters. I also led a team of university and public works professionals to assist in Mauis response to the fires.

In a new study based on that effort, my team worked with the Hawaii Department of Agriculture to assess damaged water systems, including water pipes, wells and pumps that are essential for livestock and crops. It was the first study of its kind to examine wildfire damage to agriculture water systems.

The results show the types of damage that can occur when a fire burns through property, and they offer a warning to agricultural regions elsewhere. With the U.S. averaging over 60,000 wildfires and 7.2 million acres burned each year, it is clear that wildfires have become a whole-of-society problem.

Contaminated water infrastructure poses risks

Wildfires often knock out power, which can disable water pumps that farmers and ranchers rely on. They can also damage pipes in ways that can release toxic chemicals and have long-lasting effects.

Recent municipal water system studies by my team and others have shown that water sources and even the pipes and tanks can become unsafe to use. Studies in fire-swept areas have found levels of volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, such as benzene, a carcinogen, above hazardous waste limits. Exposure to this water can cause immediate harm to people.

When water pumps stop working or components are destroyed, municipal water systems lose pressure. When that happens, VOCs can enter from heated or burning plastics, structures and vegetation.

Even when tanks are untouched by fire, the pipes serving them can be contaminated if they heat up. Andrew Whelton/Purdue University, CC BY-ND

An insidious challenge is that VOCs penetrate plastic water lines, gaskets and tanks like water going into a sponge. Even after bad water is flushed out, chemicals can leach from the plastic and make the water unsafe for weeks to months. Damaged components have to be replaced.

In the wake of the Maui fires, however, there was no immediate guidance on how farmers and ranchers should inspect and test their water systems.

Learning from Mauis experience

Farms and ranches had many plastic water system components. On one ranch, fire destroyed more than nine miles of plastic water pipe. Much of the pipe ran above ground alongside fencing, which also burned.

Plastic irrigation systems were destroyed. Numerous other components melted, were leaking or lacked water. The loss of power sometimes prevented water pumps from keeping the pipes full of water.

Some plastic water lines burst due to the temperature and water pressure during the fire. Andrew Whelton/Purdue University, CC BY-ND

More than 9 miles of plastic polyethylene water lines were destroyed by the fire. Andrew Whelton/Purdue University, CC BY-ND

While wells can become contaminated and well casings can burn, the wells themselves were not contaminated. This was mostly because the wells were set back from combustible materials and because firefighters and property staff helped to protect them.

Debris and particles from smoke, however, did enter animal troughs, buckets and waterers. These items had to be drained and cleaned for the safety of the animals. Water systems were repeatedly flushed with clean water after the fire, and VOC testing of the water supplies did not find lingering contamination.

Lots of questions still to answer

There are still many unanswered questions. Since there was no VOC testing procedure for agricultural water systems before the fires, there is no data to show the frequency and severity of this kind of contamination.

Not all municipal water systems that suffer fires become contaminated. Contamination is related to differences in the sites, systems and the fires themselves.

Animal watering systems are often supplied by plastic pipes. Andrew Whelton/Purdue University, CC BY-ND

There is also no data on the degree to which this wildfire-contaminated water would harm animals and crops. Would animals avoid the water and become dehydrated? Can crops become contaminated? Will exposure affect the meat of livestock? Many of these unanswered questions will require the expertise of veterinary medicine and crop and soil scientists.

What are the solutions?

One thing that was clear is that farmers and ranchers lack adequate guidance to prevent wildfire-caused pollution of their water systems. Some practical lessons learned can help these community members bounce back:

Defensible space should be established by keeping equipment 30 feet away from combustible materials. Burying plastic components 3 feet underground helps protect them from fire.

Similar to municipal water systems after a fire, damaged agriculture water system components should be isolated. Pipes and tanks should be rapidly refilled and extensively flushed with water to help remove potential contamination.

Water delivery devices, including troughs, buckets and tire waterers, should be drained and cleaned. When contamination is a concern, chemical water testing should be conducted. In some cases, components will have to be replaced.

Pipes and wells to get water to cattle can also be at risk in wildfires. Andrew Whelton/Purdue University, CC BY-ND

A 2024 survey of California farmers shows that the top three resources relied on and wished for during wildfire were generators, water pumps and water storage tanks. These items would help prevent water system pressure loss and contamination.

Who can help?

Wildfire risk to farms and ranches can be reduced. State and federal agriculture departments and insurance companies can provide financial assistance. Technical assistance is available from universities.

Lessening the impact of wildfires and expediting recovery can help farms and ranches do yeomans work to support health and the economy.

This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Andrew J. Whelton, Purdue University

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Andrew J. Whelton receives funding from the U.S. National Science Foundation, U.S. National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, City of Louisville, Paradise Irrigation District, Paradise Rotary Foundation, the Water Research Foundation, and crowdfunding.
WILLIAMSBURG COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD)  Williamsburg County School District is celebrating significant academic progress. District leaders are excited about the future after consistent yearly improvements on two state assessment exams, on their journey to regaining control of the district.

The district made big improvements on its SC Ready and end-of-course exams.

When it comes to academic improvements year to year, Kingstree High School has a lot to be proud of.

Recent scores surprised all of us. We knew we put in a great body of work, and we knew we would see a return on our investment. Our Algebra-1 did great. We had great numbers. 89.6% passing rate for Algebra-1, English 2 we had 71% C or better, with a 92% passing rate. We superseded the State of South Carolina in every category as it relates to ELA and Algebra-1, said Mark Fraiser, principal at Kingstree High School. Our scholars here are doing great work. Its about instilling a sense of pride in our kids, letting them know they can compete with anyone, not just here in South Carolina, but anywhere in the world.

Frasuer said their success centered on strategy.

Hard work, being purposeful, implementing this with fidelity, believing in the vision, believing in our teachers, believing in our scholars, knowing they can and will do it and they will achieve. Its amazing what people will do when they believe they can. That is key, and let me say this, it doesnt come by happenstance, it is not impromptu, it is very very intentional and prescriptive, he said.

Williamsburg County School District Superintendent Dr. Kelvin Wymbs says the achievements are district-wide.

Weve seen substantial gains at all of our schools, and were very excited about those gains. From last years scores to this years scores our scholars on the high school level had the highest growth in Algebra-1 and Biology-1 in the state. You can attribute that to the work of these professional learning communities and progress mantra these teachers are doing daily. They really know their scholars and are connecting to our communities and our parents, said Wymbs.

Six years ago, the South Carolina State Department of Education took control of the district due to academic and financial concerns.

Dr. Wymbs explains what the gains mean for the district in its journey to regain control: I think it gives us excitement and motivation, especially for our scholars and parents. They know their students can achieve at a high rigorous level, and it gives us the confidence and belief that we know what were doing and will continue to do the work, and were going to continue to push our students and our communities.

The State Department of Education sent this statement to News 2 regarding Williamsburg Countys academic gains and a timeline for when control of the district will be returned to the board and superintendent and what the current scores mean for the situation.

Our focus remains on fostering strong collaborative efforts to build district capacity and align budgets and systems to enhance academic outcomes. We are optimistic about the upcoming school report card data and look forward to seeing strong growth. Our goal is to ensure that this progress is sustained in the coming years, the department said.

Dr. Wymbs says, I think they are happy with our progress, and they do a great job of supporting us. Superintendent Weaver of course has been really supportive, and were going to continue that collaborative effort and were going to push forward. Dr. Wymbs says they will keep the momentum going. Were looking forward to the future. Were going to celebrate our successes; were going to incentivize our scholars. Were going to continue working in our communities to make sure everyone is collaborating to make sure our scholars have all the opportunities available to them to be successful. Now lets continue forward. We still got a lot of room for growth. We have a long way to go but we know we can get there.

Principal Fraiser says this is only the beginning. He says, We keep going up. We dont settle for mediocrity and complacency is not in our vocabulary. Were going to continue to work hard. When the State took over, our children were a little disheartened because the State did take over, but when you come in, and instill in our children a sense of purpose and a sense of pride and a sense of dignity, knowing they can compete with anybody, these children will do just what you asked them to do. We have great momentum, momentum we shall not, and we will not lose. We will only get better.

Fraiser says he predicts the upcoming data will show continued growth.

This year, current year will be good and excellent on our State Report Card. Were going to skip above average and go straight to good, if not excellent. Williamsburg County School District will be in the ear not just in this area, but everywhere in the state, and were making great strides under the supervision of Dr. Kelvin Wymbs.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2.
Illustration: Benjamin Currie/HuffPost; Photos: Getty

As the 2024 presidential election draws closer, a fringe property rights organization has become increasingly brazen in flouting its tax-exempt nonprofit status, openly opposing Democratic nominee Kamala Harris and attacking her as a Marxist and a socialist.

In a fundraising email sent Aug. 17, the right-wing American Stewards of Liberty described Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, as a Marxist Dream Team and solicited donations to avert a bleak outcome in the presidential race.

Do you think we can trust these two with hundreds of millions of acres of US land? With Harris and Walz in the White House, Americans will be hobbled by unreasonable burdens, lose their businesses, and be escorted off their ranches and property, the email read. But you can help us prevent this bleak outcome by making a generous contribution to American Stewards of Liberty today!

American Stewards is a Texas-based, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit that for the last few years has led a disinformation-rich crusade against the Biden administrations goal of conserving 30% of lands and waters by 2030, known informally as 30x30. Without evidence, it has repeatedly claimed that the 30x30 target is a federal land grab in disguise.

Under IRS rules, all 501(c)(3) nonprofits are absolutely prohibited from directly or indirectly participating in, or intervening in, any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for elective public office. Barred political activity includes contributions to political campaign funds or public statements of position (verbal or written) made on behalf of the organization in favor of or in opposition to any candidate for public office.

Craig Holman, a government affairs lobbyist and ethics expert at the nonprofit consumer group Public Citizen, told HuffPost the fundraising email is a clear violation of American Stewards tax-exempt status.

The mass communication refers specifically to the presidential election, and makes an unambiguous appeal as to how the recipients should vote in that election, he said in an email. It does not use express advocacy, which would make it an actual campaign ad, but the IRS definition of electioneering activity does not require express advocacy.

Other recent communications also appear to skirt tax code rules.

In an Aug. 1 blog post, American Stewards wrote that a potential Harris Administration will continue Bidens destruction of our nations private property and the livelihoods of millions of American landowners.

If elected president, Kamala Harris will continue with Bidens plan to carry out what Karl Marx first imagined in his Communist Manifesto, the abolition of private property. They wish to destroy capitalism and as Barak [sic] Obama said fundamentally transform[ing] the United States of America.



Holman said the post is just as problematic as the fundraising email, noting it refers to a specific election and a specific candidate, impugns the character of the candidate, and leaves the reader with an unambiguous message of how to cast ones ballot.

In a post to X (formerly Twitter) promoting its blog on Harris, American Stewards wrote that to implement socialism in America they must gain control of our land, and therefore our liberty  the clear intent of 3030.

The new Democrat nominee for President, Kamala Harris was one of the earliest advocates of the 3030 agenda, long before most Americans had been made aware of the international land grab. To implement socialism in America they must gain control of our land, and therefore our pic.twitter.com/SYdeuz5trO  American Stewards of Liberty (@ASL_Liberty) August 7, 2024

This isnt the first time American Stewards has faced such scrutiny. In May 2021, Accountable.US, a progressive watchdog group, filed a complaint with the IRS, accusing American Stewards of skirting federal rules by lobbying against 30x30 at the federal, state and local levels. In May 2022, it amended its complaint to include internal communications, which HuffPost first obtained via a public records request, that showed American Stewards Executive Director Margaret Byfield had worked behind the scenes to guide then-Republican Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts response to 30x30, including helping craft an anti-30x30 executive order that Ricketts signed in 2021.

Byfield did not respond to HuffPosts request for comment Tuesday or when HuffPost reached out in 2022 about the groups lobbying activities.

Along with spearheading an opposition campaign against 30x30, Byfield contributed to Project 2025, the sweeping policy blueprint that the Heritage Foundation and dozens of other right-wing organizations compiled to guide former President Donald Trump and his team should he win reelection in November. Trump has tried to claim he knows nothing about Project 2025, despite at least 140 people who worked in the Trump administration playing a role in its creation, according to a CNN review.

From their contributions to Project 2025 to this latest outburst of extremism, American Stewards of Libertys aims are clear: They will stop at nothing to end protections for the great outdoors, even if it means running afoul of the law, said Chris Marshall, as spokesperson for Accountable.US. The only true winners in their plans are the corporate special interests who would benefit from their dangerous plans for public lands.

Marshall told HuffPost the IRS never responded to its initial complaint related to American Stewards lobbying activities.

Were still examining our options this time around  the most likely outcome is well file a new complaint just on electioneering, since this is the first time weve seen them do that, he said.

A spokesperson for the IRS told HuffPost that tax law precludes the agency from disclosing tax information, including whether the IRS is investigating any specific organization.

Accountable.US has proven to be a relentless thorn in the side of the right-wing nonprofit.

As HuffPost previously reported, Trump-era Interior Secretary David Bernhardt slammed Accountable.US founder Kyle Herrig during a keynote speech at American Stewards annual Stop 30x30 Summit in Nebraska in 2022. I dont like bullies, Bernhardt said. And in an email to one of Ricketts top staffers in 2021, Byfield warned that Accountable.US had been scrutinizing her organizations tax status and filing public records requests for the organizations communications with counties in numerous states.

Your office may receive a similar request, she told Ricketts staffer in an email that HuffPost obtained as part of its records request.
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (WGHP)  A Winston-Salem man has been found guilty of manslaughter in the New Years Day 2023 shooting death of a 25-year-woman he was dating at the time, according to the Forsyth County District Attorneys Office.

Prison escapee from New Jersey found after chase with deputies on Interstate 85

Background

At around 6:18 a.m. on Jan. 1, 2023, officers came to the Microtel Inn on 100 Capitol Lodging Court after getting a report about an unconscious woman.

At the scene, police found Dasia Jenis Gentry, 25, of Winston-Salem, in a room suffering from a gunshot wound.

First responders applied life-saving measures but Gentry would ultimately be pronounced dead at the scene by EMS personnel.

Investigators say that Rick Monroe Jr, of Winston-Salem, was in a domestic relationship with Gentry at the time of the shooting.

According to police, Monroe became impaired during New Years Day festivities at the hotel and was recklessly handling a handgun when it fired and fatally struck Gentry. Monroe left the scene that night but ultimately turned himself in.

He was charged with voluntary manslaughter and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and was placed in the Forsyth County Detention Center under a $1 million bond. He has remained in custody since Jan. 2023.

Gentrys death was the first homicide of 2023 in Winston-Salem.

Sentencing

On Tuesday, Monroe pleaded guilty to charges of voluntary manslaughter and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He would ultimately be sentenced to 75-102 months 6 to 8 years in prison.

The DAs office says there is no evidence that Monroe acted with premeditation or malice in Gentrys death.

Monroe was a record level III for felony sentencing purposes.

Forsyth County District Attorney Jim ONeill expressed condolences to the Gentry family and emphasized the importance of legal and responsible gun ownership.

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A Winton Woods Alternative School student is under arrest after police say the teen brought a loaded gun onto campus Wednesday.

In a press release, Greenhills police said Winton Woods City Schools alerted the department Wednesday morning of a 16-year-old student that may have been in possession of a firearm the day before.

The teen was on the way to school when police got the call. Officers were sent to the school, located in the Greenhills Community Center at 8 Enfield St., and waited for the student arrive.

After the teen arrived around 11:25 a.m., officers detained and questioned the student. They found out the student was in possession of a loaded firearm, according to the press release. The teen was placed under arrested and taken to Greenhills Police Department.

The 16-year-old is charged with two counts of illegal conveyance of a deadly weapon in a school safety zone and one count of inducing panic.

The teen is being held at the Hamilton County Juvenile Detention Center. The Enquirer is not naming the suspect because they have been charged in juvenile court.

Winton Woods City Schools responds

Winton Woods City Schools sent a message to families and staff Wednesday alerting them of the situation. District officials said all students and staff are safe with no further incidents to report at this time, and appropriate school disciplinary action will be taken.

"We are thankful to our student and parent who saw something and said something. We are equally grateful for the swift response from staff and law enforcement," the message reads.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Police: Winton Woods student arrested after bringing gun on campus
WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  Police in D.C. are on high alert Tuesday, maintaining a heavy presence in some neighborhoods hit by burglars overnight.

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) said its investigating at least seven burglaries in five different neighborhoods overnight Monday into early Tuesday. Any connection between the burglaries remains under investigation, according to MPD.

Man wanted for sex act with cucumber near Northwest DC high school

Witnesses who spoke with DC News Now about the burglary in CityCenter, near 10th and I St. in Northwest, said they had never seen so many officers in one place before.

It was just like a different world, neighbor and witness, Erin Reeve, said. About 20 or 30 people, dressed in all black, it looked like they were coming out of the Gucci store. They were running in all different directions.

Officers showed up in dozens at that scene in Northwest. Reeve said she saw officers carrying riot shields. Other officers were seen on video wearing face shields as helicopters swirled overhead.

Reeve described the situation as terrifying as she watched the scene unfold.

Are they armed? What do I need to do to protect myself and stay safe? she asked.

Five people in total have been arrested as police investigate those seven robberies. Two people were arrested near CityCenter.

Metrobus proposes additional services as DC Circulator discontinues

On 14th St., NW, north of Columbia Heights, police said burglars broke into the Lifted Life Kicks store. The store was boarded up Tuesday afternoon. MPD said they got away with more than $10,000 in stolen bags and shoes.

Three people were arrested in connection with the burglary of the Black Cat, also on 14th St.

In Georgetown, business owners and workers were seen cleaning up the mess left behind after at least two liquor stores were broken into along Wisconsin Ave., NW.

Police released photos of suspects wanted in connection to a third burglary in the same neighborhood overnight.

One local business owner along Wisconsin Ave., NW, Anne Freeman, said those burglaries are too close for comfort.

It makes me feel angry and it makes me feel sad, Freeman said. Were a neighborhood. We all know each other.

Woman dies weeks after getting hit by stolen car in DC

Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice, Lindsey Appiah, released a statement on X regarding the incidents.

While we support the right to peacefully protest, crime and violence will not be tolerated in our city, Appiah stated in her post.

DC News Now reached out to MPD and the Mayors office to see if the robberies are connected to protests following the release of police body camera video of the deadly shooting involving violence interrupter, Justin Robinson, and neither are confirming the connection.

Mayor Muriel Bowsers office confirms shes been briefed on the situation, but didnt offer additional comments to DC News Now.

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GENEVA, Ala (WDHN)  A Geneva County woman accused of shooting and completely dismembering her partner and stuffing his body in a car is expected to undergo a mental evaluation in the coming weeks.

Joselina Elizabeth Lopez was set to appear before Judge Stephen Smith for a preliminary hearing on Wednesday, but the hearing was waived before it could start.

After the hearing was waived and canceled, Lopezs attorney, Laura Wells, told WDHN that at some point soon, she would request her client undergo a mental evaluation. These evaluations determine if someone charged with a crime is mentally fit to stand trial.

Lopez is charged with one count of intentional murder in the death of 41-year-old Benito Morales Guzman.

Geneva County deputies found Guzmans body dismembered in a car behind his house around Grady Garner Road and New Hinson Road in the Fadette community on Tuesday, August 27. Officers went to his home after receiving a missing persons report for Guzman.

During a bond hearing for Lopez held at the beginning of the month, Investigator Philip Shuler with the State Bureau of Investigation took the stand, testifying that when officers arrived at the scene, they noticed a strong odor coming from the car and found a chainsaw with human flesh in it, along with Guzmans body. The body was in around 10-15 pieces, stuffed in garbage bags, and placed in the backseat and trunk.

According to the investigator, after finding the body, officers began searching the home and discovered a pistol, a hatchet, two knives, two other chainsaws, and various receipts showing she purchased tools.

Investigator Shuler went on to say chainsaw marks were found on the floor of the home, and it is believed Guzman was shot around five times before being dismembered.

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Woman Allegedly Made 'Sign of Cross' Before Entering Her Neighbor's Home. Then, Police Allege, He Killed Her

Carol Flaz-Burgos was last seen on Aug. 31, and her neighbor Cristian Montero is set to be arraigned on a murder charge, per authorities

Carol Flaz/Facebook Carol Flaz-Burgos

Authorities in Massachusetts are investigating the killing of a mother of two after video surveillance showed her entering her alleged killer's home, never to be seen alive again.

Carol Flaz-Burgos, 37, was found dead in Haverhill, Mass., on Sep. 3, days after she disappeared from near her residence in nearby Lawrence, Essex County authorities announced last week.

Her neighbor Cristian Montero, 35, was arrested in connection with her death and initially charged with witness intimidation, the Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker said in a Sep. 4 press release.

On Tuesday, Sep. 10, the D.A.s office confirmed to PEOPLE that Montero is now set to be arraigned on a murder charge.

Boston25News/YouTube Cristian Montero

Authorities said in their statement that Flaz-Burgos was reported missing on Aug. 31. Her 9-year-old daughter called the victim's mother and said she was scared because she hadn't seen her mom in hours, Linette Perez of Lawrence PD, told CBS News.

Assistant District Attorney Jessica Fleet said in court that surveillance footage captures Flaz-Burgos entering Montero's home that morning, making the "sign of the cross" before going in, Boston 25 News, CBS News and WHDH report.

Flaz-Burgos was never seen leaving his apartment, authorities said, per NECN and Boston 25 News.

Montero was then seen leaving the apartment with a cart that appeared to be filled with clothes, authorities said, per NECN, Boston 25 News and The Boston Globe.



Carol Flaz/Facebook Carol Flaz-Burgos

Meanwhile, Flaz-Burgos cellphone data showed the device was moving away from that location at the same time Montero was allegedly seen leaving the apartment, per Assistant District Attorney Jessica Fleet said, NECN and The Boston Globe reported.

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Her phone was seen moving in the direction of Haverhill, where her body would later be found, Fleet said, according to NECN, Boston 25 News and The Boston Globe.

Montero allegedly told investigators that he was in Lawrence during the time of Flaz-Burgos' disappearance, but his cellphone records allegedly indicate he was in Haverhill, per prosecutors, NECN and Boston 25 News reported.



Flaz-Burgos, a mother of two, was remembered at a vigil attended by many last week, according to the The Gloucester Daily Times and CBS News.

Well-wishers were seen singing in her honor, placing flowers and holding placards demanding justice for her, video by the The Gloucester Daily Times shows.

Montero has pleaded not guilty to the initial charge, per court records cited by The Boston Globe, NECN, Boston 25 News.



He was set to be arraigned on his murder charge on Wednesday, Sep. 11, per the Essex County DAs office.



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SOMERVILLE, Ala. (WHNT)  The Somerville Police Department (SPD) said a woman was arrested on Tuesday after hiding a man wanted for stealing a motorcycle.

SPD said 50-year-old April Davis of Hartselle was arrested for hindering prosecution after hiding 34-year-old Christian Tyler Jacobs inside her home. SPD said Davis knew Jacobs was wanted for a felony theft warrant.

Davis is the third person to be arrested in the theft case after 32-year-old Randall Lyn Maples was booked into the Morgan County Jail for first-degree theft and criminal conspiracy.

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Woman files suit, says she was injured by bullet fragments during KC police training

A Kansas City woman filed a lawsuit against the Kansas City Police Department this week, saying she was injured by bullet fragments during a 2022 firearms training course conducted without helmets.

According to the lawsuit filed Monday, Alijandra Rios, 28, said the injury took place at the start of the training session, which was conducted while she attended the Kansas City Police Department Regional Policy Academy on Aug. 10, 2022.

The lawsuit filed in Clay County states that course attendees were given loaded firearms and brought into a concrete room.

Rios said another member of the training course discharged his weapon while trying to take it out of his holster, and that when his gun went off, bullet fragments struck her in the head.

According to Rios, KCPD did not provide course attendees with protective headgear, though she was wearing protective eyewear at the time.

The Kansas City Police Department was not immediately available to comment on the pending litigation Tuesday night. Attorneys for Rios were also not immediately available Tuesday night.

Rios lawsuit accuses the department of negligence in bringing armed people into close contact without training or proper protective equipment. She will seek a jury trial.
Woman fired several shots while chasing man, South Carolina cops say. Now shes locked up

The search for an armed woman ended Tuesday night when she was taken into custody following a tip from a witness, according to the Newberry County Sheriffs Office.

Marshanna Anderson, 36, was arrested and will face assault charges, the sheriffs office said.

At about 6 p.m., the sheriffs office said it was searching for Anderson, who was chasing a man and fired a gun several times. Specific information about a motive for the shooting was not available, but the sheriffs office called it a domestic incident.

No injuries were reported.

The shooting was reported near the Citgo gas station on College Street in Newberry, according to the sheriffs office.

As law enforcement officers searched for the armed woman the sheriffs office said they received a tip from a witness who saw Anderson. Following the tip, law enforcement officers tightened the search area and arrested Anderson near an industrial park at the intersection of College Street and Whitner Road, according to the sheriffs office.

Anderson was taken to the Newberry County Detention Center and no bond has been set, jail records show.
(KRON)  A womans lifeless body was found floating in the water at Berkeley Marina on Tuesday afternoon, police said.

A witness first spotted the body at 1:38 p.m. near boats docked within the marina. Emergency responders pulled the victim out of the water and alerted the Alameda County coroner.

The Alameda County Coroners Office is now responding to take custody of the deceased, Berkeley Police Department Officer Byron White told KRON4.

Her identity is unknown. An autopsy will be performed to determine the womans cause of death.

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KINGSTON, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH)  A woman has admitted to contributing to the overdose related death of a 14-year-old child in Ulster County.

The Ulster County District Attorneys Office announced on Wednesday that Kristin Delsanto, 29, of Lake Katrine pleaded guilty Manslaughter in the Second Degree in connection to the 2022 death of her partner Collin Schlegels teenage daughter.

On August 2, 2022, the Town of Ulster Police Department responded to a 911 call for a 14-year-old girl who was unresponsive. First responders attempted all lifesaving measures. The child was later pronounced dead at the scene.

Detectives conducted a year-long investigation which included a thorough recreation and timeline of events and activities leading up to the childs death. The investigation determined that both Schlegel and Delsanto were aware of and contributed to the childs consumption of drugs and alcohol. It was also determined that Delsanto went with the child to obtain and consume the illegal narcotics which subsequently led to her death.

This case is a heartbreaker. Illegal drug use and abuse by adults are obviously not okay and we all know the toll on our community, but the abuse of a child by giving her such poison that kills her, especially by the hands entrusted with her care and wellbeing, is unforgivable and will be held to account, said Ulster County District Attorney Emmanuel Nneji.

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Woman raped in park in early hours of morning

Cleveland Police said a woman was attacked at 04:00 BST [PA ]

A woman has been raped in an urban park in the early hours of the morning.

Cleveland Police said a woman was attacked by a man at 04:00 BST in Albert Park in Middlesbrough.

The force said it was looking for the attacker, who fled the scene, and described him as a black man aged about 30 and between 4ft 11in (1.5m) and 5ft 2in (1.57m) tall.

The man was riding a pedal bike, a spokesperson said.

The man was believed to have been in the Gresham area prior to the attack, in the areas of Parliament Road, Linthorpe Road, Granville Road, Woodlands Road and Park Lane, the force added.

They also urged people in the area to check private CCTV footage and said anyone with further information should contact them.

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WALES, Mass. (WWLP)  A Hampden County resident has been honored with the Madeline Amy Sweeney Award for civilian bravery for her heroic and life-saving actions back in December.

According to the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, 26-year-old Jillian Smith of Wales received the 2024 Sweeney Award on Wednesday for rescuing an elderly couple from a house fire on December 18, 2023.

Two injured in Wales house fire

22News covered the house fire in the video below. The Wales Fire Department said that the elderly couple was able to escape from the fire and were taken to UMass Medical Center with serious injuries.

Elderly couple taken to hospital after house fire in Wales

The call for the fire came in at approximately 8:00 a.m. on 88 Stafford Holland Road. Before emergency crews arrived, Smith noticed the fire and rushed to help her elderly neighbors. As Smith arrived, she saw an elderly man coming out of the burning house and attempted to go back in. The mans wife was still inside, so Smith entered the burning home to rescue her.

Crawling across the floor to avoid the smoke and the flames inside the home, Smith found the woman unconscious on the floor and dragged her out of the house and onto the front patio. The elderly couple was taken to a Boston hospital to recover. Smith was also treated for smoke inhalation.

9/11 Victim Madeline Amy Sweeney

Madeline Sweeney from Acton, Massachusetts was an American Airlines flight attendant for 14 years. She was working aboard American Airlines Flight 11, which was the first aircraft hijacked by terrorists and flown into the North Tower of the World Trade Center on September 11th, 2001. During the final moments of the flight, Sweeney relayed critical information about the hijackers during the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Sweeney leaves behind her husband Michael and her two children.

Michael Sweeney and his children Anna, 6, and Jack, 4, pose in front of a tree planted in honor and in memory of Madeline Amy Sweeney, their wife and mother, who died on Sept. 11, 2001. The tree was planted at, Conant Elementary School, Annas elementary school.

(Photo by Essdras M Suarez/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

In recognition of Madeline Sweeney, the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety created the Madeline Amy Sweeney Award to honor residents who demonstrate exceptional bravery, without regard for personal safety, to save the life of another in imminent danger.

Each year the Commonwealth selects a resident through nomination submissions. Smith was nominated for this years Sweeney Award by Senator Ryan Fattman, State Representative Todd Smola, and Wales Police Chief Thomas Ford. Smith was selected by the Sweeney Award Selection Committee.

Easthampton man nationally honored for rescuing disabled man trapped in fire

On this solemn day of national remembrance, we honor those lost in the September 11 terror attacks while paying tribute to the enduring legacy of the bravery, compassion, and patriotism shown by those confronted with the unimaginable events of that tragic day, said Governor Maura Healey. Sweeney Award recipients exemplify the very best of humanity, reminding us that even in the darkest times, there are always individuals, like Jillian Smith, who rise to the occasion, bravely facing adversity and embracing the call to help others.

Today, we honor a true hero who exemplifies the spirit of selflessness and bravery. Jillian Smith acted without hesitation in the face of extreme danger, saving lives at great personal risk. This award is a testament to her extraordinary actions, and a reminder of the bravery demonstrated by Madeline Sweeney and countless others during the tragic events of 9/11, said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll.

Today, we not only remember the tragic events of the 9/11 terror attacks but also honor the enduring legacy of courage and compassion that has emerged from it. Jillian Smith joins a distinguished group of previous Sweeney Award recipients who have shown exceptional courage in the service of others, embodying the spirit of bravery that continues to inspire the nation, said Public Safety and Security Secretary Terrence Reidy. On this 23rd anniversary of 9/11, we reaffirm our promise never to forget those we lost and to remember the heroism and resiliency that lifted a nation in mourning.

22News State House Reporter Olivia Ray is attending the ceremony in Boston on Wednesday and will have a live update on-air starting at 5 p.m.

Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  Five years ago, Christina Cardenas was making a four-hour drive to see her husband, an inmate at the California Correctional Institution in Tehachapi. Now, she just won a $5.6 million lawsuit for what happened when she was there.

During that September 2019 visit to see her husband, Christina Cardenas said she was sexually violated during a strip search.

TransWest Security wins multi-million dollar contract over AlliedUniversal

My purpose is not in seeking vengeance or triumph, but to stand in grace and forgiveness for the harm and residual trauma that has been caused, said Cardenas at a press conference Monday. It is crucial to treat visitors not as criminals, but with humanity and respect for their human rights.



According to Cardenas lawsuit, she was forced to undergo a strip search by prison officials, a traumatic cavity search by a male doctor, she was x-rayed and forced to take drug and pregnancy tests.

No contraband was ever found, and Cardenas was denied her visit with her husband.

17 News spoke to Cardenas and her attorney Gloria Allred Tuesday. Allred said what she went through was state-sanctioned torture.



Thats torture, thats abuse, that exploitation, I have no word strong enough to describe that that is sexual assault, said Allred.

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Of the $5.6 million settlement, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation will pay $3.6 million, and the rest will be paid by the other defendants including two correctional officers, a doctor, and the Adventist Health Tehachapi Valley Hospital.



We think the message is sent you need to treat spouses or any other visitor with respect allow them their dignity, treat them as human beings, and make sure that you follow court orders and not go beyond them, said Allred.



With the settlement, CDCR will also be required to distribute a Policy Memorandum to all employees that better protects the rights of visitors who have to undergo strip searches.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17.
Donald Trump knocked Joe Biden out of the 2024 presidential race in the last debate, but the Republican found himself repeatedly knocked on his heels Tuesday night when squaring off against his new Democratic opponent: Kamala Harris.

Then came Taylor Swift who delivered her own version of a knockout.

Inside the debate hall in Philadelphia, Trump was on the defensive over his legal problems, election denialism, opposition from former allies and incitement of an attack on the U.S. Capitol. Even his beloved rallies become debate fodder, with Harris mocking them as full of odd digressions and so boring his supporters often leave early.

Harris came in trying to rattle and bait Trump, and often succeeded, leading to defensive, angry and rambling responses as the vice president had the upper hand throughout much of the contest. Trump repeatedly turned to immigration, his signature issue, but struggled to sustain a consistent line of attack and often leaned on familiar and false claims that drew corrections from the moderators.

Harris and Trump faced off in Philadelphia as polls show the race tied or within the margin of error in critical swing states. The candidates were under pressure to deliver strong performances during their first-ever meeting.

Expectations were high for both campaigns. Harris needed to prove herself on the biggest stage yet and better introduce herself to undecided voters, while Trump faced questions of whether he could deliver a disciplined takedown of Harris policy positions without veering into personal attacks.

Their debate marked the biggest moment in the race for Harris since Biden dropped out nearly two months ago and she quickly secured the Democratic nomination. She energized the Democratic Party and pulled back within sight of Trump, but there have been signs that her honeymoon period is ending and voters are taking a closer look.

Nervous Democrats saw a significantly stronger advocate than Biden, who repeatedly stumbled when he squared off against Trump on June 27 in Atlanta. In addition to delivering a much more fluid and coherent message, Harris often looked more poised than Trump as she calmly prosecuted the case against him, prompting a series of angry outbursts.

Harris' debate performance earned an immediate thumbs up from Swift, the pop star whose support Democrats envision jolting young voters into helping them hold onto the White House.

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People watch the ABC News presidential debate between Democratic presidential nominee, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican presidential nominee, former U.S. President Donald Trump at a debate watch party at The Abbey, an iconic gay bar, on September 10, 2024 in West Hollywood, California. Harris and Trump are facing off in their first presidential debate of the 2024 presidential cycle.

Contrasting with Joe Biden

Harris gained the upper hand in the debate by constantly needling Trump on issues large and small, delivering somber commentary on his threat to democracy alongside mocking remarks about his obsession with Hannibal Lecter and windmills.

That she is a more formidable opponent than Biden was evident from the start, when she fielded a question about the economy and launched into her plans for the middle class before quickly pivoting to slamming what she called a Trump sales tax, a reference to his proposed tariffs.

Trump defended the tariffs and a host of other policies and actions as Harris kept the pressure on.

Lets talk about what Donald Trump left us, Harris said at one point, listing off the dire state of the economy when he left office, the COVID-19 crisis and the worst attack on our Democracy since the Civil War.

The vice president went on to dismiss his same old tired playbook. She later zeroed in on his rallies, saying people were leaving them out of exhaustion and boredom.

People dont leave my rallies, Trump responded.

We have the biggest rallies, the most incredible rallies in the history of politics, he added.

US Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris (R) shakes hands with former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump during a presidential debate at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on September 10, 2024.

ABC moderators fact-check in real time

Trump tried to turn the debate to immigration but found himself being corrected by the moderator after claiming Haitian immigrants were eating pets in Springfield, Ohio, citing comments from people on television.

(The) Springfield city manager says theres no evidence of that, said moderator David Muir.

The debate moderators also corrected Trump when he said Democrats support abortion policies that would allow babies to be killed after being born, and on his claim that "crime in this country is through the roof," noting FBI statistics show violent crime dropping.

Harris came in trying to present herself as a more forward-looking candidate, encouraging voters to look ahead and "turn the page."

The message was most forceful when Harris highlighted the former president's response to the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol by a mob of his supporters.

"If that was a bridge too far for you, well there is a place in our campaign for you," Harris said, adding: Lets chart a course for the future and not go backwards to the past.

Trump was pressed by the moderators about the attack on the Capitol and his false claims that the 2020 election was stolen.

Asked if he regrets anything about Jan. 6, he defended his response and blamed former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi for a lack of security at the Capitol. He pivoted to immigration after Harris slammed his Jan. 6 response, saying migrants are killing many people unlike J6, when many police officers were injured and some subsequently died, along with members of the crowd.

Continuing to falsely claim theres so much proof the 2020 election was stolen, Trump tried to move on from the issue by saying you know what that doesnt matter because we have to solve the problem that we have right now. That's old news.

Harris kept pressing, saying Trump was "fired by 81 million people... and clearly he is having a very difficult time processing that.

She said world leaders are laughing at Donald Trump and added that his comments on the election "leads one to believe that perhaps we do not have in the candidate to my right the temperament or the ability to not be confused about fact. Thats deeply troubling and the American people deserve better.

Trump couldnt help responding, touting his relationship with Viktor Orban, the authoritarian leader of Hungary.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Who won the debate? Harris' forceful performance rattles Trump.
Who won the presidential debate? Our experts and readers are divided

Difficult to crown Harris the victor when she said so little

Kamala Harris was not an especially clear communicator on Tuesday night, and spent little time on the debate stage talking about her major policy commitments.

But she did accomplish something that Donald Trumps opponents have tried to achieve since he first ran for office in 2016: she made him look ridiculous.

Twenty minutes into the debate, she launched an attack line tailor-made to wind him up.

Im going to actually do something really unusual, and Im going to invite you to attend one of Donald Trumps rallies, because its a really interesting thing to watch, she said.

You will see during the course of his rallies, he talks about fictional characters like Hannibal Lecter. He will talk about windmills cause cancer.

And what you will also notice is that people start leaving his rallies early out of exhaustion and boredom.

Vice Pres. Kamala Harris invites voters to "to attend one of Donald Trump's rallies," saying, "The one thing you will not hear him talk about is you. You will not hear him talk about your needs, your dreams and your desires." https://t.co/tkEn0wzLvL #ABCDebate pic.twitter.com/df6RwpOrr5  ABC News (@ABC) September 11, 2024

That line set the tone of the rest of the debate. Trump was furious, and immediately began to ramble about illegal migrants eating dogs and cats  a recent and bizarre Republican conspiracy theory. Harris stood back and laughed at him.

Later, she dug in the knife again. I have travelled the world as vice-president of the United States and world leaders are laughing at Donald Trump, she said.

Trump, incandescent, began to talk about his friendship with Viktor Orban (who is not wildly popular in the US) and claimed North Korea, China and Russia were afraid of him. Harris again looked delighted.

Perhaps we do not have, in the candidate to my right, the temperament or the ability to not be confused about facts, she said.

The same argument, it must be said, was made about her boss Joe Biden less than two months ago.

Ms Harris is not the better debater of the two candidates, and knew she was entering Tuesdays event with the weakness of an incumbent candidate in an unpopular administration.

She gave woolly and unclear answers on questions about the economy, and could not convincingly shrug off accusations from both Trump and the moderator that she has abandoned many of her beliefs in favour of the pursuit of power.

Her strength came in her understanding of Trump  a man she has not met at all during this campaign  and his hatred of being humiliated. His performance was derailed by his anger, and his attack lines were far less fluent than in previous debates.

It is difficult to crown Harris the victor of a political debate in which she said so little about her own platform. But her attack strategy won her the night. Trump fell for it: hook, line and sinker.

He was crazy and she was insufferable

Theyre eating the dogs, might be the most memorable line in debate history, but this debate wont change very much. The short take, as predicted, is that he was crazy and she was insufferable. Prejudices were aired and confirmed.

Kamala Harris was, of course, much better than Joe Biden, and this actually made Donald Trump better, too. Both looked good (Kamala rocked a show-jumper look) and were pretty disciplined, till Harris cleverly deflected from a question about immigration to suggest people find Trumps rallies boring  and Trump lost his cool, segwaying into that Lincolnesque monologue about migrants eating dogs and cats in Springfield, Ohio.

The ABC moderators, themselves dressed as the cast of Double Indemnity, challenged Trump on this, as they did almost everything. It seems almost impossible to find a media outlet that wont wade in on the side of the Democratic candidate.

The vice-president scored two palpable hits: on abortion and on Trumps reputation among world leaders (they can manipulate you). But her prep seemed to consist of memorising words and phrases and repeating them in random order: democracy, values, middle-class kid. We should be lifting people up, she said, not beating people down  adding that Trump was beating people down rather than, uh, lifting people up.

Vice Pres. Kamala Harris challenges former Pres. Donald Trump to compare policy proposals: "Let's compare the plans  As opposed to a conversation that is constantly about belittling and name-calling." https://t.co/frwH3t9KP5 #ABCDebate pic.twitter.com/brJh7HKmzf  ABC News (@ABC) September 11, 2024

Yet punching down was almost all the lady did, telling us that Trump sold the country out to China, is extreme, was somehow responsible for Covids economic effects. You, said Trump, are weak and stupid. Also maybe black, perhaps not; and saddled to a President who doesnt know hes alive.

Why did the moderators not follow up on this: perhaps ask why Biden had to leave the ticket? Instead, as Harris bemoaned that Trump wants to drag the country backwards, they were happy to revisit 2020 and the January 6 riots. Anyone watching learnt nothing about pre-college education or Social Security. On healthcare, Trump said: I have a concept of a plan. Meanwhile, Harris is probably planning a concept.

Go granular, and you might judge Trump to be a centrist. Kamala believes in no-restriction abortion; Trump is for state control and exemptions. His tariff plan was good enough that the Biden administration kept parts of it  same with immigration. He wants to bring the war in Ukraine to an end in order to save lives. She is a Marxist, he said, and theres little proof of that. But her face-pulling was off-putting.

If Trumps rallies empty early, Trump claimed that hers are bussed-in  and I can believe it. Im talking now, if you dont mind, please, he said, evoking a line she used against Mike Pence in 2020. Her voice can take on the quality of fingernails running uninterrupted down a blackboard.

The race is close and will likely stay that way, which Trump should be happy about, for Harris didnt blow him out of the water (but I suspect shell be the next president). Meanwhile, someone needs to check on the pets of Springfield, fast.

Trump debated three people and won

Telegraph readers give their verdicts

Telegraph readers have also weighed in with their judgement on the debate.

An exclusive poll conducted by The Telegraph showed readers were largely divided over which candidate came out on top, with Kamala Harris taking a narrow lead with 56 per cent of the vote.

For many, Ms Harriss performance came as a surprise. She did better than expected, although the bar was set very low, remarked Carl Sanderson.

Ian Gilman said: I thought Harris was considerably more successful than Trump. She was articulate, focused, kept her cool, whereas he fell into all her traps, getting angry and going off into irrelevant ramblings. He had no view of the future, whereas she had a very positive, inclusive vision.

Harris baited Trump and he took the bait

Peter McMahon thought that she baited him and he took the bait.

She talked about his rally crowds and he just had to defend himself, missing opportunities to attack her, he continued.

However, some readers highlighted a lack of clarity over Kamala Harriss policies. John Helliwell remarked: I am struggling to understand any policy she has. Its word salad at best. Vacuous at best.

However, Andrew Martin weighed in arguing that neither presidential candidate had one detailed policy description.

Others criticised Kamala Harriss record as vice-president. One anonymous reader said: Harris is saying shes going to do things when the Democrats have been in power for the last four years. Well, they shouldve done them when they were in power.

Sharing a similar sentiment, John Helliwell commented: Harris is attacking Trumps record in office when shes been the vice-president for the last four years.

While some readers were doubtful over some of Donald Trumps exaggerations and unconfirmed claims, many deemed him the better debater and praised his strength and control.

John Dee thought the former president was brilliant on climate change, strong in his criticism of Obamacare, clever in his linking of the fall of Kabul with Russias invasion of Ukraine, and excellent when contrasting his record with that of Kamala Harris and Joe Biden.

John Dee also praised Donald Trumps closing statement, covering everything important to American voters, whereas he deemed the vice-president weak in comparison.

A very low-brow debate

Others such as Al Murt and Duncan Macdonald also commended the former presidents final statement. However, Mr Macdonald, who supports Donald Trump, argued that he should have been hammering her on every topic asking why she and Biden hadnt done these things up to now and how they have failed for the last three years.

Many readers were unconvinced by either candidate on the debate stage. One anonymous reader shared: This was a very low-brow debate. From both sides. Good luck America, you deserve so much better.

In a similar vein, reader Tessa Kelly gave her verdict: Harris cannot debate, she is weak and lies all the time. Trumps debating skills are non-existent.

For Hubert Fras, it was entertaining if pretty depressing.

Trump ranting and some fairly out-there statements. Kamala woodenly spouting a lot of unconvincing rote answers on the economy and foreign affairs. She didnt make a case convincingly to be the president.

Lets see how it plays out in the poll that counts.

The moderators were doing the debating for Harris

Other readers, including Stu Whisson, questioned the impartiality of ABC News. Mr Whisson shared his scepticism: It seems ABC is framing questions that frame an in for Harris.

Russell Hardiman deemed the perceived lack of impartiality as disgraceful. Meanwhile, Akshat Sinha argued: Trump debated three people and won.

While some readers queried whether ABC was fact-checking Trump, Sarah Hiser believed the moderators were doing the debating for Harris.

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SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  During Tuesdays presidential debate, there were many watch parties throughout Siouxland. One party in particular was taking place at the labor union in Sioux City.

Democrats throughout Siouxland gathered to watch the presidential debate and show their support for Vice President Kamala Harris. During the watch party, people were playing bingo and enjoying food.

Who won the Trump-Harris presidential debate?

People at the party said they were happy to be with a group of like-minded people.

I am expecting fireworks in like the best way, Democratic volunteer Catelin Drey said. I think were all here to support Kamala Harris and see her just mop the floor with Donald Trump, quite honestly. Shes a prosecutor and she has the experience that is needed in this type of high-pressure situation.

On the Republican side, the GOP co-chair Suzan Stewart said they did not have a watch party due to having a different event. She said she wants people to learn from the debate and listen in between the lines. She also said she doesnt have high hopes for Harris.

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Workers at a metro Detroit supplier to Ford's Michigan Assembly Plant have voted against joining the UAW in an election campaign that featured accusations of union busting.

The results from ballot counting, which wrapped up this week, put the vote covering the plant known as Webasto-Detroit on Haggerty Road in Plymouth Township at 251 in favor of joining to 260 against, according to Kayla Blado, a spokeswoman for the National Labor Relations Board.

Blado noted that there was one void ballot and no challenged ballots, and that the parties have five business days to file objections.

Representatives of the German auto supplier, which provides parts for Ford Bronco production, provided a statement noting that 90% of eligible workers had voted in the election and that it expects the NLRB will certify the results.

National Labor Relations Board General Counsel Jennifer Abruzzo, left, answers questions after talking with Michigan workers from two Webasto parts plants at UAW Local 174 in Livonia on July 29. Workers at the German auto supplier's plant on Haggerty Road in Plymouth Township voted against union representation this week, in a campaign marked by numerous accusations of union busting.

"This week, every eligible Webasto employee at our Detroit Plant had an opportunity to vote confidentially on this important issue. A majority of our colleagues decided that they prefer to continue to communicate openly and solve problems with us directly as in the past and without third-party intervention," according to a company statement. "At Webasto, we hold our culture and values in high regard, which includes fostering a direct and open dialogue with our colleagues and solving problems effectively as a unified team."

A UAW statement about the results, however, highlighted how the union said the company had undercut the organizing effort:

Workers at Webasto Detroit deserved to have been able to vote in an environment free from coercion," the union said. "Executives from Webasto denied them of this right. We will pursue every legal avenue available to us to right this wrong and make sure that workers voices will always be respected.

The union had been highly critical of Webasto's actions during the campaign, calling it out for hiring what it described as an antiunion firm to help defeat the union drive through captive audience meetings, antiunion handouts and other actions. The UAW also filed unfair labor practice charges against the company, accusing it of a range of improper activities, including surveilling union supporters cars and retaliating against union supporters.

The company denied the union's accusations and has said the outside firm was offering comprehensive labor education seminars to our colleagues and management to provide full and undisputed facts on their rights and the implications of union membership.

In its statement to the Free Press on Wednesday, the company noted that "to be clear  we take the concerns that we heard during this process seriously. We will continue to work in partnership with our colleagues to address challenges as we remain strong as one Webasto."

Webasto, an automotive parts supplier for the Ford Bronco, is located in Plymouth Township.

In July, Jennifer Abruzzo, general counsel at the NLRB, met with Webasto workers from two different plants at UAW Local 174 in Livonia. She told them the agency has their backs as the workers described a challenging environment in trying to organize their plants with colleagues in fear of losing their jobs.

The Haggerty Road plant, where the vote had just wrapped up, is known as the Webasto-Detroit plant. Workers at the Webasto Pilot Road plant voted in favor of joining the UAW in 2023.

Contact Eric D. Lawrence: elawrence@freepress.com. Become a subscriber. Submit a letter to the editor at freep.com/letters.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Workers at Ford Bronco supplier Webasto won't join UAW
CENTRAL ILLINOIS (WMBD)  Some experiencing homelessness in Central Illinois will be given the opportunity for a new chance at success.

A 30-month program is being launched through Career Link to provide job training opportunities to the homeless in the North Central region of Illinois.

Governor J.B. Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (IDCEO) awarded a grant worth over $6 million to four recipients.

Over $800,000 of that money will go towards the Central Illinois area through the Home For All Continuum and the Phoenix House.

Steve Martin, Executive Director of Career Link, the administrator of the program, says the new opportunities have a greater meaning.

They should see it as an opportunity to finally get into the crust of the problem of helping the homeless in some way, shape or form in a positive manner, said Martin.

New study shows perils of being homeless

Martin also shared what kind of jobs will be provided through the program.

Were looking to hopefully serve at least 60 individuals with this grant, Martin said. And that would include things like food service, maintenance, janitorial, manufacturing, those kind of jobs.

The program is in its 6-month planning period, which will be followed by 18 months of the initiative being implemented in 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 CIProud.com.
The World Can Now See Kamala Harris in its Most Powerful Job

If one of Donald Trumps goals during Tuesdays debate was to show that Kamala Harris would be a weak world leader, he failed.

She managed, after all, to hold her own against him while navigating topics unusually tricky for a Biden administration official, such as the chaotic U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan and the politically dicey Israel-Hamas war. On the second, Harris repeatedly stressed the need for a two-state solution, for instance  showing her support for Palestinians while also insisting shell defend Israel.

Foreign officials watching the Philadelphia faceoff werent expecting  and didnt get  many policy specifics from either candidate. But many of those I spoke to said they wanted to see if Harris could stand up to a man who can be a bully, especially toward women, and rattle his political opponents.

Some Trump critics had argued prior to the showdown that he was a stand-in for the autocrats a future President Harris may encounter  the Vladimir Putins and Xi Jinpings of the world.



By the time the debate was over, several foreign officials from both U.S. allies and more neutral countries told me they felt more confident that Harris could handle the tricky personalities shed encounter while in the worlds most powerful job.

Composed, authoritative, and presidential, one European diplomat raved.

She even managed to laugh at him, a senior European official marveled.

Her ability to manage Trump offered assurance that she could navigate tough personal relationships. Given that international relations often come down to the nature of personal relations, this matters.

Since Harris has become the candidate, foreign officials I talk to have described her as a bit of an unknown, at least when compared to President Joe Biden or Trump. To a degree, theyre unsure where Bidens foreign policy views end and hers begin.

By the end of the debate, the foreign officials I was in touch with came across as more certain that Harris was her own woman, although they stressed they still wanted to know more about her policy ideas. (All were granted anonymity to discuss a sensitive issue.)

The main foreign affairs issues that came up were the wars in Gaza, Ukraine and Afghanistan, including the deaths and chaos that accompanied the 2021 full U.S. military withdrawal from the latter.

Trump and Harris both called the other weak on just about every one of these fronts.

But Trumps claims were more exaggerated. He alleged that Israel would cease to exist within two years if Harris becomes president and that hed resolve the Russia-Ukraine war while still president-elect. Trump also tried to link border security and immigration, which are more traditionally viewed as domestic matters, in with his critiques of Harris on foreign policy.

The Republican didnt directly answer when asked if he wanted Ukraine to win the war Russia launched against it. I want the war to stop, he said in an answer that will only invite more allegations that hes too friendly to Russia, and Putin in particular.

In between throwing brutal glances at Trump, Harris appeared well-prepped for the moderators questions and the former presidents barbs.

The U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan was one of the lowest points of Bidens tenure. Harris firmly backed the broader decision to leave, but also used the opportunity to blame Trump for negotiating a doomed peace agreement with the Taliban.

On Israel and the Palestinians, Harris began by noting that it was the Palestinian militants of Hamas who launched the latest war and insisted that she would always help Israel defend itself. She made no suggestion shed hold up military aid to Israel.

But the Democrat also called for a cease-fire to the war in Gaza and used a phrase that many in the upper echelons of the Biden administration have stopped using: two-state solution. It was a promise to Muslim American, Arab American and other voters who have been infuriated by Bidens handling of the war that Harris believes Palestinians should have their own country.

Trump at times would bash Biden, his former opponent in the race. He called Biden a weak, pathetic man and even claimed Biden hates his vice president because she replaced him as the Democrats presidential nominee.

Youre not running against Joe Biden. Youre running against me, Harris said at one point.

Trumps maneuvers and claims didnt surprise the foreign officials. Theyre accustomed to his unpredictability, ire toward U.S. allies and courting of strongmen  all of which came through at various points Tuesday night. Officials from American allies overseas remain perturbed by Trumps promises of imposing new tariffs.

Some were impressed by how Harris managed to bait Trump. Her mentions of people leaving his rallies or his alma mater  DT took the bite every time, the senior European official said.

But difficult world leaders are not all alike, and theyre certainly not all like Trump. A withering gaze or a loaded comment from Harris may not rattle a Putin.

I think people have a sense Putin is a cooler and scarier customer, a Latin American official told me.

Still, Harris performance reminded me a bit of a moment in one of the 2008 presidential debates between John McCain and Barack Obama.

McCain, of course, had a long track record of standing up to tyrants; hed spent years as a prisoner of war during Vietnam. But the younger, less experienced Obama tried to show that he, too, was no shrinking violet  especially when it came to al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden.

When Obama said, We will kill bin Laden. We will crush al-Qaeda, on the debate stage that night, I suddenly could see him running the show in the Situation Room.

To much of the world, Harris made a strong case Tuesday that she has the same potential.
What the world thought of US debate

The first showdown between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump was closely watched not only in the US but around the world.

The debate in Philadelphia featured some tense exchanges on foreign policy between the two presidential candidates.

From Beijing to Budapest, here's how the debate went down, according to BBC foreign correspondents.

[BBC]

Mentions of Putin noted by Kremlin

By Steve Rosenberg, Russia editor, Moscow

Kamala Harris told Donald Trump that President Putin is a dictator who would eat you for lunch.

The expression "to eat someone for lunch" (or breakfast, or any other meal) doesnt exist in Russian. But one thing you will find in Moscow is the appetite for a US election result that benefits Russia.

The Kremlin will have noted (with pleasure) that in the debate Trump sidestepped the question about whether he wants Ukraine to win the war.

I want the war to stop, replied Trump.

By contrast, Harris spoke of Ukraines righteous defence and accused Vladimir Putin of having his eyes on the rest of Europe.

Later the Kremlin claimed to have been irked by all mentions of Putin in the debate.

Putins name is used as one of the instruments for the internal battle in the US, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told me.

"We dont like this and hope they will keep our presidents name out of this.

Last week Putin claimed he was backing Harris in the election and praised her infectious laugh.

Later a Russian state TV anchor clarified that Putin had been slightly ironic in his comments.

The presenter was dismissive of Harris political skills and suggested she would be better off hosting a TV cooking show.

I wonder: would it feature dictators eating US presidential candidates for lunch"?

[BBC]

Concern in Kyiv over Trump comments

By Nick Beake, Europe correspondent, Kyiv

Donald Trumps failure, when asked on the debate stage to say if he wanted Ukraine to win the war, may not have surprised people here but it adds to their worry about what a second Trump term would bring.

Trump has long boasted he could end in the conflict in 24 hours, a prospect many Ukrainians assume would mean an incredibly bad deal with Kyiv forced to give up huge swathes of the land Russia has seized over the past two and a half years.

In contrast, Ukrainians will have been reassured by Kamala Harriss responses, with no sign she would deviate from the current position of staunch American support.

She took credit for the role shes already played, arguing she shared important intelligence with President Zelensky in the days before the full-scale invasion.

She then claimed Trumps position would have been fatal for Ukraine had he still been in the White House. If Donald Trump were president, Putin would be sitting in Kyiv right now.

Publicly, there has been a deafening silence from Ukraines current ministers and senior military in reaction to the debate. The figurative US electoral battle is one they need not weigh in to while theyre consumed by real fighting at home.

Its President Zelensky himself who so far has gone furthest in articulating, albeit somewhat euphemistically, what a Trump victory would mean for Ukrainians.

Speaking to the BBC in July, he said it would mean hard work, but we are hard workers.

[BBC]

Abdul memes follow Trump Taliban remarks

By Lyse Doucet, chief international correspondent

Americas longest war ended in August 2021 when it scrambled to pull out the last of its troops, and evacuate thousands of civilians, as the Taliban swept into Kabul with surprising speed.

That debacle made it into the debate and, not surprisingly, the issues were dodged, dismissed, distorted.

Harris veered away from the question do you bear any responsibility in the way that withdrawal played out?.

As a correspondent who followed the chaotic pullout closely, I never heard that the vice-president was in the room when decisions were taken in those final fateful weeks. But she made it clear she agreed with President Bidens decision to leave.

Trump boasted that he talked tough with Abdul, the head of the Taliban who is still the head of the Taliban.

He seemed to be referring to Abdul Ghani Baradar, who signed the withdrawal deal with the US. But he never headed the Taliban, and has been sidelined since the Taliban takeover.

The mention immediately prompted a wave of internet memes featuring Abdul with people named Abdul weighing in, and others asking who is Abdul?

Both contenders focused on the flawed deal with the Taliban. The truth is that the Trump team negotiated this exit plan; the Biden team hastily enacted it.

Trump said the deal was good because we were getting out.

There were no good ways to go. But the departure turned into a disaster and all sides are to blame.

[BBC]

Harris represents uncertainty for Beijing

By Laura Bicker, China correspondent, Beijing

Kamala Harris was an unknown quantity to leaders here and she still is, even after the debate.

She has no track record on China and on the debate stage she simply repeated her line that the US, not China, would win the competition for the 21st Century.

The vice-president represents something China does not like - uncertainty.

That is why President Xi recently used a visit by US officials to call for stability between the two superpowers, perhaps a message to the current vice-president.

The prevailing view among Chinese academics is that she will not stray too far from President Bidens slow and steady diplomatic approach.

But on the debate stage she went on the attack and accused Donald Trump of selling American chips to China to help them improve and modernise their military.

Donald Trump has made it clear he plans has to impose 60% tariffs on Chinese goods.

This will add to the tariffs he imposed as president which started a trade war in 2018. China retaliated, and numerous studies suggest this caused economic pain for both sides.

This is the last thing China wants right now as it is trying to manufacture and export goods to rescue its economy.

For Chinese leaders, this debate will have done little to assuage beliefs that Trump represents something else they dont like - unpredictability.

But in truth, there is little hope here that US policy on China will change significantly, no matter who sits in the White House.

[BBC]

White House race keenly watched in Middle East

By Paul Adams, international correspondent, Jerusalem

The two candidates did not stray much from their previously stated positions last night, even if Trump did add, with characteristic hyperbole, that Israel wouldnt exist in two years if his opponent becomes president.

Here in the Middle East, the race for the White House is being keenly watched.

With the war in Gaza raging and a ceasefire deal still elusive, some of Benjamin Netanyahus critics suspect that Israels prime minister is deliberately stalling until after the election, in the hope that Trump will be more sympathetic to Israel than Harris.

Theres a whiff of history perhaps being about to repeat itself.

In 1980, Ronald Reagans campaign team was suspected of urging Iran not to release American hostages held in Tehran until after he had beaten President Jimmy Carter, saying Reagan would give Iran a better deal.

Could something similar be afoot now? Certainly Netanyahus opponents believe he is now the chief obstacle to a ceasefire deal.

Harris has indicated that she might be tougher on Israel than Joe Biden, something Trump has seized on, saying last night that the vice-president hates Israel.

Palestinians, deeply sceptical about Donald Trump but dismayed by the Biden administrations inability to stop the war in Gaza, are possibly inclined to see Harris as the lesser of two evils.

Theyve long since abandoned any notion of the US as an honest broker in the Middle East, but will have noticed that Harris, unlike Trump, says shes committed to Palestinian statehood.

[BBC]

Praise for Orban makes waves in Hungary

By Nick Thorpe, Central Europe correspondent, Budapest

Donald Trump showered praise on the Hungarian prime minister.

"Viktor Orban, one of the most respected men, they call him a strong man. He's a tough person. Smart..."

Hungarian pro-government media picked up on the compliment. "Huge recognition!" ran the headline in Magyar Nemzet.

But government-critical news portal 444 quoted Tim Walz, running mate of Harris.

"He [Trump] was asked to name one world leader who was with him, and he said Orban. Dear God. That's all we need to know.

Viktor Orban backed Trump for president in 2016 and is strongly backing him again in November.

The two men met for the second time this year at Trumps home in Florida on 12 July, after Orban visited Kyiv, Moscow and Beijing in quick succession.

The Orban government is banking both on Trumps victory and his ability to swiftly end the war in Ukraine.

"Things are changing. If Trump comes back, there will be peace. It will be established by him without the Europeans," Balazs Orban, Viktor Orbans political director, told the BBC in July.

[BBC]

More on US election
A handout image from Atlantic Wreck Salvage shows diver Joe Mazraani fanning away sand to reveal a 'deadeye' used as part of the sail rigging of Le Lyonnais (Andrew Donn) (Andrew Donn/Atlantic Wreck Salvage/AFP)

A US dive team has discovered the wreck of a French steamship, Le Lyonnais, that sank in the Atlantic Ocean in 1856 after a "hit-and-run" collision with an American sailing vessel, claiming 114 lives.

Le Lyonnais, which was built in 1855 and was considered state-of-the-art at the time, was returning to France after completing its maiden voyage from Le Havre to New York when the disaster occurred.

Jennifer Sellitti of Atlantic Wreck Salvage, a New Jersey-based company, said a team on the dive boat D/V Tenacious discovered the wreckage of Le Lyonnais last month after a two-decade search.

Sellitti said divers positively identified the ship in waters 200 miles (320 kilometers) off of New Bedford, Massachusetts, in an area known as the Georges Bank. They are not revealing the exact location for now.

"She certainly doesn't look as good as she used to," Sellitti told AFP. "She was really broken apart.

"The North Atlantic is a brutal place to be a shipwreck -- storms, tides," she said. "The Nantucket shoals are known for shifting sands that just completely bury wrecks."

Sellitti said measurements of an engine cylinder were key to identifying the vessel.

The iron-hulled Le Lyonnais, which had both sails and a steam engine, was built by a British shipmaker, Laird & Sons, for Compagnie Franco-Americaine to provide passenger and mail service across the Atlantic.

"The 1850s was the beginning of the transition from sail to steam," Sellitti said. "This was an early attempt by France to have its first successful passenger line."

Le Lyonnais had sailed to New York carrying cargo and mail, she said, and was returning to Le Havre with its first passengers, most of whom were French.

- Hit-and-run -

On the night of November 2, 1856, Le Lyonnais, carrying 132 passengers and crew, collided with the Adriatic, an American barque which was sailing from Maine to Georgia.

Jonathan Durham, the Adriatic's captain, in a statement published in the November 19, 1856 edition of The New York Times, said it was around 11:00 pm on a starlit but "hazy" night when Le Lyonnais "suddenly changed her course, which rendered a collision inevitable."

Durham said the Adriatic suffered significant damage but managed to make it to Gloucester, Massachusetts two days later while Le Lyonnais continued on its way.

The French ship had, in fact, suffered extensive damage -- a hole at the water line and another one lower, probably near its coal bunkers, Sellitti said.

It sank several days later. The handful of survivors were picked up by another ship.

Sellitti, whose book about the incident, "The Adriatic Affair: A Maritime Hit-and-Run Off the Coast of Nantucket," comes out in February 2025, said the sinking of Le Lyonnais was "a really big deal at the time."

The American captain was arrested and put on trial in France, she said, and the collision raised a number of novel maritime liability questions such as what happens when a sailing vessel meets a steamship at sea.

The disaster, which is mentioned in Jules Verne's novel "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea," was the focus of much international attention, she said, but when the US Civil War broke out in 1861 "everybody stopped talking about this and went on to the Civil War."

cl/mlm
As young school students born long after the 9/11 terrorist attacks stood attentively and the choir from Oak Lawn High School sang The Star-Spangled Banner, Oak Lawn officials Wednesday said the village would never forget that day despite the passage of time.

On the 23rd anniversary of the attacks, a pastor called it that wretched day, when our whole world stopped, and Mayor Terry Vorderer described the events as leaving a permanent mark in the collective memory.

Standing among beams recovered from the Twin Towers, and one of the largest collections of World Trade Center steel outside of New York City, Vorderer said the villages 9/11 First Responders Memorial demonstrates Oak Lawn is committed to never forgetting the terror attacks.

Patriot Day observances were also held in Midlothian, New Lenox and Tinley Park.

Tinley Park Mayor Michael Glotz said all eyes were on America 23 years ago during and in the aftermath of the attacks.

The world mourned in the days and weeks that followed, but even in those darkest of days, millions of Americans came together regardless of their political ideology, he said during a ceremony outside Fire Station 46, where a section of World Trade Center steel is displayed.

He said Patriot Day is a day to remember the lives that were lost, but is also a reminder that we are strongest when we stand together.

Oak Lawns assembly of beams and sculptures are outside the 95th Street Metra station, called Patriot Station, but another piece of World Trade Center steel is traveling the Midwest, thanks to the efforts of the Oak Lawn Childrens Museum and village resident Bill Egan.

Two pieces, collectively weighing about 3,000 pounds, are being transported with the help of Egans large pickup truck and a custom-designed trailer donated for the effort. The two sections of beams were incorporated into a 9/11 interactive display at the museum, just east of the Metra station.

So far the beams have been in Lockport, Ottawa, Elkhart, Indiana, Muskegon, Michigan, and are now in a museum in Wichita, Kansas, Egan said after the Patriot Day ceremony.

Its designed to teach kids about patriotism as a result of the attacks, said Egan, who is on the childrens museums board of directors.

He is also a member of Oak Lawns Fire & Police Commission.

Egan said the pieces were displayed to great success at the USS Silversides Submarine Museum in Muskegon.

Once we realized the impact we received in Michigan we knew we had a true treasure, he said.

Another piece of steel, stashed away in storage in a village building, was uncovered and incorporated into a 9/11 exhibit that will be displayed at Village Hall. Its the work of firefighter Joe Keenan, and though a few finishing touches need to be applied, it was unveiled at Wednesdays ceremony.

The chunk of beam was cut from a larger section that is part of the Patriot Station memorial and put into storage and discovered a couple of years ago, Keenan said.

A steel base mimics the appearance of one of the Twin Towers, then more steel, in the form of a pentagon, sits atop that with the small section of beam perched on top. The entire thing weighs about 800 pounds, and several firefighters carted it to Egans trailer for the ride back to a fire station.

I had to jump at the opportunity, Keenan said of the discovery of the piece.

He said he worked on it over the course of two years at the fire station where he works from, at 53rd Court and 95th Street.

I would come in on off days, when I was off duty, Keenan said. This was my fourth or fifth design.

Keenan said he has three children and was in eighth grade at the time of the 9/11 attacks.

Vorderer said the terrorist acts were borne out of fanaticism, and he lashed out at efforts in this country to suppress freedom of speech.

He said fanaticism cannot long exist in an atmosphere of free and unfettered expression, and that protecting that right is the weapon that can prevent future acts like 9/11.

Oak Lawn fire Chief Michael McMillin said the village had to convince authorities in New York to allocate sections of recovered beams, as many communities around the country were vying for parts of steel.

We had to make our case as far as how accessible it would be to the public, things like that, he said.

McMillin also noted how the attacks left an indelible mark, but it was different from some other tragic events in U.S. history such as the bombing attack on Pearl Harbor or the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.

We saw it live, as it unfolded and was happening, McMillin said. We saw it for days, weeks months, and everybody had an opportunity to be touched by the events.

At High School District 218s Shepard High School in Palos Heights, members of the U.S. Air Force JROTC program gathered, as they have done for more than two decades, to remember the victims of the 9/11 attacks, according to the district.

The two instructors for the Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps at Shepard served in the Air Force at the time of the attacks and shared with students their memories of that day, according to the district.

Throughout the day, Shepard students come out to the school track to walk 56 laps, or 14 miles, while the names of those who died in the attacks are read, according to the district.

mnolan@southtownstar.com
WATERVILLE, Maine (AP)  A settlement that led to the dismissal of a wrongful death lawsuit hasnt ended a criminal investigation into a toddlers disappearance from her father's home in Maine where blood was found more than a decade ago.

Trista Reynolds, who is the mother of Ayla Reynolds, reached a settlement that brought her civil lawsuit against the girl's father, Justin DiPietro, and his sister and mother to a conclusion last month. Terms were not disclosed.

But that doesn't change the status of the criminal investigation. The investigation is still active, and detectives continue to follow up on any and all leads, spokesperson Shannon Moss said Tuesday.

A 911 call in December 2011 alerted police that Ayla was not in her bed, triggering what became the state's largest and most expensive criminal investigation. The disappearance prompted a massive search by Waterville, Maine, and state police, game wardens, and FBI agents who canvassed neighborhoods and lowered several streams. A judge declared her legally dead in 2017.

Justin DiPietro has maintained his innocence, but investigators cast doubt on his claim that she was abducted. His sister was with him in the home on the night she disappeared. His mother owned the home.

When she disappeared, the 22-month-old blond, blue-eyed toddler was wearing pajamas with the words daddys princess on the front. One of her arms was broken and in a soft cast.

When the civil lawsuit was announced in 2018, lawyers for Trista Reynolds said part of the goal was to learn more details about the case through the process. Reynolds said at a news conference Justin DiPietro, whose last known location was California, must tell the truth. You cant hide from this forever," she said at the time.

The three DiPietros were sued for wrongful death, pain and suffering and interference with a body. Justin DiPietro was also charged with breach of his parental duty to protect his daughter. His lawyer didn't return messages.
Washington public service employees at Western Washington University joined the statewide Walkout for Washington on Tuesday afternoon in a unionized effort to demand higher wages, safe staffing levels, and manageable workloads.

Public service workers at state agencies, community colleges and four-year universities walked out in Olympia, Seattle, Everett, Bellingham, Tacoma and Spokane.

Western Washington University public service employees and members of the Washington Federation of State Employees union, joined a statewide walkout to demand fair pay and safe staffing levels on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, in Bellingham, Washington.

In addition to the walkout at WWU, workers also walked out at Whatcom Community College and at the Washington State Department of Children, Youth and Families in Bellingham.

The nearly 50,000 unionized public service workers have been at the bargaining table with Office of Financial Management (OFM) for months fighting to stem a staffing crisis that is negatively impacting key public services including behavioral health, transportation, and juvenile rehabilitation, and education, said AFSCME Council 28/WFSE Director of Communications Patrick Sugrue in a press release about the statewide walkout.

Western Washington University public service employees and members of the Washington Federation of State Employees union, joined a statewide walkout to demand fair pay and safe staffing levels on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, in Bellingham, Washington.

AFSCME Council 28, The Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE), represents more than 50,000 state and other public service workers across the state.

Members of Western Washington Universitys employees union, Western Academic Workers United (WAWU-UAW), joined the Washington Federation of State Employees walkout on Tuesday at WWU in solidarity.

Workers are demanding fair wages and benefits that will prevent more essential workers from leaving and recruit more qualified individuals to these critical jobs, the press release states.

Members of Western Washington Universitys employees union, Western Academic Workers United (WAWU-UAW), joined the Washington Federation of State Employees walkout in solidarity on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, in Bellingham, Washington.

Negotiations between WWU and WWU WFSE continue, with all parties committed to reaching agreement on a fair and equitable contract, said WWU Spokesperson John Thompson in a statement to The Bellingham Herald. We anticipate some WWU employees may participate in union activity in support of non-WWU union members that are in negotiations for their collective bargaining agreement at the state level. WWU respects our employees rights to participate in these types of activities and has notified departments on campus that such activity is permitted on non-work time, or on approved leave so long as employee safety and business operations are not disrupted.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) is one of three lawmakers sending a follow-up letter to top oil and gas executives about an offer allegedly made by former President Donald Trump to exchange political favors for $1 billion in donations to the Republican presidential nominees campaign.

Wyden (chairman of the Senate Finance Committee), Rep. Jamie Raskin (ranking member of the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability), and Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (chairman of the Senate Budget Committee) initially sent letters to the executives in May in response to a Washington Post article, which reported that Trump held a 20-person energy roundtable with gas and oil executives at his Mar-a-Lago Club in April. At the event, Trump allegedly sought $1 billion in campaign contributions from gas and oil executives in exchange for his word that, if reelected, his administration would roll back environmental regulations and support government policies that are beneficial to the oil and gas industry.

WATCH LIVE TONIGHT: Trump and Harris to debate in Philadelphia

Wyden, Raskin and Sheldon called Big Oils response to their letters woefully inadequate, and are now demanding that Big Oil executives comply with their investigation into the alleged quid pro quo solicitations.

We write to request improvement of your woefully inadequate response to our May 13 and 23, 2024 letters about the April 11, 2024 fundraising event at which former President Donald Trump reportedly laid out a proposed quid pro quo: in exchange for $1 billion in campaign cash from oil and gas executives, he would agree to implement specific regulatory and tax measures supported by the oil and gas industry, if reelected, the latest letter reads. Not only was your response to our inquiries insufficient, tellingly, none of the responses we have received to date refute the accuracy of the reporting, renewing our concern that Donald Trump is actively seeking to sell out American energy policy to the highest bidder.

Trump and the gas and oil industrys behavior following the initial letters has added to evidence of possible misconduct, the lawmakers said in a statement issued on Sept. 10. Campaign finance records show that Continental Resources Inc  one of the top oil and gas producers in the U.S.  gave $1 million to Trumps campaign on April 29.

Continentals CEO, Harold Hamm, who is also an informal adviser to Trump, has reportedly given $1.6 million to aid Trumps reelection so far this year, and he has raised millions more from independent oil producers operating in Texas and Alaska, the lawmakers letter states. For all these reasons, we renew our requests for information and look forward to further engagement with you on this topic.

St. Helens cheer coach arrested on multiple sex abuse charges, police seeking additional victims

The lawmakers said that, in their response to the initial letters, oil and gas executives did not refute the accuracy of the Washington Posts reports. The executives also provided inaccurate claims and immaterial excuses for not fully cooperating with multiple committees investigations, they said. In their latest letter, Wyden, Raskin and Whitehouse pledge to investigate and protect against the corruption of the U.S. political processes and democracy.

The American people deserve to know if Donald Trump is courting high-dollar donations in exchange for political favors, Wyden wrote on social media Tuesday. Were going to get answers.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 York is 2024's best state for teen drivers, says report

New York is the best state for teen drivers, according to metrics compiled by WalletHub.

The personal finance website looked at 23 standards, ranging from the number of fatalities for teen drivers to the average cost of repairing a car to whether a state has impaired-driving laws.

Where the rank of first represents the best conditions for that metric category, and 25th is average, WalletHub found that New York ranks:

Second  Fewest teen driver fatalities per 100,000 teens

Seventh  Teen DUIs per 100,000 teens

23 rd  Average cost of car repairs

First  Presence of distracted-driving/texting-while-driving laws

26 th  Premium increase after adding teen driver to parents policy

First  Provision of teen drivers graduated licensing program laws

First  Vehicle miles traveled per capita

First  Presence of occupant-protection laws

First  Presence of impaired-driving laws

WalletHub notes that despite traffic congestion in New York's biggest cities, it has the second-fewest teen driver fatalities per capita.

As well, with New York having the most driving schools per capita, "teens seem to be taking their safety lessons to heart, since the state has the seventh-fewest teen DUI arrests per capita and the seventh-lowest share of teens who text while driving.

"Finally, New York has nearly all of the optimal driving laws recommended by the Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, and it has the seventh-lowest auto insurance premiums in the nation," WalletHub states on the report's website.

This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Teen drivers' best state? New York, says report. Take a look how
New York City woman shot and killed during apartment building robbery: police

New York City woman shot and killed during apartment building robbery: police

A burglar shot and killed a 57-year-old woman in her New York City apartment building on Monday, according to authorities.

The shooting took place at around 11 p.m. on Market Street in the Lower East Side. The New York Police Department confirmed the incident to Fox News Digital on Tuesday afternoon.

The homicide victim was identified as Ying Zhu Liu, 57. The NYPD told FOX 5 New York that Liu's husband had been followed to their eighth-floor apartment shortly before the murder.

Two suspects tried to rob the husband before Liu stepped outside of the apartment to see what was going on. The couple's 32-year-old son also stepped into the hallway.

TEEN HITS NYPD OFFICER WITH STOLEN CAR, RAMS VEHICLES BEFORE DRAMATIC ROOFTOP ARREST, VIDEO SHOWS

Ying Zhu Liu, 57, was killed during a robbery on Monday night, according to the New York Police Department (NYPD).

Liu was then shot twice in the face. The two suspects stole the husband's cellphone and ran away from the scene.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

"Upon arrival, police observed a 57-year-old female with a gunshot wound to the head, unconscious and unresponsive," the NYPD said in a statement.

MIGRANTS AS YOUNG AS 11 BEHIND CENTRAL PARK ROBBERY SPIKE: POLICE FORCED TO DEPLOY DRONES, BEEF UP PATROLS

The homicide took place at an apartment on Market Street in the Lower East Side.

"EMS responded to the location and pronounced the female deceased on scene."

The NYPD told Fox News Digital that no suspects have been arrested as of Tuesday night.

The New York Police Department (NYPD) is still searching for suspects.

CLICK TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

The incident is being actively investigated by authorities. No additional information is available at this time.





Original article source: New York City woman shot and killed during apartment building robbery: police
A man who was accidentally released from the York County jail Tuesday night is back in custody.

The York County Sheriffs Office reported Wednesday evening that John Michael Snipes turned himself in. He wont face any charges for escape since he turned himself in, the sheriffs office says.

Earlier

The York County Sheriffs Office is searching for a man who was accidentally released from the county jail.

In a news release, the sheriffs office said John Michael Snipes, 40, was released Tuesday at 10:30 p.m. due to a clerical error.

The York County Sheriffs Office is searching for a man who was accidentally released from the county jail. In a news release, the sheriffs office said John Michael Snipes, 40, was released Tuesday at 10:30 p.m. due to a clerical error.

ALSO READ: Undocumented suspects mistakenly released, rearrested in connection with east Charlotte homicide

Authorities said an officer didnt print Snipes sentencing sheet because they were helping with a different medical emergency in the booking area. Court paperwork came in shortly afterward, the sheriffs office said, and initial sentence sheets werent printed out.

ESCAPEE: Officers at the York County Detention Center erroneously released an inmate due to a clerical error. On September 10, 2024, at approximately 10:30 p.m., the inmate, John Michael Snipes, 40, was released. #YCSONews #CrimeStoppers - MORE INFO  https://t.co/KcZtEwNKfx  York County Sheriff (@YCSO_SC) September 11, 2024

According to the sheriffs office, Snipes was sentenced to seven years in prison for a second offense of possession of methamphetamine charges. He had turned himself in for failing to appear on the possession charge, which resulted in the sentence

Snipes was supposed to be taken to a South Carolina Department of Corrections facility when he was released.

This incident appears to be human error, Sheriff Kevin Tolson said in a statement. We are conducting a full investigation into what transpired so we can take corrective actions to ensure this mistake is not repeated.

The sheriffs office said they dont believe he is armed or a threat to the public.

Authorities have been looking for Snipes since they discovered the error. Deputies said he was last seen at 11:15 p.m. Tuesday walking toward Old York Road.

Snipes is described as 5 feet, 9 inches tall and weighs 155 pounds. He has short brown hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a white button-up shirt and black pants.

Snipes was last known to be living at an apartment on Kintyre Road in Rock Hill.

If you know where he may be, call 911 or the York County Sheriffs Office at 803-628-3059.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

(WATCH BELOW: Family still grieves as driver who killed loved one to be released from prison)
YORK, S.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  An inmate was erroneously released from the York County Detention Center Tuesday night while waiting to be transferred to a different facility, and is currently at large, the sheriffs office reported.

According to York County deputies, the release happened around 10:30 pm. Sept. 10. The inmate, 40-year-old John Michael Snipes, was reportedly released when an officer did not print Snipes sentencing sheet due to assisting with a separate medical emergency in the booking area.

Two inmates mistakenly released in Meck. County back in custody: Sheriffs Office

Additional paperwork from the court came in shortly after that, and the initial sentence sheets were overlooked and not printed, the sheriffs office said.

Snipes was waiting to be transported to a South Carolina Department of Corrections facility when the release occurred.

This incident appears to be human error, said York County Sheriff Kevin Tolson. We are conducting a full investigation into what transpired so we can take corrective actions to ensure this mistake is not repeated. We have some tremendous staff who work in an extremely tough environment in the Detention Center. They are often asked to do more with less, and while this error could have been prevented, I am extremely proud of each of the officers who work in that facility. The general public is often completely unaware of the work of those fine officers.

Snipes was sentenced to seven years in prison for charges of Possession of Methamphetamine, second offense.

Deputies say the wanted man was last seen at 11:15 p.m. walking toward Old York Road. Attempts to locate him began immediately after the error was discovered.

Snipes is described as a white male with short brown hair and brown eyes. He is 5 feet, 9 inches tall and weighs 155 pounds. He was last seen wearing a white button-up shirt and black pants.

His last known address is an apartment on Kintyre Road in Rock Hill. If you know where Snipes can be located, call 911 or YCSO at 803-628-3059.

At this point, he is not believed to be armed or a threat to the public.

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TOPEKA (KSNT)  The next generation of Kansas movers and shakers were recognized Tuesday at the Statehouse.

Next-Gen Under30 is a big deal for the Sunflower State. It recognizes exceptional Kansans who, despite their age, are already playing a huge role in the states success. Young over-achievers across the state were honored today at the 3rd annual Next-Gen Under30 event at the Kansas Statehouse. The program shines a spotlight on young adults in Kansas who are pushing boundaries and giving back to their communities.

Topeka police officers learn basics of water survival training at local pool

Former Kansas Senator Tom Hawk told 27 News its a way to show homegrown talent and how the individuals have a big role to play in the future of the sunflower state.

Its been the goal of state government, bipartisan and here in legislature, to really keep our students in Kansas, Hawk said. And this is one way to let them know that we care about them. Theyve made incredible accomplishments early in their career and we want them to know that has been noticed.

Emporia State University graduate Brice Helton works for Spirit Aerosystems in Wichita. He said its an honor to be recognized for his contributions the states aviation industry.

I think its great that young professionals in Kansas are getting recognized because sometimes I feel being young, people look down on us and were not always recognized, Helton said. Oh, theyre young. Their opinion. They dont have the experience to back up their opinion. So I think its great that we do get recognized for some of our opinions.

Topeka students get out of this-world experience

Bob Shively, with the Kansas Masonic Foundation, was also recognized during Tuesdays ceremony. He said bringing younger graduating college students together through Next-Gen under 30 helps strengthen the leaders of tomorrow.

That allows some of the younger graduating college students and others to attend and network with them and understand whats made them successful and encourage them to say, well stay in Kansas, Shively said. This is a great place to live.

This years winners will be honored in November at the Next-Gen 30 dinner and awards ceremony.

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.

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YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  Leaders in Youngstown are discussing the possibility of making downtown an historic district, which would make it easier for building owners to capitalize on Ohios program of historic tax credits.

Youngstown City Councils Community Planning and Economic Development Committee, commonly called CPED, met Tuesday afternoon. Among the items discussed were how to take advantage of downtowns historic buildings and how to get the State of Ohio to help pay for some of the problems caused by the Realty Tower explosion.

Many buildings in downtown Youngstown are in the 100-year-old range.

We want to move forward with that. Then it makes it easier for developers, anyone who does business and wants to do business downtown, said Stephanie Gilchrist, economic development director.

Fourth Ward Councilman Mike Ray questioned if an historic district designation would be good for everyone downtown.

I would think that if everything has to comply with historic standards, its going to be too restrictive, he said.

Thats a concern city officials are looking into.

Can we omit certain buildings or can we still be considered a district with certain buildings that may or may not want to be involved with it? said Chief of Staff Nikki Posterli.

City council may be asked to vote on an historic downtown district next month.

Two blocks from city hall, the removal of debris continues from the Realty Tower demolition following the May explosion.

State Representative Lauren McNally told the committee that since the explosion, shes looked into getting the city some financial help from the State of Ohio but what she needs is data  lost revenue, lost wages  and exactly what the city wants.

That is a really big piece to being able to bring those types of funds into the downtown area to help on the recovery side, McNally said.

Also at the CPED meeting, Finance Director Kyle Miasek said the city is working with two companies to possibly provide income tax grants for what Miasek called major expansions. He would not name the companies, but said one already has manufacturing operations in Youngstown and is looking to bring its management into 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 WKBN.com.
By Lucy Craymer

WELLINGTON (Reuters) - New Zealand said on Wednesday it will draft a bill aimed at reinterpreting country's founding agreement, even as two of three governing parties say they will not support the bill becoming law.

The 1840 Treaty of Waitangi, signed between hundreds of Maori chiefs and the British crown, lays down a set of principles under which the two parties agreed to govern. The interpretation of those principles guide legislation and policy today, while the treaty also underpins claims of Maori sovereignty.

Associate Justice Minister David Seymour said the cabinet had agreed to the Treaty Principles Bill being drafted which would redefine how those principles are viewed and this will be introduced to parliament later in the year.

"The purpose of the Treaty Principles Bill is for Parliament to define the principles of the Treaty, provide certainty and clarity, and promote a national conversation about their place in our constitutional arrangements," he said in a statement.

Seymour said the bill will include the principle that the New Zealand government has the full power to govern and make laws; will recognise the right of Indigenous people and enshrine that everyone is equal before the law.

The legislation is a policy of Seymour's ACT New Zealand, which garnered 8.6% of the party vote at the 2023 election.

Coalition partners, the National Party and New Zealand First, both agreed to support the legislation through the first of three readings in their coalition agreement. However, both have said they will not support it to become legislation, and opposition parties are against it, meaning chances of it becoming law are very low.

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon told a press conference on Monday the party's position remained that it would not support the bill past the first reading.

The legislation is controversial as it is seen by many Maori and their supporters as undermining the rights of the country's Indigenous people, who make up around 20% of the population of 5.3 million.

Maori culture and identity has enjoyed a renaissance in recent decades, helped by policies aimed at redressing some of the wrongdoings of early colonial governments, but Maori are still over-represented in measures of social and economic disadvantage.

ACT and others has railed against "co-governance" or the sharing of some management between the state and Indigenous people, arguing non-Indigenous citizens are losing out because of policies specifically designed for Maori uplift.

The coalition, which took office last year, has started undoing policies of previous governments, particularly those promoting the official use of the Maori language and the enhancement of Indigenous living standards and rights.

(Reporting by Lucy Craymer; Editing by Lincoln Feast.)
Zelenskyy on long-range strikes at Russia: It does not depend on my optimism

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said he does not know whether he would seek approval from US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to strike targets in Russia with long-range weaponry but hopes for such a decision.

Source: Zelenskyy at a press conference within the framework of the Crimean Platform, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Zelenskyy said that he will hold talks with Blinken on Wednesday evening but does not know what to anticipate from the conversation.

Quote: "Am I optimistic about their decision to allow us to use long-range weapons? I wish it didn't depend on my optimism. It depends on their optimism," he added.

At the same time, Zelenskyy expressed hope for "some strong decisions" that are important for Ukraine.

"In any case, I am looking forward to speaking with President Biden this month. However, our weekly and monthly conversation with the United States is extremely vital to us. They provide us with the best military and financial support. We rely on it, and we cannot succeed without it," Zelenskyy said.

Background:

On Tuesday, 11 September, US President Joe Biden said that the issue of lifting the ban on Ukraine's use of long-range weapons is under consideration.

On 13 September, US President Joe Biden will meet with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to discuss allowing the Ukrainian defence forces to strike.

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Zelenskyy: Russians have committed 137,000 war crimes, and there must be at least that many verdicts

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has emphasised that during the period of the full-scale invasion, the Russians have committed 137,000 war crimes, and there must be at least that many verdicts.

Source: Zelenskyy during the international conference United for Justice: Accountability for Attacks on Civilian Targets, as quoted by Ukrinform

Quote: "Justice unites people because the pursuit of justice is at the core of our human culture. Currently, the pursuit of justice unites us with you and everyone working with us to protect lives and our country from the Russian Federation.

As of today, there are at least 137,000 reasons for us to continue this work and see it through to the end. 137,000  that is how many war crimes Russia has committed to date. This is what is known. Crimes against peace and humanity, against our state, against our people, against Ukraine and Ukrainians. And this means that there must be at least that many verdicts."

Details: Addressing the conference participants, Zelenskyy noted that the word "justice" sounds different in various languages around the world, but it should be understood the same everywhere.

Quote: "Every nation understands the price of justice. In every state that truly respects human life and international law, there simply cannot be a lack of justice. I emphasise, in every state, regardless of how its national legislation is written, what international treaties it has ratified, or whether the Rome Statute has entered into force in that state [or not]," Zelenskyy stressed.

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By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Americans used just over 100 trillion megabytes of wireless data in 2023, up 36% over the prior year in the largest single-year increase in wireless data consumption, according to an industry survey released on Tuesday.

The increase -- 26 trillion MBs over 2022 -- comes as a growing number of 5G wireless devices are being used, said wireless industry association CTIA that represents major wireless carriers like Verizon, AT&T, T Mobile and technology firms.

The total number of wireless connections rose to 558 million last year, up 6% over 2022, the survey found.

Demand for spectrum use is soaring, driven in part by more wireless use in advancements including drones, self-driving vehicles, space missions and precision agriculture.

The survey said the number of minutes Americans spent talking on the phone fell slightly from 2.5 trillion in 2022 to 2.4 trillion in 2023 and text messages were about the same at 2.1 trillion in 2023 over the prior year.

The rise in wireless comes amid a standoff in Congress over how to find new spectrum.

Congress in March 2023 let the Federal Communications Commission's authority to auction spectrum lapse for the first time in three decades amid debate about what spectrum used by the Defense Department could be repurposed or shared.

"There is no pipeline of spectrum for 5G," said CTIA CEO Meredith Attwell Baker. "To continue to meet the insatiable demand for wireless, drive innovation, and support Americas economic competitiveness, the wireless industry needs access to more full-power, licensed spectrum."

The Biden administration announced steps in November 2023 aimed at freeing up additional wireless spectrum by repurposing spectrum currently set aside for parts of the federal government but has come under fire from Republicans for not moving fast enough.

(Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Emelia Sithole-Matarise)
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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The Cabarrus County Board of Education engaged in a substantive debate around its code of ethics during its Monday work session, as a few board members appeared to have differing interpretations regarding a specific section.

Laura Blackwell Lindsey seemed to take offense with section 14 of the Specific Board Member Commitments, which states that the board commits to avoid being placed in a position of conflict of interest and refrain from using the board members position on the board for personal or partisan gain.

This is a partisan board, Lindsey said. We had a primary and so it is very difficult to say that youre not going to do something based on your party when you were elected in a primary as part of what your party platform is.

Lindsey said she understands that many people feel like education should be a non-partisan issue but when elected to the school board, the things that you believe and the things that you stand for are going to be what represents your decisions that you make here on this board.

She encouraged the policies detailed in the code of ethics to be reviewed by the districts Policy Committee. Rob Walter also asked for the code to be reviewed as some of the language might be confusing and open to interpretation.

The Cabarrus board of education switched to a partisan political body last year after House Bill 88 was passed. Each of the current board members, though, were elected when the board was still nonpartisan.

More than 40 out of the 115 North Carolina school boards currently hold partisan races and that number appears likely to increase.

Vice Chair Sam Treadaway responded to Lindsey, noting that the one word she did not mention was gain.

To be personal or partisan is one thing, but partisan gain from a board perspective? Thats unethical, Treadaway said. Were not beholden to a party; were beholden to our students and all of our constituents.

Chair Denise Adcock agreed with Treadaway, saying the board is responsible to the school district and students and parents.

To think that we would use our position for our own personal or partisan gain means were taking our position and were doing what we think is best for us in a selfish way, Adcock said.

Lindsey clarified her original statements, noting she was not seeking any type of personal gain. She stressed that decisions she makes as a board member are derived from her personal beliefs, which, in her view, makes them partisan.

The decisions that I make on this board are partly based on my belief system and the things that I believe are going to be in the best interest for our students, Lindsey said.

Board members constituents are the students, Brian Floyd emphasized, noting partisanship in the political sense does not apply to them.

I dont know of any Democrat second graders or Republican first graders, he said. They dont care about this ridiculous game that we made up to play.

Board members should be focused on doing what is best for the students, Floyd added, and they not be defined by whether they have a D, R or I by their name.

Board Attorney William Isenhour said the code of ethics does not prohibit members from being partisan; they just cannot use their position on the board for any type of partisan gain or to further their careers.

Each board member signed the code of ethics, see in full below, at the end of the meeting.
COMPANY NEWS: Gen (NASDAQ: GEN), a global leader in consumer Cyber Safety with a family of brands, Norton, Avast, LifeLock, Avira, AVG, ReputationDefender and CCleaner, today released the Q2/2024 Gen Threat Report . The report spotlights the most notable cyberattacks targeting consumers from April to June 2024.

Gen experts warn that it is more important than ever to stay vigilant as cybercriminals increasingly use generative AI to create sophisticated scams using voices, images and videos to make their schemes more convincing. Attackers are using celebrities, global events, and brands as shiny lures. And as more people find themselves navigating economic hardships, the promise of easy money through phony investments, cryptocurrency giveaways and part-time job offers has also become a timely hook for scammers preying upon unsuspecting victims seeking financial security.

We continue to see cybercriminals expand their toolkits with even more uses of AI to strengthen their attacks, said Siggi Stefnisson, Chief Technology Officer at Gen.

Scammers are cunning and adept at exploiting what is most likely to be on consumers minds  whether it has to do with elections, love or financial security. Now with AI and other new tech, their schemes are more sophisticated and convincing than ever before. We urge consumers to stay informed and alert. We will continue to keep a watchful eye on the latest threats and provide the latest knowledge and tools needed to be safer despite the evolving threat landscape.

Gen has one of the worlds largest consumer Cyber Safety networks protecting people around the globe against advanced online threats. Throughout Q2, Gen Cyber Safety brands blocked over one billion unique attacks each month, up 46% compared to last year. Interestingly, a staggering 95% of attacks happen while people use their browser and surf the web. In addition to blocking threats directly as part of our customers products and services, Gen researchers discovered and reported security vulnerabilities so that they could be patched by other companies, helping protect people from further attacks.

Gen experts shared some of the most prevalent threats to watch for based on this quarters findings:

Scammers Playbook: New and Revamped Tactics

The accessibility and rise of AI allow cybercriminals to add a modern twist to their old tricks to lure more victims. We have seen bad actors using deepfakes of celebrities to promote fake cryptocurrency investment schemes, and now, scammers are targeting widely publicized events that will be broadcast live to draw a large audience.

For example, recently, scam group CryptoCore lured victims with highly convincing deepfakes of official events disseminated on compromised YouTube accounts and used QR codes to direct victims to fake crypto giveaway campaigns, stealing $5 million. During the SpaceX Starship integrated flight test (IFT-4) in June, nearly 50 YouTube accounts were hijacked, and the campaign resulted in 500 transactions amounting to a total value of $1.4 million. Gen products helped protect thousands of people from this threat in Q2, with the largest amounts in the US, UK, Brazil and Germany.

Amid challenging economic conditions, scammers are capitalizing on consumers needs with part-time job scams that promise quick money by completing simple tasks, like promoting goods on social media. Once trust is established, the scammers convince their victim to send them money so they can steal it. These scams have now evolved from text-based interactions on Telegram to more sophisticated AI-generated voice communications, adding a whole new layer of deception and realism.

This quarter saw the revival of the classic antivirus scam that was first popular in the late 2000s, when cybercriminals were making millions of dollars by selling fake antivirus products. Nowadays, cybercriminals deploy aggressive pop-up alerts that mimic real antivirus programs, often claiming the computer is infected to urge immediate action. These fake alerts abuse the Windows notification system to appear as credible system messages to scare the person into purchasing antivirus software so the scammers can earn commissions through third-party referral programs.

Digital Identity Theft: The New Gold Rush

As large-scale company breaches seemingly become the norm in 2024, cybercriminals turn an eye toward stealing digital identities. Attackers are using direct methods such as Information Stealers (InfoStealers) and Mobile Bankers, going beyond buying data on the Dark Web to snap up consumers valuable personal information.

InfoStealers breach devices to steal login details, session cookies, passwords and financial information. While InfoStealers saw a slight decline in Q2/2024, notable malware families continue to grow, with the most dominant AgentTesla increasing its market share by 11 %.

Mobile bankers, on the other hand, specifically target mobile devices to steal banking details, cryptocurrency wallets, and instant payments credentials. In Q2/2024, Bankers such as TeaBot, disguised as a PDF reader, targeted Revolut customers. Meanwhile, spyware threats such as XploitSpy and AridSpy are sneaking onto the PlayStore, stealing files and monitoring users through their cameras and microphones.

Norton LifeLock provides a 12-step guide to help people if they believe their identity may have been compromised.

On the Rise: Consumer Ransomware

Consumers remain an attractive target for ransomware as they often have less protection in place than large companies. According to Gen telemetry, there was a 24% rise quarter over quarter in consumer ransomware attacks in Q2/2024. India saw a staggering 379% increase, followed by notable spikes in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.

A popular delivery technique is to hide ransomware payload in pirated content. Even though some operators of major ransomware gangs like LockBit have been brought to justice in the last quarter, Gen urges consumers to take precautions to keep their data safe, such as doing regular back-ups.

Gen researchers collaborate with governments across the globe to combat ransomware by providing free decryption tools for victims, and most recently released the Avast DoNex Ransomware Decryptor.

To read the full Q2/2024 Gen Threat Report, visit: https://www.gendigital.com/blog/news/innovation/q2-2024-threat-report

This marks the inaugural Gen Threat Report. Previously, Gen brands separately reported quarterly threat news with the Norton Pulse Report and Avast Quarterly Threat Report. The Gen Threat Report now offers a comprehensive look at the rising threats we monitor and protect our customers from each day and trends we see across the threat landscape.

About Gen

Gen (NASDAQ: GEN) is a global company dedicated to powering Digital Freedom through its trusted Cyber Safety brands, Norton, Avast, LifeLock, Avira, AVG, ReputationDefender and CCleaner. The Gen family of consumer brands is rooted in providing safety for the first digital generations. Now, Gen empowers people to live their digital lives safely, privately, and confidently today and for generations to come. Gen brings award-winning products and services in cybersecurity, online privacy and identity protection to nearly 500 million users in more than 150 countries. Learn more at GenDigital.com.
The Business Chambers Forum, a body established with the coordination of the National Economy Ministry to consult on economic policy, convened on Tuesday.

The Business Chambers Forum, which comprises representatives from the Hungarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MKIK), the National Association of Entrepreneurs and Employers (VOSZ), the Confederation of Hungarian Employers and Industrialists (MGYOSZ), the National Federation of Hungarian Building Contractors (EVOSZ), AmCham Hungary and the German-Hungarian Chamber of Industry and Commerce (DUIKH) met for the sixth time since its establishment early in 2023, the National Economy Ministry said in a statement.



The sides discussed the economic situation, especially the performance and competitiveness of the Hungarian economy, as well as domestic and international trends affecting consumption, it added.



National Economy Minister Marton Nagy asked the business chambers to play a role in strengthening local SMEs and help draft an action plan to support those businesses.



He said the plan included changes to the Szechenyi Card Programme favourable to businesses, the launch of a capital programme supporting SME investments and competitiveness, a credit scheme to boost SME exports, a loan and capital programme for SME investments abroad, a targeted "1+1" programme for SME investments, a digitalisation package that would ensure all SMEs have their own website and email address, a European Union-funded business development programme and a scheme to support corporate purchases of electric vehicles.



He added that SMEs also needed a scheme to support big investments based on one-off government decisions, such as the one for large companies.



The sides agreed that the statutory minimum wage level could realistically reach 50pc of the average wage by 2027, but would require the minimum wage to rise 11-12pc per year, on average, in the coming three years.



Mr Nagy acknowledged the chambers for their partnership with the government, for constructive dialogue, and for their recommendations and feedback.



He said a new state secretary for SMEs would be named to ensure the action plan had the broadest impact.



He added that Hungary's GDP growth could reach 3-5pc in 2025.



Photo for illustration purposes only



Source:

MTI - The Hungarian News Agency, founded in 1881.



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A film about Hungarian soldiers' participation in the 2021 evacuation of Kabul has started shooting.

The film, with the working title "Operation Kabul", is based on the true story of operation Shaman Shield, when Hungarian soldiers evacuated 540 people, including 180 children, from Afghanistan as NATO forces withdrew.



Shooting started early in August and is expected to wind up in the second week of November, producer Tamas Lajos told MTI. A release date is planned for the autumn of 2025, he added.



The film, directed by Zsombor Dyga and a production of Szupermodern Studio, was awarded 2.8 billion forints (EUR 7m) from the National Film Institute.



The Hungarian Defence Forces are providing consulting support for the film and co-production partners are Sarkanyok Produkcio and the Media Service Support and Asset Management Fund (MTVA).



Source:

MTI - The Hungarian News Agency, founded in 1881.



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In a heated presidential debate on Tuesday night, former President Donald Trump invoked Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban to counter Vice President Kamala Harris's critique that world leaders are "laughing" at him.

They call him a strong man. Hes a tough person, Trump praised Orban at the debate.



He quoted Orban as saying the world is blowing up because Trump is no longer president. According to Trump, Orban suggested that China, North Korea, and Russia were afraid of Trump.



Viktor Orban said, he said, the most respected, most feared person is Donald Trump. We had no problems when Trump was president, the former president noted.



Harris responded by accusing Trump of being weak and wrong on foreign policy, criticizing his admiration for authoritarian leaders.



It is well known that he said of Putin that he can do whatever the hell he wants and go into Ukraine, the incumbent VP added.



Notably, Orban has met with Trump multiple times since the latter left office in 2021, including a high-profile meeting in July 2024 at Trumps Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.



MTI Stock Photo - for illustrative purposes only



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The Baltic propaganda campaign against Hungary has been restarted, as Baltic states accused the country of putting the security of the Schengen Area at risk by allowing Russian and Belorussian nationals to participate in its National Card programme, the minister of foreign affairs and trade said on Facebook.
In terms of location and attractions, the most popular neighbourhoods for expats to live in Budapest are Districts V, VI, VII and XIII in Pest, and Districts I, II, XI and XII in Buda.
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 worlds largest global banks and process over 220 million trades per day across 45 countries, TradingHubs Australia HQ will serve as a key asset in continuing the companys 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. TradingHubs trade surveillance technology helps global financial institutions adapt to these evolving regulatory demands head-on.

TradingHubs 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 todays leading financial institutions and is underlined by the companys 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 Australias (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 Michaels 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.

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New Delhi: Hindenburg Research in its latest tweet has questioned Sebi Chief Madhabi Puri Buch for maintaining 'complete silence' in the recent weeks, on her alleged links with various companies at the same time as she was helming the state of affairs at the regulatory body's office.

Furthering Congress' allegations on Buches, Hindenburg Research wrote on microblogging site X, "New allegations have emerged that the private consulting entity, 99% owned by SEBI Chair Madhabi Buch, accepted payments from multiple listed companies regulated by SEBI during her time as SEBI Whole-Time Member. The companies include: Mahindra & Mahindra, ICICI Bank, Dr. Reddys and Pidilite. These allegations apply to Buch's Indian consulting entity with no details thus far on Buch's Singapore-based consulting entity. Buch has maintained her complete silence for weeks on all of the emerging issues."

New allegations have emerged that the private consulting entity, 99% owned by SEBI Chair Madhabi Buch, accepted payments from multiple listed companies regulated by SEBI during her time as SEBI Whole-Time Member.



The companies include: Mahindra & Mahindra, ICICI Bank, Dr.  Hindenburg Research (@HindenburgRes) September 11, 2024

On Tuesday, 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.

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.

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.
Reporter: Ashok Raje

New Delhi: Israel has recently reached out to India for a new recruitment drive, seeking to fill 10,000 construction worker positions and 5,000 caregiver roles to address skill shortages in its infrastructure and health sectors. This request follows a similar one made earlier this year, according to the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC).

Around 5,000 workers have been recruited through each of two main channels: Government-to-Government (G2G), managed by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), and Business-to-Business (B2B), handled by private agencies under 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.

Ved Mani Tiwari, CEO of NSDC, mentioned in a recent interaction that Israel has requested 15,000 skilled workers from India. He also discussed international mobility and addressed issues concerning Russian and Indian manpower. Tiwari highlighted that Indian construction workers in Israel are currently earning around INR 2 lakh per month. He also urged Indian workers to avoid using illegal (dunky) routes to seek employment abroad. NSDC, alongside India, remains committed to making the country the global hub for skilled talent.

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 governments 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. (With PTI Inputs)
New Delhi: Global tech giant Microsoft has bought 16.4 acres of land in Pune for Rs 520 crore, according to real estate consultant Square Yards.

"As per the registration document reviewed by Square Yards, Microsoft's Indian arm, Microsoft Corporation (India) Pvt Ltd, acquired 66,414.5 square meters (around 16.4 acres) of prime land in Pune's Hinjewadi. The transaction, registered in August 2024, involved the purchase of land from Indo Global Infotech City LLP," the consultant said in a statement.

The deal incurred a stamp duty of Rs 31.18 crore and a registration fee of Rs 30,000, it added. Microsoft did not share any comment on this deal. In 2022, the company also acquired a 25-acre plot in Pimpri-Chinchwad for Rs 328 crore.

Earlier this year, Microsoft secured 48 acres of land in Hyderabad for Rs 267 crore. Both deals are part of Microsoft's broader strategy to expand its presence in India, particularly within its data centre operations.

The company's network of data centres already includes locations in Pune, Mumbai, and Chennai, solidifying its presence across key markets.
New Delhi: Samsung is planning to lay off over 200 executives positions across various departments in its Indian operations. This decision comes in response to slowing business growth in the country which is driven by weaker consumer demand that has affected sales. According to a report by the Economic Times, the information was shared by four senior industry insiders.

The layoffs will affect Samsungs mobile phone, consumer electronics, home appliances and support division which will be around 9-10 per cent of its total managerial staff, according to the report. Employees who are being let go are being offered three months salary, as per their contracts along with a severance package that includes one month for each year theyve worked with the company.

According to the report, the CEO of a competing home appliance company mentioned receiving frantic calls and resumes from Samsung India Executives seeking new jobs. He also noted that some of the laid-off employees are senior executives many of whom are willing to accept positions at significantly lower salaries.

Samsung India workers strike

Meanwhile, workers at Samsungs Chennai factory are on their third day of an indefinite strike, disrupting production of televisions, refrigerators, and washing machines just ahead of the festive season. Despite the strike, Samsung is trying to keep the factory running but production has dropped to around 50-80 per cent of its normal capacity, according to Reuters.

Along with layoffs, Samsung is reportedly considering restructuring its operations in India. This could involve merging business divisions like television and home appliances, potentially leading to more job cuts. The goal of the restructuring is to streamline operations by reducing management layers, workforce, and overhead costs. A final decision on these changes is expected after the Diwali season.
GUWAHATI: One Bangladeshi trying to enter India illegally, was pushed back by Assam Police on Wednesday, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said. A total of 18 such infiltrators have been sent back to their country so far this month by the police force of this northeastern state.

"In another alert move by @assampolice, one Bangladeshi national, Toyu Shaikh, was intercepted and pushed back to Bangladesh at 01:45 AM," Sarma posted on X. "Our forces are on high alert at the border and we will prevent any (sic) attempt of infiltration into Indian territory. Good job Team!" he added.

Seventeen other Bangladeshi nationals, including two on Sunday, were apprehended and pushed back by police since September four, as per information shared by Sarma on X previously.

The CM had claimed earlier that around 50 Bangladeshi infiltrators had been identified and sent back till August-end, since the beginning of political unrest in the neighbouring country.

He said the immigrants were using Assam as a passage to reach the southern cities to work in the textile industry. BSF has intensified its vigil along the 1,885-kms long Indo- Bangladesh border in the North East following the turmoil in Bangladesh. Assam Police is also maintaining a high alert along the international border to ensure that no person can enter the state illegally, Director General of Police G P Singh had earlier said.

Singh added that BSF is the first line of defence along the border and the Assam Police, as the second line, is also on strict vigil.
Indias External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, has suggested a formula to end the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. He emphasized that the solution to the Ukraine crisis cannot be found on the battlefield and that Russia and Ukraine must engage in dialogue. He added that if either party seeks advice, India is always willing to provide guidance. Jaishankar made these remarks while answering questions at the German Foreign Ministry's annual Ambassadors' Conference.

A day earlier, Jaishankar met Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on the sidelines of a meeting of the India-Gulf Cooperation Council Foreign Ministers in Saudi Arabia's capital. He stated, "We do not believe that a solution to this conflict will come from the battlefield. At some point, discussions must take place. When these talks occur, the main stakeholdersRussia and Ukrainewill have to be involved."

Referring to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visits to both Russia and Ukraine, Jaishankar highlighted that Modi has expressed in Moscow and Kyiv that "this is not the era of war." He reiterated, "We do not think a solution will be found on the battlefield. We believe dialogue is necessary. If you seek advice, we are always willing to provide it."

Jaishankar also stressed that while disagreements are common among nations, conflict is not the way to resolve them. During a joint press conference with his German counterpart, Annalena Baerbock, he suggested that Russia must be included in any discussions on the issue. "When discussions happen, we believe Russias presence is necessary. Otherwise, the conversation cannot move forward. As far as India is concerned, it depends on what both parties want. We remain in constant dialogue with them," he said.

In response to another question, Jaishankar said, "What matters to us is the reality of the ongoing conflict. Therefore, we are always prepared for any serious and effective steps that, in our view, move towards peace."

Russian President Vladimir Putin also mentioned India, among three other countries, while discussing the Ukraine conflict. He acknowledged that India is in contact with them and is genuinely trying to find a solution. During the plenary session of the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Putin remarked, "If Ukraine is willing to engage in talks, I can facilitate that." His comments came just two weeks after Prime Minister Modis historic visit to Ukraine.

During Modi's visit to Ukraine, he met with President Volodymyr Zelensky. According to Russian news agency TASS, Putin stated, "We respect our friends and partners, whom I believe are sincerely working towards resolving all issues related to this conflictmainly China, Brazil, and India. I am in constant contact with my colleagues on this matter." On August 23, Modi visited Ukraine, where he urged President Zelensky that Ukraine and Russia should meet without delay to bring the ongoing war to an end. Modi also expressed India's willingness to play an "active role" in restoring peace in the region.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi addressed a press conference held at the National Press Club in Washington DC on Tuesday. The leader of the opposition again drew attention after he remarked on "Sikh Turban". He said, "The struggle in India is not about politics...The real struggle is about whether people like Bhalender are allowed to wear a turban in India, allowed to wear a kirpan, or allowed to go to a gurdwara. This fight is not just for him but for all religions..."

Gandhi also accused the BJP government of undermining the unity of the nation. He said, "India is a union of states, it is written in the Constitution. What does that mean? It means it is a union of languages, union of traditions, music, and dance. They say its not a union, but all these elements are different.... and one thing that connects them all has its headquarters in Nagpur."

First of all, you have to understand the fight is not about politics. The fight is about whether a Sikh will be allowed to wear his turban or go to the Gurdwara in India. It's not just for Sikhs, but for all religions. I see people from Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Haryana, Telangana, pic.twitter.com/FbnkO7lBVN  Congress (@INCIndia) September 10, 2024

Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri labelled Gandhi's comments as "defamatory statements about India". Reacting to the Congress leader's remark, Puri said, "But what he has now said about Sikhs not being able to wear Kada and Turban border on being purely delusional and absurd. Truth is that Sikhs have never been safer anywhere in the world than they are in India today."

Referring to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots that occurred during the Congress government, he added, "If there ever was any fear or anxiety in their minds about being identified as Sikhs due to their Kada, Kirpan or Turban, it was only during the mindless one-sided violence and pogrom against members of the Sikh Sangat in 1984."

One needs to figure out why the Leader of Opposition Mr Rahul Gandhi makes outlandish & defamatory statements about India on foreign soil. But what he has now said about Sikhs not being able to wear Kada and Turban border on being purely delusional and absurd.

Truth is that pic.twitter.com/nyVy9CQu6b  Hardeep Singh Puri (@HardeepSPuri) September 10, 2024

This is not the first time when Congress leader's statement has intensified political tensions.

Reportedly, in May 2023, during his US visit, while addressing the Indian community in California, Gandhi stated that the RSS and BJP were 'controlling' all political means in India. In San Francisco, he claimed that "the poor and minority communities are feeling helpless today."

In August 2018, during his visit to Germany and the UK, Rahul Gandhi said that the demonetization and the improper implementation of GST have led to increased unemployment. He also said that Dalits, minorities, and backward communities no longer receive government benefits and that funds intended for poverty alleviation programs are now being funnelled to a few large corporations.
A grenade attack suspected to be carried out by miscreants in an auto-rickshaw caused alarm in a wealthy Chandigarh neighborhood on Wednesday. "There was an explosion. We are on it. The CFSL team is at the scene. The event occurred around 6 p.m.," said Dalbir Singh, PRO of Chandigarh Police. The blast, which occurred in the city's affluent Sector 10, broke the windows of the residence, but no injuries were reported.

Police say three individuals participated in the attack, with one throwing the explosive while the others waited in the auto-rickshaw, later spotted on CCTV escaping the scene. Fire brigade and NDRF teams have arrived at the scene of the crime. A retired Punjab Police officer, believed to be the intended target, resides at the house.

The CCTV footage of the incident which has gone viral on social media shows a suspicious object being thrown into a house, resulting in an explosion. The video captures an auto-rickshaw used by the suspects to flee after hurling the object into the residence. The sound of the blast is also audible in the footage.

CCTV visuals of the Sector-10 Chandigarh where an objectionable object thrown into a house led to blast. The auto-Rickshaw is seen in the video used by the suspects who throw the objectionable object in the house of Chd, Sec-10. The blast voice is too heard in the video pic.twitter.com/82Ba5tCwRX  Akashdeep Thind (@thind_akashdeep) September 11, 2024

"There was a loud sound. Some pressure type low-intensity blast took place because of which some windows and pots were damaged," Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Kanwardeep Kaur, told the media. "The complainants were sitting on the verandah of the house. They saw the suspects," the officer said, adding that efforts are on to track the auto-rickshaw.

We are currently investigating all angles, including the type of explosive, the reason for its placement, and its nature, she added. Teams of the bomb detection squad and the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CISF) are collecting samples from the crime spot. According to reports, the blast left a hole approximately 5-8 inches deep.
GUEST OPINION: Facing a public intoxication charge can be a frightening experience, with the potential for far-reaching consequences that can affect your personal and professional life. In many jurisdictions, such charges are treated seriously, and having knowledgeable legal representation can make a substantial difference in the outcome of your case.

Retaining a skilled defence attorney can ensure your rights are protected throughout the legal process. In this article, we will explore the ways in which a defense attorney can aid in handling public intoxication charges. Keep reading to understand the pivotal role they play and how they can possibly mitigate the repercussions of such an accusation.

Understanding Public Intoxication Charges and Potential Consequences

Public intoxication is a misdemeanor charge for being visibly drunk or under the influence in public, often leading to fines, community service, or even imprisonment. The consequences can be severe, affecting one's reputation and job prospects, making it crucial to seek legal help. A Public intoxication lawyer in Texas can challenge the often subjective evidence, such as officer testimony, and work to minimize the impact of the charge.

Given the complexities and varying definitions of public intoxication across jurisdictions, understanding your rights is essential. Legal counsel can help navigate these murky waters, ensuring that any inconsistencies or subjective interpretations are addressed, potentially preventing an unjust conviction.

The Role of a Defense Attorney in Negotiating Public Intoxication Charges

A defense attorney assesses the charge and advises on defense strategies and the likelihood of charge reduction or dismissal. Their early consultation sets the tone for the defense effort. Their expertise and persuasion skills can help secure alternative outcomes, such as diversion programs or reduced charges.

Legal counsel can shift the dynamic during plea bargaining, arguing for mitigating circumstances or challenging the arrest's legal basis. Their relationships within the judicial system facilitate better communication with the prosecution, resulting in a fair and swift resolution, saving clients from prolonged legal battles and additional expenses.

Building a Strong Defense: Strategies Used by Skilled Attorneys

A strong defense in a criminal case requires a thorough understanding of legal precedents and meticulous attention to detail. Defense strategies often involve questioning the arrest's procedural integrity, such as sobriety tests and arrest protocols. A skilled attorney can challenge the subjective nature of accusations, such as public intoxication charges, by arguing the reliability of observations or witness qualifications.

They may also introduce alternative explanations for the arrest's behaviour. Attorneys also investigate constitutional violations, such as breaches of the Fourth Amendment's prohibition against unreasonable searches and seizures. A comprehensive defense considers the client's background and character, as presenting a defendant's positive aspects can influence the judge or jury's perception and potentially push for leniency or alternative conviction options.

How a Defense Attorney Can Minimize the Impact of a Public Intoxication Charge on Your Record

A public intoxication conviction can have significant repercussions, and a defense attorney aims to mitigate these effects by avoiding the conviction's permanent mark on the client's record. They can push for expungement or sealing of the case, demonstrating compelling reasons for the client's relief. If a conviction cannot be fully evaded, they may argue for lesser charges, probation instead of jail time, or community service.

These alternatives can significantly reduce the immediate and long-term consequences of a conviction. An attorney's guidance through the legal aftermath, including probation compliance and expungement proceedings, ensures clients are taking correct steps to restore their standing and mitigate ongoing legal repercussions.

The Importance of Hiring a Quality Defense Attorney for a Public Intoxication Case

An experienced defense attorney is crucial in handling public intoxication charges, providing support and advocacy throughout the process. Their expertise in handling these cases can significantly alter the outcome, ensuring clients' interests are vigorously defended. Selecting an attorney with a solid track record in handling public intoxication cases is vital, as they bring specific knowledge, resources, and tactical approaches tailored to the nuances of these charges.

Quality legal representation can alleviate the psychological strain defendants may face, providing clarity and reducing anxiety surrounding legal proceedings. Therefore, hiring a qualified and adept defense attorney can significantly impact the outcome of a public intoxication case.

Overall, the impact of a public intoxication charge can be significantly mitigated with the help of a dedicated defense attorney. From negotiating charge reductions to strategizing an impactful defense, the role of such legal professionals is indispensable in navigating the complexities of the law and safeguarding one's future.
One Border Security Force (BSF) jawan was injured after Pakistani troops resorted to unprovoked firing on Indian posts in violation of a ceasefire agreement along the border here on Wednesday, officials said.

The gunfire was reported around 2:35 AM on Wednesday in the Kanachak area.

The officials informed that the troops in the region are on high alert.

In an official statement, the BSF said, On 11 September at about 02:35 AM, an incident of unprovoked firing in the Akhnoor area from across the border happened which was befittingly responded to by the BSF. One BSF personnel sustained injuries in Pak firing; Troops are on high alert."
Jammu And Kashmir News: At least three terrorists were killed after an encounter broke out between security forces and terrorists at the Kathua-Basantgarh border in Udhampur area of Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday, according to an NDTV report.

According to Public Relations Officer Defence Jammu, an operation was launched in Kathua based on specific intelligence and contact has been established at the Kathua-Basantgarh border with terrorists. The operation is under progress and details being ascertained, the PRO Defence said.

Earlier in the day, the BSF said that one of its personnel sustained injuries after an unprovoked firing from Pakistan in the Akhnoor sector of J&K near the International Border in the early hours. In a statement, the BSF said that the unprovoked firing from across the border occurred around 2:35 am on Wednesday and it was befittingly responded by its troops.

"One BSF personnel sustained injuries in the firing from the Pakistan side. Troops are on high alert," stated the BSF, which guards the India-Pakistan border.

The India-Pakistan border stretches approximately 3,323 kilometres, dividing the two countries including various sectors with differing levels of tension and security challenges.

(With ANI Inputs)
Baramulla Lok Sabha MP Engineer Rashid was released from Tihar Jail on Wednesday after receiving interim bail until October 2 for a terror funding case, enabling him to campaign for the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections. Upon his release, Rashid said, "I will not disappoint my people. I pledge to counter PM Modi's 'Naya Kashmir' narrative, which has utterly failed in J&K. The actions taken on August 5, 2019, have been rejected by the people."

"I am dedicated to serving my constituents' welfare. We will not be intimidated. My struggle is greater than Omar Abdullah's; his is for power, mine is for the populace. I am a victim of the BJP and will oppose PM Modi's ideology until my last breath. I am returning to Kashmir to unite, not divide, my people," he said while addressing the reporters outside the Tihar jail.

"After 5.5 years in prison, I emerge stronger and more committed to my people. I vow to resist Modi's 'Naya Kashmir' narrative, which has clearly failed in Jammu and Kashmir. The people have dismissed his actions on August 5, 2019," the Baramulla MP added.

#WATCH | Delhi: After being released from Tihar Jail on interim bail, Baramulla MP Engineer Rashid, says "I will not let down my people. I take a pledge that I will fight PM Modi's narrative of 'Naya Kashmir', which has failed totally in J&K. People have rejected whatever he did pic.twitter.com/sTTTLw8TRu  ANI (@ANI) September 11, 2024

Rashid has been incarcerated since 2019 after being arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in connection with a 2017 terror funding case.

"Rashid was freed from jail at 4:15 pm," a senior prison official reported. Sheikh Abdul Rashid, also known as Engineer Rashid, triumphed over former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in Baramulla.

The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Elections are set to occur in three phases: September 18, September 25, and October 1, with results announced on October 8. Rashid's party, the Awami Ittehad Party (AIP), is participating in the assembly elections.
PM Modi Gujarat Visit: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is set to visit Gujarat on September 15, will inaugurate metro rail extension from Ahmedabad to Gandhinagar on September 16. The metro rail extension seeks to improve connectivity between the two cities.

During the two-day visit to his home state, the Prime Minister will be inaugurating the Ahmedabad metro extension Phase 2. He will also be attending several other programmes, a Gujarat government release said. This will be PM Modi's first visit to Gujarat after assuming office for a third term on June 9.

Ahmedabad To Gandhinagar Metro Rail: All You Need To Know
RG Kar Rape-Murder Case: In fresh developments pertaining to the rape and murder case of a trainee doctor in Kolkata's RG Kar medical college and hospital, the stalemate over talks between the West Bengal government and the junior doctors continued on Wednesday. The medics are protesting outside the Swasthya Bhavan in support of their demands. After the Mamata Banerjee-led government invited the junior doctors for a meeting, the West Bengal Junior Doctors Forum (WBJDF) set fresh conditions for holding discussions.

The doctors insisted that the discussion be held in Chief Minister Mamata Banerjees presence and should be broadcast live. The junior doctors have been on a cease-work for over a month. On Wednesday afternoon, Chief Secretary Manoj Pant made an appeal to the protesting doctors to send a delegation of 1215 representatives to state secretariat Nabanna by 6 p.m. on Wednesday for discussions.

In reply, the junior doctors' forum said that they want to send a delegation of at least 30 representatives, including one from each of the 26 medical colleges in the state. The forum also demaded a live telecast of the meeting.

The junior doctors' email reply read, "In reference to the email sent from cs-westbengal@nic.in, we would like to mention few points regarding the proposed meeting. As mentioned in our previous mail, we would like to reiterate some points. 1) We want to send a delegate team of at least 30 representatives. 2) We want the meeting to be live telecasted for the sake of transparency among all parties. 3) We want the meeting to be based around our 5-point demands. 4) We are re-emphasising our point that we want our discussion to be in the presence of the Hon'ble Chief Minister. We are waiting for your positive response."

The protesting medics are seeking the removal of top officials in the state health department, including the Health Secretary, Director of Health Services, and Director of Medical Education.

On Tuesday, a similar appeal for talks was sent by Health Secretary Narayan Swarup Nigam, but it was rejected by the protesting doctors, who questioned the rationale behind the appeal coming from the same person whose suspension was among their primary demands.

One of our main demands is the suspension of Health Secretary Narayan Swarup Nigam. Yet, the email for a meeting on our demands came from the same Health Secretary's office, which is insulting," a junior doctor said on Tuesday, as quoted by IANS.

(With agencies inputs)
Himachal Mosque Protest: In Shimla, the situation has remained tense in the Sanjauli area where people are protesting against the construction of an 'illegal' mosque. The protestors broke the barricades while marching towards the mosque while the Police used water canon and lathicharged the mob. The protestors also pelted stones on the police personnel. On Wednesday, protestors, including members of various Hindu organizations, gathered in the Dhalli area of Shimla to voice their opposition to what they claim is the illegal construction of a mosque in Sanjauli.

Visuals from the protest depicted participants holding the Indian tricolor and chanting slogans like 'Himachal Ne Thana Hai, Devbhoomi Ko Bachana Hai' and 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai'. The demonstration was specifically organized by Hindu groups to express their concerns regarding the alleged unlawful mosque construction in Sanjauli.

#WATCH | Shimla Protests | Himachal Pradesh: Police use water cannons against the protestors to disperse them while they are on their way to the alleged illegal construction of a mosque in the Sanjauli area pic.twitter.com/tmDXReNG4A  ANI (@ANI) September 11, 2024

Media Advisor to Himachal Pradesh CM Naresh Chauhan, said that the BJP wanted to make this a Hindu-Muslim issue but it was a question of law and order. "All the people that have gathered, I know them personally. These 20-25 people are BJP workers and they have contested elections on BJP tickets... The BJP wants to make this a national issue but the reality is that this is not a Hindu-Muslim issue. It is a law and order situation and the law will take its course... The CM has said that any action that needs to be taken related to any unauthorised construction, will be taken... Some people who see a political opportunity in this will not get support... The government has said that they will keep a track record of the people coming from outside, to make sure that there are no bad elements," Naresh Chauhan said.

Leader of Opposition in Himachal Pradesh Assembly Jairam Thakur slammed the Sukhu government saying that the state was delaying action against the alleged illegal construction. "Himachal Pradesh is a peaceful state. There have hardly been any community conflicts here. But, now the situation that has emerged, the government should have taken active measures against it, and people are agitated because of the delay. The sentiments of the Hindus and the local people must be respected... Imposing BNSS 163 is an attempt to suppress the voice of the people... There should be peaceful protests within the limits of the law. I urge the government that if it is an unauthorised construction, then this problem should be solved soon," Jairam Thakur said.
The Sanjauli area of Shimla on Wednesday witnessed a dramatic escalation of tensions as protesters clashed with police over the issue of an allegedly illegal mosque construction. The situation intensified when demonstrators, many of whom were local residents, broke through barricades and marched toward Sanjauli demanding the demolition of unauthorized parts of a mosque. The protesters, waving the Indian flag and chanting slogans such as Bharat Mata Ki Jai and Hindu Ekta Zindabad, were met with police resistance, which included mild lathi-charges and water cannons. At least five to six police officers and an equal number of protesters sustained injuries during the altercations.

What Is The Dispute About?

At the heart of the dispute is a five-story mosque in the Sanjauli area, which some Hindu organizations claim was constructed illegally. The controversy has its roots in accusations that the mosque's expansion from a single floor to five stories was carried out without proper authorization. Protesters argue that such unauthorized constructions threaten the local demographic balance and have called for an investigation into the backgrounds of local Muslims, suspecting that some may be illegal immigrants from Myanmar or Bangladesh.

Ownership and Construction Dispute

The Shimla Municipal Corporation claims that the mosque has been built on government land, and the Waqf Board has failed to provide ownership rights to the shrine. The Waqf Board, however, asserts that the land belongs to it and the extended construction was carried out in line with the rules. The court has asked the Waqf Board and the mosque committee to explain how the original single-floor mosque expanded into a five-story structure.

Legal Proceedings and Local Response

The Shimla Municipal Corporation has been actively involved in addressing the issue. The municipal court recently heard the matter and has scheduled the next hearing for October 5. During the hearing, the court questioned the Waqf Board and the mosque committee about the expansion of the mosque. The Waqf Board, which oversees the mosque, claimed that the construction was in accordance with regulations and that the land belongs to them. However, they have not provided sufficient documentation to substantiate their claims.

Rahul Sharma, representing the civic body, described the situation as a case of illegal construction and emphasized that the Waqf Board needs to justify how the structure expanded from a single floor to five stories. The boards response has been criticized for lacking the necessary legal approvals for the extended construction.

Political Tensions

The dispute has taken a political turn, with the opposition BJP accusing the state government of delaying action against the alleged illegal construction. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has appealed to the people not to give the issue a political color and maintain law and order

The state government has been criticized by BJP Leader of Opposition and former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur for allegedly delaying action against the purported illegal construction. Thakur argues that the governments inaction has exacerbated the situation and allowed the dispute to fester.

History of the Dispute

The dispute dates back to 2010 when a case was registered regarding the raising of illegal construction in the mosque. Since then, four floors have been added to the single-story structure, with the extended construction taking place under successive governments.

Local figures, such as Maulvi Shahzad Imam, have defended the mosque, stating that its original construction dates back to 1947 and that the additional floors were built after 2010. Imam claims that the legal dispute over the property has been ongoing for 14 years, with the mosque expanding under successive governments.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath conducted a site inspection of the Noida International Airport, currently under construction in Jewar, on Tuesday as he sought to address issues related to land acquisition for the mega project. He also directed officials to ensure that "no outsiders mislead the villagers" about the land acquisition process.

The chief minister closely examined the ongoing work and issued essential directives to ensure timely completion. After that, he held a comprehensive review meeting with district administration, local authorities, and officials of the company constructing the airport.

The airport, whose foundation stone was laid in November 2021, was initially expected to commence operations by the end of September this year after completion of first phase. However, in June, its developer said the flights can be expected around April 2025.

The first phase of the greenfield airport will be spread over 1,300 hectares while eventually the plan is to cover an area of more than 5,000 hectares in four phases, becoming the largest airport in the country, according to project officials.

"The CM emphasized the importance of maintaining high-quality standards while adhering to the established timeline for the airport's completion. He also instructed that any issues arising during construction should be promptly communicated to the state government for resolution," said an official statement.

"During the meeting, he addressed issues related to land acquisition for the airport. He asked senior district officials and public representatives to speak with villagers who are facing difficulties with land acquisition and to resolve their issues peacefully," the statement said.

He also emphasised that "officials should ensure that no outsiders mislead the villagers about the land acquisition process".

"Additionally, the chief minister suggested that officials use the expertise of the Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA) to help with acquiring the land needed for the airport," the statement said.

The CM emphasised the importance of ensuring strong connectivity to the Noida International Airport. He called for the creation of an action plan to complete the work on rail, metro, and other transport facilities that will serve the airport.

"Adityanath stated that these transportation links should be ready by the time the airport is completed, ensuring seamless travel for passengers. Additionally, he highlighted the need for multi-level parking facilities at the airport to avoid any inconvenience for passengers," the statement added.

During the review meeting, Gautam Buddh Nagar MP Mahesh Sharma, UP Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh, District Magistrate Manish Kumar Verma, Industrial Development Minister Nand Gopal Gupta, Jewar MLA Dhirendra Singh, and officials of the companies constructing the Noida airport were present.

Airport officials recently said most of the work of the runway is complete.

In the first phase, the airport will have one terminal, one runway, 10 aerobridges and 25 parking stands. Among others, check-in kiosks, self-service bag drops, and e-gates are being tested.

According to officials, the airport is being developed in four phases by the Switzerland-based concessionaire Zurich International Airport AG's special purpose vehicle Yamuna International Airport Private Limited (YIAPL).

YIAPL CEO Christoph Schnellmann earlier told that there was a large interest from domestic and international carriers for the airport.

Once all four phases are completed, the airport will have a capacity to handle 70 million passengers per year. The concession period for the airport that commenced on October 1, 2021, will run for 40 years.
Ananya Panday is currently basking all the success of her latest release Call Me Bae. The actress is winning hearts for her endearing performance as Bella Chaudhary aka Bae in the show. Ananya is right now making news for her alleged relationship with Walker Blanco, the actress was seen wearing 'W' initials and it is speculated that she is indirectly confirming her relationship with the model. The picture of the actress wearing a green leaf-printed outfit where her pendant 'AW' grabs eyeballs.

Ananya Panday and Walker Blanco started dating each other after they met at Ambanis's wedding reportedly. Walker is reportedly an employee of Ambani who works in Vantara animal shelter. Walker is originally from the United States and is reportedly a model too by profession.

Ananya Panday was earlier in a relationship with Bollywood actor Aditya Roy Kapur, the couple dated for three years and later they parted ways due to the age difference between them. It was Zee News that exclusively informed you about the same.

Currently, Ananya is in full celebratory mode due to her show Call Me Bae trending number one on the OTT platform as the most-watched web series.
New Delhi: Bollywood actress-model Malaika Arora's father Anil Arora, has reportedly died of suicide on September 11, 2024. Initial reports suggest that he jumped off the terrace of their residence around 9 am today. It has been learnt that Malaika, who was in Pune has rushed for Mumbai.

ANI took to Twitter (formerly known as X) and wrote: Maharashtra | Father of actress-model Malaika Arora died by suicide by jumping off a terrace. Police team is present at the spot: Mumbai Police

Maharashtra | Father of actress-model Malaika Arora died by suicide by jumping off a terrace. Police team is present at the spot: Mumbai Police  ANI (@ANI) September 11, 2024

Malaika's ex-husband and actor-producer Arbaaz Khan was spotted at her parents' residence this morning after the news broke. Popular pap Viral Bhayani wrote: Shocking incident as Malaika's father, Anil Arora, was found dead in his building. Arbaaz Khan was the first one to reach out to the family. The matter is still under investigation, and the cops are ascertaining the actual cause of the demise. #RIP #Prayers

Last year in July, Anil Arora was admitted to a hospital in Mumbai. The actress, along with her mother Joyce was spotted at the hospital. However, the reason for his admission was unknown. Anil Arora, was a Punjabi Hindu from the Indian border town of Fazilka who worked in the Indian Merchant Navy.

This is a developing story. More details are awaited.
GUEST OPINION: Artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to transform government and public sector organisations by enabling streamlined processes, increasing effective connections with citizens and driving more informed decision-making. However, mature AI regulatory frameworks and guardrails are essential to supporting the responsible use of AI by organisations that deliver essential services to society.

The recent release by the Australian, state and territory governments of the national framework for the assurance of artificial intelligence in government (AI Assurance Framework) provides much-needed guidance that paves the way for these organisations to harness AI effectively and responsibly.

A statement issued within the framework acknowledges the importance of government leadership in the safe and responsible use of AI, with careful oversight of legal, privacy, security, and ethical risks such as bias and fairness. To gain public confidence and trust, we commit to being exemplars in the safe and responsible use of AI, the governments said. This requires a lawful, ethical approach that places the rights, well-being and interests of people first.

The development of the framework can help overcome public scepticism and boost trust in AI, paving the way for government and public sector organisations to realise its transformative potential.

The Digital Transformation Agency has since moved to enforce the responsible use of AI by Commonwealth agencies through a new policy effective from 1 September. This policy sets out how the Australian Public Service will:

embrace the benefits of AI by engaging with it confidently, safely and responsibly

of AI by engaging with it confidently, safely and responsibly strengthen public trust through enhanced transparency, governance and risk assurance

through enhanced transparency, governance and risk assurance adapt over time by embedding a forward-learning approach to changes in both technology and policy environments.

The agency has also released standards for officials accountable for AI within their agencies and plans to launch a standard that sets out the information agencies should release about their use of AI.

Smart public policy key to harnessing AI opportunities

Workday applauds these efforts by the Australian government. At Workday, we firmly believe that smart public policies such as the AI Assurance Framework and the policy for the responsible use of AI in government (Government AI Policy) are crucial in harnessing the opportunities presented by AI and minimising its risks. Our advocacy for smart AI regulation and frameworks is built on the foundation of more than a decade of technical expertise in developing AI and a robust, Responsible AI program that leverages principles, practices, and people to ensure our AI technologies are developed thoughtfully and responsibly.

Australian governments principled AI Assurance Framework and Government AI Policy are welcome steps and complement recent regional guidance to ensure the responsible deployment and use of AI across the public and private sectors. These publications, which include the recently released ASEAN Guide on Governance and Ethics, provide a starting point to address some of the biggest challenges facing organisations when it comes to AI development and deployment.

Only when AI is developed and deployed in a trustworthy manner and supported by smart public policy can we close the AI trust gap. Frameworks and policies like these provide critical reference points and rules for departments and agencies planning to deploy AI. By integrating relevant elements of these approaches into their AI strategies and implementations, organisations can bring organisational leaders and employees onto the same page and unleash the full transformative potential of AI.

Highlights of the AI Assurance Framework

We welcome the decision by Australian governments to base its AI Assurance Framework on existing AI Ethics Principles, which provide a useful signpost for businesses and governments on the safe, secure, and reliable development of AI technologies. Workday anchors its Responsible AI program in a similar set of principles focused on developing AI solutions to amplify human potential, positively impact society, champion transparency and fairness, and deliver data privacy and protection.

The AI Assurance Framework outlines five key cornerstones for AI assurance which we think are critical when establishing a practical, pro-innovation AI framework and mirror many of Workdays existing practices, including:

AI Governance : The framework identifies the need for cross-functional expertise, strong leadership commitment, and an AI risk-sensitive culture, as well as staff training and resources to understand and implement AI governance effectively. At Workday, our Responsible AI program starts with commitment at the very top with senior executives across the company forming a Responsible AI Advisory Board. We also operate a cross-functional network of internal champions comprising members from the product and engineering, legal, public policy and privacy, and ethics and compliance teams.

The framework identifies the need for cross-functional expertise, strong leadership commitment, and an AI risk-sensitive culture, as well as staff training and resources to understand and implement AI governance effectively. At Workday, our Responsible AI program starts with commitment at the very top with senior executives across the company forming a Responsible AI Advisory Board. We also operate a cross-functional network of internal champions comprising members from the product and engineering, legal, public policy and privacy, and ethics and compliance teams. Data Governance : We welcome the governments acknowledgement that data governance is a key element in AI governance. At Workday, we embrace data stewardship, governance processes, and privacy-by-design principles that give our customers control over how their data is used.

We welcome the governments acknowledgement that data governance is a key element in AI governance. At Workday, we embrace data stewardship, governance processes, and privacy-by-design principles that give our customers control over how their data is used. Risk-based Approach : As strong advocates of a risk-based approach forming the foundation of AI governance approaches, we applaud the Frameworks recommendation to assess and manage the use of AI on a case-by-case basis throughout the AI system lifecycle to ensure safe and responsible development, procurement and deployment in high-risk settings. We also strongly agree that risk should be managed

As strong advocates of a risk-based approach forming the foundation of AI governance approaches, we applaud the Frameworks recommendation to assess and manage the use of AI on a case-by-case basis throughout the AI system lifecycle to ensure safe and responsible development, procurement and deployment in high-risk settings. We also strongly agree that risk should be managed Technical Standards: Technical standards play an essential role in AI assurance as they help ensure regulatory requirements can be effectively implemented in practice. We agree that governments should align their approaches on AI with emerging global standards, to ensure the technology is implemented in a safe and responsible manner, both in Australia and consistently around the world.

Technical standards play an essential role in AI assurance as they help ensure regulatory requirements can be effectively implemented in practice. We agree that governments should align their approaches on AI with emerging global standards, to ensure the technology is implemented in a safe and responsible manner, both in Australia and consistently around the world. AI Procurement: The Framework recommends that careful consideration and clear establishment of accountabilities in vendor relationships, access to relevant information assets and proof of performance testing throughout an AI systems life-cycle.

Not unlike privacy, getting the policy specifics on roles and responsibilities right is an essential key to any successful governance approach that builds trust in AIand AI governance is a shared responsibility between AI developers and deployers. As an AI developer, we provide our customers with AI fact sheets for AI tools we offer, giving them access into how our AI offerings are built, tested and trained. We are also closely following existing and developing regulations and best practices and have built responsible AI-by-design and risk mitigation frameworks that align with the dynamic regulatory environment.

Similarly, AI deployers have key responsibilities to fulfil in ensuring that AI technologies are implemented in a safe and responsible manner. Only when all parties in the AI value chain understand their respective responsibilities and commit to working together can we ensure that these technologies are used to amplify human potential and positively impact society.

Continuing the conversation about responsible AI

The newly released AI Assurance Framework and Government AI Policy represent significant advancements in Australia's approach to ethical AI adoption in the public sector. The five cornerstones of the AI Assurance Framework and the transparency obligations under the Government AI Policy provide a foundational and adaptable roadmap for responsible AI implementation.

As Australian governments continue to develop their AI regulatory approaches, an effective partnership between the industry and government can help guarantee the responsible, safe, and secure development and implementation of AI.

At Workday, we believe that meaningful and workable AI regulation can close the AI trust gap, and we remain committed to playing a constructive role to advance policies that build trust and drive responsible innovation.
Apple Intelligence AI: Apple recently launched the latest iPhone 16 series at its 'Glowtime' event in California. During the launch, the tech giant showcased a suite of AI features that will be rolled out under the banner of Apple Intelligence.

Apple Intelligence is the companys personalized AI system, deeply embedded into iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1, with more features launching in the coming months.

Notably, Apple has confirmed that iOS 18 will be available as a free software update starting Monday, September 16, for eligible iPhones. It is important to note that the first wave of Apple Intelligence features will be available in beta next month as part of iOS 18.1, with additional features rolling out in the months ahead.

Apple Intelligence Compatible Devices:

The iPhone 16 series will feature Apple Intelligence, but only select older devices will be compatible. These include models equipped with the A17 Pro chip or M1 to M4 SoCs, such as the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPads with the M1 chip or newer, and Macs powered by M1 or later processors.

Apple Intelligence Available in These Languages :

Apple Intelligence will initially launch in US English, with localized versions for Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, and the UK arriving in December. Support for additional languages, such as Chinese, French, Japanese, and Spanish, will be introduced next year.

Apple Intelligence Features:

Apple's personalized AI system can perform many tasks, including assisting users in rewriting, proofreading, and summarizing text across apps like Mail, Notes, Pages, and third-party applications.

This AI feature offers summarized notifications and prioritizes mail by detecting time-sensitive messages. It also generates summaries across the inbox.

Users can now record, transcribe, and summarize audio directly within the Notes and Phone apps. When a call is being recorded, all participants are automatically notified. After the call ends, Apple Intelligence provides a detailed summary of the conversation.

It offers Private Cloud Compute with remote processing, increasing privacy within an artificial intelligence ecosystem and empowering Siri with on-screen awareness, allowing it to understand and act on what's displayed on your screen.
BAGHDAD: Iran's reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian on Wednesday kicked off his first trip abroad as president, hoping to cement Tehran's ties to Baghdad as regional tensions increasingly pull both countries into the widening Middle East fray. For Iran, its relationship with Iraq remains crucial for economic, political and religious reasons  something that has especially been true since the US-led 2003 invasion of Iraq toppled dictator Saddam Hussein, who launched a bloody, yearslong war against Iran in the 1980s.

Baghdad, meanwhile, has been trying to balance its relationship with Tehran, which backs powerful Shiite militias in the country, as well as with the United States, which maintains a force of 2,500 troops in Iraq that remain in battle with remnants of the once-dominant extremist Islamic State group. The American troops remain both a literal and rhetoric target for Iran, particularly as Israel's nearly year-old war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip grinds on.

Ahead of Pezeshkian's arrival, an explosion struck a site near Baghdad International Airport used by the US military on Tuesday night. There were no reported casualties and the circumstances of the explosion were unclear. The US Embassy said the explosion was at the Baghdad Diplomatic Services Compound, an American diplomatic facility, and that it was assessing the damage" and the cause of the blast.

During his trip, Pezeshkian, who was sworn in as Iran's new president in July, is also due to visit Shiite shrines in the cities of Karbala and Najaf, a railroad project to link the southern city of Basra to Iran and Irbil, the capital of Iraq's semiautonomous northern Kurdish region. Ahead of the trip, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told an Iraqi television channel that Pezeshkian hoped to tighten security relations with Baghdad, as well as economic ties.

We want to see Iraq develop, grow, be prosperous and strong on our borders, and any economic project that achieves this goal enjoys our support, Araghchi told Al-Furat Television, owned by Iraqi Shiite cleric and politician Ammar al-Hakim. Still, there have been tensions between Iran and Iraq, particularly after Iranian missiles hit sites in Iraq in attacks over the past six years, targeting Kurdish militias, a base housing American forces and also what Tehran alleged were Israeli sites in Iraq.

Iran also fired missiles and flew drones over Iraq in its unprecedented direct attack on Israel in April. That attack followed a suspected Israeli strike on an Iranian diplomatic compound in Damascus, Syria, that killed two Iranian generals and five officers, as well as a member of the Lebanese Shiite militia Hezbollah, an Iranian ally.

The Islamic Republic has also threatened further retaliation against Israel over the July assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, which could include another missile barrage. For Iraq, close ties with the Shiite powerhouse next door are also needed to maintain Baghdad's supply of imported Iranian natural gas to meet its electricity needs. A barter deal for Iraqi crude oil has seen the supply continue, though US sanctions targeting Tehran over its rapidly advancing nuclear program have put pressure on Baghdad.

Meanwhile Tuesday, the United States and Britain formally accused Iran of supplying short-range ballistic missiles to Russia to use against Ukraine, announcing new sanctions on both Moscow and Tehran. The continued presence of US troops in Iraq remains a concern for Iran. Since the Israel-Hamas war broke out on October 7, Iraqi militias allied with Iran have targeted US forces here, leading to American airstrikes targeting the militias.

Iraqi politicians continue to debate the issue of whether to back having American troops remain in the country.
Pronto Software has announced two executive appointments as the company continues to deliver on its growth strategy and commitment to customers.

Mark Hilder has been appointed as the new General Manager of the New South Wales branch. Mr Hilder has been a core member of the Pronto Software team for 17 years and moves into the role from his previous position as a Business Relationship Manager for NSW.

Pronto Software is also pleased to announce that Anthony Nicholl, formerly General Manager of the South Australia and Western Australia branches, will be stepping into the National Branch Operations Manager role.

This appointment will expand Mr Nicholls remit to include responsibility for Pronto Software branches in Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia.

Anthony Nicholl, National Branch Operations Manager

The leadership changes align with Pronto Softwares growth ambitions and commitment to customers, with appointments set to strengthen operations, deliver national efficiencies, and bolster customer satisfaction.

I am very pleased to announce these two appointments, said Chad Gates, Managing Director at Pronto Software.

Mark has been with us for 17 years and is highly regarded by team members and customers alike. I am always delighted to promote from within, and I know Mark will dedicate himself to furthering the success of the NSW business.

Anthonys appointment will strengthen our focus on branches as we further execute on our strategy. Anthony knows the business, customers and product intimately and has been involved with Pronto Software for well over 20 years. He has my full backing in the new role.

Commenting on his appointment, Mr Hilder said he was elated to have been promoted to the General Manager position in New South Wales.

Pronto Software is a wonderful company to work at and my team are already in a solid position to continue to grow the Pronto Software brand, delivering value for our clients, he said.

Mr Nicholl also expressed delight at the expansion of his remit as National Branch Operations Manager.

It is a privilege to be appointed in this new role at Pronto Software, he said.

We have an amazing team, and I look forward to leading our branches at a national level and continuing to build on the solid foundation Pronto Software has established over the last 45 years.
KYO-MAF logo (Photo: Kyoto International Manga & Anime Fair)

Kyoto is often imagined as the seat of tradition, culture, and Japanese historyand while all of that is true, its also a fun-loving and modern place to visit. No time is this truer than during the Kyoto International Manga Anime Fair!

Visit the ancient capital of Kyoto during mid-to-late September to experience this two-day show celebrating everything anime and manga. Held at the Miyako Messe convention center, KYO-MAF is also a show, market, and festival and one of the largest events in Kansai.

Advance tickets cost only 1,200, while visitors will pay 1,500 at the doorand if you have a foreign passport be sure to show that for a 200-yen discount.

Be prepared to see amazing skills in the form of cosplayers, a character cafe, job fair, and even the Kyoto International Manga Awards. There is a free stage as well as the main stage that requires an additional reservation. Take part in the various anime-and-manga related workshops while trying to spot your favorite characters. Its good wholesome fun that the whole family can enjoy.

Things to know

DATE: Sept. 21-22

VENUE: Miyako Messe

ADMISSION: Free

ADDRESS: 9-1 Okazaki Seishojicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8343

Miyako Messe convention center is near Higashiyama Station on the Tozai Line.

Website
SHELBYVILLE  The Shelby County Board on Thursday is expected to vote on a long-overdue audit that, if delayed much longer, could have placed the county in jeopardy of losing state grant funds.

Also on the board's agenda is a discussion and vote to remove Chairman Robert "Bobby" Orman, R-Windsor, from his position, a move that even his critics acknowledge is unlikely to succeed but nevertheless could prompt another heated conversation about the future of the county.

The effort to remove Orman from his position, requested by Board Member Tim Morse, R-Shelbyville, would need a four-fifths vote, or 18 of 22 board members, to succeed.

Morse told Lee Enterprises that his move is related to the audit.

"They've had three drafts and he's never given the first draft to the whole board," Morse said. "And I don't feel like we can make a good decision unless we have all the information."

Morse said he "had enough" of Orman and his allies "trying to go around the board."

"So that's, that's why I put it on there," he said.

Since Orman's bloc controls the county board, it is unlikely that he will be removed from his position.

"It won't happen," Board Member Teresa Boehm, D-Shelbyville, acknowledged, though she added that "once again, everybody can be reminded of all the list of things that Mr. Orman has done."

Orman, reached by Lee Enterprises on Wednesday, called the move "a political ploy" by board members in alignment with the group Shelby County First.

"It's been politically charged for two years. I'm really surprised they haven't done this sooner," Orman said candidly.

Shelby County Board meetings over the past year have been the main venue for several separate, but interrelated battles over the future direction of the county.

These have included a spat between some board members and the county's dive team and a fight over the continued public ownership of the countys long-held farmland.

The latest controversy has centered around the county's lack of submitting a state-mandated audit for fiscal year 2022 and fiscal year 2023.

In a letter dated July 18, Illinois Department of Transportation transit operations bureau chief David Schafer told Orman that if the former audit is not submitted within 60 days and the latter isn't filed within 180 days, the state agency would recommend that the county be placed on the "Illinois Stop Payment List."

Orman told Lee Enterprises in late July that the audit, conducted by Chicago-based firm Benford Brown & Associates, would be submitted within deadline.

A first draft was sent over to the county by the firm last month and a second draft was considered by the board's Finance Committee last week.

The draft has subsequently been updated a third time with "financials and footnotes," Orman said. This is the final version that will be voted on.

The meeting will take place in Room A of the Shelby County Courthouse at 7 p.m. and it will be streamed on the county's YouTube channel.
A parent whose child was among the students threatened at Jefferson Middle School on Friday wants more assurance from Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools that his son and others are safe.

The parent, who wished to remain anonymous, said his son now has the mentality that when he is at school, he must be on high alert.

Over the weekend, Susan and James Gordon, the grandparents of one of the children threatened, took to social media to express their concern about the incident in a video that was widely viewed.

The Gordons said they were upset that the student who made the threats will be back in school after a short suspension.

The school district does not release information on how students are disciplined. Communicating a threat of mass violence on school property is a crime in North Carolina. The Forsyth County Sheriffs Office did not return a message asking whether the student will be charged. Sheriffs deputies serve as school resource officers for the school district.

According to the parent who spoke to the Journal on Monday, a teacher at the school on Friday discovered a list of threatened students on another students Chromebook. The parent received a call from the schools principal, Jessica Gillespie-Johnson, and the schools SRO to tell him that his child was on what they told the parent was a hit list.

They determined that it was probably done as a joke, the parent said. But he doesnt not want to brush off the seriousness of the incident. Im not wholesale buying that it was a joke, he said.

The threats were discovered one day after a school shooting in Georgia resulted in the deaths of two students and two teachers, stoking more fears of school violence.

The parent said that the shootings were on his mind when he received the news about the threats at his sons school.

It would be foolish to say that it wasnt, he said.

Amanda Lehmert, a spokesperson for the school district, said every threat is taken seriously.

And we investigate all issues to the fullest extent possible, and this situation is no different, she said. We want every child and staff member to be safe at school every single day, and we are making it happen. We want people to bring issues to our attention.

Gillespie-Johnson, the schools principal, said in a message sent to the school community over the weekend that the student is being disciplined according to the districts code of conduct, now in its third year. The code was revised to make punishment more restorative and less punitive, a move, in part, to address the school districts racial discipline gap.

According to the code, communicating threats is considered a Level 4 offense  there are six levels. Consequences at this level may include in-school suspension, out of school suspension and a family conference among other options. It also may include such interventions as behavior assessments and counseling.

Forsyth County Sheriffs Office will determine appropriate legal consequences, Gillespie-Johnson said in her message to the Jefferson community.

The parent said that he and other parents whose children were targeted want to know more.

We deserve more than a phone call. We want to be told what steps are in place going forward. How are we being proactive? he said.

In a phone message to the school district community on Monday, Superintendent Tricia McManus addressed the school shooting in Georgia.

"I am sure it has made many of you question what is being done to make our schools safe and secure places to learn and work. In Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools, safety is our top priority, and it's our culture," McManus said.

She mentioned the heavy investment in security cameras, controlled entrances, visitor protocol, a larger school security team, school resource officers and other protocols.

The school district also recently added eight more metal detectors, now giving it more than 180, available to use at high and middle schools.

"It will take the work of the full community, in and outside of schools, to keep our students and our staff safe every day. We all have a role to play. When we see a child struggling, we must say something. Talk to a school social worker, counselor or principal. We will connect them with resources," McManus said.
Multiple school districts in eastern Nebraska have seen a sudden surge in reports of students allegedly making threats of school violence this week, officials said.

Districts, including those in Lincoln, Omaha, Columbus and York, have been working the last few days to investigate an influx of reported threats regarding school violence while also battling the spread of misinformation on social media.

But in Omaha, a 15-year-old student was in stable condition on Wednesday after being shot once in the stomach on Tuesday at Northwest High School by a 14-year-old student who ran from the building.

Earlier this week, reports started rolling in when students at Goodrich Middle School began sharing social media posts claiming that a student had threatened school violence. Those posts, which featured a photo that included screenshots from Snapchat claiming a student had made a threat, along with the students full name and yearbook photo, were then shared by parents and community members online.

In a message sent to families Monday night, Goodrich Principal Kelly Apel said the allegations stemmed from an old report that both LPS and the Lincoln Police Department previously investigated and determined was not a credible threat. She emphasized that the student pictured and named in the posts is not a threat to students.

Tuesday morning, Apel sent another statement to parents regarding a second report that a different student had made threats of school violence after school on Monday, which was also investigated and found to not be credible.

At no point were Goodrich students in any danger, Apel said.

In another incident this week in Lincoln, a Lux Middle School student was investigated after students reported that threats of school violence had been made. Again, there was no credible threat found.

However, LPS said on Wednesday the posts on social media were continuing to circulate and the situation has now gotten out of hand. The same photo featuring a Goodrich student has continued to be shared online, but it has now also been used to suggest the student attends other schools in the district and the threats are not just at Goodrich.

Additionally, two other photos have been frequently shared on social media this week causing people to believe some Lincoln schools are in danger and could be the targets of school violence despite there being no relevance between the photos and schools in Lincoln, a spokeswoman for LPS said.

One photo features a screenshot of a list of schools, some of which have the same names as several Lincoln schools, labeled "targeted assisted." These schools, however, are in Georgia and are a list of Title I schools, not schools being targeted by gun violence.

The second photo shows a list of schools in other states that have experienced gun violence, with some of the schools also sharing names with Lincoln schools.

The Lincoln Police Department also confirmed it has recorded a handful of calls concerning possible threats to schools over the past three days, including Lincoln Southwest and Northeast high schools, along with Park and Lefler middle schools. None of the concerns were substantiated by school resource officers at those schools, Lt. Brian Golden said Wednesday.

LPS made an announcement to middle and high school students districtwide Wednesday afternoon addressing the online spread of misinformation. In the message read by principals over the intercoms, students were asked to report any threats of violence to school officials or law enforcement and avoid sharing to social media posts that could be riddled with misinformation. The message, which was obtained by the Journal Star, was also sent to families.

The district also suggests people use its Safe to Say link available on the homepage of its website, where people can submit non-emergent safety concerns anonymously.

Together we can limit the disruptions to our school day and help students feel supported and safe. School safety takes a community, the message read.

Reports across state

The increase in reported threats extends outside of Lincoln. At York Public Schools, rumors were spread online of multiple cases of students threatening school violence, according to the York News-Times. In a letter to parents on Tuesday, administrators said there were no active safety concerns in the district.

In Columbus, police responded to reports of threats of violence at Columbus Middle School Wednesday morning before the school day began. Officers investigated the report and found no credible threat.

In Sioux City, Iowa, on the Nebraska border, law enforcement investigated a threat that was made on Snapchat regarding North High School and possibly North Middle School in the Sioux City Community School District. The threat was determined to not be credible, the district said in a message to the public Wednesday morning, according to the Sioux City Journal.

The Omaha Police Department say the shooting on Tuesday is believed to have been a targeted incident that stemmed from a dispute between the two students, according to the Omaha World-Herald.

OPD released a statement Wednesday afternoon saying it was investigating several other threats to local schools made on social media, none of which had been deemed credible so far. In the news release, OPD said a 14-year-old has received a long-term suspension and a 13-year-old has been cited for their involvement in sending threats. Investigators expect more arrests to come based on their investigations.

In the wake of the aftermath of the incident in Omaha, LPS Superintendent Paul Gausman made a statement during the Lincoln Board of Education meeting Tuesday night, sharing his thoughts.

Our hearts are with Omaha staff, students, families and the community during this difficult time. Our children deserve to go to school and feel safe and loved without fear, Gausman said.

Copycats not uncommon

The various reports and incidents come just a week after a 14-year-old student opened fire at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, killing two students and two teachers.

The shooting quickly gained national attention, and Mario Scalora, a professor of psychology at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln who focuses on research related to targeted violence and threat assessment, said the close timing between the recent threats in Nebraska and the shooting in Georgia likely isnt a coincidence.

When a high-profile mass shooting occurs, Scalora said it is common for a flareup of activity to follow for a variety of reasons.

First, peoples emotions and fears are often heightened following a traumatic event, even when it happened across the country from them. On the other hand, there are also people who get inspired by these activities, causing school districts to take extra precautions to ensure further events dont occur. And, after events such as this, there is often an influx of fake threats being spread to incite fear.

In these situations, Scalora said its important to report, not repost to avoid causing more fear and to stop the spread of misinformation.

What happens when people repost these things, they take a life of their own. Because understandably, people believe this is fresh material, it is an active threat, and they're concerned, and it takes a life of its own, he said. So it regenerates new concerns, new fears, and the district and law enforcement have to continue to reevaluate. Is this part of the old threat, or is there a new activity?

So these things can be very, very stressful for not only the families who see this kind of information, but also for the district to have to constantly assess and address those issues.

Scalora also emphasized the importance of reinforcing with students that while these things are very concerning and very scary, there are a lot of people at school doing things to make sure theyre always safe.

Even with all these concerns, and if there's worries about things happening, our schools are safe. Nobody's getting hurt because people are working very hard to make sure that bad things aren't happening, he said. It's very easy to get worried, and we should take these things seriously whenever we see them... If you think you see something, say something and say it now.

Top Journal Star photos for September 2024
Former President Donald Trump amplified false rumors Tuesday that Haitian immigrants in Ohio were abducting and eating pets, repeating during a televised debate the type of inflammatory and anti-immigrant rhetoric he has promoted throughout his campaigns.

There is no evidence that Haitian immigrants in an Ohio community are doing that, officials say. But during the debate with Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump specifically mentioned Springfield, Ohio, the town at the center of the claims, saying that immigrants were taking over the city.

"They're eating the dogs. They're eating the cats. They're eating the pets of the people that live there," he said.

Harris called Trump "extreme" and laughed after his comment. Debate moderators pointed out that city officials have said the claims are not true.

Trump's comments echoed claims made by his campaign, including his running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, and other Republicans. The claims attracted attention this week when Vance posted on social media that his office has "received many inquiries" about Haitian migrants abducting pets. Vance acknowledged Tuesday it was possible "all of these rumors will turn out to be false."

Here's a closer look at how the false claims have spread.

How did this get started?

On Sept. 6, a post surfaced on X that shared what looked like a screengrab of a social media post apparently out of Springfield. The retweeted post talked about the person's "neighbor's daughter's friend" seeing a cat hanging from a tree to be butchered and eaten, claiming without evidence that Haitians lived at the house. The accompanying photo showed a Black man carrying what appeared to be a Canada goose by its feet. That post continued to get shared on social media.

On Monday, Vance posted on X. "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?" he said. The next day, Vance posted again on X about Springfield, saying his office had received inquires from residents who 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."

Other Republicans shared similar posts. Among them was Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, who posted a photo of kittens with a caption that said to vote for Trump "So Haitian immigrants don't eat us."

Hours before Trump's debate with Harris, he posted two related photos on his social media site. One Truth Social post was a photo of Trump surrounded by cats and geese. Another featured armed cats wearing MAGA hats.

What do officials in Ohio say?

The office of the Springfield city manager, Bryan Heck, issued a statement knocking down the rumors.

"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's office said.

Springfield police told the Springfield News-Sun on Monday that they had received no reports of stolen or eaten pets.

Gov. Mike DeWine, R-Ohio, held a news conference Tuesday to address the influx of Haitian immigrants to Springfield. He said he will send state troopers to Springfield to help local law enforcement deal with traffic issues and is earmarking $2.5 million over two years to provide more primary health care to immigrant families.

DeWine declined to address the allegations, deferring comment to local officials. But he repeatedly spoke in support of the people of Haiti, where his family has long operated a charity.

What do we know about a separate case 175 miles away?

An entirely unrelated incident that occurred last month in Canton, Ohio, quickly and erroneously conflated into the discussion.

On Aug. 26, Canton police charged a 27-year-old woman with animal cruelty and disorderly conduct after she "did torture, kill, and eat a cat in a residential area in front (of) multiple people," according to a police report.

But Allexis Ferrell is not Haitian. She was born in Ohio and graduated from Canton's McKinley High School in 2015, according to public records and newspaper reports. Messages seeking comment were not returned by attorneys who have represented her.

She is being held in jail pending a competency hearing next month, according to the prosecutor's office.

What do advocates for Haitian immigrants say?

The posts create a false narrative and could be dangerous for Haitians in the United States, said Guerline Jozef, founder and executive director of the Haitian Bridge Alliance, a group that supports and advocates for immigrants of African descent

"We are always at the receiving end of all kind of barbaric, inhumane narratives and treatments, specifically when it comes to immigration," Jozef said.

What is the broader context of Haitians in Ohio and the US?

Springfield, a city of roughly 60,000, has seen its Haitian population grow in recent years. It's impossible to give an exact number, according to the city, but it estimates Springfield's entire county has an overall immigrant population of 15,000.

The city also says that the Haitian immigrants are in the country legally under a federal program that allows for them to remain in the country temporarily. Last month, the Biden administration granted eligibility for temporary legal status to about 300,000 Haitians already in the United States because conditions in Haiti are considered unsafe for them to return. Haiti's government has extended a state of emergency to the entire country due to endemic gang violence.

Photos from the Trump-Harris debate
PHILADELPHIA  Kamala Harris and Donald Trump showcased starkly different visions for the country on abortion, immigration and American democracy as they met for the first time Tuesday for perhaps their only debate before Novembers presidential election.

The Democratic vice president moved to get under the skin of the former Republican president, provoking him with reminders about the 2020 election loss that he still denies and delivering derisive asides at his other false claims. Harris' needling prompted Trump to launch into the sort of freewheeling personal attacks and digressions that his advisers and supporters have tried to steer him away from.

The high-pressure matchup after a tumultuous campaign summer offered Americans their most expansive look at a campaign thats been dramatically changed just hours before the first early presidential ballots will be distributed.

The vice president moved to far more effectively press the Democratic case against Trump than President Joe Biden did in June, presaging a more contentious and competitive race now that Harris is the one taking on Trump.

The pair outlined sharply opposite visions of where the nation is and where they intend to take it if elected. Harris promised tax cuts aimed at the middle class and said she would push to restore a federally guaranteed right to abortion overturned by the Supreme Court two years ago. Trump said his proposed tariffs would help the U.S. stop being cheated by allies on trade and said he would work to swiftly end the Russia-Ukraine war, even if it meant Ukraine didn't achieve victory on the battlefield.

Harris at times shook her head derisively as Trump spoke, occasionally staring at him with a hand on her chin, while Trump seemed to avoid looking toward the Democrat. Trump hewed closely to his rally talking points and the familiar attacks that have proven popular with his Republican base but his advisers worry don't appeal to a broader cross section of voters.

In one moment, Harris turned to Trump and said that as vice president, she had spoken to foreign leaders, And they say youre a disgrace.

Trump again denied his loss to President Joe Biden four years ago, when his efforts to overturn the result inspired the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection.

Donald Trump was fired by 81 million people," Harris said, "So lets be clear about that. And clearly he is having a very difficult time processing that.

Trump in turn tried to link Harris to Biden, questioning why she hadnt acted on her proposed ideas while serving as vice president. Why hasn't she done it? he said. Trump also focused his attacks on Harris over her assignment by Biden to deal with the root causes of illegal migration.

The Republican pledged anew to deport millions of people in the U.S. illegally and warned that Harris was worse than Biden and her policies would turn the U.S. into Venezuela.

He repeatedly dismissed her and Biden as weak, and cited the praise of Hungarys nationalist prime minister Viktor Orban to show that he is a widely respected by leaders around the world, saying Orban calls him the most feared person.

Saying it's time to turn the page, Harris delivered an appeal to Republicans and independents turned off by Trumps style and his efforts four years ago to overturn the 2020 presidential election, saying theres a place in her campaign for them to stand for country, to stand for our democracy, to stand for rule of law and to end the chaos.

Trump twice declined to say that it was in the best interest of the U.S. for Ukraine to win its war against Russia. Harris said it was an example of why America's NATO allies were thankful he was no longer in office, as she and Biden have sent tens of billions of dollars to help Kyiv fend off Russia's invasion.

As the former president made a series of false claims about migrants, Harris seemed to smirk as he said that migrants are taking jobs that are occupied right now by African Americans and Hispanics.

Talk about extreme, Harris responded, when Trump repeated unsubstantiated claims that immigrants in Ohio are eating their neighbors dogs and cats.

The candidates met in a small, blue-lit amphitheater converted into a television studio, with no live audience, meaning there was no rowdy applause, cheers or jeers. The intimate setting  with the candidates lecterns positioned less than 10 feet from each other  belied the contentious debate to follow.

As Harris seemed to try to interject during one of his responses, Trump replied, Im talking now, sound familiar?" harkening back to a moment when shut down an interruption from then-Vice President Mike Pence.

Harris sharply criticized Trump for the state of the economy and democracy when he left office, as the COVID-19 pandemic ravaged the nation and after his supporters stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, in a bid to overturn the 2020 presidential election.

What we have done is clean up Donald Trumps mess, Harris said. She opened her answer by saying she expects voters to hear a bunch of lies, grievances and name calling from her GOP opponent during their 90-minute debate.

Trump, meanwhile, quickly went after Harris for abandoning some of her past liberal positions and said: Shes going to my philosophy now. In fact, I was going to send her a MAGA hat. Harris smiled broadly and laughed.

Harris has sought to defend her shifts away from liberal causes to more moderate stances on fracking, expanding Medicare for all and mandatory gun buyback programs  and even backing away from her position that plastic straws should be banned  as pragmatism, insisting that her values remain the same.

As the debate opened, Harris walked up to Trumps lectern to introduce herself, marking the first time the two had ever met. Kamala Harris, she said, extending her hand to Trump, who received it in a handshake  the first presidential debate handshake since the 2016 campaign.

Harris, in zeroing in on one of Trumps biggest electoral vulnerabilities, laid the end of national abortion rights at Trumps feet for his role in appointing three U.S. Supreme Court justices who overturned Roe v. Wade, leaving more than 20 states in the country with what she called Trump abortion bans.

Harris gave one of her most impassioned answers as she described the ways women have been denied abortion care and other emergency care and said Trump would assign a national abortion ban if he wins.

Trump declared it a lie, and said, Im not signing a ban and theres no reason to sign a ban.

The Republican has said he wants the issue left to the states.

Harris used a question about her plans to improve the economy by saying she would extend the tax cut for families with children and a tax deduction for small businesses while attacking Trumps plans to impose broad tariffs as a sales tax on goods that the American people will ultimately pay.

Trump was stone-faced during her answer but retorted: I have no sales tax. Thats in incorrect statement. She knows that.

Trump, who 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 continued to call Harris a Marxist, and said Everyone knows shes a Marxist.

Trump, 78, 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 Republican former president has at times resorted to invoking racial and gender stereotypes, frustrating allies who want Trump to focus instead on policy differences with Harris.

I read where she was not Black, Trump said when asked about comments questioning Harris' race, and then he added a minute later, and then I read that she was Black. He seemed to suggest her race was a choice, saying twice, Thats up to her.

I think its a tragedy that we have someone who wants to be president who has consistently over the course of his career attempted to use race to divide the American people, Harris responded.

Harris said Trump has a long history of racial division, going back to when his familys company was investigated for refusing to rent to black people decades ago. She also mentioned that he called for the death penalty for the Central Park Five, who were falsely accused of rape, and spread false birther theories about President Barack Obama.

I think the American people want better than that, want better than this, she said, nodding toward Trump.

Harris hit Trump on one of his biggest sources of pride, his freewheeling campaign rallies. Harris noted how at the events, Trump, as he meanders through subjects, will sometimes muse on fictional characters like Hannibal Lecter and whether windmills cause cancer, and then said that if you watch his events you will also notice that people start leaving his rallies early out of exhaustion and boredom.

The one thing you will not hear him talk about is you. Your needs, your dreams and your desires.

Trump tried to use his next question to respond by accusing Harris of having no one attending her rallies except the people that he claimed, without evidence, that she has bused in and paid to be there.

She cant talk about that. People dont leave my rallies. We have the biggest rallies, the most incredible rallies in the history of politics, he said.

In rapid fashion after the June 27 debate between Trump and Biden, the incumbent bowed out of the race after his disastrous performance, Trump survived an assassination attempt and bothsides chose their running mates.

The debate subjected Harris, who has sat for only a single formal interview in the past six weeks, to a rare moment of sustained questioning.

Trump at one point launched into an attack on Biden, questioning his mental acuity by making the claim that Biden doesnt even know hes alive.

Harris quickly tried to turn it around to make Trump look less than sharp.

First of all, I think its important to remind the former president, youre not running against Joe Biden. Youre running against me, she said.

Price and Miller reported from Washington. AP Polling Editor Amelia Thomson-DeVeaux in Washington and Thomas Beaumont in Las Vegas, Bill Barrow in Atlanta contributed to this report.
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

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There has been another delay in the case of a 44-year-old La Crosse man accused of brutally beating a woman in La Crosse last year.

Cole Freeman declined to attend his preliminary hearing Wednesday in La Crosse County Circuit Court. He has been charged with felony counts of first-degree attempted homicide, strangulation/suffocation and false imprisonment and misdemeanor counts of battery, theft and disorderly conduct. He is being held in the La Crosse County Jail on $500,000 cash bail.

Judge Mark Huesmann rescheduled the hearing for Sept. 30 but told Coles defense counsel to be ready for arguments whether Cole attends or not.

It appears the defendant has been less than cooperative procedurally, Huesmann said.

La Crosse County assistant District Attorney Susan Donskey argued for Wednesdays hearing to proceed as scheduled. She said Cole could have attended in person or followed the proceedings through an iPad at the jail.

Were a year into the case, and we still havent had a prelim, Donskey said. In my opinion, (Cole) is just playing games to try to delay.

The case has already been delayed by competency hearings and Coles request for new defense counsel.

According to prosecutors, Cole committed the assault Oct. 3, 2023, inside a storage unit on Fiesta Court in La Crosse. The woman sustained heavy bruises and lacerations to her face and arms and was transported by ambulance to a local hospital.

The woman told police she feared for her life. She told police the assault didnt end until an employee from a nearby KFC intervened.

Cole left Wisconsin after the assault and was arrested a month later in Florida.
The Concordia Ballroom was tightly packed Tuesday evening, but not for its regularly scheduled Zumba class.

Instead, over 200 local Democrats and area leaders gathered to watch Tuesdays highly anticipated debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump.

I decided to wear a flag pin because gol-darn it, we are taking back the flag, said Tina Pohlman, vice chair of La Crosse County Democrats. Another Trump presidency will be devastating for Wisconsin families, that is why Vice President Harris and Gov. (Tim) Walz are putting the work in. Its going to take support from all of us to help them to get them across the finish line in November.

Minnesotas first lady and would-be national second lady, Gwen Walz, was a welcome addition to the La Crosse County Democrats watch party, as the crowd roared in admiration upon her arrival.

I might be a little biased here, but I cant think of a better team than Kamala and Tim, said Gwen Walz. They are the best, and they have both spent their careers fighting for the middle class.  They want a future where all children can get ahead.

Not just some  but all of our children, she added. That is the vision that Vice President Kamala Harris will share tonight with us.

Gwen Walzs visit to La Crosse ahead of the debate emphasizes the importance of Wisconsins role in the November election.

This is really going to come down to votes. I dont have to tell you what an important state Wisconsin is, said Gwen Walz. In every single race we have ever run, we run like were 10 points down, and we are 10 points down until those polls close. And I dont care what any other poll says  I dont really listen to it  you work until youre done.

UW-La Crosse political science professor Anthony Chergosky said that it was worth noting that Gwen Walz chose to attend the La Crosse event, of all possible events across the country.

This is a really narrow set of swing states in the current election cycle  its one of the biggest changes that weve seen in a presidential election, Chergosky said, noting there are only seven real swing states at play in this election. Time and money are really important resources, and swing states are going to get more time and money than ever before.

Chergosky doesnt think debates typically make that much of a difference, but that all changed in June when Trump faced off with President Joe Biden while the president was still in the race.

The ramifications of the debate in June went against the conventional wisdom.  That June debate is undoubtedly a key moment in recent American political history, said Chergosky. This debate was night and day compared to the first presidential debate because Harris was able to present ideas and articulate campaign themes in a way that Biden simply couldnt. I think Democrats are likely to be thrilled with the Harris performance, simply because it was such a substantial improvement over the disastrous Biden debate.

In the age of social media, Chergosky said viral moments from the debate are more likely to impact voters opinions than the complete broadcast from Tuesday.

I certainly pay attention to the effect that the debate might have on those who watch the whole thing, but I also think a lot about the effects for those who are catching the viral moments on social media and on the news, Chergosky said moments before music artist Taylor Swift endorsed the Harris-Walz campaign. Oh my goodness, Taylor Swift just endorsed Kamala Harris.  That makes a big difference with young voters. I mean, the Taylor Swift endorsement might matter more than anything that happened in this debate.

Representatives from La Crosse County GOP did not respond to multiple requests for comment and U.S. Congressman Derrick Van Orden did not provide comment after the debate, the Wisconsin GOP released a statement after the debate declaring Trump as the winner.

Tonight was a decisive victory for President Trump, said WisGOP chairman Brian Schimming. After months of dodging the press and avoiding serious questions, Kamala Harris faced the cold and stark reality that voters expect more from their leaders than rosy sentiments and empty promises. The American people saw firsthand the contrast between President Trumps strong vision for the future and Kamala Harriss uninspired repackaging of Bidenomics and porous borders.

Republicans held no formal events in La Crosse tied to Tuesdays debate.

Joe Hammes, a self-proclaimed lifelong Democrat from La Crosse, said he believes Harris and Walz represent him as a working middle-class America.

As a Midwesterner, I am so thrilled when I see Gov. Walz and Mrs. Walz and the entire family  its almost like I can look at them and be like, We could be in this ticket, said Hammes. This is the most middle-class ticket in my lifetime.  That is inspiring to me.

Several local elected leaders attended the event to show their support ahead of the debate, including La Crosse Mayor Mitch Reynolds, state Rep. Jill Billings, state Sen. Brad Pfaff, and Democratic candidates Rebecca Cooke and Tara Johnson.

Reynolds noted his nonpartisan role in La Crosse government, but believes he must be involved because of his views about the Trump-JD Vance ticket.

I dont want to live in that country, said Reynolds. When we look at Vice President Kamala Harris, we know that we have a fighter for the American people. We know that we have somebody who has humility, who has empathy, who has compassion, all of the things that other candidate has none of.

Gwen Walz attends La Crosse presidential debate watch party
ONALASKA  An unusual free petting zoo will return to the Onalaska Public Library from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday. Instead of live animals, this zoo will consist of string instruments that young community members can try out with the support of musicians from La Crosse Symphony Orchestra and Leithold Music.

We had such a resoundingly positive response from community members after our last event, said Dawn Tevis, Youth Services coordinator. Were thrilled to help make the arts accessible to our communities by bringing this back and by expanding on it with even more live music and more opportunity to learn about local music resources.

Attendees will also hear a reading of The Lorax set to music by a string quartet. All ages are welcome.
"Treasured Time", an immersive exhibition displaying watches and clocks collected by the royal family during the Qing dynasty is running at the Deep Digital Museum at Beijing 751 Park.

The exhibition, jointly organized by the Chinese Cultural Relics Society, the Chinese Horological Association, and Shenyang Museum Association, showcases nearly a hundred rare and exquisite timepieces from the late 18th to early 20th centuries, mainly from Switzerland, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany.

The exhibition is arranged in ancient court style, perfectly presenting the history and art of Qing Palace clocks, inviting the audience to a journey back in time to the charm of Qing Palace clocks firsthand. During the opening ceremony, Li Li, the director of the Deep Digital Museum, expressed that the exhibition allows the audience to admire the precious collections of Qing Palace clocks at close quarters.

Zhang Hongguang, the chairman of the Chinese Horological Association, delivered a speech at the opening ceremony, stating, "clocks are one of the great and exquisite creations of mankind, representing humanity's precise measurement and expression of time. It is due to the continuous efforts of our vast horological community and new friends that Qing Palace timepieces, as historical and cultural heritage, can demonstrate vitality in promotion and promotion, play a greater role in cultural heritage, and receive more support''.

The restoration techniques of clocks and watches, as an intangible cultural heritage, benefit from the maintenance and restoration by highly accomplished and skilled clock masters, ensuring their orderly inheritance and continuation to this day. At the opening ceremony, Wang Jin, a senior antique clock conservator from the Palace Museum, demonstrated the process of restoring ancient clocks on-site, allowing the audience to understand the unique skills and charm of this representative national intangible cultural heritage project.

He not only talked about his years of dedication to the restoration of antique clocks in the Forbidden City, but also shared the essence of the restoration techniques on-site, allowing the audience to feel the charm and warmth of this ancient craft up close.

The Deep Digital Museum stated that it will continue to launch a series of exhibitions with Qing Palace elements as the main theme in the future, such as lacquerware and Qing Palace clothing, to explore the mysteries of history together with the audience.
A drone photo taken on Aug. 22, 2024 shows a view of the container terminal of Rizhao Port in Rizhao, east China's Shandong Province. [Photo/Xinhua]

China's foreign trade has continued to demonstrate strong resilience during the first eight months of the year, despite the complex and challenging external environment, official data showed on Tuesday.

The goods trade volume expanded 6 percent year on year in yuan terms in the first eight months of this year, according to the General Administration of Customs (GAC).

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.

Lyu Daliang, director of the GAC's Department of Statistics and Analysis, attributed the increase in foreign trade to thriving demand both at home and abroad.

"China's economy has seen a continuous recovery since the beginning of this year. In the first half of the year, China's shares of global exports and imports have both posted a stable increase," Lyu said.

ASEAN remained China's largest trading partner, with bilateral trade volume reaching 4.5 trillion yuan in the first eight months, up 10 percent from a year ago, accounting for 15.7 percent of the country's total foreign trade. It was followed by the European Union with trade volume standing at 3.72 trillion yuan, the United States at 3.15 trillion yuan, and the Republic of Korea at 1.51 trillion yuan.

China's goods trade with countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative surged by 7 percent to 13.48 trillion yuan in the first eight months.

Mechanical and electrical products continued to dominate China's exports during the period, accounting for nearly 60 percent of the total.

Specifically, exports of automatic data processing equipment and components rose 11.6 percent year on year in the first eight months, integrated circuits increased by 24.8 percent and automobiles by 22.2 percent.

China's western region has taken the lead in terms of foreign trade growth rate nationwide. In the first eight months, driven by the export of high-tech products, the import and export volume in the western region increased by 10.1 percent year on year, surpassing growth rates of 6.7 percent and 2.2 percent in the eastern and northeastern regions, respectively.

In the first eight months, foreign trade volume of private enterprises rose 10.5 percent year on year, accounting for 55.1 percent of the country's total.

China aims to raise the volume and quality of foreign trade, boost imports of high-quality goods, and help foreign trade enterprises lower costs and boost efficiency, according to this year's government work report.
The General Court largely upholds the decision by the Court of Auditors to recover expenditure considered to be undue

CQ, in his capacity as a Member of the European Court of Auditors, received reimbursement for various expenses, and benefited from an official car and the provision of a driver.

As a result of information obtained by the Court of Auditors concerning several serious irregularities attributed to that Member which had led to potentially undue expenditure being charged to the EU budget, the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) was informed.

Following an investigation, OLAF concluded that there had been a certain number of abuses of the resources of the Court of Auditors in the context of activities unrelated to CQs functions, that confidential information had been transmitted and that there had been a conflict of interests.

Following OLAFs investigation, the Court of Auditors adopted a decision establishing a financial claim against CQ and ordering the recovery of that amount. CQ paid the amount claimed by the Court of Auditors, whilst bringing an action before the General Court of the European Union for annulment of that decision and making a claim for compensation for the non-material damage which he claimed to have suffered[1].

In its judgment delivered today, the General Court holds that the investigation carried out by OLAF was not vitiated by any irregularity and that the Court of Auditors decision to recover certain amounts was sufficiently reasoned and largely well founded. As regards the merits of the recovery decision, the General Court concludes that, despite the fact that five years elapsed between the facts and the finding that there was a financial claim, most of the claims were not time-barred since, as regards those claims, it was only after the OLAF investigation had been completed that the Court of Auditors was able to establish them. The General Court also confirms that a significant proportion of CQs meetings with politicians had no connection with his duties as a Member of the Court of Auditors, and therefore holds that the expenses incurred in connection with such meetings were irregular. However, the General Court annuls the recovery decision, finding, first, that a very limited number of claims were time-barred and, second, that certain mission and representation expenses, as well as expenses linked to the driver, were legitimate[2].

The General Court dismisses the claim for compensation in respect of the non-material damage which CQ alleges he suffered. According to the General Court, CQ did not establish that the alleged damage was the direct consequence of an act attributable to the Court of Auditors, with the result that one of the conditions for non-contractual liability to be incurred by the European Union, namely the unlawfulness of the conduct alleged against the EU institution[3], was not satisfied.

[1] CQ argues that the Court of Auditors harmed his career and reputation as a result of its successive communications regarding the existence and conclusions of OLAFs report at a time when he himself did not have access to that report or to any preliminary report by the President of the Court of Auditors.

[2] The Court of Auditors is, consequently, required to repay CQ the amount of 19 254.20, plus late payment interest at the rate of 3.5% from 7 June 2019 until full payment by the Court of Auditors.

[3] For the European Union to incur non-contractual liability under the second subparagraph of Article 340 TFEU, a set of cumulative conditions must be met, namely that the conduct alleged against the EU institution is unlawful, that damage has actually been suffered, and that there is a causal link between that institutions conduct and the damage invoked.

:: Judgment of the General Court in Case T-386/19 | CQ v Court of Auditors
Some top universities in the United States are reporting drops in the number of Black students in their incoming classes. At other colleges, including Princeton University and Yale University, the share of Black students changed little.

This falls class is the first admitted since a Supreme Court ruling barred affirmative action in higher education.

Several schools have seen changes in numbers of Asian, Hispanic and Native American students, but trends are still unclear. Experts and colleges say it will take years to measure the full effect of the ruling.

The end of affirmative action is not the only possible reason for the changing numbers. Some colleges are changing requirements, making test results more important. Earlier this year, there was a problem with the federal government's college financial aid process.

On September 5, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) reported drops in enrollment among Black, Hispanic and Native American students in its incoming class. It was one of the colleges at the center of the Supreme Court case.

The population of Black students dropped nearly 3 percentage points this fall, to 7.8 percent. Hispanic student enrollment fell from 10.8 percent to 10.1 percent, while the incoming Native American population fell half a percentage point to 1.1 percent, according to the university. The incoming Asian student population rose 1 percentage point to 25.8 percent. The share of white students, at 63.8 percent, hardly changed.

Rachelle Feldman is UNC's vice provost for enrollment. She said the delay in the student aid process was another possible influence on the enrollment numbers.

"We are committed to following the new law, Feldman said. She also said the school administration is committed to making sure all North Carolinas students know that they are welcome at UNC and can succeed there.

Other universities reported sharp drops in Black student enrollment. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) said the percentage of incoming Black students fell from 15 percent to 5 percent. Another Massachusetts school, Amherst College, reported the percentage fell from 11 percent to 3 percent.

At Tufts University in Massachusetts, the drop in the share of Black students was smaller, from 7.3 percent to 4.7 percent. At Yale, the University of Virginia and Princeton, the change year-over-year was less than a percentage point.

Changes in enrollment for other demographic groups were more mixed. At MIT, for example, the percentage of Asian students increased from 40 percent to 47 percent. However, its Hispanic and Latino percentage dropped from 16 percent to 11 percent. And MITs percentage of white students stayed about the same.

But at Yale, the percentage of Asian students fell from 30 percent to 24 percent. White students at Yale went from 42 percent of the class to 46 percent. Hispanic and Latino students saw an increased representation of 1 percentage point.

Colleges have started looking for other ways to preserve the diversity they say is critical to university life.

JT Duck is head of admissions at Tufts University in Massachusetts. He said the school would work with community organizations to reach underrepresented, low-income students and students whose parents did not graduate from college. He suggested that people not worry too much about year-to-year changes in enrollment.

At UNC, vice provost Feldman said the university wants to make sure "anyone from any background knows they can earn their way here."

Katharine Meyer works at the Brookings Institution. She said it is hard to tell which policy change is having a greater effect. But so far, she said, the drops in underrepresented minority students are smaller than in previous cases. California passed a ban on affirmative action in 1995 and Michigan did so in 2014. But since those bans, Meyer said, colleges have developed more effective, non-race-based ways of recruiting and enrolling a diverse class.

Im Jill Robbins.

Annie Ma and Makiya Seminera reported this story for the Associated Press. Jill Robbins adapted it for Learning English.

Quiz - US Colleges Report Effects of Ban on Race-based Admissions Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz

______________________________________________

Words in This Story

affirmative action  n. the practice of improving the educational and job opportunities of members of groups that have not been treated fairly in the past because of their race, sex, or the like

enroll  v. to take (someone) as a member or participant

committed  adj. willing to give your time, energy, and the like to something

diversity  n. the state of having people who are different races or who have different cultures in a group or organization

recruit  v. to find suitable people and get them to join a company, an organization, the armed forces, et

What do you think of this story? Write to us in the Comments Section.
The United States is in a state of shock after a day of attacks which have left thousands dead and New Yorks World Trade Center destroyed.

The Pentagon was also severely damaged by one of the three civilian airliners which hijackers turned into flying bombs. A fourth plane crashed in a field near Pittsburgh.

A state of emergency has been declared in Washington D.C. and the US has closed its airspace and its borders with Mexico and Canada.

American forces are on one of their highest states of alert and the Pentagon has deployed a naval battle group off the countrys east coast to bolster air defences.

American Airlines Flight 11 was hijacked at 0825 Eastern Daylight Time (1225 GMT) and 18 minutes later crashed into the north tower of the World Trade Center.

United Airlines Flight 175  which had been hijacked within minutes of the first plane  was flown into the south tower at 0903 EDT (1303 GMT) causing another devastating explosion.

The second crash was captured live on news cameras trained on the burning north tower.

At 0940 EDT (1340 GMT) a third hijacked airliner  American Airlines Flight 77  was flown into the side of the Pentagon in Washington.

An hour after the Boeing 767 slammed into the south tower of the World Trade Center the 110-storey building collapsed.

The north tower followed minutes later, compounding the destruction and loss of life.

Witnesses reported seeing people jumping from the towers just before they collapsed.

President Bush was reading to pupils at a Florida school when his chief of staff whispered news of the attacks to him.

He was flown to the US Strategic Command Centre at Nebraska  where the countrys nuclear weapons are controlled  but is now on his way back to Washington.

He is expected to address the nation later this evening.

New York mayor Rudy Giuliani said the final number of dead may be more than any of us can bear.

Courtesy BBC News

In context

The final number of people killed in the suicide attacks on 11 September was about 3,000.

It took almost nine months to clear the millions of tons of rubble at Ground Zero where the World Trade Center had stood.

The biggest criminal investigation in history quickly identified the hijackers, and linked them to al-Qaeda  the Islamic militant group set up by Osama Bin Laden. <br>

President Bush declared a worldwide war on terror, and on 8 October the United States and Britain hit targets in Afghanistan, where Bin Laden was believed to be hiding.

The regime in Afghanistan fell quickly in the face of American military might, but Osama Bin Laden remained at large for years.

President Bush extended his global campaign against terror to Iraq in March 2003, when a coalition dominated by US and UK forces invaded.
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 yesterday, 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. MDT/AP
An estimated 600,000 people  a figure nearing half of East Timors population - packed a seaside park yesterday for Pope Francis 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 the 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.

The Tasitolu park was a sea of yellow and white umbrellas  the colors of the Holy See flag  as Timorese shielded themselves from the afternoon sun awaiting Francis arrival for the afternoon service. They got occasional spritzes of relief from water trucks that plied the field with hoses.

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 at the field at 9 a.m. from Baucau, more than seven hours early.

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.

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 U.N. Development Program.

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.

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 organizers that 600,000 people were attending in the Tasitolu park and surrounding areas.

They lined up before dawn to enter the park, on the coast about 8 kilometers 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. Temperatures reached 31 degrees Celsius (88 degrees Fahrenheit), and 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 128 kilometers east of the capital.

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 plainclothes police clashed with some 20 young men who shouted Viva a independencia and Viva o Papa!

Many of the reports at the time quoted Dili Bishop Carlos Ximenes Belo in trying to draw attention to the plight of the Timorese people. Belo would go onto win the Nobel Peace Prize with Ramos-Horta for their efforts to peacefully resolve the Timorese conflict.

But 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, Belos historic role has been seemingly erased from any official mention during Francis 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 didnt mention Belo by name. HELENA ALVES, TASITOLU, MDT/AP
Macaus luxury market is experiencing a significant downturn, even as Chinas Individual Visit Scheme (IVS) expands.

Once a catalyst for high-end tourism, the IVS is now struggling to maintain its previous momentum in the rapidly changing consumer landscape.

The IVS, introduced in 2003, allowed affluent mainland Chinese tourists to visit Macau frequently, indulging in its casinos, luxury retail outlets and fine dining.

However, according to industry observers cited by Asia Gaming Brief, the benefits of this scheme are diminishing due to shifts in the economic environment in China.

Consumers are increasingly gravitating toward more affordable luxury options and local brands.

Johnson Ian, president of the Synergy of Macau political party, emphasized the urgency for businesses catering to high-end consumers to adapt to the decline in luxury spending.

They have no choice but to adapt, he said, highlighting the sluggish sales at luxury T Galleria stores within Macaus integrated resorts.

This downturn has led to salary cuts and unpaid leave for frontline staff.

In July, Chinese visitors were permitted to spend up to RMB15,000 ($2,064) in duty-free shopping across both Hong Kong and Macau, nearly doubling the previous limit.

This policy aims to stimulate economic recovery in the two Special Administrative Regions post-pandemic.

However, Ian remains doubtful about its long-term effectiveness.

While easing the IVS restrictions will help to some degree, it wont have a significant impact, he said.

As Chinas economy faces downward pressure and declining incomes, consumer spending is bound to shrink.

Ian also pointed to rising competition from regions like Hainan, which is quickly becoming a luxury shopping hub due to its tax-free policies.

By 2025, Hainan will become a zero-tariff zone, posing stiff competition for Macau and Hong Kongs high-end retail markets, he noted.

Mainland Chinese consumers no longer need to wait months to shop in Macau; they can easily visit Hainan or even Europe, where prices may be more favorable.

Declining Consumer Spending and Business Adjustments

The enthusiasm for spending in Macau is waning, as evidenced by statistical data and retail trends.

Ian noted average tourist spending has dropped significantly since the pandemic.

Before the pandemic, in 2019, spending was lower than during the pandemic when Macau was the only foreign destination available to mainland visitors. Now, that high spending has dropped, impacting multiple sectors.

In a stark illustration of these challenges, luxury retailer DFS Group laid off approximately 80 frontline sales employees in late August, marking its first significant workforce reduction since entering the Macau market in 2008.

DFS attributed this decision to the rapid changes in Macaus luxury retail landscape, resulting in a 5% workforce cut.

The company reported a nearly 40% revenue drop compared to both last year and pre-pandemic levels.

In June, DFS began trimming expenses due to the revenue slump, cutting salaries of frontline employees by nearly 50%.

The cosmetics segment has been particularly hard-hit, with sales plummeting since the latter half of the previous year.

Macaus luxury market is also contending with increased competition from destinations like Europe and Hainan, which have eased visa requirements for Chinese nationals.

Additionally, the governments crackdown on VIP gaming and the decline of junket operators has shifted visitor preferences toward shorter, more affordable stays and experience-focused activities.

Billy Song, president of the Macau Responsible Gaming Association, believes Macau must enhance its marketing strategies to attract affluent tourists beyond mainland China and reduce its reliance on the IVS.

Nadia Shaw
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, its a powerful lever that humans can use to fight climate change, Jackson said. Thats because cutting it could yield relatively quick benefits.

In 2000, 60% of the methane spewed into the air came from direct human activity. Now its 65%, the study found.

Its a very worrying paper, but actually not a big surprise unfortunately, said climate scientist Bill Hare, CEO of Climate Analytics, who wasnt 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.

Jacksons 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. SETH BORENSTEIN, MDT/AP Science Writer
The U.S. Biosecure Act, approved by the House of Representatives on Tuesday, has drawn harsh criticism from concerned Chinese companies, global pharmaceutical firms and industry insiders.

Targeting the so-called "China threat," the act curbs business with Chinese firms like WuXi AppTec and BGI Genomics under national security pretexts. Its passage was followed by a sharp drop in the stocks of these biotech companies and their prompt responses through statements.

WuXi AppTec Co., Ltd., a global service provider that offers integrated solutions across the drug development lifecycle, clarified in its statement that it neither operates a human genomics business nor engages in the collection of human genomic data globally.

The company said that it has not, does not, and will not pose a security risk to the U.S. or any other countries, and strongly objects to any unsubstantiated and preemptive designation without due process.

Following the passage of the act, the value of WuXi AppTec's shares plummeted by over 10% in Hong Kong. The company has pledged to track the legislation's progress and to engage in dialogue with all pertinent stakeholders.

MGI Tech Co., Ltd., a life science and biotech arm of BGI Group, also released a statement on Tuesday. It said the baseless legislation, drafted under the guise of national security, is likely to jeopardize global biosecurity by slowing the sector's progress, stifling innovation and making it harder for global companies to benefit from and share important medical breakthroughs.

Moreover, reduced market competition could escalate costs within the sector, ultimately harming those whose lives depend on research advancements, according to the statement.

BGI Group also released a statement later saying, "We are disappointed that the U.S. legislative process is being used to pick winners and losers."

While imposing discriminatory measures against Chinese companies, the act seriously violates the basic market principles universally recognized, and is bound to hinder fair competition in the fields of biotech innovation and the development of innovative drugs, said Yan Jianzhou, an associate professor of the School of International Pharmaceutical Business, China Pharmaceutical University.

"A safe, stable and efficient pharmaceutical supply chain is the common expectation of people worldwide. The U.S. act is expected to suppress global cooperation and research and development activities in the field of biomedicine," Yan noted. "Against the backdrop of the globalization of innovative drug development, the passage of this bill is undoubtedly a step backward in history."

This shared unease transcends the Pacific, finding expression in leading global pharmaceutical companies and among American congressmen.

Representative Jim McGovern, the ranking member on the House Rules Committee, opposed the bill, arguing that he could not get a clear answer for how the companies were identified, according to media reports.

Rand Paul, a Kentucky Republican and the solitary committee dissenter concerning a Senate version of the Biosecure Act, previously stated in a July 2024 interview that it was a mistake to let hysteria over China stop international trade -- warning that "trade isolationism" could lead to war.

A recent survey conducted by the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) has uncovered a significant dependency within the American biopharmaceutical industry on Chinese biomanufacturing partners.

The survey, which included 124 biopharma companies, revealed that a staggering 79% of the respondents have active contracts or products that are manufactured by China-based or China-owned Contract Development and Manufacturing Organizations (CDMOs) or Contract Manufacturing Organizations (CMOs). These findings suggest that it could take such companies up to eight years to transition to new manufacturing partners, a process that, if not managed carefully, could potentially impact the treatment of millions of patients worldwide.

This highlights the possible disruptions to global supply chains that may ensue should the bill become law, as suggested by many industry insiders.

Following the introduction of the bill in Congress, the confidence of U.S.-based life science companies in collaborating with Chinese counterparts plummeted by 30% to 50%, according to a survey conducted earlier this year by L.E.K. Consulting, a global strategy consulting firm.

Several leading global biopharmaceutical companies, such as Merck, Gilead Sciences and Vertex Pharmaceuticals, have identified potential repercussions of the Biosecure Act, including higher expenses, clinical trial setbacks, and postponements concerning U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulatory submissions and drug launches.

"The act will disrupt clinical trials of drugs and delay the development and market launch of innovative drugs at the micro level. At the macro level, it is also expected to affect the stability and efficiency of the global pharmaceutical supply chain, limiting patients' access to safe and effective innovative drugs," Yan said.

Zhu Feng, executive dean of the School of International Studies, Nanjing University, said that the bill will heighten political and security concerns of American businesses and research institutions in maintaining normal relations with China, and further constrain China-U.S. ties in science, technology and education.
Sam Hou Fai, a 62-year-old former judge, is poised to become Macaus next Chief Executive after securing an unprecedented 96% of nominations from the 400-member Chief Executive Election Committee.

With 383 endorsements, Sam will run unopposed in the Oct. 13 election, as no other potential candidates will be able to get the minimum 66 votes required to stand.

Sam, who resigned from his position as President of Macaus Court of Final Appeal last month to run for the top job, submitted his nomination form to the Electoral Affairs Commission yesterday morning.

In a statement, he expressed his intention to continue gathering support from the remaining committee members and soliciting opinions from the local community.

The lack of competition in Macaus CE elections is not uncommon, as all but the inaugural election in 1999 have featured a single candidate.

Edmund Ho emerged victorious in the 1999 election, capturing nearly 82% of the votes.

He subsequently became Macaus first Chief Executive after the territorys handover from Portugal to China. Stanley Au was the other candidate in that election.

Sam has received overwhelming support from the committee, which highlights strong backing from the pro-establishment figures who make up the electorate.

In recent days, Sam has met with representatives from various business associations to discuss the current state and future development of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

The associations suggested the need for more measures to boost the economy in neighborhood areas and support struggling SMEs, as well as establishing a dedicated body for grassroots economic development.

If elected, Sam would become Macaus first Chief Executive with a legal background, in contrast to his predecessors who all hailed from the business sector.

As the city looks to diversify its casino-dependent economy and address the challenges posed by the pandemic, Sams leadership will be crucial in shaping Macaus future. Nadia Shaw
A man whose threatening phone call over a hospital bill caused a lockdown Friday morning at Unity Point Health-Meriter Hospital was charged Tuesday with making terrorist threats.

The 22-year-old man was upset about a bill for a $3,000 charge at Meriter and made threats to kill himself and others during a phone call to Meriter, according to a criminal complaint filed in Dane County Circuit Court.

But once he was told that the bill would be waived, he calmed down and ended the call, the complaint states.

Police later arrested the man near his workplace on Madisons West Side. In an officers squad car, the complaint states, he told the officer, This is great. I was going to kill someone today.

In court Tuesday, Court Commissioner Brian Asmus ordered the man jailed on $500 bail, which attorney Stanley Woodard said the man could raise with help from his family. Asmus also wondered whether a mental health civil commitment hadnt been sought following the mans arrest.

Asmus ordered the man to wear a GPS monitor when released and to have no contact with Meriter Hospital, Unity Point clinics or their employees except in a medical emergency.

The threats charge is Wisconsins lowest-level felony, punishable by up to 3 years of combined prison and extended supervision. While Asmus noted the threats were not what Meriter workers like to hear, he said there was no evidence stated in the complaint that the man had taken any steps to act on them.

According to the complaint:

A Meriter employee told police that the man had been brought to Meriter on an earlier occasion by Fitchburg police after expressing suicidal ideation. He did not go to the hospital willingly but was taken there by police.

Later, hospital staff unsuccessfully called the man to speak to him about his billing account. A letter requesting insurance information was sent to him instead, and the letter prompted his phone call to Meriter on Friday, a Meriter worker told police.

She said the mans threats during the call were serious enough that she asked for help from a supervisor. She said the man told her he was going to go to Meriter and kill her and then kill himself.

If you dont get rid of the bill, Im gonna come kill people, she told police he said.

Earlier during the call, the man told hospital employees to call the police, tell them Im armed and dangerous, have them send the most racist cop and have them shoot me.

He also made a threat to kill family members of a Meriter employee, according to the complaint.
The Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FFCCCII), led by president Dr. Cecilio Pedro, participated in 17th World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention in Malaysia from Sept. 9 to 11, 2024.

Organized by The Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM) with the theme Draw a New Order and Create a New Situation, the convention brought together over 4,000 business leaders from the private and public sectors as well as experts and scholars from around the world to foster dialogue, learning and collaboration aimed at enhancing global economic prosperity.

- Advertisement -

Malaysia Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, along with several key ministers, attended the convention on Sept. 10.

ACCCIM president Tan Sri Dato Low Kian Chun highlighted the scale and impact of the convention, noting that it attracted around 1,500 local representatives and 3,000 international delegates.

The 17th World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention is a great chance to highlight Malaysias investment potential and promote Kuala Lumpur as a top destination. It also helped kick off Malaysias Tourism Year plans. Low said.

He said the convention serves as an ideal platform for leaders to share innovative ideas, exchange perspectives and build cooperative relationships.

The FFCCCIIs delegation included Dr. Pedro, honorary president Tan Ching, executive vice president Victor Lim, vice president William Gosiaco, David Chua, Jeffrey Ng, Tai Lian, Jose Go, Anthony Chan, Cokin Hung, Antonio Cosing and Edwin Fabro.

The chambers participation showed the value of international collaboration in creating business opportunities and strengthening global connections.

The convention fostered important discussions among various stakeholders and helped shape future global economic strategies and partnerships.
Biotech companies, experts highlight threats of U.S. act to innovation, cooperation

Xinhua) 08:06, September 11, 2024

BEIJING, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. Biosecure Act, approved by the House of Representatives on Tuesday, has drawn harsh criticism from concerned Chinese companies, global pharmaceutical firms and industry insiders.

Targeting the so-called "China threat," the act curbs business with Chinese firms like WuXi AppTec and BGI Genomics under national security pretexts. Its passage was followed by a sharp drop in the stocks of these biotech companies and their prompt responses through statements.

WuXi AppTec Co., Ltd., a global service provider that offers integrated solutions across the drug development lifecycle, clarified in its statement that it neither operates a human genomics business nor engages in the collection of human genomic data globally.

The company said that it has not, does not, and will not pose a security risk to the U.S. or any other countries, and strongly objects to any unsubstantiated and preemptive designation without due process.

Following the passage of the act, the value of WuXi AppTec's shares plummeted by over 10 percent in Hong Kong. The company has pledged to track the legislation's progress and to engage in dialogue with all pertinent stakeholders.

MGI Tech Co., Ltd., a life science and biotech arm of BGI Group, also released a statement on Tuesday. It said the baseless legislation, drafted under the guise of national security, is likely to jeopardize global biosecurity by slowing the sector's progress, stifling innovation and making it harder for global companies to benefit from and share important medical breakthroughs.

Moreover, reduced market competition could escalate costs within the sector, ultimately harming those whose lives depend on research advancements, according to the statement.

BGI Group also released a statement later saying, "We are disappointed that the U.S. legislative process is being used to pick winners and losers."

While imposing discriminatory measures against Chinese companies, the act seriously violates the basic market principles universally recognized, and is bound to hinder fair competition in the fields of biotech innovation and the development of innovative drugs, said Yan Jianzhou, an associate professor of the School of International Pharmaceutical Business, China Pharmaceutical University.

"A safe, stable and efficient pharmaceutical supply chain is the common expectation of people worldwide. The U.S. act is expected to suppress global cooperation and research and development activities in the field of biomedicine," Yan noted. "Against the backdrop of the globalization of innovative drug development, the passage of this bill is undoubtedly a step backward in history."

This shared unease transcends the Pacific, finding expression in leading global pharmaceutical companies and among American congressmen.

Representative Jim McGovern, the ranking member on the House Rules Committee, opposed the bill, arguing that he could not get a clear answer for how the companies were identified, according to media reports.

Rand Paul, a Kentucky Republican and the solitary committee dissenter concerning a Senate version of the Biosecure Act, previously stated in a July 2024 interview that it was a mistake to let hysteria over China stop international trade -- warning that "trade isolationism" could lead to war.

A recent survey conducted by the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) has uncovered a significant dependency within the American biopharmaceutical industry on Chinese biomanufacturing partners.

The survey, which included 124 biopharma companies, revealed that a staggering 79 percent of the respondents have active contracts or products that are manufactured by China-based or China-owned Contract Development and Manufacturing Organizations (CDMOs) or Contract Manufacturing Organizations (CMOs). These findings suggest that it could take such companies up to eight years to transition to new manufacturing partners, a process that, if not managed carefully, could potentially impact the treatment of millions of patients worldwide.

This highlights the possible disruptions to global supply chains that may ensue should the bill become law, as suggested by many industry insiders.

Following the introduction of the bill in Congress, the confidence of U.S.-based life science companies in collaborating with Chinese counterparts plummeted by 30 percent to 50 percent, according to a survey conducted earlier this year by L.E.K. Consulting, a global strategy consulting firm.

Several leading global biopharmaceutical companies, such as Merck, Gilead Sciences and Vertex Pharmaceuticals, have identified potential repercussions of the Biosecure Act, including higher expenses, clinical trial setbacks, and postponements concerning U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulatory submissions and drug launches.

"The act will disrupt clinical trials of drugs and delay the development and market launch of innovative drugs at the micro level. At the macro level, it is also expected to affect the stability and efficiency of the global pharmaceutical supply chain, limiting patients' access to safe and effective innovative drugs," Yan said.

Zhu Feng, executive dean of the School of International Studies, Nanjing University, said that the bill will heighten political and security concerns of American businesses and research institutions in maintaining normal relations with China, and further constrain China-U.S. ties in science, technology and education.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
You are here: Business

People visit Chengdu Motor Show 2024 in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan province, Aug 30, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

China's auto sales grew 3% year on year in the first eight months of 2024, data from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers showed Tuesday.

Total sales came in at about 18.77 million units for the January-August period, the data showed.

During the period, the production of China's automakers reached 18.67 million vehicles, up 2.5% year on year.

In August alone, auto sales shrank 5 percent from a year ago to approximately 2.45 million units, while the output declined 3.2% to 2.49 million units.

The auto market was about to usher in its peak sales season, said Chen Shihua, deputy secretary-general of the association, referring to the months of September and October.

Highlighting the effects of trade-in programs, Chen said these policy measures will help boost the auto market for the rest of this year and further unleash the consumption vitality of the market.

China's auto exports expanded 25.4% year on year to 511,000 units last month, the data showed.
The Department of Education (DepEd) signed a memorandum of understanding with the Land Bank of the Philippines on Wednesday, the latter providing financial support for school repairs in different regions across the country.

Land Bank allocated P6 million in funding, with their subsidiaries such as Land Bank leasing and financial corporation contributing one million pesos.

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The Land Bank Resources and Development Corporation (LBRDC) will handle major construction to support DepEds last mile schools across the country, starting with the construction and installation of restrooms in three schools.

The funds will be used for repairs and rehabilitation of classrooms and municipalities that have been greatly affected by recent calamities. We will be supporting an initial twelve, last mile schools which were selected in close collaboration with DepEd based on your 2023 data and list of schools that need repairs, Senior Vice President of Land Bank, Catherine Villanueva said in her speech.

Meanwhile, President of Land Bank Lynette Ortiz highlighted in her speech the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) of Private Banks in helping the public sector.

I was also thinking that  Land Bank can initiate efforts to really mobilize the banking industry, to try to see how it could tap on CSR activities to allow banks to really maybe adopt more schools and that way, it could bridge the gap, she noted.

Secretary of Education Sonny Angara thanked the bank for its initiative in helping the public schools in the country, stating that the country needs all the help it can get for its children.
Actress Cheska Kramer and her daughter Kendra Kramer are stepping into the spotlight to promote cervical cancer awareness, underscoring the importance of health education and open communication within families.

The mother-daughter duo joined a panel discussion titled Her Story, Her Strength: Speaking Up on What We DeCerv, organized by MSD Philippines, to encourage women to take preventive measures against the disease.

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Cervical cancer, often caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), remains a significant health concern in the Philippines, with 12 Filipinas dying from the disease each day. While it is preventable through vaccination, stigma surrounding HPV, which can be sexually transmitted, often discourages women from seeking care.

Cheska emphasized the need for mothers and daughters to openly discuss health issues, particularly cervical cancer.

It is essential that we have open communication with our children, she said. Intentional parenting allows children to feel comfortable coming to us with anything.

Kendra, now a young advocate herself, echoed her mothers sentiments, highlighting the importance of early health education. Im grateful to have a mom who makes time for me. I tell her everything, and this openness has made me more aware of the preventive measures we can take, like vaccination, Kendra shared.

The Kramers urged other families to prioritize health literacy and foster open dialogue about cervical cancer prevention. Were open to talking about how we can prevent diseases like this. Its important to value and take care of our bodies, Cheska added.

The event featured experts who provided insights into cervical cancer prevention, including discussions on the availability of HPV vaccines at pharmacies and the financial benefits of early detection and prevention.

Cervical cancer survivor Belay Fernando and advocate Bea McLelland also shared their experiences, calling for greater awareness and support for women battling the disease.

The Kramers advocacy continues to inspire families to take charge of their health, stressing that preventive measures can help protect future generations.
Hundreds of people fled their homes in the Philippines on Wednesday after it spurted harmful gases, an official said, as experts warned of a potential eruption.

About 300 residents of villages within four kilometers (2.5 miles) of the Kanlaon volcano crater in the center of the country have been evacuated as a precaution, Canlaon City Mayor Jose Chubasco Cardenas told the Standard on Wednesday.

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At least 337 volcanic earthquakes were monitored Wednesday by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) in Mount Kanlaon over a 24-hour period amid its increased activity.

Based on experience and scientific explanations regarding volcanic eruptions, once the depth of the tremors reaches three kilometers, it could indicate an impending eruption, Cardenas said.

Phivolcs had warned that Kanlaon is likely to erupt anew after recent tremors indicated that magma has been rising or breaking the volcanic rocks.

According to the state seismic agency, sulfuric odors were reported in the following localities last night across Negros Oriental: Brgy. Ilijan, Bago City; Brgy. Ara-al and Brgy. San Miguel, La Carlota City; Brgy. Masulog, Brgy. Linothangan and Brgy. Pula, Canlaon City.

Local government executives activated emergency teams yesterday with some issuing mandatory evacuation orders as precautionary measures.

Classes were suspended and some tourist spots in the city of around 60,000 people were closed due to the volcano warning.

The ashfall has already affected between 50 to 100 hectares of vegetable crops in Canlaon City, Cardenas said.

There are no reported damages to houses, but agricultural losses are significant, he said.

The city government has assured the public that resources and equipment are ready if the situation escalates.

However, Mayor Cardenas expressed concern that a volcanic eruption could deplete their food and non-food supplies. Additional rescue vehicles from the provincial government of Negros Oriental have been deployed to assist in the swift evacuation of affected individuals.

Kanlaons daily average emission of sulfur dioxide almost tripled to 9,985 tons on Tuesday.

This is the highest emission from the volcano recorded since instrumental gas monitoring began, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said in a statement.

Current activity may lead to eruptive unrest, it added, putting residents of the four villages at risk from red hot swiftly moving ash clouds, ballistic projectiles, rockfalls and others.

Rising more than 2,400 meters (nearly 8,000 feet) above sea level on the central island of Negros, Kanlaon is one of the Philippines 24 active volcanoes.

It has erupted 15 times in the past nine years. In August 1431, three hikers were killed due to Kanlaon volcanos ash ejection.

In June, the state volcanology agency raised the alert level for the volcano from one to two on a zero-to-five scale, warning more explosive eruptions were possible.

The Philippines is located in the seismically active Pacific Ring of Fire that contains more than half the worlds volcanoes. With AFP

Editors Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline Hundreds flee after Philippine volcano warning.
MEXICO CITY Crowds of protesters invaded Mexicos Senate on Tuesday (Wednesday Manila time), forcing lawmakers to suspend a debate on controversial proposals by outgoing President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador to allow voters to elect judges.

The judicial reform plan, which experts say would make Mexico the worlds only country to elect all judges, has sparked mass demonstrations, diplomatic tensions and investor jitters.

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Senate president Gerardo Fernandez Norona declared an indefinite recess because demonstrators had entered the building, as television images showed crowds of protesters inside the upper house chamber.

He later called for the debate to resume on Tuesday evening in an alternative location, hours after upper house lawmakers began discussing the proposals.

Lopez Obrador, who wants the bill to be passed before he is replaced by close ally Claudia Sheinbaum on October 1, argues that in the current system the courts serve the interests of the political and economic elite, calling the judiciary rotten, corrupt and rife with nepotism.

What most worries those who are against this reform is that they will lose their privileges, because the judiciary is at the service of the powerful, at the service of white-collar crime, the leftist leader said at a news conference.

Opponents, including court employees and law students, have held a series of protests against the plan, under which even Supreme Court and other high-level judges, as well as those at the local level, would be chosen by popular vote.

Serving judges would have to stand for election in 2025 or 2027.

This does not exist in any other country, said Margaret Satterthwaite, United Nations special rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers.

In some countries, such as the US, some state judges are elected, and in others, such as in Bolivia, high-level judges are elected. If this reform passes, it will place Mexico in a unique position in terms of its method for judicial selection, she told AFP.

In an unusual public warning, Supreme Court chief justice Norma Pina said that elected judges could be more vulnerable to pressure from criminals, in a country where powerful drug cartels regularly use bribery and intimidation to influence officials.

The demolition of the judiciary is not the way forward, she said in a video released on Sunday.
The Philippines and China held high level bilateral discussions Wednesday on their ongoing maritime disputes in the South China and West Philippine Seas, primarily focusing on Escoda Shoal, known in Beijing as Xianbin Reef.

In a statement released by the Chinese Ministry on Foreign Affairs, both sides reportedly engaged in a frank and comprehensive discussion, particularly addressing the ongoing issue surrounding Xianbin Reef.

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Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong and Philippine Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro led the meeting as part of the Bilateral Consultation Mechanism (BCM) between both countries hosted by Beijing.

China reaffirmed its stance, urging the immediate withdrawal of Philippine vessels from the area, and emphasized its commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty and upholding the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said.

The two countries agreed to maintain open diplomatic channels through the BCM for future dialogue and conflict resolution, it added.

The Department of Foreign Affairs has yet to issue its own statement regarding this development as of this posting.
VSTECS Phils. Inc., the leading ICT distributor in the Philippines, is proud to announce its appointment as the authorized distributor of Extreme Networks, a global front-runner in cloud-driven networking solutions, trusted by more than half of the Fortune 50, and a Six-Time Leader in Gartner Magic Quadrant for Enterprise Wired and Wireless LAN Infrastructure and a 7X winner in Gartner Peer Insights Customers Choice.

This strategic partnership empowers VSTECS to market, sell, and distribute the full suite of Extreme Networks products, includingnetwork access control, network analytics, network management, network packet broker, routers, SD-WAN, switches, wi-fi access points & wifi management solutions across the Philippines.

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In todays interconnected world, networks serve as the backbone that seamlessly connects people, computers, applications, and devices, enabling all forms of communicationbe it voice, text, or video. They are the driving force behind the digital tools that businesses depend on to enhance efficiency, boost productivity, and elevate customer responsiveness.

Through this partnership, VSTECS will empower Philippine enterprises with access to Extreme Networks comprehensive portfolio, ensuring they have the advanced tools needed to build and maintain networks that are not only resilient but also equipped to support and accelerate their digital transformation initiatives.

Jimmy Go, President and CEO of VSTECS Phils. Inc., shared his excitement about the new partnership: We are honored to be appointed as the authorized distributor of Extreme Networks in the Philippines. This collaboration aligns with our commitment to providing our channel partners with cutting-edge technology that enhances their business operations. By bringing Extreme Networks advanced solutions to the market, we are enabling businesses to improve their agility, strengthen their security posture, and stay ahead in todays competitive landscape.

We believe that technology is a critical enabler of business success, especially in todays fast-paced digital environment, Go added. By offering Extreme Networks solutions, we are providing our customers with the essential tools they need to build resilient networks that can adapt to changing business demands and technological advancements. Extreme Networks innovative solutions are designed to meet the evolving needs of modern enterprises, providing the foundation for secure, reliable, and high-performance networks that drive business agility and resilience.

With the addition of Extreme Networks solutions to its extensive portfolio, VSTECS continues to solidify its position as the go-to partner for enterprises seeking to leverage technology to drive innovation and business success. The collaboration will enable businesses to deploy state-of-the-art networking infrastructure that supports their growth, enhances operational efficiency, and improves overall customer experience.

We are delighted to embark on this journey with VSTECS. This collaboration presents an exciting opportunity for us to amplify our impact and reach new heights of success. Together, we can leverage our strengths and resources to achieve remarkable results and make a lasting difference in the Philippines Region,said Hock Leong Choo, Director of APAC Channel at Extreme Networks.
On Tuesday in Abidjan, the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group marked its 60th anniversary, celebrating six decades of dedication to Africas development, prosperity, and resilience.

The event, attended by Cote dIvoire President Alassane Ouattara, senior government officials, international organizations, AfDB executives, members of the diplomatic corps, and other distinguished guests, showcased the Banks impactful history since its founding on September 10, 1964.

President Ouattara highlighted the significance of the AfDBs anniversary, expressing his pleasure at the event being held in Abidjan. He commended the Bank for its pivotal role in Africas development and its unwavering commitment to building a prosperous and developed continent. Despite numerous challenges, the AfDB has made substantial contributions to infrastructure development, economic reforms, and improving living conditions across Africa, with a notable emphasis on transparency and governance.

AfDB President Akinwumi A. Adesina reviewed the Banks achievements over the past 60 years, noting its growth from an initial capital of $250 million to $318 billion today. Since its inception, the AfDB has financed 6,575 projects across the continent, starting with early initiatives in Kenya and Sierra Leone. The Bank has mobilized over $184 billion to support Africas development and growth, reinforcing its role as the leading multilateral development institution in Africa.
Authorities in Guinea-Bissau seized 2.63 tons of cocaine in a plane coming from Venezuela, marking the largest drug seizure in the countrys history.

Guinea-Bissau is a known transit point for global drug trafficking, leading the UN to label it a narco-state.

The plane was reportedly registered in Mexico, and all five crew members, including the pilot, were detained, Reuters reported.

The crew consisted of two Mexicans, one Colombian, one Ecuadorian, and one Brazilian.

The operation was conducted in close cooperation with the US Drug Enforcement Administration and the Maritime Analysis and Operations CentreNarcotics, a European organization.

Since gaining independence from Portugal in 1974, the country has experienced nine coups, resulting in weak state institutions, which some believe has made it a fertile ground for drug barons.

Earlier in 2024, the son of Guinea-Bissaus ex-president was sentenced to over six years in a US prison for leading an international heroin trafficking ring.
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Ventral attention network areas demonstrate high population-level degree centrality but pronounced functional changes across development. Credit: Nature Neuroscience (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41593-024-01736-x

Past neuroscience studies have consistently highlighted the profound changes that the human brain undergoes throughout childhood and adolescence. These efforts have uncovered various stages of development, during which the brain's organization evolves to support increasingly complex cognitive functions, gradually shifting from a focus on somatosensory/motor and visual processing to more advanced mental capabilities.

These stages of brain development and their underlying neurobiological processes have been closely studied and are now relatively well-understood. In contrast, the contributions of specific functional networks (i.e., interconnected brain regions that collectively serve specific functions) to the brain's maturation process remain poorly delineated.

Researchers at Yale University, National University of Singapore and Beijing Normal University carried out a study investigating the extent to which individual functional networks contribute to the maturation of the brain and the gradual acquisition of new cognitive abilities before adulthood.

Their findings, published in Nature Neuroscience, suggest that one of the primary functional networks responsible for directing attention to specific stimuli plays a role in the brain's re-organization and cognitive development during childhood and adolescence.

"The human brain experiences functional changes through childhood and adolescence, shifting from an organizational framework anchored within sensorimotor and visual regions into one that is balanced through interactions with later-maturing aspects of association cortex," Hao-Ming Dong, Xi-Han Zhang and their colleagues wrote in their paper.

"We link this profile of functional reorganization to the development of ventral attention network connectivity across independent datasets."

As part of their study, the researchers analyzed brain imaging data collected from children and adolescents over the course of their development. The two datasets they analyzed were gathered as part of the Chinese color nest project (CCNP) and the ABCD study, two distinct longitudinal research efforts that collected brain scans and cognition-related data from children and adolescents at regular intervals for a few years.

By analyzing these two datasets, the researchers first delineated cortical regions that exhibited the most pronounced changes as the children who participated in the CCNP and ABCD studies grew. They observed that significant developmental shifts occurred within an attention-related brain network known as the ventral attention network (VAN).

The VAN is a functional network that supports the ability of humans to detect external, unexpected and behaviorally relevant stimuli, redirecting their attention towards them. The team found that the changes observed in this network were correlated with the children's cortical maturation and cognitive development.

"We demonstrate that maturational changes in cortical organization link preferentially to within-network connectivity and heightened degree of centrality in the ventral attention network, whereas connectivity within network-linked vertices predicts cognitive ability," wrote Dong, Zhang and their colleagues.

"This connectivity is associated closely with maturational refinement of cortical organization. Children with low ventral attention network connectivity exhibit adolescent-like topographical profiles, suggesting that attentional systems may be relevant in understanding how brain functions are refined across development."

Overall, the findings gathered by this research team suggest that attention-specialized functional networks, particularly the VAN, support the re-organization of the brain and cognitive maturation across childhood and adolescence.

These results could pave the way for additional studies aimed at further exploring the contribution of the VAN to neurodevelopment using other methods and longitudinal brain datasets.

More information: Hao-Ming Dong et al, Ventral attention network connectivity is linked to cortical maturation and cognitive ability in childhood, Nature Neuroscience (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41593-024-01736-x Journal information: Nature Neuroscience

 2024 Science X Network
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

You don't often see a "science day" in a Philadelphia courtroom. But that's 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 drugswhich help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce body weighthave been hailed as a "miracle," and have become a hot commodity, used by one in eight U.S. adults, according to a recent poll.

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 hormoneknown as GLP-1triggers 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 classcalled GLP-1 receptor agonistshave 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 three in four 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 person's life.

Meanwhile, one 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 body's 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 saidbut 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.

2024 The Philadelphia Inquirer, LLC. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Aerial view of a nuclear power station under construction in Ningde, Fujian province, in July. [Photo/Xinhua]

China has achieved significant strides in nuclear power development in recent years, rapidly expanding the industry and establishing a comprehensive nuclear power supply chain, positioning itself as a global leader in the sector.

Over the past decade, China has experienced rapid growth in nuclear power, developing substantial expertise and engineering capabilities in nuclear technology research and development, engineering design, equipment manufacturing, and construction operations, said Zhang Jianhua, head of China's National Energy Administration.

"After 40 years of exploration and practice, China has established a comprehensive industrial system, making it one of the few countries in the world with a complete nuclear power industry system," said Zhang. "Nuclear power has become a critical and primary energy source for the eastern coastal regions, with over 20% of the total electricity generated in five provinces  Liaoning, Zhejiang, Fujian, Guangdong and Hainan  coming from nuclear power, playing a significant role in ensuring power supply."

According to Zhang, China's operational nuclear power units have consistently maintained a high level of output in recent years, fully serving their role as a reliable baseload power source.

Although nuclear power now accounts for less than 2% of the total installed capacity nationwide, it generates nearly 5% of the country's electricity, he said.

In August, the State Council, the country's Cabinet, greenlighted five new nuclear power projects encompassing a record 11 units, as the country revs up nuclear power construction as part of its transition to green and low-carbon energy.

The expansion marks the highest number of approved nuclear units in a single year since 2015, a development rate that experts predict will significantly boost related manufacturing sectors.

Among the newly approved projects, Jiangsu Xuwei nuclear power heating plant, which encompasses three units and is operated by China National Nuclear Power Co Ltd, is the world's first to combine high-temperature gas-cooled reactors with pressurized water reactors.

Nuclear power generation reached 433.4 billion kilowatt-hours last year, making China the second-largest generator globally and accounting for 4.86% of the country's total power generation, resulting in an equivalent reduction of about 340 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually, according to the China Nuclear Energy Association.

According to BloombergNEF, the world's second-largest economy is expected to leapfrog France and the US as the top source of atomic power by 2030, as "the scale and speed of Beijing's crusade are hard to overstate".

Zhang said China is ranked first worldwide in the total number of nuclear power units under operation and construction as of now, making the country the world leader in nuclear power.

China now has 102 nuclear power units either under operation or construction, with a total installed capacity of 113.13 million kW. This includes 56 nuclear power units under operation with a total installed capacity of 58.08 million kW and 46 of them under construction with a total installed capacity of 55.05 million kW, he said.

Zhang Tingke, vice-president of the association, predicts that by 2035, nuclear power's share in China's energy mix will reach around 10%.

An analyst said the Chinese nuclear power industry has rapidly evolved from initially importing and imitating foreign technologies to now engaging in independent research, development, and innovative breakthroughs.

"China's nuclear power technology has advanced significantly and is now among the leading nuclear technologies globally," said Lin Boqiang, head of the China Institute for Studies in Energy Policy at Xiamen University. "This rapid development will also provide a substantial boost to related manufacturing sectors, driving growth in related industries such as nuclear equipment production. It will also strengthen China's energy security while positioning the country as a global leader in nuclear technology and green energy innovation."

Zhang, head of the NEA, said the government will continue to uphold the highest standards of operational management to ensure a stable and orderly pace of construction, while actively advancing the comprehensive use of nuclear energy in heating steam supply, and seawater desalination, to gradually increase the role of nuclear power in our energy and electricity mix.
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A recent review by Carlo Maley, a researcher at Arizona State University, and Lucie Laplane from the University of Paris Pantheon-Sorbonne critiques the dominant theory of cancer evolution. The authors discuss both the practical and theoretical limitations of the clonal model of cancer evolution and suggest ways to enhance its relevance and accuracy. Credit: Jason Drees, Arizona State University

Cancer cells are driven by the same imperative guiding all living things: to grow, survive and reproduce. Although cancer's evolutionary underpinnings have been recognized since the 1950s, clinicians have been slow to apply the lessons of evolution to the fight against this deadly disease, which remains the second-leading cause of death, claiming 9.7 million lives worldwide in 2022.

A new review by Arizona State University researcher Carlo Maley and Lucie Laplane from the University of Paris Pantheon-Sorbonne examines the prevailing theory of cancer evolution. The authors highlight both practical and theoretical limitations of the clonal model of cancer evolution and propose areas for improving the model's relevance and accuracy.

The research appears in the journal Nature Reviews Cancer.

The study suggests that the model could be improved by acknowledging that cancer cells inherit not only genetic mutations but also other traits that allow them to rapidly adapt to their environmenteven without genetic alterations.

Cancer cells are highly responsive to their surrounding environment, which can promote or suppress their growth. Further, cancer evolution often follows complex dynamics, leading to tangled and unpredictable growth patterns.

Cancer biologists have traditionally defined a "clone" as a group of cells descending from a single ancestor cell and sharing the same genetic makeup. But cancer cells mutate so fast that no two cells have the same genetic makeup. The study proposes replacing the concept of a clone with a focus on the cell genealogies that record the history and define the structure of the cells in a tumor.

The value of an effective model lies in its ability to explain how and why cancers evolve and respond to therapy. By refining the clonal evolution model, the study paves the way for more effective cancer therapies that consider the full complexity of cancer cell evolution.

"Evolution is such a powerful idea that when we apply it to the cells in our bodies, it explains how we get cancer and why it is so hard to cure. But, like everything in the real world, it's complicated," Maley says. "We set out to address the complications that people have pointed out and show how they can be integrated into our theory of how cancer works."

Maley is a researcher in the Biodesign Center for Biocomputing, Security and Society, director of the Arizona Cancer Evolution Center and professor with ASU's School of Life Sciences.

Carlo Maley. Credit: The Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University

Cancer beyond mutation

The clonal evolution theory of cancer suggests that cancer begins from a single cell that undergoes mutations, enabling it to grow and divide faster than normal cells. As this cell divides, some of its offspring may gain additional mutations that provide even greater advantages in survival and growth.

Over time, this process leads to a population of cancer cells that are very diverse but driven by those that are most fit for survival and reproduce in their environment. This theory helps explain why cancers can be so challenging to treatthey continuously evolve, making them adaptable to various therapies and environments.

To address these issues, the researchers explore the limits of the current evolutionary cancer theory. A key challenge is expanding this theory to encompass all the ways cancer evolves, including inheritance of more than just genes when cells divide and genetic material exchange among cells, as well as developing better methods to identify and track cancer cell variations.

Traditionally, it has been assumed that the DNA of cancer cells largely determines their behavior and progression. This includes how they grow, spread and respond to treatments. The study challenges this view, highlighting other factors such as the influence of a cell's surrounding environment and epigenetic changeschemical modifications that alter gene expression without changing the genetic sequence.

Another assumption is that the development of cancer can be traced like a tree, from one main ancestor cell branching out into all the cancer cells found in a tumor. That model implies a neat, predictable pattern of cancer growth. However, the study suggests this is not always the case.

Cancer cells can merge (through cell fusion) or acquire traits from other cells. This could make the growth pattern of cancers more complex, resembling more of a network with multiple influences and paths.

Further, while clonal evolution was initially considered a continuous, gradual process, it has been shown to occur during stasis, gradual change, or in sudden, punctuated bursts.

An evolving portrait of cancer

The clonal evolution model has already brought about a significant shift in how we view cancer, highlighting the disease's profoundly dynamic nature. This shift in perspective has helped discredit the search for a single "magic bullet" treatment and prompted changes in both research and treatment approaches.

Although the clinical impact of evolutionary theory has been limited so far, a range of evolutionary strategies for treatment has shown encouraging results, such as adaptive therapy, which can lead to dramatic improvements in time to progression and overall survival.

Understanding the multifaceted nature of cancer evolution is critical for developing more effective treatments. The study suggests that targeting not only genetic mutations but also epigenetic changes and interactions with the surrounding cell environment could improve treatment outcomes.

More information: Lucie Laplane et al, The evolutionary theory of cancer: challenges and potential solutions, Nature Reviews Cancer (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41568-024-00734-2 Journal information: Nature Reviews Cancer
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

New research has found four genes with some of the largest known effects on the timing of menopause discovered to date, providing new insight into links between menopause timing and cancer risk.

Genes come in pairs, and when women only have one working copy of the four new genes identified (ETAA1, ZNF518A, PNPLA8, PALB2), they have menopause between two and five-and-a-half years earlier than average.

The large-scale analysis, titled "Genetic links between ovarian aging, cancer risk and de novo mutation rates," has been published in Nature.

The team first looked at variation in data from genetic sequencing of 106,973 post-menopausal female participants in the UK Biobank study. Researchers focused on rare types of genetic changes which cause a loss of the protein, and investigated their effect on the timing of menopause.

The genetic changes studied are all rare in the population. However, their influence on menopause is five times greater than the impact of any previously identified common genetic variant. The strongest effect was found from gene variants in ZNF518A, only found in one in 4,000 women. These variants shortened reproductive lifespan more than most previously identified genes.

Discovering the effect of the genes gives scientists a better understanding of the biological mechanisms underpinning menopause, and links to other diseases.

Study co-lead Professor Anna Murray, of the University of Exeter Medical School, said, "For decades, menopause has been under-researched, yet now this is a rapidly evolving area of science. The timing of menopause has a huge impact on women as they plan their careers and lives, and understanding the genetic changes is of particular interest in terms of potential treatments that could prolong reproductive life in future."

When unrepaired DNA damage occurs in eggs, they can die. The rate at which eggs are lost determines when women experience menopause. The team's previous work has shown that many genes that influence the timing of menopause are likely to do this by affecting the genetic integrity of eggs.

The same factors affect other cells and tissue types in parallel, and in this new study, the team found that many of the genes linked to menopause timing are also risk factors for cancer. These include changes in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which result in earlier menopause and also in increased risk of cancer.

This is thought to be the process at play in a fifth new gene linked to menopause timing (SAMHD1). The team discovered that changes in this gene can cause women to go through menopause over a year later than average. The researchers also found for the first time that changes in this gene cause predisposition to various cancers in men and women.

Professor John Perry, co-lead from the MRC Epidemiology Unit at the University of Cambridge added, "Past research suggests the female ovary ages at a faster rate than other organ in the body, and this is a model system for understanding the biology of broader aging.

"Our latest research builds on this concept, demonstrating that studying ovarian aging will not only lead to a better understanding of the biology behind infertility and other reproductive disorders, but will enhance our understanding of fundamental processes that regulate DNA damage and cancer risk in the general population."

Using data from the 100,000 Genomes project, led by Genomics England and NHS England, the team next found that mothers with a high number of genetic variants that cause earlier menopause tended to have more new changes in the DNA they passed onto their children.

The study authors believe this is because the relevant genes are involved in repairing damage to DNA, so this function may be compromised in the ovaries, enabling new genetic changes to occur in the eggs.

Dr. Hilary Martin, a study co-lead from the Wellcome Sanger Institute, said, "New changes to the DNA in the egg or sperm are the source of all genetic variation in humans, contributing to differences between individuals in their appearance, behaviors and risk of disease.

"Until now, we knew very little about what influences these new DNA changes, apart from parental age. This is the first time we've seen that existing common variation in DNA influences the rate of these changes."

More information: Anna Murray, Genetic links between ovarian ageing, cancer risk and de novo mutation rates, Nature (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07931-x. www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07931-x Journal information: Nature
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Dry eye disease (DED) is a chronic condition estimated to affect around 360 million individuals worldwide. Common symptoms include uncomfortable, red, scratchy or irritated eyes.

Evidence suggests that laughter therapy alleviates depression, anxiety, stress, and chronic pain, while strengthening immune function and is recognized as a beneficial complementary and add-on treatment for various chronic conditions, including mental health disorders, cancer, and diabetes. But whether laughter therapy has a beneficial effect on dry eye disease is still unknown.

To explore this further, researchers from China and the UK set out to assess the effectiveness and safety of laughter exercise in patients with symptoms of dry eye disease.

The findings, which have been published in The BMJ, are based on 283 participants aged 1845 years (average age 29; 74% female) who were assessed for dry eye disease using the ocular surface disease index (OSDI) score and randomly assigned to receive laughter exercise or 0.1% sodium hyaluronic acid eye drops four times a day for eight weeks.

Participants with existing eye conditions, injury, infection or allergy, and those who had recently used contact lenses or any dry eye disease treatment were excluded.

The laughter exercise group watched an instructional video and were asked to vocalize and repeat the phrases "Hee hee hee, hah hah hah, cheese cheese cheese, cheek cheek cheek, hah hah hah hah hah hah" 30 times per five minute session using a face recognition mobile app to standardize the exercise and enhance facial movements.

The eye drop (control) group applied 0.1% sodium hyaluronic acid eye drops to both eyes four times a day for eight weeks, tracking their usage frequency via the same app.

Both treatments were stopped at eight weeks and any change in eye surface discomfort scores were measured at weeks 10 and 12.

The average OSDI score at eight weeks was 10.5 points lower (indicating less discomfort) in the laughter exercise group and 8.83 lower in the control group, with a mean difference of 1.45 points, suggesting that laughter exercise was no less effective than eye drops.

Laughter exercise also showed significant improvements in non-invasive tear break up time (time taken for the first dry spot to appear on the cornea after a blink), meibomian gland function (oil glands that help prevent tears from evaporating too quickly), and mental health scores. No adverse events were noted in either study group.

The authors acknowledge some limitations that may have influenced the results, but say the findings suggest that laughter exercise was non-inferior to 0.1% sodium hyaluronic acid in improving dry eye disease symptoms and clinical signs.

"As a safe, environmentally friendly, and low-cost intervention, laughter exercise could serve as a first-line, home-based treatment for people with symptomatic dry eye disease and limited corneal staining," they add.

More information: Effect of laughter exercise versus 0.1% sodium hyaluronic acid on ocular surface discomfort in dry eye disease: non-inferiority randomised controlled trial, The BMJ (2024). DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2024-080474 Journal information: British Medical Journal (BMJ)
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

A new federal rule takes effect Tuesday that could potentially help more women spot breast cancer earlier. The FDA will require mammogram providers across the country to notify women if they have dense breast tissue, and recommend they consult with their doctor about whether they need additional screening.

While many women are unaware of their breast tissue density, about 50% of women getting a mammogram have dense breasts. It's a factor that increases their risk of breast cancer and makes it to harder to spot cancer on a mammogram.

Here's what all women need to know about dense breast tissue and what to do with this new information.

What are the new rules?

As of Tuesday, all mammogram reports sent to patients in the U.S. will be required to make a note of whether a woman has dense breasts. Some states, including Georgia, already have existing laws requiring women be notified of their breast density.

All mammography centers in the U.S. must comply with this rule by Tuesday, but the American Cancer Society notes many are already doing so.

What does it mean to have dense breasts?

Breast density is a measure of how much fibrous and glandular tissue there is in your breast, as compared to fat tissue. It isn't related to breast size or firmness.

What will your mammogram report say about density?

The summary of the mammogram reports given to patients will be described as either "not dense" or "dense."

While the exact wording can vary slightly, if your breast tissue is dense, your report will say, "Breast tissue can be either dense or not dense. Dense tissue makes it harder to find breast cancer on a mammogram and also raises the risk of developing breast cancer. Your breast tissue is dense. In some people with dense tissue, other imaging tests in addition to a mammogram may help find cancers. Talk to your health care provider about breast density, risks for breast cancer, and your individual situation."

Why is breast density important?

Breast density is important for two main reasons:

1) Dense breast tissue makes it harder for radiologists to see cancer on mammograms. Dense breast tissue looks white on a mammogram. Breast masses and cancers can also look white, so the dense tissue can make it harder to see them. In contrast, fatty tissue looks almost black on a mammogram, so it's easier to spot a tumor that looks white if most of the breast is fat tissue.

More than 33% of breast cancers are missed by mammography in women with dense breasts, according to estimates by George Washington University Hospital.

2) Women who have dense breast tissue have a higher risk of breast cancer compared to women with less dense tissue, according to ACS. It's unclear at this time why dense breast tissue is linked to cancer risk. It may be that it has more cells that can develop into abnormal or cancerous cells.

The more dense your breasts are, the higher your risk, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The level of risk is thought to be similar to the risk of breast cancer in someone who has a relative who had the disease, according to the Mayo Clinic.

How do you know if you have dense breasts?

Radiologists are doctors who "read" mammograms and other types of imaging tests. They check your mammogram for abnormal areas, and they also look at breast density.

Is there more for you to know?

Doctors break down breast density into four categories, from almost all fatty tissue (category A) to scattered areas of dense tissue (category B) to heterogeneously dense (category C) to extremely dense (category D).

Mammogram reports sent to health care providers must include an overall assessment of breast density using the four categories. The summary report given to patients may not specify the level of density.

But if you have access to your report through a patient portal or other means, you can often find this within the reportusually near the beginning of the report. If you do not have access to the report, you can ask your provider for this information.

What should you do if you have dense breast tissue?

If your mammogram report says that you have dense breast tissue, talk with your health care provider about what this means for you, and whether you should get additional tests.

Some studies have suggested 3D mammography might be particularly helpful in women with dense breasts.

A 3D mammogram uses computers to combine X-ray pictures of the breast into a 3D image, which allows health care professionals to see past densities better. It can be used as a screening test along with or instead of a standard mammogram, although it isn't yet available at all imaging centers.

Studies have also shown that breast ultrasound and possibly magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can also help find some cancers that can't be seen on mammograms. But ultrasound and MRI can also lead to false-positives that are not cancer. That in turn can lead to more tests and unnecessary biopsies.

How much will extra screenings cost?

The cost of an ultrasound or MRI may not be covered by insurance for women with dense breast tissue.

Medical associations have issued statements on dense breasts but so far have not issued clear advice on what doctors and women should do with the new density information.

The lack of guidelines means whether a woman with dense breast tissue gets additional screening and whether her insurance will pay often comes down to whether a woman has other risk factors such as a family history of breast cancer and whether her doctor writes a medical order for more tests.

Without it, women who push for additional screenings may have to pay out of pocket.

If your breasts are dense, do you still need regular mammograms?

Most breast cancers can be seen on a mammogram even in women who have dense breast tissue, so it's still important to get regular mammograms.

Even if you have a normal mammogram report, you should know how your breasts normally look and feel. Anytime there's a change, you should report it to a health care provider right away.

2024 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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On the left, four pathology images from a patient with atypical small cell lung cancer show hallmarks of carcinoid cancer in the lungs (thorax), but signs of classical small cell lung cancer where it has spread to the patient's brain. Ki67 is a marker of proliferating cells, which are an indication of cancer. On the right, the bottom image shows a zoomed in section of the top image. Here, researchers used an imaging technique called FISH to examine extrachromosomal amplifications (the colorful structures) associated with chromothripsischromosomal shatteringin this rare cancer. Credit: Cancer Discovery (CC BY 4.0)

A team of doctors and researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) have identified a new, rare type of small cell lung cancer that primarily affects younger people who have never smoked.

Their findings, which include a detailed analysis of the clinical and genetic features of the disease, also highlight vulnerabilities that could help doctors make better treatment decisions for people diagnosed with it.

"It's not every day you identify a new subtype of cancer," says Natasha Rekhtman, MD, Ph.D., an MSK pathologist specializing in lung cancer and the first author of a paper published August 26 in Cancer Discovery presenting the team's analysis. "This new disease type has distinct clinical and pathological features, and a distinct molecular mechanism."

The study brought together the expertise of 42 physicians and researchers across MSKfrom the doctors who treat lung cancer and the pathologists who evaluate cells and tissues to make a diagnosis, to specialists in tumor genetics and computational analysis.

"Understanding this new type of lung cancer required a broad spectrum of expertise from the laboratory to the clinic," says Charles Rudin, MD, Ph.D., a lung cancer specialist and the study's senior author.

Defining a new lung cancer subtype: Atypical small cell carcinoma

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is relatively rare to begin with, accounting for 10% to 15% of all lung cancers, according to the American Cancer Society. And the newly discovered subtype accounts for just a fraction of those. Out of 600 patients with SCLC whose cancers were analyzed for the study, only 20 people (or 3%) were found to have the rare subtype.

SCLC is normally characterized by the deactivation of two genes that protect against the development of cancerRB1 and TP53but patients with the new subtype have intact copies of those genes. Instead, most carried a signature "shattering" of one or more of the chromosomes in their cancer cells, an event known as chromothripsis.

The new subtype appears to arise through a transformation of lower-grade neuroendocrine tumors (pulmonary carcinoids) into more aggressive carcinomas. The research team has dubbed the new type "atypical small cell lung carcinoma."

"Patients who develop small cell lung cancer tend to be older and have a significant history of smoking," says Dr. Rudin, the Deputy Director of MSK's Cancer Center. "The first patient we identified with atypical SCLC, and whose case led us to look for more, was just 19 years old and not a smoker."

This held true for the others with the subtype as well. The mean age at diagnosis was 53which is considered young; the average age for a lung cancer diagnosis is 70. Sixty-five percent of these patients were never smokers, while 35% reported a history of light smoking (less than 10 pack-years).

Treating atypical small cell lung carcinoma

The analysis also found that the unique genomic changes that give rise to atypical SCLC mean that standard, first-line, platinum-based chemotherapies don't work as well. And their findings point toward some treatment strategies that may work better.

"We often talk about cancer as an ongoing buildup of mutations," Dr. Rekhtman says. "But this cancer has a very different origin story. With chromothripsis, there's one major catastrophic event that creates a Frankenstein out of the chromosome, rearranging things in a way that creates multiple gene aberrations, including amplification of certain cancer genes."

That's why patients with atypical SCLC may benefit, for example, from investigational drugs that target the unusual DNA structures that result from chromothripsis, known as extrachromosomal circular DNA, the researchers note.

One patient spurs a detective story

Khaliq Sanda was 19 and a college sophomore at Duke University when he was diagnosed with small cell lung cancer. By the time it was discovered, the cancer had already spread to other parts of his body.

"That is very unusual," says Dr. Rudin, who was one of Khaliq's doctors, along with Lisa DeAngelis, MD, and others. "This is a type of cancer that's almost always associated with heavy smoking. So that prompted us to begin looking for other similar examples of never-smokers with small cell lung cancer. And between the medical oncologists in the clinic and the pathologists examining these specimens, we identified a group of patients who fit this pattern."

"And then we started to dig in to understand what's really happening with these unusual cancers," Dr. Rekhtman adds.

Family and friends show their love

Khaliq's family lived in Georgia, but his academic excellence led to his acceptance into a program in Connecticut called A Better Chance of Westport, which provides young scholars of color an opportunity to attend one of the nation's top-performing high schools. In Westport, he lived with Lori and Dave Sochol, who became a second family to him. When things got tough, the Sochols were right there with him.

"I never missed an appointment with him," Lori Sochol says. "I loved him like a son."

This photo of Khaliq Sanda with his mom Angela (right) and "second mom" Lori Sochol (center) graces the MSK Giving page set up in his memory. His friends and family raised more than $150,000 to help other young adults with cancer..

After his diagnosis, Khaliq's mother, Angela Sanda, also relocated to Connecticut to help care for Khaliq until the doctors gave him the OK to return to college.

Despite interruptions for his treatments, Khaliq was determined to continue his college coursework. He graduated from Duke in 2018 with a bachelor's degree in global health and biology. He hoped to one day go to medical school and become a psychiatrist. After graduation, Khaliq worked as a community outreach coordinator at MSK, where he helped to enroll taxi drivers in a program focused on reducing hypertension.

"People fell in love with him the first time they met him," his mother says. That's why he was affectionately known as the 'Mayor of Westport' and the 'King of Duke,'" she added.

As Khaliq's disease progressed, his family and friends never left his side. His parents, Angela and Oumarou Sanda, and his brother, Kimbo Sanda, temporarily relocated to spend Khaliq's final months with him.

As Khaliq moved from crutches to a walker to a wheelchair, his mind remained sharp and his spirits high, Kimbo says.

"A point came where I had to physically pick him up and carry him," says Kimbo, a physician who lives in Oklahoma. "But he never lost his spirit and his positivity. I can't explain how much admiration and pride I have for the way he held himself through it all. It helped all of ushis family, his friends."

When he could no longer negotiate stairs, his college friends and their families rented him an apartment with an elevator. Lori brought her Goldendoodle, Stella, for visits.

Then, as the end came, dozens of his friends filled the waiting room at the hospitalsome canceling vacations to come pay their respects.

"I've never seen anything like it," Lori says. "And they all got to say goodbye."

'An amazing gift to society and science'

Khaliq lived for five years after his diagnosis, which is itself unusualthe five-year survival rate for patients with advanced SCLC is miniscule. The atypical form of the disease, however, tends to be somewhat less aggressive, the researchers say, noting that these patients also tend to be considerably younger and healthier than most people diagnosed with SCLC.

After Khaliq died in March 2021, local officials named a bridge in Westport in his memory. Loved ones raised more than $150,000 for MSK to help other young adults with cancer.

"The way you lived after your diagnosis inspired me," one Sigma Nu fraternity brother wrote in one of the many online tributes to Khaliq. "I had no idea what to say to you, other than to say that I loved you, but you seemed fearless in the face of this new challenge."

"The infectious laugh, the warmth, the intellect, the desire to be a part of a conversation. Khaliq was mine and everyone's friend," another tribute reads.

Dr. Rekhtman and Dr. Rudin praised Khaliq's decision to donate tissue after he died so that his cancer could be further analyzed to help future patients.

"It was an amazing gift to society and science," Dr. Rekhtman says.

Angela Sanda agrees, saying, "The doctors did everything they could for him. He received the best care. And I'm glad that they are learning things from his cancer that could help others."

The fact that Khaliq and his family turned to MSK for his care paved the way for the discovery of the new subtype, the doctors note.

That's because MSK patients routinely have the DNA in their tumors sequenced with a test called MSK-IMPACT. It analyzes changes to more than 500 key genes known to drive cancer and helps doctors identify drugs that will work best against the specific mutations that a patient's cancer harbors.

"So not only were we looking at patients with specific demographic characteristicsyoung never-smokerswe were able to take advantage of this unique MSK resource to look for patients whose tumors shared the same genomic features as Khaliq's," Dr. Rekhtman says.

Moreover, the wealth of sequencing and treatment data available at MSK allowed researchers to compare treatment programs and outcomes from the patients they identified with the new subtype, which helped them zero in on strategies that may help other patients diagnosed with atypical SCLC.

"There were some major lessons we learned from these patients," Dr. Rudin says. "In general, they don't respond as well to standard treatments as typical SCLC patients, but our study suggests several potential emerging or established therapeutic opportunities."

"This effort exemplifies the deep interconnection one finds between patient care and research at MSK," Dr. Rudin says.

More information: Natasha Rekhtman et al, Chromothripsis-mediated small cell lung carcinoma, Cancer Discovery (2024). DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.CD-24-0286 Journal information: Cancer Discovery
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

In a video posted to Reddit this summer, Lucie Rosenthal's face starts focused and uncertain, looking intently into the camera, before it happens.

She releases a succinct, croak-like belch.

Then, it's wide-eyed surprise, followed by rollicking laughter. "I got it!" the Denver resident says after what was her second burp ever.

"It's really rocking my mind that I am fully introducing a new bodily function at 26 years old," Rosenthal later told KFF Health News while working remotely, because, as great as the burping was, it was now happening uncontrollably. "Sorry, excuse me. Oh, my god. That was a burp. Did you hear it?"

Rosenthal is among more than a thousand people who have received a procedure to help them burp since 2019, when an Illinois doctor first reported the steps of the intervention in a medical journal.

The inability to belch can cause bloating, pain, gurgling in the neck and chest, and excessive flatulence as built-up air seeks an alternate exit route. One Reddit user described the gurgling sound as an "alien trying to escape me," and pain like a heart attack that goes away with a fart.

The procedure has spread, primarily thanks to increasingly loud rumblings in the bowels of Reddit. Membership in a subreddit for people with or interested in the condition has ballooned to about 31,000 people, to become one of the platform's larger groups.

Since 2019, the condition has had an official name: retrograde cricopharyngeus dysfunction, also known as "abelchia" or "no-burp syndrome." The syndrome is caused by a quirk in the muscle that acts as the gatekeeper to the esophagus, the roughly 10-inch-long muscular tube that moves food between the throat and the stomach.

The procedure to fix it involves a doctor injecting 50 to 100 units of Botoxmore than twice the amount often used to smooth forehead wrinklesinto the upper cricopharyngeal muscle.

Michael King, the physician who treated Rosenthal, said he hadn't heard of the disorder until 2020, when a teenager, armed with a list of academic papers found on Reddit, asked him to do the procedure.

It wasn't a stretch. King, a laryngologist with Peak ENT and Voice Center, had been injecting Botox in the same muscle to treat people having a hard time swallowing after a stroke.

Now he's among doctors from Norway to Thailand listed on the subreddit, r/noburp, as offering the procedure. Other doctors, commenters have noted, have occasionally laughed at them or made them feel they were being melodramatic.

To be fair, doctors and researchers don't understand why the same muscle that lets food move down won't let air move up.

"It's very odd," King said.

Doctors also aren't sure why many patients keep burping long after the Botox wears off after a few months. Robert Bastian, a laryngologist outside of Chicago, named the condition and came up with the procedure. He estimates he and his colleagues have treated about 1,800 people, charging about $4,000 a pop.

"We hear that in Southern California it's $25,000, in Seattle $16,000, in New York City $25,000," Bastian said.

Because insurance companies viewed Botox charges as a "red flag," he said, his patients now pay $650 to cover the medication so it can be excluded from the insurance claims.

The pioneering patient is Daryl Moody, a car technician who has worked at the same Toyota dealership in Houston for half his life. The 34-year-old said that by 2015 he had become "desperate" for relief. The bloating and gurgling wasn't just a painful shadow over his day; it was cramping his new hobby: skydiving.

"I hadn't done anything fun or interesting with my life," he said.

That is, until he tried skydiving. But as he gained altitude on the way up, his stomach would inflate like a bag of chips on a flight.

"I went to 10 doctors," he said. "Nobody seemed to believe me that this problem even existed."

Then he stumbled upon a YouTube video by Bastian describing how Botox injections can fix some throat conditions. Moody asked if Bastian could try it to cure his burping problem. Bastian agreed.

Moody's insurance considered it "experimental and unnecessary," he recalled, so he had to pay about $2,700 out-of-pocket.

"This is honestly going to change everything," he posted on his Facebook page in December 2015, about his trip to Illinois.

The year after his procedure, Moody helped break a national record for participating in the largest group of people to skydive together while wearing wingsuits, those getups that turn people into flying squirrels. He has jumped about 400 times now.

People have been plagued by this issue for at least a few millennia. Two thousand years ago, the Roman philosopher Pliny the Elder described a man named Pomponius who could not belch. And 840 years ago, Johannes de Hauvilla included the tidbit in a poem, writing, "The steaming face of Pomponius could find no relief by belching."

It took a few more centuries for clinical examples to pop up. In the 1980s, a few case reports in the U.S. described people who couldn't burp and had no memory of vomiting. One woman, doctors wrote, was "unable to voluntarily belch along with her childhood friends when this was a popular game."

The patients were in a great deal of pain, though doctors couldn't find anything wrong with their anatomy. But the doctors confirmed using a method called manometry that patients' upper esophageal sphincters simply would not relaxnot after a meal of a sandwich, glass of milk, and candy bar, nor after doctors used a catheter to squirt several ounces of air beneath the stubborn valve.

Andre Smout, a gastroenterologist at the University of Amsterdam in the Netherlands, said he read those reports when they came out.

"But we never saw the condition, so we didn't believe that it existed in real life," he said.

Smout's doubts persisted until he and colleagues studied a small group of patients a few years ago. The researchers gave eight patients with a reported inability to burp a "belch provocation" in the form of carbonated water, and used pressure sensors to observe how their throats moved. Indeed, the air stayed trapped. A Botox injection resolved their problems by giving them the ability to burp, or, to use an academic term, eructate.

"We had to admit that it really existed," Smout said.

He wrote in Current Opinion in Gastroenterology that the syndrome "may not be as rare as thought hitherto." He credits Reddit with alerting patients and medical professionals to its existence.

But he wonders how often the treatment might cause a placebo effect. He pointed to studies finding that with conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, 40% or more of patients who receive placebo treatment feel their symptoms improve. Awareness is also growing about "cyberchondria," when people search desperately online for answers to their ailmentsputting them at risk of unnecessary treatment or further distress.

In Denver, Rosenthal, the new burper, is open to the idea that the placebo effect could be at play for her. But even if that's the case, she feels much better.

"I felt perpetual nausea, and that has subsided a lot since I got the procedure done," she said. So has the bloating and stomach pain. She can drink a beer at happy hour and not feel ill.

She's pleased insurance covered the procedure, and she's getting a handle on the involuntary burping. She cannot, however, burp the alphabet.

"Not yet," she said.

More information: Andre Smout et al, Inability to belch syndrome: what the gastroenterologist needs to know, Current Opinion in Gastroenterology (2024). DOI: 10.1097/MOG.0000000000001022 Journal information: Current Opinion in Gastroenterology

2024 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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Benzodiazepine prescription fills: Case study mean treatment effects. Credit: JAMA Network Open (2024). DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.32021

A small team of mental and public policy specialists from the Georgia Institute of Technology, the University of Georgia and Indiana University has found that when states relax or rescind laws governing the use of marijuana, reductions occur in benzodiazepine dispensing.

As reported in JAMA Network Open, the group studied dispensation statistics for several drugs used to treat mental illnesses in states where marijuana laws were changed.

Benzodiazepines are a class of drugs that work to depress the central nervous system, thereby producing a sedating effect. They are commonly prescribed by psychiatrists to patients with mental health diagnoses including anxiety, insomnia and panic disorders.

Prior research has suggested that medicinal cannabis is often used to treat many of the same types of ailments, and anecdotal evidence suggests some people use the drug recreationally for similar purposes.

The team wondered whether legally allowing greater access to cannabis use might lead to reductions in the prescription of other drugs. To find out, they compared dispensing rates in states before and after cannabis laws were changed.

The researchers studied the medical records of about 10 million patients from 2007 through 2020 who were covered by insurance policies that paid for cannabis prescriptions, focusing most specifically on those prescribed one of five types of psychotropic medications: benzodiazepines, antidepressants, antipsychotics, barbiturates and sleep medications.

They also looked at what happened to the dispensing rates after new legislation regarding access to cannabis in several states over the same time period.

They found no changes in dispensing rates for four of the five types of drugs. For the fifth, benzodiazepines, the researchers found what they describe as consistent reductions in benzodiazepine dispensing in states where legislation allowed access to either medicinal cannabis, recreational use of the drug, or both.

The team suggests that changing cannabis access laws can have an impact on the dispensing rates of other drugs. They also note that because changes can be measured at the state level, new avenues of research regarding the impact of cannabis research are opening up as state laws are changed.

More information: Ashley C. Bradford et al, Cannabis Laws and Utilization of Medications for the Treatment of Mental Health Disorders, JAMA Network Open (2024). DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.32021 Journal information: JAMA Network Open

 2024 Science X Network
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Many patients living in rural areas don't have easy access to specialized or emergency care. When they face conditions like strokes, every minute counts when trying to get them the treatment they need.

Rather than having patients transferred to hospitals with specialized stroke care, new research from the University of Missouri School of Medicine found that mobile physicians, doctors who travel to the patient, provided faster stroke treatment and increased odds for functional independence in stroke cases treated with a mechanical thrombectomy.

Although the distance from one hospital to the other would be the same for physician or patient, transferring a physician takes significantly less time, said study author Dr. Adnan Qureshi.

"The issue that prolongs patient transfer is the complexity involved in transferring a high-risk patient," Qureshi said. "The patient needs critical care support during the transfer, which requires time to coordinate. The patient also must be stable enough for transfer by a helicopter. These issues are not a consideration when a physician travels to the patient."

Qureshi examined 12 studies involving physician transfers and observed 1894 patient outcomes. He found transferring physicians was associated with shorter time intervals between stroke onset and treatment, which has positive implications for treating emergencies in patients who live in rural areas, he said.

"Physician Transfer Versus Patient Transfer for Mechanical Thrombectomy in Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis" was recently published in the Journal of the American Heart Association.

"This may be applicable to other scenarios, where time lost in the patient transfer process may have adverse consequences for patient outcomes," Qureshi said.

There are some limitations in transferring physicians. For example, rural hospitals or clinics may not have the appropriate equipment or space needed to treat patients, even if doctors can travel there. Additionally, facilities may lack nurses and technicians with experience in procedures like a mechanical thrombectomy, and it may be difficult to coordinate with a different hospital system.

"The potential benefit in providing acute treatment to a larger group of patients may incentivize facilities to develop the infrastructure needed to support this effort," Qureshi said. "Going to the patient, and not waiting for them to come to you, could help save a lot of lives."

Dr. Adnan Qureshi is a professor of clinical neurology at the MU School of Medicine and the program director of endovascular surgical neuroradiology fellowship at MU Health Care. He received his medical education at Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad, completed his residency at Emory University and finished his fellowships at Buffalo State University and Johns Hopkins University Hospital.

In addition to Qureshi, MU authors included Dr. Camilo Gomez and Dr. David Mehr. This study was a collaboration with members from the Zeenat Qureshi Stroke Institute in Minnesota, University Hospitals of Birmingham in the UK, Johns Hopkins University in Maryland and the TEMPiS telestroke center, Munchen Klinik, Academic Ludwig-Maximilians-University in Germany.

More information: Adnan I. Qureshi et al, Physician Transfer Versus Patient Transfer for Mechanical Thrombectomy in Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Systematic Review and MetaAnalysis, Journal of the American Heart Association (2024). DOI: 10.1161/JAHA.123.031906 Journal information: Journal of the American Heart Association
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Development and characterization of a fully modified saRNA vaccine against SARS-CoV-2. Credit: Nature Biotechnology (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41587-024-02306-z

It all started in the lab. Two Boston University doctoral students, Joshua McGee and Jack Kirsch, were creating and testing different types of RNAstrands of ribonucleic acid, built from chains of chemical compounds called nucleotides that help carry out genetic instructions in cells. They were determined to see whether RNA sequences crafted with small changes to their nucleotides can still work. After running dozens of experiments, they hit a dead end.

"At first, it was a failure," McGee says.

Decades of research have uncovered the mysteries of RNA in living cells. Without it, our cells couldn't perform fundamental tasks, like constructing other cells, carrying amino acids from one part of the cell to the other, or mounting immune responses to viruses.

But, more recently, scientists have figured out how to harness RNA to make treatments aimed at fighting genetic diseases and cancer. They've also learned how to use messenger RNA (mRNA) to make COVID-19 vaccines. The experiments that McGee and Kirsch perform are aimed at using RNA to deliver lifesaving drugs and create more effective vaccines than we have today.

Working alongside Mark Grinstaff, BU's William Fairfield Warren Distinguished Professor of biomedical engineering and chemistry, and Wilson Wong, a College of Engineering associate professor of biomedical engineering, they started talking about what to do nextand what to do with the chemical components left over from the initial experiments.

They decided to focus on modifying the chemical structure of a lesser-known type of RNA, called self-amplifying RNA (saRNA), which is manufactured in the lab and replicates itself multiple times in a cell to produce a higher number of the proteins it's programmed to make.

The new method worked: Their modified saRNA was replicating itself in a petri dish.

"Our reaction to that was a lot of excitement, but also the normal scientist thinking, 'Did we do this right?'" McGee says. "We went back to do it again and again. And we got the same results."

The results kicked off a yearlong research project that moved from Grinstaff's chemistry lab to Wong's genetics engineering lab to BU's National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories (NEIDL), where they tested their modified saRNA as a vaccine against the COVID-19 virus. They found that a lower dose of their new vaccine in mice protected them from the disease just as well as current mRNA vaccines. Their findings are published in Nature Biotechnology.

It'll be years of further testing before this vaccine can be approved for humans. Even though there is one type of saRNA vaccineapproved last year for use in Japanthe researchers hope their modified version will make the technology more appealing to drug manufacturers, as well as overcome the challenges of using saRNA as a vaccine.

"The challenge with regular self-amplifying RNA is that there are two competing processesthe RNA is trying to make more and more protein, and at the same time the immune system is degrading it," says Grinstaff.

Standard mRNA COVID vaccines tell cells to produce a spike protein that mimics the real virus. That, in turn, causes the immune system to kick in and fight the virus. But an saRNA vaccine goes one step further by repeating those instructions to the cell over and over, making more of the machinery to create the spike proteins. More proteins means you don't need as high a dose and the immune system remembers how to fight the virus over a longer period of time.

"So the idea is that this could give you a long duration of protein expression, even when using a lower dose," Grinstaff says.

Another challenge is that saRNA could create a much-too-strong reaction that can lead to uncomfortable side effectsworse than those of current COVID vaccines, which typically cause some people to develop a mild fever or aches.

Grinstaff, Wong, and the team collaborated closely with Florian Douam, a BU Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine assistant professor of virology, immunology, and microbiology and a core faculty member at NEIDL. He and his team performed a studycalled a "viral challenge"to evaluate whether a COVID-19 vaccine built with the modified saRNA technology could protect mice more effectively against severe COVID-19 disease than earlier saRNA and mRNA vaccines.

"The viral challenge aspect was particularly important," Douam says. "It exposed how a very low dose of this novel saRNA technology is able to protect mice against lethal disease much more effectively than traditional saRNA and mRNA COVID-19 vaccines at a similar dose." Douam says that the new vaccine, which incorporates modified nucleotides called m5C (5-methylcytidine), also triggered very low levels of inflammation upon vaccination comparable to mRNA vaccines.

"There is still plenty of work to be done to unveil all of the advantages of this technology over other existing RNA vaccine approaches," Douam says. But this was a promising start.

The next question is whether their modified saRNA can provide longer-lasting protection against virus infection compared to existing RNA-based vaccines at a similar dosage.

More promising treatments

Besides COVID vaccines, the team's well-tolerated saRNA could open the door for other types of treatments and gene therapy.

"At the end of the day, this is a protein-producing system," Wong says, "a gene-delivery system."

For a genetic disorder, saRNA could be programmed to produce a missing gene or replace a defective one, Wong says. For treating lung, breast, and other cancers, "we can have it produce an anticancer drug for disease that requires a high dose and a lot of protein being made."

"That's why we're really excited about our self-amplifying RNA technologybecause we think we can lower the dose that's needed to enable some of these therapeutic applications," Wong says. "That's how we envision it."

"There's so much work that we're doing now to further understand what we have discovered," says McGee, who is co-advised by Wong and Grinstaff. "There are a lot of publications out there that suggested research on saRNA would also fail. This made me realize that it's okay to try things that other people think might fail, because, who knows, they could be wrong."

More information: Joshua E. McGee et al, Complete substitution with modified nucleotides in self-amplifying RNA suppresses the interferon response and increases potency, Nature Biotechnology (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41587-024-02306-z Journal information: Nature Biotechnology
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A conceptual framework of drivers of inequitable access to digital health. Adapted from the health care access framework by Levesque et al. Credit: Journal of Medical Internet Research (2024). DOI: 10.2196/51355

As digital health tools grow in popularity due to rapid technological advancements and the shift toward personalized medicine, a new study highlights the critical need to focus on equity in their design.

Today's digital health tools are transforming care: wearable devices offer continuous monitoring and early warnings; telemedicine provides virtual consultations, especially in underserved areas; artificial intelligence-driven interventions support mental health where stigma or access is an issue; and community-based platforms link users to local resources such as food, housing and transportation. Integrated with electronic health records, these tools are becoming more advanced, promising to improve outcomes, streamline care and close health gaps.

The study's senior author, Maura Kepper, an assistant professor within the Prevention Research Center at the Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis, is working to ensure that these innovations serve all populations effectively, particularly the historically marginalized.

The paper, "How to Design Equitable Digital Health Tools," recently published in PLOS Digital Health, highlights design tactics, case studies and opportunities for improvement. It provides a roadmap for developers, offering strategies to make future digital health tools accessible, effective and equitable for all.

"Digital health tools have the potential to revolutionize health care," Kepper said. "However, if we don't design these tools with equity in mind, we risk widening the very disparities we aim to reduce." She emphasizes that while the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of remote health solutions, many tools lack the necessary design components to equitably serve diverse populations.

Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach that considers individual factors such as race and socioeconomic status as well as structural factors in communities. Kepper's research explores the complex interplay between access and trust. For example, rural populations often lack broadband access, limiting their ability to engage with telemedicine platforms.

At the same time, marginalized communities, particularly African American individuals, frequently express concerns about data privacy and the trustworthiness of digital tools, reducing their engagement. Without sufficient access and trust in these tools, patients may be unaware of or unable to use the digital health solutions designed to improve care.

Developers must account for multilingual support and different literacy levels to make tools accessible to non-native speakers and those with varying health literacy. These tools also should work on low-cost devices and with slower internet connections. While most people have mobile phones, not everyone has a computer or high-speed internet, Kepper said.

Designing for impact

Kepper's work advocates for digital health tools that go beyond initial access, focusing on long-term sustainability. The final product must be approachable, enjoyable and accessible.

"Many tools are used briefly and then abandoned," Kepper explained. "It's essential to design with sustainability in mindensuring that these tools can be integrated into, and add value to, both clinical and community settings for lasting impact." Kepper led the development of a publicly available website, the D4DS Planner, for researchers to learn about and apply methods that can help their products and technologies have broad reach and lasting impact.

The paper was written by a Society for Behavioral Medicine (SBM) working group that Kepper leads. The membership, focused on digital health equity and implementation, includes people working in the technology industry and academics who are digital health experts.

An overview of several community collaboration design techniques that can be used to improve health equity. Credit: PLOS Digital Health (2024). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pdig.0000591

Creating positive health interventions has become a passion for Kepper, who has spent the past six years developing her own digital health tool called PREVENT. The tool, now in a trial in rural Missouri, helps health-care teams deliver personalized behavior change counseling for patients who are overweight or obese, using electronic health records to tailor advice and track progress.

"This isn't just about telling people to exercise more," she said. "It's about providing targeted, ongoing support that resonates with the individual's unique situation."

As an implementation scientist, Kepper also frequently serves as a grant co-investigator on digital tools in development at WashU.

The paper, which draws on the working group's combined expertise, calls for standardized practices in the design and evaluation of these innovations. The review points to successful methodologies such as the Double Diamond Model and IDEAS framework, focusing on the importance of participatory design and collaboration with underserved communities.

Reflexive listening

A one-size-fits-all approach often fails to account for the personal and technological factors that influence engagement and outcomes.

"To create effective health tools, we must secure user buy-in from the start," Kepper said. "Designing a solution for a problem we find important is futile if the end user doesn't see its value or find it engaging. Bringing end users in as co-designers is essential, but it's not enough to just include them. We need to engage them in ways that promote true equity."

She stresses the importance of reflexive listening and inclusivity, ensuring that diverse voices shape the solution before any decisions are made.

Kepper acknowledges that while human-centered design has been used in other fields for years, it's only now gaining momentum in health care. Historically, health-care design often focused on clinical and operational efficiency rather than the end user's experience. In health care, the concept has become increasingly important as the industry shifts toward more personalized approaches.

Equitable design standards still are being determined in this burgeoning field, but the most successful tools will be those that seek robust input from all constituents, Kepper said.

"Academics often are focused on whether the digital innovation is rigorous, in terms of the content. Industry comes in and designs these tools that are really jazzy, fun and approachable, and so we really need to work together and use both of those approaches to ultimately generate widespread use and benefit from digital health. To maximize the impact of digital health, we need to combine these strengths, involving diverse stakeholderspatients, physicians, hospital leadership and policymakersin the design process," Kepper added.

The SBM digital health equity working group also wrote a related paper, "Expanding a Behavioral View on Digital Health Access: Drivers and Strategies to Promote Equity," recently published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research. Kepper is first author and Lisa M. Klesges, a professor of surgery at WashU Medicine, is senior author.
Senior residents order a meal at Qingshuiwan community canteen in Yinchuan, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Aug. 1, 2024. [Photo/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.
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

As students return to school, it's crucial to recognize the invisible struggles they may be facing, especially after the summer break. Navigating new academic and social environments can intensify mental health challenges or even trigger new ones.

Providing students with tools and emotional literacy to support one another and address feelings of loneliness is vital to building a culture of care and resilience that can genuinely make a long-lasting difference in their well-being.

The reality is stark: Youth suicide rates have risen steadily over the last 15 years and are currently the second leading cause of death for children ages 10 to 14 and the third for those ages 15 to 24. These statistics are more than just numbersthey're deeply personal to me.

Young adults are most likely to turn to a friend first when struggling with their mental health, yet 70% of peers do not feel prepared to provide support. Peer-based emotional support is not about solving someone's problems; it's about creating an environment in which emotions can be openly shared and help can be sought without fear of judgment.

The need for such safe spaces is urgent. More than one-fifth of high school students have seriously considered suicide. In college, nearly 30% of students report severe psychological distress associated with an increasing feeling of loneliness. Now more than ever, youths need safe spaces to express their feelings, establish support systems and build emotional literacy within their communities.

Emotional support has a profound impact on mental health. With the proper knowledge, young people can be powerful agents for change. Peer-led organizations such as Active Minds illustrate how student networks can break down mental health stigma and build trust and respect within their communities. These systems educate students about mental health awareness, decrease stigma and increase behaviors that establish a solid foundation for a supportive network.

Since half of all mental health issues begin by age 14 and 75% by age 24critical years when connections among peers are strongestthese relationships can offer crucial lifelines. To prepare students for the new school year, they need resources to guide their mental health throughout the year. By consistently checking in, offering a safe space and maintaining open communication, youths can help peers who might be struggling.

Its essential to recognize that not all challenges are experienced equally. Social stigma is a significant barrier to mental health care, but it disproportionately affects communities of color, where preconceived notions and biases create substantial obstacles to receiving appropriate support.

Black Americans are 20% more likely to experience mental health challenges and face a higher risk of suicide compared with members of other racial groups. Despite this, Black college students are statistically less likely to receive a mental health diagnosis. To address this disparity, targeted support and culturally responsive resources are essential in ensuring that all young people, regardless of their background, feel recognized, supported and encouraged to seek the help they need.

With students heading back to school, it's vital to prioritize mental health discussions, especially as 67% of young adults with mental health symptoms won't receive the care they need.

2024 Chicago Tribune. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
STEM camp students conduct an experiment at the robotics station. Photo courtesy of Anna Walsh

Medical Student Creates STEM Camp in Rural South Africa

What keeps me motivated is that the project is not so much just about STEM, though it certainly started that way. It is about sustainability, self-reliance, human health and humanity.  Anna Walsh, first-year medical student Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences

Anna Walsh remembers when she first proposed her idea for a STEM camp in rural South Africa to the vice president of Love Must Act Inc., an international not-for-profit dedicated to educating and serving children from rural and under-resourced communities.



When I asked him, he was hesitant, recalls Walsh, a UB biomedical engineering graduate currently in her first semester as a medical student at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.

Thats just a big undertaking, the administrator told her. We can talk about it when you are older and have more education. He was incredibly supportive with my project ideas, Walsh says. But I think he saw this idea as crazy. He thought it would be difficult to get that many people to agree to come.

The foundational school building as seen from a hillside. Photo courtesy of Anna Walsh

Step-By-Step Process to Achieve Goals

But Walsh is a devotee to the process; specifically, what you need step-by-step to achieve your goals and who you need on your side to make that happen. She came back to UB, nagged the supportive but doubtful administrator more by email and, in her mind, I said Ill come down and I will write the best proposal youve ever seen so you cant say no. It worked. Walsh trialed two lessons the next time she was in South Africa in July 2022. By then, she had unofficial approval, but still wasnt sure what it would look like. Nevertheless, the Love Must Act administrator agreed to consider a program for the following January. I came back to friends and classmates at UB, asking who wants to come? says Walsh. And I solicited enough people to keep the stations going, and then we piloted the program in January. Over the 2023 and 2024 winter breaks, Walsh, along with several other UB students, traveled to the Holy Cross School in Makhanda (formerly Grahamstown), South Africa, to run a weeklong STEM camp for kindergarten to seventh-grade students. She lavishes praise of the other UB volunteers who developed their hands-on lessons and curriculums, along with local sponsors donating supplies. But the foundation of the program began with that process, and grew from there. In 2019, when Walsh was still a student at Spencerport High School, she and her cousin, Ryan Lehmann, began a pen pal program with Holy Cross, getting involved through a family friend who once lived in Durban, South Africa. There was something about working through a problem, step-by-step and engaging others who can help, that hit healthy chords in her. School, my teachers and my mentors have played a significant role in building my confidence and guiding me to get to where I am now, Walsh says. What appealed to me about the project was a chance to facilitate access to education and be a part of this exchange of knowledge and experiences from people of different backgrounds and perspectives. I wanted to fulfill the responsibility we have as members of higher education to share these experiences with students who will make up the next generation of engineers, scientist and innovators, Walsh continues. What keeps me motivated is that the project is not so much just about STEM, though it certainly started that way. It is about sustainability, self-reliance, human health and humanity.

One of the hands-on activities, a hydraulic arm, left, and a students project. Photos courtesy of Anna Walsh

Excited About Future of Program
Drive through downtown Bozeman any day of the week, and youre guaranteed to see some cowboy hats. Turn on the television and theres another Montana politician wearing the hat. On Instagram, its billionaires with boots and buckles. Stetson even had a hat shortage from demand on the back of the success of Yellowstone and the Barbie movie.

Meanwhile, the cowboy is dying.

This is not a new observation. And its not the fault of 99% of folks wearing the boots, buckles, and hats that family farms and ranches are disappearing across the country at a rate of over 5,000 each year. For many, the cowboy represents old-fashioned American values: Independence, hard work, and the iconic landscape of the West.

If asked, most people want the cowboy to survive.

However, there are some wolves in sheeps clothing out there. Corporate agriculture is the largest threat to family farms and ranches. In the beef industry, four multinational meatpacking corporations control 85% of the market. That means that they have the monopoly power to set prices for American cattle. They also ship millions of pounds of lower-quality beef from other countries such as Brazil and Mexico to increase supply.

The result is a rigged market where American cowboys cant get a fair price and consumers get an inferior product held to lower standards. The only beneficiaries are Wall Street shareholders, executives, and their bootlickers in congress.

As a rancher myself, there are a lot of days I want to give up. Both my husband and I work second jobs off the ranch to support our family. And contrary to what is shown in popular media, more of my day is spent mending fences and slogging through cow crap than on epic horseback rides through snow-capped peaks at sunset. We do this because we love the land and our history, not because there is tons of money to be made.

So next time you put on the hat, I encourage you to think about helping the cowboy. Buying local or direct-to-consumer helps, but there are policy solutions out there too. Yes, policy is boring, but it is important. Lets take Country-of-Origin-Labeling (COOL) for example.

Right now, a cow can be raised, slaughtered, processed, and packaged out of the country, sent to the U.S., repackaged and labeled as American beef. That means when you go to the grocery store, you have no idea where the meat you buy comes from. The meatpacking corporations along with the National Cattlemens Beef Association (NCBA) want to hide where beef comes from so that they can sell cheap foreign beef at the same prices as our American beef.

COOL is a common-sense policy supported by a vast majority of Americans, but Congress wont act. Lets change that.

You can sign our petition asking for COOL in the Farm Bill at NorthernPlains.org/campaign/support-cool-2024. If we are not careful, every person in this country might own a cowboy hat someday and yet, there might not be any cowboys left.
Chipotle Mexican Grill says it plans to open a location in Morganton next year.

Annie Gradinger, a corporate spokesperson for Chipotle Mexican Grill, said the business is currently on track to open a location in the former Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant on Burkemont Avenue next summer.

The News Herald first reported in mid-June that Chipotle would be opening in the 1219 Burkemont Ave. location in Morganton.

Gradinger said the location will include a Chipotlane, a drive-thru pick-up lane that allows guests to pick up digital orders without leaving their cars.

Chipotle offers create-your-own burritos. Some of the restaurant chains most popular dishes include a chicken al pastor bowl, steak salad, chicken bowl and veggie burrito, according to its website.

The closest Chipotle locations to Burke County are in Lenoir and Hickory. GMX Real Estate Group developed the Lenoir Chipotle location, according to its website. GMX also has developed Krispy Kreme locations in other states.

The chain eatery first submitted plans for the location to the city of Morganton in April. Wilkus Architects, based in Hopkins, Minnesota, submitted plans to the state for the location.

The architectural company says it has assisted Chipotle Mexican Grill with more than 250 of its restaurants in multiple regions of the U.S.

The former KFC building, which has a little more than 3,000 square feet inside, was built in 1989 and is valued at $1.9 million. The most recent renovation was in 2017, according to county land records.
Three parking areas and the downriver boat launch in Riverside Park will be closed to the public on Thursday, Sept. 12, for HNI Corporation's 23rd annual City of Hope Fundraiser.

The parking area between the Riverview Center and the Mississippi Mist fountain, the parking area downriver of the Iowa Avenue entrance, and the small parking lot downriver of Pearl City Station will be closed to the public from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday. The downriver boat launch will also be closed from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday. The upriver boat launch will be open to the public. Both entrances to Riverside Park  Iowa Avenue and Cedar Street  will also be open for public use.

HNI Corporation will be hosting its 23rd City of Hope Fundraiser. City of Hope is one of the largest and most advanced cancer research and treatment organizations in the United States, and has been recognized as having one of the nations Top 5 hospitals for cancer care, according to U.S. News & Reports 2024-25 rankings.

Over the past 22 years, HNI Corporation has raised just under $9 million for the City of Hope through their suppliers and members.

More information on the City of Hope can be found at https://www.cityofhope.org/ and information on HNIs connection can be found at https://www.hnicorp.com/social-responsibility/city-hope.

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The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change has announced 13,000 new job opportunities for youth in Nairobi through its Climate WorX Mtaani initiative, which is similar to the former Kazi Mtaani program.

This new program will engage young people in environmental sustainability projects, focusing on enhancing climate resilience.

On Tuesday, September 10, Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale revealed that the workforce will work on tree-planting initiatives to boost climate resilience in Nairobi.

Duale noted, The program aims to involve over 13,000 youth in Nairobi County in climate action, including cleaning up the Nairobi, Ngong, and Mathari Rivers to address environmental and public health issues.

The CS highlighted that the initiative aligns with the National Tree Growing Programme, which targets planting 15 billion trees and includes efforts in waste management, road improvements, sanitation, riparian corridor landscaping, and ecosystem restoration.

The Climate WorX Mtaani program will mobilize over 280,000 youth nationwide, many from the defunct Kazi Mtaani initiative, supporting President William Rutos 2022 environmental conservation pledge.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua chaired a multi-agency meeting at his official residence in Karen, Nairobi, on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, to develop a framework that connects the Jua Kali sector to job opportunities.

During the meeting, Gachagua announced that the government is adopting a revolutionary approach to dignifying the Jua Kali workforce by leveraging the existing Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy. He emphasized that this initiative aims to transform informal skills and expertise into formal employment and create linkages to opportunities both locally and internationally.

The Jua Kali sector is a source of livelihood for millions of our people. This sector is rich in skills and expertise that drive our economy. With the RPL policy in place, we are taking a revolutionary approach to dignifying the Jua Kali workforce by transforming informal skills into formal employment and providing linkages to opportunities locally and internationally, Gachagua stated.

The Deputy President highlighted that the multi-agency meeting has placed the country on a path to develop a comprehensive framework that connects Jua Kali artisans to job opportunities while also supporting self-employment financing.

Attendees at the meeting included State House Deputy Chief of Staff Josphat Nanok, State Department for Diaspora Affairs PS Roseline Njogu, and State Department for Cabinet Affairs PS Idris Dokota. Representatives from various state departments were also present, including those from the State Department for Technical and Vocational Education Training, the State Department for Labour and Skill Development, the State Department for MSME Development, and the State Department for Housing and Urban Development.

Furthermore, representatives from the Kenya National Quality Authority, National Industrial Training Authority, Technical and Vocational Education Training Authority, TVET Training Curriculum Development, Assessment and Certification Council, Micro and Small Enterprise Authority, and the Kenya National Federation of Jua Kali also attended.

In related news, Dennis Itumbi, the newly appointed head of Presidential Special Projects and Creative Economy, announced on September 5, 2024, that this years Mashujaa Day will feature the theme Boma Yangu. This theme aims to highlight the success of the Affordable Housing program, showcasing the jobs created, the boost to the Jua Kali sector, and the homes built nationwide.
Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua announced the governments plans to launch nationwide roadshows aimed at raising awareness of overseas job opportunities. He made this announcement during a meeting with the International Labour Organisation on Tuesday, September 10, 2024.

Mutua emphasized that the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection is also working to ratify key international conventions related to decent work, child trafficking, child labor, and labor migration. To persuade the International Labour Organization, he highlighted Kenyas commitment to upholding accepted global working standards.

Following a meeting with the International Labour Organization delegation, led by country director Caroline Mugalla Khamati, I reaffirmed our dedication to maintaining global labor standards. We plan to launch nationwide roadshows to raise awareness about overseas job opportunities, especially in rural areas, and were collaborating with recruitment agencies to ensure fair practices, Mutua stated.

On its part, the International Labour Organisation pledged to support Kenya in providing decent work environments for its citizens abroad.

The ILO Country Director informed Mutua that the organization is also open to extending support to expectant mothers working in foreign countries.

Additionally, were focused on educating Kenyan workers about their rights, with the ILOs continued support in strengthening the National Labour Board. This collaboration will empower and protect our workers, especially in vulnerable sectors, Mutua added.
Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi has warned the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) about the recent hyena attacks in the county. During his address on Tuesday, September 10, Wamatangi stated that if KWS does not take action, local residents will take matters into their own hands to address the hyena crisis.

We have given KWS our final warning. We no longer want to discuss this issue. They must take immediate action, not just talk, Wamatangi stressed.

He added, Otherwise, we are ready. As the Governor, I will be at the forefront, along with my people here in Kiambu, as we resist. If we dont have the security to ensure that people arent being killed by these hyenas, then we will organize ourselves to protect the lives of our children.

Wamatangi also urged Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano to ensure that KWS and the Wildlife State Department address the hyena crisis. He highlighted that hyenas have killed at least 22 people in Kiambu County.

Cabinet Secretary for Wildlife, Rebecca Miano, as you step into your new role, know that work awaits you. Your department has taken the people of Kiambu back to a place we dont want to remember. We expect to see you and KWS take action, Wamatangi added.

His remarks followed a tragic incident on September 4, 2024, when a hyena mauled a five-year-old boy in Juja. In response, on September 6, KWS urged the public to minimize movement at night, dispose of waste properly to avoid attracting hyenas, and refrain from tampering with traps set for the animals.

Meanwhile, State House advisor Moses Kuria has attributed the recent attacks in Kiambu County to a new species of hyenas. He pointed out that hyenas and humans have historically coexisted peacefully in the area. KWS has now identified a new, aggressive species of hyenas that pose a threat to humans, Kuria claimed.

In response to the escalating crisis, KWS says it has launched an intensive operation to capture and relocate the rogue hyenas.

The Wildlife Service has dispatched specialized officers from across the country to hunt these animals. We have deployed dozens of our officers from different regions, equipped with the necessary machinery to capture the hyenas, stated Joseph Dadacha, Senior Assistant Director for the Central Rift, on Sunday.

Once captured, authorities plan to relocate the hyenas to areas far from human settlements. In addition to the capture operation, KWS will conduct regular patrols, implement awareness programs, and engage local communities to prevent future encounters.

The National Environment Management Authority will also inspect local dumpsites and quarry sites to address potential environmental factors contributing to the problem.

Earlier this year, KWS reported that rabies was the cause of hyena attacks in Nairobi, Kajiado, and Kiambu counties.
At the world premiere of The Wild Robot in Toronto on Sunday, Lupita Nyongo revealed that the DreamWorks animated sci-fi film explores both the positive and negative aspects of technology.

Adapted from Peter Browns book series, the film tells the story of a shipwrecked robot who must adapt and survive on a remote, uninhabited island.

This movie explores both the sinister side of technology and the potential for technology to be on our side, Nyongo, who voices the protagonist Roz, said on the red carpet at the Toronto International Film Festival.

Director Chris Sanders, who also wrote the screenplay, described the challenge of portraying technology, especially since Browns books were written before the rise of artificial intelligence.

Well find a balance. New technology is often exciting and a bit frightening at first, but we will eventually adjust, Sanders explained. His previous directorial credits include Lilo & Stitch and How to Train Your Dragon.

An ensemble cast, including Pedro Pascal, Catherine OHara, Bill Nighy, and Kit Connor, provides the voices for the animals Roz encounters on the island.

Nyongos robot character learns to communicate with these animals and uses kindness as a key survival strategy.

The message at the heart of the story is that kindness is a superpower, Nyongo said.

Roz is a robot that never loses sight of her essence, which is to be of help to anybody. Shes still able to adapt and become more than what she was programmed to be.

Sanders noted that while Browns focus on kindness was not explicitly detailed in the book, it became a crucial element he sought to memorialize on screen.

The film is set to premiere in theaters on September 27.
A suspect stands accused of conning hundreds of youths from the North Rift and Western regions out of over Kes. 500 million by promising them jobs in Canada and Turkey.

Anthony Masika Barasa appeared in an Eldoret court on Monday. The investigating officer requested that Presiding Chief Magistrate Dennis Mikoyani allow police to detain Barasa for 21 days as they investigate the case, so Barasa did not enter a plea to the charge.

Barasa allegedly used Gifford Agencies HR and Marketing Services Company to fraudulently obtain money from unsuspecting youths, violating Section 313 of the Penal Code. The funds originated from college and university graduates in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, between September 28, 2023, and July 19, 2024.

Reports indicate that more than 400 young people paid him between Kes. 450,000 and Kes. 525,000 each through a bank account and M-Pesa in exchange for promises of overseas jobs.

Police Constable James Barasa from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations office in Soy sub-county informed the court that investigators had not yet completed their inquiries into the fraud.

He also warned that the suspects life would be in danger if released on bail.

Police arrested Barasa two days earlier with help from the public. Officer Barasa further revealed that the suspect had closed his recruitment agency and gone underground, refusing to answer calls from his victims.

The suspect was later arrested by the police following a tip-off from members of the public within Pioneer estate where he had gone to check on the welfare of his wife and children, he said.

RELATED  Fraud Suspect in Kes.500M Overseas Job Scam Nabbed by Eldoret Victims

The magistrate ordered authorities to escort Barasa to the Eldoret Central Police Station, where he will remain in custody for 21 days.

The court will address the matter again on September 30.
 Flash

Chinese Premier Li Qiang arrives at the King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Sept. 10, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

Chinese Premier Li Qiang said Tuesday he expected China and Saudi Arabia to further strengthen alignment of their development strategies and push bilateral ties to a higher level through his visit to the country.

Li arrived in Riyadh on Tuesday to chair the Fourth Meeting of the High-Level Chinese-Saudi Joint Committee and visit Saudi Arabia at the invitation of Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud.

Noting the deep-rooted traditional friendship between China and Saudi Arabia, Li said that since the establishment of diplomatic relations 34 years ago, through joint efforts by both sides, China-Saudi Arabia relations have achieved leapfrog development, yielding fruitful results in practical cooperation.

In December 2022, Chinese President Xi Jinping attended the first China-Arab States Summit and the first China-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit and paid a state visit to Saudi Arabia, said Li.

For over a year, both sides have actively implemented the key outcomes of the summits, continuously strengthening political mutual trust, steadily advancing exchanges and cooperation in various fields, maintaining close communication and coordination on regional and international affairs, and continuously adding new dimensions to the China-Saudi Arabia comprehensive strategic partnership, the Chinese premier said.

Li said during this visit he will have in-depth discussions with the Saudi crown prince and prime minister on bilateral relations and other issues of common concern to strengthen friendship and expand cooperation.

He expressed expectation that his visit will also further expand mutually beneficial cooperation across various fields, deepen the friendship between the two peoples, and foster greater progress in the China-GCC and China-Arab relations.

Saudi Arabia is the first leg of his four-day tour to the Middle East, which will also take him to the United Arab Emirates.
A series of recent and upcoming exhibitions from the Michael C. Carlos Museum and Emory Libraries underscore Emorys preeminence as a site for research and programming based on the work of artists of the African diaspora diverse in their place of practice, media and generation but each illuminating the Black experience in unique ways.

What is happening here is quite remarkable, says Valeda Dent, vice provost of libraries and museum. There is a collective focus on the expansion of access to knowledge and art in a variety of forms, facilitated by leveraging the important partnerships that are all around us.

Breaking ground with their most recent exhibitions, the libraries and museum are focused on elevating the work of Black artists by working with one another  and with collaborators across the city  in new ways.

Together: Selections from the Cochran Collection of African American Art ended its run at the Carlos on Aug. 8., but the entire collection is being acquired by Emory. In addition to the scholarly possibilities opened up by bringing the collection to the Carlos, a number of artists who have given their papers to the Stuart A. Rose Manuscripts, Archive, and Rare Book Library are part of the Cochran Collection, including Camille Billops and Mildred Thompson, thereby opening up further territory for research.

The Sheila Pree Bright exhibit breathe.  now on display in the Robert W. Woodruff Librarys Schatten Gallery  marks the first time Emory Libraries have showcased a contemporary local artists work whose papers are not housed here and the first time Carlos curators have mounted an exhibit in the libraries.

And beyond Emorys boundaries, these exhibits reflect the depth of community partnerships, with an undergraduate student from Spelman College, Alexandra Nelson, co-curating Together; the exhibits by visual artist La Vaughn Belle taking place both at the Carlos and Clark Atlanta Art Museum; and a symposium on the Virgin Islands, dECOlonial Feelin, being hosted at both Emory and Clark Atlanta University.

An artist-elevating, game-changing collection comes to the Carlos

During a July 24 curatorial conversation about Together, Henry Kim, associate vice provost and museum director, excited the capacity crowd that had braved a stormy night by announcing that Emory is acquiring the collection owned by Wes and Missy Cochran of LaGrange, Georgia.

It will be absolutely game-changing to the university and the museum, as it will give us the chance to become important players in the study, research and display of artists in this collection, Kim says.

The Cochran Collection features more than 500 works, highlighting Black artists Romare Beardon, Camille Billops, Robert Blackburn, Sam Middleton, Mildred Thompson and many others whose artistry amplified significant social, political and historical themes from the early 1900s to today.

Notes Andi McKenzie, co-curator of Together and the curator of works on paper at the Carlos: It is nothing short of miraculous that these pieces have been brought together but also that they have been shared in this way. One of the strengths of the collection is that it exposes us to artists who still have not been adequately recognized by art scholars.

The stonemason and teacher who are its patrons

The backstory of how the collection was formed is a delightful, perhaps improbable, odyssey in the annals of art collecting but one that testifies to the vision and determination of the Cochrans.

McKenzie calls the couple a two-person museum, and indeed they have been not only tirelessly dedicated to buying and displaying Black art at the Cochran Gallery they established in LaGrange; they also have made it a point to travel the South with works from the collection to increase public and scholarly access to the artists.

With fortitude and passion, the Cochrans built their collection while holding down day jobs  Wes as a stonemason and Missy as a teacher.

During the curatorial conversation, Wes shared that the original bug to collect art came from his uncle, William L. May, a significant player in the collection world. Eventually, May held one of the largest private holdings in the country  consisting of more than 1,200 pieces  of old-master prints encompassing 500 years of printmaking.

Living with his uncle after graduating from college in 1974, Wes recalls him saying: Find a job, make some money and I will start buying you art. That push immediately began in earnest, with Wes getting a first-class art education from his uncle, whom he terms flamboyant, a great talker, as colorful a character as you would ever like to meet.

However, after making impressive strides  acquiring works by artists such as Andy Warhol, James Rosenquist, Jasper Johns, Will Barnet and others  the Cochrans took time to self-reflect in the late 1980s and changed the course of their collecting.

If you were shopping in the mainstream collection world, Wes says, you would find yourself with works by almost all white males. We realized that we had never stopped. We never looked. We had kept buying the same art.

Wanting to do more to raise the visibility of other deserving artists, Wes and Missy began their focus on African American artists in 1988 when they attended an Atlanta exhibition of works by five Black women artists, including Howardena Pindell. In less than a week, the Cochrans visited Pindell at her New York studio, and she introduced them to other Black artists.

Camille Billops: artist, activist and unforgettable character

One New York-based artist was Camille Billops. Wes cold-called her when he and Missy were in New York City. He recalls: After talking a while, she said: Look, are you white or Black? Im white, I answered, and she said: Come on over anyway.

We rushed down to her loft at the corner of Broadway and Broome, says Wes, which was a 4,000-square-foot loft full of art. When I met her, I thought my uncle had been reincarnated. She was as flamboyant and visionary as he was.

Billops told the Cochrans that they would have to educate themselves about Black art. We left that day with no art but lots of books she loaned us, Wes remembers. That was the beginning of a 30-year relationship with Billops, whom Wes credits as the true curator of their collection.

No gallery system existed at that time for Black artists, who were tightly networked in New York City and supporting one another.

Camille knew everyone, so we wrote down names and telephone numbers and started calling artists. Word got around that this young white couple from Georgia was buying art and the check was not bouncing. I didnt know it at the time, but most of these artists living in New York were from the South, says Wes.

Mildred Thompson, based in Atlanta, was one of the few artists not then calling New York City home. Following a connection that Robert Blackburn had made for him, Wes got on the phone with her, opening with: I am Wes Cochran from LaGrange, Georgia. The first thing she said was, Where in the hell is LaGrange, Georgia? That was the beginning of another beautiful relationship, he laughs.

McKenzie describes Thompsons sheer originality: At my core, Im a scholar of printmaking because, since their inception, prints have made art and historical narratives accessible. In Mildreds work, I was seeing something Id never seen before, techniques I didnt understand. And then there was her bold subject matter  space, time, dimensions, particles, quarks, the fabric of matter itself.

Thompsons papers are held at Emorys Rose Library, featuring materials that document her work as an artist, musician, photographer, writer and teacher.

With Billops help, the Cochrans were able to show their Black art collection, consisting of 75 pieces, in downtown Atlanta in 1991. Versions of that collection have traveled to 65 museums across the country, with Wes and Missy literally doing all the heavy lifting. Reserving their monetary resources for art, they did everything themselves, including creating the catalogs as well as framing, crating and transporting the works.

For several more decades, the Cochrans continued their relationship with Black artists, determined to make the collection  according to Wes  stronger, deeper and more comprehensive. Their practice was to buy directly from the artists and pay the asking price. They estimate that they spent about $40,000 a year from the stonemason salary Wes earned.

In 2002, Billops and her husband, James Hatch, placed a portion of their collection to the Rose Library. The Camille Billops and James V. Hatch Archives is a landmark collection of oral history tapes, scripts of unpublished plays, posters, photographs, and books and periodicals. Among the several hundred playscripts are works by Amiri Baraka, Ossie Davis, Ruby Dee, Lorraine Hansberry, Zora Neale Hurston, Wole Soyinka, Melvin Van Peebles, Derek Walcott and Richard Wright.

In 2016, a Rose Library exhibition, Still Raising Hell: The Art, Activism, and Archives of James V. Hatch and Camille Billops, celebrated the 50-plus years that the couple had been stewards of African American history and memory, as reflected in their archive. The Artist and Influence series that they launched at Emory continues as a collaboration of the Rose Library and Billops-Hatch Advisory Board, on which Wes Cochran serves. The next installment in the series features actresses Anna Maria Horsford and Victoria Rowell on Sept. 14 at 1 p.m. in the Jones Room of the Robert W. Woodruff Library; registration is suggested.

Creating a broader community to elevate Black art

Andi McKenzie will never forget her first visit to LaGrange to see the Cochran Collection.

I learned everything I ever needed to know about being a curator. Its about facilitating access to art, which means that more narratives emerge, more voices are heard and more scholars are created. To the Cochrans, this was nothing new, of course, because making their collection available to scholars, curators, artists and students has always been core to their mission, she says.

For Together, McKenzie partnered with Alexandra Nelson, a senior at Spelman College who is also the founder and CEO of Black Kid Art  dedicated to increasing Black visibility within the arts through community outreach.

The exhibit was an acclaimed prelude to the permanent arrival of the collection.

McKenzie sees the collection as fertile ground for research.

Its asking scholars to engage, she notes. Not only in expanding the canon of American art but joining in the necessary process of rewriting it entirely  with an eye toward inclusivity.

Imagine the dissertations that can be written utilizing the Cochran Collection in tandem with the archive of African American artists papers at the Rose Library, the collections at Clark Atlanta University, Spelman College and Atlanta University Centers Woodruff Library, she says.

Lisa Macklin, associate vice provost and university librarian, notes that the Rose Library has been building collections documenting the art, culture and lives of African Americans since the mid-1990s. This foundation serves to bring collections and people in conversation with each other, whether with the Carlos or our colleagues in other Atlanta libraries and archives. These synergies allow students and researchers to understand the important stories being told in new and exciting ways.

Turning down the noise with the art of Sheila Pree Bright

If you need to just breathe, and who among us doesnt, an exhibition in the Woodruff Library that opened Sept. 11 in the Schatten Gallery will help viewers do just that.

breathe. is an exhibition of landscape images by photographer Sheila Pree Bright, best known for her photographs exploring African American culture and activism.

The tightly focused images are taken from two of Brights series, Belonging and Behold the Land. The landscapes originated as photographs of places of trauma during the civil rights movement and the slavery era. Brights technique is to zoom in to change the focus from trauma to feelings of meditative calm.

She took the original landscapes during the pandemic, when the isolation drove her closer to nature, she says. Bright also spent a few years photographing the Black Lives Matter demonstrations in Atlanta, Baltimore, Ferguson, Baton Rouge and Washington, D.C.

I was thinking about all the noise that were going through in the world, nationally and globally, she says. I thought it would be interesting to create a sanctuary for people to come and meditate.

There are many firsts about this exhibition, one of the most important being the activation of art, introspection and wellness in a traditional academic space, says Dent. Sheila Pree Brights work reminds us how the land can hold past trauma but also how it can cradle and spread peace and stillness. We are honored that she chose Emory as an exhibition space.

Bright is a Georgia artist who received her MFA from Georgia State University and was the focus of a solo exhibition in 2023, The Rebirth of Us, at Atlantas Jackson Fine Art Gallery. Her work has also been included in multiple exhibitions across the country and in Georgia at the Spelman College Museum of Fine Art, the Georgia Museum of Art in Athens and the High Museum of Art.

Running through Dec. 21, the exhibition is open to the public at no charge. Related events include an Atlanta Art Week conversation with Bright and McKenzie at 6:30 p.m. in the librarys Jones Room on Sept. 30, followed by an opening ceremony hosted by Emorys Office of Spiritual and Religious Life (OSRL) in the Schatten Gallery. Guided meditations in the exhibition led by OSRL and art-making sessions with Carlos Museum programming staff are planned throughout the exhibitions run.

Art and activism focused on the Virgin Islands

On Sept. 19, Emory College of Arts and Sciences, Emory Libraries, the Carlos Museum and the Clark Atlanta University Art Museum will host dECOlonial Feelin, an international symposium focused on the Virgin Islands and offering a space to engage with ecological thought and anticolonial practice.

Led by the Virgin Islands Studies Collective and Emory professor of English and creative writing Tiphanie Yanique, the three-day event will use art, poetry, archives, philosophy, storytelling, anthropology and spiritual practice as lenses.

The symposium opened in the Virgin Islands in May with white papers and community conversation, and it continues to Atlanta with a weekend of lectures, exhibits and workshops.

Its Atlanta programming will begin with members of the Virgin Islands Studies Collective addressing the role of the natural environment in major revolutionary movements in Virgin Islands history and current day-realities. Visual artist La Vaughn Belle will present on fire, novelist and poet Tiphanie Yanique on water, anthropologist Tami Navarro on air and philosopher Hadiya Sewer on land.

The dECOlonial Feelin symposium will be a weekend of revelry and reflection. Together we will think through, act through and feel through ways to be more free within our natural and made environments, says Yanique.

As part of the symposium, Yanique will read a new short story, Beach, influenced by feminist literary traditions, decolonial forms and the importance of water in Caribbean societies. The story is set on a composite island of the Virgin Islands during the carnival season.

Those interested in attending the symposium can learn more about the schedule and register.

Yanique is also offering fall courses at Emory in which the symposium is a primary text. One is a graduate seminar, Decolonial Pedagogy and Practice. Students will attend the symposium and create lesson plans that will eventually be part of the virtual museum and archive that the Emory Center for Digital Scholarship is now designing on decolonial art and scholarship.

She will also teach a first-year seminar, Decolonial Practice and Thought. Class members will attend the symposium, be introduced to decolonial concepts, and write poetry and stories that arise out of their learning.

LaVaughn Belle takes audiences by storm

A major component of the symposium is the opening of two exhibitions featuring the work of Belle.

Come Ruin or Rapture, opening in the Carlos Museum on Sept. 19 and on view through Dec. 8, includes work from two of Belles series, Storm (in the time of spatial and temporal collapse) and Storm (how to imagine the tropicalia as monumental), where she uses materials from her studio that were exposed to Hurricane Maria in 2017. These repurposed materials take on new forms, expressing the resilience of people of African descent in the Virgin Islands in the face of natural disasters and colonial powers.

The exhibition A Haunting Between Us, opening Sept. 19 and on view through Dec. 13 at the Clark Atlanta University Art Museum, displays work from Belles Swarm series, which delves into the Danish colonial archives and uses images from the Danish West Indies.

Belle reimagines these images through a method of cutting and burning that not only changes them but utterly transforms their colonial context by removing Black bodies from scenes of servitude and highlighting them as subjects of strength and perseverance. As she says, The haunting is a call to decolonization and the dismantling of systems that keep us fragmented.

Clinton Fluker, who curated both exhibitions, is senior director of culture, community and partner engagement at the Emory Libraries and Carlos Museum. He sees the partnership with colleagues at Clark Atlanta University to display Belles work as the groundwork for what we hope will be continued collaborations in years to come.

Its been a pleasure and honor to collaborate with La Vaughn Belle to explore her work examining the history of the Virgin Islands, the lingering effects of colonialism and the transformative power of art and culture to aid in forging a new future, he says.

A fall lineup of uncommon richness

The programs being generated across Emory libraries and museum, as well as across the city, are individually powerful; together, the full tapestry is even more resonant and thought-provoking.

These unique collaborations allow Atlantas faculty, students and community members to take advantage of signature, immersive experiences that bring to life histories that belong to us all, says Dent.
Kevin Moody has been appointed senior vice president and chief human resources officer for Emory University, effective Nov. 1. An Emory alumnus, Moody will lead all aspects of human resources across the university.

Moody returns to Emory from Stanford Universitys School of Medicine, where he has been associate dean for human resources, facilities, planning and management since 2019. In this capacity, he oversaw the HR functions and facilities management for a community of 18,000 faculty, staff and students.

During our search process, Kevin received outstanding references, praising his leadership skills, strategic vision and ability to manage both the tactical and strategic aspects of HR, says Christopher L. Augostini, Emorys executive vice president for business and administration and enterprise chief financial officer. His deep experience across higher education  including roles at Harvard University, Stanford University and Emory  has equipped him with the knowledge and expertise that we desire in our next chief human resources officer.

Reporting to Augostini, Moody will oversee talent acquisition and development, employee relations, policy, compensation, organizational development, talent management, benefits, wellness and human resources information systems. He will also serve as a member of President Gregory L. Fenves leadership team and the senior leadership team in the Office of Business and Administration.

After earning his bachelor of arts degree in psychology from Emory in 1996, Moody was a captain and air traffic control operations officer in the United States Marine Corps from 1997 to 2001. He then returned to Emory as an employee for more than 14 years, including serving as senior director for administration. During those years, he earned a masters degree in organizational leadership from Brenau University and an executive MBA from Emorys Goizueta Business School. Moody next served as assistant dean and chief human resources officer for Harvard Law School before taking on the associate dean role at Stanford.

I am excited to rejoin Emory at a time of great momentum, Moody says. I have strong personal and professional ties to this institution, and I am truly honored to have this opportunity to be a part of the leadership team and serve in this capacity. Emory has such a wealth of talent, and I look forward to working with the members of this diverse and vibrant community to support and advance our mission.

Augostini cites Moodys breadth of experience and proven track record of leading organizational change, upgrading HR functions and technologies, and effectively managing relationships across large, complex institutions among the factors that make him an excellent fit for Emory.

Kevin has experience in all facets of HR, including talent management, employee relations, labor relations and organizational development, he says. His leadership style is collaborative, and he brings a strong commitment to fostering a supportive and engaging workplace environment.

Augostini expressed gratitude to Del King and Theresa Milazzo, who announced in March their plans to retire as vice presidents for HR, for their ongoing commitment to Emory, including their efforts to ensure a smooth leadership transition.

He also thanked the Search Advisory Committee for their dedication and hard work throughout the selection process. Committee members included:
Rethink EU electric vehicle tariffs plan: Sanchez

Pedro Sanchez says in a news conference in Shanghai that there doesn't need to be a trade war between China and the European Union. Photo: AFP

Visiting Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on Wednesday the European Union should reconsider a plan to impose tariffs of up to 36 percent on Chinese electric cars, calling for a compromise between the economic powerhouses.



He added that there doesn't need to be a trade war between China and the EU.



The European Commission, which oversees the bloc's trade policy, announced last month that it planned to levy five-year import duties of up to 36 percent on electric vehicles (EVs) imported from China. This week, Beijing renewed negotiation efforts seeking to overturn the proposed duties on Chinese EVs.



"I have to be blunt and frank with you that we need to reconsider all of us, not only member states but also the commission, our position towards this," Sanchez told journalists after being asked about the tariffs at a news conference near Shanghai.



"We don't need another war, in this case a trade war. I think we need to build bridges between the European Union and China, and from Spain we will be constructive and try to find a compromise between China and the European Commission."



Sanchez was in China for a regular state visit. On Monday, in a meeting with President Xi Jinping, he also said he hoped the EU could avoid a trade war with China.



"The government of Spain wants to consolidate the growth of our trade relations and investment with China, with a focus on green and innovative industries and avoiding that trade and geopolitical tensions damage them," Sanchez said on Wednesday.



"Nevertheless, as I said earlier, I believe that it is undeniable that these relations need to be balanced."



China and the EU have butted heads in recent years on a range of issues relating to trade, technology and national security. (Reuters/AFP)
The Semiconductor Executives, after meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, hailed the government's efforts for showing unprecedented enthusiasm for the development of the semiconductor ecosystem, saying that it is a "never-before-seen level of industry-government collaboration." Ahead of the SEMICON India 2024, PM Modi chaired the Semiconductor Executives' Roundtable at his residence on Tuesday. After the meeting with the Prime Minister, the CEOs appreciated the country'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 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 the 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, 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 semiconductor is 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 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 honorable 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)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday addressed the 2nd International Conference on Green Hydrogen and asked the global scientific community to suggest ways to shape policies for the green hydrogen sector. "I urge the global scientific community to come together to explore various aspects. Scientists and innovators can suggest changes in public policy to help the green hydrogen sector. We want to make India a global hub for the production, utilization and export of Green Hydrogen," PM Modi said. The Prime Minister said that the world is going through a crucial transformation and there is a need to act towards the energy transition and sustainability. PM Modi said that India was the first among the G-20 Nations to fulfil the Paris commitments on green energy. "These commitments were fulfilled nine years ahead of the target of 2030. India installed nonfinancial fossil fuel capacity increased by nearly 300 per cent in the last ten years. Our solar energy capacity increased by over three thousand per cent in the same period. But we are not resting on these acts. We remain focused on strengthening existing solutions," he said. Talking about the benefit of green hydrogen, PM Modi said it can help in decarbonizing industries that are difficult to electrify, refineries, fertilizers, steel, heavy-duty transportation and many such sectors will benefit. "India has already launched the National Green Hydrogen Mission which is giving an impetus to innovation, infrastructure, and investments. We are investing in cutting-edge, research and development. Part between industry and academia are being formed," PM Modi said. Speaking at the summit, Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri said that India has a natural advantage in producing Green Hydrogen due to the low cost and abundance of solar energy and investments in our power grid. "India's installed solar capacity has increased by 32 times from 2.6 GW in 2014 to 85.5 GW and the country also has one of the largest synchronous grids in the world, capable of handling intermittent renewable energy. India is poised to lead the global green energy demand with rising domestic demand across diverse sectors," Hardeep Puri said. "With the available engineering talent in our country, India's transition to the greener economy will be a smooth one helping the country to position itself as a pivotal market for green hydrogen," he added. Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi also addressed the summit and said that green hydrogen is a way forward to sustainability. "India is moving to become a key global player in the green hydrogen market, that is why we launched the Green Hydrogen mission. Integrating the green hydrogen, between India's energy mix and the industrial process will not only enhance our global positioning but also the environmental and social goals," said Joshi. (ANI)
VMPL New Delhi [India], September 11: The International Youth Development Fund (IYDF), in partnership with Print Arena Gifting and Garments Printing, organised a heartwarming charitable event on 8 September 2024 at Sweet Home Girls Ashram, located near Najafgarh Metro Station, Delhi. The event aimed to provide essential supplies to 30 children residing at the orphanage while creating moments of joy through various interactive activities. Led by Nitin Singh, the event received significant support from volunteers, including Usha Tanwar, Priya Tanwar, Sheetal Tanwar, Shiv Beniwal, and Sakshi Rukhar. These dedicated individuals not only delivered vital supplies to the children but also helped them enjoy a meaningful and fun-filled afternoon through engaging activities. Charitable Donation: Supporting the Children's Daily Needs The volunteers brought a wide range of supplies to support the everyday needs and educational requirements of the children at Sweet Home Girls Ashram. The donated items included groceries, stationery, toys, cooking oil, detergent, coloured paper, footwear, sweets, snacks, and slippers. These contributions have not only helped to improve the children's daily living conditions but also provided them with more resources to support their education. Khusboo Kumari and Avinash Jain, the leaders of Sweet Home Girls Ashram, expressed heartfelt gratitude to IYDF and Print Arena Gifting & Garments Printing for their generosity, emphasizing how these donations have significantly alleviated the orphanage's material constraints. Fun-Filled Activities Bring Joy to the Children In addition to the donations, the volunteers organised a series of enjoyable activities for the children. They participated in a drawing competition and a poetry recital, and played various games alongside the volunteers. Using coloured paper and drawing tools, the children crafted their own creations, showcasing their imagination and creativity. Through these interactive sessions, the volunteers formed strong bonds with the children, while also allowing them to feel the care and support of the broader community. Volunteers Reflect on the Event: A Source of Pride and Fulfillment After the event, Nitin Singh shared his thoughts, saying, "I felt incredibly proud during the event. Seeing the smiles and joy on the children's faces filled me with happiness. I am deeply thankful to IYDF for giving me the opportunity to help these children." Other volunteers echoed his sentiments, expressing that the event not only allowed them to contribute to society but also made them more aware of the importance of supporting vulnerable groups. The success of this charitable initiative once again highlighted IYDF's commitment to collaborating with various sectors of society to support disadvantaged children. Moving forward, IYDF plans to continue organising similar activities to bring warmth and hope to even more children in need. (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)
PRNewswire New Delhi [India], September 11: "The growth and rise of India is undeniable but it is happening in times which are very different. This is the first time in the history of mankind that a large country is seeking its future to be a developed nation, Viksit Bharat@2047, in an environment where climate change is an ever-present threat and technological changes like AI are not just minor disruptions," said BVR Subrahmanyam, CEO, NITI Aayog at Connect Karo 2024, WRI India's flagship annual event. Speaking at the plenary session at Day One, 'Pathways to Low Carbon Equitable Development in India,' Subrahmanyam said, "This is one of the most challenging times for India. We have the challenge of growth, jobs and energy consumption which we have to balance with environmental considerations. It is no longer about growth or sustainability but growth and sustainability. And India's commitment to addressing the issues is visible. If you see the Climate Change Performance Index, India is one of the top 10 nations, one of the few countries which is on track to meet its climate goals. And India's success will be a model for other countries to follow." With large investments being made in energy, transportation, and urban infrastructure sectors, India is at the brink of major economic growth in the coming decades. As this transformation unfolds against the backdrop of global climate change and increased extreme weather events, this session focussed on strategies for achieving sustainable, resilient, and inclusive growth for everyone. Subrahmanyam also highlighted that NITI Aayog is working towards developing pathways towards net zero, by creating roadmaps for supporting a green transition across sectors and developing sustainable economic plans for cities. Connect Karo 2024 brings together Indian and global leaders committed to critical issues related to sustainable cities, clean energy, food, land and water, and climate action and finance. Held at the India Habitat Centre, the two-day convening is hosting more than 150 thought leaders, policymakers, financial experts, academics, scientists and civil society members to discuss the most urgent development and environmental challenges of our times. The convening offers a diverse range of sessions, including expert panel discussions, interactive workshops and keynote addresses from renowned speakers, exploring themes like transformative urbanization and green development, with sessions on climate action, clean energy transition, food loss and waste, building healthy public spaces and safer streets, water security, heat mitigation, green skilling, eco-city regions, transit-oriented development, and much more. Uma Mahadevan Dasgupta, Additional Chief Secretary & Development Commissioner, Government of Karnataka, who joined virtually on Wednesday, said, "We think of issues like waste segregation as an urban problem but it is also a rural issue. We have introduced initiatives in rural Karnataka where local bodies are now working with self-help groups for end-to-end waste management. This is ensuring a dignified livelihood for more women, leading to sustainable waste management and a model that can be emulated by other states." Speaking about the significance of the convening, Madhav Pai, CEO, WRI India, said, "This decade presents a significant opportunity for India to shape its large-scale infrastructure investments into a catalyst for a new climate economy. Such an economy will support India's ambitious growth and development goals, fulfil the aspirations of its young demography and protect its most vulnerable citizens from the rising threats of climate change." He further added, "Collaboration is crucial for driving this collective effort. Events like Connect Karo bring together diverse stakeholders to exchange ideas and discuss new research that enables concentrated action." Key Initiatives and Research Papers Launched on Day 1 of Connect Karo: * Working Paper | Jobs Near Metro Rail Transit in Bengaluru: Enabling an Accessible and Productive City: The paper highlights the critical need for a Transit Oriented Development (TOD) strategy to address the city's severe traffic congestion, which hampers access to jobs and labor markets, workforce productivity, and overall competitiveness. This study also maps 2023 data on Bengaluru's registered factories, shops and commercial establishments - to assess current job proximity and density along the city's operational and under-construction metro network. * Working Paper | Pathways to Decarbonize India's Transport Sector: Scenario Analysis using the Energy Policy Simulator: The analysis reveals that electrification provides highest CO2 emission reduction potential by 2050 (53%), followed by fuel economy improvements (21%) and modal shift (18%) in comparison to the business-as-usual (BAU) scenario. When these three strategies are implemented simultaneously at their highest ambition, it results in 71% reduction in CO2 emissions through 2050. * The Eco-City Region (ECR) Forum and ECR Microsite Launch: While the Forum will enable peer learning, multi-stakeholder dialogue, expert talks and collaborative initiatives aimed towards building ecologically resilient and economically productive city-regions, the microsite will serve as an online repository for critical knowledge resources covering work across six city regions. * MoU for National-Level Project Preparation Facility (PPF) for Financing Climate Adaptation and Resilience (A&R) Projects in Cities: The National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) and WRI India have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a national-level project preparation facility. This initiative aims to offer early-stage support for adaptation and resilience projects across Indian cities. The platform will provide technical assistance for identifying, developing, and appraising climate adaptation and resilience (A&R) projects, to help cities prepare bankable and investible project proposals, thereby enabling better access to climate finance. On Day 1, WRI India also showcased an exhibition on enabling innovation for public service delivery and climate action. The exhibition looked at innovation through the lenses of data-driven decision making, first practice projects, scaling finance and inclusive innovation through partnerships. About WRI India India Resources Trust, an independent charity referred to as 'WRI India', provides objective information and practical proposals to foster environmentally sound and socially equitable development. Our work focuses on building sustainable and livable cities and working towards a low carbon economy. Through research, analysis, and recommendations, WRI India puts ideas into action to build transformative solutions to protect the earth, promote livelihoods, and enhance human well-being. We are inspired by World Resources Institute (WRI), a global research organization. Know more: https://wri-india.org/ The press release is intended solely to spread awareness, provide information, and foster an informed discussion on the subject matter. The information has been collated by WRI India from various sources. The views and opinions expressed in this release do not reflect those of WRI India. Media Contacts: Tanushree Venkatraman+91 9819761990tanushree.venkatraman@wri.org Satbhan Singh+91 8920105135satbhan.singh@wri.org Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2502650/Connect_Karo_2024.jpg Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2502649/WRI_CK_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)
Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ), India's leading port developer and operator, has signed a concession agreement with Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) to develop Berth at Deendayal Port in Kandla, Gujarat. Ashwani Gupta, Whole-time Director and CEO, APSEZ, "Berth No. 13 will diversify our presence at Deendayal Port. We will now handle multipurpose clean cargo at the port, in addition to dry bulk cargo that we already handle. The berth will further consolidate our position on the western coast and enhance our ability to service customers in Gujarat and north India." APSEZ has established a wholly owned subsidiary, DPA Container and Clean Cargo Terminal Limited (DPACCCTL), to manage operations at the berth. In July 2024, APSEZ received the Letter of Intent (LOI) for the berth's development, operation, and maintenance under a 30-year concession. The project, following the DBFOT (Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Transfer) model, will handle multipurpose clean cargo, including containers. Berth No. 13, with a length of 300 meters and an annual capacity of 5.7 million metric tonnes (MMT), is expected to be operational by FY27. Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ), part of the Adani Group, has transformed from a port operator into an Integrated Transport Utility, offering comprehensive solutions from port to customer. As India's largest port developer and operator, APSEZ manages 7 strategically positioned ports and terminals on the west coast (Mundra, Tuna, Dahej, Hazira in Gujarat, Mormugao in Goa, Dighi in Maharashtra, and Vizhinjam in Kerala) and 8 on the east coast (Haldia in West Bengal, Dhamra and Gopalpur in Odisha, Gangavaram and Krishnapatnam in Andhra Pradesh, Kattupalli and Ennore in Tamil Nadu, and Karaikal in Puducherry), accounting for 27 per cent of India's total port volumes. This enables it to efficiently handle cargo from coastal and inland regions. APSEZ is also developing a transshipment port in Colombo, Sri Lanka, and operates Haifa Port in Israel and Container Terminal 2 at Dar Es Salaam Port in Tanzania. Its extensive logistics platform, including multimodal logistics parks, Grade A warehouses, and industrial zones, positions the company to capitalize on the expected shift in global supply chains. APSEZ aims to become the world's largest ports and logistics platform within the next decade. (ANI)
NewsVoir New Delhi [India], September 11: Today saw the start of the highly anticipated GAIN Summit, hosted by the Saudi Data & Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) in Riyadh across three days to explore the latest advancements in artificial intelligence. Focused on pushing the boundaries of AI for the good of humanity, the first day of the summit addressed challenges such as biases in AI models, and emphasized the need for global collaboration and the establishment of robust AI governance frameworks. Several technology giants and leading international organizations made major announcements during the day, including: * Nvidia announced a groundbreaking collaboration with SDAIA that will leverage the latest technological advancements to enable developers to more easily build and deploy AI applications with the ALLaM Arabic LLM model. The collaboration will set a new standard for AI-driven language models in the Middle East. The two organizations are further planning to expand on SDAIA's existing supercomputer infrastructure, establishing one of the largest high-performance computing data centers in the MENA region, using NVIDIA Blackwell architecture. * OECD signed an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SDAIA to strengthen AI incident monitoring in Middle Eastern countries and track data in the Arabic language. It will leverage the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)'s extensive resources and database of over 1,000 AI policies from 70 countries, as well as collaboration with local entities, and will help countries collectively address the opportunities and challenges posed by AI. * UNESCO and SDAIA announced today that the International Center for Research and Ethics in Artificial Intelligence (ICAIRE) has been classified as a Category 2 (C2) center under UNESCO's auspices. The classification underscores the pivotal role of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in advancing international and regional cooperation in AI policies, ethics, and research. The third edition of the GAIN Summit is featuring over 450 speakers - industry leaders, policymakers and researchers - from more than 100 countries. Highlights from Day 1 across four stages included 'Generative AI and personalised adventure' with Boson AI CEO Alex Smola and 'Beyond Words: Unleashing the Power of Generative AI with Next Generation Arabic LLMs' with H.E. Dr. Esam Alwagait, Director of the National Information Centre; Jonathan Adashek, Senior Vice President of Marketing & Communications, IBM; and Marketing & Communications, IBM; and Turki Badhris, President, Microsoft Arabia. The summit continues tomorrow with sessions on job disruption and the future of work, realizing the potential of AI for healthcare and integrating health in sports. (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 for Communications and Development Jyotiraditya Scindia expressed confidence that India is on track to establish at least three international business hubs within the next decade, underscoring India's rapid growth across key sectors. As Aviation Minister in Modi 2.0, Scindia emphasised, "I am confident that in the next decade, you will see not one international hub in India, but at least three international hubs being created in India." Scindia, alongside Jitin Prasada, Minister of State for Commerce, Industry, Electronics, and IT, addressed the 51st National Management Convention on the theme "India's Ascent: Navigating Global Uncertainty" in New Delhi, on Wednesday. Scindia said, "India today is the second largest producer of mobile phones in the world. We have tripled the number of kilometres that we build of highways per day from 11 to 33 kilometres. In my past portfolio, going from 74 airports in India in 2014 to 159 airports at the last count in 2024." He added, "The fact that we have Delhi today as the second largest capacity airport in the world at 109 million. We need to move the international business hubs for air traffic from our eastern and western neighbours back into India." In terms of social development, Scindia pointed out India's successful poverty alleviation efforts, stating, When you look at social development, the fact that we have raised 25 crore of our people, our brothers and sisters, from poverty. Public health, what could not have been dreamt of before." He added, "Under the Ayushman Kaur Yojana, 28 and a half crore people today have health insurance cover of up to five lakh rupees per annum. Something that we could not comprehend." Uplifting women through the Ujjwala Yojana has also been a priority, with 10 crore women receiving free LPG connections, improving household energy access. He said, "10 crores of our sisters and mothers who are covered under Ujjwala Yojana. And all of this has not happened in 75 years. All of this in the last one decade of India's progress. If you look at the number of broadband users in our country, from 60 million, we have gone to 940 million." He added, "If you look at the number of kilometres of optical fiber cable that have been laid out, 30 lakh kilometers of OFC fiber cable have been laid out in the last decade alone. We have grown to 119 crore mobile subscribers." Scindia also showcased the digital revolution in India, noting, "Internet connectivity growing from 25 crore to 94 crore. At the same time, the cost of voice dropping from 50 paise to 3 paise per minute today. The cost of data per GB dropping from 280 rupees to 12.8 rupees today, a 95 per cent drop in cost." He added, "That is the transformation that India has undergone. The India Post Payments Bank, established only seven years ago. We have seamlessly, transferred 45,000 crores worth of dues directly to customers through DBT. Today, UPI has become a part of our lives. India transacts 46 per cent of the world's digital transactions." (ANI)
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Wang Yi, director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs and a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Secretary of the Russian Federation Security Council Sergei Shoigu in St. Petersburg, Russia, on Sept. 10, 2024. [Photo/Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs]

China is willing to strengthen strategic communication with Russia and continuously enrich the strategic connotations of bilateral ties, Wang Yi, director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, said in a meeting with Secretary of the Russian Federation Security Council Sergei Shoigu on Tuesday in St. Petersburg.

During the meeting, Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, noted that in face of unprecedented changes in a century, the stable and healthy development of China-Russia relations is fundamentally due to the guidance of the two countries' heads of state.

This year, based on the new starting point of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Russia, the two sides have maintained exchanges at all levels, implemented important consensus reached by the heads of state, and further consolidated the political and social foundation of China-Russia eternal good-neighborliness and friendly relations, comprehensive strategic cooperation, and mutually beneficial cooperation for win-win outcomes, Wang said.

He stressed that China is willing to strengthen strategic communication with Russia, give full play to the role of the China-Russia strategic security consultation mechanism and the BRICS Meeting of High Representatives on National Security mechanism, and continuously enrich the strategic connotations of China-Russia relations.

Meanwhile, Wang said that China supports Russia's work as the rotating chair of BRICS and is willing to join hands to deepen mutual trust and cooperation among BRICS countries, to shape the BRICS mechanism into a major channel for emerging powers to make their voices heard and an important platform for solidarity and cooperation of the "Global South" and to continuously open up new situations in "BRICS+" cooperation.

For his part, Shoigu stated that high-level exchanges between Russia and China and fruitful cooperation in various fields have highlighted the high level of Russia-China strategic cooperation.

He thanked China for the support of Russia as the rotating chair of BRICS and expressed Russia's willingness to continue strengthening strategic communication with China, closely coordinating cooperation, and ensuring the success of the BRICS leaders' summit in Kazan next month.

During the meeting, both sides expressed their commitment to advocating and practicing true multilateralism.

The Russian side emphasized its support for China's role as the rotating chair of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), striving to make the SCO more efficient and pragmatic, and more cohesive, and inject more stability into a world entangled in chaos.

The two sides also exchanged views on the Ukraine crisis.

Shoigu explained Russia's position, welcomed the "six-point consensus" jointly proposed by China and Brazil, and was pleased to see this consensus widely recognized by the international community.

Wang stated that China has always maintained an objective and fair attitude on the Ukraine issue and will continue to commit to increasing the voice of balance, objectivity, and rationality in the international community, to gather more international consensus and accumulate necessary conditions for an early ceasefire and a political resolution to the crisis.
Union Minister for Commerce and Industry on Wednesday launched the Trade Connect e-platform to help Indian exporters, MSMEs and entrepreneurs. Trade Connect ePlatform will connect Indian Exporters, MSMEs and Entrepreneurs with various stakeholders including Indian Missions Abroad, Export Promotion Councils, and other Partner Government Agencies. The platform will provide information on trade events taking place in different parts of the world, benefits available due to India's Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and other international trade-related information and data.Launching the platform, Union Minister Goyal said, "Truly delighted to see the baby taking birth after months of hard work collectively put in by the entire team. Commerce TCS, DGFT, inputs from MSE, inputs from different ministries, brainstorming over long hours, getting the support of organizations like Exim Bank and Hard work put in by TCS. It truly is a matter of celebration."Exporters will get all information on Trade Connect ePlatform at the click of a button"It's very interesting that in the third term of the Modi Government, we have taken up upon ourselves under the guidance of Prime Minister Modi." Said Goyal."The prime minister has set a time-bound goal for all ministries and work is being done accordingly to meet the Viksit Bharat mission of 204," he added."We'll have a mission for the first year. We'll have a mission for the first five years up to 2029. And this journey to 2047 is going to be broken into elements that are monitorable for time-bound action. People can be held responsible for outcomes and the entire effort to provide ease of doing business to provide ease of living to the common man," he said."Digital focus and new technologies is being used for faster and better implementation of policies. To the citizens of India, the effort to use technology in a big way so that we can work smarter, better, faster. Prime Minister says we have to work with three times the speed because our effort has to be three times what it was earlier and correspondingly, the outcomes also have to be three times larger, better and more effective in our delivery of services and our delivery of good governance," Goyal said during the launch of the Trade Connect e-platform. (ANI)
SMPL Dubai [UAE], September 11: Next Capital, a leading real estate company in Dubai, has announced the launch of newest luxury project, Samana Barari. This exclusive project emerges at a time when the emirate is witnessing an impressive 48.84% surge in demand for off-plan properties, indicating a notable shift in investor interests towards future-focused real estate ventures. Samana Barari harmonizes contemporary design with natural aesthetics. Epitomizing Dubai's luxury property market, the project boasts private swimming pools, green spaces, and smart home technology, promising high rental yields and sustained value appreciation in a prime location. It thus poses appealing to international investors in search of both luxury and substantial returns. Dubai is witnessing a property boom, which recorded 37,349 residential sales including 31,940 apartments and 4,161 villas as recorded from December 2023 to March 2024. Launching amid this scenario, this new property is set to succeed. "Samana Barari represents the future of luxury living in Dubai," stated Ebrahim Ismail, a key stakeholder at Next Capital. "With this project, we aim to cater to the refined tastes of discerning investors who prioritize exclusivity, sustainability, and innovation. Alongside our team's continuous support, customers will also be able to avail flexible payment plans. Samana Barari is set to become a landmark investment opportunity in Dubai's flourishing real estate landscape." In alignment with its growth strategy, Next Capital has also introduced a global affiliate program, through which individuals around the world will be able to engage in Dubai's thriving real estate market. This initiative offers affiliates a comprehensive suite of marketing resources and a tiered commission framework, making it especially appealing to high-net-worth individuals in search of exclusive, premium investment prospects. Ismail emphasized, "Our aspirations go beyond merely facilitating property sales. We aim to make Dubai's real estate sector more accessible and lucrative for investors worldwide. The introduction of Samana Barari along with the affiliate program marks the initial steps in our mission to generate enduring value for our clients and partners." Next Capital has positioned itself as a reliable ally in Dubai's premier real estate markets, providing a full spectrum of services ranging from property selection to obtaining regulatory approvals. The company's innovative strategies, which incorporate advanced analytics and smart home technologies, have been recognized for enhancing property values by 10-20%, thereby ensuring optimal returns for investors. Looking forward, Next Capital intends to broaden its clientele by exploring emerging markets and offering increasingly flexible investment solutions. With promotion of initiatives like Samana Barari which are paving the way, the company is strategically equipped to assist its clients in achieving substantial wealth growth while actively contributing to the vibrant real estate environment in Dubai. For further details regarding Samana Barari or to investigate investment opportunities with Next Capital, interested individuals are invited to schedule a complimentary consultation at https://properties.mynextcapital.com/samana-barari/. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by SMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
NewsVoir Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], September 11: Arka Investment Advisory Services Private Limited (AIASPL) has launched their second alternative investment fund - Arka Hreem Real Estate Opportunities Fund ("Fund"). Rohan Builders, a leading real estate & EPC player, joins as the Operating Partner for the Fund through its Financial Services arm, Hreem. The Fund's first scheme - Arka Hreem Real Estate Opportunities Fund I (Arka Hreem Fund) has a target size of INR 500 Crores and a green shoe of INR 250 Crores with a focus on equity investment in residential real estate opportunities in India. This launch follows the successful final closing of Arka's maiden private credit fund. Arka Hreem Fund is strategically designed to bring in equity investments in the residential sector in India, with good quality counterparties across metros, which is starved of institutional equity despite the improved landscape in the recent years with better corporate governance, consolidation of the sector and the high growth potential. The Fund shall be focused on Tier 1 cities and invest with Grade A developer partners. It is managed by AIASPL and sponsored by Arka Financial Holdings Pvt Ltd - the financial services platform backed by Kirloskar Oil Engines Limited. The unique structure with Rohan Builders as a Partner ensures a blend of deep industry knowledge and robust investment acumen. "We are proud to introduce the Arka Hreem Real Estate Opportunities Fund as a strategic investment opportunity that aligns with our commitment to delivering exceptional value to all our stakeholders," said Sonit Singh, Chief Business Officer - Real Estate, Asset Management & Advisory. "Our collaboration with Rohan Builders and backing by Kirloskar Group exemplify our dedication to addressing market needs and achieving superior returns for our investors." "Our engagement with Arka Investment Advisory on the Arka Hreem Fund is a strategic move to leverage our deep industry expertise, strong execution capability and extensive network in the real estate sector. We are excited about the potential this fund holds for the sector as it is not for Rohan or its projects but rather the market and are confident it will provide significant value to the investee developers and investors alike," said Suhas Lunkad, Chairman & Managing Director of Rohan Builders. The first fund - Arka Credit Fund I, has demonstrated strong performance with investments across sectors like transportation, real estate, financial services, steel manufacturing & waste management demonstrating its capabilities to support companies across multiple sectors & stages of growth. Arka Investment Advisory is a leading investment firm specializing in innovative financial products and solutions. With a focus on real estate and credit markets, Arka Investment Advisory leverages its extensive industry expertise and strategic partnerships to deliver outstanding returns and create long-term value for investors. For more information on Arka Investment Advisory Services Pvt Limited, Arka Real Estate Opportunities Fund I and other investment opportunities please visit www.arkaholdings.com/de/web/arka-investment-advisory Rohan Builders is a leading player in the Real Estate Development, Infrastructure Development and EPC Contracting sectors with headquarters in Pune and operations across India. Known for its user centric design and planning, Rohan Builders is a team of over 2,000 professionals and has delivered over 30 million square feet across the country. It has been rated DA2+ by CRISIL for last 14 years and has been consistently certified as a Great Place to Work by the GPTW organization. As a participant at the UNGC, the Group stays dedicated in its sustainability efforts. For more information on Rohan Builders, please visit rohanbuilders.com. (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)
NewsVoir Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], September 11: Brillante, the world's only multi-genre piano festival is marking its debut in Bengaluru, and will host its fifth edition in the city. The prestigious event will take place on 28th and 29th of September, 2024, at the Prestige Srihari Khoday Centre for Performing Arts. Renowned as the world's only multi-genre piano festival with its roots in Nagaland, Brillante is making its highly anticipated debut in South India with a grand showcase in Bengaluru. Originating in Nagaland's Kohima, Brillante has evolved into a nationwide music movement, steadfast in its mission to spotlight and celebrate the richness of musical expression within the community. Brillante Piano Festival presented by Kodaikanal International School will bring together an unparalleled array of musicians from 18 countries and 15 states across India. The festival promises an immersive experience for music enthusiasts, featuring concerts, showcases, competitions, workshops, talks, exhibits, and cultural synergy. Highlights of the Brillante Piano Festival: * World-class Performances: Witness mesmerizing performances by renowned musicians including Lydian Nadhaswaram, Maroun Benabdellah, Aman Mahajan, Adam Greig, Grammy winner Manoj George (Yamaha Artist) Radha Thomas, Derek and the Cats, and many more from Nagaland and young emerging talents from the surrounding areas. * Diverse Genres: Explore a wide range of musical styles, from classical to contemporary, with performances spanning multiple genres. * Inclusive Music: Celebrate the power of music with performances by specially-abled musicians, showcasing the festival's commitment to diversity and inclusivity. * Educational Opportunities: Benefit from workshops and masterclasses led by esteemed experts in the field of music, providing valuable insights for all participants. * Vibrant Marketplace: Indulge in a delightful shopping experience at the food and flea market zone, featuring a variety of delicacies and products from Nagaland StartUp. Khyochano TCK, Founder & Director of Brillante Piano Festival, said, "Brillante Piano Festival isn't just about world-class performances; it's a holistic musical experience. From exploring the latest piano and keyboard innovations to learning from industry experts, there's something for everyone. It's a feast for the ears, mind and heart. The festival is open from 10 AM to 10 PM each day, promising an engaging and enriching experience." Speaking on the same lines, Stephanie Cauvet, Chief Marketing Officer, Kodaikanal International School, said, "We are delighted to partner with Brillante for this one-of-a-kind festival. Bengaluru's first hosting of the Brillante Piano Festival marks a significant milestone and we are eagerly anticipating how this event will captivate and inspire the city's diverse and enthusiastic music community." The festival is supported by a range of esteemed partners, including Kodaikanal International School, Furtados Music, Steinway & Sons, Yamaha, TATA TRUSTS, Coca-Cola, and many others. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit: brillantefest.org/registration. (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)
CEO of key electronics industry stakeholder SEMI, Ajit Manocha, applauded the reception received at SEMICON India 2024 and highlighted the event as 'unprecedented' and 'exponential'. He mentioned the unprecedented scale of the event and the coming together of more than 100 CEOs and CXOs from all over the world representing the total electronic supply chain for semiconductors. SEMI serves the needs of the industry and the manufacturing supply chains for the microelectronic, display and photovoltaic industries. Manocha expressed optimism about the commitments of the industry to becoming India's trusted partner in the journey to creating a semiconductor hub for the benefit of the country, world, industry and humanity. Referring to the exponential model of growth in India, Manocha said that the semiconductor industry is foundational to every industry in the world, more importantly for humanity. The three-day Semicon India 2024 conference that commenced Wednesday will showcase India's semiconductor strategy and policy which envisions making India a global hub for semiconductors. President and CEO of Tata Electronics, Randhir Thakur thanked the Prime Minister for making this historic gathering possible and lauded his vision to bring the semiconductor industry to the Indian shores. He recalled the Prime Minister laying the foundation stone of India's first commercial fab in Dholera and first Indigenous OSAT factory in Jagiroad, Assam in March this year and said that both the projects received approval from the government in record time. Thakur said that the efforts of the government have brought all these ecosystems under one roof here at SEMICON 2024. He credited the Prime Minister's global outreach and emphasis on India's semiconductor mission for establishing key partnerships with ecosystem players to further growth. He assured the Prime Minister that the semiconductor industry will become the bedrock of the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 and it will have a multiplier effect on job creation. CEO of NXP Semiconductors, Kurt Sievers expressed his excitement and humbleness to being a part of SEMICON 2024 and said that the event marks a transformational journey for India. Highlighting the three attributes for success namely ambition, trust, and collaboration, he said that an event like today's marks the beginning of collaboration. He informed about doubling the R&D efforts by NXP above a billion dollars. CEO of Renesas, Hidetoshi Shibata, congratulated the Prime Minister for such a successful and commemorative event at SEMICON India 2024. He said that it has been a privilege to partner with such a renowned institution and establish one of India's first assembly and test facilities in Gujarat. He informed that the construction of a pilot line is already underway and also spoke about expanding activities and operational presence in Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Noida. He also mentioned doubling the head-count in India by sometime next year to shoulder a lot more of the value-added advanced semiconductor design activities for the Indian as well as the global market. CEO of IMEC, Luc Van Den Hove, referring to the Prime Minister's commitment to set up and invest in a longer-term R&D strategy, said that it is extremely important for the industry. Underlining the need for a reliable supply chain, Hove said, "Who can be a better-trusted partner than the world's largest democracy." (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the 2nd Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation on Thursday at Bharat Mandapam here in the national capital. He will also address the gathering on the occasion, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said in a statement on Wednesday. The Prime Minister will also proclaim the adoption of the "Delhi Declaration" by all the member states, which is a visionary roadmap to elevate the region's aviation sector to new heights. This conference and the adoption of the Delhi Declaration represent a significant step forward in advancing safety, security, and sustainability in the Asia Pacific civil aviation sector and highlight the spirit of cooperation that exists among the countries of this region. The Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation, organised by the Ministry of Civil Aviation in collaboration with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), will bring together transport and aviation ministers, regulatory bodies, and industry experts from across the Asia-Pacific region. The conference will focus on addressing key challenges such as infrastructure development, sustainability, and workforce development, while fostering greater collaboration between the public and private sectors. (ANI)
Bringing all citizens above 70 years under the ambit of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana would benefit an additional six crore senior citizens, said the government. The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday, approved the health coverage to all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, irrespective of income, under the flagship health security scheme. This aims to benefit approximately 4.5 crore families with six crore senior citizens with 5 lakh rupees free health insurance coverage on a family basis. With this approval, all senior citizens of the age 70 years and above, irrespective of their socio-economic status, would be eligible to avail the benefits of the scheme. The eligible senior citizens would be issued a new distinct card under the health security scheme. The senior citizens of age 70 years and above belonging to families already covered under the scheme will get an additional top-up cover of up to Rs 5 lakh per year for themselves (which they do not have to share with the other members of the family who are below the age of 70 years). All other senior citizens of the age 70 years and above will get a cover up to Rs 5 lakh per year on a family basis. Senior citizens aged 70 years and above who are already availing benefits of other public health insurance schemes such as the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), and the Ayushman Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) may either choose their existing scheme or opt for Ayushman Bharat. It has been clarified that senior citizens of 70 years and older who are under private health insurance policies or the Employees' State Insurance scheme will be eligible to avail benefits under Ayushman Bharat. Ayushman Bharat is the world's largest publicly funded health assurance scheme, which provides health cover of Rs 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization to 55 crore individuals, corresponding to 12.34 crore families. All members of the eligible families, irrespective of age, are covered under the scheme. The scheme has covered 7.37 crore hospital admissions, including 49 per cent of women beneficiaries. The public has benefited to the extent of over Rs. 1 lakh crore under the scheme. The Ayushman Bharat scheme has witnessed a continuous expansion of the beneficiary base. Initially, 10.74 crore poor and vulnerable families comprising the bottom 40 per cent of India's population were covered under the scheme. Later, the government, in January 2022, revised the beneficiary base from 10.74 crore to 12 crore families, considering India's decadal population growth of 11.7 per cent over the 2011 population. The scheme was further expanded to cover 37 lakh ASHAs/AWWs/AWHs working across the country and their families for free healthcare benefits. (ANI)
September is extra special for actor Siddhant Chaturvedi as he is eagerly waiting to captive audience with his action avatar in the upcoming film 'Yudhra' and is all set to take on the role of a host at IIFA 2024 for the first time. Shah Rukh Khan, Karan Johar, Rana Daggubati, Siddhant Chaturvedi and Abhishek Banerjee are going to showcase their hosting skills in Abu Dhabi soon. Siddhant will host IIFA Rocks along with Abhishek Banerjee. Speaking to ANI, Siddhant shared his excitement, saying he is a bit nervous but also excited. "I am feeling a little bit nervous but I am very excited. On 20th September, you will see me in action avatar. It's a big-scale film. It's going to be a lot of fun. We've made a great film. And then after that is the celebration in Abu Dhabi. And I think I'm going to enjoy myself to the fullest. And I'm sure the audience will also enjoy it a lot. And we'll make an atmosphere," she said. "So that's what my intention is, to just go there and have fun. And I think I'm glad that I got this opportunity to host IIFA and this is the first time also I'm coming to IIFA because I was supposed to come three-four years back for Gully Boy. I had won an award but that time sadly the pandemic was going on so I couldn't, so the award came home. So this is the first time I'm going to step on that stage and I'm going to step on the stage as a host," Sidhant added. Like every admirer of Shah Rukh Khan, Abhishek Banerjee is also excited to work with King Khan. Sharing his feelings, Abhishek said he feels lucky to share the stage with the 'Baadshah of Bollywood.' "I'm just a fan who is like...I feel so lucky that I'm going to share the stage with him. I feel so lucky that I'm going to work with him. Because meeting, getting together, all this happens, but working is a big thing. So I'm just happy that I'm finally going to be working with him," he said. The 'Pataal Lok' actor further said he only wants to celebrate himself, the industry and the entire audience. On hosting IIFA Rocks, Abhishek added, "I think no one can crack a joke like this that can hurt someone personally. But I think humour is something that should be taken as humour. You know, no matter what. I mean, I think this is the amazing thing. We shouldn't take ourselves seriously. When we are on stage and the people sitting down, we shouldn't take them seriously. Because it's not really a serious atmosphere." "It's for celebrating our industry, the hard work everybody puts in. So if we can just celebrate that day, I think that's my goal. I'm not looking to do something different or special. I just want to celebrate myself, this industry and the entire audience, which has given us so much love, both the national and international audience will be there, so I'm very excited," he added. The IIFA Awards 2024, to be held from September 27 to 29 at Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, promises a weekend filled with glitz and glamour. This year's hosts include the comeback of Shah Rukh Khan, Karan Johar, and Vicky Kaushal. The awards night will feature performances by Bollywood stars such as Rekha, Shahid Kapoor, Vicky Kaushal, Kriti Sanon, and Janhvi Kapoor. Additionally, the "IIFA Rocks" segment on September 29 will be hosted by Siddhant Chaturvedi and Abhishek Banerjee, featuring performances by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy and Honey Singh. (ANI)
According to sources, a multi-institutional program, Partnerships for Accelerated Innovation and Research (PAIR), is planned to be launched to enable new partnerships between established top-tier institutions and academic institutions, where research capability is limited , in a uniquely collaborative environment that is conducive for transformational research. Through this program, ANRF will support high-quality research through a Hub and Spoke framework in a mentorship mode.

The aim is to systematically enhance research excellence and permeate research culture across institutions in a well-coordinated and efficient manner.

ANRF will play a critical role in building systematic mechanisms to bolster global competitiveness in key strategic and emerging areas.

To accelerate research in these areas, a mission-mode program, Mission for Advancement in High-impact Areas (MAHA), will be initiated to support priority-driven, solution-focused research that would catalyse multi-institutional, multi-disciplinary and multi-investigator collaboration to address scientific challenges and advance the frontiers of technology. The priority areas identified for immediate support under MAHA program are EV Mobility and Advanced Materials.

To lead India to the forefront of research excellence, an initiative to establish world-class Centres of Excellence with substantial support is being envisioned.

The program, ANRF Centre of Excellence (ACE) shall propel Indian Science by providing funding support to establish premier Centres of Excllence that will facilitate world-class research environment and state-of-the-art infrastructure to support highly ambitious and cutting-edge research.

For advancement of scientific excellence as well as to foster and sustain a vibrant R&D ecosystem, a dedicated effort to foster basic research through a major program of ANRF with enhanced support has been envisaged.

ANRF is envisioned to provide a conducive environment to nurture research and harness the potential of India's diverse talent pool.

ANRF has been established by an Act of Parliament, Anusandhan National Research Foundation Act 2023 to seed, grow and foster a culture of research and innovation throughout the country.(ANI)
After one case of monkeypox was confirmed, Dr Suresh Kumar, Medical Director of LNJP Hospital in Delhi, urged the public to remain calm. Urging the public to not panic over the West African clade 2 Monkeypox case, Dr Suresh Kumar, Medical Director, LNJP Hospital on Tuesday, "A suspected case of monkeypox came to us, and we conducted tests of it. The patient was having a fever and body ache and was sent to Pune. It was found positive, and there was a West African strain found. We don't need to panic, the patient is in isolation. The patient is stable and recovering very well." "Last year, at least 16 patients came to us, and neither of them faced any complications. All of them recovered," he added. Earlieron Tuesday, Aam Aadmi Party leader (AAP) Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj conducted a surprise inspection at the Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan hospital (LNJP) to review the preparedness for the dengue and monkeypox infections.On his visit to the hospital, Bhardwaj said that one case of monkeypox has been confirmed of a person who was travelling abroad.Speaking to ANI, Bhardwaj said, "I conducted a surprise visit at the LNJP hospital today to review the preparations for dengue and monkeypox. One case of monkeypox has been confirmed till now and the patient has a travel history and got infected when he was travelling abroad."He added that the patient has been stable and has been kept in isolation in the Disaster Management Ward. On Monday, Union Health Secretary Apurva Chandra issued an advisory to states and union territories regarding the precautionary actions, symptoms and causes of the WHO declared Public Health Emergency of International Concern "Mpox." The Union Health Secretary, in an issued advisory, highlighted the key public health actions that are required to be undertaken to prevent or minimise the risk of any case or death due to Mpox in the country. The Union Health Secretary directed the states to widely disseminate the Ministry's "Guidelines for Management of Monkeypox Disease" and take action on the updated CD-Alert (communicable disease alert) on Mpox issued by National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, has been a public health issue in parts of Africa for many years but resurfaced as a global concern in 2022. (ANI)
 Flash

People transfer victims after an Israeli bombing in the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis, on July 9, 2024. [Photo/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.
BJP candidate from Julana Captain Yogesh Bairagi for the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the senior leadership of the party for placing trust in him. Bairagi, who has been fielded against former wrestler Vinesh Phogat from Julana, appealed to the people of his constituency to place their trust in him. On September 6, Olympian wrestler Vinesh joined the Congress. "I want to express my gratitude to the senior leadership of the party for showing trust in me," Bairagi said, adding that "The Congress candidate (Vinesh Phogat) is also like our sister and till the time she played she made the country proud. We will work hard so that BJP wins. I appeal to the people of my constituency to show trust in me. The model with which I will work there will be a model of development." The Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday released its second list of 21 candidates for the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections.According to the second list of the BJP, the party has fielded Captain Yogesh Bairagi against Congress candidate Vinesh Poghat from the Julana Assembly seat. The party has decided to field Pawan Saini from Naraingarh, Jai Bhagwan Sharma from Pehowa, Satpal Jamba from Pundri, Yogendra Rana from Assandh, Devender Kaushik from Ganaur, Krishna Gahlawat from Rai, Pradeep Sangwan Baroda, Captain Yogesh Bairagi from Julana, Krishna Kumar Bedi from Narwana (SC). Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Tuesday filed his nomination as BJP candidate from the Ladwa constituency.Voting for the 90-member legislative assembly in Haryana will be held on October 5, and the last date for filing nominations is September 12. The counting of votes will be held on October 8.Phogat announced her retirement from wrestling a short while after she was disqualified from the Paris Olympic Games after being found overweight by about 100 gm in her 50-kg category weigh-in.In 2019 assembly polls, BJP became the single-largest party with 40 seats and Congress won 30 seats. (ANI)
As per the information, she has been admitted to the local government hospital in the Mahasi for treatment.

"Wolf attacked an 11-year-old girl tonight. The girl was admitted to CHC Mahasi and is under treatment," said Mahasi CHC incharge.

The incident has further heightened fear among locals in the region.

Earlier on Tuesday, the 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.

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.

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 in order to catch them.

Three snap cameras have also been installed in Sikandarpur village around six caves, which local villagers claim to be the habitat of the wolves.

9 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)
The Delhi High Court on Tuesday issued a notice to the CBI in a plea moved by arrested Inspector Jagat Narayan Singh of UP Police. He is one of six policemen accused in businessman Manish Gupta murder case of Gorakhpur in 2021. He has sought 45 days interim bail to attend and contest the departmental proceedings before the SSP Gorakhpur. Justice Amit Mahajan issued notice to the CBI and sought a response. The matter has been listed on October 1 for hearing. Advocate Kanhaiya Singhal has moved an application on behalf of Jagat Narayan Singh seeking interim bail on the ground that he has to attend and contest his disciplinary proceedings ongoing before the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), District Gorakhpur, UP. It has been submitted that the petitioner, who is a government servant, has been subjected to the disciplinary proceedings initiated by his department/senior officials only because of the present case, and the repeated notices were issued to him to attend the disciplinary proceedings on various dates, i.e. 18.06.2022, 17.11.2022, 04.02.2023, 28.04.2023, 25.01.2023 and 26.02.2024 and to file an appropriate reply. It is further submitted that if the petitioner does not join and contest the proceedings, he may be dismissed from his service without getting a chance of proper hearing, in violation of the principles of natural justice. The Rouse Avenue Court on August 27 dismissed the interim bail application filed by the petitioner, and thus, due to the said dismissal of the interim bail application, the petitioner is not able to appear before the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), District Gorakhpur, UP, and suitably contest the said disciplinary proceedings. In this case, the investigation was taken over by CBI, SCB, Lucknow by re-registering the case on 02.11.2021. By the time CBI took over the investigation of the case in 2021, the case crime was investigated by SIT, Kanpur constituted by the state police. The SIT identified the unnamed accused police officials as SI Rahul Dubey, Head Constable Kamlesh Yadav, and Constable Prashant Kumar and as such, they were made accused in the case along with three others already named in the FIR. The case of the prosecution is that on the invitation of Chandan Saini of Gorakhpur, Pardeep Kumar decided to visit Gorakhpur by road in his car on September 6, 2021. Pardeep Kumar asked his cousin Harbir to go along with him to Gorakhpur for sightseeing. Pardeep Kumar requested deceased Manish Gupta to join them, and after reaching Gorakhpur they checked in to room no. 512 on the 3rd floor of Hotel Krishna Palace in the morning of September 2, 2021. At that point of time, Adarsh Pandey was on duty at the reception of the hotel. It is alleged that the deceased and his friends were beaten by the police party. Manish Gupta had succumbed to the injuries. (ANI)
Ahead of the protests over the alleged illegal construction of Sanjauli mosque called on Wednesday, heavy police force has been deployed at the Dhalli tunnel in Shimla. The police officials are also inspecting each vehicle to prevent any kind of mishap during the protests. The protests have been called by Hindu organizations at around 11 am today over the alleged illegal construction of Sanjauli mosque. Sanjeev Kumar, the Superintendent of Police of Shimla, conveyed that the stakeholders had said they would conduct peaceful protests; however, the police have taken all precautionary measures to maintain peace and law and order in the area. Speaking to ANI, Shimla SP Sanjeev Kumar said, "... We have invoked the procedures under BNSS 163. Life is normal and people are going to their schools and offices. Police have been deployed as a precaution... We are also carrying out drone surveillance. If someone breaches the law, then we will collect adequate evidence against such people... The people of Himachal are peace-loving people... So, even if people gather, it will be a peaceful demonstration. The stakeholders also said that the demonstration will be peaceful... We have taken all precautionary measures... We want to caution people that law will take its course and peace is the ultimate solution... We hope no one breaches the law and creates legal complications for themselves..." On Tuesday night, the police personnel also carried out a peace march from Sanjauli Chowk to Dhalli tunnel. Earlier on Tuesday, Shimla SP Sanjeev Kumar said that the police are keeping their eyes on the social media to prevent any kind of rumours by mischievous elements during the protests. The police also said that they will take action if anyone tries to create disharmony. Shimla SP further urged the people to maintain peace in the region. Shimla SP Sanjeev Kumar said, "We are keeping an eye on the social media, as there are some mischievous elements that try to spread rumours. We have talked to all the stakeholders. Shimla has always been peaceful; we are sure there will be peace. We have taken certain peaceful steps. We are not expecting any violent demonstration. As of now, we do not anticipate any protests tomorrow, but we are urging everyone to maintain peace. We have also taken some precautionary measures." Responding to a question on the possibilities of violence from social media rumours, Kumar said, "We have identified some people. We want to say that we will definitely proceed against them who are involved in creating disharmony on social media, in accordance with the law and order." "The police are conducting a detailed investigation. Our primary focus remains on maintaining law and order. But I am sure that the aspects of investigation is different and aspect of peace and order is different, we are currently working on the aspect of peace and order. On Tuesday evening, we have talked to the stakeholders and they agreed with us and as they have earlier protested, they have given assurance so, there is no scope of protests. So, we will see what type of protest and who is protesting," he added. Shimla SP further added, "As we have just invoked the procedure of law and most of the people involved are educated and understand the potential consequences of any escalation. At the moment, our lives are normal, and no case of serious unrest has surfaced." While the SP refrained from sharing additional details, he assured that decisions will be made based on the evolving situation. He reiterated the importance of maintaining peace and order in the district and said, "There is no need for concern. The police will act according to the circumstances." (ANI)
The BSF said in a statement that the unprovoked firing from across the border occurred around 2:35 am on Wednesday and it was befittingly responded by its troops.

"One BSF personnel sustained injuries in the firing from the Pakistan side. Troops are on high alert," stated the BSF, which guards the India-Pakistan border.

The India-Pakistan border stretches approximately 3,323 kilometres, dividing the two countries including various sectors with differing levels of tension and security challenges.

The India-Pakistan border, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir, has been a flashpoint for frequent skirmishes and ceasefire violations. Tensions have fluctuated over the years, with sporadic cross-border firing incidents often escalating into major security concerns.

The BSF, responsible for guarding this sensitive region, frequently faces challenges due to these border tensions.

The current incident highlights ongoing security issues and the volatile nature of the region's border dynamics. (ANI)
The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) on Wednesday filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court on a plea challenging Allahabad High Court's March 22 judgment striking down 'UP Board of Madarsa Education Act 2004'. NCPCR says that the education imparted to children in Madrasa is not comprehensive, and is therefore against the provisions of Right to Education Act, 2009. The Madrasa's are infringing on children's fundamental right to a good education by failing to provide these basic requirements. Children are denied not only a suitable education but also a healthy atmosphere and improved opportunities for growth, affidavit states. Such institutes are also providing Islamic religious education to non-muslims which is further in violation of Article 28 (3) of the Constitution of India, the affidavit further says. It says that child getting education in such an institution will be devoid of basic knowledge of school curriculum which is provided in a school. NCPCR further says in affidavit that Madrasas do not only render an unsatisfactory and insufficient model for education but also have an arbitrary mode of working which is wholly and in absence of a curriculum and evaluation procedure as laid down under Section 29 of the Right to Education Act, 2009. According to the NCPCR, many children in the country attend Madrasas, however, they provide large religious teaching with very little participation in the national mainstream education system. NCPCR says several complaints have been received regarding the fatwas issued by Darul Uloom Deoband which runs a large number of Madarsas in the country. Darul Uloom Deoband being an academic body of Islamic education and affiliating Madrasas across South Asia has been issuing fatwas which are exposing children to hatred against one's own country and eventually causing them unnecessary mental and physical suffering, NCPCR's affidavit states. The Supreme Court on April 5 stayed the Allahabad High Court's March 22 judgment striking down 'UP Board of Madarsa Education Act 2004' as unconstitutional and violative of secularism and fundamental rights.A bench of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra said finding of Allahabad High Court that the establishment of a Madarsa board breaches the principles of secularism may not be correct.The top court said the High Court judgement would affect the 17 lakh students, and it is of the view that direction of relocation of students to other school was not warranted. The court said that if the concern was to ensure that the students of Madarsas receive quality education, the remedy would not lie in striking down the Madarsa Act but in issuing suitable directions to ensure that the students are not deprived of quality education. (ANI)
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will hold a meeting on Thursday to review the functioning of Health Facilities and improvement of safety, security and patient services in the State. This meeting will be held at around 1 pm in the state secretariat, Nabbana Sabhaghar. Principals, Directors and Medical Superintendent cum Vice-Principal (MSVPs) of all Medical College and Hospitals of the state have been invited to the meeting. All Commissioners of Police and District Magistrates and Chief Medical Officer of Health (CMOH) of all districts have also been invited in this meeting. The letter reads, "This is to inform you that Chief Minister, West Bengal shall hold a meeting on the subject mentioned above from Nabanna Sabhaghar on 12 September, 2024 at 1.00. You are requested to attend the meeting physically or in virtual mode along with the officers as per the enclosed list. This is for your kind information and taking necessary action." Notably, this meeting is scheduled in the wake of the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital rape and murder of the PG trainee doctor on August 9. Earlier on September 10, the father of the deceased trainee doctor from Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College said that the Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee, has not done any work and his family is not satisfied with her role in the case. The victim's father also said that they demanded a CBI investigation due to her "unsatisfied role" in the case. Speaking to ANI, the victim's father, said, "We are not satisfied with the role of the CM (Mamata Banerjee) in the case; that's why we went to the CBI. She hasn't done any work. One of the policemen came to our house, they said we have arrested Sanjay Roy and he will be produced in fast track court and will get a death sentence. But the incident that happened with my daughter was not the work of just one person. We have been saying this since starting that persons from the department involved in this." (ANI)
After a wolf attacked an 11-year-old girl in Uttar Pradesh''s Bahraich, a member of the family of the victim on Wednesday blamed the forest department team for not installing doors in houses of the villages and said that the man-eating animal had been seen in the village earlier as well. As the authorities in Uttar Pradesh''s Bahraich continued their search for a sixth ''killer'' wolf, an 11-year-old girl was injured after a wolf attacked her in the city on Tuesday night. A member of her family, Sunil Kumar, said that the wolf dragged the child out of the house to the road. "A wolf came here at night and dragged the child out of the house to the road...A boy was sitting there. When the wolf brought the girl there, he called out. The wolf was alarmed and he ran away after leaving the girl there. The wolf had been to the village 3-4 times earlier too. The forest department team has not come yet. The door has not been installed here; if there were doors, then the incident would not have taken place," he said. The girl who was attacked by the wolf has been identified as Suman. The brother of the Suman said that the wolf attacked when everyone was sleeping in the house. "The man eater dragged my sister from the house. Everyone was sleeping and there are no doors in the house," the brother Surender said. Meanwhile, the sister-in-law of the girl said,"Yesterday, when the wolf attacked Suman and was carrying her away, she shouted, after which the villagers chased it away." The victim of wolf attack, Suman, said that the wolf dragged her from the house to the road. "The wolf attacked me, after which I shouted and my dada (brother) woke up. He was larger in size than a dog," she added. Later, she was admitted to the local government hospital in the Mahasi for treatment. "Wolf attacked an 11-year-old girl tonight. The girl was admitted to CHC Mahasi and is under treatment," said the Mahasi CHC incharge. The incident has further heightened fear among locals in the region. Earlier on Tuesday, the 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. 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. Three snap cameras have also been installed in Sikandarpur village around six caves, which local villagers claim to be the habitat of the wolves. 9 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)
As the deadline for nomination for the Haryana Assembly election nears, Haryana LoP and Congress leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda is set to file his nomination from Garhi Sampla-Kiloi assembly constituency today. Former CM Hooda also performed havan at his residence in Rohtak ahead of filing his nomination. After talks of alliance failed between AAP-Congress for assembly elections, Haryana LoP Hooda said that they tried to form an alliance but possibly AAP did not want to go ahead, and eventually they announced their candidates. "We tried but they announced their candidates. We tried but maybe they didn't want it...," said Bhupinder Singh Hooda, moments before filing his nomination from Garhi Sampla-Kiloi assembly constituency. The seat-sharing talks between Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party for the Haryana assembly polls broke down on Monday after the Aam Aadmi Party declared their candidates for various seats. The party has so far declared its candidates for 40 seats in the 90-member Haryana assembly. Responding to a question on competition faced by other parties, including JJP, INLD, etc., Hooda said, "It was clear in Lok Sabha elections that the competition is only between Congress and BJP and there is no space for vote-cutters." In a veiled attack on JJP, Hooda said, "Last time the public had voted for the vote-cutters, they formed government with the BJP and ruined Haryana for 5 years." Exuding his confidence, the Congress candidate from Garhi Sampla-Kiloi said that the 36 fraternities of Haryana have decided to form the Congress government in the state. The Congress candidate from Garhi Sampla-Kiloi assembly constituency said, "People bless us and it is our duty to serve them. Public service is the intent with which my family and I joined politics. People have given me this opportunity, and we will serve them as much as possible. 36 fraternities in Haryana have decided 'abki baar Congress ki sarkar'...BJP is going out and Congress is coming to power..." Earlier on September 10, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini filed his nomination from the Ladwa constituency for the forthcoming assembly elections in the state. Voting for the 90-member legislative assembly in Haryana will be held on October 5, with the last date for filing nominations being September 12. The counting of votes will take place on October 8. On August 31, the Election Commission of India (ECI) revised the polling date for the Haryana Assembly elections from October 1 to October 5 and moved the counting of votes for both the Jammu and Kashmir and Haryana assemblies from October 4 to October 8. (ANI)
Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Wednesday assured the farmers of Madhya Pradesh for procurement of soybean crop at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) saying that they need not to worry, soybean crop will be procured at the MSP in MP. Union Minister Chouhan also said that they received a proposal for procurement of soybean at MSP from Madhya Pradesh Government on Tuesday night and they approved that proposal. "Agriculture and farmer welfare are the highest priority for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. For us, serving farmers is like worshipping God. Farmers of Madhya Pradesh were worried in the past few days as soybean was being sold below MSP," Chouhan told reporters. "First, we permitted states like Maharashtra and Karnataka for procurement of soybean at MSP. We received a proposal for procurement of soybean at MSP from the Madhya Pradesh Government last night. We have approved that proposal. Farmers of Madhya Pradesh need not to worry, soybean will be procured at MSP. Farmers will get the rightful price for their hard work and procurement will be done in Madhya Pradesh too," he added. Earlier on Tuesday, Madhya Pradesh Farmer Welfare and Agriculture Development Minister Aidal Singh Kansana said that a proposal for the procurement of soybean at MSP was sent to the central government and procurement would be done after receiving the approval. "Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has sent a proposal to the central government for permission for the procurement of soybean. After getting the permission of the central government, soybean will be purchased in the state," minister Kansana told ANI. Madhya Pradesh is the largest soybean producing state with about 60% production of total soybean production in India. (ANI)
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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. [Photo/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.
The Delhi High Court on Wednesday, through a judgment passed, upheld the single judge's order directing SpiceJet Air to ground three of its engines due to default on payments to French engine lessors. Recently SpiceJet moved an appeal challenging an order to ground three engines and return them to their lessors, Team France 01 SAS and Sunbird France 02 SAS. The Division Bench of Justices Rajiv Shakdher and Amit Bansal found "no suitable reason" to interfere with the order, maintaining the directive for SpiceJet to comply with the engine grounding. The bench of Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora in an order passed on August 14, 2024, had initially directed SpiceJet to ground the engines and return them within the specified timeframe. The bench stated that this Court finds favour in the submission of the plaintiff/lessors that it is suffering irreparable loss due to the continuing use of Engines by the defendant/SpiceJet Ltd as engines are a depreciating asset which suffers wear and tear. "The defendant is a defaulter and has no legal and contractual right to continue the use of the Engines. The inability of the defendant to pay the admitted outstanding dues is writ large on the face of the record and infact permitting the defendant to continue the use of the Engines without payment would only cause the financial distress to the plaintiff and therefore, the balance of convenience is against the defendant and in favour of the plaintiff, said the bench of Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora. The Delhi High Court on August 14, passed the order on the pleas from Team France 01 SAS and Sunbird France 02 SAS, who claimed that SpiceJet owes them several million dollars. The court directed SpiceJet to ground the engines by August 16 and return them to the lessors within 15 days. The court also directed SpiceJet Ltd to allow the plaintiffs, Team France 01 SAS and Sunbird France 02 SAS, to inspect the engines at Delhi Airport within seven days. SpiceJet is also required to provide passes to the plaintiffs' authorised representatives to facilitate this inspection. (ANI)
Union Minister Piyush Goyal on Wednesday said the comments made by Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi in the US was "very unfortunate" stating that the Congress leader on his visits abroad only criticized the BJP and the country. Asked about Gandhi''s meeting US Congresswoman Ilhan Omar in the US, the Union Minister of Commerce and Industry told mediapersons here, "He (Rahul Gandhi) has again and again defamed India in his international visits. It seems as if he goes abroad to criticize Indians and his motherland. I condemn the kind of statements and the people whom he is meeting during his foreign trips. He meets Miss Omar who is a known anti-India propagandist and pro-Pakistan." Alleging that Rahul Gandhi had become a "fake news and propaganda machine against India, Goyal said, "She (Omar) is known to criticize Kashmir for being a part of India. Such anti-India forces...have become friends of the Congress party and Rahul Gandhi. He interacts with people who raise questions against India in various forums including in the White House." The Union Minister said that Rahul Gandhi makes "obnoxious statements on international soil and the whole Congress party is aligned with his thinking." "He makes statements that India is not safe for a certain section of people, that people do not have a right to practice their faith and that Indians are casteists. He claims that social media influencers come from a particular caste only, meets people who advocate for a separate Kashmir, claims Indians are hateful people and India doesn't value skilled people. These types of condemnable statements from the Congress party leader reflect the Congress mindset... I condemn Rahul Gandhi's actions and would appeal to him to care for India, rather than work against the interests of India on foreign soil..." Meanwhile, Goyal reacted to the comments made by Gandhi on Sikhs in India. "The leader of the party that shielded those behind the massacre of our Sikh brothers and sisters now goes on foreign soil spreading lies about the freedom of Sikhs in India to practice their faith. The fact is neither Rahul Gandhi nor the Congress have the interest of Sikhs or India in mind!" said Goyal on X. He also added a list of things the Narendra Modi-led government had done for the Sikhs of the country. Additionally, BJP leader Nalin Kohli alleged that every time Rahul Gandhi goes abroad, the Congress he only meets those who are against India's interests. Speaking to ANI, the BJP leader said, "Every time Rahul Gandhi goes abroad, he gives a signal that he is against the country. He has been standing with the 'tukde-tukde' gang and also has taken a stance that helps China. He seems to talk about the land that has been allegedly lost but does not talk about what happened under Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, who is his close relative." "As the leader of the opposition of the world's largest democracy, what are his interests? To be seen with people who are against the country. Whether we are in the 'A' party or 'B' party, we are Indians first, we are proud to fight for the country, and we only wish to see the country rise. We wish to see a strong India against those who wish to harm India's long-term interests," he Kohli said. Union Miniser Amit Shah took took to social media platform X to state that Gandhi stood with "forces that conspire to divide the country" and accused him of making anti-national statements. He added that the Congress leader always threatened India's national security. (ANI)
Continuous rainfall has led to the opening of the Ana Sagar escape channel, resulting in water accumulation in Hathi Bhata, Brahmapuri, and Shivpuri areas of Ajmer. Residents of Brahmapuri and Shivpuri report that water has been accumulating for the past 8 to 10 days, causing severe commuting problems. While the Municipal Corporation is delivering relief material, some residents claim they are not receiving the aid they need. Anju Mishra, a resident of Brahmapuri, said, "For 6 days, the entire area has been waterlogged. Our rations are depleting, and we are frustrated. We are from BPL (Below Poverty Line) and live in a rented home. I am frustrated because the room is filled with water up to half the cylinder level." She added, "Although the Municipal Corporation is reaching out to a few with relief aid, I have not received any." Another Brahmapuri resident, Ratan Lal, said, "The level of waterlogging is very severe; our homes are filled with 1.5 feet of water. We are all trapped inside our homes and are buying the needed items ourselves. Until when will we be dependent on others? The administrators come, see, and go." Municipal Corporation worker Anil, speaking to ANI, said, "We have been providing continuous relief even though the area has been waterlogged for over 15 days. We are providing whatever people ask for." RC Sharma, another local resident, added, "The heart of the city has been waterlogged. Sometimes it's not even rain but water from the channel that causes problems. Many people have fled their homes because they cannot cook food due to the waterlogging." Earlier reports indicated that heavy rainfall on Sunday morning led to severe waterlogging in Ajmer. The District Collector announced a holiday for all schools on Monday to ensure the safety of students and teachers. Areas including Patel Ground and Kamala Nehru Hospital were heavily affected, with residents struggling due to the water logging. Water from Ana Sagar Lake was also drained to manage the situation. Ajmer District Collector Lok Bandhu said, "Our teams have been working on improving the situations in the waterlogged areas of Ajmer, and we have successfully improved the situations in the last couple of days." He added that a medicine distribution team has been deployed to assist residents and warned of more rain. With alerts issued for more rain in the district, the collector said, "Do not go out, and in case of any emergency, contact the control room for help." The Regional Meteorological Centre of Jaipur issued a yellow alert for Ajmer and an orange alert for other districts with expected moderate to heavy rainfall. Western Rajasthan is forecasted to have normal weather. (ANI)
A complaint was filed with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, NIA Director General and Delhi Police Commissioner against Congress leader and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi by Vineet Jindal, a practising lawyer at the Supreme Court, following his remarks made during his US visit on "Sikhs" on September 9. 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. "Member of Parliament and Lok Sabha Leader of Parliament Rahul Gandhi is on the visit to US and he is continuously making anti-India statements. Rahul Gandhi in one of his statements mentioned about Sikhs and said that 'today the fight in India is whether a Sikh person will be able to wear his turban, kada, and visit Gurdwara.' Some or the other way Rahul Gandhi tried to instigate the Sikhs. The statement of Rahul Gandhi is not right and there no incidents reported where any Sikh is being stopped to visit Gurdwara or to wear the turbans but Rahul Gandhi for it political benifit he is trying instigate the minorities. Earlier also we have witnessed that how Rahul Gandhi defames his own country instead of attacking the central government," Jindal said in a self-made video on Wednesday. He further said that he had filed a formal complaint against Rahul Gandhi, who is currently on a tour in the USA. "I have complained to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, NIA and Delhi Police of Commissioner. In which I have urged all them to register the case for making false and insightful statements. I have also urged to cancel Rahul Gandhi's passport. I belive that soon the action will be taken on my complain," he added. In a letter written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Director General NIA, Sadanand Date and Delhi Police Commission Sanjay Arora. "I am writing to file a formal complaint against Rahul Gandhi, who is currently on a tour in the USA. On September 9, 2024, during an event organised by the Indian Overseas Congress, where he interacted with the public, Mr. Gandhi made a statement that I believe constitutes hate speech with the intent to incite division and hatred within communities for his political gain," he stated in the letter. He further said that the statement is "highly inflammatory" and is an intentional act to incite hatred among Sikhs against the Indian government and the nation. "Given Mr. Gandhi's position as the leader of the opposition in Parliament, his remarks could significantly impact internal security and foster communal discord. The impact of the concocted statement is exacerbated by the fact that the banned Khalistani terrorist organisation "Sikh for Justice' has supported Mr. Gandhi's statement, which they may use to incite hate within the Sikh community. The support from terrorist organisations and anti-India individuals suggests a larger conspiracy behind Mr. Gandhi's comments," he added. He further said that Rahul Gandhi's statement remarks appear to be strategically aimed at generating animosity towards India and may also be perceived as support for Khalistani extremists. "Such a rhetoric statement is dangerous as it would create communal hostility and could jeopardise national security. According to directions from the Hon'ble Supreme Court, police are mandated to take action on instances of hate speech without requiring a formal complaint. However, as no action appears to have been taken regarding Mr. Gandhi's statements, I am compelled to file this complaint," he stated. Jindal further requested to file an FIR against Rahul Gandhi under Sections 152. 196, 299, and 353 of the BNS for his statements. "I request that an FIR be lodged against Rahul Gandhi under Sections 152. 196, 299, and 353 of the BNS for his statements with the intent to provoke communal hatred and disrupt the Indian government, also request that his passport be revoked and that any future foreign visits be banned, as these actions appear to occur during his overseas trips. I need your attention into to this serious matter," he said. The Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and Congress MP from Raebareli, Rahul Gandhi, during his interaction with the Indian diaspora in US said that the 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. (ANI)
Congress leader Pawan Khera on Wednesday hit back at Union Minister Amit Shah after he accused Rahul Gandhi of speaking about abolishing reservations. Speaking to ANI, Khera said, "There is no anti-reservation agenda. On the contrary, Rahul Gandhi has said that we will increase the limit of reservations from 50 per cent. Is there a problem with it? Tell Amit Shah to publicly on record that he has a problem with increasing the reservation limit. We challenge him." Further, he said if Rahul Gandhi has said anything anti-national, then Amit Shah should take action. "If Rahul Gandhi has said anything anti-national, Amit Shah should take action. We challenge him. About Piyush Goyal's statement, I want to ask if these BJP people have ever heard about Ilhan Omar before this. If there is a problem in meeting them, they should write a letter to the State Department criticising the meeting and summon it," Khera said. Earlier Amit Shah, citing Rahul Gandhi's latest speech in Washington DC said, "By speaking about abolishing reservations in the country, Rahul Gandhi has once again brought the Congress's anti-reservation face to the forefront. The thoughts that were in his mind eventually found their way out as words. I want to tell Rahul Gandhi that as long as the BJP is there, neither can anyone abolish reservations nor can anyone mess with the nation's security," Meanwhile Congress' Gurdeep Singh Sappal defended the Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi's statement on the Sikh community and said that those who were hurt by his statement had perhaps not listened to the address properly. "Those who seem hurt by Rahul Gandhi's statement, have perhaps not listened to his address. He joined the BJP but he doesn't know the history of RSS. The slogan of Hindi, Hindu and Hindustan was given by the RSS, not Congress. The project of 'One Nation, One Religion and One Flag' was RSS'. People of RSS want to decide what one eats or wears, not Congress. The Congress party provided freedom of religion for everyone in this country," Sappal said. Further, he added that if the people in the country have the right to live freely, it has been because of Congress. "If people can live freely today and if I have the right to wear things as a Sikh, it is all because of the Congress. If RSS had succeeded in 1950, they would have perhaps launched the Hindutva project. Rahul Gandhi had only said that the people are free in the country today due to the philosophy of Congress. He is right when he says that we have a threat from the RSS ideology. The people are now understanding the threat and putting forward Congress's philosophies," Sappal added. (ANI)
Amid the protest against the alleged illegal construction of Sanjauli mosque, Himachal Pradesh Minister Rohit Thakur on Wednesday urged the citizens to trust the law and maintain peace in the state. Citing Himachal Pradesh's history of no communal violence, Thakur appealed to the public to demonstrate the protests peacefully. "There have never been communal rights in our state. Himachal is known as Devbhoomi. Currently, the situation is normal and everyday public life is running smoothly. I appeal all the sections of the society to trust the law and the pride history of Himachal Pradesh especially when it comes to peace. Protesting is the right of the people but everything should happen within the limits of the law. I again appeal all the sections of society of state to trust the law and everything, including protests, should be done peacefully," Himachal Pradesh Minister Rohit Thakur said Himachal Pradesh Minister Vikramaditya Singh said that the protests should not affect the peace in the area and the state government would take action if the mosque is illegal. "The situation is very clear. Everyone has the right to protest peacefully and Govt too has said this but there should not arise a situation which would affect the peaceful situation there. So Police have taken preventive measures. Sec 163 has been imposed there and the area has to be turned into a Police camp so that no situation arises which would raise questions on the law and order in the state. As far as the construction of that illegal structure is concerned, the matter is sub-judice, Govt will take a decision after hearing. We have clearly said that if it is found to be illegal, action will definitely be taken and it will be demolished. But that is a step that will be taken once the order of the Municipal Commissioner comes, it will not be right to take action before that," Vikramaditya Singh said. Earlier in the day, as the protest over the alleged illegal construction of a mosque in the Sanjauli area intensified, police personnel used water cannons and resorted to lathicharge to disperse protestors heading towards the Sanjauli area of Shimla. Protestors removed the first layer of barricading and clashed with the security forces while entering the Dhalli Tunnel East portal during their protest march. The protests have been called by Hindu organizations over the alleged illegal construction of Sanjauli mosque. (ANI)
The Rouse Avenue court Special Judge Kaveri Baweja on Wednesday granted bail to AAP leader Durgesh Pathak upon furnishing a bail bond of Rs 1 lakh. The other accused also furnished their bail bonds. Durgesh Pathak and the other charge-sheeted accused appeared before the court on summons issued by the Rouse Avenue Court. CM Arvind Kejriwal and other accused in custody were produced via video conferencing from Tihar Jail, while Vinod Chauhan appeared physically. Chauhan is in custody in a money laundering case. Arvind Kejriwal's judicial custody has been extended until September 25. The Rouse Avenue Court issued summons and production warrants for the accused after taking cognizance of the supplementary charge sheet filed by the CBI. Following the hearing, the CBI stated it would provide copies of the supplementary charge sheet to the counsels for the charge-sheeted accused. The list of unreleased documents will also be provided later. The CBI had filed a supplementary charge sheet against Arvind Kejriwal, Durgesh Pathak, Amit Arora, Sharath Chandra Reddy, Ashish Mathur, and Vinod Chauhan. On September 3, the court took cognizance of the supplementary charge sheet. Earlier, the CBI had filed a requisite prosecution sanction against Kejriwal and Durgesh Pathak, who is an MLA. The CBI alleges that money received from the South group was used for AAP's Goa election campaign. It is also alleged that Kejriwal promised to provide Rs 90 lakhs to each candidate in 40 constituencies of Goa. Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) D.P. Singh, along with Manu Mishra, appeared for the CBI. He stated that this is the fourth and final charge sheet and that no further investigation is anticipated. SPP D.P. Singh submitted that Kejriwal was in contact with the South group through Vijay Nair, who was appointed by Kejriwal as a media manager. The money received from the South group was used for AAP's Goa election campaign, and Kejriwal allegedly promised Rs 90 lakhs to each candidate in 40 constituencies. Raghav Magunta reportedly met Kejriwal. Singh further submitted that Durgesh Pathak was in charge of the Goa election. All the money spent on the Goa election was done on Pathak's instructions. He is an MLA from Delhi. SPP D.P. Singh also mentioned witnesses who claimed that a businesswoman from Punjab was threatened. He referenced the Mahadev liquor case and witnesses Sunny Marwah, Punit Diwan, and Jasdeep Kaur Chaddha. It is alleged that Amit Arora threatened Punit Diwan and another witness, claiming to be the brother of Dinesh Arora, an approver in the case. In May, a witness received a letter demanding the closure of the liquor business. Jagpreet Kaur was reportedly asked to donate Rs 51 crore to the CM's relief fund. SPP D.P. Singh also mentioned accused Sharath Chandra Reddy, who allegedly arranged Rs 14 crores and acquired five liquor vends in Delhi. Singh referred to WhatsApp chats involving Vinod Chauhan, Amit Arora, Jagdeep Kaur Chaddha, Punit Diwan, and Anant S. Aiyer, all related to the Mahadev liquor case. Singh also cited statements from AAP's Goa candidates, who claimed that Kejriwal told them not to worry about the funds required for the election. Singh further stated that the money was transferred under Pathak's directions. CM Arvind Kejriwal appeared via video conferencing and was permitted to leave the VC session for lunch due to low blood sugar. CBI's SPP further submitted that another accused, Vinod Chauhan, was dealing with the PA of K Kavitha. (ANI)
The Rouse Avenue court on Wednesday granted bail to AAP MLA Durgesh Pathak and others in connection with the Delhi Excise Policy Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) case. Meanwhile, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was produced through video conferencing from the Tihar jail and his judicial custody was extended till September 25. The court had summoned Durgesh Pathak and other accused, who have been charge sheeted without arrest in the matter. Special judge Kaveri Baweja granted bail on Durgesh Pathak on furnishing a bail bond of Rs one lakh and other accused also furnished their bail bonds. Durgesh Pathak and other charge sheeted accused appeared before the court on summons issued by the Rouse Avenue court. CM Arvind Kejriwal and other accused in custody produced through video conferencing from Tihar Jail. Vinod Chauhan produced physically. He is also in custody in the money laundering case. The judicial custody of Arvind Kejriwal has been extended till September 25. The Rouse Avenue court had issued summons and production warrants to accused persons after taking cognisance of the supplementary charge sheet filed by the CBI. After the hearing, CBI supplied copies of the 4th supplementary charge sheet, to the counsels of charge sheeted accused persons. The list of un-relied documents will also be supplied later, the CBI said. The CBI had filed a supplementary charge sheet against Arvind Kejriwal, Durgesh Pathak, Amit Arora, Sharath Chandra Reddy, Ashish Mathur and Vinod Chauhan. On September 3, the court had taken cognizance of the supplementary charge sheet.Earlier, the CBI had filed a requisite prosecution sanction against Kejriwal and Durgesh Pathak who is an MLA. It is alleged by the CBI that money received from the South Group went for the AAP Goa election. It is also alleged that Kejriwal promised to give Rs 90 lakhs to every candidate in 40 constituencies of Goa. Special public prosecutor (SPP) D P Singh along with Manu Mishra appeared for the CBI. He had said that this is the fourth and final charge sheet, no more further investigation. SPP D P Singh had submitted that, as far as Kejriwal is concerned, he came in touch with the South group. Vijay Nair was appointed by Kejriwal and was media manager. "Money received from South Group went for AAP's Goa election campaign. Kejriwal promised to give 90 lakhs to each candidate of 40 constituencies, SPP submitted. Raghav Magunta met Kejriwal," he added. He had further submitted that Durgesh Pathak was incharge of the Goa election and all the money spent in the Goa election was on the instruction of Durgesh Pathak. SPP for CBI had submitted that there are witnesses who stated that a businesswoman from Punjab was threatened. He had also mentioned the Mahadev liquor, witnesses Sunny Marwah, Punit Diwan, and Jasdeep Kaur Chaddha. It is also alleged that Amit Arora threatened Punit Diwan and another witness. Amit Arora told them he is the brother of Dinesh Arora, the approver in the case. In May, witness received letter for closure the liquor business, SPP said in the court. Jagpreet Kaur was asked to donate Rs. 51 crore in CM's relief fund. Special public prosecutor (SPP) DP Singh had also submitted that accused Sharath Chandra Reddy was the money giver and arranged Rs 14 crores. He got 5 liquor vends in Delhi. He had also mentioned the WhatsApp chats of Vinod Chauhan and Amit Arora, Vinod Chauhan, Jagdeep Kaur Chaddha, Punit Diwan, Anant S Aiyer all related Mahadev liquor related. DP Singh also referred to statements of AAP's Goa candidates. They stated that Kejriwal told them that we should not be worried about the funds required for the election. Singh further said that money was transferred on the directions of Pathak. CM Arvind Kejriwal appeared through video conferencing (VC) and left the VC with the permission of the court to have lunch on account of his low blood sugar. CBI's SPP further submitted that another accused, Vinod Chauhan, was dealing with the PA of K Kavitha. (ANI)
Based on specific intelligence, an operation was launched in Kathua and contact has been established at the Kathua-Basantgarh border with terrorists, as per Public Relations Officer Defence Jammu.

The operation is under progress and details being ascertained, the PRO Defence said.

Earlier today, BSF said that one of its personnel sustained injuries following an unprovoked firing from Pakistan in the Akhnoor sector of Jammu and Kashmir near the International Border early Wednesday.

The BSF said in a statement that the unprovoked firing from across the border occurred around 2:35 am on Wednesday and it was befittingly responded by its troops.

"One BSF personnel sustained injuries in the firing from the Pakistan side. Troops are on high alert," stated the BSF, which guards the India-Pakistan border.

The India-Pakistan border stretches approximately 3,323 kilometres, dividing the two countries including various sectors with differing levels of tension and security challenges.

The India-Pakistan border, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir, has been a flashpoint for frequent skirmishes and ceasefire violations. Tensions have fluctuated over the years, with sporadic cross-border firing incidents often escalating into major security concerns. (ANI)
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge criticised the Bhartiya Janta Party in a public meeting in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday. He mentioned the importance for the alliance and the supporters to be unafraid of the BJP. He also appealed to the party supporters to fight together and not blame each other. "They (BJP) used to say 400 paar, 400 paar, where are your 400 seats? They stopped at 240 this time. If we had 20 more seats, then all these people would have been in jail, and they deserve to be there. So I appeal to everyone to not get angry, but instead fight. Your captain is strong, unafraid, everyone here is unafraid. The leaders are here to help solve any problem in Jammu and Kashmir. We need to win, we need to fight together, but while fighting, we should not blame each other." He further criticised the BJP by saying that the government has not brought any manufacturing or factory jobs in the region. "I want to point out, Infrastructure development has stopped here. 1 lakh job posts are empty here. If we come to power, we will fill those empty posts. The youths will get those jobs. These people (BJP) want to keep you poor. These people want to keep the people of Jammu and Kashmir poor, they can't even give the government job posts which are vacant right now, and they didn't even bring any big factories here. They didn't bring any manufacturing too," Kharge said in the public meeting. "This is why we need to bring Congress and NC to power here, if we come to power, then tourism, manufacturing, and internship sectors would be in our focus," he added. He also promised that the party would start the schools which had been previously shut down. "All 4,400 government schools which had been closed, we would start them again and educate the children. If we provide the education, only then would the youth progress," the Congress President said. After the public meeting, Kharge again pointed out the 1 lakh job vacancies in the region and appealed to the people to not trust the BJP, and instead to strengthen the Congress-NC alliance by giving them their votes. "This is all a jhumla, they said that before also, but did they give the jobs? They promised to give 2 crore jobs, it has been 10 years, ones who couldn't even give 1 lakh jobs to the people here, those people will give 5 lakh jobs just like that? Do not trust the people who tell these lies. I appeal to the people of Jammu and Kashmir that the ones who are truthful, get stuff done, and have been with them since Independence till now are the Congress party and NC, give these parties your vote," he told ANI after the meeting. Polling for Jammu and Kashmir is scheduled to be held in three phases: September 18, September 25 and October 1. The counting of votes is scheduled on October 8. (ANI)
Outgoing president of UNGA 78th session calls for ceasefire in Gaza

Xinhua) 08:10, September 11, 2024

UN General Assembly President Dennis Francis speaks during the General Assembly plenary meeting on the use of the veto in the Security Council at the UN headquarters in New York, March 4, 2024. (Evan Schneider/UN Photo/Handout via Xinhua)

"It is no understatement to say that the magnitude of man-made human suffering we are witnessing around the world is simply staggering," said Dennis Francis, president of the 78th session of the UNGA.

UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- The UN General Assembly (UNGA) concluded its 78th session on Tuesday, with its outgoing president calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, urging UN member states to recommit to ending poverty and hunger, and combating inequalities.

"It is no understatement to say that the magnitude of man-made human suffering we are witnessing around the world is simply staggering," said Dennis Francis, president of the 78th session of the UNGA and permanent representative of Trinidad and Tobago to the United Nations, at the session's 109th plenary meeting.

Recalling the session's theme, "Rebuilding Trust and Reigniting Global Solidarity: Accelerating Action on the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals towards Peace, Prosperity, Progress and Sustainability for All," he called on the United Nations to fulfil its mandate to maintain international peace and security as conflicts proliferate across Ukraine, Haiti, the Middle East and Africa.

On the situation in Gaza, he reiterated calls for both a ceasefire and the immediate, unconditional release of all remaining hostages. "It is my sincere hope that ongoing efforts will produce a ceasefire, even if temporary, and that this can somehow lead to a political process towards achieving long-lasting peace for the sake of the peoples of the region," he said.

Francis warned that if the world stays on its current trajectory, millions more will face poverty and hunger by 2030, and "we are far off track in meeting the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030."

Underscoring that the world is undergoing unprecedented transformation, driven by revolutions in artificial intelligence, digital technology and scientific innovation, he said "benefits cannot be confined to a privileged few."

He also warned that if the world does not meet the Paris Agreement's 1.5 degrees Celsius target, millions in vulnerable situations will suffer devastating effects, and rising sea levels threaten to inundate small island developing states and low-lying coastal communities.

While the challenges the world faces may be complex, they are not beyond the international community's capacity to overcome them, said Francis. "The most powerful and effective of these tools is the multilateral system."

"We close this 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly after a tumultuous year," UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said at the onset of the meeting. It has been "a tumultuous year" marked by continued poverty, inequality and injustice, coupled with division, violence, and conflict, and a year "that was the hottest on record," he said.

There is growing hope and inspiration "in what we can achieve if we work as one," he said, pointing to the spirit of solidarity that characterized the General Assembly's achievements.

Guterres commended the "consummate skill, stewardship and dedication" of Francis and highlighted his achievements as the UNGA president.

"The United Nations -- and the multilateral system itself -- is only as effective as member states' commitment to it," the UN chief stressed.

Philemon Yang of Cameroon, president-elect of the 79th UNGA session, took the oath of office, before Francis declared the 78th session closed. The 79th session is scheduled to open Tuesday afternoon.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
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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. [Photo/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.
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, the Lakhpati Didi Yojana, the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), is making a major impact on women's lives in Chhattisgarh and helping them become self-reliant and support each other. The scheme, launched by the Central Government, aims to make 35,000 women in the district lakhpatis. Women in the Lundra development block are already seeing positive changes through various self-help group (SHG) initiatives. The scheme supports diverse activities such as sheep rearing, goat rearing, vegetable farming, pigeon rearing, and poultry farming. These activities are helping women from self-help groups on their path to becoming lakhpatis. They report that the government's efforts have improved their social standing and enabled them to better care for their families. On the scheme's success, District Panchayat CEO Nutan Kanwar said, "We have received a target of 35,000 from the central government. But after conducting a survey in 48,000 houses, we found that within two to three years, all the women can be made lakhpatis. This will be in the range of about 70,000 to 1 lakh, and this target will be achieved within two years." A local Shobha Lakra, who is part of the Champa Mahila Swayam Sahayata Samuh also shared her experience. "We have reared goats and sheep. There are many benefits of joining a group. We get to know about new government schemes which benefit women. Women help each other, which benefits us. Women also get loans through the group. We earn more than 1 lakh rupees a year through the group. The government scheme is good. Women are benefiting from it," Lakra said. Not only in Surguja but all over in rural India, women are transforming their lives through self-help groups (SHGs) under "Lakhpati Didis." These women are earning over a lakh rupees through various entrepreneurial ventures. Veena, who runs a government ration shop in Jhansi, said, "When I first got married, I didn't do anything. An NRLM officer connected us with a self-help group, which helped me manage accounts and run the shop." She said, "Women now come out to get rations and seek advice, which encourages them to start their own work." Hemlata, who owns a clothing shop said she used a Rs 2 lakh loan to grow her business to Rs 6 lakh. "I am very grateful to the government and PM Modi for helping us progress," she said. Sheela Singh, a Vidyut Sakhi, earns Rs 15,000-20,000 monthly collecting bills, and Manisha Yadav, a Banker Sakhi, now earns Rs 4,000, up from Rs 1,200. "I am very happy to see women becoming Lakhpati Didis," Yadav said.(ANI)
The bench of Justice Neena Bansal Krishna pronounced the order and granted him bail in the case.

Pillai, a Hyderabad-based businessman and alleged close aide of another accused, K Kavitha, was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in March 2023. Recently, the Supreme Court granted bail to Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader Kavitha.

Pillai was represented by Advocate Nitesh Rana and Advocate Deepak Nagar in the matter.

He is accused of receiving bribes from Sameer Mahendru, Managing Director of Indospirit, and handing them over to other accused individuals.

The ED's chargesheet alleged that Pillai gave false statements under Section 50 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) during the investigation.

It also claimed he destroyed or changed five mobile phones over two years, and did not produce the phones he used during the scam.

Furthermore, chats involving Pillai found on other individuals' phones were missing from his own, suggesting deliberate destruction of evidence, the ED said.

The case pertains to the investigation initiated by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) regarding alleged corruption related to the now-scrapped Delhi Excise Policy 2021-22.

The excise policy was scrapped in 2022 after the Delhi Lieutenant Governor ordered a CBI probe into alleged irregularities and corruption involving its formulation and execution.

The ED and the CBI have alleged that irregularities were committed while modifying the Excise Policy, undue favours were extended to licence holders, the licence fee was waived or reduced and the L-1 licence was extended without the competent authority's approval.

The beneficiaries diverted "illegal" gains to the accused officials and made false entries in their books of account to evade detection.

As alleged, the Excise Department had decided to refund the earnest money deposit of about Rs 30 crore to a successful tenderer against the set rules. Even though there was no enabling provision, a waiver on tendered licence fees was allowed from December 28, 2021, to January 27, 2022, due to COVID-19.

This allegedly caused a loss of Rs 144.36 crore to the exchequer. (ANI)
The Delhi High Court on Wednesday, under the leadership of Acting Chief Justice Manmohan, launched three new IT initiatives: Delhi High Court WhatsApp Services, Delhi High Court e-Museum, and Humour in Court. The initiatives aim to advance the vision set by the Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence & Accessibility Committee, chaired by Justice Rajiv Shakdher, and include Justice Sanjeev Narula, Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav, Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma, and Justice Girish Kathpalia. The court's WhatsApp services will allow advocates and litigants to receive information about cause lists, case filings, and case listings directly via WhatsApp messages. This innovative move is part of the Court's broader effort to use technology for streamlining communication and enhancing efficiency in judicial processes. The WhatsApp service will provide recipients with easy access to case status and other pertinent information directly on their smartphones. Moreover, in a pioneering effort to preserve and highlight its rich legal heritage, the Delhi High Court also launched its e-Museum today. This digital archive will offer unprecedented access to historically significant case records, including landmark judgments, legal documents, and court proceedings that have influenced both the judiciary and society over the years. In an innovative and refreshing move, the court has also launched the 'Humour in Court' portal. A web portal dedicated to a collection of lighthearted and memorable moments from courtrooms. This platform will feature a curated selection of anecdotes, witty exchanges, and humorous situations from real courtroom proceedings, highlighting the balance between the gravity of legal debates and moments of levity. Accessible through a dedicated section on the Delhi High Court's official website, 'Humour in Court' offers users a chance to explore classic courtroom exchanges and enjoy a lighter perspective on the judiciary. Advocates and litigants are also invited to contribute their own humorous and memorable courtroom experiences by emailing delhihighcourt@nic.in. Submissions will be published online after review by the authority. (ANI)
Lok Sabha MP Engineer Rashid on Wednesday walked out of Tihar jail a day after Delhi's Special NIA court granted him interim bail in a terror funding case. The bail was granted by Delhi's special NIA court on Tuesday to allow Rashid to campaign for the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections. He has to surrender on October 3. Speaking to reporters in Delhi, the Baramulla MP said, "I will not let down my people. I take a pledge that I will fight PM Modi's narrative of 'Naya Kashmir', which has failed totally in Jammu and Kashmir. People have rejected whatever he did on August 5, 2019," referring to the abrogation of Article 370. Responding to National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah, who said on Wednesday that "The bail has been given to him only for 20 days for the elections," Rashid said, "I am committed to working for the welfare of my people." "We are not going to get scared. My fight is bigger than what Omar Abdullah said. His fight is for the chair, my fight is for the people," he added. On September 10, Omar Abdullah said that the bail granted to MP Rashid Engineer in the terror funding case was a political manoeuvre to garner votes rather than serve the voters who elected him to Parliament. Omar Abdullah said, "I knew this would happen some time or the other. I feel sorry for the people of Baramulla because he has not been granted bail for the welfare of the people of Baramulla or attend Parliament. He has been granted bail just to contest elections and fetch votes, after which he will be sent back to Tihar Jail. People of North Kashmir will again be unrepresented." Attacking the BJP, Rashid alleged, "I am a victim of the BJP; I will fight against PM Modi's ideology till my last breath...I am coming to Kashmir to unite my people, not to divide them." Jammu and Kashmir assembly polls will be held in three phases on September 18, 25, and October 1. The counting will be done on October 8. There are a total number of 90 assembly constituencies in Jammu and Kashmir, out of which 7 seats are reserved for SCs and 9 seats are reserved for STs. (ANI)
After the Delhi Court granted bail to Aam Aadmi Party leader Durgesh Pathak in the Delhi Excise Policy Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) case, the AAP MLA alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi wants to finish the party through "false cases." "We have been seeing this drama for the last two to three years that PM wants to finish AAP through false cases. But all of this is getting exposed slowly. Everyone is being granted bail and they are coming out of jail," Pathak said. "If you see the order copy, you will find that no agency has any substantive proof to even build a case. This era will be written in history that how attempts were made to finish off a small party - that spoke about working on schools, hospitals and improving basic infrastructure, and that they failed in finishing it off," he said. Earlier today, the Rouse Avenue court granted bail to AAP MLA Durgesh Pathak and others in connection with the Delhi Excise Policy Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) case. Meanwhile, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was summoned through video conferencing from the Tihar jail and his judicial custody was extended till September 25. The court had summoned Durgesh Pathak and other accused, who have been charge sheeted without arrest in the matter. Special judge Kaveri Baweja granted bail on Durgesh Pathak on furnishing a bail bond of Rs 1 lakh and other accused also furnished their bail bonds. Durgesh Pathak and other chargesheeted accused appeared before the court on summons issued by the Rouse Avenue court. The CBI had filed a supplementary chargesheet against Arvind Kejriwal, Durgesh Pathak, Amit Arora, Sharath Chandra Reddy, Ashish Mathur and Vinod Chauhan. (ANI)
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Wednesday slammed the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, over his recent remarks on reservation, saying his statements 'expose anti-constitutional thinking'. CM Dhami said that Rahul Gandhi has exposed the anti-constitutional thinking of the Congress and the INDIA alliance once again by talking about ending reservations from the country. Rahul Gandhi, while interacting with students and faculty at Georgetown University in Washington, DC, had said that the Congress Party will think of scraping reservation when India becomes a 'fair place'. In the same breath, CM Dhami went on to say he (Rahul Gandhi) has always worked to nurture divisive forces by going against the country and the countrymen. Dhami said that raising questions about India's strong image on foreign forums or supporting anti-national forces has become a habit of Rahul Gandhi. Dhami further alleged that Rahul Gandhi is making a despicable attempt to play with the integrity of the country only due to his political selfishness and immense frustration towards Prime Minister Modi. Rahul Gandhi, when asked about reservation during his conversation at Georgetown University, said that the Dalits, Adivasis and OBC communities are still not getting participation in the system, adding that India is not a 'fair place'. "If you look at the Indian government, there are 70 bureaucrats who run the Indian government, secretaries to the government of India. These are the people who make almost all the financial decisions...Out of 70 people, there is one tribal, three Dalits, three OBCs and a minority. 90 per cent of India in the government of India has access to less than 10 per cent of the positions that determine how money is going to be spent. When you look at the financial numbers, then Tribals get 10 paise out of Rs 100, Dalits get Rs 5 out of Rs 100, and OBCs get a similar amount," the Congress leader said. "The fact of the matter is they are not getting participation. The problem is 90 per cent of India is not able to play. We will think of scrapping reservations when India is a fair place and India is not a fair place. Now, that creates a problem. There are people from the upper caste who say 'What have we done wrong, why are we being punished'" he added. Earlier CM Dhami, speaking to ANI, criticised Gandhi's remarks regarding Sikhs, accusing him of trying to harm India's culture. Speaking to ANI, Dhami said, "Rahul Gandhi, whenever he speaks, speaks against the nation. His recent statement on Sikhs is an attempt to weaken their confidence. Sikhism was established by the great Gurus in India, and under Narendra Modi's rule, the whole of India is united. Rahul Gandhi is trying to raise doubts about the country's security apparatus." "His language is no different from that of Pannu (a designated terrorist in India)," the CM said. (ANI)
Sikh Prakoshth of the Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) stage protest outside the residence of Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday over his remarks on the Sikh community made during the US visit. BJP leader RP demanded an apology from Rahul Gandhi, saying that the LoP has defamed India on foreign land. "Rahul Gandhi should apologise. He used the foreign land to defame India and gave a statement about Sikhs: Sikhs are not allowed to wear turban in India, they can't wear a kada, can't go to Gurudwara. Has Rahul Gandhi forgotten the rule of his father? When in Delhi itself, many Sikhs were killed," the BJP leader said. Earlier, Vineet Jindal, a practicing lawyer at the Supreme Court, also filed a complaint with Home Minister Amit Shah, NIA Director General, and Delhi Police Commissioner against the Congress leader. The statement of Rahul Gandhi is not right, and there have been no incidents reported where any Sikh is being stopped from visiting a Gurdwara or to wear the turbans, but Rahul Gandhi, for his political benefit, is trying to instigate the minorities. Earlier also, we witnessed how Rahul Gandhi defameed his own country instead of attacking the central government," Jindal said in a self-made video on Wednesday. He further said that he had filed a formal complaint against Rahul Gandhi, who is currently on a US tour. "I have complained to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, NIA, and Delhi Police Commissioner. In which I have urged all of them to register the case for making false and inciteful statements. I have also urged them to cancel Rahul Gandhi's passport. I believe that soon action will be taken on my complaint," he added. The Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and Congress MP from Raebareli, Rahul Gandhi, during his interaction with the Indian diaspora in the US said that the 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. (ANI)
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Wednesday called on Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperative Amit Shah in New Delhi, and discussed animal husbandry and dairy related issues of the state. CM Yadav said that the Madhya Pradesh government signed an MoU with the National Dairy Development Board to promote milk production in the state, and the Government of India would continuously extend its support for it. "I am happy that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Madhya Pradesh government is stepping forward on the path of development with the central government. During the meeting with Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah, I made him aware that there is a lot of scope for work in the field of Cooperation in Madhya Pradesh, especially animal husbandry and production of milk," CM Yadav told reporters after meeting Shah. "The Madhya Pradesh signed an MoU with the National Dairy Development Board yesterday, September 10 to promote milk production in the state. The Government of India will continuously extend its support in it. Through this, farmers in 11,000 villages in the state will be able to get a fair price for milk and it will also be a concrete step in the direction of their economic prosperity," CM said. "Union Cooperation Minister Amit Shah said that such work needs to be done in the entire state. I also made him aware about our works, especially the Regional Industry Conclaves which we are conducting continuously in the state. It will bring change in economic development in the state to promote employment and industries in the state," the chief minister further said. CM Yadav further expressed gratitude for getting approval for the state government's proposal to purchase soybean crops at the Minimum Support Price (MSP). "Similarly, I extended my gratitude to him for receiving approval from the central government to procure soybean at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) which is fixed at Rs 4892 a quintal. Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has also expressed his consent," he added. The Madhya Pradesh government is doing whatever is needed for the welfare of the farmers, he added. (ANI)
Two terrorists have been killed in an encounter with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district on Wednesday, the Army said. https://x.com/RisingStarCorps/status/1833838475369480359 In a post on X, the Rising Star Corps of the Indian Army said, "Two Terrorists Neutralised in the Ongoing Operation at Khandara #Kathua by Troops of Rising Star Corps. Operations in progress." More details are awaited. (ANI)
The Patiala House Court on Wednesday dismissed the bail plea of Neelam Azad, who was accused in the Parliament security breach case last year. While dismissing the bail plea, the Additional Sessions Judge, Dr Hardeep Kaur, said, "there are sufficient reasonable grounds for believing that the allegations made against accused are prima facie true. Therefore, this Court does not find it to be a fit case to grant regular bail to accused." This was the second bail plea, which was moved by the same accused. Court further noted that in the present case, charges of conspiracy are also invoked against the applicant/accused; therefore, her role cannot be viewed in isolation. While opposing her bail plea, Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) Akhand Pratap Singh submitted that there are strong, cogent, convincing, clinching and credible material, evidence and other documents against the present accused which disentitles her to be released on bail. There are adequate, substantial and sufficient material, evidence and other documents against the present accused which shows her involvement in the offence attracting the provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967. It is further argued by SPP that the exposition of law regarding the tripe test principle is not satisfied in the present case i.e. (i) flight risk, (ii) threatening/influencing witnesses and (iii) tempering of evidence. The accused persons are powerful and influential which is detrimental to the investigating agency if released on bail. The nature of offence or gravity of offence and severity of punishment is also the relevant consideration at the stage of consideration of bail. The material, evidence and other documentary evidence shows her complicity in the offence and thus, disentitle her to be released on bail, stated Delhi Police. On the other hand, Advocate Balraj Malik appeared for Neelam had argued that accused is not involved in the breach of Parliament security breach in any manner and she has been falsely implicated in the present case. He further submitted that applicant/accused is in judicial custody since 14.12.2023; investigation is already complete; charge-sheet has already been filed; and FSL result on non-digital exhibits is still pending. He also added that the prosecution's claims do not demonstrate a threat to economic security or sovereignty and criticized the use of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) to silence dissent. Malik pointed out that the accused were reportedly beaten up in Parliament, questioning the prosecution's characterisation of the events. Earlier on June 7, 2024, Delhi Police had filed approximately 1000 pages Chargesheet against all six arrested accused namely Manoranjan D, Lalit Jha, Amol Shinde, Mahesh Kumawat, Sagar Sharma, and Neelam Azad. Delhi LG, VK Saxena recently accorded prosecution sanction under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, against 06 persons accused in the Parliament attack on 13.12.2023. Delhi LG, accorded prosecution sanction against 06 persons under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), for allegedly attacking the Parliament, on 13.12.2023, while the House proceedings were on. Six persons namely Manoranjan D, Sagar Sharma, Amol Dhanraj Shinde, Neelam Ranolia, Lalit Jha and Mahesh Kumawat are accused of illegally entering into the Parliament and throwing smoke canisters in the Lok Sabha during the live session. Delhi Police had requested their prosecution u/s 16 and 18 of UAPA from the competent authority, i.e. the Lt. Governor, who, having found sufficient material on record, granted prosecution sanction. While the Delhi Police had requested for necessary prosecution sanction under UAPA, the Review Committee (DoP, Tis Hazari, Delhi), on 30.05.2024 had also gone through the entire evidence collected by the Investigating Agency and found the involvement of the accused in Parliament attack case. Accordingly, the Review Committee noted that prima facie a case was made out against the accused under UAPA. The Delhi Police had registered a case at the Parliament Street Police Station on the complaint made by the Security officer in the Lok Sabha. The investigation of the case was later transferred from the Parliament Street Police Station to the Counter Intelligence Unit of the PS Special Cell, New Delhi. During the investigation, the above six accused persons were arrested and at present all of them are in judicial custody. This case pertains to a security breach at parliament on the anniversary of the Parliament attack case on December 13, 2023. All six persons are presently in judicial custody. (ANI)
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UN General Assembly President Dennis Francis speaks during the General Assembly plenary meeting on the use of the veto in the Security Council at the UN headquarters in New York, March 4, 2024. [UN Photo]

The UN General Assembly (UNGA) concluded its 78th session on Tuesday, with its outgoing president calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, urging UN member states to recommit to ending poverty and hunger, and combating inequalities.

"It is no understatement to say that the magnitude of man-made human suffering we are witnessing around the world is simply staggering," said Dennis Francis, president of the 78th session of the UNGA and permanent representative of Trinidad and Tobago to the United Nations, at the session's 109th plenary meeting.

Recalling the session's theme, "Rebuilding Trust and Reigniting Global Solidarity: Accelerating Action on the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals towards Peace, Prosperity, Progress and Sustainability for All," he called on the United Nations to fulfil its mandate to maintain international peace and security as conflicts proliferate across Ukraine, Haiti, the Middle East and Africa.

On the situation in Gaza, he reiterated calls for both a ceasefire and the immediate, unconditional release of all remaining hostages. "It is my sincere hope that ongoing efforts will produce a ceasefire, even if temporary, and that this can somehow lead to a political process towards achieving long-lasting peace for the sake of the peoples of the region," he said.

Francis warned that if the world stays on its current trajectory, millions more will face poverty and hunger by 2030, and "we are far off track in meeting the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030."

Underscoring that the world is undergoing unprecedented transformation, driven by revolutions in artificial intelligence, digital technology and scientific innovation, he said "benefits cannot be confined to a privileged few."

He also warned that if the world does not meet the Paris Agreement's 1.5 degrees Celsius target, millions in vulnerable situations will suffer devastating effects, and rising sea levels threaten to inundate small island developing states and low-lying coastal communities.

While the challenges the world faces may be complex, they are not beyond the international community's capacity to overcome them, said Francis. "The most powerful and effective of these tools is the multilateral system."

"We close this 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly after a tumultuous year," UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said at the onset of the meeting. It has been "a tumultuous year" marked by continued poverty, inequality and injustice, coupled with division, violence, and conflict, and a year "that was the hottest on record," he said.

There is growing hope and inspiration "in what we can achieve if we work as one," he said, pointing to the spirit of solidarity that characterized the General Assembly's achievements.

Guterres commended the "consummate skill, stewardship and dedication" of Francis and highlighted his achievements as the UNGA president.

"The United Nations -- and the multilateral system itself -- is only as effective as member states' commitment to it," the UN chief stressed.

Philemon Yang of Cameroon, president-elect of the 79th UNGA session, took the oath of office, before Francis declared the 78th session closed. The 79th session is scheduled to open Tuesday afternoon.
Twenty "distinguished" persons, including 10 former bureaucrats and five ex-servicemen, joined the Bharatiya Janata Party in the presence of Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri here on Wednesday. Union Minister Puri expressed joy and welcomed them into the party. "It is a matter of great joy that distinguished retired civil servants who devoted their entire life to civil service career - whether they were generals in the armed forces, chief commissioners of Income Tax, or members of the Board of Direct Taxes, retired ambassadors, expressed their desire to formally join the BJP. So, we welcomed them," Puri said. Former diplomat and President of India Habitat Centre, Bhaswati Mukherjee, who joined the BJP, supported the party's foreign policy. "I have become a member today after I have been supporting the party's position on various matters including foreign policy. At this time, we need a strong PM and party, when external forces are threatening the country. My agenda is to serve the nation under BJP. We must not forget and focus on security on our eastern borders," Mukherjee said. Along with Mukherjee, former Ambassador Kailash Lal Agrawal, former DGP Jharkhand Nirmal Kaur, former member of Central Board of Direct Tax (CBDT)Saroj Bala, former Chief Commissioner of Income Tax (CCIT) Gunjan Misra, former Jt. Commissioner Excise and Taxation (Punjab) Mukesh Gambhir, former CCIT RK Bajaj, Vijay Singal and Ashwani Garg joined the party. Former member of Income-Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) Dinesh Chandra Agarawal also joined the BJP in the presence of Puri. Five ex-servicemen, including former Lieutenant Generals Nitin Kohli and Bhopinder Singh, former Major Generals PC Kharbanda, SVP Singh and Shujan Gopal Chatterji joined BJP. Major General (retd) SVP Singh hailed the party saying, "BJP is the number one party in the world. In matters of foreign policy, adopting strategic autonomy requires courage and conviction. In the next 2-3 years, we will be becoming the third largest economy in the world. There must be unity in the country this time. It is not right to make negative statements about one's country abroad. You can differ with policies and persons but take the country to further heights." Atif Rasheed, former Vice Chairman of the National Commission for Minorities, Khairul Bashar; Chairman of the Civil IAS Academy, Firoz Bakht, former Chancellor Maulana Azad University, Sumit Deb, ex-CMD of NMDC also joined the party in the presence of the Union Minister. The membership drive, which began on September 2, is set to run until October 15. For the first time, the process is being conducted through a digital app, making it more accessible and efficient for prospective members. (ANI)
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has expressed his gratitude to the Centre for approving the state government's proposal to procure soybean crop at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) in the state. "The policies of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi government have always been farmer-friendly and similarly the Madhya Pradesh government has also always worked for the welfare of the farmers. As soon as I came to know that farmers were worried regarding the price of soybean, I put a proposal before the state cabinet and the proposed MSP rate of Rs 4,892 a quintal for procurement of soybean was sent yesterday for the approval of the Central Government. It has been approved today," CM Yadav said. "I would like to express my gratitude to PM Modi, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal for this decision taken in the interest of farmers," the CM added. Earlier in the day, Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan assured the farmers of Madhya Pradesh that they need not worry, soybean crops will be procured at the MSP in the state. "Agriculture and farmer welfare are the highest priority for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Serving farmers is like worshipping God for us. Farmers of Madhya Pradesh were worried in the past few days as soybean was being sold below MSP," Chouhan told reporters. "First, we permitted states like Maharashtra and Karnataka for procurement of soybean at MSP. We received a proposal for procurement of soybean at MSP from the Madhya Pradesh government last night. We have approved that proposal. Farmers of Madhya Pradesh need not to worry, soybean will be procured at MSP. Farmers will get the rightful price for their hard work and procurement will be done in Madhya Pradesh too," he added. Madhya Pradesh is the largest soybean-producing state, with about 60% of total soybean production in India. (ANI)
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Wednesday called on Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal at Vanijya Bhawan in New Delhi and invited him to participate in the "Invest Madhya Pradesh-Global Investor Summit-2025". GIS-2025 is proposed to be organised in Bhopal on February 7 and 8 next year. The main objective of the GIS-2025 Summit is to establish Madhya Pradesh as a favourable investment destination and to include it among the leading states of the country by highlighting the capabilities, abundant resources and favourable industrial environment of the state. In a post on X, CM Yadav wrote, "Today I paid a courtesy visit to Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal at Vanijya Bhavan, New Delhi. Along with informing him about the Regional Industry Conclaves being organised in the state, I invited him to participate in the Global Investors Summit." "A fruitful discussion was held regarding investment, industry and trade in Madhya Pradesh on the occasion," he further wrote. Meanwhile, Union Minister Goyal also posted on X about the meeting and said that discussions were held on various ongoing development works in the state under the double engine government. "Today, I met Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav in New Delhi. During this, discussions were held on various development works going on in the state under the double engine government, including encouraging industrial clusters on Vikram Udyogpuri and Delhi-Nagpur Industrial Corridor," Goyal wrote. "Under the guidance of PM Narendra Modi, we are working to build a developed India from a developed state," he further wrote. Notably, the Regional Industry Conclaves are being held in the state as a pre-event of the "Invest Madhya Pradesh-Global Investor Summit-2025". The first event in the series of Regional Industry Conclave was organised in Ujjain on March 1 and 2 this year. Later, the conclave was held in Jabalpur on July 20 and then in Gwalior last month on August 28. Along with this, the next Regional Industry Conclave is scheduled to be held in Sagar on September 27. Besides, Interactive Session on Investment Opportunities in MP events has been held simultaneously outside the state as part of the pre-event of 'Invest Madhya Pradesh-Global Investor Summit-2025'. (ANI)
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge heavily criticised the Bhartiya Janta Party and Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a press conference at Srinagar on Wednesday. Kharge launched a scathing attack on PM Narendra Modi, saying that whatever building or developmental initiatives that were launched by the PM have collapsed or are leaking. "The BJP has not done anything in the last 10 years, where ever a bridge was inaugurated, that bridge collapsed. Ram Mandir was inaugurated, the roof is leaking now. Wherever PM Modi inaugurates anything, this has happened. People say his touch is pure, but I don't know what touch he has. Not only that, wherever there is a flood, there is no money for flood relief. This is the situation of the nation," he added. During the news conference, the Congress President also criticised the international visits of the PM and said the PM has been ignoring the conflict in Manipur. "The PM keeps on roaming the world, but the house itself is burning. There is a crisis in Manipur. We have our foreign policy, we are not denying that, but first he should take care of his own country. I am not saying don't go out, but I am saying to first fix the problems in our country. He has seen the whole world till now," Kharge said. The Congress President also said that the BJP has to answer to the people about changing a state to a union territory and whether that move has benefitted the people of the region. "The financial problems or any other problems in the region should be understood by the people. The 'tamasha' done by the BJP is done across the whole country. I also have some knowledge of politics. I have never seen in my political life of 60 years that a state has been made into a union territory, have you all heard of this before? So the BJP has to answer whether they have pushed Jammu and Kashmir forward or pulled it backwards. The BJP has said that the region is bustling with crowds, the crowds are of security forces, half of them wear their dress, the other half are without their dress, so the BJP keeps saying that we have developed Kashmir so much, but these are all false promises that they have made. But this is their habit, they have said this before too," the Congress leader said. "People think that since it is just a state election, it is not that important, that is not the case. Just as important was the parliamentary election, so is this assembly election," he added. In August 2019, the government of India abrogated Article 370, effectively ending Jammu and Kashmir J&K's special status and reorganising into two Union Territories (UTs) -- Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. The Congress leader further condemned the BJP for failing to provide jobs to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. "When people asked about unemployment, they told the people that they would give 2 crore jobs every year, give 15 lakh to every household, these are all election 'jhumlas'. Today also they are saying they will give 5 lakh jobs, but how will they give the jobs, there are 1 lakh government job posts vacant right now, so why haven't they given those yet? They don't have that answer. Just not here, all over India, there are 30-35 lakh job posts vacant. There is unemployment here, and on top of it things are getting more expensive," Kharge said. Earlier in a post on X, Kharge also said that Home Minister Amit Shah has only told lies while visiting Jammu and Kashmir, he claimed, "Amit Shah came to Jammu and Kashmir two-three times and has only told lies." The Congress leader further said that sand mining is a problem in the region, claiming that the BJP has given contracts to people from outside the region, and leaving the local population unemployed. (ANI)
Former Delhi Minister Sandeep Kumar hit out at the Aam Admi Party (AAP) after the Rouse Avenue Court acquitted him in connection with an alleged rape case on Wednesday. Speaking to ANI, former Delhi Minister Sandeep Kumar said. "I won MLA elections in 2015. I was the youngest minister in the Delhi cabinet. In 2016, as per a conspiracy by my political opponent, a case was registered against me, following which I resigned from the post of minister, and I also quit Aam Aadmi Party as the party did not support me." "After a long struggle, today Rouse Avenue Court has acquitted me. I want to thank Rouse Avenue Court and the Indian Constitution," he stated. He further asked AAP leaders about their stand after the court's order. "I want to ask Manish Sisodia and Arvind Kejriwal about their stand today," he stated. "I want to say that Dalits and those from backward sections of society have to struggle for justice. While AAP leaders in jail are still considered innocent," he added. The petitioner, Sandeep Kumar, held portfolios as the minister of women and child development, social welfare, and SC/ST. In 2019, he was disqualified by Delhi assembly speaker Ram Niwas Goel under the anti-defection law after he supported the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) in the Lok Sabha elections. In 2016, AAP suspended Sandeep Kumar after a raging controversy over an 'objectionable CD' that showed him in a compromising position with a woman. Earlier in April, former Aam Aadmi Party Minister Sandeep Kumar has filed a petition in the Delhi High Court for the removal of Arvind Kejriwal from holding the post of Chief Minister. The petition claimed a writ of quo-warrant against Arvind Kejriwal, alleging that he has incurred the incapacity to hold the office of the Chief Minister of Delhi after his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate in Excise Policy. The former MLA from Sultanpur Mazra stated that Arvind Kejriwal, while lodged in jail, has incurred an incapacity to carry out his constitutional obligations and functions under Articles 239AA (4), 167(b) and (c) and proviso to sub-section (4) of Section 14 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, and hence he can no longer function as the Chief Minister of Delhi. The plea further stated that the Chief Minister, while in jail, prevents the Lieutenant Governor from exercising his Constitutional obligations and functions under article 167 (c) of the constitution which is identical to section 45 (c) of the Delhi Act, 1991 and for this reason also, he cannot continue in office. (ANI)
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi commended the central government's border area development vision while addressing the Border Area Development Conclave in the national capital on Wednesday. General Dwivedi said that the vision for border area development is bold, ambitious and deeply rooted in the principles of inclusivity, sustainability and security. He described the border area development as a core component of national security. "Indian Army's efforts in the past have contributed immensely towards model villages in border areas, border tourism and developing infrastructure support, including medical support, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations. The border area development vision is bold, ambitious and deeply rooted in the principles of inclusivity, sustainability & security," the Army Chief said. He added that there has been a 'Whole of Nation Approach' with renewed impetus. The Chief of the Army Staff added that infrastructure development, smart borders comprising communication networks and power supply, economic development with employment generation; border area tourism and empowerment of the next generation by providing skill enhancement & education opportunities are key pillars of the vision of border area development. He also spoke on other issues such as disaster management, green initiatives leading to sustainability, healthcare support and engagement with veterans residing in such areas. "Whole of nation approach has led to renewed impetus but much more is to be achieved by a vast border because the borders are really remote at places. So, few imperatives if you have to look into, aren't the civil administration, CIPF and the army doing enough? If they are doing enough, the convergence is needed from top, and the push has to be from top. And that's why we're all here today. Why should an area be deprived of economic development due to restrictions on the security grounds? These virgin areas need to be showcased to the world and besides that, their voice must reach the entire universe, not only India. Siachen, Bhoj, Suge Sarle, Manchukar and so on so forth," he said. General Dwivedi also highlighted the tourism potential in these areas and dubbed it a way to synergise and empower the inhabitants there. "In Indian tourism, potential needed to be harnessed. So, synergise and empower all these civilian inhabitants that are there. Are we going there and empowering them and synergising with them? That's what is important because they are the principal actors. If they have agreed that they have to develop that area, then it becomes very easy," he said. Further, stressing on bringing a healthy balance that needs to be maintained while working on developing tourism in the region, General Dwivedi said, "The healthy balance has to be maintained. So, we don't want too much settlement in forward areas so that the ecology and everything is sustained. But whatever is there must get empowered." "The Defence Minister has already said that the first village concept is a game changer. And we are making all individuals to make sure that we should start from the first village first and thereafter start moving backwards. This is how we are going about it. So if I have to look at the five pillars, the key pillars or the elements of our vision, I will first take on the infrastructure. A lot has been said about it, so I will not repeat those. But surface road and road infrastructure, including tunnels and bridges, has it achieved the kind of level that is required? The answer is no, we have to do a lot. And that is what every day we sit together and see how DGBI and other agencies can be empowered more so that we can connect more in a faster time frame. PM Gatishakthi and an institution of national logistic policy have really empowered us in a big way," he added. Speaking on occasion, the Defense Minister voiced Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government's full commitment to the holistic development of border villages, describing them as the country's first villages, and not remote areas. He pointed out that India's geo-strategic position is such that it is exposed to different kinds of challenges and the best way to deal with them is to ensure border area development. The Defence Minister also highlighted the initiatives undertaken by the central government to ensure infrastructure and socio-economic development in border villages. Singh emphasised the Centre's Vibrant Village programme and said, "Our objective is to transform the villages along the Northern borders, especially in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Arunachal Pradesh, which are suffering from limited connectivity and infrastructure, into a 'Model Village'. We aim to connect them to the mainstream of development." Singh also stressed the tourism potential in the border areas, which have seen an upward trajectory in the past few years. "Tourism has immense potential in border areas, but it could not reach the desired heights due to a lack of infrastructure. Things have changed since this government came to power. We are working towards development in these areas," he said. "From 2020 to 2023, the footfall of tourists in Ladakh, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh increased by 30 per cent. There has been a significant increase in Kashmir as compared to the last few years. This has helped in job creation and improving the local economy. We are taking consistent steps to make J&K a tourist hotspot. When there is economic development in border areas, then we will see many positive outcomes, including reverse migration," Singh added. Arunchal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu also emphasised the importance of tourism in the rural economy. "There are 11 border districts and 29 order blocks in Arunachal Pradesh. Today, the state's main cities are connected by roads. We are seeing a lot of changes due to the 'Vibrant Village' program in the state. In Arunachal Pradesh, the state government, Indian Army & ITBP work together to plan projects. In the coming years, tourism will play an important role in the rural economy. This year Adventure Tourism Operators' annual conference will be organised in the Tawang area of the state," he said. (ANI)
Agitating doctors of the RK Kar Hospital on Wednesday clarified about their refusal to accept West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's invitation for talks at the state secretariat to resolve the impasse over their refusal to return to work. The doctors said they refused to attend because it was said to be a closed-door meeting. Speaking to ANI, Dr Aqeeb said, "The mail that we received yesterday was from the principal secretary and it was written that there is a meeting with senior government officials, stating it to be a closed-door meeting. We refused it because we were against the closed-door meeting." "Like WB Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya said the Chief Minister was waiting for us, nothing of this sort was mentioned in the mail. We then sent a mail to the CM office in which we mentioned our five demands," he said. He added further, "The demands included that those creating trouble in justice should be asked to resign. Elections should be conducted; college counsel should be given recognition and elected representatives should be part of it and not selected representatives among others." West Bengal Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya said that CM Mamata Banerjee waited for doctors to come and talk to her after sending the letter but no one arrived at Nabanna. "Your small delegation (maximum 10 persons) may visit 'Nabanna' now to meet government representatives," the email sent by the state's Health Secretary N S Nigam to the protesting medics on Tuesday evening stated. "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. The doctors conveyed that although "doors remain open" for talks with the state's highest authorities, they would continue with their agitation till their demands are met. The protesting doctors of state-run healthcare facilities, currently on 'cease work' for over a month to protest the alleged rape and murder of the RG Kar hospital medic, defied the 5 pm deadline set by the Supreme Court to return to work, and conveyed their intentions to stay put before the 'Swasthya Bhavan' and keep pressing for their demands. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was scheduled to hold a meeting to review the functioning of health facilities and improve safety, security and patient services in the state. Principals, Directors and medical superintendents and vice principals (MSVPs) of all medical colleges and hospitals in the state were invited to the meeting. All Commissioners of Police and District Magistrates and Chief Medical Officer of Health (CMOH) of all districts were also invited to this meeting. Earlier on September 10, the father of the deceased trainee doctor from Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College said that the Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee, has not done any work and his family is not satisfied with her role in the case. The victim's father also said that they demanded a CBI investigation due to her "unsatisfied role" in the case. Speaking to ANI, the victim's father, said, "We are not satisfied with the role of the CM (Mamata Banerjee) in the case; that's why we went to the CBI. She hasn't done any work. One of the policemen came to our house, they said we have arrested Sanjay Roy and he will be produced in fast track court and will get a death sentence. But the incident that happened with my daughter was not the work of just one person. We have been saying this since starting those persons from the department are involved in this." (ANI)
Terming Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's US remarks 'irresponsible', Union Minister Kishan Reddy on Wednesday called Leader of Opposition (LoP) 'childish' for making statements against India, its constitution, the elections, and Prime Minister. Speaking to ANI, Union Minister G Kishan Reddy said, "Rahul Gandhi is an irresponsible person and a person with a childish intellect. Even after so many years, he does not understand what our country is?" "PM Narendra Modi went abroad and held a meeting of the Indian community in which lakhs of people were present but never spoke about the politics of India or the political parties of India," said Reddy. Adding further, Reddy said, "PM Modi is making efforts to increase the image of India and to bring investment in India. But Rahul Gandhi, with a childish intellect, goes abroad and gives speeches against India, against the constitution, against elections and against the Prime Minister." Rahul Gandhi's recent remarks in the US have sparked a major political row with BJP's leaders alleging him of 'defaming India'. Union Minister Giriraj Singh on Wednesday also continued the attack, saying that the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha is 'with the anti-national forces. Giriaj Singh accused Gandhi of supporting Umar Khalid, who was arrested under UAPA over his alleged role in the Delhi riots of 2020, and Ilahn Omar, a US lawmaker known for her critical stance on India. Singh further accused Gandhi of 'abusing' the nation on foreign soil and demanded action against him. "Rahul Gandhi abuses the country, the PM, and democracy. It is now time that action should be taken--his membership (Parliament) should be taken," he said. Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje also criticised Rahul Gandhi over his statements. "Rahul Gandhi is the leader of the opposition inside the Parliament, he is not the leader of the opposition of India. Outside the country, we are one. Why does he not understand this? What does he intend to do by defaming India...Is there any conspiracy against the country? We will not tolerate this," Karandlaje said. Earlier, Maharashtra CM Eknath Sindhe alleged that Gandhi "defames the country." "Whenever LoP Rahul Gandhi goes out, he defames the country, the people, and the Prime Minister. I condemn this. His anti-reservation face has been revealed. This is an insult to the constitution given by Baba Saheb," Sindhe said. Rahul Gandhi came under massive heat after he made remarks on the BJP, Sikh community and reservation while he was addressing the Indian diaspora in the US. Gandhi, who arrived in Dallas in September 8, also interacted with students and teachers at the University of Texas.(ANI)
The Supreme Court on Wednesday granted two months to the Uttarakhand government to finalise the rehabilitation scheme for the people who were asked to vacate the encroachments from railway land in the Banbhoolpura area of Haldwani. A bench of justices, Surya Kant, Dipankar Datta and Ujjal Bhuyan, were informed by the Uttarakhand government that steps are being taken in terms of the last order. A joint meeting was convened between the Ministry of Housing, state authorities and railways, said the Uttarakhand government, while seeking two months to place a suitable rehabilitation scheme or proposal. The bench then adjourned the hearing to enable Uttarakhand to file a concrete proposal for rehabilitation. Earlier, the top court had stated that the authorities should ensure rehabilitation of people before evicting them. The court said that thousands can't be uprooted overnight while putting a stay on the Uttarakhand High Court's decision ordering the state authorities to remove encroachments from railway land in Haldwani's Banbhoolpura area. The apex court had said that there has to be segregation of people who have no right on the land and the need for rehabilitation while recognising the need for railways. Noting that people have been living there for decades, the bench had said there should be measures for rehabilitation since the issue involves a human angle. Indian Railways has maintained that this strip of land belongs to the railways. They (residents) claimed that it is their land; they are not asking for rehabilitation, it had said. The Uttarakhand High Court had on December 20 ordered the removal of encroachments from railway land in the Banbhoolpura area of Haldwani after giving notice to the residents one week in advance. Led by Congress MLA from Haldwani, Sumit Hridayesh, residents of the area had approached the Supreme Court challenging the High Court's order. Another petition was also filed through advocate Prashant Bhushan. A total of 4,365 encroachments will be removed from the area. Those facing eviction have been living on the land for many decades. Residents had protested against the removal of encroachments from railway land in compliance with a High Court order. The petition highlighted that the petitioners are poor people who have been lawful residents of Mohalla Nai Basti, Haldwani district for more than 70 years. The petition stated that the names of residents are entered in the municipal records of the house tax register and that they have been paying the house tax regularly for years. There are five government schools, one hospital and two overhead water tanks in the area. It is further stated that "the long settled physical possession of the petitioners and their ancestors, some even before the date of Indian independence, has been recognised by the state and its agencies and they have been given gas and water connections and even Aadhaar card numbers accepting their residential addresses." (ANI)
Amid the political row over Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's remarks in the USA, Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi levelled his statement as an 'anti national act'. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, he said, "This is an anti-national act. He should not do this." He further questioned Rahul Gandhi about the importance of the latter's statement in USA. "He is the leader of the opposition; he can say this in Parliament. What is the point of speaking in America?" Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi said. The statement came after Rahul Gandhi's remarks on BJP, Sikh community and reservation while he was addressing the Indian diaspora in USA. Gandhi, who arrived in Dallas in September 8, also interacted with students and teachers at the University of Texas. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders also launched a scathing attack on Rahul Gandhi following his statements made in USA. Sikh Prakoshth of the Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) stage protest outside the residence of Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi over his remarks on the Sikh community made during the US visit. BJP leader RP demanded an apology from Rahul Gandhi, saying that the LoP has defamed India on foreign land. "Rahul Gandhi should apologise. He used the foreign land to defame India and gave a statement about Sikhs: Sikhs are not allowed to wear turban in India, they can't wear a kada, can't go to Gurudwara. Has Rahul Gandhi forgotten the rule of his father? When in Delhi itself, many Sikhs were killed," the BJP leader said. On Wednesday, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hit out at the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, over his remarks on the Sikh community and reservations, while terming his comments as "misleading, baseless," and "extremely shameful. Taking a jibe at Rahul, the Defence Minister said it seems like while running 'Mohabbat Ki Dukaan (shop of love), the Congress leader has opened 'Jhooth Ki Dukaan' (shop of lies) "The kind of misleading, baseless and factless things that the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, 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," Singh posted on X. (ANI)
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Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday sent a congratulatory letter to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Forum on Women.

Xi said that women are important promoters of human civilization and social progress and have scored remarkable achievements in all walks of life. Since the forum's launch, women of various countries, upholding the Shanghai Spirit, have contributed to the building of an even closer SCO community of a shared future.

It is hoped that the forum can continue to play a positive role in promoting amity and people-to-people interconnectivity among various countries, injecting fresh impetus into forging closer cultural bonds of SCO, said Xi.

Xi added that China is willing to work with all parties to promote scientific and technological innovation and the development of women's causes via digital empowerment, and to jointly build a better SCO family.

The forum opened Wednesday in Qingdao City, east China's Shandong Province.




Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Goshamahal Raja Singh Lodh wrote a letter to the Hyderabad Commissioner of Police, requesting enhanced vigilance during the upcoming Ganesh Visarjan procession on September 17. He requested Hyderabad Commissioner to take strict measures to control malicious intent during the processions, or someone trying to create nuisance by engaging in inappropriate activities during the 'Ganesh Visarjan' procession. "I earnestly request that your department takes strict measures to control such behaviour. Increased vigilance and immediate action against those who engage in such disruptive activities will be crucial to ensuring that the Ganesh Visarjan is carried out in a peaceful and dignified manner," BJP MLA T Raja wrote in his letter. He further stated in his letter that increased vigilance and immediate action against those who engage in such disruptive activities will be crucial to ensuring that the Ganesh Visarjan is carried out in a peaceful and dignified manner. "As you are aware, the Ganesh Visarjan will take place on 17th September 2024. For Hindus, this is a grand festival celebrated with much devotion. Over the course of 10 days, Ganesh idols are installed in various pandals across Hyderabad, leading to a grand procession for the Visarjan, primarily towards Tank Bund," the letter from Raja said. "In recent years, however, we have witnessed certain individuals with malicious intent joining the processions, creating a nuisance by engaging in inappropriate activities. There have been incidents where people, sitting on tuskers (trucks), drink alcohol openly and throw water packets at the public, often targeting women in particular. The harassment of women and girls has unfortunately become an issue that tarnishes the sanctity of the celebration. Such behavior is deeply disrespectful and disrupts the spiritual significance of the festival" the letter reads. "Your intervention will undoubtedly help maintain the spiritual and cultural essence of the festival and ensure the safety and dignity of all participants, especially women" the letter by T Raja reads. (ANI)
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy on Wednesday participated in the passing out parade at Telangana Police Academy in Hyderabad. CM Revanth Reddy said that the separate state of Telangana has been achieved from the sacrifices of the youth. The aspirations of the youth have not been fulfilled for the last nine years. "People's government has been formed with the support of people in the state. The Congress government filled 30,000 jobs within three months of coming to power," Reddy said. "The government strengthened the Telangana State Public Service Commission. A decision to the postponement of Group 2 exam was taken in favour of the unemployed. The job aspirants and unemployed youth are preparing for competitive exams with enthusiasm," Reddy added. "Worrying about drug and Ganja addiction by the youth and increasing cyber crimes. Drug menace should be rooted out with iron hand. After seeing all the trained cops, I am confident that Telangana will become a drug free state soon. It's not a job responsibility but an emotion," Reddy said. "It is everyone's responsibility to rebuild the Telangana State and create a bright future for future generations. Police are the first to respond when a problem arises. Let us all strive hard to eradicate drug and ganja abuse. Even the thought of drugs should send shivers down the spine," he added. Reddy asked the police to instill confidence among people and also announced that the government would set up a residential school. "Government will set up a Residential Police School for police children on a sprawling 50 acres in Hyderabad. Another police school will come up on 50 acres in Warangal. Instructing the authorities to complete the establishment of police school in Hyderabad in two years," Reddy said. CM Reddy emphasised the need of 'concrete policing.' "The state needs concrete policing and not cosmetic policing. Friendly policing is only for the victims, not criminals," he said. (ANI)
BJP leaders in Jammu have expressed strong objections against Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge's remark that if Congress had won 20 more seats, then they all would have been jailed. In response to the same, BJP leader, Prem Shukla, while speaking to ANI, said, former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi lodged thousands of opposition leaders in jail without any charge during the emergency and Kharge is also planning to do the same. "In 1975, Indira Gandhi, lodged thousands of opposition leaders, without any charge, into jail. Mallikarjun Kharge, under the directions of Rahul Gandhi, is dreaming about the emergency to be reimposed," Shukla told ANI. While addressing a rally in Anantnag, Mallikarjun Kharge said on Wednesday said "If Congress had won 20 more seats, then they all would have been jailed." Meanwhile, BJP leader Abhijeet Jasrotia told ANI, "When the Yuvraj (referring to Rahul Gandhi) and other leaders of the Congress party who are out on bail in the National Herald case make comments, it is laughable." "Rahul Gandhi is defaming India during his visit to the United States," he added. Kharge, while addressing the rally, mentioned the importance for the alliance and the supporters to be unafraid of the BJP. He also appealed to the party supporters to fight together and not blame each other. "They (BJP) used to say 400 paar, 400 paar, where are your 400 seats? They stopped at 240 this time. If we had 20 more seats, then all these people would have been in jail, and they deserve to be there. So I appeal to everyone to not get angry, but instead fight. Your captain is strong, unafraid, everyone here is unafraid. The leaders are here to help solve any problem in Jammu and Kashmir. We need to win, we need to fight together, but while fighting, we should not blame each other," Kharge said. Polling for Jammu and Kashmir is scheduled to be held in three phases: September 18, September 25 and October 1. The counting of votes is scheduled for October 8. (ANI)
The Central Bureau of Investigation had registered a case on July 31, 2014, against accused S. Manivannan, then Assistant, Puducherry Secretariat, on allegations that the accused demanded a bribe of Rs 3,000 for processing and forwarding the Visa Extension of the complainant's mother to Foreigner's Registration Office at Karaikal, CBI stated in an official statement.

The ex-government official had asked the complainant to give the bribe on July 31, 2014, at his office, added the Central Bureau of Investigation.

The accused also threatened the complainant that if he did not give a bribe, the Visa Extension papers of the mother of the complainant would not be sent to the Foreigner's Registration Office.

According to CBI, a trap was laid and the accused was caught red-handed while demanding and accepting a bribe amount of Rs 3,000 from the complainant.

After the completion of the investigation, a chargesheet was filed against the accused before the Special Court for PC Act cases, Puducherry, on October 14, 2014.

The Court, after trial, found the said accused guilty and sentenced him accordingly. (ANI)
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has constituted a five-member ministry committee to review and coordinate the action to be taken in connection with the ongoing probe by the state government and investigating agencies into various scams that have taken place, especially during the BJP rule. Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, Siddaramaiah said, "We have formed a cabinet subcommittee under the chairmanship of Home Minister G Parameshwara, Byre Gowda, Priyank Kharge, HK Patil, and Santosh Lad. There were 21 scams that happened during the previous government; we have formed this to speed up inquiry and to suggest an investigation to the cabinet." "The committee will investigate PSI recruitment, 40 per cent scam allegations, covid-19 scam, bit coin. I have given time to the committee to submit the report within 2 months," he added. When asked about BJP's allegation of vendetta politics, "What they (BJP) have done me what's that? (allegations), what kind of politics they have done, we don't do hate politics. We never did vendetta politics even when I was CM last time, but we will take action against anything wrong done." Notably, Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot had granted permission to prosecute Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in the alleged Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scam. Following this, Siddaramaiah also approached the Karnataka High Court, challenging the permission. Further, when asked about the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) having filed a charge sheet in the alleged scam at Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Welfare Corporation Ltd, the CM said he didn't want to respond as the matter was in court. "I don't want to speak on the court issue; ED has done it, and SIT has also done an investigation; both agencies have submitted the charge sheet; let the court take the action." (ANI)
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday for approving the health coverage for all senior citizens aged 70 years and above. "Thank you Modiji! The decision of the Central Government under the able leadership of the respected Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji to benefit all citizens above 70 years of age under the Ayushman Yojana is highly commendable. This decision will certainly provide quality and accessible health services to the elderly," said on X. Earlier today, the Union Cabinet approved health coverage to all the senior citizens aged 70 years and above irrespective of income under the flagship scheme Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY). The scheme aims to benefit approximately 4.5 Crore families with six (6) crore senior citizens with 5 Lakh rupees free health insurance cover on a family basis. With this approval, all senior citizens of the age 70 years and above, irrespective of their socio-economic status, would be eligible to avail the benefits of the scheme. The eligible senior citizens would be issued a new distinct card under the health security scheme. The senior citizens of age 70 years and above belonging to families already covered under the scheme will get an additional top-up cover of up to Rs 5 lakh per year for themselves (which they do not have to share with the other members of the family who are below the age of 70 years). All other senior citizens of the age 70 years and above will get a cover up to Rs 5 lakh per year on a family basis. Senior citizens aged 70 years and above who are already availing benefits of other public health insurance schemes such as the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), and the Ayushman Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) may either choose their existing scheme or opt for Ayushman Bharat. It has been clarified that senior citizens of 70 years and older who are under private health insurance policies or the Employees' State Insurance scheme will be eligible to avail benefits under Ayushman Bharat. Ayushman Bharat is the world's largest publicly funded health assurance scheme, which provides health cover of Rs 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization to 55 crore individuals, corresponding to 12.34 crore families. All members of the eligible families, irrespective of age, are covered under the scheme. The scheme has covered 7.37 crore hospital admissions, including 49 per cent of women beneficiaries. The public has benefited to the extent of over Rs. 1 lakh crore under the scheme. The Ayushman Bharat scheme has witnessed a continuous expansion of the beneficiary base. Initially, 10.74 crore poor and vulnerable families comprising the bottom 40 per cent of India's population were covered under the scheme. Later, the government, in January 2022, revised the beneficiary base from 10.74 crore to 12 crore families, considering India's decadal population growth of 11.7 per cent over the 2011 population. The scheme was further expanded to cover 37 lakh ASHAs/AWWs/AWHs working across the country and their families for free healthcare benefits. (ANI)
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah paid tributes on National Forest Martyrs' Day on Wednesday and said that everyone who is benefiting from nature has a responsibility to protect nature. On the occasion of National Forest Martyrs' Day, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah paid floral tributes at the Martyrs' Memorial at Aranya Bhavan. The CM talked about how the state does not have adequate forest cover and that afforestation should increase. "The state does not have adequate forest cover. Therefore, afforestation should increase. He said that the protection of forest and wild animal wealth is only the duty of the forest officers and staff, but we are shirking our responsibility," the Chief Minister said in a post on X. https://x.com/siddaramaiah/status/1833775020272742596 The CM further said that even though it is a good thing that the population of tigers and elephants is increasing, there is still work to be done. "It is a good thing that the number of elephants and tigers in the state is increasing. But more effective work needs to be done to avoid animal-human conflict and protect human and animal wealth. He called for the use of modern technology available for this purpose," he added. The CM also announced that the compensation amount given to the families of forest martyrs would be increased from Rs 30 lakhs to Rs 50 lakhs. He said, "The compensation amount given to the families of forest martyrs has been increased from 30 to 50 lakhs. Forest martyrs are the saviors of mankind. He wished that his sacrifice would be an inspiration for forest conservation." Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister, Ishwar Khandre and other senior officials of the department, along family members and relatives of the martyrs were present on the occasion. (ANI)
Chief Secretary Santhi Kumari briefed the visiting central team led by Col K P Singh about the extensive damage caused in most parts of the state due to the unprecedented rainfall that occurred during the period from August 31 to September 3, said a statement from the I&PR department. A six-member central team headed by Col K P Singh held discussions with the Chief Secretary and senior state government officials at the Secretariat today. CS informed that even though the weather alert was received at very short notice, the administration was on high alert and swift action was taken by the state government, which has resulted in less loss of human life, added the statement. The Chief Minister was reviewing the situation regularly, and the Deputy Chief Minister, along with two other ministers, reached Khammam weathering the rains to monitor the relief and rescue operations. The state government immediately released money to the district administration to take up relief measures. Chief Secretary appealed to the central team to make the guidelines liberal so as to enable the state government to extend relief extensively. She also informed that the Chief Minister has ordered to form specialised teams on par with NDRF to participate in rescue operations in emergency situations in the state, adding the statement further. She sought the support of the NDMA in training and other logistics support for the specialised teams. CS also flagged the issue of air rescue operations during heavy rains, which is becoming a major challenge for the administration, and sought the cooperation of the centre in addressing this challenge. The massive tree felling and ecological disaster that happened in 332 hectares in Eturnagaram region was also highlighted. The central team advised to conduct a detailed study to find out the root cause for this ecological disaster, which was unprecedented and never heard before, read the statement further. Special Chief Secretary Disaster Management Arvind Kumar gave a brief overview of the damage caused and measures initiated by the state government to provide immediate relief to the people who are in distress. He informed that the initial estimates of the damages were pegged at Rs 5,438 crores while the actual assessment is still going on. Senior officials from agriculture, roads and buildings, municipal administration, panchayat raj, energy, animal husbandry, and forest briefed the central teams about the damage caused through a PowerPoint presentation. (ANI)
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Wednesday hailed the union cabinet's decision to further expand the ambit of Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY, calling it a "landmark step." "THANK YOU MODI ji ! A landmark step for senior citizens' healthcare! Ayushman Bharat - PMJAY benefit will now be provided to all citizens aged 70 and above," Saha said in a post on X. The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the health coverage to all the senior citizens aged 70 years and above irrespective of income under the flagship scheme Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY). It will benefit approximately 4.5 crore families with six (6) crore senior citizens with 5 lakh rupees free health insurance cover on a family basis. With this approval, all senior citizens of the age 70 years and above irrespective of their socio- economic status would be eligible to avail the benefits of AB PM-JAY. The eligible senior citizens would be issued a new distinct card under AB PM-JAY. The senior citizens of the age 70 years and above belonging to families already covered under AB PM-JAY will get an additional top-up cover upto Rs 5 lakh per year for themselves (which they do not have to share with the other members of the family who are below the age of 70 years). AB PM-JAY is the world's largest publicly funded health assurance scheme which provides health cover of Rs 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization to 55 crore individuals corresponding to 12.34 crore families. All members of the eligible families irrespective of age are covered under the scheme. The scheme has covered 7.37 Crore hospital admissions including 49 percent women beneficiaries. The public has benefited to the extent of over Rs. 1 Lakh crore under the scheme. All other senior citizens of the age 70 years and above will get a cover upto Rs5 lakh per year on a family basis. Senior citizens of the age 70 years and above who are already availing benefits of other public health insurance schemes such as Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), Ayushman Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) may either choose their existing scheme or opt for AB PMJAY. It has been clarified that senior citizens of 70 years and above who are under private health insurance policies or Employees' State Insurance scheme will be eligible to avail benefits under AB PM-JAY, the press release stated. AB PM-JAY is the world's largest publicly funded health assurance scheme which provides health cover of Rs 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization to 55 crore individuals corresponding to 12.34 crore families. All members of the eligible families irrespective of age are covered under the scheme. The scheme has covered 7.37 Crore hospital admissions including 49 percent women beneficiaries. The public has benefited to the extent of over Rs. 1 Lakh crore under the scheme. The expansion of cover to senior citizens of the age of 70 years and above was earlier announced by Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in April 2024. (ANI)
During the call, UAE President expressed his best wishes to the Algerian President for success in his duties in the coming period in aiming to meet the aspirations of the Algerian people for further progress and prosperity.

In response, Tebboune expressed his gratitude to Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his kind congratulations and conveyed his best wishes for the UAE's continued progress and prosperity. (ANI/WAM)
The membership of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Senator Falak Naz was suspended for allegedly abusing senior leader Faisal Vawda during a Senate session, ARY News reported. The heated exchange occurred on Tuesday during the senate session presided over by Chairman Yusuf Raza Gilani where Faisal Vawda allegedly verbally attacked the founder of PTI, prompting a strong reaction from PTI Senator Falak Naz, ARY News reported. As per ARY News report, Vawda allegedly verbally attacked the founder of PTI which was disrupted after Naz confronted Vawda, questioning, "How dare you take our leader's name?" which led to an escalation, with both exchanging harsh words. The Chairman Senate suspended her membership for two days over her inappropriate dialogues and adjourned the session till Wednesday. During his speech in the session, Faisal Vawda talked about various political and military accountability issues, and praised Army Chief General Asim Munir for initiating a process of accountability within the army, prioritizing Pakistan's interests, ARY News reported. Vawda highlighted that Pakistan's current political climate is one of tension and division, criticizing PTI for opposing amendments to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) but later benefiting from them. He urged the party to focus on Pakistan's stability instead of fostering division. Expressing disagreement with the politics of PML-N, the senator stressed that accountability should be taken seriously across all institutions, including political parties, as per ARY News report. Faisal Vawda also took a dig at PTI members, accusing them of plotting to disrupt the country and expressed disbelief that they would be handed power in the current environment. "If you speak of breaking the jail, the responsibility of PTI founder also falls on you [Ali Amin Gandapur]," ARY News quoted Vawda as saying. Vawda accused PTI leaders of seeking dialogue with the army after making damaging remarks. The PTI senators protested against Vawda's remarks, while the government senators rallied to his defence, as per ARY News. Vawda told PTI members, "Be patient. This is just the beginning. The institutions and government are too weak to stop your abusive language," ARY News quoted. Despite calls from Senate Chairman Yusuf Raza Gilani for order, Naz refused to apologize, leading to her suspension. Vawda demanded strict action, arguing that abuse should not be tolerated in Pakistan's legislative institutions. Chairman Gilani intervened, suspending Senator Falak Naz's membership for two days after she declined to offer an apology for her inappropriate remarks, ARY News reported. (ANI)
During his address at the National Press Club in Washington DC, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi spoke about long-term prospects for India-US relations, especially in terms of strategic partnerships. "There are two elements. The first is the defence cooperation, which is important, and I think we do a good job there. But then the second is what I touched on just now, which is China has placed in front of us a vision of production and prosperity in a non-democratic environment. 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? 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 or manufacturing that works for the rest of the world? And I think both countries bring different things to the table and there's a huge opportunity there. I don't see a big diversion in the India-US relationship you know. I don't see ourselves changing direction very much... I see continuity there. I think everybody on both sides of the equation, everybody does accept the fact that the India-US relationship is key for both countries," he said. When asked if the Congress believed that the caste census is the antidote to the BJP-RSS Hindutva politics, and if the Congress acknowledging the way forward is a revival of the Mandal-Kamandal, he said, "No, I don't think we see it as anything to do with the BJP's policies. The Congress party has always, from even before independence, we've always fought for the idea that India should be a fair country, the idea that all India citizens should be treated the same way. We strongly feel that there is a very deep problem of participation and we're going to address that problem. I don't see it as a Mandal vs Kamandal issue. And what we're saying is different, different than the idea of only reservations. What we are saying is we want a comprehensive understanding first of what's going on and then we're going to apply a series of policies to correct it, reservation being one. Somebody misquoted me yesterday saying that I'm against reservations. We're going to increase reservations beyond 50 per cent." On being asked was Bangladesh a focus of discussions in meetings on Capitol Hill with lawmakers, Rahul Gandhi said, "We raised it and they also spoke to us. Look, we are against any type of violence, and we want it to stop. It's the responsibility of the Bangladeshi government to stop it as soon as possible. From our side, it is the responsibility of our government to put pressure so that violence stops." (ANI)
Jaishankar said that he valued their support for stronger India-German relations.

In a post on X, he said, "Pleased to interact with members of German parliament in Berlin. Appreciated their insights on contemporary global issues. Value their support for stronger India-Germany relations."

https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1833605978719183092

Jaishankar also met foreign affairs and security policy experts in a debate organised by the Munich Security Conference.

In a post on X, he said, "A lively conversation with foreign affairs and security policy experts organised by Munich Security Conference in Berlin today. Exchanged perspectives on the changing global order, multipolarity, security challenges and the strategic convergences between India and Germany."

https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1833604017609486660

Meanwhile, Jaishankar met MP and Chairperson of Deutscher Bundestag Committee on Foreign Affairs Michael Roth on Tuesday.

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. (ANI)
Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi came out heavily against the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Centre over the border standoff with China and said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not handled the situation well. The Congress leader was speaking at an interaction with media at the National Press Club in Washington DC on Tuesday (local time). "We've got Chinese troops occupying land the size of Delhi in Ladakh, and I think that's a disaster. The media doesn't like to write about it. How would America react if a neighbour occupied 4,000 square kilometers of its territory? Would any president be able to get away with saying he's handled that well? So, I don't think Mr Modi has handled China well at all. I see no reason why Chinese troops should be sitting in our territory," Rahul Gandhi said. Notably, in 2020, the Indian and Chinese troops clashed at Galwan, the same year the pandemic started. Since May 2020, when the Chinese troops tried to aggressively change the status quo on LAC in eastern Ladakh, both sides have been deployed in forward positions near Patrolling Point 15, which emerged as a friction point in the wake of the Galwan clash. Over 50,000 Indian soldiers have been stationed since 2020 at forward posts along the LAC, with advanced weapons to prevent any attempts to change the status quo unilaterally on the LAC. Terming the Chinese vision of production as "non-democratic", the Raebareli MP stressed on the idea of US and India placing a production vision in a democratic and free society. "We don't want to do it like the Chinese are doing it. We don't want to do it in an environment which is non-democratic, which is not liberal. So the real question for the 21st century, the Chinese have placed a production vision on the table. It's a non-democratic production vision. Can the United States and India answer that by placing a vision for production in a democratic free society? And I think that's where a lot of answers lie," he said. Rahul, also opened on his new role and responsibilities as the Leader of Opposition, and said there is an ideological war taking place between the INDIA bloc and the BJP-RSS. He further vowed that the Opposition wants to 'defend' India's institutions and provide a broader vision for the country. "It's an extension of what I did earlier. There's an ideological war taking place in India between the Congress and our partners and the BJP and the RSS. They are two completely different visions of India. 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, versus a much harsher, centralizing vision. So that's the landscape. And then we fight on that landscape," the Congress leader further said. "[We want to] defend India's institutions, defend the weaker sections in India, defend the lower caste, tribals, minorities, poor people. After the yatra, I try to become the voice of as many people as I can. So for that...you have to go deeper, deep into the agricultural world, the conflicts that are taking place there, into the financial system, into the tax system. So you have to, in a sense, go deep into it, talk to people and then get, understand deeply what they're saying and then transmit it and at a broader level, provide a vision, INDIA alliance vision for the country, which is obviously going to be fundamentally different than the centralizing, monopolized vision that the BJP is presenting," he added. The Congress leader further said that at one time the West used to be the producer of the world, but slowly China took over the responsibility. He said that not manufacturing enough means, not enough employment can be generated. Rahul further added that there is a huge opportunity for both India and the US to regain the ability to produce. "Here in the United States that the West, America, Europe, and India, the West used to be the producer of the world. If you wanted to buy a car, in the 60s, you bought an American car, washing machine, refrigerator...You guys were at the forefront of that. And then somewhere along the line, America decided, India decided, and the West decided that we're just going to stop. And we handed the whole thing to the Chinese. Now for a country like India, to simply say that we're going to ignore manufacturing, and only run a services-based economy, it means you cannot give employment to people," Rahul Gandhi "I am more interested in the act of production- also called manufacturing. Look at what most American, Indian and European countries do. They organize consumption. Uber organizes consumption. Organizing consumption is easy. Organizing production is a completely different ballgame, much more complicated. You have to deal with things when you organize production that you simply don't have to deal with when you organize production. So to me, there's a huge opportunity for India and the United States to regain that ability to produce," he further added. Speaking on the unemployment situation, the LoP in Lok Sabha said he wants to support small and medium-small businesses and promote a decentralised production system. "We have a government in Karnataka and Telangana. Each area in India has its own specialty of production. If you go to pretty much any district, Ballari in Karnataka has a very deep textile industry which has been destroyed. So we are looking at these pockets of excellence and then trying to bring modern technology, financial support to build them. So the vision would be more of a decentralized production system. Unlike China, which is huge factories, we would be thinking about smaller and small medium businesses and embedding modern technology into that. We're testing some of these ideas in Karnataka and Telangana," he said. Rahul Gandhi is on a three-day visit to the United States. During this, he has interacted with Indian diaspora besides students and faculty at universities and also met US lawmakers. This is Rahul Gandhi first visit to the US after he became Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha. (ANI)
According to Taiwan's MND, 13 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, "21 PLA aircraft, 9 PLAN vessels and 1 official ships operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 13 of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's central and southwestern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly."

https://x.com/MoNDefense/status/1833671807049809980

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 Tuesday, Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence (MND) said that 17 Chinese military aircraft, seven naval vessels, and one official ship were detected operating near Taiwan from 6 am (local time) on Monday to 6 am (local time) on Tuesday.

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).

https://x.com/MoNDefense/status/1833309416659292657

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." (ANI)
Israel's envoy to India Reuven Azar said that Israel's relations with China were about enjoying the manufacturing capability that the Chinese market could offer, because Israel mainly exported services. Talking to ANI, Azar said Israel developed patents and help in production in other countries. He also said that they are looking to expand their market in India. Explaining whether Israel wants to invest in India more than China, he said, "Well, the nature of our relations with China wasn't necessarily in the context of investment. It was in the context of enjoying the manufacturing capability that the Chinese market could offer for those who want to import finished goods to the Israeli market. Because the Israeli market is a knowledge-based economy that is concentrated mainly in the export of services and less in exports of finished products. Our traditional industries died decades ago and we actually develop IP, patents, and then we go and produce in other countries. So the question is, to what extent we will be able to produce here? There are some Israeli companies that are already doing that, but we want to expand that. And that will require investments, and that's what we want to promote." Azar said that the principles of freedom, moderation, and accepting the other unite India and Israel. "The bonds that unite, that bring together India and Israel are unique. First of all, because of the common history, both the Jewish people and the Indian people have been subject to invasion of empires 2,000 years ago and before. We were invaded by the Greeks just as you were. And we maintain the capability to keep our heritage and our identity despite thousands of years of invasions of empires. We have in common the principles of freedom, moderation, and accepting the other," he said. He told ANI that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are following the lead of their predecessors, who developed partnerships years ago. "We have a good relationship under the leadership of PM Modi and Israeli PM Netanyahu. The partnerships created years ago developed when they exchanged visits and we're following that lead. We have been benefitting from this relationship a lot and we have natural friendship, which I have felt since I arrived here," he said. The Israeli envoy said that they want to create stability in the Middle East. "We want together to fight extremism. We see a need to work with partners in the world, especially the United States, in order to stabilize the region. This is being challenged now a little bit by the Houthis in Yemen and by other proxies of Iran," he said. "The increasing importance of the global role of India is obvious and it's starting to manifest itself also in the Middle East. At the end of the day, we want to create the setup that will allow us to flourish in the future and we are very happy that India is part of it," he said. Talking about the role of India in the conflict resolution between Israel and Palestine and the Russia-Ukraine crisis and if Israel will use India's strategic autonomy or independent foreign policy for any kind of mediation, Azar said that it is up to India to decide. "This will be up to India to decide. I think that the increasing importance of the global role of India is obvious and it's starting to manifest itself also in the Middle East. We can see it not only in the great relations between Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Netanyahu and the cooperation and the strategic partnership that is happening, but also in the initiative that we've seen last year between India and the UAE and the way that they have been concluding so many agreements that will allow India to connect better to the Gulf, which is also in itself a hub that connects the East and West," he said. "At the end of the day, all the countries that are partners in the Abraham Accords are working... to create stability and prosperity. We want to be in a situation in which we can create an understanding how to defend these assets together. So all this cooperation we're having on the table... create the setup that will allow us to flourish in the future. And we are very happy that India is part of it, that India actually joined the initiative that President Biden announced during the G20. And we have a lot of work ahead of us in order to make it happen," he said. (ANI)
US Presidential candidates, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump presented strong and contrasting remarks in their respective closing statements in the presidential debate in Philadelphia hosted by ABC News. Kamala Harris, who aims to become the first woman president in US history in the polls slated later this year, expressed her intent to be the leader of "all Americans," while her Republican rival termed the tenure of hers and of President Joe Biden as the "worst in the history." The Vice President said the two leaders have presented two very contrary visions for the country while asserting that America is "not going back." "You have heard tonight, two very different visions for this country. One that is focused on the future and one that is focused on the past," Harris said. "We're not going back," she said. "And I do believe that the American people know we all have so much more in common than what separates us, and we can chart a new way forward." She further emphasised on presenting a vision that helps people sustain the cost of living, build a strong military and understand the dreams and aspirations of the people. After expressing her support for abortion rights earlier in the debate, Harris again stressed the issue, and said while pointing towards Trump, that she wants women to have the right to their own bodies instead of the US government. "A vision of that includes having a plan, understanding the aspirations, the dreams, the hopes and ambitions of the American people...I want to create opportunity economy, invest in small businesses, new families and what we can do around in protecting seniors, bringing down the cost of living...sustaining America's standing in the world and ensuring we have the respect, and respecting our military, ensuring we have the most lethal standing force in the world," Harris said. "I will be a President that will protect our fundamental rights including the right of the woman to make decisions about her own body, and not tell her government what to do. I intend to be a President for all Americans, and focus on what we can do over the next 10 and 20 years to build back our country by investing right now in you, the American people," she further added. Former President Donald Trump, who intends to make a comeback to the White House, after a bitter exit in 2020, attacked her Democratic rival, asking why all the promises made by Harris weren't done by her administration so far. "She said she would do this, do that, and all the wonderful things. Why hasn't she done it? She has been there for 3.5 years. They had 3.5 years to fix the border, to create jobs," Trump said. He further termed the United States a "failing nation" and attacked the Biden-Harris administration for the ongoing conflicts in Europe and the Middle East, as well as the situation in Afghanistan. "We are a failing nation, we are a nation that is in serious decline...we are laughed at all over the world. We have wars going in the Middle East, in Russia-Ukraine, we are gonna end up with World War III," the former President further said. "I rebuilt our entire military, she gave a lot of it away to Taliban, to Afghanistan, what they have done to our country...[They are] allowing millions in the country, many of them are criminals," he said. "The worst president, the worst vice president in the history of our country." Both Donald Trump and Kamala Harris are the official presidential candidates of their respective parties after they accepted the nomination at the conventions earlier this year. Notably, the first presidential debate was held in June between President Biden and Trump, where the former's performance expressed concerns over his age. Following this, Biden bowed out of the race and endorsed Harris. The US presidential elections are scheduled to be held on November 5 this year. (ANI)
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. During Kamala Harris and Donald Trump face-off at Philadephia 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. (ANI)
Former US President Donald Trump launched a scathing attack on US Vice President Kamala Harris, dubbing her a "marxist" made a refernce to her father and added that the Democratic candidate has no policy. Trump's comments came during the face off during the presidential debate conducted by ABC News on Tuesday (local time). He made the statement in response to a question on whether he believes American people can afford more tariffs. Donald Trump said, "First of all, they bought their chips from Taiwan. We hardly make chips anymore because of philosophies like they have and policies like they have. I don't say her because she has no policy. Everything that she believed three years ago and four years ago is out the window. She's going to my philosophy now." "In fact, I was going to send her a MAGA hat. She's gone to my philosophy. But if she ever got elected, she'd change it and it will be the end of our country. She's a Marxist. Everybody knows she's a Marxist. Her father is a marxist professor in economics and he taught her well," he added. Slamming Kamala Harris over border security, Trump said that millions of people enter US monthly. He said that bad immigration is the "worst thing" that can happen to US economy and accused Harris of destroying the US. Republican presidential nominee said, "When you look at what she's done to our country and when you look at these millions and millions of people that are pouring into our country monthly, where its, I believe, 21 million people, not the 15 that people say. And I think its a lot higher than the 21 thats bigger than New York state pouring in. And just look at what they're doing to our country. They're criminals." "Many of these people coming in are criminals. And that's bad for our economy, too. You know, you mentioned before, we'll talk about immigration later. Well, bad immigration is the worst thing that can happen to our economy. They have, and she has destroyed our country with policy that's insane almost policy that you'd say they have to hate our country," he added. In response to the same question, Harris said that former US President invited trade wars and sold American chips to China to help them improve and modernise the military. Harris said that the US' policy with regards to China should be to win the competition for the 21st century, which she stressed means focussing on relationships with allies of the US, focusing on investing in American-based technology. Kamala Harris said, "The Trump administration resulted in a trade deficit, one of the highest we have ever seen in the history of America. He invited trade wars. You want to talk about his deal with China, what he ended up doing under Donald Trump's presidency. He ended up selling American chips to China to help them improve and modernize their military." "Basically, sold us out when a policy about China should be in making sure the United States of America wins the competition for the 21st century, which means focusing on the details of what that requires, focusing on relationships with our allies, focusing on investing in American-based technology so that we win the race on AI, on quantum computing, focusing on what we need to do support America's workforce so that we don't end up having on the short end of the stick in terms of workers rights," she added. Slamming former US President, Harris said that Trump thanked Chinese President Xi Jinping despite knowing that Xi was responsible for lacking and not giving transparency regarding the origins of COVID. "But, what Donald Trump did, let's talk about this with COVID. He actually thanked President Xi for what he did with COVID. Look at his tweet, Thank you Mr Xi! When we know Xi was responsible for lacking and not giving us transparency about the origins of COVID," Harris said. During the debate, Kamala Harris addressed claims made by Donald Trump about her racial identity. She called it a tragedy that someone who wants to be president has over the course of his career tried to use race to divide the Americans. She said, "Honestly, I think it's a tragedy that we have someone who wants to be president who has consistently, over the course of his career, attempted to use race to divide the American people." Harris stated, "I think the American people want better than that. Want better than this." During the presidential campaign, Donald Trump has raised questions regarding Vice President Kamala Harris' racial identity. Earlier in August, Trump shared a picture on his social media site that features Harris dressed in a sari along with her family members. He mentioned that Kamala Harris' love and warmth for Indian heritage is appreciated. While sharing the picture on Truth Social, Trump stated, "Thank you Kamala for the nice picture you sent from many years ago! Your warmth, friendship, and love of your Indian Heritage are very much appreciated." Kamala Harris's ethnic identity has become a key issue in the US presidential election campaign. It came under further scrutiny after Trump launched a strong personal attack on Harris by claiming that she, after being of "Indian heritage" for years, "turned black" a few years ago, CNN reported. He further claimed that Harris "all of a sudden, made a turn" in her identity and wants to be known as a woman of colour. Trump made the comments at a gathering of journalists of colour in Chicago when an interviewer asked him why voters of colour should consider backing a candidate with his history of racist attacks on political rivals. He responded by questioning Harris' heritage. Kamala Harris' mother was Indian and her father is Jamaican. Her parents had immigrated to the United States. She is the first woman of colour and the first Asian American vice president. If Harris wins the upcoming polls, she will become the first woman president of the US. (ANI)
The Brazilian Air Force Commander, Lieutenant Brigadier Marcelo Kanitz Damasceno, held a meeting with Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi on Wednesday. The two officials discussed areas of mutual interest, including ways to strengthen bilateral defence cooperation. In a post on X, the Indian Army's Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADGPI) stated, "Lieutenant Brigadier Marcelo Kanitz Damasceno, Commander of the Brazilian Air Force, called on India Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi and discussed areas of mutual interest including avenues to enhance bilateral Defence Cooperation with Brazil." https://x.com/adgpi/status/1833719253972750521 Earlier on Tuesday, Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, met Commander of the Brazilian Air Force, Lieutenant Brigadier Marcelo Kanitz Damasceno and discussed aspects of bilateral defence cooperation and avenues to further enhance existing defence relations between the two countries. Earlier in August, the Brazilian Navy Commander, Admiral Marcos Sampaio Olsen, was on a five-day official visit to India. The visit aimed to enhance maritime cooperation between the two countries. During his visit, Admiral Olsen met with Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi. The meeting covered a range of topics, including operational engagements, technical cooperation, and training. Admiral Marcos Sampaio Olsen was honoured with a ceremonial Guard of Honour at South Block Lawns. India and Brazil share a very close and multifaceted relationship both at bilateral level as well as in plurilateral fora such as BRICS, BASIC, G-20, G-4, IBSA, International Solar Alliance, as well as in the larger multilateral bodies such as the UN, WTO, UNESCO, and WIPO. The twocountries have been Strategic Partners since 2006. India and Brazil signed an agreement in 2003 for cooperation in defence. Meetings of Joint Defence Committee (JDC) are held as an institutionalized mechanism for defence cooperation. Seven JDC meetings have taken place so far between the two sides. The 7th JDC meeting was held in Dec 2021 in New Delhi. Visits of several high level defence delegations have taken place in 2022 and 2023. (ANI)
Members of the Jammu and Kashmir diaspora in the UK staged a protest in front of the UK Parliament and condemned "Pakistan's state-sponsored terrorism." The protesters held placards and banners that said, "Pakistan stop terrorising", "Pakistan stop killing innocent people in Jammu and Kashmir," and "The world must act on Pakistan's terrorism." The protesters called on parliamentarians and other institutions to take a stand and help end "Pakistan's use of terrorism as state policy in Jammu and Kashmir," according to the press release. The protesters asserted that Pakistan's agenda is to undermine peace and progress in the region, with little regard for the well-being of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. During the protest, members of the Hindu community shared their experiences of the brutalities they have endured due to Pakistan's "terrorism infrastructure, which specifically targets them." They were joined by large numbers of the Indian diaspora, who empathised with them and stood in solidarity with those who have also fallen victim to terrorism--whether as members of the Indian Army or during Hindu pilgrimages like Amarnath Yatra or Shiv Khori. The protest was organised in response to Pakistan's propaganda event on Kashmir, held in the UK Parliament on the same day, according to the statement from the diaspora. Protesters say, the event ignored the realities on the ground in Jammu and Kashmir, including its illegal occupation of parts of the region without any basis in international law, and accused Pakistan of continuously using state and non-state actors to institutionalise terrorism. Furthermore, the protesters claim the event excluded key stakeholders from Jammu and Kashmir, like Kashmiri Hindus who were ethnically cleansed from the region, as well as Dogras, Gujjars, Bakarwals, Paharis of Jammu, Sikhs, and the Buddhists and Shia Muslims of Ladakh. Several prominent community members addressed the protest. Indo-European Kashmir Forum President, Krishna Bhan, highlighted the plight of Kashmiri Hindus over the past 35 years, which has largely been overlooked in Western discourse about the region. Her remarks focused on raising global awareness about the suffering of Kashmiri Hindus, who were forced to flee their ancestral homeland due to "Pakistan-sponsored terrorism" in the 1990s. Voice of Dogras founder Manu Khajuria condemned the sham event organised by Pakistan in the UK Parliament, highlighting its ongoing obsession with Jammu and Kashmir through invasions, proxy wars, and attempts to radicalise local youth. She stressed that the real issue lies in Pakistan's illegal occupation of Jammu and Kashmir and the severe human rights violations there, according to the press release. A member from Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK) echoed these concerns, citing suppression of dissent, arbitrary arrests and poor socio-economic conditions, including inadequate healthcare and education. A digital van campaign was also launched across the city to inform the people of the UK about the historical and current realities of Jammu and Kashmir, according to press release. This effort is aimed to expose "Pakistan's state-sponsored terrorism," which continues to destabilise the region, as well as the human rights abuses in the occupied territories by Pakistan. (ANI)
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, who is on a visit to Japan, met KAI Group's vice president Takeshi Mizutani, KAI India's managing director Rajesh Pandya and several other officials in Tokyo on Wednesday. During the meeting, discussions were held on furthering the partnership as well as new investment opportunities in the state were highlighted. KAI Group is one of the investors in the Neemrana Japanese Industrial Zone and has a manufacturing plant there. Taking to social media platform X, CM Sharma said, "Today, during my visit to Japan, I addressed a meeting organized with Mr. Takeshi Mizutani, Vice President of Cai Group, Mr. Rajesh Pandya, Managing Director of Cai India and other officials of the company in the context of the 'Rising Rajasthan' Global Investment Summit 2024 in the capital Tokyo." https://x.com/BhajanlalBjp/status/1833724928857948425 He said Kai Group is one of the major Japanese investors operating in the Japanese Industrial Area at Neemrana, Alwar, where the company has its modern manufacturing plant. The Chief Minister added that the vast investment opportunities available in Rajasthan, state-of-the-art infrastructure, skilled human resources, industry-friendly policies and easy business environment were highlighted on the occasion. "Our government is committed to encourage investment in the state and ensure sustainable development of industries," he added. The Rajasthan CM further said that the BJP government intends to make Rajasthan a leader in investment, and assured of providing the best facilities and support to the investors. He also paid a courtesy visit to Kazuhiro Koshikawa, a member of the Board of Directors of Nippon Steel Trading. "In the context of Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit 2024, during my visit to Japan today, I paid a courtesy visit to Mr. Kazuhiro Koshikawa, Member of the Board of Directors of Nippon Steel Trading in the capital Tokyo," the CM stated. https://x.com/BhajanlalBjp/status/1833735596155580770 He added that Nippon Steel is one of the major Japanese investors established in the Japanese Industrial Area at Neemrana, Alwar. The two held discussions on further strengthening of partnership in Rajasthan and promoting new investment, employment generation, technology upgradation, and economic development in the state. Prior to Japan, the Rajasthan CM was on a two-day visit to South Korea along with a high-level delegation. Several 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 the Korean Stone Association. The Government of Rajasthan, led by Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, will be hosting the 'Rising Rajasthan' Global Investment Summit 2024 on December 9-11 in the capital, Jaipur. The three-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)
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has said that Moscow has never considered the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's peace formula "seriously." Lavrov stressed that the West's insistence on sticking to Zelenskyy's "peace formula" suggests that it does not want to make honest agreements. Speaking to reporters following the 7th Russia-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Ministerial Meeting for Strategic Dialogue in Riyadh on September 9, he noted that numerous ideas floating around the "Zelenskyy formula" begin with words that call for ending military operations and obeying international law and stressed that international law is not only about this. He also praised the approach taken by counterparts from India and Brazil to facilitate the resolution of the ongoing conflict. When asked about Russia's stance on not holding talks with Ukraine following their attacks in Kursk region, Lavrov said, "With regard to the terrorist invasion to the Kursk Region by the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the continuing terrorist attacks on facilities in other border regions, including Belgorod, I would like to draw your attention to what President of Russia Vladimir Putin said at the Eastern Economic Forum on September 5, 2024, when he described the liberation of the Kursk Region and the entire territory of the Russian Federation, where Ukrainian neo-Nazis have gone on the rampage, as a sacred duty of the Russian Armed Forces." "As for various [peace] "initiatives," one of these that has been put forward by Volodymyr Zelenskyy is well known and sets one's teeth on edge. It is an ultimatum pure and simple. The fact that the West sticks to it means just one thing: they do not want to make honest agreements and seek to have Russia come closer to a situation, where they will be able to declare that we have suffered a "strategic defeat" on the battlefield. They want to weaken their rivals. So, we have never taken the "Zelensky formula" seriously and only marvelled that there are still people ready to buy it. Of course, this happens under the West's pressure," he added. In 2022, Zelenskyy presented Ukraine's 10-point peace formula to world leaders at the G20 Summit in Indonesia's Bali. The 10-point peace formula includes a path to nuclear safety and food security, a special tribunal for alleged Russian war crimes and a final peace treaty with Moscow. He said that Russia only wants people, who are "alienable part" of Russian language, culture, history and religion to be treated as human beings as required under international law. Referring to German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's recent call for talks, he said, "The German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, said it was high time to start talking. The German press and other media are hinting that the territorial issue will have to be solved based on the realities existing on the ground. But, territories are neither here nor there. We just wanted the people, who are an inalienable part of the Russian world and the Russian culture, language, history, and religion, to be treated as human beings as required under international law, numerous conventions on human rights and minority rights, and primarily the UN Charter." Speaking about the numerous ideas floating around Zelenskyy formula, he said, "The numerous ideas floating around the "Zelenskyy formula" usually start with the words that it is necessary to stop military operations and obey international law, meaning steps to ensure Ukraine's territorial integrity. International law is not only about this. Territorial integrity is guaranteed to states whose governments represent the entire population living in this or that territory." "This is a resolution passed unanimously by the UN General Assembly. There is no need even to argue that the neo-Nazis in Kiev represented no one in eastern Ukraine, Novorossiya, and Crimea after the [2014] coup. The main thing is that the UN Charter urges everyone to respect the rights of any person regardless of their race, sex, language, or religion. This is the root of the conflict in Ukraine," he added. He said that the rights of people adhering to Russian culture have been wiped out after the coup and Russian language has been outlawed in all spheres, including education, media, art, culture, and even everyday life. He further said that the Ukraine's parliament, Rada, has approved a bill and Zelensky signed it into lawthat actually bans the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. Speaking about the talks he held with his counterparts from India and Brazil, Russia's top diplomat said, "Let me stress that none of the initiatives, including those put forward out of best intentions by our good colleagues and partners, address the rights of Russian speakers in areas that Zelensky regards as his own. Today, I discussed this topic with my counterparts from Brazil and India, because they display a certain concerned approach, one that we understand, to facilitating crisis resolution." "I drew their attention to the fact that this was the key problem. People were branded as terrorists solely because they refused to accept the coup and obey the coup-makers, who declared right away that their goal was to wipe out all things Russian and banish Russians from Crimea, among other areas," he added. Lavrov said that Russia appreciates the global security initiative announced by Chinese President Xi Jinping, which says that it is necessary to start analysing any conflict from its prime causes. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov held a meeting on the sidelines of GCC meeting in Saudi Arabia on Monday. In a post on X, Jaishankar stated, "A useful conversation with FM Sergey Lavrov of Russia today on the sidelines of the GCC meeting." (ANI)
Tel Aviv [Israel], September 11 (ANI/TPS): Israel's Ministry of Health is launching for the first time a suicide prevention campaign that it published on Tuesday, which is World Suicide Prevention Day. The campaign, planned at the beginning of 2023, addresses men and their families, deals with the difficulty of men talking about their plight and encourages friends and family members to share hardships. The campaign emphasizes the assistance to men because the suicide rate is higher among men. According to the data of the Ministry of Health, every year in Israel about 400 men out of about 500 people commit suicide. Studies from around the world and from Israel emphasize that the difficulty of revealing emotional distress and calling for help increases the risk of suicide in distress situations. Therefore, and to prevent injury, it is very important to share with a close person and seek help, said the Ministry. As part of the ministry's campaign, signs of depression in men are shown and guidance for correct behavior when suicidal thoughts arise. The campaign emphasizes the importance of a direct question regarding suicide and explains how to ask questions on the subject. At the same time as a direct appeal to men, the campaign emphasizes the importance of the involvement of family and friends. In order to recognize the warning signs and intervene in time, it is necessary for the environment close to the person to understand the signs. The campaign offers practical tools, including how to conduct an honest and empathetic conversation with a person in distress, how to speak directly and openly about suicide and how to encourage seeking appropriate treatment. (ANI/TPS)
The Israel Defence Forces, a preliminary investigation indicates that the the crash was not caused by enemy fire.

The Air Force's "Owl" helicopter was part of a mission to evacuate an injured soldier to a hospital for medical treatment.

The army said the cause of the crash is being investigated, and added there was no change in the Air Force's operational activities. (ANI/TPS)
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has pledged to continue its anti-government movement. The statement by former Prime Minister Imran Khan- led party came a day after several party leaders were arrested from Parliament House in a police crackdown on Monday, Geo News reported. While addressing a press conference in Peshawar on Tuesday, Tehreek-Insaf leader Salman Akram Raja said, "There should be no misunderstanding as people have stood up." Other leaders of the party, including Omar Ayub Khan, Asad Qaiser, Azam Swati, and Salman Akram Raja, were also present at the press conference held after Imran Khan-founded party's core committee meeting, according to Geo News report. Raja said, "Some people are influencing the country's political and democratic process," adding that they would not back off and let anyone suppress the voice of the people of Pakistan. Defending the PTI leaders' speeches in the rally held in Islamabad on September 8, Raja said that the political power show has a different environment. The opposition party strongly condemned PTI leaders arrests, including the detention of some Members of the National Assembly (MNA) from the parliament, in a police crackdown on its leaders in Islamabad launched on alleged violations of the public gathering law's violations. During the press conference, reporters protested over Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur's remarks against journalists during his speech in the PTI's Islamabad power on September 9. While addressing the press conference, the Leader of Opposition in Pakistan's National Assembly, Omar Ayub Khan, criticised the coalition government for resorting to tactics to stop PTI's public gathering in Islamabad. Omar Ayub Khan accused the ruling parties in the coalition government of levelling false allegations against PTI leaders and detaining them, Geo News reported. He condemned the arrests of PTI leaders in the police crackdown, calling September 9 a "black day" and claimed that "masked whisked away several party leaders" in addition to arresting MNA Sher Afzal Marwat and Shoaib Shaheen. During the press conference, PTI senior leader Asad Qaiser announced that his party leaders will fight for its rights on the streets in addition to continuing its legal battle in the courts. He called for the release of PTI founder Imran Khan and other party leaders who have been arrested. Pakistan's former National Assembly speaker also called for fresh polls in the country and called the incumbent government "illegitimate." He suggested that contempt of court cases should be registered against against the Islamabad police chief and commissioner for placing obstacles along the rally in Islamabad. Earlier on September 10, PTI held the core committee's session at Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister's House in Peshawar. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa CM Ali Amin Gandapur and PTI's central leaders attended the meeting, Geo News reported. The PTI's core committee decided to launch protests across the nation from Friday, Geo News reported, citing sources. The sources further said that PTI lawmakers will raise the matter on the assembly floor. Meanwhile, PTI chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, who was arrested in crackdown on Monday, was released by the Islamabad police as a case against him was discharged. The PTI leaders have been accused of attacking police officials and violating regulations mentioned under a new law - Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Bill, 2024, during the PTI's public gathering on Sunday. The police had registered cases against the PTI leaders under the newly-enacted law, at the Noon Village and Sangjani police stations, Geo News reported. Pakistan's National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq reprimanded the Islamabad Inspector General (IG) of Police Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi for arrest of PTI leaders and demanded their immediate release. The speaker called for presenting CCTV footage of all entry points of the parliament and signalled to register a case against those who were involved in the arrest of PTI lawmakers. In addition, he pledged that no compromise would be made on the parliament's dignity. (ANI)
Vice President Kamala Harris appeared to dominate in the second presidential debate against former President Donald Trump, as the two sparred over multiple polarising issues ranging from abortion, illegal immigration and the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. The second presidential debate was hosted by ABC News in Philadelphia, on Tuesday. According to Al Jazeera, Trump's rhetoric throughout the debate zigzagged across an array of topics and he struggled to stay on message with answers that lacked focus. He also appeared more concerned with landing blows against Harris. On the other hand, Harris launched pointed barbs at Trump and appeared to get under his skin, calling him a "disgrace" on several occasions. Both Donald Trump and Kamala Harris are the official presidential candidates of their respective parties after they accepted the nomination at the conventions earlier this year. The first presidential debate was held in June between President Biden and Trump, where the former's performance raised concerns over his age. Following this, Biden bowed out of the race and endorsed Harris. Biden hailed his deputy Kamala Harris following the debate with former President Donald Trump and called her the "best choice" to lead the country forward. Stating that he has been proud to work alongside her for three and a half years, Biden said the result of the debate "wasn't even close." "America got to see tonight the leader I've been proud to work alongside for three and a half years. Wasn't even close. VP Harris proved she's the best choice to lead our nation forward. We're not going back," Biden stated in a post on X. https://x.com/JoeBiden/status/1833719291046248908 Kamala Harris also posted a picture from the debate stating, "We are not going back." https://x.com/KamalaHarris/status/1833726801006256222 During the debate, Trump attacked the Biden-Harris administration over illegal migration, and the worsening conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. He also termed both President Biden and VP Harris as the "worst in history." Harris defended her administration's stand on US support to Ukraine and Israel. She attacked Trump on the abortion and also vowed to become the president for "all Americans." Trump tried to portray Harris as a far-left candidate who would pursue open-border policies, ban fracking and confiscate people's guns. He also pushed to link her to President Joe Biden, painting them as fundamentally the same type of politician. Harris responded by questioning Trump's fitness for office and calling him a "disgrace". Trump, in his rebuttal, pushed to portray Harris as extreme left-wing and even called her a "Marxist". He alleged that Harris plans to "confiscate everybody's gun" In response, Harris said that she and her vice presidential pick Tim Walz are, in fact, gun owners. The two presidential candidates strongly disagreed on US' position on the two major conflicts around the world. While Trump claimed he would push for a deal to end the conflict, and even vowed to end the conflict as president-elect (before assuming office), Harris stressed the need to support Ukrainian forces to push back against the Russian invasion. Being asked if it's in America's best interest for Ukraine to win, Trump said, "US's best interest to get this war finished and just get it done." The Vice President rebutted the former president's reluctance to pledge full-fledged support for Ukraine, saying that Russian President Vladimir Putin would already be in Kyiv if Trump were in office. Meanwhile, on Israel, Harris said she backs a ceasefire deal in Gaza that would see the release of Israeli captives, but she renewed her pledge to continue to arm Israel. She also voiced support for the two-state solution. Former US President Barack Obama praised Harris' debate performance and said everyone saw who has he vision and strength to move this country forward instead of dividing it. "Tonight, we saw firsthand who has the vision and strength to move this country forward instead of dividing us. @KamalaHarris will be a president for all Americans," he stated on X. Former First Lady Michelle Obama also heaped praises on VP Harris and said there should be no doubt or further room for discussion, that the "only candidate in this race who is ready to be President" is Kamala Harris. "After tonight's debate there should be no doubt - no room for discussion -@KamalaHarrisis the only candidate in this race who is ready to be President," she stated in a post on X. "I am once again urging everyone to roll up their sleeves and DO SOMETHING - phone bank, knock on doors, talk to any and everyone you know and urge them to vote for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz. Every vote will matter in what will be a close race. We cannot afford to have anyone sitting on the sidelines. There's simply too much at stake," she added. The US presidential elections are scheduled to be held on November 5 this year. (ANI)
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy on Wednesday reached Ukrainian capital Kyiv with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and reiterated his support for Ukraine amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. Sharing a picture with Blinken on X, Lammy wrote, "I am in Kyiv today with US Secretary of State Blinken to reiterate our united and ironclad support for Ukraine. We must stand up to Vladimir Putin's (Russian President) imperialism. Our collective security depends on it." Meanwhile, Matthew Miller, the United States State Department spokesperson, said that Blinken and Lammy are currently in Kyiv to reaffirm their support for Ukraine. The visit underscores the significance of the collaborative efforts between the US and the UK to counter Russia's aggression. Sharing a post on X, Miller said, "Secretary Blinken is in Kyiv with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy to underscore the importance of our ongoing joint efforts to counter Russia's aggression." "The US and UK stand united with Ukraine as they defend their sovereignty and freedom," the post added. https://x.com/StateDeptSpox/status/1833810257321120136 Notably, Blinken and Lammy 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 had said. A day before, during a joint press conference with Lammy, Blinken had 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. The US Secretary also targeted China and said that Russian President Vladimir Putin's ability to carry out his aggressive actions against Ukraine is bolstered by the support he receives 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. 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," Blinken said. (ANI)
Residents of Karachi staged a sit-in protest on Hawkes Bay Road in front of Mauripur Main Bazar, blocking traffic to express their frustration over the lack of electricity and water, The Express Tribune reported. According to the report, the 10-hour protest on Tuesday caused major traffic disruptions in the area, with long queues of vehicles forming and citizens facing significant challenges. Locals reported that the electricity issue had persisted for the past seven days, severely impacting their daily lives. They also complained about receiving high electricity bills despite the ongoing power outages and water shortages. Despite filing several complaints, no action had been taken, prompting the protest. A spokesperson for Karachi Electric stated that the problem was due to non-payment of Pakistani currency (PKR) 185 million. Further, traffic police officials reported that at 9:50 am on Monday, residents gathered in front of the K-Electric Sahulat Center Mauripur on Hawkes Bay Road, blocking both lanes and disrupting traffic flow. To manage the situation, police diverted traffic from Hawkes Bay Road to Suparco via Musharraf Cut, while vehicles from Gulbai Truck Stand were directed to form a line. By 8 pm, the protest was still ongoing, resulting in the suspension of traffic on both lanes of the main highway and causing long vehicle lines. According to a traffic police spokesperson, the lengthy protest at the main Mauripur Bazaar on Hawkes Bay Road concluded at 10:20 pm, after which traffic flow was restored. The protest, which began at 9:50 am on Monday, lasted over 12 hours and was driven by grievances over the lack of electricity and water. According to Dawn, Pakistan has been experiencing persistent power shortages and load shedding, particularly during peak summer months. This is due to a combination of factors, including outdated infrastructure, inefficiencies in power generation and distribution, and rising demand. (ANI)
National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has suspended five security officials following the arrest of PTI lawmakers from the Parliament House, Dawn reported. The suspensions, which will last for four months, come in response to the arrest of several PTI legislators, who were taken into custody from the Services Branch of the Parliament building. This action follows an outcry from PTI members in the National Assembly. The arrests took place early on Tuesday morning when officers in plain clothes stormed the Parliament House. The power supply was disconnected, and the officers entered the Services Branch to detain at least 11 PTI lawmakers. The incident led to widespread protests from PTI members, prompting the National Assembly Speaker to initiate an immediate investigation into the arrests within the parliament's premises. According to a formal order issued by the National Assembly Secretariat, Sergeant-at-Arms Muhammad Ishfaq Ashraf was suspended immediately for 120 days. The order specified that during his suspension, he would continue to receive his salary and allowances as per applicable rules. Although the order did not specify the reasons for his suspension, it referenced rule 5(1) of the Civil Servants (Efficiency and Discipline) Rules, 2020, which allows the suspension of a civil servant during investigations, reported Dawn. In addition to Sergeant-at-Arms Ashraf, the suspension notice also included Security Assistant Waqas Ahmed and three junior security assistants, Obaidullah, Muhammad Waheed Safdar, and Muhammad Haroon. These officials, who were also suspended for 120 days, will likewise be eligible for pay and allowances during their suspension period. On the same day, Speaker Sadiq called for an official investigation into the incident, stating that an FIR would be lodged if necessary. He also requested footage from all entry gates of Parliament House to assist with evidence collection for the investigation. The speaker met with various parliamentary leaders, including Ali Muhammad Khan and Shandana Gulzar from PTI, and Rana Sanaullah of PML-N. During this meeting, Sadiq emphasized the importance of preserving the dignity of the parliament and discussed ways to prevent such incidents from happening again in the future. In a separate move, Sadiq summoned Islamabad Inspector General of Police Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi to provide details about the arrests. He also instructed Rizvi to present the detained PTI lawmakers before the parliament, Dawn reported. The arrests occurred a day after PTI's Sangjani power show. Late Monday night, law enforcement agencies apprehended several senior PTI leaders from different areas of Islamabad, forcing others to take refuge in Parliament House. Among those arrested were prominent PTI members Sher Afzal Marwat, Zubair Khan, and lawyer Shoaib Shaheen, who was taken into custody from his office in G-9. PTI MNAs affected by the arrests included Sher Afzal Marwat, Zubair, Chief Whip Malik Amir Dogar, Sheikh Waqqas Akram, Nasim Ali Shah, Zain Qureshi, Ahmed Chattha, Awais Haider Jakhar, Syed Shah Ahad Ali Shah, Yousuf Khattak, and Abdul Latif Chitrali. After his release, PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan clarified that he had surrendered to authorities when Sher Afzal Marwat was detained. He emphasised that PTI would not resign from any parliamentary assembly and criticised the arrest of MNAs without proper inquiry. A special 16-member committee, comprising members from both the ruling and opposition parties, was formed to investigate the incident. During a parliamentary session later that day, Speaker Sadiq commented on the positive discussions taking place, urging political leaders to unite for the betterment of the parliament and refrain from personal attacks. Despite calls for unity, PTI Chairman Gohar announced that all but nine to ten PTI MNAs would boycott parliamentary proceedings until a satisfactory inquiry into the arrests was conducted. He thanked Bilawal Bhutto Zardari for attempting to address the situation and reiterated that PTI had not announced any resignations from parliament. Gohar also cautioned the ruling coalition, suggesting that PTI's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government could file cases against coalition ministers if they chose to engage in retaliatory actions. He argued for the importance of political unity to prevent "unpolitical forces" from exploiting divisions within the government, as per the report by Dawn. In a reconciliatory speech, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari condemned the politics of revenge, urging both sides to work together to address national issues. He also criticized the opposition for focusing on personal attacks rather than offering constructive criticism on economic and security policies. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, meanwhile, emphasized that no one should condone the events that took place, calling it a collective violation of the institution of parliament. He reiterated that the incident was a loss for parliament as a whole and urged both sides to condemn unacceptable behaviour equally. Sources revealed that a police contingent led by Senior Superintendent Arsalan Jahanzeb had been stationed outside Parliament House for several hours before the arrests. Unmarked vehicles arrived shortly after, and electricity to the building was cut off before PTI lawmakers were taken into custody. The arrested MNAs were later moved to the Central Investigation Agency Centre. (ANI)
This is the seventh edition of the exercise and is scheduled from September 11 to 22, 2024, at Air Force base Masirah, Oman.

A Defence Ministry release said that the bilateral exercise endeavours to enhance interoperability between the Royal Oman Air Force and the Indian Air Force and shall provide a platform for both teams to engage in a series of joint training missions designed to strengthen strategic cooperation and operational readiness.

"Exercise Eastern Bridge VII aims to improve tactical and operational skills, foster mutual understanding and bolster the ability of both air forces to collaborate effectively in diverse scenarios," the release said.

The exercise will include complex aerial manoeuvring, air-to-air and air-to-ground operations, and logistical coordination, reflecting the evolving defence needs and strategic interests of both nations.

"Underscoring the enduring partnership between the Royal Oman Air Force and the Indian Air Force, this exercise highlights their commitment to regional security and stability," the release said.

The participating teams are expected to benefit from the shared expertise and operational experience gained during this extensive training period.

The Sultanate of Oman is a strategic partner of India and an important interlocutor at theGulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Arab League, and Indian Ocean RimAssociation(IORA) fora.

India and Oman are linked by geography, history, and culture and enjoy warm and cordial relations. While people-to-people contact between India and Oman can be traced back 5000 years, diplomatic relations were established in 1955, and the relationship was upgraded to a Strategic Partnership in 2008. (ANI)
US President Joe Biden reaffirmed the nation's resolve and vowed that the commitment to protect American lives and prevent future terrorist attacks will never fade away. Citing the examples of Osama bin Laden and Ayman al-Zawahiri, Biden said that the administration will continue dismantling terrorist networks across the globe. The remarks by Biden came on the 23rd anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. A total of 2,977 people lost their lives on this day, 23 years ago, in a fatal terror attack. On September 11, 2001, the United States faced the deadliest terrorist attack in its history. More than 3,000 people were killed in the terror attacks. In a span of just 102 minutes, the twin towers of New York's World Trade Center collapsed after planes hijacked by Al Qaeda operatives crashed into them. He said, "On this day 23 years ago, terrorists believed they could break our will and bring us to our knees. They were wrong... They failed. But we must remain vigilant. Today, our longest war is finally over. But our commitment to preventing another attack on our people never will be. We will continue to disrupt terrorist networks wherever we find them. And we will continue to deliver justice to terrorists who plot against America--just as we did with Osama bin Laden in 2011 and Ayman al-Zawahiri in 2022." He added, "Today, our nation comes together to renew our sacred vow: Never Forget. Never forget each of the 2,977 precious lives stolen from us when terrorists attacked our nation. Never forget their families who still bear the grief from that searing September morning. Never forget the heroic citizens and survivors who rushed to help their fellow Americans. And never forget that when faced with evil--and an enemy that sought to tear us apart--we endured. In the crucible of September 11 and the days that followed, we showed what Americans are made of..." Meanwhile, Kamala Harris also remembered the ones who lost their lives in the terrorist attack and said, "Today is a day of solemn remembrance as we mourn the souls we lost in a heinous terrorist attack on September 11, 2001. We stand in solidarity with their families and loved ones..." Recalling the events of 23 years ago, Harris emphasised that the terrorists' goal was to destroy the foundations of American democracy and freedom, in which the terrorists failed. She said, "On September 11, 2001, terrorists sought to attack and destroy our way of life--our democracy, our freedoms, and everything we hold dear as Americans. In that endeavour, they failed. In the days that followed, we were all reminded that unity is possible in America. Together, we made clear we will not bend or break in the face of terrorism..." On the morning of Tuesday, September 11, 2001, 19 al-Qaeda terrorists hijacked four commercial airlines scheduled to travel from the northeastern US to California. They seized control of the jets to use them as passenger-filled missiles. The hijackers crashed the first two planes into the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, and the third plane into the Pentagon (the headquarters of the American military) in Arlington, Virginia, and yet another one crashed in Pennsylvania before reaching its presumed target. The attacks claimed nearly 3,000 lives. Passengers on United Airlines Flight 93 overcame the hijackers and the plane crashed in a field, preventing another target from being hit. Notably, by a joint resolution approved December 18, 2001, US Congress had designated September 11 of each year as "Patriot Day," and by Public Law 111-13, approved April 21, 2009, the Congress has requested the observance of September 11 as an annually recognised "National Day of Service and Remembrance." (ANI)
The meeting of BRICS and BRICS Plus High-Level Security Officials is being held in St. Petersburg from September 10-12.

https://x.com/IndEmbMoscow/status/1833821700607398169

The Indian Embassy in Russia shared some pictures of the Bricks meeting on X and stated, "NSA Shri Ajit Doval is participating in the BRICS NSAs meeting in Saint Petersburg, Russia. During the sessions in the first half of the day, he spoke on modern security challenges, including ICT ( information and communication technology) related issues and terrorism, and the need to address them through joint efforts within the BRICS framework."

Notably, Russia is holding the BRICS chairmanship for the year 2024.

BRICS is an informal group of states comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, with new members Egypt, Iran, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Ethiopia joining the grouping in 2023. Ajit Doval also participated in the 13th BRICS NSA meeting in Johannesburg in July 2023.

Doval's visit to Moscow comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Russia and Ukraine in the past two months. During his visit, PM Modi met Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

It was PM Modi's first visit to Russia and Ukraine since the war started between Moscow and Kyiv in 2022. Notably, India has always advocated "peace and diplomacy" for resolving conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

During his visit to Russia in July, PM Modi held a meeting with President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin and discussed ways to diversify cooperation between the two nations in various sectors like trade, commerce, security, agriculture, technology, commerce, and innovation. (ANI)
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who is in Germany on the second leg of a three-nation tour, met Germany's Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party chairman, Friedrich Merz, and members of the CDU-CSU (Christian Social Union) parliamentary group on Tuesday. During the meeting, Jaishankar discussed the bilateral relationship as well as regional and global issues and also appreciated the insights and suggestions shared to strengthen the strategic partnership between the two nations. https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1833850202391814358/photo/1 Jaishankar expressed great pleasure after meeting with Merz and also shared some pictures of the meet on X. "A great pleasure to meet @_FriedrichMerz , Chairman @CDU, and members of the CDU-CSU parliamentary group. A comprehensive discussion on our bilateral relationship as well as regional and global issues. Appreciated his many insights and suggestions to strengthen our strategic partnership," EAM said on X. Earlier in the day, Jaishankar met MP and Chairperson of Deutscher Bundestag Committee on Foreign Affairs Michael Roth. Jaishankar shared views on current global challenges and possibilities of new collaborations between India and Germany. https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1833568181052441075 In a post on X, Jaishankar said, "Glad to meet 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." EAM also met with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock in Berlin and exchanged views on Ukraine, Gaza, and the Indo-Pacific region. 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. Jaishankar, who is on a 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, and attended 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)
The recent addition of Baloch activist Sammi Deen Baloch to Pakistan's Exit Control List (ECL) has drawn widespread criticism from the government and human rights organizations, who argue that it infringes upon her freedom of movement. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) criticized the government's move on X, stating, "Heavy-handed tactics such as placing Baloch rights activist Sammi Deen Baloch on the Exit Control List, thereby violating her freedom of movement, and reportedly placing dozens of others in Balochistan on the Fourth Schedule, including members of civil society." https://x.com/HRCP87/status/1833476490966503660 The Senate's opposition to the government's plan to grant special powers to security forces for detaining suspected terrorists for up to three months highlights concerns that such measures may effectively legalize enforced disappearances. HRCP's statement further noted growing apprehensions from recent reports suggesting the establishment of internment centres in the province. These centres have historically been linked to breaches of due process, fair trial rights, and protections against torture. HRCP urged the state to reconsider its security-focused approach and engage more constructively with Baloch civil society to address the ongoing crisis in the region. Reports indicate that Karachi airport authorities recently added Sammi Deen Baloch to the ECL, preventing her from boarding a flight to Oman on Sunday. Baloch was detained for over three hours at the airport. In a video statement, she revealed, "I have been stranded here at Karachi Jinnah International Airport. I was here to catch a flight to Muscat. I have been stranded here for several hours. I was previously given a boarding pass, and then I was stopped from boarding the plane. They have still not given me a plausible reason, and have taken my passport." Baloch continued, "I was detained here for several hours, I was questioned and investigated and I have been sitting here in a small office for the last 3-4 hours and they have not returned my passport. I have been urging them to, at least tell me that I have been detained and stopped by the Federal Investigation Agency, Pakistan (FIA) on what accusations. I have not been issued a letter; they are just telling me that they have received a letter from the Home Minister's office to put me on the ECL list. However, no such paper has been shown to me yet." The incident was also condemned by fellow Baloch rights activist Mahrang Baloch, who denounced it as a clear attempt to suppress dissent against human rights violations in Balochistan. (ANI)
Rajasthan is marking a pivotal moment in its historic partnership with Japan through an international investor meet held in Tokyo. Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma expressed confidence that this meet will herald a new chapter in the relationship between Rajasthan and Japanese entrepreneurs. "I am confident that this international investor meet with Japanese entrepreneurs will mark a new chapter in our historic partnership," Sharma stated. The significance of Tokyo, known for its technological innovation, corporate leadership, and advancements in electronics and the automobile industry, was highlighted as a key factor in fostering investment. "Japan has been a leading investor in India, and I am pleased to be standing in Tokyo, a city renowned for its technological innovation, corporate leadership, electronics, and automobile industry," Sharma remarked. https://x.com/IndianEmbTokyo/status/1833776356947079428 Rajasthan's commitment to resolving investors' issues and creating a positive business environment was emphasized. The Chief Minister conveyed the state's dedication to strengthening trade relations with Japanese investors, particularly in Rajasthan's burgeoning industrial zones. "Our government is committed to resolving investors' issues hand creating a positive business environment. We want to strengthen trade relations with Japanese investors, fostering deeper ties between Rajasthan and Japan," he said. The cultural aspect of the partnership was also underscored, with Japan's renowned spirit of hospitality, "Omotenashi," playing a role in the welcoming nature of the investment environment. "Japan is famous for its 'Omotenashi,' symbolizing the beautiful spirit of hospitality. This mutual respect and hospitality creates a welcoming environment for our partnership and investment," Sharma noted. The success of the Neemrana Japanese Investment Zone was highlighted as a testament to Rajasthan's appeal for Japanese investors. Sharma reported, "Our commitment to providing a suitable business environment for Japanese investors is evident from the success of the Neemrana Japanese Investment Zone, where over 48 Japanese companies have invested approximately USD 8.34 billion and employed over 26,500 people." Sharma acknowledged that the success of the Neemrana zone has bolstered Japan's confidence in Rajasthan as an investment destination. "Our Japanese investors know that Rajasthan is the most suitable place for investment, and the success of the Japanese zone has reinforced this belief," he stated. To address infrastructure needs, the Chief Minister outlined the state's efforts in increasing water availability through the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP). "The state has taken significant steps to increase water availability in Rajasthan through the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP), which will help meet water needs in Neemrana and other industrial areas," he said. The introduction of a second Japanese investment zone, situated 20 km from Neemrana, was presented as an opportunity for expanded global investment. "Considering the interest of Japanese companies, a second Japanese investment zone has been developed over 500 acres, just 20 km from Neemrana. We can now offer an ideal location for global expansion to Japanese companies with two investment zones," Sharma explained. Future policies to simplify the business environment were discussed, including new industrial and sector-specific policies. Sharma mentioned, "The Rajasthan government plans to launch new policies, including an industrial policy, export promotion policy, garment and apparel policy, warehousing and logistics policy, data centre policy, and MSME policy, to further simplify the business environment." Sharma highlighted the benefits of the Rajasthan Investment Promotion Scheme (RIPS) for enterprises, noting it as one of the best incentive schemes in India. "Under the Rajasthan Investment Promotion Scheme (RIPS), the state government has provided incentives and subsidies to enterprises, one of the best incentive schemes in the country," he added. Rajasthan's leadership in renewable energy and commitment to green development were emphasized as key factors in attracting investors. "Rajasthan is committed to promoting renewable energy projects and green development. Our state is a leading state in renewable energy and ranks first in solar energy. We are establishing solar parks for solar energy projects, providing a better environment for investors," Sharma stated. The state's diverse industrial opportunities were highlighted, including sectors such as automobiles, engineering, textiles, and electronics. Sharma mentioned, "Rajasthan offers immense opportunities in the automobile industry, engineering, textiles, and electronics system design and manufacturing (ESDM). The state has three electronics manufacturing clusters, making it an ideal location for investment serving the global market." To facilitate investment, the RajNivesh portal was introduced, integrating multiple services for streamlined approvals. "To simplify and streamline the investment process, we have initiated the RajNivesh portal, integrating 123 services from 14 departments and ensuring timely approvals," Sharma noted. Concluding the address, Sharma expressed the state's vision for a sustainable, long-term partnership with Japan, emphasizing mutual technical expertise and commitment to development. "We expect not just investment but a sustainable and long-term partnership with Japan. With your technical expertise and our commitment to development and innovation, we can create a prosperous future together," Sharma concluded. (ANI)
The general public of Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan (PoGB) is enduring a severe electricity crisis for a long time despite having hydropower projects. The residents of the area suffer due to the nonavailability of electricity, which severely hampers the livelihoods of the local trader community. In a recent statement given durig a PoGB assembly session, member of the assembly, Engineer Anwar, highlighted that the local administration has failed to provide adequate compensation and share of the profits to local residents of the revenue generated from the Diamer Dam Project of PoGB, as reported by the Pamir Times. The Diamer Dam, situated on the River Indus between Kohistan district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Diamer district in POGB, has faced significant criticism for its environmental and social impacts. Critics argue that these issues, particularly the displacement of local communities and ecological damage, amount to a form of "cruelty" against the affected populations. Member of Gilgit Assembly, Engineer Anwar, has expressed concerns over the treatment of people in Pogb, stating that they have been subjected to atrocities since the beginning. He further emphasized the need for collective action to address these injustices. Engineer Anwar said, "From the beginning, they have been imposing atrocities on our people. Unless we come together and raise our voices against these injustices, we will not gain anything now or in the future. The people of Gilgit-Baltistan will not benefit from this project. They create committees, make mutual agreements, and then fail to act on them. The mutual agreement made in 2010 still has not seen any action by 2015, and now another committee has been formed." "In the worst-case scenario, people from Diamer might gain something, but the people of Pakistan-administered Gilgit-Baltistan will receive nothing. They are treating us unfairly. The rates for Diamer and Pakistan-administered Gilgit-Baltistan are different, yet no compensation has been provided to those who have given their land for the Diamer Dam," he added. Angered by the non-performance of the PoGB government, Anwar said, "I urge the administration to address these issues as soon as possible and provide compensation to the people." According to the Dawn newspaper, the construction of the dam has resulted in the displacement of several indigenous communities, loss of biodiversity, and adverse effects on the natural landscape. The region's delicate ecosystems, which include unique flora and fauna, are at risk due to the dam's extensive infrastructure and the associated deforestation. (ANI)
Human Rights Watch (HRW) has demanded that the Chinese government must immediately release and revoke the conviction of Yang Chih Yuan, a Taiwanese political activist. Reportedly, Yang had been convicted in China on August 26 for carrying out political activities in Taiwan. In China, Yang's trial took place behind closed doors, and the details of his sentence were not announced until September 6 this year. Furthermore, judicial authorities have still not released any documents or evidence from the trial. Maya Wang, the associate China director at HRW, said, "The Chinese government's prosecution of Yang Chih-yuan for exercising his basic rights in Taiwan has effectively criminalised being Taiwanese. The use of a national security law coupled with an outrageous prison sentence appears to be Beijing's latest attempt to intimidate the Taiwanese people and reinforce its claims of sovereignty over Taiwan." The HRW also claimed that the Chinese authorities have repeatedly violated Yang's rights to due process in the legal proceedings against him. The HRW, quoting a report by the Chinese state-owned media, CCTV, confirmed that after his detention, Yang in August 2022 was placed under "residential surveillance in a designated location." This form of detention has been repeatedly criticised by Human Rights Watch. And the United Nations human rights experts have said that this is "tantamount to enforced disappearance." According to HRW in June, just two months before Yang's trial, the Chinese government issued new judiciary guidelines, making all activities related to Taiwanese independence a criminal offence. Hence, all peaceful activities and advocacy, such as teaching and writing about Taiwan's democracy and history independent of China or promoting Taiwan's inclusion in the United Nations, would be construed as criminal. Therefore, Taiwanese who have engaged in such activity would be subject to arrest in China. These judicial guidelines violate the rights to freedom of expression and association and the right to public participation. The guidelines also permit the use of 'In absentia trials' and the death penalty for "especially serious or ... vile" activity in violation of international law, Human Rights Watch said. Reportedly, Yang was incommunicado for two years and during this time, he had no access to legal counsel or his family, violating his international human rights law. According to the HRW report, Chinese laws allow the authorities to deny national security detainees access to family and lawyers, leaving them at serious risk of torture and other mistreatment. According to the HRW report, on August 3, 2022, seven months after Yang arrived in China to live, the Chinese authorities detained him in Wenzhou in Zhejiang province. He was formally arrested in April 2023 for alleged "separatist" activity. The HRW report claimed that at the time, Yang was not involved in any political activities in China. He was employed as a teacher and played the strategy game Go, according to Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council, the government agency responsible for China-Taiwan affairs. Yang's "crimes" include establishing a minor political party called the Taiwan National Party in Taiwan, and promoting Taiwan's inclusion in the United Nations between 2008 and 2020, the HRW report said. (ANI)
Notably, this development follows the Chinese Communist Party's Central Committee's earlier indication of its intention to lift the statutory retirement age.

In the current scenario, the retirement age for men in urban areas is 60. Similarly, the retirement age for females in urban settings is 50 in blue-collar jobs and 55 in white-collar jobs. Notably, the retirement age in China has been in place since 1951 and is among the lowest in the world.

Lawmakers on Tuesday discussed a "draft decision on the implementation of a gradual increase in the mandatory retirement age" submitted by the State Council, China's cabinet, the South China Morning Post reported, citing official news agency Xinhua.

Wang Xiaoping, the Human Resources and Social Security Minister, had presented the draft at the meeting of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress. The draft plan has not yet been made public.

In July also, in a move to counter its rapidly ageing population and a severe pension funding crisis, China had expressed its intent to raise its statutory retirement age in a "voluntary and flexible" way.

However, the move planned by the CCP had received severe backlash from its citizens.

The CCP, during its Third Plenum in July, had said, "In accordance with the principles of voluntariness and flexibility, [we] will steadily and orderly advance the reform of progressively delaying the statutory retirement age."

The Communist Party in its 2013's plenum had said that it has become necessary to "study and formulate" a policy to delay the retirement age. (ANI)
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy discussed mutual measures needed to maintain peace in the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea, Taiwan News reported. Both diplomats launched the "UK-US Strategic Dialogue" in London on Tuesday, in which both leaders discussed joint efforts to ensure peace and stability in the region. After the meeting, Blinken stated at a joint press conference that the two discussed how to safeguard peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, as well as freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea. Further, Blinken added that his trip demonstrated the firm transatlantic support aligned with NATO allies, Indo-Pacific partners, and over 50 countries that continue to back Ukraine. He blamed Beijing for enabling Russia to continue its war against Ukraine by being its biggest supplier of machine tools and microelectronics. The secretary of state said that talks continued on trilateral cooperation with Australia via AUKUS, particularly concerning nuclear-powered submarines. He said this shows surging efforts to connect allies in Europe and the Indo-Pacific "because what happens in one theatre has an impact on the other." Blinken said he and Lammy covered "joint efforts to ensure peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and freedom of navigation and overflight of the South China Sea." Blinken said both countries view maintaining peace and stability and preserving the status quo as essential. "And it's essential not just to us; it's, again, essential to countries all around the world," added Blinken. Meanwhile, every day Taiwan reports Chinese military activity near its territory. So far this month, Taiwan has tracked 158 Chinese military aircraft and 88 ships. Since September 2020, China has increased its use of gray zone tactics by incrementally increasing the number of military aircraft and naval vessels operating around Taiwan, as per Taiwan News. Notably, Taiwan has been governed independently since 1949. However, China considers Taiwan part of its territory and insists on eventual reunification, by force if necessary. (ANI)
https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1833905692396388463

Jaishankar shared some pictures on X of his meeting with Plotner and stated, "An in-depth exchange with Jens Plotner, Security & Foreign Policy Advisor to @Bundeskanzler. Our conversation focused on preparations for IGC and important strategic developments."

Earlier in the day, Jaishankar met Germany's Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party chairman, Friedrich Merz, and members of the CDU-CSU (Christian Social Union) parliamentary group.

During the meeting, Jaishankar discussed the bilateral relationship as well as regional and global issues and also appreciated the insights and suggestions shared to strengthen the strategic partnership between the two nations.

Jaishankar expressed great pleasure after meeting with Merz and also shared some pictures of the meet on X.

"A great pleasure to meet @_FriedrichMerz , Chairman @CDU, and members of the CDU-CSU parliamentary group. A comprehensive discussion on our bilateral relationship as well as regional and global issues. Appreciated his many insights and suggestions to strengthen our strategic partnership," EAM said on X.

EAM also met MP and Chairperson of Deutscher Bundestag Committee on Foreign Affairs Michael Roth. Jaishankar shared views on current global challenges and possibilities of new collaborations between India and Germany.

Jaishankar is on a 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, and attended 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)
Abu Dhabi [UAE], September 11 (ANI/WAM): President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Nikos Christodoulides, President of the Republic of Cyprus, discussed bilateral cooperation and explored opportunities to strengthen strategic relations, particularly in the economic and developmental sectors, in ways that serve mutual interests. The meeting took place in Abu Dhabi, where the UAE President welcomed the President of Cyprus. Al Nahyan extended his best wishes for a constructive visit, expressing confidence that it would strengthen cooperation between the two nations across multiple levels. During the meeting, both sides reviewed UAE-Cyprus relations and joint efforts to advance ties, especially in the fields of economy, trade, investment, energy, and other areas that benefit the peoples of both countries. The two leaders also exchanged views on several regional and international issues of common interest, with a focus on developments in the Middle East. They emphasised the importance of working to de-escalate tensions in the region to avoid further instability that could threaten regional peace and security. They also stressed the need to open channels for dialogue and pursue diplomatic solutions to resolve global conflicts. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Nikos Christodoulides discussed cooperation in delivering humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip through the Amalthea maritime corridor initiative. They underscored the importance of an immediate ceasefire in Gaza to create the necessary conditions to provide adequate, unimpeded, and sustainable humanitarian support to its residents. In this context, Al Nahyan expressed his appreciation for Cyprus' efforts and initiatives in facilitating humanitarian aid to Gaza, particularly through the maritime corridor between the two countries. He reaffirmed the UAE's commitment to strengthening cooperation with Cyprus, as well as with regional and international partners, in these efforts. The meeting was attended by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs; Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs; and Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, as well as the delegation accompanying the President of Cyprus. (ANI/WAM)
Bangkok [Thailand], September 11 (ANI/WAM): At least two people were killed, and hundreds more left stranded after heavy rains caused severe flooding and mudslides in two northern provinces of Thailand, according to authorities cited by Reuters on Wednesday. The torrential downpours have inundated villages, swelled rivers, and triggered dangerous landslides, leaving several communities in distress. The heavy rainfall followed in the aftermath of Typhoon Yagi, Asia's most powerful storm this year. Typhoon Yagi has caused widespread destruction across Southeast Asia, with its most recent impacts being felt in northern Thailand. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra stated that approximately 9,000 households across the region have been affected by the flooding. "Water currents are still strong," Prime Minister Shinawatra said during a press conference. "All agencies are prepared, and when the current eases, they will go in immediately to provide assistance to those impacted." Thailand is one of several countries grappling with the fallout from Typhoon Yagi. Earlier, the storm made landfall in Vietnam, where it caused even more devastation. At least 143 people have been killed in Vietnam, primarily due to flooding and landslides. The storm forced the evacuation of thousands of people, particularly those living near the swelling Red River in the Vietnamese capital of Hanoi. In Thailand's Chiang Mai province, flash floods and mudslides have severely impacted local communities. The province's governor reported two fatalities resulting from the disaster. Rescue teams are working to reach affected areas, but the ongoing rain and strong currents have made relief efforts challenging. Authorities have also warned residents to remain cautious, as weather forecasts predict continued heavy rainfall. Emergency teams are on high alert, and the Thai government is coordinating efforts to ensure swift action once conditions improve. With many communities cut off due to road blockages and flooded infrastructure, local officials are urging people to stay safe and avoid unnecessary travel. The aftermath of Typhoon Yagi is expected to have lasting effects, and recovery efforts will likely continue in the coming weeks. (ANI/WAM)
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin and conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's personal greetings to him there. Sharing a post on X about his meeting Scholz on Wednesday, Jaishankar wrote, "Honoured to meet Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin today. Conveyed the personal greetings of PM Modi." "Look forward to his visit to India for the 7th Intergovernmental Consultations," Jaishankar added. https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1833907053552640264 Jaishankar paid an official visit to Germany from September 10-11. It was his third bilateral visit to Berlin since taking over as EAM and the second visit to Germany this year following his last visit to Munich in February 2024 to attend the Munich Security Conference (MSC). During the visit, Jaishankar met his German counterpart, Annalena Baerbock. The two leaders reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral relations, particularly with a view to laying the groundwork for the upcoming 7th India-Germany Inter-Governmental Consultations (IGC) in New Delhi in October 2024. Both the ministers noted with satisfaction that the 18th Asia Pacific Conference (APK) of German Businesses is to be held in New Delhi next month, which would further deepen the business-to-business partnership between India and Germany, the Ministry of External Affairs said in an official press release. Jaishankar and Baerbock also discussed regional and global matters of mutual interest, including Ukraine, Indo-Pacific and West Asia. The External Affairs Minister's engagements in Germany did not cease just here. He also had a discussion with Foreign and Security Policy Advisor to the German Chancellor, Jens Ploetner, and Boris Pistorius, Federal Minister of Defence, during which both sides re-affirmed their commitment to further deepen the strategic, defence and security cooperation between India and Germany. Jaishankar also met Friedrich Merz, Chairman of CDU/CSU Parliamentary Group; Michael Roth, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Bundestag (German federal parliament); and select Parliamentarians representing various political parties in Germany, the MEA said in its release. They discussed ways to deepen bilateral engagement, including parliamentary cooperation, as well as key regional and global developments. Moreover, during the visit, the EAM was invited as Guest of Honour to address the German Ambassadors and important business leaders during the Annual Conference of German Ambassadors. India and Germany have had a strategic partnership since 2000 and will be celebrating the 25th anniversary of the strategic partnership next year. The cooperation between the two nations today transcends a wide range of sectors spanning trade, investment, defence, science, technology, innovation, sustainability, renewable energy, emerging technologies, development cooperation, culture, education, mobility and people-to-people ties. (ANI)
55 years and 5 states: What we know about Thomas Collier Jordan's life of crime

Thomas Collier Jordan has a criminal history that spanned more than 50 years and included arrests in states from Ohio to California.

Jordan, who died in Arizona in 2009, recently was tied through DNA testing to a teen's rape and another woman's rape and murder in Summit County in 1987. He's also suspected in the rape of an Akron woman that same year.

Thomas Collier Jordan, who recently was tied to the rape of a teen and the rape and murder of a woman in Summit County through DNA testing, has a criminal history that spans more than 50 years. Investigators have provided information on Jordan to law enforcement across the country to see if he can be tied to any other cold cases.

Investigators have shared information on Jordan with law enforcement across the country to see if he can be tied to any other cold cases.

Serial rapist and killer: Who was Thomas Collier Jordan?

Here's what we know  based on public records, interviews and news clippings  about Jordan's life of crime:

1926 - Jan. 28: Born in Cleveland.

1943 - Oct. 16: First arrest. In Cleveland; details unknown.

1948 - June 9: Arrested for trespassing on private property in Louisiana, likely New Orleans, using alias of Robert Smith.

1949 - April 22: Arrested for stealing a car in Lansing, Michigan, using the alias of Robert Smith Jr. Arrested again June 8 on an unknown charge and incarcerated at Jackson State Prison in Jackson, Michigan.

1953 - May 20: Arrested on warrant for failure to pay shoplifting fine in Detroit.

Need help? Here are resources available for rape victims

1959 - Feb. 28: Convicted of grand larceny in Trumbull County, Ohio, for stealing items from cars in motel parking lots. Paroled Feb. 25, 1960.

1961 - Jan. 6: While on parole, arrested in a series of home burglaries and questioned in the stabbing of an East Cleveland woman. Convicted of the burglaries. Paroled March 30, 1970. Violated parole and returned to prison in June 1970. Paroled in July 1971. Violated parole and returned to finish sentence in April 1972.

1972 - June 1: Convicted in Geauga County, Ohio, of malicious entry. Paroled in January 1975. Violated parole in March 1976.

1976 - Feb. 24: Convicted in Geauga County for rape, stabbing and burglary. Sentenced to up to 82 years. Paroled Feb. 24, 1985.

1987 - In 2024, DNA tied him to the May 25 rape of Michelle Puett at a Cuyahoga Falls park, and the Aug. 10 rape and murder of Janice Christensen on a Hudson trail.

'Saved my own life': Woman raped as teen shares story of her rape solved 37 years later

1992 - Nov. 18: Arrested in Yuma, Arizona, on an unknown charge.

1998 - April 17: Arrested in El Centro, California, for drug trafficking. While serving sentence, charged with distributing marijuana in prison. Received supervised release in August 2001.

2009 - July 5: Died of natural causes in Yuma, Arizona, at the age of 83.

2024 - April: Jordan's body is exhumed by Ohio officials. Jordan is connected through DNA testing to the 1987 rape of Michelle Puett and the 1987 rape and murder of Janice Christensen. He is also now suspected in the rape of a young Akron mother on April 24, 1987.

Sources: Ohio Attorney General's Office, Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, Akron and Hudson police departments, Newspapers.com and Beacon Journal archives.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Rape, murder and petty crimes: A look at Thomas Collier Jordan's past
NORTH PROVIDENCE  Senate President Dominick Ruggerio, the 75-year-old political war horse who has been in the General Assembly since 1981, bested three-time challenger Lenny Cioe again on Tuesday, despite a run of health challenges that kept him off the campaign trail  and away from the State House for much of the last legislation session.

Ruggerio beat Cioe 70.2% to 29.8%, according to the unofficial Board of Elections tally for Senate District 4 which straddles the Providence-North Providence line.

In Tuesday's low-turnout primary election, that translated into 379 mail ballots, 227 early in-person votes and 1,368 primary day votes for Ruggerio who made his first public appearance in some time on Tuesday, waving from a car driven from one polling place to another by his son, Charles Ruggerio.

RI Senate president Dominick J. Ruggerio swings by to chat with volunteers outside Whelan Elementary school in North Providence on Tuesday morning.

He did not go to his own victory party at the Dillon Council Knights of Columbus, but he issued this statement after the results came in explaining why, on doctor's orders, he is limiting his public outings:

"First and foremost, I want to thank the voters of District 4 for their continued support. Serving as their State Senator is a tremendous honor. I will continue working to forcefully represent their concerns at the State House and to deliver results that benefit all Rhode Island residents.

"I am also extremely grateful to the dozens of North Providence and Providence residents, colleagues in government, and other supporters who volunteered countless hours this summer campaigning on my behalf. I have been overwhelmed by the support of so many people who helped our campaign while I have been recovering from my temporary health challenge.

"I recently had a procedure that successfully addressed complications from the shingles virus, and I am presently at home recuperating. While the surgery was successful and I am feeling better every day, I have been advised by my doctors to stay out of crowded spaces for the time being."

The two men  the nurse (Cioe) and the retired administrator of a New England branch of the Laborers International Union (Ruggerio)  were competing for Democratic primary votes in a state Senate district only a few minutes' drive from the Rhode Island State House.

Cioe has always been the dark horse, all three times he ran.

But the ailing Ruggerio, 75, who was absent from the State House for weeks at a time during this year's six-month legislative session while battling cancer and a nasty case of shingles, relied almost exclusively on his fellow Democratic senators  and other surrogates  to knock on doors for him over the campaign summer and even more so, in the days leading up to Tuesday's Democratic primary.

More specifically, he missed 12 of the 34 Senate sessions this past year, and was present  but not presiding  during another six sessions, though his staff says he voted in person or by proxy on all but two of the 651 bills the Senate voted on this year.

Postings on social media show one Ruggerio loyalist after another nonetheless saying, in his extended absence from public view: "I'm with Donny."

Allen Conti and West Warwick District 9, Senator John Burke help the Ruggerio campaign outside the Whelan Elementary school in North Providence on Tuesday morning.

"I am grateful to every single person who has helped out on our campaign. You have my back, and I will always have yours,'' Ruggerio posted on X over the weekend over a montage of photos of R.I. Congressman Gabe Amo, U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos, a top aide to state Treasurer James Diossa and a small army of senators, past and present.

What voters had to say about Ruggerio

If voters in his home district had qualms about re-electing Ruggerio  who has no opponent in the general election  to another two-year term, it was not evident from the outcome.

Hopefully, hes all right, William Discuillo, who said he had just voted for Ruggerio, told The Journal. If hes not, hes going to have to make the decision.

Sheila Amodei also said she voted for Ruggerio. I didnt really think too much about whats going on with his health.

She supported him because what he stands for is good, she said. He stands for, like, unity. He stands for the people.

Chris Peterson, who voted for Ruggerio at Birchwood Middle School  where the Senate president also votes  praised Ruggerio for his attention to the district. He helps out people around here.

He answers his phone. He helps me," chimed Gary Eccleston, after he voted at the same precinct. Not registered with either party, Eccleston said he had been a Democrat for 30 years. They lost me. When they opened the border.

Cioe had cited President Biden's decision in call for Ruggerio to step down

On Aug. 1, Cioe called on Ruggerio to step down from the state Senate.

Citing President Joe Biden's decision in late July to withdraw from the presidential race "for the country," Cioe urged Ruggerio to "do the same for Rhode Island" and "pass the torch."

But the mere suggestion that Ruggerio withdraw from the Senate, and the race, sparked a furious backlash.

"Lenny doesnt have the decency to be in elective office, and he clearly doesnt have the bedside manner to be in the health care field. Its time for Lash out Lenny to consider new career paths," Cox Communications lobbyist  and former Ruggerio chief of staff  Stephen Iannazzi said on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.

"I talk to him every day,'' Ruggerio's current chief of staff, John Fleming, said last month. "He's very engaged on everything."

"I let him know everything that's going on," he continued. "The calls I get, the issues that arise. He's very ... he's quick with his answers. He knows exactly what he wants, and he's very, very functioning."

"It's just that he's not present."

With reports from staff writer Paul Edward Parker

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: RI Senate president holds off challenger despite cancer battle
Gov. Bill Lee's administration is plagued by ethics issues, as Lee refuses to repay a conservative Christian organization that funded his travel to a Florida beach resort to speak to the group. (Photo: John Partipilo)

Gov. Bill Lee's administration is plagued by ethics issues, as Lee refuses to repay a conservative Christian organization that funded his travel to a Florida beach resort to speak to the group. (Photo: John Partipilo)

A series of missteps by the state education commissioner and a perceived error in judgment by the governor is bringing greater scrutiny to the states ethics rules and relationships officials hold with lobbying groups.

Democrats are threatening to file yet another sworn complaint for a state ethics violation and pass legislation in 2025 to avert indiscretions. Even Republicans are irritated with the governors actions because of public perception, but mainly because they could have been avoided.

Gov. Bill Lee said Friday he will not repay a group called Alliance Defending Freedom, an Arizona-based conservative Christian group that funded his expenses to speak to its conference this July at an exclusive South Florida beach. Lee contended it held the tax designation as a 501(c)3 group and state law allows it to pay for his July trip there to speak, even though its lobbying arm, ADF Action, uses a state lobbyist, Matthew Lorimer, who pushed bills this year such as one limiting the type of aid school nurses can provide to students. It proved to be a headache for personnel across the state at the beginning of the school year because many parents failed to sign a form giving permission to treat their children.

ADF Action spent between $20,000 and $50,000 on lobbying in Tennessee in 2023 and between $10,000 and $25,000 in the first half of 2024, according to a Tennessee Lookout analysis.

Shortly after taking office in 2019, Gov. Bill Lee issued an executive order prohibiting executive branch employees from accepting lodging and transportation from groups trying to do business with the state, but says his Florida trip paid for by a group that lobbies state lawmakers is customary and allowable.

The Tennessean published a report about Lees trip as the Tennessee Ethics Commission dismissed a sworn complaint last week against Education Commissioner Lizzette Reynolds who took trips to two out-of-state conferences paid for by her former employer, pro-voucher and pro-charter group ExcelInEd.

The commission declined to refer the case to the Attorney Generals Office because Reynolds paid back more than $2,000 for the trips (she was later reimbursed by the state), but members noted it was disappointing it had to take up the matter and recommended steps the governor should take to educate his cabinet about state ethics laws.

Critics said that made it clear the commission felt Reynolds violated Tennessees ethics laws, which prohibit state officials from accepting gifts from outside groups that lobby state leaders.

Lizzette Reynolds, commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Education, continues to be scrutinized by state lawmakers from both parties.(Photo: John Partipilo)

Lee, who has continually defended Reynolds this year, said Tuesday he believes the two cases are different and noted he was asked to speak at the conference with the 501(c)3 group offering to reimburse him for hotel and travel expenses. He called it customary and allowable under the law.

Its an acceptable expense, and I dont have a plan to repay because its a legal expense, Lee said.

The governor, though, did say he felt members of his cabinet should go through the same ethics training as lawmakers at the start of each session.

I think its a great idea. The more people understand exactly what the rules are and how to follow them, the more transparency to that, the better it is, Lee said.

The governor noted his senior advisory team has discussed the matter, leaving critics in a quandary as to why he would support only half of the Ethics Commissions recommendations.

The governor said Tuesday he didnt think his actions violated the spirit of the law either.

Yet he issued an executive order shortly after taking office six years ago prohibiting executive branch employees from soliciting or accepting gifts such as lodging and transportation, and food and beverage from many outside groups. Those include any entity that is trying to obtain a state contract, conduct operations regulated by the state or those that have interests that may be substantially affected by the performance or nonperformance of the employees official duties.

The Alliance Defending Freedom Group also reportedly supported a bill that allowed teachers to refer to students by pronouns other than those preferred by some LGBTQ students as well as another bill prohibiting financial institutions from de-banking groups based on political and religious beliefs.

Another complaint looming

Lawmakers are befuddled by the questions surrounding Reynolds and Lee, including some Republicans who dont like the appearance because his alleged discrepancy was similar to Reynolds violation.

Lee could have avoided complaints by paying for the trip out of his campaign funds, as he did with the same plane flight for his chief of staff, who traveled to the event. He also could have let the state pay for it, much as he did for a trip to the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.

Democratic state Rep. John Ray Clemmons said Tuesday if the governor fails to repay the money, House Democrats will file another ethics complaint against his administration.

Clemmons argued that Lee is not above the law, and pointed out the governor knowingly accepted gifts from an organization that advocates for passage of state policies.

This is a prima facie violation of state ethics policy intended to prevent or create the appearance of one using public office for private gain, giving preferential treatment to an organization, losing impartiality, and/or affecting adversely the confidence of the public in the integrity of the government, Clemmons, chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, said in a statement.

Clemmons said there should be no exception for the governor, harkening back to former Gov. Ray Blanton, a West Tennessee Democrat who was ousted from office at the end of his term in 1979 for taking kickbacks to pardon criminals.

Democratic state Rep. Caleb Hemmer of Nashville applauded the Ethics Commission for a proposal requiring the governors cabinet to take ethics training, though he said he could request a hearing on the Reynolds complaint if more information surfaces.

This is a prima facie violation of state ethics policy intended to prevent or create the appearance of one using public office for private gain, giving preferential treatment to an organization, losing impartiality, and/or affecting adversely the confidence of the public in the integrity of the government.

 Rep. John Ray Clemmons, D-Nashville

Hemmer also said he plans to seek an attorney generals opinion for clarification on Lees Florida trip while working with legislative attorneys and the House ethics counsel to update ethics statutes so employers of lobbyists cant use separate affiliated entities to fund travel and skirt our current ethics laws.

In addition, Hemmer said he believes the governor and cabinet members should be added to a state law requiring legislators to disclose out-of-state travel funded by outside interests.

A handful of lawmakers, including Rep. Jeremy Faison, chairman of the House Republican Caucus, repaid a trip to the southern border last year that was funded by the nonprofit foundation of Americans for Prosperity, a Koch Industries-funded organization that lobbies lawmakers on a variety of conservative issues such as support for private-school vouchers.

Other Republicans who took the trip to see what they called a crisis situation were Rep. Clark Boyd of Lebanon, Rep. Rusty Grills of Newbern, Rep. Chris Todd of Madison County and Sen. Adam Lowe of Calhoun. They traveled there with AFP employee Michael Lotfi and AFP-Tennessee director Tori Venable, the groups main lobbyist.

Even though the nonprofit entities for such groups are often made up of the same people as their lobbying organizations, Lee said Tuesday he still wont pay back the money because the spirit of the law is pretty clear. 501(c)3s customarily provide for travel expenses for speakers and that was the case.

Yet Lorimer reportedly works for Alliance Defending Freedom but is also a registered lobbyist connected to ADF Action.

Republican irritation

Sen. Richard Briggs, a Knoxville Republican, said this week the appearances of Lees trip dont look particularly good. But he is bothered more by Reynolds trips funded by ExcelInEd.

Shes done several things where shes made false statements to get reimbursed, Briggs said. I dont think she has even met the standard to be the education commissioner.

Briggs contends Reynolds was hired for one reason: to push the governors private-school voucher plan.

Lee appointed Reynolds to the post in mid-2023, and Democrats immediately said she was not qualified under state law. She had worked in the U.S. Education Department and for ExcelInEd, but she wasnt certified to teach at the highest level of K-12 education, a requirement for Tennessee education commissioners.

Reynolds also held on to her primary Texas residence, a potential violation of Tennessee voter registration laws. And when she enrolled in a teacher education course at UT-Martin, she signed a sworn affidavit saying she had been a state employee for six months to receive a tuition waiver. She had been the commissioner for only three months.

Democratic Sen. Heidi Campbell said the states rules and laws are ineffective at stopping unseemly relationships between state leaders and outside groups, including those with lobbyists.

Were living in a totalitarian state where the controlling party just does whatever they want to, Campbell said.

Wheres the conflict?

The Senate and House, both of which are controlled by Republican supermajorities, set their own rules.

Lt. Gov. Randy McNally sees no need for change, either, saying he believes the Senates ethics rules are effective. He pointed out each member not only embraces the letter of those rules but their spirit as well.

But while the Senate has what is called Rule 13, which allows senators to declare they have a conflict of interest, they dont have to state the details of the conflict or put it in writing so the public can find out how they could benefit from a certain vote.

When Briggs served on the Knox County Commission, if members declared a conflict of interest, they couldnt participate in the debate or vote on the matter. He felt it worked at that level, but as a senator, hes not so sure, pointing out that if senators opt against voting because of a conflict, then more than 210,000 people lose their voices in the General Assembly.

Sen. Richard Briggs, a Knoxville Republican, is considering a measure requiring lawmakers to be explicit about their conflicts. (Photo: John Partipilo)

Briggs acknowledged he declared Rule 13 when he had a farm with greenbelt status, which allows it to be taxed at a lower rate, as the Senate voted on related legislation. He also makes the declaration when the Senate votes on veterans benefits because he served as an Army physician.

Briggs, though, said he would consider changing the policy to require senators to write down their conflict if they declare Rule 13.

Campbell, a regular critic of Republican policy, considers Rule 13 a get out of jail free card that enables senators to avoid being held accountable for whatever conflict they have.

About half the chambers 33 members declared the conflict this year when the Legislature eliminated the property portion of the states franchise tax on businesses. It will cost an estimated $4 billion in revenue over the next decade, in addition to $1.55 billion in rebates for the last three years.

Despite those conflicts, Republican members voted overwhelmingly for the tax cut, leaving the public in the dark about potential conflicts.

We will never really see why, Campbell said.

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Who is Kamala Harris' father? What to know about economist Donald J. Harris

Former President Donald Trump attempted to turn Vice President Kamala Harris' background and lineage into an attack point during Tuesdays presidential debate, alluding that Harris' father is a marxist.

Harris did not rebut Trumps comments, but noticeably laughed off the remarks.

But, what is the real background on Harris father, economist Donald J. Harris.

Who is Kamala Harris' father?

Donald J. Harris, Kamala Harris' father, is a post-Keynesian economist who has written on Marxist theory.

He is a retired Stanford University professor who has served as an economic advisor to his home country of Jamaica. He also taught at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Vice President Kamala Harris listens during a presidential debate against former President Donald Trump in Philadelphia on Sept. 10, 2024.

Born in Jamaica, Donald Harris immigrated to the US to complete a doctorate degree at the University of California, Berkeley. Thats where he met Harris' mother Shyamala Gopalan Harris, who was pursuing a degree in biochemistry there.

Donald Harris has largely stayed out of the vice president's political life.

Donald J. Harris' lifetime in academia, economics

Donald J. Harris arrived at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's Department of Economics for the 1966-67 academic year.

"Donald J. Harris was at the department just one year after his PhD from the University of California, Berkeley," read the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's biography on Donald J. Harris. "He went on to Northwestern for one year, U of Wisconsin, 1968-1972, and Stanford, 1972-1998 when he retired to spend more time on developing public policies to promote growth and advance social equity."

The Stanford University Department of Economics notes that Donald J. Harris focused on economic theory during his tenure.

"At Stanford, he was a leader in developing the new program in 'Alternative Approaches to Economic Analysis' as a field of graduate study," read Stanford University's biography on Donald J. Harris. "For many years he also taught the popular undergraduate course 'Theory of Capitalist Development.'

"His research and publications have centered on exploring the analytical conception of the process of capital accumulation and its implications for a theory of growth of the economy, with the aim of providing thereby an explanation of the intrinsic character of growth as a process of uneven development."

What did Donald Trump say about Kamala Harris' father?

Donald Trump accused Vice President Kamala Harris of being a Marxist at the first presidential debate Tuesday.

Everything that she believed three years ago and four years ago is out the window. She is going to my philosophy now. In fact, I was going to send her a MAGA hat. Trump said, according to debate host ABC News. She is a Marxist. Everyone knows she is a Marxist. Her father is a Marxist professor in economics. He taught her well.

Damon C. Williams is a Philadelphia-based journalist reporting on trending topics across the Mid-Atlantic Region.

This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Who is Donald J. Harris? What to know about Kamala Harris' father
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.
Need to know how to register to vote in Delaware? The deadline is coming

The 2024 presidential election is coming  as if you couldn't tell from all the political banter and ads on television.

Whether you are a Democrat or a Republican, one thing holds true, you need to make sure you are registered to vote before heading to the polls.

Here's some basic information to help you prepare for Election Day from the Delaware Department of Elections.

When is Election Day 2024?

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024.

Is there early voting in Delaware?

Yes, early voting for the general election begins Oct. 25 and runs through Nov. 3.

Joe Biden drops out: Why Joe Biden's decision to step out of the presidential race had to happen in Delaware

When is the deadline to register to vote in Delaware?

The voter registration deadline is the fourth Saturday before the general election. The deadline for the general election is Saturday, Oct. 12.

Who can register to vote in Delaware?

You must be a resident of Delaware, a United States citizen and be 18 on or before the election.

How to register to vote in Delaware

There are multiple ways to register to vote in Delaware:

You may register to vote online at ivote.de.gov.

You may register to vote by downloading and printing a form from the Department of Elections website, de.gov/vrapp. Complete your application, sign your name, and submit your completed form to the Department of Elections.

You may call the Department of Elections Office in your County to have a voter registration application mailed to you to complete. Completed voter registration applications for new registrants must be postmarked by Saturday, Oct. 12, for the general election, to make the voter registration deadline.

You may register in person at a Department of Elections office during regular business hours, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Please bring ID showing your name and current Delaware address.

You can also register at a voter registration event hosted by a Delaware Organized Voter Registration Program group of trained voter registrars. Military and overseas citizens can fill out an application using Delaware's Online Registration System or at the FVAP WEB Site and then mail, email or fax the application to the Department's Office for your county.

If you are registering to vote in a primary, you must declare a party affiliation. If you do not pick a party, you will be registered as no party.

Where are the Department of Elections offices in Delaware?

There are four elections offices in Delaware:

Department of Elections, Office of the State Election Commissioner : 905 S Governors Ave, Suite 170, Dover.

Department of Elections, New Castle County Office: Carvel State Office Building, 820 N French St., Suite 400, Wilmington.

Department of Elections, Kent County Office: 100 Enterprise Place, Suite 5, Dover.

Department of Elections, Sussex County Office: 119 N Race Street, Georgetown.

Where else can I register to vote in Delaware?

You can also register to vote at certain government offices:

Division of Motor Vehicle offices when applying for, renewing or updating a driver's license or state ID card

State Service Centers (Department of Health and Social Services) when applying for services

Department of Labor: Division of Training and the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation

WIC Program offices when applying for services or assistance

Armed forces recruitment offices when applying for services

Some Social Security offices

Institutions of higher education when you register for classes

You can also change your voter registration record at any of these locations, election offices or polling places.

What ID should I bring when registering to vote?

You need to provide one of the following with your application:

Delaware driver's license or state ID card

Copy of a current utility bill that shows your name and address

Copy of bank statement that shows your name and address

Copy of government check, paycheck or other government document that shows your name and address

Who cannot register to vote in Delaware?

You cannot register to vote or vote in Delaware if:

Have been adjudged mentally incompetent

Were convicted of a felony and have not fully discharged your sentence

Were convicted of a disqualifying felony and have not been pardoned. Disqualifying felonies include murder or manslaughter (except vehicular homicide); any felony constituting an offense against public administration involving bribery or improper influence or abuse of office; and any felony constituting a sexual offense.

Can you vote if you do not have a fixed address?

Yes. If you don't have a residence or are homeless and otherwise qualified to vote, you can register by completing the proper registration form. If registering in person you must provide two pieces of identification containing your name. One of the pieces must include the address from your application. The address can be a shelter, agency or another location where you receive your mail.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Election 2024: How to register to vote, early voting in Delaware
Rebecca Varney stands on the porch of her home in Edgar Springs in this 2020 photo. A judge has ordered the city to pay her and her attorney almost $80,000 for banning her from City Hall. (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent)

A small Missouri city must deplete its bank accounts  except for enough money to keep the police force intact  to pay a judgment that found it violated a residents First Amendment rights and the Missouri Sunshine Law, a court ruled last week.

Phelps County Circuit Judge John Beger directed Edgar Springs to pay $47,886 immediately, put a tax increase on the November ballot and dedicate all general revenue of more than $2,500 a month to satisfying the $79,716 judgment entered in December 2023.

Where, as here, a court of record has issued a judgment against a municipality, the municipality has both a legal and moral obligation to pay its debts and as long as there is no limitation on the municipalitys ability to pay those debts, the performance of this duty is not discretionary, Beger wrote in the order issued Sept. 4.

In his 2023 order, Beger found that Edgar Springs  a town of 200 in southern Phelps County  had attempted to intimidate and silence Rebecca Varney by banning her from city hall for four years, and for holding several closed meetings with business that should have been conducted in public.

Varney, a longtime resident of the community, began looking into city finances after receiving a traffic ticket in 2018. She was concerned that the towns police force was using traffic offenses as a means of generating revenue and began visiting city hall frequently to review documents.

Varney also circulated a petition for a state audit of the city, which found numerous problems, including Sunshine Law violations and financial management issues.

Beger ordered the city to pay Varney a nominal fine of $150 but also ordered the city to pay her costs in bringing the lawsuit.

The city filed an appeal, but dropped it in March.

In his order last week, Beger found that state law allows him to order the city to pay Varney all unrestricted funds, except the money necessary to pay the salaries of the mayor, council, assessor, marshal, constable, attorney and a reasonable police force

State law also directs that the courts shall make all necessary orders to secure the prompt and speedy payment of such debt.

The city doesnt pay the mayor or council a salary and has no marshal or constable, Beger noted. The city pays its attorney $1,000 a month and the two-person police force was paid $1,477 in the month of June.

Beger directed that all general fund money held by the city in excess of $10,000, and all new revenue in excess of $2,500 a month, should be dedicated to repaying Varney. He exempted accounts for the sewer utility, street maintenance and federal grants, which all have limits on how they can be used.

The court is sensitive to the fact that the city is small and has limited resources, Beger wrote. It is also sensitive to the fact that it was the citys own choices that led to the final judgment debt it now owes to the plaintiff.

As of Monday afternoon, the town had not made a payment, said Dave Roland, director of litigation for the Freedom Center of Missouri and Varneys attorney. Roland uses money received for court costs in cases he wins for the center to finance new litigation to enforce the Sunshine Law.

They have sent a proposal that said, well, we might be willing to pay you part of this, but its going to be subject to approval by the auditors office, Roland said in an interview with The Independent. And I responded, youre under court order, and the auditors office is neither a party to the case, nor are they part of the judiciary, so they dont have anything to say about that.

Greg Dohrman, attorney for the city, did not return a call seeking comment.

The city has complied with Begers directive to place a tax increase of 30 cents per $100 assessed value on the Nov. 5 ballot. If approved, it would generate about $5,500 a year and last for four years.

The court cannot order the tax to be imposed, only that it be placed on the ballot, Beger noted in his ruling.

Interest on the judgment is accruing at 9% per year and the amount the city now owes is about $85,000, Roland said. If the city refuses to pay, he said, he will have to take them back to court.

I told them in no uncertain terms, if you defy a court order, then were going to pursue the remedies provided that allows the city officials responsible to be charged with contempt, Roland said.

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Residents leaving Alaska have now outnumbered those arriving for more than a decade

Auto headlights and the setting sun create a colorful scene as workers head home during the evening rush hour in Anchorage on Jan. 26, 2023. (Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)

As Alaskans from different organizations convened at the University of Alaska Anchorage to brainstorm ways to reverse the states continuing population outmigration, a leading state economist delivered some bad news.

Dan Robinson, research chief at the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development, revealed that the latest data shows that Alaska has now had 12 consecutive years with more residents leaving than arriving.

That is unprecedented, he said.

This is not normal for us. It hasnt happened before, Robinson said on Thursday at the start of the two-day meeting.

The longest prior streak was four years, he said.

Robinson spoke at a meeting organized by Rep. Mary Peltola, D-Alaska, UAAs Institute of Social and Economic Research, the Alaska Federation of Natives and the First Alaskans Institute

Behind the outmigration statistics are specific patterns, he said.

The driver is not really the Alaskans who are leaving, he said. In 2023, 40,924 people moved out of the state, a smaller total than in any year since 2010, according to the departments data. Rather, he said, is it the lack of people who are coming to Alaska. Less is known about them than about neighbors moving away, he said. Its harder to tell stories about the people who dont come, he said.

Particularly important is the age of those who are not coming to Alaska, Robinson said. Historically, our biggest net gains have been people in the second half of their 20s and 30s, he said. Part of that is because of the military, and partly that is because Alaska is an adventurous kind of place, he said.

Added to the lack of new young adult Alaskans is the continued phenomenon of college-age Alaskans who leave the state to attend school in the Lower 48, he said. The result is less economic vitality, he said. Its not a healthy sign, he said.

Even before the current outmigration streak started, Alaskas population ebbs and flows were the subject of much study. Those studies have been aided by a uniquely Alaska institution: the Alaska Permanent Fund dividend. Receipt of that annual payout is a metric frequently used to define Alaska residency.

Mike Jones, an assistant economics professor working at ISER, ran through some of the Alaska population findings that have emerged over the years.

Within Alaska, factors affecting migration from rural to urban areas or between rural areas include reliance on and success with subsistence food harvests, availability of water and sewer service and rates of violent crime, past research has found, he said.

Within urban Alaska, there are also patterns.

Some of the most recent analysis reveals that population loss in Alaskas largest city appears to be driven by military personnel reductions, according to a new analysis in Alaska Economic Trends, the monthly magazine of the Department of Labor and Workforce Developments research division.

The outflow of Anchorage residents over the last 14 years has largely been driven by reductions at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, that analysis found. The combined U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army base lost over 2,600 people from 2010 to 2023, more than Anchorages overall loss of 2,173 people during the same period, according to the analysis.

Meanwhile, Alaskas long-term overall demographic outlook appears dim. State demographers, in their most recent forecast, are predicting a population decline by mid-century that is driven by outmigration, reduced birth rates and the aging of residents.

Peltola, during a break in the sessions, said she was inspired to help organize the event because of widespread concern about Alaskas dwindling working-age population.

During her two years in office and throughout her travels and discussions with people from different communities, industries and sectors, she heard a similar refrain about Alaskas demographic trends, she said.

Everyone is concerned about outmigration and not enough people in the employment pool to draw from, she said.

Beyond in-state residents and new arrivals who used to be attracted to Alaska, Alaska has long depended on foreign workers who have special authorizations, known as J-1 visas, that allow them to be employed in seasonal industries, she noted.

Now the need for workers with J-1 visas appears to be more acute  and employers are seeking such workers even for winter duty, she said. She addressed that issue in her opening remarks.

We need J-1 visas like nobodys business, because we need foreign people to come and help us fill our sectors, she said in her opening remarks.

The J-1 visa program has long been used to fill seasonal jobs in Alaska industries like seafood and tourism, but more recently other sectors, such as education, are seeking workers with those visas.

Peltolas main election opponent, Republican Nick Begich, has attacked the Biden-Harris administration over immigration policies  and tied Peltola to those policies.

His campaign office did not immediately provide information on his views about reversing Alaskas continued outmigration. However, the National Republican Congressional Committee on Thursday criticized Peltolas comments about J-1 visa workers in Alaska.

No wonder Mary Peltola aided and abetted Biden and Harris unleashing this historic border crisis. Peltola thinks foreigners should fill Alaska jobs, not Americans, National Republican Congressional Committee spokesperson Ben Peterson said in an emailed statement.

This article was first published by the Alaska Beacon, part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Alaska Beacon maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Andrew Kitchenman for questions: info@alaskabeacon.com. Follow Alaska Beacon on Facebook and X.
Professors are not the enemy. Issue 1 will stop agenda pushed by JD Vance, GOP lawmakers.

Gretchen McNamara is the president of the Ohio Conference of the American Association of University Professors.

Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance's attempts to vilify Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris as a childless cat lady" have gotten headlines. But several of the U.S. senator from Ohio's other comments deserve more scrutiny and criticism.

Just in terms of higher education, Vance has invoked Richard Nixons assertion that, The professors are the enemy, and has applauded Hungarys authoritarian takeover of higher education.

Vance, who has a short, yet disturbing history of attacking educators and educational institutions, has stated, We have to honestly and aggressively attack the universities in this country.

Such thinking is not only counter-productive, but potentially dangerous for all of us who work every day to provide high-quality education for Ohios young people.

Turning on their own educators

Like many others on the far-right who have benefited from higher education, Vance is a product of both a flagship public university and an elite university  Ohio State and Yale.

These extreme politicians want to convince regular citizens that educators are enemies and that the very institutions from which they themselves have benefited are evil.

They aim to undermine confidence in colleges and universities so that they not only can exacerbate the educational divide between the wealthy and working classes, but also so that they can attempt to exert partisan control over curriculum and even classroom discussions.

Student presence at SB 83's public testimony hearing, April 19

Vance isn't the only one attacking higher education

But the attacks on higher education certainly arent just a problem at the national level.

At the state level, in addition to decades of cuts and under-funding for postsecondary education, the gerrymandered legislature has pushed Ohio Senate Bill 83, a sweeping attack on higher education that threatens workers, would impede academic freedom and would gut important programs dedicated to student success.

Introduced in March of 2023 by State Sen. Jerry Cirino, SB 83 has rightfully faced enormous opposition.

There were more than 600 opponent testimonies submitted for SB 83 and its companion bill, House Bill 151, compared to about a dozen proponent testimonies. There have been hundreds of thousands of emails and calls to legislators asking them to reject the bill.

It is opposed not just by members of campus communities, but also the broader public, who see that SB 83 would undermine  not enhance  Ohio higher education, which is inextricably tied to workforce development and economic growth.

Cirino, Vance and other Opponents of higher education are far out of step with Ohio voters on this issue.

Throughout the legislative process on SB 83, my association, the American Association of University Professors, has offered to discuss our concerns with Cirino and other legislator in hopes of finding common ground. Each of our communications was met with silence.

We were able to make our concerns with the bill clear in our public testimonies, but there were no attempts to address them. It became evident that this was a politically-motivated bill, not one in which stakeholder input was seriously sought.

The bill is not representative of Ohio voters

Despite another push to get SB 83 over the finish line in June, the small group of lawmakers who attempted to demonstrate that the bill had the votes failed to get a majority of signatures on their letter that urged the bill to be brought to the House floor for a vote.

This was a good thing.

Nonetheless, the bills sponsor took this latest defeat as an opportunity not only to reiterate his unwillingness to discuss the bill further, but also to suggest that he will try to ram through an even worse version in a more favorable political environment. That response is deeply troubling and further demonstrates that this is about scoring political points and not at all about enhancing higher education.

This kind of legislative environment in which lawmakers are insulated from public opinion is made possible by gerrymandering.

We can help to solve this problem by voting yes on Issue 1 this November to end gerrymandering and to establish fair districts.

Gretchen McNamara

JD Vance and S.B. 83 are pieces in a broad, national, culture-war-fueled attack on higher education, and we will always fight back to preserve our rights and to maintain quality education for our students.

Vance  and the members of the Ohio legislature who appear to believe the same things about universities as he does  are wrong. Professors are not the enemy.

Lets tone down the rhetoric, vote yes to the reforms necessary to create a more representative legislature and collaboratively work on solving problems in a way that is truly representative of Ohio.

Gretchen McNamara is the president of the Ohio Conference of the American Association of University Professors.

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: JD Vance, Ohio lawmakers paint professors as enemies. Let's stop them.
Delaware State Sen. Sarah McBride, John Whalen to face off for congressional seat in November

State Senator Sarah McBride, a Democrat, will face Republican John Whalen III for Delaware's seat in Congress in November's election.

If elected, McBride would be the first transgender person elected to federal office and the youngest elected official Delaware has sent to Washington since Joe Biden won a Senate seat in 1972.

McBride handily defeated two political newcomers in the Democratic primary, a race that was called shortly after the polls closed Tuesday.

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.

In her victory speech Tuesday night, McBride said "our rights, and our freedoms, our dignity and democracy are on the line in this election."

"Tonight, we celebrate our victory in the primary but we all know our work is far from over and we know what is at stake in this election," McBride said.

Whalen, a political newcomer, defeated Donyale Hall in the Republican primary called later Tuesday night. Whalen did not return a phone call seeking comment Tuesday night.

Candidates for US House of Representatives from Delaware, including (from left) Democrat Earl Cooper, Republican Donyale Hall, Democrat Sarah McBride and Democrat Elias Weir during a debate among Republican and Democratic party candidates for US Congress, Tuesday, August 27, 2024 at the Wilmington Public Library.

The winner in Novembers general election will assume the congressional seat vacated by U.S. Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester, who became the Democrats candidate to replace retiring U.S. Senator Tom Carper on Tuesday.

Statistically, McBride is the favorite in November over either Republican. Registered Democrats outnumber Republican voters in Delaware by nearly 150,000.

McBride previously worked as the national press secretary for the Human Rights Campaign, the countrys largest LGBTQ civil rights advocacy group, and gained national attention when she became the first openly trans person to speak at the Democratic National Convention in 2016.

A Wilmington native, McBride was elected to Delaware's Senate in 2020. On the campaign trail, she has pitched to voters her successful advocacy for statewide family and medical leave legislation in the state house.

Whalen has not held political office and jumped in his race well after Hall, a seasoned Republican campaigner. Whalen is a native of Wilmington and Millsboro resident. He retired after 20-year career at Delaware State Police and formed a residential construction company.

His campaign has emphasized popular conservative talking points like illegal immigration as well as the federal debt and what his website describes as "the war on fossil fuels."

Heading into November, McBride also holds a massive fundraising advantage over Whalen.

Through August 21, McBride had raised $2.9 million and held $1.7 million unspent. Through the same period, Whalen had reported $2,300 in contributions, an $8,300 loan to his campaign. His campaign has about $2,300 cash on hand.

Contact Xerxes Wilson at (302) 324-2787 or xwilson@delawareonline.com.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: McBride wins Del primary, could be first openly trans U.S. lawmaker
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.
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
Why are flags flying at half-staff Sept. 11 in North Carolina?

United States and North Carolina flags at state facilities are flying at half-staff in N.C. today, Wednesday, Sept. 11, after nearly two days of half-staff flags Sept. 9 and 10 that honored the life of civil rights leader and member of the N.C. House of Representatives Kelly Alexander Jr.

Here's what to know about the latest half-staff flag order from Gov. Roy Cooper.

Why are the flags at half-staff in North Carolina?

Cooper ordered flags to be lowered to half-staff Sept. 11 to honor in tribute to Patriot Day, also known as the National Day of Service and Remembrance, according to a news release. Gone but never forgotten, this day honors the victims of the terrorist attack, their families and the heroic sacrifices of first responders.

Today, we remember the innocent Americans and brave first responders whose lives were lost on September 11, 2001, Cooper said in the news release. As we reflect on the profound impact this tragedy had on our nation, we mourn the loss of life and honor the bravery of first responders who rush toward danger when tragedy strikes."

How long will flags be at half-staff?

U.S. and N.C. flags will be lowered from sunrise until sunset on Wednesday, Sept. 11.

Why do flags fly at half-staff?

Usa.gov states that the American flag flies at half-staff when the country or a state is in mourning. The president, a state governor or the mayor of the District of Columbia can order flags to fly at half-staff.

An American flag flying at half-staff generally indicates one of these three things:

The death of a government official, military member or emergency first responder. A national tragedy. Memorial Day and other national days of remembrance.

Where will flags be flown at half-staff?

Cooper ordered all state facilities in N.C. to fly flags at half-staff.

While only state facilities are ordered to lower flags, the news release encouraged individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties and other government subdivisions to join in by flying flags at half-staff until sunset on Sept. 11.

Is it half-mast or half-staff?

Previous reporting from Memphis Commercial Appeal explained that flags are flown at half-mast on ships and at naval stations ashore and at half-staff elsewhere.

Todd Runkle, Carolinas Connect editor, contributed.

Iris Seaton is the trending news reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at iseaton@citizentimes.com.

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Why are flags at half-staff in NC?
TOKYO, Sep 11 (News On Japan) - Shinjiro Koizumi has set his sights on running for the leadership of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), aiming to achieve three major reforms within one year: 'political reform,' 'regulatory reform,' and 'expanding life choices.'

Koizumi announced his candidacy while visiting agricultural areas in Niigata Prefecture, where he expressed optimism about Japan's rice export prospects to markets such as the United States and Hong Kong. Despite positive feedback from local farmers, Koizumi is already facing resistance within the LDP.

Koizumis promise to implement political reform within a year has sparked debate. One of his key proposals includes abolishing political activity funds, known for their opaque use, and pushing for full transparency regarding unused funds. Additionally, he has vowed to address long-standing issues related to the public funding system, aiming for stricter accountability measures within the party.

Koizumi also highlighted his commitment to "unsparing regulatory reforms," which include reviewing employment regulations in large corporations, addressing wage disparities between regular and non-regular employees, and tackling Japan's labor shortage. He has proposed introducing measures to boost labor market fluidity, such as easing restrictions on layoffs while ensuring adequate support for reemployment.

With the official announcement for the LDP presidential election set for tomorrow, Koizumi remains the youngest candidate at 43 years old. Despite his proposals for bold reforms, Koizumi faces growing skepticism within the party. His opponents argue that such rapid changes could overwhelm government officials and question whether the reforms could realistically be achieved within his proposed timeframe.

Koizumi's vision for reform mirrors that of his fathers, but whether he can garner the necessary support within the party remains to be seen.

Source: ANN
YOKOHAMA, Sep 11 (News On Japan) - Porno Graffitti, also known as Porno, wrapped up their 25th anniversary live show at Yokohama Stadium. Akihito Okano (49) expressed his gratitude, saying, 'Thank you for 25 years!'

Over the course of two days, approximately 65,000 fans attended the event. During the encore, the band performed a new song to the delight of the audience.

Source: ANN
HYOGO, Sep 11 (News On Japan) - Looking for an escape into Japan's rich past? Nestled in Hyogo Prefecture's scenic Sayo Town, the historic post town of Hirafuku offers visitors a unique opportunity to step back in time. With its picturesque Edo-period streets, fascinating historical landmarks, and ties to the legendary swordsman Miyamoto Musashi, Hirafuku is the perfect destination for history buffs and curious travelers alike.

Hirafuku is part of Hyogo Prefectures "Field Pavilion" initiative, launched in anticipation of the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo. This initiative highlights Hyogos most captivating towns, inviting visitors to experience their culture, history, and natural beauty. A visit to Hirafuku immerses travelers in the heart of Edo Japan, with traditional buildings and scenic streetscapes evoking the charm of an era long past.

One of the towns key highlights is the former Urubeyahara House, a 19th-century foundry turned cozy restaurant. Originally established in 1810, this historic building has been lovingly preserved and now serves up delicious local dishes, including handmade soba noodles. As you step inside, youll be transported back in time, surrounded by traditional architecture and Edo-era ambiance.

Explore Rikan Castle Ruins and the Legacy of Miyamoto Musashi

Hirafuku is more than just a charming post townits also home to the ruins of Rikan Castle, a national historic site. Known locally as the Cloud-Piercing Castle due to the mist that often surrounds its lofty peaks, Rikan Castle is one of Hyogo Prefectures must-see destinations. Ranked third among the top castles to visit in Hyogo, it offers panoramic views and a serene atmosphere thats perfect for reflection.

For fans of samurai legends, Hirafuku holds a special place in Japanese history. The town is where Miyamoto Musashi, Japans most famous swordsman, fought his very first duel. A stone monument marks the spot where Musashi faced off against Arima Kihei, an encounter that set the stage for his illustrious career. Walking these streets, its easy to imagine the intensity of that long-ago duel as you soak in the history.

Unique Local Flavors and Nighttime Magic

No trip to Hirafuku is complete without sampling the local cuisine. Be sure to stop by the roadside station for a taste of Shika Croquette, a delightful dish made with venison. Light and crispy, its a local favorite and a must-try for food lovers.

As the day winds down, Hirafuku transforms into a magical sight. Every October, the town hosts a nighttime illumination event, where the traditional buildings along the river are beautifully lit up. The reflections of these historic homes in the river create a breathtaking scene, offering a perfect photo opportunity for visitors.

Practical Information and Guided Tours

To fully experience Hirafuku, consider taking a guided tour. Local guides bring the towns history to life, offering fascinating insights into the buildings, streets, and stories of this Edo-period gem. The tours also include a visit to the Honjin ruins, where travelers of old would rest during their long journeys along the Inaba Road, a historic route connecting Tottori, Himeji, and Osaka.

Guided tours are available upon request, but be sure to book at least a week in advance to secure your spot. Youll also have the chance to explore the towns museum, which showcases the tools and artifacts used in daily life during the Edo period.

Source: MBS
Amami-Oshima, Sep 11 (NHK) - On the southwestern Japanese island of Amami-Oshima, people have offered prayers for a bumper crop in a traditional ritual dating back more than 450 years.

The event, called "Hirase-mankai," is designated as a national important intangible folk cultural property.

People gathered at a beach in Tatsugo Town at high tide on Monday evening for the annual event. Five women dressed in white and acting as priestesses stood on a rock by the seaside, while a group of seven men and women who played supporting roles stood on a nearby rock.

The two groups sang to each other to the beat of drums and used hand gestures called "mankai" to invite the gods of the sea.

As the pace of the drum beat and the singing quickened, the five women sat on their heels facing the sea and prayed for a bountiful crop and prosperity for the local community.

To wrap up the event, local people danced together in a circle on the beach with a large number of spectators looking on.

A woman from nearby Amami City said she was impressed by the performance. She noted that the rain that was falling at the start weakened during the event and she felt there was something mythical about it.

The head of an association working to conserve the "Hirase-mankai" ritual, Kubota Keiki, said he was very happy to see a huge crowd turn up to watch such a modest event in a small community.

He noted that young people are joining the association and expressed hope that the tradition will continue with future generations.
TOKYO, Sep 12 (News On Japan) - The removal of fuel debris, a crucial and highly challenging part of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant decommissioning process, has resumed. This process, regarded as the most difficult aspect of the decommissioning effort, focuses on extracting melted and solidified nuclear fuel, known as fuel debris, from the plant's reactors.

Professor Takashi Okamoto from the University of Tokyo explained the operation, which took place on September 10 at the No. 2 reactor. Due to the extreme radiation levels inside the containment vessel, the debris can only be removed using robots.

Fuel debris is extremely hazardous due to its high radiation levels, making it impossible for humans to access the area without severe risk. In this operation, robots were deployed alongside human workers, although even the areas where people were present had relatively high radiation levels, complicating the task. The total amount of fuel debris in reactors 1 to 3 is estimated to be about 880 tons, but only a small quantity -- less than 3 grams -- was removed during this phase due to the high radiation risks.

The operation has made significant progress, with the successful insertion of the equipment into the containment vessel marking a major step forward. Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) considers this the first phase of the operation, an important milestone in the long and complex process of fuel debris removal. According to Professor Okamoto, the removal of debris is challenging because it must be done entirely by robots, given the hazardous nature of the material and the inability of humans to approach it.

There are no concerns about radioactive contamination or a potential recriticality during the operation, as the amount being removed is very small. Even if the process fails, there would be no environmental impact, and the task could be redone. The extracted fuel debris will be analyzed at a research facility in Ibaraki Prefecture to study its crystal structure, which will help develop future strategies for more extensive debris removal.

While there are 880 tons of fuel debris remaining, Professor Okamoto expressed cautious optimism that once they understand the condition of the material inside, it may be possible to remove the rest within a reasonable timeframe. The overall goal is to complete the decommissioning by 2051, with the removal and safe storage of the debris as the top priority.

Source: FNN
Within the complex fabric of the financial sector in Australia, maintaining strict adherence to Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) regulations is not only a legal requirement. It is also a cornerstone of trust both domestically and internationally. Operators within this sector understand that the integrity of their business dealings hinges on robust compliance frameworks. Here, we dissect the indelible role that an independent AML review plays in sustaining this trust and how Australian Financial Services License (AFSL) compliance is intrinsic to a sound financial system.

The Significance of AML/CTF Compliance

Regulatory bodies enforce stringent requirements to thwart money laundering and terrorism financing. These bodies include the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) All financial institutions and designated non-financial businesses and professions (DNFBPs) must implement an effective AML CTF program that prevents their services from being exploited for illicit purposes. The program is more than a tick-box exercise; its a bespoke mechanism tailored to assess risks, monitor transactions, and report suspicious activities.

Independent AML Review: A Deep Dive into Compliance Health

To ensure that an AML/CTF program is not just present but proficient, an independent review is pivotal. Thorough independent AML review procedures provide a meticulous audit of the current practices, identifying spots where programs are well-implemented or require fine-tuning. The findings of these reviews can spotlight deficiencies and offer recommendations for shoring up defenses against financial crimes, ensuring that compliance is not only up-to-date with current legislative requirements but also with emerging threats and methodologies.

AFSL Compliance: A Gear in the Regulatory Watch

For AFSL holders, they operate under the added scrutiny of AFSL compliance, encompassing a broad spectrum of obligations. This set of compliance ensures that licensees provide financial services fairly, efficiently, and honestly. It involves a continual process of meeting compliance requirements, sound risk management, and strict adherence to financial services laws, which sits in harmony with AML/CTF obligations.

Why You Shouldnt Skimp on AML/CTF Compliance Reviews

Considering the grave implications of non-compliance, no financial services entity can afford to neglect regular reviews. Penalties for compliance breaches can be severe, ranging from significant fines to criminal charges for company officers. An independent evaluation acts as a preventative measure to mitigate such risks.

Building A Robust AML CTF Program: Not a One-Off Task

Creating and maintaining an effective AML CTF program is a continuous process. Aspects like employee training, customer due diligence, risk assessment, and ongoing monitoring should be consistently revisited and updated in light of evolving threats.

Safeguarding Against Vulnerabilities

Cybersecurity intersects with AML/CTF compliance, making the protection of digital assets against unauthorized intrusions another layer of the compliance framework. The review process must incorporate the examination of the digital defense strategies in place.

Evolution of Financial Crimes: A Constant Battle

Money laundering techniques and terrorist funding strategies are continuously evolving. An effective AML/CTF compliance program must be agile and responsive to these changes. Regular independent reviews are critical in ensuring the programs effectiveness over time.

Conclusion: A Matter of Reputational and Operational Imperative

In conclusion, AML/CTF compliance, including regular independent reviews, cannot be overstated in its importance for the finance sector in Australia. The maintenance of a solid compliance framework via corrective and preventive actions post-review safeguards not only the financial entity but the larger economic and social fabric of the country. It is, therefore, a reputational and operational imperative for all financial service providers to place compliance at the heart of their business strategy.

Addendum: Navigate Your AML/CTF Compliance Journey with Expertise

As the regulatory landscape becomes more intricate, navigating the nuances of AML/CTF and AFSL compliance demands specialized expertise. Whether its conducting an in-depth independent AML review, establishing a defensible AML CTF program, or aligning your operations with AFSL compliance requirements, consulting with seasoned specialists is advisable. They bring the foresight and experience necessary to design, implement, and review compliance programs that meet the highest threshold of regulatory expectations.

Reach Out for Compliance Support

If youre uncertain where your organization stands with its compliance health or you need guidance on fostering a culture of compliance, reach out for expert support. A dedicated compliance consultant can provide an objective assessment and propel you towards compliance confidence.

This Article is Just the Beginning

The discussion here serves as the tip of the compliance iceberg. Engage continuously with the subject, and dont hesitate to seek assistance when needed. After all, financial integrity is a collective responsibility we all share in the pursuit of economic stability and security
In the ever-evolving world of digital marketing, maintaining a robust online presence is crucial. Conducting a DIY SEO audit is a proactive way to ensure your website is optimized for search engines and meets your business goals. This article will guide you through a comprehensive SEO audit process, enabling you to identify and rectify issues that could impact your websites performance.

Understanding SEO Audits

An SEO audit involves evaluating various aspects of your website to ensure it adheres to best practices for search engine optimization. This process helps identify technical issues, content gaps, and other factors that can affect your sites visibility and ranking. By performing a DIY SEO audit, you can gain insights into how well your site is performing and uncover areas for improvement.

Step 1: Assess Your Websites Technical Health

1.1 Check Your Websites Speed

Website speed is a crucial ranking factor. A slow-loading site can negatively impact user experience and search engine rankings. Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights or GTmetrix to analyze your sites speed. Address any issues related to slow loading times, such as optimizing images, leveraging browser caching, and minimizing JavaScript and CSS files.

1.2 Ensure Mobile-Friendliness

With the increasing use of mobile devices, having a mobile-friendly website is essential. Use Googles Mobile-Friendly Test tool to check if your site is optimized for mobile devices. Ensure that your sites design and functionality are consistent across different screen sizes.

1.3 Verify Your Sites Security

Security is another critical aspect of SEO. Ensure that your website has an SSL certificate, which encrypts data between your server and your users. A secure site not only protects your visitors but also helps improve your search engine rankings.

Step 2: Evaluate On-Page SEO Elements

2.1 Review Title Tags and Meta Descriptions

Title tags and meta descriptions play a significant role in on-page SEO. Ensure that each page on your site has a unique and descriptive title tag and meta description. These elements should be optimized with relevant keywords and be within the recommended character limits (title tags: 50-60 characters, meta descriptions: 150-160 characters).

2.2 Analyze Header Tags

Header tags (H1, H2, H3, etc.) help structure your content and make it more readable. Ensure that each page has a clear H1 tag that describes the main topic, and use H2 and H3 tags to organize subheadings and content. Proper use of header tags improves both user experience and SEO.

2.3 Check for Keyword Optimization

Keyword optimization is crucial for search engine visibility. Review your content to ensure it includes relevant keywords naturally and strategically. Avoid keyword stuffing, which can negatively impact your rankings. Use tools like Google Keyword Planner or SEMrush to identify and target the right keywords.

Step 3: Analyze Your Sites Content

3.1 Evaluate Content Quality

High-quality content is key to attracting and retaining visitors. Assess your websites content for relevance, accuracy, and value. Ensure that your content is well-written, informative, and engaging. Regularly update your content to keep it fresh and relevant.

3.2 Check for Duplicate Content

Duplicate content can harm your SEO efforts by confusing search engines about which version of a page to index. Use tools like Copyscape or Siteliner to identify and address any duplicate content issues on your site.

3.3 Assess Internal Linking

Internal linking helps distribute page authority and improves navigation on your site. Review your internal linking structure to ensure that important pages are easily accessible and that links are contextually relevant. This can help improve the user experience and enhance your sites SEO.

Step 4: Review Off-Page SEO Factors

4.1 Analyze Backlinks

Backlinks are a major factor in search engine rankings. Use tools like Ahrefs or Moz to analyze your sites backlink profile. Look for high-quality, relevant backlinks and identify any potentially harmful links that could negatively impact your sites authority.

4.2 Evaluate Social Media Presence

Social media can influence your SEO efforts by driving traffic and increasing brand visibility. Review your social media profiles to ensure they are active and engaging. Share valuable content and interact with your audience to build a strong online presence.

Step 5: Monitor Your Sites Performance

5.1 Use Analytics Tools

Regularly monitor your sites performance using analytics tools like Google Analytics. Track key metrics such as organic traffic, bounce rate, and conversion rate. Analyzing this data can provide valuable insights into how your SEO efforts are performing and where improvements can be made.

5.2 Set Up Regular Audits

SEO is an ongoing process, and regular audits are essential to maintaining and improving your sites performance. Schedule periodic DIY SEO audits to stay on top of any issues and ensure that your site remains optimized for search engines.

Conclusion

Conducting a DIY SEO audit is a valuable practice for maintaining and enhancing your websites performance. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can identify and address various issues that may affect your sites visibility and ranking. For more in-depth guidance on SEO best practices, explore resources on DIY SEO. Regular audits and ongoing optimization will help ensure that your website remains competitive and performs well in search engine results.

By incorporating these steps into your routine, youll be well on your way to achieving and sustaining strong SEO performance for your website.
In an era where environmental concerns are at the forefront of consumer consciousness, sustainable packaging has emerged as a key factor in shaping the future of product packaging. With an increasing demand for eco-friendly solutions, many industries are looking for innovative practices to reduce their environmental footprint. Among those leading this green revolution are contracting packaging companies, which are at the cutting edge of sustainable packaging solutions. This article explores how these companies are contributing to a more sustainable future through their innovative approaches.

The Growing Importance of Sustainable Packaging

Sustainable packaging refers to the use of materials and processes that have minimal environmental impact. This includes reducing waste, using recyclable or biodegradable materials, and optimizing the use of resources throughout the packaging lifecycle. As consumers become more environmentally conscious, there is a growing expectation for companies to adopt sustainable practices. This shift is not only driven by consumer preferences but also by regulatory pressures and the need to reduce carbon footprints.

Innovations in Sustainable Packaging

Eco-Friendly Materials

One of the primary ways that contract packaging companies are advancing sustainable packaging is through the development and use of eco-friendly materials. Traditional packaging materials, such as plastic and styrofoam, are notorious for their environmental impact. In contrast, sustainable materials like biodegradable plastics, recycled paper, and plant-based fibers offer more environmentally friendly alternatives.

Biodegradable plastics, for example, are designed to break down more quickly than conventional plastics, reducing their impact on landfills. Similarly, recycled paper and cardboard are derived from post-consumer waste, helping to conserve natural resources and reduce the need for virgin materials.

Energy-Efficient Processes

In addition to using sustainable materials, contract packaging companies are also focusing on energy-efficient packaging processes. Energy consumption in packaging production can contribute significantly to a products overall carbon footprint. By adopting energy-efficient technologies and practices, these companies are able to minimize their environmental impact.

For instance, some companies are investing in advanced machinery that reduces energy consumption during the packaging process. Others are implementing process improvements that lower the amount of energy required for heating, cooling, and transportation.

Waste Reduction Strategies

Effective waste management is another crucial aspect of sustainable packaging. Many contract packaging companies are implementing strategies to minimize waste throughout the packaging process. This includes optimizing packaging designs to reduce excess material use and improving the efficiency of production processes to minimize waste generation.

Additionally, some companies are exploring the potential of closed-loop systems, where waste materials from the packaging process are recycled back into the production cycle. This approach not only reduces waste but also lowers the need for new raw materials, further decreasing the environmental impact.

Benefits of Sustainable Packaging

Environmental Impact

The most apparent benefit of sustainable packaging is its positive impact on the environment. By reducing the use of non-renewable resources and minimizing waste, sustainable packaging solutions help to conserve natural resources and reduce pollution. This is crucial in the fight against climate change and the preservation of ecosystems.

Consumer Appeal

Sustainable packaging also enhances consumer appeal. As awareness of environmental issues grows, consumers are increasingly seeking products that align with their values. Packaging that emphasizes sustainability can attract environmentally conscious customers and differentiate products in a competitive market.

Cost Savings

While the initial investment in sustainable packaging materials and processes may be higher, companies often experience long-term cost savings. Efficient use of materials and energy can lead to reduced production costs and waste reduction strategies can lower disposal fees. Additionally, as sustainable packaging becomes more mainstream, economies of scale are expected to drive down costs.

Future Trends in Sustainable Packaging

As technology and consumer preferences continue to evolve, the field of sustainable packaging is likely to see further innovations. Emerging trends include the development of smart packaging that can track and optimize product freshness, as well as advancements in biodegradable and compostable materials.

Furthermore, there is a growing emphasis on transparency and traceability in packaging. Consumers show increasing interest in knowing where packaging materials come from and how to dispose of them. Companies that can provide clear information about their packaging practices are likely to gain a competitive edge.

Conclusion

Sustainable packaging is more than just a trend; it represents a fundamental shift in how products are packaged and consumed. Contract packaging companies are playing a crucial role in this transition by adopting innovative materials, energy-efficient processes, and waste-reduction strategies. As the demand for eco-friendly solutions continues to grow, these companies are well-positioned to lead the way in creating a more sustainable future for packaging.

By embracing sustainable practices, businesses can not only reduce their environmental impact but also enhance their appeal to a growing base of environmentally conscious consumers. As we move forward, the commitment of contract packaging companies to sustainability will be essential in shaping the future of packaging and ensuring a healthier planet for generations to come.
The profound impact of music education on individuals is widely acknowledged by educational scholars, mental health practitioners, and music professionals alike. Yet the journey through melody and rhythm transcends the boundaries of mere education. For those embarking on this musical voyage, the experience is often a transformative one, fostering both personal and professional growth. This is particularly true when students engage with reputable institutions like Sage Music, where piano lessons at Sage Music and singing lessons represent far more than the acquisition of technical proficiency; theyre stepping stones to lifes grand concerto.

The Subtle Symphonies of Personal Development

When individuals begin piano or singing lessons, they initiate a dialogue with the deepest parts of themselves. Engaging with music allows students to express emotions they may not even have the words for, fostering emotional intelligence and resilience. Piano lessons at Sage Music, for instance, offer a nuanced education that targets not only finger agility and mastery of scales but also encourages the meaningful expression of feelings through the ebony and ivory keys.

Singing lessons, too, have their own magic, allowing individuals to lift their voices in modes of communication that go beyond the conventional. The vocal cords are an intimate instrument, and learning to harness them with control and grace requires a level of self-awareness and confidence that inevitably spills over into other areas of life.

The Score of Professional Capacities

Music education is also intrinsically linked to professional skill enhancement. Discipline, time management, and the ability to receive constructive criticism are rooted in the rigorous practice that Sage Music insists upon. Whether through piano or singing lessons, students learn to approach challenges with patience and persistence, refining their problem-solving skills and boosting their work ethic in the process.

Moreover, collaborative opportunities in music  such as ensemble work or duets  hone teamwork abilities. Musicians must listen carefully to their counterparts, adjust their timing, and communicate non-verbally to create a harmonious performance, a direct parallel to the dynamic collaboration that takes place in business and entrepreneurship.

The Educative Cadence at Sage Music

Choosing a prestigious school like Sage Music for ones music education comes with the assurance of quality and comprehensive instruction. With a curriculum thats thoughtfully tailored to the individual, each student receives attention to detail that aligns with their personal learning style and goals. The schools philosophy emphasizes not just musical ability but also the growth of the whole person.

The piano and singing teachers at Sage Music are not mere educators; they are mentors invested in nurturing every aspect of a students growth. The merits of music education are amplified by the dedication and expertise of professionals who abide by the philosophy that teaching is a personal journey for every student.

Harmonizing with Technology and Modernity

Progressive music schools understand the importance of integrating technology into their programming. Sage Music stays at the forefront of instructional innovation, providing lessons that make use of cutting-edge techniques and resources. This blend of traditional music instruction with contemporary methodologies equips students with a diverse set of skills, making them versatile in both the digital and analog music domains.

Cultural Attunement and Social Connectivity

Music is a cultural touchstone and a universal language that transcends borders. By engaging in piano or singing lessons, students of Sage Music gain a deeper appreciation for cultural diversity. They have the opportunity to explore a repertoire that includes classical, jazz, contemporary, and world music, which broadens their horizons and deepens their understanding of global traditions and perspectives.

Furthermore, the social benefits of attending a music school are profound. Students create connections with like-minded peers, building relationships grounded in shared interests and aspirations. These networks can be invaluable, both in navigating the complexities of the music industry and in fostering lifelong friendships.

Performance Skills and the Presentation of Self

The performance element of music education should not be understated. Whether its during a recital or in front of peers, the act of performing teaches students about self-presentation and the management of anxiety. At Sage Music, students learn to harness their nerves and transform them into a dynamic energy that enhances their performances.

This invaluable skill  the ability to present oneself effectively under pressure  translates directly to various professional and personal scenarios, be it speaking at public engagements or leading team projects.

The Lifelong Crescendo of Music Education

Ultimately, the journey through music is a lifelong pursuit. It is an ever-unfolding crescendo that carries through all stages of an individuals development. A reputable school like Sage Music is not simply a provider of music instruction; it is a foundation for lifelong learning and growth.

Certainly, more than just learning to play an instrument or perfecting vocal techniques, piano lessons at Sage Music and singing lessons at this esteemed institution are investments in ones broader education and personal evolution.

In conclusion, the expansive benefits of music education can unlock untold potential within an individual. At Sage Music, students are not only taught notes and melodies but are guided through a transformative process that resonates on a multitude of lifes frequencies. For music is more than sound  it is the rhythm of growth, fostering harmony in a world often in desperate need of its melody.
By John Owen Nwachukwu

Four hundred Nigerians including 90 females and 310 males have been deported from the United Arab Emirates, UAE, the Nigerian Television Authority, NTA, reports.

They were received at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, by the office of the National Security Adviser alongside the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other stakeholders.

DAILY POST reported that a total of 103 Nigerians deported from the Republic of Turkiye, recently, were received by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other stakeholders.

The deportees who arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Friday at 7:00 pm through the pilgrims wing of the airport were received by Federal Government officials led by NEMA personnel.

Also, DAILY POST reported that 264 Nigerian passengers were notified that their visa had been cancelled when they landed at the King Abdulaziz International Airport  Hajj Terminal Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on Monday, 13th November, 2023.

The Federal Government of Nigeria then called for calm over the deportation.
Egyptian Minister of Labor Mohamed Jabri met with Dr. Abdulrahman Al Awar, the UAE Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation, during the 10th BRICS Ministerial Meeting in Sochi, Russia.

According to a press release from Tuesday September 10, the two officials discussed enhancing bilateral cooperation in the labor sector, focusing on vocational training, job opportunities, and the exchange of expertise on labor laws.

Jabri highlighted Egypts efforts to advance its vocational training system in partnership with private sector developers. He also expressed the ministrys readiness to supply skilled labor to the UAE and to work directly with UAE employers to match labor supply with market demands. Additionally, he emphasized the role of the ministrys Pre-Departure Orientation Unit in preparing Egyptian youth for employment abroad by informing them about their rights, duties, and the labor laws of their destination countries.

Dr. Al Awar praised the strong historical relations between Egypt and the UAE, noting Egypts respect and appreciation within the UAE. He expressed a desire to further strengthen collaboration in areas of mutual interest and highlighted the UAEs growing labor market, particularly in sectors requiring skilled labor. He also discussed the social security and insurance benefits available to expatriate workers in the UAE.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Dr. Al Awar invited Minister Jabri to the World Government Summit in February 2025, which will feature a special focus on the labor market.
Morocco and Egypt have confirmed the strength of their relationship, dealing a hard blow to the ruling junta in Algiers which has tried to no avail to sow trouble in the Moroccan-Egyptian relations following the signing of military cooperation agreement between Rabat and Addis Ababa.

The meeting held Tuesday in Cairo between Moroccan Foreign minister Nasser Bourita and his Egyptian peer Badr Abdel Ati belied all deceptive speculations circulated by the Algerian regime over a diplomatic spat between Morocco and Egypt over Ethiopias rapprochement with Rabat.

The meeting was held on the sidelines of 162nd session of the Arab League Council of foreign ministers convened in Cairo to discuss measures to counter the illegal Israeli policies and measures in occupied Al-Quds.

Talks between Bourita and Abdel Ati focused on bilateral relations, the Libyan crisis, Nile water dispute, the situation in Sudan and the Horn of Africa as well as the security and stability in the Sahel.

During the meeting, it has been decided that Morocco and Egypt will hold shortly their political and strategic consultation meeting to foster dialogue and partnership between the two countries.
A devastating dam collapse in northeastern Nigeria has triggered severe flooding, forcing evacuations and unleashing deadly reptiles into nearby communities. The Alau dam in Borno state gave way, causing the worst flooding the region has seen in three decades.

The disaster has submerged about 15% of Maiduguri, the state capital, under water. At the Borno State Museum Park, the flood killed approximately 80% of the animals and allowed an unknown number of dangerous reptiles, including crocodiles and snakes, to escape into surrounding areas.

Local authorities have issued an immediate evacuation order for residents near riverbanks and closed all schools in the state for two weeks. The flooding is exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis in Borno, which has been grappling with a long-standing insurgency by Boko Haram militants.

This catastrophe adds to the regions woes, where over 35,000 people have been killed and 2.6 million displaced due to the ongoing conflict. The situation underscores the complex challenges facing northeastern Nigeria, as it battles both natural disasters and human-made crises simultaneously.

The dam collapse is a stark reminder of the fragile infrastructure in the region and the potential for environmental disasters to compound existing social and security issues. As rescue and relief efforts continue, the focus will be on both immediate humanitarian aid and long-term solutions to prevent similar catastrophes in the future.
Kenyas High Court has temporarily blocked a proposed 30-year lease deal that would have given Indias Adani Group control over the countrys main airport. The Law Society of Kenya and the Kenya Human Rights Commission jointly filed an application arguing that the country could independently fund the $1.85 billion airport upgrade.

The petitioners claim the lease of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is unaffordable, poses a fiscal risk, and doesnt offer value for money to taxpayers. They also raised concerns about potential job losses. The court has issued a stay, prohibiting any action on the Adani proposal pending the conclusion of the case.

This development follows protests from the Kenya Aviation Workers Union, who feared job losses and an influx of non-Kenyan workers. The government maintains that while the airport needs modernization due to overcapacity, no final decision has been made on the proposed public-private partnership.

The case highlights the tension between the need for infrastructure development and concerns over foreign control of strategic assets. As the legal process unfolds, the future of East Africas largest aviation hub remains uncertain.

The courts decision reflects growing scrutiny of large-scale foreign investments in critical infrastructure across Africa. It also underscores the importance of transparency and public participation in major economic decisions that could have long-lasting impacts on national interests.
Libyas Central Bank (CBL) Acting Governor, Abdul Fattah Ghaffar, held a pivotal meeting with Oil and Gas Minister Khalifa Abdul Sadiq and National Oil Corporation (NOC) Acting Chairman Masoud Suleiman. The meetings venue was the Central Bank headquarters in Tripoli, medias reported on September 10. The purpose of this high-level discussion was to explore strategies for restoring the value of the Libyan dinar and enhancing oil and gas production.

The meeting, which included members of the Central Banks board and key officials from the NOC, focused on improving coordination between Libyas financial and energy sectors. This collaboration is deemed crucial for stabilizing the countrys economy, addressing the current economic challenges, and fostering growth in both sectors.

The central topics of the discussion were:

Restoring the Libyan Dinar Strategies to stabilize and increase the value of the national currency, which has faced significant volatility.

Boosting Oil and Gas Production: Plans to enhance output and efficiency in Libyas critical oil and gas sector, aiming to increase revenue and support economic stability.

Sector Coordination Strengthening the collaboration between the Central Bank and the NOC to ensure cohesive and effective policies that benefit both the financial and energy sectors.

The Central Bank emphasized that this meeting is part of ongoing efforts to advance both the banking and oil sectors in Libya, highlighting the importance of joint initiatives and strategic planning in achieving economic recovery and development.
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In a significant blow to international drug trafficking, police in Guinea-Bissau have seized 2.6 tons of cocaine from a plane arriving from Venezuela. The operation, conducted at Bissaus Osvaldo Vieira International Airport, resulted in the arrest of five crew members from various Latin American countries.

This large-scale seizure underscores West Africas growing role as a key transit hub for drugs destined for European markets. Guinea-Bissau, in particular, has gained notoriety as a preferred route for international drug cartels.

The successful operation was carried out with assistance from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and a European anti-narcotics organization, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in combating drug trafficking.

This incident follows other recent major drug busts in the region, including a record-breaking cocaine seizure in neighboring Senegal earlier this year. These events reflect the ongoing challenges faced by West African nations in their fight against international drug syndicates.

The seizure in Guinea-Bissau is particularly significant given the countrys history with drug trafficking. Earlier this year, the son of a former president was sentenced in the U.S. for leading an international heroin trafficking ring, illustrating the deep-rooted nature of the problem.

As West African countries continue to grapple with this issue, enhanced regional cooperation and international support will be crucial in stemming the flow of illegal drugs through the region.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo received the first batch of Mpox vaccines from the US, following a similar batch donated by the European Union as the country continues to battle the virus.

The 50,000 doses donated by the US will go to the three worst affected provinces of Equateur, South Kivu, and Sankuru, authorities said.

Last week, Kinshasa authorities said they received 100,000 doses of the JYNNEOS vaccine, manufactured by the Danish company Bavarian Nordic and donated by the EU through HERA, the blocs agency for health emergencies.

Another 100,000 were delivered over the weekend. In total, DRC has received 250,000 doses, a fraction of the 3 million jabs authorities said are needed to contain the virus.

Mpox cases in DRC account for 91% of the 5549 cases confirmed in the continent since the start of 2024.

Frail health infrastructure, staff shortage, and infighting in the DRCs east, where the virus epicenter is located, have complicated efforts to contain the virus.
Photo-Illustration: Intelligencer; Photos: Getty Images

Fox News and MSNBC are united after the debate: Donald Trump lost and Kamala Harris won. Stretching well past the scheduled 90 minutes, the first and possibly only debate between the candidates, which aired on ABC, featured the Republican candidate almost immediately straying from his campaigns playbook for the face-off, getting angry and increasingly personal  twice even hushing the first woman to serve as vice-president. If that werent enough, he repeated a bizarre lie about migrants eating pets in Ohio, among numerous other tangents. Democrats are ecstatic about Harriss performance, while Republicans were left wincing at their mans defensive posture and blaming the moderators for being too hard on him.

This post has been updated a lot.
Photo: Stephanie Keith/Bloomberg/Getty Images

Last year, during the sprawling criminal trial of Sam Bankman-Fried, the most important witness against the crypto fraud was his former girlfriend and employee, Caroline Ellison. The 29-year old was the CEO of SBFs hedge fund, Alameda Research, which was the key channel through which he defrauded millions of customers of his crypto exchange, FTX, out of about $9 billion in deposits. Ellison  who had already pleaded guilty to fraud and conspiracy charges earlier in 2023  provided damning testimony that contradicted his insistence that he was unaware of the fraud, that it was all just one big mistake. She appeared for three days during the trial, looking deeply uncomfortable, once even failing to recognize her former boyfriend as he sat before her in the courtroom. At a key moment, she broke down in tears while recounting the unrelenting toll it took on her to keep the lie  which she had been aware of  going, and how relieved she was when it all came crashing down. Since then, she has been cooperating with the Justice Department in other cases that have come out of FTXs collapse.

Now, it appears Ellison is finally about to be sentenced. On Monday, an attorney for Ellison, Anjan Sahni, filed a request to the court asking to redact personal and medical information from her sentencing submission, a key file of letters attesting to her character and the extent of her cooperation for the judge to consider as he decides her punishment. Specifically, Ms. Ellison seeks leave to redact the names and personally identifying information of third parties, including certain people who have submitted letters of support on her behalf; certain irrelevant medical information; and certain information regarding Ms. Ellisons current living situation that could put her at risk of continued harassment, Sahni wrote, adding that the government had consented to the request.

Ellison, of course, has become a figure of intense interest  and derision  online. Since FTX imploded in November 2022, she hasnt said a word publicly outside of her court appearances or other legal documents. (This stood in contrast to SBF, who tried to talk his way out of a conviction by going on every news show and podcast that would have him.) During one of the more bizarre twists in the run-up to the trial, Bankman-Fried even leaked selections from her diary to the New York Times, a stunt that ended up landing him in jail ahead of his trial. In that vacuum, her appearance, her inexperience, and her online diary entries about polyamory and Harry Potter have defined her to a group of a rabid, online, crypto-obsessed trolls. As the court is aware, Ms. Ellison has been the focus of intense media scrutiny and internet fascination since the outset of this case, including from Sam Bankman-Frieds repeated efforts to release Ms. Ellisons private information to the media, Sahni said.

Ms. Ellisons friends should not be subject to harassment and doxing because they have written to the court, Ms. Ellison seeks leave to redact their names and other identifying information, according to the filing. Its not clear how much of this the court will grant, particularly since support letters tend to be public. Already, Inner City Press, a one-man court-reporting operation run by Matthew Lee, has filed a challenge against the request, citing the public interest in the case.

Its unclear what kind of prison time Ellison is likely to face, if any. Shortly before midnight on Tuesday, Ellisons lawyers filed her sentencing memorandum, which requested that she serve no prison time. Carolines participation in the criminal conspiracies at Alameda Research is a dramatic departure from her otherwise law-abiding nature. She poses no risk of recidivism. Sending Caroline to prison is entirely unnecessary, either for specific deterrence or to safeguard the public, according to the 182-page filing, which includes exhibits that take from her diaries. Ellison said that she was not motivated by greed, but that her moral compass warped while working for SBF. She has also been at work on a novel, which is apparently unrelated to the facts of the case.

Should she get no prison time, it would be a stark difference from SBF, who received 25 years in prison. Another former FTX CEO, Ryan Salame, was sentenced to seven and a half years in prison for his role in the crypto fraud. Not only did Ellison give star testimony in the criminal case against SBF, she has been cooperating in other investigations into the shady underbelly of cryptocurrencies. Ellisons sentencing date is set for Sept. 24 in Manhattan federal court.